Scribd Logo
Загрузить

Добро пожаловать в Scribd!

  • Collected Stories

    Загружено:

    fromagebus
    662 просмотров1 045 страниц
    This document provides an introduction and bibliography for a collection of stories by Raymond Chandler. It summarizes Chandler's background and career, as well as the influence of his writing. In 3 sentences: Chandler was educated in England but became famous in America for his hardboiled detective novels featuring Philip Marlowe. His writing had a profound influence on other authors like Ian Fleming. Chandler created a distinctively detailed and atmospheric world in his stories through his mastery of setting and description of place.

    Исходное описание:

    L

    Авторское право

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Доступные форматы

    DOC, PDF, TXT или читайте онлайн в Scribd

    Этот документ был вам полезен?

    Это неприемлемый материал?

    Пожаловаться на этот документ
    This document provides an introduction and bibliography for a collection of stories by Raymond Chandler. It summarizes Chandler's background and career, as well as the influence of his writing. In 3 sentences: Chandler was educated in England but became famous in America for his hardboiled detective novels featuring Philip Marlowe. His writing had a profound influence on other authors like Ian Fleming. Chandler created a distinctively detailed and atmospheric world in his stories through his mastery of setting and description of place.

    Авторское право:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Скачайте в формате DOC, PDF, TXT или читайте онлайн в Scribd
    Отметить как неприемлемый контент
    662 просмотров1 045 страниц

    Collected Stories

    Загружено:

    fromagebus
    This document provides an introduction and bibliography for a collection of stories by Raymond Chandler. It summarizes Chandler's background and career, as well as the influence of his writing. In 3 sentences: Chandler was educated in England but became famous in America for his hardboiled detective novels featuring Philip Marlowe. His writing had a profound influence on other authors like Ian Fleming. Chandler created a distinctively detailed and atmospheric world in his stories through his mastery of setting and description of place.

    Авторское право:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Скачайте в формате DOC, PDF, TXT или читайте онлайн в Scribd
    Отметить как неприемлемый контент
    из 1045

    COLLECTED STORIES

    Raymond Chandler
    ThisCollectionFirstPublished2002

    Contents
    IntroductionandSelectBibliography
    BlackmailersDon'tShoot
    SmartAleckKill
    FingerMan
    KillerintheRain
    NevadaGas
    SpanishBlood
    GunsatCyrano's
    TheManWhoLikedDogs
    PickuponNoonStreet
    Goldfish
    TheCurtain
    TrytheGirl
    Mandarin'sJade
    RedWindp
    TheKinginYellow
    BayCityBlues
    TheLadyintheLake
    PearlsAreaNuisance
    TroubleIsMyBusiness
    I'llBeWaiting
    TheBronzeDoor
    NoCrimeintheMountains

    ProfessorBingo'sSnuff
    ThePencil
    EnglishSummer

    Introduction

    WhenmywifeIrisMurdochanovelistandherselfaChandlerfanwasatschool,
    theheadmistress,aratherformidablewoman,usedperiodicallytodescendonthe
    girlsintheirrecreationtime,andifoneofthemhappenedtobereading
    anything,assumeaninterestedandapprovingexpressionandaskwhatitwas.One
    ofIris'sschoolmateswasfoundinthiswaywithhernoseinabook,and
    obviouslydeeplyabsorbed.'Andwhatareyoureading,Clare?'enquiredthegreat
    ladybenevolently,expectingtheanswertobesomethinghighmindedonworld
    politics(theschoolwasbothQuakerishandleftwingintone)orperhapssome
    modernthinkerofthattimelikeH.G.WellsorAldousHuxley.'Detection,
    MysteryandHowwor,MissBaker,'reportedthemaidenbrightlyandquite
    unabashed,herdemureinabilitytomanagetheRssomehowlendinghergirlish
    tastesanextradimensionofdepravity.Herschoolfellows,Irisamongthem,were
    toopolitetostartgiggling,atleastatthatmoment;andthegreatlady
    herselfhadforoncenocomeback(orsoIrisreportedtome,manyyearslater)
    butsweptoffwiththesoundusuallyrepresentedbythemonosyllable'Tchah!'
    Onewouldliketothinkthatthe'Detection,MysteryandHowwor'omnibusin
    whichtheenterprisinggirlwasimmersedmighthaveincludedanearlytaleor
    twobythegreatmasteroftheformiftheblankettitleoftheyounglady's
    bookcouldbesaidtodescribeaformbutgiventhetime(the1930s)andthe
    placethatseemsunlikely.Chandler'sapprenticetalesfromthe_BlackMask_
    magazinedidnotfindtheirwaytoEnglandorintoanEnglishcollectionofhis
    ownuntilsometimeafterthewar,whenthetruestatureofhismature
    masterpieceshadalreadybeenappreciatedbyadiscerningaudienceofEnglish
    criticsandwritersfellowprofessionals,asitwereamongwhomweresuch
    variedperformersintheirownlineasW.H.AudenandT.S.Eliot,J.B.

    Priestley,GrahamGreeneandElizabethBowen.Inthewakeofhisrisingfame,
    publicationoftheearlystoriesnaturallyfollowed.
    AmongtheseEnglishdevoteeswasayoungjournalistandmanabouttown
    calledIanFleming,whowouldhimselfshortlywinfameofamuchmore
    spectacularandpopularkindwiththecreationofhisheroJamesBond.As
    narratorandcharacterBondisnotinthesameclassasPhilipMarlowe,buthe,
    orratherhiscreator,doespossessanunboundedadmirationforMarloweandfor
    Chandler'spersonalityandachievements.Towardstheendof_Goldfinger,_inthe
    momentofdeceptivecalmbeforethefinalcrisis,JamesBondfindstimeatthe
    airporttobuyBenHogan's_TheModernFundamentalsofGolf._Althoughcontent
    himselftobeanamateur,thisisasportinwhichheisseriouslyinterested,
    butheisjustasinterestedinthelatestRaymondChandler,whichhealsobuys.
    _Goldfinger_waswrittenin1959,theyearofChandler'sdeath,butneitherBond
    norhiscreatorwouldhaveworriedaboutalittlemistiminglikethat.
    Fleming'sbookswerebeginningbythentobeincreasinglysuccessful,
    althoughhewasstillalongwayfromthebestsellerhewasultimatelyto
    become.ButtheexampleofChandler,andtheadmirationFlemingfeltforhis
    work,continuedtoactasaninspiration,althoughFlemingmaywellhavewished
    thathisheroBond,withwhomhispublicnotunjustifiablyidentifiedhim,had
    beenmoreuptotheintellectuallevelofChandlerandhisMarlowe.Yethehad
    undoubtedlybeguntoseehimselfascarryingthegreatman'storch,andwriting
    inthesametradition.TheexampleofChandlerhadindeedtaughthisEnglish
    disciplehowtocreateaworldunmistakablyhisown,notbymeansofplotdevice
    orstoryline,butbythebuildupofatmosphere,andtheattentiveaccumulation
    oflocalcolour.Bothwritersrelegatethestorytoadecidedlysubordinate
    position:whattellsisnotourcuriosityabouttheplot,ortheingenuitiesof
    thewhodunit,butthecreationofauniqueandautonomousdomain,withthe
    denizensappropriatetoit.
    MuchmorethanBond,ofcourse,Marloweisaninhabitantofaparticular
    world,Chandler'sowninsofarasitishisownbrilliantimaginativecreation,
    butaworldnonethelessobservedasmeticulouslyfromlifeasarethe
    propertiesofaVermeerpicture.WithinthenatureandqualityofChandler's
    writingtheparadoxcomestoseemquitenormal.TheSouthernCalifornian
    landscape,thesettingsurbanandsemiurban,asifthewholehugecolourful
    countrywereasingletown;thegardenssprawlingandrichlyoutlandish,or

    sinisterandcompact;thehouseinteriors,asnaturallyandascloselyobserved
    asVermeer'sown,withtheirfurnitureandcarpetsandfittings...Thesearethe
    scenesinwhichChandlerandhisheroareathome,andhissenseofplaceis
    immaculate,apleasureuniqueandallofitsown,whetherweareintheopulent
    mansionsofBelAir,thegrandranchtypedwellingsinthehillsmilesawayfrom
    Hollywood,orthesleazybackstreetsof'BayCity',asSantaMonicaisusually
    referredtointhestories.
    Inherbook_GoodBones_(1992),MargaretAtwoodpresentsapictureasfull
    ofadmirationasitisofamusementatthealmostsensuouscharmsofChandler's
    stilllifeinteriors,implyingthathewouldhavebeentheidealeditorand
    contributortoasortofCalifornianversionof_House&Garden._Sheimagines
    toothepleasuresofhaving'AnAffairwithRaymondChandler',alongthelines
    ofthoseEnglishgentlemenwhodreamedofanafternoonwithElinorGlynonher
    famoustigerskin.Shewouldfallinlovewithhisinterestinupholstery,with
    thebouquetofsunlightonageingcloth,withhissofas'stuffedtoroundness,
    satincovered,paleblue,liketheeyesofhiscoldblondeunbodiedmurderous
    women'.Togethertheywoulddriveouttosomemotel,andcometogripsonly
    aftertheyhadlovinglyappraisedthefurniture,andinhaledtheodourofdusty
    drapesandworncarpets,ancientcigaretteandcigarsmoke,Martinismixedand
    spilledlongago.
    Thisisaworldwhichisinescapablycosyevenwhenitisatitsmost
    sinister.Inonesenseitisalmostanelaboratetransfigurationofthatmore
    simplyandrobustlycosyworldinwhichSherlockHolmesandDrWatsongoabout
    theirfamiliarbusiness,returningto221bBakerStreetforrelaxationovera
    wellroastedpartridgeandabottleofBurgundy.BothHolmesandMarloweare
    domesticpipesmokers,butalthoughMarloweisbothanaustereandadedicated
    drinkingmanhedespisesalldrugsandtheiraddicts:Holmes'scocainewouldnot
    havebeenforhim.Hispipe,hischessproblemandhistumblerofScotchare
    nonethelesstheequivalentsofHolmes'ssolitaryviolinandhispistol
    practice.Chandlerisanadeptbothatfollowingtheconventionsoftheformin
    whichhewrites,andabandoningtheminhisownfashion,andwiththesubtle
    individualityofhisownstyle.
    ThatstylewasinitiatedandformedinEngland.Chandlerwaseducatedat
    DulwichCollegeontheoutskirtsofLondon,aschoolwhosepupilswerewell
    taughtalongoldfashionedlines,andparticularlywellgroundedinthe

    classics.Ithadbeenfoundedin1619byEdwardAlleyn,thecelebratedactor
    managerwhosecompany,'theAdmiral'sMen',includedthepoetandplaywright
    ChristopherMarlowe,forerunnerofShakespeareandauthorof_Tamburlaine_and_
    DrFaustus._ItseemslikelythatChandlerhadthenameoftheplaywrightinhis
    mindwhenhefinallychristenedhisownnarratorheroPhilipMarlowe,after
    bestowingonhiminearlierstoriestoughpseudoIrishnames,suitedtoshamuses
    andprivateeyes,suchas'JohnDalmas'.Chandler'smotherwasinfactIrish,
    althoughparadoxicallyQuakerratherthanCatholicIrish,buthisupbringingand
    hisearliestwritingwereverymuchEnglish,andalmostofthe_findesicle_
    period.
    Bycoincidence,twootherwriters,P.G.WodehouseandC.S.Forester,both
    ofwhomweretobecomemastersoftheirownparticularliterarygenre,were
    nearcontemporariesofChandleratDulwich,[WodehouselefttheyearChandler
    enteredtheschool(1900).ForesterwenttoDulwichin1915.]andatalater
    dateChandlercorrespondedwithWodehouseandadmiredhimasafellowcraftsman,
    inhoweverdifferentastyle.Chandlerwasgratified,too,thathisfirst
    recognitionasaseriousandoriginalartistcamefromEnglishauthorsand
    critics.ButalthoughhissympathiesandsomuchofhisculturelayinEngland,
    Chandler,bothasmanandaswriter,wasverymuchanAmericanatheart.Ina
    sense,andperhapsironically,hewastheoppositeofthoseEnglishbutlershe
    doessowellinhisstoriesandnovels,likethesublimeNorriswhoseemsto
    broodovertheactionof_TheBigSleep._
    ThefinequalityofChandler'swritingisshownbythesubtletyand
    precisionthatwentintoaminorcharacterlikeNorris(SirJohnNorris,or
    Norreys,was,incidentally,afamousandchivalrousElizabethancommander)who
    makesanobviouscontrastwiththestockcomicbutlerfiguresofWodehouse,and
    othergenrewritersofhistime.(Chandleresquehumourappearsearly,too,in
    the'rogue'butlerofonestory,whoseBritishaccenthasahabitofslipping.
    'Dartmouth?,orDannemora?'enquiresdetectiveDalmassardonically.)
    TheculturemixinChandlerhimselfiscertainlyanexoticone.Dashiell
    Hammett,theforerunnerinChandler'schosenmanner,wasthemostobvious
    literaryinfluence,ashewasalsoasourceofpersonalinspiration,introducing
    Chandlerto_BlackMask_andits'Fellowship'(thewordseemscuriouslyaptin
    thecontextofthecrimeandmysterytradition.)AfterwardscameRossMacdonald,
    atalentedandavoweddiscipleofChandler,makingextensiveuseofhis

    locationsandhisatmosphere,butwithhisownline,inasenseamore
    traditionalandconventionalonewhenitcametoplotsandsolutions,andtothe
    olddetectivetaletechniqueofkeepingthereaderguessing.Chandlergoes,as
    itwere,throughthemotionsofthistechnique,butitisclearthathis
    interestisnotreallyinit,nordoesherequirehisreader'stobe.Whathe
    expectsinsteadisforhisreadertobefullyandsensitivelyalerttoallthe
    richpleasuresofbeinginChandlercountry,andmeetingChandlerpeople.
    Andthese,asIhavesaid,areinasenseanimaginativeexploration,even
    exaggeration,ofthecharactersandpropertiesinherentintheoldfashioned
    mysterythriller,butneversofullyexploited.Theirtraditionofplaceand
    eventwasalwaysritualized,butChandlergivesthisritualizationthepolish
    andthedensityofhisownmannerandhisownhighlyoriginalkindofawareness.
    Hedispenseswiththetraditionalconfidant,assistantorfaithfulfriend,whose
    functionwasoftentoprovidelightreliefandtobeabitofabuffoon,aseven
    themuchesteemedDrWatsoncanbetoHolmesattimes;andasRicardoisto
    InspectorHanaudinA.E.W.Mason'snovels,orhisbluffcolleaguePetrieisto
    SirDennisNaylandSmithofScotlandYardinSaxRohmer'sFuManchustories.
    UnlikehismanypredecessorsPhilipMarloweisalonewolf,asingle
    operatorwalkingonhisown'downmeanstreets',asChandlerwastoputit,in
    hiswry,cynical,understatedendeavournotonlytofindoutthetruthbutto
    makejusticeprevailinacorruptworld,aworldwhichneitherknowsnorcares
    forthemeaningoftheword.Cosinessnonethelessbreaksin,justasitdoes
    intheearlier,lessstylishlyethicalworldofHolmesandWatson,andthe
    solitaryknightofthemeanstreets,whohasnofriendbuthispipe,the
    chessboardandthewhiskeybottle,whohaseveryman'shandagainsthim,the
    policeaswellasthecriminalandthevillain,willintheeveningreturnhome,
    intheoldstyle,buttohissolitarylodging,torecruithimselfforfurther
    troublenextday.('Trouble',asthetitleofoneoftheearlierstoriesclaims,
    'IsMyBusiness.')
    Thisrhythmicalalternationofcomfortandcosinesswithdangerandthrills
    isthemosteffectivefeatureofthetradition.JamesBondwillreturntohis
    ChelseaflatwherehisveteranScottishhousekeeperwillservehimboiledeggs
    donejustashelikesthem,acuriouslyinnocentformofcelebrationforthe
    victorofahundredclasheswiththeevilpowerofSMERSH.True,forhimthere
    willhavebeenthebriefbutsatisfyingencounter,nomorethanrituallyerotic,

    withtheheroineofthetale.ForMarlowethereisnoteventhat,althoughhe
    too,afteraheavynight,isabelieverintherestorativepowersoflightly
    boiledeggs.Nevertheless,neithersexnorricheswillrewardhis_efforts;_
    onlythemeagrewagesoftheuprightmantwentyfivedollarsadayandexpenses
    (*Bythetimeof_TheLittleSister(1949)_Marlowe'srateshavegoneupto
    fortydollarsaday.)andperhapstheunspokenknowledgethathehasstruck
    somesortofblowforfreedom,truthandjustice,andletlightandair,however
    briefly,intothemurkyunderworldinwhichitishislottooperate.
    TowardstheendofMarlowe'scareer,asweknowit,thisunspokenmonastic
    regime,whoseroutineinasubtlewayisverysatisfyingtothereader,shows
    ominoussignsofcollapsing.Thetrouble,whichisnotthesortwhichMarlowe
    hasalwaysmadehisbusiness,beganin1954,theyearwhichsawthepublication
    of_TheLongGoodbye,_anovelwhoselength,unusualforChandler,doesnot
    belieitstitle.Ominouslytoo,thevictimhereishimselfawriter,awriter
    whohasmadeafortunewithasuccessionofbodicerippingromances.Helongsto
    writemuchbetter,butfindshimselfcondemnedtoimitatinghisearlier
    successes,andreading'myoldstuffforinspiration',anobliquebutironic
    commentonthedilemmaofmanyasuccessfulauthor,asChandlermusthimself
    havebeenbecomingaware.Hislastcompletednovel,_Playback,_revealsthe
    problemmorethanever,eventhoughChandlerhimselfremainsanartisttohis
    fingertips,andeverysentencehewroteatthistimestillshowsit.
    ChandlermayhavethoughtthatthenotionofMarlowesuccumbingeventually
    toawoman'scharmswouldbeagoodwayforbothwriterandreadertobidhima
    gracefulgoodbye.Howeverthatmaybe,Marlowedoesatlastsubsideintofull
    blownmatrimonyin_PoodleSprings,_thefinalandverymuchunfinishednovel.
    Hispersonalityasweknowitwouldhardlyhavebeencapableofsustainingsuch
    atransformation,anymorethanoneofHenryJames'sunmarriedheroesor
    heroinescouldhavegonetothealtarandyetsurvivedasacharacter.Somebody
    oncesaidthatSherlockHolmesmighthavemiraculouslysurvivedtheReichenbach
    Falls,buthewasneveragainquitethesameman.WithChandler'sMarlowe,aman
    atleastasmuchofalegendtohisreaderstodayasHolmeshadoncebeen,the
    caseisdifferent,andrathermorecomplex;indeeditposesageneralproblemto
    whichIshallreturn.
    Thepointmeanwhileisthatthereader'sloyaltytotheworldcreatedby
    Chandler,aworldtowhichthereaderhasbynowbecomesohappilyaccustomed,

    istestedalmosttobreakingpointin_PoodleSprings._Chandler'sunique
    interiorlandscape,andourbeliefinit,arebothunderthreat,eventhoughthe
    storylineanditsconventionsremainasstrongaseverandreaderswhomost
    enjoythemachineryofhisplottingstillfinditperfectlyadequatefor
    ordinaryenjoyment.Evenin_TheLongGoodbye_thereisnolongeranyof
    Chandler'slightnessoftouchMarlowe'sgrimvirtueandintegritybeginbythe
    endofthenoveltogetthereaderdownabit,asdoesageneraltendency,even
    moremarkedin_Playback,_toholdforthatlengthaboutsocietyanditsills
    andyetthenarrativeisstillgripping.Chandlerremainedmaster,too,ofwhat
    mightbetermedtheScheherazadeeffect.ThatwilyprincesstoldtheSultanonly
    alittleofherstoryatatime.InthesamewayChandler'smasterpiecesshould
    ideallybesampledslowly,insmallappreciativemouthfuls.Theydependupon
    Scheherazade'ssenseoftiming,insteadofbafflingreadersandcompellingthem,
    sometimesoutofsheerexasperation,topressontosomeunlikelysolution
    presentedinthelastpages.AChandlernovelisafarcryfromthekindof
    mysterythereaderonlywantstobefinishedanddonewith.Ifthereshouldbea
    mildsurpriseinstoreitcomeswithquizzicalcourtesy,asiftoshowthe
    authorisawareoftheconventionsofhisgenre,andpreparedtorespectthemin
    theletterifnotinthespirit.WhathappenedtoRustyReganin_TheBig
    Sleep,_andwhoprojectedwhomthroughthehighwindowwhichgivesthatnovel
    itstitle,weshallfindoutinduecourse,butinthemeantimeweneednotfeel
    anygreatcuriosityaboutthematter.Thetextofferstoomuchelsetobe
    appreciatedatourleisure.
    Pleasurecomesfromtheelaborationofwhatwasoriginallyamuchshorter
    andbriskertypeofnarrative,oftenoneofthe_BlackMask_tales,inwhich
    Chandlertwiceusedthedeathbycyanosiswhichalsofiguresin_TheBigSleep._
    Chandlerreliedheavilyonthesetalesfortheoutlinesofhislaternovel
    plots,andthefusionofshortstorytersenesswiththerichleisurelypaceof
    thenovelprovedaneffectiveformula.Alaterfictionlike_TheLongGoodbye_
    developsinamoreleisurelymanner,independentoftheearlierstorytechnique,
    andtheresultsofthisarenotentirelybeneficial.
    LikeShakespeare,Chandlerwashappytotakehisplotswherehefoundthem.
    Histongueincheekrecipeforbracingupanytalewhosepaceseemedtobe
    slackeningwasforamantoburstinpointingagun.Buthecouldbeashrewd
    andseriouscriticofthegenreinwhichhewrote,mostnotablyinanessay

    called'TheSimpleArtofMurder'.'Fictioninanyform',hebegins,'hasalways
    intendedtoberealistic.'Onlyafterwardsdoesthecriticpointoutthatitis
    infacthideboundbyconventionsofallkinds.Butthewriterhimselfshould
    not,mustnot,betooconsciousofthese.(ThatChandlerhimselfwasboth
    creatorandanadmirablecriticwasoneofhispeculiarstrengths.)'Allart
    formscanbepractisedbadly,anditisexceedinglyhardtopractiseanyofthem
    well,butreallygoodspecimensofthedetectivewriter'sartaremuchrarer
    thangoodseriousnovels.'Thegoodnovel,saysChandler,isnotatallthesame
    sortofthingasthebad:itisaboutdifferentthings,whereasthegoodandthe
    baddetectivestoryarenecessarilyaboutjustthesamethings.
    Thereisadifferencenonetheless.Thegoodwriterinthegenresimply
    cannotbebotheredwiththelaboursofhiscolleague,theingenious
    constructionistwhohasbothtoinventandtobreakdownapparentlyunbreakable
    alibis.Thegoodwriter'slaboursanddifficultiesareofamorecomplexand
    intractablekind.Chandlerwroteslowly,embroideringandenrichingthefabric
    ofhisnarrativeashewentalong.
    Atadecisivepointin'TheSimpleArtofMurder'Chandlerputson,asit
    were,theblackcap.Howeveringeniousitmaybe,nodetectivestoryisreally
    anintellectualsuccessasaproblem,andusuallyitdoesnotcomeoff
    artisticallyasafiction.Therealweaknessoftheformisthatitsverynature
    makesitimpossibleforthewritertogivehischaracterstheirheads.Thatis
    indeedthecruxofthematterandthecluetotheartofChandler'sownnovels.
    HischaractersinvariablygivewhatHenryJamescalls'theblessedillusion'of
    beingfreeandindependentpeople,perfectlycapableofleadingafreeand
    normallifeoutsidethedimensionofadetectivestory.In_WarandPeace,_or
    inJaneAusten'sgreatnovels,orinChekhov'splays,itseemsthatno
    artificialliterarygenrehasdeterminedpredeterminedthewaythecharacters
    shallliveandbehave.SoitisinChandlerathisbest.
    Thisfreedomofthecharacter,ortheillusionoffreedomifwepreferto
    callitso,isrelatedtoanothersourceofstrengthinChandler'swriting.He
    hasnotonlycreatedaworldofhisownbutaworldwhich,evenifweourselves
    arewhollyignorantofit,weknowtobeinsomevitalsensetruetothefacts
    astheyare.Chandler'sworldisnot,liketheworldofJamesBond,apurely
    fantasyworld.ItismorelikeKafka's.AsKafka'sworldcanfreelybecompared
    withourownexperiences,soinitsmoremodest,lessabsoluteway,can

    Chandler's.Howeverpleasurablyexoticandunfamiliaritmaybe,wefeelwe
    couldliveinit:indeedthatweactually_are_livinginitasweread;and
    thisillusionofacompleterealitymustbeallbutuniqueintheannalsof
    detectivefiction.
    Wemayevenimaginethatwecouldleadaperfectlyordinaryhumdrumlife
    insideaChandlernovel,quiteoutsidetheusualexcitementsandpreoccupations
    ofadetectivestory.Weshouldnotourselvesbeshootingorbeingshotat,
    sluggedonthehead,orthreatenedbycorruptpolicemen,butjustdrivingabout
    intheOldsmobile,visitingquicklunchcounters,andsurveyingwiththeeyeof
    aconnoisseurthestreetsandhouseinteriorsofSantaMonica.Thepermit
    suppliedbyChandlerwouldevenentitleustovisitsuchopulentpalacesasthe
    Sternwoodresidence,toadmirethefamilyportraitsandtowonderatthe
    magnificenceoftheentrancehall,wideenoughtoaccommodate'atroopofIndian
    elephants'anddecoratedbyagiantstainedglasspanel'showingaknightin
    darkarmorrescuingaladywhowastiedtoatreeanddidn'thaveanyclotheson
    butsomeverylongandconvenienthair.'
    Atonce,intheopeningparagraphsof_TheBigSleep,_thereaderfinds
    himselfgiventhefreedomofChandlercountry,richlysinisterandweirdly
    funny,humorousandforebodingatthesametime.Marloweisindeedakindof
    knight,aknightwhotravelsdownmeanstreets,aswellastothehousesofthe
    richwiththeirEnglishbutlersandtheirfesteringsecrets.Buttheladyhe
    findshimselfhavingtorescuelivesinaworldaverylongwayindeedfrom
    medievalromance.Theknightofthestainedglasswindow,wemightnotice,goes
    toworkindarkratherthaninthetraditionalknightlyshiningarmourand
    Marloweisanoperatorwhooperateswithoutshowandwithnoneofthe
    traditionalglamourofthedetective.Nodetailofthatsortiseverrandomor
    irrelevantinChandler'sworld.Themarvellousdetailisasmeticulouslypointed
    asitisunobtrusive.
    CarmenSternwood,thespoiltlittlerichgirlanddrugtaker,whodisplays
    herselfnakedforthecameraofthecreepiestofphotographers,isthebestor
    theworstthattherealworldofHollywoodrunstointhewayofadamselin
    distress.Sheisafarcryfromthesentimentalfantasyworldof1930scinema.
    Becausehedeclinedtomakelovetoherandpolitelyturneddownherdegraded
    charms,shehasdisposedofonedoomedrepresentativeofthecontemporary
    knightlyworld,hersister'shusband,theexbootleggerandIRAman.Helies

    dishonouredintheoldoilsumpwhichhashelpedtoenrichtheSternwood
    familyafamilywhosepatriarchstillclingstoanoldfashionedandoutdated
    codeofhonour.
    Marlowe,theironicknighterrantfortwentyfivedollarsaday,cansave
    himselffromherfatalembracebyquickthinkinganotherironictouchoutof
    themedievalromance.Butasafurthertwistofironyhehashimselfhadtobe
    rescuedbyanotherlady,whoappearsintheroleofdamselindistress,yetwho
    turnsouttobeinlovewithhergangsterhusbandandcaptor.Likesomemaimed
    kinginanancientlegend,oldGeneralSternwoodpresidesoverthisdomain,
    powerlesstocontrolhisfamily,ortoexerciseauthorityinthemodernworld;
    whileNorristhefamilybutler,anhonourablehirelinglikeMarlowehimself,can
    onlykeepfaith,andstaysilent.
    Chandlerneverwroteanythingbetterthan_TheBigSleep._Inthebestof
    thenovelswhichfollowed(hewrotethreeinfairlyquicksuccessionduringthe
    waryears),hewasablesuccessfullyto'cannibalize',tousehisown
    expression,manyoftheeventsanddramaticsequenceshehadusedinearlier
    _BlackMask_stories.Writingingreaterdetailandwiththesophisticatedand
    elaboratesenseofplaceandpeoplewhichhehadnowdevelopedsosuccessfully,
    heproducedothermasterpieceslike_Farewell,MyLovely_in1940and_TheLady
    intheLake_threeyearslater.Bothhavebravuraopenings,eachofaquite
    differentsort,rivallingthatof_TheBigSleep_andtransportingthereaderat
    onceintoanewandvividkindofChandlerlandscape.Themountainsettingof_
    TheLadyintheLake_isespeciallymemorable.TheCaliforniamountains,with
    theirlakesandfish,birdsandanimals,comeinstantlyalive,and,together
    withtheambiguousfigureofthecaretakeratthemountainproperty,forma
    perfectandbrilliantlyrealizedbackgroundtothediscoveryofthebody.
    Indeed,assooftenhappensinthebestofChandler,thedetailofbackground
    andsettingismoregrippingthanthemysteryitselfanditssolution.Inthis
    noveltheseare,nonetheless,effectiveenough,remindingusthattheauthor,
    duringthisperiod,wasahighlytalentedandinventivescreenwriter,whoworked
    withsuccessonthescriptofsuchscreenmasterpiecesas_DoubleIndemnity,_
    andhadahandinbringingtothecinemaDashiellHammett's_TheMaltese
    Falcon,_andhisownnovelsaswell.
    Likeallwritersinthegenre,Chandlermadeuseofhisfavouriteformulae.
    Thevillaininvariablyturnsouttobeawoman,youngorold,whointermsof

    thestoryisallthemoreaestheticallyeffectiveforbeingfemale.Bythetime
    of_TheLongGoodbye_in1954theformulahadbecomerathertoostereotyped,but
    itneverthelessremainsanaestheticplotdeviceratherthanasymptomofdeeper
    misogynyonthepartoftheauthor.Chandler'ssenseofpeopleistooacuteand
    thustoosympathetictolayhimopentoanycrudechargeofdislikingwomenand
    makinguseoftheminamonotonouslywickedroleforthatreason.Hishumanity
    towardsallhiscreationsisneverindoubt,butthefemalemonsterisa
    conveniencehecameincreasinglytodependupon.
    Inbecomingmodernclassicshisbestbookscontradicthisownstated
    opinion,in'TheSimpleArtofMurder',thatboththegoodandthebaddetective
    storyarealikeinthattheyarenecessarilyaboutthesamethings,andtreated
    inawaywhichdoesnotallowawidedegreeofvariation.Everyfictionalmurder
    requiresitsownstyleofmystery,and,as_TheLadyintheLake_shows,
    Chandlercannotbutselectoneamonganumberoftraditionalsolutionsand
    possibilities.Andyet,inthebackgroundof_TheBigSleep_andthenovels
    whichsucceeditthereisalwaysthesameimpressionofmoralalertness,of
    reflection,queryanddiscernmenttheimpressionthatliesbehindallthe
    masterpiecesoffictioninanyperiod.
    AllChandler'snovelspossessnotonlyanextraordinarilyvividsenseof
    place,butwhatinadditionmightbetermedthe_atmosphere_of
    characterization.Thereisaspecialandsensitiveawarenessofthesortof
    peopleusuallyfoundalmostasstocktypesindetectivefictionpolicemen,big
    timecrooksandtheirbodyguards,secretaries,butlers,businesspeopleand
    hopefulrogues,predatorymenandwomen,orthosewhohavelostoutandgivenup
    thestruggle.Togethertheymakeupaworldinwhichindividuality,andoftena
    measureofeccentricity,playanaturalandunforcedpart.Peopleinthenovels
    arenaturallypeculiar,orbad,orevengood;butthereisnoneedhere,as
    therewouldhavebeeninanolderandsimplertraditiondescendedfromDickens
    andG.K.Chesterton,tokeepdrawingourattentiontothefact.
    InachievingthisoverallatmosphereofcharacterizationChandlerhas
    enlargedthescopeandenterpriseofanotusuallyveryelevatedformoffiction
    onitsownterms,andyetwithoutanyrecoursetothecharacteristicingenuities
    andexaggeratednewploysofthenormaldetectivenovel;infact,heturnsout
    tobenotanewkindofthrillerwriterbutasober,authoritativeand

    unobtrusivelysensitivestraightnovelistwithaworld,astyleanda
    personalitywhichareallhisown.
    Hisrareandindispensablegiftofhumourisdissolved,asitwere,inthis
    personalandoriginalmodeofdiscourse.Hisminorpersonae,alwaysbothunusual
    andalive,aresimilarlydissolved,togetherwiththerichwealthofbackground
    detail,inanatmospherethatispungentlysardonicandyetsympatheticatthe
    sametime.Hiswisecracksand_bonmots_canbedeliciouslyprecise,almost
    surrealistic('shewasablondetomakeabishopkickaholeinastainedglass
    window')though,asaminorvillainnesstartlypointsout,Marlowe'saddiction
    totheroutinewisecrackcanbealittlemechanicalattimes,andevenatrifle
    wearing.Butthatisallpartofapersonawhichseemsbotheffortlesslynatural
    andcarefullycraftedatthesametime.
    Whatworksuponthereaderwithsucheffect,andmakeshimawarethatheis
    experiencingauniquekindofliterarypleasure,istheseamlessgarmentof
    Chandler'sstyle,alwaysandatthesamemomentserious,humorous,and
    discreetlyerudite.Unlikehisolderschoolfellow,P.G.Wodehouse,henever
    seemstodrawattentiontohisownwit,orthepartthataptquotationanda
    meticulousliterarysenseplayinthefineflowofhisnarrativeandhis
    stylisticmanner.Thatovertsentimentalitybecomesalltoovisibleinthelast
    pairofcompletednovels_TheLongGoodbye_and_Playback_isachargethat
    canhardlybedenied,althoughtheoldmagicisstillverymuchthere:Chandler
    remainedChandlertotheend,justasMarloweremainedMarlowe.Butinthe
    earliernovelsanytouchofsentimentiskeptfastidiouslyundercontrol,only
    emergingbrieflyinsuchadmirablemomentsasourbriefencounterin_TheBig
    Sleep_withtheminiaturebutvalorousHarryJones,andhisbigblondeAgnes,
    thebadpickerandeternalloser.HarryJonesisaherowhosedeathtouchesus,
    withoutrequiringamoment'smoreemotionthattheactiongiveshim.
    Chandlerhadalwaysbeentoogoodawriterandtooindependentoffashion
    tobringwhatwerebecomingroutinesexscenesintotheMarlowenovels.Whatever
    arrangementsMarlowemighthavehadinthatlinewerenotdisclosedbyhimself
    asnarrator,andwerenobusinessofthenovelisteither.Betweenthe
    assignmentsthatwerethesubjectofanovel,Marlowemighthavehadanynumber
    ofdisastrousorsuccessfulloveaffairs,buthisreaderswouldknownothing
    aboutthem.Buteventuallyandthechangewasevenmoreunfortunatethanthe
    drifttoaburgeoningsentimentalitythestandardthriller'sobligationto

    makeitsheroamasterofthebedroomscene,aswellasofmysterysolutionand
    crimedetection,begantocatchupwithChandler.Hisstyle,hiswit,his
    masterlyimpressionsofplacesandpeople,noneofthemcanhelphiminthis
    context;andwhenin_Playback_heseemstomakeuphismindtoattemptthenew
    modehesoundslikeanyotherthrillerwriterjumpingthroughtheobligatory
    hoops.(Marlowe'sbriskandwhollyuncharacteristicbeddingofthelawyer's
    secretaryin_Playback_appearsactuallytocopythestandardformalitiesofa
    seductiontobefoundatthetimeinthenovelsofeverystandardthriller
    writer,includingIanFleming.)
    Togetherwithsextheregoesamoregeneraldemoralizationofstyle.
    Although_Playback_isassharpeyedandsharptalkingasever,andalmostas
    muchpleasuretoread,thereisaboutitanunmistakableatmosphereof
    valedictionandfarewell.Chandler'salcoholproblemwasbecomingmoreacute,
    andhehadlostthewifetowhomhehadforagreatmanyyearsbeendevoted.The
    slackeningoftempoevidentin_TheLongGoodbye_of1954isinfactarrested
    threeyearslaterin_Playback,_butthatnovelnonethelessretainstheairof
    aswansong,andthenewlyimportedsexandsententiousnessarefarfromhelpful.
    Despiteitsmanygoodqualities,_TheLongGoodbye_hadbecomeover
    expansive,evenverboseattimes,withmorethanahintofwhatcanseem
    involuntaryselfparody,althoughthestory'sgraspoflocale,andthe
    individualsthatgowithit,likethedubiousdoctorsMarlowehasto
    investigate,isassureandsatisfyingasever.Thethemeofbetrayal,
    brilliantlyhandledinanearlystorycalled'RedWind',isexaggeratedandtoo
    longdrawnoutinthenovel.Howeverelaboratehisdescriptionsandhis
    witticisms,alaconictoneisthelifebloodofChandler'sbestfiction.Hecan
    wonderfullycombineanalmost_findesicle_luxurianceofdescriptionwiththe
    tersenessandironicunderstatementlearntfromHemingway.InHemingwaythe
    displayofrestraintisselfpromoting,butasChandlergrewintohisown
    literarypersonalitythequietlyironicstylecamenaturally,embodiedinthe
    completelyrealizedfigureofMarlowehimself.
    Thesenseequallyofaestheticsatisfactionandofadeepersortof
    understandingwhichthereadingofthesenovelsleaveswithusisthegiftofan
    artisticallyuniqueandalsoahumanelydelicatevision:thistotalityisafar
    cryfromtheauthorwhoseeksmerelytoenlivenawornoutgenrebymeansofa
    newtechnique.Onthecontrary,bymakinganenlightenedandintelligentuseof

    hisgenre,Chandlerwrotenovelswhichnotonlytranscenditbutwillcertainly
    bereadaslongasthebestnovelsofanykind,orofanyage.
    JohnBayley

    SelectBibliography

    NOVELS
    _TheBigSleep._NewYork:AlfredA.Knopf,1939;London:HamishHamilton,1939.
    _Farewell,MyLovely._NewYork:AlfredA.Knopf,1940;London:HamishHamilton,
    1940.
    _TheHighWindow._NewYork:AlfredA.Knopf,1942;London:HamishHamilton,
    1943.
    _TheLadyintheLake._NewYork:AlfredA.Knopf,1943;London:Hamish
    Hamilton,1944,
    _TheLittleSister._London:HamishHamilton,1949;Boston:HoughtonMifflin,
    1949.
    _TheLongGoodbye._London:HamishHamilton,1953;Boston:HoughtonMifflin,
    1954.
    _Playback._London:HamishHamilton,1958;Boston:HoughtonMifflin,1958.
    STORIES
    'BlackmailersDon'tShoot'._BlackMask,_December1933
    'SmartAleckKill'._BlackMask,_July1934.
    'FingerMan'._BlackMask,_October1934.
    'KillerintheRain'._BlackMask,_January1935.
    'NevadaGas'._BlackMask,_June1935.
    'SpanishBlood'._BlackMask,_November1935.
    'GunsatCyrano's'._BlackMask,_January1936.
    'TheManWhoLikedDogs'._BlackMask,_March1936.

    'NoonStreetNemesis'(republishedas'PickuponNoonStreet'._Detective
    FictionWeekly,_May30,1936.
    'Goldfish'._BlackMask,_June1936.
    'TheCurtain'._BlackMask,_September1936.
    'TrytheGirl'._BlackMask,_January1937.
    'Mandarin'sJade'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_November1937.
    'RedWind'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_January1938
    'TheKinginYellow'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_March1938.
    'BayCityBlues'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_June1938.
    'TheLadyintheLake'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_January1939.
    'PearlsAreaNuisance'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_April1939.
    'TroubleIsMyBusiness'._DimeDetectiveMagazine,_August1939.
    'I'llBeWaiting'._SaturdayEveningPost,_October14,1939.
    'TheBronzeDoor'.UnknownMagazine,November1939.
    'NoCrimeintheMountains'._DetectiveStory,_September1941.'Professor
    Bingo'sSnuff'._ParkEast,_JuneAugust1951;_Go,_JuneJuly1951.
    'MarloweTakesontheSyndicate'._LondonDailyMail,_April6101959,also
    publishedas'WrongPidgeon'._Manhunt,_February1961.Reprintedas'The
    Pencil'.
    'EnglishSummer'.Firstpublishedposthumouslyin_TheNotebooksofRaymond
    ChandlerandEnglishSummer:AGothicRomancebyRaymondChandler,_ed.Frank
    MacShane,TheEccoPress,NewYork,1976.
    BIOGRAPHY
    Thereareseveralbiographies,including_TheLifeofRaymondChandler_byFrank
    MacShane(Cape,1976),_RaymondChandlerby_WilliamMarling(Twayne,1886)and
    TomHiney's_RaymondChandler:AnAuthorizedBiography_(Chatto&Windus,1997;
    GroveAtlantic,2001)._TheRaymondChandlerPapers_(ed.TomHineyandFrank
    MacShane,HamishHamilton,2000)includesletters,essaysandstories.Miriam
    Gross's_TheWorldofRaymondChandler_(Weidenfeld&Nicolson,1977)offersa
    pictorialbiographyandalavishlyillustratedstudyofthemilieuofthe
    Marlowenovels.JerrySpeir's_RaymondChandler_(Ungar,1981)containsauseful
    bibliography.

    BLACKMAILERSDON'TSHOOT

    Themaninthepowderbluesuitwhichwasn'tpowderblueunderthelightsof
    theClubBolivarwastall,withwidesetgrayeyes,athinnose,ajawof
    stone.Hehadarathersensitivemouth.Hishairwascrispandblack,everso
    faintlytouchedwithgray,asbyanalmostdiffidenthand.Hisclothesfitted
    himasthoughtheyhadasouloftheirown,notjustadoubtfulpast.Hisname
    happenedtobeMallory.
    Heheldacigarettebetweenthestrong,precisefingersofonehand.Heput
    theotherhandflatonthewhitetablecloth,andsaid:
    "Theletterswillcostyoutengrand,MissFarr.That'snottoomuch."
    Helookedatthegirloppositehimverybriefly;thenhelookedacross
    emptytablestowardstheheartshapedspaceoffloorwherethedancersprowled
    undershiftingcoloredlights.
    Theycrowdedthecustomersaroundthedancefloorsocloselythatthe
    perspiringwaitershadtobalancethemselvesliketightropewalkerstoget
    betweenthetables.ButnearwhereMallorysatwereonlyfourpeople.
    Aslim,darkwomanwasdrinkingahighballacrossthetablefromaman
    whosefatredneckglistenedwithdampbristles.Thewomanstaredintoherglass

    morosely,andfiddledwithabigsilverflaskinherlap.Fartheralongtwo
    bored,frowningmensmokedlongthincigars,withoutspeakingtoeachother.
    Mallorysaidthoughtfully:"Tengranddoesitnicely,MissFarr."
    RhondaFarrwasverybeautiful.Shewaswearing,forthisoccasion,all
    black,exceptacollarofwhitefur,lightasthistledown,onhereveningwrap.
    Exceptalsoawhitewigwhich,meanttodisguiseher,madeherlookvery
    girlish.Hereyeswerecornflowerblue,andshehadthesortofskinanoldrake
    dreamsof.
    Shesaidnastily,withoutraisingherhead:"That'sridiculous."
    "Whyisitridiculous?"Malloryasked,lookingmildlysurprisedandrather
    annoyed.
    RhondaFarrliftedherfaceandgavehimalookashardasmarble.Thenshe
    pickedacigaretteoutofasilvercasethatlayopenonthetable,andfitted
    itintoalongslimholder,alsoblack.Shewenton:
    "Thelovelettersofascreenstar?Notsomuchanymore.Thepublichas
    stoppedbeingasweetoldladyinlonglacepanties."
    Alightdancedcontemptuouslyinherpurplishblueeyes.Mallorygavehera
    hardlook.
    "Butyoucameheretotalkaboutthemquickenough,"hesaid,"withaman
    youneverheardof."
    Shewavedthecigaretteholder,andsaid:"Imusthavebeennuts."
    Mallorysmiledwithhiseyes,withoutmovinghislips."No,MissFarr.You
    hadadamngoodreason.Wantmetotellyouwhatitis?"
    RhondaFarrlookedathimangrily.Thenshelookedaway,almostappearedto
    forgethim.Sheheldupherhand,theonewiththecigaretteholder,lookedat
    it,posing.Itwasabeautifulhand,withoutaring.Beautifulhandsareasrare
    asjacarandatreesinbloom,inacitywhereprettyfacesareascommonasruns
    indollarstockings.
    Sheturnedherheadandglancedatthestiffeyedwoman,beyondhertowards
    themobaroundthedancefloor.Theorchestrawentonbeingsaccharineand
    monotonous.
    "Iloathethesedives,"shesaidthinly."Theylookasiftheyonlyexisted
    afterdark,likeghouls.Thepeoplearedissipatedwithoutgrace,sinfulwithout
    irony."Sheloweredherhandtothewhitecloth."Ohyes,theletters,what
    makesthemsodangerous,blackmailer?"

    Mallorylaughed.Hehadaringinglaughwithahardqualityinit,a
    gratingsound."You'regood,"hesaid."Thelettersarenotsomuchperhaps.
    Justsexytripe.Thememoirsofaschoolgirlwho'sbeenseducedandcan'tstop
    talkingaboutit."
    "That'slousy,"RhondaFarrsaidinavoicelikeicedvelvet.
    "It'sthemanthey'rewrittentothatmakesthemimportant,"Mallorysaid
    coldly."Aracketeer,agambler,afastmoneyboy.Andallthatgoeswithit.A
    guyyoucouldn'tbeseentalkingtoandstayinthecream."
    "Idon'ttalktohim,blackmailer.Ihaven'ttalkedtohiminyears.
    LandreywasaprettyniceboywhenIknewhim.Mostofushavesomethingbehind
    uswe'drathernotgointo.Inmycaseit_is_behind."
    "Ohyes?Makeminestrawberry,"Mallorysaidwithasuddensneer."Youjust
    gotthroughaskinghimtohelpyougetyourlettersback."
    Herheadjerked.Herfaceseemedtocomeapart,tobecomemerelyasetof
    featureswithoutcontrol.Hereyeslookedlikethepreludetoascreambutonly
    forasecond.
    Almostinstantlyshegotherselfcontrolback.Hereyesweredrainedof
    color,almostasgrayashisown.Sheputtheblackcigaretteholderdownwith
    exaggeratedcare,lacedherfingerstogether.Theknuckleslookedwhite.
    "YouknowLandreythatwell?"shesaidbitterly.
    "MaybeIjustgetaround,findthingsout...Dowedeal,ordowejustgoon
    snarlingateachother?"
    "Wheredidyougettheletters?"Hervoicewasstillroughandbitter.
    Malloryshrugged."Wedon'ttellthingslikethatinourbusiness."
    "Ihadareasonforasking.Someotherpeoplehavebeentryingtosellme
    thesesamedamnedletters.That'swhyI'mhere.Itmademecurious.ButIguess
    you'rejustoneofthemtryingtoscaremeintoactionbysteppingtheprice."
    Mallorysaid:"No;I'monmyown."
    Shenodded.Hervoicewasscarcelymorethanawhisper."Thatmakesit
    nice.Perhapssomebrightmindthoughtofhavingaprivateeditionofmyletters
    made.Photostats...Well,I'mnotpaying.Itwouldn'tgetmeanywhere.Idon't
    deal,blackmailer.SofarasI'mconcernedyoucangooutsomedarknightand
    jumpoffthedockwithyourlousyletters!"
    Mallorywrinkledhisnose,squinteddownitwithanairofdeep
    concentration."Nicelyput,MissFarr.Butitdoesn'tgetusanywhere."

    Shesaiddeliberately:"Itwasn'tmeantto.Icouldputitbetter.Andif
    I'dthoughttobringmylittlepearlhandledgunIcouldsayitwithslugsand
    getawaywithit!ButI'mnotlookingforthatkindofpublicity."
    Malloryhelduptwoleanfingersandexaminedthemcritically.Helooked
    amused,almostpleased.RhondaFarrputherslimhanduptoherwhitewig,held
    itthereamoment,anddroppedit.
    Amansittingatatablesomewayoffgotupatonceandcametowardsthem.
    Hecamequickly,walkingwithalight,lithestepandswingingasoftblack
    hatagainsthisthigh.Hewassleekindinnerclothes.
    WhilehewascomingRhondaFarrsaid:"Youdidn'texpectmetowalkinhere
    alone,didyou?Me,Idon'tgotonightclubsalone."
    Mallorygrinned."Youshouldn'toughttohaveto,baby,"hesaiddryly.
    Themancameuptothetable.Hewassmall,neatlyputtogether,dark.He
    hadalittleblackmustache,shinylikesatin,andtheclearpallorthatLatins
    prizeaboverubies.
    Withasmoothgesture,ahintofdrama,heleanedacrossthetableandtook
    oneofMallory'scigarettesoutofthesilvercase.Helititwithaflourish.
    RhondaFarrputherhandtoherlipsandyawned.Shesaid,"ThisisErno,
    mybodyguard.Hetakescareofme.Nice,isn'tit?"
    Shestoodupslowly.Ernohelpedherwithherwrap.Thenhespreadhislips
    inamirthlesssmile,lookedatMallory,said:
    "Hello,baby."
    Hehaddark,almostopaqueeyeswithhotlightsinthem.
    RhondaFarrgatheredherwrapabouther,noddedslightly,sketchedabrief
    sarcasticsmilewithherdelicatelips,andturnedoffalongtheaislebetween
    thetables.Shewentwithherheadupandproud,herfacealittletenseand
    wary,likeaqueeninjeopardy.Notfearless,butdisdainingtoshowfear.It
    wasnicelydone.
    Thetwoboredmengaveheraninterestedeye.Thedarkwomanbroodedglumly
    overthetaskofmixingherselfahighballthatwouldhaveflooredahorse.The
    manwiththefatsweatyneckseemedtohavegonetosleep.
    RhondaFarrwentupthefivecrimsoncarpetedstepstothelobby,pasta
    bowingheadwaiter.Shewentthroughloopedbackgoldcurtains,anddisappeared.
    Mallorywatchedheroutofsight,thenhelookedatErno.Hesaid:"Well,
    punk,what'sonyourmind?"

    Hesaiditinsultingly,withacoldsmile.Ernostiffened.Hisglovedleft
    handjerkedthecigarettethatwasinitsothatsomeashfelloff.
    "Kiddin'yourself,baby?"heinquiredswiftly.
    "Aboutwhat,punk?"
    RedspotscameintoErno'spalecheeks.Hiseyesnarrowedtoblackslits.
    Hemovedhisunglovedrighthandalittle,curledthefingerssothatthesmall
    pinknailsglittered.Hesaidthinly:
    "Aboutsomeletters,baby.Forgetit!It'sout,baby,out!"
    Mallorylookedathimwithelaborate,cynicalinterest,ranhisfingers
    throughhiscrispblackhair.Hesaidslowly:
    "PerhapsIdon'tknowwhatyoumean,littleone."
    Ernolaughed.Ametallicsound,astraineddeadlysound.Malloryknewthat
    kindoflaugh;thepreludetogunmusicinsomeplaces.HewatchedErno'squick
    littlerighthand.Hespokeraspingly.
    "Onyourway,redhot.Imighttakeanotiontoslapthatfuzzoffyour
    lip."
    Erno'sfacetwisted.Theredpatchesshowedstartlinglyinhischeeks.He
    liftedthehandthatheldhiscigarette,lifteditslowly,andsnappedthe
    burningcigarettestraightatMallory'sface.Mallorymovedhisheadalittle,
    andthewhitetubearchedoverhisshoulder.
    Therewasnoexpressiononhislean,coldface.Distantly,dimly,asthough
    anothervoicespoke,hesaid:
    "Careful,punk.Peoplegethurtforthingslikethat."
    Ernolaughedthesamemetallic,strainedlaugh."Blackmailersdon'tshoot,
    baby,"hesnarled."Dothey?"
    "Beatit,youdirtylittlewop!"
    Thewords,thecoldsneeringtone,stungErnotofury.Hisrighthandshot
    uplikeastrikingsnake.Agunwhiskedintoitfromashoulderholster.Thenhe
    stoodmotionless,glaring.Mallorybentforwardalittle,hishandsontheedge
    ofthetable,hisfingerscurledbelowtheedge.Thecornersofhismouth
    sketchedadimsmile.
    Therewasadullscreech,notloud,fromthedarkwoman.Thecolordrained
    fromErno'scheeks,leavingthempallid,sunkin.Inavoicethatwhistledwith
    furyhesaid:
    "Okay,baby.We'llgooutside.March,you!"

    Oneoftheboredmenthreetablesawaymadeasuddenmovementofno
    significance.SlightasitwasitcaughtErno'seye.Hisglanceflickered.Then
    thetableroseintohisstomach,knockedhimsprawling.
    Itwasalighttable,andMallorywasnotalightweight.Therewasa
    complicatedthuddingsound.Afewdishesclattered,somesilver.Ernowasspread
    onthefloorwiththetableacrosshisthighs.Hisgunsettledafootfromhis
    clawinghand.Hisfacewasconvulsed.
    Forapoisedinstantoftimeitwasasthoughthescenewereimprisonedin
    glass,andwouldneverchange.Thenthedarkwomanscreechedagain,louder.
    Everythingbecameaswirlofmovement.Peopleonallsidescametotheirfeet.
    Twowaitersputtheirarmsstraightupintheairandbegantospoutviolent
    Neapolitan.Amoist,overdrivenbusboychargedup,moreafraidofthehead
    waiterthanofsuddendeath.Aplump,reddishmanwithcorncoloredhairhurried
    downsteps,wavingabunchofmenus.
    Ernojerkedhislegsclear,weavedtohisknees,snatcheduphisgun.He
    swiveled,spittingcurses.Mallory,alone,indifferentinthecenterofthe
    babel,leaneddownandcrackedahardfistagainstErno'sflimsyjaw
    ConsciousnessevaporatedfromErno'seyes.Hecollapsedlikeahalffilled
    sackofsand.
    Malloryobservedhimcarefullyforacoupleofseconds.Thenhepickedhis
    cigarettecaseupoffthefloor.Therewerestilltwocigarettesinit.Heput
    oneofthembetweenhislips,putthecaseaway.Hetooksomebillsoutofhis
    trouserpocket,foldedonelengthwiseandpokeditatawaiter.
    Hewalkedawaywithouthaste,towardsthefivecrimsoncarpetedstepsand
    theentrance.
    Themanwiththefatneckopenedacautiousandfishyeye.Thedrunken
    womanstaggeredtoherfeetwithacackleofinspiration,pickedupabowlof
    icecubesinherthinjeweledhands,anddumpeditonErno'sstomach,withfair
    accuracy.

    Mallorycameoutfromunderthecanopywithhissofthatunderhisarm.The
    doormanlookedathiminquiringly.Heshookhisheadandwalkedalittleway
    downthecurvingsidewalkthatborderedthesemicircularprivatedriveway.He
    stoodattheedgeofthecurbing,inthedarkness,thinkinghard.Afteralittle
    whileanIsottaFraschiniwentbyhimslowly.
    Itwasanopenphaeton,hugeevenforthecalculatedswankofHollywood.It
    glitteredlikeaZiegfeldchorusasitpassedtheentrancelights,thenitwas
    dullgrayandsilver.Aliveriedchauffeursatbehindthewheelasstiffasa
    poker,withapeakedcapcockedrakishlyoveroneeye.RhondaFarrsatinthe
    backseat,underthehalfdeck,withtherigidstillnessofawaxfigure.
    Thecarslidsoundlesslydownthedriveway,passedbetweenacoupleof
    squatstonepillarsandwaslostamongthelightsoftheboulevard.Malloryput
    onhishatabsently.
    Somethingstirredinthedarknessbehindhim,betweentallItalian
    cypresses.Heswungaround,lookedatfaintlightonagunbarrel.
    Themanwhoheldthegunwasverybigandbroad.Hehadashapelessfelt
    hatonthebackofhishead,andanindistinctovercoathungawayfromhis
    stomach.Dimlightfromahighup,narrowwindowoutlinedbushyeyebrows,a
    hookednose.Therewasanothermanbehindhim.
    Hesaid:"Thisisagun,buddy.Itgoesboomboom,andguysfalldown.Want
    totryit?"
    Mallorylookedathimemptily,andsaid:"Growup,flattie!What'sthe
    act?"
    Thebigmanlaughed.Hislaughterhadadullsound,liketheseabreaking
    onrocksinafog.Hesaidwithheavysarcasm:
    "Brightboyhasusspotted,Jim.Oneofusmustlooklikeacop."Heeyed
    Mallory,andadded:"Sawyoupullarodonalittleguyinside.Wasthatnice?"
    Mallorytossedhiscigaretteaway,watcheditarcthroughthedarkness.He
    saidcarefully:
    "Wouldtwentybucksmakeyouseeitsomeotherway?"
    "Nottonight,mister.Mostanyothernight,butnottonight."
    "ACnote?"
    "Noteventhat,mister."
    "That,"Mallorysaidgravely,"mustbedamntough."

    Thebigmanlaughedagain,camealittlecloser.Themanbehindhimlurched
    outoftheshadowsandplantedasoftfattishhandonMallory'sshoulder.
    Malloryslidsidewayswithoutmovinghisfeet.Thehandfelloff.Hesaid:
    "Keepyourpawsoffme,gumshoe!"
    Theothermanmadeasnarlingsound.Somethingswishedthroughtheair.
    SomethinghitMalloryveryhardbehindhisleftear.Hewenttohisknees.He
    kneeledswayingforamoment,shakinghisheadviolently.Hiseyescleared.He
    couldseethelozengedesigninthesidewalk.Hegottohisfeetagainrather
    slowly.
    Helookedatthemanwhohadblackjackedhimandcursedhiminathickdull
    voice,withaconcentrationofferocitythatsetthemanbackonhisheelswith
    hisslackmouthworkinglikemeltingrubber.
    Thebigmansaid:"Damnyoursoul,Jim!Whatinhell'dyoudothatfor?"
    ThemancalledJimputhissoftfathandtohismouthandgnawedatit.He
    shuffledtheblackjackintothesidepocketofhiscoat.
    "Forgetit!"hesaid."Let'staketheandgetonwithit.Ineeda
    drink."
    Heplungeddownthewalk.Malloryturnedslowly,followedhimwithhis
    eyes,rubbingthesideofhishead.Thebigmanmovedhisguninabusinesslike
    wayandsaid:
    "Walk,buddy.We'retakin'alittlerideinthemoonlight."
    Mallorywalked.Thebigmanfellinbesidehim.ThemancalledJimfellin
    ontheotherside.Hehithimselfhardinthepitofthestomach,said:
    "Ineedadrink,Mac.I'vegotthejumps."
    Thebigmansaidpeacefully:"Whodon't,youpooregg?"
    Theycametoatouringcarthatwasdoubleparkednearthesquatpillarsat
    theedgeoftheboulevard.ThemanwhohadhitMallorygotinbehindthewheel.
    ThebigmanproddedMalloryintothebackseatandgotinbesidehim.Heheld
    hisgunacrosshisbigthigh,tiltedhishatalittlefurtherback,andgotout
    acrumpledpackofcigarettes.Helitonecarefully,withhislefthand.
    Thecarwentoutintotheseaoflights,rolledeastashortway,then
    turnedsouthdownthelongslope.Thelightsofthecitywereanendless
    glitteringsheet.Neonsignsglowedandflashed.Thelanguidrayofa
    searchlightproddedaboutamonghighfaintclouds.

    "It'slikethis,"thebigmansaid,blowingsmokefromhiswidenostrils.
    "Wegotyouspotted.Youweretryin'topeddlesomephonyletterstothisFarr
    twist."
    Mallorylaughedshortly,mirthlessly.Hesaid:"Youflattiesgivemean
    ache."
    Thebigmanappearedtothinkitover,staringinfrontofhim.Passing
    electroliersthrewquickwavesoflightacrosshisbroadface.Afterawhilehe
    said:
    "You'retheguyallright.Wegottoknowthesethingsinourbusiness."
    Mallory'seyesnarrowedinthedarkness.Hislipssmiled.Hesaid:"What
    business,copper?"
    Thebigmanopenedhismouthwide,shutitwithaclick.Hesaid:
    "Maybeyoubettertalk,brightboy.Nowwouldbeahellofagoodtime.Jim
    andmeain'ttoughtogetonwith,butwegotfriendswhoain'tsodainty."
    Mallorysaid:"WhatwouldItalkabout,Lieutenant?"
    Thebigmanshookwithsilentlaughter,madenoanswer.Thecarwentpast
    theoilwellthatstandsinthemiddleofLaCienegaBoulevard,thenturnedoff
    ontoaquietstreetfringedwithpalmtrees.Itstoppedhalfwaydownthe
    block,infrontofanemptylot.Jimcutthemotorandthelights.Thenhegota
    flatbottleoutofthedoorpocketandheldittohismouth,sigheddeeply,
    passedthebottleoverhisshoulder.
    Thebigmantookadrink,wavedthebottle,said:
    "Wegottowaithereforafriend.Let'stalk.Myname'sMacdonald
    detectivebureau.Youwastryin'toshaketheFarrgirldown.Thenher
    protectionsteppedinfrontofher.Youboppedhim.Thatwasniceroutineandwe
    likedit.Butwedidn'tliketheotherpart."
    Jimreachedbackforthewhiskeybottle,tookanotherdrink,sniffedatthe
    neck,said:"Wewasstashedoutforyou.Butwedon'tfigureyourplayoutin
    theopenlikethat.Itdon'tlisten."
    Malloryleanedanarmonthesideofthecar,andlookedoutandupatthe
    calm,blue,starspatteredsky.Hesaid:
    "Youknowtoomuch,copper.Andyoudidn'tgetyourdopefromMissFarr.No
    screenstarwouldgotothepoliceonamatterofblackmail."
    Macdonaldjerkedhisbigheadaround.Hiseyesgleamedfaintlyinthedark
    interiorofthecar.

    "Wedidn'tsayhowwegotourdope,brightboy.Soyou_was_tryin'to
    shakeherdown,huh?"
    Mallorysaidgravely:"MissFarrisanoldfriendofmine.Somebodyis
    tryingtoblackmailher,butnotme.Ijusthaveahunch."
    Macdonaldsaidswiftly:"Whatthewoppullagunonyoufor?"
    "Hedidn'tlikeme,"Mallorysaidinaboredvoice."Iwasmeantohim."
    Macdonaldsaid:"Horsefeathers!"Herumbledangrily.Themaninthefront
    seatsaid:"Smackhiminthekisser,Mac.Makethelikeit!"
    Mallorystretchedhisarmsdownward,twistinghisshoulderslikeaman
    crampedfromsitting.HefeltthebulgeofhisLugerunderhisleftarm.Hesaid
    slowly:
    "YousaidIwastryingtopeddlesomephonyletters.Whatmakesyouthink
    theletterswouldbephony?"
    Macdonaldsaidsoftly:"Maybeweknowwheretherightonesare.
    Mallorydrawled:"That'swhatIthought,copper,"andlaughed.
    Macdonaldmovedsuddenly,jerkedhisballedfistup,hithimintheface,
    butnotveryhard.Mallorylaughedagain,thenhetouchedthebruisedplace
    behindhisearwithcarefulfingers.
    "Thatwenthome,didn'tit?"hesaid.
    Macdonaldsworedully."Maybeyou'rejustabittoodamnsmart,brightboy.
    Iguesswe'llfindoutafterawhile."
    Hefellsilent.Themaninthefrontseattookoffhishatandscratchedat
    amatofgrayhair.Staccatohornblastscamefromtheboulevardahalfblock
    away.Headlightsstreamedpasttheendofthestreet.Afteratimeapairof
    themswungaroundinawidecurve,spearedwhitebeamsalongbelowthepalm
    trees.Adarkbulkdrifteddownthehalfblock,slidtothecurbinfrontofthe
    touringcar.Thelightswentoff.
    Amangotoutandwalkedback.Macdonaldsaid:"Hi,Slippy.How'ditgo?"
    Themanwasatallthinfigurewithashadowyfaceunderapulleddowncap.
    Helispedalittlewhenhespoke.Hesaid:
    "Nothin'toit.Nobodygotmad."
    "Okay,"Macdonaldgrunted."Ditchthehotoneanddrivethisheap."
    JimgotintothebackofthetouringcarandsatonMallory'sleft,digging
    ahardelbowintohim.Thelankymanslidunderthewheel,startedthemotor,

    anddrovebacktoLaCienega,thensouthtoWilshire,thenwestagain.Hedrove
    fastandroughly.
    Theywentcasuallythrougharedlight,passedabigmoviepalacewithmost
    ofitslightsoutanditsglasscashier'scageempty;thenthroughBeverly
    Hills,overinterurbantracks.Theexhaustgotlouderonahillwithhighbanks
    parallelingtheroad.Macdonaldspokesuddenly:
    "Hell,Jim,Iforgottofriskthisbaby.Holdthegunaminute."
    HeleanedinfrontofMallory,closetohim,blowingwhiskeybreathinhis
    face.Abighandwentoverhispockets,downinsidehiscoataroundthehips,up
    underhisleftarm.Itstoppedthereamoment,againsttheLugerinthe
    shoulderholster.Itwentontotheotherside,wentawayaltogether.
    "Okay,Jim.Nogunonbrightboy."
    AsharplightofwonderwinkedintobeingdeepinMallory'sbrain.His
    eyebrowsdrewtogether.Hismouthfeltdry.
    "MindifIlightupacigarette?"heasked,afterapause.
    Macdonaldsaidwithmockpoliteness:"Nowwhywouldwemindalittlething
    likethat,sweetheart?"

    TheapartmenthousestoodonahillaboveWestwardVillage,andwasnewand
    rathercheaplooking.MacdonaldandMalloryandJimgotoutinfrontofit,and
    thetouringcarwentonaroundthecorner,disappeared.
    Thethreemenwentthroughaquietlobbypastaswitchboardwherenoone
    satatthemoment,uptotheseventhfloorintheautomaticelevator.Theywent
    alongacorridor,stoppedbeforeadoor.Macdonaldtookaloosekeyoutofhis
    pocket,unlockedthedoor.Theywentin.
    Itwasaverynewroom,verybright,veryfoulwithcigarettesmoke.The
    furniturewasupholsteredinloudcolors,thecarpetwasamessoffatgreenand
    yellowlozenges.Therewasamantelwithbottlesonit.
    Twomensatatanoctagonaltablewithtallglassesattheirelbows.One
    hadredhair,verydarkeyebrows,andadeadwhitefacewithdeepsetdarkeyes.
    Theotheronehadaludicrousbigbulbousnose,noeyebrowsatall,hairthe

    coloroftheinsideofasardinecan.Thisoneputsomecardsdownslowlyand
    cameacrosstheroomwithawidesmile.Hehadaloose,goodnaturedmouth,an
    amiableexpression.
    "Haveanytrouble,Mac?"hesaid.
    Macdonaldrubbedhischin,shookhisheadsourly.Helookedatthemanwith
    thenoseasifhehatedhim.Themanwiththenosewentonsmiling.Hesaid:
    "Friskhim?"
    Macdonaldtwistedhismouthtoathicksneerandstalkedacrosstheroomto
    themantelandthebottles.Hesaidinanastytone:
    "Brightboydon'tpackagun.Heworkswithhishead.He'ssmart."
    Herecrossedtheroomsuddenlyandsmackedthebackofhisroughhand
    acrossMallory'smouth.Mallorysmiledthinly,didnotstir.Hestoodinfront
    ofabigbilecoloreddavenportspottedwithangrylookingredsquares.His
    handshungdownathissides,andcigarettesmokedriftedupfrombetweenhis
    fingerstojointhehazethatalreadyblanketedtherough,archedceiling.
    "Keepyourpantson,Mac,"themanwiththenosesaid."You'vedoneyour
    act.YouandJimcheckoutnow.Oilthewheelsandcheckout."
    Macdonaldsnarled:"Whoyougivin'ordersto,bigshot?I'mstickin'around
    tillthischiselergetswhat'scomingtohim,Costello."
    ThemancalledCostelloshruggedhisshouldersbriefly.Theredhairedman
    atthetableturnedalittleinhischairandlookedatMallorywiththe
    impersonalairofacollectorstudyinganimpaledbeetle.Thenhetooka
    cigaretteoutofaneatblackcaseandlititcarefullywithagoldlighter.
    Macdonaldwentbacktothemantel,pouredsomewhiskeyoutofasquare
    bottleintoaglass,anddrankitrawHeleaned,scowling,withhisbacktothe
    mantel.
    CostellostoodinfrontofMallory,crackingthejointsoflong,bony
    fingers.
    Hesaid:"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"
    Mallorylookedathimdreamilyandputhiscigaretteinhismouth.
    "McNeil'sIsland,"hesaidwithvagueamusement.
    "Howlongsince?"
    "Tendays."
    "Whatwereyouinfor?"
    "Forgery."Mallorygavetheinformationinasoft,pleasedvoice.

    "Beenherebefore?"
    Mallorysaid:"Iwasbornhere.Didn'tyouknow?"
    Costello'svoicewasgentle,almostsoothing."Noo,Ididn'tknowthat,"
    hesaid."Whatdidyoucomefortendaysago?"
    Macdonaldheavedacrosstheroomagain,swinginghisthickarms.Heslapped
    Malloryacrossthemouthasecondtime,leaningpastCostello'sshouldertodo
    it.AredmarkshowedonMallory'sface.Heshookhisheadbackandforth.Dull
    firewasinhiseyes.
    "Jeeze,Costello,thiscrumbain'tfromMcNeil.He'sribbin'you."His
    voiceblared."Brightboy'sjustacheapchiselerfromBrooklynorK.C.oneof
    thosehottownswherethecopsareallcripples."
    CostelloputahandupandpushedgentlyatMacdonald'sshoulder.Hesaid:
    "You'renotneededinthis,Mac,"inaflat,tonelessvoice.
    Macdonaldballedhisfistangrily.Thenhelaughed,lungedforwardand
    groundhisheelonMallory'sfoot.Mallorysaid:"damn!"andsatdownhard
    onthedavenport.
    Theairintheroomwasdrainedofoxygen.Windowswereinonewallonly,
    andheavynetcurtainshungstraightandstillacrossthem.Mallorygotouta
    handkerchiefandwipedhisforehead,pattedhislips.
    Costellosaid:"YouandJimcheckout,Mac,"inthesameflatvoice.
    Macdonaldloweredhishead,staredathimsteadilythroughafringeof
    eyebrow.Hisfacewasshinywithsweat.Hehadnottakenhisshabby,crumpled
    overcoatoff.Costellodidn'teventurnhishead.AfteramomentMacdonald
    bargedbacktothemantel,elbowedthegrayhairedcopoutofthewayand
    grabbedatthesquarebottleofScotch.
    "Calltheboss,Costello,"heblaredoverhisshoulder."Youain'tgotthe
    brainsforthisdeal.Forsakedosomethingbesidestalk!"Heturnedalittle
    towardsJim,thumpedhimontheback,saidsneeringly:"Didyouwantjustone
    moredrink,copper?"
    "Whatdidyoucomeherefor?"CostelloaskedMalloryagain.
    "Lookingforaconnection."Mallorystaredupathimlazily.Thefirehad
    diedoutofhiseyes.
    "Funnywayyouwentaboutit,boy."
    Malloryshrugged."IthoughtifImadeaplayImightgetintouchwiththe
    rightpeople."

    "Maybeyoumadethewrongkindofplay,"Costellosaidquietly.Heclosed
    hiseyesandrubbedhisnosewithathumbnail."Thesethingsarehardtofigure
    sometimes."
    Macdonald'sharshvoiceboomedacrossthecloseroom."Brightboydon't
    makemistakes,mister.Notwithhisbrains."
    Costelloopenedhiseyesandglancedbackoverhisshoulderatthered
    hairedman.Theredhairedmanswiveledlooselyinhischair.Hisrighthandlay
    alonghisleg,slack,halfclosed.Costelloturnedtheotherway,looked
    straightatMacdonald.
    "Moveout!"hesnappedcoldly."Moveoutnow.You'redrunk,andI'mnot
    arguingwithyou."
    Macdonaldgroundhisshouldersagainstthemantelandputhishandsinthe
    sidepocketsofhissuitcoat.Hishathungformlessandcrumpledonthebackof
    hisbig,squarehead.Jim,thegrayhairedcop,movedalittleawayfromhim,
    staredathimstrainedly,hismouthworking.
    "Calltheboss,Costello!"Macdonaldshouted."Youain'tgivin'meorders.
    Idon'tlikeyouwellenoughtotake'em"
    Costellohesitated,thenmovedacrosstothetelephone.Hiseyesstaredat
    aspothighuponthewall.Heliftedtheinstrumentofftheprongsanddialed
    withhisbacktoMacdonald.Thenheleanedagainstthewall,smilingthinlyat
    Malloryoverthecup.Waiting.
    "Hello...yes...Costello.Everything'sokeexceptMac'sloaded.He'spretty
    hostile...won'tmoveout.Don'tknowyet...someoutoftownboy.Okay."
    Macdonaldmadeamotion,said:"Holdit..."
    Costellosmiledandputthephoneasidewithouthaste.Macdonald'seyes
    gleamedathimwithagreenishfire.Hespitonthecarpet,inthecorner
    betweenachairandthewall.Hesaid:
    "That'slousy.Lousy.Youcan'tdialMontrosefromhere."Costellomoved
    hishandsvaguely.Theredhairedmangottohisfeet.Hemovedawayfromthe
    tableandstoodlaxly,tiltinghisheadbacksothatthesmokefromhis
    cigaretteroseclearofhiseyes.
    Macdonaldrockedangrilyonhisheels.Hisjawbonewasahardwhiteline
    againsthisflushedface.Hiseyeshadadeep,hardglitter.

    "Iguesswe'llplayitthisway,"hestated.Hetookhishandsoutofhis
    pocketsinacasualmanner,andhisbluedservicerevolvermovedinatight,
    businesslikearc.
    Costellolookedattheredhairedmanandsaid:"Takehim,Andy."
    Theredhairedmanstiffened,spithiscigarettestraightoutfrombetween
    hispalelips,flashedahanduplikelightning.
    Mallorysaid:"Notfastenough.Lookatthisone."
    Hehadmovedsoquicklyandsolittlethathehadnotseemedtomoveat
    all.Heleanedforwardalittleonthedavenport.ThelongblackLugerlined
    itselfevenlyontheredhairedman'sbelly.
    Theredhairedman'shandcamedownslowlyfromhislapel,empty.Theroom
    wasveryquiet.CostellolookedonceatMacdonaldwithinfinitedisgust,thenhe
    puthishandsoutinfrontofhim,palmsup,andlookeddownatthemwitha
    blanksmile.
    Macdonaldspokeslowly,bitterly."Thekidnappingisonetoomanyforme,
    Costello.Idon'twantanypartofit.I'mtakin'apowderfromthistoymob.I
    tookachancethatbrightboymightsideme."
    Mallorystoodupandmovedsidewaystowardstheredhairedman.Whenhehad
    goneabouthalfthedistancethegrayhairedcop,Jim,letoutastrangledsort
    ofyellandjumpedforMacdonald,clawingathispocket.Macdonaldlookedathim
    withquicksurprise.Heputhisbiglefthandoutandgrabbedbothlapelsof
    Jim'sovercoattighttogether,highup.Jimflailedathimwithbothfists,hit
    himinthefacetwice.Macdonalddrewhislipsbackoverhisteeth.Callingto
    Mallory,"Watchthosebirds,"heverycalmlylaidhisgundownonthemantel,
    reacheddownintothepocketofJim'scoatandtookoutthewovenleather
    blackjack.Hesaid:
    "You'realouse,Jim.Youalwayswerealouse."
    Hesaiditratherthoughtfully,withoutrancor.Thenheswungtheblackjack
    andhitthegrayhairedmanonthesideofthehead.Thegrayhairedmansagged
    slowlytohisknees.HeclawedfreelyattheskirtsofMacdonald'scoat.
    Macdonaldstoopedoverandhithimagainwiththeblackjack,inthesameplace,
    veryhard.
    Jimcrumpleddownsidewaysandlayonthefloorwithhishatoffandhis
    mouthopen.Macdonaldswungtheblackjackslowlyfromsidetoside.Adropof
    sweatrandownthesideofhisnose.

    Costellosaid:"Roughboy,ain'tyou,Mac?"Hesaiditdully,absently,as
    thoughhehadverylittleinterestinwhatwenton.
    Mallorywentontowardstheredhairedman.Whenhewasbehindhimhesaid:
    "Putthehandswayup,wiper."
    Whentheredhairedmanhaddonethis,Malloryputhisfreehandoverhis
    shoulder,downinsidehiscoat.Hejerkedagunloosefromashoulderholster
    anddroppeditonthefloorbehindhim.Hefelttheotherside,pattedpockets.
    HesteppedbackandcircledtoCostello.Costellohadnogun.
    MallorywenttotheothersideofMacdonald,stoodwhereeveryoneinthe
    roomwasinfrontofhim.Hesaid:
    "Who'skidnapped?"
    Macdonaldpickeduphisgunandglassofwhiskey."TheFarrgirl,"hesaid.
    "Theygotheronherwayhome,Iguess.Itwasplannedwhentheyknewfromthe
    wopbodyguardaboutthedateattheBolivar.Idon'tknowwheretheytookher."
    Malloryplantedhisfeetwideapartandwrinkledhisnose.Heheldhis
    Lugereasily,withaslackwrist.Hesaid:
    "Whatdoesyourlittleactmean?"
    Macdonaldsaidgrimly:"Tellmeaboutyours.Igaveyouabreak."
    Mallorynodded,said:"Sureforyourownreasons.Iwashiredtolookfor
    somelettersthatbelongtoRhondaFarr."HelookedatCostello.Costelloshowed
    noemotion.
    Macdonaldsaid:"Okaybyme.Ithoughtitwassomekindofaplant.That's
    whyItookthechance.Me,Iwantanoutfromthisconnection,that'sall."He
    wavedhishandaroundtotakeintheroomandeverythinginit.
    Mallorypickedupaglass,lookedintoittoseeifitwasclean,then
    pouredalittleScotchintoitanddrankitinsips,rollinghistonguearound
    inhismouth.
    "Let'stalkaboutkidnapping,"hesaid."WhowasCostellophoningto?"
    "Atkinson.BigHollywoodlawyer.Frontfortheboys.He'stheFarrgirl's
    lawyer,too.Niceguy,Atkinson.Alouse."
    "Heinonthekidnapping?"
    Macdonaldlaughedandsaid:"Sure."
    Malloryshrugged,said:"Itseemslikeadumbtrickforhim."

    HewentpastMacdonald,alongthewalltowhereCostellostood.Hestuck
    themuzzleoftheLugeragainstCostello'schin,pushedhisheadbackagainst
    theroughplaster.
    "Costello'saniceoldboy,"hesaidthoughtfully."Hewouldn'tkidnapa
    girl.Wouldyou,Costello?Alittlequietextortionmaybe,butnothingrough.
    Thatright,Costello?"
    Costello'seyeswentblank.Heswallowed.Hesaidbetweenhisteeth:"Can
    it.You'renotfunny."
    Mallorysaid:"Itgetsfunnierasitgoeson.Butperhapsyoudon'tknowit
    all."
    HeliftedtheLugeranddrewthemuzzledownthesideofCostello'sbig
    nose,hard.Itleftawhitemarkthatturnedtoaredweal.Costellolookeda
    littleworried.
    MacdonaldfinishedpushinganearlyfullbottleofScotchintohisovercoat
    pocket,andsaid:
    "Letmeworkonthe!"
    Malloryshookhisheadgravelyfromsidetoside,lookingatCostello.
    "Toonoisy.Youknowhowtheseplacesarebuilt.Atkinsonistheboyto
    see.Alwaysseetheheadmanifyoucangettohim."
    Jimopenedhiseyes,flappedhishandsonthefloor,triedtogetup.
    Macdonaldliftedalargefootandplanteditcarelesslyinthegrayhairedman's
    face.Jimlaydownagain.Hisfacewasamuddygraycolor.
    Malloryglancedattheredhairedmanandwentovertothetelephonestand.
    Heliftedtheinstrumentdownanddialedanumberawkwardly,withhislefthand.
    Hesaid:"I'mcallingthemanwhohiredme...Hehasabigfastcar...We'll
    puttheseboysinsoakforawhile."

    Landrey'sbigblackCadillacrolledsoundlesslyupthelonggradetoMontrose.
    Lightsshonelowontheleft,inthelapofthevalley.Theairwascooland
    clear,andthestarswereverybright.Landreylookedbackfromthefrontseat,

    drapedanarmoverthebackoftheseat,alongblackarmthatendedinawhite
    glove.
    Hesaid,forthethirdorfourthtime:"Soit'sherownmouthpieceshaking
    herdown.Well,well,well."
    Hesmiledsmoothly,deliberately.Allhismovementsweresmoothand
    deliberate.Landreywasatall,palemanwithwhiteteethandjetblackeyes
    thatsparkledunderthedomelight.
    MalloryandMacdonaldsatinthebackseat.Mallorysaidnothing;hestared
    outofthecarwindow.MacdonaldtookapullathissquarebottleofScotch,
    lostthecorkonthefloorofthecar,andsworeashebentovertogropefor
    it.WhenhefounditheleanedbackandlookedmoroselyatLandrey'sclear,pale
    faceabovethewhitesilkscarf.
    Hesaid:"YoustillgotthatplaceonHighlandDrive?"
    Landreysaid:"Yes,copper,Ihave.Andit'snotdoin'sowell."
    Macdonaldgrowled.Hesaid:"That'sadamnshame,Mr.Landrey."
    Thenheputhisheadbackagainsttheupholsteryandclosedhiseyes.
    TheCadillacturnedoffthehighway.Thedriverseemedtoknowjustwhere
    hewasgoing.Hecircledaroundintoalandscapedsubdivisionoframbling
    elaboratehomes.Treefrogssoundedinthedarkness,andtherewasasmellof
    orangeblossoms.
    Macdonaldopenedhiseyesandleanedforward."Thehouseonthecorner,"he
    toldthedriver.
    Thehousestoodwellbackfromawidecurve.Ithadalotoftiledroof,an
    entrancelikeaNormanarch,andwroughtironlanternslitoneithersideofthe
    door.Bythesidewalktherewasapergolacoveredwithclimbingroses.The
    drivercuthislightsanddriftedexpertlyuptothepergola.
    Malloryyawnedandopenedthecardoor.Carswereparkedalongthestreet
    aroundthecorner.Thecigarettetipsofacoupleofloungingchauffeursspotted
    thesoftbluishdark.
    "Party,"hesaid."Thatmakesitnice."
    Hegotout,stoodamomentlookingacrossthelawn.Thenhewalkedover
    softgrasstoapathwayofdullbricksspacedsothatthegrassgrewbetween
    them.Hestoodbetweenthewroughtironlanternsandrangthebell.
    Amaidincapandapronopenedthedoor.Mallorysaid:
    "SorrytodisturbMr.Atkinson,butit'simportant.Macdonaldisthename."

    Themaidhesitated,thenwentbackintothehouse,leavingthefrontdoor
    openacrack.Mallorypusheditopencarelessly,lookedintoaroomyhallway
    withIndianrugsonthefloorandwalls.Hewentin.
    Afewyardsdownthehallwayadoorwaygaveonadimroomlinedwithbooks,
    smellingofgoodcigars.Hatsandcoatswerespreadaroundonthechairs.From
    thebackofthehousearadiodroneddancemusic.
    MallorytookhisLugeroutandleanedagainstthejambofthedoor,inside.
    Amanineveningdresscamealongthehall.Hewasaplumpmanwiththick
    whitehairaboveashrewd,pink,irritableface.Beautifullytailoredshoulders
    failedtodivertattentionfromrathertoomuchstomach.Hisheavyeyebrowswere
    drawntogetherinafrown.Hewalkedfastandlookedmad.
    MallorysteppedoutofthedoorwayandputhisguninAtkinson'sstomach.
    "You'relookingforme,"hesaid.
    Atkinsonstopped,heavedalittle,madeachokedsoundinhisthroat.His
    eyeswerewideandstartled.MallorymovedtheLugerup,putthecoldmuzzle
    intothefleshatAtkinson'sthroat,justabovetheVofhiswingcollar.The
    lawyerpartlyliftedonearm,asthoughtomakeasweepofthegun.Thenhe
    stoodquitestill,holdingthearmupintheair.
    Mallorysaid:"Don'ttalk.Justthink.You'resoldout.Macdonaldhas
    rattedonyou.CostelloandtwootherboysaretapedupatWestwood.Wewant
    RhondaFarr."
    Atkinson'seyesweredullblue,opaque,withoutinteriorlight.Themention
    ofRhondaFarr'snamedidnotseemtomakemuchimpressiononhim.Hesquirmed
    againstthegunandsaid:
    "Whydoyoucometome?"
    "Wethinkyouknowwheresheis,"Mallorysaidtonelessly."Butwewon't
    talkaboutithere.Let'sgooutside."
    Atkinsonjerked,sputtered."No...no,Ihaveguests."
    Mallorysaidcoldly:"Theguestwewantisn'there."Hepressedonthegun.
    AsuddenwaveofemotionwentoverAtkinson'sface.Hetookashortstep
    backandsnatchedatthegun.Mallory'slipstightened.Hetwistedhiswristin
    atightcircle,andthegunsightflickedacrossAtkinson'smouth.Bloodcame
    outonhislips.Hismouthbegantopuff.Hegotverypale.
    Mallorysaid:"Keepyourhead,fatboy,andyoumaylivethroughthe
    night."

    Atkinsonturnedandwalkedstraightoutoftheopendoor,swiftly,blindly.
    Mallorytookhisarmandjerkedhimtotheleft,ontothegrass."Makeit
    slow,"hesaidsoftly.
    Theyroundedthepergola.Atkinsonputhishandsoutinfrontofhimand
    flounderedatthecar.Alongarmcameoutoftheopendoorandgrabbedhim.He
    wentin,fellagainsttheseat.Macdonaldclappedahandoverhisfaceand
    forcedhimbackagainsttheupholstery.Mallorygotinandslammedthecardoor.
    Tiressquealedasthecarcircledrapidlyandshotaway.Thedriverdrovea
    blockbeforeheswitchedthelightsonagain.Thenheturnedhisheadalittle,
    said:"Whereto,boss?"
    Mallorysaid:"Anywhere.Backtotown.Takeiteasy."
    TheCadillacturnedontothehighwayagainandbegantodropdownthelong
    grade.Lightsshowedinthevalleyoncemore,littlewhitelightsthatmoved
    eversoslowlyalongthefloorofthevalley.Headlights.
    Atkinsonheavedupintheseat,gotahandkerchiefoutanddabbedathis
    mouth.HepeeredatMacdonaldandsaidinacomposedvoice:
    "What'stheframe,Mac?Shakedown?"
    Macdonaldlaughedgruffly.Thenhehiccoughed.Hewasa'littledrunk.He
    saidthickly:
    "Hell,no.TheboyshungasnatchontheFarrgirltonight.Herfriends
    heredon'tlikeit.Butyouwouldn'tknowanythingaboutit,wouldyou,big
    shot?"Helaughedagain,jeeringly.
    Atkinsonsaidslowly:"It'sfunny...butIwouldn't."Heliftedhiswhite
    headhigher,wenton:"Whoarethesemen?"
    Macdonalddidn'tanswerhim.Mallorylitacigarette,guardingthematch
    flamewithcuppedhands.Hesaidslowly:
    "That'snotimportant,isit?EitheryouknowwhereRhondaFarrwastaken,
    oryoucangiveusalead.Thinkitout.There'slotsoftime."
    Landreyturnedhisheadandlookedback.Hisfacewasapaleblurinthe
    dark.
    "It'snotmuchtoask,Mr.Atkinson'"hesaidgravely.Hisvoicewascool,
    suave,pleasant.Hetappedontheseatbackwithhisglovedfingers.
    Atkinsonstaredtowardshimforawhile,thenputhisheadbackagainstthe
    upholstery."SupposeIdon'tknowanythingaboutit,"hesaidwearily.

    Macdonaldliftedhishandandhithimintheface.Thelawyer'sheadjerked
    againstthecushions.Mallorysaidinacold,unpleasantvoice:
    "Alittlelessofyourcrap,copper."
    Macdonaldsworeathim,turnedhisheadaway.Thecarwenton.
    Theyweredowninthevalleynow.Athreecoloredairportbeaconswung
    throughtheskynotfaraway.Therebegantobewoodedslopesandlittle
    beginningsofvalleybetweendarkhills.AtrainroareddownfromtheNewhall
    tunnel,gatheredspeedandwentbywithalongshatteringcrash.
    Landreysaidsomethingtohisdriver.TheCadillacturnedoffontoadirt
    road.Thedriverswitchedthelightsoffandpickedhiswaybymoonlight.The
    dirtroadendedinaspotofdeadbrowngrasswithlowbushesaroundit.There
    wereoldcansandtorndiscolorednewspapersfaintlyvisibleontheground.
    Macdonaldgothisbottleout,heftedit,andgurgledadrink.Atkinsonsaid
    thickly:
    "I'mabitfaint.Givemeone."
    Macdonaldturned,heldthebottleout,thengrowled:"Aw,gotohell!"and
    putitawayinhiscoat.Mallorytookaflashoutofthedoorpocket,clickedit
    on,andputthebeamonAtkinson'sface.Hesaid:
    "Talk."
    Atkinsonputhishandsonhiskneesandstaredstraightatthebeaconof
    theflashlight.Hiseyeswereglassyandtherewasbloodonhischin.Hespoke:
    "ThisisaframebyCostello.Idon'tknowwhatit'sallabout.Butifit's
    Costello,amannamedSlippyMorganwillbeinonit.Hehasashackonthemesa
    byBaldwinHills.TheymighthavetakenRhondaFarrthere."
    Heclosedhiseyes,andatearshowedintheglareoftheflash.Mallory
    saidslowly:
    "Macdonaldshouldknowthat."
    Atkinsonkepthiseyesshut,said:"Iguessso."Hisvoicewasdulland
    withoutanyfeeling.
    Macdonaldballedhisfirst,lurchedsidewaysandhithiminthefaceagain.
    Thelawyergroaned,saggedtooneside.Mallory'shandjerked;jerkedtheflash.
    Hisvoiceshookwithfury.Hesaid:
    "DothatagainandI'llputasluginyourguts,copper.SohelpmeI
    will."

    Macdonaldrolledaway,withafoolishlaugh.Mallorysnappedoffthelight.
    Hesaid,morequietly:
    "Ithinkyou'retellingthetruth,Atkinson.We'llcasethisshackof
    SlippyMorgan's."
    Thedriverswungandbackedthecar,pickedhiswaybacktothehighway
    again.

    Awhitepicketfenceshowedupforamomentbeforetheheadlightswentoff.
    Behinditonarisethegauntshapesofacoupleofderricksgropedtowardsthe
    sky.Thedarkenedcarwentforwardslowly,stoppedacrossthestreetfroma
    smallframehouse.Therewerenohousesonthatsideofthestreet,nothing
    betweenthecarandtheoilfield.Thehouseshowednolight.
    Mallorygottothegroundandwentacross.Agraveldrivewayledalongtoa
    shedwithoutadoor.Therewasatouringcarparkedundertheshed.Therewas
    thinworngrassalongthedrivewayandadullpatchofsomethingthathadonce
    beenalawnattheback.Therewasawireclotheslineandasmallstoopwitha
    rustedscreendoor.Themoonshowedallthis.
    Beyondthestooptherewasasinglewindowwiththeblinddrawn;twothin
    cracksoflightshowedalongtheedgesoftheblind.Mallorywentbacktothe
    car,walkingonthedrygrassandthedirtroadsurfacewithoutsound.
    Hesaid:"Let'sgo,Atkinson."
    Atkinsongotoutheavily,stumbledacrossthestreetlikeamanhalf
    asleep.Mallorygrabbedhisarm.Thetwomenwentupthewoodensteps,crossed
    theporchquietly.Atkinsonfumbledandfoundthebell.Hepressedit.Therewas
    adullbuzzinsidethehouse.Malloryflattenedhimselfagainstthewall,onthe
    sidewherehewouldnotbeblockedbytheopeningscreendoor.
    Thenthehousedoorcameopenwithoutsound,andafigureloomedbehindthe
    screen.Therewasnolightbehindthefigure.Thelawyersaidmumblingly:
    "It'sAtkinson."
    Thescreenhookwasundone.Thescreendoorcameoutward.
    "What'sthebigidea?"saidalispingvoicethatMalloryhadheardbefore.

    Mallorymoved,holdinghisLugerwaisthigh.Themaninthedoorwaywhirled
    athim.Mallorysteppedinonhimswiftly,makingacluckingsoundwithtongue
    andteeth,shakinghisheadreprovingly.
    "Youwouldn'thaveagun,wouldyou,Slippy,"hesaid,nudgingtheLuger
    forward."Turnslowandeasy,Slippy.Whenyoufeelsomethingagainstyour
    spine,goonin,Slippy.We'llberightwithyou."
    Thelankymanputhishandsupandturned.Hewalkedbackintothe
    darkness,Mallory'sguninhisback.Asmalllivingroomsmelledofdustand
    casualcooking.Adoorhadlightunderit.Thelankymanputonehanddown
    slowlyandopenedthedoor.
    Anunshadedlightbulbhungfromthemiddleoftheceiling.Athinwomanin
    adirtywhitesmockstoodunderit,limparmsathersides.Dullcolorlesseyes
    broodedunderamopofrustyhair.Herfingersflutteredandtwitchedin
    involuntarycontractionsofthemuscles.Shemadeathinplaintivesound,likea
    starvedcat.
    Thelankymanwentandstoodagainstthewallontheoppositesideofthe
    room,pressingthepalmsofhishandsagainstwallpaper.Therewasafixed,
    meaninglesssmileonhisface.
    Landrey'svoicesaidfrombehind:"I'lltakecareofAtkinson'spals."
    Hecameintotheroomwithabigautomaticinhisglovedhand."Nicelittle
    home,"headdedpleasantly.
    Therewasametalbedinacorneroftheroom.RhondaFarrwaslyingonit,
    wrappedtothechininabrownarmyblanket.Herwhitewigwaspartlyoffher
    headanddampgoldencurlsshowed.Herfacewasbluishwhite,amaskinwhich
    therougeandlippaintglared.Shewassnoring.
    Malloryputhishandundertheblanket,feltforherpulse.Thenhelifted
    aneyelidandlookedcloselyattheupturnedpupil.
    Hesaid:"Doped."
    Thewomaninthesmockwettedherlips."AshotofM,"shesaidinaslack
    voice."Noharmdone,mister."
    Atkinsonsatdownonahardchairthathadadirtytowelonthebackofit.
    Hisdressshirtwasdazzlingundertheunshadedlight.Thelowerpartofhis
    facewassmearedwithdryblood.Thelankymanlookedathimcontemptuously,and
    pattedthestainedwallpaperwiththeflatofhishands.ThenMacdonaldcame
    intotheroom.

    Hisfacewasflushedandsweaty.Hestaggeredalittleandputahandup
    alongthedoorframe."Hiho,boys,"hesaidvacantly."Ioughttoratea
    promotionforthis."
    Thelankymanstoppedsmiling.Heduckedsidewaysveryfast,andagun
    jumpedintohishand.Roarfilledtheroom,agreatcrashingroar.Andagaina
    roar.
    Thelankyman'sduckbecameaslideandtheslidedegeneratedintoafall.
    Hespreadhimselfoutonthebarecarpetinaleisurelysortofway.Helay
    quitestill,onehalfopeneyeapparentlylookingatMacdonald.Thethinwoman
    openedhermouthwide,butnosoundcameoutofit.
    Macdonaldputhisotherhanduptothedoorframe,leanedforwardandbegan
    tocough.Brightredbloodcameoutonhischin.Hishandscamedownthedoor
    frameslowly.Thenhisshouldertwitchedforward,herolledlikeaswimmerina
    breakingwave,andcrashed.Hecrashedonhisface,hishatstillonhishead,
    themousecoloredhairatthenapeofhisneckshowingbelowitinanuntidy
    curl.
    Mallorysaid:"Twodown,"andlookedatLandreywithadisgusted
    expression.Landrylookeddownathisbigautomaticandputitawayoutof
    sight,inthesidepocketofhisthindarkovercoat.
    MallorystoopedoverMacdonald,putafingertohistemple.Therewasno
    heartbeat.Hetriedthejugularveinwiththesameresult.Macdonaldwasdead,
    andhestillsmelledviolentlyofwhiskey.
    Therewasafainttraceofsmokeunderthelightbulb,anacridfumeof
    powder.Thethinwomanbentforwardatthewaistandscrambledtowardsthedoor.
    Malloryjerkedahardhandagainstherchestandthrewherback.
    "You'refinewhereyouare."
    Atkinsontookhishandsoffhiskneesandrubbedthemtogetherasifall
    thefeelinghadgoneoutofthem.Landreywentovertothebed,puthisgloved
    handdownandtouchedRhondaFarr'shair.
    "Hello,baby,"hesaidlightly."Longtimenosee."Hewentoutofthe
    room,saying:"I'llgetthecaroveronthissideofthestreet."
    MallorylookedatAtkinson.Hesaidcasually:"Whohastheletters,
    Atkinson?ThelettersbelongingtoRhondaFarr?"
    Atkinsonliftedhisblankfaceslowly,squintedasthoughthelighthurt
    hiseyes.Hespokeinavague,faroffsortofvoice.

    "IIdon'tknow.Costello,maybe.Ineversawthem."
    Malloryletoutashortharshlaughwhichmadenochangeinthehardcold
    linesofhisface."Wouldn'titbefunnyashellifthat'strue!"
    Hestoopedoverthebedinthecornerandwrappedthebrownblanketclosely
    aroundRhondaFarr.Whenheliftedhershestoppedsnoring,butshedidnot
    wake.

    Awindowortwointhefrontoftheapartmenthouseshowedlight.Malloryheld
    hiswristupandlookedatthecurvedwatchontheinsideofit.Thefaintly
    glowinghandswereathalfpastthree.Hespokebackintothecar:
    "Givemetenminutesorso.Thencomeonup.I'llfixthedoors."
    Thestreetentrancetotheapartmenthousewaslocked.Malloryunlockedit
    withaloosekey,putitonthelatch.Therewasalittlelightinthelobby,
    fromonebulbinafloorlampandfromahoodedlightabovetheswitchboard.A
    wizened,whitehairedlittlemanwasasleepinachairbytheswitchboard,with
    hismouthopenandhisbreathcominginlong,wailingsnores,likethesoundsof
    ananimalinpain.
    Mallorywalkeduponeflightofcarpetedsteps.Onthesecondfloorhe
    pushedthebuttonfortheautomaticelevator.Whenitcamerumblingdownfrom
    abovehegotinandpushedthebuttonmarked"7."Heyawned.Hiseyesweredull
    withfatigue.
    Theelevatorlurchedtoastop,andMallorywentdownthebright,silent
    corridor.Hestoppedatagrayolivewooddoorandputhiseartothepanel.
    Thenhefittedtheloosekeyslowlyintothelock,turneditslowly,movedthe
    doorbackaninchortwo.Helistenedagain,wentin.
    Therewaslightfromalampwitharedshadethatstoodbesideaneasy
    chair.Amanwassprawledinthechairandthelightsplashedonhisface.He
    wasboundatthewristsandankleswithstripsofwideadhesivetape.Therewas
    astripofadhesiveacrosshismouth.
    Malloryfixedthedoorlatchandshutthedoor.Hewentacrosstheroom
    withquicksilentsteps.ThemaninthechairwasCostello.Hisfacewasa

    purplishcolorabovethewhiteadhesivethatplasteredhislipstogether.His
    chestmovedinjerksandhisbreathmadeasnortingnoiseinhisbignose.
    MalloryyankedthetapeoffCostello'smouth,puttheheelofonehandon
    theman'schin,forcedhismouthwideopen.Thecadenceofthebreathingchanged
    abit.Costello'scheststoppedjerking,andthepurplishcolorofhisface
    fadedtopallor.Hestirred,madeagroaningsound.
    Mallorytookanunopenedpintbottleofryeoffthemantelandtorethe
    metalstripfromthecapwithhisteeth.HepushedCostello'sheadfarback,
    pouredsomewhiskeyintohisopenmouth,slappedhisfacehard.Costellochoked,
    swallowedconvulsively.Someofthewhiskeyranoutofhisnostrils.Heopened
    hiseyes,focusedthemslowly.Hemumbledsomethingconfused.
    Mallorywentthroughvelourcurtainsthathungacrossadoorwayatthe
    innerendoftheroom,intoashorthall.Thefirstdoorledintoabedroomwith
    twinbeds.Alightburned,andamanwaslyingboundoneachofthebeds.
    Jim,thegrayhairedcop,wasasleeporstillunconscious.Thesideofhis
    headwasstiffwithcongealedblood.Theskinofhisfacewasadirtygray.
    Theeyesoftheredhairedmanwerewideopen,diamondbright,angry.His
    mouthworkedunderthetape,tryingtochewit.Hehadrolledoveronhisside
    andalmostoffthebed.Mallorypushedhimbacktowardsthemiddle,andsaid:
    "It'sallinthegame."
    Hewentbacktothelivingroomandswitchedonmorelight.Costellohad
    struggledupintheeasychair.Mallorytookoutapocketknifeandreached
    behindhim,sawedthetapethatboundhiswrists.Costellojerkedhishands
    apart,grunted,andrubbedthebacksofhiswriststogetherwherethetapehad
    pulledhairsout.Thenhebentoverandtoretapeoffhisankles.Hesaid:
    "Thatdidn'tdomeanygood.I'mamouthbreather."Hisvoicewasloose,
    flatandwithoutcadence.
    Hegottohisfeetandpouredtwoinchesofryeintoaglass,drankitata
    gulp,satdownagainandleanedhisheadagainstthehighbackofthechair.
    Lifecameintohisface;glittercameintohiswashedouteyes.
    Hesaid:"What'snew?"
    Malloryspoonedatabowlofwaterthathadbeenice,frownedanddrank
    somewhiskeystraight.Herubbedtheleftsideofhisheadgentlywithhis
    fingertipsandwinced.Thenhesatdownandlitacigarette.

    Hesaid:"Severalthings.RhondaFarrishome.MacdonaldandSlippyMorgan
    gotgunned.Butthat'snotimportant.I'maftersomelettersyouweretryingto
    peddletoRhondaFarr.Dig'emup."
    Costelloliftedhisheadandgrunted.Hesaid:"Idon'thavetheletters."
    Mallorysaid:"Gettheletters,Costello.Now"Hesprinkledcigaretteash
    carefullyinthemiddleofagreenandyellowdiamondinthecarpetdesign.
    Costellomadeanimpatientmovement."Idon'thavethem,"heinsisted."I
    neversawthem."
    Mallory'seyeswereslategray,verycold,andhisvoicewasbrittle.He
    said:"Whatyouheelsdon'tknowaboutyourracketisjustpitiful...I'mtired,
    Costello.Idon'tfeellikeanargument.You'dlooklousywiththatbigbeezer
    smashedoverononesideofyourfacewithagunbarrel."
    Costelloputhisbonyhandupandrubbedthereddenedskinaroundhismouth
    wherethetapehadchafedit.Heglanceddowntheroom.Therewasaslight
    movementofthevelourcurtainsacrosstheenddoor,asthoughabreezehad
    stirredthem.Buttherewasnobreeze.Mallorywasstaringdownatthecarpet.
    Costellostoodupfromthechair,slowly.Hesaid:"I'vegotawallsafe.
    I'llopenitup."
    Hewentacrosstheroomtothewallinwhichtheoutsidedoorwas,lifted
    downapictureandworkedthedialofasmallinsetcircularsafe.Heswungthe
    littlerounddooropenandthrusthisarmintothesafe.
    Mallorysaid:"Stayjustlikethat,Costello."
    Hesteppedlazilyacrosstheroom,andpassedhislefthanddownCostello's
    arm,intothesafe.Itcameoutagainholdingasmallpearlhandledautomatic.
    Hemadeasibilantsoundwithhislipsandputthelittlegunintohispocket.
    "Justcan'tlearn,canyou,Costello?"hesaidinatiredvoice.
    Costelloshrugged,wentbackacrosstheroom.Malloryplungedhishands
    intothesafeandtumbledthecontentsoutontothefloor.Hedroppedonone
    knee.Thereweresomelongwhiteenvelopes,abunchofclippingsfastenedwitha
    paperclip,anarrow,thickcheckbook,asmallphotographalbum,anaddress
    book,someloosepapers,someyellowbankstatementswithcheckinside.Mallory
    spreadoneofthelongenvelopescarelessly,withoutmuchinterest.
    Thecurtainsovertheenddoormovedagain.Costellostoodrigidinfront
    ofthemantel.Aguncamethroughthecurtainsinasmallhandthatwasvery
    steady.Aslimbodyfollowedthehand,awhitefacewithblazingeyesErno.

    Mallorycametohisfeet,hishandsbreasthigh,empty.
    "Higher,baby,"Ernocroaked."Muchhigher,baby!"
    Malloryraisedhishandsalittlemore.Hisforeheadwaswrinkledinahard
    frown.Ernocameforwardintotheroom.Hisfaceglistened.Alockofoilyblack
    hairdroopedoveroneeyebrow.Histeethshowedinastiffgrin.
    Hesaid:"Ithinkwe'llgiveittoyourighthere,twotimer."
    Hisvoicehadaquestioninginflection,asifhewaitedCostello's
    confirmation.
    Costellodidn'tsayanything.
    Mallorymovedhisheadalittle.Hismouthfeltverydry.HewatchedErno's
    eyes,sawthemtense.Hesaidratherquickly:
    "You'vebeencrossed,mug,butnotbyme."
    Erno'sgrinwidenedtoasnarl,andhisheadwentback.Histriggerfinger
    whitenedatthefirstjoint.Thentherewasanoiseoutsidethedoor,andit
    cameopen.
    Landreycamein.Heshutthedoorwithajerkofhisshoulder,andleaned
    againstit,dramatically.Bothhishandswereinthesidepocketsofhisthin
    darkovercoat.Hiseyesunderthesoftblackhatwerebrightanddevilish.He
    lookedpleased.Hemovedhischininthewhitesilkeveningscarfthatwas
    tuckedcarelesslyabouthisneck.Hishandsomepalefacewaslikesomething
    carvedoutofoldivory.
    Ernomovedhisgunslightlyandwaited.Landreysaidcheerfully:
    "Betyouagrandyouhitthefloorfirst!"
    Erno'slipstwitchedunderhisshinylittlemustache.Twogunswentoffat
    thesametime.Landreyswayedlikeatreehitbyagustofwind;theheavyroar
    ofhis.45soundedagain,muffledalittlebyclothandthenearnesstohis
    body.
    Mallorywentdownbehindthedavenport,rolledandcameupwiththeLuger
    straightoutinfrontofhim.ButErno'sfacehadalreadygoneblank.
    Hewentdownslowly;hislightbodyseemedtobedrawndownbytheweight
    oftheguninhisrighthand.Hebentatthekneesashefell,andslidforward
    onthefloor.Hisbackarchedonce,andthenwentloose.
    Landreytookhislefthandoutofhiscoatpocketandspreadthefingers
    awayfromhimasthoughpushingatsomething.Slowlyandwithdifficultyhegot
    thebigautomaticoutoftheotherpocketandraiseditinchbyinch,turningon

    theballsofhisfeet.HeswiveledhisbodytowardsCostello'srigidfigureand
    squeezedthetriggeragain.PlasterjumpedfromthewallatCostello'sshoulder.
    Landreysmiledvaguely,said:"Damn!"inasoftvoice.Thenhiseyeswent
    upinhisheadandthegunplungeddownfromhisnervelessfingers,boundedon
    thecarpet.Landreywentdownjointbyjoint,smoothlyandgracefully,kneeled,
    swayingamomentbeforehemeltedoversideways,spreadhimselfonthefloor
    almostwithoutsound.MallorylookedatCostello,andsaidinastrained,angry
    voice:"Boy,areyoulucky!"
    ***
    Thebuzzerdronedinsistently.Threelittlelightsglowedredonthepanel
    oftheswitchboard.Thewizened,whitehairedlittlemanshuthismouthwitha
    snapandstruggledsleepilyupright.
    Malloryjerkedpasthimwithhisheadturnedtheotherway,shotacrossthe
    lobby,outofthefrontdooroftheapartmenthouse,downthethreemarblefaced
    steps,acrossthesidewalkandthestreet.ThedriverofLandrey'scarhad
    alreadysteppedonthestarter.Malloryswunginbesidehim,breathinghard,and
    slammedthecardoor.
    "Getgoin'fast!"herasped."Stayofftheboulevard.Copshereinfive
    minutes!"
    Thedriverlookedathimandsaid:"Where'sLandrey?...Iheardshootin'."
    MalloryheldtheLugerup,saidswiftlyandcoldly:"Move,baby!"
    Thegearswentin,theCadillacjumpedforward,thedrivertookacorner
    recklessly,thetailofhiseyeonthegun.
    Mallorysaid:"Landreystoppedlead.He'scold."HeheldtheLugerup,put
    themuzzleunderthedriver'snose."Butnotfrommygun.Smellthat,friend.It
    hasn'tbeenfired!"
    Thedriversaid:"Jeeze!"inashatteredvoice,swungthebigcarwildly,
    missingthecurbbyinches.
    Itwasgettingtobedaylight.

    RhondaFarrsaid:"Publicity,darling.Justpublicity.Anykindisbetterthan
    noneatall.I'mnotsosuremycontractisgoingtoberenewedandI'll
    probablyneedit."
    Shewassittinginadeepchair,inalarge,longroom.Shelookedat
    Mallorywithlazy,indifferent,purplishblueeyesandmovedherhandtoatall,
    mistedglass.Shetookadrink.
    Theroomwasenormous.Mandarinrugsinsoftcolorsswathedthefloor.
    Therewasalotofteakwoodandredlacquer.Goldframesglintedhighuponthe
    walls,andtheceilingwasremoteandvague,liketheduskofahotday.Ahuge
    carvedradiogaveforthmutedandunrealstrains.
    Mallorywrinkledhisnoseandlookedamusedinagrimsortofway.Hesaid:
    "You'reanastylittlerat.Idon'tlikeyou."
    RhondaFarrsaid:"Oh,yes,youdo,darling.You'recrazyaboutme."
    Shesmiledandfittedacigaretteintoajadegreenholderthatmatchedher
    jadegreenloungingpajamas.Thenshereachedoutherbeautifullyshapedhand
    andpushedthebuttonofabellthatwassetintothetopofalownacreand
    teakwoodtableatherside.Asilent,whitecoatedJapanesebutlerdriftedinto
    theroomandmixedmorehighballs.
    "You'reaprettywiselad,aren'tyou,darling?"RhondaFarrsaid,whenhe
    hadgoneoutagain."Andyouhavesomelettersinyourpocketyouthinkarebody
    andsoultome.Nothinglikeit,mister,nothinglikeit."Shetookasipofthe
    freshhighball."Thelettersyouhavearephony.Theywerewrittenaboutamonth
    ago.Landreyneverhadthem.Hegave_his_lettersbackalongtimeago...What
    youhavearejustprops."Sheputahandtoherbeautifullywavedhair.The
    experienceofthepreviousnightseemedtohaveleftnotraceonher.
    Mallorylookedathercarefully.Hesaid:"Howdoyouprovethat?"
    "ThenotepaperifIhavetoproveit.There'salittlemandownatFourth
    andSpringwhomakesastudyofthatkindofthing."
    Mallorysaid:"Thewriting?"
    RhondaFarrsmileddimly."Writing'seasytofake,ifyouhaveplentyof
    time.OrsoI'mtold.That'smystoryanyhow"
    Mallorynodded,sippedathisownhighball.Heputhishandintohisinside
    breastpocketandtookoutaflatmanilaenvelope,legalsize.Helaiditonhis
    knee.

    "Fourmengotgunnedoutlastnightonaccountofthesephonyletters,"he
    saidcarelessly.
    RhondaFarrlookedathimmildly."Twocrooks,adoublecrossingpoliceman,
    makethreeofthem.Ishouldlosemysleepoverthattrash!Ofcourse,I'msorry
    aboutLandrey."
    Mallorysaidpolitely:"It'sniceofyoutobesorryaboutLandrey."
    Shesaidpeacefully:"Landrey,asItoldyouonce,wasaprettyniceboya
    fewyearsago,whenhewastryingtogetintopictures.Buthechoseanother
    business,andinthatbusinesshewasboundtostopabulletsometime."
    Malloryrubbedhischin."It'sfunnyhedidn'trememberhe'dgivenyouback
    yourletters.Veryfunny."
    "Hewouldn'tcare,darling.Hewasthatkindofactor,andhe'dlikethe
    show.Itgavehimachanceforaswellpose.He'dlikethatterribly."
    Mallorylethisfacegethardanddisgusted.Hesaid:"Thejoblookedon
    theleveltome.Ididn'tknowmuchaboutLandrey,butheknewagoodfriendof
    mineinChicago.Hefiguredawaytotheboyswhowereworkingonyou,andI
    playedhishunch.Thingshappenedthatmadeiteasierbutalotnoisier."
    RhondaFarrtappedlittlebrightnailsagainstherlittlebrightteeth.She
    said:"Whatareyoubackwhereyoulive,darling?Oneofthosehoodstheycall
    privatedicks?"
    Mallorylaughedharshly,madeavaguemovementandranhisfingersthrough
    hiscrispdarkhair."Letitgo,baby,"hesaidsoftly."Letitgo."
    RhondaFarrlookedathimwithasurprisedglance,thenlaughedrather
    shrilly."Itgetsmad,doesn'tit?"shecooed.Shewenton,inadryvoice:
    "Atkinsonhasbeenbleedingmeforyears,onewayandanother.Ifixedthe
    lettersupandputthemwherehecouldgetholdofthem.Theydisappeared.Afew
    daysafterwardsamanwithoneofthosetoughvoicescalledupandbeganto
    applythepressure.Iletitride.IfiguredI'dhangapinchonAtkinson
    somehow,andourtworeputationsputtogetherwouldbegoodforawriteupthat
    wouldn'thurtmetoomuch.Butthethingseemedtobespreadingout,andIgot
    scared.IthoughtofaskingLandreytohelpmeout.Iwassurehewouldlike
    it."
    Mallorysaidroughly:"Simple,straightforwardkid,ain'tyou?Likehell!"
    "Youdon'tknowmuchaboutthisHollywoodracket,doyoudarling?"Rhonda
    Farrsaid.Sheputherheadononesideandhummedsoftly.Thestrainsofa

    dancebandfloatedidlythroughthequietair."That'sagorgeousmelody...It's
    swipedfromaWebersonata...Publicityhastohurtabitouthere.Otherwise
    nobodybelievesit."
    Mallorystoodup,liftingthemanilaenvelopeoffhisknee.Hedroppedit
    inherlap.
    "Fivegrandthesearecostingyou,"hesaid.
    RhondaFarrleanedbackandcrossedherjadegreenlegs.Onelittlegreen
    slipperfelloffherbarefoottotherug,andthemanilaenvelopefelldown
    besideit.Shedidn'tstirtowardseitherone.
    Shesaid:"Why?"
    "I'mabusinessman,baby.Igetpaidformywork.Landreydidn'tpayme.
    Fivegrandwastheprice.Thepricetohim,andnowthepricetoyou."
    Shelookedathimalmostcasually,outofplacid,cornflowerblueeyes,and
    said:"Nodeal...blackmailer.JustlikeItoldyouattheBolivar.Youhaveall
    mythanks,butI'mspendingmymoneymyself."
    Mallorysaidcurtly:"Thismightbeadamngoodwaytospendsomeofit."
    Heleanedoverandpickedupherhighball,drankalittleofit.Whenhe
    puttheglassdownhetappedthenailsoftwofingersagainstthesidefora
    moment.Asmalltightsmilewrinkledthecornersofhismouth.Helita
    cigaretteandtossedthematchintoabowlofhyacinths.
    Hesaidslowly:"Landrey'sdrivertalked,ofcourse.Landrey'sfriendswant
    toseeme.TheywanttoknowhowcomeLandreygotrubbedoutinWestwood.The
    copswillgetaroundtomeafterawhile.Someoneissuretotipthemoff.Iwas
    rightbesidefourkillingslastnight,andnaturallyI'mnotgoingtorunouton
    them.I'llprobablyhavetospillthewholestory.Thecopswillgiveyouplenty
    ofpublicity,baby.Landrey'sfriendsIdon'tknowwhatthey'lldo.Something
    thatwillhurtalot,Ishouldsay."
    RhondaFarrjerkedtoherfeet,fumblingwithhertoeforthegreen
    slipper.Hereyeshadgonewideandstartled.
    "You'd...sellmeout?"shebreathed.
    Mallorylaughed.Hiseyeswerebrightandhard.Hestaredalongthefloor
    atasplashoflightfromoneofthestandinglamps.Hesaidinaboredvoice:
    "WhythehellshouldIprotectyou?Idon'toweyouanything.Andyou're
    toodamntightwithyourdoughtohireme.Ihaven'tarecord,butyouknowhow
    thelawboyslovemysort.AndLandrey'sfriendswilljustseeadirtyplant

    thatgotagoodladkilled.sake,whyshouldIfrontforachiselerlike
    you?"
    Hesnortedangrily.Redspotsshowedinhistannedcheeks.
    RhondaFarrstoodquitestillandshookherheadslowlyfromsidetoside.
    Shesaid:"Nodeal,blackmailer...nodeal."Hervoicewassmallandtired,but
    herchinstuckouthardandbrave.
    Malloryreachedoutandpickeduphishat."You'reahellofaguy,"he
    said,grinning,"Christ!butyouHollywoodfrailsmustbehardtogetonwith!"
    Heleanedforwardsuddenly,puthislefthandbehindherheadandkissed
    heronthemouthhard.Thenheflippedthetipsofhisfingersacrosshercheek.
    "You'reanicekidinsomeways,"hesaid."Andafairliar.Justfair.
    Youdidn'tfakeanyletters,baby.Atkinsonwouldn'tfallforatricklike
    that."
    RhondaFarrstoopedover,snatchedthemanilaenvelopeofftherug,and
    tumbledoutwhatwasinitanumberofcloselywrittengreypages,deckle
    edged,withthingoldmonograms.Shestareddownatthemwithquivering
    nostrils.
    Shesaidslowly:"I'llsendyouthemoney."
    Malloryputhishandagainstherchin,andpushedherheadback.
    Hesaidrathergently:
    "Iwaskiddingyou,baby.Ihavethatbadhabit.Buttherearetwofunny
    thingsabouttheseletters.Theyhaven'tanyenvelopes,andthere'snothingto
    showwhotheywerewrittentonothingatall.Thesecondthingis,Landreyhad
    theminhispocketwhenhewaskilled."
    Henoddedandturnedaway.RhondaFarrsaidsharply:"Wait!"Hervoicewas
    suddenlyterrified.
    Mallorysaid:"Itgetsyouwhenit'sover.Takeadrink."
    Hewentalittlewaydowntheroom,turnedhishead.Hesaid:"Ihaveto
    go.Gotadatewithabigblackspot...Sendmesomeflowers.Wild,blueflowers,
    likeyoureyes."
    Hewentoutunderanarch.Adooropenedandshutheavily.RhondaFarrsat
    withoutmovingforalongtime.

    Cigarettesmokelacedtheair.Agroupofpeopleineveningclothesstood
    sippingcocktailsatonesideofacurtainedopeningthatledtothegambling
    rooms.Beyondthecurtainslightblazeddownononeendofaroulettetable.
    Malloryputhiselbowsonthebar,andthebartenderlefttwoyounggirls
    inpartygownsandslidawhitetowelalongthepolishedwoodtowardshim.He
    said:
    "What'llitbe,chief?"
    Mallorysaid:"Asmallbeer."
    Thebartendergaveittohim,smiled,wentbacktothetwogirls.Mallory
    sippedthebeer,madeaface,andlookedintothelongmirrorthatranallthe
    waybehindthebarandslantedforwardalittle,sothatitshowedthefloorall
    thewayovertothefarwall.Adooropenedinthewallandamanindinner
    clothescamethrough.Hehadawrinkledbrownfaceandhairthecolorofsteel
    wool.HemetMallory'sglanceinthemirrorandcameacrosstheroomnodding.
    Hesaid:"I'mMardonne.Niceofyoutocome."Hehadasoft,huskyvoice,
    thevoiceofafatman,buthewasnotfat.
    Mallorysaid:"It'snotasocialcall."
    Mardonnesaid:"Let'sgouptomyoffice."
    Mallorydrankalittlemoreofthebeer,madeanotherface,andpushedthe
    glassawayfromhimacrossthebartop.Theywentthroughthedoor,upa
    carpetedstaircasethatmetanotherstaircasehalfwayup.Anopendoorshone
    lightonthelanding.Theywentinwherethelightwas.
    Theroomhadbeenabedroom,andnoparticulartroublehadbeentakento
    makeitoverintoanoffice.Ithadgraywalls,twoorthreeprintsinnarrow
    frames.Therewasabigfilingcabinet,agoodsafe,chairs.Aparchmentshaded
    lampstoodonawalnutdesk.Averyblondyoungmansatonacornerofthedesk
    swingingonelegovertheother.Hewaswearingasofthatwithagayband.
    Mardonnesaid:"Allright,Henry.I'llbebusy."
    Theblondyoungmangotoffthedesk,yawned,puthishandtohismouth
    withanaffectedflirtofthewrist.Therewasalargediamondononeofhis
    fingers.HelookedatMallory,smiled,andwentslowlyoutoftheroom,closing
    thedoor.

    Mardonnesatdowninablueleatherswivelchair.Helitathincigarand
    pushedahumidoracrossthegrainedtopofthedesk.Mallorytookachairatthe
    endofthedesk,betweenthedoorandapairofopenwindows.Therewasanother
    door,butthesafestoodinfrontofit.Helitacigarette,said:
    "Landreyowedmesomemoney.Fivegrand.Anybodyhereinterestedinpaying
    it?"
    Mardonneputhisbrownhandsonthearmsofhischairandrockedbackand
    forth."Wehaven'tcometothat,"hesaid.
    Mallorysaid:"Right.Whathavewecometo?"
    Mardonnenarrowedhisdulleyes.Hisvoicewasflatandwithouttone."To
    howLandreygotkilled."
    Malloryputhiscigaretteinhismouthandclaspedhishandstogether
    behindhishead.Hepuffedsmokeandtalkedthroughitatthewallabove
    Mardonne'shead.
    "Hecrossedeverybodyupandthenhecrossedhimself.Heplayedtoomany
    partsandgothislinesmixed.Hewasgundrunk.Whenhegotarodinhishand
    hehadtoshootsomebody.Somebodyshotback."
    Mardonnewentonrocking,said:"Maybeyoucouldmakeitalittlemore
    definite."
    "Sure...Icouldtellyouastory...aboutagirlwhowrotesomeletters
    once.Shethoughtshewasinlove.Theywererecklessletters,thesortagirl
    wouldwritewhohadmoregutsthanwasgoodforher.Timepassed,andsomehow
    thelettersgotontheblackmailmarket.Someworkersstartedtoshakethegirl
    down.Notahighstake,nothingthatwouldhavebotheredher,butitseemsshe
    likedtodothingsthehardway.Landreythoughthewouldhelpherout.Hehada
    planandtheplanneededamanwhocouldwearatux,keepaspoonoutofa
    coffeecup,andwasn'tknowninthistown.Hegotme.Irunasmallagencyin
    Chicago."
    Mardonneswiveledtowardstheopenwindowsandstaredoutatthetopsof
    sometrees."Privatedick,huh?"hegruntedimpassively."FromChicago."
    Mallorynodded,lookedathimbriefly,lookedbackatthesamespotonthe
    wall."Andsupposedtobeonthelevel,Mardonne.Youwouldn'tthinkitfrom
    someofthecompanyI'vebeenkeepinglately."
    Mardonnemadeaquickimpatientgesture,saidnothing.

    Mallorywenton:"Well,Igavethejobatumble,whichwasmyfirstand
    worstmistake.Iwasmakingalittleheadwaywhentheshakedownturnedintoa
    kidnapping.Notsogood.IgotintouchwithLandreyandhedecidedtoshowwith
    me.Wefoundthegirlwithoutalotoftrouble.Wetookherhome.Westillhad
    togettheletters.WhileIwastryingtoprythemloosefromtheguyIthought
    hadthemoneofthebadboysgotinthebackwayandwantedtoplaywithhis
    gun.Landreymadeaswellentrance,struckaposeandshotitoutwiththehood,
    toetotoe.Hestoppedsomelead.Itwaspretty,ifyoulikethatsortofthing,
    butitleftmeinaspot.SoperhapsI'mprejudiced.Ihadtolamoutand
    collectmyideas."
    Mardonne'sdullbrowneyesshowedapassingflickerofemotion."Thegirl's
    storymightbeinteresting,too,"hesaidcoolly.
    Malloryblewapalecloudofsmoke."Shewasdopedanddoesn'tknow
    anything.Shewouldn'ttalk,ifshedid.AndIdon'tknowhername."
    "Ido,"Mardonnesaid."Landrey'sdriveralsotalkedtome.SoIwon'thave
    tobotheryouaboutthat."
    Mallorytalkedon,placidly."That'sthetalefromtheoutside,without
    notes.Thenotesmakeitfunnierandahellofalotdirtier.Thegirldidn't
    askLandreyforhelp,butheknewabouttheshakedown.He'doncehadthe
    letters,becausetheywerewrittentohim.Hisschemetogetontheirtrailwas
    formetomakeawrongpassatthegirlmyself,makeherthinkIhadthe
    letters,talkherintoameetingatanightclubwherewecouldbewatchedby
    thepeoplewhowereworkingonher.She'dcome,becauseshehadthatkindof
    guts.She'dbewatched,becausetherewouldbeaninsidemaid,chauffeuror
    something.Theboyswouldwanttoknowaboutme.They'dpickmeup,andifI
    didn'tgetconkedoutofhand,Imightlearnwhowaswhointheracket.Sweet
    setup,don'tyouthinkso?"
    Mardonnesaidcoldly:"Abitlooseinplaces...Goontalking."
    "WhenthedecoyworkedIknewitwasfixed.Istayedwithit,becausefor
    thetimebeingIhadto.Afterawhiletherewasanothersourplay,unrehearsed
    thistime.Abigflattiewhowastakinggraftmoneyfromtheganggotcoldfeet
    andthrewtheboysforaloss.Hedidn'tmindalittleextortion,butasnatch
    wasgoingoffthedeependonadarknight.Thebreakmadethingseasierforme,
    anditdidn'thurtLandreyany,becausetheflattiewasn'tinontheclever

    stuff.ThehoodwhogotLandreywasn'teither,Iguess.Thatonewasjustsore,
    thoughthewasbeingchiseledoutofhiscut."
    Mardonneflippedhisbrownhandsupanddownonthechairarms,likea
    purchasingagentgettingrestlessunderasalestalk."Wereyousupposedto
    figurethingsoutthisway?"heaskedwithasneer.
    "Iusedmyhead,Mardonne.Notsoonenough,butIusedit.MaybeIwasn't
    hiredtothink,butthatwasn'texplainedtome,either.IfIgotwise,itwas
    Landrey'shardluck.He'dhavetofigureanouttothatone.IfIdidn't,Iwas
    thenearestthingtoanhoneststrangerhecouldaffordtohavearound."
    Mardonnesaidsmoothly:"Landreyhadplentyofdough.Hehadsomebrains.
    Notalot,butsome.Hewouldn'tgoforacheapshakelikethat."
    Mallorylaughedharshly:"Itwasn'tsocheaptohim,Mardonne.Hewanted
    thegirl.She'dgotawayfromhim,outofhisclass.Hecouldn'tpullhimself
    up,buthecouldpullherdown.Theletterswerenotenoughtobringherinto
    line.Addakidnappingandafakerescuebyanoldflameturnedracketeer,and
    youhaveastorynoragcouldbemadetosoftpedal.Ifitwasspilled,itwould
    blastherrightoutofherjob._You_guessthepricefornotspillingit,
    Mardonne."
    Mardonnesaid:"Uhhuh,"andkeptonlookingoutofthewindow.
    Mallorysaid:"Butallthat'sonthecuff,now.Iwashiredtogetsome
    letters,andIgotthemoutofLandrey'spocketwhenhewasbumped.I'dliketo
    getpaidformytime."
    Mardonneturnedinhischairandputhishandsflatonthetopofthedesk.
    "Passthemover,"hesaid."I'llseewhatthey'reworthtome."
    Mallory'seyesgotsharpandbitter."Thetroublewithyouheelsisthat
    youcan'tfigureanybodytobeontheupandup...Thelettersarewithdrawnfrom
    circulation.Theypassedaroundtoomuchandtheyworeout."
    "It'sasweetthought,"Mardonnesneered."Forsomebodyelse.Landreywas
    mypartner,andIthoughtalotofhim...Soyougivethelettersaway,andIpay
    youdoughforlettingLandreygetgunned.Ioughttowritethatoneinmydiary.
    Myhunchisyou'vebeenpaidplentyalreadybyMissRhondaFarr."
    Mallorysaid,sarcastically:"Ifigureditwouldlooklikethattoyou.
    Maybe_you'd_likethestorybetterthisway...Thegirlgottiredofhaving
    Landreytrailheraround.Shefakedsomelettersandputthemwherehersmart
    lawyercouldliftthem,passthemalongtoamanwhowasrunningastrongarm

    squadthelawyerusedinhisbusinesssometimes.ThegirlwrotetoLandreyfor
    helpandhegotme.Thegirlgottomewithabetterbid.Shehiredmetoput
    Landreyonthespot.IplayedalongwithhimuntilIgothimunderthegunofa
    wiperthatwaspretendingtomakeapassatme.Thewiperlethimhaveit,andI
    shotthewiperwithLandrey'sgun,tomakeitlookgood.ThenIhadadrinkand
    wenthometogetsomesleep."
    Mardonneleanedoverandpressedabuzzeronthesideofhisdesk.Hesaid:
    "Ilikethatonealotbetter.I'mwonderingifIcouldmakeitstick."
    "Youcouldtry,"Mallorysaidlazily."Idon'tguessitwouldbethefirst
    leadquarteryou'vetriedtopass."

    Theroomdoorcameopenandtheblondboystrolledin.Hislipswerespreadina
    pleasedgrinandhistonguecameoutbetweenthem.Hehadanautomaticinhis
    hand.
    Mardonnesaid:"I'mnotbusyanymore,Henry."
    Theblondboyshutthedoor.Mallorystoodupandbackedslowlytowardsthe
    wall.Hesaidgrimly:
    "Nowforthefunnystuff,eh?"
    Mardonneputbrownfingersupandpinchedthefatpartofhischin.Hesaid
    curtly:
    "Therewon'tbeanyshootinghere.Nicepeoplecometothishouse.Maybe
    youdidn'tspotLandrey,butIdon'twantyouaround.You'reinmyway."
    Mallorykeptonbackinguntilhehadhisshouldersagainstthewall.The
    blondboyfrowned,tookasteptowardshim.Mallorysaid:
    "Stayrightwhereyouare,Henry.Ineedroomtothink.Youmightgeta
    slugintome,butyouwouldn'tstopmygunfromtalkingalittle.Thenoise
    wouldn'tbothermeatall."
    Mardonnebentoverhisdesk,lookingsideways.Theblondboyslowedup.His
    tonguestillpeepedoutbetweenhislips.Mardonnesaid:
    "I'vegotsomeCnotesinthedeskhere.I'mgivingHenrytenofthem.
    He'llgotoyourhotelwithyou.He'llevenhelpyoupack.Whenyougetonthe

    trainEasthe'llpassyouthedough.Ifyoucomebackafterthat,itwillbea
    newdealfromacolddeck."Heputhishanddownslowlyandopenedthedesk
    drawer.
    Mallorykepthiseyesontheblondboy."Henrymightmakeachangeinthe
    continuity,"hesaidpleasantly."Henrylookskindofunstabletome."
    Mardonnestoodup,broughthishandfromthedrawer.Hedroppedapacketof
    notesontopofthedesk.Hesaid:
    "Idon'tthinkso.Henryusuallydoeswhatheistold."
    Mallorygrinnedtightly."Perhaps_that's_whatI'mafraidof,"hesaid.
    Hisgringottighterstill,andcrookeder.Histeethglitteredbetweenhispale
    lips."YousaidyouthoughtalotofLandrey,Mardonne.That'shooey.Youdon't
    careathindimeaboutLandrey,nowhe'sdead.Youprobablysteppedrightinto
    hishalfofthejoint,andnobodyaroundtoaskquestions.It'slikethatinthe
    rackets.Youwantmeoutbecauseyouthinkyoucanstillpeddleyourdirtin
    therightplaceformorethanthissmalltimejointwouldnetinayear.But
    youcan'tpeddleit,Mardonne.Themarket'sclosed.Nobody'sgoingtopayyoua
    pluggednickeleithertospillitornottospillit."
    Mardonneclearedhisthroatsoftly.Hewasstandinginthesameposition,
    leaningforwardalittleoverthedesk,bothhandsontopofit,andthepacket
    ofnotesbetweenhishands.Helickedhislips,said:
    "Allright,mastermind.Whynot?"
    Mallorymadeaquickbutexpressivegesturewithhisrightthumb.
    "I'mthesuckerinthisdeal._You're_thesmartguy.Itoldyouastraight
    storythefirsttimeandmyhunchsaysLandreywasn'tinthatsweetframealone.
    _You_wereinituptoyourfatneck!...Butyouacedyourselfbackwardswhenyou
    letLandreypackthoselettersaroundwithhim.Thegirlcantalknow.Nota
    wholelot,butenoughtogetbackingfromanoutfitthatisn'tgoingtoscrapa
    milliondollarreputationbecausesomecheapgamblerwantstogetsmart...If
    yourmoneysaysdifferent,you'regoingtogetajoltthat'llhaveyoupicking
    youreyeteethoutofyoursocks.You'regoingtoseethesweetestcoverupeven
    Hollywoodeverfixed."
    Hepaused,flashedaquickglanceattheblondboy."Somethingelse,
    Mardonne.Whenyoufigureongunplaygetyourselfalooganthatknowswhatit's
    allabout.Thegaycaballerohereforgottothumbbackhissafety."

    Mardonnestoodfrozen.Theblondboy'seyesflincheddowntohisgunfora
    splitsecondoftime.Malloryjumpedfastalongthewall,andhisLugersnapped
    intohishand.Theblondboy'sfacetensed,hisguncrashed.ThentheLuger
    cracked,andaslugwentintothewallbesidetheblondboy'sgayfelthat.
    Henryfadeddowngracefully,squeezedleadagain.TheshotknockedMalloryback
    againstthewall.Hisleftarmwentdead.
    Hislipswrithedangrily.Hesteadiedhimself;theLugertalkedtwice,very
    rapidly.
    Theblondboy'sgunarmjerkedupandthegunsailedagainstthewallhigh
    up.Hiseyeswidened,hismouthcameopeninayellofpain.Thenhewhirled,
    wrenchedthedooropenandpitchedstraightoutonthelandingwithacrash.
    Lightfromtheroomstreamedafterhim.Somebodyshoutedsomewhere.Adoor
    banged.MallorylookedatMardonne,sayingevenly:
    "Gotmeinthearm!Icouldhavekilledthebastardfourtimes!"
    Mardonne'shandcameupfromthedeskwithabluedrevolverinit.Abullet
    splashedintotheflooratMallory'sfeet.Mardonnelurcheddrunkenly,threwthe
    gunawaylikesomethingredhot.Hishandsgropedhighintheair.Helooked
    scaredstiff.
    Mallorysaid:"Getinfrontofme,bigshot!I'mmovingoutofhere."
    Mardonnecameoutfrombehindthedesk.Hemovedjerkily,likea
    marionette.Hiseyeswereasdeadasstaleoysters.Salivadrooleddownhis
    chin.
    Somethingloomedinthedoorway.Malloryheavedsideways,firingblindlyat
    thedoor.ButthesoundoftheLugerwasoverbornebytheterrificflatbooming
    ofashotgun.SearingflamestabbeddownMallory'srightside.Mardonnegotthe
    restoftheload.
    Heplungedtotheflooronhisface,deadbeforehelanded.
    Asawedoffshotgundumpeditselfinthroughtheopendoor.Athickbellied
    maninshirtsleeveseasedhimselfdowninthedoorframe,clutchingandrolling
    ashefell.Astrangledsobcameoutofhismouth,andbloodspreadonthe
    pleatedfrontofadressshirt.
    Suddennoiseflaredoutdownbelow.Shouting,runningfeet,ashrilling
    offkeylaugh,ahighsoundthatmighthavebeenashriek.Carsstartedoutside,
    tiresscreechedonthedriveway.Thecustomersweregettingaway.Apaneof

    glasswentoutsomewhere.Therewasalooseclatterofrunningfeetona
    sidewalk.
    Acrossthelightedpatchoflandingnothingmoved.Theblondboygroaned
    softly,outthereonthefloor,behindthedeadmaninthedoorway.
    Malloryplowedacrosstheroom,sankintothechairattheendofthedesk.
    Hewipedsweatfromhiseyeswiththeheelofhisgunhand.Heleanedhisribs
    againstthedesk,panting,watchingthedoor.
    Hisleftarmwasthrobbingnow,andhisrightlegfeltliketheplaguesof
    Egypt.Bloodrandownhissleeveinside,downonhishand,offthetipsoftwo
    fingers.
    Afterawhilehelookedawayfromthedoor,atthepacketofnoteslyingon
    thedeskunderthelamp.Reachingacrosshepushedthemintotheopendrawer
    withthemuzzleoftheLuger.Grinningwithpainheleanedfarenoughoverto
    pullthedrawershut.Thenheopenedandclosedhiseyesquickly,severaltimes,
    squeezingthemtighttogether,thensnappingthemopenwide.Thatclearedhis
    headalittle.Hedrewthetelephonetowardshim.
    Therewassilencebelowstairsnow.MalloryputtheLugerdown,liftedthe
    phoneofftheprongsandputitdownbesidetheLuger.
    Hesaidoutloud:"Toobad,baby...MaybeIplayeditwrongafter
    all...Maybethelousehadn'tthegutstohurtyouatthat...well...there'sgot
    tobetalkingdonenow"
    Ashebegantodial,thewailofasirengotlouder.

    10

    Theuniformedofficerbehindthetypewriterdesktalkedintoadictaphone,then
    lookedatMalloryandjerkedhisthumbtowardsaglasspaneleddoorthatsaid:
    "CaptainofDetectives.Private."
    Mallorygotupstifflyfromahardchairandwentacrosstheroom,leaned
    againstthewalltoopentheglasspaneleddoor,wentonin.
    Theroomhewentintowaspavedwithdirtybrownlinoleum,furnishedwith
    thepeculiarsordidhideousnessonlymunicipalitiescanachieve.Cathcart,the
    captainofdetectives,satinthemiddleofitalone,betweenalitteredroll

    topdeskthatwasnotlessthantwentyyearsoldandaflatoaktablelarge
    enoughtoplaypingpongon.
    CathcartwasabigshabbyIrishmanwithasweatyfaceandalooselipped
    grin.Hiswhitemustachewasstainedinthemiddlebynicotine.Hishandshada
    lotofwartsonthem.
    Mallorywenttowardshimslowly,leaningonaheavycanewitharubbertip.
    Hisrightlegfeltlargeandhot.Hisleftarmwasinaslingmadefromablack
    silkscarf.Hewasfreshlyshaved.Hisfacewaspaleandhiseyeswereasdark
    asslate.
    Hesatdownacrossthetablefromthecaptainofdetectives,puthiscane
    onthetable,tappedacigaretteandlitit.Thenhesaidcasually:
    "What'stheverdict,chief?"
    Cathcartgrinned."Howyoufeel,kid?Youlookkindapulleddown."
    "Notbad.Abitstiff."
    Cathcartnodded,clearedhisthroat,fumbledunnecessarilywithsomepapers
    thatwereinfrontofhim.Hesaid:
    "You'reclear.It'salulu,butyou'reclear.Chicagogivesyouaclean
    sheetdamnclean.YourLugergotMikeCorliss,atwotimeloser.I'mkeepin'
    theLugerforasouvenir.Okay?"
    Mallorynodded."Okay.I'mgettingmea.25withcopperslugs.A
    sharpshooter'sgun.Noshockeffect,butitgoesbetterwitheveningclothes."
    Cathcartlookedathimcloselyforaminute,thenwenton:"Mike'sprints
    areontheshotgun.TheshotgungotMardonne.Nobody'scryin'aboutthatmuch.
    Theblondkidain'thurtbad.Thatautomaticwefoundonthefloorhadhis
    printsandthatwilltakecareofhimforawhile."
    Malloryrubbedhischinwearily."Howabouttheothers?"
    Thecaptainraisedtangledeyebrows,andhiseyeslookedabsent.Hesaid:
    "Idon'tknowofnothin'toconnectyouthere.Doyou?"
    "Notathing,"Mallorysaidapologetically."Iwasjustwondering."
    Thecaptainsaidfirmly:"Don'twonder.Anddon'tgettoguessin',if
    anybodyshouldaskyou...TakethatBaldwinHillsthing.Thewaywefigureit
    Macdonaldgotkilledinthelineofduty,takin'withhimadopepeddlernamed
    SlippyMorgan.WehaveatagoutforSlippy'swife,butIdon'tguesswe'llmake
    her.Macwasn'tonthenarcoticdetail,butitwashisnightoffandhewasa
    greatguytogumshoearoundonhisnightoff.Maclovedhiswork."

    Mallorysmiledfaintly,saidpolitely:"Isthatso?"
    "Yeah,"thecaptainsaid."IntheotheroneitseemsthisLandrey,aknown
    gamblerhewasMardonne'spartnertoothat'skindofafunnycoincidencewent
    downtoWestwoodtocollectdoughfromaguycalledCostellothatranabookon
    theEasterntracks.JimRalston,oneofourboys,wentwithhim.Hadn'tought
    to,butheknewLandreyprettywell.Therewasalittletroubleaboutthemoney.
    JimgotbeanedwithablackjackandLandreyandsomelittlehoodfoggedeach
    other.Therewasanotherguytherewedon'ttrace.WegotCostello,buthewon't
    talk,andwedon'tliketobeatupanoldguy.He'sgotarapcomin'onaccount
    oftheblackjack.He'llplead,Iguess."
    Malloryslumpeddowninhischairuntilthebackofhisneckrestedontop
    ofit.Heblewsmokestraightuptowardsthestainedceiling.Hesaid:
    "Howaboutnightbeforelast?Orwasthatthetimetheroulettewheel
    backfiredandthetrickcigarblewaholeinthegaragefloor?"
    Thecaptainofdetectivesrubbedbothhismoistcheeksbriskly,thenhauled
    outaverylargehandkerchiefandsnortedintoit.
    "Ohthat,"hesaidnegligently,"thatwasn'tnothin'.TheblondkidHenry
    Ansonorsomethinglikethatsaysitwasallhisfault.HewasMardonne's
    bodyguard,butthatdidn'tmeanhecouldgoshootin'anyonehemightwantto.
    Thattakescareofhim,butwelethimdowneasyfortellin'astraightstory."
    ThecaptainstoppedshortandstaredatMalloryhardeyed.Mallorywas
    grinning."Ofcourseifyoudon't_like_hisstory..."thecaptainwenton
    coldly.
    Mallorysaid:"Ihaven'theardityet.I'msureI'lllikeitfine."
    "Okay,"Cathcartrumbled,mollified."Well,thisAnsonsaysMardonnebuzzed
    himinwhereyouandthebossweretalkin'.Youwasmakin'akickabout
    something,maybeacrookedwheeldownstairs.Therewassomemoneyonthedesk
    andAnsongottheideaitwasashake.Youlookedprettyfasttohim,andnot
    knowingyouwasadickhegetskindanervous.Hisgunwentoff.Youdidn'tshoot
    rightaway,butthepoorsapletsoffanotherroundandplugsyou.Then,by
    youdrilledhimintheshoulder,aswhowouldn't,onlyifithadbeenme,I'dof
    pumpedhisguts.Thentheshotgunboycomesbargin'in,letsgowithoutasking
    anyquestions,fogsMardonneandstopsonefromyou.Wekindathoughtatfirst
    theguymightofgotMardonneonpurpose,butthekidsaysno,hetrippedinthe
    doorcomin'in...Hell,wedon'tlikeforyoutodoallthatshooting,youbeing

    astrangerandallthat,butamanoughttohavearighttoprotecthimself
    againstillegalweapons."
    Mallorysaidgently:"There'stheD.A.andthecoroner.Howaboutthem?I'd
    kindofliketogobackascleanasIcameaway."
    Cathcartfrowneddownatthedirtylinoleumandbithisthumbasifhe
    likedhurtinghimself.
    "Thecoronerdon'tgiveadamnaboutthattrash.IftheD.A.wantstoget
    funny,Icantellhimaboutafewcaseshisofficedidn'tcleanupsogood."
    Malloryliftedhiscaneoffthetable,pushedhischairback,putweighton
    thecaneandstoodup."Youhaveaswellpolicedepartmenthere,"hesaid."I
    shouldn'tthinkyou'dhaveanycrimeatall."
    Hemovedacrosstowardstheouterdoor.Thecaptainsaidtohisback:
    "Goin'ontoChicago?"
    Malloryshruggedcarefullywithhisrightshoulder,thegoodone."Imight
    stickaround,"hesaid."Oneofthestudiosmademeaproposition.Private
    extortiondetail.Blackmailandsoon."
    Thecaptaingrinnedheartily."Swell,"hesaid."EclipseFilmsisaswell
    outfit.Theyalwaysbeenswelltome...Niceeasywork,blackmail.Oughtn'tto
    runintoanyroughstuff."
    Mallorynoddedsolemnly."Justlightwork,Chief.Almosteffeminate,ifyou
    knowwhatImean."
    Hewentonout,downthehalltotheelevator,downtothestreet.Hegot
    intoataxi.Itwashotinthetaxi.Hefeltfaintanddizzygoingbacktohis
    hotel.

    SMARTALECKKILL

    ThedoormanoftheKilmarnockwassixfoottwo.Heworeapaleblueuniform,and
    whiteglovesmadehishandslookenormous.HeopenedthedooroftheYellowtaxi
    asgentlyasanoldmaidstrokingacat.

    JohnnyDalmasgotoutandturnedtotheredhaireddriver.Hesaid:"Better
    waitformearoundthecorner,Joey."
    Thedrivernodded,tuckedatoothpickalittlefartherbackinthecorner
    ofhismouth,andswunghiscabexpertlyawayfromthewhitemarkedloading
    zone.Dalmascrossedthesunnysidewalkandwentintotheenormouscoollobbyof
    theKilmarnock.Thecarpetswerethick,soundless.Bellboysstoodwithfolded
    armsandthetwoclerksbehindthemarbledesklookedaustere.
    Dalmaswentacrosstotheelevatorlobby.Hegotintoapaneledcarand
    said:"Endoftheline,please."
    Thepenthousefloorhadasmallquietlobbywiththreedoorsopeningoff
    it,onetoeachwall.Dalmascrossedtooneofthemandrangthebell.
    DerekWaldenopenedthedoor.Hewasaboutfortyfive,possiblyalittle
    more,andhadalotofpowderygrayhairandahandsome,dissipatedfacethat
    wasbeginningtogopouchy.Hehadonamonogrammedloungingrobeandaglass
    fullofwhiskeyinhishand.Hewasalittledrunk.
    Hesaidthickly,morosely:"Oh,it'syou.C'monin,Dalmas."
    Hewentbackintotheapartment,leavingthedooropen.Dalmasshutitand
    followedhimintoalong,highceilingedroomwithabalconyatoneendanda
    lineoffrenchwindowsalongtheleftside.Therewasaterraceoutside.
    DerekWaldensatdowninabrownandgoldchairagainstthewalland
    stretchedhislegsacrossafootstool.Heswirledthewhiskeyaroundinhis
    glass,lookingdownatit.
    "What'sonyourmind?"heasked.
    Dalmasstaredathimalittlegrimly.Afteramomenthesaid:"Idroppedin
    totellyouI'mgivingyoubackyourjob."
    Waldendrankthewhiskeyoutofhisglassandputitdownonthecornerof
    atable.Hefumbledaroundforacigarette,stuckitinhismouthandforgotto
    lightit.
    "Tha'so?"Hisvoicewasblurredbutindifferent.
    Dalmasturnedawayfromhimandwalkedovertooneofthewindows.Itwas
    openandanawningflappedoutside.Thetrafficnoisefromtheboulevardwas
    faint.
    Hespokeoverhisshoulder:

    "Theinvestigationisn'tgettinganywherebecauseyoudon'twantittoget
    anywhere._You_knowwhyyou'rebeingblackmailed._I_don't.EclipseFilmsis
    interestedbecausetheyhavealotofsugartiedupinfilmyouhavemade."
    "TohellwithEclipseFilms,"Waldensaid,almostquietly.
    Dalmasshookhisheadandturnedaround."Notfrommyangle.Theystandto
    loseifyougetinajamthepublicityhoundscan'thandle.Youtookmeon
    becauseyouwereaskedto.Itwasawasteoftime.Youhaven'tcooperatedworth
    acent."
    Waldensaidinanunpleasanttone:"I'mhandlingthismyownwayandI'm
    notgettin'intoanyjam.I'llmakemyowndealwhenIcanbuysomething
    that'llstaybought...AndallyouhavetodoismaketheEclipsepeoplethink
    thesituation'sbein'takencareof.Thatclear?"
    Dalmascamepartwaybackacrosstheroom.Hestoodwithonehandontopof
    atable,besideanashtraylitteredwithcigarettestubsthathadverydarklip
    rougeonthem.Helookeddownattheseabsently.
    "Thatwasn'texplainedtome,Walden,"hesaidcoldly.
    "Ithoughtyouweresmartenoughtofigureitout,"Waldensneered.He
    leanedsidewiseandsloppedsomemorewhiskeyintohisglass."Haveadrink?"
    Dalmassaid:"No,thanks."
    Waldenfoundthecigaretteinhismouthandthrewitonthefloor.He
    drank."Whatthehell!"hesnorted."You'reaprivatedetectiveandyou'rebeing
    paidtomakeafewmotionsthatdon'tmeananything.It'sacleanjobasyour
    racketgoes."
    Dalmassaid:"That'sanothercrackIcoulddowithouthearing."
    Waldenmadeanabrupt,angrymotion.Hiseyesglittered.Thecornersofhis
    mouthdrewdownandhisfacegotsulky.HeavoidedDalmas'stare.
    Dalmassaid:"I'mnotagainstyou,butIneverwasforyou.You'renotthe
    kindofguyIcouldgofor,ever.Ifyouhadplayedwithme,I'dhavedonewhat
    Icould.Istillwillbutnotforyoursake.Idon'twantyourmoneyandyou
    canpullyourshadowsoffmytailanytimeyoulike."
    Waldenputhisfeetonthefloor.Helaidhisglassdownverycarefullyon
    thetableathiselbow.Thewholeexpressionofhisfacechanged.
    "Shadows?Idon'tgetyou."Heswallowed."I'mnothavingyoushadowed."

    Dalmasstaredathim.Afteramomenthenodded."Okey,then.I'llbacktrack
    onthenextoneandseeifIcanmakehimtellwhohe'sworkingfor...I'llfind
    out."
    Waldensaidveryquietly:"Iwouldn'tdothat,ifIwereyou.You're
    you'remonkeyingwithpeoplethatmightgetnasty...IknowwhatI'mtalking
    about."
    "That'ssomethingI'mnotgoingtoletworryme,"Dalmassaidevenly."If
    it'sthepeoplethatwant_your_money,theywerenastyalongtimeago."
    Heheldhishatoutinfrontofhimandlookedatit.Walden'sface
    glistenedwithsweat.Hiseyeslookedsick.Heopenedhismouthtosay
    something.
    Thedoorbuzzersounded.
    Waldenscowledquickly,swore.Hestareddowntheroombutdidnotmove.
    "Toodamnmanypeoplecomeherewithoutbein'announced,"hegrowled."My
    Japboyisofffortheday."
    Thebuzzersoundedagain,andWaldenstartedtogetup.Dalmassaid:"I'll
    seewhatitis.I'monmywayanyhow."
    HenoddedtoWalden,wentdowntheroomandopenedthedoor.
    Twomencameinwithgunsintheirhands.Oneofthegunsdugsharplyinto
    Dalmas'ribs,andthemanwhowasholdingitsaidurgently:"Backup,andmake
    itsnappy.Thisisoneofthosestickupsyoureadabout."
    Hewasdarkandgoodlookingandcheerful.Hisfacewasasclearasa
    cameo,almostwithouthardness.Hesmiled.
    Theonebehindhimwasshortandsandyhaired.Hescowled.Thedarkone
    said:"ThisisWalden'sdick,Noddy.Takehimoverandgothroughhimfora
    gun."
    Thesandyhairedman,Noddy,putashortbarreledrevolveragainstDalmas'
    stomachandhispartnerkickedthedoorshut,thenstrolledcarelesslydownthe
    roomtowardWalden.
    Noddytooka.38ColtfromunderDalmas'arm,walkedaroundhimandtapped
    hispockets.HeputhisowngunawayandtransferredDalmas'Colttohis
    businesshand.
    "Okey,Ricchio.Thisone'sclean,"hesaidinagrumblingvoice.Dalmaslet
    hisarmsfall,turnedandwentbackintotheroom.Helookedthoughtfullyat
    Walden.Waldenwasleaningforwardwithhismouthopenandanexpressionof

    intenseconcentrationonhisface.Dalmaslookedatthedarkstickupandsaid
    softly:"Ricchio?"
    Thedarkboyglancedathim."Overtherebythetable,sweetheart.I'lldo
    allthetalkin'."
    Waldenmadeahoarsesoundinhisthroat.Ricchiostoodinfrontofhim,
    lookingdownathimpleasantly,hisgundanglingfromonefingerbythetrigger
    guard.
    "You'retooslowonthepayoff,Walden.Toodamnslow!Sowecametotell
    youaboutit.Tailedyourdickheretoo.Wasn'tthatcute?"
    Dalmassaidgravely,quietly:"Thispunkusedtobeyourbodyguard,
    WaldenifhisnameisRicchio."
    Waldennoddedsilentlyandlickedhislips.RicchiosnarledatDalmas:
    "Don'tcrackwise,dick.I'mtellin'youagain."Hestaredwithhoteyes,then
    lookedbackatWalden,lookedatawatchonhiswrist.
    "It'seightminutespastthree,Walden.Ifigureaguywithyourdragcan
    stillgetdoughoutofthebank.We'regivingyouanhourtoraisetengrand.
    Justanhour.Andwe'retakin'yourshamusalongtoarrangeaboutdelivery."
    Waldennoddedagain,stillsilent.Heputhishandsdownonhiskneesand
    clutchedthemuntilhisknuckleswhitened.
    Ricchiowenton:"We'llplayclean.Ourracketwouldn'tbeworthasquashed
    bugifwedidn't.You'llplaycleantoo.Ifyoudon'tyourshamuswillwakeup
    onapileofdirt.Onlyhewon'twakeup.Getit?"
    Dalmassaidcontemptuously:"AndifhepaysupIsupposeyouturnmeloose
    toputthefingeronyou."
    Smoothly,withoutlookingathim,Ricchiosaid:"There'sananswertothat
    one,too...Tengrandtoday,Walden.Theothertenthefirstoftheweek.Unless
    wehavetrouble...Ifwedo,we'llgetpaidforourtrouble."
    Waldenmadeanaimless,defeatedgesturewithbothhandsoutspread."I
    guessIcanarrangeit,"hesaidhurriedly.
    "Swell.We'llbeonourwaythen."
    Ricchionoddedshortlyandputhisgunaway.Hetookabrownkidgloveout
    ofhispocket,putitonhisrighthand,movedacrossthentookDalmas'Colt
    awayfromthesandyhairedman.Helookeditover,slippeditintohisside
    pocketandheldittherewiththeglovedhand.
    "Let'sdrift,"hesaidwithajerkofhishead.

    Theywentout.DerekWaldenstaredafterthembleakly.
    Theelevatorcarwasemptyexceptfortheoperator.Theygotoffatthe
    mezzanineandwentacrossasilentwritingroompastastainedglasswindowwith
    lightsbehindittogivetheeffectofsunshine.Ricchiowalkedhalfastep
    behindonDalmas'left.Thesandyhairedmanwasonhisright,crowdinghim.
    Theywentdowncarpetedstepstoanarcadeofluxuryshops,alongthat,out
    ofthehotelthroughthesideentrance.Asmallbrownsedanwasparkedacross
    thestreet.Thesandyhairedmanslidbehindthewheel,stuckhisgununderhis
    legandsteppedonthestarter.RicchioandDalmasgotintheback.Ricchio
    drawled:"Eastontheboulevard,Noddy.I'vegottofigure."
    Noddygrunted."That'sakick,"hegrowledoverhisshoulder."Ridin'aguy
    downWilshireindaylight."
    "Drivetheheap,bozo."
    Thesandyhairedmangruntedagainanddrovethesmallsedanawayfromthe
    curb,slowedamomentlaterfortheboulevardstop.AnemptyYellowpulledaway
    fromthewestcurb,swungaroundinthemiddleoftheblockandfellinbehind.
    Noddymadehisstop,turnedrightandwenton.Thetaxididthesame.Ricchio
    glancedbackatitwithoutinterest.TherewasalotoftrafficonWilshire.
    Dalmasleanedbackagainsttheupholsteryandsaidthoughtfully:"Why
    wouldn'tWaldenusehistelephonewhilewewerecomingdown?"
    Ricchiosmiledathim.Hetookhishatoffanddroppeditinhislap,then
    tookhisrighthandoutofhispocketandhelditunderthehatwiththegunin
    it.
    "Hewouldn'twantustogetmadathim,dick."
    "Soheletsacoupleofpunkstakemefortheride."
    Ricchiosaidcoldly:"It'snotthatkindofaride.Weneedyouinour
    business...Andweain'tpunks,see?"
    Dalmasrubbedhisjawwithacoupleoffingers.Hesmiledquicklyand
    snapped:"StraightaheadatRobertson?"
    "Yeah.I'mstillfiguring,"Ricchiosaid.
    "Whatabrain!"thesandyhairedmansneered.
    Ricchiogrinnedtightlyandshowedevenwhiteteeth.Thelightchangedto
    redhalfablockahead.Noddyslidthesedanforwardandwasfirstintheline
    attheintersection.TheemptyYellowdrifteduponhisleft.Notquitelevel.

    Thedriverofithadredhair.Hiscapwasbalancedononesideofhisheadand
    hewhistledcheerfullypastatoothpick.
    Dalmasdrewhisfeetbackagainsttheseatandputhisweightonthem.He
    pressedhisbackhardagainsttheupholstery.Thetalltrafficlightwentgreen
    andthesedanstartedforward,thenhungamomentforacarthatcrowdedintoa
    fastleftturn.TheYellowslippedforwardontheleftandtheredhaireddriver
    leanedoverhiswheel,yankeditsuddenlytotheright.Therewasagrinding,
    tearingnoise.Therivetedfenderofthetaxiplowedoverthelowswungfender
    ofthebrownsedan,lockedoveritsleftfrontwheel.Thetwocarsjoltedtoa
    stop.
    Hornblastsbehindthetwocarssoundedangrily,impatiently.
    Dalmas'rightfistcrashedagainstRicchio'sjaw.Hislefthandclosedover
    theguninRicchio'slap.HejerkeditlooseasRicchiosaggedinthecorner.
    Ricchio'sheadwobbled.Hiseyesopenedandshutflickeringly.Dalmasslidaway
    fromhimalongtheseatandslippedtheColtunderhisarm.
    Noddywassittingquitestillinthefrontseat.Hisrighthandmoved
    slowlytowardsthegununderhisthigh.Dalmasopenedthedoorofthesedanand
    gotout,shutthedoor,tooktwostepsandopenedthedoorofthetaxi.Hestood
    besidethetaxiandwatchedthesandyhairedman.
    Hornsofthestalledcarsblaredfuriously.ThedriveroftheYellowwas
    outinfronttuggingatthetwocarswithagreatshowofenergyandwithno
    resultatall.Histoothpickwaggledupanddowninhismouth.Amotorcycle
    officerinamberglassesthreadedthetraffic,lookedthesituationover
    wearily,jerkedhisheadatthedriver.
    "Getinandbackup,"headvised."Argueitoutsomewhereelseweusethis
    intersection."
    ThedrivergrinnedandscuttledaroundthefrontendofhisYellow.He
    climbedintoit,threwitingearandworrieditbackwardswithalotoftooting
    andarmwaving.Itcameclear.Thesandyhairedmanpeeredwoodenlyfromthe
    sedan.Dalmasgotintothetaxiandpulledthedoorshut.
    Themotorcycleofficerdrewawhistleoutandblewtwosharpblastsonit,
    spreadhisarmsfromeasttowest.Thebrownsedanwentthroughtheintersection
    likeacatchasedbyapolicedog.
    TheYellowwentafterit.Halfablockon,Dalmasleanedforwardandtapped
    ontheglass.

    "Let'emgo,Joey.Youcan'tcatchthemandIdon'twantthem...Thatwasa
    swellroutinebackthere."
    Theredheadleanedhischintowardstheopeninginthepanel."Cinch,
    chief,"hesaid,grinning."Trymeononahardonesometime.

    Thetelephonerangattwentyminutestofive.Dalmaswaslyingonhisbackon
    thebed.HewasinhisroomattheMerrivale.Hereachedforthephonewithout
    lookingatit,said:"Hello."
    Thegirl'svoicewaspleasantandalittlestrained."ThisisMianne
    Crayle.Remember?"
    Dalmastookacigarettefrombetweenhislips."Yes,MissCrayle."
    "Listen.YoumustpleasegooverandseeDerekWalden.He'sworriedstiff
    aboutsomethingandhe'sdrinkinghimselfblind.Something'sgottobedone."
    Dalmasstaredpastthephoneattheceiling.Thehandholdinghiscigarette
    beatatattooonthesideofthebed.Hesaidslowly:"Hedoesn'tanswerhis
    phone,MissCrayle.I'vetriedtocallhimatimeortwo."
    Therewasashortsilenceattheotherendoftheline.Thenthevoice
    said:"Ileftmykeyunderthedoor.You'dbetterjustgoonin."
    Dalmas'eyesnarrowed.Thefingersofhisrighthandbecamestill.Hesaid
    slowly:"I'llgetoverthererightaway,MissCrayle.WherecanIreachyou?"
    "I'mnotsure...AtJohnSutro's,perhaps.Weweresupposedtogothere."
    Dalmassaid:"That'sfine."Hewaitedfortheclick,thenhungupandput
    thephoneawayonthenighttable.Hesatuponthesideofthebedandstared
    atapatchofsunlightonthewallforaminuteortwo.Thenheshrugged,stood
    up.Hefinishedadrinkthatstoodbesidethetelephone,putonhishat,went
    downintheelevatorandgotintothesecondtaxiinthelineoutsidethehotel.
    "Kilmarnockagain,Joey.Steponit."
    IttookfifteenminutestogettoKilmarnock.
    Theteadancehadletoutandthestreetsaroundthebighotelwereamess
    ofcarsbuckingtheirwayoutfromthethreeentrances.Dalmasgotoutofthe
    taxihalfablockawayandwalkedpastgroupsofflusheddbutantesandtheir

    escortstothearcadeentrance.Hewentin,walkedupthestairstothe
    mezzanine,crossedthewritingroomandgotintoanelevatorfullofpeople.
    Theyallgotoutbeforethepenthousefloor.
    DalmasrangWalden'sbelltwice.Thenhebentoverandlookedunderthe
    door.Therewasafinethreadoflightbrokenbyanobstruction.Helookedback
    attheelevatorindicators,thenstoopedandteasedsomethingoutfromunderthe
    doorwiththebladeofapenknife.Itwasaflatkey.Hewentinwith
    it...stopped...stared.
    Therewasdeathinthebigroom.Dalmaswenttowardsitslowly,walking
    softly,listening.Therewasahardlightinhisgrayeyesandtheboneofhis
    jawmadeasharplinethatwaspaleagainstthetanofhischeek.
    DerekWaldenwasslumpedalmostcasuallyinthebrownandgoldchair.His
    mouthwasslightlyopen.Therewasablackenedholeinhisrighttemple,anda
    lacypatternofbloodspreaddownthesideofhisfaceandacrossthehollowof
    hisneckasfarasthesoftcollarofhisshirt.Hisrighthandtrailedinthe
    thicknapoftherug.Thefingersheldasmall,blackautomatic.
    Thedaylightwasbeginningtofadeintheroom.Dalmasstoodperfectly
    stillandstaredatDerekWaldenforalongtime.Therewasnosoundanywhere.
    Thebreezehadgonedownandtheawningsoutsidethefrenchwindowswerestill.
    Dalmastookapairofthinsuedeglovesfromhislefthippocketanddrew
    themon.HekneeledontherugbesideWaldenandgentlyeasedthegunfromthe
    claspofhisstiffeningfingers.Itwasa.32,withawalnutgrip,ablack
    finish.Heturneditoverandlookedatthestock.Hismouthtightened.The
    numberhadbeenfiledoffandthepatchoffilemarksglistenedfaintlyagainst
    thedullblackofthefinish.Heputthegundownontherugandstoodup,
    walkedslowlytowardsthetelephonethatwasontheendofalibrarytable,
    besideaflatbowlofcutflowers.
    Heputhishandtowardsthephonebutdidn'ttouchit.Heletthehandfall
    tohisside.Hestoodthereamoment,thenturnedandwentquicklybackand
    pickedupthegunagain.Heslippedthemagazineoutandejectedtheshellthat
    wasinthebreech,pickedthatupandpresseditintothemagazine.Heforked
    twofingersofhislefthandoverthebarrel,heldthecockingpieceback,
    twistedthebreechblockandbrokethegunapart.Hetookthebuttpieceoverto
    thewindow.

    Thenumberthatwasduplicatedontheinsideofthestockhadnotbeen
    filedoff.
    Hereassembledthegunquickly,puttheemptyshellintothechamber,
    pushedthemagazinehome,cockedthegunandfitteditbackintoDerekWalden's
    deadhand.Hepulledthesuedeglovesoffhishandsandwrotethenumberdownin
    asmallnotebook.
    Helefttheapartment,wentdownintheelevator,leftthehotel.Itwas
    halfpastfiveandsomeofthecarsontheboulevardhadswitchedontheir
    lights.

    TheblondmanwhoopenedthedooratSutro'sdiditverythoroughly.Thedoor
    crashedbackagainstthewallandtheblondmansatdownonthefloorstill
    holdingontotheknob.Hesaidindignantly:"Earthquake,bygad!"
    Dalmaslookeddownathimwithoutamusement.
    "IsMissMianneCraylehereorwouldn'tyouknow?"heasked.
    Theblondmangotoffthefloorandhurledthedoorawayfromhim.Itwent
    shutwithanothercrash.Hesaidinaloudvoice:"Everybody'sherebutthe
    Pope'stomcatandhe'sexpected."
    Dalmasnodded."Yououghttohaveaswellparty."
    Hewentpasttheblondmandownthehallandturnedunderanarchintoa
    bigoldfashionedroomwithbuiltinchinaclosetsandalotofshabby
    furniture.Thereweresevenoreightpeopleintheroomandtheywereall
    flushedwithliquor.
    Agirlinshortsandagreenpoloshirtwasshootingcrapsonthefloor
    withamanindinnerclothes.Afatmanwithnoseglasseswastalkingsternly
    intoatoytelephone.Hewassaying:"LongDistanceSiouxCityandputsome
    snapintoit,sister!"
    Theradioblared"SweetMadness."
    Twocouplesweredancingaroundcarelesslybumpingintoeachotherandthe
    furniture.AmanwholookedlikeAlSmithwasdancingallalone,withadrinkin
    hishandandanabsentexpressiononhisface.Atall,whitefacedblondeweaved

    towardsDalmas,sloppingliquoroutofherglass.Sheshrieked:"Darling!Fancy
    meetingyouhere!"
    Dalmaswentaroundher,wenttowardsasaffroncoloredwomanwhohadjust
    comeintotheroomwithabottleofginineachhand.Sheputthebottlesonthe
    pianoandleanedagainstit,lookingbored.Dalmaswentuptoherandaskedfor
    MissCrayle.
    Thesaffroncoloredwomanreachedacigaretteoutofanopenboxonthe
    piano."Outsideintheyard,shesaidtonelessly.
    Dalmassaid:"Thankyou,Mrs.Sutro."
    Shestaredathimblankly.Hewentunderanotherarch,intoadarkenedroom
    withwickerfurnitureinit.Adoorledtoaglassedinporchandadooroutof
    thatleddownstepstoapaththatwoundoffthroughdimtrees.Dalmasfollowed
    thepathtotheedgeofabluffthatlookedoutoverthelightedpartof
    Hollywood.Therewasastoneseatattheedgeofthebluff.Agirlsatonit
    withherbacktothehouse.Acigarettetipglowedinthedarkness.Sheturned
    herheadslowlyandstoodup.
    Shewassmallanddarkanddelicatelymade.Hermouthshoweddarkwith
    rouge,buttherewasnotenoughlighttoseeherfaceclearly.Hereyeswere
    shadowed.
    Dalmassaid:"Ihaveacaboutside,MissCrayle.Ordidyoubringacar?"
    "Nocar.Let'sgo.It'srottenhere,andIdon'tdrinkgin."
    Theywentbackalongthepathandpassedaroundthesideofthehouse.A
    trellistoppedgateletthemoutonthesidewalk,andtheywentalongbythe
    fencetowherethetaxiwaswaiting.Thedriverwasleaningagainstitwithone
    heelhookedontheedgeoftherunningboard.Heopenedthecabdoor.Theygot
    in.
    Dalmassaid:"Stopatadrugstoreforsomebutts,Joey."
    "Okey."
    Joeyslidbehindhiswheelandstartedup.Thecabwentdownasteep,
    windinghill.Therewasalittlemoistureonthesurfaceoftheasphaltpavement
    andthestorefrontsechoedbacktheswishingsoundofthetires.
    AfterawhileDalmassaid:"WhattimedidyouleaveWalden?"
    Thegirlspokewithoutturningherheadtowardshim."Aboutthreeo'clock."
    "Putitalittlelater,MissCrayle.Hewasaliveatthreeo'clockand
    therewassomebodyelsewithhim."

    Thegirlmadeasmall,miserablesoundlikeastrangledsob.Then,shesaid
    verysoftly:"Iknow...he'sdead."Sheliftedherglovedhandsandpressedthem
    againsthertemples.
    Dalmassaid:"Sure.Let'snotgetanymoretrickythanwehaveto...Maybe
    we'llhavetoenough."
    Shesaidveryslowly,inalowvoice:"Iwasthereafterhewasdead."
    Dalmasnodded.Hedidnotlookather.Thecabwentonandafterawhileit
    stoppedinfrontofacornerdrugstore.Thedriverturnedinhisseatandlooked
    back.Dalmasstaredathim,butspoketothegirl.
    "Yououghttohavetoldmemoreoverthephone.Imighthavegotinahell
    ofajam.Imaybeinahellofajamnow."
    Thegirlswayedforwardandstartedtofall.Dalmasputhisarmoutquickly
    andcaughther,pushedherbackagainstthecushions.Herheadwobbledonher
    shouldersandhermouthwasadarkgashinherstonewhiteface.Dalmasheldher
    shoulderandfeltherpulsewithhisfreehand.Hesaidsharply,grimly:"Let's
    goontoCarli's,Joey.Nevermindthebutts...Thispartyhastohaveadrink
    inahurry."
    Joeyslammedthecabingearandsteppedontheaccelerator.

    Carli'swasasmallclubattheendofapassagebetweenasportinggoodsstore
    andacirculatinglibrary.Therewasagrilleddoorandamanbehinditwhohad
    givenuptryingtolookasifitmatteredwhocamein.
    Dalmasandthegirlsatinasmallboothwithhardseatsandloopedback
    greencurtains.Therewerehighpartitionsbetweenthebooths.Therewasalong
    bardowntheothersideoftheroomandabigjukeboxattheendofit.Nowand
    then,whentherewasn'tenoughnoise,thebartenderputanickelinthejuke
    box.
    ThewaiterputtwosmallglassesofbrandyonthetableandMianneCrayle
    downedhersatagulp.Alittlelightcameintohershadowedeyes.Shepeeleda
    blackandwhitegauntletoffherrighthandandsatplayingwiththeempty

    fingersofit,staringdownatthetable.Afteralittlewhilethewaitercame
    backwithacoupleofbrandyhighballs.
    WhenhehadgoneawayagainMianneCraylebegantospeakinalow,clear
    voice,withoutraisingherhead:"Iwasn'tthefirstofhiswomenbyseveral
    dozen.Iwouldn'thavebeenthelastbythatmanymore.Buthehadhisdecent
    side.Andbelieveitornothedidn'tpaymyroomrent."
    Dalmasnodded,didn'tsayanything.Thegirlwentonwithoutlookingat
    him:"Hewasaheelinalotofways.Whenhewassoberhehadthedarkblue
    sulks.Whenhewaslituphewasvile.Whenhewasnicelyedgedhewasapretty
    goodsortofguybesidesbeingthebestsmutdirectorinHollywood.Hecouldget
    moresmoothsexytripepasttheHaysofficethananyotherthreemen."
    Dalmassaidwithoutexpression:"Hewasonhiswayout.Smutisonitsway
    out,andthatwasallheknew."
    Thegirllookedathimbriefly,loweredhereyesagainanddrankalittle
    ofherhighball.Shetookatinyhandkerchiefoutofthepocketofhersports
    jacketandpattedherlips.
    Thepeopleontheothersideofthepartitionweremakingagreatdealof
    noise.
    MianneCraylesaid:"Wehadlunchonthebalcony.Derekwasdrunkandon
    thewaytogetdrunker.Hehadsomethingonhismind.Somethingthatworriedhim
    alot."
    Dalmassmiledfaintly."Maybeitwasthetwentygrandsomebodywastrying
    topryloosefromhimordidn'tyouknowaboutthat?"
    "Itmighthavebeenthat.Derekwasabittightaboutmoney."
    "Hisliquorcosthimalot,"Dalmassaiddryly."Andthatmotorcruiserhe
    likedtoplayaboutindownbelowtheborder."
    Thegirlliftedherheadwithaquickjerk.Thereweresharplightsofpain
    inherdarkeyes.Shesaidveryslowly:"HeboughtallhisliquoratEnsenada.
    Broughtitinhimself.Hehadtobecarefulwiththequantityheputaway."
    Dalmasnodded.Acoldsmileplayedaboutthecornersofhismouth.He
    finishedhisdrinkandputacigaretteinhismouth,feltinhispocketfora
    match.Theholderonthetablewasempty.
    "Finishyourstory,MissCrayle,"hesaid.
    "Wewentuptotheapartment.Hegottwofreshbottlesoutandsaidhewas
    goingtogetgoodanddrunk...Thenwequarreled...Icouldn'tstandanymoreof

    it.Iwentaway.WhenIgothomeIbegantoworryabouthim.Icalledupbuthe
    wouldn'tanswerthephone.Iwentbackfinally...andletmyselfinwiththekey
    Ihad...andhewasdeadinthechair."
    AfteramomentDalmassaid:"Whydidn'tyoutellmesomeofthatoverthe
    phone?"
    Shepressedtheheelsofherhandstogether,saidverysoftly:"Iwas
    terriblyafraid...Andtherewassomething...wrong."Dalmasputhisheadback
    againstthepartition,staredatherwithhiseyeshalfclosed.
    "It'sanoldgag,"shesaid."I'malmostashamedtospringit.ButDerek
    Waldenwaslefthandedknowaboutthat,wouldn'tI?"
    Dalmassaidverysoftly:"Alotofpeoplemusthaveknownthatbutoneof
    themmighthavegotcareless."
    DalmasstaredatMianneCrayle'semptyglove.Shewastwistingitbetween
    herfingers.
    "Waldenwaslefthanded,"hesaidslowly."Thatmeanshedidn'tsuicide.
    Thegunwasinhisotherhand.Therewasnosignofastruggleandtheholein
    histemplewaspowderburned,lookedasiftheshotcamefromabouttheright
    angle.Thatmeanswhoevershothimwassomeonewhocouldgetinthereandget
    closetohim.Orelsehewasparalyzeddrunk,andinthatcasewhoeverdidit
    hadtohaveakey."
    MianneCraylepushedthegloveawayfromher.Sheclenchedherhands.
    "Don'tmakeitanyplainer,"shesaidsharply."IknowthepolicewillthinkI
    didit.WellIdidn't.Ilovedthepoordamnfool.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?"
    Dalmassaidwithoutemotion:"You_could_havedoneit,MissCrayle.
    They'llthinkofthat,won'tthey?Andyoumightbesmartenoughtoacttheway
    youhaveafterwards.They'llthinkofthat,too."
    "Thatwouldn'tbesmart,"shesaidbitterly."Justsmartaleck."
    "Smartaleckkill!"Dalmaslaughedgrimly."Notbad."Heranhisfingers
    throughhiscrisphair."No,Idon'tthinkwecanpinitonyouandmaybethe
    copswon'tknowhewaslefthanded...untilsomebodyelsegetsachancetofind
    thingsout."
    Heleanedoverthetablealittle,puthishandsontheedgeasiftoget
    up.Hiseyesnarrowedthoughtfullyonherface.
    "There'sonemandowntownthatmightgivemeabreak.He'sallcop,but
    he'sanoldguyanddon'tgiveadamnabouthispublicity.Maybeifyouwent

    downwithme,lethimsizeyouupandhearthestory,he'dstallthecaseafew
    hoursandholdoutonthepapers."
    Helookedatherquestioningly.Shedrewhergloveonandsaidquietly:
    "Let'sgo."

    WhentheelevatordoorsattheMerrivaleclosed,thebigmanputhisnewspaper
    downfrominfrontofhisfaceandyawned.Hegotupslowlyfromthesetteein
    thecornerandloafedacrossthesmallbutsedatelobby.Hesqueezedhimself
    intoaboothattheendofarowofhousephones.Hedroppedacoinintheslot
    anddialedwithathickforefinger,formingthenumberwithhislips.
    Afterapauseheleanedclosetothemouthpieceandsaid:"ThisisDenny.
    I'mattheMerrivale.Ourmanjustcamein.Ilosthimoutsideandcamehereto
    waitforhimtogetback."
    Hehadaheavyvoicewithaburrinit.Helistenedtothevoiceatthe
    otherend,noddedandhungupwithoutsayinganythingmore.Hewentoutofthe
    booth,crossedtotheelevators.Onthewayhedroppedacigarbuttintoa
    glazedjarfullofwhitesand.
    Intheelevatorhesaid:"Ten,"andtookhishatoff.Hehadstraightblack
    hairthatwasdampwithperspiration,awide,flatfaceandsmalleyes.His
    clotheswereunpressed,butnotshabby.Hewasastudiodickandheworkedfor
    EclipseFilms.
    Hegotoutatthetenthfloorandwentalongadimcorridor,turneda
    cornerandknockedatadoor.Therewasasoundofstepsinside.Thedoor
    opened.Dalmasopenedit.
    Thebigmanwentin,droppedhishatcasuallyonthebed,satdowninan
    easychairbythewindowwithoutbeingasked.
    Hesaid:"Hi,boy.Ihearyouneedsomehelp."
    Dalmaslookedathimforamomentwithoutanswering.Thenhesaidslowly,
    frowningly:"Maybeforatail.IaskedforCollins.Ithoughtyou'dbetooeasy
    tospot."

    Heturnedawayandwentintothebathroom,cameoutwithtwoglasses.He
    mixedthedrinksonthebureau,handedone.Thebigmandrank,smackedhislips
    andputhisglassdownonthesilloftheopenwindow.Hetookashort,chubby
    cigaroutofhisvestpocket.
    "Collinswasn'taround,"hesaid."AndIwasjustcountin'mythumbs.So
    thebigcheesegivemethejob.Isitfootwork?"
    "Idon'tknow.Probablynot,"Dalmassaidindifferently.
    "Ifit'satailinacar,I'mokey.Ibroughtmylittlecoupe."
    Dalmastookhisglassandsatdownonthesideofthebed.Hestaredatthe
    bigmanwithafaintsmile.Thebigmanbittheendoffhiscigarandspitit
    out.
    Thenhebentoverandpickedupthepiece,lookedatit,tosseditoutof
    thewindow.
    "It'saswellnight.Abitwarmforsolateintheyear,"hesaid.
    Dalmassaidslowly:"HowwelldoyouknowDerekWalden,Denny?"
    Dennylookedoutofthewindow.Therewasasortofhazeintheskyandthe
    reflectionofaredneonsignbehindanearbybuildinglookedlikeafire.
    Hesaid:"Idon'twhatyoucallknowhim.I'veseenhimaround.Iknowhe's
    oneofthebigmoneyguysonthelot."
    "Thenyouwon'tfalloverifItellyouhe'sdead,"Dalmassaidevenly.
    Dennyturnedaroundslowly.Thecigar,stillunlighted,movedupanddown
    inhiswidemouth.Helookedmildlyinterested.
    Dalmaswenton:"It'safunnyone.Ablackmailganghasbeenworkingon
    him,Denny.Lookslikeitgothisgoat.He'sdeadwithaholeinhisheadanda
    guninhishand.Ithappenedthisafternoon."
    Dennyopenedhissmalleyesalittlewider.Dalmassippedhisdrinkand
    restedtheglassonhisthigh.
    "Hisgirlfriendfoundhim.Shehadakeytotheapartmentinthe
    Kilmarnock.TheJapboywasawayandthat'sallthehelphekept.Thegaldidn't
    tellanyone.Shebeatitandcalledmeup.Iwentover...Ididn'ttellanybody
    either."
    Thebigmansaidveryslowly:"ForPete'ssake!Thecops'llstickitinto
    youandbreakitoff,brother.Youcan'tgetawaywiththatstuff."

