,,! ,,adv5turess ,,books ,,by ,,ar?ur ,b4 ,,reeve ,craig ,k5n$y ,detective ,/ories ,,! ,,adv5turess ,,! ,,treasure-,,tra9 ,,! ,,sil5t ,,bullet ,,! ,,poison$ ,,p5 ,,! ,,dream ,,doctor ,,! ,,exploits ,,( ,,ela9e ,,! ,,romance ,,( ,,ela9e ,,! ,,e> ,,9 ,,! ,,wall ,,! ,,w> ,,t]ror ,,gold ,,( ,,! ,,gods ,,! ,,social ,,gang/] ,o!r ,detective ,/ories ,,guy ,,g>rick ,,con/ance ,,dunlap ,,h>p] ,,bro!rs1 ,,new ,,york ,,e/abli%$ #ahag ,illu/ration3 ,,craig ,,k5n$y ,,9 ,,8 ,,laboratory ,,! ,,adv5turess ,a ,,craig ,,k5n$y ,,detective ,,/ory ,,by ,,ar?ur ,b4 ,,reeve ,,au?or ,,( 8,! ,treasure ,tra90 & o!r ,craig ,k5n$y ,sci5tific ,detective ,/ories ,,frontispiece ,,by ,,w ,,fo/] ,illu/ration ,,h>p] ,,bro!rs ,,publi%]s ,,new ,,york ,,& ,,london ,,! ,,adv5turess ,copyright1 #aiag1 by ,h>p] ,bro!rs ,pr9t$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica ,publi%$ ,novemb]1 #aiag ,,cont5ts ,,*ap4 ,,page ,i4 ,,! ,,my/]y ,,( ,,! 8,,syb>ite0 #a ,,ii4 ,,! ,,secret ,,s]vice #ae ,,iii4 ,,! ,,cab>et ,,danc] #ca ,,iv4 ,,! ,,burgl>',s ,,microphone #dd ,v4 ,,! ,,:ite ,,light ,,caf #ee ,,vi4 ,,! ,,poison ,,gas #fi ,,vii4 ,,! ,,divorce ,,detective #hj ,,viii4 ,,! ,,pulmotor #ig ,,ix4 ,,! ,,trail+ ,,( ,,paquita #aji ,x4 ,,! ,,detectaphone ,,detector #abd ,,xi4 ,,! ,,frame-,,up #ace ,,xii4 ,,! ,,eavesdropp]s #adi ,,xiii4 ,,! ,,s]p5t',s ,,too? #afj ,,xiv4 ,,! ,,geophone #aga ,,xv4 ,,! ,,night ,,( ,,t]ror #ahc ,,xvi4 ,,! ,,invisible ,,ink #aif ,,xvii4 ,,! ,,ciph] ,,lett] #baa ,,xviii4 ,,! ,,radio ,,detective #bbf ,,xix4 ,,! ,,wireless ,,wiretapp] #bdb ,,xx4 ,,! ,,spe$ ,,demon #bef ,,xxi4 ,,! ,,subm>9e ,,e> #bgj ,,xxii4 ,,! ,,telautomaton #bhe ,,xxiii4 ,,! ,,curb ,,m>ket #cjj ,,xxiv4 ,,! ,,phantom ,,circuit #cae ,,xxv4 ,,! ,,adv5turess #cbi ,,! ,,adv5turess ,,! ,,adv5turess ,i ,,! ,,my/]y ,,( ,,! 8,,syb>ite0 ,a revolv]-%ot foll[$ by ! cra% ( glass s\nd$ 9 our hall4 ,at ! same in/ant ! laboratory door bur/ op5 & an eld]ly1 di/+ui%$-look+ man /umbl$ 9 on u1 8 hat n[ (f1 8 coat & coll> awry1 8 hair rumpl$1 & 8 face we>+ a daz$1 unc]ta9 expression1 z ?\gh he did n yet compreh5d :at _h s sudd5ly tak5 place4 8,my ,god60 he exclaim$1 gaz+ ab\t 9 a va9 ef=t to re/ore 8 dignity & equilibrium4 8,:at 0 t8 ,i h>dly _h my h& on ! knob :5 x happ5$40 ,a glance 0 en\gh to assure ,k5n$y t ! man 0 unhurt1 except = ! %ock1 & 9 a mom5t he da%$ out into ! hall4 ,! front door ( ! ,*emi/ry ,build+ _h be5 %att]$ by a revolv]-%ot4 ,b n ev5 ! trace ( a skulk+ figure c\ld be se5 on ! campus4 ,pursuit 0 useless4 ,!re 01 app>5tly1 no "o to pursue4 ,pale & agitat$ /ill1 ! man sank limply into a *air z ,i =c$ a /imulant into 8 trembl+ lips4 ,k5n$y clos$ ! door & /ood !re a mom5t1 a look ( inquiry on 8 face1 b )\t a ^w4 8,"s "omu/ h%ad[$ meall ! way10 gasp$ ! man z he gulp$ h>d1 8mu/ h se5 me come 9tri$ to %oot me be=e ,i _h a *ance to tell y my /ory40 ,x 0 "s m9utes be=e our /range visitor rega9$ 8 poise1 & ,craig refra9$ f que/ion+ him1 ?\gh ,i 0 consum$ ) curiosity to "k ! reason ( 8 sudd5 entrance4 ,:5 at la/ he did speak1 8 fir/ words 7 s diff]5t f any?+ ,i _h expect$ t ,i c\ld h>dly believe him to be ! same p]son4 ,9 spite ( 8 n]v\sness1 8 tone 0 t ( a h>d1 practical man ( bus9ess4 8,i suppose y "k some?+ ( ,maddox ,munitions1 ,incorporat$80 he inquir$1 some:at brusquely4 ,i did n q und]/& a man :o c\ld be himself s soon aft] an episode su* z he _h be5 ?r\gh1 nor d ,i ?9k ,k5n$y did1 ei!r4 8,i h no int]e/ 9 #8w> brides1'0 return$ ,craig1 coldly4 8,nor h ,iz su*10 ! man agre$1 app>5tly r pleas$ ?an o!rwise at ! /&-(f attitude ,k5n$y _h assum$4 8,b ,i happ5 to be ,maxwell ,ha/+s1 attorney = ,m>%all ,maddox1 :o 00 ,k5n$y :eel$ ab\t sudd5ly1 int]rupt+4 8,^: body 0 f\nd float+ 9 ,we/port ,bay ?is morn+4 ,yes1 ,mr4 ,jameson & ,i h read ! little five-l9e despat* 9 ! pap]s ?is morn+4 ,i ?\ght !re 0 some?+ back ( x40 ,z = me1 ,i 0 ev5 m excit$ n[ ?an ,k5n$y & ,i c\ld see a smile ( satisfaction flit ov] ! face ( ,ha/+s4 ,9 a few s5t5ces ! clev] lawy] _h extract$ f u :at o!rs took all mann] ( "t & art to discov]4 ,he knew t we 7 int]e/$1 t he c\ld dep5d on ,k5n$y's tak+ ! case4 ,k5n$y & ,i ex*ang$ a significant glance4 ,we _h discuss$ ! ?+ cursorily at ! breakfa/-table z we did any odd bit ( news t int]e/$ u4 ,already ,i knew1 or fanci$ ,i knew1 some?+ ( ! affair4 ,= x 0 at ! "t :5 explosions 9 munitions plants _h furni%$ _m ?rill+ *apt]s ( news4 ,all ! explosions _h n be5 conf9$ to ! plants1 h[ev]4 ,!re _h be5 & /ill 7 go+ on explosions less sangu9>y b q z int]e/+ 9 ! ,maddox family itself4 ,!re 0 a hundr$ million doll>s z ! apple ( discord1 & a mo/ deadly feud _h divid$ ! heirs4 ,toge!r !y _h made money s fa/ t "o might ?9k !y w\ld n feel ev5 annoyance ov] a /ray million "h & !re4 ,b1 z s (t5 happ5s1 jeal\sy _h crept 94 ,sudd5 weal? seem$ to h turn$ ! heads ( ! :ole family4 ,m>%all ,maddox 0 report$ to h be5 mak+ ef=ts to ou/ ! o!rs & make himself ma/] ( ! big conc]n4 8,maddox _h _h "s tr\ble ) 8 wife1 hadn't he80 ,i ask$1 recall+ scatt]$ p>agraphs lately 9 ! pap]s4 ,ha/+s nodd$4 8,!y 7 sep>at$4 ,t1 too1 0 "p ( ! family disagreem5t4 ,8 si/]1 ,frances1 took ! "p ( 8 wife1 ,ir5e1 ,i believe40 ,ha/+s consid]$ a mom5t1 z ?\gh debat+ h[ f> he %\ld g 9 expos+ ! private affairs ( 8 cli5t1 !n caught ! eye ( ,k5n$y1 & seem$ to realize t z long z he _h call$ ,craig into ! case he mu/ be frank1 at lea/ ) u4 8,at ! ,we/port ,h>bor ,h\se10 he add$1 delib]ately1 8we "k t !re 0 a little ,mexican danc]1 ,paquita4 ,p]haps y h he>d ( h] on ! /age & 9 ! cab>ets ( ,new ,york4 ,m>%all ,maddox knew h] 9 ! city40 ,he paus$4 ,evid5tly he _h some?+ m to say & 0 consid]+ ! be/ way to say x4 ,f9ally ,ha/+s lean$ ov] & :isp]$1 8,we "k1 too1 t ,%elby ,maddox1 8 bro!r1 _h met ,paquita at ! ,h>bor ,h\se j be=e ! family conf]5ce :i* br\ght !m all toge!r40 ,x 0 evid5t t1 at lea/ to ,ha/+s1 !re 0 some?+ 9 ! affair t look$ ugly to him z f> z ,%elby 0 conc]n$4 8,x's n at all /range10 he add$1 8t two m5 z unlike z ,m>%all & ,%elby %\ld disagree4 ,m>%all 0 ! dom9at+ type1 eag] = p[]2 ,%elby easy-go+1 m int]e/$ 9 hav+ a good "t4 ,9 ?is affair ( ,paquita:atev] x am\nt$ to,i'm n at all surpris$ at ,%elby4 ,he is y\ng] ?an ,m>%all 0& incl9$ to be a sport4 ,/ill1 !re 0 a ve9 ( susceptibility 9 ,m>%all1 too4 ,!re mu/ h be540 ,ha/+s paus$4 ,human frailties 7 out ( 8 k5 z a lawy]4 ,prop]ty he und]/ood2 passions1 no4 ,) him ! law _h be5 a jeal\s mi/ress & _h brook$ no rival4 8,x 0 on ,%elby's ya*t1 ! ,syb>ite1 0 x n1 t ! trag$y occurr$80 v5tur$ ,k5n$y4 ,x 0 a lead+ "q & ,ha/+s knew x4 ,he drew 9 a long1 contemplative brea? z he decid$ :e!r he %\ld cons5t to be l$4 8,yes& no10 he answ]$1 f9ally4 8,!y 7 !re on ! ya*t1 ( c\rse1 to agree to disagree & to divide ! family =tune4 ,%elby ,maddox w5t to ,we/port on ! ya*t1 & x 0 s hot at ! ,h>bor ,h\se t !y decid$ to hold ! conf]5ce on ! ,syb>ite4 ,m>%all ,maddox & ,i _h motor$ out f t[n4 ,! si/]1 ,frances1 & h] husb&1 ,johnson ,walcott1 live on ! o!r side ( ! isl&4 ,!y motor$ ov]1 also br++ ) !m ,johnson ,walcott's si/]1 ,w9ifr$1 :o /ay$ at ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,johnson ,walcott himself w5t a%ore f ! ya*t e>ly 9 ! ev5+1 hav+ to g to ! city on bus9ess4 ,t 0 all "r1 = !re 0 ,bruce1 ! lawy] :o repres5t$ ,frances ,maddox,i mean ,mrs4 ,walcott1 ( c\rse4 ,y see1 ,i've kn[n ! family s long t ,i (t5 =get t %e is m>ri$4 ,%elby _h 8 lawy]1 also1 ,mr4 ,h>vey4 ,t 0 ! p>ty4 ,z = ! trag$y1 ,i c't say t we "k positively t x took place on ! ya*t4 ,no4 ,we don't "k any?+40 8,don't "k any?+80 ha/5$ ,k5n$y4 8,h['s t8 ,wasn't ! conf]5ce amicable80 8,well10 temporiz$ ,ha/+s1 8,i c't say t x 0 especially4 ,! division 0 made4 ,m>%all won control ( ! companyor at lea/ w\ld h done s if ! t]ms agre$ on _h be5 sign$ 9 ! morn+4 ,he agre$ to =m a syndicate to buy ! o!rs out1 & ! price at :i* ! /ock 0 to be sold 0 fix$40 8,b did !y dispute ab\t any?+80 p]si/$ ,k5n$y1 see+ h[ ! lawy] _h evad$ 8 "q4 ,ha/+s seem$ r to appreciate ! insi/5ce ?an to be annoy$ by x4 ,s f>1 ,i c\ld see t ! great corporation lawy] 0 tak+ ,k5n$y's measure q z mu* z ,craig 0 do+ ! same by him4 8,yes10 he answ]$1 8!re 0 "o ?+ t occasion$ m dispute ?an any?+ else4 ,maddox ,munitions h pur*as$ a wond]ful new w> inv5tion1 ! telautomatonwireless control ( subm>9es1 torp$oes1 %ips1 vehicles1 a]oplanes1 ev]y?+1! la/ ^w 9 ! new sci5ce ( telautomatics40 ,an exclamation ( surprise escap$ ,k5n$y4 ,(t5 he & ,i _h discuss$ ! subject & he _h ev5 done "s "w on x4 8,( c\rse10 resum$ ,ha/+s1 8we h _h to acquire c]ta9 rights & ! basic1 pione] pat5ts are n ours4 ,b ! mann] 9 :i* ?is telautomaton has be5 p]fect$ ov] ev]y?+ yet devis$ by inv5tors r5d]s x ! mo/ valuable s+le piece ( prop]ty we h4 ,at la/ we h an effici5t electric arm t we c /ret* out ?r\gh space to d our "w & fight our battles4 ,our sy/em w revolutionize indu/ry z well z w>f>e40 ,x 0 n difficult to cat* ! en?usiasm :i* ,ha/+s %[$ ov] ! telautomaton4 ,!re 0 some?+ fasc9at+ ab\t ! v idea4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 %ook 8 head gravely4 8,too big a secret to be 9 ! h&s ( a corporation10 he object$4 8,9 w>f>e x %\ld only be possess$ by ! ,gov]nm5t1 & 9 indu/ry x iswell1 x is a public s]vice 9 itself4 ,s t w5t to ,m>%all ,maddox also80 ,ha/+s nodd$4 8,!re w be tr\ble ov] t10 w>n$ ,k5n$y4 8,m>k my words4 ,x is too big a secret40 ,= a mom5t he pond]$1 !n *ang$ ! subject4 8,:at happ5$ aft] ! conf]5ce80 8,x 0 s late :5 we f9i%$10 cont9u$ ,ha/+s1 8& !re 7 /ill "s m9or details to be cle>$ up 9 ! morn+4 ,we all decid$ to /ay on ! ya*t r ?an g a%ore to ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,! ,syb>ite is a l>ge ya*t1 & we ea* _h a cab91 s t we all turn$ 94 ,!re wasn't mu* sociability 9 a cr[d l t to keep !m up lat] ?an 0 necess>y40 8,yes10 prompt$ ,k5n$y z ,ha/+s paus$4 8,m>%all ,maddox seem$ all "r :5 he retir$80 8,p]fectly4 ,i w5t into 8 cab9 & we *att$ a few mom5ts be=e ,i w5t to m9e1 plann+ "s /eps we w\ld take 9 ! morn+ to cle> ?+s up1 especially to release all claims on ! telautomaton4 ,i rememb] t ,maddox seem$ 9 v good spirits ov] ! way ?+s _h be5 go+1 ?\gh v tir$4 ,to my m9d1 t removes ! possibility ( its hav+ be5 suicide40 8,no?+ is impossible until x is prov$ s10 correct$ ,k5n$y4 8,g on4 ,tell me h[ x 0 discov]$40 8,i slept lat] ?an usual10 repli$ ,ha/+s1 seek+ to get ev]y?+ 9 ord]4 8,! fir/ ?+ ,i he>d 0 ,%elby's ,jap1 ,mito1 rapp+ on all ! doors to make sure t we 7 awake4 ,we _h agre$ to t4 ,well1 we ga!r$ on ! deck1 all except ,mr4 ,maddox4 ,we wait$1 no "o ?9k+ mu* ab\t x except myself4 ,i c't say :y x 01 b ,i felt uneasy4 ,mr4 ,maddox _h always be5 s punctual & ,i _h kn[n him s long4 ,x 0 n l him to be ! la/ on an occasion l ?is4 8,f9ally "s "o1 ,i ?9k x 0 ,%elby1 sugge/$ t inasmu* z ,i 0 9 a s5se 8 repres5tative1 ,i might g & hurry him up4 ,i 0 only too glad to g4 ,i walk$ =w>d to ! cab9 he occupi$ & rapp$ on ! door4 ,no answ]4 ,i tri$ ! h&le4 ,to my surprise x turn$ & ,i pu%$ ! door op540 8,don't /op10 urg$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly4 8,:at did y see80 8,no?+10 repli$ ,ha/+s4 8,!re 0 no?+ !re4 ,! b$ _h be5 slept 94 ,b ,mr4 ,maddox 0 gone60 8,h[ ab\t 8 clo!s80 8,j z he _h left !m40 8,:at did y d next80 8,i %\t$ an al>m & !y all came runn+ to me4 ,%elby call$ ! crew1 ,mito1 ! /ew>d1 e "o4 ,we que/ion$ !m all4 ,no "o _h se5 or he>d any?+ out ( ! way40 8,at lea/ t's :at ev]ybody said10 obs]v$ ,craig4 8,:at !n80 8,no "o knew :at to d4 ,j ab\t t "t1 h[ev]1 we he>d a horn on a small boat toot+ %rilly1 z ?\gh = help4 ,x 0 an oy/]man on 8 way to ! oy/] b$s4 ,8 kick] _h /opp$ & he 0 signal+1 app>5tly = help4 ,i don't "k :y x 01 b ,mrs4 ,walcott mu/ h ?\ght some?+ 0 wrong4 ,ev5 be=e "o ( ! crew c\ld f9d out :at 0 ! matt] %e pick$ up a m>9e glass ly+ on a wick] *air4 8#8,xx's a body6' %e cri$1 dropp+ ! glasses to ! deck4 8,t 0 en\gh = u4 ,l a fla% x w5t ?r\gh my m9d t x c\ld be no o!r ?an ,mr4 ,maddox40 8,:at did y d !n80 8,! mo/ natural ?+4 ,we did n wait = ! oy/]man to come to u4 ,we pil$ into "o ( ,%elby's t5d]s & w5t to him4 ,sure en\gh1 ! oy/]man _h f\nd ! body1 float+ 9 ! bay40 ,!re 0 a trace ( a te> 9 ,ha/+s's eye1 & 8 voice falt]$ a bit4 ,i r lik$ him bett] = x4 ,except = fe> at ! revolv]-%ot1 ,i _h almo/ begun to ?9k him devoid ( feel+4 8,s f> z we c\ld see10 he resum$1 z ?\gh a%am$ to %[ weakness ev5 ov] "o :om he _h kn[n s long1 8!re 0 no?+ to %[ :e!r he might n h got up1 fall5 ov]bo>d 9 "s way1 & h be5 dr[n$1 or might h be5 ! victim ( f\l playexcept "o ?+40 8,:at 0 t80 inquir$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly4 8,maddox & ,i _h tak5 out ) u1 9 a brief-case :i* he c>ri$1 ! plans ( ! telautomaton4 ,! model is 9 ! company's safe "h 9 ,new ,york4 ,?is morn+ :5 we w5t back to ,maddox's room ,i f\nd t ! brief-case 0 miss+4 ,! plans are gone6 ,y 7 "r4 ,!re has be5 tr\ble ov] !m40 ,k5n$y ey$ ,ha/+s ke5ly4 8,y f\nd no?+ 9 ! room t w\ld give a h9t80 8,i didn't look10 return$ ,ha/+s4 8,i seal$ ! door & w9d[or port-hole:atev] y call x_h !m lock$ & plac$ a wax seal be>+ ! impression ( my r+1 s t if x is brok51 ,i w "k by :om4 ,ev]y?+ !re is j z x 04 ,i want$ x t way1 = ,i _h he>d ( y1 & det]m9$ to come to t[n myself & get y40 8,! body80 8,i _h ! oy/]man take x to an und]tak+ e/abli%m5t 9 ! t[n s t we w\ld h witnesses ( ev]y?+ t happ5$ aft] its discov]y40 8,did any ( !m sugge/ a !ory80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 aft] a mom5t's ?\ght4 8,or say any?+80 ,ha/+s nodd$ negatively4 8,i ?9k we 7 all too busy wat*+ "o ano!r to talk10 he v5tur$4 8,i 0 ! only "o :o act$1 & !y let me g ahead4 ,p]haps none ( !m d>$ /op me40 8,y don't mean t !re 0 a conspiracy80 ,i put 94 8,oh no10 smil$ ,ha/+s1 indulg5tly4 8,!y c\ld nev] h agre$ long en\gh1 ev5 aga9/ ,m>%all ,maddox1 to conspire4 ,no1 inde$4 ,i mean t if "o _h object$1 he w\ld imm$iately h laid himself op5 to suspicion f ! re/4 ,we all w5t a%ore toge!r4 ,& n[ ,i mu/ get back to ,we/port imm$iately4 ,i'm n ev5 go+ to take "t to g d[n to ! (fice4 ,k5n$y1 w y come80 8,an unnecess>y "q10 return$ ,craig1 ris+4 8,a my/]y l ?is is ! brea? ( my life4 ,y c\ld sc>cely keep me away40 8,?ank y10 said ,ha/+s4 8,y won't regret x1 f9ancially or o!rwise40 ,we w5t out into ! hall1 & ,k5n$y />t$ to lock ! laboratory door1 :5 ,ha/+s drew back4 8,y'll p>don me80 he expla9$4 8,! %ot 0 fir$ at me out "h4 ,i naturally c't =get x40 ,) ,k5n$y on "o side & myself on ! o!r1 all ?ree ( u on ! al]t1 we hurri$ out & into a taxicab to g d[n to ! /ation4 ,z we jolt$ along ,k5n$y pli$ ! lawy] ) a rapid fire ( que/ions4 ,ev5 he c\ld furni% no clue z to :o _h fir$ ! %ot at him or :y4 ,,ii ,,! ,,secret ,,s]vice ,half an h\r lat] we 7 on our way by tra9 to ,we/port ) ,ha/+s4 ,z ! tra9 :isk$ u along ,craig lean$ back 9 8 *air & survey$ ! glimpses ( wat] & c\ntryside ?r\gh ! w9d[4 ,n[ & !n1 z we got f>!r out f ! city1 ?r\gh a break 9 ! trees "o c\ld cat* glimpses ( ! deep-blue salt wat] ( bay & ,s\nd1 & ! dazzl+ :it5ess ( s&4 ,n[ & !n ,k5n$y w\ld break 9 ) a "q to ,ha/+s1 %[+ t 8 m9d 0 actively at "w on ! case1 b by 8 mann] ,i c\ld see t he 0 eag] to get on ! spot be=e all t he consid]$ important _h be5 mess$ up by o!rs4 ,ha/+s hurri$ u directly f ! tra9 to ! little und]tak+ e/abli%m5t to :i* ! body ( ,m>%all ,maddox _h be5 tak54 ,a cr[d ( ! curi\s _h already ga!r$1 & we pu%$ our way 9 ?r\gh !m4 ,!re lay ! body4 ,x _h a peculi>1 bloat$ appe>ance & ! face 0 cyanos$ & blue4 ,maddox _h be5 a l>ge man & well set up4 ,9 dea? he 0 /ill a /rik+ figure4 ,:at 0 ! secret beh9d ^? saturn9e features8 8,n a scrat* or a bruise on him1 except ^? made 9 h&l+ ! body10 rem>k$ ! coron]1 :o 0 also a doctor1 z he greet$ ,k5n$y4 ,craig nodd$1 !n began 8 own long & c>eful inve/igation4 ,he 0 s busily engag$1 & ,i knew t x 0 s important to keep him f be+ int]rupt$1 t ,i plac$ myself betwe5 him & ^? :o cr[d$ into ! little room back ( ! %op4 ,b be=e ,i knew x a heavily veil$ woman _h bru%$ pa/ me & /ood be=e ! body4 8,ir5e ,maddox60 ,i he>d ,ha/+s :isp] 9 ,k5n$y's e> z ,craig /raight5$ up 9 surprise4 ,z %e /ood !re !re c\ld be no d\bt t ,ir5e ,maddox _h be5 v bitt] t[>d h] husb&4 ,! w\nd to h] pride _h be5 deep4 ,b ! trag$y _h s(t5$ h]4 ,%e /ood te>less1 h[ev]1 be=e ! body1 & z well z ,i c\ld d s ?r\gh h] veil ,i /udi$ h] face4 ,:at did 8 dea? mean to h]1 aside f ! d[] rights t came to h] 9 8 =tune8 ,x 0 impossible to say4 ,%e /ood !re sev]al m9utes1 !n turn$ & walk$ delib]ately out ?r\gh ! cr[d1 look+ nei!r to ! "r nor to ! left4 ,i f\nd myself wond]+ at ! action4 ,yet :y %\ld %e h %[n m emotion8 ,he _h be5 no?+ to h] b a "na hateful "n= ye>s4 ,my speculation 0 cut %ort by ! peculi> action ( a d>k-sk9n$1 ,lat9-,am]ican-look+ man ^: face ,i _h n notic$ 9 ! cr[d be=e ! arrival ( ,mrs4 ,maddox4 ,z %e left he foll[$ h] out4 ,curi\s1 ,i turn$ & w5t out also4 ,i rea*$ ! /reet door j 9 "t to see ,ir5e ,maddox climb into a c> ) two o!r p4 8,:o are !y80 ,i ask$ a boy /&+ by ! door4 8,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,walcott10 he repli$4 ,ev5 9 dea? ! family feud p]si/$4 ,! ,walcotts _h n ev5 ent]$4 8,did y "k t ! ,walcotts br\ght ,mrs4 ,maddox "h80 ,i ask$ ,ha/+s z ,i return$ to ,k5n$y4 8,no1 b ,i'm n surpris$10 he return$4 8,y rememb] ,i told y ,frances took ,ir5e's "p4 ,walcott mu/ h return$ f ! city z soon z he he>d ( ! trag$y40 8,:o 0 t sall[-fac$ individual :o foll[$ h] out80 ,i ask$4 8,did y notice him80 8,yes1 ,i saw him1 b ,i don't "k :o he c be10 repli$ ,ha/+s4 8,i don't ?9k ,i ev] saw him be=e40 8,t ,lat9-,am]ican80 int]pos$ ,k5n$y1 :o _h complet$ 8 fir/ inve/igation & made arrangem5ts to co-op]ate ) ! coron] 9 c>ry+ on ! autopsy 9 8 own laboratory4 8,i 0 wond]+ myself :e!r he c\ld h any connection ) ,paquita4 ,:]e is %e n[80 8,at ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 ,i suppose10 answ]$ ,ha/+s8t is1 if %e is 9 t[n40 ,k5n$y hurri$ out ( ! e/abli%m5t ahead ( u & we look$ d[n ! /reet 9 "t to see our man head$ 9 ! direction ! ,walcott automobile _h tak54 ,he _h too good a />t ( u1 h[ev]1 & be=e we c\ld ov]take him he _h rea*$ ! ,h>bor ,h\se & ent]$4 ,we _h ga9$ consid]ably on him1 b n en\gh to f9d out :]e he w5t 9 ! big hotel4 ,! ,h>bor ,h\se 0 a mo/ attractive1 fa%ionable ho/elry1 a favorite run = motor p>ties out f ! city4 ,on ! wat]-front /ood a l>ge1 r$-ro($1 /ucco build+ kn[n z ! ,cas9o1 entirely giv5 ov] to amusem5ts4 ,its wide por* ( r$ tiles1 contra/+ ) ! innum]able :ite tables on x1 look$ out ov] ! %elt]$ m\? ( ,we/port ,bay & on into ! ,s\nd1 :]e1 fa9tly outl9$ on ! horizon1 "o saw ! ,connecticut %ore4 ,back ( ! ,cas9o1 & on a hill s t x look$ directly ov] ! ro( ( ! l[] build+1 0 ! hotel itself1 commonly kn[n z ! ,lodge1 a new1 up-to-date1 %+le-%ea!d build+ ) e conv5i5ce t money & an exp5sive ar*itect c\ld provide4 ,! place 0 ideal = summ] sportsgolf1 t5nis1 motor+1 ba?+1 boat+1 practically ev]y?+ "o c\ld wi%4 ,z we walk$ ?r\gh ! ,lodge we c\ld almo/ feel 9 ! air ! excit$ gossip t ! dea? ( ,maddox _h creat$ 9 ! little summ] colony at ,we/port4 ,va9ly seek+ our d>k-sk9n$ man1 we cross$ to ! ,cas9o4 ,z we approa*$ ! por* ,ha/+s took ,k5n$y's arm4 8,!re are ,%elby ,maddox & ,w9ifr$ ,walcott10 he :isp]$4 8,i %\ld l to meet !m10 said ,k5n$y1 glanc+ at ! c\ple :om ,ha/+s _h indicat$ at ! f> end ( ! por*4 ,foll[+ ! lawy]1 we approa*$ !m4 ,%elby ,maddox 0 a tall "y *ap1 r good-look+1 incl9$ to ! a?letic1 & ) t def]5tial1 int]e/$ mann] :i* wom5 f9d almo/ irresi/ible4 ,z we approa*$ he 0 talk+ e>ne/ly1 oblivi\s to ev]y?+ else4 ,i c\ld n blame him4 ,w9ifr$ 0 a sl5d]1 vivaci\s girl1 ^: gray-blue eyes caught & held y\rs ev5 :ile y admir$ h] well-r\nd$ *eeks1 innoc5t ( make-up4 ,h] high =ehead d5ot$ an intellect :i* ! fem99e masses ( puffy light-br[n hair made all ! m *>m+4 ,"o felt h] p]sonality 9 e action4 ,%e 0 n afraid ( sun & air4 ,a pile ( ! m s]i\s magaz9es ne> h] indicat$ t %e 0 q z mu* alive to ! great movem5ts t are /irr+ ! _w to-day z %e 0 to ! outdoor life t gl[$ 9 h] face4 ,x 0 easy to see t ,%elby ,maddox 0 hav+ a new exp]i5ce4 8,good morn+10 greet$ ,ha/+s4 ,w9ifr$ smil$1 b ,%elby 0 pla9ly annoy$ at ! intrusion ( ! lawy]4 ,i c\ld n make out :e!r !re 0 an av]sion to ,ha/+s beh9d ! annoyance or n4 ,! introductions ov]1 we sat d[n = a mom5t4 ,ha/+s _h be5 c>eful n to say t ,k5n$y 0 a detective1 b to h9t t he 0 a fri5d &1 by implication1 a lawy]4 8,x mu/ h be5 a sev]e %ock :5 y he>d :at _h happ5$10 he began1 speak+ to ,w9ifr$4 8,x 0 inde$10 %e repli$1 gravely4 8,y see1 ,i /ay$ "h at ! ,h>bor ,h\se :ile my bro!r & si/]-9-law 7 on ! ya*t4 ,johnson came (f e>ly because he _h to g to ! city1 & telephon$ up to ! room t !y 7 go+ to be late & ,frances w\ld /ay out on ! ya*t4 ,!n :5 ,i came d[n ?is morn+ !y 7 j br++ ! body a%ore40 ,%e %udd]$ at ! recollection & ,%elby fla%$ a look at ,k5n$y z ?\gh he c\ld knife him = br++ up ! di/a/eful subject4 ,x seem$ z ?\gh ,%elby ,maddox 0 pretty unconc]n$ ab\t 8 bro!r's dea?4 8,/range t y he>d no?+ on ! ya*t10 swit*$ ,k5n$y1 look+ full at ,%elby4 8,we didn't10 return$ ! "y man1 b 9 a tone t %[$ 8 att5tion 0 some:]e else4 ,i foll[$ ! direction ( 8 eyes4 ,a petite1 frilly1 voluptu\s figure /ood 9 ! doorway4 ,%e _h an almo/ or*id beauty t m ?an sugge/$ ! p>asite4 ,( a type q ! opposite ( ,w9ifr$1 %e _h nev]!less some?+ int]e/+ ab\t h]4 ,= ! born adv5turess is always a baffl+ /udy4 ,ev5 be=e ,ha/+s :isp]$ ,i knew x mu/ be ,paquita4 ,%e pass$ across ! por* t[>d a flight ( /eps t l$ d[n to ! %ore1 & z %e did s nodd$ to ,%elby ) a smile1 at ! same "t ca/+ a look at ,w9ifr$ su* z only "o woman c :5 %e is tak+ 9 ano!r at a glance4 ,w9ifr$ 0 fir/ ( all a woman4 ,h] face flu%$ almo/ imp]ceptibly1 b h] own glance ( e/imation nev] falt]$4 ,i felt t !re 0 a sil5t cla%4 ,w9ifr$ 0 ! anti!sis ( ,paquita4 ,%elby fail$ ev5 ) 8 cig>ette to cov] up 8 confusion4 ,b z ,i se>*$ 8 face ,i ?\ght ,i saw "o ?+ at lea/4 ,:atev] might or might n h be5 ! tru? 9 ,ha/+s's /ory ( ,%elby's acqua9tance ) ,paquita once1 x 0 evid5t n[ t ,w9ifr$ ,walcott q fill$ 8 eye4 ,z %e paus$ be=e go+ d[n ! /eps ,paquita d>t$ back "o m look at ,%elby4 ,_h he once felt ! lure8 ,at lea/ n[ he made no move4 ,& ,paquita 0 insanely jeal\s4 8,i %\ld l to h ,mr4 ,k5n$y look ov] ! ,syb>ite1 especially ! room :i* ,i seal$10 sugge/$ ,ha/+s 9 a tone :i* 0 n p]emptory1 b nev]!less 0 f9al4 ,%elby look$ f ,ha/+s to ,w9ifr$4 ,! pass+ ( ,paquita seem$ to h ?r[n a cl\d ov] ! sun%9e :i* _h bright5$ ! mom5ts be=e4 ,he 0 torn betwe5 two emotions4 ,!re 0 no d5y+ ! reque/ ( ,ha/+s4 ,yet ?is 0 no "t to leave ,w9ifr$ suspici\s4 8,i ?9k y _h bett] g10 %e said1 f9ally1 z ,%elby hesitat$4 8,w\ld y n be "o ( ! p>ty80 he ask$1 eag]ly4 8,i don't ?9k ,i c\ld /& x10 %e repli$1 ha/ily4 ,x 0 p]fectly natural4 ,yet ,i c\ld see t x left ,%elby unc]ta9 ( h] real reason4 ,reluctantly he said good-by & we f\r made our way d[n ! dock to ! float :]e 0 moor$ a fa/ t5d] ( ! ya*t4 ,we climb$ abo>d1 & ! man 9 *>ge />t$ ! humm+1 _m-cyl9d]$ eng9e4 ,we d>t$ (f 9 a cl\d ( spray4 ,once ,i saw ,k5n$y look+ back1 & ,i look$ back also4 ,9 ! f> corn] ( ! ,cas9o /ood ! sall[-fac$ man1 wat*+ u int5tly4 ,:o & :at c\ld he be8 ,we/port ,bay is "o ( ^? fjords1 z !y almo/ might be call$1 :i* run 9 among ! beautifully wood$ hills ( ! nor? %ore ( ,long ,isl&4 ,! ,syb>ite 0 ly+ at an*or a mile or s (f%ore4 ,z we approa*$ h] we saw t %e 0 a #aej-;foot1 long1 l[-ly+ craft ( ! new type1 fitt$ ) gas-eng9es1 & built q z mu* = com=t z = spe$4 ,%e 0 an elaborately built craft1 ) all ! late/ conv5i5ces1 hav+ a ma9 saloon1 d9+-room1 libr>y1 & _m /ate-rooms1 all arti/ically decorat$4 ,9 fact1 x mu/ h co/ a small =tune m]ely to run ! ya*t4 ,z we bo>d$ x ,%elby l$ ! way to ! %elt]$ deck aft1 & we sat d[n = a mom5t to become acqua9t$4 8,mito10 he call$ to a ,japanese s]vant1 8take ! g5tlem5's hats4 ,& br+ u cig>s40 ,! s]vant obey$ sil5tly4 ,evid5tly ,%elby sp>$ no?+ t made = com=t4 8,fir/ ( all10 began ,craig1 8,i want to see ! /ate-room :]e ,m>%all ,maddox slept40 ,%elby arose1 app>5tly will+ly en\gh1 & l$ ! way to ! l[] b]? deck4 ,ha/+s c>efully exam9$ ! seal :i* he _h left on ! door &1 f9d+ x intact1 broke x & unlock$ ! door = u4 ,x 0 a b$room r ?an a /ate-room4 ,! walls 7 panel$ 9 wood & ! port-hole 0 f9i%$ inside to look l a w9d[4 ,x 0 t[>d ?is port-hole t ,k5n$y fir/ direct$ 8 att5tion1 op5+ x & pe]+ out at ! wat] bel[4 8,q l>ge en\gh = a man to get ?r\ghor ?r[ a body ?r\gh10 he comm5t$1 turn+ to me4 ,i look$ out also4 8,x's a long way to ! wat]10 ,i rem>k$1 ?9k+ p]haps he meant t a boat might h nos$ up alongside & "s "o h ent]$ t way4 8,/ill1 if "o _h a good-siz$ cruis]1 "o might rea* x by /&+ on ! ro( ( ! cab910 he obs]v$4 8,at any rate1 !re'd be difficulty 9 dispos+ ( a body t way40 ,he turn$4 ,! w9d _h swung ! ya*t ar\nd s t ! sun /ream$ 9 ?r\gh ! op5 port4 ,k5n$y b5t d[n & pick$ up "s little bright sliv]s ( ?9 metal t lay scatt]$ "h & !re on ! c>pet4 ,he look$ ab\t at ! furniture1 !n b5t d[n & exam9$ ! side ( ! b$/ead4 ,x seem$ to be pitt$ ) little m>ks4 ,he rose1 & z he did s 8 gaze fell on "o ( ! brass fitt+s ( ! cab94 ,x seem$ to h turn$ gre51 almo/ to be corrod$4 ,) 8 p5knife he scrap$ (f "s ( ! corrosion & plac$ x on a piece ( pap]1 :i* he fold$ up4 ,! exam9ation ( ! /ate-room complet$1 ,%elby took u ab\t ! boat4 ,fir/ ( all1 he %[$ u ! h&somely furni%$ ma9 saloon op5+ into a little libr>y1 almo/ z if x 7 an ap>tm5t4 8,x 0 "h10 he volunte]$1 8t we held ! conf]5ce la/ night40 ,= ! fir/ "t ,i became aw>e1 al?\gh ,k5n$y _h notic$ x be=e1 t :5 we bo>d$ ! ,syb>ite ,mito _h be5 ab\t4 ,he _h pass$ twice d[n ! hall :ile we 7 9 ! /ate-room occupi$ by ,m>%all ,maddox4 ,he 0 n[ busy 9 ! libr>y1 b on our entrance _h )drawn def]5tially1 z ?\gh n wi%+ to intrude4 ,h5ce=? ,i wat*$ ! ,japanese ke5ly z he padd$ ab\t ! boat4 ,ev]y:]e we w5t ,i fanci$ t he turn$ up4 ,he seem$ ubiquit\s4 ,0 x t he 0 solicit\s ( ! wants ( 8 ma/]8 ,_h he receiv$ in/ructions f him8 ,did ! slant-ey$ ,ori5tal h some?+ hidd5 beh9d t inscrutable face ( 88 ,!re did n seem to be any?+ else t we c\ld discov] abo>d ! ya*t4 ,?\gh we int]view$ ! (fic] & ^? ( ! crew :o _h be5 on wat*1 we 7 unable to f9d out f !m t any?+ unusual _h be5 obs]v$1 ei!r z f> z any o!r boat 0 conc]n$ or on ! ,syb>ite itself4 ,9 spite ( !m1 ! affair 0 z completely %r\d$ 9 my/]y z ev]4 ,hav+ look$ ! ya*t ov]1 ,k5n$y seem$ n[ to be eag] to get a%ore aga94 8,i hope y are satisfi$1 g5tlem580 ask$ ,%elby at la/ z our t\r br\ght u to ! mahogany /eps t l$ f ! outside ( ! :ite hull to ! t5d] :i* _h br\ght u out4 8,v wells f>10 return$ ,k5n$y4 ,maddox look$ up quickly1 b did n ask :at he meant4 8,if !re is any way 9 :i* ,i c be ( s]vice to y10 he cont9u$1 8y h only to comm& me4 ,i h z mu* reason z any "o to cle> up ! my/]y 9 ?is un=tunate affair4 ,i believe ,i w g a%ore ) y40 ,he did n ne$ to say t he 0 eag] to get back to see ,w9ifr$ ,walcott1 any m ?an ,k5n$y ne$$ to tell me t he w\ld l to see our sall[-fac$ fri5d aga94 ,! t5d] skimm$ ov] ! waves1 ?r[+ ! spray gaily z we sp$ back to ! ,h>bor ,h\se dock4 ,we l&$ & ,maddox excus$ himself1 repeat+ 8 desire to aid u4 ,d[n ! bea* t[>d ! ba?-h\ses ,i c\ld make out ! frilly ,paquita1 surr\nd$ n[ by sev]al ( ! ba!rs1 all m54 ,maddox saw h]1 b paid no att5tion4 ,he 0 head$ = ! v]&a ( ! ,lodge4 ,! day 0 gr[+ old] & ! ,cas9o 0 beg9n+ to liv5 up4 ,9 ! exquisitely appo9t$ ballroom1 :i* 0 us$ also = morn+ & aft]noon dances1 /ra9s ( ! "o-/ep attract$ "s doz5 c\ples4 ,k5n$y saunt]$ along1 se>*+ ! faces we pass$ 9 ! hope ( see+ "s "o :o might be ( value to "k on ! case1 n[ & !n rem9d+ ,ha/+s n to neglect to po9t out any "o :o might l5d aid4 ,ha/+s saw no "o1 h[ev]1 & z we m\nt$ ! /eps to ! ,lodge excus$ himself = a m9ute to s5d "s telegrams to ^? ( ! family :om he _h =gott54 ,we _h promis$ to meet him 9 ! lobby by ! desk1 & ?i!r ,k5n$y b5t 8 /eps4 8,i ?9k ,i'll look ov] ! regi/]10 he rem>k$1 z we approa*$ ! busie/ "p ( ! hotel4 8,p]haps1 too1 "s ( ! cl]ks may "k some?+40 ,!re 0 no?+ on ! regi/]1 app>5tly1 = aft] turn+ x ar\nd & runn+ ?r\gh x he m]ely laid 8 f+] on ! "n 8,seorita ,paquita ,gonzales1 ,maid & ,*auffeur1 ,new ,york10 writt5 "u ! date ( ! day be=e ! arrival ( ! ,maddoxes = ! conf]5ce1 & among ! la/ ( ! day1 %[+ t %e _h arriv$ late4 ,z we 7 look+ ov] ! names we 7 />tl$ by a voice s(tly speak+ beh9d u4 8,well1 ,i %\ld h kn[n y fell[s w\ld be out "h be=e long4 ,x's a big case4 ,don't notice me "h4 ,i'll see y 9 ! writ+-room4 ,x's empty n[40 ,we turn$ 9 surprise4 ,x 0 our old fri5d ,burke1 ( ! ,secret ,s]vice4 ,he _h already l\ng$ (f1 & we foll[$ )\t seem+ to d s1 /opp+ only = a mom5t at ! news-/&4 8,:y are y "h80 dem&$ ,craig1 po9t$ly1 z we ?ree settl$ ourselves 9 an angle ( ! des]t$ writ+-room4 8,= ! same reason t y are10 ,burke return$1 ) a smile2 !n add$1 gravely1 8,i c tru/ y1 ,k5n$y40 ,craig 0 evid5tly mu* impress$ by ! l[ tone & ! mann] ( ! detective1 b said no?+4 8,!y tell me ,ha/+s 0 9 t[n ?is morn+1 at y\r laboratory10 w5t on ,burke4 8,too bad he didn't take ! "t to call up 8 (fice4 ,b he kn[s some?+ n[t is1 if he has t note ,i left = him40 8,:y1 :at is t80 *orus$ bo? ,craig & ,i4 ,j !n ,ha/+s himself almo/ ran into ! room z if 8 life dep5d$ on f9d+ u4 ,z he saw u he d>t$ ov] to our corn]4 8,y are ,mr4 ,burke1 ( ! ,secret ,s]vice80 he qu]i$ z ,burke nodd$4 8,k5n$y1 ! safe 9 ! (fice ( ,maddox ,munitions 9 ,new ,york 0 robb$ late la/ night or e>ly ?is morn+1 & ! model ( ! telautomaton is /ol560 ,,iii ,,! ,,cab>et ,,danc] ,we c\ld only />e f ,burke to ,ha/+s1 />tl$ at ! magnitude ( ! affair z x develop$ s rapidly4 ,= a mom5t ,ha/+s 0 at a loss1 !n d>t$ quickly into a telephone-boo? to call up 8 (fice on long di/ance = confirmation ( ! news4 ,z we wait$ ,i happ5$ to glance out into ! lobby4 ,at ! f> end1 9 an angle1 to my surprise ,i saw ,%elby & ,paquita4 ,evid5tly %e _h hov]$ ab\t1 wait+ = a *ance to f9d him alone1 & _h at la/ succe$$4 ,already ,k5n$y & ,burke _h se5 !m4 ,paquita 0 talk+ e>ne/ly4 ,( c\rse1 we c\ld n ov]he> :at 0 said1 & !y 7 s plac$ t ev5 if we mov$ clos] to !m !y w\ld be likely to see u4 ,/ill1 f our corn] we c\ld obs]ve )\t be+ obs]v$4 ,x seem$ z if ,paquita 7 mak+ a desp]ate ef=t to attract ,%elby1 :ile1 on 8 "p1 x 0 q evid5t t he 0 endeavor+ to get away4 ,paquita 0 inde$ a fasc9at+ figure4 ,f :at ,i _h already obs]v$1 a score ( ! "y fell[s ab\t ! ,h>bor ,h\se w\ld h giv5 _! eyes to h be5 9 ,%elby's place4 ,:y 0 he seek+ s to avoid h]8 ,0 x t he did n d>e to tru/ himself ) ! little danc]8 ,or 0 !re "s hold t %e _h ov] him :i* he fe>$8 ,! int]view _h n proce$$ long :5 ,%elby delib]ately seem$ to excuse himself & walk$ away4 ,paquita look$ aft] him z he hurri$ (f1 & ,i w\ld h giv5 mu* to h be5 close en\gh to obs]ve h] expression4 ,0 x "o ( fury1 ( a woman scorn$8 ,at any rate1 ,i w\ld h wag]$ t x bod$ no good = ,%elby4 ,i turn$ to say some?+ to ,k5n$y & f\nd t he 0 look+ 9 ano!r direction4 ,we 7 n ! only obs]v]s4 ,f a w9d[ outside on ! por* ! sall[-fac$ man 0 also wat*+4 ,z ,%elby walk$ away ! man seem$ to be v angry4 ,0 x ! ang] ( jeal\sy because ,paquita 0 ) ,%elby or 0 x ang] because ,%elby _h repuls$ h] advances8 ,:o 0 ! fell[ & :y 0 he s int]e/$ 9 ! little danc] & ! "y millionaire8 ,ha/+s rejo9$ u f ! telephone-boo?1 8 face almo/ pale4 8,x's a fact10 he groan$4 8,!y h be5 try+ to rea* me all day1 b c\ld n4 ,! secret ( ! telautomaton /ol5! secret t is too t]rible to be 9 ! h&s ( any "o except ! ,gov]nm5t4 ,h[ did y he> ( x80 he ask$ ,burke4 ,burke answ]$ sl[ly1 wat*+ ! expression on ,ha/+s's face4 8,:5 ! ca%i] ( ! company arriv$ at ! (fice ?is morn+ he f\nd ! safe _h be5 rifl$4 ,x seems an almo/ incompreh5sible ?+z y w und]/& :5 y see x = y\rself4 ,! ca%i] telephon$ at once to ! ,secret ,s]vice 9 ! ,cu/om-,h\se1 & ,i jump$ out on ! case4 ,y did n g to y\r own (fice4 ,i did a little ha/y d$uctionguess$ t y might h gone to see ,k5n$y4 ,at any rate1 ,i want$ to see him myself40 ,k5n$y int]rupt$ long en\gh to tell ab\t ! revolv]-%ot & ! attack on ,ha/+s at our v door4 8,:ew60 exclaim$ ,burke1 8j miss$ y4 ,well10 he add$1 ) a dry sort ( humor1 8,i miss$ y1 too1 & decid$ to come out "h on ! tra94 ,k5n$y1 y mu/ g back to t[n ) me & look at t safe4 ,h[ anybody c\ld get into x is a my/]y beyond me4 ,b ! telautomaton is gone4 ,my ord]s are simpleget x back60 ,= a mom5t nei!r ,k5n$y nor ,ha/+s spoke4 ,x 0 mo/ peculi>! plans gone 9 ,we/port1 ! model gone 9 ,new ,york4 8,:o c\ld h /ol5 ! model80 ,i ask$1 f9ally4 8,h y any !ory1 ,burke80 8,a !ory1 yes10 he repli$1 sl[ly1 8b no facts to back x4 ,i suppose y "k t ! w> has driv5 out "s ( ! mo/ clev] & a/ute crooks t ,p>is1 ,vi5na1 ,london1 & o!r capitals ev] produc$4 ,! fact is t we are at pres5t 9 ! h&s ( ! l>ge/ collection ( high-grade =eign crim9als t has ev] visit$ ?is c\ntry4 ,i ?9k x is safe to say t at pres5t !re are m =eign crim9als ( high degree 9 ,new ,york & at ! fa%ionable summ] resorts ?an c\ld be f\nd 9 all ! capitals ( ,europe comb9$4 ,!y h evad$ milit>y s]vice because at he>t !y are c[>ds & hate "w4 ,w> is h>d "w4 ,!n1 !re is little *ance ( ply+ _! trade1 = _! life is ! gay life ( ! cafs & b\lev>ds4 ,besides1 ,am]ica is ! only "p ( ! _w :]e prosp]ity is reign+4 ,s !y are "h1 prey+ on ,am]ican weal?4 ,suppose "s "o"s =eign ag5twant$ ! telautomaton4 ,!re are pl5ty ( tools he c\ld use = 8 purpose 9 obta9+ x40 ,! c\nt5ance ( ! sall[-fac$ man recurr$ to me4 ,x 0 an al>m+ possibility t ,burke's speculation rais$4 ,7 we really n involv$ 9 a pure murd] case1 b 9 ! intricacies ( ! ma*9ations ( "s unkn[n p[]8 ,burke look$ at 8 wat*1 !n aga9 at ,k5n$y4 8,really1 ,i ?9k y ought to g back to t[n10 he reit]at$1 8& take ! case up !re40 8,& leave ^! p all "h to d z !y please1 cov] up :at !y w80 object$ ,ha/+s1 :o _h tri$ to prev5t j t sort ( ?+ by br++ ,k5n$y out po/-ha/e4 8,my m5 are p]fectly compet5t to wat* any?+ t goes on at ,we/port10 return$ ,burke4 8,i h !m po/$ all ab\t & ,i'm digg+ up "s good /uff4 ,already ,i "k j :at happ5$ ! night be=e ! conf]5ce4 ,t cab>et danc]1 ,paquita1 motor$ out "h & arriv$ ab\t ! "t ! ,syb>ite ca/ an*or4 ,%e met ,%elby ,maddox at ! ,cas9o & !y _h a gay supp] p>ty4 ,b x end$ e>ly4 ,%e knew t ,m>%all ,maddox 0 com+ ! next day4 ,i "k he _h kn[n h] 9 ! city4 ,z to ,%elby we don't "k yet4 ,! meet+ may h be5 *ance or x may h be5 pre>rang$40 ,i recall$ n only ! little incid5t we _h j se51 b ! glance ( jeal\sy ,paquita _h giv5 ,%elby :5 %e saw him ) ,w9ifr$4 ,:at did x mean8 ,_h ,%elby ,maddox be5 us+ ,paquita aga9/ 8 bro!r1 & n[ 0 he try+ to ca/ h] (f8 ,or 0 ,burke's !ory correct8 ,0 %e a memb] ( a clev] b& ( sup]-crim9als1 play+ "o bro!r aga9/ ! o!r = "s ult]ior end8 ,0 ! jeal\sy feign$ or 0 x real1 aft] all8 8,:at ,i am endeavor+ to d n[10 w5t on ,burke1 8is to trace ! do+s ( ,paquita ! night ( ! murd]4 ,i _c f9d out :e!r %e came out at ! invitation ( ,m>%all ,maddox or n4 ,p]haps x 0 ,%elby4 ,i don't "k4 ,if x 0 ,m>%all1 :at ab\t 8 =m] wife8 ,did he suppose t %e w\ld n be "h8 ,or didn't he c>e80 8,p]hapsblackmail10 sugge/$ ,ha/+s1 :o1 z a lawy]1 _h _h m or less to d ) su* attempts4 ,burke %ook 8 head4 8,x might h be51 ( c\rse1 b 9 t case don't y ?9k y1 z ,maddox's lawy]1 w\ld h he>d some?+ ( x8 ,y h nh y8 ,y don't "k any?+ ab\t h]80 ,burke reg>d$ ! lawy] ke5ly1 z ?\gh he might be conceal+ some?+4 ,b ,ha/+s m]ely %ook 8 head4 8,mr4 ,maddox did n confide 8 weaknesses to me10 ,ha/+s rem>k$1 coldly4 8,if we are go+ back to ! city10 return$ ,burke1 *e]fully *ang+ ! subject1 to ! evid5t surprise ( ,ha/+s1 8,i mu/ f9d my op]ative1 ,riley1 & let him "k :at to d :ile we are gone40 8,look10 mutt]$ ,k5n$y "u 8 brea? to u & nodd+ d[n ! lobby4 ,%elby ,maddox _h s\ght & f\nd ,w9ifr$1 & 0 *att+ z animat$ly z if !re _h be5 no ,paquita 9 ! _w less ?an five m9utes be=e4 ,z we wat*$1 ,ha/+s rem>k$3 8,x 0 only ! day be=e ! murd] t ,%elby fir/ met ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,i believe he _h nev] se5 8 bro!r-9-law's si/] be=e4 ,%e _h be5 away 9 ! ,we/ ev] s9ce ,frances ,maddox m>ri$ ,walcott4 ,w9ifr$ seems to h made a quick conque/40 ,rememb]+ :at _h happ5$ be=e1 ,i took a quick look ab\t to see :e!r any "o else 0 z int]e/$ z ourselves4 ,see+ no "o1 ,k5n$y & ,i /roll$ d[n ! corridor quietly4 ,we _h n gone f> be=e we /opp$ simultane\sly4 ,ne/l$ 9 ! protect+ w+s ( a big wick] *air 0 ,paquita1 & z we wat*$ h] %e nev] took h] eyes f ! c\ple ahead4 ,:at did ?is con/ant espionage ( ,%elby mean8 ,= "o ?+1 we mu/ place ?is little adv5turess 9 ! drama ( ! ,maddox h\se ( hate4 ,we mov$ back a bit :]e we c\ld see !m all4 ,a light footfall beside u caus$ u to turn sudd5ly4 ,x 0 ,mito1 padd+ along on "s err& to 8 ma/]4 ,z he pass$ ,i saw t 8 beady eyes _h not$ t we 7 wat*+ ,%elby4 ,!re 0 no use to retreat n[4 ,we _h be5 obs]v$4 ,mito pass$1 be/[+ a quick sidewise glance on ,paquita z he did s4 ,a mom5t lat] he approa*$ ,%elby def]5tially & /ood wait+ a few feet away4 ,%elby look$ up & saw 8 valet1 b[$ an excuse to ,w9ifr$1 & /rode ov] to :]e ,mito 0 /&+4 ,! conv]sation 0 brief4 ,:at x 0 ab\t we _h no means ( det]m9+1 b ( "o ?+ we 7 c]ta94 ,mito _h n neglect$ a ha/y ^w to 8 ma/] t he 0 wat*$4 ,=1 an in/ant lat] :5 ,mito _h be5 dismiss$1 ,%elby return$ to ,w9ifr$ & !y walk$ delib]ately out ( ! hotel across a wide /ret* ( op5 lawn 9 ! direction ( ! t5nis-c\rts4 ,to foll[ him 0 a confession t we 7 wat*+4 ,evid5tly1 too1 t _h be5 ,%elby's purpose1 = z he *att$ he turn$ half-way1 n[ & !n1 to see if !y 7 obs]v$4 ,aga9 ,mito padd$ by & ,i fanci$ ,i caught a subtle smile on 8 saturn9e face4 ,if we 7 wat*+1 we 7 ourselves no less wat*$4 ,!re 0 no?+ to be ga9$ 9 ?is bl9d game ( hide-&-seek1 & ,k5n$y 0 evid5tly n yet prep>$ to come out into ! op54 ,paquita1 too1 seem$ to rel9qui% ! espionage = ! mom5t1 = %e rose & walk$ sl[ly t[>d ! ,cas9o1 :]e %e 0 quickly jo9$ by "s ( h] m ard5t admir]s4 ,i glanc$ at ,k5n$y4 8,i ?9k we _h bett] g back to ,burke & ,ha/+s10 he decid$4 8,burke is "r4 ,8 m5 c d almo/ z mu* "h z we c\ld at pres5t4 ,besides1 if we g away ! mice may play4 ,!y w ?9k we h be5 caught napp+4 ,t telautomaton robb]y is surely our next big po9t ( attack4 ,"h x is fir/ ( all ! my/]y ( ,m>%all ,maddox's dea?1 & ,i _c d any?+ m until ! coron] s5ds me1 z he has promis$1 ! mat]ials f ! autopsy4 ,ev5 !n ,i %all ne$ to be 9 my laboratory if ,i am to discov] any?+40 8,y\r sall[-fac$ fri5d seem$ q int]e/$ 9 y10 comm5t$ ,burke z we rejo9$ him4 8,h['s t80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,f "h ,i c\ld see him1 foll[+ e move y made10 expla9$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man4 ,k5n$y bit 8 lip4 ,n only _h ,mito se5 u & convey$ a w>n+ to ,%elby1 b ! d>k-sk9n$ man ( my/]y _h be5 wat*+ u all4 ,evid5tly ! situation 0 consid]ably mix$4 ,p]haps if we w5t away x w\ld really cle> itself up & we might place ^! p m accurately ) ref]5ce to "o ano!r4 ,burke look$ at 8 wat* hurri$ly4 8,!re's a tra9 t leaves 9 tw5ty m9utes10 he ann\nc$4 8,we c make ! /ation 9 a c> 9 fifte540 ,k5n$y & ,i foll[$ him to ! door1 :ile ,ha/+s trail$ along reluctantly1 n yet assur$ t x w\ld be safe to leave ,we/port s soon4 ,at ! door a man /epp$ up def]5tially to ,burke1 ) a glance ( inquiry at u4 8,x's all "r1 ,riley10 reassur$ ,burke4 8,y c talk be=e !m4 ,"o ( my be/ op]atives1 ,riley1 g5tlem54 ,i %all leave ?is end 9 y\r *>ge1 ,val40 8,all "r1 sir10 return$ ! ,secret ,s]vice op]ative4 8,i 0 j go+ to say1 ab\t t d>k fell[ we saw gum-%oe+ x ab\t4 ,we're wat*+ him4 ,we pick$ him up on ! bea* dur+ ! ba?+ h\r4 ,d y "k :o he is8 ,he's ! private detective :om ,mrs4 ,maddox _h wat*+ h] husb& & t ,paquita woman4 ,i don't "k :at he's wat*+ h] yet =1 sir1 b10 ,riley l[]$ 8 voice = emphasis1 8once "o ( ! m5 saw him talk+ to ,paquita4 ,betwe5 y & me1 ,i w\ldn't be surpris$ if he 0 try+ to d\ble-cross ,mrs4 ,maddox40 ,ha/+s op5$ 8 eyes 9 wond] at ! news4 ,z = me1 ,i began to wond] if ,i _h n be5 q mi/ak5 9 my e/imate ( ,ir5e ,maddox4 ,0 %e ! victim1 ! cat's-paw ( "s "o8 ,riley 0 n f9i%$1 h[ev]4 8,ano!r ?+ be=e y leave1 ,mr4 ,burke10 he add$4 8,! night wat*man at ! ,h>bor ,h\se tells me t he saw t ,japanese s]vant ( ,%elby ,maddox la/ night1 or1 r1 e>ly ?is morn+4 ,he didn't g d[n to ! dock & ! wat*man ?\ght t p]haps he _h be5 left a%ore by mi/ake & c\ldn't get out on ! ,syb>ite40 8,t's impossible10 cut 9 ,ha/+s1 quickly4 8,he 0 on ! ya*t la/ night :5 we w5t to b$ & he woke me up ?is morn+40 8,i "k x10 nodd$ ,riley4 8,y see1 ,i figure t he might h come (f ! ya*t 9 a r[boat & l&$ d[n ! %ore on ! bea*4 ,!n he might h got back4 ,b :at =80 ,! "q 0 unansw]$1 b n1 we felt1 unansw]able4 8,v well1 ,riley10 approv$ ,burke4 8,keep "r aft] any?+ t turns up4 ,& don't let t ,paquita out ( sight ( "s ( ! m5 a m9ute4 ,good-by4 ,we've j "t to cat* ! tra940 ,ha/+s 0 /ill unreconcil$ to ! idea ( leav+ t[n1 9 spite ( ! urg5cy ( ! developm5ts 9 ,new ,york4 8,i ?9k x's all "r10 reassur$ ,k5n$y4 8,y see1 if ,i /ay$ ,i'd h to call on an ag5cy1 anyh[4 ,besides1 ,i got all ,i c\ld & ! only ?