

	There/ex were/bed thirty-eight/cd patients/nns on/in the/at bus/nn the/at morning/nn I/ppss left/vbd for/in Hanover/np ,/, most/ap of/in them/ppo disturbed/vbn and/cc hallucinating/vbg ./.
An/at interne/nn ,/, a/at nurse/nn and/cc two/cd attendants/nns were/bed in/in charge/nn of/in us/ppo ./.


	I/ppss felt/vbd lonely/jj and/cc depressed/vbd as/cs I/ppss stared/vbd out/in the/at bus/nn window/nn at/in Chicago's/np$ grim/jj ,/, dirty/jj West/jj-tl Side/nn-tl ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd incredible/jj ,/, as/cs I/ppss listened/vbd to/in the/at monotonous/jj drone/nn of/in voices/nns and/cc smelled/vbd the/at fetid/jj odors/nns coming/vbg from/in the/at patients/nns ,/, that/cs technically/rb I/ppss was/bedz a/at ward/nn of/in the/at state/nn of/in Illinois/np ,/, going/vbg to/in a/at hospital/nn for/in the/at mentally/rb ill/jj ./.


	I/ppss suddenly/rb thought/vbd of/in Mary/np Jane/np Brennan/np ,/, the/at way/nn her/pp$ pretty/jj eyes/nns could/md flash/vb with/in anger/nn ,/, her/pp$ quiet/jj competence/nn ,/, the/at gentleness/nn and/cc sweetness/nn that/wps lay/vbd just/rb beneath/in the/at surface/nn of/in her/pp$ defenses/nns ./.


	We/ppss had/hvd become/vbn good/jj friends/nns during/in my/pp$ stay/nn at/in Cook/np-tl County/nn-tl Hospital/nn-tl ./.
I/ppss had/hvd told/vbn her/ppo enough/ap about/in myself/ppl to/to offset/vb somewhat/rb the/at damaging/vbg stories/nns that/wps had/hvd appeared/vbn in/in local/jj newspapers/nns after/in my/pp$ little/jj adventure/nn in/in Marshall/np-tl Field/np-tl &/cc-tl Co./nn-tl ./.
She/pps knew/vbd that/cs I/ppss lived/vbd at/in a/at good/jj address/nn on/in the/at Gold/jj-tl Coast/nn-tl ,/, that/cs I/ppss had/hvd once/rb been/ben a/at medical/jj student/nn and/cc was/bedz thinking/vbg of/in returning/vbg to/in the/at university/nn to/to finish/vb my/pp$ medical/jj studies/nns ./.
She/pps knew/vbd also/rb that/cs I/ppss was/bedz unmarried/jj and/cc without/in a/at single/ap known/vbn relative/nn ./.
She/pps wasn't/bedz* quite/ql sure/jj that/cs I/ppss felt/vbd enough/ap remorse/nn about/in my/pp$ drinking/vbg ,/, or/cc that/cs I/ppss would/md not/* return/vb to/in it/ppo once/cs I/ppss was/bedz out/rp and/cc on/in my/pp$ own/jj again/rb ./.
This/dt had/hvd worried/vbn her/ppo ./.


	``/`` I/ppss read/vb those/dts newspaper/nn stories/nns about/in you/ppo ''/'' ,/, she/pps had/hvd said/vbn ./.
``/`` You/ppss must/md have/hv loved/vbn that/dt girl/nn very/ql much/rb ,/, but/cc you/ppss couldn't/md* have/hv meant/vbn it/ppo when/wrb you/ppss said/vbd that/cs you/ppss wanted/vbd to/to kill/vb her/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Why/wrb do/do you/ppss say/vb that/dt ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss was/bedz full/jj of/in booze/nn and/cc ,/, well/uh ,/, a/at drunk/nn is/bez apt/jj to/to do/do anything/pn he/pps says/vbz he'll/pps+md do/do ''/'' ./.


	Nonsense/nn !/. !/.
I/ppss grew/vbd up/rp in/in an/at Irish/jj neighborhood/nn on/in Chicago's/np$ West/jj-tl Side/nn-tl ./.
Don't/do* tell/vb me/ppo about/in drunks/nns ./.
You're/ppss+ber not/* the/at kind/nn to/to go/vb violent/jj ./.
Were/bed you/ppss in/in love/nn with/in that/dt girl/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Would/md it/pps make/vb any/dti difference/nn to/in you/ppo if/cs I/ppss were/bed ,/, Mary/np Jane/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	She/pps met/vbd my/pp$ eyes/nns ,/, suddenly/rb angry/jj ./.
``/`` I/ppss wouldn't/md* have/hv gone/vbn into/in nursing/vbg if/cs I/ppss didn't/dod* care/vb about/in people/nns ./.
I'm/ppss+bem interested/vbn in/in every/at patient/nn I've/ppss+hv helped/vbn take/vb care/nn of/in ./.
When/wrb I/ppss think/vb of/in people/nns like/vb you/ppo ,/, well/uh ,/, I/ppss ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` You/ppss what/wdt ,/, Mary/np Jane/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` You/ppss are/ber young/jj ,/, intelligent/jj ,/, have/hv a/at whole/jj lifetime/nn before/in you/ppo to/to make/vb something/pn worth/jj while/nn of/in yourself/ppl ,/, but/cc you/ppss mess/vb it/ppo up/rp with/in whiskey/nn ,/, indifference/nn ,/, self-destructive/jj attitudes/nns ./.
I/ppss don't/do* blame/vb that/cs girl/nn for/in breaking/vbg her/pp$ engagement/nn with/in you/ppo ./.
Was/bedz she/pps pretty/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, yes/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, feeling/vbg annoyed/vbn ,/, ``/`` she/pps was/bedz very/ql pretty/jj ./.
You/ppss don't/do* believe/vb that/cs I'm/ppss+bem going/vbg back/rb to/in medical/jj school/nn and/cc finish/vb ,/, do/do you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Why/wrb should/md I/ppss ?/. ?/.
I've/ppss+hv worked/vbn this/dt ward/nn for/in three/cd months/nns now/rb ./.
We/ppss keep/vb getting/vbg the/at same/ap ones/nns back/rb again/rb and/cc again/rb ./.
They/ppss all/abn mean/vb well/rb ,/, have/hv great/jj promises/nns to/to make/vb when/wrb they/ppss are/ber about/rb to/to go/vb home/nr ,/, but/cc drinking/vbg is/bez their/pp$ sickness/nn ./.
You've/ppss+hv not/* seemed/vbn like/cs them/ppo ,/, but/cc maybe/rb you/ppss are/ber ./.
You've/ppss+hv treated/vbn your/pp$ stay/nn here/rb like/cs a/at big/jj joke/nn ./.
It's/pps+bez not/* a/at joke/nn to/to be/be sent/vbn to/in a/at place/nn like/cs this/dt or/cc to/in Hanover/np ./.
I/ppss wanted/vbd to/to go/vb to/in college/nn ,/, too/rb ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` Why/wrb didn't/dod* you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.
``/`` Chicago/np has/hvz some/dti of/in the/at best/jjt ''/'' --/-- 

	Her/pp$ eyes/nns flashed/vbd angrily/rb ./.
``/`` That's/dt+bez what/wdt I/ppss mean/vb about/in you/ppo ,/, Anderson/np ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` You/ppss don't/do* seem/vb to/to know/vb much/ap about/in reality/nn ./.
I'll/ppss+md tell/vb you/ppo why/wrb I/ppss didn't/dod* go/vb to/in college/nn ;/. ;/.
I'm/ppss+bem the/at oldest/jjt of/in six/cd children/nns ./.
My/pp$ father's/nn+bez a/at policeman/nn and/cc makes/vbz less/ap than/in seven/cd thousand/cd dollars/nns a/at year/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at money/nn for/in tuition/nn ,/, for/in clothes/nns ,/, for/in all/abn the/at things/nns you/ppss apparently/rb take/vb for/in granted/vbn ./.
Nurses'/nns$ training/vbg here/rb doesn't/doz* cost/vb anything/pn ./.
They/ppss even/rb pay/vb me/ppo six/cd dollars/nns a/at month/nn ./.
I/ppss think/vb it's/pps+bez a/at good/jj deal/nn ./.
I'm/ppss+bem going/vbg to/to become/vb a/at good/jj nurse/nn ,/, and/cc I've/ppss+hv got/vbn two/cd baby/nn brothers/nns that/wps are/ber going/vbg to/to have/hv college/nn if/cs I/ppss have/hv to/to work/vb at/in my/pp$ profession/nn until/cs I'm/ppss+bem an/at old/jj maid/nn to/to give/vb it/ppo to/in them/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Do/do you/ppo have/hv a/at boy/nn friend/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez none/pn of/in your/pp$ business/nn ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ,/, then/rb changed/vbd the/at subject/nn ./.
``/`` What/wdt about/in your/pp$ father/nn and/cc mother/nn ,/, don't/do* you/ppo think/vb of/in them/ppo when/wrb you're/ppss+ber in/in a/at place/nn like/cs this/dt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` My/pp$ father/nn and/cc mother/nn died/vbd when/wrb I/ppss was/bedz two/cd years/nns old/jj ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` My/pp$ aunt/nn raised/vbd me/ppo ./.
Aunt/nn-tl Mary/np died/vbd when/wrb I/ppss was/bedz doing/vbg my/pp$ military/nn service/nn ./.
I/ppss have/hv no/at one/pn but/cc myself/ppl to/to worry/vb about/rb ''/'' ./.


	Something/pn in/in my/pp$ voice/nn must/md have/hv touched/vbn her/ppo deeply/rb because/cs her/pp$ anger/nn passed/vbd quickly/rb ,/, and/cc she/pps turned/vbd away/rb to/to keep/vb me/ppo from/in seeing/vbg her/pp$ face/nn ./.


	``/`` I'm/ppss+bem sorry/jj ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss don't/do* know/vb what/wdt I'd/ppss+md do/do without/in my/pp$ family/nn ./.
We've/ppss+hv always/rb been/ben so/ql close/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Tell/vb me/ppo more/ap about/in them/ppo ''/'' ./.


	Her/pp$ eyes/nns became/vbd bright/jj as/cs she/pps talked/vbd about/in her/pp$ father/nn and/cc mother/nn ,/, aunts/nns and/cc uncles/nns ,/, cousins/nns ./.
Listening/vbg ,/, I/ppss felt/vbd cheated/vbn and/cc lonely/jj as/ql only/rb an/at orphan/nn can/md ./.
When/wrb she/pps had/hvd finished/vbn I/ppss said/vbd :/: 

	``/`` Your/pp$ dad/nn sounds/vbz like/cs a/at good/jj father/nn and/cc a/at good/jj policeman/nn ./.
I'll/ppss+md bet/vb he/pps wouldn't/md* be/be pleased/vbn if/cs a/at rumdum/nn like/cs me/ppo were/bed to/to ask/vb his/pp$ daughter/nn for/in a/at date/nn --/-- I/ppss mean/vb ,/, after/cs I'm/ppss+bem out/in of/in the/at hospital/nn ,/, a/at month/nn or/cc so/rb from/in now/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` My/pp$ father/nn is/bez a/at sergeant/nn of/in detectives/nns and/cc has/hvz been/ben attached/vbn to/in Homicide/nn-tl for/in five/cd years/nns ./.
He's/pps+bez a/at pretty/ql good/jj judge/nn of/in character/nn ,/, Anderson/np ./.
I/ppss don't/do* think/vb he'd/pps+md mind/vb too/ql much/rb if/cs he/pps were/bed sure/jj you'd/ppss+md decided/vbn not/* to/to be/be a/at rumdum/nn in/in the/at future/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt about/in you/ppo ?/. ?/.
How/wrb would/md you/ppss feel/vb about/in it/ppo if/cs I/ppss were/bed to/to ask/vb you/ppo for/in a/at date/nn when/wrb I/ppss get/vb through/rp at/in Hanover/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` If/cs I/ppss thought/vbd you/ppss were/bed serious/jj about/in going/vbg back/rb to/in school/nn ,/, that/cs you'd/ppss+md learned/vbn something/pn from/in your/pp$ experiences/nns here/rb and/cc at/in Hanover/np --/-- well/uh ,/, I/ppss might/md consider/vb such/abl an/at offer/nn ./.
What/wdt about/in your/pp$ that/dt girl/nn you/ppss were/bed going/vbg to/to kill/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	It/pps suddenly/rb seemed/vbd very/ql important/jj to/in me/ppo that/cs Mary/np Jane/np Brennan/np should/md know/vb the/at truth/nn about/in me/ppo --/-- that/cs I/ppss was/bedz not/* the/at confused/vbn ,/, sick/jj ,/, irresponsible/jj person/nn she/pps believed/vbd me/ppo to/to be/be ./.


	``/`` There/ex are/ber things/nns about/in me/ppo that/cs I/ppss can't/md* tell/vb you/ppo now/rb ,/, Mary/np Jane/np ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` but/cc if/cs you'll/ppss+md go/vb out/rp to/in dinner/nn with/in me/ppo when/wrb I/ppss get/vb out/rp of/in Hanover/np ,/, I'd/ppss+md like/vb to/to tell/vb you/ppo the/at whole/jj story/nn ./.
I/ppss can/md say/vb this/dt :/: I'm/ppss+bem dead/jj serious/jj about/in going/vbg back/rb to/in school/nn ./.
As/cs for/in that/dt other/ap girl/nn ,/, let's/vb+ppo just/rb say/vb that/cs I/ppss never/rb want/vb to/to see/vb her/ppo again/rb ./.
You/ppss will/md get/vb to/to come/vb home/nr on/in long/jj weekends/nns from/in Hanover/np ,/, won't/md* you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Yes/rb ,/, I'll/ppss+md get/vb one/cd overnight/nn a/at month/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` We'll/ppss+md go/vb up/rp to/in the/at Edgewater/np-tl Beach/nn-tl Hotel/nn-tl for/in dinner/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` Do/do you/ppss like/vb to/to dance/vb ?/. ?/.
They/ppss always/rb have/hv a/at good/jj orchestra/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss like/vb to/to dance/vb ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ,/, then/rb turned/vbd and/cc walked/vbd away/rb ./.


	There/ex hadn't/hvd* been/ben anything/pn really/ql personal/jj in/in her/pp$ interest/nn in/in me/ppo ./.
I/ppss knew/vbd that/dt ./.
It/pps was/bedz just/rb that/cs she/pps felt/vbd deeply/rb about/in every/at patient/nn on/in the/at ward/nn and/cc wanted/vbd to/to believe/vb that/cs they/ppss might/md benefit/vb from/in their/pp$ treatment/nn there/rb ./.


	Now/rb ,/, riding/vbg this/dt hospital/nn bus/nn ,/, feeling/vbg isolated/vbn and/cc utterly/ql alone/jj ,/, I/ppss knew/vbd that/cs she/pps was/bedz genuine/jj and/cc unique/jj ,/, quite/ql unlike/in any/dti girl/nn I/ppss had/hvd known/vbn before/rb ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd the/at most/ql important/jj thing/nn in/in my/pp$ life/nn at/in this/dt moment/nn that/cs she/pps should/md know/vb the/at real/jj truth/nn about/in me/ppo ./.


	It/pps was/bedz a/at fantastic/jj story/nn ./.
Only/rb two/cd people/nns in/in the/at state/nn of/in Illinois/np knew/vbd that/cs I/ppss was/bedz entering/vbg Hanover/np-tl State/nn-tl Hospital/nn-tl under/in an/at assumed/vbn name/nn ,/, or/cc why/wrb ./.
It/pps was/bedz unlikely/jj that/cs any/dti girl/nn as/ql sharp/jj as/cs Mary/np Jane/np Brennan/np would/md believe/vb it/ppo without/in proof/nn ./.
But/cc I/ppss had/hvd the/at proof/nn ,/, all/abn documented/vbn in/in a/at legal/jj agreement/nn which/wdt I/ppss would/md show/vb her/ppo the/at moment/nn I/ppss was/bedz free/jj to/to do/do so/rb ./.


	As/cs the/at bus/nn turned/vbd into/in the/at main/jjs highway/nn and/cc headed/vbd toward/in Hanover/np I/ppss settled/vbd back/rb in/in my/pp$ seat/nn and/cc closed/vbd my/pp$ eyes/nns ,/, thinking/vbg over/rp the/at events/nns of/in the/at past/ap two/cd weeks/nns ,/, trying/vbg to/to put/vb the/at pieces/nns in/in order/nn ./.
I/ppss wondered/vbd suddenly/rb as/cs I/ppss listened/vbd to/in the/at disconnected/vbn jabberings/nns coming/vbg from/in the/at patient/nn behind/in me/ppo ,/, if/cs I/ppss had/hvd not/* perhaps/rb imagined/vbn it/ppo all/abn ./.
Perhaps/rb this/dt was/bedz reality/nn and/cc Dale/np Nelson/np ,/, the/at actor/nn ,/, was/bedz delusion/nn ;/. ;/.
a/at figment/nn of/in Carl/np Anderson's/np$ imagination/nn ./.



Four/cd-hl 
I/ppss had/hvd come/vbn to/in Chicago/np from/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl early/rb in/in September/np with/in a/at dramatic/jj production/nn called/vbn Ask/vb-tl Tony/np-tl ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at bad/jj play/nn ,/, real/jj grade-A/nn turkey/nn ,/, which/wdt only/rb a/at prevalence/nn of/in angels/nns with/in grandiose/jj dreams/nns of/in capital/nn gain/nn and/cc tax/nn money/nn to/to burn/vb could/md have/hv put/vbn into/in rehearsal/nn ./.
No/at one/pn ,/, not/* even/rb the/at producer/nn ,/, had/hvd any/dti real/jj hope/nn of/in getting/vbg it/ppo back/rb to/in Broadway/np ./.
But/cc because/cs it/pps was/bedz a/at suspense/nn gangster/nn story/nn of/in the/at Capone/np era/nn ,/, many/ap of/in us/ppo felt/vbd that/cs it/pps might/md catch/vb on/rp for/in a/at run/nn in/in Chicago/np ,/, continue/vb as/cs a/at road/nn company/nn ,/, and/cc eventually/rb become/vb a/at movie/nn ./.


	Such/jj optimism/nn was/bedz completely/rb unjustified/jj ./.
The/at critics/nns literally/rb screamed/vbd their/pp$ indignation/nn ./.
Ask/vb-tl Tony/np-tl was/bedz doomed/vbd from/in the/at moment/nn Kupcinet/np leveled/vbd on/in it/ppo in/in his/pp$ Sun-Times/np column/nn ./.
We/ppss opened/vbd on/in Friday/nr and/cc closed/vbd the/at following/vbg Monday/nr ./.
Out/in of/in the/at entire/jj cast/nn I/ppss alone/rb received/vbd good/jj notices/nns for/in my/pp$ portrayal/nn of/in a/at psychopathic/jj killer/nn ./.
This/dt let/nn me/ppo in/rp for/in a/at lot/nn of/in kidding/nn from/in the/at rest/nn of/in the/at company/nn ,/, two/cd members/nns of/in which/wdt were/bed native/jj Chicagoans/nps ./.


	We/ppss were/bed paid/vbn off/rp Tuesday/nr morning/nn and/cc given/vbn tickets/nns back/vb to/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ./.


	I/ppss felt/vbd lonely/jj and/cc depressed/vbn as/cs I/ppss packed/vbd my/pp$ bags/nns at/in the/at Croydon/np-tl Hotel/nn-tl ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd to/in me/ppo that/cs my/pp$ life/nn was/bedz destined/vbn to/to be/be one/cd brilliant/jj failure/nn after/in another/dt ./.
I/ppss had/hvd been/ben among/in the/at top/jjs third/od in/in my/pp$ class/nn at/in N.Y.U./np ,/, had/hvd wanted/vbn desperately/rb to/to go/vb to/in medical/jj school/nn ,/, but/cc I'd/ppss+hvd run/vbn out/in of/in money/nn and/cc energy/nn at/in the/at same/ap time/nn ./.
Then/rb later/rbr I/ppss had/hvd quit/vbn my/pp$ safe/jj ,/, secure/jj five-a-week/jj spot/nn on/in a/at network/nn soap/nn opera/nn to/to take/vb a/at part/nn in/in this/dt play/nn ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd to/in me/ppo that/cs I/ppss was/bedz not/* only/rb unlucky/jj but/cc quite/ql stupid/jj as/ql well/rb ./.
I/ppss knew/vbd that/cs I'd/ppss+md soon/rb be/be back/rb working/vbg as/cs an/at orderly/nn at/in the/at hospital/nn or/cc as/cs a/at counterman/nn at/in Union/nn-tl News/nn-tl or/cc Schraffts/np while/cs waiting/vbg for/in another/dt acting/vbg job/nn to/to open/vb ./.
It/pps suddenly/rb occurred/vbd to/in me/ppo that/cs I/ppss did/dod not/* particularly/rb like/cs acting/vbg ,/, that/cs I/ppss was/bedz at/in some/dti sort/nn of/in crossroads/nns and/cc would/md have/hv to/to decide/vb soon/rb what/wdt I/ppss was/bedz going/vbg to/to do/do with/in my/pp$ life/nn ./.


	I/ppss closed/vbd the/at last/ap bag/nn and/cc stood/vbd all/abn three/cd at/in the/at door/nn for/in the/at bellboy/nn to/to pick/vb up/rp ,/, then/rb went/vbd to/in the/at bathroom/nn for/in a/at drink/nn of/in water/nn ./.
The/at telephone/nn rang/vbd ./.
When/wrb I/ppss answered/vbd it/ppo a/at voice/nn too/ql dignified/vbn and/cc British/jj to/to be/be real/jj said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Is/bez this/dt Mr./np Dale/np Nelson/np ,/, the/at actor/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` All/ql right/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` Why/wrb don't/do* you/ppss bastards/nns lay/vb off/rp for/in a/at while/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss beg/vb your/pp$ pardon/nn ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` All/ql right/rb ./.
This/dt is/bez Dale/np Nelson/np the/at actor/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Good/jj ./.
I'm/ppss+bem calling/vbg you/ppo ,/, Mr./np Nelson/np ,/, at/in the/at request/nn of/in Mr./np Phillip/np Wycoff/np ./.
Could/md you/ppss possibly/rb have/hv lunch/nn with/in him/ppo today/nr ?/. ?/.
His/pp$ car/nn could/md pick/vb you/ppo up/rp at/in your/pp$ hotel/nn at/in twelve/cd ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss smiled/vbd ./.
``/`` You'll/ppss+md send/vb the/at Rolls-Royce/np ,/, of/in course/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Yes/rb ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, Mr./np Nelson/np ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss started/vbd to/to say/vb something/pn else/rb appropriate/jj ,/, but/cc the/at man/nn had/hvd hung/vbn up/rp ./.


	I/ppss finally/rb went/vbd downstairs/rb to/in the/at bar/nn off/in the/at main/jjs lobby/nn where/wrb most/ap of/in the/at cast/nn were/bed drowning/vbg their/pp$ sorrows/nns over/in the/at untimely/jj passing/nn of/in Ask/vb-tl Tony/np-tl ./.
They/ppss all/abn bowed/vbd low/rb as/cs I/ppss approached/vbd them/ppo ./.


	``/`` All/ql right/rb ,/, you/ppss bastards/nns ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` the/at great/jj actor/nn is/bez about/rb to/to buy/vb a/at drink/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss laid/vbd a/at tenspot/nn on/in the/at bar/nn and/cc motioned/vbd to/in the/at bartender/nn to/to serve/vb a/at round/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd just/rb returned/vbn my/pp$ change/nn when/wrb the/at doorman/nn came/vbd in/rp off/in the/at street/nn to/to page/vb me/ppo ./.
I/ppss walked/vbd over/rp to/in him/ppo ./.


	``/`` You/ppss Mr./np Nelson/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez right/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Mr./np Wycoff's/np$ car/nn is/bez waiting/vbg for/in you/ppo at/in the/at east/nr entrance/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss followed/vbd him/ppo out/rp through/in the/at lobby/nn to/in the/at street/nn ./.


	An/at ancient/jj Rolls-Royce/np ,/, as/ql shiningly/rb impressive/jj as/cs the/at day/nn it/pps came/vbd off/rp the/at ship/nn ,/, was/bedz parked/vbn at/in the/at curb/nn ./.
The/at elderly/jj chauffeur/nn ,/, immaculate/jj in/in a/at dark/jj uniform/nn ,/, stood/vbd stiffly/rb at/in attention/nn holding/vbg open/jj the/at door/nn of/in the/at town/nn car/nn ./.



	I/ppss was/bedz giving/vbg the/at parked/vbn cars/nns the/at once-over/nn ./.
The/at Oldsmobile/np with/in the/at license/nn number/nn JYJ/np-tl 114/cd-tl was/bedz in/in stall/nn number/nn five/cd ./.


	``/`` Okay/uh ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd to/in the/at attendant/nn ,/, ``/`` I'll/ppss+md let/vb you/ppo know/vb if/cs I/ppss close/vb the/at deal/nn on/in the/at office/nn in/in this/dt building/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss walked/vbd with/in him/ppo back/rb to/in the/at entrance/nn ./.
He/pps gave/vbd me/ppo a/at ticket/nn on/in the/at agency/nn car/nn and/cc parked/vbd it/ppo ./.


	I/ppss was/bedz back/rb in/in ten/cd minutes/nns ./.
``/`` Forgot/vbd to/to get/vb something/pn out/in of/in the/at car/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ,/, showing/vbg him/ppo my/pp$ ticket/nn ./.


	He/pps started/vbd to/to say/vb something/pn as/cs I/ppss walked/vbd in/rp and/cc then/rb suddenly/rb grinned/vbd and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Oh/uh ,/, yes/rb ./.
You're/ppss+ber the/at one/pn I/ppss was/bedz talking/vbg to/in about/rb a/at monthly/jj rental/nn ./.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez right/jj ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.


	He/pps consulted/vbd the/at parking/vbg ticket/nn ,/, then/rb looked/vbd at/in a/at notation/nn and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` You're/ppss+ber in/in the/at third/od row/nn back/rb toward/in the/at rear/nn ./.
Can/md you/ppss find/vb it/ppo all/ql right/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Sure/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.


	I/ppss went/vbd back/rb to/in the/at agency/nn car/nn and/cc got/vbd out/rp an/at electric/jj bug/nn ,/, one/cd of/in the/at newest/jjt devices/nns for/in electronic/jj shadowing/nn ./.
I/ppss always/rb keep/vb a/at set/nn in/in the/at car/nn ./.


	I/ppss put/vb in/rp new/jj batteries/nns so/cs as/cs to/to be/be certain/jj I'd/ppss+md have/hv plenty/nn of/in power/nn and/cc on/in my/pp$ way/nn out/rp walked/vbd over/rp to/in the/at regular/jj parking/vbg stalls/nns and/cc stood/vbd looking/vbg at/in them/ppo thoughtfully/rb ./.


	I/ppss waited/vbd until/cs the/at parking/vbg attendant/nn was/bedz busy/jj with/in a/at customer/nn ,/, then/rb slipped/vbd around/in the/at back/nn of/in the/at car/nn with/in license/nn number/nn JYM/np-tl 114/cd-tl ,/, attached/vbd the/at electronic/jj bug/nn to/in the/at rear/jj bumper/nn and/cc walked/vbd out/rp ./.


	The/at attendant/nn waved/vbd me/ppo on/rp ./.


	One/cd of/in the/at hardest/jjt chores/nns a/at detective/nn has/hvz is/bez hanging/vbg around/rb on/in a/at city/nn street/nn ,/, trying/vbg to/to make/vb himself/ppl inconspicuous/jj ,/, keeping/vbg an/at eye/nn on/in the/at entrance/nn of/in an/at office/nn building/nn and/cc waiting/vbg ./.


	For/in the/at first/od fifteen/cd or/cc twenty/cd minutes/nns it's/pps+bez possible/jj to/to be/be more/ql or/cc less/ql interested/vbn in/in window/nn displays/nns ,/, then/rb in/in people/nns passing/vbg by/rb ./.
After/in a/at while/nn ,/, however/wrb ,/, a/at person's/nn$ mind/nn gets/vbz fed/vbn up/rp and/cc that/wps magnifies/vbz all/abn of/in the/at disagreeable/jj physical/jj symptoms/nns which/wdt go/vb with/in that/dt sort/nn of/in an/at assignment/nn ./.
You/ppss want/vb to/to sit/vb down/rp ./.
Your/pp$ leg/nn muscles/nns and/cc back/nn muscles/nns feel/vb weary/jj ./.
You're/ppss+ber conscious/jj of/in the/at fact/nn that/wps your/pp$ feet/nns hurt/vb ,/, that/cs the/at city/nn pavements/nns are/ber hard/jj ./.


	I/ppss waited/vbd a/at solid/jj two/cd hours/nns before/cs my/pp$ man/nn came/vbd out/rp of/in the/at office/nn building/nn ./.
He/pps came/vbd out/rp alone/rb ./.


	I/ppss wasn't/bedz* far/rb behind/in him/ppo when/wrb he/pps entered/vbd the/at parking/vbg lot/nn and/cc hurried/vbd over/rp to/in his/pp$ car/nn ./.


	The/at attendant/nn recognized/vbd me/ppo once/rb more/rbr and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` What/wdt did/dod you/ppo do/do about/in that/dt office/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss haven't/hv* made/vbn up/rp my/pp$ mind/nn yet/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez a/at sublease/nn ./.
I/ppss have/hv a/at couple/nn of/in them/ppo I'm/ppss+bem figuring/vbg on/in ;/. ;/.
one/cd here/rb and/cc one/cd that's/wps+bez out/rp quite/abl a/at ways/nns where/wrb there's/ex+bez usually/rb curb/nn parking/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` That/dt curb/nn parking/nn is/bez undependable/jj and/cc annoying/jj ,/, particularly/rb when/wrb it/pps rains/vbz ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.


	I/ppss kept/vbd trying/vbg to/to get/vb him/ppo to/to take/vb my/pp$ money/nn ./.
``/`` Okay/uh ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` I'm/ppss+bem in/in a/at rush/nn right/ql now/rb ./.
I/ppss know/vb where/wrb the/at car/nn is/bez ./.
Want/vb me/ppo to/to drive/vb it/ppo out/rp ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md have/hv one/cd of/in the/at boys/nns get/vb it/ppo ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez one/cd of/in the/at rules/nns on/in transients/nns ./.
Regulars/nns drive/vb out/rp their/pp$ own/jj cars/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Make/vb it/ppo as/ql snappy/jj as/cs you/ppss can/md ,/, will/md you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, that's/dt+bez all/ql right/jj ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` You're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to be/be a/at regular/jj ./.
You'll/ppss+md get/vb in/in the/at office/nn building/nn here/rb ./.
You/ppss don't/do* want/vb to/to lease/vb a/at place/nn way/nn out/rp in/in the/at sticks/nns ./.
You/ppss get/vb business/nn where/wrb the/at business/nn is/bez ,/, not/* where/wrb it/pps isn't/bez* ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss grinned/vbd at/in him/ppo ,/, handed/vbd him/ppo a/at couple/nn of/in dollars/nns and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` By/in the/at time/nn you/ppss get/vb the/at parking/vbg charge/nn figured/vbn up/rp ,/, there/ex should/md be/be a/at cigar/nn in/in it/ppo for/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss hurried/vbd over/rp to/in the/at agency/nn heap/nn ,/, jumped/vbd in/rp ,/, started/vbd the/at motor/nn and/cc was/bedz just/rb in/in time/nn to/to see/vb the/at car/nn I/ppss wanted/vbd to/to shadow/vb turn/vb to/in the/at left/nr ./.


	I/ppss was/bedz held/vbn up/rp a/at bit/nn trying/vbg to/to make/vb a/at left/jj turn/nn ./.
By/in the/at time/nn I'd/ppss+hvd made/vbn it/ppo he/pps was/bedz gone/vbn ./.
Traffic/nn was/bedz pretty/ql heavy/jj ./.


	I/ppss turned/vbd on/in the/at electric/jj bug/nn ,/, and/cc the/at signal/nn came/vbd in/rp loud/jj and/cc clear/jj ./.


	I/ppss made/vbd time/nn and/cc picked/vbd him/ppo up/rp within/in ten/cd blocks/nns ./.
I/ppss stayed/vbd half/abn a/at block/nn behind/in him/ppo ,/, letting/vbg lots/nns of/in cars/nns keep/vb in/rp between/in us/ppo ,/, listening/vbg to/in the/at steady/jj beep/nn beep/nn beep/nn ./.


	After/in fifteen/cd minutes/nns of/in traffic/nn driving/nn he/pps turned/vbd to/in the/at left/nr ./.
I/ppss couldn't/md* see/vb him/ppo ,/, but/cc the/at electric/jj bugging/vbg device/nn gave/vbd steady/jj beeps/nns when/wrb it/pps was/bedz straight/ql ahead/rb ,/, short/jj half/abn beeps/nns when/wrb the/at car/nn I/ppss was/bedz following/vbg was/bedz to/in the/at left/nr ,/, and/cc long/jj drawn-out/jj beeps/nns when/wrb it/pps turned/vbd to/in the/at right/nr ./.
If/cs it/pps ever/rb got/vbd behind/in me/ppo ,/, the/at beep/nn turned/vbd to/in a/at buzz/nn ./.


	I/ppss turned/vbd left/nr too/ql soon/rb and/cc got/vbd a/at signal/nn showing/vbg that/cs I/ppss was/bedz still/rb behind/in him/ppo but/cc he/pps was/bedz to/in the/at right/nr ./.
After/in a/at while/nn the/at signal/nn became/vbd a/at buzz/nn and/cc I/ppss knew/vbd he/pps was/bedz behind/in me/ppo ./.
That/wps meant/vbd he'd/pps+hvd parked/vbn someplace/rb ./.
I/ppss made/vbd a/at big/jj circle/nn until/cs I/ppss located/vbd the/at car/nn parked/vbn at/in the/at curb/nn in/in front/nn of/in an/at apartment/nn house/nn ./.


	I/ppss found/vbd a/at parking/vbg place/nn half/abn a/at block/nn away/rb ,/, sat/vbd in/in the/at car/nn and/cc waited/vbd ./.


	My/pp$ quarry/nn was/bedz in/in the/at apartment/nn house/nn for/in two/cd hours/nns ./.
Then/rb he/pps came/vbd out/rp and/cc started/vbd driving/vbg toward/in the/at beach/nn ./.


	By/in this/dt time/nn it/pps was/bedz dark/jj ./.
I/ppss could/md get/vb up/rp close/jj to/in him/ppo where/wrb there/ex was/bedz traffic/nn but/cc had/hvd to/to drop/vb far/rb behind/rb when/wrb there/ex wasn't/bedz* traffic/nn ./.
My/pp$ lights/nns would/md have/hv been/ben a/at giveaway/nn if/cs I'd/ppss+hvd tried/vbn to/to shadow/vb him/ppo in/in the/at conventional/jj manner/nn ./.
Moreover/rb ,/, I'd/ppss+md have/hv lost/vbn him/ppo if/cs it/pps hadn't/hvd* been/ben for/in the/at electronic/jj shadowing/vbg device/nn ./.
His/pp$ signal/nn was/bedz coming/vbg loud/jj and/cc clear/jj and/cc then/rb all/abn of/in a/at sudden/nn it/pps turned/vbd to/in a/at buzz/nn ./.
I/ppss circled/vbd the/at block/nn and/cc found/vbd he/pps was/bedz in/in the/at parking/vbg lot/nn of/in a/at high-class/nn restaurant/nn ./.


	I/ppss sat/vbd where/wrb I/ppss could/md watch/vb the/at exit/nn and/cc realized/vbd I/ppss was/bedz hungry/jj ./.
I/ppss sat/vbd there/rb with/in the/at faint/jj odor/nn of/in charcoal-broiled/jj steaks/nns tantalizing/vbg my/pp$ nostrils/nns and/cc occasionally/rb catching/vbg the/at aroma/nn of/in coffee/nn ./.


	My/pp$ man/nn came/vbd out/rp an/at hour/nn later/rbr ,/, drove/vbd to/in the/at beach/nn ,/, turned/vbd right/nr and/cc after/in half/abn a/at mile/nn went/vbd to/in the/at Swim/vb-tl and/cc-tl Tan/vb-tl Motel/nn-tl ./.


	It/pps was/bedz a/at fairly/ql modern/jj motel/nn with/in quite/abl a/at bit/nn of/in electrical/jj display/nn in/in front/nn ./.
I/ppss remembered/vbd it/pps was/bedz the/at Peeping/vbg-tl Tom/np-tl place/nn ./.


	I/ppss waited/vbd until/cs my/pp$ man/nn was/bedz coming/vbg out/in of/in the/at office/nn with/in the/at key/nn to/in a/at cabin/nn before/cs I/ppss went/vbd in/rp to/to register/vb ./.


	The/at card/nn the/at man/nn I/ppss was/bedz shadowing/vbg had/hvd filled/vbn out/rp was/bedz still/rb on/in the/at counter/nn ./.
I/ppss noticed/vbd that/cs he/pps was/bedz in/in Unit/nn-tl 12/cd-tl and/cc that/cs he/pps had/hvd registered/vbn under/in the/at name/nn of/in Oscar/np L./np Palmer/np and/cc wife/nn ,/, giving/vbg a/at San/np Francisco/np address/nn ./.


	He/pps had/hvd written/vbn out/rp the/at license/nn number/nn of/in his/pp$ car/nn but/cc had/hvd transposed/vbn the/at last/ap two/cd figures/nns ,/, an/at old/jj dodge/nn which/wdt is/bez still/rb good/jj ./.
Ninety-nine/cd times/nns out/in of/in a/at hundred/cd the/at motel/nn manager/nn doesn't/doz* check/vb the/at license/nn number/nn on/in the/at plates/nns against/in the/at license/nn number/nn the/at tenant/nn writes/vbz out/rp ./.
If/cs he/pps does/doz ,/, it's/pps+bez still/rb better/jjr than/cs an/at even/jj chance/nn he/pps won't/md* notice/vb the/at transposition/nn of/in the/at numbers/nns ,/, and/cc if/cs he/pps should/md notice/vb it/ppo ,/, the/at thing/nn can/md be/be passed/vbn off/rp as/cs an/at honest/jj mistake/nn ./.


	I/ppss used/vbd the/at alias/nn of/in Robert/np C./np Richards/np ,/, gave/vbd the/at first/od three/cd letters/nns and/cc the/at first/od and/cc last/ap figure/nn of/in the/at license/nn number/nn on/in the/at agency/nn heap/nn ,/, but/cc a/at couple/nn of/in phony/jj numbers/nns in/in between/in ./.


	I/ppss could/md have/hv written/vbn anything/pn ./.
The/at manager/nn of/in the/at motel/nn was/bedz a/at woman/nn who/wps apparently/rb didn't/dod* care/vb ./.
She/pps was/bedz complying/vbg with/in the/at law/nn in/in regard/nn to/in registrations/nns but/cc she/pps certainly/rb wasn't/bedz* checking/vbg license/nn numbers/nns or/cc bothering/vbg the/at tenants/nns ./.


	``/`` You/ppss mean/vb you're/ppss+ber all/ql alone/rb ,/, Mr./np Richards/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez right/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Your/pp$ wife/nn isn't/bez* going/vbg to/to join/vb you/ppo --/-- later/rbr ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* think/vb so/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` If/cs you/ppss expect/vb her/ppo to/to show/vb up/rp ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` you'd/ppss+hvd better/rbr put/vbn '/' and/cc wife/nn '/' on/in there/rb ./.
It's/pps+bez a/at formality/nn ,/, you/ppss know/vb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Any/dti difference/nn in/in the/at rate/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Not/* to/in you/ppo ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd smiling/vbg ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez ten/cd dollars/nns either/dtx way/nn ./.
There/ex are/ber ice/nn cubes/nns in/in a/at container/nn at/in the/at far/jj end/nn and/cc in/in another/dt by/in the/at office/nn ./.
There/ex are/ber three/cd soft-drink/nn vending/vbg machines/nns ,/, and/cc if/cs you/ppss should/md be/be joined/vbn by/in --/-- anybody/pn --/-- try/vb to/to keep/vb things/nns quiet/jj ,/, if/cs you/ppss will/md ./.
We/ppss like/vb to/to run/vb a/at nice/jj quiet/jj place/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Thank/vb you/ppo ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd her/ppo ./.


	I/ppss took/vbd another/dt sidelong/jj glance/nn at/in the/at other/ap registration/nn card/nn ,/, then/rb took/vbd the/at key/nn to/in Unit/nn-tl 13/cd-tl that/cs she/pps had/hvd given/vbn me/ppo and/cc went/vbd down/rp long/jj enough/qlp to/to park/vb the/at car/nn ./.


	The/at construction/nn was/bedz reasonably/rb solid/jj ;/. ;/.
not/* like/cs the/at cracker-box/nn construction/nn of/in so/ql many/ap of/in the/at motel/nn units/nns that/wps have/hv stucco/nn all/abn over/in the/at outside/nn but/cc walls/nns that/wps are/ber thin/jj enough/qlp so/cs you/ppss can/md hear/vb every/at movement/nn of/in the/at people/nns in/in the/at adjoining/vbg apartment/nn ./.


	I/ppss put/vb a/at small/jj electric/jj amplifier/nn against/in the/at wall/nn on/in the/at side/nn I/ppss wanted/vbd to/to case/vb ./.
With/in the/at aid/nn of/in that/cs I/ppss could/md hear/vb my/pp$ man/nn moving/vbg around/rb ,/, heard/vbd him/ppo cough/vb a/at couple/nn of/in times/nns ,/, heard/vbd the/at toilet/nn flush/vb ,/, heard/vbd the/at sound/nn of/in water/nn running/vbg ./.


	Whoever/wps his/pp$ companion/nn was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be ,/, she/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to join/vb him/ppo later/rbr ./.
She/pps knew/vbd where/wrb to/to come/vb ./.
He/pps didn't/dod* have/hv to/to telephone/vb ./.


	I/ppss was/bedz so/ql hungry/jj my/pp$ stomach/nn felt/vbd all/abn lines/nns of/in communication/nn had/hvd been/ben severed/vbn ./.
It's/pps+bez one/cd thing/nn to/to go/vb without/in food/nn when/wrb you're/ppss+ber occupied/vbn with/in some/dti work/nn or/cc when/wrb you're/ppss+ber simply/rb postponing/vbg a/at meal/nn ,/, but/cc when/wrb you're/ppss+ber dependent/jj on/in someone/pn else/rb and/cc know/vb that/cs you/ppss can't/md* eat/vb until/cs he's/pps+bez bedded/vbn down/rp for/in the/at night/nn ,/, hunger/nn can/md be/be a/at gnawing/vbg torture/nn ./.


	I/ppss had/hvd noticed/vbn a/at drive-in/nn down/in the/at road/nn a/at quarter/nn of/in a/at mile/nn ./.
The/at batteries/nns on/in the/at bugging/vbg device/nn I/ppss had/hvd put/vbn on/in the/at car/nn were/bed still/rb fresh/jj enough/qlp to/to send/vb out/rp good/jj strong/jj signals/nns ./.
The/at powerful/jj microphone/nn I/ppss could/md press/vb against/in the/at wall/nn between/in my/pp$ motel/nn unit/nn and/cc that/wps occupied/vbd by/in the/at man/nn would/md bring/vb in/rp the/at sound/nn of/in any/dti conversation/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss was/bedz positively/rb nauseated/vbn I/ppss was/bedz so/ql hungry/jj ./.


	I/ppss got/vbd in/in the/at car/nn ,/, drove/vbd down/rp to/in the/at drive-in/nn and/cc ordered/vbd a/at couple/nn of/in hamburgers/nns with/in everything/pn included/vbn ,/, a/at cup/nn of/in coffee/nn and/cc the/at fastest/jjt service/nn possible/jj ./.


	The/at place/nn wasn't/bedz* particularly/rb busy/jj at/in that/dt time/nn of/in night/nn ,/, and/cc the/at girl/nn who/wps was/bedz waiting/vbg on/in me/ppo ,/, who/wps was/bedz clothed/vbn in/in the/at tightest-fitting/jjt pair/nn of/in slacks/nns I/ppss had/hvd ever/rb seen/vbn on/in a/at woman/nn and/cc a/at sweater/nn that/wps showed/vbd everything/pn there/ex was/bedz --/-- and/cc there/ex was/bedz lots/ql of/in it/ppo --/-- wanted/vbd to/to be/be sociable/jj ./.


	``/`` You/ppss really/rb in/in a/at hurry/nn ,/, Handsome/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.
She/pps asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` I'm/ppss+bem in/in a/at hurry/nn ,/, Beautiful/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` It's/pps+bez early/rb in/in the/at evening/nn to/to be/be in/in a/at hurry/nn ./.
There's/ex+bez lots/nns of/in time/nn left/vbn ''/'' ./.
``/`` There/ex may/md not/* be/be any/dti women/nns left/vbn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.


	She/pps gave/vbd a/at little/jj pout/nn and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss don't/do* get/vb off/in work/nn until/cs eleven/cd o'clock/rb ./.
That's/dt+bez when/wrb my/pp$ evening/nn commences/vbz ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md be/be here/rb at/in ten-fifty-five/cd ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, you/ppss !/. !/.
''/'' She/pps announced/vbd ./.
``/`` That's/dt+bez what/wdt they/ppss all/abn say/vb ./.
What's/wdt+bez that/dt thing/nn going/vbg buzz-buzz-buzz/uh in/in your/pp$ car/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	I/ppss said/vbd ``/`` Darn/vb it/ppo ,/, that's/dt+bez the/at automatic/jj signal/nn that/wps shows/vbz when/wrb the/at ignition/nn key/nn is/bez on/rp ./.
I/ppss didn't/dod* turn/vb it/ppo off/rp ''/'' ./.
I/ppss reached/vbd over/in and/cc switched/vbd off/rp the/at electronic/jj bugging/vbg device/nn ./.


	She/pps went/vbd in/rp to/to get/vb the/at hamburgers/nns ,/, and/cc I/ppss switched/vbd on/rp the/at device/nn again/rb and/cc kept/vbd the/at signal/nn from/in Dowling's/np$ car/nn coming/vbg in/in steady/jj and/cc clear/jj until/cs I/ppss saw/vbd her/ppo starting/vbg back/rb with/in the/at hamburgers/nns ./.
Then/rb I/ppss shut/vb off/rp the/at device/nn again/rb ./.


	She/pps wanted/vbd to/to hang/vb around/rb while/cs I/ppss was/bedz eating/vbg ./.
``/`` Don't/do* you/ppo think/vb it's/pps+bez selfish/jj to/to have/hv dinner/nn before/cs you/ppss go/vb to/to pick/vb her/ppo up/rp ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez a/at kindness/nn to/in her/ppo ./.
You/ppss see/vb ,/, she's/pps+bez on/in a/at diet/nn ./.
She'll/pps+md eat/vb just/rb a/at pineapple/nn and/cc cottage/nn cheese/nn salad/nn and/cc I'm/ppss+bem to/to have/hv one/cd with/in her/ppo so/cs she/pps won't/md* feel/vb out/in of/in place/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Diets/nns can/md be/be terrible/jj ''/'' ,/, the/at girl/nn said/vbd ./.
``/`` How/wrb much/rb overweight/jj is/bez she/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Not/* a/at bit/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` but/cc she's/pps+bez keeping/vbg her/pp$ figure/nn in/in hand/nn ''/'' ./.


	She/pps looked/vbd at/in me/ppo provocatively/rb ./.
``/`` Good/jj figures/nns should/md be/be kept/vbn in/in hand/nn ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ,/, and/cc walked/vbd away/rb with/in an/at exaggerated/vbn wiggle/nn ./.


	I/ppss turned/vbd on/in the/at device/nn again/rb ,/, half/ql fearful/jj that/cs I/ppss might/md find/vb silence/nn ,/, but/cc the/at buzzes/nns came/vbd in/rp loud/jj and/cc clear/jj ./.


	When/wrb I/ppss switched/vbd on/in the/at lights/nns for/in her/ppo to/to come/vb and/cc get/vb the/at check/nn ,/, I/ppss had/hvd the/at exact/jj change/nn plus/cc a/at dollar/nn tip/nn ./.



	The/at fat/jj man/nn said/vbd ,/, ``/`` All/abn we/ppss gotta/vbn+to do/do is/bez go/vb around/rb the/at corner/nn ''/'' ./.


	The/at gun/nn moved/vbd ./.
The/at thin/jj man/nn said/vbd ,/, ``/`` That-a-way/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` --/-- second/od building/nn on/in the/at right/nr ''/'' ./.


	``/`` --/-- it/pps says/vbz police/nn right/ql on/in the/at door/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` --/-- so/rb even/rb if/cs we/ppss was/bedz as/ql dumb/jj as/cs you/ppss take/vb us/ppo for/in ,/, we/ppss could/md still/rb find/vb it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	Roberta/np and/cc Dave/np began/vbd to/to back/vb toward/in the/at door/nn ./.
The/at thin/jj man/nn waved/vbd the/at gun/nn again/rb ./.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Right/ql around/in the/at corner/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` It/pps says/vbz water/nn works/nns ,/, but/cc there/ex is/bez a/at policeman/nn on/in duty/nn ,/, too/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` A/at night/nn policeman/nn just/rb like/cs in/in the/at States/nns-tl ./.
You/ppss know/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Canada/np doesn't/doz* have/hv much/ap of/in this/dt here/rb juvenile/nn delinquency/nn problem/nn ,/, but/cc we/ppss keep/vb a/at night/nn policeman/nn all/abn the/at same/ap on/in account/nn of/in the/at crazy/jj tourists/nns ''/'' ./.


	At/in the/at door/nn ,/, Dave/np paused/vbd to/to feel/vb for/in the/at latch/nn ./.
Roberta/np glanced/vbd up/rp at/in her/pp$ husband/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be sensible/jj and/cc not/* try/vb to/to do/do anything/pn rash/jj with/in that/dt gun/nn pointed/vbd at/in him/ppo ./.
She/pps measured/vbd the/at distance/nn from/in where/wrb they/ppss stood/vbd to/in the/at men/nns and/cc the/at gun/nn ,/, measured/vbd the/at distance/nn from/in the/at men/nns to/in the/at back/nn room/nn ./.
She/pps decided/vbd to/to risk/vb it/ppo ./.
There/ex was/bedz something/pn phony/jj about/in all/abn this/dt gun/nn waving/nn --/-- something/pn not/* quite/ql what/wdt it/pps seemed/vbd in/in the/at detailed/vbn directions/nns for/in finding/vbg the/at police/nn ./.


	Dave/np had/hvd the/at latch/nn under/in his/pp$ thumb/nn now/rb and/cc he/pps removed/vbd his/pp$ arm/nn from/in his/pp$ wife/nn in/in order/nn to/to pull/vb the/at door/nn open/jj ./.
In/in a/at flash/nn she/pps was/bedz away/rb to/in the/at back/nn ,/, paying/vbg no/at attention/nn to/in three/cd angry/jj shouts/nns from/in the/at male/nn throats/nns ./.
She/pps tore/vbd open/jj the/at back/nn door/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz dark/jj inside/rb the/at room/nn but/cc enough/ap light/nn spilled/vbd from/in the/at restaurant/nn behind/in her/ppo to/to enable/vb her/ppo to/to make/vb out/rp a/at round/jj table/nn with/in a/at green/jj cloth/nn top/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at small/jj sideboard/nn with/in some/dti empty/jj beer/nn bottles/nns on/in it/ppo and/cc perhaps/rb fifteen/cd wooden/jj chairs/nns ./.


	Slowly/rb she/pps turned/vbd to/to face/vb the/at men/nns again/rb ./.
Rat-face/np at/in the/at counter/nn was/bedz on/in his/pp$ feet/nns ./.
The/at distance/nn between/in where/wrb she/pps stood/vbd and/cc where/wrb Dave/np waited/vbd at/in the/at outside/jj door/nn was/bedz a/at hundred/cd miles/nns ./.
Keeping/vbg her/pp$ frightened/vbn gaze/nn on/in the/at men/nns at/in the/at counter/nn ,/, she/pps began/vbd to/to feel/vb her/pp$ way/nn to/in the/at door/nn ./.
She/pps sidled/vbd along/in the/at booths/nns one/cd step/nn at/in a/at time/nn ./.
The/at gun/nn followed/vbd her/ppo ./.


	As/cs she/pps reached/vbd Dave/np and/cc felt/vbd his/pp$ arm/nn go/vb around/in her/ppo ,/, felt/vbd him/ppo pull/vb her/ppo to/in the/at safety/nn of/in his/pp$ person/nn ,/, she/pps knew/vbd with/in the/at certainty/nn of/in despair/nn that/cs something/pn bad/jj had/hvd happened/vbn to/in Lauren/np ./.


	The/at two/cd men/nns watched/vbd as/cs Dave/np closed/vbd the/at door/nn behind/in them/ppo ,/, watched/vbd them/ppo cross/vb the/at sidewalk/nn to/in their/pp$ car/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz getting/vbg light/jj ./.
The/at fat/jj man/nn removed/vbd his/pp$ apron/nn ,/, put/vbd on/in a/at greasy/jj and/cc wrinkled/vbn jacket/nn ,/, and/cc zipped/vbd it/ppo over/in his/pp$ paunch/nn ./.


	The/at thin/jj man/nn moved/vbd swiftly/rb to/in the/at phone/nn and/cc dialed/vbd a/at number/nn ./.
When/wrb he/pps was/bedz answered/vbn ,/, he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Albert/np ?/. ?/.
Vince/np ./.
I'm/ppss+bem sending/vbg you/ppo a/at couple/nn of/in customers/nns --/-- yeah/rb --/-- just/rb get/vb them/ppo out/in of/in my/pp$ hair/nn and/cc keep/vb them/ppo out/rp --/-- I/ppss don't/do* give/vb a/at damn/uh what/wdt you/ppss tell/vb them/ppo --/-- only/rb don't/do* believe/vb a/at word/nn they/ppss say/vb --/-- they're/ppss+ber out/rp to/to make/vb trouble/nn for/in me/ppo and/cc it/pps is/bez up/in to/in you/ppo to/to stop/vb them/ppo --/-- I/ppss don't/do* care/vb how/wrb --/-- and/cc one/cd more/ap thing/nn --/-- Cate's/np$-tl Cafe/nn-tl closed/vbd at/in eleven/cd like/cs always/rb last/ap night/nn and/cc Rose/np and/cc Clarence/np Corsi/np left/vbd for/in Quebec/np yesterday/nr --/-- some/dti shrine/nn or/cc other/ap --/-- I/ppss think/vb it/pps was/bedz called/vbn Saint/nn-tl Simon's/np$-tl --/-- yeah/rb ,/, yesterday/nr ./.
Got/vbn it/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	He/pps turned/vbd from/in the/at phone/nn and/cc strode/vbd to/in the/at front/nn of/in the/at restaurant/nn ./.
The/at white/jj Buick/np hadn't/hvd* moved/vbn away/rb yet/rb ./.
Good/jj ./.
A/at line/nn of/in worry/nn formed/vbd ,/, a/at twitch/nn pulled/vbd his/pp$ mouth/nn over/rp to/in one/cd side/nn ./.


	He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Grosse/np ?/. ?/.
You/ppss ain't/ber* kidding/vbg me/ppo --/-- the/at kid/nn don't/do* know/vb the/at name/nn of/in this/dt town/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss ain't/bem* kidding/vbg you/ppo ,/, Vince/np ./.
How/wrb could/md she/pps ?/. ?/.
She/pps musta/md+hv been/ben walking/vbg in/in her/pp$ sleep/nn --/-- you/ppss seen/vbn her/ppo yourself/ppl in/in here/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Howda/wrb+do I/ppss know/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Remember/vb how/wrb she/pps looked/vbd when/wrb Barney/np held/vbd the/at door/nn for/in her/ppo ?/. ?/.
Kinda/rb like/cs a/at zombie/nn ?/. ?/.
She/pps was/bedz just/rb waking/vbg up/rp when/wrb we/ppss found/vbd her/ppo at/in the/at garage/nn ''/'' ./.


	Vince/np swore/vbd ./.
``/`` Stupid/jj fools/nns --/-- ain't/hv* got/vbn enough/ap brains/nns between/in the/at two/cd of/in you/ppo ''/'' --/-- 

	Grosse/np muttered/vbd ,/, his/pp$ head/nn down/rp ,/, one/cd hand/nn playing/vbg with/in the/at zipper/nn on/in his/pp$ jacket/nn ./.
``/`` --/-- had/hvd enough/ap brains/nns to/to call/vb ya/ppo up/rp so/rb as/cs ya/ppss could/md do/do sompin/pn about/in it/ppo when/wrb the/at parents/nns --/-- I/ppss coulda/md+hv let/vb her/pp$ go/vb go/vb ''/'' --/-- His/pp$ eyes/nns were/bed lowered/vbn ,/, so/cs he/pps couldn't/md* have/hv seen/vbn the/at narrow/jj ,/, pointed/vbn face/nn of/in his/pp$ companion/nn suddenly/rb writhe/vb with/in fury/nn ;/. ;/.
but/cc he/pps was/bedz aware/jj of/in it/ppo just/rb the/at same/ap ./.
He/pps knew/vbd Vince/np Steiner/np was/bedz one/cd of/in those/dts men/nns who/wps had/hvd to/to work/vb up/rp a/at fury/nn once/rb in/in a/at while/nn just/rb to/to prove/vb how/wrb dangerous/jj he/pps could/md be/be ./.


	With/in a/at curse/nn ,/, Vince/np seized/vbd the/at thing/nn nearest/rbt ,/, a/at glass/nn sugar/nn container/nn with/in a/at spouted/vbn metal/nn top/nn ,/, and/cc threw/vbd it/ppo against/in the/at wall/nn opposite/jj ./.
The/at heavy/jj glass/nn didn't/dod* break/vb ,/, but/cc the/at top/nn flew/vbd off/rp ;/. ;/.
sugar/nn sprayed/vbd with/in a/at hiss/nn that/wps was/bedz loud/jj in/in the/at silence/nn ./.


	Not/* really/rb startled/vbn ,/, but/cc careful/jj to/to appear/vb so/rb ,/, Grosse/np sucked/vbd noisily/rb on/in his/pp$ pipe/nn ./.
Vince/np cursed/vbd steadily/rb ./.
``/`` Why/wrb does/doz everything/pn have/hv to/to happen/vb to/in me/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Grosse/np quietly/rb got/vbd a/at broom/nn and/cc started/vbd to/to sweep/vb up/rp the/at sugar/nn ./.
Vince/np watched/vbd him/ppo ./.
His/pp$ mouth/nn worked/vbd over/in the/at profanity/nn ,/, the/at obscenities/nns in/in his/pp$ vocabulary/nn ./.
Once/rb he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Why'n/wrb+in hell/nn didn't/dod* you/ppss look/vb in/in the/at back/nn seat/nn of/in the/at car/nn before/cs you/ppss drove/vbd off/rp ?/. ?/.
Don't/do* you/ppss and/cc Barney/np ever/rb use/vb your/pp$ brains/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at fat/jj man/nn didn't/dod* answer/vb ./.
He/pps got/vbd one/cd of/in the/at menus/nns and/cc brushed/vbd the/at spilled/vbn sugar/nn onto/in it/ppo and/cc carried/vbd it/ppo to/in a/at box/nn on/in the/at floor/nn behind/in the/at counter/nn ./.
He/pps returned/vbd the/at menu/nn to/in its/pp$ place/nn between/in catchup/nn bottle/nn and/cc paper/nn napkin/nn dispenser/nn ./.


	He/pps spoke/vbd soothingly/rb ./.
``/`` She/pps don't/do* know/vb nothing/pn about/in them/ppo cars/nns ./.
She/pps thinks/vbz she's/pps+bez in/in a/at ordinary/jj garage/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` How/wrb do/do you/ppss know/vb ,/, stupid/jj ?/. ?/.
And/cc put/vb Cate's/np$ gun/nn back/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss know/vb ''/'' ./.
Grosse/np tucked/vbd the/at gun/nn under/in the/at counter/nn ./.


	``/`` --/-- one/cd word/nn of/in this/dt gets/vbz to/in Guardino/np ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` Who's/wps+bez telling/vbg Guardino/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Vince/np swore/vbd again/rb ./.
``/`` You/ppss get/vb that/dt kid/nn over/rp to/in Rose's/np$ house/nn ''/'' ./.


	The/at fat/jj man/nn winced/vbd ./.
He/pps ran/vbd a/at finger/nn down/in his/pp$ cheek/nn ,/, tracing/vbg the/at scratch/nn there/rb ./.
``/`` Why/wrb can't/md* I/ppss leave/vb her/ppo locked/vbn up/rp in/in the/at tool/nn crib/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at thin/jj man/nn stopped/vbd his/pp$ pacing/nn long/jj enough/qlp to/to glance/vb at/in the/at clock/nn ./.
``/`` You/ppss and/cc Barney/np get/vb her/ppo over/rp to/in Rose's/np$ before/cs it/pps gets/vbz too/ql light/jj ./.
After/cs Guardino's/np+hvz left/vbn ,/, we'll/ppss+md dump/vb the/at kid/nn somewhere/rb near/in the/at border/nn where/wrb she/pps kin/md get/vb home/nr ./.
God/np help/vb you/ppo if/cs she/pps knows/vbz where/wrb she's/pps+hvz been/ben ''/'' ./.


	Grosse/np spread/vb his/pp$ hands/nns ./.
``/`` What/wdt am/bem I/ppss going/vbg to/to do/do with/in her/ppo all/abn day/nn ?/. ?/.
In/in the/at tool/nn crib/nn she/pps can't/md* get/vb away/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt the/at hell/nn do/do I/ppss care/vb what/wdt you/ppss do/do with/in her/ppo all/abn day/nn ?/. ?/.
Just/rb get/vb her/ppo where/wrb Guardino/np won't/md* see/vb her/ppo and/cc start/vb asking/vbg questions/nns ''/'' ./.


	Grosse/np swore/vbd now/rb ./.
``/`` Dammit/uh all/abn ,/, Vince/np ./.
I/ppss ain't/bem* no/at baby/nn sitter/nn ''/'' ./.


	Vince/np shouted/vbd finally/rb ,/, ``/`` Get/vb-tl her/ppo over/rp to/in Rose's/np$ and/cc I'll/ppss+md come/vb by/rb and/cc see/vb that/cs she/pps stays/vbz put/vbn ''/'' ./.


	Grosse/np rubbed/vbd the/at bridge/nn of/in his/pp$ nose/nn where/wrb it/pps was/bedz swollen/jj ./.
He/pps spoke/vbd sullenly/rb ./.
``/`` You/ppss don't/do* hafta/hv+to get/vb nasty/jj ./.
I/ppss wish/vb you/ppo luck/nn when/wrb you/ppss try/vb scaring/vbg that/dt kid/nn ''/'' ./.
Suddenly/rb he/pps grinned/vbd ./.
His/pp$ voice/nn lost/vbd its/pp$ sullen/jj tones/nns and/cc he/pps chuckled/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss got/vbd one/cd question/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt is/bez it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Impatiently/rb ./.


	``/`` Are/ber you/ppss a/at poor/jj dumb/jj Canadian/np or/cc a/at smart/jj aleck/nn from/in the/at States/nns-tl ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Vince/np lifted/vbd his/pp$ hand/nn as/cs if/cs to/to strike/vb ,/, but/cc his/pp$ thin/jj lips/nns spread/vb in/in a/at smile/nn ./.
Grosse/np ducked/vbd and/cc sniggered/vbd ./.
``/`` Where'd/wrb+dod you/ppss say/vb you/ppss was/bedz born/vbn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` In/in a/at Chicago/np slum/nn just/rb like/cs you/ppss ./.
And/cc I/ppss ain't/bem* going/vbg back/rb there/rb on/in account/nn of/in one/cd lousy/jj kid/nn ''/'' ./.




Lauren/np Landis/np rubbed/vbd her/pp$ face/nn against/in the/at blanket/nn ./.
She/pps had/hvd cried/vbn a/at little/ap because/cs she/pps was/bedz frightened/vbn ./.
She/pps could/md easily/rb understand/vb why/wrb the/at two/cd men/nns had/hvd been/ben startled/vbn to/to find/vb a/at strange/jj girl/nn in/in the/at back/nn seat/nn of/in their/pp$ car/nn (/( she/pps had/hvd figured/vbn that/dt out/rp )/) ,/, but/cc she/pps couldn't/md* understand/vb their/pp$ subsequent/jj actions/nns ./.
Was/bedz it/pps because/cs she/pps had/hvd shown/vbn panic/nn ?/. ?/.
Who/wps could/md blame/vb her/ppo for/in that/dt ?/. ?/.
It/pps was/bedz one/cd thing/nn to/to awaken/vb outside/in a/at restaurant/nn where/wrb your/pp$ parents/nns were/bed eating/vbg and/cc quite/abl another/dt to/to awaken/vb in/in a/at strange/jj garage/nn and/cc know/vb your/pp$ parents/nns had/hvd gone/vbn on/rp home/nr without/in you/ppo ./.


	She/pps was/bedz glad/jj the/at fat/jj man/nn had/hvd left/vbn ./.
Barney/np was/bedz not/* really/rb frightening/vbg ./.
She/pps jumped/vbd as/cs the/at little/jj man/nn now/rb appeared/vbd at/in the/at window/nn and/cc ,/, reaching/vbg through/in the/at opening/vbg ,/, offered/vbd her/ppo a/at bottle/nn of/in coke/nn ./.
She/pps smiled/vbd at/in him/ppo wetly/rb ./.
Although/cs she/pps found/vbd she/pps was/bedz thirsty/jj ,/, she/pps was/bedz about/rb to/to refuse/vb (/( never/rb ,/, never/rb take/vb candy/nn from/in a/at strange/jj man/nn )/) when/wrb she/pps saw/vbd the/at bottle/nn was/bedz unopened/jj ./.
He/pps placed/vbd a/at bottle/nn opener/nn on/in the/at counter/nn ./.
So/rb ,/, he/pps understood/vbd her/pp$ panic/nn ./.
She/pps blew/vbd her/pp$ nose/nn on/in a/at tissue/nn and/cc opened/vbd the/at coke/nn bottle/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz icy/jj cold/jj and/cc tasted/vbd delicious/jj ./.
She/pps felt/vbd a/at lift/nn in/in spirit/nn ./.
When/wrb she/pps was/bedz finished/vbn she/pps pushed/vbd it/ppo back/rb ./.
The/at man/nn was/bedz busy/jj doing/vbg something/pn to/in the/at inside/nn of/in the/at door-frame/nn on/in the/at driver's/nn$ side/nn of/in a/at car/nn ./.


	She/pps called/vbd softly/rb ,/, ``/`` Barney/np ''/'' ./.


	He/pps looked/vbd in/in her/pp$ direction/nn but/cc he/pps didn't/dod* answer/vb ./.


	She/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Barney/np ,/, why/wrb is/bez he/pps keeping/vbg me/ppo here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Still/rb no/at answer/nn ./.
He/pps seemed/vbd to/to be/be looking/vbg at/in a/at point/nn above/in the/at little/jj window/nn ./.


	Lauren/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Why/wrb can't/md* I/ppss call/vb my/pp$ home/nr ?/. ?/.
Or/cc borrow/vb some/dti money/nn from/in someone/pn and/cc go/vb home/nr by/in bus/nn ?/. ?/.
I/ppss could/md send/vb the/at money/nn right/ql back/rb ''/'' ./.


	Barney/np finished/vbd the/at cigarette/nn he/pps had/hvd been/ben smoking/vbg ./.
He/pps dropped/vbd it/ppo and/cc carefully/rb ground/vbd it/ppo to/in nothing/pn with/in the/at sole/nn of/in his/pp$ heavy/jj shoe/nn ./.
Now/rb he/pps looked/vbd at/in her/ppo ./.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss only/rb work/vb here/rb ''/'' ./.


	Lauren/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Please/uh ''/'' ?/. ?/.
But/cc he/pps was/bedz back/rb at/in work/nn on/in a/at car/nn ./.


	She/pps dropped/vbd her/pp$ head/nn on/in her/pp$ arms/nns on/in the/at counter/nn ./.
How/wrb could/md he/pps be/be kind/jj one/cd moment/nn and/cc cruel/jj the/at next/ap ?/. ?/.
Did/dod he/pps know/vb something/pn that/wps made/vbd him/ppo feel/vb sad/jj and/cc sorry/jj for/in her/ppo ?/. ?/.
And/cc was/bedz he/pps afraid/jj to/to do/do anything/pn as/ql definite/jj as/cs releasing/vbg her/ppo ?/. ?/.
Her/pp$ heart/nn was/bedz thumping/vbg painfully/rb ;/. ;/.
the/at unknown/jj was/bedz so/ql much/ql worse/jjr than/cs --/-- what/wdt dangers/nns lay/vb ahead/rb for/in her/ppo ?/. ?/.
What/wdt awful/jj thing/nn had/hvd she/pps to/to face/vb in/in the/at next/ap few/ap hours/nns ?/. ?/.
Something/pn wet/jj and/cc hot/jj was/bedz trickling/vbg on/in her/pp$ wrists/nns ./.
Tears/nns ?/. ?/.


	With/in a/at sturdy/jj act/nn of/in will/nn she/pps turned/vbd her/pp$ mind/nn away/rb from/in herself/ppl ;/. ;/.
as/ql long/jj as/cs she/pps could/md do/do nothing/pn constructive/jj about/in the/at situation/nn she/pps was/bedz in/in ,/, she/pps would/md think/vb about/in something/pn else/rb ./.
Her/pp$ mother/nn and/cc father/nn ,/, for/in instance/nn ./.
Where/wrb were/bed they/ppss now/rb ?/. ?/.
In/in her/pp$ mind/nn she/pps followed/vbd the/at white/jj Buick/np along/in the/at road/nn somewhere/rb between/in here/rb and/cc the/at Niagara/np-tl River/nn-tl ./.
Her/pp$ father's/nn$ attention/nn would/md be/be on/in the/at road/nn ahead/rb and/cc it/pps wouldn't/md* deviate/vb an/at inch/nn until/cs he/pps crossed/vbd the/at bridge/nn at/in the/at Falls/nns-tl and/cc took/vbd the/at River/nn-tl Road/nn-tl to/in LaSalle/np and/cc ,/, finally/rb ,/, turned/vbd in/rp at/in their/pp$ own/jj driveway/nn at/in 387/cd Heather/nn-tl Heights/nns-tl ./.
Then/rb he/pps would/md yawn/vb and/cc stretch/vb and/cc shout/vb ,/, ``/`` All/abn out/rp ./.
This/dt is/bez the/at end/nn of/in the/at line/nn ''/'' ./.


	And/cc what/wdt would/md her/pp$ mother/nn be/be doing/vbg right/ql now/rb ?/. ?/.
Her/pp$ mother/nn would/md be/be fast/ql asleep/rb curled/vbn up/rp against/in that/ql wonderful/jj ,/, big/jj ,/, safe/jj ,/, solid/jj shoulder/nn next/in to/in her/ppo on/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.


	Lauren/np Landis/np was/bedz in/in trouble/nn and/cc she/pps was/bedz alone/rb ./.




Roberta/np Landis/np put/vbd her/pp$ hand/nn on/in her/pp$ husband's/nn$ arm/nn as/cs he/pps slid/vbd in/in the/at driver's/nn$ seat/nn beside/in her/ppo ./.
Somewhere/rb birds/nns were/bed sweetly/rb calling/vbg ,/, were/bed answered/vbn ./.
Her/pp$ teeth/nns chattered/vbd so/cs that/cs she/pps made/vbd three/cd attempts/nns at/in speech/nn before/cs she/pps became/vbd intelligible/jj ./.


	``/`` Dave/np ./.
I/ppss saw/vb that/dt woman's/nn$ apron/nn behind/in the/at door/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at wet/jj spot/nn --/-- she/pps couldn't/md* have/hv been/ben gone/vbn long/jj ''/'' ./.


	Dave/np made/vbd some/dti sound/nn meant/vbn to/to convey/vb agreement/nn ./.
He/pps inserted/vbd the/at car/nn key/nn in/in the/at lock/nn ./.
Roberta/np was/bedz violently/rb trembling/vbg ./.


	She/pps stammered/vbd ,/, ``/`` You/ppss heard/vbd what/wdt he/pps said/vbd about/in police/nns ?/. ?/.
Why/wrb don't/do* we/ppss drive/vb around/in the/at corner/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at car/nn door/nn crashed/vbd shut/vbn ./.
The/at engine/nn throbbed/vbd into/in life/nn ./.
Dave/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss got/vbd the/at message/nn ./.
We're/ppss+ber going/vbg ''/'' ./.


	Roberta/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` no/rb ./.
You/ppss go/vb ./.
Walk/vb ./.
Suppose/vb Lauren/np comes/vbz looking/vbg for/in us/ppo ?/. ?/.
I/ppss can/md sit/vb here/rb in/in the/at car/nn while/cs you/ppss walk/vb around/in the/at corner/nn ''/'' ./.


	The/at big/jj car/nn sprang/vbd away/rb from/in the/at curb/nn like/cs something/pn alive/jj ./.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I'm/ppss+bem not/* going/vbg to/to leave/vb my/pp$ wife/nn and/cc my/pp$ car/nn out/rp here/rb in/in sight/nn of/in those/dts ''/'' --/-- 

	Roberta/np glanced/vbd at/in him/ppo and/cc stopped/vbd trembling/vbg ./.

His/pp$ jowls/nns were/bed spiked/vbn by/in barbs/nns of/in graying/vbg beard/nn ./.
His/pp$ small/jj ,/, mean/jj eyes/nns regarded/vbd Marty/np steadily/rb ,/, unblinkingly/rb ./.
His/pp$ eyes/nns were/bed threaded/vbn by/in little/jj filaments/nns of/in red/jj as/cs if/cs tiny/jj veins/nns had/hvd burst/vbn and/cc flooded/vbn blood/nn into/in them/ppo ./.
As/cs he/pps chewed/vbd his/pp$ gum/nn and/cc exuded/vbd wheezing/vbg breath/nn ,/, Marty/np smelt/vbd the/at reek/nn of/in bad/jj whiskey/nn ./.


	Marty/np recognized/vbd the/at man/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd driven/vbn the/at car/nn that/wps passed/vbd them/ppo on/in the/at road/nn outside/in Admassy's/np$ place/nn ./.
This/dt was/bedz Acey/np Squire/np ,/, proprietor/nn of/in the/at juke/nn joint/nn ./.


	Marty/np smiled/vbd at/in Squire/np pleasantly/rb and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` There/ex was/bedz a/at cab/nn waiting/vbg for/in me/ppo here/rb ./.
Do/do you/ppss know/vb where/wrb it/pps might/md have/hv gone/vbn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Squire/nn chewed/vbd his/pp$ gum/nn ,/, his/pp$ jaw/nn moving/vbg in/in a/at steady/jj rhythm/nn ./.
He/pps looked/vbd straight/rb at/in Marty/np ./.
He/pps did/dod not/* answer/vb ./.
Marty/np scanned/vbd the/at faces/nns of/in the/at others/nns nearest/rbt him/ppo ,/, looked/vbd into/in their/pp$ staring/vbg eyes/nns ./.


	``/`` Did/dod anyone/pn see/vb my/pp$ cab/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ,/, keeping/vbg his/pp$ voice/nn casual/jj ./.


	He/pps avoided/vbd showing/vbg any/dti surprise/nn or/cc annoyance/nn when/wrb no/at one/pn answered/vbd him/ppo ./.


	``/`` I/ppss have/hv to/to get/vb back/rb to/in Jarrodsville/np ''/'' ,/, he/pps went/vbd on/rp ./.
``/`` I/ppss see/vb there/ex are/ber some/dti cars/nns here/rb ./.
I/ppss wonder/vb if/cs one/cd of/in you/ppo gentlemen/nns could/md drive/vb me/ppo back/rb to/in town/nn ?/. ?/.
I'd/ppss+md be/be happy/jj to/to pay/vb for/in the/at favor/nn ,/, of/in course/nn ''/'' ./.


	The/at seventeen/cd men/nns stood/vbd and/cc stared/vbd at/in him/ppo for/in a/at moment/nn longer/jjr ./.
And/cc then/rb a/at startling/jj thing/nn occurred/vbd ./.
It/pps was/bedz so/ql utterly/rb unexpected/jj that/cs Marty/np stood/vbd for/in several/ap moments/nns with/in his/pp$ mouth/nn hanging/vbg open/jj foolishly/rb after/cs it/pps had/hvd happened/vbn ./.