    Dalmasstaredathim,thenturnedhisheadawayandstaredatapictureon
    thewall.Hesaidcoldly:"I'mdoingitandyou'rehelpingme.We'vegotajob,
    andadamnpowerfulorganizationbehindus.There'salotofsugaratstake."
    "Howdoyoufigure?"Dennyaskedgrimly.Hedidn'tlookpleased.
    "Thegirlfrienddoesn'tthinkWaldensuicided,Denny.Idon'teither,and
    I'vegotasortoflead.Butithastobeworkedfast,becauseit'sasgooda
    leadforthelawasus.Ididn'texpecttobeabletocheckitrightaway,butI
    gotabreak."
    Dennysaid:"Uhhuh.Don'tmakeittooclever.I'maslowthinker."
    Hestruckamatchandlithiscigar.Hishandshookjustalittle.
    Dalmassaid:"It'snotclever.It'skindofdumb.Thegunthatkilled
    Waldenisafiledgun.ButIbrokeitandtheinsidenumberwasn'tfiled.And
    Headquartershasthenumber,inthespecialpermits."
    "Andyoujustwentinandaskedforitandtheygaveittoyou,"Dennysaid
    grimly."AndwhentheypickWaldenupandtracethegunthemselves,they'lljust
    thinkitwasswellofyoutobeatthemtoit."Hemadeaharshnoiseinhis
    throat.
    Dalmassaid:"Takeiteasy,boy.Theguythatdidthecheckingrates.I
    don'thavetoworryaboutthat."
    "Likehellyoudon't!AndwhatwouldaguylikeWaldenbedoin'witha
    filedgun?That'safelonyrap."
    Dalmasfinishedhisdrinkandcarriedhisemptyglassovertothebureau.
    Heheldthewhiskeybottleout.Dennyshookhishead.Helookedverydisgusted.
    "Ifhehadthegun,hemightnothaveknownaboutthat,Denny.Anditcould
    bethatitwasn'thisgunatall.Ifitwasakiller'sgun,thenthekillerwas
    anamateur.Aprofessionalwouldn'thavethatkindofartillery."
    Thebigmansaidslowly:"Okey,whatyougetontherod?"
    Dalmassatdownonthebedagain.Hedugapackageofcigarettesoutofhis
    pocket,litone,andleanedforwardtotossthematchthroughtheopenwindow.
    Hesaid:"Thepermitwasissuedaboutayearagotoanewshawkonthe_Press
    Chronicle,_nameofDartBurwand.ThisBurwandwasbumpedofflastAprilonthe
    rampoftheArcadeDepot.Hewasallsettoleavetown,buthedidn'tmakeit.
    Theynevercrackedthecase,butthehunchisthatthisBurwandwastiedtosome
    racketliketheLinglekillinginChiandthathetriedtoshakeoneofthe
    bigboys.Thebigboybackfiredontheidea.ExitBurwand."

    Thebigmanwasbreathingdeeply.Hehadlethiscigargoout.Dalmas
    watchedhimgravelywhilehetalked.
    "IgotthatfromWestfalls,onthe_PressChronicle,"_Dalmassaid."He'sa
    friendofmine.There'smoreofit.ThisgunwasgivenbacktoBurwand'swife
    probably,.ShestillliveshereoutonNorthKenmore.Shemighttellmewhat
    shedidwiththegun...andshemightbetiedtosomeracketherself,Denny.In
    thatcaseshewouldn'ttellme,butafterItalktohershemightmakesome
    contactsweoughttoknowabout.Gettheidea?"
    Dennystruckanothermatchandhelditontheendofhiscigar.Hisvoice
    saidthickly:"WhatdoIdotailthebroadafteryouputtheideatoher,about
    thegun?"
    "Right."
    Thebigmanstoodup,pretendedtoyawn."Cando,"hegrunted."Butwhyall
    thehushhushaboutWalden?Whynotletthecopsworkitout?We'rejustgoin'
    togetourselvesalotofbadmarksatHeadquarters."
    Dalmassaidslowly:"It'sgottoberisked.Wedon'tknowwhatthe
    blackmailcrowdhadonWalden,andthestudiostandstolosetoomuchmoneyif
    itcomesoutintheinvestigationandgetsafrontpagespreadalloverthe
    country."
    Dennysaid:"YoutalklikeWaldenwasspelledValentino.Hell,theguy's
    onlyadirector.Alltheygottodoistakehisnameoffacoupleofunreleased
    pictures."
    "Theyfiguredifferent,"Dalmassaid."Butmaybethat'sbecausethey
    haven'ttalkedtoyou."
    Dennysaidroughly:"Okey.Butme,I'dletthegirlfriendtakethedamn
    rap!Allthelaweverwantsisafallguy."
    Hewentaroundthebedtogethishat,crammeditonhishead.
    "Swell,"hesaidsourly."Wegottafindoutallaboutitbeforethecops
    evenknowWaldenisdead."Hegesturedwithonehandandlaughedmirthlessly.
    "Liketheydointhemovies."
    Dalmasputthewhiskeybottleawayinthebureaudrawerandputhishaton.
    HeopenedthedoorandstoodasideforDennytogoout.Heswitchedoffthe
    lights.
    Itwastenminutestonine.

    ThetallblondelookedatDalmasoutofgreenisheyeswithverysmallpupils.He
    wentinpastherquickly,withoutseemingtomovequickly.Hepushedthedoor
    shutwithhiselbow.
    Hesaid:"I'madickprivateMrs.Burwand.Tryingtodigupalittledope
    youmightknowabout."
    Theblondesaid:"ThenameisDalton,HelenDalton.ForgettheBurwand
    stuff."
    Dalmassmiledandsaid:"I'msorry.Ishouldhaveknown."Theblonde
    shruggedhershouldersanddriftedawayfromthedoor.Shesatdownontheedge
    ofachairthathadacigaretteburnonthearm.Theroomwasafurnished
    apartmentlivingroomwithalotofdepartmentstorebricbracspreadaround.
    Twofloorlampsburned.Therewereflouncedpillowsonthefloor,aFrenchdoll
    sprawledagainstthebaseofonelamp,andarowofgaudynovelswentacrossthe
    mantel,abovethegasfire.
    Dalmassaidpolitely,swinginghishat:"It'saboutagunDartBurwandused
    toown.It'sshoweduponacaseI'mworking.I'mtryingtotraceitfromthe
    timeyouhadit."
    HelenDaltonscratchedtheupperpartofherarm.Shehadhalfinchlong
    fingernails.Shesaidcurtly:"Idon'thaveanideawhatyou'retalkingabout."
    Dalmasstaredatherandleanedagainstthewall.Hisvoicegotonedge.
    "MaybeyourememberthatyouusedtobemarriedtoDartBurwandandthathe
    gotbumpedofflastApril...Oristhattoofarback?"
    Theblondebitoneofherknucklesandsaid:"Smartguy,huh?"
    "NotunlessIhavetobe.Butdon'tfallasleepfromthatlastshotinthe
    arm."
    HelenDaltonsatupverystraight,suddenly.Allthevaguenesswentoutof
    herexpression.Shespokebetweentightlips.
    "What'sthehowlaboutthegun?"
    "Itkilledaguy,that'sall,"Dalmassaidcarelessly.

    Shestaredathim.Afteramomentshesaid:"Iwasbroke.Ihockedit.I
    nevergotitout.Ihadahusbandthatmadesixtybucksaweekbutdidn'tspend
    anyofitonme.Ineverhadadime."
    Dalmasnodded."Rememberthepawnshopwhereyouleftit?"heasked."Or
    maybeyoustillhavetheticket."
    "No.ItwasonMain.Thestreet'slinedwiththem.AndIdon'thavethe
    ticket."
    Dalmassaid:"Iwasafraidofthat."
    Hewalkedslowlyacrosstheroom,lookedatthetitlesofsomeofthebooks
    onthemantel.Hewentonandstoodinfrontofasmall,foldingdesk.Therewas
    aphotoinasilverframeonthedesk.Dalmasstaredatitforsometime.He
    turnedslowly.
    "It'stoobadaboutthegun,Helen.Aprettyimportantnamewasrubbedout
    withitthisafternoon.Thenumberwasfiledofftheoutside.Ifyouhockedit,
    I'dfiguresomehoodboughtitfromthehockshopguy,exceptthatahood
    wouldn'tfileagunthatway.He'dknowtherewasanothernumberinside.Soit
    wasn'tahoodandthemanitwasfoundwithwouldn'tbelikelytogetagunin
    ahockshop."
    Theblondestoodupslowly.Redspotsburnedinhercheeks.Herarmswere
    rigidathersidesandherbreathwhispered.Shesaidslowly,strainedly:"You
    can'tmaulmearound,dick.Idon'twantanypartofanypolicebusinessand
    I'vegotsomegoodfriendstotakecareofme.Betterscram."
    Dalmaslookedbacktowardstheframeonthedesk.Hesaid:"JohnnySutro
    oughtn'ttoleavehismugaroundinabroad'sapartmentthatway.Somebodymight
    thinkhewascheating."
    Theblondewalkedstiffleggedacrosstheroomandslammedthephotointo
    thedrawerofthedesk.Sheslammedthedrawershut,andleanedherhipsagainst
    thedesk.
    "You'reallWet,shamus.That'snotanybodycalledSutro.Getonout,will
    you,forgawd'ssake?"
    Dalmaslaughedunpleasantly."IsawyouatSutro'shousethisafternoon.
    Youweresodrunkyoudon'tremember."
    Theblondemadeamovementasthoughsheweregoingtojumpathim.Then
    shestopped,rigid.Akeyturnedintheroomdoor.Itopenedandamancamein.
    Hestoodjustinsidethedoorandpusheditshutveryslowly.Hisrighthandwas

    inthepocketofalighttweedovercoat.Hewasdarkskinned,highshouldered,
    angular,withasharpnoseandchin.
    Dalmaslookedathimquietlyandsaid:"Goodevening,CouncilmanSutro."
    ThemanlookedpastDalmasatthegirl.HetooknonoticeofDalmas.The
    girlsaidshakily:"Thisguysayshe'sadick.He'sgivingmeathirdaboutsome
    gunhesaysIhad.Throwhimout,willyou?"
    Sutrosaid:"Adick,eh?"
    HewalkedpastDalmaswithoutlookingathim.Theblondebackedawayfrom
    himandfellintoachair.Herfacegotapastylookandhereyeswerescared.
    Sutrolookeddownatherforamoment,thenturnedaroundandtookasmall
    automaticoutofhispocket.Hehelditloosely,pointeddownatthefloor.
    Hesaid:"Ihaven'talotoftime."
    Dalmassaid:"Iwasjustgoing."Hemovednearthedoor.Sutrosaid
    sharply:"Let'shavethestoryfirst."
    Dalmassaid:"Sure."
    Hemovedlithely,withouthaste,andthrewthedoorwideopen.Thegun
    jerkedupinSutro'shand.Dalmassaid:"Don'tbeasap.You'renotstarting
    anythinghereandyouknowit."
    Thetwomenstaredateachother.AfteramomentortwoSutroputthegun
    backintohispocketandlickedhisthinlips.Dalmassaid:"MissDaltonhada
    gunoncethatkilledamanrecently.Butshehasn'thaditforalongtime.
    That'sallIwantedtoknow."
    Sutronoddedslowly.Therewasapeculiarexpressioninhiseyes.
    "MissDaltonisafriendofmywife's.Iwouldn'twanthertobebothered,"
    hesaidcoldly.
    "That'sright.Youwouldn't,"Dalmassaid"Butalegitimatedickhasa
    righttoasklegitimatequestions.Ididn'tbreakinhere."
    Sutroeyedhimslowly:"Okey,buttakeiteasyonmyfriends.Idrawwater
    inthistownandIcouldhangasignonyou."
    Dalmasnodded.Hewentquietlyoutofthedoorandshutit.Helisteneda
    moment,Therewasnosoundinsidethathecouldhear.Heshruggedandwenton
    downthehall,downthreestepsandacrossasmalllobbythathadno
    switchboard.Outsidetheapartmenthousehelookedalongthestreet.Itwasan
    apartmenthousedistrictandtherewerecarsparkedupanddownthestreet.He
    wenttowardsthelightsofthetaxithatwaswaitingforhim.

    Joey,theredhaireddriver,wasstandingontheedgeofthecurbinfront
    ofhishack.Hewassmokingacigarette,staringacrossthestreet,apparently
    atabig,darkcoupethatwasparkedwithitsleftsidetothecurb.AsDalmas
    cameuptohimhethrewhiscigaretteawayandcametomeethim.
    Hespokequickly:"Listen,boss.IgotalookattheguyinthatCad"
    Paleflamebrokeinbitterstreaksfromabovethedoorofthecoupe.Agun
    racketedbetweenthebuildingsthatfacedeachotheracrossthestreet.Joey
    fellagainstDalmas.Thecoupejerkedintosuddenmotion.Dalmaswentdown
    sidewise,ontooneknee,withthedriverclingingtohim,Hetriedtoreachhis
    gun,couldn'tmakeit.Thecoupewentaroundthecornerwithasquealofrubber,
    andJoeyfelldownDalmas'sideandrolledoveronhisbackonthesidewalk.He
    beathishandsupanddownonthecementandahoarse,anguishedsoundcamefrom
    deepinsidehim.
    TiresscreechedagainandDalmasflunguptohisfeet,swepthishandto
    hisleftarmpit.HerelaxedasasmallcarskiddedtoastopandDennyfellout
    ofit,chargedacrosstheinterveningspacetowardshim.
    Dalmasbentoverthedriver.Lightfromthelanternsbesidetheentranceto
    theapartmenthouseshowedbloodonthefrontofJoey'swhipcordjacket,blood
    thatwasseepingoutthroughthematerial.Joey'seyesopenedandshutlikethe
    eyesofadyingbird.
    Dennysaid:"Nousetofollowthatbus.Toofast."
    "Getonaphoneandcallanambulance,"Dalmassaidquickly."Thekid'sgot
    abellyful...Thentakeaplantontheblonde."
    Thebigmanhurriedbacktohiscar,jumpedintoitandtoreoffaroundthe
    corner.Awindowwentopensomewhereandamanyelleddown.Somecarsstopped.
    DalmasbentdownoverJoeyandmuttered:"Takeiteasy,oldtimer...Easy,
    boyeasy."

    Thehomicidelieutenant'snamewasWeinkassel.Hehadthin,blondhair,icyblue
    eyesandalotofpockmarks.Hesatinaswivelchairwithhisfeetontheedge

    ofapulledoutdrawerandatelephonescoopedclosetohiselbow.Theroom
    smelledofdustandcigarbutts.
    AmannamedLonergan,abulkydickwithgrayhairandagraymustache,
    stoodnearanopenwindow,lookingoutofitmorosely.
    Weinkasselchewedonamatch,staredatDalmas,whowasacrossthedesk
    fromhim.Hesaid:"Bettertalkabit.Thehackdrivercan't.You'vehadluckin
    thistownandyouwouldn'twanttorunitintotheground."
    Lonergansaid:"He'shard.Hewon'ttalk."Hedidn'tturnaroundwhenhe
    saidit.
    "Alittlelessofyourcrapwouldgofarther,Lonnie,"Weinkasselsaidina
    deadvoice.
    Dalmassmiledfaintlyandrubbedthepalmofhishandagainstthesideof
    thedesk.Itmadeasqueakingsound.
    "WhatwouldItalkabout?"heasked."ItwasdarkandIdidn'tgetaflash
    ofthemanbehindthegun.ThecarwasaCadillaccoupe,withoutlights.I've
    toldyouthisalready,Lieutenant."
    "Itdon'tlisten,"Weinkasselgrumbled."There'ssomethingscrewyaboutit.
    Yougottahavesomekindofahunchwhoitcouldbe.It'sacinchthegunwas
    foryou."
    Dalmassaid:"Why?ThehackdriverwashitandIwasn't.Thoseladsget
    aroundalot.Oneofthemmightbeinwrongwithsometoughboys."
    "Likeyou,"Lonergansaid.Hewentonstaringoutofthewindow.
    WeinkasselfrownedatLonergan'sbackandsaidpatiently:"Thecarwas
    outsidewhileyouwasstillinside.Thehackdriverwasoutside.Iftheguywith
    thegunhadwantedhim,hedidn'thavetowaitforyoutocomeout."
    Dalmasspreadhishandsandshrugged."YouboysthinkIknowwhoitwas?"
    "Notexactly.Wethinkyoucouldgiveussomenamestocheckon,though.
    Who'dyougotoseeinthemapartments?"
    Dalmasdidn'tsayanythingforamoment.Lonerganturnedawayfromthe
    window,satontheendofthedeskandswunghislegs.Therewasacynicalgrin
    onhisflatface.
    "Comethrough,baby,"hesaidcheerfully.
    Dalmastiltedhischairbackandputhishandsintohispockets.Hestared
    atWeinkasselspeculatively,ignoredthegrayhaireddickasthoughhedidn't
    exist.

    Hesaidslowly:"Iwasthereonbusinessforaclient.Youcan'tmakeme
    talkaboutthat."
    Weinkasselshruggedandstaredathimcoldly.Thenhetookthechewedmatch
    outofhismouth,lookedattheflattenedendofit,tosseditaway.
    "Imighthaveahunchyourbusinesshadsomethingtodowiththeshootin',"
    hesaidgrimly."Thatwaythehushhushwouldbeout.Wouldn'tit?"
    "Maybe,"Dalmassaid."Ifthat'sthewayit'sgoingtoworkout.ButI
    oughttohaveachancetotalktomyclient."
    Weinkasselsaid:"Okey.Youcanhavetillthemorning.Thenyouputyour
    papersonthedesk,see."
    Dalmasnoddedandstoodup."Fairenough,Lieutenant."
    "Hushhushisallashamusknows,"Lonergansaidroughly.
    DalmasnoddedtoWeinkasselandwentoutoftheoffice.Hewalkeddowna
    bleakcorridorandupstepstothelobbyfloor.OutsidetheCityHallhewent
    downalongflightofconcretestepsandacrossSpringStreettowhereablue
    Packardroadster,notverynew,wasparked.Hegotintoitanddrovearoundthe
    corner,thenthoughtheSecondStreettunnel,droppedoverablockanddroveout
    west.Hewatchedinthemirrorashedrove.
    AtAlvaradohewentintoadrugstoreandcalledhishotel.Theclerkgave
    himanumbertocall.HecalleditandheardDenny'sheavyvoiceattheother
    endoftheline.Dennysaidurgently:"Whereyoubeen?I'vegotthatbroadout
    hereatmyplace.She'sdrunk.Comeonoutandwe'llgethertotelluswhatyou
    wanttoknow."
    Dalmasstaredoutthroughtheglassofthephoneboothwithoutseeing
    anything.Afterapausehesaidslowly:"Theblonde?Howcome?"
    "It'sastory,boy.ComeonoutandI'llgiveittoyou.Fourteenfifty
    fourSouthLivesay.Knowwherethatis?"
    "I'vegotamap.I'llfindit,"Dalmassaidinthesametone.
    Dennytoldhimjusthowtofindit,atsomelength.Attheendofthe
    explanationhesaid:"Makeitfast.She'sasleepnow,butshemightwakeupand
    startyellin'murder."
    Dalmassaid:"Whereyouliveitprobablywouldn'tmattermuch.I'llbe
    rightout,Denny."
    Hehungupandwentouttohiscar.Hegotapintbottleofbourbonoutof
    thecarpocketandtookalongdrink.ThenhestartedupanddrovetowardsFox

    Hills.Twiceonthewayhestoppedandsatstillinthecar,thinking.Buteach
    timehewentonagain.

    TheroadturnedoffPicointoascatteredsubdivisionthatspreaditselfout
    overrollinghillsbetweentwogolfcourses.Itfollowedtheedgeofoneofthe
    golfcourses,separatedfromitbyahighwirefence.Therewerebungalowshere
    andtheredottedabouttheslopes.Afterawhiletheroaddippedintoahollow
    andtherewasasinglebungalowinthehollow,rightacrossthestreetfromthe
    golfcourse.
    Dalmasdrovepastitandparkedunderagianteucalyptusthatetcheddeep
    shadowonthemoonlitsurfaceoftheroad.Hegotoutandwalkedback,turnedup
    acementpathtothebungalow.Itwaswideandlowandhadcottagewindows
    acrossthefront.Bushesgrewhalfwayupthescreens.Therewasfaintlight
    insideandthesoundofaradio,turnedlow,camethroughtheopenwindows.
    Ashadowmovedacrossthescreensandthefrontdoorcameopen.Dalmaswent
    intoalivingroombuiltacrossthefrontofthehouse.Onesmallbulbburnedin
    alampandtheluminousdialoftheradioglowed.Alittlemoonlightcameinto
    theroom.
    Dennyhadhiscoatoffandhissleevesrolleduponhisbigarms.
    Hesaid:"Thebroad'sstillasleep.I'llwakeherupwhenI'vetoldyouhow
    Igotherhere."
    Dalmassaid:"Sureyouweren'ttailed?"
    "Notachance."Dennyspreadabighand.
    Dalmassatdowninawickerchairinthecorner,betweentheradioandthe
    endofthelineofwindows.Heputhishatonthefloor,pulledoutthebottle
    ofbourbonandregardeditwithadissatisfiedair.
    "Buyusarealdrink,Denny.I'mtiredashell.Didn'tgetanydinner."
    Dennysaid:"I'vegotsomeThreeStarMartel.Berightup."
    Hewentoutoftheroomandlightwentoninthebackpartofthehouse.
    Dalmasputthebottleonthefloorbesidehishatandrubbedtwofingersacross

    hisforehead.Hisheadached.Afteralittlewhilethelightwentoutinthe
    backandDennycamebackwithtwotallglasses.
    Thebrandytastedcleanandhard.Dennysatdowninanotherwickerchair.
    Helookedverybiganddarkinthehalflitroom.Hebegantotalkslowly,in
    hisgruffvoice.
    "Itsoundsgoofy,butitworked.AfterthecopsstoppedmillingaroundI
    parkedinthealleyandwentinthebackway.Iknewwhichapartmentthebroad
    hadbutIhadn'tseenher.IthoughtI'dmakesomekindofastallandseehow
    shewasmakin'out.Iknockedonherdoor,butshewouldn'tanswer.Icouldhear
    hermovin'aroundinside,andinaminuteIcouldhearatelephonebein'dialed.
    Iwentbackalongthehallandtriedtheservicedoor.ItopenedandIwentin.
    Itfastenedwithoneofthemscrewboltsthatgetoutoflineanddon'tfasten
    whenyouthinktheydo."
    Dalmasnodded,said:"Igettheidea,Denny."
    Thebigmandrankoutofhisglassandrubbedtheedgeofitupanddownon
    hislowerlip.Hewenton.
    "ShewasphoningaguynamedGaynDonner.Knowhim?"
    "I'veheardofhim,"Dalmassaid."Soshehasthatkindofconnections."
    "Shewascallin'himbynameandshesoundedmad,"Dennysaid."That'show
    Iknew.DonnerhasthatplaceonMariposaCanyonDrivetheMariposaClub.You
    hearhisbandovertheairHankMunnandhisboys."
    Dalmassaid:"I'veheardit,Denny."
    "Okey.WhenshehungupIwentinonher.Shelookedsnowed,weavedaround
    funny,didn'tseemtoknowmuchwhatwasgoingon.Ilookedaroundandtherewas
    aphotoofJohnSutro,theCouncilman,inadeskthere.Iusedthatforastall.
    IsaidthatSutrowantedhertoduckoutforawhileandthatIwasoneofhis
    boysandshewastocomealong.Shefellforit.Screwy.Shewantedsomeliquor.
    IsaidIhadsomeinthecar.Shegotherlittlehatandcoat."
    Dalmassaidsoftly:"Itwasthateasy,huh?"
    "Yeah,"Dennysaid.Hefinishedhisdrinkandputtheglasssomewhere."I
    bottlefedherinthecartokeepherquietandwecameouthere.Shewentto
    sleepandthat'sthat.Whatdoyoufigure?Toughdowntown?"
    "Toughenough,"Dalmassaid."Ididn'tfooltheboysmuch."
    "AnythingontheWaldenkill?"
    Dalmasshookhisheadslowly.

    "IguesstheJapdidn'tgethomeyet,Denny."
    "Wanttotalktothebroad?"
    Theradiowasplayingawaltz.Dalmaslistenedtoitforamomentbeforehe
    answered.Thenhesaidinatiredvoice:"Iguessthat'swhatIcameouthere
    for."
    Dennygotupandwentoutoftheroom.Therewasthesoundofadoor
    openingandmuffledvoices.
    Dalmastookhisgunoutfromunderhisarmandputitdowninthechair
    besidehisleg.
    Theblondestaggeredalittletoomuchasshecamein.Shestaredaround,
    giggled,madevaguemotionswithherlonghands.SheblinkedatDalmas,stood
    swayingamoment,thensliddownintothechairDennyhadbeensittingin.The
    bigmankeptnearherandleanedagainstalibrarytablethatstoodbythe
    Insidewall.
    Shesaiddrunkenly:"Myoldpalthedick.Hey,hey,stranger!Howabout
    buyin'aladyadrink?"
    Dalmasstaredatherwithoutexpression.Hesaidslowly:"Gotanynewideas
    aboutthatgun?Youknow,theoneweweretalkingaboutwhenJohnnySutro
    crashedin...Thefiledgun...ThegunthatkilledDerekWalden."
    Dennystiffened,thenmadeasuddenmotiontowardshiship.Dalmasbrought
    hisColtupandcametohisfeetwithit.Dennylookedatitandbecamestill,
    relaxed.Thegirlhadnotmovedatall,butthedrunkennessdroppedawayfrom
    herlikeadeadleaf.Herfacewassuddenlytenseandbitter.
    Dalmassaidevenly:"Keepthehandsinsight,Denny,andeverything'llbe
    jake...NowsupposeyoutwocheapcrosserstellmewhatI'mherefor."
    Thebigmansaidthickly:"Forgawd'ssake!What'seatin'you?Youscared
    mewhenyousaid'Walden'tothegirl."
    Dalmasgrinned,"That'sallright,Denny.Maybesheneverheardofhim.
    Let'sgetthisironedOutinahurry.IhaveanideaI'mherefortrouble."
    "You'recrazyashell!"thebigmansnarled.
    Dalmasmovedthegunslightly.Heputhisbackagainsttheendwallofthe
    room,leanedoverandturnedtheradiooffwithhislefthand,Thenhespoke
    bitterly:"Yousoldout,Denny.That'seasy.You'retoobigforatailandI've
    spottedyoufollowingmearoundhalfadozentimeslately.Whenyouhornedinon
    thedealtonightIwasprettysure...Andwhenyoutoldmethatfunnystoryabout

    howyougotbabyouthereIwas_damn_sure...Hell'ssake,doyouthinkaguy
    that'sstayedaliveaslongasIhavewouldbelievethatone?Comeon,Denny,be
    asportandtellmewhoyou'reworkingfor...Imightletyoutakeapowder...Who
    youworkingfor?Donner?Sutro?OrsomebodyIdon'tknow?Andwhytheplantout
    hereinthewoods?"
    Thegirlshottoherfeetsuddenlyandsprangathim.Hethrewheroffwith
    hisfreehandandshesprawledonthefloor.Sheyelled:"Gethim,youbigpunk?
    Gethim!"
    Dennydidn'tmove."Shutup,snowbird!"Dalmassnapped."Nobody'sgetting
    anybody.Thisisjustatalkbetweenfriends.Getuponyourfeetandstop
    throwingcurves!"
    Theblondestoodupslowly.
    Denny'sfacehadastony,immovablelookinthedimness.Hisvoicecame
    withadullrasp.Hesaid:"Isoldout.Itwaslousy.Okey,that'sthat.Igot
    fedupwithwatchin'abunchofextragirlstryingtopincheachother's
    lipstick...Youcantakeaplugatme,ifyoufeellikeit."
    Hestilldidn'tmove.Dalmasnoddedslowlyandsaidagain:"Whoisit,
    Denny?Whoyouworkingfor?"
    Dennysaid:"Idon'tknow.Icallanumber,getorders,andreportthat
    way.Igetdoughinthemail.Itriedtobreakthetwisthere,butnoluck...I
    don'tthinkyou'reonthespotandIdon'tknowadamnthingaboutthatshootin'
    inthestreet."
    Dalmasstaredathim.Hesaidslowly:"Youwouldn'tbestallingtokeepme
    herewouldyou,Denny?"
    Thebigmanraisedhisheadslowly.Theroomsuddenlyseemedtogetvery
    still.Acarhadstoppedoutside.Thefaintthrobbingofitsmotordied.
    Aredspotlighthitthetopofthescreens.
    Itwasblinding.Dalmassliddownononeknee,shiftedhisposition
    sidewiseveryquickly,silently.Denny'sharshvoiceinthesilencesaid:"Cops,
    forgawd'ssake!"
    Theredlightdissolvedthewiremeshofthescreensintoarosyglow,
    threwagreatsplashofvividcolorontheoiledfinishoftheinsidewall.The
    girlmadeachokedsoundandherfacewasaredmaskforaninstantbeforeshe
    sankdownoutofthefanoflight.Dalmaslookedintothelight,hisheadlow

    behindthesilloftheendwindow.Theleavesofthebusheswereblackspear
    pointsintheredglare.
    Stepssoundedonthewalk.
    Aharshvoicerasped:"Everybodyout!Mittsintheair!"
    Therewasasoundofmovementinsidethehouse.Dalmasswunghisgun
    uselessly.Aswitchclickedandaporchlightwenton.Foramoment,beforethey
    dodgedback,twomeninbluepoliceuniformsshowedupintheconeoftheporch
    light.OneofthemheldasubmachinegunandtheotherhadalongLugerwitha
    specialmagazinefittedtoit.
    Therewasagratingsound.Dennywasatthedoor,openingthepeeppanel.A
    guncameupinhishandandcrashed.
    Somethingheavyclatteredonthecementandamanswayedforwardintothe
    light,swayedbackagain.Hishandswereagainsthismiddle.Astiffvizoredcap
    felldownandrolledonthewalk.
    Dalmashitthefloorlowdownagainstthebaseboardasthemachineguncut
    loose.Hegroundhisfaceintothewoodofthefloor.Thegirlscreamedbehind
    him.
    Thechopperrakedtheroomswiftlyfromendtoendandtheairfilledwith
    plasterandsplinters.Awallmirrorcrasheddown.Asharpstenchofpowder
    foughtwiththesoursmelloftheplasterdust.Thisseemedtogoonforavery
    longtime.SomethingfellacrossDalmas'legs.Hekepthiseyesshutandhis
    facepressedagainstthefloor.
    Thestutteringandcrashingstopped.Therainofplasterinsidethewails
    kepton.Avoiceyelled:"Howd'youlikeit,pals?"
    Anothervoicefarbacksnappedangrily:"Comeonlet'sgo!"
    Stepssoundedagain,andadraggingsound.Moresteps.Themotorofthecar
    roaredintolife.Adoorslammedheavily.Tiresscreechedonthegravelofthe
    roadandthesongofthemotorswelledanddiedswiftly.
    Dalmasgotuponhisfeet.Hisearsboomedandhisnostrilsweredry.He
    gothisgunoffthefloor,unclippedathinflashfromaninsidepocket,snapped
    iton.Itprobedweaklythroughthedustyair.Theblondelayonherbackwith
    hereyeswideopenandhermouthtwistedintoasortofgrin.Shewassobbing.
    Dalmasbentoverher.Theredidn'tseemtobeamarkonher.
    Hewentondowntheroom.Hefoundhishatuntouchedbesidethechairthat
    hadhalfthetopshotoff.Thebottleofbourbonlaybesidethehat.Hepicked

    thembothup.Themanwiththechopperhadrakedtheroomwaisthigh,backand
    forth,withoutloweringitfarenough.Dalmaswentonfarther,cametothedoor.
    Dennywasonhiskneesinfrontofthedoor.Hewasswayingbackwardsand
    forwardsandholdingoneofhishandsintheother.Blooddribbledbetweenhis
    thickfingers.
    Dalmasgotthedooropenandwentout.Therewasasmearofbloodanda
    litterofshellsonthewalk.Therewasnobodyinsight.Hestoodtherewiththe
    bloodbeatinginhisface,likelittlehammers.Theskinaroundhisnose
    prickled.
    Hedranksomewhiskeyoutofthebottleandturnedandwentbackintothe
    house.Dennywasuponhisfeetnow.Hehadahandkerchiefoutandwastyingit
    aroundhisbloodyhand.Helookeddazed,drunk.Heswayedonhisfeet.Dalmas
    putthebeamoftheflashonhisface.
    Hesaid:"Hurtmuch?"
    "No.Clippedonthehand,"thebigmansaidthickly.Hisfingerswere
    clumsyonthehandkerchief.
    "Theblonde'sscaredblind,"Dalmassaid."It'syourparty,boy.Nicepals
    youhave.Theymeanttogetallthreeofus.Yourattledthemwhenyoutooka
    potoutofthepeephole.IguessIoweyousomethingforthat,Denny...The
    gunnerwasn'tsogood."
    Dennysaid:"Whereyougoin'?"
    "Whered'youthink?"
    Dennylookedathim."Sutro'syourman,"hesaidslowly."I'mthrough
    washedup.Theycanallgotohell."
    Dalmaswentthroughthedooragain,downthepathtothestreet.Hegot
    intohiscaranddroveawaywithoutlights.Whenhehadturnedcornersandgone
    somedistanceheswitchedthelightsonandgotoutanddustedhimselfoff.

    BlackandsilvercurtainsopenedinaninvertedVagainstahazeofcigarette
    andcigarsmoke.Thebrassesofthedancebandshotbriefflashesofcolor
    throughthehaze.Therewasasmelloffoodandliquorandperfumeandface

    powder.Thedancefloorwasanemptysplashofamberlightandlookedslightly
    largerthanascreenstar'sbathmat.
    Thenthebandstartedupandthelightswentdown,andaheadwaitercameup
    thecarpetedstepstappingagoldpencilagainstthesatinstripeofhis
    trousers.Hehadnarrow,lifelesseyesandblondwhitehairsleekedbackoffa
    bonyforehead.
    Dalmassaid:"I'dliketoseeMisterDonner."
    Theheadwaitertappedhisteethwithhisgoldpencil."I'mafraidhe's
    busy.Whatname?"
    "Dalmas.TellhimI'maspecialfriendofJohnnySutro's."
    Theheadwaitersaid:"I'lltry."
    Hewentacrosstoapanelthathadarowofbuttonsonitandasmallone
    piecephone.Hetookitoffthehookandputittohisear,staringatDalmas
    acrossthecupwiththeimpersonalstareofastuffedanimal.
    Dalmassaid:"I'llbeinthelobby."
    HewentbackthroughthecurtainsandprowledovertotheMen'sRoom.
    Insidehegotoutthebottleofbourbonanddrankwhatwasleftofit,tilting
    hisheadbackandstandingsplayleggedinthemiddleofthetiledfloor.A
    wizenedNegroinawhitejacketflutteredathim,saidanxiously:"Nodrinkin'
    inhere,boss."
    Dalmasthrewtheemptybottleintoareceptaclefortowels.Hetookaclean
    towelofftheglassshelf,wipedhislipswithit,putadimedownontheedge
    ofthebasinandwentout.
    Therewasaspacebetweenaninnerandouterdoor.Heleanedagainstthe
    outerdoorandtookasmallautomaticaboutfourincheslongoutofhisvest
    pocket.Hehelditwiththreefingersagainsttheinsideofhishatandwenton
    out,swingingthehatgentlybesidehisbody.
    AfterawhileatallFilipinowithsilkyblackhaircameintothelobbyand
    lookedaround.Dalmaswenttowardshim.Theheadwaiterlookedoutthroughthe
    curtainsandnoddedattheFilipino.
    TheFilipinospoketoDalmas:"Thisway,boss."
    Theywentdownalong,quietcorridor.Thesoundofthedancebanddied
    awaybehindthem.Somedesertedgreentoppedtablesshowedthroughanopendoor.
    Thecorridorturnedintoanotherthatwasatrightangles,andattheendof
    thisonesomelightcameoutthroughadoorway.

    TheFilipinopausedinmidstrideandmadeagraceful,complicated
    movement,attheendofwhichhehadabig,blackautomaticinhishand.He
    proddeditpolitelyintoDalmas'ribs.
    "Gottofriskyou,boss.Houserules."
    Dalmasstoodstillandheldhisarmsoutfromhissides.TheFilipinotook
    Dalmas'Coltawayfromhimanddroppeditintohispocket.Hepattedtherestof
    Dalmas'pockets,steppedbackandholsteredhisowncannon.
    Dalmasloweredhisarmsandlethishatfallonthefloorandthelittle
    automaticthathadbeeninsidethehatpeeredneatlyattheFilipino'sbelly.
    TheFilipinolookeddownatitwithashockedgrin.
    Dalmassaid:Thatwasfun,spig.Letmedoit.
    HeputhisColtbackwhereitbelonged,tookthebigautomaticfromunder
    theFilipino'sarm,slippedthemagazineoutofitandejectedtheshellthat
    wasinthechamber.HegavetheemptygunbacktotheFilipino.
    "Youcanstilluseitforasap.Ifyoustayinfrontofme,yourboss
    don'thavetoknowthat'sallit'sgoodfor."
    TheFilipinolickedhislips.Dalmasfelthimforanothergun,andthey
    wentonalongthecorridor,wentinatthedoorthatwaspartlyopen.The
    Filipinowentfirst.
    Itwasabigroomwithwallspaneledindiagonalstripsofwood.Ayellow
    Chineserugonthefloor,plentyofgoodfurniture,countersunkdoorsthattold
    ofsoundproofing,andnowindows.Therewereseveralgiltgratingshighupanda
    builtinventilatorfanmadeafaint,soothingmurmur.Fourmenwereinthe
    room.Nobodysaidanything.
    DalmassatdownonaleatherdivanandstaredatRicchio,thesmoothboy
    whohadwalkedhimoutofWalden'sapartment.Ricchiowastiedtoahighbacked
    chair.Hisarmswerepulledaroundbehinditandfastenedtogetheratthe
    wrists.Hiseyesweremadandhisfacewasawelterofbloodandbruises.Hehad
    beenpistolwhipped.Thesandyhairedman,Noddy,whohadbeenwithhimatthe
    Kilmarnocksatonasortofstoolinthecorner,smoking.
    JohnSutrowasrockingslowlyinaredleatherrocker,staringdownatthe
    floor.HedidnotlookupwhenDalmascameintotheroom.
    Thefourthmansatbehindadeskthatlookedasifithadcostalotof
    money.Hehadsoftbrownhairpartedinthemiddleandbrushedbackanddown;

    thinlipsandreddishbrowneyesthathadhotlightsinthem.HewatchedMallory
    whilehesatdownandlookedaround.Thenhespoke,glancingatRicchio.
    "Thepunkgotalittleoutofhand.We'vebeentellinghimaboutit.I
    guessyou'renotsorry."
    Dalmaslaughedshortly,withoutmirth."Allrightasfarasitgoes,
    Donner.Howabouttheotherone?Idon'tseeanymarksonhim."
    "Noddy'sallright.Heworkedunderorders,"Donnersaidevenly.Hepicked
    upalonghandledfileandbegantofileoneofhisnails."YouandIhave
    thingstotalkabout.That'swhyyougotinhere.Youlookallrighttomeif
    youdon'ttrytocovertoomuchgroundwithyourprivatedickracket."
    Dalmas'eyeswidenedalittle.Hesaid:"I'mlistening,Donner."
    SutroliftedhiseyesandstaredatthebackofDonner'shead.Donnerwent
    ontalkinginasmoothindifferentvoice.
    "IknowallabouttheplayatDerekWalden'splaceandIknowaboutthe
    shootingonKenmore.IfI'dthoughtRicchiowouldgothatcrazy,I'dhave
    stoppedhimbefore.Asitis,Ifigureit'suptometostraightenthings
    out...AndwhenwegetthroughhereMisterRicchiowillgodowntownandspeakhis
    piece.
    "Here'showithappened.RicchiousedtoworkforWaldenwhentheHollywood
    crowdwentinforbodyguards.WaldenboughthisliquorinEnsenadastilldoes,
    forallIknowandbroughtitinhimself.Nobodybotheredhim.Ricchiosawa
    chancetobringinsomewhitegoodsundergoodcover.Waldencaughthimatit.
    Hedidn'twantascandal,sohejustshowedRicchiothegate.Ricchiotook
    advantageofthatbytryingtoshakeWaldendown,onthetheorythathewasn't
    cleanenoughtostandtheworkingovertheFedswouldgivehim.Waldendidn't
    shakefastenoughtosuitRicchio,sohewenthogwildanddecidedonastrong
    armplay.YouandyourdrivermesseditupandRicchiowentgunningforyou."
    Donnerputdownhisfileandsmiled.Dalmasshruggedandglancedatthe
    Filipino,whowasstandingbythewall,attheendofthedivan.
    Dalmassaid:"Idon'thaveyourorganization,Donner,butIgetaround.I
    thinkthat'sasmoothstoryanditwouldhavegotbywithalittlecooperation
    downtown.Butitwon'tfitthefactsastheyarenow."
    Donnerraisedhiseyebrows.Sutrobegantoswingthetipofhispolished
    shoeupanddowninfrontofhisknee.
    Dalmassaid:"HowdoesMisterSutrofitintoallthis?"

    Sutrostaredathimandstoppedrocking.Hemadeaswift,impatient
    movement.Donnersmiled"He'safriendofWalden's.Waldentalkedtohima
    littleandSutroknowsRicchioworkedforme.Butbeingacouncilmanhedidn't
    wanttotellWaldeneverythingheknew."
    Dalmassaidgrimly:"I'lltellyouwhat'swrongwithyourstory,Donner.
    There'snotenoughfearinit.WaldenwastooscaredtohelpmeevenwhenIwas
    workingforhim...Andthisafternoonsomebodywassoscaredofhimthathegot
    shot."
    Donnerleanedforwardandhiseyesgotsmallandtight.Hishandsballed
    intofistsonthedeskbeforehim.
    "Waldenisdead?"healmostwhispered.
    Dalmasnodded."Shotintherighttemple...withathirtytwo.Itlookslike
    suicide.Itisn't."
    Sutroputhishandupquicklyandcoveredhisface.Thesandyhairedman
    gotrigidonhisstoolinthecorner.
    Dalmassaid:"Wanttohearagoodhonestguess,Donner?...We'llcallita
    guess...Waldenwasinthedopesmugglingrackethimselfandnotallbyhis
    lonesome.ButafterRepealhewantedtoquit.Thecoastguardswouldn'thaveto
    spendsomuchtimewatchingliquorships,anddopesmugglingupthecoastwasn't
    goingtobegravyanymore.AndWaldengotsweetonagalthathadgoodeyesand
    couldadduptoten.Sohewantedtowalkoutonthedoperacket."
    Donnermoistenedhislipsandsaid:"Whatdoperacket?"
    Dalmaseyedhim."Youwouldn'tknowaboutanythinglikethat,wouldyou,
    Donner?Hell,no,that'ssomethingforthebadboystoplaywith.Andthebad
    boysdidn'tliketheideaofWaldenquittingthatway.Hewasdrinkingtoo
    muchandhemightstarttobroadcasttohisgirlfriend.Theywantedhimto
    quitthewayhedidonthereceivingendofagun."
    Donnerturnedhisheadslowlyandstaredattheboundmanonthehigh
    backedchair.Hesaidverysoftly:"Ricchio."
    Thenhegotupandwalkedaroundhisdesk.Sutrotookhishanddownfrom
    hisfaceandwatchedwithhislipsshaking.
    DonnerstoodinfrontofRicchio.HeputhishandoutagainstRicchio's
    headandjarreditbackagainstthechair.Ricchiomoaned.Donnersmileddownat
    him.

    "Imustbeslowingup.YoukilledWalden,youbastard!Youwentbackand
    croakedhim.Youforgottotellusaboutthatpart,baby."
    RicchioopenedhismouthandspitastreamofbloodagainstDonner'shand
    andwrist.Donner'sfacetwitchedandhesteppedbackandaway,holdingthehand
    straightoutinfrontofhim.Hetookoutahandkerchiefandwipeditoff
    carefully,droppedthehandkerchiefonthefloor.
    "Lendmeyourgun,Noddy,"hesaidquietly,goingtowardsthesandyhaired
    man.
    Sutrojerkedandhismouthfellopen.Hiseyeslookedsick.Thetall
    Filipinoflickedhisemptyautomaticintohishandasifhehadforgottenitwas
    empty.Noddytookabluntrevolverfromunderhisrightarm,helditoutto
    Donner.
    DonnertookitfromhimandwentbacktoRicchio.Heraisedthegun.
    Dalmassaid:Ricchiodidn'tkillWalden."
    TheFilipinotookaquickstepforwardandslashedathimwithhisbig
    automatic.ThegunhitDalmasonthepointoftheshoulder,andawaveofpain
    billoweddownhisarm.HerolledawayandsnappedhisColtintohishand.The
    Filipinoswungathimagain,missed.
    Dalmasslidtohisfeet,sidesteppedandlaidthebarreloftheColtalong
    thesideoftheFilipino'shead,withallhisstrength.TheFilipinogrunted,
    satdownonthefloor,andthewhitesshowedallaroundhiseyes.Hefellover
    slowly,clawingatthedivan.
    TherewasnoexpressiononDonner'sfaceandheheldhisbluntrevolver
    perfectlystill.Hislongupperlipwasbeadedwithsweat.
    Dalmassaid:"Ricchiodidn'tkillWalden.Waldenwaskilledwithafiled
    gunandthegunwasplantedinhishand.Ricchiowouldn'tgowithinablockofa
    filedgun."
    Sutro'sfacewasghastly.Thesandyhairedmanhadgotdownoffhisstool
    andstoodwithhisrighthandswingingathisside.
    "Tellmemore,"Donnersaidevenly.
    "ThefiledguntracestoabroadnamedHelenDaltonorBurwand,"Dalmas
    said."Itwashergun.Shetoldmethatshehockeditlongago.Ididn'tbelieve
    her.She'sagoodfriendofSutro'sandSutrowassobotheredbymygoingtosee
    herthathepulledagatonmehimself.WhydoyousupposeSutrowasbothered,
    Donner,andhowdoyousupposeheknewIwaslikelytogoseethebroad?"

    Donnersaid:"Goaheadandtellme."HelookedatSutroveryquietly.
    DalmastookastepclosertoDonnerandheldhisColtdownathisside,not
    threateningly.
    "I'lltellyouhowandwhy.I'vebeentailedeversinceIstartedtowork
    forWaldentailedbyaclumsyoxofastudiodickIcouldspotamileoff.He
    wasbought,Donner.TheguythatkilledWaldenboughthim.Hefiguredthestudio
    dickhadachancetogetnexttome,andIlethimdojustthattogivehim
    ropeandspothisgame.HisbosswasSutro.SutrokilledWaldenwithhisown
    hand.Itwasthatkindofajob.Anamateurjobasmartaleckkill.Thething
    thatmadeitsmartwasthethingthatgaveitawaythesuicideplant,witha
    filedgunthatthekillerthoughtcouldn'tbetracedbecausehedidn'tknowmost
    gunshavenumbersinside."
    Donnerswungthebluntrevolveruntilitpointedmidwaybetweenthesandy
    hairedmanandSutro.Hedidn'tsayanything.Hiseyeswerethoughtfuland
    interested.
    Dalmasshiftedhisweightalittle,ontotheballsofhisfeet.The
    Filipinoonthefloorputahandalongthedivanandhisnailsscratchedonthe
    leather.
    "There'smoreofit,Donner,butwhatthehell!SutrowasWalden'spal,and
    hecouldgetclosetohim,closeenoughtostickaguntohisheadandletgo.A
    shotwouldn'tbeheardonthepenthouseflooroftheKilmarnock,onelittleshot
    fromathirtytwo.SoSutroputtheguninWalden'shandandwentonhisway.
    ButheforgotthatWaldenwaslefthandedandhedidn'tknowtheguncouldbe
    traced.WhenitwasandhisboughtmanwisedhimupandItappedthegirlhe
    hiredhimselfachoppersquadandangledallthreeofusouttoahouseinPalms
    tobuttonourmouthsforgood...Onlythechoppersquad,likeeverythingelsein
    thisplay,didn'tdoitsstuffsogood."
    Donnernoddedslowly.HelookedataspotinthemiddleofSutro'sstomach
    andlinedhisgunonit.
    "Tellusaboutit,Johnny,"hesaidsoftly."Tellushowyougotcleverin
    youroldage"
    Thesandyhairedmanmovedsuddenly.Hedodgeddownbehindthedeskandas
    hewentdownhisrighthandsweptforhisothergun.Itroaredfrombehindthe
    desk.Thebulletcamethroughthekneeholeandpingedintothewallwithasound
    ofstrikingmetalbehindthepaneling.

    DalmasjerkedhisColtandfiredtwiceintothedesk.Afewsplintersflew.
    Thesandyhairedmanyelledbehindthedeskandcameupfastwithhisgun
    flaminginhishand.Donnerstaggered.Hisgunspoketwice,veryquickly.The
    sandyhairedmanyelledagain,andbloodjumpedstraightoutfromoneofhis
    cheeks.Hewentdownbehindthedeskandstayedquiet.
    Donnerbackeduntilhetouchedthewall.Sutrostoodupandputhishands
    infrontofhisstomachandtriedtoscream.
    Donnersaid:"Okey,Johnny.Yourturn."
    ThenDonnercoughedsuddenlyandsliddownthewallwithadryrustleof
    cloth.Hebentforwardanddroppedhisgunandputhishandsonthefloorand
    wentoncoughing.Hisfacegotgray.
    Sutrostoodrigid,hishandsinfrontofhisstomach,andbentbackatthe
    wrists,thefingerscurvedclawlike.Therewasnolightbehindhiseyes.They
    weredeadeyes.Afteramomenthiskneesbuckledandhefelldownonthefloor
    onhisback.
    Donnerwentoncoughingquietly.
    Dalmascrossedswiftlytothedooroftheroom,listenedatit,openedit
    andlookedout.Heshutitagainquickly.
    "Soundproofandhow!"hemuttered.
    Hewentbacktothedeskandliftedthetelephoneoffitsprongs.Heput
    hisColtdownanddialed,waited,saidintothephone:"CaptainCathcart...Got
    totalktohim...Sure,it'simportant...veryimportant."
    Hewaited,drummingonthedesk,staringhardeyedaroundtheroom.He
    jerkedalittleasasleepyvoicecameoverthewire.
    "Dalmas,Chief.I'mattheCasaMariposa,inGaynDonner'sprivateoffice.
    There'sbeenalittletrouble,butnobodyhurtbad...yegotDerekWalden's
    killerforyou...JohnnySutrodidit...Yeah,thecouncilman...Makeitfast,
    Chief...Iwouldn'twanttogetinafightwiththehelp,youknow
    HehungupandpickedhisColtoffthetopofthedesk,helditontheflat
    ofhishandandstaredacrossatSutro.
    "Getoffthefloor,Johnny,"hesaidwearily."Getupandtellapoordumb
    dickhowtocoverthisoneupsmartguy!"

    10

    ThelightabovethebigoaktableatHeadquarterswastoobright.Dalmasrana
    fingeralongthewood,lookedatit,wipeditoffonhissleeve.Hecuppedhis
    chininhisleanhandsandstaredatthewallabovetherolltopdeskthatwas
    beyondthetable.Hewasaloneintheroom.
    Theloudspeakeronthewalldroned:"CallingCar71Win72'sdistrict...at
    ThirdandBerendo...atthedrugstore...meetaman...
    ThedooropenedandCaptainCathcartcamein,shutthedoorcarefully
    behindhim.Hewasabig,batteredmanwithawide,moistface,astrained
    mustache,gnarledhands.
    Hesatdownbetweentheoaktableandtherolltopdeskandfingeredacold
    pipethatlayintheashtray.
    Dalmasraisedhisheadfrombetweenhishands.Cathcartsaid:"Sutro's
    dead."
    Dalmasstared,saidnothing.
    "Hiswifedidit.Hewantedtostopbyhishouseaminute.Theboyswatched
    himgoodbuttheydidn'twatchher.Sheslippedhimthedosebeforetheycould
    move."
    Cathcartopenedandshuthismouthtwice.Hehadstrong,dirtyteeth.
    "Sheneversaidadamnword.Broughtalittlegunaroundfrombehindher
    andfedhimthreeslugs.One,two,three.Win,place,show.Justlikethat.Then
    sheturnedthegunaroundinherhandasniceasyoucouldthinkofandhanded
    ittotheboys...Whatinhellshedothatfor?"
    Dalmassaid:"Getaconfession?"
    Cathcartstaredathimandputthecoldpipeinhismouth.Hesuckedonit
    noisily."Fromhim?Yeahnotonpaper,though...Whatyousupposeshedonethat
    for?"
    "Sheknewabouttheblonde,"Dalmassaid."Shethoughtitwasherlast
    chance.Maybesheknewabouthisrackets."
    Thecaptainnoddedslowly."Sure,"hesaid."That'sit.Shefigureditwas
    herlastchance.Andwhyshouldn'tshebopthebastard?IftheD.A.'ssmart,
    he'lllethertakeamanslaughterplea.That'dbeaboutfifteenmonthsat
    Tehachapi.Arestcure."
    Dalmasmovedinhischair.Hefrowned.

    Cathcartwenton:"It'sabreakforallofus.Nodirtyourway,nodirton
    theadministration.Ifshehadn'tdoneit,itwouldhavebeenakickinthe
    pantsallaround.Sheoughttogetapension."
    "SheoughttogetacontractfromEclipseFilms,"Dalmassaid."WhenIgot
    toSutroIfiguredIwaslickedonthepublicityangle.Imighthavegunned
    Sutromyselfifhehadn'tbeensoyellowandifhehadn'tbeenacouncilman."
    "Nixonthat,baby.Leavethatstufftothelaw,"Cathcartgrowled."Here's
    howitlooks.Idon'tfigurewecangetWaldenonthebookasasuicide.The
    filedgunisagainstitandwegottowaitfortheautopsyandthegunsharks
    report.Andaparaffintestofthehandoughttoshowhedidn'tfirethegunat
    all.Ontheotherhand,thecaseisclosedonSutroandwhathastocomeout
    oughtnottohurttoobad.AmIright?"
    Dalmastookoutacigaretteandrolleditbetweenhisfingers.Helitit
    slowlyandwavedthematchuntilitwentout.
    "Waldenwasnolily,"hesaid."It'sthedopeanglethatwouldraisehell
    butthat'scold.Iguesswe'rejake,exceptforafewlooseends."
    "Hellwiththelooseends,"Cathcartgrinned."Nobody'sgettingawaywith
    anyfixthatIcansee.Thatsidekickofyours,Denny,willfadeinahurryand
    ifIevergetmypawsontheDaltonfrail,I'llsendhertoMendocinoforthe
    cure.WemightgetsomethingonDonnerafterthehospitalgetsthroughwith
    him.We'vegottoputtheraponthosehoods,forthestickupandthetaxi
    driver,whicheverof'emdidthat,buttheywon'ttalk.Theystillgotafuture
    tothinkabout,andthetaxidriverain'tsobadhurt.Thatleavesthechopper
    squad."Cathcartyawned."ThoseboysmustbefromFrisco.Wedon'trunto
    choppersaroundheremuch."
    Dalmassaggedinhischair."Youwouldn'thaveadrink,wouldyou,Chief?"
    hesaiddully.
    Cathcartstaredathim."There'sjustonething,"hesaidgrimly."Iwant
    youtostaytoldaboutthat.Itwasokeyforyoutobreakthatgunifyou
    didn'tspoiltheprints.AndIguessitwasokeyforyounottotellme,seein'
    thejamyouwerein.ButI'llbedamnedifit'sokeyforyoutobeatourtimeby
    chiselin'onourownrecords."
    Dalmassmiledthoughtfullyathim."You'rerightalltheway,Chief,"he
    saidhumbly."Itwasthejobandthat'sallaguycansay."

    Cathcartrubbedhischeeksvigorously.Hisfrownwentawayandhegrinned.
    Thenhebentoverandpulledoutadrawerandbroughtupaquartbottleofrye.
    Heputitonthedeskandpressedabuzzer.Averylargeuniformedtorsocame
    partwayintotheroom.
    "Hey,Tiny!"Cathcartboomed."Loanmethatcorkscewyouswipedoutofmy
    desk."Thetorsodisappearedandcameback.
    "What'llwedrinkto?"thecaptainaskedacoupleofminuteslater.
    Dalmassaid:"Let'sjustdrink."

    FINGERMAN

    IgotawayfromtheGrandJuryalittleafterfour,andthensneakeduptheback
    stairstoFenweather'soffice.Fenweather,theD.A.,wasamanwithsevere,
    chiseledfeaturesandthegraytempleswomenlove.Heplayedwithapenonhis
    deskandsaid:"Ithinktheybelievedyou.TheymightevenindictMannyTinnen
    fortheShannonkillthisafternoon.Iftheydo,thenisthetimeyoubeginto
    watchyourstep."
    Irolledacigarettearoundinmyfingersandfinallyputitinmymouth.
    "Don'tputanymenonme,Mr.Fenweather.Iknowthealleysinthistownpretty
    well,andyourmencouldn'tstaycloseenoughtodomeanygood."
    Helookedtowardsoneofthewindows."HowwelldoyouknowFrankDorr?"he
    asked,withhiseyesawayfromme.
    "Iknowhe'sabigpolitico,afixeryouhavetoseeifyouwanttoopena
    gamblinghellorabawdyhouseorifyouwanttosellhonestmerchandisetothe
    city."
    "Right."Fenweatherspokesharply,andbroughthisheadaroundtowardsme.
    Thenheloweredhisvoice."HavingthegoodsonTinnenwasasurprisetoalot
    ofpeople.IfFrankDorrhadaninterestingettingridofShannonwhowasthe
    headoftheBoardwhereDorr'ssupposedtogethiscontracts,it'scloseenough

    tomakehimtakechances.AndI'mtoldheandMannyTinnenhaddealings.I'd
    sortofkeepaneyeonhim,ifIwereyou."
    Igrinned."I'mjustoneguy,"Isaid."FrankDorrcoversalotof
    territory.ButI'lldowhatIcan."
    Fenweatherstoodupandheldhishandacrossthedesk.Hesaid:"I'llbe
    outoftownforacoupleofdays,I'mleavingtonight,ifthisindictmentcomes
    through.Becarefulandifanythingshouldhappentogowrong,seeBernieOhls,
    mychiefinvestigator."
    Isaid:"Sure."
    WeshookhandsandIwentoutpastatiredlookinggirlwhogavemeatired
    smileandwoundoneofherlaxcurlsuponthebackofherneckasshelookedat
    me.Igotbacktomyofficesoonafterfourthirty.Istoppedoutsidethedoor
    ofthelittlereceptionroomforamoment,lookingatit.ThenIopeneditand
    wentin,andofcoursetherewasn'tanybodythere.
    Therewasnothingtherebutanoldreddavenport,twooddchairs,abitof
    carpet,andalibrarytablewithafewoldmagazinesonit.Thereceptionroom
    wasleftopenforvisitorstocomeinandsitdownandwaitifIhadany
    visitorsandtheyfeltlikewaiting.
    Iwentacrossandunlockedthedoorintomyprivateoffice,lettered
    "_PhilipMarlowe...Investigations."_
    LouHargerwassittingonawoodenchaironthesideofthedeskawayfrom
    thewindow.Hehadbrightyellowglovesclampedonthecrookofacane,agreen
    snapbrimhatsettoofarbackonhishead.Verysmoothblackhairshowedunder
    thehatandgrewtoolowonthenapeofhisneck.
    "Hello.I'vebeenwaiting,"hesaid,andsmiledlanguidly.
    "'Lo,Lou.Howdidyougetinhere?"
    "Thedoormusthavebeenunlocked.OrmaybeIhadakeythatfitted.Doyou
    mind?"
    Iwentaroundthedeskandsatdownintheswivelchair.Iputmyhatdown
    onthedesk,pickedupabulldogpipeoutofanashtrayandbegantofillit
    up.
    "It'sallrightaslongasit'syou,"Isaid."IjustthoughtIhada
    betterlock."

    Hesmiledwithhisfullredlips.Hewasaverygoodlookingboy.Hesaid:
    "Areyoustilldoingbusiness,orwillyouspendthenextmonthinahotelroom
    drinkingliquorwithacoupleofHeadquartersboys?"
    "I'mstilldoingbusinessifthere'sanybusinessformetodo."
    Ilitapipe,leanedbackandstaredathisclearoliveskin,straight,
    darkeyebrows.
    Heputhiscaneontopofthedeskandclaspedhisyellowglovesonthe
    glass.Hemovedhislipsinandout.
    "Ihavealittlesomethingforyou.Notahellofalot.Butthere's
    carfareinit."
    Iwaited.
    "I'mmakingalittleplayatLasOlindastonight,"hesaid."AtCanales'
    place."
    "Thewhitesmoke?"
    "Uhhuh.IthinkI'mgoingtobeluckyandI'dliketohaveaguywitha
    rod."
    Itookafreshpackofcigarettesoutofatopdrawerandslidthemacross
    thedesk.Loupickedthemupandbegantobreakthepackopen.
    Isaid:"Whatkindofaplay?"
    Hegotacigarettehalfwayoutandstareddownatit.Therewasalittle
    somethinginhismannerIdidn'tlike.
    "I'vebeenclosedupforamonthnow.Iwasn'tmakin'thekindofmoneyit
    takestostayopeninthistown.TheHeadquartersboyshavebeenputtingthe
    pressureonsincerepeal.Theyhavebaddreamswhentheyseethemselvestrying
    toliveontheirpay."
    Isaid:"Itdoesn'tcostanymoretooperateherethananywhereelse.And
    hereyoupayitalltooneorganization.That'ssomething."
    LouHargerjabbedthecigaretteinhismouth."YeahFrankDorr,"he
    snarled."Thatfat,bloodsuckin'sonofabitch!"
    Ididn'tsayanything.Iwaswaypasttheagewhenit'sfuntoswearat
    peopleyoucan'thurt.IwatchedLoulighthiscigarettewithmydesklighter.
    Hewenton,throughapuffofsmoke:"It'salaugh,inaway.Canalesboughta
    newwheelfromsomegraftersinthesheriff'soffice.IknowPina,Canales'
    headcroupier,prettywell.Thewheelisonetheytookawayfromme.It'sgot
    bugsandIknowthebugs."

    "AndCanalesdon't...ThatsoundsjustlikeCanales,"Isaid.
    Loudidn'tlookatme."Hegetsanicecrowddownthere,"hesaid."Hehas
    asmalldancefloorandafivepieceMexicanbandtohelpthecustomersrelax.
    Theydanceabitandthengobackforanothertrimming,insteadofgoingaway
    disgusted."
    Isaid:"Whatdo_you_do?"
    "Iguessyoumightcallitasystem,"hesaidsoftly,andlookedatme
    underhislonglashes.
    Ilookedawayfromhim,lookedaroundtheroom.Ithadarustredcarpet,
    fivegreenfilingcasesinarowunderanadvertisingcalendar,anoldcostumer
    inthecorner,afewwalnutchairs,netcurtainsoverthewindows.Thefringeof
    thecurtainswasdirtyfromblowingaboutinthedraft.Therewasabaroflate
    sunlightacrossmydeskanditshowedupthedust.
    "Igetitlikethis,"Isaid."Youthinkyouhavethatroulettewheeltamed
    andyouexpecttowinenoughmoneysothatCanaleswillbemadatyou.You'd
    liketohavesomeprotectionalongme.Ithinkit'sscrewy."
    "It'snotscrewyatall,"Lousaid."Anyroulettewheelhasatendencyto
    workinacertainrhythm.Ifyouknowthewheelverywellindeed"
    Ismiledandshrugged."Okey,Iwouldn'tknowaboutthat.Idon'tknow
    enoughroulette.Itsoundstomelikeyou'rebeingasuckerforyourownracket,
    butIcouldbewrong.Andthat'snotthepointanyway."
    "Whatis?"Louaskedthinly.
    "I'mnotmuchstuckonbodyguardingbutmaybethat'snotthepointeither.
    ItakeitI'msupposedtothinkthisplayisonthelevel.SupposeIdon't,and
    walkoutonyou,andyougetinabox?OrsupposeIthinkeverythingisaces,
    butCanalesdon'tagreewithmeandgetsnasty."
    "That'swhyIneedaguywitharod,"Lousaid,withoutmovingamuscle
    excepttospeak.
    Isaidevenly:"IfI'mtoughenoughforthejobandIdidn'tknowIwas
    thatstillisn'twhatworriesme."
    "Forgetit,"Lousaid."Itbreaksmeupenoughtoknowyou'reworried."
    Ismiledalittlemoreandwatchedhisyellowglovesmovingaroundontop
    ofthedesk,movingtoomuch.Isaidslowly:"You'rethelastguyintheworld
    tobegettingexpensemoneythatwayjustnow.I'mthelastguytobestanding
    behindyouwhileyoudoit.That'sall."

    Lousaid:"Yeah."Heknockedsomeashoffhiscigarettedownontheglass
    top,benthisheadtoblowitoff.Hewenton,asifitwasanewsubject:"Miss
    Glennisgoingwithme.She'satallredhead,aswelllooker.Sheusedtomodel.
    She'snicepeopleinanykindofaspotandshe'llkeepCanalesfrombreathing
    onmyneck.Sowe'llmakeout.IjustthoughtI'dtellyou."
    Iwassilentforaminute,thenIsaid:"YouknowdamnwellIjustgot
    throughtellingtheGrandJuryitwasMannyTinnenIsawleanoutofthatcar
    andcuttheropesonArtShannon'swristsaftertheypushedhimontheroadway,
    filledwithlead."
    Lousmiledfaintlyatme."That'llmakeiteasierforthegraftersonthe
    bigtime;thefellowswhotakethecontractsanddon'tappearinthebusiness.
    TheysayShannonwassquareandkepttheBoardinline.Itwasanastybump
    off."
    Ishookmyhead.Ididn'twanttotalkaboutthat.Isaid:"Canaleshasa
    nosefulofjunkalotofthetime.Andmaybehedoesn'tgoforredheads."
    Loustoodupslowlyandliftedhiscaneoffthedesk.Hestaredatthetip
    ofoneyellowfinger.Hehadanalmostsleepyexpression.Thenhemovedtowards
    thedoor,swinginghiscane.
    "Well,I'llbeseem'yousometime,"hedrawled.
    IlethimgethishandontheknobbeforeIsaid:"Don'tgoawaysore,Lou.
    I'lldropdowntoLasOlindas,ifyouhavetohaveme.ButIdon'twantany
    moneyforit,andforPete'ssakedon'tpayanymoreattentiontomethanyou
    haveto."
    Helickedhislipssoftlyanddidn'tquitelookatme."Thanks,keed.I'll
    becarefulashell."
    Hewentoutthenandhisyellowglovedisappearedaroundtheedgeofthe
    door.
    Isatstillforaboutfiveminutesandthenmypipegottoohot.Iputit
    down,lookedatmystrapwatch,andgotuptoswitchonasmallradiointhe
    cornerbeyondtheendofthedesk.WhentheA.C.humdieddownthelasttinkle
    ofachimecameoutofthehorn,thenavoicewassaying:"KLInowbringsyou
    itsregularearlyeveningbroadcastoflocalnewsreleases.Aneventof
    importancethisafternoonwastheindictmentreturnedlatetodayagainstMaynard
    J.TinnenbytheGrandJury.TinnenisawellknownCityHalllobbyistandman

    abouttown.Theindictment,ashocktohismanyfriends,wasbasedalmost
    entirelyonthetestimony"
    Mytelephonerangsharplyandagirl'scoolvoicesaidinmyear:"One
    moment,please.Mr.Fenweatheriscallingyou."
    Hecameonatonce."Indictmentreturned.Takecareoftheboy."
    IsaidIwasjustgettingitovertheradio.Wetalkedashortmomentand
    thenhehungup,aftersayinghehadtoleaveatoncetocatchaplane.
    Ileanedbackinmychairagainandlistenedtotheradiowithoutexactly
    hearingit.IwasthinkingwhatadamnfoolLouHargerwasandthattherewasn't
    anythingIcoulddotochangethat.

    ItwasagoodcrowdforaTuesdaybutnobodywasdancing.Aroundteno'clockthe
    littlefivepiecebandgottiredofmessingaroundwitharhumbathatnobodywas
    payinganyattentionto.Themarimbaplayerdroppedhissticksandreachedunder
    hischairforaglass.Therestoftheboyslitcigarettesandjustsatthere
    lookingbored.
    Ileanedsidewiseagainstthebar,whichwasonthesamesideoftheroom
    astheorchestrastand.Iwasturningasmallglassoftequilaaroundonthetop
    ofthebar.Allthebusinesswasatthecenteroneofthethreeroulettetables.
    Thebartenderleanedbesideme,onhissideofthebar.
    "Theflametopgalmustbepickin'them,"hesaid.
    Inoddedwithoutlookingathim."She'splayingwithfistfulsnow,"Isaid.
    "Notevencountingit."
    Theredhairedgirlwastall.Icouldseetheburnishedcopperofherhair
    betweentheheadsofthepeoplebehindher.IcouldseeLouHarger'ssleekhead
    besidehers.Everybodyseemedtobeplayingstandingup.
    "Youdon'tplay?"thebartenderaskedme.
    "NotonTuesdays.IhadsometroubleonaTuesdayonce."
    "Yeah?Doyoulikethatstuffstraight,orcouldIsmoothitoutforyou?"
    "Smoothitoutwithwhat?"Isaid."Yougotawoodrasphandy?"
    Hegrinned.Idrankalittlemoreofthetequilaandmadeaface.

    "Didanybodyinventthisstuffonpurpose?"
    "Iwouldn'tknow,mister."
    "What'sthelimitoverthere?"
    "Iwouldn'tknowthateither.Howthebossfeels,Iguess."
    Theroulettetableswereinarownearthefarwall.Alowrailingofgilt
    metaljoinedtheirendsandtheplayerswereoutsidetherailing.
    Somekindofaconfusedwranglestartedatthecentertable.Halfadozen
    peopleatthetwoendtablesgrabbedtheirchipsupandmovedacross.
    Thenaclear,verypolitevoice,withaslightlyforeignaccent,spokeout:
    "Ifyouwilljustbepatient,madame...Mr.Canaleswillbehereinaminute."
    Iwentacross,squeezedneartherailing.Twocroupiersstoodnearmewith
    theirheadstogetherandtheireyeslookingsidewise.Onemovedarakeslowly
    backandforthbesidetheidlewheel.Theywerestaringattheredhairedgirl.
    Sheworeahighcutblackeveninggown.Shehadfinewhiteshoulders,was
    somethinglessthanbeautifulandmorethanpretty.Shewasleaningontheedge
    ofthetable,infrontofthewheel.Herlongeyelashesweretwitching.There
    wasabigpileofmoneyandchipsinfrontofher.
    Shespokemonotonously,asifshehadsaidthesamethingseveraltimes
    already.
    "Getbusyandspinthatwheel!Youtakeitawayfastenough,butyoudon't
    liketodishitout."
    Thecroupierinchargesmiledacold,evensmile.Hewastall,dark,
    disinterested:"Thetablecan'tcoveryourbet,"hesaidwithcalmprecision.
    "Mr.Canales,perhaps"Heshruggedneatshoulders.
    Thegirlsaid:"It'syourmoney,highpockets.Don'tyouwantitback?"
    LouHargerlickedhislipsbesideher,putahandonherarm,staredatthe
    pileofmoneywithhoteyes.Hesaidgently:"WaitforCanales..."
    "TohellwithCanales!I'mhotandIwanttostaythatway."
    Adooropenedattheendofthetablesandaveryslight,verypaleman
    cameintotheroom.Hehadstraight,lusterlessblackhair,ahighbony
    forehead,flat,impenetrableeyes.Hehadathinmustachethatwastrimmedin
    twosharplinesalmostatrightanglestoeachother.Theycamedownbelowthe
    cornersofhismouthafullinch.TheeffectwasOriental.Hisskinhadathick,
    glisteningpallor.

    Heslidbehindthecroupiers,stoppedatacornerofthecentertable,
    glancedattheredhairedgirlandtouchedtheendsofhismustachewithtwo
    fingers,thenailsofwhichhadapurplishtint.
    Hesmiledsuddenly,andtheinstantafteritwasasthoughhehadnever
    smiledinhislife.Hespokeinadull,ironicvoice.
    "Goodevening,MissGlenn.Youmustletmesendsomebodywithyouwhenyou
    gohome.I'dhatetoseeanyofthatmoneygetinthewrongpockets."
    Theredhairedgirllookedathim,notverypleasantly.
    "I'mnotleavingunlessyou'rethrowingmeout."
    Canalessaid:"No?Whatwouldyouliketodo?"
    "Betthewaddarkmeat!"
    Thecrowdnoisebecameadeathlysilence.Therewasn'tawhisperofany
    kindofsound.Harger'sfaceslowlygotivorywhite.
    Canales'facewaswithoutexpression.Heliftedahand,delicately,
    gravely,slippedalargewalletfromhisdinnerjacketandtosseditinfrontof
    thetallcroupier.
    "Tengrand,"hesaidinavoicethatwasadullrustleofsound."That'smy
    limitalways."
    Thetallcroupierpickedthewalletup,spreadit,drewouttwoflat
    packetsofcrispbills,riffledthem,refoldedthewalletandpasseditalong
    theedgeofthetabletoCanales.
    Canalesdidnotmovetotakeit.Nobodymoved,exceptthecroupier.
    Thegirlsaid:"Putitonthered."
    Thecroupierleanedacrossthetableandverycarefullystackedhermoney
    andchips.Heplacedherbetforheronthereddiamond.Heplacedhishand
    alongthecurveofthewheel.
    "Ifnooneobjects,"Canalessaid,withoutlookingatanyone,"thisisjust
    thetwoofus."
    Headsmoved.Nobodyspoke.Thecroupierspunthewheelandsenttheball
    skimminginthegroovewithalightflirtofhisleftwrist.Thenhedrewhis
    handsbackandplacedtheminfullviewontheedgeofthetable,ontopofit.
    Theredhairedgirl'seyesshoneandherlipsslowlyparted.
    Theballdriftedalongthegroove,dippedpastoneofthebrightmetal
    diamonds,sliddowntheflankofthewheelandchatteredalongthetinesbeside

    thenumbers.Movementwentoutofitsuddenly,withadryclick.Itfellnext
    thedoublezero,inredtwentyseven.Thewheelwasmotionless.
    Thecroupiertookuphisrakeandslowlypushedthetwopacketsofbills
    across,addedthemtothestake,pushedthewholethingoffthefieldofplay.
    Canalesputhiswalletbackinhisbreastpocket,turnedandwalkedslowly
    backtothedoor,wentthroughit.
    Itookmycrampedfingersoffthetopoftherailing,andalotofpeople
    brokeforthebar.

    WhenLoucameupIwassittingatalittletiletoptableinacorner,fooling
    withsomemoreofthetequila.Thelittleorchestrawasplayingathin,brittle
    tangoandonecouplewasmaneuveringselfconsciouslyonthedancefloor.
    Louhadacreamcoloredovercoaton,withthecollarturneduparoundalot
    ofwhitesilkscarf.Hehadafinedrawnglisteningexpression.Hehadwhite
    pigskinglovesthistimeandheputoneofthemdownonthetableandleanedat
    me.
    "Overtwentytwothousand,"hesaidsoftly."Boy,whatatake!"
    Isaid:"Verynicemoney,Lou.Whatkindofcarareyoudriving?"
    "Seeanythingwrongwithit?"
    "Theplay?"Ishrugged,fiddledwithmyglass."I'mnotwisedupon
    roulette,Lou...Isawplentywrongwithyourbroad'smanners."
    "She'snotabroad,"Lousaid.Hisvoicegotalittleworried.
    "Okey.ShemadeCanaleslooklikeamillion.Whatkindofcar?"
    "Buicksedan.Nilegreen,withtwospotlightsandthoselittlefender
    lightsonrods."Hisvoicewasstillworried.
    Isaid:"Takeitkindofslowthroughtown.Givemeachancetogetinthe
    parade."
    Hemovedhisgloveandwentaway.Theredhairedgirlwasnotinsight
    anywhere.Ilookeddownatthewatchonmywrist.WhenIlookedupagainCanales
    wasstandingacrossthetable.Hiseyeslookedatmelifelesslyabovehistrick
    mustache.

    "Youdon'tlikemyplace,"hesaid.
    "Onthecontrary."
    "Youdon'tcomeheretoplay."Hewastellingme,notaskingme.
    "Isitcompulsory?"Iaskeddryly.
    Averyfaintsmiledriftedacrosshisface.Heleanedalittledownand
    said:"Ithinkyouareadick.Asmartdick."
    "Justashamus,"Isaid."Andnotsosmart.Don'tletmylongupperlip
    foolyou.Itrunsinthefamily."
    Canaleswrappedhisfingersaroundthetopofachair,squeezedonit.
    "Don'tcomehereagainforanything."Hespokeverysoftly,almostdreamily."I
    don'tlikepigeons."
    ItookthecigaretteoutofmymouthandlookeditoverbeforeIlookedat
    him.Isaid:"Iheardyouinsultedawhileback.Youtookitnicely...Sowe
    won'tcountthisone."
    Hehadaqueerexpressionforamoment.Thenheturnedandslidawaywitha
    littleswayoftheshoulders.Heputhisfeetdownflatandturnedthemouta
    gooddealashewalked.Hiswalk,likehisface,wasalittlenegroid.
    Igotupandwentoutthroughthebigwhitedoubledoorsintoadimlobby,
    gotmyhatandcoatandputthemon.Iwentoutthroughanotherpairofdouble
    doorsontoawideverandawithscrollworkalongtheedgeofitsroof.Therewas
    seafogintheairandthewindblownMontereycypressesinfrontofthehouse
    drippedwithit.Thegroundsslopedgentlyintothedarkforalongdistance.
    Foghidtheocean.
    Ihadparkedthecaroutonthestreet,ontheothersideofthehouse.I
    drewmyhatdownandwalkedsoundlesslyonthedampmossthatcoveredthe
    driveway,roundedacorneroftheporch,andstoppedrigidly.
    Amanjustinfrontofmewasholdingagunbuthedidn'tseeme.Hewas
    holdingthegundownathisside,pressedagainstthematerialofhisovercoat,
    andhisbighandmadeitlookquitesmall.Thedimlightthatreflectedfromthe
    barrelseemedtocomeoutofthefog,tobepartofthefog.Hewasabigman,
    andhestoodverystill,poisedontheballsofhisfeet.
    Iliftedmyrighthandveryslowlyandopenedthetoptwobuttonsofmy
    coat,reachedinsideanddrewoutalong.38withasixinchbarrel.Ieasedit
    intomyovercoatpocket.

    Themaninfrontofmemoved,reachedhislefthanduptohisface.Hedrew
    onacigarettecuppedinsidehishandandtheglowputbrieflightonaheavy
    chin,wide,darknostrils,andasquare,aggressivenose,thenoseofafighting
    man.
    Thenhedroppedthecigaretteandsteppedonitandaquick,lightstep
    madefaintnoisebehindme.Iwasfartoolateturning.
    SomethingswishedandIwentoutlikealight.

    WhenIcametoIwascoldandwetandhadaheadacheayardwide.Therewasa
    softbruisebehindmyrightearthatwasn'tbleeding.Ihadbeenputdownwitha
    sap.
    IgotupoffmybackandsawthatIwasafewyardsfromthedriveway,
    betweentwotreesthatwerewetwithfog.Therewassomemudonthebacksofmy
    shoes.Ihadbeendraggedoffthepath,butnotveryfar.
    Iwentthroughmypockets.Mygunwasgone,ofcourse,butthatwasall
    thatandtheideathatthisexcursionwasallfun.
    Inosedaroundthroughthefog,didn'tfindanythingorseeanyone,gaveup
    botheringaboutthat,andwentalongtheblanksideofthehousetoacurving
    lineofpalmtreesandanoldtypearclightthathissedandflickeredoverthe
    entrancetoasortoflanewhereIhadstuckthe1925MarmontouringcarIstill
    usedfortransportation.Igotintoitafterwipingtheseatoffwithatowel,
    teasedthemotoralive,andchokeditalongtoabigemptystreetwithdisused
    cartracksinthemiddle.
    IwentfromtheretoDeCazensBoulevard,whichwasthemaindragofLas
    OlindasandwascalledafterthemanwhobuiltCanales'placelongago.Aftera
    whiletherewastown,buildings,deadlookingstores,aservicestationwitha
    nightbell,andatlastadrugstorewhichwasstillopen.
    AdolledupsedanwasparkedinfrontofthedrugstoreandIparkedbehind
    that,gotout,andsawthatahatlessmanwassittingatthecounter,talkingto
    aclerkinabluesmock.Theyseemedtohavetheworldtothemselves.Istarted
    togoin,thenIstoppedandtookanotherlookatthedolledupsedan.

    ItwasaBuickandofacolorthatcouldhavebeenNilegreenindaylight.
    Ithadtwospotlightsandtwolittleeggshapedamberlightsstuckuponthin
    nickelrodsclampedtothefrontfenders.Thewindowbythedriver'sseatwas
    down.IwentbacktotheMarmonandgotaflash,reachedinandtwistedthe
    licenseholderoftheBuickaround,putthelightonitquickly,thenoffagain.
    ItwasregisteredtoLouisN.Harger.
    Igotridoftheflashandwentintothedrugstore.Therewasaliquor
    displayatoneside,andtheclerkinthebluesmocksoldmeapintofCanadian
    Club,whichItookovertothecounterandopened.Thereweretenseatsatthe
    counter,butIsatdownontheonenexttothehatlessman.Hebegantolookme
    over,inthemirror,verycarefully.
    Igotacupofblackcoffeetwothirdsfullandaddedplentyoftherye.I
    drankitdownandwaitedforaminute,toletitwarmmeup.ThenIlookedthe
    hatlessmanover.
    Hewasabouttwentyeight,alittlethinontop,hadahealthyredface,
    fairlyhonesteyes,dirtyhandsandlookedasifhewasn'tmakingmuchmoney.He
    woreagraywhipcordjacketwithmetalbuttonsonit,pantsthatdidn'tmatch.
    Isaidcarelessly,inalowvoice:"Yourbusoutside?"
    Hesatverystill.Hismouthgotsmallandtightandhehadtroublepulling
    hiseyesawayfrommine,inthemirror.
    "Mybrother's,"hesaid,afteramoment.
    Isaid:"Careforadrink?Yourbrotherisanoldfriendofmine."
    Henoddedslowly,gulped,movedhishandslowly,butfinallygotthebottle
    andcurdledhiscoffeewithit.Hedrankthewholethingdown.ThenIwatched
    himdigupacrumpledpackofcigarettes,spearhismouthwithone,strikea
    matchonthecounter,aftermissingtwiceonhisthumbnail,andinhalewitha
    lotofverypoornonchalancethatheknewwasn'tgoingover.
    Ileanedclosetohimandsaidevenly:"Thisdoesn'thavetobetrouble."
    Hesaid:"Yeah...Whwhat'sthebeef?"
    Theclerksidledtowardsus.Iaskedformorecoffee.WhenIgotitI
    staredattheclerkuntilhewentandstoodinfrontofthedisplaywindowwith
    hisbacktome.Ilacedmysecondcupofcoffeeanddranksomeofit.Ilooked
    attheclerk'sbackandsaid:"Theguythecarbelongstodoesn'thavea
    brother."
    Heheldhimselftightly,butturnedtowardsme."Youthinkit'sahotcar?"

    "No."
    "Youdon'tthinkit'sahotcar?"
    Isaid:"No.Ijustwantthestory."
    "Youadick?"
    "Uhhuhbutitisn'tashakedown,ifthat'swhatworriesyou."
    Hedrewhardonhiscigaretteandmovedhisspoonaroundinhisemptycup.
    "Icanlosemyjoboverthis,"hesaidslowly."ButIneededahundred
    bucks.I'mahackdriver."
    "Iguessedthat,"Isaid.
    Helookedsurprised,turnedhisheadandstaredatme."Haveanotherdrink
    andlet'sgetonwithit,"Isaid."Carthievesdon'tparkthemonthemaindrag
    andthensitaroundindrugstores."
    Theclerkcamebackfromthewindowandhoverednearus,busyinghimself
    withrubbingaragonthecoffeeurn.Aheavysilencefell.Theclerkputthe
    ragdown,wentalongtothebackofthestore,behindthepartition,andbegan
    towhistleaggressively.
    Themanbesidemetooksomemoreofthewhiskeyanddrankit,noddinghis
    headwiselyatme."ListenIbroughtafareoutandwassupposedtowaitfor
    him.AguyandajanecomeupalongsidemeintheBuickandtheguyoffersmea
    hundredbuckstolethimwearmycapanddrivemyhackintotown.I'mtohang
    aroundhereanhour,thentakehisheaptotheHotelCarillononTowne
    Boulevard.Mycabwillbethereforme.Hegivesmethehundredbucks."
    "Whatwashisstory?"Iasked.
    "Hesaidthey'dbeentoagamblingjointandhadsomeluckforachange.
    They'reafraidofholdupsonthewayin.Theyfigurethere'salwaysspotters
    watchin'theplay."
    Itookoneofhiscigarettesandstraighteneditoutinmyfingers."It'sa
    storyIcan'thurtmuch,"Isaid."CouldIseeyourcards?"
    Hegavethemtome.HisnamewasTomSneydandhewasadriverforthe
    GreenTopCabCompany.Icorkedmypint,slippeditintomysidepocket,and
    dancedahalfdollaronthecounter.
    Theclerkcamealongandmadechange.Hewasalmostshakingwithcuriosity.
    "Comeon,Tom,"Isaidinfrontofhim."Let'sgogetthatcab.Idon't
    thinkyoushouldwaitaroundhereanylonger."

    Wewentout,andIlettheBuickleadmeawayfromthestragglinglightsof
    LasOlindas,throughaseriesofsmallbeachtownswithlittlehousesbuilton
    sandlotsclosetotheocean,andbiggeronesbuiltontheslopesofthehills
    behind.Awindowwaslithereandthere.Thetiressangonthemoistconcrete
    andthelittleamberlightsontheBuick'sfenderspeepedbackatmefromthe
    curves.
    AtWestCimarronweturnedinland,chuggedonthroughCanalCity,andmet
    theSanAngeloCut.Ittookusalmostanhourtogetto5640TowneBoulevard,
    whichisthenumberoftheHotelCarillon.Itisabig,ramblingslateroofed
    buildingwithabasementgarageandaforecourtfountainonwhichtheyplaya
    palegreenlightintheevening.
    GreenTopCabNo.469wasparkedacrossthestreet,onthedarkside.I
    couldn'tseewhereanybodyhadbeenshootingintoit.TomSneydfoundhiscapin
    thedriver'scompartment,climbedeagerlyunderthewheel.
    "Doesthatfixmeup?CanIgonow?"Hisvoicewasstridentwithrelief.
    Itoldhimitwasallrightwithme,andgavehimmycard.Itwastwelve
    minutespastoneashetookthecorner.IclimbedintotheBuickandtooledit
    downtheramptothegarageandleftitwithacoloredboywhowasdustingcars
    inslowmotion.Iwentaroundtothelobby.
    Theclerkwasanasceticlookingyoungmanwhowasreadingavolumeof
    _CaliforniaAppellateDecisions_undertheswitchboardlight.HesaidLouwas
    notinandhadnotbeeninsinceeleven,whenhecameonduty.Afterashort
    argumentaboutthelatenessofthehourandtheimportanceofmyvisit,herang
    Lou'sapartment,buttherewasn'tanyanswer.
    IwentoutandsatinmyMarmonforafewminutes,smokedacigarette,
    imbibedalittlefrommypintofCanadianClub.ThenIwentbackintothe
    Carillonandshutmyselfinapaybooth.Idialedthe_Telegram,_askedforthe
    CityDesk,gotamannamedVonBallin.
    HeyelpedatmewhenItoldhimwhoIwas."Youstillwalkingaround?That
    oughttobeastory.IthoughtMannyTinnen'sfriendswouldhavehadyoulaid
    awayinoldlavenderbythistime."
    Isaid:"Canthatandlistentothis.DoyouknowamannamedLouHarger?
    He'sagambler.Hadaplacethatwasraidedandclosedupamonthago."
    VonBallinsaidhedidn'tknowLoupersonally,butheknewwhohewas.
    "Whoaroundyourragwouldknowhimrealwell?"

    Hethoughtamoment."There'saladnamedJerryCrosshere,"hesaid,
    "that'ssupposedtobeanexpertonnightlife.Whatdidyouwanttoknow?"
    "Wherewouldhegotocelebrate,"Isaid.ThenItoldhimsomeofthe
    story,nottoomuch.IleftoutthepartwhereIgotsappedandthepartabout
    thetaxi."Hehasn'tshownathishotel,"Iended."Ioughttogetalineon
    him."
    "Well,ifyou'reafriendofhis"
    "Ofhisnotofhiscrowd,"Isaidsharply.
    VonBallinstoppedtoyellatsomebodytotakeacall,thensaidtome
    softly,closetothephone:"Comethrough,boy.Comethrough."
    "Allright.ButI'mtalkingtoyou,nottoyoursheet.Igotsappedand
    lostmygunoutsideCanales'joint.Louandhisgirlswitchedhiscarforataxi
    theypickedup.Thentheydroppedoutofsight.Idon'tlikeittoowell.Lou
    wasn'tdrunkenoughtochasearoundtownwiththatmuchdoughinhispockets.
    Andifhewas,thegirlwouldn'tlethim.Shehadthepracticaleye."
    "I'llseewhatIcando,"VonBallinsaid."Butitdon'tsoundpromising.
    I'llgiveyouabuzz."
    ItoldhimIlivedattheMerrittPlaza,incasehehadforgotten,wentout
    andgotintotheMarmonagain.Idrovehomeandputhottowelsonmyheadfor
    fifteenminutes,thensataroundinmypajamasanddrankhotwhiskeyandlemon
    andcalledtheCarilloneveryonceinawhile.AttwothirtyVonBallincalled
    meandsaidnoluck.Louhadn'tbeenpinched,hewasn'tinanyoftheReceiving
    Hospitals,andhehadn'tshownatanyoftheclubsJerryCrosscouldthinkof.
    AtthreeIcalledtheCarillonforthelasttime.ThenIputmylightout
    andwenttosleep.
    Inthemorningitwasthesameway.Itriedtotracetheredhairedgirla
    little.ThereweretwentyeightpeoplenamedGlenninthephonebook,andthree
    womenamongthem.Onedidn'tanswer,theothertwoassuredmetheydidn'thave
    redhair.Oneofferedtoshowme.
    Ishaved,showered,hadbreakfast,walkedthreeblocksdownthehilltothe
    CondorBuilding.
    MissGlennwassittinginmylittlereceptionroom.

    IunlockedtheotherdoorandshewentinandsatinthechairwhereLouhadsat
    theafternoonbefore.Iopenedsomewindows,lockedtheouterdoorofthe
    receptionroom,andstruckamatchfortheunlightedcigarettesheheldinher
    unglovedandringlesslefthand.
    Shewasdressedinablouseandplaidskirtwithaloosecoatoverthem,
    andaclosefittinghatthatwasfarenoughoutofstyletosuggestarunofbad
    luck.Butithidalmostallofherhair.Herskinwaswithoutmakeupandshe
    lookedaboutthirtyandhadthesetfaceofexhaustion.
    Sheheldhercigarettewithahandthatwasalmosttoosteady,ahandon
    guard.Isatdownandwaitedforhertotalk.
    Shestaredatthewallovermyheadanddidn'tsayanything.Afteralittle
    whileIpackedmypipeandsmokedforaminute.ThenIgotupandwentacrossto
    thedoorthatopenedintothehallwayandpickedupacoupleoflettersthathad
    beenpushedthroughtheslot.
    Isatdownatthedeskagain,lookedthemover,readoneofthemtwice,as
    ifIhadbeenalone.WhileIwasdoingthisIdidn'tlookatherdirectlyor
    speaktoher,butIkeptaneyeonherallthesame.Shelookedlikealadywho
    wasgettingnervedforsomething.
    Finallyshemoved.Sheopenedupabigblackpatentleatherbagandtook
    outafatmanilaenvelope,pulledarubberbandoffitandsatholdingthe
    envelopebetweenthepalmsofherhands,withherheadtiltedwaybackandthe
    cigarettedribblinggraysmokefromthecornersofhermouth.
    Shesaidslowly:"LousaidifIevergotcaughtintherain,youwerethe
    boytosee.It'sraininghardwhereIam."
    Istaredatthemanilaenvelope."Louisaprettygoodfriendofmine,"I
    said."I'ddoanythinginreasonforhim.Somethingsnotinreasonlikelast
    night.Thatdoesn'tmeanLouandIalwaysplaythesamegames."
    Shedroppedhercigaretteintotheglassbowloftheashtrayandleftit
    tosmoke.Adarkflameburnedsuddenlyinhereyes,thenwentout.
    "Louisdead."Hervoicewasquitetoneless.
    Ireachedoverwithapencilandstabbedatthehotendofthecigarette
    untilitstoppedsmoking.

    Shewenton:"AcoupleofCanales'boysgothiminmyapartmentwithone
    shotfromasmallgunthatlookedlikemygun.MinewasgonewhenIlookedfor
    itafterwards.Ispentthenighttherewithhimdead...Ihadto."
    Shebrokequitesuddenly.Hereyesturnedupinherheadandherheadcame
    downandhitthedesk.Shelaystill,withthemanilaenvelopeinfrontofher
    laxhands.
    Ijerkedadraweropenandbroughtupabottleandaglass,pouredastiff
    oneandsteppedaroundwithit,heavedherupinherchair.Ipushedtheedgeof
    theglasshardagainsthermouthhardenoughtohurt.Shestruggledand
    swallowed.Someofitrandownherchin,butlifecamebackintohereyes.
    Ileftthewhiskeyinfrontofherandsatdownagain.Theflapofthe
    envelopehadcomeopenenoughformetoseecurrencyinside,balesofcurrency.
    Shebegantotalktomeinadreamysortofvoice.
    "Wegotallbigbillsfromthecashier,butmakesquiteapackageatthat.
    There'stwentytwothousandevenintheenvelope.Ikeptoutafewoddhundreds.
    "Louwasworried.HefigureditwouldbeprettyeasyforCanalestocatch
    upwithus.Youmightberightbehindandnotbeabletodoverymuchaboutit."
    Isaid:"Canaleslostthemoneyinfullviewofeverybodythere.Itwas
    goodadvertisingevenifithurt."
    ShewentonexactlyasthoughIhadnotspoken."Goingthroughthetownwe
    spottedacabdriversittinginhisparkedcabandLouhadabrainwave.He
    offeredtheboyaCnotetolethimdrivethecabintoSanAngeloandbringthe
    Buicktothehotelafterawhile.Theboytookusupandwewentoveronanother
    streetandmadetheswitch.Weweresorryaboutditchingyou,butLousaidyou
    wouldn'tmind.Andwemightgetachancetoflagyou.
    "Loudidn'tgointohishotel.Wetookanothercabovertomyplace.Ilive
    attheHobartArms,eighthundredblockonSouthMinter.It'saplacewhereyou
    don'thavetoanswerquestionsatthedesk.Wewentuptomyapartmentandput
    thelightsonandtwoguyswithmaskscamearoundthehalfwallbetweenthe
    livingroomandthedinette.Onewassmallandthinandtheotheronewasabig
    slobwithachinthatstuckoutunderhismasklikeashelf.Loumadeawrong
    motionandthebigoneshothimjusttheonce.Thegunjustmadeaflatcrack,
    notveryloud,andLoufelldownonthefloorandnevermoved."
    Isaid:"Itmightbetheonesthatmadeasuckeroutofme.Ihaven'ttold
    youaboutthatyet."

    Shedidn'tseemtohearthateither.Herfacewaswhiteandcomposed,but
    asexpressionlessasplaster."MaybeI'dbetterhaveanotherfingerofthe
    hooch,"shesaid.
    Ipouredusacoupleofdrinks,andwedrankthem.Shewenton:"Theywent
    throughus,butwedidn'thavethemoney.Wehadstoppedatanallnight
    drugstoreandhaditweighedandmaileditatabranchpostoffice.Theywent
    throughtheapartment,butofcoursewehadjustcomeinandhadn'thadtimeto
    hideanything.Thebigoneslammedmedownwithhisfist,andwhenIwokeup
    againtheyweregoneandIwasalonewithLoudeadonthefloor."
    Shepointedtoamarkontheangleofherjaw.Therewassomethingthere,
    butitdidn'tshowmuch.Imovedaroundinmychairalittleandsaid:"They
    passedyouonthewayin.Smartboyswouldhavelookedataxioveronthatroad.
    Howdidtheyknowwheretogo?"
    "Ithoughtthatoutduringthenight,"MissGlennsaid."Canalesknows
    whereIlive.Hefollowedmehomeonceandtriedtogetmetoaskhimup."
    "Yeah,"Isaid,"butwhydidtheygotoyourplaceandhowdidtheyget
    in?"
    "That'snothard.There'saledgejustbelowthewindowsandamancould
    edgealongittothefireescape.TheyprobablyhadotherboyscoveringLou's
    hotel.Wethoughtofthatchance,butwedidn'tthinkaboutmyplacebeingknown
    tothem."
    "Tellmetherestofit,"Isaid.
    "Themoneywasmailedtome,"MissGlennexplained."Louwasaswellboy,
    butagirlhastoprotectherself.That'swhyIhadtostaytherelastnight
    withLoudeadonthefloor.Untilthemailcame.ThenIcameoverhere."
    Igotupandlookedoutofthewindow.Afatgirlwaspoundingatypewriter
    acrossthecourt.Icouldheartheclackofit.Isatdownagain,staredatmy
    thumb.
    "Didtheyplantthegun?"Iasked.
    "Notunlessit'sunderhim.Ididn'tlookthere."
    "Theyletyouofftooeasy.Maybeitwasn'tCanalesatall.DidLouopen
    hishearttoyoumuch?"
    Sheshookherheadquietly.Hereyeswereslatebluenow,andthoughtful,
    withouttheblankstare.

    "Allright,"Isaid."Justwhatdidyouthinkofhavingmedoaboutit
    all?"
    Shenarrowedhereyesalittle,thenputahandoutandpushedthebulging
    envelopeslowlyacrossthedesk.
    "I'mnobabyandI'minajam.ButI'mnotgoingtothecleanersjustthe
    same.Halfofthismoneyismine,andIwantitwithacleangetaway.Onehalf
    net.IfI'dcalledthelawlastnight,there'dhavebeenawaytochiselmeout
    ofit...IthinkLouwouldlikeyoutohavehishalf,ifyouwanttoplaywith
    me."
    Isaid:"It'sbigmoneytoflashataprivatedick,MissGlenn,"andsmiled
    wearily."You'realittleworseofffornotcallingcopslastnight.Butthere's
    ananswertoanythingtheymightsay.IthinkI'dbettergooverthereandsee
    what'sbroken,ifanything."
    Sheleanedforwardquicklyandsaid:"Willyoutakecareofthe
    money?...Dareyou?"
    "Sure.I'llpopdownstairsandputitinasafedepositbox.Youcanhold
    oneofthekeysandwe'lltalksplitlateron.Ithinkitwouldbeaswellidea
    ifCanalesknewhehadtoseeme,andstillswellerifyouhidoutinalittle
    hotelwhereIhaveafriendatleastuntilInosearoundabit."
    Shenodded.Iputmyhatonandputtheenvelopeinsidemybelt.Iwent
    out,tellinghertherewasaguninthetoplefthanddrawer,ifshefelt
    nervous.
    WhenIgotbackshedidn'tseemtohavemoved.Butshesaidshehadphoned
    Canales'placeandleftamessageforhimshethoughthewouldunderstand.
    WewentbyratherdeviouswaystotheLorraine,atBrantandAvenueC.
    Nobodyshotatusgoingover,andasfarasIcouldseewewerenottrailed.
    IshookhandswithJimDolan,thedayclerkattheLorraine,withatwenty
    foldedinmyhand.Heputhishandinhispocketandsaidhewouldbegladto
    seethat"MissThompson"wasnotbothered.
    Ileft.TherewasnothinginthenoonpaperaboutLouHargeroftheHobart
    Arms.

    TheHobartArmswasjustanotherapartmenthouse,inablocklinedwiththem.It
    wassixstorieshighandhadabufffront.Alotofcarswereparkedatboth
    curbsallalongtheblock.Idrovethroughslowlyandlookedthingsover.The
    neighborhooddidn'thavethelookofhavingbeenexcitedaboutanythinginthe
    immediatepast.Itwaspeacefulandsunny,andtheparkedcarshadasettled
    look,asiftheywererightathome.
    Icircledintoanalleywithahighboardfenceoneachsideandalotof
    flimsygaragescuttingit.IparkedbesideonethathadaForRentsignandwent
    betweentwogarbagecansintotheconcreteyardoftheHobartArms,alongthe
    sidetothestreet.Amanwasputtinggolfclubsintothebackofacoupe.In
    thelobbyaFilipinowasdraggingavacuumcleanerovertherugandadark
    Jewesswaswritingattheswitchboard.
    Iusedtheautomaticelevatorandprowledalonganuppercorridortothe
    lastdoorontheleft.Iknocked,waited,knockedagain,wentinwithMiss
    Glenn'skey.
    Nobodywasdeadonthefloor.
    Ilookedatmyselfinthemirrorthatwasthebackofapulldownbed,went
    acrossandlookedoutofawindow.Therewasaledgebelowthathadoncebeena
    coping.Itranalongtothefireescape.Ablindmancouldhavewalkedin.I
    didn'tnoticeanythinglikefootmarksinthedustonit.
    Therewasnothinginthedinetteorkitchenexceptwhatbelongedthere.The
    bedroomhadacheerfulcarpetandpaintedgraywalls.Therewasalotofjunkin
    thecorner,aroundawastebasket,andabrokencombonthedresserheldafew
    strandsofredhair.Theclosetswereemptyexceptforsomeginbottles.
    Iwentbacktothelivingroom,lookedbehindthewallbed,stoodaround
    foraminute,lefttheapartment.
    TheFilipinointhelobbyhadmadeaboutthreeyardswiththevacuum
    cleaner.Ileanedonthecounterbesidetheswitchboard.
    "MissGlenn?"
    ThedarkJewesssaid:"Fivetwofour,"andmadeacheckmarkonthelaundry
    list.
    "She'snotin.Hasshebeeninlately?"
    Sheglancedupatme."Ihaven'tnoticed.Whatisitabill?"

    IsaidIwasjustafriend,thankedherandwentaway.Thatestablishedthe
    factthattherehadbeennoexcitementinMissGlenn'sapartment.Iwentbackto
    thealleyandtheMarmon.
    Ihadn'tbelieveditquitethewayMissGlenntolditanyhow.
    IcrossedCordova,droveablockandstoppedbesideaforgottendrugstore
    thatsleptbehindtwogiantpeppertreesandadusty,clutteredwindow.Ithada
    singlepayboothinthecorner.Anoldmanshuffledtowardsmewistfully,then
    wentawaywhenhesawwhatIwanted,loweredapairofsteelspectaclesonto
    theendofhisnoseandsatdownagainwithhisnewspaper.
    Idroppedmynickel,dialed,andagirl'svoicesaid:"Telegrayam!"witha
    tinnydrawl.IaskedforVonBallin.
    WhenIgothimandheknewwhoitwas.Icouldhearhimclearinghis
    throat.Thenhisvoicecameclosetothephoneandsaidverydistinctly:"I've
    gotsomethingforyou,butit'sbad.I'msorryasallhell.YourfriendHarger
    isinthemorgue.Wegotaflashabouttenminutesago."
    Ileanedagainstthewalloftheboothandfeltmyeyesgettinghaggard.I
    said:"Whatelsedidyouget?"
    "Coupleofradiocopspickedhimupinsomebody'sfrontyardorsomething,
    inWestCimarron.Hewasshotthroughtheheart.Ithappenedlastnight,butfor
    somereasontheyonlyjustputouttheidentification."
    Isaid:"WestCimarron,huh?Well,thattakescareofthat.I'llbeinto
    seeyou."
    Ithankedhimandhungup,stoodforamomentlookingoutthroughtheglass
    atamiddleagedgrayhairedmanwhohadcomeintothestoreandwaspawingover
    themagazinerack.
    ThenIdroppedanothernickelanddialedtheLorraine,askedfortheclerk.
    Isaid:"Getyourgirltoputmeontotheredhead,willyou,Jim?"
    Igotacigaretteoutandlitit,puffedsmokeattheglassofthedoor.
    Thesmokeflattenedoutagainsttheglassandswirledaboutinthecloseair.
    Thenthelineclickedandtheoperator'svoicesaid:"Sorry,yourpartydoesnot
    answer."
    "GivemeJimagain,"Isaid.Then,whenheanswered,"Canyoutaketimeto
    runupandfindoutwhyshedoesn'tanswerthephone?Maybeshe'sjustbeing
    cagey."
    Jimsaid:"Youbet.I'llshootrightupwithakey."

    Sweatwascomingoutalloverme.Iputthereceiverdownonalittleshelf
    andjerkedtheboothdooropen.Thegrayhairedmanlookedupquicklyfromthe
    magazines,thenscowledandlookedathiswatch.Smokepouredoutofthebooth.
    AfteramomentIkickedthedoorshutandpickedupthereceiveragain.
    Jim'svoiceseemedtocometomefromalongwayoff."She'snothere.
    Maybeshewentforawalk."
    Isaid:"Yeahormaybeitwasaride."
    Iprongedthereceiverandpushedonoutofthebooth.Thegrayhaired
    strangerslammedamagazinedownsohardthatitfelltothefloor.Hestooped
    topickitupasIwentpasthim.Thenhestraightenedupjustbehindmeand
    saidquietly,butveryfirmly:"Keepthehandsdown,andquiet.Walkonoutto
    yourheap.Thisisbusiness."
    OutofthecornerofmyeyeIcouldseetheoldmanpeekingshortsightedly
    atus.Buttherewasn'tanythingforhimtosee,evenifhecouldseethatfar.
    Somethingproddedmyback.Itmighthavebeenafinger,butIdidn'tthinkit
    was.
    Wewentoutofthestoreverypeacefully.
    AlonggraycarhadstoppedclosebehindtheMarmon.Itsreardoorwasopen
    andamanwithasquarefaceandacrookedmouthwasstandingwithonefootout
    ontherunningboard.Hisrighthandwasbehindhim,insidethecar.
    Myman'svoicesaid:"Getinyourcaranddrivewest.Takethisfirst
    cornerandgoabouttwentyfive,notmore."
    Thenarrowstreetwassunnyandquietandthepeppertreeswhispered.
    TrafficthreshedbyonCordovaashortblockaway.Ishrugged,openedthedoor
    ofmycarandgotunderthewheel.Thegrayhairedmangotinveryquickly
    besideme,watchingmyhands.Heswunghisrighthandaround,withasnubnosed
    guninit.
    "Carefulgettingyourkeysout,buddy."
    Iwascareful.AsIsteppedonthestarteracardoorslammedbehind,there
    wererapidsteps,andsomeonegotintothebackseatoftheMarmon.Iletinthe
    clutchanddrovearoundthecorner.InthemirrorIcouldseethegraycar
    makingtheturnbehind.Thenitdroppedbackalittle.
    IdrovewestonastreetthatparalleledCordovaandwhenwehadgonea
    blockandahalfahandcamedownovermyshoulderfrombehindandtookmygun

    awayfromme.Thegrayhairedmanrestedhisshortrevolveronhislegandfelt
    meovercarefullywithhisfreehand.Heleanedbacksatisfied.
    "Okey.Dropovertothemaindragandsnapitup,"hesaid."Butthatdon't
    meantryingtosideswipeaprowlcar,ifyoulampone...Orifyouthinkitdoes,
    tryitandsee."
    Imadethetwoturns,speededuptothirtyfiveandhelditthere.Wewent
    throughsomeniceresidentialdistricts,andthenthelandscapebegantothin
    out.Whenitwasquitethinthegraycarbehinddroppedback,turnedtowards
    townanddisappeared.
    "What'sthesnatchfor?"Iasked.
    Thegrayhairedmanlaughedandrubbedhisbroadredchin."Justbusiness.
    Thebigboywantstotalktoyou."
    "Canales?"
    "Canaleshell!Isaidthe_bigboy."_
    Iwatchedtraffic,whattherewasofitthatfarout,anddidn'tspeakfor
    afewminutes.ThenIsaid:"Whydidn'tyoupullitintheapartment,orinthe
    alley?"
    "Wantedtomakesureyouwasn'tcovered."
    "Who'sthisbigboy?"
    "Skipthattillwegetyouthere.Anythingelse?"
    "Yes.CanIsmoke?"
    HeheldthewheelwhileIlitup.Themaninthebackseathadn'tsaida
    wordatanytime.Afterawhilethegrayhairedmanmademepullupandmove
    over,andhedrove.
    "Iusedtoownoneofthese,sixyearsago,whenIwaspoor,"hesaid
    jovially.
    Icouldn'tthinkofareallygoodanswertothat,soIjustletsmokeseep
    downintomylungsandwonderedwhy,ifLouhadbeenkilledinWestCimarron,
    thekillersdidn'tgetthemoney.AndifhereallyhadbeenkilledatMiss
    Glenn'sapartment,whysomebodyhadtakenthetroubletocarryhimbacktoWest
    Cimarron.

    Intwentyminuteswewereinthefoothills.Wewentoverahogback,drifteddown
    alongwhiteconcreteribbon,crossedabridge,wenthalfwayupthenextslope
    andturnedoffonagravelroadthatdisappearedaroundashoulderofscruboak
    andmanzanita.Plumesofpampasgrassflaredonthesideofthehill,likejets
    ofwater.Thewheelscrunchedonthegravelandskiddedonthecurves.
    Wecametoamountaincabinwithawideporchandcementedboulder
    foundations.Thewindmillofageneratorturnedslowlyonthecrestofaspura
    hundredfeetbehindthecabin.Amountainbluejayflashedacrosstheroad,
    zoomed,bankedsharply,andfelloutofsightlikeastone.
    Thegrayhairedmantooledthecaruptotheporch,besideatancolored
    Lincolncoupe,switchedofftheignitionandsettheMarmon'slongparking
    brake.Hetookthekeysout,foldedthemcarefullyintheirleathercase,put
    thecaseawayinhispocket.
    Themaninthebackseatgotoutandheldthedoorbesidemeopen.Hehada
    guninhishand.Igotout.Thegrayhairedmangotout.Weallwentintothe
    house.
    Therewasabigroomwithwallsofknottedpine,beautifullypolished.We
    wentacrossitwalkingonIndianrugsandthegrayhairedmanknockedcarefully
    onadoor.
    Avoiceshouted:"Whatisit?"
    Thegrayhairedmanputhisfaceagainstthedoorandsaid:"Beasleyand
    theguyyouwantedtotalkto."
    Thevoiceinsidesaidtocomeonin.Beasleyopenedthedoor,pushedme
    throughitandshutitbehindme.
    ItwasanotherbigroomwithknottedpinewallsandIndianrugsonthe
    floor.Adriftwoodfirehissedandpuffedonastonehearth.
    ThemanwhosatbehindaflatdeskwasFrankDorr,thepolitico.
    Hewasthekindofmanwholikedtohaveadeskinfrontofhim,andshove
    hisfatstomachagainstit,andfiddlewiththingsonit,andlookverywise.He
    hadafat,muddyface,athinfringeofwhitehairthatstuckupalittle,small
    sharpeyes,smallandverydelicatehands.
    WhatIcouldseeofhimwasdressedinaslovenlygraysuit,andtherewas
    alargeblackPersiancatonthedeskinfrontofhim.Hewasscratchingthe

    cat'sheadwithoneofhislittleneathandsandthecatwasleaningagainsthis
    hand.Itsbusytailflowedovertheedgeofthedeskandfellstraightdown.
    Hesaid:"Sitdown,"withoutlookingawayfromthecat.
    Isatdowninaleatherchairwithaverylowseat,Dorrsaid:"Howdoyou
    likeituphere?Kindofnice,ain'tit?ThisisToby,mygirlfriend.Onlygirl
    friendIgot.Ain'tyou,Toby?"
    Isaid:"IlikeitupherebutIdon'tlikethewayIgothere."
    Dorrraisedhisheadafewinchesandlookedatmewithhismouthslightly
    open.Hehadbeautifulteeth,buttheyhadn'tgrowninhismouth.Hesaid:"I'm
    abusyman,brother.Itwassimplerthanarguing.Haveadrink?"
    "SureI'llhaveadrink,"Isaid.
    Hesqueezedthecat'sheadgentlybetweenhistwopalms,thenpushedit
    awayfromhimandputbothhandsdownonthearmsofhischair.Heshovedhard
    andhisfacegotalittleredandhefinallygotuponhisfeet.Hewaddled
    acrosstoabuiltincabinetandtookoutasquatdecanterofwhiskeyandtwo
    goldveinedglasses.
    "Noicetoday,"hesaid,waddlingbacktothedesk."Havetodrinkit
    straight."
    Hepouredtwodrinks,gestured,andIwentoverandgotmine.Hesatdown
    again.Isatdownwithmydrink.Dorrlitalongbrowncigar,pushedtheboxtwo
    inchesinmydirection,leanedbackandstaredatmewithcompleterelaxation.
    "You'retheguythatfingeredMannyTinnen,"hesaid."Itwon'tdo."
    Isippedmywhiskey.Itwasgoodenoughtosip.
    "Lifegetscomplicatedattimes,"Dorrwenton,inthesameeven,relaxed
    voice."Politicsevenwhenit'salotoffunistoughonthenerves.Youknow
    me.I'mtoughandIgetwhatIwant.Thereain'tahellofalotIwantany
    more,butwhatIwantIwantbad.Andain'tsodamnparticularhowIgetit."
    "Youhavethatreputation,"Isaidpolitely.
    Dorr'seyestwinkled.Helookedaroundforthecat,draggedittowardshim
    bythetail,pusheditdownonitssideandbegantorubitsstomach.Thecat
    seemedtolikeit.
    Dorrlookedatmeandsaidverysoftly:"YoubumpedLouHarger."
    "Whatmakesyouthinkso?"Iasked,withoutanyparticularemphasis.
    "YoubumpedLouHarger.Maybeheneededthebumpbutyougaveittohim.
    Hewasshotoncethroughtheheart,withathirtyeight.Youwearathirtyeight

    andyou'reknowntobeafancyshotwithit.YouwerewithHargeratLasOlindas
    lastnightandsawhimwinalotofmoney.Youweresupposedtobeactingas
    bodyguardforhim,butyougotabetteridea.Youcaughtupwithhimandthat
    girlinWestCimarron,slippedHargerthedoseandgotthemoney."
    Ifinishedmywhiskey,gotupandpouredmyselfsomemoreofit.
    "Youmadeadealwiththegirl,"Dorrsaid,"butthedealdidn'tstick.She
    gotacuteidea.Butthatdon'tmatter,becausethepolicegotyourgunalong
    withHarger.Andyougotthedough."
    Isaid:"Isthereatagoutforme?"
    "NottillIgivetheword...Andthegunhasn'tbeenturnedin...Igotalot
    offriends,youknow."
    Isaidslowly:"IgotsappedoutsideCanales'place.Itservedmeright.My
    gunwastakenfromme.InevercaughtupwithHarger,neversawhimagain.The
    girlcametomethismorningwiththemoneyinanenvelopeandastorythat
    Hargerhadbeenkilledinherapartment.That'showIhavethemoneyfor
    safekeeping.Iwasn'tsureaboutthegirl'sstory,butherbringingthemoney
    carriedalotofweight.AndHargerwasafriendofmine.Istartedoutto
    investigate."
    "Youshouldhaveletthecopsdothat,"Dorrsaidwithagrin.
    "Therewasachancethegirlwasbeingframed.Besidestherewasa
    possibilityImightmakeafewdollarslegitimately.Ithasbeendone,evenin
    SanAngelo."
    Dorrstuckafingertowardsthecat'sfaceandthecatbitit,withan
    absentexpression.Thenitpulledawayfromhim,satdownonacornerofthe
    deskandbegantolickonetoe.
    "Twentytwogrand,andthejanepasseditovertoyoutokeep,"Dorrsaid.
    "Ain'tthatjustlikeajane?
    "Yougotthedough,"Dorrsaid."Hargerwaskilledwithyourgun.The
    girl'sgonebutIcouldbringherback.Ithinkshe'dmakeagoodwitness,if
    weneededone."
    "WastheplayatLasOlindascrooked?"Iasked.
    Dorrfinishedhisdrinkandcurledhislipsaroundhiscigaragain."Sure,"
    hesaidcarelessly."ThecroupieraguynamedPinawasinonit.Thewheelwas
    wiredforthedoublezero.Theoldcrap.Copperbuttononthefloor,copper

    buttononPina'sshoesole,wiresuphisleg,batteriesinhishippockets.The
    oldcrap."
    Isaid:"Canalesdidn'tactasifheknewaboutit."
    Dorrchuckled."Heknewthewheelwaswired.Hedidn'tknowhishead
    croupierwasplayin'ontheotherteam."
    "I'dhatetobePina,"Isaid.
    Dorrmadeanegligentmotionwithhiscigar."He'stakencareof...Theplay
    wascarefulandquiet.Theydidn'tmakeanyfancylongshots,justevenmoney
    bets,andtheydidn'twinallthetime.Theycouldn't.Nowiredwheelisthat
    good."
    Ishrugged,movedaroundinmychair."Youknowahellofalotaboutit,"
    Isaid."Wasallthisjusttogetmesetforasqueeze?"
    Hegrinnedsoftly:"Hell,no!Someofitjusthappenedthewaythebest
    plansdo."Hewavedhiscigaragain,andapalegraytendrilofsmokecurled
    pasthiscunninglittleeyes.Therewasamuffledsoundoftalkintheoutside
    room."IgotconnectionsIgottopleaseevenifIdon'tlikealltheir
    capers,"headdedsimply.
    "LikeMannyTinnen?"Isaid."HewasaroundCityHallalot,knewtoomuch.
    Okey,MisterDorr.Justwhatdoyoufigureonhavingmedoforyou?Commit
    suicide?"
    Helaughed.Hisfatshouldersshookcheerfully.Heputoneofhissmall
    handsoutwiththepalmtowardsme."Iwouldn'tthinkofthat,"hesaiddryly,
    "andtheotherway'sbetterbusiness.Thewaypublicopinionisaboutthe
    Shannonkill.Iain'tsurethatlouseofaD.A.wouldn'tconvictTinnenwithout
    youifhecouldsellthefolkstheideayou'dbeenknockedofftobuttonyour
    mouth."
    Igotupoutofmychair,wentoverandleanedonthedesk,leanedacross
    ittowardsDorr.
    Hesaid:"Nofunnybusiness!"alittlesharplyandbreathlessly.Hishand
    wenttoadrawerandgotithalfopen.Hismovementswithhishandswerevery
    quickincontrastwiththemovementsofhisbody.
    Ismileddownatthehandandhetookitawayfromthedrawer.Isawagun
    justinsidethedrawer.
    Isaid:"I'vealreadytalkedtotheGrandJury."

    Dorrleanedbackandsmiledatme."Guysmakemistakes,"hesaid."Even
    smartprivatedicks...Youcouldhaveachangeofheartandputitinwriting."
    Isaidverysoftly."No.I'dbeunderaperjuryrapwhichIcouldn'tbeat.
    I'dratherbeunderamurderrapwhichIcanbeat.EspeciallyasFenweather
    will_want_metobeatit.Hewon'twanttospoilmeasawitness.TheTinnen
    caseistooimportanttohim."
    Dorrsaidevenly:"Thenyou'llhavetotryandbeatit,brother.Andafter
    yougetthroughbeatingitthere'llstillbeenoughmudonyournecksono
    jury'llconvictMannyonyoursaysoalone."
    Iputmyhandoutslowlyandscratchedthecat'sear."Whataboutthe
    twentytwogrand?"
    "It_could_beallyours,ifyouwanttoplay.Afterall,itain'tmy
    money...IfMannygetsclear,Imightaddalittlesomethingthat_is_mymoney."
    Itickledthecatunderitschin.Itbegantopurr.Ipickeditupandheld
    itgentlyinmyarms.
    "WhodidkillLouHarger,Dorr?"Iasked,notlookingathim.
    Heshookhishead.Ilookedathim,smiling."Swellcatyouhave,"Isaid.
    Dorrlickedhislips."Ithinkthelittlebastardlikesyou,"hegrinned.
    Helookedpleasedattheidea.
    Inoddedandthrewthecatinhisface.
    Heyelped,buthishandscameuptocatchthecat.Thecattwistedneatly
    intheairandlandedwithbothfrontpawsworking.OneofthemsplitDorr's
    cheeklikeabananapeel.Heyelledveryloudly.
    Ihadthegunoutofthedrawerandthemuzzleofitintothebackof
    Dorr'sneckwhenBeasleyandthesquarefacedmandodgedin.
    Foraninstanttherewasasortoftableau.Thenthecattoreitselfloose
    fromDorr'sarms,shottothefloorandwentunderthedesk.Beasleyraisedhis
    snubnosedgun,buthedidn'tlookasifhewascertainwhathemeanttodowith
    it.
    IshovedthemuzzleofminehardintoDorr'sneckandsaid:"Frankiegets
    itfirst,boys...Andthat'snotagag."
    Dorrgruntedinfrontofme."Takeiteasy,"hegrowledtohishoods.He
    tookahandkerchieffromhisbreastpocketandbegantodabathissplitand
    bleedingcheekwithit.Themanwiththecrookedmouthbegantosidlealongthe
    wall.

    Isaid:"Don'tgettheideaI'menjoyingthis,butI'mnotfoolingeither.
    Youheelsstayput."
    Themanwiththecrookedmouthstoppedsidlingandgavemeanastyleer.He
    kepthishandslow.
    Dorrhalfturnedhisheadandtriedtotalkoverhisshouldertome.I
    couldn'tseeenoughofhisfacetogetanyexpression,buthedidn'tseem
    scared.Hesaid:"Thiswon'tgetyouanything.Icouldhaveyouknockedoffeasy
    enough,ifthatwaswhatIwanted.Nowwhereareyou?Youcan'tshootanybody
    withoutgettinginaworsejamthanifyoudidwhatIaskedyouto.Itlooks
    likeastalematetome."
    IthoughtthatoverforamomentwhileBeasleylookedatmequite
    pleasantly,asthoughitwasalljustroutinetohim.Therewasnothingpleasant
    abouttheotherman.Ilistenedhard,buttherestofthehouseseemedtobe
    quitesilent.
    Dorredgedforwardfromthegunandsaid:"Well?"
    Isaid:"I'mgoingout.IhaveagunanditlookslikeagunthatIcould
    hitsomebodywith,ifIhaveto.Idon'twanttoverymuch,andifyou'llhave
    Beasleythrowmykeysoverandtheotheroneturnbackthegunhetookfromme,
    I'llforgetaboutthesnatch."
    Dorrmovedhisarmsinthelazybeginningofashrug."Thenwhat?"
    "Figureoutyourdealalittlecloser,"Isaid."Ifyougetenough
    protectionbehindme,Imightthrowinwithyou...Andifyou'reastoughasyou
    thinkyouare,afewhourswon'tcutanyiceonewayortheother."
    "It'sanidea,"Dorrsaidandchuckled.ThentoBeasley:"Keepyourrodto
    yourselfandgivehimhiskeys.Alsohisguntheoneyougottoday."
    Beasleysighedandverycarefullyinsertedahandintohispants.Hetossed
    myleatherkeycaseacrosstheroomneartheendofthedesk.Themanwiththe
    twistedmouthputhishandup,edgeditinsidehissidepocketandIeaseddown
    behindDorr'sback,whilehedidit.Hecameoutwithmygun,letitfalltothe
    floorandkickeditawayfromhim.
    IcameoutfrombehindDorr'sback,gotmykeysandthegunupfromthe
    floor,movedsidewisetowardsthedooroftheroom.Dorrwatchedwithanempty
    starethatmeantnothing.Beasleyfollowedmearoundwithhisbodyandstepped
    awayfromthedoorasInearedit.Theothermanhadtroubleholdinghimself
    quiet.

    Igottothedoorandreversedakeythatwasinit.Dorrsaiddreamily:
    "You'rejustlikeoneofthoserubberballsontheendofanelastic.The
    fartheryougetaway,thesuddeneryou'llbounceback."
    Isaid:"Theelasticmightbealittlerotten,"andwentthroughthedoor,
    turnedthekeyinitandbracedmyselfforshotsthatdidn'tcome.Asabluff,
    minewasthinnerthanthegoldonaweekendweddingring.Itworkedbecause
    Dorrletit,andthatwasall.
    Igotoutofthehouse,gottheMarmonstartedandwrangleditaroundand
    sentitskiddingpasttheshoulderofthehillandsoondowntothehighway.
    Therewasnosoundofanythingcomingafterme.
    WhenIreachedtheconcretehighwaybridgeitwasalittlepasttwo
    o'clock,andIdrovewithonehandforawhileandwipedthesweatofftheback
    ofmyneck.

    Themorguewasattheendofalongandbrightandsilentcorridorthatbranched
    offfrombehindthemainlobbyoftheCountyBuilding.Thecorridorendedintwo
    doorsandablankwallfacedwithmarble.Onedoorhad"InquestRoom"lettered
    onaglasspanelbehindwhichtherewasnolight.Theotheropenedintoasmall,
    cheerfuloffice.
    Amanwithganderblueeyesandrustcoloredhairpartedintheexact
    centerofhisheadwaspawingoversomeprintedformsatatable.Helookedup,
    lookedmeover,andthensuddenlysmiled.
    Isaid:"Hello,Landon...RemembertheShelbycase?"
    Thebrightblueeyestwinkled.Hegotupandcamearoundthetablewithhis
    handout."Sure.Whatcanwedo"Hebrokeoffsuddenlyandsnappedhis
    fingers."Hell!You'retheguythatputthebeeonthathotrod."
    Itossedabuttthroughtheopendoorintothecorridor."That'snotwhy
    I'mhere,"Isaid."Anyhownotthistime.There'safellownamedLouis
    Harger...pickedupshotlastnightorthismorning,inWestCimarron,asIget
    it.CouldItakealooksee?"
    "Theycan'tstopyou,"Landonsaid.

    Heledthewaythroughadooronthefarsideofhisofficeintoaplace
    thatwasallwhitepaintandwhiteenamelandglassandbrightlight.Against
    onewallwasadoubletieroflargebinswithglasswindowsinthem.Throughthe
    peepholesshowedbundlesinwhitesheeting,and,furtherback,frostedpipes.
    Abodycoveredwithasheetlayonatablethatwashighattheheadand
    slopeddowntothefoot.Landonpulledthesheetdowncasuallyfromaman's
    dead,placid,yellowishface.Longblackhairlaylooselyonasmallpillow,
    withthedanknessofwaterstillinit.Theeyeswerehalfopenandstared
    incuriouslyattheceiling.
    Isteppedclose,lookedattheface,Landonpulledthesheetondownand
    rappedhisknucklesonachestthatranghollowly,likeaboard.Therewasa
    bulletholeovertheheart.
    "Nicecleanshot,"hesaid.
    Iturnedawayquickly,gotacigaretteoutandrolleditaroundinmy
    fingers.Istaredatthefloor.
    "Whoidentifiedhim?"
    "Stuffinhispockets,"Landonsaid."We'recheckinghisprints,ofcourse.
    Youknowhim?"
    Isaid:"Yes."
    Landonscratchedthebaseofhischinsoftlywithhisthumbnail.Wewalked
    backintotheofficeandLandonwentbehindhistableandsatdown.
    Hethumbedoversomepapers,separatedonefromthepileandstudieditfor
    amoment.
    Hesaid:"Asheriff'sradiocarfoundhimattwelvethirtyfiveAM.,onthe
    sideoftheoldroadoutofWestCimarron,aquarterofamilefromwherethe
    cutoffstarts.Thatisn'ttraveledmuch,buttheprowlcartakesaslantdownit
    nowandthenlookingforpettingparties."
    Isaid:"Canyousayhowlonghehadbeendead?"
    "Notverylong.Hewasstillwarm,andthenightsarecoolalongthere."
    Iputmyunlightedcigaretteinmymouthandmoveditupanddownwithmy
    lips."AndIbetyoutookalongthirtyeightoutofhim,"Isaid.
    "Howdidyouknowthat?"Landonaskedquickly.
    "Ijustguess.It'sthatsortofhole."
    Hestaredatmewithbright,interestedeyes.Ithankedhim,saidI'dbe
    seeinghim,wentthroughthedoorandlitmycigaretteinthecorridor.Iwalked

    backtotheelevatorsandgotintoone,rodetotheseventhfloor,thenwent
    alonganothercorridorexactlyliketheonebelowexceptthatitdidn'tleadto
    themorgue.Itledtosomesmall,bareofficesthatwereusedbytheDistrict
    Attorney'sinvestigators.HalfwayalongIopenedadoorandwentintooneof
    them.
    BernieOhlswassittinghumpedlooselyatadeskplacedagainstthewall.
    HewasthechiefinvestigatorFenweatherhadtoldmetosee,ifIgotintoany
    kindofajam.Hewasamediumsizedblandmanwithwhiteeyebrowsandanout
    thrust,verydeeplycleftchin.Therewasanotherdeskagainsttheotherwall,a
    coupleofhardchairs,abrassspittoononarubbermatandverylittleelse.
    Ohlsnoddedcasuallyatme,gotoutofhischairandfixedthedoorlatch.
    Thenhegotaflattinoflittlecigarsoutofhisdesk,litoneofthem,pushed
    thetinalongthedeskandstaredatmealonghisnose.Isatdowninoneofthe
    straightchairsandtilteditback.
    Ohlssaid:"Well?"
    "It'sLouHarger,"Isaid."Ithoughtmaybeitwasn't."
    "Thehellyoudid.IcouldhavetoldyouitwasHarger."
    Somebodytriedthehandleofthedoor,thenknocked.Ohlspaidno
    attention.Whoeveritwaswentaway.
    Isaidslowly:"Hewaskilledbetweeneleventhirtyandtwelvethirtyfive.
    Therewasjusttimeforthejobtobedonewherehewasfound.Therewasn'ttime
    forittobedonethewaythegirlsaid.Therewasn'ttimeformetodoit."
    Ohlssaid:"Yeah.Maybeyoucouldprovethat.Andthenmaybeyoucould
    proveafriendofyoursdidn'tdoitwithyourgun."
    Isaid:"Afriendofminewouldn'tbelikelytodoitwithmygunifhe
    wasafriendofmine."
    Ohlsgrunted,smiledsourlyatmesidewise.Hesaid:"Mostanyonewould
    thinkthat.That'swhyhemighthavedoneit."
    Iletthelegsofmychairsettletothefloor.Istaredathim.
    "WouldIcomeandtellyouaboutthemoneyandtheguneverythingthat
    tiesmetoit?"
    Ohlssaidexpressionlessly:"Youwouldifyouknewdamnwellsomebodyelse
    hadalreadytolditforyou."
    Isaid:"Dorrwouldn'tlosemuchtime."

    Ipinchedmycigaretteoutandflippedittowardsthebrasscuspidor.Then
    Istoodup.
    "Okey.There'snotagoutformeyetsoI'llgooverandtellmystory."
    Ohlssaid:"Sitdownaminute."
    Isatdown.Hetookhislittlecigaroutofhismouthandflungitaway
    fromhimwithasavagegesture.Itrolledalongthebrownlinoleumandsmokedin
    thecorner.Heputhisarmsdownonthedeskanddrummedwiththefingersof
    bothhands.Hislowerlipcameforwardandpressedhisupperlipbackagainst
    histeeth.
    "Dorrprobablyknowsyou'reherenow,"hesaid."Theonlyreasonyouain't
    inthetankupstairsisthey'renotsurebutitwouldbebettertoknockyouoff
    andtakeachance.IfFenweatherlosestheelection,I'llbeallwashedupifI
    messaroundwithyou."
    Isaid:"IfheconvictsMannyTinnen,hewon'tlosetheelection."
    Ohlstookanotherofthelittlecigarsoutoftheboxandlitit.Hepicked
    hishatoffthedesk,fingereditamoment,putiton.
    "Why'dtheredheadgiveyouthatsonganddanceaboutthebumpinher
    apartment,thestiffonthefloorallthathotcomedy?"
    "Theywantedmetogooverthere.TheyfiguredI'dgotoseeifagunwas
    plantedmaybejusttocheckuponher.Thatgotmeawayfromthebusypartof
    town.TheycouldtellbetteriftheD.A.hadanyboyswatchingmyblindside."
    "That'sjustaguess,"Ohlssaidsourly.
    Isaid:"Sure."
    Ohlsswunghisthicklegsaround,plantedhisfeethardandleanedhis
    handsonhisknees.Thelittlecigartwitchedinthecornerofhismouth.
    "I'dliketogettoknowsomeoftheseguysthatletlooseoftwentytwo
    grandjusttocolorupafairytale,"hesaidnastily.
    Istoodupagainandwentpasthimtowardsthedoor.
    Ohlssaid:"What'sthehurry?"
    Iturnedaroundandshrugged,lookedathimblankly."Youdon'tactvery
    interested,"Isaid.
    Heclimbedtohisfeet,saidwearily:"Thehackdriver'smostlikelya
    dirtylittlecrook.ButitmightjustbeDorr'sladsdon'tknowheratesin
    this.Let'sgogethimwhilehismemory'sfresh."

    TheGreenTopGaragewasonDeviveras,threeblockseastofMain.Ipulledthe
    Marmonupinfrontofafireplugandgotout.Ohlsslumpedintheseatand
    growled:"I'llstayhere.MaybeIcanspotatail."
    Iwentintoahugeechoinggarage,intheinnergloomofwhichafewbrand
    newpaintjobsweresplashesofsuddencolor.Therewasasmall,dirty,glass
    walledofficeinthecornerandashortmansattherewithaderbyhatonthe
    backofhisheadandaredtieunderhisstubblechin.Hewaswhittlingtobacco
    intothepalmofhishand.
    Isaid:"Youthedispatcher?"
    "Yeah."
    "I'mlookingforoneofyourdrivers,"Isaid."NameofTomSneyd."
    Heputdowntheknifeandtheplugandbegantogrindthecuttobacco
    betweenhistwopalms."What'sthebeef?"heaskedcautiously.
    "Nobeef.I'mafriendofhis."
    "Morefriends,huh?...Heworksnights,mister...Sohe'sgoneIguess.
    SeventeentwentythreeRenfrew.That'soverbyGrayLake."
    Isaid:"Thanks.Phone?"
    "Nophone."
    Ipulledafoldedcitymapfromaninsidepocketandunfoldedpartofiton
    thetableinfrontofhisnose.Helookedannoyed.
    "There'sabigoneonthewall,"hegrowled,andbegantopackashortpipe
    withhistobacco.
    "I'musedtothisone,"Isaid.Ibentoverthespreadmap,lookingfor
    RenfrewStreet.ThenIstoppedandlookedsuddenlyatthefaceofthemaninthe
    derby."Yourememberedthataddressdamnquick,"Isaid.
    Heputhispipeinhismouth,bithardonit,andpushedtwoquickfingers
    intothepocketofhisopenvest.
    "Coupleothermuggswasaskin'foritawhileback."
    IfoldedthemapveryquicklyandshoveditbackintomypocketasIwent
    throughthedoor.Ijumpedacrossthesidewalk,slidunderthewheelandplunged
    atthestarter.

    "We'reheaded,"ItoldBernieOhls."Twoguysgotthekid'saddresstherea
    whileback.Itmightbe"
    Ohsgrabbedthesideofthecarandsworeaswetookthecorneron
    squealingtires.Ibentforwardoverthewheelanddrovehard.Therewasared
    lightatCentral.Iswervedintoacornerservicestation,wentthroughthe
    pumps,poppedoutonCentralandjostledthroughsometraffictomakearight
    turneastagain.
    Acoloredtrafficcopblewawhistleatmeandthenstaredhardasif
    tryingtoreadthelicensenumber.Ikeptongoing.
    Warehouses,aproducemarket,abiggastank,morewarehouses,railroad
    tracks,andtwobridgesdroppedbehindus.Ibeatthreetrafficsignalsbya
    hairandwentrightthroughafourth.SixblocksonIgotthesirenfroma
    motorcyclecop.OhlspassedmeabronzestarandIflasheditoutofthecar,
    twistingitsothesuncaughtit.Thesirenstopped.Themotorcyclekeptright
    behindusforanotherdozenblocks,thensheeredoff.
    GrayLakeisanartificialreservoirinacutbetweentwogroupsofhills,
    ontheeastfringeofSanAngelo.Narrowbutexpensivelypavedstreetswind
    aroundinthehills,describingelaboratecurvesalongtheirflanksforthe
    benefitofafewcheapandscatteredbungalows.
    Weplungedupintothehills,readingstreetsignsontherun.Thegray
    silkofthelakedroppedawayfromusandtheexhaustoftheoldMarmonroared
    betweencrumblingbanksthatsheddirtdownontheunusedsidewalks.Mongrel
    dogsquarteredinthewildgrassamongthegopherholes.
    Renfrewwasalmostatthetop.Whereitbegantherewasasmallneat
    bungalowinfrontofwhichachildinadiaperandnothingelsefumbledaround
    inawirepenonapatchoflawn.Thentherewasastretchwithouthouses.Then
    thereweretwohouses,thentheroaddropped,slippedinandoutofsharpturns,
    wentbetweenbankshighenoughtoputthewholestreetinshadow.
    Thenagunroaredaroundabendaheadofus.
    Ohlssatupsharply,said:"Ohoh!That'snorabbitgun,"slippedhis
    servicepistoloutandunlatchedthedooronhisside.
    Wecameoutoftheturnandsawtwomorehousesonthedownsideofthe
    hill,withacoupleofsteeplotsbetweenthem.Alonggraycarwasslewed
    acrossthestreetinthespacebetweenthetwohouses.Itsleftfronttirewas

    flatandbothitsfrontdoorswerewideopen,likethespreadearsofan
    elephant.
    Asmall,darkfacedmanwaskneelingonbothkneesinthestreetbesidethe
    openrighthanddoor.Hisrightarmhungloosefromhisshoulderandtherewas
    bloodonthehandthatbelongedtoit.Withhisotherhandhewastryingtopick
    upanautomaticfromtheconcreteinfrontofhim.
    IskiddedtheMarmontoafaststopandOhlstumbledout.
    "Dropthat,you!"heyelled.
    Themanwiththelimparmsnarled,relaxed,fellbackagainsttherunning
    board,andashotcamefrombehindthecarandsnappedintheairnotveryfar
    frommyear.Iwasoutontheroadbythattime.Thegraycarwasangledenough
    towardsthehousessothatIcouldn'tseeanypartofitsleftsideexceptthe
    opendoor.Theshotseemedtocomefromaboutthere.Ohlsputtwoslugsintothe
    door.Idropped,lookedunderthecarandsawapairoffeet.Ishotatthemand
    missed.
    Aboutthattimetherewasathinbutverysharpcrackfromthecornerof
    thenearesthouse.Glassbrokeinthegraycar.Thegunbehinditroaredand
    plasterjumpedoutofthecornerofthehousewall,abovethebushes.ThenIsaw
    theupperpartofaman'sbodyinthebushes.Hewaslyingdownhillonhis
    stomachandhehadalightrifletohisshoulder.
    HewasTomSneyd,thetaxidriver.
    Ohlsgruntedandchargedthegraycar.Hefiredtwicemoreintothedoor,
    thendodgeddownbehindthehood.Moreexplosionsoccurredbehindthecar.I
    kickedthewoundedman'sgunoutofhisway,slidpasthimandsneakedalook
    overthegastank.Butthemanbehindhadhadtoomanyanglestofigure.
    Hewasabigmaninabrownsuitandhemadeaclatterrunninghardforthe
    lipofthehillbetweenthetwobungalows.Ohls'gunroared.Themanwhirledand
    snappedashotwithoutstopping.Ohlswasintheopennow.Isawhishatjerk
    offhishead.Isawhimstandsquarelyonwellspreadfeet,steadyhispistolas
    ifhewasonthepolicerange.
    Butthebigmanwasalreadysagging.Mybullethaddrilledthroughhis
    neck.Ohlsfiredathimverycarefullyandhefellandthesixthandlastslug
    fromhisguncaughtthemaninthechestandtwistedhimaround.Thesideofhis
    headslappedthecurbwithasickeningcrunch.

    Wewalkedtowardshimfromoppositeendsofthecar.Ohlsleaneddown,
    heavedthemanoveronhisback.Hisfaceindeathhadaloose,amiable
    expression,inspiteofthebloodalloverhisneck.Ohlsbegantogothrough
    hispockets.
    Ilookedbacktoseewhattheotheronewasdoing.Hewasn'tdoinganything
    butsittingontherunningboardholdinghisrightarmagainsthissideand
    grimacingwithpain.
    TomSneydscrambledupthebankandcametowardsus.
    Ohlssaid:"It'saguynamedPokeAndrews.I'veseenhimaroundthe
    poolrooms."Hestoodupandbrushedoffhisknee.Hehadsomeoddsandendsin
    hislefthand."Yeah,PokeAndrews.Gunworkbytheday,hourorweek.Iguess
    therewasalivin'initforawhile."
    "It'snottheguythatsappedme,"Isaid."Butit'stheguyIwaslooking
    atwhenIgotsapped.Andiftheredheadwasgivingoutanytruthatallthis
    morning,it'slikelytheguythatshotLouHarger."
    Ohlsnodded,wentoverandgothishat.Therewasaholeinthebrim."I
    wouldn'tbesurprisedatall,"hesaid,puttinghishatoncalmly.
    TomSneydstoodinfrontofuswithhislittlerifleheldrigidlyacross
    hischest.Hewashatlessandcoatless,andhadsneakersonhisfeet.Hiseyes
    werebrightandmad,andhewasbeginningtoshake.
    "IknewI'dgetthembabies!"hecrowed."IknewI'dfixthemlousy
    bastards!"Thenhestoppedtalkingandhisfacebegantochangecolor.Itgot
    green.Heleaneddownslowly,droppedhisrifle,putbothhishandsonhisbent
    knees.
    Ohlssaid:"Youbettergolaydownsomewhere,buddy.IfI'manyjudgeof
    color,you'regoin'toshootyourcookies."

    10

    TomSneydwaslyingonhisbackonadaybedinthefrontroomofhislittle
    bungalow.Therewasawettowelacrosshisforehead.Alittlegirlwithhoney
    coloredhairwassittingbesidehim,holdinghishand.Ayoungwomanwithhaira

    coupleofshadesdarkerthanthelittlegirl'ssatinthecornerandlookedat
    TomSneydwithtiredecstasy.
    Itwasveryhotwhenwecamein.Allthewindowswereshutandallthe
    blindsdown.Ohlsopenedacoupleoffrontwindowsandsatdownbesidethem,
    lookedouttowardsthegraycar.ThedarkMexicanwasanchoredtoitssteering
    wheelbyhisgoodwrist.
    "Itwaswhattheysaidaboutmylittlegirl,"TomSneydsaidfromunderthe
    towel."That'swhatsentmescrewy.Theysaidthey'dcomebackandgether,ifI
    didn'tplaywiththem."
    Ohlssaid:"Okey,Tom.Let'shaveitfromthestart."Heputoneofhis
    littlecigarsinhismouth,lookedatTomSneyddoubtfully,anddidn'tlightit.
    IsatinaveryhardWindsorchairandlookeddownatthecheap,new
    carpet.
    "Iwasreadin'amag,waitingfortimetoeatandgotowork,"TomSneyd
    saidcarefully."Thelittlegirlopenedthedoor.Theycomeinwithgunsonus,
    gotusallinhereandshutthewindows.Theypulleddownalltheblindsbutone
    andtheMexsatbythatandkeptlookingout.Heneversaidaword.Thebigguy
    satonthebedhereandmademetellhimallaboutlastnighttwice.Thenhe
    saidIwastoforgetI'dmetanybodyorcomeintotownwithanybody.Therest
    wasokey."
    Ohlsnoddedandsaid:"Whattimedidyoufirstseethismanhere?"
    "Ididn'tnotice,"TomSneydsaid."Sayeleventhirty,quarteroftwelve.I
    checkedintotheofficeatonefifteen,rightafterIgotmyhackatthe
    Carillon.Ittookusagoodhourtomaketownfromthebeach.Wewasinthe
    drugstoretalkin'sayfifteenminutes,maybelonger."
    "Thatfiguresbacktoaroundmidnightwhenyoumethim,"Ohlssaid.
    TomSneydshookhisheadandthetowelfelldownoverhisface.Hepushed
    itbackupagain.
    "Well,no,"TomSneydsaid."Theguyinthedrugstoretoldmeheclosedup
    attwelve.Hewasn'tclosingupwhenweleft."
    Ohlsturnedhisheadandlookedatmewithoutexpression.Helookedbackat
    TomSneyd."Tellustherestaboutthetwogunnies,"hesaid.
    "ThebigguysaidmostlikelyIwouldn'thavetotalktoanybodyaboutit.
    IfIdidandtalkedright,they'dbebackwithsomedough.IfItalkedwrong,
    they'dbebackformylittlegirl."

    "Goon,"Ohlssaid."They'refullofcrap."
    "Theywentaway.WhenIsawthemgoonupthestreetIgotscrewy.Renfrew
    isjustapocketoneofthemgraftjobs.Itgoesonaroundthehillhalfa
    mile,thenstops.There'snowaytogetoffit.Sotheyhadtocomebackthis
    way...Igotmytwentytwo,whichisallthegunIhave,andhidinthebushes.I
    gotthetirewiththesecondshot.Iguesstheythoughtitwasablowout.I
    missedwiththenextandthatput'emwise.Theygotgunsloose.IgottheMex
    then,andthebigguyduckedbehindthecar...That'salltherewastoit.Then
    youcomealong."
    Ohlsflexedhisthick,hardfingersandsmiledgrimlyatthegirlinthe
    corner."Wholivesinthenexthouse,Tom?"
    "AmannamedGrandy,amotormanontheinterurban.Helivesallalone.He's
    atworknow."
    "Ididn'tguesshewashome,"Ohlsgrinned.Hegotupandwentoverand
    pattedthelittlegirlonthehead,"You'llhavetocomedownandmakea
    statement,Tom."
    "Sure."TomSneyd'svoicewastired,listless."IguessIlosemyjob,too,
    forrentin'outthehacklastnight."
    "Iain'tsosureaboutthat,"Ohlssaidsoftly."Notifyourbosslikes
    guyswithafewgutstorunhishacks."
    Hepattedthelittlegirlontheheadagain,wenttowardsthedoorand
    openedit.InoddedatTomSneydandfollowedOhlsoutofthehouse.Ohlssaid
    quietly:"Hedon'tknowaboutthekillyet.Noneedtospringitinfrontofthe
    kid."
    Wewentovertothegraycar.Wehadgotsomesacksoutofthebasementand
    spreadthemoverthelateAndrews,weightedthemdownwithstones.Ohlsglanced
    thatwayandsaidabsently:"Igottogettowherethere'saphonepretty
    quick."
    HeleanedonthedoorofthecarandlookedinattheMexican.TheMexican
    satwithhisheadbackandhiseyeshalfclosedandadrawnexpressiononhis
    brownface.Hisleftwristwasshackledtothespiderofthewheel.
    "What'syourname?"Ohlssnappedathim.
    "LuisCadena,"theMexicansaiditinasoftvoicewithout'openinghis
    eyesanywider.
    "WhichoneofyouheelsscratchedtheguyatWestCimarronlastnight?"

    "Nounderstand,seor,"theMexicansaidpurringly.
    "Don'tgodumbonme,spig,"Ohlssaiddispassionately."Itgetsmesore."
    Heleanedonthewindowandrolledhislittlecigararoundinhismouth.
    TheMexicanlookedfaintlyamusedandatthesametimeverytired.The
    bloodonhisrighthandhaddriedblack.
    Ohlssaid:"AndrewsscratchedtheguyinataxiatWestCimarron.Therewas
    agirlalong.Wegotthegirl.Youhavealousychancetoproveyouweren'tin
    onit."
    LightflickeredanddiedbehindtheMexican'shalfopeneyes.Hesmiled
    withaglintofsmallwhiteteeth.
    Ohlssaid:"Whatdidhedowiththegun?"
    "Nounderstand,seor."
    Ohlssaid:"He'stough.Whentheygettoughitscaresme."
    Hewalkedawayfromthecarandscuffedsomeloosedirtfromthesidewalk
    besidethesacksthatdrapedthedeadman.Histoegraduallyuncoveredthe
    contractor'sstencilinthecement.Hereaditoutloud:"DorrPavingand
    ConstructionCompany,SanAngelo.It'sawonderthefatlousewouldn'tstayin
    hisownracket."
    IstoodbesideOhlsandlookeddownthehillbetweenthetwohouses.Sudden
    flashesoflightdartedfromthewindshieldsofcarsgoingalongtheboulevard
    thatfringedGrayLake,farbelow.
    Ohlssaid:"Well?"
    Isaid:"Thekillersknewaboutthetaximaybeandthegirlfriend
    reachedtownwiththeswag.Soitwasn'tCanales'job.Canalesisn'ttheboyto
    letanybodyplayaroundwithtwentytwograndofhismoney.Theredheadwasin
    onthekill,anditwasdoneforareason."
    Ohlsgrinned."Sure.Itwasdonesoyoucouldbeframedforit."
    Isaid:"It'sashamehowlittleaccountsomefolkstakeofhumanlifeor
    twentytwogrand.HargerwasknockedoffsoIcouldbeframedandthedoughwas
    passedtometomaketheframetighter."
    "Maybetheythoughtyou'dhighball,"Ohlsgrunted."Thatwouldsewyouup
    right."
    Irolledacigarettearoundinmyfingers."Thatwouldhavebeenalittle
    toodumb,evenforme.Whatdowedonow?Waittillthemooncomesupsowecan
    singorgodownthehillandtellsomemorelittlewhitelies?"

    OhlsspatononeofPokeAndrews'sacks.Hesaidgruffly:"Thisiscounty
    landhere.IcouldtakeallthismessovertothesubstationatSolanoandkeep
    ithushhushforawhile.Thehackdriverwouldbetickledtodeathtokeepit
    underthehat.AndI'vegonefarenoughsoI'dliketogettheMexinthe
    goldfishroomwithmepersonal."
    "I'dlikeitthatwaytoo,"Isaid."Iguessyoucan'tholditdownthere
    forlong,butyoumightholditdownlongenoughformetoseeafatboyabouta
    cat."

    11

    ItwaslateafternoonwhenIgotbacktothehotel.Theclerkhandedmeaslip
    whichread:"PleasephoneF.D.assoonaspossible."
    Iwentupstairsanddranksomeliquorthatwasinthebottomofabottle.
    ThenIphoneddownforanotherpint,scrapedmychin,changedclothesandlooked
    upFrankDorr'snumberinthebook.Helivedinabeautifuloldhouseon
    GreenviewParkCrescent.
    Imademyselfatallsmoothonewithatinkleandsatdowninaneasychair
    withthephoneatmyelbow.Igotamaidfirst.ThenIgotamanwhospoke
    MisterDorr'snameasthoughhethoughtitmightblowupinhismouth.Afterhim
    Igotavoicewithalotofsilkinit.ThenIgotalongsilenceandattheend
    ofthesilenceIgotFrankDorrhimself.Hesoundedgladtohearfromme.
    Hesaid:"I'vebeenthinkingaboutourtalkthismorning,andIhavea
    betteridea.Dropoutandseeme...Andyoumightbringthatmoneyalong.You
    justhavetimetogetitoutofthebank."
    Isaid:"Yeah.Thesafedepositclosesatsix.Butit'snotyourmoney."
    Iheardhimchuckle."Don'tbefoolish.It'sallmarked,andIwouldn't
    wanttohavetoaccuseyouofstealingit."
    Ithoughtthatover,anddidn'tbelieveitaboutthecurrencybeing
    marked.Itookadrinkoutofmyglassandsaid:"I_might_bewillingtoturn
    itovertothepartyIgotitfrominyourpresence."
    Hesaid:"WellItoldyouthatpartylefttown.ButI'llseewhatIcan
    do.Notricks,please."

    Isaidofcoursenotricks,andhungup.Ifinishedmydrink,calledVon
    Ballinofthe_Telegram._Hesaidthesheriff'speopledidn'tseemtohaveany
    ideasaboutLouHargerorgiveadamn.HewasalittlesorethatIstill
    wouldn'tlethimusemystory.Icouldtellfromthewayhetalkedthathe
    hadn'tgotthedoingsovernearGrayLake.
    IcalledOhls,couldn'treachhim.
    Imixedmyselfanotherdrink,swallowedhalfofitandbegantofeelittoo
    much.Iputmyhaton,changedmymindabouttheotherhalfofmydrink,went
    downtomycar.Theearlyeveningtrafficwasthickwithhouseholdersriding
    hometodinner.Iwasn'tsurewhethertwocarstailedmeorjustone.Atany
    ratenobodytriedtocatchupandthrowapineappleinmylap.
    Thehousewasasquaretwostoriedplaceofoldredbrick,withbeautiful
    groundsandaredbrickwallwithawhitestonecopingaroundthem.Ashiny
    blacklimousinewasparkedundertheportecochreattheside.Ifolloweda
    redflaggedwalkupovertwoterraces,andapalewispofamaninacutaway
    coatletmeintoawide,silenthallwithdarkoldfurnitureandaglimpseof
    gardenattheend.Heledmealongthatandalonganotherhallatrightangles
    andusheredmesoftlyintoapaneledstudythatwasdimlylitagainstthe
    gatheringdusk.Hewentaway,leavingmealone.
    Theendoftheroomwasmostlyopenfrenchwindows,throughwhichabrass
    coloredskyshowedbehindalineofquiettrees.Infrontofthetreesa
    sprinklerswungslowlyonapatchofvelvetylawnthatwasalreadydark.There
    werelargedimoilsonthewalls,ahugeblackdeskwithbooksacrossoneend,a
    lotofdeeploungingchairs,aheavysoftrugthatwentfromwalltowall.There
    wasafaintsmellofgoodcigarsandbeyondthatsomewhereasmellofgarden
    flowersandmoistearth.Thedooropenedandayoungishmaninnoseglassescame
    in,gavemeaslightformalnod,lookedaroundvaguely,andsaidthatMr.Dorr
    wouldbethereinamoment.Hewentoutagain,andIlitacigarette.
    InalittlewhilethedooropenedagainandBeasleycamein,walkedpastme
    withagrinandsatdownjustinsidethewindows.ThenDorrcameinandbehind
    himMissGlenn.
    Dorrhadhisblackcatinhisarmsandtwolovelyredscratches,shinywith
    collodion,downhisrightcheek.MissGlennhadonthesameclothesIhadseen
    onherinthemorning.Shelookeddarkanddrawnandspiritless,andshewent
    pastmeasthoughshehadneverseenmebefore.

    Dorrsqueezedhimselfintothehighbackedchairbehindthedeskandput
    thecatdowninfrontofhim.Thecatstrolledovertoonecornerofthedesk
    andbegantolickitschestwithalong,sweeping,businesslikemotion.
    Dorrsaid:"Well,well.Hereweare,"andchuckledpleasantly.
    Themaninthecutawaycameinwithatrayofcocktails,passedthem
    around,putthetraywiththeshakerdownonalowtablebesideMissGlenn.He
    wentoutagain,closingthedoorasifhewasafraidhemightcrackit.
    Wealldrankandlookedverysolemn.
    Isaid:"We'reallherebuttwo.Iguesswehaveaquorum."
    Dorrsaid:"What'sthat?"sharplyandputhisheadtooneside.
    Isaid:"LouHarger'sinthemorgueandCanalesisdodgingcops.Otherwise
    we'reallhere.Alltheinterestedparties."
    MissGlennmadeanabruptmovement,thenrelaxedsuddenlyandpickedatthe
    armofherchair.
    Dorrtooktwoswallowsofhiscocktail,puttheglassasideandfoldedhis
    smallneathandsonthedesk.Hisfacelookedalittlesinister.
    "Themoney,"hesaidcoldly."I'lltakechargeofitnow."
    Isaid:"Notnoworanyothertime.Ididn'tbringit."
    Dorrstaredatmeandhisfacegotalittlered.IlookedatBeasley.
    Beasleyhadacigaretteinhismouthandhishandsinhispocketsandtheback
    ofhisheadagainstthebackofhischair.Helookedhalfasleep.
    Dorrsaidsoftly,meditatively:"Holdingout,huh?"
    "Yes,"Isaidgrimly."WhileIhaveitI'mfairlysafe.Youoverplayedyour
    handwhenyouletmegetmypawsonit.I'dbeafoolnottoholdwhatadvantage
    itgivesme."
    Dorrsaid:"Safe?"withagentlysinisterintonation.
    Ilaughed."Notsafefromaframe,"Isaid."Butthelastonedidn'tclick
    sowell...Notsafefrombeinggunwalkedagain.Butthat'sgoingtobeharder
    nexttimetoo...Butfairlysafefrombeingshotinthebackandhavingyousue
    myestateforthedough."
    Dorrstrokedthecatandlookedatmeunderhiseyebrows.
    "Let'sgetacoupleofmoreimportantthingsstraightenedout,"Isaid.
    "WhotakestherapforLouHarger?"
    "Whatmakesyousosureyoudon't?"Dorraskednastily.

    "Myalibi'sbeenpolishedup.Ididn'tknowhowgooditwasuntilIknew
    howcloseLou'sdeathcouldbetimed.I'mclearnow...regardlessofwhoturnsin
    whatgunwithwhatfairytale...Andtheladsthatweresenttoscotchmyalibi
    ranintosometrouble."
    Dorrsaid:"Thatso?"withoutanyapparentemotion.
    "AthugnamedAndrewsandaMexicancallinghimselfLuisCadena.Idaresay
    you'veheardofthem."
    "Idon'tknowsuchpeople,"Dorrsaidsharply.
    "Thenitwon'tupsetyoutohearAndrewsgotverydead,andthelawhas
    Cadena."
    "Certainlynot,"Dorrsaid."TheywerefromCanales.CanaleshadHarger
    killed."
    Isaid:"Sothat'syournewidea.Ithinkit'slousy."
    Ileanedoverandslippedmyemptyglassundermychair.MissGlennturned
    herheadtowardsmeandspokeverygravely,asifitwasveryimportanttothe
    futureoftheraceformetobelievewhatshesaid:"Ofcourse_ofcourse_
    CanaleshadLoukilled...Atleast,themenhesentafteruskilledLou."
    Inoddedpolitely."Whatfor?Apacketofmoneytheydidn'tget?They
    wouldn'thavekilledhim.They'dhavebroughthimin,broughtbothofyouin.
    Youarrangedforthatkill,andthetaxistuntwastosidetrackme,nottofool
    Canales'boys."
    Sheputherhandoutquickly.Hereyeswereshimmering.Iwentahead.
    "Iwasn'tverybright,butIdidn'tfigureonanythingsoflossy.Whothe
    hellwould?CanaleshadnomotivetogunLou,unlessitgotbackthemoneyhe
    hadbeengyppedoutof.Supposinghecouldknowthatquickhehadbeengypped."
    Dorrwaslickinghislipsandquiveringhischinsandlookingfromoneof
    ustotheotherwithhissmalltighteyes.MissGlennsaiddrearily:"Louknew
    allabouttheplay.Heplanneditwiththecroupier,Pina.Pinawantedsome
    getawaymoney,wantedtomoveontoHavana.OfcourseCanaleswouldhavegot
    wise,butnottoosoon,ifIhadn'tgotnoisyandtough.IgotLoukilledbut
    notthewayyoumean."
    IdroppedaninchofashoffacigaretteIhadforgottenallabout."All
    right,"Isaidgrimly."Canalestakestherap...AndIsupposeyoutwochiselers
    thinkthat'sallIcareabout...WherewasLougoingtobewhenCanaleswas
    supposedtofindouthe'dbeengypped?"

    "Hewasgoingtobegone,"MissGlennsaidtonelessly."Adamnlongway
    off.AndIwasgoingtobegonewithhim."
    Isaid:"Nerts!YouseemtoforgetIknowwhyLouwaskilled."
    Beasleysatupinhischairandmovedhisrighthandratherdelicately
    towardshisleftshoulder."Thiswiseguybotheryou,chief?"
    Dorrsaid:"Notyet.Lethimrant."
    ImovedsothatIfacedalittlemoretowardsBeasley.Theskyhadgone
    darkoutsideandthesprinklerhadbeenturnedoff.Adampfeelingcameslowly
    intotheroom.Dorropenedacedarwoodboxandputalongbrowncigarinhis
    mouth,bittheendoffwithadrysnapofhisfalseteeth.Therewastheharsh
    noiseofamatchstriking,thentheslow,ratherlaboredpuffingofhisbreath
    inthecigar.
    Hesaidslowly,throughacloudofsmoke:"Let'sforgetallthisandmakea
    dealaboutthatmoney...MannyTinnenhunghimselfinhiscellthisafternoon."
    MissGlennstoodupsuddenly,pushingherarmsstraightdownathersides.
    Thenshesankslowlydownintothechairagain,satmotionless.Isaid:"Didhe
    haveanyhelp?"ThenImadeasudden,sharpmovementandstopped.
    Beasleyjerkedaswiftglanceatme,butIwasn'tlookingatBeasley.There
    wasashadowoutsideoneofthewindowsalightershadowthanthedarklawnand
    darkertrees.Therewasahollow,bitter,coughingplop;athinsprayofwhitish
    smokeinthewindow.
    Beasleyjerked,rosehalfwaytohisfeet,thenfellonhisfacewithone
    armdoubledunderhim.
    Canalessteppedthroughthewindows,pastBeasley'sbody,camethreesteps
    further,andstoodsilent,withalong,black,smallcaliberedguninhishand,
    thelargertubeofasilencerflaringfromtheendofit.
    "Beverystill,"hesaid."Iamafairshotevenwiththiselephantgun."
    Hisfacewassowhitethatitwasalmostluminous.Hisdarkeyeswereall
    smokegrayiris,withoutpupils.
    "Soundcarrieswellatnight,outofopenwindows,"hesaidtonelessly.
    Dorrputbothhishandsdownonthedeskandbegantopatit.Theblackcat
    putitsbodyverylow,drifteddownovertheendofthedeskandwentundera
    chair.MissGlennturnedherheadtowardsCanalesveryslowly,asifsomekind
    ofmechanismmovedit.

    Canalessaid:"Perhapsyouhaveabuzzeronthatdesk.Ifthedoorofthe
    roomopens,Ishoot.Itwillgivemealotofpleasuretoseebloodcomeoutof
    yourfatneck."
    Imovedthefingersofmyrighthandtwoinchesonthearmofmychair.The
    silencedgunswayedtowardsmeandIstoppedmovingmyfingers.Canalessmiled
    verybrieflyunderhisangularmustache.
    "Youareasmartdick,"hesaid."IthoughtIhadyouright.Butthereare
    thingsaboutyouIlike."
    Ididn'tsayanything.CanaleslookedbackatDorr.Hesaidveryprecisely:
    "Ihavebeenbledbyyourorganizationforalongtime.Butthisissomething
    elseagain.LastnightIwascheatedoutofsomemoney.Butthisistrivialtoo.
    IamwantedforthemurderofthisHarger.AmannamedCadenahasbeenmadeto
    confessthatIhiredhim...Thatisjustalittletoomuchfix."
    Dorrswayedgentlyoverhisdesk,puthiselbowsdownhardonit,heldhis
    faceinhissmallhandsandbegantoshake.Hiscigarwassmokingonthefloor.
    Canalessaid:"Iwouldliketogetmymoneyback,andIwouldliketoget
    clearofthisrapbutmostofallIwouldlikeyoutosaysomethingsoIcan
    shootyouwithyourmouthopenandseebloodcomeoutofit."
    Beasley'sbodystirredonthecarpet.Hishandsgropedalittle.Dorr's
    eyeswereagonytryingnottolookathim.Canaleswasraptandblindinhisact
    bythistime.Imovedmyfingersalittlemoreonthearmofmychair.ButIhad
    alongwaytogo.
    Canalessaid:"Pinahastalkedtome.Isawtothat.YoukilledHarger.
    BecausehewasasecretwitnessagainstMannyTinnen.TheD.A.keptthesecret,
    andthedickherekeptit.ButHargercouldnotkeepithimself.Hetoldhis
    broadandthebroadtoldyou...Sothekillingwasarranged,inawaytothrow
    suspicionwithamotiveonme.Firstonthisdick,andifthatwouldn'thold,on
    me."
    Therewassilence.Iwantedtosaysomething,butIcouldn'tgetanything
    out.Ididn'tthinkanybodybutCanaleswouldeveragainsayanything.
    Canalessaid:"YoufixedPinatoletHargerandhisgirlwinmymoney.It
    wasnothardbecauseIdon'tplaymywheelscrooked."
    Dorrhadstoppedshaking.Hisfacelifted,stonewhite,andturnedtowards
    Canales,slowly,likethefaceofamanabouttohaveanepilepticfit.Beasley

    wasupononeelbow.Hiseyeswerealmostshutbutagunwaslaboringupwardsin
    hishand.
    Canalesleanedforwardandbegantosmile.Histriggerfingerwhitenedat
    theexactmomentBeasley'sgunbegantopulseandroar.
    Canalesarchedhisbackuntilhisbodywasarigidcurve.Hefellstiffly
    forward,hittheedgeofthedeskandslidalongittothefloor,without
    liftinghishands.
    Beasleydroppedhisgunandfelldownonhisfaceagain.Hisbodygotsoft
    andhisfingersmovedfitfully,thenwerestill.
    Igotmotionintomylegs,stoodupandwenttokickCanales'gununderthe
    desksenselessly.DoingthisIsawthatCanaleshadfiredatleastonce,
    becauseFrankDorrhadnorighteye.
    Hesatstillandquietwithhischinonhischestandanicetouchof
    melancholyonthegoodsideofhisface.
    Thedooroftheroomcameopenandthesecretarywiththenoseglassesslid
    inpopeyed.Hestaggeredbackagainstthedoor,closingitagain.Icouldhear
    hisrapidbreathingacrosstheroom.
    Hegasped:"Isisanythingwrong?"
    Ithoughtthatveryfunny,eventhen.ThenIrealizedthathemightbe
    shortsightedandfromwherehestoodFrankDorrlookednaturalenough.Therest
    ofitcouldhavebeenjustroutinetoDorr'shelp.
    Isaid:"Yesbutwe'lltakecareofit.Stayoutofhere."
    Hesaid:"Yes,sir,"andwentoutagain.Thatsurprisedmesomuchthatmy
    mouthfellopen.IwentdowntheroomandbentoverthegrayhairedBeasley.He
    wasunconscious,buthadafairpulse.Hewasbleedingfromtheside,slowly.
    MissGlennwasstandingupandlookedalmostasdopyasCanaleshadlooked.
    Shewastalkingtomequickly,inabrittle,verydistinctvoice:"Ididn'tknow
    Louwastobekilled,butIcouldn'thavedoneanythingaboutitanyway.They
    burnedmewithabrandingironjustforasampleofwhatI'dget.Look!"
    Ilooked.Shetoreherdressdowninfrontandtherewasahideousburnon
    herchestalmostbetweenhertwobreasts.
    Isaid:"Okey,sister.That'snastymedicine.Butwe'vegottohavesome
    lawherenowandanambulanceforBeasley."
    Ipushedpasthertowardsthetelephone,shookherhandoffmyarmwhenshe
    grabbedatme.Shewentontalkingtomybackinathin,desperatevoice.

    "Ithoughtthey'djustholdLououtofthewayuntilafterthetrial.But
    theydraggedhimoutofthecabandshothimwithoutaword.Thenthelittleone
    drovethetaxiintotownandthebigonebroughtmeupintothehillstoa
    shack.Dorrwasthere.Hetoldmehowyouhadtobeframed.Hepromisedmethe
    money,ifIwentthroughwithit,andtorturetillIdied,ifIletthemdown."
    ItoccurredtomethatIwasturningmybacktoomuchtopeople.Iswung
    around,gotthetelephoneinmyhands,stillonthehook,andputmygundownon
    thedesk.
    "Listen!Givemeabreak,"shesaidwildly."DorrframeditallwithPina,
    thecroupier.PinawasoneofthegangthatgotShannonwheretheycouldfix
    him.Ididn't"
    Isaid:"Surethat'sallright.Takeiteasy."
    Theroom,thewholehouseseemedverystill,asifalotofpeoplewere
    hunchedoutsidethedoor,listening.
    "Itwasn'tabadidea,"Isaid,asifIhadallthetimeintheworld."Lou
    wasjustawhitechiptoFrankDorr.Theplayhefiguredputusbothoutas
    witnesses.Butitwastooelaborate,tookintoomanypeople.Thatsortalways
    blowsupinyourface."
    "Louwasgettingoutofthestate,"shesaid,clutchingatherdress."He
    wasscared.Hethoughttheroulettetrickwassomekindofapayofftohim."
    Isaid:"Yeah,"liftedthephoneandaskedforpoliceheadquarters.
    Theroomdoorcameopenagainthenandthesecretarybargedinwithagun.
    Auniformedchauffeurwasbehindhimwithanothergun.
    Isaidveryloudlyintothephone:"ThisisFrankDorr'shouse.There's
    beenakilling.
    Thesecretaryandthechauffeurdodgedoutagain.Iheardrunninginthe
    hall.Iclickedthephone,calledthe_Telegram_officeandgotVonBallin.When
    IgotthroughgivinghimtheflashMissGlennwasgoneoutofthewindowinto
    thedarkgarden.
    Ididn'tgoafterher.Ididn'tmindverymuchifshegotaway.
    ItriedtogetOhls,buttheysaidhewasstilldownatSolano.Andbythat
    timethenightwasfullofsirens.
    ***

    Ihadalittletroublebutnottoomuch.Fenweatherpulledtoomuchweight.
    Notallofthestorycameout,butenoughsothattheCityHallboysinthetwo
    hundreddollarsuitshadtheirleftelbowsinfrontoftheirfacesforsome
    time.
    PinawaspickedupinSaltLakeCity.Hebrokeandimplicatedfourothers
    ofMannyTinnen'sgang.Twoofthemwerekilledresistingarrest,theothertwo
    gotlifewithoutparole.
    MissGlennmadeacleangetawayandwasneverheardofagain.Ithink
    that'saboutall,exceptthatIhadtoturnthetwentytwograndovertothe
    PublicAdministrator.Heallowedmetwohundreddollarsfeeandninedollarsand
    twentycentsmileage.SometimesIwonderwhathedidwiththerestofit.

    KILLERINTHERAIN

    WeweresittinginaroomattheBerglund.Iwasonthesideofthebed,and
    Dravecwasintheeasychair.Itwasmyroom.
    Rainbeatveryhardagainstthewindows.Theywereshuttightanditwas
    hotintheroomandIhadalittlefangoingonthetable.Thebreezefromit
    hitDravec'sfacehighup,liftedhisheavyblackhair,movedthelonger
    bristlesinthefatpathofeyebrowthatwentacrosshisfaceinasolidline.
    Helookedlikeabouncerwhohadcomeintomoney.
    Heshowedmesomeofhisgoldteethandsaid:"Whatyougotonme?"
    Hesaiditimportantly,asifanyonewhoknewanythingwouldknowquitea
    lotabouthim.
    "Nothing,"Isaid,"You'reclean,asfarasIknow."
    Heliftedalargehairyhandandstaredatitsolidlyforaminute.
    "Youdon'tgetme.AfellernamedM'Geesentmehere.VioletsM'Gee."
    "Fine.HowisVioletsthesedays?"VioletsM'Geewasahomicidedickinthe
    sheriff'soffice.

    Helookedathislargehandandfrowned."Noyoustilldon'tgetit.Igot
    ajobforyou."
    "Idon'tgooutmuchanymore,"Isaid."I'mgettingkindoffrail."
    Helookedaroundtheroomcarefully,bluffingabit,likeamannot
    naturallyobservant.
    "Maybeit'smoney,"hesaid.
    "Maybeitis,"Isaid.
    Hehadabeltedsuederaincoaton.Hetoreitopencarelesslyandgotouta
    walletthatwasnotquiteasbigasabaleofhay.Currencystuckoutofitat
    carelessangles.Whenheslappeditdownonhiskneeitmadeafatsoundthat
    waspleasanttotheear.Heshookmoneyoutofit,selectedafewbillsfromthe
    bunch,stuffedtherestback,droppedthewalletonthefloorandletitlie,
    arrangedfivecenturynoteslikealightpokerhandandputthemunderthebase
    ofthefanonthetable.
    Thatwasalotofwork.Itmadehimgrunt.
    "Igotlotsofsugar,"hesaid.
    "SoIsee.WhatdoIdoforthat,ifIgetit?"
    "Youknowmenow,huh?"
    "Alittlebetter."
    Igotanenvelopeoutofaninsidepocketandreadtohimaloudfromsome
    scribblingontheback.
    "Dravec,AntonorTony.FormerPittsburghsteelworker,truckguard,all
    roundmusclestiff.Madeawrongpassandgotshutup.Lefttown,cameWest.
    WorkedonanavocadoranchatElSeguro.Cameupwitharanchofhisown.Sat
    rightonthedomewhentheElSegurooilboomburst.Gotrich.Lostalotofit
    buyingintootherpeople'sdusters.Stillhasenough.Serbianbybirth,six
    feet,twohundredandforty,onedaughter,neverknowntohavehadawife.No
    policerecordofanyconsequence.NoneatallsincePittsburgh."
    Ilitapipe.
    "Jeeze,"hesaid."Whereyoupromoteallthat?"
    "Connections.What'stheangle?"
    Hepickedthewalletoffthefloorandmousedaroundinsideitwitha
    coupleofsquarefingersforawhile,withhistonguestickingoutbetweenhis
    thicklips.Hefinallygotoutaslimbrowncardandsomecrumpledslipsof
    paper.Hepushedthematme.

    Thecardwasingolftype,verydelicatelydone.Itsaid:"Mr.Harold
    HardwickeSteiner,"andverysmallinthecorner,"RareBooksandDeLuxe
    Editions."Noaddressorphonenumber.
    Thewhiteslips,threeinnumber,weresimpleIOU'sforathousanddollars
    each,signed:"CarmenDravec"inasprawling,moronichandwriting.
    Igaveitallbacktohimandsaid:"Blackmail?"
    Heshookhisheadslowlyandsomethinggentlecameintohisfacethat
    hadn'tbeentherebefore.
    "It'smylittlegirlCarmen.ThisSteiner,hebothersher.Shegoestohis
    jointallthetime,makeswhoopee.Hemakeslovetoher,Iguess.Idon'tlike
    it."
    Inodded."Howaboutthenotes?"
    "Idon'tcarenothin'aboutthedough.Sheplaysgameswithhim.Thehell
    withthat.She'swhatyoucallmancrazy.YougotellthisSteinertolayoff
    Carmen.Ibreakhisneckwithmyhands.See?"
    Allthisinarush,withdeepbreathing.Hiseyesgotsmallandround,and
    furious.Histeethalmostchattered.
    Isaid:"Whyhavemetellhim?Whynottellhimyourself?"
    "MaybeIgetmadandkillthe!"heyelled.
    Ipickedamatchoutofmypocketandproddedthelooseashinthebowlof
    mypipe.Ilookedathimcarefullyforamoment,gettingholdofanidea.
    "Nerts,you'rescaredto,"Itoldhim.
    Bothfistscameup.Heheldthemshoulderhighandshookthem,greatknots
    ofboneandmuscle.Heloweredthemslowly,heavedadeephonestsigh,andsaid:
    "Yeah.I'mscaredto.Idunnohowtohandleher.Allthetimesomenewguyand
    allthetimeapunk.AwhilebackIgaveaguycalledJoeMartyfivegrandto
    layoffher.She'sstillmadatme."
    Istaredatthewindow,watchedtherainhitit,flattenout,andslide
    downinathickwave,likedmeltedgelatin.Itwastooearlyinthefallfor
    thatkindofrain.
    "Givingthemsugardoesn'tgetyouanywhere,"Isaid."Youcouldbedoing
    thatallyourlife.Soyoufigureyou'dliketohavemegetroughwiththisone,
    Steiner."
    "TellhimIbreakhisneck!"

    "Iwouldn'tbother,"Isaid."IknowSteiner.I'dbreakhisneckforyou
    myself,ifitwoulddoanygood."
    Heleanedforwardandgrabbedmyhand.Hiseyesgotchildish.Agraytear
    floatedineachofthem.
    "Listen,M'Geesaysyou'reagoodguy.ItellyousomethingIain'ttold
    nobodyever.Carmenshe'snotmykidatall.IjustpickedherupinSmoky,a
    littlebabyinthestreet.Shedidn'thavenobody.IguessmaybeIstealher,
    huh?"
    "Soundslikeit,"Isaid,andhadtofighttogetmyhandloose.Irubbed
    feelingbackintoitwiththeotherone.Themanhadagripthatwouldcracka
    telephonepole.
    "Igostraightthen,"hesaidgrimly,andyettenderly."Icomeouthere
    andmakegood,Shegrowsup.Iloveher."
    Isaid:"Uhhuh.That'snatural."
    "Youdon'tgetme.Iwantamarryher."
    Istaredathim.
    "Shegetsolder,getsomesense.Maybeshemarryme,huh?"Hisvoice
    imploredme,asifIhadthesettlingofthat.
    "Everaskher?"
    "I'mscaredto,"hesaidhumbly.
    "ShesoftonSteiner,doyouthink?"
    Henodded."Butthatdon'tmeannothin'."
    Icouldbelievethat.Igotoffthebed,threwawindowupandlettherain
    hitmyfaceforaminute.
    "Let'sgetthisstraight,"Isaid,loweringthewindowagainandgoingback
    tothebed."IcantakeSteineroffyourback.That'seasy.Ijustdon'tsee
    whatitbuysyou."
    Hegrabbedformyhandagain,butIwasalittletooquickforhimthis
    time.
    "Youcameinherealittletough,flashingyourwad,"Isaid."You'regoing
    outsoft.NotfromanythingI'vesaid.Youknewitalready.I'mnotDorothyDix,
    andI'monlypartlyaprune.ButI'lltakeSteineroffyou,ifyoureallywant
    that."
    Hestoodupclumsily,swunghishatandstareddownatmyfeet.
    "Youtakehimoffmyback,likeyousaid.Heain'thersort,anyway."

    "Itmighthurtyourbackalittle."
    "That'sokay.That'swhatit'sfor,"hesaid.
    Hebuttonedhimselfup,dumpedhishatonhisbigshaggyhead,androlled
    onout.Heshutthedoorcarefully,asifhewasgoingoutofasickroom.
    Ithoughthewasascrazyasapairofwaltzingmice,butIlikedhim.
    Iputhisgoldbacksinasafeplace,mixedmyselfalongdrink,andsat
    downinthechairthatwasstillwarmfromhim.
    WhileIplayedwiththedrinkIwonderedifhehadanyideawhatSteiner's
    racketwas.
    Steinerhadacollectionofrareandhalfraresmutbookswhichheloaned
    outashighastendollarsadaytotherightpeople.

    Itrainedallthenextday.LateintheafternoonIsatparkedinablue
    Chryslerroadster,diagonallyacrosstheBoulevardfromanarrowstorefront,
    overwhichagreenneonsigninscriptletterssaid:"H.H.Steiner."
    Therainsplashedkneehighoffthesidewalks,filledthegutters,andbig
    copsinslickersthatshonelikegunbarrelshadalotoffuncarryinglittle
    girlsinsilkstockingsandcutelittlerubberbootsacrossthebadplaces,with
    alotofsqueezing.
    TheraindrummedonthehoodoftheChrysler,beatandtoreatthetaut
    materialofthetop,leakedinatthebuttonedplaces,andmadeapoolonthe
    floorboardsformetokeepmyfeetin.
    IhadabigflaskofScotchwithme.Iuseditoftenenoughtokeep
    interested.
    Steinerdidbusiness,eveninthatweather;perhapsespeciallyinthat
    weather.Verynicecarsstoppedinfrontofhisstore,andverynicepeople
    dodgedin,thendodgedoutagainwithwrappedparcelsundertheirarms.Of
    coursetheycouldhavebeenbuyingrarebooksanddeluxeeditions.
    Atfivethirtyapimplyfacedkidinaleatherwindbreakercameoutofthe
    storeandslopedupthesidestreetatafasttrot.Hecamebackwithaneat
    creamandgraycoupe.Steinercameoutandgotintothecoupe.Heworeadark

    greenleatherraincoat,acigaretteinanamberholder,nohat.Icouldn'tsee
    hisglasseyeatthatdistancebutIknewhehadone.Thekidinthewindbreaker
    heldanumbrellaoverhimacrossthesidewalk,thenshutitupandhandedit
    intothecoupe.
    SteinerdrovewestontheBoulevard.IdrovewestontheBoulevard.Past
    thebusinessdistrict,atPepperCanyon,heturnednorth,andItailedhim
    easilyfromablockback.Iwasprettysurehewasgoinghome,whichwas
    natural.
    HeleftPepperDriveandtookacurvingribbonofwetcementcalledLa
    VerneTerrace,climbedupitalmosttothetop.Itwasanarrowroadwithahigh
    bankononesideandafewwellspacedcabinlikehousesbuiltdownthesteep
    slopeontheotherside.Theirroofswerenotmuchaboveroadlevel.Thefront
    ofthemweremaskedbyshrubs.Soddentreesdrippedalloverthelandscape.
    Steiner'shideawayhadasquareboxhedgeinfrontofit,morethanwindow
    high.Theentrancewasasortofmaze,andthehousedoorwasnotvisiblefrom
    theroad.Steinerputhisgrayandcreamcoupeinasmallgarage,lockedup,
    wentthroughthemazewithhisumbrellaup,andlightwentoninthehouse.
    WhilehewasdoingthisIhadpassedhimandgonetothetopofthehill.I
    turnedaroundthereandwentbackandparkedinfrontofthenexthouseabove
    his.Itseemedtobecloseduporempty,buthadnosignsonit.Iwentintoa
    conferencewithmyflaskofScotch,andthenjustsat.
    Atsixfifteenlightsbobbedupthehill.Itwasquitedarkbythen.Acar
    stoppedinfrontofSteiner'shedge.Aslim,tallgirlinaslickergotoutof
    it.Enoughlightfilteredoutthroughthehedgeformetoseethatshewasdark
    hairedandpossiblypretty.Voicesdriftedontherainandadoorshut.Igot
    outoftheChryslerandstrolleddownthehill,putapencilflashintothecar.
    ItwasadarkmaroonorbrownPackardconvertible.ItslicencereadtoCarmen
    Dravec,3596LucerneAvenue.Iwentbacktomyheap.Asolid,slowmovinghour
    crawledby.Nomorecarscameupordownthehill.Itseemedtobeaveryquiet
    neighborhood.ThenasingleflashofhardwhitelightleakedoutofSteiner's
    house,likeaflashofsummerlightning.Asthedarknessfellagainathin
    tinklingscreamtrickleddownthedarknessandechoedfaintlyamongthewet
    trees.IwasoutoftheChryslerandonmywaybeforethelastechoofitdied.
    Therewasnofearinthescream.Itheldthenoteofahalfpleasurable
    shock,anaccentofdrunkenness,andatouchofpureidiocy.