+ left w\ld be to wat* !m4 ,p]haps if ,i g away !y may d some?+ !y w\ldn't d>e o!rwise4 ,9 t case we h plant$ a f9e trap4 ,y c dep5d on x t ,burke's m5 w d m = u1 n[1 ?an any private ag5cy40 ,ha/+s agre$ reluctantly1 & z we hurri$ back to ,new ,york on ! tra9 ,k5n$y quizz$ ,burke z he _h ,ha/+s on ! j\rney out4 ,!re 0 n mu* t ,burke c\ld add to :at he _h already told u4 ,! robb]y ( ! safe 9 ! ,maddox (fice _h be5 s clev]ly execut$ t ,i felt t x w\ld rank along ) ! hi/oric cases4 ,no ord9>y yeggs or pet]m5 _h p]=m$ ?is op]ation1 & z ! tra9 ne>$ ! city we 7 all on edge to le>n :at possibly might h be5 uncov]$ dur+ ! h\rs t we _h be5 work+ on ! o!r end ( ! case out at ,we/port4 ,,iv ,,! ,,burgl>',s ,,microphone ,z we cross$ ! city ,ha/+s1 rememb]+ ! sudd5 attack t _h be5 made on him on ! occasion ( 8 la/ visit1 look$ ab\t n]v\sly 9 ! cr[ds4 ,sometimes ,i wond]$ :e!r ! lawy] _h be5 frank ) u & told all he knew4 ,h[ev]1 no "o seem$ to be foll[+ him & we lo/ no "t 9 hu/l+ f ! railroad t]m9al to ! (fice ( ,maddox ,munitions4 ,! (fice 0 on ! top floor ( ! new ,maddox ,build+1 ,i knew1 "o ( ! rec5t t[] skyscrap]s d[n-t[n4 ,z we turn$ into ! build+ & 7 pass+ d[n ! corridor to ! express elevator a man /epp$ out f beh9d a pill>4 ,ha/+s drew back n]v\sly4 ,b x 0 ,burke t ! man want$ to see4 ,he dropp$ back & we halt$1 cat*+ only ! fir/ :isp]$ s5t5ce4 8,we've be5 wat*+ ,r&all1 sir10 ,i ov]he>d ! man say1 8b he hasn't done any?+yet40 ,!re 0 a ha/y conf]5ce betwe5 ! man & ,burke1 :o rejo9$ u 9 a few seconds1 :ile ! man w5t back to 8 po/ ( wat*+1 app>5tly1 e face ( ! cr[d t ?rong$ =w>d to ! elevators or bu/l$ away f !m4 8,my m5 h be5 at "w ev] s9ce ,i 0 call$ 9 on ! case10 expla9$ ,burke to ,k5n$y4 8,y see1 ,i _h only "t to map out a fir/ campaign = !m1 & !n ,i decid$ to hurry (f to f9d y & lat] to look ov] ! gr\nd at ,we/port4 ,r&all is ! ca%i]4 ,i c't say t ,i _h any?+ on himreallyb !n y nev] c tell1 y "k40 ,we rode up 9 ! elevator & ent]$ ! impos+ (fices ( ! great munitions corporation1 :]e ! executive bus9ess 0 conduct$ = ! score or m plants own$ or controll$ by ! company 9 v>i\s p>ts ( ! c\ntry4 ,ha/+s l$ ! way famili>ly pa/ ! girl sitt+ at a desk 9 ! outside (fice & we soon f\nd ourselves 9 ! section t 0 set ap>t = ! acc\nt+ dep>tm5t1 ov] :i* ,r&all _h *>ge4 ,x seem$ t ! lawy] 0 well acqua9t$ ) ! ca%i] z he introduc$ him to u1 & we not$ t ,r&all 0 a man approa*+ middle age1 at lea/ outw>dly1 ) t solid appe>ance t seems to come to m5 :o deal ) numb]s & h&le l>ge sums ( money4 ,:ile we talk$ ,i look$ ab\t curi\sly4 ,r&all _h an inn] (fice1 ?\gh 9 ! out] (fice /ood ! huge safe :i* 0 evid5tly ! "o :i* _h be5 rifl$4 ,! ca%i] himself seem$ to h lo/1 = ! "t1 "s ( 8 cu/om>y poise4 ,try+ to make him out1 ,i fanci$ t he 0 ne>ly frantic ) fe> le/ he might be suspect$1 n s mu*1 p]haps1 ( hav+ _h any?+ to d ) ! loss ( ! telautomaton z ( be+ remiss 9 8 duties1 :i* includ$ ! gu>dian%ip ( ! safe4 ,! v anxiety ( ! man seem$ to be a pretty good gu>antee ( 8 hone/y4 ,!re c\ld be no d\bt ( h[ deeply he felt ! loss1 n only because x 0 ( su* vital importance1 b f ! m]e fact t x might reflect on 8 own managem5t ( 8 dep>tm5t4 8,x seems almo/ incr$ible10 ,r&all exclaim$ z we /ood talk+4 8,! mo/ c>eful se>* has fail$ to reveal any clue t w\ld %[ ev5 h[ access to ! (fice 0 ga9$4 ,n a lock on any ( ! doors has be5 tamp]$ )1 n a scrat* indicates ! use ( a jimmy on !m or on ! w9d[s4 ,9 fact1 entrance by ! w9d[s at su* a height above ! surr\nd+ build+s is almo/ beyond ! range ( possibility z well z probability4 ,h[ c\ld x h be5 accompli%$8 ,i am =c$ to come back to ! explanation t ! out] (fice doors _h be5 op5$ by a key60 8,!re 7 keys9 ! h&s ( sev]al p1 ,i suppose80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,oh yes6 ,!re are 9 e l>ge (fice l ?is10 ha/5$ ,r&all4 8,mr4 ,maddox _h a key1 ( c\rse80 8,yes40 8,& y80 8,c]ta9ly40 8,:o else80 8,! ag5t ( ! build+40 8,i mean :o else 9 ! (fice80 8,my assi/antoh1 sev]al4 ,/ill1 ,i am sure t no "o _h a key except ^? :om we c\ld tru/40 8,did ,%elby ,maddox ev] h a key80 cut 9 ,ha/+s4 ,! ca%i] nodd$ 9 ! negative1 = ! mom5t surpris$1 app>5tly1 at ! v idea t ,%elby w\ld ev] h _h int]e/ en\gh 9 bus9ess to h su* a ?+4 ,i saw ,burke look+ 9 cov]t surprise at ,ha/+s z he ask$ ! "q4 ,= ! mom5t ,i wond]$ :y he ask$ x4 ,_h he really ?\ght t ,%elby might h a key8 ,or 0 he try+ h>d to make a case8 ,:at 0 8 own connection ) ! affair8 ,k5n$y _h be5 look+ ke5ly ab\t4 8,is t ! safe ov] !re80 he indicat$4 8,i %\ld l to exam9e x40 8,yes1 t's x1 & t's ! /range/ "p ( x10 ha/5$ ,r&all1 z ?\gh eag] to satisfy u on all po9ts1 lead+ ! way to a mod]n *rome-/eel /rong-box ( a size almo/ to sugge/ a m9iature bank vault surely a mo/ =midable ?+ to tackle4 8,y see10 he w5t on1 n]v\sly1 z ?\gh eag] to conv9ce u1 8!re is n a m>k on x to %[ t x has be5 tamp]$ )4 ,yet ! telautomaton is gone4 ,i "k t x 0 !re la/ night1 all "r1 = ,i look$ 9 ! comp>tm5t :]e we keep ! little model1 z well z ! pap]s relat+ to x4 ,x is a small model1 & ( c\rse 0 n *>g$ ) explosive4 ,b x is q suffici5t = its purpose1 & if its w>-head 7 actually fill$ ) a high explosive x w\ld be suffici5tly deadly aga9/ any ord9>y %ip 9 spite ( its m9iature size40 ,k5n$y _h already begun 8 exam9ation1 fir/ ( all assur+ himself t x 0 useless to try to look = f+]-pr9ts1 inasmu* z ne>ly ev]ybody _h t\*$ ! safe s9ce ! robb]y & any su* clue1 _h x once exi/$1 mu/ h be5 r5d]$ valueless4 8,h[ did y discov] ! loss80 ,i v5tur$ z ,craig b5t to 8 "w4 8,did any?+ excite y\r suspicion80 8,n-no10 return$ ! ca%i]4 8,only ,i h be5 v me?odical ab\t ! safe4 ,! model 0 kept 9 t comp>tm5t at ! bottom4 ,i make x a practice 9 op5+ & clos+ ! safe to see t t & sev]al o!r valuable ?+s we keep 9 x are !re4 ,?is morn+ no?+ ab\t ! (fice & c]ta9ly no?+ ab\t ! safe sugge/$ t !re 0 any?+ wrong until ,i work$ ! comb9ation4 ,! door swung op5 & ,i look$ ?r\gh x4 ,i c\ld sc>cely believe my own eyes :5 ,i saw t t model 0 gone4 ,i c\ldn't h be5 m a/oni%$ if ,i _h come 9 & f\nd ! door op54 ,i am ! only "o :o kn[s ! comb9ationexcept = a copy kept 9 a safety deposit box kn[n only to ,m>%all ,maddox & ,mr4 ,ha/+s40 ,be=e any ( u c\ld say a ^w ,k5n$y _h complet$ 8 fir/ exam9ation & 0 fac+ u4 8,i c't f9d a m>k on x10 he confess$4 8,no #8s\p' has be5 us$ to bl[ x4 ,nitroglyc]9 en\gh might h wreck$ ! build+4 ,! old #8c-op5]' is ( c\rse out ( ! "q ) a safe l ?is4 ,no in/rum5t c\ld possibly rip a plate (f ?is safe unless y gave ! ripp] unlimit$ "t4 ,!re's n a h9t t !rmit or ! oxy-acetyl5e bl[pipe h be5 us$4 ,n a spot on ! safe indicates ! pres5ce ( any?+ t c produce ^? high temp]atures40 8,yet ! telautomaton is gone60 p]si/$ ,ha/+s4 ,k5n$y 0 look+ ab\t1 mak+ a quick se>* ( ! (fice4 ,z 8 eye travel$ ov] ! floor he took a /ep or two =w>d & b5t d[n4 ,"u a sanit>y desk1 ne> a w9d[1 he pick$ up :at look$ l a small piece ( rubb] tub+4 ,he look$ at x ) int]e/1 ?\gh x convey$ no idea to me4 ,x 0 simply a piece ( rubb] tub+4 ,!n he took ano!r /ep to ! w9d[ & rais$ x1 look+ out4 ,f> bel[1 "s hundr$ or m feet1 0 ! ro( ( ! next build+1 itself no mean /ructure = height4 8,h y se>*$ ! ro( bel[80 he ask$1 turn+ to ,burke4 ,burke %ook 8 head4 8,h[ c\ld any "o get 9 t way80 he negativ$4 8,wellse>* ! ro( bel[10 repeat$ ,k5n$y4 ,ev5 ?\gh he did n und]/& :at good might come ( su* a /range reque/1 ,burke _h kn[n ,k5n$y long en\gh n to "q 8 actions4 ,he mov$ away1 seek+ "o ( 8 m5 :om he c\ld s5d on ! err&4 ,:ile we wait$ ,k5n$y cont9u$ to "q ,r&all4 8,mr4 ,maddox 0 v c>eful ( 8 key1 ,i suppose80 he v5tur$4 8,yes1 sir1 v c>eful4 ,s we all 7 ( ! comb9ation1 too4 ,n ev5 my assi/ant kn[s t4 ,if ,i %\ld drop dead1 !re w\ld be only "o way to get xto op5 t safety deposit box1 & t mu/ be done by "s "o ) ! prop] au?ority4 ,x has all be5 c>efully safegu>d$40 8,y "k ( no "o intimate ) ,mr4 ,maddox:o might h obta9$ ! keyor ! comb9ation80 ,i wond]$ at :at ,k5n$y 0 driv+4 ,_h he ! little danc]1 ,paquita1 9 m9d8 ,did he suspect t %e might h worm$ f ,maddox ! secret8 ,or 0 he1 too1 ?9k+ ( ,%elby8 ,r&all %ook 8 head1 & ,k5n$y cont9u$ 8 quick exam9ation ( ! (fice1 que/ion+ ! assi/ant1 :o 0 unable to add any?+ ( value4 ,s f> !re _h be5 no?+ to %[ t ! robb]y might n h be5 an inside job4 ,z ,k5n$y 0 /ill pond]+ on ! new my/]y t confront$ u ,burke approa*$ ) ! man :om he _h s5t to make ! se>*4 ,8 face indicat$ t he 0 puzzl$4 ,9 8 h& he 0 hold+ a disk t 0 some?+ l ! flat telephone receiv]s "o sees (t5 on int]ior (fice telephones4 ,to x 0 atta*$ a rubb] tube l t :i* ,k5n$y _h pick$ up 9 ! (fice a few m9utes be=e4 8,my man f\nd ?is ?+ on ! ro( bel[10 expla9$ ,burke1 ) a look ( inquiry4 8,:at d y suppose x is8 ,h[ did x get !re80 ,k5n$y took ! disk & began exam9+ x c>efully1 fitt+ on ! o!r rubb] tube4 8,p]haps x _h s]v$ its purpose0 no long] ( use10 he m$itat$4 8,at any rate1 if "s "o _h to get away ) t telautomaton he w\ld n want to burd5 himself ) any?+ else t 0 unnecess>y4 ,he might v well h disc>d$ ?is40 ,:at ! ?+ 0 ,i c\ld n imag9e4 ,we all cr[d$ ab\t1 exam9+ x1 n ev5 ,burke (f]+ an explanation4 ,sudd5ly ,craig's face light5$ up4 ,he ?ru/ ! tubes into 8 e>s & walk$ ov] to a small] safe t 0 /ill lock$4 ,z he turn$ ! comb9ation h&le he held ! black disk up close to ! safe4 ,! int5t look on 8 face caus$ u all to wat* )\t a ^w4 ,ar\nd & ar\nd he turn$ ! h&le sl[ly4 ,f9ally he /opp$4 ,!n1 ) a few quick turns1 he gave ! door a pull & x swung op5 on its oil$ h+es4 ,we fairly gasp$4 8,:at is x80 ,i dem&$4 8,magic80 ,k5n$y smil$4 8,n magic1 b black sci5ce10 he repli$4 8,?is is a burgl>'s microphone40 8,a burgl>'s microphone80 ,i repeat$4 8,:at's t80 8,well10 he expla9$1 8! microphone is n[ us$ by burgl>s = pick+ comb9ation locks4 ,:5 y turn ! lock a slight s\nd is made :5 ! prop] numb] comes opposite ! work+ "p4 ,x c be he>d by a s5sitive e>1 sometimes1 ,i am told4 ,h[ev]1 x is imp]ceptible to mo/ p]sons4 ,b by us+ a microphone x is an easy matt] to he> ! s\nds4 ,hav+ li/5$ to ! fall ( ! tumbl]s1 ! exp]t c det]m9e :at are ! real numb]s ( ! comb9ation & op5 ! safe4 ,t is :at happ5$ 9 ?is case40 ,we foll[$ ,k5n$y1 spee*less4 ,:at 0 !re to say8 ,we _h already se5 him op5 a safe ) x himself4 ,?\gh we 7 ?us f> on our way1 we _h n ev5 a clue z to ! id5tity ( ! crim9al or crim9als4 ,i recall$ ,burke's own !ory z he _h express$ x4 ,c\ld x be t "s "o _h betray$ to a =eign gov]nm5t ag5t ! priceless secret ( ! telautomaton8 ,v ,,! ,,:ite ,,light ,,caf 8,z long z ,i am back 9 ! city10 cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 :ile we />$ at "o ano!r1 wond]+ :at next move to make1 8,i ?9k t ,i _h bett] take ! opportunity to make "s inve/igations 9 my laboratory :i* w\ld be impossible out at ,we/port40 ,9 ! mean "t ,burke _h be5 exam9+ ! burgl>'s microphone1 turn+ x ov] & ov] ?\ghtfully1 z if 9 ! hope t x might furni% "s clue4 8,x might h be5 possible10 he rum9at$1 8= "s "o to get into ! build+ at night if ! night wat*man 0 (f 8 gu>d & he _h a key to ! build+4 ,i suppose he might get out aga91 too1 "u ! same circum/ances40 8,a good lead10 agre$ ,k5n$y4 8,:ile y are f9d+ ! night wat*man & gett+ any?+ else along t l9e ( recon/ruct+ :at actually did take place x w give me j ! *ance ,i ne$4 ,let u meet 9 two or ?ree h\rssay1 at ,mr4 ,ha/+s's (fice4 ,let me see1 ,i believe y\r firm is ,ha/+s ,halsey1 isn't x80 8,ha/+s ,halsey10 repeat$ ! lawy]4 8,y are q welcome to meet aga9 !re4 ,y "k :]e x is1 on ,wall ,/reet80 ,we not$ ! numb] & ,k5n$y & ,i hurri$ up-t[n to ! laboratory :i* we _h left only a few %ort h\rs be=e4 ,already !re 7 wait+ = him1 by special mess5g]1 ! mat]ials f ! autopsy :i* _h be5 promis$ by ! ,we/port coron]1 :o = once _h appreciat$ ! importance ( a case & _h act$ ) spe$ & decision4 ,k5n$y lo/ no "t 9 ?r[+ (f 8 coat & donn+ 8 acid-/a9$ smock4 ,= "s m9utes ,i wat*$ him 9 sil5ce z he arrang$ 8 j>s & beak]s & te/-tubes = ! /udy :i* he _h 9 m9d4 ,he _h tak5 "s ( ! mat]ial & plac$ x ov] a ,buns5 burn] 9 an app>atus :i* look$ l a m9iature /ill4 ,ano!r app>atus :i* he took f a cab9et 0 dispos$ on a table4 ,x seem$ to consi/ prim>ily ( ?ree tubes4 ,9 "o 0 a slit1 & ?r\gh ! slit evid5tly rays ( light 7 caus$ to /ream4 ,inside ,i saw a l5s4 ,ea* ( ! tubes seem$ to radiate f a triangul> prism ( "s sub/ance t look$ l glass4 ,two ( ! radiat+ tubes _h an eye-piece & on "o 0 a sort ( scale4 ,z ,k5n$y made ^! rapid prep>ations he paus$ n[ & !n to /udy c>efully ! sliv]s ( bright metal he _h pick$ up f ! c>pet 9 ! /ate-room1 :ile on a porcela9 plate he plac$ ! p[d] :i* he _h scrap$ f ! brass fitt+s4 8,i'm n do+ y a bit ( good "h1 ,craig10 ,i rem>k$1 at l5g?4 8,isn't !re some?+ ,i c d :ile y are work+8 ,i c come back "h 9 "t to g d[n & meet ,ha/+s & ,burke ) y40 ,he paus$ a mom5t4 8,yes10 he repli$1 8!re is some?+ t y might be do+4 ,i h be5 wond]+ j h[ intimate t little ,mexican danc] 0 ) ,m>%all ,maddox & :e!r ,%elby actually knew h] 9 ,new ,york be=e he met h] out at ,we/port ! o!r night4 ,i ?9k y might make "s inquiries along t l9e1 & by ! "t y f9d any?+ y may f9d me m int]e/+ also40 ,glad ( ! opportunity to be ( s]vice1 = any?+ 0 bett] ?an to sit ab\t idle 9 ! pres5t high-key$ /ate ( my n]ves1 ,i />t$ out4 ,my fir/ impulse 0 to visit ! ,new ,am/]dam ,club1 "o ( ! olde/ clubs 9 ! city1 ( :i* ,i knew t ,maddox _h be5 a memb]4 ,i knew sev]al m5 :o 7 memb]s1 & ,i 0 sure t among !m ,i might f9d "s "o at ! club at t "t1 & p]haps ei!r f him le>n some?+ ( ,maddox or at lea/ obta9 an introduction to "s "o :o did "k4 ,i f\nd t ,i _h n act$ )\t reason4 ,9 ! big w9d[ t ov]look$ ,fif? ,av5ue1 ensconc$ 9 ! deep lea!r *airs1 look+ out on ! fa%ionable ?rong ( %opp]s :o pass$ up & d[n ! ,av5ue1 ,i f\nd sev]al m51 among :om 0 ,conigsby1 :om ,i _h kn[n = "s "t z assidu\s fir/-night] & man ab\t t[n4 ,conigsby welcom$ me & ,i soon saw t ! topic ( conv]sation 0 ! reports t all _h be5 read+ 9 ! pap]s ab\t ! my/]y t %r\d$ ! dea? ( ,m>%all ,maddox4 8,peculi> fell[1 ,maddox10 comm5t$ ,conigsby4 8,:at d ! boys d[n on ! ,/> h to say ab\t ! case1 ,jameson80 ,i _h no desire to commit myself1 yet ,i want$ to glean z mu* z ,i c\ld4 ,= al?\gh we are prone to accuse ! ladies ( gossip1 ,i ?9k mo/ m5 w back me up :5 ,i say t !re is no place = ! g5u9e article t _c be beat5 by a com=table w9d[ 9 a club :]e cong5ial spirits h ga!r$ ov] a succession ( br&ies & soda4 8,x promises to be ! great case ( ! ye>10 ,i return$1 gu>d$ly4 8,s f>1 ,i und]/& !re is mu* m 9 ! life ( ,maddox ?an ev5 "s ( 8 fri5ds suspect40 ,at ! m]e sugge/ion ( sc&al all eyes 7 fix$ on me4 ,yet ,i 0 det]m9$ to speak 9 riddles & betray no?+1 9 ! hope t "s ( !m might op5 up a ri* ve9 ( inquiry4 ,conigsby laugh$4 8,p]haps m ?an "s ( 8 fri5ds imag9$yes10 he repeat$4 8,:y1 :at 0 x80 inquir$ "o ( ! gr\p4 8,is !re ano!r woman 9 ! case8 ,i ?\ght ,maddox 0 divorc$40 8,s he 010 return$ ! clubman4 8,i knew 8 wife1 ,ir5e1 be=e !y 7 m>ri$4 ,really1 x 0 a %ame ! way t man treat$ h]4 ,i c claim no special virtue10 he add$1 ) a %rug1 8b !n ,i hav5't a wifen s mu* z a fri5d :o w\ld c>e :e!r ,i 0 "h or 9 ,no ,man's ,l&4 ,b ,maddoxwell1 he 0 "o ( ^? m5 :o h work$ h>d all _! lives1 b 9 middle age seem to beg9 s[+ ! wild oats !y fail$ to s[ 9 y\?4 ,y "k ! k9d4 ,i guess he mu/ h rea*$ ! dang]\s age = m51 if !re is su* a ?+40 8,:at 0 x*orus girls80 *im$ 9 ! o!r1 ev] ready = a spicy bit ( gossip4 8,yeslately cab>et danc]s"o 9 p>ticul>at ,! ,:ite ,lighta little ,mexican,paquita40 8,:at,paquita80 *orus$ ! gr\p1 & ,i c\ld see by ! inflection t %e 0 n unkn[n to sev]al ( !m4 8,y don't say4 ,well1 y mu/ admit he 0 a good pick]40 8,i r suspect t 8 acqua9tance co/ him high1 ?\gh10 p]si/$ ,conigsby4 8,paquita has a scale ( prices4 ,x co/s s mu* to take d9n] ) h]4 ,%e'll drive out ( an aft]noon ) yb y mu/ pay4 ,!re's a union scale40 8,x takes d\gh to make t>ts10 frivol\sly sugge/$ ano!r ( ! gr\p1 =getful ( ! trag$y t !y 7 discuss+4 ,inde$1 ,i 0 amaz$ at ! non*alant attitude !y took4 ,yet1 on analysis1 ,i conclud$ t x also might be significant4 ,no d\bt ! e/imate ( ,maddox by 8 club memb]s 0 m accurate ?an t ( ! _w at l>ge4 8,if x _h be5 ,%elby10 put 9 ano!r man1 8,i w\ldn't h be5 surpris$40 8,don't worry10 int]pos$ ,conigsby4 8,%elby ,maddox is clev]4 ,rememb]1 ,%elby is "y4 ,und]nea? 8 wildness !re is ambition4 ,i ?9k y'll he> m ( t boy be=e we are ?r\gh4 ,i "k him1 & he's likely to prove a *ip (f ! old ,maddox block4 ,no?+ t ,%elby does w\ld surprise me40 8,h[ ab\t ! o!r si/]1 ,frances80 inquir$ ano!r4 8,d y "k h] husb&1 ,walcott80 8,n v well4 ,y're m likely to f9d him on ,broad ,/reet ?an ,broadway4 ,y "k :at ,i c>e = ,broad ,/reet4 ,i'd nev] visit x if my bank]s 7 n d[n !re4 ,walcott has a deuc$ pretty little si/]1 ?\gh4 ,i he> t ,%elby is q smitt540 8,well1 :atev] y may ?9k ( him1 ,i h se5 ,%elby ,maddox ) ,paquita1 too4 ,i'll lay y a little bet t t little baggage kn[s some?+ ab\t ! case4 ,rememb]1 ! murd] 0 on ,%elby's ya*t40 ,conigsby %rugg$4 8,q possibleano!r case ( notoriety = ,! ,:ite ,light40 8,notoriety = ,paquita1 y mean10 correct$ ano!r4 8,i he> %e plans to get back into musical com$y ?is fall4 ,%e's n at ,! ,:ite ,light any long]40 8,well1 ,i ?9k %e'll make good10 agre$ ,conigsby4 8,i wond] :o ! angel is = h] new %[80 ,! conv]sation 0 n[ hopelessly drift+1 & ,i excus$ myself4 ,at lea/ ,i _h le>n$ en\gh to give me an insight into ano!r phase ( ! life ( ,m>%all ,maddox4 ,pond]+ :at ,i _h j he>d1 ,i decid$ to w&] ov] t[>d ! caf & !at] di/rict1 & drop into ! cab>et :i* !y _h m5tion$,! ,:ite ,light4 ,z ,i ent]$ ! place 9 broad daylight ,i 0 /ruck by ! sordidness ( x4 ,des]t$ except by ^? :o 7 clean+ up = ! com+ late aft]noon & ev5+1 x 0 positively tawdry4 ,x ne$$ ! glam\r ( bright faces & night life1 & ev5 !n x mu/ be view$ ?r\gh ! bottom ( a glass to we> ev5 ! semblance ( attraction4 ,9 ! ma9 d9+-room ( ! caf1 gr\p$ ab\t ! little danc+ floor be=e ! plat=m on :i* sat ! or*e/ra :5 ?+s 7 9 full sw+1 /ood innum]able little :ite tables4 ,j n[ !re seem$ to be no "o !re except a man at ! piano & a girl :o 0 evid5tly rehe>s+ h] dance /eps4 ,i paus$ = a mom5t & a wait] :o _h be5 arrang+ ! tables = ! com+ cr[d mov$ ov] to tell me t ! place 0 n yet op54 ,i satisfi$ him t x 0 on o!r bus9ess t ,i _h come1 !n ask$ him :e!r ,paquita 0 at ,! ,:ite ,light any m4 8,no1 sir10 he repli$1 brusquely4 8,%e hasn't be5 "h = sev]al days4 ,i've he>d t %e has gone away to ! c\ntryhas ano!r contract4 ,x is a rehe>sal = ! girl :o is to d h] numb] t is go+ on n[4 ,is !re any?+ ,i c d = y80 ,i ?ank$ him4 ,x 0 n ! wait] ,i want$1 b ! proprietor1 ,h5ri4 ,9 a little (fice 9 ! re> ,i at la/ discov]$ him1 a r /\t1 g5ial ,fr5*man :o _h made a reputation z "o ( ,new ,york's re/aurateurs to ! risqu4 ,i _h kn[n ,h5ri once :5 ,i _h ! assignm5t on ! ,/> t cov]$ ! !at] & hotel di/rict1 & ,i _h no fe> t he w\ld n talk4 8,well1 ,h5ri10 ,i began cauti\sly1 8,i suppose y saw 9 ! pap]s ?is morn+ ab\t y\r fri5d1 ,m>%all ,maddox80 ,h5ri1 :o 0 mat*+ up *ecks %[+ ! bus9ess done up to an e>ly h\r ( ! morn+1 %rugg$4 8,monsieur 0 m ! fri5d ( ,la ,paquita ?an ( me10 he return$1 /ill mat*+ *ecks4 8,/ill1 he came "h a great deal10 ,i ass]t$1 tak+ a *ance4 8,oui10 he agre$1 8b x 0 n to see u4 ,always ,la ,paquita1 ,la ,paquita4 ,s diff]5t f 8 bro!r40 8,inde$80 ,i qu]i$1 q ov]joy$ at ! turn ! conv]sation 0 tak+4 8,!n y "k ,%elby1 too80 8,v]' well4 ,oh yes4 ,he has be5 "h4 ,a f9e fell[1 bx is all "r4 ,bus9ess is n = him4 ,he is always ready = ! good "ta sport1 y call x80 ,i smil$4 8,0 he a fri5d ( ,paquita's1 too80 ,i haz>d$1 wat*+ ,h5ri's face4 ,he lift$ 8 eyebr[s a fraction ( an in*4 8,no m ?an ( ! re/10 he return$1 ) a deprecat+ ge/ure4 8,pretty faces & figures all look good to ,%elby10 he add$1 ) a smile2 !n1 s]i\sly3 8,b he w settle d[n4 ,we w see him "h no m1 "s day4 ,also ,i "k 8 bro!r-9-law1 ,mes/air ,walcott4 ,i d n l him40 8,:y80 ,i ask$1 some:at amus$ at gett+ 8 po9t ( view4 8,too quiet4 ,he w come 91 n (t51 p]haps1 b[1 maybe speak1 !n g away40 ,i ?\ght ,i 8got0 him4 ,"o mu/ be a good sp5d] to appeal to ,h5ri4 ,i c\ld n imag9e ,johnson ,walcott z su*4 ,9 fact1 ,i c\ld sc>cely imag9e him com+ to ,h5ri's at all4 8,paquita 0 q intimate ) ,m>%all ,maddox1 wasn't %e80 ,i v5tur$ aga94 ,h5ri br\ght into play 8 ready %rug4 ,x 0 n = him to say any?+ ab\t 8 patrons1 mu* less ab\t ! dead4 ,/ill1 8 v mann] gave ! impression t 8 lips w\ld n frame4 8,did any "o ev] seem to be wat*+ him "h80 ,i ask$1 ! ?\ght ( ! sall[-fac$ man at ,we/port recurr+ to my m9d4 ,h5ri /opp$ mat*+ 8 *ecks & look$ up4 ,0 he gr[+ suspici\s ( my dis9t]e/$ness8 8,su* ?+s are n unusual10 he answ]$1 %[+ a f9e assortm5t ( ivory b5ea? 8 black mu/a*e4 ,i met 8 eye frankly4 ,he seem$ to und]/&4 8,n = ! ,/>1 y und]/&80 he nodd$1 /ill look+ at me fix$ly4 8,oh1 no1 no60 ,i ha/5$1 tru?fully4 8,i am n play+ report] n[1 ,h5ri40 ,he appe>$ to be satisfi$1 & x did n occur to him to inquire :y else ,i %\ld be int]e/$4 8,yes10 he w5t on1 sl[ly1 8he has be5 wat*$4 ,i h se5 x myself4 ,sev]al times !re 0 a man :o came 91 ,spani%-look+40 8,did ,mr4 ,maddox "k x80 ,i inquir$1 m eag] ?an ev]4 ,h5ri %ook 8 head negatively4 8,n until "o day :5 ,la ,paquita 0 talk+ to ! man4 ,monsieur came 9 unexpect$ly40 ,! manag] laugh$ a little to himself4 8,:y d y laugh80 ,i ask$4 8,:at happ5$80 8,no?+10 he return$4 8,x 0 n :at happ5$4 ,x 0 :at %e told him4 ,s clev]1 too4 ,%e said x 0 a detective set to trail him by ,mrs4 ,maddox1 t %e _h flirt$ ) ! man & f\nd out40 8,!n y d n ?9k he 0 a detective80 ,i ask$1 puzzl$4 8,h[ %\ld ,i "k80 repli$ ,h5ri1 ) ano!r "q4 8,x might h be54 ,x might n h be54 ,%e is clev]40 8,:at did ,maddox d80 ,i p]si/$4 8,0 he m cauti\s80 ,aga9 ,h5ri %ook 8 head4 8,he gave ord]s t ! man 0 n to be admitt$4 ,& we8 ,he 0 a v]' weal?y man1 ,mr4 ,maddox4 ,we c\ld n af=d to lose him40 8,b ?is ,spani>d10 ,i reit]at$1 conv9c$ x 0 ! same man :om we _h se5 at ,we/port1 8isn't x possible t ,mrs4 ,maddox really did pick him out z a detective 9 ! hope t he might get acqua9t$ ) ,paquita & s report on h] husb&80 8,we are j guess+1 monsieur10 dodg$ ,h5ri4 8,i speak only ( ! ?+s ,i "k& n all ( !m40 ,he _h evid5tly told me 9 sub/ance ab\t all t he 0 sure (4 ,i knew him ( old4 ,ev5 aft] he _h told 8 /ory he lik$ to leave a sort ( 8cont9u$ 9 our next0 at ! close ( x1 j s t y w\ld n ?9k he 0 n :at ,broadway calls a 8live "o40 ,i _h absorb$ ab\t all t he _h at fir/ h&4 ,x 0 en\gh4 ,x gave me a view ( ! *>act]s ( ! *ief actors1 f an angle :i* o!rs did n "k4 ,i rose non*alantly1 ?ank$ ,h5ri1 & saunt]$ out z ,i _h 9 ! old days :5 ! ,/> pick$ on me to expose "s new society sc&al4 ,! visit to ,h5ri's ,:ite ,light cab>et _h %[n me "o v important ?+1 h[ev]4 ,%elby ,maddox _h kn[n ,paquita be=e ! night ( ! gay d9n] p>ty prec$+ ! arrival ( ! ,maddox family = ! conf]5ce on ! ya*t4 ,:at t might indicate ,i did n yet v5ture to guess4 ,& yet ,i felt sure t x mu/ prove significant4 ,else :y _h ,paquita arriv$ at ,we/port at j t p>ticul> "t8 ,x seem$ z ?\gh x mu/ h some?+ to d ) ! call+ ( ! family conf]5ce4 ,above all1 h[ev]1 /ood =? ! /range co9cid5ce ( ! murd] ( ,m>%all ,maddox1 head ( ! family1 & ! /eal+ ( ! telautomaton1 ! mo/ valuable s+le piece ( prop]ty t ! family own$4 ,!re 0 my/]y en\gh 9 ?is case to satisfy ev5 ,k5n$y4 ,,vi ,,! ,,poison ,,gas ,a glance at my wat* 0 suffici5t to assure me t ,i %\ld h no "t = fur!r inquiries if ,i want$ to meet ,k5n$y be=e go+ d[n to ! (fice ( ,ha/+s4 ,i want$ to d t1 too1 = ,i felt sure t ,craig w\ld talk m freely to me ?an to ! re/1 & my int]e/ 9 ! affair _h by ?is "t become insatiable4 ,accord+ly1 ,i retrac$ my /eps to ! laboratory4 ,k5n$y 0 /ill at "w1 p>tly ov] "s reactions 9 te/-tubes1 b mo/ly us+ ! /range ?ree-tub$ in/rum5t ,i _h not$4 ,z ,i outl9$ to him rapidly :at ,i _h discov]$ & ! pla9 inf]5ces to be drawn f x1 he li/5$ att5tively1 /ill work+4 8,v good10 0 ,k5n$y's sole comm5t z ,i conclud$ my /ory4 8,t's v int]e/+possibly v important4 ,x beg9s to look z ?\gh ,maddox _h be5 9 "s "o's way & t t "s "o 0 tak+ no *ances 9 ord] to #8get' him40 8,:at h y discov]$ s f>80 ,i hesitat$1 n sure yet :e!r he 0 will+ to talk1 = ,k5n$y nev] said any?+1 ev5 to me1 until he 0 p]fectly sure ( 8 gr\nd4 8,m>%all ,maddox 0 n dr[n$1 at lea/10 he v\*saf$4 8,n dr[n$80 ,i repeat$1 m to lead him on ?an because ,i 0 surpris$4 8,no4 ,:atev] 0 ! cause ( 8 dea?1 he 0 n kill$ by dr[n+4 ,! lungs & /oma* %[ t4 ,9 fact1 ,i knew at ,we/port t he might h di$ a natural dea? or might ev5 h be5 a suicide4 ,b he c]ta9ly did n die ( dr[n+4 ,only m c>eful te/s ?an ei!r ! coron] or ,i c\ld make at ,we/port 7 necess>y40 8,h[ did x happ51 !n80 ,i cont9u$1 embold5$ by 8 app>5t read9ess to talk4 ,k5n$y took a bottle ) a gr\nd-glass /opp] & held x up s t ,i c\ld see its gre5i%-yell[ cont5ts4 ,!n he pull$ out ! /opp]1 cov]$ ) vasel9e1 = an in/ant & %ov$ x back aga94 ,! in/ant 0 en\gh4 ,a mo/ unpleasant odor fill$ ! laboratory4 ,i felt a s5se ( suffocation 9 ! *e/1 an irritation 9 ! nose & ?roat1 z ?\gh by ! corrosive action ( "s gas on ! air passages4 8,if we c\ld only h se5 him be=e he di$10 cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 8,i suspect we %\ld h f\nd 8 face z blue z x 0 :5 we did see him1 8 lips violet1 8 pulse gr[+ weak] until x 0 imp]ceptible1 & p]haps he w\ld h be5 rais+ blood4 ,x w\ld h be5 l an acute bron*itis1 only worse4 ,look40 ,f a little p9 prick :i* he made on 8 own ?umb ,craig squeez$ out a drop ( blood into a beak] conta9+ "s di/ill$ wat]4 8,?is is a spectroscope10 he expla9$1 t\*+ ! in/rum5t ,i _h notic$4 8,i ?9k y are acqua9t$ ) x 9 a g5]al way4 ,blood 9 wat]1 dilut$1 %[s ! well-kn[n d>k b&s betwe5 :at we call #8,d' & #8,e4' ,^! are ! d>k b&s ( oxyhemoglob9 absorption4 ,n[1 ,i add to ?is1 drop by drop1 ! wat] f t bottle :i* ,i uncork$4 ,see! b&s gradually fade 9 int5sity & f9ally disappe>1 leav+ a complete & brilliant spectrum devoid ( any b&s :atev]4 ,9 o!r words1 "h is a sub/ance t actually affects ! r$ color+ matt] 9 ! blood1 blea*es x out1 & does mde/roys x40 ,i li/5$ 9 amazem5t at ! fi5di% nature ( 8 discov]y4 8,m>%all ,maddox 0 ov]come by ! poison gas conta9$ 9 a ?9-%ell$ bomb t 0 ?r[n ?r\gh 8 /ate-room w9d[4 ,! corrosion ( ! metal 9 ! room gave me a clue to t4 ,!n0 8,b :at is ?is poison gas80 ,i dem&$1 horrifi$4 ,k5n$y look$ at me fix$ly a mom5t4 8,*lor9e10 he repli$1 simply2 add+1 8! spectroscope %[s t !re is a total abs5ce ( pigm5t 9 ! blood4 ,y c readily see t x is no wond]1 if x has ?is action1 t dea? is sometimes s rapid z to be almo/ in/antane\s4 ,:y1 man alive1 ?is ?+ de/roys )\t ! possibility ( recon/itution6 ,x is devili% 9 ! quantity he inhal$ x40 ,i c\ld only gasp ) surprise at ! discov]y4 8,b h[ 0 x done80 ,i repeat$4 8,y ?9k a bomb 0 ?r[n ?r\gh ! op5 port80 8,)\t a d\bt4 ,p]haps1 z y guess$1 f a boat outside1 ! ro( ( a cruis]1 any?+1 z f> z t end ( x goes4 ,:oev] did x might also h ent]$ ! room 9 ! same way40 8,ent]$ ! room80 ,i ask$4 8,yes1 we>+ a mask compos$ ( sev]al lay]s ( gauze impregnat$ ) glyc]9at$ solution ( sodium hypophosphate4 ,t is "o ( _m sub/ances us$4 ,all t 0 necess>y 0 to wet ! mask ) wat] & adju/ x4 ,x w\ld h s]v$ a d\ble purposeto protect ! we>]'s life z well z 8 id5tity40 ,amaz$ at ,k5n$y's p[]s ( recon/ruction f evid5ce t look$ s sl5d]1 ,i m]ely wait$ = him to proce$4 8,!n :oev] x 0 probably rifl$ 8 clo!s & s obta9$ ! keys to ! build+ & ! (fice4 ,f ! brief-case !y mu/ h extract$ ! copies ( ! telautomaton plans4 ,aft] t x 0 a simple matt] to ?r[ ! body ov]bo>d 9 ! hope t ! affair might possibly be cov]$ up z an accid5t or suicide4 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! night ! w9d cle>$ ! room ( ! gas4 ,!y did n reckon1 h[ev]1 on :at sci5ce c discov]or if !y did1 c>$ little4 ,aft] t1 ,i suppose1 "s "o w5t to ,new ,york1 p]haps 9 a high-p[]$ c>40 8,mito c\ldn't h gone to ,new ,york& got back aga910 ,i exclaim$1 impulsively1 recall+ t ,mito _h be5 se5 a%ore t night )\t app>5t reason4 8,mito may or may n h play$ 8 "p10 0 all t ,k5n$y w\ld comm5t4 ,he left me wildly speculat+4 ,0 ,mito a cog 9 ! :eel1 ( :i* ,paquita & ! gang suspect$ by ,burke 7 o!r cogs8 ,0 ,%elby ,maddox also a cog1 will+ly or unwill+ly8 ,c\ld he h got away f ! ya*t & got back aga98 ,a ho/ ( unansw]$ que/ions rac$ ?r\gh my m9d4 ,b ,k5n$y _h said all t he 0 prep>$ to say n[4 8,we _h bett] be go+10 he rem>k$1 calmly1 8if we are to keep t appo9tm5t ) ,ha/+s & ,burke40 ,he 0 evid5tly mu* m int]e/$ 9 :at ,burke might turn up ?an 9 8 own inve/igation1 :i* 0 q natural1 = :at he _h told me 0 already an old /ory to him1 & 8 re/less m9d crav$ to be spe$+ t[>d ! solution ( ! my/]y4 ,half an h\r lat] ,k5n$y & ,i ent]$ ! (fice ( ,ha/+s4 ,i look$ ab\t curi\sly4 ,!re 71 z 9 _m lawy]s' (fices1 two private (fices = ! memb]s ( ! firm1 :ile outside 0 a l>ge room = ! cl]ks1 ! /5ograph]s1 & ! telephone girl4 ,z we 7 welcom$ by ,ha/+s 9 8 own (fice ,i wond]$ :at ! walls might h he>d4 ,m>%all ,maddox & 8 lawy] mu/ h _h _m conf]5ces !re dur+ ! "t t ,maddox 0 plann+ 8 great c\p 9 ! munitions company4 8,burke hasn't arriv$ yet10 rem>k$ ,ha/+s1 n]v\sly4 8,i've be5 expect+ him any mom5t4 ,i wond] :at is keep+ him80 ,!re 0 no way ( f9d+ out1 & we 7 =c$ to sit impati5tly4 ,a few mom5ts lat] we he>d hurri$ foot/eps d[n ! hall & ,burke bur/ 91 8 face flu%$ ) excitem5t4 8,?is ?+ is devili%10 he exclaim$1 look+ ke5ly at ,ha/+s4 8,i mu/ be 9 y\r class40 8,h['s t8 ,did "s "o %oot at y80 qu]i$ ! lawy]4 8,no1 b ,i came )9 an ace ( be+ poison$40 8,poison$80 we inquir$1 incr$ul\sly4 8,yes4 ,y "k ,i />t$ to f9d t night wat*man4 ,well1 ,i f\nd him4 ,he kn[s no?+& ,i ?9k he is tell+ ! tru?4 ,b aft] ,i _h que/ion$ him ,i made him admit t sometimes he takes a meal 9 ! middle ( ! night4 ,( c\rse he has to leave ! front hall ( ! gr\nd floor ungu>d$ to d s4 ,i figur$ t ! robb] might h got 9 & got away dur+ t "t4 ,& ,i guess ,i'm "r4 8,aft] t ,i saw ! policeman :o walks ! beat at night4 ,i ?\ght he 0 go+ to prove a bett] witness4 ,he rememb]s1 "u que/ion+1 see+ a spe$/] t /opp$ ar\nd ! next corn] & 0 left !re /&+ "s "tab\t ! "t t ! robb]y mu/ h tak5 place1 if ,i am "r4 ,he ?\ght x 0 /range & hung ab\t4 8,:5 ! fell[ :o drove ! c> came back ! policeman walk$ ov]4 ,! fell[ (f]$ no explanation ( leav+ 8 c> on ! /reet at su* an h\r1 except t he _h /opp$ to %ift a %oe t _h bl[n4 ,!n he ask$ :]e !re 0 an all-night lun*-room4 ,! policeman direct$ him & ! fell[ ?ank$ him & drove (f 9 t direction40 8,b ! poison+10 prompt$ ,craig4 8,h[ did t happ580 8,i'm com+ to x4 ,well1 ,i ?\ght at once ( go+ to ! lun*-room & inquir+4 ,y see1 ,i ?\ght ,i might *eck up bo? ! night wat*man's /ory & ! cop's4 ,s ,i w5t 9 & x happ5$ t ! night man 0 j go+ to "w4 ,i hadn't _h any?+ to eat s9ce ?is morn+ & ,i ord]$ a s&wi* & a cup ( c(fee4 ,i left ! c(fee /&+ on a little table :ile ,i talk$ to ! man beh9d ! c\nt]4 8,i f\nd out f him t ! night wat*man _h be5 !re1 all "r4 ,b he didn't rememb] any "o 9 a spe$/]4 ,9 fact1 ,i hadn't expect$ t he w\ld4 ,i don't believe ! fell[ w5t !re4 8,anyh[1 :5 ,i w5t to look = my c(fee ,i notic$ some?+ on ! lip ( ! cup4 ,x look$ l sug>1 & ,i recollect$ t ,i hadn't put any sug> 9 ! c(fee4 ,besides1 ?is look$ l p[d]$ sug>1 & ,i w\ldn't h put p[d]$ sug> 9 :5 !re 0 lump sug>4 ,i ta/$ a bit ( x4 ,x 0 bitt]v bitt]4 ,"h's "s ( x40 ,k5n$y took f ,burke a few p>ticles ( a :ite p[d] :i* he _h c>efully pres]v$ 9 a piece ( pap] & began exam9+ ! p>ticles closely4 8,!re 7 lots ( p com+ & go+ at ! lun*-room10 w5t on ,burke1 8b ,i didn't pay mu* att5tion to any ( !m40 ,k5n$y _h plac$ j a p>ticle ( ! p[d] on 8 tongue1 & 0 n[ mak+ a wry face4 ,z he turn$ t[>d u he exclaim$1 8,/ry*n9e60 8,see80 nodd$ ,burke1 excit$ly4 8,i ?\ght x 0 "s poison4 ,i knew !re 0 some?+ wrong40 ,burke look$ at ,k5n$y fix$ly4 ,!re c\ld be no d\bt n[ t we 7 wat*$4 ,"s "o 0 evid5tly desp]ate to prev5t discov]y4 ,fir/ ! attack _h be5 level$ at ,ha/+s4 ,n[ x 0 ,burke4 ,:o w\ld be next8 ,i ?9k we all realiz$ t we 7 m>k$1 ?\gh none ( u said any?+ at ! "t4 ,burke look$ ov] que/ion+ly at ,k5n$y4 8,i've f\nd out h[ ,maddox 0 kill$10 volunte]$ ,craig1 und]/&+ ! qu]y impli$ 9 8 glance4 8,inde$already80 int]rupt$ ,ha/+s1 to :om ,k5n$y 0 already frankly incompreh5sible4 8,h[80 dem&$ ,burke1 *eck+ himself 9 "t to protect himself f sett+ =? a !ory ( 8 own1 = ,burke 0 l all o!r police detectivesfir/ =m+ a !ory & !n seek+ facts t confirm$ x4 ,eag]ly bo? ,burke & ,ha/+s li/5$ z ,k5n$y repeat$ briefly 8 discov]ies ( ! spectroscopic te/s :i* he _h already told me4 8,gass$1 by ,george60 mutt]$ ,burke1 m puzzl$ ?an ev]4 8,i may z well admit t ,i ?\ght he _h be5 ?r[n ov]bo>d & dr[n$4 ,! %ot at ,mr4 ,ha/+s r confirm$ me 9 ! r\gh-neck me?ods ( ! crim9al4 ,b ?is burgl>'s microphone & ! /ry*n9e h %ak5 my !ory4 ,?is fell[ is clev] beyond any?+ ,i _h ev] suspect$4 ,& to ?9k ( 8 us+ gas6 ,i tell y1 ,k5n$y1 we don't "k :at to expect ( crim9als ^! days40 ,burke %ook 8 head sagely4 ,at lea/ he _h "o sav+ grace4 ,he realiz$ 8 own %ortcom+s4 8,h[ ab\t ! spe$/]80 rev]t$ ,k5n$y1 pass+ ov] ! subject1 = bo? ,craig & ,i _h a high reg>d = ,burke1 :atev] might be 8 limitations4 8,:at did ! patrolman say ! fell[ 9 ! spe$/] look$ l80 ,burke ?rew up 8 h&s 9 mock resignation4 8,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make out1 he look$ l a l95 du/] & a pair ( goggles4 ,y "k t k9d ( copdoom$ always to p\nd pavem5ts4 ,:y1 x might h be5 anybodya woman1 = all he knew40 8,i ?9k we've be5 away f ,we/port long en\gh10 conclud$ ,k5n$y4 8,p]haps our unexpect$ return may result 9 some?+4 ,a spe$/]h'm4 ,at lea/ we c look ov] ! g>age ( ! ,h>bor ,h\se40 ,i rememb] t ,i ?\ght ! words ( little consequ5ce at ! mom5t4 ,yet1 z x prov$1 x 0 a fateful /atem5t made at ?is "t & place4 ,,vii ,,! ,,divorce ,,detective ,at ! ,we/port /ation1 :5 our tra9 pull$ 91 !re 0 ! usual ga!r+ ( c>s to meet ! late aft]noon express f ! city4 ,z we f\r 7 se>*+ = a jitney 'bus to take u d[n to ! ,h>bor ,h\se ,i caught sight 9 ! press ( c>s ( ! ,walcott c>4 ,sitt+ 9 ! back 7 ,w9ifr$ & h] si/]-9-law1 ,mrs4 ,walcott1 si/] ( ! murd]$ man4 ,!y _h come up to meet h] husb&1 ,johnson ,walcott1 :o n[ came d[n ! plat=m f ! club c>1 :i* _h be5 well =w>d4 ,! tra9 0 pull+ out1 cle>+ ! road across ! track1 & z x did s !re fla%$ pa/ a spe$/] ) a cream-color$ body1 a %9+ alum9ium hood1 & da9ty uphol/]y4 ,no "o c\ld h fail$ to notice x4 ,z if ! m]e appe>ance ( ! c> 0 n l\d en\gh1 ! muffl] cut-out 0 all[+ ! motor to gr[l a fur!r dem& = att5tion4 ,9 ! spe$/] sat ,paquita1 & z we look$ across f our jitney ,i caught sight ( ,w9ifr$ ey+ h] critically1 turn+ at ! same "t to say some?+ to ,mrs4 ,walcott4 ,paquita saw x1 too1 & %ot a glance ( defiance z %e /epp$ h] da9ty toe on ! gas & leap$ ahead ( all ! c>s t 7 pull+ out ) pass5g]s :om !y _h met4 8,did y get t80 :isp]$ ,k5n$y to me4 8,n only h we a my/]y on our h&s1 b we h some?+ mu* h>d] to foll[conflict betwe5 ^? two wom54 ,%elby may ?9k he is a pr9cipal 9 ! game1 b "o or ! o!r ( !m is go+ to %[ him t he is a m]e mis]able pawn40 8,i wond] :]e %e c\ld h be580 ,i speculat$4 8,t road up pa/ ! /ation leads to ! turnpike to ! city4 ,c\ld %e h be5 !re1 or j out = a sp980 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4 8,if we are go+ to foll[ t color-s*eme ab\t ! c\ntry we'll ne$ to get a c> t c travel up to ! limit40 8,well10 snort$ ,burke1 8x does beat all h[ ^! danc]s c sport c>s ) special bodies & eng9es t w\ld dr[n out ! hamm]s ( hell2 b,i suppose x w\ld cut d[n ! "w ( u detectives by half if x w]5't s40 ,ha/+s said no?+4 ,p]haps he 0 calculat+ ! co/ ( ! outfit t _h j pass$1 & wond]+ :e!r ! bill _h be5 paid by 8 cli5tor "s "o else4 ,! ,walcott c> _h got away & we 7 n[ jolt+ along 9 our m mode/ flivv]1 eag] to get back to ! sc5e ( our labors & le>n :at _h tak5 place 9 our abs5ce4 ,back at ! ,h>bor ,h\se ,burke's man1 ,riley1 0 wait+1 sure en\gh1 ) a full budget ( news z we ent]$ quietly by ano!r ?an ! ma9 entrance & drew him (f 9 a corn]4 8,:at's happ5$80 dem&$ ,burke4 8,pl5ty10 return$ ,riley1 8 retic5ce be=e u n[ ov]come4 8,y rememb] t d>k-sk9n$ fell[80 he ask$1 excit$ly4 8,an unnecess>y "q10 return$ ,burke4 8,he has n be5 out ( my ?\ghts s9ce ,i left4 ,i hope y've wat*$ him closely4 ,we saw ,paquita4 ,%e mu/ h slipp$ ?r\gh y\r f+]s4 ,y'll h to get a c> t c keep up ) h]1 ,riley1 if we are go+ to h&le ?is affair successfully40 8,yes1 sir10 agre$ ,riley1 evid5tly reliev$ t 8 *ief _h n adm9i/]$ a sev]] rebuke4 8,i 0 ab\t to tell y ( h[ %e slips away f u 9 t c>1 sir4 ,well10 he grac$ on1 z ?\gh eag] to *ange ! subject1 8we h n only f\nd out :o t spiggoty *ap is1 b t he has report$ to ,mrs4 ,maddox f9ally1 to-day4 ,x seems z ?\gh %e has paid him = 8 "w ( wat*+ h] husb&1 & n[ t ,mr4 ,maddox is dead has no fur!r use = him40 8,& he has gone away80 ask$ ,craig4 8,no10 repli$ ,riley1 quickly1 8t's j ! po9t4 ,ev5 ?\gh %e has dis*>g$ himat lea/ t is :at x looks lhe is /ick+ ar\nd4 ,at fir/ ,i ?\ght he 0 wat*+ ,paquita& he is4 ,b twice ,i h caught him talk+ to h]4 ,x may be t x's all "r4 ,i don't get x at all4 ,i c't make out yet :e!r he is ) h] or aga9/ h]40 8,t's /range10 agre$ ,burke1 turn+ to ,k5n$y4 8,i don't und]/& t4 ,d y8 ,d y suppose ! fell[ has be5 d\ble cross+ ,ir5e ,maddox all ! "t8 ,^! divorce sleu?s are an unpr9cipl$ lot1 usually40 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head non-commitally4 8,i ?9k x w be wor? look+ into10 he consid]$4 8,has any?+ else happ5$80 8,pl5ty10 repli$ ,riley *e]fully4 8,s9ce y w5t away ,%elby ,maddox has giv5 up liv+ out on ! ,syb>ite1 ,i und]/&4 ,he is to live at ! ,h>bor ,h\se all ! "t1 & has br\ght 8 /uff a%ore1 al?\gh he hasn't be5 ab\t mu*4 ,he is ano!r "o :o has a spe$/] t c d "s travel+40 8,:at d y make ( t move80 enc\rag$ ,ha/+s4 ,riley %rugg$4 8,sometimes10 he rem>k$1 sl[ly1 8,i ?9k he is wat*+ ! o!rs4 ,i don't "k yet :e!r he does x because he suspects some?+ ( !m1 or because he ?9ks !y suspect some?+ ( him4 ,anyh[1 he has br\ght t ,jap1 ,mito1 a%ore1 too4 ,is he afraid ( him8 ,has ,mito some?+ t gives him a lev]age on ,%elby ,maddox8 ,i don't "k4 ,only1 x's mighty /range40 8,has ,mito done any?+ suspici\s80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,8 :ole conduct is suspici\s10 ass]t$ ,riley1 positively4 8,:y 0 he 9 t[n s late la/ night8 ,besides1 ! fell[ is well educat$too well educat$ to be a s]vant4 ,no1 sir1 y c't make me believe t he is "h = any good4 ,he's clev]1 too4 ,!y tell me he c run a motor-boat or a c> z well z ! be/4 ,& he's quiet4 ,!re's some?+ deep ab\t him4 ,:y1 y c see t he kn[s t he is be+ wat*$40 8,b :at has he done80 emphasiz$ ,k5n$y4 8,n-no?+4 ,only1 he acts z ?\gh he 0 cov]+ up some?+4 ,i "k ! symptoms40 ,i tri$ to analyze our feel+s t[>d ,mito4 ,0 x m]ely t ,riley & ! re/ ( u did n und]/& ! subtle ,ori5tal1 & t h5ce we suspect$ ev]y?+ we did n und]/&8 ,!re 0 no d5y+ t ,mito's actions out on ! ,syb>ite1 = in/ance1 _h be5 op5 to "q4 ,yet1 z f> z ,i knew1 !re 0 no?+ on :i* "o c\ld place 8 f+] & accuse ! little man1 except 8 alleg$ pres5ce 9 t[n s late ! night be=e4 ,f ! corn] 9 :i* we 7 sitt+ we c\ld see ?r\gh an op5 w9d[ ! porte-co*re beside ! hotel at :i* gue/s 7 arriv+ & dep>t+4 8,look60 po9t$ out ,riley4 8,!re's ,%elby ,maddox n[40 ,8 motor _h purr$ up sil5tly ar\nd ! corn] ( ! road t l$ ab\t ! %ore1 & z he pull$ up be=e ! door ! omnipres5t ,mito appe>$ f n[h]e4 ,%elby crawl$ out f "u ! /e]+-:eel & turn$ ! c> ov] to ,mito to run ar\nd to ! hotel g>age4 ,= a mom5t he /ood talk+ to ! ,jap1 giv+ him "s p>t+ in/ructions1 :5 ano!r c> toot$ its horn & came up to ! /eps4 ,x 0 ! ,walcott c>4 ,evid5tly !y _h n come directly f ! /ation1 b _h tak5 a little ride along ! %ore to get ! /uffy air ( ! railroad tra9 out ( ,johnson ,walcott's lungs4 ,x 0 j ! opportunity ,%elby want$4 ,he quickly wav$ to ,mito to pull away & turn$ to ! new arrival1 op5+ ! re> door be=e ! (fici\s />t] c\ld get to x1 & h&+ out ,w9ifr$ ,walcott mo/ att5tivelys mu* s t he =got all ab\t 8 own si/] & ,johnson ,walcott4 ,he & ,w9ifr$ /ood talk+1 evid5tly ab\t ,%elby's own dep>t+ road/]1 = !y 7 look+ aft] ,mito z he %ot up ! road to ! g>age4 8,d y guess :at !y are talk+ ab\t80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y to me4 8,i w\ld be will+ to wag] t ,i c reproduce at lea/ a "p ( ! conv]sation4 ,z !y wat*$ ! spe$/] get away %e spoke fir/1 & he nodd$ 8 head 9 ! negative z he repli$4 ,%e spoke aga91 & he nodd$ 9 ! affirmative& smil$40 8,:at 0 x80 ,i ask$4 8,rememb] ,paquita8 ,s does ,w9ifr$4 ,fir/ %e ask$ ,%elby if 8 road/] 0 h>d to driveor some?+ ( ! sort4 ,he said x 0 n4 ,!n %e ask$ :e!r he w\ld %[ h] "s ( ! f9e po9ts ( driv+ x,i am sure t ,w9ifr$ ,walcott c drive1 = %e looks l t sort ( a girl4 ,%elby fairly leap$ ahead l 8 motor does :5 he fe$s x gas4 ,t 0 easy long-di/ance eavesdropp+40 8,:at are !y talk+ ab\t n[80 ,i dem&$1 r spo(+ him ?an s]i\s1 = ,%elby 0 /&+ on ! /eps yet1 q oblivi\s to ev]y?