	There/ex was/bedz no/at word/nn spoken/vbn ,/, no/rb apparent/jj signal/nn given/vbn ./.


	Yet/rb the/at men/nns all/abn moved/vbd at/in the/at same/ap instant/nn ./.


	They/ppss piled/vbd into/in the/at waiting/vbg cars/nns ,/, motors/nns roared/vbd ,/, the/at cars/nns sped/vbd off/rp ./.


	The/at station/nn wagon/nn and/cc the/at old/jj Plymouth/np headed/vbd east/nr toward/in Jarrodsville/np ./.
The/at Ford/np and/cc the/at pickup/nn truck/nn sped/vbd west/nr toward/in Sanford's/np$-tl Run/nn-tl ./.


	In/in seconds/nns all/abn four/cd cars/nns were/bed out/rp of/in sight/nn ./.


	Marty/np Land/np stood/vbd alone/rb on/in a/at red-clay/nn road/nn as/cs storm/nn clouds/nns gathered/vbd ominously/rb in/in the/at sky/nn again/rb ./.
From/in a/at great/jj distance/nn thunder/nn growled/vbd and/cc broke/vbd the/at silence/nn ./.


	Land/np looked/vbd back/rb toward/in the/at dilapidated/vbn house/nn ./.
He/pps thought/vbd he/pps saw/vbd a/at pale/jj face/nn at/in a/at window/nn ./.
Perhaps/rb it/pps was/bedz Dora/np May/np ./.
Perhaps/rb she/pps would/md be/be glad/jj that/cs they/ppss hadn't/hvd* hurt/nn him/ppo ./.


	There/ex were/bed other/ap farmhouses/nns nearby/rb ./.
Across/in the/at road/nn there/ex was/bedz one/cd no/rb more/ap than/in a/at hundred/cd yards/nns away/rb ./.
There/ex was/bedz another/dt on/in this/dt side/nn ,/, a/at little/ql further/rbr down/rp ./.
There/ex were/bed many/ap more/ap between/in here/rb and/cc Jarrodsville/np ./.
Telephone/nn poles/nns lined/vbd the/at road/nn ./.
They/ppss reared/vbd tall/jj and/cc mocking/vbg ./.
Their/pp$ wires/nns stretched/vbd out/rp into/in infinity/nn ./.
Not/* a/at single/ap strand/nn of/in wire/nn reached/vbd into/in the/at silent/jj houses/nns beside/in the/at red-clay/nn road/nn ./.


	There/ex was/bedz nothing/pn he/pps could/md do/do but/cc walk/vb ./.
And/cc Jarrodsville/np was/bedz more/ap than/in three/cd miles/nns away/rb ,/, down/in an/at old/jj dirt/nn road/nn that/cs the/at rain/nn had/hvd turned/vbn into/in a/at quagmire/nn ./.


	Marty/np faced/vbd east/nr and/cc started/vbd walking/vbg down/in the/at left/jj side/nn of/in the/at road/nn ./.
After/cs he/pps had/hvd proceeded/vbn a/at few/ap feet/nns ,/, he/pps paused/vbd and/cc turned/vbd up/rp the/at cuffs/nns of/in his/pp$ trousers/nns ,/, which/wdt were/bed already/rb damp/jj and/cc mud-caked/jj ./.
The/at viscous/jj mud/nn was/bedz ankle-deep/jj ,/, and/cc in/in places/nns great/jj puddles/nns spread/vbd across/in the/at road/nn and/cc reflected/vbd the/at murky/jj light/nn ./.


	As/cs he/pps approached/vbd the/at first/od farmhouse/nn ,/, thunder/nn sounded/vbd behind/in him/ppo again/rb ,/, closer/rbr now/rb and/cc louder/jjr ,/, like/cs a/at steadily/rb advancing/vbg drum/nn corps/nn ./.
There/ex were/bed several/ap people/nns on/in the/at porch/nn of/in the/at farmhouse/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at very/ql old/jj man/nn and/cc a/at young/jj woman/nn and/cc a/at brood/nn of/in children/nns ranging/vbg from/in toddlers/nns to/in teen-agers/nns ./.
For/in just/rb an/at instant/nn he/pps thought/vbd of/in appealing/vbg to/in them/ppo for/in help/nn ./.
Perhaps/rb they/ppss had/hvd a/at car/nn or/cc truck/nn and/cc would/md drive/vb him/ppo into/in town/nn ./.
Then/rb he/pps realized/vbd the/at utter/jj futility/nn of/in the/at idea/nn ./.
They/ppss were/bed staring/vbg at/in him/ppo in/in the/at same/ap blank/nn and/cc menacing/vbg way/nn that/cs the/at men/nns outside/in the/at gate/nn had/hvd stared/vbn ./.
Even/rb the/at eyes/nns of/in the/at smallest/jjt children/nns seemed/vbd malicious/jj ./.


	On/in his/pp$ side/nn of/in the/at road/nn there/ex were/bed two/cd farm/nn hands/nns ,/, well/rb back/rb in/in a/at field/nn ,/, leaning/vbg against/in a/at plow/nn ./.
They/ppss ,/, too/rb ,/, stared/vbd at/in him/ppo ./.


	The/at drums/nns of/in thunder/nn were/bed right/ql behind/in him/ppo now/rb ./.


	A/at foolish/jj thought/nn came/vbd into/in his/pp$ head/nn ./.
He/pps remembered/vbd a/at story/nn he/pps had/hvd read/vbn as/cs a/at youth/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz probably/rb one/cd of/in Kipling's/np$ tales/nns of/in the/at British/jj-tl Army/nn-tl ./.
It/pps concerned/vbd an/at officer/nn who/wps had/hvd been/ben disgraced/vbn and/cc drummed/vbd out/rp ./.
The/at steady/jj roll/nn of/in the/at drums/nns had/hvd sounded/vbn behind/in him/ppo as/cs he/pps walked/vbd between/in the/at endless/jj ranks/nns of/in the/at men/nns he/pps had/hvd commanded/vbn ,/, and/cc each/dt man/nn about-faced/vbd and/cc turned/vbd his/pp$ back/nn as/cs the/at officer/nn approached/vbd ./.
Marty/np wished/vbd these/dts poor/jj farm/nn people/nns would/md turn/vb their/pp$ backs/nns ./.


	The/at fencing/nn by/in the/at roadside/nn ended/vbd ./.
Now/rb the/at dirt/nn highway/nn was/bedz bordered/vbn on/in either/dtx side/nn by/in a/at fairly/ql deep/jj drainage/nn ditch/nn ,/, too/ql broad/jj to/to leap/vb over/rp unless/cs you/ppss were/bed an/at Olympic/jj star/nn ./.
The/at day's/nn$ rain/nn had/hvd been/ben added/vbn to/in the/at stagnant/jj water/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz trapped/vbn on/in the/at road/nn when/wrb he/pps heard/vbd the/at sound/nn of/in an/at approaching/vbg car/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz coming/vbg toward/in him/ppo ./.
The/at car/nn was/bedz now/rb in/in sight/nn ./.
Marty's/np$ heart/nn skipped/vbd a/at beat/nn when/wrb he/pps recognized/vbd it/ppo ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at station/nn wagon/nn that/wps had/hvd passed/vbn his/pp$ cab/nn on/in the/at road/nn ,/, the/at station/nn wagon/nn that/wps had/hvd been/ben parked/vbn at/in the/at Burch/np farm/nn ./.
Acey/np Squire's/np$ station/nn wagon/nn ./.
It/pps had/hvd headed/vbn back/rb toward/in Jarrodsville/np ./.
That/wps had/hvd only/rb been/ben a/at ruse/nn to/to lure/vb him/ppo out/rp on/in the/at deserted/vbn road/nn ./.
Now/rb Acey/np and/cc his/pp$ friends/nns were/bed returning/vbg to/to seek/vb him/ppo out/rp ./.


	The/at station/nn wagon/nn came/vbd to/in a/at stop/nn a/at couple/nn of/in hundred/cd feet/nns in/in front/nn of/in him/ppo ,/, beside/in a/at fenced/vbn field/nn ./.
Then/rb there/ex was/bedz another/dt sound/nn ./.
A/at second/od car/nn was/bedz coming/vbg from/in the/at west/nr ,/, from/in the/at direction/nn of/in Sanford's/np$-tl Run/nn-tl ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at Ford/np that/wps had/hvd been/ben outside/in Burch's/np$ farm/nn ./.


	Marty/np looked/vbd helplessly/rb in/in both/abx directions/nns ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at narrow/jj road/nn ,/, barely/rb wide/jj enough/qlp for/in two/cd cars/nns to/to pass/vb ./.
He/pps could/md not/* leave/vb the/at road/nn because/cs of/in the/at water-filled/jj drainage/nn ditch/nn ./.
When/wrb the/at two/cd cars/nns were/bed equidistant/jj from/in him/ppo ,/, the/at station/nn wagon/nn started/vbd up/rp again/rb and/cc the/at Ford/np gathered/vbd speed/nn ./.
They/ppss bore/vbd down/rp on/in him/ppo ./.
There/ex was/bedz nothing/pn he/pps could/md do/do except/in jump/vb into/in the/at ditch/nn ./.


	He/pps jumped/vbd ,/, and/cc sank/vbd to/in his/pp$ knees/nns in/in muddy/jj water/nn ./.


	As/cs the/at two/cd cars/nns roared/vbd by/in ,/, there/ex was/bedz a/at high-pitched/jj eerie/jj ,/, nerve-shattering/jj sound/nn ./.
Marty/np knew/vbd how/wrb the/at Union/nn-tl soldiers/nns must/md have/hv felt/vbn at/in Chancellorsville/np and/cc Antietam/np and/cc Gettysburg/np when/wrb the/at ragged/jj gray/jj ranks/nns charged/vbd at/in them/ppo ,/, screaming/vbg the/at wild/jj banshee/nn howl/nn they/ppss called/vbd the/at Rebel/nn-tl yell/nn ./.


	For/in moments/nns he/pps stood/vbd in/in water/nn ,/, shivering/vbg and/cc gasping/vbg for/in breath/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd turned/vbn his/pp$ ankle/nn slightly/rb ,/, and/cc it/pps pained/vbd him/ppo ./.
The/at cars/nns ,/, with/in their/pp$ load/nn of/in howling/vbg men/nns ,/, had/hvd disappeared/vbn in/in the/at distance/nn ./.
There/ex had/hvd been/ben two/cd more/ap cars/nns parked/vbn at/in the/at farm/nn ,/, a/at Plymouth/np and/cc a/at pickup/nn truck/nn ./.
They/ppss would/md be/be coming/vbg for/in him/ppo next/rb ,/, bearing/vbg down/rp on/in him/ppo from/in both/abx directions/nns ./.
And/cc then/rb the/at station/nn wagon/nn and/cc the/at Ford/np would/md seek/vb him/ppo out/rp again/rb ./.
He/pps would/md be/be harassed/vbn repeatedly/rb and/cc would/md escape/vb death/nn by/in inches/nns time/nn after/in time/nn ,/, all/abn the/at way/nn to/in Jarrodsville/np ./.
He/pps still/rb had/hvd three/cd miles/nns to/to go/vb ./.
Back/rb East/nr-tl the/at more/ql affluent/jj juvenile/nn delinquents/nns ,/, who/wps could/md afford/vb hyped-up/jj autos/nns instead/rb of/in switch/nn blades/nns as/cs lethal/jj weapons/nns ,/, played/vbd this/dt same/ap game/nn and/cc called/vbd it/ppo ``/`` Chicken/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	He/pps could/md not/* go/vb through/in the/at fields/nns ./.
That/dt way/nn was/bedz barred/vbn on/in both/abx sides/nns of/in the/at road/nn by/in a/at high/jj barbed-wire/nn fence/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd to/to make/vb for/in the/at section/nn of/in road/nn just/ql ahead/rb that/dt was/bedz bordered/vbn by/in the/at rail/nn fence/nn ,/, the/at section/nn by/in the/at farmhouse/nn ./.
At/in least/ap he/pps could/md climb/vb up/rp on/in the/at fence/nn when/wrb his/pp$ tormenters/nns roared/vbd by/rb again/rb ./.
The/at Admassy/np place/nn could/md not/* be/be far/rb now/rb ./.
He/pps would/md go/vb in/in there/rb ,/, climb/vb through/in the/at window/nn ,/, and/cc at/in least/ap be/be safe/jj for/in a/at little/jj while/nn and/cc able/jj to/to rest/vb ./.
There/ex was/bedz even/rb a/at bare/jj chance/nn that/cs the/at phone/nn had/hvd not/* been/ben disconnected/vbn ./.


	He/pps did/dod not/* dare/vb climb/vb back/rb up/rp to/in the/at road/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz deep/jj in/in water/nn ,/, but/cc at/in least/ap they/ppss could/md not/* reach/vb him/ppo there/rb ./.
He/pps splashed/vbd on/rp ,/, mud/nn sucking/vbg at/in his/pp$ feet/nns with/in each/dt step/nn ,/, until/cs he/pps reached/vbd the/at end/nn of/in the/at drainage/nn ditch/nn and/cc the/at beginning/nn of/in the/at fence/nn that/wps enclosed/vbd the/at farm/nn ./.
He/pps climbed/vbd back/rb to/in the/at road/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps felt/vbd utterly/rb exhausted/vbn ./.
He/pps stood/vbd ,/, panting/vbg ,/, for/in a/at moment/nn ./.
And/cc then/rb he/pps saw/vbd something/pn that/cs he/pps had/hvd not/* seen/vbn before/rb ,/, and/cc panic/nn gripped/vbd him/ppo again/rb ./.


	The/at fence/nn ,/, his/pp$ only/ap refuge/nn when/wrb the/at metal/nn death/nn came/vbd roaring/vbg at/in him/ppo ,/, was/bedz made/vbn of/in rails/nns ,/, all/ql right/rb ,/, but/cc the/at rails/nns were/bed protected/vbn by/in a/at thick/jj screening/nn of/in barbed/vbn wire/nn that/wps would/md rip/vb his/pp$ flesh/nn if/cs he/pps pressed/vbd against/in it/ppo ./.
He/pps lurched/vbd on/rp down/in the/at road/nn despairingly/rb ,/, because/cs there/ex was/bedz no/at place/nn else/rb to/to go/vb ./.


	He/pps lost/vbd all/abn sense/nn of/in dignity/nn ./.
You/ppss could/md not/* stand/vb on/in dignity/nn when/wrb you/ppss were/bed soaked/vbn and/cc muddied/vbn and/cc your/pp$ life/nn was/bedz at/in stake/nn ./.
Probably/rb people/nns were/bed watching/vbg him/ppo from/in the/at porch/nn or/cc from/in behind/in the/at windows/nns of/in this/dt farmhouse/nn ,/, too/rb ,/, but/cc he/pps did/dod not/* bother/vb to/to look/vb ./.
He/pps broke/vbd into/in a/at dogtrot/nn ,/, breathing/vbg heavily/rb ,/, streaming/vbg with/in sweat/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd to/to reach/vb Admassy's/np$ place/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz his/pp$ only/ap sanctuary/nn ./.
The/at fences/nns on/in both/abx sides/nns of/in the/at road/nn bristled/vbd with/in the/at barbed/vbn wire/nn ./.
The/at fences/nns stretched/vbd on/rp endlessly/rb ./.


	And/cc then/rb he/pps heard/vbd them/ppo ./.


	And/cc now/rb he/pps saw/vbd them/ppo ./.


	The/at Plymouth/np was/bedz coming/vbg at/in him/ppo from/in the/at east/nr ,/, the/at pickup/nn truck/nn from/in the/at west/nr ./.
They/ppss had/hvd timed/vbn it/ppo better/rbr this/dt time/nn ./.
They/ppss would/md reach/vb him/ppo at/in almost/rb exactly/rb the/at same/ap instant/nn ./.
He/pps stopped/vbd stone-still/jj ./.
If/cs he/pps backed/vbd against/in the/at fence/nn ,/, one/cd of/in the/at cars/nns would/md brush/vb him/ppo as/cs it/pps passed/vbd ,/, and/cc he/pps would/md be/be cruelly/rb lacerated/vbn by/in the/at wire/nn ./.


	He/pps stumbled/vbd to/in the/at middle/nn of/in the/at road/nn and/cc simply/rb stood/vbd there/rb ,/, waiting/vbg for/in them/ppo ,/, a/at perfect/jj target/nn ./.


	The/at cars/nns must/md have/hv had/hvn their/pp$ gas/nn pedals/nns pushed/vbn down/rp to/in the/at floor/nn boards/nns ./.
They/ppss were/bed coming/vbg on/rp at/in reckless/jj speed/nn for/in such/jj old/jj vehicles/nns ./.
They/ppss thundered/vbd at/in him/ppo ./.
He/pps held/vbd his/pp$ arms/nns close/rb to/in his/pp$ sides/nns and/cc made/vbd himself/ppl as/ql small/jj as/ql possible/jj ./.
When/wrb the/at Plymouth/np neared/vbd ,/, it/pps veered/vbd toward/in him/ppo and/cc seemed/vbd about/rb to/to run/vb him/ppo down/rp ./.
He/pps forced/vbd himself/ppl to/to stay/vb frozen/vbn there/rb ./.
If/cs he/pps moved/vbd ,/, he/pps would/md be/be in/in the/at path/nn of/in the/at other/ap car/nn ./.
He/pps thought/vbd the/at fender/nn of/in the/at Plymouth/np brushed/vbd his/pp$ jacket/nn as/cs it/pps went/vbd by/rb ./.
In/in a/at fraction/nn of/in a/at second/od the/at pickup/nn truck/nn hurtled/vbd by/rb on/in the/at other/ap side/nn ./.


	The/at weird/jj ,/, insane/jj sound/nn of/in the/at Rebel/nn-tl yell/nn reverberated/vbd again/rb and/cc echoed/vbd from/in the/at distant/jj hills/nns ./.


	He/pps did/dod not/* leave/vb the/at middle/nn of/in the/at road/nn ./.
He/pps did/dod not/* try/vb to/to run/vb ./.
He/pps trudged/vbd on/rp ,/, his/pp$ aching/vbg eyes/nns focused/vbd straight/rb ahead/rb ./.
He/pps was/bedz nearing/vbg the/at Admassy/np house/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to make/vb it/ppo ,/, he/pps told/vbd himself/ppl ./.
And/cc then/rb he/pps heard/vbd a/at car/nn coming/vbg from/in the/at east/nr ,/, and/cc he/pps felt/vbd as/cs if/cs he/pps would/md break/vb down/rp and/cc weep/vb ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, no/rb ,/, not/* again/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd aloud/rb ./.
``/`` Not/* again/rb so/ql soon/rb ''/'' ./.


	There/ex was/bedz a/at new/jj sound/nn ,/, a/at sound/nn as/cs piercing/vbg as/cs the/at Rebel/nn-tl yell/nn ,/, yet/rb different/jj ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at sound/nn of/in a/at siren/nn ./.
Now/rb he/pps saw/vbd that/cs the/at approaching/vbg car/nn was/bedz painted/vbn white/jj ,/, and/cc he/pps began/vbd to/to wave/vb his/pp$ arms/nns frantically/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at prowl/nn car/nn from/in the/at sheriff's/nn$ office/nn ./.


	The/at car/nn drew/vbd up/rp alongside/in him/ppo and/cc stopped/vbd ./.


	``/`` Get/vb in/rp ''/'' ,/, Charley/np Estes/np said/vbd brusquely/rb ./.


	He/pps staggered/vbd into/in the/at back/nn seat/nn and/cc lay/vbd back/rb ,/, fighting/vbg for/in breath/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz someone/pn in/in front/nn with/in the/at sheriff/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz Pete/np Holmes/np ,/, the/at cabdriver/nn ./.


	Pete/np turned/vbd around/rb and/cc said/vbd to/in Marty/np ,/, ``/`` I/ppss guess/vb you/ppo think/vb I'm/ppss+bem a/at yellow-bellied/jj hound/nn ./.
But/cc there/ex wasn't/bedz* no/at use/nn in/in me/ppo staying/vbg there/rb ./.
I/ppss couldn't/md* fight/vb a/at dozen/nn or/cc so/rb of/in 'em/ppo ./.
If/cs I'd/ppss+hvd stayed/vbn ,/, all/abn that/dt I'd/ppss+md have/hv got/vbn was/bedz four/cd punctured/vbn tires/nns and/cc one/cd busted/vbn head/nn ./.
Why/wrb didn't/dod* you/ppss wait/vb at/in the/at Burch/np house/nn ?/. ?/.
You/ppss must've/md+hv known/vbn I'd/ppss+hvd gone/vbn to/to get/vb the/at sheriff/nn ./.
I/ppss was/bedz lucky/jj they/ppss let/vb me/ppo go/vb ,/, I/ppss guess/vb ''/'' ./.


	The/at sheriff/nn was/bedz occupied/vbn with/in maneuvering/vbg the/at car/nn around/rb in/in a/at very/ql narrow/jj space/nn ./.
When/wrb it/pps was/bedz finally/rb pointed/vbn east/nr ,/, he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` You/ppss should/md never/rb have/hv come/vbn out/rp here/rb alone/rb ./.
This/dt is/bez redneck/nn country/nn ./.
Every/at man/nn in/in every/at one/cd of/in these/dts houses/nns is/bez a/at Night/nn-tl Rider/nn-tl ./.



	Then/rb he/pps turned/vbd the/at telephone/nn over/in to/in Rourke/np ,/, and/cc went/vbd into/in the/at bedroom/nn to/to change/vb his/pp$ slippers/nns for/in dry/jj socks/nns and/cc shoes/nns ./.
Rourke/np was/bedz talking/vbg on/in the/at phone/nn when/wrb he/pps came/vbd back/rb ./.
``/`` About/rb an/at hour/nn ,/, eh/uh ?/. ?/.
Are/ber you/ppss positive/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps listened/vbd a/at moment/nn and/cc then/rb said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Hold/vb it/ppo ''/'' ./.
He/pps turned/vbd his/pp$ head/nn and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Alvarez/np will/md definitely/rb be/be in/in a/at back/nn room/nn at/in the/at Jai/np-tl Alai/np-tl Club/nn-tl on/in South/jj-tl Beach/nn-tl within/in an/at hour/nn ./.
Want/vb to/to try/vb and/cc meet/vb him/ppo there/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Shayne/np looked/vbd at/in his/pp$ watch/nn ./.
That/dt wasn't/bedz* too/ql far/rb from/in Fifth/od-tl Street/nn-tl ,/, and/cc should/md allow/vb him/ppo to/to make/vb Scotty's/np$-tl Bar/nn-tl by/in midnight/nn ./.
He/pps said/vbd with/in satisfaction/nn ,/, ``/`` That's/dt+bez fine/jj ,/, Tim/np ./.
I'll/ppss+md be/be there/rb ''/'' ./.


	Rourke/np confirmed/vbd the/at appointment/nn over/in the/at phone/nn and/cc hung/vbd up/rp ./.
``/`` I/ppss don't/do* know/vb what/wdt you're/ppss+ber getting/vbg into/in ,/, Mike/np ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd unhappily/rb ./.
``/`` I/ppss hope/vb to/in Christ/np ./.
''/'' 

	Shayne/np said/vbd briskly/rb ,/, ``/`` Grab/vb another/dt drink/nn if/cs you/ppss want/vb it/ppo ./.
We've/ppss+hv got/vbn one/cd other/ap call/nn to/to make/vb before/cs I/ppss meet/vb Alvarez/np ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Where/wrb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It's/pps+bez out/rp in/in the/at Northeast/jj-tl section/nn ./.
Have/hv you/ppss got/vbn my/pp$ car/nn here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It's/pps+bez parked/vbn in/in front/nn ''/'' ./.
Rourke/np hastily/rb slopped/vbd whiskey/nn into/in his/pp$ glass/nn on/in top/nn of/in half-melted/jj ice-cubes/nns ./.


	``/`` I'd/ppss+hvd better/rbr keep/vb on/rp driving/vbg yours/pp$$ ''/'' ,/, Shayne/np decided/vbd ,/, ``/`` because/cs I'll/ppss+md be/be going/vbg on/rp over/rp to/in the/at Beach/nn-tl ./.
I/ppss can/md drop/vb you/ppo back/rb here/rb to/to pick/vb mine/pp$$ up/rp ''/'' ./.
He/pps went/vbd to/in a/at closet/nn to/to get/vb a/at light/jj jacket/nn ,/, and/cc took/vbd his/pp$ hat/nn from/in beside/in the/at door/nn ./.
Timothy/np Rourke/np gulped/vbd down/rp the/at whiskey/nn hastily/rb and/cc joined/vbd him/ppo ,/, asking/vbg ,/, ``/`` Who/wps are/ber we/ppss going/vbg to/to call/vb on/rp in/in the/at Northeast/jj-tl section/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` A/at lady/nn ./.
That/dt is/bez ,/, maybe/rb not/* too/ql much/ap of/in a/at lady/nn ./.
At/in least/ap ,/, I/ppss want/vb to/to find/vb out/rp whether/cs she's/pps+bez home/nr yet/rb or/cc not/* ''/'' ./.
He/pps opened/vbd the/at door/nn and/cc followed/vbd Rourke/np out/rp ./.


	In/in Rourke's/np$ car/nn ,/, Shayne/np drove/vbd east/nr to/in Biscayne/np-tl Boulevard/nn-tl and/cc north/nr toward/in Felice/np Perrin's/np$ address/nn which/wdt had/hvd been/ben given/vbn to/in him/ppo by/in the/at Peralta/np governess/nn ./.
As/cs he/pps drove/vbd ,/, he/pps filled/vbd in/rp Timothy/np Rourke/np briefly/rb on/in the/at events/nns of/in the/at evening/nn after/cs leaving/vbg the/at reporter/nn to/to go/vb to/in the/at Peralta/np house/nn ,/, and/cc on/in his/pp$ own/jj surmises/nns ./.


	``/`` I/ppss want/vb to/to be/be in/in Scotty's/np$-tl Bar/nn-tl at/in midnight/nn when/wrb Marsha/np makes/vbz her/pp$ phone/nn call/nn there/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps ended/vbd grimly/rb ./.
``/`` I/ppss don't/do* know/vb whether/cs that/dt threatening/jj letter/nn of/in hers/pp$$ has/hvz anything/pn to/to do/do with/in this/dt situation/nn or/cc not/* ,/, but/cc I/ppss want/vb to/to see/vb who/wps takes/vbz the/at call/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` This/dt deal/nn at/in Las/fw-at-tl Putas/fw-nns-tl Buenas/fw-jj-tl where/wrb the/at two/cd knife-men/nns jumped/vbd you/ppo ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Rourke/np with/in interest/nn ,/, ``/`` that/wps sounds/vbz like/cs it/pps was/bedz set/vbn up/rp with/in malice/nn aforethought/rb by/in the/at luscious/jj Mrs./np Peralta/np ,/, doesn't/doz* it/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It/pps does/doz ''/'' ,/, Shayne/np grunted/vbd sourly/rb ,/, still/rb able/jj to/to taste/vb her/pp$ mouth/nn on/in his/pp$ in/in the/at Green/jj-tl Jungle/nn-tl parking/vbg lot/nn ./.
``/`` That/dt story/nn of/in hers/pp$$ about/in an/at unsigned/jj note/nn directing/vbg her/ppo to/to be/be there/rb tonight/nr sounds/vbz completely/ql phony/jj ./.
If/cs it/pps was/bedz designed/vbn to/to put/vb me/ppo on/in the/at spot/nn ,/, it/pps would/md have/hv to/to have/hv been/ben written/vbn before/cs Peralta/np ever/rb called/vbd me/ppo in/rp on/in the/at case/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Do/do you/ppo think/vb Laura/np did/dod have/hv the/at counterfeit/jj bracelet/nn made/vbn without/in her/pp$ husband's/nn$ knowledge/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss haven't/hv* the/at faintest/jjt idea/nn ./.
I/ppss think/vb her/pp$ husband/nn strongly/rb suspects/vbz so/rb ,/, and/cc that's/dt+bez why/wrb he/pps called/vbd me/ppo in/rp on/in the/at thing/nn in/in direct/jj defiance/nn of/in his/pp$ confederates/nns and/cc almost/ql certainly/rb without/in telling/vbg them/ppo why/wrb he/pps was/bedz doing/vbg so/rb ./.
Isn't/bez* this/dt Felice's/np$ street/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Shayne/np asked/vbd ,/, peering/vbg ahead/rb at/in the/at partially/rb obscured/vbn street/nn sign/nn ./.


	Rourke/np could/md see/vb it/ppo better/rbr out/in the/at right-hand/nn side/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` yes/rb ./.
Turn/vb to/in the/at left/nr ,/, I/ppss think/vb ,/, for/in that/dt number/nn you/ppss gave/vbd me/ppo ./.
Not/* more/ap than/in a/at block/nn or/cc so/rb ''/'' ./.


	Shayne/np got/vbd in/in the/at left-hand/nn lane/nn and/cc cut/vbd across/in the/at Boulevard/nn-tl divider/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at small/jj ,/, neon-lighted/jj restaurant/nn and/cc cocktail/nn lounge/nn on/in the/at southeast/nr corner/nn of/in the/at intersection/nn as/cs he/pps turned/vbd into/in the/at quiet/jj ,/, palm-lined/jj street/nn where/wrb most/ap of/in the/at houses/nns on/in both/abx sides/nns were/bed older/jjr two-story/jj mansions/nns ,/, now/rb cut/vbn up/rp into/in furnished/vbn rooms/nns and/cc housekeeping/nn apartments/nns ./.


	Shayne/np drove/vbd westward/rb from/in the/at Boulevard/nn-tl slowly/rb ,/, letting/vbg Rourke/np crane/vb his/pp$ head/nn out/in the/at window/nn and/cc watch/vb for/in street/nn numbers/nns ./.
A/at single/ap automobile/nn was/bedz parked/vbn half-way/rb up/in the/at block/nn on/in the/at left-hand/nn side/nn ./.
Shayne/np noted/vbd idly/rb that/wps it/pps carried/vbd Miami/np-tl Beach/nn-tl license/nn plates/nns as/cs he/pps approached/vbd ,/, and/cc then/rb saw/vbd the/at flare/nn of/in a/at match/nn in/in the/at front/jj seat/nn as/cs they/ppss passed/vbd ,/, indicating/vbg that/cs it/pps was/bedz occupied/vbn ./.


	He/pps turned/vbd to/to see/vb the/at briefly-illumed/jj faces/nns of/in two/cd men/nns in/in the/at parked/vbn car/nn just/rb as/cs Rourke/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` It's/pps+bez the/at next/ap house/nn ,/, Mike/np ./.
On/in the/at right/nr ''/'' ./.


	Instead/rb of/in pulling/vbg into/in the/at curb/nn ,/, Shayne/np increased/vbd his/pp$ speed/nn slightly/rb to/in the/at corner/nn where/wrb he/pps swung/vbd left/nr ./.
He/pps went/vbd around/in the/at corner/nn and/cc parked/vbd ,/, turning/vbg off/rp his/pp$ lights/nns and/cc motor/nn ./.


	``/`` I/ppss told/vbd you/ppo ,/, Mike/np ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Rourke/np in/in an/at aggrieved/vbn voice/nn ./.
``/`` It/pps was/bedz back/rb there/rb ./.
''/'' 

	Shayne/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss know/vb it/pps was/bedz ,/, Tim/np ''/'' ./.
His/pp$ voice/nn was/bedz chilling/vbg and/cc cold/jj ./.
``/`` Did/dod you/ppo see/vb the/at car/nn parked/vbn across/in the/at street/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss didn't/dod* notice/vb it/ppo ./.
I/ppss was/bedz watching/vbg for/in numbers/nns ./.
''/'' 

	``/`` It/pps has/hvz a/at Beach/nn-tl license/nn ,/, Tim/np ./.
Two/cd men/nns in/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.
I/ppss got/vbd a/at quick/jj look/nn at/in their/pp$ faces/nns as/cs we/ppss went/vbd past/rb ./.
Unless/cs I'm/ppss+bem crazy/jj as/cs hell/nn ,/, they're/ppss+ber two/cd of/in Painter's/np$ dicks/nns ./.
A/at couple/nn named/vbn Harris/np and/cc Geely/np ./.
Those/dts names/nns mean/vb anything/pn to/in you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Wait/vb a/at minute/nn ,/, Mike/np ./.
In/in Painter's/np$ office/nn this/dt evening/nn ./.
''/'' 

	Shayne/np nodded/vbd grimly/rb ./.
``/`` The/at pair/nn whom/wpo Petey/np is/bez officially/rb commending/vbg for/in slapping/vbg me/ppo around/rb and/cc pulling/vbg me/ppo in/rp ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt are/ber they/ppss doing/vbg here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` A/at stake-out/nn ,/, I/ppss suppose/vb ./.
On/in Felice/np Perrin/np ./.
Maybe/rb with/in specific/jj orders/nns to/to see/vb that/cs I/ppss don't/do* make/vb contact/nn with/in her/ppo ./.
I'm/ppss+bem not/* positive/jj ,/, Tim/np ./.
I/ppss may/md be/be wrong/jj ./.
I'll/ppss+md slide/vb out/rp and/cc walk/vb around/in the/at block/nn back/rb to/in the/at cocktail/nn lounge/nn on/in Biscayne/np ./.
You/ppss drive/vb on/rp and/cc circle/vb back/rb and/cc pull/vb up/rp beside/in them/ppo parked/vbn there/rb ./.
You're/ppss+ber a/at reporter/nn ,/, and/cc you're/ppss+ber looking/vbg for/in Miss/np Perrin/np to/to interview/vb her/ppo ./.
Make/vb them/ppo show/vb their/pp$ hands/nns ./.
If/cs they/ppss are/ber Beach/nn-tl cops/nns on/in a/at stake-out/nn ,/, they'll/ppss+md admit/vb it/ppo to/in a/at reporter/nn ./.
They've/ppss+hv got/vbn no/at official/jj standing/vbg on/in this/dt side/nn of/in the/at Bay/nn-tl ./.
As/ql soon/rb as/cs you/ppss find/vb out/rp if/cs they/ppss are/ber Geely/np and/cc Harris/np ,/, come/vb on/rp around/in to/in the/at lounge/nn where/wrb I'll/ppss+md be/be waiting/vbg ''/'' ./.


	Shayne/np opened/vbd the/at door/nn on/in his/pp$ side/nn and/cc stepped/vbd out/rp ./.
Timothy/np Rourke/np groaned/vbd dismally/rb as/cs he/pps slid/vbd under/in the/at wheel/nn ./.
``/`` The/at things/nns you/ppss talk/vb me/ppo into/in ,/, Mike/np ./.
''/'' 

	Shayne/np chuckled/vbd ./.
``/`` How/wrb often/rb do/do they/ppss add/vb up/rp to/in headlines/nns ?/. ?/.
You/ppss should/md complain/vb ''/'' ./.


	He/pps crossed/vbd the/at street/nn and/cc walked/vbd swiftly/rb southward/rb to/to circle/vb back/rb to/in the/at Boulevard/nn-tl and/cc north/nr a/at block/nn to/in the/at open/jj restaurant/nn ./.


	He/pps was/bedz standing/vbg at/in the/at end/nn of/in the/at bar/nn enjoying/vbg a/at slug/nn of/in cognac/nn when/wrb Rourke/np came/vbd in/rp six/cd or/cc eight/cd minutes/nns later/rbr ./.
The/at reporter/nn nodded/vbd as/cs he/pps moved/vbd up/rp beside/in him/ppo at/in the/at bar/nn ./.
Shayne/np told/vbd the/at bartender/nn ,/, ``/`` Bourbon/np and/cc water/nn ''/'' ,/, and/cc Rourke/np told/vbd him/ppo ,/, ``/`` It's/pps+bez those/dts two/cd ,/, all/ql right/rb ./.
Harris/np and/cc Geely/np ./.
I/ppss made/vbd them/ppo show/vb me/ppo their/pp$ identification/nn before/cs I/ppss could/md be/be persuaded/vbn not/* to/to call/vb on/in Felice/np Perrin/np ''/'' ./.


	Shayne/np said/vbd happily/rb ,/, ``/`` I've/ppss+hv got/vbn it/ppo all/abn worked/vbn out/rp ,/, Tim/np ./.
Take/vb your/pp$ time/nn with/in your/pp$ drink/nn ./.
I'll/ppss+md beat/vb it/ppo ./.
In/in exactly/rb three/cd minutes/nns ,/, go/vb in/in that/dt phone/nn booth/nn behind/in you/ppo and/cc call/vb Police/nns-tl Headquarters/nn-tl ./.
Be/be excited/vbn and/cc don't/do* identify/vb yourself/ppl ./.
Just/rb say/vb that/cs a/at couple/nn of/in drunks/nns are/ber having/hvg a/at hell/nn of/in a/at fight/nn down/in the/at street/nn ,/, and/cc they/ppss better/rbr send/vb a/at patrol/nn car/nn ./.
Then/rb hang/vb up/rp fast/rb and/cc come/vb walking/vbg on/rp down/rp to/in the/at Perrin/np address/nn ./.
I'll/ppss+md be/be waiting/vbg for/in you/ppo there/rb ''/'' ./.


	The/at bartender/nn brought/vbd Rourke's/np$ drink/nn and/cc Shayne/np laid/vbd a/at twenty-dollar/jj bill/nn on/in the/at bar/nn ./.
He/pps said/vbd in/in a/at low/jj voice/nn ,/, ``/`` I've/ppss+hv got/vbn a/at date/nn with/in a/at lady/nn ,/, Mister/np ./.
Will/md that/dt pay/vb for/in a/at pint/nn I/ppss can/md take/vb with/in me/ppo ./.
You/ppss know/vb how/wrb it/pps is/bez ''/'' ,/, he/pps added/vbd with/in a/at conspiratorial/jj wink/nn ./.
``/`` Candy/nn is/bez dandy/jj ,/, but/cc liquor/nn is/bez quicker/jjr and/cc you/ppss don't/do* have/hv any/dti candy/nn for/in sale/nn here/rb anyhow/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` We/ppss sure/rb don't/do* ''/'' ./.
The/at bartender/nn winked/vbd back/rb at/in him/ppo and/cc palmed/vbd the/at bill/nn ./.
He/pps turned/vbd away/rb and/cc returned/vbd in/in a/at moment/nn with/in a/at pint/nn of/in brandy/nn in/in a/at small/jj paper/nn sack/nn which/wdt he/pps slid/vbd over/in the/at counter/nn to/in Shayne/np ./.


	As/cs the/at detective/nn slid/vbd it/ppo into/in his/pp$ pocket/nn ,/, Rourke/np asked/vbd sadly/rb ,/, ``/`` What/wdt in/in hell/nn are/ber you/ppss going/vbg to/to do/do ,/, Mike/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Make/vb a/at couple/nn of/in punk/nn detectives/nns named/vbn Geely/np and/cc Harris/np wish/vb to/in God/np they'd/ppss+hvd stayed/vbn out/in of/in my/pp$ way/nn this/dt afternoon/nn ./.
Three/cd minutes/nns ,/, Tim/np ''/'' ./.


	Shayne/np strode/vbd out/rp blithely/rb ,/, and/cc Rourke/np checked/vbd his/pp$ watch/nn and/cc sipped/vbd his/pp$ drink/nn ,/, getting/vbg a/at dime/nn ready/jj to/to make/vb the/at telephone/nn call/nn to/in the/at police/nns ./.


	Outside/rb ,/, Shayne/np hesitated/vbd when/wrb he/pps saw/vbd that/cs Rourke/np had/hvd parked/vbn his/pp$ coupe/nn directly/rb in/in front/nn of/in the/at bar/nn headed/vbn south/nr ./.
He/pps walked/vbd over/rp to/in the/at right-hand/nn door/nn ,/, opened/vbd it/ppo and/cc got/vbd the/at reloaded/vbn automatic/nn out/in of/in the/at glove/nn compartment/nn and/cc put/vbd it/ppo in/in his/pp$ hip/nn pocket/nn ./.
He/pps hoped/vbd he/pps wouldn't/md* be/be forced/vbn to/to use/vb it/ppo in/in taking/vbg care/nn of/in the/at Beach/nn-tl detectives/nns ,/, but/cc its/pp$ weight/nn was/bedz comforting/vbg at/in his/pp$ hip/nn ./.
On/in this/dt side/nn of/in the/at Bay/nn-tl ,/, Miami/np-tl Beach/nn-tl cops/nns had/hvd no/at more/ql legal/jj rights/nns than/cs any/dti ordinary/jj citizen/nn ,/, and/cc Shayne's/np$ pistol/nn permit/nn was/bedz just/rb as/ql good/jj as/cs theirs/pp$$ ./.


	He/pps went/vbd swiftly/rb up/in the/at sidewalk/nn toward/in the/at parked/vbn car/nn with/in the/at two/cd Beach/nn-tl detectives/nns in/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.
He/pps tugged/vbd the/at brim/nn of/in his/pp$ hat/nn low/rb as/cs he/pps approached/vbd ,/, stepped/vbd out/rp into/in the/at street/nn just/rb behind/in the/at car/nn and/cc strode/vbd around/rb to/in the/at right-hand/nn side/nn ./.


	The/at big/jj ,/, paunchy/jj man/nn named/vbn Geely/np was/bedz on/in that/dt side/nn ,/, half-turned/jj in/in the/at seat/nn toward/in his/pp$ hatchet-faced/jj companion/nn so/cs that/cs his/pp$ back/nn partially/rb rested/vbd against/in the/at closed/vbn door/nn ./.


	Shayne/np turned/vbd the/at handle/nn and/cc jerked/vbd the/at door/nn open/jj before/cs either/dtx of/in the/at men/nns were/bed quite/ql aware/jj of/in his/pp$ presence/nn in/in the/at night/nn ./.


	Geely/np grunted/vbd and/cc slid/vbd partly/rb out/rp ,/, and/cc Shayne's/np$ left/jj arm/nn snaked/vbd in/rp around/in his/pp$ neck/nn to/to help/vb him/ppo ,/, while/cs he/pps set/vbd himself/ppl solidly/rb on/in the/at roadway/nn and/cc swung/vbd his/pp$ right/jj fist/nn to/in the/at big/jj ,/, gum-chewing/jj jaw/nn before/cs Geely/np could/md straighten/vb up/rp ./.


	Shayne/np stepped/vbd back/rb to/to let/vb him/ppo slump/vb to/in the/at ground/nn ,/, and/cc then/rb dived/vbd over/in him/ppo through/in the/at open/jj door/nn into/in Harris/np who/wps was/bedz cursing/vbg loudly/rb and/cc trying/vbg to/to drag/vb a/at gun/nn from/in a/at shoulder/nn holster/nn ,/, somewhat/rb impeded/vbn by/in the/at steering/vbg wheel/nn ./.


	Shayne/np locked/vbd his/pp$ big/jj hands/nns around/in Harris'/np$ thin/jj neck/nn and/cc dragged/vbd him/ppo out/rp over/in the/at seat/nn into/in the/at roadway/nn ./.
He/pps hit/vbd him/ppo once/rb on/in the/at sharp/jj point/nn of/in his/pp$ chin/nn and/cc felt/vbd the/at body/nn go/vb limp/jj ./.
He/pps dropped/vbd him/ppo into/in the/at street/nn a/at couple/nn of/in feet/nns away/rb from/in Geely's/np$ recumbent/jj figure/nn and/cc stared/vbd down/rp at/in both/abx of/in them/ppo for/in a/at moment/nn before/in kicking/vbg the/at big/jj man/nn lightly/rb in/in the/at side/nn ./.
He/pps didn't/dod* stir/vb ./.
They/ppss were/bed both/abx breathing/vbg heavily/rb ,/, out/rp cold/rb ,/, and/cc Shayne/np didn't/dod* think/vb either/dtx of/in them/ppo had/hvd recognized/vbn him/ppo or/cc could/md describe/vb him/ppo ./.


	He/pps got/vbd the/at pint/nn of/in liquor/nn out/in of/in his/pp$ pocket/nn and/cc unscrewed/vbd the/at top/nn ,/, sprinkled/vbd the/at pungent/jj stuff/nn liberally/rb over/in both/abx men/nns ,/, and/cc then/rb tossed/vbd the/at open/jj bottle/nn in/rp on/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.


	He/pps turned/vbd ,/, then/rb ,/, to/to look/vb toward/in the/at lighted/vbn Boulevard/nn-tl ,/, and/cc saw/vbd Rourke's/np$ tall/jj ,/, emaciated/vbn figure/nn come/vb out/in of/in the/at lounge/nn and/cc hurriedly/rb start/vb to/to angle/vb across/in the/at street/nn toward/in the/at opposite/jj side/nn ./.


	Shayne/np strolled/vbd across/rb to/to intercept/vb the/at reporter/nn in/in front/nn of/in the/at two-story/jj house/nn where/wrb Felice/np Perrin/np lived/vbd ,/, and/cc asked/vbd casually/rb ,/, ``/`` Get/vb the/at police/nns okay/uh ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Sure/rb ./.
Said/vbn they'd/ppss+md have/hv a/at patrol/nn car/nn here/rb fast/rb ./.
Let's/vb+ppo get/vb inside/rb ./.
What/wdt happened/vbd with/in you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Why/wrb the/at two/cd damned/vbn fools/nns got/vbd all/ql excited/vbn when/wrb they/ppss saw/vbd the/at bottle/nn ,/, and/cc knocked/vbd each/dt other/ap out/rp cold/rb ''/'' ,/, Shayne/np said/vbd good-humoredly/rb ./.
``/`` They'll/ppss+md have/hv fun/nn explaining/vbg that/dt to/in the/at Miami/np cops/nns ./.
Got/vbd no/at business/nn over/in here/rb on/in a/at stake-out/nn anyway/rb ''/'' ./.


	They/ppss went/vbd up/rp onto/in a/at front/jj porch/nn and/cc into/in a/at small/jj hallway/nn where/wrb a/at dim/jj bulb/nn burned/vbd high/rb in/in the/at ceiling/nn ./.
A/at row/nn of/in mailboxes/nns along/in the/at wall/nn had/hvd numbers/nns and/cc names/nns on/in them/ppo ./.
Shayne/np found/vbd one/cd marked/vbn Perrin/np Aj/np-tl ./.


	The/at stairway/nn on/in the/at right/nr was/bedz dark/jj ,/, but/cc there/ex was/bedz a/at wall-switch/nn at/in the/at bottom/nn which/wdt lighted/vbd another/dt dim/jj bulb/nn at/in the/at top/nn ,/, and/cc they/ppss went/vbd up/rp ./.


	There/ex were/bed two/cd front/jj rooms/nns ,/, both/abx dark/jj behind/in their/pp$ transoms/nns ,/, and/cc there/ex was/bedz no/at sound/nn or/cc light/nn in/in the/at entire/jj house/nn to/to indicate/vb that/cs any/dti of/in the/at occupants/nns were/bed awake/jj ./.



	Eight/cd ,/, nine/cd steps/nns above/in him/ppo ,/, Roberts/np had/hvd paused/vbn ./.
Mickey/np paused/vbn with/in him/ppo ,/, waiting/vbg ,/, no/at longer/jjr impatient/jj ,/, trying/vbg now/rb to/to think/vb it/ppo out/rp ,/, do/do a/at little/ap planning/nn ./.
He/pps looked/vbd down/rp over/in the/at banister/nn at/in the/at hotel/nn desk/nn ,/, with/in the/at telephone/nn and/cc pen/nn set/nn ./.


	If/cs I/ppss could/md call/vb in/rp ,/, they/ppss could/md check/vb the/at story/nn while/cs we/ppss were/bed on/in our/pp$ way/nn ./.
I/ppss wouldn't/md* have/hv to/to tell/vb them/ppo I/ppss had/hvd Roberts/np --/-- 

	Then/rb he/pps heard/vbd it/ppo ,/, like/cs a/at muffled/vbn thud/nn ,/, felt/vbd a/at subtle/jj change/nn in/in air/nn pressure/nn ./.
He/pps glanced/vbd up/rp in/in time/nn to/to see/vb Roberts/np hurtling/vbg down/rp on/in him/ppo from/in above/rb ,/, literally/rb flying/vbg through/in the/at air/nn ,/, his/pp$ bloody/jj face/nn twisted/vbd ./.
Mickey/np tried/vbd to/to flatten/vb against/in the/at banister/nn ,/, gripped/vbd it/ppo with/in one/cd hand/nn ,/, but/cc Roberts'/np$ full/jj weight/nn struck/vbd him/ppo at/in that/dt moment/nn in/in the/at groin/nn ./.
He/pps gasped/vbd for/in air/nn and/cc the/at impact/nn tore/vbd his/pp$ hand/nn from/in the/at rail/nn ./.
He/pps tumbled/vbd with/in Roberts/np ,/, helpless/jj and/cc in/in agony/nn ,/, over/rp and/cc over/rp ,/, down/in the/at steps/nns ./.


	By/in a/at wrenching/vbg effort/nn ,/, he/pps managed/vbd to/to hunch/vb and/cc draw/vb in/rp ,/, to/to take/vb the/at final/jj fall/nn on/in his/pp$ back/nn and/cc shoulders/nns rather/in than/cs his/pp$ head/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz fuzzy/jj in/in his/pp$ mind/nn and/cc ,/, for/in a/at moment/nn ,/, helpless/jj on/in the/at lobby/nn floor/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps was/bedz conscious/jj ,/, and/cc free/jj of/in the/at weight/nn of/in Roberts'/np$ body/nn ./.
When/wrb his/pp$ vision/nn cleared/vbd he/pps saw/vbd the/at taller/jjr one/cd scrambling/vbg upward/rb ,/, reaching/vbg ./.
Mickey/np was/bedz on/in his/pp$ knees/nns when/wrb Roberts/np turned/vbd on/in the/at stairs/nns and/cc the/at razor/nn flashed/vbd in/in his/pp$ hand/nn ./.
He/pps felt/vbd his/pp$ empty/jj pocket/nn and/cc knew/vbd that/cs Roberts/np had/hvd retrieved/vbn the/at only/ap weapon/nn at/in hand/nn ./.


	Mickey's/np$ eyes/nns fixed/vbd on/in the/at other's/ap$ feet/nns ,/, which/wdt would/md first/od betray/vb the/at moment/nn and/cc direction/nn of/in an/at attack/nn ./.
He/pps rose/vbd stiffly/rb ,/, forcing/vbg his/pp$ knees/nns to/in lock/nn ./.
The/at knifelike/jj pain/nn in/in his/pp$ groin/nn nearly/rb brought/vbd him/ppo down/rp again/rb ./.
He/pps made/vbd himself/ppl back/vb off/rp slowly/rb ,/, his/pp$ eyes/nns wary/jj on/in Roberts/np ,/, who/wps now/rb had/hvd no/at more/ap to/to lose/vb than/cs he/pps ./.
The/at pain/nn dulled/vbd as/cs he/pps moved/vbd ,/, and/cc he/pps steadied/vbd inside/rb ./.
After/in a/at moment/nn he/pps extended/vbd one/cd hand/nn ,/, the/at fingers/nns curled/vbd ./.


	``/`` Come/vb on/rp ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` You/ppss want/vb to/to be/be that/ql big/jj a/at fool/nn --/-- I/ppss was/bedz hoping/vbg for/in this/dt ''/'' ./.


	Roberts/np brushed/vbd at/in his/pp$ eyes/nns with/in his/pp$ free/jj hand/nn and/cc started/vbd down/in the/at steps/nns ./.
He/pps held/vbd the/at razor/nn well/rb out/rp to/in one/cd side/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz invulnerable/jj to/in attack/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps could/md be/be handled/vbn ,/, Mickey/np knew/vbd ,/, if/cs he/pps could/md be/be brought/vbn to/to make/vb the/at first/od move/nn ./.


	They/ppss were/bed eight/cd feet/nns apart/rb when/wrb Roberts/np cleared/vbd the/at last/ap step/nn ./.
Mickey/np waited/vbd with/in slack/jj arms/nns ./.


	``/`` Any/dti time/nn ,/, Roberts/np ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` Or/cc would/md it/ppo be/be easier/jjr if/cs I/ppss put/vbd my/pp$ hands/nns in/in my/pp$ pockets/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at taunt/nn was/bedz lost/vbn on/in Roberts/np ./.
He/pps advanced/vbd slowly/rb ,/, directly/rb ,/, giving/vbg no/at hint/nn of/in a/at feint/nn to/in either/dtx side/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz just/rb short/jj of/in arm's/nn$ reach/nn when/wrb he/pps stopped/vbd ./.
Mickey/np backed/vbd off/rp two/cd steps/nns ,/, forcing/vbg him/ppo to/to come/vb on/rp again/rb ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at fixed/vbn grin/nn on/in Roberts'/np$ face/nn ,/, made/vbd hideous/jj by/in the/at swollen/jj nose/nn and/cc the/at smeared/vbn blood/nn ./.


	Mickey/np backed/vbd off/rp again/rb and/cc Roberts/np hesitated/vbd ,/, then/rb came/vbd along/rb ./.
They/ppss moved/vbd in/in a/at series/nn of/in rhythmic/jj fits/nns and/cc starts/nns ,/, a/at macabre/jj dance/nn --/-- two/cd steps/nns back/rb ,/, two/cd steps/nns forward/rb ,/, two/cd steps/nns back/rb ./.
Mickey/np felt/vbd his/pp$ shoulders/nns come/vb up/rp against/in the/at wall/nn beside/in the/at heavy/jj slab/nn front/jj door/nn ./.
This/dt was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be it/pps now/rb ,/, any/dti second/nn ,/, and/cc what/wdt he/pps had/hvd to/to remember/vb was/bedz to/to keep/vb his/pp$ eye/nn on/in the/at razor/nn ,/, no/at matter/nn what/wdt ,/, even/rb if/cs Roberts/np should/md feint/vb with/in a/at kick/nn to/in the/at groin/nn ,/, the/at deadly/jj hand/nn was/bedz his/pp$ exclusive/jj concern/nn ./.


	The/at kick/nn came/vbd ,/, sudden/jj and/cc vicious/jj but/cc short/jj ./.
Mickey's/np$ guts/nns twisted/vbd with/in the/at effort/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps kept/vbd his/pp$ eye/nn on/in the/at weapon/nn ./.
It/pps moved/vbd in/in a/at silver/nn arc/nn toward/in his/pp$ throat/nn ,/, then/rb veered/vbd downward/rb ./.
He/pps hunched/vbd his/pp$ left/jj shoulder/nn into/in it/ppo and/cc slashed/vbd at/in Roberts'/np$ forearm/nn with/in his/pp$ own/jj ,/, felt/vbd the/at blade/nn slide/vb off/in his/pp$ sleeve/nn ./.
Before/cs Roberts/np could/md move/vb inside/rb to/to cut/vb upward/rb toward/in his/pp$ face/nn ,/, he/pps slammed/vbd his/pp$ right/jj fist/nn into/in Roberts'/np$ belly/nn ./.
Roberts/np sagged/vbd and/cc slashed/vbd at/in him/ppo wildly/rb ./.
Ducking/vbg ,/, Mickey/np tripped/vbd and/cc fell/vbd to/in one/cd side/nn ,/, landing/vbg heavily/rb on/in the/at wood/nn floor/nn ./.
Then/rb Roberts/np was/bedz on/in him/ppo ,/, gasping/vbg for/in breath/nn and/cc for/in a/at couple/nn of/in seconds/nns Mickey/np lost/vbd sight/nn of/in the/at blade/nn ./.
He/pps felt/vbd it/ppo rip/vb at/in the/at side/nn of/in his/pp$ jacket/nn and/cc a/at momentary/jj sting/nn under/in his/pp$ left/jj ribs/nns ./.
He/pps got/vbd a/at knee/nn up/rp into/in Roberts'/np$ belly/nn ,/, used/vbd both/abx hands/nns and/cc heaved/vbd him/ppo clear/jj ,/, then/rb scrambled/vbd to/in his/pp$ feet/nns ./.
They/ppss were/bed in/in the/at center/nn of/in the/at lobby/nn now/rb ./.
Still/rb clutching/vbg the/at razor/nn ,/, Roberts/np came/vbd up/rp into/in a/at crouch/nn ,/, shaking/vbg his/pp$ head/nn ./.
When/wrb he/pps charged/vbd Mickey/np was/bedz ready/jj ./.
He/pps hit/vbd Roberts/np with/in his/pp$ left/jj fist/nn in/in the/at ribs/nns and/cc the/at razor/nn cut/vbd toward/in him/ppo feebly/rb ,/, then/rb wobbled/vbd in/in mid-air/nn ./.
With/in his/pp$ right/jj fist/nn ,/, and/cc nearly/rb all/abn his/pp$ weight/nn behind/in it/ppo ,/, he/pps smashed/vbd at/in the/at bloodstained/jj face/nn ./.


	Roberts/np careened/vbd backward/rb ,/, his/pp$ back/nn arched/vbd ,/, fought/vbd for/in balance/nn and/cc ,/, failing/vbg ,/, stumbled/vbd against/in the/at newel/nn post/nn at/in the/at foot/nn of/in the/at stairs/nns ./.
The/at sound/nn of/in his/pp$ head/nn striking/vbg the/at solid/jj wood/nn was/bedz an/at ultimate/jj ,/, sudden-end/jj sound/nn ./.
He/pps fell/vbd on/in his/pp$ side/nn across/in the/at lowest/jjt step/nn ,/, rolled/vbn over/in once/rb ,/, then/rb lay/vbd still/rb ./.


	Mickey/np found/vbd himself/ppl leaning/vbg against/in the/at desk/nn ,/, with/in stiff/jj hands/nns ,/, panting/vbg for/in breath/nn ./.
After/in a/at minute/nn he/pps went/vbd to/in Roberts/np ,/, looked/vbd at/in one/cd of/in his/pp$ eyes/nns and/cc felt/vbd for/in a/at pulse/nn ./.
He/pps couldn't/md* feel/vb any/dti ./.
Roberts/np appeared/vbd to/to be/be dead/jj ;/. ;/.
if/cs not/* yet/rb ,/, then/rb soon/rb ,/, very/ql soon/rb ./.
Suddenly/rb it/pps was/bedz cold/jj in/in the/at lobby/nn ./.



12/cd-hl 
It/pps seemed/vbd to/in him/ppo that/cs a/at long/jj time/nn had/hvd passed/vbn before/cs he/pps decided/vbd what/wdt to/to do/do ./.
Actually/rb it/pps was/bedz no/at more/ap than/cs eight/cd or/cc ten/cd minutes/nns ,/, and/cc the/at sum/nn of/in his/pp$ reasoning/nn came/vbd to/in this/dt :/: 

	There's/ex+bez no/at way/nn to/to take/vb him/ppo in/rp now/rb and/cc keep/vb those/dts other/ap two/cd --/-- Wister/np and/cc the/at one/pn who/wps hired/vbd the/at two/cd of/in them/ppo --/-- from/in finding/vbg out/rp about/in Roberts/np and/cc lamming/vbg out/rp ./.
The/at local/jj law/nn here/rb would/md hold/vb me/ppo till/cs they/ppss check/vb clear/rb back/rb home/nr ,/, and/cc maybe/rb more/ap than/in that/dt ./.
They/ppss would/md have/hv to/to ./.
By/in then/rb they/ppss could/md never/rb catch/vb up/rp with/in the/at others/nns ./.
There's/ex+bez no/at other/ap way/nn ;/. ;/.
I'll/ppss+md have/hv to/to do/do it/ppo myself/ppl ./.


	He/pps looked/vbd at/in where/wrb Roberts/np lay/vbd sprawled/vbn on/in the/at step/nn ./.
Mickey/np was/bedz sure/jj now/rb he/pps was/bedz dead/jj ./.


	One/cd thing/nn ,/, he/pps thought/vbd ,/, nobody/pn knows/vbz about/in it/ppo yet/rb ./.
Only/rb me/ppo ./.


	He/pps climbed/vbd the/at stairs/nns ,/, went/vbd into/in Roberts'/np$ room/nn ,/, found/vbd a/at suitcase/nn and/cc packed/vbd as/ql much/ap into/in it/ppo as/cs he/pps could/md ./.
He/pps left/vbd a/at few/ap things/nns ./.
It/pps didn't/dod* have/hv to/to be/be perfect/jj ./.
Roberts/np was/bedz a/at wastrel/nn ./.
Walking/vbg away/rb on/in impulse/nn ,/, he/pps might/md logically/rb leave/vb behind/rb what/wdt it/pps was/bedz inconvenient/jj to/to carry/vb ./.


	When/wrb he/pps had/hvd closed/vbn the/at suitcase/nn he/pps found/vbd a/at rag/nn and/cc moved/vbd about/in the/at room/nn ,/, wiping/vbg carefully/rb everything/pn he/pps might/md have/hv touched/vbn ./.
It/pps took/vbd him/ppo nearly/rb an/at hour/nn ./.
He/pps went/vbd to/in the/at room/nn he/pps had/hvd rented/vbn and/cc got/vbd into/in his/pp$ overcoat/nn ./.
He/pps left/vbd the/at rest/nn of/in his/pp$ things/nns and/cc returned/vbd to/in the/at lobby/nn ./.
He/pps set/vbd Roberts'/np$ suitcase/nn near/in the/at front/jj door/nn ,/, went/vbd outside/rb and/cc walked/vbd back/rb to/in the/at garage/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz mildly/rb surprised/vbn to/to find/vb it/pps was/bedz snowing/vbg ./.
It/pps snowed/vbd softly/rb ,/, silently/rb ,/, an/at undulating/vbg interruption/nn of/in his/pp$ vision/nn against/in the/at night/nn sky/nn ./.
He/pps could/md feel/vb it/ppo on/in his/pp$ face/nn and/cc in/in his/pp$ hair/nn ./.


	He/pps found/vbd the/at key/nn to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl ,/, got/vbd it/ppo started/vbn and/cc warmed/vbd it/ppo up/rp for/in five/cd minutes/nns ./.
Then/rb he/pps backed/vbd out/rp and/cc swung/vbd around/rb to/in the/at front/jj drive/nn ./.
He/pps went/vbd into/in the/at hotel/nn and/cc searched/vbd till/cs he/pps found/vbd the/at razor/nn ./.
He/pps put/vbd it/ppo in/in his/pp$ own/jj pocket/nn for/in safekeeping/jj ./.
He/pps took/vbd the/at suitcase/nn out/rp to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl and/cc put/vbd it/ppo in/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.
Then/rb he/pps went/vbd back/rb for/in Roberts/np ./.


	The/at body/nn was/bedz heavier/jjr than/cs he/pps had/hvd anticipated/vbn ./.
He/pps got/vbd it/ppo onto/in his/pp$ shoulder/nn after/in some/dti work/nn and/cc carried/vbd it/ppo outside/rb and/cc down/rp to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl ./.
He/pps dumped/vbd it/ppo into/in the/at back/nn and/cc made/vbd sure/jj it/pps wouldn't/md* roll/vb out/rp ,/, then/rb returned/vbd to/in the/at porch/nn and/cc closed/vbd the/at front/jj door/nn ,/, making/vbg sure/jj it/pps was/bedz unlocked/vbn ./.


	He/pps drove/vbd carefully/rb in/in the/at direction/nn of/in the/at brief/jj tour/nn they/ppss had/hvd taken/vbn earlier/rbr ./.
It/pps snowed/vbd continuously/rb ,/, but/cc quietly/rb ,/, evenly/rb ./.
When/wrb he/pps reached/vbd the/at dip/nn in/in the/at woods/nns ,/, he/pps saw/vbd that/cs already/rb the/at earlier/jjr ruts/nns were/bed barely/rb discernible/jj ./.
The/at Jeep/nn-tl fought/vbd its/pp$ way/nn through/in the/at low/jj spot/nn and/cc got/vbd onto/in higher/jjr ground/nn ./.
He/pps drove/vbd in/in low/jj gear/nn to/in the/at fork/nn in/in the/at road/nn and/cc swung/vbd as/ql close/rb as/cs possible/jj to/in the/at entrance/nn to/in the/at abandoned/vbn mine/nn ./.
He/pps parked/vbd facing/vbg it/ppo and/cc left/vbd the/at headlights/nns on/rp ,/, but/cc when/wrb he/pps started/vbd into/in the/at tunnel/nn with/in the/at suitcase/nn ,/, he/pps found/vbd the/at illumination/nn extended/vbn no/at farther/rbr than/cs half/abn a/at dozen/nn feet/nns into/in the/at passage/nn ./.
He/pps went/vbd back/rb and/cc got/vbd the/at flashlight/nn ,/, returned/vbd to/in the/at tunnel/nn and/cc carried/vbd the/at suitcase/nn to/in the/at edge/nn of/in the/at pit/nn he/pps had/hvd found/vbn earlier/rbr ./.
He/pps tossed/vbd the/at bag/nn into/in the/at pit/nn and/cc watched/vbd dry/jj dust/nn spray/vb up/rp around/in it/ppo ./.
When/wrb the/at dust/nn settled/vbd ,/, he/pps went/vbd back/rb to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl and/cc carefully/rb worked/vbd Roberts'/np$ body/nn onto/in his/pp$ shoulder/nn ./.


	It/pps wasn't/bedz* like/cs carrying/vbg the/at suitcase/nn ./.
The/at soft/jj snow/nn was/bedz deceitful/jj underfoot/rb ./.
Twice/rb he/pps nearly/rb fell/vbd ./.
Inside/in the/at passage/nn ,/, he/pps had/hvd to/to work/vb his/pp$ way/nn over/in the/at fallen/vbn timber/nn and/cc nearly/rb collapsed/vbd under/in his/pp$ clumsy/jj burden/nn ./.
By/in the/at time/nn he/pps reached/vbd the/at edge/nn of/in the/at pit/nn he/pps was/bedz panting/vbg and/cc his/pp$ shoulder/nn and/cc back/nn ached/vbd under/in the/at drag/nn of/in the/at dead/jj weight/nn ./.


	He/pps stood/vbd looking/vbg down/rp for/in a/at few/ap seconds/nns ,/, then/rb backed/vbd up/rp two/cd or/cc three/cd paces/nns from/in the/at edge/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz too/ql much/ap weight/nn casually/rb to/to toss/vb it/ppo away/rb ./.
He/pps could/md feel/vb himself/ppl falling/vbg in/rp with/in it/ppo and/cc being/beg unable/jj to/to get/vb out/rp ./.
It/pps would/md be/be a/at bad/jj place/nn to/to die/vb ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at bad/jj place/nn for/in Roberts/np to/to wind/vb up/rp ,/, but/cc Roberts/np had/hvd asked/vbn for/in it/ppo ./.
It/pps was/bedz too/ql late/jj to/to worry/vb about/in that/dt ./.


	He/pps knelt/vbd slowly/rb and/cc dumped/vbd the/at corpse/nn onto/in the/at floor/nn of/in the/at tunnel/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at relief/nn to/to get/vb rid/jj of/in the/at weight/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz shaking/vbg with/in tension/nn and/cc it/pps took/vbd him/ppo a/at couple/nn of/in minutes/nns to/to get/vb his/pp$ breath/nn and/cc settle/vb down/rp ./.
Then/rb he/pps got/vbd on/in his/pp$ knees/nns and/cc rolled/vbd Roberts'/np$ body/nn toward/in the/at edge/nn ./.
It/pps hung/vbd momentarily/rb on/in the/at point/nn of/in dropping/vbg off/rp ./.
He/pps gave/vbd it/ppo a/at strong/jj push/nn ,/, heard/vbd it/pps slide/vb ,/, then/rb tumble/vb dryly/rb into/in the/at hole/nn ./.
He/pps got/vbd to/in his/pp$ feet/nns and/cc threw/vbd the/at flashlight/nn beam/nn into/in the/at pit/nn ./.
The/at body/nn lay/vbd in/in an/at awkward/jj sprawl/nn twelve/cd or/cc fifteen/cd feet/nns below/in the/at level/nn of/in the/at tunnel/nn floor/nn ./.


	Deep/jj enough/qlp ,/, he/pps decided/vbd ./.
There/ex was/bedz little/ap chance/nn anyone/pn would/md enter/vb this/dt shaft/nn during/in the/at winter/nn ./.
The/at external/jj signs/nns of/in his/pp$ approach/nn to/in it/ppo would/md be/be covered/vbn by/in the/at snow/nn ,/, probably/rb by/in the/at next/ap day/nn ./.
It/pps wasn't/bedz* cold/jj enough/qlp in/in the/at tunnel/nn to/to preserve/vb the/at body/nn intact/jj ./.
By/in spring/nn it/pps would/md be/be a/at skeleton/nn ./.


	He/pps made/vbd his/pp$ way/nn back/rb to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl ./.
He/pps had/hvd started/vbn to/to back/vb into/in the/at turn/nn when/wrb he/pps remembered/vbd the/at razor/nn in/in his/pp$ pocket/nn ./.
He/pps climbed/vbd down/rp ,/, went/vbd back/rb into/in the/at tunnel/nn and/cc tossed/vbd the/at razor/nn into/in the/at pit/nn ./.
It/pps landed/vbd on/in Roberts'/np$ sprawled/vbn right/jj thigh/nn ,/, poised/vbn precariously/rb ,/, then/rb slid/vbd off/rp to/in the/at ground/nn ./.
He/pps went/vbd back/rb once/rb more/rbr to/in the/at Jeep/nn-tl and/cc started/vbd the/at short/jj drive/nn to/in the/at hotel/nn ./.


	In/in the/at garage/nn he/pps checked/vbd the/at Jeep/nn-tl for/in signs/nns of/in the/at use/nn he/pps had/hvd made/vbn of/in it/ppo ./.
There/ex were/bed stains/nns here/rb and/cc there/rb and/cc he/pps cleaned/vbd them/ppo off/rp ,/, using/vbg an/at oiled/vbn rag/nn he/pps found/vbd on/in a/at nail/nn ./.
He/pps wiped/vbd the/at steering/vbg wheel/nn and/cc all/abn the/at places/nns he/pps might/md have/hv touched/vbn the/at Jeep/nn-tl ./.
He/pps replaced/vbd the/at flashlight/nn where/wrb it/pps had/hvd been/ben stowed/vbn ,/, got/vbd into/in his/pp$ own/jj car/nn and/cc backed/vbd it/ppo out/in of/in the/at garage/nn ./.
There/ex were/bed tire/nn marks/nns where/wrb it/pps had/hvd been/ben ,/, but/cc they/ppss were/bed overlapped/vbn by/in others/nns and/cc on/in the/at dusty/jj floor/nn would/md not/* be/be noticeable/jj except/in under/in close/jj scrutiny/nn ./.
Liz/np Peabody/np ,/, he/pps thought/vbd ,/, might/md spend/vb some/dti time/nn grieving/vbg for/in her/pp$ lost/vbn lover/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps doubted/vbd that/cs she/pps would/md launch/vb an/at investigation/nn ./.
He/pps judged/vbd her/ppo to/to be/be a/at woman/nn of/in some/dti pride/nn ,/, though/cs not/* much/ap sense/nn ./.
Still/rb she/pps would/md probably/rb have/hv sense/nn enough/ap not/* to/to call/vb in/in the/at local/jj sheriff/nn to/to find/vb her/pp$ boy/nn friend/nn who/wps ,/, apparently/rb ,/, had/hvd run/vbn away/rb ./.



	He/pps put/vbd in/rp a/at call/nn to/in Cunningham/np from/in his/pp$ hotel/nn room/nn ./.
The/at maid/nn answered/vbd and/cc he/pps decided/vbd Nancy/np must/md be/be at/in work/nn ./.


	Jeb/np cautioned/vbd him/ppo not/* to/to be/be too/ql hopeful/jj and/cc then/rb ,/, ignoring/vbg his/pp$ own/jj advice/nn ,/, said/vbd excitedly/rb ,/, ``/`` But/cc it/pps does/doz sound/vb good/jj ./.
A/at woman/nn named/vbn Lisa/np who/wps tells/vbz nobody/pn anything/pn about/in herself/ppl ./.
That/dt courtyard/nn picture/nn with/in the/at same/ap initials/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'm/ppss+bem not/* exactly/rb jumping/vbg up/rp and/cc down/rp with/in enthusiasm/nn ./.
I'll/ppss+md call/vb you/ppo in/in a/at day/nn or/cc so/rb ''/'' ./.


	On/in the/at highway/nn he/pps relaxed/vbd and/cc enjoyed/vbd the/at drive/nn over/in Lake/nn-tl Pontchartrain/np-tl and/cc along/in the/at coast/nn ./.


	Gulf/nn-tl Springs/nns-tl was/bedz ten/cd miles/nns inland/rb --/-- more/ap of/in a/at quaint/jj old/jj coast/nn town/nn than/cs those/dts along/in the/at beach/nn made/vbn garish/jj by/in tourist/nn attractions/nns ./.


	He/pps checked/vbd into/in a/at motel/nn and/cc drove/vbd downtown/nr ./.
The/at courthouse/nn was/bedz a/at white-stucco/nn building/nn minus/cc the/at customary/jj dome/nn ./.
Instead/rb of/in the/at usual/jj straggling/vbg privet/nn hedges/nns and/cc patches/nns of/in bare/jj dirt/nn in/in most/ap small-town/nn squares/nns ,/, the/at building/nn was/bedz hemmed/vbn in/rp by/in a/at semitropical/jj growth/nn of/in camellias/nns and/cc azaleas/nns and/cc a/at smooth/jj lawn/nn the/at improbably/rb bright-green/jj shade/nn of/in florist's/nn$ grass/nn ./.


	He/pps figured/vbd his/pp$ best/jjt bet/nn was/bedz a/at call/nn on/in the/at sheriff/nn ./.
A/at clerk/nn in/in the/at outer/jj office/nn took/vbd him/ppo in/rp to/in Sheriff/nn-tl Carruthers/np ,/, a/at big/jj ,/, paunchy/jj man/nn with/in thick/jj ,/, white/jj hair/nn and/cc a/at voice/nn with/in a/at senatorial/jj resonance/nn which/wdt suggested/vbd he/pps should/md be/be running/vbg for/in higher/jjr office/nn ./.


	Seated/vbn in/in front/nn of/in the/at desk/nn ,/, Hank/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I'm/ppss+bem looking/vbg for/in some/dti information/nn with/in very/ql little/ap to/to go/vb on/rp ,/, Sheriff/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	He/pps explained/vbd the/at background/nn of/in the/at case/nn ,/, ending/vbg with/in the/at tenuous/jj clue/nn which/wdt had/hvd brought/vbn him/ppo to/in Gulf/nn-tl Springs/nns-tl ./.


	The/at sheriff's/nn$ swivel/nn chair/nn tilted/vbd back/rb ./.
``/`` So/rb you're/ppss+ber looking/vbg for/in a/at woman/nn who/wps married/vbd a/at man/nn who/wps might/md have/hv lived/vbn here/rb a/at year/nn ago/rb and/cc might/md have/hv been/ben poisoned/vbn ./.
If/cs there/ex was/bedz such/abl a/at person/nn ,/, I'm/ppss+bem afraid/jj she/pps got/vbd away/rb with/in it/ppo ./.
Pity/nn we/ppss don't/do* know/vb more/ap about/in him/ppo ./.
I/ppss think/vb the/at best/jjt bet/nn is/bez to/to go/vb through/in the/at society/nn columns/nns of/in last/ap year/nn and/cc see/vb if/cs any/dti of/in the/at grooms/nns match/vb with/in the/at obituaries/nns a/at little/ap later/rbr ./.
It'll/pps+md be/be a/at tedious/jj job/nn ,/, but/cc if/cs you/ppss want/vb to/to try/vb it/ppo ,/, the/at old/jj newspaper/nn files/nns are/ber in/in the/at basement/nn here/rb in/in the/at county/nn supervisor's/nn$ office/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Maybe/rb the/at society/nn editor/nn would/md remember/vb a/at good-looking/jj out-of-town/jj bride/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez an/at idea/nn ./.
Mrs./np Calhoun/np has/hvz been/ben society/nn editor/nn here/rb for/in twenty-five/cd years/nns ./.
The/at editor/nn says/vbz that/cs marriages/nns may/md be/be made/vbn in/in heaven/nn ,/, but/cc weddings/nns are/ber made/vbn in/in Mrs./np Calhoun's/np$ columns/nns ./.
She's/pps+bez the/at one/pn who/wps decides/vbz which/wdt wedding/nn is/bez to/to get/vb the/at lead/nn space/nn in/in the/at Sunday/nr paper/nn and/cc all/abn that/dt ''/'' ./.
He/pps smiled/vbd ./.
``/`` Once/rb ,/, when/wrb the/at editor/nn was/bedz just/rb out/in of/in the/at hospital/nn from/in a/at gallstone/nn operation/nn ,/, Mrs./np Calhoun/np and/cc the/at mother/nn of/in the/at bride/nn went/vbd out/rp to/in his/pp$ house/nn and/cc fought/vbd it/ppo out/rp beside/in his/pp$ bed/nn ./.
She'd/pps+md be/be sure/jj to/to remember/vb any/dti bride/nn who/wps was/bedz vague/jj about/in background/nn ./.
She'd/pps+md have/hv made/vbn a/at great/jj scientist/nn dedicated/vbn to/in tracking/vbg down/rp heredity/nn and/cc environment/nn ./.
She'd/pps+md also/rb remember/vb if/cs the/at groom/nn died/vbd later/rbr ''/'' ./.
He/pps stood/vbd up/rp ./.
``/`` I/ppss wish/vb you/ppo good/jj luck/nn ,/, but/cc please/vb don't/do* dig/vb up/rp too/ql tough/jj a/at case/nn for/in me/ppo this/dt close/rb to/in election/nn ./.
If/cs you/ppss find/vb out/rp anything/pn ,/, come/vb on/rp back/rb here/rb and/cc we'll/ppss+md get/vb started/vbn on/in it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	Tracking/vbg down/rp Mrs./np Calhoun/np was/bedz like/cs trying/vbg to/to catch/vb up/rp with/in Paul/np Revere/np between/in Lexington/np and/cc Concord/np ./.
It/pps turned/vbd out/rp that/cs she/pps also/rb sold/vbd real/jj estate/nn ,/, cosmetics/nns ,/, and/cc hospital/nn insurance/nn ./.
The/at wearying/vbg trek/nn stretched/vbd into/in the/at afternoon/nn --/-- from/in newspaper/nn plant/nn to/in insurance/nn office/nn to/in her/pp$ house/nn and/cc back/rb to/in the/at newspaper/nn ,/, where/wrb he/pps found/vbd her/ppo at/in five/cd o'clock/rb ./.