    TheSteinermansionwasperfectlysilentwhenIhitthegapinthehedge,
    dodgedaroundtheelbowthatmaskedthefrontdoor,andputmyhanduptobang
    onthedoor.
    Atthatexactmoment,asifsomebodyhadbeenwaitingforit,threeshots
    racketedclosetogetherbehindthedoor.Afterthattherewasalong,harsh
    sigh,asoftthump,rapidsteps,goingawayintothebackofthehouse.
    Iwastedtimehittingthedoorwithmyshoulder,withoutenoughstart.It
    threwmebacklikeakickfromanarmymule.
    Thedoorfrontedonanarrowrunway,likeasmallbridgethatledfromthe
    bankedroad.Therewasnosideporch,nowaytogetatthewindowsinahurry.
    Therewasnowayaroundtothebackexceptthroughthehouseorupalongflight
    ofwoodenstepsthatwentuptothebackdoorfromthealleylikestreetbelow.
    OnthesestepsInowheardaclatteroffeet.
    ThatgavemetheimpulseandIhitthedooragain,fromthefeetup.It
    gaveatthelockandIpitcheddowntwostepsintoabig,dim,clutteredroom.I
    didn'tseemuchofwhatwasintheroomthen.Iwanderedthroughtothebackof
    thehouse.
    Iwasprettysuretherewasdeathinit.
    AcarthrobbedinthestreetbelowasIreachedthebackporch.Thecar
    wentawayfast,withoutlights.Thatwasthat.Iwentbacktothelivingroom.

    Thatroomreachedallthewayacrossthefrontofthehouseandhadalow,
    beamedceiling,wallspaintedbrown.Stripsoftapestryhungallaroundthe
    walls.Booksfilledlowshelves.Therewasathick,pinkishrugonwhichsome
    lightfellfromtwostandinglampswithpalegreenshades.Inthemiddleofthe
    rugtherewasabig,lowdeskandablackchairwithayellowsatincushionat
    it.Therewerebooksalloverthedesk.
    Onasortofdaisnearoneendwalltherewasateakwoodchairwitharms
    andahighback.Adarkhairedgirlwassittinginthechair,onafringedred
    shawl.

    Shesatverystraight,withherhandsonthearmsofthechair,herknees
    closetogether,herbodystifflyerect,herchinlevel.Hereyeswerewideopen
    andmadandhadnopupils.
    Shelookedunconsciousofwhatwasgoingon,butshedidn'thavethepose
    ofunconsciousness.Shehadaposeasifshewasdoingsomethingveryimportant
    andmakingalotofit.
    Outofhermouthcameatinnychucklingnoise,whichdidn'tchangeher
    expressionormoveherlips.Shedidn'tseemtoseemeatall.
    Shewaswearingapairoflongjadeearrings,andapartfromthoseshewas
    starknaked.
    Ilookedawayfromhertotheotherendoftheroom.
    Steinerwasonhisbackonthefloor,justbeyondtheedgeofthepinkrug,
    andinfrontofathingthatlookedlikeasmalltotempole.Ithadaroundopen
    mouthinwhichthelensofacamerashowed.Thelensseemedtobeaimedatthe
    girlintheteakwoodchair.
    TherewasaflashbulbapparatusonthefloorbesideSteiner'soutflunghand
    inaloosesilksleeve.Thecordoftheflashbulbwentbehindthetotempole
    thing.
    SteinerwaswearingChineseslipperswiththickwhitefeltsoles.Hislegs
    wereinblacksatinpajamasandtheupperpartofhiminanembroideredChinese
    coat.Thefrontofitwasmostlyblood.Hisglasseyeshonebrightlyandwasthe
    mostlifelikethingabouthim.Ataglancenoneofthethreeshotshadmissed.
    TheflashbulbwasthesheetlightningIhadseenleakoutofthehouseand
    thehalfgigglingscreamwasthedopedandnakedgirl'sreactiontothat.The
    threeshotshadbeensomebodyelse'sideaofhowtheproceedingsoughttobe
    punctuated.Presumablytheideaoftheladwhohadgoneveryfastdowntheback
    steps.
    Icouldseesomethinginhispointofview.AtthatstageIthoughtitwas
    agoodideatoshutthefrontdoorandfastenitwiththeshortchainthatwas
    onit.Thelockhadbeenspoiledbymyviolententrance.
    Acoupleofthinpurpleglassesstoodonaredlacquertrayononeendof
    thedesk.Alsoapotbelliedflagonofsomethingbrown.Theglassessmelledof
    etherandlaudanum,amixtureIhadnevertried,butitseemedtofitthescene
    prettywell.

    Ifoundthegirl'sclothesonadivaninthecorner,pickedupabrown
    sleeveddresstobeginwith,andwentovertoher.Shesmelledofetheralso,at
    adistanceofseveralfeet.
    Thetinnychucklingwasstillgoingonandalittlefrothwasoozingdown
    herchin.Islappedherface,notveryhard.Ididn'twanttobringheroutof
    whateverkindoftranceshewasin,intoascreamingfit.
    "Comeon,"Isaidbrightly."Let'sbenice.Let'sgetdressed."
    Shesaid:"Gggotahell,"withoutanyemotionthatIcouldnotice.
    Islappedheralittlemore.Shedidn'tmindtheslaps,soIwenttowork
    gettingthedressonher.
    Shedidn'tmindthedresseither.Sheletmeholdherarmsupbutshe
    spreadherfingerswide,asifthatwasverycute.Itmademedoalotof
    finaglingwiththesleeves.Ifinallygotthedresson.Igotherstockingson,
    andhershoes,andthengotheruponherfeet.
    "Let'stakealittlewalk,"Isaid."Let'stakeanicelittlewalk."
    Wewalked.Partofthetimeherearringsbangedagainstmychestandpart
    ofthetimewelookedlikeacoupleofadagiodancersdoingthesplits.We
    walkedovertoSteiner'sbodyandback.Shedidn'tpayanyattentiontoSteiner
    andhisbrightglasseye.
    Shefounditamusingthatshecouldn'twalkandtriedtotellmeaboutit,
    butonlybubbled.IputherarmonthedivanwhileIwaddedherunderclothesup
    andshovedthemintoadeeppocketofmyraincoat,putherhandbaginmyother
    deeppocket.IwentthroughSteiner'sdeskandfoundalittlebluenotebook
    writtenincodethatlookedinteresting.Iputthatinmypocket,too.
    ThenItriedtogetatthebackofthecamerainthetotempole,togetthe
    plate,butcouldn'tfindthecatchrightaway.Iwasgettingnervous,andI
    figuredIcouldbuildupabetterexcuseifIranintothelawwhenIcameback
    latertolookforitthanforanyreasonIcouldgiveifcaughttherenow.
    Iwentbacktothegirlandgotherslickeronher,nosedaroundtoseeif
    anythingelseofherswasthere,wipedawayalotoffingerprintsIprobably
    hadn'tmade,andatleastsomeofthoseMissDravecmusthavemade.Iopenedthe
    doorandputoutboththelamps.

    Igotmyleftarmaroundheragainandwestruggledoutintotherainand
    piledintoherPackard.Ididn'tlikeleavingmyownbusthereverywell,but
    thathadtobe.Herkeyswereinhercar.Wedriftedoffdownthehill.
    NothinghappenedonthewaytoLucerneAvenueexceptthatCarmenstopped
    bubblingandgigglingandwenttosnoring.Icouldn'tkeepherheadoffmy
    shoulder.ItwasallIcoulddotokeepitoutofmylap.Ihadtodriverather
    slowlyanditwasalongwayanyhow,clearovertothewestedgeofthecity.
    TheDravechomewasalargeoldfashionedbrickhouseinlargegroundswith
    awallaroundthem.Agraycompositiondrivewaywentthroughirongatesandupa
    slopepastflowerbedsandlawnstoabigfrontdoorwithnarrowleadedpanels
    oneachsideofit.Therewasdimlightbehindthepanelsasifnobodymuchwas
    home.
    IpushedCarmen'sheadintothecornerandshedherbelongingsintheseat,
    andgotout.
    Amaidopenedthedoor.ShesaidMr.Dravecwasn'tinandshedidn'tknow
    wherehewas.Downtownsomewhere.Shehadalong,yellowish,gentleface,along
    nose,nochinandlargeweteyes.Shelookedlikeaniceoldhorsethathadbeen
    turnedouttopastureafterlongservice,andasifshewoulddotherightthing
    byCarmen.
    IpointedintothePackardandgrowled:"Bettergethertobed.She'slucky
    wedon'tthrowherinthecandrivin'aroundwithatoollikethatonher."
    ShesmiledsadlyandIwentaway.
    Ihadtowalkfiveblocksintherainbeforeanarrowapartmenthouselet
    meintoitslobbytouseaphone.ThenIhadtowaitanothertwentyfiveminutes
    forataxi.WhileIwaitedIbegantoworryaboutwhatIhadn'tcompleted.
    IhadyettogettheusedplateoutofSteiner'scamera.

    IpaidthetaxioffonPepperDrive,infrontofahousewheretherewas
    company,andwalkedbackupthecurvinghillofLaVerneTerracetoSteiner's
    housebehinditsshrubbery.

    Nothinglookedanydifferent.Iwentinthroughthegapinthehedge,
    pushedthedooropengently,andsmelledcigarettesmoke.
    Ithadn'tbeentherebefore.Therehadbeenacomplicatedsetofsmells,
    includingthesharpmemoryofsmokelesspowder.Butcigarettesmokehadn'tstood
    outfromthemixture.
    Iclosedthedoorandslippeddownononekneeandlistened,holdingmy
    breath.Ididn'thearanythingbutthesoundoftherainontheroof.Itried
    throwingthebeamofmypencilflashalongthefloor.Nobodyshotatme.
    Istraightenedup,foundthedanglingtasselofoneofthelampsandmade
    lightintheroom.
    ThefirstthingInoticedwasthatacoupleofstripsoftapestryweregone
    fromthewall.Ihadn'tcountedthem,butthespaceswheretheyhadhungcaught
    myeye.
    ThenIsawSteiner'sbodywasgonefrominfrontofthetotempolething
    withthecameraeyeinitsmouth.Onthefloorbelow,beyondthemarginofthe
    pinkrug,somebodyhadspreaddownarugovertheplacewhereSteiner'sbodyhad
    been.Ididn'thavetolifttherugtoknowwhyithadbeenputthere.
    Ilitacigaretteandstoodthereinthemiddleofthedimlylightedroom
    andthoughtaboutit.AfterawhileIwenttothecamerainthetotempole.I
    foundthecatchthistime.Therewasn'tanyplateholderinthecamera.
    MyhandwenttowardsthemulberrycoloredphoneonSteiner'slowdesk,but
    didn'ttakeholdofit.
    Icrossedintothelittlehallwaybeyondthelivingroomandpokedintoa
    fussylookingbedroomthatlookedlikeawoman'sroommorethanaman's.Thebed
    hadalongcoverwithaflouncededge.Iliftedthatandshotmyflashunderthe
    bed.
    Steinerwasn'tunderthebed.Hewasn'tanywhereinthehouse.Somebodyhad
    takenhimaway.Hecouldn'tverywellhavegonebyhimself.
    Itwasn'tthelaw,orsomebodywouldhavebeentherestill.Itwasonlyan
    hourandahalfsinceCarmenandIlefttheplace.Andtherewasnoneofthe
    messpolicephotographersandfingerprintmenwouldhavemade.
    Iwentbacktothelivingroom,pushedtheflashbulbapparatusaroundthe
    backofthetotempolewithmyfoot,switchedoffthelamp,leftthehouse,got
    intomyrainsoakedcarandchokedittolife.

    ItwasallrightwithmeifsomebodywantedtokeeptheSteinerkillhush
    hushforawhile.ItgavemeachancetofindoutwhetherIcouldtellit
    leavingCarmenDravecandthenudephotoangleout.
    ItwasaftertenwhenIgotbacktotheBerglundandputmyheapawayand
    wentupstairstotheapartment.Istoodunderashower,thenputpajamasonand
    mixedupabatchofhotgrog.Ilookedatthephoneacoupleoftimes,thought
    aboutcallingtoseeifDravecwashomeyet,thoughtitmightbeagoodideato
    lethimaloneuntilthenextday.
    IfilledapipeandsatdownwithmyhotgrogandSteiner'slittleblue
    notebook.Itwasincode,butthearrangementoftheentriesandtheindented
    leavesmadeitalistofnamesandaddresses.Therewereoverfourhundredand
    fiftyofthem.IfthiswasSteiner'ssuckerlist,hehadagoldminequite
    apartfromtheblackmailangles.
    Anynameonthelistmightbeaprospectasthekiller.Ididn'tenvythe
    copstheirjobwhenitwashandedtothem.
    Idranktoomuchwhiskytryingtocrackthecode.AboutmidnightIwentto
    bed,anddreamedaboutamaninaChinesecoatwithbloodalloverthefrontwho
    chasedanakedgirlwithlongjadeearringswhileItriedtophotographthe
    scenewithacamerathatdidn'thaveanyplateinit.

    VioletsM'Geecalledmeupinthemorning,beforeIwasdressed,butafterIhad
    seenthepaperandnotfoundanythingaboutSteinerinit.Hisvoicehadthe
    cheerfulsoundofamanwhohadsleptwellanddidn'towetoomuchmoney.
    "Well,how'stheboy?"hebegan.
    IsaidIwasallrightexceptthatIwashavingalittletroublewithmy
    ThirdReader.Helaughedalittleabsently,andthenhisvoicegottoocasual.
    "ThisguyDravecthatIsentovertoseeyoudoneanythingforhimyet?"
    "Toomuchrain,"Ianswered,ifthatwasananswer.
    "Uhhuh.Heseemstobeaguythatthingshappento.Acarbelongin'tohim
    iswashin'aboutinthesurfoffLidofishpier."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Iheldthetelephoneverytightly.

    "Yeah,"M'Geewentoncheerfully."AnicenewCadallmessedupwithsand
    andseawater...Oh,Iforgot.There'saguyinsideit."
    Iletmybreathoutslowly,veryslowly."Dravec?"Iwhispered.
    "Naw.Ayoungkid.Iain'ttoldDravecyet.It'sunderthefedora.Wanta
    rundownandlookatitwithme?"
    IsaidIwouldliketodothat.
    "Snapitup.I'llbeinmyhutch,"M'Geetoldmeandhungup.
    Shaved,dressedandlightlybreakfastedIwasattheCountyBuildingin
    halfanhourorso.IfoundM'Geestaringatayellowwallandsittingata
    littleyellowdeskonwhichtherewasnothingbutM'Gee'shatandoneofthe
    M'Geefeet.Hetookbothofthemoffthedeskandwewentdowntotheofficial
    parkinglotandgotintoasmallblacksedan.
    Therainhadstoppedduringthenightandthemorningwasallblueand
    gold.Therewasenoughsnapintheairtomakelifesimpleandsweet,ifyou
    didn'thavetoomuchonyourmind.Ihad.
    ItwasthirtymilestoLido,thefirsttenofthemthroughcitytraffic.
    M'Geemadeitinthreequartersofanhour.Attheendofthattimeweskidded
    toastopinfrontofastuccoarchbeyondwhichalongblackpierextended.I
    tookmyfeetoutofthefloorboardsandwegotout.
    Therewereafewcarsandpeopleinfrontofthearch.Amotorcycleofficer
    waskeepingthepeopleoffthepier.M'Geeshowedhimabronzestarandwewent
    outalongthepier,intoaloudsmellthateventwodays'rainhadfailedto
    washaway.
    "Theresheisonthetug,"M'Geesaid.
    Alowblacktugcrouchedofftheendofthepier.Somethinglargeandgreen
    andnickeledwasonitsdeckinfrontofthewheelhouse.Menstoodaroundit.
    Wewentdownslimystepstothedeckofthetug.
    M'Geesaidhellotoadeputyingreenkhakiandanothermaninplain
    clothes.Thetugcrewofthreemovedovertothewheelhouse,andsettheirbacks
    againstit,watchingus.
    Welookedatthecar.Thefrontbumperwasbent,andoneheadlightandthe
    radiatorshell.Thepaintandthenickelwerescratchedupbysandandthe
    upholsterywassoddenandblack.Otherwisethecarwasn'tmuchtheworsefor
    wear.Itwasabigjobintwotonesofgreen,withawinecoloredstripeand
    trimming.

    M'GeeandIlookedintothefrontpartofit.Aslim,darkhairedkidwho
    hadbeengoodlookingwasdrapedaroundthesteeringpost,withhisheadata
    peculiarangletotherestofhisbody.Hisfacewasbluishwhite.Hiseyeswere
    afaintdullgleamundertheloweredlids.Hisopenmouthhadsandinit.There
    weretracesofbloodonthesideofhisheadwhichtheseawaterhadn'tquite
    washedaway.
    M'Geebackedawayslowly,madeanoiseinhisthroatandbegantochewona
    coupleofthevioletscentedbreathpurifiersthatgavehimhisnickname.
    "What'sthestory?"heaskedquietly.
    Theuniformeddeputypointeduptotheendofthepier.Dirtywhite
    railingsmadeoftwobyfourshadbeenbrokenthroughinawidespaceandthe
    brokenwoodshowedupyellowandbright.
    "Wentthroughthere.Musthavehitprettyhard,too.Therainstoppedearly
    downhere,aboutnine,andthebrokenwoodisdryinside.Thatputsitafterthe
    rainstopped.That'sallweknowexceptshefellinplentyofwaternottobe
    bangedupworse:atleasthalftide,I'dsay.Thatwouldberightaftertherain
    stopped.Sheshowedunderthewaterwhentheboyscamedowntofishthis
    morning.Wegotthetugtoliftherout.Thenwefindthedeadguy."
    Theotherdeputyscuffedatthedeckwiththetoeofhisshoe.M'Geelooked
    sidewaysatmewithfoxylittleeyes.Ilookedblankanddidn'tsayanything.
    "Prettydrunkthatlad,"M'Geesaidgently."Showin'offallaloneinthe
    rain.Iguesshemusthavebeenfondofdriving.Yeahprettydrunk."
    "Drunk,hell,"theplainclothesdeputysaid."Thehandthrottle'sset
    halfwaydownandtheguy'sbeensappedonthesideofthehead.AskmeandI'll
    callitmurder."
    M'Geelookedathimpolitely,thenattheuniformedman."Whatyouthink?"
    "Itcouldbesuicide,Iguess.Hisneck'sbrokeandhecouldhavehurthis
    headinthefall.Andhishandcouldhaveknockedthethrottledown.Ikindof
    likemurdermyself,though."
    M'Geenodded,said:"Friskedhim?Knowwhoheis?"
    Thetwodeputieslookedatme,thenatthetugcrew.
    "Okay.Savethatpart,"M'Geesaid."Iknowwhoheis."
    Asmallmanwithglassesandatiredfaceandablackbagcameslowlyalong
    thepieranddowntheslimysteps.Hepickedoutafairlycleanplaceonthe

    deckandputhisbagdown.Hetookhishatoffandrubbedthebackofhisneck
    andsmiledwearily.
    'Lo,Doc.There'syourpatient,"M'Geetoldhim."Tookadiveoffthepier
    lastnight.That'sallweknownow."
    Themedicalexaminerlookedinatthedeadmanmorosely.Hefingeredthe
    head,moveditaroundalittle,felttheman'sribs.Heliftedonelaxhandand
    staredatthefingernails.Heletitfall,steppedbackandpickedhisbagup
    again.
    "Abouttwelvehours,"hesaid."Brokenneck,ofcourse.Idoubtifthere's
    anywaterinhim.Bettergethimoutoftherebeforehestartstogetstiffon
    us.I'lltellyoutherestwhenIgethimonatable."
    Henoddedaround,wentbackupthestepsandalongthepier.Anambulance
    wasbackingintopositionbesidethestuccoarchatthepierhead.
    Thetwodeputiesgruntedandtuggedtogetthedeadmanoutofthecarand
    layhimdownonthedeck,onthesideofthecarawayfromthebeach.
    "Let'sgo,"M'Geetoldme."Thatendsthispartoftheshow."Wesaid
    goodbyeandM'Geetoldthedeputiestokeeptheirchinsbuttoneduntilthey
    heardfromhim.Wewentbackalongthepierandgotintothesmallblacksedan
    anddrovebacktowardsthecityalongawhitehighwaywashedcleanbytherain,
    pastlowrollinghillsofyellowwhitesandterracedwithmoss.Afewgulls
    wheeledandswoopedoversomethinginthesurf.Farouttoseaacoupleofwhite
    yachtsonthehorizonlookedasiftheyweresuspendedinthesky.
    Welaidafewmilesbehinduswithoutsayinganythingtoeachother.Then
    M'Geecockedhischinatmeandsaid:"Gotideas?"
    "Loosenup,"Isaid."Ineversawtheguybefore.Whoishe?"
    "Hell,Ithoughtyouweregoingtotellmeaboutit."
    "Loosenup,Violets,"Isaid.
    Hegrowled,shrugged,andwenearlywentofftheroadintotheloosesand.
    "Dravec'schauffeur.AkidnamedCarlOwen.HowdoIknow?Wehadhimin
    thecoolerayearagoonaMannActrap.HerunDravec'shotchadaughteroffto
    Yuma.Dravecwentafterthemandbroughtthembackandhadtheguyheavedinthe
    goldfishbowl.Thenthegirlgetstohim,andnextmorningtheoldmansteams
    downtownandbegstheguyoff.Saysthekidmeanttomarryher,onlyshe
    wouldn't.Then,byheck,thekidgoesbacktoworkforhimandbeenthereever
    since.Whatyouthinkofthat?"

    "ItsoundsjustlikeDravec,"Isaid.
    "Yeahbutthekidcouldhavehadarelapse."
    M'Geehadsilveryhairandaknobbychinandalittlepoutingmouthmadeto
    kissbabieswith.Ilookedathisfacesideways,andsuddenlyIgothisidea.I
    laughed.
    "YouthinkmaybeDraveckilledhim?"Iasked.
    "Whynot?ThekidmakesanotherpassatthegirlandDraveccracksdownat
    himtoohard.He'sabigguyandcouldbreakaneckeasy.Thenhe'sscared.He
    runsthecardowntoLidointherainandletsitslideofftheendofthepier.
    Thinksitwon'tshow.Maybedon'tthinkatall.Justrattled."
    "It'sakickinthepants,"Isaid."Thenallhehadtodowaswalkhome
    thirtymilesintherain."
    "Goon.Kidme."
    "Draveckilledhim,sure,"Isaid."Buttheywereplayingleapfrog.Dravec
    fellonhim."
    "Okay,pal.Somedayyou'llwanttoplaywithmycatnipmouse."
    "Listen,Violets,"Isaidseriously."Ifthekidwasmurderedandyou're
    notsureit'smurderatallit'snotDravec'skindofcrime.Hemightkilla
    maninatemperbuthe'dlethimlay.Hewouldn'tgotoallthatfuss."
    WeshuttledbackandforthacrosstheroadwhileM'Geethoughtaboutthat.
    "Whatapal,"hecomplained."Ihavemeaswelltheoryandlookwhatyou
    donetoit.IwishthehellIhadn'tbroughtyou.Hellwithyou.I'mgoin'after
    Dravecjustthesame."
    "Sure,"Iagreed."You'dhavetodothat.ButDravecneverkilledthatboy.
    He'stoosoftinsidetocoveruponit."
    Itwasnoonwhenwegotbacktotown.Ihadn'thadanydinnerbutwhisky
    thenightbeforeandverylittlebreakfastthatmorning.Igotoffonthe
    BoulevardandletM'GeegoonalonetoseeDravec.
    IwasinterestedinwhathadhappenedtoCarlOwen;butIwasn'tinterested
    inthethoughtthatDravecmighthavemurderedhim.
    Iatelunchatacounterandlookedcasuallyatanearlyafternoonpaper.I
    didn'texpecttoseeanythingaboutSteinerinit,andIdidn't.
    AfterlunchIwalkedalongtheBoulevardsixblockstohavealookat
    Steiner'sstore.

    Itwasahalfstorefrontage,theotherhalfbeingoccupiedbyacreditjeweler.
    Thejewelerwasstandinginhisentrance,abig,whitehaired,blackeyedJew
    withaboutninecaratsofdiamondonhishand.Afaint,knowingsmilecurvedhis
    lipsasIwentpasthimintoSteiner's.
    AthickbluerugpavedSteiner'sfromwalltowall.Therewereblueleather
    easychairswithsmokestandsbesidethem.Afewsetsoftooledleatherbooks
    wereputoutonnarrowtables.Therestofthestockwasbehindglass.Apaneled
    partitionwithasingledoorinitcutoffabackpartofthestore,andinthe
    cornerbythisawomansatbehindasmalldeskwithahoodedlamponit.
    Shegotupandcametowardsme,swingingleanthighsinatightdressof
    someblackmaterialthatdidn'treflectanylight.Shewasanashblonde,with
    greenisheyesunderheavilymascaraedlashes.Therewerelargejetbuttonsin
    thelobesofherears;herhairwavedbacksmoothlyfrombehindthem.Her
    fingernailsweresilvered.
    Shegavemewhatshethoughtwasasmileofwelcome,butwhatIthoughtwas
    agrimaceofstrain.
    "Wasitsomething?"
    Ipulledmyhatlowovermyeyesandfidgeted.Isaid:"Steiner?"
    "Hewon'tbeintoday.MayIshowyou"
    "I'mselling,"Isaid."Somethinghe'swantedforalongtime."
    Thesilveredfingernailstouchedthehairoveroneear."Oh,a
    salesman...Well,youmightcomeintomorrow."
    "Hesick?Icouldgouptothehouse,"Isuggestedhopefully."He'dwantto
    seewhatIhave."
    Thatjarredher.Shehadtofightforherbreathforaminute.Buther
    voicewassmoothenoughwhenitcame.
    "Thatthatwouldn'tbeanyuse.He'soutoftowntoday."
    Inodded,lookedproperlydisappointed,touchedmyhatandstartedtoturn
    awaywhenthepimplyfacedkidofthenightbeforestuckhisheadthroughthe
    doorinthepaneling.Hewentbackassoonashesawme,butnotbeforeIsaw
    somelooselypackedcasesofbooksbehindhimonthefloorofthebackroom.

    Thecasesweresmallandopenandpackedanyoldway.Amaninverynew
    overallswasfussingwiththem.SomeofSteiner'sstockwasbeingmovedout.
    Ileftthestoreandwalkeddowntothecorner,thenbacktothealley.
    BehindSteiner'sstoodasmallblacktruckwithwiresides.Itdidn'thaveany
    letteringonit.Boxesshowedthroughthewiresidesand,asIwatched,theman
    inoverallscameoutwithanotheroneandheaveditup.
    IwentbacktotheBoulevard.Halfablockon,afreshfacedkidwas
    readingamagazineinaparkedGreenTop.Ishowedhimmoneyandsaid:"Tail
    job?"
    Helookedmeover,swunghisdooropen,andstuckhismagazinebehindthe
    rearvisionmirror.
    "Mymeat,boss,"hesaidbrightly.
    Wewentaroundtotheendofthealleyandwaitedbesideafireplug.
    Therewereaboutadozenboxesonthetruckwhenthemanintheverynew
    overallsgotupinfrontandgunnedhismotor.Hewentdownthealleyfastand
    turnedleftonthestreetattheend.Mydriverdidthesame.Thetruckwent
    northtoGarfield,theneast.Itwentveryfastandtherewasalotoftraffic
    onGarfield.Mydrivertailedfromtoofarback.
    IwastellinghimaboutthatwhenthetruckturnednorthoffGarfield
    again.ThestreetatwhichitturnedwascalledBrittany.Whenwegotto
    Brittanytherewasn'tanytruck.
    Thefreshfacedkidwhowasdrivingmemadecomfortingsoundsthroughthe
    glasspanelofthecabandwewentupBrittanyatfourmilesanhourlookingfor
    thetruckbehindbushes.Irefusedtobecomforted.
    Brittanyborealittletotheeasttwoblocksupandmetthenextstreet,
    RandallPlace,inatongueoflandonwhichtherewasawhiteapartmenthouse
    withitsfrontonRandallPlaceanditsbasementgarageentranceonBrittany,a
    storylower.Weweregoingpastthatandmydriverwastellingmethetruck
    couldn'tbeveryfarawaywhenIsawitinthegarage.
    WewentaroundtothefrontoftheapartmenthouseandIgotoutandwent
    intothelobby.
    Therewasnoswitchboard.Adeskwaspushedbackagainstthewall,asifit
    wasn'tusedanymore.Aboveitnameswereonapanelofgiltmailboxes.
    ThenamethatwentwithApartment405wasJosephMarty.JoeMartywasthe
    nameofthemanwhoplayedwithCarmenDravecuntilherpapagavehimfive

    thousanddollarstogoawayandplaywithsomeothergirl.Itcouldbethesame
    JoeMarty.
    Iwentdownstepsandpushedthroughadoorwithawiredglasspanelinto
    thedimnessofthegarage.Themanintheverynewoverallswasstackingboxes
    intheautomaticelevator.
    Istoodnearhimandlitacigaretteandwatchedhim.Hedidn'tlikeit
    verywell,buthedidn'tsayanything.AfterawhileIsaid:"Watchtheweight,
    buddy.She'sonlytestedforhalfaton.Where'sitgoin'?"
    "Marty,fourofive,"hesaid,andthenlookedasifhewassorryhehad
    saidit.
    "Fine,"Itoldhim."Itlookslikeanicelotofreading."
    Iwentbackupthestepsandoutofthebuilding,gotintomyGreenTop
    again.
    WedrovebackdowntowntothebuildingwhereIhaveanoffice.Igavethe
    drivertoomuchmoneyandhegavemeadirtycardwhichIdroppedintothebrass
    spittoonbesidetheelevators.
    Dravecwasholdingupthewalloutsidethedoorofmyoffice.

    Aftertherain,itwaswarmandbrightbuthestillhadthebeltedsuede
    raincoaton.Itwasopendownthefront,aswerehiscoat,andvestunderneath.
    Histiewasunderoneear.Hisfacelookedlikeamaskofgrayputtywitha
    blackstubbleonthelowerpartofit.
    Helookedawful.
    Iunlockedthedoorandpattedhisshoulderandpushedhiminandgothim
    intoachair.Hebreathedhardbutdidn'tsayanything.Igotabottleofrye
    outofthedeskandpouredacoupleofponies.Hedrankbothofthemwithouta
    word.Thenheslumpedinthechairandblinkedhiseyesandgroanedandtooka
    squarewhiteenvelopeoutofaninnerpocket.Heputitdownonthedesktopand
    heldhisbighairyhandoverit.
    "ToughaboutCarl,"Isaid."IwaswithM'Geethismorning."
    Helookedatmeemptily.Afteralittlewhilehesaid:

    "Yeah.Carlwasagoodkid.Iain'ttoldyouabouthimmuch."
    Iwaited,lookingattheenvelopeunderhishand.Helookeddownatit
    himself.
    "Igottaletyouseeit,"hemumbled.Hepusheditslowlyacrossthedesk
    andliftedhishandoffitasifwiththemovementhewasgivingupmost
    everythingthatmadelifeworthliving.Twotearswelledupinhiseyesandslid
    downhisunshavencheeks.
    Iliftedthesquareenvelopeandlookedatit.Itwasaddressedtohimat
    hishouse,inneatpenandinkprinting,andboreaSpecialDeliverystamp.I
    openeditandlookedattheshinyphotographthatwasinside.
    CarmenDravecsatinSteiner'steakwoodchair,wearingherjadeearrings.
    Hereyeslookedcrazier,ifanything,thanasIhadseenthem.Ilookedatthe
    backofthephoto,sawthatitwasblank,andputthethingfacedownonmy
    desk.
    "Tellmeaboutit,"Isaidcarefully.
    Dravecwipedthetearsoffhisfacewithhissleeve,puthishandsflaton
    thedeskandstareddownatthedirtynails.Hisfingerstrembledonthedesk.
    "Aguycalledme,"hesaidinadeadvoice."Tengrandfortheplateand
    theprints.Thedeal'sgottobeclosedtonight,ortheygivethestufftosome
    scandalsheet."
    "That'salotofhooey,"Isaid."Ascandalsheetcouldn'tuseit,except
    tobackupastory.What'sthestory?"
    Heliftedhiseyesslowly,asiftheywereveryheavy."Thatain'tall.The
    guysaythere'sajamtoit.Ibettercomethroughfast,orI'dfindmygirlin
    thecooler."
    "What'sthestory?"Iaskedagain,fillingmypipe."WhatdoesCarmensay?"
    Heshookhisbigshaggyhead."Iain'taskedher.Iain'tgottheheart.
    Poorlittlegirl.Noclothesonher...No,Iain'tgottheheart...Youain'tdone
    nothin'onSteineryet,Iguess."
    "Ididn'thaveto,"Itoldhim."Somebodybeatmetoit."Hestaredatme
    openmouthed,uncomprehending.Itwasobviousheknewnothingaboutthenight
    before.
    "DidCarmengooutatalllastnight?"Iaskedcarelessly.
    Hewasstillstaringwithhismouthopen,gropinginhismind.

    "No.She'ssick.She'ssickinbedwhenIgethome.Shedon'tgooutat
    all...WhatyoumeanaboutSteiner?"
    Ireachedforthebottleofryeandpoureduseachadrink.ThenIlitmy
    pipe.
    "Steiner'sdead,"Isaid."Somebodygottiredofhistricksandshothim
    fullofholes.Lastnight,intherain."
    "Jeeze,"hesaidwonderingly."Youwasthere?"
    Ishookmyhead."Notme.Carmenwasthere.That'sthejamyourmanspoke
    of.Shedidn'tdotheshooting,ofcourse."
    Dravec'sfacegotredandangry.Heballedhisfists.Hisbreathmadea
    harshsoundandapulsebeatvisiblyinthesideofhisneck.
    "Thatain'ttrue!She'ssick.Shedon'tgooutatall.She'ssickinbed
    whenIgethome!"
    "Youtoldmethat,"Isaid._"That's_nottrue.IbroughtCarmenhome
    myself.Themaidknows,onlyshe'stryingtobedecentaboutit.Carmenwasat
    Steiner'shouseandIwaswatchingoutside.Agunwentoffandsomeoneranaway.
    Ididn'tseehim.Carmenwastoodrunktoseehim.That'swhyshe'ssick."
    Hiseyestriedtofocusonmyface,buttheywerevagueandempty,asif
    thelightbehindthemhaddied.Hetookholdofthearmsofthechair.Hisbig
    knucklesstrainedandgotwhite.
    "Shedon'ttellme,"hewhispered."Shedon'ttellme.Me,thatwoulddo
    anythingforher."Therewasnoemotioninhisvoice;justthedeadexhaustion
    ofdespair.
    Hepushedhischairbackalittle."Igogetthedough,"hesaid."Theten
    grand.Maybetheguydon'ttalk."
    Thenhebroke.Hisbigroughheadcamedownonthedeskandsobsshookhis
    wholebody.Istoodupandwentaroundthedeskandpattedhisshoulder,kepton
    pattingit,notsayinganything.Afterawhileheliftedhisfacesmearedwith
    tearsandgrabbedformyhand.
    "Jeeze,you'reagoodguy,"hesobbed.
    "Youdon'tknowthehalfofit."
    Ipulledmyhandawayfromhimandgotadrinkintohispaw,helpedhim
    liftitanddownit.ThenItooktheemptyglassoutofhishandandputitback
    onthedesk.Isatdownagain.

    "You'vegottobraceup,"Itoldhimgrimly."Thelawdoesn'tknowabout
    Steineryet.IbroughtCarmenhomeandkeptmymouthshut.Iwantedtogiveyou
    andCarmenabreak.Thatputsmeinajam.You'vegottodoyourpart."
    Henoddedslowly,heavily."Yeah,Idowhatyousayanythingyousay."
    "Getthemoney,"Isaid."Haveitreadyforthecall.I'vegotideasand
    youmaynothavetouseit.Butit'snotimetogetfoxy...Getthemoneyandsit
    tightandkeepyourmouthshut.Leavetheresttome.Canyoudothat?"
    "Yeah,"hesaid."Jeeze,you'reagoodguy."
    "Don'ttalktoCarmen,"Isaid."Thelesssheremembersoutofherdrunk,
    thebetter.Thispicture"Itouchedthebackofthephotoonthedesk"shows
    somebodywasworkingwithSteiner.We'vegottogethimandgethimquickeven
    ifitcoststengrandtodoit."
    Hestoodupslowly."That'snothin'.That'sjustdough.Igogetitnow.
    ThenIgohome.Youdoitlikeyouwantto.Me,Idojustlikeyousay."
    Hegrabbedformyhandagain,shookit,andwentslowlyoutoftheoffice.
    Iheardhisheavystepsdragdownthehall.
    Idrankacoupleofdrinksfastandmoppedmyface.

    IdrovemyChryslerslowlyupLaVerneTerracetowardsSteiner'shouse.
    Inthedaylight,Icouldseethesteepdropofthehillandtheflightof
    woodenstepsdownwhichthekillerhadmadehisescape.Thestreetbelowwas
    almostasnarrowasanalley.Twosmallhousesfrontedonit,notverynear
    Steiner'splace.Withthenoisetherainhadbeenmakingitwasdoubtfulif
    anyoneinthemhadpaidmuchattentiontotheshots.
    Steiner'slookedpeacefulundertheafternoonsun.Theunpaintedshingles
    oftheroofwerestilldampfromtherain.Thetreesontheothersideofthe
    streethadnewleavesonthem.Therewerenocarsonthestreet.
    Somethingmovedbehindthesquaregrowthofboxhedgethatscreened
    Steiner'sfrontdoor.
    CarmenDravec,inagreenandwhitecheckeredcoatandnohat,cameout
    throughtheopening,stoppedsuddenly,lookedatmewildeyed,asifshehadn't

    heardthecar.Shewentbackquicklybehindthehedge.Idroveonandparkedin
    frontoftheemptyhouse.
    Igotoutandwalkedback.Inthesunlightitfeltlikeanexposedand
    dangerousthingtodo.
    Iwentinthroughthehedgeandthegirlstoodthereverystraightand
    silentagainstthehalfopenhousedoor.Onehandwentslowlytohermouth,and
    herteethbitatafunnylookingthumbthatwaslikeanextrafinger.Therewere
    deeppurpleblacksmudgesunderherfrightenedeyes.
    Ipushedherbackintothehousewithoutsayinganything,shutthedoor.We
    stoodlookingateachotherinside.Shedroppedherhandslowlyandtriedto
    smile.Thenallexpressionwentoutofherwhitefaceanditlookedas
    intelligentasthebottomofashoebox.
    Igotgentlenessintomyvoiceandsaid:"Takeiteasy.I'mpals.Sitdown
    inthatchairbythedesk.I'mafriendofyourfather's.Don'tgetpanicky."
    ShewentandsatdownintheyellowcushionintheblackchairatSteiner's
    desk.
    Theplacelookeddecadentandoffcolorbydaylight.Itstillstankofthe
    ether.
    Carmenlickedthecornersofhermouthwiththetipofawhitishtongue.
    Herdarkeyeswerestupidandstunnedratherthanscarednow.Irolleda
    cigarettearoundinmyfingersandpushedsomebooksoutofthewaytositon
    theedgeofthedesk.Ilitmycigarette,puffeditslowlyforamoment,then
    asked:"Whatareyoudoinghere?"
    Shepickedatthematerialofhercoat,didn'tanswer.Itriedagain.
    "Howmuchdoyourememberaboutlastnight?"
    Sheansweredthat."Rememberwhat?Iwassicklastnightathome."Her
    voicewasacautious,throatysoundthatonlyjustreachedmyears.
    "Beforethat,"Isaid."BeforeIbroughtyouhome.Here."
    Aslowflushcreptupherthroatandhereyeswidened."Youyouwerethe
    one?"shebreathed,andbegantochewonherfunnythumbagain.
    "Yeah,Iwastheone.Howmuchofitallstayswithyou?"
    Shesaid:"Areyouthepolice?"
    "No.ItoldyouIwasafriendofyourfather's."
    "You'renotthepolice?"
    "No."

    Itfinallyregistered.Sheletoutalongsigh."Whatwhatdoyouwant?"
    "Whokilledhim?"
    Hershouldersjerkedinthecheckeredcoat,butnothingchangedmuchinher
    face.Hereyesslowlygotfurtive.
    "Whowhoelseknows?"
    "AboutSteiner?Idon'tknow.Notthepolice,orsomeonewouldbehere.
    MaybeMarty."
    Itwasjustastabinthedark,butitgotasudden,sharpcryoutofher.
    "Marty!"
    Wewerebothsilentforaminute.Ipuffedonmycigaretteandshechewed
    onherthumb.
    "Don'tgetclever,"Isaid."DidMartykillhim?"
    Herchincamedownaninch."Yes."
    "Whydidhedoit?"
    "IIdon'tknow,"verydully.
    "Seenmuchofhimlately?"
    Herhandsclenched."Justonceortwice."
    "Knowwherehelives?"
    "Yes!"Shespatitatme.
    "What'sthematter?IthoughtyoulikedMarty."
    "Ihatehim!"shealmostyelled.
    "Thenyou'dlikehimforthespot,"Isaid.
    Shewasblanktothat.Ihadtoexplainit."Imean,areyouwillingto
    tellthepoliceitwasMarty?"
    Suddenpanicflamedinhereyes.
    "IfIkillthenudephotoangle,"Isaidsoothingly.
    Shegiggled.
    Thatgavemeanastyfeeling.Ifshehadscreeched,orturnedwhite,or
    evenkeeledover,thatwouldhavebeenfairlynatural.Butshejustgiggled.
    Ibegantohatethesightofher.Justlookingathermademefeeldopey.
    Hergiggleswenton,ranaroundtheroomlikerats.Theygraduallygot
    hysterical.Igotoffthedesk,tookasteptowardsher,andslappedherface.
    "Justlikelastnight,"Isaid.
    Thegigglingstoppedatonceandthethumbchewingstartedagain.Shestill
    didn'tmindmyslapsapparently.Isatontheendofthedeskoncemore.

    "Youcameheretolookforthecameraplateforthebirthdaysuitphoto,"
    Itoldher.
    Herchinwentupanddownagain.
    "Toolate.Ilookedforitlastnight.Itwasgonethen.ProbablyMartyhas
    it.You'renotkiddingmeaboutMarty?"
    Sheshookherheadvigorously.Shegotoutofthechairslowly.Hereyes
    werenarrowandsloeblackandasshallowasanoystershell.
    "I'mgoingnow,"shesaid,asifwehadbeenhavingacupoftea.
    Shewentovertothedoorandwasreachingouttoopenitwhenacarcame
    upthehillandstoppedoutsidethehouse.Somebodygotoutofthecar.
    Sheturnedandstaredatme,horrified.
    Thedooropenedcasuallyandamanlookedinatus.

    Hewasahatchetfacedmaninabrownsuitandablackfelthat.Thecuffofhis
    leftsleevewasfoldedunderandpinnedtothesideofhiscoatwithabigblack
    safetypin.
    Hetookhishatoff,closedthedoorbypushingitwithhisshoulder,
    lookedatCarmenwithanicesmile.Hehadclosecroppedblackhairandabony
    skull.Hefittedhisclotheswell,Hedidn'tlooktough.
    "I'mGuySlade,"hesaid."Excusethecasualentrance.Thebelldidn't
    work.IsSteineraround?"
    Hehadn'ttriedthebell.Carmenlookedathimblankly,thenatme,then
    backatSlade.Shelickedherlipsbutdidn'tsayanything.
    Isaid:"Steinerisn'there,Mr.Slade.Wedon'tknowjustwhereheis."
    Henoddedandtouchedhislongchinwiththebrimofhishat.
    "Youfriendsofhis?"
    "Wejustdroppedbyforabook,"Isaid,andgavehimbackhissmile."The
    doorwashalfopen.Weknocked,thensteppedinside.Justlikeyou."
    "Isee,"Sladesaidthoughtfully."Verysimple."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Carmendidn'tsayanything.Shewasstaringfixedly
    athisemptysleeve.

    "Abook,eh?"Sladewenton.Thewayhesaidittoldmethings.Heknew
    aboutSteiner'sracket,maybe.
    Imovedovertowardsthedoor."Onlyyoudidn'tknock,"Isaid.
    Hesmiledwithfaintembarrassment."That'sright.Ioughttohaveknocked,
    Sorry."
    "We'lltrotalongnow,"Isaidcarelessly.ItookholdofCarmen'sarm.
    "AnymessageifSteinercomesback?"Sladeaskedsoftly.
    "Wewon'tbotheryou."
    "That'stoobad,"hesaid,withtoomuchmeaning.
    IletgoofCarmen'sarmandtookaslowstepawayfromher.Sladestill
    hadhishatinhishand.Hedidn'tmove.Hisdeepseteyestwinkledpleasantly.
    Iopenedthedooragain.
    Sladesaid:"Thegirlcango.ButI'dliketotalktoyoualittle."
    Istaredathim,tryingtolookveryblank.
    "Kidder,eh?"Sladesaidnicely.
    Carmenmadeasuddensoundatmysideandranoutthroughthedoor.Ina
    momentIheardherstepsgoingdownthehill.Ihadn'tseenhercar,butI
    guesseditwasaroundsomewhere.
    Ibegantosay:"Whatthehell"
    "Saveit,"Sladeinterruptedcoldly."There'ssomethingwronghere.I'll
    justfindoutwhatitis."
    Hebegantowalkaroundtheroomcarelesslytoocarelessly.Hewas
    frowning,notpayingmuchattentiontome.Thatmademethoughtful.Itooka
    quickglanceoutofthewindow,butIcouldn'tseeanythingbutthetopofhis
    carabovethehedge.
    Sladefoundthepotbelliedflagonandthetwothinpurpleglassesonthe
    desk.Hesniffedatoneofthem.Adisgustedsmilewrinkledhisthinlips.
    "Thelousypimp,"hesaidtonelessly.
    Helookedatthebooksonthedesk,touchedoneortwoofthem,wenton
    aroundthebackofthedeskandwasinfrontofthetotempolething.Hestared
    atthat.Thenhiseyeswentdowntothefloor,tothethinrugthatwasoverthe
    placewhereSteiner'sbodyhadbeen.Slademovedtherugwithhisfootand
    suddenlytensed,staringdown.
    ItwasagoodactorelseSladehadanoseIcouldhaveusedinmy
    business.Iwasn'tsurewhichyet,butIwasgivingitalotofthought.

    Hewentslowlydowntothefloorononeknee.Thedeskpartlyhidhimfrom
    me.
    Islippedagunoutfromundermyarmandputbothhandsbehindmybodyand
    leanedagainstthewall.
    Therewasasharp,swiftexclamation,thenSladeshottohisfeet.Hisarm
    flashedup.Along,blackLugerslidintoitexpertly.Ididn'tmove.Sladeheld
    theLugerinlong,palefingers,notpointingitatme,notpointingitat
    anythinginparticular.
    "Blood,"hesaidquietly,grimly,hisdeepseteyesblackandhardnow.
    "Bloodonthefloorthere,underarug.Alotofblood."
    Igrinnedathim."Inoticedit,"Isaid."It'soldblood.Driedblood."
    HeslidsidewaysintotheblackchairbehindSteiner'sdeskandrakedthe
    telephonetowardshimbyputtingtheLugeraroundit.Hefrownedatthe
    telephone,thenfrownedatme.
    "Ithinkwe'llhavesomelaw,"hesaid.
    "Suitsme."
    Slade'seyeswerenarrowandashardasjet.Hedidn'tlikemyagreeing
    withhim.Theveneerhadflakedoffhim,leavingawelldressedhardboywitha
    Luger.Lookingasifhecoulduseit.
    "Justwhothehellareyou?"hegrowled.
    "Ashamus.Thenamedoesn'tmatter.Thegirlismyclient.Steiner'sbeen
    ridingherwithsomeblackmaildirt.Wecametotalktohim.Hewasn'there."
    "Justwalkin,huh?"
    "Correct.Sowhat?ThinkwegunnedSteiner,Mr.Slade?"
    Hesmiledslightly,thinly,butsaidnothing.
    "OrdoyouthinkSteinergunnedsomebodyandranaway?"Isuggested.
    Steinerdidn'tgunanybody,"Sladesaid."Steinerdidn'thavethegutsofa
    sickcat."
    Isaid:"Youdon'tseeanybodyhere,doyou?MaybeSteinerhadchickenfor
    dinner,andlikedtokillhischickensintheparlor."
    "Idon'tgetit.Idon'tgetyourgame."
    Igrinnedagain."Goaheadandcallyourfriendsdowntown.Onlyyouwon't
    likethereactionyou'llget."

    Hethoughtthatoverwithoutmovingamuscle.Hislipswentbackagainst
    histeeth.
    "Whynot?"heaskedfinally,inacarefulvoice.
    Isaid:"Iknowyou,Mr.Slade.YouruntheAladdinClubdownonthe
    Palisades.Flashgambling.Softlightsandeveningclothesandabuffetsupper
    ontheside.YouknowSteinerwellenoughtowalkintohishousewithout
    knocking.Steiner'sracketneededalittleprotectionnowandthen.Youcouldbe
    that."
    Slade'sfingertightenedontheLuger,thenrelaxed.HeputtheLugerdown
    onthedesk,kepthisfingersonit.Hismouthbecameahardwhitegrimace.
    "SomebodygottoSteiner,"hesaidsoftly,hisvoiceandtheexpressionon
    hisfaceseemingtobelongtotwodifferentpeople."Hedidn'tshowatthestore
    today.Hedidn'tanswerhisphone.Icameuptoseeaboutit."
    "Gladtohearyoudidn'tgunSteineryourself,"Isaid.
    TheLugersweptupagainandmadeatargetofmychest.Isaid:
    "Putitdown,Slade.Youdon'tknowenoughtopopoffyet.Notbeing
    bulletproofisanideaI'vehadtogetusedto.Putitdown.I'lltellyou
    somethingifyoudon'tknowit.SomebodymovedSteiner'sbooksoutofhisstore
    todaythebookshedidhisrealbusinesswith."
    Sladeputhisgundownonthedeskforthesecondtime.Heleanedbackand
    wrestledanamiableexpressionontohisface.
    "I'mlistening,"hesaid.
    "IthinksomebodygottoSteinertoo,"Itoldhim."Ithinkthatbloodis
    hisblood.ThebooksbeingmovedoutfromSteiner'sstoregivesusareasonfor
    movinghisbodyawayfromhere.Somebodyistakingovertheracketanddoesn't
    wantSteinerfoundtillhe'sallset.Whoeveritwasoughttohavecleanedup
    theblood.Hedidn't."
    Sladelistenedsilently.Thepeaksofhiseyebrowsmadesharpangles
    againstthewhiteskinofhisindoorforehead.
    Iwenton:"KillingSteinertograbhisracketwasadumbtrick,andI'm
    notsureithappenedthatway.ButIamsurethatwhoevertookthebooksknows
    aboutit,andthattheblondedowninthestoreisscaredstiffabout
    something."
    "Anymore?"Sladeaskedevenly.

    "Notrightnow.There'sapieceofscandaldopeIwanttotrace.IfIget
    it,Imighttellyouwhere.Thatwillbeyourmusclerin."
    "Nowwouldbebetter,"Sladesaid.Thenhedrewhislipsbackagainsthis
    teethandwhistledsharply,twice.
    Ijumped.Acardooropenedoutside.Thereweresteps.
    Ibroughtthegunaroundfrombehindmybody.Slade'sfaceconvulsedand
    hishandsnatchedfortheLugerthatlayinfrontofhim,fumbledatthebutt.
    Isaid:"Don'ttouchit!"
    Hecametohisfeetrigid,leaningover,hishandonthegun,butthegun
    notinhishand.Idodgedpasthimintothehallwayandturnedastwomencame
    intotheroom.
    Onehadshortredhair,awhite,linedface,unsteadyeyes.Theotherwas
    anobviouspug;agoodlookingboyexceptforaflattenednoseandoneearas
    thickasaclubsteak.
    Neitherofthenewcomershadaguninsight.Theystopped,stared.
    IstoodbehindSladeinthedoorway.Sladeleanedoverthedeskinfrontof
    me,didn'tstir.
    Thepug'smouthopenedinawidesnarl,showingsharp,whiteteeth.The
    redheadlookedshakyandscared.
    Sladehadplentyofguts.Inasmooth,low,butveryclearvoicehesaid:
    "ThisheelgunnedSteiner,boys.Takehim!"
    Theredheadtookholdofhislowerlipwithhisteethandsnatchedfor
    somethingunderhisleftarm.Hedidn'tgetit.Iwasallsetandbraced.Ishot
    himthroughtherightshoulder,hatingtodoit.Thegunmadealotofnoisein
    theclosedroom.Itseemedtomethatitwouldbeheardalloverthecity.The
    redheadwentdownonthefloorandwrithedandthreshedaboutasifIhadshot
    himinthebelly.
    Thepugdidn'tmove.Heprobablyknewtherewasn'tenoughspeedinhisarm.
    SladegrabbedhisLugerupandstartedtowhirl.Itookastepandslammedhim
    behindtheear.HesprawledforwardoverthedeskandtheLugershotagainsta
    rowofbooks.
    Sladedidn'thearmesay:"Ihatetohitaonearmedmanfrombehind,
    Slade,AndI'mnotcrazyabouttheshowoff.Youmademedoit."
    Thepuggrinnedatmeandsaid:"Okay,pal.Whatnext?"

    "I'dliketogetoutofhere,ifIcandoitwithoutanymoreshooting.Or
    Icanstickaroundforsomelaw.It'sallonetome."
    Hethoughtitovercalmly.Theredheadwasmakingmoaningnoisesonthe
    floor.Sladewasverystill.
    Thepugputhishandsupslowlyandclaspedthembehindhisneck.Hesaid
    coolly:"Idon'tknowwhatit'sallabout,butIdon'tgiveagooddamnwhere
    yougoorwhatyoudowhenyougetthere.Andthisain'tmyideaofaspotfora
    leadparty.Drift!"
    "Wiseboy.You'vemoresensethanyourboss."
    Iedgedaroundthedesk,edgedovertowardstheopendoor.Thepugturned
    slowly,facingme,keepinghishandsbehindhisneck.Therewasawrybutalmost
    goodnaturedgrinonhisface.
    Iskinnedthroughthedoorandmadeafastbreakthroughthegapinthe
    hedgeandupthehill,halfexpectingleadtoflyafterme.Nonecame.
    IjumpedintotheChryslerandchaseditupoverthebrowofthehilland
    awayfromthatneighborhood.

    10

    ItwasafterfivewhenIstoppedoppositetheapartmenthouseonRandallPlace.
    Afewwindowswerelitupalreadyandradiosbleateddiscordantlyondifferent
    programs.Irodetheautomaticelevatortothefourthfloor.Apartment405was
    attheendofalonghallthatwascarpetedingreenandpaneledinivory.A
    coolbreezeblewthroughthehallfromopendoorstothefireescape.
    Therewasasmallivorypushbuttonbesidethedoormarked405.Ipushed
    it.
    Afteralongtimeamanopenedthedoorafootorso.Hewasalonglegged,
    thinmanwithdarkbrowneyesinaverybrownface.Wiryhairgrewfarbackon
    hishead,givinghimagreatdealofdomedbrownforehead.Hisbrowneyesprobed
    atmeimpersonally.
    Isaid:"Steiner?"
    Nothingintheman'sfacechanged.Hebroughtacigarettefrombehindthe
    doorandputitslowlybetweentightbrownlips.Apuffofsmokecametowards

    me,andbehinditwordsinacool,unhurriedvoice,withoutinflection."You
    saidwhat?"
    "Steiner.HaroldHardwickeSteiner.Theguythathasthebooks."
    Themannodded.Heconsideredmyremarkwithouthaste.Heglancedatthe
    tipofhiscigarette,said:"IthinkIknowhim,Buthedoesn'tvisithere.Who
    sentyou?"
    Ismiled.Hedidn'tlikethat.Isaid:"You'reMarty?"
    Thebrownfacegotharder."Sowhat?Gotagriftorjustamusin'
    yourself?"
    Imovedmyleftfootcasually,enoughsothathecouldn'tslamthedoor.
    "Yougotthebooks,"Isaid."Igotthesuckerlist.How'stotalkit
    over?"
    Martydidn'tshifthiseyesfrommyface.Hisrighthandwentbehindthe
    panelofthedooragain,andhisshoulderhadalookasifhewasmakingmotions
    withahand.Therewasafaintsoundintheroombehindhimveryfaint.A
    curtainringclickedlightlyonarod.
    Thenheopenedthedoorwide."Whynot?Ifyouthinkyou'vegotsomething,"
    hesaidcoolly.
    Iwentpasthimintotheroom.Itwasacheerfulroom,withgoodfurniture
    andnottoomuchofit.Frenchwindowsintheendwalllookedacrossastone
    porchatthefoothills,alreadygettingpurpleinthedusk.Nearthewindowsa
    doorwasshut.Anotherdoorinthesamewallatthenearendoftheroomhad
    curtainsdrawnacrossit,onabrassrodbelowthelintel.
    Isatdownonadavenportagainstthewallinwhichtherewerenodoors.
    Martyshutthedoorandwalkedsidewaystoatalloakwritingdeskstuddedwith
    squarenails.Acedarwoodcigarboxwithgilthingesrestedontheloweredleaf
    ofthedesk.Martypickeditupwithouttakinghiseyesoffme,carriedittoa
    lowtablebesideaneasychair.Hesatdownintheeasychair.
    Iputmyhatbesidemeandopenedthetopbuttonofmycoatandsmiledat
    Marty.
    "WellI'mlistening,"hesaid.
    Hesnubbedhiscigaretteout,liftedthelidofthecigarboxandtookout
    acoupleoffatcigars.
    "Cigar?"hesuggestedcasually,andtossedoneatme.

    Ireachedforitandthatmademeasap.Martydroppedtheothercigarback
    intotheboxandcameupveryswiftlywithagun.
    Ilookedatthegunpolitely.ItwasablackpoliceColt,a.38.Ihadno
    argumentagainstitatthemoment.
    "Standupaminute,"Martysaid."Comeforwardjustabouttwoyards.You
    mightgrabalittleairwhileyou'redoingthat."Hisvoicewaselaborately
    casual.
    Iwasmadinside,butIgrinnedathim.Isaid:"You'rethesecondguyI've
    mettodaythatthinksaguninthehandmeanstheworldbythetail.Putit
    away,andlet'stalk."
    Marty'seyebrowscametogetherandhepushedhischinforwardalittle.His
    browneyeswerevaguelytroubled.
    Westaredateachother.Ididn'tlookatthepointedblackslipperthat
    showedunderthecurtainsacrossthedoorwaytomyleft.
    Martywaswearingadarkbluesuit,ablueshirtandablacktie.Hisbrown
    facelookedsomberabovethedarkcolors.Hesaidsoftly,inalingeringvoice:
    "Don'tgetmewrong.I'mnotatoughguyjustcareful.Idon'tknowhell's
    firstthingaboutyou.YoumightbealifetakerforallIknow."
    "You'renotcarefulenough,"Isaid."Theplaywiththebookswaslousy."
    Hedrewalongbreathandletitoutsilently.Thenheleanedbackand
    crossedhislonglegsandrestedtheColtonhisknee.
    "Don'tkidyourselfIwon'tusethis,ifIhaveto.What'syourstory?"
    "Tellyourfriendwiththepointedshoestocomeonin,"Isaid."Shegets
    tiredholdingherbreath."
    WithoutturninghisheadMartycalledout:"Comeonin,Agnes."
    Thecurtainsoverthedoorswungasideandthegreeneyedblondefrom
    Steiner'sstorejoinedusintheroom.Iwasn'tverymuchsurprisedtoseeher
    there.Shelookedatmebitterly.
    "Iknewdamnwellyouweretrouble,"shetoldmeangrily."ItoldJoeto
    watchhisstep."
    "Saveit,"Martysnapped."Joe'swatchin'hisstepplenty.Putsomelight
    onsoIcanseetopopthisguy,ifitworksoutthatway."
    Theblondelitalargefloorlampwithasquareredshade.Shesatdown
    underit,inabigvelourschairandheldafixedpainfulsmileonherface.She
    wasscaredtothepointofexhaustion.

    IrememberedthecigarIwasholdingandputitinmymouth.Marty'sColt
    wasverysteadyonmewhileIgotmatchesoutandlitit.
    Ipuffedsmokeandsaidthroughthesmoke:"ThesuckerlistIspokeofis
    incode.SoIcan'treadthenamesyet,butthere'saboutfivehundredofthem.
    Yougottwelveboxesofbooks,saythreehundred.There'llbethatmanymoreout
    onloan.Sayfivehundredaltogether,justtobeconservative.Ifit'sagood
    activelistandyoucouldrunitaroundallthebooks,thatwouldbeaquarter
    ofamillionrentals.Puttheaveragerentallowsayadollar.That'stoolow,
    butsayadollar.That'salotofmoneythesedays.Enoughtospotaguyfor."
    Theblondeyelpedsharply:"You'recrazy,ifyou"
    "Shutup!"Martysworeather.
    Theblondesubsidedandputherheadbackagainstthebackofherchair.
    Herfacewastorturedwithstrain.
    "It'snoracketforbums,"Iwentontellingthem."You'vegottoget
    confidenceandkeepit.PersonallyIthinktheblackmailanglesareamistake.
    I'mforsheddingallthat."
    Marty'sdarkbrownstareheldcoldlyonmyface."You'reafunnyguy,"he
    drawledsmoothly."Who'sgotthislovelyracket?"
    "Youhave,"Isaid."Almost."
    Martydidn'tsayanything.
    "YoushotSteinertogetit,"Isaid."Lastnightintherain.Itwasgood
    shootingweather.Thetroubleis,hewasn'talonewhenithappened.Eitheryou
    didn'tseethat,oryougotscared.Youranout.Butyouhadnerveenoughto
    comebackandhidethebodysomewheresoyoucouldtidyuponthebooksbefore
    thecasebroke."
    Theblondemadeonestrangledsoundandthenturnedherfaceandstaredat
    thewall.Hersilveredfingernailsdugintoherpalms.Herteethbitherlip
    tightly.
    Martydidn'tbataneye.Hedidn'tmoveandtheColtdidn'tmoveinhis
    hand.Hisbrownfacewasashardasapieceofcarvedwood.
    "Boy,youtakechances,"hesaidsoftly,atlast."It'sluckyasallhell
    foryouIdidn'tkillSteiner."
    Igrinnedathim,withoutmuchcheer."Youmightstepoffforitjustthe
    same,"Isaid.

    Marty'svoicewasadryrustleofsound."Thinkyou'vegotmeframedfor
    it?"
    "Positive."
    "Howcome?"
    "There'ssomebodywho'lltellitthatway."Martysworethen."Thatdamned
    little!Shewouldjustthatdamnher!"
    Ididn'tsayanything.Ilethimchewonit.Hisfaceclearedslowly,and
    heputtheColtdownonthetable,kepthishandnearit.
    "Youdon'tsoundlikechiselasIknowchisel,"hesaidslowly,hiseyesa
    tightshinebetweendarknarrowedlids."AndIdon'tseeanycoppershere.
    What'syourangle?"
    Idrewonmycigarandwatchedhisgunhand."Theplatethatwasin
    Steiner'scamera.Alltheprintsthathavebeenmade.Righthereandrightnow.
    You'vegotitbecausethat'stheonlywayyoucouldhaveknownwhowasthere
    lastnight."
    MartyturnedhisheadslightlytolookatAgnes.Herfacewasstilltothe
    wallandherfingernailswerestillspearingherpalms.Martylookedbackatme.
    "You'recoldasanightwatchman'sfeetonthatone,guy,"hetoldme.
    Ishookmyhead."No.You'reasaptostall,Marty.Youcanbepeggedfor
    thekilleasy.It'sanatural.Ifthegirlhastotellherstory,thepictures
    won'tmatter.Butshedon'twanttotellit."
    "Youashamus?"heasked.
    "Yeah."
    "How'dyougettome?"
    "IwasworkingonSteiner.He'sbeenworkingonDravec.Dravecleaksmoney.
    Youhadsomeofit.ItailedthebooksherefromSteiner'sstore.Therestwas
    easywhenIhadthegirl'sstory."
    "ShesayIgunnedSteiner?"
    Inodded."Butshecouldbemistaken."
    Martysighed."Shehatesmyguts,"hesaid."Igaveherthegate.Igot
    paidtodoit,butI'dhavedoneitanyway.She'stooscrewyforme."
    Isaid:"Getthepictures,Marty."
    Hestoodupslowly,lookeddownattheColt,putitinhissidepocket.His
    handmovedslowlyuptohisbreastpocket.
    Somebodyrangthedoorbuzzerandkeptonringingit.

    11

    Martydidn'tlikethat.Hislowerlipwentinunderhisteethandhiseyebrows
    drewdownatthecorners.Hiswholefacegotmean.
    Thebuzzerkeptonbuzzing.
    Theblondestoodupquickly.Nervetensionmadeherfaceoldandugly.
    Watchingme,Martyjerkedasmalldraweropeninthetalldeskandgota
    small,whitehandledautomaticoutofit.Hehelditouttotheblonde.Shewent
    tohimandtookitgingerly,notlikingit.
    "Sitdownnexttotheshamus,"herasped."Holdthegunonhim.Ifhegets
    funny,feedhimafew."
    Theblondesatdownonthedavenportaboutthreefeetfromme,ontheside
    awayfromthedoor.Shelinedthegunonmyleg.Ididn'tlikethejerkylookin
    hergreeneyes.
    Thedoorbuzzerstoppedandsomebodystartedaquick,light,impatient
    rappingonthepanel.Martywentacrossandopenedthedoor.Heslidhisright
    handintohiscoatpocketandopenedthedoorwithhislefthand,threwitopen
    quickly.
    CarmenDravecpushedhimbackintotheroomwiththemuzzleofasmall
    revolveragainsthisbrownface.
    Martybackedawayfromhersmoothly,lightly.Hismouthwasopenandan
    expressionofpanicwasonhisface.HeknewCarmenprettywell.
    Carmenshutthedoor,thenboredaheadwithherlittlegun.Shedidn'tlook
    atanyonebutMarty,didn'tseemtoseeanythingbutMarty.Herfacehadadopey
    look.
    Theblondeshiveredthefulllengthofherbodyandswungthewhitehandled
    automaticupandtowardsCarmen.Ishotmyhandoutandgrabbedherhand,closed
    myfingersdownoveritquickly,thumbedthesafetytotheonposition,andheld
    itthere.Therewasashorttussle,whichneitherMartynorCarmenpaidany
    attentionto.ThenIhadthegun.

    TheblondebreatheddeeplyandstaredatCarmenDravec.Carmenlookedat
    Martywithdopedeyesandsaid:"Iwantmypictures."
    Martyswallowedandtriedtosmileather.Hesaid:"Sure,kid,sure,"ina
    small,flatvoicethatwasn'tlikethevoicehehadusedintalkingtome.
    CarmenlookedalmostascrazyasshehadlookedinSteiner'schair.Butshe
    hadcontrolofhervoiceandmusclesthistime.Shesaid:"YoushotHal
    Steiner."
    "Waitaminute,Carmen!"Iyelped.
    Carmendidn'tturnherhead.Theblondecametolifewitharush,ducked
    herheadatmeasifshewasgoingtobuttme,andsankherteethinmyright
    hand,theonethathadherguninit.
    Iyelpedsomemore.Nobodymindedthateither.
    Martysaid:"Listen,kid,Ididn't"
    Theblondetookherteethoutofmyhandandspatmyownbloodatme.Then
    shethrewherselfatmylegandtriedtobitethat.Icrackedherlightlyonthe
    headwiththebarrelofthegunandtriedtostandup.Sherolleddownmylegs
    andwrappedherarmsaroundmyankles.Ifellbackonthedavenportagain.The
    blondewasstrongwiththemadnessoffear.
    MartygrabbedforCarmen'sgunwithhislefthand,missed.Thelittle
    revolvermadeadull,heavysoundthatwasnotloud.AbulletmissedMartyand
    brokeglassinoneofthefoldedbackfrenchwindows.
    Martystoodperfectlystillagain.Helookedasifallhismuscleshadgone
    backonhim.
    "Duckandknockheroffherfeet,youdamn'fool!"Iyelledathim.
    ThenIhittheblondeonthesideoftheheadagain,muchharder,andshe
    rolledoffmyfeet.Igotlooseandslidawayfromher.
    MartyandCarmenwerestillfacingeachotherlikeacoupleofimages.
    Somethingverylargeandheavyhittheoutsideofthedoorandthepanel
    splitdiagonallyfromtoptobottom.
    ThatbroughtMartytolife.HejerkedtheColtoutofhispocketandjumped
    back.Isnappedashotathisrightshoulderandmissed,notwantingtohurthim
    much.Theheavythinghitthedooragainwithacrashthatseemedtoshakethe
    wholebuilding.
    IdroppedthelittleautomaticandgotmyowngunlooseasDraveccamein
    withthesmasheddoor.

    Hewaswildeyed,ragingdrunk,berserk.Hisbigarmswereflailing.His
    eyeswereglaringandbloodshotandtherewasfrothonhislips.
    Hehitmeveryhardonthesideoftheheadwithoutevenlookingatme.I
    fellagainstthewall,betweentheendofthedavenportandthebrokendoor.
    IwasshakingmyheadandtryingtogetlevelagainwhenMartybeganto
    shoot.
    SomethingliftedDravec'scoatawayfromhisbodybehind,asifaslughad
    gonecleanthroughhim.Hestumbled,straightenedimmediately,chargedlikea
    bull.
    IlinedmygunandshotMartythroughthebody.Itshookhim,buttheColt
    inhishandcontinuedtoleapandroar.ThenDravecwasbetweenusandCarmen
    wasknockedoutofthewaylikeadeadleafandtherewasnothingmorethat
    anybodycoulddoaboutit.
    Marty'sbulletscouldn'tstopDravec.Nothingcould.Ifhehadbeendead,
    hewouldstillhavegotMarty.
    HegothimbythethroatasMartythrewhisemptyguninthebigman's
    face.Itbouncedofflikearubberball.Martyyelledshrilly,andDravectook
    himbythethroatandliftedhimcleanoffhisfeet.
    ForaninstantMarty'sbrownhandsfoughtforaholdonthebigman's
    wrists.Somethingcrackedsharply,andMarty'shandsfellawaylimply.Therewas
    another,dullercrack.JustbeforeDravecletgoofMarty'sneckIsawthat
    Marty'sfacewasapurpleblackcolor.Iremembered,almostcasually,thatmen
    whosenecksarebrokensometimesswallowtheirtonguesbeforetheydie.
    ThenMartyfelldowninthecornerandDravecstartedtobackawayfrom
    him.Hebackedlikeamanlosinghisbalance,notabletokeephisfeetunder
    hiscenterofgravity.Hetookfourclumsybackwardstepslikethat.Thenhis
    bigbodytippedoverbackwardsandhefellonhisbackonthefloorwithhis
    armsflungoutwide.
    Bloodcameoutofhismouth.Hiseyesstrainedupwardsasiftoseethrough
    afog.
    CarmenDravecwentdownbesidehimandbegantowaillikeafrightened
    animal.
    Therewasnoiseoutsideinthehall,butnobodyshowedattheopendoor.
    Toomuchcasualleadhadbeenflippedaround.

    IwentquicklyovertoMartyandleanedoverhimandgotmyhandintohis
    breastpocket.Igotoutathick,squareenvelopethathadsomethingstiffand
    hardinitIstraightenedupwithitandturned.
    Faroffthewallofasirensoundedfaintlyontheeveningair,seemedto
    begettinglouder.Awhitefacedmanpeepedcautiouslyinthroughthedoorway.I
    kneltdownbesideDravec.
    Hetriedtosaysomething,butIcouldn'thearthewords.Thenthestrained
    lookwentoutofhiseyesandtheywerealoofandindifferentliketheeyesofa
    manlookingatsomethingalongwayoff,acrossawideplain.
    Carmensaidstonily:"Hewasdrunk.HemademetellhimwhereIwasgoing.
    Ididn'tknowhefollowedme."
    "Youwouldn't,"Isaidemptily.
    Istoodupagainandbroketheenvelopeopen.Therewereafewprintsinit
    andaglassnegative.Idroppedtheplateonthefloorandgroundittopieces
    withmyheel.Ibegantotearuptheprintsandletthepiecesflutterdownout
    ofmyhands.
    "They'llprintplentyofphotosofyounow,girlie,"Isaid."Butthey
    won'tprintthisone."
    "Ididn'tknowhewasfollowingme,"shesaidagain,andbegantochewon
    herthumb.
    Thesirenwasloudoutsidethebuildingnow.Itdiedtoapenetratingdrone
    andthenstoppedaltogether,justaboutthetimeIfinishedtearingupthe
    prints.
    IstoodstillinthemiddleoftheroomandwonderedwhyIhadtakenthe
    trouble.Itdidn'tmatteranymorenow.

    12

    LeaninghiselbowontheendofthebigwalnuttableinInspectorIsham's
    office,andholdingaburningcigaretteidlybetweenhisfingers,GuySlade
    said,withoutlookingatme:

    "Thanksforputtingmeonthepan,shamus.Iliketoseetheboysat
    Headquartersonceinawhile."Hecrinkledthecornersofhiseyesinan
    unpleasantsmile.
    IwassittingatthelongsideofthetableacrossfromIsham.Ishamwas
    lankyandgrayandworenoseglasses.Hedidn'tlook,actortalkcopper.
    VioletsM'GeeandamerryeyedIrishdicknamedGrinnellwereinacoupleof
    roundbackedchairsagainstaglasstoppedpartitionwallthatcutpartofthe
    officeoffintoareceptionroom.
    IsaidtoSlade:"Ifiguredyoufoundthatbloodalittletoosoon.Iguess
    Iwaswrong.Myapologies,Mr.Slade."
    "Yeah.Thatmakesitjustlikeitneverhappened."Hestoodup,pickeda
    malaccacaneandonegloveoffthetable."Thatallforme,Inspector?"
    "That'salltonight,Slade."Isham'svoicewasdry,cool,sardonic.
    Sladecaughtthecrookofhiscaneoverhiswristtoopenthedoor.He
    smiledaroundbeforehestrolledout.Thelastthinghiseyesrestedonwas
    probablythebackofmyneck,butIwasn'tlookingathim.
    Ishamsaid:"Idon'thavetotellyouhowapolicedepartmentlooksatthat
    kindofacoveruponamurder."
    Isighed."Gunfire,"Isaid."Adeadmanonthefloor.Anaked,dopedgirl
    inachairnotknowingwhathadhappened.AkillerIcouldn'thavecaughtand
    youcouldn'thavecaughtthen.Behindallthisapooroldroughneckthatwas
    breakinghishearttryingtodotherightthinginamiserablespot.Goahead
    stickitintome.I'mnotsorry."
    Ishamwavedallthataside."WhodidkillSteiner?"
    "Theblondegirlwilltellyou."
    "Iwantyoutotellme."
    Ishrugged."IfyouwantmetoguessDravec'sdriver,CarlOwen."
    Ishamdidn'tlooktoosurprised.VioletsM'Geegruntedloudly.
    "Whatmakesyouthinkso?"Ishamasked.
    "IthoughtforawhileitcouldbeMarty,partlybecausethegirlsaidso.
    Butthatdoesn'tmeananything.Shedidn'tknow,andjumpedatthechanceto
    stickaknifeintoMarty.Andshe'satypethatdoesn'tletlooseofanidea
    veryeasily.ButMartydidn'tactlikeakiller.AndamanascoolasMarty
    wouldn'thaverunoutthatway.Ihadn'tevenbangedonthedoorwhenthekiller
    startedtoscram.

    "OfcourseIthoughtofSlade,too.ButSlade'snotquitethetypeeither.
    Hepackstwogunmenaroundwithhim,andthey'dhavemadesomekindofafight
    ofit.AndSladeseemedgenuinelysurprisedwhenhefoundthebloodonthefloor
    thisafternoon.SladewasinwithSteinerandkeepingtabsonhim,buthedidn't
    killhim,didn'thaveanyreasontokillhim,andwouldn'thavekilledhimthat
    way,infrontofawitness,ifhehadareason.
    "ButCarlOwenwould.Hewasinlovewiththegirlonce,probablynevergot
    overit.Hehadchancestospyonher,findoutwhereshewentandwhatshedid.
    HelayforSteiner,gotinthebackway,sawthenudephotostuntandblewhis
    top.HeletSteinerhaveit.Thenthepanicgothimandhejustran."
    "RanallthewaytoLidopier,andthenofftheendofthat,"Ishamsaid
    dryly."Aren'tyouforgettingthattheOwenboyhadasapwoundonthesideof
    hishead?"
    Isaid:"No.AndI'mnotforgettingthatsomehoworotherMartyknewwhat
    wasonthatcameraplateornearlyenoughtomakehimgoinandgetitandthen
    hideabodyinSteiner'sgaragetogivehimroom."
    Ishamsaid:"GetAgnesLaurelinhere,Grinnell."
    Grinnellheavedupoutofhischairandstrolledthelengthoftheoffice,
    disappearedthroughadoor.
    VioletsM'Geesaid:"Baby,areyouapal!"
    Ididn'tlookathim.IshampulledthelooseskininfrontofhisAdam's
    appleandlookeddownatthefingernailsofhisotherhand.
    Grinnellcamebackwiththeblonde.Herhairwasuntidyabovethecollarof
    hercoat.Shehadtakenthejetbuttonsoutofherears.Shelookedtiredbut
    shedidn'tlookscaredanymore.Sheletherselfdownslowlyintothechairat
    theendofthetablewhereSladehadsat,foldedherhandswiththesilvered
    nailsinfrontofher.
    Ishamsaidquietly:"Allright,MissLaurel.We'dliketohearfromyou
    now."
    Thegirllookeddownatherfoldedhandsandtalkedwithouthesitation,in
    aquiet,evenvoice.
    "I'veknownJoeMartyaboutthreemonths.HemadefriendswithmebecauseI
    wasworkingforSteiner,Iguess.Ithoughtitwasbecausehelikedme.Itold
    himallIknewaboutSteiner.Healreadyknewalittle.Hehadbeenspending
    moneyhehadgotfromCarmenDravec'sfather,butitwasgoneandhewasdownto

    nickelsanddimes,readyforsomethingelse.HedecidedSteinerneededapartner
    andhewaswatchinghimtoseeifhehadanytoughfriendsinthebackground.
    "LastnighthewasinhiscardownonthestreetbackofSteiner'shouse.
    Heheardtheshots,sawthekidteardownthesteps,jumpintoabigsedanand
    takeitonthelam.Joechasedhim.Halfwaytothebeach,hecaughthimandran
    himofftheroad.Thekidcameupwithagun,buthisnervewasbadandJoe
    sappedhimdown.WhilehewasoutJoewentthroughhimandfoundoutwhohewas.
    WhenhecamearoundJoeplayedcopperandthekidbrokeandgavehimthestory.
    WhileJoewaswonderingwhattodoaboutitthekidcametolifeandknockedhim
    offthecarandscrammedagain.HedrovelikeacrazyguyandJoelethimgo.He
    wentbacktoSteiner'shouse.Iguessyouknowtherest.WhenJoehadtheplate
    developedandsawwhathehadhewentforaquicktouchsowecouldgetoutof
    townbeforethelawfoundSteiner.WeweregoingtotakesomeofSteiner'sbooks
    andsetupshopinanothercity."
    AgnesLaurelstoppedtalking.Ishamtappedwithhisfingers,said:"Marty
    toldyoueverything,didn'the?"
    "Uhhuh."
    "Surehedidn'tmurderthisCarlOwen?"
    "Iwasn'tthere.Joedidn'tactlikehe'dkilledanybody."
    Ishamnodded."That'sallfornow,MissLaurel.We'llwantallthatin
    writing.We'llhavetoholdyou,ofcourse."
    Thegirlstoodup.Grinnelltookherout.Shewentoutwithoutlookingat
    anyone.
    Ishamsaid:"Martycouldn'thaveknownCarlOwenwasdead.Buthewassure
    he'dtrytohideout.BythetimewegottohimMartywouldhavecollectedfrom
    Dravecandmovedon.Ithinkthegirl'sstorysoundsreasonable."
    Nobodysaidanything.AfteramomentIshamsaidtome:"Youmadeonebad
    mistake.Youshouldn'thavementionedMartytothegirluntilyouweresurehe
    wasyourman.Thatgottwopeoplekilledquiteunnecessarily."
    Isaid:"Uhhuh.MaybeIbettergobackanddoitoveragain."
    "Don'tgettough."
    "I'mnottough.IwasworkingforDravecandtryingtosavehimfroma
    littleheartbreak.Ididn'tknowthegirlwasasscrewyasallthat,orthat
    Dravecwouldhaveabrainstorm.Iwantedthepictures.Ididn'tcarealotabout
    trashlikeSteinerorJoeMartyandhisgirlfriend,andstilldon't."

    "Okay.Okay,"Ishamsaidimpatiently."Idon'tneedyouanymoretonight.
    You'llprobablybepannedplentyattheinquest."
    HestoodupandIstoodup.Heheldouthishand.
    "Butthatwilldoyouahellofalotmoregoodthanharm,"headdeddryly.
    Ishookhandswithhimandwentout.M'Geecameoutafterme.Werodedown
    intheelevatortogetherwithoutspeakingtoeachother.Whenwegotoutsidethe
    buildingM'GeewentaroundtotherightsideofmyChryslerandgotintoit.
    "Gotanyliquoratyourdump?"
    "Plenty,"Isaid.
    "Let'sgogetsomeofit."
    IstartedthecaranddrovewestalongFirstStreet,throughalongechoing
    tunnel.Whenwewereoutofthat,M'Geesaid:"NexttimeIsendyouaclientI
    won'texpectyoutosnitchonhim,boy."
    WewentonthroughthequieteveningtotheBerglund.Ifelttiredandold
    andnotmuchusetoanybody.

    NEVADAGAS

    HugoCandlessstoodinthemiddleofthesquashcourtbendinghisbigbodyat
    thewaist,holdingthelittleblackballdelicatelybetweenleftthumband
    forefinger.Hedroppeditneartheservicelineandflickedatitwiththelong
    handledracket.
    Theblackballhitthefrontwallalittlelessthanhalfwayup,floated
    backinahigh,lazycurve,skimmedjustbelowthewhiteceilingandthelights
    behindwireprotectors.Itslidlanguidlydownthebackwall,nevertouchingit
    enoughtobounceout.
    GeorgeDialmadeacarelessswingatit,whangedtheendofhisracket
    againstthecementbackwall.Theballfelldead.
    Hesaid:"That'sthestory,chief.1214.You'rejusttoogoodforme."

    GeorgeDialwastall,dark,handsome,Hollywoodish.Hewasbrownandlean,
    andhadahard,outdoorlook.Everythingabouthimwashardexcepthisfull,
    softlipsandhislarge,cowlikeeyes.
    "Yeah.Ialwayswastoogoodforyou,"HugoCandlesschortled.
    Heleanedfarbackfromhisthickwaistandlaughedwithhismouthwide
    open.Sweatglistenedonhischestandbelly.Hewasnakedexceptforblue
    shorts,whitewoolsocksandheavysneakerswithcrpesoles.Hehadgrayhair
    andabroadmoonfacewithasmallnoseandmouth,sharptwinkleeyes.
    "Wantanotherlickin'?"heasked.
    "NotunlessIhaveto."
    HugoCandlessscowled."Okey,"hesaidshortly.Hestuckhisracketunder
    hisarmandgotanoilskinpouchoutofhisshorts,tookacigaretteandamatch
    fromit.Helitthecigarettewithaflourishandthrewthematchintothe
    middleofthecourt,wheresomebodyelsewouldhavetopickitup.
    Hethrewthedoorofthesquashcourtopenandparadeddownthecorridorto
    thelockerroomwithhischestout.Dialwalkedbehindhimsilently;catlike,
    softfooted,withalithegrace.Theywenttotheshowers.
    Candlesssangintheshowers,coveredhisbigbodywiththicksuds,
    showereddeadcoldafterthehot,andlikedit.Herubbedhimselfdrywith
    immenseleisure,tookanothertowelandstalkedoutoftheshowerroomyelling
    fortheattendanttobringiceandgingerale.
    ANegroinastiffwhitecoatcamehurryingwithatray.Candlesssigned
    thecheckwithaflourish,unlockedhisbigdoublelockerandplankedabottle
    ofJohnnyWalkerontheroundgreentablethatstoodinthelockeraisle.
    Theattendantmixeddrinkscarefully,twoofthem,said:"Yes,suh,Mista
    Candless,"andwentawaypalmingaquarter.GeorgeDial,alreadyfullydressed
    insmartgrayflannels,camearoundthecornerandliftedoneofthedrinks.
    "Throughfortheday,chief?"Helookedattheceilinglightthroughhis
    drink,withtighteyes.
    "Guessso,"Candlesssaidlargely."GuessI'llgohomeandgivethelittle
    womanatreat."HegaveDialaswift,sidewiseglancefromhislittleeyes.
    "MindifIdon'tridehomewithyou?"Dialaskedcarelessly.
    "Withmeit'sokey.It'stoughonNaomi,"Candlesssaidunpleasantly.
    Dialmadeasoftsoundwithhislips,shrugged,said:"Youliketoburn
    peopleup,don'tyouchief?"

    Candlessdidn'tanswer,didn'tlookathim.Dialstoodsilentwithhis
    drinkandwatchedthebigmanputonmonogrammedsatinunderclothes,purple
    sockswithgrayclocks,amonogrammedsilkshirt,asuitoftinyblackandwhite
    checksthatmadehimlookasbigasabarn.
    BythetimehegottohispurpletiehewasyellingfortheNegrotocome
    andmixanotherdrink.
    Dialrefusedtheseconddrink,nodded,wentawaysoftlyalongthematting
    betweenthetallgreenlockers.
    Candlessfinisheddressing,drankhissecondhighball,lockedhisliquor
    awayandputafatbrowncigarinhismouth.HehadtheNegrolightthecigar
    forhim.Hewentoffwithastrutandseveralloudgreetingshereandthere.
    Itseemedveryquietinthelockerroomafterhewentout.Therewereafew
    snickers.
    ItwasrainingoutsidetheDelmarClub.TheliverieddoormanhelpedHugo
    Candlessonwithhisbeltedwhiteslickerandwentoutforhiscar.Whenhehad
    itinfrontofthecanopyheheldanumbrellaoverHugoacrossthestripof
    woodenmattingtothecurb.ThecarwasaroyalblueLincolnlimousine,with
    buffstriping.Thelicensenumberwas5A6.
    Thechauffeur,inablackslickerturneduphigharoundhisears,didn't
    lookaround.ThedoormanopenedthedoorandHugoCandlessgotinandsank
    heavilyonthebackseat.
    "'Night,Sam.Tellhimtogoonhome."
    Thedoormantouchedhiscap,shutthedoor,andrelayedtheorderstothe
    driver,whonoddedwithoutturninghishead.Thecarmovedoffintherain.
    Theraincamedownslantinglyandattheintersectionsuddengustsblewit
    rattlingagainsttheglassofthelimousine.Thestreetcornerswereclotted
    withpeopletryingtogetacrossSunsetwithoutbeingsplashed.HugoCandless
    grinnedoutatthem,pityingly.
    ThecarwentoutSunset,throughSherman,thenswungtowardsthehills.It
    begantogoveryfast.Itwasonaboulevardwheretrafficwasthinnow.
    Itwasveryhotinthecar.Thewindowswereallshutandtheglass
    partitionbehindthedriver'sseatwasshutallthewayacross.Thesmokeof
    Hugo'scigarwasheavyandchokinginthetonneauofthelimousine.

    Candlessscowledandreachedouttolowerawindow.Thewindowleverdidn't
    work.Hetriedtheotherside.Thatdidn'tworkeither.Hebegantogetmad.He
    grabbedforthelittletelephonedingustobawlhisdriverout.Therewasn'tany
    littletelephonedingus.
    Thecarturnedsharplyandbegantogoupalongstraighthillwith
    eucalyptustreesononesideandnohouses.Candlessfeltsomethingcoldtouch
    hisspine,allthewayupanddownhisspine.Hebentforwardandbangedonthe
    glasswithhisfist.Thedriverdidn'tturnhishead.Thecarwentveryfastup
    thelongdarkhillroad.
    HugoCandlessgrabbedviciouslyforthedoorhandle.Thedoorsdidn'thave
    anyhandleseitherside.Asick,incredulousgrinbrokeoverHugo'sbroadmoon
    face.
    Thedriverbentovertotherightandreachedforsomethingwithhisgloved
    hand.Therewasasuddensharphissingnoise.HugoCandlessbegantosmellthe
    odorofalmonds.
    Veryfaintatfirstveryfaint,andratherpleasant.Thehissingnoise
    wenton.Thesmellofalmondsgotbitterandharshandverydeadly.Hugo
    Candlessdroppedhiscigarandbangedwithallhisstrengthontheglassofthe
    nearestwindow.Theglassdidn'tbreak.
    Thecarwasupinthehillsnow,beyondeventheinfrequentstreetlights
    oftheresidentialsections.
    Candlessdroppedbackontheseatandliftedhisfoottokickhardatthe
    glasspartitioninfrontofhim.Thekickwasneverfinished.Hiseyesnolonger
    saw.Hisfacetwistedintoasnarlandhisheadwentbackagainstthecushions,
    crusheddownagainsthisthickshoulders.Hissoftwhitefelthatwasshapeless
    onhisbigsquareskull.
    Thedriverlookedbackquickly,showingalean,hawklikefaceforabrief
    instant.Thenhebenttohisrightagainandthehissingnoisestopped.
    Hepulledovertothesideofthedesertedroad,stoppedthecar,switched
    offallthelights.Therainmadeadullnoisepoundingontheroof.
    Thedrivergotoutintherainandopenedthereardoorofthecar,then
    backedawayfromitquickly,holdinghisnose.
    Hestoodalittlewayoffforawhileandlookedupanddowntheroad.
    InthebackofthelimousineHugoCandlessdidn'tmove.

    FrancineLeysatinalowredchairbesideasmalltableonwhichtherewasan
    alabasterbowl.Smokefromthecigaretteshehadjustdiscardedintothebowl
    floatedupandmadepatternsinthestill,warmair.Herhandswereclasped
    behindherheadandhersmokeblueeyeswerelazy,inviting.Shehaddarkauburn
    hairsetinloosewaves.Therewerebluishshadowsinthetroughsofthewaves.
    GeorgeDialleanedoverandkissedheronthelips,hard.Hisownlipswere
    hotwhenhekissedher,andheshivered.Thegirldidn'tmove.Shesmiledupat
    himlazilywhenhestraightenedagain.
    Inathick,cloggedvoiceDialsaid:"Listen,Francy.Whendoyouditch
    thisgamblerandletmesetyouup?"
    FrancineLeyshrugged,withouttakingherhandsfrombehindherhead."He's
    asquaregambler,George,"shedrawled."That'ssomethingnowadaysandyoudon't
    haveenoughmoney."
    "Icangetit."
    "How?"Hervoicewaslowandhusky.ItmovedGeorgeDiallikeacello.
    "FromCandless.I'vegotplentyonthatbird."
    "Asforinstance?"FrancineLeysuggestedlazily.
    Dialgrinnedsoftlydownather.Hewidenedhiseyesinadeliberately
    innocentexpression.FrancineLeythoughtthewhitesofhiseyesweretinged
    eversofaintlywithsomecolorthatwasnotwhite.
    Dialflourishedanunlightedcigarette."Plentylikehesoldoutatough
    boyfromBenolastyear.Thetoughboy'shalfbrotherwasunderamurderrap
    hereandCandlesstooktwentyfivegrandtogethimoff.Hemadeadealwiththe
    D.A.onanothercaseandletthetoughboy'sbrothergoup."
    "Andwhatdidthetoughboydoaboutallthat?'FrancineLeyaskedgently.
    "Nothingyet.Hethinksitwasontheupandup,Iguess.Youcan'talways
    win."
    "Buthemightdoplenty,ifheknew."FrancineLeysaid,nodding."Whowas
    thetoughboy,Georgie?"
    Dialloweredhisvoiceandleaneddownoverheragain."I'masaptotell
    youthat.AmannamedZapparty.I'venevermethim."

    "Andneverwanttoifyou'vegotsense,Georgie.No,thanks.I'mnot
    walkingmyselfintoanyjamlikethatwithyou."
    Dialsmiledlightly,showingeventeethinadark,smoothface."Leaveit
    tome,Francy.JustforgetthewholethingexcepthowI'mnutsaboutyou."
    "Buyusadrink,"thegirlsaid.
    Theroomwasalivingroominahotelapartment.Itwasallredandwhite,
    withembassydecorations,toostiff.Thewhitewallshadreddesignspaintedon
    them,thewhitevenetianblindswereframedinwhiteboxdrapes,therewasa
    halfroundredrugwithawhiteborderinfrontofthegasfire.Therewasa
    kidneyshapedwhitedeskagainstonewall,betweenthewindows.
    DialwentovertothedeskandpouredScotchintotwoglasses,addedice
    andchargedwater,carriedtheglassesbackacrosstheroomtowhereathinwisp
    ofsmokestillplumedupwardfromthealabasterbowl.
    "Ditchthegambler,"Dialsaid,handingheraglass."He'stheonewillget
    youinajam."
    Shesippedthedrink,nodded.Dialtooktheglassoutofherhand,sipped
    fromthesameplaceontherim,leanedoverholdingbothglassesandkissedher
    onthelipsagain.
    Therewereredcurtainsoveradoortoashorthallway.Theywereparteda
    fewinchesandaman'sfaceappearedintheopening,coolgrayeyesstaredin
    thoughtfullyatthekiss.Thecurtainsfelltogetheragainwithoutsound.
    Afteramomentadoorshutloudlyandstepscamealongthehallway.Johnny
    DeRusecamethroughthecurtainsintotheroom.BythattimeDialwaslighting
    hiscigarette.
    JohnnyDeRusewastall,lean,quiet,dressedindarkclothesdashingly
    cut.Hiscoolgrayeyeshadfinelaughterwrinklesatthecorners.Histhin
    mouthwasdelicatebutnotsoft,andhislongchinhadacleftinit.
    Dialstaredathim,madeavaguemotionwithhishand.DeRusewalkedover
    tothedeskwithoutspeaking,pouredsomewhiskeyintoaglassanddrankit
    straight.
    Hestoodamomentwithhisbacktotheroom,tappingontheedgeofthe
    desk.Thenheturnedaround,smiledfaintly,said:"'Lo,people,"inagentle,
    ratherdrawlingvoiceandwentoutoftheroomthroughaninnerdoor.
    Hewasinabigoverdecoratedbedroomwithtwinbeds.Hewenttoacloset
    andgotatancalfskinsuitcaseoutofit,openeditonthenearestbed.He

    begantorobthedrawersofahighboyandputthingsinthesuitcase,arranging
    themcarefully,withouthaste.Hewhistledquietlythroughhisteethwhilehe
    wasdoingit.
    Whenthesuitcasewaspackedhesnappeditshutandlitacigarette.He
    stoodforamomentinthemiddleoftheroomwithoutmoving.Hisgrayeyes
    lookedatthewallwithoutseeingit.
    Afteralittlewhilehewentbackintotheclosetandcameoutwithasmall
    guninasoftleatherharnesswithtwoshortstraps.Hepulleduptheleftleg
    ofhistrousersandstrappedtheholsteronhisleg.Thenhepickedupthe
    suitcaseandwentbacktothelivingroom.
    FrancineLey'seyesnarrowedswiftlywhenshesawthesuitcase.
    "Goingsomeplace?"sheaskedinherlow,huskyvoice.
    "Uhhuh.Where'sDial?"
    "Hehadtoleave."
    "That'stoobad,"DeRusesaidsoftly.Heputthesuitcasedownonthe
    floorandstoodbesideit,movinghiscoolgrayeyesoverthegirl'sface,up
    anddownherslimbody,fromheranklestoherauburnhead."That'stoobad,"he
    said."Iliketoseehimaround.I'mkindofdullforyou."
    "Maybeyouare,Johnny."
    Hebenttothesuitcase,butstraightenedwithouttouchingitandsaid
    casually:'RememberMopsParisi?Isawhimintowntoday."
    Hereyeswidenedandthenalmostshut.Herteethclickedlightly.Theline
    ofherjawbonestoodoutverydistinctlyforamoment.
    DeRusekeptmovinghisglanceupanddownherfaceandbody.
    "Goingtodoanythingaboutit?"sheasked.
    "Ithoughtoftakingatrip,"DeRusesaid."I'mnotsoscrappyasIwas
    once."
    "Apowder,"FrancineLeysaidsoftly."Wheredowego?"
    "Notapowderatrip,"DeRusesaidtonelessly."Andnotwe_me._I'm
    goingalone."
    Shesatstill,watchinghisface,notmovingamuscle.
    DeRusereachedinsidehiscoatandgotoutalongwalletthatopenedlike
    abook.Hetossedatightsheafofbillsintothegirl'slap,putthewallet
    away.Shedidn'ttouchthebills.

    "That'llholdyouforlongerthanyou'llneedtofindanewplaymate,"he
    said,withoutexpression."Iwouldn'tsayIwon'tsendyoumore,ifyouneed
    it."
    Shestoodupslowlyandthesheafofbillssliddownherskirttothe
    floor.Sheheldherarmsstraightdownatthesides,thehandsclenchedsothat
    thetendonsonthebacksofthemweresharp.Hereyeswereasdullasslate.
    "Thatmeanswe'rethrough,Johnny?"
    Heliftedhissuitcase.Shesteppedinfrontofhimswiftly,withtwolong
    steps.Sheputahandagainsthiscoat.Hestoodquitestill,smilinggently
    withhiseyes,butnotwithhislips.TheperfumeofShalimartwitchedathis
    nostrils.
    "Youknowwhatyouare,Johnny?"Herhuskyvoicewasalmostalisp.
    Hewaited.
    "Apigeon,Johnny.Apigeon."
    Henoddedslightly."Check.IcalledcopperonMopsParisi.Idon'tlike
    thesnatchracket,baby.I'dcallcopperonitanyday.Imightevengetmyself
    hurtblockingit.That'soldstuff.Through?"
    "YoucalledcopperonMopsParisiandyoudon'tthinkheknowsit,but
    maybehedoes.Soyou'rerunningawayfromhim...That'salaugh,Johnny.I'm
    kiddingyou.That'snotwhyyou'releavingme."
    "MaybeI'mjusttiredofyou,baby."
    Sheputherheadbackandlaughedsharply,almostwithawildnote.DeRuse
    didn'tbudge.
    "You'renotatoughboy,Johnny.You'resoft.GeorgeDialisharderthan
    youare.Gawd,howsoftyouare,Johnny"
    Shesteppedback,staringathisface.Someflickerofalmostunbearable
    emotioncameandwentinhereyes.
    "You'resuchahandsomepup,Johnny.Gawd,butyou'rehandsome.It'stoo
    badyou'resoft."
    DeRusesaidgently,withoutmoving:"Notsoft,babyjustabit
    sentimental.Iliketoclocktheponiesandplaysevencardstudandmessaround
    withlittleredcubeswithwhitespotsonthem.Ilikegamesofchance,
    includingwomen.ButwhenIloseIdon'tgetsoreandIdon'tchisel.Ijust
    moveontothenexttable.Beseem'you."

    Hestooped,heftedthesuitcase,andwalkedaroundher.Hewentacrossthe
    roomandthroughtheredcurtainswithoutlookingback.
    FrancineLeystaredwithstiffeyesatthefloor.

    Standingunderthescallopedglasscanopyofthesideentrancetothe
    Chatterton,DeRuselookedupanddownIrolo,towardstheflashinglightsof
    Wilshireandtowardsthedarkquietendofthesidestreet.
    Therainfellsoftly,slantingly.Alightdropblewinunderthecanopyand
    hittheredendofhiscigarettewithasputter.Heheftedthesuitcaseandwent
    alongIrolotowardshissedan.Itwasparkedalmostatthenextcorner,ashiny
    blackPackardwithalittlediscreetchromiumhereandthere.
    Hestoppedandopenedthedoorandaguncameupswiftlyfrominsidethe
    car.Thegunproddedagainsthischest.Avoicesaidsharply:"Holdit!The
    mittshigh,sweets!"
    DeRusesawthemandimlyinsidethecar.Aleanhawklikefaceonwhich
    somereflectedlightfellwithoutmakingitdistinct.Hefeltagunhardagainst
    hischest,hurtinghisbreastbone.Quickstepscameupbehindhimandanother
    gunproddedhisback.
    "Satisfied?"anothervoiceinquired.
    DeRusedroppedthesuitcase,liftedhishandsandputthemagainstthetop
    ofthecar.
    "Okey,"hesaidwearily."Whatisitaheist?"
    Asnarlinglaughcamefromthemaninthecar.AhandsmackedDeRuse's
    hipsfrombehind.
    "Backupslow!"
    DeRusebackedup,holdinghishandsveryhighintheair.
    "Notsohigh,punk,"themanbehindsaiddangerously."Justshoulderhigh."
    DeRuseloweredthem.Themaninthecargotout,straightened.Heputhis
    gunagainstDeRuse'schestagain,putoutalongarmandunbuttonedDeRuse's
    overcoat.DeRuseleanedbackwards.Thehandbelongingtothelongarmexplored

    hispockets,hisarmpits.A.38inaspringholsterceasedtomakeweightunder
    hisarm.
    "Gotone,Chuck.Anythingyourside?"
    "Nothin'onthehip."
    Themaninfrontsteppedawayandpickedupthesuitcase.
    "Marchsweets.We'llrideinourheap."
    TheywentfartheralongIrolo.AbigLincolnlimousineloomedup,ablue
    carwithalighterstripe.Thehawkfacedmanopenedthereardoor.
    "In."
    DeRusegotinlistlessly,spittinghiscigaretteendintothewet
    darkness,ashestoopedundertheroofofthecar.Afaintsmellassailedhis
    nose,asmellthatmighthavebeenoverripepeachesoralmonds.Hegotintothe
    car.
    "Inbesidehim,Chuck."
    "Listen.Let'sallrideupfront.Icanhandle"
    "Nix.Inbesidehim,Chuck,"thehawkfacedonesnapped.
    Chuckgrowled,gotintothebackseatbesideDeRuse.Theothermanslammed
    thedoorhard.Hisleanfaceshowedthroughtheclosedwindowinasardonic
    grin.Thenhewentaroundtothedriver'sseatandstartedthecar,tooledit
    awayfromthecurb.
    DeRusewrinkledhisnose,sniffingatthequeersmell.
    Theyspunatthecorner,wenteastonEighthtoNormandie,northon
    NormandieacrossWilshire,acrossotherstreets,upoverasteephillanddown
    theothersidetoMelrose.ThebigLincolnslidthroughthelightrainwithouta
    whisper.Chucksatinthecorner,heldhisgunonhisknee,scowled,Street
    lightsshowedasquare,arrogantredface,afacethatwasnotatease.
    Thebackofthedriver'sheadwasmotionlessbeyondtheglasspartition.
    TheypassedSunsetandHollywood,turnedeastonFranklin,swungnorthtoLos
    FelizanddownLosFeliztowardstheriverbed.
    Carscomingupthehillthrewsuddenbriefglaresofwhitelightintothe
    interioroftheLincoln.DeRusetensed,waited.Atthenextpairoflightsthat
    shotsquarelyintothecarhebentoverswiftlyandjerkeduptheleftlegof
    histrousers.Hewasbackagainstthecushionsbeforetheblindinglightwas
    gone.

    Chuckhadn'tmoved,hadn'tnoticedmovement.Downatthebottomofthe
    hill,attheintersectionofRiversideDrive,awholephalanxofcarssurged
    towardsthemasalightchanged.DeRusewaited,timedtheimpactofthe
    headlights.Hisbodystoopedbriefly,hishandswoopeddown,snatchedthesmall
    gunfromthelegholster.
    Heleanedbackoncemore,thegunagainstthebulkofhisleftthigh,
    concealedbehinditfromwhereChucksat.
    TheLincolnshotoverontoRiversideandpassedtheentrancetoGriffith
    Park.
    "Wherewegoing,punk?"DeRuseaskedcasually.
    "Saveit,"Chucksnarled,"You'llfindout."
    "Notastickup,huh?"
    "Saveit,"Chucksnarledagain.
    "MopsParisi'sboys?"DeRuseaskedthinly,slowly.
    Theredfacedgunmanjerked,liftedthegunoffhisknee."Isaidsave
    it!"
    DeRusesaid:"Sorry,punk."
    Heturnedthegunoverhisthigh,lineditswiftly,squeezedthetrigger
    lefthanded.Thegunmadeasmallflatsoundalmostanunimportantsound.
    Chuckyelledandhishandjerkedwildly.Thegunkickedoutofitandfell
    onthefloorofthecar.Hislefthandracedforhisrightshoulder.
    DeRuseshiftedthelittleMausertohisrighthandandputitdeepinto
    Chuck'sside.
    "Steady,boy,steady.Keepyourhandsoutoftrouble.Nowkickthatcannon
    overthiswayfast!"
    Chuckkickedthebigautomaticalongthefloorofthecar.DeRusereached
    downforitswiftly,gotit.Theleanfaceddriverjerkedalookbackandthe
    carswerved,thenstraightenedagain.
    DeRuseheftedthebiggun.TheMauserwastoolightforasap.Heslammed
    Chuckhardonthesideofthehead.Chuckgroaned,saggedforward,clawing.
    "Thegas!"hebleated."Thegas!He'llturnonthegas!"DeRusehithim
    again,harder.Chuckwasatumbledheaponthefloorofthecar.
    TheLincolnswungoffRiverside,overashortbridgeandabridlepath,
    downanarrowdirtroadthatsplitagolfcourse.Itwentintodarknessand

    amongtrees.Itwentfast,rocketedfromsidetoside,asifthedriverwanted
    ittodojustthat.
    DeRusesteadiedhimself,feltforthedoorhandle.Therewasn'tanydoor
    handle.Hislipscurledandhesmashedatawindowwiththegun.Theheavyglass
    waslikeawallofstone.
    Thehawkfacedmanleanedoverandtherewasahissingsound.Thenthere
    wasasuddensharpincreaseofintensityofthesmellofalmonds.
    DeRusetoreahandkerchiefoutofhispocketandpressedittohisnose.
    Thedriverhadstraightenedagainnowandwasdrivinghunchedover,tryingto
    keephisheaddown.
    DeRuseheldthemuzzleofthebiggunclosetotheglasspartitionbehind
    thedriver'shead,whoduckedsidewise.Hesqueezedleadfourtimesquickly,
    shuttinghiseyesandturninghisheadaway,likeanervouswoman.
    Noglassflew.Whenhelookedagaintherewasajaggedroundholeinthe
    glassandthewindshieldinalinewithitwasstarredbutnotbroken.
    Heslammedthegunattheedgesoftheholeandmanagedtoknockapieceof
    glassloose.Hewasgettingthegasnow,throughthehandkerchief.Hisheadfelt
    likeaballoon.Hisvisionwavedandwandered.
    Thehawkfaceddriver,crouched,wrenchedthedooropenathisside,swung
    thewheelofthecartheoppositewayandjumpedclear.
    Thecartoreoveralowembankment,loopedalittleandsmackedsidewise
    againstatree.Thebodytwistedenoughforoneofthereardoorstospring
    open.
    DeRusewentthroughthedoorinaheadlongdive.Softearthsmackedhim,
    knockedsomeofthewindoutofhim.Thenhislungsbreathedcleanair.He
    rolleduponhisstomachandelbows,kepthisheaddown,hisgunhandup.
    Thehawkfacedmanwasonhiskneesadozenyardsaway.DeRusewatchedhim
    dragagunoutofhispocketandliftit.
    Chuck'sgunpulsedandroaredinDeRuse'shanduntilitwasempty.
    Thehawkfacedmanfoldeddownslowlyandhisbodymergedwiththedark
    shadowsandthewetground.CarswentbydistantlyonRiversideDrive.Rain
    drippedoffthetrees.TheGriffithParkbeaconturnedinthethicksky.The
    restwasdarknessandsilence.
    DeRusetookadeepbreathandgotuponhisfeet.Hedroppedtheemptygun,
    tookasmallflashoutofhisovercoatpocketandpulledhisovercoatupagainst

    hisnoseandmouth,pressingthethickclothhardagainsthisface.Hewentto
    thecar,switchedoffthelightsandthrewthebeamoftheflashintothe
    driver'scompartment.Heleanedinquicklyandturnedapetcockonacopper
    cylinderlikeafireextinguisher.Thehissingnoiseofthegasstopped.
    Hewentovertothehawkfacedman.Hewasdead.Therewassomeloose
    money,currencyandsilverinhispockets,cigarettes,afolderofmatchesfrom
    theClubEgypt,nowallet,acoupleofextraclipsofcartridges,DeRuse's.38.
    DeRuseputthelastbackwhereitbelongedandstraightenedfromthesprawled
    body.
    HelookedacrossthedarknessoftheLosAngelesriverbedtowardsthe
    lightsofGlendale.Inthemiddledistanceagreenneonsignfarfromanyother
    lightwinkedonandoff:ClubEgypt.
    DeRusesmiledquietlytohimself,andwentbacktotheLincoln.Hedragged
    Chuck'sbodyoutontothewetground.Chuck'sredfacewasbluenow,underthe
    beamofthesmallflash.Hisopeneyesheldanemptystare.Hischestdidn't
    move.DeRuseputtheflashdownandwentthroughsomemorepockets.
    Hefoundtheusualthingsamancarries,includingawalletshowinga
    driver'slicenseissuedtoCharlesLeGrand,HotelMetropole,LosAngeles.He
    foundmoreClubEgyptmatchesandatabbedhotelkeymarked809,Hotel
    Metropole.
    Heputthekeyinhispocket,slammedthesprungdooroftheLincoln,got
    inunderthewheel.Themotorcaught.Hebackedthecarawayfromthetreewith
    awrenchofbrokenfendermetal,swungitaroundslowlyoverthesoftearthand
    gotitbackagainontheroad.
    WhenhereachedRiversideagainheturnedthelightsonanddrovebackto
    Hollywood.Heputthecarundersomepeppertreesinfrontofabigbrick
    apartmenthouseonKenmorehalfablocknorthofHollywoodBoulevard,lockedthe
    ignitionandliftedouthissuitcase.
    Lightfromtheentranceoftheapartmenthouserestedonthefrontlicense
    plateashewalkedaway.Hewonderedwhygunmenwoulduseacarwithplate
    numbersreading5A6,almostaprivilegenumber.
    Inadrugstorehephonedforataxi.Thetaxitookhimbacktothe
    Chatterton.

    Theapartmentwasempty.ThesmellofShalimarandcigarettesmokelingeredon
    thewarmair,asifsomeonehadbeentherenotlongbefore.DeRusepushedinto
    thebedroom,lookedatclothesintwoclosets,articlesonadresser,thenwent
    backtotheredandwhitelivingroomandmixedhimselfastiffhighball.
    Heputthenightlatchontheoutsidedoorandcarriedhisdrinkintothe
    bedroom,strippedoffhismuddyclothesandputonanothersuitofsomber
    materialbutdandifiedcut.Hesippedhisdrinkwhileheknottedablackfour
    inhandintheopeningofasoftwhitelinenshirt.
    HeswabbedthebarrelofthelittleMauser,reassembledit,andaddeda
    shelltothesmallclip,slippedthegunbackintothelegholster.Thenhe
    washedhishandsandtookhisdrinktothetelephone.
    Thefirstnumberhecalledwasthe_Chronicle._HeaskedfortheCityRoom,
    Werner.
    Adrawlyvoicedrippedoverthewire:"Wernertalkin'.Goahead.Kidme."
    DeRusesaid:"ThisisJohnDeRuse,Claude.LookupCaliforniaLicense5A6
    onyourlistforme."
    "Mustbeabloodypolitician,"thedrawlyvoicesaid,andwentaway.
    DeRusesatmotionless,lookingataflutedwhitepillarinthecorner.It
    hadaredandwhitebowlofredandwhiteartificialrosesontopofit.He
    wrinkledhisnoseatitdisgustedly.
    Werner'svoicecamebackonthewire:"1930Lincolnlimousineregisteredto
    HugoCandless,CasadeOroApartments,2942ClearwaterStreet,WestHollywood."
    DeRusesaidinatonethatmeantnothing:"That'sthemouthpiece,isn't
    it?"
    "Yeah.Thebiglip.MisterTaketheWitness."Werner'svoicecamedown
    lower."Speakingtoyou,Johnny,andnotforpublicationabigcrookedtubof
    gutsthat'snotevensmart;justbeenaroundlongenoughtoknowwho'sfor
    sale...Storyinit?"
    "Hell,no,"DeRusesaidsoftly."Hejustsideswipedmeanddidn'tstop."
    Hehungupandfinishedhisdrink,stooduptomixanother.Thenheswepta
    telephonedirectoryontothewhitedeskandlookedupthenumberoftheCasade

    Oro.Hedialedit.AswitchboardoperatortoldhimMr.HugoCandlesswasoutof
    town.
    "Givemehisapartment,"DeRusesaid.
    Awoman'scoolvoiceansweredthephone.'Yes.ThisisMrs.HugoCandless
    speaking.Whatisit,please?"
    DeRusesaid:"I'maclientofMr.Candless,veryanxioustogetholdof
    him.Canyouhelpme?"
    "I'mverysorry,"thecool,almostlazyvoicetoldhim."Myhusbandwas
    calledoutoftownquitesuddenly.Idon'tevenknowwherehewent,thoughI
    expecttohearfromhimlaterthisevening.Helefthisclub
    "Whatclubwasthat?"DeRuseaskedcasually.
    "TheDelmarClub.Isayhelefttherewithoutcominghome.Ifthereisany
    message"
    DeRusesaid:"Thankyou,Mrs.Candless.PerhapsImaycallyouagain
    later."
    Hehungup,smiledslowlyandgrimly,sippedhisfreshdrinkandlookedup
    thenumberoftheHotelMetropole.Hecalleditandaskedfor"MisterCharlesLe
    GrandinRoom809."
    "Sixonine,"theoperatorsaidcasually."I'llconnectyou."Amoment
    later:"Thereisnoanswer."
    DeRusethankedher,tookthetabbedkeyoutofhispocket,lookedatthe
    numberonit.Thenumberwas809.

    Sam,thedoormanattheDelmarClub,leanedagainstthebuffstoneofthe
    entranceandwatchedthetrafficswishbyonSunsetBoulevard.Theheadlights
    hurthiseyes.Hewastiredandhewantedtogohome.Hewantedasmokeanda
    bigslugofgin.Hewishedtherainwouldstop.Itwasdeadinsidetheclubwhen
    itrained.
    Hestraightenedawayfromthewallandwalkedthelengthofthesidewalk
    canopyacoupleoftimes,slappingtogetherhisbigblackhandsinbigwhite

    gloves.Hetriedtowhistlethe"SkatersWaltz,"couldn'tgetwithinablockof
    thetune,whistled"LowDownLady"instead.Thatdidn'thaveanytune.
    DeRusecamearoundthecornerfromHudsonStreetandstoodbesidehimnear
    thewall.
    "HugoCandlessinside?"heasked,notlookingatSam.
    Samclickedhisteethdisapprovingly."Heain't."
    "Beenin?"
    "Askatthedeskside,please,mistah."
    DeRusetookglovedhandsoutofhispocketandbegantorollafivedollar
    billaroundhisleftforefinger.
    "Whatdotheyknowthatyoudon'tknow?"
    Samgrinnedslowly,watchedthebillbeingwoundtightlyaroundthegloved
    finger.
    "That'safac',boss.Yeahhewasin.Comesmosteveryday."
    "Whattimeheleave?"
    "Heleave'boutsixthirty,Ahreckon."
    "DrivehisblueLincolnlimousine?"
    "Shuah.Onlyhedon'tdriveithisseif.Whatforyouask?"
    "Itwasrainingthen,"DeRusesaidcalmly."Rainingprettyhard.Maybeit
    wasn'ttheLincoln."
    'Twas,too,theLincoln,"Samprotested."Ain'tItuckedhimin?Henever
    ridesnothin'else."
    "License5A6?"DeRuseboredonrelentlessly.
    "That'sit,"Samchortled."Justlikeacouncilman'snumberthatnumber
    is."
    "Knowthedriver?"
    "Shuah"Sambegan,andthenstoppedcold.Herakedablackjawwitha
    whitefingerthesizeofabanana."Well,Ah'llbeabigblackslobifheain't
    gothisselfanewdriveragain.Iain't_know_thatman,sure'nough."
    DeRusepokedtherolledbillintoSam'sbigwhitepaw.Samgrabbeditbut
    hislargeeyessuddenlygotsuspicious.
    "Say,forwhatyouaskallofthemquestions,mistahman?"
    DeRusesaid:"Ipaidmyway,didn'tI?"
    HewentbackaroundthecornertoHudsonandgotintohisblackPackard
    sedan.HedroveitoutontoSunset,thenwestonSunsetalmosttoBeverly

    Hills,thenturnedtowardsthefoothillsandbegantopeeratthesignson
    streetcorners.ClearwaterStreetranalongtheflankofahillandhadaview
    oftheentirecity.TheCasadeOro,atthecornerofParkinson,wasatricky
    blockofhighclassbungalowapartmentssurroundedbyanadobewallwithred
    tilesontop.Ithadalobbyinaseparatebuilding,abigprivategarageon
    Parkinson,oppositeonelengthofthewall.
    DeRuseparkedacrossthestreetfromthegarageandsatlookingthrough
    thewidewindowintoaglassedinofficewhereanattendantinspotlesswhite
    coverallssatwithhisfeetonthedesk,readingamagazineandspitoverhis
    shoulderataninvisiblecuspidor.
    DeRusegotoutofthePackard,crossedthestreetfartherup,cameback
    andslippedintothegaragewithouttheattendantseeinghim.
    Thecarswereinfourrows.Tworowsbackedagainstthewhitewalls,two
    againsteachotherinthemiddle.Therewereplentyofvacantstalls,butplenty
    ofcarshadgonetobedalso.Theyweremostlybig,expensiveclosedmodels,
    withtwoorthreeflashyopenjobs.
    Therewasonlyonelimousine.IthadLicenseNo.5A6.
    Itwasawellkeptcar,brightandshiny;royalbluewithabufftrimming.
    DeRusetookagloveoffandrestedhishandontheradiatorshell.Quitecold.
    Hefeltthetires,lookedathisfingers.Alittlefinedrydustadheredtothe
    skin.Therewasnomudinthetreads,justbonedrydust.
    Hewentbackalongtherowofdarkcarbodiesandleanedintheopendoor
    ofthelittleoffice.Afteramomenttheattendantlookedup,almostwitha
    start.
    "SeentheCandlesschauffeuraround?"DeRuseaskedhim.
    Themanshookhisheadandspatdeftlyintoacopperspittoon.
    "NotsinceIcameonthreeo'clock."
    "Didn'thegodowntotheclubfortheoldman?"
    "Nope.Iguessnot.Thebighackain'tbeenout.Healwaystakesthat."
    "Wheredoeshehanghishat?"
    "Who?Mattick?Theygotservants'quartersinbackofthejungle.ButI
    thinkIheardhimsayheparksatsomehotel.Let'ssee"Abrowgotfurrowed.
    "TheMetropole?"DeRusesuggested.
    ThegaragemanthoughtitoverwhileDeRusestaredatthepointofhis
    chin.

    "Yeah.Ithinkthatsit.Iain'tjustpositivethough.Mattickdon'topen
    upmuch.
    DeRusethankedhimandcrossedthestreetandgotintothePackardagain.
    Hedrovedowntown.
    ItwastwentyfiveminutespastninewhenhegottothecornerofSeventh
    andSpring,wheretheMetropolewas.
    Itwasanoldhotelthathadoncebeenexclusiveandwasnowsteeringa
    shakycoursebetweenareceivershipandabadnameatHeadquarters.Ithadtoo
    muchoilydarkwoodpaneling,toomanychippedgiltmirrors.Toomuchsmokehung
    belowitslowbeamedlobbyceilingandtoomanygriftersbummedaroundinits
    wornleatherrockers.
    Theblondewholookedafterthebighorseshoecigarcounterwasn'tyoung
    anymoreandhereyeswerecynicalfromstandingoffcheapdates.DeRuseleaned
    ontheglassandpushedhishatbackonhiscrispblackhair.
    "Camels,honey,"hesaidinhislowpitchedgambler'svoice.
    Thegirlsmackedthepackinfrontofhim,rangupfifteencentsand
    slippedthedimechangeunderhiselbow,withafaintsmile.Hereyessaidthey
    likedhim.Sheleanedoppositehimandputherheadnearenoughsothathecould
    smelltheperfumeinherhair.
    "Tellmesomething,"DeRusesaid.
    "What?"sheaskedsoftly.
    "Findoutwholivesineightonine,withouttellinganyanswerstothe
    clerk."
    Theblondelookeddisappointed."Whydon'tyouaskhimyourself,mister?"
    "I'mtooshy,"DeRusesaid.
    "Yesyouarc!"
    Shewenttohertelephoneandtalkedintoitwithlanguidgrace,cameback
    toDeRuse.
    "NameofMattick.Meananything?"
    "Guessnot,"DeRusesaid."Thanksalot.Howdoyoulikeitinthisnice
    hotel?"
    "Whosaiditwasanicehotel?"
    DeRusesmiled,touchedhishat,strolledaway.Hereyeslookedafterhim
    sadly.Sheleanedhersharpelbowsonthecounterandcuppedherchininher
    handstostareafterhim.

    DeRusecrossedthelobbyandwentupthreestepsandgotintoanopencage
    elevatorthatstartedwithalurch.
    "Eight,"hesaid,andleanedagainstthecagewithhishandsinhis
    pockets.
    EightwasashighastheMetropolewent.DeRusefollowedalongcorridor
    thatsmelledofvarnish.Aturnattheendbroughthimfacetofacewith809.He
    knockedonthedarkwoodpanel.Nobodyanswered.Hebentover,lookedthroughan
    emptykeyhole,knockedagain.
    Thenhetookthetabbedkeyoutofhispocketandunlockedthedoorand
    wentin.
    Windowswereshutintwowalls.Theairreekedofwhiskey.Lightswereon
    intheceiling.Therewasawidebrassbed,adarkbureau,acoupleofbrown
    leatherrockers,astifflookingdeskwithaflatbrownquartofFourRoseson
    it,nearlyempty,withoutacap.DeRusesniffeditandsethishipsagainstthe
    edgeofthedesk,lethiseyesprowltheroom.
    Hisglancetraversedfromthedarkbureauacrossthebedandthewallwith
    thedoorinittoanotherdoorbehindwhichlightshowed.Hecrossedtothatand
    openedit.
    Themanlayonhisface,ontheyellowishbrownwoodstonefloorofthe
    bathroom.Bloodonthefloorlookedstickyandblack.Twosoggypatchesonthe
    backoftheman'sheadwerethepointsfromwhichrivuletsofdarkredhadrun
    downthesideofhisnecktothefloor.Thebloodhadstoppedflowingalong
    timeago.
    DeRuseslippedagloveoffandstoopedtoholdtwofingersagainstthe
    placewhereanarterywouldbeat.Heshookhisheadandputhishandbackinto
    hisglove.
    Heleftthebathroom,shutthedoorandwenttoopenoneofthewindows.He
    leanedout,breathingcleanrainwetair,lookingdownalongslantsofthinrain
    intothedarkslitofanalley.
    Afteralittlewhileheshutthewindowagain,switchedoffthelightin
    thebathroom,tooka"DoNotDisturb"signoutofthetopbureaudrawer,doused
    theceilinglights,andwentout.
    Hehungthesignontheknobandwentbackalongthecorridortothe
    elevatorsandlefttheHotelMetropole.

    FrancineLeyhummedlowdowninherthroatasshewentalongthesilentcorridor
    oftheChatterton.Shehummedunsteadilywithoutknowingwhatshewashumming,
    andherlefthandwithitscherryredfingernailsheldagreenvelvetcapefrom
    slippingdownoffhershoulders.Therewasawrappedbottleunderherotherarm.
    Sheunlockedthedoor,pusheditopenandstopped,withaquickfrown.She
    stoodstill,remembering,tryingtoremember.Shewasstillalittletight.
    Shehadleftthelightson,thatwasit.Theywereoffnow.Couldbethe
    maidservice,ofcourse.Shewentonin,fumbledthroughtheredcurtainsinto
    thelivingroom.
    Theglowfromtheheaterprowledacrosstheredandwhiterugandtouched
    shinyblackthingswitharuddygleam.Theshinyblackthingswereshoes.They
    didn'tmove.
    FrancineLeysaid:"Ohoh,"inasickvoice.Thehandholdingthecape
    almosttoreintoherneckwithitslong,beautifullymoldednails.
    Somethingclickedandlightglowedinalampbesideaneasychair.DeRuse
    satinthechair,lookingatherwoodenly.
    Hehadhiscoatandhaton.Hiseyesshrouded,faraway,filledwitha
    remotebrooding.
    Hesaid:"Beenout,Francy?"
    Shesatdownslowlyontheedgeofahalfroundsettee,putthebottledown
    besideher.
    "Igottight,"shesaid."ThoughtI'dbettercat.ThenIthoughtI'dget
    tightagain."Shepattedthebottle.
    DeRusesaid:"IthinkyourfriendDial'sbosshasbeensnatched."Hesaid
    itcasually,asifitwasofnoimportancetohim.
    FrancineLeyopenedhermouthslowlyandassheopeneditallthe
    prettinesswentoutofherface.Herfacebecameablankhaggardmaskonwhich
    rougeburnedviolently.Hermouthlookedasifitwantedtoscream.
    Afterawhileitclosedagainandherfacegotprettyagainandhervoice,
    fromfaroff,said:"WoulditdoanygoodtosayIdon'tknowwhatyou're
    talkingabout?"

    DeRusedidn'tchangehiswoodenexpression.Hesaid:"WhenIwentdownto
    thestreetfromhereacoupleofhoodsjumpedme.Oneofthemwasstashedinthe
    car.Ofcoursetheycouldhavespottedmesomewhereelsefollowedmehere."
    "Theydid,"FrancineLeysaidbreathlessly."Theydid,Johnny."
    Hislongchinmovedaninch."TheypiledmeintoabigLincoln,a
    limousine.Itwasquiteacar.Ithadheavyglassthatdidn'tbreakeasilyand
    nodoorhandlesanditwasallshutuptight.Inthefrontseatithadatankof
    Nevadagas,cyanide,whichtheguydrivingcouldturnintothebackpartwithout
    gettingithimself.TheytookmeoutGriffithParkway,towardstheClubEgypt.
    That'sthatjointoncountyland,neartheairport."Hepaused,rubbedtheend
    ofoneeyebrow,wenton:"TheyoverlookedtheMauserIsometimeswearonmyleg.
    ThedrivercrashedthecarandIgotloose."
    Hespreadhishandsandlookeddownatthem.Afaintmetallicsmileshowed
    atthecornersofhislips.
    FrancineLeysaid:"Ididn'thaveanythingtodowithit,Johnny."Her
    voicewasasdeadasthesummerbeforelast.
    DeRusesaid:"TheguythatrodeinthecarbeforeIdidprobablydidn't
    haveagun.HewasHugoCandless.Thecarwasaringerforhiscarsamemodel,
    samepaintjob,sameplatesbutitwasn'thiscar.Somebodytookalotof
    trouble.CandlesslefttheDelmarClubinthewrongcaraboutsixthirty.His
    wifesayshe'soutoftown.Italkedtoheranhourago.Hiscarhasn'tbeenout
    ofthegaragesincenoon...Maybehiswifeknowshe'ssnatchedbynow,maybe
    not."
    FrancineLey'snailsclawedatherskirt.Herlipsshook.
    DeRusewentoncalmly,tonelessly:"SomebodygunnedtheCandlesschauffeur
    inadowntownhoteltonightorthisafternoon.Thecopshaven'tfoundityet.
    Somebodytookalotoftrouble,Francy.Youwouldn'twanttobeinonthatkind
    ofasetup,wouldyou,precious?"
    FrancineLeybentherheadforwardandstaredatthefloor.Shesaid
    thickly:"Ineedadrink.WhatIhadisdyinginme.Ifeelawful."
    DeRusestoodupandwenttothewhitedesk.Hedrainedabottleintoa
    glassandbroughtitacrosstoher.Hestoodinfrontofher,holdingtheglass
    outofherreach.

    "Ionlygettoughonceinawhile,baby,butwhenIgettoughI'mnotso
    easytostop,ifIsayitmyself.Ifyouknowanythingaboutallthis,nowwould
    beagoodtimetospillit."
    Hehandedhertheglass.Shegulpedthewhiskeyandalittlemorelight
    cameintohersmokeblueeyes.Shesaidslowly:"Idon'tknowanythingaboutit,
    Johnny.Notinthewayyoumean.ButGeorgeDialmademealovenestproposition
    tonightandhetoldmchecouldgetmoneyoutofCandlessbythreateningto
    spilladirtytrickCandlessplayedonsometoughboyfromReno."
    "Damnclever,thesegreasers,"DeRusesaid."Reno'smytown,baby.Iknow
    allthetoughboysinReno.Whowasit?"
    "SomebodynamedZapparty."
    DeRusesaidverysoftly:"Zappartyisthenameofthemanwhorunsthe
    ClubEgypt."
    FrancineLeystoodupsuddenlyandgrabbedhisarm."Stayoutofit,
    Johnny!ForChristsake,can'tyoustayoutofitforjustthisonce?"
    DeRuseshookhishead,smileddelicately,lingeringlyather.Thenhe
    liftedherhandoffhisarmandsteppedback.
    "Ihadarideintheirgascar,baby,andIdidn'tlikeit.Ismelledtheir
    Nevadagas.Ileftmyleadinsomebody'sgunpunk.Thatmakesmccallcopperor
    getjammedupwiththelaw.Ifsomebody'ssnatchedandIcallcopper,there'll
    beanotherkidnapvictimbumpedoff,morelikelythannot.Zapparty'satough
    boyfromRenoandthatcouldtieinwithwhatDialtoldyou,andifMopsParisi
    isplayingwithZapparty,thatcouldmakeareasontopullmcintoit.Parisi
    loathesmyguts."
    "Youdon'thavetobeaonemanriotsquad,Johnny,"FrancineLeysaid
    desperately.
    Hekeptonsmiling,withtightlipsandsolemneyes."There'llbetwoof
    us,baby.Getyourselfalongcoat.It'sstillrainingalittle."
    Shegoggledathim.Heroutstretchedhand,theonethathadbeenonhis
    arm,spreaditsfingersstiffly,bentbackfromthepalm,strainingback.Her
    voicewashollowwithfear.
    "Me,Johnny?Oh,please,not.
    DeRusesaidgently:"Getthatcoat,honey.Makeyourselflooknice.It
    mightbethelasttimewe'llgoouttogether."

    Shestaggeredpasthim.Hetouchedherarmsoftly,helditamoment,said
    almostinawhisper:
    "Youdidn'tputthefingeronme,didyou,Francy?"
    Shelookedbackstonilyatthepaininhiseyes,madeahoarsesoundunder
    herbreathandjerkedherarmloose,wentquicklyintothebedroom.
    AfteramomentthepainwentoutofDeRuse'seyesandthemetallicsmile
    camebacktothecornersofhislips.

    DeRusehalfclosedhiseyesandwatchedthecroupier'sfingersastheyslid
    backacrossthetableandrestedontheedge.Theywereround,plump,tapering
    fingers,gracefulfingers.DeRuseraisedhisheadandlookedatthecroupier's
    face.Hewasabaldheadedmanofnoparticularage,withquietblueeyes.He
    hadnohaironhisheadatall,notasinglehair.
    DeRuselookeddownatthecroupier'shandsagain.Therighthandturneda
    littleontheedgeofthetable.Thebuttonsonthesleeveofthecroupier's
    brownvelvetcoatcutlikeadinnercoatrestedontheedgeofthetable.De
    Rusesmiledhisthinmetallicsmile.
    Hehadthreebluechipsonthered.OnthatplaytheballstoppedatBlack
    2.Thecroupierpaidofftwoofthefourothermenwhowereplaying.
    DeRusepushedfivebluechipsforwardandsettledthemonthereddiamond.
    Thenheturnedhisheadtotheleftandwatchedahuskilybuiltblondyoungman
    putthreeredchipsonthezero.
    DeRuselickedhislipsandturnedhisheadfarther,lookedtowardsthe
    sideoftherathersmallroom.FrancineLeywassittingonacouchbackedtothe
    wall,withherheadleaningagainstit.
    "IthinkI'vegotit,baby,"DeRusesaidtoher."IthinkI'vegotit."
    FrancineLeyblinkedandliftedherheadawayfromthewall.Shereached
    foradrinkonalowroundtableinfrontofher.
    Shesippedthedrink,lookedatthefloor,didn'tanswer.
    DeRuselookedbackattheblondman.Thethreeothermenhadmadebets.
    Thecroupierlookedimpatientandatthesametimewatchful.

    DeRusesaid:"HowcomeyoualwayshitzerowhenIhitred,anddoublezero
    whenIhitblack?"
    Theblondyoungmansmiled,shrugged,saidnothing.
    DeRuseputhishanddownonthelayoutandsaidverysoftly:"Iaskedyou
    aquestion,mister."
    "MaybeI'mJesseLivermore,"theblondyoungmangrunted."Iliketosell
    short."
    "Whatisthisslowmotion?"oneoftheothermensnapped.
    "Makeyourplays,please,gentlemen,"thecroupiersaid.
    DeRuselookedathim,said:"Letitgo."
    Thecroupierspunthewheellefthanded,flickedtheballwiththesame
    handtheoppositeway.Hisrighthandrestedontheedgeofthetable.
    Theballstoppedatblack28,nexttozero.Theblondmanlaughed."Close,"
    hesaid,"close."
    DeRusecheckedhischips,stackedthemcarefully."I'mdownsixgrand,"he
    said."It'salittleraw,butIguessthere'smoneyinit.Whorunsthisclip
    joint?"
    ThecroupiersmiledslowlyandstaredstraightintoDeRuse'seyes.He
    askedquietly:"Didyousayclipjoint?"
    DeRusenodded.Hedidn'tbothertoanswer.
    "Ithoughtyousaidclipjoint,"thecroupiersaid,andmovedonefoot,put
    weightonit.
    Threeofthemenwhohadbeenplayingpickedtheirchipsupquicklyand
    wentovertoasmallbarinthecorneroftheroom.Theyordereddrinksand
    leanedtheirbacksagainstthewallbythebar,watchingDeRuseandthe
    croupier.TheblondmanstayedputandsmiledsarcasticallyatDeRuse.
    "Tsk,tsk,"hesaidthoughtfully."Yourmanners."
    FrancineLeyfinishedherdrinkandleanedherheadbackagainstthewall
    again.HereyescamedownandwatchedDeRusefurtively,underthelonglashes.
    Apaneleddooropenedafteramomentandaverybigmanwithablack
    mustacheandveryroughblackeyebrowscamein.Thecroupiermovedhiseyesto
    him,thentoDeRuse,pointingwithhisglance.
    "Yes,Ithoughtyousaidclipjoint,"herepeatedtonelessly.Thebigman
    driftedtoDeRuse'selbow,touchedhimwithhisownelbow.
    "Out,"hesaidimpassively.

    Theblondmangrinnedandputhishandsinthepocketsofhisdarkgray
    suit.Thebigmandidn'tlookathim.
    DeRuseglancedacrossthelayoutatthecroupierandsaid:"I'lltakeback
    mysixgrandandcallitaday."
    "Out,"thebigmansaidwearily,jabbinghiselbowintoDeRuse'sside.
    Thebaldheadedcroupiersmiledpolitely.
    "You,"thebigmansaidtoDeRuse,"ain'tgoin'togettough,areyou?"
    DeRuselookedathimwithsarcasticsurprise.
    "Well,well,thebouncer,"hesaidsoftly."Takehim,Nicky."
    Theblondmantookhisrighthandoutofhispocketandswungit.Thesap
    lookedblackandshinyunderthebrightlights.Ithitthebigmanontheback
    oftheheadwithasoftthud.ThebigmanclawedatDeRuse,whosteppedaway
    fromhimquicklyandtookagunoutfromunderhisarm.Thebigmanclawedat
    theedgeoftheroulettetableandfellheavilyonthefloor.
    FrancineLeystoodupandmadeastrangledsoundinherthroat.
    Theblondmanskippedsidewise,whirledandlookedatthebartender.The
    bartenderputhishandsontopofthebar.Thethreemenwhohadbeenplaying
    roulettelookedveryinterested,buttheydidn'tmove.
    DeRusesaid:"Themiddlebuttononhisrightsleeve,Nicky.Ithinkit's
    copper."
    "Yeah."Theblondmandriftedaroundtheendofthetableputtingthesap
    backinhispocket.Hewentclosetothecroupierandtookholdofthemiddleof
    threebuttonsonhisrightcuff,jerkedithard.Atthesecondjerkitcameaway
    andathinwirefolloweditoutofthesleeve.
    "Correct,"theblondmansaidcasually,lettingthecroupier'sarmdrop.
    "I'lltakemysixgrandnow,"DeRusesaid."Thenwe'llgotalktoyour
    boss."
    Thecroupiernoddedslowlyandreachedfortherackofchipsbesidethe
    roulettetable.
    Thebigmanonthefloordidn'tmove.Theblondmanputhisrighthand
    behindhishipandtooka.45automaticoutfrominsidehiswaistbandatthe
    back.
    Heswungitinhishand,smilingpleasantlyaroundtheroom.

    Theywentalongabalconythatlookeddownoverthediningroomandthedance
    floor.Thelispofhotjazzcameuptothemfromthelithe,swayingbodiesofa
    highyallerband.Withthelispofjazzcamethesmelloffoodandcigarette
    smokeandperspiration.Thebalconywashighandthescenedownbelowhada
    patternedlook,likeanoverheadcamerashot.
    Thebaldheadedcroupieropenedadoorinthecornerofthebalconyand
    wentthroughwithoutlookingback.TheblondmanDeRusehadcalledNickywent
    afterhim.ThenDeRuseandFrancineLey.
    Therewasashorthailwithafrostedlightintheceiling.Thedooratthe
    endofthatlookedlikepaintedmetal.Thecroupierputaplumpfingeronthe
    smallpushbuttonattheside,rangitinacertainway.Therewasabuzzing
    noiselikethesoundofanelectricdoorrelease.Thecroupierpushedonthe
    edgeandopenedit.
    Insidewasacheerfulroom,halfdenandhalfoffice.Therewasagrate
    fireandagreenleatherdavenportatrightanglestoit,facingthedoor.Aman
    sittingonthedavenportputanewspaperdownandlookedupandhisface
    suddenlygotlivid.Hewasasmallmanwithatightroundhead,atightround
    darkface.Hehadlittlelightlessblackeyeslikebuttonsofjet.
    Therewasabigflatdeskinthemiddleoftheroomandaverytallman
    stoodattheendofitwithacocktailshakerinhishands.Hisheadturned
    slowlyandhelookedoverhisshoulderatthefourpeoplewhocameintotheroom
    whilehishandscontinuedtoagitatethecocktailshakeringentlerhythm.He
    hadacavernousfacewithsunkeneyes,loosegrayishskin,andclosecropped
    reddishhairwithoutshineorparting.AthincrisscrossscarlikeaGerman
    Mensurscarshowedonhisleftcheek.
    Thetallmanputthecocktailshakerdownandturnedhisbodyaroundand
    staredatthecroupier.Themanonthedavenportdidn'tmove.Therewasa
    crouchedtensixtyinhisnotmoving.
    Thecroupiersaid:"Ithinkit'sastickup.ButIcouldn'thelpmyself.
    TheysappedBigGeorge."
    Theblondmansmiledgailyandtookhis.45outofhispocket.Hepointed
    itatthefloor.

    "Hethinksit'sastickup,"hesaid."Wouldn'tthatpositivelyslayyou?"
    DeRuseshuttheheavydoor.FrancineLeymovedawayfromhim,towardsthe
    sideoftheroomawayfromthefire.Hedidn'tlookather.Themanonthe
    davenportlookedather,lookedateverybody.
    DeRusesaidquietly:"ThetalloneisZapparty.ThelittleoneisMops
    Parisi."
    Theblondmansteppedtooneside,leavingthecroupieraloneinthemiddle
    oftheroom.The.45coveredthemanonthedavenport.
    "Sure,I'mZapparty,"thetallmansaid.HelookedatDeRusecuriouslyfor
    amoment.
    Thenheturnedhisbackandpickedthecocktailshakerupagain,tookout
    theplugandfilledashallowglass.Hedrainedtheglass,wipedhislipswitha
    sheerlawnhandkerchiefandtuckedthehandkerchiefbackintohisbreastpocket
    verycarefully,sothatthreepointsshowed.
    DeRusesmiledhisthinmetallicsmileandtouchedoneendofhisleft
    eyebrowwithhisforefinger.Hisrighthandwasinhisjacketpocket.
    "NickyandIputonalittleact,"hesaid."Thatwassotheboysoutside
    wouldhavesomethingtotalkaboutifthegoinggottoonoisywhenwecameinto
    secyou."
    "Itsoundsinteresting,"Zappartyagreed."Whatdidyouwanttoseeme
    about?"
    "Aboutthatgascaryoutakepeopleforridesin,"DeRusesaid.
    Themanonthedavenportmadeaverysuddenmovementandhishandjumped
    offhislegasifsomethinghadstungit.Theblondmansaid:"No...oryes,if
    you'drather,MisterParisi.It'sallamatteroftaste."
    Parisibecamemotionlessagain.Hishanddroppedbacktohisshortthick
    thigh.
    Zappartywidenedhisdeepeyesalittle."Gascar?"Histonewasofmild
    puzzlement.
    DeRusewentforwardintothemiddleoftheroomnearthecroupier.He
    stoodbalancedontheballsofhisfeet.Hisgrayeyeshadasleepyglitterbut
    hisfacewasdrawnandtired,notyoung.
    Hesaid:'Maybesomebodyjusttosseditinyourlap,Zapparty,butIdon't
    thinkso.I'mtalkingabouttheblueLincoln,License5A6,withthetankof

    Nevadagasinfront.Youknow,Zapparty,thestufftheyuseonkillersinour
    state."
    ZappartyswallowedandhislargeAdam'sapplemovedinandout.Hepuffed
    hislips,thendrewthembackagainsthisteeth,thenpuffedthemagain.
    Themanonthedavenportlaughedoutloud,seemedtobeenjoyinghimself.
    Avoicethatcamefromnooneintheroomsaidsharply:"Justdropthat
    gat,Blondie.Therestofyougrabair."
    DeRuselookeduptowardsanopenedpanelinthewallbeyondthedesk.A
    gunshowedintheopening,andahand,butnobodyorface.Lightfromtheroom
    litupthehandandthegun.'
    ThegunseemedtopointdirectlyatFrancineLey.DeRusesaid:"Okey,"
    quickly,andliftedhishands,empty.
    Theblondmansaid:"That'llbeBigGeorgeallrestedandreadytogo."He
    openedhishandandletthe.45thudtothefloorinfrontofhim.
    Parisistoodupveryswiftlyfromthedavenportandtookagunfromunder
    hisarm.Zappartytookarevolveroutofthedeskdrawer,leveledit.Hespoke
    towardsthepanel:"Getout,andstayout."
    Thepanelclickedshut.Zappartyjerkedhisheadatthebaldheaded
    croupier,whohadnotseemedtomoveamusclesincehecameintotheroom.
    "Backonthejob,Louis.Keepthechinup."
    Thecroupiernoddedandturnedandwentoutoftheroom,closingthedoor
    carefullybehindhim.
    FrancineLeylaughedfoolishly.Herhandwentupandpulledthecollarof
    herwrapclosearoundherthroat,asifitwascoldintheroom.Buttherewere
    nowindowsanditwasverywarm,fromthefire.
    Parisimadeawhistlingsoundwithhislipsandteethandwentquicklyto
    DeRuseandstuckthegunhewasholdinginDeRuse'sface,pushinghishead
    back,HefeltinDeRuse'spocketswithhislefthand,tooktheColt,feltunder
    hisarms,circledaroundhim,touchedhiships,cametothefrontagain.
    HesteppedbackalittleandhitDeRuseonthecheekwiththeflatofone
    gun.DeRusestoodperfectlystillexceptthathisheadjerkedalittlewhenthe
    hardmetalhithisface.
    Parisihithimagainthesameplace.BloodbegantorundownDeRuse's
    cheekfromthecheekbone,lazily.Hisheadsaggedalittleandhiskneesgave
    way.Hewentdownslowly,leanedwithhislefthandonthefloor,shakinghis

    head.Hisbodywascrouched,hislegsdoubledunderhim.Hisrighthanddangled
    looselybesidehisleftfoot.
    Zappartysaid:"Allright,Mops.Don'tgetbloodhungry.Wewantwordsout
    ofthesepeople."
    FrancineLeylaughedagain,ratherfoolishly.Sheswayedalongthewall,
    holdingonehandupagainstit.
    ParisibreathedhardandbackedawayfromDeRusewithahappysmileonhis
    roundswartface.
    "Ibeenwaitin'alongtimeforthis,"hesaid.
    WhenhewasaboutsixfeetfromDeRusesomethingsmallanddarkly
    glisteningseemedtoslideoutoftheleftlegofDeRuse'strousersintohis
    hand.Therewasasharp,snappingexplosion,atinyorangegreenflamedownon
    thefloor.
    Parisi'sheadjerkedback.Aroundholeappearedunderhischin.Itgot
    largeandredalmostinstantly.Hishandsopenedlaxlyandthetwogunsfellout
    ofthem.Hisbodybegantosway.Hefellheavily.
    Zappartysaid:"HolyChrist!"andjerkeduphisrevolver.
    FrancineLeyscreamedflatlyandhurledherselfathimclawing,kicking,
    shrilling.
    Therevolverwentofftwicewithaheavycrash.Twoslugsplunkedintoa
    wall.Plasterrattled.
    FrancineLeysliddowntothefloor,onherhandsandknees.Alongslim
    legsprawledoutfromunderherdress.
    Theblondman,downononekneewithhis.45inhishandagain,rasped:
    "Shegotthebastard'sgun!"
    Zappartystoodwithhishandsempty,aterribleexpressiononhisface.
    Therewasalongredscratchonthebackofhisrighthand.Hisrevolverlayon
    thefloorbesideFrancineLey.Hishorrifiedeyeslookeddownatit
    unbelievingly.
    Parisicoughedonceonthefloorandafterthatwasstill.
    DeRusegotuponhisfeet.ThelittleMauserlookedlikeatoyinhis
    hand.Hisvoiceseemedtocomefromfarawaysaying:"Watchthatpanel,
    Nicky...."
    Therewasnosoundoutsidetheroom,nosoundanywhere.Zappartystoodat
    theendofthedesk,frozen,ghastly.

    DeRusebentdownandtouchedFrancineLey'sshoulder."Allright,baby?"
    Shedrewherlegsunderherandgotup,stoodlookingdownatParisi.Her
    bodyshookwithanervouschill.
    "I'msorry,baby,"DeRusesaidsoftlybesideher."IguessIhadawrong
    ideaaboutyou."
    Hetookahandkerchiefoutofhispocketandmoisteneditwithhislips,
    thenrubbedhisleftcheeklightlyandlookedatbloodonthehandkerchief.
    Nickysaid:"IguessBigGeorgewenttosleepagain.Iwasasapnotto
    blastathim."
    DeRusenoddedalittle,andsaid:
    "Yeah.Thewholeplaywaslousy.Where'syourhatandcoat,Mister
    Zapparty?We'dliketohaveyougoridingwithus."

    IntheshadowsunderthepeppertreesDeRusesaid:"Thereitis,Nicky.Over
    there.Nobody'sbotheredit.Bettertakealookaround."
    TheblondmangotoutfromunderthewheelofthePackardandwentoff
    underthetrees,Hestoodalittlewhileonthesamesideofthestreetasthe
    Packard,thenheslippedacrosstowherethebigLincolnwasparkedinfrontof
    thebrickapartmenthouseonNorthKenmore.
    DeRuseleanedforwardacrossthebackofthefrontseatandpinched
    FrancineLey'scheek."You'regoinghomenow,babywiththisbus.I'llseeyou
    later."
    "Johnnysheclutchedathisarm''whatarcyougoingtodo?ForPete's
    sake,can'tyoustophavingfunfortonight?"
    "Notyet,baby.MisterZappartywantstotellusthings.Ifigurealittle
    rideinthatgascarwillpephimup.AnywayIneeditforevidence."
    HelookedsidewiseatZappartyinthecornerofthebackscat.Zapparty
    madeaharshsoundinhisthroatandstaredinfrontofhimwithashadowed
    face.
    Nickycamebackacrosstheroad,stoodwithonefootontherunningboard.
    "Nokeys,"hesaid."Got'em?"

    DeRusesaid:"Sure."Hetookkeysoutofhispocketandhandedthemto
    Nicky.NickywentaroundtoZapparty'ssideofthecarandopenedthedoor.
    "Out,mister."
    Zappartygotoutstiffly,stoodinthesoft,slantingrain,hismouth
    working.DeRusegotoutafterhim.
    "Takeitaway,baby."
    FrancineLeyslidalongthescatunderthesteeringwheelofthePackard
    andpushedthestarter.Themotorcaughtwithasoftwhirr.
    "Solong,baby,"DeRusesaidgently."Getmyslipperswarmedforme.And
    domeabigfavor,honey.Don'tphoneanyone."
    ThePackardwentoffalongthedarkstreet,underthebigpeppertrees.De
    Rusewatcheditturnacorner.HeproddedZappartywithhiselbow.
    "Let'sgo.You'regoingtorideinthebackofyourgascar.Wecan'tfeed
    youmuchgasonaccountoftheholeintheglass,butyou'lllikethesmellof
    it.We'llgooffinthecountrysomewhere.We'vegotallnighttoplaywith
    you."
    "Iguessyouknowthisisasnatch,"Zappartysaidharshly.
    "Don'tIlovetothinkit,"DeRusepurred.
    Theywentacrossthestreet,threemenwalkingtogetherwithouthaste.
    NickyopenedthegoodreardooroftheLincoln.Zappartygotintoit.Nicky
    bangedthedoorshut,gotunderthewheelandfittedtheignitionkeyinthe
    lock.DeRusegotinbesidehimandsatwithhislegsstraddlingthetankof
    gas.
    Thewholecarstillsmelledofthegas.
    Nickystartedthecar,turneditinthemiddleoftheblockanddrovenorth
    toFranklin,backoverLosFeliztowardsGlendale.AfteralittlewhileZapparty
    leanedforwardandbangedontheglass.DeRuseputhiseartotheholeinthe
    glassbehindNicky'shead.
    Zapparty'sharshvoicesaid:"StonehouseCastleRoadintheLaCrescenta
    floodarea."
    "Jeeze,buthe'sasofty,"Nickygrunted,hiseyesontheroadahead.
    DeRusenodded,saidthoughtfully:"There'smoretoitthanthat.With
    Parisideadhe'dclamupunlesshefiguredhehadanout."
    Nickysaid:"Me,I'drathertakeabeatingandkeepmychinbuttoned.Light
    meapill,Johnny."

    DeRuselittwocigarettesandpassedonetotheblondman.Heglancedback
    atZapparty'slongbodyinthecornerofthecar.Passinglighttoucheduphis
    tautface,madetheshadowsonitlookverydeep.
    ThebigcarslidnoiselesslythroughGlendaleandupthegradetowards
    Montrose.FromMontroseovertotheSunlandhighwayandacrossthatintothe
    almostdesertedfloodareaofLaCrescenta.
    TheyfoundCastleRoadandfollowedittowardsthemountains.Inafew
    minutestheycametothestonehouse.
    Itstoodbackfromtheroad,acrossawidespacewhichmightoncehavebeen
    lawnbutwhichwasnowpackedsand,smallStonesandafewlargeboulders.The
    roadmadeasquareturnjustbeforetheycametoit.Beyondittheroadendedin
    acleanedgeofconcretechewedoffbythefloodofNewYear'sDay,1934.
    Beyondthisedgewasthemainwashoftheflood.Bushesgrewinitand
    thereweremanyhugestones.Ontheveryedgeatreegrewwithhalfitsrootsin
    theaireightfeetabovethebedofthewash.
    Nickystoppedthecarandturnedoffthelightsandtookabignickeled
    flashoutofthecarpocket.HehandedittoDeRuse.
    DeRusegotoutofthecarandstoodforamomentwithhishandontheopen
    door,holdingtheflash.Hetookagunoutofhisovercoatpocketandheldit
    downathisside.
    "Lookslikeastall,"hesaid."Idon'tthinkthere'sanythingstirring
    here."
    HeglancedinatZapparty,smiledsharplyandwalkedoffacrosstheridges
    ofsand,towardsthehouse.Thefrontdoorstoodhalfopen,wedgedthatwayby
    sand.DeRusewenttowardsthecornerofthehouse,keepingoutoflinewiththe
    dooraswellashecould.Hewentalongthesidewall,lookingatboardedup
    windowsbehindwhichtherewasnotraceoflight.
    Atthebackofthehousewaswhathadbeenachickenhouse.Apieceof
    rustedjunkinasquashedgaragewasallthatremainedofthefamilysedan.The
    backdoorwasnaileduplikethewindows.DeRusestoodsilentintherain,
    wonderingwhythefrontdoorwasopen.Thenherememberedthattherehadbeen
    anotherfloodafewmonthsbefore,notsuchabadone.Theremighthavebeen
    enoughwatertobreakopenthedooronthesidetowardsthemountains.

    Twostuccohouses,bothabandoned,loomedontheadjoininglots.Farther
    awayfromthewash,onabitofhigherground,therewasalightedwindow.It
    wastheonlylightanywhereintherangeofDeRuse'svision.
    Hewentbacktothefrontofthehouseandslippedthroughtheopendoor,
    stoodinsideitandlistened.Afterquitealongtimehesnappedtheflashon.
    Thehousedidn'tsmelllikeahouse.Itsmelledlikeoutofdoors.There
    wasnothinginthefrontroombutsand,afewpiecesofsmashedfurniture,some
    marksonthewalls,abovethedarklineofthefloodwater,wherepictureshad
    hung.
    DeRusewentthroughashorthallintoakitchenthathadaholeinthe
    floorwherethesinkhadbeenandarustygasstovestuckinthehole.Fromthe
    kitchenhewentintoabedroom.Hehadnotheardanywhisperofsoundinthe
    housesofar.
    Thebedroomwassquareanddark.Acarpetstiffwitholdmudwasplastered
    tothefloor.Therewasametalbedwitharustedspring,andawaterstained
    mattressoverpartofthespring.
    Feetstuckoutfromunderthebed.
    Theywerelargefeetinwalnutbrownbrogues,withpurplesocksabovethem.
    Thesockshadgrayclocksdownthesides.Abovethesocksweretrousersofblack
    andwhitecheck.
    DeRusestoodverystillandplayedtheflashdownonthefeet.Hemadea
    softsuckingsoundwithhislips.Hestoodlikethatforacoupleofminutes,
    withoutmovingatall.Thenhestoodtheflashonthefloor,onitsend,sothat
    thelightitshotagainsttheceilingwasreflecteddowntomakedimlightall
    overtheroom.
    Hetookholdofthemattressandpulleditoffthebed.Hereacheddownand
    touchedoneofthehandsofthemanwhowasunderthebed.Thehandwasice
    cold.Hetookholdoftheanklesandpulled,butthemanwaslargeandheavy.
    Itwaseasiertomovethebedfromoverhim.

    10

    Zappartyleanedhisheadbackagainsttheupholsteryandshuthiseyesand
    turnedhisheadawayalittle.Hiseyeswereshutverytightandhetriedto
    turnhisheadfarenoughsothatthelightfromthebigflashwouldn'tshine
    throughhiseyelids.
    Nickyheldtheflashclosetohisfaceandsnappediton,offagain,on,
    offagain,monotonously,inakindofrhythm.
    DeRusestoodwithonefootontherunningboardbytheopendoorand
    lookedoffthroughtherain.Ontheedgeofthemurkyhorizonanairplanebeacon
    flashedweakly.
    Nickysaidcarelessly:"Youneverknowwhat'llgetaguy.Isawonebreak
    oncebecauseacopheldhisfingernailagainstthedimpleinhischin."
    DeRuselaughedunderhisbreath."Thisoneistough,"hesaid."You'll
    havetothinkofsomethingbetterthanaflashlight."
    Nickysnappedtheflashon,off,on,off."Icould,"hesaid,"ButIdon't
    wanttogetmyhandsdirty."
    AfteralittlewhileZappartyraisedhishandsinfrontofhimandletthem
    fallslowlyandbegantotalk.Hetalkedinalowmonotonousvoice,keepinghis
    eyesshutagainsttheflash.
    "Parisiworkedthesnatch.Ididn'tknowanythingaboutituntilitwas
    done.Parisimuscledinonmeaboutamonthago,withacoupleoftoughboysto
    backhimup.HehadfoundoutsomehowthatCandlessbeatmeoutoftwentyfive
    grandtodefendmyhalfbrotheronamurderrap,thensoldthekidout.Ididn't
    tellParisithat.Ididn'tknowheknewuntiltonight.
    "Hecameintotheclubaboutsevenoralittleafterandsaid:"We'vegota
    friendofyours,HugoCandless.It'sahundredgrandjob,aquickturnover.All
    youhavetodoishelpspreadthepayoffacrossthetableshere,getitmixed
    upwithabunchofothermoney.Youhavetodothatbecausewegiveyouacut
    andbecausethecaperisrightupyouralley,ifanythinggoessour.'That's
    aboutall.Parisisataroundthenandchewedhisfingersandwaitedforhis
    boys.Hegotprettyjumpywhentheydidn'tshow.Hewentoutoncetomakea
    phonecallfromabeerparlor."
    DeRusedrewonacigaretteheheldcuppedinsideahand.Hesaid:"Who
    fingeredthejob,andhowdidyouknowCandlesswasuphere?"
    Zappartysaid:"Mopstoldme.ButIdidn'tknowhewasdead."
    Nickylaughedandsnappedtheflashseveraltimesquickly.

    DeRusesaid:"Holditsteadyforaminute."Nickyheldthebeamsteadyon
    Zapparty'swhiteface.Zappartymovedhislipsinandout.Heopenedhiseyes
    once.Theywereblindeyes,liketheeyesofadeadfish.
    Nickysaid:"It'sdamncolduphere.Whatdowedowithhisnibs?"
    DeRusesaid:"We'lltakehimintothehouseandtiehimtoCandless.They
    cankeepeachotherwarm.We'llcomeupagaininthemorningandseeifhe'sgot
    anyfreshideas."
    Zappartyshuddered.Thegleamofsomethinglikeatearshowedinthecorner
    ofhisnearesteye.Afteramomentofsilencehesaid:"Okey.Iplannedthe
    wholething.Thegascarwasmyidea.Ididn'twantthemoney.Iwanted
    Candless,andIwantedhimdead.MykidbrotherwashangedinQuentinaweekago
    Friday."
    Therewasalittlesilence.Nickysaidsomethingunderhisbreath.DeRuse
    didn'tmoveormakeasound.
    Zappartywenton:"Mattick,theCandlessdriver,wasinonit.Hehated
    Candless.Hewassupposedtodrivetheringercartomakeeverythinglookgood
    andthentakeapowder.Buthelappeduptoomuchcorngettingsetforthejob
    andParisigotleeryofhim,hadhimknockedoff.Anotherboydrovethecar.It
    wasrainingandthathelped."
    DeRusesaid:"Betterbutstillnotallofit,Zapparty."
    Zappartyshruggedquickly,slightlyopenedhiseyesagainsttheflash,
    almostgrinned.
    "Whatthehelldoyouwant?Jamonbothsides?"
    DeRusesaid:"Iwantafingerputonthebirdthathadmegrabbed...Letit
    go.I'lldoitmyself."
    Hetookhisfootofftherunningboardandsnappedhisbuttawayintothe
    darkness.Heslammedthecardoorshut,gotinthefront.Nickyputtheflash
    awayandslidaroundunderthewheel,startedtheengine.
    DeRusesaid:"SomewherewhereIcanphoneforacab,Nicky.Thenyoutake
    thisridingforanotherhourandthencallFrancy.I'llhaveawordforyou
    there."
    Theblondmanshookhisheadslowlyfromsidetoside."You'reagoodpal,
    Johnny,andIlikeyou.Butthishasgonefarenoughthisway.I'mtakingit
    downtoHeadquarters.Don'tforgetI'vegotaprivatedicklicenseundermyold
    shirtsathome.

    DeRusesaid:"Givemcanhour,Nicky.Justanhour."
    ThecarsliddownthehillandcrossedtheSunlandHighway,starteddown
    anotherhilltowardsMontrose.AfterawhileNickysaid:"Check."

    11

    Itwastwelveminutespastonebythestampingclockontheendofthedeskin
    thelobbyoftheCasadeOro.ThelobbywasantiqueSpanish,withblackandred
    Indianrugs,nailstuddedchairswithleathercushionsandleathertasselson
    thecornersofthecushions;thegraygreenolivewooddoorswerefittedwith
    clumsywroughtironstraphinges.
    Athin,dapperclerkwithawaxedblondmustacheandablondpompadour
    leanedonthedeskandlookedattheclockandyawned,tappinghisteethwith
    thebacksofhisbrightfingernails.
    ThedooropenedfromthestreetandDeRusecamein.Hetookoffhishat
    andshookit,putitonagainandyankedthebrimdown.Hiseyeslookedslowly
    aroundthedesertedlobbyandhewenttothedesk,slappedaglovedpalmonit.
    "What'sthenumberoftheHugoCandlessbungalow?"heasked.
    Theclerklookedannoyed.Heglancedattheclock,atDeRuse'sface,back
    attheclock.Hesmiledsuperciliously,spokeaslightaccent.
    "TwelveC.Doyouwishtobeannouncedatthishour?"
    DeRusesaid:"No."
    Heturnedawayfromthedeskandwenttowardsalargedoorwithadiamond
    ofglassinit.Itlookedlikethedoorofaveryhighclassprivy.
    Asheputhishandouttothedoorabellrangsharplybehindhim.
    DeRuselookedbackoverhisshoulder,turnedandwentbacktothedesk.
    Theclerktookhishandawayfromthebell,ratherquickly.
    Hisvoicewascold,sarcastic,insolent,saying:"It'snotthatkindof
    apartmenthouse,ifyouplease."
    TwopatchesaboveDeRuse'scheekbonesgotaduskyred.Heleanedacross
    thecounterandtookholdofthebraidedlapeloftheclerk'sjacket,pulledthe
    man'schestagainsttheedgeofthedesk.
    "Whatwasthatcrack,nance?"

    Theclerkpaledbutmanagedtobanghisbellagainwithaflailinghand.
    Apudgymaninabaggysuitandasealbrowntoupeecamearoundthecorner
    ofthedesk,putoutaplumpfingerandsaid:"Hey."
    DeRuselettheclerkgo.Helookedexpressionlesslyatcigarashonthe
    frontofthepudgyman'scoat.
    Thepudgymansaid:"I'mthehouseman.Yougottaseemeifyouwanttoget
    tough."
    DeRusesaid:"Youspeakmylanguage.Comeoverinthecorner."
    Theywentoverinthecornerandsatdownbesideapalm.Thepudgyman
    yawnedamiablyandliftedtheedgeofhistoupeeandscratchedunderit.
    "I'mKuvalick,"hesaid."TimesIcouldbopthatSwissmyself.What'sthe
    beef?"
    DeRusesaid:"Areyouaguythatcanstayclammed?"
    "No.Iliketotalk.It'sallthefunIgetaroundthisduderanch."
    Kuvalickgothalfofacigaroutofapocketandburnedhisnoselightingit.
    DeRusesaid:"Thisisonetimeyoustayclammed."
    Hereachedinsidehiscoat,gothiswalletout,tookouttwotens.He
    rolledthemaroundhisforefinger,thenslippedthemoffinatubeandtucked
    thetubeintotheoutsidepocketofthepudgyman'scoat.
    Kuvalickblinked,butdidn'tsayanything.
    DeRusesaid:"There'samanintheCandlessapartmentnamedGeorgeDial.
    Hiscar'soutside,andthat'swherehewouldbe.IwanttoseehimandIdon't
    wanttosendanamein.Youcantakemeinandstaywithme."
    Thepudgymansaidcautiously:"It'skindoflate.Maybehe'sinbed."
    "Ifheis,he'sinthewrongbed,"DeRusesaid."Heoughttogetup."
    Thepudgymanstoodup."Idon'tlikewhatI'mthinkin',butIlikeyour
    tens,"hesaid."I'llgoinandseeifthey'reup.Youstayput."
    DeRusenodded.Kuvalickwentalongthewallandslippedthroughadoorin
    thecorner.Theclumsysquarebuttofahipholstershowedunderthebackofhis
    coatashewalked.Theclerklookedafterhim,thenlookedcontemptuously
    towardsDeRuseandgotoutanailfile.
    Tenminuteswentby,fifteen.Kuvalickdidn'tcomeback.DeRusestoodup
    suddenly,scowledandmarchedtowardsthedoorinthecorner,Theclerkatthe
    deskstiffened,andhiseyeswenttothetelephoneonthedesk,buthedidn't
    touchit.

    DeRusewentthroughthedoorandfoundhimselfunderaroofedgallery.
    Raindrippedsoftlyofftheslantingtilesoftheroof.Hewentalongapatio
    themiddleofwhichwasanoblongpoolframedinamosaicofgailycolored
    tiles.Attheendofthat,otherpatiosbranchedoff.Therewasawindowlight
    atthefarendoftheonetotheleft.Hewenttowardsit,ataventure,and
    whenhecameclosetoitmadeoutthenumber12Conthedoor.
    Hewentuptwoflatstepsandpunchedabellthatranginthedistance.
    Nothinghappened.Inalittlewhileherangagain,thentriedthedoor.Itwas
    locked.Somewhereinsidehethoughtheheardafaintmuffledthumpingsound.
    Hestoodintherainamoment,thenwentaroundthecornerofthebungalow,
    downanarrow,verywetpassagetotheback.Hetriedtheservicedoor;locked
    also.DeRuseswore,tookhisgunoutfromunderhisarm,heldhishatagainst
    theglasspaneloftheservicedoorandsmashedthepanewiththebuttofthe
    gun.Glassfelltinklinglightlyinside.
    Heputthegunaway,straightenedhishatonhisheadandreachedin
    throughthebrokenpanetounlockthedoor.
    Thekitchenwaslargeandbrightwithblackandyellowtiling,lookedasif
    itwasusedmostlyformixingdrinks.TwobottlesofHaigandHaig,abottleof
    Hennessy,threeorfourkindsoffancycordialbottlesstoodonthetiled
    drainboard.Ashorthallwithacloseddoorledtothelivingroom.Therewasa
    grandpianointhecornerwithalamplitbesideit.Anotherlamponalowtable
    withdrinksandglasses.Awoodfirewasdyingonthehearth.
    Thethumpingnoisegotlouder.
    DeRusewentacrossthelivingroomandthroughadoorframedinavalance
    intoanotherhallway,thenceintoabeautifullypaneledbedroom.Thethumping
    noisecamefromacloset.DeRuseopenedthedooroftheclosetandsawaman.
    Hewassittingonthefloorwithhisbackinaforestofdresseson
    hangers.Atowelwastiedaroundhisface.Anotherheldhisanklestogether.His
    wristsweretiedbehindhim.Hewasaverybaldman,asbaldasthecroupierat
    theClubEgypt.
    DeRusestareddownathimharshly,thensuddenlygrinned,bentandcuthim
    loose.
    Themanspitawashclothoutofhismouth,sworehoarselyanddivedinto
    theclothesatthebackofthecloset.Hecameupwithsomethingfurryclutched
    inhishand,straighteneditout,andputitonhishairlesshead.

    ThatmadehimKuvalick,thehousedick.
    HegotupstillswearingandbackedawayfromDeRuse,withastiffalert
    grinonhisfatface.Hisrighthandshottohishipholster.
    DeRusespreadhishands,said:"Tellit,"andsatdowninasmallchintz
    coveredslipperchair.
    Kuvalickstaredathimquietlyforamoment,thentookhishandawayfrom
    hisgun.
    "There'slights,"hesaid,"SoIpushthebuzzer.Atalldarkguyopens.I
    seenhimaroundherealot.That'sDial.Isaytohimthere'saguyoutsidein
    thelobbywantstoseehimhushhush,won'tgiveaname."
    "Thatmadeyouasap,"DeRusecommenteddryly.
    "Notyet,butsoon,"Kuvalickgrinned,andspitashredofclothoutofhis
    mouth."Idescribeyou._That_makesmeasap.Hesmiledkindoffunnyandasks
    metocomeinaminute.Igoinpasthimandheshutsthedoorandsticksagun
    inmykidney.Hesays:'Didyousayheworealldarkclothes?'Isay:'Yes.And
    what'sthatgatfor?'Hesays:'Doeshehavegrayeyesandsortofcrinklyblack
    hairandishehardaroundtheteeth?'Isay:'Yes,youbastardandwhat'sthe
    gatfor?'
    "Hesays:'Forthis,'andletsmehaveitonthebackofthehead.Igo
    down,groggy,butnotout.ThentheCandlessbroadcomesoutfromadoorwayand
    theytiemeupandshovemeintheclosetandthat'sthat.Ihearthemfussin'
    aroundforalittlewhileandthenIhearsilence.That'salluntilyouringthe
    bell."
    DeRusesmiledlazily,pleasantly.Hiswholebodywaslaxinthechair.His
    mannerhadbecomeindolentandunhurried.
    "Theyfaded,"hesaidsoftly."Theygottippedoff.Idon'tthinkthatwas
    verybright."
    Kuvalicksaid:"I'manoldWellsFargodickandIcanstandashock.What
    theybeenupto?"
    "WhatkindofwomanisMrs.Candless?"
    "Dark,alooker,Sexhungry,asthefellowsays.Kindofwornandtight.
    Theygetanewchauffeureverythreemonths.There'sacoupleguysintheCasa
    shelikestoo.Iguessthere'sthisgigolothatboppedme."

    DeRuselookedathiswatch,nodded,leanedforwardtogetup."Iguess
    it'sabouttimeforsomelaw.Gotanyfriendsdowntownyou'dliketogivea
    snatchstoryto?"
    Avoicesaid:"Notquiteyet."
    GeorgeDialcamequicklyintotheroomfromthehallwayandstoodquietly
    insideitwithalong,thin,silencedautomaticinhishand.Hiseyeswere
    brightandmad,buthislemoncoloredfingerwasverysteadyonthetriggerof
    thesmallgun.
    "Wedidn'tfade,"hesaid."Weweren'tquiteready.Butitmightnothave
    beenabadideaforyoutwo."
    Kuvalick'spudgyhandsweptforhishipholster.
    Thesmallautomaticwiththeblacktubeonitmadetwoflatdullsounds.
    ApuffofdustjumpedfromthefrontofKuvalick'scoat.Hishandsjerked
    sharplyawayfromthesidesandhissmalleyessnappedverywideopen,like
    seedsburstingfromapod.Hefellheavilyonhissideagainstthewall,lay
    quitestillonhisleftside,withhiseyeshalfopenandhisbackagainstthe
    wall.Histoupeewastippedoverrakishly.
    DeRuselookedathimswiftly,lookedbackatDial.Noemotionshowedin
    hisface,notevenexcitement.
    Hesaid:"You'reacrazyfool,Dial.Thatkillsyourlastchance.Youcould
    havebluffeditout.Butthat'snotyouronlymistake."
    Dialsaid'calmly:"No.Iseethatnow.Ishouldn'thavesenttheboys
    afteryou.Ididthatjustforthehellofit.Thatcomesofnotbeinga
    professional."
    DeRusenoddedslightly,lookedatDialalmostwithfriendliness."Justfor
    thefunofitwhotippedyouoffthegamehadgonesmash?"
    "Francyandshetookherdamntimeaboutit,"Dialsaidsavagely."I'm
    leaving,soIwon'tbeabletothankherforawhile."
    "Notever,"DeRusesaid."Youwon'tgetoutofthestate.Youwon'tever
    touchanickelofthebigboy'smoney.Notyouoryoursidekicksoryourwoman.
    Thecopsaregettingthestoryrightnow."
    Dialsaid:"We'llgetclear.Wehaveenoughtotouron,Johnny.Solong."
    Dial'sfacetightenedandhishandjerkedup,withtheguninit.DeRuse
    halfclosedhiseyes,bracedhimselffortheshock.Thelittlegundidn'tgo
    off.TherewasarustlebehindDialandatalldarkwomaninagrayfurcoat

    slidintotheroom.Asmallhatwasbalancedondarkhairknottedonthenapeof
    herneck.Shewaspretty,inathin,haggardsortofway.Theliprougeonher
    mouthwasasblackassoot;therewasnocolorinhercheeks.
    Shehadacoollazyvoicethatdidn'tmatchwithhertautexpression."Who
    isFrancy?"sheaskedcoldly.
    DeRuseopenedhiseyeswideandhisbodygotstiffinthechairandhis
    righthandbegantoslideuptowardshischest.
    "Francyismygirlfriend,"hesaid."MisterDialhasbeentryingtoget
    herawayfrommc.Butthat'sallright.He'sahandsomeladandoughttobeable
    topickhisspots."
    Thetallwoman'sfacesuddenlybecamedarkandwildandfurious.She
    grabbedfiercelyatDial'sarm,theonethatheldthegun.'
    DeRusesnatchedforhisshoulderholster,gothis.38loose.Butitwasn't
    hisgunthatwentoff.Itwasn'tthesilencedautomaticinDial'shand.Itwasa
    hugefrontierColtwithaneightinchbarrelandaboomlikeanexplodingbomb.
    Itwentofffromthefloor,frombesideKuvalick'srighthip,whereKuvalick's
    plumphandheldit.
    Itwentoffjustonce.Dialwasthrownbackagainstthewallasifbya
    gianthand.Hisheadcrashedagainstthewallandinstantlyhisdarklyhandsome
    facewasamaskofblood.
    Hefelllaxlydownthewallandthelittleautomaticwiththeblacktubeon
    itfellinfrontofhim.Thedarkwomandivedforit,downonherhandsand
    kneesinfrontofDial'ssprawledbody.
    Shegotit,begantobringitup.Herfacewasconvulsed,herlipswere
    drawnbackoverthinwolfishteeththatshimmered.
    Kuvalick'svoicesaid:"I'matoughguy.IusedtobeaWellsFargodick."
    Hisgreatcannonslammedagain.Ashrillscreamwastornfromthewoman's
    lips.HerbodywasflungagainstDial's.Hereyesopenedandshut,openedand
    shut.Herfacegotwhiteandvacant.
    "Shouldershot.She'sokay,"Kuvalicksaid,andgotuponhisfeet.He
    jerkedopenhiscoatandpattedhischest.
    "Bulletproofvest,"hesaidproudly."ButIthoughtI'dbetterliequiet
    forawhileorhe'dpoppedmeintheface."

    12

    FrancineLeyyawnedandstretchedoutalonggreenpajamacladlegandlookedat
    aslimgreenslipperonherbarefoot.Sheyawnedagain,gotupandwalked
    nervouslyacrosstheroomtothekidneyshapeddesk.Shepouredadrink,drank
    itquickly,withasharpnervousshudder.Herfacewasdrawnandtired,hereyes
    hollow;thereweredarksmudgesunderhereyes.
    Shelookedatthetinywatchonherwrist.Itwasalmostfouro'clockin
    themorning.Stillwithherwristupshewhirledatasound,putherbacktothe
    deskandbegantobreatheveryquickly,pantingly.
    DeRusecameinthroughtheredcurtains.Hestoppedandlookedather
    withoutexpression,thenslowlytookoffhishatandovercoatanddroppedthem
    onachair.Hetookoffhissuitcoatandhistanshoulderharnessandwalked
    overtothedrinks.
    Hesniffedataglass,filleditathirdfullofwhiskey,putitdownina
    gulp.
    "Soyouhadtotipthelouseoff,"hesaidsomberly,lookingdownintothe
    emptyglassheheld.
    FrancineLeysaid:"Yes.Ihadtophonehim.Whathappened?"
    "Youhadtophonethelouse,"DeRusesaidinexactlythesametone."You
    knewdamnwellhewasmixedupinit.You'dratherhegotloose,evenifhe
    cooledmeoffdoingit."
    "You'reallright,Johnny?"Sheaskedsoftly,tiredly.
    DeRusedidn'tspeak,didn'tlookather.Heputtheglassdownslowlyand
    pouredsomemorewhiskeyintoit,addedchargedwater,lookedaroundforsome
    ice.Notfindinganyhebegantosipthedrinkwithhiseyesonthewhitetopof
    thedesk.
    FrancineLeysaid:"Thereisn'taguyintheworldthatdoesn'tratea
    startonyou,Johnny.Itwouldn'tdohimanygood,buthe'dhavetohaveit,if
    Iknewhim."
    DeRusesaidslowly:"That'sswell.OnlyI'mnotquitethatgood.I'dbea
    stiffrightnowexceptforacomichoteldickthatwearsaBuntlineSpecialand
    abulletproofvesttowork."
    AfteralittlewhileFrancineLeysaid:"Doyouwantmetoblow?"

    DeRuselookedatherquickly,lookedawayagain.Heputhisglassdownand
    walkedawayfromthedesk.Overhisshoulderhesaid:"Notsolongasyoukeep
    ontellingmethetruth."
    Hesatdowninadeepchairandleanedhiselbowsonthearmsofit,cupped
    hisfaceinhishands.FrancineLeywatchedhimforamoment,thenwentoverand
    satonanarmofthechair.Shepulledhisheadbackgentlyuntilitwasagainst
    thebackofthechair.Shebegantostrokehisforehead.
    DeRuseclosedhiseyes.Hisbodybecamelooseandrelaxed.Hisvoicebegan
    tosoundsleepy.
    "YousavedmylifeoverattheClubEgyptmaybe.Iguessthatgaveyouthe
    righttolethandsomehaveashotatme."
    FrancineLeystrokedhishead,withoutspeaking.
    "Handsomeisdead,"DeRusewenton."Thepeepershothisfaceoff."
    FrancineLey'shandstopped.Inamomentitbeganagain,strokinghishead.
    "TheCandlessfrauwasinonit.Seemsshe'sahotnumber.Shewanted
    Hugo'sdough,andshewantedallthemenintheworldexceptHugo.Thankheaven
    shedidn'tgetbumped.Shetalkedplenty.SodidZapparty."
    "Yes,honey,"FrancineLeysaidquietly.
    DeRuseyawned."Candlessisdead.Hewasdeadbeforewestarted.They
    neverwantedhimanythingelsebutdead.Parisididn'tcareonewayorthe
    other,aslongashegotpaid."
    FrancineLeysaid:"Yes,honey."
    "Tellyoutherestinthemorning,"DeRusesaidthickly."IguessNicky
    andIarcallsquarewiththelaw...Let'sgotoReno,getmarried...I'msickof
    thistomcatlife...Getme'notherdrink,baby."
    FrancineLeydidn'tmoveexcepttodrawherfingerssoftlyandsoothingly
    acrosshisforeheadandbackoverhistemples.DeRusemovedlowerinthechair.
    Hisheadrolledtooneside.
    "Yes,honey."
    "Don'tcallmchoney,"DeRusesaidthickly."Justcallmepigeon."
    Whenhewasquiteasleepshegotoffthearmofthechairandwentandsat
    downnearhim.Shesatverystillandwatchedhim,herfacecuppedinherlong
    delicatehandswiththecherrycolorednails.

    SPANISHBLOOD

    BigJohnMasterswaslarge,fat,oily.Hehadsleekbluejowlsandverythick
    fingersonwhichtheknucklesweredimples.Hisbrownhairwascombedstraight
    backfromhisforeheadandheworeawinecoloredsuitwithpatchpockets,a
    winecoloredtie,atansilkshirt.Therewasalotofredandgoldbandaround
    thethickbrowncigarbetweenhislips.
    Hewrinkledhisnose,peepedathisholecardagain,triednottogrin.He
    said:"Hitmeagain,Daveanddon'thitmewiththeCityHall."
    Afourandadeuceshowed.DaveAagelookedatthemsolemnlyacrossthe
    table,lookeddownathisownhand.Hewasverytallandthin,withalongbony
    faceandhairthecolorofwetsand.Heheldthedeckflatonthepalmofhis
    hand,turnedthetopcardslowly,andflickeditacrossthetable.Itwasthe
    queenofspades.
    BigJohnMastersopenedhismouthwide,wavedhiscigarabout,chuckled.
    "Payme,Dave.Foroncealadywasright."Heturnedhisholecardwitha
    flourish.Afive.
    DaveAagesmiledpolitely,didn'tmove.Amutedtelephonebellrangclose
    tohim,behindlongsilkdrapesthatborderedtheveryhighlancetwindows.He
    tookacigaretteoutofhismouthandlaiditcarefullyontheedgeofatrayon
    atabouretbesidethecardtable,reachedbehindthecurtainforthephone.
    Hespokeintothecupwithacool,almostwhisperingvoice,thenlistened
    foralongtime.Nothingchangedinhisgreenisheyes,noflickerofemotion
    showedonhisnarrowface.Masterssquirmed,bithardonhiscigar.
    AfteralongtimeAagesaid,"Okey,you'llhearfromus."Heprongedthe
    instrumentandputitbackbehindthecurtain.
    Hepickedhiscigaretteup,pulledthelobeofhisear.Mastersswore.
    "What'seatingyou,forPete'ssake?Gimmetenbucks."
    Aagesmileddrylyandleanedback.Hereachedforadrink,sippedit,put
    itdown,spokearoundhiscigarette.Allhismovementswereslow,thoughtful,
    almostabsentminded.Hesaid:"Areweacoupleofsmartguys,John?"

    "Yeah.Weownthetown.Butitdon'thelpmyblackjackgameany."
    "It'sjusttwomonthstoelection,isn'tit,John?"
    Mastersscowledathim,fishedinhispocketforafreshcigar,jammedit
    intohismouth.
    "Sowhat?"
    "Supposesomethinghappenedtoourtoughestopposition.Rightnow.Would
    thatbeagoodidea,ornot?"
    "Huh?"Mastersraisedeyebrowssothickthathiswholefaceseemedtohave
    toworktopushthemup.Hethoughtforamoment,sourly."Itwouldbelousyif
    theydidn'tcatchtheguypronto.Hell,thevoterswouldfigurewehiredit
    done."
    "You'retalkingaboutmurder,John,"Aagesaidpatiently."Ididn'tsay
    anythingaboutmurder."
    Mastersloweredhiseyebrowsandpulledatacoarseblackhairthatgrew
    outofhisnose.
    "Well,spititout!"
    Aagesmiled,blewasmokering,watcheditfloatoffandcomeapartin
    frailwisps.
    "Ijusthadaphonecall,"hesaidverysoftly."DoneganMarrisdead."
    Mastersmovedslowly.Hiswholebodymovedslowlytowardsthecardtable,
    leanedfaroverit.Whenhisbodycouldn'tgoanyfartherhischincameout
    untilhisjawmusclesstoodoutlikethickwires.
    "Huh?"hesaidthickly."Huh?"
    Aagenodded,calmasice."Butyouwererightaboutmurder,John.It_was_
    murder.Justhalfanhourago,orso.Inhisoffice.Theydon'tknowwhodid
    ityet."
    Mastersshruggedheavilyandleanedback.Helookedaroundhimwitha
    stupidexpression.Verysuddenlyhebegantolaugh.Hislaughterbellowedand
    roaredaroundthelittleturretlikeroomwherethetwomensat,overflowedinto
    anenormouslivingroombeyond,echoedbackandforththroughamazeofheavy
    darkfurniture,enoughstandinglampstolightaboulevard,adoublerowofoil
    paintingsinmassivegoldframes.
    Aagesatsilent.Herubbedhiscigaretteoutslowlyinthetrayuntilthere
    wasnothingofthefireleftbutathickdarksmudge.Hedustedhisbonyfingers
    togetherandwaited.