+ ab\t him except ,w9ifr$4 8,i don't "k10 he confess$1 8b ,i c pr$ict t some?+ w happ5 9 ?irty seconds4 ,look up ! road40 ,i glanc$ away4 ,paquita 9 h] spe$/] 0 %oot+ d[n z ?\gh %e _h a f\r? spe$4 ,a second1 & %e _h pull$ up1 leap+ lightly to ! gr\nd4 ,%e nodd$ gaily to ! />t] to take h] c> = h] to ! g>age1 & b\nd$ up ! /eps1 n neglect+ to display a g5]\s vision ( a trim ankle t almo/ caus$ ! />t] to turn ! c> up ! /eps in/ead ( wide f ! ,walcott c>4 ,delib]ately %e pass$ close to ,%elby1 z ?\gh to %[ him ! contra/ betwe5 ! fluffy little girl ( ! morn+ & ! motor girl ( ! aft]noon4 ,%e smil$ sweetly at ,%elby1 n neglect+ a quick glance ( sup]cili\sness at ,w9ifr$1 su* z only a true actress c give4 ,at t mom5t ,ir5e ,maddox appe>$ 9 ! door1 to greet ,johnson & ,mrs4 ,walcott4 ,paquita _h n se5 h]1 nor if %e _h w\ld %e probably h avoid$ ! dramatic meet+4 ,= an in/ant ! two wom5 7 face to face4 ,m5 w\ld h be5 at ea* o!r's ?roats 9 a brutal grip4 ,paquita 0 no less brutal4 ,)\t turn+ an eyela% %e look$ /eadily into ! face ( ! woman :o _h be5 s griev\sly wrong$1 & = all ! surprise or emotion %e display$ %e might h be5 gaz+ at a bisque ornam5t4 ,ir5e ,maddox1 /ately 9 h] black suit ( m\rn+1 drew h]self to h] full height & ! color 9 h] *eeks deep5$ z h] eyes fla%$ at ! o!r woman4 ,paquita swept on gaily4 ,%e 0 supremely happy4 ,%e _h gone up-/age & _h ?r[n two bombs4 ,f our coign ( vantage ,i saw t ano!r 0 wat*+4 ,x 0 our sall[-fac$ fri5d1 :o smil$ d>kly to himself z he wat*$1 !n1 a mom5t lat]1 0 gone1 obs]v$ by none ( !m4 ,paquita _h pass$4 ,"o might h easily p>aphras$ 8,pippa ,passes10 & x 0 n ,god :o 0 9 8 heav51 ei!r1 nor 0 all "r ) ! _w4 ,! gr\p at ! porte-co*re glanc$ at "o ano!r1 & = ! mom5t ea* 0 rem9d$ ( 8 own p>ticul> hate & rivalry4 ,%elby 0 pla9ly *agr9$4 ,he _h be5 gett+ along fam\sly ) ,w9ifr$1 :5 a cold %[] _h be5 plung$ ov] him4 ,ir5e ,maddox _h receiv$ a %>p rem9d] ( h] try+ position4 ,frances ,walcott 0 aga9 a ,maddox1 uns(t5$ by ! trag$y4 ,w9ifr$ li/5$ :ile ,%elby tri$ to f9i% :at he _h be5 say+1 b no?+ 0 ! same z be=e4 ,only ,johnson ,walcott seem$ able to rema9 ! unconc]n$ outsid]4 ,all turn$ into ! hotel n[1 & z !y sep>at$ & disappe>$ ,i wond]$ :e!r ,paquita _h be5 trail+ ab\t & _h delib]ately fram$ ! little incid5t4 ,:at 0 ! mean+ ( ! cont9u$ obs]vation by ! man ( ! sall[ face8 ,j !n "o ( ! boys came ?r\gh ! lobby1 :]e we 7 sitt+ 9 ! angle1 call+ 8,mr4 ,san*ez6 ,mr4 ,san*ez60 ,f ar\nd ! angle1 :]e he c\ld n h se5 u1 appe>$ ! sall[-fac$ individual :o _h s di/urb$ our ?\ghts4 ,he took ! telegram :i* ! boy c>ri$1 tore x op51 & read x4 ,z he did s 8 face1 l9$ ) ang]1 happ5$ to turn 9 our direction & he saw u4 ,)\t appe>+ to notice u1 he sl[ly tore ! telegram z well z ! envelope & /uff$ ! pieces into 8 pocket4 ,!n he turn$ & coolly sat d[n aga9 z ?\gh no?+ _h occurr$4 8,at lea/ we "k t "o ( 8 names is ,san*ez10 comm5t$ ,k5n$y4 8,i'd l to see t message40 8,y're n likely to see x n[1 unless we c pick 8 pocket10 return$ ,burke4 8,don't look ar\nd4 ,!re comes ,mito40 ,! ,japanese padd$ sil5tly pa/1 unconc]n$1 ca/+ no look at ei!r our p>ty or ,san*ez4 ,b ,i knew t 8 beady eyes _h already tak5 u 94 ,i felt t he 0 wat*+ u4 ,b 0 x = 8 own or "s "o else's b5efit8 ,i det]m9$ t1 giv5 an opportunity1 ,i w\ld try to f9d out two ?+s:at ! telegram conta9$ & :y ,mito _h be5 9 t[n ! night be=e4 ,x 0 ! d9n] h\r1 & ! gue/s ( ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 ei!r s+ly or 9 gr\ps1 7 /r++ into ! brilliantly light$ d9+-room1 :]e ! or*e/ra _h already tun$ up4 ,we mov$ ov]1 ne>] ! door1 z ,%elby ,maddox1 all alone1 plac$ 8 hat on ! rack & ent]$1 all[+ ! head wait] to seat him4 8,let u g 9 & obs]ve !m10 decid$ ,k5n$y4 8,ha/+s1 y br\ght u out "h4 ,x w look que] if we all g 9 toge!r4 ,s ,i ?9k t y1 ,burke1 & ,riley _h bett] sit at ano!r table 9 ano!r "p ( ! room2 !n we won't appe> to be all toge!r & we may get m1 too40 ,accord+ly1 ,ha/+s1 ,k5n$y1 & ,i ent]$1 & by a little manuv]+ manag$ to get ourselves plac$ by a w9d[ :]e we c\ld see pretty mu* ev]y?+ t w5t on4 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott 0 already !re1 at a table ) h] bro!r1 h] si/]-9-law1 & ,ir5e ,maddox4 ,!y did n seem to be talk+ mu*4 ,i wond]$ :at c\ld be ! matt]4 ,p]haps x 0 fancy1 b x seem$ z if ! two old] wom5 7 n q s fri5dly z !y _h be5 :5 ,i saw !m 9 ! automobile 9 ! morn+4 ,johnson ,walcott also said little1 b appe>$ to be engross$ 9 read+ ! despat*es f ,we/port 9 ! pap]s4 ,none ( !m ate z ?\gh !y enjoy$ x1 & all seem$ preoccupi$1 especially ,w9ifr$1 :o let di% aft] di% g unta/$4 ,:at _h %e on h] m9d8 ,0 x solely ,paquita8 ,i look$ ov] at a table on ! o!r side ( ! room :]e !re 0 a lone d9]1 ,%elby ,maddox4 ,he1 too1 0 preoccupi$4 ,he _h plac$ himself s t he c\ld cat* ! eye ( ,w9ifr$ :5ev] %e *ose to ca/ x 8 way4 ,b ?\gh he 0 nev] (f gu>d1 %e did n *oose4 ,some?+1 too1 0 s]i\sly affect+ 8 appetite4 ,z f> z food 0 conc]n$1 8 pres5ce 0 a m]e =mality4 8,!re's some?+ /range go+ on 9 t family10 ,i comm5t$ at l5g?4 ,ha/+s smil$ dryly4 8,!y c't agree1 ev5 on a trag$y10 he return$4 8,:at y h se5 s f> to-day 0 m]ely a lull 9 ! /orm4 ,& n[1 if t is complicat$ by outsid]swell1 we %all ne$ all ,mr4 ,k5n$y's acum5 if we are to untangle ! sn>l40 ,k5n$y appe>$ oblivi\s to ! complim5t1 :i* 0 some?+ = ,ha/+s to pay1 = v little 9 ?is mundane sph]e met ! approval ( 8 legal m9d4 ,craig 0 /udy+ a l>ge mirror at ! end ( ! d9+-hall ?\ghtfully4 ,i turn$ & plac$ myself z ne>ly z possible 9 ! same angle ( vision4 8,please1 ,walt]10 he caution$1 8y\r head is opaque,i mean to ! human eye1 old man40 ,my "o glance _h be5 suffici5t to :et my curiosity4 ,by means ( ! mirror he c\ld see ar\nd an 8,l0 9 ! d9+-room1 & !re1 at a little table1 alone1 0 seat$ ,paquita4 ,%e _h *os5 ! coign ( vantage q app>5tly because x put h] 9 range ( ,%elby1 )\t its be+ app>5t to ! o!r gue/s4 ,b ,%elby 0 busy4 ,he _h n ev5 notic$ ,paquita1 9 8 eag]ness to cat* ! crumb ( a glance f ,w9ifr$'s table4 ,n be+ able to wat* ,paquita )\t int]f]+ ) ,k5n$y1 & f9d+ ! /ra9$ relations ( ! o!rs r tiresome1 ,i glanc$ out on ! v]&a by ! w9d[ :]e our table /ood4 ,"s "o 0 pac+ quietly up & d[n4 ,almo/ ) a feel+ ( c]ta9ty ,i /ra9$ my eyes 9 ! d>kness4 8,t ,san*ez is outside1 wat*+ ev]y?+10 ,i call$ ,craig's att5tion4 ,he nodd$4 ,at ! o!r end ( ! d9+-room ,burke & ,riley 7 q z busy z we 71 obs]v+ h[ ^? :om we 7 wat*+ act$ :5 !y 7 all toge!r4 ,! ,walcott p>ty f9i%$ d9n] fir/ & soon aft]w>d rose & left ! room4 ,d[n 9 ! ,cas9o !re 0 danc+ e night1 b1 ( c\rse1 !y did n g !re4 ,in/ead1 !y *ose a seclud$ corn] ( ! por* at ! ,lodge4 ,?\gh !re 0 no lo/ cordiality1 app>5tly !y did n want to sep>ate4 ,at lea/ !y _h _! conflict+ int]e/s 9 common4 ,%elby ne$$ no?+ b a f+]-b[l 9 ord] to f9i% 8 d9n]1 & left hurri$ly1 mu* to ! a/oni%m5t ( ! wait]4 ,burke & ,riley _h already gone out & _h disappe>$ :5 we foll[$ %ortly4 ,prompt$ by ,k5n$y1 ,ha/+s saunt]$ ar\nd to ! end ( ! por* :i* ! ,walcotts & ,mrs4 ,maddox _h occupi$4 ,%elby ,maddox _h already jo9$ !m1 unable to keep away f ,w9ifr$ long]4 ,"o c\ld feel ! con/ra9t ( ! p>ty1 al?\gh to an outsid] x might readily h be5 acc\nt$ = by ! trag$y4 ,h[ev]1 we knew by ?is "t t !re 0 some?+ deep]4 ,%elby 0 app>5tly endeavor+ to ov]come ! impression :i* ! appe>ance & smile ( ,paquita _h produc$1 b ,i c\ld see t ,w9ifr$ 0 n yet entirely mollifi$4 ,! ,maddox p>ty welcom$ un cordially1 b at lea/ n coldly1 = x 0 no "p ( _! "* ev] to betray _! real feel+s be=e "o ano!r4 ,z we drew up *airs ,i c\ld feel ! close scrut9y to :i* we 7 be+ subject$4 8,well80 qu]i$ ,%elby at l5g?1 aft] we _h talk$ ab\t sev]al inconsequ5tial ?+s1 8:at h y f\nd out1 ,ha/+s80 ,he said x 9 a tone t 0 meant to imply t he knew t "s k9d ( inve/igation 0 on4 ,0 x bravado8 8,oh1 sev]al ?+s10 return$ ,ha/+s1 turn+ to ,k5n$y z if to leave ! answ] to him4 8,= "o ?+10 %ot out ,k5n$y1 tak+ advantage ( ! opportunity1 8we h det]m9$ t y\r bro!r di$ f ! effects ( a poison\s gas,i won't say yet :at x 0 or h[ adm9i/]$40 ,! light f a w9d[ 0 %9+ full on ,%elby's face z ,craig said x1 & he knew t we 7 all wat*+ int5tly ! effect x w\ld h4 8,is t s80 he repli$1 ) an int]e/ ?is "t unfeign$4 8,i suppose y "k :o did x80 8,i h an idea10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 8a !ory on :i* ,i am proce$+4 ,b x is too e>ly to talk ab\t x yet40 ,if ,%elby _h be5 try+ to 8pump0 u he 0 gett+ some?+ to ?9k ab\t1 at lea/4 ,i felt sure t ,craig 0 tell+ ! family ?is mu* 9 ! hope t x w\ld spur !m to "s action1 or at lea/ rea* e>s t w\ld be affect$4 ,x 0 :ile ,k5n$y 0 talk+ t ,i notic$ t ,w9ifr$ %[$ h] fir/ real int]e/ 9 :at 0 go+ on ab\t h]4 ,%e 0 ab\t to ask a "q :5 ! s\nd ( foot/eps on ! v]&a int]rupt$4 ,if ,i _h wond]$ :at ! cause ( ! coolness betwe5 ,%elby & ,w9ifr$ 0 ,i _h "h a p>tial answ] at lea/4 ,aga91 z ?\gh to fom5t tr\ble1 ,paquita cross$ ! v]&a & walk$ sl[ly d[n ! /eps to ! ,cas9o1 :5ce float$ ! rhy?mic /ra9s ( ! or*e/ra4 ,?\gh %e did n "k x1 %e produc$ ! result %e s\ght4 ,a few m9utes lat] ,w9ifr$ excus$ h]self to retire to h] room1 h] "q /ill unask$ & unansw]$4 ,%elby b[$ a reluctant good-night1 b ,i c\ld see t inw>dly he 0 furi\s4 ,& ,i felt impell$ to ask myself1 also1 :y ,paquita 0 s app>5tly dogg+ ,%elby's e /ep4 ,c\ld x be t ! notori\s little he>t-break] 0 actually 9 love ) himor _h %e "s d>k] motive8 ,,viii ,,! ,,pulmotor ,%elby 0 pla9ly angry & disconc]t$4 ,= ! mom5t he seem$ to hesitate betwe5 hurry+ aft] ,w9ifr$ & /rid+ d[n ! /eps t[>d ,paquita1 z ?\gh to dem& an explanation ( h] haunt+ appe>ances & disappe>ances4 ,9 ! mom5t t elaps$ dur+ 8 indecision he seem$ to ?9k a second "t & to *eck bo? impulses4 ,bett]1 he evid5tly consid]$1 to affect to ignore ! matt] altoge!r4 ,/ill1 he c\ld n conceal 8 *agr94 ,nor 0 x lo/ on ! o!rs4 ,! ,maddox family 7 wat*+ "o ano!r l hawks4 ,ea* knew t ! o!r knew some?+?\gh n h[ mu*4 ,w9ifr$'s des]tion seem$ to ?r[ a damp] on ! entire gr\p4 ,z = ,%elby1 life _h lo/ its attraction = him ) ,w9ifr$ ,walcott gone4 ,he 0 ab\t to make "s excuse to leave ! p>ty1 !n decid$ t p]haps he might bett] /ay4 ,if any?+ 0 go+ to be said or to happ51 at lea/ he w\ld le>n x4 ,mean:ile ,i notic$ t ,johnson ,walcott 0 cov]tly obs]v+ ,%elby1 :o seem$ to be aw>e ( ! scrut9y ( ! bro!r ( ! girl ) :om he 0 9 love4 ,i felt t ,%elby w\ld n antagonize ,walcott at lea/4 8,!n y are gett+ clos] to ! tru? ( ! dea? ( my bro!r80 inquir$ ,%elby4 8,/ep by /ep10 repli$ ,k5n$y4 8,i am try+ n[ to recon/ruct :at might h be5 hidd5 9 8 private life40 ,ir5e ,maddox gave a quick glance at ,k5n$y4 ,! o!rs 7 sil5t4 ,x 0 a que] family4 ,!re 0 no ^w ( grief = ,m>%all ,maddox4 ,ea* seem$ m]ely to consid] :at be>+ ! trag$y might h on 8 own =tune4 ,a mom5t lat] ,walcott excus$ himself1 plead+ t he _h "s lett]s to write1 & pass$ sl[ly d[n ! por* 9 ! direction ( ! (fice & writ+-room4 ,8 wife1 h[ev]1 & ,ir5e ,maddox %[$ no disposition to move4 ,none ( u said any?+ ab\t ! incid5t1 b ,i "k t ,i did a lot ( wond]+ :y ! m]e appe>ance ( ,paquita seem$ to break up ! p>ty ea* "t z ?\gh a %ell _h bur/4 ,0 !re some?+ ly+ back :i* nei!r ,k5n$y nor myself knew any?+ ab\t8 ,0 x m ?an rev5ge or jeal\sy8 ,z = myself1 someh[ ,i _h become mightily int]e/$ 9 ! drama ( ! little ,mexican danc] & ,%elby1 :atev] x might be4 ,h[ did ,san*ez complicate x8 ,c\ld x be t ,burke 0 "r & t he 0 an int]national crook8 ,besides1 ,mito 0 on my m9d n[ m ?an any ( ! ,maddoxes 9 ! gr\p1 anyh[4 ,accord+ly1 ,i lean$ ov] & :isp]$ to ,k5n$y4 8,i'd l to foll[ t girl ,paquita & wat* h] a bit40 8,v good1 ,walt]10 he :isp]$ back4 8,see if y c f9d h]4 ,i want to /ay "h ) ,ha/+s & talk to !m4 ,molasses w cat* m flies ?an v9eg>4 ,i w /ick along until !re is an op5 break40 ,glad ( ! release he _h giv5 me1 ,i made "s excuse to ! p>ty1 & )\t seem+ to d s w&]$ (f f ! ,lodge t[>d ! ,cas9o 9 ! direction tak5 by ,paquita4 ,z ,i approa*$ ! ,cas9o1 :i* 0 n[ ablaze ) lights & gaiety1 ,i paus$ outside 9 ! %ad[ to survey ! long l9e ( sn[y :ite tables on a balcony ^: outlook 0 directly on ! d>k-blue wat]s ( ! bay & out betwe5 ! two necks ( l& into ! ,s\nd4 ,x seem$ a v]itable fairy-l&4 ,"o aft] ano!r1 ,i scann$ ! faces ( ! p>ties at ! tables 9 ! hope ( cat*+ a glimpse ( ,paquita1 b %e 0 at none ( !m4 ,z ,i /ood 9 ! %ad[ ( a clump ( %rubb]y ,i 0 sudd5ly aw>e t "s "o _h cross$ ! ?ick grassy c>pet & 0 /&+ almo/ directly beh9d me4 ,i turn$ to f9d ,burke4 8,i don't suppose y h se5 t ,jap1 ,mito1 ab\t80 he ask$1 modulat+ 8 voice4 8,no10 ,i repli$4 8,i j came d[n "h4 ,k5n$y & ,ha/+s are on ! por* ) ! ,maddoxes & ,i ?\ght ,i might d "s inve/igat+ on my own acc\nt4 ,:y8 ,:at has ,mito be5 do+80 ,burke %rugg$4 8,p]haps no?+p]haps mu*4 ,riley & ,i h be5 /roll+ ab\t ! outside1 on a *ance4 ,once we f\nd ,mito sitt+ ap>t1 app>5tly look+ out ov] ! h>bor1 al?\gh ,i am sure t t 0 n all he 0 do+4 ,= :5 he saw ,paquita com+ d[n ! pa?1 almo/ be=e we knew x he _h giv5 u ! slip 9 ! d>kness4 ,i ?9k he _h be5 wait+ = h] to appe>40 8,:]e is %e80 ,i ask$4 8,x 0 really to foll[ h] t ,i came d[n "h40 ,burke nodd$ t[>d ! danc+-floor ( ! ,cas9o4 8,i suppose %e is 9 !re10 he repli$4 8,at lea/ %e 0 a mom5t ago4 ,i w\ld feel a great deal saf] 9 putt+ my f+] on h] ?an on t ,jap4 ,he is eely4 ,e "t ,i ?9k ,i h caught him he gets ?r\gh my grasp4 ,x may be t he is only a fai?ful s]vant to 8 ma/]1 al?\gh ,i w\ld l to be conv9c$ ( x4 ,all ! "t t y & ,k5n$y 7 up !re on ! v]&a he 0 wat*+4 ,i don't "k :at ,paquita did1 b :5 %e walk$ d[n he spott$ h] 9 a mom5t& 0 gone40 8,t's j ! po9t10 ,i ha/5$4 8,%e didn't d a ?+ except pass ne> u & be/[ a sweet smile on ,%elby4 ,x's ! second "t s9ce we got back f ! city4 ,i c't make out :at %e is up to1 unless x is to sep>ate ! lov]s40 8,i ?9k ,i %all try to see ,k5n$y10 conclud$ ,burke4 8,all "r10 ,i agre$ z he turn$ away4 8,y'll f9d him at ! ,lodge on ! por*4 ,i am go+ to /ay "h a:ile & see :at ,paquita does4 ,h[ ab\t ,san*ez80 ,i recollect$4 8,no?+ at all10 imp>t$ ,burke z he left me4 8,s9ce d9n] he seems to h dropp$ out ( sight entirely40 ,burke hav+ left me1 ,i saunt]$ into ! light1 &1 be+ alone1 *ose a table f :i* ,i c\ld see bo? ! danc]s & ! gay p>ties at ! o!r little r\nd tables4 ,int5tly my gaze w&]$ 9 t[>d ! danc+4 ,! lively /ra9s ( a fox-trot 7 s5d+ ! cr[d$ c\ples rico*et+ ov] ! poli%$ floor4 ,x 0 a brilliant sight! myriad lights1 ! sway+ c\ples1 ! musical rhy?m p]vad+ all4 ,sure en\gh1 !re 0 ,paquita4 ,i c\ld pick h] out f among !m all1 = !re 0 none1 ev5 among ^! season$ danc]s1 :o c\ld equal ! pretty pr(essional4 ,danc+ ) h] 0 a "y man :om ,i did n recognize4 ,nor did x seem to matt]1 = ev5 9 ! encore ,i f\nd t %e _h ano!r p>tn]4 ,)\t a d\bt !y 7 ( ! gr\p ( ! y\ng] set to :om ,paquita 0 a fasc9at+ creature4 ,:at1 if any?+1 h] p>tn]s might h to d ) ! ,maddox my/]y ,i 0 unable to det]m9e1 ?\gh ,i incl9$ to ! belief t x 0 no?+4 ,sophi/icat$ ?\gh !y may h ?\ght !mselves1 !y 7 m]e *ildr5 9 ! h&s ( ,paquita4 ,%e 0 q app>5tly us+ h] v popul>ity z a mask4 ,f my table on ! t]race ov] ! bay ,i caught sight ( a face1 all alone1 :i* amaz$ me4 ,johnson ,walcott 0 q z mu* int]e/$ 9 ,paquita z any ( ! y\ng] set4 ,x 0 too late = me to move4 ,walcott caught sight ( me & soon _h plant$ himself 9 ! *air opposite4 8,:at d y make ( t girl80 he ask$1 f9ally1 z ?\gh frankly confess+ ! object ( 8 visit to ! ,cas9o4 ,i 0 on gu>d4 ,i did n want to admit to any ( ! family t nei!r ,k5n$y nor myself _h fa?om$ h]4 8,i don't "k10 ,i repli$1 c>efully avoid+ ! appe>ance ( hav+ come d[n solely to wat* h]4 8,%e seems to be q int]e/$ 9 ! ,maddox family40 ,walcott laugh$ z ?\gh to indicate to me t he und]/ood t ,i knew ! sc&al4 ,j !n ,paquita caught sight ( u toge!r4 ,i ?\ght %e seem$ di/rait4 ,%e rose & a mom5t lat] disappe>$ ?r\gh ! ,fr5* w9d[4 ,inw>dly ,i curs$ ,walcott = 8 intrusion at t mom5t1 = "u ! circum/ances ,i c\ld n abruptly jump up & leave him to foll[ h]4 ,yet x 0 j t second 9 :i* %e 0 gone4 ,! danc+ seem$ to h no attraction = h] to-night4 ,evid5tly !re 0 some?+ ly+ back 9 h] /range actions4 ,m ?an likely %e _h come d[n to ! ,cas9o = ! sole purpose ( pass+ ,%elby aga9 :5 ,w9ifr$ 0 pres5t4 ,z soon z ,i conv5i5tly c\ld ,i manag$ to deta* myself f ,walcott1 b1 z ,i _h expect$1 by ! "t ,i got ar\nd to ! ,fr5* w9d[ ?r\gh :i* ,paquita _h gone %e 0 n[h]e ab\t4 ,:at ( ,san*ez8 ,:]e 0 he8 ,i loit]$ ab\t = a mom5t1 !n sl[ly m\nt$ ! /eps t l$ back to ! ,lodge1 int5d+ to rejo9 ,k5n$y & ,ha/+s4 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ! por* aga9 all 7 gone4 ,%elby _h got away1 & ! o!rs _h ei!r gone to _! rooms or to ! m lively corridor ( ! hotel4 ,i look$ ab\t1 b c\ld see nei!r ,k5n$y nor ,ha/+s4 ,!y1 too1 seem$ to h disappe>$ on "s mission4 ,:at ,i w\ld d next ,i did n "k4 ,sudd5ly !re fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d ! ?\ght ( ! high-p[]$ c> t ! policeman _h told ,burke ( see+ ne> ! ,maddox ,build+ ! night be=e4 ,i wond]$ :e!r !re might n be "s clue t ,i might obta9 f ! g>age back ( ! ,lodge4 ,!re mu/ be at lea/ two spe$/]s !re1 ,paquita's & ,%elby's4 ,p]haps !re 7 o!rs4 ,at lea/ ,i might f9d out :e!r ei!r ( !m _h be5 out ! night ( ! murd]4 ,hav+ no?+ bett] to d1 ,i det]m9$ to make a little t\r ( inve/igation 9 t direction myself4 ,z ,i made my way to ! re> ( ! hotel ,i saw t !re 7 inde$ two g>ages1 "o l>ge "o t 0 mo/ g5]ally us$ & a small] "o t look$ z ?\gh x might h be5 built z an aft]?\ght to accommodate an ov]fl[ ( c>s4 ,! small] "o 0 ne> & ,i det]m9$ to exam9e x fir/4 ,x 0 d>k1 too1 z ?\gh n be+ us$ except ov] week-ends1 :5 ! hotel 0 cr[d$4 ,almo/ be=e ,i 0 aw>e ( x x seem$ z if ,i saw a figure flit pa/ a w9d[4 ,p]haps x 0 my imag9ation4 ,at any rate ,i w\ld n h consci5ti\sly sworn to x1 = my att5tion at ! "t 0 direct$ at ! o!r1 light$1 g>age4 ,! impression 0 en\gh1 h[ev]4 ,i quick5$ my pace until ,i came to ! d>k build+4 ,me*anically ,i tri$ ! door1 fully expect+ t x w\ld be lock$4 ,to my surprise1 x 0 op51 & be=e ,i realiz$ x ,i _h swung ! door & my foot 0 on ! ?re%old4 8,:o's0 ,! words 7 sc>cely out ( my lips :5 a spit ( fire 9 ! blackness ( ! int]ior repli$4 ,= a mom5t my head seem$ 9 a :irl4 ,sight & he>+ left me4 ,t is all ,i rememb]4 ,an h\r lat]1 vaguely1 indi/9ctly1 z ?\gh f> away1 ,i he>d a famili> voice call+ me4 ,x seem$ to be f> (f1 & ,i /ruggl$ aft] x1 bl9dly grop+4 ,!re seem$ to be some?+ ov] my face1 some?+ t cov]$ my eyes4 ,i felt t if ,i c\ld only get x (f ,i w\ld be all "r4 ,b try z ,i w\ld1 ,i _h n ! /r5g?4 ,/ill1 ,i 0 enc\rag$4 ,! voice seem$ ne>]1 m di/9ct4 ,0 x ,k5n$y's8 ,x s\nd$ /rangely l x4 ,i claw$ aga9 at ! ?+ t seem$ to keep me f him4 ,to my surprise x came (f itself1 leav+ me bl9k+ 9 a flood ( light4 8,walt]are y all "r80 ,i n[ he>d ! voice di/9ctly4 8,:-:]e am ,i8 ,:at happ5$80 ,i gasp$1 feel+ /ill a suffocat+ s5sation 9 ! ?roat & *e/1 my m\? p>*$1 dry & irritat$1 & my nose t+l+ z ?\gh afire4 8,"h 9 ! g>age10 repli$ ,craig1 hold+ a peculi> rubb] face mask 9 "o h&1 :ile ,burke /ood beside a sort ( box ab\t ! size ( a suit-case f :i* rubb] tubes ran to ! mask4 8,i ?\ght ! pulmotor w\ld d ! trick40 8,x's lucky y are t !re 0 a gas company 9 t[n t's up-to-date & has "o ( ! ?+s10 return$ ,burke1 break+ back into a v]nacul> m natural ?an t v5e]$ on 8 hone/ tongue4 8,praise be t he's all "r4 ,a night's sleep w d him good1 don't y say1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y80 8,bb :at is x all ab\t80 ,i *ok$1 /riv+ to get my feet1 b f9d+ myself /ill a bit weak4 ,my eye caught ! motors & pumps & tubes 9 ! pulmotor1 b t convey$ no idea to me4 8,tell me,craig:o 0 x80 8,i wi% ,i c\ld1 old fell[10 repli$ ,craig1 smoo?+ back my hair4 8,we 7 j a bit late = the>d ! %otda%$ 91 & f\nd y1 ( all p4 ,h[ did y come "h80 ,propp$ up g5tly by ,craig1 ,i told :at ,i c\ld ( ! /ory1 ?\gh !re 0 next to no?+ to tell4 8,:oev] x 010 ,i conclud$1 press+ my a*+ temples ruefully1 8he _h j "t to get away4 ,y he>d a %ot8 ,am ,i w\nd$8 ,:at's t pulmotor =80 8,n w\nd$10 ,craig return$4 8,b y c be ?ankful we _h t ?+ & t ! gas 9 ?is asphyxiat+ pi/ol 0 n *lor9e4 ,i don't "k :at x 0possibly sabadilla v]atr9e1 "s ( ^? ?+s !y're us+ abroad 9 asphyxiat+ bombs40 8,:oev] x 01 he 0 prep>$ = u "h10 call$ ,burke1 :o1 n[ t ,i 0 out ( dang]1 _h turn$ 8 att5tion to ! g>age itself4 8,he's remov$ :atev] might be incrim9at+4 ,x's all z clean z a :i/le "h4 ,"s "o expect$ u40 8,i knew t all along10 return$ ,craig1 quietly4 8,walt] blund]$ into a trap t 0 set = me40 ,i felt ! pressure ( 8 h& on m9e4 ,x 0 wor? x all to "k t ,i _h at lea/ sav$ ,k5n$y some?+1 ev5 if ,i _h accompli%$ no?+4 8,b :o c\ld h kn[n t we 7 go+ to ! g>age80 ,i ask$4 ,k5n$y 0 sil5t a mom5t4 8,"s "o is spy+ on ukn[s our movem5ts1 mu/ "k ev5 :at we talk ab\t10 he said1 sl[ly4 ,we look$ at "o ano!r blankly4 ,x 0 uncanny4 ,:at c\ld we d8 ,7 we 9 ! h&s ( a p[] great] ?an any ( u _h imag9$8 ,,ix ,,! ,,trail+ ,,( ,,paquita ,rapidly recov]+ n[ f ! effects ( ! asphyxiat+ gun1 ?anks to ! prompt aid ( ,k5n$y1 ,i 0 soon able to sit up 9 my improvis$ b$ on ! g>age floor4 ,z well c be imag9$1 h[ev]1 ,i did n feel l engag+ 9 v /r5u\s activity4 ,ev5 ! simple inve/igation ( ,burke1 z he explor$ ! g>age1 seem$ l a wond]ful exhibition ( en]gy to me4 8,well1 !re c]ta9ly is no c> "h n[10 he rem>k$ z he survey$ ! obvi\s empt9ess ( ! place4 8,:i* is n to say t !re has n be5 "o "h rec5tly10 add$ ,k5n$y1 :o 0 n[ divid+ 8 att5tion betwe5 me & ! build+4 8,"s "o has be5 "h ) a c>10 he add$1 po9t+ to "s fre% oil spots on ! floor1 & b5d+ d[n beside !m4 8,jameson's inhospitable ho/ has evid5tly tak5 ! pa9s to remove all traces t might be ( any value4 ,seehe has oblit]at$ ev5 ! tire tracks by :i* ! c> might h be5 id5tifi$40 8,mu/ h _h great respect = y\r ability10 rem>k$ ,burke1 also exam9+ ! m>ks t %[$ h[ c>efully ! floor _h be5 gone ov] to gu>d aga9/ leav+ a clue4 8,:oev] x 0 0 clev] en\gh to keep j a jump ahead ( u4 ,n a s+le trace 0 left4 ,i wond] :o x c\ld be80 8,i've n>r[$ x d[n to two !ories10 int]pos$ ,burke's ,secret ,s]vice man1 ,riley1 always f]tile ) conjectures1 8b ,i c't say :i* ,i pref]4 ,to my way ( ?9k+1 ei!r ! pres5ce ( ,mito 9 ! t[n la/ night w\ld expla9 ev]y?+1 or else ?is all has some?+ to d ) ! telegram t we saw ! sall[-fac$ ,san*ez receive40 ,ei!r conjecture 0 plausible en\gh1 on ! face ( x4 ,k5n$y li/5$1 b said no?+4 ,!re seem$ to be no reason = rema9+ long] 9 ! g>age4 8,h[ d y feel n[1 ,walt]80 ask$ ,craig4 8,d y ?9k y c\ld /& be+ mov$ to ! hotel80 ,an oppressive dizz9ess /ill affect$ me1 b ,i knew t ,i c\ld n cont9ue to lie on ! damp floor4 ,) ,k5n$y's aid1 ,i /ruggl$ to my feet4 ,b>ely able to walk1 & lean+ heavily on 8 arm1 ,i manag$ to make my way f ! g>age & across ! bit ( lawn to ! side v]&a ( ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,/ill weak1 ,i 0 =c$ to drop into a wick] *air to recov] my /r5g?4 8,:y1 ,mr4 ,jameson1 :at is ! matt]80 ask$ a woman's voice beside u4 ,i look$ up to see ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,evid5tly :5 %e left u %e _h n gone to h] room4 ,z ,craig told h] briefly :at _h happ5$1 %e 0 in/antly sympa!tic4 8,t's /range10 %e murmur$4 8,i felt re/less & ,i 0 /roll+ ab\t ! pa?s back ( ! ,lodge4 ,i he>d ! %ot?\ght x 0 an automobile tire or a back-fire4 ,:y1 n t5 m9utes be=e1 ,i am sure ,i saw ,paquita ) ,%elby's valet1 ,mito40 ,burke :isp]$ to ,riley1 :o nodd$ & disappe>$ ) alacrity4 ,i ?\ght ( ! cordiality ,i _h (t5 obs]v$ betwe5 ,mexicans & ,japanese4 ,0 t ! case 9 ?is in/ance8 ,c\ld x be t ,paquita knew some?+ ab\t ! attack on me8 ,0 ,mito ! my/]i\s attack]8 ,x 0 sc>cely a mom5t lat] t ,johnson ,walcott appe>$ ar\nd ! corn]1 evid5tly seek+ 8 si/]4 ,j !n ,riley return$1 dragg+ ! reluctant ,mito4 8,:]e h y be580 bell[$ ,burke4 ,! little ,jap's face 0 impassive4 8,i 0 sitt+ j outside ! s]vants' qu>t]s1 sir1 mo/ ( ! ev5+10 he return$1 9 bl& surprise4 8,?9k a mom5t10 %\t$ ,burke1 advanc+ close to him & pe]+ into 8 face4 8,:o h y be5 talk+ to8 ,tell me1 & m9d y tell ! tru?or x'll g h>d ) y40 8,) no "o1 sir10 ass]t$ ,mito1 positively4 ,burke 0 by ?is "t r$ 9 ! face ) rage z all t he _h ev] le>n$ 9 8 ?ird-degree days came to ! surface4 8,y lie60 he exclaim$4 8,i saw y )0 8,well10 dem&$ a voice1 int]rupt+1 8:at's all ?is8 ,:at has ,mito be5 do+80 ,x 0 ,%elby ,maddox1 :o _h be5 attract$ f ! lobby by ! l\d voices4 8,do+ en\gh10 return$ ,burke4 8,"s "o's tak5 a %ot at ,mr4 ,jameson 9 ! g>age4 ,n[1 look "h1 y little br[n bro!r4 ,d y mean to tell me t y hav5't be5 ) any "o all ! ev5+8 ,?9k?9k h>d40 ,mito prote/$1 b ,burke 0 n satisfi$4 8,don't try to hide x10 he urg$4 8,?is lady saw y40 ,%elby gave a quick glance at ,w9ifr$4 ,!n he turn$ to ,mito4 8,tell him10 he comm&$4 8,only ,miss ,paquita pass$ me once10 repli$ ! ,jap4 8,%e did n say any?+4 ,i saw ,mr4 ,jameson1 too1 be=e1 on ! %ore by ! ,cas9o40 ,x 0 clev]1 :atev] else x might be4 ,no matt] :at ei!r ,paquita or ,i might say lat]1 ,mito _h protect$ himself4 ,he _h admitt$ ev]y?+ & confess$ no?+4 ,burke 0 f> f satisfi$4 ,he 0 ab\t to turn to ,w9ifr$ :5 h] bro!r int]pos$4 8,w9ifr$10 int]rupt$ ,johnson ,walcott 9 a tone approa*+ au?ority1 8,i ?9k y _h bett] n get mix$ up 9 ?is affair40 8,q "r10 agre$ ,%elby4 8,i see no reason :y ,miss ,walcott %\ld be annoy$ by ?is cross-exam9ation40 ,w9ifr$ look$ op5 defiance at h] bro!r's int]f]5ce4 8,i c promise y t if ,i f9d t ,mito has be5 do+ any?+ he %\ld n1 ,i %all be responsible = him10 smoo!d ,%elby4 ,a mom5t lat] bo? ,w9ifr$ & h] bro!r left4 ,%e /ill res5t$ 8 bro!rly int]f]5ce4 ,burke _h n got any:]e ) 8 que/ion+ & ,k5n$y app>5tly believ$ t ! "t = su* a c\rse 0 n yet ripe4 8,i ?9k ! be/ ?+ we c d is to get ,jameson to 8 room10 he sugge/$1 by way ( cutt+ (f an unpr(itable exam9ation be=e any damage 0 done4 ,burke accept$ ! broad h9t4 ,:ile ,%elby & ,mito )drew1 ,ha/+s & ,craig betwe5 !m manag$ to get me up to our room & to b$4 ,z ,i lay !re1 glad en\gh to be quiet1 we held a ha/y conf]5ce to consid] ! /range attack t _h be5 made4 8,:at ,i don't und]/&10 ,i repeat$1 8is h[ any "o %\ld "k t we ev] ?\ght ( visit+ ei!r t g>age or ! o!r40 ,k5n$y _h be5 say+ v little4 ,z ,ha/+s & ,i talk$ he seem$ to be ?9k+ ov] some?+ deeply4 ,sudd5ly 8 face regi/]$ ! dawn ( an idea4 8,to-morr[1 ,ha/+s10 he exclaim$1 8we mu/ g into t[n4 ,i want to g to y\r (fice4 ,z = to-night1 !re doesn't seem to be any?+ m t we c d4 ,burke & ,riley are on gu>d d[n-/airs4 ,i ?9k ,walt] ne$s a good re/4 ,s d we all4 ,good night1 ,mr4 ,ha/+s4 ,i w see y to-morr[ e>ly40 ,a night's re/ fix$ me up all "r & ,i 0 anxi\sly d[n 9 ! lobby e>ly next morn+4 ,=tunately no?+ fur!r ( any great importance _h happ5$ dur+ ! night & ,i felt a s5se ( satisfaction at n hav+ miss$ any?+4 ,among u all we _h be5 able to keep a pretty close surveillance on ^? 9 ,we/port :om we suspect$ might h any in=mation4 ,! day be=e _h br\ght ) x a gri/ ( new my/]y in/ead ( cle>+ up ! old1 b ,k5n$y 0 happy4 ,he 0 9 8 elem5t1 & ! h>d] x 0 to crack ! nut ! m ze/ he put into ! crack+ ( x4 ,to my surprise1 ! morn+ express f\nd ! entire ,maddox family1 except ,ir5e ,maddox1 ga!r$ on ! plat=m ( ! qua9t little /ation4 8,:at d y suppose has giv5 !m ?is sudd5 impulse to g 9 to t[n80 :isp]$ ,k5n$y to ,ha/+s4 ,! lawy] %rugg$4 8,i %\ldn't be surpris$ if !y 7 gett+ back into _! normal /ate aft] ! fir/ %ock10 he repli$1 dryly4 8,i ?9k !y are all go+ to consult _! v>i\s attorneys,%elby probably w see ,h>vey1 & ,mrs4 ,walcott & h] husb& w see ,duncan ,bruce40 ,z we wait$ = ! tra9 ,i realiz$ :y x 0 t ,we/port 0 popul>4 ,! little t[n 0 n only )9 fair access to ! city1 b x 0 f> en\gh away to be beyond ! city's blight4 ,go+ back & =? 0 s easy t ea* ( ! cont5d+ p>ties 0 able to take x z a matt] ( c\rse t he %\ld g to ,new ,york4 ,! cr[n+ surprise came1 h[ev]1 j a mom5t be=e ! express swung ar\nd ! curve4 ,! cream-color$ spe$/] swung up to ! plat=m1 turn$1 & back$ 9 ) ! o!r c>s4 ,no "o c\ld miss x4 ,! beautiful ,paquita jump$ airily out1 m baffl+ ?an ev] 9 h] artificiality4 ,z ,i wat*$ h] my =m] impression 0 confirm$ t ! notoriety :i* %e c\rt$ 0 p>adoxically h] 8cov]40 ,%e seem$ to seek ! limelight4 ,9 s do+ did %e hope to div]t att5tion f :at 0 really go+ on back-/age8 ,x w\ld h be5 a bold /roke4 ,i express$ my idea to ,k5n$y4 ,he smil$1 b n ) 8 usual indulg5ce4 ,0 x 8 own idea1 too8 ,no?+ occurr$ dur+ ! ride 9 to t[n 9 ! *air-c>1 except t ea* 0 /ill furtively wat*+ ! o!r & all 7 wat*+ ,paquita4 ,paquita 0 try+ desp]ately to attract ! notice ( ,%elby4 ,! "y man seem$ greatly emb>rass$4 ,z he sat beside 8 si/] ,i saw t ,frances ,walcott 0 ke5ly appreciative ( ! ef=ts ( ! little danc]4 ,once ,i excus$ myself on ! pretext t ,i want$ ano!r morn+ pap]1 & walk$ =w>d into ! smok+-c>4 ,x 0 z ,i _h suspect$4 ,san*ez 0 !re4 8,i ?9k we _h bett] split our =ces10 plann$ ,k5n$y1 :5 ,i report$ to him :at ,i _h se54 8,san*ez1 ,i suppose1 w trail along aft] ,paquita4 ,9 t case1 ,walt]1 ,i %all leave !m to y4 ,i want to h&le ,%elby myself4 ,meet me at ! laboratory & !n we c g d[n to y\r (fice1 ,mr4 ,ha/+s4 ,&1 by ! way1 if y w take a h9t f me1 sir1 y w be c>eful :at y d & :at y say at y\r (fice4 ,i ?9k y'll und]/& :5 ,i see y !re aga940 ,! a/oni%$ look on ,ha/+s's face 0 q wor? /udy4 ,x 0 z ?\gh "s "o _h told him to gu>d 8 ?\ghts4 ,! v possibility t !re c\ld be a 8leak10 :i* 0 evid5tly ! way 9 :i* he int]pret$ ,k5n$y's cryptic rem>k1 _h nev] seem$ to occur to him1 s sure 0 he ab\t ^? :om he employ$4 ,no?+ m 0 said ab\t ! matt]1 h[ev]1 & z our tra9 roll$ ?r\gh ! "u-riv] tube into ! /ation ! v>i\s gr\ps began to break up z we _h expect$4 ,) a p>t+ ^w f ,k5n$y ,i worm$ my way ?r\gh ! cr[d 9 ! direction ( ! cab-/& & 0 already 9 a cab & half-way up ! ramp to ! /reet :51 look+ back ?r\gh ! little glass w9d[1 ,i saw1 z ,i _h expect$1 ,paquita trip gaily up to ! same />t] & ent] ano!r4 ,on ! av5ue a /op gave me ample "t to tip my driv] & in/ruct him to foll[ ! cab t 0 com+ up back ( u4 ,!n by settl+ back f ! w9d[s ,i 0 able to let ,paquita's cab pass & pick h] up aga9 )\t h] kn[+ t %e 0 be+ trail$4 ,)\t look+ back1 ,i knew t ,san*ez _h tri$ to foll[1 b x 0 n until we _h gone sev]al blocks & made a sudd5 turn into ,broadway t ,i realiz$1 on look+ cauti\sly ar\nd1 t someh[ he _h miss$ out4 ,p]haps !re _h n be5 ano!r cab on ! in/ant4 ,anyh[1 ,i 0 n myself foll[$4 ,on up-t[n ,paquita's cab proce$$1 until f9ally x /opp$ be=e a build+ :i* ,i knew to be full ( !atrical ag5cies & (fices4 ,i c\ld n1 ( c\rse1 foll[ h] into ! (fice into :i* %e w5t1 b ,i manag$ to f9d out t %e _h gone to ! (fice t _h rec5tly be5 op5$ by a company t propos$ to put on a new feature 9 ! fall kn[n z ,la ,danza ,mexicana4 ,x seem$ l a p]fectly legitimate bus9ess trip1 yet accord+ to my idea ,paquita 0 m]ely us+ h] notoriety to attract ^? :om %e might use = h] own purposes4 ,:at int]e/$ me 0 :e!r x 0 purely money or a deep] motive t actuat$ h]4 ,f ! (fice ( h] ag5t %e hurri$ ov] to ,fif? ,av5ue1 & !re %e made sev]al l5g?y /ops at fa%ionable co/um]s1 mill9]s1 & o!r deal]s & design]s ( *ic we>+ app>el4 ,9 all ?is !re seem$ to be no?+ to take exception to & ,i became we>y ( ! pursuit4 ,x 0 n h] legitimate !atrical c>e] t int]e/$ me4 ,h[ev]1 s x w5t until ! lun* h\r arriv$4 ,q demurely & prop]ly %e /opp$ at a well-kn[n tea-room :]e tir$ %opp]s refre%$ !mselves4 ,i swore s(tly "u my brea?4 ,i c\ld n well foll[ h] 91 = a man is a m>k$ c>d 9 a tea-room4 ,to g 9 0 l %\t+ 9 h] e> t ,i 0 wat*+ h]4 ,!re=e1 ,i /ay$ outside &1 in/ead ( lun*+1 wat*$ ! pass+ cr[d ( sm>t %opp]s :ile ! clock on ! taximet] m\nt$ /eadily4 ,i _h fidget$ 9 my cab = p]haps half an h\r :5 ,i became aw>e t m9e 0 n ! only cab t 0 wait+ 9 ! neighborhood4 ,9 ^! %ad[+ jobs "o has to keep 8 eyes glu$ on ! door ?r\gh :i* ! 8subject0 mu/ exit1 = x is unbelievable h[ easily a p]son1 ev5 :5 n aw>e ( be+ wat*$1 may slip out into a cr[d & disappe>4 ,consequ5tly ,i _h n paid mu* att5tion to my surr\nd+s4 ,b once :5 ,i lean$ =w>d to speak to my driv]1 :o by ?is "t 0 fully conv9c$ t ,i 0 crazy1 ,i happ5$ to glance across ! /reet4 ,at ! w9d[ ( ano!r cab ,i saw a famili> face4 ,san*ez _h lo/ ,paquita at ! /ation1 b by "s process ( reason _h pick$ h] up aga9 at ! tea-room4 ,i 0 det]m9$ m ?an ev] n[ to hang on to bo? ( !m4 ,lun*eon ov]1 ,paquita f9ally em]g$1 /ill alone4 ,:at bus9ess %e may h transact$ ov] ! telephone dur+ h] v>i\s /ops ,i d n "k4 ,:at ,i want$ 0 = h] to feel p]fectly free1 9 ! hope t %e might d some?+4 ,yet %e _h n giv5 me ! satisfaction ( meet+ a s+le p]son :om %e %\ld n h met4 ,aga9 h] cab />t$ on its r\nd1 b ?is "t x roll$ back into ! !at] di/rict4 ,my driv] almo/ jolt$ me f ! seat z he /opp$ once4 ,i look$ ahead4 ,paquita's cab _h pull$ up be=e ! (fice ( a well-kn[n music publi%] & %e 0 gett+ out4 ,to my surprise1 h[ev]1 in/ead ( ent]+ %e delib]ately turn$ & walk$ back 9 ! direction ( my cab4 ,i sank f>!r back into its %all[ recesses1 tru/+ t %e w\ld n glance my way4 ,a da9ty creation ( headge> intrud$ itself ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[ ( my cab4 8,y h be5 foll[+ me all day1 ,mr4 ,jameson10 purr$ ,paquita 9 h] sweete/ tone1 z h] baffl+ br[n eyes se>*$ my face & enjoy$ ! discomfiture ,i c\ld n hide4 8,i "k xh kn[n x all ! "t4 ,!re's ano!r cab1 too1 back ( y4 ,i've be5 go+ ab\t my own bus9esshav5't ,i8mak+ arrangem5ts = my new %[ ?is fall4 ,y hav5't any?+except a bill1 h y8 ,nei!r has ! man 9 ! o!r cab4 ,n[ ,i'm go+ to g "r on4 ,y are welcome to foll[40 ,be=e ,i c\ld reply %e _h swept disda9fully back & _h ent]$ ! build+4 ,*agr9$ ?\gh ,i 0 at ! way %e _h l$ ! *ase1 ,i det]m9$ to /ick to h]1 nev]!less4 ,9 ! publi%+ h\se %e rema9$ an uncommonly long "t1 b :5 at la/ %e came out ,i saw t %e gave a little petulant glance fir/ to see :e!r ,i 0 /ill !re4 ,h] cab %ot away1 b my man 0 al]t & we trail$ along d[n ! av5ue4 ,twice1 n[1 ,i saw h] look+ back at me4 ,t1 at lea/1 0 "s enc\ragem5t4 ,p]haps vexation might impel h] to d some?+4 ,z we came to a tangle ( c>s cross+ ,longacre ,squ>e1 ,paquita lean$ =w>d ?r\gh ! front w9d[ ( h] taxicab & delib]ately turn$ ! :eel t ! driv] 0 /e]+4 ,! unexpect$ int]f]5ce caus$ him to /op sudd5ly4 ,z my driv] pull$ up1 !re came a cra% & a sma%+ ( glass beh9d me4 ,8 pull+ up _h =tunately ?r[n me =w>d4 ,! c> 9 :i* ,san*ez 0 rid+ _h cra%$ into m9e1 & only my be+ ?r[n =w>d prev5t$ me f receiv+ ! %att]$ glass4 ,in/antly ! traffic policeman 0 beside u & a cr[d began to collect4 ,be=e ,i knew x ,paquita 9 h] taxi 0 (f & !re 0 no possibility ( foll[+4 ,:]e %e 0 go+ ,i c\ld n n[ f9d out4 ,p]haps !re 01 z ,burke suspect$1 a gang1 & %e _h all day be5 seek+ to get to _! r5dezv\s4 ,z ,i wat*$ ! (fic] & ! cr[d blankly1 ,i _h b "o satisfaction4 ,at lea/ ,san*ez c\ld n foll[1 ei!r4 ,quickly ,i gave ! policeman my "n z a witness1 glanc$ at ! 8clock10 & paid my taxicab bill4 ,san*ez saw :at ,i did & t x 0 no use = him to try to get away4 ,he paid 8 own bill & delib]ately turn$ away1 on foot1 & walk$ d[n ,sev5? ,av5ue4 ,a few feet beh9d ,i foll[$4 ,he paid no att5tion to me1 b kept on d[n-t[n1 until at la/ ,i realiz$ t we _h come to ! neighborhood ( ! railroad t]m9al4 ,at ! /ation he turn$1 & ,i knew t he _h decid$ to take ! e>ly tra9 back to ,we/port4 ,/ill foll[+1 ,i w5t ?r\gh all ! motions ( hav+ also decid$ to take ! tra9 myself4 ,i let ,san*ez g ?r\gh ! gate1 !n at ! la/ mom5t retreat$ & walk$ ov] to ! telegraph (fice z ! gate bang$ %ut4 ,i w\ld n h miss$ ! appo9tm5t ) ,k5n$y & ,ha/+s = any?+1 & ! tra91 except = "o /op1 0 an express to ,we/port4 ,a wire to ,riley out !re w\ld prev5t ,san*ez f gett+ away f sight1 ev5 if he %\ld decide to get (f at ! only o!r /op4 ,:at ! little danc] 0 up to 0 j z my/]i\s z ev]4 ,x ,,! ,,detectaphone ,,detector ,k5n$y 0 wait+ impati5tly = me at ! laboratory & enjoy$ a quiet laugh at my exp5se :5 ,i told him ( my fiasco 9 untangl+ ! secret ( ,paquita4 8,is !re any news80 ,i ask$1 ha/ily endeavor+ to *ange ! subject4 8,yes10 he repli$1 glanc+ at 8 wat*4 8,ir5e ,maddox & ,w9ifr$ h come 9 to t[n on a lat] tra94 ,z ne>ly z ,i c make out !y've jo9$ =ces4 ,!y h a common hatr$ ( ,paquita1 :atev] else !y may lack40 8,h[ d y "k !y are "h80 ,i qu]i$4 8,!y h call$ me up & made an appo9tm5t to meet me at ! laboratory4 ,!y ought to be "h any m9ute1 n[4 ,i'm glad y came4 ,i %\ldn't l to meet !m alone4 ,i'd r h "s "o z a witness4 ,x's /range t !y %\ld be seek+ to h me "w = !m10 consid]$ ,k5n$y4 8,:at d y mean10 ,i ask$4 8,ha/+s s\ght y out fir/4 ,x may be q natural t ,ir5e ,maddox %\ld consult ! detective reta9$ by h] =m] husb&'s lawy] 9 su* a case4 ,h any ( ! o!rs be5 aft] y80 8,yes10 he repli$1 ?\ghtfully4 8,aft] ,i left y ?is morn+ ,i _h a mo/ peculi> exp]i5ce4 ,%elby ,maddox is ei!r ! mo/ artless or else ! mo/ artful ( all ( !m40 8,h[ is t80 ,i inquir$4 8,j z ,i said10 repeat$ ,k5n$y4 8,%elby hurri$ into "o ( ^? slot-ma*9e telephone boo?s 9 ! /ation & ,i slipp$ into ! next "o4 ,in/ead ( call+ up1 ,i put my e> to ! wall & li/5$4 ,!re wasn't any?+ mu* to :at he said4 ,x 0 m]ely a call to 8 lawy]1 ,h>vey1 tell+ him t he 0 on 8 way d[n-t[n4 ,! /range ?+ came aft]w>d4 ,by t "t ! /ation 0 cle>$ ( ^? :o _h come on ! tra94 ,%elby happ5$ to glance into ! o!r boo? z he left 8 own & saw me 9 ! act ( mak+ a fake telephone call4 ,in/ead ( go+ away1 he wait$4 ,:5 ,i came out1 he look$ ab\t quickly to see if we 7 alone1 !n took my arm & hurri$ me into ano!r "p ( ! /ation4 ,i didn't "k :at 0 com+1 b ,i 0 h>dly prep>$ = :at he said40 8,& t 080 ,i ask$1 eag]ly4 8,t ,i "w = him1 too1 9 ! case10 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 to my utt] surprise4 8,"w = him80 ,i repeat$4 8,0 x a /all80 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head d\btfully4 8,i'm n prep>$ to say4 ,x 0 ei!r clev] or simple4 ,he ev5 ask$ me to g d[n-t[n ) him & see ,h>vey40 8,& y w5t80 8,c]ta9ly4 ,b ,i c't say ,i le>n$ any?+ new4 ,i hav5't q decid$ :e!r x 0 because !y knew too mu* or too little40 8,are y go+ to d x8 ,:at did y tell him80 8,i told him q frankly t z long z ,i _h come into ! case z ,i 0)\t m5tion+ any names or facts! be/ ,i c\ld d 0 to see t he got a squ>e deal40 8,did t satisfy him80 8,n mu*4 ,b x 0 all t ,i w\ld say4 ,at lea/ x gave me a *ance to /udy him at close range40 8,:at d y ?9k ( him80 8,%elby ,maddox is nobody's fool10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 sl[ly4 8,i may n "k 8 /ory yet1 b ,i h begun to get 8 numb]40 8,h[ ab\t ,h>vey80 8,a v clev] lawy]4 ,%elby w keep out ( a great deal ( tr\ble if he takes ,h>vey's advice40 ,! s\nd ( foot/eps d[n ! hall outside int]rupt$ u1 & an in/ant lat] ! laboratory door op5$4 ,ir5e ,maddox ent]$ fir/ & = a mom5t ,w9ifr$ /ood 9 ! doorway1 r timidly1 z ?\gh n yet q conv9c$ t %e 0 "r 9 com+ to ,k5n$y4 ,k5n$y advanc$ to greet !m1 b /ill ,w9ifr$ did n seem to be ?or\ghly reassur$ t ! visit 0 j ! prop] ?+4 ,%e look$ ab\t curi\sly at ! in/rum5ts & exhibits :i* ,k5n$y _h collect$ 9 8 long w>f>e ( sci5ce aga9/ crime1 & x 0 evid5t t %e w\ld a great deal r h _h ?is a social visit ?an "o 9 connection ) ! case4 ,i guess$ t x 0 ,ir5e ,maddox :o _h urg$ h] on4 8,iwe've come to see y ab\t t woman1 ,paquita10 began ,mrs4 ,maddox1 almo/ be=e %e _h settl$ h]self 9 "o ( our easy-*airs1 :i* ,craig _h in/all$ to promote confid5ces on ! "p ( 8 cli5ts4 ,mrs4 ,maddox's voice 0 trembl+ slightly ) emotion & ,w9ifr$'s quick glance at ,k5n$y indicat$ t ,paquita _h furni%$ ! lev]age by :i* ,mrs4 ,maddox _h p]suad$ ,w9ifr$ to accompany h]4 8,yes10 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y1 8we h be5 wat*+ ! "y lady& o!rs) "s int]e/4 ,d y "k any?+ ab\t h] t y ?9k we ought to "k80 8,"k any?+80 repeat$ ,mrs4 ,maddox1 bitt]ly4 8,i ought to "k t woman40 ,h] feel+s 7 easily und]/ood1 al?\gh z f> z ,i c\ld see t did u v little good 9 gett+ at ! real my/]y t surr\nd$ ! little danc]4 8,y mu/ h notic$10 w5t on ,mrs4 ,maddox1 n]v\sly1 8h[ %e is hang+ ar\nd out !re4 ,= weeks & mon?s ,i h be5 wat*+ t woman4 ,sometimes ,i ?9k !y are all 9 league aga9/ me! lawy]s1 ! detectives1 ev]ybody40 ,k5n$y 0 ab\t to say some?+1 !n *eck$ himself4 ,h[ c\ld we "k b t ?is 0 m]ely an attempt to f9d out j h[ mu* x 0 we knew8 ,i long$ to ask ab\t ,san*ez1 yet felt t x w\ld be bett] n to disclose h[ mu*or r h[ littlewe actually _h discov]$4 8,:y10 %e cont9u$1 8x ev5 seems z if h] ho/ility 0 level$ aga9/ ,w9ifr$1 too40 ,w9ifr$ said no?+1 ?\gh x 0 evid5t t %e 0 consum$ ) curiosity to f9d out :at hold1 if any1 ,paquita _h on ,%elby4 8,!n y really d n "k :o or :at ,paquita is80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 directly4 8,i "k t %e is an adv5turess10 ass]t$ ,mrs4 ,maddox4 8,mr4 ,ha/+s has always pr(ess$ to "k no?+ ( h]4 ,at lea/ s he has said4 ,ev5 :5 ,i h wat*$ h] ,i mu/ admit ,i h f\nd out only :at %e 0 do+ at t "t4 ,b my intuition tells me t !re is some?+ m4 ,oh1 ,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 is !re no su* ?+ z ju/ice 9 ?is _w8 ,mu/ t woman cont9ue to flaunt h]self braz5ly be=e me8 ,_c y d some?