	She/pps was/bedz a/at large/jj woman/nn with/in a/at frizzled/vbn gray/jj poodle/nn cut/nn and/cc a/at pencil/nn clamped/vbn like/cs a/at bit/nn between/in her/pp$ teeth/nns while/cs she/pps hunted/vbd and/cc pecked/vbd on/in an/at old/jj typewriter/nn ./.
It/pps took/vbd a/at couple/nn of/in minutes/nns to/to run/vb through/in her/pp$ various/jj businesses/nns and/cc get/vb down/rp to/in the/at one/cd he/pps wanted/vbd ./.


	``/`` Last/ap year/nn ?/. ?/.
Well/uh ,/, I/ppss do/do remember/vb one/cd ./.
From/in Baton/np Rouge/np ./.
Married/vbd a/at man/nn named/vbn Vincent/np Black/np ./.
I/ppss remember/vb her/ppo because/cs she/pps didn't/dod* want/vb her/pp$ picture/nn in/in the/at paper/nn ./.
First/od bride/nn like/cs that/dt I've/ppss+hv seen/vbn in/in twenty-five/cd years/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt reason/nn did/dod she/pps give/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Said/vbn she/pps had/hvd a/at breaking-out/nn on/in her/pp$ face/nn --/-- some/dti sort/nn of/in allergy/nn --/-- and/cc none/pn of/in her/pp$ old/jj pictures/nns was/bedz good/jj enough/qlp ./.
I/ppss didn't/dod* see/vb her/ppo till/cs several/ap days/nns later/rbr at/in the/at wedding/nn ,/, and/cc her/pp$ face/nn looked/vbd like/cs it/pps had/hvd never/rb had/hvn a/at blemish/nn on/in it/ppo ./.
But/cc ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, you/ppss couldn't/md* see/vb too/ql well/rb through/in the/at veil/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Was/bedz her/pp$ name/nn Lisa/np Carmody/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Now/rb how/wrb in/in hell/nn would/md I/ppss remember/vb that/dt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Never/rb mind/vb ./.
I/ppss can/md look/vb it/ppo up/rp ./.
Do/do they/ppss still/rb live/vb here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss think/vb they/ppss moved/vbd away/rb shortly/rb after/cs they/ppss were/bed married/vbn ./.
He/pps was/bedz a/at salesman/nn for/in something/pn or/cc other/ap and/cc must/md have/hv been/ben transferred/vbn ./.
I'm/ppss+bem sure/jj it'll/pps+md be/be in/in the/at files/nns ./.
We/ppss usually/rb run/vb a/at social/jj note/nn when/wrb somebody/pn moves/vbz away/rb ''/'' ./.


	He/pps stood/vbd up/rp and/cc thanked/vbd her/ppo ./.


	``/`` Have/hv they/ppss inherited/vbn some/dti money/nn or/cc something/pn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
She/pps asked/vbd with/in a/at reportorial/jj gleam/nn in/in her/pp$ eye/nn ./.


	He/pps said/vbd vaguely/rb ,/, ``/`` Well/uh ,/, it/pps is/bez a/at little/ap legal/jj matter/nn ,/, but/cc nothing/pn like/cs that/dt ''/'' ./.


	He/pps hurried/vbd across/rb to/in the/at courthouse/nn and/cc caught/vbd the/at sheriff/nn just/rb as/cs he/pps was/bedz leaving/vbg ./.


	``/`` Sounds/nns like/vb what/wdt you're/ppss+ber after/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd when/wrb Hank/np had/hvd finished/vbn ./.
``/`` Come/vb on/rp ,/, let's/vb+ppo hurry/vb down/rp before/cs they/ppss lock/nn up/rp for/in the/at day/nn ''/'' ./.


	In/in the/at basement/nn the/at sheriff/nn took/vbd him/ppo to/in a/at small/jj ,/, dingy/jj office/nn occupied/vbn by/in a/at tall/jj ,/, thin/jj man/nn informal/jj in/in rolled-up/jj shirt/nn sleeves/nns ./.


	``/`` Mr./np Ferrell/np Hirey/np Lindsay/np ,/, chairman/nn of/in the/at board/nn of/in supervisors/nns ./.
Mr./np Ferrell/np is/bez a/at private/jj detective/nn ,/, Hirey/np ./.
Wants/nns to/to look/vb up/rp something/pn in/in the/at newspaper/nn files/nns ,/, so/rb don't/do* lock/nn him/ppo in/in here/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Sure/jj ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Hirey/np ./.
``/`` I'll/ppss+md just/rb leave/vb the/at door/nn open/jj ./.
It/pps latches/vbz when/wrb you/ppss close/vb it/ppo ,/, so/rb stay/vb as/ql long/jj as/cs you/ppss like/vb ''/'' ./.


	Carruthers/np crossed/vbd the/at room/nn to/in a/at metal/nn door/nn with/in an/at open/jj grillework/nn in/in the/at top/jjs half/abn ./.
He/pps pulled/vbd it/ppo open/jj ./.
``/`` Now/rb don't/do* shut/vb this/dt door/nn ./.
It/pps won't/md* open/vb from/in inside/rb ./.
Before/cs we/ppss built/vbd the/at new/jj jail/nn ,/, we/ppss used/vbd to/to keep/vb prisoners/nns in/in here/rb overnight/rb sometimes/rb when/wrb the/at old/jj jail/nn got/vbd too/rb crowded/vbn ./.
Hirey/np treats/vbz himself/ppl a/at lot/nn better/rbr than/cs we/ppss do/do prisoners/nns ./.
They/ppss were/bed a/at sight/nn more/ql comfortable/jj than/cs the/at ones/nns in/in the/at jail/nn with/in the/at cold/jj air/nn from/in Hirey's/np$ air/nn conditioner/nn coming/vbg through/in the/at grille/nn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps walked/vbd past/in the/at sheriff/nn into/in a/at windowless/jj room/nn with/in shelves/nns full/jj of/in big/jj ,/, leather-bound/jj volumes/nns from/in floor/nn to/in ceiling/nn all/abn around/rb the/at walls/nns ./.
A/at metal/nn table/nn and/cc four/cd chairs/nns stood/vbd in/in the/at center/nn ./.


	``/`` They're/ppss+ber all/abn here/rb ,/, back/rb to/in 1865/cd ''/'' ,/, Carruthers/np told/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez all/ql right/rb to/to smoke/vb ,/, but/cc make/vb sure/jj your/pp$ cigarettes/nns are/ber out/rp before/cs you/ppss leave/vb ./.
And/cc ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, you/ppss know/vb not/* to/to take/vb clippings/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md leave/vb the/at air/nn conditioner/nn on/rp for/in you/ppo ,/, Mr./np Ferrell/np ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Hirey/np ./.
``/`` Don't/do* forget/vb to/to turn/vb it/ppo off/rp and/cc close/vb the/at door/nn good/rb so/cs it'll/pps+md latch/vb ''/'' ./.


	Hank/np thanked/vbd them/ppo and/cc promised/vbd to/to observe/vb the/at rules/nns ./.
When/wrb they/ppss had/hvd gone/vbn ,/, he/pps stood/vbd for/in a/at minute/nn breathing/vbg in/in the/at mustiness/nn of/in old/jj paper/nn and/cc leather/nn which/wdt the/at busily/rb thrumming/vbg air/nn conditioner/nn couldn't/md* quite/rb dispel/vb ./.



Chapter/nn-hl fourteen/cd-hl 
In/in a/at tour/nn around/in the/at stacks/nns ,/, he/pps found/vbd that/cs the/at earliest/jjt volumes/nns began/vbd on/in the/at left/nr and/cc progressed/vbd clockwise/rb around/in the/at room/nn ./.
An/at old/jj weakness/nn for/in burrowing/vbg in/in records/nns rose/vbd up/rp to/to tempt/vb him/ppo ./.


	It/pps was/bedz ,/, indeed/rb ,/, all/abn here/rb --/-- almost/rb a/at century/nn ./.
From/in reconstruction/nn to/in moon/nn rockets/nns ./.
But/cc he/pps pulled/vbd away/rb from/in the/at irrelevant/jj old/jj volumes/nns and/cc walked/vbd around/rb to/in the/at newer/jjr ones/nns ./.


	Last/ap year's/nn$ volume/nn was/bedz at/in the/at top/nn a/at couple/nn of/in inches/nns below/in the/at ceiling/nn ./.
Near/in it/ppo was/bedz a/at metal/nn ladder/nn on/in casters/nns attached/vbn to/in the/at top/jjs shelf/nn ./.
He/pps pulled/vbd it/ppo over/rp ,/, climbed/vbd up/rp ,/, and/cc lifted/vbd out/rp the/at big/jj volume/nn ,/, almost/rb losing/vbg his/pp$ balance/nn from/in the/at weight/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
He/pps staggered/vbd over/rp and/cc dropped/vbd it/ppo on/in the/at table/nn ./.


	Since/cs Mrs./np Calhoun/np remembered/vbd only/rb that/cs the/at marriage/nn had/hvd been/ben in/in the/at spring/nn ,/, he/pps started/vbd to/to plod/vb through/in several/ap months/nns ./.
He/pps tried/vbd to/to turn/vb right/rb to/in the/at society/nn page/nn in/in each/dt one/cd ,/, but/cc interesting/jj stories/nns kept/vbd cropping/vbg up/rp to/to distract/vb him/ppo ./.
At/in last/rb he/pps found/vbd it/ppo in/in the/at paper/nn of/in April/np 2/cd ./.


	It/pps told/vbd him/ppo little/ap more/ap than/in Mrs./np Calhoun/np had/hvd remembered/vbn ,/, stating/vbg that/cs it/pps had/hvd been/ben a/at small/jj ,/, modest/jj wedding/nn compared/vbn to/in some/dti of/in the/at others/nns ./.


	There/ex was/bedz a/at marked/vbn contrast/nn in/in the/at amount/nn of/in information/nn on/in bride/nn and/cc groom/nn ./.
Mr./np Black's/np$ life/nn was/bedz an/at open/jj book/nn ,/, so/rb to/to speak/vb ,/, from/in his/pp$ birth/nn in/in Jackson/np ,/, Mississippi/np ,/, through/in his/pp$ basketball-playing/jj days/nns at/in L.S.U./np and/cc his/pp$ attainment/nn of/in a/at B.A./np degree/nn ,/, which/wdt had/hvd presumably/rb prepared/vbn him/ppo for/in his/pp$ career/nn as/cs district/nn sales/nns manager/nn for/in Peerless/jj-tl Business/nn-tl Machines/nns-tl ./.


	The/at one/cd line/nn on/in the/at bride/nn said/vbd she/pps was/bedz Miss/np Lisa/np Carmody/np from/in Baton/np Rouge/np ./.
No/at mention/nn of/in New/jj-tl Orleans/np-tl ./.


	Hank/np was/bedz beginning/vbg to/to feel/vb sharp/jj concern/nn for/in Mr./np Black/np ./.
If/cs Mrs./np Black/np was/bedz who/wps he/pps thought/vbd she/pps was/bedz ,/, Mr./np Black's/np$ Peerless/jj-tl selling/vbg days/nns might/md well/rb be/be over/rp ./.


	Now/rb for/in their/pp$ exodus/nn from/in Gulf/nn-tl Springs/nns-tl ./.
This/dt time/nn the/at search/nn took/vbd twice/rb as/ql long/jj ,/, cutting/vbg down/rp on/in his/pp$ extra/jj reading/nn ,/, for/cs he/pps had/hvd to/to pick/vb through/in several/ap columns/nns of/in one-/cd and/cc two-line/jj social/jj notes/nns in/in each/dt issue/nn ./.
He/pps found/vbd it/ppo in/in the/at edition/nn of/in May/np 15/cd ./.
The/at item/nn said/vbd Mr./np and/cc Mrs./np Black/np had/hvd moved/vbn to/in Jackson/np ,/, his/pp$ home/nr town/nn --/-- so/cs the/at lovely/jj Lisa/np had/hvd been/ben with/in him/ppo a/at year/nn ago/rb ./.


	Next/rb on/in his/pp$ program/nn was/bedz a/at call/nn to/in the/at Jackson/np office/nn of/in Peerless/jj-tl Business/nn-tl Machines/nns-tl to/to find/vb out/rp if/cs Vincent/np Black/np was/bedz still/rb with/in them/ppo --/-- or/cc ,/, more/ql specifically/rb ,/, still/rb with/in us/ppo ./.


	He/pps glanced/vbd at/in his/pp$ watch/nn ,/, saw/vbd it/pps was/bedz only/rb seven/cd ,/, and/cc decided/vbd to/to indulge/vb his/pp$ weakness/nn now/rb ./.
For/in the/at next/ap hour/nn he/pps scrambled/vbd happily/rb up/in and/cc down/in the/at ladder/nn ,/, sharing/vbg the/at excitement/nn of/in reporters/nns who/wps had/hvd seen/vbn McKinley's/np$ assassination/nn ,/, the/at Iroquois/np-tl Theater/nn-tl fire/nn in/in Chicago/np ,/, and/cc the/at Hall-Mills/np trial/nn ./.


	In/in the/at middle/nn of/in the/at stock/nn market/nn crash/nn ,/, he/pps heard/vbd a/at slight/jj noise/nn in/in the/at outer/jj office/nn ./.
He/pps turned/vbd around/rb ,/, saw/vbd nothing/pn ,/, and/cc decided/vbd it/pps must/md be/be a/at mouse/nn ./.
Something/pn else/rb distracted/vbd him/ppo ,/, yet/rb there/ex was/bedz no/at sound/nn ,/, only/rb tomblike/jj silence/nn ./.
Then/rb he/pps knew/vbd it/pps was/bedz not/* sound/nn ,/, but/cc lack/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
The/at air/nn conditioner/nn was/bedz no/at longer/jjr running/vbg ./.


	He/pps jumped/vbd up/rp and/cc turned/vbd around/rb to/to see/vb the/at metal/nn door/nn closing/vbg ./.
It/pps clanged/vbd shut/vbn as/cs he/pps sprang/vbd toward/in it/ppo ./.


	He/pps pressed/vbd his/pp$ face/nn against/in the/at grille/nn ./.
``/`` Who's/wps+bez there/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at light/nn shining/vbg through/in the/at grille/nn dimly/rb illumined/vbn the/at office/nn beyond/rb --/-- enough/ap for/in him/ppo to/to see/vb there/ex was/bedz no/at one/pn there/rb ./.
Then/rb he/pps heard/vbd the/at outer/jj door/nn closing/vbg ./.


	``/`` Hey/uh ,/, come/vb back/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps shouted/vbd ./.
He/pps thought/vbd it/pps must/md be/be some/dti damn/jj janitor/nn or/cc cleaning/vbg woman/nn puttering/vbg around/rb ,/, figuring/vbg that/cs Hirey/np had/hvd gone/vbn off/rp and/cc forgotten/vbn to/to turn/vb off/rp everything/pn and/cc lock/nn up/rp ./.

Then/rb the/at faint/jj beginnings/nns of/in fear/nn stirred/vbd in/in his/pp$ mind/nn ./.
Unless/cs he/pps was/bedz stone-blind/jj ,/, the/at person/nn who'd/wps+md just/rb left/vbn couldn't/md* have/hv missed/vbn seeing/vbg Hank/np through/in the/at open/jj door/nn of/in the/at brightly/rb lighted/vbn room/nn ./.
And/cc even/rb if/cs he'd/pps+md somehow/rb missed/vbn seeing/vbg him/ppo ,/, he/pps wouldn't/md* have/hv gone/vbn off/rp and/cc left/vbn the/at light/nn on/rp and/cc door/nn open/jj in/in the/at file/nn room/nn ./.


	Whoever/wps it/pps was/bedz had/hvd meant/vbn to/to shut/vb him/ppo up/rp in/in here/rb ,/, had/hvd followed/vbn him/ppo and/cc waited/vbd till/cs the/at courthouse/nn and/cc square/nn were/bed deserted/vbn ./.
But/cc why/wrb ?/. ?/.
To/to search/vb his/pp$ room/nn at/in the/at motel/nn ?/. ?/.
To/to come/vb back/rb later/rbr and/cc kill/vb him/ppo after/cs the/at stores/nns had/hvd closed/vbn around/in the/at square/nn and/cc everybody/pn had/hvd left/vbn ?/. ?/.
No/rb ,/, they/ppss could/md kill/vb him/ppo just/rb as/ql easy/rb right/ql now/rb ./.
Nobody/pn could/md hear/vb what/wdt was/bedz going/vbg on/rp in/in this/dt underground/jj vault/nn ./.


	Then/rb he/pps heard/vbd it/ppo and/cc smelled/vbd it/ppo --/-- the/at steady/jj hissing/nn ,/, the/at dread/nn ,/, familiar/jj pungency/nn of/in gas/nn escaping/vbg ./.
It/pps must/md be/be coming/vbg from/in an/at upright/nn heater/nn against/in the/at far/jj wall/nn in/in the/at supervisors'/nns$ office/nn ./.


	Until/in now/rb ,/, Lilac/np Gaylor/np and/cc Lila/np Kingsley/np had/hvd been/ben like/cs an/at anagram/nn which/wdt he/pps could/md unscramble/vb at/in his/pp$ own/jj pace/nn and/cc choosing/vbg ./.


	Except/in for/in those/dts minutes/nns in/in her/pp$ room/nn ,/, he/pps had/hvd lost/vbn touch/nn with/in her/ppo as/cs a/at reality/nn ./.
Gaylor's/np$ obsession/nn and/cc Cunningham's/np$ chimera-chasing/jj reminiscences/nns had/hvd mesmerized/vbn him/ppo into/in thinking/vbg of/in Lila/np and/cc Lilac/np ,/, separately/rb or/cc together/rb ,/, as/cs a/at legend/nn ./.
They/ppss kept/vbd drifting/vbg apart/rb and/cc merging/vbg again/rb in/in his/pp$ mind/nn like/cs some/dti minute/jj form/nn of/in life/nn on/in a/at microscope/nn slide/nn ./.



	``/`` Well/rb ''/'' --/-- said/vbd Mr./np Skyros/np ./.
``/`` I/ppss take/vb a/at little/ap time/nn to/to think/vb it/ppo over/rp ''/'' ./.
It/pps was/bedz awkward/jj :/: very/ql awkward/jj ./.
There/ex would/md be/be all/abn the/at nuisance/nn of/in contacting/vbg someone/pn else/rb to/to take/vb over/rp ./.
Someone/pn reasonably/rb trustworthy/jj ./.
And/cc Angie/np would/md hear/vb about/in it/ppo ./.
And/cc Angie/np knew/vbd --/-- 

	``/`` Time/nn ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Angie/np ,/, and/cc he/pps smiled/vbd very/ql sweet/rb and/cc slow/rb at/in Mr./np Skyros/np ./.
``/`` Not/* too/ql much/ap time/nn ,/, because/cs I'll/ppss+md be/be needing/vbg some/dti more/ap myself/ppl pretty/ql much/rb right/ql away/rb ./.
And/cc I/ppss done/vbn favors/nns for/in you/ppo ,/, big/jj favor/nn not/* so/ql long/jj back/rb ,/, didn't/dod* I/ppss ,/, and/cc I'm/ppss+bem right/ql here/rb to/to take/vb on/in where/wrb Pretty/np left/vbd off/rp ./.
No/at trouble/nn ./.
I/ppss don't/do* want/vb no/at trouble/nn ,/, you/ppss don't/do* want/vb no/at trouble/nn ,/, nobody/pn wants/vbz trouble/nn ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ''/'' ./.


	Dear/jj heaven/nn ,/, no/rb ,/, thought/vbd Mr./np Skyros/np ,/, turning/vbg away/rb as/cs another/dt man/nn came/vbd in/rp ./.
He/pps straightened/vbd his/pp$ tie/nn at/in the/at mirror/nn with/in a/at shaking/vbg hand/nn ;/. ;/.
the/at genial/jj smile/nn seemed/vbd painted/vbn on/in his/pp$ face/nn ./.
Angie/np knew/vbd --/-- Speak/vb of/in dangerous/jj information/nn !/. !/.
Angie/np knew/vbd too/ql much/ap entirely/rb already/rb ./.
Really/rb he/pps had/hvd Mr./np Skyros/np at/in bay/nn 

	``/`` Big/jj favor/nn I/ppss done/vbn you/ppo ./.
Acourse/rb there's/ex+bez this/dt deal/nn o'/in Denny's/np$ --/-- and/cc Jackie's/np$ --/-- kinda/rb hangin'/vbg fire/nn ,/, ain't/bez* it/ppo ,/, maybe/rb you've/ppss+hv been/ben kinda/rb worryin'/vbg over/in that/dt ./.
And/cc can't/md* say/vb I/ppss blame/vb you/ppo ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Angie/np thoughtfully/rb ./.
``/`` This/dt deal/nn with/in the/at ace/nn o'/in spades/nns ./.
Anything/pn to/to do/do with/in an/at ace/nn o'/in spades/nns ,/, bad/jj luck/nn ''/'' ./.


	Ace/nn of/in spades/nns --/-- a/at widow/nn ,/, that/dt was/bedz what/wdt they/ppss called/vbd a/at widow/nn ,/, these/dts low-class/nn crooks/nns remembered/vbd Mr./np Skyros/np distractedly/rb ./.
All/abn about/in that/dt Angie/np knew/vbd ,/, too/rb ./.
When/wrb things/nns got/vbd a/at little/ap out/in of/in hand/nn ,/, they/ppss very/ql rapidly/rb got/vbd a/at lot/nn out/in of/in hand/nn --/-- it/pps seemed/vbd to/to be/be a/at general/jj rule/nn ./.
All/abn just/rb by/in chance/nn ,/, and/cc in/in a/at way/nn tracing/vbg back/rb to/in poor/jj Frank/np ,/, all/abn of/in it/ppo ,/, because/cs naturally/rb --/-- brothers/nns ,/, living/vbg together/rb --/-- and/cc Angie/np --/-- 

	Mr./np Skyros/np did/dod not/* at/in all/abn like/cs the/at look/nn on/in Angelo's/np$ regular-featured/jj ,/, almost/ql girlishly/rb good-looking/jj face/nn --/-- or/cc indeed/rb anything/pn about/in Angelo/np ./.
Mr./np Skyros/np was/bedz not/* a/at man/nn who/wps thought/vbd very/ql much/rb about/in moral/jj principles/nns ;/. ;/.
he/pps found/vbd money/nn much/ql more/ql interesting/jj ;/. ;/.
but/cc all/abn the/at same/ap he/pps thought/vbd now/rb ,/, uneasily/rb ,/, of/in the/at way/nn in/in which/wdt Angelo/np earned/vbd his/pp$ living/nn --/-- and/cc paid/vbd for/in his/pp$ own/jj stuff/nn --/-- and/cc eyed/vbd the/at soft/jj smile/nn ,/, and/cc the/at spaniel-like/jj dark/jj eyes/nns ,/, and/cc he/pps felt/vbd a/at little/ql ill/jj ./.


	``/`` Look/vb ,/, my/pp$ friend/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` in/in my/pp$ life/nn I/ppss learn/vb ,/, how/wrb is/bez it/pps the/at proverb/nn says/vbz ,/, better/jjr an/at ounce/nn of/in prevention/nn to/in a/at pound/nn of/in cure/nn ./.
I/ppss stay/vb in/in business/nn so/ql long/jj because/cs I'm/ppss+bem careful/jj ./.
Two/cd weeks/nns ,/, a/at month/nn ,/, we/ppss talk/vb it/ppo over/rp again/rb ,/, and/cc maybe/rb if/cs nothing/pn happens/vbz meanwhile/rb to/to say/vb the/at cops/nns know/vb this/dt and/cc that/dt ,/, then/rb we/ppss make/vb a/at little/ap deal/nn ,/, isn't/bez* it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez a/at long/jj while/nn ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Angie/np ./.
``/`` I/ppss tell/vb you/ppo ,/, you/ppss want/vb to/to leave/vb it/ppo that/dt way/nn ,/, I/ppss don't/do* fool/vb around/rb with/in it/ppo ./.
I/ppss go/vb over/rp to/in Castro/np and/cc get/vb fixed/vbn up/rp there/rb ./.
I/ppss can't/md* wait/vb no/at two/cd weeks/nns ''/'' ./.


	And/cc Mr./np Skyros/np didn't/dod* like/vb Angie/np ,/, but/cc what/wdt with/in Prettyman/np and/cc three/cd of/in his/pp$ boys/nns inside/rb ,/, and/cc not/* likely/rb to/to come/vb out/rp --/-- And/cc Angie/np such/abl a/at valuable/jj salesman/nn ,/, Prettyman/np said/vbd --/-- All/ql the/at nuisance/nn and/cc danger/nn of/in getting/vbg in/in touch/nn with/in practically/rb a/at whole/jj new/jj bunch/nn of/in boys/nns --/-- Why/wrb did/dod everything/pn have/hv to/to happen/vb at/in once/rb ?/. ?/.


	Denny/np said/vbd stupidly/rb ,/, ``/`` Why/wrb ,/, you/ppss ain't/ber* turning/vbg Angie/np down/rp ,/, are/ber you/ppss ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ?/. ?/.
I/ppss mean/vb ,/, we/ppss all/abn figured/vbd --/-- I/ppss guess/vb anybody'd/pn+md figure/vb --/-- Angie/np ''/'' --/-- 

	Angelo/np gave/vbd him/ppo an/at affectionate/jj smile/nn ./.
``/`` Mr./np Skyros/np too/ql smart/jj a/at fellow/nn want/nn to/to get/vb rid/jj of/in me/ppo ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez O.K./uh ,/, Denny/np ,/, everything's/pn+bez O.K./uh Ain't/bez* it/pps ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Oh/uh ,/, God/np ,/, the/at name/nn repeated/vbd over/rp and/cc over/rp ,/, anybody/pn to/to hear/vb --/-- Not/* being/beg a/at fool/nn ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np knew/vbd why/wrb ./.
But/cc aside/rb from/in everything/pn else/rb ,/, it/pps would/md scarcely/rb be/be pleasant/jj to/to have/hv dealings/nns with/in one/pn who/wps was/bedz nominally/rb an/at underling/nn and/cc actually/rb held/vbd --/-- you/ppss could/md say/vb --/-- the/at whip/nn hand/nn ./.
And/cc all/abn because/cs of/in Domokous/np !/. !/.
If/cs Mr./np Skyros/np had/hvd dreamed/vbn of/in all/abn the/at trouble/nn that/ql young/jj man/nn would/md eventually/rb cause/vb --/-- 

	Of/in course/nn ,/, there/ex was/bedz another/dt factor/nn ./.
Angie/np worth/jj his/pp$ weight/nn in/in gold/nn right/ql now/rb ,/, but/cc these/dts users/nns ,/, they/ppss sometimes/rb went/vbd down/rp fast/rb ./.
Who/wps knew/vbd ,/, Angie/np might/md not/* last/vb long/jj ./.
The/at sweat/nn broke/vbd out/rp on/in Mr./np Skyros'/np$ forehead/nn as/cs he/pps realized/vbd he/pps had/hvd been/ben actually/rb thinking/vbg --/-- hoping/vbg --/-- planning/vbg --/-- perhaps/rb --/-- 

	Good/jj God/np above/rb ,/, had/hvd not/* Domokous/np been/ben enough/ap ?/. ?/.


	He/pps patted/vbd Angelo's/np$ thin/jj shoulder/nn paternally/rb ./.
``/`` Now/rb you/ppss don't/do* want/vb to/to go/vb talking/vbg that/dt way/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` Sure/rb ,/, sure/rb ,/, you're/ppss+ber the/at one/cd take/vb over/rp for/in Pretty/np ,/, soon/rb as/cs I/ppss get/vb the/at supply/nn ,/, get/vb started/vbn up/rp again/rb ,/, isn't/bez* it/pps ?/. ?/.
You/ppss don't/do* need/vb worry/vb ,/, Angelo/np ./.
I/ppss tell/vb you/ppo ,/, I/ppss know/vb how/wrb it/pps is/bez with/in you/ppo ,/, my/pp$ friend/nn ,/, I/ppss sympathize/vb ,/, and/cc I'll/ppss+md make/vb it/ppo a/at special/jj point/nn --/-- a/at special/jj favor/nn --/-- get/vb in/in touch/nn ,/, and/cc get/vb some/dti stuff/nn just/rb for/in you/ppo ./.
I/ppss don't/do* know/vb if/cs I/ppss can/md manage/vb it/ppo tonight/nr or/cc tomorrow/nr ,/, but/cc I'll/ppss+md try/vb my/pp$ best/jjt ,/, my/pp$ friend/nn ./.
You/ppss see/vb ,/, you/ppss got/vbd to/to remember/vb ,/, we/ppss all/abn got/vbd schedules/nns ,/, like/cs any/dti business/nn !/. !/.
My/pp$ man/nn ,/, he/pps won't/md* be/be around/rb a/at little/jj while/nn ,/, he/pps just/rb fixed/vbd me/ppo up/rp with/in this/dt stuff/nn they/ppss took/vbd out/rp of/in the/at Elite/nn-tl ./.
It's/pps+bez awkward/jj ,/, you/ppss see/vb that/dt ,/, isn't/bez* it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Well/rb ,/, that's/dt+bez your/pp$ business/nn ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Angie/np ,/, and/cc his/pp$ dreamy/jj eyes/nns moved/vbd past/in Mr./np Skyros'/np$ shoulder/nn to/to gaze/vb vaguely/rb out/in the/at ground-glass/nn window/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss appreciate/vb it/ppo ,/, you/ppss do/do that/dt ./.
Sure/rb ./.
We/ppss don't/do* none/pn of/in us/ppo want/vb no/at trouble/nn ./.
I'm/ppss+bem in/in a/at room/nn over/in the/at Golden/jj-tl Club/nn-tl on/in San/np Pedro/np ,/, you/ppss just/rb ask/vb for/in me/ppo there/rb ,/, you/ppss want/vb see/vb me/ppo ./.
Or/cc maybe/rb I/ppss call/vb you/ppo --/-- tonight/nr ?/. ?/.
About/rb nine/cd o'clock/rb ,/, I/ppss call/vb and/cc see/vb if/cs you/ppss got/vbd any/dti ./.
A/at couple/nn decks/nns for/in me/ppo ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np --/-- and/cc ten-twelve/cd to/to sell/vb ,/, see/vb ,/, I/ppss like/vb to/to have/hv a/at little/ap ready/jj cash/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, now/rb ,/, I/ppss don't/do* know/vb about/in that/dt much/ap ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Mr./np Skyros/np ./.
``/`` And/cc you/ppss know/vb ,/, Angelo/np ,/, Pretty/np ,/, he/pps always/rb keeps/vbz it/ppo a/at strict/jj cash/nn basis/nn ,/, like/cs they/ppss say/vb ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` Sure/jj ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Angie/np ./.
``/`` Sure/rb ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ./.
Fifty/cd a/at throw/nn ,/, that/cs the/at deal/nn ?/. ?/.
Sure/rb ./.
I/ppss bring/vb you/ppo the/at cash/nn ,/, say/vb five/cd hundred/cd for/in ten/cd decks/nns ./.
Never/rb mind/vb how/wrb much/ap I/ppss cut/vb it/ppo ,/, how/wrb much/ap I/ppss get/vb ''/'' ,/, and/cc he/pps smiled/vbd his/pp$ sleepy/jj smile/nn again/rb ./.
``/`` Standard/jj deal/nn ,/, Mr./np Skyros/np ./.
You/ppss go/vb 'n'/cc have/hv a/at look/nn round/rb for/in it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss do/do my/pp$ best/jjt ''/'' ,/, said/vbd Mr./np Skyros/np earnestly/rb ,/, ``/`` just/rb for/in you/ppo ,/, my/pp$ friend/nn ./.
This/dt is/bez awkward/jj for/in everybody/pn ,/, isn't/bez* it/pps ,/, we/ppss all/abn got/vbd to/to put/vb up/rp with/in inconvenience/nn sometimes/rb ./.
But/cc I/ppss do/do my/pp$ best/jjt for/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.
He/pps got/vbd out/rp of/in there/rb in/in a/at hurry/nn ,/, brushing/vbg past/in another/dt man/nn in/in the/at door/nn ,/, mopping/vbg his/pp$ brow/nn ./.


	The/at expedient/jj thing/nn --/-- yes/rb ,/, very/ql true/jj ,/, one/pn must/md make/vb do/do as/cs one/cd could/md ,/, in/in some/dti situations/nns ./.
It/pps could/md all/abn be/be straightened/vbn out/rp later/rbr ./.
Not/* very/ql much/ql later/rbr ,/, but/cc when/wrb things/nns had/hvd settled/vbn down/rp a/at little/ap ./.
After/in this/dt deal/nn with/in the/at Bouvardier/np woman/nn went/vbd through/rp ./.
An/at ace/nn of/in spades/nns ./.
He/pps was/bedz not/* a/at superstitious/jj man/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps felt/vbd perhaps/rb there/ex was/bedz a/at little/ap something/pn in/in that/dt ,/, indeed/rb ./.
He/pps rather/rb wished/vbd he/pps had/hvd never/rb got/vbn into/in the/at business/nn ,/, and/cc still/rb --/-- scarcely/rb to/to be/be resisted/vbn ,/, a/at nice/jj little/ap profit/nn with/in not/* much/ap work/nn involved/vbd ,/, easy/jj money/nn 



Katya/np Roslev/np ,/, who/wps would/md be/be Katharine/np Ross/np so/ql very/ql soon/rb now/rb ,/, rang/vbd up/rp her/pp$ first/od sale/nn of/in the/at day/nn and/cc counted/vbd back/rb the/at change/nn ./.
She/pps did/dod not/* notice/vb that/cs the/at customer/nn seized/vbd her/pp$ purchase/nn and/cc turned/vbd away/rb without/in a/at smile/nn or/cc a/at word/nn of/in thanks/nns ./.
Usually/rb she/pps marked/vbd the/at few/ap who/wps did/dod thank/vb you/ppo ,/, you/ppss didn't/dod* get/vb that/dt kind/nn much/rb in/in a/at place/nn like/cs this/dt :/: and/cc she/pps played/vbd a/at little/jj game/nn with/in herself/ppl ,/, seeing/vbg how/wrb downright/ql rude/jj she/pps could/md act/vb to/in the/at others/nns ,/, before/cs they'd/ppss+hvd take/vb offense/nn ,/, threaten/vb to/to call/vb the/at manager/nn ./.
Funny/jj how/wrb seldom/rb they/ppss did/dod :/: used/vbd to/in it/ppo ,/, probably/rb ./.
The/at kind/nn who/wps came/vbd into/in a/at cheap/jj store/nn like/cs this/dt !/. !/.
Grab/vb ,/, snatch/vb ,/, I/ppss saw/vbd that/dt first/rb !/. !/.
And/cc ,/, Here/rb ,/, I'll/ppss+md take/vb this/dt ,/, I/ppss was/bedz before/in her/ppo ,/, you/ppss wait/vb on/in me/ppo now/rb or/cc I/ppss don't/do* bother/vb with/in it/ppo ,/, see/vb !/. !/.
This/dt kind/nn of/in place/nn 

	She'd/pps+md be/be through/in here/rb ,/, just/rb no/at time/nn at/in all/abn --/-- leave/vb this/dt kind/nn of/in thing/nn 'way/rb behind/rb ./.
Off/rp at/in noon/nn ,/, and/cc she'd/pps+md never/rb come/vb back/rb ./.
Never/rb have/hv to/to ./.
Money/nn --/-- a/at lot/nn of/in money/nn ,/, enough/ap ./.
She'd/pps+md be/be smart/jj about/in it/ppo ,/, get/vb him/ppo to/to give/vb it/ppo to/in her/ppo in/in little/ap bills/nns so's/cs nobody/pn would/md suspect/vb --/-- maybe/rb couldn't/md* get/vb it/ppo until/in Monday/nr account/nn of/in that/dt ,/, the/at banks/nns --/-- But/cc that/dt wasn't/bedz* really/ql long/jj to/to wait/vb ./.
Not/* when/wrb she'd/pps+hvd waited/vbn so/ql long/jj already/rb ./.


	No/at need/nn say/vb anything/pn at/in all/abn to/in the/at old/jj woman/nn ./.
She/pps had/hvd it/ppo all/abn planned/vbn out/rp ,/, how/wrb she'd/pps+md do/do ./.
She'd/pps+md say/vb she/pps didn't/dod* feel/vb good/jj on/in Sunday/nr ,/, couldn't/md* go/vb to/in church/nn --/-- there'd/ex+md be/be a/at little/ap argument/nn ,/, but/cc she/pps could/md be/be stubborn/jj --/-- and/cc when/wrb the/at old/jj woman/nn had/hvd gone/vbn ,/, quick/rb pack/vb the/at things/nns she'd/pps+md need/vb to/to take/vb ,/, all/abn but/in the/at dress/nn she'd/pps+md wear/vb Monday/nr ,/, and/cc take/vb the/at bag/nn down/rp to/in that/dt place/nn in/in the/at station/nn where/wrb you/ppss could/md put/vb things/nns in/in a/at locker/nn overnight/rb ,/, for/in a/at dime/nn ./.
Then/rb on/in Monday/nr morning/nn --/-- or/cc it/pps might/md have/hv to/to be/be Tuesday/nr --/-- get/vb up/rp and/cc leave/vb just/rb the/at usual/jj time/nn ,/, and/cc last/ap thing/nn ,/, put/vb the/at money/nn in/in an/at envelope/nn under/in the/at old/jj woman's/nn$ purse/nn there/rb in/in the/at drawer/nn ./.
She/pps wouldn't/md* be/be going/vbg to/to get/vb that/dt for/in an/at hour/nn or/cc so/rb after/cs Katya/np had/hvd left/vbn ,/, go/vb do/do the/at daily/jj shopping/nn ./.
No/at need/nn leave/vb a/at note/nn with/in it/ppo ,/, either/cc --/-- or/cc maybe/rb just/rb something/pn like/cs ,/, Don't/do* worry/vb about/in me/ppo ,/, I'm/ppss+bem going/vbg away/rb to/to make/vb a/at better/jjr life/nn ./.


	A/at better/jjr life/nn ./.
Escape/vb ./.
It/pps wasn't/bedz* as/cs if/cs she/pps wanted/vbd much/ap ./.
She/pps didn't/dod* mind/vb working/vbg hard/rb ,/, not/* as/cs if/cs she/pps figured/vbd to/to do/do anything/pn wrong/jj to/to live/vb easy/rb and/cc soft/rb --/-- all/abn she/pps wanted/vbd was/bedz a/at chance/nn ,/, where/wrb she/pps wasn't/bedz* marked/vbn as/cs what/wdt she/pps was/bedz ./.
To/to be/be Katharine/np Ross/np ,/, and/cc work/vb in/in a/at nicer/jjr shop/nn somewhere/rb ,/, at/in a/at little/ql more/ap money/nn so/cs she/pps could/md have/hv prettier/jjr clothes/nns ,/, and/cc learn/vb ladies'/nns$ manners/nns and/cc all/abn like/cs that/dt ,/, and/cc get/vb to/to know/vb different/jj people/nns than/in up/in to/in now/rb ,/, not/* just/rb the/at ones/nns like/cs her/ppo here/rb ,/, with/in foreign-sounding/jj names/nns ,/, the/at ones/nns went/vbd to/in the/at same/ap church/nn and/cc --/-- Different/jj place/nn ,/, different/jj job/nn ,/, different/jj people/nns ,/, she'd/pps+md be/be all/ql different/jj too/rb ./.
Prettier/jjr ,/, she'd/pps+md do/do her/pp$ hair/nn another/dt way/nn ;/. ;/.
smarter/jjr ,/, and/cc wear/vb different/jj kinds/nns of/in clothes/nns --/-- she'd/pps+md be/be Katharine/np Ross/np ,/, just/rb what/wdt that/wps sounded/vbd like/jj ./.


	``/`` You've/ppss+hv give/vb me/ppo the/at wrong/jj change/nn ''/'' ,/, said/vbd the/at customer/nn sharply/rb ./.
``/`` Think/vb I/ppss can't/md* count/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Katya/np made/vbd up/rp the/at amount/nn in/in indifferent/jj silence/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz listening/vbg to/in other/ap voices/nns ,/, out/in of/in the/at future/nn ./.
Some/dti of/in those/dts vaguely-imagined/jj new/jj ,/, different/jj people/nns ./.
Oh/uh ,/, Katharine's/np+bez awfully/ql nice/jj ,/, and/cc pretty/jj too/rb ,/, I/ppss like/vb Katharine/np --/-- Let's/vb+ppo ask/vb Katharine/np to/to go/vb with/in us/ppo ,/, she's/pps+bez always/rb lots/nns of/in fun/nn --/-- Katharine/np --/-- 

	Soon/rb ,/, very/ql soon/rb now/rb 


sixteen/cd-hl 
Mendoza/np didn't/dod* wake/vb until/cs nearly/rb nine-thirty/cd ./.
It/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be another/dt hot/jj day/nn ;/. ;/.
already/rb the/at thermometer/nn stood/vbd close/rb to/in ninety/cd ./.
Alison/np was/bedz still/rb sound/ql asleep/jj ;/. ;/.
he/pps made/vbd fresh/jj coffee/nn and/cc searched/vbd through/in all/abn the/at desk/nn drawers/nns for/in more/ap cigarettes/nns before/cs thinking/vbg of/in her/pp$ handbag/nn ,/, and/cc found/vbd a/at crumpled/vbn stray/jj cigarette/nn at/in its/pp$ bottom/nn ,/, which/wdt tasted/vbd peculiarly/rb of/in face/nn powder/nn ./.
He/pps left/vbd a/at note/nn propped/vbn on/in the/at desk/nn asking/vbg her/ppo to/to call/vb him/ppo sometime/rb today/nr ,/, and/cc drove/vbd home/nr ./.


	After/cs he'd/pps+hvd got/vbn out/rp fresh/jj liver/nn for/in Bast/np ,/, he/pps paused/vbd to/to look/vb at/in her/ppo crouched/vbn daintily/rb over/in her/pp$ dish/nn ./.
Surely/rb she/pps was/bedz just/rb a/at trifle/nn fatter/jjr around/in the/at middle/nn ?/. ?/.
He/pps seemed/vbd to/to remember/vb reading/vbg somewhere/rb that/cs Abyssinians/nps had/hvd large/jj litters/nns ,/, and/cc suffered/vbd a/at dismaying/jj vision/nn of/in the/at apartment/nn overrun/nn with/in a/at dozen/nn kittens/nns ./.
``/`` Y/fw-cc que/fw-wdt sigue/fw-vbz despues/fw-rb ?/. ?/.
--/-- What/wdt then/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd her/ppo severely/rb ./.
``/`` A/at lot/nn of/in people/nns are/ber so/ql peculiar/jj that/cs they/ppss don't/do* like/vb cats/nns ,/, it's/pps+bez not/* the/at easiest/jjt thing/nn in/in the/at world/nn to/to find/vb good/jj homes/nns for/in kittens/nns --/-- and/cc ,/, damn/vb it/ppo ,/, you/ppss know/vb very/ql well/rb if/cs I/ppss have/hv them/ppo around/rb long/jj ,/, impossible/jj to/to give/vb them/ppo away/rb !/. !/.
And/cc I/ppss suppose/vb now/rb that/wps you've/ppss+hv finally/rb grown/vbn up/rp ,/, if/cs a/at little/ql late/jj ,/, you'd/ppss+md go/vb on/rp producing/vbg kittens/nns every/at six/cd months/nns or/cc so/rb ./.
Yes/rb ,/, well/uh ,/, it's/pps+bez a/at pity/nn to/to spoil/vb your/pp$ girlish/jj figure/nn --/-- which/wdt all/abn those/dts kittens/nns would/md do/do anyway/rb --/-- but/cc I/ppss think/vb when/wrb you've/ppss+hv raised/vbn these/dts we'll/ppss+md just/rb have/hv the/at vet/nn fix/nn it/ppo so/cs there/ex won't/md* be/be any/dti more/ap ./.
I/ppss wonder/vb if/cs the/at Carters/nps would/md take/vb one/cd ./.
And/cc it's/pps+bez no/at good/jj looking/vbg at/in me/ppo like/cs that/dt ''/'' ,/, as/cs she/pps wound/vbd affectionately/rb around/in his/pp$ ankles/nns ./.

Maude's/np$ long/jj nose/nn unexpectedly/rb wrinkled/vbd up/rp ./.
``/`` Happened/vbn to/to be/be in/in the/at hall/nn !/. !/.
Happened/vbn to/to hear/vb you/ppo quarrel/vb about/in her/ppo !/. !/.
Oh/uh ,/, well/uh ,/, you/ppss can't/md* really/rb blame/vb Lolotte/np ./.
She/pps lost/vbd her/ppo beau/nn to/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.


	But/cc she/pps was/bedz talking/vbg of/in Emile/np when/wrb she/pps saw/vbd the/at black/jj line/nn of/in the/at open/jj door/nn ;/. ;/.
Sarah/np remembered/vbd it/ppo clearly/rb ./.
Maude/np went/vbd on/rp ./.
``/`` I've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to get/vb busy/jj ./.
Miss/np Celie's/np+hvz taken/vbn to/in her/pp$ bed/nn ,/, with/in the/at door/nn locked/vbd ./.
She/pps opened/vbd it/ppo an/at inch/nn and/cc poked/vbd out/rp the/at keys/nns for/in me/ppo to/to give/vb you/ppo ./.
Here/rb ''/'' --/-- She/pps thrust/vbd a/at bundle/nn of/in keys/nns strung/vbn on/in a/at thick/jj red/jj cord/nn into/in Sarah's/np$ hand/nn ./.
``/`` Not/* that/cs there's/ex+bez much/ap use/nn in/in locking/vbg up/rp the/at smokehouse/nn and/cc the/at storehouse/nn now/rb ./.
Drink/vb your/pp$ coffee/nn ''/'' --/-- 

	coffee/nn ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez --/-- cold/jj ''/'' ./.
Maude/np suddenly/rb looked/vbn quite/ql capable/jj of/in pouring/vbg it/ppo down/in her/pp$ throat/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss don't/do* want/vb it/ppo ''/'' ,/, Sarah/np said/vbd ,/, firmly/rb ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ./.
Well/rb --/-- I'll/ppss+md take/vb it/ppo down/rp with/in me/ppo as/cs I/ppss go/vb ''/'' ./.


	Maude/np swooped/vbn up/rp the/at cup/nn and/cc hiked/vbd up/rp her/pp$ top/jjs hoop/nn as/cs if/cs about/rb to/to take/vb off/rp with/in a/at racing/vbg start/nn ./.
At/in the/at door/nn she/pps turned/vbd back/rb ,/, her/pp$ Roman/jj nose/nn looking/vbg very/ql long/jj now/rb and/cc satiric/jj ./.
``/`` I/ppss forgot/vbd ./.
Ben/np and/cc Lucien/np have/hv gone/vbn after/in them/ppo ./.
It's/pps+bez just/rb like/cs that/dt book/nn your/pp$ Northern/jj-tl friend/nn wrote/vbd --/-- except/in there/ex aren't/ber* any/dti ice/nn floes/nns to/in cross/vb and/cc no/at bloodhounds/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* know/vb Mrs./np Stowe/np ./.
What/wdt can/md they/ppss do/do if/cs they/ppss find/vb them/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` They/ppss can't/md* do/do anything/pn ./.
It's/pps+bez silly/jj ,/, childish/jj ,/, running/vbg after/in them/ppo like/cs that/dt ./.
I/ppss told/vbd Ben/np so/rb ./.
But/cc of/in course/nn the/at paterollers/nns won't/md* be/be of/in any/dti help/nn ,/, not/* with/in everything/pn so/ql upset/vbn and/cc that/dt Yankee/jj cavalry/nn outfit/nn they/ppss say/vb is/bez running/vbg around/rb ,/, God/np knows/vbz where/wrb ''/'' ./.


	She/pps had/hvd swished/vbn away/rb ,/, she/pps had/hvd been/ben gone/vbn for/in a/at long/jj time/nn probably/rb when/wrb Sarah/np suddenly/rb realized/vbd that/cs she/pps ought/md to/to stop/vb her/ppo ,/, pour/vb out/rp the/at coffee/nn ,/, so/cs no/at one/pn would/md drink/vb it/ppo ./.
But/cc then/rb the/at so-called/jj coffee/nn was/bedz bad/jj enough/qlp at/in best/jjt ,/, cold/jj it/pps was/bedz all/abn but/in undrinkable/jj --/-- especially/rb that/dt cup/nn !/. !/.


	She/pps was/bedz deeply/rb ,/, horribly/rb sure/jj that/cs Lucien/np had/hvd filled/vbn it/ppo with/in opium/nn ./.
She/pps had/hvd quarreled/vbn with/in Lucien/np ,/, she/pps had/hvd resisted/vbn his/pp$ demands/nns for/in money/nn --/-- and/cc if/cs she/pps died/vbd ,/, by/in the/at provisions/nns of/in her/pp$ marriage/nn contract/nn ,/, Lucien/np would/md inherit/vb legally/rb not/* only/rb the/at immediate/jj sum/nn of/in gold/nn under/in the/at floorboards/nns in/in the/at office/nn ,/, but/cc later/rbr ,/, when/wrb the/at war/nn was/bedz over/rp ,/, her/pp$ father's/nn$ entire/jj estate/nn ./.


	She/pps felt/vbd cold/jj and/cc hot/jj ,/, sticky/jj and/cc chilly/jj at/in the/at same/ap time/nn ./.
Now/rb wait/vb a/at minute/nn ,/, she/pps told/vbd herself/ppl ,/, think/vb about/in it/ppo ;/. ;/.
Lucien/np is/bez not/* the/at only/ap person/nn in/in this/dt house/nn who/wps could/md have/hv put/vbn opium/nn in/in that/dt coffee/nn ./.


	She/pps had/hvd lost/vbn a/at bottle/nn of/in opium/nn --/-- but/cc that/dt was/bedz on/in the/at trip/nn from/in New/jj-tl Orleans/np-tl ./.
Or/cc someone/pn had/hvd taken/vbn it/ppo during/in her/pp$ first/od day/nn at/in Honotassa/np ./.
Yes/rb ,/, she/pps had/hvd missed/vbn it/ppo after/in her/pp$ talk/nn with/in Emile/np ,/, after/in dinner/nn ,/, just/rb before/cs Emile/np was/bedz shot/vbn ./.
Rilly/np or/cc Glendora/np had/hvd entered/vbn her/pp$ room/nn while/cs she/pps slept/vbd ,/, bringing/vbg back/rb her/pp$ washed/vbn clothes/nns ./.
So/rb somebody/pn else/rb could/md have/hv come/vbn in/rp ,/, too/rb --/-- then/rb or/cc later/rbr while/cs she/pps was/bedz out/in of/in the/at room/nn ./.
It/pps would/md have/hv been/ben easy/jj to/to identify/vb as/cs opium/nn by/in its/pp$ odor/nn ./.


	It/pps was/bedz not/* very/ql reasonable/jj to/to believe/vb that/cs Lucien/np had/hvd procured/vbn unprocurable/jj opium/nn and/cc come/vb back/rb to/in Honotassa/np with/in a/at formed/vbn plan/nn to/to murder/vb her/ppo ./.
He/pps didn't/dod* even/rb know/vb that/cs she/pps was/bedz there/rb ./.
And/cc he/pps certainly/rb couldn't/md* have/hv guessed/vbn that/cs she/pps would/md resist/vb his/pp$ demand/nn for/in the/at gold/nn or/cc that/cs she/pps was/bedz not/* the/at yielding/nn --/-- yes/rb ,/, and/cc credible/jj fool/nn he/pps had/hvd every/at right/nn to/to expect/vb ./.
No/at ,/, he/pps had/hvd been/ben surprised/vbn ,/, unpleasantly/rb surprised/vbn ,/, but/cc surprised/vbn ./.


	Then/rb somebody/pn else/rb ?/. ?/.
Don't/do* question/vb ,/, Rev/np had/hvd said/vbn ,/, don't/do* invite/vb danger/nn ./.
Her/pp$ skin/nn crawled/vbd :/: Lolotte/np had/hvd told/vbn Maude/np that/cs she/pps was/bedz in/in the/at hall/nn and/cc the/at door/nn was/bedz open/jj ./.
Sarah/np had/hvd begun/vbn to/to tell/vb Lucien/np of/in Emile/np ,/, she/pps had/hvd begun/vbn to/to question/vb and/cc a/at little/ap draft/nn had/hvd crept/vbn across/in the/at room/nn from/in the/at bedroom/nn door/nn ,/, open/jj barely/rb enough/qlp to/to show/vb a/at rim/nn of/in blackness/nn in/in the/at hall/nn ./.
So/rb Lolotte/np --/-- or/cc anybody/pn --/-- could/md have/hv listened/vbn ,/, and/cc that/cs somebody/pn could/md have/hv already/rb been/ben supplied/vbn with/in the/at missing/vbg bottle/nn of/in opium/nn ./.


	That/dt was/bedz not/* reasonable/jj either/rb ./.
The/at opium/nn had/hvd disappeared/vbn before/in Emile's/np$ death/nn and/cc whoever/wps shot/vbd him/ppo could/md not/* by/in any/dti stretch/nn of/in the/at imagination/nn have/hv foreseen/vbn Sarah's/np$ own/jj doubts/nns and/cc suspicions/nns --/-- and/cc questions/nns ./.


	She/pps began/vbd to/to doubt/vb whether/cs there/ex had/hvd been/ben in/in fact/nn a/at lethal/jj dose/nn of/in opium/nn in/in the/at cup/nn ./.
So/rb suppose/vb somebody/pn only/rb wished/vbd to/to frighten/vb her/ppo ,/, so/cs she/pps would/md leave/vb Honotassa/np !/. !/.


	That/dt made/vbd a/at certain/jj amount/nn of/in logic/nn ./.
Added/vbn to/in the/at argument/nn was/bedz the/at fact/nn that/cs while/cs she/pps might/md have/hv tasted/vbn the/at coffee/nn if/cs it/pps had/hvd been/ben still/rb hot/jj ,/, she/pps might/md even/rb have/hv drunk/nn some/dti of/in it/ppo ,/, she/pps wouldn't/md* have/hv taken/vbn enough/ap to/to kill/vb her/ppo ,/, for/cs she/pps would/md have/hv been/ben warned/vbn by/in its/pp$ taste/nn ./.


	No/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz merely/rb an/at attempt/nn to/to frighten/vb her/ppo ./.


	She/pps wouldn't/md* go/vb back/rb to/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl as/cs Maude/np suggested/vbd ;/. ;/.
she/pps wouldn't/md* run/vb like/cs a/at scared/vbn cat/nn ./.
But/cc --/-- well/uh ,/, she'd/pps+md be/be very/ql careful/jj ./.


	She/pps dressed/vbd and/cc the/at accustomed/vbn routine/nn restored/vbd to/in her/ppo a/at sense/nn of/in normal/jj everyday/jj life/nn ./.


	But/cc before/cs she/pps left/vbd her/pp$ room/nn she/pps dug/vbd into/in her/ppo big/jj moire/nn bag/nn ,/, took/vbd out/rp the/at envelope/nn holding/vbg her/pp$ marriage/nn contract/nn and/cc the/at wax/nn seal/nn had/hvd been/ben broken/vbn ./.
So/rb somebody/pn else/rb knew/vbd what/wdt would/md happen/vb to/in her/pp$ father's/nn$ money/nn if/cs she/pps died/vbd ./.


	Rev/np had/hvd known/vbn all/ql along/rb ./.
Rev/np didn't/dod* need/vb to/to break/vb the/at wax/nn seal/nn ,/, read/vb the/at contract/nn and/cc find/vb out/rp ./.
He/pps could/md conceivably/rb have/hv wished/vbn to/to make/vb sure/jj ;/. ;/.
Rev/np loved/vbd Honotassa/np ,/, it/pps was/bedz like/cs a/at part/nn of/in his/pp$ breath/nn and/cc body/nn ;/. ;/.
Rev/np had/hvd stressed/vbn the/at need/nn for/in money/nn ./.
Rev/np would/md never/rb have/hv tried/vbn to/to give/vb her/ppo poison/nn !/. !/.


	She/pps thrust/vbd the/at envelope/nn back/rb in/in the/at bag/nn ;/. ;/.
there/ex was/bedz no/at point/nn in/in locking/vbg it/ppo up/rp in/in the/at armoire/nn now/rb ,/, it/pps was/bedz like/cs locking/vbg the/at barn/nn after/cs the/at horse/nn was/bedz stolen/vbn ./.
And/cc in/in all/abn likelihood/nn ,/, by/in now/rb ,/, there/ex was/bedz more/ap than/in one/cd person/nn in/in the/at house/nn who/wps knew/vbd the/at terms/nns of/in her/pp$ marriage/nn contract/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at point/nn either/cc in/in telling/vbg herself/ppl again/rb what/wdt a/at fool/nn she'd/pps+hvd been/ben ./.


	She/pps went/vbd downstairs/rb and/cc received/vbd another/dt curious/jj shock/nn ,/, for/cs when/wrb Glendora/np flapped/vbd into/in the/at dining/vbg room/nn in/in her/pp$ homemade/jj moccasins/nns ,/, Sarah/np asked/vbd her/ppo when/wrb she/pps had/hvd brought/vbn coffee/nn to/in her/pp$ room/nn and/cc Glendora/np said/vbd she/pps hadn't/hvd* ./.
``/`` Too/ql much/ap work/nn this/dt morning/nn ,/, Miss/np Sarah/np --/-- everybody/pn gone/vbn like/cs that/dt ''/'' --/-- 

	Sarah/np swallowed/vbd past/in another/dt kind/nn of/in constriction/nn in/in her/pp$ throat/nn ./.
``/`` Well/uh ,/, then/rb who/wps brought/vbd it/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Miss/np Maude/np ./.
She/pps come/vb to/in the/at kitchen/nn and/cc say/vb she/pps take/vb it/ppo up/rp to/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.
Glendora/np put/vbd down/rp a/at dish/nn of/in lukewarm/jj rice/nn ./.
``/`` Not/* much/ap breakfast/nn this/dt morning/nn ./.
I/ppss don't/do* know/vb what/wdt we're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to do/do ,/, Miss/np Sarah/np ''/'' ./.


	``/`` We've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to eat/vb ''/'' ,/, Sarah/np said/vbd ,/, curtly/rb ,/, because/cs a/at chill/nn crawled/vbd over/in her/ppo again/rb ./.
Maude/np ?/. ?/.


	Glendora/np flapped/vbd away/rb ./.
The/at rice/nn wasn't/bedz* dosed/vbn with/in opium/nn ,/, indeed/rb it/pps had/hvd no/at taste/nn at/in all/abn ,/, not/* a/at grain/nn of/in salt/nn ./.
She/pps ate/vbd what/wdt she/pps could/md and/cc went/vbd out/rp along/in the/at covered/vbn passageway/nn ,/, with/in the/at rain/nn dripping/vbg from/in the/at vines/nns ./.
In/in the/at kitchen/nn Glendora/np was/bedz despairingly/rb picking/vbg chickens/nns ./.
``/`` Get/vb a/at basket/nn ''/'' ,/, Sarah/np told/vbd her/ppo ./.
``/`` We'll/ppss+md go/vb to/in the/at storehouse/nn ''/'' ./.


	Glendora/np dropped/vbd a/at chicken/nn and/cc a/at flurry/nn of/in feathers/nns ,/, and/cc went/vbd with/in her/ppo through/in the/at drizzle/nn ,/, to/in the/at storehouse/nn ./.
Sarah/np found/vbd the/at right/jj key/nn and/cc unlocked/vbd the/at door/nn ./.


	It/pps was/bedz a/at long/jj ,/, low/jj room/nn ,/, like/cs a/at root/nn cellar/nn ,/, for/cs it/pps was/bedz banked/vbn up/rp with/in soil/nn ,/, and/cc vines/nns had/hvd run/vbn rampant/jj over/in that/dt ,/, too/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz dark/jj but/cc dry/jj and/cc cool/jj ./.
She/pps doled/vbd out/rp what/wdt Glendora/np vaguely/rb guessed/vbn were/bed the/at right/jj amounts/nns of/in dried/vbn peas/nns ,/, eggs/nns ,/, cornmeal/nn ,/, a/at little/ap salt/nn ./.
The/at shelves/nns looked/vbd emptier/jjr than/cs when/wrb Miss/np Celie/np had/hvd shown/vbn her/ppo the/at storeroom/nn ,/, and/cc since/cs the/at men/nns from/in the/at Commissary/nn-tl had/hvd called/vbn ;/. ;/.
there/ex were/bed certainly/rb now/rb fewer/ap mouths/nns to/to feed/vb but/cc there/ex was/bedz less/ap to/to feed/vb them/ppo with/in ./.
She/pps took/vbd Glendora/np to/in the/at smokehouse/nn ,/, unlocked/vbd it/ppo and/cc saw/vbd with/in satisfaction/nn there/ex was/bedz still/rb a/at quantity/nn of/in hams/nns and/cc sides/nns of/in bacon/nn ,/, hanging/vbg from/in the/at smoke-stained/jj rafters/nns ./.


	They/ppss wouldn't/md* go/vb hungry/jj ,/, not/* yet/rb ./.
And/cc the/at fields/nns were/bed green/jj and/cc growing/vbg ./.
``/`` Can't/md* you/ppss possibly/rb imagine/vb what/wdt life/nn is/bez going/vbg to/to be/be like/jj ,/, here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Maude/np had/hvd said/vbn ./.


	Maude/np ./.


	She/pps sent/vbd Glendora/np back/rb to/in the/at house/nn ,/, her/pp$ basket/nn and/cc her/pp$ apron/nn laden/jj ./.
She/pps stood/vbd for/in a/at moment/nn ,/, rain/nn dripping/vbg from/in the/at trees/nns over/in her/pp$ head/nn ,/, thinking/vbg of/in Maude/np ./.


	Maude/np had/hvd the/at opportunity/nn to/to take/vb the/at bottle/nn of/in opium/nn from/in Sarah's/np$ room/nn ./.
Maude/np had/hvd the/at cool/jj ruthlessness/nn to/to do/do whatever/wdt she/pps made/vbd up/rp her/pp$ mind/nn to/to do/do ./.
She/pps couldn't/md* see/vb how/wrb her/pp$ death/nn could/md affect/vb Maude/np ./.
She/pps couldn't/md* see/vb any/dti reason/nn why/wrb Maude/np would/md attempt/vb to/to frighten/vb her/ppo ./.
Besides/rb ,/, there/ex was/bedz something/pn hysterical/jj and/cc silly/jj ,/, something/pn almost/rb childish/jj about/in an/at attempt/nn to/to frighten/vb her/ppo ./.
Maude/np was/bedz neither/cc hysterical/jj nor/cc silly/jj and/cc Sarah/np rather/rb doubted/vbd if/cs she/pps had/hvd ever/rb been/ben childish/jj ./.


	Yet/rb Maude/np had/hvd suggested/vbn that/cs Sarah/np return/vb to/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ./.
Maude/np could/md have/hv shot/vbn Emile/np --/-- if/cs she'd/pps+hvd had/hvn a/at reason/nn to/to kill/vb him/ppo ./.


	There/ex was/bedz no/at use/nn in/in standing/vbg there/rb in/in the/at drizzle/nn ,/, trying/vbg to/to find/vb a/at link/nn between/in Emile's/np$ murder/nn and/cc opium/nn in/in a/at cup/nn of/in coffee/nn ./.


	She/pps started/vbd back/rb for/in the/at house/nn ,/, saw/vbd a/at light/nn in/in the/at office/nn ,/, opened/vbd the/at door/nn and/cc surprised/vbd a/at domestic/jj little/jj scene/nn which/wdt was/bedz far/rb outside/in the/at dark/jj realm/nn of/in murder/nn or/cc attempted/vbn murder/nn ./.
Rev/np ,/, George/np and/cc Lolotte/np were/bed mending/vbg shoes/nns ./.


	A/at lighted/vbn lamp/nn stood/vbd on/in the/at table/nn that/ql dusky/jj ,/, drizzling/vbg day/nn ./.
They/ppss were/bed all/abn three/cd bent/vbn over/in a/at shabby/jj riding/vbg boot/nn ;/. ;/.
George/np had/hvd a/at tack/nn hammer/nn ./.
Lolotte/np held/vbd a/at patch/nn of/in leather/nn ,/, Rev/np steadied/vbd something/pn ,/, a/at tiny/jj brad/nn ,/, waiting/vbg for/in George's/np$ poised/vbn hammer/nn ./.
George/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` First/od thing/nn I/ppss do/do when/wrb I/ppss get/vb to/in Vicksburg/np again/rb ,/, is/bez get/vb me/ppo a/at Yankee/np ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` With/in boots/nns on/rp ''/'' ,/, Lolotte/np laughed/vbd softly/rb ./.


	Rev/np looked/vbd up/rp and/cc saw/vbd her/ppo ./.
Lolotte/np looked/vbd up/rp and/cc stiffened/vbd ./.
George/np didn't/dod* look/vb up/rp at/in all/abn ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at way/nn to/to know/vb ,/, no/at way/nn to/to guess/vb whether/cs any/dti one/cd of/in them/ppo was/bedz surprised/vbn at/in Sarah's/np$ appearance/nn ,/, believing/vbg her/ppo to/to be/be drugged/vbn and/cc senseless/jj --/-- and/cc just/rb possibly/rb dead/jj ./.


	Rev/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Come/vb in/rp ,/, Sarah/np ./.
Reckon/vb you/ppss know/vb the/at news/nn ''/'' ./.


	And/cc what/wdt news/nn ,/, Sarah/np thought/vbd as/ql satirically/rb as/cs Maude/np might/md have/hv said/vbn it/ppo ./.


	Rev's/np$ face/nn was/bedz suddenly/rb a/at little/ql fixed/vbn and/cc questioning/vbg ./.
He/pps turned/vbd to/in George/np and/cc Lolotte/np ./.
``/`` Take/vb your/pp$ cobbler's/nn$ shop/nn somewhere/rb else/rb ./.
I/ppss want/vb to/to talk/vb to/in Sarah/np ''/'' ./.


	Everything/pn in/in the/at office/nn ,/, the/at spreading/vbg circle/nn of/in lamplight/nn ,/, the/at patch/nn of/in leather/nn in/in Lolotte's/np$ hands/nns ./.
George/np poised/vbd with/in the/at tack/nn hammer/nn ,/, the/at homely/jj ,/, everyday/jj atmosphere/nn ,/, all/abn denied/vbd an/at attempt/nn at/in murder/nn ./.
A/at rush/nn of/in panic/nn caught/vbd Sarah/np ./.
``/`` No/rb ./.
Not/* now/rb ./.
I/ppss mean/vb I've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to --/-- to/to see/vb to/in the/at kitchen/nn ./.
Glendora/np ''/'' --/-- 

	Her/pp$ words/nns jumbled/vbn together/rb and/cc she/pps all/ql but/cc ran/vbd from/in the/at office/nn and/cc from/in the/at question/nn in/in Rev's/np$ face/nn ./.


	Now/rb why/wrb did/dod I/ppss do/do that/dt ?/. ?/.
She/pps thought/vbd as/ql warm/jj ,/, drizzling/vbg rain/nn touched/vbd her/pp$ face/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz no/at schoolgirl/nn ,/, refusing/vbg to/to bear/vb tales/nns ./.


	As/cs she/pps reached/vbd the/at kitchen/nn door/nn the/at answer/nn presented/vbd itself/ppl ;/. ;/.
if/cs she/pps told/vbd anyone/pn of/in the/at opium/nn it/pps must/md be/be Lucien/np ,/, her/pp$ husband/nn ./.


	It/pps might/md be/be ,/, indeed/rb it/pps had/hvd already/rb proved/vbn to/to be/be a/at marriage/nn without/in love/nn ,/, but/cc it/pps was/bedz marriage/nn ./.
So/cs she/pps couldn't/md* choose/vb Rev/np as/in a/at confidant/nn ;/. ;/.
it/pps must/md be/be Lucien/np ./.


	Always/rb provided/vbd that/cs Lucien/np himself/ppl had/hvd not/* dosed/vbn her/pp$ coffee/nn with/in opium/nn ,/, she/pps thought/vbd ,/, as/ql coldly/rb and/cc sharply/rb ,/, again/rb ,/, as/cs Maude/np might/md have/hv said/vbn it/ppo ./.


	She/pps paused/vbd at/in the/at kitchen/nn door/nn ,/, caught/vbd her/pp$ breath/nn ,/, told/vbd herself/ppl firmly/rb that/cs the/at opium/nn was/bedz only/rb an/at attempt/nn to/to frighten/vb her/ppo and/cc went/vbd into/in the/at kitchen/nn ,/, where/wrb Glendora/np was/bedz eyeing/vbg the/at chickens/nns dismally/rb and/cc Maude/np was/bedz cleaning/vbg lamp/nn chimneys/nns ./.
Glendora/np gave/vbd a/at gulp/nn ./.
``/`` Miss/np Sarah/np ,/, I/ppss can't/md* cut/vb up/rp no/at chicken/nn ./.
Miss/np Maude/np say/vb she/pps won't/md* ''/'' ./.


	Again/rb the/at homely/jj ,/, everyday/jj details/nns of/in daily/jj living/nn refuted/vbd a/at vicious/jj attempt/nn to/to frighten/vb her/ppo --/-- or/cc to/to murder/vb her/ppo ./.


	The/at homely/jj everyday/jj details/nns of/in living/vbg and/cc domestic/jj requirements/nns also/rb pressed/vbd upon/in her/ppo with/in their/pp$ immediate/jj urgency/nn ./.
No/at matter/nn what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn or/cc hadn't/hvd* happened/vbn ,/, somebody/pn had/hvd to/to see/vb about/in dinner/nn ./.
She/pps eyed/vbd the/at chickens/nns with/in ,/, if/cs she/pps had/hvd known/vbn it/ppo ,/, something/pn of/in Glendora's/np$ dismal/jj look/nn and/cc thought/vbd with/in a/at certain/jj fury/nn of/in the/at time/nn she/pps had/hvd spent/vbn on/in Latin/jj verbs/nns ./.



	``/`` Not/* since/in last/ap night/nn ./.
I/ppss didn't/dod* think/vb there/ex was/bedz any/dti reason/nn to/to ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Maybe/rb there/ex isn't/bez* ./.
Speak/vb to/in him/ppo again/rb anyway/rb ./.
Try/vb talking/vbg to/in some/dti of/in the/at fellows/nns he/pps works/vbz with/in ,/, friends/nns ,/, anyone/pn ./.
Try/vb to/to find/vb out/rp how/wrb happy/jj he/pps is/bez with/in his/pp$ wife/nn ,/, whether/cs he/pps plays/vbz around/rb with/in women/nns ./.
You/ppss might/md try/vb looking/vbg into/in his/pp$ wife/nn too/rb ./.
She/pps might/md have/hv been/ben talking/vbg to/in some/dti of/in her/pp$ friends/nns about/in her/ppo husband/nn if/cs they've/ppss+hv been/ben having/hvg any/dti trouble/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` You/ppss think/vb Black's/np+bez the/at one/cd we're/ppss+ber looking/vbg for/in ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ./.
I/ppss think/vb he/pps might/md be/be ''/'' ,/, Conrad/np said/vbd grimly/rb ./.
``/`` Then/rb again/rb he/pps might/md not/* ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt a/at stinking/vbg world/nn ''/'' ,/, Rourke/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` Black/np is/bez Gilborn's/np$ best/jjt friend/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss know/vb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Will/md you/ppss be/be coming/vbg back/rb soon/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss think/vb so/rb ./.
I'm/ppss+bem on/in my/pp$ way/nn to/to see/vb the/at Jacobs/np woman/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Gilborn's/np$ secretary/nn ?/. ?/.
What/wdt for/in ?/. ?/.
You/ppss don't/do* think/vb Gilborn/np is/bez the/at --/-- ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* think/vb anything/pn ./.
I/ppss just/rb don't/do* want/vb to/to go/vb off/rp half-cocked/jj before/cs picking/vbg up/rp Black/np ,/, that's/dt+bez all/abn ''/'' ./.
Conrad/np interrupted/vbd ./.
``/`` Gilborn/np says/vbz he/pps was/bedz in/in his/pp$ office/nn all/abn day/nn with/in her/ppo yesterday/nr ./.
I'd/ppss+md like/vb to/to make/vb sure/jj ./.
Also/rb ,/, it's/pps+bez just/rb possible/jj she/pps might/md know/vb something/pn about/in Mrs./np Gilborn/np ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Right/rb ./.
I'll/ppss+md see/vb you/ppo later/rbr ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Aren't/ber* you/ppss ever/rb going/vbg to/to go/vb home/nr ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It/pps sure/rb as/cs hell/nn doesn't/doz* look/vb like/in it/ppo ,/, does/doz it/pps ?/. ?/.
I'm/ppss+bem telling/vbg you/ppo ,/, if/cs these/dts corpses/nns ever/rb knew/vbd the/at trouble/nn they/ppss put/vbd us/ppo to/in ,/, they'd/ppss+md think/vb twice/rb before/cs letting/vbg themselves/ppls get/vb knocked/vbn off/rp ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Remember/vb to/to tell/vb that/dt to/in the/at next/ap corpse/nn you/ppss meet/vb ''/'' ./.


	Conrad/np hung/vbd up/rp and/cc sat/vbd on/in the/at small/jj telephone-booth/nn bench/nn ,/, massaging/vbg his/pp$ right/jj leg/nn ./.


	He/pps looked/vbd at/in his/pp$ watch/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz ten/cd minutes/nns before/in eleven/cd ./.


	He/pps wondered/vbd how/wrb long/jj it/pps would/md be/be before/cs they/ppss had/hvd a/at signed/vbn confession/nn from/in Lionel/np Black/np ./.


	Thirty/cd years'/nns$ experience/nn let/vb him/ppo know/vb ,/, even/rb at/in this/dt early/jj stage/nn ,/, that/cs Black/np was/bedz his/pp$ man/nn ./.


	But/cc he/pps still/rb wanted/vbd to/to know/vb why/wrb ./.




It/pps was/bedz a/at cold/jj ,/, windy/jj day/nn ,/, the/at day/nn after/in Kitti's/np$ death/nn ,/, but/cc Stanley/np Gilborn/np paid/vbd no/at attention/nn to/in the/at blustery/jj October/np wind/nn ./.


	After/cs leaving/vbg Conrad/np ,/, Gilborn/np had/hvd no/at destination/nn ./.
He/pps simply/rb walked/vbd ,/, not/* noticing/vbg where/wrb he/pps was/bedz ,/, not/* caring/vbg ./.
He/pps stopped/vbd automatically/rb at/in the/at street/nn corners/nns ,/, waiting/vbg for/in the/at traffic/nn lights/nns to/to change/vb ,/, unheeding/jj of/in other/ap people/nns ,/, his/pp$ coat/nn open/jj and/cc flapping/vbg ./.