    Mastersstoppedlaughingasabruptlyashehadbegun.Theroomwasvery
    still.Masterslookedtired.Hemoppedhisbigface.
    "Wegottodosomething,Dave,"hesaidquietly."Ialmostforgot.Wegot
    tobreakthisfast.It'sdynamite."
    Aagereachedbehindthecurtainagainandbroughtthephoneout,pushedit
    acrossthetableoverthescatteredcards.
    "Wellweknowhow,don'twe?"hesaidcalmly.
    AcunninglightshoneinBigJohnMasters'muddybrowneyes.Helickedhis
    lips,reachedabighandforthephone.
    "Yeah,"hesaidpurringly,"wedo,Dave.Wedoatthat,by!"
    Hedialedwithathickfingerthatwouldhardlygointotheholes.

    DoneganMarr'sfacelookedcool,neat,poised,eventhen.Hewasdressedinsoft
    grayflannelsandhishairwasthesamesoftgraycolorashissuit,brushed
    backfromaruddy,youngishface.Theskinwaspaleonthefrontalboneswhere
    thehairwouldfallwhenhestoodup.Therestoftheskinwastanned.
    Hewaslyingbackinapaddedblueofficechair.Acigarhadgoneoutina
    traywithabronzegreyhoundonitsrim.Hislefthanddangledbesidethechair
    andhisrighthandheldagunlooselyonthedesktop.Thepolishednails
    glitteredinsunlightfromthebigclosedwindowbehindhim.
    Bloodhadsoakedtheleftsideofhisvest,madethegrayflannelalmost
    black.Hewasquitedead,hadbeendeadforsometime.
    Atallman,verybrownandslenderandsilent,leanedagainstabrown
    mahoganyfilingcabinetandlookedfixedlyatthedeadman.Hishandswerein
    thepocketsofaneatbluesergesuit.Therewasastrawhatonthebackofhis
    head.Buttherewasnothingcasualabouthiseyesorhistight,straightmouth.
    Abigsandyhairedmanwasgropingaroundonthebluerug.Hesaidthickly,
    stoopedover:"Noshells,Sam."
    Thedarkmandidn'tmove,didn'tanswer.Theotherstoodup,yawned,looked
    atthemaninthechair.

    "Hell!Thisonewillstink.Twomonthstoelection.Boy,isthisasmackin
    thepussforsomebody."
    Thedarkmansaidslowly:"Wewenttoschooltogether.Weusedtobe
    buddies.Wecarriedthetorchforthesamegirl.Hewon,butwestayedgood
    friends,allthreeofus.Hewasalwaysagreatkid...Maybeashadetoosmart."
    Thesandyhairedmanwalkedaroundtheroomwithouttouchinganything.He
    bentoverandsniffedatthegunonthedesk,shookhishead,said:"Notused
    thisone."Hewrinkledhisnose,sniffedattheair."Airconditioned.Thethree
    topfloors.Soundproofedtoo.Highgradestuff.Theytellmethiswholebuilding
    iselectricwelded.Notarivetinit.Everhearthat,Sam?"
    Thedarkmanshookhisheadslowly.
    "Wonderwherethehelpwas,"thesandyhairedmanwenton."Abigshotlike
    himwouldhavemorethanonegirl."
    Thedarkmanshookhisheadagain."That'sall,Iguess.Shewasoutto
    lunch.Hewasalonewolf,Pete.Sharpasaweasel.Inafewmoreyearshe'd
    havetakenthetownover."
    Thesandyhairedmanwasbehindthedesknow,almostleaningoverthedead
    man'sshoulder.Hewaslookingdownataleatherbackedappointmentpadwith
    buffleaves.Hesaidslowly:"SomebodynamedImlaywasduehereattwelve
    fifteen.Onlydateonthepad."
    Heglancedatacheapwatchonhiswrist."Onethirty.Longgone.Who's
    Imlay?Say,waitaminute!There'sanassistantD.A.namedImlay.He'srunning
    forjudgeontheMasterAageticket.D'youfigure'
    Therewasasharpknockonthedoor.Theofficewassolongthatthetwo
    menhadtothinkamomentbeforetheyplacedwhichofthethreedoorsitwas.
    Thenthesandyhairedmanwenttowardsthemostdistantofthem,sayingoverhis
    shoulder:"M.E'smanmaybe.Leakthistoyourfavoritenewshawkandyou'reout
    ajob.AmIright?"
    Thedarkmandidn'tanswer.Hemovedslowlytothedesk,leanedforwarda
    little,spokesoftlytothedeadman.
    "Goodbye,Donny.Justletitallgo.I'lltakecareofit.I'lltakecare
    ofBelle."
    Thedoorattheendoftheofficeopenedandabriskmanwithabagcame
    in,trotteddownthebluecarpetandputhisbagonthedesk.Thesandyhaired
    manshutthedooragainstabulgeoffaces.Hestrolledbacktothedesk.

    Thebriskmancockedhisheadononeside,examiningthecorpse."Twoof
    them,"hemuttered."Looklikeabout.32'shardslugs.Closetotheheartbut
    nottouching.Hemusthavediedprettysoon.Maybeaminuteortwo."
    Thedarkmanmadeadisgustedsoundandwalkedtothewindow,stoodwith
    hisbacktotheroom,lookingout,atthetopsofhighbuildingsandawarmblue
    sky.Thesandyhairedmanwatchedtheexaminerliftadeadeyelid.Hesaid:
    "Wishthepowderguywouldgethere.Iwantausethephone.ThisImlay"
    Thedarkmanturnedhisheadslightly,withadullsmile."Useit.This
    isn'tgoingtobeanymystery."
    "OhIdon'tknow,"theM.E.'smansaid,flexingawrist,thenholdingthe
    backofhishandagainsttheskinofthedeadman'sface."Mightnotbesodamn
    politicalasyouthink,Delaguerra.He'sagoodlookingstiff."
    Thesandyhairedmantookholdofthephonegingerly,withahandkerchief,
    laidthereceiverdown,dialed,pickedthereceiverupwiththehandkerchiefand
    putittohisear.
    Afteramomenthesnappedhischindown,said:"PeteMarcus.Wakethe
    Inspector."Heyawned,waitedagain,thenspokeinadifferenttone:"Marcusand
    Delaguerra,Inspector,fromDoneganMarr'soffice.Noprintorcameramenhere
    yet...Huh?...HoldingofftilltheCommissionergetshere?...Okey...Yeah,he's
    here."
    Thedarkmanturned.Themanatthephonegesturedathim."Takeit,
    Spanish."
    SamDelaguerratookthephone,ignoringthecarefulhandkerchief,listened.
    Hisfacegothard.Hesaidquietly:"SureIknewhimbutIdidn'tsleepwith
    him...Nobody'sherebuthissecretary,agirl.Shephonedthealarmin.There's
    anameonapadImlay,atwelvefifteenappointment.No,wehaven'ttouched
    anythingyet...No...Okey,rightaway."
    Hehungupsoslowlythattheclickoftheinstrumentwasbarelyaudible.
    Hishandstayedonit,thenfellsuddenlyandheavilytohisside.Hisvoicewas
    thick.
    "I'mcalledoffit,Pete.You'retoholditdownuntilCommissionerDrew
    getshere.Nobodygetsin.White,blackorCherokeeIndian."
    "Whatyoucalledinfor?"thesandyhairedmanyelpedangrily.
    "Don'tknow.It'sanorder,"Delaguerrasaidtonelessly.

    TheM.E.'smanstoppedwritingonaformpadtolookcuriouslyat
    Delaguerra,withasharp,sidelonglook.
    Delaguerracrossedtheofficeandwentthroughthecommunicatingdoor.
    Therewasasmallerofficeoutside,partlypartitionedoffforawaitingroom,
    withagroupofleatherchairsandatablewithmagazines.Insideacounterwas
    atypewriterdesk,asafe,somefilingcabinets.Asmalldarkgirlsatatthe
    deskwithherheaddownonawaddedhandkerchief.Herhatwascrookedonher
    head.Hershouldersjerkedandherthicksobswerelikepanting.
    Delaguerrapattedhershoulder.Shelookedupathimwithatearbloated
    face,atwistedmouth.Hesmileddownatherquestioningface,saidgently:"Did
    youcallMrs.Marryet?"
    Shenodded,speechless,shakenwithroughsobs.Hepattedhershoulder
    again,stoodamomentbesideher,thenwentonout,withhismouthtightanda
    hard,darkglitterinhisblackeyes.

    ThebigEnglishhousestoodalongwaybackfromthenarrow,windingribbonof
    concretethatwascalledDeNeveLane.Thelawnhadratherlonggrasswitha
    curvingpathofsteppingstoneshalfhiddeninit.Therewasagableoverthe
    frontdoorandivyonthewall.Treesgrewallaroundthehouse,closetoit,
    madeitalittledarkandremote.
    AllthehousesinDeNeveLanehadthatsamecalculatedairofneglect.But
    thetallgreenhedgethathidthedrivewayandthegarageswastrimmedas
    carefullyasaFrenchpoodle,andtherewasnothingdarkormysteriousaboutthe
    massofyellowandflamecoloredgladiolithatflaredattheoppositeendofthe
    lawn.
    DelaguerragotoutofatancoloredCadillactouringcarthathadnotop.
    Itwasanoldmodel,heavyanddirty.Atautcanvasformedadeckovertheback
    partofthecar.Heworeawhitelinencapanddarkglassesandhadchangedhis
    bluesergeforagrayclothoutingsuitwithajerkinstylezipperjacket.
    Hedidn'tlookverymuchlikeacop.Hehadn'tlookedverymuchlikeacop
    inDoneganMarr'soffice.Hewalkedslowlyupthepathofsteppingstones,

    touchedabrassknockeronthefrontdoorofthehouse,thendidn'tknockwith
    it.Hepushedabellattheside,almosthiddenbytheivy.
    Therewasalongwait.Itwasverywarm,verysilent.Beesdronedoverthe
    warmbrightgrass.Therewasthedistantwhirringofalawnmower.
    Thedooropenedslowlyandablackfacelookedoutathim,along,sad
    blackfacewithtearstreaksonitslavenderfacepowder.Theblackfacealmost
    smiled,saidhaltingly:"Hellothere,MistahSam.It'ssuregoodtoseeyou."
    Delaguerratookhiscapoff,swungthedarkglassesathisside.Hesaid:
    "Hello,Minnie.I'msorry.I'vegottoseeMrs.Marr."
    "Sure.Comerightin,MistahSam."
    Themaidstoodasideandhewentintoashadowyhallwithatilefloor."No
    reportersyet?"
    Thegirlshookherheadslowly.Herwarmbrowneyeswerestunned,doped
    withshock.
    "Ain'tbeennobodyyet...Sheain'tbeeninlong.Sheain'tsaidaword.She
    juststandthereinthattheresunroomthatain'tgotnosun."
    Delaguerranodded,said:"Don'ttalktoanybody,Minnie.They'retryingto
    keepthisquietforawhile,outofthepapers."
    "Ahsurewon't,MistahSam.Notnohow."
    Delaguerrasmiledather,walkednoiselesslyoncrpesolesalongthetiled
    halltothebackofthehouse,turnedintoanotherhalljustlikeitatright
    angles.Heknockedatadoor.Therewasnoanswer.Heturnedtheknobandwent
    intoalongnarrowroomthatwasdiminspiteofmanywindows.Treesgrewclose
    tothewindows,pressingtheirleavesagainsttheglass.Someofthewindows
    weremaskedbylongcretonnedrapes.
    Thetallgirlinthemiddleoftheroomdidn'tlookathim.Shestood
    motionless,rigid.Shestaredatthewindows.Herhandsweretightlyclenchedat
    hersides.
    Shehadredbrownhairthatseemedtogatherallthelighttherewasand
    makeasofthaloaroundhercoldlybeautifulface.Sheworeasportilycutblue
    velvetensemblewithpatchpockets.Awhitehandkerchiefwithablueborder
    stuckoutofthebreastpocket,arrangedcarefullyinpoints,likeafoppish
    man'shandkerchief.
    Delaguerrawaited,lettinghiseyesgetusedtothedimness.Afterawhile
    thegirlspokethroughthesilence,inalow,huskyvoice.

    "Well...theygothim,Sam.Theygothimatlast.Washesomuchhated?"
    Delaguerrasaidsoftly:"Hewasinatoughracket,Belle.Iguessheplayed
    itascleanashecould,buthecouldn'thelpbutmakeenemies."
    Sheturnedherheadslowlyandlookedathim.Lightsshiftedinherhair.
    Goldglintedinit.Hereyeswerevividly,startlinglyblue.Hervoicefaltered
    alittle,saying:"Whokilledhim,Sam?Havetheyanyideas?"
    Delaguerranoddedslowly,satdowninawickerchair,swunghiscapand
    glassesbetweenhisknees.
    "Yeah.Wethinkweknowwhodidit.AmannamedImlay,anassistantinthe
    D.A.'soffice."
    "MyGod!"thegirlbreathed."What'sthisrottencitycomingto?"
    Delaguerrawentontonelessly:"Itwaslikethisifyou'resureyouwant
    toknow...yet."
    "Ido,Sam.Hiseyesstareatmefromthewall,whereverIlook.Askingme
    todosomething.Hewasprettyswelltome,Sam.Wehadourtrouble,ofcourse,
    but...theydidn'tmeananything."
    Delaguerrasaid:"ThisImlayisrunningforjudgewiththebackingofthe
    MastersAagegroup.He'sinandthegayfortiesanditseemshe'sbeenplaying
    housewithanightclubnumbercalledStellaLaMotte.Somehow,someway,photos
    weretakenofthemtogether,verydrunkandundressed.Donnygotthephotos,
    Belle.Theywerefoundinhisdesk.Accordingtohisdeskpadhehadadatewith
    Imlayattwelvefifteen.WefiguretheyhadarowandImlaybeathimtothe
    punch."
    "Youfoundthosephotos,Sam?"thegirlasked,veryquietly.
    Heshookhishead,smiledcrookedly."No.IfIhad,IguessImighthave
    ditchedthem.CommissionerDrewfoundthemafterIwaspulledoffthe
    investigation."
    Herheadjerkedathim.Hervividblueeyesgotwide."Pulledoffthe
    investigation?YouDonny'sfriend?"
    "Yeah.Don'ttakeittoobig.I'macop,Belle.AfterallItakeorders."
    Shedidn'tspeak,didn'tlookathimanymore.Afteralittlewhilehe
    said:"I'dliketohavethekeystoyourcabinatPumaLake.I'mdetailedtogo
    upthereandlookaround,seeifthere'sanyevidence.Donnyhadconferences
    there."

    Somethingchangedinthegirl'sface.Itgotalmostcontemptuous.Hervoice
    wasempty."I'llgetthem.Butyouwon'tfindanythingthere.Ifyou'rehelping
    themtofinddirtonDonnysotheycanclearthisImlayperson
    Hesmiledalittle,shookhisheadslowly.Hiseyeswereverydeep,very
    sad.
    "That'scrazytalk,kid.I'dturnmybadgeinbeforeIdidthat."
    "Isee."Shewalkedpasthimtothedoor,wentoutoftheroom.Hesat
    quitestillwhileshewasgone,lookedatthewallwithanemptystare.There
    wasahurtlookonhisface.Hesworeverysoftly,underhisbreath.
    Thegirlcameback,walkeduptohimandheldherhandout.Something
    tinkledintohispalm.
    "Thekeys,copper."
    Delaguerrastoodup,droppedthekeysintoapocket.Hisfacegotwooden.
    BelleMarrwentovertoatableandhernailsscratchedharshlyonacloisonn
    box,gettingacigaretteoutofit.Withherbackturnedshesaid:"Idon't
    thinkyou'llhaveanyluck,asIsaid.It'stoobadyou'veonlygotblackmailing
    onhimsofar."
    Delaguerrabreathedoutslowly,stoodamoment,thenturnedaway."Okey,"
    hesaidsoftly.Hisvoicewasquiteoffhandnow,asifitwasaniceday,asif
    nobodyhadbeenkilled.
    Atthedoorheturnedagain."I'llseeyouwhenIgetback,Belle.Maybe
    you'llfeelbetter."
    Shedidn'tanswer,didn'tmove.Sheheldtheunlightedcigaretterigidlyin
    frontofhermouth,closetoit.AfteramomentDelaguerrawenton:"Youought
    toknowhowIfeelaboutit.DonnyandIwerelikebrothersonce.IIheardyou
    werenotgettingonsowellwithhimgladasallhellthatwaswrong.Butdon't
    letyourselfgettoohard,Belle.There'snothingtobehardaboutwithme."
    Hewaitedafewseconds,staringatherback.Whenshestilldidn'tmoveor
    speakhewentonout.

    Anarrowrockyroaddroppeddownfromthehighwayandranalongtheflankofthe
    hillabovethelake.Thetopsofcabinsshowedhereandthereamongthepines.
    Anopenshedwascutintothesideofthehill.Delaguerraputhisdusty
    Cadillacunderitandclimbeddownanarrowpathtowardsthewater.
    Thelakewasdeepbluebutverylow.Twoorthreecanoesdriftedabouton
    itandthechuggingofanoutboardmotorsoundedinthedistance,aroundabend.
    Hewentalongbetweenthickwallsofundergrowth,walkingonpineneedles,
    turnedaroundastumpandcrossedasmallrusticbridgetotheMarrcabin.
    Itwasbuiltofhalfroundlogsandhadawideporchonthelakeside.It
    lookedverylonelyandempty.Thespringthatranunderthebridgecurvedaround
    besidethehouseandoneendoftheporchdroppeddownsheertothebigflat
    stonesthroughwhichthewatertrickled.Thestoneswouldbecoveredwhenthe
    waterwashigh,inthespring.
    Delaguerrawentupwoodenstepsandtookthekeysoutofhispocket,
    unlockedtheheavyfrontdoor,thenstoodontheporchalittlewhileandlita
    cigarettebeforehewentin.Itwasverystill,verypleasant,verycooland
    clearaftertheheatofthecity.Amountainbluejaysatonastumpandpecked
    atitswings.Somebodyfaroutonthelakefooledwithaukulele.Hewentinto
    thecabin.
    Helookedatsomedustyantlers,abigroughtablesplatteredwith
    magazines,anoldfashionedbatterytyperadioandaboxshapedphonographwith
    adisheveledpileofrecordsbesideit.Thereweretallglassesthathadn'tbeen
    washedandahalfbottleofScotchbesidethem,onatablenearthebigstone
    fireplace.Acarwentalongtheroadupaboveandstoppedsomewherenotfaroff.
    Delaguerrafrownedaround,said:"Stall,"underhisbreath,withadefeated
    feeling.Therewasn'tanysenseinit.AmanlikeDoneganMarrwouldn'tleave
    anythingthatmatteredinamountaincabin.
    Helookedintoacoupleofbedrooms,onejustashakedownwithacoupleof
    cots,onebetterfurnished,withamakeupbed,andapairofwomen'sgaudy
    pajamastossedacrossit.Theydidn'tlookquitelikeBelleMarr's.
    Atthebacktherewasasmallkitchenwithagasolinestoveandawood
    stove.Heopenedthebackdoorwithanotherkeyandsteppedoutonasmallporch
    flushwiththeground,nearabigpileofcordwoodandadoublebittedaxeona
    choppingblock.
    Thenhesawtheflies.

    Awoodenwalkwentdownthesideofthehousetoawoodshedunderit.A
    beamofsunlighthadslippedthroughthetreesandlayacrossthewalk.Inthe
    sunlightthereaclottedmassoffliesfesteredonsomethingbrownish,sticky.
    Thefliesdidn'twanttomove.Delaguerrabentdown,thenputhishanddownand
    touchedthestickyplace,sniffedathisfinger.Hisfacegotshockedandstiff.
    Therewasanothersmallerpatchofthebrownishstufffartheron,inthe
    shade,outsidethedooroftheshed.Hetookthekeysoutofhispocketvery
    quicklyandfoundtheonethatunlockedthebigpadlockofthewoodshed.He
    yankedthedooropen.
    Therewasabigloosepileofcordwoodinside.Notsplitwoodcordwood.
    Notstacked,justthrowninanyhow.Delaguerrabegantotossthebigrough
    piecestooneside.
    Afterhehadthrownalotofitasidehewasabletoreachdownandtake
    holdoftwocoldstiffanklesinlislesocksanddragthedeadmanoutintothe
    light.
    Hewasaslenderman,neithertallnorshort,inawellcutbasketweave
    suit.Hissmallneatshoeswerepolished,alittledustoverthepolish.He
    didn'thaveanyface,much.Itwasbrokentopulpbyaterrificsmash.Thetop
    ofhisheadwassplitopenandbrainsandbloodweremixedinthethingrayish
    brownhair.
    Delaguerrastraightenedquicklyandwentbackintothehousetowherethe
    halfbottleofScotchstoodonthetableinthelivingroom.Heuncorkedit,
    drankfromtheneck,waitedamoment,drankagain.
    Hesaid:"Phew!"outloud,andshiveredasthewhiskeywhippedathis
    nerves.
    Hewentbacktothewoodshed,leaneddownagainasanautomobilemotor
    startedupsomewhere.Hestiffened.Themotorswelledinsound,thenthesound
    fadedandtherewassilenceagain.Delaguerrashrugged,wentthroughthedead
    man'spockets.Theywereempty.Oneofthem,withcleaner'smarksonit
    probably,hadbeencutaway.Thetailor'slabelhadbeencutfromtheinside
    pocketofthecoat,leavingraggedstitches.
    Themanwasstiff.Hemighthavebeendeadtwentyfourhours,notmore.The
    bloodonhisfacehadcoagulatedthicklybuthadnotdriedcompletely.
    Delaguerrasquattedbesidehimforalittlewhile,lookingatthebright
    glitterofPumaLake,thedistantflashofapaddlefromacanoe.Thenhewent

    backintothewoodshedandpawedaroundforaheavyblockofwoodwithagreat
    dealofbloodonit,didn'tfindone.Hewentbackintothehouseandoutonthe
    frontporch,wenttotheendoftheporch,stareddownthedrop,thenatthebig
    flatstonesinthespring.
    "Yeah,"hesaidsoftly.
    Therewerefliesclottedontwoofthestones,alotofflies.Hehadn't
    noticedthembefore.Thedropwasaboutthirtyfeet,enoughtosmashaman's
    headopenifhelandedjustright.
    Hesatdowninoneofthebigrockersandsmokedforseveralminutes
    withoutmoving.Hisfacewasstillwiththought,hisblackeyeswithdrawnand
    remote.Therewasatight,hardsmile,eversofaintlysardonic,atthecorners
    ofhismouth.
    Attheendofthathewentsilentlybackthroughthehouseanddraggedthe
    deadmanintothewoodshedagain,coveredhimuplooselywiththewood.He
    lockedthewoodshed,lockedthehouseup,wentbackalongthenarrow,steeppath
    totheroadandtohiscar.
    Itwaspastsixo'clock,butthesunwasstillbrightashedroveoff.

    Anoldstorecounterservedasbarintheroadsidebeerstube.Threelowstools
    stoodagainstit.Delaguerrasatontheendonenearthedoor,lookedatthe
    foamyinsideofanemptybeerglass.Thebartenderwasadarkkidinoveralls,
    withshyeyesandlankhair.Hestuttered.Hesaid:"ShshouldIddrawyou
    anothergglass,mister?"
    Delaguerrashookhishead,stoodupoffthestool."Racketbeer,sonny,"he
    saidsadly."Tastelessasaroadhouseblonde."
    "PportolaBbrew,mister.Supposedtobethebbest."
    "Uhhuh.Theworst.Youuseit,oryoudon'thavealicense.Solong,
    sonny."
    Hewentacrosstothescreendoor,lookedoutatthesunnyhighwayonwhich
    theshadowsweregettingquitelong.Beyondtheconcretetherewasagraveled
    spaceedgedbyawhitefenceoffourbyfours.Thereweretwocarsparkedthere:

    Delaguerra'soldCadillacandadustyhardbittenFord.Atall,thinmanin
    khakiwhipcordstoodbesidetheCadillac,lookingatit.
    Delaguerragotabulldogpipeout,filledithalffullfromazipperpouch,
    lititwithslowcareandflickedthematchintothecorner.Thenhestiffeneda
    little,lookingoutthroughthescreen.
    Thetall,thinmanwasunsnappingthecanvasthatcoveredthebackpartof
    Delaguerra'scar.Herolledpartofitback,stoodpeeringdowninthespace
    underneath.
    Delaguerraopenedthescreendoorsoftlyandwalkedinlong,loosestrides
    acrosstheconcreteofthehighway.Hiscrpesolesmadesoundonthegravel
    beyond,butthethinmandidn'tturn.Delaguerracameupbesidehim.
    "ThoughtInoticedyoubehindme,"hesaiddully."What'sthegrift?"
    Themanturnedwithoutanyhaste.Hehadalong,sourface,eyesthecolor
    ofseaweed.Hiscoatwasopen,pushedbackbyahandonalefthip.Thatshowed
    agunwornbutttothefrontinabeltholster,cavalrystyle.
    HelookedDelaguerraupanddownwithafaintcrookedsmile.
    "Thisyourcrate?"
    "Whatdoyouthink?"
    Thethinmanpulledhiscoatbackfartherandshowedabronzebadgeonhis
    pocket.
    "IthinkI'maTolucaCountygamewarden,mister.Ithinkthisain'tdeer
    huntingtimeanditain'teverdeerhuntingtimefordoes."
    Delaguerraloweredhiseyesveryslowly,lookedintothebackofhiscar,
    bendingovertoseepastthecanvas.Thebodyofayoungdeerlaythereonsome
    junk,besidearifle.Thesofteyesofthedeadanimal,unglazedbydeath,
    seemedtolookathimwithagentlereproach.Therewasdriedbloodonthedoe's
    slenderneck.
    Delaguerrastraightened,saidgently:"That'sdamncute."
    "Gotahuntinglicense?"
    "Idon'thunt,"Delaguerrasaid.
    "Wouldn'thelpmuch.Iseeyougotarifle."
    "I'macop."
    "Ohcop,huh?Wouldyouhaveabadge?"
    "Iwould."

    Delaguerrareachedintohisbreastpocket,gotthebadgeout,rubbediton
    hissleeve,helditinthepalmofhishand.Thethingamewardenstareddownat
    it,lickinghislips.
    "Detectivelieutenant,huh?Citypolice."Hisfacegotdistantandlazy.
    "Okey,Lieutenant.We'llrideabouttenmilesdowngradeinyourheap.I'llthumb
    aridebacktomine."
    Delaguerraputthebadgeaway,knockedhispipeoutcarefully,stampedthe
    embersintothegravel.Hereplacedthecanvasloosely.
    "Pinched?"heaskedgravely.
    "Pinched,Lieutenant."
    "Let'sgo."
    HegotinunderthewheeloftheCadillac.Thethinwardenwentaroundthe
    otherside,gotinbesidehim.Delaguerrastartedthecar,backedaroundand
    startedoffdownthesmoothconcreteofthehighway.Thevalleywasadeephaze
    inthedistance.Beyondthehazeotherpeakswereenormousontheskyline.
    Delaguerracoastedthebigcareasily,withouthaste.Thetwomenstared
    straightbeforethemwithoutspeaking.
    AfteralongtimeDelaguerrasaid:"Ididn'tknowtheyhaddeeratPuma
    Lake.That'sasfarasI'vebeen."
    "There'sareservationbythere,Lieutenant,"thewardensaidcalmly.He
    staredthroughthedustywindshield."PartoftheTolucaCountyForestor
    wouldn'tyouknowthat?"
    Delaguerrasaid:"IguessIwouldn'tknowit.Inevershotadeerinmy
    life.Policeworkhasn'tmademethattough."
    Thewardengrinned,saidnothing.Thehighwaywentthroughasaddle,then
    thedropwasontherightsideofthehighway.Littlecanyonsbegantoopenout
    intothehillsontheleft.Someofthemhadroughroadsinthem,half
    overgrown,withwheeltracks.
    Delaguerraswungthebigcarhardandsuddenlytotheleft,shotitintoa
    clearedspaceofreddishearthanddrygrass,slammedthebrakeon.Thecar
    skidded,swayed,groundtoalurchingstop.
    Thewardenwasflungviolentlytotheright,thenforwardagainstthe
    windshield.Hecursed,jerkedupstraightandthrewhisrighthandacrosshis
    bodyattheholsteredgun.

    Delaguerratookholdofathin,hardwristandtwisteditsharplytowards
    theman'sbody.Thewarden'sfacewhitenedbehindthetan.Hislefthandfumbled
    attheholster,thenrelaxed.Hespokeinatight,hurtvoice.
    "Makin'itworse,copper.IgotaphonetipatSaltSprings.Describedyour
    car,saidwhereitwas.Saidtherewasadoecarcassinit.I"
    Delaguerraloosedthewrist,snappedthebeltholsteropenandjerkedthe
    Coltoutofit.Hetossedthegunfromthecar.
    "Getout,County!Thumbthatrideyouspokeof.What'sthemattercan't
    youliveonyoursalaryanymore?Youplantedityourself,backatPumaLake,
    yougoddamnchiseler!"
    Thewardengotoutslowly,stoodonthegroundwithhisfaceblank,hisjaw
    looseandslack.
    "Toughguy,"hemuttered."You'llbesorryforthis,copper.I'llsweara
    complaint."
    Delaguerraslidacrosstheseat,gotoutoftherighthanddoor.Hestood
    closetothewarden,saidveryslowly:"MaybeI'mwrong,mister.Maybeyoudid
    getacall.Maybeyoudid."
    Heswungthedoe'sbodyoutofthecar,laiditdownontheground,
    watchingthewarden.Thethinmandidn'tmove,didn'ttrytogetnearhisgun
    lyingonthegrassadozenfeetaway.Hisseaweedeyesweredull,verycold.
    DelaguerragotbackintotheCadillac,snappedthebrakeoff,startedthe
    engine.Hebackedtothehighway.Thewardenstilldidn'tmakeamove.
    TheCadillacleapedforward,shotdownthegrade,outofsight.Whenitwas
    quitegonethewardenpickedhisgunupandholsteredit,draggedthedoebehind
    somebushes,andstartedtowalkbackalongthehighwaytowardsthecrestofthe
    grade.

    ThegirlatthedeskintheKenworthysaid:"Thismancalledyouthreetimes,
    Lieutenant,buthewouldn'tgiveanumber.Aladycalledtwice.Wouldn'tleave
    nameornumber."

    Delaguerratookthreeslipsofpaperfromher,readthename"JoeyChill"
    onthemandthevarioustimes.Hepickedupacoupleofletters,touchedhiscap
    tothedeskgirlandgotintotheautomaticelevator.Hegotoffatfour,walked
    downanarrow,quietcorridor,unlockedadoor.Withoutswitchingonanylights
    hewentacrosstoabigfrenchwindow,openeditwide,stoodtherelookingat
    thethickdarksky,theflashofneonlights,thestabbingbeamsofheadlampson
    OrtegaBoulevard,twoblocksover.
    Helitacigaretteandsmokedhalfofitwithoutmoving.Hisfaceinthe
    darkwasverylong,verytroubled.Finallyheleftthewindowandwentintoa
    smallbedroom,switchedonatablelampandundressedtotheskin.Hegotunder
    theshower,toweledhimself,putoncleanlinenandwentintothekitchenetteto
    mixadrink.Hesippedthatandsmokedanothercigarettewhilehefinished
    dressing.Thetelephoneinthelivingroomrangashewasstrappingonhis
    holster.
    ItwasBelleMarr.Hervoicewasblurredandthroaty,asifshehadbeen
    cryingforhours.
    "I'msogladtogetyou,Sam.IIdidn'tmeanthewayItalked.Iwas
    shockedandconfused,absolutelywildinside.Youknewthat,didn'tyou,Sam?"
    "Sure,kid,"Delaguerrasaid."Thinknothingofit.Anywayyouwereright.
    IjustgotbackfromPumaLakeandIthinkIwasjustsentuptheretogetrid
    ofme."
    "You'reallIhavenow,Sam.Youwon'tletthemhurtyou,willyou?"
    "Who?"
    "Youknow.I'mnofool,Sam.Iknowthiswasallaplot,avilepolitical
    plottogetridofhim."
    Delaguerraheldthephoneverytight.Hismouthfeltstiffandhard.Fora
    momenthecouldn'tspeak.Thenhesaid:"Itmightbejustwhatitlookslike,
    Belle.Aquarreloverthosepictures.AfterallDonnyhadarighttotellaguy
    likethattogetofftheticket.Thatwasn'tblackmail...Andhehadaguninhis
    hand,youknow."
    "Comeoutandseemewhenyoucan,Sam."Hervoicelingeredwithaspent
    emotion,anoteofwistfulness.
    Hedrummedonthedesk,hesitatedagain,said:"Sure.Whenwasanybodyat
    PumaLakelast,atthecabin?"

    "Idon'tknow.Ihaven'tbeenthereinayear.Hewentalone.Perhapshe
    metpeoplethere.Idon'tknow."
    Hesaidsomethingvaguely,afteramomentsaidgoodbyeandhungup.He
    staredatthewalloverthewritingdesk.Therewasafreshlightinhiseyes,a
    hardglint.Hiswholefacewastight,notdoubtfulanymore.
    Hewentbacktothebedroomforhiscoatandstrawhat.Onthewayouthe
    pickedupthethreetelephoneslipswiththename"JoeyChill"onthem,tore
    themintosmallpiecesandburnedthepiecesinanashtray.

    PeteMarcus,thebig,sandyhaireddick,satsidewiseatasmalllittereddesk
    inabareofficeinwhichthereweretwosuchdesks,facedtooppositewalls.
    Theotherdeskwasneatandtidy,hadagreenblotterwithanonyxpenset,a
    smallbrasscalendarandanabaloneshellforanashtray.
    Aroundstrawcushionthatlookedsomethinglikeatargetwasproppedon
    endinastraightchairbythewindow.PeteMarcushadahandfulofbankpensin
    hislefthandandhewasflippingthematthecushion,likeaMexicanknife
    thrower.Hewasdoingitabsently,withoutmuchskill.
    ThedooropenedandDelaguerracamein.Heshutthedoorandleanedagainst
    it,lookingwoodenlyatMarcus.Thesandyhairedmancreakedhischairaround
    andtilteditbackagainstthedesk,scratchedhischinwithabroadthumbnail.
    "Hi,Spanish.Nicetrip?TheChief'syappin'foryou."
    Delaguerragrunted,stuckacigarettebetweenhissmoothbrownlips.
    "WereyouinMarr'sofficewhenthosephotoswerefound,Pete?"
    "Yeah,butIdidn'tfindthem.TheCommishdid.Why?"
    "Didyouseehimfindthem?"
    Marcusstaredamoment,thensaidquietly,guardedly:"Hefoundthemall
    right,Sam.Hedidn'tplantthemifthat'swhatyoumean."
    Delaguerranodded,shrugged."Anythingontheslugs?"
    "Yeah.Notthirtytwostwentyfives.Adamnvestpocketrod.Coppernickel
    slugs.Anautomatic,though,andwedidn'tfindanyshells."

    "Imlayrememberedthose,"Delaguerrasaidevenly,"butheleftwithoutthe
    photoshekilledfor."
    Marcusloweredhisfeettothefloorandleanedforward,lookinguppast
    histawnyeyebrows.
    "Thatcouldbe.Theygivehimamotive,butwiththeguninMarr'shand
    theykindofknockapremeditationangle."
    "Goodheadwork,Pete."Delaguerrawalkedovertothesmallwindow,stood
    lookingoutofit.AfteramomentMarcussaiddully:"Youdon'tseemedoin'any
    work,doyou,Spanish?"
    Delaguerraturnedslowly,wentoverandstoodclosetoMarcus,lookingdown
    athim.
    "Don'tbesore,kid.You'remypartner,andI'mtaggedasMarr'slineinto
    Headquarters.You'regettingsomeofthat.You'resittingstillandIwashiked
    uptoPumaLakefornogoodreasonexcepttohaveadeercarcassplantedinthe
    backofmycarandhaveagamewardennickmewithit."
    Marcusstoodupveryslowly,knottinghisfistsathissides.Hisheavy
    grayeyesopenedverywide.Hisbignosewaswhiteatthenostrils.
    "Nobodyhere'dgo_that_far,Sam."
    Delaguerrashookhishead."Idon'tthinksoeither.Buttheycouldtakea
    hinttosendmeupthere.Andsomebodyoutsidethedepartmentcoulddothe
    rest."
    PeteMarcussatdownagain.Hepickeduponeofthepointedbankpensand
    flippeditviciouslyattheroundstrawcushion.Thepointstuck,quivered,
    broke,andthepenrattledtothefloor.
    "Listen,"hesaidthickly,notlookingup,"thisisajobtome.That'sall
    itis.Aliving.Idon'thaveanyidealsaboutthispoliceworklikeyouhave.
    SaythewordandI'llheavethegoddamnbadgeintheoldboy'spuss."
    Delaguerrabentdown,punchedhimintheribs."Skipit,copper.I'vegot
    ideas.Goonhomeandgetdrunk."
    Heopenedthedoorandwentoutquickly,walkedalongamarblefaced
    corridortoaplacewhereitwidenedintoanalcovewiththreedoors.Themiddle
    onesaid:CHIEFOFDETECTIVES.ENTER.Delaguerrawentintoasmallreception
    roomwithaplainrailingacrossit.Apolicestenographerbehindtherailing
    lookedup,thenjerkedhisheadataninnerdoor.Delaguerraopenedagatein
    therailingandknockedattheinnerdoor,thenwentin.

    Twomenwereinthebigoffice.ChiefofDetectivesTedMcKimsatbehinda
    heavydesk,lookedatDelaguerrahardeyedashecamein.Hewasabig,loose
    manwhohadgonesaggy.Hehadalong,petulantlymelancholyface.Oneofhis
    eyeswasnotquitestraightinhishead.
    Themanwhosatinaroundbackedchairattheendofthedeskwas
    dandyishlydressed,worespats.Apearlgrayhatandgrayglovesandanebony
    canelaybesidehimonanotherchair.Hehadashockofsoftwhitehairanda
    handsomedissipatedfacekeptpinkbyconstantmassaging.Hesmiledat
    Delaguerra,lookedvaguelyamusedandironical,smokedacigaretteinalong
    amberholder.
    DelaguerrasatdownoppositeMcKim.Thenhelookedatthewhitehairedman
    brieflyandsaid:"Goodevening,Commissioner."
    CommissionerDrewnoddedoffhandedly,didn'tspeak.
    McKimleanedforwardandclaspedblunt,nailchewedfingersontheshiny
    desktop.Hesaidquietly:"Tookyourtimereportingback.Findanything?"
    Delaguerrastaredathim,alevelexpressionlessstare.
    "Iwasn'tmeanttoexceptmaybeadoecarcassinthebackofmycar."
    NothingchangedinMcKim'sface.Notamuscleofitmoved.Drewdraggeda
    pinkandpolishedfingernailacrossthefrontofhisthroatandmadeatearing
    soundwithhistongueandteeth.
    "That'snocracktobemakin'atyourboss,lad."
    DelaguerrakeptonlookingatMcKim,waited.McKimspokeslowly,sadly:
    "You'vegotagoodrecord,Delaguerra.Yourgrandfatherwasoneofthebest
    sheriffsthiscountyeverhad.You'veblownalotofdirtonittoday.You're
    chargedwithviolatinggamelaws,interferingwithaTolucaCountyOfficerin
    theperformanceofhisduty,andresistingarrest.Gotanythingtosaytoall
    that?"
    Delaguerrasaidtonelessly:"Isthereatagoutforme?"
    McKimshookhisheadveryslowly."It'sadepartmentcharge.There'sno
    formalcomplaint.Lackofevidence,Iguess."Hesmileddryly,withouthumor.
    Delaguerrasaidquietly:"InthatcaseIguessyou'llwantmybadge."
    McKimnodded,silent.Drewsaid:"You'realittlequickonthetrigger.
    Justashadefastonthesnapup."
    Delaguerratookhisbadgeout,rubbeditonhissleeve,lookedatit,
    pusheditacrossthesmoothwoodofthedesk.

    "Okey,Chief,"hesaidverysoftly."MybloodisSpanish,pureSpanish.Not
    niggerMexandnotYaquiMex.Mygrandfatherwouldhavehandledasituationlike
    thiswithfewerwordsandmorepowdersmoke,butthatdoesn'tmeanIthinkit's
    funny.I'vebeendeliberatelyframedintothisspotbecauseIwasaclosefriend
    ofDoneganMarronce.YouknowandIknowthatnevercountedforanythingonthe
    job.TheCommissionerandhispoliticalbackersmaynotfeelsosure."
    Drewstoodupsuddenly."ByGod,you'llnottalklikethattome,"he
    yelped.
    Delaguerrasmiledslowly.Hesaidnothing,didn'tlooktowardsDrewatall.
    Drewsatdownagain,scowling,breathinghard.
    AfteramomentMcKimscoopedthebadgeintothemiddledrawerofhisdesk
    andgottohisfeet.
    "You'resuspendedforaboard,Delaguerra.Keepintouchwithme."Hewent
    outoftheroomquickly,bytheinnerdoor,withoutlookingback.
    Delaguerrapushedhischairbackandstraightenedhishatonhishead.Drew
    clearedhisthroat,assumedaconciliatorysmileandsaid:"MaybeIwasalittle
    hastymyself.TheIrishinme.Havenohardfeelings.Thelessonyou'relearning
    issomethingwe'veallhadtolearn.MightIgiveyouawordofadvice?"
    Delaguerrastoodup,smiledathim,asmalldrysmilethatmovedthe
    cornersofhismouthandlefttherestofhisfacewooden.
    "Iknowwhatitis,Commissioner.LayofftheMarrcase."
    Drewlaughed,goodhumoredagain."Notexactly.Thereisn'tanyMarrcase.
    Imlayhasadmittedtheshootingthroughhisattorney,claimingselfdefense.
    He'stosurrenderinthemorning.No,myadvicewassomethingelse.Gobackto
    TolucaCountyandtellthewardenyou'resorry.Ithinkthat'sallthat's
    needed.Youmighttryitandsee."
    Delaguerramovedquietlytothecorridorandopenedit.Thenhelookedback
    withasuddenflashinggrinthatshowedallhiswhiteteeth.
    "IknowacrookwhenIseeone,Commissioner.He'sbeenpaidforhis
    troublealready."
    Hewentout.Drewwatchedthedoorcloseshutwithafaintwhoosh,adry
    click.Hisfacewasstiffwithrage.Hispinkskinhadturnedadoughygray.His
    handshookfuriously,holdingtheamberholder,andashfellonthekneeofhis
    immaculateknifeedgedtrousers.

    "ByGod,"hesaidrigidly,inthesilence,"youmaybeadamnsmooth
    Spaniard.Youmaybesmoothasplateglassbutyou'reahellofaloteasierto
    pokeaholethrough!"
    Herose,awkwardwithanger,brushedtheashesfromhistrouserscarefully
    andreachedahandoutforhatandcane.Themanicuredfingersofthehandwere
    trembling.

    NewtonStreet,betweenThirdandFourth,wasablockofcheapclothingstores,
    pawnshops,arcadesofslotmachines,meanhotelsinfrontofwhichfurtiveeyed
    menslidwordsdelicatelyalongtheircigarettes,withoutmovingtheirlips.
    Midwayoftheblockajuttingwoodensignonacanopysaid,STOLL'SBILLIARD
    PARLORS.Stepswentdownfromthesidewalkedge.Delaguerrawentdownthesteps.
    Itwasalmostdarkinthefrontofthepoolroom.Thetablesweresheeted,
    thecuesrackedinrigidlines.Buttherewaslightfarattheback,hardwhite
    lightagainstwhichclusteredheadsandshouldersweresilhouetted.Therewas
    noise,wrangling,shoutingofodds.Delaguerrawenttowardsthelight.
    Suddenly,asifatasignal,thenoisestoppedandoutofthesilencecame
    thesharpclickofballs,thedullthudofcueballagainstcushionafter
    cushion,thefinalclickofathreebankcarom.Thenthenoiseflaredupagain.
    Delaguerrastoppedbesideasheetedtableandgotatendollarbillfrom
    hiswallet,gotasmallgummedlabelfromapocketinthewallet.Hewroteon
    it:"WhereisJoe?"pastedittothebill,foldedthebillinfour.Hewenton
    tothefringeofthecrowdandinchedhiswaythroughuntilhewasclosetothe
    table.
    Atall,palemanwithanimpassivefaceandneatlypartedbrownhairwas
    chalkingacue,studyingthesetuponthetable.Heleanedover,bridgedwith
    strongwhitefingers.Thebettingringnoisedroppedlikeastone.Thetallman
    madeasmooth,effortlessthreecushionshot.
    Achubbyfacedmanonahighstoolintoned:"FortyforChill.Eight'sthe
    break."

    Thetallmanchalkedhiscueagain,lookedaroundidly.Hiseyespassed
    overDelaguerrawithoutsign.Delaguerrasteppedclosertohim,said:"Back
    yourself,Max?Fivespotagainstthenextshot."
    Thetallmannodded,"Takeit."
    Delaguerraputthefoldedbillontheedgeofthetable.Ayouthina
    stripedshirtreachedforit.MaxChillblockedhimoffwithoutseemingto,
    tuckedthebillinapocketofisvest,saidtonelessly:"Fivebet,"andbentto
    makeanothershot.
    Itwasacleancrisscrossatthetopofthetable,ahairlineshot.There
    wasalotofapplause.Thetallmanhandedhiscuetohishelperinthestriped
    shirt,said:"Timeout.Igottogoaplace."
    Hewentbackthroughtheshadows,throughadoormarkedMEN.Delaguerralit
    acigarette,lookedaroundattheusualNewtonStreetriffraff.MaxChill's
    opponent,anothertall,pale,impassiveman,stoodbesidethemarkerandtalked
    tohimwithoutlookingathim.Nearthem,aloneandsupercilious,averygood
    lookingFilipinoinasmarttansuitwaspuffingatachocolatecolored
    cigarette.
    MaxChillcamebacktothetable,reachedforhiscue,chalkedit.He
    reachedahandintohisvest,saidlazily:"Oweyoufive,buddy,"passeda
    foldedbilltoDelaguerra.
    Hemadethreecaromsinarow,almostwithoutstopping.Themarkersaid:
    "FortyfourforChill.Twelve'sthebreak."
    Twomendetachedthemselvesfromtheedgeofthecrowd,startedtowardsthe
    entrance.Delaguerrafellinbehindthem,followedthemamongthesheetedtables
    tothefootofthesteps.Hestoppedthere,unfoldedthebillinhishand,read
    theaddressscribbledonthelabelunderhisquestion.Hecrumpledthebillin
    hishand,startedittowardshispocket.
    Somethinghardpokedintohisback.Atwangyvoicelikeapluckedbanjo
    stringsaid:"Helpaguyout,huh?"
    Delaguerra'snostrilsquivered,gotsharp.Helookedupthestepsatthe
    legsofthetwomenahead,atthereflectedglareofstreetlights.
    "Okey,"thetwangyvoicesaidgrimly.
    Delaguerradroppedsidewise,twistingintheair.Heshotasnakelikearm
    back.Hishandgrabbedanankleashefell.Asweptgunmissedhishead,cracked
    thepointofhisshoulderandsentadartofpaindownhisleftarm.Therewas

    hard,hotbreathing.Somethingwithoutforceslammedhisstrawhat.Therewasa
    thintearingsnarlclosetohim.Herolled,twistedtheankle,tuckedaknee
    underhimandlungedup.Hewasonhisfeet,catlike,lithe.Hethrewtheankle
    awayfromhim,hard.
    TheFilipinointhetansuithitthefloorwithhisback.Agunwobbledup.
    Delaguerrakickeditoutofasmallbrownhandanditskiddedunderatable.The
    Filipinolaystillonhisback,hisheadstrainingup,hissnapbrimhatstill
    gluedtohisoilyhair.
    Atthebackofthepoolroomthethreecushionmatchwentonpeacefully.If
    anyonenoticedthescufflingsound,atleastnoonemovedtoinvestigate.
    Delaguerrajerkedathongedblackjackfromhishippocket,bentover.The
    Filipino'stightbrownfacecringed.
    "Gotlotstolearn.Onthefeet,baby."
    Delaguerra'svoicewaschilledbutcasual.Thedarkmanscrambledup,
    liftedhisarms,thenhislefthandsnakedforhisrightshoulder.Theblackjack
    knockeditdown,withacarelessflipofDelaguerra'swrist.Thebrownman
    screamedthinly,likeahungrykitten.
    Delaguerrashrugged.Hismouthmovedinasardonicgrin.
    "Stickup,huh?Okey,yellowpuss,someothertime.I'mbusynow.Dust!"
    TheFilipinoslidbackamongthetables,croucheddown.Delaguerrashifted
    theblackjacktohislefthand,shothisrighttoagunbutt.Hestoodfora
    momentlikethat,watchingtheFilipino'seyes.Thenheturnedandwentquickly
    upthesteps,outofsight.
    Thebrownmandartedforwardalongthewall,creptunderthetableforhis
    gun.

    JoeyChill,whojerkedthedooropen,heldashort,worngunwithouta
    foresight.Hewasasmallman,hardbitten,withatight,worriedface.Heneeded
    ashaveandacleanshirt.Aharshanimalsmellcameoutoftheroombehindhim.
    Heloweredthegun,grinnedsourly,steppedbackintotheroom.
    "Okey,copper.Tookyoursweettimegettin'here."

    Delaguerrawentinandshutthedoor.Hepushedhisstrawhatfarbackon
    hiswiryhair,andlookedatJoeyChillwithoutanyexpression.Hesaid:"AmI
    supposedtoremembertheaddressofeverypunkintown?Ihadtogetitfrom
    Max."
    Thesmallmangrowledsomethingandwentandlaydownonthebed,shoved
    hisgununderthepillow.Heclaspedhishandsbehindhisheadandblinkedat
    theceiling.
    "GotaCnoteonyou,copper?"
    Delaguerrajerkedastraightchairinfrontofthebedandstraddledit.He
    gothisbulldogpipeout,filleditslowly,lookingwithdistasteattheshut
    window,thechippedenamelofthebedframe,thedirty,tumbledbedclothes,the
    washbowlinthecornerwithtwosmearedtowelshungoverit,thebaredresser
    withhalfabottleofginplankedontopoftheGideonBible.
    "Holedup?"beinquired,withoutmuchinterest.
    "I'mhot,copper.ImeanI'mhot.Igotsomethingsee.It'sworthaCnote.
    Delaguerraputhispouchawayslowly,indifferently,heldalightedmatch
    tohispipe,puffedwithexasperatingleisure.Thesmallmanonthebed
    fidgeted,watchinghimwithsidelonglooks.Delaguerrasaidslowly:"You'rea
    goodstoolie,Joey.I'llalwayssaythatforyou.Butahundredbucksis
    importantmoneytoacopper."
    "Worthit,guy.IfyouliketheMarrkillingwellenoughtowanttobreak
    itright."
    Delaguerra'seyesgotsteadyandverycold.Histeethclampedonthepipe
    stem.Hespokeveryquietly,verygrimly.
    "I'lllisten,Joey.I'llpayifit'sworthit.Itbetterberight,though."
    Thesmallmanrolledoveronhiselbow."KnowwhothegirlwaswithImlay
    inthosepajamapajamasnaps?'
    "Knowhername,"Delaguerrasaidevenly."Ihaven'tseenthepictures."
    "StellaLaMotte'sahoofername.RealnameStellaChill.Mykidsister."
    Delaguerrafoldedhisarmsonthebackofthechair."That'snice,"he
    said."Goon."
    "Sheframedhim,copper.Framedhimforafewbindlesofheroinfroma
    slanteyedFlip."
    "Flip?"Delaguerraspokethewordswiftly,harshly.Hisfacewastensenow.

    "Yeah,alittlebrownbrother.Alooker,aneatdresser,asnowpeddler.A
    goddamndodo.Name,Toribo.TheycallhimtheCalienteKid.Hehadaplace
    acrossthehallfromStella.Hegottofeedin'herthestuff.Thenheworksher
    intotheframe.SheputsheavydropsinImlay'sliquorandhepassesout.She
    letstheFlipintoshootpictureswithaMinnycamera.Cute,huh?...Andthen,
    justlikeabroad,shegetssorryandspillsthewholethingtoMaxandme."
    Delaguerranodded,silent,almostrigid.
    Thelittlemangrinnedsharply,showedhissmallteeth."WhatdoIdo?I
    takeaplantontheFlip.Iliveinhisshadow,copper.AndafterawhileItail
    himbangintoDaveAage'sskylineapartmentintheVendome...Iguessthatrates
    ayard."
    Delaguerranoddedslowly,shookalittleashintothepalmofhishandand
    blewitoff."Whoelseknowsthis?"
    "Max.He'llbackmeup,ifyouhandlehimright.Onlyhedon'twantany
    partofit.Hedon'tplaythosegames.HegaveStelladoughtoleavetownand
    signedoff.Becausethoseboysaretough."
    "Maxcouldn'tknowwhereyoufollowedtheFilipinoto,Joey."
    Thesmallmansatupsharply,swunghisfeettothefloor.Hisfacegot
    sullen.
    "I'mnotkiddingyou,copper.Ineverhave."
    Delaguerrasaidquietly,"Ibelieveyou,Joey.I'dlikemoreproof,though.
    Whatdoyoumakeofit?"
    Thelittlemansnorted."Hell,itsticksupsohardithurts.Eitherthe
    Flip'sworkingforMastersandAagebeforeorhemakesadealwiththemafterhe
    getsthesnaps.ThenMarrgetsthepicturesandit'sacinchhedon'tgetthem
    unlesstheysaysoandhedon'tknowtheyhadthem.Imlaywasrunningforjudge,
    ontheirticket.Okey,he'stheirpunk,buthe'sstillapunk.Ithappenshe'sa
    guywhodrinksandhasanastytemper.That'sknown."
    Delaguerra'seyesglistenedalittle.Therestofhisfacewaslikecarved
    wood.Thepipeinhismouthwasasmotionlessasthoughsetincement.
    JoeyChillwenton,withhissharplittlegrin:"Sotheydealthebigone.
    TheygetthepicturestoMarrwithoutMarr'sknowingwheretheycamefrom.Then
    Imlaygetstippedoffwhohasthem,whattheyare,thatMarrissettoputthe
    squeezeonhim.WhatwouldaguylikeImlaydo?He'dgohunting,copperandBig
    JohnMastersandhissidekickwouldeattheducks."

    "Orthevenison,"Delaguerrasaidabsently.
    "Huh?Well,doesitrate?"
    Delaguerrareachedforhiswallet,shookthemoneyoutofit,countedsome
    billsonhisknee.Herolledthemintoatightwadandflippedthemontothe
    bed.
    "I'dlikealinetoStellaprettywell,Joey.Howaboutit?"
    Thesmallmanstuffedthemoneyinhisshirtpocket,shookhishead."No
    cando.YoumighttryMaxagain.Ithinkshe'slefttown,andme,I'mdoin'that
    too,nowI'vegotthescratch.BecausethoseboysaretoughlikeIsaidand
    maybeIdidn'ttailsogood...Becausesomemugg'sbeentailin'me."Hestoodup,
    yawned,added:"Snortofgin?"
    Delaguerrashookhishead,watchedthelittlemangoovertothedresser
    andlifttheginbottle,pourabigdoseintoathickglass.Hedrainedthe
    glass,startedtoputitdown.
    Glasstinkledatthewindow.Therewasasoundlikethelooseslapofa
    glove.Asmallpieceofthewindowglassdroppedtothebarestainedwoodbeyond
    thecarpet,almostatJoeyChill'sfeet.
    Thelittlemanstoodquitemotionlessfortwoorthreeseconds.Thenthe
    glassfellfromhishand,bouncedandrolledagainstthewall.Thenhislegs
    gave.Hewentdownonhisside,slowly,rolledslowlyoveronhisback.
    Bloodbegantomovesluggishlydownhischeekfromaholeoverhisleft
    eye.Itmovedfaster.Theholegotlargeandred.JoeyChill'seyeslooked
    blanklyattheceiling,asifthosethingsnolongerconcernedhimatall.
    Delaguerraslippedquietlydownoutofthechairtohishandsandknees.He
    crawledalongthesideofthebed,overtothewallbythewindow,reachedout
    fromthereandgropedinsideJoeyChill'sshirt.Heheldfingersagainsthis
    heartforalittlewhile,tookthemaway,shookhishead.Hesquatteddownlow,
    tookhishatoff,andpushedhisheadupverycarefullyuntilhecouldseeover
    alowercornerofthewindow.
    Helookedatthehighblankwallofastoragewarehouse,acrossanalley.
    Therewerescatteredwindowsinit,highup,noneofthemlighted.Delaguerra
    pulledhisheaddownagain,saidquietly,underhisbreath:"Silencedrifle,
    maybe.Andverysweetshooting."
    Hishandwentforwardagain,diffidently,tookthelittlerollofbills
    fromJoeyChill'sshirt.Hewentbackalongthewalltothedoor,still

    crouched,reachedupandgotthekeyfromthedoor,openedit,straightenedand
    steppedthroughquickly,lockedthedoorfromtheoutside.
    Hewentalongadirtycorridoranddownfourflightsofstepstoanarrow
    lobby.Thelobbywasempty,Therewasadeskandabellonit,noonebehindit.
    Delaguerrastoodbehindtheplateglassstreetdoorandlookedacrossthestreet
    ataframeroominghousewhereacoupleofoldmenrockedontheporch,smoking.
    Theylookedverypeaceful.Hewatchedthemforacoupleofminutes.
    Hewentout,searchedbothsidesoftheblockquicklywithsharpglances,
    walkedalongbesideparkedcarstothenextcorner.Twoblocksoverhepickedup
    acabandrodebacktoStoll'sBilliardParlorsonNewtonStreet.
    Lightswerelitalloverthepoolroomnow.Ballsclickedandspun,players
    weavedinandoutofathickhazeofcigarettesmoke.Delaguerralookedaround,
    thenwenttowhereachubbyfacedmansatonahighstoolbesideacash
    register.
    "YouStoll?"
    Thechubbyfacedmannodded.
    "WheredidMaxChillgetto?"
    "Longgone,brother.Theyonlyplayedahundredup.Home,Iguess."
    "Where'shome?"
    Thechubbyfacedmangavehimaswift,flickeringglancethatpassedlikea
    fingeroflight.
    "Iwouldn'tknow."
    Delaguerraliftedahandtothepocketwherehecarriedhisbadge.He
    droppeditagaintriednottodropittooquickly.Thechubbyfacedman
    grinned.
    "Flattie,eh?Okey,helivesattheMansfield,threeblockswestonGrand."

    10

    CefarinoToribo,thegoodlookingFilipinointhewellcuttansuit,gathered
    twodimesandthreepenniesoffthecounterinthetelegraphoffice,smiledat
    theboredMondewhowaswaitingonhim.
    "Thatgoesoutrightaway,Sugar?"

    Sheglancedatthemessageicily."HotelMansfield?Bethereintwenty
    minutesandsavethesugar."
    "Okey,Sugar."
    Toribodawdledelegantlyoutoftheoffice.Theblondespikedthemessage
    withajab,saidoverhershoulder:"Guymustbenuts.Sendingawiretoahotel
    threeblocksaway."
    CeferinoToribostrolledalongSpringStreet,trailingsmokeoverhisneat
    shoulderfromachocolatecoloredcigarette.AtFourthheturnedwest,went
    threeblocksmore,turnedintothesideentranceoftheMansfield,bythe
    barbershop.Hewentupsomemarblestepstoamezzanine,alongthebackofa
    writingroomandupcarpetedstepstothethirdfloor.Hepassedtheelevators
    andswaggereddownalongcorridortotheend,lookingatthenumbersondoors.
    Hecamebackhalfwaytotheelevators,satdowninanopenspacewhere
    therewasapairofwindowsonthecourt,aglasstoppedtableandchairs.He
    litafreshcigarettefromhisstub,leanedbackandlistenedtotheelevators.
    Heleanedforwardsharplywheneveronestoppedatthatfloor,listeningfor
    steps.Thestepscameinsomethingovertenminutes.Hestoodupandwenttothe
    cornerofthewallwherethewidenedoutspacebegan.Hetookalongthingun
    outfromunderhisrightarm,transferredittohisrighthand,helditdown
    againstthewallbesidehisleg.
    Asquat,pockmarkedFilipinoinbellhop'suniformcamealongthecorridor,
    carryingasmalltray.Toribomadeahissingnoise,liftedthegun.Thesquat
    Filipinowhirled.Hismouthopenedandhiseyesbulgedatthegun.
    Toribosaid,"Whatroom,punk?"
    ThesquatFilipinosmiledverynervously,placatingly.Hecameclose,
    showedToriboayellowenvelopeonhistray.Thefigures338werepenciledon
    thewindowoftheenvelope.
    "Putitdown,"Toribosaidcalmly.
    ThesquatFilipinoputthetelegramonthetable.Hekepthiseyesonthe
    gun.
    "Beatit,"Toribosaid."Youputitunderthedoor,see?"
    ThesquatFilipinoduckedhisroundblackhead,smilednervouslyagain,and
    wentawayveryquicklytowardstheelevators.
    Toriboputtheguninhisjacketpocket,tookoutafoldedwhitepaper.He
    openeditverycarefully,shookglisteningwhitepowderfromitontothehollow

    placeformedbetweenhisleftthumbandforefingerwhenhespreadhishand.He
    sniffedthepowdersharplyuphisnose,tookoutaflamecoloredsilk
    handkerchiefandwipedhisnose.
    Hestoodstillforalittlewhile.Hiseyesgotthedullnessofslateand
    theskinonhisbrownfaceseemedtotightenoverhishighcheekbones.He
    breathedaudiblybetweenhisteeth.
    Hepickedtheyellowenvelopeupandwentalongthecorridortotheend,
    stoppedinfrontofthelastdoor,knocked.
    Avoicecalledout.Heputhislipsclosetothedoor,spokeinahigh
    pitched,verydeferentialvoice.
    "Mailforyou,sir."
    Bedspringscreaked.Stepscameacrossthefloorinside.Akeyturnedand
    thedooropened.Toribohadhisthingunoutagainbythistime.Asthedoor
    openedhesteppedswiftlyintotheopening,sidewise,withagracefulswayof
    hiships.HeputthemuzzleofthethingunagainstMaxChill'sabdomen.
    "Backup!"hesnarled,andhisvoicenowhadthemetallictwangofa
    pluckedbanjostring.
    MaxChillbackedawayfromthegun.Hebackedacrosstheroomtothebed,
    satdownonthebedwhenhislegsstruckthesideofit.Springscreakedanda
    newspaperrustled.MaxChill'spalefaceundertheneatlypartedbrownhairhad
    noexpressionatall.
    Toriboshutthedoorsoftly,snappedthelock.Whenthedoorlatchsnapped,
    MaxChill'sfacesuddenlybecameasickface.Hislipsbegantoshake,kepton
    shaking.
    Toribosaidmockingly,inhistwangyvoice:"Youtalktothecops,huh?
    _Adios."_
    Thethingunjumpedinhishand,keptonjumping.Alittlepalesmoke
    lispedfromthemuzzle.Thenoisethegunmadewasnolouderthanahammer
    strikinganailorknucklesrappingsharplyonwood.Itmadethatnoiseseven
    times.
    MaxChilllaydownonthebedveryslowly.Hisfeetstayedonthefloor.
    Hiseyeswentblank,andhislipspartedandapinkishfrothseethedonthem.
    Bloodshowedinseveralplacesonthefrontofhislooseshirt.Helayquite

    stillonhisbackandlookedattheceilingwithhisfeettouchingthefloorand
    thepinkfrothbubblingonhisbluelips.
    Toribomovedtheguntohislefthandandputitawayunderhisarm.He
    sidledovertothebedandstoodbesideit,lookingdownatMaxChill.Aftera
    whilethepinkfrothstoppedbubblingandMaxChill'sfacebecamethequiet,
    emptyfaceofadeadman.
    Toribowentbacktothedoor,openedit,startedtobackout,hiseyes
    stillonthebed.Therewasastirofmovementbehindhim.
    Hestartedtowhirl,snatchingahandup.Somethingloopedathishead.The
    floortiltedqueerlybeforehiseyes,rushedupathisface.Hedidn'tknowwhen
    itstruckhisface.
    DelaguerrakickedtheFilipino'slegsintotheroom,outofthewayofthe
    door.Heshutthedoor,lockedit,walkedstifflyovertothebed,swinginga
    thongedsapathisside.Hestoodbesidethebedforquitealongtime.Atlast
    hesaidunderhisbreath:"Theycleanup.Yeahtheycleanup."
    HewentbacktotheFilipino,rolledhimoverandwentthroughhispockets.
    Therewasawelllinedwalletwithoutanyidentification,agoldlighterset
    withgannets,agoldcigarettecase,keys,agoldpencilandknife,theflame
    coloredhandkerchief,loosemoney,twogunsandspareclipsforthem,andfive
    bindlesofheroinpowderintheticketpocketofthetanjacket.
    Heleftitthrownaroundonthefloor,stoodup.TheFilipinobreathed
    heavily,withhiseyesshut,amuscletwitchinginonecheek.Delaguerratooka
    coilofthinwireoutofhispocketandwiredthebrownman'swristsbehindhim.
    Hedraggedhimovertothebed,sathimupagainsttheleg,loopedastrandof
    thewirearoundhisneckandaroundthebedpost.Hetiedtheflamecolored
    handkerchieftotheloopedwire.
    Hewentintothebathroomandgotaglassofwaterandthrewitintothe
    Filipino'sfaceashardashecouldthrowit.
    Toribojerked,gaggedsharplyasthewirecaughthisneck.Hiseyesjumped
    open.Heopenedhismouthtoyell.
    Delaguerrajerkedthewiretautagainstthebrownthroat.Theyellwascut
    offasthoughbyaswitch.Therewasastrainedanguishedgurgle.Toribo'smouth
    drooled.
    Delaguerraletthewiregoslackagainandputhisheaddownclosetothe
    Filipino'shead.Hespoketohimgently,withadry,verydeadlygentleness.

    "Youwanttotalktome,spig.Maybenotrightaway,maybenotevensoon.
    Butafterawhileyouwanttotalktome."
    TheFilipino'seyesrolledyellowly.Hespat.Thenhislipscametogether,
    tight.
    Delaguerrasmiledafaint,grimsmile."Toughboy,"hesaidsoftly.He
    jerkedthehandkerchiefback,heldittightandhard,bitingintothebrown
    throatabovetheadam'sapple.
    TheFilipino'slegsbegantojumponthefloor.Hisbodymovedinsudden
    lunges.Thebrownofhisfacebecameathickcongestedpurple.Hiseyesbulged,
    shotwithblood.
    Delaguerraletthewiregolooseagain.
    TheFilipinogaspedairintohislungs.Hisheadsagged,thenjerkedback
    againstthebedpost.Heshookwithachill.
    "Si...Italk,"hebreathed.

    11

    WhenthebellrangIronheadToomeyverycarefullyputablacktendownonared
    jack.Thenhelickedhislipsandputallthecardsdownandlookedaround
    towardsthefrontdoorofthebungalow,throughthediningroomarch.Hestood
    upslowly,abigbruteofamanwithloosegrayhairandabignose.
    Inthelivingroombeyondthearchathinblondegirlwaslyingona
    davenport,readingamagazineunderalampwithatornredshade.Shewas
    pretty,buttoopale,andherthin,higharchedeyebrowsgaveherfacea
    startledlook.Sheputthemagazinedownandswungherfeettothefloorand
    lookedatIronheadToomeywithsharp,suddenfearinhereyes.
    Toomeyjerkedhisthumbsilently.Thegirlstoodupandwentveryquickly
    throughthearchandthroughaswingdoorintothekitchen.Sheshuttheswing
    doorslowly,sothatitmadenonoise.
    Thebellrangagain,longer.Toomeyshovedhiswhitesockedfeetinto
    carpetslippers,hungapairofglassesonhisbignose,tookarevolveroffa
    chairbesidehim.Hepickedacrumplednewspaperoffthefloorandarrangedit

    looselyinfrontofthegun,whichheheldinhislefthand.Hestrolled
    unhurriedlytothefrontdoor.
    Hewasyawningasheopenedit,peeringwithsleepyeyesthroughthe
    glassesatthetallmanwhostoodontheporch.
    "Okey,"hesaidwearily."Talkitup."
    Delaguerrasaid:"I'mapoliceofficer.IwanttoseeStellaLaMotte."
    IronheadToomeyputanarmlikeaYulelogacrossthedoorframeandleaned
    solidlyagainstit.Hisexpressionremainedbored.
    "Wrongdump,copper.Nobroadshere."
    Delaguerrasaid:"I'llcomeinandlook."
    Toomeysaidcheerfully:"Youwilllikehell."
    Delaguerrajerkedagunoutofhispocketverysmoothlyandswiftly,
    smasheditatToomey'sleftwrist.Thenewspaperandthebigrevolverfelldown
    ontheflooroftheporch.Toomey'sfacegotalessboredexpression.
    "Oldgag,"Delaguerrasnapped."Let'sgoin."
    Toomeyshookhisleftwrist,tookhisotherarmoffthedoorframeand
    swunghardatDelaguerra'sjaw.Delaguerramovedhisheadaboutfourinches.He
    frowned,madeadisapprovingnoisewithhistongueandlips.
    Toomeydivedathim.Delaguerrasidesteppedandchoppedthegunatabig
    grayhead.Toomeylandedonhisstomach,halfinthehouseandhalfoutonthe
    porch.Hegrunted,plantedhishandsfirmlyandstartedtogetupagain,asif
    nothinghadhithim.
    DelaguerrakickedToomey'sgunoutoftheway.Aswingdoorinsidethe
    housemadealightsound.ToomeywasupononekneeandonehandasDelaguerra
    lookedtowardsthenoise.HetookaswingatDelaguerra'sstomach,hithim.
    DelaguerragruntedandhitToomeyontheheadagain,hard.Toomeyshookhis
    head,growled:"Sappin'meisawasteoftime,ho."
    Hedivedsidewise,gotholdofDelaguerra'sleg,jerkedthelegoffthe
    floor.Delaguerrasatdownontheboardsoftheporch,jammedinthedoorway.
    Hisheadhitthesideofthedoorway,dazedhim.
    Thethinblonderushedthroughthearchwithasmallautomaticinherhand.
    ShepointeditatDelaguerra,saidfuriously:"Reach,damnyou!"
    Delaguerrashookhishead,startedtosaysomething,thencaughthisbreath
    asToomeytwistedhisfoot.Toomeysethisteethhardandtwistedthefootasif

    hewasallaloneintheworldwithitanditwashisfootandhecoulddowhat
    helikedwithit.
    Delaguerra'sheadjerkedbackagainandhisfacegotwhite.Hismouth
    twistedintoaharshgrimaceofpain.Heheavedup,grabbedToomey'shairwith
    hislefthand,draggedthebigheadupandoveruntilhischincameup,
    straining.DelaguerrasmashedthebarrelofhisColtontheskin.
    Toomeybecamelimp,aninertmass,fellacrosshislegsandpinnedhimto
    thefloor.Delaguerracouldn'tmove.Hewasproppedontheflooronhisright
    hand,tryingtokeepfrombeingpushedflatbyToomey'sweight.Hecouldn'tget
    hisrighthandwiththeguninitoffthefloor.Theblondewasclosertohim
    now,wildeyed,whitefacedwithrage.
    Delaguerrasaidinaspentvoice:"Don'tbeafool,Stella.Joey"
    Theblonde'sfacewasunnatural.Hereyeswereunnatural,withsmall
    pupils,aqueerflatglitterinthem.
    "Cops!"shealmostscreamed."Cops!God,howIhatecops!"
    Theguninherhandcrashed.Theechoesofitfilledtheroom,wentoutof
    theopenfrontdoor,diedagainstthehighboardfenceacrossthestreet.
    AsharpblowliketheblowofaclubhittheleftsideofDelaguerra's
    head.Painfilledhishead.Lightflaredblindingwhitelightthatfilledthe
    world.Thenitwasdark.Hefellsoundlessly,intobottomlessdarkness.

    12

    Lightcamebackasaredfoginfrontofhiseyes.Hard,bitterpainrackedthe
    sideofhishead,hiswholeface,groundinhisteeth.Histonguewashotand
    thickwhenhetriedtomoveit.Hetriedtomovehishands.Theywerefaraway
    fromhim,nothishandsatall.
    Thenheopenedhiseyesandtheredfogwentawayandhewaslookingata
    face.Itwasabigface,veryclosetohim,ahugeface.Itwasfatandhad
    sleekbluejowlsandtherewasacigarwithabrightbandinagrinning,thick
    lippedmouth.Thefacechuckled.Delaguerraclosedhiseyesagainandthepain
    washedoverhim,submergedhim.Hepassedout.

    Seconds,oryears,passed.Hewaslookingatthefaceagain.Hehearda
    thickvoice.
    "Well,he'swithusagain.Aprettytoughladatthat."
    Thefacecamecloser,theendofthecigarglowedcherryred.Thenhewas
    coughingrackingly,gaggingonsmoke.Thesideofhisheadseemedtoburstopen.
    Hefeltfreshbloodslidedownhischeekbone,ticklingtheskin,thenslideover
    stiffdriedbloodthathadalreadycakedonhisface.
    "Thatfixeshimupswell,"thethickvoicesaid.
    Anothervoicewithatouchofbroguetoitsaidsomethinggentleand
    obscene.Thebigfacewhirledtowardsthesound,snarling.
    Delaguerracamewideawakethen.Hesawtheroomclearly,sawthefour
    peopleinit.ThebigfacewasthefaceofBigJohnMasters.
    Thethinblondegirlwashunchedononeendofthedavenport,staringat
    thefloorwithadopedexpression,herarmsstiffathersides,herhandsoutof
    sightinthecushions.
    DaveAagehadhislonglankbodyproppedagainstawallbesideacurtained
    window.Hiswedgeshapedfacelookedbored.CommissionerDrewwasontheother
    endofthedavenport,underthefrayedlamp.Thelightmadesilverinhishair.
    Hisblueeyeswereverybright,veryintent.
    TherewasashinyguninBigJohnMasters'hand.Delaguerrablinkedatit,
    startedtogetup.Ahardhandjerkedathischest,jarredhimback.Awaveof
    nauseawentoverhim.Thethickvoicesaidharshly:"Holdit,pussyfoot.You've
    hadyourfun.Thisisourparty."
    Delaguerralickedhislips,said:"Givemeadrinkofwater."
    DaveAagestoodawayfromthewallandwentthroughthediningroomarch.
    Hecamebackwithaglass,heldittoDelaguerra'smouth.Delaguerradrank.
    Masterssaid:"Welikeyourguts,copper.Butyoudon'tusethemright.It
    seemsyou'reaguythatcan'ttakeahint.That'stoobad.Thatmakesyou
    through.Getme?"
    TheblondeturnedherheadandlookedatDelaguerrawithheavyeyes,looked
    awayagain.Aagewentbacktohiswall.Drewbegantostrokethesideofhis
    facewithquicknervousfingers,asifDelaguerra'sbloodyheadmadehisown
    facehurt.Delaguerrasaidslowly:"Killingmewilljusthangyoualittle
    higher,Masters.Asuckeronthebigtimeisstillasucker.You'vehadtwomen

    killedalreadyfornoreasonatall.Youdon'tevenknowwhatyou'retryingto
    cover."
    Thebigmansworeharshly,jerkedtheshinygunup,thenlowereditslowly,
    withaheavyleer.Aagesaidindolently:"Takeiteasy,John.Lethimspeakhis
    piece."
    Delaguerrasaidinthesameslow,carelessvoice:"Theladyoverthereis
    thesisterofthetwomenyou'vehadkilled.Shetoldthemherstory,about
    framingImlay,whogotthepictures,howtheygottoDoneganMarr.Yourlittle
    Filipinohoodhasdonesomesinging.Igetthegeneralideaallright.You
    couldn'tbesureImlaywouldkillMarr.MaybeMarrwouldgetImlay.Itwould
    workoutallrighteitherway.Only,ifImlaydidkillMarr,thecasehadtobe
    brokenfast.That'swhereyouslipped.Youstartedtocoverupbeforeyoureally
    knewwhathappened."
    Masterssaidharshly:"Crummy,copper,crummy.You'rewastingmytime."
    TheblondeturnedherheadtowardsDelaguerra,towardsMasters'back.There
    washardgreenhateinhereyesnow.Delaguerrashruggedveryslightly,wenton:
    "ItwasroutinestuffforyoutoputkillersontheChillbrothers.Itwas
    routinestufftogetmeofftheinvestigation,getmeframed,andsuspended
    becauseyoufiguredIwasonMarr'spayroll.Butitwasn'troutinewhenyou
    couldn'tfindImlayandthatcrowdedyou."
    Masters'hardblackeyesgotwideandempty.Histhickneckswelled.Aage
    cameawayfromthewallafewfeetandstoodrigidly.AfteramomentMasters
    snappedhisteeth,spokeveryquietly:"That'sahoney,copper.Tellusabout
    thatone."
    Delaguerratouchedhissmearedfacewiththetipsoftwofingers,lookedat
    thefingers.Hiseyesweredepthless,ancient.
    "Imlayisdead,Masters.HewasdeadbeforeMarrwaskilled."
    Theroomwasverystill.Nobodymovedinit.ThefourpeopleDelaguerra
    lookedatwerefrozenwithshock.AfteralongtimeMastersdrewinaharsh
    breathandblewitoutandalmostwhispered:"Tellit,copper.Tellitfast,or
    byGodI'll"
    Delaguerra'svoicecutinonhimcoldly,withoutanyemotionatall:"Imlay
    wenttoseeMarrallright.Whywouldn'the?Hedidn'tknowhewasdouble
    crossed.Onlyhewenttoseehimlastnight,nottoday.Herodeuptothecabin
    atPumaLakewithhim,totalkthingsoverinafriendlyway.Thatwasthegag,

    anyhow.Then,upthere,theyhadtheirfightandImlaygotkilled,gotdumped
    offtheendoftheporch,gothisheadsmashedopenonsomerocks.He'sdeadas
    lastChristmas,inthewoodshedofMarr'scabin...Okey,Marrhidhimandcame
    backtotown.Thentodayhegotaphonecall,mentioningthenameImlay,making
    adatefortwelvefifteen.WhatwouldMarrdo?Stall,ofcourse,sendhisoffice
    girlofftolunch,putagunwherehecouldreachitinahurry.Hewasallset
    fortroublethen.Onlythevisitorfooledhimandhedidn'tusethegun."
    Masterssaidgruffly:"Hell,man,you'rejustcrackingwise.Youcouldn't
    knowallthosethings."
    HelookedbackatDrew.Drewwasgrayfaced,taut.Aagecamealittle
    fartherawayfromthewallandstoodclosetoDrew.Theblondegirldidn'tmove
    amuscle.
    Delaguerrasaidwearily:"Sure,I'mguessing,butI'mguessingtofitthe
    facts.Ithadtobelikethat.Marrwasnoslouchwithagunandhewasonedge,
    allset.Whydidn'thegetashotin?Becauseitwasawomanthatcalledon
    him."
    Heliftedanarm,pointedattheblonde."There'syourkiller.Sheloved
    Imlayeventhoughsheframedhim.She'sajunkieandjunkiesarelikethat.She
    gotsadandsorryandshewentafterMarrherself.Askher!"
    Theblondestoodupinasmoothlunge.Herrighthandjerkedupfromthe
    cushionswithasmallautomaticinit,theoneshehadshotDelaguerrawith.Her
    greeneyeswerepaleandemptyandstaring.Masterswhirledaround,flailedat
    herarmwiththeshinyrevolver.
    Sheshothimtwice,pointblank,withoutaflickerofhesitation.Blood
    spurtedfromthesideofhisthickneck,downthefrontofhiscoat.He
    staggered,droppedtheshinyrevolver,almostatDelaguerra'sfeet.Hefell
    outwardstowardsthewallbehindDelaguerra'schair,onearmgropingoutforthe
    wall.Hishandhitthewallandtraileddownitashefell.Hecrashedheavily,
    didn'tmoveagain.
    Delaguerrahadtheshinyrevolveralmostinhishand.
    Drewwasonhisfeetyelling.ThegirlturnedslowlytowardsAage,seemed
    toignoreDelaguerra.AagejerkedaLugerfromunderhisarmandknockedDrew
    outofthewaywithhisarm.ThesmallautomaticandtheLugerroaredatthe
    sametime.Thesmallgunmissed.Thegirlwasflungdownonthedavenport,her
    lefthandclutchingatherbreast.Sherolledhereyes,triedtoliftthegun

    again.Thenshefellsidewiseonthecushionsandherlefthandwentlax,
    droppedawayfromherbreast.Thefrontofherdresswasasuddenwelterof
    blood.Hereyesopenedandshut,openedandstayedopen.
    AageswungtheLugertowardsDelaguerra.Hiseyebrowsweretwistedupinto
    asharpgrinofintensestrain.Hissmoothlycombed,sandcoloredhairflowed
    downhisbonyscalpastightlyasthoughitwerepaintedonit.
    Delaguerrashothimfourtimes,sorapidlythattheexplosionswerelike
    therattleofamachinegun.
    IntheinstantoftimebeforehefellAage'sfacebecamethethin,empty
    faceofanoldman,hiseyesthevacanteyesofanidiot.Thenhislongbody
    jackknifedtothefloor,theLugerstillinhishand.Onelegdoubledunderhim
    asiftherewasnoboneinit.
    Powdersmellwassharpintheair.Theairwasstunnedbythesoundof
    guns.Delaguerragottohisfeetslowly,motionedtoDrewwiththeshiny
    revolver.
    "Yourparty,Commissioner.Isthisanythinglikewhatyouwanted?"
    Drewnoddedslowly,whitefaced,quivering.Heswallowed,movedslowly
    acrossthefloor,pastAage'ssprawledbody.Helookeddownatthegirlonthe
    davenport,shookhishead.HewentovertoMasters,wentdownononeknee,
    touchedhim.Hestoodupagain.
    "Alldead,Ithink,"hemuttered.
    Delaguerrasaid:"That'sswell.Whathappenedtothebigboy?Thebruiser?"
    "Theysenthimaway.IIdon'tthinktheymeanttokillyou,Delaguerra."
    Delaguerranoddedalittle.Hisfacebegantosoften,therigidlinesbegan
    togooutofit.Thesidethatwasnotabloodstainedmaskbegantolookhuman
    again.Hesoppedathisfacewithahandkerchief.Itcameawaybrightredwith
    blood.Hethrewitawayandlightlyfingeredhismattedhairintoplace.Someof
    itwascaughtinthedriedblood.
    "Thehelltheydidn't,"hesaid.
    Thehousewasverystill.Therewasnonoiseoutside.Drewlistened,
    sniffed,wenttothefrontdoorandlookedout.Thestreetoutsidewasdark,
    silent.HecamebackclosetoDelaguerra.Veryslowlyasmileworkeditselfon
    tohisface.

    "It'sahellofanote,"hesaid,"whenacommissionerofpolicehastobe
    hisownundercovermanandasquarecophadtobeframedofftheforcetohelp
    him."
    Delaguerralookedathimwithoutexpression."Youwanttoplayitthat
    way?"
    Drewspokecalmlynow.Thepinkwasbackinhisface."Forthegoodofthe
    department,man,andthecityandourselves,it'stheonlywaytoplayit."
    Delaguerralookedhimstraightintheeyes.
    "Ilikeitthatwaytoo,"hesaidinadeadvoice."Ifitgetsplayed
    _exactly_thatway."

    13

    Marcusbrakedthecartoastopandgrinnedadmiringlyatthebigtreeshaded
    house.
    "Prettynice,"hesaid."Icouldgoforalongresttheremyself."
    Delaguerragotoutofthecarslowly,asifhewasstiffandverytired.He
    washatless,carriedhisstrawunderhisarm.Partoftheleftsideofhishead
    wasshavedandtheshavedpartcoveredbyathickpadofgauzeandtape,over
    thestitches.Awickofwiryblackhairstuckupoveroneedgeofthebandage,
    withaludicrouseffect.
    Hesaid:"YeahbutI'mnotstayinghere,sap.Waitforme."
    Hewentalongthepathofstonesthatwoundthroughthegrass.Trees
    spearedlongshadowsacrossthelawn,throughthemorningsunlight.Thehouse
    wasverystill,withdrawnblinds,adarkwreathonthebrassknocker.
    Delaguerradidn'tgouptothedoor.Heturnedoffalonganotherpathunderthe
    windowsandwentalongthesideofthehousepastthegladiolibeds.
    Thereweremoretreesattheback,morelawn,moreflowers,moresunand
    shadow.Therewasapondwithwaterliliesinitandabigstonebullfrog.
    Beyondwasahalfcircleoflawnchairsaroundanirontablewithatiletop.In
    oneofthechairsBelleMarrsat.

    Sheworeablackandwhitedress,looseandcasual,andtherewasawide
    brimmedgardenhatonherchestnuthair.Shesatverystill,lookingintothe
    distanceacrossthelawn.Herfacewaswhite.Themakeupglaredonit.
    Sheturnedherheadslowly,smiledadullsmile,motionedtoachairbeside
    her.Delaguerradidn'tsitdown.Hetookhisstrawfromunderhisarm,snappeda
    fingeratthebrim,said:"Thecaseisclosed.There'llbeinquests,
    investigations,threats,alotofpeopleshoutingtheirmouthsofftohorninon
    thepublicity,thatsortofthing.Thepaperswillplayitbigforawhile.But
    underneath,ontherecord,it'sclosed.Youcanbegintotrytoforgetit."
    Thegirllookedathimsuddenly,widenedhervividblueeyes,lookedaway
    again,overthegrass.
    "Isyourheadverybad,Sam?"sheaskedsoftly.
    Delaguerrasaid:"No.It'sfine...WhatImeanistheLaMottegirlshot
    MastersandsheshotDonny.Aageshother.IshotAage.Alldead,ringaround
    therosy.JusthowImlaygotkilledwe'llnotknowever,Iguess.Ican'tsee
    thatitmattersnow."
    WithoutlookingupathimBelleMarrsaidquietly:"Buthowdidyouknowit
    wasImlayupatthecabin?Thepapersaid"Shebrokeoff,shudderedsuddenly.
    Hestaredwoodenlyatthehathewasholding."Ididn't.Ithoughtawoman
    shotDonny.ItlookedlikeagoodhunchthatwasImlayupatthelake.Itfitted
    hisdescription."
    "Howdidyouknowitwasawoman...thatkilledDonny?"Hervoicehada
    lingering,halfwhisperedstillness.
    "Ijustknew."
    Hewalkedawayafewsteps,stoodlookingatthetrees.Heturnedslowly,
    cameback,stoodbesideherchairagain.Hisfacewasveryweary.
    "Wehadgreattimestogetherthethreeofus.YouandDonnyandI.Life
    seemstodonastythingstopeople.It'sallgonenowallthegoodpart."
    Hervoicewasstillawhispersaying:"Maybenotallgone,Sam.Wemustsee
    alotofeachother,fromnowon."
    Avaguesmilemovedthecornersofhislips,wentawayagain."It'smy
    firstframeup,"hesaidquietly."Ihopeitwillbemylast."
    BelleMarr'sheadjerkedalittle.Herhandstookholdofthearmsofthe
    chair,lookedwhiteagainstthevarnishedwood.Herwholebodyseemedtoget
    rigid.

    AfteramomentDelaguerrareachedinhispocketandsomethinggold
    glitteredinhishand.Helookeddownatitdully.
    "Gotthebadgeback,"hesaid."It'snotquiteascleanasitwas.Cleanas
    most,Isuppose.I'lltrytokeepitthatway."Heputitbackinhispocket.
    Veryslowlythegirlstoodupinfrontofhim.Sheliftedherchin,stared
    athimwithalonglevelstare.Herfacewasamaskofwhiteplasterbehindthe
    rouge.
    Shesaid:"MyGod,SamIbegintounderstand."
    Delaguerradidn'tlookatherface.Helookedpasthershoulderatsome
    vaguespotinthedistance.Hespokevaguely,distantly.
    "Sure...Ithoughtitwasawomanbecauseitwasasmallgunsuchasawoman
    woulduse.Butnotonlyonthataccount.AfterIwentuptothecabinIknew
    Donnywasprimedfortroubleanditwouldn'tbethateasyforamantogetthe
    droponhim.ButitwasaperfectsetupforImlaytohavedoneit.Mastersand
    Aageassumedhe'ddoneitandhadalawyerphoneinadmittinghediditand
    promisingtosurrenderhiminthemorning.Soitwasnaturalforanyonewho
    didn'tknowImlaywasdeadtofallinline.Besides,nocopwouldexpectawoman
    topickuphershells.
    "AfterIgotJoeyChill'sstoryIthoughtitmightbetheLaMottegirl.
    ButIdidn'tthinksowhenIsaiditinfrontofher.Thatwasdirty.Itgother
    killed,inaway.ThoughIwouldn'tgivemuchforherchancesanyway,withthat
    bunch."
    BelleMarrwasstillstaringathim.Thebreezeblewawispofherhairand
    thatwastheonlythingaboutherthatmoved.
    Hebroughthiseyesbackfromthedistance,lookedathergravelyfora
    briefmoment,lookedawayagain.Hetookasmallbunchofkeysoutofhis
    pocket,tossedthemdownonthetable.
    "ThreethingsweretoughtofigureuntilIgotcompletelywise.Thewriting
    onthepad,theguninDonny'shand,themissingshells.ThenItumbledtoit.
    Hedidn'tdierightaway.Hehadgutsandheusedthemtothelastflickerto
    protectsomebody.Thewritingonthepadwasabitshaky.Hewroteit
    afterwards,whenhewasalone,dying.HehadbeenthinkingofImlayandwriting
    thenamehelpedmessthetrail.Thenhegotthegunoutofhisdesktodiewith
    itinhishand.Thatlefttheshells.Igotthattoo,afterawhile.

    "Theshotswerefiredclose,acrossthedesk,andtherewerebooksonone
    endofthedesk.Theshellsfellthere,stayedonthedeskwherehecouldget
    them.Hecouldn'thavegotthemoffthefloor.There'sakeytotheofficeon
    yourring.Iwenttherelastnight,late.Ifoundtheshellsinahumidorwith
    hiscigars.Nobodylookedforthemthere.Youonlyfindwhatyouexpecttofind,
    afterall."
    Hestoppedtalkingandrubbedthesideofhisface.Afteramomenthe
    added:"Donnydidthebesthecouldandthenhedied.Itwasaswelljoband
    I'mlettinghimgetawaywithit."
    BelleMarropenedhermouthslowly.Akindofbabblecameoutofitfirst,
    thenwords,clearwords.
    "Itwasn'tjustwomen,Sam.Itwasthekindofwomenhehad."Sheshivered.
    "I'llgodowntownnowandgivemyselfup."
    Delaguerrasaid:"No.ItoldyouIwaslettinghimgetawaywithit.
    Downtowntheylikeitthewayitis.It'sswellpolitics.Itgetsthecityout
    fromundertheMastersAagemob.ItputsDrewontopforalittlewhile,but
    he'stooweaktolast.Sothatdoesn'tmatter...You'renotgoingtodoanything
    aboutanyofit.You'regoingtodowhatDonnyusedhislaststrengthtoshowhe
    wanted.You'restayingout.Goodbye."
    Helookedatherwhiteshatteredfaceoncemore,veryquickly.Thenhe
    swungaround,walkedawayoverthelawn,pastthepoolwiththelilypadsand
    thestonebullfrogalongthesideofthehouseandouttothecar.
    PeteMarcusswungthedooropen.Delaguerragotinandsatdownandputhis
    headfarbackagainsttheseat,slumpeddowninthecarandclosedhiseyes.He
    saidflatly:"Takeiteasy,Pete.Myheadhurtslikehell."
    Marcusstartedthecarandturnedintothestreet,droveslowlybackalong
    DeNeveLanetowardstown.Thetreeshadedhousedisappearedbehindthem.The
    talltreesfinallyhidit.
    WhentheywerealongwayfromitDelaguerraopenedhiseyesagain.

    GUNSATCYRANO'S

    TedCarmadylikedtherain;likedthefeelofit,thesoundofit,thesmellof
    it.HegotoutofhisLaSallecoupeandstoodforawhilebythesideentrance
    totheCarondelet,thehighcollarofhisbluesuedeulsterticklinghisears,
    hishandsinhispocketsandalimpcigarettesputteringbetweenhislips.Then
    hewentinpastthebarbershopandthedrugstoreandtheperfumeshopwithits
    rowsofdelicatelylightedbottles,rangedliketheensembleinthefinaleofa
    Broadwaymusical.
    Heroundedagoldveinedpillarandgotintoanelevatorwithacushioned
    floor.
    "'LoAlbert.Aswellrain.Nine."
    Theslimtiredlookingkidinpaleblueandsilverheldawhiteglovedhand
    againsttheclosingdoors,said:"Jeeze,youthinkIdon'tknowyourfloor,
    MisterCarmady?"
    Heshotthecaruptoninewithoutlookingathissignallight,whooshed
    thedoorsopen,thenleanedsuddenlyagainstthecageandclosedhiseyes.
    Carmadystoppedonhiswayout,flickedasharpglancefrombrightbrown
    eyes."What'sthematter,Albert?Sick?"
    Theboyworkedapalesmileonhisface."I'mworkin'doubleshift.Corky's
    sick.He'sgotboils.IguessmaybeIdidn'teatenough."
    Thetall,browneyedmanfishedacrumpledfivespotoutofhispocket,
    snappeditundertheboy'snose.Theboy'seyesbulged.Heheavedupright.
    "Jeeze,MisterCarmady.Ididn'tmean"
    "Skipit,Albert.What'safinbetweenpals?Eatsomeextramealsonme."
    Hegotoutofthecarandstartedalongthecorridor.Softly,underhis
    breath,hesaid:"Sucker.
    Therunningmanalmostknockedhimoffhisfeet.Heroundedtheturnfast,
    lurchedpastCarmady'sshoulder,ranfortheelevator.
    'Down!"Heslammedthroughtheclosingdoors.
    Carmadysawawhitesetfaceunderapulleddownhatthatwaswetwith
    rain;twoemptyblackeyessetveryclose.Eyesinwhichtherewasapeculiar
    starehehadseenbefore.Aloadofdope.
    Thecardroppedlikelead.Carmadylookedattheplacewhereithadbeen
    foralongmoment,thenhewentondownthecorridorandaroundtheturn.

    Hesawthegirllyinghalfinandhalfoutoftheopendoorof914.
    Shelayonherside,inasheenofsteelgrayloungingpajamas,hercheek
    pressedintothenapofthehallcarpet,herheadamassofthickcornblond
    hair,wavedwithglassyprecision.Notahairlookedoutofplace.Shewas
    young,verypretty,andshedidn'tlookdead.
    Carmadysliddownbesideher,touchedhercheek.Itwaswarm.Heliftedthe
    hairsoftlyawayfromherheadandsawthebruise.
    "Sapped."Hislipspressedbackagainsthisteeth.
    Hepickedherupinhisarms,carriedherthroughashorthallwaytothe
    livingroomofasuite,putherdownonabigvelourdavenportinfrontofsome
    gaslogs.
    Shelaymotionless,hereyesshut,herfacebluishbehindthemakeup.He
    shuttheouterdoorandlookedthroughtheapartment,thenwentbacktothe
    hallwayandpickedupsomethingthatgleamedwhiteagainstthebaseboard.Itwas
    abonehandled.22automatic,sevenshot.Hesniffedit,droppeditintohis
    pocketandwentbacktothegirl.
    Hetookabighammeredsilverflaskoutofhisinsidebreastpocketand
    unscrewedthetop,openedhermouthwithhisfingersandpouredwhiskeyagainst
    hersmallwhiteteeth.Shegaggedandherheadjerkedoutofhishand.Hereyes
    opened.Theyweredeepblue,withatintofpurple.Lightcameintothemandthe
    lightwasbrittle.
    Helitacigaretteandstoodlookingdownather.Shemovedalittlemore.
    Afterawhileshewhispered:"Ilikeyourwhiskey.CouldIhavealittlemore?"
    Hegotaglassfromthebathroom,pouredwhiskeyintoit.Shesatupvery
    slowly,touchedherhead,groaned.Thenshetooktheglassoutofhishandand
    puttheliquordownwithapractisedflipofthewrist.
    "Istilllikeit,"shesaid."Whoareyou?"
    Shehadadeepsoftvoice.Helikedthesoundofit.Hesaid:"TedCarmady.
    Ilivedownthehallin937."
    "Igotadizzyspell,Iguess."
    "Uhhuh.Yougotsapped,angel."Hisbrighteyeslookedatherprobingly.
    Therewasasmiletuckedtothecornersofhislips.
    Hereyesgotwider.Aglazecameoverthem,theglazeofaprotective
    enamel.

    Hesaid:"Isawtheguy.Hewassnowedtothehairline.Andhere'syour
    gun."
    Hetookitoutofhispocket,helditontheflatofhishand."Isuppose
    thatmakesmethinkupabedtimestory,"thegirlsaidslowly.
    "Notforme.Ifyou'reinajam,Imighthelpyou.Italldepends."
    "Dependsonwhat?"Hervoicewascolder,sharper.
    "Onwhattheracketis,"hesaidsoftly.Hebrokethemagazinefromthe
    smallgun,glancedatthetopcartridge."Coppernickel,eh?Youknowyour
    ammunition,angel."
    "Doyouhavetocallmeangel?"
    "Idon'tknowyourname."
    Hegrinnedather,thenwalkedovertoadeskinfrontofthewindows,put
    thegundownonit.Therewasaleatherphotoframeonthedesk,withtwophotos
    sidebyside.Helookedatthemcasuallyatfirst,thenhisgazetightened.A
    handsomedarkwomanandathinblondishcoldeyedmanwhosehighstiffcollar,
    largeknottedtieandnarrowlapelsdatedthephotobackmanyyears.Hestared
    attheman.
    Thegirlwastalkingbehindhim."I'mJeanAdrian.Idoanumberat
    Cyrano's,inthefloorshow."
    Carmadystillstaredatthephoto."IknowBennyCyranoprettywell,"he
    saidabsently."Theseyourparents?"
    Heturnedandlookedather.Sheliftedherheadslowly.Somethingthat
    mighthavebeenfearshowedinherdeepblueeyes.
    "Yes.They'vebeendeadforyears,"shesaiddully."Nextquestion?"
    Hewentquicklybacktothedavenportandstoodinfrontofher."Okey,"he
    saidthinly."I'mnosey.Sowhat?Thisismytown.Mydadusedtorunit.Old
    MarcusCarmady,thePeople'sFriend;thisismyhotel.Iownapieceofit.That
    snoweduphoodlumlookedlikealifetakertome.Whywouldn'tIwanttohelp
    out?"
    Theblondgirlstaredathimlazily."Istilllikeyourwhiskey,"shesaid.
    "CouldI"
    "Takeitfromtheneck,angel.Yougetitdownfaster,"hegrunted.
    Shestoodupsuddenlyandherfacegotalittlewhite."Youtalktomeas
    ifIwasacrook,"shesnapped."Hereitis,ifyouhavetoknow.Aboyfriend
    ofminehasbeengettingthreats.He'safighter,andtheywanthimtodropa

    fight.Nowthey'retryingtogetathimthroughme.Doesthatsatisfyyoua
    little?"
    Carmadypickedhishatoffachair,tookthecigaretteendoutofhismouth
    andrubbeditoutinatray.Henoddedquietly,saidinachangedvoice:"Ibeg
    yourpardon."Hestartedtowardsthedoor.
    Thegigglecamewhenhewashalfwaythere.Thegirlsaidbehindhimsoftly:
    "Youhaveanastytemper.Andyou'veforgottenyourflask."
    Hewentbackandpickedtheflaskup.Thenhebentsuddenly,putahand
    underthegirl'schinandkissedheronthelips.
    "Tohellwithyou,angel.Ilikeyou,"hesaidsoftly.
    Hewentbacktothehallwayandout.Thegirltouchedherlipswithone
    finger,rubbeditslowlybackandforth.Therewasashysmileonherface.

    TonyAcosta,thebellcaptain,wasslimanddarkandslightasagirl,with
    smalldelicatehandsandvelvetyeyesandahardlittlemouth.Hestoodinthe
    doorwayandsaid:"SeventhrowwasthebestIcouldget,MisterCarmady.This
    DeaconWerraain'tbadandDukeTargo'sthenextlightheavychamp."
    Carmadysaid:"Comeinandhaveadrink,Tony."Hewentovertothewindow,
    stoodlookingoutattherain."Iftheybuyitforhim,"headdedoverhis
    shoulder.
    "Welljustashortone,MisterCarmady."
    ThedarkboymixedahighballcarefullyatatrayonanimitationSheraton
    desk.Heheldthebottleagainstthelightandgaugedhisdrinkcarefully,
    tinkledicegentlywithalongspoon,sipped,smiled,showingsmallwhiteteeth.
    "Targo'salu,MisterCarmady.He'sfast,clever,gotasockinbothmitts,
    plentyguts,don'tevertakeastepback."
    "Hehastoholdupthebumstheyfeedhim,"Carmadydrawled.
    "Well,theyain'tfedhimnolionmeatyet,"Tonysaid.
    Therainbeatagainsttheglass.Thethickdropsflattenedoutandwashed
    downthepaneintinywaves.
    Carmadysaid:"He'sabum.Abumwithcolorandlooks,butstillabum."

    Tonysigheddeeply."IwishtIwasgoin'.It'smynightoff,too."
    Carmadyturnedslowlyandwentovertothedesk,mixedadrink.Twodusky
    spotsshowedinhischeeksandhisvoicewastired,drawling.
    "Sothat'sit.What'sstoppingyou?"
    "Igotaheadache."
    "You'rebrokeagain,"Carmadyalmostsnarled.
    Thedarkboylookedsidewiseunderhislonglashes,saidnothing.
    Carmadyclenchedhislefthand,unclencheditslowly.Hiseyesweresullen.
    "JustaskCarmady,"hesighed."GoodoldCarmady.Heleaksdough.He's
    soft.JustaskCarmady.Okey,Tony,taketheducatbackandgetapair
    together."
    Hereachedintohispocket,heldabillout.Thedarkboylookedhurt.
    "Jeeze,MisterCarmady,Iwouldn'thaveyouthink"
    "Skipit!What'safightticketbetweenpals?Getacoupleandtakeyour
    girl.TohellwiththisTargo."
    TonyAcostatookthebill.Hewatchedtheoldermancarefullyforamoment.
    Thenhisvoicewasverysoftly,saying:"I'drathergowithyou,MisterCarmady.
    Targoknocksthemover,andnotonlyinthering.He'sgotapeachyblonderight
    onthisfloor,MissAdrian,in914."
    Carmadystiffened.Heputhisglassdownslowly,turneditonthetopof
    thedesk.Hisvoicegotalittlehoarse.
    "He'sstillabum,Tony.Okey,I'llmeetyoufordinner,infrontofyour
    hotelatseven."
    "Jeeze,that'sswell,MisterCarmady."
    TonyAcostawentoutsoftly,closedtheouterdoorwithoutasound.
    Carmadystoodbythedesk,hisfingertipsstrokingthetopofit,hiseyes
    onthefloor.Hestoodlikethatforalongtime.
    "Carmady,theAllAmericansucker,"hesaidgrimly,outloud."Aguythat
    playswiththehelpandcarriesthetorchforstraybroads.Yeah."
    Hefinishedhisdrink,lookedathiswristwatch,putonhishatandthe
    bluesuederaincoat,wentout.Downthecorridorinfrontof914hestopped,
    liftedhishandtoknock,thendroppeditwithouttouchingthedoor.
    Hewentslowlyontotheelevatorsandrodedowntothestreetandhiscar.

    The_Tribune_officewasatFourthandSpring.Carmadyparkedaroundthe
    corner,wentinattheemployees'entranceandrodetothefourthfloorina
    ricketyelevatoroperatedbyanoldmanwithadeadcigarinhismouthanda
    rolledmagazinewhichheheldsixinchesfromhisnosewhileheranthe
    elevator.
    OnthefourthfloorbigdoubledoorswereletteredCityRoom.Anotherold
    mansatoutsidethematasmalldeskwithacallbox.
    Carmadytappedonthedesk,said:"Adams.Carmadycalling."
    Theoldmanmadenoisesintothebox,releasedakey,pointedwithhis
    chin.
    Carmadywentthroughthedoors,pastahorseshoecopydesk,thenpastarow
    ofsmalldesksatwhichtypewriterswerebeingbanged.Atthefarendalanky
    redhairedmanwasdoingnothingwithhisfeetonapulledoutdrawer,theback
    ofhisneckonthebackofadangerouslytiltedswivelchairandabigpipein
    hismouthpointedstraightattheceiling.
    WhenCarmadystoodbesidehimhemovedhiseyesdownwithoutmovingany
    otherpartofhisbodyandsaidaroundthepipe:"Greetings,Carmady.How'sthe
    idlerich?"
    Carmadysaid:"How'saglanceatyourclipsonaguynamedCourtway?State
    SenatorJohnMyersonCourtway,tobeprecise."
    Adamsputhisfeetonthefloor.Heraisedhimselferectbypullingonthe
    edgeofhisdesk.Hebroughthispipedownlevel,tookitoutofhismouthand
    spitintoawastebasket.Hesaid:"Thatoldicicle?Whenwasheevernews?
    Sure."Hestoodupwearily,added:"Comealong,Uncle,"andstartedalongthe
    endoftheroom.
    Theywentalonganotherrowofdesks,pastafatgirlinsmudgedmakeup
    whowastypingandlaughingatwhatshewaswriting.
    Theywentthroughadoorintoabigroomthatwasmostlysixfoottiersof
    filingcaseswithanoccasionalalcoveinwhichtherewasasmalltableanda
    chair.
    Adamsprowledthefilingcases,jerkedoneoutandsetafolderonatable.
    "Parkyourself.What'sthegraft?"
    Carmadyleanedonthetableonanelbow,scuffedthroughathickwadof
    cuttings.Theyweremonotonous,politicalinnature,notfrontpage.Senator
    Courtwaysaidthisandthatonthisandthatmatterofpublicinterest,

    addressedthisandthatmeeting,wentorreturnedfromthisandthatplace.It
    allseemedverydull.
    Helookedatafewhalftonecutsofathin,whitehairedmanwithablank,
    composedface,deepsetdarkeyesinwhichtherewasnolightorwarmth.Aftera
    whilehesaid:"GotaprintIcouldsneeze?Arealone,Imean."
    Adamssighed,stretchedhimself,disappeareddownthelineoffilewalls.
    Hecamebackwithashinyblackandwhitephotograph,tosseditdownonthe
    table.
    "Youcankeepit,"hesaid."Wegotdozens.Theguylivesforever.ShallI
    haveitautographedforyou?"
    Carmadylookedatthephotowithnarroweyes,foralongtime."It's
    right,"hesaidslowly."WasCourtwayevermarried?"
    "NotsinceIleftoffmydiapers,"Adamsgrowled."Probablynotever.Say,
    what'nhell'sthemystery?"
    Carmadysmiledslowlyathim.Hereachedhisflaskout,setitonthetable
    besidethefolder.Adams'facebrightenedswiftlyandhislongarmreached.
    "Thenheneverhadakid,"Carmadysaid.
    Adamsleeredovertheflask."Wellnotforpublication,Iguess.IfI'm
    anyjudgeofamug,notatall."Hedrankdeeply,wipedhislips,drankagain.
    "Andthat,"Carmadysaid,"isveryfunnyindeed.Havethreemoredrinks
    andforgetyoueversawme."

    ThefatmanputhisfaceclosetoCarmady'sface.Hesaidwithawheeze:"You
    thinkit'sfixed,neighbor?"
    "Yeah.ForWerra."
    "Howmuchsaysso?"
    "Countyourpoke."
    "Igotfiveyardsthatwanttogrow."
    "Takeit,"Carmadysaidtonelessly,andkeptonlookingatthebackofa
    cornblondheadinaringsideseat.Awhitewrapwithwhitefurwasbelowthe
    glassilywavedhair.Hecouldn'tseetheface.Hedidn'thaveto.

    Thefatmanblinkedhiseyesandgotathickwalletcarefullyoutofa
    pocketinsidehisvest.Hehelditontheedgeofhisknee,countedoutten
    fiftydollarbills,rolledthemup,edgedthewalletbackagainsthisribs.
    "You'reon,sucker,"hewheezed."Let'sseeyourdough."
    Carmadybroughthiseyesback,reachedoutaflatpackofnewhundreds,
    riffledthem.Heslippedfivefromundertheprintedband,heldthemout.
    "Boy,thisisfromhome,"thefatmansaid.Heputhisfacecloseto
    Carmady'sfaceagain."I'mSkeetsO'Neal.Nolittlepowders,huh?"
    Carmadysmiledveryslowlyandpushedhismoneyintothefatman'shand.
    "Youholdit,Skeets.I'mCarmady.OldMarcusCarmady'sson.Icanshootfaster
    thanyoucanrunandfixitafterwards."
    Thefatmantookalonghardbreathandleanedbackinhisseat.Tony
    Acostastaredsofteyedatthemoneyinthefatman'spudgytighthand.He
    lickedhislipsandturnedasmallembarrassedsmileonCarmady.
    "Gee,that'slostdough,MisterCarmady,"hewhispered."Unlessunlessyou
    gotsomethinginside."
    "Enoughtobeworthafiveyardplunge,"Carmadygrowled.
    Thebuzzersoundedforthesixth.
    Thefirstfivehadbeenanybody'sfight.Thebigblondboy,DukeTargo,
    wasn'ttrying.Thedarkone,DeaconWerra,apowerful,looselimbedPolackwith
    badteethandonlytwocauliflowerears,hadthephysiquebutdidn'tknow
    anythingbutroughclinchingandagiantswingthatstartedinthebasementand
    neverconnected.HehadbeengoodenoughtoholdTargooffsofar.Thefans
    razzedTargoagooddeal.
    WhenthestoolswungbackoutoftheringTargohitchedathisblackand
    silvertrunks,smiledwithasmalltightsmileatthegirlinthewhitewrap.He
    wasverygoodlooking,withoutamarkonhim.Therewasbloodonhisleft
    shoulderfromWerra'snose.
    ThebellrangandWerrachargedacrossthering,slidoffTargo'sshoulder,
    gotalefthookin.Targogotmoreofthehookthanwasinit.Hepiledback
    intotheropes,bouncedout,clinched.
    Carmadysmiledquietlyinthedarkness.
    Therefereebrokethemeasily.Targobrokeclean,Werratriedforan
    uppercutandmissed.Theysparredforaminute.Therewaswaltzmusicfromthe
    gallery.ThenWerrastartedaswingfromhisshoetops.Targoseemedtowaitfor

    it,towaitforittohithim.Therewasaqueerstrainedsmileonhisface.The
    girlinthewhitewrapstoodupsuddenly.
    Werra'sswinggrazedTargo'sjaw.Itbarelystaggeredhim.Targolasheda
    longrightthatcaughtWerraovertheeye.AlefthooksmashedWerra'sjaw,then
    arightcrossalmosttothesamespot.
    Thedarkboywentdownonhishandsandknees,slippedslowlyalltheway
    tothefloor,laywithbothhisglovesunderhim.Therewerecatcallsashewas
    countedout.
    Thefatmanstruggledtohisfeet,grinninghugely.Hesaid:"Howyoulike
    it,pal?Stillthinkitwasasetpiece?
    "Itcameunstuck,"Carmadysaidinavoiceastonelessasapoliceradio.
    Thefatmansaid:"Solong,pal.Comearoundlots.HekickedCarmady's
    ankleclimbingoverhim.
    Carmadysatmotionless,watchedtheauditoriumempty.Thefightersand
    theirhandlershadgonedownthestairsunderthering.Thegirlinthewhite
    wraphaddisappearedinthecrowd.Thelightswentoutandthebarnlike
    structurelookedcheap,sordid.
    TonyAcostafidgeted,watchingamaninstripedoverallspickinguppapers
    betweentheseats.
    Carmadystoodupsuddenly,said:"I'mgoingtotalktothatbum,Tony.Wait
    outsideinthecarforme."
    Hewentswiftlyuptheslopetothelobby,throughtheremnantsofthe
    gallerycrowdtoagraydoormarked"NoAdmittance."Hewentthroughthatand
    downaramptoanotherdoormarkedthesameway.Aspecialcopinfadedand
    unbuttonedkhakistoodinfrontofit,withabottleofbeerinonehandanda
    hamburgerintheother.
    Carmadyflashedapolicecardandthecoplurchedoutofthewaywithout
    lookingatthecard.HehiccoughedpeacefullyasCarmadywentthroughthedoor,
    thenalonganarrowpassagewithnumbereddoorsliningit.Therewasnoise
    behindthedoors.Thefourthdooronthelefthadascribbledcardwiththename
    "DukeTargo"fastenedtothepanelbyathumbtack.
    Carmadyopeneditintotheheavysoundofashowergoing,outofsight.
    Inanarrowandutterlybareroomamaninawhitesweaterwassittingon
    theendofarubbingtablethathadclothesscatteredonit.Carmadyrecognized
    himasTargo'schiefsecond.

    Hesaid:"Where'stheDuke?"
    Thesweateredmanjerkedathumbtowardstheshowernoise.Thenamancame
    aroundthedoorandlurchedveryclosetoCarmady.Hewastallandhadcurly
    brownhairwithhardgraycolorinit.Hehadabigdrinkinhishand.Hisface
    hadtheflatglitterofextremedrunkenness.Hishairwasdamp,hiseyes
    bloodshot.Hislipscurledanduncurledinrapidsmileswithoutmeaning.Hesaid
    thickly:"Scramola,umpchay."
    Carmadyshutthedoorcalmlyandleanedagainstitandstartedtogethis
    cigarettecasefromhisvestpocket,insidehisopenblueraincoat.Hedidn't
    lookatthecurlyhairedmanatall.
    Thecurlyhairedmanlungedhisfreerighthandupsuddenly,snappedit
    underhiscoat,outagain.Abluesteelgunshonedullyagainsthislightsuit.
    Theglassinhislefthandsloppedliquor.
    "Noneofthat!"hesnarled.
    Carmadybroughtthecigarettecaseoutveryslowly,showeditinhishand,
    openeditandputacigarettebetweenhislips.Thebluegunwasverycloseto
    him,notverysteady.Thehandholdingtheglassshookinasortofjerky
    rhythm.
    Carmadysaidloosely:"You_ought_tobelookingfortrouble."
    Thesweateredmangotofftherubbingtable.Thenhestoodverystilland
    lookedatthegun.Thecurlyhairedmansaid:"Weliketrouble.Friskhim,
    Mike."
    Thesweateredmansaid:"Idon'twantanypartofit,Shenvair.ForPete's
    sake,takeiteasy.You'relitlikeaferryboat."
    Carmadysaid:"It'sokeytofriskme.I'mnotrodded."
    "Nix,"thesweateredmansaid."ThisguyistheDuke'sbodyguard.Dealme
    out."
    Thecurlyhairedmansaid:'Sure,I'mdrunk,"andgiggled.
    "You'reafriendoftheDuke?"thesweateredmanasked.
    "I'vegotsomeinformationforhim,"Carmadysaid.
    "Aboutwhat?"
    Carmadydidn'tsayanything."Okey,"thesweateredmansaid.Heshrugged
    bitterly.

    "Knowwhat,Mike?"thecurlyhairedmansaidsuddenlyandviolently."I
    thinkthisSonofabitchwantsmyjob.Hell,yes."HepunchedCarmadywiththe
    muzzleofthegun."Youain'tashamus,areyou,mister?"
    "Maybe,"Carmadysaid:"Andkeepyourironnexttoyourownbelly."
    Thecurlyhairedmanturnedhisheadalittleandgrinnedbackoverhis
    shoulder.
    "Whatd'youknowaboutthat,Mike?He'sashamus.Surehewantsmyjob.
    Surehedoes."
    "Puttheheaterup,youfool,"thesweateredmansaiddisgustedly.
    Thecurlyhairedmanturnedalittlemore."I'mhisprotection,ain'tI?"
    hecomplained.
    Carmadyknockedthegunasidealmostcasually,withthehandthatheldhis
    cigarettecase.Thecurlyhairedmansnappedhisheadaroundagain.Carmadyslid
    closetohim,sankastiffpunchinhisstomach,holdingthegunawaywithhis
    forearm.Thecurlyhairedmangagged,sprayedliquordownthefrontofCarmady's
    raincoat.Hisglassshatteredonthefloor.Thebluegunlefthishandandwent
    overinacorner.Thesweateredmanwentafterit.
    Thenoiseoftheshowerhadstoppedunnoticedandtheblondfightercame
    outtowelinghimselfvigorously.Hestaredopenmouthedatthetableau.
    Carmadysaid:"Idon'tneedthisanymore."
    Heheavedthecurlyhairedmanawayfromhimandlacedhisjawwithahard
    rightashewentback.Thecurlyhairedmanstaggeredacrosstheroom,hitthe
    wall,sliddownitandsatonthefloor.
    Thesweateredmansnatchedthegunupandstoodrigid,watchingCarmady.
    Carmadygotoutahandkerchiefandwipedthefrontofhiscoat,whileTargo
    shuthislargewellshapedmouthslowlyandbegantomovethetowelbackand
    forthacrosshischest.Afteramomenthesaid:"Justwhothehellmayyoube?"
    Carmadysaid:"Iusedtobeaprivatedick.Carmady'sthename.Ithinkyou
    needhelp."
    Targo'sfacegotalittleredderthantheshowerhadleftit."Why?"
    "Iheardyouweresupposedtothrowit,andIthinkyoutriedto.ButWerra
    wastoolousy.Youcouldn'thelpyourself.Thatmeansyou'reinajam."
    Targosaidveryslowly:"Peoplegettheirteethkickedinforsayingthings
    likethat."

    Theroomwasverystillforamoment.Thedrunksatuponthefloorand
    blinked,triedtogethisfeetunderhim,andgaveitup.
    Carmadyaddedquietly:"BennyCyranoisafriendofmine.He'syourbacker,
    isn'the?"
    Thesweateredmanlaughedharshly.Thenhebrokethegunandslidthe
    shellsoutofit,droppedthegunonthefloor.Hewenttothedoor,wentout,
    slammedthedoorshut.
    Targolookedattheshutdoor,lookedbackatCarmady.Hesaidveryslowly:
    "Whatdidyouhear?"
    "YourfriendJeanAdrianlivesinmyhotel,onmyfloor.Shegotsappedby
    ahoodthisafternoon.Ihappenedbyandsawthehoodrunningaway,pickedher
    up.Shetoldmealittleofwhatitwasallabout."
    Targohadputonhisunderwearandsocksandshoes.Hereachedintoa
    lockerforablacksatinshirt,putthaton.Hesaid:"Shedidn'ttellme."
    "Shewouldn'tbeforethefight."
    Targonoddedslightly.Thenhesaid:"IfyouknowBenny,youmaybeall
    right.I'vebeengettingthreats.Maybeit'salotofbirdseedandmaybeit's
    someSpringStreetpunter'sideaofhowtomakehimselfalittleeasydough.I
    foughtmyfightthewayIwantedto.Nowyoucantaketheair,mister."
    Heputonhighwaistedblacktrousersandknottedawhitetieonhisblack
    shirt.Hegotawhitesergecoattrimmedwithblackbraidoutofthelocker,put
    thaton.Ablackandwhitehandkerchiefflaredfromthepocketinthreepoints.
    Carmadystaredattheclothes,movedalittletowardsthedoorandlooked
    downatthedrunk.
    "Okey,"hesaid."Iseeyou'vegotabodyguard.ItwasjustanideaIhad.
    Excuseit,please."
    Hewentout,closedthedoorgently,andwentbackuptheramptothe
    lobby,outtothestreet.Hewalkedthroughtherainaroundthecornerofthe
    buildingtoabiggraveledparkinglot.
    Thelightsofacarblinkedathimandhiscoupeslidalongthewetgravel
    andpulledup.TonyAcostawasatthewheel.
    Carmadygotinattherightsideandsaid:"Let'sgoouttoCyrano'sand
    haveadrink,Tony."
    "Jeeze,that'sswell.MissAdrian'sinthefloorshowthere.Youknow,the
    blondeItoldyouabout."

    Carmadysaid:"IsawTargo.IkindoflikedhimbutIdidn'tlikehis
    clothes."

    GusNeishackerwasatwohundredpoundfashionplatewithveryredcheeksand
    thin,exquisitelypenciledeyebrowseyebrowsfromaChinesevase.Therewasa
    redcarnationinthelapelofhiswideshouldereddinnerjacketandhekept
    sniffingatitwhilehewatchedtheheadwaiterseatapartyofguests.When
    CarmadyandTonyAcostacamethroughthefoyerarchheflashedasuddensmile
    andwenttothemwithhishandout.
    "How'saboy,Ted?Party?"
    Carmadysaid:"Justthetwoofus.MeetMisterAcosta.GusNeishacker,
    Cyrano'sfloormanager."
    GusNeishackershookhandswithTonywithoutlookingathim.Hesaid:
    "Let'ssee,thelasttimeyoudroppedin"
    "Shelefttown,"Carmadysaid."We'llsitneartheringbutnottoonear.
    Wedon'tdancetogether."
    GusNeishackerjerkedamenufromundertheheadwaiter'sarmandledthe
    waydownfivecrimsonsteps,alongthetablesthatskirtedtheovaldancefloor.
    Theysatdown.CarmadyorderedryehighballsandDenversandwiches.
    Neishackergavetheordertoawaiter,pulledachairoutandsatdownatthe
    table.Hetookapenciloutandmadetrianglesontheinsideofamatchcover.
    "Seethefights?"heaskedcarelessly.
    "Wasthatwhattheywere?"
    GusNeishackersmiledindulgently."BennytalkedtotheDuke.Hesays
    you'rewise."HelookedsuddenlyatTonyAcosta.
    "Tony'sallright,"Carmadysaid.
    "Yeah.Welldousafavor,willyou?Seeitstopsrighthere.Bennylikes
    thisboy.Hewouldn'tlethimgethurt.He'dputprotectionallaroundhimreal
    protectionifhethoughtthatthreatstuffwasanythingbutsomepoolhall
    bum'sideaofaveryfunnyjoke.Bennyneverbacksbutoneboxfighterata
    time,andhepicksthemdamncareful."

    Carmadylitacigarette,blewsmokefromacornerofhismouth,said
    quietly:"It'snoneofmybusiness,butI'mtellingyouit'sscrewy.Ihavea
    noseforthatsortofthing."
    GusNeishackerstaredathimaminute,thenshrugged.Hesaid:"Ihope
    you'rewrong,"stoodupquicklyandwalkedawayamongthetables.Hebentto
    smilehereandthere,andspeaktoacustomer.
    TonyAcosta'svelveteyesshone.Hesaid:"Jeeze,MisterCarmady,youthink
    it'sroughstuff?"
    Carmadynodded,didn'tsayanything.Thewaiterputtheirdrinksand
    sandwichesonthetable,wentaway.Thebandonthestageattheendoftheoval
    floorblaredoutalongchordandaslick,grinningm.c.slidoutonthestage
    andputhislipstoasmallopenmike.
    Thefloorshowbegan.Alineofhalfnakedgirlsranoutunderarainof
    coloredlights.Theycoiledanduncoiledinalongsinuousline,theirbarelegs
    flashing,theirnavelslittledimplesofdarknessinsoftwhite,verynude
    flesh.
    Ahardboiledredheadsangahardboiledsonginavoicethatcouldhave
    beenusedtosplitfirewood.Thegirlscamebackinblacktightsandsilkhats,
    didthesamedancewithaslightlydifferentexposure.
    Themusicsoftenedandatallhighyallertorchsingerdroopedunderan
    amberlightandsangofsomethingveryfarawayandunhappy,inavoicelikeold
    ivory.
    Carmadysippedhisdrink,pokedathissandwichinthedimlight.Tony
    Acosta'shardyoungfacewasasmalltenseblurbesidehim.
    Thetorchsingerwentawayandtherewasalittlepauseandthensuddenly
    allthelightsintheplacewentoutexceptthelightsoverthemusicracksof
    thebandandlittlepaleamberlightsattheentrancestotheradiatingaisles
    ofboothsbeyondthetables.
    Thereweresquealsinthethickdarkness.Asinglewhitespotwinkedon,
    highupundertheroof,settledonarunwaybesidethestage.Faceswerechalk
    whiteinthereflectedglare.Therewastheredglowofacigarettetiphereand
    there.Fourtallblackmenmovedinthelight,carryingawhitemummycaseon
    theirshoulders.Theycameslowly,inrhythm,downtherunway.Theyworewhite
    Egyptianheaddressesandloinclothsofwhiteleatherandwhitesandalslacedto

    theknee.Theblacksmoothnessoftheirlimbswaslikeblackmarbleinthe
    moonlight.
    Theyreachedthemiddleofthedancefloorandslowlyupendedthemummy
    caseuntilthecovertippedforwardandfellandwascaught.Thenslowly,very
    slowly,aswathedwhitefiguretippedforwardandfellslowly,likethelast
    leaffromadeadtree.Ittippedintheair,seemedtohover,thenplunged
    towardsthefloorunderashatteringrollofdrums.
    Thelightwentoff,wenton.Theswathedfigurewasuprightonthefloor,
    spinning,andoneoftheblackswasspinningtheoppositeway,windingthewhite
    shroudaroundhisbody.Thentheshroudfellawayandagirlwasalltinseland
    smoothwhitelimbsunderthehardlightandherbodyshotthroughtheair
    glitteringandwascaughtandpassedaroundswiftlyamongthefourblackmen,
    likeabaseballhandledbyafastinfield.
    Thenthemusicchangedtoawaltzandshedancedamongtheblackmenslowly
    andgracefully,asthoughamongfourebonypillars,veryclosetothembutnever
    touchingthem.
    Theactended.Theapplauseroseandfellinthickwaves.Thelightwent
    outanditwasdarkagain,andthenallthelightswentupandthegirlandthe
    fourblackmenweregone.
    "Keeno,"TonyAcostabreathed."Oh,keeno.ThatwasMissAdrian,wasn't
    it?"
    Carmadysaidslowly:"Alittledaring."Helitanothercigarette,looked
    around."There'sanotherblackandwhitenumber,Tony.TheDukehimself,in
    person."
    DukeTargostoodapplaudingviolentlyattheentrancetooneofthe
    radiatingboothaisles.Therewasaloosegrinonhisface.Helookedasifhe
    mighthavehadafewdrinks.
    AnarmcamedownoverCarmady'sshoulder.Ahandplanteditselfintheash
    trayathiselbow.HesmelledScotchinheavygusts.Heturnedhisheadslowly,
    lookedupattheliquorshinyfaceofShenvair,DukeTargo'sdrunkenbodyguard.
    "Smokesandawhitegal,"Shenvairsaidthickly."Lousy.Crummy.Godawful
    crummy."
    Carmadysmiledslowly,movedhischairalittle.TonyAcostastaredat
    Shenvairroundeyed,hislittlemouthathinline.
    "Blackface,MisterShenvair.Notrealsmokes.Ilikedit."

    "Andwhothehellcareswhatyoulike?"Shenvairwantedtoknow.
    Carmadysmileddelicately,laidhiscigarettedownontheedgeofaplate.
    Heturnedhischairalittlemore.
    "StillthinkIwantyourjob,Shenvair?"
    "Yeah.Ioweyouasmackinthepusstoo."Hetookhishandoutoftheash
    tray,wipeditoffonthetablecloth.Hedoubleditintoafist."Likeitnow?"
    Awaitercaughthimbythearm,spunhimaround.
    "Youlostyourtable,sir?Thisway."
    Shenvairpattedthewaiterontheshoulder,triedtoputanarmaroundhis
    neck."Swell,let'sgonibbleadrink.Idon'tlikethesepeople."
    Theywentaway,disappearedamongthetables.
    Carmadysaid:"Tohellwiththisplace,Tony,"andstaredmoodilytowards
    thebandstage.Thenhiseyesbecameintent.
    Agirlwithcornblondhair,inawhitewrapwithawhitefurcollar,
    appearedattheedgeoftheshell,wentbehindit,reappearednearer.Shecame
    alongtheedgeoftheboothstotheplacewhereTargohadbeenstanding.She
    slippedinbetweentheboothsthere,disappeared.
    Carmadysaid:"Tohellwiththisplace.Let'sgoTony,"inalowangry
    voice.Thenverysoftly,inatensedtone:"Nowaitaminute.Iseeanotherguy
    Idon'tlike."
    Themanwasonthefarsideofthedancefloor,whichwasemptyatthe
    moment.Hewasfollowingitscurvearound,pastthetablesthatfringedit.He
    lookedalittledifferentwithouthishat.Buthehadthesameflatwhite
    expressionlessface,thesamecloseseteyes.Hewasyoungish,notmorethan
    thirty,butalreadyhavingtroublewithhisbaldspot.Theslightbulgeofagun
    underhisleftarmwasbarelynoticeable.Hewasthemanwhohadrunawayfrom
    JeanAdrian'sapartmentintheCarondelet.
    HereachedtheaisleintowhichTargohadgone,intowhichamomentbefore
    JeanAdrianhadgone.Hewentintoit.
    Carmadysaidsharply:"Waithere,Tony."Hekickedhischairbackandstood
    up.
    Somebodyrabbitpunchedhimfrombehind.Heswiveled,closetoShenvair's
    grinningsweatyface.
    "Backagain,pal,"thecurlyhairedmanchortled,andhithimonthejaw.

    Itwasashortjab,wellplacedforadrunk.ItcaughtCarmadyoffbalance,
    staggeredhim.TonyAcostacametohisfeetsnarling,catlike.Carmadywasstill
    rockingwhenShenvairletgowiththeotherfist.Thatwastooslow,toowide.
    Carmadyslidinsideit,uppercutthecurlyhairedman'snosesavagely,gota
    handfulofbloodbeforehecouldgethishandaway.Heputmostofitbackon
    Shenvair'sface.
    Shenvairwobbled,staggeredbackastepandsatdownonthefloor,hard.He
    clappedahandtohisnose.
    "Keepaneyeonthisbird,Tony,"Carmadysaidswiftly.
    Shenvairtookholdofthenearesttableclothandyankedit.Itcameoffthe
    table.Silverandglassesandchinafollowedittothefloor.Amansworeanda
    womansquealed.Awaiterrantowardsthemwithalivid,furiousface.
    Carmadyalmostdidn'thearthetwoshots.
    Theyweresmallandflat,closetogether,asmallcalibergun.Therushing
    waiterstoppeddead,andadeeplyetchedwhitelineappearedaroundhismouthas
    instantlyasthoughthelashofawhiphadcutitthere.
    Adarkwomanwithasharpnoseopenedhermouthtoyellandnosoundcame
    fromher.Therewastheinstantwhennobodymakesasound,whenitalmostseems
    asiftherewillneveragainbeanysoundafterthesoundofagun.Then
    Carmadywasrunning.
    Hebumpedintopeoplewhostoodupandcranedtheirnecks.Hereachedthe
    entrancetotheaisleintowhichthewhitefacedmanhadgone.Theboothshad
    highwallsandswingdoorsnotsohigh.Headsstuckoutoverthedoors,butno
    onewasintheaisleyet.Carmadychargedupashallowcarpetedslope,atthe
    farendofwhichboothdoorsstoodwideopen.
    Legsindarkclothshowedpastthedoors,slackonthefloor,theknees
    sagged.Thetoesofblackshoeswerepointedintothebooth.
    Carmadyshookanarmoff,reachedtheplace.
    Themanlayacrosstheendofatable,hisstomachandonesideofhisface
    onthewhitecloth,hislefthanddroppedbetweenthetableandthepaddedseat.
    Hisrighthandontopofthetabledidn'tquiteholdabigblackgun,a.45with
    acutbarrel.Thebaldspotonhisheadglistenedunderthelight,andtheoily
    metalofthegunglistenedbesideit.
    Bloodleakedfromunderhischest,vividscarletonthewhitecloth,
    seepingintoitasintoblottingpaper.

    DukeTargowasstandingup,deepinthebooth.Hisleftarminthewhite
    sergecoatwasbracedontheendofthetable.JeanAdrianwassittingdownat
    hisside.TargolookedatCarmadyblankly,asifhehadneverseenhimbefore.
    Hepushedhisbigrighthandforward.
    Asmallwhitehandledautomaticlayonhispalm.
    "Ishothim,"Targosaid,HepulledagunonusandIshothim."
    JeanAdrianwasscrubbingherhandstogetheronascrapofhandkerchief.
    Herfacewasstrained,cold,notscared.Hereyesweredark.
    "Ishothim,"Targosaid.Hethrewthesmallgundownonthecloth.It
    bounced,almosthitthefallenman'shead."Let'slet'sgetoutofhere."
    Carmadyputahandagainstthesideofthesprawledman'sneck,heldit
    thereasecondortwo,tookitaway.
    "He'sdead,"hesaid."Whenacitizendropsaredhotthat'snews."
    JeanAdrianwasstaringathimstiffeyed.Heflashedasmileather,puta
    handagainstTargo'schest,pushedhimback.
    "Sitdown,Targo.You'renotgoinganyplace."
    Targosaid:"Wellokey.Ishothim,see."
    "That'sallright,"Carmadysaid."Justrelax."
    Peoplewereclosebehindhimnow,crowdinghim.Heleanedbackagainstthe
    pressofbodiesandkeptonsmilingatthegirl'swhiteface.

    BennyCyranowasshapedliketwoeggs,alittleonethatwashisheadontopof
    abigonethatwashisbody.Hissmalldapperlegsandfeetinpatentleather
    shoeswerepushedintothekneeholeofadarksheenlessdesk.Heheldacorner
    ofahandkerchieftightlybetweenhisteethandpulledagainstitwithhisleft
    handandheldhisrighthandoutpudgilyinfrontofhim,pushingagainstthe
    air.Hewassayinginavoicemuffledbythehandkerchief:"Nowwaitaminute,
    boys.Nowwaitaminute."
    Therewasastripedbuiltinsofainonecorneroftheoffice,andDuke
    Targosatinthemiddleofit,betweentwoHeadquartersdicks.Hehadadark

    bruiseoveronecheekbone,histhickblondhairwastousledandhisblacksatin
    shirtlookedasifsomebodyhadtriedtoswinghimbyit.
    Oneofthedicks,thegrayhairedone,hadasplitlip.Theyoungonewith
    hairasblondasTargo'shadablackeye.Theybothlookedmad,buttheblond
    onelookedmadder.
    CarmadystraddledachairagainstthewallandlookedsleepilyatJean
    Adrian,nearhiminaleatherrocker.Shewastwistingahandkerchiefinher
    hands,rubbingherpalmswithit.Shehadbeendoingthisforalongtime,asif
    shehadforgottenshewasdoingit.Hersmallfirmmouthwasangry.
    GusNeishackerleanedagainstthecloseddoorsmoking."Nowwaitaminute,
    boys,"Cyranosaid."Ifyoudidn'tgettoughwithhim,hewouldn'tfightback.
    He'sagoodboythebestIeverhad.Givehimabreak."
    BlooddribbledfromonecornerofTargo'smouth,inafinethreaddownto
    hisjuttingchin.Itgatheredthereandglistened.Hisfacewasempty,
    expressionless.
    Carmadysaidcoldly:"Youwouldn'twanttheboystostopplayingblackjack
    pinochle,wouldyou,Benny?"
    Theblonddicksnarled:"Youstillgotthatprivatedicklicense,Carmady?"
    "It'slyingaroundsomewhere,Iguess,"Carmadysaid."Maybewecouldtake
    itawayfromyou,"theblonddicksnarled.
    "Maybeyoucoulddoafandance,copper.Youmightbeallkindsofasmart
    guyforallI'dknow."
    Theblonddickstartedtogetup.Theolderonesaid:"Leavehimbe.Give
    himsixfeet.Ifhestepsoverthat,we'lltakethescrewsoutofhim."
    CarmadyandGusNeishackergrinnedateachother.Cyranomadehelpless
    gesturesintheair.ThegirllookedatCarmadyunderherlashes.Targoopened
    hismouthandspatbloodstraightbeforehimonthebluecarpet.
    SomethingpushedagainstthedoorandNeishackersteppedtooneside,
    openeditacrack,thenopeneditwide.McChesneycamein.
    McChesneywasalieutenantofdetectives,tall,sandyhaired,fortyish,
    withpaleeyesandanarrowsuspiciousface.Heshutthedoorandturnedthekey
    init,wentslowlyoverandstoodinfrontofTargo.
    "Plentydead,"hesaid."Oneundertheheart,oneinit.Nicesnap
    shooting.Inanyleague."
    "Whenyou'vegottodeliveryou'vegottodeliver,"Targosaiddully.

    "Makehim?"thegrayhaireddickaskedhispartner,movingawayalongthe
    sofa.
    McChesneynodded."TorchyPlant.Agunforhire.Ihaven'tseenhimround
    foralloftwoyears.Toughasaningrowingtoenailwithhisrightload.A
    bindlepunk."
    "He'dhavetobethattothrowhispartyinhere,"thegrayhaireddick
    said.
    McChesney'slongfacewasserious,nothard."Gotapermitforthegun,
    Targo?"
    Targosaid:"Yes.Bennygotmeonetwoweeksago.Ibeengettingalotof
    threats."
    "Listen,Lieutenant,"Cyranochirped,"somegamblerstrytoscarehiminto
    adive,see?Hewinsninestraightfightsbyknockoutssotheygetaswell
    price.Itoldhimheshouldtakeoneatthatmaybe."
    "Ialmostdid,"Targosaidsullenly.
    "Sotheysenttheredhottohim,"Cyranosaid.
    McChesneysaid:"Iwouldn'tsayno.How'dyoubeathisdraw,Targo?Where
    wasyourgun?"
    "Onmyhip."
    "Showme."
    Targoputhishandbackintohisrighthippocketandjerkedahandkerchief
    outquickly,stuckhisfingerthroughitlikeagunbarrel.
    "Thathandkerchiefinthepocket?"McChesneyasked."Withthegun?"
    Targo'sbigreddishfacecloudedalittle.Henodded.McChesneyleaned
    forwardcasuallyandtwitchedthehandkerchieffromhishand.Hesniffedatit,
    unwrappedit,sniffedatitagain,foldeditandputitawayinhisownpocket.
    Hisfacesaidnothing.
    "Whatdidhesay,Targo?"
    "Hesaid:'Igotamessageforyou,punk,andthisisit.'Thenhewentfor
    thegatanditstuckalittleintheclip.Igotmineoutfirst."
    McChesneysmiledfaintlyandleanedfarback,teeteringonhisheels.His
    faintsmileseemedtoslideofftheendofhislongnose.HelookedTargoupand
    down.
    "Yeah,"hesaidsoftly."I'dcallitdamnniceshootingwithatwentytwo.
    Butyou'refastforabigguy...Whogotthesethreats?"

    "Idid,"Targosaid."Overthephone."
    "Knowthevoice?"
    "Itmighthavebeenthissameguy.I'mnotjustpositive."
    McChesneywalkedstiffleggedtotheotherendoftheoffice,stooda
    momentlookingatahandtintedsportingprint.Hecamebackslowly,drifted
    overtothedoor.
    "Aguylikethatdon'tmeanalot,"hesaidquietly,"butwegottodoour
    job.Thetwoofyouwillhavetocomedowntownandmakestatements.Let'sgo."
    Hewentout.Thetwodicksstoodup,withDukeTargobetweenthem.The
    grayhairedonesnapped:"Yougoin'toactnice,bo?"
    Targosneered:"IfIgettowashmyface."
    Theywentout.TheblonddickwaitedforJeanAdriantopassinfrontof
    him.Heswungthedoor,snarledbackatCarmady:"Asforyounuts!"
    Carmadysaidsoftly:"Ilikethem.It'sthesquirrelinme,copper."
    GusNeishackerlaughed,thenshutthedoorandwenttothedesk.
    "I'mshakinglikeBenny'sthirdchin,"hesaid."Let'sallhaveashotof
    cognac."
    Hepouredthreeglassesathirdfull,tookoneovertothestripedsofaand
    spreadhislonglegsoutonit,leanedhisheadbackandsippedthebrandy.
    Carmadystoodupanddownedhisdrink.Hegotacigaretteoutandrolledit
    aroundinhisfingers,staringatCyrano'ssmoothwhitefacewithanupfrom
    underlook.
    "Howmuchwouldyousaychangedhandsonthatfighttonight?"heasked
    softly."Bets."
    Cyranoblinked,massagedhislipswithafathand."Afewgrand.Itwas
    justaregularweeklyshow.Itdon'tlisten,doesit?"
    Carmadyputthecigaretteinhismouthandleanedoverthedesktostrikea
    match.Hesaid:"Ifitdoes,murder'sgettingawfullycheapinthistown."
    Cyranodidn'tsayanything.GusNeishackersippedthelastofhisbrandy
    andcarefullyputtheemptyglassdownonaroundcorktablebesidethesofa.He
    staredattheceiling,silently.
    AfteramomentCarmadynoddedatthetwomen,crossedtheroomandwent
    out,closedthedoorbehindhim.Hewentalongacorridoroffwhichdressing
    roomsopened,darknow.Acurtainedarchwaylethimoutatthebackofthe
    stage.

    Inthefoyertheheadwaiterwasstandingattheglassdoors,lookingoutat
    therainandthebackofauniformedpoliceman.Carmadywentintotheempty
    cloakroom,foundhishatandcoat,putthemon,cameouttostandbesidethe
    headwaiter.
    Hesaid:"Iguessyoudidn'tnoticewhathappenedtothekidIwaswith?"
    Theheadwaitershookhisheadandreachedforwardtounlockthedoor.
    "Therewasfourhundredpeoplehereandthreehundredscrammedbeforethe
    lawcheckedin.I'msorry."
    Carmadynoddedandwentoutintotherain.Theuniformedmanglancedathim
    casually.Hewentalongthestreettowherethecarhadbeenleft.Itwasn't
    there.Helookedupanddownthestreet,stoodforafewmomentsintherain,
    thenwalkedtowardsMelrose.
    Afteralittlewhilehefoundataxi.

    TherampoftheCarondeletgaragecurveddownintosemidarknessandchilled
    air.Thedarkbulksofstalledcarslookedominousagainstthewhitewashed
    walls,andthesingledroplightinthesmallofficehadtherelentlessglitter
    ofthedeathhouse.
    AbigNegroinstainedoverallscameoutrubbinghiseyes,thenhisface
    splitinanenormousgrin.
    "Hello,there,MistuhCarmady.Youkindarestlesstonight?"Carmadysaid:
    "Igetalittlewildwhenitrains.Ibetmyheapisn'there."
    "No,itain't,MistuhCarmady.Ibeenallaroundwipin'offandyoursain't
    hereatall."
    Carmadysaidwoodenly:"Ilentittoapal.Heprobablywreckedit.
    Heflickedahalfdollarthroughtheairandwentbackuptheramptothe
    sidestreet.Heturnedtowardsthebackofthehotel,cametoanalleylike
    streetonesideofwhichwastherearwalloftheCarondelet.Theothersidehad
    twoframehousesandafourstorybrickbuilding.HotelBlainewasletteredona
    roundmilkyglobeoverthedoor.

    Carmadywentupthreecementstepsandtriedthedoor.Itwaslocked.He
    lookedthroughtheglasspanelintoasmalldimemptylobby.Hegotouttwo
    passkeys;thesecondonemovedthelockalittle.Hepulledthedoorhard
    towardshim,triedthefirstoneagain.Thatsnickedtheboltfarenoughforthe
    looselyfitteddoortoopen.
    Hewentinandlookedatanemptycounterwithasign"Manager"besidea
    plungerbell.Therewasanoblongofemptynumberedpigeonholesonthewall.
    Carmadywentaroundbehindthecounterandfishedaleatherregisteroutofa
    spaceunderthetop.Hereadnamesbackthreepages,foundtheboyishscrawl:
    "TonyAcosta,"andaroomnumberinanotherwriting.
    Heputtheregisterawayandwentpasttheautomaticelevatorandupstairs
    tothefourthfloor.
    Thehallwaywasverysilent.Therewasweaklightfromaceilingfixture.
    Thelastdoorbutoneonthelefthandsidehadacrackoflightshowingaround
    itstransom.Thatwasthedoor411.Heputhishandouttoknock,thenwithdrew
    itwithouttouchingthedoor.
    Thedoorknobwasheavilysmearedwithsomethingthatlookedlikeblood.
    Carmady'seyeslookeddownandsawwhatwasalmostapoolofbloodonthe
    stainedwoodbeforethedoor,beyondtheedgeoftherunner.
    Hishandsuddenlyfeltclammyinsidehisglove.Hetookthegloveoff,held
    thehandstiff,clawlikeforamoment,thenshookitslowly.Hiseyeshada
    sharpstrainedlightinthem.
    Hegotahandkerchiefout,graspedthedoorknobinsideit,turnedit
    slowly.Thedoorwasunlocked.Hewentin.
    Helookedacrosstheroomandsaidverysoftly:"Tony,oh,Tony."
    Thenheshutthedoorbehindhimandturnedakeyinit,stillwiththe
    handkerchief.
    Therewaslightfromthebowlthathungonthreebrasschainsfromthe
    middleoftheceiling.Itshoneonamadeupbed,somepainted,lightcolored
    furniture,adullgreencarpet,asquarewritingdeskofeucalyptuswood.
    TonyAcostasatatthedesk.Hisheadwasslumpedforwardonhisleftarm.
    Underthechaironwhichhesat,betweenthelegsofthechairandhisfeet,
    therewasaglisteningbrownishpool.
    Carmadywalkedacrosstheroomsorigidlythathisanklesachedafterthe
    secondstep.Hereachedthedesk,touchedTonyAcosta'sshoulder.

    "Tony,"hesaidthickly,inalow,meaninglessvoice."MyGod,Tony!"
    Tonydidn'tmove.Carmadywentaroundtohisside.Abloodsoakedbath
    towelglaredagainsttheboy'sstomach,acrosshispressedtogetherthighs.His
    righthandwascrouchedagainstthefrontedgeofthedesk,asifhewastrying
    topushhimselfup.Almostunderhisfacetherewasascrawledenvelope.
    Carmadypulledtheenvelopetowardshimslowly,lifteditlikeathingof
    weight,readthewanderingscrawlofwords.
    "Tailedhim...woptown...28CourtStreet...overgarage...shotme...thinkI
    got...him...yourcar...
    Thelinetrailedovertheedgeofthepaper,becameablotthere.Thepen
    wasonthefloor.Therewasabloodythumbprintontheenvelope.
    Carmadyfoldeditmeticulouslytoprotecttheprint,puttheenvelopein
    hiswallet.HeliftedTony'shead,turneditalittletowardshim.Theneckwas
    stillwarm;itwasbeginningtostiffen.Tony'ssoftdarkeyeswereopenand
    theyheldthequietbrightnessofacat'seyes.Theyhadthateffecttheeyesof
    thenewdeadhaveofalmost,butnotquite,lookingatyou.
    Carmadyloweredtheheadgentlyontheoutstretchedleftarm.Hestood
    laxly,hisheadononeside,hiseyesalmostsleepy.Thenhisheadjerkedback
    andhiseyeshardened.
    Hestrippedoffhisraincoatandthesuitcoatunderneath,rolledhis
    sleevesup,wetafacetowelinthebasininthecorneroftheroomandwentto
    thedoor.Hewipedtheknobsoff,bentdownandwipedupthesmearedbloodfrom
    theflooroutside.
    Herinsedthetowelandhungituptodry,wipedhishandscarefully,put
    hiscoatonagain.Heusedhishandkerchieftoopenthetransom,toreversethe
    keyandlockthedoorfromtheoutside.Hethrewthekeyinoverthetopofthe
    transom,heardittinkleinside.
    HewentdownstairsandoutoftheHotelBlame.Itstillrained.Hewalked
    tothecorner,lookedalongatreeshadedblock.Hiscarwasadozenyardsfrom
    theintersection,parkedcarefully,thelightsoff,thekeysintheignition.He
    drewthemout,felttheseatunderthewheel.Itwaswet,sticky.Carmadywiped
    hishandoff,ranthewindowsupandlockedthecar.Heleftitwhereitwas.
    GoingbacktotheCarondelethedidn'tmeetanybody.Thehardslantingrain
    stillpoundeddownintotheemptystreets.

    Therewasathinthreadoflightunderthedoorof914.Carmadyknockedlightly,
    lookingupanddownthehall,movedhisglovedfingerssoftlyonthepanelwhile
    hewaited.Hewaitedalongtime.Thenavoicespokewearilybehindthewoodof
    thedoor.
    "Yes?Whatisit?"
    "Carmady,angel.Ihavetoseeyou.It'sstrictlybusiness."
    Thedoorclicked,opened.Helookedatatiredwhiteface,darkeyesthat
    wereslatelike,notvioletblue.Thereweresmudgesunderthemasthough
    mascarahadbeenrubbedintotheskin.Thegirl'sstronglittlehandtwitchedon
    theedgeofthedoor.
    "You,"shesaidwearily."Itwouldbeyou.Yes...Well,I'vesimplygotto
    haveashower.Ismellofpolicemen."
    "Fifteenminutes?"Carmadyaskedcasually,buthiseyeswereverysharpon
    herface.
    Sheshruggedslowly,thennodded.Theclosingdoorseemedtojumpathim.
    Hewentalongtohisownrooms,threwoffhishatandcoat,pouredwhiskeyinto
    aglassandwentintothebathroomtogeticewaterfromthesmalltapoverthe
    basin.
    Hedrankslowly,lookingoutofthewindowsatthedarkbreadthofthe
    boulevard.Acarslidbynowandthen,twobeamsofwhitelightattachedto
    nothing,emanatingfromnowhere.
    Hefinishedthedrink,strippedtotheskin,wentunderashower.He
    dressedinfreshclothes,refilledhisbigflaskandputitinhisinnerpocket,
    tookasnubnosedautomaticoutofasuitcaseandhelditinhishandfora
    minutestaringatit.Thenheputitbackinthesuitcase,litacigaretteand
    smokeditthrough.
    Hegotadryhatandatweedcoatandwentbackto914.
    Thedoorwasalmostinsidiouslyajar.Heslippedinwithalightknock,
    shutthedoor,wentonintothelivingroomandlookedatJeanAdrian.
    Shewassittingonthedavenportwithafreshlyscrubbedlook,inloose
    plumcoloredpajamasandaChinesecoat.Atendrilofdamphairdroopedoverone

    temple.Hersmallevenfeatureshadthecameolikeclearnessthattiredness
    givestotheveryyoung.
    Carmadysaid:"Drink?"
    Shegesturedemptily."Isupposeso."
    Hegotglasses,mixedwhiskeyandicewater,wenttothedavenportwith
    them.
    "AretheykeepingTargoonice?"
    Shemovedherchinaneighthofaninch,staringintoherglass.
    "Hecutlooseagain,knockedtwocopshalfwaythroughthewall.Theylove
    thatboy."
    Carmadysaid:"Hehasalottolearnaboutcops.Inthemorningthecameras
    willbeallsetforhim.Icanthinkofsomeniceheadlines,suchas:'Well
    knownFighterTooFastforGunman.''DukeTargoPutsCrimpinUnderworldHot
    Rod.'
    Thegirlsippedherdrink."I'mtired,"shesaid."Andmyfootitches.
    Let'stalkaboutwhatmakesthisyourbusiness."
    "Sure."Heflippedhiscigarettecaseopen,helditunderherchin.Her
    handfumbledatitandwhileitstillfumbledhesaid:"Whenyoulightthattell
    mewhyyoushothim."
    JeanAdrianputthecigarettebetweenherlips,bentherheadtothematch,
    inhaledandthrewherheadback.Colorawakenedslowlyinhereyesandasmall
    smilecurvedthelineofherpressedlips.Shedidn'tanswer.
    Carmadywatchedherforaminute,turninghisglassinhishands.Thenhe
    staredatthefloor,said:"ItwasyourgunthegunIpickeduphereinthe
    afternoon.Targosaidhedrewitfromhishippocket,theslowestdrawinthe
    world.Yethe'ssupposedtohaveshottwice,accuratelyenoughtokillaman,
    whilethemanwasn'tevengettinghisgunloosefromashoulderholster.That's
    hooey.Butyou,withtheguninabaginyourlap,andknowingthehood,might
    justhavemanagedit.HewouldhavebeenwatchingTargo."
    Thegirlsaidemptily:"You'reaprivatedick,Ihear.You'rethesonofa
    bosspolitician.Theytalkedaboutyoudowntown.Theyactalittleafraidof
    you,ofpeopleyoumightknow.Whosickedyouonme?"
    Carmadysaid:"They'renotafraidofme,angel.Theyjusttalkedlikethat
    toseehowyou'dreact,ifIwasinvolved,soon.Theydon'tknowwhatit'sall
    about."

    "Theyweretoldplainlyenoughwhatitwasallabout."
    Carmadyshookhishead."Acopneverbelieveswhathegetswithouta
    struggle.He'stoousedtocookedupstories.IthinkMcChesney'swiseyoudid
    theshooting.HeknowsbynowifthathandkerchiefofTargo'shadbeenina
    pocketwithagun."
    Herlimpfingersdiscardedhercigarettehalfsmoked.Acurtaineddiedat
    thewindowandlooseflakesofashcrawledaroundintheashtray.Shesaid
    slowly:"Allright.Ishothim.DoyouthinkI'dhesitateafterthisafternoon?"
    Carmadyrubbedthelobeofhisear."I'mplayingthistoolight,"hesaid
    softly."Youdon'tknowwhat'sinmyheart.Somethinghashappened,something
    nasty.DoyouthinkthehoodmeanttokillTargo?"
    "IthoughtsoorIwouldn'thaveshotaman."
    "Ithinkmaybeitwasjustascare,angel.Liketheotherone.Afteralla
    nightclubisapoorplaceforagetaway."
    Shesaidsharply:"Theydon'tdomanylowtacklesonfortyfives.He'dhave
    gotawayallright.Ofcoursehemeanttokillsomebody.AndofcourseIdidn't
    meanDuketofrontforme.Hejustgrabbedthegunoutofmyhandandslammed
    intohisact.Whatdiditmatter?Iknewitwouldallcomeoutintheend."
    Shepokedabsentlyatthestillburningcigaretteinthetray,kepther
    eyesdown.Afteramomentshesaid,almostinawhisper:"Isthatallyouwanted
    toknow?"
    Carmadylethiseyescrawlsidewise,withoutmovinghishead,untilhe
    couldjustseethefirmcurveofhercheek,thestronglineofherthroat.He
    saidthickly:"Shenvairwasinonit.ThefellowIwaswithatCyrano'sfollowed
    Shenvairtoahideout.Shenvairshothim.He'sdead.He'sdead,angeljusta
    youngkidthatworkedhereinthehotel.Tony,thebellcaptain.Thecopsdon't
    knowthatyet."
    Themuffledclangofelevatordoorswasheavythroughthesilence.Ahorn
    tooteddismallyoutintherainontheboulevard.Thegirlsaggedforward
    suddenly,thensidewise,fellacrossCarmady'sknees.Herbodywashalfturned
    andshelayalmostonherbackacrosshisthighs,hereyelidsflickering.The
    smallblueveinsinthemstoodoutrigidinthesoftskin.
    Heputhisarmsaroundherslowly,loosely,thentheytightened,lifted
    her.Hebroughtherfaceclosetohisownface.Hekissedheronthesideofthe
    mouth.

    Hereyesopened,staredblankly,unfocused.Hekissedheragain,tightly,
    thenpushedheruprightonthedavenport.
    Hesaidquietly:"Thatwasn'tjustanact,wasit?"
    Sheleapedtoherfeet,spunaround.Hervoicewaslow,tenseandangry.
    "There'ssomethinghorribleaboutyou!Somethingsatanic.Youcomehere
    andtellmeanothermanhasbeenkilledandthenyoukissme.Itisn'treal."
    Carmadysaiddully:"There'ssomethinghorribleaboutanymanthatgoes
    suddenlygagaoveranotherman'swoman."
    "I'mnothiswoman!"shesnapped."Idon'tevenlikehimandIdon'tlike
    you."
    Carmadyshrugged.Theystaredateachotherwithbleakhostileeyes.The
    girlclickedherteethshut,thensaidalmostviolently:"Getout!Ican'ttalk
    toyouanymore.Ican'tstandyouaround.Willyougetout?"
    Carmadysaid:"Whynot?"Hestoodup,wentoverandgothishatandcoat.
    Thegirlsobbedoncesharply,thenshewentinlightquickstridesacross
    theroomtothewindows,becamemotionlesswithherbacktohim.
    Carmadylookedatherback,wentovernearherandstoodlookingatthe
    softhairlowdownonherneck.Hesaid:"Whythehelldon'tyouletmehelp?I
    knowthere'ssomethingwrong.Iwouldn'thurtyou."
    Thegirlspoketothecurtaininfrontofherface,savagely:"Getout!I
    don'twantyourhelp.Goawayandstayaway.Iwon'tbeseeingyouever."
    Carmadysaidslowly:"Ithinkyou'vegottohavehelp.Whetheryoulikeit
    ornot.ThatmaninthephotoframeonthedeskthereIthinkIknowwhoheis.
    AndIdon'tthinkhe'sdead."
    Thegirlturned.Herfacenowwasaswhiteaspaper.Hereyesstrainedat
    hiseyes.Shebreathedthickly,harshly.Afterwhatseemedalongtimeshesaid:
    "I'mcaught.Caught.There'snothingyoucandoaboutit."
    Carmadyliftedahandanddrewhisfingersslowlydownhercheek,downthe
    angleofhertightjaw.Hiseyesheldahardbrownglitter,hislipsasmile.It
    wascunning,almostadishonestsmile.
    Hesaid:"I'mwrong,angel.Idon'tknowhimatall.Goodnight."
    Hewentbackacrosstheroom,throughthelittlehallway,openedthedoor.
    Whenthedooropenedthegirlclutchedatthecurtainandrubbedherface
    againstitslowly.

    Carmadydidn'tshutthedoor.Hestoodquitestillhalfwaythroughit,
    lookingattwomenwhostoodtherewithguns.
    Theystoodclosetothedoor,asiftheyhadbeenabouttoknock.Onewas
    thick,dark,saturnine.Theotheronewasanalbinowithsharpredeyes,a
    narrowheadthatshowedshiningsnowwhitehairunderarainspattereddarkhat.
    Hehadthethinsharpteethandthedrawnbackgrinofarat.
    Carmadystartedtoclosethedoorbehindhim.Thealbinosaid:"Holdit,
    rube.Thedoor,Imean.We'regoin'in."
    TheothermanslidforwardandpressedhislefthandupanddownCarmady's
    bodycarefully.Hesteppedaway,said:"Nogat,butaswellflaskunderhis
    arm."
    Thealbinogesturedwithhisgun."Backup,rube.Wewantthebroad,too."
    Carmadysaidtonelessly:"Itdoesn'ttakeagun,Critz.IknowyouandI
    knowyourboss.Ifhewantstoseeme,I'llbegladtotalktohim."
    Heturnedandwentbackintotheroomwiththetwogunmenbehindhim.
    JeanAdrianhadn'tmoved.Shestoodbythewindowstill,thecurtain
    againsthercheek,hereyesclosed,asifshehadn'theardthevoicesatthe
    dooratall.
    Thensheheardthemcomeinandhereyessnappedopen.Sheturnedslowly,
    staredpastCarmadyatthetwogunmen.Thealbinowalkedtothemiddleofthe
    room,lookedarounditwithoutspeaking,wentonintothebedroomandbathroom.
    Doorsopenedandshut.Hecamebackinquietcatlikefeet,pulledhisovercoat
    openandpushedhishatbackonhishead.
    "Getdressed,sister.Wehavetogoforarideintherain.Okey?"
    ThegirlstaredatCarmadynow.Heshrugged,smiledalittle,spreadhis
    hands.
    "That'showitis,angel.Mightaswellfallinline."
    Thelinesofherfacegotthinandcontemptuous.Shesaidslowly:"You
    You.'Hervoicetrailedoffintoasibilant,meaninglessmutter.Shewent
    acrosstheroomstifflyandoutofitintothebedroom.
    Thealbinoslippedacigarettebetweenhissharplips,chuckledwithawet,
    gurglingsound,asifhismouthwasfullofsaliva.
    "Shedon'tseemtolikeyou,rube."
    Carmadyfrowned.Hewalkedslowlytothewritingdesk,leanedhiships
    againstit,staredatthefloor.

    "ShethinksIsoldherout,"hesaiddully.
    "Maybeyoudid,rube,"thealbinodrawled.
    Carmadysaid:"Betterwatchher.She'sneatwithagun."
    Hishands,reachingcasuallybehindhimonthedesk,tappedthetopofit
    lightly,thenwithoutapparentchangeofmovementfoldedtheleatherphotoframe
    downonitssideandedgeditundertheblotter.

    Therewasapaddedarmrestinthemiddleoftherearseatofthecar,and
    Carmadyleanedanelbowonit,cuppedhischininhishand,staredthroughthe
    halfmistedwindowsattherain.Itwasthickwhitesprayintheheadlights,and
    thenoiseofitonthetopofthecarwaslikedrumfireveryfaroff.
    JeanAdriansatontheothersideofthearmrest,inthecorner.Shewore
    ablackhatandagraycoatwithtuftsofsilkyhaironit,longerthancaracul
    andnotsocurly.Shedidn'tlookatCarmadyorspeaktohim.
    Thealbinosatontherightofthethickdarkman,whodrove.Theywent
    throughsilentstreets,pastblurredhouses,blurredtrees,theblurredshineof
    streetlights.Therewereneonsignsbehindthethickcurtainsofmist.There
    wasnosky.
    Thentheyclimbedandafeeblearclightstrungoveranintersectionthrew
    lightonasignpost,andCarmadyreadthename"CourtStreet."
    Hesaidsoftly:"Thisiswoptown,Critz.Thebigguycan'tbesodough
    heavyasheusedtobe."
    Lightsflickeredfromthealbino'seyesasheglancedback."Youshould
    know,rube."
    Thecarslowedinfrontofabigframehousewithatrellisedporch,walls
    finishedinroundshingles,blind,lightlesswindows.Acrossthestreet,a
    stencilsignonabrickbuildingbuiltsheertothesidewalksaid:"Paolo
    PerruginiFuneralParlors."
    Thecarswungouttomakeawideturnintoagraveldriveway.Lights
    splashedintoanopengarage.Theywentin,slidtoastopbesideabigshiny
    undertaker'sambulance.

    Thealbinosnapped:"Allout!"
    Carmadysaid:"Iseeournexttripisallarrangedfor."
    "Funnyguy,"thealbinosnarled."Awisemonkey."
    "Uhuh.Ijusthavenicescaffoldmanners,"Carmadydrawled.
    Thedarkmancutthemotorandsnappedonabigflash,thencutthelights,
    gotoutofthecar.Heshotthebeamoftheflashupanarrowflightofwooden
    stepsinthecorner.Thealbinosaid:"Upyougo,rube.Pushthegirlaheadof
    you.I'mbehindwithmyrod."
    JeanAdriangotoutofthecarpastCarmady,withoutlookingathim.She
    wentupthestepsstiffly,andthethreemenmadeaprocessionbehindher.
    Therewasadooratthetop.Thegirlopeneditandhardwhitelightcame
    outatthem.Theywentintoabareatticwithexposedstudding,asquarewindow
    infrontandrear,shuttight,theglasspaintedblack.Abrightbulbhungona
    dropcordoverakitchentableandabigmansatatthetablewithasaucerof
    cigarettebuttsathiselbow.Twoofthemstillsmoked.
    AthinlooselippedmansatonabedwithaLugerbesidehislefthand.
    Therewasaworncarpetonthefloor,afewsticksoffurniture,ahalfopened
    clapboarddoorinthecornerthroughwhichatoiletseatshowed,andoneendof
    abigoldfashionedbathtubstandingupfromtheflooronironlegs.
    Themanatthekitchentablewaslargebutnothandsome.Hehadcarroty
    hairandeyebrowsashadedarker,asquareaggressiveface,astrongjaw.His
    thicklipsheldhiscigarettebrutally.Hisclotheslookedasiftheyhadcosta
    greatdealofmoneyandhadbeensleptin.
    HeglancedcarelesslyatJeanAdrian,saidaroundthecigarette:"Parkthe
    body,sister.Hi,Carmady.Gimmethatrod,Lefty,andyouboysdropdownbelow
    again."
    Thegirlwentquietlyacrosstheatticandsatdowninastraightwooden
    chair.Themanonthebedstoodup,puttheLugeratthebigman'selbowonthe
    kitchentable.Thethreegunmenwentdownthestairs,leavingthedooropen.
    ThebigmantouchedtheLuger,staredatCarmady,saidsarcastically:"I'm
    DollConant.Maybeyourememberme."
    Carmadystoodlooselybythekitchentable,withhislegsspreadwide,his
    handsinhisovercoatpockets,hisheadtiltedback.Hishalfclosedeyeswere
    sleepy,verycold.
    Hesaid:"Yeah.Ihelpedmydadhangtheonlyraponyouthateverstuck."

    "Itdidn'tstick,mugg.NotwiththeCourtofAppeals."
    "Maybethisonewill,"Carmadysaidcarelessly."Kidnappingisapttobea
    stickyrapinthisstate."
    Conantgrinnedwithoutopeninghislips.Hisexpressionwasgrimlygood
    humored.Hesaid:"Let'snotbarber.Wegotbusinesstodoandyouknowbetter
    thanthatlastcrack.SitdownorrathertakealookatExhibitOnefirst.In
    thebathtub,behindyou.Yeah,takealookatthat.Thenwecangetdownto
    tacks."
    Carmadyturned,wentacrosstotheclapboarddoor,pushedthroughit.There
    wasabulbstickingoutofthewall,withakeyswitch.Hesnappediton,bent
    overthetub.
    Foramomenthisbodywasquiterigidandhisbreathwasheldrigidly.Then
    heletitoutveryslowly,andreachedhislefthandbackandpushedthedoor
    almostshut.Hebentfartheroverthebigirontub.
    Itwaslongenoughforamantostretchoutin,andamanwasstretchedout
    init,onhisback.Hewasfullydressedeventoahat,althoughhisheaddidn't
    lookasifhehadputitonhimself.Hehadthick,graybrowncurlyhair.There
    wasbloodonhisfaceandtherewasagouged,redrimmedholeattheinner
    cornerofhislefteye.
    HewasShenvairandhewaslongsincedead.
    Carmadysuckedinhisbreathandstraightenedslowly,thensuddenlybent
    forwardstillfurtheruntilhecouldseeintothespacebetweenthetubandthe
    wall.Somethingblueandmetallicglisteneddownthereinthedust.Abluesteel
    gun.AgunlikeShenvair'sgun.
    Carmadyglancedbackquickly.Thenotquiteshutdoorshowedhimapartof
    theattic,thetopofthestairs,oneofDollConant'sfeetsquareandplacidon
    thecarpet,underthekitchentable.Hereachedhisarmoutslowlydownbehind
    thetub,gatheredthegunup.Thefourexposedchambershadsteeljacketed
    bulletsinthem.
    Carmadyopenedhiscoat,slippedthegundowninsidethewaistbandofhis
    trousers,tightenedhisbelt,andbuttonedhiscoatagain.Hewentoutofthe
    bathroom,shuttheclapboarddoorcarefully.
    DollConantgesturedatachairacrossthetablefromhim:"Sitdown."

    CarmadyglancedatJeanAdrian.Shewasstaringathimwithakindofrigid
    curiosity,hereyesdarkandcolorlessinastonewhitefaceundertheblack
    hat.
    Hegesturedather,smiledfaintly."It'sMisterShenvair,angel.Hemet
    withanaccident.He'sdead."
    Thegirlstaredathimwithoutanyexpressionatall.Thensheshuddered
    once,violently.Shestaredathimagain,madenosoundofanykind.
    CarmadysatdowninthechairacrossthetablefromConant.
    Conanteyedhim,addedasmokingstubtothecollectioninthewhite
    saucer,litafreshcigarette,streakingthematchthewholelengthofthe
    kitchentable.
    Hepuffed,saidcasually:"Yeah,he'sdead.Youshothim."
    Carmadyshookhisheadveryslightly,smiled."No."
    "Skipthebabyeyes,feller.Youshothim.Perrugini,thewopundertaker
    acrossthestreet,ownsthisplace,rentsitoutnowandthentoarightboyfor
    aquickdust.Incidentally,he'safriendofmine,doesmealotofgoodamong
    theotherwops.HerentedittoShenvair.Didn'tknowhim,butShenvairgota
    rightticketintohim.Perruginiheardshootingoverheretonight,tookalook
    outofhiswindow,sawaguymakeittoacar.Hesawthelicensenumberofthe
    car.Yourcar."
    Carmadyshookhisheadagain."ButIdidn'tshoothim,Conant."
    "Tryandproveit...ThewopranoverandfoundShenvairhalfwayupthe
    stairs,dead.Hedraggedhimupandstuckhiminthebathtub.Somecrazyidea
    abouttheblood,Isuppose.Thenhewentthroughhim,foundapolicecard,a
    privatedicklicense,andthatscaredhim.HegotmeonthephoneandwhenIgot
    thename,Icamesteaming."
    Conantstoppedtalking,eyedCarmadysteadily.Carmadysaidverysoftly:
    "YouhearabouttheshootingatCyrano'stonight?"
    Conantnodded.
    Carmadywenton:"Iwasthere,withakidfriendofminefromthehotel.
    JustbeforetheshootingthisShenvairthrewapunchatme.Thekidfollowed
    Shenvairhereandtheyshoteachother.ShenvairwasdrunkandscaredandI'll
    betheshotfirst.Ididn'tevenknowthekidhadagun.Shenvairshothim
    throughthestomach.Hegothome,diedthere.Heleftmeanote.Ihavethe
    note."

    AfteramomentConantsaid:"YoukilledShenvair,orhiredthatboytodo
    it.Here'swhy.Hetriedtocopperhisbetonyourblackmailracket.Hesoldout
    toCourtway."
    Carmadylookedstartled.HesnappedhisheadaroundtolookatJeanAdrian.
    Shewasleaningforwardstaringathimwithcolorinhercheeks,ashineinher
    eyes.Shesaidverysoftly:"I'msorryangel.Ihadyouwrong."
    Carmadysmiledalittle,turnedbacktoConant.Hesaid:"ShethoughtIwas
    theonethatsoldout.Who'sCourtway?Yourbirddog,thestatesenator?"
    Conant'sfaceturnedalittlewhite.Helaidhiscigarettedownvery
    carefullyinthesaucer,leanedacrossthetableandhitCarmadyinthemouth
    withhisfist.Carmadywentoverbackwardsinthericketychair.Hisheadstruck
    thefloor.
    JeanAdrianstoodupquietlyandherteethmadeasharpclickingsound.
    Thenshedidn'tmove.
    Carmadyrolledoveronhissideandgotupandsetthechairupright.He
    gotahandkerchiefout,pattedhismouth,lookedatthehandkerchief.
    Stepsclatteredonthestairsandthealbinopokedhisnarrowheadintothe
    room,pokedagunstillfartherin.
    "Needanyhelp,boss?"
    Withoutlookingathim,Conantsaid:"Getoutandshutthatdoorandstay
    out!"
    Thedoorwasshut.Thealbino'sstepsdieddownthestairs.Carmadyputhis
    lefthandonthebackofthechairandmoveditslowlybackandforth.Hisright
    handstillheldthehandkerchief.Hislipsweregettingpuffedanddarkish.His
    eyeslookedattheLugerbyConant'selbow.
    Conantpickeduphiscigaretteandputitinhismouth.Hesaid:"Maybeyou
    thinkI'mgoingtoneckthisblackmailracket.I'mnot,brother.I'mgoingto
    killitsoit'llstaykilled.You'regoingtospillyourguts.Ihavethree
    boysdownstairswhoneedexercise.Getbusyandtalk."
    Carmadysaid:"Yeahbutyourthreeboysaredownstairs."Heslippedthe
    handkerchiefinsidehiscoat.Hishandcameoutwiththebluedguninit.He
    said:"TakethatLugerbythebarrelandpushitacrossthetablesoIcanreach
    it."

    Conantdidn'tmove.Hiseyesnarrowedtoslits.Hishardmouthjerkedthe
    cigaretteinitonce.Hedidn'ttouchtheLuger.Afteramomenthesaid:"Guess
    youknowwhatwillhappentoyounow."
    Carmadyshookhisheadslightly.Hesaid:"MaybeI'mnotparticularabout
    that.Ifitdoeshappen,youwon'tknowanythingaboutit."
    Conantstaredathim,didn'tmove.Hestaredathimforquitealongtime,
    staredatthebluegun."Wheredidyougetit?Didn'ttheheelsfriskyou?"
    Carmadysaid:"Theydid.ThisisShenvair'sgun.Yourwopfriendmusthave
    kickeditbehindthebathtub.Careless."
    ConantreachedtwothickfingersforwardandturnedtheLugeraroundand
    pushedittothefaredgeofthetable.Henoddedandsaidtonelessly:"Ilose
    thishand.Ioughttohavethoughtofthat.Thatmakesmedothetalking."
    JeanAdriancamequicklyacrosstheroomandstoodattheendofthetable.
    CarmadyreachedforwardacrossthechairandtooktheLugerinhislefthandand
    slippeditdownintohisovercoatpocket,kepthishandonit.Herestedthe
    handholdingthebluegunonthetopofthechair.
    JeanAdriansaid:"Whoisthisman?"
    "DollConant,alocalbigtimer.SenatorJohnMyersonCourtwayishispipe
    lineintothestatesenate.AndSenatorCourtway,angel,isthemaninyour
    photoframeonyourdesk.Themanyousaidwasyourfather,thatyousaidwas
    dead."
    Thegirlsaidveryquietly:"Heismyfather.Iknewhewasn'tdead.I'm
    blackmailinghimforahundredgrand.ShenvairandTargoandI.Henever
    marriedmymother,soI'millegitimate.ButI'mstillhischild.Ihaverights
    andhewon'trecognizethem.Hetreatedmymotherabominably,leftherwithouta
    nickel.Hehaddetectiveswatchmeforyears.Shenvairwasoneofthem.He
    recognizedmyphotoswhenIcamehereandmetTargo.Heremembered.Hewentup
    toSanFranciscoandgotacopyofmybirthcertificate.Ihaveithere."
    Shefumbledatherbag,feltaroundinit,openedasmallzipperpocketin
    thelining.Herhandcameoutwithafoldedpaper.Shetosseditonthetable.
    Conantstaredather,reachedahandforthepaper,spreaditoutand
    studiedit.Hesaidslowly:"Thisdoesn'tproveanything."
    Carmadytookhislefthandoutofhispocketandreachedforthepaper.
    Conantpushedittowardshim.

    Itwasacertifiedcopyofabirthcertificate,datedoriginallyin1912.
    Itrecordedthebirthofagirlchild,AdrianaGianniMyerson,toJohnand
    AntoninaGianniMyerson.Carmadydroppedthepaperagain.
    Hesaid:"AdrianaGianniJeanAdrian.Wasthatthetipoff,Conant?"
    Conantshookhishead."Shenvairgotcoldfeet.HetippedCourtway.Hewas
    scared.That'swhyhehadthishideoutlinedup.Ithoughtthatwaswhyhegot
    killed.Targocouldn'thavedoneit,becauseTargo'sstillinthecan.MaybeI
    hadyouwrong,Carmady."
    Carmadystaredathimwoodenly,didn'tsayanything.JeanAdriansaid:
    "It'smyfault.I'mtheonethat'stoblame.Itwasprettyrotten.Iseethat
    now.IwanttoseehimandtellhimI'msorryandthathe'llneverhearfromme
    again.Iwanttomakehimpromisehewon'tdoanythingtoDukeTargo.MayI?"
    Carmadysaid:"Youcandoanythingyouwantto,angel.Ihavetwogunsthat
    sayso.Butwhydidyouwaitsolong?Andwhydidn'tyougoathimthroughthe
    courts?Youreinshowbusiness.Thepublicitywouldhavemadeyouevenifhe
    beatyouout."
    Thegirlbitherlip,saidinalowvoice:"Mymotherneverreallyknewwho
    hewas,neverknewhislastnameeven.HewasJohnMyersontoher.Ididn'tknow
    untilIcamehereandhappenedtoseeapictureinthelocalpaper.Hehad
    changed,butIknewtheface.Andofcoursethefirstpartofhisname"
    Conantsaidsneeringly:"Youdidn'tgoathimopenlybecauseyouknewdamn
    wellyouweren'thiskid.Thatyourmotherjustwishedyouontohimlikeany
    cheapbroadwhoseesherselfoutofaswellmealticket.Courtwaysayshecan
    proveit,andthathe'sgoingtoproveitandputyouwhereyoubelong.And
    believeme,sister,he'sjustthestiffneckedkindofsapwhowouldkill
    himselfinpublicliferakingupatwentyyearoldscandaltodothatlittle
    thing."
    Thebigmanspithiscigarettestuboutviciously,added:"Itcostmemoney
    toputhimwhereheisandIaimtokeephimthere.That'swhyI'minit.No
    dice,sister.I'mputtingthepressureon.You'regoingtotakealotofairand
    keepontakingit.Asforyourtwogunfriendmaybehedidn'tknow,buthe
    knowsnowandthattieshimupinthesamepackage."
    Conantbangedonthetabletop,leanedback,lookingcalmlyatthebluegun
    inCarmady'shand.

    Carmadystaredintothebigman'seyes,saidverysoftly:"Thathoodat
    Cyrano'stonighthewasn'tyourideaofputtingonthepressurebyanychance,
    Conant,washe?"
    Conantgrinnedharshly,shookhishead.Thedooratthetopofthestairs
    openedalittle,silently.Carmadydidn'tseeit.HewasstaringatConant.Jean
    Adriansawit.
    Hereyeswidenedandshesteppedbackwithastartledexclamation,that
    jerkedCarmady'seyestoher.
    Thealbinosteppedsoftlythroughthedoorwithagunleveled.
    Hisredeyesglistened,hismouthwasdrawnwideinasnarlinggrin.He
    said:"Thedoor'skindofthin,boss.Ilistened.Okey?...Shedtheheater,rube,
    orIblowyoubothinhalf."
    Carmadyturnedslightlyandopenedhisrighthandandletthebluegun
    bounceonthethincarpet.Heshrugged,spreadhishandsoutwide,didn'tlook
    atJeanAdrian.
    Thealbinosteppedclearofthedoor,cameslowlyforwardandputhisgun
    againstCarmady'sback.
    Conantstoodup,camearoundthetable,tooktheLugeroutofCarmady's
    coatpocketandheftedit.Withoutawordorchangeofexpressionheslammedit
    againstthesideofCarmady'sjaw.
    Carmadysaggeddrunkenly,thenwentdownontheflooronhisside.
    JeanAdrianscreamed,clawedatConant.Hethrewheroff,changedthegun
    tohislefthandandslappedthesideofherfacewithahardpalm.
    "Pipedown,sister.You'vehadallyourfun."
    Thealbinowenttotheheadofthestairsandcalleddownit.Thetwoother
    gunmencameupintotheroom,stoodgrinning.
    Carmadydidn'tmoveonthefloor.AfteralittlewhileConantlitanother
    cigaretteandrattledaknuckleonthetabletopbesidethebirthcertificate.
    Hesaidgruffly:"Shewantstoseetheoldman.Okey,shecanseehim.We'llall
    goseehim.There'sstillsomethinginthisthatstinks."Heraisedhiseyes,
    lookedatthestockyman."YouandLeftygodowntownandspringTargo,gethim
    outtotheSenator'splaceassoonasyoucan.Steponit."
    Thetwohoodswentbackdownthestairs.
    ConantlookeddownatCarmady,kickedhimintheribslightly,kepton
    kickingthemuntilCarmadyopenedhiseyesandstirred.

    Thecarwaitedatthetopofahill,beforeapairoftallwroughtirongates,
    insidewhichtherewasalodge.Adoorofthelodgestoodopenandyellowlight
    framedabigmaninanovercoatandpulleddownhat.Hecameforwardslowlyinto
    therain,hishandsdowninhispockets.
    Therainslitheredabouthisfeetandthealbinoleanedagainstthe
    uprightsofthegate,clickinghisteeth.Thebigmansaid:"Whatyuhwant?I
    canseeyuh."
    "Shakeitup,rube.MisterConantwantstocallonyourboss."
    Themaninsidespatintothewetdarkness."Sowhat?Knowwhattimeitis?"
    Conantopenedthecardoorsuddenlyandwentovertothegates.Therain
    madenoisebetweenthecarandthevoices.
    CarmadyturnedhisheadslowlyandpattedJeanAdrian'shand.Shepushed
    hishandawayfromherquickly.
    Hervoicesaidsoftly:"Youfooloh,youfool!"
    Carmadysighed."I'mhavingaswelltime,angel.Aswelltime."
    Themaninsidethegatestookoutkeysonalongchain,unlockedthegates
    andpushedthembackuntiltheyclickedonthechocks.Conantandthealbino
    camebacktothecar.
    Conantstoodintherainwithaheelhookedontherunningboard.Carmady
    tookhisbigflaskoutofhispocket,feltitovertoseeifitwasdented,then
    unscrewedthetop.Hehelditouttowardsthegirl,said:"Havealittlebottle
    courage."
    Shedidn'tanswerhim,didn'tmove.Hedrankfromtheflask,putitaway,
    lookedpastConant'sbroadbackatacresofdrippingtrees,aclusteroflighted
    windowsthatseemedtohanginthesky.
    Acarcameupthehillstabbingthewetdarkwithitsheadlights,pulled
    behindthesedanandstopped.Conantwentovertoit,puthisheadintoitand
    saidsomething.Thecarbacked,turnedintothedriveway,anditslights
    splashedonretainingwalls,disappeared,reappearedatthetopofthedriveas
    ahardwhiteovalagainstastoneportecochre.