+80 8,y may dep5d on x10 assur$ ,k5n$y4 8,i %all make my inve/igationarrive at ! tru?4 ,ev5 my own cli5t _c prev5t me f do+ t4 ,& if ,i f9d t an inju/ice is be+ done1 y may be sure t ,i w d my be/ to set x /raight4 ,m ?an t ,i c\ld n say ev5 to ,%elby ,maddox ?is morn+ :5 he ask$ me to take up ! case = him40 ,bo? wom5 glanc$ quickly at ,k5n$y4 ,! m5tion ( ,%elby's "n came1 q app>5tly1 z a surprise to !m4 ,w9ifr$ seem$ r m retic5t n[ ?an ev] be=e4 ,x 0 evid5t t ,ir5e ,maddox _h n succe$$ 9 :at %e _h int5d$4 ,yet %e did n betray h] disappo9tm5t4 8,?ank y10 %e said1 ris+4 8,!n ,i may expect y to help me,i mean u80 8,9 e way 9 my p[]10 promis$ ,k5n$y1 accompany+ !m to ! door4 ,k5n$y look$ aft] !m z ! door clos$4 8,i wond] :at t visit 0 =10 he consid]$ z _! foot/eps di$ away4 ,hav+ no answ] = ! qu]y1 ,i attempt$ none4 8,:at has ,burke be5 do+80 ,i inquir$1 sudd5ly recollect+ ! ,secret ,s]vice man4 8,h y he>d any?+ f him to-day s9ce we came to ! city80 8,yes10 he repli$1 op5+ a cab9et4 8,burke has und]tak5 "s "w along ano!r l9e 9 trac+ out ! telautomaton robb]y & :at may h become ( t model4 ,i hav5't he>d f him & ,i don't imag9e t any?+ w develop "r away 9 t direction40 8,:at is t80 ,i inquir$1 wat*+ ,craig z he took f "o cab9et an app>atus :i* appe>$ to consi/ ( two coils1 or r sets ( wires1 plac$ on ! ends ( a magnet b>4 ,he began to adju/ ! ?+1 & ,i saw f ! c>e ) :i* he 0 work+ t x mu/ be an in/rum5t ( "s delicacy4 8,j an in/rum5t t may enable me to discov] h[ t attack 0 made on y la/ night10 ,k5n$y answ]$1 p]functorily1 =gett+ ev5 my "q z he work$ ov] ! ?+4 ,= sev]al m9utes ,i wat*$ him1 wond]+ at ! /range turn ( ev5ts t _h s5t bo? ,%elby & ,w9ifr$ secretly to ,k5n$y4 8,by ! way10 exclaim$ ,craig1 sudd5ly look+ at 8 wat*1 8if we are to meet ,ha/+s & accompli% any?+ we _h bett] be on our way d[n !re40 ,9 ! ,subway ,k5n$y relaps$ into a br[n /udy ( ! ev5ts ( ! day1 only break+ away f 8 rev]ie z1 above ! rattle & bang ( ! tra91 he tapp$ ! package he 0 c>ry+4 8,i 0 j ?9k+ ( t g>age incid5t ( y\rs la/ night10 he rem>k$4 8,:at /ruck y z be+ peculi> ab\t x80 8,! :ole ?+10 ,i repli$1 smil+ weakly4 8,i lean$ into tr\ble& got x40 8,j s10 he return$4 8,well1 d y realize t ! only m5tion we made ( ! g>age 0 :5 we 7 talk+ 9 ,ha/+s's (fice8 ,?9k x ov]40 ,he relaps$ aga9 into 8 /udy & no?+ m 0 said until we arriv$ at ,wall ,/reet4 ,ha/+s 0 wait+ = u1 n]v\sly pac+ ! floor4 ,evid5tly ! w>n+ ,k5n$y _h giv5 _h impress$ him4 ,he _h be5 s afraid ( ev5 8 own %ad[ t he _h sc>cely transact$ any bus9ess at all t day4 8,k5n$y1 ,i'm glad to see y10 he greet$4 8,:at has happ5$ to-day8 ,:at's t80 8,no?+ mu*10 return$ ,craig1 vaguely1 al?\gh 8 face 0 n at all vague1 = he _h plac$ 8 f+] on 8 lips & 0 mo/ vigor\sly pantomim+ caution4 ,c>efully he unwrapp$ ! pap] ab\t ! coils ,i _h se54 ,!n he set ! in/rum5t on ,ha/+s's desk1 unscrew$ an electric-light bulb f its socket & atta*$ a wire to ! socket4 ,aft] a f9al c>eful adju/m5t he plac$ some?+ to 8 e> & began walk+ quietly ab\t ! room1 a t5se1 ab/ract$1 f>-away look on 8 face1 z n[ & !n he paus$ & li/5$1 hold+ ! free end ( ! app>atus ne> ! wall1 or a piece ( furniture1 :]ev] he *anc$ to be4 ,:at he 0 look+ = nei!r ( u c\ld guess1 b 8 caution _h be5 emphatic en\gh to halt any "q we might h4 ,ov] & ov] he pass$ ! free end ( ! app>atus along wall & floor4 ,at ea* /op he seem$ to be consid]+ some?+ c>efully1 !n ) a negative nod to himself w5t on4 ,?is _h be5 go+ on = "s fifte5 m9utes1 :5 he /opp$ 9 ! corn] back ( a coat-tree4 ,he look$ ab\t z he pull$ ! ?+ f 8 e>1 saw a heavy pair ( %e>s on ,ha/+s's desk1 & seiz$ !m4 ,delib]ately he dug into ! pla/] ( ! wall1 :ile ,ha/+s & ,i b5t ov] anxi\sly4 ,he _h n gone half an in* be=e he began to scrape v c>efully1 z ?\gh he 7 afraid ( hurt+ some?+ alive4 ,i look$4 ,!re1 9 ! wall1 back ( ! pla/]1 hung a little telltale black disk4 ,i recogniz$ x ! in/ant ,i saw x & turn$ quickly1 j 9 "t to prev5t a "q f ,ha/+s4 ,"s "o _h be5 us+ ! detectaphone aga9/ u6 ,?\gh n a ^w 0 said1 ,i realiz$ vaguely :at ,k5n$y lat] expla9$4 ,he _h suspect$ x & _h made use ( a me?od ( f9d+ pipes & metals electrically1 :5 conceal$ 9 walls "u pla/] & pap]4 ,x 0 a special application ( ! well-kn[n induction balance pr9ciple4 ,"o set ( coils on ! magnet b> receiv$ an alt]nat+ or vibrat+ curr5t4 ,! o!r 0 connect$ ) a little s5sitive telephone4 ,craig _h fir/ e/abli%$ a balance s t !re 0 no s\nd 9 ! telephone4 ,:5 ! device came ne> metal pip+ ! balance 0 de/roy$ & a s\nd 0 he>d 9 ! telephone4 ,he _h locat$ all ! wat]1 /eam1 & o!r pipes1 ! wires f ! telephone1 ! mess5g]-call box1 & o!r ?+s4 ,!re /ill rema9$ "o o!r pair ( wires unacc\nt$ =4 ,! balance _h locat$ _! exi/5ce & exact position4 ,clev] ?\gh ! in/allation ( ! little me*anical eavesdropp] _h be5 z an aid to crime1 ,craig's detectaphone detector _h uncov]$ x6 ,impulsively ,i seiz$ at ! devili% little black disk t _h =ew>n$ "s "o & _h ne>ly co/ me my life4 ,i />t$ to yank at x4 ,! wires yield$ _! slack1 b be=e ,i c\ld give !m a f9al pull ,k5n$y grasp$ my h&4 ,)\t a ^w he wrote on a pad on ! desk3 8,leave x !re4 ,!y don't "k we've f\nd x4 ,we c use x aga9/ !m60 ,,xi ,,! ,,frame-,,up ,ha/ily ,craig wrote on ! pap]1 :ile ,ha/+s & ,i read 9 sil5ce3 8,we'll lay a trap by a fake conv]sation ab\t ! g>age40 ,nei!r ( u spoke a ^w1 wait+ = our cue f him4 8,well10 he said1 9 a r l\d tone1 z ?\gh he _h j come into ! (fice1 8"o ?+ t we mu/ d is to f9d out :e!r !re 0 a c> t came into ! city f ,we/port t night& p]haps w5t back !re4 ,!re's a clue 9 t g>age1 ,walt]4 ,"s "o is mak+ t a headqu>t]s4 ,b we c't d any?+ to-nightn aft] y\r exp]i5ce4 ,no1 we'll h to wait until daylight to-morr[ & !n we'll make a ?or\gh se>*40 8,y won't get me !re aga9 alone at night10 ,i put 91 & my tone 0 r conv9c+ aft] my exp]i5ce4 8,i'm sure !re's some?+ !re1 all "r10 add$ ,ha/+s1 foll[+ ! lead1 al?\gh he seem$ to h only ! mo/ indef9ite notion ( :]e x took him4 8,inde$ !re is10 agre$ ,k5n$y1 quickly4 8,p]sonally1 ,i ?9k t ,mito kn[s m ?an he %\ld ab\t ! :ole bus9ess10 ,i add$4 8,! ,jap is a my/]y to me40 8,& ,san*ez1 too10 put 9 ,ha/+s1 evid5tly ?9k+ ( h[ he seem$ always to be cross+ our pa?4 8,yes1 t's ! place to look into1 all "r10 conclud$ ,craig1 beckon+ u to leave ! room & ! conv]sation4 8,if t doesn't s9k into somebody's m9d10 he *uckl$1 :5 we 7 outside1 8,i %all be surpris$4 ,we mu/ get back to ,we/port be=e x is too late40 8,:y didn't y foll[ ! wire d[n & f9d out :]e x end$80 ,i ask$1 z we left ,ha/+s's (fice4 8,y might h0 8,surpris$ a /5ograph] at ! o!r end tak+ notes10 he int]rupt$4 8,we c d t any "t4 ,:at ,i want$ 0 to plant some?+ t w\ld make ! real crim9al act & ?r[ him (f 8 gu>d4 ,we'll h to /op aga9 at ! laboratory4 ,!re's some?+ !re ,i mu/ take out ) me4 ,t w give u j "t to cat* ! late aft]noon express if we hurry40 ,:ile ,ha/+s & ,i wait$ outside ,k5n$y w5t 9 & soon return$ ) ! in/rum5t he s\ght4 ,ev5 yet1 ,ha/+s c\ld n resi/ ! impulse to gaze ab\t n]v\sly1 recall+ ! %ot t _h be5 fir$ at him on ! occasion ( 8 fir/ visit4 ,no?+ happ5$ ?is "t1 h[ev]1 & we made ! tra9 by a matt] ( seconds4 ,frances ,maddox & h] husb& 7 ! only p]sons on ! express :om we knew4 ,! o!rs seem$ to h return$ already4 ,i saw t we w\ld h to rely on ,riley & ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 to get any?+ t might h happ5$ 9 ! mean:ile4 ,once or twice ,i caught ! eye ( ,mrs4 ,walcott furtively gaz+ 9 ,k5n$y's direction1 & ,i fanci$ %e 0 a trifle n]v\s4 ,walcott himself read a magaz9e /olidly1 z ?\gh decl9+ to get excit$1 & ,i wond]$1 f 8 mann]1 :e!r ! affair & ! con/ant feud 9 ! family into :i* he _h m>ri$ might n be gett+ on 8 n]ves4 ,!y did n talk mu*1 nor did we1 & x 0 ) a s5se ( relief t we all arriv$ f9ally at ,we/port4 8,well10 ,i rem>k$1 aside to ,k5n$y1 z we ?ree pil$ into ! little 8flivv]0 t did public hack duty at ! /ation1 8,i wond] :at we %all run into n[40 8,?+s ought to develop fa/1 ,i %\ld say10 he return$4 8,i ?9k we've laid a good f\ndation40 ,)\t ev5 look+ ab\t or inquir+ = ,burke or ,riley1 ,k5n$y r o/5tati\sly w5t directly to ! hotel (fice on our arrival at ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 8,our rooms are at ! nor? side ( ! hotel10 he began4 8,i wond] if !re are any vacant on ! bay side80 ,! cl]k turn$ to look at 8 li/ & ,i took ! opportunity to pluck at ,k5n$y's sleeve4 8,:y don't y get rooms 9 ! re>80 ,i :isp]$4 8,t's ! side on :i* ! g>age is40 ,k5n$y nodd$ ha/ily to me to be sil5t & a mom5t lat] ! cl]k turn$4 8,i c fix y up on ! bay side10 he report$1 indicat+ a suite on a pr9t$ floor-plan4 8,v f9e10 agre$ ,craig4 8,if y w s5d a port] ,i w h our baggage transf]r$ imm$iately40 ,z we left ! desk ,k5n$y :isp]$ 8 explanation4 8,don't y und]/&8 ,we'll be obs]v$4 ,ev]y?+ we d is wat*$1 ,i am conv9c$4 ,j ?9k x ov]4 ,select+ a room l ?is w dis>m suspicion40 ,9 ! lobby ( ! hotel ,riley 0 wait+ = u anxi\sly4 8,:]e's ,mr4 ,burke80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,hasn't he return$80 8,no1 sir4 ,& n a ^w f him yet4 ,i don't "k :]e he c be4 ,b we are h&l+ ! case at ?is end v well alone4 ,i got y\r wire10 he nodd$ to me4 8,we hav5't miss$ ,san*ez s9ce he got back40 8,!n he didn't make any attempt to get away10 ,i rem>k$1 gratifi$ t ,i _h lo/ no?+ by n foll[+ him on ! e>li] tra94 8,is ,paquita back80 8,yes2 %e came on ! tra9 j be=e y\rs40 8,:at has %e doneany?+80 ,riley %ook 8 head 9 p]plexity4 8,if x didn't s\nd ridicul\s10 he repli$1 sl[ly1 8,i w\ld say t t fell[ ,san*ez 0 on ! trail ( ,paquita m ?an we are40 8,h['s t80 8,:y1 he foll[s h] ab\t l a dog4 ,:ile we're wat*+ h] he seems to be wat*+ u40 8,p]haps he's "p ( h] gangh] bodygu>d1 if !re is su* a ?+ z a gang10 ,i rem>k$4 8,well1 he acts v /rangely10 return$ ,riley1 d\btfully4 8,i'm n ! only "o :o has notic$ x40 8,:o else has80 dem&$ ,k5n$y1 quickly4 8,mrs4 ,maddox1 = "o4 ,%e w5t up to ! city lat]oh1 y "k8 ,miss ,walcott w5t ) h]4 ,y "k t1 too8 ,!y return$ on ! tra9 ) ,paquita40 8,:at has ,mrs4 ,maddox done s9ce %e came back80 inquir$ ,craig4 8,x wasn't half an h\r be=e !y return$ t ,paquita came d[n-/airs10 repli$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man4 8,z usual ,san*ez 0 wait+1 9 ! backgr\nd1 ( c\rse4 ,z luck w\ld h x1 j z %e pass$ out ( ! door ,mrs4 ,maddox happ5$ along4 ,%e saw ,san*ez foll[+ ,paquitay rememb] %e _h already paid him (f = ! %ad[+ he _h done = h]4 ,i don't "k :at x 01 b %e w5t "r up to him4 ,oh1 %e 0 "s mad60 8,:at 0 x all ab\t80 ask$ ,craig1 int]e/$4 8,i didn't he> x all4 ,b ,i did he> h] accuse him ( be+ 9 ) ,paquita ev5 at ! "t he 0 suppos$ to be %ad[+ h] = ,mrs4 ,maddox4 ,he didn't answ] directly4 #8,did ,i ev] make a false report ab\t h]8' he ask$ ,mrs4 ,maddox4 ,%e fairly sputt]$1 b %e didn't say t he _h4 #8,y're work+ = h]y're work+ = somebody4 ,y're all aga9/ me6' %e cri$4 ,san*ez nev] turn$ a hair4 ,ei!r he's a fool or else he's p]fectly sure ( 8 gr\nd1 z f> z t end ( x w5t40 8,i suppose he might h d\ble-cross$ h] & /ill made hone/ reports to h]10 consid]$ ,k5n$y2 8t is1 if he made ! same reports to "s "o else :o 0 int]e/$1 ,i mean40 ,riley nodd$1 ?\gh x 0 evid5t ! rem>k convey$ no m idea to him ?an x did to me4 8,%elby ,maddox has return$1 too10 add$ ,riley4 8,i f\nd out t he s5t t ,jap1 ,mito1 ) a note to ,paquita4 ,i don't "k :at x 01 b ,i h a man out try+ to get a l9e on x40 8,mito10 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 z ?\gh ! ,japanese sugge/$ m]ely by 8 "n a !ory on :i* 8 m9d 0 work+4 ,!re seem$ to be no?+ t c\ld be done j n[ b to wait1 & we decid$ to take ! opportunity to get a late d9n]4 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott & ,mrs4 ,maddox _h already d9$1 b ,frances ,walcott & h] husb& 7 at _! table4 ,!y seem$ to be hurry+ to f9i% & we did ! samen because !y did1 b because we _h "w to d4 ,d9n] ov]1 ,ha/+s excus$ himself f u1 say+ t he _h "s lett]s to write1 & ,k5n$y made no objection4 ,i ?9k he 0 r pleas$ ?an o!rwise to h ! opportunity to get away4 ,outside we met ,riley aga91 ?is "t ) "o ( 8 op]atives4 8,:at's ! matt]80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,matt] en\gh10 return$ ,riley1 mu* ex]cis$4 8,y "k ,i told y t ,%elby _h come a%ore f ! ,syb>ite ) ,mito8 ,well1 we've be5 foll[+ !m bo? pretty closely4 ,i ?9k ,i told y ( 8 s5d+ a note to ,paquita4 ,bo? ,%elby & ,mito h be5 act+ suspici\sly4 ,i _h ?is man detail$ to wat* ,%elby4 ,t conf\nd$ ,jap is always 9 ! way1 ?\gh4 ,tell ,mr4 ,k5n$y :at happ5$10 he direct$4 ,! op]ative rubb$ 8 back ruefully4 8,i 0 foll[+ ,mr4 ,maddox d[n to ! bea*10 he began4 8,x 0 r d>k & ,i tri$ to keep 9 ! %ad[4 ,mr4 ,maddox nev] w\ld h kn[n t he 0 be+ foll[$4 ,all ( a sudd51 f beh9d1 comes t ,jap4 ,be=e ,i knew x he _h mel ?is40 ,! man illu/rat$ 8 rem>k by lung+ =w>d at ,k5n$y & seiz+ bo? 8 h&s4 ,he /uck 8 crook$ knee upw>d & />t$ to fall back1 j cat*+ himself be=e he q lo/ 8 balance4 8,ov] he w5t backw>ds1 l a tumbl]10 w5t on ! man1 8?rew me clean ov] 8 head4 ,if x _h be5 on a /one walk or !re _h be5 a wall !re1 x w\ld h brok5 my head40 8,jiu-jitsu60 exclaim$ ,k5n$y4 8,i wond] :y ,mito 0 s anxi\s to cov] 8 ma/]80 consid]$ ,riley4 8,he mu/ h _h "s reasonei!r ( 8 own or ord]s f ,maddox4 ,anyh[1 !y bo? ( !m manag$ to get away1 clean40 ,riley look$ f ,craig to me 9 *agr94 8,q possibly ord]s10 put 9 ! man1 8al?\gh x's n beyond him ev5 to be d\ble-cross+ ,mr4 ,maddox1 at t40 8,well1 try to pick !m up aga910 direct$ ,k5n$y1 turn+ to me4 8,i've "s r important bus9ess j n[4 ,if ,mr4 ,burke comes back1 let me "k at once40 8,y bet ,i'll try to pick !m up aga910 promis$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man1 vici\sly1 z we left him & w5t to our room4 ,!re ,craig quickly unwrapp$ "o ( ! two packages :i* he _h br\ght f ! laboratory :ile ,i wat*$ him curi\sly b did n int]rupt him1 s9ce he seem$ to be 9 a great hurry4 ,z ,i wat*$ ,k5n$y plac$ on a table :at look$ l a m9iature telephone receiv]4 ,next he op5$ ! w9d[ & look$ out to make sure t !re 0 no "o bel[4 ,satisfi$1 he return$ to ! table aga9 & took up a pair ( wires :i* he atta*$ to "s small dry cells f ! package4 ,!n he took ! free ends ( ! wires & c>efully let !m fall out ( ! w9d[ until !y rea*$ d[n to ! gr\nd4 ,lean+ f> out1 he s dispos$ ! wires "u ! w9d[ t !y fell to "o side ( ! w9d[s ( ! rooms bel[ u & w\ld n be notic$ runn+ up ! side wall ( ! hotel1 at lea/ n 9 ! twilight4 ,!n he took ! o!r package f ! table & 0 ready to return d[n-/airs4 ,we _h sc>cely rea*$ ! lobby aga9 :5 we ran into ,ha/+s1 alone & app>5tly se>*+ = u4 8,is !re any?+ new80 inquir$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly4 ,ha/+s seem$ to be 9 d\bt4 8,none ( ! ,maddox family are ab\t10 he began4 8,i ?\ght x might be /range & 0 look+ = y4 ,:]e d y suppose !y all c be8 ,i hav5't se5 ei!r ,paquita or ,san*ez4 ,b ,i j saw ,w9ifr$1 alone40 8,:at 0 %e do+8 ,:]e is %e80 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 ,ha/+s %ook 8 head4 8,i don't "k4 ,i 0 really look+ = ,%elby4 ,i ?9k %e 0 go+ t[>d ! ,cas9o4 ,h y he>d any?+80 8,n a ?+10 return$ ,k5n$y1 brusquely4 8,y w p>don me1 ,i h a v important matt] 9 h& j n[4 ,i'll let y "k ! mom5t ,i he> any?+40 ,k5n$y hurri$ f ! ,lodge t[>d ! ,cas9o1 leav+ ,ha/+s /&+ 9 ! hotel1 amaz$4 8,no?+ new60 he almo/ snort$ z he sudd5ly paus$ :]e he c\ld see ! ,cas9o4 8,yet ,ha/+s sees ,w9ifr$ go+ out 9 a hurry1 evid5tly b5t on some?+4 ,if he 0 s conf\nd$ eag] to f9d ,%elby1 :y didn't x occur to him to /ick ab\t & foll[ ,w9ifr$80 ,x 0 q d>k by ?is "t & almo/ impossible to see any "o 9 ! %ad[s unless v close4 ,k5n$y & ,i took a few turns ab\t ! ,cas9o & along "s ( ! gravel pa?s1 b c\ld f9d no trace ( any ( ^? :om we 7 wat*+4 8,i oughtn't to let any?+ int]f]e ) ?is #8plant' ,i am lay+10 he frett$4 8,riley & ! re/ ought to be able to cov] ! case = a "t4 ,anyh[1 ,i mu/ take a *ance40 ,he turn$ & = sev]al m9utes we wait$1 z if to make p]fectly sure t we 7 n be+ wat*$ or foll[$4 ,f9ally he work$ 8 way by a r\nd-ab\t pa? f ! ,cas9o1 turn$ away f ! ,lodge into ano!r pa?1 & at la/ we f\nd ourselves em]g+ f a little h$ge ( dw>f popl>s j back ( ! little g>age1 :i* _h evid5tly be5 8 objective po9t4 ,m9dful ( my own exp]i5ce !re1 ,i look$ ab\t 9 "s trepidation4 ,i _h no int5tion ( runn+ aga9 into ! same trap t _h ne>ly f9i%$ me be=e4 ,nor _h ,k5n$y4 ,cauti\sly1 9 ! d>kness1 he ent]$4 ,?is "t x 0 des]t$4 ,no asphyxiat+ gun greet$ u4 ,he look$ ab\t1 !n w5t to "w imm$iately4 ,back ( ! tool-box 9 a f> corn] he b5t d[n & unwrapp$ ! o!r package :i* he _h be5 c>ry+4 ,z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make x out 9 ! d>kness1 !re 7 two rods t look$ z ?\gh !y might be electric-light c>bons1 fix$ horizontally 9 a wood5 support1 ) a sp9dle-%ap$ bit ( c>bon betwe5 ! two ends ( ! rods1 ! po9ts ( ! sp9dles re/+ 9 holl[s 9 ! two rods4 ,to b9d+ screws on ! free ends ( ! c>bon rods he atta*$ wires1 & l$ !m out ?r\gh a w9d[1 j above4 8,we don't want to /ay "h a m9ute long] ?an necess>y10 he said1 ris+ hurri$ly4 8,come,i mu/ take up ^? wires outside & c>ry !m ar\nd ! w+ ( ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 :]e our room is40 ,)\t a ^w we w5t out4 ,a ke5 glance ab\t reveal$ no "o look+1 &1 tru/+ t we 7 "r1 ,k5n$y pick$ up ! wires & we dove back into ! %ad[ ( ! grove f :i* we came4 ,c>efully z he c\ld1 s t no "o w\ld trip on !m & rip !m out1 ,k5n$y laid ! wires along ! gr\nd1 made ! connection ) ^? he _h dropp$ f ! w9d[1 & !n1 retrac+ our /eps1 manag$ to come into ! hotel f ! opposite side f ! g>age & ! o!r w+ f our room4 8,j _h a wire f ,mr4 ,burke10 ann\nc$ ,riley1 :o _h be5 look+ all ov] = u1 a fact t gave ,craig "s satisfaction1 = x %[$ t we _h cov]$ ourselves pretty well4 8,he's com+ up f ! city & ,i imag9e he has dug up some?+ pretty good4 ,t's n :at ,i want$ to tell y1 ?\gh4 ,y rememb] ,i said ,%elby ,maddox _h s5t ,mito ) a note to ,paquita80 ,k5n$y nodd$4 ,no enc\ragem5t 0 necess>y = ,riley to cont9ue 8 :isp]$ report4 8,well1 ,%elby j met h] on ! bea*40 8,met ,paquita80 ,i exclaim$1 9 surprise at ,%elby's secret meet+ aft] 8 public ignor+ ( ! little adv5turess4 8,on ! bea*1 alone10 reit]at$ ,riley1 pleas$ at retail+ ev5 ?is app>5t bit ( sc&al4 8,:at !n80 dem&$ ,craig4 8,!y /roll$ (f d[n ! %ore toge!r40 8,h y foll[$ !m80 8,yes1 conf\nd x1 b x's l[ tide & foll[+ !m is difficult1 )\t _! kn[+ x4 ,i told ! m5 to d ! be/ !y c\ld1 ?\gh%ort ( gett+ into ano!r fight4 ,mito may be ab\t1 &1 anyh[1 ,%elby might give a v good acc\nt ( himself40 8,y're n sure ( ,mito1 !n80 8,no4 ,no "o saw him aga9 aft] he ?rew my op]ative4 ,he may h disappe>$4 ,h[ev]1 ,i took no *ance t ,%elby 0 alone40 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y seem$ to consid] ! surpris+ turn t ,%elby's secret meet+ ) ! little danc] might give to ! affair4 8,walt]10 he said at la/1 turn+ to me significantly1 8w\ld y l to take a /roll d[n to ! dock8 ,?is matt] beg9s to look int]e/+40 ,we left ,riley1 aft] caution+ him to make sure t ,burke saw u ! mom5t he arriv$1 & aga9 made our way quietly f ! ,lodge t[>d ! ,cas9o1 9 :i* we n[ c\ld he> ! or*e/ra4 ,a glance 0 suffici5t to reveal t none ( ^? :om he s\ght 7 !re1 & ,k5n$y cont9u$ d[n ! bank t[>d ! %ore & ! ,h>bor ,h\se dock4 ,,xii ,,! ,,eavesdropp]s ,x 0 a cle>1 w>m night1 b ) no moon4 ,f ! ,cas9o ! lights %one out ov] ! d>k wat]1 illum9at+ "h & seem+ to deep5 ! already d>k %ad[s !re4 ,a flight ( /eps ran d[n to ! dock f ! dance pavilion1 b1 in/ead ( tak+ ?is natural way1 ,k5n$y plung$ into ! deep] %ad[ ( a pa? t w\nd ar\nd ! slight bluff & came out on ! bea* level1 bel[ ! dock4 ,f ! pa? we c\ld /ill he> ! s\nds ( gaiety 9 ! ,cas9o4 ,we 7 ab\t to em]ge on ! bea*1 n f> f ! spil+ on :i* ! dock plat=m re/$1 :5 ,i felt ,k5n$y's h& on my elb[4 ,i drew back into ! hidd5 pa?way ) him & look$ 9 ! direction he indicat$4 ,!re1 9 a little summ]-h\se above u1 at ! %ore end ( ! dock1 ,i c\ld j di/+ui% ! figures ( two wom51 sitt+ 9 ! %ad[ & look+ out int5tly ov] ! /rip ( bea* & ! waves ( ! ris+ tide t 7 lapp+ up on x4 ,x 0 app>5t t !y 7 wait+ = "s "o4 ,i turn$ & /ra9$ my eyes to cat* a glimpse d[n ! bea*1 b 9 ! blackness c\ld make out no?+4 ,a look ( inquiry t[>d ,k5n$y elicit$ no?+ b a fur!r caution to be sil5t4 ,app>5tly he 0 det]m9$ to play ! eavesdropp] on ! two above u4 ,!y _h be5 talk+ 9 a l[ tone :5 we approa*$ & we mu/ h miss$ ! fir/ rem>k4 ,! answ] 0 cle> en\gh1 h[ev]4 8,i tell y1 ,w9ifr$1 ,i saw !m toge!r10 we he>d "o voice 9 ! summ]-h\se say4 ,in/antly ,i recogniz$ x z t ( ,ir5e ,maddox4 ,x ne$$ no clairvoyancy to tell precisely ( :om %e 0 talk+4 ,i wond]$ :e!r %e 0 try+ to v5t h] grudge aga9/ ,paquita at ! exp5se ( ,%elby & ,w9ifr$4 ,at lea/ ,i c\ld fancy h[ ,%elby w\ld bless 8 si/]-9-law z a tr\ble-mak]1 if he knew4 8,i c't believe t y are "r10 return$ ! o!r voice1 & x 0 pla9ly t ( ,w9ifr$4 ,!re 0 a quiv] ( emotion 9 x1 z ?\gh ,w9ifr$ 7 /riv+ h>d to conv9ce h]self t some?+ %e _h he>d 0 n true4 8,i c't help x10 repli$ ,mrs4 ,maddox4 8,t is :at ,i us$ to ?9koncet x c\ldn't be s4 ,b y d n "k t womannor m51 ei!r40 ,%e made ! la/ rem>k ) unconceal$ bitt]ness4 ,i c\ld n help feel+ sorry = h] 9 ! mis=tune 9 :i* h] own life ) ,maddox _h end$4 ,yet x did n seem "r t %e %\ld poison all romance4 ,/ill1 ,i reflect$1 :at1 aft] all1 did ,i really "k1 & :y %\ld ,i rise to ! def5se ( ,%elby8 ,bett]1 f>1 t ,w9ifr$ %\ld le>n n[ ?an to le>n :5 x 0 too late4 8,i h be5 wat*+ h]10 pursu$ ,ir5e4 8,i f\nd t ,i c\ld n tru/ any man :]e t woman 0 conc]n$4 ,i wi% ,i _h nev] tru/$ any40 8,i _c believe t ,%elby w\ld delib]ately deceive me10 p]si/$ ,w9ifr$4 ,ir5e ,maddox laugh$1 holl[ly4 8,yet y "k :at we discov]$ ?is aft]noon10 %e press$4 8,:y1 ,i _c ev5 be sure t t detective1 ,k5n$y1 may n be work+ aga9/ me4 ,& z = t lawy] ( my husb&'s1 ,ha/+s1 ,i don't "k :e!r ,i dete/ him m ?an ,i fe> him4 ,let me w>n y to be c>eful ( him1 too4 ,rememb]1 ,i h be5 obs]v+ = a long "t4 ,i don't tru/ him1 or any o!r lawy]4 ,y nev] c tell h[ f> !y may be conc]n$ 9 any?+40 ,!re 0 a peculi> piquancy to ! innu5do4 ,evid5tly ,ir5e ,maddox suspect$ ,ha/+s ( mu*4 ,& aga9 ,i 0 =c$ to ask myself1 :at did ,i really s f> "k8 ,i fanci$ ,i c\ld detect t ! poor woman _h rea*$ a po9t :]e %e 0 suspici\s ( ev]ybody & ev]y?+1 n an unnatural situation1 ,i knew1 ) a woman 9 h] m>ital pr$icam5t4 8,:at has ,mr4 ,ha/+s done80 inquir$ ,w9ifr$4 8,done80 repeat$ ,mrs4 ,maddox4 8,:at has he left undone8 ,:y1 he %ield$ ,m>%all 9 ev]y?+1 :5ev] ,i m5tion$ to him ?is ,paquita womansaid x 0 n 8 bus9ess :at 8 cli5t's private life 0 unless he 0 direct$ to int]e/ himself 9 x by 8 cli5t himself4 ,he 0 m]ely an attorney1 reta9$ = c]ta9 specific purposes4 ,beyond t he 0 suppos$ to "k no?+4 ,oh1 my de>1 y h mu* to le>n ab\t ! wond]ful freemasonry t exi/s among m5 9 matt]s su* z ?is40 ,i caught ,k5n$y's quizzical smile4 ,we 7 hav+ a mo/ tell+ example ( freemasonry among wom51 into :i* ,ir5e 0 initiat+ a neophyte4 ,i felt sure t ,w9ifr$ w\ld be mu* happi] if %e _h be5 left alone1 & ev5ts might h a *ance to expla9 !mselves )\t be+ mis9t]pret$a situation f :i* mo/ ( ! tr\bles bo? 9 fact & 9 fiction arise4 ,9 h] wat*+ ( h] errant husb&1 ,ir5e _h expect$ e "o imm$iately to fall 9 l9e & aid h]=gett+ ! v human fail+ t mo/ p possess ( object+ to play ! rle ( in=m]4 8,:at fools m5 are60 soliloquiz$ ,ir5e ,maddox a mom5t lat]1 z ?\gh com+ to ! po9t ( h] previ\s r&om rem>ks4 8,j take t little danc]4 ,:at d !y see 9 h]8 ,n bra9s1 surely4 ,z = me1 ,i don't ?9k %e has ev5 beauty4 ,& yet1 look at !m6 ,%e has only to appe> up !re 9 ! ,cas9o at ?is v mom5t to be ! mo/ popul> p]son on ! floor1 :ile o!r girls g begg+ = p>tn]s40 ,i c\ld feel ,w9ifr$ bridl+ at ! *all5ge 9 ! rem>k4 ,%e _h ta/$ popul>ity h]self4 ,0 %e to admit defeat at ! h&s ( ! little adv5turess8 ,criticize z "o might1 !re 0 /ill a fasc9ation ab\t ! my/]y ( ,paquita4 ,"o c\ld feel ! coolness t _h sudd5ly ris5 9 ! summ]-h\sez if a mi/ f ! wat] _h ?r[n x ab\t4 ,nor did ! implication ( ! sil5ce escape ,ir5e ,maddox4 8,y w p>don me1 my de>10 %e said1 ris+4 8,i "k h[ ?ankless su* a job is4 ,p]haps ,i _h bett] n be se5 ) y4 ,yes1 ,i am sure ( x4 ,i ?9k ,i _h bett] return to ! hotel40 ,= a mom5t ,w9ifr$ hesitat$1 z if 9 d\bt :e!r to g1 too1 or to /ay4 ,f9ally x seem$ z if %e decid$ to /ay4 ,i d n "k :i* c\rse w\ld h be5 bett] = ,w9ifr$to accompany ! eld] woman & imbibe m ( ! en=c$ cynicism1 or to rema91 brood+ ov] ! suspicions :i* _h be5 inject$ into h] m9d4 ,at any rate1 ,w9ifr$ decid$ to /ay1 & made no move ei!r to deta9 or accompany ! o!r4 ,ir5e ,maddox arose & left ,w9ifr$ alone4 ,if %e _h be5 wat*+ ,paquita !re 0 no fur!r ne$4 ,w9ifr$ w\ld wat* n[ q z closely4 ,z h] foot/eps di$ away1 in/ead ( rema9+ ne> ! dock ,k5n$y turn$ &1 keep+ back 9 ! %ad[s :]e we c\ld n be se5 by ! sil5t wat*] 9 ! summ]-h\se1 we w5t d[n along ! %ore4 ,9 ! %elt] ( a long l9e ( ba?-h\ses t belong$ to ! hotel we paus$4 ,!re 0 no "o 9 ba?+ at ?is h\r1 & we sat d[n & wait$4 8,:at did y make ( t conv]sation80 ,i :isp]$1 cauti\sly1 l[]+ my voice s t we might n be eavesdropp$ ^u 9 turn4 8,n /range t ,mrs4 ,maddox hates ! little danc]10 repli$ ,craig1 s5t5ti\sly4 8,x's q evid5t ,riley 0 "r & t ,%elby mu/ be ) h]4 ,i wond] :e!r !y w return ?is way or on ! l&8 ,x's wor? tak+ a *ance4 ,let's /ay a:ile1 anyway40 ,he laps$ into sil5ce1 z ?\gh try+ to motivate ! actors 9 ! little drama :i* 0 unfold+4 ,x 0 n long be=e1 d[n ! bea*1 we saw a man & a woman com+ t[>d u rapidly4 ,k5n$y & ,i drew back f>!r1 & z we did s ,i saw t ! figure above u 9 ! summ]-h\se _h mov$ away f ! edge s z to be less conspicu\s4 ,! crackle ( "s dry sea-grass back ( ! ba?-h\se />tl$ u1 b we did n move4 ,x 0 "o ( ! ,secret ,s]vice m54 ,!re 0 no reason :y we %\ld conceal f him t we 7 on a simil> que/4 ,yet ,k5n$y evid5tly consid]$ x bett] t no?+ %\ld happ5 to put any "o on gu>d4 ,we sc>cely brea!d4 ,he pass$1 h[ev]1 )\t see+ u1 & we flatt]$ ourselves t we 7 well hidd54 ,a few m9utes lat] ! c\ple approa*$4 ,x 0 unmi/akably ,%elby ,maddox & ,paquita4 8,x's no use10 we he>d ,%elby say1 z !y pass$ directly beside ! ba?-h\ses4 8,ev5 d[n "h on ! bea* !y are wat*+4 ,/ill1 ,i h _h a *ance to say "s ( ! ?+s ,i want$ to say4 ,f n[ onwe are /rang]sy und]/&80 ,x 0 n said z brutally z x s\nds on pap]4 ,r x gave ! impression1 f ,%elby's tone1 t !y _h nev] be5 mu* m4 ,= a mom5t ,paquita said no?+4 ,!n sudd5ly %e bur/ =? ) a little bitt] laugh4 8,x takes two to be /rang]s4 ,we %all see60 ,)\t ano!r ^w %e turn$1 z ?\gh 9 a fit ( pique & ang]1 & ran up ! flight ( /eps f ! ba?-h\ses to ! ,cas9o1 pass+ )9 five feet ( u1 )\t see+ u4 8,we %all see10 %e mutt]$ "u h] brea?2 8we %all see60 ,9 surprise ,%elby took a /ep or two aft] h]1 !n paus$4 8,! deuce take h]10 he swore "u 8 brea?1 !n /rode on 9 ! direction ( ! /eps to ! dock & ! summ]-h\se4 ,he _h sc>cely ga9$ ! level :5 ! figure 9 ! summ]-h\se em]g$ f ! gloom4 8,well1 ,%elbya try/ ) ! o!r *>m]1 0 x80 8,w9ifr$60 ,miss ,walcott laugh$ s>ca/ically4 8,is t all t y\r f9e spee*es mean1 ,%elby80 %e said1 reproa*fully4 8,at ! ,lodge y sc>cely b[ to h]2 !n y meet h] secretly on ! bea*40 8,w9ifr$let me expla910 he ha/5$4 8,y d n und]/&4 ,%e is no?+ to menev] has be54 ,i am n l ,m>%all 04 ,:5 %e came d[n "h ! o!r night %e may h ?\ght %e c\ld play ) me z %e _h ) him4 ,i met h]z ,i h scores ( o!rs4 ,!y h always be5 all ! same to meuntil t night :5 ,i met y4 ,s9ce !nh ,i ev5 look$ at h]at any "o else80 8,ano!r pretty spee*10 cut 9 ,w9ifr$1 icily4 8,b w\ld y h met h] n[1 if y _h kn[n t y w\ld be wat*$80 8,i %\ld h met h] 9 ! lobby ( ! hotel1 if t _h be5 ! only way10 he return$1 boldly4 8,b x 0 n4 ,i d n und]/& ! woman4 ,sometimes ,i fe> t %e has fall5 9 love ) mez mu* z h] k9d c fall 9 love4 ,i s5t = h]1 yes1 myself4 ,i want$ to tell h] bluntly t !re c\ld nev] be any?+ betwe5 u1 t we c\ld nn[cont9ue ev5 ! acqua9tance40 8,b y knew h] be=e9 ! city1 ,%elby10 p]si/$ ,w9ifr$4 8,besides1 0 x necess>y to take h] arm1 to talk s e>ne/ly ) h]8 ,i saw y :5 y />t$40 8,i _h to be c\rte\s to h]10 def5d$ ,%elby1 !n /opp$1 z ?\gh realiz+ too late t x 0 n def5se he %\ld attempt1 b r confession ( some?+ t did n exi/ & a pray] ( =giv5ess = no?+4 8,i did n believe :at ,i he>d10 said ,w9ifr$1 coldly4 8,i 0 fooli% en\gh to li/5 to y1 n to o!rs4 ,x is :at ,i see40 8,to o!rs80 he ask$1 quickly4 8,:o:at h !y told y ab\t me8 ,tell me40 8,nox 0 9 confid5ce4 ,i _c tell y :o or :at4 ,no1 n ano!r ^w ( t4 ,y h op5$ my eyes y\rself4 ,y h only y\rself to ?ank4 ,take y\r little ,mexican danc]let u see :at %e does to y60 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott _h mov$ away t[>d ! /eps up to ! ,cas9o4 8,please60 implor$ ,%elby4 8,:y1 ,i s5t = h] only to tell h] t %e mu/ keep away4 ,w9ifr$60 ,w9ifr$ _h turn$ & 0 runn+ up ! /eps4 ,in/ead ( wait+1 z he _h done ) ,paquita1 ,%elby took ! /eps two at a "t4 ,a mom5t lat] he 0 by h] side4 ,we c\ld n he> :at he said z he rea*$ h]1 b %e took no pa9s to modulate h] own voice4 8,nono60 %e exclaim$1 angrily1 *ok+ back a sob4 8,noleave me4 ,don't speak to me4 ,take y\r little danc]1 ,i say60 ,a mom5t lat] %e _h come into ! circle ( light f ! ,cas9o4 ,pursuit meant only a sc5e4 ,at ! float at ! o!r end ( ! pi] bobb$ "o ( ! t5d]s ( ! ,syb>ite4 ,%elby turn$ delib]ately & call$1 & a mom5t lat] 8 man ran up ! dock4 8,i'm n go+ to g out to ! ya*t to-night10 he ord]$4 8,i %all sleep at ! ,lodge4 ,tell ,mito1 & come a%ore ) my ?+s40 ,!n he turn$1 avoid+ ! ,cas9o1 & walk$ sl[ly up to ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 z we foll[$ at a di/ance4 ,i wond]$ if he might be plann+ some?+4 ,,xiii ,,! ,,s]p5t',s ,,too? ,we 7 approa*+ ! hotel :5 we met ,riley's op]ative ) :om we _h be5 talk+ %ortly be=e4 ,he 0 look+ ab\t z ?\gh 9 d\bt :at to d next4 8,s y manag$ to pick !m up aga9 on ! bea*80 greet$ ,k5n$y4 8,yes10 he repli$ 9 surprise4 8,h[ did y "k80 8,we 7 back ( ! ba?-h\ses z !y came along4 ,y pass$ )9 a few feet ( u40 ,! detective />$ blankly z ,k5n$y laugh$4 8,:at happ5$80 8,no?+ v mu*4 ,i miss$ !m at fir/1 because ( ! delay ( t fell[ ,mito4 ,b ,i reason$ t !y mu/ h /roll$ d[n ! bea*1 ?\gh ,i didn't "k h[ f>4 ,i took a *ance & made a %ort cut ov]l&4 ,=tunately ,i caught up ) !m j z !y 7 ab\t to turn back4 ,i 0 a little c>eful1 ,i supposeaft] :at happ5$40 ,he hesitat$ a bit apologetically1 !n w5t on3 8,i c\ldn't he> mu* ( :at !y said4 ,que] fell[1 t ,%elby4 ,fir/ he s5ds to meet ! girl1 !n !y qu>rel ne>ly all ! "t !y are toge!r40 8,:at did ! qu>rel seem to be ab\t80 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 8,c\ldn't y get any ( x80 8,oh yes1 ,i caught en\gh ( x10 return$ ! op]ative1 confid5tly4 8,i c't repeat exactly :at 0 said1 = x came to me only 9 snat*es4 ,!y seem$ to be argu+ ab\t some?+4 ,once he accus$ h] ( hav+ be5 ! ru9 ( 8 bro!r4 ,%e did n answ] at fir/j laugh$ s>ca/ically4 ,b ,%elby wasn't cont5t ) t4 ,f9ally %e turn$ on him4 8#8,y say t ,i ru9$ ,m>%all ,maddox1' %e cri$4 #8,8 wife says ,i ru9$ him4 ,oh1 ,%elby1 ,%elby1 he wasn't a man :o _h rea*$ ! age ( discretion1 ,i suppose0 he8 ,oh1 x's always ,i :o d ?+snev] anybody else4'0 8,yes10 prompt$ ,k5n$y4 8,:at else did %e say80 8,%e 0 bitt]angry4 ,%e /opp$ %ort4 #8,%elby ,maddox1' %e cri$1 #8y _h bett] be c>eful4 ,!re is z mu* crime & hate & jeal\sy 9 e "o ( y z !re is 9 ,s+ ,s+4 ,i tell y1 be c>eful4 ,i hav5't told all ,i "kyet4 ,b ,i w say t :]ev] y\r h\se ( hate goes & :omev] x t\*es1 x corrupts4 ,be c>eful h[ y t\* me6' ,say1 b ,paquita 0 mad6 ,t 0 :5 !y turn$ back4 ,i guess ,%elby sort ( realiz$ t x 0 no use4 ,!y turn$ s sudd5ly t !y almo/ caught me li/5+40 8,any?+ else80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,:at did ,%elby h to say ab\t himself8 ,d y ?9k he's tangl$ up ) h] 9 any way80 8,i c't tell4 ,mo/ ( :at !y said 0 spok5 s l[ t x 0 impossible = me to he> ev5 a ^w4 ,i ?9k bo? ( !m realiz$ t !y 7 be+ wat*$ & li/5$ to4 ,x 0 only once 9 a :ile :5 _! feel+s got ! bett] ( !m t !y rais$ _! voices1 & !n !y pretty soon caught !mselves & rememb]$40 8,!n x 0 no lov]s' meet+80 ,i ask$4 8,h>dly10 return$ ! detective1 ) a gr[l4 8,& yet %e did n seem to be half z angry at ,%elby z %e did at ! o!rs4 ,9 fact1 ,i ?9k t a ^w f him w\ld h smoo!d out ev]y?+4 ,b he w\ldn't say x4 ,%e tri$ h>d to get him1 too4 ,t little danc] is play+ a gametake x f me4 ,& %e's artful1 too4 ,i w\ldn't want to be up aga9/ h]no1 sir40 ,!re 0 some?+ incongru\s ab\t ! v idea ( ?is bull-neck$ flatty & ! da9ty little adv5turessz ?\gh ! hippopotamus might fe> ! peacock4 ,i w\ld h laugh$ _h ! bus9ess itself n be5 s important4 ,:at 0 h] game8 ,9 fact1 :at 0 ,%elby's game8 ,ea* seem$ to be play+ a "p4 8,h[ ab\t ,mito80 ,i ask$4 8,h y se5 him aga9 s9ce y 7 jiu-jitsu$80 ,! detective %ook 8 head4 8,no10 he return$1 rem9isc5tly4 8,he seems to h disappe>$ altoge!r4 ,believe me1 ,i h be5 keep+ an eye peel$ = him4 ,t ,jap is a suspici\s "*4 ,& x's j :5 y c't put y\r f+]s on him t he is plott+ "s deviltry1 dep5d on x40 ,we left ! ,secret ,s]vice op]ative & cont9u$ t[>d ! hotel4 ,9 ! lobby ,k5n$y & ,i look$ ab\t eag]ly 9 ! hope ( f9d+ ,w9ifr$1 b %e 0 n[h]e to be se54 ,our se>* 0 p>tly rew>d$1 h[ev]4 ,at ! end ( ! por*1 9 ! %ad[1 we did f9d ,frances ,walcott & ,ir5e ,maddox4 ,x 0 evid5t t !y _h s]i\sly disagre$ ov] some?+1 & x did n require mu* guess+ to conclude t x _h to d ) ,w9ifr$4 ,?\gh ,frances ,walcott 0 really a ,maddox & ,ir5e ,maddox 0 n1 "o w\ld h sc>cely guess$ x4 ,! /amp ( ! h\se ( hate 0 on bo?4 ,j a fragm5t ( ! conv]sation float$ ov] to u1 b x 0 en\gh4 8,v well1 !n10 exclaim$ ,mrs4 ,maddox4 8,let !m g _! own way4 ,y are l all ! re/y seem to ?9k t a ,maddox c d no wrong4 ,i 0 only try+ to w>n ,w9ifr$1 z ,i wi% "s "o _h w>n$ me40 ,! answ] 0 lo/1 b ,mrs4 ,walcott's reply 0 evid5tly a %>p "o1 = ! two p>t$ 9 unconceal$ ang] & suspicion4 ,ev]y:]e ! case seem$ to drag its slimy trail ov] all4 ,look ab\t z we might1 !re 0 no sign ( ,paquita4 ,nor 0 our fri5d ,san*ez ab\t1 ei!r4 ,we seem$ to h lo/ !m1 or else1 l ,mito1 !y 7 "u cov]4 8,i ?9k10 decid$ ,k5n$y1 8t ,i'll j drop into our rooms1 ,walt]4 ,i hav5't mu* hope t we'll f9d any?+ yet1 b x w be j z well to be on ! wat*40 ,accord+ly we m\nt$ by a re> /aircase to our floor1 & = a mom5t ,k5n$y busi$ himself adju/+ ! app>atus4 8,a bit e>ly1 ,i ?9k10 he rem>k$1 f9ally4 8,!re are too _m p ab\t to expect any?+ yet4 ,we may z well g d[n-/airs aga94 ,p]haps ,burke may return & ,i'm r anxi\s to "k :at x is he has be5 aft]40 ,= a mom5t1 z we retrac$ our /eps d[n-/airs1 ,i attempt$1 briefly1 a rsum ( ! case s f>1 beg9n+ ) ! dea? ( ,maddox1 & d[n to ! attack on ,ha/+s & !n on myself4 ,z ,i view$ ! *ief actors & _! motives1 ,i f\nd t !y fell into two gr\ps4 ,by ! dea? ( ,maddox1 ,%elby might pr(it1 z might 8 si/]1 ,frances4 ,on ! o!r h& 7 to be consid]$ ! motives ( jeal\sy & rev5ge1 su* z might actuate ,ir5e ,maddox & ,paquita4 ,!n1 too1 !re 0 always ! possibility ( some?+ deep] ly+ back ( x all1 z ,burke _h h9t$an int]national complication ov] ! telautomaton1 ! wond]ful w> eng9e :i* 0 soon likely to be ! mo/ valuable piece ( prop]ty controll$ by ! family4 ,into su* calculations ev5 ,mito1 & p]haps ,san*ez1 might fit1 z inde$ might any ( ! o!rs4 ,x 0 inde$ a p]plex+ case1 & ,i knew t ,k5n$y himself _h n yet begun to get at ! bottom ( x1 = ! simple reason t :5 9 d\bt ,k5n$y w\ld nev] talk4 ,8 sil5ce 0 eloqu5t ( ! my/]y t %r\d$ ! curi\s sequ5ce ( ev5ts4 ,at a loss = a means by :i* to piece toge!r ! real und]ly+ /ory1 ,i c\ld d no?+ b foll[ ,k5n$y bl9dly1 tru/+ 9 8 /range ability to arrive at ! tru?4 8,"o ?+ is c]ta910 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 evid5tly s5s+ t ,i 0 try+ my utmo/ to arrive at "s reasonable explanation ( ! ev5ts1 8& t is t ?is hotel is a v jungle ( gossip%>p] ?an a s]p5t's too?4 ,9 my op9ion1 none ( u w be safe until ! fangs ( ?is creature1 :oev] x may be1 are drawn4 ,h[ev]1 we'll nev] arrive any:]e by try+ m]ely to reason x out4 ,?is is a case t ne$s m factsfactsfacts40 ,foll[+ out 8 own l9e ( ?\ght1 ,craig decid$ to return d[n-/airs to ! seat ( op]ations1 p]haps 9 ! hope ( runn+ across ,ha/+s1 :o might h some?+ to add4 ,ha/+s 0 n ab\t1 ei!r4 ,we 7 entirely ?r[n ^u our own res\rces4 ,if we 7 ev] to discov] ! tru?1 we knew t x w\ld be by our own "w1 n by ! assi/ance ( any ( !m4 ,attempts to locate ,ha/+s quickly demon/rat$ t we c\ld n dep5d on him4 ,hav+ work$ secretly1 !re seem$ to be little else to d n[ b to come out into ! op5 & play ! game manfully4 8,:at 0 ! matt]80 inquir$ ,riley1 z ,k5n$y & ,i saunt]$ into ! lobby ( ! ,h>bor ,h\se 9 su* a way t we w\ld appe> n to be foll[+ anybody4 8,:y80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,fir/ x 0 ,paquita10 cont9u$ ,riley4 8,%e b\nc$ into ! hotel1 h] face flu%$ & h] eyes fla%+4 ,%e 0 z mad z a hornet at some?+4 ,san*ez met h]4 ,:y1 ,i ?\ght %e'd bite 8 head (f6 ,& he1 poor %rimp1 took x z meekly z if he 7 ! rug "u h] feet4 ,i don't "k :at %e said1 b %e w5t directly to h] room4 ,he has be5 ab\t1 some:]e4 ,i don't see him n[4 ,i guess he ?\ght %e 0 too work$ up to /ay up !re4 ,b ,i hav5't se5 h] come d[n40 8,%elby mu/ h be5 tell+ h] "s pla9 tru?10 said ,craig1 laconically4 8,%elby80 e*o$ ,riley4 8,:y1 x wasn't five m9utes aft]w>d t ,w9ifr$ ,walcott came ?r\gh1 z pale z a gho/4 ,%e pass$ ,ir5e ,maddox1 b !y sc>cely spoke4 ,look$ z if %e _h be5 cry+4 ,:at's ! matt] ) !m8 ,are !y a bun* ( nuts80 ,k5n$y smil$4 ,evid5tly ,riley 0 unacqua9t$ ) ! s(t] side ( life4 8,:]e's ,%elby80 inquir$ ,craig4 8,h y se5 himor ,mito80 8,d[n 9 ! caf1 ! la/ ,i saw him10 repli$ ,riley4 8,%elby's ano!r nut4 ,y "k h[ mu* he loves ! re/4 ,well1 he came 9 all excit$1 too4 ,& :at does he d8 ,sees ,johnson ,walcott read+ a pap]1 grabs him by ! arm z ?\gh he 0 a long lo/ fri5d1 & drags him d[n to ! caf4 ,say1 ,i'll be dippy1 too1 if ?is keeps on4 ,!y c't ev5 rememb] _! own feuds60 ,k5n$y glanc$ at me ) an amus$ significance4 ,i ga!r$ t he meant to h9t t ,%elby 0 /opp+ at no?+ to secure ! aid ( ,johnson ,walcott 9 smoo?+ affairs ov] ) 8 si/]1 ,w9ifr$4 ,j h[ ,walcott himself w\ld look on su* a mat* ,i _h no idea & 0 r glad :5 ,k5n$y sugge/$ t we adj\rn to ! caf ourselves to look !m ov]4 ,9 a lea!r-cu%ion$ boo? 7 ,%elby & ,walcott1 ,%elby do+ mo/ ( ! talk+1 :ile ,walcott li/5$ ke5ly4 ,we c\ld n v well delib]ately take ! next boo?1 b we did manage to f9d a corn] :]e !y 7 n likely to notice u4 ,we _h n be5 !re long be=e ,mito came 91 c>ry+ a grip 9 :i* 7 ! clo!s & l95 8 ma/] _h ord]$ a%ore4 ,%elby direct$ him :]e to take ! ?+s1 & z ! ,jap /ood !re ,i saw t ,walcott 0 wat*+ him closely4 ,n once did ,mito look at him1 yet "o c\ld n help feel+ t ! ,ori5tal knew t he 0 wat*$ & t ,walcott 0 absorb+ some?+ f ,%elby4 ,mito b[$ z he receiv$ 8 ord]s4 ,no soon] _h he turn$ ?an ,i saw ,walcott %oot a glance at ,%elby4 ,if ,i _h be5 a lip-read] ,i might h be5 m c]ta9 ( ! words fram$ by 8 lips4 ,z x 01 ,i 0 ready to swe> t ,walcott ask$1 8,d y tru/ t fell[80 ,%elby's answ] ,i c\ld n guess1 b 8 face %[$ no anxiety1 & x seem$ z ?\gh he pass$ (f ! rem>k lightly4 ,?\gh ! o!rs _h n se5 u1 ,mito spi$ u ) 8 beady eyes1 ?\gh he did n turn 8 head to d s4 ,at ! door he almo/ ran into ,san*ez1 :o 0 engross$ 9 wat*+ ,%elby4 ,nei!r said a ^w1 b ! quick sc[l ( ,san*ez spoke a volume4 ,he hat$ ,%elby & ev]y?+ p]ta9+ to him4 ,:atev] x 0 t ,%elby & ,walcott 7 discuss+1 x 0 app>5t t ,walcott 0 n at all en?usia/ic4 ,he did n betray any feel+ 9 ! matt] o!r ?an coldness4 8,x w\ldn't surprise me if !y 7 discuss+ ,w9ifr$10 conclud$ ,k5n$y4 8,if t is :at x's ab\t1 x doesn't look z ?\gh ,johnson ,walcott _h any ov]burd5+ desire to h ,%elby z a bro!r-9-law40 ,9 spite ( ,walcott's coldness ,%elby cont9u$ talk+ e>ne/ly1 b x seem$ to h no effect4 ,walcott's retic5ce seem$ to exasp]ate ,%elby1 :o ) difficulty re/ra9$ 8 own feel+s4 ,i fanci$ t1 _h x n be5 = ,w9ifr$1 ,%elby's temp] w\ld h got ! bett] ( him4 ,:5 f9ally ,walcott rose & ) a polite excuse />t$ to move away1 x 0 app>5t t ,%elby 0 int5sely res5tful4 ,h[ev]1 he said no?+1 nor did he ev5 attempt to foll[ ,walcott out ( ! caf4 8,evid5tly he has made little progress 9 pat*+ up ! tiff ) ,w9ifr$10 conclud$ ,craig1 z we1 too1 rose & saunt]$ out into ! ma9 "p ( ! hotel4 ,,xiv ,,! ,,geophone ,we _h no m ?an rea*$ ! lobby ( ! hotel aga9 :5 we f\nd ,ha/+s seek+ u4 ,evid5tly he _h s5s$ t ,k5n$y 0 vex$ at him = lett+ ,w9ifr$ pass )\t f9d+ out :at 0 h] mission4 8,?is "t1 at lea/1 ,i ?9k ,i h some?+ to tell y10 he ha/5$1 draw+ u aside4 8,:at is x ab\t80 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly4 8,paquita10 he repli$1 scann+ our faces4 8,%e has return$ to ! hotel40 ,k5n$y's c\nt5ance betray$ "s disappo9tm5t1 = we already knew t4 8,i saw ,frances & ,ir5e toge!r1 too10 w5t on ,ha/+s4 ,aga9 ,k5n$y c\ld n conceal 8 disappo9tm5t1 = x 0 all an old /ory to u4 ,ha/+s 0 n to be ga9said1 h[ev]4 8,well1 aft] ,frances left ,ir5e ,maddox10 he cont9u$1 8,i saw t %e 0 wr\ght up & n]v\s4 ,s ,i wat*$ h]4 ,%e s\ght out ,paquita40 ,he drew back1 gratifi$ at ! fla% ( int]e/ t ,craig in/antly betray$4 8,inde$80 ask$ ,craig4 8,:at took place80 8,i c\ld n he> x all10 cont9u$ ! lawy]4 8,b x seem$ z ?