	As/cs he/pps walked/vbd ,/, he/pps tried/vbd to/to think/vb ./.


	Of/in Kitti/np ./.
Of/in himself/ppl ./.
Mainly/rb of/in what/wdt Conrad/np had/hvd tried/vbn to/to make/vb him/ppo believe/vb ./.


	There/ex was/bedz nothing/pn coherent/jj about/in his/pp$ thinking/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at succession/nn of/in picture-images/nns passing/vbg through/in his/pp$ mind/nn :/: the/at same/ap ones/nns ,/, different/jj ones/nns ,/, in/in no/at apparent/jj sequence/nn ,/, in/in no/at logical/jj succession/nn ./.


	The/at enormity/nn of/in what/wdt Conrad/np had/hvd told/vbn him/ppo made/vbn it/ppo impossible/jj for/in Gilborn/np to/to accept/vb ,/, with/in any/dti degree/nn of/in realism/nn ,/, the/at actuality/nn of/in it/ppo ./.


	Conrad's/np$ words/nns had/hvd intellectual/jj meaning/nn for/in him/ppo only/rb ./.
Emotionally/rb ,/, they/ppss penetrated/vbd him/ppo not/* at/in all/abn ./.


	Whoever/wps he/pps was/bedz and/cc your/pp$ wife/nn were/bed intimate/jj ./.


	Gilborn/np remembered/vbd Conrad's/np$ exact/jj words/nns ./.
They/ppss made/vbd sense/nn and/cc yet/rb they/ppss didn't/dod* ./.
He/pps knew/vbd Conrad/np had/hvd told/vbn him/ppo the/at truth/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz so/rb ./.
Yet/rb it/pps wasn't/bedz* so/rb ./.
It/pps wasn't/bedz* so/rb because/cs it/pps couldn't/md* be/be so/rb ./.


	When/wrb Kitti/np was/bedz alive/jj --/-- and/cc he/pps remembered/vbd the/at pressure/nn of/in her/pp$ hand/nn resting/vbg lightly/rb on/in his/pp$ arm/nn --/-- she/pps had/hvd been/ben the/at center/nn of/in his/pp$ life/nn ./.


	She/pps was/bedz the/at sun/nn ,/, he/pps the/at closest/jjt planet/nn orbiting/vbg around/in her/ppo ,/, the/at rest/nn of/in the/at world/nn existing/vbg and/cc visible/jj yet/rb removed/vbn ./.


	For/in fifty-five/cd years/nns he/pps had/hvd lived/vbn ,/, progressing/vbg towards/in a/at no-goal/nn ,/, eating/vbg ,/, working/vbg ,/, breathing/vbg without/in plan/nn ,/, without/in reason/nn ./.


	Kitti/np had/hvd come/vbn along/rb to/to justify/vb everything/pn ./.
She/pps was/bedz his/pp$ goal/nn ,/, she/pps was/bedz his/pp$ reason/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd lived/vbn all/abn his/pp$ life/nn waiting/vbg for/in her/ppo ./.


	Not/* once/rb ,/, in/in the/at time/nn that/cs he/pps had/hvd known/vbn her/ppo ,/, had/hvd he/pps ever/rb considered/vbn the/at possibility/nn ,/, not/* once/rb ,/, not/* for/in one/cd one-thousandth/nn of/in a/at second/nn ,/, of/in her/pp$ infidelity/nn ./.


	He/pps could/md not/* consider/vb it/ppo now/rb ./.
Not/* really/rb ./.
And/cc so/cs he/pps walked/vbd ,/, aimless/jj again/rb ./.


	The/at walk/nn ended/vbd ,/, inevitably/rb ,/, right/ql in/in front/nn of/in his/pp$ hotel/nn building/nn ./.
The/at doorman/nn began/vbd to/to nod/vb his/pp$ head/nn automatically/rb ,/, then/rb remembered/vbd who/wps Gilborn/np was/bedz ,/, what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn to/in him/ppo the/at night/nn before/rb ./.
He/pps looked/vbd at/in Gilborn/np with/in undisguised/jj curiosity/nn ./.


	Gilborn/np passed/vbd by/in him/ppo without/in seeing/vbg him/ppo ./.


	He/pps crossed/vbd the/at lobby/nn and/cc rode/vbd up/rp in/in the/at elevator/nn lost/vbn in/in his/pp$ own/jj thoughts/nns ./.


	In/in the/at apartment/nn itself/ppl ,/, all/abn was/bedz still/jj ./.
The/at police/nn were/bed no/ql longer/jjr there/rb ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at evidence/nn that/cs anything/pn was/bedz different/jj than/cs it/pps had/hvd been/ben ./.


	Except/in that/cs Kitti/np wasn't/bedz* there/rb ./.


	Without/in taking/vbg off/rp his/pp$ coat/nn ,/, he/pps sat/vbd in/in the/at blue/jj chair/nn which/wdt still/rb faced/vbd the/at closed/vbn bedroom/nn door/nn ./.


	At/in last/rb ,/, sitting/vbg there/rb ,/, in/in the/at familiar/jj surroundings/nns ,/, the/at truth/nn began/vbd to/to sink/vb in/rp ./.


	Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	He/pps felt/vbd no/at anger/nn towards/in Kitti/np ,/, no/at sense/nn that/cs she/pps had/hvd betrayed/vbn him/ppo ./.


	Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	She/pps was/bedz all/abn he/pps had/hvd ,/, everything/pn he/pps had/hvd ,/, everything/pn he/pps wanted/vbd ./.
Someone/pn had/hvd taken/vbn her/ppo away/rb from/in him/ppo ./.


	Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	Where/wrb there/ex is/bez a/at left-hand/nn entry/nn in/in the/at ledger/nn ,/, there/ex is/bez a/at right-hand/nn one/pn ,/, he/pps remembered/vbd from/in his/pp$ school/nn days/nns ./.


	Where/wrb there/ex is/bez a/at victim/nn ,/, there/ex is/bez a/at killer/nn ./.


	Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	Whoever/wps he/pps was/bedz and/cc your/pp$ wife/nn were/bed intimate/jj ./.


	He/pps rose/vbd from/in the/at chair/nn ,/, took/vbd off/rp his/pp$ coat/nn ./.
Quickly/rb ,/, he/pps went/vbd into/in the/at bedroom/nn ./.


	The/at bed/nn still/rb showed/vbd signs/nns of/in where/wrb Kitti/np had/hvd lain/vbn ./.
Gilborn/np stood/vbd there/rb for/in a/at long/jj time/nn ./.
He/pps looked/vbd at/in the/at bed/nn unblinkingly/rb ./.


	The/at bed/nn was/bedz empty/jj now/rb ./.
Kitti/np would/md lie/vb in/in it/pps no/rb more/rbr ./.
He/pps would/md lie/vb in/in it/ppo no/rb more/rbr ./.


	Gilborn/np wondered/vbd whether/cs Kitti/np had/hvd lain/vbn in/in that/dt same/ap bed/nn with/in Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	For/in thirty/cd minutes/nns ,/, Stanley/np Gilborn/np stood/vbd there/rb ./.


	At/in the/at end/nn of/in the/at half-hour/nn ,/, racking/vbg his/pp$ brains/nns ,/, thinking/vbg over/rp and/cc over/rp again/rb of/in Kitti/np ,/, her/pp$ friends/nns ,/, her/pp$ past/nn ,/, he/pps left/vbd the/at bedroom/nn ./.


	Who/wps ?/. ?/.


	He/pps could/md think/vb of/in no/at answer/nn ./.


	Gilborn/np put/vbd on/rp his/pp$ coat/nn again/rb ./.
Before/in leaving/vbg ,/, he/pps took/vbd one/cd last/ap ,/, lingering/vbg look/nn at/in the/at apartment/nn ./.


	He/pps knew/vbd he/pps would/md never/rb see/vb it/ppo again/rb ./.


	In/in the/at street/nn ,/, walking/vbg as/ql quickly/rb as/cs he/pps could/md ,/, Stanley/np Gilborn/np was/bedz a/at lone/jj figure/nn ./.




On/in Blanche/np Jacobs/np ,/, Kitti/np Gilborn's/np$ death/nn had/hvd a/at quite/ql different/jj effect/nn ./.
For/in Blanche/np ,/, Kitti's/np$ death/nn was/bedz a/at source/nn of/in guilty/jj ,/, but/cc nonetheless/rb soaring/vbg ,/, happy/jj hope/nn ./.


	In/in Blanche's/np$ defense/nn ,/, it/pps must/md be/be said/vbn she/pps was/bedz unaware/jj of/in the/at newborn/jj hope/nn ./.


	If/cs anyone/pn had/hvd asked/vbn her/ppo ,/, she/pps would/md have/hv described/vbn herself/ppl only/rb as/rb nervous/jj and/cc worried/vbn ./.
The/at figures/nns on/in the/at worksheet/nn paper/nn in/in front/nn of/in her/ppo were/bed jumping/vbg and/cc waving/vbg around/rb so/ql badly/rb it/pps was/bedz all/abn she/pps could/md do/do to/to make/vb them/ppo out/rp clearly/rb enough/qlp to/to copy/vb them/ppo with/in the/at typewriter/nn ./.


	She/pps wondered/vbd whether/cs Stanley/np would/md call/vb ./.
She/pps wanted/vbd to/to be/be with/in him/ppo ,/, to/to give/vb him/ppo the/at comfort/nn and/cc companionship/nn she/pps knew/vbd he/pps needed/vbd ./.


	She/pps had/hvd skipped/vbn her/pp$ lunch/nn hour/nn in/in the/at fear/nn that/cs he/pps might/md call/vb while/cs she/pps was/bedz out/rp ./.
He/pps hadn't/hvd* ./.
And/cc now/rb she/pps was/bedz feeling/vbg sick/jj ,/, both/abx from/in concern/nn about/in Stanley/np and/cc hunger/nn ./.


	Why/wrb hadn't/hvd* he/pps called/vbn ?/. ?/.


	Men/nns ,/, she/pps reflected/vbd ,/, even/rb men/nns like/in Stanley/np ,/, are/ber unpredictable/jj ./.


	She/pps tried/vbd to/to think/vb of/in his/pp$ unpredictable/jj actions/nns in/in the/at eleven/cd years/nns she/pps had/hvd known/vbn him/ppo and/cc discovered/vbd they/ppss weren't/bed* so/ql many/ap after/in all/abn ./.


	Stanley/np really/rb was/bedz quite/ql predictable/jj ./.
That/dt was/bedz one/cd of/in the/at things/nns she/pps liked/vbd about/in Stanley/np ./.
He/pps wasn't/bedz* like/in so/ql many/ap other/ap men/nns ./.
The/at dentist/nn last/ap night/nn ,/, for/in instance/nn ./.
Dinner/nn and/cc the/at movies/nns had/hvd been/ben fine/jj ./.
He/pps had/hvd taken/vbn her/ppo upstairs/rb to/to say/vb good/jj night/nn ./.
She/pps had/hvd invited/vbn him/ppo in/rp for/in coffee/nn ./.


	It/pps was/bedz in/in the/at kitchen/nn ,/, as/cs she/pps was/bedz watching/vbg the/at kettle/nn ,/, waiting/vbg for/in the/at water/nn to/to boil/vb ,/, that/cs he/pps had/hvd grabbed/vbn for/in her/ppo ./.
Without/in warning/vbg ,/, without/in giving/vbg her/ppo a/at chance/nn to/to prepare/vb for/in it/ppo ./.
From/in behind/rb ,/, he/pps had/hvd put/vbn his/pp$ arms/nns on/in her/pp$ shoulders/nns ,/, turned/vbn her/ppo around/rb ,/, and/cc pressed/vbn her/ppo to/in him/ppo ,/, so/ql close/rb she/pps couldn't/md* breathe/vb ./.


	Later/rbr ,/, she/pps apologized/vbd for/in the/at long/jj scratch/nn across/in his/pp$ face/nn ,/, tried/vbd to/to explain/vb she/pps couldn't/md* help/vb herself/ppl ,/, that/cs the/at panic/nn arose/vbd in/in her/ppo unwanted/jj ./.
But/cc he/pps hadn't/hvd* understood/vbn ./.
When/wrb he/pps left/vbd ,/, she/pps knew/vbd she/pps would/md never/rb see/vb him/ppo again/rb ./.


	Stanley/np wasn't/bedz* like/in that/dt ./.
She/pps could/md always/rb predict/vb what/wdt Stanley/np was/bedz going/vbg to/to do/do ,/, ever/rb since/cs she/pps first/rb met/vbd him/ppo ./.


	Except/in for/in that/dt one/cd morning/nn ./.
The/at morning/nn he/pps walked/vbd in/rp to/to announce/vb to/in her/ppo ,/, blushing/vbg ,/, that/cs he/pps was/bedz married/vbn ./.
She/pps thought/vbd she/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to die/vb ./.


	She/pps had/hvd assumed/vbn before/in then/rn that/cs one/cd day/nn he/pps would/md ask/vb her/ppo to/to marry/vb him/ppo ./.


	Blanche/np couldn't/md* remember/vb when/wrb she/pps had/hvd first/rb arrived/vbn at/in this/dt conclusion/nn ./.
She/pps thought/vbd it/pps was/bedz sometime/rb during/in the/at second/od week/nn she/pps worked/vbd for/in Stanley/np ./.
It/pps was/bedz nothing/pn that/wpo he/pps said/vbd or/cc did/dod ,/, but/cc it/pps seemed/vbd so/ql natural/jj to/in her/ppo that/cs she/pps should/md be/be working/vbg for/in him/ppo ,/, looking/vbg forward/rb to/in his/pp$ eventual/jj proposal/nn ./.


	She/pps was/bedz thirty-one/cd years/nns old/jj then/rb ./.
Her/pp$ mother/nn was/bedz already/rb considerably/rb concerned/vbn over/in her/pp$ daughter's/nn$ future/nn ./.
But/cc Blanche/np had/hvd been/ben able/jj to/to maintain/vb a/at serene/jj and/cc assured/vbn composure/nn in/in the/at face/nn of/in her/ppo widowed/vbn mother's/nn$ continued/vbn carping/nn ,/, had/hvd been/ben able/jj to/to resist/vb her/ppo urgings/nns to/to date/nn anyone/pn who/wps offered/vbd the/at slightest/jjt possibility/nn of/in matrimony/nn ./.


	For/in Blanche/np ,/, it/pps was/bedz only/rb a/at matter/nn of/in time/nn before/cs Stanley/np would/md propose/vb ./.
It/pps was/bedz to/to be/be expected/vbn that/cs Stanley/np would/md be/be shy/jj ,/, slow/jj in/in taking/vbg such/abl a/at momentous/jj step/nn ./.
Stanley/np went/vbd along/rb in/in life/nn ,/, she/pps knew/vbd ,/, convinced/vbn that/cs he/pps deserved/vbd the/at love/nn and/cc faith/nn of/in no/at woman/nn ./.
As/in a/at result/nn ,/, he/pps never/rb looked/vbd for/in it/ppo ./.


	But/cc one/cd day/nn ,/, she/pps expected/vbd ,/, he/pps would/md somehow/rb discover/vb ,/, without/in her/pp$ having/hvg to/to tell/vb him/ppo ,/, that/cs there/ex was/bedz such/abl a/at woman/nn in/in the/at world/nn ;/. ;/.
a/at woman/nn who/wps was/bedz willing/jj to/to give/vb him/ppo love/nn ,/, faith/nn ,/, and/cc anything/pn else/rb a/at woman/nn could/md give/vb a/at husband/nn ./.
Indeed/rb ,/, there/ex was/bedz a/at woman/nn who/wps ,/, unasked/jj ,/, had/hvd already/rb given/vbn him/ppo love/nn ./.
Unquestionably/rb ,/, Blanche/np loved/vbd Stanley/np ./.


	And/cc then/rb ,/, unexpectedly/rb ,/, Stanley/np made/vbd his/pp$ announcement/nn ./.


	On/in that/dt first/od day/nn ,/, Blanche/np literally/rb thought/vbd she/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to die/vb ,/, or/cc ,/, at/in the/at very/ql least/ap ,/, go/vb out/rp of/in her/pp$ mind/nn ./.


	It/pps might/md have/hv been/ben easier/jjr for/in her/ppo if/cs Kitti/np Walker/np hadn't/hvd* been/ben everything/pn that/cs Blanche/np was/bedz not/* ./.


	Kitti/np was/bedz thirty/cd years/nns younger/jjr than/cs Stanley/np ,/, taller/jjr than/cs Stanley/np ,/, prettier/jjr than/cs Stanley/np had/hvd any/dti right/nn to/to hope/vb for/in ,/, much/ql less/rbr expect/vb ./.
Kitti/np could/md have/hv married/vbn a/at score/nn of/in men/nns ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at reason/nn for/in her/ppo to/to marry/vb someone/pn like/in Stanley/np Gilborn/np ,/, there/ex was/bedz no/at need/nn for/in her/ppo to/to marry/vb Stanley/np ./.


	Kitti/np had/hvd come/vbn into/in the/at office/nn ,/, on/in somebody's/pn$ recommendation/nn ,/, because/cs she/pps needed/vbd help/nn in/in preparing/vbg her/pp$ income/nn tax/nn return/nn ./.


	Stanley/np had/hvd filled/vbn out/rp the/at return/nn and/cc because/cs ,/, when/wrb he/pps was/bedz finished/vbn ,/, it/pps was/bedz close/jj to/in the/at lunch/nn hour/nn ,/, he/pps had/hvd politely/rb asked/vbn Kitti/np to/to join/vb him/ppo ,/, never/rb expecting/vbg her/ppo to/to accept/vb ./.


	Blanche/np knew/vbd all/abn this/dt because/cs the/at door/nn to/in Stanley's/np$ office/nn was/bedz open/jj and/cc ,/, without/in straining/vbg too/ql hard/rb ,/, she/pps could/md hear/vb everything/pn that/wps was/bedz said/vbn ./.


	Stanley/np had/hvd gone/vbn out/rp ,/, saying/vbg he/pps would/md be/be back/rb in/in an/at hour/nn ./.
He/pps hadn't/hvd* come/vbn back/rb for/in over/in two/cd ./.


	After/in that/dt day/nn ,/, Blanche/np still/rb didn't/dod* know/vb exactly/rb what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn ./.
There/ex were/bed mornings/nns when/wrb Stanley/np came/vbd in/rp late/rb ,/, afternoons/nns when/wrb he/pps left/vbd early/rb ,/, days/nns when/wrb he/pps didn't/dod* come/vb in/in at/in all/abn ./.


	Blanche/np knew/vbd something/pn must/md be/be causing/vbg Stanley's/np$ new/jj ,/, strange/jj behavior/nn but/cc she/pps never/rb once/rb connected/vbd it/ppo with/in Kitti/np Walker/np ./.
It/pps was/bedz too/ql unprecedented/jj ./.
Then/rb ,/, six/cd weeks/nns after/in the/at day/nn Kitti/np first/rb came/vbd into/in the/at office/nn ,/, Stanley/np announced/vbd he/pps and/cc Kitti/np were/bed married/vbn ./.


	Somehow/rb ,/, Blanche/np managed/vbd to/to cover/vb the/at stunned/vbn surprise/nn and/cc offer/vb her/pp$ congratulations/nns ./.


	That/dt night/nn the/at two/cd of/in them/ppo left/vbd for/in a/at week's/nn$ honeymoon/nn in/in Acapulco/np ./.


	While/cs they/ppss were/bed away/rb Blanche/np came/vbd into/in the/at office/nn every/at morning/nn ,/, running/vbg things/nns as/cs she/pps had/hvd always/rb run/vbn them/ppo for/in Stanley/np ,/, going/vbg through/in the/at week/nn in/in a/at dazed/vbn stupor/nn ,/, getting/vbg things/nns done/vbn automatically/rb ,/, out/in of/in habit/nn ./.


	For/in exactly/rb one/cd week/nn ,/, she/pps was/bedz able/jj to/to continue/vb in/in this/dt manner/nn ./.


	On/in the/at morning/nn of/in Stanley's/np$ return/nn ,/, however/wrb ,/, her/pp$ strength/nn left/vbd her/ppo ./.
Two/cd hours/nns of/in watching/vbg his/pp$ serenely/rb happy/jj face/nn ,/, listening/vbg to/in his/pp$ soft/jj humming/nn as/cs he/pps bent/vbd over/in his/pp$ penciled/vbn figures/nns ,/, and/cc Blanche/np had/hvd to/to leave/vb ./.


	She/pps stayed/vbd away/rb for/in ten/cd days/nns ./.
Those/dts ten/cd days/nns were/bed like/in no/at others/nns that/cs Blanche/np had/hvd known/vbn ./.


	Mostly/rb ,/, she/pps stayed/vbd in/in bed/nn ./.
She/pps didn't/dod* tell/vb anyone/pn ,/, even/rb her/pp$ mother/nn ,/, what/wdt was/bedz wrong/jj ./.
She/pps refused/vbd to/to have/hv a/at doctor/nn ,/, insisting/vbg there/ex was/bedz nothing/pn a/at doctor/nn could/md do/do for/in her/ppo ./.



	``/`` Right/rb ''/'' ,/, said/vbd the/at fingerprint/nn man/nn ./.
``/`` Also/rb ,/, if/cs you're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to believe/vb those/dts prints/nns ,/, you'll/ppss+md have/hv to/to look/vb for/in a/at killer/nn who's/wps+bez a/at top-grade/nn piano/nn player/nn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps demonstrated/vbd by/in playing/vbg an/at imaginary/jj piano/nn ,/, doing/vbg a/at staccato/nn passage/nn with/in a/at broadly/rb exaggerated/vbn attack/nn ./.
To/to make/vb it/ppo clearer/jjr he/pps shifted/vbd to/in acting/vbg out/rp ,/, but/cc with/in no/at change/nn of/in manner/nn ,/, the/at killing/nn of/in Rose/np Mallory/np ./.
His/pp$ hands/nns snatched/vbd at/in an/at imaginary/jj bucket/nn ,/, swooping/vbg down/rp hard/rb to/to grab/vb it/ppo and/cc coming/vbg away/rb with/in equal/jj snap/nn like/in a/at ball/nn that's/wps+hvz been/ben bounced/vbn hard/rb ./.
In/in the/at same/ap way/nn he/pps pantomimed/vbd grasping/vbg a/at mantel/nn and/cc bouncing/vbg cleanly/rb off/in that/dt ,/, pressing/vbg his/pp$ hands/nns against/in the/at floor/nn and/cc bouncing/vbg cleanly/rb off/in that/dt ./.
He/pps was/bedz moving/vbg like/in a/at ballet/nn dancer/nn ,/, playing/vbg for/in laughs/nns ./.
If/cs Rose/np Mallory's/np$ killer/nn acted/vbd this/dt way/nn ,/, catching/vbg up/rp with/in him/ppo was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be a/at cinch/nn ./.
We'd/ppss+md know/vb him/ppo by/in his/pp$ stretch/nn pants/nns and/cc the/at flowers/nns he'd/pps+md wear/vb twined/vbn in/in his/pp$ hair/nn ./.


	Perhaps/rb if/cs Felix/np had/hvd first/rb come/vbn upon/in us/ppo when/wrb this/dt boy/nn was/bedz not/* cavorting/vbg so/ql gaily/rb up/in and/cc down/in the/at hall/nn outside/in the/at murdered/vbn woman's/nn$ apartment/nn ,/, we/ppss might/md have/hv had/hvn less/ap trouble/nn convincing/vbg Felix/np of/in our/pp$ seriousness/nn ./.
This/dt ,/, you/ppss will/md remember/vb ,/, was/bedz still/rb New/jj-tl Year's/nn$-tl Day/nn-tl ./.
By/in the/at time/nn Felix/np turned/vbd up/rp it/pps was/bedz early/jj afternoon/nn ,/, which/wdt ,/, one/pn would/md think/vb ,/, would/md be/be late/jj enough/qlp so/cs that/cs by/in then/rb ,/, except/in for/in small/jj children/nns and/cc a/at few/ap hardy/jj souls/nns who/wps had/hvd not/* yet/rb sobered/vbn up/rp ,/, it/pps could/md have/hv been/ben expected/vbn that/cs people/nns would/md no/ql longer/jjr be/be having/hvg any/dti sort/nn of/in active/jj interest/nn in/in the/at previous/jj night's/nn$ noisemakers/nns and/cc paper/nn hats/nns ./.


	Felix/np was/bedz the/at exception/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd retained/vbn his/pp$ hat/nn and/cc his/pp$ horn/nn ,/, and/cc ,/, whatever/wdt fun/nn might/md still/rb be/be going/vbg ,/, he/pps was/bedz ready/jj to/to join/vb it/ppo ./.
That/dt ,/, incidentally/rb ,/, might/md give/vb you/ppo some/dti idea/nn of/in what/wdt Felix/np was/bedz like/jj ./.
After/in all/abn ,/, he/pps hadn't/hvd* happened/vbn upon/in us/ppo in/in that/dt second-floor/nn hall/nn without/in warning/vbg ./.


	The/at M.E.'s/np$ boys/nns had/hvd finished/vbn their/pp$ on-the-spot/jj examination/nn and/cc the/at body/nn had/hvd been/ben removed/vbn for/in autopsy/nn ./.
The/at meat/nn wagon/nn ,/, therefore/rb ,/, was/bedz not/* out/rp in/in front/nn of/in the/at house/nn any/dti more/rbr ,/, but/cc the/at cluster/nn of/in squad/nn cars/nns was/bedz still/rb there/rb and/cc there/ex was/bedz a/at cop/nn on/in the/at door/nn downstairs/rb to/to screen/vb any/dti comings/nns and/cc goings/nns ./.
There/ex was/bedz ,/, furthermore/rb ,/, the/at crowd/nn of/in curious/jj onlookers/nns gathered/vbn in/in the/at street/nn and/cc a/at couple/nn more/ap cops/nns to/to hold/vb them/ppo at/in a/at decent/jj distance/nn ./.


	Just/rb put/vb yourself/ppl in/in Felix's/np$ place/nn for/in a/at moment/nn ./.
You're/ppss+ber a/at taxpayer/nn ,/, householder/nn ,/, landlord/nn ./.
You've/ppss+hv been/ben away/rb from/in home/nr for/in the/at New/jj-tl Year/nn-tl festivities/nns ,/, but/cc now/rb the/at party/nn is/bez over/rp and/cc you/ppss come/vb home/nr ./.
Defining/vbg sobriety/nn in/in the/at limited/vbn sense/nn of/in being/beg free/jj from/in the/at clinical/jj symptoms/nns of/in the/at effects/nns of/in alcohol/nn ingested/vbn and/cc not/* yet/rb eliminated/vbn from/in the/at system/nn ,/, you/ppss are/ber sober/jj ./.


	You/ppss still/rb have/hv your/pp$ paper/nn hat/nn and/cc you're/ppss+ber wearing/vbg it/ppo ,/, but/cc then/rb ,/, it/pps is/bez an/at extraordinary/jj paper/nn hat/nn and/cc ,/, in/in addition/nn to/in anything/pn else/rb you/ppss may/md be/be ,/, you/ppss are/ber also/rb the/at sculptor/nn who/wps created/vbd that/dt most/ql peculiar/jj dame/nn out/rp in/in the/at back/nn yard/nn ./.
It's/pps+bez not/* too/ql much/ap to/to assume/vb that/cs you/ppss will/md have/hv a/at more/ql lasting/jj interest/nn in/in paper/nn hats/nns than/cs will/md Mr./np Average/jj-tl Citizen/nn-tl ./.


	You/ppss have/hv your/pp$ paper/nn horn/nn clutched/vbn in/in your/pp$ big/jj ,/, craggy/jj fist/nn ,/, and/cc for/in your/pp$ entrance/nn you/ppss have/hv planned/vbn a/at noisy/jj ,/, colorful/jj and/cc exuberant/jj greeting/nn to/in your/pp$ friends/nns and/cc tenants/nns ./.
You/ppss find/vb your/pp$ house/nn a/at focus/nn of/in public/nn and/cc police/nn attention/nn ./.
Can/md you/ppss imagine/vb yourself/ppl forgetting/vbg under/in the/at circumstances/nns that/cs you/ppss are/ber approaching/vbg this/dt startling/jj and/cc unexpected/jj situation/nn so/ql unsuitably/rb hatted/jj and/cc armed/vbn with/in a/at paper/nn horn/nn ?/. ?/.


	Maybe/rb one/pn could/md be/be startled/vbn into/in forgetfulness/nn ./.
You/ppss shoulder/vb your/pp$ way/nn through/in the/at cluster/nn of/in the/at curious/jj and/cc you/ppss barge/vb up/in to/in the/at cop/nn on/in the/at door/nn ./.
You/ppss identify/vb yourself/ppl and/cc ask/vb him/ppo what's/wdt+bez going/vbg on/rp ./.
Instead/rb of/in answering/vbg you/ppo ,/, he/pps sticks/vbz his/pp$ head/nn in/in the/at door/nn and/cc shouts/vbz up/in the/at stairs/nns ./.


	``/`` Got/vbn the/at upstairs/nn guy/vb ''/'' ,/, he/pps bellows/vbz ./.
``/`` The/at owner/nn ./.
Do/do I/ppss send/vb him/ppo up/rp ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Then/rb he/pps turns/vbz back/rb to/in you/ppo ./.
``/`` Go/vb on/rp in/rp ''/'' ,/, he/pps says/vbz ./.
``/`` They'll/ppss+md tell/vb you/ppo what's/wdt+bez cooking/vbg ''/'' ./.


	Even/ql then/rb ,/, as/cs you/ppss go/vb into/in the/at house/nn oppressed/vbn by/in the/at knowledge/nn that/cs something/pn is/bez cooking/vbg and/cc that/cs your/pp$ house/nn has/hvz passed/vbn under/in this/dt unaccountable/jj ,/, official/jj control/nn ,/, could/md you/ppss go/vb on/rp forgetting/vbg that/cs you/ppss still/rb had/hvd that/dt ridiculous/jj hat/nn on/in your/pp$ head/nn and/cc you/ppss were/bed still/rb carrying/vbg that/dt childish/jj horn/nn in/in your/pp$ hand/nn ?/. ?/.


	What/wdt I'm/ppss+bem getting/vbg at/in is/bez that/cs we/ppss were/bed fully/rb prepared/vbn for/in Felix's/np$ being/beg an/at odd/jj one/cd ./.
We'd/ppss+hvd seen/vbn his/pp$ handiwork/nn out/rp in/in the/at back/nn yard/nn ,/, and/cc the/at little/ap his/pp$ tenants/nns had/hvd told/vbn us/ppo of/in him/ppo did/dod make/vb him/ppo sound/vb a/at little/ql special/jj ./.
We/ppss were/bed not/* ,/, however/wrb ,/, prepared/vbn for/in anything/pn like/in the/at apparition/nn that/wps confronted/vbd us/ppo as/cs Felix/np came/vbd up/in the/at stairs/nns ./.
He/pps ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, must/md have/hv been/ben equally/rb unprepared/jj for/in what/wdt confronted/vbd him/ppo ,/, but/cc ,/, nonetheless/rb ,/, I/ppss did/dod find/vb his/pp$ reaction/nn startling/jj ./.


	If/cs Felix/np was/bedz still/rb wearing/vbg the/at hat/nn and/cc carrying/vbg the/at horn/nn because/cs he'd/pps+hvd forgotten/vbn about/in them/ppo ,/, he/pps now/rb remembered/vbd ./.
He/pps came/vbd bounding/vbg up/in the/at stairs/nns and/cc joined/vbd the/at dance/nn ./.
He/pps adjusted/vbd the/at hat/nn ,/, lifted/vbd the/at horn/nn to/in his/pp$ lips/nns as/cs though/cs it/pps were/bed a/at flute/nn ,/, and/cc fell/vbd in/rp alongside/in our/pp$ fingerprint/nn expert/nn to/to cavort/vb with/in him/ppo ./.


	Our/pp$ man/nn stopped/vbd dead/jj and/cc glowered/vbd at/in Felix/np ./.
Felix/np threw/vbd his/pp$ head/nn back/rb and/cc laughed/vbd a/at laugh/nn that/wps shook/vbd the/at timbers/nns of/in even/rb that/dt solidly/rb built/vbn old/jj house/nn ./.
This/dt was/bedz a/at bull/nn of/in a/at man/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz big-chested/jj ,/, big-shouldered/jj and/cc heavy-armed/jj ./.
His/pp$ face/nn was/bedz ruddy/jj and/cc heavy/jj and/cc unlined/jj ,/, and/cc when/wrb he/pps laughed/vbd he/pps showed/vbd his/pp$ teeth/nns ,/, which/wdt were/bed big/jj and/cc white/jj and/cc strong/jj and/cc unquestionably/rb home-grown/jj ./.
I/ppss don't/do* remember/vb ever/rb seeing/vbg teeth/nns that/wps were/bed quite/ql so/ql white/jj and/cc at/in the/at same/ap time/nn quite/ql so/ql emphatically/rb not/* dentures/nns ./.
His/pp$ hair/nn had/hvd receded/vbn most/ap of/in the/at way/nn to/in the/at back/nn of/in his/pp$ neck/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd only/rb a/at fringe/nn of/in hair/nn and/cc he/pps wore/vbd it/ppo cropped/vbn short/jj ./.
It/pps was/bedz almost/rb as/ql white/jj as/cs his/pp$ teeth/nns ./.
For/in a/at man/nn of/in his/pp$ mass/nn he/pps was/bedz curiously/rb short/jj ./.
He/pps wasn't/bedz* a/at dwarf/nn but/cc he/pps was/bedz a/at bit/nn of/in a/at comic/jj figure/nn ./.
A/at man/nn with/in so/ql big/jj and/cc so/ql staggeringly/rb developed/vbn a/at torso/nn and/cc such/jj long/jj and/cc powerful/jj arms/nns is/bez expected/vbn to/to stand/vb taller/jjr than/cs five/cd feet/nns five/cd ./.
For/in Felix/np it/pps was/bedz a/at bit/nn of/in a/at stretch/nn to/to make/vb even/rb that/dt measurement/nn ./.
The/at man/nn was/bedz just/rb this/dt side/nn of/in being/beg a/at freak/nn ./.


	We/ppss waited/vbd till/cs he/pps had/hvd finished/vbn laughing/vbg ,/, and/cc that/dt gave/vbd us/ppo a/at few/ap moments/nns for/in taking/vbg stock/nn of/in him/ppo ./.
He/pps was/bedz dressed/vbn in/in a/at manner/nn Esquire/np might/md suggest/vb for/in the/at outdoor/jj man's/nn$ country/nn weekend/nn ./.
Dark/jj gray/jj sports/nns jacket/nn ,/, lighter/jjr gray/jj slacks/nns ,/, pink/jj flannel/nn shirt/nn ,/, black/jj silk/nn necktie/nn ./.
His/pp$ eyes/nns were/bed clear/jj ./.
He/pps was/bedz freshly/rb shaved/vbn ,/, and/cc if/cs there/ex had/hvd been/ben any/dti alcohol/nn in/in him/ppo we/ppss could/md never/rb have/hv missed/vbn detecting/vbg some/dti scent/nn of/in it/ppo on/in the/at massive/jj gusts/nns of/in his/pp$ laughter/nn ./.
Not/* even/rb a/at whiff/nn ./.
Eventually/rb he/pps subsided/vbd ./.


	``/`` Felix/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Gibby/np said/vbd ./.


	``/`` Me/ppo ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd merrily/rb ./.
``/`` Me/ppo ,/, the/at happy/jj one/cd ''/'' ./.


	``/`` That/dt much/ap Latin/np we/ppss remember/vb ''/'' ,/, Gibby/np said/vbd dryly/rb ./.
``/`` You/ppss always/rb live/vb up/rp to/in your/pp$ name/nn ,/, always/rb like/in this/dt ,/, always/rb making/vbg happy/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss try/vb ''/'' ,/, Felix/np said/vbd blithely/rb ./.
``/`` The/at world/nn is/bez full/jj of/in blokes/nns who/wps put/vbd their/pp$ hearts/nns into/in making/vbg the/at tragic/jj scene/nn ./.
I've/ppss+hv never/rb noticed/vbn that/cs it/pps improves/vbz things/nns any/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Bully/jj for/in you/ppo ''/'' ,/, Gibby/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` What's/wdt+bez the/at rest/nn of/in your/pp$ name/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/at rest/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
Felix/np is/bez all/abn there/ex is/bez ''/'' ./.


	``/`` All/abn there/ex ever/rb was/bedz ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` The/at past/nn I/ppss leave/vb to/in historians/nns ''/'' ,/, Felix/np intoned/vbd ,/, demonstrating/vbg that/cs he/pps could/md be/be pompous/jj as/ql well/rb as/cs happy/jj ./.


	``/`` You/ppss live/vb in/in the/at present/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` In/in the/at present/nn ''/'' ,/, Felix/np proclaimed/vbd ./.
``/`` For/in the/at future/nn ./.
Is/bez there/ex any/dti other/ap time/nn in/in which/wdt a/at man/nn can/md live/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` We/ppss ''/'' ,/, Gibby/np announced/vbd ,/, ``/`` are/ber not/* philosophers/nns ./.
We/ppss are/ber Assistant/jj-tl District/nn-tl Attorneys/nns-tl ./.
This/dt gentleman/nn is/bez a/at police/nn officer/nn ./.
He/pps is/bez a/at fingerprint/nn specialist/nn ./.
Could/md your/pp$ future/nn ,/, your/pp$ immediate/jj future/nn ,/, be/be made/vbn to/to include/vb taking/vbg us/ppo upstairs/rb ,/, giving/vbg us/ppo a/at bit/nn of/in space/nn in/in which/wdt our/pp$ friend/nn can/md work/vb ,/, and/cc making/vbg available/jj to/in him/ppo your/pp$ finger/nn tips/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at happy/jj one/pn could/md never/rb have/hv looked/vbn happier/jjr ./.
This/dt was/bedz more/ap than/in joy/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz ecstasy/nn ./.


	``/`` Those/dts lovely/jj whorls/nns ''/'' ,/, he/pps chortled/vbd ./.
``/`` So/ql intricate/jj ,/, so/ql beautiful/jj ./.
Come/vb right/ql along/rb ./.
I/ppss love/vb fingerprints/nns ''/'' ./.


	He/pps was/bedz prancing/vbg along/in the/at hall/nn ,/, heading/vbg for/in the/at next/ap flight/nn of/in stairs/nns ./.


	Gibby/np called/vbd him/ppo back/rb ./.
``/`` We're/ppss+ber here/rb because/cs of/in what/wdt happened/vbd last/ap night/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` Past/nn ,/, yes/rb ,/, but/cc important/jj ./.
Since/cs it/pps is/bez important/jj ,/, for/in the/at record/nn let's/vb+ppo have/hv the/at full/jj name/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` That/ql important/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Felix/np asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` That/ql important/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Grubb/np ''/'' ,/, Felix/np whispered/vbd ./.


	``/`` Felix/np Grubb/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Gibby/np asked/vbd ,/, not/* bothering/vbg to/to whisper/vb ./.


	``/`` Shh/uh ''/'' ,/, Felix/np implored/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss can't/md* see/vb what/wdt would/md make/vb it/ppo necessary/jj for/in you/ppo to/to know/vb ./.
Nothing/pn could/md make/vb it/ppo necessary/jj to/to proclaim/vb it/ppo to/in the/at whole/jj world/nn ''/'' ./.


	Obligingly/rb Gibby/np lowered/vbd his/pp$ voice/nn ./.
``/`` Felix/np Grubb/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps repeated/vbd ./.
``/`` No/rb ./.
Edmund/np ,/, but/cc not/* for/in years/nns ./.
For/in years/nns it's/pps+hvz been/ben just/rb Felix/np ./.
First/od thing/nn I/ppss did/dod after/in my/pp$ twenty-first/od birthday/nn was/bedz go/vb into/in court/nn and/cc have/hv it/ppo officially/rb changed/vbn ,/, and/cc this/dt is/bez something/pn I/ppss don't/do* tell/vb everybody/pn ./.
That/dt was/bedz almost/rb forty/cd years/nns ago/rb ''/'' ./.


	Having/hvg volunteered/vbn that/cs he/pps was/bedz a/at man/nn of/in about/rb sixty/cd ,/, he/pps bounded/vbd up/in the/at stairs/nns and/cc with/in each/dt leap/nn rendered/vbd the/at number/nn less/ql credible/jj ./.
This/dt was/bedz a/at broth/nn of/in a/at boy/nn ,/, our/pp$ Felix/np ,/, and/cc nothing/pn was/bedz more/ql obvious/jj than/cs the/at joy/nn he/pps took/vbd in/in demonstrating/vbg how/wrb agile/jj he/pps was/bedz and/cc how/wrb full/jj of/in juice/nn and/cc spirit/nn ./.
We/ppss followed/vbd him/ppo up/in the/at stairs/nns ./.
The/at cops/nns would/md gather/vb up/rp Connor/np and/cc the/at foursome/nn on/in the/at third/od floor/nn and/cc bring/vb us/ppo those/dts of/in them/ppo who/wps would/md voluntarily/rb submit/vb to/in fingerprinting/vbg ./.


	You/ppss may/md think/vb we/ppss didn't/dod* need/vb Nancy/np and/cc Jean/np ,/, but/cc you/ppss always/rb get/vb what/wdt you/ppss can/md when/wrb you/ppss can/md ,/, and/cc we/ppss had/hvd no/at guarantee/nn that/cs a/at fingerprint/nn record/nn on/in them/ppo couldn't/md* be/be useful/jj before/cs we/ppss were/bed through/rp with/in this/dt case/nn ./.
Also/rb ,/, if/cs we/ppss had/hvd excluded/vbn the/at ladies/nns we/ppss would/md have/hv to/in that/dt extent/nn let/vbn the/at whole/jj world/nn know/vb at/in least/ap that/ql much/ap of/in where/wrb we/ppss stood/vbd ./.
The/at killer/nn ,/, if/cs in/in our/pp$ present/jj group/nn ,/, would/md certainly/rb be/be interested/vbn in/in knowing/vbg that/ql much/ap ,/, and/cc even/rb though/cs with/in the/at fingerprint/nn evidence/nn what/wdt it/pps was/bedz I/ppss could/md see/vb no/at way/nn he/pps could/md use/vb this/dt bit/nn of/in information/nn to/to improve/vb on/in his/pp$ situation/nn ,/, there/ex might/md always/rb be/be some/dti way/nn ./.
If/cs you/ppss can/md possibly/rb avoid/vb it/ppo ,/, you/ppss don't/do* hand/vb out/rp any/dti extra/jj chances/nns ./.


	Felix/np took/vbd us/ppo into/in his/pp$ studio/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz that/dt oddly/rb shaped/vbn space/nn at/in the/at very/jj top/nn of/in the/at house/nn ,/, where/wrb ceiling/nn heights/nns had/hvd to/to accommodate/vb themselves/ppls to/in the/at varying/vbg angles/nns of/in roof/nn slope/nn ./.
At/in each/dt angle/nn of/in its/pp$ pitch/nn a/at big/jj skylight/nn had/hvd been/ben fitted/vbn into/in the/at roof/nn and/cc all/abn these/dts skylights/nns were/bed fitted/vbn with/in systems/nns of/in multiple/jj screens/nns and/cc shades/nns ./.


	When/wrb Felix/np first/rb opened/vbd the/at door/nn on/in it/ppo ,/, all/abn these/dts shades/nns were/bed tightly/rb drawn/vbn and/cc the/at whole/jj studio/nn was/bedz as/ql dark/jj as/cs night/nn ./.
He/pps quickly/rb fixed/vbd that/dt ,/, rolling/vbg back/rb the/at shades/nns on/in some/dti of/in the/at skylights/nns and/cc adjusting/vbg screens/nns on/in the/at others/nns ./.
He/pps flew/vbd about/in the/at place/nn making/vbg these/dts adjustments/nns and/cc it/pps was/bedz obvious/jj that/cs what/wdt he/pps was/bedz doing/vbg was/bedz the/at fruit/nn of/in long/jj experience/nn ./.
None/pn of/in his/pp$ movements/nns was/bedz tentative/jj ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at process/nn of/in trial/nn and/cc error/nn ./.
Starting/vbg with/in the/at room/nn completely/rb blacked/vbn out/rp ,/, as/cs it/pps was/bedz when/wrb we/ppss came/vbd in/rp ,/, he/pps unerringly/rb fixed/vbd things/nns so/cs that/cs the/at whole/jj place/nn was/bedz bathed/vbn in/in the/at maximum/jj of/in light/nn without/in at/in any/dti point/nn admitting/vbg even/rb so/ql much/ap as/cs a/at crack/nn of/in glare/nn ./.


	Expecting/vbg something/pn more-than-average/jj wacky/jj ,/, I/ppss was/bedz surprised/vbn by/in what/wdt we/ppss found/vbd ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at display/nn of/in either/cc works/nns in/in progress/nn or/cc of/in finished/vbn work/nn ./.
Here/rb and/cc there/rb on/in work/nn table/nn or/cc pedestal/nn stood/vbd a/at shape/nn with/in a/at sheet/nn or/cc a/at tarpaulin/nn draped/vbd over/in it/ppo ./.
These/dts shapes/nns might/md have/hv been/ben mad/jj ,/, but/cc there/ex was/bedz no/at telling/nn ./.
They/ppss were/bed all/abn completely/rb shrouded/vbn ./.
The/at equipment/nn was/bedz solid/jj and/cc heavy/jj and/cc in/in good/jj condition/nn ./.
Everything/pn was/bedz orderly/jj and/cc it/pps seemed/vbd to/to be/be arranged/vbn for/in the/at workman's/nn$ comfort/nn ,/, convenience/nn and/cc efficiency/nn ./.
There/ex were/bed tools/nns about/rb but/cc they/ppss were/bed neatly/rb kept/vbn ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at confusion/nn and/cc no/at litter/nn ./.
Supplies/nns of/in sheet/nn metal/nn were/bed neatly/rb stacked/vbn in/in bins/nns ./.

Andy/np did/dod not/* see/vb the/at newspapers/nns the/at next/ap day/nn ./.
Someone/pn on/in his/pp$ staff/nn --/-- he/pps suspected/vbd it/pps was/bedz Ed/np Thornburg/np --/-- intercepted/vbd them/ppo and/cc for/in this/dt Andy/np was/bedz grateful/jj ./.


	He/pps finally/rb fell/vbd asleep/rb around/rb six/cd in/in the/at morning/nn with/in the/at aid/nn of/in a/at sleeping/vbg capsule/nn ,/, a/at crutch/nn he/pps rarely/rb used/vbd ,/, and/cc didn't/dod* awaken/vb until/in early/jj afternoon/nn ./.
Memory/nn flooded/vbd him/ppo the/at instant/nn he/pps opened/vbd his/pp$ eyes/nns and/cc the/at sick/jj feeling/nn knotted/vbd his/pp$ stomach/nn ./.


	Outside/in his/pp$ window/nn bloomed/vbd a/at beautiful/jj summer/nn day/nn ./.
Presumably/rb the/at same/ap sun/nn was/bedz shining/vbg upon/in little/jj Drew/np also/rb ,/, and/cc those/dts who/wps had/hvd kidnapped/vbn him/ppo ./.
But/cc where/wrb ?/. ?/.
It/pps was/bedz still/rb a/at very/ql big/jj world/nn ,/, despite/in all/abn the/at modern/jj cant/nn to/in the/at contrary/nn ./.


	Hub/np was/bedz sitting/vbg in/in a/at chair/nn that/wps blocked/vbd the/at hall/nn door/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz dozing/vbg ,/, perhaps/rb the/at only/ap sleep/nn he'd/pps+hvd gotten/vbn ./.
He/pps snapped/vbd to/in alertness/nn at/in Andy's/np$ entrance/nn ./.
``/`` Sorry/jj ,/, Mr./np Paxton/np ./.
Nothing/pn new/jj ./.
Lot/nn of/in people/nns waiting/vbg to/to see/vb you/ppo ,/, though/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Reporters/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Our/pp$ own/jj people/nns ./.
Questions/nns about/in the/at show/nn tonight/nr ''/'' ./.
Hub/np picked/vbd up/rp the/at telephone/nn ./.
``/`` Shall/md I/ppss let/vb them/ppo know/vb you're/ppss+ber awake/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss suppose/vb ./.
How's/wrb+bez Lissa/np ,/, do/do you/ppss know/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Hub/np considered/vbd ./.
``/`` Some/ql better/jjr ./.
She's/pps+hvz got/vbn plenty/nn of/in guts/nns ,/, Mr./np Paxton/np ./.
You/ppss want/vb me/ppo to/to call/vb her/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` She/pps expecting/vbg me/ppo to/to ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Hub/np shook/vbd his/pp$ head/nn so/cs Andy/np told/vbd him/ppo not/* to/to bother/vb ./.
The/at only/ap reason/nn for/in contacting/vbg Lissa/np was/bedz to/to comfort/vb or/cc to/to be/be comforted/vbn ./.
He/pps could/md not/* manage/vb the/at former/ap or/cc expect/vb the/at latter/ap ;/. ;/.
they/ppss had/hvd nothing/pn to/to give/vb to/in each/dt other/ap ./.
The/at omission/nn might/md look/vb peculiar/jj to/in outsiders/nns ,/, but/cc Andy/np could/md not/* bring/vb himself/ppl to/to go/vb through/in the/at motions/nns simply/rb for/in the/at sake/nn of/in appearances/nns ./.


	He/pps had/hvd little/ap time/nn to/in himself/ppl ,/, anyway/rb ./.
As/cs the/at afternoon/nn sped/vbd toward/in evening/nn ,/, the/at suite/nn saw/vbd a/at steady/jj procession/nn of/in Paxton/np aides/nns pass/vb in/rp and/cc out/rp ,/, each/dt with/in his/pp$ own/jj special/jj problem/nn ./.
Thornburg/np arrived/vbd with/in the/at writers/nns ./.
They/ppss had/hvd spent/vbn the/at morning/nn revising/vbg the/at act/nn ,/, eliminating/vbg all/abn the/at gay/jj songs/nns ,/, patter/nn and/cc dancing/vbg with/in a/at view/nn of/in the/at best/jjt public/jj relations/nns ./.
What/wdt remained/vbd lacked/vbn the/at original/jj verve/nn but/cc it/pps was/bedz at/in least/nn dignified/vbn ,/, as/cs befitting/vbg the/at tragic/jj circumstances/nns ./.
Raymond/np Fox/np reported/vbd that/cs the/at orchestra/nn had/hvd hastily/rb rehearsed/vbn ``/`` Cradle/nn-tl Song/nn-tl ''/'' in/in case/nn it/pps was/bedz needed/vbn ./.
Charlie/np Marble/np was/bedz back/rb and/cc forth/rb on/in several/ap occasions/nns ,/, first/rb to/to confer/vb with/in Andy/np on/in the/at advisability/nn of/in cancelling/vbg the/at Las/np Vegas/np engagement/nn --/-- they/ppss decided/vbd it/pps was/bedz wise/jj --/-- and/cc later/rbr to/to announce/vb that/cs a/at prominent/jj comedian/nn ,/, also/rb an/at agency/nn client/nn ,/, had/hvd agreed/vbn to/to fill/vb the/at casino's/nn$ open/jj date/nn ./.
And/cc once/rb Bake/np slipped/vbd in/rp ,/, pale/jj and/cc drawn/vbn ,/, last/ap night's/nn$ liquor/nn still/rb on/in his/pp$ breath/nn with/in some/dti of/in today's/nr$ added/vbn to/in it/ppo ./.
He/pps asked/vbd if/cs there/ex was/bedz anything/pn he/pps could/md do/do ./.
Andy/np invented/vbd a/at job/nn to/to keep/vb him/ppo busy/jj ,/, sending/vbg him/ppo ahead/rb to/in El/np Dorado/np to/to supervise/vb last/ap minute/nn arrangements/nns ./.


	But/cc from/in Rocco/np Vecchio/np ,/, they/ppss heard/vbd nothing/pn ./.


	At/in last/ap it/pps was/bedz time/nn to/to depart/vb ./.
Hub/np ,/, nosing/vbg about/rb ,/, spotted/vbd reporters/nns in/in the/at lobby/nn ,/, so/rb Andy/np was/bedz hustled/vbn away/rb quietly/rb through/in the/at hotel's/nn$ service/nn entrance/nn in/in a/at strange/jj car/nn which/wdt Hub/np had/hvd procured/vbn somewhere/rb ./.


	They/ppss succeeded/vbd in/in eluding/vbg the/at curious/jj at/in the/at hotel/nn ,/, but/cc there/ex was/bedz no/at chance/nn of/in avoiding/vbg them/ppo at/in the/at nightclub/nn ./.
El/np Dorado/np was/bedz surrounded/vbn by/in a/at mob/nn ./.
They/ppss overflowed/vbd the/at parking/vbg lot/nn ,/, making/vbg progress/nn by/in automobile/nn difficult/jj ./.
Long/rb before/cs he/pps reached/vbd the/at protection/nn of/in the/at stage/nn door/nn ,/, Andy/np was/bedz recognized/vbn ./.
Word/nn of/in his/pp$ arrival/nn spread/vbd through/in the/at crowd/nn like/in a/at brushfire/nn ./.
They/ppss surged/vbd around/in him/ppo ,/, fingers/nns pointing/vbg ,/, eyes/nns prying/vbg ./.
It/pps was/bedz not/* a/at hostile/jj gathering/nn but/cc Andy/np sensed/vbd the/at difference/nn from/in last/ap night's/nn$ hero-worshippers/nns ./.
They/ppss had/hvd come/vbn not/* to/to admire/vb but/cc to/to observe/vb ./.


	``/`` It's/pps+bez worse/jjr inside/rb ''/'' ,/, Thornburg/np informed/vbd Andy/np ./.
``/`` Skolman's/np+hvz jammed/vbn in/rp every/at table/nn he/pps could/md find/vb ./.
Under/in the/at heading/nn of/in it's/pps+bez an/at ill/jj wind/nn ,/, et/fw-cc cetera/fw-nns ''/'' ./.


	Backstage/rb was/bedz tomblike/jj by/in contrast/nn ./.
Andy's/np$ co-workers/nns kept/vbd their/pp$ distance/nn ,/, awed/vbn by/in the/at tragedy/nn ./.
But/cc in/in his/pp$ dressing/vbg room/nn was/bedz a/at large/jj bouquet/nn and/cc a/at card/nn that/wps read/vbd ,/, ``/`` We're/ppss+ber with/in you/ppo all/abn the/at way/nn ''/'' ./.
It/pps was/bedz signed/vbn by/in everyone/pn in/in the/at troupe/nn ./.
Andy/np couldn't/md* help/vb but/cc be/be touched/vbn ./.
He/pps instructed/vbd Shirl/np Winter/np to/to compose/vb a/at note/nn of/in thanks/nns to/to be/be posted/vbn on/in the/at call/nn board/nn ./.


	Bake/np was/bedz waiting/vbg to/to report/vb that/cs Lou/np DuVol/np had/hvd been/ben sobered/vbn up/rp to/in the/at point/nn where/wrb he/pps could/md function/vb efficiently/rb ./.
Andy/np gathered/vbd that/cs this/dt had/hvd been/ben no/at small/jj accomplishment/nn ./.
Bake/np himself/ppl looked/vbd better/jjr ;/. ;/.
any/dti kind/nn of/in job/nn was/bedz better/jjr than/in brooding/vbg ./.


	Andy/np told/vbd him/ppo ,/, ``/`` Bake/np ,/, I/ppss wish/vb you'd/ppss+md talk/vb to/in Skolman/np ,/, see/vb if/cs some/dti kind/nn of/in p./jj a./jj system/nn can/md be/be rigged/vbn up/rp outside/rb ./.
It's/pps+bez just/ql barely/rb possible/jj with/in this/dt crowd/nn that/cs the/at kidnapper/nn wasn't/bedz* able/jj to/to get/vb a/at table/nn ./.
I/ppss wouldn't/md* want/vb him/ppo to/to miss/vb the/at message/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md try/vb ./.
Skolman/np isn't/bez* going/vbg to/to like/vb it/ppo much/rb ,/, though/rb ,/, giving/vbg away/rb what/wdt he/pps should/md be/be selling/vbg ''/'' ./.


	Skolman/np wasn't/bedz* the/at only/ap one/cd who/wps didn't/dod* care/vb for/in Andy's/np$ scheme/nn ./.
A/at short/jj time/nn later/rbr ,/, Lieutenant/nn-tl Bonner/np stomped/vbd into/in the/at dressing/vbg room/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss got/vbd a/at bone/nn to/to pick/vb with/in you/ppo ,/, Mr./np Paxton/np ./.
It's/pps+bez those/dts damn/jj loudspeakers/nns ''/'' ./.


	Andy/np rolled/vbd up/rp the/at revised/vbn script/nn he/pps had/hvd been/ben studying/vbg ./.
``/`` What/wdt about/in them/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` They're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to louse/vb me/ppo up/rp good/rb ./.
My/pp$ men/nns have/hv been/ben here/rb all/abn afternoon/nn ,/, setting/vbg up/rp for/in this/dt thing/nn ''/'' ./.
Bonner/np explained/vbd that/cs ,/, with/in the/at nightclub's/nn$ cooperation/nn ,/, the/at police/nn had/hvd occupied/vbn El/np Dorado/np like/in a/at battlefield/nn ./.
Motion/nn picture/nn cameras/nns had/hvd been/ben installed/vbn to/to film/vb the/at audience/nn ,/, the/at reservation/nn list/nn was/bedz being/beg checked/vbn out/rp name/nn by/in name/nn ,/, and/cc a/at special/jj detail/nn was/bedz already/rb at/in work/nn in/in the/at parking/nn lot/nn scrutinizing/vbg automobiles/nns for/in a/at possible/jj lead/nn ./.
However/rb ,/, it/pps was/bedz virtually/rb impossible/jj to/to screen/vb the/at mob/nn outside/rb ,/, even/rb if/cs Bonner/np had/hvd manpower/nn available/jj for/in the/at purpose/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss want/vb you/ppo to/to have/hv the/at speakers/nns taken/vbn out/rp ''/'' ./.


	Andy/np sighed/vbd ./.
``/`` Seems/vbz like/cs we're/ppss+ber never/rb going/vbg to/to see/vb eye/nn to/in eye/nn ,/, Lieutenant/nn-tl ./.
Didn't/dod* they/ppss tell/vb you/ppo what/wdt I/ppss wanted/vbd the/at p./nn a./nn system/nn for/in ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Sure/rb ,/, I/ppss know/vb ./.
But/cc it's/pps+bez such/abl a/at long/jj shot/nn ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` No/at longer/jjr than/in yours/pp$$ ./.
What/wdt do/do you/ppo expect/vb to/to get/vb tonight/nr ,/, anyway/rb ?/. ?/.
You/ppss think/vb somebody/pn is/bez going/vbg to/to stand/vb up/rp in/in the/at audience/nn and/cc make/vb guilty/jj faces/nns ?/. ?/.
Or/cc have/hv a/at sign/nn on/in his/pp$ car/nn that/wps says/vbz ,/, '/' Here/rb Comes/vbz the/at Paxton/np-tl Kidnapper/nn-tl '/' ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Andy/np crumbled/vbd the/at script/nn in/in his/pp$ fist/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss can't/md* stop/vb you/ppo from/in doing/vbg what/wdt you/ppss think/vb is/bez right/jj ./.
But/cc don't/do* try/vb to/to stop/vb me/ppo ,/, either/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Someday/rb ''/'' ,/, Bonner/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` you're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to ask/vb us/ppo for/in help/nn ./.
I/ppss can/md hardly/rb wait/vb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` What/wdt you/ppss don't/do* understand/vb is/bez that/cs I'm/ppss+bem asking/vbg for/in it/ppo now/rb ''/'' ./.


	But/cc Bonner/np departed/vbd ,/, still/rb full/jj of/in ill/jj will/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd gotten/vbn stuck/vbn with/in a/at job/nn too/ql big/jj for/in his/pp$ imagination/nn ;/. ;/.
he/pps had/hvd to/to cling/vb to/in routine/nn ,/, tested/vbn procedures/nns ./.
To/to act/vb otherwise/rb would/md be/be to/to admit/vb his/pp$ helplessness/nn ./.
But/cc ,/, admit/vb or/cc not/* ,/, Bonner/np was/bedz helpless/jj ./.
The/at crime/nn showed/vbd too/ql much/ap planning/nn ,/, the/at kidnappers/nns appeared/vbd too/ql proficient/jj to/to be/be caught/vbn by/in a/at checklist/nn ./.


	Andy's/np$ performance/nn was/bedz scheduled/vbn for/in eleven/cd o'clock/rb ./.
He/pps stalled/vbd for/in a/at half-hour/nn longer/rbr ,/, hoping/vbg to/to hear/vb something/pn from/in Vecchio/np about/in the/at ransom/nn money/nn ./.
Bake/np and/cc Shirl/np Winter/np ,/, on/in separate/jj telephones/nns ,/, could/md not/* reach/vb him/ppo at/in any/dti conceivable/jj location/nn in/in Los/np Angeles/np ,/, nor/cc could/md they/ppss secure/vb any/dti clear-cut/jj information/nn regarding/in his/pp$ efforts/nns ./.


	Bake/np cursed/vbd ./.
``/`` The/at sweaty/jj bastard's/nn+bez probably/rb halfway/rb to/in Peru/np with/in our/pp$ money/nn by/in now/rb ''/'' ./.
When/wrb no/at one/pn smiled/vbd ,/, he/pps felt/vbd constrained/vbn to/to add/vb ,/, ``/`` Just/rb kidding/vbg ,/, natch/rb ''/'' ./.


	Thornburg/np popped/vbd in/rp to/to advise/vb ,/, ``/`` Andy/np ,/, Skolman's/np$ sending/vbg up/rp smoke/nn signals/nns ./.
You/ppss about/rb ready/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` What's/wdt+bez he/pps complaining/vbg about/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Bake/np asked/vbd ./.
``/`` They're/ppss+ber drinking/vbg ,/, aren't/ber* they/ppss ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/rb ./.
We/ppss got/vbd a/at bunch/nn of/in sippers/nns out/rp there/rb tonight/nr ./.
I/ppss guess/vb nobody/pn wants/vbz to/to pass/vb out/rp and/cc miss/vb anything/pn ''/'' ./.
Thornburg/np added/vbd in/in a/at lower/jjr voice/nn but/cc Andy/np overheard/vbd ,/, ``/`` They/ppss act/vb more/rbr like/in a/at jury/nn than/in an/at audience/nn ''/'' ./.


	Andy/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Well/rb ,/, I/ppss guess/vb we/ppss can't/md* wait/vb any/dti longer/rbr ./.
Hub/np ,/, you/ppss stick/vb by/in the/at stage/nn door/nn ./.
If/cs Rock/np shows/vbz up/rp during/in the/at number/nn --/-- or/cc you/ppss hear/vb anything/pn --/-- give/vb me/ppo the/at signal/nn ''/'' ./.


	Shirl/np Winter/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I'll/ppss+md stay/vb on/in the/at phone/nn ,/, Mr./np Paxton/np ./.
There's/ex+bez a/at couple/nn of/in call-backs/nns I/ppss can/md work/vb on/rp ''/'' ./.


	``/`` You're/ppss+ber a/at sweetheart/nn --/-- but/cc leave/vb one/cd line/nn open/jj ./.
He/pps may/md try/vb to/to phone/vb us/ppo ''/'' ./.
Andy/np passed/vbd into/in the/at corridor/nn ,/, their/pp$ ``/`` good/jj lucks/nns ''/'' !/. !/.
Following/vbg him/ppo ./.
It/pps was/bedz what/wdt they/ppss said/vbd before/in every/at performance/nn but/cc tonight/nr it/pps sounded/vbd different/jj ,/, as/cs if/cs he/pps really/rb needed/vbd it/ppo ./.


	They/ppss were/bed right/jj ./.
The/at act/nn ,/, cut/vbn to/in shreds/nns and/cc hastily/rb patched/vbn together/rb during/in the/at afternoon/nn ,/, had/hvd not/* been/ben rehearsed/vbn sufficiently/rb by/in anyone/pn ./.
The/at result/nn had/hvd nothing/pn of/in the/at polish/nn ,/, pace/nn or/cc cohesion/nn of/in the/at previous/jj night/nn ./.
Here's/rb+bez where/wrb luck/nn would/md normally/rb step/vb in/rp ./.
But/cc this/dt was/bedz no/at ordinary/jj show/nn and/cc Andy/np knew/vbd it/ppo ./.
Whether/cs he/pps sang/vbd well/rb or/cc badly/rb had/hvd nothing/pn to/to do/do with/in it/ppo ./.
The/at audience/nn had/hvd come/vbn not/* to/to be/be entertained/vbn but/cc to/to judge/vb ./.
Twenty-four/cd hours/nns had/hvd changed/vbn him/ppo from/in a/at performer/nn to/in a/at freak/nn ./.


	Within/in this/dt framework/nn ,/, what/wdt followed/vbd was/bedz strained/vbn ,/, even/rb macabre/jj ./.
Eliminating/vbg the/at patter/nn and/cc the/at upbeat/jj numbers/nns left/vbd little/ap but/in blues/nns and/cc other/ap songs/nns of/in equal/jj melancholy/nn ./.
The/at effect/nn was/bedz as/ql depressing/jj as/cs a/at gravestone/nn ,/, the/at applause/nn irresolute/jj and/cc short-lived/jj ./.
Yet/rb Andy/np plowed/vbd ahead/rb ,/, mouthing/vbg the/at inconsequential/jj words/nns as/cs if/cs they/ppss possessed/vbd real/jj meaning/nn ,/, and/cc gradually/rb his/pp$ listeners/nns warmed/vbd to/in him/ppo ./.
Their/pp$ clapping/nn grew/vbd more/ql fervent/jj ;/. ;/.
the/at evening/nn was/bedz still/rb not/* beyond/in salvaging/vbg ,/, not/* as/cs a/at show/nn but/cc for/in him/ppo as/cs a/at person/nn ./.


	The/at worst/jjt was/bedz yet/rb to/to come/vb ./.


	As/cs Andy/np reached/vbd the/at finale/nn of/in his/pp$ act/nn ,/, a/at subdued/vbn commotion/nn backstage/rb drew/vbd his/pp$ attention/nn to/in the/at wings/nns ./.
Rocco/np Vecchio/np --/-- a/at perspiring/vbg ,/, haggard/jj Vecchio/np --/-- was/bedz standing/vbg there/rb ,/, flanked/vbn by/in two/cd men/nns in/in the/at uniforms/nns of/in armored/vbn transport/nn guards/nns ./.
Vecchio/np was/bedz nodding/vbg and/cc pointing/vbg at/in the/at large/jj suitcase/nn he/pps held/vbd ./.


	Andy/np felt/vbd his/pp$ heart/nn thud/vb heavily/rb with/in relief/nn ./.
He/pps waved/vbd at/in Fox/np to/to cut/vb off/rp the/at finale/nn introduction/nn ./.
The/at music/nn died/vbd away/rb discordantly/rb ./.
He/pps drew/vbd a/at deep/jj breath/nn ./.
``/`` Ladies/nns and/cc gentlemen/nns ,/, in/in place/nn of/in my/pp$ regular/jj closing/vbg number/nn tonight/nr ,/, I'd/ppss+md like/vb to/to sing/vb something/pn of/in a/at different/jj nature/nn for/in you/ppo ./.
Ray/np ,/, if/cs you/ppss please/vb --/-- the/at '/' Cradle/nn-tl Song/nn-tl '/' ''/'' ./.


	He/pps sensed/vbd rather/rb than/in heard/vbd the/at gasp/nn that/wps swept/vbd across/in the/at audience/nn ./.
Nor/cc could/md he/pps blame/vb them/ppo ./.
This/dt particular/nn song/nn at/in this/dt particular/nn time/nn could/md only/rb be/be interpreted/vbn as/cs the/at ultimate/jj in/in bad/jj taste/nn ,/, callous/jj exploitation/nn beyond/in the/at bounds/nns of/in decency/nn ./.
Having/hvg no/at choice/nn ,/, he/pps plunged/vbd into/in it/ppo ,/, anyway/rb ,/, holding/vbg onto/in the/at microphone/nn for/in support/nn ./.


	``/`` Lullaby/nn and/cc goodnight/uh ./.
''/'' 

	His/pp$ voice/nn shook/vbd ./.
For/in the/at first/od time/nn in/in his/pp$ life/nn he/pps forgot/vbd the/at lyrics/nns midway/rb through/in and/cc had/hvd to/to cover/vb up/rp by/in humming/vbg the/at rest/nn ./.
He/pps wondered/vbd if/cs the/at audience/nn would/md let/vb him/ppo finish/vb ./.


	They/ppss did/dod ;/. ;/.
though/rb contemptuous/jj ,/, they/ppss were/bed still/rb polite/jj ./.
But/cc when/wrb he/pps was/bedz finally/rb through/rp ,/, their/pp$ scorn/nn was/bedz made/vbn apparent/jj ./.
Someone/pn clapped/vbd tentatively/rb then/rb quickly/rb stopped/vbd ./.
Otherwise/rb ,/, the/at silence/nn was/bedz complete/jj ./.
As/cs the/at lights/nns came/vbd up/rp ,/, Andy/np could/md see/vb that/cs a/at number/nn of/in patrons/nns were/bed already/rb on/in their/pp$ way/nn toward/in the/at exit/nn ./.


	He/pps stumbled/vbd off-stage/rb ./.
``/`` My/pp$ God/np ''/'' ,/, he/pps muttered/vbd ./.
``/`` My/pp$ God/np ''/'' ./.


	Hub/np was/bedz there/rb to/to support/vb him/ppo ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez okay/jj ,/, Mr./np Paxton/np ./.
The/at money's/nn+bez here/rb ,/, all/abn of/in it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	At/in this/dt moment/nn ,/, all/abn he/pps could/md think/vb of/in was/bedz what/wdt he'd/pps+hvd been/ben forced/vbn to/to undergo/vb ./.
``/`` Did/dod you/ppo hear/vb them/ppo ?/. ?/.
Do/do you/ppss know/vb what/wdt they/ppss think/vb of/in me/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Bunch/nn of/in damn/jj jerks/nns ''/'' ,/, Hub/np growled/vbd ./.
``/`` Who/wps needs/vbz them/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Thornburg/np patted/vbd his/pp$ arm/nn ./.
``/`` Sure/rb ,/, Andy/np ,/, it'll/pps+md be/be all/ql right/rb ./.
Nothing/pn broken/vbn that/dt can't/md* be/be mended/vbn ''/'' ./.
The/at words/nns were/bed hollow/jj ./.
Thornburg/np knew/vbd ,/, better/rbr than/cs any/dti of/in them/ppo ,/, that/cs a/at public/jj image/nn was/bedz as/ql fragile/jj as/cs Humpty/np Dumpty/np ./.
All/abn the/at king's/nn$ horses/nns and/cc all/abn the/at king's/nn$ men/nns 

	Vecchio/np shouldered/vbd in/rp ./.
``/`` I/ppss got/vbd it/ppo ,/, Andy/np ./.
God/np knows/vbz how/wrb ,/, but/cc I/ppss got/vbd it/ppo ./.
You'll/ppss+md never/rb believe/vb the/at places/nns I've/ppss+hv been/ben today/nr ./.
I/ppss practically/rb had/hvd to/to sign/vb your/pp$ life/nn away/rb ,/, you'll/ppss+md probably/rb fire/vb me/ppo for/in some/dti of/in the/at deals/nns I/ppss had/hvd to/to go/vb for/in ,/, but/cc ''/'' --/-- 

	Andy/np nodded/vbd dully/rb ./.
``/`` It/pps doesn't/doz* matter/vb ,/, Rock/np ./.
We've/ppss+hv done/vbn our/pp$ part/nn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps clutched/vbd that/dt knowledge/nn to/in him/ppo as/cs he/pps returned/vbd to/in his/pp$ dressing/vbg room/nn ./.
The/at usual/jj congratulatory/jj crowd/nn was/bedz conspicuously/rb absent/jj ;/. ;/.
the/at place/nn had/hvd the/at air/nn of/in a/at morgue/nn ./.
Andy/np had/hvd no/at desire/nn to/to linger/vb himself/ppl but/cc Hub/np reported/vbd that/cs the/at mob/nn outside/rb was/bedz still/rb large/jj despite/in the/at efforts/nns of/in the/at police/nn to/to disperse/vb them/ppo ./.



	His/pp$ son/nn watched/vbd until/cs he/pps got/vbd as/ql far/rb as/cs the/at hall/nn ,/, almost/rb out/in of/in sight/nn ,/, then/rb hurried/vbd after/rb ./.
``/`` Dad/nn-tl ./.
Dad/nn-tl ,/, wait/vb ''/'' ./.


	He/pps caught/vbd up/rp with/in the/at old/jj man/nn in/in the/at living/vbg room/nn ./.
Old/jj man/nn Arthur/np had/hvd put/vbn down/rp the/at suitcase/nn to/to open/vb the/at front/jj door/nn ./.


	``/`` Just/rb this/dt one/cd favor/nn ,/, Dad/nn-tl ./.
Just/rb don't/do* tell/vb Ferguson/np that/dt crazy/jj opinion/nn of/in yours/pp$$ ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Why/wrb not/* ''/'' ?/. ?/.
The/at old/jj man/nn gave/vbd the/at room/nn a/at stare/nn in/in leaving/vbg ;/. ;/.
under/in the/at scraggly/jj brows/nns the/at pale/jj old/jj eyes/nns burned/vbd with/in a/at bitter/jj memory/nn ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez the/at truth/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` The/at Bartlett/np girl/nn was/bedz killed/vbn by/in Mr./np Dronk's/np$ son/nn ./.
Rossi/np and/cc Ferguson/np have/hv been/ben across/in the/at street/nn ,/, talking/vbg to/in the/at kid/nn ./.
They've/ppss+hv found/vbn some/dti sort/nn of/in new/jj evidence/nn ,/, a/at bundle/nn of/in clothes/nns or/cc something/pn ,/, and/cc it/pps must/md link/vb the/at kid/nn even/ql stronger/jjr to/in the/at crime/nn ./.
Why/wrb won't/md* you/ppss accept/vb facts/nns ?/. ?/.
The/at two/cd kids/nns were/bed together/rb a/at lot/nn ,/, they/ppss were/bed having/hvg some/dti kind/nn of/in teen-age/jj affair/nn --/-- God/np knows/vbz how/wrb far/jj that/dt had/hvd gone/vbn --/-- and/cc the/at kid's/nn+bez crippled/vbn ./.
He/pps limps/vbz ,/, and/cc the/at man/nn who/wps hit/vbd you/ppo and/cc took/vbd the/at cane/nn ,/, he/pps limped/vbd ./.
My/pp$ God/np ,/, how/wrb much/ql more/ap do/do you/ppss want/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	His/pp$ father/nn looked/vbd him/ppo over/rp closely/rb ./.
``/`` You/ppss sound/vb like/cs an/at old/jj woman/nn ./.
You/ppss should/md have/hv gone/vbn to/in work/nn today/nr ,/, 'stead/rb of/in sneaking/vbg around/rb spying/vbg on/in the/at Dronk/np house/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Now/rb ,/, see/vb here/rb ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` The/at trouble/nn with/in you/ppo ''/'' ,/, old/jj man/nn Arthur/np began/vbd ,/, and/cc then/rb checked/vbd himself/ppl ./.
Young/jj Mrs./np Arthur/np had/hvd opened/vbn the/at oven/nn and/cc there/ex was/bedz a/at drifting/vbg odor/nn of/in hot/jj biscuits/nns ./.
The/at old/jj man/nn opened/vbd the/at door/nn and/cc stepped/vbd out/rp into/in the/at sunlight/nn ./.
``/`` Isn't/bez* enough/ap time/nn to/to go/vb into/in it/ppo ''/'' ,/, he/pps finished/vbd ,/, and/cc slammed/vbd the/at door/nn in/in his/pp$ son's/nn$ face/nn ./.