    Conantgotintothesedanandthealbinoswungitintothedrivewayafter
    theothercar.Atthetop,inacementparkingcircleringedwithcypressesthey
    allgotout.
    Atthetopofstepsabigdoorwasopenandamaninabathrobestoodin
    it.Targo,betweentwomenwholeanedhardagainsthim,washalfwayupthe
    steps.Hewasbareheadedandwithoutanovercoat.Hisbigbodyinthewhitecoat
    lookedenormousbetweenthetwogunmen.
    Therestofthepartywentupthestepsandintothehouseandfollowedthe
    bathrobedbutlerdownahalllinedwithportraitsofsomebody'sancestors,
    throughastillovalfoyertoanotherhallandintoapaneledstudywithsoft
    lightsandheavydrapesanddeepleatherchairs.
    Amanstoodbehindabigdarkdeskthatwassetinanalcovemadebylow,
    outjuttingbookcases.Hewasenormouslytallandthin.Hiswhitehairwasso
    thickandfinethatnosinglehairwasvisibleinit.Hehadasmallstraight
    bittermouth,blackeyeswithoutdepthinawhitelinedface.Hestoopeda
    littleandabluecorduroybathrobefacedwithsatinwaswrappedaroundhis
    almostfreakishthinness.
    ThebutlershutthedoorandConantopeneditagainandjerkedhischinat
    thetwomenwhohadcomeinwithTargo.Theywentout.Thealbinosteppedbehind
    Targoandpushedhimdownintoachair.Targolookeddazed,stupid.Therewasa
    smearofdirtononesideofhisfaceandhiseyeshadadruggedlook.
    Thegirlwentovertohimquickly,said:"Oh,Dukeareyouallright,
    Duke?"
    Targoblinkedather,halfgrinned."Soyouhadtorat,huh?Skipit.I'm
    fine."Hisvoicehadanunnaturalsound.
    JoanAdrianwentawayfromhimandsatdownandhunchedherselftogetheras
    ifshewascold.
    Thetallmanstaredcoldlyateveryoneintheroominturn,thensaid
    lifelessly:"Arethesetheblackmailersandwasitnecessarytobringthemhere
    inthemiddleofthenight?"
    Conantshookhimselfoutofhiscoat,threwitonthefloorbehindalamp.
    Helitafreshcigaretteandstoodspreadleggedinthemiddleoftheroom,a
    big,rough,ruggedmanverysureofhimself.Hesaid:"Thegirlwantedtosee
    youandtellyoushewassorryandwantstoplayball.Theguyintheicecream
    coatisTargo,thefighter.Hegothimselfinashootingscrapeatanightspot

    andactedsowilddowntowntheyfedhimsleeptabletstoquiethim.Theother
    guyisCarmady,oldMarcusCarmady'sboy.Idon'tfigurehimyet."
    Carmadysaiddryly:"I'maprivatedetective,Senator.I'mhereinthe
    interestsofmyclient,MissAdrian."Helaughed.
    Thegirllookedathimsuddenly,thenlookedatthefloor.
    Conantsaidgruffly."Shenvair,theoneyouknowabout,gothimselfbumped
    off.Notbyus.That'sstilltostraightenout."
    Thetallmannoddedcoldly.Hesatdownathisdeskandpickedupawhite
    quillpen,tickledoneearwithit.
    "Andwhatisyourideaofthewaytohandlethismatter,Conant?"heasked
    thinly.
    Conantshrugged."I'maroughboy,butI'dhandlethisonelegal.Talkto
    theD.A.,tosstheminacooponsuspicionofextortion.Cookupastoryforthe
    papers,thengiveittimetocool.Thendumpthesebirdsacrossthestateline
    andtellthemnottocomebackorelse."
    SenatorCourtwaymovedthequillaroundtohisotherear."Theycould
    attackmeagain,fromadistance,"hesaidicily."I'minfavorofashowdown,
    putthemwheretheybelong."
    "Youcan'ttrythem,Courtway.Itwouldkillyoupolitically."
    "I'mtiredofpubliclife,Conant.I'llbegladtoretire."Thetallthin
    mancurvedhismouthintoafaintsmile.
    "Thehellyouare,"Conantgrowled.Hejerkedhisheadaround,snapped:
    "Comehere,sister."
    JcanAdrianstoodup,cameslowlyacrosstheroom,stoodinfrontofthe
    desk.
    "Makeher?"Conantsnarled.
    Courtwaystaredatthegirl'ssetfaceforalongtime,withoutatraceof
    expression.Heputhisquilldownonthedesk,openedadrawerandtookouta
    photograph.Helookedfromthephototothegirl,backtothephoto,said
    tonelessly:Thiswastakenanumberofyearsago,butthere'saverystrong
    resemblance.Idon'tthinkI'dhesitatetosayit'sthesameface."
    Heputthephotodownonthedeskandwiththesameunhurriedmotiontook
    anautomaticoutofthedrawerandputitdownonthedeskbesidethephoto.
    Conantstaredatthegun.Hismouthtwisted.Hesaidthickly:"Youwon't
    needthat,Senator,Listen,yourshowdownideaisallwrong.I'llgetdetailed

    confessionsfromthesepeopleandwe'llholdthem.Iftheyeveractupagain,
    it'llbetimeenoughthentocrackdownwiththebigone."
    Carmadysmiledalittleandwalkedacrossthecarpetuntilhewasnearthe
    endofthedesk.Hesaid:"I'dliketoseethatphotograph"andleanedover
    suddenlyandtookit.
    Courtway'sthinhanddroppedtothegun,thenrelaxed.Heleanedbackin
    hischairandstaredatCarmady.
    Carmadystaredatthephotograph,loweredit,saidsoftlytoJeanAdrian:
    "Gositdown."
    Sheturnedandwentbacktoherchair,droppedintoitwearily.
    Carmadysaid:"Ilikeyourshowdownidea,Senator.It'scleanand
    straightforwardandawholesomechangeinpolicyfromMr.Conant.Butitwon't
    work."Hesnickedafingernailatthephoto."Thishasasuperficial
    resemblance,nomore.Idon'tthinkit'sthesamegirlatallmyself.Herears
    aredifferentlyshapedandloweronherhead.Hereyesareclosertogetherthan
    MissAdrian'seyes,thelineofherjawislonger.Thosethingsdon'tchange.So
    whathaveyougot?Anextortionletter.Maybe,butyoucan'ttieittoanyoneor
    you'dhavedoneitalready.Thegirl'sname.Justcoincidence.Whatelse?"
    Conant'sfacewasgranitehard,hismouthbitter.Hisvoiceshookalittle
    saying:"Andhowaboutthatcertificatethegaltookoutofherpurse,wise
    guy?"
    Carmadysmiledfaintly,rubbedthesideofhisjawwithhisfingertips."I
    thoughtyougotthatfromShenvair?"hesaidslyly."AndShenvairisdead.
    Conant'sfacewasamaskoffury.Heballedhisfist,tookajerkystep
    forward,"Whyyoudamnlouse"
    JeanAdrianwasleaningforwardstaringroundeyedatCarmady.Targowas
    staringathim,withaloosegrin,palehardeyes.Courtwaywasstaringathim.
    TherewasnoexpressionofanykindonCourtway'sface.Hesatcold,relaxed,
    distant.
    Conantlaughedsuddenly,snappedhisfingers."Okey,tootyourhorn,"he
    grunted.
    Carmadysaidslowly:"I'lltellyouanotherreasonwhythere'llbeno
    showdown.ThatshootingatCyrano's.ThosethreatstomakeTargodropan
    unimportantfight.ThathoodthatwenttoMissAdrian'shotelroomandsapped
    her,leftherlyingonherdoorway.Can'tyoutieallthatin,Conant?Ican."

    Courtwayleanedforwardsuddenlyandplacedhishandonhisgun,foldedit
    aroundthebutt.Hisblackeyeswereholesinawhitefrozenface.
    Conantdidn'tmove,didn'tspeak.
    Carmadywenton:"WhydidTargogetthosethreats,andafterhedidn'tdrop
    thefight,whydidagungotoseehimatCyrano's,anightclub,averybad
    placeforthatkindofplay?BecauseatCyrano'shewaswiththegirl,and
    Cyranowashisbacker,andifanythinghappenedatCyrano'sthelawwouldget
    thethreatstorybeforetheyhadtimetothinkofanythingelse.That'swhy.The
    threatswereabuildupforakilling.WhentheshootingcameoffTargowasto
    bewiththegirl,sothehoodcouldgetthegirlanditwouldlookasifTargo
    wastheonehewasafter.
    "HewouldhavetriedforTargo,too,ofcourse,butaboveallhewouldhave
    gotthegirl.Becauseshewasthedynamitebehindthisshakedown,withoutherit
    meantnothing,andwithheritcouldalwaysbemadeoverintoalegitimate
    paternitysuit.Ifitdidn'tworktheotherway.Youknowaboutherandabout
    Targo,becauseShenvairgotcoldfeetandsoldout.AndShenvairknewaboutthe
    hoodbecausewhenthehoodshowed,andIsawhimandShenvairknewIknewhim,
    becausehehadheardmetellTargoabouthimthenShenvairtriedtopicka
    drunkenfightwithmeandkeepmefromtryingtointerfere."
    Carmadystopped,rubbedthesideofhisheadagain,veryslowly,very
    gently.HewatchedConantwithanupfromunderlook.
    Conantsaidslowly,Veryharshly:"Idon'tplaythosegames,buddy.Believe
    itornotIdon't."
    Carmadysaid:"Listen.Thehoodcouldhavekilledthegirlatthehotel
    withhissap.Hedidn'tbecauseTargowasn'tthereandthefighthadn'tbeen
    fought,andthebuildupwouldhavebeenallwasted.Hewenttheretohavea
    closelookather,withoutmakeup.Andshewasscaredaboutsomething,andhad
    agunwithher.Sohesappedherdownandranaway.Thatvisitwasjusta
    finger."
    Conantsaidagain:"Idon'tplaythosegames,buddy."Thenhetookthe
    Lugeroutofhispocketandhelditdownathisside.
    Carmadyshrugged,turnedhisheadtostareatSenatorCourtway.
    "No,buthedoes,"hesaidsoftly."Hehadthemotive,andtheplay
    wouldn'tlooklikehim.HecookeditupwithShenvairandifitwentwrong,as

    itdid,Shenvairwouldhavebreezedandifthelawgotwise,bigtoughDoll
    Conantistheboywhosenosewouldbeinthemud."
    Courtwaysmiledalittleandsaidinanutterlydeadvoice:"Theyoungman
    isveryingenious,butsurely"
    Targostoodup.Hisfacewasastiffmask.Hislipsmovedslowlyandhe
    said:"Itsoundsprettygoodtome.IthinkI'lltwistyourgoddamnneck,Mister
    Courtway."
    Thealbinosnarled,"Sitdown,punk,"andliftedhisgun.Targoturned
    slightlyandslammedthealbinoonthejaw.Hewentoverbackwards,smashedhis
    headagainstthewall.Thegunsailedalongthefloorfromhislimphand.
    Targostartedacrosstheroom.
    Conantlookedathimsidewiseanddidn'tmove.Targowentpasthim,almost
    touchinghim.Conantdidn'tmoveamuscle.Hisbigfacewasblank,hiseyes
    narrowedtoafaintglitterbetweentheheavylids.
    NobodymovedbutTargo.ThenCourtwayliftedhisgunandhisfinger
    whitenedonthetriggerandthegunroared.
    CarmadymovedacrosstheroomveryswiftlyandstoodinfrontofJean
    Adrian,betweenherandtherestoftheroom.
    Targolookeddownathishands.Hisfacetwistedintoasillysmile.Hesat
    downonthefloorandpressedbothhishandsagainsthischest.
    CourtwayliftedhisgunagainandthenConantmoved.TheLugerjerkedup,
    flamedtwice.BloodfloweddownCourtway'shand.Hisgunfellbehindhisdesk.
    Hislongbodyseemedtoswoopdownafterthegun.Itjackknifeduntilonlyhis
    shouldersshowedhumpedabovethelineofthedesk.
    Conantsaid:"Standupandtakeit,yougoddamndoublecrossingswine!"
    Therewasashotbehindthedesk.Courtway'sshoulderswentdownoutof
    sight.
    AfteramomentConantwentaroundbehindthedesk,stopped,straightened.
    "Heateone,"hesaidverycalmly."Throughthemouth.AndIlosemea
    nicecleansenator."
    Targotookhishandsfromhischestandfelloversidewiseonthefloorand
    laystill.
    Thedooroftheroomslammedopen.Thebutlerstoodinit,tousleheaded,
    hismouthgaping.Hetriedtosaysomething,sawtheguninConant'shand,saw
    Targoslumpedonthefloor.Hedidn'tsayanything.

    Thealbinowasgettingtohisfeet,rubbinghischin,feelinghisteeth,
    shakinghishead.Hewentslowlyalongthewallandgathereduphisgun.
    Conantsnarledathim:"Swellgutyouturnedouttobe.Getonthephone.
    GetMalloy,thenightcaptainandsnapitup!"
    Carmadyturned,puthishanddownandliftedJeanAdrian'scoldchin.
    "It'sgettinglight,angel.AndIthinktherainhasstopped,"hesaid
    slowly.Hepulledhisinevitableflaskout."Let'stakeadrinktoMister
    Targo."
    Thegirlshookherhead,coveredherfacewithherhands.
    Afteralongtimethereweresirens.

    10

    Theslim,tiredlookingkidinthepaleandsilveroftheCarondeletheldhis
    whitegloveinfrontoftheclosingdoorsandsaid:"Corky'sboilsisbetter,
    buthedidn'tcometowork,MisterCarmady.Tonythebellcaptainain'tshowed
    thismorningneither.Prettysoftforsomeguys."
    CarmadystoodclosetoJeanAdrianinthecornerofthecar.Theywere
    aloneinit.Hesaid:"That'swhatyouthink."
    Theboyturnedred.Carmadymovedoverandpattedhisshoulder,said:
    "Don'tmindme,son.I'vebeenupallnightwithasickfriend.Here,buy
    yourselfasecondbreakfast."
    "Jeeze,MisterCarmady,Ididn'tmean"
    Thedoorsopenedatnineandtheywentdownthecorridorto914.Carmady
    tookthekeyandopenedthedoor,putthekeyontheinside,heldthedoor,
    said:"Getsomesleepandwakeupwithyourfistinyoureye.Takemyflaskand
    getamildtooton.Doyougood."
    Thegirlwentinthroughthedoor,saidoverhershoulder:"Idon'twant
    liquor.Comeinaminute.There'ssomethingIwanttotellyou."
    Heshutthedoorandfollowedherin.Abrightbarofsunlightlayacross
    thecarpetallthewaytothedavenport.Helitacigaretteandstaredatit.

    JeanAdriansatdownandjerkedherhatoffandrumpledherhair.Shewas
    silentamoment,thenshesaidslowly,carefully:"Itwasswellofyoutogoto
    allthattroubleforme.Idon'tknowwhyyoushoulddoit."
    Carmadysaid:"Icanthinkofacoupleofreasons,buttheydidn'tkeep
    Targofromgettingkilled,andthatwasmyfaultinaway.Theninanotherway
    itwasn't,Ididn'taskhimtotwistSenatorCourtway'sneck."
    Thegirlsaid:"Youthinkyou'rehardboiledbutyou'rejustabigslob
    thatargueshimselfintoajamforthefirsttramphefindsintrouble.Forget
    it.ForgetTargoandforgetme.Neitherofuswasworthanypartofyourtime,I
    wantedtotellyouthatbecauseI'llbegoingawayassoonastheyletme,andI
    won'tbeseeingyouanymore.Thisisgoodbye."
    Carmadynodded,staredatthesunonthecarpet.Thegirlwenton:"It'sa
    littlehardtotell.I'mnotlookingforsympathywhenIsayI'matramp.I've
    smotheredintoomanyhallbedrooms,strippedintoomanyfilthydressingrooms,
    missedtoomanymeals,toldtoomanyliestobeanythingelse.That'swhyI
    wouldn'twanttohaveanythingtodowithyou,ever."
    Carmadysaid:"Ilikethewayyoutellit.Goon."
    Shelookedathimquickly,lookedawayagain."I'mnottheGiannigirl.You
    guessedthat.ButIknewher.Wedidacheapsisteracttogetherwhentheystill
    didsisteracts.AdaandJeanAdrian.Wemadeupournamesfromhers.That
    flopped,andwewentinaroadshowandthatfloppedtoo.InNewOrleans.The
    goingwasalittletooroughforher.Sheswallowedbichloride.Ikepther
    photosbecauseIknewherstory.Andlookingatthatthincoldguyandthinking
    whathecouldhavedoneforherIgottohatehim.Shewashiskidallright.
    Don'teverthinkshewasn't.Ievenwroteletterstohim,askingforhelpfor
    her,justalittlehelp,signinghername.Buttheydidn'tgetanyanswer.Igot
    tohatehimsomuchIwantedtodosomethingtohim,aftershetookthe
    bichloride.SoIcameoutherewhenIgotastake."
    Shestoppedtalkingandlacedherfingerstogethertightly,thenpulled
    themapartviolently,asifshewantedtohurtherself.Shewenton:"Imet
    TargothroughCyranoandShenvairthroughhim.Shenvairknewthephotos.He'd
    workedonceforanagencyinFriscothatwashiredtowatchAda.Youknowall
    therestofit."
    Carmadysaid:"Itsoundsprettygood.Iwonderedwhythetouchwasn'tmade
    sooner.Doyouwantmetothinkyoudidn'twanthismoney?"

    "No.I'dhavetakenhismoneyallright.Butthatwasn'twhatIwanted
    most.IsaidIwasatramp."
    Carmadysmiledveryfaintlyandsaid:"Youdon'tknowalotabouttramps,
    angel.Youmadeanillegitimatepassandyougotcaught.That'sthat,butthe
    moneywouldn'thavedoneyouanygood.Itwouldhavebeendirtymoney.Iknow."
    Shelookedupathim,staredathim.Hetouchedthesideofhisfaceand
    wincedandsaid:"Iknowbecausethat'sthekindofmoneymineis.Mydadmade
    itoutofcrookedsewerageandpavingcontracts,outofgamblingconcessions,
    appointmentpayoffs,evenvice,Idaresay.Hemadeiteveryrottenwaythereis
    tomakemoneyincitypolitics.Andwhenitwasmadeandtherewasnothingleft
    todobutsitandlookatit,hediedandleftittome.Ithasn'tbroughtme
    anyfuneither.Ialwayshopeit'sgoingto,butitneverdoes.BecauseI'mhis
    pup,hisblood,rearedinthesamegutter.I'mworsethanatramp,angel.I'ma
    guythatlivesoncrookeddoughanddoesn'tevendohisownstealing."
    Hestopped,flickedashonthecarpet,straightenedhishatonhishead.
    "Thinkthatover,anddon'truntoofar,becauseIhaveallthetimeinthe
    worldanditwouldn'tdoyouanygood.Itwouldbesomuchmorefuntorunaway
    together."
    Hewentalittlewaytowardsthedoor,stoodlookingdownatthesunlight
    onthecarpet,lookedbackatherquicklyandthenwentonout.
    Whenthedoorshutshestoodupandwentintothebedroomandlaydownon
    thebedjustasshewas,withhercoaton,Shestaredattheceiling.Aftera
    longtimeshesmiled.Inthemiddleofthesmileshefellasleep.

    THEMANWHOLIKEDDOGS

    TherewasabrandnewaluminumgrayDeSotosedaninfrontofthedoor.Iwalked
    aroundthatandwentupthreewhitesteps,throughaglassdoorandupthree
    morecarpetedsteps.Irangabellonthewall.

    Instantlyadozendogvoicesbegantoshaketheroof.Whiletheybayedand
    howledandyappedIlookedatasmallalcoveofficewitharolltopdeskanda
    waitingroomwithmissionleatherchairsandthreediplomasonthewall,ata
    missiontablescatteredwithcopiesofthe_DogFancier'sGazette._
    Somebodyquietedthedogsoutback,thenaninnerdooropenedandasmall
    prettyfacedmaninatansmockcameinonrubbersoles,withasolicitoussmile
    underapencillinemustache.Helookedaroundandunderme,didn'tseeadog.
    Hissmilegotmorecasual.
    Hesaid:"I'dliketobreakthemofthat,butIcan't.Everytimetheyhear
    abuzzertheystartup.Theygetboredandtheyknowthebuzzermeansvisitors."
    Isaid:"Yeah,"andgavehimmycard.Hereadit,turneditoverandlooked
    attheback,turneditbackandreadthefrontagain.
    "Aprivatedetective,"hesaidsoftly,lickinghismoistlips."WellI'm
    Dr.Sharp.WhatcanIdoforyou?"
    "I'mlookingforastolendog."
    Hiseyesflickedatme.Hissoftlittlemouthtightened.Veryslowlyhis
    wholefaceflushed.Isaid:"I'mnotsuggestingyoustolethedog,Doc.Almost
    anybodycouldplantananimalinaplacelikethisandyouwouldn'tthinkabout
    thatchancetheydidn'townit,wouldyou?"
    "Onedoesn'tjustliketheidea,"hesaidstiffly."Whatkindofdog?"
    "Policedog."
    Hescuffedatoeonthethincarpet,lookedatacorneroftheceiling.The
    flushwentoffhisface,leavingitwithasortofshinywhiteness.Afteralong
    momenthesaid:"Ihaveonlyonepolicedoghere,andIknowthepeoplehe
    belongsto.SoI'mafraid"
    "Thenyouwon'tmindmylookingathim,"Icutin,andstartedtowardsthe
    innerdoor.
    Dr.Sharpdidn'tmove.Hescuffedsomemore."I'mnotsurethat's
    convenient,"hesaidsoftly."Perhapslaterintheday."
    "Nowwouldbebetterforme,"Isaid,andreachedfortheknob.
    Hescuttledacrossthewaitingroomtohislittlerolltopdesk.Hissmall
    handwentaroundthetelephonethere.
    "I'llI'lljustcallthepoliceifyouwanttogettough,"hesaid
    hurriedly.

    "That'sjake,"Isaid."AskforChiefFulwider.TellhimCarmady'shere.I
    justcamefromhisoffice."
    Dr.Sharptookhishandawayfromthephone.Igrinnedathimandrolleda
    cigarettearoundinmyfingers.
    "Comeon,Doc,"Isaid."Shakethehairoutofyoureyesandlet'sgo.Be
    niceandmaybeI'lltellyouthestory."
    Hechewedbothhislipsinturn,staredatthebrownblotteronhisdesk,
    fiddledwithacornerofit,stoodupandcrossedtheroominhiswhitebucks,
    openedthedoorinfrontofmeandwewentalonganarrowgrayhallway.An
    operatingtableshowedthroughanopendoor.Wewentthroughadoorfarther
    along,intoabareroomwithaconcretefloor,agasheaterinthecornerwitha
    bowlofwaterbesideit,andallalongonewalltwotiersofstallswithheavy
    wiremeshdoors.
    Dogsandcatsstaredatussilently,expectantly,behindthemesh.Atiny
    chihuahuasnuffledunderabigredPersianwithawidesheepskincollararound
    itsneck.TherewasasourfacedScottieandamuttwithalltheskinoffone
    legandasilkygrayAngoraandaSealyhamandtwomoremuttsandarazorsharp
    foxterrierwithabarrelsnoutandjusttherightdrooptothelasttwoinches
    ofit.
    Theirnoseswerewetandtheireyeswerebrightandtheywantedtoknow
    whosevisitorIwas.
    Ilookedthemover."Thesearetoys,Doe,"Igrowled."I'mtalkingpolice
    dog.Grayandblack,nobrown.Amale.Nineyearsold.Swellpointsallaround
    exceptthathistailistooshort.DoIboreyou?"
    Hestaredatme,madeanunhappygesture."Yes,but"hemumbled."Well,
    thisway."
    Wewentbackoutoftheroom.Theanimalslookeddisappointed,especially
    thechihuahua,whichtriedtoclimbthroughthewiremeshandalmostmadeit.We
    wentbackoutofareardoorintoacementyardwithtwogaragesfrontingonit.
    Oneofthemwasempty.Theother,withitsdooropenafoot,wasaboxofgloom
    atthebackofwhichabigdogclankedachainandputhisjawdownflatonthe
    oldcomforterthatwashisbed.
    "Becareful,"Sharpsaid."He'sprettysavageattimes.Ihadhiminside,
    buthescaredtheothers."

    Iwentintothegarage.Thedoggrowled.Iwenttowardshimandhehitthe
    endofhischainwithabang.Isaid:"Hellothere,Voss.Shakehands."
    Heputhisheadbackdownonthecomforter.Hisearscameforwardhalfway.
    Hewasverystill.Hiseyeswerewolfish,blackrimmed.Thenthecurved,too
    shorttailbegantothumpthefloorslowly.Isaid:"Shakehands,boy,"andput
    mineout.Inthedoorwaybehindmethelittlevetwastellingmetobecareful.
    Thedogcameupslowlyonhisbigroughpaws,swunghisearsbacktonormaland
    liftedhisleftpaw.Ishookit.
    Thelittlevetcomplained:"Thisisagreatsurprisetome,MrMr."
    "Carmady,"Isaid."Yeah,itwouldbe."
    Ipattedthedog'sheadandwentbackoutofthegarage.
    Wewentintothehouse,intothewaitingroom.Ipushedmagazinesoutof
    thewayandsatonacornerofthemissiontable,lookedtheprettylittleman
    over.
    "Okay,"Isaid."Give.What'sthenameofhisfolksandwheredothey
    live?"
    Hethoughtitoversullenly."TheirnameisVoss.They'vemovedEastand
    theyaretosendforthedogwhenthey'resettled."
    "Cuteatthat,"Isaid."Thedog'snamedVossafteraGermanwarflier.The
    folksarenamedafterthedog."
    "YouthinkI'mlying,"thelittlemansaidhotly.
    "Uhuh.Youscaretooeasyforacrook.Ithinksomebodywantedtoditch
    thedog.Here'smystory.AgirlnamedIsobelSnaredisappearedfromherhomein
    SanAngelo,twoweeksago.Sheliveswithhergreataunt,aniceoldladyin
    graysilkwhoisn'tanybody'sfool.Thegirlhadbeensteppingoutwithsome
    prettyshadycompanyinthenightspotsandgamblingjoints.Sotheoldlady
    smelledascandalanddidn'tgotothelaw.Shedidn'tgetanywhereuntilagirl
    friendoftheSnaregirlhappenedtoseethedoginyourjoint.Shetoldthe
    aunt.Theaunthiredmebecausewhentheniecedroveoffinherroadsterand
    didn'tcomebackshehadthedogwithher."
    Imashedoutmycigaretteonmyheelandlitanother.Dr.Sharp'slittle
    facewasaswhiteasdough.Perspirationtwinkledinhiscutelittlemustache.
    Iaddedgently:"It'snotapolicejobyet.IwaskiddingyouaboutChief
    Fulwider.How'sforyouandmetokeepitunderthehat?"
    "Whatwhatdoyouwantmetodo?"thelittlemanstammered.

    "Thinkyou'llhearanythingmoreaboutthedog?"
    "Yes,"hesaidquickly."Themanseemedveryfondofhim.Agenuinedog
    lover.Thedogwasgentlewithhim."
    "Thenyou'llhearfromhim,"Isaid."WhenyoudoIwanttoknow.What's
    theguylooklike?"
    "Hewastallandthinwithverysharpblackeyes.Hiswifeistallandthin
    likehim.Welldressed,quietpeople."
    "TheSnaregirlisalittlerunt,"Isaid."Whatmadeitsohushhush?"
    Hestaredathisfootanddidn'tsayanything.
    "Okay,"Isaid."Businessisbusiness.Playballwithmeandyouwon'tget
    anyadversepublicity.Isitadeal?"Iheldmyhandout.
    "I'llplaywithyou,"hesaidsoftly,andputamoistfishylittlepawin
    mine.Ishookitcarefully,soasnottobendit.
    ItoldhimwhereIwasstayingandwentbackouttothesunnystreetand
    walkedablockdowntowhereIhadleftmyChrysler.Igotintoitandpokedit
    forwardfromaroundthecorner,farenoughsothatIcouldseetheDeSotoand
    thefrontofSharp'splace.
    Isatlikethatforhalfanhour.ThenDr.Sharpcameoutofhisplacein
    streetclothesandgotintotheDeSoto.Hedroveitoffaroundthecornerand
    swungintothealleythatranbehindhisyard.
    IgottheChryslergoingandshotuptheblocktheotherway,tookaplant
    attheotherendofthealley.
    AthirdofthewaydowntheblockIheardgrowling,barking,snarling.This
    wentonforsometime.ThentheDeSotobackedoutoftheconcreteyardandcame
    towardsme.Iranawayfromittothenextcorner.
    TheDeSotowentsouthtoArguelloBoulevard,theneastonthat.Abig
    policedogwithamuzzleonhisheadwaschainedinthebackofthesedan.I
    couldjustseehisheadstrainingatthechain.
    ItrailedtheDeSoto.

    CarolinaStreetwasawayoffattheedgeofthelittlebeachcity.Theendofit
    ranintoadisusedinterurbanrightofway,beyondwhichstretchedawasteof
    Japanesetruckfarms.Therewerejusttwohousesinthelastblock,soIhid
    behindthefirst,whichwasonthecorner,withaweedygrassplotandahigh
    dustyredandyellowlantanafightingwithahoneysucklevineagainstthefront
    wall.
    Beyondthattwoorthreeburnedoverlotswithafewweedstalkssticking
    upoutofthecharredgrassandthenaramshacklemudcoloredbungalowwitha
    wirefence.TheDeSotostoppedinfrontofthat.
    ItsdoorslammedopenandDr.Sharpdraggedthemuzzleddogoutoftheback
    andfoughthimthroughagateandupthewalk.Abigbarrelshapedpalmtree
    keptmefromseeinghimatthefrontdoorofthehouse.IbackedmyChryslerand
    turneditintheshelterofthecornerhouse,wentthreeblocksoverandturned
    alongastreetparalleltoCarolina.Thisstreetalsoendedattherightofway.
    Therailswererustedinaforestofweeds,camedowntheothersideontoa
    dirtroad,andstartedbacktowardsCarolina.
    ThedirtroaddroppeduntilIcouldn'tseeovertheembankment.WhenIhad
    gonewhatfeltlikethreeblocksIpulledupandgotout,wentupthesideof
    thebankandsneakedalookoverit.
    Thehousewiththewiregatewashalfablockfromme.TheDeSotowasstill
    infrontofit.Boominglyontheafternoonaircamethedeeptonedwoofwoofing
    ofthepolicedog.Iputmystomachdownintheweedsandsightedonthe
    bungalowandwaited.
    Nothinghappenedforaboutfifteenminutesexceptthatthedogkeptright
    onbarking.Thenthebarkingsuddenlygotharderandharsher.Thensomebody
    shouted.Thenamanscreamed.
    Ipickedmyselfupoutoftheweedsandsprintedacrosstherightofway,
    downtheothersidetothestreetend.AsIgotnearthehouseIheardthelow,
    furiousgrowlingofthedogworryingsomething,andbehinditthestaccato
    rattleofawoman'svoiceinanger,morethaninfear.
    Behindthewiregatewasapatchoflawnmostlydandelionsanddevilgrass.
    Therewasashredofcardboardhangingfromthebarrelshapedpalm,theremains
    ofasign.Therootsofthetreehadwreckedthewalk,crackeditwideopenand
    liftedtheroughedgesintosteps.

    Iwentthroughthegateandthumpedupwoodenstepstoasaggingporch.I
    bangedonthedoor.
    Thegrowlingwasstillgoingoninside,butthescoldingvoicehadstopped.
    Nobodycametothedoor.
    Itriedtheknob,openedthedoorandwentin.Therewasaheavysmellof
    chloroform.
    Inthemiddleofthefloor,onatwistedrug,Dr.Sharplayspreadeagled
    onhisback,withbloodpumpingoutofthesideofhisneck.Thebloodhadmade
    athickglossypoolaroundhishead.Thedogleanedawayfromit,crouchedon
    hisforelegs,hisearsflattohishead,fragmentsofatornmuzzlehanging
    abouthisneck.Histhroatbristledandthehaironhisspinestoodupandthere
    wasalowpulsinggrowldeepinhisthroat.
    Behindthedogaclosetdoorwassmashedbackagainstthewallandonthe
    flooroftheclosetabigwadofcottonwoolsentsickeningwavesofchloroform
    outontheair.
    Adarkhandsomewomaninaprinthousedressheldabigautomaticpointed
    atthedoganddidn'tfireit.
    Shethrewaquickglanceatmeoverhershoulder,startedtoturn.Thedog
    watchedher,withnarrow,blackrimmedeyes.ItookmyLugeroutandheldit
    downatmyside.
    Somethingcreakedandatallblackeyedmaninfadedblueoverallsanda
    blueworkshirtcamethroughtheswingdooratthebackwithasawedoffdouble
    barrelshotguninhishands.Hepointeditatme.
    "Hey,you!Dropthatgat!"hesaidangrily.
    Imovedmyjawwiththeideaofsayingsomething.Theman'sfinger
    tightenedonthefronttrigger.Mygunwentoffwithoutmyhavingmuchtodo
    withit.Theslughitthestockoftheshotgun,knockeditcleanoutofthe
    man'shands.Itpoundedonthefloorandthedogjumpedsidewaysaboutseven
    feetandcrouchedagain.
    Withanutterlyincredulouslookonhisfacethemanputhishandsupin
    theair.
    Icouldn'tlose.Isaid:"Downyourstoo,lady."
    Sheworkedhertonguealongherlipsandloweredtheautomatictoherside
    andwalkedawayfromthebodyonthefloor.
    Themansaid:"Hell,don'tshoothim.Icanhandlehim."

    Iblinked,thenIgottheidea.HehadbeenafraidIwasgoingtoshootthe
    dog.Hehadn'tbeenworryingabouthimself.
    IloweredtheLugeralittle."Whathappened?"
    "Thattriedtochloroform_him,_afightingdog!"
    Isaid:'Yeah.Ifyou'vegotaphone,you'dbettercallanambulance.Sharp
    won'tlastlongwiththattearinhisneck."
    Thewomansaidtonelessly:"Ithoughtyouwerelaw."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Shewentalongthewalltoawindowseatfullof
    crumplednewspapers,reacheddownforaphoneatoneendofit.
    Ilookeddownatthelittlevet.Thebloodhadstoppedcomingoutofhis
    neck.HisfacewasthewhitestfaceIhadeverseen.
    "Nevermindtheambulance,"Itoldthewoman."JustcallPolice
    Headquarters."
    Themanintheoverallsputhishandsdownanddroppedononeknee,began
    topatthefloorandtalksoothinglytothedog.
    'Steady,oldtimer.Steady.We'reallfriendsnowallfriends.Steady,
    Voss."
    Thedoggrowledandswunghishindendalittle.Themankeptontalkingto
    him.Thedogstoppedgrowlingandthehacklesonhisbackwentdown.Themanin
    overallskeptoncrooningtohim.
    Thewomanonthewindowseatputthephoneasideandsaid:"Ontheway.
    Thinkyoucanhandleit,Jerry?"
    "Sure,"themansaid,withouttakinghiseyesoffthedog.
    Thedoglethisbellytouchthefloornowandopenedhismouthandlethis
    tonguehangout.Thetonguedrippedsaliva,pinksalivawithbloodmixedinit.
    Thehairatthesideofthedog'smouthwasstainedwithblood.

    ThemancalledJerrysaid:"Hey,Voss.Hey,Vossoldkid.You'refinenow.
    You'refine."

    Thedogpanted,didn'tmove.Themanstraightenedupandwentclosetohim,
    pulledoneofthedog'sears.Thedogturnedhisheadsidewaysandlethisear
    bepulled.Themanstrokedhishead,unbuckledthechewedmuzzleandgotitoff.
    Hestoodupwiththeendofthebrokenchainandthedogcameuponhis
    feetobediently,wentoutthroughtheswingdoorintothebackpartofthe
    house,attheman'sside.
    Imovedalittle,outoflinewiththeswingdoor.Jerrymighthavemore
    shotguns.TherewassomethingaboutJerry'sfacethatworriedme.AsifIhad
    seenhimbefore,butnotverylately,orinanewspaperphoto.
    Ilookedatthewoman.Shewasahandsomebrunetteinherearlythirties.
    Herprinthousedressdidn'tseemtobelongwithherfinelyarchedeyebrowsand
    herlongsofthands.
    "Howdidithappen?"Iaskedcasually,asifitdidn'tmatterverymuch.
    Hervoicesnappedatme,asifshewasachingtoturnitloose."We'vebeen
    inthehouseaboutaweek.Renteditfurnished,Iwasinthekitchen,Jerryin
    theyard.Thecarstoppedoutfrontandthelittleguymarchedinjustasifhe
    livedhere.Thedoordidn'thappentobelocked,Iguess.Iopenedtheswing
    dooracrackandsawhimpushingthedogintothecloset.ThenIsmelledthe
    chloroform.ThenthingsbegantohappenallatonceandIwentforagunand
    calledJerryoutofthewindow.Igotbackinhereaboutthetimeyoucrashed
    in.Whoareyou?"
    "Itwasalloverthen?"Isaid."HehadSharpcheweduponthefloor?"
    "YesifSharpishisname."
    "YouandJerrydidn'tknowhim?"
    "Neversawhimbefore.Orthedog.ButJerrylovesdogs."
    "Betterchangealittleofthat,"Isaid."Jerryknewthedog'sname.
    Voss."
    Hereyesgottightandhermouthgotstubborn."Ithinkyoumustbe
    mistaken,"shesaidinasultryvoice."Iaskedyouwhoyouwere,mister."
    "Who'sJerry?"Iasked."I'veseenhimsomewhere.Maybeonareader.
    Where'dhegetthesawedoff?Yougoingtoletthecopsseethat?"
    Shebitherlip,thenstoodupsuddenly,wenttowardsthefallenshotgun.I
    letherpickitup,sawshekeptherhandawayfromthetriggers.Shewentback
    tothewindowseatandpusheditunderthepileofnewspapers.
    Shefacedme."Okay,what'sthepayoff?"sheaskedgrimly.

    Isaidslowly:"Thedogisstolen.Hisowner,agirl,happenstobe
    missing.I'mhiredtofindher.ThepeopleSharpsaidhegotthedogfrom
    soundedlikeyouandJerry.TheirnamewasVoss.TheymovedEast.Everheardof
    aladycalledIsobelSnare?"
    Thewomansaid"No,"tonelessly,andstaredattheendofmychin.
    Themaninoverallscamebackthroughtheswingdoorwipinghisfaceonthe
    sleeveofhisblueworkshirt.Hedidn'thaveanyfreshgunswithhim.Helooked
    meoverwithoutmuchconcern.
    Isaid:"Icoulddoyoualotofgoodwiththelaw,ifyouhadanyideas
    aboutthisSnaregirl."
    Thewomanstaredatme,curledherlips.Themansmiled,rathersoftly,as
    ifheheldallthecards.Tiressquealed,takingadistantcornerinahurry.
    "Aw,loosenup,"Isaidquickly."Sharpwasscared.Hebroughtthedogback
    towherehegothim.Hemusthavethoughtthehousewasempty.Thechloroform
    ideawasn'tsogood,butthelittleguywasallrattled."
    Theydidn'tmakeasound,eitherofthem.Theyjuststaredatme.
    "Okay,"Isaid,andsteppedovertothecorneroftheroom."Ithinkyou're
    acoupleoflamsters.Ifwhoever'scomingisn'tlaw,I'llstartshooting.Don't
    everthinkIwon't."
    Thewomansaidverycalmly:"Suityourself,kibitzer."Thenacarrushed
    alongtheblockandgroundtoaharshstopbeforethehouse.Isneakedaquick
    glanceout,sawtheredspotlightonthewindshield,theP.D.ontheside.Two
    bigbruisersinplainclothestumbledoutandslammedthroughthegate,upthe
    steps.
    Afistpoundedthedoor."It'sopen,"Ishouted.
    Thedoorswungwideandthetwodickschargedin,withdrawnguns.
    Theystoppeddead,staredatwhatlayonthefloor.Theirgunsjerkedat
    Jerryandme.Theonewhocoveredmewasabigredfacedmaninabaggygray
    suit.
    "Reachandreachempty!"heyelledinalargetoughvoice.
    Ireached,butheldontomyLuger."Easy,"Isaid."Adogkilledhim,not
    agun.I'maprivatedickfromSanAngelo.I'monacasehere."
    "Yeah?"Heclosedinonmeheavily,boredhisgunintomystomach."Maybe
    so,bud.We'llknowallthatlateron."

    Hereachedupandjerkedmygunloosefrommyhand,sniffedatit,leaning
    hisgunintome.
    "Fired,huh?Sweet!Turnaround."
    "Listen"
    "Turnaround,bud."
    Iturnedslowly.EvenasIturnedhewasdroppinghisgunintoaside
    pocketandreachingforhiship.
    Thatshouldhavewarnedme,butitdidn't.Imayhaveheardtheswishof
    theblackjack.CertainlyImusthavefeltit.Therewasasuddenpoolof
    darknessatmyfeet.Idivedintoitanddropped...anddropped...anddropped.

    WhenIcametotheroomwasfullofsmoke.Thesmokehungintheair,inthin
    linesstraightupanddown,likeabeadcurtain.Twowindowsseemedtobeopen
    inanendwall,butthesmokedidn'tmove.Ihadneverseentheroombefore.
    Ilayalittlewhilethinking,thenIopenedmymouthandyelled:"Fire!"
    atthetopofmylungs.
    ThenIfellbackonthebedandstartedlaughing.Ididn'tlikethesoundI
    madelaughing.Ithadagoofyring,eventome.
    Stepsranalongsomewhereandakeyturnedinthedoorandthedooropened.
    Amaninashortwhitecoatlookedinatme,hardeyed.Iturnedmyheada
    littleandsaid:"Don'tcountthatone,Jack.Itslippedout."
    Hescowledsharply.Hehadahardsmallface,beadyeyes.Ididn'tknow
    him.
    "Maybeyouwantsomemorestraitjacket,"hesneered.
    "I'mfine,Jack,"Isaid."Justfine,I'mgoingtohavemeashortnap
    now."
    "Betterbejustthat,"hesnarled.
    Thedoorshut,thekeyturned,thestepswentaway.
    Ilaystillandlookedatthesmoke.Iknewnowthattherewasn'tanysmoke
    therereally.Itmusthavebeennightbecauseaporcelainbowlhangingfromthe
    ceilingonthreechainshadlightbehindit.Ithadlittlecoloredlumpsaround

    theedge,orangeandbluealternating.WhileIwatchedthemtheyopenedlike
    tinyportholesandheadsstuckoutofthem,tinyheadsliketheheadsondolls,
    butaliveheads.Therewasamaninayachtingcapandalargefluffyblondeand
    athinmanwithacrookedbowtiewhokeptsaying:"Wouldyoulikeyoursteak
    rareormedium,sir?"
    Itookholdofthecorneroftheroughsheetandwipedthesweatoffmy
    face.Isatup,putmyfeetdownonthefloor.Theywerebare.Iwaswearing
    cantonflannelpajamas.TherewasnofeelinginmyfeetwhenIputthemdown.
    Afterawhiletheybegantotingleandthengotfullofpinsandneedles.
    ThenIcouldfeelthefloor.Itookholdofthesideofthebedandstood
    upandwalked.
    Avoicethatwasprobablymyownwassayingtome:"Youhavethe
    D.T.s...youhavetheD.T.s...youhavetheD.T.s..
    Isawabottleofwhiskyonasmallwhitetablebetweenthetwowindows.I
    startedtowardsit.ItwasaJohnnieWalkerbottle,halffull.Igotitup,took
    alongdrinkfromtheneck.Iputthebottledownagain.
    Thewhiskyhadafunnytaste.WhileIwasrealizingthatithadafunny
    tasteIsawawashbowlinthecorner.IjustmadeittothewashbowlbeforeI
    vomited.
    Igotbacktothebedandlaythere,Thevomitinghadmademeveryweak,
    buttheroomseemedalittlemorereal,alittlelessfantastic.Icouldsee
    barsonthetwowindows,aheavywoodenchair,nootherfurniturebutthewhite
    tablewiththedopedwhiskyonit.Therewasaclosetdoor,shut,probably
    locked.
    Thebedwasahospitalbedandthereweretwoleatherstrapsattachedto
    thesides,aboutwhereaman'swristswouldbe.IknewIwasinsomekindof
    prisonward.
    Myleftarmsuddenlybegantofeelsore.Irolleduptheloosesleeve,
    lookedathalfadozenpinpricksontheupperarm,andablackandbluecircle
    aroundeachone.
    IhadbeenshotsofullofdopetokeepmequietthatIwashavingthe
    Frenchfitscomingoutofit.Thataccountedforthesmokeandthelittleheads
    ontheceilinglight.Thedopedwhiskywasprobablypartofsomebodyelse's
    cure.

    Igotupagainandwalked,keptonwalking.AfterawhileIdrankalittle
    waterfromthetap,keptitdown,drankmore.HalfanhourormoreofthatandI
    wasreadytotalktosomebody.
    Theclosetdoorwaslockedandthechairwastooheavyforme.Istripped
    thebed,slidthemattresstooneside.Therewasameshspringunderneath,
    fastenedatthetopandbottombyheavycoilspringsaboutnineincheslong.It
    tookmehalfanhourandmuchmiserytoworkoneoftheseloose.
    Irestedalittleanddrankalittlemorecoldwaterandwentovertothe
    hingesideofthedoor.
    Iyelled"Fire!"atthetopofmyvoice,severaltimes.
    Iwaited,butnotlong.Stepsranalongthehallwayoutside.Thekeyjabbed
    intothedoor,thelockclicked.Thehardeyedlittlemanintheshortwhite
    coatdodgedinfuriously,hiseyesonthebed.
    Ilaidthecoilspringontheangleofhisjaw,thenonthebackofhis
    headashewentdown.Igothimbythethroat.Hestruggledagooddeal.Iused
    akneeonhisface.Ithurtmyknee.
    Hedidn'tsayhowhisfacefelt.Igotablackjackoutofhisrighthip
    pocketandreversedthekeyinthedoorandlockeditfromtheinside.There
    wereotherkeysonthering.Oneofthemunlockedmycloset.Ilookedinatmy
    clothes.
    Iputthemonslowly,withfumblingfingers.Iyawnedagreatdeal.Theman
    onthefloordidn'tmove.
    Ilockedhiminandlefthim.

    Fromawidesilenthallway,withaparquetryfloorandanarrowcarpetdownits
    middle,flatwhiteoakbanisterssweptdowninlongcurvestotheentrancehall.
    Therewerecloseddoors,big,heavy,oldfashioned.Nosoundsbehindthem.I
    wentdownthecarpetrunner,walkingontheballsofmyfeet.
    Therewerestainedglassinnerdoorstoavestibulefromwhichthefront
    dooropened.AtelephonerangasIgotthatfar.Aman'svoiceansweredit,from
    behindahalfopendoorthroughwhichlightcameoutintothedimhall.

    Iwentback,sneakedaglancearoundtheedgeoftheopendoor,sawaman
    atadesk,talkingintothephone.Iwaiteduntilhehungup.ThenIwentin.
    Hehadapale,bony,highcrownedhead,acrosswhichathinwaveofbrown
    haircurledandwasplasteredtohisskull.Hehadalong,pale,joylessface.
    Hiseyesjumpedatme.Hishandjumpedtowardsabuttononhisdesk.
    Igrinned,growledathim:"Don't.I'madesperateman,warden."Ishowed
    himtheblackjack.
    Hissmilewasasstiffasafrozenfish.Hislongpalehandsmadegestures
    likesickbutterfliesoverthetopofhisdesk.Oneofthembegantodrift
    towardsasidedrawerofthedesk.
    HeworkedhistonguelooseYou'vebeenaverysickman,sir.Averysick
    man.Iwouldn'tadvise"
    Iflickedtheblackjackathiswanderinghand.Itdrewintoitselflikea
    slugonahotstone.Isaid:"Notsick,warden,justdopedwithinaninchofmy
    reason.OutiswhatIwant,andsomecleanwhisky.Give."
    Hemadevaguemotionswithhisfingers."I'mDr.Sundstrand,"hesaid.
    "Thisisaprivatehospitalnotajail."
    "Whisky,"Icroaked."Igetalltherest.Privatefunnyhouse.Alovely
    racket.Whisky."
    "Inthemedicinecabinet,"hesaidwithadrifting,spentbreath.
    "Putyourhandsbehindyourhead."
    "I'mafraidyou'llregretthis."Heputhishandsbehindhishead.
    Igottothefarsideofthedesk,openedthedrawerhishandhadwantedto
    reach,tookanautomaticoutofit.Iputtheblackjackaway,wentbackround
    thedesktothemedicinecabinetonthewall.Therewasapintbottleofbond
    bourboninit,threeglasses.Itooktwoofthem.
    Ipouredtwodrinks."Youfirst,warden."
    "IIdon'tdrink.I'matotalabstainer,"hemuttered,hishandsstill
    behindhishead.
    Itooktheblackjackoutagain.Heputahanddownquickly,gulpedfromone
    oftheglasses.Iwatchedhim.Itdidn'tseemtohurthim.Ismelledmydose,
    thenputitdownmythroat.Itworked,andIhadanother,thenslippedthe
    bottleintomycoatpocket.
    "Okay,"Isaid."Whoputmeinhere?Shakeitup.I'minahurry."
    "Thethepolice,ofcourse."

    "Whatpolice?"
    Hehunchedhisshouldersdowninthechair.Helookedsick."Amannamed
    Galbraithsignedascomplainingwitness.Strictlylegal,Iassureyou.Heisan
    officer."
    Isaid:"Sincewhencanacopsignascomplainingwitnessonapsycho
    case?"
    Hedidn'tsayanything.
    "Whogavemethedopeinthefirstplace?"
    "Iwouldn'tknowthat.Ipresumeithasbeengoingonalongtime."
    Ifeltmychin."Alloftwodays,"Isaid."Theyoughttohavegunnedme.
    Lesskickbackinthelongrun.Solong,warden."
    "Ifyougooutofhere,"hesaidthinly,"youwillbearrestedatonce."
    "Notjustforgoingout,"Isaidsoftly.
    AsIwentouthestillhadhishandsbehindhishead.
    Therewasachainandaboltonthefrontdoor,besidethelock.Butnobody
    triedtostopmefromopeningit.Icrossedabigoldfashionedporch,wentdown
    awidepathfringedwithflowers.Amockingbirdsanginadarktree.Therewasa
    whitepicketfenceonthestreet.Itwasacornerhouse,onTwentyninthand
    Descanso.
    Iwalkedfourblockseasttoabuslineandwaitedforabus.Therewasno
    alarm,nocruisingcarlookingforme.ThebuscameandIrodedowntown,wentto
    aTurkishBathestablishment,hadasteambath,aneedleshower,arubdown,a
    shave,andtherestofthewhisky.
    Icouldeatthen.Iateandwenttoastrangehotel,registeredundera
    fakename.Itwashalfpasteleven.Thelocalpaper,whichIreadovermore
    whiskyandwater,informedmethatoneDr.RichardSharp,whohadbeenfound
    deadinavacantfurnishedhouseonCarolinaStreet,wasstillcausingthe
    policemuchheadache.Theyhadnocluetothemurdererasyet.
    Thedateonthepaperinformedmethatoverfortyeighthourshadbeen
    abstractedfrommylifewithoutmyknowledgeorconsent.
    Iwenttobedandtosleep,hadnightmaresandwokeupoutofthemcovered
    withcoldsweat.Thatwasthelastofthewithdrawalsymptoms.InthemorningI
    wasawellman.

    ChiefofpoliceFulwiderwasahammereddown,fattishheavyweight,withrestless
    eyesandthatshadeofredhairthatisalmostpink.Itwascutveryshortand
    hispinkscalpglistenedamongthepinkhairs.Heworeafawncoloredflannel
    suitwithpatchpocketsandlappedseams,cutaseverytailorcan'tcutflannel.
    Heshookhandswithmeandturnedhischairsidewaysandcrossedhislegs.
    ThatshowedmeFrenchlislesocksatthreeorfourdollarsapair,andhandmade
    Englishwalnutbroguesatfifteentoeighteen,depressionprices.
    Ifiguredthatprobablyhiswifehadmoney.
    "Ah,Carmady,"hesaid,chasingmycardovertheglasstopofhisdesk,
    "withtwoa's,eh?Downhereonajob?"
    "Alittletrouble,"Isaid."Youcanstraightenitout,ifyouwill."
    Hestuckhischestout,wavedapinkhandandloweredhisvoiceacoupleof
    notches.
    "Trouble,"hesaid,"issomethingourlittletowndon'thavealotof.Our
    littlecityissmall,butvery,veryclean.IlookoutofmywestwindowandI
    seethePacificOcean.Nothingcleanerthanthat.OnthenorthArguello
    Boulevardandthefoothills.Ontheeastthefinestlittlebusinesssectionyou
    wouldwanttoseeandbeyonditaparadiseofwellkepthomesandgardens.On
    thesouthifIhadasouthwindow,whichIdon'thaveIwouldseethefinest
    littleyachtharborintheworld,forasmallyachtharbor."
    "Ibroughtmytroublewithme,"Isaid."Thatis,someofit.Therestwent
    onahead.AgirlnamedIsobelSnareranofffromhomeinthebigcityandher
    dogwasseenhere.Ifoundthedog,butthepeoplewhohadthedogwenttoalot
    oftroubletosewmeup."
    "Isthatso?"thechiefaskedabsently.Hiseyebrowscrawledaroundonhis
    forehead.Iwasn'tsurewhetherIwaskiddinghimorhewaskiddingme.
    "Justturnthekeyinthedoor,willyou?"hesaid."You'reayoungerman
    thanIam."
    Igotupandturnedthekeyandsatdownagainandgotacigaretteout.By
    thattimethechiefhadarightlookingbottleandtwoponyglassesonthedesk,
    andahandfulofcardamomseeds.

    Wehadadrinkandhecrackedthreeorfourofthecardamomseedsandwe
    chewedthemandlookedatoneanother.
    "Justtellmeaboutit,"hesaidthen."Icantakeitnow."
    "DidyoueverhearofaguycalledFarmerSaint?"
    _"Did_I?"Hebangedhisdeskandthecardamomseedsjumped."Whythere'sa
    thousandberriesonthatbimbo.Abankstickup,ain'the?"
    Inodded,tryingtolookbehindhiseyeswithoutseemingto."Heandhis
    sisterworktogether.Dianaishername.Theydressuplikecountryfolksand
    smackdownsmalltownbanks,statebanks.That'swhyhe'scalledFarmerSaint.
    There'sagrandonthesistertoo."
    "Iwouldcertainlyliketoputthesleevesonthatpair,"thechiefsaid
    firmly.
    "Thenwhythehelldidn'tyou?"Iaskedhim.
    Hedidn'tquitehittheceiling,butheopenedhismouthsowideIwas
    afraidhislowerjawwasgoingtofallinhislap.Hiseyesstuckoutlike
    peeledeggs.Athintrickleofsalivashowedinthefatcreaseatthecorner.He
    shuthismouthwithallthedeliberationofasteamshovel.
    Itwasagreatact,ifitwasanact.
    "Saythatagain,"hewhispered.
    IopenedafoldednewspaperIhadwithmeandpointedtoacolumn.
    "LookatthisSharpkilling.Yourlocalpaperdidn'tdosogoodonit.It
    sayssomeunknownrangthedepartmentandtheboysranoutandfoundadeadman
    inanemptyhouse.That'salotofnoodles.Iwasthere.FarmerSaintandhis
    sisterwerethere.Yourcopsweretherewhenwewerethere."
    "Treachery!"heshoutedsuddenly."Traitorsinthedepartment."Hisface
    wasnowasgrayasarsenicflypaper.Hepouredtwomoredrinks,withashaking
    hand.
    Itwasmyturntocrackthecardamomseeds.
    Heputhisdrinkdowninonepieceandlungedforamahoganycallboxon
    hisdesk.IcaughtthenameGalbraith.Iwentoverandunlockedthedoor.
    Wedidn'twaitverylong,butlongenoughforthechieftohavetwomore
    drinks.Hisfacegotabettercolor.
    Thenthedooropenedandthebigredfaceddickwhohadsappedmeloafed
    throughit,withabulldogpipeclampedinhisteethandhishandsinhis
    pockets.Heshoulderedthedoorshut,leanedagainstitcasually.

    Isaid:"Hello,Sarge."
    Helookedatmeasifhewouldliketokickmeinthefaceandnothaveto
    hurryaboutit.
    "Badge!"thefatchiefyelled."Badge!Putitonthedesk.You'refired!"
    Gaibraithwentovertothedeskslowlyandputanelbowdownonit,puthis
    faceaboutafootfromthechief'snose,"Whatwasthatcrack?"heasked
    thickly.
    "YouhadFarmerSaintunderyourhandandlethimgo,"thechiefyelled.
    "YouandthatsapheadDuncan.Youlethimstickashotguninyourbellyandget
    away.You'rethrough.Fired.Youain'tgotnomorejobthanacannedoyster.
    Gimmeyourbadge!"
    "WhothehellisFarmerSaint?"Galbraithasked,unimpressed,andblewpipe
    smokeinthechief'sface.
    "Hedon'tknow,"thechiefwhinedatme."Hedon'tknow.That'sthekindof
    materialIgottoworkwith."
    "Whatdoyoumean,work?"Galbraithinquiredloosely.
    Thefatchiefjumpedasthoughabeehadstungtheendofhisnose.Thenhe
    doubledameatyfistandhitGalbraith'sjawwithwhatlookedlikealotof
    power.Galbraith'sheadmovedabouthalfaninch.
    "Don'tdothat,"hesaid."You'llbustagutandthenwherewouldthe
    departmentbe?"Heshotalookatme,lookedbackatFulwider."ShouldItell
    him?"
    Fulwiderlookedatme,toseehowtheshowwasgoingover.Ihadmymouth
    openandablankexpressiononmyface,likeafarmboyataLatinlesson.
    "Yeah,tellhim,"hegrowled,shakinghisknucklesbackandforth.
    Gaibraithstuckathicklegoveracornerofthedeskandknockedhispipe
    out,reachedforthewhiskyandpouredhimselfadrinkinthechief'sglass.He
    wipedhislips,grinned.Whenhegrinnedheopenedhismouthwide,andhehada
    mouthadentistcouldhavegotbothhandsin,uptotheelbows.
    Hesaidcalmly:"WhenmeandDunccrashthejointyouwascoldonthefloor
    andthelankyguywasoveryouwithasap.Thebroadwasonawindowseat,with
    alotofnewspapersaroundher,okay.Thelankyguystartstotellussomeyarn
    whenadogbeginstohowloutbackandwelookthatwayandthebroadslipsa
    sawedoff12gaugeoutofthenewspapersandshowsittous.Well,whatcouldwe
    doexceptbenice?Shecouldn'thavemissedandwecould.Sotheguygetsmore

    gunsoutofhispantsandtheytieknotsaroundusandstickusinaclosetthat
    hasenoughchloroforminittomakeusquiet,withouttheropes.Afterawhile
    wehear'emleave,intwocars.Whenwegetloosethestiffhastheplaceto
    hisself.Sowefudgeitabitforthepapers.Wedon'tgetnonewlineyet.
    How'sittietoyours?"
    "Notbad,"Itoldhim."AsIrememberthewomanphonedforsomelaw
    herself.ButIcouldbemistaken.Therestofittiesinwithmebeingsappedon
    thefloorandnotknowinganythingaboutit."
    Galbraithgavemeanastylook.Thechieflookedathisthumb.
    "WhenIcameto,"Isaid,"Iwasinaprivatedopeandhoochcureouton
    Twentyninth.RunbyamannamedSundstrand.IwasshotsofullofhopmyselfI
    couldhavebeenRockefeller'spetdimetryingtospinmyself."
    "ThatSundstrand,"Galbraithsaidheavily."Thatguy'sbeenafleainour
    pantsforalongtime.Shouldwegooutandpushhimintheface,Chief?"
    "It'sacinchFarmerSaintputCarmadyinthere,"Fulwidersaidsolemnly.
    "Sotheremustbesometieup.I'dsayyes,andtakeCarmadywithyou.Wantto
    go?"heaskedme.
    "DoI?"Isaidheartily.
    Gaibraithlookedatthewhiskybottle.Hesaidcarefully:"There'sagrand
    eachonthisSaintandhissister.Ifwegatherthemin,howdowecutit?"
    "Youcutmeout,"Isaid."I'monastraightsalaryandexpenses."
    Gaibraithgrinnedagain.Heteeteredonhisheels,grinningwiththick
    amiability.
    "Okydoke.Wegotyourcarinthegaragedownstairs.SomeJapphonedin
    aboutit.We'llusethattogoinjustyouandme."
    "Maybeyououghttohavemorehelp,Gal,"thechiefsaiddoubtfully.
    "Uhuh.Justmeandhim'splenty.He'satoughbabyorhewouldn'tbe
    walkin'around."
    "Well,allright,"thechiefsaidbrightly."Andwe'lljusthavealittle
    drinkonit."
    Buthewasstillrattled.Heforgotthecardamomseeds.

    Itwasacheerfulspotbydaylight.Tearosebegoniasmadeasolidmassunder
    thefrontwindowsandpansieswerearoundcarpetaboutthebaseofanacacia.A
    scarletclimbingrosecoveredatrellistoonesideofthehouse,andabronze
    greenhummingbirdwasproddingdelicatelyinamassofsweetpeasthatgrewup
    thegaragewall.
    Itlookedlikethehomeofawellfixedelderlycouplewhohadcometothe
    oceantogetasmuchsunaspossibleintheiroldage.
    Galbraithspatonmyrunningboardandshookhispipeoutandtickledthe
    gateopen,stampedupthepathandflattenedhisthumbagainstaneatcopper
    bell.
    Wewaited.Agrillopenedinthedoorandalongsallowfacelookedoutat
    usunderastarchednurse'scap.
    "Openup.It'sthelaw,"thebigcopgrowled.
    Achainrattledandaboltslidback.Thedooropened.Thenursewasasix
    footerwithlongarmsandbighands,anidealtorturer'sassistant.Something
    happenedtoherfaceandIsawshewassmiling.
    "Why,it'sMr.Galbraith,"shechirped,inavoicethatwashighpitched
    andthroatyatthesametime."Howareyou,Mr.Galbraith?Didyouwanttosee
    Doctor?"
    "Yeah,andsudden,"Galbraithgrowled,pushingpasther.
    Wewentalongthehall.Thedooroftheofficewasshut.Galbraithkicked
    itopen,withmeathisheelsandthebignursechirpingatmine.
    Dr.Sundstrand,thetotalabstainer,washavingamorningbraceroutofa
    freshquartbottle.Histhinhairwasstuckinwickswithperspirationandhis
    bonymaskofafaceseemedtohavealotoflinesinitthathadn'tbeenthere
    thenightbefore.
    Hetookhishandoffthebottlehurriedlyandgaveushisfrozenfish
    smile.Hesaidfussily:"What'sthis?What'sthis?IthoughtIgaveorders"
    "Aw,pullyourbellyin,"Galbraithsaid,andyankedachairnearthedesk.
    "Dangle,sister."
    Thenursechirpedsomethingmoreandwentbackthroughthedoor.Thedoor
    wasshut.Dr.Sundstrandworkedhiseyesupanddownmyfaceandlookedunhappy.
    Galbraithputbothhiselbowsonthedeskandtookholdofhisbulging
    jowlswithhisfists.Hestaredfixedly,venomously,atthesquirmingdoctor.

    Afterwhatseemedaverylongtimehesaid,almostsoftly:"Where'sFarmer
    Saint?"
    Thedoctor'seyespoppedwide.HisAdam'sapplebobbledabovetheneckof
    hissmock.Hisgreenisheyesbegantolookbilious.
    "Don'tstall!"Galbraithroared."Weknowallaboutyourprivatehospital
    racket,thecrookhideoutyou'rerunnin',thedopeandwomenontheside.You
    madeonesliptoomanywhenyouhungasnatchonthisshamusfromthebigtown.
    Yourbigcityprotectionain'tgoingtodoyounogoodonthisone.Comeon,
    whereisSaint?Andwhere'sthatgirl?"
    Iremembered,quitecasually,thatIhadnotsaidanythingaboutIsobel
    SnareinfrontofGalbraithifthatwasthegirlhemeant.
    Dr.Sundstrand'shandfloppedaboutonhisdesk.Sheerastonishmentseemed
    tobeaddingafinaltouchofparalysistohisuneasiness.
    "Wherearethey?"Galbraithyelledagain.
    Thebigdooropenedandthebignursefussedinagain."Now,Mr.Galbraith,
    thepatients.Pleaserememberthepatients,Mr.Galbraith."
    "Goclimbupyourthumb,"Galbraithtoldher,overhisshoulder.
    Shehoveredbythedoor.Sundstrandfoundhisvoiceatlast.Itwasamere
    wispofavoice.Itsaidwearily:"Asifyoudidn'tknow."
    Thenhisdartinghandsweptintohissmock,andoutagain,withagun
    glisteninginit.Galbraiththrewhimselfsideways,cleanoutofthechair.The
    doctorshotathimtwice,missedtwice.Myhandtouchedagun,butdidn'tdraw
    it.Galbraithlaughedonthefloorandhisbigrighthandsnatchedathis
    armpit,cameupwithaLugar.ItlookedlikemyLugar.Itwentoff,justonce.
    Nothingchangedinthedoctor'slongface.Ididn'tseewherethebullet
    hithim.Hisheadcamedownandhitthedeskandhisgunmadethudonthefloor.
    Helaywithhisfaceonthedesk,motionless.
    Galbraithpointedhisgunatme,andgotupoffthefloor.Ilookedatthe
    gunagain.Iwassureitwasmygun.
    "That'saswellwaytogetinformation,"Isaidaimlessly.
    "Handsdown,shamus.Youdon'twanttoplay."
    Iputmyhandsdown."Cute,"Isaid."Isupposethiswholescenewasframed
    justtoputthechillonDoc."
    "Heshotfirst,didn'the?"
    "Yeah,"Isaidthinly."Heshotfirst."

    Thenursewassidlingalongthewalltowardsme.Nosoundhadcomefromher
    sinceSundstrandpulledhisact.Shewasalmostatmyside.Suddenly,muchtoo
    late,Isawtheflashofknucklesonhergoodrighthand,andhairontheback
    ofthehand.
    Idodged,butnotenough.Acrunchingblowseemedtosplitmyheadwide
    open.Ibroughtupagainstthewall,mykneesfullofwaterandmybrainworking
    hardtokeepmyrighthandfromsnatchingatagun.
    Istraightened.Galbraithleeredatme.
    "Notsoverysmart,"Isaid."You'restillholdingmyLuger.Thatsortof
    spoilstheplan,doesn'tit?"
    "Iseeyougettheidea,shamus."
    Thechirpyvoicednursesaid,inablankpause:"Jeeze,theguy'sgotajaw
    likeaelephant'sfoot.DamnifIdidn'tsplitaknuckonhim."
    Galbraith'slittleeyeshaddeathinthem."Howaboutupstairs?"heasked
    thenurse.
    "Alloutlastnight.ShouldItryonemoreswing?"
    "Whatfor?Hedidn'tgoforhisgat,andhe'stootoughforyou,baby.Lead
    ishismeat."
    Isaid:"Yououghttoshavebabytwiceadayonthisjob."
    Thenursegrinned,pushedthestarchedcapandthestringyblondwigaskew
    onabullethead.Sheormoreproperlyhereachedagunfromunderthewhite
    nurse'suniform.
    Galbraithsaid:"Itwasselfdefense,see?YoutangledwithDoe,buthe
    shotfirst.BeniceandmeandDunewilltrytorememberitthatway."
    Irubbedmyjawwithmylefthand."Listen,Sarge.Icantakeajokeas
    wellasthenextfellow.YousappedmeinthathouseonCarolinaStreetand
    didn'ttellaboutit.NeitherdidI.Ifiguredyouhadreasonsandyou'dletme
    inonthemattherighttime.MaybeIcanguesswhatthereasonsare.Ithink
    youknowwhereSaintis,orcanfindout.SaintknowswheretheSnaregirlis,
    becausehehadherdog.Let'sputalittlemoreintothisdeal,somethingfor
    bothofus."
    "We'vegotours,sappo.IpromisedDocI'dbringyoubackandlethimplay
    withyou.IputDuneinhereinthenurse'srigtohandleyouforhim.Buthe
    wastheonewereallywantedtohandle."

    "Allright,"Isaid."WhatdoIgetoutofit?"
    "Maybealittlemoreliving."
    Isaid:"Yeah.Don'tthinkI'mkiddingyoubutlookatthatlittlewindow
    inthewallbehindyou."
    Galbraithdidn'tmove,didn'ttakehiseyesoffme.Athicksneercurved
    hislips.
    Duncan,thefemaleimpersonator,lookedandyelled.
    Asmall,square,tintedglasswindowhighupinthecornerofthebackwall
    hadswungopenquitesilently.Iwaslookingstraightatit,pastGalbraith's
    ear,straightattheblacksnoutofatommygun,onthesill,atthetwohard
    blackeyesbehindthegun.
    AvoiceIhadlastheardsoothingadogsaid:"How'stodroptherod,
    sister?Andyouatthedeskgrabacloud."

    Thebigcop'smouthsuckedforair.Thenhiswholefacelightenedandhejerked
    aroundandtheLugergaveonehard,sharpcough.
    Idroppedtothefloorasthetommyguncutlooseinashortburst.
    Galbraithcrumpledbesidethedesk,fellonhisbackwithhislegstwisted.
    Bloodcameoutofhisnoseandmouth.
    Thecopinnurse'suniformturnedaswhiteasthestarchedcap.Hisgun
    bounced.Hishandstriedtoclawattheceiling.
    Therewasaqueer,stunnedsilence.Powdersmokereeked.FarmerSaintspoke
    downwardfromhisperchatthewindow,tosomebodyoutsidethehouse.
    Adooropenedandshutdistinctlyandrunningstepscamealongthehall.
    Thedoorofourroomwaspushedwide.DianaSaintcameinwithabraceof
    automaticsinherhands.Atall,handsomewoman,neatanddark,witharakish
    blackhat,andtwoglovedhandsholdingguns.
    Igotupoffthefloor,keepingmyhandsinsight.Shetossedhervoice
    calmlyatthewindow,withoutlookingtowardsit.
    "Okay,Jerry.Icanholdthem."

    Saint'sheadandshouldersandhissubmachinegunwentawayfromtheframe
    ofthewindow,leavingblueskyandthethin,distantbranchesofatalltree.
    Therewasathud,asiffeetdroppedoffaladdertoawoodenporch.Inthe
    roomwewerefivestatues,twofallen.
    Somebodyhadtomove.Thesituationcalledfortwomorekillings.From
    Saint'sangleIcouldn'tseeitanyotherway.Therehadtobeacleanup.
    Thegaghadn'tworkedwhenitwasn'tagag.Itrieditagainwhenitwas.I
    lookedpastthewoman'sshoulder,kickedahardgrinontomyface,said
    hoarsely:
    "Hello,Mike.Justintime."
    Itdidn'tfoolher,ofcourse,butitmadehermad.Shestiffenedherbody
    andsnappedashotatmefromtherighthandgun.Itwasabiggunforawoman
    anditjumped.Theothergunjumpedwithit.Ididn'tseewheretheshotwent.I
    wentinundertheguns.
    Myshoulderhitherthighandshetippedbackandhitherheadagainstthe
    jambofthedoor.Iwasn'ttooniceaboutknockingthegunsoutofherhands.I
    kickedthedoorshut,reachedupandyankedthekeyaround,thenscrambledback
    fromahighheeledshoethatwasdoingitsbesttosmashmynoseforme.
    Duncansaid:Keeno,"anddivedforhisgunonthefloor.
    "Watchthatlittlewindow,ifyouwanttolive,"Isnarledathim.
    ThenIwasbehindthedesk,draggingthephoneawayfromDr.Sundstrand's
    deadbody,draggingitasfarfromthelineofthedoorasthecordwouldlet
    me.Ilaydownonthefloorwithitandstartedtodial,onmystomach.
    Diana'seyescamealiveonthephone.Shescreeched:"They'vegotme,
    Jerry!They'vegotme!"
    ThemachinegunbegantotearthedoorapartasIbawledintotheearofa
    boreddesksergeant.
    PiecesofplasterandwoodflewlikefistsatanIrishwedding.Slugs
    jerkedthebodyofDr.Sundstrandasthoughachillwasshakinghimbackto
    life.IthrewthephoneawayfrommeandgrabbedDiana'sgunsandstartedinon
    thedoorforourside.ThroughawidecrackIcouldseecloth.Ishotatthat.
    Icouldn'tseewhatDuncanwasdoing.ThenIknew.Ashotthatcouldn't
    havecomethroughthedoorsmackedDianaSaintsquareontheendofherchin.
    Shewentdownagain,stayeddown.

    Anothershotthatdidn'tcomethroughthedoorliftedmyhat.Irolledand
    yelledatDuncan.Hisgunmovedinastiffarc,followingme.Hismouthwasan
    animalsnarl.Iyelledagain.
    Fourroundpatchesofredappearedinadiagonallineacrossthenurse
    uniform,chesthigh.TheyspreadevenintheshorttimeittookDuncantofall.
    Therewasasirensomewhere.Itwasmysiren,comingmyway,getting
    louder.
    Thetommygunstoppedandafootkickedatthedoor.Itshivered,butheld
    atthelock.Iputfourmoreslugsintoit,wellawayfromthelock.
    Thesirengotlouder.Sainthadtogo.Iheardhissteprunningawaydown
    thehall.Adoorslammed.Acarstartedoutbackinanalley.Thesoundofits
    goinggotlessastheapproachingsirenscreechedintoacrescendo.
    Icrawledovertothewomanandlookedatbloodonherfaceandhairand
    softsoggyplacesonthefrontofhercoat.Itouchedherface.Sheopenedher
    eyesslowly,asifthelidswereveryheavy.
    "Jerry"shewhispered.
    "Dead,"Iliedgrimly."Where'sIsobelSnare,Diana?"
    Theeyesclosed.Tearsglistened,thetearsofthedying.
    "Where'sIsobel,Diana?"Ipleaded."Beregularandtellme.I'mnocop.
    I'mherfriend.Tellme,Diana."
    Iputtendernessandwistfulnessintoit,everythingIhad.
    Theeyeshalfopened.Thewhispercameagain:."Jerry"thenittrailed
    offandtheeyesshut.Thenthelipsmovedoncemore,breathedawordthat
    soundedlike"Monty."
    Thatwasall.Shedied.
    Istoodupslowlyandlistenedtothesirens.

    Itwasgettinglateandlightsweregoingonhereandthereinatalloffice
    buildingacrossthestreet.IhadbeeninFulwider'sofficealltheafternoon.I
    hadtoldmystorytwentytimes.ItwasalltruewhatItold.

    Copshadbeeninandout,ballisticsandprintmen,recordmen,reporters,
    halfadozencityofficials,evenanA.P.correspondent.Thecorrespondent
    didn'tlikehishandoutandsaidso.
    Thefatchiefwassweatyandsuspicious.Hiscoatwasoffandhisarmpits
    wereblackandhisshortredhaircurledasifithadbeensinged.Notknowing
    howmuchorlittleIknewhedidn'tdareleadme.Allhecoulddowasyellatme
    andwhineatmebyturns,andtrytogetmedrunkinbetween.
    Iwasgettingdrunkandlikingit.
    "Didn'tnobodysayanythingatall!"hewailedatmeforthehundredth
    time.
    Itookanotherdrink,floppedmyhandaround,lookedsilly."Notaword,
    Chief,"Isaidowlishly."I'mtheboythatwouldtellyou.Theydiedtoo
    sudden."
    Hetookholdofhisjawandcrankedit."Damnfunny,"hesneered."Four
    deadonesonthefloorandyounotevennicked."
    "Iwastheonlyone,"Isaid,"thatlaydownonthefloorwhilestill
    healthy."
    Hetookholdofhisrightearandworriedthat."Youbeenherethreedays,"
    hehowled."Inthemthreedayswegotmorecrimethaninthreeyearsbeforeyou
    come.Itain'thuman.Imustbehavinganightmare."
    "Youcan'tblameme,Chief,"Igrumbled."Icamedownheretolookfora
    girl.I'mstilllookingforher.Ididn'ttellSaintandhissistertohideout
    inyourtown.WhenIspottedhimItippedyouoff,thoughyourowncopsdidn't.
    Ididn'tshootDocSundstrandbeforeanythingcouldbegotoutofhim.Istill
    haven'tanyideawhythephonynursewasplantedthere."
    "Norme,"Fulwideryelled."Butit'smyjobthat'sshotfullofholes.For
    allthechanceIgottogetoutofthisImightaswellgofishin'rightnow."
    Itookanotherdrink,hiccuppedcheerfully."Don'tsaythat,Chief,"I
    pleaded."Youcleanedthetownuponceandyoucandoitagain.Thisonewas
    justahotgrounderthattookabadbounce."
    Hetookaturnaroundtheofficeandtriedtopunchaholeintheendwall,
    thenslammedhimselfbackinhischair.Heeyedmesavagely,grabbedforthe
    whiskybottle,thendidn'ttouchitasthoughitmightdohimmoregoodinmy
    stomach.

    "I'llmakeadealwithyou,"hegrowled."YourunonbacktoSanAngeloand
    I'llforgetitwasyourguncroakedSundstrand."
    "That'snotanicethingtosaytoamanthat'stryingtoearnhisliving,
    Chief.Youknowhowithappenedtobemygun."
    Hisfacelookedgrayagain,foramoment.Hemeasuredmeforacoffin.Then
    themoodpassedandhesmackedhisdesk,saidheartily:
    "You'reright,Carmady.Icouldn'tdothat,couldI?Youstillgottofind
    thatgirl,ain'tyou?Okay,yourunonbacktothehotelandgetsomerest.I'll
    workonittonightandseeyouintheA.M."
    Itookanothershortdrink,whichwasalltherewasleftinthebottle.I
    feltfine.Ishookhandswithhimtwiceandstaggeredoutofhisoffice.Flash
    bulbsexplodedalloverthecorridor.
    IwentdowntheCityHallstepsandaroundthesideofthebuildingtothe
    policegarage.MyblueChryslerwashomeagain.Idroppedthedrunkactandwent
    ondownthesidestreetstotheoceanfront,walkedalongthewidecementwalk
    towardsthetwoamusementpiersandtheGrandHotel.
    Itwasgettingdusknow.Lightsonthepierscameout.Mastheadlightswere
    litonthesmallyachtsridingatanchorbehindtheyachtharborbreakwater.In
    awhitebarbecuestandamantickledwienieswithalongforkanddroned:"Get
    hungry,folks.Nicehotdoggieshere.Gethungry,folks."
    Ilitacigaretteandstoodtherelookingouttosea.Verysuddenly,far
    out,lightsshonefromabigship.Iwatchedthem,buttheydidn'tmove.Iwent
    overtothehotdogman.
    "Anchored?"Iaskedhim,pointing.
    Helookedaroundtheendofhisbooth,wrinkledhisnosewithcontempt.
    "Hell,that'sthegamblingboat.TheCruisetoNowhere,theycalltheact,
    becauseitdon'tgonoplace.IfTangoain'tcrookedenough,trythat.Yes,sir,
    that'sthegoodship_Montecito._Howaboutanicewarmpuppy?"
    Iputaquarteronhiscounter."Haveoneyourself,"Isaidsoftly."Where
    dothetaxisleavefrom.?"
    Ihadnogun.Iwentonbacktothehoteltogetmyspare.
    ThedyingDianaSainthadsaid"Monty."
    Perhapsshejusthadn'tlivedlongenoughtosay"Montecito."
    AtthehotelIlaydownandfellasleepasthoughIhadbeenanaesthetized.
    Itwaseighto'clockwhenIwokeup,andIwashungry.

    Iwastailedfromthehotel,butnotveryfar.Ofcoursethecleanlittle
    citydidn'thaveenoughcrimeforthedickstobeverygoodshadows.

    10

    Itwasalongrideforfortycents.Thewatertaxi,anoldspeedboatwithout
    trimmings,slidthroughtheanchoredyachtsandroundedthebreakwater.The
    swellhitus.AllthecompanyIhadbesidesthetoughlookingcitizenatthe
    wheelwastwospooningcoupleswhobegantopeckateachother'sfacesassoon
    asthedarknessfoldeddown.
    Istaredbackatthelightsofthecityandtriednottobeardowntoohard
    onmydinner.Scattereddiamondpointsatfirst,thelightsdrewtogetherand
    becameajeweledwristletlaidoutintheshowwindowofthenight.Thenthey
    wereasoftorangeyellowblurabovethetopoftheswell.Thetaxismackedin
    theinvisiblewavesandbouncedlikeasurfboat.Therewascoldfogintheair.
    Theportholesofthe_Montecito_gotlargeandthetaxisweptoutinawide
    turn,tippedtoanangleoffortyfivedegreesandcareenedneatlytotheside
    ofabrightlylitstage.Thetaxiengineidleddownandbackfiredinthefog.
    Asloeeyedboyinatightbluemessjacketandagangstermouthhandedthe
    girlsout,swepttheirescortswithakeenglance,sentthemonup.Thelookhe
    gavemetoldmesomethingabouthim.Thewayhebumpedintomygunholstertold
    memore.
    "Nix,"hesaidsoftly."Nix."
    Hejerkedhischinatthetaximan.Thetaximandroppedashortnooseover
    abitt,turnedhiswheelalittleandclimbedonthestage.Hegotbehindme.
    "Nix,"theoneinthemessjacketpurred."Nogatsonthisboat,mister.
    Sorry."
    "Partofmyclothes,"Itoldhim."I'maprivatedick.I'llcheckit."
    "Sorry,bo.Nocheckroomforgats.Onyourway."
    Thetaximanhookedawristthroughmyrightarm.Ishrugged.
    "Backintheboat,"thetaximangrowledbehindme."Ioweyoufortycents,
    mister.Comeon."
    Igotbackintotheboat.

    "Okay,"IsputteredatMessJacket."Ifyoudon'twantmymoney,youdon't
    wantit.Thisisahellofawaytotreatavisitor.Thisis"
    Hissleek,silentsmilewasthelastthingIsawasthetaxicastoffand
    hittheswellonthewayback.Ihatedtoleavethatsmile.
    Thewaybackseemedlonger.Ididn'tspeaktothetaximanandhedidn't
    speaktome.AsIgotoutontothefloatatthepierhesneeredatmyback:
    "Someothernightwhenweain'tsobusy,shamus."
    Halfadozencustomerswaitingtogooutstaredatme.Iwentpastthem,
    pastthedoorofthewaitingroomonthefloat,towardsthestepsatthe
    landwardend.
    Abigredheadedroughneckindirtysneakersandtarrypantsandatornblue
    jerseystraightenedfromtherailingandbumpedintomecasually.
    Istopped,gotset.Hesaidsoftly:"'smatter,dick?Nosoaponthehell
    ship?"
    "DoIhavetotellyou?"
    "I'maguythatcanlisten."
    "Whoareyou?"
    "JustcallmeRed."
    "Outoftheway,Red.I'mbusy."
    Hesmiledsadly,touchedmyleftside."Thegat'skindofbulgyunderthe
    lightsuit,"hesaid."Wanttogetonboard?Itcanbedone,ifyougota
    reason."
    "Howmuchisthereason?"Iaskedhim.
    "Fiftybucks.Tenmoreifyoubleedinmyboat."
    Istartedaway."Twentyfiveout,"hesaidquickly."Maybeyoucomeback
    withfriends,huh?"
    IwentfourstepsawayfromhimbeforeIhalfturned,said:"Sold,"and
    wenton.
    AtthefootofthebrightamusementpiertherewasaflaringTangoParlor,
    jammedfullevenatthatstillearlyhour.Iwentintoit,leanedagainstawall
    andwatchedacoupleofnumbersgoupontheelectricindicator,watchedahouse
    playerwithaninsidestraightgivethehighsignunderthecounterwithhis
    knee.
    AlargebluenesstookformbesidemeandIsmelledtar.Asoft,deep,sad
    voicesaid:"Needhelpoutthere?"

    "I'mlookingforagirl,butI'lllookalone.What'syourracket?"Ididn't
    lookathim.
    "Adollarhere,adollarthere.Iliketoeat.Iwasonthecopsbutthey
    bouncedme."
    Ilikedhistellingmethat."Youmusthavebeenleveling,"Isaid,and
    watchedthehouseplayersliphiscardacrosswithhisthumboverthewrong
    number,watchedthecountermangethisownthumbinthesamespotandholdthe
    cardup.
    IcouldfeelRed'sgrin."Iseeyoubeenaroundourlittlecity.Here'show
    itworks.Igotaboatwithanunderwaterbypass.IknowaloadingportIcan
    open.Itakealoadoutforaguyonceinawhile.Thereain'tmanyguysbelow
    decks.Thatsuityou?"
    Igotmywalletoutandslippedatwentyandafivefromit,passedthem
    overinawad.Theywentintoatarrypocket.
    Redsaid:"Thanks,"softly,andwalkedaway.Igavehimasmallstartand
    wentafterhim.Hewaseasytofollowbyhissize,eveninacrowd.
    Wewentpasttheyachtharborandthesecondamusementpierandbeyondthat
    thelightsgotfewerandthecrowdthinnedtonothing.Ashortblackpierstuck
    outintothewaterwithboatsmooredallalongit.Mymanturnedoutthat.
    Hestoppedalmostattheend,attheheadofawoodenladder."I'llbring
    herdowntohere,"hesaid."Gottomakenoisewarmin'up."
    "Listen,"Isaidurgently."Ihavetophoneaman.Iforgot."
    "Cando.Comeon."
    Heledthewayfartheralongthepier,knelt,rattledkeysonachain,and
    openedapadlock.Heliftedasmalltrapandtookaphoneout,listenedtoit.
    "Stillworking,"hesaidwithagrininhisvoice."Mustbelongtosome
    crooks.Don'tforgettosnapthelockbackon."
    Heslippedawaysilentlyintothedarkness.FortenminutesIlistenedto
    waterslappingthepilesofthepier,theoccasionalwhirrofaseagullinthe
    gloom.Thenfaroffamotorroaredandkeptonroaringforminutes.Thenthe
    noisestoppedabruptly.Moreminutespassed.Somethingthuddedatthefootof
    theladderandalowvoicecalleduptome:"Allset."
    Ihurriedbacktothephone,dialedanumber,askedforChiefFulwider.He
    hadgonehome.Idialedanothernumber,gotawoman,askedherforthechief,
    saidIwasheadquarters.

    Iwaitedagain.ThenIheardthefatchiefsvoice.Itsoundedfullofbaked
    potato.
    "Yeah?Can'taguyeveneat?Whoisit?"
    "Carmady,Chief.Saintisonthe_Montecito._Toobadthat'soveryour
    line."
    Hebegantoyelllikeawildman.Ihungupinhisface,putthephoneback
    initszinclinedcubbyholeandsnappedthepadlock.Iwentdowntheladderto
    Red.
    Hisbigblackspeedboatslidoutovertheoilywater.Therewasnosound
    fromitsexhaustbutasteadybubblingalongthesideoftheshell.
    Thecitylightsagainbecameayellowblurlowontheblackwaterandthe
    portsofthegoodship_Montecito_againgotlargeandbrightandroundoutto
    sea.

    11

    Therewerenofloodlightsontheseawardsideoftheship.Redcuthismotorto
    halfofnothingandcurvedinundertheoverhangofthestern,sidleduptothe
    greasyplatesascoylyasaclubmaninahotellobby.
    Doubleirondoorsloomedhighoverus,forwardalittlefromtheslimy
    linksofachaincable.Thespeedboatscuffedthe_Montecito's_ancientplates
    andtheseawaterslappedlooselyatthebottomofthespeedboatunderourfeet.
    Theshadowofthebigexcoproseoverme.Acoiledropeflickedagainstthe
    dark,caughtonsomething,andfellbackintotheboat.Redpulledittight,
    madeaturnaroundsomethingontheenginecowling.
    Hesaidsoftly:"Sheridesashighasasteeplechaser.Wegottaclimbthem
    plates."
    Itookthewheelandheldthenoseofthespeedboatagainsttheslippery
    hull,andRedreachedforanironladderflattothesideoftheship,hauled
    himselfupintothedarkness,grunting,hisbigbodybracedatrightangles,his
    sneakersslippingonthewetmetalrungs.

    Afterawhilesomethingcreakedupaboveandfeebleyellowlighttrickled
    outintothefoggyair.Theoutlineofaheavydoorshowed,andRed'scrouched
    headagainstthelight.
    Iwentuptheladderafterhim.Itwashardwork.Itlandedmepantingina
    sour,litteredholdfullofcasesandbarrels.Ratsskitteredoutofsightin
    thedarkcorners.Thebigmanputhislipstomyear:"Fromherewegotaneasy
    waytotheboilerroomcatwalk.They'llhavesteamupinoneauxiliary,forhot
    waterandthegenerators.Thatmeansoneguy.I'llhandlehim.Thecrewdoubles
    inbrassupstairs.FromtheboilerroomI'llshowyouaventilatorwithno
    gratinginit.Goestotheboatdeck.Thenit'sallyours."
    "Youmusthaverelativesonboard,"Isaid.
    "Nevernomind.Aguygetstoknowthingswhenhe'sonthebeach.MaybeI'm
    closetoabunchthat'ssettoknockthetubover.Willyoucomebackfast?"
    "Ioughttomakeagoodsplashfromtheboatdeck,"Isaid."Here."
    Ifishedmorebillsoutofmywallet,pushedthemathim.
    Heshookhisredhead."Uhuh.That'sforthetripback."
    "I'mbuyingitnow,"Isaid."EvenifIdon'tuseit.Takethedoughbefore
    Ibustoutcrying."
    "Wellthanks,pal.You'rearightguy."
    Wewentamongthecasesandbarrels.Theyellowlightcamefromapassage
    beyond,andwewentalongthepassagetoanarrowirondoor.Thatledtothe
    catwalk.Wesneakedalongit,downanoilysteelladder,heardtheslowhissof
    oilburnersandwentamongmountainsofirontowardsthesound.
    Aroundacornerwelookedatashort,dirtyItalianinapurplesilkshirt
    whosatinawiredtogetherofficechair,underanakedbulb,andreadthepaper
    withtheaidofsteelrimmedspectaclesandablackforefinger.
    Redsaidgently:"Hi,Shorty.How'sallthelittlebambinos?"TheItalian
    openedhismouthandreachedswiftly.Redhithim.Weputhimdownonthefloor
    andtorehispurpleshirtintoshredsfortiesandagag.
    "Youain'tsupposedtohitaguywithglasseson,"Redsaid."Buttheidea
    isyoumakeahellofaracketgoin'upaventilatortoaguydownhere.
    Upstairstheywon'thearnothing."
    IsaidthatwasthewayIwouldlikeit,andwelefttheItalianboundup
    onthefloorandfoundtheventilatorthathadnogratinginit.Ishookhands

    withRed,saidIhopedtoseehimagain,andstarteduptheladderinsidethe
    ventilator.
    Itwascoldandblackandthefoggyairrusheddownitandthewayup
    seemedalongway.AfterthreeminutesthatfeltlikeanhourIreachedthetop
    andpokedmyheadoutcautiously.Canvassheetedboatsloomednearbyonthe
    boatdeckdavits.Therewasasoftwhisperinginthedarkbetweenapairof
    them.Theheavythrobofmusicpulsedupfrombelow.Overheadamastheadlight,
    andthroughthethin,highlayersofthemistafewbitterstarsstareddown.
    Ilistened,butdidn'thearanypoliceboatsirens.Igotoutofthe
    ventilator,loweredmyselftothedeck.
    Thewhisperingcamefromaneckingcouplehuddledunderaboat.Theydidn't
    payanyattentiontome.Iwentalongthedeckpastthecloseddoorsofthreeor
    fourcabins.Therewasalittlelightbehindtheshuttersoftwoofthem.I
    listened,didn'thearanythingbutthemerrymakingofthecustomersdownbelow
    onthemaindeck.
    Idroppedintoadarkshadow,tookalungfulofairandletitoutina
    howlthesnarlinghowlofagraytimberwolf,lonelyandhungryandfarfrom
    home,andmeanenoughforsevenkindsoftrouble.
    Thedeeptonedwoofwoofingofapolicedogansweredme.Agirlsquealed
    alongthedarkdeckandaman'svoicesaid:"Ithoughtalltheshellacdrinkers
    wasdead."
    Istraightenedandunshippedmygunandrantowardsthebarking.Thenoise
    camefromacabinontheothersideofthedeck.
    Iputaneartothedoor,listenedtoaman'svoicesoothingthedog.The
    dogstoppedbarkingandgrowledonceortwice,thenwassilent.Akeyturnedin
    thedoorIwastouching.
    Idroppedawayfromit,downononeknee.Thedooropenedafootanda
    sleekheadcameforwardpastitsedge.Lightfromahoodeddecklampmadea
    shineontheblackhair.
    Istoodupandslammedtheheadwithmygunbarrel.Themanfellsoftlyout
    ofthedoorwayintomyarms.Idraggedhimbackintothecabin,pushedhimdown
    onamadeupberth.
    Ishutthedooragain,lockedit.Asmall,wideeyedgirlcrouchedonthe
    otherberth.Isaid:"Hello,MissSnare.I'vehadalotoftroublefindingyou.
    Wanttogohome?"

    FarmerSaintrolledoverandsatup,holdinghishead.Thenhewasvery
    still,staringatmewithhissharpblackeyes.Hismouthhadastrainedsmile,
    almostgoodhumored.
    Irangedthecabinwithaglance,didn'tseewherethedogwas,butsawan
    innerdoorbehindwhichhecouldbe.Ilookedatthegirlagain.
    Shewasnotmuchtolookat,likemostofthepeoplethatmakemostofthe
    trouble.Shewascrouchedontheberthwithherkneesdrawnupandhairfalling
    overoneeye.Sheworeaknitteddressandgolfsocksandsportshoeswithwide
    tonguesthatfelldownovertheinstep.Herkneeswerebareandbonyunderthe
    hemofthedress.Shelookedlikeaschoolgirl.
    IwentoverSaintforagun,didn'tfindone.Hegrinnedatme.
    Thegirlliftedherhandandthrewherhairback.ShelookedatmeasifI
    wasacoupleofblocksaway.Thenherbreathcaughtandshebegantocry.
    "We'remarried,"Saintsaidsoftly."Shethinksyou'resettoblowholesin
    me.Thatwasasmarttrickwiththewolfhowl."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Ilistened.Nonoisesoutside.
    "How'dyouknowwheretocome?"Saintasked.
    "Dianatoldmebeforeshedied,"Isaidbrutally.
    Hiseyeslookedhurt."Idon'tbelieveit,shamus."
    "Youranoutandleftherintheditch.Whatwouldyouexpect?"
    "Ifiguredthecopswouldn'tbumpawomanandIcouldmakesomekindofa
    dealontheoutside.Whogother?"
    "OneofFulwider'scops.Yougothim."
    Hisheadjerkedbackandawildlookcameoverhisface,thenwentaway.He
    smiledsidewaysattheweepinggirl.
    "Hello,sugar.I'llgetyouclear."Helookedbackatme."SupposeIcome
    inwithoutascrap.Isthereawayforhertogetloose?"
    "Whatdoyoumean,scrap?"Isneered.
    "Igotplentyfriendsonthisboat,shamus.Youain'tevenstartedyet."
    "Yougotherintoit,"Isaid."Youcan'tgetherout.That'spartofthe
    payoff."

    12

    Henoddedslowly,lookeddownatthefloorbetweenhisfeet.Thegirlstopped
    cryinglongenoughtomopathercheeks,thenstartedinagain.
    "FulwiderknowI'mhere?"Saintaskedmeslowly.
    "Yeah."
    "Yougivehimtheoffice?"
    "Yeah."
    Heshrugged."That'sokayfromyourend.Sure.OnlyI'llnevergettotalk,
    ifFulwiderpinchesme.IfIcouldgettotalktoaD.A.Icouldmaybeconvince
    himshe'snotheptomystuff."
    "Youcouldhavethoughtofthat,too,"Isaidheavily."Youdidn'thaveto
    gobacktoSundstrand'sandcutloosewithyourstuttergun."
    Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughed."No?Supposeyoupaidaguytengrand
    forprotectionandhecrossedyouupbygrabbingyourwifeandstickingherina
    crookeddopehospitalandtellingyoutorunalongfarawayandbegood,orthe
    tidewouldwashheruponthebeach?Whatwouldyoudosmile,ortrotoverwith
    someheavyirontotalktotheguy?"
    "Shewasn'ttherethen,"Isaid."Youwerejustkillscrewy.Andifyou
    hadn'thungontothatdoguntilhekilledaman,theprotectionwouldn'thave
    beenscaredintosellingyouout."
    "Ilikedogs,"Saintsaidquietly."I'maniceguywhenI'mnotworkin',
    butIcangetshovedaroundjustsomuch."
    Ilistened.Stillnonoisesondeckoutside.
    "Listen,"Isaidquickly."Ifyouwanttoplayballwithme,I'vegota
    boatatthebackdoorandI'lltrytogetthegirlhomebeforetheywanther.
    Whathappenstoyouispastme.Iwouldn'tliftafingerforyou,evenifyoudo
    likedogs."
    Thegirlsaidsuddenly,inashrill,littlegirlvoice:"Idon'twanttogo
    home!Iwon'tgohome!"
    "Ayearfromnowyou'llthankme,"Isnappedather.
    "He'sright,sugar,"Saintsaid."Betterbeatitwithhim."
    "Iwon't,"thegirlshrilledangrily."Ijustwon't.That'sall."
    Outofthesilenceonthedecksomethinghardslammedtheoutsideofthe
    door.Agrimvoiceshouted:"Openup!It'sthelaw!"

    Ibackedswiftlytothedoor,keepingmyeyesonSaint.Ispokebackover
    myshoulder:"Fulwiderthere?"
    "Yeah,"thechiefsfatvoicegrowled."Carmady?"
    "Listen,Chief.Saint'sinhereandhe'sreadytosurrender.There'sagirl
    herewithhim,theoneItoldyouabout.Socomeineasy,willyou?"
    "Right,"thechiefsaid."Openthedoor."
    Itwistedthekey,jumpedacrossthecabinandputmybackagainstthe
    innerpartition,besidethedoorbehindwhichthedogwasmovingaroundnow,
    growlingalittle.
    Theouterdoorwhippedopen.TwomenIhadn'tseenbeforechargedinwith
    drawnguns.Thefatchiefwasbehindthem.Briefly,beforeheshutthedoor,I
    caughtaglimpseofship'suniforms.
    ThetwodicksjumpedonSaint,slammedhimaround,putcuffsonhim.Then
    theysteppedbackbesidethechief.Saintgrinnedatthem,withbloodtrickling
    downhislowerlip.
    Fulwiderlookedatmereprovinglyandmovedacigararoundinhismouth.
    Nobodyseemedtotakeaninterestinthegirl.
    "You'reahellofaguy,Carmady.Youdidn'tgivemenoideawhereto
    come,"hegrowled.
    "Ididn'tknow,"Isaid."Ithoughtitwasoutsideyourjurisdiction,too."
    "Hellwiththat.WetippedtheFeds.They'llbeout."
    Oneofthedickslaughed."Butnottoosoon,"hesaidroughly."Putthe
    heateraway,shamus."
    "Tryandmakeme,"Itoldhim.
    Hestartedforward,butthechiefwavedhimback.Theotherdickwatched
    Saint,lookedatnothingelse.
    "How'dyoufindhimthen?"Fulwiderwantedtoknow.
    "Notbytakinghismoneytohidehimout,"Isaid.
    NothingchangedinFulwider'sface.Hisvoicebecamealmostlazy."Oh,oh,
    you'vebeenpeekin',"hesaidverygently.
    Isaiddisgustedly."Justwhatkindofasapdidyouandyourgangtakeme
    for?Yourcleanlittletownstinks.It'sthewellknownwhitedsepulcher.A
    crooksanctuarywherethehotrodscanlielowiftheypayoffniceanddon't
    pullanylocalcapersandwheretheycanjumpoffforMexicoinafastboat,if
    thefingerwavestowardsthem."

    Thechiefsaidverycarefully:"Anymore?"
    "Yeah,"Ishouted."I'vesaveditforyoutoodamnlong.Youhadmedoped
    untilIwashalfgoofyandstuckmeinaprivatejail.Whenthatdidn'tholdme
    youworkedaplantupwithGalbraithandDuncantohavemygunkillSundstrand,
    yourhelper,andthenhavemekilledresistingsomearrest.Saintspoiledthat
    partyforyouandsavedmylife.Notintendingto,perhaps,buthedidit.You
    knewallalongwherethelittleSnaregirlwas.ShewasSaint'swifeandyou
    wereholdingheryourselftomakehimstayinline.Hell,whydoyousupposeI
    tippedyouhewasouthere?Thatwassomethingyou_didn't_know!"
    Thedickwhohadtriedtomakemeputupmygunsaid:"Now,Chief.We
    bettermakeitfast.ThoseFeds"
    Fulwider'sjawshook.Hisfacewasgrayandhisearswerefarbackinhis
    head.Thecigartwitchedinhisfatmouth.
    "Waitaminute,"hesaidthickly,tothemanbeside.Thentome:"Wellwhy
    didyoutipme?"
    "Togetyouwhereyou'renomorelawthanBillytheKid,"Isaid,"andsee
    ifyouhavethegutstogothroughwithmurderonthehighseas."
    Saintlaughed.Heshotalow,snarlingwhistlebetweenhisteeth.Atearing
    animalgrowlansweredhim.Thedoorbesidemecrashedopenasthoughamulehad
    kickedit.Thebigpolicedogcamethroughtheopeninginaloopingspringthat
    carriedhimclearacrossthecabin.Thegraybodytwistedinmidair.Agun
    bangedharmlessly.
    "Eat'emup,Voss!"Saintyelled."Eat'emalive,boy!"
    Thecabinfilledwithgunfire.Thesnarlingofthedogblendedwitha
    thick,chokedscream.Fulwiderandoneofthedicksweredownonthefloorand
    thedogwasatFulwider'sthroat.
    Thegirlscreamedandplungedherfaceintoapillow.Saintslidsoftly
    downfromthebunkandlayonthefloorwithbloodrunningslowlydownhisneck
    inathickwave.
    Thedickwhohadn'tgonedownjumpedtooneside,almostfellheadlongon
    thegirl'sberth,thencaughthisbalanceandpumpedbulletsintothedog'slong
    graybodywildlywithoutpretenseofaim.
    Thedickonthefloorpushedatthedog.Thedogalmostbithishandoff.
    Themanyelled.Feetpoundedonthedeck.Yellingoutside,Somethingwasrunning

    downmyfacethattickled.Myheadfeltfunny,butIdidn'tknowwhathadhit
    me.
    Theguninmyhandfeltlargeandhot.Ishotthedog,hatingtodoit.The
    dogrolledoffFulwiderandIsawwhereastraybullethaddrilledthechiefs
    foreheadbetweentheeyes,withthedelicateexactnessofpurechance.
    Thestandingdick'sgunhammerclickedonadischargedshell.Hecursed,
    startedtoreloadfrantically.
    Itouchedthebloodonmyfaceandlookedatit.Itseemedveryblack.The
    lightinthecabinseemedtobefailing.
    Thebrightcornerofanaxebladesuddenlysplitthecabindoor,whichwas
    wedgedshutbythechiefsbody,andthatofthegroaningmanbesidehim.I
    staredatthebrightmetal,watcheditgoawayandreappearinanotherplace.
    Thenallthelightswentoutveryslowly,asinatheaterjustasthe
    curtaingoesup.Justasitgotquitedarkmyheadhurtme,butIdidn'tknow
    thenthatabullethadfracturedmyskull.
    Iwokeuptwodayslaterinthehospital.Iwastherethreeweeks.Saint
    didn'tlivelongenoughtohang,buthelivedlongenoughtotellhisstory.He
    musthavetolditwell,becausetheyletMrs.Jerry(Farmer)Saintgohometo
    heraunt.
    BythattimetheCountyGrandJuryhadindictedhalfthepoliceforceof
    thelittlebeachcity.TherewerealotofnewfacesaroundtheCityHall,I
    heard.OneofthemwasabigredheadeddetectivesergeantnamedNorgardwhosaid
    heowedmetwentyfivedollarsbuthadhadtouseittobuyanewsuitwhenhe
    gothisjobback.Hesaidhewouldpaymeoutofhisfirstcheck.IsaidIwould
    trytowait.

    PICKUPONNOONSTREET

    Themanandthegirlwalkedslowly,closetogether,pastadimstencilsignthat
    said:SurpriseHotel.Themanworeapurplesuit,aPanamahatoverhisshiny,
    slickeddownhair.Hewalkedsplayfooted,soundlessly.
    Thegirlworeagreenhatandashortskirtandsheerstockings,fourand
    ahalfinchFrenchheels.ShesmelledofMidnightNarcissus.
    Atthecornerthemanleanedclose,saidsomethinginthegirl'sear.She
    jerkedawayfromhim,giggled.
    "Yougottabuyliquorifyoutakemehome,Smiler."
    "Nexttime,baby.I'mfreshoutadough."
    Thegirl'svoicegothard."ThenItellsyougoodbyeinthenextblock,
    handsome."
    "Likehell,baby,"themananswered.
    Thearcattheintersectionthrewlightonthem.Theywalkedacrossthe
    streetfarapart.Attheothersidethemancaughtthegirl'sarm.Shetwisted
    awayfromhim.
    "Listen,youcheapgrifter!"sheshrilled."Keepyourpawsdown,see!
    Tinhornsaredusttome.Dangle!"
    "Howmuchliquoryougottahave,baby?"
    "Plenty."
    "Mebein'onthenut,wheredoIcollectit?"
    "Yougothands,ain'tyou?"thegirlsneered.Hervoicedroppedthe
    shrillness.Sheleanedclosetohimagain."Maybeyougotagun,bigboy.Gota
    gun?"
    "Yeah.Andnoshellsforit."
    "ThegoldbricksoveronCentraldon'tknowthat."
    "Don'tbethatway,"themaninthepurplesuitsnarled.Thenhesnapped
    hisfingersandstiffened."Waitaminute.Igotmeaidea."
    Hestoppedandlookedbackalongthestreettowardthedimstencilhotel
    sign.Thegirlslappedagloveacrosshischincaressingly.Theglovesmelledto
    himoftheperfume,MidnightNarcissus.
    Themansnappedhisfingersagain,grinnedwidelyinthedimlight."If
    thatdrunkisstillholedupinDoc'splaceIcollect.Waitforme,huh?"
    "Maybe,athome.Ifyouain'tgonetoolong."
    "Where'shome,baby?"

    Thegirlstaredathim.Ahalfsmilemovedalongherfulllips,diedatthe
    cornersofthem.Thebreezepickedasheetofnewspaperoutofthegutterand
    tosseditagainsttheman'sleg.Hekickedatitsavagely.
    "CalliopeApartments.FourB,TwoFortySixEastFortyEight.Howsoonyou
    bethere?"
    Themansteppedveryclosetoher,reachedbackandtappedhiship.His
    voicewaslow,chilling.
    "Youwaitforme,baby."
    Shecaughtherbreath,nodded."Okey,handsome.I'llwait."
    Themanwentbackalongthecrackedsidewalk,acrosstheintersection,
    alongtowherethestencilsignhungoutoverthestreet.Hewentthrougha
    glassdoorintoanarrowlobbywitharowofbrownwoodenchairspushedagainst
    theplasterwall.Therewasjustspacetowalkpastthemtothedesk.A
    baldheadedcoloredmanloungedbehindthedesk,fingeringalargegreenpinin
    histie.
    TheNegrointhepurplesuitleanedacrossthecounterandhisteeth
    flashedinaquick,hardsmile.Hewasveryyoung,withathin,sharpjaw,a
    narrowbonyforehead,theflatbrillianteyesofthegangster.Hesaidsoftly:
    "Thatpugwiththehuskyvoicestillhere?Theguythatbankedthecrapgame
    lastnight."
    Thebaldheadedclerklookedatthefliesontheceilingfixture."Didn't
    seehimgoout,Smiler."
    "Ain'twhatIaskedyou,Doc."
    "Yeah.Hestillhere."
    "Stilldrunk?"
    "Guessso.Hasn'tbeenout."
    "Threefortynine,ain'tit?"
    "Youbeenthere,ain'tyou?Whatyouwantaknowfor?"
    "Hecleanedmedowntomyluckypiece.Igottamakeatouch."
    Thebaldheadedmanlookednervous.TheSmilerstaredsoftlyatthegreen
    stoneintheman'stiepin.
    "Getrolling,Smiler.Nobodygetsbentaroundhere.Weain'tnoCentral
    Avenueflop."
    TheSmilersaidverysoftly:"He'smypal,Doe.He'lllendmetwenty.You
    touchhalf."

    Heputhishandoutpalmup.Theclerkstaredatthehandforalong
    moment.Thenhenoddedsourly,wentbehindagroundglassscreen,cameback
    slowly,lookingtowardthestreetdoor.
    Hishandwentoutandhoveredoverthepalm.Thepalmclosedovera
    passkey,droppedinsidethecheappurplesuit.
    ThesuddenflashinggrinontheSmiler'sfacehadanicyedgetoit.
    "Careful,DoewhileI'mupabove."
    Theclerksaid:"Steponit.Someofthecustomersgethomeearly."He
    glancedatthegreenelectricclockonthewall.Itwassevenfifteen."Andthe
    wallsain'tanytoothick,"headded.
    Thethinyouthgavehimanotherflashinggrin,nodded,wentdelicatelyback
    alongthelobbytotheshadowystaircase.TherewasnoelevatorintheSurprise
    Hotel.
    AtoneminutepastsevenPeteAnglich,narcoticsquadundercoverman,
    rolledoveronthehardbedandlookedatthecheapstrapwatchonhisleft
    wrist.Therewereheavyshadowsunderhiseyes,athickdarkstubbleonhis
    broadchin.Heswunghisbarefeettothefloorandstoodupincheapcotton
    pajamas,flexedhismuscles,stretched,bentoverstiffkneedandtouchedthe
    floorinfrontofhistoeswithagrunt.
    Hewalkedacrosstoachippedbureau,drankfromaquartbottleofcheap
    ryewhiskey,grimaced,pushedthecorkintotheneckofthebottle,andrammed
    itdownhardwiththeheelofhishand.
    "Boy,haveIgotahangover,"hegrumbledhuskily.
    Hestaredathisfaceinthebureaumirror,atthestubbleonhischin,the
    thickwhitescaronhisthroatclosetothewindpipe.Hisvoicewashusky
    becausethebulletthathadmadethescarhaddonesomethingtohisvocal
    chords.Itwasasmoothhuskiness,likethevoiceofabluessinger.
    Hestrippedhispajamasoffandstoodnakedinthemiddleoftheroom,his
    toesfumblingtheroughedgeofabigripinthecarpet.Hisbodywasvery
    broad,andthatmadehimlookalittleshorterthanhewas.Hisshoulders
    sloped,hisnosewasalittlethick,theskinoverhischeekboneslookedlike
    leather.Hehadshort,curly,blackhair,utterlysteadyeyes,thesmallset
    mouthofaquickthinker.

    Hewentintoadim,dirtybathroom,steppedintothetubandturnedthe
    showeron.Thewaterwaswarmish,butnothot.Hestoodunderitandsoaped
    himself,rubbedhiswholebodyover,kneadedhismuscles,rinsedoff.
    Hejerkedadirtytowelofftherackandstartedtorubaglowintohis
    skin.
    Afaintnoisebehindthelooselyclosedbathroomdoorstoppedhim.Heheld
    hisbreath,listened,heardthenoiseagain,acreakofboarding,aclick,a
    rustleofcloth.PeteAnglichreachedforthedoorandpulleditopenslowly.
    TheNegrointhepurplesuitandPanamahatstoodbesidethebureau,with
    PeteAnglich'scoatinhishand.Onthebureauinfrontofhimweretwoguns.
    OneofthemwasPeteAnglich'soldwornColt.Theroomdoorwasshutandakey
    withataglayonthecarpetnearit,asthoughithadfallenoutofthedoor,
    orbeenpushedoutfromtheotherside.
    TheSmilerletthecoatfalltothefloorandheldawalletinhisleft
    hand.HisrighthandliftedtheColt.Hegrinned.
    "Okey,whiteboy.Justgoondryin'yourselfoffafteryourshower,"he
    said.
    PeteAnglichtoweledhimself.Herubbedhimselfdry,stoodnakedwiththe
    wettowelinhislefthand.
    TheSmilerhadthebillfoldemptyonthebureau,wascountingthemoney
    withhislefthand.HisrightstillclutchedtheColt.
    "Eightysevenbucks.Nicemoney.Someofit'sminefromthecrapgame,but
    I'mliftingitall,pal.Takeiteasy.I'mfriendswiththemanagementhere."
    "Gimmeabreak,Smiler,"PeteAnglichsaidhoarsely."That'severydollarI
    gotintheworld.Leaveafewbucks,huh?"Hemadehisvoicethick,coarse,
    heavyasthoughwithliquor.
    TheSmilergleamedhisteeth,shookhisnarrowhead."Can'tdoit,pal.Got
    meadateandIneedthekale."
    PeteAnglichtookaloosestepforwardandstopped,grinningsheepishly.
    Themuzzleofhisowngunhadjerkedathim.
    TheSmilersidledovertothebottleofryeandliftedit.
    "Icanusethis,too.Mybaby'sgotathroatforliquor.Surehas.What's
    inyourpantsisyours,pal.Fairenough?"
    PeteAnglichjumpedsideways,aboutfourfeet.TheSmiler'sfaceconvulsed.
    Thegunjerkedaroundandthebottleofryeslidoutofhislefthand,slammed

    downonhisfoot.Heyelped,kickedoutsavagely,andhistoecaughtinthetorn
    placeinthecarpet.
    PeteAnglichflippedthewetendofthebathtowelstraightattheSmiler's
    eyes.
    TheSmilerreeledandyelledwithpain.ThenPeteAnglichheldtheSmiler's
    gunwristinhishardlefthand.Hetwistedup,around.Hishandstartedto
    slidedownovertheSmiler'shand,overthegun.Thegunturnedinwardand
    touchedtheSmiler'sside.
    AhardkneekickedviciouslyatPeteAnglich'sabdomen.Hegagged,andhis
    fingertightenedconvulsivelyontheSmiler'striggerfinger.
    Theshotwasdull,muffledagainstthepurpleclothofthesuit.The
    Smiler'seyesrolledwhitelyandhisnarrowjawfellslack.
    PeteAnglichlethimdownonthefloorandstoodpanting,bentover,his
    facegreenish.Hegropedforthefallenbottleofrye,gotthecorkout,got
    someofthefieryliquiddownhisthroat.
    Thegreenishlookwentawayfromhisface.Hisbreathingslowed.Hewiped
    sweatoffhisforeheadwiththebackofhishand.
    HefelttheSmiler'spulse.TheSmilerdidn'thaveanypulse.Hewasdead.
    PeteAnglichloosenedthegunfromhishand,wentovertothedoorandglanced
    outintothehallway.Empty.Therewasapasskeyintheoutsideofthelock.He
    removedit,lockedthedoorfromtheinside.
    Heputhisunderclothesandsocksandshoeson,hiswornbluesergesuit,
    knottedablacktiearoundthecrumpledshirtcollar,wentbacktothedeadman
    andtookarollofbillsfromhispocket.Hepackedafewoddsandendsof
    clothesandtoiletarticlesinacheapfibersuitcase,stooditbythedoor.
    Hepushedatornscrapofsheetthroughhisrevolverbarrelwithapencil,
    replacedtheusedcartridge,crushedtheemptyshellwithhisheelonthe
    bathroomfloorandthenflusheditdownthetoilet.
    Helockedthedoorfromtheoutsideandwalkeddownthestairstothe
    lobby.
    Thebaldheadedclerk'seyesjumpedathim,thendropped.Theskinofhis
    faceturnedgray.PeteAnglichleanedonthecounterandopenedhishandtolet
    twokeystinkleonthescarredwood.Theclerkstaredatthekeys,shuddered.
    PeteAnglichsaidinhisslow,huskyvoice:"Hearanyfunnynoises?"
    Theclerkshookhishead,gulped.

    "Creepjoint,eh?"PeteAnglichsaid.
    Theclerkmovedhisheadpainfully,twistedhisneckinhiscollar.His
    baldheadwinkeddarklyundertheceilinglight.
    "Toobad,"PeteAnglichsaid."WhatnamedidIregisterunderlastnight?"
    "Youain'tregistered,"theclerkwhispered.
    "MaybeIwasn'thereeven,"PeteAnglichsaidsoftly.
    "Neversawyoubefore,mister."
    "You'renotseeingmenow.Youneverwillseemetoknowmewillyou,
    Doe?"
    Theclerkmovedhisneckandtriedtosmile.
    PeteAnglichdrewhiswalletoutandshookthreedollarbillsfromit.
    "I'maguythatlikestopayhisway,"hesaidslowly."ThispaysforRoom
    349tillwayinthemorning,kindoflate.Theladyougavethepasskeyto
    lookslikeaheavysleeper."Hepaused,steadiedhiscooleyesontheclerk's
    face,addedthoughtfully:"Unless,ofcourse,he'sgotfriendswhowouldliketo
    movehimout."
    Bubblesshowedontheclerk'slips.Hestuttered:"Heain'tain't"
    "Yeah,"PeteAnglichsaid."Whatwouldyouexpect?"
    Hewentacrosstothestreetdoor,carryinghissuitcase,steppedoutunder
    thestencilsign,stoodamomentlookingtowardthehardwhiteglareofCentral
    Avenue.
    Thenhewalkedtheotherway.Thestreetwasverydark,veryquiet.There
    werefourblocksofframehousesbeforehecametoNoonStreet.Itwasalla
    Negroquarter.
    Hemetonlyonepersonontheway,abrowngirlinagreenhat,verysheer
    stockings,andfourandahalfinchheels,whosmokedacigaretteunderadusty
    palmtreeandstaredbacktowardtheSurpriseHotel.

    Thelunchwagonwasanoldbuffetcarwithoutwheels,setendtotheStreetina
    spacebetweenamachineshopandaroominghouse.ThenameBellaDonnawas

    letteredinfadedgoldonthesides.PeteAnglichwentupthetwoironstepsat
    theend,intoasmelloffrygrease.
    TheNegrocook'sfatwhitebackwastohim.Atthefarendofthelow
    counterawhitegirlinacheapbrownfelthatandashabbypolocoatwitha
    highturnedupcollarwassippingcoffee,hercheekproppedinherlefthand.
    Therewasnobodyelseinthecar.
    PeteAnglichputhissuitcasedownandsatonastoolnearthedoor,
    saying:"Hi,Mopsy!"
    Thefatcookturnedashinyblackfaceoverhiswhiteshoulder.Theface
    splitinagrin.Athickbluishtonguecameoutandwiggledbetweenthecook's
    thicklips.
    "How'saboy?W'atyoueat?"
    "Scrambletwolight,coffee,toast,nospuds."
    "Datain'tnofoodforaheguy,"Mopsycomplained.
    "Ibeendrunk,"PeteAnglichsaid.
    Thegirlattheendofthecounterlookedathimsharply,lookedatthe
    cheapalarmclockontheshelf,atthewatchonherglovedwrist.Shedrooped,
    staredintohercoffeecupagain.
    Thefatcookbrokeeggsintoapan,addedmilk,stirredthemaround."You
    wantashot,boy?"
    PeteAnglichshookhishead.
    "I'mdrivingthewagon,Mopsy."
    Thecookgrinned.Hereachedabrownbottlefromunderthecounter,and
    pouredabigdrinkintoawaterglass,settheglassdownbesidePeteAnglich.
    PeteAnglichreachedsuddenlyfortheglass,jerkedittohislips,drank
    theliquordown.
    "GuessI'lldrivethewagonsomeothertime."Heputtheglassdownempty.
    Thegirlstoodup,camealongthestools,putadimeonthecounter.The
    fatcookpunchedhiscashregister,putdownanickelchange.PeteAnglich
    staredcasuallyatthegirl.Ashabby,innocenteyedgirl,brownhaircurlingon
    herneck,eyebrowspluckedcleanasaboneandstartledarchespaintedabovethe
    placewheretheyhadbeen.
    "Notlost,areyou,lady?"heaskedinhissoftlyhuskyvoice.

    Thegirlhadfumbledherbagopentoputthenickelaway.Shestarted
    violently,steppedbackanddroppedthebag.Itspilleditscontentsonthe
    floor.Shestareddownatit,wideeyed.
    PeteAnglichwentdownononekneeandpushedthingsintothebag.Acheap
    nickelcompact,cigarettes,apurplematchfolderletteredingold:The
    JuggernautClub.Twocoloredhandkerchiefs,acrumpleddollarbillandsome
    silverandpennies.
    Hestoodupwiththeclosedbaginhishand,helditouttothegirl.
    "Sorry,"hesaidsoftly."IguessIstartledyou."
    Herbreathmadearushingsound.Shecaughtthebagoutofhishand,ran
    outofthecar,andwasgone.
    Thefatcooklookedafterher.'Thatdolldon'tbelonginToughTown,"he
    saidslowly.
    Hedisheduptheeggsandtoast,pouredcoffeeinathickcup,putthem
    downinfrontofPeteAnglich.
    PeteAnglichtouchedthefood,saidabsently:"Alone,andmatchesfromthe
    Juggernaut.TrimmerWaltz'sspot.Youknowwhathappenstogirlslikethatwhen
    hegetsholdofthem."
    Thecooklickedhislips,reachedunderthecounterforthewhiskeybottle.
    Hepouredhimselfadrink,addedaboutthesameamountofwatertothebottle,
    putitbackunderthecounter.
    "Iain'tneverbeenatoughguy,anddon'wanttostart,"hesaidslowly.
    "ButI'sealltiredofwhiteboyslikedatguy.Somedayhegonnagetcut."
    PeteAnglichkickedhissuitcase.
    "Yeah.Keepthekeisterforme,Mopsy."
    Hewentout.
    Twoorthreecarsflickedbyinthecrispfallnight,butthesidewalks
    weredarkandempty.Acolorednightwatchmanmovedslowlyalongthestreet,
    tryingthedoorsofasmallrowofdingystores.Therewereframehousesacross
    thestreet,andacoupleofthemwerenoisy.
    PeteAnglichwentonpasttheintersection.Threeblocksfromthelunch
    wagonhesawthegirlagain.
    Shewaspressedagainstawall,motionless.Alittlebeyondher,dimyellow
    lightcamefromthestairwayofawalkupapartmenthouse.Beyondthatasmall
    parkinglotwithbillboardsacrossmostofitsfront.Faintlightfromsomewhere

    touchedherhat,hershabbypolocoatwiththeturnedupcollar,onesideofher
    face.Heknewitwasthesamegirl.
    Hesteppedintoadoorway,watchedher.Lightflashedonherupraisedarm,
    onsomethingbright,awristwatch.Somewherenotfaroffaclockstruckeight,
    low,pealingnotes.
    Lightsstabbedintothestreetfromthecornerbehind.Abigcarswung
    slowlyintoviewandasitswungitsheadlightsdimmed.Itcreptalongthe
    block,adarkshininessofglassandpolishedpaint.
    PeteAnglichgrinnedsharplyinhisdoorway.AcustombuiltDuesenberg,six
    blocksfromCentralAvenue!Hestiffenedatthesharpsoundofrunningsteps,
    clickinghighheels.
    Thegirlwasrunningtowardhimalongthesidewalk.Thecarwasnotnear
    enoughforitsdimmedlightstopickherup.PeteAnglichsteppedoutofthe
    doorway,grabbedherarm,draggedherbackintothedoorway.Agunsnakedfrom
    underhiscoat.
    Thegirlpantedathisside.
    TheDuesenbergpassedthedoorwayslowly.Noshotscamefromit.The
    uniformeddriverdidn'tslowdown.
    "Ican'tdoit.I'mscared,"thegirlgaspedinPeteAnglich'sear.Then
    shebrokeawayfromhimandranfartheralongthesidewalk,awayfromthecar.
    PeteAnglichlookedaftertheDuesenberg.Itwasoppositetherowof
    billboardsthatscreenedtheparkinglot.Itwasbarelycrawlingnow.Something
    sailedfromitsleftfrontwindow,fellwithadryslaponthesidewalk.Thecar
    pickedupspeedsoundlessly,purredoffintothedarkness.Ablockawayitshead
    lightsflashedupfullagain.
    Nothingmoved.Thethingthathadbeenthrownoutofthecarlayonthe
    inneredgeofthesidewalk,almostunderoneofthebillboards.
    Thenthegirlwascomingbackagain,astepatatime,haltingly.Pete
    Anglichwatchedhercome,withoutmoving.Whenshewaslevelwithhimhesaid
    softly:"What'stheracket?Couldafellowhelp?"
    Shespunaroundwithachokedsound,asthoughshehadforgottenallabout
    him.Herheadmovedinthedarknessathisside.Therewasaswiftshineasher
    eyesmoved.Therewasapaleflickeracrossherchin.Hervoicewaslow,
    hurried,scared.
    "You'rethemanfromthelunchwagon.Isawyou."

    "Openup.Whatisitapayoff?"
    Herheadmovedagaininthedarknessathisside,upanddown.
    "What'sinthepackage?"PeteAnglichgrowled."Money?"
    Herwordscameinarush."Wouldyougetitforme?Oh,wouldyouplease?
    I'dbesograteful.I'd"
    Helaughed.Hislaughhadalowgrowlingsound."Getitfor_you,_baby?I
    usemoneyinmybusiness,too.Comeon,what'stheracket?Spill."
    Shejerkedawayfromhim,buthedidn'tletgoofherarm.Heslidthegun
    outofsightunderhiscoat,heldherwithbothhands.Hervoicesobbedasshe
    whispered:"He'llkillme,ifIdon'tgetit."
    Verysharply,coldly,PeteAnglichsaid,"Whowill?TrimmerWaltz?"
    Shestartedviolently,almosttoreoutofhisgrasp.Notquite.Steps
    shuffledonthesidewalk.Twodarkformsshowedinfrontofthebillboards,
    didn'tpausetopickanythingup.Thestepscamenear,cigarettetipsglowed.
    Avoicesaidsoftly:"'Lothere,sweets.Yo'wanttochangeyo'rboy
    frien',honey?"
    ThegirlshrankbehindPeteAnglich.OneoftheNegroeslaughedgently,
    wavedtheredendofhiscigarette.
    "Hell,it'sawhitegal,"theotheronesaidquickly."Le'sdust."
    Theywenton,chuckling.Atthecornertheyturned,weregone.
    "Thereyouare,"PeteAnglichgrowled."Showsyouwhereyouare."Hisvoice
    washard,angry."Oh,hell,stayhereandI'llgetyourdamnpayoffforyou."
    Heleftthegirlandwentlightlyalongclosetothefrontoftheapartment
    house.Attheedgeofthebillboardshestopped,probedthedarknesswithhis
    eyes,sawthepackage.Itwaswrappedindarkmaterial,notlargebutlarge
    enoughtosee.Hebentdownandlookedunderthebillboards.Hedidn'tsee
    anythingbehindthem.
    Hewentonfoursteps,leaneddownandpickedupthepackage,feltcloth
    andtwothickrubberbands.Hestoodquitestill,listening.
    Distanttraffichummedonamainstreet.Alightburnedacrossthestreet
    inaroominghouse,behindaglasspaneleddoor.Awindowwasopenanddark
    aboveit.
    Awoman'svoicescreamedshrillybehindhim.

    Hestiffened,whirled,andthelighthithimbetweentheeyes.Itcamefrom
    thedarkwindowacrossthestreet,ablindingwhiteshaftthatimpaledhim
    againstthebillboard.
    Hisfaceleeredinit,hiseyesblinked.Hedidn'tmoveanymore.
    Shoesdroppedoncementandasmallerspotstabbedathimsidewaysfromthe
    endofthebillboards.Behindthespotacasualvoicespoke:"Don'tshiftan
    eyelash,bud.You'reallwrappedupinlaw."
    Menwithrevolversoutclosedinonhimfrombothendsofthelineof
    billboards.Heelsclickedfaroffonconcrete.Thenitwassilentforamoment.
    Thenacarwitharedspotlightswungaroundthecornerandboredownonthe
    groupofmenwithPeteAnglichintheirmidst.
    Themanwiththecasualvoicesaid:"I'mAngus,detectivelieutenant.I'll
    takethepacket,ifyoudon'tmind.Andifyou'lljustkeepyourhandstogether
    aminute"
    ThehandcuffsclickeddrylyonPeteAnglich'swrists.
    Helistenedhardforthesoundoftheheelsfaroff,runningaway.But
    therewastoomuchnoisearoundhimnow.
    Doorsopenedanddarkpeoplebegantoboiloutofthehouses.

    JohnVidaurywassixfeettwoinchesinheightandhadthemostperfectprofile
    inHollywood.Hewasdark,winsome,romantic,withaninterestingtouchofgray
    athistemples.Hisshoulderswerewide,hishipsnarrow.Hehadthewaistofan
    Englishguardsofficer,andhisdinnerclothesfithimsobeautifullythatit
    hurt.
    SohelookedatPeteAnglichasifhewasabouttoapologizefornot
    knowinghim.PeteAnglichlookedathishandcuffs,athiswornshoesonthe
    thickrug,atthetallchimingclockagainstthewall.Therewasaflushonhis
    faceandhiseyeswerebright.
    Inasmooth,clear,modulatedvoiceVidaurysaid,"No,I'veneverseenhim
    before."HesmiledatPeteAnglich.

    Angus,theplainclotheslieutenant,leanedagainstoneendofacarved
    librarytableandsnappedafingeragainstthebrimofhishat.Twoother
    detectivesstoodnearasidewall.Afourthsatatasmalldeskwitha
    stenographer'snotebookinfrontofhim.
    Angussaid,"Oh,wejustthoughtyoumightknowhim.Wecan'tgetmuchof
    anythingoutofhim."
    Vidauryraisedhiseyebrows,smiledveryfaintly."ReallyI'msurprisedat
    that."Hewentaroundcollectingglasses,andtookthemovertoatray,started
    tomixmoredrinks.
    "Ithappens,"Angussaid.
    "Ithoughtyouhadways,"Vidaurysaiddelicately,pouringScotchintothe
    glasses.
    Anguslookedatafingernail.'WhenIsayhewon'ttellusanything,Mr.
    Vidaury,Imeananythingthatcounts.HesayshisnameisPeteAnglich,thathe
    usedtobeafighter,buthasn'tfoughtforseveralyears.Uptoaboutayear
    agohewasaprivatedetective,buthasnoworknow.Hewonsomemoneyinacrap
    gameandgotdrunk,andwasjustwanderingabout.That'showhehappenedtobe
    onNoonStreet.Hesawthepackagetossedoutofyourcarandpickeditup.We
    canvaghim,butthat'saboutall."
    "Itcouldhappenthatway,"Vidaurysaidsoftly.Hecarriedtheglassestwo
    atatimetothefourdetectives,liftedhisown,andnoddedslightlybeforehe
    drank.Hedrankgracefully,withasuperbeleganceofmovement,"No,Idon't
    knowhim,"hesaidagain."Frankly,hedoesn'tlooklikeanacidthrowertome."
    Hewavedahand."SoI'mafraidbringinghimhere"
    PeteAnglichliftedhisheadsuddenly,staredatVidaury.Hisvoice
    sneered.
    "It'sagreatcompliment,Vidaury.Theydon'toftenuseupthetimeoffour
    copperstakingprisonersaroundtocallonpeople."
    Vidaurysmiledamiably."That'sHollywood,"hesmiled."Afterall,onehad
    areputation."
    "Had,"PeteAnglichsaid."Yourlastpicturewasapainwhereyoudon't
    telltheladies."
    Angusstiffened.Vidaury'sfacewentwhite.Heputhisglassdownslowly,
    lethishandfalltohisside.Hewalkedspringilyacrosstherugandstoodin
    frontofPeteAnglich.

    "That'syouropinion,"hesaidharshly,"butIwarnyou"
    PeteAnglichscowledathim."Listen,bigshot.Youputagrandontheline
    becausesomepunkpromisedtothrowacidatyouifyoudidn't.Ipickedupthe
    grand,butIdidn'tgetanyofyournice,newmoney.Soyougotitback.Youget
    tengrandworthofpublicityanditwon'tcostyouanickel.Icallthatpretty
    swell."
    Angussaidsharply,"That'senoughfromyou,mug."
    "Yeah?"PeteAnglichsneered."Ithoughtyouwantedmetotalk.Well,I'm
    talking,andIhatepikers,see?"
    Vidaurybreathedhard.VerysuddenlyheballedhisfistandswungatPete
    Anglich'sjaw.PeteAnglich'sheadrolledundertheblow,andhiseyesblinked
    shut,thenwideopen.Heshookhimselfandsaidcoolly:"Elbowupandthumb
    down,Vidaury.Youbreakahandhittingaguythatway."
    Vidaurysteppedbackandshookhishead,lookedathisthumb.Hisfacelost
    itswhiteness.Hissmilestoleback.
    "I'msorry,"hesaidcontritely."Iamverysorry.I'mnotusedtobeing
    insulted.AsIdon'tknowthisman,perhapsyou'dbettertakehimaway,
    Lieutenant.Handcuffed,too.Notverysporting,wasit?"
    "Tellthattoyourpoloponies,"PeteAnglichsaid."Idon'tbruiseso
    easy."
    Anguswalkedovertohim,tappedhisshoulder."Uponthedogs,bo.Let's
    drift.You'renotusedtonicepeople,areyou?"
    "No.Ilikebums,"PeteAnglichsaid.
    Hestoodupslowly,scuffedatthepileofthecarpet.
    Thetwodicksagainstthewallfellinbesidehim,andtheywalkedaway
    downthehugeroom,underanarch.Angusandtheothermancamebehind.They
    waitedinthesmallprivatelobbyfortheelevatortocomeup.
    "Whatwastheidea?"Angussnapped."Gettinggashousewithhim?"
    PeteAnglichlaughed."Jumpy,"hesaid,"Justjumpy."
    Theelevatorcameupandtheyrodedowntothehuge,silentlobbyofthe
    ChesterTowers.Twohousedetectivesloungedattheendofthemarbledesk,two
    clerksstoodalertbehindit.
    PeteAnglichliftedhismanacledhandsinthefighter'ssalute."What,no
    newshawksyet?"hejeered."Vidaurywon'tlikehushhushonthis."
    "Keepgoin',smartie,"oneofthedickssnapped,jerkinghisarm.

    Theywentdownacorridorandoutofasideentrancetoanarrowstreet
    thatdroppedalmostsheertotreetops.Beyondthetreetopsthelightsofthe
    citywereavastgoldencarpet,stitchedwithbrilliantsplashesofredand
    greenandblueandpurple.
    Twostarterswhirred.PeteAnglichwaspushedintothebackseatofthe
    firstcar.Angusandanothermangotinoneithersideofhim.Thecarsdrifted
    downthehill,turnedeastonFountain,slidquietlythroughtheeveningfor
    mileaftermile.FountainmetSunset,andthecarsdroppeddowntowntowardthe
    tall,whitetoweroftheCityHall.AttheplazathefirstcarswungovertoLos
    AngelesStreetandwentsouth.Theothercarwenton.
    AfterawhilePeteAnglichdroppedthecornersofhismouthandlooked
    sidewaysatAngus.
    "Whereyoutakingme?Thisisn'tthewaytoheadquarters."
    Angus'dark,austerefaceturnedtowardhimslowly.Afteramomentthebig
    detectiveleanedbackandyawnedatthenight.Hedidn'tanswer.
    ThecarslidalongLosAngelestoFifth,easttoSanPedro,southagainfor
    blockafterblock,quietblocksandloudblocks,blockswheresilentmensaton
    shakyfrontporchesandblockswherenoisyyoungtoughsofbothcolorssnarled
    andwisecrackedatoneanotherinfrontofcheaprestaurantsanddrugstoresand
    beerparlorsfullofslotmachines.
    AtSantaBarbarathepolicecarturnedeastagain,driftedslowlyalongthe
    curbtoNoonStreet.Itstoppedatthecornerabovethelunchwagon.Pete
    Anglich'sfacetightenedagain,buthedidn'tsayanything.
    "Okey,"Angusdrawled."Taketheflippersoff."
    ThedickonPeteAnglich'sothersidedugakeyoutofhisvest,unlocked
    thehandcuffs,jangledthempleasantlybeforeheputthemawayonhiship.Angus
    swungthedooropenandsteppedoutofthecar.
    "Out,"hesaidoverhisshoulder.
    PeteAnglichgotout.Anguswalkedalittlewayfromthestreetlight,
    stopped,beckoned.Hishandmovedunderhiscoat,cameoutwithagun.Hesaid
    softly:"Hadtoplayitthisway.Otherwisewe'dtipthetown.Pearson'sthe
    onlyonethatknowsyou.Anyideas?"
    PeteAnglichtookhisgun,shookhisheadslowly,slidthegununderhis
    owncoat,keepinghisbodybetweenitandthecaratthecurbbehind.

    "Thestakeoutwasspotted,Iguess,"hesaidslowly."Therewasagirl
    hangingaroundthere,butmaybethatjusthappened,too."
    Angusstaredathimsilentlyforamoment,thennoddedandwentbacktothe
    car.Thedoorslammedshut,andthecardriftedoffdownthestreetandpicked
    upspeed.
    PeteAnglichwalkedalongSantaBarbaratoCentral,southonCentral.After
    awhileabrightsignglaredathiminvioletlettersJuggernautClub.Hewent
    upbroadcarpetedstairstowardnoiseanddancemusic.

    Thegirlhadtogosidewaystogetbetweentheclosesettablesaroundthesmall
    dancefloor.Herhipstouchedthebackofaman'sshoulderandhereachedout
    andgrabbedherhand,grinning.Shesmiledmechanically,pulledherhandaway
    andcameon.
    Shelookedbetterinthebronzemetalclothdresswithbarearmsandthe
    brownhaircurlinglowonherneck;betterthanintheshabbypolocoatand
    cheapfelthat,bettereventhaninskyscraperheels,barelegsandthighs,the
    irreducibleminimumabovethewaistline,andadullgoldoperahattipped
    rakishlyoveroneear.
    Herfacelookedhaggard,small,pretty,shallow.Hereyeshadawidestare.
    Thedancebandmadeasharpracketovertheclatterofdishes,thethickhumof
    talk,theshufflingfeetonthedancefloor.ThegirlcameslowlyuptoPete
    Anglich'stable,pulledtheotherchairoutandsatdown.
    Sheproppedherchinonthebacksofherhands,putherelbowsonthe
    tablecloth,staredathim.
    "Hellothere,"shesaidinavoicethatshookalittle.
    PeteAnglichpushedapackofcigarettesacrossthetable,watchedher
    shakeonelooseandgetitbetweenherlips.Hestruckamatch.Shehadtotake
    itoutofhishandtolighthercigarette.
    "Drink?"
    "I'llsay."

    Hesignaledthefuzzyhaired,almondeyedwaiter,orderedacoupleof
    sidecars.Thewaiterwentaway.PeteAnglichleanedbackonhischairandlooked
    atoneofhisbluntfingertips.
    Thegirlsaidverysoftly:"Igotyournote,mister."
    "Likeit?"Hisvoicewasstifflycasual.Hedidn'tlookather.
    Shelaughedoffkey."We'vegottopleasethecustomers."
    PeteAnglichlookedpasthershoulderatthecornerofthebandshell.A
    manstoodtheresmoking,besideasmallmicrophone.Hewasheavilybuilt,old
    foranm.c.,withslickgrayhairandabignoseandthethickenedcomplexionof
    asteadydrinker.Hewassmilingateverythingandeverybody.PeteAnglich
    lookedathimalittlewhile,watchingthedirectionofhisglances.Hesaid
    stiffly,inthesamecasualvoice,"Butyou'dbehereanyway."
    Thegirlstiffened,thenslumped."Youdon'thavetoinsultme,mister."
    Helookedatherslowly,withanemptyupfromunderlook."You'redownand
    out,kneedeepinnothing,baby.I'vebeenthatwayoftenenoughtoknowthe
    symptoms.Besides,yougotmeinplentyjamtonight.Ioweyouacoupleinsults.
    Thefuzzyhairedwaitercamebackandslidatrayonthecloth,wipedthe
    bottomsoftwoglasseswithadirtytowel,setthemout.Hewentawayagain.
    Thegirlputherhandaroundaglass,lifteditquicklyandtookalong
    drink.Sheshiveredalittleassheputtheglassdown.Herfacewaswhite.
    "Wisecrackorsomething,"shesaidrapidly."Don'tjustsitthere.I'm
    watched."
    PeteAnglichtouchedhisfreshdrink,smiledverydeliberatelytowardthe
    cornerofthebandshell.
    "Yeah,Icanimagine.TellmeaboutthatpickuponNoonStreet."
    Shereachedoutquicklyandtouchedhisarm.Hersharpnailsdugintoit.
    "Nothere,"shebreathed."Idon'tknowhowyoufoundmeandIdon'tcare.You
    lookedlikethekindofJoethatwouldhelpagirlout.Iwasscaredstiff.But
    don'ttalkaboutithere.I'lldoanythingyouwant,goanywhereyouwant.Only
    nothere."
    PeteAnglichtookhisarmfromunderherhand,leanedbackagain.Hiseyes
    werecold,buthismouthwaskind.
    "Igetit.Trimmer'swishes.Washetailingthejob?"

    Shenoddedquickly."Ihadn'tgonethreeblocksbeforehepickedmeup.He
    thoughtitwasaswellgag,whatIdid,buthewon'tthinksowhenheseesyou
    here.Thatmakesyouwise."
    PeteAnglichsippedhisdrink."Heiscomingthisway,"hesaid,coolly.
    Thegrayhairedm.c.wasmovingamongthetables,bowingandtalking,but
    edgingtowardtheonewherePeteAnglichsatwiththegirl.Thegirlwasstaring
    intoabiggiltmirrorbehindPeteAnglich'shead.Herfacewassuddenly
    distorted,shatteredwithterror.Herlipswereshakinguncontrollably.
    TrimmerWaltzidledcasuallyuptothetable,leanedahanddownonit.He
    pokedhisbigveinednoseatPeteAnglich.Therewasasoft,flatgrinonhis
    face.
    "Hi,Pete.Haven'tseenyouaroundsincetheyburiedMcKinley.How's
    tricks?"
    "Notbad,notgood,"PeteAnglichsaidhuskily."Ibeenonadrunk."
    TrimmerWaltzbroadenedhissmile,turneditonthegirl.Shelookedathim
    quickly,lookedaway,pickingatthetablecloth.
    Waltz'svoicewassoft,cooing."Knowthelittleladybeforeorjustpick
    heroutofthelineup?"
    PeteAnglichshrugged,lookedbored."Justwantedsomebodytoshareadrink
    with,Trimmer.Sentheranote.Okey?"
    "Sure.Perfect."Waltzpickedoneoftheglassesup,sniffedatit.He
    shookhisheadsadly."Wishwecouldservebetterstuff.Atfourbitsathrowit
    can'tbedone.Howabouttippingafewoutofarightbottle,backinmyden?"
    "Bothofus?"PeteAnglichaskedgently.
    "Bothofyouisright.Inaboutfiveminutes.Igottocirculatealittle
    first."
    Hepinchedthegirl'scheek,wenton,withalooseswingofhistailored
    shoulders.
    Thegirlsaidslowly,thickly,hopelessly,"SoPete'syourname.Youmust
    wanttodieyoung,Pete.Mine'sTokenWare.Sillyname,isn'tit?"
    "Ilikeit,"PeteAnglichsaidsoftly.
    ThegirlstaredatapointbelowthewhitescaronPeteAnglich'sthroat.
    Hereyesslowlyfilledwithtears.
    TrimmerWaltzdriftedamongthetables,speakingtoacustomerhereand
    there.Heedgedovertothefarwall,camealongittothebandshell,stood

    thererangingthehousewithhiseyesuntilhewaslookingdirectlyatPete
    Anglich.Hejerkedhishead,steppedbackthroughapairofthickcurtains.
    PeteAnglichpushedhischairbackandstoodup."Let'sgo,"hesaid.
    TokenWarecrushedacigaretteoutinaglasstraywithjerkyfingers,
    finishedthedrinkinherglass,stoodup.Theywentbackbetweenthetables,
    alongtheedgeofthedancefloor,overtothesideofthebandshell.
    Thecurtainsopenedontoadimhallwaywithdoorsonbothsides.Ashabby
    redcarpetmaskedthefloor.Thewallswerechipped,thedoorscracked.
    "Theoneattheendontheleft,"TokenWarewhispered.
    Theycametoit.PeteAnglichknocked.TrimmerWaltz'svoicecalledoutto
    comein.PeteAnglichstoodamomentlookingatthedoor,thenturnedhishead
    andlookedatthegirlwithhiseyeshardandnarrow.Hepushedthedooropen,
    gesturedather.Theywentin.
    Theroomwasnotverylight.Asmalloblongreadinglamponthedeskshed
    glowonpolishedwood,butlessontheshabbyredcarpet,andthelongheavyred
    drapesacrosstheouterwall.Theairwasclose,withathick,sweetishsmellof
    liquor.
    TrimmerWaltzsatbehindthedeskwithhishandstouchingatraythat
    containedacutglassdecanter,somegoldveinedglasses,anicebucketanda
    siphonofchargedwater.
    Hesmiled,rubbedonesideofhisbignose.
    "Parkyourselves,folks.LiqueurScotchatsixninetyafifth.That'swhat
    itcostsmewholesale."
    PeteAnglichshutthedoor,lookedslowlyaroundtheroom,atthefloor
    lengthwindowdrapes,attheunlightedceilinglight.Heunbuttonedthetop
    buttonofhiscoatwithaslow,easymovement.
    "Hotinhere,"hesaidsoftly."Anywindowsbehindthosedrapes?"
    ThegirlsatinaroundchairontheoppositesideofthedeskfromWaltz.
    Hesmiledatherverygently.
    "Goodidea,"Waltzsaid."Openoneup,willyou?"
    PeteAnglichwentpasttheendofthedesk,towardthecurtains.Ashegot
    beyondWaltz,hishandwentupunderhiscoatandtouchedthebuttofhisgun.
    Hemovedsoftlytowardthereddrapes.Thetipsofwide,squaretoedblackshoes
    justbarelyshowedunderthecurtains,intheshadowbetweenthecurtainsand
    thewall.

    PeteAnglichreachedthecurtains,puthislefthandoutandjerkedthem
    open.
    Theshoesontheflooragainstthewallwereempty.Waltzlaugheddryly
    behindPeteAnglich.Thenathick,coldvoicesaid:"Put'emhigh,boy."
    Thegirlmadeastrangledsound,notquiteascream.PeteAnglichdropped
    hishandsandturnedslowlyandlooked.TheNegrowasenormousinstature,
    gorillalike,andworeabaggycheckedsuitthatmadehimevenmoreenormous.He
    hadcomesoundlesslyonshoelessfeetoutofaclosetdoor,andhisrighthand
    almostcoveredahugeblackgun.
    TrimmerWaltzheldaguntoo,aSavage.ThetwomenstaredquietlyatPete
    Anglich.PeteAnglichputhishandsupintheair,hiseyesblank,hissmall
    mouthsethard.
    TheNegrointhecheckedsuitcametowardhiminlong,loosestrides,
    pressedthegunagainsthischest,thenreachedunderhiscoat.Hishandcame
    outwithPeteAnglich'sgun.Hedroppeditbehindhimonthefloor.Heshifted
    hisownguncasuallyandhitPeteAnglichonthesideofthejawwiththeflat
    ofit.
    PeteAnglichstaggeredandthesalttasteofbloodcameunderhistongue.
    Heblinked,saidthickly:"I'llrememberyoualongtime,bigboy."
    TheNegrogrinned."Notsolong,pal.Notsolong."
    HehitPeteAnglichagainwiththegun,thensuddenlyhejammeditintoa
    sidepocketandhistwobighandsshotout,clampedthemselvesonPeteAnglich's
    throat.
    "Whenthey'stoughIlikestosqueeze'em,"hesaidalmostsoftly.
    Thumbsthatfeltasbigandhardasdoorknobspressedintothearterieson
    PeteAnglich'sneck.Thefacebeforehimandabovehimgrewenormous,an
    enormousshadowyfacewithawidegrininthemiddleofit.Itwavedin
    lesseninglight,anunreal,afantasticface.
    PeteAnglichhittheface,withpunyblows,theblowsofatoyballoon.His
    fistsdidn'tfeelanythingastheyhittheface.Thebigmantwistedhimaround
    andputakneeintohisback,andbenthimdownovertheknee.
    Therewasnosoundforawhileexceptthethunderofbloodthreshingin
    PeteAnglich'shead.Then,faraway,heseemedtohearagirlscreamthinly.
    FromstillfartherawaythevoiceofTrimmerWaltzmuttered:"Easynow,Rufe.
    Easy."

    AvastblacknessshotwithhotredfilledPeteAnglich'sworld.The
    darknessgrewsilent.Nothingmovedinitnow,notevenblood.
    TheNegroloweredPeteAnglich'slimpbodytothefloor,steppedbackand
    rubbedhishandstogether.
    "Yeah,Ilikestosqueeze'em,"hesaid.

    TheNegrointhecheckedsuitsatonthesideofthedaybedandpickedlanguidly
    atafivestringedbanjo.Hislargefacewassolemnandpeaceful,alittlesad.
    Hepluckedthebanjostringsslowly,withhisbarefingers,hisheadonone
    side,acrumpledcigaretteendstickingbarelypasthislipsatonecornerof
    hismouth.
    Lowdowninhisthroathewasmakingakindofdroningsound.Hewas
    singing.
    Acheapelectricclockonthemantelsaid11:35.Itwasasmalllivingroom
    withbright,overstuffedfurniture,aredfloorlampwithaclusterofFrench
    dollsatitsbase,agaycarpetwithlargediamondshapesinit,twocurtained
    windowswithamirrorbetweenthem.
    Adooratthebackwasajar.Adoornearitopeningintothehallwasshut.
    PeteAnglichlayonhisbackonthefloor,withhismouthopenandhisarms
    outflung.Hisbreathwasathicksnore.Hiseyeswereshut,andhisfaceinthe
    reddishglowofthelamplookedflushedandfeverish.
    TheNegroputthebanjodownoutofhisimmensehands,stoodupandyawned
    andstretched.Hewalkedacrosstheroomandlookedatacalendaroverthe
    mantel.
    "Thisain'tAugust,"hesaiddisgustedly.
    Hetorealeaffromthecalendar,rolleditintoaballandthrewitat
    PeteAnglich'sface.Ithittheunconsciousman'scheek.Hedidn'tstir.The
    Negrospitthecigaretteendintohispalm,heldhispalmoutflat,andflicked
    afingernailatit,sentitsailinginthesamedirectionasthepaperball.
    Heloafedafewstepsandleaneddown,fingeringabruiseonPeteAnglich's
    temple.Hepressedthebruise,grinningsoftly.PeteAnglichdidn'tmove.

    TheNegrostraightenedandkickedtheunconsciousmanintheribs
    thoughtfully,overandoveragain,notveryhard.PeteAnglichmovedalittle,
    gurgled,androlledhisheadtooneside.TheNegrolookedpleased,lefthim,
    wentbacktothedaybed.Hecarriedhisbanjoovertothehaildoorandleaned
    itagainstthewall.Therewasagunlyingonanewspaperonasmalltable.He
    wentthroughapartlyopeninnerdoorandcamebackwithapintbottleofgin,
    halffull.Herubbedthebottleovercarefullywithahandkerchief,setiton
    themantel.
    "Abouttimenow,pal,"hemusedoutloud."Whenyouwakeup,maybeyou
    don'tfeelsogood.Maybeneedashot...Hey,Igottabetterhunch."
    Hereachedforthebottleagain,wentdownononebigknee,pouredginover
    PeteAnglich'smouthandchin,sloppeditlooselyonthefrontofhisshirt.He
    stoodthebottleonthefloor,afterwipingitoffagain,andflickedtheglass
    stopperunderthedaybed.
    "Grabit,whiteboy,"hesaidsoftly."Printsdon'tneverhurt."
    Hegotthenewspaperwiththegunonit,slidthegunoffonthecarpet,
    andmoveditwithhisfootuntilitlayjustoutofreachofPeteAnglich's
    outflunghand.
    Hestudiedthelayoutcarefullyfromthedoor,nodded,pickedhisbanjoup.
    Heopenedthedoor,peepedout,thenlookedback.
    "Solong,pal,"hesaidsoftly."Timeformetobreeze.'Youain'tgota
    lotoffuturecomin',butwhatyougotyougetsudden."
    Heshutthedoor,wentalongthehallwaytostairsanddownthestairs.
    Radiosmadefaintsoundbehindshutdoors.Theentrancelobbyoftheapartment
    housewasempty.TheNegrointhecheckedsuitslippedintoapayboothinthe
    darkcornerofthelobby,droppedhisnickelanddialed.
    Aheavyvoicesaid:"Policedepartment."
    TheNegroputhislipsclosetothetransmitterandgotawhineintohis
    voice.
    "Thisthecops?Say,there'sbeenashootin'scrapeintheCalliope
    Apartments,TwoFortySixEastFortyEight,ApartmentFourB.Gotit?...Well,do
    somethin'aboutit,flatfoot!"
    Hehungupquickly,giggling,randownthefrontstepsoftheapartment
    houseandjumpedintoasmall,dirtysedan.Hekickedittolifeanddrove

    towardCentralAvenue.HewasablockfromCentralAvenuewhentheredeyeofa
    prowlcarswungaroundfromCentralontoEastFortyEightStreet.
    TheNegrointhesedanchuckledandwentonhisway.Hewassingingdownin
    histhroatwhentheprowlcarwhirredpasthim.
    TheinstantthedoorlatchclickedPeteAnglichopenedhiseyeshalfway.He
    turnedhisheadslowly,andagrinofpaincameonhisfaceandstayedonit,
    buthekeptonturninghisheaduntilhecouldseetheemptinessofoneendof
    theroomandthemiddle.Hetippedhisheadfarbackonthefloor,sawtherest
    oftheroom.
    Herolledtowardthegunandtookholdofit.Itwashisowngun.Hesatup
    andsnappedthegateopenmechanically.Hisfacestiffenedoutofthegrin.One
    shellinthegunhadbeenfired.Thebarrelsmelledofpowderfumes.
    Hecametohisfeetandcrepttowardtheslightlyopeninnerdoor,keeping
    hisheadlow.Whenhereachedthedoorhebentstilllower,andslowlypushed
    thedoorwideopen.Nothinghappened.Helookedintoabedroomwithtwinbeds,
    madeupandcoveredwithrosedamaskwithagolddesigninit.
    Somebodylayononeofthebeds.Awoman.Shedidn'tmove.Thehard,tight
    grincamebackonPeteAnglich'sface.Herosestraightupandwalkedsoftlyon
    theballsofhisfeetovertothesideofthebed.Adoorbeyondwasopenona
    bathroom,butnosoundcamefromit.PeteAnglichlookeddownatthecolored
    girlonthebed.
    Hecaughthisbreathandletitoutslowly.Thegirlwasdead.Hereyes
    werehalfopen,uninterested,herhandslazyathersides:Herlegsweretwisted
    alittleandbareskinshowedaboveonesheerstocking,belowtheshortskirt.A
    greenhatlayonthefloor.ShehadfourandahalfinchFrenchheels.Therewas
    ascentofMidnightNarcissusintheroom.Herememberedthegirloutsidethe
    SurpriseHotel.
    Shewasquitedead,deadlongenoughforthebloodtohaveclottedoverthe
    powderscorchedholebelowherleftbreast.
    PeteAnglichwentbacktothelivingroom,grabbeduptheginbottle,and
    emptieditwithoutstoppingorchoking.Hestoodamoment,breathinghard,
    thinking.Thegunhungslackinhislefthand.Hissmall,tightmouthhardly
    showedatall.

    Heworkedhisfingersontheglassoftheginbottle,tosseditemptyon
    topofthedaybed,slidhisgunintotheunderarmholster,wenttothedoorand
    steppedquietlyintothehall.
    Thehallwaslonganddimandyawningwithchillair.Asinglebracket
    lightloomedyellowlyatthetopofthestairs.Ascreendoorledtoabalcony
    overthefrontporchofthebuilding.Therewasagraysplashofcoldmoonlight
    ononecornerofthescreen.
    PeteAnglichwentsoftlydownthestairstothefronthall,puthishand
    outtotheknoboftheglassdoor.
    Aredspothitthefrontofthedoor.Itsiftedahardredglarethrough
    theglassandthesleazycurtainthatmaskedit.
    PeteAnglichsliddownthedoor,belowthepanel,hunchedalongthewallto
    theside.Hiseyesrangedtheplaceswiftly,heldonthedarktelephonebooth.
    "Mantrap,"hesaidsoftly,anddodgedovertothebooth,intoit.He
    crouchedandalmostshutthedoor.
    Stepsslammedontheporchandthefrontdoorsqueakedopen.Thesteps
    hammeredintothehallway,stopped.
    Aheavyvoicesaid:"Allquiet,huh?Maybeaphony."
    Anothervoicesaid:"FourB.Let'sgiveitthedust,anyway."
    Thestepswentalongthelowerhail,cameback.Theysoundedonthestairs
    goingup.Theydrummedintheupperhail.
    PeteAnglichpushedthedooroftheboothback,slidovertothefront
    door,crouchedandsquintedagainsttheredglare.
    Theprowlcaratthecurbwasadarkbulk.Itsheadlightsburnedalongthe
    crackedsidewalk.Hecouldn'tseeintoit.Hesighed,openedthedoorandwalked
    quickly,butnottooquickly,downthewoodenstepsfromtheporch.
    Theprowlcarwasempty,withbothfrontdoorshangingopen.Shadowyforms
    wereconvergingcautiouslyfromacrossthestreet.PeteAnglichmarchedstraight
    totheprowlcarandgotintoit.Heshutthedoorsquietly,steppedonthe
    starter,threwthecaringear.
    Hedroveoffpastthegatheringcrowdofneighbors.Atthefirstcornerhe
    turnedandswitchedofftheredspot.Thenhedrovefast,woundinandoutof
    blocks,awayfromCentral,afterawhileturnedbacktowardit.
    Whenhewasnearitslightsandchatterandtraffichepulledovertothe
    sideofthedustytreelinedstreet,lefttheprowlcarstanding.

    HewalkedtowardsCentral.

    TrimmerWaltzcradledthephonewithhislefthand.Heputhisrightindex
    fingeralongtheedgeofhisupperlip,pushedthelipoutoftheway,and
    rubbedhisfingerslowlyalonghisteethandgums.Hisshallow,colorlesseyes
    lookedacrossthedeskatthebigNegrointhecheckedsuit.
    "Lovely,"hesaidinadeadvoice."Lovely.Hegotawaybeforethelaw
    jumpedhim.Averyswelljob,Rufe."
    TheNegrotookacigarstuboutofhismouthandcrusheditbetweenahuge
    flatthumbandahugeflatforefinger.
    "Hell,hewasoutcold,"hesnarled."TheprowliespassedmebeforeIgot
    toCentral.Hell,hecan'tgetaway."
    "Thatwashimtalking,"Waltzsaidlifelessly.Heopenedthetopdrawerof
    hisdeskandlaidhisheavySavageinfrontofhim.
    TheNegrolookedattheSavage.Hiseyesgotdullandlightless,like
    obsidian.Hislipspuckeredandgougedateachother.
    "Thatgal'sbeencuttin'cornersonmewiththree,fourotherguys,"he
    grumbled."Iowedhertheslug.Okydoke.That'sjake.Now,Igooutandcollect
    methesmartmonkey."
    Hestartedtogetup.Waltzbarelytouchedthebuttofhisgunwithtwo
    fingers.Heshookhishead,andtheNegrosatdownagain.Waltzspoke.
    "Hegotaway,Rufe.Andyoucalledthebuttonstofindadeadwoman.Unless
    theygethimwiththegunonhimonechanceinathousandthere'snowayto
    tieittohim.Thatmakesyouthefallguy.Youlivethere."
    TheNegrogrinnedandkepthisdulleyesontheSavage.
    Hesaid:"Thatmakesmegetcoldfeet.Andmyfeetarebigenoughtoget
    plentycold.GuessItakemeapowder,huh?"
    Waltzsighed.Hesaidthoughtfully:"Yeah,Iguessyouleavetownfora
    while.FromGlendale.The'Friscolatetrainwillbeaboutright."
    TheNegrolookedsulky."Nixon'Frisco,boss.Iputmythumbsonafrail
    there.Shecroaked.Nixon'Frisco,boss."

    "You'vegotideas,Rufe,"Waltzsaidcalmly.Herubbedthesideofhis
    veinednosewithonefinger,thenslickedhisgrayhairbackwithhispalm."I
    seetheminyourbigbrowneyes.Forgetit.I'lltakecareofyou.Getthecar
    inthealley.We'llfiguretheanglesonthewaytoGlendale."
    TheNegroblinkedandwipedcigarashoffhischinwithhishugehand.
    "Andbetterleaveyourbigshinygunhere,"Waltzadded."Itneedsarest."
    Rufereachedbackandslowlydrewhisgunfromahippocket.Hepushedit
    acrossthepolishedwoodofthedeskwithonefinger.Therewasafaint,sleepy
    smileatthebackofhiseyes.
    "Okey,boss,"hesaid,almostdreamily.
    Hewentacrosstothedoor,openedit,andwentout.Waltzstoodupand
    steppedovertothecloset,putonadarkfelthatandalightweightovercoat,
    apairofdarkgloves.HedroppedtheSavageintohislefthandpocket,Rufe's
    gunintotheright.Hewentoutoftheroomdownthehalltowardthesoundof
    thedanceband.
    Attheendhepartedthecurtainsjustenoughtopeerthrough.The
    orchestrawasplayingawaltz.Therewasagoodcrowd,aquietcrowdforCentral
    Avenue.Waltzsighed,watchedthedancersforamoment,letthecurtainsfall
    togetheragain.
    Hewentbackalongthehallpasthisofficetoadoorattheendthatgave
    onstairs.Anotherdooratthebottomofthestairsopenedonadarkalley
    behindthebuilding.
    Waltzclosedthedoorgently,stoodinthedarknessagainstthewall.The
    soundofanidlingmotorcametohim,thelightclatterofloosetappets.The
    alleywasblindatoneend,attheotherturnedatrightanglestowardthefront
    ofthebuilding.SomeofthelightfromCentralAvenuesplashedonabrickwall
    attheendofthecrossalley,beyondthewaitingcar,asmallsedanthatlooked
    batteredanddirtyeveninthedarkness.
    Waltzreachedhisrighthandintohisovercoatpocket,tookoutRufe'sgun
    andhelditdownintheclothofhisovercoat.Hewalkedtothesedan
    soundlessly,wentaroundtotherighthanddoor,openedittogetin.
    Twohugehandscameoutofthecarandtookholdofhisthroat.Hardhands,
    handswithenormousstrengthinthem.Waltzmadeafaintgurglingsoundbefore
    hisheadwasbentbackandhisalmostblindeyesweregropingatthesky.

    Thenhisrighthandmoved,movedlikeahandthathadnothingtodowith
    hisstiff,strainingbody,historturedneck,hisbulgingblindeyes.Itmoved
    forwardcautiously,delicately,untilthemuzzleofthegunitheldpressed
    againstsomethingsoft.Itexploredthesomethingsoftcarefully,withouthaste,
    seemedtobemakingsurejustwhatitwas.
    TrimmerWaltzdidn'tsee,hehardlyfelt.Hedidn'tbreathe.Buthishand
    obeyedhisbrainlikeadetachedforcebeyondthereachofRufe'sterrible
    hands.Waltz'sfingersqueezedthetrigger.
    Thehandsfellslackonhisthroat,droppedaway.Hestaggeredback,almost
    fellacrossthealley,hitthefarwallwithhisshoulder.Hestraightened
    slowly,gaspingdeepdowninhistorturedlungs.Hebegantoshake.
    Hehardlynoticedthebiggorilla'sbodyfalloutofthecarandslamthe
    concreteathisfeet.Itlayathisfeet,limp,enormous,butnolonger
    menacing.Nolongerimportant.
    Waltzdroppedthegunonthesprawledbody.Herubbedhisthroatgentlyfor
    alittlewhile.Hisbreathingwasdeep,racking,noisy.Hesearchedtheinside
    ofhismouthwithhistongue,tastedblood.Hiseyeslookedupwearilyatthe
    indigoslitofthenightskyabovethealley.
    Afterawhilehesaidhuskily,"Ithoughtofthat,Rufe.Yousee,Ithought
    ofthat."
    Helaughed,shuddered,adjustedhiscoatcollar,wentaroundthesprawled
    bodytothecarandreachedintoswitchthemotoroff.Hestartedbackalong
    thealleytothereardooroftheJuggernautClub.
    Amansteppedoutoftheshadowsatthebackofthecar.Waltz'slefthand
    flashedtohisovercoatpocket.Shinymetalblinkedathim.Helethishandfall
    looselyathisside.
    PeteAnglichsaid,"Thoughtthatcallwouldbringyouout,Trimmer.Thought
    youmightcomethisway.Nicegoing."
    AfteramomentWaltzsaidthickly:"Hechokedme.Itwasselfdefense."
    "Sure.There'stwoofuswithsorenecks.Mine'sapip."
    "Whatdoyouwant,Pete?"
    "Youtriedtoframemeforbumpingoffagirl."
    Waltzlaughedsuddenly,almostcrazily.Hesaidquietly:"WhenI'mcrowded
    Igetnasty,Pete.Youshouldknowthat.BetterlayofflittleTokenWare."

    PeteAnglichmovedhisgunsothatthelightflickeredonthebarrel.He
    cameuptoWaltz,pushedthegunagainsthisstomach.
    "Rufe'sdead,"hesaidsoftly."Veryconvenient.Where'sthegirl?"
    "What'sittoyou?"
    "Don'tbeabunny.I'mwise.YoutriedtopicksomejackoffJohnVidaury.
    IsteppedinfrontofToken.Iwanttoknowtherestofit."
    Waltzstoodverystillwiththegunpressinghisstomach.Hisfingers
    twistedinthegloves.
    "Okay,"hesaiddully."Howmuchtobuttonyourlipandkeepitbuttoned?"
    "Coupleofcenturies.Rufeliftedmypoke."
    "Whatdoesitbuyme?"Waltzaskedslowly.
    "Notadamnthing.Iwantthegirl,too."
    Waltzsaidverygently:"FiveC's.Butnotthegirl.FiveC'sisheavy
    doughforaCentralAvenuepunk.Besmartandtakeit,andforgettherest."
    Thegunwentawayfromhisstomach,PeteAnglichcircledhimdeftly,patted
    pockets,tooktheSavage,madeagesturewithhislefthand,holdingit.
    "Sold,"hesaidgrudgingly."What'sagirlbetweenpals?Feedittome."
    "Havetogouptotheoffice,"Waltzsaid.
    PeteAnglichlaughedshortly."Betterplayball,Trimmer.Leadon."
    Theywentbackalongtheupstairshall.Thedancebandbeyondthedistant
    curtainswaswailingaDukeEllingtonlament,aforlornmonotoneofstifled
    brasses,bitterviolins,softlyclickinggourds.Waltzopenedhisofficedoor,
    snappedthelighton,wentacrosstohisdeskandsatdown.Hetiltedhishat
    back,smiled,openedadrawerwithakey.
    PeteAnglichwatchedhim,reachedbacktoturnthekeyinthedoor,went
    alongthewalltotheclosetandlookedintoit,wentbehindWaltztothe
    curtainsthatmaskedthewindows.Hestillhadhisgunout.
    Hecamebacktotheendofthedesk.Waltzwaspushingaloosesheafof
    billsawayfromhim.
    PeteAnglichignoredthemoney,leaneddownovertheendofthedesk.
    "Keepthatandgivemethegirl,Trimmer."
    Waltzshookhishead,keptonsmiling.
    "TheVidaurysqueezewasagrand,Trimmerorstartedwithagrand.Noon
    Streetisalmostinyouralley.Doyouhavetoscarewomenintodoingyourdirty

    work?Ithinkyouwantedsomethingonthegirl,soyoucouldmakehersay
    uncle."
    Waltznarrowedhiseyesalittle,pointedtothesheafofbills.
    PeteAnglichsaidslowly:"Ashabby,lonesome,scaredkid.Probablylives
    inacheapfurnishedroom.Nofriends,orshewouldn'tbeworkinginyourjoint.
    Nobodywouldwonderabouther,exceptme.Youwouldn'thaveputherinahouse,
    wouldyou,Trimmer?"
    "Takeyourmoneyandbeatit,"Waltzsaidthinly."Youknowwhathappensto
    ratsinthisdistrict."
    "Sure,theyrunnightclubs,"PeteAnglichsaidgently.
    Heputhisgundown,startedtoreachforthemoney.Hisfistdoubled,
    sweptupwardcasually.Hiselbowwentupwiththepunch,thefistturned,landed
    almostdelicatelyontheangleofWaltz'sjaw.
    Waltzbecamealoosebagofclothes.Hismouthfellopen.Hishatfelloff
    thebackofhishead.PeteAnglichstaredathim,grumbled:"Lotofgoodthat
    doesme."
    Theroomwasverystill.Thedancebandsoundedfaintly,likeaturneddown
    radio.PeteAnglichmovedbehindWaltzandreacheddownunderhiscoatintohis
    breastpocket.Hetookawalletout,shookoutmoney,adriver'slicense,a
    policepistolpermit,severalinsurancecards.
    Heputthestuffback,staredmoroselyatthedesk,rubbedathumbnailon
    hisjaw.Therewasashinybuffmemopadinfrontofhim.Impressionsofwriting
    showedonthetopblanksheet.Hehelditsidewaysagainstthelight,then
    pickedupapencilandbegantomakelightloosestrokesacrossthepaper.
    Writingcameoutdimly.WhenthesheetwasshadedalloverPeteAnglichread:
    4623NoonStreet.AskforReno.
    Hetorethesheetoff,foldeditintoapocket,pickedhisgunupand
    crossedtothedoor.Hereversedthekey,lockedtheroomfromtheoutside,went
    backtothestairsanddownthemtothealley.
    ThebodyoftheNegrolayasithadfallen,betweenthesmallsedanandthe
    darkwall.Thealleywasempty.PeteAnglichstooped,searchedthedeadman's
    pockets,cameupwitharollofmoney.Hecountedthemoneyinthedimlightof
    amatch,separatedeightysevendollarsfromwhattherewas,andstartedtoput
    thefewremainingbillsback.Apieceoftornpaperflutteredtothepavement.
    Onesideonlywastorn,jaggedly.

    PeteAnglichcrouchedbesidethecar,struckanothermatch,lookedata
    halfsheetfromabuffmemopadonwhichwaswritten,beginningwiththe
    tear:t.AskforReno.
    Heclickedhisteethandletthematchfall."Better,"hesaidsoftly.
    Hegotintothecar,starteditanddroveoutofthealley.

    Thenumberwasonafrontdoortransom,faintlylitfrombehind,theonlylight
    thehouseshowed.Itwasabigframehouse,intheblockabovewherethe
    stakeouthadbeen.Thewindowsinfrontwerecloselycurtained.Noisecamefrom
    behindthem,voicesandlaughter,thehighpitchedwhineofacoloredgirl's
    singing.Carswereparkedalongthecurb,onbothsidesofthestreet.
    AtallthinNegroindarkclothesandgoldnoseglassesopenedthedoor.
    Therewasanotherdoorbehindhim,shut.Hestoodinadarkboxbetweenthetwo
    doors.
    PeteAnglichsaid:"Reno?"
    ThetallNegronodded,saidnothing.
    "I'vecomeforthegirlRufeleft,thewhitegirl."
    ThetallNegrostoodamomentquitemotionless,lookingoverPeteAnglich's
    head.Whenhespoke,hisvoicewasalazyrustleofsoundthatseemedtocome
    fromsomewhereelse.
    "Comeinandshutthedo'."
    PeteAnglichsteppedintothehouse,shuttheouterdoorbehindhim.The
    tallNegroopenedtheinnerdoor.Itwasthick,heavy.Whenheopeneditsound
    andlightjumpedatthem.Apurplishlight.Hewentthroughtheinnerdoor,into
    ahallway.
    Thepurplishlightcamethroughabroadarchfromalonglivingroom.It
    hadheavyvelourdrapes,davenportsanddeepchairs,aglassbarinthecorner,
    andawhitecoatedNegrobehindthebar.Fourcouplesloungedabouttheroom
    drinking;slim,slickhairedNegrosheiksandgirlswithbarearms,sheersilk
    legs,pluckedeyebrows.Thesoft,purplishlightmadethesceneunreal.

    RenostaredvaguelypastPeteAnglich'sshoulder,droppedhisheavylidded
    eyes,saidwearily:"Yousayswhich?"
    TheNegroesbeyondthearchwerequiet,staring.Thebarmanstoopedandput
    hishandsdownunderthebar.
    PeteAnglichputhishandintohispocketslowly,broughtoutacrumpled
    pieceofpaper.
    "Thisanyhelp?"
    Renotookthepaper,studiedit.Hereachedlanguidlyintohisvestand
    broughtoutanotherpieceofthesamecolor.Hefittedthepiecestogether.His
    headwentbackandhelookedattheceiling.
    "Whosendyou?"
    "Trimmer."
    "Idon'likeit,"thetallNegrosaid."Hedonewritemyname.Idon'like
    that.Thatain'tsma't.Apa'tfromthatIguessIcheckyou."
    Heturnedandstartedupalong,straightflightofstairs.PeteAnglich
    followedhim.OneoftheNegroyouthsinthelivingroomsnickeredloudly.
    Renostoppedsuddenly,turnedandwentbackdownthesteps,throughthe
    arch.Hewentuptothesnickerer.
    "Thisisbusiness,"hesaidexhaustedly."Ain'tnowhitefolkscomin'heah.
    Gitme?"
    Theboywhohadlaughedsaid,"Okey,Reno,"andliftedatall,misted
    glass.
    Renocameupthestairsagain,talkingtohimself.Alongtheupperhall
    weremanycloseddoors.Therewasfaintpinklightfromflamecoloredwall
    lamps.AttheendRenotookakeyoutandunlockedthedoor.
    Hestoodaside."Githerout,"hesaidtersely."Idon'handlenowhite
    cargoheah."
    PeteAnglichsteppedpasthimintoabedroom.Anorangefloorlampglowed
    inthefarcornernearaflounced,gaudybed.Thewindowswereshut,theair
    heavy,sickish.
    TokenWarelayonhersideonthebed,withherfacetothewall,sobbing
    quietly.
    PeteAnglichsteppedtothesideofthebed,touchedher.Shewhirled,
    cringed.Herheadjerkedaroundathim,hereyesdilated,hermouthhalfopenas
    iftoyell.

    "Hello,there,"hesaidquietly,verygently."I'vebeenlookingallover
    foryou."
    Thegirlstaredbackathim.Slowlyallthefearwentoutofherface.

    The_News_photographerheldtheflashbulbholderhighupinhislefthand,
    leaneddownoverhiscamera.
    "Now,thesmile,Mr.Vidaury,"hesaid."Thesadonethatonethatmakes
    'empant."
    Vidauryturnedinthechairandsethisprofile.Hesmiledatthegirlin
    theredhat,thenturnedhisfacetothecamerawiththesmilestillon.
    Thebulbflaredandtheshutterclicked.
    "Notbad,Mr.Vidaury.I'veseenyoudobetter."
    "I'vebeenunderagreatstrain,"Vidaurysaidgently.
    "I'llsay.Acidinthefaceisnofun,"thephotographersaid.
    Thegirlintheredhattittered,thencoughed,behindagauntletedglove
    withredstitchingontheback.
    Thephotographerpackedhisstufftogether.Hewasanoldishmaninshiny
    blueserge,withsadeyes.Heshookhisgrayheadandstraightenedhishat.
    "No,acidinthepussisnofun,"hesaid."Well,Ihopeourboyscansee
    youinthemorning,Mr.Vidaury."
    "Delighted,"Vidaurysaidwearily."Justtellthemtoringmefromthe
    lobbybeforetheycomeup.Andhaveadrinkonyourwayout."
    "I'mcrazy,"thephotographersaid."Idon'tdrink."
    Hehoistedhiscamerabagoverhisshoulderandtrudgeddowntheroom.A
    smallJapinawhitecoatappearedfromnowhereandlethimout,thenwentaway.
    "Acidinthepuss,"thegirlintheredhatsaid."Ha,ha,ha!That's
    positivelyexcruciating,ifanicegirlmaysayso.CanIhaveadrink?"
    "Nobody'sstoppingyou,"Vidaurygrowled.
    "Nobodyeverdid,sweets."
    ShewalkedsinuouslyovertoatablewithasquareChinesetrayonit.She
    mixedastiffone.Vidaurysaidhalfabsently:"Thatshouldbealltillmorning.

    _TheBulletin,_the_PressTribune,_thethreewireservices,the_News._Not
    bad."
    "I'dcallitaperfectscore,"thegirlintheredhatsaid.
    Vidauryscowledather."Butnobodycaught,"hesaidsoftly,"exceptan
    innocentpasserby.Youwouldn'tknowanythingaboutthissqueeze,wouldyou,
    Irma?"
    Hersmilewaslazy,butcold."Metakeyouforameaslygrand?Beyour
    fortyyearsplus,Johnny.I'mahomerunhitter,always."
    Vidaurystoodupandcrossedtheroomtoacarvedwoodcabinet,unlockeda
    smalldrawerandtookalargeballofcrystaloutofit.Hewentbacktohis
    chair,satdown,andleanedforward,holdingtheballinhispalmsandstaring
    intoit,almostvacantly.
    Thegirlintheredhatwatchedhimovertherimofherglass.Hereyes
    widened,gotalittleglassy.
    "Hell!He'sgonepsychiconthefolks,"shebreathed.Sheputherglass
    downwithasharpslaponthetray,driftedovertohissideandleaneddown.
    Hervoicewascooing,edged."Everhearofseniledecay,Johnny?Ithappensto
    exceptionallywickedmenintheirforties.Theygetgagaoverflowersandtoys,
    cutoutpaperdollsandplaywithglassballs...Canit,forGod'ssake,Johnny!
    You'renotapunkyet."
    Vidaurystaredfixedlyintothecrystalball.Hebreathedslowly,deeply.
    Thegirlintheredhatleanedstillclosertohim."Let'sgoriding,
    Johnny,"shecooed."Ilikethenightair.Itmakesmeremembermytonsils."
    "Idon'twanttogoriding,"Vidaurysaidvaguely."IIfeelsomething.
    Somethingimminent."
    Thegirlbentsuddenlyandknockedtheballoutofhishands.Itthudded
    heavilyonthefloor,rolled:sluggishlyinthedeepnapoftherug.
    Vidauryshottohisfeet,hisfaceconvulsed.
    "Iwanttogoriding,handsome,"thegirlsaidcoolly."It'sanicenight,
    andyou'vegotanicecar.SoIwanttogoriding."
    Vidaurystaredatherwithhateinhiseyes.Slowlyhesmiled.Thehate
    wentaway.Hereachedoutandtouchedherlipswithtwofingers.
    "Ofcoursewe'llgoriding,baby,"hesaidsoftly.
    Hegottheball,lockeditupinthecabinet,wentthroughaninnerdoor.
    Thegirlintheredhatopenedabagandtouchedherlipswithrouge,pursed

    them,madeafaceatherselfinthemirrorofhercompact,foundaroughwool
    coatinbeigebraidedwithred,andshruggedintoitcarefully,tossedascarf
    likecollarendoverhershoulder.
    Vidaurycamebackwithahatandcoaton,afringedmufflerhangingdown
    hiscoat.
    Theywentdowntheroom.
    "Let'ssneakoutthebackway,"hesaidatthedoor."Incaseanymore
    newshawksarehangingaround."
    "Why,Johnny!"thegirlintheredhatraisedmockingeyebrows."Peoplesaw
    mecomein,sawmehere.Surelyyouwouldn'twantthemtothinkyourgirlfriend
    stayedthenight?"
    "Hell!"Vidaurysaidviolentlyandwrenchedthedooropen.Thetelephone
    belljangledbackintheroom.Vidaurysworeagain,tookhishandfromthedoor
    andstoodwaitingwhilethelittleJapinthewhitejacketcameinandanswered
    thephone.
    Theboyputthephonedown,smileddeprecatinglyandgesturedwithhis
    hands.
    "Youtake,prease?Inotunderstand."
    Vidaurywalkedbackandliftedtheinstrument.Hesaid,"Yes?ThisisJohn
    Vidaury."Helistened.
    Slowlyhisfingerstightenedonthephone.Hiswholefacetightened,got
    white.Hesaidslowly,thickly:"Holdthelineaminute."
    Heputthephonedownonitsside,puthishanddownonthetableand
    leanedonit.Thegirlintheredhatcameupbehindhim.
    "Badnews,handsome?Youlooklikeawashedegg."Vidauryturnedhishead
    slowlyandstaredather."Getthehelloutofhere,"hesaidtonelessly.
    Shelaughed.Hestraightened,tookasinglelongstepandslappedher
    acrossthemouth,hard.
    "Isaid,getthehelloutofhere,"herepeatedinanutterlydeadvoice.
    Shestoppedlaughingandtouchedherlipswithfingersinthegauntleted
    glove.Hereyeswereround,butnotshocked.
    "Why,Johnny.Yousweepmerightoffmyfeet,"shesaidwonderingly.
    "You'resimplyterrific.OfcourseI'llgo.
    Sheturnedquickly,withalighttossofherhead,wentbackalongtheroom
    tothedoor,wavedherhand,andwentout.

    Vidaurywasnotlookingatherwhenshewaved.Heliftedthephoneassoon
    asthedoorclickedshutafterher,saidintoitgrimly:"Getoverhere,Waltz
    andgetoverherequick!"
    Hedroppedthephoneonitscradle,stoodamomentblankeyed.Hewentback
    throughtheinnerdoor,reappearedinamomentwithouthishatandovercoat.He
    heldathick,shortautomaticinhishand.Heslippeditnosedownintothe
    insidebreastpocketofhisdinnerjacket,liftedthephoneagainslowly,said
    intoitcoldlyandfirmly:"IfaMr.Anglichcallstoseeme,sendhimup.
    Anglich."Hespelledthenameout,putthephonedowncarefully,andsatdownin
    theeasychairbesideit.
    Hefoldedhisarmsandwaited.