\gh ,frances 0 plead+ ) ,paquita = some?+4 ,i he>d ! names ( bo? ,%elby & ,w9ifr$ m5tion$4 ,paquita seem$ q haughty4 ,:atev] x 0 t ,frances 0 aft]1 ,i am q sure t %e 0 n successful40 ,i c\ld see t ,k5n$y 0 actively try+ to piece toge!r ! fragm5t>y in=mation t we _h ga9$ dur+ ! ev5+4 ,:at x all meant ,i c\ld n fa?om4 ,b we knew en\gh to be q sure t some?+ important 0 afoot4 ,fir/1 ,%elby _h s5t = ,paquita & 8 suppos$ly secret int]view1 ( :i* we _h le>n$ en\gh to "k t he _h s\ght to influ5ce ! little danc] to let him alone4 ,! meet+ ( ,w9ifr$ & ,ir5e we knew1 z well z ! meet+ ( ,ir5e & ,frances4 ,x seem$ t ,frances ,walcott _h an int]e/ 9 ! ev5ts mu* m ?an we _h expect$1 =1 fail+ to obta9 any satisfaction f ,ir5e1 %e _h ev5 swall[$ h] pride & s\ght out ,paquita4 ,:at did x mean8 ,0 ,frances really try+ to play ! mat*-mak]8 ,0 x = h] bro!r1 ,%elby1 t %e %[$ ! conc]n1 or 0 x = h] si/]-9-law1 ,w9ifr$8 ,!re 0 a positive motive 9 ! fact t a m>riage betwe5 ! two might m closely protect h] own int]e/s4 8,!y 7 talk+10 pursu$ ,ha/+s1 8:5 ,i saw h] husb&1 ,johnson1 com+ f ! caf4 ,i ?9k ,paquita mu/ h se5 him fir/1 = %e cut ! int]view %ort v curtly & left h]1 ?\gh n be=e ,johnson saw !m toge!r4 ,he came ov] to 8 wife & ,i ?9k he 0 a trifle angry at :at he _h se54 ,at any rate1 x seem$ t %e 0 endeavor+ to expla9 some?+ to him & t he did n 9 ! lea/ approve40 8,c\ld y he> any?+80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 8,n a ?+1 except t !re seems to be some?+ ab\t :i* ! ,walcotts d n q agree40 ,i wond]$ :e!r ,johnson ,walcott's dissatisfaction _h be5 m at f9d+ 8 wife talk+ ) ,paquita ?an at ! romance betwe5 ,%elby & 8 own si/]4 ,9 ! caf he _h seem$ to be f> f delight$ ov] ! affair4 ,frances1 on ! o!r h&1 bore e evid5ce ( wi%+ to promote ! mat*4 ,x 0 a /range romance t we 7 wat*+4 8,0 !re any?+ else80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,no10 repli$ ,ha/+s4 8,!y walk$ away1 /ill talk+ e>ne/ly1 & ,i ?9k !y h gone to _! rooms40 8,w9ifr$ 0 n ab\t80 8,no4 ,i saw ,%elby1 f9ally1 ?\gh4 ,b he seem$ to be preoccupi$ & didn't give me a *ance to speak to him40 8,:]e is he80 8,9 ! caf1 ,i suppose40 ,riley's approa* at t mom5t s]v$ to introduce a new elem5t into ! situation4 8,y saw ,mito aga980 ask$ ,k5n$y4 ,! ,secret ,s]vice man nodd$4 8,saw him take 8 ma/]'s ?+s into ! caf1 !n to 8 room4 ,aft] t he manag$ to slip away aga94 ,he seems to h some?+ on 8 m9d4 ,i don't "k :at x is4 ,we _h a glimpse ( ,san*ez4 ,he is ab\t1 b is keep+ v l[40 8,:at has he be5 do+80 8,no?+ 9 ! op51 z f> z ,i "k10 return$ ,riley4 8,he may be plann+ some?+4 ,i don't l him any m ?an my man likes ,mito4 ,^! ,japs & wops are deep ones40 ,k5n$y smil$1 b said no?+4 ,to ,riley any =eign] 0 a suspici\s "*1 if = no o!r reason ?an t he c\ld n und]/& him4 8,any ^w f ,mr4 ,burke80 ,i reit]at$4 ,riley nodd$4 8,yes1 he w be "h soon1 n[1 ,i ?9k40 8,no?+ else on ,mito or ,san*ez80 resum$ ,k5n$y4 ,riley negativ$4 8,tr\ble ) !m is !y "k ,i'm wat*+ !m10 he expla9$4 8,& :5 a man kn[s he is be+ wat*$ x's easy = him4 ,!re's only "o way to get him & t is to /ick s close t x means a fight4 ,we've _h "o & ,i hate to take ! responsibility ( ano!r )\t ord]s f ,mr4 ,burke4 ,ano!r fight ) ,mito might n turn out s luckily1 ei!r4 ,besides1 ,i don't "k t we want x to come to a fightyet4 ,san*ez looks z ?\gh he might give an acc\nt ( himself4 ,^! d>k fell[s are all knife-m51 y "k4 ,i decid$ t x 0 be/ to pick up :at we c\ld )\t mak+ a sc5e40 ,k5n$y %rugg$4 ,!re seem$ to be no?+ to criticize1 ?\gh x 0 a %ame t circum/ances 7 su* t we 7 compell$ to be cont5t ) fragm5ts at a "t :5 we ne$$ e scrap ( in=mation4 8,x's gett+ late10 he obs]v$1 glanc+ at 8 wat*4 8,i ?9k we might leave ! field to ,riley to cov]1 ,walt]1 :ile we retire to our rooms4 ,good night1 ,mr4 ,ha/+s4 ,y'll tell ,mr4 ,burke to wake u1 no matt] :at "t he comes 980 he add$1 turn+ to ,riley4 ,! ,secret ,s]vice man agre$1 & toge!r ,k5n$y & ,i w5t back to our suite a second "t4 ,i 0 glad en\gh to g1 too1 = ,i want$ to see :at ! in/rum5t 0 :i* he _h in/all$ 9 ! g>age4 ,z we ent]$1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+ ( ,w9ifr$'s action & :y %e _h cut ,%elby (f s %ortly4 ,0 x a case ( intuition1 or 0 x m]ely :at (t5 passes = intuition! capacity = mak+ ha/y & incorrect judgm5ts on sl5d] gr\nds8 ,:at1 too1 0 ,mito8 ,0 x he :o _h committ$ ! murd] ( ,m>%all ,maddox8 ,_h he /ol5 ! telautomaton plans8 ,i wond]$ :e!r1 aft] all1 he might n be 9 ! s]vice ( "s =eign gov]nm5t1 p]haps ev5 be a spy4 ,) sc>cely a ^w1 ,k5n$y _h tak5 8 position at ! table on :i* he _h plac$ ! peculi> m9iature transmitt]1 hold+ x to 8 e> & li/5+ int5tly4 8,is any "o talk+ !re80 ,i ask$1 suppos+ t x 0 "s special =m ( ! detectaphone :i* he 0 us+4 8,i don't expect t !re'll be any talk+10 he repli$4 8,9 fact1 !re may be only "o p]son1 = all ,i "k1 & he c]ta9ly won't talk to himself40 ,a knock at our door cut %ort fur!r inquiry4 ,i op5$ x cauti\sly & 0 greet$ by ! *e]y voice ( ,burke1 :o _h come 9 on ! la/ tra94 8,i ?9k ,i've e>n$ a re/ to-night10 he rem>k$1 dropp+ d[n into ! easie/ *air he c\ld f9d4 8,i'm tir$1 b at lea/ ,i h "s satisfaction = ! day's "w40 8,:at h y f\nd80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 eag]ly1 rememb]+ t ,burke _h devot$ himself fir/ ( all to trac+ :at _h become ( ! deadly wireless de/roy] itself4 8,= "o ?+10 repli$ ,burke1 sl[ly1 8,i'm conv9c$1 z f> z ,i c be reg>d+ some?+ ,i don't actually "k1 t ! telautomaton model is out "h at ,we/portat lea/ n f> away40 8,:at makes y ?9k s80 ,i ask$1 quickly4 8,t clue ( ! c> wait+ ne> ! (fice int]e/s me10 w5t on ,burke1 sl[ly4 8,i wasn't able to get any?+ out ( ! rookie on ! beat4 ,b ,i w5t on ! supposition t some:]e betwe5 "h & ,new ,york ,i might f9d a clue4 ,& ,i h f\nd sev]al clues f con/ables & special (fic]s 9 t[ns betwe5 ,we/port & ! city4 ,a c> answ]+ ! description 0 se5 at sev]al po9ts1 & ! "t mat*es up4 ,s ,i ?9k x is safe to conclude t we are on ! "r track4 ,! model is out "hsome:]e,i am sure40 8,h y made any progress 9 runn+ d[n y\r b& ( =eign crim9als80 ask$ ,k5n$y4 8,no trace s f>10 return$ ,burke1 /ill *e]fully1 8except t x is entirely likely t ,mito1 or ,paquita1 or t fell[ ,san*ez may be ! outside work]s4 ,( c\rse !y w\ld cov] up _! connection pretty closely4 ,we c't expect to beat ! mo/ clev] m9ds ( ! ,cont95t z easy z we w\ld a gang ( sneak-?ieves4 ,riley tells me y h be5 9 ! city mo/ ( ! day4 ,h y uncov]$ any?+80 ,briefly ,k5n$y outl9$ :at _h happ5$1 com+ d[n to ! ev5ts ( ! ev5+ d[n on ! bea*4 ,ano!r knock on ! door1 & ,riley ent]$4 8,y didn't come d[n1 s ,i knew t ,mr4 ,k5n$y & ,mr4 ,jameson 7 awake4 ,y don't m9d my com+ 980 8,n a bit10 return$ ,k5n$y4 8,we 7 j go+ ov] :at ,i _h ga!r$ to-day4 ,i 0 tell+ ab\t t meet+ betwe5 ,frances & ,ir5e ,maddox40 ,riley's face assum$ ! same look ( p]plexity z x _h :5 we left him1 nonpluss$ by ! que] actions ( ! ,maddox family4 8,y saw x10 dem&$ ,burke4 8,:at d y make ( x80 8,i don't "k10 confess$ ,riley4 8,maybe x means some?+1 maybe n4 ,i ?9k x does4 ,!re's "s k9d ( diff]5ce betwe5 ^? two wom54 ,i c't make x out4 ,!y seem$ to be s fri5dly at fir/4 ,:y1 !y ev5 tell me ,mrs4 ,walcott back$ ,mrs4 ,maddox 9 h] fight ) ,mr4 ,maddox ov] t ,paquita4 ,b n[ x's diff]5t1 & x's gr[+ worse40 8,natural en\gh10 comm5t$ ,burke4 8,if ,m>%all ,maddox 0 sep>at$ f 8 wife1 don't y see he w\ld h de/roy$ 8 w 9 h] favor4 ,if he 0 inte/ate1 z x is mo/ likely1 !n ! o!r heirs8 bro!r & si/]/& to ga94 ,!re 7 no *ildr54 ,mrs4 ,maddox has h] int]e/ 9 a ?ird4 ,!y c't take t away f h]4 ,b no d\bt x makes h] feel z if %e _h be5 done out ( some?+1 to see ! o!rs get :at might h be5 h]s "u diff]5t circum/ances40 8,t's x1 ,i guess10 consid]$ ,riley4 8,i've he>d h] say t %e ?\ght n[ t ,paquita 0 put up to w9n+ ,m>%all ,maddox away f h]1 s t ! o!rs w\ld b5efit40 8,pretty deep10 pond]$ ,burke1 8b n impossible40 8,if %e ?9ks t way10 ,i int]pos$1 8x might acc\nt = h] attitude t[>d ,w9ifr$4 ,%e might be j jeal\s en\gh n to want h] to come into n only ,%elby's %>e1 b "p ( ! rema9d]4 8,on ! o!r h&10 ,i reconsid]$1 rememb]+ my fir/ !ory1 8,mrs4 ,maddox ) h] ?ird int]e/ is mu* bett] (f ?an %e 0 on :at _h be5 all[$ h] dur+ ! life ( ,m>%all ,maddox40 8,%elby ,maddox pr(its by x1 any way y look at x10 obs]v$ ,burke1 foll[+ out our g5]al review ( possible motives4 8,:]e is he n[80 8,gone up to 8 room1 ,i suppose10 repli$ ,riley4 8,& ,mito80 8,9 ! s]vants' qu>t]sunless he manages to slip out & get into "s m deviltry40 8,conf\nd x1 ,riley10 broke 9 ,burke1 8y've got to trail ^! p bett]6 ,:at's ! matt]8 ,hav5't y en\gh m5 to0 8#8,%60 caution$ ,craig f 8 place at ! in/rum5t on ! table1 8 face %[+ int5se att5tion to some?+4 8,:at's t80 ask$ ,burke4 ,k5n$y 0 busy = ! mom5t & did n answ]4 ,b a m9ute or s lat] he repli$4 8,a geophone1 design$ orig9ally to record e>? tremors1 microseisms1 small-amplitude e>? %ak+s4 ,x is really a microphone1 ! simple/ =m ( telephone1 appli$ to ! e>?h5ce its "n4 ,any high-s*ool /ud5t 9 physics c\ld make "o4 ,all t is necess>y is to place t simple app>atus1 :i* ,mr4 ,jameson saw1 on ! gr\nd any:]e & atta* x to a microphone receiv] at ! o!r end ( ! wire4 ,y c he> an e>?quake1 or a big gun1 or "s "o walk+ ab\t4 ,hello6"h's our fri5d aga940 ,craig 0 aga9 li/5+ int5tly4 ,:at ! mo/ s5sitive me*anical eavesdropp] c\ld n ov]he> ?is little geophone 0 n[ transmitt+ to him4 8,"s "o is 9 t g>age10 he report$ to u4 8,^? are foot/eps4 ,our frame-up is work+4 ,he nev] w\ld h gone !re unless he ?\ght we 7 n only go+ to g !re to-morr[ ourselves1 b 7 out ( sight n[1 too4 ,by ,george6!re's ano!r!re are two ( !m60 ,i li/5$ a mom5t myself1 ) ,k5n$y4 ,! diaphragm vibrat$ t]rifically4 ,!n1 sudd5ly1 all 0 /ill4 ,:at 0 go+ on8 ,k5n$y dropp$ ! receiv] on ! table reg>dless ( :at might happ5 to its delicate adju/m5t1 jump$ up1 & da%$ out into ! hall4 ,d[n-/airs he w5t1 n wait+ = an elevator1 = x 0 only ?ree flights4 ,we foll[$ madly1 pa/ ! amaz$ night cl]k1 & out ! back door ( ! hotel4 ,z we ent]$ ! g>age1 9 ! fitful light we c\ld see a d>k mass on ! floor4 ,craig fla%$ 8 electric bull's-eye4 ,9 ! circle ( light we saw t x 0 a man4 ,craig turn$ ! =m ov]4 ,x 0 ,mitodead6 ,,xv ,,! ,,night ,,( ,,t]ror ,9 utt] bewild]m5t we look$ at "o ano!r4 ,evid5tly ,mito _h ent]$1 _h be5 surpris$ by "s "o1 & 9 a fight _h be5 ov]p[]$ & kill$4 ,quickly ,i tri$ to reason x out4 ,pla9ly1 ev5 if ! ,jap _h be5 ! murd]] ( ,m>%all ,maddox = ! plans1 he c\ld n h be5 ! ?ief ( ! telautomaton model 9 ,new ,york4 ,yet he mu/ h kn[n some?+ ab\t x all4 ,_h we begun to get too close to ,mito = "s "o's com=t8 ,:]e 0 ! annihilator :i* 0 to revolutionize w>f>e & indu/ry8 ,9 ^: h&s 7 ! secrets ( ! 8pat5t ( dea?08 ,:o 0 ! ma/] crim9al back ( x all8 ,mito's lips 7 seal$1 at lea/4 ,x ne$$ only a cursory exam9ation ( ! body to det]m9e h[ he _h met 8 dea?4 ,8 face 0 drawn1 z ?\gh he _h se5 ! bl[ desc5d+ & 0 p[]less to avoid x4 ,on 8 skull 0 a deep ga%1 made by "s heavy implem5t4 ,! weapon1 too1 0 ly+ !re,burke discov]$ xa brok5 leaf ( an automobile spr+1 us$ by "s "o to =ce tires ov] rims4 ,!re 0 no art1 no sci5ce1 no f9esse ab\t ! murd]4 ,x 0 j pla91 brutal =ce4 ,if a bomb _h be5 dropp$ among u1 h[ev]1 we c\ld n h be5 m /unn$ ?an by ! murd] ( ,mito4 ,burke & ,riley 7 pla9ly at a loss1 b ,i did n m9d t4 ,x 0 ! look on ,k5n$y's face t worri$ me4 ,he did n say mu*1 b x 0 pla9 t he 0 ?9k+ mu*4 8,j a brutal murd]10 he rem>k$ at l5g?1 aft] he _h survey$ ! g>age & f9ally come back to ,mito himself aga94 8,!re doesn't seem to be a clue4 ,if x 7 odd1 l ! murd] ( ,m>%all ,maddox1 !n !re'd be m to "w on4 ,b x isn't4 ,no1 x's ! h>d] j because ( its simplicity4 ,& x puts u j t mu* fur!r back1 because "o :om we ?\ght might lead u to ! p]son high] up has be5 remov$ 9 ! mo/ primitive &1 aft] all1 mo/ />tl+ fa%ion40 8,i'll wag] t fell[ ,san*ez c\ld tell some?+ ab\t ?is if we c\ld only get at him "r10 put 9 ,burke1 to :om ,k5n$y _h delegat$ ! removal ( ,mito's body4 ,k5n$y said no?+1 b x surely _h begun to look z ?\gh he might be act+ = ,paquita 9 "s capacity4 ,0 %e1 9 turn1 act+ = a desp]ate b& ( crooks8 ,i felt t if we c\ld break d[n ,san*ez we might rea* h]4 ,burke b>k$ 8 ord]s to ,riley & ! re/4 8,y fell[s h be5 m>k+ "t too long4 ,get out & f9d t man ,san*ez40 ,8 m5 knew bett] ?an to "q or def5d4 ,action 0 ! only ?+ t satisfi$ ,burke4 ,!y took ! ord]s on ! jump & hurri$ly organiz$ !mselves into a se>*+ p>ty1 ?\gh :at x 0 t 0 tangible t !y _h on ,san*ez1 suppos+ t !y got him1 x 0 h>d to see4 ,z ?or\ghly z !y c\ld ! m5 "u ,burke & ,riley cov]$ ! hotel1 ! ,cas9o1 ! gr\nds1 & f9ally turn$ _! att5tion to ! t[n4 ,k5n$y & ,i took up ! se>* toge!r1 beg9n+ at ! hotel4 ,hunt+ ?r\gh ! corridors & o!r rooms br\ght no trace ( ! man we s\ght4 ,he 0 n regi/]$ at ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 & ?\gh ! cl]k & "s ( ! att5dants knew him1 !y pr(ess$ to be able to tell no?+4 ,nor 0 !re any trace ( ,paquita4 ,mean:ile ,burke & ,riley _h spread a g5]al al>m ?r\gh ! t[n1 al?\gh ,i am sure t _m ( ^? :om !y enli/$ z se>*]s _h n ! slighte/ idea :o ,san*ez 0 or ev5 :at he look$ l4 ,! se>* 0 rapidly resolv+ itself into an aimless w&]+ ab\t 9 ! hope ( runn+ across ?is elusive individual4 ,!re seem$ to be no p>ticul> way ( trac+ ! man4 ,! f>!r !y got away f ! hotel1 h[ev]1 ! m conv9c$ did x seem to make ,k5n$y to /ick ab\t ! ,lodge & ,cas9o1 if = no o!r reason ?an to keep an eye on any possible moves ( ! ,maddoxes & ,walcotts4 ,we 7 /&+ n f> f ! g>age1 back ( ! hotel1 :5 f a second-/ory w9d[1 ar\nd ! corn]1 issu$ a s]ies ( screams = help 9 a woman's voice4 ,we da%$ into ! hotel1 foll[+ ! %\ts ( al>m inside & up-/airs4 8,x's ,w9ifr$ ,walcott's room10 answ]$ "o ( ! boys z we brea?lessly que/ion$ him4 ,z we approa*$ ! room on ! second floor we came ^u ! maid1 "o or two gue/s1 & sev]al s]vants4 8,miss ,w9ifr$%e's gone1 c>ri$ (f60 blurt$ out ! maid1 cat*+ sight ( ,k5n$y4 ,%e ge/ur$ wildly ab\t4 ,! out] sitt+-room ( ! suite 0 9 great disord]4 ,! w9d[1 l[ & lead+ out on ! ro( ( ! hotel por*1 0 wide op54 ,"s *airs 7 ov]turn$ & ! portires betwe5 ! liv+-room & ! b$room 7 torn f _! fa/5+s1 & gone4 8,tell me :at happ5$80 dem&$ ,k5n$y4 ,! maid 0 almo/ too excit$ to talk coh]5tly4 8,9 ! room,miss ,w9ifr$ 0 pac+ up & d[nn]v\s,i don't "k :at x 0 ab\t1 sir10 %e manag$ to blurt out4 8,i 0 9 ! next room1 prep>+ "s tea ov] an electric heat]40 8,yes1 yes10 urg$ ,k5n$y1 impati5tly4 8,b :at happ5$80 8,! w9d[1 sir1 f ! por* ro(op5$a man mu/ h ent]$40 8,did y see a man80 8,no1 sir1 b ,i he>d a scream f ,miss ,w9ifr$1 z ?\gh some?+ _h be5 held ov] h] m\?4 ,no1 ,i didn't see any "o4 ,by ! "t ,i got 9 "h ,i saw no "o40 ,k5n$y _h /epp$ ov] by ! door & 0 exam9+ ! torn hang+s1 ha/ily try+ to recon/ruct :at _h happ5$4 8,app>5tly ! intrud]1 :oev] x 01 seiz$ h] f beh9d10 he conclud$1 ha/ily1 8wrapp$ ! portires ov] h] head1 & j]k$ h] backw>d4 ,! ru% ( ! abductor mu/ h torn !m f _! fa/5+s4 ,besides1 !y 7 a good muffl] = h] cries4 ,! kidnapp] mu/ h c>ri$ h] (f1 ) !m wrapp$ ab\t h] head1 to prev5t h] screams f be+ he>d aga940 ,he leap$ out on ! ro( & ,i quickly foll[$4 8,x w\ld be q possible10 he po9t$ out1 approa*+ ! f> end1 8at ?is po9t = any "o to h ga9$ entrance f ! l[] por* & to lift a girl l ,w9ifr$ d[n f ! ro( to ! gr\nd40 ,! slope ( ! l& at ?is po9t 0 su* t ! second-floor level 0 n _m feet above ! gr\nd level ( ! hillside4 ,i look$ at ,k5n$y1 at a loss to "k :at to d4 ,almo/ "u our eyes1 :ile e "o 0 look+ = some?+ else1 ,w9ifr$ _h be5 spirit$ (f4 ,:y& by :om8 ,craig turn$ to ! night cl]k1 :o _h be5 among ! fir/ to arrive & _h foll[$ u out on ! por* ro(4 8,has any "o any bloodh\nds ab\t "h80 he ask$1 quickly4 8,yes1 sir9 ! cottage back ( ! hotel !re is a dog-fanci]4 ,he has a c\ple40 8,y "k him80 8,well40 8,!n y c borr[ !m80 8,surely10 return$ ! cl]k4 8,get !m10 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 wav+ away a gr\p :o _h come up on ! gr\nd j bel[ u4 8,& hurry1 be=e ! sc5t gets cold40 ,! cl]k nodd$ & disappe>$ on ! run4 ,d[n bel[ ! cr[d kept collect+4 8,keep !m back10 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 8until ! bloodh\nds get "h4 ,see!re are m>ks 9 ! grass t %[ t "s "o has be5 "h&lookon ?is bu% a torn corn] ( ! portire40 ,a mom5t lat] two m5 f ! hotel /ables appe>$1 ) ! dogs tugg+ on lea%4 ,quickly ,k5n$y gave !m ! sc5t be=e ! trail ( ! footpr9ts & ! dragg+ portire _h be5 de/roy$ by ! curi\s4 ,!y 7 (f1 tugg+ at ! lea%1 ,k5n$y ) "o & ,i ) ! o!r4 ,burke & ,riley _h come up by ?is "t1 po/-ha/e f _! se>* = ,san*ez1 & jo9$ u4 ,away across ! lawn1 ?r\gh ! %rubb]y1 ! trail l$ u1 ov] a f5ce until f>!r along ?r\gh a break 9 ! h$ge we came ^u ! road4 ,toge!r we f\r ha/5$ out ov] ! highway4 8,!re's "o ?+ 9 our favor10 pant$ ,k5n$y4 8,no c> 0 us$at lea/ n yet4 ,& if "o or ev5 two are c>ry+ h]1 we c g a great deal fa/] ?an !y c40 ,my dog1 :i* seem$ to be ! m active ( ! two1 0 outrunn+ ! o!r1 &1 n ?r\gh any desire on my "p1 b ?r\gh 8 %e] tugg+ at ! lea%1 he kept me a few paces ahead ( ! re/4 ,! road :i* _h be5 tak5 by ! kidnapp]s b5t ar\nd ! head ( ! h>bor1 bran*+ (f at a little c\ntry /ore1 clos$ s9ce e>ly 9 ! ev5+4 ,no help 0 to be expect$ !re1 & we foll[$ ! road :i* ran d[n ?r\gh a neck ( l& t l$ to ! h>bor opposite ,we/port4 ,s accu/om$ _h ,i become to ! /eady tug ( ! dog on 8 lea%1 t1 z we pass$ a little brook1 :]e x seem$ ! abductor _h paus$1 ,i 0 surpris$ to feel 8 pull on my h& sudd5ly relax4 ,be=e ,i knew x ! dog _h /opp$4 ,he utt]$ a peculi> :eezehalf sneeze1 half gasp4 ,be=e ,i realiz$ :at x c\ld be ab\t he roll$ ov]1 z ?\gh he _h be5 %ot4 ,x 0 n t he _h lo/ ! sc5t4 ,aga9 & aga91 z he lay = ! few seconds1 gasp+1 he tri$ to pick up ! trail4 ,z ,i wat*$ him 9 utt] a/oni%m5t ,i notic$ a peculi>1 subtle odor1 ) j ! fa9te/ sugge/ion ( pea* pits4 ,k5n$y1 ) m pres5ce ( m9d ?an ,i _h %[n1 drew up %>ply on ! lea% ( 8 dog1 "s feet beh9d me4 8,"h1 ,burke10 he cri$4 8,hold himwell away4 ,don't let him break loose40 ,z ,craig advanc$ t[>d me he /opp$ & pick$ up some?+ t 8 foot _h kick$ 9 ! du/4 ,he advanc$1 hold+ away f him :at look$ l a small glass vial1 :ile ) 8 o!r h& he fumbl$ a small pocket fla%light4 8,:oev] he 010 he exclaim$1 excit$ly1 8! fell[ is clev]4 ,read ! label40 ,i did & drew back1 ) a ha/y glance at my h\nd1 :i* already lay dead at my feet4 ,! vial 0 label$1 8,,prussic ,,acid,,poison40 8,w9ifr$60 ,i exclaim$1 voic+ ! fir/ fe> t fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d4 8,i ?9k %e is all "r10 reassur$ ,craig4 8,if ! abductor _h want$ to kill h] he w\ld h _h pl5ty ( *ances be=e ?is4 ,no1 ,i c imag9e him /opp+ a second to wet a h&k]*ief 9 ! brook & b9d x ov] 8 nose z he op5$ ! bottle & sme>$ ! deadly fluid ov] ! soles ( 8 %oes1 ca/+ ! empty bottle back ( him4 ,c]ta9ly a clev] ruse40 ,toge!r we _h retreat$ f ! dang] zone t[>d ,burke & ,riley1 :o 7 agape ) a/oni%m5t z !y le>n$ ( ! unhe>d-( discov]y we _h made4 ,we look$ at "o ano!r 9 blank a/oni%m5t & fe>4 ,w\ld ! abductor get away1 aft] all8 8,a vexati\s delay10 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 calmly4 8,b ,i d\bt if !y c\nt$ on our hav+ ano!r dog4 ,! /uff mu/ h worn (f _! %oes rapidly z !y hurri$ on4 ,"h1 ,burke1 let me h ! h\nd1 n[4 ,x may take me "s "t1 b ,i am sure t ,i c ov]come ?is ob/acle40 ,:ile we wait$1 ,craig cut a wide circle (f ! road1 ) ! dog :9+ at hav+ lo/ ! sc5t4 ,= "s m9utes d[n ! road he let him run pretty free1 try+ to pick up ! sc5t aga9 at "s po9t well pa/ t at :i* we _h f\nd ! deadlie/ ( acids1 :]e a dirt road deb\*$ f ! macadam4 8,come on60 he %\t$ at la/1 z a deep bay f ! dog ann\nc$ t he 0 (f aga9 & n[ runn+ sil5t1 s9ce he _h f\nd ! trail4 ,we made spl5did progress n[1 &1 by ha/y calculation ( ! "t1 :i* mu/ h be5 brief be=e ! al>m 0 giv51 we conclud$ t we 7 )\t a d\bt rapidly ga9+ on ! abductor4 ,x 0 gr[+ d>k] & d>k] z we w5t out ( ! lights ( ! ma9 road into a deep] recess ( ! woods4 ,our little pocket fla%lights 7 too puny = su* "w4 ,j !n along ! dirt road back ( u came te>+ a c>4 ,z x pull$ up ! driv] fla%$ 8 spot-light ahead & x cut ?r\gh ! blackness l a bull's-eye4 8,i he>d y _h gone ?is way10 %\t$ a voice f ! d>kness4 8,"h1 let me drive beh9d & light y ahead40 ,9 ! %aft ( light we c\ld see a s+le figure ( a man1 /agg]+ along ) "s heavy burd5 9 8 arms1 & beh9d1 sev]al hundr$ y>ds away1 ,k5n$y swiftly foll[+ ) ! h\nd4 ,z ! light play$ on !m1 ! figure seem$ to realize t escape 0 n[ hopeless1 unless he dropp$ 8 burd54 ,he paus$ j an in/ant1 z ?\gh calculat+ some?+ desp]ate4 ,j !n ,i rais$ my gun & fir$4 ,i _h no hope ( hitt+ him 9 ! fitful light & at ! di/ance4 ,b at lea/ ! %ot _h its effect4 ,he dropp$ ,w9ifr$ & bolt$4 ,at t mom5t ! c> came abrea/ ( me4 ,i turn$ quickly4 ,! man 9 ! c> ) ! spot-light 0 ,san*ez6 ,we _h all come up ) ,k5n$y n[1 ! c> /opp+ on ! road ) its lights play+ full on ! gr\p4 ,sl[ly n[ ,w9ifr$1 :o _h fa9t$1 reviv$4 ,z %e op5$ h] eyes %e seem$ 9 a daze4 ,beyond :at we already knew ( h] excit+ adv5ture1 %e c\ld tell no?+4 ,san*ez (f]$ to drive h] back to ! hotel4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t he _h spok51 & ,i wond]$ :at ,burke1 fire-eat] t he 01 w\ld d4 ,= a mom5t he hesitat$1 !n /rode up to ! sall[-fac$ man delib]ately4 8,?is ?+ has gone too f>10 he gr\nd out4 8,has all ?is be5 /ag$ s t y c\ld play ! h]o80 ,san*ez fl>$4 ,= a mom5t ,i ?\ght t !re w\ld be a fight4 ,b he seem$ to consid]4 ,) a %rug1 he repli$1 quietly1 8,i am at y\r s]vice1 if ,i c be ( assi/ance to ! "y lady40 ,! man 0 baffl+4 ,!re 0 no?+ = ,burke to d b to hide 8 exasp]ation & take advantage ( ! (f]4 ,to me1 ! sudd5 appe>ance ( ,san*ez 0 mo/ my/ify+4 ,_h he 9 reality be5 on 8 way to ov]take 8 own ag5t1 :5 he _h1 =tunately = himself1 ov]tak5 u8 ,or 7 we all wrong & 0 ,san*ez innoc5t8 ,no "o said a ^w z we made our quick return to ! hotel4 ,w9ifr$ 01 by ?is "t1 h]self & able to return to h] room1 :i* 0 n[ gu>d$ f bel[4 ,nei!r %e nor any ( ! re/ ( u c\ld (f] an explanation ( ! sudd5 attack or its purpose4 ,x _h be5 a night ( t]ror & we 7 ab\t ready to drop f %e] exhau/ion4 ,besides1 x 0 too late n[ to d any?+ m4 ,k5n$y & ,i decid$ to retire1 leav+ ! ,secret ,s]vice op]atives to wat* = any fur!r suspici\s move on ! "p ( any "o1 especially ^? :o1 to all appe>ances1 at lea/1 seem$ to be safely asleep at ! ,lodge4 ,,xvi ,,! ,,invisible ,,ink ,we 7 awak5$ v e>ly by ! viol5t r++ ( our room telephone4 ,k5n$y 0 at ! receiv] almo/ be=e ,i realiz$ :at 0 go+ on4 8,h y a ma*9e to foll[ h]80 ,i he>d him ask1 hurri$ly1 !n add3 8,all "r4 ,i'll leave ! trail+ to y4 ,don't let h] get away4 ,we w g to ! city on ! tra9 & !n y c communicate ) me at ,mr4 ,ha/+s's (fice4 ,i'll g !re40 8,:o 0 x80 ,i ask$ z ,craig hung up4 8,:at has happ5$80 8,paquita has tri$ to /eal a m>* on u1 ,i imag9e10 he repli$1 beg9n+ to dress ha/ily4 8,riley mu/ h be5 up all nightor at lea/ v e>ly4 ,he saw h] come d[n-/airsx's sc>cely five o'clock n[& a mom5t lat] h] c> pull$ up4 ,%e's (f1 app>5tly by ! road to ,new ,york4 ,x's /range1 too4 ,except t %e got (f s e>ly1 %e made v little ef=t at concealm5t4 ,y w\ld ?9k %e mu/ h kn[n t %e w\ld be se54 ,i wond] if %e want$ u to "k x1 or 0 j tak+ a *ance at gett+ away :ile we 7 napp+80 8,is ,riley foll[+ h]80 ,i ask$4 8,yes4 ,z soon z he saw h] spe$/] at ! door he w5t out by ano!r door & ar\nd to ! g>age4 ,x j happ5$ t ! night man 0 !re & ,riley :e$l$ him into lett+ him h a c>4 ,x isn't z fa/ z ,paquita's1 b !n x isn't always ! fa/ c> t gets away ) x betwe5 "h & ,new ,york4 ,sometimes1 if y "k h[ to drive & :]e ! bad spots 9 ! road are1 y c make up :at y lack 9 spe$40 ,k5n$y _h pull$ a "t-table out ( 8 pocket & 0 hurri$ly consult+ x4 8,! s]vice is v poor at ?is h\r10 he rem>k$4 8,x w be an h\r be=e we c get ! next tra94 ,we've miss$ ! fir/ by a few m9utes40 8,:at d y suppose %e's up to n[80 ,i speculat$4 ,k5n$y %rugg$ sil5tly4 ,we _h f9i%$ dress+ & = ! mom5t !re seem$ to be no?+ to d b wait4 8,by ,george60 ,craig exclaim$1 sudd5ly1 />t+ = ! door4 8,j ! *ance6 ,h>dly anybody is ab\t4 ,we c get into h] room :ile %e is gone4 ,come on60 ,paquita's room1 or r suite1 0 on ! floor above & 9 a t[] at ! corn]4 ,x 0 difficult to get into1 b f a por* at ! end ( ! hall we f\nd t x 0 possible to /ep on a l$ge &1 at "s risk1 rea* "o w9d[4 ,k5n$y did n hesitate1 & ,i foll[$4 ,z 0 to be suppos$1 ! room 0 topsy-turvy1 %[+ t %e _h be5 at "s pa9s to get away e>ly & quick4 ,we began a sy/ematic se>*1 paw+ ) unhall[$ f+]s all ! da9ty articles ( fem99e f9]y :i* might conceal "s bit ( evid5ce t might assi/ u4 8,pretty clev]10 sc[l$ ,k5n$y1 z draw] aft] draw]1 trunk aft] trunk1 closet aft] closet1 yield$ no?+4 8,%e mu/ h de/roy$ ev]y?+40 ,he paus$ by a da9ty little wick] writ+-desk1 :i* 0 scrupul\sly clean4 ,ev5 ! blott]s 7 clean1 z ?\gh %e _h fe>$ "s "o might1 by tak+ h] h&-mirror1 ev5 read :at %e blott$4 ,! scrap-basket _h a pile ( wa/e 9 x1 includ+ a c\ple ( ev5+ pap]s4 ,h[ev]1 ,i turn$ x ov] & exam9$ x :ile ,craig wat*$4 ,z ,i did s ,i fairly p\nc$ on a %eet ( pap] crumpl$ into a ball1 & eag]ly /raight5$ x out flat on ! table4 8,humph60 ,i ejaculat$ 9 disgu/4 8,blank6 ,might h kn[n %e w\ldn't leave any?+ 9 writ+ ar\nd1 ,i suppose40 ,i 0 ab\t to ?r[ x back :5 ,k5n$y took x f me4 ,he held x up to ! light4 ,x 0 /ill j a crumpl$ %eet ( :ite pap]4 ,he look$ ab\t4 ,on a dress+-table /ood an electric curl+-iron4 ,he heat$ x & pass$ x ov] ! pap] until x curl$ ) ! heat4 ,/ill x 0 j a blank %eet ( pap]4 ,0 he pursu+ a w-o'-!-wisp8 ,= a mom5t he reg>d$ x ?\ghtfully4 8,if ,i 7 9 ! laboratory10 he rum9at$1 8,i c\ld tell pretty quick :e!r ,wait6t's fooli%4 ,%e hasn't any laboratory "h4 ,walt]1 fill t bas9 ) w>m wat]40 ,9 ! bottom ( ! bas9 ,craig laid ! %eet ( pap] & we b5t ov] x4 8,no?+ do+10 ,i rem>k$1 disappo9t$4 8,:y n80 he return$1 eag]ly1 turn+ ! wet pap]4 8,we _h x wrong side up60 ,!re1 be=e our eyes1 "u ! wat]1 *>act]s ( "s sort 7 appe>+4 8,y c make a p]fectly good sympa!tic ink f l9se$ oil1 liquor ( ammonia1 & any ( sev]al o!r +r$i5ts10 he said1 wat*+ ) me4 8,:5 writ+ ) x dries x is invisible4 ,only wat] w br+ x out4 ,!n :5 x dries x is invisible aga94 ,look40 ,i did1 b c\ld n yet make out :at x 01 except t x seem$ to be a hodge-podge ( figures3 #beaeccccaeadedcbdedcddabaebeaeceddcccca eeb #edcddbbedeccddbdcaebaebabdccbddcbcbcaed bae 8,x's a ciph]60 ,i exclaim$ ) t usual acum5 t made ,k5n$y smile indulg5tly4 8,q "r10 he agre$1 /udy+ ! peculi> scrawl ( ! figures4 8,b if we are go+ to get to ,new ,york at any?+ l ! "t %e does1 we mu/ get t tra94 ,i c't /op to deciph] x n[4 ,we'll h pl5ty ( "t lat] 9 ! morn+4 ,!re's no use /ay+ "h1 ) ! bird fl[n f ! cage4 ,i wond] :e!r ,ha/+s is up yet40 ,! lawy]1 :o 0 n z "y z he us$ to be1 0 n awake1 & x took "s p\nd+ on 8 door to wake him4 ,z he op5$ x sleepily he 0 prep>$ to give "s "o a piece ( 8 m9d1 until he saw t x 0 ,k5n$y & myself4 8,hello60 he suppress$ a surly gr[l4 8,:at's ! tr\ble80 ,quickly ,craig told him ( ! /range dep>ture ( ,paquita4 8,up to some?+ aga910 mutt]$ ,ha/+s1 f9d+ "s "o at lea/ on :om he c\ld v5t 8 sple51 al?\gh by ?is "t he 0 fully awake4 8,b1 man1 ,i c't get away = t e>ly tra960 8,oh1 t's all "r10 reassur$ ,k5n$y4 8,i ?9k x w be en\gh if y come d[n on ! express4 ,b ,i want$ to tell y t :5 ,riley call$ up & said he 0 (f aft] ,paquita1 ,i c\ldn't ?9k ( a place 9 ! city t 0 m c5tral ?an y\r (fice & ,i took ! lib]ty ( tell+ him to call me up !re1 )\t ?9k+ h[ e>ly x w\ld be40 8,i'll let y h ! key10 return$ ,ha/+s1 tak+ "o f a r+4 8,i'll jo9 y z soon z ,i c get away40 8,j :at ,i want$10 comm5t$ ,k5n$y1 z we left ! lawy] & hurri$ d[n to ! d9+-room = ! few rema9+ m9utes be=e ! hotel 'bus left = ! /ation4 8,besides1 ,i want$ to get !re :5 no "o 0 ar\nd1 s t ,i c\ld h a *ance to look at t conf\nd$ detectaphone aga94 ,:oev] x 0 :o in/all$ x 0 clev]40 8,might n t be ! purpose ( ,paquita's trip to ,new ,york80 ,i qu]i$4 8,i 0 ?9k+ ( t4 ,betwe5 u1 ,riley & ourselves ought to be able to f9d t out40 ,!re 0 j "t = a ha/y bite ( breakfa/ & we w5t into ! d9+-room1 :]e ,burke 0 evid5tly look+ = u1 = he came ov] & sat d[n4 ,no "o else 0 ab\t & he felt free to talk4 8,if y're go+10 he decid$1 aft] tell+ u ( ,riley's report to him also ( ,paquita1 8,i ?9k ,i _h bett] /ay4 ,we ought n to let any ( !m rema9 "h unobs]v$n aft] la/ night10 he add$4 8,q "r10 agre$ ,k5n$y4 8,h y he>d any?+ m ab\t ! attack on ,w9ifr$80 ,burke negativ$4 ,he 0 /ill sore at ,san*ez1 :o seem$ to h come out ( ! affair ) cr$it4 ,i fanci$ t if ev] ! sall[-fac$ man ran af\l ( ,burke x w\ld g h>d ) him4 8,i didn't get t bus9ess /raight la/ night10 mus$ ! detective4 8,:y %\ld any "o h want$ to kidnap ,w9ifr$8 ,x c\ldn't h be5 to hurt h]= !re 0 pl5ty ( opportunity to d t4 ,x mu/ h be5 to hold h] some:]e & =ce "s "o to d some?+4 ,:at d y ?9k ( t1 ,k5n$y80 8,y\r reason+ is v logical10 agre$ ,craig4 8,!re is only "o ?+ miss+:o 0 x & :at 0 x =80 8,pretty l>ge que/ions10 agre$ ,burke1 good-humor$ly n[4 8,!re mu/ h be5 "s big reason = x4 ,well1 ,i hope ?is trip ( ,paquita's proves to be ! key to some?+4 ,i almo/ wi% ,i _h told ,riley to /ay4 ,i'd l to g ) y40 8,no10 reassur$ ,craig4 8,x's bett] t y %\ld be "h4 ,we mu/ n leave any loopholes4 ,y'll communicate ) me if any?+ happ5s80 ,burke nodd$ & glanc$ ha/ily at 8 wat* z a h9t to u to hurry4 ,) a p>t+ assurance f him1 we made ! da% = ! tra9 9 ! hotel 'bus4 ,! crisp morn+ air z we spun up to ! /ation 0 a tonic to ,k5n$y4 ,he seem$ to enjoy ! excitem5t ( ! *ase ke5ly & ,i mu/ admit t ,i1 too1 felt ! pleas+ unc]ta9ty ( our err&4 ,i _h f\nd by ?is "t t !re 0 an entirely diff]5t cr[d t regul>ly took ea* tra94 ,none ( ^? :om we _h se5 ! previ\s day on ! express 7 on ?is tra91 al?\gh ,i felt sure t "s ( !m at lea/ w\ld take _! regul> trip to ! city lat]1 especially ,%elby4 ,:atev] happ5$1 at lea/ we 7 ahead ( !m1 al?\gh ,i d\bt$ :e!r we w\ld be ahead ( ,paquita unless %e _h "s tr\ble on ! road4 ,no?+ 0 to be ga9$ by ! /udy ( ! o!r pass5g]s1 & !re 0 n ev5 a *air c> on ! accommodation4 ,! pap]s _h n arriv$ f ,new ,york 9 spite ( ! fact t ,we/port 0 n v f> out1 & ! "t consum$ 9 /opp+ at e /ation on ! road seem$ to hang heavy4 ,k5n$y1 h[ev]1 0 nev] at a loss = some?+ to d4 ,we _h no m ?an settl$ ourselves 9 ! smok] ) its seats ( hot1 dirty1 worn1 antiquat$ railroad plu%1 :5 he pull$ f 8 pocket a copy he _h made ( ! figures t _h appe>$ on ! wet pap]4 ,9 a mom5t he 0 deeply engag$ 9 a /udy ( !m1 try+ all mann] ( tricks1 comb9+ !m1 add+ !m1 sett+ figures opposite ! lett]s ( ! alphabet1 ev]y?+ t c\ld occur to him on ! spur ( ! mom5t1 al?\gh ,i knew t he _h work$ out a sci5tific mann] ( read+ any ciph]4 ,/ill1 8 sy/em ( deciph]+ w\ld take "t1 & 9 ! brief int]val ( ! railroad j\rney x 0 8 int5tion to see :e!r he might n save ! labor & p]haps /umble on "s simple key4 ,evid5tly ! ciph] 0 n s simple4 ,"o aft] ano!r he us$ up %eets f 8 loose-leaf note-book1 te>+ up ! scrawls & ?r[+ !m out ( ! w9d[1 b nev] seem+ to become disc\rag$ or to lose 8 temp] at ea* fre% failure4 8,i c't say ,i'm mak+ mu* progress10 he admitt$1 f9ally1 clos+ 8 note-book & tak+ f 8 wallet c>efully ! orig9al crumpl$ %eet ,i _h f\nd 9 ! scrap-basket4 8,!re's j "o ?+ ,i'd l to tryn to deciph] x1 = t w take "t1 ,i seeb to see if !re is any?+ else t ,i miss$ z ,i look$ at x s ha/ily up !re 9 t room40 ,at ! ice-wat] cool]1 :i* nev] _h any ice 9 x1 nor cups ab\t x1 he held ! %eet ( pap] = a mom5t "u ! tepid runn+ wat]4 ,s9ce he _h fir/ wet x1 x _h dri$ out & ! figures 7 aga9 invisible4 ,!n he return$ to our seat & soon 0 deep 9 ! /udy ( ! orig9al ?is "t4 8,i c say "o ?+10 he rem>k$1 fold+ ! ciph] c>efully s z n to te> ! weak5$ fib]s1 z we roll$ into ! ,new ,york t]m9us1 8! p]son :o wrote t ?+ is a crookhas ! in/9cts ( a spy & traitor40 8,h[ d y "k t80 ,i inquir$4 8,h[80 he repeat$1 quietly1 glanc+ up %>ply f a f9al look at ! ?+4 8,did y ev] he> ( ! sci5ce ( graphology! /udy ( "* 9 h&writ+8 ,mu* ! same ?+ applies to figures4 ,x's all !re 9 ! way ^? figures are made1 j z pla9 z ! nose on y\r face1 ev5 if ! mean+ ( ! ciph] is /ill hidd54 ,we h a crook to deal )1 & a v clev] "o1 too1 ev5 if we don't "k yet :o x is4 ,x's possible to hide a good deal1 b n ev]y?+n ev]y?+40 ,f ! /ation ,k5n$y & ,i w5t imm$iately d[n to ! (fice ( ,ha/+s4 ,x 0 /ill v e>ly & few (fices 7 occupi$4 ,k5n$y op5$ ! door &1 z ,i anticipat$1 w5t directly to ! spot 9 ! (fice :]e he _h une>!d1 or r unwall$1 ! detectaphone transmitt]4 ,!re 0 n a *ance t any "o w\ld be li/5+ at ! o!r end1 yet he proce$$ cauti\sly4 ,! transmitt] _h be5 plac$ close to ! pla/] :i* _h n be5 di/urb$ 9 ,ha/+s's (fice4 ,s effici5t 0 ! little ma*9e t ev5 ! pla/] did n prev5t s\nd waves f affect+ its s5sitive diaphragm4 8,b h[ c\ld x h be5 put 9 place80 ,i ask$ z ,k5n$y explor$ ! hole he _h made 9 ! wall4 8,t's new pla/] back !re10 he po9t$ out1 pe]+ 94 8,"s "o mu/ h _h access on a pret5se to ! next (fice & plac$ ! transmitt] t way1 pla/]+ up ! wall aga9 & pa9t+ x ov]4 ,y see1 ,ha/+s w\ldn't "k ab\t t40 8,/ill10 ,i object$1 8any "o go+ 9 & out ( ! next (fice w\ld be likely to be se54 ,:o has ! (fice80 8,x's no use to look10 repli$ ,k5n$y1 z ,i />t$ = ! hall4 8,!y are z ignorant z we are4 ,see! wire doesn't g !re4 ,x goes horizontally to t box or cas+ 9 ! corn] :i* c>ries /eam-pipes4 ,!n x goes d[n4 ,x's n likely x goes d[n v _m floors4 ,let's see :at's "u u40 ,! (fice b5ea? bore on its doors ! "n ( a well-kn[n brok]age firm4 ,!re 0 no reason to suspect !m1 & ,k5n$y & ,i walk$ d[n ano!r floor4 ,!re1 9 a little (fice1 directly "u t occupi$ by ,ha/+s1 gilt lett]s ann\nc$ simply 8,public ,/5ograph] ,ex*ange40 ,)\t a d\bt t 0 ! o!r end ( ! eavesdropp]4 8,!re's no "o 9 yet1 sir10 in=m$ a clean+ woman :o happ5$ to see u try+ ! door4 ,k5n$y 0 ready ) a /ory4 8,t's too bad10 he ha/5$1 ) a glance at 8 wat*4 8,!y want to sublet x to me & ,i'd l to look at x be=e ,i decide on ano!r (fice at n9e o'clock40 8,i c let y see x10 h9t$ ! woman1 rattl+ a /r+ ( keys4 8,c y80 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y1 slipp+ a silv] co9 into h] h&4 8,?ank y4 ,x w save me ano!r trip40 ,%e op5$ ! door & we saw at once :y ,k5n$y's *ance /ory _h seem$ s plausible4 ,:atev] furniture _h be5 !re _h be5 mov$ out1 except a s+le pla9 *air & a v small table4 ,b on ! table /ood a box1 ! receiv+ end ( ! detectaphone4 ,x 0 ! eavesdropp]'s /ation1 all "r4 ,! woman left u a mom5t & we made ! be/ ( ! opportunity4 ,n ev5 a scrap ( pap] _h be5 left4 ,except = :at greet$ u on our fir/ entrance1 !re 0 no?+4 ,:o _h r5t$ ! place8 ,:o _h li/5$ 91 _h he>d & anticipat$ ev5 our c>eful frame-up8 ,c\ld x h be5 t ?is 0 ! objective ( ! ha/y visit ( ,paquita1 t x _h be5 %e :o 0 s eag] to de/roy ! evid5ce ( ! eavesdropp+ on ,ha/+s8 ,x 0 gall+ to h to /& "h 9 inaction at a "t :5 we felt t we might be le>n+ mu* if we _h only s mu* z a h9t :]e else to look4 8,! easie/ way ( f9d+ out is to wat*10 conclud$ ,k5n$y4 8,we c't j /& ab\t 9 ! hall4 ,t 9 itself w look suspici\s4 ,y wait "h a few m9utes :ile ,i see if ,i c f9d ! ag5t ( ! build+40 ,ar\nd a b5d 9 ! hall ,i wait$1 try+ to seem int]e/$ m 9 "s o!r (fice d[n ! hall4 ,no "o appe>$1 h[ev]1 look+ = any ( ! (fices1 & x 0 only a few m9utes be=e ,k5n$y return$4 8,i f\nd him10 he ann\nc$4 8,( c\rse he c\ld tell me next to no?+4 ,x 0 z ,i _h suppos$1 j "s "o :o 0 an emiss>y ( our crim9al4 ,i d\bt if x w\ld d u mu* good to cat* ! p]son n[1 anyway4 ,/ill1 x's wor? :ile tak+ a *ance on4 ,a girl :o said %e 0 a typewrit] & /5ograph] hir$ ! place1 & paid = x 9 ca% 9 advance4 ,i manag$ to p]suade ! ag5t to let me h ! key to ?is vacant (fice opposite4 ,we c wat* bett] f t40 ,we let ourselves into ! opposite (fice1 :i* 0 b>e1 & ,i c\ld see t ,i 0 9 = a tiresome wait4 ,no "o _h arriv$ yet 9 ,ha/+s's (fice & ,k5n$y 0 eag] to receive "s ^w f ,riley z well z wat* ! eavesdropp+ plant4 ,accord+ly1 he left me to wat* :ile he return$ to ! lawy]'s (fice4 ,e footfall 9 ! hall rais$ my hopes1 only to da% !m aga9 z ! new-com] ent]$ "s o!r (fice ?an ! "o ,i 0 wat*+4 ,,xvii ,,! ,,ciph] ,,lett] ,irksome ?\gh x 0 to be compell$ to d fruitless wat*+ 9 a vacant (fice1 !re 0 no?+ to d b /ick at x4 ,:at ,paquita might be up to 0 a my/]y1 b ,i knew t until we he>d f ,riley we c\ld h only ! mo/ sl5d] *ance to locate h] 9 ! big city4 ,x 0 p]haps half an h\r lat] :51 to my relief1 ,k5n$y return$1 br++ ) him a /range man4 ,i look$ at him inquir+ly4 8,y're j wa/+ "t "h1 ,walt]10 ,craig expla9$4 8,i've got "o ( ! ,secret ,s]vice m5 "h 9 ! city to relieve y ( y\r job4 ,b ,i v mu* suspect t1 aft] :at happ5$ la/ night1 :oev] _h t place across ! hall is ?r\gh & w\ld r lose ! detectaphone receiv] ?an risk be+ caught40 8,h y _h any ^w f ,riley80 8,n a ^w4 ,i'm gett+ anxi\s10 he repli$1 turn+ to ! new man & in/ruct+ him :at to d4 ,k5n$y 0 eag] to get back1 9 case !re might be a ha/y call ab\t ,paquita4 ,i c\ld see1 too1 t he 0 conv9c$ t we 7 baffl$1 at lea/ z f> z discov]+ :o _h be5 us+ ! detectaphone 0 conc]n$4 ,we return$ quickly to ,ha/+s's (fice1 :i* 0 /ill des]t$1 & !re1 z we wait$ n]v\sly1 ,k5n$y drew =? ! ciph] & began to /udy x aga91 b ?is "t on an entirely diff]5t l9e1 foll[+ 8 own sci5tific pr9ciples1 :i* he _h laid d[n aft] inve/igat+ ! "w ( o!r exp]t deciph]]s4 ,my hopes rose mom5t>ily :5 we he>d foot/eps 9 ! hall & ! door 0 bur/ op54 ,x 01 h[ev]1 m]ely a mess5g]-boy4 8,telegram = ,mr4 ,k5n$y10 he %\t$1 p5etrat+ ev5 ! sacr$ inn] (fice ( ,ha/+s4 ,craig tore op5 ! yell[ envelope1 read ! message1 & toss$ x ov] to me4 ,x 0 f ,burke at ,we/port4 8,wireless op]ators at ,seaville ,/ation10 x read1 8report /range int]f]5ce4 ,may be 9 ref]5ce to telautomaton4 ,w keep y advis$ if any?+ happ5s40 ,! possibility ( a new twi/ to ev5ts 0 v fasc9at+1 ?\gh ,i did n und]/& x4 ,i 0 j ab\t to "q ,k5n$y ab\t ! telautomaton :5 ! door op5$ aga94 ,?is "t x 0 ,ha/+s himself4 8,has !re be5 any ^w80 he ask$1 eag]ly4 8,no?+ s f>10 repli$ ,craig4 8,y came on ! express1 ,i suppose80 8,yes10 he repli$1 8 face we>+ a puzzl$ expression4 8,i don't q und]/& :at is go+ on40 8,:at 9 p>ticul>80 qu]i$ ,craig1 see+ t !re 0 some?+ on ,ha/+s's m9d4 8,:y1 ,%elby1 ( c\rse10 he answ]$4 8,"s *ange has tak5 place 9 him4 ,he's n l ! ,%elby ,i us$ to "k4 ,ye/]day he came 9 to t[n4 ,he 0 on ! tra9 aga9 to-day4 ,i wasn't ! only "o :o notic$ x4 ,johnson ,walcott 0 on ! tra91 too4 ,he notic$ xcall$ my att5tion to x1 z a matt] ( fact4 ,i saw "s ( ! y\ng] m51 too4 ,%elby z a regul> commut] is a joke to !m4 ,b x's m ?an a joke1 ,i'm ?9k+4 ,%elby nev] came ne> ,wall ,/reetor ,broad ,/reetbe=e4 ,b n[ !y tell me he seems to be tak+ an active int]e/ 9 ! ,maddox ,munitions /ock on ! curb4 ,i don't und]/& x40 8,c\ld he be try+ to put ?r\gh "s deal80 ,i inquir$1 ha/ily4 8,p]haps he's try+ to get ! control 8 bro!r w\ld h _h40 8,i don't d\bt t he has "s su* s*eme10 agre$ ,ha/+s4 8,bwell1 :at d y say1 ,k5n$y8 ,doesn't x look suspici\s1 s soon aft]w>d8 ,x may be real ambition1 n[4 ,he may h *ang$4 ,b0 ,ha/+s's 8b0 meant volumes4 ,j !n ! telephone rang & ! lawy] answ]$ x1 h&+ ! in/rum5t ov] to ,k5n$y4 ,we li/5$ eag]ly4 ,x 0 ! fir/ long-delay$ report ( ,paquita f ,riley1 & z ,k5n$y pursu$ ! "o-sid$ conv]sation t we he>d ,i ga!r$ t1 f> f cle>+ up ?+s1 ! actions ( ,paquita _h fur!r muddl$ !m4 ,ha/+s glanc$ at me & %ook 8 head sagely1 :isp]+1 8,t's a clev] & a dang]\s woman3 ,:5 %e looks mo/ innoc5t is ! "t to be w>y40 ,i tri$ to pay no att5tion to 8 banal rem>ks1 b /ill 0 unable to foll[1 f :at ,i he>d1 ! c\rse ( ! report f ,riley4 ,f9ally x seem$ z if ,k5n$y 7 cut (f 9 ! middle ( a rem>k or t ,riley _h hung up sudd5ly4 ,k5n$y jiggl$ ! hook b 0 unable to get any "o back aga91 ?\gh ,c5tral tri$ = "s "t4 8,:at 0 x80 ,i ask$1 ke5ly int]e/$4 8,i'm afraid %e's putt+ "o ov] on u aga910 comm5t$ ,k5n$y z he hung up ! receiv]4 8,h['s t80 ,i ask$4 8,:y1 x's evid5tly a purposeless visit to ! city1 z ne>ly z ,i c make out4 ,riley foll[$ h] 9_h no difficulty4 ,9 fact1 he ?9ks t %e knew %e 0 be+ foll[$ be=e !y rea*$ ! turnpike f ,we/port40 8,:]e did %e g aft] %e got "h80 ,i ask$1 hop+ t at la/ !re 0 "s clue t might lead to ! 8gang0 :i* ,burke suspect$1 b :i* ,i 0 almo/ tempt$ to believe 0 my?ical4 8,j /opp$ at h] city ap>tm5t10 return$ ,craig4 8,!re wasn't any telephone h&y & ,riley 0 afraid to leave h] = fe> %e might come out & get away be=e he c\ld get back4 ,x 0 v e>ly4 ,:5 x came "t = ! (fices to op5 %e made a call at h] !atrical ag5ts aga94 ,aft] t %e came d[n-t[n4 ,%e wasn't f> away f u "h4 ,?is w int]e/ y1 ,mr4 ,ha/+s40 ,ha/+s ne$$ no prompt+4 ,he 0 already int]e/$4 8,riley f\nd h] talk+ to a cl]k 9 a brok]age h\se,dext] ,co4 ,y "k !m80 8,slightly4 ,i wond] :at t c mean40 8,p]haps some?