Mrs./np Holden/np turned/vbd from/in the/at window/nn draperies/nns ./.
``/`` They/ppss found/vbd something/pn else/rb up/rp there/rb ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd half-aloud/rb to/in the/at empty/jj room/nn ./.
``/`` They/ppss took/vbd it/ppo away/rb ,/, overalls/nns or/cc something/pn ''/'' ./.
She/pps walked/vbd restlessly/rb across/in the/at room/nn ,/, then/rb back/rb to/in the/at windows/nns ./.
``/`` Now/rb they've/ppss+hv gone/vbn ,/, they/ppss didn't/dod* come/vb back/rb ,/, and/cc they/ppss didn't/dod* arrest/vb that/cs Dronk/np boy/nn ''/'' ./.
She/pps stood/vbd frowning/vbg and/cc chewing/vbg her/pp$ lip/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz wearing/vbg a/at brown/jj cotton/nn dress/nn ,/, cut/vbn across/in the/at hips/nns in/in a/at way/nn that/wps was/bedz supposed/vbn to/to make/vb her/ppo look/vb slimmer/jjr ,/, a/at yoke/nn set/vbn into/in the/at skirt/nn and/cc flaring/vbg pleats/nns below/rb ./.
She/pps smoothed/vbd the/at skirt/nn ,/, sat/vbd down/rp ,/, then/rb stood/vbd up/rp and/cc went/vbd back/rb to/in the/at windows/nns ./.
``/`` Why/wrb on/in earth/nn did/dod I/ppss send/vb him/ppo off/rp to/in work/nn ?/. ?/.
There/ex was/bedz excuse/nn enough/ap to/to keep/vb him/ppo home/nr that/dt young/jj Mr./np Arthur's/np+bez still/rb over/rp there/rb ''/'' ./.


	With/in sudden/jj energy/nn ,/, she/pps went/vbd to/in the/at phone/nn and/cc rang/vbd Holden's/np$ office/nn and/cc asked/vbd for/in him/ppo ./.


	``/`` I/ppss think/vb you/ppo had/hvd better/rbr come/vbn home/nr ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Mae/np ,/, we're/ppss+ber so/ql busy/jj ./.
Mr./np Crosson's/np+hvz been/ben on/in everybody's/pn$ neck/nn ,/, an/at order/nn he/pps expected/vbd didn't/dod* come/vb through/rp and/cc he's/pps+bez ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* care/vb ./.
I/ppss want/vb you/ppo here/rb ./.
I'm/ppss+bem all/ql alone/rb and/cc certain/jj things/nns are/ber going/vbg on/rp that/wps look/vb very/ql ominous/jj ./.
I/ppss need/vb someone/pn to/to go/vb out/rp and/cc find/vb out/rp what's/wdt+bez happening/vbg ''/'' ./.


	``/`` But/cc I/ppss couldn't/md* do/do that/dt ,/, even/rb if/cs I/ppss were/bed home/nr ''/'' !/. !/.
His/pp$ voice/nn grew/vbd high/jj and/cc trembling/vbg ./.
``/`` I/ppss can't/md* be/be underfoot/rb every/at time/nn those/dts cops/nns turn/vb around/rb !/. !/.
They'll/ppss+md they'll/ppss+md think/vb I/ppss did/dod something/pn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps couldn't/md* see/vb the/at grin/nn that/wps split/vbd her/pp$ mouth/nn ;/. ;/.
the/at teeth/nns that/wps shone/vbd into/in the/at phone/nn were/bed like/in a/at shark's/nn$ ./.
``/`` You'll/ppss+md just/rb have/hv to/to risk/vb it/ppo ./.
You/ppss can't/md* wander/vb along/rb in/in the/at dark/nn ,/, can/md you/ppss ?/. ?/.
I'd/ppss+md think/vb that/cs you/ppss even/ql more/rbr than/cs I/ppss would/md be/be wondering/vbg what/wdt they're/ppss+ber up/in to/in ./.
They/ppss found/vbd some/dti clothes/nns ''/'' ,/, she/pps tossed/vbd in/rp ./.


	``/`` What/wdt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Deliberately/rb ,/, she/pps ignored/vbd the/at yelp/nn ./.
``/`` Also/rb ,/, that/dt Mr./np Ferguson/np was/bedz here/rb ./.
I/ppss guess/vb he/pps wants/vbz to/to ask/vb you/ppo some/dti questions/nns ./.
I/ppss stalled/vbd him/ppo off/rp ./.
He/pps doesn't/doz* expect/vb you/ppo until/in five/cd ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Then/rn I'd/ppss+hvd better/rbr wait/vb until/in five/cd ''/'' ./.


	``/`` No-o-o/rb ./.
Come/vb home/nr right/ql away/rb ''/'' ./.
She/pps slapped/vbd the/at receiver/nn into/in its/pp$ holder/nn and/cc stepped/vbd away/rb ./.
Her/pp$ eyes/nns were/bed bright/jj with/in anticipation/nn ./.


	In/in his/pp$ office/nn ,/, Mr./np Holden/np replaced/vbd the/at phone/nn slowly/rb ./.
He/pps rose/vbd from/in his/pp$ chair/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd to/to cough/vb then/rn ;/. ;/.
he/pps went/vbd to/in the/at window/nn and/cc choked/vbd there/rb with/in the/at fresh/jj breeze/nn on/in his/pp$ face/nn ./.
He/pps got/vbd his/pp$ hat/nn out/in of/in the/at closet/nn ./.
For/in a/at moment/nn he/pps thought/vbd of/in going/vbg into/in Crosson's/np$ office/nn to/to explain/vb that/cs he/pps had/hvd to/to leave/vb ,/, but/cc there/ex was/bedz now/rb such/abl a/at pain/nn in/in his/pp$ chest/nn ,/, such/abl a/at pounding/nn in/in his/pp$ head/nn ,/, that/cs he/pps decided/vbd to/to let/vb it/pps go/vb ./.
He/pps passed/vbd the/at receptionist/nn in/in the/at outer/jj office/nn ,/, muttering/vbg ,/, ``/`` I've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to go/vb out/rp for/in a/at little/jj while/nn ''/'' ./.
Let/vb her/ppo call/vb Crosson/np if/cs she/pps wanted/vbd to/to ,/, let/vb Crosson/np raise/vb the/at roof/nn or/cc even/rb can/md him/ppo ,/, he/pps didn't/dod* care/vb ./.


	He/pps got/vbd into/in the/at car/nn ./.
Putting/vbg the/at key/nn into/in the/at switch/nn ,/, pressing/vbg the/at accelerator/nn with/in his/pp$ foot/nn ,/, putting/vbg the/at car/nn into/in reverse/nn ,/, seemed/vbd vast/jj endeavors/nns almost/rb beyond/in the/at ability/nn of/in his/pp$ shaking/vbg body/nn ./.
Once/rb out/rp in/in the/at street/nn ,/, the/at traffic/nn was/bedz a/at gadfly/nn maze/nn in/in which/wdt he/pps wandered/vbd stricken/vbn ./.
When/wrb he/pps turned/vbd into/in the/at highway/nn that/wps led/vbd to/in the/at outskirts/nns of/in the/at city/nn and/cc then/rb rose/vbd toward/in home/nr ,/, he/pps had/hvd to/to pull/vb over/rp to/in the/at curb/nn and/cc wait/vb for/in a/at few/ap minutes/nns ,/, sucking/vbg in/in air/nn and/cc squinting/vbg and/cc blinking/vbg his/pp$ eyes/nns to/to clear/vb them/ppo of/in tears/nns ./.


	What/wdt on/in earth/nn was/bedz in/in Mae's/np$ mind/nn ,/, that/cs she/pps wanted/vbd him/ppo up/rp there/rb spying/vbg on/in what/wdt the/at cops/nns were/bed doing/vbg ?/. ?/.
What/wdt did/dod she/pps think/vb he/pps could/md do/do ?/. ?/.


	He/pps tried/vbd to/to ignore/vb what/wdt his/pp$ own/jj common/jj sense/nn told/vbd him/ppo ,/, but/cc it/pps wasn't/bedz* possible/jj ;/. ;/.
her/pp$ motives/nns were/bed too/ql blatant/jj ./.
She/pps wanted/vbd him/ppo to/to get/vb into/in trouble/nn ./.
She/pps wanted/vbd the/at police/nns to/to notice/vb him/ppo ,/, suspect/vb him/ppo ./.
She/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to keep/vb on/rp scheming/vbg ,/, poking/vbg ,/, prodding/vbg ,/, suggesting/vbg ,/, and/cc dictating/vbg until/cs the/at cops/nns got/vbd up/rp enough/ap interest/nn in/in him/ppo to/to go/vb back/rb to/in their/pp$ old/jj neighborhood/nn and/cc ask/vb questions/nns ./.
And/cc he/pps knew/vbd in/in that/dt moment/nn ,/, with/in a/at cold/jj sinking/nn of/in despair/nn ,/, a/at dying/nn of/in old/jj hopes/nns ,/, that/cs Mae/np had/hvd spread/vbn some/dti kind/nn of/in word/nn there/rb among/in the/at neighbors/nns ./.
Nothing/pn bald/jj ,/, open/jj ;/. ;/.
but/cc enough/ap ./.
They'd/ppss+md have/hv some/dti suspicions/nns to/to repeat/vb to/in the/at police/nns ./.


	Though/cs his/pp$ inner/jj thoughts/nns cringed/vbd at/in it/ppo ,/, he/pps forced/vbd himself/ppl to/to think/vb back/rb ,/, recreating/vbg the/at scene/nn in/in which/wdt Mae/np claimed/vbd to/to have/hv caught/vbn him/ppo molesting/vbg the/at child/nn ./.


	It/pps hadn't/hvd* amounted/vbn to/in anything/pn ./.
There/ex had/hvd been/ben nothing/pn evil/jj or/cc dirty/jj in/in his/pp$ intentions/nns ./.


	A/at second/od scene/nn flashed/vbd before/in his/pp$ mind/nn ,/, the/at interior/nn of/in the/at garage/nn at/in the/at new/jj house/nn and/cc the/at young/jj Bartlett/np girl/nn turning/vbg startled/vbn to/to meet/vb him/ppo ,/, the/at dim/jj dark/nn and/cc the/at sudden/jj confusion/nn and/cc fear/nn and/cc then/rb the/at brightness/nn as/cs Mae/np had/hvd clicked/vbn on/rp the/at light/nn ./.


	Suppose/vb the/at cops/nns somehow/rb got/vbd hold/nn of/in that/dt ?/. ?/.


	Well/uh ,/, it/pps hadn't/hvd* been/ben what/wdt it/pps seemed/vbd ,/, he'd/pps+hvd had/hvn no/at idea/nn the/at girl/nn was/bedz in/in there/rb ./.
He/pps hadn't/hvd* touched/vbn her/ppo ./.


	And/cc when/wrb he/pps came/vbd to/to examine/vb the/at scene/nn ,/, there/ex was/bedz a/at certain/jj staginess/nn to/in it/ppo ,/, it/pps had/hvd the/at smell/nn of/in planning/vbg ,/, and/cc a/at swift/jj suspicion/nn darted/vbd into/in his/pp$ mind/nn ./.


	Too/ql monstrous/jj ,/, of/in course/nn ./.
Mae/np wouldn't/md* have/hv plotted/vbn a/at thing/nn like/cs that/dt ./.
It/pps was/bedz just/rb that/cs little/jj accidents/nns played/vbd into/in her/pp$ hands/nns ./.
Like/cs this/dt murder/nn ./.


	He/pps leaned/vbd on/in the/at wheel/nn ,/, clutching/vbg it/ppo ,/, staring/vbg into/in the/at sunlight/nn ,/, and/cc tried/vbd to/to bring/vb order/nn into/in his/pp$ thoughts/nns ./.
He/pps felt/vbd light-headed/jj and/cc sick/jj ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at use/nn wandering/vbg off/rp into/in a/at territory/nn of/in utter/jj nightmare/nn ./.
Mae/np was/bedz his/pp$ wife/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz married/vbn to/in him/ppo for/in better/jjr or/cc for/in worse/jjr ./.
She/pps wouldn't/md* be/be wilfully/rb planning/vbg his/pp$ destruction/nn ./.


	But/cc she/pps was/bedz ./.
She/pps was/bedz ./.


	Even/rb as/cs the/at conviction/nn of/in truth/nn roared/vbd through/in him/ppo ,/, shattering/vbg his/pp$ last/ap hope/nn of/in safety/nn ,/, he/pps was/bedz reaching/vbg to/to release/vb the/at hand/nn brake/nn ,/, to/to head/vb up/in the/at road/nn for/in home/nr ,/, doing/vbg her/pp$ bidding/nn ./.
He/pps drove/vbd ,/, and/cc the/at road/nn wobbled/vbd ,/, familiar/jj scenes/nns crept/vbd past/rb on/in either/dtx side/nn ./.
He/pps came/vbd to/in a/at stretch/nn of/in old/jj orange/nn groves/nns ,/, the/at trees/nns dead/jj ,/, some/dti of/in them/ppo uprooted/vbn ,/, and/cc then/rb there/ex was/bedz an/at outlying/jj shopping/vbg area/nn ,/, and/cc tract/nn houses/nns ./.
He/pps had/hvd the/at feeling/nn that/cs he/pps should/md abandon/vb the/at car/nn and/cc run/vb off/rp somewhere/rb to/to hide/vb ./.
But/cc he/pps couldn't/md* imagine/vb where/wrb ./.
There/ex was/bedz really/rb no/at place/nn to/to go/vb ,/, finally/rb ,/, except/in home/nr to/in Mae/np ./.


	At/in the/at gate/nn he/pps slowed/vbd ,/, looking/vbg around/rb ./.
Cooper/np was/bedz beside/in his/pp$ car/nn ,/, on/in the/at curb/nn at/in the/at right/nr ,/, just/rb standing/vbg there/rb morosely/rb ;/. ;/.
he/pps didn't/dod* even/vb look/vb up/rp ./.
Behind/in him/ppo on/in the/at steps/nns of/in the/at little/jj office/nn sat/vbd old/jj man/nn Arthur/np ;/. ;/.
he/pps was/bedz straight/jj ,/, something/pn angry/jj in/in his/pp$ attitude/nn ,/, as/cs if/cs he/pps might/md be/be waiting/vbg to/to report/vb something/pn ./.
Holden/np stepped/vbd on/in the/at gas/nn ./.


	A/at new/jj idea/nn drifted/vbd in/rp from/in nowhere/rb ./.
He/pps could/md go/vb to/in the/at police/nns ./.
He/pps could/md tell/vb them/ppo his/pp$ fears/nns of/in being/beg involved/vbn ,/, he/pps could/md explain/vb what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn in/in the/at old/jj neighborhood/nn and/cc how/wrb Mae/np had/hvd misunderstood/vbn and/cc how/wrb she/pps had/hvd held/vbn it/ppo over/in him/ppo --/-- the/at scene/nn was/bedz complete/jj in/in his/pp$ mind/nn at/in the/at moment/nn ,/, even/rb to/in his/pp$ own/jj jerkings/nns and/cc snivelings/nns ,/, and/cc Ferguson's/np$ silent/jj patience/nn ./.
He/pps could/md throw/vb himself/ppl on/in the/at mercy/nn of/in the/at Police/nns-tl Department/nn-tl ./.


	It/pps wasn't/bedz* what/wdt Mae/np would/md want/vb him/ppo to/to do/do ,/, though/rb ./.
He/pps was/bedz sure/jj of/in this/dt ./.
Once/cs he/pps had/hvd abandoned/vbn himself/ppl to/in the/at very/ql worst/jjt ,/, once/cs he/pps had/hvd quieted/vbn all/abn the/at dragons/nns of/in worry/nn and/cc suspense/nn ,/, there/rb wouldn't/md* be/be very/ql much/ap for/in Mae/np to/to do/do ./.
At/in that/dt moment/nn ,/, Holden/np almost/rb slammed/vbd on/rp the/at brakes/nns to/to go/vb back/rb to/in Cooper/np and/cc ask/vb if/cs Ferguson/np was/bedz about/rb ./.


	It/pps would/md be/be such/abl a/at relief/nn ./.


	What/wdt was/bedz that/dt old/jj sign/nn ,/, supposed/vbd to/to be/be painted/vbn over/in a/at door/nn somewhere/rb ,/, Abandon/vb hope/nn ,/, all/abn ye/ppss who/wps enter/vb here/rb ?/. ?/.


	Why/wrb ,/, Holden/np said/vbd to/in himself/ppl ,/, surprised/vbn at/in his/pp$ own/jj sudden/jj insight/nn ,/, I'll/ppss+md bet/vb some/dti of/in those/dts people/nns who/wps enter/vb are/ber just/rb as/ql happy/jj as/cs can/md be/be ./.
They've/ppss+hv worried/vbn ,/, they've/ppss+hv lain/vbn awake/rb nights/nns ,/, they've/ppss+hv shook/vbd at/in the/at slightest/jjt footstep/nn ,/, they've/ppss+hv pictured/vbn their/pp$ own/jj destruction/nn ,/, and/cc now/rb it's/pps+bez all/abn over/rp and/cc they/ppss can/md give/vb up/rp ./.
Sure/rb ,/, they're/ppss+ber giving/vbg up/rp hope/nn ./.
Hand/nn in/in hand/nn with/in hope/nn went/vbd things/nns like/cs terror/nn and/cc apprehension/nn ./.
Good-bye/uh ./.
Holden/np waved/vbd a/at hand/nn at/in the/at empty/jj street/nn ./.
Glad/jj to/to see/vb you/ppss go/vb ./.


	He/pps drove/vbd into/in the/at paved/vbn space/nn before/in the/at garage/nn and/cc got/vbd out/rp ,/, slamming/vbg the/at car/nn door/nn ./.
He/pps looked/vbd up/in and/cc down/in the/at street/nn ./.
If/cs Ferguson's/np$ car/nn had/hvd been/ben in/in sight/nn ,/, Holden/np would/md have/hv walked/vbn directly/rb to/in it/ppo ./.


	He/pps went/vbd to/in the/at front/nn door/nn and/cc opened/vbd it/ppo and/cc looked/vbd in/rp ./.


	Mae/np entered/vbd the/at room/nn from/in the/at hallway/nn to/in the/at kitchen/nn ./.
She/pps had/hvd a/at cup/nn of/in something/pn steaming/vbg ,/, coffee/nn perhaps/rb ,/, in/in one/cd hand/nn ,/, a/at fresh/jj piece/nn of/in toast/nn in/in the/at other/ap ./.
She/pps stood/vbd there/rb ,/, watching/vbg Holden/np come/vb in/rp ,/, and/cc she/pps put/vbd the/at piece/nn of/in toast/nn in/in her/pp$ mouth/nn and/cc bit/vbd off/rp one/cd corner/nn with/in a/at huge/jj chomp/nn of/in her/pp$ white/jj teeth/nns ./.


	``/`` Mae/np ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` I've/ppss+hv been/ben thinking/vbg ''/'' ,/, she/pps said/vbd ,/, swallowing/vbg the/at toast/nn ./.
``/`` Didn't/dod* you/ppo have/hv an/at old/jj pair/nn of/in painting/vbg overalls/nns in/in the/at garage/nn ?/. ?/.
You/ppss used/vbd them/ppo that/dt time/nn you/ppss painted/vbd the/at porch/nn at/in our/pp$ other/ap house/nn ./.
And/cc then/rb you/ppss wiped/vbd up/rp some/dti grease/nn ''/'' ./.


	She/pps had/hvd caught/vbn him/ppo off/in guard/nn ,/, no/at preparation/nn ,/, nothing/pn certain/jj but/cc that/wps ahead/rb lay/vbd some/dti kind/nn of/in disaster/nn ./.
``/`` No/rb ./.
Wait/vb a/at minute/nn ./.
What/wdt do/do you/ppss ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` I've/ppss+hv been/ben looking/vbg for/in them/ppo ,/, and/cc they're/ppss+ber gone/vbn ./.
I'm/ppss+bem sure/jj they/ppss were/bed in/in the/at garage/nn up/rp until/in a/at couple/nn of/in days/nns ago/rb ./.
Or/cc even/rb yesterday/nr ./.
You/ppss used/vbd to/to paint/vb in/in them/ppo ,/, and/cc then/rb you/ppss just/rb took/vbd them/ppo for/in rags/nns ./.
The/at police/nns have/hv them/ppo now/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* remember/vb any/dti overalls/nns at/in all/abn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` They/ppss were/bed all/abn faded/vbn ./.
Worn/vbn through/rp at/in the/at knees/nns ''/'' ./.
She/pps stood/vbd sipping/vbg and/cc chewing/vbg and/cc watching/vbg ./.
``/`` Green/jj paint/nn ,/, wasn't/bedz* it/pps ?/. ?/.
Well/rb ,/, I'm/ppss+bem not/* sure/jj of/in the/at color/nn ./.
But/cc you/ppss had/hvd them/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Mae/np ,/, sit/vb down/rp ./.
Put/vb down/rp the/at cup/nn of/in coffee/nn ./.
Tell/vb me/ppo what/wdt this/dt is/bez all/abn about/rb ''/'' ./.


	She/pps shook/vbd her/pp$ head/nn ./.
She/pps took/vbd another/dt bite/nn of/in toast/nn ./.
Holden/np noticed/vbd almost/ql absently/rb how/wrb she/pps chewed/vbd ,/, how/wrb the/at whole/jj side/nn of/in her/pp$ cheek/nn moved/vbd ,/, a/at slab/nn of/in fat/nn that/wps extended/vbd down/rp into/in her/pp$ neck/nn ./.
``/`` My/pp$ goodness/nn ,/, you/ppss ought/md to/to remember/vb if/cs I/ppss do/do ./.
You're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to have/hv to/to go/vb to/in the/at police/nns and/cc explain/vb what/wdt happened/vbd ./.
Tell/vb them/ppo the/at truth/nn or/cc something/pn before/cs they/ppss come/vb here/rb ''/'' ./.


	A/at seeping/vbg coldness/nn entered/vbd Holden's/np$ being/nn ;/. ;/.
his/pp$ nerves/nns seemed/vbd frost-bitten/jj down/rp to/in the/at tips/nns of/in his/pp$ tingling/vbg fingers/nns and/cc his/pp$ spine/nn felt/vbd stiff/jj and/cc glass-like/jj ,/, liable/jj to/to break/vb like/cs an/at icicle/nn at/in any/dti moment/nn ./.
``/`` I've/ppss+hv never/rb owned/vbn any/dti painting/vbg overalls/nns ./.

A/at man/nn with/in a/at sketch/nn pad/nn in/in hand/nn sat/vbd with/in a/at large/jj pink/jj woman/nn in/in a/at small/jj office/nn at/in the/at end/nn of/in a/at long/jj ,/, dim/jj corridor/nn and/cc made/vbd pencil/nn lines/nns on/in paper/nn and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Is/bez this/dt more/rbr like/cs it/pps ,/, Mrs./np MacReady/np ?/. ?/.
Or/cc are/ber the/at eyebrows/nns more/rbr like/cs this/dt ''/'' ?/. ?/.
When/wrb he/pps had/hvd finished/vbn with/in that/dt ,/, he/pps would/md go/vb to/in another/dt part/nn of/in the/at hotel/nn and/cc say/vb much/rb the/at same/ap things/nns to/in someone/pn else/rb ,/, most/ql probably/rb a/at busboy/nn ./.
``/`` Begin/vb to/to look/vb like/cs him/ppo now/rb ,/, would/md you/ppss say/vb ?/. ?/.
Different/jj about/in the/at mouth/nn ,/, huh/uh ?/. ?/.
More/rbr like/cs this/dt ,/, maybe/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Men/nns blew/vbd dust/nn on/in objects/nns in/in a/at room/nn on/in the/at seventeenth/od floor/nn of/in the/at Hotel/nn-tl Dumont/np-tl and/cc blew/vbd it/ppo off/rp again/rb ,/, and/cc did/dod the/at same/ap in/in a/at tiny/jj ,/, almost/ql airless/jj room/nn in/in a/at tenement/nn in/in the/at West/jj-tl Forties/nns-tl ./.
And/cc men/nns also/rb used/vbd vacuum/nn cleaners/nns in/in both/abx rooms/nns ,/, sucking/vbg dust/nn up/rp once/rb more/rbr ./.


	Men/nns from/in the/at Third/od-tl Detective/nn-tl District/nn-tl ,/, Eighteenth/od-tl Precinct/nn-tl ,/, had/hvd the/at longest/jjt ,/, the/at most/ql tedious/jj ,/, job/nn ./.
At/in the/at Hotel/nn-tl Dumont/np-tl there/rb had/hvd ,/, at/in the/at time/nn in/in issue/nn ,/, been/ben twenty-three/cd overnighters/nns ,/, counting/vbg couples/nns as/cs singular/jj ./.
These/dts included/vbd ,/, as/cs one/cd ,/, Mr./np and/cc Mrs./np Anthony/np Payne/np ,/, who/wps had/hvd checked/vbn in/rp a/at little/ap after/in noon/nn the/at day/nn before/rb ,/, and/cc had/hvd not/* checked/vbn out/rp together/rb ./.
But/cc Gardner/np Willings/np was/bedz not/* included/vbn ;/. ;/.
he/pps had/hvd been/ben at/in the/at Dumont/np for/in almost/rb a/at week/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, no/at special/jj reason/nn to/to believe/vb that/cs the/at man/nn or/cc woman/nn they/ppss sought/vbd had/hvd stayed/vbn only/rb overnight/rb at/in the/at hotel/nn ./.
The/at twenty-three/cd (/( or/cc twenty-two/cd with/in the/at Paynes/nps themselves/ppls omitted/vbn )/) provided/vbd merely/rb a/at place/nn to/to start/vb ,/, and/cc their/pp$ identification/nn was/bedz the/at barest/jjt of/in starts/nns ./.
With/in names/nns and/cc addresses/nns listed/vbn ,/, verification/nn came/vbd next/rb ./.
It/pps would/md take/vb time/nn ;/. ;/.
it/pps would/md ,/, almost/ql inevitably/rb ,/, trouble/vb some/dti water/nn ./.
(/( ``/`` I/ppss certainly/rb was/bedz not/* at/in the/at Dumont/np last/ap night/nn and/cc my/pp$ husband/nn couldn't/md* have/hv been/ben ./.
He's/pps+bez in/in Boston/np ./.
Of/in course/nn he's/pps+bez in/rp ''/'' --/-- )/) 

	The/at Hotel/nn-tl King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl across/in the/at street/nn provided/vbd almost/ql twice/rb as/ql many/ap problems/nns ./.
The/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl offered/vbd respectable/jj and/cc convenient/jj lodgings/nns to/in people/nns from/in the/at suburbs/nns who/wps wanted/vbd to/to see/vb a/at show/nn and/cc didn't/dod* want/vb --/-- heaven/nn knew/vbd didn't/dod* want/vb !/. !/.
--/-- to/to lunge/vb anxiously/rb through/in crowded/vbn streets/nns to/in railroad/nn stations/nns and/cc ,/, at/in odd/jj hours/nns of/in night/nn ,/, drive/vb from/in smaller/jjr stations/nns to/in distant/jj homes/nns ,/, probably/rb through/in rain/nn or/cc ,/, in/in November/np ,/, something/pn worse/jjr ./.
The/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl was/bedz less/ql expensive/jj than/cs the/at Dumont/np ./.
The/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl had/hvd fifty-four/cd overnighters/nns ,/, again/rb counting/vbg rooms/nns rather/in than/in people/nns ./.


	Check/vb the/at overnighters/nns out/rp ./.
Failing/vbg to/to find/vb what/wdt was/bedz wanted/vbn ,/, as/cs was/bedz most/ql likely/rb ,/, check/vb out/rp other/ap guests/nns ,/, with/in special/jj --/-- but/cc not/* exclusive/jj --/-- attention/nn to/in those/dts with/in rooms/nns on/in the/at street/nn ./.
(/( Anyone/pn active/jj enough/qlp can/md reach/vb a/at roof/nn ,/, wherever/wrb his/pp$ room/nn may/md be/be ./.
)/) And/cc know/vb ,/, while/cs all/abn this/dt went/vbd on/rp ,/, that/cs there/ex was/bedz no/at real/jj reason/nn to/to suppose/vb that/cs the/at murderer/nn had/hvd been/ben a/at guest/nn in/in either/dtx hotel/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz not/* even/rb certain/jj the/at shot/nn had/hvd been/ben fired/vbn from/in either/dtx hotel/nn ./.
There/ex were/bed other/ap roofs/nns ,/, less/ql convenient/jj but/cc not/* impossible/jj ./.
It/pps is/bez dull/jj business/nn ,/, detecting/vbg ,/, and/cc hard/jj on/in feet/nns ./.


	There/ex was/bedz also/rb the/at one/cd salient/jj question/nn to/to ask/vb ,/, and/cc ask/vb widely/rb :/: Did/dod you/ppss notice/vb anything/pn out/in of/in the/at way/nn ?/. ?/.
Like/cs ,/, for/in example/nn ,/, a/at man/nn carrying/vbg a/at twenty-two/cd rifle/nn ,/, probably/rb with/in a/at telescopic/jj sight/nn attached/vbn ?/. ?/.


	There/ex was/bedz ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, no/at hope/nn it/pps really/rb would/md be/be that/dt simple/jj ./.
The/at sniper/nn ,/, whether/cs psychopathic/jj marksman/nn or/cc murderer/nn by/in intent/nn ,/, would/md hardly/rb have/hv walked/vbn to/in his/pp$ vantage/nn point/nn with/in rifle/nn over/in shoulder/nn ,/, whistling/vbg a/at marching/vbg tune/nn ./.
Anybody/pn carrying/vbg anything/pn that/wps might/md hide/vb a/at rifle/nn ?/. ?/.
Long/jj thin/jj suitcase/nn ?/. ?/.
Or/cc long/jj fat/jj suitcase/nn ,/, for/in that/dt matter/nn ?/. ?/.
Shrugs/nns met/vbd that/dt ,/, from/in room/nn clerks/nns ,/, from/in bellhops/nns ./.
Who/wps measures/vbz ?/. ?/.
But/cc nothing/pn ,/, it/pps appeared/vbd ,/, long/jj enough/qlp to/to attract/vb attention/nn ./.
Cases/nns ,/, say/vb ,/, for/in musical/jj instruments/nns ?/. ?/.
None/pn noted/vbd at/in the/at Dumont/np ./.
Several/ap at/in the/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl ./.
A/at combo/nn was/bedz staying/vbg there/rb ./.
And/cc had/hvd been/ben for/in a/at week/nn ./.
Anything/pn else/rb ?/. ?/.
Anything/pn at/in all/abn ?/. ?/.
Shrugs/nns met/vbd that/dt ./.


	(/( Detective/nn-tl Pearson/np ,/, Eighteenth/od-tl Precinct/nn-tl ,/, thought/vbd for/in a/at time/nn he/pps might/md be/be on/rp to/in something/pn ./.
A/at refuse/nn bin/nn at/in the/at Dumont/np turned/vbd up/rp a/at florist's/nn$ box/nn --/-- a/at very/ql long/jj box/nn for/in very/ql long-stemmed/jj flowers/nns ./.
Traces/nns of/in oil/nn on/in green/jj tissue/nn ?/. ?/.
The/at lab/nn to/to check/vb ./.
The/at lab/nn :/: sorry/jj ./.
No/at oil/nn ./.
)/) 

	Anything/pn at/in all/ql strange/jj ?/. ?/.


	Well/uh ,/, a/at man/nn had/hvd tried/vbn ,/, at/in the/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl ,/, to/to register/vb with/in an/at ocelot/nn ./.
At/in the/at Dumont/np ,/, a/at guest/nn had/hvd come/vbn in/in a/at collapsible/jj wheel/nn chair/nn ./.
At/in the/at King/nn-tl Arthur/np-tl one/cd guest/nn had/hvd had/hvn his/pp$ head/nn heavily/rb bandaged/vbn ,/, and/cc another/dt had/hvd a/at bandaged/vbn foot/nn and/cc had/hvd walked/vbn with/in crutches/nns ./.
There/ex had/hvd also/rb been/ben a/at man/nn who/wps must/md have/hv had/hvn St./np Vitus/np or/cc something/pn ,/, because/cs he/pps kept/vbd jerking/vbg his/pp$ head/nn ./.


	As/cs reports/nns dribbled/vbd in/rp ,/, William/np Weigand/np tossed/vbd them/ppo into/in the/at centrifuge/nn which/wdt had/hvd become/vbn his/pp$ head/nn ./.
Mullins/np came/vbd in/rp ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at sign/nn of/in Mrs./np Lauren/np Payne/np at/in her/pp$ house/nn on/in Nod/np-tl Road/nn-tl ,/, Ridgefield/np ,/, Connecticut/np ./.
The/at house/nn was/bedz modern/jj ,/, large/jj ,/, on/in five/cd acres/nns ./.
Must/md have/hv cost/vbn plenty/nn ./.
The/at State/nn-tl cops/nns would/md check/vb from/in time/nn to/in time/nn ;/. ;/.
pass/vb word/nn when/wrb there/ex was/bedz word/nn to/to pass/vb ./.
Weigand/np tossed/vbd this/dt news/nn into/in the/at centrifuge/nn ./.
Sort/vb things/nns out/rp ,/, damn/vb it/ppo ./.
Sort/vb out/rp the/at next/ap move/nn ./.


	Try/vb to/to forget/vb motive/nn for/in the/at moment/nn ./.
Consider/vb opportunity/nn ./.
Only/rb those/dts actually/rb with/in Payne/np when/wrb he/pps was/bedz shot/vbn ,/, or/cc who/wps had/hvd left/vbn the/at party/nn within/in not/* more/ap than/in five/cd minutes/nns (/( make/vb five/cd arbitrary/jj )/) positively/rb had/hvd none/pn ./.
The/at Norths/nps ;/. ;/.
Hathaway/np ,/, Jerry's/np$ publicity/nn director/nn ;/. ;/.
Livingston/np Birdwood/np ,/, producer/nn of/in Uprising/nn-tl ./.
They/ppss had/hvd been/ben with/in Payne/np when/wrb he/pps was/bedz shot/vbn ,/, could/md not/* therefore/rb have/hv shot/vbn him/ppo from/in above/rb ./.


	Take/vb Gardner/np Willings/np ./.
He/pps had/hvd left/vbn after/in the/at scuffle/nn ;/. ;/.
had/hvd been/ben seen/vbn to/to leave/vb ./.
He/pps would/md have/hv had/hvn ample/jj time/nn to/to go/vb into/in a/at blind/jj somewhere/rb and/cc wait/vb his/pp$ prey/nn ./.
Consider/vb him/ppo seriously/rb ,/, therefore/rb ?/. ?/.
Intangibles/nns entered/vbd ,/, then/rb --/-- hunches/nns which/wdt felt/vbd like/cs facts/nns ./.
Willings/np would/md ambush/vb ,/, certainly/rb ;/. ;/.
Willings/np undoubtedly/rb had/hvd ./.
Willings/np was/bedz ,/, presumably/rb ,/, a/at better/jjr than/in average/nn shot/nn ./.
But/cc --/-- hunch/nn ,/, now/rb --/-- Willings/np would/md not/* ambush/vb anything/pn which/wdt went/vbd on/in two/cd legs/nns instead/rb of/in four/cd ./.
Because/cs ,/, if/cs for/in no/at other/ap reason/nn ,/, Willings/np would/md never/rb for/in a/at moment/nn suppose/vb he/pps was/bedz not/* bigger/jjr ,/, tougher/jjr ,/, than/cs anything/pn else/rb that/dt went/vbd on/in two/cd legs/nns ./.
Ambushes/nns are/ber laid/vbn by/in those/dts who/wps doubt/vb themselves/ppls ,/, as/cs any/dti man/nn may/md against/in a/at tiger/nn ./.


	Faith/np Constable/np had/hvd had/hvn to/to ``/`` go/vb on/rp ''/'' from/in the/at party/nn and/cc had/hvd ,/, presumably/rb ,/, gone/vbn on/rp ./.
To/to be/be checked/vbn out/rp further/vb ./.
Forget/vb motive/nn ?/. ?/.
No/rb ,/, motive/nn is/bez a/at part/nn of/in fact/nn ./.
Nobody/pn in/in his/pp$ right/jj mind/nn punishes/vbz a/at quarter-century-old/jj dereliction/nn ./.
Grudges/nns simply/rb do/do not/* keep/vb that/ql well/rb in/in a/at sane/jj mind/nn ./.
Faith/np Constable/np had/hvd accomplished/vbn much/rb in/in a/at quarter/nn of/in a/at century/nn ./.
Jeopardize/vb it/ppo now/rb to/to correct/vb so/ql old/jj a/at wrong/nn ?/. ?/.
Bill/np shook/vbd his/pp$ head/nn ./.
Also/rb ,/, he/pps thought/vbd ,/, I/ppss doubt/vb if/cs she/pps could/md hit/vb the/at side/nn of/in a/at barn/nn with/in a/at shotgun/nn ./.


	Lauren/np herself/ppl ?/. ?/.
She/pps had/hvd left/vbn the/at party/nn early/rb ,/, pleading/vbg a/at headache/nn ./.
No/at lack/nn of/in opportunity/nn ,/, presuming/vbg she/pps had/hvd a/at gun/nn ./.
She/pps might/md ,/, conceivably/rb ,/, have/hv brought/vbn one/cd in/rp in/in a/at large-enough/jj suitcase/nn ./.
(/( Check/vb on/in the/at Payne/np luggage/nn ./.
)/) She/pps might/md now/rb have/hv taken/vbn it/ppo away/rb again/rb ./.
Motive/nn --/-- her/pp$ husband/nn wandering/vbg ?/. ?/.
Bitter/jj ,/, unreasoning/jj jealousy/nn ?/. ?/.
Heaven/nn knew/vbd it/pps happened/vbd and/cc hell/nn knew/vbd it/ppo too/rb ./.
But/cc --/-- it/pps happened/vbd ,/, almost/ql always/rb ,/, among/in the/at primitive/nn and/cc ,/, usually/rb ,/, among/in the/at very/ql young/jj ./.
(/( Call/vb it/ppo mentally/rb young/jj ;/. ;/.
call/vb it/ppo retarded/vbn ./.
)/) There/ex was/bedz nothing/pn to/to indicate/vb that/cs Lauren/np Payne/np was/bedz primitive/jj ./.
She/pps did/dod not/* move/vb in/in primitive/jj circles/nns ./.
She/pps was/bedz young/jj ,/, but/cc not/* that/ql young/jj ./.


	It/pps occurred/vbd to/in Bill/np Weigand/np that/cs he/pps was/bedz ,/, on/in a/at hunch/nn basis/nn ,/, eliminating/vbg a/at good/jj many/ap ./.
He/pps reminded/vbd himself/ppl that/cs all/abn eliminations/nns were/bed tentative/jj ./.
He/pps also/rb reminded/vbd himself/ppl that/cs he/pps had/hvd an/at unusual/jj number/nn of/in possibilities/nns ./.


	The/at Masons/nps ,/, mother/nn or/cc son/nn ,/, or/cc mother/nn and/cc son/nn ?/. ?/.
Opportunity/nn was/bedz obvious/jj ./.
Motive/nn ./.
Here/rb ,/, too/rb ,/, the/at cause/nn to/to hate/vb lay/vbd well/rb back/rb in/in the/at years/nns ./.
But/cc bitterness/nn had/hvd more/ap cause/nn to/to remain/vb ,/, even/rb increasingly/rb to/to corrode/vb ./.
With/in the/at boy/nn ,/, particularly/rb ./.
The/at boy/nn had/hvd ,/, apparently/rb --/-- if/cs Mrs./np MacReady/np was/bedz right/jj in/in what/wdt she/pps had/hvd told/vbn Mullins/np --/-- only/rb in/in recent/jj months/nns been/ben forced/vbn to/to give/vb up/rp college/nn ,/, to/to work/vb as/cs a/at busboy/nn ./.
Seeing/vbg the/at man/nn he/pps blamed/vbd for/in this/dt made/vbn much/rb of/in --/-- youth/nn and/cc bitterness/nn and/cc --/-- 

	Bill/np picked/vbd up/rp the/at telephone/nn ;/. ;/.
got/vbn Mullins/np ./.


	``/`` Send/vb out/rp a/at pickup/nn on/in Mrs./np Mason/np and/cc the/at boy/nn when/wrb you've/ppss+hv got/vbn enough/ap to/to go/vb on/rp ''/'' ,/, Bill/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` Right/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Mullins/np would/md do/do ./.


	A/at man/nn named/vbn Lars/np Simon/np ,/, playwright-director/nn ,/, had/hvd expressed/vbn a/at wish/nn that/cs Anthony/np Payne/np drop/vb dead/jj ./.
He/pps would/md say/vb ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, that/cs he/pps had/hvd not/* really/rb had/hvn any/dti such/jj wish/nn ;/. ;/.
that/cs what/wdt he/pps had/hvd said/vbn was/bedz no/at more/ap than/in one/cd of/in those/dts things/nns one/pn does/doz say/vb ,/, lightly/rb ,/, meaning/vbg nothing/pn ./.
Which/wdt probably/rb would/md turn/vb out/rp to/to be/be true/jj ;/. ;/.
which/wdt he/pps obviously/rb had/hvd to/to be/be given/vbn the/at opportunity/nn to/to say/vb ./.


	A/at man/nn named/vbn Blaine/np Smythe/np ,/, with/in ``/`` y/nn ''/'' and/cc ``/`` e/nn ''/'' but/cc pronounced/vbn without/in them/ppo ,/, had/hvd been/ben fired/vbn at/in Payne's/np$ insistence/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz also/rb ,/, if/cs Pam/np North/np was/bedz right/jj ,/, a/at closer/jjr acquaintance/nn of/in Lauren/np Payne's/np$ than/cs she/pps ,/, now/rb ,/, was/bedz inclined/vbn to/to admit/vb ./.
He/pps might/md deny/vb the/at latter/ap ;/. ;/.
would/md certainly/rb deny/vb any/dti connection/nn between/in the/at two/cd things/nns ,/, or/cc any/dti connection/nn of/in either/dtx with/in murder/nn ./.
He/pps would/md have/hv to/to be/be given/vbn the/at opportunity/nn ./.


	Mullins/np ?/. ?/.
It/pps was/bedz evident/jj that/cs Mullins/np was/bedz the/at man/nn to/to go/vb ./.
It/pps was/bedz evident/jj that/cs a/at captain/nn should/md remain/vb at/in his/pp$ desk/nn ,/, directing/vbg with/in a/at firm/jj hand/nn and/cc keeping/vbg a/at firm/jj seat/nn ./.
Bill/np Weigand/np was/bedz good/jj and/cc tired/vbn of/in the/at wall/nn opposite/rb ,/, and/cc the/at crack/nn in/in the/at plaster/nn ./.
Let/vb Mullins/np keep/vb the/at firm/jj seat/nn ;/. ;/.
let/vb Stein/np ./.




When/wrb Siamese/jj cats/nns are/ber intertwined/vbn it/pps is/bez difficult/jj to/to tell/vb where/wrb one/cd leaves/vbz off/rp and/cc another/dt begins/vbz ./.
Stilts/nns and/cc Shadow/nn-tl ,/, on/in Pam's/np$ bed/nn ,/, appeared/vbd to/to be/be one/cd cat/nn --/-- rather/ql large/jj ,/, as/cs Siamese/jj cats/nns go/vb ,/, and/cc ,/, to/to be/be sure/jj ,/, having/hvg two/cd heads/nns and/cc two/cd tails/nns ./.
On/in the/at other/ap hand/nn ,/, they/ppss ,/, or/cc it/pps ,/, seemed/vbd to/to have/hv no/at legs/nns whatever/wdt ./.
Pamela/np North/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Hi/uh-tl ''/'' ,/, to/in her/pp$ cats/nns ,/, and/cc added/vbd that/cs proper/jj cats/nns met/vbd their/pp$ humans/nns at/in the/at door/nn ./.
Of/in four/cd dark/jj brown/jj ears/nns ,/, one/cd twitched/vbd slightly/rb at/in this/dt ./.
``/`` All/ql right/rb ''/'' ,/, Pam/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss know/vb it/pps isn't/bez* dinnertime/nn ''/'' ./.


	But/cc at/in this/dt the/at one/cd too-large/jj cat/nn suddenly/rb became/vbd two/cd cats/nns ,/, stretching/vbg ./.
Shadow/nn-tl ,/, the/at more/ql talkative/jj ,/, began/vbd at/in once/rb to/to talk/vb ,/, her/pp$ voice/nn piteous/jj ./.
Stilts/np ,/, a/at more/ql direct/jj cat/nn ,/, leaped/vbd from/in the/at bed/nn and/cc trotted/vbd briskly/rb toward/in the/at kitchen/nn ./.
Shadow/nn-tl looked/vbd surprised/vbn ,/, wailed/vbd ,/, and/cc trotted/vbd after/in her/ppo ./.
The/at hell/nn it/pps isn't/bez* dinnertime/nn ,/, two/cd waving/vbg tails/nns told/vbd Pam/np North/np ./.


	It/pps was/bedz not/* ,/, whatever/wdt tale/nn was/bedz told/vbn by/in tails/nns ./.
Martha/np presumably/rb would/md cope/vb ./.
She/pps might/md be/be firm/jj ./.
It/pps was/bedz most/ql unlikely/jj that/cs she/pps would/md be/be firm/jj ./.
They/ppss want/vb to/to be/be fat/jj cats/nns ,/, Pam/np thought/vbd ,/, and/cc lighted/vbd a/at cigarette/nn and/cc leaned/vbd back/rb on/in a/at chaise/nn and/cc considered/vbd pulling/vbg her/pp$ thoughts/nns together/rb ./.
After/in a/at time/nn ,/, it/pps occurred/vbd to/in her/ppo that/cs her/pp$ thoughts/nns were/bed not/* worth/jj the/at trouble/nn ./.
A/at vague/jj feeling/nn that/cs Anthony/np Payne/np had/hvd had/hvn it/ppo coming/vbg was/bedz hardly/rb a/at thought/nn and/cc was/bedz ,/, in/in any/dti event/nn ,/, reprehensible/jj ./.
Had/hvd Faith/np Constable's/np$ explanation/nn of/in her/pp$ confidence/nn ,/, so/ql uninvited/jj ,/, been/ben a/at little/ql thin/jj ?/. ?/.
That/wps was/bedz more/rbr like/cs a/at thought/nn ,/, but/cc not/* a/at great/jj deal/nn more/ap ./.
Had/hvd that/dt tall/jj dark/jj boy/nn ,/, carrying/vbg trays/nns too/ql heavy/jj for/in him/ppo ,/, found/vbn what/wdt he/pps might/md have/hv considered/vbn adulation/nn of/in a/at man/nn he/pps probably/rb hated/vbd more/ap than/in he/pps could/md bear/vb ?/. ?/.
And/cc possessed/vbd himself/ppl --/-- how/wrb ?/. ?/.
--/-- of/in a/at rifle/nn and/cc killed/vbd ?/. ?/.
Pam/np found/vbd she/pps had/hvd no/at answers/nns ;/. ;/.
had/hvd only/rb a/at hope/nn ./.
The/at poor/jj kid/nn --/-- the/at poor/jj ,/, frail/jj kid/nn ./.
Some/dti people/nns have/hv luck/nn and/cc some/dti have/hv no/at luck/nn and/cc that/cs ,/, whatever/wdt people/nns who/wps prefer/vb order/nn say/vb ,/, is/bez the/at size/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
The/at poor/jj ,/, unlucky/jj --/-- 

	The/at telephone/nn rang/vbd ./.
Pam/np realized/vbd ,/, to/in her/pp$ surprise/nn ,/, that/cs she/pps had/hvd been/ben almost/rb dozing/vbg ./.
At/in four/cd o'clock/rb in/in the/at afternoon/nn ./.
Two/cd martinis/nns for/in lunch/nn --/-- that/dt was/bedz the/at trouble/nn ./.
I/ppss ought/md to/to remember/vb ./.
Don't/do* pretend/vb ./.
You/ppss do/do remember/vb ./.
You/ppss just/rb --/-- ``/`` Hello/uh ?/. ?/.
Yes/rb ,/, this/dt is/bez she/pps ?/. ?/.
What/wdt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at voice/nn had/hvd music/nn in/in it/ppo ./.
Even/rb with/in words/nns coming/vbg too/ql fast/rb ,/, they/ppss came/vbd on/in the/at music/nn of/in the/at voice/nn ./.


	``/`` I/ppss said/vbd I/ppss would/md ''/'' ,/, Pam/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` They/ppss won't/md* talk/vb about/in who/wps gave/vbd the/at information/nn ./.
Not/* unless/cs they/ppss have/hv to/to ./.
They/ppss don't/do* ,/, Mrs./np Constable/np ./.
Not/* unless/cs they/ppss have/hv ''/'' --/-- 

	She/pps was/bedz interrupted/vbn ./.


	``/`` Call/vb this/dt a/at cry/nn for/in help/nn ''/'' ,/, Faith/np Constable/np said/vbd ./.

``/`` Through/in a/at door/nn conveniently/rb unlocked/vbn ''/'' ,/, Madden/np supplemented/vbd ./.


	``/`` That/dt damn/jj door/nn ''/'' ,/, said/vbd the/at police/nn chief/nn ./.


	``/`` A/at gift/nn horse/nn to/to be/be viewed/vbn with/in suspicion/nn ''/'' ./.
Madden's/np$ dark/jj face/nn wore/vbd a/at meditative/jj look/nn ./.
``/`` If/cs there/ex was/bedz collusion/nn between/in an/at outside/jj murderer/nn and/cc a/at member/nn of/in the/at household/nn it/pps would/md be/be an/at elementary/jj precaution/nn to/to check/vb on/in the/at door/nn later/rbr ./.
And/cc it/pps makes/vbz a/at very/ql poor/jj red/jj herring/nn for/in an/at inside/jj job/nn ./.
Much/ql better/rbr to/to break/vb a/at cellar/nn window/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Don't/do* forget/vb ,/, there/ex was/bedz the/at hope/nn it/pps would/md pass/vb for/in a/at natural/jj death/nn ''/'' ,/, Pauling/np reminded/vbd him/ppo ./.


	``/`` Well/uh ,/, with/in a/at house/nn as/ql big/jj as/cs that/dt there/ex must/md be/be at/in least/ap one/cd cellar/nn window/nn that/dt wouldn't/md* be/be noticed/vbn right/ql away/rb unless/cs there/ex was/bedz a/at police/nn investigation/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ./.
And/cc a/at pane/nn of/in glass/nn isn't/bez* hard/jj to/to ''/'' --/-- 

	The/at telephone/nn interrupted/vbd him/ppo ./.
He/pps scooped/vbd up/rp the/at receiver/nn and/cc said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Police/nn chief/nn ''/'' ,/, into/in the/at mouthpiece/nn ,/, and/cc then/rb ,/, ``/`` Oh/uh yes/rb ,/, Mr./np Benson/np ./.
I/ppss was/bedz hoping/vbg I'd/ppss+md hear/vb from/in you/ppo today/nr ''/'' ./.


	With/in his/pp$ free/jj hand/nn he/pps pulled/vbd a/at pad/nn and/cc pencil/nn toward/in him/ppo and/cc began/vbd to/to make/vb notes/nns as/cs he/pps listened/vbd ,/, saying/vbg ,/, ``/`` Uh-huh/uh ''/'' and/cc ``/`` I/ppss see/vb ''/'' at/in intervals/nns ./.


	At/in last/rb he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Well/uh ,/, thank/vb you/ppo for/in calling/vbg ,/, Mr./np Benson/np ./.
Although/cs there/ex was/bedz no/at doubt/nn in/in my/pp$ mind/nn and/cc we've/ppss+hv been/ben handling/vbg it/ppo as/cs one/cd I'm/ppss+bem glad/jj to/to have/hv it/ppo made/vbn official/jj ''/'' ./.


	He/pps hung/vbd up/rp ./.
``/`` Coroner/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd to/in Madden/np ./.
``/`` He's/pps+hvz just/rb heard/vbn from/in the/at pathologist/nn who/wps says/vbz Mrs./np Meeker/np apparently/rb died/vbd from/in suffocation/nn ''/'' ./.
Pauling/np looked/vbd at/in his/pp$ notes/nns ./.
``/`` Many/ap minute/jj hemorrhages/nns in/in the/at lungs/nns ;/. ;/.
particles/nns of/in lint/nn and/cc thread/nn in/in the/at mouth/nn and/cc nostrils/nns ./.
Scrapings/nns from/in the/at bed/nn linen/nn identical/jj with/in the/at lint/nn and/cc thread/nn found/vbn in/in the/at nasal/jj and/cc oral/jj cavities/nns ./.
No/at other/ap cause/nn of/in death/nn apparent/jj ./.
Trachea/nn clear/jj of/in mucus/nn and/cc foreign/jj objects/nns ./.
Brain/nn examined/vbn for/in thrombosis/nn ,/, clot/nn or/cc hemorrhage/nn ./.
No/at signs/nns of/in these/dts ,/, no/at gross/nn hemorrhage/nn of/in lungs/nns ,/, heart/nn ,/, brain/nn or/cc stomach/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps paused/vbd ./.
``/`` That's/dt+bez about/rb it/ppo ./.
Oh/uh ,/, the/at time/nn of/in death/nn ./.
The/at duration/nn of/in the/at digestive/jj process/nn varies/vbz ,/, the/at pathologist/nn says/vbz ,/, but/cc the/at empty/jj stomach/nn and/cc the/at findings/nns in/in the/at upper/jj gastrointestinal/jj tract/nn indicate/vb that/cs Mrs./np Meeker/np died/vbd several/ap hours/nns after/in her/pp$ seven-o'clock/nn dinner/nn ./.
Probably/rb around/rb midnight/nn ,/, give/vb or/cc take/vb an/at hour/nn either/dtx way/nn ''/'' ./.


	Pauling/np paused/vbd again/rb ./.
``/`` So/rb there/rb it/pps is/bez ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` Not/* your/pp$ problem/nn ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, unless/cs Johnston/np and/cc the/at murderer/nn are/ber one/cd and/cc the/at same/ap ''/'' ./.


	They/ppss discussed/vbd this/dt possibility/nn ./.
However/wql likely/rb it/pps was/bedz ,/, Pauling/np said/vbd ,/, he/pps couldn't/md* limit/vb himself/ppl to/in it/ppo ./.
He/pps had/hvd to/to look/vb for/in other/ap prospects/nns ,/, other/ap motives/nns until/cs more/ql conclusive/jj evidence/nn pointing/vbg to/in Johnston/np came/vbd to/in light/nn ./.
Madden/np ,/, with/in his/pp$ investigation/nn centered/vbn on/in the/at fraud/nn ,/, said/vbd that/cs tomorrow/nr he/pps would/md go/vb to/in the/at Bronx/np bank/nn through/in which/wdt Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ checks/nns to/in Johnston/np had/hvd cleared/vbn ./.


	Arthur/np Williams/np had/hvd to/to be/be located/vbn ,/, they/ppss agreed/vbd ./.
He/pps might/md have/hv been/ben in/in collusion/nn with/in Johnston/np on/in the/at fraud/nn ;/. ;/.
he/pps might/md be/be Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ murderer/nn or/cc have/hv played/vbn some/dti part/nn in/in her/pp$ death/nn ./.
This/dt was/bedz Madden's/np$ suggestion/nn ;/. ;/.
the/at police/nn chief/nn shook/vbd his/pp$ head/nn over/in it/ppo ./.
If/cs Arthur/np Williams/np was/bedz involved/vbn in/in the/at fraud/nn or/cc the/at murder/nn ,/, then/rb he/pps too/rb had/hvd another/dt identity/nn ./.
No/at one/cd the/at Medfield/np police/nns had/hvd questioned/vbn professed/vbd to/to know/vb any/dti more/ap about/in him/ppo than/cs about/in Johnston/np ./.


	Scholarship/nn applicant/nn ?/. ?/.
Pauling/np looked/vbd doubtful/jj ./.
Madden/np explained/vbd that/cs he/pps was/bedz thinking/vbg of/in an/at application/nn sent/vbn directly/rb to/in Mrs./np Meeker/np ./.
Then/rb he/pps asked/vbd to/to use/vb the/at phone/nn and/cc called/vbd Brian/np Thayer/np ,/, who/wps said/vbd that/cs he/pps was/bedz just/rb leaving/vbg to/to keep/vb a/at lunch/nn date/nn but/cc would/md be/be home/nr by/in two/cd o'clock/rb ./.


	Madden/np said/vbn that/cs he/pps would/md see/vb him/ppo at/in two/cd and/cc made/vbd another/dt call/nn ,/, this/dt one/cd to/in Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ lawyers/nns ./.
Mr./np Hohlbein/np was/bedz out/rp for/in the/at day/nn ,/, but/cc Mr./np Garth/np would/md be/be free/jj at/in one-thirty/cd ./.
The/at secretary's/nn$ tone/nn indicated/vbd that/cs an/at appointment/nn at/in such/jj short/jj notice/nn was/bedz a/at concession/nn for/in which/wdt Madden/np should/md be/be duly/rb grateful/jj ./.


	He/pps inferred/vbd that/cs Hohlbein/np-tl and/cc-tl Garth/np-tl were/bed high-priced/jj lawyers/nns ./.


	He/pps had/hvd lunch/nn with/in Pauling/np ./.
Promptly/rb at/in one-thirty/cd he/pps entered/vbd Hohlbein/np-tl and/cc-tl Garth's/np$-tl elegant/jj suite/nn of/in offices/nns in/in Medfield's/np$ newest/jjt professional/jj building/nn ./.


	He/pps disliked/vbd Garth/np on/in sight/nn ,/, conservative/jj clothes/nns and/cc haircut/nn ,/, smile/nn a/at shade/nn too/ql earnestly/rb boyish/jj for/in a/at man/nn who/wps must/md be/be well/rb into/in his/pp$ thirties/nns ,/, handclasp/nn too/ql consciously/rb quick/jj and/cc firm/jj ./.
Youngish/jj man/nn on/in the/at make/nn ,/, Madden/np labeled/vbd him/ppo ,/, and/cc was/bedz ready/jj to/to guess/vb that/cs in/in a/at correct/jj ,/, not/* too/ql pushing/jj fashion/nn ,/, the/at junior/nn partner/nn of/in the/at firm/nn had/hvd political/jj ambitions/nns ;/. ;/.
that/cs Mrs./np Garth/np would/md be/be impeccably/ql suitable/jj as/cs the/at wife/nn of/in a/at rising/vbg young/jj lawyer/nn ;/. ;/.
that/cs there/ex were/bed three/cd children/nns ,/, two/cd boys/nns and/cc a/at girl/nn ;/. ;/.
that/cs she/pps was/bedz active/jj in/in the/at Woman's/nn$-tl Club/nn-tl and/cc he/pps in/in Lions/nns-tl ,/, Rotary/jj-tl ,/, and/cc Jaycee/np ;/. ;/.
and/cc finally/rb ,/, that/cs neither/dtx of/in them/ppo had/hvd harbored/vbn an/at unorthodox/jj opinion/nn since/in their/pp$ wedding/nn day/nn ./.


	Madden/np knew/vbd that/cs he/pps could/md be/be completely/ql wrong/jj about/in all/abn this/dt ,/, but/cc also/rb knew/vbd that/cs he/pps would/md go/vb right/ql on/rp disliking/vbg Garth/np ./.


	Garth/np was/bedz prepared/vbn to/to be/be helpful/jj in/in what/wdt he/pps referred/vbd to/in with/in fastidious/jj distaste/nn as/cs this/dt unfortunate/nn Johnston/np affair/nn ,/, which/wdt would/md not/* ,/, he/pps said/vbd more/ap than/in once/rb ,/, have/hv ever/rb come/vbn about/rb if/cs Mrs./np Meeker/np had/hvd only/rb seen/vbn fit/vbn to/to consult/vb Mr./np Hohlbein/np or/cc him/ppo about/in it/ppo ./.


	Madden/np regretted/vbn not/* being/beg able/jj to/to find/vb fault/nn with/in so/ql true/jj a/at statement/nn ./.
He/pps asked/vbd to/to see/vb a/at copy/nn of/in Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ will/nn ./.


	Garth/np brought/vbn one/cd out/rp ./.


	The/at date/nn ,/, October/np 8/cd ,/, 1957/cd ,/, immediately/rb caught/vbd the/at inspector's/nn$ eye/nn ./.
``/`` Fairly/ql recent/jj ''/'' ,/, he/pps remarked/vbd ./.
``/`` Was/bedz she/pps in/in the/at habit/nn of/in making/vbg new/jj wills/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Oh/uh no/rb ./.
She/pps had/hvd reason/nn to/to change/vb the/at one/cd she/pps made/vbd right/ql after/in Mr./np Meeker's/np$ death/nn ./.
Her/pp$ estate/nn had/hvd grown/vbn considerably/rb ./.
She/pps wanted/vbd to/to make/vb a/at more/ql equitable/jj distribution/nn of/in it/ppo among/in the/at groups/nns that/wps would/md benefit/vb the/at most/rbt ;/. ;/.
particularly/rb the/at scholarship/nn fund/nn ./.
At/in the/at time/nn the/at will/nn was/bedz drawn/vbn Mr./np Hohlbein/np mentioned/vbd to/in me/ppo how/wrb mentally/rb alert/jj she/pps seemed/vbd for/in her/pp$ age/nn ,/, knowing/vbg just/rb what/wdt changes/nns she/pps wanted/vbd made/vbn and/cc so/rb forth/rb ''/'' ./.


	Garth/np hesitated/vbd ./.
``/`` Mr./np Hohlbein/np and/cc I/ppss have/hv noticed/vbn some/dti lapses/nns since/rb ,/, though/rb ./.
Most/ap of/in them/ppo this/dt past/jj year/nn ,/, I'd/ppss+md say/vb ./.
Even/rb two/cd or/cc three/cd years/nns ago/rb I/ppss doubt/vb that/cs she'd/pps+md have/hv become/vbn involved/vbn in/in this/dt unfortunate/nn Johnston/np affair/nn ./.
She'd/pps+md have/hv consulted/vbn us/ppo ,/, you/ppss see/vb ./.
She/pps always/rb did/dod before/rb ,/, and/cc showed/vbd the/at utmost/jjs confidence/nn in/in whatever/wdt we/ppss advised/vbd ''/'' ./.


	The/at inspector/nn nodded/vbd ,/, doubting/vbg this/dt ./.
Mrs./np Meeker/np hadn't/hvd* struck/vbn him/ppo as/cs ready/jj to/to seek/vb anyone's/pn$ advice/nn ,/, least/ap of/in all/abn Garth's/np$ ./.
With/in her/pp$ sharp/jj tongue/nn she'd/pps+md have/hv cut/vbn his/pp$ pompousness/nn to/in ribbons/nns ./.
It/pps would/md have/hv been/ben Hohlbein/np who/wps handled/vbd her/pp$ affairs/nns ./.


	Madden/np settled/vbd back/rb to/to read/vb the/at will/nn ./.


	He/pps skimmed/vbd over/in the/at millions/nns that/wps went/vbd to/in Meeker/np-tl Park/nn-tl ,/, Medfield/np-tl Hospital/nn-tl ,/, the/at civic/jj center/nn ,/, the/at Public/jj-tl Health/nn-tl Nursing/vbg-tl Association/nn-tl ,/, the/at library/nn ,/, and/cc so/rb on/rp ,/, pausing/vbg when/wrb he/pps came/vbd to/in the/at scholarship/nn fund/nn ./.
Two/cd millions/nns were/bed added/vbn to/in what/wdt had/hvd been/ben set/vbn aside/rb for/in it/ppo in/in Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ lifetime/nn ,/, and/cc the/at proviso/nn made/vbd that/cs as/ql long/jj as/cs Brian/np Thayer/np continued/vbd to/to discharge/vb his/pp$ duties/nns as/cs administrator/nn of/in the/at fund/nn to/in the/at satisfaction/nn of/in the/at board/nn of/in trustees/nns (/( hereinafter/rb appointed/vbn by/in the/at bank/nn administering/vbg the/at estate/nn )/) he/pps was/bedz to/to be/be retained/vbn in/in his/pp$ present/jj capacity/nn at/in a/at salary/nn commensurate/jj with/in the/at increased/vbn responsibilities/nns enlargement/nn of/in the/at fund/nn would/md entail/vb ./.


	A/at splendid/jj vote/nn of/in confidence/nn in/in Thayer/np ,/, Madden/np reflected/vbd ./.
Tenure/nn ,/, too/rb ./.
Very/ql nice/jj for/in him/ppo ./.


	He/pps went/vbd on/rp to/in personal/jj bequests/nns ,/, a/at list/nn of/in names/nns largely/ql unknown/jj to/in him/ppo ./.
Twenty-five/cd thousand/cd to/in each/dt of/in the/at great-nieces/nns in/in Oregon/np (/( not/* much/ap to/in blood/nn relatives/nns out/in of/in millions/nns )/) ten/cd thousand/cd to/in this/dt friend/nn and/cc that/dt ,/, five/cd thousand/cd to/in another/dt ;/. ;/.
to/in Brian/np Thayer/np ,/, the/at sum/nn of/in ten/cd thousand/cd dollars/nns ;/. ;/.
to/in the/at Pecks/nps ,/, ten/cd thousand/cd each/dt ;/. ;/.
to/in Joan/np Sheldon/np the/at conditional/jj bequest/nn of/in ten/cd thousand/cd to/to be/be paid/vbn to/in her/ppo in/in the/at event/nn that/cs she/pps was/bedz still/rb in/in Mrs./np Meeker's/np$ employ/nn at/in the/at time/nn of/in the/at latter's/nn$ death/nn ./.
(/( No/at additional/jj five/cd thousand/cd for/in each/dt year/nn after/in Joan's/np$ twenty-first/od birthday/nn ;/. ;/.
Mrs./np Meeker/np hadn't/hvd* got/vbn around/rb to/in taking/vbg care/nn of/in that/dt ./.
)/) 

	Too/ql bad/jj ,/, Madden/np thought/vbd ./.
Joan/np Sheldon/np had/hvd earned/vbn the/at larger/jjr bequest/nn ./.


	Mr./np Hohlbein/np was/bedz left/vbn twenty/cd thousand/cd ,/, Garth/np ten/cd ./.
There/ex were/bed no/at other/ap names/nns Madden/np recognized/vbd ./.
Arthur/np Williams's/np$ might/md well/rb have/hv been/ben included/vbn ,/, he/pps felt/vbd ./.
Mrs./np Meeker/np had/hvd spent/vbn a/at small/jj fortune/nn on/in a/at search/nn for/in him/ppo but/cc had/hvd made/vbn no/at provision/nn for/in him/ppo in/in her/pp$ will/nn if/cs he/pps should/md be/be found/vbn after/in her/pp$ death/nn ,/, and/cc had/hvd never/rb mentioned/vbn his/pp$ name/nn to/in her/pp$ lawyers/nns ./.


	Madden/np took/vbd up/rp this/dt point/nn with/in Garth/np ,/, who/wps shrugged/vbd it/ppo off/rp ./.
``/`` Old/jj people/nns have/hv their/pp$ idiosyncrasies/nns ''/'' ./.


	``/`` This/dt one/pn came/vbd a/at bit/nn high/jj at/in thirty/cd thousand/cd or/cc more/ap ./.


	``/`` Well/rb ,/, she/pps had/hvd a/at number/nn of/in them/ppo where/wrb money/nn was/bedz concerned/vbn ''/'' ,/, Garth/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` Sometimes/rb we'd/ppss+md have/hv trouble/nn persuading/vbg her/ppo to/to make/vb tax-exempt/jj charitable/jj contributions/nns ,/, and/cc I've/ppss+hv known/vbn her/ppo to/to quarrel/vb with/in a/at plumber/nn over/in a/at bill/nn for/in fixing/vbg a/at faucet/nn ;/. ;/.
the/at next/ap moment/nn she'd/pps+md put/vbn another/dt half/abn million/cd into/in the/at scholarship/nn fund/nn or/cc thirty/cd thousand/cd into/in something/pn as/ql impractical/jj as/cs this/dt unfortunate/nn Johnston/np affair/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at telling/nn how/wrb she'd/pps+md react/vb to/in spending/vbg money/nn ''/'' ./.


	Madden/np inquired/vbn next/rb about/in the/at audit/nn of/in the/at scholarship/nn fund/nn ./.


	There/ex was/bedz an/at annual/jj audit/nn ,/, Garth/np informed/vbd him/ppo ./.
No/at discrepancies/nns or/cc shortages/nns had/hvd ever/rb been/ben found/vbn ./.
Brian/np Thayer/np was/bedz a/at thoroughly/rb honest/jj and/cc competent/jj administrator/nn ./.
His/pp$ salary/nn had/hvd reached/vbn the/at ten/cd thousand/cd mark/nn ./.
His/pp$ expenses/nns ran/vbd another/dt four/cd or/cc five/cd thousand/cd ./.
The/at lawyer/nn didn't/dod* know/vb him/ppo very/ql well/rb although/cs he/pps saw/vbd him/ppo occasionally/rb at/in some/dti dinner/nn party/nn --/-- Thayer/np ,/, like/cs himself/ppl ,/, Madden/np reflected/vbd ,/, was/bedz the/at extra/jj man/nn so/ql prized/vbn by/in hostesses/nns --/-- and/cc found/vbd him/ppo easy/jj enough/qlp to/to talk/vb to/in ./.
But/cc he/pps didn't/dod* play/vb golf/nn ,/, didn't/dod* seem/vb to/to belong/vb to/in any/dti local/jj clubs/nns --/-- his/pp$ work/nn took/vbd him/ppo away/rb a/at lot/nn ,/, of/in course/nn --/-- which/wdt probably/rb accounted/vbd for/in his/pp$ tendency/nn to/to keep/vb to/in himself/ppl ./.


	Garth's/np$ glance/nn began/vbd to/to flicker/vb to/in his/pp$ watch/nn ./.


	He/pps said/vbd that/cs he/pps had/hvd already/rb told/vbn the/at police/nn chief/nn that/cs he/pps didn't/dod* know/vb what/wdt insurance/nn man/nn had/hvd recommended/vbn Johnston/np to/in Mrs./np Meeker/np ./.
He/pps would/md offer/vb no/at theory/nn to/to account/vb for/in her/pp$ murder/nn ./.
The/at whole/jj thing/nn ,/, his/pp$ manner/nn conveyed/vbd ,/, was/bedz so/ql far/rb outside/in the/at normal/jj routine/nn of/in Hohlbein/np and/cc Garth/np that/cs it/pps practically/rb demanded/vbd being/beg swept/vbn under/in the/at rug/nn ./.


	No/at doubt/nn Mrs./np Meeker/np had/hvd snubbed/vbn him/ppo many/abn a/at time/nn and/cc he/pps felt/vbd no/at grief/nn over/in her/pp$ passing/nn ./.
Even/rb so/rb ,/, Madden's/np$ dislike/nn of/in the/at suave/jj ,/, correct/jj lawyer/nn deepened/vbd ./.
It/pps would/md be/be all/ql right/jj with/in him/ppo ,/, he/pps decided/vbd ,/, if/cs his/pp$ investigation/nn of/in the/at fraud/nn ,/, with/in its/pp$ probable/jj by-product/nn of/in murder/nn ,/, led/vbd to/in Garth's/np$ door/nn ./.
Motive/nn ?/. ?/.
Ten-thousand-dollar/jj bequest/nn ./.
At/in first/od glance/nn ,/, not/* much/ap of/in a/at motive/nn for/in a/at man/nn of/in his/pp$ standing/nn ;/. ;/.
but/cc for/in all/abn his/pp$ air/nn of/in affluence/nn ,/, who/wps could/md tell/vb what/wdt his/pp$ private/jj financial/jj picture/nn was/bedz ?/. ?/.


	The/at inspector/nn knew/vbd as/cs he/pps left/vbd that/cs this/dt was/bedz wishful/jj thinking/nn ./.
Nevertheless/rb ,/, he/pps made/vbd a/at mental/jj note/nn to/to look/vb into/in Garth's/np$ financial/jj background/nn ./.


	Brian/np Thayer/np had/hvd a/at downtown/nr address/nn ./.
He/pps lived/vbd in/in an/at apartment/nn house/nn not/* over/rp three/cd or/cc four/cd years/nns old/jj ,/, a/at reclaimed/vbn island/nn of/in landscaped/vbn brick/nn and/cc glass/nn on/in the/at fringe/nn of/in the/at business/nn district/nn ./.


	He/pps occupied/vbd a/at two-bedroom/jj apartment/nn on/in the/at fourth/od floor/nn ,/, using/vbg the/at second/od bedroom/nn as/in his/pp$ office/nn ./.
Airy/jj and/cc bright/jj ,/, the/at apartment/nn was/bedz furnished/vbn with/in good/jj modern/jj furniture/nn ,/, rugs/nns ,/, and/cc draperies/nns ./.
Done/vbn by/in a/at professional/jj decorator/nn ,/, Madden/np thought/vbd ,/, and/cc somehow/rb as/ql impersonal/jj ,/, as/ql unremarkable/jj as/cs its/pp$ occupant/nn ./.
In/in Dunston/np the/at rent/nn would/md run/vb close/rb to/in two/cd hundred/cd a/at month/nn ;/. ;/.
in/in Medfield/np ,/, perhaps/rb twenty-five/cd less/ap ,/, not/* all/abn of/in it/ppo paid/vbn by/in Thayer/np ,/, who/wps could/md charge/vb off/rp one/cd room/nn on/in his/pp$ expense/nn account/nn ./.


	He/pps took/vbd Madden/np into/in the/at room/nn he/pps used/vbd as/cs an/at office/nn ./.
It/pps contained/vbd a/at desk/nn ,/, files/nns ,/, a/at typewriter/nn on/in a/at stand/nn ,/, and/cc two/cd big/jj leather/nn armchairs/nns ./.
A/at newspaper/nn open/jj at/in stock-market/nn reports/nns lay/vb on/in one/cd of/in them/ppo ./.
Thayer/np folded/vbd it/ppo up/rp and/cc offered/vbd a/at drink/nn ./.


	The/at inspector/nn declined/vbd ./.
To/to begin/vb the/at interview/nn ,/, he/pps asked/vbd if/cs Thayer/np ,/, with/in more/ap time/nn to/to think/vb it/ppo over/rp ,/, could/md add/vb to/in what/wdt he/pps had/hvd said/vbn the/at other/ap day/nn about/in Johnston/np ./.


	Thayer/np shook/vbd his/pp$ head/nn ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez all/abn I/ppss think/vb about/rb ,/, too/rb ./.
That/dt and/cc her/pp$ death/nn ./.
It's/pps+bez still/rb unbelievable/jj that/cs it/pps was/bedz murder/nn ./.
For/in all/abn her/pp$ domineering/vbg ways/nns ,/, I/ppss can't/md* conceive/vb of/in her/ppo having/hvg had/hvn a/at deadly/jj enemy/nn ''/'' ./.



	``/`` Dammit/uh ,/, Phil/np ,/, are/ber you/ppss trying/vbg to/to wreck/vb my/pp$ career/nn ?/. ?/.
Because/cs that's/dt+bez what/wdt you're/ppss+ber doing/vbg --/-- wrecking/vbg it/ppo ,/, wrecking/vbg it/ppo ,/, wrecking/vbg it/ppo ''/'' !/. !/.
Griffith/np had/hvd confronted/vbn Hoag/np on/in the/at building's/nn$ front/jj steps/nns --/-- Hoag/np had/hvd been/ben permitted/vbn no/at further/rbr --/-- and/cc backed/vbd him/ppo against/in a/at wrought-iron/nn railing/nn ./.
His/pp$ rage/nn had/hvd built/vbn up/rp as/cs he/pps made/vbd his/pp$ way/nn here/rb from/in the/at second/od floor/nn ,/, helped/vbd by/in the/at quantity/nn of/in champagne/nn he/pps had/hvd consumed/vbn ./.


	Hoag/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss didn't/dod* send/vb for/in you/ppo ,/, Leigh/np ./.
I/ppss want/vb the/at captain/nn in/in charge/nn ./.
Where/wrb is/bez he/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Phil/np ,/, for/in God's/np$ sake/nn ,/, go/vb away/rb ./.
The/at undersecretary's/nn+bez in/in there/rb ./.
I/ppss told/vbd you/ppo there's/ex+bez nothing/pn between/in Midge/np and/cc me/ppo ,/, nothing/pn ./.
It's/pps+bez all/abn in/in your/pp$ mind/nn ''/'' ./.
A/at couple/nn of/in sobs/nns escaped/vbd him/ppo ,/, followed/vbn by/in a/at sentiment/nn that/cs revealed/vbd his/pp$ emotional/jj state/nn ./.
``/`` Why/wrb ,/, I'm/ppss+bem not/* fit/vbn to/to touch/vb the/at hem/nn of/in her/ppo garment/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Leigh/np ,/, get/vb a/at grip/nn on/in yourself/ppl ./.
It's/pps+bez not/* about/in you/ppo or/cc Midge/np ./.
I/ppss have/hv some/dti security/nn information/nn about/in the/at prime/jj minister/nn ''/'' ./.