    ThewhitejacketedJapaneseboyopenedthedoor,bobbedhishead,smiled,hissed
    politely:"Ah,youcomeinside,prease.Quiteso,prease."
    PeteAnglichpattedTokenWare'sshoulder,pushedherthroughthedoorinto
    thelong,vividroom.Shelookedshabbyandforlornagainstthebackgroundof
    handsomefurnishings.Hereyeswerereddenedfromcrying,hermouthwassmeared.
    ThedoorshutbehindthemandthelittleJapanesestoleaway.
    Theywentdownthestretchofthick,noiselesscarpet,pastquietbrooding
    lamps,bookcasessunkintothewall,shelvesofalabasterandivory,and
    porcelainandjadeknickknacks,ahugemirrorframedinblueglass,and
    surroundedbyafriezeoflovinglyautographedphotos,lowtableswithlounging
    chairs,hightableswithflowers,morebooks,morechairs,morerugsand
    Vidaurysittingremotelywithaglassinhishand,staringatthemcoldly.
    Hemovedhishandcarelessly,lookedthegirlupanddown.
    "Ah,yes,themanthepolicehadhere.Ofcourse.SomethingIcandofor
    you?Iheardtheymadeamistake."
    PeteAnglichturnedachairalittle,pushedTokenWareintoit.Shesat
    downslowly,stiffly,lickedherlipsandstaredatVidaurywithafrozen
    fascination.
    AtouchofpolitedistastecurledVidaury'slips.Hiseyeswerewatchful.

    PeteAnglichsatdown.Hedrewastickofgumoutofhispocket,unwrapped
    it,sliditbetweenhisteeth.Helookedworn,battered,tired.Thereweredark
    bruisesonthesideofhisfaceandonhisneck.Hestillneededashave.
    Hesaidslowly,"ThisisMissWare.Thegirlthatwassupposedtogetyour
    dough."
    Vidaurystiffened.Ahandholdingacigarettebegantotaprestlesslyon
    thearmofhischair.Hestaredatthegirl,butdidn'tsayanything.Shehalf
    smiledathim,thenflushed.
    PeteAnglichsaid:"IhangaroundNoonStreet.Iknowthesharpshooters,
    knowwhatkindoffolksbelongthereandwhatkinddon't.Isawthislittlegirl
    inalunchwagononNoonStreetthisevening.Shelookeduneasyandshewas
    watchingtheclock.Shedidn'tbelong.WhensheleftIfollowedher."
    Vidaurynoddedslightly.Agraytipofashfellofftheendofhis
    cigarette.Helookeddownatitvaguely,noddedagain.
    "ShewentupNoonStreet,"PeteAnglichsaid."Abadstreetforawhite
    girl.Ifoundherhidinginadoorway.ThenabigDuesenbergslidaroundthe
    corneranddousedlights,andyourmoneywasthrownoutonthesidewalk.Shewas
    scared.Sheaskedmetogetit.Igotit."
    Vidaurysaidsmoothly,notlookingatthegirl:"Shedoesn'tlooklikea
    crook.Haveyoutoldthepoliceabouther?Isupposenot,oryouwouldn'tbe
    here."
    PeteAnglichshookhishead,groundthegumaroundinhisjaws."Tellthe
    law?Acoupleoftimesnix.Thisisvelvetforus.Wewantourcut."
    Vidaurystartedviolently,thenhewasverystill.Hishandstoppedbeating
    thechairarm.Hisfacegotcoldandwhiteandgrim.Thenhereachedupinside
    hisdinnerjacketandquietlytooktheshortautomaticout,helditonhis
    knees.Heleanedforwardalittleandsmiled.
    "Blackmailers,"hesaidgravely,"arealwaysratherinteresting.Howmuch
    wouldyourcutbeandwhathaveyougottosell?"
    PeteAnglichlookedthoughtfullyatthegun.Hisjawsmovedeasily,
    crunchingthegum.Hiseyeswereunworried.
    "Silence,"hesaidgravely."Justsilence."
    Vidaurymadeasharpsuddengesturewiththegun."Talk,"hesaid."And
    talkfast.Idon'tlikesilence."

    PeteAnglichnodded,said:"Theacidthrowingthreatswerejustadream.
    Youdidn'tgetany.Theextortionattemptwasaphony.Apublicitystunt.That's
    all."Heleanedbackinhischair.
    VidaurylookeddowntheroompastPeteAnglich'sshoulder.Hestartedto
    smile,thenhisfacegotwooden.
    TrimmerWaltzhadslidintotheroomthroughanopensidedoor.Hehadhis
    bigSavageinhishand.Hecameslowlyalongthecarpetwithoutsound.Pete
    Anglichandthegirldidn'tseehim.
    PeteAnglichsaid,"Phonyallthewaythrough.Justabuildup.Guessing?
    SureIam,butlookaminute,seehowsoftitwasplayedfirstandhowtoughit
    wasplayedafterward,afterIshowedinit.ThegirlworksforTrimmerWaltzat
    theJuggernaut.She'sdownandout,andshescareseasily.SoWaltzsendsheron
    acaperlikethat.Why?Becauseshe'ssupposedtobenabbed.Thestakeout'sall
    arranged.IfshesquawksaboutWaltz,helaughsitoff,pointstothefactthat
    theplantwasalmostinhisalley,thatitwasasmallstakeatbest,andhis
    joint'sdoingallright.Hepointstothefactthatadumbgirlgoestogetit,
    andwouldhe,asmartguy,pullanythinglikethat?Certainlynot.
    "Thecopswillhalfbelievehim,andyou'llmakeabiggestureandrefuse
    toprosecutethegirl.Ifshedoesn'tspill,you'llrefusetoprosecuteanyway,
    andyou'llgetyourpublicityjustthesame,eitherway.Youneeditbad,
    becauseyou'reslipping,andyou'llgetit,andallitwillcostyouiswhatyou
    payWaltzorthat'swhatyouthink.Isthatcrazy?Isthattoofarfora
    Hollywoodheeltostretch?ThentellmewhynoFedswereonthecase.Because
    thoseladswouldkeepondigginguntiltheyfoundthemouse,andthenyou'dbe
    upforobstructingjustice.That'swhy.Thelocallawdon'tgiveadamn.They're
    sousedtomoviebuildupstheyjustyawnandturnoverandgotosleepagain."
    Waltzwashalfwaydowntheroomnow.Vidaurydidn'tlookathim.Helooked
    atthegirl,smiledatherfaintly.
    "Now,seehowtoughitwasplayedafterIgotintoit,"PeteAnglichsaid.
    "IwenttotheJuggernautandtalkedtothegirl.Waltzgotusintohisoffice
    andabigapethatworksforhimdamnnearstrangledme.WhenIcametoIwasin
    anapartmentandadeadgirlwasthere,andshewasshot,andabulletwasgone
    frommygun.Thegunwasonthefloorbesideme,andIstankofgin,andaprowl
    carwasboomingaroundthecorner.AndMissWareherewaslockedupinawhore
    houseonNoonStreet.

    "Whyallthathardstuff?BecauseWaltzhadaperfectlyswellblackmail
    racketlinedupforyou,andhe'dhavebledyouwhiterthananangel'swing.As
    longasyouhadadollar,halfofitwouldhavebeenhis.Andyou'dhavepaidit
    andlikedit,Vidaury.You'dhavehadpublicity,andyou'dhavehadprotection,
    buthowyou'dhavepaidforit!"
    Waltzwasclosenow,almosttooclose.Vidaurystoodupsuddenly.Theshort
    gunjerkedatPeteAnglich'schest.Vidaury'svoicewasthin,anoldman's
    voice.Hesaiddreamily:"Takehim,Waltz.I'mtoojitteryforthissortof
    thing."
    PeteAnglichdidn'teventurn.HisfacebecamethefaceofawoodenIndian.
    WaltzputhisgunintoPeteAnglich'sback.Hestoodtherehalfsmiling,
    withthegunagainstPeteAnglich'sback,lookingacrosshisshoulderat
    Vidaury.
    "Dumb,Pete,"hesaiddryly."Youhadenougheveningalready.Yououghtto
    havestayedawayfromherebutIfiguredyoucouldn'tpassitup."
    Vidaurymovedalittletooneside,spreadhislegs,flattenedhisfeetto
    thefloor.Therewasaqueer,greenishtinttohishandsomeface,asickglitter
    inhisdeepeyes.
    TokenWarestaredatWaltz.Hereyesglitteredwithpanic,thelids
    strainingawayfromtheeyeballs,showingthewhitesallaroundtheiris.
    Waltzsaid,"Ican'tdoanythinghere,Vidaury.I'drathernotwalkhimout
    alone,either.Getyourhatandcoat."
    Vidaurynoddedveryslightly.Hisheadjustbarelymoved.Hiseyeswere
    stillsick.
    "Whataboutthegirl?"heaskedwhisperingly.
    Waltzgrinned,shookhishead,pressedthegunhardintoPeteAnglich's
    back.
    Vidaurymovedalittlemoretotheside,spreadhisfeetagain.Thethick
    gunwasverysteadyinhishand,butnotpointedatanythinginparticular.
    Heclosedhiseyes,heldthemshutabriefinstant,thenopenedthemwide.
    Hesaidslowly,carefully:"Itlookedallrightasitwasplanned.Thingsjust
    asfarfetched,justasunscrupulous,havebeendonebeforeinHollywood,often.
    Ijustdidn'texpectittoleadtohurtingpeople,tokilling.I'mI'mjustnot
    enoughofaheeltogoonwithit,Waltz.Notanyfurther.You'dbetterputyour
    gunupandleave."

    Waltzshookhishead;smiledapeculiarstrainedsmile.Hesteppedback
    fromPeteAnglichandheldtheSavagealittletooneside.
    "Thecardsaredealt,"hesaidcoldly."You'llplay'em.Getgoing."
    Vidaurysighed,saggedalittle.Suddenlyhewasalonely,forlornman,no
    longeryoung.
    "No,"hesaidsoftly."I'mthrough.Thelastflickerofanotsogood
    reputation.It'smyshow,afterall.Alwaystheham,butstillmyshow.Putthe
    gunup,Waltz.Taketheair.
    Waltz'sfacegotcoldandhardandexpressionless.Hiseyesbecamethe
    expressionlesseyesofthekiller.HemovedtheSavagealittlemore.
    "Getyourhat,Vidaury,"hesaidveryclearly.
    "Sorry,"Vidaurysaid,andfired.
    Waltz'sgunflamedatthesameinstant,thetwoexplosionsblended.Vidaury
    staggeredtohisleftandhalfturned,thenstraightenedhisbodyagain.
    HelookedsteadilyatWaltz."Beginner'sluck,"hesaid,andwaited.
    PeteAnglichhadhisColtoutnow,buthedidn'tneedit.Waltzfellslowly
    onhisside.Hischeekandthesideofhisbigveinednosepressedthenapof
    therug.Hemovedhisleftarmalittle,triedtothrowitoverhisback.He
    gurgled,thenwasstill.
    PeteAnglichkickedtheSavageawayfromWaltz'ssprawledbody.
    Vidauryaskeddraggingly:"Ishedead?"
    PeteAnglichgrunted,didn'tanswer.Helookedatthegirl.Shewas
    standingupwithherbackagainstthetelephonetable,thebackofherhandto
    hermouthintheconventionalattitudeofstartledhorror.Soconventionalit
    lookedsilly.
    PeteAnglichlookedatVidaury.Hesaidsourly:"Beginner'sluckyeah.But
    supposeyou'dmissedhim?Hewasbluffing.Justwantedyouinalittledeeper,
    soyouwouldn'tsquawk.Asamatteroffact,I'mhisalibionakill."
    Vidaurysaid:"Sorrymsorry."Hesatdownsuddenly,leanedhisheadback
    andclosedhiseyes.
    "God,buthe'shandsome!"TokenWaresaidreverently."Andbrave."
    Vidauryputhishandtohisleftshoulder,pressedithardagainsthis
    body.Bloodoozedslowlybetweenhisfingers.TokenWareletoutastifled
    screech.

    PeteAnglichlookeddowntheroom.ThelittleJapinthewhitecoathad
    creptintotheendofit,stoodsilently,asmallhuddledfigureagainstthe
    wall.PeteAnglichlookedatVidauryagain.Veryslowly,asthoughunwillingly,
    hesaid:"MissWarehasfolksin'Frisco.Youcansendherhome,withalittle
    present.That'snaturalandopen.SheturnedWaltzuptome.That'showIcame
    intoit.Itoldhimyouwerewiseandhecameheretoshutyouup.Toughguy
    stuff.Thecopperswilllaughatit,butthey'lllaughintheircuffs.After
    all,they'regettingpublicitytoo.Thephonyangleisout.Check?"
    Vidauryopenedhiseyes,saidfaintly,"You'reyou'reverydecentabout
    it.Iwon'tforget."Hisheadlolled.
    "He'sfainted,"thegirlcried.
    "Sohehas,"PeteAnglichsaid."Givehimanicebigkissandhe'llsnap
    outofit...Andyou'llhavesomethingtorememberallyourlife."
    Hegroundhisteeth,wenttothephone,andliftedit.

    GOLDFISH

    Iwasn'tdoinganyworkthatday,justcatchinguponmyfootdangling.Awarm
    gustybreezewasblowinginattheofficewindowandthesootfromtheMansion
    HouseHoteloilburnersacrossthealleywasrollingacrosstheglasstopofmy
    deskintinyparticles,likepollendriftingoveravacantlot.
    IwasjustthinkingaboutgoingtolunchwhenKathyHomecamein.
    Shewasatall,seedy,sadeyedblondewhohadoncebeenapolicewomanand
    hadlostherjobwhenshemarriedacheaplittlecheckbouncernamedJohnny
    Home,toreformhim.Shehadn'treformedhim,butshewaswaitingforhimto
    comeoutsoshecouldtryagain.Inthemeantimesheranthecigarcounterat
    theMansionHouse,andwatchedthegriftersgobyinahazeofnickelcigar
    smoke.Andonceinawhilelentoneofthemtendollarstogetoutoftown.She
    wasjustthatsoft.Shesatdownandopenedherbigshinybagandgotouta

    packageofcigarettesandlitonewithmydesklighter.Sheblewaplumeof
    smoke,wrinkledhernoseatit.
    "DidyoueverhearoftheLeanderpearls?"sheasked."Gosh,thatblue
    sergeshines.Youmusthavemoneyinthebank,theclothesyouwear."
    "No,"Isaid,"tobothyourideas.IneverheardoftheLeanderpearlsand
    don'thaveanymoneyinthebank."
    "Thenyou'dliketomakeyourselfacutoftwentyfivegrandmaybe."
    Ilitoneofhercigarettes.Shegotupandshutthewindow,saying:"Iget
    enoughofthathotelsmellonthejob."
    Shesatdownagain,wenton:"It'snineteenyearsago.Theyhadtheguyin
    Leavenworthfifteenandit'sfoursincetheylethimout.Abiglumbermanfrom
    upnorthnamedSolLeanderboughtthemforhiswifethepearls,Imeanjust
    twoofthem.Theycosttwohundredgrand."
    "Itmusthavetakenahandtrucktomovethem,"Isaid.
    "Iseeyoudon'tknowalotaboutpearls,"KathyHomesaid."It'snotjust
    size.Anyhowthey'reworthmoretodayandthetwentyfivegrandrewardthe
    Reliancepeopleputoutisstillgood."
    "Igetit,"Isaid."Somebodycoppedthemoff."
    "Nowyou'regettingyourselfsomeoxygen."Shedroppedhercigaretteintoa
    trayandletitsmoke,asladieswill.Iputitoutforher."That'swhatthe
    guywasinLeavenworthfor,onlytheyneverprovedhegotthepearls.Itwasa
    mailcarjob.HegothimselfhiddeninthecarsomehowandupinWyomingheshot
    theclerk,cleanedouttheregisteredmailanddroppedoff.HegottoB.C.
    beforehewasnailed.Buttheydidn'tgetanyofthestuffnotthen.Allthey
    gotwashim.Hegotlife."
    "Ifit'sgoingtobealongstory,let'shaveadrink."
    "Ineverdrinkuntilsundown.Thatwayyoudon'tgettobeaheel."
    "ToughontheEskimos,"Isaid."Inthesummertimeanyway."
    Shewatchedmegetmylittleflatbottleout.Thenshewenton:"Hisname
    wasSypeWallySype.Hediditalone.Andhewouldn'tsquawkaboutthestuff,
    notapeep.Thenafterfifteenlongyearstheyofferedhimapardon,ifhewould
    loosenupwiththeloot.Hegaveupeverythingbutthepearls."
    "Wheredidhehaveit?"Iasked."Inhishat?"
    "Listen,thisain'tjustabunchofgaglines,I'vehadaleadtothose
    marbles."

    Ishutmymouthwithmyhandandlookedsolemn.
    "Hesaidheneverhadthepearlsandtheymusthavehalfwaybelievedhim
    becausetheygavehimthepardon.Yetthepearlswereintheload,registered
    mail,andtheywereneverseenagain."
    Mythroatbegantofeelalittlethick.Ididn'tsayanything.
    KathyHornewenton:"OnetimeinLeavenworth,justonetimeinallthose
    years,WallySypewrappedhimselfaroundacanofwhiteshellacandgotastight
    asafatlady'sgirdle.HiscellmatewasalittlemantheycalledPeelerMardo.
    Hewasdoingtwentysevenmonthsforsplittingtwentydollarbills.Sypetold
    himhehadthepearlsburiedsomewhereinIdaho."
    Ileanedforwardalittle.
    "Beginningtogettoyou,eh?"shesaid."Well,getthis.PeelerMardois
    roomingatmyhouseandhe'sacokehoundandhetalksinhissleep."
    Ileanedbackagain."Goodgrief,"Isaid."AndIwaspracticallyspending
    therewardmoney."
    Shestaredatmecoldly.Thenherfacesoftened."Allright,"shesaida
    littlehopelessly."Iknowitsoundsscrewy.Allthoseyearsgonebyandallthe
    smartheadsthatmusthaveworkedonthecase,postalmenandprivateagencies
    andall.Andthenacokeheadtoturnitup.Buthe'sanicelittleruntand
    somehowIbelievehim.HeknowswhereSypeis."
    Isaid:"Didhetalkallthisinhissleep?"
    "Ofcoursenot.Butyouknowme.Anoldpolicewoman'sgotears.MaybeIwas
    nosy,butIguessedhewasanexconandIworriedabouthimusingthestuffso
    much.He'stheonlyroomerI'vegotnowandI'dkindofgoinbyhisdoorand
    listentohimtalkingtohimself.ThatwayIgotenoughtobracehim.Hetoldme
    therest.Hewantshelptocollect."
    Ileanedforwardagain."Where'sSype?"
    KathyHomesmiled,andshookherhead."That'stheonethinghewouldn't
    tell,thatandthenameSypeisusingnow.Butit'ssomewhereupnorth,inor
    nearOlympia,Washington.Peelersawhimupthereandfoundoutabouthimandhe
    saysSypedidn'tseehim."
    "What'sPeelerdoingdownhere?"Iasked.
    "Here'swheretheyputtheLeavenworthraponhim.Youknowanoldcon
    alwaysgoesbacktolookatthepieceofsidewalkheslippedon.Buthedoesn't
    haveanyfriendsherenow."

    Ilitanothercigaretteandhadanotherlittledrink.
    "Sypehasbeenoutfouryears,yousay.Peelerdidtwentysevenmonths.
    What'shebeendoingwithallthetimesince?"
    KathyHomewidenedhemchinablueeyespityingly."Maybeyouthinkthere's
    onlyonejailhousehecouldgetinto."
    "Okey,"Isaid."Willhetalktome?Iguesshewantshelptodealwiththe
    insurancepeople,incasethereareanypearlsandSypewillputthemrightin
    Peeler'shandandsoon.Isthatit?"
    KathyHomesighed."Yes,he'lltalktoyou.He'sachingto.He'sscared
    aboutsomething.Willyougooutnow,beforehegetsjunkedupfortheevening?"
    "Sureifthat'swhatyouwant."
    Shetookaflatkeyoutofherbagandwroteanaddressonmypad.She
    stoodupslowly.
    "It'sadoublehouse.Myside'sseparate.There'sadoorinbetween,with
    thekeyonmyside.That'sjustincasehewon'tcometothedoor."
    "Okey,"Isaid.Iblewsmokeattheceilingandstaredather.
    Shewenttowardsthedoor,stopped,cameback.Shelookeddownatthe
    floor.
    "Idon'tratemuchinit,"shesaid."Maybenotanything.ButifIcould
    haveagrandortwowaitingforJohnnywhenhecameout,maybe"
    "Maybeyoucouldholdhimstraight,"Isaid."It'sadream,Kathy.It'sall
    adream,Butifitisn't,youcutaneventhird."
    Shecaughtherbreathandglaredatmetokeepfromcrying.Shewent
    towardsthedoor,stoppedandcamebackagain.
    "Thatisn'tall,"shesaid."It'stheoldguySype.Hedidfifteenyears.
    Hepaid.Paidhard.Doesn'titmakeyoufeelkindofmean?"
    Ishookmyhead."Hestolethem,didn'the?Hekilledaman.Whatdoeshe
    doforaliving?"
    "Hiswifehasmoney,"KathyHornesaid."Hejustplaysaroundwith
    goldfish."
    "Goldfish?"Isaid."Tohellwithhim."
    Shewentonout.

    ThelasttimeIhadbeenintheGrayLakedistrictIhadhelpedaD.A.'sman
    namedBernieOhlsshootagunmannamedPokeAndrews.Butthatwashigherupthe
    hill,fartherawayfromthelake.Thishousewasonthesecondlevel,inaloop
    thestreetmaderoundingaspurofthehill.Itstoodonaterrace,witha
    crackedretainingwallinfrontandseveralvacantlotsbehind.
    Beingoriginallyadoublehouseithadtwofrontdoorsandtwosetsof
    frontsteps.Oneofthedoorshadasigntackedoverthegratingthatmaskedthe
    peepwindow:Ring1432.
    Iparkedmycarandwentuprightanglesteps,passedbetweentwolinesof
    pinks,wentupmorestepstothesidewiththesign.Thatshouldbetheroomer's
    side.Irangthebell.Nobodyansweredit,soIwentacrosstotheotherdoor.
    Nobodyansweredthatoneeither.
    WhileIwaswaitingagrayDodgecoupewhishedaroundthecurveandasmall
    neatgirlinbluelookedupatmeforasecond.Ididn'tseewhoelsewasinthe
    car.Ididn'tpaymuchattention.Ididn'tknowitwasimportant.
    ItookoutKathyHome'skeyandletmyselfintoaclosedlivingroomthat
    smelledofcedaroil.Therewasjustenoughfurnituretogetby,netcurtains,a
    quietshaftofsunlightunderthedrapesinfront.Therewasatinybreakfast
    room,akitchen,abedroominthebackthatwasobviouslyKathy's,abathroom,
    anotherbedroominfrontthatseemedtobeusedasasewingroom.Itwasthis
    roomthathadthedoorcutthroughtotheothersideofthehouse.
    Iunlockeditandstepped,asitwere,throughamirror.Everythingwas
    backwards,exceptthefurniture.Thelivingroomonthatsidehadtwinbeds,
    didn'thavethelookofbeinglivedin.
    Iwenttowardsthebackofthehouse,pastthesecondbathroom,knockedat
    theshutdoorthatcorrespondedtoKathy'sbedroom.
    Noanswer.Itriedtheknobandwentin.Thelittlemanonthebedwas
    probablyPeelerMardo.Inoticedhisfeetfirst,becausealthoughhehadon
    trousersandashirt,hisfeetwerebareandhungovertheendofthebed.They
    weretiedtherebyaropearoundtheankles.
    Theyhadbeenburnedrawonthesoles.Therewasasmellofscorchedflesh
    inspiteoftheopenwindow.Alsoasmellofscorchedwood.Anelectricironon
    adeskwasstillconnected.Iwentoverandshutitoff.

    IwentbacktoKathyHome'skitchenandfoundapintofBrooklynScotchin
    thecooler.Iusedsomeofitandbreatheddeeplyforalittlewhileandlooked
    outoverthevacantlots.Therewasanarrowcementwalkbehindthehouseand
    greenwoodenstepsdowntothestreet.
    IwentbacktoPeelerMardo'sroom.Thecoatofabrownsuitwitharedpin
    stripehungoverachairwiththepocketsturnedoutandwhathadbeeninthem
    onthefloor.
    Hewaswearingthetrousersofthesuit,andtheirpocketswereturnedout
    also.Somekeysandchangeandahandkerchieflayonthebedbesidehim,anda
    metalboxlikeawoman'scompact,fromwhichsomeglisteningwhitepowderhad
    spilled.Cocaine.
    Hewasalittleman,notmorethanfivefeetfour,withthinbrownhairand
    largeears.Hiseyeshadnoparticularcolor.Theywerejusteyes,andverywide
    openandquitedead.Hisarmswerepulledoutfromhimandtiedatthewristsby
    aropethatwentunderthebed.
    Ilookedhimoverforbulletorknifewounds,didn'tfindany.Therewasn't
    amarkonhimexcepthisfeet.Shockorheartfailureoracombinationofthe
    twomusthavedonethetrick.Hewasstillwarm.Thegaginhismouthwasboth
    warmandwet.
    IwipedoffeverythingIhadtouched,lookedoutofKathy'sfrontwindow
    forawhilebeforeIleftthehouse.
    ItwasthreethirtywhenIwalkedintothelobbyoftheMansionHouse,over
    tothecigarcounterinthecorner.IleanedontheglassandaskedforCamels.
    KathyHorneflickedthepackatme,droppedthechangeintomyoutside
    breastpocket,andgavemehercustomer'ssmile.
    "Well?Youdidn'ttakelong,"shesaid,andlookedsidewisealonghereyes
    atadrunkwhowastryingtolightacigarwiththeoldfashionedflintand
    steellighter.
    "It'sheavy,"Itoldher."Getset."
    Sheturnedawayquicklyandflippedapackofpapermatchesalongtheglass
    tothedrunk.Hefumbledforthem,droppedbothmatchesandcigar,scoopedthem
    angrilyoffthefloorandwentofflookingbackoverhisshoulder,asifhe
    expectedakick.
    Kathylookedpastmyhead,hereyescoolandempty.
    "I'mset,"shewhispered.

    "Youcutafullhalf,"Isaid."Peeler'sout.He'sbeenbumpedoffinhis
    bed."
    Hereyestwitched.Twofingerscurledontheglassnearmyelbow.Awhite
    lineshowedaroundhermouth.Thatwasall.
    "Listen,"Isaid."Don'tsayanythinguntilI'mthrough.Hediedofshock.
    Somebodyburnedhisfeetwithacheapelectriciron.Notyours,Ilooked.I'd
    sayhediedratherquicklyandcouldn'thavesaidmuch.Thegagwasstillinhis
    mouth.WhenIwentoutthere,frankly,Ithoughtitwasallhooey.NowI'mnot
    sosure.Ifheopenedup,we'rethrough,andsoisSype,unlessIcanfindhim
    first.Thoseworkersdidn'thaveanyinhibitionsatall.Ifhedidn'tgiveup,
    there'sstilltime."
    Herheadturned,herseteyeslookedtowardstherevolvingdooratthe
    lobbyentrance.Whitepatchesglaredinhercheeks.
    "WhatdoIdo?"shebreathed.
    Ipokedataboxofwrappedcigars,droppedherkeyintoit.Herlong
    fingersgotitoutsmoothly,hidit.
    "Whenyougethomeyoufindhim.Youdon'tknowathing.Leavethepearls
    out,leavemeout.Whentheycheckhisprintsthey'llknowhehadarecordand
    they'lljustfigureitwassomethingcaughtupwithhim."
    Ibrokemycigarettesopenandlitone,watchedherforamoment.She
    didn'tmoveaninch.
    "Canyoufaceitdown?"Iasked."Ifyoucan't,now'sthetimetospeak."
    "Ofcourse."Hereyebrowsarched."DoIlooklikeatorturer?"
    "Youmarriedacrook,"Isaidgrimly.
    Sheflushed,whichwaswhatIwanted."Heisn't!He'sjustadamnfool!
    Nobodythinksanytheworseofme,noteventheboysdownatHeadquarters."
    "Allright.Ilikeitthatway.It'snotourmurder,afterall.Andifwe
    talknow,youcansaygoodbyetoanyshareinanyrewardevenifoneisever
    paid."
    "Darntootin',"KathyHomesaidpertly."Oh,thepoorlittlerunt,"she
    almostsobbed.
    Ipattedherarm,grinnedasheartilyasIcouldandlefttheMansion
    House.

    TheRelianceIndemnityCompanyhadofficesintheGraasBuilding,threesmall
    roomsthatlookedlikenothingatall.Theywereabigenoughoutfittobeas
    shabbyastheyliked.
    TheresidentmanagerwasnamedLutin,amiddleagedbaldheadedmanwith
    quieteyes,daintyfingersthatcaressedadappledcigar.Hesatbehindalarge,
    welldusteddeskandstaredpeacefullyatmychin.
    "Marlowe,eh?I'veheardofyou."Hetouchedmycardwithashinylittle
    finger."What'sonyourmind?"
    Irolledacigarettearoundinmyfingersandloweredmyvoice."Remember
    theLeanderpearls?"
    Hissmilewasslow,alittlebored."I'mnotlikelytoforgetthem.They
    costthiscompanyonehundredandfiftythousanddollars.Iwasacockyyoung
    adjusterthen."
    Isaid:"I'vegotanidea.Itmaybeallhaywire.Itverylikelyis.But
    I'dliketotryitout.Isyourtwentyfivegrandrewardstillgood?"
    Hechuckled."Twentygrand,Marlowe.Wespentthedifferenceourselves.
    You'rewastingtime."
    "It'smytime.Twentyitisthen.HowmuchcooperationcanIget?"
    "Whatkindofcooperation?"
    "CanIhavealetteridentifyingmetoyourotherbranches?IncaseIhave
    togooutofthestate.IncaseIneedkindwordsfromsomelocallaw."
    "Whichwayoutofthestate?"
    Ismiledathim.Hetappedhiscigarontheedgeofatrayandsmiledback.
    Neitherofoursmileswashonest.
    "Noletter,"hesaid."NewYorkwouldn'tstandforit.Wehaveourowntie
    up.Butallthecooperationyoucanuse,underthehat.Andthetwentygrand,
    ifyouclick.Ofcourseyouwon't."
    Ilitmycigaretteandleanedback,puffedsmokeattheceiling.
    "No?Whynot?Younevergotthosemarbles.Theyexisted,didn'tthey?"
    "Darnrighttheyexisted.Andiftheystilldo,theybelongtous.Buttwo
    hundredgranddoesn'tgetburiedfortwentyyearsandthengetdugup."
    "Allright.It'sstillmyowntime."

    Heknockedalittleashoffhiscigarandlookeddownhiseyesatme."I
    likeyourfront,"hesaid,"evenifyouarecrazy.Butwe'realarge
    organization.SupposeIhaveyoucoveredfromnowon.Whatthen?"
    "Ilose.I'llknowI'mcovered.I'mtoolonginthegametomissthat.I'll
    quit,giveupwhatIknowtothelaw,andgohome."
    "Whywouldyoudothat?"
    Ileanedforwardoverthedeskagain."Because,"Isaidslowly,"theguy
    thathadtheleadgotbumpedofftoday."
    "Ohoh,"Lutinrubbedhisnose.
    "Ididn'tbumphimoff,"Iadded.
    Wedidn'ttalkanymoreforalittlewhile.ThenLutinsaid:"Youdon't
    wantanyletter.Youwouldn'tevencarryit.Andafteryourtellingmethatyou
    knowdamnwellIwon'tdaregiveityou."
    Istoodup,grinned,startedforthedoor.Hegotuphimself,veryfast,
    ranaroundthedeskandputhissmallneathandonmyarm.
    "Listen,Iknowyou'recrazy,butifyoudogetanything,bringitin
    throughourboys.Weneedtheadvertising."
    "WhatthehelldoyouthinkIliveon?"Igrowled.
    "Twentyfivegrand."
    "Ithoughtitwastwenty."
    "Twentyfive.Andyou'restillcrazy.Sypeneverhadthosepearls.Ifhe
    had,he'dhavemadesomekindoftermswithusmanyyearsago."
    "Okey,"Isaid."You'vehadplentyoftimetomakeupyourmind."
    Weshookhands,grinnedateachotherlikeacoupleofwiseboyswhoknow
    they'renotkiddinganybody,butwon'tgiveuptrying.
    ItwasaquartertofivewhenIgotbacktotheoffice.Ihadacoupleof
    shortdrinksandstuffedapipeandsatdowntointerviewmybrains.Thephone
    rang.
    Awoman'svoicesaid:"Marlowe?"Itwasasmall,tight,coldvoice.I
    didn'tknowit.
    "Yeah."
    "BetterseeRushMadder.Knowhim?"
    "No,"Ilied."WhyshouldIseehim?"
    Therewasasuddentinkling,icycoldlaughonthewire."Onaccountofa
    guyhadsorefeet,"thevoicesaid.

    Thephoneclicked.Iputmyendofitaside,struckamatchandstaredat
    thewalluntiltheflameburnedmyfingers.
    RushMadderwasashysterintheQuornBuilding.Anambulancechaser,a
    smalltimefixer,analibibuilderupper,anythingthatsmelledalittleand
    paidalittlemore.Ihadn'theardofhiminconnectionwithanybigoperations
    likeburningpeople'sfeet.

    ItwasgettingtowardquittingtimeonlowerSpringStreet.Taxisweredawdling
    closetothecurb,stenographersweregettinganearlystarthome,streetcars
    werecloggingup,andtrafficcopswerepreventingpeoplefrommakingperfectly
    legalrightturns.
    TheQuornBuildingwasanarrowfront,thecolorofdriedmustard,witha
    largecaseoffalseteethintheentrance.Thedirectoryheldthenamesof
    painlessdentists,peoplewhoteachyouhowtobecomealettercarrier,just
    names,andnumberswithoutanynames,RushMadder,AttorneyatLaw,wasinRoom
    619.
    Igotoutofajoltingopencageelevator,lookedatadirtyspittoonona
    dirtyrubbermat,walkeddownacorridorthatsmelledofbutts,andtriedthe
    knobbelowthefrostedglasspanelof619.Thedoorwaslocked,Iknocked.
    Ashadowcameagainsttheglassandthedoorwaspulledbackwithasqueak.
    Iwaslookingatathicksetmanwithasoftroundchin,heavyblackeyebrows,
    anoilycomplexionandaCharlieChanmustachethatmadehisfacelookfatter
    thanitwas.
    Heputoutacoupleofnicotinedfingers."Well,well,theolddogcatcher
    himself.Theeyethatneverforgets.Marloweisthename,Ibelieve?"
    Isteppedinsideandwaitedforthedoortosqueakshut.Abarecarpetless
    roompavedinbrownlinoleum,aflatdeskandarolltopatrightanglestoit,a
    biggreensafethatlookedasfireproofasadelicatessenbag,twofilingcases,
    threechairs,abuiltinclosetandwashbowlinthecornerbythedoor.

    "Well,well,sitdown,"Maddersaid."Gladtoseeyou."Hefussedaround
    behindhisdeskandadjustedaburstoutseatcushion,satonit."Niceofyou
    todroparound.Business?"
    Isatdownandputacigarettebetweenmyteethandlookedathim.Ididn't
    sayaword.Iwatchedhimstarttosweat.Itstartedupinhishair.Thenhe
    grabbedapencilandmademarksonhisblotter.Thenhelookedatmewitha
    quickdartingglance,downathisblotteragain.Hetalkedtotheblotter.
    "Anyideas?"heaskedsoftly.
    "Aboutwhat?"
    Hedidn'tlookatme."Abouthowwecoulddoalittlebusinesstogether.
    Say,instones."
    "Whowasthewren?"Iasked.
    "Huh?Whatwren?"Hestilldidn'tlookatme.
    "Theonethatphonedme."
    "Didsomebodyphoneyou?"
    Ireachedforhistelephone,whichwastheoldfashionedgallowstype.I
    liftedoffthereceiverandstartedtodialthenumberofPoliceHeadquarters,
    veryslowly.Iknewhewouldknowthatnumberaboutaswellasheknewhishat.
    Hereachedoverandpushedthehookdown."Now,listen,"hecomplained.
    "You'retoofast.Whatyoucallingcopperfor?"
    Isaidslowly:"Theywanttotalktoyou.Onaccountofyouknowabroad
    thatknowsamanhadsorefeet."
    "Doesithavetobethatway?"Hiscollarwastootightnow.Heyankedat
    it.
    "Notfrommyside.ButifyouthinkI'mgoingtosithereandletyouplay
    withmyreflexes,itdoes."
    Madderopenedaflattinofcigarettesandpushedonepasthislipswitha
    soundlikesomebodyguttingafish.Hishandshook.
    "Allright,"hesaidthickly."Allright.Don'tgetsore."
    "Juststoptryingtocountcloudswithme,"Igrowled."Talksense.If
    you've'gotajobforme,it'sprobablytoodirtyformetotouch.ButI'llat
    leastlisten."
    Henodded.Hewascomfortablenow.HeknewIwasbluffing.Hepuffedapale
    swirlofsmokeandwatcheditfloatup.

    "That'sallright,"hesaidevenly."Iplaydumbmyselfonceinawhile.
    Thethingiswe'rewise.Carolsawyougotothehouseandleaveitagain.No
    lawcame."
    "Carol?"
    "CarolDonovan.Friendofmine.Shecalledyouup."
    Inodded."Goahead."
    Hedidn'tsayanything.Hejustsatthereandlookedatmeowlishly.
    Igrinnedandleanedacrossthedeskalittleandsaid:"Here'swhat's
    botheringyou.Youdon'tknowwhyIwenttothehouseorwhy,havinggone,I
    didn'tyellpolice.That'seasy.Ithoughtitwasasecret."
    "We'rejustkiddingeachother,"Maddersaidsourly.
    "Allright,"Isaid."Let'stalkaboutpearls.Doesthatmakeitany
    easier?"
    Hiseyesshone.Hewantedtolethimselfgetexcited,buthedidn't.He
    kepthisvoicedown,saidcoolly:"Carolpickedhimuponenight,thelittle
    guy.Acrazylittlenumber,fullofsnow,butwaybackinhisnoodleanidea.
    He'dtalkaboutpearls,aboutanoldguyupinthenorthwestorCanadathat
    swipedthemalongtimeagoandstillhadthem.Onlyhewouldn'tsaywhotheold
    guywasorwherehewas.Foxyaboutthat.Holdingout.Iwouldn'tknowwhy."
    "Hewantedtogethisfeetburned,"Isaid.
    Madder'slipsshookandanotherfinesweatshowedinhishair.
    "Ididn'tdothat,"hesaidthickly.
    "YouorCarol,what'stheodds?Thelittleguydied.Theycanmakemurder
    outofit.Youdidn'tfindoutwhatyouwantedtoknow.That'swhyI'mhere.You
    thinkIhaveinformationyoudidn'tget.Forgetit.IfIknewenough,Iwouldn't
    behere,andifyouknewenough,youwouldn'twantmehere.Check?"
    Hegrinned,veryslowly,asifithurthim.Hestruggledupinhischair
    anddraggedadeeperdraweroutfromthesideofhisdesk,putanicelymolded
    brownbottleuponthedesk,andtwostripedglasses.Hewhispered:"Twoway
    split.Youandme.I'mcuttingCarolout.She'stoodamnrough,Marlowe.I've
    seenhardwomen,butshe'sthebluingonarmorplate.Andyou'dneverthinkit
    tolookather,wouldyou?"
    "HaveIseenher?"
    "Iguessso.Shesaysyoudid."
    "Oh,thegirlintheDodge."

    Henodded,andpouredtwogoodsizeddrinks,putthebottledownandstood
    up."Water?Ilikeitinmine."
    "No,"Isaid,"butwhycutmein?Idon'tknowanymorethanyoumentioned.
    Orverylittle.Certainlynotasmuchasyoumustknowtogothatfar."
    Heleeredacrosstheglasses."IknowwhereIcangetfiftygrandforthe
    Leanderpearls,twicewhatyoucouldget.Icangiveyouyoursandstillhave
    mine.You'vegotthefrontIneedtoworkintheopen.Howaboutthewater?"
    "Nowater,"Isaid.
    Hewentacrosstothebuiltinwashplaceandranthewaterandcameback
    withhisglasshalffull.Hesatdownagain,grinned,liftedit.
    Wedrank.

    SofarIhadonlymadefourmistakes.Thefirstwasmixinginatall,evenfor
    KathyHome'ssake.ThesecondwasstayingmixedafterIfoundPeelerMardodead.
    ThethirdwaslettingRushMadderseeIknewwhathewastalkingabout.The
    fourth,thewhiskey,wastheworst.
    Ittastedfunnyevenonthewaydown.Thentherewasthatsuddenmomentof
    sharpluciditywhenIknew,exactlyasthoughIhadseenit,thathehad
    switchedhisdrinkforaharmlessonecachedinthecloset.
    Isatstillforamoment,withtheemptyglassatmyfingers'ends,
    gatheringmystrength.Madder'sfacebegantogetlargeandmoonyandvague.A
    fatsmilejerkedinandoutunderhisCharlieChanmustacheashewatchedme.
    Ireachedbackintomyhippocketandpulledoutalooselywadded
    handkerchief.Thesmallsapinsideitdidn'tseemtoshow.AtleastMadder
    didn'tmove,afterhisfirstgrabunderthecoat.
    Istoodupandswayedforwarddrunkenlyandsmackedhimsquareonthetop
    ofthehead.
    Hegagged.Hestartedtogetup.Itappedhimonthejaw.Hebecamelimp
    andhishandsweepingdownfromunderhiscoatknockedhisglassoveronthe
    desktop.Istraightenedit,stoodsilent,listening,strugglingwitharising
    waveofnauseousstupor.

    Iwentovertoacommunicatingdoorandtriedtheknob.Itwaslocked.I
    wasstaggeringbynow.Idraggedanofficechairtotheentrancedoorand
    proppedthebackofitundertheknob.Ileanedagainstthedoorpanting,
    grittingmyteeth,cursingmyself.Igothandcuffsoutandstartedbacktowards
    Madder.
    Averyprettyblackhaired,grayeyedgirlsteppedoutoftheclothes
    closetandpokeda.32atme.
    Sheworeabluesuitcutwithalotofsnap.Aninvertedsaucerofahat
    camedowninahardlineacrossherforehead.Shinyblackhairshowedatthe
    sides.Hereyeswereslategray,cold,andyetlighthearted.Herfacewasfresh
    andyounganddelicate,andashardasachisel.
    "Allright,Marlowe.Liedownandsleepitoff.You'rethrough."
    Istumbledtowardsherwavingmysap.Sheshookherhead.Whenherface
    moveditgotlargebeforemyeyes.Itsoutlineschangedandwobbled.Thegunin
    herhandlookedlikeanythingfromatunneltoatoothpick.
    "Don'tbeagoof,Marlowe,"shesaid."Afewhourssleepforyou,afew
    hoursstartforus.Don'tmakemeshoot.Iwould."
    "Damnyou,"Imumbled."Ibelieveyouwould."
    "Rightasrain,toots.I'maladythatwantsherownway.That'sfine.Sit
    down."
    Thefloorroseupandbumpedme.Isatonitasonaraftinaroughsea.I
    bracedmyselfonflathands.Icouldhardlyfeelthefloor.Myhandswerenumb.
    Mywholebodywasnumb.
    Itriedtostareherdown."Haa!LladyKkiller!"Igiggled.
    ShethrewachillylaughatmewhichIonlyjustbarelyheard.Drumswere
    beatinginmyheadnow,wardrumsfromafaroffjungle.Wavesoflightwere
    moving,anddarkshadowsandarustleasofawindintreetops.Ididn'twantto
    liedown.Ilaydown.
    Thegirl'svoicecamefromveryfaroff,anelfinvoice.
    "Twowaysplit,eh?Hedoesn'tlikemymethod,eh?Blesshisbigsoft
    heart.We'llseeabouthim."
    VaguelyasIfloatedoffIseemedtofeeladulljarthatmighthavebeena
    shot.IhopedshehadshotMadder,butshehadn't.Shehadmerelyhelpedmeon
    mywayoutwithmyownsap.

    ***
    WhenIcamearoundagainitwasnight.Somethingclackedoverheadwitha
    heavysound.Throughtheopenwindowbeyondthedeskyellowlightsplashedon
    thehighsidewallsofabuilding.Thethingclackedagainandthelightwent
    off.Anadvertisingsignontheroof.
    Igotupoffthefloorlikeamanclimbingoutofthickmud.Iwadedover
    tothewashbowl,sloshedwateronmyface,feltthetopofmyheadandwinced,
    wadedbacktothedoorandfoundthelightswitch.
    Strewnpaperslayaroundthedesk,brokenpencils,envelopes,anempty
    brownwhiskeybottle,cigaretteendsandashes.Thedebrisofhastilyemptied
    drawers.Ididn'tbothergoingthroughanyofit.Ilefttheoffice,rodedown
    tothestreetintheshudderingelevator,slidintoabarandhadabrandy,then
    gotmycaranddroveonhome.
    Ichangedclothes,packedabag,hadsomewhiskeyandansweredthe
    telephone.Itwasaboutninethirty.
    KathyHome'svoicesaid:"Soyou'renotgoneyet.Ihopedyouwouldn'tbe."
    "Alone?"Iasked,stillthickinthevoice.
    "Yes,butIhaven'tbeen.Thehousehasbeenfullofcoppersforhours.
    Theywereverynice,considering.Oldgrudgeofsomekind,theyfigured."
    "Andthelineislikelybuggednow,"Igrowled."WherewasIsupposedtobe
    going?"
    "Wellyouknow.Yourgirltoldme."
    "Littledarkgirl?Verycool?NameofCarolDonovan?"
    "Shehadyourcard.Why,wasn'tit"
    "Idon'thaveanygirl,"Isaidgrimly."AndIbetthatjustverycasually,
    withoutthinkingatall,anameslippedpastyourlipsthenameofatownup
    north.Didit?"
    "Yees,"KathyHomeadmittedweakly.
    Icaughtthenightplanenorth.
    ItwasanicetripexceptthatIhadasoreheadandaragingthirstfor
    icewater.

    TheSnoqualmieHotelinOlympiawasonCapitolWay,frontingontheusualsquare
    cityblockofpark.Ileftbythecoffeeshopdoorandwalkeddownahillto
    wherethelast,loneliestreachofPugetSounddiedanddecomposedagainsta
    lineofdisusedwharves.Cordedfirewoodfilledtheforegroundandoldmen
    potteredaboutinthemiddleofthestacks,orsatonboxeswithpipesintheir
    mouthsandsignsbehindtheirheadsreading:"FirewoodandSplitKindling.Free
    Delivery."
    Behindthemalowcliffroseandthevastpinesofthenorthloomedagainst
    agraybluesky.
    Twooftheoldmensatonboxesabouttwentyfeetapart,ignoringeach
    other.Idriftednearoneofthem.Heworecorduroypantsandwhathadbeena
    redandblackMackinaw.Hisfelthatshowedthesweatoftwentysummers.Oneof
    hishandsclutchedashortblackpipe,andwiththegrimedfingersoftheother
    heslowly,carefully,ecstaticallyjerkedatalongcurlinghairthatgrewout
    ofhisnose.
    Isetaboxonend,satdown,filledmyownpipe,litit,puffedacloudof
    smoke.Iwavedahandatthewaterandsaid:"You'dneverthinkthatevermet
    thePacificOcean."
    Helookedatme.
    Isaid:"Deadendquiet,restful,likeyourtown.Ilikeatownlike
    this."Hewentonlookingatme.
    "I'llbet,"Isaid,"thatamanthat'sbeenaroundatownlikethisknows
    everybodyinitandinthecountrynearit.''
    Hesaid:"Howmuchyoubet?"
    Itookasilverdollaroutofmypocket.Theystillhadafewupthere.The
    oldmanlookeditover,nodded,suddenlyyankedthelonghairoutofhisnose
    andhelditupagainstthelight.
    "You'dlose,"hesaid.
    Iputthedollardownonmyknee."Knowanybodyaroundherethatkeepsa
    lotofgoldfish?"Iasked.
    Hestaredatthedollar.Theotheroldmannearbywaswearingoverallsand
    shoeswithoutanylaces.Hestaredatthedollar.Theybothspatatthesame
    instant.Thefirstoldmansaid:"Leetledeef."Hegotupslowlyandwentover

    toashackbuiltofoldboardsofunevenlengths.Hewentintoit,bangedthe
    door.
    Thesecondoldmanthrewhisaxedownpettishly,spatinthedirectionof
    thecloseddoorandwentoffamongthestacksofcordwood.
    Thedooroftheshackopened,themanintheMackinawpokedhisheadoutof
    it.
    "Sewercrabsisall,"hesaid,andslammedthedooragain.
    Iputmydollarinmypocketandwentbackupthehill.Ifigureditwould
    taketoolongtolearntheirlanguage.
    CapitolWayrannorthandsouth.Adullgreenstreetcarshuttledpaston
    thewaytoaplacecalledTumwater.InthedistanceIcouldseethegovernment
    buildings.Northwardthestreetpassedtwohotelsandsomestoresandbranched
    rightandleft.RightwenttoTacomaandSeattle.Leftwentoverabridgeand
    outtotheOlympicPeninsula.
    Beyondthisrightandleftturnthestreetsuddenlybecameoldandshabby,
    withbrokenasphaltpaving,aChineserestaurant,aboardedupmoviehouse,a
    pawnbroker'sestablishment.Asignjuttingoverthedirtysidewalksaid"Smoke
    Shop,"andinsmalllettersunderneath,asifithopednobodywaslooking,
    "Pool."
    Iwentinpastarackofgaudymagazinesandacigarshowcasethathad
    fliesinsideit.Therewasalongwoodencounterontheleft,afewslot
    machines,asinglepooltable.Threekidsfiddledwiththeslotmachinesanda
    tallthinmanwithalongnoseandnochinplayedpoolallbyhimself,witha
    deadcigarinhisface.
    Isatonastoolandahardeyedbaldheadedmanbehindthecountergotup
    fromachair,wipedhishandsonathickgrayapron,showedmeagoldtooth.
    "Alittlerye,"Isaid."Knowanybodythatkeepsgoldfish?"
    "Yeah,"hesaid."No."
    Hepouredsomethingbehindthecounterandshovedathickglassacross.
    "Twobits."
    Isniffedthestuff,wrinkledmynose."Wasittheryethe'yeah'wasfor?"
    Thebaldheadedmanheldupalargebottlewithalabelthatsaidsomething
    about:"CreamofDixieStraightRyeWhiskeyGuaranteedatLeastFourMonths
    Old."
    "Okey,"Isaid."Iseeitjustmovedin."

    Ipouredsomewaterinitanddrankit.Ittastedlikeacholeraculture.I
    putaquarteronthecounter.Thebarmanshowedmeagoldtoothontheother
    sideofhisfaceandtookholdofthecounterwithtwohardhandsandpushedhis
    chinatme.
    "Whatwasthatcrack?"heasked,almostgently.
    "Ijustmovedin,"Isaid."I'mlookingforsomegoldfishforthefront
    window.Goldfish."
    Thebarmansaidveryslowly:"DoIlooklikeaguywouldknowaguywould
    havegoldfish?"Hisfacewasalittlewhite.
    Thelongnosedmanwhohadbeenplayinghimselfaroundofpoolrackedhis
    cueandstrolledovertothecounterbesidemeandthrewanickelonit.
    "DrawmeaCokebeforeyouwetyourself,"hetoldthebarman.
    Thebarmanpriedhimselfloosefromthecounterwithagooddealofeffort.
    Ilookeddowntoseeifhisfingershadmadeanydentsinthewood.Hedrewa
    Coke,stirreditwithaswizzlestick,dumpeditonthebartop,tookadeep
    breathandletitoutthroughhisnose,gruntedandwentawaytowardsadoor
    marked"Toilet."
    ThelongnosedmanliftedhisCokeandlookedintothesmearedmirror
    behindthebar.Theleftsideofhismouthtwitchedbriefly.Adimvoicecame
    fromit,saying:"How'sPeeler?"
    Ipressedmythumbandforefingertogether,putthemtomynose,sniffed,
    shookmyheadsadly.
    "Hittingithigh,huh?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Ididn'tcatchthename."
    "CallmeSunset.I'malwaysmovin'west.Thinkhe'llstayclammed?"
    "He'llstayclammed,"Isaid.
    "What'syourhandle?"
    "DodgeWillis,ElPaso,"Isaid.
    "Gotaroomsomewhere?"
    "Hotel."
    Heputhisglassdownempty."Let'sdangle."

    Wewentuptomyroomandsatdownandlookedateachotheroveracoupleof
    glassesofScotchandicewater.Sunsetstudiedmewithhiscloseset
    expressionlesseyes,alittleatatime,butverythoroughlyintheend,adding
    itallup.
    Isippedmydrinkandwaited.Atlasthesaidinhislipless"stir"voice:
    "HowcomePeelerdidn'tcomehisself?"
    "Forthesamereasonhedidn'tstaywhenhewashere."
    "Meaningwhich?"
    "Figureitoutforyourself,"Isaid.
    Henodded,justasthoughIhadsaidsomethingwithameaning.Then:
    "What'sthetopprice?"
    "Twentyfivegrand."
    "Nuts."Sunsetwasemphatic,evenrude.
    Ileanedbackandlitacigarette,puffedsmokeattheopenwindowand
    watchedthebreezepickitupandtearittopieces.
    "Listen,"Sunsetcomplained."Idon'tknowyoufromlastSunday'ssports
    section.Youmaybealltothesilk.Ijustdon'tknow."
    "Why'dyoubraceme?"Iasked.
    "Youhadtheword,didn'tyou?"
    ThiswaswhereItookthedive.Igrinnedathim."Yeah.Goldfishwasthe
    password.TheSmokeShopwastheplace."
    HislackofexpressiontoldmeIwasright.Itwasoneofthosebreaksyou
    dreamof,butdon'thandlerightevenindreams.
    "Well,what'sthenextangle?"Sunsetinquired,suckingapieceoficeout
    ofhisglassandchewingonit.
    Ilaughed."Okey,Sunset,I'msatisfiedyou'recagey.Wecouldgoonlike
    thisforweeks.Let'sputourcardsonthetable.Whereistheoldguy?"
    Sunsettightenedhislips,moistenedthem,tightenedthemagain.Hesethis
    glassdownveryslowlyandhisrighthandhunglaxonhisthigh.IknewIhad
    madeamistake,thatPeelerknewwheretheoldguywas,exactly.ThereforeI
    shouldknow.
    NothinginSunset'svoiceshowedIhadmadeamistake.Hesaidcrossly:
    "Youmeanwhydon'tIputmycardsonthetableandyoujustsitbackandlook
    'emover.Nix."

    "Thenhowdoyoulikethis?"Igrowled."Peeler'sdead."
    Oneeyebrowtwitched,andonecornerofhismouth.Hiseyesgotalittle
    blankerthanbefore,ifpossible.Hisvoiceraspedlightly,likeafingerondry
    leather.
    "Howcome?"
    "Competitionyoutwodidn'tknowabout."Ileanedback,smiled.
    Thegunmadeasoftmetallicblueinthesunshine.Ihardlysawwhereit
    camefrom.Thenthemuzzlewasroundanddarkandemptylookingatme.
    "You'rekiddingthewrongguy,"Sunsetsaidlifelessly."Iain'tnosoft
    spotforchiselerstolieon."
    Ifoldedmyarms,takingcarethatmyrighthandwasoutside,inview.
    "IwouldbeifIwaskidding.I'mnot.Peelerplayedwithagirlandshe
    milkedhimuptoapoint.Hedidn'ttellherwheretofindtheoldfellow.So
    sheandhertopmanwenttoseePeelerwherehelived.Theyusedahotironon
    hisfeet.Hediedoftheshock."
    Sunsetlookedunimpressed."Igotalotofroominmyearsyet,"hesaid.
    "SohaveI,"Isnarled,suddenlypretendinganger."Justwhatthehellhave
    yousaidthatmeansanythingexceptthatyouknowPeeler?"
    Hespunhisgunonhistriggerfinger,watcheditspin."OldmanSype'sat
    Westport,"hesaidcasually."Thatmeananythingtoyou?"
    "Yeah.Hashegotthemarbles?"
    "HowthehellwouldIknow?"Hesteadiedthegunagain,droppedittohis
    thigh.Itwasn'tpointingatmenow."Where'sthiscompetishyoumentioned?"
    "IhopeIditchedthem,"Isaid."I'mnottoosure.CanIputmyhandsdown
    andtakeadrink?"
    "Yeah,goahead.Howdidyoucutin?"
    "Peelerroomedwiththewifeofafriendofminewho'sinstir.Astraight
    girl,oneyoucantrust.Heletherinandshepassedittomeafterwards."
    "Afterthebump?Howmanycutsyourside?Myhalfisset."
    Itookmydrink,shovedtheemptyglassaway."Thehellitis."
    Thegunliftedaninch,droppedagain."Howmanyaltogether?"hesnapped.
    "Three,nowPeeler'sout.Ifwecanholdoffthecompetition."
    "Thefeettoasters?Notroubleaboutthat.Whattheylooklike?"
    "MannamedRushMadder,ashysterdownsouth,fifty,fat,thindowncurving
    mustache,darkhairthinontop,fivenine,ahundredandeighty,notmuchguts.

    Thegirl,CarolDonovan,blackhair,longbob,grayeyes,pretty,small
    features,twentyfivetoeight,fivetwo,hundredtwenty,lastseenwearing
    blue,hardastheycome.Therealironinthecombination."
    Sunsetnoddedindifferentlyandputhisgunaway."We'llsoftenher,ifshe
    pokeshersnootin,"hesaid."I'vegotaheapatthehouse.Let'staketheair
    Westportwayandlookitover.Youmightbeabletoeaseinonthegoldfish
    angle.Theysayhe'snutsaboutthem.I'llstayundercover.He'stoostirwise
    forme.Ismellofthebucket."
    "Swell,"Isaidheartily."I'manoldgoldfishfanciermyself."
    Sunsetreachedforthebottle,pouredtwofingersofScotchandputit
    down.Hestoodup,twitchedhiscollarstraight,thenshothischinlessjaw
    forwardasfarasitwouldgo.
    "Butdon'tmakenoerror,bo.It'sgoin'totakepressure.It'sgoin'to
    meanarunoutinthedeepwoodsandsomethumbtwisting.Snatchstuff,likely."
    "That'sokey,"Isaid."Theinsurancepeoplearebehindus."
    Sunsetjerkeddownthepointsofhisvestandrubbedthebackofthisthin
    neck.Iputmyhaton,lockedtheScotchinthebagbythechairI'dbeen
    sittingin,wentoverandshutthewindow.
    Westartedtowardsthedoor.KnucklesrattledonitjustasIreachedfor
    theknob.IgesturedSunsetbackalongthewall.Istaredatthedoorfora
    momentandthenIopeneditup.
    Thetwogunscameforwardalmostonthesamelevel,onesmalla.32,onea
    bigSmith&Wesson.Theycouldn'tcomeintotheroomabreast,sothegirlcame
    infirst.
    "Okey,hotshot,"shesaiddryly.Ceilingzero.Seeifyoucanreachit."

    Ibackedslowlyintotheroom.Thetwovisitorsboredinonme,eitherside.I
    trippedovermybagandfellbackwards,hitthefloorandrolledonmyside
    groaning.
    Sunsetsaidcasually:"H'ist'emfolks.Prettynow!"

    TwoheadsjerkedawayfromlookingdownatmeandthenIhadmygunloose,
    downatmyside.Ikeptongroaning.
    Therewasasilence.Ididn'thearanygunsfall.Thedooroftheroomwas
    stillwideopenandSunsetwasflattenedagainstthewallmoreorlessbehind
    it.
    Thegirlsaidbetweenherteeth:"Covertheshamus,Rushandshutthe
    door.Skinnycan'tshoothere.Nobodycan."Then,inawhisperIbarelycaught,
    sheadded:"Slamit!"
    RushMadderwaddledbackwardsacrosstheroomkeepingtheSmith&Wesson
    pointedmyway.HisbackwastoSunsetandthethoughtofthatmadehiseyes
    roll.Icouldhaveshothimeasilyenough,butitwasn'ttheplay.Sunsetstood
    withhisfeetspreadandhistongueshowing.Somethingthatcouldhavebeena
    smilewrinkledhisflateyes.
    Hestaredatthegirlandshestaredathim.Theirgunsstaredateach
    other.
    RushMadderreachedthedoor,grabbedtheedgeofitandgaveitahard
    swing.Iknewexactlywhatwasgoingtohappen.Asthedoorslammedthe.32was
    goingtogooff.Itwouldn'tbeheardifitwentoffattherightinstant.The
    explosionwouldbelostintheslammingofthedoor.
    IreachedoutandtookholdofCarolDonovan'sankleandjerkedithard.
    Thedoorslammed.Hergunwentoffandchippedtheceiling.
    Shewhirledonmekicking.Sunsetsaidinhistightbutsomewhat
    penetratingdrawl:"Ifthisisit,thisisit.Let'sgo!"Thehammerclicked
    backonhisColt.
    SomethinginhisvoicesteadiedCarolDonovan.Sherelaxed,lether
    automaticfalltohersideandsteppedawayfrommewithaviciouslookback.
    Madderturnedthekeyinthedoorandleanedagainstthewood,breathing
    noisily.Hishathadtippedoveroneearandtheendsoftwostripsofadhesive
    showedunderthebrim.
    NobodymovedwhileIhadthesethoughts.Therewasnosoundoffeetoutside
    inthehall,noalarm.Igotuponmyknees,slidmygunoutofsight,roseon
    myfeetandwentovertothewindow.Nobodydownonthesidewalkwasstaringup
    attheupperfloorsoftheSnoqualmieHotel.
    Isatonthebroadoldfashionedsillandlookedfaintlyembarrassed,as
    thoughtheministerhadsaidabadword.

    Thegirlsnappedatme:"Isthislugyourpartner?"
    Ididn'tanswer.Herfaceflushedslowlyandhereyesburned.Madderputa
    handoutandfussed:"Nowlisten,Carol,nowlistenhere.Thissortofactain't
    theway"
    "Shutup!"
    "Yeah,"Maddersaidinacloggedvoice."Sure."
    Sunsetlookedthegirloverlazilyforthethirdorfourthtime.Hisgun
    handrestedeasilyagainsthishipboneandhiswholeattitudewasofcomplete
    relaxation.HavingseenhimpullhisgunonceIhopedthegirlwasn'tfooled.
    Hesaidslowly:"We'veheardaboutyoutwo.What'syouroffer?Iwouldn't
    listeneven,onlyIcan'tstandashootingrap."
    Thegirlsaid:"There'senoughinitforfour."Maddernoddedhisbighead
    vigorously,almostmanagedasmile.
    Sunsetglancedatme.Inodded."Fouritis,"hesighed.
    "Butthat'sthetop.We'llgotomyplaceandgargle.Idon'tlikeit
    here."
    "Wemustlooksimple,"thegirlsaidnastily.
    "Killsimple,"Sunsetdrawled."I'vemetlotsofthem.That'swhywe're
    goingtotalkitover.It'snotashootingplay."
    CarolDonovanslippedasuedebagfromunderherleftarmandtuckedher.
    32intoit.Shesmiled.Shewasprettywhenshesmiled.
    "Myanteisin,"shesaidquietly."I'llplay.Whereistheplace?"
    "OutWaterStreet.We'llgoinahack."
    "Leadon,sport."
    Wewentoutoftheroomanddownintheelevator,fourfriendlypeople
    walkingoutthroughalobbyfullofantlersandstuffedbirdsandpressed
    wildflowersinglassframes.ThetaxiwentoutCapitolWay,pastthesquare,
    pastabigredapartmenthousethatwastoobigforthetownexceptwhenthe
    Legislaturewassitting.AlongcartrackspastthedistantCapitolbuildingsand
    thehighclosedgatesofthegovernor'smansion.
    Oaktreesborderedthesidewalks.Afewlargishresidencesshowedbehind
    gardenwalls.Thetaxishotpastthemandveeredontoaroadthatledtowards
    thetipoftheSound.Inashortwhileahouseshowedinanarrowclearing
    betweentalltrees.Waterglistenedfarbackbehindthetreetrunks.Thehouse
    hadaroofedporch,asmalllawnrottenwithweedsandovergrownbushes.There

    wasashedattheendofadirtdrivewayandanantiquetouringcarsquatted
    undertheshed.
    WegotoutandIpaidthetaxi.Allfourofuscarefullywatcheditoutof
    sight.ThenSunsetsaid:"Myplaceisupstairs.There'saschoolteacherlives
    downbelow.Sheain'thome.Let'sgoupandgargle."
    WecrossedthelawntotheporchandSunsetthrewadooropen,pointedup
    narrowsteps.
    "Ladiesfirst.Leadon,beautiful.Nobodylocksadoorinthistown."
    Thegirlgavehimacoolglanceandpassedhimtogoupthestairs.Iwent
    next,thenMadder,Sunsetlast.
    Thesingleroomthatmadeupmostofthesecondfloorwasdarkfromthe
    trees,hadadormerwindow,awidedaybedpushedbackundertheslopeofthe
    roof,atable,somewickerchairs,asmallradioandaroundblackstoveinthe
    middleofthefloor.
    Sunsetdriftedintoakitchenetteandcamebackwithasquarebottleand
    someglasses.Hepoureddrinks,liftedoneandlefttheothersonthetable.
    Wehelpedourselvesandsatdown.
    Sunsetputhisdrinkdowninalump,leanedovertoputhisglassonthe
    floorandcameupwithhisColtout.
    IheardMadder'sgulpinthesuddencoldsilence.Thegirl'smouthtwitched
    asifsheweregoingtolaugh.Thensheleanedforward,holdingherglassontop
    ofherbagwithherlefthand.
    Sunsetslowlydrewhislipsintoathinstraightline.Hesaidslowlyand
    carefully:"Feetburners,huh?"
    Madderchoked,startedtospreadhisfathands.TheColtflickedathim.He
    puthishandsonhiskneesandclutchedhiskneecaps.
    "Andsuckersatthat,"Sunsetwentontiredly."Burnaguy'sfeettomake
    himsingandthenwalkrightintotheparlorofoneofhispals.Youcouldn't
    tiethatwithChristmasribbon."
    Maddersaidjerkily:"Allrright.Wwhat'stheppayoff?"Thegirlsmiled
    slightlybutshedidn'tsayanything.
    Sunsetgrinned."Rope,"hesaidsoftly."Alotofropetiedinhardknots,
    withwateronit.Thenmeandmypaltrundleofftocatchfirefliespearlsto
    youandwhenwecomeback"hestopped,drewhislefthandacrossthefrontof
    histhroat."Liketheidea?"heglancedatme.

    "Yeah,butdon'tmakeasongaboutit,"Isaid."Where'stherope?"
    "Bureau,"Sunsetanswered,andpointedwithoneearatthecorner.
    Istartedinthatdirection,bywayofthewalls.Maddermadeasuddenthin
    whimperingnoiseandhiseyesturnedupinhisheadandhefellstraightforward
    offthechaironhisface,inadeadfaint.
    ThatjarredSunset.Hehadn'texpectedanythingsofoolish.Hisrighthand
    jerkedarounduntiltheColtwaspointingdownatMadder'sback.
    Thegirlslippedherhandunderherbag.Thebagliftedaninch.Thegun
    thatwascaughtthereinatrickclipthegunthatSunsetthoughtwasinside
    thebagspatandflamedbriefly.
    Sunsetcoughed.HisColtboomedandapieceofwooddetacheditselffrom
    thebackofthechairMadderhadbeensittingin.SunsetdroppedtheColtand
    puthischindownonhischestandtriedtolookattheceiling.Hislonglegs
    slidoutinfrontofhimandhisheelsmadearaspingsoundonthefloor.Hesat
    likethatlimp,hischinonhischest,hiseyeslookingupward.Deadasa
    pickledwalnut.
    IkickedMissDonovan'schairoutfromunderherandshebangeddownonher
    sideinaswirlofsilkenlegs.Herhatwentcrookedonherhead.Sheyelped.I
    stoodonherhandandthenshiftedsuddenlyandkickedhergunclearacrossthe
    attic.
    "Getup."
    Shegotupslowly,backedawayfrommebitingherlip,savageeyed,
    suddenlyanastyfacedlittlebratatbay.Shekeptonbackinguntilthewall
    stoppedher.Hereyesglitteredinaghastlyface.
    IglanceddownatMadder,wentovertoacloseddoor.Abathroomwasbehind
    it.Ireversedakeyandgesturedatthegirl.
    "In."
    Shewalkedstiffleggedacrossthefloorandpassedinfrontofme,almost
    touchingme.
    "Listenaminute,shamus"
    Ipushedherthroughthedoorandslammeditandturnedthekey.Itwasall
    rightwithmeifshewantedtojumpoutofthewindow.Ihadseenthewindows
    frombelow.

    IwentacrosstoSunset,felthim,feltthesmallhardlumpofkeysona
    ringinhispocket,andgotthemoutwithoutquiteknockinghimoffhischair.I
    didn'tlookforanythingelse.
    Therewerecarkeysonthering.
    IlookedatMadderagain,noticedthathisfingerswereaswhiteassnow.I
    wentdownthenarrowdarkstairstotheporch,aroundtothesideofthehouse
    andgotintotheoldtouringcarundertheshed.Oneofthekeysonthering
    fitteditsignitionlock.
    Thecartookabeatingbeforeitstartedupandletmebackitdownthe
    dirtdrivewaytothecurb.NothingmovedinthehousethatIsaworheard.The
    tallpinesbehindandbesidethehousestirredtheirupperbrancheslistlessly
    andacoldheartlesssunlightsneakedthroughthemintermittentlyastheymoved.
    IdrovebacktoCapitolWayanddowntownagainasfastasIdared,pastthe
    squareandtheSnoqualmieHotelandoverthebridgetowardsthePacificOcean
    andWestport.

    Anhour'sfastdrivingthroughthinnedouttimberland,interruptedbythree
    stopsforwaterandpunctuatedbythecoughofaheadgasketleak,broughtme
    withinsoundofsurf.Thebroadwhiteroad,stripedwithyellowdownthecenter,
    sweptaroundtheflankofahill,adistantclusterofbuildingsloomedupin
    frontoftheshineoftheocean,andtheroadforked.Theleftforkwas
    signposted:"Westport9Miles,"anddidn'tgotowardsthebuildings.Itcrossed
    arustycantileverbridgeandplungedintoaregionofwinddistortedapple
    orchards.
    TwentyminutesmoreandIchuggedintoWestport,asandyspitoflandwith
    scatteredframehousesdottedoverrisinggroundbehindit.Theendofthespit
    alongnarrowpier,andtheendofthepieraclusterofsailingboatswith
    halfloweredsailsflappingagainsttheirsinglemasts.Andbeyondthemabuoyed
    channelandalongirregularlinewherethewatercreamedonahiddensandbar.
    BeyondthesandbarthePacificrolledovertoJapan.Thiswasthelast
    outpostofthecoast,thefarthestwestamancouldgoandstillbeonthe

    mainlandoftheUnitedStates.Aswellplaceforanexconvicttohideoutwith
    acoupleofsomebodyelse'spearlsthesizeofnewpotatoesifhedidn'thave
    anyenemies.
    Ipulledupinfrontofacottagethathadasigninthefrontyard:
    _"Luncheons,Teas,Dinners."_Asmallrabbitfacedmanwithfreckleswaswaving
    agardenrakeattwoblackchickens.Thechickensappearedtobesassinghim
    back.HeturnedwhentheengineofSunset'scarcougheditselfstill.
    Igotout,wentthroughawicketgate,pointedtothesign.
    "Luncheonready?"
    Hethrewtherakeatthechickens,wipedhishandsonhistrousersand
    leered."Thewifeputthatup,"heconfidedtomeinathin,impishvoice."Ham
    andeggsiswhatitmeans."
    "Hamandeggsgetalongwithme,"Isaid.
    Wewentintothehouse.Therewerethreetablescoveredwithpatterned
    oilcloth,somechromosonthewalls,afullriggedshipinabottleonthe
    mantel.Isatdown.Thehostwentawaythroughaswingdoorandsomebodyyelled
    athimandasizzlingnoisewasheardfromthekitchen.Hecamebackandleaned
    overmyshoulder,putsomecutleryandapapernapkinontheoilcloth.
    "Tooearlyforapplebrandy,ain'tit?"hewhispered.
    Itoldhimhowwronghewas.Hewentawayagainandcamebackwithglasses
    andaquartofclearamberfluid.Hesatdownwithmeandpoured.Arich
    baritonevoiceinthekitchenwassinging"Chloe,"overthesizzling.
    Weclinkedglassesanddrankandwaitedfortheheattocrawlupour
    spines.
    "Stranger,ain'tyou?"thelittlemanasked.
    IsaidIwas.
    "FromSeattlemaybe?That'sanicepieceofgoodsyougoton."
    "Seattle,"Iagreed.
    "Wedon'tgitmanystrangers,"hesaid,lookingatmyleftear."Ain'ton
    thewaytonowheres.Nowbeforerepeal"hestopped,shiftedhissharp
    woodpeckergazetomyotherear.
    "Ah,beforerepeal,"Isaidwithalargegesture,anddrankknowingly.
    Heleanedoverandbreathedonmychin."Hell,youcouldloadupinany
    fishstallonthepier.Thestuffcomeinundercatchesofcrabsandoysters.
    Hell,Westportwaslousywithit.TheygivethekidscasesofScotchtoplay

    with.Therewasn'tacarinthistownthatsleptinagarage,mister.The
    garageswasfulltotheroofofCanadianhooch.Hell,theyhadacoastguard
    cutteroffthepierwatchin'theboatsunloadonedayeveryweek.Friday.Always
    thesameday."Hewinked.
    Ipuffedacigaretteandthesizzlingnoiseandthebaritonerenderingof
    "Chloe"wentoninthekitchen.
    "Buthell,youwouldn'tbeintheliquorbusiness,"hesaid.
    "Hell,no.I'magoldfishbuyer,"Isaid.
    "Okey,"hesaidsulkily.
    Ipouredusanotherroundoftheapplebrandy."Thisbottleisonme,"I
    said."AndI'mtakingacouplemorewithme."
    Hebrightenedup."Whatdidyousaythenamewas?"
    "Marlowe.YouthinkI'mkiddingyouaboutthegoldfish.I'mnot."
    "Hell,thereain'talivin'inthemlittlefellers,isthere?"
    Iheldmysleeveout."Yousaiditwasanicepieceofgoods.Surethere's
    alivingoutofthefancybrands.Newbrands,newtypesallthetime.My
    informationisthere'sanoldguydownheresomewherethathasareal
    collection.Maybewouldsellit.Somehe'dbredhimself."
    Alargewomanwithamustachekickedtheswingdooropenafootandyelled:
    "Pickupthehamandeggs!"
    Myhostscuttledacrossandcamebackwithmyfood.Iate.Hewatchedme
    minutely.Afteratimehesuddenlysmackedhisskinnylegunderthetable.
    "OldWallace,"hechuckled."Sure,youcometoseeoldWallace.Hell,we
    don'tknowhimrightwell.Hedon'tactneighborly."
    Heturnedaroundinhischairandpointedoutthroughthesleazycurtains
    atadistanthill.Ontopofthehillwasayellowandwhitehousethatshonein
    thesun.
    "Hell,that'swherehelives.He'sgotamessofthem.Goldfish,huh?Hell,
    youcouldbendmewithaneyedropper."
    Thatendedmyinterestinthelittleman.Igobbledmyfood,paidofffor
    itandforthreequartsofapplebrandyatadollaraquart,shookhandsand
    wentbackouttothetouringcar.
    Theredidn'tseemtobeanyhurry.RushMadderwouldcomeoutofhisfaint,
    andhewouldturnthegirlloose.Buttheydidn'tknowanythingaboutWestport.
    Sunsethadn'tmentionedthenameintheirpresence.Theydidn'tknowitwhen

    theyreachedOlympiaortheywouldhavegonethereatonce.Andiftheyhad
    listenedoutsidemyroomatthehotel,theywouldhaveknownIwasn'talone.
    Theyhadn'tactedasiftheyknewthatwhentheychargedin.
    Ihadlotsoftime.Idrovedowntothepierandlookeditover.Itlooked
    tough.Therewerefishstalls,drinkingdives,atinyhonkytonkforthe
    fishermen,apoolroom,anarcadeofslotmachinesandsmuttypeepshows.Bait
    fishsquirmedanddartedinbigwoodentanksdowninthewateralongthepiles.
    Therewereloungersandtheylookedliketroubleforanyonethattriedto
    interferewiththem.Ididn'tseeanylawenforcementaround.
    Idrovebackupthehilltotheyellowandwhitehouse.Itstoodverymuch
    alone,fourblocksfromthenextnearestdwelling.Therewereflowersinfront,
    atrimmedgreenlawn,arockgarden.Awomaninabrownandwhiteprintdress
    waspoppingataphidswithaspraygun.
    Iletmyheapstallitself,gotoutandtookmyhatoff.
    "MisterWallacelivehere?"
    Shehadahandsomeface,quiet,firmlooking.Shenodded.
    "Wouldyouliketoseehim?"Shehadaquietfirmvoice,agoodaccent.
    Itdidn'tsoundlikethevoiceofatrainrobber'swife.
    Igavehermyname,saidI'dbeenhearingabouthisfishdowninthetown.
    Iwasinterestedinfancygoldfish.
    Sheputthespraygundownandwentintothehouse.Beesbuzzedaroundmy
    head,largefuzzybeesthatwouldn'tmindthecoldwindoffthesea.Faroff
    likebackgroundmusicthesurfpoundedonthesandbars.Thenorthernsunshine
    seemedbleaktome,hadnoheatinthecoreofit.
    Thewomancameoutofthehouseandheldthedooropen.
    "He'satthetopofthestairs,"shesaid,"ifyou'dliketogoup."
    Iwentpastacoupleofrusticrockersandintothehouseofthemanwho
    hadstolentheLeanderpearls.

    10

    Fishtankswereallaroundthebigroom,twotiersofthemonbracedshelves,
    bigoblongtankswithmetalframes,somewithlightsoverthemandsomewith

    lightsdowninthem.Watergrasseswerefestoonedincarelesspatternsbehind
    thealgaecoatedglassandthewaterheldaghostlygreenishlightandthrough
    thegreenishlightmovedfishofallthecolorsofrainbow.
    TherewerelongslimfishlikegoldendartsandJapaneseVeiltailswith
    fantastictrailingtails,andXrayfishastransparentascoloredglass,tiny
    guppieshalfaninchlong,calicopopeyesspottedlikeabride'sapron,andbig
    lumberingChineseMoorswithtelescopeeyes,froglikefacesandunnecessary
    fins,waddlingthroughthegreenwaterlikefatmengoingtolunch.
    Mostofthelightcamefromabigslopingskylight.Undertheskylightata
    barewoodentableatallgauntmanstoodwithasquirmingredfishinhisleft
    hand,andinhisrighthandasafetyrazorbladebackedwithadhesivetape.
    Helookedatmefromunderwidegrayeyebrows.Hiseyesweresunken,
    colorless,opaque.Iwentoverbesidehimandlookeddownatthefishhewas
    holding.
    "Fungus?"Iasked.
    Henoddedslowly."Whitefungus."Heputthefishdownonthetableand
    carefullyspreaditsdorsalfin.Thefinwasraggedandsplitandtheragged
    edgeshadamossywhitecolor.
    "Whitefungus,"hesaid,"ain'tsobad.I'lltrimthisfellerupandhe'll
    berightasrain.WhatcanIdoforyou,mister?"
    Irolledacigarettearoundinmyfingersandsmiledathim.
    "Likepeople,"Isaid."Thefish,Imean.Theygetthingswrongwiththem."
    Heheldthefishagainstthewoodandtrimmedofftheraggedpartofthe
    fin.Hespreadthetailandtrimmedthat.Thefishhadstoppedsquirming.
    "Someyoucancure,"hesaid,"andsomeyoucan't.Youcan'tcureswimming
    bladderdisease,forinstance."Heglancedupatme."Thisdon'thurthim,'case
    youthinkitdoes,"hesaid."Youcanshockafishtodeathbutyoucan'thurt
    itlikeaperson."
    Heputtherazorbladedownanddippedacottonswabinsomepurplish
    liquid,paintedthecutplaces.Thenhedippedafingerinajarofwhite
    vaselineandsmearedthatover.Hedroppedthefishinasmalltankofftoone
    sideoftheroom.Thefishswamaroundpeacefully,quitecontent.
    Thegauntmanwipedhishands,satdownattheedgeofabenchandstared
    atmewithlifelesseyes.Hehadbeengoodlookingonce,alongtimeago.

    "Youinterestedinfish?"heasked.Hisvoicehadthequietcarefulmurmur
    ofthecellblockandtheexerciseyard.
    Ishookmyhead."Notparticularly.Thatwasjustanexcuse.Icamealong
    waytoseeyou,MisterSype."
    Hemoistenedhislipsandwentonstaringatme.Whenhisvoicecameagain
    itwastiredandsoft.
    "Wallaceisthename,mister."
    Ipuffedasmokeringandpokedmyfingerthroughit."Formyjobit'sgot
    tobeSype."
    Heleanedforwardanddroppedhishandsbetweenhisspreadbonyknees,
    claspedthemtogether.Biggnarledhandsthathaddonealotofhardworkin
    theirtime.Hisheadtippedupatmeandhisdeadeyeswerecoldunderthe
    shaggybrows.Buthisvoicestayedsoft.
    "Haven'tseenadickinayear.Totalkto.What'syourlay?"
    "Guess,"Isaid.
    Hisvoicegotstillsofter."Listen,dick.I'vegotanicehomehere,
    quiet.Nobodybothersmeanymore.Nobody'sgotarightto.Igotapardon
    straightfromtheWhiteHouse.I'vegotthefishtoplaywithandamangets
    fondofanythinghetakescareof.Idon'towetheworldanickel.Ipaidup.My
    wife'sgotenoughdoughforustoliveon.AllIwantistobeletalone,dick."
    Hestoppedtalking,shookhisheadonce."Youcan'tburnmeupnotanymore."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Ismiledalittleandwatchedhim.
    "Nobodycantouchme,"hesaid."Igotapardonstraightfromthe
    President'sstudy.Ijustwanttobeletalone."
    Ishookmyheadandkeptonsmilingathim."That'stheonethingyoucan
    neverhaveuntilyougivein."
    "Listen,"hesaidsoftly."Youmaybenewonthiscase.It'skindoffresh
    toyou.Youwanttomakearepforyourself.Butme,I'vehadalmosttwenty
    yearsofit,andsohavealotofotherpeople,someof'emprettysmartpeople
    too.TheyknowIdon'thavenothingthatdon'tbelongtome.Neverdidhave.
    Somebodyelsegotit."
    "Themailclerk,"Isaid."Sure."
    "Listen,"hesaid,stillsoftly."Ididmytime.Iknowalltheangles.I
    knowtheyain'tgoingtostopwonderinglongasanybody'salivethatremembers.
    Iknowthey'regoingtosendsomepunkoutonceinawhiletokindofstirit

    up.That'sokey.Nohardfeelings.NowwhatdoIdotogetyoutogohome
    again?"
    Ishookmyheadandstaredpasthisshoulderatthefishdriftingintheir
    bigsilenttanks.Ifelttired.Thequietofthehousemadeghostsinmybrain,
    ghostsofalotofyearsago.Atrainpoundingthroughthedarkness,astickup
    hiddeninamailcar,agunflash,adeadclerkonthefloor,asilentdropoff
    atsomewatertank,amanwhohadkeptasecretfornineteenyearsalmostkept
    it.
    "Youmadeonemistake,"Isaidslowly."RememberafellownamedPeeler
    Mardo?"
    Heliftedhishead.Icouldseehimsearchinginhismemory.Thename
    didn'tseemtomeananythingtohim.
    "AfellowyouknewinLeavenworth,"Isaid."Alittleruntthatwasin
    thereforsplittingtwentydollarbillsandputtingphonybacksonthem."
    "Yeah,"hesaid."Iremember."
    "Youtoldhimyouhadthepearls,"Isaid.
    Icouldseehedidn'tbelieveme."Imusthavebeenkiddinghim,"hesaid
    slowly,emptily.
    "Maybe.Buthere'sthepoint.Hedidn'tthinkso.Hewasupinthiscountry
    awhileagowithapal,aguywhocalledhimselfSunset.Theysawyousomewhere
    andPeelerrecognizedyou.Hegottothinkinghowhecouldmakehimselfsome
    jack.Buthewasacokehoundandhetalkedinhissleep.Agirlgotwiseand
    thenanothergirlandashyster.Peelergothisfeetburnedandhe'sdead."
    Sypestaredatmeunblinkingly.Thelinesatthecornersofhismouth
    deepened.
    IwavedmycigaretteandwentOn:"Wedon'tknowhowmuchhetold,butthe
    shysterandagirlareinOlympia.Sunset'sinOlympia,onlyhe'sdead.They
    killedhim.Iwouldn'tknowiftheyknowwhereyouareornot.Buttheywill
    sometime,orotherslikethem.Youcanwearthecopsdown,iftheycan'tfind
    thepearlsandyoudon'ttrytosellthem.Youcanweartheinsurancecompany
    downandeventhepostalmen."
    Sypedidn'tmoveamuscle.Hisbigknottyhandsclenchedbetweenhisknees
    didn'tmove.Hisdeadeyesjuststared.
    "Butyoucan'twearthechiselersdown,"Isaid."They'llneverlayoff.
    There'llalwaysbeacoupleorthreewithtimeenoughandmoneyenoughand

    meannessenoughtobeardown.They'llfindoutwhattheywanttoknowsomeway.
    They'llsnatchyourwifeortakeyououtinthewoodsandgiveyoutheworks.
    Andyou'llhavetocomethrough...NowI'vegotadecent,squareproposition."
    "Whichbunchareyou?"Sypeaskedsuddenly."Ithoughtyousmelledofdick,
    butIain'tsosurenow."
    "Insurance,"Isaid."Here'sthedeal.Twentyfivegrandrewardinall.
    Fivegrandtothegirlthatpassedmetheinfo.Shegotitonthesquareand
    she'sentitledtothatcut.Tengrandtome.I'vedonealltheworkandlooked
    intoalltheguns.Tengrandtoyou,throughme.Youcouldn'tgetanickel
    direct.Isthereanythinginit?Howdoesitlook?"
    "Itlooksfine,"hesaidgently."Exceptforonething,Idon'thaveno
    pearls,dick."
    Iscowledathim.Thatwasmywad.Ididn'thaveanymore.Istraightened
    awayfromthewallanddroppedacigaretteendonthewoodfloor,crushedit
    out.Iturnedtogo.
    Hestoodupandputahandout."Waitaminute,"hesaidgravely,"andI'll
    proveittoyou."
    Hewentacrossthefloorinfrontofmeandoutoftheroom.Istaredat
    thefishandchewedmylip.Iheardthesoundofacarenginesomewhere,not
    veryclose.Iheardadraweropenandshut,apparentlyinanearbyroom.
    Sypecamebackintothefishroom.HehadashinyColt.45inhisgaunt
    fist.Itlookedaslongasaman'sforearm.
    Hepointeditatmeandsaid:"Igotpearlsinthis,sixofthem.Lead
    pearls.Icancombafly'swhiskersatsixtyyards.Youain'tnodick.Nowget
    upandblowandtellyourredhotfriendsI'mreadytoshoottheirteethoutany
    dayoftheweekandtwiceonSunday."
    Ididn'tmove.Therewasamadnessintheman'sdeadeyes.Ididn'tdare
    move.
    "That'sgrandstandstuff,"Isaidslowly."IcanproveI'madick.You're
    anexconandit'safelonyjusthavingthatrod.Putitdownandtalksense."
    ThecarIhadheardseemedtobestoppingoutsidethehouse.Brakeswhined
    ondrums.Feetclattered,upawalk,upsteps.Suddensharpvoices,acaught
    exclamation.

    Sypebackedacrosstheroomuntilhewasbetweenthetableandabig
    twentyorthirtygallontank.Hegrinnedatme,thewidecleargrinofa
    fighteratbay.
    "Iseeyourfriendskindofcaughtupwithyou,"hedrawled."Takeyourgat
    outanddropitonthefloorwhileyoustillgottimeandbreath."
    Ididn'tmove.Ilookedatthewiryhairabovehiseyes.Ilookedintohis
    eyes.IknewifImovedeventodowhathetoldmehewouldshoot.
    Stepscameupthestairs.Theywereclogged,shufflingsteps,withahint
    ofstruggleinthem.
    Threepeoplecameintotheroom.

    11

    Mrs.Sypecameinfirst,stifflegged,hereyesglazed,herarmsbentrigidlyat
    theelbowsandthehandsclawingstraightforwardatnothing,feelingfor
    somethingthatwasn'tthere.Therewasaguninherback,CarolDonovan's
    small.32,heldefficientlyinCarolDonovan'ssmallruthlesshand.
    Maddercamelast.Hewasdrunk,bravefromthebottle,flushedandsavage.
    HethrewtheSmith&Wessondownonmeandleered.
    CarolDonovanpushedMrs.Sypeaside.Theolderwomanstumbledintothe
    cornerandsankdownonherknees,blankeyed.
    SypestaredattheDonovangirl.Hewasrattledbecauseshewasagirland
    youngandpretty.Hehadn'tbeenusedtothetype.Seeinghertookthefireout
    ofhim.Ifmenhadcomeinhewouldhaveshotthemtopieces.
    Thesmalldarkwhitefacedgirlfacedhimcoldly,saidinhertightchilled
    voice:"Allright,Dad.Shedtheheater.Makeitsmoothnow."
    Sypeleaneddownslowly,nottakinghiseyesoffher.Heputhisenormous
    frontierColtonthefloor.
    "Kickitawayfromyou,Dad."
    Sypekickedit.Thegunskiddedacrossthebareboards,overtowardsthe
    centeroftheroom.
    "That'stheway,oldtimer.Youholdonhim,Rush,whileIunrodthedick."

    Thetwogunsswiveledandthehardgrayeyeswerelookingatmenow.Madder
    wentalittlewaytowardsSypeandpointedhisSmith&WessonatSype'schest.
    Thegirlsmiled,notanicesmile."Brightboy,eh?Yousurestickyour
    neckoutallthetime,don'tyou?Madeabeef,shamus.Didn'tfriskyourskinny
    pal.Hehadalittlemapinoneshoe."
    "Ididn'tneedone,"Isaidsmoothly,andgrinnedather.
    Itriedtomakethegrinappealing,becauseMrs.Sypewasmovingherknees
    onthefloor,andeverymovetookhernearertoSype'sColt.
    "Butyou'reallwashedupnow,youandyourbigsmile.Hoistthemitts
    whileIgetyouriron.Up,mister."
    Shewasagirl,aboutfivefeettwoinchestall,andweighedarounda
    hundredandtwenty.Justagirl.Iwassixfeetandahalfinch,weighedone
    ninetyfive.Iputmyhandsupandhitheronthejaw.
    Thatwascrazy,butIhadallIcouldstandoftheDonovanMadderact,the
    DonovanMadderguns,theDonovanMaddertoughtalk.Ihitheronthejaw.
    Shewentbackayardandherpopgunwentoff.Aslugburnedmyribs.She
    startedtofall.Slowly,likeaslowmotionpicture,shefell.Therewas
    somethingsillyaboutit.
    Mrs.SypegottheColtandshotherintheback.
    MadderwhirledandtheinstantheturnedSyperushedhim.Madderjumped
    backandyelledandcoveredSypeagain.Sypestoppedcoldandthewidecrazy
    grincamebackonhisgauntface.
    TheslugfromtheColtknockedthegirlforwardasthoughadoorhad
    whippedinahighwind.Aflurryofbluecloth,somethingthumpedmychesther
    head.Isawherfaceforamomentasshebouncedback,astrangefacethatIhad
    neverseenbefore.
    Thenshewasahuddledthingontheflooratmyfeet,small,deadly,
    extinct,withrednesscomingoutfromunderher,andthetallquietwomanbehind
    herwiththesmokingColtheldinbothhands.
    MaddershotSypetwice.Sypeplungedforwardstillgrinningandhittheend
    ofthetable.Thepurplishliquidhehadusedonthesickfishsprayedupover
    him.Maddershothimagainashewasfalling.
    IjerkedmyLugeroutandshotMadderinthemostpainfulplaceIcould
    thinkofthatwasn'tlikelytobefatalthebackoftheknee.Hewentdown

    exactlyasifhehadtrippedoverahiddenwire.Ihadcuffsonhimbeforehe
    evenstartedtogroan.
    IkickedgunshereandthereandwentovertoMrs.Sypeandtookthebig
    Coltoutofherhands.
    Itwasverystillintheroomforalittlewhile.Eddiesofsmokedrifted
    towardstheskylight,filmygray,paleintheafternoonsun.Iheardthesurf
    boominginthedistance.ThenIheardawhistlingsoundcloseathand.
    ItwasSypetryingtosaysomething.Hiswifecrawledacrosstohim,still
    onherknees,huddledbesidehim.Therewasbloodonhislipsandbubbles.He
    blinkedhard,tryingtoclearhishead.Hesmiledupather.Hiswhistlingvoice
    saidveryfaintly:"TheMoors,HattietheMoors."
    Thenhisneckwentlooseandthesmilemeltedoffhisface.Hisheadrolled
    toonesideonthebarefloor.
    Mrs.Sypetouchedhim,thengotveryslowlytoherfeetandlookedatme,
    calm,dryeyed.
    Shesaidinalowclearvoice:"Willyouhelpmecarryhimtothebed?I
    don'tlikehimherewiththesepeople."
    Isaid:"Sure.Whatwasthathesaid?"
    "Idon'tknow.Somenonsenseabouthisfish,Ithink."
    IliftedSype'sshouldersandshetookhisfeetandwecarriedhimintothe
    bedroomandputhimonthebed.Shefoldedhishandsonhischestandshuthis
    eyes.Shewentoverandpulledtheblindsdown.
    "That'sall,thankyou,"shesaid,notlookingatme."Thetelephoneis
    downstairs."
    Shesatdowninachairbesidethebedandputherheaddownonthe
    coverletnearSype'sarm.
    Iwentoutoftheroomandshutthedoor.

    12

    Madder'slegwasbleedingslowly,notdangerously.Hestaredatmewithfear
    crazedeyeswhileItiedatighthandkerchiefabovehisknee.Ifiguredhehada

    cuttendonandmaybeachippedkneecap.Hemightwalkalittlelamewhenthey
    cametohanghim.
    Iwentdownstairsandstoodontheporchlookingatthetwocarsinfront,
    thendownthehilltowardsthepier.Nobodycouldhavetoldwheretheshotscame
    from,unlesshehappenedtobepassing.Quitelikelynobodyhadevennoticed
    them.Therewasprobablyshootinginthewoodsaroundthereagooddeal.
    Iwentbackintothehouseandlookedatthecranktelephoneontheliving
    roomwall,butdidn'ttouchityet.Somethingwasbotheringme.Ilita
    cigaretteandstaredoutofthewindowandaghostvoicesaidinmyears:"The
    Moors,Hattie.TheMoors."
    Iwentbackuptothefishroom.Madderwasgroaningnow,thickpanting
    groans.WhatdidIcareaboutatorturerlikeMadder?
    Thegirlwasquitedead.Noneofthetankswashit.Thefishswam
    peacefullyintheirgreenwater,slowandpeacefulandeasy.Theydidn'tcare
    aboutMaddereither.
    ThetankwiththeblackChineseMoorsinitwasoverinthecorner,about
    tengallonsize.Therewerejustfourofthem,bigfellows,aboutfourinches
    bodylength,coalblackallover.Twoofthemweresuckingoxygenontopofthe
    waterandtwowerewaddlingsluggishlyonthebottom.Theyhadthickdeepbodies
    withalotofspreadingtailandhighdorsalfinsandtheirbulgingtelescope
    eyesthatmadethemlooklikefrogswhentheywereheadtowardsyou.
    Iwatchedthemfumblingaroundinthegreenstuffthatwasgrowinginthe
    tank.Acoupleofredpondsnailswerewindowcleaning.Thetwoonthebottom
    lookedthickerandmoresluggishthanthetwoonthetop.Iwonderedwhy.
    Therewasalonghandledstrainermadeofwovenstringlyingbetweentwoof
    thetanks.Igotitandfisheddowninthetank,trappedoneofthebigMoors
    andlifteditout.Iturneditoverinthenet,lookedatitsfaintlysilver
    belly.Isawsomethingthatlookedlikeasuture.Ifelttheplace.Therewasa
    hardlumpunderit.
    Ipulledtheotheroneoffthebottom.Samesuture,samehardroundlump.I
    gotoneofthetwothathadbeensuckingairontop.Nosuture,nohardround
    lump.Itwashardertocatchtoo.
    Iputitbackinthetank.Mybusinesswaswiththeothertwo.Ilike
    goldfishaswellasthenextman,butbusinessisbusinessandcrimeiscrime.I

    tookmycoatoffandrolledmysleevesupandpickedtherazorbladebackedwith
    adhesivetapeoffthetable.
    Itwasaverymessyjob.Ittookaboutfiveminutes.Thentheylayinthe
    palmofmyhand,threequartersofaninchindiameter,heavy,perfectlyround,
    milkywhiteandshimmeringwiththatinnerlightnootherjewelhas.TheLeander
    pearls.
    Iwashedthemoff,wrappedtheminmyhandkerchief,rolleddownmysleeves
    andputmycoatbackon.IlookedatMadder,athislittlepainandfear
    torturedeyes,thesweatonhisface.Ididn'tcareanythingaboutMadder.He
    wasakiller,atorturer.
    Iwentoutofthefishroom.Thebedroomdoorwasstillshut.Iwentdown
    belowandcrankedthewalltelephone.
    "ThisistheWallaceplaceatWestport,"Isaid."There'sbeenanaccident.
    Weneedadoctorandwe'llhavetohavethepolice.Whatcanyoudo?"
    Thegirlsaid:"I'lltryandgetyouadoctor,Mr.Wallace.Itmaytakea
    littletimethough.There'satownmarshalatWestport.Willhedo?"
    "Isupposeso,"Isaidandthankedherandhungup.Therewerepointsabout
    acountrytelephoneafterall.
    Ilitanothercigaretteandsatdowninoneoftherusticrockersonthe
    porch.InalittlewhiletherewerestepsandMrs.Sypecameoutofthehouse.
    Shestoodamomentlookingoffdownthehills,thenshesatdownintheother
    rockerbesideme.Herdryeyeslookedatmesteadily.
    "You'readetective,Isuppose,"shesaidslowly,diffidently.
    "Yes,IrepresentthecompanythatinsuredtheLeanderpearls."
    Shelookedoffintothedistance."Ithoughthewouldhavepeacehere,"she
    said."Thatnobodywouldbotherhimanymore.Thatthisplacewouldbeasortof
    sanctuary."
    "Heoughtnottohavetriedtokeepthepearls."
    Sheturnedherhead,quicklythistime.Shelookedblanknow,thenshe
    lookedscared.
    Ireacheddowninmypocketandgotoutthewaddedhandkerchief,openedit
    uponthepalmofmyhand.Theylaytheretogetheronthewhitelinen,two
    hundredgrandworthofmurder.
    "Hecouldhavehadhissanctuary,"Isaid."Nobodywantedtotakeitaway
    fromhim.Buthewasn'tsatisfiedwiththat."

    Shelookedslowly,lingeringlyatthepearls.Thenherlipstwitched:Her
    voicegothoarse.
    "PoorWally,"shesaid."Soyoudidfindthem.You'reprettyclever,you
    know.Hekilleddozensoffishbeforehelearnedhowtodothattrick."She
    lookedupintomyface.Alittlewondershowedatthebackofhereyes.
    Shesaid:"Ialwayshatedtheidea.DoyouremembertheoldBibletheoryof
    thescapegoat?"
    Ishookmyhead,no.
    "Theanimalonwhichthesinsofamanwerelaidandthenitwasdrivenoff
    intothewilderness.Thefishwerehisscapegoat."
    Shesmiledatme.Ididn'tsmileback.
    Shesaid,stillsmilingfaintly:"Yousee,heoncehadthepearls,thereal
    ones,andsufferingseemedtohimtomakethemhis.Buthecouldn'thavehadany
    profitfromthem,evenifhehadfoundthemagain.Itseemssomelandmark
    changed,whilehewasinprison,andhenevercouldfindthespotinIdahowhere
    theywereburied."
    Anicyfingerwasmovingslowlyupanddownmyspine.Iopenedmymouthand
    somethingIsupposedmightbemyvoicesaid:"Huh?"
    Shereachedafingeroutandtouchedoneofthepearls.Iwasstillholding
    themout,asifmyhandwasashelfnailedtothewall.
    "Sohegotthese,"shesaid."InSeattle.They'rehollow,filledwithwhite
    wax.Iforgetwhattheycalltheprocess.Theylookveryfine.OfcourseInever
    sawanyreallyvaluablepearls."
    "Whatdidhegetthemfor?"Icroaked.
    "Don'tyousee?Theywerehissin.Hehadtohidetheminthewilderness,
    thiswilderness.Hehidtheminthefish.Anddoyouknow"sheleanedtowards
    meagainandhereyesshone.Shesaidveryslowly,veryearnestly:"SometimesI
    thinkthatintheveryend,justthelastyearorso,heactuallybelievedthey
    weretherealpearlshewashiding.Doesallthismeananythingtoyou?"
    Ilookeddownatmypearls.Myhandandthehandkerchiefclosedoverthem
    slowly.
    Isaid:"I'maplainman,Mrs.Sype.Iguessthescapegoatideaisabit
    overmyhead.I'dsayhewasjusttryingtokidhimselfabitlikeanyhealthy
    loser."

    Shesmiledagain.Shewashandsomewhenshesmiled.Thensheshruggedquite
    lightly.
    "Ofcourse,youwouldseeitthatway.Butme"shespreadherhands."Oh,
    well,itdoesn'tmattermuchnow.MayIhavethemforakeepsake?"
    "Havethem?"
    "Thethephonypearls.Surelyyoudon't"
    Istoodup.AnoldFordroadsterwithoutatopwaschuggingupthehill.A
    maninithadabigstaronhisvest.Thechatterofthemotorwaslikethe
    chatterofsomeoldangrybaldheadedapeinthezoo.
    Mrs.Sypewasstandingbesideme,withherhandhalfout,athin,
    beseechinglookonherface.
    Igrinnedatherwithsuddenferocity.
    "Yeah,youwereprettygoodinthereforawhile,"Isaid."Idamnnear
    fellforit.AndwasIcolddowntheback,lady!Butyouhelped.'Phony'wasa
    shadeoutofcharacterforyou.YourworkwiththeColtwasfastandkindof
    ruthless.MostofallSype'slastwordsqueeredit.'TheMoors,Hattiethe
    Moors.'Hewouldn'thavebotheredwiththatifthestoneshadbeenringers.And
    hewasn'tsappyenoughtokidhimselfalltheway."
    Foramomentherfacedidn'tchangeatall.Thenitdid.Somethinghorrible
    showedinhereyes.Sheputherlipsoutandspitatme.Thensheslammedinto
    thehouse.
    Ituckedtwentyfivethousanddollarsintomyvestpocket.Twelvethousand
    fivehundredformeandtwelvethousandfivehundredforKathyHome.Icouldsee
    hereyeswhenIbroughtherthecheck,andwhensheputitinthebank,towait
    forJohnnytogetparoledfromQuentin.
    TheFordhadpulledupbehindtheothercars.Themandrivingspitoverthe
    side,yankedhisemergencybrakeon,gotoutwithoutusingthedoor.Hewasa
    bigfellowinshirtsleeves.
    Iwentdownthestepstomeethim.

    THECURTAIN

    ThefirsttimeIeversawLarryBatzelhewasdrunkoutsideSardi'sina
    secondhandRollsRoyce.Therewasatallblondewithhimwhohadeyesyou
    wouldn'tforget.Ihelpedherarguehimoutfromunderthewheelsothatshe
    coulddrive.
    ThesecondtimeIsawhimhedidn'thaveanyRollsRoyceoranyblondeor
    anyjobinpictures.Allhehadwasthejittersandasuitthatneededpressing.
    Herememberedme.Hewasthatkindofdrunk.
    Iboughthimenoughdrinkstodohimsomegoodandgavehimhalfmy
    cigarettes.Iusedtoseehimfromtimetotime"betweenpictures."Igotto
    lendinghimmoney.Idon'tknowjustwhy.Hewasabig,handsomebrutewitheyes
    likeacowandsomethinginnocentandhonestinthem.SomethingIdon'tgetmuch
    ofinmybusiness.
    Thefunnypartwashehadbeenaliquorrunnerforaprettyhardmobbefore
    Repeal.Henevergotanywhereinpictures,andafterawhileIdidn'tseehim
    aroundanymore.
    ThenonedayoutoftheclearblueIgotacheckforallheowedmeanda
    notethathewasworkingonthetablesgamblingnotdiningattheDardanella
    Club,andtocomeoutandlookhimup.SoIknewhewasbackintherackets.
    Ididn'tgotoseehim,butIfoundoutsomehoworotherthatJoeMesarvey
    ownedtheplace,andthatJoeMesarveywasmarriedtotheblondewiththeeyes,
    theoneLarryBatzelhadbeenwithintheRollsthattime.Istilldidn'tgoout
    there.
    Thenveryearlyonemorningtherewasadimfigurestandingbymybed,
    betweenmeandthewindows.Theblindshadbeenpulleddown.Thatmusthavebeen
    whatwakenedme.Thefigurewaslargeandhadagun.
    Irolledoverandrubbedmyeyes.
    "Okay,"Isaidsourly."There'stwelvebucksinmypantsandmywristwatch
    costtwentysevenfifty.Youcouldn'tgetanythingonthat."
    Thefigurewentovertothewindowandpulledablindasideaninchand
    lookeddownatthestreet.WhenheturnedagainIsawthatitwasLarryBatzel.
    Hisfacewasdrawnandtiredandheneededashave.Hehaddinnerclothes
    onstillandadarkdoublebreastedovercoatwithadwarfrosedroopinginthe
    lapel.

    Hesatdownandheldthegunonhiskneeforamomentbeforeheputit
    away,withapuzzledfrown,asifhedidn'tknowhowitgotintohishand.
    "You'regoingtodrivemetoBerdoo,"hesaid."I'vegottogetoutof
    town.They'veputthepencilonme."
    "Okay,"Isaid."Tellmeaboutit."
    Isatupandfeltthecarpetwithmytoesandlitacigarette.Itwasa
    littleafterfivethirty.
    "Ijimmiedyourlockwithapieceofcelluloid,"hesaid."Yououghttouse
    yournightlatchonceinawhile.Iwasn'tsurewhichwasyourflopandIdidn't
    wanttorousethehouse."
    "Trythemailboxesnexttime,"Isaid."Butgoahead.You'renotdrunk,are
    you?"
    "I'dliketobe,butI'vegottogetawayfirst.I'mjustrattled.I'mnot
    sotoughasIusedtobe.YoureadabouttheO'Maradisappearanceofcourse."
    "Yeah."
    "Listen,anyway.IfIkeeptalkingIwon'tblowup.Idon'tthinkI'm
    spottedhere."
    "Onedrinkwon'thurteitherofus,"Isaid."TheScotchisonthetable
    there."
    Hepouredacoupleofdrinksquicklyandhandedmeone.Iputonabathrobe
    andslippers.Theglassrattledagainsthisteethwhenhedrank.
    Heputhisemptyglassdownandheldhishandstighttogether.
    "IusedtoknowDudO'Maraprettywell.Weusedtorunstufftogetherdown
    fromHuenemePoint.Weevencarriedthetorchforthesamegirl.She'smarried
    toJoeMesarveynow.Dudmarriedfivemilliondollars.HemarriedGeneralDade
    Winslow'sricketyracketydivorcedaughter."
    "Iknowallthat,"Isaid.
    "Yeah.Justlisten.Shepickedhimoutofaspeak,justlikeI'dpickupa
    cafeteriatray.Buthedidn'tlikethelife.IguessheusedtoseeMona.Hegot
    wiseJoeMesarveyandLashYeagerhadahotcarracketontheside.Theyknocked
    himoff."
    "Thehelltheydid,"Isaid."Haveanotherdrink."
    "No.Justlisten.There'sjusttwopoints.ThenightO'Marapulleddownthe
    curtainno,thenightthepapersgotitMonaMesarveydisappearedtoo.Only
    shedidn't.TheyhidheroutinashackacoupleofmilesbeyondRealitointhe

    orangebelt.NextdoortoagaragerunbyaheelnamedArtHuck,ahotcardrop.
    Ifoundout.ItrailedJoethere."
    "Whatmadeityourbusiness?"Iasked.
    "I'mstillsoftonher.I'mtellingyouthisbecauseyouwereprettyswell
    tomeonce.YoucanmakesomethingofitafterIblow.Theyhidheroutthereso
    itwouldlookasifDudhadblownwithher.Naturallythecopswerenottoodumb
    toseeJoeafterthedisappearance.Buttheydidn'tfindMona.Theyhavea
    systemondisappearancesandtheyplaythesystem."
    Hegotupandwentovertothewindowagain,lookedthroughthesideofthe
    blind.
    "There'sabluesedandownthereIthinkI'veseenbefore,"hesaid."But
    maybenot.There'salotlikeit."
    Hesatdownagain.Ididn'tspeak.
    "ThisplacebeyondRealitoisonthefirstsideroadnorthfromthe
    FoothillBoulevard.Youcan'tmissit.Itstandsallalone,thegarageandthe
    housenextdoor.There'sanoldcyanideplantupabovethere.I'mtellingyou
    this"
    "That'spointone,"Isaid."Whatwasthesecondpoint?"
    "ThepunkthatusedtodriveforLashYeagerlitoutacoupleofweeksback
    andwentEast.Ilenthimfiftybucks.Hewasbroke.HetoldmeYeagerwasout
    totheWinslowestatethenightDudO'Maradisappeared."
    Istaredathim."It'sinteresting,Larry.Butnotenoughtobreakeggs
    over.Afterallwedohaveapolicedepartment."
    "Yeah.Addthis.IgotdrunklastnightandtoldYeagerwhatIknew.ThenI
    quitthejobattheDardanella.SosomebodyshotatmeoutsidewhereIlivewhen
    Igothome.I'vebeenonthedodgeeversince.Now,willyoudrivemeto
    Berdoo?"
    Istoodup.ItwasMaybutIfeltcold.LarryBatzellookedcold,evenwith
    hisovercoaton.
    "Absolutely,"Isaid."Buttakeiteasy.Laterwillbemuchsaferthannow.
    Haveanotherdrink.Youdon'tknowtheyknockedO'Maraoff."
    "Ifhefoundoutaboutthehotcarracket,withMonamarriedtoJoe
    Mesarvey,they'dhavetoknockhimoff.Hewasthatkindofguy."
    Istoodupandwenttowardsthebathroom.Larrywentovertothewindow
    again.

    "It'sstillthere,"hesaidoverhisshoulder."Youmightgetshotat
    ridingwithme."
    "I'dhatethat,"Isaid.
    "You'reagoodsortofheel,Carmady.It'sgoingtorain.I'dhatelike
    helltobeburiedintherain,wouldn'tyou?"
    "Youtalktoodamnmuch,"Isaid,andwentintothebathroom.
    ItwasthelasttimeIeverspoketohim.

    IheardhimmovingaroundwhileIwasshaving,butnotafterIgotunderthe
    shower,ofcourse.WhenIcameouthewasgone.Ipaddedoverandlookedinto
    thekitchenette.Hewasn'tinthere.Igrabbedabathrobeandpeekedoutinto
    thehall.Itwasemptyexceptforamilkmanstartingdownthebackstairswith
    hiswirytrayofbottles,andthefreshfoldedpapersleaningagainsttheshut
    doors.
    "Hey,"Icalledouttothemilkman,"didaguyjustcomeoutofhereandgo
    byyou?"
    Helookedbackatmefromthecornerofthewallandopenedhismouthto
    answer.Hewasanicelookingboywithfinelargewhiteteeth.Irememberhis
    teethwell,becauseIwaslookingatthemwhenIheardtheshots.
    Theywerenotverynearorveryfar.Outbackoftheapartmenthouse,by
    thegarages,orinthealley,Ithought.Thereweretwoquick,hardshotsand
    thentherivetingmachine.Aburstoffiveorsix,allagoodchoppershould
    everneed.Thentheroarofthecargoingaway.
    Themilkmanshuthismouthasifawinchcontrolledit.Hiseyeswerehuge
    andemptylookingatme.Thenheverycarefullysethisbottlesdownonthetop
    stepandleanedagainstthewall.
    "Thatsoundedlikeshots,"hesaid.
    Allthistookacoupleofsecondsandfeltlikehalfanhour.Iwentback
    intomyplaceandthrewclotheson,grabbedoddsandendsoffthebureau,barged
    outintothehall.Itwasstillempty,evenofthemilkman.Asirenwasdying

    somewherenear.Abaldheadwithahangoverunderitpokedoutofadoorand
    madeasnufflingnoise.
    Iwentdownthebackstairs.
    Thereweretwoorthreepeopleoutinthelowerhail.Iwentoutback.The
    garageswereintworowsfacingeachotheracrossacementspace,thentwomore
    attheend,leavingaspacetogoouttothealley.Acoupleofkidswerecoming
    overafencethreehousesaway.
    LarryBatzellayonhisface,withhishatayardawayfromhishead,and
    onehandflungouttowithinafootofabigblackautomatic.Hisankleswere
    crossed,asifhehadspunashefell.Bloodwasthickonthesideofhisface,
    onhisblondhair,especiallyonhisneck.Itwasalsothickonthecementyard.
    Tworadiocopsandthemilkdriverandamaninabrownsweaterandbibless
    overallswerebendingoverhim.Themaninoverallswasourjanitor.
    Iwentuptothem,aboutthesametimethetwokidsfromoverthefencehit
    theyard.Themilkdriverlookedatmewithaqueer,strainedexpression.Oneof
    thecopsstraightenedupandsaid:"Eitherofyouguysknowhim?He'sstillgot
    halfhisface."
    Hewasn'ttalkingtome.Themilkdrivershookhisheadandkeptonlooking
    atmefromthecornerofhiseyes.Thejanitorsaid:"Heain'tatenanthere.He
    mightofbeenavisitor.Kindofearlyforvisitors,though,ain'tit?"
    "He'sgotpartyclotheson.Youknowyourflophousebetter'nIdo,"thecop
    saidheavily.Hegotoutanotebook.
    Theothercopstraighteneduptooandshookhisheadandwenttowardsthe
    house,withthejanitortrottingbesidehim.
    Thecopwiththenotebookjerkedathumbatmeandsaidharshly:"Youwas
    herefirstafterthesetwoguys.Anythingfromyou?"
    Ilookedatthemilkman.LarryBatzelwouldn'tcare,andamanhasaliving
    toearn.Itwasn'tastoryforaprowlcaranyway.
    "Ijustheardtheshotsandcamerunning,"Isaid.
    Thecoptookthatforananswer.Themilkdriverlookedupatthelowering
    grayskyandsaidnothing.
    AfterawhileIgotbackintomyapartmentandfinishedmydressing.WhenI
    pickedmyhatupoffthewindowtablebytheScotchbottletherewasasmall
    rosebudlyingonapieceofscrawledpaper.

    Thenotesaid:"You'reagoodguy,butIthinkI'llgoitalone.Givethe
    rosetoMona,ifyouevershouldgetachance.Larry."
    Iputthosethingsinmywallet,andbracedmyselfwithadrink.

    Aboutthreeo'clockthatafternoonIstoodinthemainhallwayoftheWinslow
    placeandwaitedforthebutlertocomeback.Ihadspentmostofthedaynot
    goingnearmyofficeorapartment,andnotmeetinganyhomicidemen.Itwasonly
    aquestionoftimeuntilIhadtocomethrough,butIwantedtoseeGeneralDade
    Winslowfirst.Hewashardtosee.
    Oilpaintingshungallaroundme,mostlyportraits.Therewereacoupleof
    statuesandseveralsuitsoftimedarkenedarmoronpedestalsofdarkwood.High
    overthehugemarblefireplacehungtwobullettornormotheatencavalry
    pennantscrossedinaglasscase,andbelowthemthepaintedlikenessofathin,
    sprylookingmanwithablackbeardandmustachiosandfullregimentalsofabout
    thetimeoftheMexicanWar.ThismightbeGeneralDadeWinslow'sfather.The
    generalhimself,thoughprettyancient,couldn'tbequitethatold.
    ThenthebutlercamebackandsaidGeneralWinslowwasintheorchidhouse
    andwouldIfollowhim,please.
    Wewentoutofthefrenchdoorsatthebackandacrossthelawnstoabig
    glasspavilionwellbeyondthegarages.Thebutleropenedthedoorintoasort
    ofvestibuleandshutitwhenIwasinside,anditwasalreadyhot.Thenhe
    openedtheinnerdooranditwasreallyhot.
    Theairsteamed.Thewallsandceilingofthegreenhousedripped.Inthe
    halflightenormoustropicalplantsspreadtheirbloomsandbranchesallover
    theplace,andthesmellofthemwasalmostasoverpoweringasthesmellof
    boilingalcohol.
    Thebutler,whowasoldandthinandverystraightandwhitehaired,held
    branchesoftheplantsbackformetopass,andwecametoanopeninginthe
    middleoftheplace.AlargereddishTurkishrugwasspreaddownonthe
    hexagonalflagstones.Inthemiddleoftherug,inawheelchair,averyoldman
    satwithatravelingrugaroundhisbodyandwatcheduscome.

    Nothinglivedinhisfacebuttheeyes.Blackeyes,deepset,shining,
    untouchable.Therestofhisfacewastheleadenmaskofdeath,sunkentemples,
    asharpnose,outwardturningearlobes,amouththatwasathinwhiteslit.He
    waswrappedpartlyinareddishandveryshabbybathrobeandpartlyintherug.
    Hishandshadpurplefingernailsandwereclaspedloosely,motionlessonthe
    rug.Hehadafewscatteredwispsofwhitehaironhisskull.
    Thebutlersaid:"ThisisMr.Carmady,General."
    Theoldmanstaredatme.Afterawhileasharp,shrewishvoicesaid:
    "PlaceachairforMr.Carmady."
    ThebutlerdraggedawickerchairoutandIsatdown.Iputmyhatonthe
    floor.Thebutlerpickeditup.
    "Brandy,"thegeneralsaid."Howdoyoulikeyourbrandy,sir?"
    "Anywayatall,"Isaid.
    Hesnorted.Thebutlerwentaway.Thegeneralstaredatmewithhis
    unblinkingeyes.Hesnortedagain.
    "Ialwaystakechampagnewithmine,"hesaid."Athirdofaglassofbrandy
    underthechampagne,andthechampagneascoldasValleyForge.Colder,ifyou
    cangetitcolder."
    Anoisethatmighthavebeenachucklecameoutofhim.
    "NotthatIwasatValleyForge,"hesaid."Notquitethatbad.Youmay
    smoke,sir."
    IthankedhimandsaidIwastiredofsmokingforawhile.Igota
    handkerchiefoutandmoppedmyface.
    "Takeyourcoatoff,sir.Dudalwaysdid.Orchidsrequireheat,Mr.
    Carmadylikesickoldmen."
    Itookmycoatoff,araincoatIhadbroughtalong.Itlookedlikerain.
    LarryBatzelhadsaiditwasgoingtorain.
    "Dudismysoninlaw.DudleyO'Mara.Ibelieveyouhadsomethingtotell
    meabouthim."
    "Justhearsay,"Isaid."Iwouldn'twanttogointoit,unlessIhadyour
    O.K.,GeneralWinslow."
    Thebasiliskeyesstaredatme."Youareaprivatedetective.Youwantto
    bepaid,Isuppose."

    "I'minthatlineofbusiness,"Isaid."Butthatdoesn'tmeanIhavetobe
    paidforeverybreathIdraw.It'sjustsomethingIheard.Youmightliketo
    passitonyourselftotheMissingPersonsBureau."
    "Isee,"hesaidquietly."Ascandalofsomesort."
    ThebutlercamebackbeforeIcouldanswer.Hewheeledateawagonin
    throughthejungle,setitatmyelbowandmixedmeabrandyandsoda.Hewent
    away.
    Isippedthedrink."Itseemstherewasagirl,"Isaid."Heknewher
    beforeheknewyourdaughter.She'smarriedtoaracketeernow.Itseems"
    "I'veheardallthat,"hesaid."Idon'tgiveadamn.WhatIwanttoknow
    iswhereheisandifhe'sallright.Ifhe'shappy."
    Istaredathimpopeyed.AfteramomentIsaidweakly:"MaybeIcouldfind
    thegirl,ortheboysdowntowncould,withwhatIcouldtellthem."
    Hepluckedattheedgeofhisrugandmovedhisheadaboutaninch.Ithink
    hewasnodding.Thenhesaidveryslowly:"ProbablyI'mtalkingtoomuchformy
    health,butIwanttomakesomethingclear.I'macripple.Ihavetworuined
    legsandhalfmylowerbelly.Idon'teatmuchorsleepmuch.I'maboreto
    myselfandadamnnuisancetoeverybodyelse.SoImissDud.Heusedtospenda
    lotoftimewithme.Why,Godonlyknows."
    "Well"Ibegan.
    "Shutup.You'reayoungmantome,soIcanberudetoyou.Dudleft
    withoutsayinggoodbyetome.Thatwasn'tlikehim.Hedrovehiscarawayone
    eveningandnobodyhasheardfromhimsince.Ifhegottiredofmyfooldaughter
    andherbrat,ifhewantedsomeotherwoman,that'sallright.Hegota
    brainstormandleftwithoutsayinggoodbyetome,andnowhe'ssorry.That'swhy
    Idon'thearfromhim.FindhimandtellhimIunderstand.That'sallunlesshe
    needsmoney.Ifhedoes,hecanhaveallhewants."
    Hisleadencheeksalmosthadapinktingenow.Hisblackeyeswere
    brighter,ifpossible.Heleanedbackveryslowlyandclosedhiseyes.
    Idrankalotofmydrinkinonelongswallow,Isaid:"Supposehe'sina
    jam.Say,onaccountofthegirl'shusband.ThisJoeMesarvey."
    Heopenedhiseyesandwinked."NotanO'Mara,"hesaid."It'stheother
    fellowwouldbeinajam."
    "Okay.ShallIjustpassontotheBureauwhereIheardthisgirlwas?"

    "Certainlynot.They'vedonenothing.Letthemgoondoingit.Findhim
    yourself.I'llpayyouathousanddollarsevenifyouonlyhavetowalkacross
    thestreet.Tellhimeverythingisallrighthere.Theoldman'sdoingfineand
    sendshislove.That'sall."
    Icouldn'ttellhim.SuddenlyIcouldn'ttellhimanythingLarryBatzelhad
    toldme,orwhathadhappenedtoLarry,oranythingaboutit.Ifinishedmy
    drinkandstoodupandputmycoatbackon.Isaid:"That'stoomuchmoneyfor
    thejob,GeneralWinslow.Wecantalkaboutthatlater.HaveIyourauthorityto
    representyouinmyownway?"
    Hepressedabellonhiswheelchair."Justtellhim,"hesaid."Iwantto
    knowhe'sallrightandIwanthimtoknowI'mallright.That'sallunlesshe
    needsmoney.Nowyou'llhavetoexcuseme.I'mtired."
    Heclosedhiseyes.Iwentbackthroughthejungleandthebutlermetmeat
    thedoorwithmyhat.
    Ibreathedinsomecoolairandsaid:"ThegeneralwantsmetoseeMrs.
    O'Mara."

    Thisroomhadawhitecarpetfromwalltowall.Ivorydrapesofimmenseheight
    laytumbledcasuallyonthewhitecarpetinsidethemanywindows.Thewindows
    staredtowardsthedarkfoothills,andtheairbeyondtheglasswasdarktoo.It
    hadn'tstartedtorainyet,buttherewasafeelingofpressureinthe
    atmosphere.
    Mrs.O'Marawasstretchedoutonawhitechaiselonguewithbothher
    slippersoffandherfeetinthenetstockingstheydon'twearanymore.Shewas
    tallanddark,withasulkymouth.Handsome,butthissideofbeautiful.
    Shesaid:"WhatintheworldcanIdoforyou?It'sallknown.Toodamn
    known.ExceptthatIdon'tknowyou,doI?"
    "Well,hardly,"Isaid."I'mjustaprivatecopperinasmallwayof
    business."

    ShereachedforaglassIhadn'tnoticedbutwouldhavelookedforina
    moment,onaccountofherwayoftalkingandthefactshehadherslippersoff.
    Shedranklanguidly,flashingaring.
    "Imethiminaspeakeasy,"shesaidwithasharplaugh."Averyhandsome
    bootlegger,withthickcurlyhairandanIrishgrin.SoImarriedhim.Outof
    boredom.Asforhim,thebootleggingbusinesswaseventhenuncertainifthere
    werenootherattractions."
    Shewaitedformetosaytherewere,butnotasifshecaredalotwhether
    Icamethrough.Ijustsaid:"Youdidn'tseehimleaveonthedayhe
    disappeared?"
    "No.Iseldomsawhimleave,orcomeback.Itwaslikethat."Shedrank
    somemoreofherdrink.
    "Huh,"Igrunted."But,ofcourse,youdidn'tquarrel."Theyneverdo.
    "Therearesomanywaysofquarreling,Mr.Carmady."
    "Yeah.Ilikeyoursayingthat.Ofcourseyouknewaboutthegirl."
    "I'mgladI'mbeingproperlyfranktoanoldfamilydetective.Yes,Iknew
    aboutthegirl."Shecurledatendrilofinkyhairbehindherear.
    "Didyouknowaboutherbeforehedisappeared?"Iaskedpolitely.
    "Certainly."
    "How?"
    "You'reprettydirect,aren'tyou?Connections,astheysay.I'manold
    speakfancier.Ordidn'tyouknowthat?"
    "DidyouknowthebunchattheDardanella?"
    "I'vebeenthere."Shedidn'tlookstartled,orevensurprised."InfactI
    practicallylivedthereforaweek.That'swhereImetDudleyO'Mara."
    "Yeah.Yourfathermarriedprettylateinlife,didn'the?"
    Iwatchedcolorfadeinhercheeks.Iwantedhermad,buttherewasnothing
    doing.Shesmiledandthecolorcamebackandsherangapushbellonacord
    downintheswan'sdowncushionsofthechaiselongue.
    "Verylate,"shesaid,"ifit'sanyofyourbusiness."
    "It'snot,"Isaid.
    Acoylookingmaidcameinandmixedacoupleofdrinksatasidetable.
    ShegaveonetoMrs.O'Mara,putonedownbesideme.Shewentawayagain,
    showinganicepairoflegsunderashortskirt.

    Mrs.O'Marawatchedthedoorshutandthensaid:"Thewholethinghasgot
    Fatherintoamood.IwishDudwouldwireorwriteorsomething."
    Isaidslowly:"He'sanold,oldman,crippled,halfburiedalready.One
    thinthreadofinterestheldhimtolife.Thethreadsnappedandnobodygivesa
    damn.Hetriestoactasifhedidn'tgiveadamnhimself.Idon'tcallthata
    mood.Icallthataprettyswelldisplayofintestinalfortitude."
    "Gallant,"shesaid,andhereyesweredaggers."Butyouhaven'ttouched
    yourdrink."
    "Ihavetogo,"Isaid."Thanksallthesame."
    Sheheldaslim,tintedhandoutandIwentoverandtouchedit.The
    thunderburstsuddenlybehindthehillsandshejumped.Agustofairshookthe
    windows.
    Iwentdownatiledstaircasetothehallwayandthebutlerappearedoutof
    ashadowandopenedthedoorforme.
    Ilookeddownasuccessionofterracesdecoratedwithflowerbedsand
    importedtrees.Atthebottomahighmetalrailingwithgildedspearheadsanda
    sixfoothedgeinside.Asunkendrivewaycrawleddowntothemaingatesanda
    lodgeinsidethem.
    Beyondtheestatethehillslopeddowntothecityandtheoldoilwellsof
    LaBrea,nowpartlyapark,partlyadesertedstretchoffencedinwildland.
    Someofthewoodenderricksstillstood.Thesehadmadethewealthofthe
    Winslowfamilyandthenthefamilyhadrunawayfromthemupthehill,far
    enoughtogetawayfromthesmellofthesumps,nottoofarforthemtolookout
    ofthefrontwindowsandseewhatmadethemrich.
    Iwalkeddownbrickstepsbetweentheterracedlawns.Ononeofthema
    darkhaired,palefacedkidoftenorelevenwasthrowingdartsatatargethung
    onatree.Iwentalongnearhim.
    "YouyoungO'Mara?"Iasked.
    Heleanedagainstastonebenchwithfourdartsinhishandandlookedat
    mewithcold,slatyeyes,oldeyes.
    "I'mDadeWinslowTrevillyan,"hesaidgrimly.
    "Oh,thenDudleyO'Mara'snotyourdad."
    "Ofcoursenot."Hisvoicewasfullofscorn."Whoareyou?"
    "I'madetective.I'mgoingtofindyourImean,Mr.O'Mara."

    Thatdidn'tbringusanycloser.Detectiveswerenothingtohim.The
    thunderwastumblingaboutinthehillslikeabunchofelephantsplayingtag.I
    hadanotheridea.
    "Betyoucan'tputfouroutoffiveintothegoldatthirtyfeet."
    Helivenedupsharply."Withthese?"
    "Uhhuh."
    "Howmuchyoubet?"hesnapped.
    "Oh,adollar."
    Herantothetargetandcleaneddartsoffit,camebackandtookastance
    bythebench.
    "That'snotthirtyfeet,"Isaid.
    Hegavemeasourlookandwentafewfeetbehindthebench.Igrinned,
    thenIstoppedgrinning.
    HissmallhanddartedsoswiftlyIcouldhardlyfollowit.Fivedartshung
    inthegoldcenterofthetargetinlessthanthatmadeseconds.Hestaredatme
    triumphantly.
    "Gosh,you'reprettygood,MasterTrevillyan,"Igrunted,andgotmydollar
    out.
    Hissmallhandsnappedatitlikeatrouttakingthefly.Hehaditoutof
    sightlikeaflash.
    "That'snothing,"hechuckled."Yououghttoseemeonourtargetrange
    backofthegarages.Wanttogooverthereandbetsomemore?"
    Ilookedbackupthehillandsawpartofalowwhitebuildingbackedupto
    abank.
    "Well,nottoday,"Isaid."NexttimeIvisitheremaybe.SoDudO'Marais
    notyourdad.IfIfindhimanyway,willitbeallrightwithyou?"
    Heshruggedhisthin,sharpshouldersinamaroonsweater."Sure.Butwhat
    canyoudothepolicecan'tdo?"
    "It'sathought,"Isaid,andlefthim.
    Iwentondownthebrickwalktothebottomofthelawnsandalonginside
    thehedgetowardsthegatehouse.Icouldseeglimpsesofthestreetthroughthe
    hedge.WhenIwashalfwaytothelodgeIsawthebluesedanoutside.Itwasa
    smallneatcar,lowslung,veryclean,lighterthanapolicecar,butaboutthe
    samesize.OverbeyonditIcouldseemyroadsterwaitingunderthepeppertree.

    Istoodlookingatthesedanthroughthehedge.Icouldseethedriftof
    somebody'scigarettesmokeagainstthewindshieldinsidethecar.Iturnedmy
    backtothelodgeandlookedupthehill.TheTrevillyankidhadgonesomewhere
    outofsight,tosalthisdollardownmaybe,thoughadollarshouldn'thave
    meantmuchtohim.
    Ibentoverandunsheathedthe7.65LugerIwaswearingthatdayandstuck
    itnosedowninsidemyleftsock,insidemyshoe.Icouldwalkthatway,ifI
    didn'twalktoofast.Iwentontothegates.
    Theykeptthemlockedandnobodygotinwithoutidentificationfromthe
    house.Thelodgekeeper,abighuskywithagununderhisarm,cameoutandlet
    methroughasmallposternatthesideofthegates.Istoodtalkingtohim
    throughthebarsforaminute,watchingthesedan.
    Itlookedallright.Thereseemedtobetwomeninit.Itwasabouta
    hundredfeetalongintheshadowofthehighwallontheotherside.Itwasa
    verynarrowstreet,withoutsidewalks.Ididn'thavefartogotomyroadster.
    Iwalkedalittlestifflyacrossthedarkpavementandgotin,grabbed
    quicklydownintoasmallcompartmentinthefrontpartoftheseatwhereIkept
    asparegun.ItwasapoliceColt.Isliditinsidemyunderarmholsterand
    startedthecar.
    Ieasedthebrakeoffandpulledaway.Suddenlytherainletgoinbig
    splashingdropsandtheskywasasblackasCarrieNation'sbonnet.Notsoblack
    butthatIsawthesedanwheelawayfromthecurbbehindme.
    Istartedthewindshieldwiperandbuiltuptofortymilesanhourina
    hurry.Ihadgoneabouteightblockswhentheygavemethesiren.Thatfooled
    me.Itwasaquietstreet,deadlyquiet.Isloweddownandpulledovertothe
    curb.ThesedanslidupbesidemeandIwaslookingattheblacksnoutofa
    submachinegunoverthesillofthereardoor.
    Behinditanarrowfacewithreddenedeyes,afixedmouth.Avoiceabove
    thesoundoftherainandthewindshieldwiperandthenoiseofthetwomotors
    said:"Getinherewithus.Benice,ifyouknowwhatImean."
    Theywerenotcops.Itdidn'tmatternow.Ishutofftheignition,dropped
    mycarkeysonthefloorandgotoutontherunningboard.Themanbehindthe
    wheelofthesedandidn'tlookatme.Theonebehindkickedadooropenandslid
    awayalongtheseat,holdingthetommygunnicely.
    Igotintothesedan.

    "Okay,Louie.Thefrisk."
    Thedrivercameoutfromunderhiswheelandgotbehindme.HegottheColt
    fromundermyarm,tappedmyhipsandpockets,mybeltline.
    "Clean,"hesaid,andgotbackintothefrontofthecar.
    ThemanwiththetommyreachedforwardwithhislefthandandtookmyColt
    fromthedriver,thenloweredthetommytothefloorofthecaranddrapeda
    brownrugoverit.Heleanedbackinthecorneragain,smoothandrelaxed,
    holdingtheColtonhisknee.
    "Okay,Louie.Nowlet'sride."

    Werodeidly,gently,theraindrummingontheroofandstreamingdownthe
    windowsononeside.Wewoundalongcurvinghillstreets,amongestatesthat
    coveredacres,whosehousesweredistantclustersofwetgablesbeyondblurred
    trees.
    Atangofcigarettesmokefloatedundermynoseandtheredeyedmansaid:
    "Whatdidhetellyou?"
    "Littleenough,"Isaid."ThatMonablewtownthenightthepapersgotit.
    OldWinslowknewitalready."
    "Hewouldn'thavetodigverydeepforthat,"Redeyessaid."Thebuttons
    didn't.Whatelse?"
    "Hesaidhe'dbeenshotat.Hewantedmetoridehimoutoftown.Atthe
    lastmomentheranoffalone.Idon'tknowwhy."
    "Loosenup,peeper,"Redeyessaiddryly."It'syouronlywayout."
    "That'sallthereis,"Isaid,andlookedoutofthewindowatthedriving
    rain.
    "Youonthecasefortheoldguy?"
    "No.He'stight."
    Redeyeslaughed.Theguninmyshoefeltheavyandunsteady,andveryfar
    away.Isaid:"ThatmightbeallthereistoknowaboutO'Mara."
    Themaninthefrontseatturnedhisheadalittleandgrowled:"Wherethe
    helldidyousaythatstreetwas?"

    "TopofBeverlyGlen,stupid.MulhollandDrive.""Oh,that.Jeeze,that
    ain'tpavedworthadamn.""We'llpaveitwiththepeeper,"Redeyessaid.The
    estatesthinnedoutandscruboaktookpossessionofthehillsides.
    "Youain'tabadguy,"Redeyessaid."You'rejusttight,liketheoldman.
    Don'tyougettheidea?Wewanttoknow_everything_hesaid,sowe'llknow
    whetherwegottoblotyouorno."
    "Gotohell,"Isaid."Youwouldn'tbelievemeanyway."
    "Tryus.Thisisjustajobtous.Wejustdoitandpasson."
    "Itmustbenicework,"Isaid."Whileitlasts."
    "You'llcrackwiseoncetoooften,guy."
    "Ididlongago,whileyouwerestillinReformSchool.I'mstillgetting
    myselfdisliked."
    Redeyeslaughedagain.Thereseemedtobeverylittleblusterabouthim.
    "Farasweknowyou'recleanwiththelaw.Didn'tmakenocracksthis
    morning.Thatright?"
    "IfIsayyes,youcanblotmerightnow.Okay."
    "Howaboutagrandpinmoneyandforgetthewholething?"
    "Youwouldn'tbelievethateither."
    "Yeah,wewould.Here'stheidea.Wedothejobandpasson.We'rean
    organization.Butyoulivehere,yougotgoodwillandabusiness.You'dplay
    ball."
    "Sure,"Isaid."I'dplayball."
    "Wedon't,"Redeyessaidsoftly,"neverknockoffalegit.Badforthe
    trade."
    Heleanedbackinthecorner,thegunonhisrightknee,andreachedinto
    aninnerpocket.Hespreadalargetanwalletonhiskneeandfishedtwobills
    outofit,slidthemfoldedalongtheseat.Thewalletwentbackintohis
    pocket.
    "Yours,"hesaidgravely."Youwon'tlasttwentyfourhoursifyouslip
    yourcable."
    Ipickedthebillsup.Twofivehundreds.Ituckedtheminmyvest.
    "Right,"Isaid."Iwouldn'tbealegitanymorethen,wouldI?"
    "Thinkthatover,dick."
    Wegrinnedateachother,acoupleofniceladsgettingalonginaharsh,
    unfriendlyworld.ThenRedeyesturnedhisheadsharply.

    "Okay,Louie,ForgettheMulhollandstuff.Pullup."
    Thecarwashalfwayupalongbleaktwistofhill.Theraindroveingray
    curtainsdowntheslope.Therewasnoceiling,nohorizon.Icouldseeaquarter
    ofamileandIcouldseenothingoutsideourcarthatlived.
    Thedriveredgedovertothesideofthebankandshuthismotoroff.He
    litacigaretteanddrapedanarmonthebackseat.
    Hesmiledatme.Hehadanicesmilelikeanalligator."We'llhavea
    drinkonit,"Redeyessaid."IwishIcouldmakemeagrandthateasy.Just
    tyin'mynosetomychin."
    "Youain'tgotnochin,"Louiesaid,andwentonsmiling.Redeyesputthe
    Coltdownontheseatanddrewaflathalfpintoutofhissidepocket.It
    lookedlikegoodstuff,greenstamp,bottledinbond.Heunscrewedthetopwith
    histeeth,sniffedattheliquorandsmackedhislips.
    "NoCrowMcGeeinthis,"hesaid."Thisisthecompanyspread.Tilther."
    Hereachedalongtheseatandgavemethebottle.Icouldhavehadhis
    wrist,buttherewasLouie,andIwastoofarfrommyankle.
    Ibreathedshallowlyfromthetopofmylungsandheldthebottlenearmy
    lips,sniffedcarefully.Behindthecharredsmellofthebourbontherewas
    somethingelse,veryfaint,afruityodorthatwouldhavemeantnothingtomein
    anotherplace.SuddenlyandfornoreasonatallIrememberedsomethingLarry
    Batzelhadsaid,somethinglike:"EastofRealito,towardsthemountains,near
    theoldcyanideplant."Cyanide.Thatwastheword.
    TherewasaswifttightnessinmytemplesasIputthebottletomymouth.
    Icouldfeelmyskincrawling,andtheairwassuddenlycoldonit.Iheldthe
    bottlehighuparoundtheliquorlevelandtookalonggurglingdragatit.Very
    heartyandrelaxing.Abouthalfateaspoonfulwentintomymouthandnoneof
    thatstayedthere.
    Icoughedsharplyandlurchedforwardgagging.Redeyeslaughed.
    "Don'tsayyou'resickfromjustonedrink,pal."
    Idroppedthebottleandsaggedfardownintheseat,gaggingviolently.My
    legsslidwaytotheleft,theleftoneunderneath.Isprawleddownontopof
    them,myarmslimp.Ihadthegun.
    Ishothimundermyleftarm,almostwithoutlooking.Henevertouchedthe
    Coltexcepttoknockitofftheseat.Theoneshotwasenough.Iheardhim
    lurch.IsnappedashotupwardtowardswhereLouiewouldbe.

    Louiewasn'tthere.Hewasdownbehindthefrontseat.Hewassilent.The
    wholecar,thewholelandscapewassilent.Eventherainseemedforamomentto
    beutterlysilentrain.
    Istilldidn'thavetimetolookatRedeyes,buthewasn'tdoinganything.
    IdroppedtheLugerandyankedthetommygunoutfromundertherug,gotmyleft
    handonthefrontgrip,gotitsetagainstmyshoulderlowdown.Louiehadn't
    madeasound.
    "Listen,Louie,"Isaidsoftly,"I'vegotthestuttergun.How'saboutit?"
    Ashotcamethroughtheseat,ashotthatLouieknewwasn'tgoingtodoany
    good.Itstarredaframeofunbreakableglass.Therewasmoresilence.Louie
    saidthickly:"Igotapineapplehere.Wantit?"
    "Pullthepinandholdit,"Isaid."Itwilltakecareofbothofus."
    "Hell!"Louiesaidviolently."Ishecroaked?Iain'tgotnopineapple."
    IlookedatRedeyesthen.Helookedverycomfortableinthecornerofthe
    seat,leaningback.Heseemedtohavethreeeyes,oneofthemreddereventhan
    theothertwo.Forunderarmshootingthatwassomethingtobealmostbashful
    about.Itwastoogood.
    "Yeah,Louie,he'scroaked,"Isaid."Howdowegettogether?"
    Icouldhearhishardbreathingnow,andtherainhadstoppedbeingsilent.
    "Getoutoftheheap,"hegrowled."I'llblow."
    "Yougetout,Louie.I'llblow."
    "Jeeze,Ican'twalkhomefromhere,pal."
    "Youwon'thaveto,Louie.I'llsendacarforyou."
    "Jeeze,Iain'tdonenothing.AllIdonewasdrive."
    "Thenrecklessdrivingwillbethecharge,Louie.Youcanfixthatyouand
    yourorganization.GetoutbeforeIuncorkthispopgun."
    Adoorlatchclickedandfeetthumpedontherunningboard,thenonthe
    roadway.Istraightenedupsuddenlywiththechopper.Louiewasintheroadin
    therain,hishandsemptyandthealligatorsmilestillonhisface.
    Igotoutpastthedeadman'sneatlyshodfeet,gotmyColtandtheLuger
    offthefloor,laidtheheavytwelvepoundtommygunbackonthecarfloor.I
    gothandcuffsoffmyhip,motionedtoLouie.Heturnedaroundsulkilyandput
    hishandsbehindhim.
    "Yougotnothingonme,"hecomplained."Igotprotection."

    Iclickedthecuffsonhimandwentoverhimforguns,muchmorecarefully
    thanhehadgoneoverme.Hehadonebesidestheonehehadleftinthecar.
    IdraggedRedeyesoutofthecarandlethimarrangehimselfonthewet
    roadway.Hebegantobleedagain,buthewasquitedead.Louieeyedhim
    bitterly.
    "Hewasasmartguy,"hesaid."Different.Helikedtricks.Hello,smart
    guy."
    Igotmyhandcuffkeyoutandunlockedonecuff,draggeditdownandlocked
    ittothedeadman'sliftedwrist.
    Louie'seyesgotroundandhorrifiedandatlasthissmilewentaway.
    "Jeeze,"hewhined."Holy!Jeeze.Youain'tgoingtoleavemelike
    this,pal?"
    "Goodbye,Louie,"Isaid."Thatwasafriendofmineyoucutdownthis
    morning."
    "Holy!"Louiewhined.
    Igotintothesedanandstartedit,droveontoaplacewhereIcould
    turn,drovebackdownthehillpasthim.Hestoodstifflyasascorchedtree,
    hisfaceaswhiteassnow,withthedeadmanathisfeet,onelinkedhand
    reachinguptoLouie'shand.Therewasthehorrorofathousandnightmaresin
    hiseyes.
    Ilefthimthereintherain.
    Itwasgettingdarkearly.Ileftthesedanacoupleofblocksfrommyown
    carandlockeditup,putthekeysintheoilstrainer.Iwalkedbacktomy
    roadsteranddrovedowntown.
    Icalledthehomicidedetailfromaphonebooth,askedforamannamed
    Grinnell,toldhimquicklywhathadhappenedandwheretofindLouieandthe
    sedan.ItoldhimIthoughttheywerethethugsthatmachinegunnedLarry
    Batzel.Ididn'ttellhimanythingaboutDudO'Mara.
    "Nicework,"Grinnellsaidinaqueervoice."Butyoubettercomeinfast.
    There'satagoutforyou,accountofwhatsomemilkdriverphonedinanhour
    ago."
    "I'mallin,"Isaid."I'vegottoeat.KeepmeofftheairandI'llcome
    inafterawhile."
    "Youbettercomein,boy.I'msorry,butyoubetter."
    "Well,okay,"Isaid.

    Ihungupandlefttheneighborhoodwithouthangingaround.Ihadtobreak
    itnow.Ihadto,orgetbrokenmyself.
    IhadamealdownnearthePlazaandstartedforRealito.

    Atabouteighto'clocktwoyellowvaporlampsglowedhighupintherainanda
    dimstencilsignstrungacrossthehighwayread:"WelcometoRealito."
    Framehousesonthemainstreet,asuddenknotofstores,thelightsofthe
    cornerdrugstorebehindfoggedglass,aflyingclusterofcarsinfrontofa
    tinymoviepalace,andadarkbankonanothercorner,withaknotofmen
    standinginfrontofitintherain.ThatwasRealito.Iwenton.Emptyfields
    closedinagain.
    Thiswaspasttheorangecountry;nothingbuttheemptyfieldsandthe
    crouchedfoothills,andtherain.
    Itwasasmartmile,morelikethree,beforeIspottedasideroadanda
    faintlightonit,asiffrombehinddrawnblindsinahouse.Justatthat
    momentmyleftfronttireletgowithanangryhiss.Thatwascute.Thenthe
    rightrearletgothesameway.
    Istoppedalmostexactlyattheintersection.Verycuteindeed.Igotout,
    turnedmyraincoatupalittlehigher,unshippedaflash,andlookedataflock
    ofheavygalvanizedtackswithheadsasbigasdimes.Theflatshinybuttofone
    ofthemblinkedatmefrommytire.
    Twoflatsandonespare.Ituckedmychindownandstartedtowardsthe
    faintlightupthesideroad.
    Itwastheplaceallright.Thelightcamefromthetiltedskylightonthe
    garageroof.Bigdoubledoorsinfrontwereshuttight,butlightshowedatthe
    cracks,strongwhitelight.Itossedthebeamoftheflashupandread:"Art
    HuckAutoRepairsandRefinishing."
    Beyondthegarageahousesatbackfromthemuddyroadbehindathinclump
    oftrees.Thathadlighttoo.Isawasmallbuttonedupcoupeinfrontofthe
    woodenporch.

    Thefirstthingwasthetires,ifitcouldbeworked,andtheydidn'tknow
    me.Itwasawetnightforwalking.
    Isnappedtheflashoutandrappedonthedoorswithit.Thelightinside
    wentout.Istoodtherelickingrainoffmyupperlip,theflashinmyleft
    hand,myrightinsidemycoat.IhadtheLugerbackundermyarmagain.
    Avoicespokethroughthedoor,anddidn'tsoundpleased.
    "Whatyouwant?Whoareyou?"
    "Openup,"Isaid."I'vegottwoflattiresonthehighwayandonlyone
    spare.Ineedhelp."
    "We'reclosedup,mister.Realito'samilewestofhere."
    Istartedtokickthedoor.Therewasswearinginside,thenanother,much
    softervoice.
    "Awiseguy,huh?Openup,Art."
    Aboltsquealedandhalfofthedoorsaggedinward.Isnappedtheflash
    againandithitagauntface.Thenanarmsweptandknockeditoutofmyhand.
    Agunhadjustpeekedatmefromtheflailinghand.
    Idroppedlow,feltaroundfortheflashandwasstill.Ijustdidn'tpull
    agun.
    "Killthespot,mister.Guysgethurtthatway."
    Theflashwasburningdowninthemud.Isnappeditoff,stoodupwithit.
    Lightwentoninsidethegarage,outlinedatallmanincoveralls.Hebacked
    inwardandhisgunheldonme.
    "Comeoninandshutthedoor."
    Ididthat."Tacksallovertheendofyourstreet,"Isaid."Ithoughtyou
    wantedthebusiness."
    "Ain'tyougotanysense?AbankjobwaspulledatRealitothisafternoon."
    "I'mastrangerhere,"Isaid,rememberingtheknotofmeninfrontofthe
    bankintherain.
    "Okay,okay.Welltherewasandthepunksarehidoutsomewhereinthe
    hills,theysay.Yousteppedontheirtacks,huh?"
    "Soitseems."Ilookedattheothermaninthegarage.
    Hewasshort,heavyset,withacoolbrownfaceandcoolbrowneyes.He
    woreabeltedraincoatofbrownleather.Hisbrownhathadtheusualrakishtilt
    andwasdry.Hishandswereinhispocketsandhelookedbored.

    Therewasahotsweetishsmellofpyroxylinpaintontheair.Abigsedan
    overinthecornerhadapaintgunlyingonitsfender.ItwasaBuick,almost
    new.Itdidn'tneedthepaintitwasgetting.
    Themanincoverallstuckedhisgunoutofsightthroughaflapintheside
    ofhisclothes.Helookedatthebrownman.Thebrownmanlookedatmeandsaid
    gently:"Whereyoufrom,stranger?"
    "Seattle,"Isaid.
    "Goingwesttothebigcity?"Hehadasoftvoice,softanddry,likethe
    rustleofwellwornleather.
    "Yes.Howfarisit?"
    "Aboutfortymiles.Seemsfartherinthisweather.Comethelongway,
    didn'tyou?ByTahoeandLonePine?"
    "NotTahoe,"Isaid."RenoandCarsonCity."
    "Stillthelongway."Afleetingsmiletouchedthebrownlips.
    "Takeajackandgethisflats,Art."
    "Now,listen,Lash"themaninthecoverallsgrowled,andstoppedas
    thoughhisthroathadbeencutfromeartoear.
    Icouldhaveswornthatheshivered.Therewasdeadsilence.Thebrownman
    didn'tmoveamuscle.Somethinglookedoutofhiseyes,andthenhiseyes
    lowered,almostshyly.Hisvoicewasthesamesoft,dryrustleofsound.
    "Taketwojacks,Art.He'sgottwoflats."
    Thegauntmanswallowed.Thenhewentovertoacornerandputacoaton,
    andacap.Hegrabbedupasocketwrenchandahandjackandwheeledadollyjack
    overtothedoors.
    "Backonthehighway,isit?"heaskedmealmosttenderly.
    "Yeah.Youcanusethespareforonespot,ifyou'rebusy,"Isaid.
    "He'snotbusy,"thebrownmansaidandlookedathisfingernails.
    Artwentoutwithhistools.Thedoorshutagain.IlookedattheBuick.I
    didn'tlookatLashYeager.IknewitwasLashYeager.Therewouldn'tbetwomen
    calledLashthatcametothatgarage.Ididn'tlookathimbecauseIwouldbe
    lookingacrossthesprawledbodyofLarryBatzel,anditwouldshowinmyface.
    Foramoment,anyway.
    HeglancedtowardstheBuickhimself."Justapaneljobtostartwith,"he
    drawled."Buttheguythatownsithasdoughandhisdriverneededafewbucks.
    Youknowtheracket."

    "Sure,"Isaid.
    Theminutespassedontiptoe.Long,sluggishminutes.Thenfeetcrunched
    outsideandthedoorwaspushedopen.Thelighthitpencilsofrainandmade
    silverwiresofthem.Arttrundledtwomuddyflatsinsulkily,kickedthedoor
    shut,letoneoftheflatsfallonitsside.Therainandfreshairhadgiven
    himhisnerveback.Helookedatmesavagely.
    "Seattle,"hesnarled."Seattle,myeye!"
    Thebrownmanlitacigaretteasifhehadn'theard.Artpeeledhiscoat
    offandyankedmytireuponarimspreader,toreitlooseviciously,hadthe
    tubeoutandcoldpatchedinnothingflat.Hestrodescowlingovertothewall
    nearmeandgrabbedanairhose,letenoughairintothetubetogiveitbody,
    andhefteditinbothhandstodipitinawashtubofwater.
    Iwasasap,buttheirteamworkwasverygood.Neitherhadlookedatthe
    othersinceArtcamebackwithmytires.
    Arttossedtheairstiffenedtubeupcasually,caughtitwithbothhands
    wide,lookeditoversourlybesidethewashtubofwater,tookoneshorteasy
    stepandslammeditdownovermyheadandshoulders.
    Hejumpedbehindmeinaflash,leanedhisweightdownontherubber,
    draggedittightagainstmychestandarms.Icouldmovemyhands,butI
    couldn'tgetnearmygun.
    Thebrownmanbroughthisrighthandoutofhispocketandtossedawrapped
    cylinderofnickelsupanddownonhispalmashesteppedlithelyacrossthe
    floor.
    Iheavedbackhard,thensuddenlythrewallmyweightforward.Justas
    suddenlyArtletgoofthetube,andkneedmefrombehind.
    Isprawled,butIneverknewwhenIreachedthefloor.Thefistwiththe
    weightedtubeofnickelsmetmeinmidflight.Perfectlytimed,perfectly
    weighted,andwithmyownweighttohelpitout.
    Iwentoutlikeapuffofdustinadraft.

    Itseemedtherewasawomanandshewassittingbesidealamp.Lightshoneonmy
    face,soIshutmyeyesagainandtriedtolookatherthroughmyeyelashes.She
    wassoplatinumedthatherheadshonelikeasilverfruitbowl.
    Sheworeagreentravelingdresswithamannishcuttoitandabroadwhite
    collarfallingoverthelapels.Asharpangledglossybagstoodatherfeet.She
    wassmoking,andadrinkwastallandpaleatherelbow.
    Iopenedmyeyewiderandsaid:"Hellothere."
    HereyesweretheeyesIremembered,outsideSardi'sinasecondhandRolls
    Royce.Veryblueeyes,verysoftandlovely.Nottheeyesofahustleraround
    thefastmoneyboys.
    "Howdoyoufeel?"Hervoicewassoftandlovelytoo.
    "Great,"Isaid."Exceptsomebodybuiltafillingstationonmyjaw."
    "Whatdidyouexpect,Mr.Carmady?Orchids?"
    "Soyouknowmyname."
    "Yousleptwell.Theyhadplentyoftimetogothroughyourpockets.They
    dideverythingbutembalmyou."
    "Right,"Isaid.
    Icouldmovealittle,notverymuch.Mywristswerebehindmyback,
    handcuffed.Therewasalittlepoeticjusticeinthat.Fromthecuffsacordran
    tomyankles,andtiedthem,andthendroppeddownoutofsightovertheendof
    thedavenportandwastiedsomewhereelse.IwasalmostashelplessasifIhad
    beenscrewedupinacoffin.
    "Whattimeisit?"
    Shelookedsidewaysdownatherwrist,beyondthespiralofhercigarette
    smoke.
    "Tenseventeen.Gotadate?"
    "Isthisthehousenextthegarage?Wherearetheboysdiggingagrave?"
    "Youwouldn'tcare,Carmady.They'llbeback."
    "Unlessyouhavethekeytothesebraceletsyoumightsparemealittleof
    thatdrink."
    Sheroseallinonepieceandcameovertome,withthetallamberglassin
    herhand.Shebentoverme.Herbreathwasdelicate.Igulpedfromtheglass
    craningmyneckup.
    "Ihopetheydon'thurtyou,"shesaiddistantly,steppingback."Ihate
    killing."

    "AndyouJoeMesarvey'swife.Shameonyou.Gimmesomemoreofthehooch."
    Shegavemesomemore.Bloodbegantomoveinmystiffenedbody.
    "Ikindoflikeyou,"shesaid."Evenifyourfacedoeslooklikea
    collisionmat."
    "Makethemostofit,"Isaid."Itwon'tlastlongeventhisgood."
    Shelookedaroundswiftlyandseemedtolisten.Oneofthetwodoorswas
    ajar.Shelookedtowardsthat.Herfaceseemedpale.Butthesoundswereonly
    therain.
    Shesatdownbythelampagain.
    "Whydidyoucomehereandstickyourneckout?"sheaskedslowly,looking
    atthefloor.
    Thecarpetwasmadeofredandtansquares.Therewerebrightgreenpine
    treesonthewallpaperandthecurtainswereblue.Thefurniture,whatIcould
    seeofit,lookedasifitcamefromoneofthoseplacesthatadvertiseonbus
    benches.
    "Ihadaroseforyou,"Isaid."FromLarryBatzel."
    Sheliftedsomethingoffthetableandtwirleditslowly,thedwarfrosehe
    hadleftforher.
    "Igotit,"shesaidquietly."Therewasanote,buttheydidn'tshowme
    that.Wasitforme?"
    "No,forme.Heleftitonmytablebeforehewentoutandgotshot."
    Herfacefellapartlikesomethingyouseeinanightmare.Hermouthand
    eyeswereblackhollows.Shedidn'tmakeasound.Andafteramomentherface
    settledbackintothesamecalmlybeautifullines.
    "Theydidn'ttellmethateither,"shesaidsoftly.
    "Hegotshot,"Isaidcarefully,"becausehefoundoutwhatJoeandLash
    YeagerdidtoDudO'Mara.Bumpedhimoff."
    Thatonedidn'tfazeheratall."Joedidn'tdoanythingtoDudO'Mara,"
    shesaidquietly."Ihaven'tseenDudintwoyears.Thatwasjustnewspaper
    hooey,aboutmeseeinghim."
    "Itwasn'tinthepapers,"Isaid.
    "Well,itwashooeywhereveritwas.JoeisinChicago.Hewentyesterday
    byplanetosellout.Ifthedealgoesthrough,LashandIaretofollowhim.
    Joeisnokiller."
    Istaredather.

    Hereyesgothauntedagain."IsLarryishe?"
    "He'sdead,"Isaid."Itwasaprofessionaljob,withatommygun.Ididn't
    meantheydiditpersonally."
    Shetookholdofherlipandhelditforamomenttightbetweenherteeth.
    Icouldhearherslow,hardbreathing.Shejammedhercigaretteinanashtray
    andstoodup.
    "Joedidn'tdoit!"shestormed."Iknowdamnwellhedidn't.He"She
    stoppedcold,glaredatme,touchedherhair,thensuddenlyyankeditoff.It
    wasawig.Underneathherownhairwasshortlikeaboy's,andstreakedyellow
    andwhitishbrown,withdarkertintsattheroots.Itcouldn'tmakeherugly.
    Imanagedasortoflaugh."Youjustcameoutheretomolt,didn'tyou,
    SilverWig?AndIthoughttheywerehidingyououtsoitwouldlookasifyou
    hadskippedwithDudO'Mara."
    Shekeptonstaringatme.Asifshehadn'theardawordIsaid.Thenshe
    strodeovertoawallmirrorandputthewigbackon,straightenedit,turned
    andfacedme.
    "Joedidn'tkillanybody,"shesaidagain,inalow,tightvoice."He'sa
    heelbutnotthatkindofheel.Hedoesn'tknowanythingmoreaboutwhereDud
    O'MarawentthanIdo.AndIdon'tknowanything."
    "Hejustgottiredoftherichladyandscrammed,"Isaiddully.
    Shestoodnearmenow,herwhitefingersdownathersides,shininginthe
    lamplight.Herheadabovemewasalmostinshadow.Theraindrummedandmyjaw
    feltlargeandhotandthenervealongthejawboneached,ached.
    "Lashhastheonlycarthatwashere,"shesaidsoftly."Canyouwalkto
    Realito,ifIcuttheropes?"
    "Sure.Thenwhat?"
    "I'veneverbeenmixedupinamurder.Iwon'tnow.Iwon'tever."
    Shewentoutoftheroomveryquickly,andcamebackwithalongkitchen
    knifeandsawedthecordthattiedmyankles,pulleditoff,cuttheplacewhere
    itwastiedtothehandcuffs.Shestoppedoncetolisten,butitwasjustthe
    rainagain.
    Irolleduptoasittingpositionandstoodup.Myfeetwerenumb,butthat
    wouldpass.Icouldwalk.Icouldrun,ifIhadto.
    "Lashhasthekeyofthecuffs,"shesaiddully.
    "Let'sgo,"Isaid."Gotagun?"

    "No.I'mnotgoing.Youbeatit.Hemaybebackanyminute.Theywerejust
    movingstuffoutofthegarage."
    Iwentoverclosetoher."You'regoingtostayhereafterturningme
    loose?Waitforthatkiller?You'renuts.Comeon,SilverWig,you'regoingwith
    me."
    "No."
    "Suppose,"Isaid,"hedidkillO'Mara?ThenhealsokilledLarry.It'sgot
    tobethatway."
    "Joeneverkilledanybody,"shealmostsnarledatme.
    "Well,supposeYeagerdid."
    "You'relying,Carmady.Justtoscareme.Getout.I'mnotafraidofLash
    Yeager.I'mhisboss'swife."
    "JoeMesarveyisahandfulofmush,"Isnarledback."Theonlytimeagirl
    likeyougoesforawronggeeiswhenhe'sahandfulofmush.Let'sdrift."
    "Getout!"shesaidhoarsely.
    "Okay."Iturnedawayfromherandwentthroughthedoor.
    Shealmostranpastmeintothehallwayandopenedthefrontdoor,looked
    outintotheblackwetness.Shemotionedmeforward.
    "Goodbye,"shewhispered."IhopeyoufindDud.Ihopeyoufindwhokilled
    Larry.Butitwasn'tJoe."
    Isteppedclosetoher,almostpushedheragainstthewallwithmybody.
    "You'restillcrazy,SilverWig.Goodbye."
    Sheraisedherhandsquicklyandputthemonmyface.Coldhands,icycold.
    Shekissedmeswiftlyonthemouthwithcoldlips.
    "Beatit,strongguy.I'llbeseeingyousomemore.Maybeinheaven."
    Iwentthroughthedooranddownthedarkslitherywoodenstepsofthe
    porch,acrossgraveltotheroundgrassplotandtheclumpofthintrees.Icame
    pastthemtotheroadway,wentbackalongittowardsFoothillBoulevard.The
    raintouchedmyfacewithfingersoficethatwerenocolderthanherfingers.
    ThecurtainedroadsterstoodjustwhereIhadleftit,leanedover,the
    leftfrontaxleonthetarredshoulderofthehighway.Myspareandonestripped
    rimwerethrownintheditch.
    Theyhadprobablysearchedit,butIstillhoped.Icrawledinbackwards
    andbangedmyheadonthesteeringpostandrolledovertogetthemanacled

    handsintomylittlesecretgunpocket.Theytouchedthebarrel.Itwasstill
    there.
    Igotitout,gotmyselfoutofthecar,gotholdofthegunbytheright
    endandlookeditover.
    Iheldittightagainstmybacktoprotectitalittlefromtherainand
    startedbacktowardsthehouse.

    Iwashalfwaytherewhenhecameback.Hislightsturningquicklyoffthe
    highwayalmostcaughtme.Ifloppedintotheditchandputmynoseinthemud
    andprayed.
    Thecarhummedpast.Iheardthewetraspofitstiresshoulderingthe
    gravelinfrontofthehouse.Themotordiedandlightswentoff.Thedoor
    slammed.Ididn'thearthehousedoorshut,butIcaughtafeeblefringeof
    lightthroughthetreesasitopened.
    Igotuponmyfeetandwenton.Icameupbesidethecar,asmallcoupe,
    ratherold.Thegunwasdownatmyside,pulledaroundmyhipasfarasthe
    cuffswouldletitcome.
    Thecoupewasempty.Watergurgledintheradiator.Ilistenedandheard
    nothingfromthehouse.Noloudvoices,noquarrel.Onlytheheavybongbong
    bongoftheraindropshittingtheelbowsatthebottomofraingutters.
    Yeagerwasinthehouse.ShehadletmegoandYeagerwasintherewith
    her.Probablyshewouldn'ttellhimanything.Shewouldjuststandandlookat
    him.Shewashisboss'swife.ThatwouldscareYeagertodeath.
    Hewouldn'tstaylong,buthewouldn'tleaveherbehind,aliveordead.He
    wouldbeonhiswayandtakeherwithhim.Whathappenedtoherlateronwas
    somethingelse.
    AllIhadtodowaswaitforhimtocomeout.Ididn'tdoit.
    Ishiftedthegunintomylefthandandleaneddowntoscoopupsome
    gravel.Ithrewitagainstthefrontwindow.Itwasaweakeffort.Verylittle
    evenreachedtheglass.

    Iranbackbehindthecoupeandgotitsdooropenandsawthekeysinthe
    ignitionlock.Icroucheddownontherunningboard,holdingontothedoor
    post.
    Thehousehadalreadygonedark,butthatwasall.Therewasn'tanysound
    fromit.Nosoap.Yeagerwastoocagy.
    Ireacheditwithmyfootandfoundthestarter,thenstrainedbackwith
    onehandandturnedtheignitionkey.Thewarmmotorcaughtatonce,throbbed
    gentlyagainstthepoundingrain.
    Igotbacktothegroundandslidalongtotherearofthecar,crouched
    down.
    Thesoundofthemotorgothim.Hecouldn'tbelefttherewithoutacar.
    Adarkenedwindowslidupaninch,onlysomeshiftingoflightontheglass
    showingitmoved.Flamespoutedfromit,theracketofthreequickshots.Glass
    brokeinthecoupe.
    Iscreamedandletthescreamdieintoagurglinggroan.Iwasgettinggood
    atthatsortofthing.Iletthegroandieinachokedgasp.Iwasthrough,
    finished.Hehadgotme.Niceshooting,Yeager.
    Insidethehouseamanlaughed.Thensilenceagain,exceptfortherainand
    thequietlythrobbingmotorofthecoupe.
    Thenthehousedoorinchedopen.Afigureshowedinit.Shecameoutonthe
    porch,stiffly,thewhiteshowingathercollar,thewigshowingalittlebut
    notsomuch.Shecamedownthestepslikeawoodenwoman.IsawYeagercrouched
    behindher.
    Shestartedacrossthegravel.Hervoicesaidslowly,withoutanytoneat
    all:
    "Ican'tseeathing,Lash.Thewindowsareallmisted."
    Shejerkedalittle,asifagunhadproddedher,andcameon.Yeager
    didn'tspeak.Icouldseehimnowpasthershoulder,hishat,partofhisface.
    Butnokindofashotforamanwithcuffsonhiswrists.
    Shestoppedagain,andhervoicewassuddenlyhorrified.
    "He'sbehindthewheel!"sheyelled."Slumpedover!"
    Hefellforit.Heknockedhertoonesideandstartedtoblastagain.More
    glassjumpedaround.Abullethitatreeonmysideofthecar.Acricketwhined
    somewhere.Themotorkeptrightonhumming.

    Hewaslow,crouchedagainsttheblack,hisfaceagraynesswithoutform
    thatseemedtocomebackveryslowlyaftertheglareoftheshots.Hisownfire
    hadblindedhimtooforasecond.Thatwasenough.
    Ishothimfourtimes,strainingthepulsingColtagainstmyribs.
    Hetriedtoturnandthegunslippedawayfromhishand.Hehalfsnatched
    foritintheair,beforebothhishandssuddenlywentagainsthisstomachand
    stayedthere.Hesatdownonthewetgravelandhisharshpantingdominated
    everyothersoundofthewetnight.
    Iwatchedhimliedownonhisside,veryslowly,withouttakinghishands
    awayfromhisstomach.Thepantingstopped.
    ItseemedlikeanagebeforeSilverWigcalledouttome.Thenshewas
    besideme,grabbingmyarm.
    "Shutthemotoroff!"Iyelledather."Andgetthekeyofthesedamnirons
    outofhispocket."
    "Youddarnfool,"shebabbled."Wwhatdidyoucomebackfor?"

    CaptainAlRootoftheMissingPersonsBureauswunginhischairandlookedat
    thesunnywindow.Thiswasanotherday,andtherainhadstoppedlongsince.
    Hesaidgruffly:"You'remakingalotofmistakes,brother.DudO'Marajust
    pulleddownthecurtain.Noneofthosepeopleknockedhimoff.TheBatzel
    killinghadnothingtodowithit.They'vegotMesarveyinChicagoandhelooks
    clean.TheHeebyouanchoredtothedeadguydon'tevenknowwhotheywere
    pullingthejobfor.Ourboysaskedhimenoughtobesureofthat."
    "I'llbettheydid,"Isaid."I'vebeeninthesamebucketallnightandI
    couldn'ttellthemmucheither."
    Helookedatmeslowly,withlarge,bleak,tiredeyes."KillingYeagerwas
    allright,Iguess.Andthechopper.Inthecircumstances.BesidesI'mnot
    homicide.Icouldn'tlinkanyofthattoO'Maraunlessyoucould."
    Icould,butIhadn't.Notyet."No,"Isaid."Iguessnot."Istuffedand
    litmypipe.Afterasleeplessnightittastedbetter.
    "Thatallthat'sworryingyou?"

    "Iwonderedwhyyoudidn'tfindthegirl,atRealito.Itcouldn'thavebeen
    veryhardforyou."
    "Wejustdidn't.Weshouldhave.Iadmitit.Wedidn't.Anythingelse?"
    Iblewsmokeacrosshisdesk."I'mlookingforO'Marabecausethegeneral
    toldmeto.Itwasn'tanyusemytellinghimyouwoulddoeverythingthatcould
    bedone.Hecouldaffordamanwithallhistimeonit.Isupposeyouresent
    that."
    Hewasn'tamused."Notatall,ifhewantstowastemoney.Thepeoplethat
    resentyouarebehindadoormarkedHomicideBureau."
    Heplantedhisfeetwithaslapandelbowedhisdesk.
    "O'Marahadfifteengrandinhisclothes.That'salotofjackbutO'Mara
    wouldbetheboytohaveit.Sohecouldtakeitoutandhavehisoldpalssee
    himwithit.Onlytheywouldn'tthinkitwasfifteengrandofrealdough.His
    wifesaysitwas.Nowwithanyotherguybutanexleggerinthegravythat
    mightindicateanintentiontodisappear.ButnotO'Mara.Hepackeditallthe
    time."
    Hebitacigarandputamatchtoit.Hewavedalargefinger."See?"
    IsaidIsaw.
    "Okay.O'Marahadfifteengrand,andaguythatpullsdownthecurtaincan
    keepitdownonlysolongashiswadlasts.Fifteengrandisagoodwad.Imight
    disappearmyself,ifIhadthatmuch.Butafterit'sgonewegethim.Hecashes
    acheck,laysdownamarker,hitsahotelorstoreforcredit,givesa
    reference,writesaletterorgetsone.He'sinanewtownandhe'sgotanew
    name,buthe'sgotthesameoldappetite.Hehastogetbackintothefiscal
    systemonewayoranother.Aguycan'thavefriendseverywhere,andifhehad,
    theywouldn'tallstayclammedforever.Wouldthey?"
    "No,theywouldn't,"Isaid.
    "Hewentfar,"Roofsaid."Butthefifteengrandwasallthepreparationhe
    made.Nobaggage,noboatorrailorplanereservation,notaxiorprivate
    rentalhacktoapointoutoftown.That'sallchecked.Hisowncarwasfounda
    dozenblocksfromwherehelived.Butthatmeansnothing.Heknewpeoplewho
    wouldferryhimseveralhundredmilesandkeepquietaboutit,evenintheface
    ofareward.Here,butnoteverywhere.Notnewfriends."
    "Butyou'llgethim,"Isaid.
    "Whenhegetshungry."

    "Thatcouldtakeayearortwo.GeneralWinslowmaynotliveayear.That
    isamatterofsentiment,notwhetheryouhaveanopenfilewhenyouretire."
    "Youattendtothesentiment,brother."Hiseyesmovedandbushyreddish
    eyebrowsmovedwiththem.Hedidn'tlikeme.Nobodydid,inthepolice
    department,thatday.
    "I'dliketo,"Isaidandstoodup."MaybeI'dgoprettyfartoattendto
    thatsentiment."
    "Sure,"Roofsaid,suddenlythoughtful."Well,Winslowisabigman.
    AnythingIcandoletmeknow."
    "YoucouldfindoutwhohadLarryBatzelgunned,"Isaid."Evenifthere
    isn'tanyconnection."
    "We'lldothat.Gladto,"heguffawedandflickedashalloverhisdesk.
    "Youjustknockofftheguyswhocantalkandwe'lldotherest.Weliketowork
    thatway."
    "Itwasselfdefense,"Igrowled."Icouldn'thelpmyself."
    "Sure.Taketheair,brother.I'mbusy."
    ButhislargebleakeyestwinkledatmeasIwentout.

    10

    Themorningwasallblueandgoldandthebirdsintheornamentaltreesofthe
    Winslowestatewerecrazywithsongaftertherain.
    ThegatekeeperletmeinthroughtheposternandIwalkedupthedriveway
    andalongthetopterracetothehugecarvedItalianfrontdoor.BeforeIrang
    thebellIlookeddownthehillandsawtheTrevillyankidsittingonhisstone
    benchwithhisheadcuppedinhishands,staringatnothing.
    Iwentdownthebrickpathtohim."Nodartstoday,son?"
    Helookedupatmewithhislean,slaty,sunkeneyes.
    "No.Didyoufindhim?"
    "Yourdad?No,sonny,notyet."
    Hejerkedhishead.Hisnostrilsflaredangrily."He'snotmydadItold
    you.Anddon'ttalktomeasifIwasfouryearsold.Mydadhe'she'sin
    Floridaorsomewhere."

    "Well,Ihaven'tfoundhimyet,whoever'sdadheis,"Isaid.
    "Whosmackedyourjaw?"heasked,staringatme.
    "Oh,afellowwitharollofnickelsinhishand."
    "Nickels?"
    "Yeah.That'sasgoodasbrassknuckles.Tryitsometime,butnotonme,"I
    grinned.
    "Youwon'tfindhim,"hesaidbitterly,staringatmyjaw."Him,Imean.My
    mother'shusband."
    "IbetIdo."
    "Howmuchyoubet?"
    "Moremoneythanevenyou'vegotinyourpants."
    Hekickedviciouslyattheedgeofaredbrickinthewalk.Hisvoicewas
    stillsulky,butmoresmooth.Hiseyesspeculated.
    "Wanttobetonsomethingelse?C'monovertotherange.Ibetyouadollar
    Icanknockdowneightoutoftenpipesintenshots."
    Ilookedbacktowardsthehouse.Nobodyseemedimpatienttoreceiveme.
    "Well,"Isaid,"we'llhavetomakeitsnappy.Let'sgo."
    Wewentalongthesideofthehouseunderthewindows.Theorchidgreen
    houseshowedoverthetopsofsomebushytreesfarback.Amaninneatwhipcord
    waspolishingthechromiumonabigcarinfrontofthegarages.Wewentpast
    theretothelowwhitebuildingagainstthebank.
    Theboytookakeyoutandunlockedthedoorandwewentintocloseair
    thatstillheldtracesofcorditefumes.Theboyclickedaspringlockonthe
    door.
    "Mefirst,"hesnapped.
    Theplacelookedsomethinglikeasmallbeachshootinggallery.Therewasa
    counterwitha.22repeatingrifleonitandalong,slimtargetpistol.Both
    welloiledbutdusty.Aboutthirtyfeetbeyondthecounterwasawaisthigh,
    solidlookingpartitionacrossthebuilding,andbehindthatasimplelayoutof
    claypipesandducksandtworoundwhitetargetsmarkedoffwithblackringsand
    stainedbyleadbullets.
    Theclaypipesraninanevenlineacrossthemiddle,andtherewasabig
    skylight,andarowofhoodedoverheadlights.

    Theboypulledacordonthewallandathickcanvasblindslidacrossthe
    skylight.Heturnedonthehoodedlightsandthentheplacereallylookedlikea
    beachshootinggallery.
    Hepickedupthe.22rifleandloadeditquicklyfromacardboardboxof
    shells,.22shorts.
    "AdollarIgeteightoutoftenpipes?"
    "Blastaway,"Isaid,andputmymoneyonthecounter.
    Hetookaimalmostcasually,firedtoofast,showingoff.Hemissedthree
    pipes.Itwasprettyfancyshootingatthat.Hethrewtherifledownonthe
    counter.
    "Gee,gosetupsomemore.Let'snotcountthatone.Iwasn'tset."
    "Youdon'taimtoloseanymoney,doyou,son?Goset'emupyourself.It's
    yourrange."
    Hisnarrowfacegotangryandhisvoicegotshrill."Youdoit!I'vegotto
    relax,see.I'vegottorelax."
    Ishruggedathim,liftedaflapinthecounterandwentalongthe
    whitewashedsidewall,squeezedpasttheendofthelowpartition.Theboy
    clickedhisreloadedrifleshutbehindme.
    "Putthatdown,"Igrowledbackathim."Nevertouchagunwhenthere's
    anyoneinfrontofyou."
    Heputitdown,lookinghurt.
    Ibentdownandgrabbedahandfulofclaypipesoutofthesawdustinabig
    woodenboxonthefloor.Ishooktheyellowgrainsofwoodoffthemandstarted
    tostraightenup.
    Istoppedwithmyhatabovethebarrier,justthetopofmyhat.Inever
    knewwhyIstopped.Blindinstinct.
    The.22crackedandtheleadbulletbongedintothetargetinfrontofmy
    head.Myhatstirredlazilyonmyhead,asthoughablackbirdhadswoopedatit
    duringthenestingseason.
    Anicekid.Hewasfulloftricks,likeRedeyes.Idroppedthepipesand
    tookholdofmyhatbythebrim,lifteditstraightupoffmyheadafewinches.
    Theguncrackedagain.Anothermetallicbongonthetarget.
    Iletmyselffallheavilytothewoodenflooring,amongthepipes.
    Adooropenedandshut.Thatwasall.Nothingelse.Thehardglarefromthe
    hoodedlightsbeatdownonme.Thesunpeekedinattheedgesoftheskylight

    blind.Thereweretwobrightnewsplashesonthenearesttarget,andtherewere
    foursmallroundholesinmyhat,twoandtwo,oneachside.
    Icrawledtotheendofthebarrierandpeekedaroundit.Theboywasgone.
    Icouldseethesmallmuzzlesofthetwogunsonthecounter.
    Istoodupandwentbackalongthewall,switchedthelightsoff,turned
    theknobofthespringlockandwentout.TheWinslowchauffeurwhistledathis
    polishjobaroundinfrontofthegarages.
    Icrushedmyhatinmyhandandwentbackalongthesideofthehouse,
    lookingforthekid.Ididn'tseehim.Irangthefrontdoorbell.
    IaskedforMrs.O'Mara.Ididn'tletthebutlertakemyhat.

    11

    Shewasinanoysterwhitesomething,withwhitefuratthecuffsandcollarand
    aroundthebottom.Abreakfasttableonwheelswaspushedtoonesideofher
    chairandshewasflickingashesamongthesilver.
    Thecoylookingmaidwiththenicelegscameandtookthetableoutand
    shutthetallwhitedoor.Isatdown.
    Mrs.O'Maraleanedherheadbackagainstacushionandlookedtired.The
    lineofherthroatwasdistant,cold.Shestaredatmewithacool,hardlook,
    inwhichtherewasplentyofdislike.
    "Youseemedratherhumanyesterday,"shesaid."ButIseeyouarejusta
    bruteliketherestofthem.Justabrutalcop."
    "IcametoaskyouaboutLashYeager,"Isaid.
    Shedidn'tevenpretendtobeamused."Andwhyshouldyouthinkofasking
    me?"
    "WellifyoulivedaweekattheDardanellaClub"Iwavedmycrunched
    togetherhat.
    Shelookedathercigarettefixedly."Well,Ididmeethim,Ibelieve.I
    remembertheratherunusualname."
    "Theyallhavenameslikethat,thoseanimals,"Isaid."Itseemsthat
    LarryBatzelIguessyoureadinyourpaperabouthimtoowasafriendofDud
    O'Mara'sonce.Ididn'ttellyouabouthimyesterday.Maybethatwasamistake."

    Apulsebegantothrobinherthroat.Shesaidsoftly:"Ihaveasuspicion
    youareabouttobecomeveryinsolent,thatImayevenhavetohaveyouthrown
    out."
    "NotbeforeI'vesaidmypiece,"Isaid."ItseemsthatMr.Yeager's
    drivertheyhavedriversaswellasunusualnames,thoseanimalstoldLarry
    BatzelthatMr.YeagerwasoutthiswaythenightO'Maradisappeared."
    Theoldarmybloodhadtobegoodforsomethinginher.Shedidn'tmovea
    muscle.Shejustfrozesolid.
    Igotupandtookthecigarettefrombetweenherfrozenfingersandkilled
    itinawhitejadeashtray.Ilaidmyhatcarefullyonherwhitesatinknee.I
    satdownagain.
    Hereyesmovedafterawhile.Theymoveddownandlookedatthehat.Her
    faceflushedveryslowly,intwovividpatchesoverthecheekbones.Shefought
    aroundwithhertongueandlips.
    "Iknow,"Isaid."It'snotmuchofahat.I'mnotmakingyouapresentof
    it.Butjustlookatthebulletholesinitonce."
    Herhandbecamealiveandsnatchedatthehat.Hereyesbecameflames.
    Shespreadthecrownout,lookedattheholes,andshuddered.
    "Yeager?"sheasked,veryfaintly.Itwasawispofavoice,anoldvoice.
    Isaidveryslowly:"Yeagerwouldn'tusea.22targetrifle,Mrs.O'Mara."
    Theflamediedinhereyes.Theywerepoolsofdarknessmuchemptierthan
    darkness.
    "You'rehismother,"Isaid."Whatdoyouwanttodoaboutit?"
    "MercifulGod!Dade!He...shotatyou!"
    "Twice,"Isaid.
    "Butwhy?Oh,why?"
    "YouthinkI'mawiseguy,Mrs.O'Mara.Justanotherhardeyedboyfromthe
    othersideofthetracks.Itwouldbeeasyinthisspot,ifIwas.ButI'mnot
    thatatall,really.DoIhavetotellwhyheshotatme!"
    Shedidn'tspeak.Shenoddedslowly.Herfacewasamasknow.
    "I'dsayheprobablycan'thelpit,"Isaid."Hedidn'twantmetofindhis
    stepfather,foronething.Thenhe'salittleladthatlikesmoney.Thatseems
    small,butit'spartofthepicture.Healmostlostadollartomeonhis
    shooting.Itseemssmall,buthelivesinasmallworld.Mostofall,ofcourse,
    he'sacrazylittlesadistwithanitchytriggerfinger."