+ to d ) ,%elbyat lea/ ,riley ?9ks s4 ,x 0 :ile %e 0 talk+ to ! cl]k t he got 8 fir/ *ance to telephone me4 ,:at cut him %ort 0 t he c\ld see f ! telephone boo? t %e 0 />t+ away4 ,he _h to g1 b he did get "t to say t he _h j se5 ,%elby ,maddox ent] ! same build+1 ?\gh ,%elby didn't see ,paquita40 8,did %e see him80 8,i suppose s4 ,t mu/ h be5 :y %e w5t away s quickly4 ,i suppose %e didn't want to be se540 8,:at c t girl be up to n[80 consid]$ ,ha/+s4 8,y may j re/ assur$ t x is some?+ devili%40 8,any ^w f ,san*ez80 ,i ask$1 rememb]+ my own exp]i5ce ! "t ,i _h tri$ to trail ,paquita4 8,no?+ s f>10 repli$ ,k5n$y4 8,riley 0 look+ = him1 b hasn't se5 a trace ( him4 ,except = ! visit d[n-t[n1 ,paquita seems to be j go+ ab\t z ?\gh giv+ ,riley some?+ to d4 ,he ?9ks x's mighty /range %e doesn't try to ?r[ him (f4 ,really1 %e seems to want to be %ad[$40 8,h[ c t be80 ,k5n$y %rugg$4 8,i don't "k4 ,riley promis$ to call up ! next *ance he got40 8,:y n g ov] to ,dext]'s80 sugge/$ ,ha/+s4 8,%e c't be !re10 return$ ,k5n$y4 8,if %e 01 ,riley w\ld h _h a *ance to make a second call4 ,!re=e ,i reason t %e mu/ h gone away aft] %e _h se5 ! cl]k & :5 ,%elby appe>$4 ,i ?9k ,i'll /ay "h a:ile1 until ,i he> aga9especially z ,i h n[h]e else to g10 he decid$1 pull+ out ! ciph] f 8 pocket aga94 8,we may he> "s m ab\t ,%elby & 8 s*emes40 ,k5n$y _h n[ fall5 into an e>ne/ /udy ( ! peculi> cryptogram :i* we _h discov]$4 8,i suppose y've notic$ t !re's no figure above five 9 x10 he rem>k$ to me1 look+ up = an in/ant f sev]al %eets ( pap] :i* he 0 cov]+ ) a hopeless jam ( figures & lett]s4 8,i _h n10 ,i confess$4 8,:at ( x80 8,well1 ,i've tri$ ! numb]s 9 all sorts ( comb9ations & p]mutations4 ,!y don't "w4 ,let me see4 ,suppose we take !m 9 pairs40 ,= sev]al mom5ts he cont9u$ to figure & 8 face became cont9u\sly bright]4 8,!re are six pairs ( #cc's10 he rem>k$1 almo/ to himself4 8,n[1 x's well kn[n t ! lett] #8e' is ! mo/ commonly us$ lett]4 ,t's ! />t+ po9t usually 9 work+ out a ciph]4 ,wait!re are eight #8#ae's't mu/ be #8e4' ,yes1 ! *ances are all = x4 ,n[ :at lett] is #cc1 if any80 ,he appe>$ to be 9 a dream z he recall$ f 8 /udies ( cryptograms :at 7 ! probabilities ( ! occurr5ce ( ! p>ticul> lett]s4 ,sudd5ly he exclaim$3 8,p]haps x's #8n'let's see40 ,ha/ily he wrote d[n "s lett]s & numb]s 9 ! foll[+ ord]8#be;enne#aded40 ,he look$ at x = a mom5t1 & !n 8 face regi/]$ ! dawn ( an idea4 8,by ,george60 he exclaim$1 8we don't h to g any fur!r6 ,i h x4 ,x's my own "n,k5n$y4 ,let me see h[ t works4 ,i believe x's ! sy/em we call0 ,k5n$y 0 aga9 int]rupt$ by ! entrance ( ! mess5g]-boy ) ano!r telegram4 ,he tore x op5 &1 z ,i expect$1 x 0 a second message f ,burke4 8,seaville ,/ation has report$ int]f]5ce to ,gov]nm5t4 ,j receiv$ ord]s ,wa%+ton to take up inve/igation4 ,n wireless messages t int]f]e4 ,"s my/]y4 ,:5 c y come out80 ,k5n$y read & r]ead ! message4 ,to nei!r ,ha/+s nor myself did x convey any idea ^u :i* we c\ld build4 ,b to ,k5n$y1 seem+ly1 x sugge/$ a ?\s& & "o ?+s4 ,x 0 evid5t t ! appeal f ,burke _h mov$ ,k5n$y v mu*4 ,paquita _h lur$ u into t[n1 b ,i _c say t x 0 giv+ u mu* to %[ = our pa9s4 8,:at d y suppose t message c mean80 ,i que/ion$4 8,:at does ,burke mean ab\t ! telautomaton80 8,i c't say at ?is di/ance4 ,!re mu/ be m to x ?an he has put into ! telegram4 ,b at lea/ x is possible t ! m5 at ! /ation h /umbl$ ov] "s attempt to use ! wireless 9 te/+ out ! little model4 ,x's pretty h>d to tell4 ,really1 ,i wi% ,i 0 out !re4 ,a clue l ?is int]e/s me mu* m ?an our little adv5turess40 ,k5n$y _h sc>cely laid d[n ! message f ,burke :5 ! telephone t9kl$ aga94 ,he seiz$ ! receiv] expectantly4 ,by 8 excitem5t ,i c\ld see t x 0 ,riley aga94 8,yes1 ,riley10 we he>d him answ]4 8,:]e are y n[80 ,! conv]sation 0 rapid-fire4 ,z ,k5n$y hung up 8 face %[$ consid]able int]e/4 8,t woman is j mak+ sport ( ,riley10 exclaim$ ,k5n$y1 hotly1 fac+ u 9 p]plexity4 8,:y1 :at is %e do+80 8,seems to be aimlessly driv+ ab\t ! city4 ,i'll bet %e is j laugh+ at him4 ,i wond] :at ! game may be80 8,:]e is %e n[80 8,up-t[n aga94 ,i suppose t we c\ld jump up !re & probably cat* ,riley some:]e1 by keep+ 9 t\* ) ?is (fice1 if bo? ( u kept call+ up "h4 ,b :at good x w\ld d ,i c't see4 ,i'm disappo9t$4 ,?is ?+ has deg5]at$ into a wild-goose *ase40 ,8 eye fell on ! telegram f ,burke1 & ,i knew t ! two ?+s _h plac$ ,k5n$y 9 a dilemma4 ,if he might h be5 9 two places at once1 he w\ld h be5 satisfi$4 ,%\ld he drop ev]y?+ & g to ,burke or %\ld he wait = ,riley8 8,we'll let ! ciph] decide10 conclud$ ,k5n$y1 turn+ to ! scribbl$ pap]s be=e him4 8,:at is ! ciph] sy/em80 ,i ask$1 me*anically1 my head r 9 a :irl at ! fa/-cr[d+ ev5ts4 8,don't y und]/&80 he cri$1 almo/ gleefully1 work+ at ! solution ( ! secret writ+4 8,i've got x6 ,h[ /upid ( me be=e n to ?9k ( x4 ,:y1 x's ! old *eck]bo>d ciph] aga960 ,quickly he drew on pap] a s]ies ( five squ>es horizontally & five v]tically & fill$ !m 9 ) ! lett]s ( ! alphabet1 plac+ ,i & ,j 9 ! same squ>e1 ?us us+ tw5ty-five squ>es4 ,ov] ! top he wrote ! numb]s to #e & d[n ! side he did ! same1 z foll[s3 #a #b #c #d #e - #a ,a ,b ,c ,d ,e - #b ,f ,g ,h ,,ij ,k - #c ,l ,m ,n ,o ,p - #d ,q ,r ,s ,t ,u - #e ,v ,w ,x ,y ,z - 8,d y see80 he cri$1 eag]ly4 8,! lett] #8e' is 9 ! fir/ r[1 ! fif? lett]#ae4 ,! lett] #8n' is ! ?ird lett] 9 ! ?ird r[#cc4 ,:y1 x's simple60 ,x might h be5 simple to him n[1 b to ,ha/+s & myself1 z ,k5n$y figur$ ! ?+ out1 x 0 little %ort ( m>vel\s4 ,= all we c\ld h done x1 ,i suppose ! blank scrap ( pap] w\ld /ill h be5 a hidd5 book4 ,we 7 cr[d$ ab\t ,k5n$y1 eag]ly wat*+ :at 8 deciph]+ might yield1 :5 ! (fice-boy ann\nc$1 8,mr4 ,%elby ,maddox to see y1 ,mr4 ,ha/+s40 ,k5n$y quickly cov]$ ! pap]s on :i* he 0 writ+ ) "s o!rs on ! desk1 j z ,%elby ent]$4 8,is ,k5n$y "h80 cri$ ,%elby4 8,oh,i ?\ght maybe y might be4 ,!y told me t y'd gone e>ly to ! city40 ,our greet+ 0 none too cordial1 b ,%elby ei!r did n notice x or affect$ n to d s4 8,i want$ to ask y ab\t t kidnapp+10 he expla9$4 8,y see1 ,i wasn't ab\t :5 !y f\nd ,mito1 & x wasn't until lat] t ,i he>d ( x & ! attempt on ,w9ifr$4 ,:at d y suppose1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 0 ! reason8 ,:o c\ld h want$ to c>ry h] (f80 ,k5n$y %rugg$4 8,s f> ,i hav5't be5 able to give a f9al explanation10 he rem>k$1 ke5ly4 8,!n ! kidnapp]s got away clean80 ask$ ,%elby4 8,x 0 v clev]10 temporiz$ ,k5n$y1 8b ,i w\ld h>dly say t !re is no clue40 ,%elby ey$ ,craig ke5ly1 z ?\gh he w\ld h lik$ to read 8 m9d4 ,b ,k5n$y's face did n betray :e!r x 0 mu* or little t he knew4 8,well10 add$ ,%elby1 8all ,i've got to say is t "s "o is go+ to get into tr\ble if any?+ happ5s to t girl40 ,i 0 li/5+ att5tively4 ,0 ?is a bluff1 or n8 ,f ! expression on ,ha/+s's face "o w\ld h said t he 0 conv9c$ x mu/ h be5 ,%elby himself :o kidnapp$ h]4 ,i wond]$ :e!r x 0 :olly int]e/ 9 ,w9ifr$ t prompt$ ,%elby's visit & inquiry4 8,at any rate10 he w5t on1 8y'll all be wat*+ n[ aga9/ a repetition ( su* a ?+1 won't y8 ,i don't ne$ to rem9d y1 ,k5n$y1 ( y\r promise :5 ,i talk$ to y be=e80 ,craig nodd$4 8,i'll give y a squ>e deal1 ,mr4 ,maddox10 return$ ,craig4 8,( c\rse ,i c't "w = two p at once4 ,b ,i %all d no?+ = any cli5t t ,i am n conv9c$ is p]fectly "r4 ,y ne$ n fe> = ,miss ,walcott z long z ,i c protect h]40 ,maddox seem$ to be reliev$1 al?\gh he _h f\nd no?+ t po9t$ to ! orig9 ( ! attack4 ,or 0 x because ( t8 ,he glanc$ at 8 wat* uneasily4 8,y'll p>don me10 he said1 ris+4 8,i _h a few m9utes & ,i ?\ght ,i'd drop 9 & see y4 ,i mu/ keep an appo9tm5t4 ,?ank y = :at y h said ab\t ,w9ifr$40 ,z he )drew ,i %ot a ha/y glance at ,craig4 ,%\ld ,i foll[ him8 ,k5n$y negativ$4 ,app>5tly n ev5 ! intrusion ( ,%elby _h got out ( 8 m9d ei!r ! dilemma we 7 9 or ! hidd5 message t he seem$ on ! po9t ( read+4 8,an engagem5t10 comm5t$ ,ha/+s1 incr$ul\sly4 8,s9ce :5 has ,%elby _h important engagem5ts8 ,m ?an likely x is some?+ to d ) ?is ,paquita woman40 ,!re 0 no mi/ak+ ! op9ion t ,ha/+s _h ( ! y\nge/ scion ( ! h\se ( ,maddox4 ,nor 0 x unju/ifi$4 ,%elby's escapades _h be5 notori\s1 ?\gh ,i _h always notic$ t1 9 ! aft]ma? ( ! /ories1 ,%elby 0 q z mu*1 if n m1 s9n$ aga9/ ?an s9n+4 ,"y m5 ( 8 /amp are subject to _m m temptations ?an "s ( ! re/ ( u4 ,if ,%elby 7 com+ ?r\gh all "r1 ,i reflect$1 s mu* ! great] cr$it = him4 ,k5n$y ei!r %>$ my own feel+s t[>d ,%elby or _h decid$ t he 0 n at pres5t wor? consid]+ to ! delay ( some?+ m important4 ,i look$ ov] 8 %\ld]1 fasc9at$1 z he fell to "w aga9 imm$iately on ! ciph] ) ! same ze/ :i* he _h display$ be=e ,%elby's int]ruption4 ,rapidly ,k5n$y translat$ ! figures into lett]s &1 z ea* ^w 0 set d[n on pap]1 became m & m excit$4 ,f9ally he leap$ up & seiz$ 8 hat4 8,conf\nd h]60 he exclaim$1 8t expla9s x all6 ,look60 ,ha/+s & ,i read :at he _h writt53 8,,k5n$y ,,mu/ ,,be ,,kept ,,9 ,,new ,,york ,,until ,,we ,,f9i% ,,"h40 ,,xviii ,,! ,,radio ,,detective ,"h1 x seem$1 0 a new dang]4 ,0 x to be tak5 z a pro( ( ,burke's !ory t "s "o1 p]haps a gang1 0 back ( ,paquita6 ,i 0 almo/ incl9$ to ,ha/+s' op9ion1 = ! mom5t4 ,:at 0 ! reason t ,%elby _h be5 s int]e/$ 9 ,k5n$y z to seek him out ev5 9 ! (fice ( ! lawy] ( 8 bro!r :o hat$ him8 ,i c\ld evolve no answ] 9 my own inn] consci\sness = ! que/ions4 ,z f> z ,i c\ld see we 7 /ill fight+ 9 ! d>k1 & fight+ an unkn[n4 ,k5n$y quickly *ose "o horn ( ! dilemma t _h be5 pres5t$ to him4 ,bo? ! word+ ( ! ciph] & ,burke's enigmatic message reg>d+ ! wireless :i* came s close on its heels q decid$ him to hurry back to ,we/portt is1 if "o might s call travel+ on midday tra9s t l\ng$ along f /ation to /ation4 ,we left ,ha/+s 9 a high /ate ( excitem5t4 ,"s press+ bus9ess prev5t$ 8 imm$iate return to ,we/port1 & ,k5n$y 0 evid5tly r pleas$ ?an o!rwise1 = he did n urge him to g4 8,!re's j "o ?+ t ,i mu/ /op =1 & we %all h pl5ty ( "t1 if we don't wa/e x10 he plann$4 8,i mu/ g to ! laboratory4 ,!re's "s /uff !re ,i want to take out if1 z ,i =esee1 we are to h to deal ) wireless 9 "s way4 ,besides1 ,i may ne$ "s exp]t assi/ance & ,i want to arrange ) "o ( ! graduate /ud5ts at ! univ]sity1 if ,i c40 ,9 ! laboratory he f\nd :at he want$ & began ga!r+ x into bundles1 pack+ up "s head telephone receiv]s1 coils ( wire1 & o!r app>atus1 "s ( :i* 0 v cumb]some4 ,! la/ he plac$ 9 a pile by itself4 ,! door op5$ & a "y man ent]$4 8,oh1 ,watk9s10 ,craig direct$1 z ,i recogniz$ "o ( ! /ud5ts :o _h att5d$ 8 c\rses1 8!re's a lot ( app>atus ,i w\ld l y to take out to ,we/port = me40 ,!y talk$ briefly 9 a wireless j>gon :i* ,i did n und]/&1 & ! /ud5t agre$ to c>ry ! /uff out on a late tra91 meet+ u at ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,at ! la/ mom5t ,k5n$y 0 (f = ! railroad /ation4 ,x 0 mak+ close connections1 b we succe$$4 ,! ride out 0 n]ve-rack+ to u "u ! circum/ances4 ,we _h tak5 ! bait s tempt+ly display$ by ,paquita & _h gone to ,new ,york4 ,n[ we c\ld n get back fa/ en\gh4 ,we _h n be5 9 ! city long1 x is true4 ,b _h x be5 too long8 ,:at _h happ5$ out 9 ! t[n we 7 anxi\s to le>n4 ,i felt sure t 9 our abs5ce "s ( ! ,maddoxes might well h attempt$ some?+ :i* our pres5ce w\ld h re/ra9$4 ,burke met u at ! /ation ) a c>1 s sure 0 he t ,k5n$y w\ld return imm$iately on receipt ( 8 second message1 & x 0 evid5t t he felt a great s5se ( relief at rega9+ ,k5n$y's help4 ,z we spun along d[n f ! /ation ,k5n$y ha/5$ to tell ,burke :at _h happ5$1 fir/ ab\t ,paquita z ,riley _h report$1 !n 8 deciph]+ ( ! ciph] message1 our failure to discov] any?+ 9 ! scantily furni%$ (fice at ! o!r end ( ! detectaphone wire1 ,%elby's visit1 & ! :ole peculi> tra9 ( circum/ances4 ,in/ead ( go+ directly to ! ,h>bor ,h\se ,burke drove u ar\nd by ! hotel dock1 :]e we saw t !re 0 a /rang] 9 a p[] boat app>5tly wait+ = him4 ,k5n$y 0 j f9i%+ 8 recital ( our unsatisfactory exp]i5ce z we approa*$4 8,p]haps x all has some?+ to d ) :at ,i wir$ y ab\t10 return$ ,burke1 ?\ghtfully4 8,?is new affair is some?+ t ,i "k y'll be int]e/$ 94 ,y see1 among my o!r jobs = ! ,gov]nm5t ,i'm :at y might call a radio-detective1 ,i guess4 ,y "k t !re are laws aim$ aga9/ ^! amateur wireless op]ators1 ,i suppose80 ,k5n$y nodd$1 & ,burke w5t on1 8,well1 :5ev] regul> op]ators f9d any?+ illegal go+ on 9 ! air1 !y notify ! ,gov]nm5t1 & s ! ?+ is pass$ along = me to take up4 ,heav5 kn[s ,i don't "k mu* ab\t wireless4 ,b t doesn't matt]4 ,!y don't want a wireless man s mu* z !y d a detective to f]ret out f ! op]ator's evid5ce :o c be violat+ ! law ( ! air1 & :]e4 ,s t is h[ ,i happ5$ to get hold ( ?is evid5ce :i*1 ,i ?9k1 may prove valuable to u40 ,z we pull$ up ne> ! hotel dock ,burke beckon$ to ! /range man :o _h be5 wait+ = him4 8,let me introduce y to ,/eel1 :om !y h s5t to me on t matt] ,i told y ab\t40 ,k5n$y & ,i %ook h&s ) ! man1 :o glanc$ out ov] ! h>bor z he expla9$ briefly1 8,i'm an op]ator ov] !re at ! ,seaville ,/ation1 :i* y c see on ! po9t40 ,we also gaz$ out ov] ! wat]4 ,! p[]ful /ation :i* he indicat$ 0 on a spit ( s& p]haps two miles di/ant & /ood out %>ply aga9/ ! horizon1 ) its tall /eel ma/s & clu/] ( little h\ses bel[1 9 :i* ! op]ators & ! plant 74 8,x's a wond]ful /ation10 ,/eel rem>k$1 notic+ t we 7 look+ at x also4 8,we'd be glad to h y ov] !re1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y4 ,p]haps y c\ld help u40 8,h['s t80 ask$ ,craig1 ke5ly4 8,:y10 expla9$ ! op]ator1 ) a sort ( reflective gr[l1 8= ! pa/ day or s1 n[ & !n1 :5 we lea/ expect x1 our app>atus has be5 put out ( bus9ess4 ,x's only tempor>y4 ,b x looks z ?\gh !re 0 too mu* int]f]5ce4 ,x isn't /atic4 ,x's almo/ z ?\gh "s "o 0 jamm+ ! air4 ,& we don't "k ( any "o ar\nd "h t's capable ( do+ x4 ,none ( u c expla9 x1 b !re are "s p[]ful impulses 9 ! air4 ,i c't make x out40 ,k5n$y's eye re/$ on ! graceful :ite hull ( ! ,syb>ite z %e lay /ill at an*or (f ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,i _h n notic$1 al?\gh ,k5n$y _h1 t ! ya*t 0 equipp$ ) wireless4 8,x's n likely t x is any "o on ! ,syb>ite :o is responsible80 he consid]$1 t5tatively4 ,! op]ator %ook 8 head4 8,no1 ! app>atus isn't /rong en\gh4 ,we w\ld be m likely to put !m out ( bus9ess40 ,burke turn$ ! c> ar\nd & drove up to ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,k5n$y jump$ out ( ! c> & c>ri$ "p ( ! /uff he _h br\ght f ! laboratory1 :ile ,i took ! re/1 foll[$ by ,burke & ,/eel4 8,:5 ,i got y\r message1 ,burke10 he said1 8,i ?\ght t !re might be some?+ go+ on su* z y've told me4 ,s ,i came out prep>$4 ,i've got "s m app>atus com+1 too1 9 case we don't get :at we want ) ?is4 ,w y see if we c get p]mission to g up on ! ro(& d x )\t attract+ att5tion1 too80 ,burke quickly made ! arrangem5ts & we quietly w5t up-/airs by a back way1 f9ally com+ out on a flat portion ( ! ,lodge ro(4 ,f "o ( ! packages ,k5n$y took "s wire & ha/ily & +5i\sly /rung x s t 9 a %ort "t x 0 q evid5t t he 0 improvis+ ! a]ial ( a wireless outfit ( "s sort4 ,f9ally1 :5 he _h f9i%$1 he l$ ! prop] wires d[n ov] ! edge ( ! ro(4 8,"o ( ^!10 he said1 prep>+ to leave ! ro(1 8,i want to c>ry d[n to ! gr\nd1 ! o!r to our own room40 ,we w5t d[n aga9 by ! back /airs & outside1 :]e ,k5n$y pick$ up ! wire t hung d[n to ! e>?4 ,hav+ complet$ ?is "p ( 8 prep>ations1 ,k5n$y ent]$ ! ,h>bor ,h\se & we foll[$4 ,we 7 pass+ ?r\gh ! corridor :5 a page /epp$ up to ,k5n$y4 8,i beg y\r p>don1 sir10 he ann\nc$1 8b !re is a lady 9 ! p>lor :o w\ld l to speak to y & ,mr4 ,jameson1 sir40 ,k5n$y excus$ himself f ,burke & ,/eel1 & toge!r we w5t 9 ! direction ( ! p>lor1 eag] to discov] :o x 0 t s5t = u4 ,to my surprise1 x 0 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott :om we saw sitt+ all alone4 8,h[ are y aft] y\r ?rill+ exp]i5ce la/ night80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,x 0 s e>ly ?is morn+ :5 we left t we really c\ld n di/urb any "o to f9d out4 ,i tru/ t y are feel+ bett]80 8,yesbett]10 %e repeat$1 h] eyes ) an abs5t look1 z ?\gh %e 0 n ?9k+ ( h[ %e felt4 8,i want$ to ?ank y ev] s mu* = :at y did4 ,)\t y1 :o kn[s :at might h happ5$ to me or :]e ,i %\ld be n[80 ,!re 0 g5u9e feel+ 9 h] words n[1 z %e w5t on1 8,pr(essor ,k5n$y1 aft] :at has happ5$ ,i am afraid t ,i %all h to appeal to y = protection4 ,i h ?\ght ab\t x all a great deal1 & /ill !re is no explanation ( ! /range ev5ts ( la/ night40 8,y h no idea :o x 0 :o c>ri$ y (f80 ,%e %ook h] head4 8,y may n believe x1 b ,i h n4 ,all ,i rememb] 0 be+ seiz$ f beh9d & be=e ,i knew x ,i 0 half *ok$1 half smo!r$4 ,t ?+ wrapp$ ab\t my head kept me f see+ or cry+ out until x 0 too late4 ,ev5 !n ,i c\ld n see4 ,!re is only "o ?+ ,i c say ,i really "k1 & t is t :oev] x 0 t c>ri$ me (f1 x 0 "s "o ( great /r5g?4 ,y see1 ,i am no light-weight & pretty /rong4 ,yet ,i nev] _h a *ance until y & ,mr4 ,jameson & ! re/ came up back ( me4 ,oh1 ,i am s sorry ,i came to y\r laboratory t day ) h]60 ,w9ifr$ paus$4 ,x 0 evid5t t %e 0 9 a v n]v\s & high-/rung /ate1 & naturally s4 ,! "o ?+ t seem$ upp]mo/ 9 h] m9d 0 t %e _h li/5$ to ! bias$ int]pretations ( ,ir5e ,maddox4 ,! dn\em5t _h prov$ h[ wrong !y _h be51 at lea/ 9 _! sugge/$ *>act]ization ( ,k5n$y4 ,& %e ha/5$ to apologize4 8,n a ^w ab\t t10 insi/$ ,k5n$y4 8,!re 0 no reason :y y %\ld n h come to see me on any err& & ) anybody40 8,j ! same1 ,i am sorry40 8,has any?+ m happ5$ to-day80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y1 *ang+ ! subject deftly4 8,n-no1 no?+ 9 p>ticul>4 ,i h be5 ?9k+ mo/ly ( :at x all 0 ab\t la/ night4 ,"s "o want$ to hold meb didn't want to hurt me4 ,:o c\ld x be8 ,:y80 8,t is exactly :at ,i am try+ to f9d out10 assur$ ,craig4 8,we w5t 9 to ! city on :at look$ z ?\gh x might prove to be a v promis+ clue1 b no?+ came ( x4 ,h[ev]1 x is only a %ort :ile1 n[1 & we %all soon h some?+ to report1 ,i am conv9c$40 8,did y see,mr4 ,maddox80 %e ask$1 hesitat+ly1 & ,i knew t ! m5tion ( ,%elby's "n _h co/ h] "s ef=t1 aft] ! s]i\s tiff ( ! ev5+ be=e4 8,he 0 v solicit\s1 s5t up ^w1 & "s fl[]s1 b c\ld n miss ! express1 he wrote1 on acc\nt ( an important engagem5t40 8,yes1 we saw him = j a m9uted[n 9 ,wall ,/reet4 ,i believe he has tak5 "s int]e/ 9 bus9ess lately & has sp5t mu* "t at ! (fice ( 8 brok]s d[n-t[n40 ,! look ( relief t pass$ ov] h] face c\ld n easily be conceal$4 ,x 0 evid5t t %e knew ( ! sudd5 e>ly dep>ture ( ,paquita &1 l ,ha/+s1 9 h] suspicions1 _h be5 afraid t !re might be "s connection ) ,%elby4 ,k5n$y did n say any?+ ab\t ! appe>ance ( ,paquita 9 ,wall ,/reet2 &1 on reflection1 ,i reason$ t he 0 "r1 = x c\ld h no effect except to ar\se unju/ suspicions4 ,w9ifr$ said no?+ = a few mom5ts4 ,i wond]$ :at 0 pass+ 9 h] m9d4 ,0 %e sorry t %e _h n tak5 ,%elby at 8 ^w ! night be=e8 ,at any rate1 %e said no?+1 nor %\ld ,i h expect$ h] to admit any?+ to u4 8,:at d y\r bro!r & si/]-9-law ?9k80 ask$ ,k5n$y1 at l5g?4 8,johnson promis$ to get a detective himself if !re 0 any?+ new on :i* to base suspicions10 %e repli$4 8,he seem$ r vex$ at me t ,i c\ld tell no m1 said t no detective c\ld be expect$ to cat* any "o on my hazy description:i*1 ,i suppose1 is true40 8,& ,mrs4 ,maddox80 8,oh1 %e seems to ?9kwell1 x's pretty h>d to tell :at poor ,ir5e ?9ks f "o mom5t to ano!r4 ,%e says x's :at ,i might expect = be+ mix$ up ) ! ,maddoxes4 ,i c't see :at t has to d ) x1 ?\gh4 ,i'm n mix$ up ) !m1 ev5 if ,johnson is40 ,!re 0 a navet ab\t ! rem>k t 0 n lo/ on ,k5n$y4 ,w9ifr$ 0 /ill mi/ress ( h] own he>t1 at lea/ s %e w\ld h u ?9k4 ,h] solicitude ab\t ,%elby & ! c>eful way 9 :i* %e refus$ to let u see t x w5t too f> w\ld h indicat$ o!rwise4 ,%e 0 really afraid ( h]self4 8,!re has be5 absolutely no?+ suspici\s s9ce ?is morn+80 reit]at$ ,k5n$y1 hop+ t %e might recall some?+1 no matt] h[ trivial1 t might po9t ! way fur!r ahead4 8,no?+10 %e repeat$4 8,i didn't come d[n f my room until pretty late4 ,ev]ybody _h left = ! city by t "t4 ,i did see t g5tleman :o br\ght u back 9 8 c>1 ?\gh40 8,oh1 ,san*ez80 int]rogat$ ,craig1 8 att5tion ar\s$ 9 an in/ant4 8,:at ( him8 ,did he d or say any?+80 8,no?+ except t he inquir$ v p>ticul>ly h[ ,i 0 & :e!r ,i _h f\nd out any?+no?+ m ?an common polit5ess might sugge/40 ,z = me1 ,i felt sure1 n[1 t !re 0 some?+ mu* deep] ?an c\rtesy 9 ! inquiry ( ,san*ez4 8,i don't suppose y notic$ any?+ ab\t him80 ask$ ,craig4 8,no?+ except t he avoid$ ,ir5e ,maddox :5 he saw h] com+ t[>d me4 ,i ?9k ,i c guess :y40 ,%e nodd$ kn[+ly to ,k5n$y4 8,did he seem to be int]e/$ 9 ,paquita's abs5ce80 pursu$ ,k5n$y4 8,i c't say10 /rove ,w9ifr$ to rememb]4 8,i did see him talk+ to "s ( ! boys ab\t ! hotelt is all40 8,& :]e did he g80 8,drove (f 9 8 c>4 ,x 0 ab\t ! middle ( ! morn+4 ,i hav5't se5 him ab\t s9ce !n40 ,w9ifr$ seem$ q reassur$ by ! few words ) ,k5n$y1 & ) a p>t+ assurance ( protection ,k5n$y & ,i excus$ ourselves4 ,we rejo9$ ,burke & ,/eel 9 ! lobby1 :]e ,burke 0 n]v\sly pac+ up & d[n1 = preci\s m9utes 7 be+ wa/$1 he felt4 ,& yet ,i c\ld n see t he 0 able to make a move )\t ! aid ( ,k5n$y4 ,l ,burke1 ,i1 too1 0 eag] to "k :at x 0 t ,k5n$y 0 plann+ to accompli% by ! elaborate & secret prep>ations he 0 mak+4 ,accord+ly1 ,i 0 n sorry :5 he decid$ to g imm$iately up to our rooms4 ,naturally ,i 0 ke5ly int]e/$ 9 :at ,k5n$y 0 do+ 9 e/abli%+ 8 own little wireless plant1 b ! op]ator1 ,/eel1 look$ at x 9 increas+ wond] z ,craig laid out ! app>atus 9 ! room4 8,x's n exactly l any?+ t ,i've ev] se5 be=e10 ,/eel rem>k$1 f9ally4 8,:at d y expect to d ) x1 sir80 ,k5n$y smil$4 8,i don't believe y ev] did see "o ( ^! sets1 al?\gh y may h he>d ( !m10 he expla9$1 n paus+ 9 8 "w ( in/all+ x4 8,x is an app>atus only lately devis$ = use by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t to detect illegalities 9 ! air 9 wireless1 :e!r !y are committ$ by amateurs or n40 ,z we wat*$ 9 sil5ce1 ,k5n$y w5t on expla9+4 8,y "k t wireless app>atus is divid$ into ?ree p>ts! s\rce ( p[]1 :e!r batt]y or dynamo2 ! mak+ & s5d+ ( wireless waves1 includ+ ! key1 sp>k cond5s]1 & tun+ coil2 & ! receiv+ app>atus1 head telephones1 ant5n1 gr\nd & detector40 ,k5n$y 0 talk+ to u r ?an ! op]ator1 b n[ he turn$ to him & rem>k$1 8,x's a v compact sy/em1 ) facilities = a quick *ange f "o wave-l5g? to ano!r4 ,i suppose y've notic$ xsp>k gap1 qu5*$ typebreak sy/em relay1 & all ! re/4 ,y und]/&1 ,i c he> any int]f]5ce :ile ,i'm transmitt+4 ,take ! trans=mationby a s+le ?r[ ( ?is six-po9t swit*4 ,x tunes ! oscillat+ & op5 circuits to resonance4 ,x's v clev] &1 be/ ( all1 effici5t40 ,8 wireless in/all$ & adju/$1 ,k5n$y clapp$ ! e>-pieces on & tun$ x up4 ,n only he1 b ! wireless op]ator tri$ x1 rapidly *ang+ ! wave-l5g?s1 z ! sy/em admitt$1 9 ! hope ( discov]+ some?+4 ,:atev] x 0 t _h caus$ ! tr\ble at ! ,seaville ,/ation1 x 0 n work+ n[4 ,!y seem$ able to discov] no?+4 ,?is _h be5 go+ on = "s "t :5 our telephone rang & ,burke jump$ to answ] x4 8,t's "o ( my m510 he exclaim$ ) a ge/ure t indicat$ he _h =gott5 some?+4 8,i meant to tell y t !y 7 hold+ a fun]al s]vice = ,m>%all ,maddox1 & ?is app>atus ( y\rs clean knock$ x out ( my head4 ,hello6444 ,yes1 ,i rememb]4 ,wait40 ,burke put 8 h& ov] ! transmitt] & look$ at u4 8,d y want to g80 he ask$4 8,i ?9k ,i w\ld l to see !m toge!r aga910 ,craig repli$1 aft] a mom5t's consid]ation4 8,all "r10 return$ ,burke1 remov+ 8 h&4 8,we'll be d[n 9 a m9ute40 ,k5n$y took f ano!r package :at look$ l an arrangem5t conta9+ a phonograph cyl9d]1 & atta*$ x1 ?r\gh a prop] contrivance1 to 8 receiv+ app>atus4 8,n[ ,i ?9k we c safely leave ?is ?+10 bu/l$ ,k5n$y1 eag] to get back 9 t\* ) ?+s at ,we/port4 ,! wireless op]ator1 ,/eel1 glanc$ at 8 wat*4 8,i'm due back at ,seaville soon to d my trick4 ,is !re any?+ else ,i c tell y or d = y80 ,k5n$y ?ank$ him4 8,n j at ! mom5t10 he return$4 8,we %all h to wait n[ until some?+ happ5s4 ,p]haps y are "r4 ,i ?9k ! be/ ?+ y c d is to return to ,seaville & keep y\r eyes & e>s op54 ,if !re is any?+ at all t comes up t seems to lead to our wireless jamm]1 ,i wi% y w\ld let me "k40 ,/eel 0 only too glad to promise &1 a mom5t lat]1 left u to return to ! wireless /ation4 ,,xix ,,! ,,wireless ,,wiretapp] ,a few mom5ts lat] we w5t d[n-/airs aga9 & ,burke drove u 9 8 c> up to ! t[n1 :]e1 9 ! ma9 /reet1 0 a little *apel ^: bell 0 n[ toll+ sl[ly & m\rnfully4 ,z 8 c> drew up at ! end ( ! long l9e d[n ! /reet1 ,i saw :y ,k5n$y _h decid$ to break into ! "t s sorely ne$$ 9 our own inve/igation ( ! case4 ,x seem$ z ?\gh e "o mu/ be at ! fun]al1 ev5 ! report]s f ,new ,york4 ,k5n$y & ,i manag$ to avoid !m1 b _! pres5ce te/ifi$ to ! wide int]e/ t ! case _h ar\s$ ?r\gh\t ! c\ntry4 8,r a tell+ object-lesson 9 ! bus9ess t ! ,maddoxes are 910 comm5t$ ,k5n$y z we walk$ ! re/ ( ! way to ! %rubb]y-surr\nd$ *apel4 8,if !re is su* a ?+ z retributive ju/ice1 ?is is ! result ( ! bus9ess ( mak+ a pr(it out ( m]e in/rum5ts to kill40 ,i fanci$ t !re 0 m ?an co9cid5ce beh9d ! reason+4 ,! ,maddoxes _h be5 s long engag$ 9 mak+ munitions1 devoid ( any feel+ ( patriotism1 _h amass$ su* an imm5se =tune out ( :i* ! curse _h be5 tak5 by no philan?ropy1 t x mu/ und\bt$ly be a true philosophy :i* trac$ f _! v bus9ess & consequ5t "* ! evils & trag$ies t foll[$ 9 ! wake ( ! ,maddox millions4 ,i reflect$ t ev5 ov] ! telautomaton1 ! de/roy] itself1 !re _h be5 no ?\ght ( public s]vice 9 ! family1 b m]ely ! *ance to extort m ga9 f ! frailties & suff]+s ( humanity4 ,& n[ ?is 0 ! end ( "o ar*-extortion]4 ,!re seem$ to be some?+ holl[ 9 ! fun]al ( ,m>%all ,maddox4 ,x took me "s "t to expla9 x to myself4 ,x 0 n because we 7 !re1 outsid]s1 & 9 our capacity ( obs]v]s1 9 fact almo/ spies1 al?\gh t may h _h some?+ to d ) ! impression x made on me4 ,! little *apel 0 cr[d$1 b ) ! curi\s :o _h he>d vague rumors ab\t ! dea?4 ,z ,i look$ at ! real m\rn]s ,i fanci$ t my impression mu/ be due to !m1 t someh[ ?is 0 a mock]y ( m\rn+4 ,i c\ld n imag9e t ,ir5e ,maddox 0 ov]:elm$ by grief aft] :at _h occurr$ to h]4 ,z = ! gay little ,paquita1 %e 01 ( c\rse1 n !re at all1 & h] pres5ce w\ld only h s\nd$ a new note ( holl[ness4 ,i _h n se5 h] manife/ any deep sign ( grief4 ,at pres5t1 ,i suppos$1 %e 0 /ill 9 ,new ,york1 go+ ab\t h] own or "s unkn[n bus9ess z unconc]n$ z if no?+ _h happ5$4 ,%elby ,maddox _h come up f :atev] bus9ess he 0 engag$ 9 9 ,new ,york j 9 "t = ! s]vice4 ,once or twice ,i ?\ght he %[$ real grief1 z ?\gh ! dea? ( 8 bro!r br\ght back to 8 recollection o!r & bett] days4 ,yet ,i c\ld n help wond]+ :e!r ev5 8 emotions might n be affectation = our b5efit1 = ! trag$y seem$ n to h det]r$ him f do+ pretty mu* z he might h done anyh[4 ,i look$ ab\t = ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,evid5tly ! /ra9 ( ev5ts _h be5 too mu* = h]4 ,%e 0 n !re1 b h] bro!r 0 !re ) 8 wife1 :o 0 next to h] own bro!r1 ,%elby4 ,! s]vice 0 %ort & =mal1 & ,i %all n dwell on x1 =1 aft] all1 no?+ occurr$ dur+ x :i* *ang$ our attitude t[>d any ( ^? pres5t4 ,= a brief mom5t at ! close ! family 7 toge!r1 & ,i felt t ,%elby 0 ! mo/ human ( !m all1 at lea/4 ,mrs4 ,walcott & h] husb& 7 ! fir/ to leave1 & ,i c\ld n help comp>+ x ) a previ\s occasion1 :5 !y _h tak5 ,ir5e ,maddox 9 _! c>4 ,a little lat] ,%elby appe>$ ) 8 si/]-9-law1 leav+ h] only :5 "s ( h] own family1 :o _h come to ,we/port evid5tly to be ) h]1 appe>$4 ,in/ead ( go+ to ! ,lodge he walk$ sl[ly d[n to ! pi] & jump$ into "o ( 8 t5d]s t 0 wait+ to take him out to ! ,syb>ite1 alone4 ,n[ & !n ,i _h se5 him glance %>ply ab\t1 b x 0 n at u t he 0 look+4 ,he seem$ r to be hop+ t he might *ance to meet ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,i ?9k %e 0 mu* m on 8 m9d at pres5t ?an ev5 8 bro!r4 ,johnson ,walcott & 8 wife pass$ u 9 _! c> & we c\ld see !m /op at ! ,h>bor ,h\se porte-co*re4 ,frances ,walcott alight$ &1 aft] a mom5t talk+ toge!r1 ,johnson drove away alone1 sw++ ar\nd into ! road to ! city4 ,our fri5ds ( ! ,secret ,s]vice seem$ to be ab\t ev]y:]e1 b unobtrusively1 obs]v+4 ,!re 0 mu* t 0 int]e/+ to obs]ve1 b no?+ t po9t$ ! way to ! solution ( ! my/]y4 ,! fun]al ov]2 x 0 aga9 ! old ,maddox h\se ( hate1 ea* memb] go+ 8 own way4 ,x 0 z ?\gh an armi/ice _h be5 decl>$1 & n[ ! truce 0 ov]4 ,i felt t we might n[ expect w> aga91 to ! la/ doll>4 ,x 0 n to be expect$ t any ( !m w\ld all[ ! o!r to control )\t a fight1 nor rel9qui% any claim t 0 n fully comp5sat$4 ,"o bright spot only %one out 9 ! drab ( ! situation4 ,s f> ! dead h& ( ! ,maddox millions _h n /ret*$ out & fall5 on ! lovely & pure p]sonality ( ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,! m ,i ?\ght ( x ! m ,i _h come to fe> t ^! hates & jeal\sies & bitt] rivalries might engulf h] z !y _h _m o!rs4 ,_h t be5 ! tr\ble ) ,ir5e ,maddox8 ,_h %e be5 once ev5 z ,w9ifr$ n[ 08 ,_h %e be5 drawn into ?is mael/rom ( money8 ,i dread$ ! ?\ght ( ! possible outcome ( ! romance ( ,%elby ,maddox & ,w9ifr$4 ,w\ld x1 too1 bla/ ano!r lifeor might x be t by "s miracle ,w9ifr$ might take out ! curse t hung ov] ! blood-money ( ! ,maddoxes8 ,nev] be=e _h our responsibility 9 ! case1 f> beyond ! m]e unravel+ ( ! my/]y1 pres5t$ itself to me s =cibly z x did n[1 aft] ! solemn & sob]+ influ5ce ( ! la/ rites ( ! murd]$ head ( ! h\se4 ,we came along pa/ ! c>riage entrance to ! ,lodge aga94 ,beside ! door 7 pil$ sev]al l>ge packages1 & ! uni=m$ boy :o presid$ ov] t entrance ( ! ,lodge 0 evid5tly mu* worri$ ov] !m4 ,burke _h left u on ! way up1 & z we turn$ ! boy at ! door caught sight ( ,k5n$y & hurri$ ov] to u4 8,! "y man said ^! 7 = y1 sir10 he ann\nc$1 indicat+ ! packages1 undecid$ :e!r to play = a tip or to ask to h !m tak5 away4 8,oh yes10 recogniz$ ,k5n$y1 z ,watk9s1 :o _h br\ght !m d[n1 appe>$4 8,"s /uff ,i _h br\ght f ! city4 ,w y help me d[n to ! dock ) !m80 ,! boy 0 m ?an will+4 ,n only 7 ! packages to be tak5 away f 8 door1 b ,k5n$y _h cross$ 8 palm ) a co94 ,) ,watk9s he c>ri$ ! ?+s d[n4 ,k5n$y _h no int5tion at pres5t1 evid5tly1 ( us+ ! mat]ial :i* _h come f ,new ,york1 b left x 9 ! little summ]-h\se 9 *>ge ( ! /ud5t4 ,we 7 ab\t to turn back to ! ,cas9o & ! ,lodge1 :5 ,craig caught my eye & nodd$ 9 ! direction ( ! bea*4 ,!re ,i c\ld see ! solit>y figure ( a girl com+ sl[ly along4 ,x 0 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,i wat*$ h]4 ,evid5tly %e _h be5 out = a walk alone4 ,n[ & !n %e gave a quick glance across ! wat] & ,i soon realiz$ t x 0 at ! ,syb>ite %e look$4 ,%elby _h long s9ce rea*$ ! ya*t1 b app>5tly %e _h se5 8 t5d] da%+ out !re4 ,i c\ld n help b ?9k ( ! /roll t ,%elby _h tak5 ) ,paquita ! night be=e d[n ! bea* 9 ! same direction4 ,0 ,w9ifr$ ?9k+ ( x1 too1 & 0 %e sorry t %e _h dismiss$ him )\t accept+ 8 explanation at its face value8 8,t %[s :at a great "p *ance plays 9 our lives10 mus$ ,k5n$y to me1 z we wat*$ h]4 8,!y're ?9k+ ( ea* o!r4 ,if ,%elby _h be5 a few m9utes lat]1 or %e _h be5 a few m9utes e>li]1 !y w\ld h met4 ,i suppose !y are bo? too pr\d to g to ea* o!r n[40 8,y're n contemplat+ be+ a mat*mak]80 ,i haz>d$4 8,on ! contr>y10 he smil$1 8,i ?9k we %all ga9 m by lett+ ev5ts take _! natural c\rse4 ,no1 *ance mu/ br+ !m toge!r aga940 ,miss ,walcott _h se5 u by ?is "t1 & seem$ to realize t we 7 talk+ ab\t h]1 = %e quick5$ h] pace &1 in/ead ( com+ up to ! summ]-h\se1 left ! bea* by ano!r flight ( /eps1 ?\gh n s f> away t we c\ld n see a fa9t flu% on h] *eeks z %e purposely avoid$ u4 ,we1 too1 w5t t[>d ! ,lodge1 b did n ov]take h]4 ,on ! v]&a ( ! ,lodge1 wait+ = u1 0 ,riley1 j return$ f ! city4 8,:]e is ,paquita80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 8,tell me :at has happ5$80 8,no?+ mu*10 return$ ,riley1 *agr9$4 8,i /uck to h] pretty closely4 ,%e's back1 y "k40 8,i ?9k ,i h an idea ( :at x 0 all ab\t10 v5tur$ ,k5n$y4 ,riley nodd$4 8,mr4 ,burke has told me some?+ ( ! ciph] message to h]1 sir4 ,i ?9k y are "r4 ,%e mu/ h tri$ to div]t our att5tion40 8,h[ does %e seem80 inquir$ ,k5n$y4 ,riley *uckl$4 8,i ?9k %e's t]ribly miff$10 he repli$4 8,%e acts to me z ?\gh %e 0 disappo9t$ 9 u9 y p>ticul>ly4 ,y don't foll[ h] ab\t ,new ,york4 ,i don't ?9k %e q und]/&s :at happ5$4 ,y don't play accord+ to ,hoyle40 8,:at did %e d aft] t la/ telephone call80 8,no?+absolutely no?+4 ,oh1 x 0 a plant1 all "r4 ,%e came back 9 ! c>1 aft] a:ile4 ,we pass$ ! *ur* :ile ! fun]al 0 go+ on4 ,%e nev] ev5 look$4 ,say1 :at has become ( ,san*ez80 ,k5n$y retail$ :at ,w9ifr$ _h said ab\t ! sall[-fac$ man & 8 solicitude4 8,i'll wag] he'll be along soon1 n[10 ass]t$ ,riley1 ) pr(essional assurance4 8,i j saw ,ir5e ,maddox1 aft] %e came back f ! fun]al4 ,%e seems to be r out ( x1 doesn't %e8 ,s9ce h] own folks arriv$ ! ,maddoxes & ! ,walcotts seem to feel t !y h no fur!r responsibility40 ,k5n$y smil$ at ! g>rulity ( ! detective4 8,:at made y connect ,san*ez & ,ir5e ,maddox80 he ask$4 8,don't y ?9k %e is really ?r\gh ) him80 8,i guess %e is10 return$ ,riley4 8,b ,i c't say ! same ( him4 ,if ,i c\ld only get at ! true relation ( t fell[ ) ,paquita ,i'd be a good deal happi]4 ,mrs4 ,maddox may h hir$ him to %ad[ h]1 b1 if y want to "k :at ,i ?9k1 x is t t ,mex1 or :atev] he is1 has actually fall5 9 love ) ! girl40 8,ano!r love affair80 ,i qu]i$1 s>ca/ically4 8,!n all ,i've got to say is t !y're well mat*$40 8,all "r10 def5d$ ,riley1 r hotly4 8,b we "k t he d\ble-cross$ ,mrs4 ,maddox1 don't we8 ,well1 !n1 if he's work+ = anybody else n[1 :at reason h y to suppose t he won't d\ble cross !m too8 ,mr4 ,burke ?9ks !re may be a gang ( !m4 ,all "r4 ,:at's to prev5t ?is ,san*ez f be+ /uck on h] 9 t case8 ,!re are all sorts 9 ! und]world1 & !re's no tell+ :at a woman or a man may d40 8,b look at ! way %e acts t[>d ,%elby ,maddox10 ,i urg$4 8,if ev] !re 0 a woman :o ?rew h]self at a man1 t's a case ( x40 8,"p ( ! game1 "p ( ! game10 return$ ,riley4 8,:at game80 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 :o _h be5 li/5+ to u 9 amus$ sil5ce4 ,riley 0 n ready ) an answ] on ! spur ( ! mom5t1 &1 z x 0 n my cont5tion1 ,i did n attempt x4 8,well10 f9i%$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man z he left u1 8,i'm go+ to look ab\t1 j ! same1 & y c take x f me ?is ?+ w nev] be cle>$ up until we expla9 t fell[ ,san*ez40 ,k5n$y said no?+ z ,riley walk$ away1 b ,i fanci$ t und]nea? he concurr$ l>gely ) ! op]ative4 ,we 7 ab\t to leave ! v]&a :5 ,burke rejo9$ u1 8 face indicat+ t "s new problem _h come up4 8,i wond] :at ,%elby ,maddox c be up to10 he began1 z ?\gh appeal+ = aid4 8,i 0 us+ ! telephone1 & :ile ,i wait$ = my numb] ,i got to talk+ ) ! little girl at ! swit*bo>d4 ,%e tells me t 9 ! la/ day or two1 :ile ,%elby has be5 out "h1 he has be5 talk+ a great deal ov] ! wire ) ,new ,york & has plac$ "s l>ge ord]s ?r\gh diff]5t brok]s = ,maddox ,munitions /ock40 ,x 0 an important piece ( news4 ,i recall$ ,ha/+s's wond] at ,%elby's trips 9 to ! city & our own discov]y t he _h be5 visit+ a brok]1 c\pl$ ) ! pres5ce ( ,paquita d[n-t[n 9 ! same build+4 8,maddox ,munitions isn't s l[ t x's a good buy10 consid]$ ,burke1 8unless !re's "s s*eme to manipulate x up4 ,x _h a little slump :5 ,m>%all ,maddox di$1 b recov]$4 ,:at its future w be )\t him no "o c say4 ,!re's no reason :y x %\ldn't decl9eb x hasn't done s40 8,p]haps t's ! game10 ,i sugge/$4 8,maybe ,%elby is hold+ ! m>ket up4 ,"s "o mu/ be support+ x4 ,:y1 if x w]5't = "s support1 ,i'll wag] ! /ock w\ld h brok5 worse ?an x did1 & x w\ldn't h recov]$40 ,k5n$y nodd$1 n s mu* 9 approval ( ! explanation z at ! l9e ( ?\ght t ! idea sugge/$4 8,d y suppose10 speculat$ ,burke1 8t !re c be "s manipulation ( ,maddox ,munitions go+ on "u cov]8 ,:at c be ,%elby's purpose 9 all ?is8 ,p]haps we're mi/ak5 9 t "y man1 & he's a great deal deep] ?an any ( u give him cr$it = be+4 ,w\ld x be impossible t he might be plann+ to get ! control f ! o!rs80 ,x 0 an explanation t c\ld n be easily put aside4 ,only dea? _h wre/$ ! control f ! eld] bro!r4 ,:o 0 !re to take 8 place8 ,_h ,%elby und]gone a trans=mation almo/ ov]night8 ,orm horrible ?\ght_h ! :ole affair be5 preconceiv$ f ! conf]5ce on ! ya*t & ! murd] to ! manipulation ( ! m>ket8 ,:at ) bo? ,riley & ,burke !oriz+ on ! case1 ,i c\ld see t ,k5n$y 0 gr[+ a bit impati5t4 ,?\gh he =m$ _m ( !m1 !ories nev] appeal$ to ,k5n$y z long z "o little fact might knock out ! prettie/ d$uction4 8,we've be5 away f our room a long "t10 he int]ject$1 z ?\gh rememb]+ :at we _h orig9ally />t$ to d4 8,some?+ mu/ h happ5$ by ?is "t or we'll nev] get any?+4 ,let's g up !re & see :e!r our wireless wiretapp] has caught any?+ yet40 ,sc>cely pa/ ! door ,k5n$y nudg$ me1 a signal to be on gu>d4 ,i look$ cauti\sly ab\t4 ,sitt+ 9 ! lobby :]e %e c\ld see ev]ybody :o came & w5t 0 ,paquita4 ,%e saw u approa*+1 b made no ef=t to avoid u4 ,9 fact1 ,i felt sure t x 0 we = :om %e 0 look+4 ,if x 01 ,k5n$y did n give h] any satisfaction by lett+ h] "k t we ev5 notic$ x4 ,we pass$ by1 /ill *att+1 ?\gh c>eful to say no?+ t c\ld n safely be ov]he>d1 & ent]$ ! elevator4 ,z ! door clang$ %ut ,paquita fla%$ a *agr9$ glance at u4 ,x said z pla9ly z words t %e want$ to focus our att5tion on h]self in/ead ( some?+ else4 ,up 9 ! room ,k5n$y fairly ripp$ ! wax cyl9d] f 8 wireless ma*9e & jamm$ x into :at look$ l a m9iature phonograph4 8,a record+ device inv5t$ by ,m>coni10 he expla9$1 z a succession ( /range s\nds issu$ f ! reproduc]4 ,i c\ld make no?+ out ( x1 b ,k5n$y seem$ q excit$ & elat$4 8,x's n a wireless message at all10 he exclaim$4 8,!n :at is x80 ,i inquir$4 ,he li/5$ a mom5t m1 !n bur/ out1 8,no1 n a message4 ,t's j wireless p[] itself4 ,& x seems to come f ! wat] side1 too40 ,he relaps$ into sil5ce1 leav+ u only to speculate4 ,:at possible object c\ld !re be 9 ! use ( wireless p[] solely8 ,:y did x come f ! wat]8 ,0 !re a boat hang+ ab\t1 p]haps fly+ ! burgee ( "s well-kn[n club1 yet 9 reality to be us$ = "s crim9al purpose8 ,,xx ,,! ,,spe$ ,,demon ,!re seem$ to be no use 9 /ay+ long] 9 our room obs]v+ ! behavior ( ! wireless detector1 :5 ! v neighborhood /ill bri/l$ ) my/]y & p]haps dang]4 ,accord+ly1 we w5t d[n-/airs aga9 ) ,burke1 j 9 "t to meet ,ha/+s1 :o _h come d[n on ! late aft]noon tra9 f ! city4 8,has any?+ happ5$ s9ce we left80 inquir$ ,k5n$y ( ! lawy]1 be=e he c\ld beg9 to quiz u4 8,v little10 he repli$4 8,! man 0 /ill wat*+ t little (fice :]e ! detectaphone wire l$1 :5 ,i left4 ,n a s\l has be5 ne> x4 ,i ?9k y c assume t x has be5 left ab&on$40 8,i ?\ght z mu*10 agre$ ,craig4 8,h y he>d any?+ m ab\t ! activity ( ,%elby8 ,he 0 "h at ! fun]al ?is aft]noon4 ,he's out on ! ,syb>ite n[1 & has be5 v quiet1 at lea/ d[n "h40 8,i've be5 mak+ "s inquiries10 repli$ ,ha/+s1 sl[ly4 8,z ne>ly z any ( ! brok]s ,i "k c tell1 ,i %\ld say t ,%elby mu/ be do+ some?+4 ,!re h be5 sev]al l>ge blocks ( /ock unload$ & !y h all be5 tak5 up4 ,9 spite ( x ! price has be5 ma9ta9$4 ,b x's all und]gr\nd4 ,i hav5't decid$ :i* side ,%elby is on1 be> or bull4 ,he nev] 0 on ei!r side be=e1 s ,i don't "k :at he is up to4 ,y c reason x out ei!r way&1 aft] all1 x is a matt] ( fact1 n reason40 8,x won't take long to f9d t out to-morr[1 if we want to10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y4 8,! tr\ble to-day 0 t !re 7 m press+ ?+s t _h to be done40 ,we _h sc>cely f9i%$ outl9+ to ,ha/+s :at we _h discov]$ at ,we/port :5 ,riley edg$ up to report to ,burke4 8,miss ,walcott's act+ v /rangely1 sir10 he v5tur$4 8,y'd ?9k %e hadn't a fri5d 9 ! _w40 8,h['s t80 cut 9 ,k5n$y4 8,i saw h] com+ up f ! bea* a:ile ago alone10 repli$ ,riley4 8,fir/ %e pass$ ,mrs4 ,maddox & !y sc>cely spoke1 !n lat] ,i saw h] d ! same ?+ ) ,mrs4 ,walcott4 ,!y've be5 t way1 n[1 = "s "t40 8,:]e is %e9 h] room80 ask$ ,burke4 ,riley nodd$4 8,yes40 8,i c't see any reason :y %e %\ld /ay "h1 if %e feels ?is way ab\t x10 put 9 ,ha/+s te/ily4 8,%e doesn't belong to ! family40 ,k5n$y glanc$ cov]tly at me4 ,i fanci$ ,i und]/ood :at 0 9 8 m9d4 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott probably w\ld n h admitt$1 ev5 to h]self1 :y %e /ay$4 8,t little danc] & ,miss ,walcott are z fri5dly z ,kilk5ny cats1 too10 add$ ,riley1 ) a left-h&$ attempt at humor4 8,y h an ,x-ray eye10 comm5t$ ,craig1 ) veil$ s>casm1 :i* q amus$ me1 = ! detective actually took x lit]ally & ?ank$ him4 8,paquita is /ill ab\t1 !n80 8,yes1 sir4 ,"r aft] y w5t up-/airs %e _h h] c> br\ght ar\nd & />t$ out = a sp9d[n ! %ore road4 ,b %e mu/ h se5 t "o ( our m5 0 foll[+1 = %e turn$ up-c\ntry & 0 back aga9 9 half an h\r4 ,if %e int5d$ to d any?+1 %e mu/ h be5 sc>$ (f4 ,%e's up-/airs n[1 dress+ = d9n]1 ,i suppose4 ,i've got h] *eckmat$4 ,%e c't move )\t my kn[+ x& %e kn[s x40 8,d[n ! %ore road10 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 reflectively4 8,i wond] :at %e c\ld h want$ d[n !re4 ,! wireless impulses came f ! wat] side4 ,walt] w\ld y m9d go+ d[n on ! dock & tell+ t "y man ( m9e he _h bett] get a bite to eat "r away & t !n he c beg9 gett+ ! /uff unpack$ & set up60 ,:ile ,watk9s took a ha/y d9n] at ! ,lodge1 ,i reliev$ him ( wat*+ ! packages he _h br\ght4 ,x 0 a tiresome wait1 = ,i long$ to be ) ,k5n$y4 ,"o ?+1 h[ev]1 broke ! monotony4 ,once :5 ,i look$ up ,i caught sight ( a laun* putt+ out f ! ,syb>ite & fea!r+ ov] ! *oppy waves 9 ! direction ( ! dock4 ,z x came clos] ,i saw t x conta9$ ,%elby ,maddox1 /ill alone4 ,he came a%ore &1 z he walk$ up ! dock1 saw me & nodd$ abs5tly4 ,evid5tly he 0 ?9k+ ( some?