	Griffith/np looked/vbd at/in him/ppo suspiciously/rb through/in red-rimmed/jj eyes/nns ./.
``/`` Not/* about/in me/ppo ?/. ?/.
You/ppss mean/vb it/ppo ,/, Phil/np ?/. ?/.
You/ppss wouldn't/md* pull/vb my/pp$ leg/nn ,/, old/jj man/nn ?/. ?/.
I/ppss did/dod get/vb you/ppo on/in the/at platform/nn this/dt morning/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'm/ppss+bem not/* pulling/vbg your/pp$ leg/nn ./.
Will/md you/ppss call/vb that/dt captain/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/at use/nn ,/, he/pps won't/md* come/vb ''/'' ./.
He/pps peered/vbd closely/rb at/in Hoag/np in/in the/at gathering/vbg darkness/nn ./.
``/`` What/wdt happened/vbd to/in your/pp$ head/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss was/bedz hit/vbn --/-- knocked/vbn out/rp ./.
Now/rb will/md you/ppss get/vb him/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` He/pps says/vbz I'm/ppss+bem to/to take/vb the/at message/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps stared/vbd at/in Hoag/np drunkenly/rb ./.
``/`` Who'd/wps+md hit/vb you/ppo in/in the/at head/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It/pps doesn't/doz* matter/vb ./.
You/ppss get/vb back/rb to/in the/at captain/nn and/cc tell/vb him/ppo this/dt :/: Somebody's/pn+bez going/vbg to/to take/vb a/at shot/nn at/in the/at prime/jj minister/nn ,/, and/cc Mahzeer/np is/bez in/rp on/in the/at plot/nn ./.
Tell/vb him/ppo under/in no/at circumstances/nns to/to trust/vb the/at prime/jj minister/nn with/in Mahzeer/np ''/'' ./.


	Griffith/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` That's/dt+bez impossible/jj ./.
Mahzeer's/np+bez the/at ambassador/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Nevertheless/rb it's/pps+bez true/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Impossible/jj ''/'' ./.
Griffith/np was/bedz trying/vbg to/to clear/vb his/pp$ head/nn of/in the/at champagne/nn fuzz/nn that/wps encased/vbd it/ppo ./.
``/`` I'll/ppss+md show/vb you/ppo how/wrb wrong/jj you/ppss are/ber ./.
Mahzeer/np and/cc the/at prime/jj minister/nn are/ber alone/rb right/ql now/rb ''/'' ./.
He/pps nodded/vbd triumphantly/rb ./.
``/`` So/cs that/dt proves/vbz it/ppo ''/'' !/. !/.


	Hoag/np looked/vbd terrified/vbn ./.
``/`` Where/wrb are/ber they/ppss ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Where'd/wrb+md you/ppss expect/vb ,/, the/at john/nn ?/. ?/.
Mahzeer's/np$ office/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Where/wrb is/bez that/dt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Facing/vbg us/ppo ,/, two/cd flights/nns up/rp ./.
Look/vb ,/, old/jj man/nn ,/, you/ppss can't/md* go/vb up/rp ./.
They/ppss won't/md* even/vb let/vb you/ppo in/in the/at front/jj door/nn ./.
So/cs why/wrb don't/do* you/ppo be/be a/at good/jj boy/nn and/cc ''/'' --/-- 

	Hoag/np grabbed/vbd him/ppo by/in the/at shoulders/nns ./.
``/`` Listen/vb to/in me/ppo ,/, Leigh/np ./.
If/cs you/ppss want/vb to/to spend/vb another/dt day/nn in/in the/at State/nn-tl Department/nn-tl --/-- another/dt day/nn --/-- you/ppss get/vb in/in there/rb and/cc tell/vb that/dt captain/nn what/wdt I/ppss told/vbd you/ppo ''/'' ./.
He/pps bit/vbd out/rp the/at words/nns ./.
``/`` And/cc you/ppss know/vb I/ppss can/md do/do it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	Griffith/np raised/vbd placating/vbg hands/nns ./.
``/`` Easy/rb does/doz it/ppo ,/, Phil/np ./.
I/ppss was/bedz just/rb going/vbg ./.
I'm/ppss+bem on/in my/pp$ way/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps turned/vbd and/cc fled/vbd into/in the/at house/nn and/cc made/vbd his/pp$ way/nn up/in the/at marble/nn stairs/nns without/in once/rb looking/vbg back/rb ./.
On/in the/at second/od landing/nn he/pps paused/vbd to/to look/vb for/in Docherty/np ,/, didn't/dod* see/vb him/ppo ,/, and/cc accepted/vbd a/at glass/nn of/in champagne/nn ./.
He/pps took/vbd several/ap large/jj swallows/nns ,/, recollected/vbd that/cs Docherty/np had/hvd gone/vbn up/in another/dt flight/nn ,/, and/cc decided/vbd he/pps would/md be/be wise/jj to/to cover/vb himself/ppl by/in finding/vbg him/ppo ./.
The/at way/nn Hoag/np was/bedz ,/, no/at telling/nn what/wdt he/pps might/md say/vb or/cc do/do ./.
He/pps finished/vbd his/pp$ champagne/nn and/cc climbed/vbd uncertainly/rb to/in the/at next/ap landing/nn ./.
At/in the/at top/nn a/at uniformed/jj officer/nn blocked/vbd further/jjr progress/nn ./.
``/`` Yes/rb ,/, what/wdt is/bez it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` I/ppss want/vb Captain/nn-tl Docherty/np ''/'' ./.
He/pps spotted/vbd Docherty/np coming/vbg out/in of/in a/at room/nn at/in the/at far/jj end/nn of/in the/at corridor/nn and/cc called/vbd to/in him/ppo ./.


	Docherty/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` It's/pps+bez okay/jj ,/, Bonfiglio/np ,/, let/vb him/ppo by/rb ''/'' ./.
They/ppss walked/vbd toward/in each/dt other/ap ./.
``/`` Well/uh ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Griffith/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Hoag/np told/vbd me/ppo to/to tell/vb you/ppo ''/'' --/-- he/pps waited/vbd until/cs they/ppss were/bed close/rb ;/. ;/.
it/pps was/bedz hideously/rb embarrassing/vbg --/-- ``/`` not/* to/to let/vb the/at prime/jj minister/nn be/be alone/rb with/in Mahzeer/np ''/'' ./.


	Griffith/np looked/vbd half-crocked/jj to/in the/at captain/nn ;/. ;/.
it/pps would/md be/be just/rb like/cs him/ppo ./.
``/`` Why/wrb not/* ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` He/pps claims/vbz Mahzeer's/np+bez in/in a/at plot/nn to/to kill/vb the/at P.M./rb ''/'' ./.


	Docherty/np went/vbd taut/rb :/: was/bedz it/pps possible/jj ?/. ?/.
Could/md the/at ambassador/nn himself/ppl be/be the/at man/nn on/in this/dt side/nn the/at prime/jj minister/nn feared/vbd ?/. ?/.
Not/* possible/jj ,/, he/pps thought/vbd ;/. ;/.
the/at prime/jj minister/nn knew/vbd who/wps his/pp$ enemy/nn was/bedz here/rb ;/. ;/.
he/pps wasn't/bedz* going/vbg to/to allow/vb himself/ppl to/to be/be led/vbn meekly/rb to/in the/at slaughter/nn ./.
And/cc if/cs by/in some/dti wild/jj chance/nn Mahzeer/np was/bedz the/at man/nn ,/, he/pps wouldn't/md* dare/vb try/vb anything/pn now/rb --/-- not/* after/cs Docherty/np had/hvd looked/vbn in/rp on/in the/at two/cd of/in them/ppo to/to see/vb that/cs all/abn was/bedz well/rb ./.
Docherty/np was/bedz damned/vbn if/cs he/pps would/md make/vb a/at fool/nn of/in himself/ppl again/rb the/at way/nn he/pps had/hvd earlier/rbr over/in the/at laundry/nn truck/nn ./.
One/cd more/ap muddleheaded/jj play/nn like/cs that/dt one/cd and/cc they'd/ppss+md be/be leading/vbg him/ppo away/rb ./.
Still/rb ,/, this/dt had/hvd to/to be/be checked/vbn out/rp ./.


	``/`` Where'd/wrb+dod your/pp$ friend/nn Hoag/np get/vb his/pp$ information/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Haven't/hv* the/at faintest/jjt ,/, Captain/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Would/md you/ppss mind/vb sending/vbg him/ppo up/rp here/rb ?/. ?/.
I'd/ppss+md like/vb to/to talk/vb to/in him/ppo ''/'' ./.
Troubled/vbn ,/, he/pps continued/vbd along/in the/at corridor/nn ,/, poking/vbg his/pp$ head/nn into/in the/at next/ap office/nn for/in a/at careful/jj look/nn around/rb ./.




But/cc Hoag/np had/hvd not/* stayed/vbn on/in the/at front/jj steps/nns when/wrb Griffith/np disappeared/vbd into/in the/at building/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz unwilling/jj to/to rely/vb on/in Griffith's/np$ carrying/vbg his/pp$ message/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps had/hvd no/at confidence/nn the/at police/nns would/md act/vb on/in it/ppo ./.
If/cs Mahzeer/np was/bedz alone/rb with/in the/at prime/jj minister/nn he/pps could/md be/be arranging/vbg his/pp$ execution/nn while/cs Hoag/np stood/vbd out/rp here/rb shivering/vbg in/in the/at darkening/vbg street/nn ./.
He/pps would/md have/hv to/to do/do something/pn on/in his/pp$ own/jj ./.
But/cc what/wdt ?/. ?/.


	The/at door/nn opened/vbd and/cc three/cd men/nns and/cc a/at woman/nn in/in a/at sari/nn swept/vbd past/in him/ppo and/cc down/in the/at stairs/nns ./.
In/in the/at lighted/vbn interior/nn he/pps saw/vbd other/ap men/nns and/cc women/nns struggling/vbg into/in their/pp$ wraps/nns ./.
These/dts were/bed the/at early/jj departures/nns ;/. ;/.
in/in half/abn an/at hour/nn the/at reception/nn would/md be/be over/rp ./.
If/cs Mahzeer/np was/bedz planning/vbg to/to set/vb up/rp the/at prime/jj minister/nn for/in Muller/np he/pps would/md have/hv to/to do/do it/ppo in/in the/at next/ap few/ap minutes/nns ./.
Hoag/np descended/vbd the/at stone/nn steps/nns to/in the/at street/nn and/cc looked/vbd up/rp at/in the/at building/nn ./.
Wide/jj windows/nns with/in many/ap small/jj leaded/jj panes/nns swept/vbd across/in the/at upper/jj stories/nns ./.
On/in the/at second/od floor/nn he/pps saw/vbd the/at animated/vbn faces/nns of/in the/at party/nn guests/nns ;/. ;/.
the/at scene/nn looked/vbd like/cs a/at Christmas/np card/nn ./.
On/in the/at third/od floor/nn one/cd of/in the/at two/cd windows/nns was/bedz lighted/vbn ;/. ;/.
it/pps was/bedz framed/vbn in/in maroon/jj drapes/nns ,/, and/cc no/at faces/nns were/bed visible/jj ./.
This/dt would/md be/be Mahzeer's/np$ office/nn ./.
He/pps and/cc the/at prime/jj minister/nn would/md be/be back/rb from/in the/at window/nn ,/, seated/vbn at/in Mahzeer's/np$ desk/nn ;/. ;/.
they/ppss would/md be/be going/vbg over/in papers/nns Mahzeer/np had/hvd saved/vbn as/cs excuse/nn for/in just/rb such/abl a/at meeting/nn ./.
In/in a/at minute/nn ,/, or/cc five/cd minutes/nns ,/, the/at business/nn would/md be/be done/vbn ;/. ;/.
Mahzeer/np would/md stand/vb up/rp ,/, the/at prime/jj minister/nn would/md follow/vb ./.
Mahzeer/np would/md direct/vb the/at prime/jj minister's/nn$ attention/nn to/in something/pn out/in the/at window/nn and/cc would/md guide/vb him/ppo forward/rb and/cc then/rb step/vb to/in one/cd side/nn ./.
The/at single/ap shot/nn would/md come/vb ;/. ;/.
Hoag/np would/md carry/vb its/pp$ sound/nn to/in his/pp$ grave/nn ./.
Mahzeer/np ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, would/md be/be desolate/jj ./.
How/wrb was/bedz he/pps to/to suspect/vb that/cs an/at assassin/nn had/hvd been/ben lurking/vbg somewhere/rb across/in the/at street/nn waiting/vbg for/in just/rb such/abl a/at chance/nn ?/. ?/.


	Hoag/np turned/vbd ./.
Where/wrb across/in the/at street/nn ?/. ?/.
Where/wrb was/bedz Muller/np waiting/vbg with/in the/at rifle/nn ?/. ?/.
Narrow/jj four-story/jj buildings/nns ran/vbd the/at length/nn of/in the/at block/nn like/cs books/nns tightly/rb packed/vbn on/in a/at shelf/nn ./.
Most/ap of/in them/ppo could/md be/be eliminated/vbn ;/. ;/.
Muller's/np$ would/md have/hv to/to be/be one/pn of/in the/at half/abn dozen/nn almost/ql directly/rb opposite/jj ./.
The/at legation/nn was/bedz generously/rb set/vbn back/rb from/in the/at building/nn line/nn ;/. ;/.
if/cs the/at angle/nn of/in fire/nn were/bed too/ql great/jj the/at jutting/vbg buildings/nns on/in either/dtx side/nn would/md interfere/vb ./.
Would/md the/at shot/nn come/vb from/in a/at roof/nn ?/. ?/.
He/pps ran/vbd his/pp$ eye/nn along/in the/at roof/nn copings/nns ;/. ;/.
almost/rb at/in once/cs a/at figure/nn bulked/vbd up/rp ./.
But/cc dully/rb glinting/vbg on/in the/at dark/jj form/nn were/bed the/at buttons/nns and/cc badge/nn of/in a/at policeman/nn ./.
With/in a/at cop/nn patrolling/vbg the/at road/nn Muller/np would/md have/hv to/to be/be inside/in a/at building/nn --/-- if/cs he/pps was/bedz here/rb at/in all/abn ,/, and/cc not/* waiting/vbg for/in the/at prime/jj minister/nn somewhere/rb between/in this/dt street/nn and/cc the/at terminal/nn building/nn at/in La/np-tl Guardia/np-tl Airport/nn-tl ./.


	Hoag/np crossed/vbd the/at narrow/jj street/nn ,/, squeezing/vbg between/in parked/vbn cars/nns to/to reach/vb the/at sidewalk/nn ./.
From/in this/dt side/nn he/pps could/md see/vb farther/rbr into/in the/at legation's/nn$ third-story/nn window/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps saw/vbd no/at faces/nns ;/. ;/.
the/at room's/nn$ occupants/nns were/bed still/rb seated/vbn or/cc they/ppss had/hvd been/ben called/vbn into/in the/at hallway/nn by/in an/at alarmed/vbn police/nn captain/nn ./.
If/cs only/rb the/at latter/ap were/bed true/jj ./.
He/pps walked/vbd rapidly/rb along/in the/at buildings/nns scanning/vbg their/pp$ facades/nns :/: one/cd was/bedz a/at club/nn --/-- that/dt was/bedz out/rp ;/. ;/.
two/cd others/nns he/pps ruled/vbd out/rp because/cs all/abn their/pp$ windows/nns were/bed lighted/vbn ./.
That/dt left/vbd three/cd ,/, possibly/rb four/cd ,/, one/cd looking/vbg much/rb like/cs the/at next/ap ./.
He/pps climbed/vbd the/at steps/nns of/in the/at first/od and/cc opened/vbd the/at door/nn to/in the/at vestibule/nn ./.
He/pps quickly/rb closed/vbd it/ppo again/rb ./.
He/pps had/hvd assumed/vbn that/cs all/abn these/dts buildings/nns had/hvd been/ben divided/vbn into/in apartments/nns ,/, but/cc this/dt one/cd ,/, from/in a/at glance/nn at/in the/at hall/nn furnishings/nns ,/, was/bedz obviously/rb still/rb a/at functioning/vbg town/nn house/nn ,/, and/cc its/pp$ owners/nns were/bed in/in residence/nn ;/. ;/.
that/dt made/vbd it/ppo doubtful/jj as/cs the/at hiding/vbg place/nn of/in a/at man/nn whose/wp$ plans/nns had/hvd to/to be/be made/vbn in/in advance/nn ./.


	He/pps went/vbd on/rp to/in the/at next/ap building/nn and/cc found/vbd what/wdt he/pps expected/vbd --/-- the/at mingled/vbn cooking/vbg aromas/nns of/in a/at public/jj vestibule/nn ./.
On/in one/cd wall/nn was/bedz the/at brass/nn front/nn of/in a/at row/nn of/in mailboxes/nns ;/. ;/.
there/ex were/bed six/cd apartments/nns ./.
Now/rb what/wdt ?/. ?/.
The/at names/nns on/in the/at mailboxes/nns meant/vbd nothing/pn to/in him/ppo ./.
This/dt was/bedz senseless/jj --/-- he/pps had/hvd no/at idea/nn what/wdt to/to look/vb for/in ./.
He/pps peered/vbd in/in the/at boxes/nns themselves/ppls ;/. ;/.
all/abn were/bed empty/jj except/in one/cd ,/, and/cc that/dt one/cd was/bedz jammed/vbn with/in letters/nns and/cc magazines/nns ./.
The/at occupants/nns of/in Apartment/nn-tl Number/nn-tl 3/cd-tl were/bed probably/rb away/rb for/in a/at few/ap days/nns ,/, and/cc not/* likely/rb to/to return/vb on/in a/at Friday/nr ./.
Had/hvd Muller/np made/vbd the/at same/ap deduction/nn ?/. ?/.
Muller/np was/bedz attracted/vbn to/in the/at lore/nn of/in mailboxes/nns ./.


	He/pps opened/vbd the/at inner/jj door/nn ;/. ;/.
the/at cooking/vbg odors/nns were/bed stronger/jjr --/-- all/abn over/in the/at city/nn ,/, at/in this/dt hour/nn ,/, housewives/nns would/md be/be fussing/vbg over/in stoves/nns ./.
He/pps climbed/vbd ,/, as/ql quickly/rb as/cs he/pps could/md urge/vb his/pp$ body/nn ,/, up/in the/at two/cd unbroken/jj flights/nns to/in the/at third/od floor/nn ,/, pulling/vbg himself/ppl along/rb on/in a/at delicate/jj balustrade/nn ,/, all/abn that/cs remained/vbd of/in the/at building's/nn$ beauty/nn ./.
He/pps paused/vbd on/in the/at landing/nn to/to steady/vb his/pp$ breathing/nn and/cc then/rb bent/vbd to/to examine/vb the/at single/ap door/nn by/in the/at light/nn of/in the/at weak/jj bulb/nn overhead/rb ./.
Now/rb he/pps was/bedz certain/jj :/: the/at lock/nn had/hvd not/* yielded/vbn to/in Muller's/np$ collection/nn of/in keys/nns ;/. ;/.
fresh/jj scars/nns showed/vbd that/cs the/at door/nn had/hvd been/ben prized/vbn open/jj ./.
It/pps had/hvd been/ben shut/vbn again/rb ,/, but/cc the/at lock/nn was/bedz broken/vbn ;/. ;/.
he/pps noted/vbd with/in a/at thrill/nn of/in fear/nn that/cs the/at door/nn moved/vbd under/in his/pp$ touch/nn ./.


	What/wdt was/bedz he/pps to/to do/do now/rb ?/. ?/.
He/pps had/hvd thought/vbn no/at further/rbr than/cs finding/vbg Muller/np ./.
He/pps realized/vbd now/rb he/pps had/hvd more/ap than/in half/abn hoped/vbn he/pps wouldn't/md* find/vb him/ppo --/-- that/cs Muller/np would/md not/* be/be here/rb ,/, that/cs the/at attempt/nn would/md be/be scheduled/vbn for/in somewhere/nn beyond/in Hoag's/np$ control/nn ./.
He/pps could/md not/* break/vb in/rp on/in an/at armed/vbn man/nn ./.
He/pps would/md have/hv to/to climb/vb back/rb down/rp to/in the/at street/nn and/cc signal/vb a/at cop/nn ./.
Was/bedz there/ex time/nn ?/. ?/.


	His/pp$ thoughts/nns were/bed scattered/vbn by/in the/at sharp/jj report/nn of/in a/at rifle/nn from/in the/at other/ap side/nn of/in the/at door/nn ./.
Hoag/np pushed/vbd open/jj the/at door/nn :/: at/in the/at far/jj end/nn of/in the/at long/jj dark/jj room/nn Muller/np was/bedz faintly/rb silhouetted/vbn against/in the/at window/nn ,/, the/at rifle/nn still/rb raised/vbn ;/. ;/.
he/pps stood/vbd with/in his/pp$ feet/nns apart/rb on/in a/at kitchen/nn table/nn he/pps had/hvd dragged/vbn to/in the/at sill/nn ./.
He/pps turned/vbd his/pp$ head/nn to/in the/at source/nn of/in the/at disturbance/nn and/cc instantly/rb back/rb to/in the/at window/nn and/cc his/pp$ rifle/nn sight/nn ,/, dismissing/vbg Hoag/np for/in the/at moment/nn with/in the/at same/ap contempt/nn he/pps had/hvd shown/vbn in/in their/pp$ encounter/nn at/in Hoag's/np$ apartment/nn ./.


	Hoag/np stretched/vbd his/pp$ left/jj hand/nn to/in the/at wall/nn and/cc fumbled/vbd for/in the/at switch/nn :/: evil/nn flourishes/vbz in/in the/at dark/nn ./.
The/at room/nn was/bedz bathed/vbn in/in light/nn at/in the/at instant/nn Muller's/np$ second/od shot/nn came/vbd ./.
Muller/np ,/, nakedly/rb exposed/vbn at/in the/at bright/jj window/nn like/cs a/at deer/nn pinned/vbn in/in a/at car's/nn$ headlights/nns ,/, threw/vbd down/rp the/at rifle/nn and/cc turned/vbd to/to jump/vb from/in the/at table/nn ;/. ;/.
his/pp$ face/nn wore/vbd a/at look/nn of/in outrage/nn ./.
A/at shot/nn caught/vbd him/ppo and/cc straightened/vbd him/ppo up/rp in/in screaming/vbg pain/nn ;/. ;/.
a/at following/vbg volley/nn of/in shots/nns shattered/vbd glass/nn ,/, ripped/vbd the/at ceiling/nn ,/, and/cc sent/vbd him/ppo lurching/vbg heavily/rb from/in the/at table/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz dead/jj before/cs his/pp$ body/nn made/vbd contact/nn with/in the/at floor/nn ./.
Hoag/np stumbled/vbd back/rb into/in the/at hall/nn ,/, leaned/vbd against/in the/at wall/nn ,/, and/cc started/vbd to/to retch/vb ./.




After/cs Captain/nn-tl Docherty/np sent/vbd Arleigh/np Griffith/np for/in Hoag/np he/pps was/bedz able/jj to/to complete/vb his/pp$ detailed/vbn inspection/nn of/in the/at third/od floor/nn and/cc to/to receive/vb a/at report/nn from/in his/pp$ man/nn covering/vbg the/at floors/nns above/rb before/cs Griffith/np returned/vbd ,/, buoyed/vbn up/rp by/in a/at brief/jj stop/nn for/in another/dt glass/nn of/in champagne/nn ./.



	The/at safe/nn at/in Ingleside/np-tl District/nn-tl Station/nn-tl stands/vbz next/in to/in the/at gum/nn machine/nn in/in a/at narrow/jj passageway/nn that/cs leads/vbz to/in Captain/nn-tl Harris's/np$ office/nn (/( to/in the/at left/nr )/) ,/, the/at lieutenant's/nn$ office/nn (/( farther/rbr along/rb and/cc to/in the/at left/nr )/) and/cc the/at janitor's/nn$ supply/nn closet/nn (/( straight/rb ahead/rb )/) ./.


	The/at safe/nn is/bez a/at repository/nn for/in three/cd dead/jj flashlight/nn batteries/nns ,/, a/at hundred/cd and/cc fifty/cd unused/jj left-hand/nn fingerprint/nn cards/nns ,/, a/at stack/nn of/in unsold/jj Policemen's/nns$-tl Ball/nn-tl tickets/nns from/in last/ap year/nn ,/, and/cc thirty-seven/cd cents/nns in/in coins/nns and/cc stamps/nns ./.
Gun/np set/vbd the/at captain's/nn$ fifth/od of/in Hiram/np Walker/np inside/in the/at safe/nn before/cs he/pps reported/vbd to/in Lt./nn-tl Killpath/np ,/, though/cs he/pps knew/vbd that/cs Killpath's/np$ ulcer/nn prevented/vbd him/ppo from/in making/vbg any/dti untoward/jj incursion/nn on/in Herman/np Wolff's/np$ gift/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz more/ap a/at matter/nn of/in tact/nn ,/, and/cc also/rb it/pps was/bedz none/pn of/in Killpath's/np$ goddam/jj business/nn ./.


	He/pps walked/vbd up/rp to/in the/at lieutenant's/nn$ office/nn ,/, leaned/vbd wearily/rb against/in the/at gun/nn rack/nn that/cs housed/vbd four/cd rifles/nns and/cc a/at gas/nn gun/nn nobody/pn remembered/vbd having/hvg used/vbn and/cc a/at submachine/jj gun/nn that/wps was/bedz occasionally/rb tried/vbn out/rp on/in the/at Academy/nn-tl Range/nn-tl ./.
He/pps stared/vbd at/in the/at clerk/nn who/wps sat/vbd at/in a/at scarred/vbn and/cc ancient/jj fumed-oak/nn desk/nn stuffing/vbg envelopes/nns ./.


	``/`` Where's/wrb+bez the/at Lieut/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at clerk/nn wagged/vbd his/pp$ head/nn toward/in the/at captain's/nn$ office/nn ./.
Gun/np went/vbd to/in the/at connecting/vbg door/nn ,/, which/wdt was/bedz open/jj ,/, and/cc stood/vbd at/in attention/nn while/cs Orville/np Torrence/np Killpath/np ,/, in/in full/jj uniform/nn ,/, finished/vbd combing/vbg his/pp$ hair/nn ./.


	The/at lieutenant's/nn$ sparse/jj brown/jj hair/nn was/bedz heavily/rb pomaded/vbn ,/, and/cc as/cs Killpath/np raked/vbd the/at comb/nn through/in it/ppo ,/, it/pps stuck/vbd together/rb in/in thatches/nns so/cs that/cs it/pps looked/vbd like/cs umbrella/nn ribs/nns clinging/vbg to/in his/pp$ pink/jj skull/nn ./.
The/at lieutenant/nn eyed/vbd Gun's/np$ reflection/nn in/in the/at mirror/nn over/in the/at washbowl/nn and/cc then/rb glanced/vbd back/rb at/in his/pp$ own/jj face/nn ,/, moving/vbg the/at comb/nn methodically/rb around/in his/pp$ head/nn ./.


	Leave/vb me/ppo alone/rb ,/, Gun/np thought/vbd ./.
Fight/vb with/in Sam/np Schaeffer/np ,/, fight/vb with/in the/at whole/jj damned/vbn Bureau/nn-tl ./.
But/cc leave/vb me/ppo alone/rb ./.
Because/cs I'm/ppss+bem looking/vbg for/in the/at son/nn of/in a/at bitch/nn that/cs killed/vbd that/ql old/jj man/nn ,/, and/cc I'm/ppss+bem going/vbg to/to get/vb him/ppo ./.
If/cs you/ppss just/rb leave/vb me/ppo to/in hell/nn alone/rb ,/, Lieutenant/nn-tl ./.


	Killpath/np peered/vbd through/in half-closed/jj lids/nns at/in his/pp$ reflection/nn ,/, thrust/vbd up/rp his/pp$ chin/nn in/in a/at gesture/nn of/in satisfaction/nn and/cc about-faced/vbd ./.


	Gun/np waited/vbd for/in Killpath/np to/to sit/vb down/rp behind/in the/at desk/nn near/in the/at window/nn ./.
He/pps sat/vbd stiff-backed/jj in/in a/at chair/nn that/wps did/dod not/* swivel/vb ,/, though/cs it/pps was/bedz obvious/jj to/in Gun/np that/cs Killpath/np felt/vbd his/pp$ position/nn as/cs acting/vbg captain/nn plainly/rb merited/vbd a/at swivel/nn chair/nn ./.
The/at desk/nn before/in him/ppo was/bedz in/in no/at better/jjr repair/nn than/cs the/at rest/nn of/in the/at furniture/nn crowded/vbn into/in the/at room/nn ,/, including/in wooden/jj file/nn cabinets/nns with/in some/dti of/in their/pp$ pulls/nns yanked/vbn off/rp and/cc a/at wardrobe/nn stained/vbn with/in the/at roof/nn seepage/nn of/in countless/jj seasons/nns ./.


	Killpath/np pulled/vbd one/cd thin/jj leg/nn up/rp ,/, clamping/vbg his/pp$ arms/nns around/in the/at shinbone/nn to/to press/vb his/pp$ knee/nn into/in an/at incredibly/ql scrawny/jj gut/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at posture/nn which/wdt the/at men/nns had/hvd come/vbn to/to recognize/vb as/cs that/dt of/in Killpath/np defying/vbg his/pp$ ulcer/nn ./.
He/pps put/vbd his/pp$ chin/nn on/in his/pp$ kneecap/nn ,/, stretching/vbg his/pp$ neck/nn like/cs that/dt of/in a/at turkey/nn on/in a/at chopping/vbg block/nn ,/, and/cc stared/vbd wordlessly/rb at/in his/pp$ sergeant/nn ./.


	Gun/np waited/vbd ./.


	The/at 7:45/cd bell/nn rang/vbd and/cc he/pps could/md hear/vb the/at outside/jj doors/nns bang/vb shut/vbd ,/, closing/vbg in/in the/at assembled/vbn day/nn watch/nn ./.


	Finally/rb ,/, Orville/np intoned/vbd through/in his/pp$ hawk/nn nose/nn ,/, ``/`` We/ppss can't/md* have/hv people/nns running/vbg in/rp any/dti time/nn they/ppss please/vb ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	``/`` No/rb ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.
``/`` Running/vbg in/rp ,/, running/vbg out/rp ./.
Can't/md* have/hv it/ppo ./.
Makes/vbz for/in confusion/nn and/cc congestion/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps rocked/vbd back/rb in/in the/at chair/nn ,/, knee/nn locked/vbn against/in stomach/nn ,/, his/pp$ beady/jj eyes/nns fixed/vbn on/in Matson/np ./.


	He/pps was/bedz silent/jj again/rb ,/, possibly/rb listening/vbg to/in the/at sounds/nns in/in the/at squadroom/nn ./.
Roll/nn was/bedz being/beg called/vbn ./.
Gun/np cleared/vbd his/pp$ throat/nn ./.


	Killpath/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` You/ppss were/bed expected/vbn to/to report/vb to/in my/pp$ office/nn twenty/cd minutes/nns ago/rb ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ./.
That's/dt+bez not/* getting/vbg all/abn the/at juice/nn out/in of/in the/at orange/nn ,/, now/rb is/bez it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/rb ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.


	Then/jj Killpath/np smiled/vbd ./.
Gun/np knew/vbd that/cs nothing/pn but/in aces/nns back/nn to/in back/nn would/md give/vb the/at lieutenant/nn an/at ulcer/nn and/cc a/at smile/nn at/in the/at same/ap time/nn ./.


	The/at day-watch/nn platoon/nn commander/nn ,/, Lt./nn-tl Rinker/np ,/, was/bedz calling/vbg out/rp the/at beat/nn assignments/nns ,/, but/cc Matson/np couldn't/md* make/vb the/at names/nns mean/vb anything/pn ./.


	``/`` I/ppss called/vbd the/at station/nn at/in three/cd this/dt morning/nn ''/'' ,/, Killpath's/np$ nasal/jj voice/nn pronounced/vbd ./.
``/`` Do/do you/ppo have/hv any/dti idea/nn who/wps might/md have/hv been/ben in/in charge/nn at/in the/at time/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Sergeant/nn-tl Vaughn/np ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Now/rb ,/, now/rb ,/, you're/ppss+ber just/rb guessing/vbg ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ''/'' ./.
He/pps smiled/vbd thinly/rb ,/, savoring/vbg his/pp$ joke/nn ./.
``/`` What/wdt if/cs I/ppss said/vbd nobody/pn was/bedz here/rb but/cc a/at couple/nn of/in patrolmen/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Sir/nn ,/, Vaughn/np knows/vbz better/rbr than/cs to/to leave/vb the/at station/nn without/in a/at relief/nn ./.
He/pps must/md have/hv ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` He/pps let/vbd a/at patrolman/nn take/vb over/rp the/at duties/nns of/in the/at station/nn keeper/nn ./.
Now/rb that's/dt+bez not/* regulation/nn ,/, is/bez it/pps ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/rb ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` But/cc you/ppss didn't/dod* know/vb a/at thing/nn about/in it/ppo ,/, did/dod you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Killpath/np leaned/vbd forward/rb ;/. ;/.
his/pp$ foot/nn slipped/vbd off/in the/at chair/nn and/cc he/pps put/vbd it/ppo back/rb again/rb ,/, frowning/vbg now/rb ./.
``/`` That's/dt+bez not/* taking/vbg one's/pn$ command/nn with/in a/at responsible/jj attitude/nn ,/, Matson/np ''/'' ./.


	Gun/np told/vbd himself/ppl that/cs the/at old/jj bastard/nn was/bedz a/at fool/nn ./.
But/cc stupidity/nn was/bedz no/at consolation/nn when/wrb it/pps had/hvd rank/nn ./.


	``/`` I/ppss was/bedz out/rp in/in the/at district/nn ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, yes/rb ./.
So/cs I/ppss have/hv heard/vbn ''/'' ./.
He/pps stretched/vbd a/at pale/jj hand/nn out/rp to/in the/at scattered/vbn papers/nns on/in his/pp$ desk/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss might/md point/vb out/rp that/cs your/pp$ inability/nn to/to report/vb to/in my/pp$ office/nn this/dt morning/nn when/wrb you/ppss were/bed instructed/vbn to/to do/do so/rb has/hvz not/* ah/uh limited/vbn my/pp$ knowledge/nn of/in your/pp$ activities/nns as/cs you/ppss may/md have/hv hoped/vbn ''/'' ./.
He/pps took/vbd up/rp a/at white/jj sheet/nn of/in paper/nn ,/, dark/jj with/in single-spaced/jj data/nn ./.


	A/at car/nn pulled/vbd into/in the/at driveway/nn outside/in the/at window/nn ./.
Gun/np knew/vbd it/pps was/bedz Car/nn-tl 12/cd-tl ,/, the/at wagon/nn ,/, returned/vbn from/in delivering/vbg Ingleside's/np$ drunk-and-disorderlies/nns to/in the/at City/nn-tl Jail/nn-tl ./.
But/cc for/in some/dti fool/jj reason/nn he/pps couldn't/md* remember/vb which/wdt men/nns he'd/pps+hvd put/vbn on/in the/at transfer/nn detail/nn ./.
He/pps stared/vbd at/in the/at report/nn in/in Killpath's/np$ hand/nn ,/, sure/jj it/pps was/bedz written/vbn by/in Accacia/np --/-- just/rb as/ql sure/jj as/cs if/cs he'd/pps+hvd submitted/vbn it/ppo in/in his/pp$ scrawled/vbn longhand/nn ./.
He/pps sucked/vbd in/rp his/pp$ breath/nn and/cc kept/vbd quiet/jj while/cs Killpath/np laid/vbd down/rp the/at sheet/nn again/rb ,/, wound/vbd the/at gold-wire/nn stems/nns of/in his/pp$ glasses/nns around/in his/pp$ ears/nns and/cc then/rb ,/, eying/vbg the/at report/nn as/cs it/pps lay/vb before/in him/ppo on/in the/at desk/nn ,/, intoned/vbd ,/, ``/`` Acting/vbg-tl Lieutenant/nn-tl Gunnar/np Matson/np one/cd failed/vbd to/to see/vb that/cs the/at station/nn keeper/nn was/bedz properly/rb relieved/vbn two/cd absented/vbd himself/ppl throughout/in the/at entire/jj watch/nn without/in checking/vbg on/in the/at station's/nn$ activities/nns or/cc the/at whereabouts/nn of/in his/pp$ section/nn sergeants/nns three/cd permitted/vbd members/nns of/in the/at Homicide/nn-tl Detail/nn-tl of/in the/at Inspector's/nn$-tl Bureau/nn-tl to/to arrogate/vb for/in their/pp$ own/jj convenience/nn a/at patrolman/nn who/wps was/bedz thereby/rb prevented/vbn from/in carrying/vbg on/in his/pp$ proper/jj assignment/nn four/cd failed/vbd to/to notify/vb the/at station/nn commander/nn Acting/vbg-tl Captain/nn-tl O./np T./np Killpath/np of/in a/at homicide/nn occurring/vbg in/in the/at district/nn five/cd frequented/vbd extralegal/jj establishments/nns known/vbn as/cs after-hours/jj spots/nns for/in purposes/nns of/in an/at unofficial/jj and/cc purportedly/rb social/jj nature/nn and/cc six/cd ''/'' --/-- he/pps leaned/vbd back/rb and/cc peeled/vbd off/rp his/pp$ glasses/nns ``/`` --/-- failed/vbd to/to co-operate/vb with/in the/at Acting/vbg-tl Captain/nn-tl by/in returning/vbg promptly/rb when/wrb so/rb ordered/vbn ./.
What/wdt have/hv you/ppss to/to say/vb to/in that/dt ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Killpath/np sailed/vbd the/at paper/nn across/in the/at desk/nn ,/, but/cc Matson/np didn't/dod* pick/vb it/ppo up/rp or/cc even/rb glance/vb at/in it/ppo ./.


	``/`` Well/uh ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss didn't/dod* think/vb Accacia/np knew/vbd so/cs many/ap big/jj words/nns ,/, Lieutenant/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	Killpath/np licked/vbd his/pp$ lips/nns ./.
``/`` Patrolman/nn-tl Accacia/np is/bez an/at alert/jj and/cc conscientious/jj law-enforcement/nn officer/nn ./.
I/ppss don't/do* think/vb his/pp$ diligence/nn mitigates/vbz your/pp$ negligence/nn ,/, Matson/np ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Negligence/nn ,/, hell/uh ''/'' !/. !/.
Gun/np held/vbd his/pp$ breath/nn a/at moment/nn ,/, pushing/vbg the/at volume/nn and/cc pitch/nn of/in his/pp$ voice/nn down/rp under/in the/at trapdoor/nn in/in his/pp$ throat/nn ./.
``/`` Sir/nn ./.
I/ppss would/md have/hv been/ben negligent/jj and/cc a/at goddam/jj lousy/jj cop/nn to/to boot/vb ,/, if/cs I'd/ppss+hvd sat/vbn around/rb this/dt station/nn all/abn night/nn when/wrb somebody/pn got/vbd away/rb with/in murder/nn in/in my/pp$ district/nn ./.
It's/pps+bez too/ql bad/jj I/ppss didn't/dod* call/vb you/ppo ,/, and/cc it's/pps+bez too/ql bad/jj I/ppss let/vbd Schaeffer/np use/vb Accacia/np when/wrb he/pps could/md have/hv had/hvn a/at boy/nn who'd/wps+md be/be glad/jj to/to learn/vb something/pn of/in Homicide/nn-tl procedure/nn ./.
But/cc I'm/ppss+bem not/* one/cd damned/vbn bit/nn sorry/jj I/ppss went/vbd out/rp to/to question/vb the/at people/nns I/ppss know/vb in/in the/at places/nns they/ppss hang/vb around/rb ,/, and/cc ''/'' --/-- 

	``/`` Let's/vb+ppo not/* push/vb our/pp$ patience/nn beyond/in the/at danger/nn line/nn ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ''/'' ,/, Killpath/np nasaled/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss shouldn't/md* like/vb to/to have/hv to/to write/vb you/ppo up/rp for/in insubordination/nn as/ql well/rb as/cs dereliction/nn of/in duty/nn ''/'' ./.


	Gun/np stiffened/vbd ,/, his/pp$ hands/nns balling/vbg into/in fists/nns at/in his/pp$ sides/nns ./.
He/pps clamped/vbd his/pp$ jaws/nns to/to keep/vb the/at fury/nn from/in spilling/vbg out/rp ./.
An/at argument/nn with/in Orville/np Torrence/np Killpath/np was/bedz as/ql frustrating/jj and/cc as/ql futile/jj as/cs a/at cap/nn pistol/nn on/in a/at firing/vbg range/nn ./.


	Killpath/np leaned/vbd forward/rb again/rb ,/, rocked/vbd comfortably/rb with/in his/pp$ arms/nns still/rb wrapped/vbn around/in one/cd knee/nn ./.
``/`` Let's/vb+ppo just/rb remember/vb ,/, Sergeant/nn-tl ,/, that/cs we/ppss must/md all/abn carry/vb our/pp$ own/jj umbrella/nn ./.
A/at district/nn station/nn can't/md* run/vb smoothly/rb ,/, unless/cs ''/'' --/-- He/pps interrupted/vbd himself/ppl ,/, looking/vbg around/in Gun/np at/in the/at doorway/nn ./.
``/`` Morning/nn ,/, Lieutenant/nn-tl Rinker/np ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Sorry/jj ,/, Orville/np ./.
I/ppss thought/vbd you/ppss hadn't/hvd* come/vbn in/rp yet/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I've/ppss+hv been/ben here/rb for/in some/dti time/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps stood/vbd up/rp ,/, cocked/vbd his/pp$ head/nn and/cc eyed/vbd Gun/np coldly/rb ./.
``/`` The/at sergeant/nn is/bez just/rb leaving/vbg ''/'' ./.




It/pps had/hvd come/vbn as/cs no/at great/jj surprise/nn to/in Matson/np that/cs the/at hot/jj water/nn in/in the/at showers/nns didn't/dod* work/vb ,/, that/cs Loren/np Severe/np had/hvd thrown/vbn up/rp all/abn over/in the/at stairs/nns ,/, or/cc that/cs some/dti thieving/vbg bastard/nn of/in a/at cop/nn had/hvd walked/vbn off/rp with/in his/pp$ cigarettes/nns ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at best/jjt he/pps could/md hope/vb for/in on/in a/at watch/nn that/wps had/hvd ended/vbn with/in a/at session/nn in/in Killpath's/np$ office/nn ./.


	Now/rb ,/, as/cs he/pps passed/vbd the/at open/jj counter/nn that/wps divided/vbd the/at assembly/nn room/nn from/in the/at business/nn office/nn ,/, he/pps nodded/vbd and/cc said/vbd good/jj night/nn to/in the/at station/nn keeper/nn and/cc his/pp$ clerks/nns ,/, not/* stopping/vbg to/to hear/vb the/at day-watch/nn playback/nn of/in his/pp$ chewing/nn out/rp ./.


	Not/* that/cs he/pps gave/vbd a/at damn/nn what/wdt the/at grapevine/nn sent/vbd out/rp about/in Killpath's/np$ little/jj speech/nn on/in the/at comportment/nn of/in platoon/nn commanders/nns ./.
He/pps just/rb didn't/dod* want/vb to/to talk/vb about/in it/ppo ./.
If/cs the/at acting/vbg captain/nn wanted/vbd his/pp$ acting/vbg lieutenant/nn to/to sit/vb on/in his/pp$ ass/nn around/in the/at station/nn all/abn night/nn ,/, Killpath/np would/md just/rb have/hv to/to go/vb out/rp and/cc drag/vb Gun/np back/rb by/in the/at heels/nns once/rb an/at hour/nn ;/. ;/.
because/cs he'd/pps+md be/be damned/vbn if/cs he/pps was/bedz going/vbg to/to be/be a/at mid-watch/nn pencil-pusher/nn just/rb to/to please/vb his/pp$ ulcerated/vbn pro-tem/jj captain/nn ./.


	At/in the/at doorway/nn he/pps squinted/vbd up/rp at/in the/at gray/jj morning/nn overcast/nn and/cc patted/vbd his/pp$ jacket/nn pockets/nns for/in the/at cigarettes/nns ,/, remembering/vbg then/rb that/cs he'd/pps+hvd left/vbn them/ppo at/in the/at Doughnuttery/np ./.
He/pps could/md pick/vb up/rp another/dt pack/nn on/in his/pp$ way/nn home/nr ,/, if/cs he/pps were/bed going/vbg home/nr ./.
But/cc even/rb before/cs he/pps started/vbd across/in the/at oiled/vbn road/nn to/in his/pp$ Plymouth/np ,/, parked/vbn in/in the/at lot/nn under/in the/at cypress/nn trees/nns across/in from/in the/at station/nn ,/, he/pps knew/vbd that/cs he/pps wasn't/bedz* going/vbg home/nr ./.


	Not/* yet/rb ./.


	It/pps was/bedz nine/cd o'clock/rb in/in the/at morning/nn :/: the/at hour/nn which/wdt ,/, like/cs a/at spade/nn turning/vbg clods/nns of/in earth/nn ,/, exposed/vbd to/in the/at day/nn a/at myriad/nn of/in busy/jj creatures/nns that/wps had/hvd lain/vbn dormant/jj in/in the/at quiet/jj night/nn ./.
Mission/nn-tl Street/nn-tl at/in this/dt hour/nn was/bedz populated/vbn by/in a/at whole/jj community/nn that/cs Gun/np could/md not/* have/hv seen/vbn on/in his/pp$ tour/nn of/in duty/nn --/-- the/at neighborhood/nn that/wps had/hvd known/vbn Urbano/np Quintana/np by/in day/nn ./.



Then/rb 
Sol/np Phillips/np had/hvd purchased/vbn the/at Alliance/nn-tl Furniture/nn-tl Mart/nn-tl seventeen/cd years/nns ago/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz professedly/rb worth/jj three/cd thousand/cd dollars/nns in/in stock/nn and/cc good/jj will/nn ,/, and/cc the/at name/nn was/bedz written/vbn in/in gold/nn in/in foot-high/jj letters/nns across/in each/dt of/in the/at two/cd display/nn windows/nns ./.


	On/in the/at right/jj window/nn ,/, at/in eye/nn level/nn ,/, in/in smaller/jjr print/nn but/cc also/rb in/in gold/nn ,/, was/bedz Gonzalez/np ,/, Prop./nn-tl ,/, and/cc under/in that/dt ,/, Se/fw-ppl Habla/fw-vb Espanol/fw-np ./.
Mr./np Phillips/np took/vbd a/at razor/nn to/in Gonzalez/np ,/, Prop./nn-tl ,/, but/cc left/vbd the/at promise/nn that/cs Spanish/np would/md be/be understood/vbn because/cs he/pps thought/vbd it/ppo meant/vbn that/cs Spanish/jj clientele/nn would/md be/be welcome/jj ./.
Language/nn was/bedz no/at problem/nn anyway/rb ;/. ;/.
Mr./np Phillips/np had/hvd only/rb to/to signal/vb from/in his/pp$ doorway/nn to/to summon/vb aid/nn from/in the/at ubiquitous/jj bilingual/jj children/nns who/wps played/vbd on/in the/at sidewalks/nns of/in Mission/nn-tl Street/nn-tl ./.


	Aside/rb from/in the/at fact/nn that/dt business/nn was/bedz slow/jj this/dt time/nn of/in year/nn and/cc his/pp$ one/cd salesgirl/nn was/bedz not/* the/at most/ql enterprising/jj ,/, Mr./np Phillips/np had/hvd no/at worries/nns at/in all/abn ,/, and/cc he/pps said/vbd as/ql much/ap to/in Gun/np Matson/np ,/, who/wps sat/vbd across/in from/in him/ppo in/in civilian/nn clothes/nns ,/, on/in a/at Jiffy-Couch-a-Bed/np ,/, mauve/jj velour/nn ,/, $79.89/nns nothing-down/jj special/nn !/. !/.


	``/`` She's/pps+bez honest/jj as/cs the/at day/nn ''/'' ,/, Mr./np Phillips/np said/vbd ,/, and/cc added/vbd ,/, ``/`` Mr./np Gunnar/np ,/, I/ppss can/md say/vb this/dt to/in you/ppo :/: Beebe/np is/bez a/at little/ap too/ql honest/jj ./.
You/ppss can't/md* tell/vb a/at customer/nn how/wrb much/ap it's/pps+bez going/vbg to/to cost/vb him/ppo to/to refinance/vb his/pp$ payments/nns before/cs he/pps even/rb signs/vbz for/in a/at loan/nn on/in the/at money/nn down/rp !/. !/.
A/at time/nn plan/nn is/bez a/at mere/jj convenience/nn ,/, you/ppss understand/vb ,/, and/cc when/wrb ''/'' --/-- He/pps interrupted/vbd himself/ppl ,/, smiling/vbg ./.
``/`` I/ppss put/vb her/ppo in/in lamps/nns ./.
That/dt way/nn I/ppss don't/do* lose/vb so/ql much/ap ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Why/wrb don't/do* you/ppss just/rb hire/vb somebody/pn else/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.



	``/`` She/pps says/vbz she/pps has/hvz to/to finish/vb a/at story/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps shrugged/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss asked/vbd her/ppo why/wrb she/pps couldn't/md* do/do it/ppo tomorrow/nr ,/, but/cc it/pps seems/vbz the/at muse/nn is/bez working/vbg good/rb tonight/nr and/cc she's/pps+bez afraid/jj to/to let/vb it/pps go/vb ''/'' ./.


	Casey/np made/vbd some/dti comment/nn ,/, but/cc his/pp$ mind/nn was/bedz busy/jj as/cs he/pps considered/vbd the/at man/nn ./.
His/pp$ name/nn was/bedz George/np Needham/np and/cc he/pps ,/, too/rb ,/, had/hvd come/vbn from/in a/at good/jj family/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz perhaps/rb thirty-two/cd ,/, nicely/rb set/vbn up/rp ,/, with/in light/jj brown/jj hair/nn that/wps had/hvd a/at pronounced/vbn wave/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz always/rb well/rb groomed/vbn and/cc well/rb tailored/vbn ,/, and/cc he/pps had/hvd that/cs rich/jj man's/nn$ look/nn which/wdt was/bedz authentic/jj enough/qlp and/cc came/vbd from/in two/cd good/jj prep/nn schools/nns and/cc a/at proper/jj university/nn ./.
An/at only/ap child/nn ,/, he/pps had/hvd done/vbn all/abn the/at things/nns that/ql young/jj men/nns do/do who/wps have/hv been/ben born/vbn to/in money/nn and/cc social/jj position/nn until/cs his/pp$ father/nn double-crossed/vbd him/ppo by/in dying/vbg broke/jj ./.
Since/in then/rb he/pps had/hvd worked/vbn at/in this/dt and/cc that/dt ,/, though/cs some/dti said/vbd his/pp$ main/nn interest/nn was/bedz gambling/vbg ./.


	All/ql this/dt went/vbd through/in Casey's/np$ mind/nn in/in the/at first/od instant/nn ,/, but/cc what/wdt held/vbd his/pp$ interest/nn was/bedz the/at fact/nn that/cs these/dts two/cd should/md be/be together/rb at/in all/abn ./.
For/cs he/pps had/hvd understood/vbn that/cs Betty/np had/hvd been/ben engaged/vbn to/in a/at boy/nn named/vbn Barry/np Jenkins/np ./.
She/pps had/hvd grown/vbn up/rp with/in young/jj Jenkins/np ,/, and/cc he/pps had/hvd heard/vbn that/cs they/ppss had/hvd been/ben at/in the/at point/nn of/in getting/vbg married/vbn at/in least/ap twice/rb ./.
He/pps wanted/vbd to/to ask/vb her/ppo about/in Jenkins/np now/rb ,/, but/cc he/pps knew/vbd he/pps couldn't/md* do/do so/rb in/in Needham's/np$ presence/nn ./.
And/cc so/rb ,/, still/rb wondering/vbg and/cc a/at little/ap perplexed/vbn ,/, he/pps grinned/vbd at/in the/at girl/nn and/cc spoke/vbd lightly/rb to/to make/vb sure/jj that/cs she/pps would/md know/vb he/pps was/bedz kidding/vbg ./.


	``/`` Where/wrb did/dod you/ppo pick/vb him/ppo up/rp ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, I've/ppss+hv known/vbn him/ppo quite/abl a/at while/nn ''/'' ./.
She/pps glanced/vbd at/in her/pp$ companion/nn fondly/rb ./.
``/`` Haven't/hv* I/ppss ,/, George/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I've/ppss+hv been/ben after/in her/ppo for/in years/nns ''/'' ,/, Needham/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` but/cc I've/ppss+hv never/rb been/ben able/jj to/to get/vb anywhere/rb until/cs the/at last/ap few/ap days/nns ''/'' ./.


	The/at girl's/nn$ eyes/nns were/bed softly/rb shining/vbg as/cs she/pps reached/vbd out/rp and/cc touched/vbd Casey's/np$ hand/nn ./.
``/`` Can/md I/ppss tell/vb you/ppo a/at secret/nn ?/. ?/.
We're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to get/vb married/vbn ./.
Do/do you/ppss approve/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Casey/np kept/vbd his/pp$ smile/nn fixed/vbn ,/, but/cc some/dti small/jj inner/jj disturbance/nn was/bedz working/vbg on/in him/ppo as/cs he/pps thought/vbd again/rb about/in Needham/np ,/, who/wps was/bedz eight/cd or/cc ten/cd years/nns older/jjr than/cs the/at girl/nn ./.
He/pps wondered/vbd whether/cs Needham/np was/bedz going/vbg to/to swear/vb off/rp gambling/vbg and/cc get/vb a/at steady/jj job/nn or/cc whether/cs he/pps was/bedz counting/vbg on/in the/at income/nn from/in Betty's/np$ estate/nn to/to subsidize/vb him/ppo ./.
None/pn of/in this/dt showed/vbd in/in his/pp$ face/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps tried/vbd to/to keep/vb his/pp$ skepticism/nn in/in hand/nn ./.
He/pps made/vbd a/at point/nn of/in frowning/vbg ,/, of/in acting/vbg out/rp the/at part/nn of/in the/at fond/jj father-confessor/nn ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md have/hv to/to give/vb it/ppo some/dti thought/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` You/ppss wouldn't/md* want/vb me/ppo to/to say/vb yes/rb without/in making/vbg sure/jj his/pp$ intentions/nns are/ber honorable/jj ,/, would/md you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	She/pps made/vbd a/at face/nn at/in him/ppo and/cc then/rb she/pps laughed/vbd ./.
``/`` Of/in course/nn not/* ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md get/vb my/pp$ references/nns in/in order/nn ''/'' ,/, Needham/np said/vbd ,/, and/cc though/cs he/pps spoke/vbd with/in a/at smile/nn ,/, Casey/np somehow/rb got/vbd the/at idea/nn that/cs he/pps was/bedz not/* particularly/rb amused/vbn ./.
``/`` Stop/vb by/rb any/dti time/nn ,/, Casey/np ''/'' ./.
He/pps stood/vbd up/rp and/cc touched/vbd the/at girl's/nn$ arm/nn ./.
``/`` Come/vb on/rp ,/, darling/nn ./.
If/cs you're/ppss+ber really/ql serious/jj about/in working/vbg on/in that/dt story/nn ,/, I'd/ppss+hvd better/rbr take/vb you/ppo home/nr ''/'' ./.


	Casey/np watched/vbd them/ppo go/vb ,/, still/rb frowning/vbg absently/rb and/cc then/rb dismissing/vbg the/at matter/nn as/cs he/pps called/vbd for/in his/pp$ check/nn ./.
As/cs he/pps went/vbd out/rp he/pps told/vbd Freddie/np the/at dinner/nn was/bedz perfect/jj ,/, and/cc when/wrb he/pps got/vbd his/pp$ hat/nn and/cc coat/nn from/in Nancy/np Parks/np and/cc put/vbd a/at fifty-cent/jj piece/nn in/in the/at slot/nn ,/, he/pps told/vbd her/ppo to/to be/be sure/jj that/cs it/pps went/vbd toward/in her/pp$ dowry/nn ./.


	A/at taxi/nn took/vbd him/ppo back/rb to/in the/at bar/nn and/cc grill/nn where/wrb he/pps had/hvd left/vbn his/pp$ car/nn ,/, and/cc a/at few/ap minutes/nns later/rbr he/pps found/vbd a/at parking/vbg place/nn across/in the/at street/nn from/in his/pp$ apartment/nn ./.
Because/cs his/pp$ mind/nn had/hvd been/ben otherwise/rb occupied/vbn for/in the/at past/jj couple/nn of/in hours/nns ,/, he/pps did/dod not/* think/vb to/to look/vb and/cc see/vb if/cs Jerry/np Burton's/np$ car/nn was/bedz still/rb there/rb ./.
In/in fact/nn ,/, he/pps did/dod not/* think/vb about/in Jerry/np Burton/np at/in all/abn until/cs he/pps entered/vbd his/pp$ living/vbg room/nn and/cc closed/vbd the/at door/nn behind/in him/ppo ./.
Only/rb then/rb ,/, when/wrb his/pp$ glance/nn focused/vbd on/in the/at divan/nn and/cc saw/vbd that/cs it/pps was/bedz empty/jj ,/, did/dod he/pps remember/vb his/pp$ earlier/jjr problem/nn ./.


	Even/rb from/in where/wrb he/pps stood/vbd he/pps could/md see/vb the/at neatly/rb folded/vbn blanket/nn that/cs he/pps had/hvd spread/vbn over/in Burton/np ,/, the/at pillow/nn ,/, the/at sheet/nn of/in paper/nn on/in top/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
Then/rb he/pps was/bedz striding/vbg across/in the/at room/nn ,/, his/pp$ thoughts/nns confused/vbn but/cc the/at worry/nn building/vbg swiftly/rb inside/in him/ppo as/cs he/pps snatched/vbd up/rp the/at note/nn ./.




Jack/np :/: 

	Look/vb in/in the/at wastebasket/nn ./.
I/ppss knew/vbd the/at only/ap way/nn I/ppss could/md beat/vb you/ppo was/bedz to/to play/vb possum/nn ,/, but/cc it/pps was/bedz a/at good/jj try/nn ,/, kid/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss appreciate/vb it/ppo ./.


	The/at wastebasket/nn stood/vbd near/in the/at wall/nn next/in to/in the/at divan/nn ,/, and/cc the/at instant/nn Casey/np picked/vbd it/ppo up/rp he/pps knew/vbd what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn ./.
The/at discarded/vbn papers/nns inside/rb were/bed sodden/jj ,/, there/ex was/bedz a/at glint/nn of/in liquid/nn at/in the/at bottom/nn ,/, and/cc the/at smell/nn of/in whisky/nn was/bedz strong/jj and/cc distinct/jj ./.
He/pps put/vbd the/at basket/nn down/rp distastefully/rb ,/, muttering/vbg softly/rb and/cc thoroughly/rb disgusted/vbn with/in himself/ppl and/cc his/pp$ plan/nn that/wps had/hvd seemed/vbn so/ql foolproof/jj ./.
For/cs he/pps remembered/vbd too/ql well/rb how/wrb he/pps had/hvd brought/vbn back/rb the/at loaded/vbn drinks/nns to/in Burton/np and/cc then/rb returned/vbn to/in the/at kitchen/nn to/to get/vb weaker/jjr drinks/nns for/in himself/ppl ./.


	For/in another/dt second/od or/cc two/cd he/pps gave/vbd in/rp to/in the/at annoyance/nn that/wps was/bedz directed/vbn at/in himself/ppl ;/. ;/.
then/rb his/pp$ mind/nn moved/vbd on/rp to/to be/be confronted/vbn by/in something/pn far/ql more/ql serious/jj ,/, and/cc as/cs the/at thought/nn expanded/vbd ,/, the/at implications/nns jarred/vbd him/ppo ./.
It/pps no/at longer/jjr mattered/vbd that/cs Burton/np had/hvd outsmarted/vbn him/ppo ./.
The/at important/jj thing/nn was/bedz that/cs Burton/np had/hvd gone/vbn somewhere/nn to/to meet/vb a/at blackmailer/nn with/in a/at gun/nn in/in his/pp$ pocket/nn ./.
And/cc that/dt gun/nn was/bedz empty/jj ./.


	Even/rb before/cs his/pp$ mind/nn had/hvd rounded/vbn out/rp the/at idea/nn ,/, he/pps thrust/vbd one/cd hand/nn into/in his/pp$ trousers/nns pocket/nn and/cc pulled/vbd out/rp the/at six/cd slugs/nns he/pps had/hvd taken/vbn from/in the/at revolver/nn ./.
He/pps considered/vbd them/ppo with/in brooding/vbg eyes/nns ,/, brows/nns bunched/vbn as/cs his/pp$ brain/nn grappled/vbd with/in the/at problem/nn and/cc tried/vbd to/to find/vb some/dti solution/nn ./.
He/pps said/vbd :/: ``/`` The/at crazy/jj fool/nn ''/'' ,/, half/ql aloud/rb ./.
He/pps put/vbd the/at shells/nns on/in the/at table/nn ,/, as/cs though/cs he/pps could/md no/at longer/jjr bear/vb to/to hold/vb them/ppo ./.
He/pps thought/vbd :/: Where/wrb the/at hell/nn could/md he/pps have/hv gone/vbn ?/. ?/.
How/wrb can/md I/ppss find/vb him/ppo ?/. ?/.


	There/ex was/bedz no/at answer/nn to/in this/dt and/cc he/pps began/vbd to/to pace/vb back/rb and/cc forth/rb across/in the/at room/nn ,/, his/pp$ imagination/nn out/in of/in control/nn ./.
He/pps tried/vbd to/to tell/vb himself/ppl that/cs maybe/rb Burton/np had/hvd sobered/vbn up/rp enough/ap to/to get/vb some/dti sense/nn ./.
Maybe/rb he/pps only/rb intended/vbd to/to scare/vb the/at blackmailer/nn ,/, whoever/wps he/pps was/bedz ,/, in/in which/wdt case/nn an/at unloaded/vbn gun/nn would/md be/be good/jj enough/qlp ./.
He/pps thought/vbd of/in other/ap possibilities/nns ,/, none/pn of/in them/ppo satisfactory/jj ,/, and/cc finally/rb he/pps began/vbd to/to think/vb ,/, to/to wonder/vb if/cs there/ex was/bedz some/dti way/nn he/pps could/md reach/vb Burton/np ./.
Then/rb ,/, as/cs he/pps turned/vbd toward/in the/at telephone/nn ,/, it/pps rang/vbd shrilly/rb to/to shatter/vb the/at stillness/nn in/in the/at room/nn and/cc he/pps reached/vbd for/in it/ppo eagerly/rb ./.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.


	``/`` Casey/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Tony/np Calenda/np ''/'' ./.


	Casey/np heard/vbd the/at voice/nn distinctly/rb and/cc he/pps knew/vbd who/wps it/pps was/bedz ,/, but/cc it/pps took/vbd him/ppo a/at while/nn to/to make/vb the/at mental/jj readjustment/nn and/cc control/nn the/at disturbance/nn inside/in his/pp$ head/nn ./.
When/wrb he/pps heard/vbd Calenda/np say/vb :/: ``/`` What/wdt about/in that/dt picture/nn you/ppss took/vbd this/dt afternoon/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
It/pps still/rb took/vbd him/ppo another/dt few/ap seconds/nns to/to remember/vb the/at job/nn he/pps had/hvd done/vbn for/in Frank/np Ackerly/np ./.


	``/`` What/wdt picture/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps demanded/vbd ./.


	``/`` You/ppss took/vbd a/at picture/nn of/in me/ppo at/in the/at corner/nn of/in Washington/np and/cc Blake/np about/rb three/cd thirty/cd this/dt afternoon/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Who/wps says/vbz so/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` One/cd of/in my/pp$ boys/nns ''/'' ./.


	Casey/np believed/vbd that/dt much/ap ./.
Calenda/np was/bedz not/* the/at sort/nn who/wps walked/vbd around/rb without/in one/cd of/in his/pp$ ``/`` boys/nns ''/'' close/rb at/in hand/nn ./.


	``/`` So/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` With/in my/pp$ trial/nn coming/vbg up/rp in/in Federal/jj-tl Court/nn-tl next/ap week/nn I/ppss wouldn't/md* want/vb that/dt picture/nn published/vbn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Who/wps says/vbz it's/pps+bez going/vbg to/to be/be published/vbn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I/ppss wouldn't/md* even/vb want/vb it/ppo to/to get/vb around/rb ''/'' ./.


	Under/in normal/jj circumstances/nns Casey/np was/bedz a/at little/ap fussy/jj when/wrb people/nns told/vbd him/ppo what/wdt to/to do/do with/in pictures/nns he/pps had/hvd taken/vbn ./.
Even/ql so/rb ,/, he/pps generally/rb listened/vbd and/cc was/bedz usually/rb reasonable/jj to/in those/dts who/wps voiced/vbd their/pp$ objections/nns properly/rb ./.
Right/ql now/rb ,/, however/wrb ,/, he/pps was/bedz still/rb too/ql worried/vbn about/in Jerry/np Burton/np ,/, and/cc the/at gun/nn that/wps had/hvd no/at bullets/nns ,/, and/cc the/at story/nn Burton/np had/hvd told/vbn him/ppo ,/, to/to care/vb too/ql much/ap about/in Tony/np Calenda/np ./.
His/pp$ nerves/nns were/bed getting/vbg a/at little/ap ragged/jj and/cc his/pp$ impatience/nn put/vbd an/at edge/nn in/in his/pp$ voice/nn ./.


	``/`` Look/vb ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ./.
``/`` I/ppss was/bedz hired/vbn to/to take/vb a/at picture/nn ./.
I/ppss took/vbd it/ppo ./.
That's/dt+bez all/abn I/ppss know/vb about/in it/ppo and/cc that's/dt+bez all/abn I/ppss care/vb ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Maybe/rb you'd/ppss+hvd better/rbr tell/vb the/at guy/nn who/wps hired/vbd you/ppo what/wdt I/ppss said/vbd ''/'' ./.


	``/`` You/ppss tell/vb him/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` All/ql right/rb ''/'' ,/, Calenda/np said/vbd ,/, his/pp$ voice/nn still/rb quiet/jj ./.
``/`` But/cc I/ppss meant/vbd what/wdt I/ppss said/vbd ,/, Casey/np ./.
If/cs that/dt picture/nn gets/vbz around/rb and/cc I/ppss find/vb out/rp you/ppss had/hvd anything/pn to/to do/do with/in it/ppo ,/, I'm/ppss+bem going/vbg to/to send/vb a/at couple/nn of/in my/pp$ boys/nns around/rb to/to see/vb you/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` You/ppss do/do that/dt ''/'' ,/, Casey/np said/vbd ./.
``/`` Just/rb be/be sure/jj to/to send/vb your/pp$ two/cd best/jjt boys/nns ,/, Tony/np ''/'' ./.


	He/pps hung/vbd up/rp with/in a/at bang/nn ,/, annoyed/vbn at/in himself/ppl for/cs running/vbg off/rp at/in the/at mouth/nn like/cs that/dt but/cc still/rb terribly/rb concerned/vbn with/in the/at situation/nn he/pps had/hvd helped/vbn to/to create/vb ./.
As/ql soon/rb as/cs he/pps could/md think/vb logically/rb again/rb he/pps reached/vbd for/in the/at telephone/nn directory/nn and/cc found/vbd Jerry/np Burton's/np$ home/nr number/nn ./.
He/pps dialed/vbd it/ppo and/cc listened/vbd to/in it/ppo ring/vb ten/cd times/nns before/cs he/pps hung/vbd up/rp ./.
He/pps called/vbd the/at bar/nn and/cc grill/nn where/wrb he/pps had/hvd picked/vbn Burton/np up/rp that/dt afternoon/nn ./.
When/wrb he/pps was/bedz told/vbn that/cs no/at one/pn had/hvd seen/vbn Burton/np since/in then/rb ,/, he/pps thought/vbd of/in three/cd other/ap places/nns that/wps were/bed possibilities/nns ./.
Each/dt time/nn he/pps got/vbd the/at same/ap answer/nn and/cc in/in the/at end/nn he/pps gave/vbd up/rp ./.


	By/in the/at time/nn he/pps had/hvd smoked/vbn three/cd cigarettes/nns he/pps had/hvd calmed/vbn down/rp ./.
He/pps had/hvd done/vbn all/abn he/pps could/md and/cc that/dt was/bedz that/dt ./.
And/cc anyway/rb Burton/np was/bedz not/* the/at kind/nn of/in guy/nn who/wps would/md be/be likely/rb to/to get/vb in/in trouble/nn even/rb when/wrb he/pps was/bedz drunk/jj ./.
He/pps ,/, Casey/np ,/, had/hvd been/ben scared/vbn for/in a/at while/nn ,/, but/cc that/dt had/hvd come/vbn mostly/rb from/in the/at fact/nn that/cs he/pps felt/vbd responsible/jj ./.
He/pps should/md have/hv stayed/vbn here/rb and/cc watched/vbd Burton/np ./.
He/pps didn't/dod* ./.
So/cs he/pps made/vbd a/at mistake/nn ./.
So/rb what/wdt ?/. ?/.


	He/pps kept/vbd telling/vbg himself/ppl this/dt as/cs he/pps went/vbd out/rp to/in the/at kitchen/nn to/to make/vb a/at drink/nn ./.
Only/rb then/rb did/dod he/pps decide/vb he/pps didn't/dod* want/vb one/cd ./.
He/pps considered/vbd opening/vbg a/at can/nn of/in beer/nn but/cc vetoed/vbd that/dt idea/nn too/rb ./.
Finally/rb he/pps went/vbd into/in the/at bedroom/nn and/cc sat/vbd down/rp to/to take/vb off/rp his/pp$ shoes/nns ./.
He/pps had/hvd just/rb finished/vbn unlacing/vbg the/at right/jj one/cd when/wrb the/at telephone/nn rang/vbd again/rb ./.
When/wrb he/pps snatched/vbd it/ppo up/rp the/at voice/nn that/wps came/vbd to/in him/ppo was/bedz quick/jj and/cc urgent/jj ./.


	``/`` Casey/np ?/. ?/.
You/ppss don't/do* know/vb me/ppo but/cc I/ppss know/vb you/ppo ./.
If/cs you/ppss want/vb a/at picture/nn get/vb to/in the/at corner/nn of/in Adams/np and/cc Clark/np just/rb as/ql fast/jj as/cs you/ppss can/md ./.
If/cs you/ppss hurry/vb you/ppss might/md beat/vb the/at headquarters/nns boys/nns ''/'' ./.


	Casey/np heard/vbd the/at click/nn of/in the/at distant/jj receiver/nn before/cs he/pps could/md open/vb his/pp$ mouth/nn ,/, and/cc it/pps took/vbd him/ppo no/at more/ap than/cs three/cd seconds/nns to/to make/vb his/pp$ decision/nn ./.
For/cs over/in the/at years/nns he/pps had/hvd received/vbn many/ap such/jj calls/nns ./.
Some/dti of/in them/ppo came/vbd from/in people/nns who/wps identified/vbd themselves/ppls ./.
Some/dti telephoned/vbd because/cs he/pps had/hvd done/vbn them/ppo a/at favor/nn in/in the/at past/nn ./.
Others/nns because/cs they/ppss expected/vbd some/dti sort/nn of/in reward/nn for/in the/at information/nn ./.
A/at few/ap passed/vbn along/rb a/at tip/nn for/in the/at simple/jj reason/nn that/cs they/ppss liked/vbd him/ppo and/cc wanted/vbd to/to give/vb him/ppo a/at break/nn ./.
Only/rb an/at occasional/jj tip/nn turned/vbd out/rp to/to be/be a/at phony/nn ,/, and/cc ,/, like/cs the/at police/nns ,/, Casey/np had/hvd made/vbn a/at point/nn of/in running/vbg down/rp all/ql such/jj suggestions/nns and/cc he/pps did/dod not/* hesitate/vb this/dt time/nn ./.


	He/pps was/bedz in/in his/pp$ car/nn with/in his/pp$ camera/nn and/cc equipment/nn bag/nn in/in less/ap than/in two/cd minutes/nns ,/, and/cc it/pps took/vbd him/ppo only/rb three/cd more/ap to/to reach/vb the/at corner/nn ,/, a/at block/nn from/in Columbus/np-tl Avenue/nn-tl ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at district/nn of/in small/jj factories/nns and/cc loft/nn buildings/nns and/cc occasional/jj tenements/nns ,/, and/cc he/pps could/md see/vb the/at police/nn radio/nn car/nn as/cs he/pps rounded/vbd the/at corner/nn and/cc slammed/vbd on/in the/at brakes/nns ./.
He/pps did/dod not/* bother/vb with/in his/pp$ radio/nn --/-- there/ex would/md be/be time/nn for/in that/dt later/rbr --/-- but/cc as/cs he/pps scrambled/vbd out/rp on/in the/at pavement/nn he/pps saw/vbd the/at filling/vbg station/nn and/cc the/at public/jj telephone/nn booth/nn and/cc knew/vbd instantly/rb how/wrb he/pps had/hvd been/ben summoned/vbn ./.


	The/at police/nn car/nn had/hvd pulled/vbn up/rp behind/in a/at small/jj sedan/nn ,/, its/pp$ headlights/nns still/rb on/rp ./.



	Slowly/rb he/pps pulled/vbd out/rp the/at hand/nn throttle/nn until/cs the/at boat/nn was/bedz moving/vbg at/in little/ap more/rbr than/in a/at crawl/nn ,/, and/cc watched/vbd Elaine/np rapidly/rb spin/vb from/in one/cd station/nn to/in another/dt ,/, tune/vb in/in the/at null/nn ,/, then/rb draw/vb in/rp a/at line/nn on/in the/at chart/nn ./.
``/`` We're/ppss+ber out/rp just/rb a/at little/ap too/ql far/rb ./.
Make/vb a/at 90/cd degree/nn straight/jj for/in shore/nn ''/'' ./.


	Poet/nn-tl came/vbd in/rp ,/, raising/vbg his/pp$ eyebrows/nns appreciatively/rb as/cs he/pps saw/vbd Elaine/np ./.
``/`` Now/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Pretty/ql quick/rb ''/'' ,/, she/pps replied/vbd ./.
``/`` Will/md you/ppss drop/vb the/at anchor/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Poet/nn-tl nodded/vbd ,/, swung/vbd below/rb and/cc a/at moment/nn later/rbr emerged/vbd from/in the/at forward/jj hatch/nn where/wrb he/pps picked/vbd up/rp the/at anchor/nn ./.
The/at rock/nn and/cc roll/nn music/nn coming/vbg from/in the/at radio/nn station/nn suddenly/rb faded/vbd as/cs the/at boat/nn coasted/vbd into/in the/at null/nn on/in the/at Aj/np-tl ./.


	``/`` Reverse/vb ''/'' ,/, Elaine/np said/vbd ,/, then/rb peered/vbd through/in the/at loop/nn of/in the/at RDF/nn and/cc waved/vbd to/in Poet/nn-tl ./.
A/at second/od later/rbr she/pps came/vbd behind/in the/at wheel/nn and/cc backed/vbd off/rp the/at anchor/nn line/nn until/cs it/pps was/bedz set/vbn in/in the/at ocean/nn floor/nn ./.
She/pps cut/vbd the/at engines/nns and/cc slowly/rb the/at cruiser/nn swung/vbd around/rb on/in the/at end/nn of/in its/pp$ lines/nns until/cs its/pp$ bow/nn was/bedz pointing/vbg into/in the/at wind/nn and/cc the/at cockpit/nn faced/vbd toward/in the/at shore/nn ./.
Nick/np watched/vbd her/ppo somewhat/ql enviously/rb as/cs she/pps efficiently/rb cut/vbd the/at engines/nns ,/, and/cc started/vbd the/at auxiliary/jj motor/nn ./.


	Poet/nn-tl came/vbd up/rp from/in below/rb ,/, wearing/vbg new/jj bathing/vbg trunks/nns ./.
The/at price/nn tag/nn hung/vbd from/in the/at belt/nn and/cc he/pps pulled/vbd it/ppo off/rp as/cs he/pps entered/vbd the/at chartroom/nn and/cc looked/vbd at/in it/ppo curiously/rb ./.
Nick/np wondered/vbd if/cs Elaine/np had/hvd bought/vbn them/ppo ,/, but/cc he/pps said/vbd nothing/pn ./.
Nobody/pn ,/, he/pps suddenly/rb realized/vbd ,/, was/bedz saying/vbg anything/pn ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd as/cs if/cs they/ppss were/bed all/abn under/in a/at spell/nn ./.
There/ex should/md be/be an/at excited/vbn conversation/nn ,/, for/cs somewhere/rb ,/, directly/rb below/in them/ppo ,/, was/bedz a/at treasure/nn lost/vbn for/in more/ap than/in four/cd hundred/cd years/nns ./.