    "Howdareyou!"sheflared.Itdidn'tmeananything.Sheforgotitherself
    instantly.
    "HowdareI?Idodare.Let'snotbotherfiguringwhyheshotatme.I'm
    notthefirst,amI?Youwouldn'thaveknownwhatIwastalkingabout,you
    wouldn'thaveassumedhediditonpurpose."
    Shedidn'tmoveorspeak.Itookadeepbreath.
    "Solet'stalkaboutwhyheshotDudO'Mara,"Isaid.IfIthoughtshe
    wouldyelleventhistime,Ifooledmyself.Theoldmanintheorchidhousehad
    putmoreintoherthanhertallnessandherdarkhairandherrecklesseyes.
    Shepulledherlipsbackandtriedtolickthem,anditmadeherlooklike
    ascaredlittlegirl,forasecond.Thelinesofhercheekssharpenedandher
    handwentuplikeanartificialhandmovedbywiresandtookholdofthewhite
    furatherthroatandpulledittightandsqueezedituntilherknuckleslooked
    likebleachedbone.Thenshejuststaredatme.
    Thenmyhatslidoffherkneeontothefloor,withouthermoving.The
    sounditmadefallingwasoneoftheloudestsoundsIhadeverheard.
    "Money,"shesaidinadrycroak."Ofcourseyouwantmoney."
    "HowmuchmoneydoIwant?"
    "Fifteenthousanddollars."
    Inodded,stiffneckedasafloorwalkertryingtoseewithhisback.
    "Thatwouldbeaboutright.Thatwouldbetheestablishedretainer.That
    wouldbeaboutwhathehadinhispocketsandwhatYeagergotforgettingridof
    him."
    "You'retoodamnedsmart,"shesaidhorribly."Icouldkillyoumyselfand
    likeit."
    Itriedtogrin."That'sright.Smartandwithoutafeelingintheworld.
    Ithappenedsomethinglikethis.TheboygotO'Marawherehegotme,bythesame
    simpleruse.Idon'tthinkitwasaplan.Hehatedhisstepfather,buthe
    wouldn'texactlyplantokillhim."
    "Hehatedhim,"shesaid.
    "Sothey'reinthelittleshootinggalleryandO'Maraisdeadonthefloor,
    behindthebarrier,outofsight.Theshots,ofcourse,meantnothingthere.And
    verylittleblood,withaheadshot,smallcaliber.Sotheboygoesoutand
    locksthedoorandhides.Butafterawhilehehastotellsomebody.Hehasto.
    Hetellsyou.You'rehismother.You'retheonetotell."

    "Yes,"shebreathed."Hedidjustthat."Hereyeshadstoppedhatingme.
    "Youthinkaboutcallingitanaccident,whichisokay,exceptforone
    thing.Theboy'snotanormalboy,andyouknowit.Thegeneralknowsit,the
    servantsknow.Theremustbeotherpeoplethatknowit.Andthelaw,dumbasyou
    thinktheyare,areprettysmartwithsubnormaltypes.Theygettohandleso
    manyofthem.AndIthinkhewouldhavetalked.Ithink,afterawhile,hewould
    evenhavebragged."
    "Goon,"shesaid.
    "Youwouldn'triskthat,"Isaid."Notforyoursonandnotforthesick
    oldmanintheorchidhouse.You'ddoanyawfulcriminalcallousthingrather
    thanriskthat.Youdidit.YouknewYeagerandyouhiredhimtogetridofthe
    body.That'sallexceptthathidingthegirl,MonaMesarvey,helpedtomakeit
    looklikeadeliberatedisappearance."
    "Hetookhimawayafterdark,inDud'sowncar,"shesaidhollowly.
    Ireacheddownandpickedmyhatoffthefloor."Howabouttheservants?"
    "Norrisknows.Thebutler.He'ddieontherackbeforehetold."
    "Yeah.NowyouknowwhyLarryBatzelwasknockedoffandwhyIwastaken
    foraride,don'tyou?"
    "Blackmail,"shesaid."Ithadn'tcomeyet,butIwaswaitingforit.I
    wouldhavepaidanything,andhewouldknowthat."
    "Bitbybit,yearbyyear,therewasaquarterofamillioninitforhim,
    easy.Idon'tthinkJoeMesarveywasinitatall.Iknowthegirlwasn't."
    Shedidn'tsayanything.Shejustkepthereyesonmyface.
    "Whyinhell,"Igroaned,"didn'tyoutakethegunsawayfromhim?"
    "He'sworsethanyouthink.Thatwouldhavestartedsomethingworse.I'm
    I'malmostafraidofhimmyself."
    "Takehimaway,"Isaid.Fromhere.Fromtheoldman.He'syoungenoughto
    becured,bytherighthandling.TakehimtoEurope.Faraway.Takehimnow.It
    wouldkillthegeneraloutofhandtoknowhisbloodwasinthat."
    Shegotupdragginglyanddraggedherselfacrosstothewindows.Shestood
    motionless,almostblendingintotheheavywhitedrapes.Herhandshungather
    sides,verymotionlessalso.Afterawhilesheturnedandwalkedpastme.When
    shewasbehindmeshecaughtherbreathandsobbedjustonce.

    "Itwasveryvile.ItwasthevilestthingIeverheardof.YetIwoulddo
    itagain.Fatherwouldnothavedoneit.Hewouldhavespokenrightout.It
    would,asyousay,havekilledhim."
    "Takehimaway,"Ipoundedon."He'shidingouttherenow.Hethinkshegot
    me.He'shidingsomewherelikeananimal.Gethim.Hecan'thelpit."
    "Iofferedyoumoney,"shesaid,stillbehindme."That'snasty.Iwasn't
    inlovewithDudleyO'Mara.That'snastytoo.Ican'tthankyou.Idon'tknow
    whattosay."
    "Forgetit,"Isaid."I'mjustanoldworkhorse.Putyourworkontheboy."
    "Ipromise.Goodbye,Mr.Carmady."
    Wedidn'tshakehands.Iwentbackdownthestairsandthebutlerwasat
    thefrontdoorasusual.Nothinginhisfacebutpoliteness.
    "Youwillnotwanttoseethegeneraltoday,sir?"
    "Nottoday,Norris."
    Ididn'tseetheboyoutside.Iwentthroughtheposternandgotintomy
    rentedFordanddroveondownthehill,pastwheretheoldoilwellswere.
    Aroundsomeofthem,notvisiblefromthestreet,therewerestillsumpsin
    whichwastewaterlayandfesteredwithascumofoilontop.Theywouldbeten
    ortwelvefeetdeep,maybemore.Therewouldbedarkthingsinthem.Perhapsin
    oneofthemIwasgladIhadkilledYeager.
    OnthewaybackdowntownIstoppedatabarandhadacoupleofdrinks.
    Theydidn'tdomeanygood.
    AlltheydidwasmakemethinkofSilverWig,andIneversawheragain.

    TRYTHEGIRL

    Thebigguywasn'tanyofmybusiness.Heneverwas,thenorlater,leastofall
    then.
    IwasoveronCentral,whichistheHarlemofLosAngeles,ononeofthe
    "mixed"blocks,wheretherewerestillbothwhiteandcoloredestablishments.I
    waslookingforalittleGreekbarbernamedTomAleidiswhosewifewantedhimto
    comehomeandwaswillingtospendalittlemoneytofindhim.Itwasapeaceful
    job.TomAleidiswasnotacrook.

    IsawthebigguystandinginfrontofShamey's,anallcoloreddrinkand
    dicesecondfloor,nottoosavory.Hewaslookingupatthebrokenstencilsin
    theelectricsign,withasortofraptexpression,likeahunkyimmigrant
    lookingattheStatueofLiberty,likeamanwhohadwaitedalongtimeandcome
    alongway.
    Hewasn'tjustbig.Hewasagiant.Helookedsevenfeethigh,andhewore
    theloudestclothesIeversawonareallybigman.
    Pleatedmaroonpants,aroughgrayishcoatwithwhitebilliardballsfor
    buttons,brownsuedeshoeswithexplosionsinwhitekidonthem,abrownshirt,
    ayellowtie,alargeredcarnation,andafrontdoorhandkerchiefthecolorof
    theIrishflag.Itwasneatlyarrangedinthreepoints,undertheredcarnation.
    OnCentralAvenue,notthequietestdressedstreetintheworld,withthatsize
    andthatmakeuphelookedaboutasunobtrusiveasatarantulaonasliceof
    angelfood.
    HewentoverandswungbackthedoorsintoShamey's.Thedoorsdidn'tstop
    swingingbeforetheyexplodedoutwardagain.Whatsailedoutandlandedinthe
    gutterandmadeahigh,keeningnoise,likeawoundedrat,wasaslickhaired
    coloredyouthinapinchbacksuit.A"brown,"thecolorofcoffeewithrather
    thincreaminit.Hisface,Imean.
    Itstillwasn'tanyofmybusiness.Iwatchedthecoloredboycreepaway
    alongthewalls.Nothingmorehappened.SoImademymistake.
    ImovedalongthesidewalkuntilIcouldpushtheswingdoormyself.Just
    enoughtolookin.Justtoomuch.
    AhandIcouldhavesatintookholdofmyshoulderandhurtandliftedme
    throughthedoorsandupthreesteps.
    Adeep,softvoicesaidinmyeareasily,"Smokesinhere,pal.Canyoutie
    that?"
    Itriedforalittleelbowroomtogettomysap.Iwasn'twearingagun.
    ThelittleGreekbarberbusinesshadn'tseemedtobethatsortofjob.
    Hetookholdofmyshoulderagain.
    "It'sthatkindofplace,"Isaidquickly.
    "Don'tsaythat,pal.Beulahusedtoworkhere.LittleBeulah."
    "Goonupandseeforyourself."
    Heliftedmeupthreemoresteps.

    "I'mfeelinggood,"hesaid."Iwouldn'twantanybodytobotherme.Let's
    youandmegoonupandmaybenibbleadrink."
    "Theywon'tserveyou,"Isaid.
    "Iain'tseenBeulahineightyears,pal,"hesaidsoftly,tearingmy
    shouldertopieceswithoutnoticingwhathewasdoing."Sheain'tevenwrotein
    six.Butshe'llhaveareason.Sheusedtoworkhere.Let'syouandmegoon
    up."
    "Allright,"Isaid."I'llgoupwithyou.Justletmewalk.Don'tcarry
    me.I'mfine.Carmady'sthename.I'mallgrownup.Igotothebathroomalone
    andeverything.Justdon'tcarryme."
    "LittleBeulahusedtoworkhere,"hesaidsoftly.Hewasn'tlisteningto
    me.
    Wewentonup.Heletmewalk.
    Acraptablewasinthefarcornerbeyondthebar,andscatteredtablesand
    afewcustomerswerehereandthere.Thewhinyvoiceschantingaroundthecrap
    tablestoppedinstantly.Eyeslookedatusinthatdead,aliensilenceof
    anotherrace.
    AlargeNegrowasleaningagainstthebarinshirtsleeveswithpink
    gartersonhisarms.Anexpugwhohadbeenhitbyeverythingbutaconcrete
    bridge.Hepriedhimselfloosefromthebaredgeandcametowardsusinaloose
    fighter'scrouch.
    Heputalargebrownhandagainstthebigman'sgaudychest.Itlookedlike
    astudthere.
    "Nowhitefolks,brother.Jes'fo'thecoloredpeople.I'sesorry."
    "Where'sBeulah?"thebigmanaskedinhisdeep,softvoicethatwentwith
    hisbigwhitefaceandhisdepthlessblackeyes.
    TheNegrodidn'tquitelaugh."NoBeulah,brother.Nohooch,nogals,jes'
    thescram,brother.Jes'thescram."
    "Kindoftakeyourgoddammittoffme,"thebigmansaid.
    Thebouncermadeamistake,too.Hehithim.Isawhisshoulderdrop,his
    bodyswingbehindthepunch.Itwasagoodcleanpunch.Thebigmandidn'teven
    trytoblockit.
    Heshookhisheadandtookholdofthebouncerbythethroat.Hewasquick
    forhissize.Thebouncertriedtokneehim.Thebigmanturnedhimandbent
    him,tookholdofthebackofhisbelt.Thatbroke.Sothebigmanjustputhis

    hugehandflatagainstthebouncer'sspineandthrewhim,clearacrossthe
    narrowroom.Thebouncerhitthewallonthefarsidewithacrashthatmust
    havebeenheardinDenver.Thenheslidsoftlydownthewallandlaythere,
    motionless.
    "Yeah,"thebigmansaid."Let'syouandmenibbleone."
    Wewentovertothebar.Thebarmanswabbedthebarhurriedly.The
    customers,byonesandtwosandthrees,driftedout,silentacrossthebare
    floor,silentdownthedimuncarpetedstairs.Theirdepartingfeetscarcely
    rustled.
    "Whiskysour,"thebigmansaid.
    Wehadwhiskysours.
    "YouknowwhereBeulahis?"thebigmanaskedthebarmanimpassively,
    lickinghiswhiskysourdownthesideofthethickglass.
    "Beulah,yousays?"thebarmanwhined."Iain'tseenherroun'heahlately.
    Notrightlately,nosuh."
    "Howlongyoubeenhere?"
    'Boutayeah,Ahreckon.'Boutayeah.Yessuh.'Bout"
    "Howlong'sthiscoopbeenadingebox?"
    "Sayswhich?"
    Thebigmanmadeafistdownathisside,aboutthesizeofabucket.
    "Fiveyearsanyway,"Iputin."Thisfellowwouldn'tknowanythingabouta
    whitegirlnamedBeulah."
    ThebigmanlookedatmeasifIhadjusthatchedout.Hiswhiskysour
    didn'tseemtoimprovehistemper.
    "Whothehellaskedyoutostickyourfacein?"
    Ismiled.Imadeitabig,friendlysmile."I'mthefellowcameinhere
    withyou.Remember?"
    Hegrinnedback,aflat,whitegrin."Whiskysour,"hetoldthebarman.
    "Getthemfleasoutayourpants.Service."
    Thebarmanscuttledaround,hatinguswiththewhitesofhiseyes.
    Theplacewasemptynow,exceptforthetwoofusandthebarman,andthe
    bounceroveragainstthefarwall.
    Thebouncergroanedandstirred.Herolledoverandbegantocrawlsoftly
    alongthebaseboard,likeaflywithonewing.Thebigmanpaidnoattentionto
    him.

    "Thereain'tnothingleftofthejoint,"hecomplained."Theywasastage
    andabandandcutelittleroomswhereyoucouldhavefun.Beulahdidsome
    warbling.Aredhead.Awfulcute.Wewastoofbeenmarriedwhentheyhungthe
    frameonme."
    Wehadtwomorewhiskysoursbeforeusnow."Whatframe?"Iasked.
    "WhereyoufigureIbeenthemeightyearsItoldyouabout?"
    "Insomebody'sStonyLonesome,"Isaid.
    "Right."Heproddedhischestwithathumblikeabaseballbat."Steve
    Skalla.TheGreatBendjobinKansas.Justme.Fortygrand.Theycaughtupwith
    merighthere.Iwaswhatthathey!"
    Thebouncerhadmadeadooratthebackandfallenthroughit.Alock
    clicked.
    "Where'sthatdoorleadto?"thebigmandemanded.
    "Thatha'sMistahMontgom'ry'soffice,suh.He'stheboss.He'sgothis
    officeback"
    "Hemightknow,"thebigmansaid.HewipedhismouthontheIrishflag
    handkerchiefandarrangeditcarefullybackinhispocket."Hebetternotcrack
    wiseneither.Twomorewhiskysours."
    Hecrossedtheroomtothedoorbehindthecraptable.Thelockgavehima
    littleargumentforamoment,thenapieceofthepaneldroppedoffandhewent
    through,shutthedoorafterhim.
    ItwasverysilentinShamey'snow.Ilookedatthebarman.
    "Thisguy'stough,"Isaidquickly."Andhe'sliabletogomean.Youcan
    seetheidea.He'slookingforanoldsweetiewhousedtoworkherewhenitwas
    aplaceforwhites.Gotanyartillerybackthere?"
    "Ithoughtyouwaswithhim,"thebarmansaidsuspiciously.
    "Couldn'thelpmyself.Hedraggedmeup.Ididn'tfeellikebeingthrown
    overanyhouses."
    "Shuah.Ahgotmeashotgun,"thebarmansaid,stillsuspicious.
    Hebegantostoopbehindthebar,thenstayedinthatpositionrollinghis
    eyes.
    Therewasadullflatsoundatthebackoftheplace,behindtheshutdoor.
    Itmighthavebeenaslammeddoor.Itmighthavebeenagun.Justtheonesound.
    Nootherfollowedit.

    ThebarmanandIwaitedtoolong,wonderingwhatthesoundwas.Notliking
    tothinkwhatitcouldbe.
    Thedooratthebackopenedandthebigmancamethroughquickly,witha
    Coltarmy.45automaticlookinglikeatoyinhishand.
    Helookedtheroomoverwithoneswiftglance.Hisgrinwastaut.Helooked
    likethemanwhocouldtakefortygrandsinglehandedfromtheGreatBendBank.
    Hecameovertousinswift,almostsoundlesssteps,forallhissize.
    "Riseup,nigger!"
    Thebarmancameupslowly,gray;hishandsempty,high.
    Thebigmanfeltmeover,steppedawayfromus.
    "Mr.Montgomerydidn'tknowwhereBeulahwaseither,"hesaidsoftly."He
    triedtotellmewiththis."Hewaggledthegun."Solong,punks.Don'tforget
    yourrubbers."
    Hewasgone,downthestairs,veryquickly,veryquietly.
    Ijumpedaroundthebarandtookthesawedoffshotgunthatlaythere,on
    theshelf.NottouseonSteveSkalla.Thatwasnotmyjob.Sothebarman
    wouldn'tuseitonme.Iwentbackacrosstheroomandthroughthatdoor.
    Thebouncerlayonthefloorofahallwithaknifeinhishand.Hewas
    unconscious.Itooktheknifeoutofhishandandsteppedoverhimthrougha
    doormarkedOffice.
    Mr.Montgomerywasinthere,behindasmallscarreddesk,closetoapartly
    boardedupwindow.Justfolded,likeahandkerchieforahinge.
    Adrawerwasopenathisrighthand.Thegunwouldhavecomefromthere.
    Therewasasmearofoilonthepaperthatlinedit.
    Notasmartidea,buthewouldneverhaveasmarteronenotnow.
    NothinghappenedwhileIwaitedforthepolice.
    Whentheycameboththebarmanandthebouncerweregone.Ihadlocked
    myselfinwithMr.Montgomeryandtheshotgun.Justincase.
    Hineygotit.Aleanjawed,complaining,overslowdetectivelieutenant,
    withlongyellowhandsthatheheldonhiskneeswhilehetalkedtomeinhis
    cubicleatHeadquarters.Hisshirtwasdarnedunderthepointsofhisold
    fashionedstiffcollar.Helookedpoorandsourandhonest.
    Thiswasanhourorsolater.TheyknewallaboutSteveSkallathen,from
    theirownrecords.Theyevenhadatenyearoldphotothatmadehimlookas
    eyebrowlessasaFrenchroll.Alltheydidn'tknowwaswherehewas.

    "Sixfootsixandahalf,"Hineysaid."Twohundredsixtyfourpounds.A
    guythatsizecan'tgetfar,notinthemfancyduds.Hecouldn'tbuyanything
    elseinahurry.Whyn'tyoutakehim?"
    Ihandedthephotobackandlaughed.
    Hineypointedoneofhislongyellowfingersatmebitterly."Carmady,a
    toughshamus,huh?Sixfeetofman,andajawyoucouldbreakrockson.Whyn't
    youtakehim?"
    "I'mgettingalittlegrayatthetemples,"Isaid."AndIdidn'thavea
    gun.Hehad.Iwasn'tonaguntotingjoboverthere.Skallajustpickedmeup.
    I'mkindofcutesometimes."
    Hineyglaredatme.
    "Allright,"Isaid."Whyargue?I'veseentheguy.Hecouldwearan
    elephantinhisvestpocket.AndIdidn'tknowhe'dkilledanybody.You'llget
    himallright."
    "Yeah,"Hineysaid."Easy.ButIjustdon'tliketowastemytimeonthese
    shinekillings.Nopix.Nospace.Noteventhreelinesinthewantadsection.
    Heck,theywasfivesmokesfive,mindyoucarvedHarlemsunsetsallovereach
    otheroveronEastEightfouronetime.Alldead.Coldmeat.Andthe
    newshawkswouldn'tevengooutthere."
    "Pickhimupnice,"Isaid."Orhe'llknockoffabraceofprowliesfor
    you.Thenyou'llgetspace."
    "AndIwouldn'thavethecasethenneither,"Hineyjeered."Well,thehell
    withhim.Igothimontheair.Ain'tnothingelsetodobutjustsit."
    "Trythegirl,"Isaid."Beulah.Skallawill.That'swhathe'safter.
    That'swhatstarteditall.Tryher."
    "Youtryher,"Hineysaid."Iain'tbeeninajoyhouseintwentyyears."
    "IsupposeI'dberightathomeinone.Howmuchwillyoupay?"
    "Jeeze,guy,coppersdon'thireprivatedicks.Whatwith?"Herolleda
    cigaretteoutofacanoftobacco.Itburneddownonesidelikeaforestfire.A
    manyelledangrilyintoatelephoneinthenextcubbyhole.Hineymadeanother
    cigarettewithmorecareandlickeditandlightedit.Heclaspedhisbonyhands
    onhisbonykneesagain.
    "Thinkofyourpublicity,"Isaid."IbetyoutwentyfiveIfindBeulah
    beforeyouputSkallaunderglass."

    Hethoughtitover.Heseemedalmosttocounthisbankbalanceonhis
    cigarettepuffs.
    "Tenistop,"hesaid."Andshe'sallmineprivate."
    Istaredathim.
    "Idon'tworkforthatkindofmoney,"Isaid."ButifIcandoitinone
    dayandyouletmealoneI'lldoitfornothing.Justtoshowyouwhyyou've
    beenalieutenantfortwentyyears."
    Hedidn'tlikethatcrackmuchbetterthanIlikedhisaboutthejoyhouse.
    Butweshookhandsonit.
    IgotmyoldChryslerroadsteroutoftheofficialparkinglotanddrove
    backtowardstheCentralAvenuedistrict.
    Shamey'swasclosedup,ofcourse.Anobviousplainclothesmansatinacar
    infrontofit,readingapaperwithoneeye.Ididn'tknowwhy.Nobodythere
    knewanythingaboutSkalla.
    IparkedaroundthecornerandwentintothediagonallobbyofaNegro
    hotelcalledtheHotelSansSouci.Tworowsofhard,emptychairsstaredateach
    otheracrossastripoffibercarpet.Behindadeskabaldheadedmanhadhis
    eyesshutandhishandsclaspedonthedesktop.Hedozed.Heworeanascottie
    thathadbeentiedabout1880,andthegreenstoneinhisstickpinwasnotquite
    aslargeasatrashbarrel.Hislarge,loosechinfoldeddownonitgently,and
    hisbrownhandsweresoft,peaceful,andclean.
    Ametalembossedsignathiselbowsaid:_ThisHotelIsUnderthe
    ProtectionoftheInternationalConsolidatedAgencies,Inc._
    WhenheopenedoneeyeIpointedtothesignandsaid:"H.P.D.manchecking
    up.Anytroublehere?"
    H.P.D.meansHotelProtectiveDepartment,whichisthepartofalarge
    agencythatlooksaftercheckbouncersandpeoplewhomoveoutbytheback
    stairs,leavingsecondhandsuitcasesfullofbricks.
    "Trouble,brother,"hesaid,inahigh,sonorousvoice,"issomethingweis
    freshoutof."Heloweredthevoicefourorfivenotchesandadded,"Wedon't
    takenochecks."
    Ileanedonthecounteracrossfromhisfoldedhandsandstartedtospina
    quarteronthebare,scarredwood.
    "HeardwhathappenedoveratShamey'sthismorning?"

    "Brother,Iforgit."Bothhiseyeswereopennowandhewaswatchingthe
    bluroflightmadebythespinningquarter.
    "Thebossgotbumpedoff,"Isaid."Montgomery.Gothisneckbroken."
    "MaytheLawdreceivehissoul,brother."Thevoicewentdownagain."Cop?"
    "Privateonaconfidentiallay.AndIknowamanwhocankeeponethatway
    whenIseeone."
    Helookedmeover,closedhiseyesagain.Ikeptspinningthequarter.He
    couldn'tresistlookingatit.
    "Whodoneit?"heaskedsoftly."WhofixedSam?"
    "Atoughguyoutofthejailhousegotsorebecauseitwasn'tawhitejoint.
    Itusedtobe.Remember?"
    Hedidn'tsayanything.Thecoinfelloverwithalightwhirrandlay
    still.
    "Callyourplay,"Isaid."I'llreadyouachapteroftheBibleorbuyyou
    adrink.Eitherone."
    "Brother,"hesaidsonorously,"IkindaliketoreadmyBibleinthe
    seclusionofmyfamily."Thenheaddedswiftly,inhisbusinessvoice,"Come
    aroundtothissideofthedesk."
    Iwentaroundthereandpulledapintofbondedbourbonoffmyhipand
    handedittohimintheshelterofthedesk.Hepouredtwosmallglasses,
    quickly,sniffedhiswithasmooth,expertmanner,andtuckeditaway.
    "Whatyouwanttoknow?"heasked."Ain'tacrackinthesidewalkIdon't
    know.MebbeIain'ttellin'though.Thisliquor'sbeenintherightcompany."
    "WhoranShamey'sbeforeitwasacoloredplace?"
    Hestaredatme,surprised."ThenameofthatporesinnerwasShamey,
    brother."
    Igroaned."WhathaveIbeenusingforbrains?"
    "He'sdaid,brother,gatheredtotheLawd.Diedinnineteenandtwenty
    nine.Awoodalcoholcase,brother.Andhiminthebusiness."Heraisedhis
    voicetothesonorouslevel."Thesameyeartherichfolkslosttheirgoodsand
    chattels,brother."Thevoicewentdownagain."Ididn'tlosemeanickel."
    "I'llbetyoudidn't.Poursomemore.Heleaveanyfolksanybodythat's
    stillaround?"
    Hepouredanothersmalldrink,corkedthebottlefirmly."Twoisall
    beforelunch,"hesaid."Ithankyou,brother.Yo'methodofapproachis

    soothin'toaman'sdignity."Heclearedhisthroat."Hadawife,"hesaid."Try
    thephonebook."
    Hewouldn'ttakethebottle.Iputitbackonmyhip.Heshookhandswith
    me,foldedhisonthedeskoncemoreandclosedhiseyes.
    Theincident,forhim,wasover.
    TherewasonlyoneShameyinthephonebook.VioletLuShamey,1644West
    FiftyfourthPlace.Ispentanickelinabooth.
    Afteralongtimeadopeyvoicesaid,"Uhhuh.Whwhatisit?"
    "AreyoutheMrs.ShameywhosehusbandonceranaplaceonCentralAvenue
    aplaceofentertainment?"
    "Whawhat?Mygoodnesssakesalive!Myhusband'sbeengonetheseseven
    years.Whodidyousayyouwas?"
    "DetectiveCarmady.I'llberightout.It'simportant."
    "Whwhodidyousay"
    Itwasathick,heavy,cloggedvoice.
    Itwasadirtybrownhousewithadirtybrownlawninfrontofit.There
    wasalargebarepatcharoundatoughlookingpalmtree,Ontheporchstoodone
    lonelyrocker.
    Theafternoonbreezemadetheunprunedshootsoflastyear'spoinsettias
    taptapagainstthefrontwall.Alineofstiff,yellowish,halfwashedclothes
    jitteredonarustywireinthesideyard.
    Idroveonalittlewayandparkedmyroadsteracrossthestreet,and
    walkedback.
    Thebelldidn'twork,soIknocked.Awomanopenedthedoorblowingher
    nose.Alongyellowfacewithweedyhairgrowingdownthesidesofit.Herbody
    wasshapelessinaflannelbathrobelongpastallcoloranddesign.Itwasjust
    somethingaroundher.Hertoeswerelargeandobviousinapairofbrokenman's
    slippers.
    Isaid,"Mrs.Shamey?"
    "Youthe?"
    "Yeah.Ijustcalledyou."
    Shegesturedmeinwearily."Iain'thadtimetogetcleanedupyet,"she
    whined.

    Wesatdowninacoupleofdingymissionrockersandlookedateachother
    acrossalivingroominwhicheverythingwasjunkexceptasmallnewradio
    droningawaybehinditsdimlylightedpanel.
    "AllthecompanyIgot,"shesaid.Thenshetittered."Bertain'tdone
    nothing,hashe?Idon'tgetcopscallingonmemuch."
    "Bert?"
    "BertShamey,mister.Myhusband."
    Shetitteredagainandfloppedherfeetupanddown.Inhertitterwasa
    loosealcoholicovertone.ItseemedIwasnottogetawayfromitthatday.
    "Ajoke,mister,"shesaid."He'sdead.IhopetoChristthere'senough
    cheapblondeswhereheis.Henevergotenoughofthemhere."
    "Iwasthinkingmoreaboutaredhead,"Isaid.
    "Iguesshe'duseoneofthosetoo."Hereyes,itseemedtome,werenotso
    loosenow."Idon'tcalltomind.Anyspecialone?"
    "Yeah.AgirlnamedBeulah.Idon'tknowherlastname.Sheworkedatthe
    ClubonCentral.I'mtryingtotraceherforherfolks.It'sacoloredplacenow
    and,ofcourse,thepeoplethereneverheardofher."
    "Ineverwentthere,"thewomanyelled,withunexpectedviolence."I
    wouldn'tknow."
    "Anentertainer,"Isaid."Asinger.Nochanceyou'dknowher,eh?"
    Sheblewhernoseagain,ononeofthedirtiesthandkerchiefsIeversaw.
    "Igotacold."
    "Youknowwhat'sgoodforit,"Isaid.
    Shegavemeaswift,rakingglance."I'mfreshoutofthat."
    "I'mnot."
    "Gawd,"shesaid."You'renocop.Nocopeverboughtadrink."
    Ibroughtoutmypintofbourbonandbalanceditonmyknee.Itwasalmost
    fullstill.TheclerkattheHotelSansSouciwasnoreservoir.Thewoman's
    seaweedcoloredeyesjumpedatthebottle.Hertonguecoiledaroundherlips.
    "Man,that'sliquor,"shesighed."Idon'tcarewhoyouare.Holdit
    careful,mister."
    Sheheavedupandwaddledoutoftheroomandcamebackwithtwothick,
    smearedglasses.
    "Nofixin's,"shesaid."Justwhatyoubrought."Sheheldtheglassesout.

    Ipouredheraslugthatwouldhavemademefloatoverawall.Asmaller
    oneforme.Sheputhersdownlikeanaspirintabletandlookedatthebottle.I
    pouredheranother.Shetookthatovertoherchair.Hereyeshadturnedtwo
    shadesbrowner.
    "Thisstuffdiespainlesswithme,"shesaid."Itneverknowswhathitit.
    Whatwaswetalkin'about?"
    "AredhairedgirlnamedBeulah.Usedtoworkatthejoint.Rememberbetter
    now?"
    "Yeah."Sheusedherseconddrink.Iwentoverandstoodthebottleonthe
    tablebesideher.Sheusedsomeoutofthat.
    "Holdontoyourchairanddon'tsteponnosnakes,"shesaid."Igotmea
    idea."
    Shegotupoutofthechair,sneezed,almostlostherbathrobe,slappedit
    backagainstherstomachandstaredatmecoldly.
    "Nopeekin',"shesaid,andwaggedafingeratmeandwentoutoftheroom
    again,hittingthesideofthedoorcasementonherway.
    Fromthebackofthehousepresentlytherewerevarioustypesofcrashes.A
    chairseemedtobekickedover.Abureaudrawerwaspulledouttoofarand
    smashedtothefloor.Therewasfumblingandthuddingandloudlanguage.Aftera
    while,then,therewastheslowclickofalockandwhatseemedtobethe
    screechofatrunktopgoingup.Morefumblingandbangingthingsaround.Atray
    landedonthefloor,Ithought.Thenachortleofsatisfaction.
    Shecamebackintotheroomholdingapackagetiedwithfadedpinktape.
    Shethrewitinmylap.
    "Look'emover,Lou.Photos.Newspaperstills.Notthatthemtrampsever
    gotinnonewspapersexceptbywayofthepoliceblotter.They'repeoplefrom
    thejoint.ByGod,they'realltheleftme.Themandhisoldclothes."
    Shesatdownandreachedforthewhiskyagain.
    Iuntiedthetapeandlookedthroughabunchofshinyphotosofpeoplein
    professionalposes.Notallofthemwerewomen.Themenhadfoxyfacesand
    racetrackclothesormakeup.Hoofersandcomicsfromthefillingstation
    circuits.NotmanyofthemevergotwestofMainStreet.Thewomenhadgoodlegs
    anddisplayedthemmorethanWillHayswouldhaveliked.Buttheirfaceswereas
    threadbareasabookkeeper'scoat.Allbutone.

    SheworeaPierrotcostume,atleastfromthewaistup.Underthehigh
    conicalwhitehatherfluffedouthairmighthavebeenred.Hereyeshad
    laughterinthem.Iwon'tsayherfacewasunspoiled.I'mnotthatgoodat
    faces.Butitwasn'tliketheothers.Ithadn'tbeenkickedaround.Somebodyhad
    beennicetothatface.PerhapsjustatoughmuglikeSteveSkalla.Buthehad
    beennice.Inthelaughingeyestherewasstillhope.
    Ithrewtheothersasideandcarriedthisoneovertothesprawled,glassy
    eyedwomaninthechair.Ipokeditunderhernose.
    "Thisone,"Isaid."Whoisshe?Whathappenedtoher?"
    Shestaredatitfuzzily,thenchuckled.
    "Tha'sSteveSkalla'sgirl,Lou.Heck,Iforgothername."
    "Beulah,"Isaid."Beulah'shername."
    Shewatchedmeunderhertawny,mangledeyebrows.Shewasn'tsodrunk.
    "Yeah?"shesaid."Yeah?"
    "Who'sSteveSkalla?"Irapped.
    "Bouncerdownatthejoint,Lou."Shegiggledagain."He'sinthepen."
    "Ohno,heisn't,"Isaid."He'sintown.He'sout.Iknowhim.Hejustgot
    in."
    Herfacewenttopieceslikeaclaypigeon.InstantlyIknewwhohadturned
    Skallauptothelocallaw.Ilaughed.Icouldn'tmiss.Becausesheknew.Ifshe
    hadn'tknown,shewouldn'thavebotheredtobecageyaboutBeulah.Shecouldn't
    haveforgottenBeulah.Nobodycould.
    Hereyeswentfarbackintoherhead.Westaredintoeachother'sfaces.
    Thenherhandsnatchedatthephoto.
    Isteppedbackandtuckeditawayinaninsidepocket.
    "Haveanotherdrink,"Isaid.Ihandedherthebottle.
    Shetookit,lingeredoverit,gurgleditslowlydownherthroat,staring
    atthefadedcarpet.
    "Yeah,"shesaidwhisperingly."Iturnedhiminbutheneverknew.Moneyin
    thebankhewas.Moneyinthebank."
    "Givemethegirl,"Isaid."AndSkallaknowsnothingfromme."
    "She'shere,"thewomansaid."She'sinradio.IheardheronceonKLBL.
    She'schangedhername,though.Idunno."
    Ihadanotherhunch."Youdoknow,"Isaid."You'rebleedingherstill.
    Shameyleftyounothing.Whatdoyouliveon?You'rebleedingherbecauseshe

    pulledherselfupintheworld,frompeoplelikeyouandSkalla.That'sit,
    isn'tit?"
    "Moneyinthebank,"shecroaked."Hundredamonth.Reg'larasrent.Yeah."
    Thebottlewasontheflooragain.Suddenly,withoutbeingtouched,itfell
    overonitsside.Whiskygurgledout.Shedidn'tmovetogetit.
    "Whereisshe?"Ipoundedon."What'shername?"
    "Idunno,Lou.Partofthedeal.Getthemoneyinacashier'scheck.I
    dunno.Honest."
    "Thehellyoudon't!"Isnarled."Skalla"
    Shecametoherfeetinasurgeandscreamedatme,"Getout,you!Getout
    beforeIcallacop!Getout,you!"
    "Okay,okay."Iputahandoutsoothingly."Takeiteasy.Iwon'ttell
    Skalla.Justtakeiteasy."
    Shesatdownagainslowlyandretrievedthealmostemptybottle.Afterall
    Ididn'thavetohaveascenenow.Icouldfindoutotherways.
    Shedidn'tevenlooktowardsmeasIwentout.Iwentoutintothecrisp
    fallsunlightandgotintomycar.Iwasaniceboy,tryingtogetalong.Yes,I
    wasaswellguy.Ilikedknowingmyself.Iwasthekindofguywhochiseleda
    soddenoldwreckoutofherlifesecretstowinatendollarbet.
    Idrovedowntotheneighborhooddrugstoreandshutmyselfinitsphone
    boothtocallHiney.
    "Listen,"Itoldhim,"thewidowofthemanthatranShamey'swhenSkalla
    workedthereisstillalive.Skallamightcalltoseeher,ifhethinkshe
    dares."
    Igavehimtheaddress.Hesaidsourly,"Wealmostgothim.Aprowlcarwas
    talkin'toaSeventhStreetconductorattheendoftheline.Hementionedaguy
    thatsizeandwiththemclothes.HegotoffatThirdandAlexandria,the
    conductorsays.Whathe'lldoisbreakintosomebighousewherethefolksis
    away.Sowegothimbottled."
    Itoldhimthatwasfine.
    KLBLwasonthewesternfringeofthatpartofthecitythatmeltsinto
    BeverlyHills.Itwashousedinaflatstuccobuilding,quiteunpretentious,and
    therewasaservicestationintheformofaDutchwindmillonthecornerofthe
    lot.Thecalllettersofthestationrevolvedinneonlettersonthesailsof
    thewindmill.

    Iwentintoagroundfloorreceptionroom,onesideofwhichwasglassand
    showedanemptybroadcastingstudiowithastageandrangedchairsforan
    audience.Afewpeoplesataroundthereceptionroomtryingtolookmagnetic,
    andtheblondreceptionistwasspearingchocolatesoutofalargeboxwithnails
    thatwerealmostroyalpurpleincolor.
    IwaitedhalfanhourandthengottoseeaMr.DaveMarineau,studio
    manager.Thestationmanagerandthedayprogrammanagerwerebothtoobusyto
    seeme.Marineauhadasmallsoundproofedofficebehindtheorgan.Itwas
    paperedwithsignedphotographs.
    Marineauwasahandsometallman,somewhatintheLevantinestyle,withred
    lipsalittletoofull,atinysilkymustache,largelimpidbrowneyes,shiny
    blackhairthatmightormightnothavebeenmarceled,andlong,pale,nicotined
    fingers.
    HereadmycardwhileItriedtofindmyPierrotgirlonhiswalland
    didn't.
    "Aprivatedetective,eh?Whatcanwedoforyou?"
    ItookmyPierrotoutandplaceditdownonhisbeautifulbrownblotter.It
    wasfunwatchinghimstareatit.Allsortsofminutethingshappenedtohis
    face,noneofwhichhewantedknown.Thesumtotalofthemwasthatheknewthe
    faceandthatitmeantsomethingtohim.Helookedupatmewithabargaining
    expression.
    "Notveryrecent,"hesaid."Butnice.Idon'tknowwhetherwecoulduseit
    ornot.Legs,aren'tthey?"
    "It'satleasteightyearsold,"Isaid."Whatwouldyouuseitfor?"
    "Publicity,ofcourse.Wegetoneintheradiocolumnabouteverysecond
    month,We'reasmallstationstill."
    "Why?"
    "Youmeanyoudon'tknowwhoitis?"
    "Iknowwhoshewas,"Isaid.
    "VivianBaring,ofcourse,StarofourJumboCandyBarprogram.Don'tyou
    knowit?Atriweeklyserial,halfanhour."
    "Neverheardofit,"Isaid."Aradioserialismyideaofthesquareroot
    ofnothing."
    Heleanedbackandlitacigarette,althoughonewasburningontheedgeof
    hisglasslinedtray.

    "Allright,"hesaidsarcastically."Stopbeingfulsomeandgetto
    business,Whatisityouwant?"
    "I'dlikeheraddress."
    "Ican'tgiveyouthat,ofcourse.Andyouwon'tfinditinanyphonebook
    ordirectory.I'msorry."Hestartedtogatherpaperstogetherandthensawthe
    secondcigaretteandthatmadehimfeellikeasap.Soheleanedbackagain.
    "I'minaspot,"Isaid."Ihavetofindthegirl.Quickly.AndIdon't
    wanttolooklikeablackmailer."
    Helickedhisveryfullandveryredlips.SomehowIgottheideahewas
    pleasedatsomething.
    Hesaidsoftly,"YoumeanyouknowsomethingthatmighthurtMissBaring
    andincidentallytheprogram?"
    "Youcanalwaysreplaceastarinradio,can'tyou?"
    Helickedhislipssomemore.Thenhismouthtriedtogettough."Iseemto
    smellsomethingnasty,"hesaid.
    "It'syourmustacheburning,"Isaid.
    Itwasn'tthebestgagintheworld,butitbroketheice.Helaughed.Then
    hedidwingoverswithhishands.Heleanedforwardandgotasconfidentialasa
    tipster.
    "We'regoingatthiswrong,"hesaid."Obviously.You'reprobablyonthe
    levelyoulookitsoletmemakemyplay."Hegrabbedaleatherboundpadand
    scribbledonit,toretheleafoffandpasseditacross.
    Iread:_1737NorthFloresAvenue._
    "That'sheraddress,"hesaid."Iwon'tgivethephonenumberwithouther
    O.K.Nowtreatmelikeagentleman.Thatis,ifitconcernsthestation."
    Ituckedhispaperintomypocketandthoughtitover.Hehadsuckeredme
    neatly,putmeonmyfewremainingshredsofdecency.Imademymistake.
    "How'stheprogramgoing?"
    "We'repromisednetworkaudition.It'ssimple,everydaystuffcalled'A
    StreetinOurTown,'butit'sdonebeautifully.It'llwowthecountrysomeday.
    Andsoon."Hewipedhishandacrosshisfinewhitebrow."Incidentally,Miss
    Baringwritesthescriptsherself."
    "Ah,"Isaid."Well,here'syourdirt.Shehadaboyfriendinthebig
    house.Thatisheusedtobe.ShegottoknowhiminaCentralAvenuejoint

    wheresheworkedonce.He'soutandhe'slookingforherandhe'skilledaman.
    Nowwaitaminute"
    Hehadn'tturnedaswhiteasasheet,becausehedidn'thavetheright
    skin.Buthelookedbad.
    "Nowwaitaminute,"Isaid."It'snothingagainstthegirlandyouknow
    it.She'sokay.Youcanseethatinherface.Itmighttakealittlecounter
    publicity,ifitallcameout.Butthat'snothing.Lookhowtheygildsomeof
    thosetrampsinHollywood."
    "Itcostsmoney,"hesaid."We'reapoorstudio.Andthenetworkaudition
    wouldbeoff."Therewassomethingfaintlydishonestabouthismannerthat
    puzzledme.
    "Nuts,"Isaid,leaningforwardandpoundingthedesk."Therealthingis
    toprotecther.ThistoughguySteveSkallaishisnameisinlovewithher.
    Hekillspeoplewithhisbarehands.Hewon'thurther,butifshehasaboy
    friendorahusband"
    "She'snotmarried,"Marineauputinquickly,watchingtheriseandfallof
    mypoundinghand.
    "Hemightwringhisneckforhim.Thatwouldputitalittletoocloseto
    her.Skalladoesn'tknowwheresheis.He'sonthedodge,soit'sharderforhim
    tofindout.Thecopsareyourbestbet,ifyouhaveenoughdragtokeepthem
    fromfeedingittothepapers."
    "Nix,"hesaid."Nixonthecops.Youwantthejob,don'tyou?"
    "Whendoyouneedherhereagain?"
    "Tomorrownight.She'snotontonight"
    "I'llhideherforyouuntilthen,"Isaid."Ifyouwantmeto.That'sas
    farasI'dgoalone."
    Hegrabbedmycardagain,readit,droppeditintoadrawer.
    "Getoutthereanddigherout,"hesnapped."Ifshe'snothome,sticktill
    sheis.I'llgetaconferenceupstairsandthenwe'llsee.Hurryit!"
    Istoodup."Wantaretainer?"hesnapped.
    "Thatcanwait."
    Henodded,madesomemorewingoverswithhishandsandreachedforhis
    phone.
    ThatnumberonFloreswouldbeupnearSunsetTowers,acrosstownfrom
    whereIwas.Trafficwasprettythick,butIhadn'tgonemorethantwelveblocks

    beforeIwasawarethatabluecoupewhichhadleftthestudioparkinglot
    behindmewasstillbehindme.
    Ijockeyedaroundinabelievablemanner,enoughtofeelsureitwas
    followingme.Therewasonemaninit.NotSkalla.Theheadwasafoottoolow
    overthesteeringwheel.
    Ijockeyedmoreandfasterandlostit.Ididn'tknowwhoitwas,andat
    themoment,Ihadn'ttimetobotherfiguringitout.
    IreachedtheFloresAvenueplaceandtuckedmyroadsterintothecurb.
    Bronzegatesopenedintoanicebungalowcourt,andtworowsofbungalows
    withsteeproofsofmoldedshinglesgaveaneffectalittlelikethethatched
    cottagesinoldEnglishsportingprints.Averylittle.
    Thegrasswasalmosttoowellkept.Therewasawidewalkandanoblong
    poolframedincoloredtilesandstonebenchesalongitssides.Aniceplace.
    Thelatesunmadeinterestingshadowsoveritslawns,andexceptforthemotor
    horns,thedistanthumoftrafficuponSunsetBoulevardwasn'tunlikethedrone
    ofbees.
    Mynumberwasthelastbungalowontheleft.Nobodyansweredthebell,
    whichwassetinthemiddleofthedoorsothatyouwouldwonderhowthejuice
    gottowhereithadtogo.Thatwascutetoo.Irangtimeaftertime,thenI
    startedbacktothestonebenchesbythepooltositdownandwait.
    Awomanpassedmewalkingfast,notinahurry,butlikeawomanwhoalways
    walksfast.Shewasathin,sharpbrunetteinburntorangetweedsandablack
    hatthatlookedlikeapageboy'shat.Itlookedlikethedevilwiththeburnt
    orangetweeds.Shehadanosethatwouldbeinthingsandtightlipsandshe
    swungakeycontainer.
    Shewentuptomydoor,unlockedit,wentin.Shedidn'tlooklikeBeulah.
    Iwentbackandpushedthebellagain.Thedooropenedatonce.Thedark,
    sharpfacedwomangavemeanupanddownlookandsaid:"Well?"
    "MissBaring?MissVivianBaring?"
    "Who?"Itwaslikeastab.
    "MissVivianBaringofKLBL,"Isaid."Iwastold"
    Sheflushedtightlyandherlipsalmostbitherteeth.'Ifthisisagag,I
    don'tcareforit,"shesaid.Shestartedthedoortowardsmynose.
    Isaidhurriedly,"Mr.Marineausentme."

    Thatstoppedthedoorclosing.Itopenedagain,verywide.Thewoman's
    mouthwasasthinasacigarettepaper.Thinner.
    "I,"shesaidverydistinctly,"happentobeMr.Marineau'swife.This
    happenstobeMr.Marineau'sresidence,Iwasn'tawarethatthisthis"
    "MissVivianBaring,"Isaid.Butitwasn'tuncertaintyaboutthenamethat
    hadstoppedher.Itwasplain,coldfury.
    "thatthisMissBaring,"shewenton,exactlyasthoughIhadnotsaida
    word,"hadmovedinhere.Mr.Marineaumustbefeelingveryamusingtoday."
    "Listen,lady.Thisisn't"
    Theslammingdooralmostmadeawaveinthepooldownthewalk.Ilookedat
    itforamoment,andthenIlookedattheotherbungalows.Ifwehadan
    audience,itwaskeepingoutofsight.Irangthebellagain.
    Thedoorjumpedopenthistime.Thebrunettewaslivid."Getoffmyporch!"
    sheyelled."GetoffbeforeIhaveyouthrownoff!"
    "Waitaminute,"Igrowled."Thismaybeagagforhim,butit'snogagto
    thepolice."
    Thatgother.Herwholeexpressiongotsoftandinterested.
    "Police?"shecooed.
    "Yeah.It'sserious.Itinvolvesamurder.I'vegottofindthisMiss
    Baring.Notthatshe,youunderstand"
    Thebrunettedraggedmeintothehouseandshutthedoorandleanedagainst
    it,panting.
    "Tellme,"shesaidbreathlessly."Tellme.Hasthatredheadedsomething
    gotherselfmixedupinamurder?'Suddenlyhermouthsnappedwideopenandher
    eyesjumpedatme.
    Islappedahandoverhermouth."Takeiteasy!"Ipleaded."It'snotyour
    Dave.NotDave,lady."
    "Oh."Shegotridofmyhandandletoutasighandlookedsilly."No,of
    course.Justforamoment...Well,whoisit?"
    "Nobodyyouknow.Ican'tbroadcastthingslikethat,anyway.IwantMiss
    Baring'saddress.Haveyougotit?"
    Ididn'tknowanyreasonwhyshewouldhave.Orrather,Imightbeableto
    thinkofone,ifIshookmybrainshardenough.

    "Yes,"shesaid."Yes,Ihave.Indeed,Ihave.MisterSmartydoesn'tknow
    that.MisterSmartydoesn'tknowasmuchashethinksheknows,doesMister
    Smarty?He"
    "TheaddressisallIcanuserightnow,"Igrowled."AndI'minabitofa
    hurry,Mrs.Marineau.Lateron"Igaveherameaninglook."I'msureI'llwant
    totalktoyou."
    "It'sonHeatherStreet,"shesaid."Idon'tknowthenumber.ButI'vebeen
    there.I'vebeenpastthere.It'sonlyashortstreet,withfourorfivehouses,
    andonlyoneofthemonthedownwardsideofthehill."Shestopped,added,"I
    don'tthinkthehousehasanumber.HeatherStreetisatthetopofBeachwood
    Drive."
    "Hassheaphone?"
    "Ofcourse,butarestrictednumber.Shewouldhave."Theyalldo,
    those.IfIknewit"
    "Yeah,"Isaid."You'dcallherupandchewherearoff.Well,thankyou
    verymuch,Mrs.Marineau.Thisisconfidential,ofcourse.Imeanconfidential."
    "Oh,byallmeans!"
    ShewantedtotalklongerbutIpushedpastheroutofthehouseandwent
    backdowntheflaggedwalk.Icouldfeelhereyesonmealltheway,soIdidn't
    doanylaughing.
    Theladwiththerestlesshandsandthefullredlipshadhadwhathe
    thoughtwasaverycuteidea.Hehadgivenmethefirstaddressthatcameinto
    hishead,hisown.Probablyhehadexpectedhiswifetobeout.Ididn'tknow.
    Itlookedawfullysilly,howeverIthoughtaboutitunlesshewaspressedfor
    time.
    Wonderingwhyheshouldbepressedfortime,Igotcareless.Ididn'tsee
    thebluecoupedoubleparkedalmostatthegatesuntilIalsosawthemanstep
    frombehindit.
    Hehadaguninhishand.
    Hewasabigman,butnotanythinglikeSkalla'ssize.Hemadeasoundwith
    hislipsandheldhisleftpalmoutandsomethingglitteredinit.Itmighthave
    beenapieceoftinorapolicebadge.
    CarswereparkedalongbothsidesofFlores.Halfadozenpeopleshould
    havebeeninsight.Therewasn'toneexceptthebigmanwiththegunand
    myself.

    Hecamecloser,makingsoothingnoiseswithhismouth.
    "Pinched,"hesaid."Getinmyhackanddriveit,likeanicelad."Hehad
    asoft,huskyvoice,likeanoverworkedroostertryingtocroon.
    "Youallalone?"
    "Yeah,butIgotthegun,"hesighed."Actniceandyou'reassafeasthe
    beardedwomanataLegionconvention.Safer."
    Hewascirclingslowly,carefully.Isawthemetalthingnow.
    "That'saspecialbadge,"Isaid."You'vegotnomorerighttopinchme
    thanIhavetopinchyou."
    "Inthehack,ho.Beniceoryourgutslieonthisherestreet.Igot
    orders."Hestartedtopatmegently."Hell,youain'tevenrodded."
    "Skipit!"Igrowled."DoyouthinkyoucouldtakemeifIwas?"
    Iwalkedovertohisbluecoupeandslidunderitswheel.Themotorwas
    running.Hegotinbesidemeandputhisguninmysideandwewentondownthe
    hill.
    "TakeherwestonSantaMonica,"hehusked."Thenup,say,CanyonDriveto
    Sunset.Wherethebridlepathis."
    ItookherwestonSantaMonica,pastthebottomofHolloway,thenarowof
    junkyardsandsomestores.Thestreetwidenedandbecameaboulevardpast
    Doheny.Iletthecaroutalittletofeelit.Hestoppedmedoingthat.Iswung
    northtoSunsetandthenwestagain.Lightswerebeinglitinbighousesupthe
    slopes.Theduskwasfullofradiomusic.
    Ieaseddownandtookalookathimbeforeitgottoodark.Evenunderthe
    pulleddownhatonFloresIhadseentheeyebrows,butIwantedtobesure.SoI
    lookedagain.Theyweretheeyebrows,allright.
    Theywerealmostaseven,almostassmoothlyblack,andfullyaswideasa
    halfinchstripofblackplushpastedacrosshisbroadfaceabovetheeyesand
    nose.Therewasnobreakinthemiddle.Hisnosewaslargeandcoarsegrained
    andhadhungoutovertoomanybeers.
    "BubMcCord,"Isaid."Excopper.Soyou'reinthesnatchracketnow.It's
    Folsomforyouthistime,baby."
    "Aw,canit."Helookedhurtandleanedbackinthecorner.BubMcCord,
    caughtinagrafttangle,haddoneathreeinQuentin.Nexttimehewouldgoto
    therecidivistprison,whichisFolsominourstate.

    Heleanedhisgunonhisleftthighandcuddledthedoorwithhisfatback.
    Iletthecardriftandhedidn'tseemtomind.Itwasbetweentimes,afterthe
    homewardrushoftheofficeman,beforetheeveningcrowdcameout
    "Thisain'tnosnatch,"hecomplained."Wejustdon'twantnotrouble.You
    can'texpecttogoupagainstanorganizationlikeKLBLwithatwobit
    shakedown,andgetnokickback.Itain'treasonable."Hespatoutofthewindow
    withoutturninghishead."Keepherrollin',ho."
    "Whatshakedown?"
    "Youwouldn'tknow,wouldyou?Justawanderingpeeperwithhisheadstuck
    inaknothole,huh?That'syou.Innocent,astheguysays."
    "SoyouworkforMarineau.That'sallIwantedtoknow.OfcourseIknewit
    already,afterIbackalleyedyou,andyoushowedupagain."
    "Neatwork,hobutkeepherrollin'.Yeah,Ihadtophonein.Justcaught
    him."
    "Wheredowegofromhere?"
    "Itakecareofyoutillninethirty.Afterthatwegotoaplace."
    "Whatplace?"
    "Itain'tninethirty.Hey,don'tgotosleepinthattherecorner."
    "Driveityourself,ifyoudon'tlikemywork."
    Hepushedthegunatmehard.Ithurt.Ikickedthecoupeoutfromunder
    himandsethimbackinhiscorner,buthekepthisguninagoodgrip.Somebody
    calledoutarchlyonsomebody'sfrontlawn.
    ThenIsawaredlightwinkingahead,andasedanjustpassingit,and
    throughtherearwindowofthesedantwoflatcapssidebyside.
    "You'llgetawfullytiredofholdingthatgun,"ItoldMcCord."Youdon't
    dareuseitanyway.You'recoppersoft.There'snothingsosoftasacopper
    who'shadhisbadgetornoff.Justabigheel.Coppersoft."
    Weweren'tneartothesedan,butIwantedhisattention.Igotit.He
    slammedmeovertheheadandgrabbedthewheelandyankedthebrakeon.We
    groundtoastop.Ishookmyheadwoozily.BythetimeIcameoutofithewas
    awayfrommeagain,inhiscorner.
    "Nexttime,"hesaidthinly,forallhishuskiness,"Iputyoutosleepin
    therumble.Justtryit,ho.Justtryit,Nowrollandkeepthewisecracks
    downinyourbelly."

    Idroveahead,betweenthehedgethatborderedthebridlepathandthewide
    parkwaybeyondthecurbing.Thecopsinthesedantooledongently,drowsing,
    listeningwithhalfaneartotheirradio,talkingofthisandthat.Icould
    almostheartheminmymind,thesortofthingtheywouldbesaying.
    "Besides,"McCordgrowled."Idon'tneednoguntohandleyou.Ineversee
    theguyIcouldn'thandlewithoutnogun."
    "Isawonethismorning,"Isaid.IstartedtotellhimaboutSteveSkalla.
    Anotherredstoplightshowed.Thesedanaheadseemedloathtoleaveit.
    McCordlitacigarettewithhislefthand,bendinghisheadalittle.
    IkepttellinghimaboutSkallaandthebounceratShamey's.
    ThenItrampedonthethrottle.
    Thelittlecarshotaheadwithoutaquiver.McCordstartedtoswinghisgun
    atme.Iyankedthewheelhardtotherightandyelled:"Holdtight!It'sa
    crash!"
    Wehittheprowlcaralmostontheleftrearfender.Itwaltzedaroundon
    onewheel,apparently,andloudlanguagecameoutofit.Itslewed,rubber
    screamed,metalmadeagrindingsound,thelefttailightsplinteredandprobably
    thegastankbulged.
    Thelittlecoupesatbackonitsheelsandquiveredlikeascaredrabbit.
    McCordcouldhavecutmeinhalf.Hisgunmuzzlewasinchesfrommyribs.
    Buthewasn'tahardguy,really.Hewasjustabrokencopwhohaddonetimeand
    gothimselfacheapjobafteritandwasonanassignmenthedidn'tunderstand.
    Hetoretherighthanddooropen,andjumpedoutofthecar.
    Oneofthecopswasoutbythistime,onmyside.Iduckeddownunderthe
    wheel.Aflashbeamburnedacrossthetopofmyhat.
    Itdidn'twork.Stepscamenearandtheflashjumpedintomyface.
    "Comeonoutofthat,"avoicesnarled."Whatthehellyouthinkthisisa
    racetrack?"
    Igotoutsheepishly.McCordwascrouchedsomewherebehindthecoupe,out
    ofsight.
    "Lemmesmellofyourbreath."
    Ilethimsmellmybreath.
    "Whisky,"hesaid."Ithoughtso.Walk,baby.Walk."Heproddedmewiththe
    flashlight.
    Iwalked.

    Theothercopwastryingtojerkhissedanloosefromthecoupe.Hewas
    swearing,buthewasbusywithhisowntroubles.
    "Youdon'twalklikenodrunk,"thecopsaid."What'sthematter?No
    brakes?"Theothercophadgotthebumpersfreeandwasclimbingbackunderhis
    wheel.
    Itookmyhatoffandbentmyhead."Justanargument,"Isaid."Igothit.
    Itmademewoozyforaminute."
    McCordmadeamistake.Hestartedrunningwhenheheardthat.Hevaulted
    acrosstheparkway,jumpedthewallandcrouched.Hisfootstepsthuddedonturf.
    Thatwasmycue."Holdup!"Isnappedatthecopwhowasquestioningme."I
    wasafraidtotellyou!"
    "Jeeze,thehowling!"heyelled,andtoreagunoutofhisholster.
    "Why'n'tyousayso?"Hejumpedforthewall,"Circletheheap!Wewantthat
    guy!"heyelledatthemaninthesedan.
    Hewasoverthewall.Grunts.Morefeetpoundingontheturf.Acarstopped
    halfablockawayandamanstartedtogetoutofitbutkepthisfootonthe
    runninghoard.Icouldbarelyseehimbehindhisdimmedheadlights.
    Thecopintheprowlcarchargedatthehedgethatborderedthebridle
    path,backedfuriously,swungaroundandwasoffwithscreamingsiren.
    IjumpedintoMcCord'scoupe,andjerkedthestarter.Distantlytherewasa
    shot,thentwoshots,thenayell.Thesirendiedatacornerandpickedup
    again.
    Igavethecoupeallithadandlefttheneighborhood.Faroff,tothe
    north,alonelysoundagainstthehills,asirenkeptonwailing.
    IditchedthecoupehalfablockfromWilshireandtookataxiinfrontof
    theBeverlyWilshire.IknewIcouldbetraced.Thatwasn'timportant.The
    importantthingwashowsoon.
    FromacocktailbarinHollywoodIcalledHiney.Hewasstillonthejob
    andstillsour.
    "AnythingnewonSkalla?"
    "Listen,"hesaidnastily,"wasyouovertotalktothatShameywoman?
    Whereareyou?"
    "CertainlyIwas,"Isaid."I'minChicago."
    "Youbettercomeonhome.Whywasyouthere?"

    "IthoughtshemightknowBeulah,ofcourse.Shedid.Wanttoraisethat
    betalittle?"
    "Canthecomedy.She'sdead."
    "Skalla"Istartedtosay.
    "That'sthefunnyside,"hegrunted."Hewasthere.Somenosyoldnext
    doorseenhim.Onlythereain'tamarkonher.Shediednatural.Ikindofgot
    tieduphere,soIdidn'tgetovertoseeher."
    "Iknowhowbusyyouare,"Isaidinwhatseemedtomeadeadvoice.
    "Yeah.Well,hell,thedocdon'tevenknowwhatshediedof.Notyet."
    "Fear,"Isaid."She'stheonethatturnedSkallaupeightyearsago.
    Whiskymayhavehelpedalittle."
    "Isthatso?"Hineysaid."Well,well.Wegothimnowanyways.Wemakehim
    atGirard,headednorthinarenthack.Wegotthecountyandstatelawinon
    it.IfhedropsovertotheRidge,wenabhimatCastaic.Shewastheoneturned
    himup,huh?Iguessyoubettercomein,Carmady."
    "Notme,"Isaid."BeverlyHillswantsmeforahitandrun.I'macriminal
    myselfnow."
    IhadaquicksnackandsomecoffeebeforeItookataxitoLasMoresand
    SantaMonicaandwalkeduptowhereIhadleftmyroadsterparked.
    Nothingwashappeningaroundthereexceptthatsomekidinthebackofa
    carwasstrummingaukelele.
    IpointedmyroadstertowardsHeatherStreet.
    HeatherStreetwasagashinthesideofasteepflatslope,atthetopof
    BeachwoodDrive.Itcurvedaroundtheshoulderenoughsothatevenbydaylight
    youcouldn'thaveseenmuchmorethanhalfablockofitatonetimewhileyou
    wereonit.
    ThehouseIwantedwasbuiltdownward,oneofthoseclingingvineeffects,
    withafrontdoorbelowthestreetlevel,apatioontheroof,abedroomortwo
    possiblyinthebasement,andagarageaseasytodriveintoasanolivebottle.
    Thegaragewasempty,butabigshinysedanhaditstworightwheelsoff
    theroad,ontheshoulderofthebank.Therewerelightsinthehouse.
    Idrovearoundthecurb,parked,walkedbackalongthesmooth,hardlyused
    cementandpokedafountainpenflashintothesedan.Itwasregisteredtoone
    DavidMarineau,1737NorthFloresAvenue,Hollywood,California.Thatmademego
    backtomyheapandgetagunoutofalockedpocket.

    Irepassedthesedan,steppeddownthreeroughstonestepsandlookedat
    thebellbesideanarrowdoortoppedbyalancetarch.
    Ididn'tpushit,Ijustlookedatit.Thedoorwasn'tquiteshut.Afairly
    widecrackofdimlightedgedarounditspanel.Ipusheditaninch.ThenI
    pusheditfarenoughtolookin.
    ThenIlistened.Thesilenceofthathousewaswhatmademegoin.Itwas
    oneofthoseutterlydeadsilencesthatcomeafteranexplosion.OrperhapsI
    hadn'teatenenoughdinner.AnywayIwentin.
    Thelonglivingroomwentcleartotheback,whichwasn'tveryfarasit
    wasasmallhouse.Atthebacktherewerefrenchdoorsandthemetalrailingof
    abalconyshowedthroughtheglass.Thebalconywouldbeveryhighabovethe
    slopeofthehill,builtasthehousewas.
    Therewerenicelamps,nicechairswithdeepsides,nicetables,athick
    apricotcoloredrug,twosmallcozydavenports,onefacingandonerightangled
    toafireplacewithanivorymantelandaminiatureWingedVictoryonthat.A
    firewaslaidbehindthecopperscreen,butnotlit.
    Theroomhadahushed,warmsmell.Itlookedlikearoomwherepeoplegot
    madecomfortable.TherewasabottleofVat69onalowtablewithglassesanda
    copperbucket,andtongs.
    IfixedthedooraboutasIhadfounditandjuststood.Silence.Time
    passed.Itpassedinthedrywhirrofanelectricclockonaconsoleradio,in
    thefaroffhootofanautohorndownonBeachwoodhalfamilebelow,inthe
    distanthornetdroneofanightflyingplane,inthemetallicwheezeofa
    cricketunderthehouse.
    ThenIwasn'taloneanylonger.
    Mrs.Marineauslidintotheroomatthefarend,byadoorbesidethe
    frenchdoors.Shedidn'tmakeanymorenoisethanabutterfly.Shestillwore
    thepillboxblackhatandtheburntorangetweeds,andtheystilllookedlike
    helltogether.Shehadasmallgloveinherhandwrappedaroundthebuttofa
    gun.Idon'tknowwhy.Ineverdidfindthatout.
    Shedidn'tseemeatonceandwhenshediditdidn'tmeananythingmuch.
    Shejustliftedthegunalittleandslidalongthecarpettowardsme,herlip
    clutchedbacksofarthatIcouldn'tevenseetheteeththatclutchedit.
    ButIhadagunoutnowmyself.Welookedateachotheracrossourguns.
    Maybesheknewme.Ihadn'tanyideafromherexpression.

    Isaid,"Yougotthem,huh?"
    Shenoddedalittle."Justhim',"shesaid.
    "Putthegundown,You'reallthroughwithit."
    Shelowereditalittle.Shehadn'tseemedtonoticetheColtIwaspushing
    throughtheairinhergeneraldirection.Iloweredthattoo.
    Shesaid,"Shewasn'there."
    Hervoicehadadry,impersonalsound,flat,withouttimbre.
    "MissBaringwasn'there?"Iasked.
    "No."
    "Rememberme?"
    Shetookabetterlookatmebutherfacedidn'tlightupwithany
    pleasure.
    "I'mtheguythatwaslookingforMissBaring,"Isaid."Youtoldmewhere
    tocome.Remember?OnlyDavesentalogantoputthearmonmeandrideme
    aroundwhilehecameupherehimselfandpromotedsomething.Icouldn'tguess
    what."
    Thebrunettesaid,"You'renocop.Davesaidyouwereafake."
    Imadeabroad,heartygestureandmovedalittleclosertoher,
    unobtrusively."Notacitycop,"Iadmitted."Butacop.Andthatwasalong
    timeago.Thingshavehappenedsincethen.Haven'tthey?"
    "Yes,"shesaid."EspeciallytoDave.Hee,hee."
    Itwasn'talaugh.Itwasn'tmeanttobealaugh.Itwasjustalittle
    steamescapingthroughasafetyvalve.
    "Hee,hee,"Isaid.Welookedateachotherlikeacoupleofnutsbeing
    NapoleonandJosephine.
    Theideawastogetcloseenoughtograbhergun.Iwasstilltoofar.
    "Anybodyherebesidesyou?"Iasked.
    "JustDave."
    "IhadanideaDavewashere."Itwasn'tclever,butitwasgoodfor
    anotherfoot.
    "Oh,Dave'shere,"sheagreed."Yes.You'dliketoseehim?"
    "Wellifitisn'ttoomuchtrouble."
    "Hee,hee,"shesaid."Notroubleatall.Likethis."
    Shejerkedthegunupandsnappedthetriggeratme.Shediditwithout
    movingamuscleofherface.

    Thegunnotgoingoffpuzzledher,inasortofvague,weekbeforelast
    manner.Nothingimmediateorimportant.Iwasn'tthereanymore.Sheliftedthe
    gunup,stillbeingverycarefulabouttheblackkidglovewrappedaboutits
    butt,andpeeredintothemuzzle.Thatdidn'tgetheranywhere.Sheshookthe
    gun.Thenshewasawareofmeagain.Ihadn'tmoved.Ididn'thaveto,now.
    "Iguessit'snotloaded,"shesaid.
    "Maybejustallusedup,"Isaid."Tobad.Theselittleonesonlyhold
    seven.Myshellswon'tfit,either.Let'sseeifIcandoanything?"
    Sheputtheguninmyhand.Thenshedustedherhandstogether.Hereyes
    didn'tseemtohaveanypupils,ortobeallpupils.Iwasn'tsurewhich.
    Thegunwasn'tloaded.Themagazinewasquiteempty.Isniffedthemuzzle.
    Thegunhadn'tbeenfiredsinceitwaslastcleaned.
    Thatgotme.Uptothatpointithadlookedfairlysimple,ifIcouldget
    bywithoutanymoremurder.Butthisthrewit.Ihadn'tanyideawhateitherof
    uswastalkingaboutnow.
    Idroppedherpistolintomysidepocketandputminebackonmyhipand
    chewedmylipforacoupleofminutes,toseewhatmightturnup.Nothingdid.
    ThesharpfacedMrs.Marineaumerelystoodstillandstaredataspot
    betweenmyeyes,fuzzily,likearatherblottotouristseeingaswellsunseton
    MountWhitney.
    "Well,"Isaidatlast,"let'skindoflookthroughthehouseandsee
    what'swhat."
    "YoumeanDave?"
    "Yeah,wecouldtakethatin."
    "He'sinthebedroom."Shetittered."He'sathomeinbedrooms."
    Itouchedherarmandturnedheraround.Sheturnedobediently,likea
    smallchild.
    "Butthisonewillbethelastonehe'llbeathomein,"shesaid."Hee,
    hee."
    "Oh,yeah.Sure,"Isaid.
    Myvoicesoundedtomelikethevoiceofamidget.
    DaveMarineauwasdeadallrightiftherehadbeenanydoubtaboutit.
    Awhitebowllampwithraisedfiguresshonebesidealargebedinagreen
    andsilverbedroom.Itwastheonlylightintheroom.Itfilteredahushedkind

    oflightdownathisface.Hehadn'tbeendeadlongenoughtogetthecorpse
    look.
    Helaysprawledcasuallyonthebed,alittlesideways,asthoughhehad
    beenstandinginfrontofitwhenhewasshot.Onearmwasflungoutaslooseas
    astrandofkelpandtheotherwasunderhim.Hisopeneyeswereflatandshiny
    andalmostseemedtoholdaselfsatisfiedexpression.Hismouthwasopena
    littleandthelamplightglistenedontheedgesofhisupperteeth.
    Ididn'tseethewoundatallatfirst.Itwashighup,ontherightside
    ofhishead,inthetemple,butbackratherfar,almostfarenoughtodrivethe
    petrosalbonethroughthebrain.Itwaspowderburned,rimmedwithduskyred,
    andafinetricklespidereddownfromitandgotbrownerasitgotthinner
    againsthischeek.
    "Hell,that'sacontactwound,"Isnappedatthewoman."Asuicidewound."
    Shestoodatthefootofthebedandstaredatthewallabovehishead.If
    shewasinterestedinanythingbesidesthewall,shedidn'tshowit.
    Iliftedhisstilllimprighthandandsniffedattheplacewherethebase
    ofthethumbjoinsthepalm.Ismelledcordite,thenIdidn'tsmellcordite,
    thenIdidn'tknowwhetherIsmelledcorditeornot.Itdidn'tmatter,of
    course.Aparaffintestwouldproveitonewayortheother.
    Iputthehanddownagain,carefully,asthoughitwereafragilethingof
    greatvalue.ThenIplowedaroundonthebed,wentdownonthefloor,got
    halfwayunderthebed,swore,gotupagainandrolledthedeadmantooneside
    enoughtolookunderhim.Therewasabright,brassyshellcasebutnogun.
    Itlookedlikemurderagain.Ilikedthatbetter.Hewasn'tthesuicide
    type.
    "Seeanygun?"Iaskedher.
    "No."Herfacewasasblankasapiepan.
    "Where'stheBaringgirl?Whatareyousupposedtobedoinghere?"
    Shebittheendofherleftlittlefinger."I'dbetterconfess,"shesaid.
    "Icameheretokillthemboth."
    "Goon,"Isaid.
    "Nobodywashere.Ofcourse,afterIphonedhimandhetoldmeyouwerenot
    arealcopandtherewasnomurderandyouwereablackmailerandjusttryingto
    scaremeoutoftheaddress"Shestoppedandsobbedonce,hardlymorethana
    sniff,andmovedherlineofsighttoacorneroftheceiling.

    Herwordshadatumbledarrangement,butshespokethemlikeadrugstore
    Indian.
    "Icameheretokillbothofthem,"shesaid."Idon'tdenythat."
    "Withanemptygun?"
    "Itwasn'temptytwodaysago.Ilooked.Davemusthaveemptiedit.Hemust
    havebeenafraid."
    "Thatlistens,"Isaid."Goon."
    "SoIcamehere.Thatwasthelastinsulthissendingyoutometogether
    _address._ThatwasmorethanIwould"
    "Thestory,"Isaid."Iknowhowyoufelt.I'vereaditinthelovemags
    myself."
    "Yes.Well,hesaidtherewassomethingaboutMissBaringhehadtoseeher
    aboutonaccountofthestudioanditwasnothingpersonal,neverhadbeen,
    neverwouldbe"
    "MyGawd,"Isaid,"Iknowthattoo.Iknowwhathe'dfeedyou.We'vegota
    deadmanlyingaroundhere.We'vegottodosomething,evenifhewasjustyour
    husband."
    "You,shesaid.
    "Yeah,"Isaid."That'sbetterthanthedopeytalk.Goon."
    "Thedoorwasn'tshut.Icamein.That'sall.Now,I'mgoing.Andyou're
    notgoingtostopme.YouknowwhereIlive,you.'Shecalledmethesame
    nameagain.
    "We'lltalktosomelawfirst,"Isaid.Iwentoverandshutthedoorand
    turnedthekeyontheinsideofitandtookitout.ThenIwentovertothe
    frenchdoors.Thewomangavemelooks,butIcouldn'thearwhatherlipswere
    callingmenow.
    Frenchdoorsonthefarsideofthebedopenedonthesamebalconyasthe
    livingroom.Thetelephonewasinanicheinthewallthere,bythebed,where
    youcouldyawnandreachoutforitinthemorningandorderatrayofdiamond
    necklacessentuptotryon.
    Isatdownonthesideofthebedandreachedforthephone,andamuffled
    voicecametomethroughtheglassandsaid:"Holdit,pal!Justholdit!"
    Evenmuffledbytheglassitwasadeep,softvoice.Ihadhearditbefore.
    ItwasSkalla'svoice.

    Iwasinlinewiththelamp.Thelampwasrightbehindme.Idivedoffthe
    bedontothefloor,clawingatmyhip.
    Ashotroaredandglasssprinkledthebackofmyneck.Icouldn'tfigure
    it.Skallawasn'tonthebalcony.Ihadlooked.
    Irolledoverandstartedtosnakeawayalongthefloorawayfromthe
    frenchdoors,myonlychancewiththelampwhereitwas.
    Mrs.Marineaudidjusttherightthingfortheotherside.Shejerkeda
    slipperoffandstartedslammingmewiththeheelofit.Igrabbedforher
    anklesandwewrestledaroundandshecutthetopofmyheadtopieces.
    Ithrewherover.Itdidn'tlastlong.WhenIstartedtogetupSkallawas
    intheroom,laughingatme.The.45stillhadahomeinhisfist.Thefrench
    doorandthelockedscreenoutsidelookedasthougharogueelephanthadpassed
    thatway.
    "Okay,"Isaid."Igiveup."
    "Who'sthetwist?Shesurelikesyou,pal."
    Igotuponmyfeet.Thewomanwasoverinacornersomewhere.Ididn't
    evenlookather.
    "Turnaround,pal,whileIgiveyouthefan."
    Ihadn'tworkedmygunlooseyet.Hegotthat.Ididn'tsayanythingabout
    thedoorkey,buthetookit.Sohemusthavebeenwatchingfromsomewhere.He
    leftmemycarkeys.Helookedatthelittleemptygunanddroppeditbackinmy
    pocket.
    "Where'dyoucomefrom?"Iasked.
    "Easy.Clumbupthebalconyandheldon,lookingthroughthegrillatyou.
    Cinchtoanoldcircusman.Howyoubeen,pal?"
    Bloodfromthetopofmyheadwasleakingdownmyface.Igota
    handkerchiefoutandmoppedatit.Ididn'tanswerhim.
    "Jeeze,yousurewasfunnyonthebedgrabbin'forthephonewiththestiff
    atyourback."
    "Iwasascream,"Igrowled."Takeiteasy.He'sherhusband."
    Helookedather."She'shiswoman?"
    InoddedandwishedIhadn't.
    "That'stough.IfI'daknownbutIcouldn'thelpmeself.Theguyasked
    forit."

    "You"Istartedtosay,staringathim.Iheardaqueer,strainedwhine
    behindme,fromthewoman.
    "Whoelse,pal?Whoelse?Let'sallgobackinthatlivin'room.Seemsto
    metheywasabottleofnicelookinghoochthere.Andyouneedsomestuffon
    thathead."
    "You'recrazytostickaroundhere,"Igrowled."There'sageneralpickup
    outforyou.TheonlywayoutofthiscanyonisbackdownBeachwoodoroverthe
    hillsonfoot."
    Skallalookedatmeandsaidveryquietly,"Nobody'sphonednolawfrom
    here,pal."
    SkallawatchedmewhileIwashedandputsometapeonmyheadinthe
    bathroom.Thenwewentbacktothelivingroom.Mrs.Marineau,curleduponone
    ofthedavenports,lookedblanklyattheunlitfire.Shedidn'tsayanything.
    Shehadn'trunawaybecauseSkallahadherinsightallthetime.Sheacted
    resigned,indifferent,asifshedidn'tcarewhathappenednow.
    IpouredthreedrinksfromtheVat69bottle,handedonetothebrunette.
    Sheheldherhandoutfortheglass,halfsmiledatme,crumpledoffthe
    davenporttothefloorwiththesmilestillonherface.
    Iputtheglassdown,liftedherandputherbackonthedavenportwithher
    headlow.Skallastaredather.Shewasoutcold,aswhiteaspaper.
    Skallatookhisdrink,satdownontheotherdavenportandputthe.45
    besidehim.Hedrankhisdrinklookingatthewoman,withaqueerexpressionon
    hisbigpaleface.
    "Tough,"hesaid."Tough.Butthelousewascheatin'onheranyways.The
    hellwithhim."Hereachedforanotherdrink,swallowedit,satdownnearheron
    theotherdavenportrightangledtotheoneshelayon.
    "Soyou'readick,"hesaid.
    "How'dyouguess?"
    "LuShameytoldmeaboutaguygoin'there.Hesoundedlikeyou.Ibeen
    aroundandlookedinyourheapoutside.Iwalksilent."
    "Wellwhatnow?"Iasked.
    Helookedmoreenormousthaneverintheroominhissportsclothes.The
    clothesofasmartaleckkid.Iwonderedhowlongithadtakenhimtogetthem
    together.Theycouldn'thavebeenreadymade.Hewasmuchtoobigforthat.

    Hisfeetwerespreadwideontheapricotrug,helookeddownsadlyatthe
    whitekidexplosionsonthesuede.TheyweretheworstlookingshoesIeversaw.
    "Whatyoudoin'here?"heaskedgruffly.
    "LookingforBeulah.Ithoughtshemightneedalittlehelp.Ihadabet
    withacitycopI'dfindherbeforehefoundyou.ButIhaven'tfoundheryet."
    "Youain'tseenher,huh?"
    Ishookmyhead,slowly,verycarefully.
    Hesaidsoftly,"Meneither,pal.Ibeenaroundforhours.Sheain'tbeen
    home.Onlytheguyinthebedroomcomehere.Howaboutthedingemanagerupat
    Shamey's?"
    "That'swhatthetag'sfor."
    "Yeah.Aguylikethat.Theywould.Well,Igottablow.I'dliketotake
    thestiff,accountofBeulah.Can'tleavehimaroundtoscareher.ButIguess
    itain'tanyusenow.Thedingekillqueersthat."
    Helookedatthewomanathiselbowontheotherlittledavenport.Herface
    wasstillgreenishwhite,hereyesshut.Therewasamovementofherbreast.
    "Withouther,"hesaid,"IguessI'dcleanuprightandbuttonyougood."
    Hetouchedthe.45athisside."Nohardfeelings,ofcourse,justforBeulah.
    Butthewayitisheck,Ican'tknockthefrailoff."
    "Toobad."Isnarled,feelingmyhead.
    Hegrinned."IguessI'lltakeyourheap.Forashortways.Throwthemkeys
    over."
    Ithrewthemover.HepickedthemupandlaidthembesidethebigColt.He
    leanedforwardalittle.Thenhereachedbackintooneofhispatchpocketsand
    broughtoutasmallpearlhandledgun,about.25caliber.Hehelditontheflat
    ofhishand.
    "Thisdoneit,"hesaid."IleftarenthackIhadonthestreetbelowand
    comeupthebankandaroundthehouse.Ihearthebellring.Thisguyisatthe
    frontdoor.Idon'tcomeupfarenoughforhimtoseeme.Nobodyanswers.Well,
    whatdoyouthink?Theguy'sgotakey.AkeytoBeulah'shouse!"
    Hishugefacebecameonevastscowl.Thewomanonthedavenportwas
    breathingalittlemoredeeply,andIthoughtIsawoneofhereyelidstwitch.
    "Whatthehell,"Isaid."Hecouldgetthatadozenways.He'sabossat
    KLBLwheresheworks.Hecouldgetatherbag,takeanimpression.Hell,she
    didn'thavetogiveittohim."

    "That'sright,pal."Hebeamed."O'course,shedidn'thavetogiveitto
    the.Okay,hewentin,andImadeitfastafterhim.Buthehadthedoor
    shut.Iopeneditmyway.Afterthatitdidn'tshutsogood,youmightof
    noticed.Hewasinthemiddleofthishereroom,overtherebyadesk.He'sbeen
    herebeforeallrightthough"thescowlcamebackagain,althoughnotquiteso
    blackbecauseheslippedahandintothedeskdrawerandcomeupwiththis."He
    dancedthepearlhandledthingonhisenormouspalm.
    Mrs.Marineau'sfacenowhaddistinctlinesoftensity.
    "SoIstartforhim.Heletsonego.Amiss.He'sscaredandrunsintothe
    bedroom.Meafter.Heletsgoagain.Anothermiss.You'llfindthemslugsinthe
    wallsomewheres."
    "I'llmakeapointofit,"Isaid.
    "Yeah,thenIgothim.Well,hell,theguy'sonlyapunkinawhite
    muffler,Ifshe'swashedupwithme,okay.Iwantitfromher,see?Notfromno
    greasyfacedpieceofcheeselikehim.SoI'msore.Buttheguy'sgotgutsat
    that."
    Herubbedhischin.Idoubtedthelastbit.
    "Isay:'Mywomanliveshere,pal.Howcome?'Hesays:'Comebacktomorrow.
    Thishereismynight.'"
    Skallaspreadhisfreelefthandinalargegesture."Afterthatnature's
    gottotakeitscourse,ain'tit?Ipullhisarmsandlegsoff.OnlywhileI'm
    doingitthedamnlittlegatpopsoffandhe'saslimpasas"heglancedat
    thewomananddidn'tfinishwhathewasgoingtosay."Yeah,hewasdead."
    Oneofthewoman'seyelidsflickeredagain.Isaid,"Then?"
    "Iscrammed.Aguydoes.ButIcomeback.Igottothinkin'it'stoughon
    Beulah,withthatstiffonherbed.SoI'lljustgobackandferryhimoutto
    thedesertandthencrawlinaholeforawhile.Thenthisfrailcomesalongand
    spoilsthatpart."
    Thewomanmusthavebeenshammingforquitealongtime.Shemusthavebeen
    movingherlegsandfeetandturningherbodyafractionofaninchatatime,
    togetintherightposition,togetleverageagainstthebackofthedavenport.
    ThepearlhandledgunstilllayonSkalla'sflathandwhenshemoved.She
    shotoffthedavenportinaflatdive,gatheringherselfintheairlikean
    acrobat.Shebrushedhiskneesandpickedthegunoffhishandasneatlyasa
    chipmunkpeelsanut.

    Hestoodupandsworeassherolledagainsthislegs.ThebigColtwasat
    hisside,buthedidn'ttouchitorreachforit.Hestoopedtotakeholdofthe
    womanwithhisbighandsempty.
    Shelaughedjustbeforesheshothim.
    Sheshothimfourtimes,inthelowerbelly,thenthehammerclicked.She
    threwthegunathisfaceandrolledawayfromhim.
    Hesteppedoverherwithouttouchingher.Hisbigpalefacewasquiteempty
    foramoment,thenitsettledintostifflinesoftorture,linesthatseemedto
    havebeentherealways.
    Hewalkederectlyalongtherugtowardsthefrontdoor.Ijumpedforthe
    bigColtandgotit.Tokeepitfromthewoman.Atthefourthstephetook,
    bloodshowedontheyellowishnapoftherug.Afterthatitshowedateverystep
    hetook.
    Hereachedthedoorandputhisbighandflatagainstthewoodandleaned
    thereforamoment.Thenheshookhisheadandturnedback.Hishandlefta
    bloodysmearonthedoorfromwherehehadbeenholdinghisbelly.
    Hesatdowninthefirstchairhecametoandleanedforwardandheld
    himselftightlywithhishands.Thebloodcamebetweenhisfingersslowly,like
    waterfromanoverflowingbasin.
    "Themlittleslugs,"hesaid,"hurtjustlikethebigones,downbelow
    anyways."
    Thedarkwomanwalkedtowardshimlikeamarionette.Hewatchedhercome
    unblinkingly,underhishalflowered,heavylids.
    Whenshegotcloseenoughsheleanedoverandspatinhisface.
    Hedidn'tmove.Hiseyesdidn'tchange.Ijumpedforherandthrewherinto
    achair.Iwasn'tniceaboutit.
    "Leaveheralone,"hegruntedatme."Maybeshelovedtheguy."
    Nobodytriedtostopmefromtelephoningthistime.
    HourslaterIsatonaredstoolatLucca's,atFifthandWestern,and
    sippedamartiniandwonderedhowitfelttobemixingthemalldayandnever
    drinkone.
    Itookanothermartinioverandorderedameal.IguessIateit.Itwas
    late,pastone,SkallawasintheprisonwardoftheGeneralHospital.Miss
    Baringhadn'tshowedupyet,buttheyknewshewould,assoonassheheard
    Skallawasunderglass,andnolongerdangerous.

    KLBL,whodidn'tknowanythingaboutitatfirst,hadgotanicehush
    working.Theyweretohavetwentyfourclearhourstodecidehowtoreleasethe
    story.
    Lucca'swasalmostasfullasatnoon.AfterawhileanItalianbrunette
    withagrandnoseandeyesyouwouldn'tfoolwithcameoverandsaid:"Ihavea
    tableforyounow."
    MyimaginationputSkallaacrossthetablefromme.Hisflatblackeyeshad
    somethinginthemthatwasmorethanmerepain,somethinghewantedmetodo.
    Partofthetimehewastryingtotellmewhatitwas,andpartofthetimehe
    washoldinghisbellyinonepieceandsayingagain:"Leaveheralone,Maybeshe
    lovedtheguy."
    IleftthereanddrovenorthtoFranklinandoverFranklintoBeachwoodand
    uptoHeatherStreet.Itwasn'tstaked.Theywerethatsureofher.
    Idriftedalongthestreetbelowandlookedupthescrubbyslopespattered
    withmoonlightandshowingherhousefrombehindasifitwerethreestories
    high.Icouldseethemetalbracketsthatsupportedtheporch.Theylookedhigh
    enoughoffthegroundsothatamanwouldneedaballoontoreachthem.But
    therewaswherehehadgoneup.Alwaysthehardwaywithhim.
    Hecouldhaverunawayandhadafightforhismoneyorevenboughthimself
    aplacetoliveupin.Therewereplentyofpeopleinthebusiness,andthey
    wouldn'tfoolwithSkalla.Buthehadcomebackinsteadtoclimbherbalcony,
    likeRomeo,andgethisstomachfullofslugs.Fromthewrongwoman,asusual.
    Idrovearoundawhitecurvethatlookedlikemoonlightitselfandparked
    andwalkedupthehilltherestoftheway.Icarriedaflash,butIdidn'tneed
    ittoseetherewasnobodyonthedoorstepwaitingforthemilk.Ididn'tgoin
    thefrontway.Theremightjusthappentobesomesnooperwithnightglassesup
    onthehill.
    Isneakedupthebankfrombehind,betweenthehouseandtheemptygarage.
    IfoundawindowIcouldreachandmadenotmuchnoisebreakingitwithagun
    insidemyhat.Nothinghappenedexceptthatthecricketsandtreefrogsstopped
    foramoment.
    Ipickedawaytothebedroomandprowledmyflasharounddiscreetly,after
    loweringtheshadesandpullingthedrapesacrossthem.Thelightdroppedona
    tumbledbed,ondaubsofprintpowder,oncigarettebuttsonthewindowsills
    andheelmarksinthenapofthecarpet.Therewasagreenandsilvertoiletset

    onthedressingtableandthreesuitcasesinthecloset.Therewasabuiltin
    bureaubackintherewithalockthatmeantbusiness.Ihadachilledsteel
    screwdriverwithmeaswellastheflash.Ijimmiedit.
    Thejewelrywasn'tworthathousanddollars.Perhapsnothalf.Butitmeant
    alottoagirlinshowbusiness.IputitbackwhereIgotit.
    Thelivingroomhadshutwindowsandaqueer,unpleasant,sadisticsmell.
    ThelawenforcementhadtakencareoftheVat69,tomakeiteasierforthe
    fingerprintmen.Ihadtousemyown.Igotachairthathadn'tbeenbledon
    intoacorner,wetmythroatandwaitedinthedarkness.
    Ashadeflappedinthebasementorsomewhere.Thatmademewetmythroat
    again.Somebodycameoutofahousehalfadozenblocksawayandwhooped.Adoor
    banged.Silence.Thetreefrogsstartedagain,thenthecrickets.Thenthe
    electricclockontheradiogotlouderthanalltheothersoundstogether.
    ThenIwenttosleep.
    WhenIwokeupthemoonhadgonefromthefrontwindowsandacarhad
    stoppedsomewhere.Light,delicate,carefulstepsseparatedthemselvesfromthe
    night.Theywereoutsidethefrontdoor.Akeyfumbledinthelock.
    Intheopeningdoorthedimskyshowedaheadwithoutahat.Theslopeof
    thehillwastoodarktooutlineanymore.Thedoorclickedshut.
    Stepsrustledontherug.Ialreadyhadthelampcordinmyfingers.I
    yankeditandtherewaslight.
    Thegirldidn'tmakeasound,notawhisperofsound.Shejustpointedthe
    gunatme.
    Isaid,"Hello,Beulah."
    Shewasworthwaitingfor.
    Nottootall,nottooshort;thatgirl.Shehadthelonglegsthatcanwalk
    anddance.Herhairevenbythelightoftheonelampwaslikeabrushfireat
    night.Herfacehadlaughterwrinklesatthecorneroftheeyes.Hermouthcould
    laugh.
    Thefeatureswereshadowedandhadthatdrawnlookthatmakessomefaces
    morebeautifulbecauseitmakesthemmoredelicate.Icouldn'tseehereyes.
    Theymighthavebeenblueenoughtomakeyoujump,butIcouldn'tsee.
    Thegunlookedabouta.32,buthadtheextremerightangledgripofa
    Mauser.
    Afterawhileshesaidverysoftly,"Police,Isuppose."

    Shehadanicevoice,too.Istillthinkofit,attimes.
    Isaid,"Let'ssitdownandtalk.We'reallalonehere.Everdrinkoutof
    thebottle?"
    Shedidn'tanswer.Shelookeddownatthegunshewasholding,halfsmiled,
    shookherhead.
    "Youwouldn'tmaketwomistakes,"Isaid."Notagirlassmartasyouare."
    Shetuckedthegunintothesidepocketofalongulsterlikecoatwitha
    militarycollar.
    "Whoareyou?"
    "Justashamus.Privatedetectivetoyou.Carmadyisthename.Needa
    lift?"
    Iheldmybottleout.Ithadn'tgrowntomyhandyet.Istillhadtohold
    it.
    "Idon'tdrink,Whohiredyou?"
    "KLBL.ToprotectyoufromSteveSkalla."
    "Sotheyknow,"shesaid."Sotheyknowabouthim."
    Idigestedthatandsaidnothing.
    "Who'sbeenhere?"shewentonsharply.Shewasstillstandinginthe
    middleoftheroom,withherhandsinhercoatpocketsnow,andnohat.
    "Everybodybuttheplumber,"Isaid."He'salittlelate,asusual."
    "You'reoneof_those_men."Hernoseseemedtocurlalittle."Drugstore
    comics."
    "No,"Isaid."Notreally.It'sjustawayIgettalkingtothepeopleI
    havetotalkto.Skallacamebackagainandranintotroubleandgotshotupand
    arrested.He'sinthehospital.Prettybad."
    Shedidn'tmove."Howbad?"
    "Hemightliveifhe'dhavesurgery.Doubtful,evenwiththat.Hopeless
    without.Hehasthreeintheintestinesandoneintheliver."
    Shemovedatlastandstartedtositdown."Notinthatchair,"Isaid
    quickly."Overhere."
    Shecameoverandsatnearme,ononeofthedavenports.Lightstwistedin
    hereyes.Icouldseethemnow.LittletwistinglightslikeCatherinewheels
    spinningbrightly.
    Shesaid,"Whydidhecomeback?"

    "Hethoughtheoughttotidyup.Removethebodyandsoon.Aniceguy,
    Skalla."
    "Doyouthinkso?"
    "Lady,ifnobodyelseintheworldthinksso,Ido."
    "I'lltakethatdrink,"shesaid.
    Ihandedherthebottle.Igrabbeditawayinahurry."Gosh,"Isaid."You
    havetobreakinonthisstuff."
    Shelookedtowardsthesidedoorthatledtothebedroombackofme.
    "Gonetothemorgue,"Isaid."Youcangointhere."
    Shestoodupatonceandwentoutoftheroom.Shecamebackalmostat
    once.
    "WhathavetheygotonSteve?"sheasked."Ifherecovers."
    "HekilledaniggeroveronCentralthismorning.Itwasmoreorlessself
    defenseonbothsides.Idon'tknow.ExceptforMarineauhemightgetabreak."
    "Marineau?"shesaid.
    "Yeah.YouknewhekilledMarineau."
    "Don'tbesilly,"shesaid."IkilledDaveMarineau."
    "Okay,"Isaid."Butthat'snotthewayStevewantsit."
    Shestaredatme."YoumeanStevecamebackheredeliberatelytotakethe
    blame?"
    "Ifhehadto,Iguess.IthinkhereallymeanttocartMarineauofftothe
    desertandlosehim.OnlyawomanshoweduphereMrs.Marineau."
    "Yes,"thegirlsaidtonelessly."ShethinksIwashismistress.That
    greasyspoon."
    "Wereyou?"Iasked.
    "Don'ttrythatagain,"shesaid."EvenifIdidworkonCentralAvenue
    once."Shewentoutoftheroomagain.
    Soundsofasuitcasebeingyankedaboutcameintothelivingroom.Iwent
    inafterher.Shewaspackingpiecesofcobwebandpackingthemasifsheliked
    nicethingsnicelypacked.
    "Youdon'twearthatstuffdowninthetank,"Itoldher,leaninginthe
    door.
    Sheignoredmesomemore."IwasgoingtomakeabreakforMexico,"she
    said."ThenSouthAmerica.Ididn'tmeantoshoothim.Heroughedmeupand

    triedtoblackmailmeintosomethingandIwentandgotthegun.Thenwe
    struggledagainanditwentoff.ThenIranaway."
    "JustwhatSkallasaidhedid,"Isaid."Hell,couldn'tyoujusthaveshot
    theonpurpose?"
    "Notforyourbenefit,"shesaid."Oranycop.NotwhenIdideightmonths
    inDalhart,Texas,onceforrollingadrunk.NotwiththatMarineauwoman
    yellingherheadoffthatIseducedhimandthengotsickofhim."
    "Alotshe'llsay,"Igrunted."AfterItellhowshespatinSkalla'sface
    whenhehadfourslugsinhim."
    Sheshivered.Herfacewhitened.Shewentontakingthethingsoutofthe
    suitcaseandputtingtheminagain.
    "Didyourollthedrunkreally?"
    Shelookedupatme,thendown."Yes,"shewhispered.
    Iwentovernearertoher."Gotanybruisesortornclothestoshow?"I
    asked.
    "No."
    "Toobad,"Isaid,andtookholdofher.
    Hereyesflamedatfirstandthenturnedtoblackstone,Itorehercoat
    off,toreherupplenty,puthardfingersintoherarmsandneckandusedmy
    knucklesonhermouth.Ilethergo,panting.Shereeledawayfromme,but
    didn'tquitefall.
    "We'llhavetowaitforthebruisestosetanddarken,"Isaid."Thenwe'll
    godowntown."
    Shebegantolaugh.Thenshewentovertothemirrorandlookedatherself.
    Shebegantocry.
    "GetoutofherewhileIchangemyclothes!"sheyelled."I'llgiveita
    tumble.ButifitmakesanydifferencetoSteveI'mgoingtotellitright."
    "Aw,shutupandchangeyourclothes,"Isaid.
    Iwentoutandbangedthedoor.
    Ihadn'tevenkissedher.Icouldhavedonethat,atleast.Shewouldn't
    havemindedanymorethantherestoftheknockingaboutIgaveher.
    Werodetherestofthenight,firstinseparatecarstohidehersinmy
    garage,theninmine.Werodeupthecoastandhadcoffeeandsandwichesat
    Malibu,thenonupandover.WehadbreakfastatthebottomoftheRidgeRoute,
    justnorthofSanFernando.

    Herfacelookedlikeacatcher'smittafteratoughseason.Shehadalower
    lipthesizeofabananaandyoucouldhavecookedsteaksonthebruisesonher
    armsandneck,theyweresohot.
    WiththefirststrongdaylightwewenttotheCityHall.
    Theydidn'teventhinkofholdingherorcheckingherup.Theypractically
    wrotethestatementthemselves.Shesigneditblankeyed,thinkingofsomething
    else.ThenamanfromKLBLandhiswifecamedowntogether.
    SoIdidn'tgettoridehertoahotel.Shedidn'tgettoseeSkalla
    either,notthen.Hewasundermorphine.
    Hediedattwothirtythesameafternoon.Shewasholdingoneofhishuge,
    limpfingers,buthedidn'tknowherfromtheQueenofSiam.

    MANDARIN'SJADE

    One300CaratsOfFeiTsui

    Iwassmokingmypipeandmakingfacesatthebackofmynameontheglasspart
    oftheofficedoorwhenVioletsM'Geecalledmeup.Therehadn'tbeenany
    businessinaweek.
    "How'sthesleuthracket,huh?"Violetsasked.He'sahomicidedickinthe
    sheriff'soffice,"Takealittleflutterdownatthebeach?Bodyguardingor
    something,itis."
    "Anythingthatgoeswithadollar,"Isaid."Exceptmurder.Igetthree
    fiftyforthat."
    "Ibetyoudoniceneatworktoo.Here'sthelay,John."
    Hegavemethename,addressandtelephonenumberofamannamedLindley
    PaulwholivedatCastellamare,wasasocialiteandwenteverywhereexceptto
    work,livedalonewithaJapservant,anddroveaverylargecar.Thesheriff's
    officehadnothingagainsthimexceptthathehadtoomuchfun.
    Castellamarewasinthecitylimits,butdidn'tlookit,beingacoupleof
    dozenhousesofvarioussizeshangingbytheireyebrowstothesideofa
    mountain,andlookingasifagoodsneezewoulddropthemdownamongthebox

    lunchesonthebeach.Therewasasidewalkcafuponthehighway,andbeside
    thatacementarchwhichwasreallyapedestrianbridge.Fromtheinnerendof
    thisaflightofwhiteconcretestepswentstraightasarulerupthesideof
    themountain.
    QuinonalAvenue,Mr.LindleyPaulhadtoldmeoverthephone,wasthethird
    streetup,ifIcaredtowalk.Itwas,hesaid,theeasiestwaytofindhis
    placethefirsttime,thestreetsbeingdesignedinapatternofinterestingbut
    ratherintricatecurves.Peoplehadbeenknowntowanderaboutinthemfor
    severalhourswithoutmakinganymoreyardagethananangleworminabaitcan.
    SoIparkedmyoldblueChryslerdownbelowandwalkedup.Itwasafine
    eveningandtherewasstillsomesparkleonthewaterwhenIstarted.Ithadall
    gonewhenIreachedthetop.Isatdownonthetopstepandrubbedmyleg
    musclesandwaitedformypulsetocomedownintothelowhundreds.AfterthatI
    shookmyshirtloosefrommybackandwentalongtothehouse,whichwasthe
    onlyoneintheforeground.
    Itwasaniceenoughhouse,butitdidn'tlooklikereallyimportantmoney.
    Therewasasalttarnishedironstaircasegoinguptothefrontdoorandthe
    garagewasunderneaththehouse.Alongblackbattleshipofacarwasbacked
    intoit,animmensestreamlinedboatwithenoughhoodforthreecarsanda
    coyotetailtiedtotheradiatorcap.Itlookedasifithadcostmorethanthe
    house.
    Themanwhoopenedthedooratthetopoftheironstairsworeawhite
    flannelsuitwithavioletsatinscarfarrangedlooselyinsidethecollar.He
    hadasoftbrownneck,liketheneckofaverystrongwoman.Hehadpaleblue
    greeneyes,aboutthecolorofanaquamarine,featuresontheheavysidebut
    veryhandsome,threepreciseledgesofthickblondhairrisingfromasmooth
    brownforehead,aninchmoreofheightthanIhadwhichmadehimsixfeetone
    andthegenerallookofaguywhowouldwearawhiteflannelsuitwithaviolet
    satinscarfinsidethecollar.
    Heclearedhisthroat,lookedovermyleftshoulder,andsaid:"Yes?"
    "I'mthemanyousentfor.TheoneVioletsM'Geerecommended."
    "Violets?Gracious,whatapeculiarnickname.Letmesee,yournameis"
    HehesitatedandIlethimworkatituntilheclearedhisthroatagainand
    movedhisbluegreeneyestoaspotseveralmilesbeyondmyothershoulder.
    "Dalmas,"Isaid."Thesameasitwasthisafternoon."

    "Oh,comein,Mr.Dalmas.You'llexcuseme,I'msure.Myhouseboyisaway
    thisevening.SoI"Hesmileddeprecatinglyattheclosingdoor,asthough
    openingandclosingithimselfsortofdirtiedhim.
    Thedoorputusonabalconythatranaroundthreesidesofabigliving
    room,onlythreestepsaboveitinlevel.WewentdownthestepsandLindley
    Paulpointedwithhiseyebrowsatapinkchair,andIsatdownonitandhopedI
    wouldn'tleaveamark.
    Itwasthekindofroomwherepeoplesitonfloorcushionswiththeirfeet
    intheirlapsandsipabsinthethroughlumpsofsugarandtalkfromthebacksof
    theirthroats,andsomeofthemjustsqueak.Therewerebookshelvesallaround
    thebalconyandbitsofangularsculptureinglazedclayonpedestals.There
    werecozylittledivansandbitsofembroideredsilktossedhereandthere
    againstthebasesoflampsandsoon.Therewasabigrosewoodgrandpianoand
    onitaverytallvasewithjustoneyellowroseinit,andunderitslegthere
    wasapeachcoloredChineserugagophercouldhavespentaweekinwithout
    showinghisnoseabovethenap.
    LindleyPaulleanedinthecurveofthepianoandlitacigarettewithout
    offeringmeone.Heputhisheadbacktoblowsmokeatthetallceilingandthat
    madehisthroatlookmorethaneverlikethethroatofawoman.
    "It'saveryslightmatter,"hesaidnegligently."Reallyhardlyworth
    botheringyouabout.ButIthoughtImightaswellhaveanescort.Youmust
    promisenottoflashanygunsoranythinglikethat.Isupposeyoudocarrya
    gun."
    "Oh,yes,"Isaid."Yes."Ilookedatthedimpleinhischin.Youcould
    havelostamarbleinit.
    "Well,Iwon'twantyoutouseit,youknow,oranythinglikethat.I'm
    justmeetingacoupleofmenandbuyingsomethingfromthem.Ishallbecarrying
    alittlemoneyincash."
    "Howmuchmoneyandwhatfor?"Iasked,puttingoneofmyownmatchesto
    oneofmyowncigarettes.
    "Well,really"Itwasanicesmile,butIcouldhaveputtheheelofmy
    handinitwithoutfeelingbad.Ijustdidn'tliketheman.
    "It'sratheraconfidentialmissionI'mundertakingforafriend.I'd
    hardlycaretogointothedetails,"hesaid.
    "Youjustwantmetogoalongtoholdyourhat,"Isuggested.

    Hishandjerkedandsomeashfellonhiswhitesuitcuff.Thatannoyedhim.
    Hefrowneddownatit,thenhesaidsoftly,inthemannerofasultansuggesting
    asilknooseforaharemladywhosetrickshavegonestale:"Youarenotbeing
    impertinent,Ihope."
    "Hopeiswhatkeepsusalive,"Isaid.
    Hestaredatmeforawhile."I'veadamnedgoodmindtogiveyouasockon
    thenose,"hesaid.
    "That'smorelikeit,"Isaid."Youcouldn'tdoitwithouthardeningupa
    bit,butIlikethespirit.Nowlet'stalkbusiness."
    Hewasstillabitsore."Iorderedabodyguard,"hesaidcoldly."IfI
    employedaprivatesecretaryIshouldn'ttellhimallmypersonalbusiness."
    "He'dknowitifheworkedforyousteady.He'dknowitupsidedownand
    backwards.ButI'mjustdaylabor.You'vegottotellme.Whatisit
    blackmail?"
    Afteralongtimehesaid:"No.It'sanecklaceofFeiTsuijadeworthat
    leastseventyfivethousanddollars.DidyoueverhearofFeiTsuijade?"
    "No."
    "We'llhavealittlebrandyandI'lltellyouaboutit.Yes,we'llhavea
    littlebrandy."
    Heleanedawayfromthepianoandwentofflikeadancer,withoutmoving
    hisbodyabovethewaist.Iputmycigaretteoutandsniffedattheairand
    thoughtIsmelledsandalwood,andthenLindleyPaulcamebackwithanice
    lookingbottleandacoupleofsniffingglasses.Hepouredatablespoonfulin
    eachandhandedmeaglass.
    Iputminedowninonepieceandwaitedforhimtogetthroughrollinghis
    spoonfulunderhisnoseandtalk.Hegotaroundtoitafterawhile.
    Hesaidinapleasantenoughtone:"FeiTsuijadeistheonlyreally
    valuablekind.Theothersarevaluablefortheworkmanshipputonthem,chiefly.
    FeiTsuiisvaluableinitself.Therearenoknownunworkeddeposits,very
    littleofitinexistence,alltheknowndepositshavingbeenexhaustedhundreds
    ofyearsago.Afriendofminehadanecklaceofthisjade.Fiftyonecarved
    mandarinbeads,perfectlymatched,aboutsixcaratseach.Itwastakenina
    holdupsometimeago.Itwastheonlythingtaken,andwewerewarnedI
    happenedtobewiththislady,whichisonereasonwhyI'mtakingtheriskof
    makingthepayoffnottotellthepoliceoranyinsurancecompany,butwait

    foraphonecall.Thecallcameinacoupleofdays,thepricewassetatten
    thousanddollars,andthetimeistonightateleven.Ihaven'theardtheplace
    yet.Butit'stobesomewherefairlynearhere,somewherealongthePalisades."
    Ilookedintomyemptysniffingglassandshookit.Heputalittlemore
    brandyinitforme.Isentthatafterthefirstdoseandlitanothercigarette,
    oneofhisthistime,aniceVirginiaStraightCutwithhismonogramonthe
    paper.
    "Jewelransomracket,"Isaid."Wellorganized,ortheywouldn'tknowwhere
    andwhentopullthejob.Peopledon'twearvaluablejewelsoutverymuch,and
    halfofthetime,whentheydo,they'rephonies.Isjadehardtoimitate?"
    "Astomaterial,no,"LindleyPaulsaid."Astoworkmanshipthatwould
    takealifetime."
    "Sothestuffcan'tbecut,"Isaid."Whichmeansitcan'tbefencedexcept
    forasmallfractionofthevalue.Sotheransommoneyisthegang'sonlypay
    off.I'dsaythey'llplayball,Youleftyourbodyguardproblemprettylate,Mr.
    Paul.Howdoyouknowthey'llstandforabodyguard?"
    "Idon't,"hesaidratherwearily."ButI'mnohero.Ilikecompanyinthe
    dark.Ifthethingmissesitmisses.IthoughtofgoingitaloneandthenI
    thought,whynothaveamanhiddeninthebackofmycar,justincase?"
    "Incasetheytakeyourmoneyandgiveyouadummypackage?HowcouldI
    preventthat?IfIstartshootingandcomeoutontopanditisadummypackage,
    you'llneverseeyourjadeagain.Thecontactmenwon'tknowwho'sbehindthe
    gang.AndifIdon'topenup,they'llbegonebeforeyoucanseewhatthey've
    leftyou.Theymaynotevengiveyouanything.Theymaytellyouyourstuffwill
    cometoyouthroughthemailafterthemoneyhasbeencheckedformarkings.Is
    itmarked?"
    "MyGod,no!"
    "Itoughttobe,"Igrowled."Itcanbemarkedthesedayssothatonlya
    microscopeandblacklightcouldshowthemarkingsup.Butthattakesequipment,
    whichmeanscops.Okay.I'lltakeaflutteratit.Mypartwillcostyoufifty
    bucks.Bettergiveittomenow,incasewedon'tcomeback.Iliketofeel
    money."
    Hisbroad,handsomefaceseemedtoturnalittlewhiteandglistening.He
    saidswiftly:"Let'shavesomemorebrandy."
    Hepouredarealdrinkthistime.

    Wesataroundandwaitedforthephonetoring.Igotmyfiftybucksto
    playwith.
    Thephonerangfourtimesanditsoundedfromhisvoiceasifwomenwere
    talkingtohim.Thecallwewanteddidn'tcomethroughuntiltenforty.

    TwoILoseMyClient

    Idrove.OrratherIheldthewheelofthebigblackcarandletitdrive
    itself.Iwaswearingasportylightcoloredovercoatandhatbelongingto
    LindleyPaul.Ihadtengrandinhundreddollarbillsinoneofthepockets.
    Paulwasinthebackseat.HehadasilvermountedLugerthatwasapiptolook
    at,andIhopedheknewhowtouseit.Therewasn'tanythingaboutthejobI
    liked.
    ThemeetingplacewasahollowattheheadofPurissimaCanyon,about
    fifteenminutesfromthehouse.Paulsaidheknewthespotfairlywelland
    wouldn'thaveanytroubledirectingme.
    Weswitchbackedandfigureeightedaroundonthesideofthemountainuntil
    Igotdizzyandthenallofasuddenwewereoutonthestatehighway,andthe
    lightsofthestreamingcarswereasolidwhitebeamasfarasyoucouldseein
    eitherdirection.Thelonghaultruckswereontheirway.
    WeturnedinlandpastaservicestationatSunsetBoulevard.Therewas
    lonelinessthen,andforawhilethesmellofkelp,notverystrong,andthe
    smellofwildsagedrippingdownthedarkslopesmuchstronger.Adim,distant
    yellowwindowwouldpeekdownatusfromthecrestofsomerealtor'sdream.A
    carwouldgrowlbyanditswhiteglarewouldhidethehillsforamoment.There
    wasahalfmoonandwispsofcoldfogchasingitdownthesky.
    "OffhereistheBelAirBeachClub,"Paulsaid."ThenextcanyonisLas
    PulgasandthenextafterthatisPurissima.Weturnoffatthetopofthenext
    rise."Hisvoicewashushed,taut.Itdidn'thaveanyoftheParkAvenuebrass
    ofourearlieracquaintance.
    "Keepyourheaddown,"Igrowledbackathim."Wemaybewatchedallthe
    way.ThiscarsticksoutlikespatsatanIowapicnic."

    Thecarpurredoninfrontofmeuntil,"Turnrighthere,"hewhispered
    sharplyatthetopofthenexthill.
    Iswungtheblackcarintoawide,weedgrownboulevardthathadnever
    jelledintoatrafficartery.Theblackstumpsofunfinishedelectroliersjutted
    upfromthecrustedsidewalk.Brushleanedovertheconcretefromthewasteland
    behind.Icouldhearcricketschirpandtreefrogsdronebehindthem.Thecar
    wasthatsilent.
    Therewasahousetoablocknow,alldark.Thefolksouttherewenttobed
    withthechickensitseemed.Attheendofthisroadtheconcretestopped
    abruptlyandwesliddownadirtslopetoadirtterrace,thendownanother
    slope,andabarricadeofwhatlookedlikefourbyfourspaintedwhiteloomed
    acrossthedirtroad.
    IheardarustlingbehindmeandPaulleanedovertheseat,withasighin
    hiswhisperedvoice."Thisisthespot.You'vegottogetoutandmovethat
    barricadeanddriveondownintothehollow.That'sprobablysothatwecan't
    makeaquickexit,aswe'dhavetobackoutwiththiscar.Theywanttheirtime
    togetaway."
    "Shutupandkeepdownunlessyouhearmeyell,"Isaid.
    Icutthealmostnoiselessmotorandsattherelistening.Thecricketsand
    treefrogsgotalittlelouder.Iheardnothingelse.Nobodywasmovingnearby,
    orthecricketswouldhavebeenstill.Itouchedthecoldbuttofthegununder
    myarm,openedthecardoorandslidoutontothehardclay,stoodthere.There
    wasbrushallaround.Icouldsmellthesage.Therewasenoughofittohidean
    army.Iwenttowardsthebarricade.
    Perhapsthiswasjustatryout,toseeifPauldidwhathewastoldtodo.
    Iputmyhandsoutittookbothofthemandstartedtoliftasectionof
    thewhitebarriertooneside.Itwasn'tatryout.Thelargestflashlightinthe
    worldhitmesquareinthefacefromabushnotfifteenfeetaway.
    Athin,high,niggerishvoicepipedoutofthedarknessbehindtheflash:
    "Twoofuswithshotguns.Putthemmittsuphighan'empty.Weain'ttakin'no
    chances."
    Ididn'tsayanything.ForamomentIjuststoodholdingthebarricade
    inchesofftheground.NothingfromPaulorthecar.Thentheweightofthe
    fourbyfourspulledmymusclesandmybrainsaidletgoandIputthesection
    downagain.Iputmyhandsslowlyintotheair.Theflashpinnedmelikeafly

    squashedonthewall,Ihadnoparticularthoughtexceptavaguewonderifthere
    hadn'tbeenabetterwayforustoworkit.
    "Tha'sfine,"thethin,high,whiningvoicesaid."Jes'holdlikethat
    untilIgitaroun'toyou."
    Thevoiceawakenedvagueechoesinmybrain.Itdidn'tmeananything
    though.Mymemoryhadtoomanysuchechoes.IwonderedwhatPaulwasdoing.A
    thin,sharpfiguredetacheditselffromthefanoflight,immediatelyceasedto
    besharporofanyshapeatall,andbecameavaguerustlingofftotheside.
    Thentherustlingwasbehindme.Ikeptmyhandsintheairandblinkedatthe
    glareoftheflash.
    Alightfingertouchedmyback,thenthehardendofagun.Thehalf
    rememberedvoicesaid:"Thismayhurtjes'alittle."
    Agiggleandaswishingsound.Awhite,hotglarejumpedthroughthetopof
    myhead.Ipileddownonthebarricadeandclawedatitandyelled.Myright
    handtriedtojerkdownundermyleftarm.
    Ididn'theartheswishingsoundthesecondtime.Ionlysawthewhite
    glaregetlargerandlarger,untiltherewasnothingelseanywherebuthard,
    achingwhitelight.Thentherewasdarknessinwhichsomethingredwriggledlike
    agermunderthemicroscope.Thentherewasnothingredandnothingwriggling,
    justdarknessandemptiness,andafallingsensation.
    Iwokeuplookingfuzzilyatastarandlisteningtotwogoblinstalkingin
    ablackhat.
    "LouLid."
    "What'sthat?"
    "LouLid."
    "Who'sLouLid?"
    "AtoughdingegunmanyousawthirddegreedoncedownattheHall."
    "Oh...LouLid."
    Irolledoverandclawedatthegroundandcrawledupononeknee.I
    groaned.Therewasn'tanybodythere.Iwastalkingtomyself,comingoutofit.
    Ibalancedmyself,holdingmyhandsflatontheground,listening,nothearing
    anything.WhenImovedmyhands,driedburrsstucktotheskinandthesticky
    oozefromthepurplesagefromwhichwildbeesgetmostoftheirhoney.
    Honeywassweet.Much,muchtoosweet,andtoohardonthestomach.I
    leaneddownandvomited.

    TimepassedandIgatheredmyinsidestogetheragain.Istilldidn'thear
    anythingbutthebuzzinginmyownears.Igotupverycautiously,likeanold
    mangettingoutofatubbath.Myfeetdidn'thavemuchfeelinginthemandmy
    legswererubbery.Iwobbledandwipedthecoldsweatofnauseaoffmyforehead
    andfeltthebackofmyhead.Itwassoftandpulpy,likeabruisedpeach.When
    ItoucheditIcouldfeelthepaincleardowntomyankles.Icouldfeelevery
    painIeverfeltsincethefirsttimeIgotkickedintherearingradeschool.
    Thenmyeyesclearedenoughformetoseetheoutlinesoftheshallowbowl
    ofwildland,withbrushgrowingonthebanksallaroundlikealowwall,anda
    dirtroad,indistinctunderthesinkingmoon,crawlinguponeside.ThenIsaw
    thecar.
    Itwasquiteclosetome,notmorethantwentyfeetaway.Ijusthadn't
    lookedinthatdirection.ItwasLindleyPaul'scar,lightless.Istumbledover
    toitandinstinctivelygrabbedundermyarmforagun.Ofcoursetherewasn't
    anyguntherenow.Thewhinyguywhosevoiceremindedmeofsomeonewouldhave
    seentothat.ButIstillhadafountainpenflash.Iunshippedit,openedthe
    reardoorofthecarandpokedthelightin.
    Itdidn'tshowanythingnoblood,notornupholstery,nostarredor
    splinteredglass,nobodies.Thecardidn'tseemtohavebeenthesceneofa
    battle.Itwasjustempty.Thekeyshungontheornatepanel.Ithadbeendriven
    downthereandleft.Ipointedmylittleflashatthegroundandbegantoprowl,
    lookingforhim.He'dbearoundthereallright,ifthecarwas.
    Theninthecoldsilenceamotorthrobbedabovetherimofthebowl.The
    lightinmyhandwentout.Otherlightsheadlightstiltedupoverthefrayed
    bushes.IdroppedandcrawledswiftlybehindthehoodofLindleyPaul'scar.
    Thelightstilteddown,gotbrighter.Theywerecomingdowntheslopeof
    thedirtroadintothebowl.Icouldhearthedull,idlingsoundofasmall
    motornow.
    Halfwaydownthecarstopped.Aspotlightatthesideofthewindshield
    clickedonandswungtooneside.Itlowered,heldsteadyonsomepointI
    couldn'tsee.Thespotclickedoffagainandthecarcameslowlyondownthe
    slope.
    Atthebottomitturnedalittlesothatitsheadlightsrakedtheblack
    sedan.Itookmyupperlipbetweenmyteethanddidn'tfeelmyselfbitingit
    untilItastedtheblood.

    Thecarswungalittlemore.Itslightswentoutabruptly.Itsmotordied
    andoncemorethenightbecamelargeandemptyandblackandsilent.Nothingno
    movement,exceptthecricketsandtreefrogsfaroffthathadbeendroningall
    thetime,onlyIhadn'tbeenhearingthem.Thenadoorlatchsnappedandthere
    wasalight,quicksteponthegroundandabeamoflightcutacrossthetopof
    myheadlikeasword.
    Thenalaugh.Agirl'slaughstrained,tautasamandolinwire.Andthe
    whitebeamjumpedunderthebigblackcarandhitmyfeet.
    Thegirl'svoicesaidsharply:"Allright,you.Comeoutoftherewithyour
    handsupandverydamnedempty!I'vegotyoucovered!"
    Ididn'tmove.
    Thevoicestabbedatmeagain."Listen,I'vegotthreeslugsforyourfeet,
    mister,andsevenmoreforyourtummy,andspareclips,andIchangethemplenty
    fast.Coming?"
    "Putthattoyup!"Isnarled."OrI'llblowitoutofyourhand."Myvoice
    soundedlikesomebodyelse'svoice.Itwashoarseandthick.
    "Oh,ahardboiledgentleman."Therewasalittlequaverinthevoicenow.
    Thenithardenedagain,"Coming?I'llcountthree.LookatalltheoddsI'm
    givingyoutwelvebigfatcylinderstohidebehindorisitsixteen?Yourfeet
    willhurtyouthough.Andanklebonestakeyearstogetwellwhenthey'vebeen
    hurt,andsometimes"
    Istraightenedupandlookedintoherflashlight."ItalktoomuchwhenI'm
    scared,too,"Isaid.
    "Don'tdon'tmoveanotherinch!Whoareyou?"
    "Abumprivatedickdetectivetoyou.Whocares?"
    Istartedaroundthecartowardsher.Shedidn'tshoot.WhenIwassixfeet
    fromherIstopped.
    "Youstayrightthere!"shesnappedangrilyafterIhadstopped.
    "Sure.Whatwereyoulookingatbackthere,withyourwindshield
    spotlight?"
    "Aman."
    "Hurtbad?"
    "I'mafraidhe'sdead,"shesaidsimply."Andyoulookhalfdeadyourself."
    "I'vebeensapped,"Isaid."Italwaysmakesmedarkundertheeyes."
    "Anicesenseofhumor,"shesaid."Likeamorgueattendant."

    "Let'slookhimover,"Isaidgruffly."Youcanstaybehindmewithyour
    popgun,ifitmakesyoufeelanysafer."
    "Ineverfeltsaferinmylife,"shesaidangrily,andbackedawayfromme.
    Icircledthelittlecarshehadcomein,Anordinarylittlecar,niceand
    cleanandshinyunderwhatwasleftofthemoon.Iheardherstepsbehindmebut
    Ididn'tpayanyattentiontoher.Abouthalfwayuptheslopeafewfeetoffto
    thesideIsawhisfoot.
    Iputmyownlittleflashonhimandthenthegirladdedhers.Isawhim
    all.Hewassmearedtotheground,onhisback,atthebaseofabush.Hewasin
    thatbagofclothespositionthatalwaysmeansthesamething.
    Thegirldidn'tspeak.Shekeptawayfrommeandbreathedhardandheldher
    lightassteadilyasanytougholdhomicideveteran.
    Oneofhishandswasflungoutinafrozengesture.Thefingerswere
    curled.Theotherhandwasunderhimandhisovercoatwastwistedasthoughhe
    hadbeenthrownoutandrolled.Histhickblondhairwasmattedwithblood,
    blackasshoepolishunderthemoon,andtherewasmoreofitonhisfaceand
    therewasagrayoozemixedinwiththeblood.Ididn'tseehishat.
    ThenwaswhenIoughttohavegotshot,UptothatinstantIhadn'teven
    thoughtofthepacketofmoneyinmypocket.Thethoughtcametomesoquickly
    now,jarredmesohard,thatIjammedahanddownintomypocket.Itmusthave
    lookedexactlylikeahandgoingforagun.
    Thepocketwasquiteempty.Itookthehandoutandlookedbackather.
    "Mister,"shehalfsighed,ifIhadn'tmademymindupaboutyourface"
    "Ihadtengrand,"Isaid."Itwashismoney.Iwascarryingitforhim.It
    wasapayoff.Ijustrememberedthemoney.Andyou'vegotthesweetestsetof
    nervesIevermetonawoman.Ididn'tkillhim."
    "Ididn'tthinkyoukilledhim,"shesaid."Somebodyhatedhimtosmashhis
    headopenlikethat."
    "Ihadn'tknownhimlongenoughtohatehim,"Isaid."Holdtheflashdown
    again."
    Ikneltandwentthroughhispockets,tryingnottomovehimmuch.Hehad
    loosesilverandbills,keysinatooledleathercase,theusualbillfoldwith
    theusualwindowforadriver'slicenceandtheusualinsurancecardsbehindthe
    licence.Nomoneyinthefolder.Iwonderedwhytheyhadmissedhistrouser
    pockets.Panickedbythelight,perhaps.Otherwisethey'dhavestrippedhimdown

    tohiscoatlining.Iheldmorestuffupinherlight:twofinehandkerchiefsas
    whiteandcrispasdrysnow;halfadozenpapermatchfoldersfromswanknight
    traps;asilvercigarettecaseasheavyasabuggyweightandfullofhis
    importedstraightcuts;anothercigarettecase,withatortoiseshellframeand
    embroideredsilksides,eachsideawrithingdragon.Itickledthecatchopen
    andtherewerethreelongcigarettesundertheelastic,Russians,withhollow
    mouthpieces.Ipinchedone.Itfeltold,dry.
    "Maybeforladies,"Isaid."Hesmokedothers."
    "Ormaybejujus,"thegirlsaidbehindme,breathingonmyneck."Iknewa
    ladwhosmokedthemonce.CouldIlook?"
    IpassedthecaseuptoherandshepokedherflashintoituntilIgrowled
    athertoputitonthegroundagain.Therewasn'tanythingelsetoexamine.She
    snappedthecaseshutandhandeditbackandIputitinhisbreastpocket.
    "That'sall.Whoevertappedhimdownwasafraidtowaitandcleanup.
    Thanks."
    Istoodupcasuallyandturnedandspearedthelittlegunoutofherhand.
    "Darnit,youdidn'thavetogetrough!"shesnapped.
    "Give,"Isaid."Whoareyou,andhowcomeyouridearoundthisplaceat
    midnight?"
    ShepretendedIhadhurtherhand,puttheflashonitandlookedatit
    carefully.
    "I'vebeennicetoyou,haven'tI?"shecomplained."I'mburningupwith
    curiosityandscaredandIhaven'taskedyouasinglequestion,haveI?"
    "You'vebeenswell,"Isaid."ButI'minaspotwhereIcan'tfoolaround.
    Whoareyou?Anddousetheflashnow.Wedon'tneedlightanymore."
    Sheputitoutandthedarknesslightenedforusgraduallyuntilwecould
    seetheoutlinesofthebushesandthedeadman'ssprawledbodyandtheglarein
    thesoutheasternskythatwouldbeSantaMonica.
    "MynameisCarolPride,"shesaid."IliveinSantaMonica.Itrytodo
    featurestoriesforanewspapersyndicate.SometimesIcan'tgetsleepyatnight
    andIgooutridingjustanywhere.Iknowallthiscountrylikeabook.Isaw
    yourlittlelightflickeringarounddowninthehollowanditseemedtomeit
    wasprettycoldforyoungloveiftheyuselights."
    "Iwouldn'tknow,"Isaid."Ineverdid.Soyouhavespareclipsforthis
    gun.Wouldyouhaveapermitforit?"

    Iheftedthelittleweapon.ItfeltlikeaColt.25inthedark.Ithada
    nicebalanceforasmallgun.Plentyofgoodmenhavebeenputtosleepwith.
    25's.
    "CertainlyIhaveapermit.Thatwasjustbluffaboutthespareclips
    though."
    "Notafraidofthingsareyou,MissPride?OrwoulditbeMrs.?"
    "No,itwouldn't.Thisneighborhoodisn'tdangerous.Peopledon'tevenlock
    theirdoorsaroundhere.Iguesssomebadmenjusthappenedtogetwisehow
    lonelyitis."
    Iturnedthelittlegunaroundandhelditout."Here.It'snotmynightto
    beclever.Nowifyou'llbegoodenoughtoridemedowntoCastellamare,I'll
    takemycarthereandgofindsomelaw."
    "Shouldn'tsomebodystaywithhim?"
    Ilookedattheradiolitedialofmywristwatch."It'saquartertoone,"
    Isaid."We'llleavehimwiththecricketsandthestars.Let'sgo."
    Shetuckedtheguninherbagandwewentbackdowntheslopeandgotinto
    hercar.Shejockeyeditaroundwithoutlightsanddroveitbackuptheslope.
    Thebigblackcarlookedlikeamonumentstandingtherebehindus.
    AtthetopoftheriseIgotoutanddraggedthesectionofwhitebarricade
    backintopositionacrosstheroad.Hewassafeforthenightnow,andlikely
    enoughformanynights.
    Thegirldidn'tspeakuntilwehadcomenearthefirsthouse.Thensheput
    thelightsonandsaidquietly:"There'sbloodonyourface,Mr.WhateverYour
    NameIs,andIneversawamanwhoneededadrinkworse.Whynotgobacktomy
    houseandphoneWestLosAngelesfromthere?There'snothingbutafirestation
    inthisneighborhood."
    "JohnDalmasisthename,"Isaid."Ilikethebloodonmyface.You
    wouldn'twanttobemixedupinamesslikethis.Iwon'tevenmentionyou."
    Shesaid:"I'manorphanandliveallalone.Itwouldn'tmatterinthe
    slightest."
    "Justkeepgoingdowntothebeach,"Isaid."I'llplayitsoloafter
    that."
    ButwehadtostoponcebeforewegottoCastellamare,Themovementofthe
    carmademegooffintotheweedsandbesickagain.

    Whenwecametotheplacewheremycarwasparkedandthestepsstartedup
    thehillIsaidgoodnighttoherandsatintheChrysleruntilIcouldn'tsee
    hertaillightsanymore.
    Thesidewalkcafwasstillopen.Icouldhavegoneinthereandhada
    drinkandphoned.ButitseemedsmartertodowhatIdidhalfanhourlater
    walkintotheWestLosAngelesPoliceStationcoldsoberandgreen,withthe
    bloodstillonmyface.
    Copsarejustpeople.Andtheirwhiskyisjustasgoodaswhattheypush
    acrossbarsatyou.

    ThreeLouLid

    Ididn'ttellitwell.Ittastedworseallthetime.Reavis,themanwhocame
    outfromthedowntownhomicidebureau,listenedtomewithhiseyesonthe
    floor,andtwoplainclothesmenloungedbehindhimlikeabodyguard.Aprowlcar
    unithadgoneoutlongbeforetoguardthebody.
    Reaviswasathin,narrowfaced,quietmanaboutfifty,withsmoothgray
    skinandimmaculateclothes.Histrousershadaknifeedgecreaseandhepulled
    themupcarefullyafterhesatdown.Hisshirtandtielookedasifhehadput
    themonnewtenminutesagoandhishatlookedasifhehadboughtitontheway
    over.
    Wewereinthedaycaptain'sroomattheWestLosAngelesPoliceStation,
    justoffSantaMonicaBoulevard,nearSawtelle.Therewerejustthefourofus
    init.Somedrunkinacell,waitingtogodowntothecitydrunktankfor
    sunrisecourt,keptgivingtheAustralianbushcallallthetimewewere
    talking.
    "SoIwashisbodyguardfortheevening,"Isaidattheend."Andasweet
    jobImadeofit."
    "Iwouldn'tgiveanythoughttothat,"Reavissaidcarelessly."Itcould
    happentoanybody.SeemstometheytookyouforthisLindleyPaul,sluggedyou
    tosaveargumentandtogetplentyoftime,perhapsdidn'thavethestuffwith
    thematallanddidn'tmeantogiveitupsocheap.Whentheyfoundyouwerenot
    Paultheygotsoreandtookitoutonhim."

    "Hehadagun,"Isaid."AswellLuger,buttwoshotgunsstaringatyou
    don'tmakeyouwarlike."
    "Aboutthisdarktownbrother,"Reavissaid.Hereachedforaphoneonthe
    desk.
    "Justavoiceinthedark.Icouldn'tbesure."
    "Yeah,butwe'llfindwhathewasdoingaboutthattime.LouLid.Aname
    thatwouldlinger."
    HeliftedthephoneoffitscradleandtoldthePBXman:"Deskat
    headquarters,Joe...ThisisReavisoutinWestL.A.onthatstickupmurder.I
    wantaNegroorhalfNegrogunmannameofLouLid.Abouttwentytwototwenty
    four,alightishbrown,neatappearing,small,sayonehundredthirty,castin
    oneeye,Iforgetwhich.There'ssomethingonhim,butnotmuch,andhe'sbeen
    inandoutplentytimes.TheboysatSeventyseventhwillknowhim.Iwantto
    checkhismovementsforthisevening.Givethecoloredsquadanhour,thenput
    himontheair."
    Hecradledthephoneandwinkedatme."Wegotthebestshinedickswestof
    Chicago.Ifhe'sintown,they'llpickhimoffwithoutevenlooking.Willwe
    moveouttherenow?"
    WewentdownstairsandgotintoasquadcarandwentbackthroughSanta
    MonicatothePalisades.
    Hourslater,inthecoldgraydawn,Igothome.Iwasguzzlingaspirinand
    whiskyandbathingthebackofmyheadwithveryhotwaterwhenmyphone
    jangled.ItwasReavis.
    "Well,wegotLouLid,"hesaid."PasadenagothimandaMexnamedFuente.
    PickedthemuponArroyoSecoBoulevardnotexactlywithshovels,butkindof
    careful."
    "Goon,"Isaid,holdingthephonetightenoughtocrackit,"givemethe
    punchline."
    "Youguesseditalready.TheyfoundthemundertheColoradoStreetBridge.
    Gagged,trussedforeandaftwitholdwire.Andsmashedlikeripeoranges.Like
    it?"
    Ibreathedhard."It'sjustwhatIneededtomakemesleeplikeababy,"I
    said.

    ThehardconcretepavementofArroyoSecoBoulevardissomeseventyfive
    feetdirectlybelowColoradoStreetBridgesometimesalsoknownasSuicide
    Bridge.
    "Well,"Reavissaidafterapause,"itlookslikeyoubitintosomething
    rotten.Whatdoyousaynow?"
    "JustforaquickguessI'dsayanattemptedhijackofthepayoffmoneyby
    acoupleofsmartalecksthatgotaleadtoitsomehow,pickedtheirownspot
    andgotsmearedwiththecash."
    "Thatwouldricedinsidehelp,"Reavissaid."Youmeanguysthatknewthe
    beadsweretaken,butdidn'thavethem.Ilikebetterthattheytriedtoleave
    townwiththewholetakeinsteadofpassingittotheboss.Oreventhatthe
    bossthoughthehadtoomanymouthstofeed."
    Hesaidgoodnightandwishedmepleasantdreams.Idrankenoughwhiskyto
    killthepaininmyhead,Whichwasmorethanwasgoodforme.
    Igotdowntotheofficelateenoughtobeelegant,butnotfeelingthat
    way.Twostitchesinthebackofmyscalphadbeguntodrawandthetapeover
    theshavedplacefeltashotasabartender'sbunion.
    MyofficewastworoomshardbythecoffeeshopsmelloftheMansionHouse
    Hotel.ThelittleonewasareceptionroomIalwaysleftunlockedforaclient
    togoinandwait,incaseIhadaclientandhewantedtowait.
    CarolPridewasinthere,sniffingatthefadedreddavenport,thetwoodd
    chairs,thesmallsquareofcarpetandtheboy'ssizelibrarytablewiththe
    preRepealmagazinesonit.
    Sheworebrownishspeckledtweedswithwidelapelsandamannishshirtand
    tie,niceshoes,ablackhatthatmighthavecosttwentydollarsforallIknew,
    andlookedasifyoucouldhavemadeitwithonehandoutofanolddesk
    blotter.
    "Well,youdogetup,"shesaid."That'snicetoknow.Iwasbeginningto
    thinkperhapsyoudidallyourworkinbed."
    "Tut,tut,"Isaid."Comeintomyboudoir."
    Iunlockedthecommunicatingdoor,whichlookedbetterthanjustkicking
    thelocklightlywhichhadthesameeffectandwewentintotherestofthe
    suite,whichwasarustredcarpetwithplentyofinkonit,fivegreenfiling
    cases,threeofthemfullofCaliforniaclimate,anadvertisingcalendarshowing
    theDionnequintupletsrollingaroundonaskybluefloor,afewnearwalnut

    chairs,andtheusualdeskwiththeusualheelmarksonitandtheusualsqueaky
    swivelchairbehindit.Isatdowninthatandputmyhatonthetelephone.
    Ihadn'treallyseenherbefore,evenbythelightsdownatCastellamare.
    Shelookedabouttwentysixandasifshehadn'tsleptverywell.Shehada
    tired,prettylittlefaceunderfluffedoutbrownhair,arathernarrowforehead
    withmoreheightthanisconsideredelegant,asmallinquisitivenose,anupper
    lipashadetoolongandamouthmorethanashadetoowide.Hereyescouldbe
    veryblueiftheytried.Shelookedquiet,butnotmousyquiet.Shelooked
    smart,butnotHollywoodsmart.
    "Ireaditintheeveningpaperthatcomesoutinthemorning,"shesaid.
    "Whattherewasofit."
    "Andthatmeansthelawwon'tbreakitasabigstory.They'dhaveheldit
    forthemorningsheets."
    "Well,anyhow,I'vebeendoingalittleworkonitforyou,"shesaid.
    Istaredhardather,pokedaflatboxofcigarettesacrossthedesk,and
    filledmypipe."You'remakingamistake,"Isaid."I'mnotonthiscase.Iate
    mydirtlastnightandbangedmyselftosleepwithabottle.Thisisapolice
    job."
    "Idon'tthinkitis,"shesaid."Notallofit.Andanywayyouhaveto
    earnyourfee.Ordidn'tyougetafee?"
    "Fiftybucks,"Isaid."I'llreturnitwhenIknowwhotoreturnitto.
    Evenmymotherwouldn'tthinkIearnedit."
    "Ilikeyou,"shesaid."Youlooklikeaguywhowasalmostaheelandthen
    somethingstoppedhimjustatthelastminute.Doyouknowwhothatjade
    necklacebelongedto?"
    Isatupwithajerkthathurt."Whatjadenecklace?"Ialmostyelled.I
    hadn'ttoldheranythingaboutajadenecklace.Therehadn'tbeenanythingin
    thepaperaboutajadenecklace.
    "Youdon'thavetobeclever.I'vebeentalkingtothemanonthecase
    LieutenantReavis.Itoldhimaboutlastnight.Igetalongwithpolicemen.He
    thoughtIknewmorethanIdid.Sohetoldmethings."
    "Wellwhodoesitbelongto?"Iasked,afteraheavysilence.
    "AMrs.PhilipCourtneyPrendergast,aladywholivesinBeverlyHills
    partoftheyearatleast.Herhusbandhasamillionorsoandabadliver.Mrs.

    PrendergastisablackeyedblondewhogoesplaceswhileMr.Prendergaststays
    homeandtakescalomel."
    "Blondesdon'tlikeblonds,"Isaid."LindleyPaulwasasblondasaSwiss
    yodeler."
    "Don'tbesilly.Thatcomesofreadingmoviemagazines.Thisblondeliked
    thatblond.I_know._Thesocietyeditorofthe_Chronicle_toldme.Heweighs
    twohundredpoundsandhasamustacheandtheycallhimGiddyGertie."
    "Hetellyouaboutthenecklace?"
    "No.ThemanagerofBlocksJewelryCompanytoldmeaboutthat.ItoldhimI
    wasdoinganarticleonrarejadeforthe_PoliceGazette._Nowyou'vegotme
    doingthewisecracks."
    Ilitmypipeforthethirdtimeandsqueakedmychairbackandnearlyfell
    overbackwards.
    "Reavisknowsallthis?"Iasked,tryingtostareatherwithoutseeming
    to.
    "Hedidn'ttellmehedid.Hecanfindouteasilyenough.I'venodoubthe
    will.He'snobody'sfool."
    "Exceptyours,"Isaid."DidhetellyouaboutLouLidandFuentetheMex?"
    "No.Whoarethey?"
    Itoldheraboutthem."Why,that'sterrible,"shesaid,andsmiled.
    "Youroldmanwasn'tacopbyanychance,washe?"Iaskedsuspiciously.
    "PoliceChiefofPomonaforalmostfifteenyears."
    Ididn'tsayanything.IrememberedthatPoliceChiefJohnPrideofPomona
    hadbeenshotdeadbytwokidbanditsaboutfouryearsbefore.
    AfterawhileIsaid:"Ishouldhavethoughtofthat.Allright,what
    next?"
    "I'lllayyoufivetooneMrs.Prendergastdidn'tgethernecklacebackand
    thatherbilioushusbandhasenoughdragtokeepthatpartofthestoryand
    theirnameoutofthepapers,andthatsheneedsanicedetectivetohelpher
    getstraightenedoutwithoutanyscandal."
    "Whatscandal?"
    "Oh,Idon'tknow.She'sthetypethatwouldhaveabasketofitinher
    dressingroom."
    "Isupposeyouhadbreakfastwithher,"Isaid."Whattimedidyougetup?"
    "No,Ican'tseehertilltwoo'clock.Igotupatsix."

    "MyGod,"Isaid,andgotabottleoutofthedeepdrawerofmydesk."My
    headhurtsmesomethingterrible."
    "Justone,"CarolPridesaidsharply."Andonlybecauseyouwerebeatenup.
    ButIdaresaythathappensquiteoften."
    Iputthedrinkinsideme,corkedthebottlebutnottootightly,anddrew
    adeepbreath.
    Thegirlgropedinherbrownbagandsaid:"There'ssomethingelse.But
    maybeyououghttohandlethispartofityourself."
    "It'snicetoknowI'mstillworkinghere,"Isaid.
    SherolledthreelongRussiancigarettesacrossthedesk.Shedidn'tsmile.
    "Lookinsidethemouthpieces,"shesaid,"anddrawyourownconclusions.I
    swipedthemoutofthatChinesecaselastnight.Theyallhavethatsomethingto
    makeyouwonder."
    "Andyouacop'sdaughter,"Isaid.
    Shestoodup,wipedalittlepipeashofftheedgeofmydeskwithherbag
    andwenttowardsthedoor.
    "I'mawomantoo.NowI'vegottogoseeanothersocietyeditorandfind
    outmoreaboutMrs.PhilipCourtneyPrendergastandherlovelife.Fun,isn't
    it?"
    Theofficedoorandmymouthshutataboutthesamemoment.
    IpickeduponeoftheRussiancigarettes.Ipincheditbetweenmyfingers
    andpeepedintothehollowmouthpiece.Thereseemedtobesomethingrolledupin
    there,likeapieceofpaperorcard,somethingthatwouldn'thaveimprovedthe
    drawingofthecigarette.Ifinallymanagedtodigitoutwiththenailfile
    bladeofmypocketknife.
    Itwasacardallright,athinivorycallingcard,man'ssize.Threewords
    wereengravedonit,nothingelse.
    _SoukesianthePsychic_
    Ilookedintotheothermouthpieces,foundidenticalcardsineachofthem.
    Itdidn'tmeanathingtome.IhadneverheardofSoukesianthePsychic.After
    awhileIlookedhimupinthephonebook.TherewasamannamedSoukesianon
    WestSeventh.ItsoundedArmeniansoIlookedhimupagainunder_OrientalRugs_
    intheclassifiedsection.Hewasthereallright,butthatdidn'tprove

    anything.Youdon'thavetobeapsychictosellorientalrugs.Youonlyhaveto
    beapsychictobuythem.AndsomethingtoldmethisSoukesianonthecard
    didn'thaveanythingtodowithorientalrugs.
    Ihadaroughideawhathisracketwouldbeandwhatkindofpeoplewould
    behiscustomers.Andthebiggerhewasthelesshewouldadvertise.Ifyougave
    himenoughtimeandpaidhimenough,hewouldcureanythingfromatiredhusband
    toagrasshopperplague.Hewouldbeanexpertinfrustratedwomen,intricky,
    tangled,loveaffairs,inwanderingboyswhohadn'twrittenhome,inwhetherto
    sellthepropertynoworholditanotheryear,inwhetherthispartwillhurtmy
    typewithmypublicorimproveit.Evenmenwouldgotohimguyswhobellowed
    likebullsaroundtheirownofficesandwereallcoldmushinsidejustthesame.
    Butmostofall,womenwomenwithmoney,womenwithjewels,womenwhocouldbe
    twistedlikesilkthreadaroundaleanAsiaticfinger.
    Irefilledmypipeandshookmythoughtsaroundwithoutmovingmyheadtoo
    much,andfishedforareasonwhyamanwouldcarryasparecigarettecase,with
    threecigarettesinitnotmeantforsmoking,andineachofthosethree
    cigarettesthenameofanothermanconcealed.Whowouldfindthatname?
    Ipushedthebottletoonesideandgrinned.Anyonewouldfindthosecards
    whowentthroughLindleyPaul'spocketswithafinetoothcombcarefullyand
    takingtime.Whowoulddothat?Acop.Andwhen?IfMr.LindleyPauldiedorwas
    badlyhurtinmysteriouscircumstances.
    ItookmyhatoffthetelephoneandcalledamannamedWillyPeterswhowas
    intheinsurancebusiness,sohesaid,anddidasidelinesellingunlisted
    telephonenumbersbribedfrommaidsandchauffeurs.Hisfeewasfivebucks.I
    figuredLindleyPaulcouldafforditoutofhisfifty.
    WillyPetershadwhatIwanted.ItwasaBrentwoodHeightsnumber.
    IcalledReavisdownatheadquarters.Hesaideverythingwasfineexcept
    hissleepingtimeandformejusttokeepmymouthshutandnotworry,butI
    oughtreallytohavetoldhimaboutthegirl.Isaidthatwasrightbutmaybehe
    hadadaughterhimselfandwouldn'tbesokeentohavealotofcamerahounds
    jumpingoutather.Hesaidhehadandthecasedidn'tmakemelookverygood
    butitcouldhappentoanyoneandsolong.
    IcalledVioletsM'Geetoaskhimtolunchsomedaywhenhehadjusthad
    histeethcleanedandhismouthwassore.ButhewasupinVenturareturninga
    prisoner.ThenIcalledtheBrentwoodHeightsnumberofSoukesianthePsychic.

    Afterawhileaslightlyforeignwoman'svoicesaid:"'Allo."
    "MayIspeaktoMr.Soukesian?"
    "Iamverrysorry.Soukesianheweelneverspeakuponthetelephone.Iam
    heessecretarry.WeelItakethemessage?"
    "Yeah.Gotapencil?"
    "ButofcourseI'avethepencil.Themessage,eefyouplease?"Igaveher
    mynameandaddressandoccupationandtelephonenumberfirst.Imadesureshe
    hadthemspelledright.
    ThenIsaid:"It'saboutthemurderofamannamedLindleyPaul.It
    happenedlastnightdownonthePalisadesnearSantaMonica.I'dliketoconsult
    Mr.Soukesian."
    "Heweelbeverrypleased."Hervoicewasascalmasanoyster."Butof
    courseIcannotgiveyoutheappointmenttoday.Soukesianheeesalwaysverry
    busy.Per'apstomorrow"
    "Nextweekwillbefine,"Isaidheartily.'"There'sneveranyhurryabout
    amurderinvestigation.JusttellhimI'llgivehimtwohoursbeforeIgotothe
    policewithwhatIknow."
    Therewasasilence.Maybeabreathcaughtsharplyandmaybeitwasjust
    wirenoise.Thentheslowforeignvoicesaid:"Iweeltellhim.Idonot
    understand"
    "Giveittherush,angel.I'llbewaitinginmyoffice."
    Ihungup,fingeredthebackofmyhead,putthethreecardsawayinmy
    walletandfeltasifIcouldeatsomehotfood.Iwentouttogetit.

    FourSecondHarvest

    TheIndiansmelled.HesmelledclearacrossmylittlereceptionroomwhenI
    heardtheouterdooropenandgotuptoseewhoitwas.Hestoodjustinsidethe
    doorlookingasifhehadbeencastinbronze.Hewasabigmanfromthewaist
    upandhadabigchest.
    Apartfromthathelookedlikeabum.Heworeabrownsuit,toosmallfor
    him.Hishatwasatleasttwosizestoosmall,andhadbeenperspiredinfreely
    bysomeoneitfittedbetterthanitfittedhim.Heworeitaboutwhereahouse

    wearsaweathercock.Hiscollarhadthesnugfitofahorsecollarandwasabout
    thesameshadeofdirtybrown.Atiedangledfromit,outsidehisbuttonedcoat,
    andhadapparentlybeentiedwithapairofpliersinaknotthesizeofapea.
    Aroundhisbarethroatabovethecollarheworewhatlookedlikeapieceof
    blackribbon.
    Hehadabig,flatface,abig,highbridged,fleshynosethatlookedas
    hardastheprowofacruiser,Hehadlidlesseyes,droopingjowls,the
    shouldersofablacksmith.Ifhehadbeencleanedupalittleanddressedina
    whitenightgown,hewouldhavelookedlikeaverywickedRomansenator.
    Hissmellwastheearthysmelloftheprimitiveman;dirty,butnotthe
    dirtofcities."Huh,"hesaid."Comequick.Comenow."
    Ijerkedmythumbattheinnerofficeandwentbackintoit.Hefollowedme
    ponderouslyandmadeasmuchnoisewalkingasaflymakes.Isatdownbehindmy
    desk,pointedatthechairopposite,buthedidn'tsitdown.Hissmallblack
    eyeswerehostile.
    "Comewhere?"Iwantedtoknow.
    "Huh.MeSecondHarvest.MeHollywoodIndian."
    "Takeachair,Mr.Harvest."
    Hesnortedandhisnostrilsgotverywide.Theyhadbeenwideenoughfor
    mouseholesinthefirstplace.
    "NameSecondHarvest,NoMr.Harvest.Nuts."
    "Whatdoyouwant?"
    "Hesaycomequick.Bigwhitefathersaycomenow.Hesay"
    "Don'tgivemeanymoreofthatpigLatin,"Isaid."I'mnoschoolmarmat
    thesnakedances."
    "Nuts,"hesaid.
    Heremovedhishatwithslowdisgustandturneditupsidedown.Herolleda
    fingeraroundunderthesweatband.Thatturnedthesweatbandupintoview.He
    removedapaperclipfromtheedgeoftheleatherandmovednearenoughtothrow
    adirtyfoldoftissuepaperonthedesk.Hepointedatitangrily.Hislank,
    greasyblackhairhadashelfallaroundit,highup,fromthetootighthat.
    Iunfoldedthebitoftissuepaperandfoundacardwhichread:_Soukesian
    thePsychic._Itwasinthinscript,nicelyengraved.Ihadthreejustlikeit
    inmywallet.

    Iplayedwithmyemptypipe,staredattheIndian,triedtoridehimwith
    mystare."Okay.Whatdoeshewant?"
    "Hewantyoucomenow.Quick."
    "Nuts,"Isaid.TheIndianlikedthat.Thatwasthefraternitygrip.He
    almostgrinned."Itwillcosthimahundredbucksasaretainer,"Iadded.
    "Huh?"
    "Hundreddollars.Ironmen.Buckstothenumberonehundred.Menomoney,
    menocome.Savvy?"Ibegantocountbyopeningandclosingbothfists.
    TheIndiantossedanotherfoldoftissuepaperonthedesk.Iunfoldedit.
    Itcontainedabrandnewhundreddollarbill.
    "Psychicisright,"Isaid."AguythatsmartI'mscaredof,butI'llgo
    nevertheless."
    TheIndianputhishatbackonhisheadwithoutbotheringtofoldthe
    sweatbandunder.Itlookedonlyveryslightlymorecomicalthatway.
    Itookagunfromundermyarm,nottheoneIhadhadthenightbefore
    unfortunatelyIhatetoloseagundroppedthemagazineintotheheelofmy
    hand,rammedithomeagain,fiddledwiththesafetyandputthegunbackinits
    holster.
    ThismeantnomoretotheIndianthanifIhadscratchedmyneck.
    "Igottumcar,"hesaid."Bigcar.Nuts."
    "Toobad,"Isaid."Idon'tlikebigcarsanymore.However,let'sgo."
    Ilockedupandwewentout.IntheelevatortheIndiansmelledverystrong
    indeed.Eventheelevatoroperatornoticedit.
    ThecarwasatanLincolntouring,notnewbutingoodshape,withglass
    gypsycurtainsintheback.Itdippeddownpastashininggreenpolofield,
    zoomedupthefarside,andthedark,foreignlookingdriverswungitintoa
    narrowpavedribbonofwhiteconcretethatclimbedalmostassteeplyasLindley
    Paul'ssteps,butnotasstraight.Thiswaswelloutoftown,beyondWestwood,
    inBrentwoodHeights.
    Weclimbedpasttwoorangegroves,richman'spets,asthatisnotorange
    country,pasthousesmoldedflattothesideofthefoothills,likebasreliefs.
    Thentherewerenomorehouses,justtheburntfoothillsandthecement
    ribbonandasheerdropontheleftintothecoolnessofanamelesscanyon,and
    ontherightheatbouncingoffthesearedclaybankatwhoseedgeafew

    unbeatablewildflowersclawedandhungonlikenaughtychildrenwhowon'tgoto
    bed.
    Andinfrontofmetwobacks,aslim,whipcordbackwithabrownneck,
    blackhair,avizoredcapontheblackhair,andawide,untidybackinanold
    brownsuitwiththeIndian'sthickneckandheavyheadabovethat,andonhis
    headtheancientgreasyhatwiththesweatbandstillshowing.
    Thentheribbonofroadtwistedintoahairpin,thebigtiresskiddedon
    loosestones,andthetanLincolntorethroughanopengateandupasteepdrive
    linedwithpinkgeraniumsgrowingwild.Atthetopofthedrivetherewasan
    eyrie,aneagle'snest,ahilltophouseofwhiteplasterandglassandchromium,
    asmodernisticasafluoroscopeandasremoteasalighthouse.
    Thecarreachedthetopofthedriveway,turned,stoppedbeforeablank
    whitewallinwhichtherewasablackdoor.TheIndiangotout,glaredatme.I
    gotout,nudgingthegunagainstmysidewiththeinsideofmyleftarm.
    Theblackdoorinthewhitewallopenedslowly,untouchedfromoutside,and
    showedanarrowpassageendingfarback.Abulbglowedintheceiling.
    TheIndiansaid:"Huh.Goin,bigshot."
    "Afteryou,Mr.Harvest."
    HewentinscowlingandIfollowedhimandtheblackdoorclosed
    noiselesslyofitselfbehindus.Abitofmumbojumboforthecustomers,Atthe
    endofthenarrowpassagetherewasanelevator,Ihadtogetintoitwiththe
    Indian.Wewentupslowly,withagentlepurringsound,thefainthumofasmall
    motor.Theelevatorstopped,itsdooropenedwithoutawhisperandtherewas
    daylight.
    Igotoutoftheelevator.ItdroppeddownagainbehindmewiththeIndian
    stillinit.Iwasinaturretroomthatwasalmostallwindows,someofthem
    closedrapedagainsttheafternoonglare.Therugsonthefloorhadthesoft
    colorsofoldPersians,andtherewasadeskmadeofcarvedpanelsthatprobably
    cameoutofachurch.Andbehindthedesktherewasawomansmilingatme,a
    dry,tight,witheredsmilethatwouldturntopowderifyoutouchedit.
    Shehadsleek,black,coiledhair,adarkAsiaticface.Therewerepearls
    inherearsandringsonherfingers,large,rathercheaprings,includinga
    moonstoneandasquarecutemeraldthatlookedasphonyasatencentstore
    slavebracelet.Herhandswerelittleanddarkandnotyoungandnotfitfor
    rings.

    "Ah,MeesterDalmas,soverrygoodofyoutocome.Soukesianheweelbeso
    pleased."
    "Thanks,"Isaid.Itookthenewhundreddollarbilloutofmywalletand
    laiditonherdesk,infrontofherdark,glitteringhands.Shedidn'ttouchit
    orlookatit."Myparty,"Isaid."Butthanksforthethought."
    Shegotupslowly,withoutmovingthesmile,swishedaroundthedeskina
    tightdressthatfittedherlikeamermaid'sskin,andshowedthatshehada
    goodfigure,ifyoulikedthemfoursizesbiggerbelowthewaistthanaboveit.
    "Iweelconductyou,"shesaid.
    Shemovedbeforemetoanarrowpanelledwall,alltherewasoftheroom
    besidesthewindowsandthetinyelevatorshaft.Sheopenedanarrowdoorbeyond
    whichtherewasasilkyglowthatdidn'tseemtobedaylight.Hersmilewas
    olderthanEgyptnow.Inudgedmygunholsteragainandwentin.
    Thedoorshutsilentlybehindme.Theroomwasoctagonal,drapedinblack
    velvet,windowless,witharemoteblackceiling.Inthemiddleoftheblackrug
    therestoodawhiteoctagonaltable,andoneithersideofthatastoolthatwas
    asmallereditionofthetable.Overagainsttheblackdrapestherewasonemore
    suchstool.Therewasalargemilkyballonablackstandonthewhitetable.
    Thelightcamefromthis.Therewasnothingelseintheroom.
    Istoodthereforperhapsfifteenseconds,withthatobscurefeelingof
    beingwatched.Thenthevelvetdrapespartedandamancameintotheroomand
    walkedstraightovertotheothersideofthetableandsatdown.Onlythendid
    helookatme.
    Hesaid:"Beseatedoppositeme,please.Donotsmokeanddonotmove
    aroundorfidget,ifyoucanavoidit.HowmayIserveyou?"

    FiveSoukesianThePsychic

    Hewasatallman,straightassteel,withtheblackesteyesIhadeverseenand
    thepalestandfinestblondhairIhadeverseen.Hemighthavebeenthirtyor
    sixty.Hedidn'tlookanymorelikeanArmenianthanIdid.Hishairwasbrushed
    straightbackfromasgoodaprofileasJohnBarrymorehadattwentyeight.A

    matineeidol,andIexpectedsomethingfurtiveanddarkandgreasythatrubbed
    itshands.
    Heworeablackdoublebreastedbusinesssuitcutlikenobody'sbusiness,a
    whiteshirt,ablacktie.Hewasasneatasagiftbook.
    Igulpedandsaid:"Idon'twantareading.Iknowallaboutthisstuff."
    "Yes?"hesaiddelicately."Andwhatdoyouknowaboutit?"
    "Letitpass,"Isaid."Icanfigurethesecretarybecauseshe'sasweet
    buildupfortheshockpeoplegetwhentheyseeyou.TheIndianstumpsmeabit,
    butit'snoneofmybusinessanyhow.I'mnotabunkosquadcop.WhatIcame
    aboutisamurder."
    "TheIndianhappenstobeanaturalmedium,"Soukesiansaidmildly."They
    aremuchrarerthandiamondsand,likediamonds,theyaresometimesfoundin
    dirtyplaces.Thatmightnotinterestyoueither.Astothemurderyoumay
    informme.Ineverreadthepapers."
    "Come,come,"Isaid."Noteventoseewho'spullingthebigchecksatthe
    frontoffice?Oke,hereitis."
    AndIlaiditinfrontofhim,thewholedamnstory,andabouthiscards
    andwheretheyhadbeenfound.
    Hedidn'tmoveamuscle.Idon'tmeanthathedidn'tscreamorwavehis
    armsorstamponthefloororbitehisnails.Imeanhesimplydidn'tmoveat
    all,notevenaneyelid,notevenaneye.Hejustsatthereandlookedatme,
    likeastonelionoutsidethePublicLibrary.
    WhenIwasalldoneheputhisfingerrightdownonthespot."Youkept
    thosecardsfromthepolice?Why?"
    "Youtellme.Ijustdid."
    "ObviouslythehundreddollarsIsentyouwasnotnearlyenough."
    "That'sanideatoo,"Isaid."ButIhadn'treallygotaroundtoplaying
    withit."
    Hemovedenoughtofoldhisarms.Hisblackeyeswereasshallowasa
    cafeteriatrayorasdeepasaholetoChinawhicheveryoulike.Theydidn't
    sayanything,eitherway.
    Hesaid:"Youwouldn'tbelievemeifIsaidIonlyknewthismaninthe
    mostcasualmannerprofessionally?"
    "I'dtakeitunderadvisement,"Isaid.

    "Itakeityouhaven'tmuchfaithinme.PerhapsMr.Paulhad.Wasanything
    onthosecardsbesidesmyname?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Andyouwouldn'tlikeit."Thiswaskindergartenstuff,
    thekindthecopspullonradiocrimedramatizations.Heletitgowithouteven
    lookingatit.
    "I'minasensitiveprofession,"hesaid."Eveninthisparadiseoffakers.
    Letmeseeoneofthosecards."
    "Iwaskiddingyou,"Isaid."There'snothingonthembutyourname."Igot
    mywalletoutandwithdrewonecardandlaiditinfrontofhim.Iputthe
    walletaway.Heturnedthecardoverwithafingernail.
    "YouknowwhatIfigure?"Isaidheartily."IfigureLindleyPaulthought
    youwouldbeabletofindoutwhodidhimin,evenifthepolicecouldn't.Which
    meanshewasafraidofsomebody."
    Soukesianunfoldedhisarmsandfoldedthemtheotherway.Withhimthat
    wasprobablyequivalenttoclimbingupthelightfixtureandbitingoffabulb.
    "Youdon'tthinkanythingofthesort,"hesaid."Howmuchquicklyfor
    thethreecardsandasignedstatementthatyousearchedthebodybeforeyou
    notifiedthepolice?"
    "Notbad,"Isaid,"foraguywhosebrotherisarugpeddler."
    Hesmiled,verygently.Therewassomethingalmostniceabouthissmile.
    "Therearehonestrugdealers,"hesaid."ButArizmianSoukesianisnotmy
    brother.OursisacommonnameinArmenia."
    Inodded.
    "YouthinkI'mjustanotherfaker,ofcourse,"headded.
    "Goaheadandproveyou'renot."
    "Perhapsitisnotmoneyyouwantafterall,"hesaidcarefully.
    "Perhapsitisn't."
    Ididn'tseehimmovehisfoot,buthemusthavetouchedafloorbutton.
    Theblackvelvetdrapesparted.andtheIndiancameintotheroom.Hedidn't
    lookdirtyorfunnyanymore.
    Hewasdressedinloosewhitetrousersandawhitetunicembroideredin
    black.Therewasablacksasharoundhiswaistandablackfilletaroundhis
    forehead.Hisblackeyesweresleepy.Heshuffledovertothestoolbesidethe

    drapesandsatdownandfoldedhisarmsandleanedhisheadonhischest.He
    lookedbulkierthanever,asiftheseclotheswereoverhisotherclothes.
    Soukesianheldhishandsabovethemilkyglobethatwasbetweenusonthe
    whitetable.Thelightontheremoteblackceilingwasbrokenandbegantoweave
    intooddshapesandpatterns,veryfaintbecausetheceilingwasblack.The
    Indiankepthisheadlowandhischinonhischestbuthiseyesturnedupslowly
    andstaredattheweavinghands.
    Thehandsmovedinaswift,graceful,intricatepatternthatmeantanything
    ornothing,thatwaslikeJuniorLeaguersdoingGreekdances,orcoilsof
    Christmasribbontossedonthefloorwhateveryouliked.
    TheIndian'ssolidjawrestedonhissolidchestandslowly,likeatoad's
    eyes,hiseyesshut.
    "Icouldhavehypnotizedhimwithoutallthat,"Soukesiansaidsoftly.
    "It'smerelypartoftheshow."
    "Yeah."Iwatchedhislean,firmthroat.
    "Now,somethingLindleyPaultouched,"hesaid."Thiscardwilldo."
    HestoodupnoiselesslyandwentacrosstotheIndianandpushedthecard
    insidethefilletagainsttheIndian'sforehead,leftitthere.Hesatdown
    again.
    HebegantomuttersoftlyinagutturallanguageIdidn'tknow.Iwatched
    histhroat.
    TheIndianbegantospeak.Hespokeveryslowlyandheavily,between
    motionlesslips,asthoughthewordswereheavystoneshehadtodraguphillin
    ablazinghotsun.
    "LindleyPaulbadman.Makelovetosquawofchief.Chiefveryangry.Chief
    havenecklacestolen,LindleyPaulhavetogetumback.Badmankill._Grrr."_
    TheIndian'sheadjerkedasSoukesianclappedhishands.Thelittlelidless
    blackeyessnappedopenagain.Soukesianlookedatmewithnoexpressionatall
    onhishandsomeface.
    "Neat,"Isaid."Andnotadarnbitgaudy."IjerkedathumbattheIndian.
    "He'sabitheavytositonyourknee,isn'the?Ihaven'tseenagood
    ventriloquistactsincethechorusgirlsquitwearingtights."
    Soukesiansmiledveryfaintly.
    "Iwatchedyourthroatmuscles,"Isaid."Nomatter.IguessIgetthe
    idea.Paulhadbeencuttingcornerswithsomebody'swife.Thesomebodywas

    jealousenoughtohavehimputaway.Ithaspoints,asatheory.Becausethis
    jadenecklaceshewaswearingwouldn'tbewornoftenandsomebodyhadtoknow
    shewaswearingitthatparticularnightwhenthestickupwaspulledoff.A
    husbandwouldknowthat."
    "Itisquitepossible,"Soukesiansaid."Andsinceyouwerenotkilled
    perhapsitwasnottheintenttokillLindleyPaul.Merelytobeathimup."
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Andhere'sanotheridea.Ioughttohavehaditbefore.If
    LindleyPaulreallydidfearsomebodyandwantedtoleaveamessage,thenthere
    mightstillbesomethingwrittenonthosecardsininvisibleink."
    Thatgottohim.Hissmilehungonbutithadalittlemorewrinkleatthe
    cornersthanatfirst.Thetimewasshortformetojudgethat.
    Thelightinsidethemilkyglobesuddenlywentout.Instantlytheroomwas
    pitchdark.Youcouldn'tseeyourownhand.Ikickedmystoolbackandjerkedmy
    gunfreeandstartedtobackaway.
    Arushofairbroughtastrongearthysmellwithit.Itwasuncanny.
    Withouttheslightesterroroftimingorspace,eveninthatcompleteblackness,
    theIndianhitmefrombehindandpinnedmyarms.Hestartedtoliftme.Icould
    havejerkedahandupandfannedtheroominfrontofmewithblindshots.I
    didn'ttry.Therewasn'tanypointinit.
    TheIndianliftedmewithhistwohandsholdingmyarmsagainstmysidesas
    thoughasteamcranewasliftingme.Hesetmedownagain,hard,andhehadmy
    wrists.Hehadthembehindme,twistingthem.Akneelikethecornerofa
    foundationstonewentintomyback.Itriedtoyell.Breathpantedinmythroat
    andcouldn'tgetout.
    TheIndianthrewmesideways,wrappedmylegswithhislegsaswefell,and
    hadmeinabarrel.Ihitthefloorhard,withpartofhisweightonme.
    Istillhadthegun.TheIndiandidn'tknowIhadit.Atleasthedidn't
    actasifheknew.Itwasjammeddownbetweenus.Istartedtoturnit.
    Thelightflickedonagain.
    Soukesianwasstandingbeyondthewhitetable,leaningonit.Helooked
    older.TherewassomethingonhisfaceIdidn'tlike.Helookedlikeamanwho
    hadsomethingtodohedidn'trelish,butwasgoingtodoitallthesame.
    "So,"hesaidsoftly."Invisiblewriting."

    Thenthecurtainsswishedapartandthethindarkwomanrushedintothe
    roomwithareekingwhiteclothinherhandsandslappeditaroundmyface,
    leaningdowntoglareatmewithhotblackeyes.
    TheIndiangruntedalittlebehindme,strainingatmyarms.
    Ihadtobreathethechloroform.Therewastoomuchweightdraggingmy
    throattight.Thethick,sweetishreekofitateintome.
    Iwentawayfromthere.
    JustbeforeIwentsomebodyfiredaguntwice.Thesounddidn'tseemto
    haveanythingtodowithme.
    Iwaslyingoutintheopenagain,justlikethenightbefore.Thistimeit
    wasdaylightandthesunwasburningaholeinmyrightleg.Icouldseethehot
    bluesky,thelinesofaridge,scruboak,yuccasinbloomspoutingfromthe
    sideofahill,morehotbluesky.
    Isatup.Thenmyleftlegbegantotinglewithtinyneedlepoints.I
    rubbedit.Irubbedthepitofmystomach.Thechloroformstankinmynose.I
    wasashollowandrankasanoldoildrum.
    Igotuponmyfeet,butdidn'tstaythere.Thevomitingwasworsethan
    lastnight.Moreshakestoit,morechills,andmystomachhurtworse.Igot
    backuponmyfeet.
    Thebreezeofftheoceanlifteduptheslopeandputalittlefraillife
    intome.Istaggeredarounddopilyandlookedatsometiremarksonredclay,
    thenatabiggalvanizedironcross,oncewhitebutwiththepaintflakedoff
    badly.Itwasstuddedwithemptysocketsforlightbulbs,anditsbasewasof
    crackedconcretewithanopendoor,insidewhichaverdigriscoatedcopper
    switchshowed.
    BeyondthisconcretebaseIsawthefeet.
    Theystuckoutcasuallyfromunderabush.Theywereinhardtoedshoes,
    thekindcollegeboysusedtowearabouttheyearbeforethewar.Ihadn'tseen
    shoeslikethatforyears,exceptonce.
    IwentoverthereandpartedthebushesandlookeddownattheIndian.
    Hisbroad,blunthandslayathissides,largeandemptyandlimp.There
    werebitsofclayanddeadleafandwildoysterplantseedsinhisgreasyblack
    hair.Atraceryofsunlightskimmedalonghisbrowncheek.Onhisstomachthe
    flieshadfoundasoddenpatchofblood.HiseyeswerelikeothereyesIhad
    seentoomanyofthemhalfopen,clear,buttheplaybehindthemwasover.

    Hehadhiscomicstreetclothesonagainandhisgreasyhatlaynearhim,
    withthesweatbandstillwrongsideout.Hewasn'tfunnyanymore,ortough,or
    nasty.Hewasjustapoorsimpledeadguywhohadneverknownwhatitwasall
    about.
    Ihadkilledhim,ofcourse.ThoseweremyshotsIhadheard,frommygun.
    Ididn'tfindthegun.Iwentthroughmyclothes.TheothertwoSoukesian
    cardsweremissing.Nothingelse.Ifollowedthetiretrackstoadeeplyrutted
    roadandfollowedthatdownthehill.Carsglitteredbyfarbelowasthe
    sunlightcaughttheirwindshieldsorthecurveofaheadlight.Therewasa
    servicestationandafewhousesdowntheretoo.Fartheroffstilltheblueof
    water,piers,thelongcurveoftheshorelinetowardsPointFirmin.Itwasa
    littlehazy.Icouldn'tseeCatalinaIsland.
    ThepeopleIwasdealingwithseemedtolikeoperatinginthatpartofthe
    country.
    Ittookmehalfanhourtoreachtheservicestation.Iphonedforataxi
    andithadtocomefromSantaMonica.Idroveallthewayhometomyplacein
    theBerglund,threeblocksabovetheoffice,changedclothes,putmylastgunin
    theholsterandsatdowntothephone.
    Soukesianwasn'thome.Nobodyansweredthatnumber.CarolPridedidn't
    answerhernumber.Ididn'texpectherto.ShewasprobablyhavingteawithMrs.
    PhilipCourtneyPrendergast.Butpoliceheadquartersansweredtheirnumber,and
    Reaviswasstillonthejob.Hedidn'tsoundpleasedtohearfromme.
    "AnythingnewontheLindleyPaulkilling?"Iaskedhim.
    "IthoughtItoldyoutoforgetit.Imeantto."Hisvoicewasnasty.
    "Youtoldmeallright,butitkeepsworryingatme.Ilikeacleanjob.I
    thinkherhusbandhaditdone."
    Hewassilentforamoment.Then,"Whosehusband,smartboy?"
    "Thehusbandofthefrailthatlostthejadebeads,naturally."
    "Andofcourseyou'vehadtopokeyourfaceintowhosheis.
    "Itsortofdriftedtome,"Isaid."Ijusthadtoreachout."Hewas
    silentagain.ThistimesolongthatIcouldheartheloudspeakeronhiswall
    putoutapolicebulletinonastolencar.
    Thenhesaidverysmoothlyanddistinctly:"I'dliketosellyouanidea,
    shamus.MaybeIcan.There'salotofpeaceofmindinit.ThePoliceBoardgave
    youalicenceonceandthesheriffgaveyouaspecialbadge.Anyactingcaptain

    withapeevecangetbothofthemtakenawayfromyouovernight.Maybeevenjust
    alieutenantlikeme.Nowwhatdidyouhavewhenyougotthatlicenceandthat
    badge?Don'tanswer,I'mtellingyou.Youhadthesocialstandingofa
    cockroach.Youwereasnooperforhire.Allintheworldyouhadtodothenwas
    tospendyourlasthundredbucksonadownpaymentonsomerentandoffice
    furnitureandsitonyourtailuntilsomebodybroughtalioninsoyoucould
    putyourheadinthelion'smouthtoseeifhewouldbite.Ifhebityourear
    off,yougotsuedformayhem.Areyoubeginningtogetit?"
    "It'sagoodline,"Isaid,."Iusedityearsago.Soyoudon'twantto
    breakthecase?"
    "IfIcouldtrustyou,I'dtellyouwewanttobreakupaverysmartjewel
    gang.ButIcan'ttrustyou.Whereareyouinapoolroom?"
    "I'minbed,"Isaid."I'vegotatelephonejag."
    "Well,youjustfillyourselfanicehotwaterbottleandputitonyour
    faceandgotosleeplikeagoodlittleboy,willyouplease?"
    "Naw.I'drathergooutandshootanIndian,justforpractice."
    "Well,justoneIndian,Junior."
    "Don'tforgetthatbite,"Iyelled,andhungthephoneinhisface.

    SixLadyInLiquor

    Ihadadrinkonthewaydowntotheboulevard,blackcoffeelacedwithbrandy,
    inaplacewheretheyknewme,Itmademystomachfeellikenew,butIstillhad
    thesameshopwornhead.AndIcouldstillsmellchloroforminmywhiskers.
    Iwentuptotheofficeandintothelittlereceptionroom.Thereweretwo
    ofthemthistime,CarolPrideandablonde.Ablondewithblackeyes.Ablonde
    tomakeabishopkickaholeinastainedglasswindow.
    CarolPridestoodupandscowledatmeandsaid:"ThisisMrs.Philip
    CourtneyPrendergast.Shehasbeenwaitingquitesometime.Andshe'snotused
    tobeingkeptwaiting.Shewantstoemployyou."
    Theblondesmiledatmeandputaglovedhandout,Itouchedthehand.She
    wasperhapsthirtyfiveandshehadthatwideeyed,dreamyexpression,asfaras
    blackeyescanhaveit.Whateveryouneed,whateveryouareshehadit.I

    didn'tpaymuchattentiontoherclothes.Theywereblackandwhite.Theywere
    whattheguyhadputonherandhewouldknoworshewouldn'thavegonetohim.
    Iunlockedthedoorofmyprivatethinkingparlorandusheredthemin.
    Therewasahalfemptyquartofhoochstandingonthecornerofmydesk.
    "Excusemeforkeepingyouwaiting,Mrs.Prendergast,"Isaid."Ihadtogo
    outonalittlebusiness."
    "Idon'tseewhyyouhadtogoout,"CarolPridesaidicily."Thereseems
    tobeallyoucanuserightinfrontofyou."
    Iplacedchairsforthemandsatdownandreachedforthebottleandthe
    phonerangatmyleftelbow.
    Astrangevoicetookitstimesaying:"Dalmas?Okay.Wehavethegat.I
    guessyou'llwantitback,won'tyou?"
    "Bothofthem.I'mapoorman."
    "Weonlygotone,"thevoicesaidsmoothly."Theonethejohnswouldlike
    tohave.I'llbecallingyoulater.Thinkthingsover."
    "Thanks."IhungupandputthebottledownonthefloorandsmiledatMrs.
    Prendergast.
    "I'lldothetalking,"CarolPridesaid."Mrs.Prendergasthasaslight
    cold.Shehastosavehervoice."
    Shegavetheblondeoneofthosesidelonglooksthatwomenthinkmendon't
    understand,thekindthatfeellikeadentist'sdrill.
    "Well"Mrs.Prendergastsaid,andmovedalittlesothatshecouldsee
    alongtheendofthedesk,whereIhadputthewhiskybottledownonthecarpet.
    "Mrs.Prendergasthastakenmeintoherconfidence,"CarolPridesaid."I
    don'tknowwhy,unlessitisthatIhaveshownherwherealotofunpleasant
    notorietycanbeavoided."
    Ifrownedather."Thereisn'tgoingtobeanyofthat.ItalkedtoReavis
    awhileago.Hehasahushonitthatwouldmakeadynamiteexplosionsoundlike
    apawnbrokerlookingatadollarwatch."
    "Veryfunny,"CarolPridesaid,"forpeoplewhodabbleinthatsortofwit.
    ButitjusthappensMrs.Prendergastwouldliketogetherjadenecklaceback
    withoutMr.Prendergastknowingitwasstolen.Itseemshedoesn'tknowyet."
    "That'sdifferent,"Isaid.(Thehellhedidn'tknow!)
    Mrs.PrendergastgavemeasmileIcouldfeelinmyhippocket."Ijust
    lovestraightrye,"shecooed."Couldwejustalittleone?"

    Igotoutacoupleofponyglassesandputthebottleuponthedeskagain.
    CarolPrideleanedbackandlitacigarettecontemptuouslyandlookedatthe
    ceiling.Shewasn'tsohardtolookatherself.Youcouldlookatherlonger
    withoutgettingdizzy.ButMrs.Prendergasthaditalloverherforaquick
    smash.
    Ipouredacoupleofdrinksfortheladies.CarolPridedidn'ttouchhers
    atall.
    "Incaseyoudon'tknow,"shesaiddistantly,"BeverlyHills,whereMrs.
    Prendergastlives,ispeculiarinsomeways.Theyhavetwowayradiocarsand
    onlyasmallterritorytocoverandtheycoveritlikeablanket,because
    there'splentyofmoneyforpoliceprotectioninBeverlyHills.Inthebetter
    homestheyevenhavedirectcommunicationwithheadquarters,overwiresthat
    can'tbecut."
    Mrs.Prendergastputherdrinktosleepwithonepunchandlookedatthe
    bottle.Imilkeditagain.
    "That'snothing,"sheglowed."Weevenhavephotocellconnectionsonour
    safesandfurclosets.Wecanfixthehousesothateventheservantscan'tgo
    nearcertainplaceswithoutpoliceknockingatthedoorinaboutthirtyseconds.
    Marvelous,isn'tit?"
    "Yes,marvelous,"CarolPridesaid."Butthat'sonlyinBeverlyHills.Once
    outsideandyoucan'tspendyourentirelifeinBeverlyHillsthatis,unless
    you'reanantyourjewelsarenotsosafe.SoMrs.Prendergasthadaduplicate
    ofherjadenecklaceinsoapstone."
    Isatupstraighter.LindleyPaulhadletsomethingdropaboutittakinga
    lifetimetoduplicatetheworkmanshiponFeiTsuibeadsevenifmaterialwere
    available.
    Mrs.Prendergastfiddledwithherseconddrink,butnotforlong.Hersmile
    gotwarmerandwarmer.
    "SowhenshewenttoapartyoutsideBeverlyHills,Mrs.Prendergastwas
    supposedtoweartheimitation.Thatis,whenshewantedtowearjadeatall.
    Mr.Prendergastwasveryparticularaboutthat."
    "Andhehasalousytemper,"Mrs.Prendergastsaid.
    Iputsomemoreryeunderherhand.CarolPridewatchedmedoitandalmost
    snarledatme:"Butonthenightoftheholdupshemadeamistakeandwas
    wearingtherealone."

    Ileeredather.
    "Iknowwhatyou'rethinking,"shesnapped."Whoknewshehadmadethat
    mistake?IthappenedthatMr.Paulknewit,soonaftertheyleftthehouse.He
    washerescort."
    "Heertouchedthenecklacealittle,"Mrs.Prendergastsighed."Hecould
    tellrealjadebythefeelofit.I'veheardsomepeoplecan.Heknewalot
    aboutjewels."
    Ileanedbackagaininmysqueakychair,"Hell,"Isaiddisgustedly,"I
    oughttohavesuspectedthatguylongago.Theganghadtohaveasociety
    finger.Howelsecouldtheytellwhenthegoodthingswereoutoftheicebox?He
    musthavepulledacrossonthemandtheyusedthischancetoputhimaway."
    "Ratherwastefulofsuchatalent,don'tyouthink?"CarolPridesaid
    sweetly.Shepushedherlittleglassalongthedesktopwithonefinger."I
    don'treallycareforthis,Mrs.Prendergastifyou'dlikeanother"
    "Mothsinyourermine,"Mrs.Prendergastsaid,andthrewitdownthehatch.
    "Whereandhowwasthestickup?"Irapped.
    "Well,thatseemsalittlefunnytoo,"CarolPridesaid,beatingMrs.
    Prendergastbyhalfaword."Aftertheparty,whichwasinBrentwoodHeights,
    Mr.PaulwantedtodropinattheTrocadero.Theywereinhiscar.Atthattime
    theywerewideningSunsetBoulevardallthroughtheCountyStrip,ifyou
    remember.AftertheyhadkilledalittletimeattheTroc"
    "Andafewsnifters,"Mrs.Prendergastgiggled,reachingforthebottle.
    Sherefilledoneofherglasses.Thatis,someofthewhiskywentintothe
    glass.
    "Mr.PauldroveherhomebywayofSantaMonicaBoulevard."
    "Thatwasthenaturalwaytogo,"Isaid."Almosttheonlywaytogounless
    youwantedalotofdust."
    "Yes,butitalsotookthempastacertaindownattheheelshotelcalled
    theTremaineandabeerparloracrossthestreetfromit.Mrs.Prendergast
    noticedacarpullawayfrominfrontofthebeerparlorandfollowthem.She's
    prettysureitwasthatsamecarthatcrowdedthemtothecurbalittlelater
    andtheholdupmenknewjustwhattheywanted.Mrs.Prendergastremembersall
    thisverywell."