+ else4 ,i 0 glad to rejo9 ,k5n$y a few m9utes lat] :5 ,watk9s return$ & began to unwrap ! packages1 z ,craig _h ord]$4 ,=tunately = ! sake ( my curiosity1 no?+ _h occurr$ dur+ my abs5ce1 except t ,craig & ,burke _h se5 ,%elby ent]1 al?\gh he _h done no?+4 ,x 0 ! d9n] h\r & ! gue/s 7 beg9n+ to ent] ! d9+-room4 ,%elby _h already done s1 select+ a table :]e he 0 9 sight ( t usually occupi$ by ! ,walcotts4 ,_! table seem$ des]t$ to-night4 ,johnson ,walcott 0 n yet back1 & ,ir5e ,maddox n[ sat at ano!r table1 ) ^? ( h] family :o _h come to be ) h] at ! fun]al4 ,w9ifr$ did n come d[n to d9n] at all1 :i* seem$ to vex ,%elby1 = x look$ z ?\gh %e 7 avoid+ him4 ,! only p]son at ! table 0 ,frances ,walcott4 ,conv9c$ t no "o else 0 com+ 91 ,%elby glumly hurri$ ?r\gh 8 meal1 & f9ally1 unable to /& x any long]1 rose1 & on ! way out /opp$ to talk ) 8 si/]4 ,:at 0 said we c\ld n guess4 ,b x 0 m l a p>ley dur+ an armi/ice ?an a talk betwe5 bro!r & si/]1 & x did n seem to d ,%elby mu* good4 ,f9ally he drift$ out aimlessly into ! lobby aga94 ,z he /ood undecid$1 we caught a glimpse ( ! petite figure ( ,paquita flitt+ f an alcove 9 8 direction4 ,be=e he c\ld avoid h] %e spoke to him4 ,h[ev] unwelcome ! meet+ might h be5 to ,%elby& 8 face %[$ pla9ly t x 0 s!re c\ld be no d\bt ( ,paquita's eag]ness to see him4 ,z ,i look$ at h] ,i c\ld only wond] at ! /rang5ess ( life4 ,%e :om m5 _h pursu$ & _h f\nd elusive1 ev5 :5 !y ?\ght !y _h h] captur$1 0 n[ h]self 9 ! anomal\s rle ( pursu]4 ,& ! man :om %e pursu$ c>$ no m = h] ?an %e = ^? :o pursu$ h]4 ,nay m1 he 0 op5ly1 hopelessly 9 love ) ano!r woman1 9 e respect ! anti!sis ( h]self4 ,mu* z ,i dislik$ ,paquita's type1 ?\gh realiz+ h] fasc9ation z a /udy1 ,i c\ld n help see+ ! pot5tial trag$y & pa?os ( ! situation4 ,%e did n accuse or upbraid4 ,on ! contr>y1 %e 0 us+ e art ( :i* %e 0 a pa/ mi/ress to fasc9ate & attract4 ,i did n ne$ prompt+ f ,k5n$y to see ! /range romance ( ! situation4 ,! little danc] 0 subtly mat*+ all ! *>m & all ! k ( m5 & ! _w :i* %e possess$ aga9/ ! appeal t ,w9ifr$ _h made to a hi!rto lat5t side ( ,%elby's nature4 ,! /ruggle betwe5 ! two wom5 0 no less en?rall+ ?an ! unravel+ ( ! my/]y ( ,m>%all ,maddox's dea?4 8,by ,heav560 ,i he>d ,k5n$y mutt] "u 8 brea?1 z we wat*$ ,paquita & ,%elby1 8,i wond] :e!r x is "r to let ev5ts take _! c\rse4 ,yesx mu/ be4 ,if he _c g ?r\gh x n[1 he'll nev] be able to4 ,yes1 ,%elby ,maddox mu/ fight t out = himself4 ,he %all n ru9 ! life ( ,w9ifr$ ,walcott40 ,8 rem>k set me ?9k+ ( ! responsibility ,craig _h _h ?ru/ on him4 ,x 0 f> m ?an m]ely runn+ d[n ! murd]] ( ,m>%all ,maddox1 n[4 ,%elby himself evid5tly appreciat$ :at fac$ him4 ,i c\ld see t he 0 talk+ v bluntly & po9t$ly to h]1 almo/ rudely4 ,n[ & !n %e fla%$ a glance at him :i*1 ) h] flu%$ face & ! emotion express$ 9 h] v be+1 c\ld n h fail$ only ?ree days ago4 ,%elby seem$ to feel x1 & took refuge 9 :at look$ to be an almo/ h>%ness ( mann] ) h]4 ,k5n$y jogg$ my arm & ,i foll[$ 8 eyes4 ,9 ! alcove f :i* %e _h come ,i 0 n surpris$ to see ,san*ez1 /&+ & look+ at !m4 ,8 d>k eyes seem$ rivet$ on ! man z ?\gh he hat$ him ) a sup]nal hate4 ,:at w\ld he himself n h giv5 to be :]e ,%elby 08 ,i wond]$ :e!r 8 bl9d$ eyes saw ! tru? ab\t ,%elby's position4 ,i d\bt$ x1 = x 0 ) difficulty t he re/ra9$ himself4 ,black & om9\s 7 ! looks t he d>t$ at ! y\ng] man4 ,inde$1 ,i did n envy him4 ,z ,i turn$ to say some?+ to ,k5n$y ,i saw t ,san*ez & ourselves 7 n ! only ones int]e/$4 ,frances ,maddox _h j come out ( ! d9+ room1 _h se5 h] bro!r & ,paquita1 & _h drawn back into ! %ad[ ( a doorway lead+ to ! por*1 :]e %e c\ld see !m bett] )\t be+ se5 by !m4 ,yet %e betray$ no?+ ( h] feel+s t[>d ei!r4 ,mean:ile ,%elby _h be5 gett+ m & m vehem5t z he talk$4 ,i c\ld n he>1 b x 0 q evid5t n[ t he 0 repeat+ & en=c+ ! rem>ks he _h made to ,paquita ! night be=e dur+ _! secret /roll d[n ! bea*4 ,& %e1 in/ead ( gett+ angry1 z he no d\bt hop$ %e w\ld1 0 keep+ h] temp] & h] control ( h]self 9 a mo/ dang]\s mann]4 ,!re 0 s mu* to ?9k ab\t t x 0 n until n[ t ,i notic$ t ! face we _h se5 9 ! alcove 0 gone4 ,san*ez _h disappe>$4 ,_h ! ?+ be5 too mu* = him8 ,0 x t he c\ld n tru/ himself to /ay8 ,at any rate1 he 0 gone4 ,j !n ,%elby turn$ on 8 heel1 almo/ brutally1 & delib]ately walk$ away4 ,x 0 z ?\gh he felt x 8 only escape f temptation4 ,paquita took an involunt>y /ep aft] him1 !n /opp$ %ort4 ,i foll[$ h] quick glance to see :at x might be t _h det]r$ h]4 ,%e _h caught sight ( ,frances ,walcott1 ^: int]e/ _h betray$ h] into lett+ ! light /ream ?r\gh ! doorway on h] face4 ,in/antly ,paquita cov]$ ! vexation t 0 on h] face4 ,lea/ ( all w\ld %e let ?is man's si/] see x4 ,consummate actress t %e 01 %e turn$ & walk$ across ! lobby1 & a mom5t lat] 0 9 gay conv]sation ) ano!r ( h] num]\s admir]s4 ,b x did n take an eye m tra9$ ?an m9e to see ! gaiety 0 =c$1 ! animation ( q a diff]5t "* f t %e _h %[$ to ,%elby4 8,( "o ?+ we c be sure10 rem>k$ ,craig4 8,miss ,walcott w he> all ab\t ?is4 ,i hope %e he>s ! tru?4 ,i'm almo/ tempt$ to tell h] myself40 ,he paus$1 debat+4 8,no10 he decid$1 f9ally1 8! "t hasn't come yet40 ,%elby _h retreat$ to ! por*1 :]e n[ he 0 pac+ up & d[n1 alone4 ,z he came pa/ ! door 8 ab/ract$ glance fell ) a />t on 8 si/]4 ,he drew himself toge!r & spoke to h]4 ,evid5tly he 0 debat+ :e!r %e _h se5 any?+1 &1 if s1 h[ mu* & h[ %e _h int]pret$ x4 ,at any rate1 he 0 at pa9s to speak n[1 hop+ t %e might c>ry a message :i* he d>$ n s5d4 ,:at 0 go+ on 9 _! m9ds ,i c\ld n guess1 b to outw>d appe>ance !y 7 m l bro!r & si/] ?an ,i _h se5 !m ev] be=e4 ,!y p>t$ f9ally & ,%elby cont9u$ 8 measur$ tread ab\t ! por*1 z ?\gh try+ to make up 8 m9d on a c\rse ( action4 ,= ab\t a qu>t] ( an h\r he walk$1 !n1 8 face set 9 det]m9$ l9es1 ent]$ ! ,lodge & w5t delib]ately ov] to a flori/'s /&4 ,!re1 oblivi\s to any?+ else1 he select$ ! h&some/ bun* ( violets on ! /&4 ,he 0 ab\t to drop 8 c>d into _! fragrant & reconcil+ dep?s :5 he paus$1 replac$ ! c>d 9 8 case1 & direct$ ! man to deliv] !m anonym\sly4 ,!re 0 no ne$ = u to inquire :]e !y 7 s5t4 ,/ill oblivi\s to ! gay life ( ! ,lodge & ,cas9o1 he /rode out into ! night & d[n to ! dock1 pay+ no att5tion to ,craig's /ud5t z he pass$4 ,he /epp$ into ! t5d] :i* 0 /ill wait+ & we saw him head /raight = ! ,syb>ite4 ,t5 m9utes lat] ! lights 9 ! ma9 saloon fla%$ up4 ,%elby 0 evid5tly at "w ov] "s problem1 wre/l+ x out himself4 ,0 x 8 relations ) ,w9ifr$ or 8 /ock-m>ket s*emesor bo?8 8,well1 ,i've be5 look+ all ov] = y4 ,:]e h y be580 s\nd$ ,burke's voice back ( u1 z ,k5n$y & ,i 7 sil5tly look+ out ov] ! d>k wat]s at ! ya*t4 ,)\t wait+ = u to reply ,burke hurri$ on4 8,y rememb] t op]ator1 ,/eel1 t 0 "h f ,seaville80 8,yes10 enc\rag$ ,k5n$y4 8,:at ( him80 8,he w5t back to ! /ation & has done 8 trick4 ,he has j cross$ ov] aga9 ) a message to me4 ,t wireless p[]1 :atev] x is1 is jamm+ ! air aga94 ,i ?\ght y'd l to "k ( x40 ,= j a second ,k5n$y look$ at ,burke 9 sil5ce1 !n )\t fur!r inquiry turn$ & almo/ ran d[n ! l5g? ( ! dock to ! float at ! end4 ,!re ,watk9s _h already set up on ! float a l>ge affair :i* look$ = all ! _w l a mort>4 ,we wat*$ z ,craig fuss$ ) x to make sure t ev]y?+ 0 all "r4 ,mean:ile ! /ud5t cont9u$ adju/+ some?+ else t _h be5 let d[n ov] ! edge ( ! float into ! wat]4 ,x seem$ to be a peculi> disk1 heavy & susp5d$ by a /\t wire :i* all[$ x to be subm]g$ eight or t5 feet4 8,:at's ?is ?+80 inquir$ ,burke1 look+ at ! mort> ov] :i* ,craig 0 b5d+4 8,fireworks1 or are y go+ to bomb>d somebody80 8,x's a light-weight rocket mort>10 expla9$ ,k5n$y1 ramm+ some?+ into x4 8,y'll see 9 a mom5t4 ,/& back1 all ( y(f ! floaton ! dock40 ,sudd5ly !re came a deep detonation f ! mort> & a rocket %ot out & up 9 a long1 l[ p>abola4 ,k5n$y ru%$ =w>d1 & ano!r detonation s5t a second f> out 9 a diff]5t angle4 8,:at is x80 gasp$ ,burke1 9 amazem5t4 8,look60 call$ ,k5n$y1 elat$4 ,ano!r in/ant1 & f e qu>t] ( ! h>bor !re seem$ to rise1 z if f ! waves1 huge balls ( fire1 a brilliant & lum9\s s]ies ( flames lit]ally f ! wat] itself4 ,x 0 a moonless night b ^! fires seem$ lit]ally to roll back ! ,cimm]ian d>kness4 8,a rec5t inv5tion10 expla9$ ,craig1 8light-bombs1 = use at night aga9/ torp$o-boat & a]oplane attacks40 8,light-bombs60 ,burke repeat$4 8,yes1 made ( phosphide ( calcium4 ,! mort> hurls !m out1 & !y are s con/ruct$ t !y float aft] a %ort plunge 9 ! wat]4 ,y see1 ! action ( ! salt wat] automatically ignites !m m]ely by contact & ! *emical action ( ! phosphide & ! salt wat] keeps !m phosphoresc+ = sev]al m9utes40 ,z he talk$ he %ot (f "s m4 8,k5n$y1 y're a g5ius10 gasp$ ,burke4 8,y're always ready = any?+40 ,! sight be=e u 0 inde$ a beautiful pyrote*nic display4 ,! bombs light$ up ! %ores & ! l[-ly+ hills1 mak+ ev]y?+ /& =? & ca/ long spectral %ad[s4 ,cottages hidd5 among trees or 9 coves along ! wide sweep ( ! %ore l9e /ood out z if 9 an une>?ly fl>e4 ,:at p on ! %ore ?\ght we _h no "t ev5 to wond]4 ,!y cr[d$ out on ! por*es1 9 con/]nation4 ,! music at ! ,cas9o /opp$4 ,no "o _h ev] se5 any?+ l x be=e4 ,x 0 fire on wat]6 ,z yet none ( u _h ev5 an inkl+ ( :at x 0 t ,k5n$y expect$ to discov]4 ,b e craft 9 ! h>bor n[ /ood out di/9ct9 ! gl>e ( a m9iature sun4 ,we c\ld see t1 naturally1 excitem5t on ! boats 0 great] ?an x 0 on %ore1 = !y 7 clos] to ! fl>es & !re=e x seem$ m amaz+4 ,craig 0 scann+ ! wat] c>efully1 seek+ any sign ( some?+ suspici\s4 8,!re x is60 he exclaim$1 b5d+ =w>d & po9t+4 ,we /ra9$ our eyes4 ,a mile or two out ,i c\ld di/+ui% a p[]-boat ( good size1 mov+ swiftly away1 z ?\gh try+ to r\nd ! %elt] ( a po9t ( l&1 out ( ! light4 ,) a glass "s "o made out a /ubby wireless ma/ on h]4 ,k5n$y's surmise :5 we _h fir/ /udi$ ! wireless int]f]5ce _h prov$ correct4 ,sure en\gh1 9 ! blackness ( ! night1 !re 0 a fa/ express cruis]1 ( ! new sc\t type1 n l>ge1 almo/ possible = "o man to control1 ! late/ ?+ 9 small p[]-boats & a p]fect demon = spe$6 ,0 t ! s\rce ( ! /range wireless impulses8 ,^: 0 x1 & :y 0 x !re8 ,,xxi ,,! ,,subm>9e ,,e> ,almo/ be=e we knew x ! spe$ demon _h disappe>$ beyond ! circle ( ! fl>es4 8,suspici\sly ne> ! ,syb>ite10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 "u 8 brea?1 wat*+ ! sc\t cruis] to ! la/ mom5t z %e ran away4 ,i wond]$ :e!r he meant t ! swift little motor-boat might h "s connection ) ,%elby ,maddox & 8 new activities1 b ,i said no?+1 = ,k5n$y's att5tion 0 rivet$ on ! wake left by ! boat4 ,i look$1 too1 & c\ld h sworn t !re 0 some?+ mov+ 9 ! opposite direction to t tak5 by ! boat4 ,:at c\ld x be8 ,on ! end ( ! dock 0 an inc&esc5t lamp4 ,craig unscrew$ ! bulb & ins]t$ ano!r connection 9 ! bulb socket1 an insulat$ cable t l$ d[n to ! app>atus on ! float ov] :i* 8 assi/ant 0 /ill work+4 ,by ?is "t q a cr[d _h collect$ on ! dock1 & on ! float1 wat*+ u4 8,burke10 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 8w y & ,jameson make ! p /& back8 ,we c't d any?+ ) s _m ar\nd40 ,z we press$ ! new-com]s back ,i saw t among !m 0 ,paquita4 ,?\gh ,i look$1 ,i c\ld n discov] ,san*ez1 b ?\ght no?+ ( x1 = !re 7 s _m ab\t t x w\ld h be5 h>d to f9d any p>ticul> p]son4 8,if y w please /& back10 ,i implor$1 try+ to keep ! curi\s f almo/ swamp+ ! float1 8y w all be able to see :at is go+ on j z well &1 besides1 x w be a great deal saf]provid+ !re is an explosion10 ,i add$ z a happy aft]?\ght1 al?\gh ,i _h almo/ z vague an idea :at ,k5n$y 0 up to z any ( !m4 ,! words _h ! effect ,i int5d$4 ,! cr[d gave way1 n only will+1 b almo/ 9 panic4 ,z !y press$ back1 h[ev]1 ,paquita press$ =w>d until %e 0 /&+ beside me4 8,is,mr4 ,maddoxout !re80 %e ask$1 po9t+ out at ! ,syb>ite anxi\sly4 8,:y80 ,i dem&$1 hop+ 9 h] anxiety to cat* h] (f gu>d4 ,%e %ot a quick glance at me4 ,!re 0 no d5y+ t ! woman 0 clev] & quick ( p]ception4 8,oh1 ,i j wond]$10 %e murmur$4 8,i want$ to see him1 s mu*t is all4 ,& x's v urg5t40 ,%e glanc$ ab\t1 z ?\gh hop+ to discov] "s means ( communicat+ ) ! ya*t1 ev5 ( gett+ out to x4 ,b !re did n seem to be any (f]$4 ,i det]m9$ to wat* h]1 & = t reason did n insi/ t %e get back z f> z ! re/ ( ! cr[d4 ,all ! "t ,i saw t %e 0 look+ con/antly out at ! ,syb>ite4 ,did %e "k some?+ ab\t ,%elby ,maddox t we did n "k8 ,i wond]$ if1 inde$1 !re might be "s valid reason :y %e %\ld get out !re4 ,:at did %e suspect8 ,aga9 %e came =w>d1 inquir+ :e!r !re 0 n "s way ( communicat+ ) ! ,syb>ite1 & aga91 :5 ,i tri$ to "q h]1 %e refus$ to give me any satisfaction4 ,h[ev]1 ,i c\ld n help notic+ t 9 spite ( ! cold mann] 9 :i* ,%elby _h treat$ h]1 %e seem$ n[ to be actuat$ m by ! mo/ int5se fe> = him ?an by any malice aga9/ him4 ,:at x meant ,i _h ! greate/ curiosity to "k1 especially :5 ,i notic$ t ,paquita 0 glanc+ n]v\sly ab\t z ?\gh 9 great fe> t "s "o might be pres5t & see h]4 ,nor did %e seem to be det]r$ f %[+ h] feel+s by ! fact t %e knew t ,i1 ,k5n$y's close/ fri5d1 0 wat*+ & w\ld und\bt$ly report to him4 ,x 0 z ?\gh %e _h ab&on$ discretion & ca/ fe> to ! w9ds4 ,z ! m9utes pass$ & no?+ happ5$1 ,paquita became a trifle calm] & manag$ to take refuge 9 ! cr[d4 ,i took ! opportunity aga9 to run my eye ov] !m4 ,n[h]e 9 ! cr[d c\ld ,i discov] ,w9ifr$1 or1 9 fact1 any ( ! ,maddox family4 ,!y seem$ to be /udi\sly avoid+ appe>ance 9 public j n[1 & ,i c\ld n blame !m1 = 9 a summ] colony l t at ,we/port facts nev] tr\bl$ gossip]s4 8,:at d y suppose ,k5n$y is afraid (80 :isp]$ ,ha/+s 9 my e>1 n]v\sly4 8,y\r fri5d is positively uncanny1 & ,i c almo/ feel t he fe>s some?+40 8,i'm sure ,i don't "k10 ,i confess$1 8b ,i've se5 en\gh ( him to be sure t no "o is go+ to cat* him napp+4 ,"h's ,riley4 ,p]haps he has "s news40 ,! ,secret ,s]vice op]ative _h %\ld]$ 8 way ?r\gh ! ?rong1 look+ = ,burke1 :o 0 "r beh9d me4 8,:at's ! matt]10 dem&$ 8 *ief4 8,!re's ano!r message1 by telephone f ! ,seaville ,/ation10 ,riley report$4 8,!y say !y are hav+ ! same tr\ble aga9only m ( x40 8,t op]ator1 ,/eel1 came back aga910 consid]$ ,burke4 8,:]e is he80 8,z soon z ,i got ! message1 ,i hunt$ him up & took ! lib]ty ( s5d+ him up to ,mr4 ,k5n$y's room to look at t arrangem5t !re4 ,i c\ldn't make any?+ out ( x myself1 ,i knew1 & ,i ?\ght t he c\ld40 8,did he80 inquir$ ,burke4 8,yes4 ,( c\rse he hadn't se5 x "w be=e4 ,b ,i told him z ne>ly z ,i c\ld :at y _h told me1 & x didn't take him v long to cat* on to ! ?+4 ,aft] t he said t :at 0 be+ record$ n[ mu/ be j ! same z x _h be5 be=e :5 ,mr4 ,k5n$y 0 !ren messages1 b j impulses40 8,:]e is hed[n "h80 8,no1 ,i left him up !re4 ,i ?\ght x might be be/ to h "s "o !re4 ,did y want to speak to him8 ,!re's a telephone d[n "h 9 ! boat-h\se up to ! swit*bo>d at ! ,lodge40 ,riley j]k$ 8 ?umb back ov] 8 %\ld] at a little %elt] built on ! end ( ! dock4 8,n-no10 consid]$ ,burke4 8,i w\ldn't "k :at to tell him40 8,b ,i ?9k y ought to tell ,k5n$y t10 ,i int]rupt$4 8,he might "k :at to d40 ,toge!r ,riley & ,i walk$ across ! float to :]e ,craig 0 at "w1 & briefly ,i told him :at _h happ5$4 ,he look$ grave1 b did n pause 9 8 adju/m5t ( ! ma*9e1 :atev] x 04 8,t's all "r10 he approv$4 8,yes1 get ! op]ator on ! wire4 ,tell him to /ay up !re4 ,&yestell him to deta* t phonograph record+ device & g back to /raight wireless4 ,he might try to wake up ! op]ator on ! ,syb>ite1 if he c4 ,i guess he mu/ "k ! call4 ,h him d t & !n h t telephone girl keep ! l9e cle> & connect$ f ! boat-h\se up to my room4 ,i want to keep 9 t\* ) ,/eel40 ,riley & ,i pu%$ ?r\gh ! cr[d & f9ally manag$ to deliv] ,k5n$y's message1 9 spite ( ! excitem5t at ! ,lodge1 :i* _h ext5d$ by ?is "t to ! swit*bo>d op]ator4 ,i left ,riley 9 ! boat-h\se to hold ! wire up to our room1 & rejo9$ ,burke & ,ha/+s on ! float4 ,k5n$y _h be5 work+ ) r$\bl$ en]gy1 n[ t ! light bombs _h gone out aft] s]v+ _! purpose4 ,we /ood ap>t n[ z he made a f9al inspection ( ! app>atus :i* he & 8 assi/ant _h in/all$4 ,f9ally ,craig press$ d[n a key :i* seem$ to close a circuit includ+ ! connection 9 ! electric-light socket & ! arrangem5t t _h be5 let ov] ! edge ( ! float4 ,/&+ :]e we 7 we c\ld feel a sort ( dull metallic vibration "u our feet1 z x 74 8,:at are y do+80 inquir$ ,ha/+s1 look+ curi\sly at a headge> :i* ,k5n$y _h ov] 8 e>s4 8,x works60 exclaim$ ,craig1 m to ,watk9s ?an to u4 8,:at does80 p]si/$ ,ha/+s4 8,?is ,fess5d5 oscillator10 he cri$1 app>5tly = ! fir/ "t recogniz+ t ,ha/+s _h be5 address+ him4 8,:at is x80 we ask$ cr[d+ ab\t4 8,:at does x d80 8,x's a sy/em = ! employm5t ( s\nd = subm>9e signals10 he expla9$1 hurri$ly4 8,i am us+ x to detect mov+ objects 9 ! wat]"u ! wat]1 p]haps4 ,x's really a subm>9e e>40 ,9 our excitem5t we c\ld only wat* him 9 wond]4 8,p don't realize ! great advance t has be5 made 9 ! use ( wat] in/ead ( air z a m$ium = transmitt+ s\nds10 he cont9u$1 aft] a pause1 dur+ :i* he seem$ to be li/5+1 obs]v+ a /op wat*1 & figur+ rapidly on a piece ( pap]1 all at once4 8,i c't /op to expla9 ?is app>atus1 b1 r\ghly1 x is compos$ ( a r+ magnet1 a copp] tube :i* lies 9 an air gap ( a magnetic field1 & a /ation>y c5tral armature4 ,! magnetic field is mu* /rong] ?an t 9 an ord9>y dynamo ( ?is size40 ,aga9 he li/5$1 z he press$ ! key1 & we felt ! peculi> vibration1 :ile he figur$ on ! pap]4 8,! copp] tube10 he resum$ me*anically to u1 ?\gh 8 real att5tion 0 on some?+ else1 8has an alt]nat+ curr5t induc$ 9 x4 ,x is atta*$ to solid disks ( /eel1 :i* 9 turn are atta*$ to a /eel diaphragm an in* ?ick4 ,surr\nd+ ! oscillator is a l>ge wat]tight drum40 8,!n x makes use ( s\nd-waves 9 ! wat]80 qu]i$ ,ha/+s1 almo/ incr$ul\sly4 8,exactly10 return$ ,craig4 8,i use ! same in/rum5t = s5d+ & receiv+only ,i'm n do+ any real s5d+4 ,y see1 l ! ord9>y electric motor1 x is capable ( act+ z a g5]ator1 too & a v effici5t "o4 ,all ,i h to d is to ?r[ a swit* 9 "o direction :5 ,i want to telegraph or telephone "u wat]1 & 9 ! o!r direction :5 ,i want to li/540 8,talk+ ?r\gh wat]60 exclaim$ ,burke1 awe/ruck by ! v idea1 z ?\gh x 7 sc>cely believable4 8,t's n exactly :at ,i'm do+ n[10 return$ ,k5n$y1 indulg5tly1 8al?\gh ,i c\ld d x if !re 0 any "o ar\nd ?is "p ( ! c\ntry equipp$ to receive & reply4 ,i r suspect1 ?\gh1 t :oev] x is is n only n equipp$1 b w\ldn't want to reply1 anyh[40 8,!n :at are y do+80 ask$ ,burke1 r my/ifi$4 8,well1 y see ,i c s5d out signals & li/5 = _! reflectionreally ! e*o "u wat]4 ,m ?an t1 ,i c get ! s\nds direct f any s\rce t is mak+ !m4 ,if !re 0 a big /eam] out !re ,i c\ld he> h] eng9es & propell]s1 ev5 if ,i c\ldn't see h] ar\nd ! po9t4 ,light travels 9 /raight l9es1 b y c get s\nds ar\nd a corn]1 z x 740 8,oh10 ,i exclaim$1 8,i ?9k ,i see4 ,ev5 if t little sc\t cruis] did disappe> ar\nd ! po9t1 y c /ill he> h] ?r\gh ! wat]4 ,is t x80 8,p>tly10 nodd$ ,k5n$y4 8,y "k1 s\nd travels ?r\gh wat] at a velocity ( ab\t f\r ?\s& feet a second4 ,= in/ance1 ,i f9d ,i c get an e*o f some:]e practically in/antane\sly4 ,t's ! bottom ( ! bay"h4 ,ano!r e*o comes back to me 9 ab\t a tw5tie? ( a second4 ,t1 ,i take x1 is reflect$ f ! sea wall on ! %ore1 back ( u1 at high tide4 ,x mu/ be r\ghly a hundr$ feety see1 t corresponds4 ,x is a matt] ( calculation40 8,is t all80 ,i prompt$1 z he paus$ aga94 8,no1 ,i've locat$ ! e*o f ! ,syb>ite & "s o!rs4 ,b10 he add$ sl[ly1 8!re's "o ,i c't acc\nt =4 ,!re's a s\nd t is com+ to me direct f some:]e4 ,i c't j place x1 = !re isn't a mov+ craft visible & x doesn't give ! same note z t little cruis]4 ,x's %>p]4 ,j n[ ,i tri$ to s5d out my own impulses 9 ! hope ( gett+ an e*o f x1 & ,i succe$$4 ,! e*o comes back to me 9 some?+ m ?an five seconds4 ,y see1 t w\ld make tw5ty ?\s&-odd feet4 ,half ( t w\ld be ne>ly two miles1 & t r\ghly corresponds ) ! position :]e we saw ! sc\t cruis] at fir/1 be=e x fl$4 ,!re's some?+ out !re40 8,!n ,i 0 "r10 ,i exclaim$ excit$ly4 8,i ?\ght ,i saw some?+ 9 ! wake ( ! cruis]40 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head gravely4 8,i'm afraid y 710 he mutt]$4 8,!re's some?+ !re1 all "r4 ,t wireless op]ator is up 9 our room & y h a wire f ! boa?\se to him80 8,yes10 ,i return$4 8,riley's hold+ x op540 ,anxi\sly ,k5n$y li/5$ aga9 9 sil5ce1 z ?\gh to v]ify "s gr[+ suspicion4 ,:at 0 x he he>d8 ,quickly he pull$ ! headge> (f & be=e ,i knew x _h clapp$ x on my own head4 8,tell me :at x s\nds l10 he ask$1 t5sely4 ,i li/5$ eag]ly1 ?\gh ,i 0 no electrical or me*anical eng9e]1 & su* ?+s 7 usually to me a seal$ book4 ,/ill1 ,i 0 able to describe a peculi> metallic ?robb+4 8,record ! "t = ! e*o f x10 ord]$ ,k5n$y1 ?ru/+ ! /op wat* into my h&s4 8,press x ! in/ant y he> ! return s\nd aft] ,i pu% d[n ! key4 ,i want to be sure ( x & elim9ate my own p]sonal equation f ! calculation4 ,are y ready80 ,i nodd$ & an in/ant lat]1 z he not$ ! "t1 ,i he>d ?r\gh ! oscillator ! peculi> vibration ,i _h felt :5 ! key 0 depress$4 ,on ! qui vive ,i wait$ = ! return e*o4 ,sure en\gh1 !re x 0 & ,i me*anically regi/]$ x on ! wat*4 8,five & ?irty-hundr$?s seconds10 mutt]$ ,k5n$y4 8,i _h five & ?irty-five hundr$?s4 ,x's com+ ne>]y he> ! s\nd direct aga980 ,i did1 j a trifle m di/9ctly1 & ,i said s4 ,confirm$ 9 8 own judgm5t1 ,craig ha/ily turn$ to ! /ud5t4 8,run up !re to ! boat-h\se10 he direct$4 8,h ,riley call t wireless op]ator on ! telephone & tell him to get ! ,syb>ite on ! wirelessif he hasn't done x already4 ,!n h him tell !m n to try to move ! ya*t "u any circum/anceb = ,god's sake to get (f x !mselvesz quick z !y c60 8,:at's ! matt]80 ,i ask$1 brea?lessly4 8,:at 0 t humm+ 9 ! oscillator80 8,! wireless de/roy]! telautomaton modelhas be5 laun*$ full at ! ,syb>ite10 ,craig exclaim$4 8,y rememb] x 0 l>ge en\gh1 ev5 if x 0 only a model1 to de/roy a good-siz$ craft if x c>ri$ a *>ge ( high explosive4 ,x has be5 laun*$ & is be+ direct$ f t fa/ cruis] back ( ! po9t40 ,we look$ at "o ano!r agha/4 ,:at c\ld we d8 ,!re 0 a sick5+ feel+ ( helplessness 9 ! face ( ?is new t]ror ( ! seas4 8,xx has really be5 laun*$80 cri$ an agitat$ voice ( a girl beh9d u4 ,paquita _h pu%$ h] way altoge!r ?r\gh ! cr[d :ile we 7 engross$ 9 li/5+ ?r\gh ! subm>9e e>4 ,%e _h he>d :at ,k5n$y _h j said & n[ /ood be=e u1 />+ wildly4 8,oh10 %e cri$1 frantically clasp+ h] h&s1 8isn't !re any?+any?+ t c /op xt c save him80 ,%e 0 n act+ n[4 ,!re c\ld be no d\bt ( ! g5u95ess ( h] anxiety1 nor ( :om ! 8him0 meant4 ,i wond]$ :e!r %e might h be5 directly or indirectly responsible1 :e!r %e 0 n n[ rep5tant = :atev] "p %e _h play$4 ,at lea/ %e mu/ be1 z f> z ,%elby ,maddox 0 involv$4 ,!n ,i recollect$ ! black looks t ,san*ez _h giv5 ,%elby e>li] 9 ! ev5+4 ,0 jeal\sy play+ a "p z well z cupidity8 ,k5n$y _h be5 busy1 :ile ! re/ ( u _h be5 /&+ /unn$4 ,sudd5ly ano!r light-bomb rico*et$ ov] ! wat]4 8,keep on s5d+ !m1 "o by "o10 he ord]$ ! /ud5t1 :o _h return$4 8,we'll ne$ all ! light we c get40 ,ov] ! %ad[y waves we c\ld n[ see ! f9e l9e ( foam left by ! de/roy] z x %ot ahead swiftly4 ,ev5ts 7 n[ mov+ fa/] ?an ,i c tell !m4 ,k5n$y glanc$ ab\t4 ,on ! opposite side ( ! float "s "o ( ! visitors f ! cottages to ! dance at ! ,cas9o _h left a trim h>dwood spe$boat4 ,)\t wait+ to inquire ^: x 01 ,craig leap$ into x & spun ! eng9e4 8,! subm>9e e> has w>n$ u10 he %\t$1 beckon+ to ,burke & myself4 8,ev5 if we _c save ! ya*t1 we may save _! lives6 ,come on60 ,we 7 (f 9 an in/ant & ! race 0 on"o ( ! mo/ excit+ ,i h ev] be5 9a race betwe5 ?is spe$y motor-boat & a telautomatic torp$o to see :i* might get to ! ya*t fir/4 ,?\gh we knew t ! telautomaton _h _h su* a />t be=e x 0 discov]$ t we c\ld n beat x1 /ill !re 0 always ! hope t its me*anism might sl[ d[n or break d[n4 ,fail+ to get !re fir/1 !re 0 always a *ance ( our be+ 9 at ! rescue4 ,9 ! p5etrat+ light ( ! fl>e-bombs1 z we approa*$ clos] ! spot 9 :i* ,watk9s 0 n[ dropp+ !m regul>ly1 we c\ld see ! telautomaton1 spe$+ ahead on its mission ( dea?1 its wake l ! pa? ( a great man-eat+ fi%4 ,:at w\ld happ5 if x /ruck ,i c\ld well imag9e4 ,ea* ( u did :at he c\ld to spe$ ! motor4 ,= ?is 0 a race ) ! mo/ t]rible eng9e yet devis$ by ,am]ican inv5tive g5ius4 ,,xxii ,,! ,,telautomaton ,devili%ly1 :ile ! light-bombs fl>$1 ! telautomaton sp$ rel5tlessly t[>d its m>k4 ,we /ra9$ our eyes at ! ,syb>ite4 ,w\ld !y nev] awake to _! dang]8 ,0 ! wireless op]ator asleep or (f duty8 ,w\ld our own op]ator be unable to w>n !m 9 "t8 ,!n we look$ back to ! deadly new weapon ( mod]n w> sci5ce4 ,no?+ n[ c\ld /op x4 ,k5n$y 0 putt+ e in* ( spe$ into ! boat :i* he _h comm&e]$4 8,z a race x's hopeless10 he gritt$1 b5d+ ahead ov] ! :eel z if ! boat 7 a ?+ t c\ld be urg$ on4 8,:at !y are do+ is to use ! ,h]tzian waves to actuate relays on ! torp$o4 ,! wireless c>ries impulses s tun$ t !y release p[] c>ri$ by ! ma*9e itself4 ,! ?+ t has kept ! telautomaton back :ile wireless telegraphy has gone ahead s fa/ is t 9 wireless we h be5 able to disc>d coh]]s & relays & use detectors & microphones 9 _! places4 ,b 9 telautomatics y h to keep ! coh]]4 ,t has be5 ! b>ri]4 ,! coh]] until rec5tly has be5 spasmodic1 until we got ! m]cury /eel disk coh]]& n[ ?is "o4 ,see h[ %e worksif only x c\ld be work+ = u in/ead ( aga9/ u60 ,on sp$ ! de/roy]4 ,x 0 n[ only a matt] ( seconds :5 x w\ld be direct$ squ>ely at ! ya*t4 ,9 our excitem5t we %\t$1 =gett+ t x 0 ( no use1 t !y w\ld nei!r he> nor1 mo/ likely1 "k :at x 0 we meant4 ,paquita's words rang 9 my e>s4 ,0 !re no?+ t c\ld be done8 ,j !n we saw a sailor ru% frantically & haul 9 a boat t 0 fa/5$ to a boom ext5d+ f ! ya*t's side4 ,!n ano!r & ano!r ran t[>d ! fir/4 ,!y _h realiz$ at la/ our w>n+ 0 int5d$ = !m4 ,! deck 0 n[ alive & fa9tly ov] ! wat] we c\ld he> !m %\t+ 9 frantic excitem5t1 z !y work$ to escape de/ruction com+ at !m n[ at express tra9 spe$4 ,sudd5ly !re came a spurt ( wat]1 a cl\d ( spray1 l a geys] ris+ f ! h>bor4 ,! ,syb>ite seem$ to be lift$ bodily out ( ! wat] & brok54 ,!n %e fell back & settl$1 b[ =emo/1 heel+ ov]1 z %e sank d[n to ! mud & ooze ( ! bottom4 ,! wat] clos$ ov] h] & %e 0 gone1 no?+ left b fragm5ts ( sp>s & woodwork :i* _h be5 flung f> & wide4 ,?r\gh my m9d ran ! t]rible details ,i _h read ( %ips torp$o$ )\t w>n+ & ! dea? & de/ruction ( pass5g]s4 ,at lea/ !re 7 no wom5 & *ildr5 to add to ?is horror4 ,k5n$y sl[$ d[n 8 eng9e z we approa*$ ! float+ wreckage1 = !re 0 n only ! dang] ( our own frail little craft hitt+ some?+ & los+ rudd] or propell]1 b we c\ld n tell :at mom5t we might run across "s ( ^? on ! ya*t1 if any _h surviv$4 ,o!r boats _h foll[$ u by ?is "t1 & we b5t all our en]gies to ! se>*1 = pursuit ( ! sc\t cruis] 0 useless4 ,!re 0 n a craft 9 ! h>bor capable ( ov]tak+ "o ( h] type1 ev5 9 daylight4 ,at night %e 0 d\bly safe f pursuit4 ,!re 0 only "o ?+ t we might accompli%rescue4 ,w\ld we be 9 "t1 w\ld we be able to f9d ,%elby8 ,z my m9d work$ automatically ov] ! entire swift succession ( ev5ts ( ! pa/ few days ,i recall$ e mom5t we _h be5 obs]v+ him1 e action4 ,i actually hat$ myself n[ = ! unspok5 suspicion ( him t ,i _h ent]ta9$4 ,i c\ld see t1 ?\gh ,k5n$y _h be5 able to promise him no?+ op5ly1 he _h 9 reality be5 work+ 9 ,%elby's real int]e/s4 ,!re fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d a picture ( ,w9ifr$4 ,& at ! same "t ! ?\ght ( :at ?is all meant to h] br\ght to me =cibly ! ev5ts ( ! night be=e4 ,"o attack aft] ano!r _h be5 level$ aga9/ u1 />t+ ) ! foll[+ & %oot+ at ,ha/+s at our v laboratory door4 ,burke _h be5 attack$4 ,!n _h come ! attack on ,k5n$y1 :i* _h misc>ri$ & /ruck me4 ,dea? _h be5 level$ ev5 at ,mito1 z ?\gh he _h possess$ "s great secret4 ,next _h come ! attempt$ abduction ( ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 ,& at la/ x _h culm9at$ 9 ! mo/ spectacul> attack ( all1 on ,%elby himself4 ,try z ,i c\ld by a process ( elim9ation1 ,i 0 unable to fix ! guilt on any "o 9 p>ticul>1 ev5 yet4 ,fix+ guilt1 h[ev]1 0 n :at 0 ne$$ n[4 ,we _h come into ! area ( ! float+ debris1 & ! possibility ( sav+ life 0 all t ne$ conc]n u4 ,9 ! d>kness ,i c\ld make out cries1 b !y 7 h>d to locate4 ,we grop$ ab\t1 try+ h>d to cov] z mu* area z possible1 b at ! same "t fe>ful ( defeat+ our own purposes by /rik+ "s "o ) b[ or propell] ( our spe$ boat4 ,e n[ & !n a piece ( ! wreckage w\ld float by & we w\ld scan x anxi\sly 9 m+l$ fe> & hope t x w\ld assume a human =m z x became m cle>ly outl9$4 ,ea* "t t we fail$ we resum$ ! se>* ) desp]ate det]m9ation4 8,look60 cri$ ,burke1 po9t+ at a wood5 skylight t seem$ to h be5 lift$ f ! deck & ca/ b into ! waves1 ! glass brok51 b ! frame ne>ly intact4 8,:at's t on x80 ,k5n$y swung ! boat to port & we came alongside ! d>k1 bobb+ object4 ,x 0 ! body ( a man4 ,) a boat-hook ,craig haul$ ! ?+ ne>] & we lean$ ov] ! side & toge!r pull$ ! limp =m into our boat4 ,z we laid him on "s cu%ions on ! floor+1 our boat drift$ cle> & swung ar\nd s t ! fl>e %one 9 8 face4 ,he /irr$ & groan$1 b did n relax ! grip ( 8 f+]s /ill cl5*$ aft] we _h torn !m loose f ! skylight grat+4 ,x 0 ,%elby ,maddoxt]ribly w\nd$1 b alive4 ,o!rs ( ! crew 7 float+ ab\t1 & we set to "w to get !m1 n[ aid$ by ! volunte] fleet t _h foll[$ u out4 ,:5 x 0 all ov] we f\nd t all _h be5 acc\nt$ = s f>1 except ! eng9e] & "o sailor4 ,j at pres5t we _h only "o ?\ght 9 m9d4 ,%elby ,maddox mu/ be sav$1 & to be sav$ he mu/ be ru%$ :]e !re 0 m$ical assi/ance4 ,%\t+ ord]s to ^? :o _h come up to cont9ue ! se>*1 ,k5n$y head$ back t[>d ! t[n ( ,we/port4 ,! ne>e/ l&+ 0 ! t[n dock at ! foot ( ! ma9 /reet1 & t[>d ?is ,craig /e]$4 ,!re 0 no em]g5cy hospital1 b "o ( ! by/&]s volunte]$ to fet* a doctor1 & x 0 n long be=e ,%elby 0 receiv+ ! att5tion he ne$$ s badly4 ,he _h be5 badly cut ab\t ! head by fly+ glass1 & ! explosion _h injur$ him int]nally1 h[ s]i\s c\ld n be det]m9$1 al?\gh two ( 8 ribs _h be5 brok54 ,only 8 iron w & a?letic tra9+ _h sav$ him1 = he 0 weak1 n only f ! loss ( blood1 b f wat] :i* he _h be5 unable to avoid swall[+4 ,! doctor %ook 8 head gravely ov] him1 b some?+ _h to be done1 ev5 ?\gh x 0 pa9ful to move him4 ,he c\ld n lie !re 9 an op5 boat4 ,k5n$y settl$ ! matt] quickly4 ,f a t5ant :o liv$ ov] a /ore ne> ! wat]front he f\nd :]e a deliv]y wagon c\ld be borr[$4 ,us+ a pair ( long o>s & "s canvas1 we improvis$ a /ret*] :i* we slung f ! top ( ! wagon & s manag$ to transport ,%elby to ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 avoid+ ! cr[d ( curi\s onlook]s at ! ma9 entrance1 & f9ally deposit+ him 9 ! b$ 9 ! room :i* he usually occupi$4 ,! pa9 f 8 w\nds 0 int5se1 b he manag$ to keep up 8 n]ve until we rea*$ ! hotel4 ,!n he collaps$4 ,z we tri$ to help ! doctor to br+ him ar\nd ,i fe>$ t ! injury & ! %ock might h prov$ fatal4 8,pretty s]i\s10 mutt]$ ! doctor1 9 answ] to my anxi\s inquiry1 8b ,i ?9k he'll pull ?r\gh x4 ,call up ,ma9 #ba4 ,!re's a tra9$ nurse summ]+ at ! h\se4 ,get h] d[n40 ,i ha/5$ to d s & _h h>dly f9i%$ :5 ,k5n$y came ov] to me4 8,i ?9k we ought to notify 8 si/]10 he rem>k$4 8,see if y c get ,mrs4 ,walcott on ! h\se 'phone40 ,i call$1 b ! voice t answ]$ 0 n t ( ,frances ,walcott4 ,x took me a few seconds be=e ,i realiz$ t x 0 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott1 & ,i cov]$ up ! transmitt] z ,i turn$ to ,k5n$y to tell him & ask :at he want$ me to d4 8,let me talk to h]10 decid$ ,craig4 8,i ?9k ,i won't let ev5ts take _! c\rse any long]4 ,%e c be ! be/ nurse = ,%elbyif %e w40 ,craig _h evid5tly prep>$ to break ! news g5tly to h]1 b1 z ne>ly z ,i c\ld make out1 x 0 n necess>y4 ,%e _h already he>d :at _h happ5$4 8,no10 ,i he>d him say1 z if 9 answ] to an anxi\s "q f h]4 8,he is s]i\sly hurt1 to be sure1 b ! doctor says t ) prop] nurs+ he w pull ?r\gh40 ,i did n he> ! reply1 ( c\rse1 b ,i recogniz$ ! appeal hidd5 9 ,k5n$y's answ]1 z he wait$4 8,j a mom5t10 ,i he>d him say next4 ,8 =ehead wr9kl$ z he li/5$ to some?+1 evid5tly try+ to make x out4 ,!n he said1 sudd5ly3 8,i ?9k ,i _h bett] say no m ov] ! telephone1 ,miss ,walcott4 ,"s "o is li/5+ to u40 ,an angry look fla%$ ov] 8 face1 b 8 voice %[$ no ang] z he said good-by & hung up4 8,:at 0 x80 ,i ask$4 8,:at did %e d80 8,x wasn't ,miss ,walcott10 he repli$1 sc[l+4 8,y he>d me say t "s "o 0 li/5+8 ,well1 j z ,i said x !re came a laugh ov] ! wire f some:]e1 & a voice cut 91 #8,yes1 !re is "s "o li/5+4 ,y hav5't caught me yet1 ,k5n$y& y won't4' ,i said good-by aft] t4 ,oh1 h no fe> ab\t ,miss ,walcott40 ,k5n$y 0 "r4 ,x seem$ an incr$ibly %ort "t :5 !re came a light tap on ! door & he sprang to op5 x4 8,c ,ibe ( any assi/ance80 plead$ a s(tly tremul\s voice4 8,p]haps ,ic\ld play at nurs+80 ,k5n$y glanc$ at ! doctor & ! figure ly+ s quietly on ! b$1 !n at ! girl1 & decid$4 ,%e _h hesitat$ n a mom5t1 :5 %e _h he>d h[ close ,%elby 0 to dea?1 b _h hurri$ to him4 ,he op5$ ! door & %e ent]$ s(tly1 tiptoe+ t[>d ! b$4 ,x mu/ h be5 by "s telepa?ic influ5ce t ,%elby1 :o _h a mom5t be=e be5 sc>cely consci\s1 felt h] pres5ce4 ,%e _h sc>cely :isp]$ a ^w to ! doctor1 z %e b5t ov] him1 b he op5$ 8 eyes1 caught j a glimpse ( h] face1 & seem$ to dr9k x 9 z 8 eyes re/$ on ! bun* ( fl[]s %e 0 we>+8 fl[]s1 :i* he _h s5t h]4 ,he smil$ fa9tly4 ,n ev5 by a ^w or look 0 any ref]5ce made to _! misund]/&+4 ,x 0 a /range meet+1 b x seem$ t ! v atmosph]e _h *ang$4 ,ev5 ! doctor notic$ x4 ,9 spite ( 8 pa91 ,%elby _h bright5$ visibly4 8,i don't ?9k we ne$ t nurse10 :isp]$ ! doctor to ,k5n$y1 ) an und]/&+ glance4 8,:at 0 t y said ab\t "s "o li/5+ ov] ! telephone8 ,:o c\ld x h be580 ,! doctor said x 9 a l[ en\gh tone1 b x seem$ t ,maddox's s5ses mu/ h be5 sudd5ly made m acute by ! com+ ( ,w9ifr$4 ,he _h rea*$ out1 weakly b unhesitat+ly1 & _h plac$ 8 h& on h]s z x re/$ on 8 pill[s4 ,at ! m5tion ( ! telephone he turn$ t[>d u ) an inquir+ look4 ,x seem$ to recall to 8 m9d some?+ t _h be5 on x be=e ! accid5t4 8,"s "oli/5+10 he repeat$1 m to himself ?an to u4 ,w9ifr$ look$ inquir+ly at u1 too1 b said no?+4 ,k5n$y tri$ to pass ! ?+ ov]1 b ! doctor's rem>k seem$ to h />t$ "s tra9 ( ?\ght 9 ,%elby's m9d1 :i* c\ld n be s easily /opp$4 8,"s "op\nd+ ,maddox ,munitions10 he murmur$1 brok5ly1 z if feel+ 8 way ?r\gh a maze4 8,n[ ,i'm out!y'll succe$4 ,:at c ,i d8 ,h[ c ,i hold up ! m>ket80 ,he repeat$ ! la/ two que/ions z ?\gh turn+ !m ov] 9 8 m9d & f9d+ no answ]4 ,evid5tly he 0 talk+ ab\t 8 op]ations 9 ! m>ket :i* _h be5 s puzzl+ to ,ha/+s z well z ourselves4 ,i 0 ab\t to say some?+ t w\ld prompt him to g on ) 8 revelation1 :5 ,k5n$y's look halt$ me4 ,app>5tly he did n wi% to int]f]e ) ! tra9 ( ?\ght ! doctor's rem>k _h />t$1 inasmu* z x _h be5 />t$ n[4 8,"s "oli/5+ov] ! telephone10 /rove ,%elby aga94 8,yesh[ c ,i d x8 ,no m secrecylaid up "h,i'll h to use ! telephone4 ,w ^? ,broad ,/reet brok]s take ord]s ov] long di/ance8 ,ev]ybody w "k:at ,i'm do+4 ,!y'll delayplay me = a suck]4 ,:at am ,i to d80 ,x 0 evid5t n[ :at ,%elby _h be5 do+1 at lea/ 9 "p4 ,! trag$y to 8 bro!r _h q naturally depress$ ! /ock ( ! company4 ,inde$1 ) ,m>%all ,maddox1 its mov+ _s1 gone1 x 0 no wond] t _m hold]s _h begun to feel %aky4 ,once t feel+ began to become g5]al1 ! /ock1 :i* _h _h a meteoric rise lately along ) o!r w> /ocks1 w\ld beg9 to sag & slump sadly4 ,!re 0 no tell+ :]e x w\ld /op if once ! d[nw>d tr5d began4 ,z ,i look$ at ! "y man ,i felt a new respect = him4 ,ev5 ?\gh ,i _h n a mu* cle>] idea ?an at ! />t ( h[ or by :om ,m>%all ,maddox _h be5 kill$1 /ill ,i d n ?9k any ( u _h believ$ t ,%elby 0 capable ( see+ su* a crisis s cle>ly & act+ ^u :at he saw4 ,evid5tly x 0 9 8 blood1 br$ 9 ! ,maddox nature4 ,he 0 a great deal m clev] ?an any ( u _h suspect$4 ,n only _h he realiz$ ! judgm5t ( outsid]s ab\t himself1 b _h tak5 advantage ( x4 ,9 keep+ ! /ock up1 if x _h be5 kn[n t x 0 he :o 0 do+ x1 x w\ld n h c\nt$ = half :at x did :5 ! impression prevail$ t ! public 0 do+ x1 or ev5 "s hazy f9ancial int]e/ det]m9$ to ma9ta9 ! price4 ,bo? possibilities _h be5 discuss$ by ! m>ket %>ps4 ,x _h nev] seem$ to occur to !m t ,%elby ,maddox might be us+ 8 p]sonal =tune to bol/] up :at 0 n[ 9 great] measure 8 own company4 ,= a mom5t we look$ blankly at ,k5n$y4 ,!n ,%elby began to talk aga94 8,suppose ! be> raid cont9ues80 he murmur$4 8,i mu/ meet x,i mu/60 ,! doctor lean$ ov] to ,craig4 8,he c't g on t way10 he :isp]$4 8,x w use up 8 /r5g? 9 worry40 ,k5n$y 0 ?9k+ ab\t t1 too1 z he consid]$ ! v difficult situation ! telautomaton attack _h plac$ ,%elby 94 ,x 0 m ?an a guess t ! attack _h be5 c>efully calculat$4 ,"s "o else1 p]haps "s hidd5 gr\p1 0 engag$ 9 tak+ advantage ( ! dea? ( ,m>%all ,maddox 9 "o way1 ,%elby 9 ano!r4 ,z = ,%elby1 "h he 01 helpless1 at ! ,h>bor ,h\se4 ,surr\nd$ by spies1 z he seem$ to be1 :at c\ld he d8 ,e message 9 & out ( ! hotel 0 mo/ likely tapp$4 ,to use ! telephone 0 l publi%+ abroad "o's secrets4 ,k5n$y mov$ ov] quietly to ! b$side1 z ,w9ifr$ look$ appeal+ly at him1 z mu* z to say1 8,isn't !re some?+ y c d to quiet him80 ,he b5t d[n & took ,%elby's h&4 8,ohx's y1 ,k5n$yis x80 w&]$ ,%elby1 n q cle> yet :]e he 01 9 ! fantasy ( impressions t cr[d$ 8 m9d s9ce ! accid5t4 8,i ask$ y to "w ) me once4 ,y said y w\ld play fair40 8,i w10 repeat$ ,k5n$y1 8z f> z ! int]e/s ( my cli5t g1 ,i w give y e assi/ance4 ,b if y are to d any?+ at all to-morr[1 y mu/ re/ to-night40 8,h ,ih ,i be5 talk+80 qu]i$ ,%elby1 z ?\gh 9 d\bt :e!r he _h be5 ?9k+ to himself or al\d4 ,k5n$y ignor$ ! "q4 8,y ne$ re/10 he said1 simply4 8,let ! doctor fix y up n[4 ,9 ! morn+well1 to-morr[ w be ano!r day40 ,%elby pass$ 8 h& we>ily ov] 8 a*+ head4 ,he 0 too weak to argue4 ,:ile ! doctor prep>$ a mild opiate ,k5n$y & ,i quietly )drew into ! next room4 8,pr(essor ,k5n$ywon't y help u80 plead$ ,miss ,walcott1 :o _h foll[$4 8,surely some?+ c be done40 ,i c\ld n help notic+ t %e said 8u10 n 8him40 ,z ,i wat*$ h] ! sc5e on ! float1 h\rs be=e1 fla%$ ov] me4 ,!re ano!r woman1 "u q diff]5t circum/ances1 _h made ! same appeal4 ,:]e did ,paquita fit into ! s*eme ( ?+s8 ,two wom5 _h be5 /riv+ ov] ,%elby's life4 ,did "o repres5t 8 bett] nature1 ! o!r 8 worse8 ,k5n$y look$ frankly at ,w9ifr$ ,walcott4 8,y w tru/ me80 he ask$ 9 a l[ tone4 8,yes10 %e said1 simply1 meet+ 8 eyes 9 turn4 8,!n :5 ! nurse arrives10 he direct$1 8get "s re/4 ,i %all ne$ y to-morr[40 ,,xxiii ,,! ,,curb ,,m>ket 8,x's impossible to trace all ! telephone l9es back10 consid]$ ,k5n$y1 ?9k+ /ill ( ! eavesdropp+1 z we met ,burke aga9 d[n-/airs4 8,p]haps if we beg9 at ! o!r end1 & foll[ ! wires f ! po9t :]e !y ent] ! build+ to ! swit*bo>d1 we may f9d some?+4 ,if we don't1 !n we %all h to "w h>d]1 t's all40 ,) ! aid ( ,burke1 :o _h ways ( gett+ :at he want$ f ! managem5t ( any?+1 f a bank to a hotel1 we succe$$ 9 gett+ d[n into ! cell> quietly4 ,k5n$y began by locat+ ! po9t 9 ! huge cell> ( ! ,lodge :]e ! wires ( ! two telephones1 #ajj & #aja ,ma91 ent]$ und]gr\nd1 t sy/em hav+ be5 adopt$ s z to avoid unsightly wires outside ! hotel4 ,c>efully ,craig began a sy/ematic se>* z he foll[$ ! two l9es to ! po9t und]nea? ! swit*bo>d up-/airs4 ,s f> no?+ irregul> _h be5 app>5t4 ,craig look$ up p]plex$1 & ,i fe>$ t he 0 ab\t to say t ! se>* mu/ be cont9u$ :]ev] ! wires l$ ?r\gh ! h\se1 a gigantic & almo/ impossible task4 ,in/ead1 he 0 look+ at a little d>k /ore-room t 0 ne> ! po9t :]e we 7 /&+4 ,he walk$ ov] to x curi\sly & pe]$ 94 ,!n he /ruck a mat*4 ,9 ! flick]+ light we c\ld see a telephone receiv] & a little swit*bo>d /&+ beside x4 ,= a mom5t 8 h& hesitat$ on ! receiv]1 z ?\gh he 7 afraid t by tak+ x (f ! hook x might call or al>m somebody4 ,f9ally he seem$ to decide t unless some?+ 7 risk$ no?+ w\ld be ga9$4 ,he took ! receiv] delib]ately & held x up to 8 e>4 8,d y he> any?+80 ,i ask$4 ,he %ook 8 head z if to disc\rage conv]sation4 ,!n he *ang$ ! plugs & li/5$ aga94 ,sev]al times he repeat$ x4 ,at la/ he kept ! plugs 9 = "s "t1 :ile we wait$ 9 ! d>kness1 9 sil5ce4 8,evid5tly "s "o has tapp$ ! regul> telephone wires10 he said to u at l5g?1 8& has run ext5sions to ?is little swit*bo>d 9 ! /ore-room1 prep>$ to ov]he> almo/ any?+ t goes on ov] ei!r set ( wires t come 94 ,& !y h done m4 ,!y mu/ h tamp]$ ) ! swit*bo>d up-/airs4 ,j n[ ,i he>d ! girl call ,%elby's room4 ,! doctor answ]$4 ,t tra9$ nurse has arriv$ & ,miss ,walcott has gone to h] room z %e promis$4 ,we c't take ! "t to trace out h[ x is done1 & besides x is too d>k at night to d x1 anyh[4 ,%elby 0 "r40 ,= a mom5t ,k5n$y tri$ to puzzle ! ?+ out1 z ?\gh det]m9+ :at 0 ! be/ c\rse to pursue4 ,!n he /oop$ d[n & began pick+ up ev5 ! burnt mat*es he _h dropp$4 8,don't di/urb a ?+10 he said to ,burke4 8,we mu/ circumv5t ?is s*eme4 ,has ! la/ tra9 back to ! city gone80 ,burke look$ at 8 wat*4 8,yes1 un=tunately10 he nodd$4 8,!n ,i'll h to s5d "s "o back to ! city to my laboratory by automobile10 cont9u$ ,k5n$y4 8,i c't wait until morn+1 = we %all h to g to ! city !n4 ,!re's t /ud5t ( m9eb he's pretty tir$40 8,i c get a c> & a fre% driv] = him10 rem>k$ ,burke4 8,p]haps he c\ld doze (f dur+ ! ride4 ,h[ w\ld t d80 8,x w h to d10 decid$ ,k5n$y4 8,get ! c>40 ,we w5t back up-/airs by ! way ( ! kit*5 to avoid suspicion1 & :ile ,burke hunt$ up a c> & driv] ,k5n$y f\nd ,watk9s & gave him detail$ in/ructions ab\t :at he want$4 8,i calculate t x w take him at lea/ f\r h\rs to g & get back10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 a few m9utes lat]4 8,!re isn't any?