	But/cc instead/rb of/in chatter/nn there/ex was/bedz a/at null/nn ,/, like/cs on/in the/at radio/nn direction/nn finder/nn ./.
Once/rb ,/, in/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ,/, he/pps had/hvd gone/vbn flying/vbg with/in some/dti friends/nns in/in a/at small/jj private/jj airplane/nn with/in a/at single/ap engine/nn ./.
They/ppss had/hvd all/abn been/ben laughing/vbg ,/, joking/vbg ,/, when/wrb suddenly/rb the/at engine/nn had/hvd failed/vbn ./.
No/at one/pn had/hvd screamed/vbn ./.
No/at one/pn had/hvd prayed/vbn ./.
All/abn had/hvd fallen/vbn into/in a/at complete/jj silence/nn ,/, listening/vbg to/in the/at wind/nn whistle/nn over/in the/at wings/nns ./.
The/at pilot/nn had/hvd been/ben good/jj ./.
He'd/pps+hvd landed/vbn the/at plane/nn on/in a/at small/jj airstrip/nn in/in Connecticut/np and/cc as/ql soon/rb as/cs the/at aircraft/nn had/hvd coasted/vbn to/in a/at stop/nn ,/, everyone/pn had/hvd burst/vbn into/in chatter/nn at/in the/at same/ap moment/nn ./.


	There/ex had/hvd been/ben tension/nn in/in the/at plane/nn during/in the/at silent/jj descent/nn ;/. ;/.
a/at tension/nn similar/jj to/in the/at one/cd now/rb ./.
But/cc in/in the/at plane/nn there/ex was/bedz a/at concrete/jj reason/nn for/in it/ppo ./.
Now/rb ,/, at/in this/dt moment/nn ,/, there/ex should/md be/be none/pn unless/cs skin/nn diving/nn was/bedz much/ql more/ql dangerous/jj than/cs he/pps had/hvd been/ben led/vbn to/to believe/vb ./.
Yet/rb tension/nn existed/vbd ./.
The/at same/ap taut-nerved/jj relationship/nn as/cs there/ex had/hvd been/ben between/in the/at passengers/nns on/in the/at plane/nn now/rb strained/vbd at/in the/at three/cd of/in them/ppo here/rb on/in the/at boat/nn ./.
It/pps hung/vbd over/in them/ppo like/cs a/at cloud/nn ,/, its/pp$ arrival/nn as/ql sudden/jj as/cs a/at cloud/nn skidding/vbg over/in the/at sun/nn ./.


	Silently/rb ,/, Elaine/np picked/vbd up/rp her/pp$ keys/nns from/in the/at table/nn and/cc went/vbd out/rp into/in the/at cockpit/nn ,/, Poet/nn-tl behind/in her/ppo ,/, Nick/np trailing/vbg behind/in him/ppo ./.
She/pps threw/vbd back/rb a/at cushion/nn over/in one/cd of/in the/at seats/nns ,/, unlocked/vbd a/at padlock/nn on/in the/at chest/nn beneath/in it/ppo ,/, then/rb presently/rb straightened/vbd ,/, holding/vbg a/at long/jj knife/nn and/cc a/at wicked/jj looking/jj spear/nn gun/nn in/in her/pp$ hand/nn ./.


	Poet/nn-tl whistled/vbd softly/rb as/cs he/pps looked/vbd at/in the/at gun/nn ./.
``/`` Hydraulic/jj ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	Elaine/np nodded/vbd ./.
``/`` They/ppss are/ber the/at best/jjt ''/'' ./.
She/pps kicked/vbd the/at locker/nn lid/nn shut/vbn and/cc replaced/vbd the/at cushion/nn ./.
``/`` They/ppss are/ber the/at most/ql efficient/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` And/cc the/at deadliest/jjt ''/'' ,/, Poet/nn-tl commented/vbd as/cs he/pps buckled/vbd on/rp his/pp$ tank/nn harness/nn ./.


	``/`` Why/wrb do/do you/ppss need/vb an/at arsenal/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Nick/np asked/vbd ,/, apprehensively/rb ,/, staring/vbg at/in the/at weapon/nn ./.


	``/`` It's/pps+bez quite/ql possible/jj there's/ex+bez more/ap than/in codfish/nn down/rp there/rb ,/, man/nn ''/'' ,/, Poet/nn-tl replied/vbd with/in a/at short/jj ,/, nervous/jj laugh/nn as/cs he/pps held/vbd the/at harness/nn for/in Elaine/np ./.


	A/at moment/nn later/rbr ,/, moving/vbg awkwardly/rb because/cs of/in the/at swimming/vbg fins/nns ,/, she/pps picked/vbd up/rp the/at gun/nn ,/, handed/vbd the/at knife/nn to/in Poet/nn-tl ,/, then/rb rolled/vbd off/in the/at transom/nn of/in the/at boat/nn ,/, back/nn first/rb ./.
Poet/nn-tl nodded/vbd to/in Nick/np and/cc entered/vbd the/at water/nn in/in a/at similar/jj fashion/nn ./.
Another/dt moment/nn and/cc they/ppss were/bed out/in of/in sight/nn ,/, leaving/vbg behind/rb only/rb a/at string/nn of/in bubbles/nns as/cs a/at clue/nn to/in their/pp$ whereabouts/nn ./.


	For/in a/at while/nn Nick/np followed/vbd the/at twisting/vbg course/nn of/in the/at bubbles/nns ,/, wondering/vbg which/wdt set/nn came/vbd from/in Elaine/np ./.
They/ppss remained/vbd close/jj together/rb ,/, their/pp$ air/nn trail/nn wiggling/vbg like/cs serpents/nns traveling/vbg side/nn by/in side/nn ./.
Eventually/rb the/at bubbles/nns became/vbd lost/vbn in/in the/at sparkle/nn of/in the/at ocean/nn surface/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps rolled/vbd over/rp on/in his/pp$ back/nn ./.


	Clasping/vbg his/pp$ hands/nns behind/in his/pp$ head/nn ,/, he/pps stared/vbd at/in the/at blue/jj sky/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz nothing/pn quite/ql like/cs being/beg alone/rb on/in a/at boat/nn on/in the/at ocean/nn ./.
Alfredo/np certainly/rb must/md have/hv enjoyed/vbn being/beg alone/rb ./.
Next/rb to/in the/at ocean/nn ,/, probably/rb the/at loneliest/jjt spot/nn was/bedz the/at desert/nn ./.
If/cs Elaine's/np$ uncle/nn had/hvd stuck/vbn to/in this/dt desire/nn for/in aloneness/nn ,/, he/pps probably/rb would/md still/rb be/be alive/jj ./.


	Yet/rb Alfredo/np wanted/vbd money/nn wanted/vbd money/nn to/to roam/vb through/in the/at deserts/nns ./.
And/cc Graham/np wanted/vbd money/nn probably/rb to/to roam/vb among/in the/at dice/nns tables/nns in/in Las/np Vegas/np ./.
It/pps was/bedz an/at odd/jj combination/nn a/at strange/jj pair/nn to/to stumble/vb upon/in the/at wreck/nn of/in the/at Trinidad/np ./.
But/cc Graham/np hadn't/hvd* stumbled/vbn on/in it/ppo ./.
Two/cd to/in three/cd weeks/nns prior/rb to/in the/at charter/nn of/in the/at Virginia/np ,/, Graham/np had/hvd been/ben snooping/vbg around/in the/at San/np-tl Luis/np-tl Rey/np-tl Mission/nn-tl ./.


	The/at small/jj helicopter/nn with/in its/pp$ two/cd steel/nn skids/nns churned/vbd offshore/rb and/cc Nick/np raised/vbd up/rp to/to watch/vb it/ppo heading/vbg south/nr ./.
That/dt was/bedz a/at hell/nn of/in a/at note/nn ,/, he/pps thought/vbd ./.
A/at couple/nn couldn't/md* even/vb find/vb a/at secluded/vbn spot/nn anywhere/rb on/in a/at beach/nn to/to neck/vb nowadays/rb without/in someone/pn swooping/vbg down/rp upon/in them/ppo ./.
If/cs the/at character/nn flying/vbg that/dt thing/nn had/hvd gone/vbn over/in San/np-tl Clemente/np-tl Island/nn-tl yesterday/nr he/pps would/md have/hv had/hvn an/at eyeful/nn ./.


	Off/rp to/in the/at west/nr a/at beautiful/jj schooner/nn slowly/rb beat/vb its/pp$ way/nn into/in the/at wind/nn ,/, headed/vbn on/in a/at tack/nn toward/in San/np Clemente/np ./.
Behind/in it/ppo a/at cabin/nn cruiser/nn drifted/vbd crossways/rb in/in the/at small/jj ground-swell/nn ,/, a/at lone/jj fisherman/nn in/in the/at chair/nn aft/rb ./.
The/at fisherman/nn was/bedz right/ql in/in the/at middle/nn of/in the/at Deep/nn-tl ./.
Nick/np recalled/vbd stories/nns that/cs the/at two/cd best/jjt fishing/vbg spots/nns in/in Southern/jj-tl California/np-tl were/bed over/in the/at La/np-tl Jolla/np-tl Deep/nn-tl and/cc the/at Redondo/np-tl Deep/nn-tl ,/, two/cd spots/nns where/wrb the/at ocean/nn dropped/vbd off/rp to/in fantastic/jj depths/nns almost/rb from/in the/at shoreline/nn ./.


	Someday/rb ,/, geologists/nns had/hvd warned/vbn ,/, the/at land/nn on/in both/abx sides/nns of/in these/dts deeps/nns would/md fall/vb into/in the/at ocean/nn and/cc no/at more/ap La/np Jolla/np or/cc Redondo/np-tl Beach/nn-tl ./.
Meanwhile/rb ,/, fishermen/nns took/vbd advantage/nn of/in them/ppo to/to pull/vb up/rp whoppers/nns ./.
Sometimes/rb the/at fish/nn exploded/vbd as/cs they/ppss neared/vbd the/at surface/nn because/cs of/in the/at difference/nn in/in pressure/nn ./.


	Why/wrb ,/, he/pps wondered/vbd ,/, had/hvd Elaine/np wanted/vbd him/ppo along/rb on/in this/dt trip/nn ?/. ?/.
He/pps couldn't/md* skindive/vb ,/, he/pps couldn't/md* run/vb a/at boat/nn ,/, except/in on/in the/at open/jj sea/nn ./.
He/pps stood/vbd up/rp ,/, stretched/vbd ,/, looked/vbd around/rb for/in the/at bubbles/nns ,/, but/cc could/md see/vb none/pn ./.
Strolling/vbg down/rp to/in the/at galley/nn ,/, he/pps lit/vbd the/at butane/nn under/in the/at coffee/nn pot/nn and/cc when/wrb the/at brew/nn was/bedz heated/vbn ,/, poured/vbd himself/ppl a/at cup/nn and/cc went/vbd up/rp to/in the/at chartroom/nn ./.
Turning/vbg on/rp the/at hi-fi/nn ,/, he/pps went/vbd back/rb to/in the/at cockpit/nn ,/, stretched/vbd out/rp on/in the/at cushions/nns and/cc listened/vbd to/in the/at music/nn ./.


	Elaine/np and/cc Poet/nn-tl returned/vbd together/rb ,/, popping/vbg up/rp over/in the/at transom/nn almost/rb like/cs dolphins/nns breaking/vbg water/nn ./.


	He/pps sat/vbd up/rp and/cc watched/vbd as/cs they/ppss pulled/vbd themselves/ppls over/in the/at stern/nn ./.
``/`` Any/dti luck/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
He/pps asked/vbd ./.


	Poet/nn-tl shook/vbd his/pp$ head/nn ,/, sliding/vbg his/pp$ face/nn mask/nn up/rp on/in his/pp$ forehead/nn ./.


	``/`` We're/ppss+ber right/ql on/in the/at edge/nn of/in the/at Deep/nn-tl ''/'' ,/, Elaine/np said/vbd ./.
Pulling/vbg off/rp her/pp$ face/nn mask/nn ,/, she/pps carefully/rb placed/vbd the/at spear/nn gun/nn across/in the/at stern/nn ,/, then/rb lifted/vbd her/pp$ wet/jj hair/nn from/in her/ppo back/nn and/cc squeezed/vbd out/rp the/at water/nn ./.
``/`` Which/wdt is/bez a/at break/nn as/cs the/at area/nn to/in search/nn is/bez less/ap than/in a/at square/nn mile/nn ''/'' ,/, she/pps added/vbd as/cs she/pps swung/vbd her/ppo legs/nns over/in the/at transom/nn ./.
``/`` Any/dti news/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Not/* a/at thing/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps tossed/vbd her/ppo a/at towel/nn ,/, then/rb repeated/vbd the/at service/nn for/in Poet/nn-tl ./.
``/`` Cigarette/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Elaine/np shook/vbd her/ppo head/nn as/cs she/pps slipped/vbd out/rp of/in her/ppo harness/nn ,/, but/cc Poet/nn-tl nodded/vbd ./.
His/pp$ feet/nns still/rb hung/vbn over/in the/at stern/nn of/in the/at transom/nn ,/, but/cc as/cs he/pps reached/vbd for/in the/at smoke/nn he/pps raised/vbd them/ppo to/to swing/vb them/ppo in/rp ./.
The/at fin/nn on/in his/pp$ foot/nn caught/vbd on/in the/at moulding/nn ,/, throwing/vbg him/ppo off/in balance/nn ./.
His/pp$ forearm/nn smashed/vbd painfully/rb into/in the/at narrow/jj washboard/nn and/cc he/pps grimaced/vbd as/cs he/pps grabbed/vbd his/pp$ bruised/vbn limb/nn with/in his/pp$ other/ap hand/nn and/cc rolled/vbd into/in the/at boat/nn ./.


	``/`` Kee-reist/uh ''/'' !/. !/.
The/at word/nn hissed/vbd distinctly/rb from/in Poet's/nn$-tl lips/nns as/cs he/pps struggled/vbd to/in his/pp$ feet/nns ./.


	Nick's/np$ body/nn became/vbd rigid/jj ./.
Turning/vbg slowly/rb he/pps saw/vbd Poet/nn-tl in/in a/at brilliant/jj glare/nn of/in horror/nn ./.
Poet/nn-tl !/. !/.
His/pp$ face/nn was/bedz still/rb creased/vbn in/in pain/nn as/cs he/pps studied/vbd the/at underside/nn of/in his/pp$ arm/nn ./.
Poet/nn-tl a/at murderer/nn ?/. ?/.
Turning/vbg quickly/rb toward/in Elaine/np ,/, Nick/np saw/vbd that/cs she/pps ,/, too/rb ,/, stood/vbd in/in shocked/vbn surprise/nn ./.


	The/at sudden/jj silence/nn was/bedz too/ql silent/jj ./.
Instinctively/rb aware/jj of/in the/at charged/vbn atmosphere/nn ,/, Poet/nn-tl raised/vbd his/pp$ head/nn slowly/rb ,/, looking/vbg first/rb at/in Elaine/np ./.


	She/pps had/hvd caught/vbn the/at implication/nn of/in the/at oath/nn ./.
Her/pp$ face/nn was/bedz frozen/vbn into/in the/at mask/nn of/in a/at mannequin/nn ,/, her/pp$ body/nn absolutely/ql motionless/jj ./.


	And/cc then/jj Nick/np knew/vbd that/cs all/abn of/in them/ppo knew/vbd Elaine/np ,/, himself/ppl and/cc Poet/nn-tl ./.


	Elaine/np recovered/vbd first/rb ,/, so/ql quickly/rb that/cs Nick/np thought/vbd he/pps might/md have/hv imagined/vbn her/pp$ sudden/jj reaction/nn ./.
``/`` Do/do you/ppss need/vb a/at bandage/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
She/pps asked/vbd steadily/rb ./.


	Poet/nn-tl rubbed/vbd his/pp$ arm/nn ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez like/cs banging/vbg a/at shin/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd ,/, his/pp$ eyes/nns lingered/vbd on/in Nick's/np$ face/nn ,/, then/rb moved/vbd back/rb to/in Elaine/np ./.
``/`` Hurts/nns like/cs hell/nn for/in a/at second/nn ,/, then/rb it/pps disappears/vbz ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md get/vb some/dti ointment/nn ''/'' ./.
Elaine/np turned/vbd and/cc started/vbd toward/in the/at companionway/nn ./.
But/cc her/pp$ walk/nn was/bedz too/ql steady/jj ,/, too/ql slow/jj ,/, telegraphing/vbg her/pp$ fear/nn ./.


	Nick/np sensed/vbd it/ppo ./.
So/rb did/dod Poet/nn-tl ./.
Springing/vbg like/cs a/at cat/nn ,/, he/pps leaped/vbd back/rb ,/, swooped/vbd up/rp the/at spring/nn gun/nn and/cc ,/, whirling/vbg ,/, pointed/vbd it/ppo toward/in the/at cabin/nn ./.
At/in the/at same/ap instant/nn ,/, Nick/np hit/vbd the/at barrel/nn and/cc threw/vbd himself/ppl upon/in the/at smaller/jjr man/nn ./.
The/at gun/nn fired/vbd next/in to/in his/pp$ ear/nn with/in a/at vicious/jj whoosh/uh like/cs the/at first/od stroke/nn of/in an/at old/jj steam/nn engine/nn ./.
At/in the/at same/ap instant/nn ,/, Elaine/np screamed/vbd wildly/rb ,/, the/at sound/nn ending/vbg abruptly/rb as/cs Nick/np went/vbd off/in the/at boat/nn and/cc into/in the/at water/nn on/in top/nn of/in the/at frantic/jj ,/, struggling/vbg Poet/nn-tl ./.


	The/at moment/nn the/at sea/nn closed/vbd over/in Nick/np ,/, some/dti atavistic/jj sense/nn warned/vbd him/ppo that/cs he/pps would/md survive/vb in/in this/dt alien/jj element/nn only/rb if/cs he/pps did/dod not/* panic/vb ./.
But/cc the/at murderer/nn to/in whom/wpo he/pps clung/vbd had/hvd a/at tremendous/jj advantage/nn ./.
The/at wide/jj flippers/nns on/in Poet's/nn$-tl feet/nns gave/vbd his/pp$ legs/nns incredible/jj power/nn ,/, driving/vbg the/at two/cd of/in them/ppo down/rp into/in the/at water/nn as/cs they/ppss rolled/vbd over/rp and/cc over/rp ./.
Poet/nn-tl was/bedz the/at captured/vbn ,/, arms/nns pinioned/vbn to/in his/pp$ side/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps twisted/vbd convulsively/rb trying/vbg to/to escape/vb ./.
Poet/nn-tl would/md escape/vb ,/, Nick/np thought/vbd grimly/rb ,/, because/cs he/pps wore/vbd the/at apparatus/nn which/wdt would/md keep/vb him/ppo alive/jj under/in water/nn ./.
But/cc Nick/np would/md not/* let/vb go/vb ./.


	The/at rubber/nn and/cc glass/nn face/nn mask/nn slipped/vbd from/in Poet's/nn$-tl forehead/nn ,/, bounced/vbd painlessly/rb off/in Nick's/np$ chin/nn ,/, then/rb disappeared/vbd ./.
Poet/nn-tl twisted/vbd again/rb and/cc Nick's/np$ knuckles/nns scraped/vbd on/in the/at air/nn tank/nn ,/, ripping/vbg off/rp the/at skin/nn ./.
For/cs a/at split/vbn second/nn ,/, Nick/np relaxed/vbd his/pp$ grip/nn and/cc Poet's/nn$-tl slippery/jj body/nn spun/vbd completely/rb around/rb before/cs Nick/np could/md stop/vb him/ppo ,/, holding/vbg him/ppo now/rb from/in the/at rear/nn ./.
Something/pn flailed/vbd at/in the/at side/nn of/in Nick's/np$ head/nn as/cs they/ppss rolled/vbd around/rb and/cc around/rb ./.


	Suddenly/rb Poet/nn-tl stopped/vbd struggling/vbg and/cc the/at two/cd of/in them/ppo hung/vbn suspended/vbn in/in the/at water/nn ,/, not/* rising/vbg ,/, not/* sinking/vbg ./.
A/at sharp/jj pain/nn lanced/vbd across/in Nick's/np$ chest/nn and/cc a/at bubble/nn of/in air/nn escaped/vbd from/in his/pp$ tortured/vbn lungs/nns ,/, joining/vbg dozens/nns of/in others/nns that/wps sailed/vbd lazily/rb toward/in the/at surface/nn like/cs helium/nn balloons/nns rising/vbg into/in the/at sky/nn ./.
A/at black/jj ,/, snake-like/jj object/nn swayed/vbd eerily/rb in/in front/nn of/in him/ppo ,/, spewing/vbg bubbles/nns from/in its/pp$ flat/jj cobra/nn head/nn ./.
The/at air/nn hose/nn was/bedz free/jj !/. !/.
The/at discovery/nn struck/vbd Nick/np like/cs a/at blow/nn ./.


	Desperately/rb ,/, Nick/np flashed/vbd one/cd hand/nn up/rp ,/, catching/vbg Poet's/nn$-tl neck/nn in/in the/at bend/nn of/in his/pp$ elbow/nn ./.
At/in the/at same/ap instant/nn ,/, he/pps grabbed/vbd the/at loose/jj ,/, writhing/vbg hose/nn with/in his/pp$ other/ap hand/nn and/cc bit/vbd down/rp on/in the/at hard/jj rubber/nn mouthpiece/nn ./.
Instinctively/rb he/pps exhaled/vbd through/in his/pp$ nose/nn then/rb sucked/vbd in/rp the/at air/nn from/in the/at hose/nn ./.
At/in once/cs the/at excruciating/jj pain/nn in/in his/pp$ chest/nn stopped/vbd and/cc he/pps was/bedz seized/vbn with/in a/at sudden/jj ,/, wild/jj exultation/nn ./.


	As/cs if/cs this/dt was/bedz a/at signal/nn ,/, Poet/nn-tl abruptly/rb began/vbd to/to thrash/vb the/at water/nn and/cc the/at quick/jj movement/nn slowly/rb made/vbd them/ppo sink/vb through/in the/at water/nn ./.
Relentlessly/rb ,/, Nick/np held/vbd on/rp ,/, sucking/vbg on/in the/at hose/nn ,/, inhaling/vbg the/at air/nn that/wps belonged/vbd to/in Poet/nn-tl ./.
Poet/nn-tl was/bedz not/* fighting/vbg Nick/np now/rb ./.



	Harbor/nn-tl Point/nn-tl sticks/vbz out/rp into/in the/at ocean/nn like/cs the/at fat/jj neck/nn of/in a/at steamer/nn clam/nn ./.
It's/pps+bez a/at rich/jj village/nn but/cc not/* much/ap for/in action/nn --/-- too/ql many/ap solid/jj residents/nns ,/, not/* enough/ap tourists/nns or/cc working/vbg stiffs/nns ./.
It's/pps+bez at/in the/at far/jj end/nn of/in the/at county/nn and/cc the/at last/ap time/nn I/ppss came/vbd here/rb was/bedz for/in a/at hit/nn and/cc run/nn manslaughter/nn --/-- about/rb seven/cd months/nns ago/rb ./.


	Chief/nn-tl Bob/np Moore/np looked/vbd his/pp$ same/ap hick-self/nn ;/. ;/.
a/at man/nn mountain/nn running/vbg to/in lard/nn in/in his/pp$ middle-age/nn ./.
Seeing/vbg me/ppo he/pps said/vbd with/in real/jj surprise/nn ,/, ``/`` Well/uh ,/, well/uh ,/, ain't/ber* we/ppss honored/vbn !/. !/.
Hardly/rb expected/vbn the/at head/nn of/in County/nn-tl Homicide/nn-tl up/rp for/in this/dt murder/nn ./.
You/ppss sure/rb climbed/vbn fast/rb ,/, Jed/np ./.
Rookie/nn investigator/nn last/ap summer/nn and/cc now/rb it's/pps+bez Inspector/nn-tl Jed/np ./.
Took/vbd me/ppo 19/cd years/nns to/to become/vb Chief/nn-tl of/in our/pp$ three/cd man/nn police/nn force/nn ./.
Proves/vbz a/at college/nn education/nn pays/vbz off/rp ''/'' ./.
His/pp$ sarcasm/nn was/bedz followed/vbn by/in a/at stupid/jj grin/nn of/in his/pp$ thick/jj mouth/nn and/cc bad/jj teeth/nns ./.


	``/`` I/ppss guess/vb it/pps helps/vbz ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, paying/vbg no/at attention/nn to/in his/pp$ ribbing/nn ./.


	``/`` Never/rb could/md figure/vb out/rp why/wrb you/ppss ever/rb wanted/vbd to/to be/be a/at cop/nn ,/, Jed/np ./.
You're/ppss+ber not/* only/rb young/jj but/cc well/uh ,/, you/ppss don't/do* even/rb look/vb like/cs a/at police/nn officer/nn ./.
A/at runt/nn with/in narrow/jj shoulders/nns and/cc that/dt brush/nn haircut/nn hell/uh ,/, you'd/ppss+md pass/vb for/in a/at juvenile/nn delinquent/nn of/in the/at hotrod/nn set/nn ./.
In/in my/pp$ day/nn the/at first/od requirement/nn for/in a/at cop/nn was/bedz to/to look/vb like/cs the/at law/nn ,/, big/jj and/cc tough/jj ./.
Man/nn ,/, when/wrb my/pp$ 275/cd pounds/nns and/cc six-four/cd comes/vbz along/rb ,/, why/wrb it's/pps+bez the/at same/ap as/cs another/dt badge/nn ./.
When/wrb I/ppss say/vb move/vb ,/, a/at guy/nn moves/vbz ''/'' !/. !/.


	``/`` Don't/do* worry/vb about/in my/pp$ being/beg tough/jj ,/, Moore/np ./.
Also/rb ,/, it's/pps+bez far/ql too/ql early/rb in/in the/at day/nn for/in corny/jj lines/nns like/cs the/at bigger/jjr they/ppss come/vb You've/ppss+hv had/hvn your/pp$ gassy/jj lecture/nn ,/, let's/vb+ppo get/vb to/to work/vb ./.
Who/wps was/bedz the/at murdered/vbn woman/nn Mrs./np Buck/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Widow/nn ,/, nice/jj sort/nn of/in woman/nn ./.
Comfortably/rb fixed/vbn ./.
Ran/vbd a/at fair-sized/jj farm/nn ./.
Came/vbd to/in the/at Harbor/nn-tl as/cs a/at bride/nn and/cc Don't/do* worry/vb Jed/np ,/, this/dt one/pn is/bez in/in the/at bag/nn ./.
I/ppss know/vb the/at killer/nn ,/, have/hv the/at only/ap road/nn off/in the/at peninsula/nn covered/vbn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ,/, passed/vbd your/pp$ road/nn block/nn as/cs I/ppss drove/vbd in/rp ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, sitting/vbg on/in his/pp$ polished/vbn desk/nn ./.
Although/cs Bob/np dressed/vbd like/cs a/at slob/nn ,/, he/pps kept/vbd a/at neat/jj office/nn ./.
``/`` Okay/uh ,/, what/wdt happened/vbd ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` About/rb nine/cd this/dt morning/nn Mrs./np Buck/np phones/vbz me/ppo she's/pps+bez having/hvg trouble/nn with/in one/cd of/in her/pp$ farm/nn hands/nns --/-- money/nn trouble/nn ./.
Colored/vbn fellow/nn named/vbn Tim/np Williams/np --/-- only/ap hand/nn she/pps has/hvz working/vbg for/in her/ppo now/rb ./.
Tim/np come/vb with/in the/at migratory/jj workers/nns that/wps follow/vb the/at crops/nns up/rp from/in the/at South/nr-tl last/ap year/nn ,/, but/cc Tim/np and/cc his/pp$ wife/nn settled/vbd here/rb ./.
Never/rb had/hvd no/at trouble/nn with/in him/ppo before/rb ,/, thought/vbd he/pps was/bedz a/at hard/jj worker/nn ,/, hustling/vbg around/rb to/to get/vb a/at full/jj week's/nn$ work/nn ./.
Anyway/rb ,/, Julia/np asks/vbz me/ppo to/in ./.
''/'' 

	``/`` Julia/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Come/vb on/rp ,/, Inspector/nn-tl ,/, look/vb alive/jj ./.
Julia/np Buck/np ,/, the/at deceased/nn ''/'' ,/, Moore/np said/vbd ,/, slipping/vbg me/ppo his/pp$ smug/jj ,/, idiot-grin/nn again/rb ./.
``/`` Julia/np asks/vbz me/ppo to/to come/vb out/rp at/in once/rb ./.
But/cc she/pps didn't/dod* sound/vb real/ql alarmed/vbn you/ppss know/vb ,/, like/cs there/ex was/bedz any/dti immediate/jj danger/nn ./.
I/ppss got/vbd there/rb at/in 9:47/cd A.M./rb ,/, found/vbd her/ppo strangled/vbn ./.
I/ppss would/md have/hv come/vbn sooner/rbr if/cs I'd/ppss+hvd known/vbn ./.
No/at doubt/nn about/in Tim/np being/beg the/at killer/nn --/-- I/ppss have/hv a/at witness/nn ./.
Don't/do* know/vb why/wrb the/at County/nn-tl had/hvd to/to send/vb anybody/pn up/rp here/rb ./.
Told/vbn them/ppo I/ppss can/md handle/vb this/dt ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ,/, seems/vbz you/ppo have/hv a/at nice/jj package/nn ,/, with/in all/abn the/at strings/nns tied/vbn ./.
Who's/wps+bez ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md collar/vb Tim/np before/in night/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Who's/wps+bez your/pp$ witness/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Julia/np had/hvd --/-- has/hvz --/-- an/at old/jj Indian/jj woman/nn cooking/vbg for/in her/ppo --/-- Nellie/np Harris/np ./.
Probably/rb the/at last/nn of/in the/at original/jj Island/nn-tl Indians/nps-tl ./.
Nellie/np was/bedz in/in the/at kitchen/nn ,/, had/hvd just/rb come/vbn to/to work/vb ,/, when/wrb she/pps heard/vbd Tim/np arguing/vbg with/in Julia/np in/in the/at living/vbg room/nn ./.
Swears/vbz she/pps recognized/vbd his/pp$ voice/nn ,/, that/cs Tim/np yelled/vbd ,/, '/' It's/pps+bez my/pp$ money/nn and/cc I/ppss want/vb it/ppo '/' !/. !/.
And/cc then/rb rushed/vbd out/in of/in the/at house/nn ./.
Then/rb she/pps heard/vbd Julia/np phone/vb me/ppo ./.
Nellie/np went/vbd on/in with/in her/ppo house/nn work/nn --/-- until/cs I/ppss found/vbd Julia/np dead/jj ./.
And/cc before/cs you/ppss say/vb it/ppo ,/, Nellie/np ain't/bez* near/rb strong/jj enough/qlp to/to have/hv strangled/vbn Julia/np ./.
There's/ex+bez no/at doubt/nn this/dt Tim/np sneaked/vbd back/rb and/cc killed/vbd Mrs./np Buck/np ./.
Another/dt fact/nn :/: Tim's/np+hvz disappeared/vbn --/-- on/in the/at run/nn ./.
But/cc there's/ex+bez no/at way/nn off/in the/at Point/nn-tl except/in through/in my/pp$ road/nn block/nn ./.
Guess/vb you/ppss want/vb to/to see/vb the/at body/nn --/-- have/hv her/ppo up/in the/at street/nn in/in Doc/np Abel's/np$ office/nn ''/'' ./.
``/`` Let's/vb+ppo see/vb it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	We/ppss walked/vbd up/in Main/jjs-tl Street/nn-tl to/in this/dt big/jj white/jj house/nn ,/, then/rb around/rb to/in the/at back/nn ./.
Being/beg the/at Harbor's/nn$-tl sole/jj doctor/nn ,/, Abel/np was/bedz also/rb its/pp$ Medical/jj-tl Examiner/nn-tl ./.
The/at corpse/nn was/bedz on/in a/at table/nn ,/, covered/vbn by/in a/at sheet/nn ./.
Doc/np Abel/np was/bedz busy/jj up/rp front/nn with/in some/dti of/in his/pp$ live/jj patients/nns ./.
Pulling/vbg back/rb the/at sheet/nn ,/, I/ppss examined/vbd the/at bruises/nns around/in Julia/np Buck's/np$ once/rb slender/jj throat/nn ./.
Powerful/jj hands/nns had/hvd killed/vbn her/ppo ./.
``/`` Find/vb any/dti prints/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Chief/nn-tl Moore/np shook/vbd his/pp$ big/jj head/nn ,/, seemed/vbd lost/vbn in/in thought/nn as/cs he/pps stared/vbd at/in the/at nude/jj body/nn ./.
Then/rb he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Never/rb noticed/vbd it/ppo before/rb I/ppss mean/vb ,/, when/wrb she/pps was/bedz dressed/vbn but/cc for/in a/at woman/nn her/pp$ age/nn ,/, Julia/np had/hvd a/at real/ql fine/jj figure/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss dropped/vbd the/at sheet/nn ,/, glanced/vbd at/in my/pp$ watch/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz almost/rb one/cd and/cc I/ppss hadn't/hvd* had/hvn lunch/nn ./.
Still/rb ,/, I/ppss wanted/vbd to/to get/vb this/dt over/rp with/rb ,/, had/hvd a/at lot/nn of/in paper/nn work/nn waiting/vbg in/in my/pp$ own/jj office/nn ./.
I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ,/, ``/`` I/ppss want/vb to/to go/vb see/vb the/at Buck/np house/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Sure/rb ''/'' ./.


	Walking/vbg back/rb down/in Main/jjs-tl Street/nn-tl ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss saw/vbd the/at Harbor's/nn$-tl one/cd squad/nn car/nn at/in the/at road/nn block/nn ,/, we'll/ppss+md ride/vb out/rp in/in my/pp$ car/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Naw/rb ,/, we'll/ppss+md use/vb mine/pp$$ ''/'' ,/, Moore/np said/vbd ,/, opening/vbg the/at door/nn of/in a/at sleek/jj white/jj Jaguar/np roadster/nn ./.
As/cs I/ppss slid/vbd in/rp beside/in him/ppo he/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Some/dti heap/nn ,/, hey/uh ?/. ?/.
Got/vbd a/at heck/nn of/in a/at buy/nn on/in this/dt ,/, dirt/nn cheap/jj ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Yeah/rb ,/, it's/pps+bez a/at real/jj load/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ,/, looking/vbg up/in the/at street/nn at/in my/pp$ battered/vbn Ford/np ./.


	Five/cd racing/vbg minutes/nns later/rbr we/ppss pulled/vbd into/in the/at driveway/nn of/in this/dt typical/jj two-story/jj house/nn ,/, and/cc when/wrb the/at Jaguar/np stopped/vbd I/ppss managed/vbd to/to swallow/vb ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at garage/nn and/cc a/at modern/jj barn/nn in/in the/at rear/nn ,/, all/abn of/in it/ppo standing/vbg between/in two/cd large/jj flat/jj fields/nns planted/vbn in/in early/jj potatoes/nns ./.
Everything/pn shouted/vbd gentleman/nn farming/nn ,/, the/at kind/nn of/in grandfather-father-to-son/nn folding/vbg money/nn the/at Point/nn-tl is/bez known/vbn for/in ./.
The/at fins/nns of/in a/at Caddy/np were/bed sticking/vbg out/in of/in the/at garage/nn ,/, while/cs the/at inside/nn of/in the/at house/nn was/bedz a/at comfortable/jj mixture/nn of/in old/jj and/cc expensive/jj contemporary/jj furniture/nn ./.


	Nellie/np Harris/np wasn't/bedz* old/jj ,/, she/pps was/bedz ancient/jj --/-- a/at tiny/jj shriveled/vbn woman/nn with/in a/at face/nn like/cs a/at tan/jj prune/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz also/rb stone/nn deaf/jj in/in her/pp$ right/jj ear/nn ./.
She/pps calmly/rb repeated/vbd what/wdt Moore/np had/hvd told/vbn me/ppo ./.
When/wrb I/ppss asked/vbd ,/, ``/`` Why/wrb didn't/dod* you/ppo go/vb into/in the/at living/vbg room/nn to/to see/vb how/wrb Mrs./np Buck/np was/bedz ''/'' ?/. ?/.
The/at old/jj gal/nn stared/vbd at/in me/ppo with/in her/ppo hard/jj eyes/nns ,/, said/vbd ,/, ``/`` She/pps didn't/dod* call/vb ./.
I/ppss do/do the/at living/vbg room/nn last/rb ./.
I/ppss went/vbd up/in stairs/nns and/cc did/dod the/at bath/nn and/cc her/pp$ bedroom/nn --/-- way/nn I/ppss always/rb do/do in/in the/at morning/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Have/hv you/ppss any/dti idea/nn what/wdt this/dt Tim/np and/cc Mrs./np Buck/np were/bed arguing/vbg about/in ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Probably/rb wages/nns ./.
Miss/np Julia/np was/bedz a/at hard/jj woman/nn with/in a/at dollar/nn ./.
Years/nns ago/rb when/wrb I/ppss asked/vbd her/ppo to/to put/vb me/ppo in/in Social/jj-tl Security/nn-tl ,/, so's/cs I/ppss wouldn't/md* have/hv to/to be/be working/vbg now/rb ,/, Miss/np Julia/np threatened/vbd to/to fire/vb me/ppo --/-- all/abn because/cs it/pps would/md mean/vb a/at few/ap more/ap dollars/nns a/at year/nn to/in her/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Did/dod you/ppo hear/vb Tim/np return/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/at sir/nn ./.
Nobody/pn came/vbd until/cs Chief/nn-tl Moore/np ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss drummed/vbd on/in the/at kitchen/nn table/nn with/in my/pp$ pencil/nn ./.
``/`` Mrs./np Buck/np have/hv any/dti men/nns friends/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Her/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.
The/at wrinkled/vbn mouth/nn laughed/vbd ,/, revealing/vbg astonishingly/rb strong/jj ,/, white/jj ,/, teeth/nns ./.
``/`` I/ppss never/rb see/vb none/pn ./.
But/cc then/rb I/ppss wasn't/bedz* her/pp$ social/jj secretary/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Was/bedz she/pps on/in friendly/jj terms/nns with/in other/ap members/nns of/in her/ppo family/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Didn't/dod* have/hv no/at family/nn --/-- around/in here/rb ./.
They/ppss had/hvd a/at son/nn --/-- killed/vbn in/in the/at war/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss walked/vbd into/in the/at living/vbg room/nn ./.
There/ex didn't/dod* seem/vb to/to be/be any/dti signs/nns of/in a/at struggle/nn ./.
I/ppss told/vbd Moore/np ,/, ``/`` Where/wrb does/doz Tim's/np$ wife/nn live/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I'll/ppss+md take/vb you/ppo there/rb ./.
Look/vb Jed/np ,/, this/dt is/bez an/at open/vb and/cc shut/vb case/nn and/cc I/ppss have/hv to/to relieve/vb my/pp$ men/nns at/in the/at road/nn block/nn soon/rb ./.
Okay/uh ,/, come/vb on/rp ''/'' ./.


	We/ppss did/dod 80/cd miles/nns an/at hour/nn across/in a/at hard/jj dirt/nn road/nn to/in a/at cluster/nn of/in shacks/nns ./.
In/in late/jj summer/nn migratory/jj workers/nns lived/vbd five/cd and/cc six/cd to/in a/at room/nn in/in these/dts ./.
Now/rb they/ppss were/bed empty/jj ,/, except/in for/in a/at cottage/nn across/in the/at road/nn ./.


	Mrs./np Tim/np Williams/np was/bedz about/rb 21/cd ,/, with/in skin/nn the/at color/nn of/in bitter/jj chocolate/nn ,/, and/cc if/cs you/ppss discounted/vbd the/at plain/jj dress/nn and/cc worn/vbn slippers/nns ,/, she/pps was/bedz startlingly/rb pretty/jj ./.
The/at inside/nn of/in their/pp$ place/nn was/bedz full/jj of/in new/jj furniture/nn ,/, five/cd bucks/nns down/rp and/cc a/at buck/nn a/at week/nn stuff/nn ,/, but/cc all/abn of/in it/ppo clean/jj and/cc full/jj of/in the/at warmth/nn of/in a/at home/nr ./.


	Mrs./np Williams/np was/bedz both/abx sullen/jj and/cc frightened/vbn ./.
She/pps said/vbd she/pps didn't/dod* know/vb a/at thing/nn --/-- Tim/np had/hvd left/vbn the/at house/nn at/in six/cd in/in the/at morning/nn ,/, as/ql usual/jj ./.
She/pps hadn't/hvd* seen/vbn him/ppo since/rb ./.


	``/`` Did/dod Mrs./np Buck/np owe/vb him/ppo any/dti wages/nns ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Well/uh ,/, for/in this/dt week/nn ,/, but/cc they/ppss wasn't/bedz* due/jj 'till/in Saturday/nr ./.
Listen/vb ,/, Mr./np Inspector/nn-tl ,/, no/at matter/nn what/wdt anybody/pn say/vb ,/, my/pp$ Tim/np didn't/dod* kill/vb that/dt woman/nn !/. !/.
Tim/np is/bez a/at good/jj man/nn ,/, hard/rb working/vbg ./.
He/pps strong/jj as/cs a/at bull/nn but/cc gentle/jj as/cs a/at baby/nn ./.
Even/rb if/cs he/pps angry/jj ,/, Tim/np wouldn't/md* hurt/vb a/at woman/nn ./.
He/pps never/rb in/in his/pp$ life/nn took/vbd a/at hand/nn to/in a/at woman/nn or/cc ''/'' 

	``/`` We'll/ppss+md get/vb him/ppo soon/rb ,/, see/vb what/wdt he/pps says/vbz ''/'' ,/, Chief/nn-tl Moore/np cut/vbd in/rp ./.


	``/`` Does/doz your/pp$ husband/nn have/hv a/at car/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss asked/vbd ./.


	``/`` Got/vbn us/ppo an/at old/jj station/nn wagon/nn ./.
Need/vb it/ppo for/in the/at job/nn ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss asked/vbd a/at silly/jj question/nn :/: ``/`` You've/ppss+hv no/at idea/nn where/wrb your/pp$ husband/nn could/md be/be ,/, now/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	She/pps shook/vbd her/ppo head/nn ./.
I/ppss knew/vbd she/pps was/bedz lying/vbg ./.
I/ppss stood/vbd there/rb ,/, staring/vbg at/in her/ppo for/in a/at moment/nn --/-- thinking/vbg mostly/rb of/in her/pp$ beauty/nn and/cc her/pp$ poverty/nn ./.


	Moore/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Come/vb on/rp ,/, Jed/np ,/, I/ppss have/hv to/to get/vb to/in my/pp$ men/nns ''/'' ./.


	On/in my/pp$ way/nn out/rp I/ppss told/vbd her/ppo ,/, ``/`` If/cs you/ppss should/md eh/uh just/rb happen/vb to/to see/vb your/pp$ husband/nn ,/, get/vb him/ppo to/to give/vb himself/ppl up/rp ./.
He'll/pps+md get/vb a/at fair/jj trial/nn ./.
Hiding/vbg out/rp like/cs this/dt won't/md* get/vb him/ppo anything/pn ,/, except/in more/ap trouble/nn ,/, or/cc a/at bullet/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Yes/rb ./.
I'll/ppss+md tell/vb him/ppo --/-- if/cs I/ppss see/vb him/ppo ''/'' ./.


	We/ppss made/vbd it/ppo back/rb to/in the/at Harbor/nn-tl in/in less/ap than/in four/cd minutes/nns ./.
I/ppss tried/vbd not/* to/to act/vb scared/vbn ./.
That/dt Jaguar/np could/md really/rb barrel/vb along/rb ./.
I/ppss told/vbd Moore/np I/ppss was/bedz going/vbg to/to eat/vb ,/, get/vb some/dti forms/nns filled/vbn out/rp by/in Doc/np Abel/np ./.


	Chief/nn-tl Moore/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` If/cs I/ppss don't/do* see/vb you/ppo when/wrb I/ppss return/vb ,/, see/vb you/ppo for/in certain/jj at/in my/pp$ road/nn block/nn ,/, Inspector/nn-tl ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss had/hvd a/at bowl/nn of/in decent/jj chowder/nn ,/, phoned/vbd the/at Doc/np and/cc he/pps said/vbd he'd/pps+md leave/vb the/at death/nn statements/nns with/in his/pp$ girl/nn --/-- in/in a/at half/abn hour/nn ./.
Lighting/vbg my/pp$ pipe/nn ,/, I/ppss took/vbd a/at walk/nn ./.
The/at Harbor/nn-tl is/bez a/at big/jj yachting/vbg basin/nn in/in the/at summer/nn ./.
Even/rb now/rb ,/, there/ex were/bed several/ap slick/jj cruisers/nns tied/vbn to/in the/at dock/nn ,/, an/at ocean-going/jj yawl/nn anchored/vbn inside/in the/at breakwater/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at 34/cd foot/nn Wheeler/np with/in Chief/nn-tl Bob's/np$-tl in/in big/jj gold/nn letters/nns on/in its/pp$ stern/nn also/rb tied/vbn up/rp at/in the/at dock/nn ./.
It/pps wasn't/bedz* a/at new/jj boat/nn ,/, about/rb five/cd years/nns old/jj ,/, but/cc fitted/vbn with/in fishing/vbg outriggers/nns and/cc chairs/nns ./.
I/ppss asked/vbd an/at old/jj guy/nn running/vbg a/at fishing/vbg station/nn if/cs the/at boat/nn was/bedz Moore's/np$ ./.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` You/ppss bet/vb ./.
Bob/np Moore/np is/bez plumb/ql crazy/jj about/in blue/nn fishing/vbg ''/'' ./.


	I/ppss dropped/vbd into/in the/at doctor's/nn$ office/nn ,/, picked/vbd up/rp my/pp$ forms/nns ./.
As/cs I/ppss was/bedz walking/vbg back/rb to/in the/at Police/nns-tl Station/nn-tl ,/, which/wdt was/bedz in/in the/at same/ap building/nn with/in the/at City/nn-tl Hall/nn-tl and/cc Post/nn-tl Office/nn-tl ,/, I/ppss saw/vbd Mrs./np Tim/np Williams/np sneaking/vbg into/in the/at back/nn of/in my/pp$ car/nn ./.
If/cs she/pps moved/vbd gracefully/rb ,/, she/pps was/bedz clumsy/jj at/in it/ppo ./.


	I/ppss got/vbd into/in the/at front/jj seat/nn ./.
She/pps was/bedz '/' hiding/vbg '/' on/in the/at floor/nn of/in the/at back/nn seat/nn ,/, the/at soft/jj curves/nns of/in her/ppo back/nn and/cc hips/nns --/-- rousing/jj lines/nns ./.
I/ppss drove/vbd out/in of/in the/at Harbor/nn-tl ,/, turned/vbd off/rp into/in a/at dirt/nn road/nn among/in the/at scrub/nn pine/nn trees/nns and/cc stopped/vbd ./.
I/ppss waited/vbd a/at few/ap minutes/nns and/cc she/pps sat/vbd up/rp ./.
For/in another/dt moment/nn we/ppss didn't/dod* talk/vb ,/, then/rb she/pps began/vbd to/to weep/vb ./.
She/pps mumbled/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss just/rb know/vb that/cs Chief/nn-tl Moore/np is/bez out/rp to/to kill/vb my/pp$ Tim/np ''/'' !/. !/.


	``/`` Maybe/rb ./.
I/ppss never/rb saw/vbd him/ppo so/ql anxious/jj before/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ,/, lighting/vbg my/pp$ pipe/nn and/cc offering/vbg her/ppo a/at cigarette/nn ./.
``/`` Of/in course/nn ,/, it/pps could/md be/be because/cs this/dt is/bez his/pp$ first/od murder/nn case/nn ./.
You/ppss know/vb where/wrb Tim/np is/bez ,/, don't/do* you/ppss ,/, Mrs./np Williams/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	She/pps puffed/vbd on/in the/at cigarette/nn slowly/rb ,/, sitting/vbg slumped/vbn against/in the/at back/nn seat/nn ;/. ;/.
didn't/dod* answer/vb ./.

But/cc the/at police/nns have/hv dropped/vbn the/at case/nn ./.
I/ppss want/vb you/ppo to/to go/vb to/in Pearson/np-tl City/nn-tl and/cc find/vb out/rp why/wrb --/-- first-hand/jj stuff/nn for/in your/pp$ modern/jj crime/nn series/nn ./.
Take/vb the/at same/ap train/nn Diana/np Beauclerk/np took/vbd and/cc get/vb there/rb at/in the/at same/ap time/nn ./.
Go/vb to/in the/at same/ap hotel/nn and/cc occupy/vb the/at same/ap suite/nn --/-- 1105/cd ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Will/md the/at hotel/nn rent/nn it/ppo so/ql soon/rb after/in the/at crime/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Why/wrb not/* ?/. ?/.
The/at police/nns have/hv finished/vbn with/in it/ppo ./.
Besides/rb ,/, the/at number/nn of/in the/at suite/nn hasn't/hvz* been/ben published/vbn in/in any/dti newspaper/nn ./.
To/in the/at hotel/nn people/nns ,/, you'll/ppss+md just/rb be/be an/at innocent/jj tourist/nn who/wps happens/vbz to/to ask/vb for/in that/dt particular/jj suite/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Still/rb ,/, they/ppss may/md not/* want/vb to/to rent/vb it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` That's/dt+bez your/pp$ headache/nn ./.
Once/rb inside/rb ,/, keep/vb your/pp$ eyes/nns open/vb ''/'' !/. !/.


	``/`` For/in what/wdt ''/'' !/. !/.
Alec/np was/bedz growing/vbg more/ql and/cc more/ql skeptical/jj ./.
``/`` The/at police/nns will/md have/hv gone/vbn over/in every/at square/nn inch/nn of/in the/at place/nn with/in a/at fine-tooth/nn comb/nn ./.
The/at hotel/nn people/nns will/md have/hv scoured/vbn and/cc vacuumed/vbn it/ppo ./.
Ten/cd to/in one/cd ,/, it's/pps+hvz even/rb been/ben redecorated/vbn ''/'' !/. !/.


	``/`` There's/ex+bez always/rb a/at chance/nn they/ppss may/md have/hv overlooked/vbn something/pn ''/'' ,/, returned/vbd the/at chief/nn ./.
``/`` I'm/ppss+bem betting/vbg on/in that/dt chance/nn ./.
Interview/vb the/at bellboy/nn and/cc chambermaid/nn who/wps waited/vbd on/in Beauclerk/np ./.
Study/vb the/at topography/nn of/in the/at suite/nn ./.
Soak/vb up/rp local/jj color/nn ./.
Reenact/vb everything/pn Beauclerk/np did/dod ./.


	Try/vb to/to imagine/vb you're/ppss+ber going/vbg to/to be/be murdered/vbn yourself/ppl --/-- between/in eleven/cd p.m./rb and/cc one/cd a.m./rb the/at night/nn you/ppss arrive/vb ''/'' ./.


	Alec/np smirked/vbd ./.
``/`` Cheerful/jj way/nn to/to spend/vb an/at evening/nn ''/'' !/. !/.
A/at sudden/jj thought/nn wiped/vbd the/at smirk/nn from/in his/pp$ face/nn ./.
``/`` Suppose/vb the/at murderer/nn should/md return/vb to/in the/at scene/nn of/in the/at crime/nn ''/'' !/. !/.


	The/at chief's/nn$ eyes/nns gleamed/vbd ./.
He/pps spoke/vbd softly/rb ./.
``/`` That/dt is/bez exactly/rb what/wdt I'm/ppss+bem hoping/vbg for/in ./.
After/in all/abn ,/, the/at murderer/nn is/bez still/rb at/in large/jj ./.
And/cc the/at key/nn to/in the/at suite/nn is/bez still/rb missing/vbg ''/'' ./.




On/in the/at train/nn Alec/np refreshed/vbd his/pp$ memory/nn of/in the/at Beauclerk/np case/nn by/in reading/vbg teletype/nn flimsies/nns --/-- spot-news/nn stories/nns about/in the/at crime/nn sent/vbn out/rp by/in the/at Pearson/np-tl City/nn-tl Star/nn-tl ,/, a/at member/nn of/in the/at Syndicate/nn-tl Press/nn-tl ./.


	Diana/np Beauclerk/np was/bedz a/at second-rate/jj actress/nn living/vbg in/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ./.
Two/cd weeks/nns ago/rb she/pps had/hvd gone/vbn west/nr to/in Pearson/np-tl City/nn-tl ./.
Daniel/np Forbes/np ,/, her/pp$ divorced/vbn husband/nn ,/, lived/vbd there/rb ./.
So/rb did/dod the/at firm/nn of/in lawyers/nns who/wps had/hvd got/vbn her/ppo the/at divorce/nn ,/, Kimball/np and/cc Stacy/np ./.


	She/pps reached/vbd Pearson/np-tl City/nn-tl at/in nine/cd p.m./rb and/cc went/vbd straight/rb to/in the/at Hotel/nn-tl Westmore/np-tl ./.
She/pps telephoned/vbd the/at junior/jj partner/nn of/in her/pp$ law/nn firm/nn ,/, Martin/np Stacy/np ,/, and/cc asked/vbd him/ppo to/to call/vb at/in her/pp$ hotel/nn that/dt evening/nn ./.


	At/in the/at time/nn of/in her/pp$ divorce/nn Forbes/np had/hvd promised/vbn to/to pay/vb her/ppo a/at lump/nn sum/nn in/in lieu/nn of/in further/jjr alimony/nn if/cs she/pps remarried/vbd ./.
According/in to/in Stacy/np ,/, she/pps told/vbd him/ppo she/pps was/bedz planning/vbg to/to remarry/vb and/cc she/pps wanted/vbd him/ppo to/to ask/vb Forbes/np for/in the/at lump/nn sum/nn ./.
Stacy/np replied/vbd that/cs it/pps would/md bankrupt/vb Forbes/np ,/, who/wps had/hvd just/rb sunk/vbn all/abn his/pp$ money/nn in/in a/at real/jj estate/nn venture/nn ./.


	Stacy/np said/vbd he/pps left/vbd her/pp$ suite/nn at/in nine/cd forty-five/cd p.m./rb ./.
She/pps was/bedz in/in good/jj health/nn and/cc spirits/nns ,/, but/cc still/rb determined/vbn to/to get/vb the/at money/nn from/in Forbes/np ./.
No/at one/pn saw/vbd Stacy/np leave/vb ./.
No/at other/ap visitor/nn inquired/vbd for/in her/ppo that/dt evening/nn ./.


	Next/ap morning/nn she/pps was/bedz found/vbn dead/jj in/in her/pp$ suite/nn with/in a/at bullet/nn from/in a/at 


Colt/np revolver/nn in/in her/pp$ brain/nn ./.
According/in to/in the/at medical/jj examiner/nn ,/, she/pps was/bedz shot/vbn between/in eleven/cd p.m./rb and/cc one/cd a.m./rb ./.
Her/pp$ door/nn was/bedz locked/vbn and/cc the/at key/nn was/bedz missing/vbg ./.
So/rb was/bedz the/at gun/nn ./.


	When/wrb Alec/np finished/vbd reading/vbg he/pps was/bedz sure/jj that/cs either/cc Forbes/np or/cc Stacy/np had/hvd killed/vbn Diana/np Beauclerk/np ./.
Forbes/np had/hvd motive/nn and/cc Stacy/np had/hvd opportunity/nn ./.
Find/vb a/at motive/nn for/in Stacy/np or/cc an/at opportunity/nn for/in Forbes/np and/cc the/at case/nn would/md be/be solved/vbn ./.




The/at Hotel/nn-tl Westmore/np-tl proved/vbd to/to be/be one/cd of/in the/at older/jjr hotels/nns in/in Pearson/np-tl City/nn-tl ,/, and/cc definitely/rb second-rate/jj ./.
Alec's/np$ first/od impression/nn of/in the/at lobby/nn was/bedz gloomy/jj ,/, Victorian/jj dignity/nn --/-- black/jj walnut/nn and/cc red/jj plush/nn ,/, a/at black/jj and/cc white/jj tiled/vbn floor/nn ,/, and/cc Persian/jj rugs/nns ./.


	He/pps studied/vbd the/at night/nn clerk/nn as/cs a/at man/nn measures/vbz an/at adversary/nn ./.
``/`` I'd/ppss+md like/vb the/at room/nn I/ppss had/hvd the/at last/ap time/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Certainly/rb ,/, sir/nn ''/'' ./.
The/at clerk/nn was/bedz young/jj and/cc limp/jj ,/, with/in a/at tired/vbn smile/nn ./.
``/`` Do/do you/ppss recall/vb the/at number/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` It/pps was/bedz 1105/cd ''/'' ./.


	The/at clerk's/nn$ smile/nn congealed/vbd ./.
``/`` That/dt suite/nn is/bez taken/vbn ''/'' ./.


	Alec's/np$ glance/nn went/vbd to/in a/at chart/nn of/in guest/nn names/nns and/cc room/nn numbers/nns hanging/vbg on/in the/at wall/nn behind/in the/at clerk/nn ./.
Opposite/in the/at number/nn 1105/cd stood/vbd one/cd word/nn :/: Unoccupied/jj ./.


	The/at clerk's/nn$ glance/nn followed/vbd Alec's/np$ ./.
``/`` We/ppss have/hv better/jjr rooms/nns vacant/jj now/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps babbled/vbd ./.
``/`` Larger/jjr and/cc more/ql comfortable/jj ./.
At/in the/at same/ap rate/nn ''/'' ./.


	Alec's/np$ face/nn was/bedz dark/jj ,/, blunt/jj ,/, and/cc sulky/jj ./.
He/pps always/rb looked/vbd impertinent/jj and/cc he/pps could/md look/vb dangerous/jj ./.
He/pps was/bedz looking/vbg dangerous/jj now/rb ./.
He/pps raised/vbd his/pp$ voice/nn ./.
``/`` Anything/pn wrong/jj with/in the/at plumbing/nn in/in 1105/cd ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	There/ex was/bedz a/at sudden/jj stillness/nn in/in the/at lobby/nn ./.
Two/cd women/nns ,/, who/wps had/hvd been/ben chattering/vbg like/cs parrots/nns ,/, were/bed struck/vbn dumb/jj ./.
A/at man/nn ,/, lighting/vbg a/at match/nn for/in his/pp$ cigar/nn ,/, paused/vbd until/cs the/at flame/nn burned/vbd his/pp$ fingers/nns ./.
Even/rb the/at bellboys/nns on/in their/pp$ bench/nn were/bed listening/vbg ./.


	The/at clerk's/nn$ eyes/nns flickered/vbd ./.
``/`` Of/in course/nn not/* ''/'' !/. !/.


	``/`` Anybody/pn with/in a/at contagious/jj disease/nn been/ben in/in there/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` No/rb ''/'' !/. !/.
The/at clerk/nn was/bedz almost/ql hysterical/jj ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez just/rb that/cs --/-- well/uh ,/, 1105/cd is/bez being/beg redecorated/vbn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` I/ppss don't/do* believe/vb it/ppo ''/'' ./.
Alec/np leaned/vbd on/in the/at desk/nn ,/, holding/vbg the/at clerk's/nn$ eyes/nns with/in his/pp$$ ./.
``/`` Suppose/vb you/ppo tell/vb me/ppo the/at real/jj reason/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps drawled/vbd ./.
``/`` There/ex might/md be/be a/at story/nn in/in it/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` St-story/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` I'm/ppss+bem with/in the/at Syndicated/vbn-tl Press/nn-tl ,/, Feature/nn-tl Service/nn-tl ./.
Either/cc I/ppss get/vb the/at story/nn --/-- or/cc I/ppss get/vb the/at suite/nn ''/'' ./.


	It/pps was/bedz blackmail/nn and/cc the/at clerk/nn knew/vbd it/ppo ./.
``/`` There/ex is/bez no/at story/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps piped/vbd tremulously/rb ./.
``/`` Front/nn-tl !/. !/.
Show/vb this/dt gentleman/nn to/in 1105/cd ''/'' !/. !/.


	The/at stillness/nn persisted/vbd as/cs Alec/np followed/vbd a/at bellboy/nn across/in the/at lobby/nn to/in the/at elevator/nn ./.
He/pps could/md feel/vb eyes/nns on/in his/pp$ back/nn ./.
He/pps wished/vbd it/pps had/hvd not/* been/ben necessary/jj to/to announce/vb the/at number/nn of/in his/pp$ suite/nn quite/ql so/ql publicly/rb ./.


	The/at corridor/nn on/in the/at eleventh/od floor/nn was/bedz dimly/rb lighted/vbn by/in electric/jj globes/nns at/in intervals/nns of/in thirty/cd feet/nns ./.
A/at thick/jj ,/, crimson/jj carpet/nn muffled/vbd every/at footfall/nn ./.
At/in the/at end/nn of/in the/at corridor/nn Alec/np noticed/vbd a/at door/nn marked/vbn :/: Fire/nn-tl Stairs/nns-tl ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at neat/jj setup/nn for/in murder/nn ./.


	The/at bellboy/nn unlocked/vbd a/at white/jj door/nn numbered/vbn 1105/cd ./.
The/at room/nn was/bedz dark/jj but/cc a/at neon/nn sign/nn flashed/vbd and/cc faded/vbd beyond/in the/at window/nn ./.
A/at few/ap snowflakes/nns sifted/vbd down/rp through/in that/dt theatrical/jj red/jj glow/nn ,/, languid/jj as/cs falling/vbg feathers/nns ./.
Hastily/rb the/at boy/nn switched/vbd on/rp a/at ceiling/nn light/nn ./.


	The/at room/nn looked/vbd normal/jj and/cc even/rb commonplace/jj ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at hint/nn of/in a/at violent/jj struggle/nn now/rb ./.
Deal/nn furniture/nn with/in a/at mahogany/nn finish/nn was/bedz neatly/rb arranged/vbn as/ql if/cs it/pps stood/vbd in/in the/at window/nn of/in a/at department/nn store/nn ./.
The/at blue/jj rug/nn was/bedz suspiciously/rb bright/jj and/cc new/jj ./.
It/pps had/hvd never/rb been/ben stained/vbn with/in blood/nn ./.
Table/nn covers/nns and/cc towels/nns were/bed clean/jj ,/, ashtrays/nns empty/jj and/cc supplied/vbn with/in fresh/jj matches/nns ./.
The/at mirror/nn over/in the/at bureau/nn was/bedz a/at blank/nn eye/nn ,/, round/jj and/cc innocent/jj ./.


	Alec/np played/vbd the/at part/nn of/in an/at innocent/jj tourist/nn ./.
``/`` Is/bez there/ex anything/pn wrong/jj with/in this/dt room/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` N-no/rb ''/'' ./.
The/at boy/nn dropped/vbd his/pp$ eyes/nns ./.


	``/`` Afraid/jj you'll/ppss+md lose/vb your/pp$ job/nn if/cs you/ppss don't/do* keep/vb your/pp$ mouth/nn shut/vbn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at boy/nn raised/vbd his/pp$ eyes/nns ./.
``/`` Listen/vb ,/, mister/np ./.
If/cs you/ppss want/vb my/pp$ advice/nn ,/, pack/vb up/rp and/cc take/vb the/at next/ap train/nn back/rb to/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Were/bed you/ppss on/in duty/nn here/rb two/cd weeks/nns ago/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at boy/nn hesitated/vbd ./.
Then/rb ,/, ``/`` I'm/ppss+bem not/* talking/vbg ./.
But/cc I/ppss wouldn't/md* spend/vb a/at night/nn in/in here/rb for/in a/at million/cd bucks/nns ''/'' !/. !/.


	He/pps was/bedz in/in a/at hurry/nn to/to get/vb out/in of/in the/at room/nn ./.
Alec/np gave/vbd him/ppo a/at tip/nn and/cc let/vb him/ppo go/vb ./.


	Alone/rb ,/, Alec/np examined/vbd the/at doors/nns ./.
There/ex were/bed three/cd --/-- one/cd leading/vbg to/in a/at bathroom/nn ,/, one/cd to/in the/at hall/nn ,/, and/cc one/cd to/in the/at room/nn next/ap door/nn which/wdt was/bedz immovable/jj --/-- locked/vbn or/cc bolted/vbn on/in the/at other/ap side/nn ./.
Alec/np locked/vbd the/at hall/nn door/nn and/cc put/vbd the/at key/nn with/in his/pp$ watch/nn on/in the/at bedside/nn table/nn ./.
It/pps was/bedz just/rb quarter/nn of/in nine/cd ./.


	As/cs he/pps ranged/vbd his/pp$ belongings/nns on/in the/at bureau/nn he/pps noticed/vbd a/at film/nn of/in white/jj dust/nn on/in the/at dark/jj surface/nn of/in the/at wood/nn beyond/in the/at linen/nn cover/nn ./.
Not/* gray/jj like/cs the/at dust/nn that/wps collects/vbz in/in an/at unused/jj room/nn ,/, but/cc white/jj ./.
Women/nns didn't/dod* use/vb white/jj face/nn powder/nn nowadays/rb ,/, he/pps recalled/vbd ./.
They/ppss used/vbd pink/jj ,/, tan/jj ,/, or/cc cream/jj powder/nn ./.


	Alec/np glanced/vbd into/in the/at bathroom/nn ./.
Blood/nn in/in the/at bathtub/nn where/wrb the/at murderer/nn appears/vbz to/to have/hv washed/vbn his/pp$ hands/nns ./.
It/pps seemed/vbd clean/jj now/rb ,/, but/cc Alec/np decided/vbd against/in a/at bath/nn ./.
He/pps crawled/vbd into/in bed/nn and/cc switched/vbd off/rp the/at light/nn ./.


	In/in the/at darkness/nn he/pps could/md see/vb the/at rosy/jj reflection/nn of/in the/at neon/nn sign/nn on/in the/at wall/nn opposite/in the/at window/nn ./.
It/pps winked/vbd as/ql steadily/rb as/cs a/at metronome/nn --/-- on/rp ,/, off/rp --/-- on/rp ,/, off/rp ./.
In/in less/ap than/in five/cd minutes/nns Alec/np was/bedz asleep/rb ./.


	He/pps never/rb knew/vbd just/rb what/wdt woke/vbd him/ppo ./.
Yet/rb suddenly/rb he/pps was/bedz wide-awake/jj ./.
There/ex was/bedz no/at sound/nn and/cc apparently/rb no/at movement/nn in/in the/at room/nn except/in the/at noiseless/jj pulsation/nn of/in the/at red/jj light/nn on/in the/at wall/nn ./.


	He/pps lay/vbd still/rb ,/, listening/vbg to/in the/at silence/nn ,/, watching/vbg the/at light/nn ./.
Somewhere/rb in/in the/at city/nn a/at big/jj clock/nn sounded/vbd twelve/cd solemn/jj notes/nns --/-- midnight/nn ./.
According/in to/in the/at medical/jj examiner/nn she/pps was/bedz shot/vbn between/in eleven/cd p.m./rb and/cc one/cd a.m./rb ./.


	Alec/np heard/vbd a/at faint/jj sound/nn ./.
His/pp$ heart/nn seemed/vbd to/to swell/vb and/cc knock/vb against/in the/at wall/nn of/in his/pp$ chest/nn ./.
For/cs the/at sound/nn was/bedz inside/in the/at room/nn ./.


	He/pps let/vbd his/pp$ eyelids/nns droop/vb and/cc breathed/vbd heavily/rb ,/, feigning/vbg sleep/nn ./.
The/at sound/nn was/bedz coming/vbg nearer/rbr ./.
A/at monstrous/jj shadow/nn fell/vbd across/in the/at illuminated/vbn wall/nn ,/, distorted/vbn and/cc indefinable/jj ./.


	When/wrb the/at neon/nn sign/nn faded/vbd out/rp ,/, the/at shadow/nn disappeared/vbd ./.
When/wrb the/at neon/nn sign/nn flashed/vbd on/rp ,/, the/at shadow/nn was/bedz still/rb there/rb ./.
It/pps stretched/vbd to/in an/at impossible/jj height/nn ,/, climbing/vbg the/at wall/nn to/in the/at ceiling/nn ./.
That/dt meant/vbd that/cs something/pn between/in the/at light/nn and/cc its/pp$ reflection/nn on/in the/at wall/nn was/bedz moving/vbg closer/rbr to/in the/at source/nn of/in the/at light/nn --/-- in/in this/dt case/nn ,/, the/at window/nn ./.


	Cautiously/rb Alec/np tensed/vbd his/pp$ muscles/nns ,/, ready/jj to/to jump/vb ./.
The/at bedsprings/nns betrayed/vbd him/ppo with/in a/at creak/nn ./.
The/at shadow/nn vanished/vbd ./.
Someone/pn had/hvd moved/vbn beyond/in the/at range/nn of/in the/at light/nn from/in the/at window/nn ./.


	Abandoning/vbg caution/nn ,/, Alec/np leaped/vbd out/in of/in bed/nn and/cc groped/vbd for/in the/at light/nn switch/nn ./.
Before/cs he/pps could/md snap/vb it/ppo on/rp ,/, a/at stinging/vbg blow/nn caught/vbd him/ppo in/in the/at ribs/nns ./.
He/pps lashed/vbd out/rp blindly/rb with/in his/pp$ right/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at thick/jj ,/, squashy/jj crack/nn of/in fist/nn on/in flesh/nn ./.


	Something/pn hard/jj grazed/vbn his/pp$ knuckles/nns ./.
He/pps put/vbd everything/pn he/pps had/hvd into/in the/at next/ap and/cc aimed/vbd down/rp where/wrb the/at stomach/nn ought/md to/to be/be ./.
Rough/jj cloth/nn rasped/vbd his/pp$ fist/nn ./.
There/ex was/bedz a/at grunt/nn ,/, curiously/rb inarticulate/jj ,/, like/cs that/dt of/in an/at animal/nn in/in pain/nn ./.
Something/pn heavy/jj shook/vbd the/at floor/nn as/cs it/pps dropped/vbd ./.


	Alec/np waited/vbd a/at moment/nn ,/, on/in guard/nn ./.
Nothing/pn happened/vbd ./.
Again/rb he/pps groped/vbd for/in the/at light/nn switch/nn ./.


	The/at blue/jj rug/nn had/hvd been/ben rolled/vbn up/rp and/cc stacked/vbn in/in one/cd corner/nn of/in the/at room/nn ./.
On/in the/at bare/jj floorboards/nns a/at man/nn lay/vbd face/nn down/rp ./.
He/pps had/hvd a/at short/jj ,/, heavy/jj ,/, powerful/jj body/nn ./.


	Alec/np turned/vbd him/ppo over/rp and/cc discovered/vbd a/at round/jj ,/, lumpy/jj face/nn with/in narrow/jj ,/, slanting/vbg eyes/nns --/-- a/at primitive/jj Tartar/np face/nn from/in Russia/np or/cc the/at Balkans/nps ./.
The/at man's/nn$ shoes/nns were/bed too/ql pointed/vbn ,/, his/pp$ overcoat/nn too/ql broad/jj at/in the/at shoulders/nns and/cc too/ql narrow/jj at/in the/at waist/nn ./.


	There/ex was/bedz a/at slight/jj bulge/nn under/in the/at left/jj armpit/nn --/-- a/at shoulder/nn holster/nn ./.
Alec/np promptly/rb removed/vbd the/at gun/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz familiar/jj with/in this/dt type/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd seen/vbn it/ppo in/in the/at lineup/nn at/in Police/nns-tl Headquarters/nn-tl in/in New/jj-tl York/np-tl ,/, in/in Broadway/np night/nn clubs/nns and/cc Seventh/od-tl Avenue/nn-tl pool/nn rooms/nns ,/, in/in the/at criminal/nn courts/nns ./.
But/cc he/pps was/bedz surprised/vbn to/to meet/vb it/ppo here/rb ./.
Diana/np Beauclerk/np had/hvd no/at connection/nn with/in the/at underworld/nn ./.


	A/at professional/jj gunman/nn would/md not/* have/hv killed/vbn her/ppo with/in a/at weapon/nn of/in such/jj small/jj caliber/nn as/cs a/at 


./.
Nor/cc would/md he/pps choose/vb a/at respectable/jj hotel/nn as/cs the/at scene/nn for/in a/at killing/nn when/wrb it/pps would/md be/be so/ql much/ql safer/jjr to/to take/vb his/pp$ victim/nn for/in a/at one-way/nn ride/nn on/in a/at lonely/jj country/nn road/nn ./.


	The/at man's/nn$ eyelids/nns fluttered/vbd ./.
He/pps opened/vbd his/pp$ eyes/nns ./.


	``/`` What/wdt are/ber you/ppss doing/vbg here/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Demanded/vbn Alec/np ./.


	The/at man/nn made/vbd no/at reply/nn ./.
His/pp$ eyes/nns were/bed dazed/vbn ./.
His/pp$ lips/nns were/bed bruised/vbn and/cc swollen/vbn where/wrb Alec/np had/hvd hit/vbn him/ppo ./.


	``/`` Did/dod you/ppss kill/vb Diana/np Beauclerk/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Alec/np expected/vbd an/at indignant/jj denial/nn ,/, but/cc there/ex was/bedz no/at response/nn at/in all/abn ./.


	``/`` Oh/uh ,/, come/vb on/rp ,/, snap/vb out/in of/in it/ppo !/. !/.
Or/cc I'll/ppss+md turn/vb you/ppo over/rp to/in the/at police/nns ''/'' !/. !/.
The/at silence/nn was/bedz getting/vbg on/in Alec's/np$ nerves/nns ./.


	The/at man/nn opened/vbd his/pp$ mouth/nn ,/, but/cc no/at words/nns came/vbd ./.
Only/rb that/dt curious/jj ,/, animal/nn grunting/nn Alec/np had/hvd heard/vbn during/in their/pp$ fight/nn ./.


	``/`` Don't/do* you/ppo speak/vb English/np ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at man/nn opened/vbd his/pp$ mouth/nn wider/jjr ./.
A/at forefinger/nn pointed/vbn toward/in his/pp$ gullet/nn ./.
Alec/np leaned/vbd forward/rb to/to look/vb ./.
There/ex were/bed hideous/jj scars/nns inside/in the/at throat/nn and/cc the/at palate/nn was/bedz mutilated/vbn ./.

In/in good/jj time/nn I/ppss shall/md get/vb to/in the/at distressing/jj actuality/nn ,/, to/in Red/jj-tl McIver/np and/cc Handley/np Walker/np ,/, to/in murder/nn and/cc sudden/jj death/nn ./.
But/cc you/ppss realize/vb ,/, I/ppss am/bem sure/jj ,/, how/wrb much/rb old/jj deeds/nns incite/vb to/in new/jj ones/nns ,/, and/cc you/ppss must/md forgive/vb me/ppo if/cs I/ppss tell/vb you/ppo first/rb of/in the/at old/jj ones/nns ./.


	It/pps was/bedz in/in 1814/cd that/cs Abraham/np Wharf/np and/cc his/pp$ sister/nn sat/vbd by/in a/at meager/jj fire/nn in/in their/pp$ house/nn on/in Dogtown/np-tl Common/nn-tl ,/, a/at desolate/jj place/nn even/rb then/rb ./.
He/pps was/bedz sharpening/vbg his/pp$ razor/nn ./.
``/`` Sister/nn ''/'' ,/, said/vbd he/pps ``/`` do/do you/ppo think/vb people/nns who/wps commit/vb suicide/nn go/vb to/in heaven/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.
And/cc she/pps answered/vbd ,/, ``/`` I/ppss don't/do* know/vb ,/, but/cc I/ppss hope/vb you'll/ppss+md never/rb do/do such/abl a/at thing/nn ''/'' ./.
Without/in a/at tremor/nn ,/, ``/`` God/np forbid/vb ''/'' !/. !/.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, and/cc went/vbd out/rp and/cc cut/vbd his/pp$ throat/nn in/in the/at cave/nn near/in Granny/np Day's/np$ swamp/nn ./.


	What/wdt has/hvz this/dt to/to do/do with/in the/at present/nn ?/. ?/.
Much/ap ,/, I/ppss assure/vb you/ppo ./.
You/ppss must/md know/vb what/wdt gets/vbz into/in people/nns ,/, even/rb such/jj as/cs Red/np and/cc Handley/np ,/, before/cs you/ppss can/md tell/vb what/wdt comes/vbz out/in of/in them/ppo ./.
They/ppss had/hvd learned/vbn ,/, both/abx of/in them/ppo ,/, about/in Abraham/np Wharf/np ./.
That's/dt+bez why/wrb I/ppss beg/vb you/ppo not/* to/to forget/vb him/ppo ./.
His/pp$ ghost/nn is/bez not/* laid/vbn ./.
Red/np and/cc Handley/np ,/, God/np help/vb them/ppo ,/, knew/vbd the/at old/jj Dogtown/np lore/nn ;/. ;/.
and/cc I/ppss knew/vbd they/ppss knew/vbd it/ppo ,/, for/cs I'd/ppss+hvd told/vbn them/ppo a/at lot/nn of/in it/ppo ./.
And/cc isn't/bez* it/pps true/jj that/cs you/ppss get/vb a/at deeper/jjr perception/nn about/in a/at man/nn and/cc his/pp$ motives/nns when/wrb you/ppss know/vb what/wdt it/pps is/bez he/pps knows/vbz ?/. ?/.


	Yes/rb ,/, gentlemen/nns ,/, I/ppss am/bem getting/vbg to/in the/at point/nn ,/, to/in my/pp$ point/nn ./.
You/ppss know/vb the/at facts/nns ;/. ;/.
they/ppss are/ber set/vbn forth/rb in/in your/pp$ own/jj newspapers/nns ./.
You/ppss want/vb from/in me/ppo the/at story/nn ,/, but/cc a/at story/nn is/bez about/in '/' why/wrb-nc '/' and/cc then/rb ,/, perhaps/rb ,/, about/in how/wrb-nc ./.
The/at '/' when/wrb-nc '/' you/ppss know/vb ;/. ;/.
yesterday/nr morning/nn ./.
So/cs what/wdt I/ppss am/bem trying/vbg to/to tell/vb you/ppo is/bez the/at '/' why/wrb-nc '/' --/-- that/dt is/bez my/pp$ point/nn --/-- and/cc that/dt concerns/vbz the/at spirit/nn of/in the/at matter/nn ./.
There/ex is/bez an/at inwardness/nn and/cc a/at luster/nn to/in old/jj furniture/nn (/( look/vb at/in that/dt mahogany/nn highboy/nn behind/in you/ppo )/) which/wdt has/hvz a/at provocative/jj emanation/nn ,/, if/cs I/ppss may/md say/vb so/rb ./.
Places/nns ,/, too/rb ,/, have/hv their/pp$ haunting/jj qualities/nns ./.
Even/rb people/nns ./.
And/cc my/pp$ point/nn in/in this/dt sad/jj story/nn is/bez the/at spirit/nn of/in the/at matter/nn ./.
When/wrb you/ppss hold/vb the/at spirit/nn of/in a/at thing/nn ,/, then/rb somehow/rb you/ppss know/vb the/at truth/nn --/-- you/ppss know/vb a/at fake/jj antique/nn from/in the/at real/jj thing/nn ./.
And/cc the/at truth/nn is/bez what/wdt you've/ppss+hv come/vbn for/in ,/, is/bez it/pps not/* ?/. ?/.


	Now/rb ,/, Dogtown/np is/bez one/cd of/in those/dts places/nns that/wps creeps/vbz into/in the/at marrow/nn as/cs worms/nns get/vb into/in old/jj wood/nn ,/, under/in the/at veneer/nn ./.
In/in fact/nn ,/, all/abn the/at folk/nn who/wps lived/vbd on/in the/at back/nn of/in Cape/nn-tl Ann/np-tl ,/, they/ppss are/ber not/* just/rb like/cs others/nns ./.
There's/ex+bez a/at different/jj hall-mark/nn on/in them/ppo ./.
There/ex were/bed no/at witch/nn burnings/nns here/rb because/cs everyone/pn had/hvd a/at witch/nn in/in the/at family/nn ./.
Just/rb think/vb of/in old/jj Granther/np Stannard/np who/wps pulled/vbd the/at teeth/nns of/in Dark/np Younger/np (/( her/pp$ real/jj name/nn was/bedz Dorcas/np )/) ,/, and/cc because/cs he/pps bungled/vbd the/at job/nn and/cc left/vbd two/cd protruding/vbg tusks/nns she/pps put/vbd such/abl a/at hex/nn on/in him/ppo that/cs he/pps thought/vbd his/pp$ legs/nns were/bed made/vbn of/in glass/nn ./.
After/in that/cs he/pps was/bedz never/rb known/vbn to/to run/vb or/cc even/rb walk/vb fast/rb ./.
Today/nr Dogtown/np is/bez the/at only/ap deserted/vbn village/nn in/in all/abn New/jj-tl England/np-tl that/cs I/ppss know/vb of/in ./.
There/rb it/pps sits/vbz ,/, a/at small/jj highland/nn ,/, with/in towns/nns like/cs Gloucester/np near/rb by/rb ;/. ;/.
but/cc now/rb it's/pps+bez the/at most/ql lost/vbn and/cc tortured/vbn place/nn in/in the/at world/nn ./.
Those/dts who/wps lived/vbd in/in that/dt desolation/nn of/in rocky/jj deformity/nn took/vbd on/rp some/dti of/in the/at moraine's/nn$ stony/jj character/nn ./.
Scientists/nns say/vb it/pps is/bez the/at last/ap spewings/nns of/in a/at great/jj glacier/nn ,/, but/cc one/pn rather/rb feels/vbz that/cs only/rb a/at malevolent/jj giant/nn could/md have/hv piled/vbn up/rp those/dts crouching/vbg monsters/nns of/in granite/nn which/wdt still/rb seem/vb to/to preserve/vb a/at sort/nn of/in suspended/vbn ,/, ominous/jj life/nn in/in them/ppo ./.


	We'll/ppss+md walk/vb up/in there/rb later/rbr ./.
It's/pps+bez perhaps/rb a/at mile/nn from/in here/rb where/wrb we/ppss sit/vb ./.
And/cc not/* one/cd single/ap dwelling/nn left/vbn there/rb ,/, though/cs once/rb ,/, in/in the/at early/jj eighteenth/od century/nn ,/, there/ex were/bed close/rb to/in a/at hundred/cd houses/nns ./.
(/( I/ppss myself/ppl have/hv identified/vbn about/in sixty/cd sites/nns ,/, from/in the/at old/jj maps/nns and/cc registers/nns ./.
A/at fascinating/jj pursuit/nn ,/, I/ppss assure/vb you/ppo ./.
)/) Even/rb I/ppss can/md remember/vb nothing/pn but/in ruined/vbn cellars/nns and/cc tumbled/vbn pillars/nns ,/, and/cc nobody/pn has/hvz lived/vbn there/rb in/in the/at memory/nn of/in any/dti living/vbg man/nn ./.
It/pps is/bez now/rb a/at sweep/nn of/in boulders/nns and/cc ledges/nns ,/, with/in oak/nn ,/, walnut/nn and/cc sumac/nn creeping/vbg across/in the/at common/nn ,/, and/cc everywhere/nn the/at ruins/nns and/cc the/at long/jj ,/, long/jj shadows/nns ./.


	That's/dt+bez your/pp$ setting/nn ,/, and/cc a/at sinister/jj one/pn ./.
Please/vb get/vb that/dt in/in your/pp$ reports/nns ./.
It/pps accounts/vbz for/in so/ql many/ap things/nns ./.
Both/abx Red/jj-tl McIver/np and/cc Handley/np Walker/np lived/vbd nearby/rb ,/, almost/rb as/ql near/rb as/cs I/ppss do/do ./.
Red/jj-tl lived/vbd at/in Lanesville/np ,/, and/cc from/in his/pp$ house/nn he/pps could/md be/be up/rp on/in the/at Common/nn-tl in/in a/at half/abn hour's/nn$ brisk/jj walk/nn ;/. ;/.
Handley/np lived/vbd further/rbr on/rp ,/, at/in Pigeon/nn-tl Cove/nn-tl ./.
I'd/ppss+md often/rb find/vb one/cd or/cc other/ap of/in them/ppo up/rp around/in Dogtown/np sketching/vbg ./.
They/ppss were/bed both/abx painters/nns ,/, (/( They/ppss were/bed ?/. ?/.
They/ppss are/ber ?/. ?/.
What/wdt should/md one/pn say/vb ?/. ?/.
)/) Well/uh ,/, anyhow/rb ,/, Dogtown/np-tl Common/nn-tl is/bez so/ql much/rb off/in the/at beaten/vbn track/nn nowadays/rb that/cs only/rb Sunday/nr picnickers/nns still/rb stray/vb up/in there/rb ,/, from/in time/nn to/in time/nn ./.
Sea-road/nn ,/, railroad/nn ,/, lack/nn of/in water/nn ,/, killed/vbd Dogtown/np ./.
Dead/jj ,/, dead/jj as/cs a/at brass/nn door/nn nail/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss sometimes/rb feel/vb like/cs the/at Sexton/nn-tl ,/, for/cs I'm/ppss+bem about/rb the/at last/ap to/to be/be even/rb interested/vbn ./.


	I/ppss knew/vbd Red/np and/cc Handley/np well/rb ./.
As/cs I/ppss said/vbd ,/, they/ppss were/bed both/abx painters/nns ./.
They'd/ppss+md come/vb ,/, separately/rb ,/, to/in Gloucester/np some/dti twenty/cd years/nns ago/rb --/-- there's/ex+hvz always/rb been/ben an/at artists'/nns$ colony/nn somewhere/nn on/in Cape/nn-tl Ann/np-tl --/-- and/cc each/dt married/vbd here/rb ./.
They/ppss married/vbd cousins/nns ,/, Anta/np and/cc Freya/np Norberg/np ./.
There/ex are/ber a/at lot/nn of/in Scandinavians/nps in/in this/dt neck/nn of/in the/at woods/nns ,/, and/cc many/ap still/rb make/vb painted/vbn furniture/nn and/cc take/vb steam-baths/nns ./.
Pretty/jj girls/nns among/in them/ppo ,/, with/in blonde/jj hair/nn and/cc pert/jj faces/nns ./.
Handley/np married/vbd Freya/np and/cc Red/np ,/, of/in the/at red/jj beard/nn ,/, married/vbd Anta/np ./.
And/cc it/pps was/bedz because/cs of/in an/at old/jj Norberg/np inheritance/nn that/cs I/ppss got/vbd to/to understand/vb them/ppo all/abn so/ql well/rb ./.
The/at quarrel/nn ended/vbd in/in a/at ridiculous/jj draw/nn ,/, but/cc I/ppss must/md tell/vb you/ppo about/in it/ppo ./.
Oh/uh ,/, yes/rb ,/, I'm/ppss+bem quite/ql sure/jj it's/pps+bez important/jj ,/, because/cs of/in the/at Beech/nn-tl Pasture/nn-tl ./.
What's/wdt+bez that/dt ?/. ?/.
Why/wrb ,/, that's/dt+bez what/wdt gave/vbd me/ppo the/at feeling/nn ,/, gave/vbd me/ppo as-it-were/rb the/at spirit/nn ,/, the/at demoniac/jj ,/, evil/jj spirit/nn of/in this/dt whole/nn affair/nn ./.


	You/ppss see/vb ,/, besides/rb being/beg custodian/nn of/in antiquities/nns ,/, I/ppss am/bem also/rb registrar/nn ./.
No/rb ,/, I/ppss don't/do* hold/vb with/in those/dts who/wps live/vb entirely/rb among/in dead/jj things/nns ./.
I/ppss know/vb as/ql well/rb as/cs the/at next/ap man/nn that/cs a/at ship/nn is/bez called/vbn from/in the/at rigging/nn she/pps carries/vbz ,/, where/wrb the/at live/jj wind/nn blows/vbz ,/, and/cc not/* from/in the/at hull/nn ./.
But/cc you've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to know/vb both/abx ./.
What's/wdt+bez below/in the/at water-line/nn interests/vbz me/ppo also/rb ./.
As/cs I/ppss was/bedz saying/vbg ,/, I've/ppss+hv known/vbn all/abn about/in the/at old/jj records/nns ,/, including/in the/at old/jj Norberg/np deed/nn ./.
Some/dti ten/cd years/nns ago/rb that/dt page/nn was/bedz torn/vbn out/rp ,/, I/ppss don't/do* know/vb by/in whom/wpo ./.
About/rb five/cd years/nns ago/rb ,/, Handley/np came/vbd to/to ask/vb me/ppo if/cs he/pps could/md see/vb the/at tattered/vbn register/nn ./.
He/pps was/bedz courteous/jj and/cc casual/jj about/in it/ppo ,/, as/cs though/cs it/pps were/bed of/in no/at consequence/nn ./.
He's/pps+hvz always/rb like/cs that/dt ,/, in/in spite/in of/in being/beg a/at big/jj man/nn ./.
(/( When/wrb you/ppss see/vb him/ppo ,/, you'll/ppss+md notice/vb his/pp$ habit/nn of/in fingering/vbg ,/, I/ppss might/md almost/rb say/vb ,/, stroking/vbg a/at large/jj mole/nn with/in black/jj hairs/nns on/in it/ppo ,/, by/in his/pp$ right/jj temple/nn ./.
)/) A/at sensual/jj man/nn ,/, but/cc very/ql courteous/jj ,/, some/dti would/md say/vb slick/jj ./.
Like/cs his/pp$ glossy/jj black/jj hair/nn ./.
Too/ql many/ap outside/jj manners/nns ,/, to/in my/pp$ taste/nn ./.
He/pps is/bez the/at sort/nn who/wps ,/, with/in an/at appraising/vbg eye/nn ,/, would/md cross/vb the/at street/nn to/to help/vb a/at strange/jj woman/nn on/in to/in a/at bus/nn and/cc then/rb pinch/vb her/ppo ./.
A/at real/jj gentleman/nn ,/, I/ppss feel/vb ,/, would/md do/do neither/dtx ./.
He's/pps+hvz always/rb worn/vbn a/at broad-brimmed/jj hat/nn ,/, and/cc I've/ppss+hv noticed/vbn ,/, in/in my/pp$ small/jj study/nn at/in the/at Society/nn-tl ,/, that/cs he/pps rather/rb smells/vbz of/in cosmetics/nns ./.
The/at next/ap week/nn ,/, cousin/nn Red/np wandered/vbd in/rp as/ql casually/rb ,/, but/cc curt/jj and/cc untidy/jj ./.
Red/np was/bedz small/jj and/cc fine-boned/jj ,/, like/cs ivory-inlay/nn ./.
He/pps too/rb asked/vbd to/to see/vb the/at same/ap page/nn ./.
When/wrb I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo someone/pn had/hvd torn/vbn it/ppo out/rp ,/, he/pps shouted/vbd ./.
``/`` By/in God/np ,/, it's/pps+bez that/dt damn/jj Handley/np ,/, the/at sneak/nn ''/'' !/. !/.
And/cc later/rbr in/in the/at same/ap week/nn they/ppss both/abx came/vbd together/rb to/to examine/vb the/at register/nn ./.
Fortunately/rb we/ppss were/bed alone/rb in/in the/at building/nn --/-- so/ql few/ap people/nns nowadays/rb are/ber interested/vbn even/rb in/in their/pp$ own/jj past/nn or/cc in/in the/at lovely/jj craft/nn of/in other/ap days/nns --/-- for/cs they/ppss began/vbd to/to abuse/vb each/dt other/ap in/in the/at foulest/jjt language/nn ./.
Red/jj-tl thrusting/vbg out/rp his/pp$ tawny/jj beard/nn ,/, Handley/np glowering/vbg under/in his/pp$ suddenly/rb rumpled/vbn black/jj hair/nn ./.
They/ppss actually/rb bristled/vbd ./.
Le/fw-at rouge/fw-nn et/fw-cc le/fw-at noir/fw-jj ./.
Violent/jj men/nns both/abx ./.
Red/jj-tl always/rb was/bedz morose/jj ,/, yet/rb that/dt day/nn the/at dapper/jj Handley/np was/bedz the/at louder/jjr of/in the/at two/cd ./.
But/in for/in my/pp$ presence/nn ,/, they/ppss would/md have/hv been/ben at/in each/dt others'/nns$ throats/nns ./.


	During/in the/at quarrel/nn I/ppss learned/vbd what/wdt the/at trouble/nn was/bedz ,/, from/in the/at accusations/nns each/dt hurled/vbd at/in the/at other/ap ./.
The/at Beech/nn-tl Pasture/nn-tl had/hvd suddenly/rb become/vbn valuable/jj ./.
There's/ex+bez a/at fine/jj granite/nn quarry/nn there/rb ,/, and/cc granite's/nn+bez coming/vbg back/rb for/in public/jj buildings/nns ./.
Both/abx men/nns knew/vbd it/pps was/bedz in/in the/at Norberg/np family/nn holdings/nns ,/, but/cc to/in which/wdt of/in the/at cousins/nns did/dod it/pps belong/vb ,/, Anta/np or/cc Freya/np ?/. ?/.
Fortunately/rb ,/, I/ppss knew/vbd almost/rb exactly/rb what/wdt the/at will/nn had/hvd said/vbn ./.
It/pps began/vbd with/in a/at preamble/nn ,/, of/in course/nn ./.
This/dt explained/vbd that/cs the/at judge/nn of/in probate/nn of/in Essex/np-tl County/nn-tl ,/, 1785/cd or/cc 1786/cd ,/, appointed/vbd three/cd free-holders/nns of/in Gloucester/np to/to divide/vb and/cc establish/vb the/at Norberg/np estate/nn ./.
After/in the/at usual/jj Honorable/jj-tl Sirs/nns-tl ,/, it/pps went/vbd on/rp to/to say/vb that/cs there/ex had/hvd been/ben set/vbn off/rp to/in the/at widow/nn one/cd full/jj third/od part/nn of/in the/at real/jj estate/nn of/in the/at deceased/jj Salu/np Norberg/np ,/, one/cd lower/jjr room/nn ,/, on/in the/at Western/jj-tl side/nn ,/, privileges/nns to/in the/at well/nn and/cc bake-oven/nn and/cc to/in one/cd third/od of/in the/at cellar/nn (/( I/ppss can/md show/vb you/ppo the/at cellar/nn when/wrb we/ppss go/vb up/rp )/) ,/, also/rb one/cd Cow/nn-tl Right/nn-tl ,/, and/cc lastly/rb they/ppss set/vbd off/rp to/in the/at widow/nn her/pp$ own/jj land/nn that/cs she/pps brought/vbd with/in her/ppo as/cs dower/nn ,/, namely/rb the/at Beech/nn-tl Pasture/nn-tl ./.
And/cc I/ppss remember/vb that/cs the/at whole/nn of/in the/at privileges/nns ,/, not/* counting/vbg the/at Beech/nn-tl Pasture/nn-tl ,/, was/bedz valued/vbn at/in twenty/cd pounds/nns ./.
I/ppss wish/vb you/ppss could/md have/hv seen/vbn the/at crests/nns fall/vb on/in these/dts two/cd sparring/vbg coxcombs/nns when/wrb I/ppss told/vbd them/ppo that/cs obviously/rb the/at pasture/nn belonged/vbd to/in their/pp$ wives/nns jointly/rb ./.


	That/dt battle/nn scene/nn ,/, ridiculous/jj as/cs it/ppo was/bedz ,/, remained/vbd in/in my/pp$ mind/nn ./.
A/at disturbing/jj picture/nn of/in bad/jj blood/nn ,/, to/to be/be further/jjr heightened/vbn with/in illicit/jj if/cs buccolic/jj colors/nns ,/, for/cs on/in a/at subsequent/jj day/nn I/ppss saw/vbd Handley/np escorting/vbg Anta/np ,/, Red's/np$ wife/nn ,/, up/rp on/in Dogtown/np-tl Common/nn-tl ./.
I/ppss felt/vbd it/pps would/md be/be inopportune/jj to/to disclose/vb my/pp$ presence/nn ./.
Not/* that/cs I/ppss intentionally/rb go/vb unperceived/jj ,/, but/cc the/at boulders/nns up/rp there/rb are/ber very/ql high/jj and/cc I/ppss am/bem a/at small/jj woman/nn ./.


	One/cd other/ap cause/nn of/in jealousy/nn between/in them/ppo I/ppss must/md tell/vb you/ppo ./.
Paint/nn !/. !/.
Gloomy/jj and/cc unkempt/jj as/cs Red/jj-tl McIver/np was/bedz ,/, he/pps was/bedz much/rb the/at better/jjr painter/nn ./.
I/ppss suppose/vb Handley/np knew/vbd it/ppo ./.
If/cs Red/np had/hvd a/at show/nn at/in Gloucester/np ,/, Handley/np would/md hurry/vb to/to hang/vb his/pp$ pictures/nns in/in Rockport/np ./.
You/ppss may/md say/vb this/dt has/hvz little/ap pertinence/nn ,/, but/cc ,/, gentlemen/nns ,/, remember/vb that/cs all/abn this/dt prepared/vbd my/pp$ mind/nn ,/, alerted/vbd my/pp$ intelligence/nn ./.
By/in such/jj touches/nns the/at pattern/nn takes/vbz shape/nn ./.
You/ppss would/md call/vb these/dts the/at motives/nns of/in crime/nn ./.
I/ppss would/md call/vb them/ppo the/at patterns/nns of/in life/nn ,/, perhaps/rb even/rb the/at designs/nns of/in destiny/nn ./.
Yet/rb with/in all/abn this/dt knowledge/nn I/ppss had/hvd nothing/pn of/in substance/nn to/to unravel/vb our/pp$ case/nn ,/, as/cs you/ppss would/md call/vb it/ppo ,/, till/in yesterday/nr ./.


	One/cd month/nn ago/rb ,/, on/in the/at 20th/od of/in October/np ,/, was/bedz the/at opening/nn of/in the/at gunning/vbg season/nn in/in Massachusetts/np ./.
Not/* much/ap to/to shoot/vb ,/, but/cc there/ex are/ber a/at few/ap pheasant/nns ./.
Rabbits/nns ,/, too/rb ,/, if/cs you/ppss care/vb for/in them/ppo ,/, which/wdt most/ap of/in the/at folk/nn around/in here/rb haven't/hv* the/at sense/nn to/to appreciate/vb ./.
Any/dti more/rbr than/cs they/ppss have/hv the/at sense/nn to/to eat/vb mussels/nns ./.
That/dt was/bedz the/at day/nn Red/np was/bedz said/vbn to/to have/hv gone/vbn away/rb ./.
Oh/uh yes/rb ,/, he'd/pps+hvd talked/vbn about/in doing/vbg so/rb ./.
In/in fact/nn ,/, he/pps often/rb disappeared/vbd ,/, from/in time/nn to/in time/nn ,/, --/-- off/rp to/to paint/vb the/at sea/nn ,/, aboard/rb a/at dragger/nn out/rp from/in Gloucester/np ./.
Anta/np ,/, his/pp$ wife/nn ,/, never/rb seemed/vbd to/to mind/vb ./.
I/ppss suppose/vb these/dts absences/nns gave/vbd her/ppo more/ap clearance/nn for/in her/pp$ embraces/nns with/in Cousin/nn-tl Handley/np ./.
Anyhow/rb ,/, I/ppss wasn't/bedz* surprised/vbn ,/, early/rb that/dt morning/nn ,/, to/to see/vb Handley/np himself/ppl crossing/vbg from/in Dogtown/np-tl Common/nn-tl Road/nn-tl to/in the/at Back/jj-tl Road/nn-tl ./.
No/rb ,/, he/pps didn't/dod* have/hv his/pp$ gun/nn ,/, which/wdt he/pps should/md have/hv ./.
It/pps would/md have/hv been/ben a/at good/jj excuse/nn for/in his/pp$ being/beg there/rb at/in all/abn ./.
I/ppss myself/ppl had/hvd been/ben up/rp there/rb by/in seven/cd o'clock/rb ,/, after/in mushrooms/nns ,/, since/cs there'd/ex+hvd been/ben a/at week/nn of/in rain/nn which/wdt had/hvd stopped/vbn early/rb that/dt morning/nn and/cc the/at day/nn was/bedz as/ql clear/jj as/cs Sandwich/np glass/nn ./.



	That's/dt+bez what/wdt the/at man/nn had/hvd said/vbn ./.
Haney/np peered/vbd doubtfully/rb at/in his/pp$ drinking/vbg companion/nn through/in bleary/jj ,/, tear-filled/jj eyes/nns ./.
He/pps had/hvd no/at ready/jj answer/nn ,/, as/ql much/rb from/in surprise/nn as/cs from/in the/at fit/nn of/in coughing/vbg ./.
Was/bedz the/at man/nn drunk/jj or/cc crazy/jj or/cc both/abx ?/. ?/.
But/cc his/pp$ new-found/jj buddy/nn had/hvd matched/vbn him/ppo drink/nn for/in drink/nn until/cs he/pps lost/vbd count/nn ,/, and/cc the/at man's/nn$ eyes/nns were/bed still/rb clear/jj ./.


	The/at guy/nn is/bez off/in his/pp$ rocker/nn ,/, Haney/np thought/vbd to/in himself/ppl ,/, and/cc looked/vbd away/rb from/in those/dts eyes/nns ./.
Eyes/nns that/wps were/bed clear/jj ,/, but/cc also/rb bright/jj with/in a/at strange/jj intensity/nn ,/, a/at sort/nn of/in cold/jj fire/nn burning/vbg behind/in them/ppo ./.
Why/wrb hadn't/hvd* he/pps noticed/vbn it/ppo before/rb ?/. ?/.
No/rb ,/, the/at man/nn was/bedz not/* drunk/jj 

	He/pps wondered/vbd how/wrb he/pps got/vbd tied/vbn up/rp with/in this/dt stranger/nn ./.
But/cc ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, he/pps remembered/vbd now/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz blurred/vbn ,/, after/in two/cd hours/nns of/in steady/jj drinking/nn ,/, but/cc the/at occasion/nn of/in it/ppo came/vbd back/rb to/in him/ppo ./.
The/at stranger/nn ,/, his/pp$ head/nn seemingly/rb sunk/vbn in/in thought/nn ,/, started/vbd to/to cross/vb the/at street/nn against/in the/at light/nn just/rb as/cs a/at huge/jj moving/vbg van/nn roared/vbd through/in the/at intersection/nn ./.


	Brakes/nns howled/vbd and/cc a/at horn/nn blared/vbd furiously/rb ,/, but/cc the/at man/nn would/md have/hv been/ben hit/vbn if/cs Phil/np hadn't/hvd* called/vbn out/rp to/in him/ppo a/at second/nn before/rb ./.
His/pp$ shout/nn had/hvd been/ben involuntary/jj ,/, something/pn anybody/pn might/md have/hv done/vbn without/in thinking/vbg ,/, on/in the/at spur/nn of/in the/at moment/nn ./.
As/cs a/at matter/nn of/in fact/nn ,/, he/pps wouldn't/md* have/hv cared/vbn at/in all/abn if/cs the/at guy/nn had/hvd been/ben hit/vbn ./.
Actually/rb ,/, he/pps regretted/vbd having/hvg opened/vbn his/pp$ mouth/nn when/wrb the/at truck/nn came/vbd to/in a/at stop/nn and/cc the/at angry/jj driver/nn jumped/vbd down/rp from/in the/at cab/nn and/cc walked/vbd back/rb toward/in them/ppo ./.


	By/in then/rb ,/, the/at stranger/nn was/bedz thanking/vbg Haney/np profusely/rb and/cc had/hvd one/cd arm/nn around/in his/pp$ shoulders/nns as/cs if/cs he/pps were/bed an/at old/jj friend/nn ./.
So/cs the/at driver/nn started/vbd to/to curse/vb at/in both/abx of/in them/ppo as/cs if/cs they/ppss had/hvd been/ben in/in a/at plot/nn together/rb to/to ruin/vb his/pp$ safe-driving/nn record/nn ./.


	Then/rb the/at man/nn he/pps saved/vbd turned/vbd and/cc looked/vbd squarely/rb into/in the/at truck/nn driver's/nn$ face/nn ,/, without/in saying/vbg a/at word/nn ./.
Very/ql suddenly/rb ,/, the/at driver/nn stopped/vbd swearing/vbg at/in them/ppo ,/, turned/vbd on/in his/pp$ heel/nn and/cc went/vbd back/rb to/in his/pp$ truck/nn ./.


	Haney/np hadn't/hvd* given/vbn it/ppo much/ap thought/nn at/in the/at time/nn ./.
Now/rb he/pps recalled/vbd it/ppo very/ql clearly/rb ,/, and/cc wondered/vbd what/wdt the/at truck/nn driver/nn had/hvd seen/vbn in/in those/dts eyes/nns to/to make/vb him/ppo back/vb off/rp ./.
It/pps must/md have/hv been/ben the/at sort/nn of/in look/nn that/wps can/md call/vb a/at bluff/nn without/in saying/vbg a/at word/nn ./.


	When/wrb the/at light/nn went/vbd their/pp$ way/nn ,/, they/ppss went/vbd on/rp across/in the/at street/nn ./.
And/cc when/wrb the/at stranger/nn found/vbd out/rp that/cs Phil/np was/bedz on/in the/at way/nn to/in one/cd of/in his/pp$ favorite/jj bars/nns ,/, he/pps insisted/vbd on/in offering/vbg to/to buy/vb drinks/nns for/in both/abx of/in them/ppo ./.


	Phil/np usually/rb went/vbd alone/rb and/cc kept/vbd to/in himself/ppl ,/, sitting/vbg in/in a/at corner/nn and/cc passing/vbg the/at time/nn by/in nursing/vbg his/pp$ favorite/jj grudges/nns ./.
But/cc he/pps decided/vbd he/pps wouldn't/md* mind/vb company/nn in/in return/nn for/in free/jj drinks/nns ,/, even/rb though/cs he/pps made/vbd good/jj money/nn at/in his/pp$ job/nn ./.
Phil/np was/bedz like/cs that/dt ./.




Now/rb he/pps wondered/vbd if/cs it/pps was/bedz worth/jj it/ppo ,/, having/hvg a/at screwball/nn for/in company/nn ./.
He/pps really/rb didn't/dod* take/vb the/at offer/nn seriously/rb ,/, but/cc he/pps began/vbd to/to feel/vb uneasy/jj ./.
When/wrb he/pps finally/rb got/vbd the/at coughing/nn under/in control/nn ,/, he/pps realized/vbd that/cs Pete/np (/( all/abn he/pps gave/vbd was/bedz his/pp$ first/od name/nn )/) was/bedz still/rb waiting/vbg for/in an/at answer/nn --/-- he/pps didn't/dod* even/rb seem/vb to/to wink/vb as/cs he/pps continued/vbd to/to stare/vb ./.


	Haney/np managed/vbd a/at weak/jj laugh/nn ./.
``/`` Guess/vb I/ppss can't/md* think/vb of/in anyone/pn ,/, Pete/np ./.
Thanks/nns anyhow/rb ''/'' ./.


	A/at faint/jj crease/nn appeared/vbd between/in the/at man's/nn$ eyebrows/nns ./.
``/`` I/ppss think/vb you/ppss aren't/ber* taking/vbg me/ppo seriously/rb ,/, Phil/np ./.
I/ppss meant/vbd it/ppo ./.
And/cc everybody/pn has/hvz some/dti kind/nn of/in grudge/nn ./.
I/ppss might/md have/hv got/vbn hit/vbn by/in that/dt truck/nn if/cs it/pps wasn't/bedz* for/in you/ppo ./.
I/ppss believe/vb in/in returning/vbg favors/nns ./.
I'll/ppss+md do/do anything/pn for/in somebody/pn I/ppss like/vb ./.
It/pps won't/md* cost/vb you/ppo a/at cent/nn ,/, Phil/np ./.
Go/vb ahead/rb and/cc try/vb me/ppo ''/'' !/. !/.


	Phil/np rubbed/vbd his/pp$ forehead/nn wearily/rb ./.
He/pps was/bedz beginning/vbg to/to feel/vb woolly/jj ./.
Maybe/rb it/pps would/md be/be better/jjr to/to humor/vb the/at guy/nn and/cc then/rb make/vb an/at exit/nn ./.
He/pps really/rb didn't/dod* expect/vb anything/pn to/to come/vb of/in it/ppo ,/, and/cc there/ex were/bed a/at few/ap people/nns 

	``/`` All/ql right/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps conceded/vbd finally/rb ,/, ``/`` if/cs you/ppss must/md know/vb ,/, I/ppss don't/do* get/vb along/rb with/in the/at landlord/nn ./.
He/pps keeps/vbz riding/vbg me/ppo because/cs I/ppss like/vb to/to listen/vb to/in the/at radio/nn and/cc sing/vb while/cs I'm/ppss+bem taking/vbg a/at bath/nn ./.
He/pps says/vbz the/at neighbors/nns complain/vb ,/, but/cc I/ppss don't/do* believe/vb it/ppo ./.
Why/wrb don't/do* they/ppss tell/vb me/ppo themselves/ppls if/cs it/pps bothers/vbz them/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	The/at man/nn closed/vbd his/pp$ eyes/nns and/cc nodded/vbd ./.
When/wrb he/pps looked/vbd up/rp again/rb ,/, he/pps seemed/vbd almost/ql contented/vbn ./.
``/`` Fine/jj ./.
Give/vb me/ppo your/pp$ address/nn ./.
It/pps will/md take/vb a/at little/ap time/nn ./.
I/ppss want/vb to/to study/vb your/pp$ landlord's/nn$ habits/nns and/cc movements/nns first/rb ./.
You/ppss see/vb ,/, I/ppss always/rb make/vb it/ppo look/vb like/cs an/at accident/nn ./.
Maybe/rb suicide/nn ,/, if/cs it/pps looks/vbz reasonable/jj ./.
In/in that/dt way/nn there's/ex+bez no/at trouble/nn for/in the/at customer/nn ''/'' ./.


	Haney's/np$ eyebrows/nns flew/vbd up/rp ./.
``/`` Customer/nn ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Pete/np smiled/vbd modestly/rb ./.
``/`` It's/pps+bez my/pp$ line/nn of/in work/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd 

	Five/cd minutes/nns later/rbr ,/, before/cs Haney/np could/md make/vb his/pp$ break/nn ,/, the/at stranger/nn stood/vbd up/rp and/cc nodded/vbd farewell/nn ./.
Haney/np watched/vbd the/at small/jj but/cc wiry/jj man/nn slip/vb out/in the/at door/nn quickly/rb and/cc silently/rb ,/, and/cc felt/vbd relieved/vbn to/to see/vb that/cs nobody/pn else/rb seemed/vbd to/to notice/vb his/pp$ departure/nn ./.


	Phil/np decided/vbd to/to stay/vb a/at little/ap longer/jjr ,/, and/cc as/cs time/nn passed/vbd it/pps seemed/vbd as/cs if/cs the/at strange/jj little/ap man/nn had/hvd never/rb been/ben there/rb ,/, but/cc for/in the/at other/ap glass/nn on/in the/at table/nn ./.
Some/dti time/nn before/in midnight/nn he/pps returned/vbd to/in his/pp$ apartment/nn and/cc hit/vbd the/at sack/nn ,/, putting/vbg the/at whole/jj incident/nn out/in of/in mind/nn before/cs he/pps fell/vbd asleep/rb ./.


	The/at next/ap day/nn ,/, Sunday/nr ,/, the/at hangover/nn reminded/vbd Haney/np where/wrb he/pps had/hvd been/ben the/at night/nn before/rb ./.
The/at hangover/nn in/in turn/nn reminded/vbd him/ppo of/in his/pp$ conversation/nn with/in the/at weirdy/nn ,/, and/cc he/pps groaned/vbd ./.
He/pps went/vbd for/in more/ap aspirin/nn later/rbr in/in the/at day/nn ,/, and/cc passed/vbd the/at surly/jj landlord/nn on/in the/at way/nn --/-- he/pps was/bedz still/rb alive/jj and/cc scowling/vbg as/ql usual/jj ,/, as/cs if/cs tenants/nns were/bed a/at burden/nn in/in his/pp$ life/nn ./.
Phil/np shrugged/vbd and/cc ignored/vbd him/ppo ./.


	He/pps went/vbd back/rb to/in work/nn Monday/nr ./.
By/in Wednesday/nr the/at landlord/nn was/bedz still/rb alive/jj ./.
Of/in course/nn On/in Thursday/nr ,/, Haney/np mailed/vbd the/at monthly/jj check/nn for/in separate/jj maintenance/nn to/in his/pp$ wife/nn Lolly/np ,/, and/cc wished/vbd the/at stranger/nn could/md do/do something/pn about/in her/ppo 

	Coming/vbg home/nr from/in work/nn ,/, he/pps was/bedz startled/vbn to/to see/vb a/at police/nn car/nn parked/vbn in/in front/nn of/in the/at apartment/nn building/nn ./.
Inside/in the/at lobby/nn ,/, people/nns were/bed standing/vbg around/rb ,/, talking/vbg excitedly/rb ./.
His/pp$ spine/nn crawled/vbd with/in a/at foreboding/vbg premonition/nn as/cs he/pps asked/vbd one/cd of/in his/pp$ fellow/nn tenants/nns what/wdt had/hvd happened/vbn ./.


	The/at landlord/nn had/hvd died/vbn ./.
Late/rb that/dt afternoon/nn ,/, it/pps seemed/vbd ,/, he/pps had/hvd fallen/vbn off/in the/at roof/nn while/cs on/in some/dti obscure/jj errand/nn or/cc inspection/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd apparently/rb been/ben alone/rb ./.
Nobody/pn witnessed/vbd the/at fall/nn --/-- just/rb the/at sickening/vbg impact/nn when/wrb his/pp$ body/nn smashed/vbd on/in the/at pavement/nn just/rb outside/in the/at basement/nn delivery/nn entrance/nn ./.


	Haney/np hoped/vbd that/cs nobody/pn noticed/vbd his/pp$ sudden/jj pallor/nn ,/, as/cs he/pps felt/vbd the/at blood/nn drain/nn from/in his/pp$ cheeks/nns ./.
He/pps muttered/vbd something/pn about/in how/wrb terrible/jj it/pps was/bedz ,/, and/cc walked/vbd with/in deliberate/jj slowness/nn to/in the/at elevator/nn ./.
Once/rb inside/in his/pp$ apartment/nn ,/, he/pps poured/vbd a/at drink/nn with/in trembling/vbg hands/nns and/cc flopped/vbd limply/rb in/in a/at chair/nn ./.


	After/in a/at while/nn he/pps began/vbd to/to feel/vb better/rbr about/in it/ppo ,/, especially/rb when/wrb no/at one/pn bothered/vbd to/to ask/vb any/dti questions/nns ./.
But/cc after/in all/abn ,/, why/wrb should/md they/ppss ?/. ?/.
Still/ql later/rbr ,/, he/pps finally/rb convinced/vbd himself/ppl that/cs it/pps was/bedz an/at accident/nn --/-- just/rb a/at coincidence/nn ./.
The/at stranger/nn really/rb had/hvd nothing/pn to/to do/do with/in it/ppo ,/, of/in course/nn 

	Haney/np went/vbd to/in bed/nn ,/, happy/jj that/cs at/in least/ap he/pps was/bedz rid/jj of/in that/dt lousy/jj landlord/nn ./.
After/in all/abn ,/, the/at man/nn had/hvd no/at family/nn ,/, so/cs no/at one/pn suffered/vbd ,/, and/cc everybody/pn was/bedz better/jjr off/rp for/in it/ppo ./.
Really/rb ,/, he/pps said/vbd to/in himself/ppl ,/, nobody/pn kills/vbz a/at man/nn just/rb as/cs a/at favor/nn !/. !/.


	So/rb you/ppss thought/vbd I/ppss didn't/dod* mean/vb what/wdt I/ppss said/vbd ./.
The/at stranger's/nn$ eyes/nns were/bed large/jj and/cc sad/jj ,/, as/cs if/cs Phil/np Haney/np had/hvd hurt/nn his/pp$ feelings/nns ./.
It/pps was/bedz like/cs a/at recurrent/jj ,/, annoying/jj dream/nn ,/, but/cc now/rb the/at dream/nn was/bedz beginning/vbg to/to take/vb on/in overtones/nns of/in a/at nightmare/nn ./.


	However/wrb ,/, Haney/np knew/vbd it/pps was/bedz not/* a/at dream/nn ./.
He/pps might/md be/be very/ql tight/jj ,/, but/cc he/pps knew/vbd where/wrb he/pps was/bedz ./.
It/pps was/bedz the/at same/ap bar/nn ,/, and/cc it/pps was/bedz two/cd weeks/nns later/rbr --/-- Saturday/nr night/nn ,/, when/wrb he/pps had/hvd an/at excuse/nn to/to drink/vb heavier/rbr than/cs usual/jj ./.




He/pps had/hvd been/ben sitting/vbg in/in the/at usual/jj corner/nn at/in the/at little/ap table/nn ,/, as/ql far/jj as/cs possible/jj from/in any/dti talkative/jj ,/, friendly/jj lushes/nns ./.
He/pps was/bedz enjoying/vbg the/at weekly/jj ritual/nn of/in washing/vbg down/rp his/pp$ pet/nn grievance/nn with/in bourbon/nn slightly/rb moistened/vbn with/in water/nn ./.
This/dt favorite/nn grievance/nn was/bedz not/* the/at landlord/nn ./.
He/pps had/hvd already/rb quite/ql forgotten/vbn about/in him/ppo ./.
In/in fact/nn ,/, he/pps had/hvd only/rb mentioned/vbn him/ppo on/in the/at spur/nn of/in the/at moment/nn ./.
His/pp$ real/jj grievance/nn was/bedz Lolly/np ./.


	Toward/in the/at end/nn of/in his/pp$ fourth/od hairy/jj highball/nn ,/, while/cs he/pps was/bedz moodily/rb making/vbg wet/jj rings/nns on/in the/at table-top/nn with/in the/at bottom/nn of/in the/at glass/nn ,/, he/pps became/vbd aware/jj that/cs he/pps was/bedz not/* alone/rb ./.
He/pps looked/vbd up/rp with/in bloodshot/jj eyes/nns and/cc beheld/vbd the/at stranger/nn sitting/vbg across/in the/at table/nn ,/, smiling/vbg a/at secret/jj smile/nn at/in him/ppo ,/, as/cs if/cs they/ppss were/bed fellow/nn conspirators/nns ./.
He/pps hadn't/hvd* even/rb noticed/vbn --/-- what/wdt was/bedz his/pp$ name/nn ?/. ?/.
Pete/np ?/. ?/.
--/-- he/pps hadn't/hvd* seen/vbn him/ppo sit/vb down/rp ./.
The/at man/nn was/bedz uncanny/jj ,/, like/cs a/at shadow/nn ,/, and/cc made/vbd as/ql much/ap noise/nn as/cs a/at shadow/nn ./.


	Haney/np felt/vbd like/cs shrinking/vbg out/rp of/in sight/nn ,/, but/cc he/pps was/bedz already/rb trapped/vbn in/in the/at corner/nn with/in the/at wiry/jj ,/, dark/jj little/ap man/nn ./.
He/pps began/vbd to/to wish/vb that/cs he/pps hadn't/hvd* shouted/vbn that/dt other/ap evening/nn when/wrb the/at truck/nn bore/vbd down/rp through/in the/at crossing/nn ./.
Was/bedz he/pps going/vbg to/to be/be saddled/vbn from/in now/rb on/rp with/in a/at creep/nn for/in a/at bar-buddy/nn ?/. ?/.
He'd/pps+md have/hv to/to start/vb going/vbg to/in some/dti of/in the/at other/ap places/nns again/rb ./.


	In/in a/at low/jj voice/nn ,/, almost/rb whispering/vbg ,/, the/at man/nn had/hvd asked/vbn Phil/np if/cs he/pps was/bedz happy/jj with/in the/at way/nn the/at landlord/nn had/hvd been/ben taken/vbn off/in his/pp$ back/nn ./.
He/pps made/vbd the/at mistake/nn of/in answering/vbg in/in an/at offhand/jj way/nn ,/, and/cc instantly/rb realized/vbd that/cs his/pp$ skepticism/nn must/md have/hv showed/vbn in/in his/pp$ face/nn or/cc voice/nn ./.


	Pete/np frowned/vbd slightly/rb ,/, then/rb became/vbd sad/jj and/cc moody/jj ./.
Haney/np didn't/dod* want/vb to/to encourage/vb his/pp$ company/nn ,/, but/cc felt/vbd he/pps ought/md to/to buy/vb him/ppo a/at drink/nn anyhow/rb ,/, to/to prevent/vb possible/jj trouble/nn ./.
But/cc there/ex was/bedz no/at trouble/nn ./.
The/at guy/nn sulked/vbd over/in his/pp$ drink/nn ,/, obviously/rb upset/vbn by/in Haney's/np$ lack/nn of/in appreciation/nn ./.


	To/to break/vb the/at uncomfortable/jj silence/nn ,/, Haney/np began/vbd to/to talk/vb ./.
In/in time/nn ,/, and/cc two/cd drinks/nns later/rbr ,/, he/pps was/bedz complaining/vbg bitterly/rb about/in his/pp$ wife/nn ,/, He/pps was/bedz on/in the/at subject/nn for/in ten/cd minutes/nns or/cc so/rb when/wrb he/pps noticed/vbd the/at renewed/vbn interest/nn in/in his/pp$ listener/nn --/-- it/pps showed/vbd in/in the/at alert/jj face/nn and/cc the/at suddenly/rb bright/jj eyes/nns ./.


	When/wrb he/pps paused/vbd to/to moisten/vb his/pp$ throat/nn ,/, the/at stranger/nn broke/vbd in/rp ./.
``/`` But/cc why/wrb pay/nn her/pp$ bills/nns ?/. ?/.
If/cs she/pps runs/vbz around/rb with/in other/ap men/nns ,/, and/cc if/cs you/ppss hate/vb her/ppo as/cs you/ppss say/vb ,/, why/wrb not/* just/rb divorce/vb her/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	Haney/np scowled/vbd ./.
``/`` That/dt bitch/nn would/md love/vb a/at divorce/nn ''/'' ,/, he/pps growled/vbd ./.
``/`` Then/rb she'd/pps+md get/vb half/abn of/in everything/pn I/ppss have/hv ./.
Community/nn property/nn deal/nn --/-- you/ppss know/vb ./.
I'd/ppss+md have/hv to/to sell/vb out/rp my/pp$ business/nn to/to pay/vb her/ppo off/rp with/in her/pp$ share/nn ./.
She/pps can/md drop/vb dead/jj ''/'' !/. !/.


	Pete/np nodded/vbd understandingly/rb ./.
``/`` Oh/uh yes/rb ./.
Now/rb I/ppss see/vb ./.
You/ppss must/md understand/vb ,/, I/ppss haven't/hv* been/ben in/in this/dt state/nn too/ql long/jj ./.
I/ppss came/vbd out/rp here/rb to/to retire/vb ./.
That's/dt+bez why/wrb I/ppss --/-- why/wrb I/ppss do/do a/at free/jj job/nn now/rb and/cc then/rb ./.
You/ppss should/md have/hv told/vbn me/ppo about/in her/ppo before/rb ''/'' ./.


	Haney/np felt/vbd a/at twinge/nn of/in annoyance/nn when/wrb he/pps heard/vbd the/at now/rb familiar/jj line/nn again/rb ./.
Then/rb a/at wild/jj thought/nn ran/vbd circles/nns through/in his/pp$ clouded/vbn brain/nn ./.
Suppose/vb --/-- just/rb suppose/vb this/dt guy/nn was/bedz really/rb what/wdt he/pps said/vbd he/pps was/bedz !/. !/.
A/at retired/vbn professional/jj killer/nn If/cs he/pps was/bedz just/rb a/at nut/nn ,/, no/at harm/nn was/bedz done/vbn ./.
But/cc if/cs he/pps was/bedz the/at real/jj thing/nn ,/, he/pps could/md do/do something/pn about/in Lolly/np ./.
He/pps felt/vbd very/ql cunning/jj ,/, very/ql proud/jj of/in himself/ppl as/cs he/pps played/vbd on/in the/at other/ap man's/nn$ soft/jj spot/nn ./.


	``/`` No/at offense/nn intended/vbn ''/'' ,/, he/pps said/vbd gently/rb ./.
``/`` But/cc it's/pps+bez just/rb that/cs --/-- well/uh ,/, you/ppss know/vb ./.
The/at cops/nns didn't/dod* suspect/vb a/at thing/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss thought/vbd it/pps was/bedz a/at coincidence/nn ./.
After/in all/abn ,/, I/ppss didn't/dod* know/vb you/ppo ,/, Pete/np ./.
It/pps could/md have/hv been/ben an/at accident/nn ''/'' ./.
He/pps shrugged/vbd casually/rb ./.
``/`` But/cc if/cs you/ppss say/vb you/ppss managed/vbd it/ppo ''/'' The/at stranger/nn was/bedz hooked/vbn ./.
His/pp$ eyes/nns burned/vbd feverishly/rb ./.
``/`` Yes/rb ,/, yes/rb ''/'' ,/, he/pps muttered/vbd impatiently/rb ./.
``/`` Of/in course/nn it/pps looked/vbd like/cs an/at accident/nn ./.
I/ppss always/rb work/vb it/ppo that/dt way/nn --/-- and/cc always/rb at/in a/at time/nn when/wrb the/at customer/nn has/hvz an/at alibi/nn ./.
Let/vb me/ppo prove/vb it/ppo ,/, Phil/np ./.
I/ppss think/vb I/ppss can/md manage/vb one/cd more/ap favor/nn for/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.
He/pps waited/vbd eagerly/rb ./.


	Haney/np swished/vbd the/at liquor/nn in/in the/at bottom/nn of/in his/pp$ glass/nn ./.

About/rb halfway/rb back/rb Pops/np groped/vbd against/in a/at wall/nn and/cc stopped/vbd ,/, pulled/vbd away/rb two/cd loosely/rb nailed/vbn wide/jj boards/nns at/in one/cd end/nn ,/, and/cc went/vbd through/rp ./.
``/`` C'mon/uh ''/'' ,/, he/pps whispered/vbd ;/. ;/.
``/`` floor/nn level's/nn+bez about/rb three/cd feet/nns down/rp ,/, so/cs don't/do* fall/vb ''/'' ./.
I/ppss went/vbd through/in and/cc down/rp ,/, into/in pitch/nn darkness/nn ./.
He/pps said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Jist/rb stay/vb still/jj ./.
I'll/ppss+md pull/vb the/at boards/nns back/vb and/cc then/rb get/vb us/ppo a/at light/nn ./.
Jist/rb stay/vb where/wrb you/ppss are/ber ''/'' ./.
I/ppss jist/rb stayed/vbd where/wrb I/ppss was/bedz while/cs he/pps fumbled/vbd around/rb and/cc then/rb walked/vbd away/rb ./.
A/at moment/nn later/rbr he/pps struck/vbd a/at match/nn and/cc lighted/vbd a/at candle/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss could/md see/vb ./.


	It/pps was/bedz a/at big/jj room/nn ,/, empty/jj except/in for/in a/at few/ap things/nns of/in Pops's/np$ at/in the/at far/jj end/nn --/-- a/at wooden/jj crate/nn on/in which/wdt stood/vbd the/at candle/nn ,/, a/at spread/vbn out/rp blanket/nn ,/, and/cc an/at unrolled/vbn bindle/nn ./.
I/ppss looked/vbd back/rb over/in my/pp$ shoulder/nn while/cs I/ppss went/vbd to/to join/vb him/ppo ;/. ;/.
he'd/pps+hvd hung/vbn another/dt half/abn of/in a/at blanket/nn over/in the/at boarded/vbn window/nn so/cs no/at light/nn would/md show/vb through/rp ./.


	I/ppss took/vbd the/at pint/nn bottle/nn from/in my/pp$ pocket/nn and/cc handed/vbd it/ppo over/rp as/cs I/ppss sat/vbd down/rp beside/in him/ppo on/in the/at spread/vbn blanket/nn ./.
``/`` You/ppss first/rb ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.


	He/pps drank/vbd and/cc handed/vbd it/ppo back/rb ./.
``/`` Nice/jj place/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` Listen/vb ,/, I/ppss got/vbd a/at buddy/nn I/ppss travel/vb with/in ,/, real/ql nice/jj guy/nn named/vbn Larry/np ./.
I/ppss know/vb where/wrb he/pps is/bez ,/, right/ql near/in here/rb ./.
Could/md he/pps join/vb the/at party/nn and/cc sleep/vb here/rb tonight/nr too/rb ?/. ?/.
We'll/ppss+md both/abx be/be blowing/vbg town/nn tomorrow/nr so/cs we/ppss won't/md* be/be moving/vbg in/rp on/in you/ppo ''/'' ./.


	He/pps hesitated/vbd a/at second/nn ,/, looking/vbg at/in the/at bottle/nn ,/, before/cs he/pps said/vbd ``/`` Sure-sure/uh ''/'' ,/, and/cc I/ppss reassured/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` He'll/pps+md bring/vb a/at bottle/nn too/rb ,/, and/cc I'll/ppss+md get/vb another/dt one/cd or/cc maybe/rb two/cd while/cs I'm/ppss+bem out/rp ./.
You/ppss can/md work/vb on/in this/dt one/pn while/cs I'm/ppss+bem gone/vbn ,/, kill/vb it/ppo if/cs you/ppss want/vb ''/'' ./.
I/ppss took/vbd a/at short/jj swallow/nn from/in it/ppo myself/ppl and/cc handed/vbd it/ppo to/in him/ppo ./.


	His/pp$ ``/`` sure-sure/uh ''/'' was/bedz enthusiastic/jj this/dt time/nn ./.
He/pps put/vbd the/at bottle/nn down/rp ./.
``/`` Git/vb over/rp by/in the/at window/nn while/cs there's/ex+bez light/nn ,/, an'/cc I'll/ppss+md put/vb th'/at candle/nn out/rp ./.
When/wrb yuh/ppss come/vb back/rb I'll/ppss+md put/vb it/ppo out/rp agin/rb till/cs you're/ppss+ber both/abx inside/rb ''/'' ./.


	Charlie/np was/bedz waiting/vbg ,/, leaning/vbg against/in a/at building/nn front/nn ./.
``/`` Perfect/jj set-up/nn ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` But/cc we/ppss got/vbd to/to go/vb back/rb to/in Fifth/od-tl and/cc get/vb another/dt bottle/nn or/cc two/cd ./.
On/in the/at way/nn I'll/ppss+md give/vb you/ppo the/at scoop/nn ''/'' ./.


	On/in the/at way/nn I/ppss gave/vbd him/ppo the/at scoop/nn ./.
I/ppss bought/vbd another/dt pint/nn of/in sherry/nn and/cc when/wrb we/ppss got/vbd back/rb Pops/np let/vbd us/ppo in/rp in/in the/at dark/nn ,/, put/vbd back/rb the/at blanket/nn and/cc then/rb lighted/vbd the/at candle/nn again/rb ./.
I/ppss introduced/vbd my/pp$ friend/nn Larry/np to/in Pops/np and/cc we/ppss made/vbd ourselves/ppls comfortable/jj ./.
There/ex was/bedz still/rb a/at little/ap ,/, not/* much/ap ,/, left/vbn in/in the/at first/od bottle/nn and/cc we/ppss passed/vbd it/ppo around/rb once/rb and/cc killed/vbd it/ppo ,/, and/cc Charlie/np opened/vbd his/pp$$ ./.


	I/ppss was/bedz reminded/vbn ,/, amusedly/rb ,/, by/in a/at poem/nn of/in Kenneth/np Patchen's/np$ called/vbn The/at-tl Murder/nn-tl of/in-tl Two/cd-tl Men/nns-tl by/in-tl a/at-tl Young/jj-tl Kid/nn-tl Wearing/vbg-tl Lemon/nn-tl Colored/vbn-tl Gloves/nns-tl ,/, which/wdt Patchen/np himself/ppl read/vbd on/in a/at record/nn against/in jazz/nn background/nn ./.
The/at poem/nn consisted/vbd of/in only/ap two/cd words/nns ,/, the/at word/nn ``/`` Wait/vb-nc ''/'' ,/, repeated/vbn over/rp and/cc over/rp at/in irregular/jj intervals/nns and/cc with/in different/jj inflections/nns ,/, and/cc then/rb the/at word/nn ``/`` Now/rb-nc ''/'' !/. !/.
And/cc a/at blaring/vbg final/jj chord/nn from/in the/at jazz/nn group/nn ./.


	This/dt was/bedz the/at same/ap ,/, except/in that/cs it/pps was/bedz the/at murder/nn of/in one/cd man/nn by/in two/cd men/nns and/cc neither/dtx of/in us/ppo was/bedz wearing/vbg gloves/nns ./.
But/cc we/ppss could/md wait/vb all/ql right/rb ;/. ;/.
there/ex was/bedz no/at hurry/nn ./.
I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Wait/nn wait/nn ''/'' to/in Charlie/np and/cc he/pps grinned/vbd ,/, digging/vbg the/at reference/nn ./.
We'd/ppss+hvd heard/vbn the/at record/nn together/rb once/rb ./.


	The/at second/od bottle/nn passed/vbd a/at few/ap times/nns ./.
Pops/np was/bedz taking/vbg long/jj ones/nns ,/, but/cc not/* showing/vbg the/at effect/nn yet/rb ./.
He/pps seemed/vbd as/ql drunk/jj as/cs when/wrb I'd/ppss+hvd first/rb talked/vbn to/in him/ppo ,/, but/cc no/at drunker/jjr ./.
He/pps had/hvd a/at capacity/nn ;/. ;/.
if/cs we'd/ppss+hvd really/rb been/ben trying/vbg to/to get/vb him/ppo dead/ql drunk/jj we'd/ppss+md have/hv had/hvn to/to go/vb out/rp for/in more/ap wine/nn ./.


	About/rb halfway/rb through/in the/at second/od bottle/nn ,/, Charlie/np looked/vbd at/in me/ppo across/in Pops/np ,/, who/wps was/bedz sitting/vbg between/in us/ppo and/cc asked/vbd ``/`` Now/rb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
I/ppss said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Wait/vb ''/'' ,/, and/cc handed/vbd the/at bottle/nn to/in Pops/np for/in his/pp$ final/jj drink/nn ./.
When/wrb he/pps handed/vbd it/ppo back/rb and/cc I/ppss had/hvd hold/nn of/in it/ppo safely/rb ,/, Pops/np was/bedz looking/vbg toward/in me/ppo and/cc I/ppss said/vbd ``/`` Now/rb ''/'' ,/, to/in Charlie/np and/cc he/pps swung/vbd the/at short/jj length/nn of/in lead/nn pipe/nn he'd/pps+hvd meanwhile/rb taken/vbn from/in his/pp$ pocket/nn ,/, once/rb ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at lead/nn pipe/nn cinch/nn ./.


	There/ex was/bedz a/at sound/nn like/cs the/at one/pn you/ppss produce/vb by/in flicking/vbg a/at watermelon/nn with/in your/pp$ finger/nn ,/, only/rb louder/jjr ,/, and/cc Pops/np fell/vbd forward/rb from/in the/at waist/nn and/cc then/rb over/rp sidewise/rb ./.
Out/rp cold/jj ,/, if/cs not/* dead/jj ;/. ;/.
and/cc he'd/pps+hvd never/rb known/vbn what/wdt hit/vbd him/ppo --/-- he'd/pps+hvd never/rb known/vbn that/cs anything/pn had/hvd hit/vbn him/ppo ./.


	I/ppss reached/vbd my/pp$ hand/nn toward/in him/ppo to/to put/vb it/ppo inside/in his/pp$ shirt/nn to/to feel/vb for/in a/at heartbeat/nn ,/, but/cc Charlie/np said/vbd ``/`` Wait/vb ''/'' !/. !/.
--/-- and/cc said/vbd it/ppo sharply/rb ,/, not/* as/cs in/in the/at Patchen/np bit/nn ,/, but/cc as/cs an/at order/nn --/-- so/cs I/ppss stopped/vbd my/pp$ hand/nn and/cc looked/vbd at/in him/ppo ./.
He/pps was/bedz holding/vbg the/at piece/nn of/in lead/nn pipe/nn out/rp to/in me/ppo ./.


	``/`` We/ppss don't/do* want/vb to/to know/vb whether/cs he's/pps+bez dead/jj ,/, yet/rb ./.
I/ppss gauged/vbd that/dt blow/nn to/to be/be borderline/nn ./.
To/to kayo/vb him/ppo and/cc maybe/rb or/cc maybe/rb not/* kill/vb ./.
You/ppss hit/vbd again/rb about/rb twice/rb that/ql hard/rb before/cs we/ppss know/vb whether/cs he's/pps+bez dead/jj or/cc not/* ./.
That/dt way/nn we'll/ppss+md never/rb know/vb which/wdt of/in us/ppo really/rb killed/vbd him/ppo and/cc which/wdt was/bedz just/rb the/at accomplice/nn ./.
Dig/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	I/ppss dug/vbn him/ppo ,/, I/ppss saw/vbd his/pp$ point/nn ;/. ;/.
it/pps made/vbd sense/nn ./.
I/ppss took/vbd the/at piece/nn of/in pipe/nn from/in Charlie's/np$ hand/nn and/cc used/vbd it/ppo ,/, harder/rbr than/cs he/pps had/hvd ./.
The/at thunk/nn was/bedz louder/jjr ,/, anyway/rb ,/, and/cc I/ppss thought/vbd I/ppss heard/vbd bone/nn crack/vb ./.


	Charlie/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Good/jj boy/nn ./.
That/dt did/dod it/ppo ,/, if/cs mine/pp$$ didn't/dod* ./.
And/cc we'll/ppss+md never/rb know/vb which/wdt ./.
All/ql right/rb ,/, now/rb I'll/ppss+md give/vb you/ppo a/at hand/nn ''/'' ./.


	We/ppss straightened/vbd Pops/np up/rp and/cc I/ppss made/vbd sure/jj there/ex was/bedz no/at trace/nn of/in a/at heartbeat/nn ./.


	I/ppss nodded/vbd to/in Charlie/np ./.
``/`` Let's/vb+ppo put/vb him/ppo down/rp again/rb the/at way/nn he/pps was/bedz ./.
It's/pps+bez a/at more/rbr natural/jj position/nn ''/'' ./.
We/ppss did/dod that/dt ./.


	``/`` How/wrb do/do you/ppss feel/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.
Charlie/np asked/vbd me/ppo ./.


	``/`` Cool/jj ''/'' ,/, I/ppss told/vbd him/ppo ./.
``/`` What/wdt do/do you/ppss feel/vb ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Nothing/pn ./.
Well/uh maybe/rb I'm/ppss+bem exaggerating/vbg ./.
It/pps was/bedz a/at kick/nn ,/, but/cc not/* a/at big/jj enough/qlp one/cd for/in me/ppo to/to want/vb to/to take/vb the/at chance/nn again/rb ,/, except/in for/in stakes/nns ./.
But/cc let's/vb+ppo not/* talk/vb about/in it/ppo abstractly/rb until/cs we're/ppss+ber out/in of/in here/rb ./.
Now/rb ,/, first/od question/nn :/: the/at bottles/nns ./.
Shall/md we/ppss take/vb them/ppo all/abn with/in us/ppo ,/, or/cc leave/vb one/cd ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Take/vb them/ppo ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` If/cs we/ppss left/vbd one/cd we'd/ppss+md have/hv to/to wipe/vb it/ppo for/in fingerprints/nns ./.
Here's/rb+bez the/at picture/nn we/ppss want/vb to/to leave/vb for/cs the/at fuzz/nn --/-- whenever/wrb the/at body/nn gets/vbz found/vbn ./.
This/dt happened/vbd in/in the/at middle/nn of/in a/at drinking/vbg bout/nn with/in another/dt bum/nn ./.
If/cs they'd/ppss+hvd been/ben working/vbg on/in a/at bottle/nn or/cc a/at jug/nn he'd/pps+md have/hv taken/vbn it/ppo with/in him/ppo ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Right/rb ./.
And/cc he'd/pps+md have/hv taken/vbn the/at weapon/nn with/in him/ppo too/rb ,/, so/cs we/ppss take/vb that/dt ./.
Now/rb ''/'' --/-- He/pps looked/vbd around/rb ./.
``/`` I've/ppss+hv been/ben careful/jj about/in fingerprints/nns ./.
How/wrb about/in you/ppo ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Same/ap ./.
There/ex are/ber the/at boards/nns over/in the/at window/nn ,/, of/in course/nn ,/, but/cc they're/ppss+ber not/* painted/vbn and/cc too/ql rough/jj to/to take/vb prints/nns ./.
Same/ap goes/vbz for/in the/at rough/jj cement/nn of/in the/at ledge/nn ./.
Besides/rb ,/, I/ppss doubt/vb if/cs the/at cops/nns will/md even/rb try/vb dusting/vbg ./.
They/ppss find/vb dead/jj winos/nns every/at day/nn ,/, maybe/rb they/ppss won't/md* even/vb autopsy/vb him/ppo for/in the/at cause/nn of/in death/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` We/ppss can't/md* take/vb a/at chance/nn on/in that/dt ./.
We've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to assume/vb they'll/ppss+md decide/vb he/pps was/bedz murdered/vbn and/cc we've/ppss+hv got/vbn to/to keep/vb the/at picture/nn consistent/jj ./.
Our/pp$ hypothetical/jj other/ap bum/nn who/wps killed/vbd him/ppo would/md have/hv turned/vbn out/rp his/pp$ pockets/nns ./.
Let's/vb+ppo do/do that/dt ''/'' ./.
We/ppss did/dod that/dt and/cc found/vbd a/at dirty/jj handkerchief/nn ,/, some/dti matches/nns and/cc fourteen/cd cents/nns in/in change/nn ./.
We/ppss took/vbd the/at matches/nns --/-- they/ppss were/bed book/nn matches/nns and/cc once/rb they'd/ppss+hvd been/ben touched/vbn might/md retain/vb fingerprints/nns --/-- and/cc the/at change/nn ./.


	We/ppss discussed/vbd the/at candle/nn and/cc decided/vbd the/at hypothetical/jj other/ap bum/nn would/md have/hv left/vbn it/ppo burning/vbg to/to light/vb his/pp$ way/nn to/in the/at window/nn and/cc because/cs he'd/pps+md have/hv no/at reason/nn to/to blow/vb it/ppo out/rp ./.
The/at candle/nn had/hvd been/ben stuck/vbn on/in a/at tin/nn lid/nn so/cs it/pps wouldn't/md* set/vb fire/nn to/in the/at crate/nn when/wrb it/pps guttered/vbd out/rp ./.
A/at fire/nn wouldn't/md* have/hv mattered/vbn except/in that/cs it/pps would/md cause/vb Pops/np to/to be/be found/vbn sooner/rbr ./.
He/pps might/md not/* be/be found/vbn for/in days/nns ,/, even/rb weeks/nns ,/, otherwise/rb ./.


	We/ppss went/vbd once/rb more/rbr over/in every/at point/nn ,/, then/rb triple-checked/jj ./.
Being/beg picked/vbn up/rp for/in questioning/vbg by/in a/at cop/nn on/in the/at way/nn out/rp seemed/vbd to/to be/be the/at only/rb possible/jj remaining/vbg danger/nn ,/, and/cc we/ppss weren't/bed* picked/vbn up/rp by/in a/at cop/nn ./.
In/in fact/nn ,/, nobody/pn saw/vbd us/ppo ,/, cop/nn or/cc citizen/nn ./.
Winsett/np is/bez a/at quiet/jj street/nn with/in no/at taverns/nns and/cc was/bedz completely/rb deserted/vbn at/in that/dt hour/nn ./.
Which/wdt ,/, if/cs it/pps matters/vbz ,/, was/bedz one/cd A.M./rb ./.
Less/ap than/in three/cd hours/nns ago/rb we'd/ppss+hvd decided/vbn ,/, in/in Maxine/np Wells's/np$ pad/nn on/in Cosmo/np ,/, to/to commit/vb a/at trial/nn murder/nn ./.
It/pps had/hvd gone/vbn like/cs clockwork/nn ./.
Almost/rb too/ql smoothly/rb ,/, I/ppss found/vbd myself/ppl thinking/vbg ,/, and/cc then/rb told/vbd myself/ppl that/dt was/bedz ridiculous/jj ./.
How/wrb safe/nn is/bez too/ql safe/jj ?/. ?/.
Thinking/vbg like/cs that/dt can/md get/vb you/ppo into/in a/at padded/vbn pad/nn ./.


	An/at hour/nn later/rbr we/ppss were/bed back/rb in/in my/pp$ unpadded/jj pad/nn ,/, killing/vbg what/wdt had/hvd been/ben left/vbn of/in the/at second/od pint/nn ./.
We/ppss decided/vbd to/to leave/vb the/at third/od one/cd intact/jj for/in tomorrow/nr ./.
Also/rb our/pp$ plans/nns for/in me/ppo to/to commit/vb Charlie's/np$ murder/nn and/cc for/in him/ppo to/to commit/vb mine/pp$$ ./.
But/cc we/ppss were/bed really/rb going/vbg to/to do/do it/ppo ./.
We/ppss shook/vbd hands/nns on/in it/ppo ./.


	We/ppss planned/vbd ahead/rb only/rb one/cd step/nn ,/, a/at rendezvous/nn for/in tomorrow/nr when/wrb we/ppss could/md swap/vb notes/nns ./.
I'd/ppss+md tell/vb him/ppo everything/pn I'd/ppss+hvd learned/vbn about/in Seaton's/np$ habits/nns and/cc habitat/nn ,/, and/cc he'd/pps+md tell/vb me/ppo the/at score/nn on/in Radic/np ./.
We/ppss made/vbd the/at date/nn for/in two/cd o'clock/rb in/in the/at afternoon/nn at/in Maxine/np Wells's/np$ pad/nn ./.
Charlie/np would/md get/vb there/rb early/rb because/cs he/pps had/hvd the/at key/nn ./.
From/in here/rb on/rp in/rp ,/, the/at less/ql Charlie/np and/cc I/ppss were/bed seen/vbn together/rb in/in public/nn ,/, or/cc visited/vbd one/cd another's/dt$ rooms/nns ,/, the/at better/jjr ./.


	I/ppss was/bedz dead/jj tired/vbn and/cc slept/vbd soundly/rb ,/, as/ql far/jj as/cs I/ppss know/vb dreamlessly/rb ./.


	We/ppss met/vbd at/in Maxine's/np$ and/cc decided/vbd we/ppss were/bed set/vbn to/to stay/vb as/ql long/jj as/cs it/pps took/vbd ,/, into/in or/cc even/rb through/in the/at evening/nn ,/, to/to talk/vb things/nns out/rp ./.
Charlie/np had/hvd brought/vbn food/nn and/cc we'd/ppss+hvd decided/vbn on/in no/at drinks/nns ./.
I'd/ppss+hvd brought/vbn along/rb the/at virgin/jj pint/nn from/in last/ap night/nn ,/, but/cc we/ppss were/bed going/vbg to/to kill/vb that/dt only/rb when/wrb we/ppss were/bed through/rp talking/vbg ./.


	I/ppss talked/vbd first/rb ,/, telling/vbg him/ppo everything/pn I/ppss knew/vbd about/in Seaton/np and/cc his/pp$ house/nn and/cc domestic/jj arrangements/nns ./.
I/ppss drew/vbd diagrams/nns and/cc floor/nn plans/nns ;/. ;/.
he/pps memorized/vbd them/ppo thoroughly/rb and/cc then/rb we/ppss tore/vbd them/ppo into/in tiny/jj pieces/nns and/cc flushed/vbd them/ppo down/rp ./.
He/pps gave/vbd me/ppo equivalent/jj and/cc even/ql more/ql detailed/vbn dope/nn on/in Radic/np ,/, including/in diagrams/nns --/-- one/cd of/in the/at apartment/nn building/nn Radic/np lived/vbd in/in and/cc one/cd of/in the/at apartment/nn itself/ppl ./.
He'd/pps+hvd been/ben there/rb several/ap times/nns ,/, back/rb when/wrb ,/, while/cs he/pps and/cc Radic/np had/hvd been/ben friends/nns ,/, or/cc at/in least/ap not/* enemies/nns ./.


	It/pps didn't/dod* take/vb us/ppo as/ql long/jj as/cs we'd/ppss+hvd thought/vbn it/pps might/md ;/. ;/.
it/pps was/bedz not/* quite/ql six/cd o'clock/rb when/wrb we/ppss finished/vbd and/cc Charlie/np said/vbd ,/, ``/`` Well/uh ,/, I/ppss guess/vb that's/dt+bez it/ppo ./.
Shall/md we/ppss flip/vb a/at coin/nn to/to see/vb which/wdt of/in us/ppo goes/vbz first/rb ?/. ?/.
Or/cc would/md you/ppss rather/rb deal/vb a/at hand/nn of/in show-down/nn poker/nn or/cc play/vb a/at game/nn of/in gin/nn rummy/nn ,/, or/cc what/wdt ''/'' ?/. ?/.


	``/`` Wait/vb a/at minute/nn ,/, Charlie/np ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
``/`` One/cd thing/nn we/ppss haven't/hv* discussed/vbn ,/, expense/nn money/nn ./.
We'll/ppss+md need/vb some/dti at/in least/ap ,/, if/cs only/rb bus/nn fare/nn to/in the/at scene/nn of/in the/at crime/nn ./.
And/cc if/cs you're/ppss+ber as/ql flat/ql broke/jj as/cs I/ppss am/bem ,/, I/ppss think/vb we'll/ppss+md have/hv to/to take/vb the/at added/vbn risk/nn of/in knocking/vbg over/rp a/at filling/vbg station/nn or/cc something/pn before/cs we/ppss split/vbd for/in one/cd of/in us/ppo to/to set/vb up/rp an/at alibi/nn while/cs the/at other/ap does/doz his/pp$ dirty/jj work/nn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps sighed/vbd ./.
``/`` All/ql right/rb ,/, I'll/ppss+md come/vb clean/jj ./.
I've/ppss+hv got/vbn a/at little/ap stashed/vbn for/in a/at rainy/jj day/nn ,/, and/cc I/ppss guess/vb this/dt is/bez rainy/jj enough/qlp ./.
A/at couple/nn of/in hundred/cd ./.
If/cs you/ppss draw/vb the/at short/jj straw/nn I'll/ppss+md lend/vb you/ppo some/dti bread/nn ,/, like/cs fifty/cd bucks/nns ,/, before/cs I/ppss take/vb off/rp to/to visit/vb my/pp$ sister/nn in/in Frisco/np ./.
Then/rb ,/, after/cs I'm/ppss+bem back/rb ,/, another/dt fifty/cd so/cs you/ppss can/md put/vb some/dti mileage/nn on/in yourself/ppl and/cc have/hv a/at solid/jj alibi/nn somewhere/rb while/cs I/ppss take/vb care/nn of/in your/pp$ seat/nn cover/nn boy/nn ''/'' ./.


	``/`` Solid/jj ''/'' ,/, I/ppss said/vbd ./.
I/ppss took/vbd a/at deep/jj breath/nn ,/, and/cc the/at plunge/nn ./.
``/`` In/in that/dt case/nn ,/, let's/vb+ppo not/* draw/vb ./.
I'll/ppss+md go/vb to/to bat/vb first/rb ./.
You'd/ppss+md have/hv to/to wait/vb till/cs Seaton's/np+bez back/rb from/in Mexico/np-tl City/nn-tl and/cc also/rb while/cs I/ppss set/vb it/ppo up/rp with/in Doris/np to/to have/hv her/ppo have/hv an/at alibi/nn for/in D-night/np ./.
So/cs it/pps wouldn't/md* be/be for/in days/nns or/cc even/rb a/at week/nn before/cs you/ppss could/md do/do anything/pn ./.
But/cc your/pp$ friend/nn Manny/np can/md go/vb any/dti time/nn ''/'' ./.


	He/pps grinned/vbd and/cc clapped/vbd me/ppo on/in the/at shoulder/nn ./.
``/`` I/ppss was/bedz hoping/vbg you'd/ppss+hvd say/vb that/dt ,/, Willy/np ./.
But/cc I/ppss wouldn't/md* have/hv suggested/vbn it/ppo ./.
Well/uh --/-- in/in that/dt case/nn ,/, I/ppss take/vb off/rp tomorrow/nr morning/nn for/in Frisco/np ./.
And/cc ,/, in/in case/nn ,/, I/ppss brought/vbd the/at money/nn with/in me/ppo ''/'' ./.