+ we c d yet4 ,i ?9k we _h bett] get a little re/1 = ,i anticipate a /r5u\s "t to-morr[40 ,we pass$ ?r\gh ! lobby4 ,!re 0 ,san*ez1 talk+ to ! night cl]k4 8,i 0 d[n on ! dock 9 front ( ! ,cas9o :5 ! explosion came10 we c\ld he> him tell+ ! cl]k4 8,yes1 sir1 x's a wond] any ( !m 7 sav$40 8,:at did y ?9k ( t80 qu]i$ ,burke1 9 ! elevator4 8,a crude attempt at an alibi80 ,k5n$y %rugg$ non-committally4 8,i ?9k ,i'll h ,riley wat* him until he goes to b$10 cont9u$ ! ,secret ,s]vice man4 8,i c telephone d[n f ! room4 ,no "o is li/5+ n[1 at lea/40 8,by all means10 agre$ ,craig4 ,tir$ ?\gh we 71 ,i d n ?9k we slept v mu* z we wait$ = ! return ( ! c> f ,new ,york4 ,/ill1 we 7 at lea/ re/+1 al?\gh to me ! h\rs seem$ to pass z a %ift+ phantasmagoria ( fire-balls & explosions /rangely bl5d$ ) ! faces ( ! two beautiful wom5 :o _h become ! *ief actresses 9 ! little drama4 ,f "o v reali/ic dream 9 :i* ,i saw ,w9ifr$1 ,paquita1 ,ir5e ,maddox1 & ,frances ,walcott all fanta/ically seat$ z telephone op]ators & furi\sly r++ ,%elby's bell1 ,i woke ) a />t to f9d t x 0 our own bell r++ & t ,k5n$y 0 answ]+ x4 8,! c> is back f ! city10 he said to me4 8,y ne$n't get up4 ,i c d ?is job alone40 ,!re 0 no sleep = me1 h[ev]1 ,i knew1 & ) a f9al yawn ,i pull$ myself toge!r & jo9$ ,craig & ,burke 9 ! hall z we w5t d[n-/airs z quietly z we c\ld4 ,riley _h left a ha/ily scribbl$ report 9 ! lett]-box = ,burke1 say+ t ,san*ez _h done no?+ fur!r suspici\s1 b _h gone to b$4 ,paquita 0 9 h] room4 ,w9ifr$1 ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,walcott1 ,ir5e ,maddox1 & all ! re/ 7 pres5t & acc\nt$ =1 & he _h decid$ on re/+1 too4 ,k5n$y s5t ,watk9s (f to b$1 aft] tak+ f him ! ?+s he _h br\ght back f ! city1 & ! e>ly morn+1 j z x 0 beg9n+ to light5 a bit1 f\nd u ?ree aga9 9 ! cell>4 ,k5n$y c>efully reconnoit]$ ! /ore-room :]e ! telephone outfit _h be5 plac$4 ,x 0 des]t$1 & he set to "w quickly4 ,fir/ he locat$ ! wires t repres5t$ ! numb] #ajj ,ma9 & connect$ !m ) :at look$ v mu* l a seamless iron tube1 p]haps six in*es long & ?ree in*es 9 diamet]4 ,!n he connect$ 9 a simil> mann] ! o!r end ( ! tube ) ! wires ( ,ma9 #aja4 8,?is is a special repeat+ coil ( high effici5cy10 he expla9$ to ,burke1 :om he 0 in/ruct+1 z x occurr$ to him1 j :at he want$ done lat]4 8,x is absolutely balanc$ z to resi/ance1 numb] ( turns1 ev]y?+4 ,i %all run ?is ?ird l9e f ! coil itself outside & up-/airs ?r\gh ,%elby's w9d[4 ,be=e ,i g to ! city ,i want y to see t ! local telephone company keeps a c\ple ( wires to ! city cle> = u4 ,i'll get !m on ! wire & expla9 ! ?+1 if y'll use y\r au?ority at ?is end ( ! l9e40 ,9 spite ( ! risk ( di/urb+ ,%elby ,maddox1 ,k5n$y f9i%$ lead+ ! wires f ! coil up to 8 room & plac$ a telephone set on a table ne> ! b$4 ,!n he c>efully conceal$ ! tube 9 ! cell> s t "u ord9>y circum/ances no "o c\ld f9d x or ev5 guess t any?+ _h be5 done ) ! two trunk l9es4 ,%elby 0 re/+ quietly "u an opiate & ! nurse 0 wat*+ fai?fully4 ,i did n he> ,k5n$y's in/ructions entirely1 b ,i rememb] he said t ,burke 0 to be all[$ into ! out] room & t ,%elby ,maddox & ,w9ifr$ 7 to talk only ov] ! new l9e z he w\ld lat] direct4 ,aga9 we retir$ to our rooms1 & ,i fell asleep li/5+ to ,k5n$y in/ruct ,burke m9utely 9 some?+ :i* ,i ?9k 0 j z mu* ,greek to ! ,secret ,s]vice man z x 0 to me4 ,k5n$y saw t x 0 & wrote d[n :at he _h already said1 to make d\bly sure4 ,my sleep 0 dreamless ?is "t1 = ,i 0 ?or\ghly tir$4 ,:e!r ,k5n$y slept ,i d n "k1 b ,i suspect t he did n1 = :5 he 0 conduct+ a case he seem$ unable to re/ z long z !re 0 some?+ ov] :i* he c\ld "w or ?9k4 ,x seem$ almo/ no "t be=e ,k5n$y r\s$ me4 ,he 0 already dress$9 fact1 ,i don't ?9k he _h tak5 "t = m ?an a *ange ( l954 ,a ha/y bite ( breakfa/ & we 7 aga9 on ! fir/ accommodation tra9 t w5t into ! city 9 ! cool gray dawn1 leav+ ,burke ) in/ructions to keep u in=m$ ( any?+ important t he discov]$4 ,no "o = :om we c>$ saw u leave & we _h ! satisfaction ( kn[+ t we %\ld be 9 ! city & at "w long be=e any "o probably knew x4 ,t 0 a quality ( ,k5n$y's vigilance & sleeplessness4 8,x's j z important to gu>d aga9/ pry+ e>s at ?is end ( ! l9e z ! o!r10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y1 aft] hurri$ly mapp+ out a c\rse = ourselves1 :i* includ$1 fir/ ( all1 call+ out ( b$ an (fic] ( ! telephone company ) :om he 0 intimately acqua9t$ & :om he c\ld !re=e af=d to take into 8 confid5ce4 ,)\t a mom5t's m delay we hurri$ d[n-t[n f ! railroad /ation4 ,%elby ,maddox _h giv5 ,craig ! names ( two ,curb brok]s ) :om he 0 deal+ 9 confid5ce1 =1 al?\gh ,maddox ,munitions 0 be+ trad$ 9 l>gely1 x 0 /ill a ,curb m>ket /ock & n li/$ on ! big ex*ange4 8,!y are 9 ! same build+ on ,broad ,/reet10 rem>k$ ,k5n$y z we left ! ,subway at ! ,wall ,/reet /ation & took ! %orte/ cuts ?r\gh ! basem5ts ( sev]al tall build+s 9 ! f9ancial di/rict4 8,& ,i don't tru/ ei!r "o ( !m any f>!r ?an ,i c see him40 ,x 0 v e>ly1 & comp>atively few p 7 ab\t4 ,craig1 h[ev]1 manag$ to f9d ! janitor ( ! build+ :]e ! brok]s' (fices 7a r old /ructure ov]look+ t po9t :]e ,broad ,/reet wid5s out & has be5 seiz$ on by t excit$1 het]og5e\s collection ( speculators :o ga!r daily 9 a corn] rop$ (f f traffic1 kn[n z ! ,curb m>ket4 ,f ! janitor he le>n$ t !re 0 "o small (fice 9 ! front ( ! build+ = r5t at a seem+ly prohibitive rate4 ,x 0 no "t to haggle ov] money1 & ,k5n$y laid d[n a lib]al deposit = ! use ( ! room4 ,8 t5tative arrangem5ts ) ! janitor _h sc>cely be5 complet$ :5 two m5 f ! telephone company arriv$4 ,into our new & unfurni%$ (fice ,craig l$ !m1 :ile ! janitor1 = ano!r fee1 agre$ to get u a flat-topp$ desk & "s *airs4 8,:atev] we d10 began ,craig 9 a mann] t inspir$ en?usiasm1 8mu/ be done quickly4 ,y h ! ord]s ( ! company to g ahead4 ,!re's "o l9e t runs into ! (fice ( ,dext] ,co41 on ! second floor1 ano!r to ,m]rill ,moore on ! f\r?4 ,i want y to locate ! wires1 cut 9 on !m1 & run ! cut-9 ext5sions to ?is (fice4 ,x's n a wire-tapp+ game1 s y ne$ h no fe> t !re w be any come-back on :at y d40 ,:ile ! telephone m5 7 busy locat+ ! two sets ( wires1 ,k5n$y laid out on ! desk :i* ! janitor br\ght up on ! freight elevator a tube & coil simil> to t :i* ,i _h already se5 him employ at ,we/port4 ,?\gh ! telephone m5 7 z clev] z any t ! (ficial ( ! company c\ld h s5t1 x 0 a complicat$ task to locate ! wires & c>ry out ! in/ructions t ,k5n$y _h giv51 & x took mu* long] ?an he _h anticipat$4 ,at lea/1 x seem$ long1 9 our excit$ frame ( m9d4 ,e m9ute c\nt$ n[1 = ! advance gu>d ( (fice boys1 /5ograph]s & cl]ks _h already begun to arrive at ! (fices 9 prep>ation = ! "w ( ! day4 ,we _h =tunately be5 able to />t e>ly en\gh s t t "p ( ! "w :i* w\ld h excit$ comm5t 0 already done be=e ! (fice work]s arriv$4 ,z = ! re/1 on ! surface x appe>$ only z ?\gh "s "o _h r5t$ ! vacant (fice & _h be5 able to hurry ! telephone company along 9 in/all+ its s]vice4 ,!re 0 no difficulty ab\t connect+ up our own regul> telephone1 & z soon z x 0 done ,k5n$y ha/5$ to call ,we/port & ! ,lodge on long di/ance4 8,%elby has awak5$ mu* improv$ aft] 8 night's re/10 he ann\nc$1 aft] a rapid-fire conv]sation4 8,miss ,walcott is ) him n[1 z well z ! nurse4 ,i ?9k we c dep5d on ,burke to h&le ?+s prop]ly out !re4 ,x's an em]g5cy & we'll h to take *ances4 ,i don't blame ,%elby = feel+ impati5t & wi%+ he c\ld be "h4 ,b ,i told ! doctor t z long z ?+s 7 z !y are he _h bett] humor 8 pati5t by giv+ him an outlet = 8 excitem5t ?an to keep him fum+ & eat+ 8 he>t out 9 b$1 helpless4 ,betwe5 ,w9ifr$ & ourselves we ought to keep him occupi$40 ,i d n ?9k t ! telephone m5 _h ! fa9te/ idea :at x 0 t ,k5n$y 0 plann+ to d1 & ,i am q sure t ,i did n4 ,=1 9 addition to ! outfit l t at ,we/port1 he n[ laid on ! table a peculi> arrangem5t4 ,x seem$ to consi/ ( a metal base1 :i* he plac$ ne> ! telephone receiv]4 ,f ! base ?ree prongs rea*$ up1 & !re 0 atta*$ to x on "o side "o ( ^? little flat1 wat*-case receiv]s su* z are us$ on (fice telephones4 ,x 0 gett+ late1 & ,k5n$y & ! m5 f ! telephone company 7 work+ z rapidly z possible1 te/+ & adju/+ ! connections he _h caus$ to be made4 ,z ,i /ood by ! w9d[1 wat*+ ! ga!r+ cr[d bel[1 ,i sudd5ly realiz$ t ! m>ket _h op5$4 ,x 0 z ,k5n$y _h expect$4 ,p&emonium seem$ to reign on ! ,curb4 ,buy]s & sell]s cr[d$ & elb[$ "o ano!r1 wildly %\t+ & ge/iculat+4 ,f ! ?ick ( :at look$ l a huge free-=-all fight ord]s & sales 7 relay$ by ^w ( m\? to cl]ks /&+ on ! sidewalk1 :o 9 turn %\t$ !m to o!r cl]ks 9 ! w9d[s ( our own build+ or o!rs ab\t1 or despat*$ mess5g]s to (fices f>!r away4 ,x 0 a curi\s sight1 & "o nev] to be =gott54 ,pass]s-by /opp$ on bo? sides ( ! /reet to look & li/5 to ! /ruggl+ mob1 & ,i soon saw t ev5 ! usually electrifi$ atmosph]e ( ! ,curb 0 ?is morn+ m ?an ord9>ily sur*>g$ ) excitem5t4 ,f> above all ! noise & bu/le ,i made out t !re _h be5 ov]night a v]itable flood ( ord]s f weak hold]s1 z well z o!rs1 to sell ,maddox ,munitions4 ,x 0 n ! weak hold]s we fe>$ s mu* z ! hidd5 8o!rs0 :o 7 seek+ to manipulate ! /ock4 ,our telephone rang & ,craig answ]$ x1 :ile ! m5 /ill work$ on ! new l9e4 ,x 0 ,%elby4 ,he _h call$ up 8 brok]s & _h he>d ( ! m>ket op5+4 8,n q ready yet10 ha/5$ ,k5n$y4 8,g ahead & place y\r ord]s ov] ! regul> wire ) ! brok]s4 ,i'll let y "k :5 we're ready & :at to d4 ,don't worry40 ,k5n$y _h /ation$ me n[ p]man5tly at ! w9d[ to report :at 0 happ5+ bel[4 ,f my e]y po9t ( vantage ,i c\ld n[ see t ! fir/ flood ( sell+ ord]s 0 rec$+1 z ,%elby's brok]s worm$ _! way 9 & n[ & !n snapp$ up a lot ( /ock (f]$ = sale4 ,! buy+ mom5t>ily seem$ to /iff5 ! price :i* be=e _h ?reat5$ to toboggan4 ,yet no soon] _h ! buy+ begun ?an x seem$ z if o!r blocks ( /ock 7 br\ght up = sale4 ,x 01 = all ! _w1 l a gigantic battle 9 :i* =ces 7 hurl$ "h & !re1 ) re9=cem5ts held 9 res]ve to be loos$ at j ! "r mom5t4 ,:o 0 back ( x8 ,gradually1 9 spite ( ! l>ge pur*ases :i* ,%elby _h made1 ! price ( ! /ock work$ its way d[n4 ,i began to und]/& some?+ ( :at 0 go+ on4 ,actually x seem$ z ?\gh e "t !re 0 an ord] to buy1 com+ f ei!r ,dext] or ,m]rill ,moore1 !re 0 a correspond+ new ord] to sell by "s o!r brok]4 ,?\s&s ( %>es 7 ?us be+ dump$ on ! m>ket1 recklessly1 rel5tlessly4 ,x look$ z ?\gh "s "o 0 8wise40 ,7 ! brok]s ) :om ,%elby 0 deal+ /raight8 ,i said z mu* to ,k5n$y1 b he m]ely %ook 8 head & plung$ into "w deep]4 ,"o aft] ano!r blocks ( /ock appe>$ = sale4 ,!re c\ld be no d\bt n[ t !re 0 a c>efully plann$ quick assault be+ made at ! v op5+ ( trad+ to take p by surprise at ! sudd5ness ( ! be> raid4 ,m & m fr5zi$ became ! sell+ & buy+4 ,i c\ld imag9e ! /ra9 t x plac$ on ,%elby1 miles away1 =c$ to take only ! reports t 8 brok]s s5t him1 & to fl+ back o!r & l>g] ord]s to buy4 ,z ! trad+ progress$ x became evid5t t ! (f]+s ( /ock 7 com+ ) m surpris+ regul>ity4 ,! m ,i obs]v$ ! m ,i 0 conv9c$ t !re 0 "s collusion "h4 ,x 0 n *ance4 ,"s "o 0 in=m$ ( ea* move ( ,%elby's1 ev5 be=e x c\ld be execut$1 0 enabl$ to prep>e = x1 to meet x ) a decid$ advantage4 ,x 0 a game be+ play$ = high /akes1 b z f> z ,%elby 0 conc]n$1 ! c>ds 7 /ack$ & m>k$4 ,our telephone rang insi/5tly & ,k5n$y answ]$ x4 ,x 0 f ,dext]4 ,!y 7 feel+ %aky & worri$4 ,our door op5$ & a cl]k f ! ,m]rill ,moore firm ent]$4 ,he 0 suave & polite4 ,b back ( x all c\ld be discov]$ ! eag]ness to /& f "u a possible cra%4 8,y w readily und]/&10 ! brok] h9t$1 8t "u ! circum/ances we _c cont9ue to take ,mr4 ,maddox's ord]s ov] ! telephone indef9itely4 ,suppose he %\ld repudiate "s ( !m8 ,:]e w\ld we f9d ourselves80 ,k5n$y glanc$ at ! two telephone m51 "o ( :om _h /raight5$ up & 0 wat*+ ! o!r4 8,i und]/&10 he said1 simply1 a grim smile flick]+ ab\t 8 m\?4 8,j a mom5t1 sir4 ,walt]keep ,dext] on ?is wire40 ,bel[ on ! /reet ,i c\ld he> ! babel ( voices4 ,i knew :at x meant4 ,at bo? ends ( ,%elby's telephone l9e 7 traitors4 ,a panic 9 ! /ock 0 n only ?reat5$4 ,x 0 "h4 ,maddox ,munitions 0 on ! v]ge ( collapse6 ,,xxiv ,,! ,,phantom ,,circuit ,i look$ at ,k5n$y 9 despair4 ,he 0 n ev5 p]turb$4 ,x 0 = j ?is mom5t t he _h hurri$ to ,new ,york & _h work$ s int5sely4 ,ov] ! telephone t ,i 0 hold+1 ,dext] himself politely in=m$ u t he _h rea*$ a po9t :]e ord]s f ,mr4 ,maddox to be fill$ mu/ h "s m b9d+ =ce ?an ^w ( m\? ov] ! telephone4 8,tell him to wait j a mom5t10 direct$ ,k5n$y1 turn+ to ! o!r brok] :o _h come to u4 8,w y1 sir1 tell ,mr4 ,m]rill to /ep d[n to ! (fice ( ,mr4 ,dext]8 ,i %all be !re 9 a mom5t myself4 ,walt]10 he add$1 calmly1 8r+ ,dext] (f4 ,get ,%elby ,maddox & tell him to use ! new wire connections40 ,i did z ,i 0 told4 ,ev5 ov] ! telephone ,i c\ld feel t ! /ra9 0 tell+ on ,%elby's %att]$ /r5g?4 ,8 voice 0 %aky z he inquir$ ?ickly = news4 ,i %\t$ some?+ enc\rag+ back1 & urg$ him to get on ! o!r wire1 at :i*1 at our end1 ,k5n$y 0 already impati5tly wait+4 ,a mom5t lat] ,i he>d ,k5n$y & ,%elby ex*ange a few words4 ,%elby 0 evid5tly mu* al>m$ ov] ! sudd5 turn ( ev5ts4 ,z ,i wait$1 ,i saw ,k5n$y jam ! receiv] d[n on ! little metal base4 ,! ?ree prongs1 rea*+ upw>d1 engag$ ! receiv] tightly1 fitt+ closely ab\t x4 ,!n he took ! small disk receiv] f its hook & plac$ x to 8 e> in/ead ( ! regul> "o4 ,i wond]$ :at x all meant4 ,craig's face %[$ t1 :atev] x 01 x 0 mo/ important4 8,yes10 ,i he>d him call back1 8give :atev] ord]s y want n[ to me4 ,i w see t !y are deliv]$4 ,pay no att5tion to ! o!r telephone4 ,let x r+until ,i tell y4 ,g ahead40 ,evid5tly ,%elby 0 giv+ ord]s = /ock up to ! limit ( 8 res\rces t 7 available4 ,= a mom5t !re evid5tly came a pause 9 :at 0 be+ said ov] ! telephone at ! ,we/port end1 & ,k5n$y gaz$ impati5tly ab\t ! room4 8,:at good w t d80 ,i object$1 see+ t ,k5n$y 0 n occupi$4 8,don't y suppose !y'll he> :at is said ov] ?is l9e1 too8 ,we "k !y've cut 9 on ! two trunk l9es at ! ,h>bor ,h\se1 & !re is e reason to suppose t "s "o taps ! brok]s' wires "hunless ! brok]s are crooks1 too4 ,!y'll "k :at ,%elby is go+ to d40 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4 8,no10 he repli$1 calmly1 8no outsid] kn[s a ?+ ab\t ?is4 ,y see1 ,i'm n us+ any ord9>y means to prep>e aga9/ ! exp]t :o has br\ght ?is situation ab\t4 ,! messages t ,i am receiv+ are com+ ov] :at we call ! #8phantom circuit4'0 8#8,! phantom circuit8'0 ,i repeat$1 my/ifi$4 8,yes4 ,x seems fanta/ic at fir/1 ,i suppose10 he pursu$1 8b1 aft] all1 x is 9 accordance ) ! laws ( electricity4 ,!y "k no?+ & !y _c cut u (f or int]f]e4 ,y see1 ,i am tak+ advantage ( ! fact t additional telephones or s-call$ phantom l9es c be sup]pos$ on exi/+ physical l9es4 ,x is possible to obta9 a ?ird circuit f two simil> metallic circuits by us+ = ea* side ( ?is ?ird circuit ! two wires ( ea* ( ! o!r circuits 9 multiple4 ,all ?ree circuits are indep5d5t1 too40 ,he 0 gr[+ m & m impati5t4 ,app>5tly !re 0 "s delay at ! o!r end4 8,! ?ird telephone curr5t10 he w5t on1 hurri$ly1 cov]+ up 8 n]v\sness by talk+ ab\t 8 ma*9e1 8ent]s ! wires ( ! fir/ circuit1 z x 71 & returns along ! wires ( ! second circuit4 ,!re are sev]al ways ( do+ x4 ,"o is to use ret>dation or *oke-coils1 bridg$ across ! two metallic circuits at bo? ends1 ) taps tak5 f ! middle po9ts ( ea*4 ,b ! bett] me?od1 ,i ?9k1 is ! "o y h se5 me in/all4 ,i h introduc$ repeat+ coils into ! circuits at bo? ends4 ,te*nically1 ! ?ird circuit is !n tak5 (f f ! mid-po9ts ( ! second>ies or l9e w9d+s ( ^! repeat+ coils4 ,i don't "k :at's ! matt]10 he add$1 call+ va9ly = ,%elby ,maddox4 8,oh1 all "r4 ,yes1 ,i'll wait4 ,b hurry1 please40 ,i c\ld appreciate ,k5n$y's eag]ness1 = bel[ on ! /reet ! tumult 0 ris+4 8,x's work+ all "r10 he reassur$4 8,i suppose y "k t ! curr5t on a long-di/ance l9e is alt]nat+ 9 "*1 & x passes readily ?r\gh a repeat+ coil4 ,! only effect x has on ! transmission is slightly r$uc+ ! volume4 ,! curr5t passes into ! repeat+ coil1 !n divides & passes ?r\gh ! two l9e wires4 ,at ! o!r end1 ! halves balance1 s to speak4 ,?us curr5ts pass+ ov] a phantom circuit don't set up curr5ts 9 ! t]m9al app>atus ( ! side circuits4 ,consequ5tly1 a conv]sation c>ri$ on ov] ! phantom circuit w n be he>d on ei!r side circuit1 nor does a conv]sation on "o side circuit affect ! phantom4 ,y get ?ree messages at once on two sets ( wires4 ,we c all talk at once )\t int]f]+ ) "o ano!r40 ,at any o!r "t ,i %\ld h be5 m ?an int]e/$1 b j n[ ! delay 0 gall+4 8,:at's ! tr\ble80 ,i inquir$4 ,k5n$y %ook 8 head4 8,%elby is talk+ to ,w9ifr$ ab\t some?+4 ,i c he> only a ^w n[ & !n4 ,b he said x 0 important & ask$ me to hold ! wire4 ,evid5tly %e wants to d some?+ he doesn't want h] to d4 ,yeshelloyes1 ?is is ,k5n$y4 ,say1 y'll h to ,oh1 good morn+1 ,miss ,walcott4 ,yes1 f9e4 ,:at8 ,:yc]ta9lyif he says s1 y may4 ,t's "r4 ,g "r ahead4 ,i am att5d+ to ev]y?+ at ?is end n[40 ,a mom5t lat] :5 ,craig re/or$ ! telephone to its normal condition he look$ at me ) a smile4 8,w9ifr$ ,walcott is a trump60 he exclaim$1 jump+ up4 ,j !n our o!r telephone rang1 & ,i answ]$ x4 8,i'm d[n "h 9 ,mr4 ,dext]'s (fice10 call$ a voice :i* ,i took to be t ( ! o!r brok]4 8,we h be5 talk+ ! situation ov]4 ,( c\rse1 if ,mr4 ,maddox 7 "h himself1 y "k10 he w5t on apologetically1 8x might be diff]5t4 ,we c\ld h him sign 8 "n to ord]s1 breallywell1 y und]/&1 "u ! circum/anceswe feel1 bo? ,mr4 ,dext] & myself1 t we h gone ab\t f> en\gh4 ,x's n t we "q ,mr4 ,maddox's int5tions 9 any way1 y und]/&1 bp]haps if he 7 on ! gr\nd1 he might protect u f loss1 :i* he may n be able to d ov] ! telephone4 ,we're sorry1 b0 8,tell !m ,i'll be "r d[n10 int]ject$ ,k5n$y1 s5s+ f my look ! t5or ( :at 0 be+ said4 ,i int]rupt$ ! brok] at ! fir/ opportunity1 !n turn$ to ,k5n$y4 ,he _h pull$ f a comp>tm5t ( ! metal base a little wax cyl9d] & dropp$ x into 8 pocket c>efully4 8,come on10 he cri$1 da%+ = ! door & tak+ ! /airs1 n ev5 wait+ = ! elevator to come up4 ,a mom5t lat] we bur/ into ! bo>d room ( ! brok]4 ,cu/om]s 7 /&+ ab\t 9 a high /ate ( excitem5t1 :ile ! boys at ! bo>d scurri$ ab\t1 replac+ ! figures on little bits ( gre5 c>dbo>d :i* fitt$ "u ! abbreviat$ names ( ! active /ocks li/$ on ! bo>d at "o end ( ! room4 ,o!rs 7 ga!r$ ab\t ! tick]1 read+ ! words t ! pr9t$ tape 0 pu%+ =?4 ,all seem$ talk+ at once4 ,k5n$y did n pause1 h[ev]1 b walk$ unc]emoni\sly into ! private (fice ( ,dext]4 ,!re already 7 sev]al m5 repres5t+ ! two brok]age h\ses4 ,evid5tly !y _h be5 hav+ a ha/y conf]5ce on :at !y %\ld d 9 view ( ! situation 9 ,maddox ,munitions4 ,i felt a sort ( frigidity 9 ! air z we ent]$4 ,x 0 n t any?+ 0 ei!r said or done1 b ,i h felt ! same ?+ sev]al times :5 z a report] x 0 my duty to be pres5t at "s ev5t t m>k$ ! freez+ out ( "s p]son f9ancially4 8,maddox ,munitions10 began ,dext]1 cle>+ 8 ?roat ) dignity1 8seems to h occasion$ some:at ( a flurry on ! m>ket to-day 9 :i* x is ! *ief suff]] itself4 ,our late/ quotation %[s t x has decl9$ /eadilytwo po9ts1 = in/ance s9ce ! quotation be=e1 & tw5ty-five "u ! op5+ ( ! m>ket4 ,i ?9k y w readily appreciate1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 our position 9 ! matt]40 ,be=e ,k5n$y c\ld reply1 h[ev]1 ano!r took up ! conv]sation4 8,yes10 he rem>k$1 8we h be5 obs]v+ ! tr5d ( ev5ts = ! la/ few days4 ,( c\rse1 we c readily appreciate ! feel+ ( ,mr4 ,maddox 9 ! matt]1 &1 inde$1 ,i mu/ say t at ! beg9n+ ,i ?\ght t all t 0 necess>y 0 a good /rong %[ ( buy+ & t ! run w\ld end4 ,n[1 h[ev]1 x beg9s to look z ?\gh !re 7 o!r factors ent]+ 94 ,y "k ! newspap]s h giv5 a great deal ( unpleasant notoriety to ! ,maddox family & ,maddox ,munitions4 ,p]haps ! g5]al public does n l x4 ,at lea/ x beg9s to seem z ?\gh ev5 ,mr4 ,%elby ,maddox might n h ! res\rces to /em ! tide40 8,?is is ,mr4 ,m]rill1 ( ,m]rill ,moore1 ,i believe80 ask$ ,craig1 quietly1 rem9d+ !m t 9 _! suave ha/e !y _h =gott5 to introduce him4 8,yes10 return$ ,m]rill1 flu%+ a bit1 = he 0 a great /ickl] = punctili\s etiquette1 & 8 failure _h betray$ ! anxiety he s\ght to conceal4 ,x 0 a tickli% situation & ! brok]s1 always cons]vative1 7 mak+ x worse4 ,nor c\ld "o blame !m4 ,! case = ! /ock look$ at its d>ke/1 v]g+ rapidly on panic4 ,k5n$y knew x all j z well z !y did4 ,b he kept 8 coolness admirably & nev] betray$ t he 0 do+ a ?+ m ?an to drive a b>ga91 :]eas ano!r might h giv5 !m an impression ( m]ely /all+ = "t4 ,z ! d[nw>d tr5d cont9u$1 ,i saw t ,craig 0 inde$ calculat+ h[ f> he w\ld let x g1 z ?\gh "o 7 lett+ himself d[n a hill & te/+ j h[ little he ne$$ to apply ! brakes n to h ! c> run away f him4 ,x seem$ to nettle ! brok]s4 ,!y want$ to close ! :ole matt] up brusquely4 ,yet ,k5n$y's comm&+ p]sonality *eck$ !m4 ,i felt sure t !y w\ld ev5 h ridd5 r\gh-%od ov] ,%elby4 ,k5n$y 0 ano!r matt]4 ,dext] rose decisively4 8,?is mu/ /op10 he fr[n$4 8,i h ord]s f ,mr4 ,maddox to buy %>eswell1 ,i %all n say :at x totals1 b ! fir/ ord] is = t5 ?\s&10 cut 9 ,k5n$y1 quietly4 ,!re 0 a mom5t ( sil5ce dur+ :i* ! brok]s look$ at ea* o!r1 wait+ = "o to take ! initiative4 8,t is j ! po9t10 began ,m]rill1 f9ally4 8,y see1 we h be5 buy+ /eadily = ,mr4 ,maddox4 ,if he _h au?oriz$ u by lett]or if he _h h&$ u a *eck1 c]tifi$0 8,b he c\ld n well h =ese5 ?is raid ?is morn+10 temporiz$ ,k5n$y4 8,true1 no d\bt4 ,b x does n protect u4 ,= example1 :]e is y\r au?ority1 some?+1 any?+1 t may be b9d+ on him = ?is new ord] ( t5 ?\s& %>es80 ,!re 0 an air ( triumph ab\t ! way he said ! words4 ,x 0 evid5tly int5d$ to be a pos]1 to leave ,k5n$y floor$ & flat4 8,au?ority80 repeat$ ,craig1 quietly1 look+ ab\t4 8,i wond] :e!r y h "o ( ^? dictat+ ma*9es1 a dictaphone1 9 ! (fice8 ,p]haps "s "o 9 ! build+ has "o40 8,we h "o10 return$ ,dext]1 /ill coldly4 8,i d n see h[ any?+ y might dictate to x & :i* a /5ograph] might transcribe w\ld h any be>+ on ! "q40 8,x w\ld n10 agre$ ,k5n$y1 bli!ly4 8,t 0 n :at ,i int5d$ to d4 ,!re is ano!r use ,i wi%$ to put x to4 ,ah,i see4 ,may ,i use ?is transcrib+ app>atus8 ,or bett] yet1 w\ld y g5tlem5 be s k9d z to li/5 to :at ,i h "h80 ,he delib]ately drew f 8 pocket ! cyl9d] ,i _h se5 him deta* f ! in/rum5t up-/airs & slid x on 9 ! prop] place 9 ! new ma*9e4 ,z x began to revolve ,i /udi$ ! faces ab\t me1 int5t on li/5+ to :at w\ld be said4 8,is t good en\gh80 qu]i$ ,k5n$y4 8,x is a record on an in/rum5t devis$ = j ?is purpose ) y brok]s :o wi% to hold y\r cu/om]s to an agreem5t ov] ! telephone40 ,! ne$le ( ! ma*9e sputt]$ a bit z ,craig add$1 8,x is ! telescribea rec5t inv5tion ( ,edison :i* records on a specially prep>$ phonograph cyl9d] all t is saidbo? waysov] a telephone wire4 ,z ne>ly z ,i c make out "s "ounkn[nhas be5 play+ animat$ telescribe 9 ?is case4 ,let u see n[ :e!r y\r utmo/ dem&s = safety & security _c be satisfi$ 9 ?is mod]n way40 ,n a ^w 0 said4 ,! novelty ( ! turn ( ev5ts seem$ to leave !m no objection4 ,9 ,%elby's own voice came1 cle> & di/9ct1 ! ord] to buy t5 ?\s& %>es ( ,maddox ,munitions4 ,!n ,k5n$y /opp$ ! ma*9e4 8,let u see h[ t works be=e we g any fur!r10 he said1 significantly4 8,8 buy+ ord]s seem$ =e/all$ by sell+ ord]s :5 !y 7 giv5 ov] ! regul> telephone4 ,be=e ! next is giv5 p]haps we may f9d we h /opp$ "p ( ! leak40 ,k5n$y's calm assurance seem$ to h completely *ang$ _! attitude4 ,!y 7 n conv9c$1 b at lea/ sil5t4 ,out on ! ,curb we c\ld he> ! %\t+ z brok]s ) /ock to sell cr[d$ ab\t ! man ) ! ord] to buy4 ,:oev] 0 back ( x1 x 0 a well-plann$ raid4 ,! ord] = t5 ?\s& sc>cely /emm$ ! flood4 ,quickly ,k5n$y let ! little cyl9d] revolve4 ,ano!r ord] 0 plac$1 & ano!r4 ,i c\ld n help notic+1 h[ev]1 t ea* succe$+ ord] 0 small] ?an ! re/ & x 0 h>d to escape ! implication t ,%elby 0 really rea*+ ! limit ( 8 available res\rces4 ,anxi\sly ,i li/5$ to ! turmoil on ! ,curb4 ,n[ x w\ld abate1 only to />t up aga94 ,i glanc$ at ,craig4 ,:at w\ld he d8 ,j !n ^w 0 pass$ up t ano!r block ( /ock _h sudd5ly be5 hurl$ on ! m>ket4 ,! brok]s look$ skeptically at ,k5n$y4 ,w\ld ,%elby be able to meet ?is f9al assault8 ,craig releas$ ! revolv+ cyl9d] aga94 ,i gasp$ z ,i li/5$1 rememb]+ ! pause ov] ! wire up-/airs1 ! app>5t reluctance ( ,%elby ov] some?+1 & ,craig's rem>k t foll[$4 ,w9ifr$ ,walcott 0 plac+ ord]stwo ( !m"o to ,dext]1 ! o!r to ,m]rill ,moore4 ,!y 7 l>ge ord]s1 too1 a great deal l>g] ?an ! sell+ ord] :i* _h la/ bomb>d$ ! m>ket4 ,i glanc$ at ,k5n$y4 ,n = a mom5t did he betray ! anxiety ,i "k he n[ felt4 ,= ! ord]s mu/ h involv$ a l>ge "p ( ,miss ,walcott's own private =tune4 ,9 8 ab/raction ,k5n$y _h =gott5 to /op ! telescribe & ,i he>d ov] x ano!r voice t s\nd$ l ,burke's4 8,oh1 say10 he ann\nc$4 8,i've got a clue on t /ore-room 9 ! cell>4 ,i0 8,nev] m9d n[1 ,burke10 ,i he>d ,k5n$y answ] ov] ! telescribe4 8,t w keep4 ,j n[ !re isn't a m9ute to sp>e40 ,i he>d no m1 = ,k5n$y realiz$ :at he 0 do+ & %ut ! reproduc] (f1 pull+ (f ! record+ cyl9d]4 ,w\ld ,miss ,walcott's ord] be en\gh to turn ! scale8 ,! /ock 0 d[n4 ,h] money w\ld pur*ase m %>es ?an be=e4 ,if x did & ! /ock rose1 %e /ood to w94 ,if x w5t l[] %e might lose all4 ,i jump$ to ! w9d[ aga94 ,! news ( ! ord]1 two ord]s1 9 fact1 & l>ge ones1 came l a bomb%ell on ! ov]wr\ght m>ket4 ,0 ! support+ p[] ( ,maddox unlimit$8 ,"o c\ld feel ! air t+le ) ! "q4 ,i saw "s speculators hold a ha/y conf]5ce4 ,?\gh ,i did n "k x at ! "t1 !y decid$ t an int]e/ t c\ld wea!r su* an assault c\ld wea!r any?+1 t "s "o _h be5 buy+ all ! way d[n1 to boo/ back ! /ock f> above ! old high m>k4 ,!y want$ to %>e 9 ! upw>d turn1 & 7 ready to take a gambl]'s *ance4 ,o!rs caught ! _s1 = if ! ,curb is any?+ x is a driv5 h]d4 ,sl[ly ! /ock began to climb4 ,! speculative public 7 9 x n[4 ,sell+ ord]s almo/ fell (f4 ,up jump$ ! price4 ,k5n$y drew a long brea? z he pull$ a ,we/port "t-table f 8 pocket1 to cov] 8 revulsion ( feel+4 ,maddox ,munitions 0 sav$6 ,,xxv ,,! ,,adv5turess ,!re 0 no use 9 our /ay+ long] 9 ,new ,york1 = ! turn 9 ! m>ket _h come1 & x 0 able to take c>e ( itself4 ,up 9 our little (fice1 ,k5n$y began ha/ily to pack up :at ( ! /uff he want$ to save1 & 0 j f9i%+ :5 ! telephone rang4 ,x 0 ,ha/+s1 :o _h be5 try+ to locate u all ! morn+4 ,! flurry 9 ! m>ket _h v mu* excit$ him1 & ! f9al upw>d turn _h n s]v$ to decrease 8 excitem5t4 8,!re don't seem to be _m tra9s to ,we/port 9 ! middle ( ! day10 ,i he>d ,k5n$y consid] ov] ! wire4 8,y\r c> is "h8 ,well1 c y g back !re ) u8 ,yes"r away40 ,z he hung up he turn$ to me4 8,poor old ,ha/+s hasn't be5 able to practise 8 pr(ession = ! la/ few days10 ,craig smil$4 8,he wants me to hurry up ! case4 ,we'll see :at we c d4 ,he's com+ = u 9 8 c>1 & !n we'll %oot out to ,we/port40 ,x 0 a beautiful day1 b none ( u appreciat$ x mu* z we slid along ! spl5did roads f ! city4 ,!re 0 only "o subject upp]mo/ 9 my m9d1 at lea/4 ,:5ce _h come ?is new /ock-m>ket attack8 ,:o 0 back ( ! s]ies ( viol5t de$s :i* _h tak5 place 9 less ?an a week8 ,above all1 :]e 7 ! preci\s telautomaton plans8 ,at lea/ x 0 "s relief1 :5 we swung into ,we/port1 to "k t we 7 back aga9 at ! ma9 sc5e ( action1 & ,i felt t n[ ev5ts w\ld develop rapidly4 ,burke 0 wait+ impati5tly at ! ,lodge1 ?\gh x did n seem z ?\gh our arrival 0 ! only ?+ he _h on 8 m9d4 8,:at 0 x y f\nd 9 ! little /ore-room 9 ! cell>80 dem&$ ,k5n$y1 jump+ f ! c> z we pull$ up at ! ,lodge porte-co*re4 ,)\t comm5t1 ,burke pull$ a crumpl$ bit ( pap] f 8 pocket & h&$ x to ,craig4 ,we cr[d$ ar\nd & read3 ,if a hair ( h] head is h>m$ ,i w h rev5ge1 ?\gh x s5ds me to prison = life4 ,we look$ at ! ,secret ,s]vice man inquir+ly4 8,n a s\l has be5 ne> ! /ore-room s9ce we began to wat* x ?is morn+10 he expla9$1 hurri$ly4 8,x mu/ h be5 left !re be=e we got upj tuck$ "u ! telephone in/rum5t4 ,paquita's disappe>$60 8,disappe>$80 we exclaim$1 almo/ toge!r1 z ,burke blurt$ out 8 />tl+ budget ( news4 8,yes& n a trace ( h]4 ,%e mu/ h got away be=e y fell[s 7 up40 ,i look$ aga9 at ! crumpl$ bit ( pap]4 ,:at did x mean8 ,0 x t "s "o _h actually kick$ ov] ! traces 9 work+ = "o high] up8 ,to :om did x ref]8 ,in/antly !re fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d ! picture ( ,w9ifr$ z we _h se5 h] borne (f by ! abductors :om we _h foil$4 ,c\ld x be %e8 ,taught by ,k5n$y1 ,i did n all[ a fir/ impression to rule4 ,might x be any "o else8 ,i ?\ght ( ,ir5e ,maddox1 ( ,frances ,walcott4 ,x did n seem to fit !m4 ,paquita8 ,p]haps ! note ref]r$ to h]4 ,if s1 :o w\ld h s5t x8 ,san*ez8 ,& if f ,san*ez1 to :om 0 x s5t8 8,h[ ab\t ,san*ez80 ,i qu]i$4 8,z mu* surpris$ at h] disappe>ance z ! re/ ( u10 repli$ ,burke4 8,h[ 0 t80 8,i pick$ him up & _h him %ad[$4 ,i "k t h] disappe>ance my/ifi$ him1 = he _h no idea he 0 obs]v$1 at ! "t4 ,he got away aga91 ?\gh4 ,if we are ev] to pick t girl up aga91 %ad[+ ,san*ez may be ! be/ way4 ,i h _h ,riley out0 8,n ! same h& t wrote ! ciph]10 int]rupt$ ,k5n$y1 /udy+ ! note4 8,i beg p>don4 ,:at ( ,riley8 ,any ^w80 8,i %\ld say10 bur/ out ,burke4 8,d[n 9 ! cove,little ,neck !y call x9 a des]t$ b>n we've f\nd a rac]answ]s ! description ( ! "o se5 9 ,new ,york ! morn+ ( ! robb]y & on ! road out "h4 ,x's my dope t y made ! little g>age "h unt5able1 ,k5n$y1 & t :oev] x 0 took ! c> to ! cove to hide x40 ,he paus$1 b n = want ( some?+ to say4 ,be=e we c\ld urge him he add$1 8,& t sc\t cruis]1 too4 ,%e's be5 scuttl$1 out pa/ ! po9t1 at ! entrance to ! cove4 ,:oev] x is1 he's be5 wip+ out all ! evid5ce aga9/ him t he c40 8,no ^w ( ,paquita or ,san*ez80 inquir$ ,k5n$y aga94 ,burke %ook 8 head4 8,h[ is ,%elby ,maddox80 8,mu* bett]4 ,i 0 9 ! room dur+ ! flurry4 ,y %\ld h se5 him :5 ! turn came4 ,we c\ld h>dly keep him 9 b$4 ,he 0 frantic40 ,k5n$y _h cont9u$ /udy+ ! anonym\s note v c>efully z we talk$4 8,x squ>es ) my !ory10 he mus$1 m to himself ?an to u4 8,yesx is "t to act4 ,& we mu/ act quickly4 ,burke1 c y get all ! ,maddoxes up to ,%elby's room"r away8 ,p]haps by t "t we may h ^w f ,riley4 ,at any rate1 we %all be ready40 ,%elby 0 propp$ up 9 b$ ) pill[s1 q reconcil$ n[ to be+ an invalid1 :5 we ent]$4 8,! be/ little nurse ev]10 he greet$ u1 sc>cely tak+ 8 eyes f ,w9ifr$4 8,& a f9anci]1 too10 he add$1 ) a laugh2 8a p[] 9 ! m>ket40 8,y mu/n't =get ,pr(essor ,k5n$y's ma*9e10 put 9 ,w9ifr$1 welcom+ u ) a smile t cov]$ ! trace ( a blu% :i* gl[$ ?r\gh ! pretty tan ( h] *eeks4 ,%elby grasp$ ,craig's h&4 8,y said y w\ldn't "w = me10 he gr9n$1 8b y c]ta9ly didn't "w aga9/ me4 ,j let me get on my feet aga94 ,y won't regret1 old man1 t y0 ,a knock on ! door cut him %ort4 ,x 0 ,frances & ,johnson ,walcott4 ,= a mom5t ! two wom5 look$ at ea* o!r4 ,n a ^w 0 said1 b ea* und]/ood4 ,:atev] diff]5ces _h kept !m ap>t seem$ to h be5 swept aside by ! emotions ( ! mom5t4 ,frances :isp]$ some?+ 9 ,w9ifr$'s e> z %e flung h] arms ab\t ! girl1 !n turn$ to h] bro!r & b5t ov] him4 ,man-l1 ,johnson ,walcott /ood awkw>dly4 ,8 wife saw x4 8,congratulate !m1 ,johnson10 %e cri$4 8,don't y und]/&80 ,be=e he c\ld reply !re came ano!r tap on ! door4 ,x 0 ,burke aga91 escort+ ,ir5e ,maddox1 reluctant & suspici\s4 ,surpris$1 %e glanc$ f ! ,walcotts to ,%elby1 !n at u4 8,congratulate :om80 %e ask$1 quickly4 8,:at is x all ab\t80 ,!re 0 a mom5t ( emb>rassm5t1 :5 ,k5n$y came to ! rescue1 /epp+ =w>d & look+ at 8 wat*4 8,i'm wait+ ^w f ,seorita ,paquita & ,mr4 ,san*ez10 he int]rupt$1 8b t is no reason :y ,i %\ld n at lea/ beg9 to tell y :at ,i h discov]$40 ,we wat*$ him z he sl[ly drew f 8 pocket ! crumpl$ note :i* ,burke _h discov]$ t morn+1 & ! app>5tly blank %eet ( pap] we _h pick$ up 9 ,paquita's room4 ,x seem$ z if ,k5n$y's words _h recall$ !m all to _! =m] selves4 ,9 an in/ant ea* seem$ to be on gu>d1 ev5 ,%elby4 8,i suppose y h he>d ( :at we call ! sci5ce ( graphology80 he inquir$1 motion+ 9 pantomime to me to fill a bas9 ) w>m wat]4 8,x is ! read+ ( "* 9 h&writ+40 ,into ! bas9 he dropp$ ! blank %eet4 ,we wait$ 9 sil5ce4 ,i1 at lea/1 0 n surpris$ :5 he held up ! wet pap]1 n[ cov]$ ) figures scrawl$ ov] x4 8,ev5 ?\gh !re is writ+ on ?is %eet10 he obs]v$1 hold+ up ! note1 8& figures on ! o!r1 ,i ?9k any "o c\ld tell at a glance t !y 7 n made by ! same h&4 ,?is 0 by no means my fir/ clue40 ,he 0 wav+ ! wet pap] ) ! figures4 8,b x decid$ me4 ,?\gh ! message 0 hidd5 bo? by sympa!tic ink & a cryptogram1 /ill1 9 ! light ( ?is new sci5ce1 ! "* ( ! writ] /&s out z pla9 z if x 7 %\t$ f ! h\se-top40 ,he paus$ aga94 8,graphology tells me10 he proce$$1 sl[ly1 8t ! h& t wrote ^! figures is ! h& ( "o :o has all ! *>act]i/ics ( a spy & a traitor4 ,be=e we g fur!r1 let me call to y\r m9d "s r rem>kable d$uctions & discov]ies ,i h made4 ,by ! way1 ,burke1 y left ^w :]e we 71 9 case we get any news80 ,! ,secret ,s]vice man nodd$1 b said no?+1 z if he did n wi% 8 voice to break ! ?read ( ,k5n$y's disclosure4 8,! plot aga9/ ,maddox ,munitions & p>ticul>ly ! wond]ful telautomaton10 cont9u$ ,k5n$y1 gravely1 80 subtle4 ,app>5tly all 0 to be accompli%$ at "o c\p4 ,! plans 7 to be /ol5 on ! ,syb>ite ! same night t ! model 0 to be tak5 f ! safe 9 ,new ,york4 ,h[ ! latt] 0 accompli%$ we "k well en\gh1 n[1 = all practical purposes4 ,m>%all ,maddox's keys 7 to admit ! ?ief to ! (fice4 ,! burgl>'s microphone did ! re/4 8,h[ x 0 accompli%$ "h ,i "k1 too4 ,)\t a d\bt1 ! ,japanese1 ,mito1 admitt$ ! plott] to ! ,syb>ite1 at lea/ signal$ s t x 0 possible to creep up quietly 9 a cruis] & ?r[ a *lor9e-gas bomb ?r\gh a m>k$ port4 ,m>%all ,maddox 0 ov]comekill$4 ,?r\gh ! same port-hole 8 body 0 ?r[n4 8,?us at once bo? ! plans & ! keys t gave access to ! model 7 obta9$40 ,z ,craig spoke1 my m9d ha/ily review$ ! ev5ts ( :at seem$ n[ weeks in/ead ( days pa/4 ,x 0 z ?\gh he _h fail$ 9 an explanation ( ! ev5ts 9 a sil5t drama4 8,mito 0 se5 a%ore t night10 he resum$4 8,he 0 suspect$4 ,i 0 wat*+ him4 ,worse ?an t1 he knew too mu*4 ,he 0 a weak l9k1 an ev]-pres5t dang]4 ,!re=e he mu/ be got out ( ! way4 ,he 0 kill$4 ,b 8 mute lips tell q z eloqu5t a /ory z if he 7 "h be=e u n[4 ,!re is ano!r :o play$ an ev5 m important "p4 ,%e is n "h1 b ,i "k y all "k :om ,i mean40 ,k5n$y _h ?us deftly %ift$ ! picture to ! little danc]4 ,z he spoke1 ,ir5e ,maddox lean$ =w>d1 h] face burn+ ) indignation at ! m]e m5tion ( h] hat$ rival4 8,paquita10 ,k5n$y cont9u$1 c>efully *oos+ 8 words1 8has be5 an enigma to me 9 ?is case4 ,!re is no use m9c+ matt]s4 ,!re _h long be5 a feud 9 ! family1 be=e %e appe>$4 ,i ?9k !re is no ne$ = me "h to elaborate h[ %e has br\ght matt]s to a crisis1 or ! enmity :i* %e /irr$ up40 ,mrs4 ,maddox murmur$ some?+ bitt]ly "u h] brea?1 b ,k5n$y quickly *ang$ ! subject4 8,we "k1 also1 t ,paquita met ,%elby ,maddox10 he hurri$ on4 8,9 ! m9ds ( "s x look$ z ?\gh %e might break ,%elby1 too4 ,b x 0 j because ( ! reasons t made !m ?9k s t precisely ! opposite happ5$4 ,/rangely en\gh1 ! little danc] seems to h fall5 9 love ) him h]self40 ,out ( ! corn] ( my eye ,i 0 wat*+ ,w9ifr$4 ,h] face 0 set 9 deep l9es z ,k5n$y w5t ahead 9 8 m]ciless analysis ( ! case4 ,%elby color$1 b said no?+1 ?\gh 8 mann] 0 ( ! man :o might h said mu*1 if he _h n le>n$ t def5se 0 worse ?an sil5ce4 ,w9ifr$'s face que/ion$ z pla9ly z words :e!r !re mu/ always be pres5t t s9i/] %ad[ ( ,paquita4 ,i wond]$ :e!r %e 0 yet conv9c$ t he _h nev] lov$ ! little danc]4 ,k5n$y seem$ to feel ! situation4 8,b10 he add$1 sl[ly & significantly1 89 ! mean "t some?+ else _h happ5$4 ,%elby ,maddox _h met "s "o else40 ,he _h n dwelt on ! gossip ab\t ,paquita4 ,i c\ld almo/ feel ! relief ( ,%elby1 = ,paquita _h be5 a cause ( disagreem5t ev5 betwe5 ,mrs4 ,walcott & ! o!rs4 8,ev5 ?is new turn ( ev5ts 0 us$ 9 desp]ation by ! crim9al4 ,9 aim+ a bl[ at ,%elby1 aft] hav+ be5 defeat$ at e o!r po9t1 z a la/ desp]ate resort an attempt 0 direct$ at ,w9ifr$ ,walcott h]self4 ,x 0 z ?\gh "s "o tri$ to /rike at ,%elby himself1 & _h decid$ t ! sure/ way to control him 0 ?r\gh "s "o :om he lov$4 ,:o 0 x10 he conclud$1 fac+ u po9t$ly1 8t kidnapp$ ,w9ifr$1 & :y80 ,z f> z ,i 0 able to answ]1 x might h be5 anybody4 ,i _h ev5 consid]$ ! possibility t ,%elby might h c>ri$ h] (f himself 9 ord] to make h] turn to him = protection4 ,9 fact1 ,i _h nev] be5 able to acc\nt = ! pres5ce ( ,san*ez ) u at ! "t4 ,_h ,i be5 mi/ak5 9 ,san*ez8 8,attack aft] attack on ^? :o 7 gett+ clos] _h fail$10 cont9u$ ,k5n$y4 8,t be+ ! case1 ^? :o might talk mu/ be sil5c$4 ,mito 0 dead4 ,/ill ,paquita rema9$4 ,%e1 too1 mu/ be sil5c$4 ,& s my suspicion1 9 turn1 0 ?r[n on h]4 ,by ?is ciph] :i* ,i h "h %e 0 ord]$ to g to ,new ,york1 9 ord] to mislead me4 ,! plan fail$4 ,always 9 ! mo/ clev] s*emes ( crime1 !y fail at "s po9t4 ,unless ,i am v mu* mi/ak51 ,paquita has se5 ?r\gh ! designs4 ,:at %e w d ,i d n pr(ess to "k4 ,=1 9 addition to ! mix$ motives ( h] hopeless love = ,%elby ,maddox & jeal\sy ( ,miss ,walcott1 h] disappe>ance ?is morn+ indicates t %e is 9 mortal fe> ( an attack inspir$ by ! plott]40 ,unavoidably my m9d rac$ ahead to ,san*ez1 :o _h foll[$ h] s jeal\sly4 ,_h he really be5 9 love ) h]a love z hopeless z h] own = ,maddox8 ,or 0 he a m s9i/] figure8 ,_h !y be5 play+ a game1 ea* hav+ an insight into ! weakness ( ?is unhappy family8 ,i recall$ ! conv]sation ,i _h _h ) ,h5ri 9 ! cab>et & 8 noncommittal %rug4 ,p]haps ,san*ez & ,paquita _h be5 deep] ?an we _h ?\ght4 8,& n[10 resum$ ,k5n$y1 evid5tly temporiz+ 9 ! hope t ^w w\ld soon come f ! se>*]s :om we _h out1 8n[ we f9d t a f9al ef=t has be5 made to remove all incrim9at+ traces ( crime4 ,! c> :i* we c\ld n locate 9 ! g>age "h has be5 f\nd hidd5 miles away4 ,! fa/ motor-boat :i* escap$ u la/ night lies at ! bottom ( ! bay4 ,at ! same "t an insidi\s /ock-m>ket attack has be5 wreck$1 = x 0 a f9al purpose 9 ?is ambiti\s s*eme evid5tly to wreck ,maddox ,munitions 9 ord] to ga9 control ( x4 ,ev5 my own res\rces ( sci5ce mu/ h fail$ if x _h n be5 = ! loyalty ( "o :o ca/ all into ! balance at ! f9al mom5t40 ,we 7 foll[+ ,k5n$y int5tly n[1 & ,i did n betray t ,i saw ,%elby's h& /eal out & clasp t ( ,w9ifr$1 :i* 0 re/+ on a table beside 8 b$4 ,%e did n )draw h] own h&4 ,! telephone rang & ,burke1 :o 0 ne>e/ x1 answ]$4 ,! conv]sation 0 brief4 ,evid5tly ! p>ty at ! o!r end 0 do+ mo/ ( ! talk+1 b z we scann$ ! detective's face we c\ld see t some?+ important _h happ5$4 8,y d n "k :]e ,san*ez has gone80 ask$ ,burke1 f9ally1 add+1 8,keep ! boys on ! trail !n1 until y get "s clue4 ,good-by40 ,he hung up ! receiv] sl[ly & turn$ t[>d ,k5n$y1 b ,i d n ?9k any ( u 7 prep>$ = 8 message4 8,paquita has committ$ suicide60 he blurt$ out1 sudd5ly4 ,we look$ at "o ano!r 9 amazem5t at ?is />tl+ turn ( ev5ts4 ,:at did x mean8 ,_h %e se5 no?+ m to live =1 or _h "s "o pursu$ h] & 0 %e anticipat+ fate8 8,x 0 ,riley10 rec\nt$ ,burke1 briefly4 8,evid5tly %e _h tak5 poison4 ,!y f\nd h] body 9 ! woods n f> f :]e we discov]$ ! c> & ! sunk5 boat4 ,"s *ildr5 say !y saw a man !rehe answ]s ! description ( ,san*ez4 ,riley is foll[+ ! clue40 8,:at drove h] to x8 ,0 !re no ^w1 no note80 ask$ ,ir5e ,maddox1 aw$ by ! trag$y4 8,yes10 repli$ ,burke4 8,on a piece ( pap] %e _h writt51 #8,i h mail$ a lett] to ,%elby ,maddox4 ,may ,god =give me = :at ,i h done4 ,!re is no?+ left 9 life = me4' ,t is all40 ,we gaz$ at "o ano!r 9 con/]nation4 8,poor girl60 repeat$ ,k5n$y 9 a l[ tone4 8,%e 0 m]ely a pawn 9 ! h&s ( ano!r4 ,b x is a dang]\s game?is game ( he>tsev5 ) ! he>t ( an adv5turess40 8,i ?9k we %\ld organize a se>* = ?is fell[ ,san*ez be=e he c get away10 propos$ ,johnson ,walcott1 tak+ a /ep t[>d ,k5n$y4 8,my own c> is bel[4 ,we c get up a posse 9 no "t "r at ! ,lodge40 ,be=e any "o c\ld take up ! sugge/ion ! door ( ! room flew op54 ,!re /ood ,san*ez himselfpale1 8 eyes />+1 8 :ole mann] t ( "o :o _h rea*$ ! la/ po9t ( desp]ation4 ,half-way across ! room he /opp$1 fac$ u1 & toss$ d[n on a table be=e ,k5n$y a package wrapp$ 9 oil$ silk4 8,t is my rev5ge60 he exclaim$ 9 a voice almo/ sepul*ral4 8,i f\nd x 9 ! boat be=e ,i scuttl$ x40 ,craig tore x op54 ,!re1 unroll$ be=e u1 at la/ lay ! plans ( ! deadly telautomaton4 ,( a sudd5 ,i realiz$ t ! model _h de/roy$ itself 9 s9k+ ! ,syb>ite4 ,) ! plans 9 our possession ! secret 0 safe4 ,sl[ly ,san*ez rais$ an accus+ f+]1 b be=e he c\ld utt] a ^w ,craig _h back$ aga9/ ! door & /ood hold+ x4 8,"s "o has be5 keep+ "u cov] "h10 ,craig %ot out sudd5ly1 8hid+ beh9d o!rs :o 7 8 toolsfir/ ,mito1 !n ,paquita1 :o has be5 driv5 to h] dea?1 n[ ,san*ez4 8,graphology fir/ betray$ 8 f9e h& ( crime to me4 ,! /ock-m>ket attack confirm$ my suspicion4 ,san*ez has complet$ ,don't %oot6 ,burke has y cov]$ already4 ,walt]w y be s k9d z to dis>m ,johnson ,walcott80 ,,! ,,end ,transcrib]'s ,note3 ,words may h multiple spell+ v>iations or inconsi/5t hyph5ation 9 ! text4 ,^! h be5 left un*ang$4 ,obsolete & alt]native spell+s 7 reta9$4 ,misspell$ words 7 correct$4 ,words & phrases 9 italics are surr\nd$ by und]scores1 l ?is4 ,obvi\s pr9t+ errors1 su* z backw>ds1 upside d[n1 or p>tially pr9t$ lett]s & punctuation1 7 correct$4 ,f9al /ops miss+ at ! end ( s5t5ces & abbreviations 7 add$4 ,duplicate lett]s at l9e end+s or page breaks 7 remov$4