    "Well,naturally,"Mrs.Prendergastsaid."Youdon'tmeanIwasdrunk,I
    hope.Thisbabycarriesherhooch.Youdon'tloseastringofbeadslikethat
    everynight."
    Sheputherfifthdrinkdownherthroat.
    "Iwouldn'tknowadarnthingaboutwhawhatthosemenlookedlike,"she
    toldmealittlethickly."Lintha'sMr.PaulIcalledhimLin,y'know,felt
    kindabadaboutit.That'swhyhestuckhisneckout."
    "Itwasyourmoneythetenthousandforthepayoff?"Iaskedher.
    "Itwasn'tthebutler's,honey.AndIwantthosebeadsbackbeforeCourt
    getswise.Howaboutlookin'overthatbeerparlor?"
    Shegrabbledaroundinherblackandwhitebagandpushedsomebillsacross
    thedeskinalump.Istraightenedthemoutandcountedthem.Theyaddedtofour
    hundredandsixtysevendollars.Nicemoney.Iletthemlie.
    "Mr.Prendergast,"CarolPrideploughedonsweetly,"whomMrs.Prendergast
    calls'Court,'thinkstheimitationnecklacewastaken.Hecan'ttellonefrom
    theother,itseems.Hedoesn'tknowanythingaboutlastnightexceptthat
    LindleyPaulwaskilledbysomebandits."
    "Thehellhedoesn't."Isaiditoutloudthistime,andsourly.Ipushed
    themoneybackacrossthedesk."Ibelieveyouthinkyou'rebeingblackmailed,
    Mrs.Prendergast.You'rewrong.Ithinkthereasonthisstoryhasn'tbrokenin
    thepressthewayithappenedisbecausepressurehasbeenbroughtonthe
    police.They'dbewillinganyhow,becausewhattheywantisthejewelgang.The
    punksthatkilledPaularedeadalready."
    Mrs.Prendergaststaredatmewithahard,bright,alcoholicstare."I
    hadn'ttheslightestideaofbein'blackmailed,"shesaid.Shewashaving
    troublewithhers'snow."IwantmybeadsandIwantthemquick.It'snota
    questionofmoney.Not'tall.Gimmeadrink."
    "It'sinfrontofyou,"Isaid.Shecoulddrinkherselfunderthedeskfor
    allIcared.
    CarolPridesaid:"Don'tyouthinkyououghttogoouttothatbeerparlor
    andseewhatyoucanpickup?"
    "Apieceofchewedpretzel,"Isaid."Nutstothatidea."
    Theblondewaswavingthebottleoverhertwoglasses.Shegotherselfa
    drinkpouredfinally,drankit,andpushedthehandfulofcurrencyaroundonthe
    deskwithafreeandeasygesture,likeakidplayingwithsand.

    Itookitawayfromher,putittogetheragainandwentaroundthedeskto
    putitbackintoherbag.
    "IfIdoanything,I'llletyouknow,"Itoldher."Idon'tneedaretainer
    fromyou,Mrs.Prendergast."
    Shelikedthat.Shealmosttookanotherdrink,thoughtbetterofitwith
    whatshestillhadtothinkwith,gottoherfeetandstartedforthedoor.
    Igottoherintimetokeepherfromopeningitwithhernose.Iheldher
    armandopenedthedoorforherandtherewasauniformedchauffeurleaning
    againstthewalloutside.
    "Oke,"hesaidlistlessly,snappedacigaretteintothedistanceandtook
    holdofher."Let'sgo,baby.Ioughttopaddleyourbehind.DamnedifI
    oughtn't."
    Shegiggledandheldontohimandtheywentdownthecorridorandturneda
    corneroutofsight.Iwentbackintotheofficeandsatdownbehindmydeskand
    lookedatCarolPride.Shewasmoppingthedeskwithadustclothshehadfound
    somewhere.
    "Youandyourofficebottle,"shesaidbitterly.Hereyeshatedme.
    "Tohellwithher,"Isaidangrily."Iwouldn'ttrustherwithmyold
    socks.Ihopeshegetsrapedonthewayhome.Tohellwithherbeerparlorangle
    too."
    "Hermoralsareneitherherenorthere,Mr.JohnDalmas.Shehaspotsof
    moneyandshe'snottightwithit.I'veseenherhusbandandhe'snothingbuta
    beanstalkwithacheckbookthatneverrunsdry.Ifanyfixinghasbeendone,she
    hasdoneitherself.Shetoldmeshe'ssuspectedforsometimethatPaulwasa
    Raffles.Shedidn'tcareaslongasheletheralone."
    "ThisPrendergastisaprune,huh?Hewouldbe,ofcourse."
    "Tall,thin,yellow.Looksasifhisfirstdrinkofmilksouredonhis
    stomachandhecouldstilltasteit."
    "Pauldidn'tstealhernecklace."
    "No?"
    "No.Andshedidn'thaveanyduplicateofit."
    Hereyesgotnarroweranddarker."IsupposeSoukesianthePsychictoldyou
    allthis."
    "Who'she?"

    Sheleanedforwardamomentandthenleanedbackandpulledherbagtight
    againstherside.
    "Isee,"shesaidslowly."Youdon'tlikemywork.Excusemeforbutting
    in.IthoughtIwashelpingyoualittle."
    "Itoldyouitwasnoneofmybusiness.Goonhomeandwriteyourselfa
    featurearticle.Idon'tneedanyhelp."
    "Ithoughtwewerefriends,"shesaid."Ithoughtyoulikedme."Shestared
    atmeforaminutewithbleak,tiredeyes.
    "I'vegotalivingtomake.Idon'tmakeitbuckingthepolicedepartment."
    Shestoodupandlookedatmeamomentlongerwithoutspeaking.Thenshe
    wenttothedoorandwentout.Iheardherstepsdiealongthemosaicfloorof
    thecorridor.
    Isattherefortenorfifteenminutesalmostwithoutmoving.Itriedto
    guesswhySoukesianhadn'tkilledme.Noneofitmadeanysense.Iwentdownto
    theparkinglotandgotintomycar.

    SevenICrossTheBar

    TheHotelTremainewasfaroutofSantaMonica,nearthejunkyards.An
    interurbanrightofwaysplitthestreetinhalf,andjustasIgottotheblock
    thatwouldhavethenumberIhadlookedup,atwocartraincameracketingbyat
    fortyfivemilesanhour,makingalmostasmuchnoiseasatransportplane
    takingoff.Ispeededupbesideitandpassedtheblock,pulledintothecement
    spaceinfrontofamarketthathadgoneoutofbusiness.Igotoutandlooked
    backfromthecornerofthewall.
    IcouldseetheHotelTremaine'ssignoveranarrowdoorbetweentwostore
    fronts,bothemptyanoldtwostorywalkup.Itswoodworkwouldsmellof
    kerosene,itsshadeswouldbecracked,itscurtainswouldbeasleazycotton
    laceanditsbedspringswouldstickintoyourback.Iknewallaboutplaceslike
    theHotelTremaine,Ihadsleptinthem,stakedoutinthem,foughtwithbitter,
    scrawnylandladiesinthem,gotshotatinthem,andmightyetgetcarriedout
    ofoneofthemtothemorguewagon.Theyareflopswhereyoufindthecheap

    ones,thesniffersandpinjabbers,thegowedupruntswhoshootyoubeforeyou
    cansayhello.
    Thebeerparlorwasonmysideofthestreet.IwentbacktotheChrysler
    andgotinsideitwhileImovedmyguntomywaistband,thenIwentalongthe
    sidewalk.
    TherewasaredneonsignBEERoverit.Awidepulleddownshademasked
    thefrontwindow,contrarytothelaw.Theplacewasjustamadeoverstore,
    halffrontage.Iopenedthedoorandwentin.
    Thebarmanwasplayingthepingameonthehouse'smoneyandamansatona
    stoolwithabrownhatonthebackofhisheadreadingaletter.Priceswere
    scrawledinwhiteonthemirrorbackofthebar.
    Thebarwasjustaplain,heavywoodencounter,andateachendofithung
    anoldfrontier.44inaflimsycheapholsternogunfighterwouldeverhave
    worn.Therewereprintedcardsonthewalls,aboutnotaskingforcreditand
    whattotakeforahangoverandaliquorbreath,andthereweresomenicelegs
    inphotographs.
    Theplacedidn'tlookasifitevenpaidexpenses.
    Thebarkeepleftthepingameandwentbehindthebar.Hewasfiftyish,
    sour.Thebottomsofhistrouserswerefrayedandhemovedasifhehadcorns.
    Themanonthestoolkeptrightonchucklingoverhisletter,whichwaswritten
    ingreeninkonpinkpaper.
    Thebarkeepputbothhisblotchedhandsonthebarandlookedatmewith
    theexpressionofadeadpancomedian,andIsaid:"Beer."
    Hedrewitslowly,rakingtheglasswithanolddinnerknife.
    Isippedmybeerandheldmyglasswithmylefthand.AfterawhileIsaid:
    "SeenLouLidlately?"Thisseemedtobeinorder.Therehadbeennothinginany
    paperIhadseenaboutLouLidandFuentetheMex.
    Thebarkeeplookedatmeblankly.Theskinoverhiseyeswasgrainedlike
    lizardskin.Finallyhespokeinahuskywhisper."Don'tknowhim."
    Therewasathickwhitescaronhisthroat.Aknifehadgoneinthereonce
    whichaccountedforthehuskywhisper.
    Themanwhowasreadingtheletterguffawedsuddenlyandslappedhisthigh.
    "IgottatellthistoMoose,"heroared."Thisisrightfromthebottomofthe
    bucket."

    Hegotdownoffhisstoolandambledovertoadoorintherearwalland
    wentthroughit.Hewasahuskydarkmanwholookedlikeanybody.Thedoorshut
    behindhim.
    Thebarkeepsaidinhishuskywhisper:"LouLid,huh?Funnymoniker.Lotsa
    guyscomeinhere.Idunnotheirnames.Copper?"
    "Private,"Isaid."Don'tletitbotheryou.I'mjustdrinkingbeer.This
    LouLidwasashine.Lightbrown.Young."
    "Well,maybeIseenhimsometime.Idon'trecall."
    "Who'sMoose?"
    "Him?That'stheboss.MooseMagoon."
    Hedippedathicktoweldowninabucketandfoldeditandwrungitoutand
    pusheditalongthebarholdingitbytheends.Thatmadeaclubabouttwo
    inchesthickandeighteenincheslong.Youcanknockamanintothenextcounty
    withaclublikethatifyouknowhow.
    Themanwiththepinklettercamebackthroughthereardoor,still
    chuckling,shovedtheletterintohissidepocketandstrolledtothepingame.
    Thatputhimbehindme.Ibegantogetalittleworried.
    Ifinishedmybeerquicklyandstooddownoffthestool.Thebarkeephadn't
    rungupmydimeyet.Heheldhistwistedtowelandmoveditbackandforth
    slowly.
    "Nicebeer,"Isaid."Thanksallthesame."
    "Comeagain,"hewhispered,andknockedmyglassover.
    Thattookmyeyesforasecond.WhenIlookedupagainthedoorattheback
    wasopenandabigmanstoodinitwithabigguninhishand.
    Hedidn'tsayanything.Hejuststoodthere.Thegunlookedatme.It
    lookedlikeatunnel.Themanwasverybroad,veryswarthy.Hehadabuildlike
    awrestler.Helookedplentytough.Hedidn'tlookasifhisrealnamewas
    Magoon.
    Nobodysaidanything.Thebarkeepandthemanwiththebiggunjuststared
    atmefixedly.ThenIheardatraincomingontheinterurbantracks.Comingfast
    andcomingnoisy.Thatwouldbethetime.Theshadewasdownallacrossthe
    frontwindowandnobodycouldseeintotheplace.Thetrainwouldmakealotof
    noiseasitwentby.Acoupleofshotswouldbelostinit.
    Thenoiseoftheapproachingtraingotlouder.Ihadtomovebeforeitgot
    quiteloudenough.

    Iwentheadfirstoverthebarinarollingdive.
    Somethingbangedfaintlyagainsttheroarofthetrainandsomething
    rattledoverhead,seeminglyonthewall.Ineverknewwhatitwas.Thetrain
    wentonbyinaboomingcrescendo.
    Ihitthebarkeep'slegsandthedirtyflooraboutthesamemoment.Hesat
    downonmyneck.
    Thatputmynoseinapuddleofstalebeerandoneofmyearsintosome
    veryhardconcretefloor.Myheadbegantohowlwithpain.Iwaslowdownalong
    asortofduckboardbehindthebarandhalfturnedonmyleftside.Ijerkedthe
    gunloosefrommywaistband.Forawonderithadn'tslippedandjammeditself
    downmytrouserleg.
    ThebarkeepmadeakindofannoyedsoundandsomethinghotstungmeandI
    didn'thearanymoreshotsjustatthemoment.Ididn'tshootthebarkeep.I
    rammedthegunmuzzleintoapartofhimwheresomepeoplearesensitive.Hewas
    oneofthem.
    Hewentupoffmelikeafoulfly.Ifhedidn'tyellitwasnotforwantof
    trying.Irolledalittlemoreandputthegunintheseatofhispants."Hold
    it!"Isnarledathim."Idon'twanttogetvulgarwithyou."
    Twomoreshotsroared.Thetrainwasoffinthedistance,butsomebody
    didn'tcare.Thesecutthroughwood.Thebarwasoldandsolidbutnotsolid
    enoughtostop.45slugs.Thebarkeepsighedaboveme.Somethinghotandwet
    fellonmyface."You'veshotme,boys,"hewhispered,andstartedtofalldown
    ontopofme.
    Iwriggledawayjustintime,gottotheendofthebarnearestthefront
    ofthebeerparlorandlookedaroundit.Afacewithabrownhatoveritwas
    aboutnineinchesfrommyownface,onthesamelevel.
    Welookedateachotherforafractionofasecondthatseemedlongenough
    foratreetogrowtomaturityin,butwasactuallysoshortatimethatthe
    barkeepwasstillfounderingintheairbehindme.
    Thiswasmylastgun.Nobodywasgoingtogetit.Igotitupbeforethe
    manIwasfacinghadevenreactedtothesituation.Hedidn'tdoanything.He
    justslidofftoonesideandasheslidathickgulpofredcameoutofhis
    mouth.
    Iheardthisshot.Itwassolouditwasliketheendoftheworld,soloud
    thatIalmostdidn'thearthedoorslamtowardstheback.Icrawledfarther

    aroundtheendofthebar,knockedsomebody'sgunalongthefloorpeevishly,
    stuckmyhataroundthecornerofthewood.Nobodyshotatit.Istuckoneeye
    andpartofmyfaceout.
    Thedooratthebackwasshutandthespaceinfrontofitwasempty.Igot
    uponmykneesandlistened.Anotherdoorslammed,andacarmotorroared.
    Iwentcrazy.Itoreacrosstheroom,threwthedooropenandplunged
    throughit.Itwasaphony.Theyhadslammedthedoorandstartedthecarjust
    foracomeon,Isawthattheflailingarmheldabottle.
    ForthethirdtimeintwentyfourhoursItookthecount.
    Icameoutofthisoneyelling,withtheharshbiteofammoniainmynose.
    Iswungataface.ButIdidn'thaveanythingtoswingwith.Myarmswerea
    coupleoffourtonanchors.Ithreshedaroundandgroaned.
    Thefaceinfrontofmematerializedintotheboredyetattentivepanofa
    manwithawhitecoat,afastwagonmedico.
    "Likeit?"hegrinned."Somepeopleusedtodrinkitwithawinetonic
    chaser."
    Hepulledatmeandsomethingnippedatmyshoulderandaneedlestungme.

    "Lightshot,"hesaid."Thatheadofyoursisprettybad.Youwon'tgo
    out."
    Hisfacewentaway.Iprowledmyeyes.Beyondtherewasavagueness.ThenI
    sawagirl'sface,hushed,sharp,attentive.CarolPride.
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Youfollowedme.Youwould."
    Shesmiledandmoved.ThenherfingerswerestrokingmycheekandI
    couldn'tseeher.
    "Theprowlcarboysjustmadeit,"shesaid."Thecrookshadyouall
    wrappedupinacarpetforshipmentinatruckoutback."
    Icouldn'tseeverywell.Abigredfacedmaninblueslidinfrontofme.
    Hehadaguninhishandwiththegateopen.Somebodygroanedsomewhereinthe
    background.
    Shesaid:"Theyhadtwootherswrappedup.Buttheyweredead.Ugh!"
    "Goonhome,"Igrumbledwoozily."Gowriteyourselfafeaturestory."
    "Youusedthatonebefore,sap."Shewentonstrokingmycheek."Ithought
    youmadethemupasyouwentalong.Drowsy?"

    "That'salltakencareof,"avoicesaidsharply."Getthisshotguydown
    towhereyoucanworkonhim.Iwanthimtolive."
    Reaviscametowardsmeasoutofamist.Hisfaceformeditselfslowly,
    gray,attentive,ratherstern.Itlowered,asifhesatdowninfrontofme,
    closetome.
    "Soyouhadtoplayitsmart,"hesaidinasharp,edgyvoice."Allright,
    talk.Thehellwithhowyourheadfeels.Youaskedforitandyougotit."
    "Gimmeadrink."
    Vaguemotion,aflickerofbrightlight,thelipofaflasktouchedmy
    mouth.Hotstrengthrandownmythroat.SomeofitrancoldonmychinandI
    movedmyheadawayfromtheflask.
    "Thanks.GetMagoonthebiggestone?"
    "He'sfulloflead,butstillturningover.Onhiswaydowntownnow."
    "GettheIndian?"
    "Huh?"hegulped.
    "InsomebushesunderPeaceCrossdownonthePalisades.Ishothim.I
    didn'tmeanto."
    "Holy"
    Reaviswentawayagainandthefingersmovedslowlyandrhythmicallyonmy
    cheek.
    Reaviscamebackandsatdownagain."Who'stheIndian?"hesnapped.
    "Soukesian'sstrongarmman.SoukesianthePsychic.He"
    "Weknowabouthim,"Reavisinterruptedbitterly."You'vebeenoutawhole
    hour,shamus.Theladytoldusaboutthosecards.Shesaysit'sherfaultbutI
    don'tbelieveit.Screwyanyhow.Butacoupleoftheboyshavegoneoutthere."
    "Iwasthere,"Isaid."Athishouse.Heknowssomething.Idon'tknow
    what.Hewasafraidofmeyethedidn'tknockmeoff.Funny."
    "Amateur,"Reavissaiddryly."HeleftthatforMooseMagoon.MooseMagoon
    wastoughuptilllately.ArecordfromheretoPittsburgh...Here.Buttakeit
    easy.Thisis_antemortem_confessionliquor.Toodamngoodforyou."
    Theflasktouchedmylipsagain.
    "Listen,"Isaidthickly."Thiswasthestickupsquad.Soukesianwasthe
    brains.LindleyPaulwasthefinger.Hemusthavecrossedthemonsomething"
    Reavissaid,"Nuts,"andjustthenaphonerangdistantlyandavoicesaid:
    "You,Lieutenant."

    Reaviswentaway.Whenhecamebackagainhedidn'tsitdown.
    "Maybeyou'reright,"hesaidsoftly."Maybeyouare,atthat.Inahouse
    ontopofahillinBrentwoodHeightsthere'sagoldenhairedguydeadina
    chairwithawomancryingoverhim.Dutchact.There'sajadenecklaceona
    tablebesidehim."
    "Toomuchdeath,"Isaid,andfainted.
    Iwokeupinanambulance.AtfirstIthoughtIwasaloneinit.ThenI
    feltherhandandknewIwasn't.Iwasstoneblindnow.Icouldn'tevensee
    light.Itwasjustbandages.
    "Thedoctor'supfrontwiththedriver,"shesaid."Youcanholdmyhand.
    Wouldyoulikemetokissyou?"
    "Ifitdoesn'tobligatemetoanything."
    Shelaughedsoftly."Iguessyou'lllive,"shesaid.Shekissedme."Your
    hairsmellsofScotch.Doyoutakebathsinit?Thedoctorsaidyouweren'tto
    talk."
    "Theybeanedmewithafullbottle.DidItellReavisabouttheIndian?"
    "Yes."
    "DidItellhimMrs.PrendergastthoughtPaulwasmixedup"
    "Youdidn'tevenmentionMrs.Prendergast,"shesaidquickly.
    Ididn'tsayanythingtothat.Afterawhileshesaid:"ThisSoukesian,did
    helooklikealady'sman?"
    "ThedoctorsaidIwasn'ttotalk,"Isaid.

    EightPoisonBlonde

    ItwasacoupleofweekslaterthatIdrovedowntoSantaMonica.Tendaysof
    thetimeIhadspentinthehospital,atmyownexpense,gettingoverabad
    concussion.MooseMagoonwasintheprisonwardattheCountyHospitalaboutthe
    sametime,whiletheypickedsevenoreightpoliceslugsoutofhim.Attheend
    ofthattimetheyburiedhim.
    Thecasewasprettywellburiedbythistime,too.Thepapershadhadtheir
    playwithitandotherthingshadcomealongandafterallitwasjustajewel
    racketthatwentsourfromtoomuchdoublecrossing.Sothepolicesaid,and

    theyoughttoknow.Theydidn'tfindanymorejewels,buttheydidn'texpectto.
    Theyfiguredthegangpulledjustonejobatatime,withcoolielabormostly,
    andsentthemontheirwaywiththeircut.Thatwayonlythreepeoplereally
    knewwhatitwasallabout:MooseMagoon,whoturnedouttobeanArmenian;
    Soukesian,whousedhisconnectionstofindoutwhohadtherightkindof
    jewels;andLindleyPaul,whofingeredthejobsandtippedthegangoffwhento
    strike.Orsothepolicesaid,andtheyoughttoknow.
    Itwasanicewarmafternoon.CarolPridelivedonTwentyfifthStreet,in
    aneatlittleredbrickhousetrimmedwithwhitewithahedgeinfrontofit.
    Herlivingroomhadatanfiguredrug,whiteandrosechairs,ablack
    marblefireplacewithtallbrassandirons,veryhighbookcasesbuiltbackinto
    thewalls,roughcreamcoloreddrapesagainstshadesofthesamecolor.
    Therewasnothingwomanishinitexceptafulllengthmirrorwithaclear
    sweepoffloorinfront.
    Isatdowninanicesoftchairandrestedwhatwasleftofmyheadand
    sippedScotchandsodawhileIlookedatherfluffedoutbrownhairabovea
    highcollardressthatmadeherfacelooksmall,almostchildish.
    "Ibetyoudidn'tgetallthiswriting,"Isaid.
    "Andmydaddidn'tgetitgraftingonthecopseither,"shesnapped."We
    hadafewlotsatPlayaDelRey,ifyouhavetoknow."
    "Alittleoil,"Isaid."Nice.Ididn'thavetoknow.Don'tstartsnapping
    atme."
    "Haveyoustillgotyourlicence?"
    "Oh,yes,"Isaid."Well,thisisniceScotch.Youwouldn'tliketogo
    ridinginanoldcar,wouldyou?"
    "WhoamItosneeratanoldcar?"sheasked."Thelaundrymusthaveput
    toomuchstarchinyourneck."
    Igrinnedatthethinlinebetweenhereyebrows.
    "Ikissedyouinthatambulance,"shesaid."Ifyouremember,don'ttakeit
    toobig.Iwasjustsorryforthewayyougotyourheadbashedin."
    "I'macareerman,"Isaid."Iwouldn'tbuildonanythinglikethat.Let's
    goriding.IhavetoseeablondeinBeverlyHills.Ioweherareport."
    Shestoodupandglaredatme."Oh,thePrendergastwoman,"shesaid
    nastily."Theonewiththehollowwoodenlegs."
    "Theymaybehollow,"Isaid.

    Sheflushedandtoreoutoftheroomandcamebackinwhatseemedabout
    threesecondswithafunnylittleoctagonalhatthathadaredbuttononit,and
    aplaidovercoatwithasuedecollarandcuffs."Let'sgo,"shesaid
    breathlessly.
    ThePhilipCourtneyPrendergastslivedononeofthosewide,curving
    streetswherethehousesseemtobetooclosetogetherfortheirsizeandthe
    amountofmoneytheyrepresent.AJapgardenerwasmanicuringafewacresof
    softgreenlawnwiththeusualcontemptuousexpressionJapgardenershave.The
    househadanEnglishslateroofandaportecochre,someniceimportedtrees,a
    trelliswithbougainvillaea.Itwasaniceplaceandnotloud.ButBeverlyHills
    isBeverlyHills,sothebutlerhadawingcollarandanaccentlikeAlan
    Mowbray.
    Heusheredusthroughzonesofsilenceintoaroomthatwasemptyatthe
    moment.Ithadlargechesterfieldsandloungingchairsdoneinpaleyellow
    leatherandarrangedaroundafireplace,infrontofwhich,ontheglossybut
    notslipperyfloor,layarugasthinassilkandasoldasAesop'saunt.Ajet
    offlowersinthecorner,anotherjetonalowtable,wallsofdullypainted
    parchment,silence,comfort,space,coziness,adashoftheverymodernanda
    dashoftheveryold.Averyswellroom.
    CarolPridesniffedatit.
    ThebutlerswunghalfofaleathercovereddoorandMrs.Prendergastcame
    in.Paleblue,withahatandbagtomatch,allreadytogoout.Paleblue
    glovesslappinglightlyatapalebluethigh.Asmile,hintsofdepthsinthe
    blackeyes,ahighcolor,andevenbeforeshespokeaniceedge.
    Sheflungbothherhandsoutatus.CarolPridemanagedtomisshershare.
    Isqueezedmine.
    "Gorgeousofyoutocome,"shecried."Hownicetoseeyoubothagain.I
    canstilltastethatwhiskyyouhadinyouroffice.Terrible,wasn'tit?"
    Weallsatdown.
    Isaid:"Ididn'treallyneedtotakeupyourtimebycominginperson,
    Mrs.Prendergast.Everythingturnedoutallrightandyougotyourbeadsback."
    "Yes.Thatstrangeman.Howcuriousofhimtobewhathewas.Iknewhim
    too.Didyouknowthat?"
    "Soukesian?Ithoughtperhapsyouknewhim,"Isaid.

    "Oh,yes.Quitewell.Imustoweyoualotofmoney.Andyourpoorhead.
    Howisit?"
    CarolPridewassittingclosetome.
    Shesaidtinnily,betweenherteeth,almosttoherself,butnotquite:
    "Sawdustandcreosote.Evenatthatthetermitesaregettingher."
    IsmiledatMrs.Prendergastandshereturnedmysmilewithanangelonits
    back.
    "Youdon'towemeanickel,"Isaid."Therewasjustonething"
    "Impossible.Imust.Butlet'shavealittleScotch,shallwe?"Sheheld
    herbagonherknees,pressedsomethingunderthechair,said:"AlittleScotch
    andsoda,Vernon."Shebeamed."Cute,eh?Youcan'tevenseethemike.This
    houseisjustfulloflittlethingslikethat.Mr.Prendergastlovesthem.This
    onetalksinthebutler'spantry."
    CarolPridesaid:"Ibettheonethattalksbythechauffeur'sbediscute
    too."
    Mrs.Prendergastdidn'thearher.Thebutlercameinwithatrayandmixed
    drinks,handedthemaroundandwentout.
    OvertherimofherglassMrs.Prendergastsaid:"Youwerenicenottotell
    thepoliceIsuspectedLinPaulofbeingwell,youknow.OrthatIhadanything
    todowithyourgoingtothatawfulbeerparlor.Bytheway,howdidyouexplain
    that?"
    "Easy.ItoldthemPaultoldmehimself.Hewaswithyou,remember?"
    "Buthedidn't,ofcourse?"Ithoughthereyeswerealittleslynow.
    "Hetoldmepracticallynothing.Thatwasthewholetruth.Andofcoursehe
    didn'ttellmehe'dbeenblackmailingyou."
    IseemedtobeawarethatCarolPridehadstoppedbreathing.Mrs.
    Prendergastwentonlookingatmeovertherimofherglass.Herfacehad,fora
    briefmoment,asortofhalfsilly,nymphsurprisedwhilebathingexpression.
    Thensheputherglassdownslowlyandopenedherbaginherlapandgota
    handkerchiefoutandbitit.Therewassilence.
    "That,"shesaidinalowvoice,"isratherfantastic,isn'tit?"
    Igrinnedathercoldly."Thepolicearealotlikethenewspapers,Mrs.
    Prendergast.Foronereasonandanothertheycan'tuseeverythingtheyget.But
    thatdoesn'tmakethemdumb.Reavisisn'tdumb.Hedoesn'treallythink,any
    morethanIdo,thatthisSoukesianpersonwasreallyrunningatoughjewel

    heistgang.Hecouldn'thavehandledpeoplelikeMooseMagoonforfiveminutes.
    They'dhavewalkedalloverhisfacejustforexercise.YetSoukesiandidhave
    thenecklace.Thatneedsexplaining.IthinkheboughtitfromMooseMagoon.
    Forthetengrandpayoffsuppliedbyyouandforsomeotherlittle
    considerationlikelypaidinadvancetogetMoosetopullthejob."
    Mrs.Prendergastloweredherlidsuntilhereyeswerealmostshut,thenshe
    liftedthemagainandsmiled.Itwasaratherghastlysmile.CarolPridedidn't
    movebesideme.
    "Somebody_wanted_LindleyPaulkilled,"Isaid."That'sobvious.Youmight
    killamanaccidentallywithablackjack,bynotknowinghowhardtohitwith
    it.Butyouwon'tputhisbrainsalloverhisface.Andifyoubeathimupjust
    toteachhimtobegood,youwouldn'tbeathimabouttheheadatall.Because
    thatwayhewouldn'tknowhowbadlyyouwerehurtinghim.Andyou'dwanthimto
    knowthatifyouwerejustteachinghimalesson."
    "Whawhat,"theblondewomanaskedhuskily,"hasallthistodowithme?"
    Herfacewasamask.Hereyesheldawarmbitternesslikepoisonedhoney.
    Oneofherhandswasrovingaroundinsideherbag.Itbecamequiet,insidethe
    bag.
    "MooseMagoonwouldpullajoblikethat,"Iboredon,"ifhewaspaidfor
    it.He'dpullanykindofajob.AndMoosewasanArmenian,soSoukesianmight
    haveknownhowtoreachhim.AndSoukesianwasjustthetypetogoskirtsimple
    overarotoqueenandbewillingtodoanythingshewantedhimtodo,evenhave
    amankilled,especiallyifthatmanwasarival,especiallyifhewasthekind
    ofmanwhorolledaroundonfloorcushionsandmaybeeventookcandidcamera
    photosofhisladyfriendswhentheygotalittletooclosetotheGardenof
    Eden.Thatwouldn'tbetoohardtounderstand,wouldit,Mrs.Prendergast?"
    "Takeadrink,"CarolPridesaidicily."You'redrooling.Youdon'thaveto
    tellthisbabyshe'satramp.Sheknowsit.Buthowthehellcouldanybody
    blackmailher?You'vegottohaveareputationtobeblackmailed."
    "Shutup!"Isnapped."Thelessyou'vegotthemoreyou'llpaytokeepit."
    Iwatchedtheblondwoman'shandmovesuddenlyinsideherbag."Don'tbotherto
    pullthegun,"Itoldher."Iknowtheywon'thangyou.Ijustwantedyouto
    knowyou'renotkiddinganybodyandthatthattrapinthebeerparlorwasrigged
    tofinishmeoffwhenSoukesianlosthisnerveandthatyouweretheonethat
    sentmeintheretogetwhattheyhadforme.Therestofit'sdeadwoodnow."

    Butshepulledthegunoutjustthesameandhelditonherpaleblueknee
    andsmiledatme.
    CarolPridethrewaglassather.Shedodgedandthegunwentoff.Aslug
    wentsoftlyandpolitelyintotheparchmentcoveredwall,highup,makingno
    moresoundthanafingergoingintoaglove.
    Thedooropenedandanenormouslytall,thinmanstrolledintotheroom.
    "Shootme,"hesaid."I'monlyyourhusband."
    Theblondelookedathim.ForjustashortmomentIthoughtshemightbe
    goingtotakehimuponit.
    Thenshejustsmiledalittlemoreandputthegunbackintoherbagand
    reachedforherglass."Listeninginagain?"shesaiddully."Somedayyou'll
    hearsomethingyouwon'tlike."
    Thetall,thinmantookaleathercheckbookoutofhispocketandcockedan
    eyebrowatmeandsaid:"Howmuchwillkeepyouquietpermanently?"
    Igawkedathim."YouheardwhatIsaidinhere?"
    "Ithinkso.Thepickup'sprettygoodthisweather.Ibelieveyouwere
    accusingmywifeofhavingsomethingtodowithsomebody'sdeath,wasitnot?"
    Ikeptongawkingathim.
    "Wellhowmuchdoyouwant?"hesnapped."Iwon'targuewithyou.I'mused
    toblackmailers."
    "Makeitamillion,"Isaid."Andshejusttookashotatus.Thatwillbe
    fourbitsextra."
    Theblondelaughedcrazilyandthelaughturnedintoascreechandthen
    intoayell.Thenextthingshewasrollingonthefloorscreamingandkicking
    herlegsaround.
    Thetallmanwentovertoherquicklyandbentdownandhitherintheface
    withhisopenhand.Youcouldhaveheardthatsmackamile.Whenhestraightened
    upagainhisfacewasaduskyredandtheblondewaslyingtheresobbing.
    "I'llshowyoutothedoor,"hesaid."Youcancallatmyofficetomorrow."
    "Whatfor?"Iasked,andtookmyhat."You'llstillbeasap,evenatyour
    office."
    ItookCarolPride'sarmandsteeredheroutoftheroom.Weleftthehouse
    silently.TheJapgardenerhadjustpulledabitofweedrootoutofthelawn
    andwasholdingitupandsneeringatit.

    Wedroveawayfromthere,towardsthefoothills.Aredspotlightnearthe
    oldBeverlyHillsHotelstoppedmeafterawhile.Ijustsatthereholdingthe
    wheel.Thegirlbesidemedidn'tmoveeither.Shedidn'tsayanything.Shejust
    lookedstraightahead.
    "Ididn'tgetthebigwarmfeeling,"Isaid."Ididn'tgettosmackanybody
    down.Ididn'tmakeitstick."
    "Sheprobablydidn'tplanitincoldblood,"shewhispered."Shejustgot
    madandresentfulandsomebodysoldheranidea.Awomanlikethattakesmenand
    getstiredofthemandthrowsthemawayandtheygocrazytryingtogether
    back.ItmighthavebeenjustbetweenthetwoloversPaulandSoukesian.But
    Mr.Magoonplayedrough."
    "Shesentmetothatbeerparlor,"Isaid."That'senoughforme.AndPaul
    hadideasaboutSoukesian.Iknewshe'dmiss.Withthegun,Imean."
    Igrabbedher.Shewasshivering.
    Acarcameupbehindusandthedriverstoodonhishorn.Ilistenedtoit
    foralittlewhile,thenIletgoofCarolPrideandgotoutoftheroadsterand
    walkedback.Hewasabigman,behindthewheelofasedan.
    "That'saboulevardstop,"hesaidsharply."Lover'sLaneisfartherupin
    thehills.GetoutoftherebeforeIpushyouout."
    "Blowyourhornjustoncemore,"Ibeggedhim."Justonce.Thentellme
    whichsideyouwanttheshineron."
    Hetookapolicecaptain'sbadgeoutofhisvestpocket.Thenhegrinned.
    Thenwebothgrinned.Itwasn'tmyday.
    Igotbackintotheroadsterandturneditaroundandstartedbacktowards
    SantaMonica."Let'sgohomeanddrinksomemoreScotch,"Isaid."YourScotch."

    REDWIND

    Therewasadesertwindblowingthatnight.ItwasoneofthosehotdrySanta
    Anasthatcomedownthroughthemountainpassesandcurlyourhairandmakeyour

    nervesjumpandyourskinitch.Onnightslikethateveryboozepartyendsina
    fight.Meeklittlewivesfeeltheedgeofthecarvingknifeandstudytheir
    husbands'necks.Anythingcanhappen.Youcanevengetafullglassofbeerata
    cocktaillounge.
    Iwasgettingoneinaflossynewplaceacrossthestreetfromthe
    apartmenthousewhereIlived.Ithadbeenopenaboutaweekanditwasn'tdoing
    anybusiness.Thekidbehindthebarwasinhisearlytwentiesandlookedasif
    hehadneverhadadrinkinhislife.
    Therewasonlyoneothercustomer,asouseonabarstoolwithhisbackto
    thedoor.Hehadapileofdimesstackedneatlyinfrontofhim,abouttwo
    dollars'worth.Hewasdrinkingstraightryeinsmallglassesandhewasallby
    himselfinaworldofhisown.
    Isatfartheralongthebarandgotmyglassofbeerandsaid:"Yousure
    cutthecloudsoffthem,buddy.Iwillsaythatforyou."
    "Wejustopenedup,"thekidsaid."Wegottobuilduptrade.Beenin
    before,haven'tyou,mister?"
    "Uhhuh."
    "Livearoundhere?"
    "IntheBerglundApartmentsacrossthestreet,"Isaid."Andthenameis
    PhilipMarlowe."
    "Thanks,mister.Mine'sLewPetrolle."Heleanedclosetomeacrossthe
    polisheddarkbar."Knowthatguy?"
    "No."
    "Heoughttogohome,kindof.Ioughttocallataxiandsendhimhome.
    He'sdoinghisnextweek'sdrinkingtoosoon."
    "Anightlikethis,"Isaid."Lethimalone."
    "It'snotgoodforhim,"thekidsaid,scowlingatme.
    "Rye!"thedrunkcroaked,withoutlookingup.Hesnappedhisfingerssoas
    nottodisturbhispilesofdimesbybangingonthebar.
    Thekidlookedatmeandshrugged."ShouldI?"
    "Whosestomachisit?Notmine."
    ThekidpouredhimanotherstraightryeandIthinkhedoctoreditwith
    waterdownbehindthebarbecausewhenhecameupwithithelookedasguiltyas
    ifhe'dkickedhisgrandmother.Thedrunkpaidnoattention.Heliftedcoinsoff
    hispilewiththeexactcareofacracksurgeonoperatingonabraintumor.

    Thekidcamebackandputmorebeerinmyglass.Outsidethewindhowled.
    Everyonceinawhileitblewthestainedglassdooropenafewinches.Itwasa
    heavydoor.
    Thekidsaid:"Idon'tlikedrunksinthefirstplaceandinthesecond
    placeIdon'tlikethemgettingdrunkinhere,andinthethirdplaceIdon't
    liketheminthefirstplace."
    "WarnerBrotherscouldusethat,"Isaid.
    "Theydid."
    Justthenwehadanothercustomer.Acarsqueakedtoastopoutsideandthe
    swingingdoorcameopen.Afellowcameinwholookedalittleinahurry.He
    heldthedoorandrangedtheplacequicklywithflat,shiny,darkeyes.Hewas
    wellsetup,dark,goodlookinginanarrowfaced,tightlippedway.Hisclothes
    weredarkandawhitehandkerchiefpeepedcoylyfromhispocketandhelooked
    coolaswellasunderatensionofsomesort.Iguesseditwasthehotwind.I
    feltabitthesamemyselfonlynotcool.
    Helookedatthedrunk'sback.Thedrunkwasplayingcheckerswithhis
    emptyglasses.Thenewcustomerlookedatme,thenhelookedalongthelineof
    halfboothsattheothersideoftheplace.Theywereallempty.Hecameonin
    downpastwherethedrunksatswayingandmutteringtohimselfandspoketothe
    barkid.
    "Seenaladyinhere,buddy?Tall,pretty,brownhair,inaprintbolero
    jacketoverabluecrpesilkdress.Wearingawidebrimmedstrawhatwitha
    velvetband."HehadatightvoiceIdidn'tlike.
    "No,sir.Nobodylikethat'sbeenin,"thebarkidsaid.
    "Thanks.StraightScotch.Makeitfast,willyou?"
    Thekidgaveittohimandthefellowpaidandputthedrinkdowninagulp
    andstartedtogoout.Hetookthreeorfourstepsandstopped,facingthe
    drunk.Thedrunkwasgrinning.Hesweptagunfromsomewheresofastthatitwas
    justablurcomingout.Hehelditsteadyandhedidn'tlookanydrunkerthanI
    was.Thetalldarkguystoodquitestillandthenhisheadjerkedbackalittle
    andthenhewasstillagain.
    Acartorebyoutside.Thedrunk'sgunwasa.22targetautomatic,witha
    largefrontsight.Itmadeacoupleofhardsnapsandalittlesmokecurled
    verylittle.
    "Solong,Waldo,"thedrunksaid.

    Thenheputthegunonthebarmanandme.
    Thedarkguytookaweektofalldown.Hestumbled,caughthimself,waved
    onearm,stumbledagain.Hishatfelloff,andthenhehitthefloorwithhis
    face.Afterhehitithemighthavebeenpouredconcreteforallthefusshe
    made.
    Thedrunksliddownoffthestoolandscoopedhisdimesintoapocketand
    slidtowardsthedoor.Heturnedsideways,holdingthegunacrosshisbody.I
    didn'thaveagun.Ihadn'tthoughtIneededonetobuyaglassofbeer.Thekid
    behindthebardidn'tmoveormaketheslightestsound.
    Thedrunkfeltthedoorlightlywithhisshoulder,keepinghiseyesonus,
    thenpushedthroughitbackwards.Whenitwaswideahardgustofairslammedin
    andliftedthehairofthemanonthefloor.Thedrunksaid:"PoorWaldo.Ibet
    Imadehisnosebleed."
    Thedoorswungshut.Istartedtorushitfromlongpracticeindoingthe
    wrongthing.Inthiscaseitdidn'tmatter.Thecaroutsideletoutaroarand
    whenIgotontothesidewalkitwasflickingaredsmearoftaillightaroundthe
    nearbycorner.IgotitslicensenumberthewayIgotmyfirstmillion.
    Therewerepeopleandcarsupanddowntheblockasusual.Nobodyactedas
    ifagunhadgoneoff.Thewindwasmakingenoughnoisetomakethehardquick
    rapof.22ammunitionsoundlikeaslammeddoor,evenifanyoneheardit.Iwent
    backintothecocktailbar.
    Thekidhadn'tmoved,evenyet.Hejuststoodwithhishandsflatonthe
    bar,leaningoveralittleandlookingdownatthedarkguy'sback.Thedarkguy
    hadn'tmovedeither.Ibentdownandfelthisneckartery.Hewouldn'tmove
    ever.
    Thekid'sfacehadasmuchexpressionasacutofroundsteakandwasabout
    thesamecolor.Hiseyesweremoreangrythanshocked.
    Ilitacigaretteandblewsmokeattheceilingandsaidshortly:"Geton
    thephone."
    "Maybehe'snotdead,"thekidsaid.
    "Whentheyuseatwentytwothatmeanstheydon'tmakemistakes.Where's
    thephone?"
    "Idon'thaveone.Igotenoughexpenseswithoutthat.Boy,canIkick
    eighthundredbucksintheface!"
    "Youownthisplace?"

    "Ididtillthishappened."
    Hepulledhiswhitecoatoffandhisapronandcamearoundtheinnerendof
    thebar."I'mlockingthisdoor,"hesaid,takingkeysout.
    Hewentout,swungthedoortoandjiggledthelockfromtheoutsideuntil
    theboltclickedintoplace.IbentdownandrolledWaldoover.AtfirstI
    couldn'tevenseewheretheshotswentin.ThenIcould.Acoupleoftinyholes
    inhiscoat,overhisheart.Therewasalittlebloodonhisshirt.
    Thedrunkwaseverythingyoucouldaskasakiller.
    Theprowlcarboyscameinabouteightminutes.Thekid,LewPetrolle,was
    backbehindthebarbythen.Hehadhiswhitecoatonagainandhewascounting
    hismoneyintheregisterandputtingitinhispocketandmakingnotesina
    littlebook.
    Isatattheedgeofoneofthehalfboothsandsmokedcigarettesand
    watchedWaldo'sfacegetdeaderanddeader.Iwonderedwhothegirlintheprint
    coatwas,whyWaldohadlefttheengineofhiscarrunningoutside,whyhewas
    inahurry,whetherthedrunkhadbeenwaitingforhimorjusthappenedtobe
    there.
    Theprowlcarboyscameinperspiring.Theyweretheusuallargesizeand
    oneofthemhadaflowerstuckunderhiscapandhiscaponabitcrooked.When
    hesawthedeadmanhegotridoftheflowerandleaneddowntofeelWaldo's
    pulse.
    "Seemstobedead,"hesaid,androlledhimaroundalittlemore."Ohyeah,
    Iseewheretheywentin.Nicecleanwork.Youtwoseehimgetit?"
    Isaidyes.Thekidbehindthebarsaidnothing.Itoldthemaboutit,that
    thekillerseemedtohaveleftinWaldo'scar.
    ThecopyankedWaldo'swalletout,wentthroughitrapidlyandwhistled.
    "Plentyjackandnodriver'slicense."Heputthewalletaway."O.K.,wedidn't
    touchhim,see?Justachancewecouldfinddidhehaveacarandputitonthe
    air."
    "Thehellyoudidn'ttouchhim,"LewPatrollesaid.
    Thecopgavehimoneofthoselooks."O.K.,pal,"hesaidsoftly."We
    touchedhim."
    Thekidpickedupacleanhighballglassandbegantopolishit.He
    polisheditalltherestofthetimewewerethere.

    Inanotherminuteahomicidefastwagonsirenedupandscreechedtoastop
    outsidethedoorandfourmencamein,twodicks,aphotographeranda
    laboratoryman.Ididn'tknoweitherofthedicks.Youcanbeinthedetecting
    businessalongtimeandnotknowallthemenonabigcityforce.
    Oneofthemwasashort,smooth,dark,quiet,smilingman,withcurlyblack
    hairandsoftintelligenteyes.Theotherwasbig,rawboned,longjawed,witha
    veinednoseandglassyeyes.Helookedlikeaheavydrinker.Helookedtough,
    buthelookedasifhethoughthewasalittletougherthanhewas.Heshooedme
    intothelastboothagainstthewallandhispartnergotthekidupfrontand
    thebluecoatswentout.Thefingerprintmanandphotographersetabouttheir
    work.
    Amedicalexaminercame,stayedjustlongenoughtogetsorebecausethere
    wasnophoneforhimtocallthemorguewagon.
    TheshortdickemptiedWaldo'spocketsandthenemptiedhiswalletand
    dumpedeverythingintoalargehandkerchiefonaboothtable.Isawalotof
    currency,keys,cigarettes,anotherhandkerchief,verylittleelse.
    Thebigdickpushedmebackintotheendofthehalfbooth."Give,"he
    said."I'mCopernik,DetectiveLieutenant."
    Iputmywalletinfrontofhim.Helookedatit,wentthroughit,tossed
    itback,madeanoteinabook.
    "PhilipMarlowe,huh?Ashamus.Youhereonbusiness?"
    "Drinkingbusiness,"Isaid."Ilivejustacrossthestreetinthe
    Berglund."
    "Knowthiskidupfront?"
    "I'vebeeninhereoncesinceheopenedup."
    "Seeanythingfunnyabouthimnow?"
    "No."
    "Takesittoolightforayoungfellow,don'the?Nevermindanswering.
    Justtellthestory."
    Itolditthreetimes.Onceforhimtogettheoutline,onceforhimto
    getthedetailsandonceforhimtoseeifIhadittoopat.Attheendhesaid:
    "Thisdameinterestsme.AndthekillercalledtheguyWaldo,yetdidn'tseemto
    beanywayssurehewouldbein.Imean,ifWaldowasn'tsurethedamewouldbe
    here,nobodycouldbesureWaldowouldbehere."
    "That'sprettydeep,"Isaid.

    Hestudiedme.Iwasn'tsmiling."Soundslikeagrudgejob,don'tit?Don't
    soundplanned.Nogetawayexceptbyaccident.Aguydon'tleavehiscarunlocked
    muchinthistown.Andthekillerworksinfrontoftwogoodwitnesses.Idon't
    likethat."
    "Idon'tlikebeingawitness,"Isaid."Thepay'stoolow."
    Hegrinned.Histeethhadafreckledlook."Wasthekillerdrunkreally?"
    "Withthatshooting?No."
    "Metoo.Well,it'sasimplejob.Theguywillhavearecordandhe'sleft
    plentyprints.Evenifwedon'thavehismugherewe'llmakehiminhours.He
    hadsomethingonWaldo,buthewasn'tmeetingWaldotonight.Waldojustdropped
    intoaskaboutadamehehadadatewithandhadmissedconnectionson.It'sa
    hotnightandthiswindwouldkillagirl'sface.She'dbeapttodropin
    somewheretowait.SothekillerfeedsWaldotwointherightplaceandscrams
    anddon'tworryaboutyouboysatall.It'sthatsimple."
    "Yeah,"Isaid.
    "It'ssosimpleitstinks,"Coperniksaid.
    Hetookhisfelthatoffandtousleduphisrattyblondhairandleanedhis
    headonhishands.Hehadalongmeanhorseface.Hegotahandkerchiefoutand
    moppedit,andthebackofhisneckandthebackofhishands.Hegotacombout
    andcombedhishairhelookedworsewithitcombedandputhishatbackon.
    "Iwasjustthinking,"Isaid.
    "Yeah?What?"
    "ThisWaldoknewjusthowthegirlwasdressed.Sohemustalreadyhave
    beenwithhertonight."
    "So,what?Maybehehadtogotothecan.Andwhenhecamebackshe'sgone.
    Maybeshechangedhermindabouthim."
    "That'sright,"Isaid.
    Butthatwasn'twhatIwasthinkingatall.IwasthinkingthatWaldohad
    describedthegirl'sclothesinawaytheordinarymanwouldn'tknowhowto
    describethem.Printedbolerojacketoverbluecrpesilkdress.Ididn'teven
    knowwhatabolerojacketwas,AndImighthavesaidbluedressorevenblue
    silkdress,butneverbluecrpesilkdress.
    Afterawhiletwomencamewithabasket.LewPetrollewasstillpolishing
    hisglassandtalkingtotheshortdarkdick.
    WeallwentdowntoHeadquarters.

    LewPetrollewasallrightwhentheycheckedonhim.Hisfatherhadagrape
    ranchnearAntiochinContraCostaCounty.HehadgivenLewathousanddollars
    togointobusinessandLewhadopenedthecocktailbar,neonsignandall,on
    eighthundredflat.
    Theylethimgoandtoldhimtokeepthebarcloseduntiltheyweresure
    theydidn'twanttodoanymoreprinting.Heshookhandsallaroundandgrinned
    andsaidheguessedthekillingwouldbegoodforbusinessafterall,because
    nobodybelievedanewspaperaccountofanythingandpeoplewouldcometohimfor
    thestoryandbuydrinkswhilehewastellingit.
    "There'saguywon'teverdoanyworrying,"Coperniksaid,whenhewas
    gone."Overanybodyelse."
    "PoorWaldo,"Isaid."Theprintsanygood?"
    "Kindofsmudged,"Coperniksaidsourly."Butwe'llgetaclassification
    andteletypeittoWashingtonsometimetonight.Ifitdon'tclick,you'llbein
    foradayonthesteelpictureracksdownstairs."
    Ishookhandswithhimandhispartner,whosenamewasYbarra,andleft.
    Theydidn'tknowwhoWaldowasyeteither.Nothinginhispocketstold.

    Igotbacktomystreetabout9P.M.IlookedupanddowntheblockbeforeI
    wentintotheBerglund.Thecocktailbarwasfartherdownontheotherside,
    dark,withanoseortwoagainsttheglass,butnorealcrowd.Peoplehadseen
    thelawandthemorguewagon,buttheydidn'tknowwhathadhappened.Exceptthe
    boysplayingpinballgamesinthedrugstoreonthecorner.Theyknoweverything,
    excepthowtoholdajob.
    Thewindwasstillblowing,ovenhot,swirlingdustandtornpaperup
    againstthewalls.
    Iwentintothelobbyoftheapartmenthouseandrodetheautomatic
    elevatoruptothefourthfloor.Iunwoundthedoorsandsteppedoutandthere
    wasatallgirlstandingtherewaitingforthecar.
    Shehadbrownwavyhairunderawidebrimmedstrawhatwithavelvetband
    andloosebow.Shehadwideblueeyesandeyelashesthatdidn'tquitereachher

    chin.Sheworeabluedressthatmighthavebeencrpesilk,simpleinlinesbut
    notmissinganycurves.Overitsheworewhatmighthavebeenaprintbolero
    jacket.
    Isaid:"Isthatabolerojacket?"
    Shegavemeadistantglanceandmadeamotionasiftobrushacobwebout
    oftheway.
    "Yes.WouldyoumindI'mratherinahurry.I'dlike"
    Ididn'tmove.Iblockedherofffromtheelevator.Westaredateachother
    andsheflushedveryslowly.
    "Betternotgooutonthestreetinthoseclothes,"Isaid.
    "Why,howdareyou"
    Theelevatorclankedandstarteddownagain.Ididn'tknowwhatshewas
    goingtosay.Hervoicelackedtheedgytwangofabeerparlorfrill.Ithada
    softlightsound,likespringrain.
    "It'snotamake,"Isaid."You'reintrouble.Iftheycometothisfloor
    intheelevator,youhavejustthatmuchtimetogetoffthehall.Firsttake
    offthehatandjacketandsnapitup!"
    Shedidn'tmove.Herfaceseemedtowhitenalittlebehindthenottoo
    heavymakeup.
    "Cops,"Isaid,"arelookingforyou.Inthoseclothes.Givemethechance
    andI'lltellyouwhy."
    Sheturnedherheadswiftlyandlookedbackalongthecorridor.Withher
    looksIdidn'tblameherfortryingonemorebluff.
    "You'reimpertinent,whoeveryouare.I'mMrs.LeroyinApartmentThirty
    one.Icanassure"
    "Thatyou'reonthewrongfloor,"Isaid."Thisisthefourth."The
    elevatorhadstoppeddownbelow.Thesoundofdoorsbeingwrenchedopencameup
    theshaft.
    "Off!"Irapped."Now!"
    Sheswitchedherhatoffandslippedoutofthebolerojacket,fast.I
    grabbedthemandwaddedthemintoamessundermyarm.Itookherelbowand
    turnedherandweweregoingdownthehall.
    "IliveinFortytwo.Thefrontoneacrossfromyours,justafloorup.
    Takeyourchoice.OnceagainI'mnotonthemake."

    Shesmoothedherhairwiththatquickgesture,likeabirdpreeningitself.
    Tenthousandyearsofpracticebehindit.
    "Mine,"shesaid,andtuckedherbagunderherarmandstrodedownthehall
    fast.Theelevatorstoppedatthefloorbelow.Shestoppedwhenitstopped.She
    turnedandfacedme.
    "Thestairsarebackbytheelevatorshaft,"Isaidgently.
    "Idon'thaveanapartment,"shesaid.
    "Ididn'tthinkyouhad."
    "Aretheysearchingforme?"
    "Yes,buttheywon'tstartgougingtheblockstonebystonebefore
    tomorrow.Andthenonlyiftheydon'tmakeWaldo."
    Shestaredatme."Waldo?"
    "Oh,youdon'tknowWaldo,"Isaid.
    Sheshookherheadslowly.Theelevatorstarteddownintheshaftagain.
    Panicflickedinherblueeyeslikearippleonwater.
    "No,"shesaidbreathlessly,"buttakemeoutofthishall."
    Wewerealmostatmydoor.Ijammedthekeyinandshookthelockaround
    andheavedthedoorinward.Ireachedinfarenoughtoswitchlightson.She
    wentinpastmelikeawave.Sandalwoodfloatedontheair,veryfaint.
    Ishutthedoor,threwmyhatintoachairandwatchedherstrollovertoa
    cardtableonwhichIhadachessproblemsetoutthatIcouldn'tsolve.Once
    inside,withthedoorlocked,herpanichadlefther.
    "Soyou'reachessplayer,"shesaid,inthatguardedtone,asifshehad
    cometolookatmyetchings.Iwishedshehad.
    Webothstoodstillthenandlistenedtothedistantclangofelevator
    doorsandthenstepsgoingtheotherway.
    Igrinned,butwithstrain,notpleasure,wentoutintothekitchenetteand
    startedtofumblewithacoupleofglassesandthenrealizedIstillhadherhat
    andbolerojacketundermyarm.Iwentintothedressingroombehindthewall
    bedandstuffedthemintoadrawer,wentbackouttothekitchenette,dugout
    someextrafineScotchandmadeacoupleofhighballs.
    WhenIwentinwiththedrinksshehadaguninherhand.Itwasasmall
    automaticwithapearlgrip.Itjumpedupatmeandhereyeswerefullof
    horror.

    Istopped,withaglassineachhand,andsaid:"Maybethishotwindhas
    gotyoucrazytoo.I'maprivatedetective.I'llproveitifyouletme."
    Shenoddedslightlyandherfacewaswhite.Iwentoverslowlyandputa
    glassdownbesideher,andwentbackandsetminedownandgotacardoutthat
    hadnobentcorners.Shewassittingdown,smoothingonebluekneewithherleft
    hand,andholdingthegunontheother.Iputthecarddownbesideherdrinkand
    satwithmine.
    "Neverletaguygetthatclosetoyou,"Isaid."Notifyoumeanbusiness.
    Andyoursafetycatchison."
    Sheflashedhereyesdown,shivered,andputthegunbackinherbag.She
    drankhalfthedrinkwithoutstopping,puttheglassdownhardandpickedthe
    cardup.
    "Idon'tgivemanypeoplethatliquor,"Isaid."Ican'taffordto."
    Herlipscurled."Isupposedyouwouldwantmoney."
    "Huh?"
    Shedidn'tsayanything.Herhandwasclosetoherbagagain.
    "Don'tforgetthesafetycatch,"Isaid.Herhandstopped.Iwenton:"This
    fellowIcalledWaldoisquitetall,sayfiveeleven,slim,dark,browneyes
    withalotofglitter.Noseandmouthtoothin.Darksuit,whitehandkerchief
    showing,andinahurrytofindyou.AmIgettinganywhere?"
    Shetookherglassagain."Sothat'sWaldo,"shesaid."Well,whatabout
    him?"Hervoiceseemedtohaveaslightliquoredgenow.
    "Well,afunnything.There'sacocktailbaracrossthestreet...Say,where
    haveyoubeenallevening?"
    "Sittinginmycar,"shesaidcoldly,"mostofthetime."
    "Didn'tyouseeafussacrossthestreetuptheblock?"
    Hereyestriedtosaynoandmissed.Herlipssaid:"Iknewtherewassome
    kindofdisturbance.Isawpolicemenandredsearchlights.Isupposedsomeone
    hadbeenhurt."
    "Someonewas.AndthisWaldowaslookingforyoubeforethat.Inthe
    cocktailbar.Hedescribedyouandyourclothes."
    Hereyesweresetlikerivetsnowandhadthesameamountofexpression.
    Hermouthbegantotrembleandkeptontrembling.
    "Iwasinthere,"Isaid,"talkingtothekidthatrunsit.Therewas
    nobodyintherebutadrunkonastoolandthekidandmyself.Thedrunkwasn't

    payinganyattentiontoanything.ThenWaldocameinandaskedaboutyouandwe
    saidno,wehadn'tseenyouandhestartedtoleave."
    Isippedmydrink.Ilikeaneffectaswellasthenextfellow.Hereyes
    ateme.
    "Juststartedtoleave.Thenthisdrunkthatwasn'tpayinganyattentionto
    anyonecalledhimWaldoandtookagunout.HeshothimtwiceIsnappedmy
    fingerstwice"likethat.Dead."
    Shefooledme.Shelaughedinmyface."Somyhusbandhiredyoutospyon
    me,"shesaid."Imighthaveknownthewholethingwasanact.Youandyour
    Waldo."
    Igawkedather.
    "Ineverthoughtofhimasjealous,"shesnapped."Notofamanwhohad
    beenourchauffeuranyhow.AlittleaboutStan,ofcoursethat'snatural.But
    JosephCoates"
    Imademotionsintheair."Lady,oneofushasthisbookopenatthewrong
    page,"Igrunted."Idon'tknowanybodynamedStanorJosephCoates.Sohelpme,
    Ididn'tevenknowyouhadachauffeur.Peoplearoundheredon'truntothem.As
    forhusbandsyeah,wedohaveahusbandonceinawhile.Notoftenenough."
    Sheshookherheadslowlyandherhandstayednearherbagandherblue
    eyeshadglittersinthem.
    "Notgoodenough,Mr.Marlowe.No,notnearlygoodenough.Iknowyou
    privatedetectives.You'reallrotten.Youtrickedmeintoyourapartment,ifit
    isyourapartment.Morelikelyit'stheapartmentofsomehorriblemanwhowill
    swearanythingforafewdollars.Nowyou'retryingtoscareme.Soyoucan
    blackmailmeaswellasgetmoneyfrommyhusband.Allright,"shesaid
    breathlessly,"howmuchdoIhavetopay?"
    Iputmyemptyglassasideandleanedback."PardonmeifIlighta
    cigarette,"Isaid."Mynervesarefrayed."
    Ilititwhileshewatchedmewithoutenoughfearforanyrealguilttobe
    underit."SoJosephCoatesishisname,"Isaid."Theguythatkilledhimin
    thecocktailbarcalledhimWaldo."
    Shesmiledabitdisgustedly,butalmosttolerantly."Don'tstall.How
    much?"
    "WhywereyoutryingtomeetthisJosephCoates?"

    "Iwasgoingtobuysomethinghestolefromme,ofcourse.Somethingthat's
    valuableintheordinarywaytoo.Almostfifteenthousanddollars.ThemanI
    lovedgaveittome.He'sdead.There!He'sdead!Hediedinaburningplane.
    Now,gobackandtellmyhusbandthat,youslimylittlerat!"
    "I'mnotlittleandI'mnotarat,"Isaid.
    "You'restillslimy.Anddon'tbotherabouttellingmyhusband.I'lltell
    himmyself.Heprobablyknowsanyway."
    Igrinned."That'ssmart.JustwhatwasIsupposedtofindout?"
    Shegrabbedherglassandfinishedwhatwasleftofherdrink."Sohe
    thinksI'mmeetingJoseph.Well,perhapsIwas.Butnottomakelove.Notwitha
    chauffeur.NotwithabumIpickedoffthefrontstepandgaveajobto.Idon't
    havetodigdownthatfar,ifIwanttoplayaround."
    "Lady,"Isaid,"youdon'tindeed."
    "Now,I'mgoing,"shesaid."Youjusttryandstopme."Shesnatchedthe
    pearlhandledgunoutofherbag.Ididn'tmove.
    "Why,younastylittlestringofnothing,"shestormed."HowdoIknow
    you'reaprivatedetectiveatall?Youmightbeacrook.Thiscardyougaveme
    doesn'tmeananything.Anybodycanhavecardsprinted."
    "Sure,"Isaid."AndIsupposeI'msmartenoughtoliveheretwoyears
    becauseyouweregoingtomoveintodaysoIcouldblackmailyoufornotmeeting
    amannamedJosephCoateswhowasbumpedoffacrossthestreetunderthenameof
    Waldo.Haveyougotthemoneytobuythissomethingthatcostfifteengrand?"
    "Oh!Youthinkyou'llholdmeup,Isuppose!"
    "Oh!"Imimickedher,"I'mastickupartistnow,amI?Lady,willyou
    pleaseeitherputthatgunawayortakethesafetycatchoff?Ithurtsmy
    professionalfeelingstoseeanicegunmadeamonkeyofthatway."
    "You'reafullportionofwhatIdon'tlike,"shesaid."Getoutofmy
    way."
    Ididn'tmove.Shedidn'tmove.Wewerebothsittingdownandnoteven
    closetoeachother.
    "Letmeinononesecretbeforeyougo,"Ipleaded."Whatinhelldidyou
    taketheapartmentdownonthefloorbelowfor?Justtomeetaguydownonthe
    street?"
    "Stopbeingsilly,"shesnapped."Ididn't.Ilied.It'shisapartment."
    "JosephCoates'?"

    Shenoddedsharply.
    "DoesmydescriptionofWaldosoundlikeJosephCoates?"
    Shenoddedsharplyagain.
    "Allright.That'sonefactlearnedatlast.Don'tyourealizeWaldo
    describedyourclothesbeforehewasshotwhenhewaslookingforyouthatthe
    descriptionwaspassedontothepolicethatthepolicedon'tknowwhoWaldo
    isandarelookingforsomebodyinthoseclothestohelptellthem?Don'tyou
    getthatmuch?"
    Thegunsuddenlystartedtoshakeinherhand.Shelookeddownatit,sort
    ofvacantly,andslowlyputitbackinherbag.
    "I'mafool,"shewhispered,"tobeeventalkingtoyou."Shestaredatme
    foralongtime,thenpulledinadeepbreath."Hetoldmewherehewasstaying.
    Hedidn'tseemafraid.Iguessblackmailersarelikethat.Hewastomeetmeon
    thestreet,butIwaslate.ItwasfullofpolicewhenIgothere.SoIwent
    backandsatinmycarforawhile.ThenIcameuptoJoseph'sapartmentand
    knocked.ThenIwentbacktomycarandwaitedagain.Icameupherethreetimes
    inall.ThelasttimeIwalkedupaflighttotaketheelevator.Ihadalready
    beenseentwiceonthethirdfloor.Imetyou.That'sall."
    "Yousaidsomethingaboutahusband,"Igrunted."Whereishe?"
    "He'satameeting."
    "Oh,ameeting,"Isaid,nastily.
    "Myhusband'saveryimportantman.Hehaslotsofmeetings.He'sa
    hydroelectricengineer.He'sbeenallovertheworld.I'dhaveyouknow"
    "Skipit,"Isaid."I'lltakehimtolunchsomedayandhavehimtellme
    himself.WhateverJosephhadonyouisdeadstocknow.LikeJoseph."
    "He'sreallydead?"shewhispered."Really?"
    "He'sdead,"Isaid."Dead,dead,dead.Lady,he'sdead."
    Shebelieveditatlast.Ihadn'tthoughtsheeverwouldsomehow.Inthe
    silence,theelevatorstoppedatmyfloor.
    Iheardstepscomingdownthehall.Weallhavehunches.Iputmyfingerto
    mylips.Shedidn'tmovenow.Herfacehadafrozenlook.Herbigblueeyeswere
    asblackastheshadowsbelowthem.Thehotwindboomedagainsttheshut
    windows.WindowshavetobeshutwhenaSantaAnablows,heatornoheat.
    Thestepsthatcamedownthehallwerethecasualordinarystepsofone
    man.Buttheystoppedoutsidemydoor,andsomebodyknocked.

    Ipointedtothedressingroombehindthewallbed.Shestoodupwithouta
    sound,herbagclenchedagainstherside.Ipointedagain,toherglass.She
    lifteditswiftly,slidacrossthecarpet,throughthedoor,drewthedoor
    quietlyshutafterher.
    Ididn'tknowjustwhatIwasgoingtoallthistroublefor.
    Theknockingsoundedagain.Thebacksofmyhandswerewet.Icreakedmy
    chairandstoodupandmadealoudyawningsound.ThenIwentoverandopened
    thedoorwithoutagun.Thatwasamistake.

    Ididn'tknowhimatfirst.PerhapsfortheoppositereasonWaldohadn'tseemed
    toknowhim.He'dhadahatonallthetimeoveratthecocktailbarandhe
    didn'thaveoneonnow.Hishairendedcompletelyandexactlywherehishat
    wouldstart.Abovethatlinewashardwhitesweatlessskinalmostasglaringas
    scartissue.Hewasn'tjusttwentyyearsolder.Hewasadifferentman.
    ButIknewthegunhewasholding,the.22targetautomaticwiththebig
    frontsight.AndIknewhiseyes.Bright,brittle,shalloweyesliketheeyesof
    alizard.
    Hewasalone.Heputthegunagainstmyfaceverylightlyandsaidbetween
    histeeth:"Yeah,me.Let'sgoonin."
    Ibackedinjustfarenoughandstopped.Justthewayhewouldwantmeto,
    sohecouldshutthedoorwithoutmovingmuch.Iknewfromhiseyesthathe
    wouldwantmetodojustthat.
    Iwasn'tscared.Iwasparalyzed.
    Whenhehadthedoorshuthebackedmesomemore,slowly,untiltherewas
    somethingagainstthebackofmylegs.Hiseyeslookedintomine.
    "That'sacardtable,"hesaid."Somegoonhereplayschess.You?"
    Iswallowed."Idon'texactlyplayit.Ijustfoolaround."
    "Thatmeanstwo,"hesaidwithakindofhoarsesoftness,asifsomecop
    hadhithimacrossthewindpipewithablackjackonce,inathirddegree
    session.
    "It'saproblem,"Isaid."Notagame.Lookatthepieces."

    "Iwouldn'tknow."
    "Well,I'malone,"Isaid,andmyvoiceshookjustenough.
    "Itdon'tmakeanydifference,"hesaid."I'mwashedupanyway.Somenose
    putsthebullsonmetomorrow,nextweek,whatthehell?Ijustdidn'tlikeyour
    map,pal.Andthatsmugfacedpansyinthebarcoatthatplayedlefttacklefor
    Fordhamorsomething.Tohellwithguyslikeyouguys."
    Ididn'tspeakormove.Thebigfrontsightrakedmycheeklightlyalmost
    caressingly.Themansmiled.
    "It'skindofgoodbusinesstoo,"hesaid."Justincase.Anoldconlike
    medon'tmakegoodprints,allIgotagainstmeistwowitnesses.Thehellwith
    it."
    "WhatdidWaldodotoyou?"ItriedtomakeitsoundasifIwantedto
    know,insteadofjustnotwantingtoshaketoohard.
    "StooledonabankjobinMichiganandgotmefouryears.Gothimselfa
    nolleprosse.FouryearsinMichiganain'tnosummercruise.Theymakeyoube
    goodinthemliferstates."
    "How'dyouknowhe'dcomeinthere?"Icroaked.
    "Ididn't.Ohyeah,Iwaslookin'forhim.Iwaswantingtoseehimall
    right.IgotaflashofhimonthestreetnightbeforelastbutIlosthim.Up
    tothenIwasn'tlookin'forhim.ThenIwas.Acuteguy,Waldo.Howishe?"
    "Dead,"Isaid.
    "I'mstillgood,"hechuckled."Drunkorsober.Well,thatdon'tmakeno
    doughnutsformenow.Theymakemedowntownyet?"
    Ididn'tanswerhimquickenough.HejabbedthegunintomythroatandI
    chokedandalmostgrabbedforitbyinstinct.
    "Naw,"hecautionedmesoftly."Naw.Youain'tthatdumb."
    Iputmyhandsback,downatmysides,open,thepalmstowardshim.He
    wouldwantthemthatway.Hehadn'ttouchedme,exceptwiththegun.Hedidn't
    seemtocarewhetherImighthaveonetoo.Hewouldn'tifhejustmeanttheone
    thing.
    Hedidn'tseemtocareverymuchaboutanything,comingbackonthatblock.
    Perhapsthehotwinddidsomethingtohim.Itwasboomingagainstmyshut
    windowslikethesurfunderapier.
    "Theygotprints,"Isaid."Idon'tknowhowgood."

    "They'llbegoodenoughbutnotforteletypework.Take'emairmailtime
    toWashingtonandbacktocheck'emright.TellmewhyIcamehere,pal."
    "Youheardthekidandmetalkinginthebar.Itoldhimmyname,whereI
    lived."
    "That'show,pal.Isaidwhy."Hesmiledatme.Itwasalousysmiletobe
    thelastoneyoumightsee.
    "Skipit,"Isaid."Thehangmanwon'taskyoutoguesswhyhe'sthere."
    "Say,you'retoughatthat.Afteryou,Ivisitthatkid.Itailedhimhome
    fromHeadquarters,butIfigureyou'retheguytoputthebeeonfirst.Itail
    himhomefromthecityhall,intherentcarWaldohad.FromHeadquarters,pal.
    Themfunnydicks.Youcansitintheirlapsandtheydon'tknowyou.Start
    runnin'forastreetcarandtheyopenupwithmachinegunsandbumptwo
    pedestrians,ahackerasleepinhiscab,andanoldscrubwomanonthesecond
    floorworkin'amop.Andtheymisstheguythey'reafter.Themfunnylousy
    dicks."
    Hetwistedthegunmuzzleinmyneck.Hiseyeslookedmadderthanbefore.
    "Igottime,"hesaid."Waldo'srentcardon'tgetareportrightaway.And
    theydon'tmakeWaldoverysoon.IknowWaldo.Smarthewas.Asmoothboy,
    Waldo."
    "I'mgoingtovomit,"Isaid,"ifyoudon'ttakethatgunoutofmy
    throat."
    Hesmiledandmovedthegundowntomyheart."Thisaboutright?Saywhen."
    ImusthavespokenlouderthanImeantto.Thedoorofthedressingroomby
    thewallbedshowedacrackofdarkness.Thenaninch.Thenfourinches.Isaw
    eyes,butdidn'tlookatthem.Istaredhardintothebaldheadedman'seyes.
    Veryhard.Ididn'twanthimtotakehiseyesoffmine.
    "Scared?"heaskedsoftly.
    Ileanedagainsthisgunandbegantoshake.Ithoughthewouldenjoy
    seeingmeshake.Thegirlcameoutthroughthedoor.Shehadherguninherhand
    again.Iwassorryashellforher.She'dtrytomakethedoororscream.
    Eitherwayitwouldbecurtainsforbothofus.
    "Well,don'ttakeallnightaboutit,"Ibleated.Myvoicesoundedfar
    away,likeavoiceonaradioontheothersideofastreet.
    "Ilikethis,pal,"hesmiled."I'mlikethat."

    Thegirlfloatedintheair,somewherebehindhim.Nothingwasevermore
    soundlessthanthewayshemoved.Itwouldn'tdoanygoodthough.Hewouldn't
    foolaroundwithheratall.IhadknownhimallmylifebutIhadbeenlooking
    intohiseyesforonlyfiveminutes.
    "SupposeIyell,"Isaid.
    "Yeah,supposeyouyell.Goaheadandyell,"hesaidwithhiskiller's
    smile.
    Shedidn'tgonearthedoor.Shewasrightbehindhim.
    "Wellhere'swhereIyell,"Isaid.
    Asifthatwasthecue,shejabbedthelittlegunhardintohisshortribs,
    withoutasinglesound.
    Hehadtoreact.Itwaslikeakneereflex.Hismouthsnappedopenandboth
    hisarmsjumpedoutfromhissidesandhearchedhisbackjustalittle.Thegun
    waspointingatmyrighteye.
    Isankandkneedhimwithallmystrength,inthegroin.
    HischincamedownandIhitit.IhititasifIwasdrivingthelast
    spikeonthefirsttranscontinentalrailroad.IcanstillfeelitwhenIflexmy
    knuckles.
    Hisgunrakedthesideofmyfacebutitdidn'tgooff.Hewasalready
    limp.Hewritheddowngasping,hisleftsideagainstthefloor.Ikickedhis
    rightshoulderhard.Thegunjumpedawayfromhim,skiddedonthecarpet,under
    achair.Iheardthechessmentinklingonthefloorbehindmesomewhere.
    Thegirlstoodoverhim,lookingdown.Thenherwidedarkhorrifiedeyes
    cameupandfastenedonmine.
    "Thatbuysme,"Isaid."AnythingIhaveisyoursnowandforever."
    Shedidn'thearme.Hereyeswerestrainedopensohardthatthewhites
    showedunderthevividblueiris.Shebackedquicklytothedoorwithherlittle
    gunup,feltbehindherfortheknobandtwistedit.Shepulledthedooropen
    andslippedout.
    Thedoorshut.
    Shewasbareheadedandwithoutherbolerojacket.
    Shehadonlythegun,andthesafetycatchonthatwasstillsetsothat
    shecouldn'tfireit.
    Itwassilentintheroomthen,inspiteofthewind.ThenIheardhim
    gaspingonthefloor.Hisfacehadagreenishpallor.Imovedbehindhimand

    pawedhimformoreguns,anddidn'tfindany.Igotapairofstorecuffsoutof
    mydeskandpulledhisarmsinfrontofhimandsnappedthemonhiswrists.They
    wouldholdifhedidn'tshakethemtoohard.
    Hiseyesmeasuredmeforacoffin,inspiteoftheirsuffering.Helayin
    themiddleofthefloor,stillonhisleftside,atwisted,wizened,baldheaded
    littleguywithdrawnbacklipsandteethspottedwithcheapsilverfillings.
    Hismouthlookedlikeablackpitandhisbreathcameinlittlewaves,choked,
    stopped,cameonagain,limping.
    Iwentintothedressingroomandopenedthedrawerofthechest.Herhat
    andjacketlaythereonmyshirts.Iputthemunderneath,attheback,and
    smoothedtheshirtsoverthem.ThenIwentouttothekitchenetteandpoureda
    stiffjoltofwhiskeyandputitdownandstoodamomentlisteningtothehot
    windhowlagainstthewindowglass.Agaragedoorbanged,andapowerlinewire
    withtoomuchplaybetweentheinsulatorsthumpedthesideofthebuildingwith
    asoundlikesomebodybeatingacarpet.
    Thedrinkworkedonme.Iwentbackintothelivingroomandopeneda
    window.Theguyonthefloorhadn'tsmelledhersandalwood,butsomebodyelse
    might.
    Ishutthewindowagain,wipedthepalmsofmyhandsandusedthephoneto
    dialHeadquarters.
    Copernikwasstillthere.Hissmartaleckvoicesaid:"Yeah?Marlowe?Don't
    tellme.Ibetyougotanidea."
    "Makethatkilleryet?"
    "We'renotsaying,Marlowe.Sorryasallhellandsoon.Youknowhowit
    is."
    "O.K.,Idon'tcarewhoheis.Justcomeandgethimoffthefloorofmy
    apartment."
    "HolyChrist!"Thenhisvoicehushedandwentdownlow."Waitaminute,
    now.Waitaminute."AlongwayoffIseemedtohearadoorshut.Thenhisvoice
    again."Shoot,"hesaidsoftly.
    "Handcuffed,"Isaid."Allyours.Ihadtokneehim,buthe'llbeall
    right.Hecameheretoeliminateawitness."
    Anotherpause.Thevoicewasfullofhoney."Nowlisten,boy,whoelseis
    inthiswithyou?"
    "Whoelse?Nobody.Justme."

    "Keepitthatway,boy.Allquiet.O.K.?"
    "ThinkIwantallthebumsintheneighborhoodinheresightseeing?"
    "Takeiteasy,boy.Easy.Justsittightandsitstill.I'mpractically
    there.Notouchnothing.Getme?"
    "Yeah."Igavehimtheaddressandapartmentnumberagaintosavehimtime.
    Icouldseehisbigbonyfaceglisten.Igotthe.22targetgunfromunder
    thechairandsatholdingituntilfeethitthehallwayoutsidemydoorand
    knucklesdidaquiettattooonthedoorpanel.
    Copernikwasalone.Hefilledthedoorwayquickly,pushedmebackintothe
    roomwithatightgrinandshutthedoor.Hestoodwithhisbacktoit,hishand
    undertheleftsideofhiscoat.Abighardbonymanwithflatcrueleyes.
    Heloweredthemslowlyandlookedatthemanonthefloor.Theman'sneck
    wastwitchingalittle.Hiseyesmovedinshortstabssickeyes.
    "Sureit'stheguy?"Copernik'svoicewashoarse.
    "Positive.Where'sYbarra?"
    "Oh,hewasbusy."Hedidn'tlookatmewhenhesaidthat."Thoseyour
    cuffs?"
    "Yeah."
    "Key."
    Itossedittohim.Hewentdownswiftlyononekneebesidethekillerand
    tookmycuffsoffhiswrists,tossedthemtooneside.Hegothisownoffhis
    hip,twistedthebaldman'shandsbehindhimandsnappedthecuffson.
    "Allright,youbastard,"thekillersaidtonelessly.
    Copernikgrinnedandballedhisfistandhitthehandcuffedmaninthe
    mouthaterrificblow.Hisheadsnappedbackalmostenoughtobreakhisneck.
    Blooddribbledfromthelowercornerofhismouth.
    "Getatowel,"Copernikordered.
    Igotahandtowelandgaveittohim.Hestuffeditbetweenthehandcuffed
    man'steeth,viciously,stoodupandrubbedhisbonyfingersthroughhisratty
    blondhair.
    "Allright.Tellit."
    Itolditleavingthegirloutcompletely.Itsoundedalittlefunny.
    Copernikwatchedme,saidnothing.Herubbedthesideofhisveinednose.Then
    hegothiscomboutandworkedonhishairjustashehaddoneearlierinthe
    evening,inthecocktailbar.

    Iwentoverandgavehimthegun.Helookedatitcasually,droppeditinto
    hissidepocket.Hiseyeshadsomethinginthemandhisfacemovedinahard
    brightgrin.
    Ibentdownandbeganpickingupmychessmenanddroppingthemintothe
    box.Iputtheboxonthemantel,straightenedoutalegofthecardtable,
    playedaroundforawhile.AllthetimeCopernikwatchedme.Iwantedhimto
    thinksomethingout.
    Atlasthecameoutwithit."Thisguyusesatwentytwo,"hesaid."He
    usesitbecausehe'sgoodenoughtogetbywiththatmuchgun.Thatmeanshe's
    good.Heknocksatyourdoor,pokesthatgatinyourbelly,walksyoubackinto
    theroom,sayshe'sheretocloseyourmouthforkeepsandyetyoutakehim.
    Younothavinganygun.Youtakehimalone.You'rekindofgoodyourself,pal."
    "Listen,"Isaid,andlookedatthefloor.Ipickedupanotherchessmanand
    twisteditbetweenmyfingers."Iwasdoingachessproblem,"Isaid"Tryingto
    forgetthings."
    "Yougotsomethingonyourmind,pal,"Coperniksaidsoftly."Youwouldn't
    trytofoolanoldcopper,wouldyou,boy?"
    "It'saswellpinchandI'mgivingittoyou,"Isaid."Whatthehellmore
    doyouwant?"
    Themanonthefloormadeavaguesoundbehindthetowel.Hisbaldhead
    glistenedwithsweat.
    "What'sthematter,pal?Youbeenuptosomething?"Copernikalmost
    whispered.
    Ilookedathimquickly,lookedawayagain."Allright,"Isaid."Youknow
    damnwellIcouldn'ttakehimalone.Hehadthegunonmeandheshootswherehe
    looks."
    Copernikclosedoneeyeandsquintedatmeamiablywiththeother."Goon,
    pal.Ikindofthoughtofthattoo."
    Ishuffledaroundalittlemore,tomakeitlookgood.Isaid,slowly:
    "TherewasakidherewhopulledajoboverinBoyleHeights,aheistjob.It
    didn'ttake.Atwobitservicestationstickup.Iknowhisfamily.He'snot
    reallybad.Hewasheretryingtobegtrainmoneyoffme.Whentheknockcamehe
    sneakedinthere."
    Ipointedatthewallbedandthedoorbeside.Copernik'sheadswiveled
    slowly,swiveledback.Hiseyeswinkedagain."Andthiskidhadagun,"hesaid.

    Inodded."Andhegotbehindhim.Thattakesguts,Copernik.You'vegotto
    givethekidabreak.You'vegottolethimstayoutofit."
    "Tagoutforthiskid?"Copernikaskedsoftly.
    "Notyet,hesays.He'sscaredtherewillbe."
    Coperniksmiled."I'mahomicideman,"hesaid."Iwouldn'tknoworcare."
    Ipointeddownatthegaggedandhandcuffedmanonthefloor."Youtook
    him,didn'tyou?"Isaidgently.
    Copernikkeptonsmiling.Abigwhitishtonguecameoutandmassagedhis
    thicklowerlip."How'dIdoit?"hewhispered.
    "GettheslugsoutofWaldo?"
    "Sure.Longtwentytwo's.Onesmashedarib,onegood."
    "You'reacarefulguy.Youdon'tmissanyangles.Youknowanythingabout
    me?YoudroppedinonmetoseewhatgunsIhad."
    Copernikgotupandwentdownononekneeagainbesidethekiller."Canyou
    hearme,guy?"heaskedwithhisfaceclosetothefaceofthemanonthefloor.
    Themanmadesomevaguesound.Copernikstoodupandyawned."Whothehell
    careswhathesays?Goon,pal."
    "Youwouldn'texpecttofindIhadanything,butyouwantedtolookaround
    myplace.Andwhileyouweremousingaroundinthere"Ipointedtothedressing
    room"andmenotsayinganything,beingalittlesore,maybe,aknockcameon
    thedoor.Sohecamein.Soafterawhileyousneakedoutandtookhim."
    "Ah,"Copernikgrinnedwidely,withasmanyteethasahorse."You'reon,
    pal.IsockedhimandIkneedhimandItookhim.Youdidn'thavenogunandthe
    guyswiveledonmeprettysharpandIlefthookedhimdownthebackstairs.
    O.K.?"
    "O.K.,"Isaid.
    "You'lltellitlikethatdowntown?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid.
    "I'llprotectyou,pal.TreatmerightandI'llalwaysplayball.Forget
    aboutthatkid.Letmeknowifheneedsabreak."
    Hecameoverandheldouthishand.Ishookit.Itwasasclammyasadead
    fish.Clammyhandsandthepeoplewhoownthemmakemesick.
    "There'sjustonething,"Isaid."ThispartnerofyoursYbarra.Won'the
    beabitsoreyoudidn'tbringhimalongonthis?"

    Coperniktousledhishairandwipedhishatbandwithalargeyellowishsilk
    handkerchief.
    "Thatguinea?"hesneered."Tohellwithhim!"Hecameclosetomeand
    breathedinmyface."Nomistakes,palaboutthatstoryofours."
    Hisbreathwasbad.Itwouldbe.

    Therewerejustfiveofusinthechiefofdetective'sofficewhenCoperniklaid
    itbeforethem.Astenographer,thechief,Copernik,myself,Ybarra.Ybarrasat
    onachairtiltedagainstthesidewall.Hishatwasdownoverhiseyesbut
    theirsoftnessloomedunderneath,andthesmallstillsmilehungatthecorners
    ofthecleancutLatinlips.Hedidn'tlookdirectlyatCopernik.Copernik
    didn'tlookathimatall.
    OutsideinthecorridortherehadbeenphotosofCopernikshakinghands
    withme,Copernikwithhishatonstraightandhisguninhishandandastern,
    purposefullookonhisface.
    TheysaidtheyknewwhoWaldowas,buttheywouldn'ttellme.Ididn't
    believetheyknew,becausethechiefofdetectiveshadamorguephotoofWaldo
    onhisdesk.Abeautifuljob,hishaircombed,histiestraight,thelight
    hittinghiseyesjustrighttomakethemglisten.Nobodywouldhaveknownitwas
    aphotoofadeadmanwithtwobulletholesinhisheart.Helookedlikea
    dancehallsheikmakinguphismindwhethertotaketheblondeortheredhead.
    ItwasaboutmidnightwhenIgothome.Theapartmentdoorwaslockedand
    whileIwasfumblingformykeysalowvoicespoketomeoutofthedarkness.
    Allitsaidwas:"Please!"butIknewit.Iturnedandlookedatadark
    Cadillaccoupeparkedjustofftheloadingzone.Ithadnolights.Lightfrom
    thestreettouchedthebrightnessofawoman'seyes.
    Iwentoverthere."You'readarnfool,"Isaid.
    Shesaid:"Getin."
    Iclimbedinandshestartedthecaranddroveitablockandahalfalong
    FranklinandturneddownKingsleyDrive.Thehotwindstillburnedand
    blustered.Aradioliltedfromanopen,shelteredsidewindowofanapartment

    house.Therewerealotofparkedcarsbutshefoundavacantspacebehinda
    smallbrandnewPackardcabrioletthathadthedealer'sstickeronthe
    windshieldglass.Aftershe'djockeyedusuptothecurbsheleanedbackinthe
    cornerwithherglovedhandsonthewheel.
    Shewasallinblacknow,ordarkbrown,withasmallfoolishhat.I
    smelledthesandalwoodinherperfume.
    "Iwasn'tverynicetoyou,wasI?"shesaid.
    "Allyoudidwassavemylife."
    "Whathappened?"
    "IcalledthelawandfedafewliestoacopIdon'tlikeandgavehimall
    thecreditforthepinchandthatwasthat.Thatguyyoutookawayfrommewas
    themanwhokilledWaldo."
    "Youmeanyoudidn'ttellthemaboutme?"
    "Lady,"Isaidagain,"allyoudidwassavemylife.Whatelsedoyouwant
    done?I'mready,willing,andI'lltrytobeable."
    Shedidn'tsayanything,ormove.
    "Nobodylearnedwhoyouarefromme,"Isaid."Incidentally,Idon'tknow
    myself."
    "I'mMrs.FrankC.Barsaly,TwotwelveFremontPlace,OlympiaTwofour
    fiveninesix.Isthatwhatyouwanted?"
    "Thanks,"Imumbled,androlledadryunlitcigarettearoundinmyfingers.
    "Whydidyoucomeback?"ThenIsnappedthefingersofmylefthand."Thehat
    andjacket,"Isaid."I'llgoupandgetthem."
    "It'smorethanthat,"shesaid."Iwantmypearls."Imighthavejumpeda
    little.Itseemedasiftherehadbeenenoughwithoutpearls.
    Acartorebydownthestreetgoingtwiceasfastasitshould.Athin
    bittercloudofdustliftedinthestreetlightsandwhirledandvanished.The
    girlranthewindowupquicklyagainstit.
    "Allright,"Isaid."Tellmeaboutthepearls.Wehavehadamurderanda
    mysterywomanandamadkillerandaheroicrescueandapolicedetectiveframed
    intomakingafalsereport.Nowwewillhavepearls.Allrightfeedittome."
    "Iwastobuythemforfivethousanddollars.FromthemanyoucallWaldo
    andIcallJosephCoates.Heshouldhavehadthem."
    "Nopearls,"Isaid."Isawwhatcameoutofhispockets.Alotofmoney,
    butnopearls."

    "Couldtheybehiddeninhisapartment?"
    "Yes,"Isaid."SofarasIknowhecouldhavehadthemhiddenanywherein
    Californiaexceptinhispockets.How'sMr.Barsalythishotnight?"
    "He'sstilldowntownathismeeting.OtherwiseIcouldn'thavecome."
    "Well,youcouldhavebroughthim,"Isaid."Hecouldhavesatinthe
    rumbleseat."
    "Oh,Idon'tknow,"shesaid."Frankweighstwohundredpoundsandhe's
    prettysolid.Idon'tthinkhewouldliketositintherumbleseat,Mr.
    Marlowe."
    "Whatthehellarewetalkingaboutanyway?"
    Shedidn'tanswer.Herglovedhandstappedlightly,provokinglyontherim
    oftheslenderwheel.Ithrewtheunlitcigaretteoutthewindow,turneda
    littleandtookholdofher.
    WhenIletgoofher,shepulledasfarawayfrommeasshecouldagainst
    thesideofthecarandrubbedthebackofhergloveagainsthermouth.Isat
    quitestill.
    Wedidn'tspeakforsometime.Thenshesaidveryslowly:"Imeantyouto
    dothat.ButIwasn'talwaysthatway.It'sonlybeensinceStanPhillipswas
    killedinhisplane.Ifithadn'tbeenforthat,I'dbeMrs.Phillipsnow.Stan
    gavemethepearls.Theycostfifteenthousanddollars,hesaidonce.White
    pearls,fortyoneofthem,thelargestaboutathirdofaninchacross.Idon't
    knowhowmanygrains.Ineverhadthemappraisedorshowedthemtoajeweler,so
    Idon'tknowthosethings.ButIlovedthemonStan'saccount.IlovedStan.The
    wayyoudojusttheonetime.Canyouunderstand?"
    "What'syourfirstname?"Iasked.
    "Lola."
    "Goontalking,Lola."Igotanotherdrycigaretteoutofmypocketand
    fumbleditbetweenmyfingersjusttogivethemsomethingtodo.
    "Theyhadasimplesilverclaspintheshapeofatwobladedpropeller.
    Therewasonesmalldiamondwherethebosswouldbe.ItoldFranktheywere
    storepearlsIhadboughtmyself.Hedidn'tknowthedifference.It'snotso
    easytotell,Idaresay.YouseeFrankisprettyjealous."
    Inthedarknessshecameclosertomeandhersidetouchedmyside.ButI
    didn'tmovethistime.Thewindhowledandthetreesshook.Ikeptonrolling
    thecigarettearoundinmyfingers.

    "Isupposeyou'vereadthatstory,"shesaid."Aboutthewifeandthereal
    pearlsandhertellingherhusbandtheywerefalse?"
    "I'vereadit,"Isaid,"Maugham."
    "IhiredJoseph.MyhusbandwasinArgentinaatthetime.Iwaspretty
    lonely."
    "_You_shouldbelonely,"Isaid.
    "JosephandIwentdrivingagooddeal.Sometimeswehadadrinkortwo
    together.Butthat'sall.Idon'tgoaround"
    "Youtoldhimaboutthepearls,"Isaid."Andwhenyourtwohundredpounds
    ofbeefcamebackfromArgentinaandkickedhimouthetookthepearls,because
    heknewtheywerereal.Andthenofferedthembacktoyouforfivegrand."
    "Yes,"shesaidsimply."OfcourseIdidn'twanttogotothepolice.And
    ofcourseinthecircumstanceJosephwasn'tafraidofmyknowingwherehe
    lived."
    "PoorWaldo,"Isaid."Ifeelkindofsorryforhim.Itwasahellofa
    timetorunintoanoldfriendthathadadownonyou."
    Istruckamatchonmyshoesoleandlitthecigarette.Thetobaccowasso
    dryfromthehotwindthatitburnedlikegrass.Thegirlsatquietlybesideme,
    herhandsonthewheelagain.
    "Hellwithwomenthesefliers,"Isaid."Andyou'restillinlovewith
    him,orthinkyouare.Wheredidyoukeepthepearls?"
    "InaRussianmalachitejewelryboxonmydressingtable.Withsomeother
    costumejewelry.Ihadto,ifIeverwantedtowearthem."
    "Andtheywereworthfifteengrand.AndyouthinkJosephmighthavehidden
    theminhisapartment.Thirtyone,wasn'tit?"
    "Yes,"shesaid."Iguessit'salottoask."
    Iopenedthedoorandgotoutofthecar."I'vebeenpaid,"Isaid."I'll
    golook.Thedoorsinmyapartmentarenotveryobstinate.Thecopswillfind
    outwhereWaldolivedwhentheypublishhisphoto,butnottonight,Iguess."
    "It'sawfullysweetofyou,"shesaid."ShallIwaithere?"
    Istoodwithafootontherunningboard,leaningin,lookingather.I
    didn'tanswerherquestion.Ijuststoodtherelookinginattheshineofher
    eyes.ThenIshutthecardoorandwalkedupthestreettowardsFranklin.
    EvenwiththewindshrivelingmyfaceIcouldstillsmellthesandalwoodin
    herhair.Andfeelherlips.

    IunlockedtheBerglunddoor,walkedthroughthesilentlobbytothe
    elevator,androdeuptoThree.ThenIsoftfootedalongthesilentcorridorand
    peereddownatthesillofApartment31.Nolight.Irappedtheoldlight,
    confidentialtattooofthebootleggerwiththebigsmileandtheextradeephip
    pockets.Noanswer.Itookthepieceofthickhardcelluloidthatpretendedto
    beawindowoverthedriver'slicenseinmywallet,andeaseditbetweenthe
    lockandthejamb,leaninghardontheknob,pushingittowardthehinges.The
    edgeofthecelluloidcaughttheslopeofthespringlockandsnappeditback
    withasmallbrittlesound,likeaniciclebreaking.ThedooryieldedandIwent
    intoneardarkness.Streetlightfilteredinandtouchedahighspothereand
    there.
    Ishutthedoorandsnappedthelightonandjuststood.Therewasaqueer
    smellintheair.Imadeitinamomentthesmellofdarkcuredtobacco.I
    prowledovertoasmokingstandbythewindowandlookeddownatfourbrown
    buttsMexicanorSouthAmericancigarettes.
    Upstairs,onmyfloor,feethitthecarpetandsomebodywentintoa
    bathroom.Iheardthetoiletflush.IwentintothebathroomofApartment31.A
    littlerubbish,nothing,noplacetohideanything.Thekitchenettewasalonger
    job,butIonlyhalfsearched.Iknewtherewerenopearlsinthatapartment.I
    knewWaldohadbeenonhiswayoutandthathewasinahurryandthatsomething
    wasridinghimwhenheturnedandtooktwobulletsfromanoldfriend.
    Iwentbacktothelivingroomandswungthewallbedandlookedpastits
    mirrorsideintothedressingroomforsignsofstillcurrentoccupancy.
    SwingingthebedfartherIwasnolongerlookingforpearls.Iwaslookingata
    man.
    Hewassmall,middleaged,irongrayatthetemples,withaverydarkskin,
    dressedinafawncoloredsuitwithawinecoloredtie.Hisneatlittlebrown
    handshunglimplybyhissides.Hissmallfeet,inpointedpolishedshoes,
    pointedalmostatthefloor.
    Hewashangingbyabeltaroundhisneckfromthemetaltopofthebed.His
    tonguestuckoutfartherthanIthoughtitpossibleforatonguetostickout.
    HeswungalittleandIdidn'tlikethat,soIpulledthebedshutandhe
    nestledquietlybetweenthetwoclampedpillows.Ididn'ttouchhimyet.I
    didn'thavetotouchhimtoknowthathewouldbecoldasice.

    Iwentaroundhimintothedressingroomandusedmyhandkerchiefondrawer
    knobs.Theplacewasstrippedcleanexceptforthelightlitterofamanliving
    alone.
    Icameoutofthereandbeganontheman.Nowallet.Waldowouldhavetaken
    thatandditchedit.Aflatboxofcigarettes,halffull,stampedingold:
    "LouisTapiayCia,CalledePaysand,19,Montevideo."MatchesfromtheSpezia
    Club.Anunderarmholsterofdarkgrainedleatherandinita9millimeter
    Mauser.
    TheMausermadehimaprofessional,soIdidn'tfeelsobadly.Butnota
    verygoodprofessional,orbarehandswouldnothavefinishedhim,withthe
    Mauseragunyoucanblastthroughawallwithundrawninhisshoulder
    holster.
    Imadealittlesenseofit,notmuch.Fourofthebrowncigaretteshad
    beensmoked,sotherehadbeeneitherwaitingordiscussion.Somewherealongthe
    lineWaldohadgotthelittlemanbythethroatandheldhiminjusttheright
    waytomakehimpassoutinamatterofseconds.TheMauserhadbeenlessuseful
    tohimthanatoothpick.ThenWaldohadhunghimupbythestrap,probablydead
    already.Thatwouldaccountforhaste,cleaningouttheapartment,forWaldo's
    anxietyaboutthegirl.Itwouldaccountforthecarleftunlockedoutsidethe
    cocktailbar.
    Thatis,itwouldaccountforthesethingsifWaldohadkilledhim,ifthis
    wasreallyWaldo'sapartmentifIwasn'tjustbeingkidded.
    Iexaminedsomemorepockets.InthelefttrouseroneIfoundagold
    penknife,somesilver.Inthelefthippocketahandkerchief,folded,scented.
    Ontherighthipanother,unfoldedbutclean.Intherightlegpocketfouror
    fivetissuehandkerchiefs.Acleanlittleguy.Hedidn'tliketoblowhisnose
    onhishandkerchief.Underthesetherewasasmallnewkeytainerholdingfour
    newkeyscarkeys.Stampedingoldonthekeytainerwas:ComplimentsofR.K.
    Vogelsang,Inc."ThePackardHouse."
    IputeverythingasIhadfoundit,swungthebedback,usedmy
    handkerchiefonknobsandotherprojections,andflatsurfaces,killedthelight
    andpokedmynoseoutthedoor.Thehallwasempty.Iwentdowntothestreet
    andaroundthecornertoKingsleyDrive.TheCadillachadn'tmoved.

    Iopenedthecardoorandleanedonit.Shedidn'tseemtohavemoved,
    either.Itwashardtoseeanyexpressiononherface.Hardtoseeanythingbut
    hereyesandchin,butnothardtosmellthesandalwood.
    "Thatperfume,"Isaid,"woulddriveadeaconnuts...nopearls."
    "Well,thanksfortrying,"shesaidinalow,softvibrantvoice."Iguess
    Icanstandit.ShallI...Dowe...Or...?"
    "Yougoonhomenow,"Isaid."Andwhateverhappensyouneversawme
    before.Whateverhappens.Justasyoumayneverseemeagain."
    "I'dhatethat."
    "Goodluck,Lola."Ishutthecardoorandsteppedback.
    Thelightsblazedon,themotorturnedover.Againstthewindatthecorner
    thebigcoupemadeaslowcontemptuousturnandwasgone.Istoodtherebythe
    vacantspaceatthecurbwhereithadbeen.
    Itwasquitedarktherenow.Windows,hadbecomeblanksintheapartment
    wheretheradiosounded.IstoodlookingatthebackofaPackardcabriolet
    whichseemedtobebrandnew.IhadseenitbeforebeforeIwentupstairs,in
    thesameplace,infrontofLola'scar.Parked,dark,silent,withablue
    stickerpastedtotherighthandcorneroftheshinywindshield.
    AndinmymindIwaslookingatsomethingelse,asetofbrandnewcarkeys
    inakeytainerstamped:"ThePackardHouse,"upstairs,inadeadman'spocket.
    Iwentuptothefrontofthecabrioletandputasmallpocketflashonthe
    blueslip.Itwasthesamedealerallright.Writtenininkbelowhisnameand
    sloganwasanameandaddressEugenieKolchenko,5315ArviedaStreet,WestLos
    Angeles.
    Itwascrazy.IwentbackuptoApartment31,jimmiedthedoorasIhad
    donebefore,steppedinbehindthewallbedandtookthekeytainerfromthe
    trouserspocketoftheneatbrowndanglingcorpse.Iwasbackdownonthestreet
    besidethecabrioletinfiveminutes.Thekeysfitted.

    Itwasasmallhouse,nearacanyonrimoutbeyondSawtelle,withacircleof
    writhingeucalyptustreesinfrontofit.Beyondthat,ontheothersideofthe

    street,oneofthosepartieswasgoingonwheretheycomeoutandsmashbottles
    onthesidewalkwithawhooplikeYalemakingatouchdownagainstPrinceton.
    Therewasawirefenceatmynumberandsomerosetrees,andaflaggedwalk
    andagaragethatwaswideopenandhadnocarinit.Therewasnocarinfront
    ofthehouseeither.Irangthebell.Therewasalongwait,thenthedoor
    openedrathersuddenly.
    Iwasn'tthemanshehadbeenexpecting.Icouldseeitinherglittering
    kohlrimmedeyes.ThenIcouldn'tseeanythinginthem.Shejuststoodand
    lookedatme,along,lean,hungrybrunette,withrougedcheekbones,thickblack
    hairpartedinthemiddle,amouthmadeforthreedeckersandwiches,coraland
    goldpajamas,sandalsandgildedtoenails.Underherearlobesacoupleof
    miniaturetemplebellsgongedlightlyinthebreeze.Shemadeaslowdisdainful
    motionwithacigaretteinaholderaslongasabaseballbat.
    "Weel,whateesit,littleman?Youwantsometheeng?Youarelostfromthe
    beeootifulpartyacrossthestreet,hem?"
    "Haha,"Isaid."Quiteaparty,isn'tit?No,Ijustbroughtyourcar
    home.Lostit,didn'tyou?"
    Acrossthestreetsomebodyhaddeliriumtremensinthefrontyardanda
    mixedquartettorewhatwasleftofthenightintosmallstripsanddidwhat
    theycouldtomakethestripsmiserable.Whilethiswasgoingontheexotic
    brunettedidn'tmovemorethanoneeyelash.
    Shewasn'tbeautiful,shewasn'tevenpretty,butshelookedasifthings
    wouldhappenwhereshewas.
    "Youhavesaidwhat?"shegotout,atlast,inavoiceassilkyasaburnt
    crustoftoast.
    "Yourcar."Ipointedovermyshoulderandkeptmyeyesonher.Shewasthe
    typethatusesaknife.
    Thelongcigaretteholderdroppedveryslowlytohersideandthecigarette
    felloutofit.Istampeditout,andthatputmeinthehall.Shebackedaway
    frommeandIshutthedoor.
    Thehallwaslikethelonghallofarailroadflat.Lampsglowedpinklyin
    ironbrackets.Therewasabeadcurtainattheend,atigerskinonthefloor.
    Theplacewentwithher.
    "You'reMissKolchenko?"Iasked,notgettinganymoreaction.

    "Yees.IamMeesKolchenko.Whatthe'ellyouwant?"
    ShewaslookingatmenowasifIhadcometowashthewindows,butatan
    inconvenienttime.
    Igotacardoutwithmylefthand,helditouttoher.Shereaditinmy
    hand,movingherheadjustenough."Adetective?"shebreathed.
    "Yeah."
    Shesaidsomethinginaspittinglanguage.TheninEnglish:"Comein!Thees
    damnwinddryupmyskeenlikesomuchteesuepaper."
    "We'rein,"Isaid."Ijustshutthedoor.Snapoutofit,Nazimova.Who
    washe?Thelittleguy?"
    Beyondthebeadcurtainamancoughed.Shejumpedasifshehadbeenstuck
    withanoysterfork.Thenshetriedtosmile.Itwasn'tverysuccessful.
    "Areward,"shesaidsoftly."Youweelwait'ere?Tendollarsitisfairto
    pay,no?"
    "No,"Isaid.
    Ireachedafingertowardsherslowlyandadded:"He'sdead."
    Shejumpedaboutthreefeetandletoutayell.
    Achaircreakedharshly.Feetpoundedbeyondthebeadcurtain,alargehand
    plungedintoviewandsnatcheditaside,andabighardlookingblondmanwas
    withus.Hehadapurplerobeoverhispajamas,hisrighthandheldsomethingin
    hisrobepocket.Hestoodquitestillassoonashewasthroughthecurtain,his
    feetplantedsolidly,hisjawout,hiscolorlesseyeslikegrayice.Helooked
    likeamanwhowouldbehardtotakeoutonanofftackleplay.
    "What'sthematter,honey?"Hehadasolid,burringvoice,withjustthe
    rightsappytonetobelongtoaguywhowouldgoforawomanwithgilded
    toenails.
    "IcameaboutMissKolchenko'scar,"Isaid.
    "Well,youcouldtakeyourhatoff,"hesaid."Justforalightworkout."
    Itookitoffandapologized.
    "O.K.,"hesaid,andkepthisrighthandshoveddownhardinthepurple
    pocket."SoyoucameaboutMissKolchenko'scar.Takeitfromthere."
    Ipushedpastthewomanandwentclosertohim.Sheshrankbackagainstthe
    wallandflattenedherpalmsagainstit.Camilleinahighschoolplay.Thelong
    holderlayemptyathertoes.

    WhenIwassixfeetfromthebigmanhesaideasily:"Icanhearyoufrom
    there.Justtakeiteasy.I'vegotaguninthispocketandI'vehadtolearnto
    useone.Nowaboutthecar?"
    "Themanwhoborroweditcouldn'tbringit,"Isaid,andpushedthecardI
    wasstillholdingtowardshisface.Hebarelyglancedatit.Helookedbackat
    me.
    "Sowhat?"hesaid.
    "Areyoualwaysthistough?"Iasked."Oronlywhenyouhaveyourpajamas
    on?"
    "Sowhycouldn'thebringithimself?"heasked."Andskipthemushytalk."
    Thedarkwomanmadeastuffedsoundatmyelbow.
    "It'sallright,honeybunch,"themansaid."I'llhandlethis.Goon."
    Sheslidpastbothofusandflickedthroughthebeadcurtain.
    Iwaitedalittlewhile.Thebigmandidn'tmoveamuscle.Hedidn'tlook
    anymorebotheredthanatoadinthesun.
    "Hecouldn'tbringitbecausesomebodybumpedhimoff,"Isaid."Let'ssee
    youhandlethat."
    "Yeah?"hesaid."Didyoubringhimwithyoutoproveit?"
    "No,"Isaid."Butifyouputyourtieandcrushhaton,I'lltakeyoudown
    andshowyou."
    "Whothehelldidyousayyouwere,now?"
    "Ididn'tsay.Ithoughtmaybeyoucouldread."Iheldthecardathimsome
    more.
    "Oh,that'sright,"hesaid."PhilipMarlowe,PrivateInvestigator.Well,
    well.SoIshouldgowithyoutolookatwho,why?"
    "Maybehestolethecar,"Isaid.
    Thebigmannodded."That'sathought.Maybehedid.Who?"
    "Thelittlebrownguywhohadthekeystoitinhispocket,andhadit
    parkedaroundthecornerfromtheBerglundApartments."
    Hethoughtthatover,withoutanyapparentembarrassment."You'vegot
    somethingthere,"hesaid."Notmuch.Butalittle.Iguessthismustbethe
    nightofthePoliceSmoker.Soyou'redoingalltheirworkforthem."
    "Huh?"
    "Thecardsaysprivatedetectivetome,"hesaid."Haveyougotsomecops
    outsidethatweretooshytocomein?"

    "No,I'malone."
    Hegrinned.Thegrinshowedwhiteridgesinhistannedskin."Soyoufind
    somebodydeadandtakesomekeysandfindacarandcomeridingouthereall
    alone.Nocops.AmIright?"
    "Correct."
    Hesighed."Let'sgoinside,"hesaid.Heyankedthebeadcurtainasideand
    madeanopeningformetogothrough."ItmightbeyouhaveanideaIoughtto
    hear."
    Iwentpasthimandheturned,keepinghisheavypockettowardsme.I
    hadn'tnoticeduntilIgotquiteclosethattherewerebeadsofsweatonhis
    face.ItmighthavebeenthehotwindbutIdidn'tthinkso.
    Wewereinthelivingroomofthehouse.
    Wesatdownandlookedateachotheracrossadarkfloor,onwhichafew
    NavajorugsandafewdarkTurkishrugsmadeadecoratingcombinationwithsome
    wellusedoverstuffedfurniture.Therewasafireplace,asmallbabygrand,a
    Chinesescreen,atallChineselanternonateakwoodpedestal,andgoldnet
    curtainsagainstlatticewindows.Thewindowstothesouthwereopen.Afruit
    treewithawhitewashedtrunkwhippedaboutoutsidethescreen,addingitsbit
    tothenoisefromacrossthestreet.
    Thebigmaneasedbackintoabrocadedchairandputhisslipperedfeeton
    afootstool.HekepthisrighthandwhereithadbeensinceImethimonhis
    gun.
    Thebrunettehungaroundintheshadowsandabottlegurgledandhertemple
    bellsgongedinherears.
    "It'sallright,honeybunch,"themansaid."It'sallundercontrol.
    Somebodybumpedsomebodyoffandthisladthinkswe'reinterested.Justsitdown
    andrelax."
    Thegirltiltedherheadandpouredhalfatumblerofwhiskeydownher
    throat.Shesighed,said,"Goddam,"inacasualvoice,andcurledupona
    davenport.Ittookallofthedavenport.Shehadplentyoflegs.Hergilded
    toenailswinkedatmefromtheshadowycornerwhereshekeptherselfquietfrom
    thenon.
    Igotacigaretteoutwithoutbeingshotat,lititandwentintomystory.
    Itwasn'talltrue,butsomeofitwas.ItoldthemabouttheBerglund
    ApartmentsandthatIhadlivedthereandthatWaldowaslivingtherein

    Apartment31onthefloorbelowmineandthatIhadbeenkeepinganeyeonhim
    forbusinessreasons.
    "Waldowhat?"theblondmanputin."Andwhatbusinessreasons?"
    "Mister,"Isaid,"haveyounosecrets?"Hereddenedslightly.
    ItoldhimaboutthecocktailloungeacrossthestreetfromtheBerglund
    andwhathadhappenedthere.Ididn'ttellhimabouttheprintedbolerojacket
    orthegirlwhohadwornit.Ileftheroutofthestoryaltogether.
    "Itwasanundercoverjobfrommyangle,"Isaid."IfyouknowwhatI
    mean."Hereddenedagain,bithisteeth.Iwenton:"Igotbackfromthecity
    hallwithouttellinganybodyIknewWaldo.Induetime,whenIdecidedthey
    couldn'tfindoutwherehelivedthatnight,Itookthelibertyofexamininghis
    apartment."
    "Lookingforwhat?"thebigmansaidthickly.
    "Forsomeletters.Imightmentioninpassingtherewasnothingthereat
    allexceptadeadman.Strangledandhangingbyabelttothetopofthewall
    bedwelloutofsight.Asmallman,aboutfortyfive,MexicanorSouth
    American,welldressedinafawncolored.
    "That'senough,"thebigmansaid."I'llbite,Marlowe.Wasitablackmail
    jobyouwereon?"
    "Yeah.Thefunnypartwasthislittlebrownmanhadplentyofgununderhis
    arm."
    "Hewouldn'thavefivehundredbucksintwentiesinhispocket,ofcourse?
    Orareyousaying?"
    "Hewouldn't.ButWaldohadoversevenhundredincurrencywhenhewas
    killedinthecocktailbar."
    "LookslikeIunderratedthisWaldo,"thebigmansaidcalmly."Hetookmy
    guyandhispayoffmoney,gunandall.Waldohaveagun?"
    "Notonhim."
    "Getusadrink,honeybunch,"thebigmansaid."Yes,Icertainlydidsell
    thisWaldopersonshorterthanabargaincountershirt."
    Thebrunetteunwoundherlegsandmadetwodrinkswithsodaandice.She
    tookherselfanothergillwithouttrimmings,woundherselfbackonthe
    davenport.Herbigglitteringblackeyeswatchedmesolemnly.
    "Well,here'show,"thebigmansaid,liftinghisglassinsalute."I
    haven'tmurderedanybody,butI'vegotadivorcesuitonmyhandsfromnowon.

    Youhaven'tmurderedanybody,thewayyoutellit,butyoulaidaneggdownat
    policeHeadquarters.Whatthehell!Life'salotoftrouble,anywayyoulookat
    it.I'vestillgothoneybunchhere.She'sawhiteRussianImetinShanghai.
    She'ssafeasavaultandshelooksasifshecouldcutyourthroatfora
    nickel.That'swhatIlikeabouther.Yougettheglamorwithouttherisk."
    "Youtalkdamnfoolish,"thegirlspathim.
    "YoulookO.K.tome,"thebigmanwentonignoringher."Thatis,fora
    keyholepeeper.Isthereanout?"
    "Yeah.Butitwillcostalittlemoney."
    "Iexpectedthat.Howmuch?"
    "Sayanotherfivehundred."
    "Goddam,theeshotwindmakemedryliketheashesoflove,"theRussian
    girlsaidbitterly.
    "Fivehundredmightdo,"theblondmansaid."WhatdoIgetforit?"
    "IfIswingityougetleftoutofthestory.IfIdon'tyoudon'tpay."
    Hethoughtitover.Hisfacelookedlinedandtirednow.Thesmallbeadsof
    sweattwinkledinhisshortblondhair.
    "Thismurderwillmakeyoutalk,"hegrumbled."Thesecondone,Imean.And
    Idon'thavewhatIwasgoingtobuy.Andifit'sahush,I'dratherbuyit
    direct."
    "Whowasthelittlebrownman?"Iasked.
    "Name'sLeonValesanos,aUruguayan.Anotherofmyimportations.I'mina
    businessthattakesmealotofplaces.HewasworkingintheSpezziaClubin
    Chiseltownyouknow,thestripofSunsetnexttoBeverlyHills.Workingon
    roulette,Ithink.IgavehimthefivehundredtogodowntothisthisWaldo
    andbuybacksomebillsforstuffMissKolchenkohadchargedtomyaccountand
    deliveredhere.Thatwasn'tbright,wasit?Ihadtheminmybriefcaseandthis
    Waldogotachancetostealthem.What'syourhunchaboutwhathappened?"
    Isippedmydrinkandlookedathimdownmynose."YourUruguayanpal
    probablytalkedcurtandWaldodidn'tlistengood.Thenthelittleguythought
    maybethatMausermighthelphisargumentandWaldowastooquickforhim.I
    wouldn'tsayWaldowasakillernotbyintention.Ablackmailerseldomis.
    Maybehelosthistemperandmaybehejustheldontothelittleguy'snecktoo
    long.Thenhehadtotakeitonthelam.Buthehadanotherdate,withmore
    moneycomingup.Andheworkedtheneighborhoodlookingfortheparty.And

    accidentallyheranintoapalwhowashostileenoughanddrunkenoughtoblow
    himdown."
    "There'sahellofalotofcoincidenceinallthisbusiness,"thebigman
    said.
    "It'sthehotwind,"Igrinned."Everybody'sscrewytonight."
    "Forthefivehundredyouguaranteenothing?IfIdon'tgetmycoverup,
    youdon'tgetyourdough.Isthatit?"
    "That'sit,"Isaid,smilingathim.
    "Screwyisright,"hesaid,anddrainedhishighball."I'mtakingyouupon
    it."
    "Therearejusttwothings,"Isaidsoftly,leaningforwardinmychair.
    "Waldohadagetawaycarparkedoutsidethecocktailbarwherehewaskilled,
    unlockedwiththemotorrunning.Thekillertookit.There'salwaysthechance
    ofakickbackfromthatdirection.Yousee,allWaldo'sstuffmusthavebeenin
    thatcar."
    "Includingmybills,andyourletters."
    "Yeah.Butthepolicearereasonableaboutthingslikethatunlessyou're
    goodforalotofpublicity.Ifyou'renot,IthinkIcaneatsomestaledog
    downtownandgetby.Ifyouarethat'sthesecondthing.Whatdidyousayyour
    namewas?"
    Theanswerwasalongtimecoming.WhenitcameIdidn'tgetasmuchkick
    outofitasIthoughtIwould.Allatonceitwastoological.
    "FrankC.Barsaly,"hesaid.
    AfterawhiletheRussiangirlcalledmeataxi.WhenIleft,theparty
    acrossthestreetwasdoingallthatapartycoulddo.Inoticedthewallsof
    thehousewerestillstanding.Thatseemedapity.

    WhenIunlockedtheglassentrancedooroftheBerglundIsmelledpoliceman.I
    lookedatmywristwatch.Itwasnearly3AM.Inthedarkcornerofthelobbya
    mandozedinachairwithanewspaperoverhisface.Largefeetstretchedout

    beforehim.Acornerofthepaperliftedaninch,droppedagain.Themanmadeno
    othermovement.
    Iwentonalongthehalltotheelevatorandrodeuptomyfloor.Isoft
    footedalongthehallway,unlockedmydoor,pusheditwideandreachedinfor
    thelightswitch.
    Achainswitchtinkledandlightglaredfromastandinglampbytheeasy
    chair,beyondthecardtableonwhichmychessmenwerestillscattered.
    Coperniksattherewithastiffunpleasantgrinonhisface.Theshortdark
    man,Ybarra,satacrosstheroomfromhim,onmyleft,silent,halfsmilingas
    usual.
    Copernikshowedmoreofhisbigyellowhorseteethandsaid:"Hi.Longtime
    nosee.Beenoutwiththegirls?"
    Ishutthedoorandtookmyhatoffandwipedthebackofmyneckslowly,
    overandoveragain.Copernikwentongrinning.Ybarralookedatnothingwith
    hissoftdarkeyes.
    "Takeaseat,pal,"Copernikdrawled."Makeyourselftohome.Wegotpow
    wowtomake.Boy,doIhatethisnightsleuthing.Didyouknowyouwerelowon
    hooch?"
    "Icouldhaveguessedit,"Isaid.Ileanedagainstthewall.
    Copernikkeptongrinning."Ialwaysdidhateprivatedicks,"hesaid,"but
    IneverhadachancetotwistonelikeIgottonight."
    Hereacheddownlazilybesidehischairandpickedupaprintedbolero
    jacket,tosseditonthecardtable.Hereacheddownagainandputawide
    brimmedhatbesideit.
    "Ibetyoulookcuterthanallhellwiththeseon,"hesaid.
    Itookholdofastraightchair,twisteditaroundandstraddledit,leaned
    myfoldedarmsonthechairandlookedatCopernik.
    Hegotupveryslowlywithanelaborateslowness,walkedacrosstheroom
    andstoodinfrontofmesmoothinghiscoatdown.Thenheliftedhisopenright
    handandhitmeacrossthefacewithithard.ItstungbutIdidn'tmove.
    Ybarralookedatthewall,lookedatthefloor,lookedatnothing.
    "Shameonyou,pal,"Coperniksaidlazily."Thewayyouwastakingcareof
    thisniceexclusivemerchandise.Waddeddownbehindyouroldshirts.Youpunk
    peepersalwaysdidmakemesick."

    Hestoodthereovermeforamoment.Ididn'tmoveorspeak.Ilookedinto
    hisglazeddrinker'seyes.Hedoubledafistathisside,thenshruggedand
    turnedandwentbacktothechair.
    "O.K.,"hesaid."Therestwillkeep.Wheredidyougetthesethings?"
    "Theybelongtoalady."
    "Dotell.Theybelongtoalady.Ain'tyouthelightheartedbastard!I'll
    tellyouwhatladytheybelongto.TheybelongtotheladyaguynamedWaldo
    askedaboutinabaracrossthestreetabouttwominutesbeforehegotshot
    kindofdead.Orwouldthathaveslippedyourmind?"
    Ididn'tsayanything.
    "Youwascuriousaboutheryourself,"Coperniksneeredon."Butyouwere
    smart,pal.Youfooledme."
    "Thatwouldn'tmakemesmart,"Isaid.
    Hisfacetwistedsuddenlyandhestartedtogetup.Ybarralaughed,
    suddenlyandsoftly,almostunderhisbreath.Copernik'seyesswungonhim,hung
    there.Thenhefacedmeagain,blandeyed.
    "Theguinealikesyou,"hesaid."Hethinksyou'regood."
    ThesmileleftYbarra'sface,butnoexpressiontookitsplace.No
    expressionatall.
    Coperniksaid:"Youknewwhothedamewasallthetime.YouknewwhoWaldo
    wasandwherehelived.Rightacrossthehallafloorbelowyou.Youknewthis
    Waldopersonhadbumpedaguyoffandstartedtolam,onlythisbroadcameinto
    hisplanssomewhereandhewasanxioustomeetupwithherbeforehewentaway.
    Onlyhenevergotthechance.AheistguyfrombackEastnamedAlTessiloretook
    careofthatbytakingcareofWaldo.Soyoumetthegalandhidherclothesand
    sentheronherwayandkeptyourtrapglued.That'sthewayguyslikeyoumake
    yourbeans.AmIright?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid."ExceptthatIonlyknewthesethingsveryrecently.Who
    wasWaldo?"
    Copernikbaredhisteethatme.Redspotsburnedhighonhissallowcheeks.
    Ybarra,lookingdownatthefloor,saidverysoftly:"WaldoRatigan.Wegothim
    fromWashingtonbyTeletype.Hewasatwobitporchclimberwithafewsmall
    termsonhim.HedroveacarinabankstickupjobinDetroit.Heturnedthe
    ganginlaterandgotanolleprosse.OneofthegangwasthisAlTessilore.He

    hasn'ttalkedaword,butwethinkthemeetingacrossthestreetwaspurely
    accidental."
    Ybarraspokeinthesoftquietmodulatedvoiceofamanforwhomsounds
    haveameaning.Isaid:"Thanks,Ybarra.CanIsmokeorwouldCopernikkickit
    outofmymouth?"
    Ybarrasmiledsuddenly."Youmaysmoke,sure,"hesaid.
    "Theguinealikesyouallright,"Copernikjeered."Youneverknowwhata
    guineawilllike,doyou?"
    Ilitacigarette.YbarralookedatCopernikandsaidverysoftly:"The
    wordguineayouoverworkit.Idon'tlikeitsowellappliedtome."
    "Thehellwithwhatyoulike,guinea."
    Ybarrasmiledalittlemore."Youaremakingamistake,"hesaid.Hetooka
    pocketnailfileoutandbegantouseit,lookingdown.
    Copernikblared:"Ismelledsomethingrottenonyoufromthestart,
    Marlowe.Sowhenwemakethesetwomugs,Ybarraandmethinkwe'lldriftover
    anddabbleafewmorewordswithyou.IbringoneofWaldo'smorguephotosnice
    work,thelightjustrightinhiseyes,histieallstraightandawhite
    handkerchiefshowingjustrightinhispocket.Nicework.Soonthewayup,just
    asamatterofroutine,weroutoutthemanagerhereandlethimlampit.Andhe
    knowstheguy.He'shereasA.B.Hummel,ApartmentThirtyone.Sowegoin
    thereandfindastiff.Thenwegoroundandroundwiththat.Nobodyknowshim
    yet,buthe'sgotsomeswellfingerbruisesunderthatstrapandIheartheyfit
    Waldo'sfingersverynicely."
    "That'ssomething,"Isaid."IthoughtmaybeImurderedhim."
    Copernikstaredatmealongtime.Hisfacehadstoppedgrinningandwas
    justahardbrutalfacenow."Yeah.Wegotsomethingelseeven,"hesaid."We
    gotWaldo'sgetawaycarandwhatWaldohadinittotakewithhim."
    Iblewcigarettesmokejerkily.Thewindpoundedtheshutwindows.Theair
    intheroomwasfoul.
    "Oh,we'rebrightboys,"Coperniksneered."Weneverfiguredyouwiththat
    muchguts.Takealookatthis."
    Heplungedhisbonyhandintohiscoatpocketanddrewsomethingupslowly
    overtheedgeofthecardtable,drewitalongthegreentopandleftitthere
    stretchedout,gleaming.Astringofwhitepearlswithaclasplikeatwobladed
    propeller.Theyshimmeredsoftlyinthethicksmokyair.

    LolaBarsaly'spearls.Thepearlstheflierhadgivenher.Theguywhowas
    dead,theguyshestillloved.
    Istaredatthem,butIdidn'tmove.AfteralongmomentCoperniksaid
    almostgravely:"Nice,ain'tthey?Wouldyoufeelliketellingusastoryabout
    now,MisterMarlowe?"
    Istoodupandpushedthechairfromunderme,walkedslowlyacrossthe
    roomandstoodlookingdownatthepearls.Thelargestwasperhapsathirdofan
    inchacross.Theywerepurewhite,iridescent,withamellowsoftness.Ilifted
    themslowlyoffthecardtablefrombesideherclothes.Theyfeltheavy,smooth,
    fine.
    "Nice,"Isaid."Alotofthetroublewasaboutthese.Yeah,I'lltalknow.
    Theymustbeworthalotofmoney."
    Ybarralaughedbehindme.Itwasaverygentlelaugh."Aboutahundred
    dollars,"hesaid."They'regoodphoniesbutthey'rephony."
    Iliftedthepearlsagain.Copernik'sglassyeyesgloatedatme."Howdo
    youtell?"Iasked.
    "Iknowpearls,"Ybarrasaid."Thesearegoodstuff,thekindwomenvery
    oftenhavemadeonpurpose,asakindofinsurance.Buttheyareslicklike
    glass.Realpearlsaregrittybetweentheedgesoftheteeth.Try."
    Iputtwoorthreeofthembetweenmyteethandmovedmyteethbackand
    forth,thensideways.Notquitebitingthem.Thebeadswerehardandslick.
    "Yes.Theyareverygood,"Ybarrasaid."Severalevenhavelittlewavesand
    flatspots,asrealpearlsmighthave."
    "Wouldtheycostfifteengrandiftheywerereal?"Iasked.
    "Si.Probably.That'shardtosay.Itdependsonalotofthings."
    "ThisWaldowasn'tsobad,"Isaid.
    Copernikstoodupquickly,butIdidn'tseehimswing.Iwasstilllooking
    downatthepearls.Hisfistcaughtmeonthesideoftheface,againstthe
    molars.Itastedbloodatonce.Istaggeredbackandmadeitlooklikeaworse
    blowthanitwas.
    "Sitdownandtalk,youbastard!"Copernikalmostwhispered.
    Isatdownandusedahandkerchieftopatmycheek.Ilickedatthecut
    insidemymouth.ThenIgotupagainandwentoverandpickedupthecigarette
    hehadknockedoutofmymouth.Icrusheditoutinatrayandsatdownagain.

    Ybarrafiledathisnailsandheldoneupagainstthelamp.Therewere
    beadsofsweatonCopernik'seyebrows,attheinnerends.
    "YoufoundthebeadsinWaldo'scar,"Isaid,lookingatYbarra."Findany
    papers?"
    Heshookhisheadwithoutlookingup.
    "I'dbelieveyou,"Isaid."Hereitis.IneversawWaldountilhestepped
    intothecocktailbartonightandaskedaboutthegirl.IknewnothingIdidn't
    tell.WhenIgothomeandsteppedoutoftheelevatorthisgirl,intheprinted
    bolerojacketandthewidehatandthebluesilkcrpedressallashehad
    describedthemwaswaitingfortheelevator,hereonmyfloor.Andshelooked
    likeanicegirl."
    Coperniklaughedjeeringly.Itdidn'tmakeanydifferencetome.Ihadhim
    cold.Allhehadtodowasknowthat.Hewasgoingtoknowitnow,verysoon.
    "Iknewwhatshewasupagainstasapolicewitness,"Isaid."AndI
    suspectedtherewassomethingelsetoit.ButIdidn'tsuspectforaminutethat
    therewasanythingwrongwithher.Shewasjustanicegirlinajamandshe
    didn'tevenknowshewasinajam.Igotherinhere.Shepulledagunonme.
    Butshedidn'tmeantouseit."
    Coperniksatupverysuddenlyandhebegantolickhislips.Hisfacehada
    stonylooknow.Alooklikewetgraystone.Hedidn'tmakeasound.
    "Waldohadbeenherchauffeur,"Iwenton."HisnamewasthenJoseph
    Coates.HernameisMrs.FrankC.Barsaly.Herhusbandisabighydroelectric
    engineer.Someguygaveherthepearlsonceandshetoldherhusbandtheywere
    juststorepearls.Waldogotwisesomehowtherewasaromancebehindthemand
    whenBarsalycamehomefromSouthAmericaandfiredhim,becausehewastoo
    goodlooking,heliftedthepearls."
    Ybarraliftedhisheadsuddenlyandhisteethflashed."Youmeanhedidn't
    knowtheywerephony?"
    "Ithoughthefencedtherealonesandhadimitationsfixedup,"Isaid.
    Ybarranodded."It'spossible."
    "Heliftedsomethingelse,"Isaid."SomestufffromBarsaly'sbriefcase
    thatshowedhewaskeepingawomanoutinBrentwood.Hewasblackmailingwife
    andhusbandboth,withouteitherknowingabouttheother.Getitsofar?"
    "Igetit,"Coperniksaidharshly,betweenhistightlips.Hisfacewas
    stillwetgraystone."Getthehellonwithit."

    "Waldowasn'tafraidofthem,"Isaid."Hedidn'tconcealwherehelived.
    Thatwasfoolish,butitsavedalotoffinagling,ifhewaswillingtoriskit.
    Thegirlcamedownheretonightwithfivegrandtobuybackherpearls.She
    didn'tfindWaldo.Shecameheretolookforhimandwalkedupafloorbefore
    shewentbackdown.Awoman'sideaofbeingcagey.SoImether.SoIbrought
    herinhere.SoshewasinthatdressingroomwhenAlTessilorevisitedmeto
    ruboutawitness."Ipointedtothedressingroomdoor."Soshecameoutwith
    herlittlegunandstuckitinhisbackandsavedmylife,"Isaid.
    Copernikdidn'tmove.Therewassomethinghorribleinhisfacenow.Ybarra
    slippedhisnailfileintoasmallleathercaseandslowlytuckeditintohis
    pocket.
    "Isthatall?"hesaidgently.
    Inodded."ExceptthatshetoldmewhereWaldo'sapartmentwasandIwent
    inthereandlookedforthepearls.Ifoundthedeadman.InhispocketIfound
    newcarkeysinacasefromaPackardagency.AnddownonthestreetIfoundthe
    Packardandtookittowhereitcamefrom.Barsaly'skeptwoman.Barsalyhad
    sentafriendfromtheSpezziaClubdowntobuysomethingandhehadtriedto
    buyitwithhisguninsteadofthemoneyBarsalygavehim.AndWaldobeathimto
    thepunch."
    "Isthatall?"Ybarrasaidsoftly.
    "That'sall,"Isaidlickingthetornplaceontheinsideofmycheek.
    Ybarrasaidslowly:"Whatdoyouwant?"
    Copernik'sfaceconvulsedandheslappedhislonghardthigh."Thisguy's
    good,"hejeered."Hefallsforastraybroadandbreakseverylawinthebook
    andyouaskhimwhatdoeshewant?I'llgivehimwhathewants,guinea!"
    Ybarraturnedhisheadslowlyandlookedathim."Idon'tthinkyouwill,"
    hesaid."Ithinkyou'llgivehimacleanbillofhealthandanythingelsehe
    wants.He'sgivingyoualessoninpolicework."
    Copernikdidn'tmoveormakeasoundforalongminute.Noneofusmoved.
    ThenCopernikleanedforwardandhiscoatfellopen.Thebuttofhisservicegun
    lookedoutofhisunderarmholster.
    "Sowhatdoyouwant?"heaskedme.
    "What'sonthecardtablethere.Thejacketandhatandthephonypearls.
    Andsomenameskeptawayfromthepapers.Isthattoomuch?"

    "Yeahit'stoomuch,"Coperniksaidalmostgently.Heswayedsidewaysand
    hisgunjumpedneatlyintohishand.Herestedhisforearmonhisthighand
    pointedthegunatmystomach.
    "Ilikebetterthatyougetasluginthegutsresistingarrest,"hesaid.
    "Ilikethatbetter,becauseofareportImadeoutonAlTessilore'sarrestand
    howImadethepinch.Becauseofsomephotosofmethatareinthemorning
    sheetsgoingoutaboutnow.Ilikeitbetterthatyoudon'tlivelongenoughto
    laughaboutthatbaby."
    Mymouthfeltsuddenlyhotanddry.FaroffIheardthewindbooming.It
    seemedlikethesoundofguns.
    Ybarramovedhisfeetonthefloorandsaidcoldly:"You'vegotacoupleof
    casesallsolved,policeman.Allyoudoforitisleavesomejunkhereandkeep
    somenamesfromthepapers.WhichmeansfromtheD.A.Ifhegetsthemanyway,
    toobadforyou."
    Coperniksaid:"Iliketheotherway."Theblueguninhishandwaslikea
    rock."AndGodhelpyou,ifyoudon'tbackmeuponit."
    Ybarrasaid:"Ifthewomanisbroughtoutintotheopen,you'llbealiar
    onapolicereportandachisleronyourownpartner.Inaweektheywon'teven
    speakyournameatHeadquarters.Thetasteofitwouldmakethemsick."
    ThehammerclickedbackonCopernik'sgunandIwatchedhisbigfinger
    slideinfartheraroundthetrigger.
    Ybarrastoodup.Thegunjumpedathim.Hesaid:"We'llseehowyellowa
    guineais.I'mtellingyoutoputthatgunup,Sam."
    Hestartedtomove.Hemovedfourevensteps.Copernikwasamanwithouta
    breathofmovement,astoneman.
    Ybarratookonemorestepandquitesuddenlythegunbegantoshake.
    Ybarraspokeevenly:"Putitup,Sam.Ifyoukeepyourheadeverythinglies
    thewayitis.Ifyoudon'tyou'regone."
    Hetookonemorestep.Copernik'smouthopenedwideandmadeagasping
    soundandthenhesaggedinthechairasifhehadbeenhitonthehead.His
    eyelidsdropped.
    Ybarrajerkedthegunoutofhishandwithamovementsoquickitwasno
    movementatall.Hesteppedbackquickly,heldthegunlowathisside.
    "It'sthehotwind,Sam.Let'sforgetit,"hesaidinthesameeven,almost
    daintyvoice.

    Copernik'sshoulderssaggedlowerandheputhisfaceinhishands."O.K.,"
    hesaidbetweenhisfingers.
    Ybarrawentsoftlyacrosstheroomandopenedthedoor.Helookedatme
    withlazy,halfclosedeyes."I'ddoalotforawomanwhosavedmylife,too,"
    hesaid."I'meatingthisdish,butasacopyoucan'texpectmetolikeit."
    Isaid:"ThelittlemaninthebediscalledLeonValesanos.Hewasa
    croupierattheSpezziaClub."
    "Thanks,"Ybarrasaid."Let'sgo,Sam."
    Copernikgotupheavilyandwalkedacrosstheroomandoutoftheopendoor
    andoutofmysight.Ybarrasteppedthroughthedoorafterhimandstartedto
    closeit.
    Isaid:"Waitaminute."
    Heturnedhisheadslowly,hislefthandonthedoor,thebluegunhanging
    downclosetohisrightside.
    "I'mnotinthisformoney,"Isaid."TheBarsalysliveatTwotwelve
    FremontPlace.Youcantakethepearlstoher.IfBarsaly'snamestaysoutof
    thepaper,IgetfiveC's.ItgoestothePoliceFund.I'mnotsodamnsmartas
    youthink.Itjusthappenedthatwayandyouhadaheelforapartner."
    Ybarralookedacrosstheroomatthepearlsonthecardtable.Hiseyes
    glistened."Youtakethem,"hesaid."Thefivehundred'sO.K.Ithinkthefund
    hasitcoming."
    HeshutthedoorquietlyandinamomentIheardtheelevatordoorsclang.

    Iopenedawindowandstuckmyheadoutintothewindandwatchedthesquadcar
    tooloffdowntheblock.ThewindblewinhardandIletitblow.Apicturefell
    offthewallandtwochessmenrolledoffthecardtable.ThematerialofLola
    Barsaly'sbolerojacketliftedandshook.
    IwentouttothekitchenetteanddranksomeScotchandwentbackintothe
    livingroomandcalledherlateasitwas.
    Sheansweredthephoneherself,veryquickly,withnosleepinhervoice.
    "Marlowe,"Isaid."O.K.yourend?"

    "Yes...yes,"shesaid."I'malone."
    "Ifoundsomething,"Isaid."Orratherthepolicedid.Butyourdarkboy
    gyppedyou.Ihaveastringofpearls.They'renotreal.Hesoldtherealones,
    Iguess,andmadeyouupastringofringers,withyourclasp."
    Shewassilentforalongtime.Then,alittlefaintly:"Thepolicefound
    them?"
    "InWaldo'scar.Butthey'renottelling.Wehaveadeal.Lookatthe
    papersinthemorningandyou'llbeabletofigureoutwhy."
    "Theredoesn'tseemtobeanythingmoretosay,"shesaid."CanIhavethe
    clasp?"
    "Yes.CanyoumeetmetomorrowatfourintheClubEsquirebar?"
    "You'rereallyrathersweet,"shesaidinadraggedoutvoice."Ican.
    Frankisstillathismeeting."
    "Thosemeetingstheytakeitoutofaguy,"Isaid.Wesaidgoodbye.
    IcalledaWestLosAngelesnumber.Hewasstillthere,withtheRussian
    girl.
    "Youcansendmeacheckforfivehundredinthemorning,"Itoldhim.
    "MadeouttothePoliceReliefFund,ifyouwantto.Becausethat'swhereit's
    going."
    Copernikmadethethirdpageofthemorningpaperswithtwophotosanda
    nicehalfcolumn.ThelittlebrownmaninApartment31didn'tmakethepaperat
    all.TheApartmentHouseAssociationhasagoodlobbytoo.
    Iwentoutafterbreakfastandthewindwasallgone.Itwassoft,cool,a
    littlefoggy.Theskywascloseandcomfortableandgray.Irodedowntothe
    boulevardandpickedoutthebestjewelrystoreonitandlaidastringof
    pearlsonablackvelvetmatunderadaylightbluelamp.Amaninawingcollar
    andstripedtrouserslookeddownatthemlanguidly.
    "Howgood?"Iasked.
    "I'msorry,sir.Wedon'tmakeappraisals.Icangiveyouthenameofan
    appraiser."
    "Don'tkidme,"Isaid."They'reDutch."
    Hefocusedthelightalittleandleaneddownandtoyedwithafewinches
    ofthestring.
    "Iwantastringjustlikethem,fittedtothatclasp,andinahurry,"I
    added.

    "How,likethem?"Hedidn'tlookup."Andthey'renotDutch.They're
    Bohemian."
    "O.K.,canyouduplicatethem?"
    Heshookhisheadandpushedthevelvetpadawayasifitsoiledhim."In
    threemonths,perhaps.Wedon'tblowglasslikethatinthiscountry.Ifyou
    wantedthemmatchedthreemonthsatleast.Andthishousewouldnotdothat
    sortofthingatall."
    "Itmustbeswelltobethatsnooty,"Isaid.Iputacardunderhisblack
    sleeve."Givemeanamethatwillandnotinthreemonthsandmaybenot
    exactlylikethem."
    Heshrugged,wentawaywiththecard,camebackinfiveminutesandhanded
    itbacktome.Therewassomethingwrittenontheback.
    TheoldLevantinehadashoponMelrose,ajunkshopwitheverythinginthe
    windowfromafoldingbabycarriagetoaFrenchhorn,fromamotherofpearl
    lorgnetteinafadedplushcasetooneofthose.44SpecialSingleActionsix
    shooterstheystillmakeforWesternpeaceofficerswhosegrandfatherswere
    tough.
    TheoldLevantineworeaskullcapandtwopairsofglassesandafull
    beard.Hestudiedmypearls,shookhisheadsadly,andsaid:"Fortwenty
    dollars,almostsogood.Notsogood,youunderstand.Notsogoodglass."
    "Howalikewilltheylook?"
    Hespreadhisfirmstronghands."Iamtellingyouthetruth,"hesaid.
    "Theywouldnotfoolababy."
    "Makethemup,"Isaid."Withthisclasp.AndIwanttheothersback,too,
    ofcourse."
    "Yah.Twoo'clock,"hesaid.
    LeonValesanos,thelittlebrownmanfromUruguay,madetheafternoon
    papers.Hehadbeenfoundhanginginanunnamedapartment.Thepolicewere
    investigating.
    Atfouro'clockIwalkedintothelongcoolbaroftheClubEsquireand
    prowledalongtherowofboothsuntilIfoundonewhereawomansatalone.She
    woreahatlikeashallowsoupplatewithaverywideedge,abrowntailormade
    suitwithaseveremannishshirtandtie.

    Isatdownbesideherandslippedaparcelalongtheseat."Youdon'topen
    that,"Isaid."Infactyoucanslipitintotheincineratorasis,ifyouwant
    to."
    Shelookedatmewithdarktiredeyes.Herfingerstwistedathinglass
    thatsmelledofpeppermint."Thanks."Herfacewasverypale.
    Iorderedahighballandthewaiterwentaway."Readthepapers?"
    "Yes."
    "YouunderstandnowaboutthisfellowCopernikwhostoleyouract?That's
    whytheywon'tchangethestoryorbringyouintoit."
    "Itdoesn'tmatternow,"shesaid."Thankyou,allthesame.Pleaseplease
    showthemtome."
    Ipulledthestringofpearlsoutofthelooselywrappedtissuepaperinmy
    pocketandslidthemacrosstoher.Thesilverpropellerclaspwinkedinthe
    lightofthewallbracket.Thelittlediamondwinked.Thepearlswereasdullas
    whitesoap.Theydidn'tevenmatchinsize.
    "Youwereright,"shesaidtonelessly."Theyarenotmypearls."
    Thewaitercamewithmydrinkandsheputherbagonthemdeftly.Whenhe
    wasgoneshefingeredthemslowlyoncemore,droppedthemintothebagandgave
    meadrymirthlesssmile.
    Istoodthereamomentwithahandhardonthetable.
    "AsyousaidI'llkeeptheclasp."
    Isaidslowly:"Youdon'tknowanythingaboutme.Yousavedmylifelast
    nightandwehadamoment,butitwasjustamoment.Youstilldon'tknow
    anythingaboutme.There'sadetectivedowntownnamedYbarra,aMexicanofthe
    nicesort,whowasonthejobwhenthepearlswerefoundinWaldo'ssuitcase.
    Thatisincaseyouwouldliketomakesure"
    Shesaid:"Don'tbesilly.It'sallfinished.Itwasamemory.I'mtoo
    youngtonursememories.Itmaybeforthebest.IlovedStanPhillipsbuthe's
    gonelonggone."
    Istaredather,didn'tsayanything.
    Sheaddedquietly:"ThismorningmyhusbandtoldmesomethingIhadn't
    known.Wearetoseparate.SoIhaveverylittletolaughabouttoday."
    "I'msorry,"Isaidlamely."There'snothingtosay.Imayseeyou
    sometime.Maybenot.Idon'tmovemuchinyourcircle.Goodluck."

    Istoodup.Welookedateachotherforamoment."Youhaven'ttouchedyour
    drink,"shesaid.
    "Youdrinkit.Thatpeppermintstuffwilljustmakeyousick."
    Istoodthereamomentwithahandonthetable.
    "Ifanybodyeverbothersyou,"Isaid,"letmeknow."
    Iwentoutofthebarwithoutlookingbackather,gotintomycarand
    drovewestonSunsetanddownallthewaytotheCoastHighway.Everywherealong
    thewaygardenswerefullofwitheredandblackenedleavesandflowerswhichthe
    hotwindhadburned.
    Buttheoceanlookedcoolandlanguidandjustthesameasever.Idroveon
    almosttoMalibuandthenparkedandwentandsatonabigrockthatwasinside
    somebody'swirefence.Itwasabouthalftideandcomingin.Theairsmelledof
    kelp.IwatchedthewaterforawhileandthenIpulledastringofBohemian
    glassimitationpearlsoutofmypocketandcuttheknotatoneendandslipped
    thepearlsoffonebyone.
    WhenIhadthemalllooseinmylefthandIheldthemlikethatforawhile
    andthought.Therewasn'treallyanythingtothinkabout.Iwassure.
    "TothememoryofMr.StanPhillips,"Isaidaloud."Justanotherfour
    flusher."
    Iflippedherpearlsoutintothewateronebyoneatthefloatingseagulls
    Theymadelittlesplashesandtheseagullsroseoffthewaterandswoopedatthe
    splashes.

    THEKINGINYELLOW

    GeorgeMillar,nightauditorattheCarltonHotel,wasadapperwirylittleman,
    withasoftdeepvoicelikeatorchsinger's.Hekeptitlow,buthiseyeswere
    sharpandangry,ashesaidintothePBXmouthpiece:"I'mverysorry.Itwon't
    happenagain.I'llsendupatonce."

    Hetoreofftheheadpiece,droppeditonthekeysoftheswitchboardand
    marchedswiftlyfrombehindthepebbledscreenandoutintotheentrancelobby.
    ItwaspastoneandtheCarltonwastwothirdsresidential.Inthemainlobby,
    downthreeshallowsteps,lampsweredimmedandthenightporterhadfinished
    tidyingup.Theplacewasdesertedawidespaceofdimfurniture,richcarpet.
    Faintlyinthedistancearadiosounded.Millarwentdownthestepsandwalked
    quicklytowardsthesound,turnedthroughanarchwayandlookedataman
    stretchedoutonapalegreendavenportandwhatlookedlikealltheloose
    cushionsinthehotel.Helayonhissidedreamyeyedandlistenedtotheradio
    twoyardsawayfromhim.
    Millarbarked:"Hey,you!Areyouthehousedickhereorthehousecat?"
    SteveGrayceturnedhisheadslowlyandlookedatMillar.Hewasalong
    blackhairedman,abouttwentyeight,withdeepsetsilenteyesandarather
    gentlemouth.Hejerkedathumbattheradioandsmiled."KingLeopardi,George.
    Hearthattrumpettone.Smoothasanangel'swing,boy."
    "Swell!Goonbackupstairsandgethimoutofthecorridor!"
    SteveGraycelookedshocked."Whatagain?IthoughtIhadthosebirdsput
    tobedlongago."Heswunghisfeettothefloorandstoodup.Hewasatleasta
    foottallerthanMillar.
    "Well,Eightsixteensaysno.Eightsixteensayshe'soutinthehallwith
    twoofhisstooges.He'sdressedinyellowsatinshortsandatromboneandhe
    andhispalsareputtingonajamsession.AndoneofthosehustlersQuillan
    registeredinEightelevenisouttheretruckin'forthem.Nowgetontoit,
    Steveandthistimemakeitstick."
    SteveGraycesmiledwryly.Hesaid:"Leopardidoesn'tbelonghereanyway.
    CanIusechloroformorjustmyblackjack?"
    Hesteppedlonglegsoverthepalegreencarpet,throughthearchand
    acrossthemainlobbytothesingleelevatorthatwasopenandlighted.Heslid
    thedoorsshutandranituptoEight,stoppeditroughlyandsteppedoutinto
    thecorridor.
    Thenoisehithimlikeasuddenwind.Thewallsechoedwithit.Halfa
    dozendoorswereopenandangryguestsinnightrobesstoodinthempeering.
    "It'sO.K.folks,"SteveGraycesaidrapidly."Thisisabsolutelythelast
    act.Justrelax."

    Heroundedacornerandthehotmusicalmosttookhimoffhisfeet.Three
    menwerelinedupagainstthewall,nearanopendoorfromwhichlightstreamed.
    Themiddleone,theonewiththetrombone,wassixfeettall,powerfuland
    graceful,withahairlinemustache.Hisfacewasflushedandhiseyeshadan
    alcoholicglitter.Heworeyellowsatinshortswithlargeinitialsembroidered
    inblackontheleftlegnothingmore.Historsowastannedandnaked.
    Thetwowithhimwereinpajamas,theusualhalfwaygoodlookingbandboys,
    bothdrunk,butnotstaggeringdrunk.Onejitteredmadlyonaclarinetandthe
    otheronatenorsaxophone.
    Backandforthinfrontofthem,strutting,trucking,preeningherselflike
    amagpie,archingherarmsandhereyebrows,bendingherfingersbackuntilthe
    carminenailsalmosttouchedherarms,ametallicblondeswayedandwenttotown
    onthemusic.Hervoicewasathroatyscreech,withoutmelody,asfalseasher
    eyebrowsandassharpashernails.Sheworehighheeledslippersandblack
    pajamaswithalongpurplesash.
    SteveGraycestoppeddeadandmadeasharpdownwardmotionwithhishand.
    "Wrapitup!"hesnapped."Canit..Putitonice.Takeitawayandburyit.The
    show'sout.Scram,nowscram!"
    KingLeoparditookthetrombonefromhislipsandbellowed:"Fanfaretoa
    housedick!"
    Thethreedrunksblewastutteringnotethatshookthewalls.Thegirl
    laughedfoolishlyandkickedout.HerslippercaughtSteveGrayceinthechest.
    Hepickeditoutoftheair,jumpedtowardsthegirlandtookholdofherwrist.
    "Tough,eh?"hegrinned."I'lltakeyoufirst."
    "Gethim!"Leopardiyelled."Sockhimlow!Dancethegumheelonhisneck!"
    Stevesweptthegirloffherfeet,tuckedherunderhisarmandran.He
    carriedheraseasilyasaparcel.Shetriedtokickhislegs.Helaughedand
    shotaglancethroughalighteddoorway.Aman'sbrownbrogueslayundera
    bureau.Hewentonpastthattoasecondlighteddoorway,slammedthroughand
    kickedthedoorshut,turnedfarenoughtotwistthetabbedkeyinthelock.
    Almostatonceafisthitthedoor.Hepaidnoattentiontoit.
    Hepushedthegirlalongtheshortpassagepastthebathroom,andlether
    go.Shereeledawayfromhimandputherbacktothebureau,panting,hereyes
    furious.Alockofdampgolddippedhairswungdownoveroneeye.Sheshookher
    headviolentlyandbaredherteeth.

    "Howwouldyouliketogetvagged,sister?"
    "Gotohell!"shespitout."TheKing'safriendofmine,see?Youbetter
    keepyourpawsoffme,copper."
    "Yourunthecircuitwiththeboys?"
    Shespatathimagain.
    "How'dyouknowthey'dbehere?"
    Anothergirlwassprawledacrossthebed,herheadtothewall,tousled
    blackhairoverawhiteface.Therewasatearinthelegofherpajamas.She
    laylimpandgroaned.
    Stevesaidharshly:"Oh,oh,thetornpajamaact.Itflopshere,sister,it
    flopshard.Nowlisten,youkids.Youcangotobedandstaytillmorningoryou
    cantakethebounce.Makeupyourminds."
    Theblackhairedgirlgroaned.Theblondesaid:"Yougetoutofmyroom,
    youdamnedgumheel!"
    Shereachedbehindherandthrewahandmirror.Steveducked.Themirror
    slammedagainstthewallandfellwithoutbreaking.Theblackhairedgirlrolled
    overonthebedandsaidwearily:"Ohlayoff.I'msick."
    Shelaywithhereyesclosed,thelidsfluttering.
    Theblondeswiveledherhipsacrosstheroomtoadeskbythewindow,
    pouredherselfafullhalfglassofScotchinawaterglassandgurgleditdown
    beforeStevecouldgettoher.Shechokedviolently,droppedtheglassandwent
    downonherhandsandknees.
    Stevesaidgrimly:"That'stheonethatkicksyouintheface,sister."
    Thegirlcrouched,shakingherhead.Shegaggedonce,liftedthecarmine
    nailstopawathermouth.Shetriedtogetup,andherfootskiddedoutfrom
    underherandshefelldownonhersideandwentfastasleep.
    Stevesighed,wentoverandshutthewindowandfastenedit.Herolledthe
    blackhairedgirloverandstraightenedheronthebedandgotthebedclothes
    fromunderher,tuckedapillowunderherhead.Hepickedtheblondebodilyoff
    theflooranddumpedheronthebedandcoveredbothgirlstothechin.He
    openedthetransom,switchedofftheceilinglightandunlockedthedoor.He
    relockeditfromtheoutside,withamasterkeyonachain.
    "Hotelbusiness,"hesaidunderhisbreath."Phooey."

    Thecorridorwasemptynow.Onelighteddoorstillstoodopen.Itsnumber
    was815,twodoorsfromtheroomthegirlswerein.Trombonemusiccamefromit
    softlybutnotsoftlyenoughfor1:25AM.
    SteveGrayceturnedintotheroom,crowdedthedoorshutwithhisshoulder
    andwentalongpastthebathroom.KingLeopardiwasaloneintheroom.
    Thebandleaderwassprawledoutinaneasychair,withatallmistedglass
    athiselbow.Heswungthetromboneinatightcircleasheplayeditandthe
    lightsdancedinthehorn.
    Stevelitacigarette,blewaplumeofsmokeandstaredthroughitat
    Leopardiwithaqueer,halfadmiring,halfcontemptuousexpression.
    Hesaidsoftly:"Lightsout,yellowpants.Youplayasweettrumpetand
    yourtrombonedon'thurteither.Butwecan'tuseithere.Ialreadytoldyou
    thatonce.Layoff.Putthatthingaway."
    Leopardismilednastilyandblewastutteringraspberrythatsoundedlikea
    devillaughing.
    "Saysyou,"hesneered."Leopardidoeswhathelikes,wherehelikes,when
    helikes.Nobody'sstoppedhimyet,gumshoe.Taketheair."
    Stevehunchedhisshouldersandwentclosetothetalldarkman.Hesaid
    patiently:"Putthatbazookadown,bigstuff.Peoplearetryingtosleep.
    They'refunnythatway.You'reagreatguyonabandshell.Everywhereelse
    you'rejustaguywithalotofjackandapersonalreputationthatstinksfrom
    heretoMiamiandback.I'vegotajobtodoandI'mdoingit.Blowthatthing
    againandI'llwrapitaroundyourneck."
    Leopardiloweredthetromboneandtookalongdrinkfromtheglassathis
    elbow.Hiseyesglintednastily.Heliftedthetrombonetohislipsagain,
    filledhislungswithairandblewablastthatrockedthewalls.Thenhestood
    upverysuddenlyandsmoothlyandsmashedtheinstrumentdownonSteve'shead.
    "Ineverdidlikehousepeepers,"hesneered."Theysmelllikepublic
    toilets."
    Stevetookashortstepbackandshookhishead.Heleered,slidforwardon
    onefootandsmackedLeopardiopenhanded.Theblowlookedlight,butLeopardi
    reeledallthewayacrosstheroomandsprawledatthefootofthebed,sitting
    onthefloor,hisrightarmdrapedinanopensuitcase.

    Foramomentneithermanmoved.ThenStevekickedthetromboneawayfrom
    himandsquashedhiscigaretteinaglasstray.Hisblackeyeswereemptybut
    hismouthgrinnedwhitely.
    "Ifyouwanttrouble,"hesaid,"Icomefromwheretheymakeit."
    Leopardismiled,thinly,tautly,andhisrighthandcameupoutofthe
    suitcasewithaguninit.Histhumbsnickedthesafetycatch.Heheldthegun
    steady,pointing.
    "Makesomewiththis,"hesaid,andfired.
    Thebitterroarofthegunseemedatremendoussoundintheclosedroom.
    Thebureaumirrorsplinteredandglassflew.AslivercutSteve'scheeklikea
    razorblade.Bloodoozedinasmallnarrowlineonhisskin.
    Helefthisfeetinadive.HisrightshouldercrushedagainstLeopardi's
    barechestandhislefthandbrushedthegunawayfromhim,underthebed.He
    rolledswiftlytohisrightandcameuponhiskneesspinning.
    Hesaidthickly,harshly:"Youpickedthewronggee,brother."
    HeswarmedonLeopardianddraggedhimtohisfeetbyhishair,bymain
    strength.LeopardiyelledandhithimtwiceonthejawandStevegrinnedand
    kepthislefthandtwistedinthebandleader'slongsleekblackhair.Heturned
    hishandandtheheadtwistedwithitandLeopardi'sthirdpunchlandedon
    Steve'sshoulder.Stevetookholdofthewristbehindthepunchandtwistedthat
    andthebandleaderwentdownonhiskneesyowling.Steveliftedhimbythehair
    again,letgoofhiswristandpunchedhimthreetimesinthestomach,short
    terrificjabs.Heletgoofthehairthenashesankthefourthpunchalmostto
    hiswrist.
    Leopardisaggedblindlytohiskneesandvomited.
    Stevesteppedawayfromhimandwentintothebathroomandgotatoweloff
    therack.HethrewitatLeopardi,jerkedtheopensuitcaseontothebedand
    startedthrowingthingsintoit.
    Leopardiwipedhisfaceandgottohisfeetstillgagging.Heswayed,
    bracedhimselfontheendofthebureau.Hewaswhiteasasheet.
    SteveGraycesaid:"Getdressed,Leopardi.Orgooutthewayyouare.It's
    allonetome.
    Leopardistumbledintothebathroom,pawingthewalllikeablindman

    Millarstoodverystillbehindthedeskastheelevatoropened.Hisfacewas
    whiteandscaredandhiscroppedblackmustachewasasmudgeacrosshisupper
    lip.Leopardicameoutoftheelevatorfirst,amuffleraroundhisneck,a
    lightweightcoattossedoverhisarm,ahattiltedonhishead.Hewalked
    stiffly,bentforwardalittle,hiseyesvacant.Hisfacehadagreenishpallor.
    SteveGraycesteppedoutbehindhimcarryingasuitcase,andCarl,the
    nightporter,camelastwithtwomoresuitcasesandtwoinstrumentcasesin
    blackleather.Stevemarchedovertothedeskandsaidharshly:"Mr.Leopardi's
    billifany.He'scheckingout."
    Millargoggledathimacrossthemarbledesk."IIdon'tthink,Steve"
    "O.K.Ithoughtnot."
    Leopardismiledverythinlyandunpleasantlyandwalkedoutthroughthe
    brassedgedswingdoorstheporterheldopenforhim.Thereweretwonighthawk
    cabsintheline.Oneofthemcametolifeandpulleduptothecanopyandthe
    porterloadedLeopardi'sstuffintoit.Leopardigotintothecabandleaned
    forwardtoputhisheadtotheopenwindow.Hesaidslowlyandthickly:"I'm
    sorryforyou,gumheel.Imeansorry."
    SteveGraycesteppedbackandlookedathimwoodenly.Thecabmovedoff
    downthestreet,roundedacornerandwasgone.Steveturnedonhisheel,tooka
    quarterfromhispocketandtosseditupintheair.Heslappeditintothe
    nightporter'shand.
    "FromtheKing,"hesaid."Keepittoshowyourgrandchildren."
    Hewentbackintothehotel,gotintotheelevatorwithoutlookingat
    Millar,shotituptoEightagainandwentalongthecorridor,masterkeyedhis
    wayintoLeopardi'sroom.Herelockeditfromtheinside,pulledthebedout
    fromthewallandwentinbehindit.Hegota.32automaticoffthecarpet,put
    itinhispocketandprowledthefloorwithhiseyeslookingfortheejected
    shell.Hefounditagainstthewastebasket,reachedtopickitup,andstayed
    bentover,staringintothebasket.Hismouthtightened.Hepickeduptheshell
    anddroppeditabsentlyintohispocket,thenreachedaquestingfingerintothe
    basketandliftedoutatornscrapofpaperonwhichapieceofnewsprinthad

    beenpasted.Thenhepickedupthebasket,pushedthebedbackagainstthewall
    anddumpedthecontentsofthebasketoutonit.
    Fromthetrashoftornpapersandmatchesheseparatedanumberofpieces
    withnewsprintpastedtothem.Hewentovertothedeskwiththemandsatdown.
    Afewminuteslaterhehadthetornscrapsputtogetherlikeajigsawpuzzleand
    couldreadthemessagethathadbeenmadebycuttingwordsandlettersfrom
    magazinesandpastingthemonasheet.
    TENGRANDBYTHURSDAYNIGHT,LEOPARDI.DAYAFTERYOUOPENATTHECL
    UBSHALOTTE.ORELSECURTAINS.FROMHERBROTHER.
    SteveGraycesaid:"Huh."Hescoopedthetornpiecesintoahotelenvelope,
    putthatinhisinsidebreastpocketandlitacigarette."Theguyhadguts,"he
    said."I'llgranthimthatandhistrumpet."
    Helockedtheroom,listenedamomentinthenowsilentcorridor,thenwent
    alongtotheroomoccupiedbythetwogirls.Heknockedsoftlyandputhisear
    tothepanel.Achairsqueakedandfeetcametowardsthedoor.
    "Whatisit?"Thegirl'svoicewascool,wideawake.Itwasnotthe
    blonde'svoice.
    "Thehouseman.CanIspeaktoyouaminute?"
    "You'respeakingtome."
    "Withoutthedoorbetween,lady."
    "You'vegotthepasskey.Helpyourself."Thestepswentaway.Heunlocked
    thedoorwithhismasterkey,steppedquietlyinside,andshutit.Therewasa
    dimlightinalampwithashirredshadeonthedesk.Onthebedtheblonde
    snoredheavily,onehandclutchedinherbrilliantmetallichair.Theblack
    hairedgirlsatinthechairbythewindow,herlegscrossedatrightangles
    likeaman'sandstaredatSteveemptily.
    Hewentclosetoherandpointedtothelongtearinherpajamaleg.He
    saidsoftly:"You'renotsick.Youwerenotdrunk.Thattearwasdonealong
    timeago.What'stheracket?AshakedownontheKing?"
    Thegirlstaredathimcoolly,puffedatacigaretteandsaidnothing.
    "Hecheckedout,"Stevesaid."Nothingdoinginthatdirectionnow,
    sister."Hewatchedherlikeahawk,hisblackeyeshardandsteadyonherface.

    "Aw,youhousedicksmakemesick!"thegirlsaidwithsuddenanger.She
    surgedtoherfeetandwentpasthimintothebathroom,shutandlockedthe
    door.
    Steveshruggedandfeltthepulseofthegirlasleepinthebedathumpy,
    draggypulse,aliquorpulse.
    "Poordamnhustlers,"hesaidunderhisbreath.
    Helookedatalargepurplebagthatlayonthebureau,lifteditidlyand
    letitfall.Hisfacestiffenedagain.Thebagmadeaheavysoundontheglass
    top,asiftherewerealumpofleadinsideit.Hesnappeditopenquicklyand
    plungedahandin.Hisfingerstouchedthecoldmetalofagun.Heopenedthe
    bagwideandstareddownintoitatasmall.25automatic.Ascrapofwhite
    papercaughthiseye.Hefisheditoutandheldittothelightarentreceipt
    withanameandaddress.Hestuffeditintohispocket,closedthebagandwas
    standingbythewindowwhenthegirlcameoutofthebathroom.
    "Hell,areyoustillhauntingme?"shesnapped."Youknowwhathappensto
    hoteldicksthatmasterkeytheirwayintoladies'bedroomsatnight?"
    Stevesaidloosely:"Yeah.Theygetintrouble.Theymightevengetshot
    at."
    Thegirl'sfacebecameset,buthereyescrawledsidewaysandlookedatthe
    purplebag.Stevelookedather."KnowLeopardiinFrisco?"heasked."Hehasn't
    playedhereintwoyears.ThenhewasjustatrumpetplayerinVaneUtigore's
    bandacheapoutfit."
    Thegirlcurledherlip,wentpasthimandsatdownbythewindowagain.
    Herfacewaswhite,stiff.Shesaiddully:"Blossomdid.That'sBlossomonthe
    bed."
    "Knowhewascomingtothishoteltonight?"
    "Whatmakesityourbusiness?"
    "Ican'tfigurehimcominghereatall,"Stevesaid."Thisisaquiet
    place.SoIcan'tfigureanybodycomingheretoputthebiteonhim."
    "Gosomewhereelseandfigure.Ineedsleep."
    Stevesaid:"Goodnight,sweetheartandkeepyourdoorlocked."
    Athinmanwiththinblondhairandthinfacewasstandingbythedesk,
    tappingonthemarblewiththinfingers.Millarwasstillbehindthedeskandhe
    stilllookedwhiteandscared.Thethinmanworeadarkgraysuitwithascarf

    insidethecollarofthecoat.Hehadalookofhavingjustgotup.Heturned
    seagreeneyesslowlyonSteveashegotoutoftheelevator,waitedforhimto
    comeuptothedeskandthrowatabbedkeyonit.
    Stevesaid:"Leopardi'skey,George.There'sabustedmirrorinhisroom
    andthecarpethashisdinneronitmostlyScotch."Heturnedtothethinman.
    "Youwanttoseeme,Mr.Peters?"
    "Whathappened,Grayce?"Thethinmanhadatightvoicethatexpectedtobe
    liedto.
    "LeopardiandtwoofhisboyswereonEight,therestofthegangonFive.
    ThebunchonFivewenttobed.Acoupleofobvioushustlersmanagedtoget
    themselvesregisteredjusttworoomsfromLeopardi.Theymanagedtocontacthim
    andeverybodywashavingalotofnicenoisyfunoutinthehall.Icouldonly
    stopitbygettingalittletough."
    "There'sbloodonyourcheek,"Peterssaidcoldly."Wipeitoff."
    Stevescratchedathischeekwithahandkerchief.Thethinthreadofblood
    haddried."Igotthegirlstuckedawayintheirroom,"hesaid."Thetwo
    stoogestookthehintandholedup,butLeopardistillthoughttheguestswanted
    toheartrombonemusic.Ithreatenedtowrapitaroundhisneckandhebeanedme
    withit.Islappedhimopenhandedandhepulledagunandtookashotatme.
    Here'sthegun."
    Hetookthe.32automaticoutofhispocketandlaiditonthedesk.Heput
    theusedshellbesideit."SoIbeatsomesenseintohimandthrewhimout,"he
    added.
    Peterstappedonthemarble."Yourusualtactseemstohavebeenwellin
    evidence."
    Stevestaredathim."Heshotatme,"herepeatedquietly."Withagun.
    Thisgun.I'mtendertobullets.Hemissed,butsupposehehadn't?Ilikemy
    stomachthewayitis,withjustonewayinandonewayout."
    Petersnarrowedhistawnyeyebrows.Hesaidverypolitely:"Wehaveyou
    downonthepayrollhereasanightclerk,becausewedon'tlikethenamehouse
    detective.Butneithernightclerksnorhousedetectivesputguestsoutofthe
    hotelwithoutconsultingme.Notever,Mr.Grayce."
    Stevesaid:"Theguyshotatme,pal.Withagun.Catchon?Idon'thaveto
    takethatwithoutakickback,doI?"Hisfacewasalittlewhite.

    Peterssaid:"Anotherpointforyourconsideration.Thecontrolling
    interestinthishotelisownedbyMr.HalseyG.Walters.Mr.Waltersalsoowns
    theClubShalotte,whereKingLeopardiisopeningonWednesdaynight.Andthat,
    Mr.Grayce,iswhyLeopardiwasgoodenoughtogiveushisbusiness.Canyou
    thinkofanythingelseIshouldliketosaytoyou?"
    "Yeah.I'mcanned,"Stevesaidmirthlessly.
    "Verycorrect,Mr.Grayce.Goodnight,Mr.Grayce."
    Thethinblondmanmovedtotheelevatorandthenightportertookhimup.
    StevelookedatMillar.
    "JumboWalters,huh?"hesaidsoftly."Atough,smartguy.Muchtoosmart
    tothinkthisdumpandtheClubShalottebelongtothesamesortofcustomers.
    DidPeterswriteLeoparditocomehere?"
    "Iguesshedid,Steve."Millar'svoicewaslowandgloomy.
    "Thenwhywasn'theputinatowersuitewithaprivatebalconytodance
    on,attwentyeightbucksaday?Whywasheputonamediumpricedtransient
    floor?AndwhydidQuillanletthosegirlsgetsoclosetohim?"
    Millarpulledathisblackmustache."Tightwithmoneyaswellaswith
    Scotch,Isuppose.Astothegirls,Idon'tknow."
    Steveslappedthecounteropenhanded."Well,I'mcanned,fornotlettinga
    drunkenheelmakeaparlorhouseandashootinggalleryoutoftheeighthfloor.
    Nuts!Well,I'llmissthejointatthat."
    "I'llmissyoutoo,Steve,"Millarsaidgently."Butnotforaweek.Itake
    aweekoffstartingtomorrow.MybrotherhasacabinatCrestline."
    "Didn'tknowyouhadabrother,"Stevesaidabsently.Heopenedandclosed
    hisfistonthemarbledesktop.
    "Hedoesn'tcomeintotownmuch.Abigguy.Usedtobeafighter."
    Stevenoddedandstraightenedfromthecounter."Well,Imightaswell
    finishoutthenight,"hesaid."Onmyback.Putthisgunawaysomewhere,
    George."
    Hegrinnedcoldlyandwalkedaway,downthestepsintothedimmainlobby
    andacrosstotheroomwheretheradiowas.Hepunchedthepillowsintoshapeon
    thepalegreendavenport,thensuddenlyreachedintohispocketandtookoutthe
    scrapofwhitepaperhehadliftedfromtheblackhairedgirl'spurplehandbag.
    Itwasareceiptforaweek'srent,toaMissMarilynDelorme,Apt.211,
    RidgelandApartments,118CourtStreet.

    Hetuckeditintohiswalletandstoodstaringatthesilentradio."Steve,
    Ithinkyougotanotherjob,"hesaidunderhisbreath."Somethingaboutthis
    setupsmells."
    Heslippedintoaclosetlikephonebothinthecorneroftheroom,dropped
    anickelanddialedanallnightradiostation.Hehadtodialfourtimesbefore
    hegotaclearlinetotheOwlProgramannouncer.
    "How'stoplayKingLeopardi'srecordof'Solitude'again?"heaskedhim.
    "Gotalotofrequestspiledup.Playedittwicealready.Who'scalling?"
    "SteveGrayce,nightmanattheCarltonHotel."
    "Oh,asoberguyonhisjob.Foryou,pal,anything."
    Stevewentbacktothedavenport,snappedtheradioonandlaydownonhis
    back,withhishandsclaspedbehindhishead.
    Tenminuteslaterthehigh,piercinglysweettrumpetnotesofKingLeopardi
    camesoftlyfromtheradio,mutedalmosttoawhisper,andsustainingEabove
    highCforanalmostincredibleperiodoftime.
    "Shucks,"Stevegrumbled,whentherecordended."Aguythatcanplaylike
    thatmaybeIwastootoughwithhim."

    CourtStreetwasoldtown,woptown,crooktown,artytown.Itlayacrossthe
    topofBunkerHillandyoucouldfindanythingtherefromdownatheelsex
    Greenwichvillagerstocrooksonthelam,fromladiesofanybody'seveningto
    CountyReliefclientsbrawlingwithhaggardlandladiesingrandoldhouseswith
    scrolledporches,parquetryfloors,andimmensesweepingbanistersofwhiteoak,
    mahoganyandCircassianwalnut.
    Ithadbeenaniceplaceonce,hadBunkerHill,andfromthedaysofits
    nicenesstherestillremainedthefunnylittlefunicularrailway,calledthe
    Angel'sFlight,whichcrawledupanddownayellowclaybankfromHillStreet.
    ItwasafternoonwhenSteveGraycegotoffthecaratthetop,itsonly
    passenger.Hewalkedalonginthesun,atall,wideshouldered,rangylooking
    maninawellcutbluesuit.

    HeturnedwestatCourtandbegantoreadthenumbers.Theonehewanted
    wastwofromthecorner,acrossthestreetfromaredbrickfuneralparlorwith
    asigningoldoverit:PaoloPerruginiFuneralHome.Aswarthyirongray
    Italianinacutawaycoatstoodinfrontofthecurtaineddooroftheredbrick
    building,smokingacigarandwaitingforsomebodytodie.
    Oneeighteenwasathreestoriedframeapartmenthouse.Ithadaglass
    door,wellmaskedbyadirtynetcurtain,ahallrunnereighteenincheswide,
    dimdoorswithnumberspaintedonthemwithdimpaint,astaircasehalfwayback.
    Brassstairrodsglitteredinthedimnessofthehallway.
    SteveGraycewentupthestairsandprowledbacktothefront.Apartment
    211,MissMarilynDelorme,wasontheright,afrontapartment.Hetapped
    lightlyonthewood,waited,tappedagain.Nothingmovedbeyondthesilentdoor,
    orinthehallway.Behindanotherdooracrossthehallsomebodycoughedandkept
    oncoughing.
    StandingthereinthehalflightSteveGraycewonderedwhyhehadcome.
    MissDelormehadcarriedagun.Leopardihadreceivedsomekindofathreat
    letterandtornitupandthrownitaway.MissDelormehadcheckedoutofthe
    CarltonaboutanhourafterStevetoldherLeopardiwasgone.Evenatthat
    Hetookoutaleatherkeyholderandstudiedthelockofthedoor.Itlooked
    asifitwouldlistentoreason.Hetriedapickonit,snickedtheboltback
    andsteppedsoftlyintotheroom.Heshutthedoor,butthepickwouldn'tlock
    it.
    Theroomwasdimwithdrawnshadesacrosstwofrontwindows.Theair
    smelledoffacepowder.Therewaslightpaintedfurniture,apulldowndouble
    bedwhichwaspulleddownbuthadbeenmadeup.Therewasamagazineonit,a
    glasstrayfullofcigarettebutts,apintbottlehalffullofwhiskey,anda
    glassonachairbesidethebed.Twopillowshadbeenusedforabackrestand
    werestillcrushedinthemiddle.
    Onthedressertherewasacompositiontoiletset,neithercheapnor
    expensive,acombwithblackhairinit,atrayofmanicuringstuff,plentyof
    spilledpowderinthebathroom,nothing.Inaclosetbehindthebedalotof
    clothesandtwosuitcases.Theshoeswereallonesize.
    Stevestoodbesidethebedandpinchedhischin."Blossom,thespitting
    blonde,doesn'tlivehere,"hesaidunderhisbreath."JustMarilynthetorn
    pantsbrunette."

    Hewentbacktothedresserandpulleddrawersout.Inthebottomdrawer,
    underthepieceofwallpaperthatlinedit,hefoundaboxof.25coppernickel
    automaticshells.Hepokedatthebuttsintheashtray.Allhadlipstickon
    them.Hepinchedhischinagain,thenfeatheredtheairwiththepalmofhis
    hand,likeanoarsmanwithascull.
    "Bunk,"hesaidsoftly."Wastingyourtime,Stevie."
    Hewalkedovertothedoorandreachedfortheknob,thenturnedbackto
    thebedandlifteditbythefootrail.
    MissMarilynDelormewasin.
    Shelayonhersideonthefloorunderthebed,longlegsscissoredoutas
    ifinrunning.Onemulewason,oneoff.Gartersandskinshowedatthetopsof
    herstockings,andablueroseonsomethingpink.Sheworeasquarenecked,
    shortsleeveddressthatwasnottooclean.Herneckabovethedresswas
    blotchedwithpurplebruises.
    Herfacewasadarkplumcolor,hereyeshadthefaintstaleglitterof
    death,andhermouthwasopensofarthatitforeshortenedherface.Shewas
    colderthanice,andstillquitelimp.Shehadbeendeadtwoorthreehoursat
    least,sixhoursatmost.
    Thepurplebagwasbesideher,gapinglikehermouth.Stevedidn'ttouch
    anyofthestuffthathadbeenemptiedoutonthefloor.Therewasnogunand
    therewerenopapers.
    Heletthebeddownoverheragain,thenmadetheroundsoftheapartment,
    wipingeverythinghehadtouchedandalotofthingshecouldn'tremember
    whetherhehadtouchedornot.
    Helistenedatthedoorandsteppedout.Thehallwasstillempty.Theman
    behindtheoppositedoorstillcoughed.Stevewentdownthestairs,lookedat
    themailboxesandwentbackalongthelowerhalltoadoor.
    Behindthisdoorachaircreakedmonotonously.Heknockedandawoman's
    sharpvoicecalledout.Steveopenedthedoorwithhishandkerchiefandstepped
    in.
    InthemiddleoftheroomawomanrockedinanoldBostonrocker,herbody
    intheslackbonelessattitudeofexhaustion.Shehadamudcoloredface,
    stringyhair,graycottonstockingseverythingaBunkerHilllandladyshould
    have.ShelookedatStevewiththeinterestedeyeofadeadgoldfish.
    "Areyouthemanager?"

    Thewomanstoppedrocking,screamed,"Hi,Jake!Company!"atthetopofher
    voice,andstartedrockingagain.
    Aniceboxdoorthuddedshutbehindapartlyopeninnerdoorandaverybig
    mancameintotheroomcarryingacanofbeer.Hehadadoughymooncalfface,a
    tuftoffuzzontopofanotherwisebaldhead,athickbrutalneckandchin,and
    brownpigeyesaboutasexpressionlessasthewoman's.Heneededashavehad
    neededonethedaybeforeandhiscollarlessshirtgapedoverabighardhairy
    chest.Heworescarletsuspenderswithlargegiltbucklesonthem.
    Heheldthecanofbeerouttothewoman.Sheclaweditoutofhishandand
    saidbitterly:"I'msotiredIain'tgotnosense."
    Themansaid:"Yah.Youain'tdonethehallssogoodatthat."
    Thewomansnarled:"Idone'emasgoodasIaimto."Shesuckedthebeer
    thirstily.
    Stevelookedatthemanandsaid:"Manager?"
    "Yah.'Sme.JakeStoyanoff.Twohun'erdeightysixstripped,andstill
    plentytough."
    Stevesaid:"WholivesinTwoeleven?"
    Thebigmanleanedforwardalittlefromthewaistandsnappedhis
    suspenders.Nothingchangedinhiseyes.Theskinalonghisbigjawmayhave
    tightenedalittle."Adame,"hesaid.
    "Alone?"
    "Goonaskme,"thebigmansaid.Hestuckhishandoutandliftedacigar
    offtheedgeofastainedwoodtable.Thecigarwasburningunevenlyandit
    smelledasifsomebodyhadsetfiretothedoormat.Hepusheditintohismouth
    withahard,thrustingmotion,asifheexpectedhismouthwouldn'twantitto
    goin.
    "I'maskingyou,"Stevesaid.
    "Askmeoutinthekitchen,"thebigmandrawled.
    Heturnedandheldthedooropen.Stevewentpasthim.
    Thebigmankickedthedoorshutagainstthesqueakoftherockingchair,
    openeduptheiceboxandgotouttwocansofbeer.Heopenedthemandhandedone
    toSteve.
    "Dick?"

    Stevedranksomeofthebeer,putthecandownonthesink,gotabrandnew
    cardoutofhiswalletabusinesscardprintedthatmorning.Hehandeditto
    theman.
    Themanreadit,putitdownonthesink,pickeditupandreaditagain.
    "Oneofthemguys,"hegrowledoverhisbeer."What'sshepulledthistime?"
    Steveshruggedandsaid:"Iguessit'stheusual.Thetornpajamaact.Only
    there'sakickbackthistime."
    "Howcome?Youhandlingit,huh?Mustbeanicecozyone."
    Stevenodded.Thebigmanblewsmokefromhismouth."Goaheadandhandle
    it,"hesaid.
    "Youdon'tmindapinchhere?"
    Thebigmanlaughedheartily."Nutstoyou,brother,"hesaidpleasantly
    enough."You'reaprivatedick.Soit'sahush.O.K.Gooutandhushit.Andif
    itwasapinchthatbothersmelikeaquartofmilk.Gointoyouract.Takeall
    theroomyouwant.Copsdon'tbotherJakeStoyanoff."
    Stevestaredattheman.Hedidn'tsayanything.Thebigmantalkeditup
    somemore,seemedtogetmoreinterested."Besides,"hewenton,makingmotions
    withthecigar,"I'msofthearted.Ineverturnupadame.Ineverputafrillin
    themiddle."Hefinishedhisbeerandthrewthecaninabasketunderthesink,
    andpushedhishandoutinfrontofhim,revolvingthelargethumbslowly
    againstthenexttwofingers."Unlessthere'ssomeofthat,"headded.
    Stevesaidsoftly:"You'vegotbighands.Youcouldhavedoneit."
    "Huh?"Hissmallbrownleatheryeyesgotsilentandstared.Stevesaid:
    "Yeah.Youmightbeclean.Butwiththosehandsthecops'dgoroundandround
    withyoujustthesame."
    Thebigmanmovedalittletohisleft,awayfromthesink.Helethis
    righthandhangdownathisside,loosely.Hismouthgotsotightthatthecigar
    almosttouchedhisnose.
    "What'sthebeef,huh?"hebarked."Whatyoushovin'atme,guy?What"
    "Cutit,"Stevedrawled."She'sbeencroaked.Strangled.Upstairs,onthe
    floorunderherbed.Aboutmidmorning,I'dsay.Bighandsdidithandslike
    yours."
    Thebigmandidanicejobofgettingthegunoffhiship.Itarrivedso
    suddenlythatitseemedtohavegrowninhishandandbeenthereallthetime.

    Stevefrownedatthegunanddidn'tmove.Thebigmanlookedhimover.
    "You'retough,"hesaid."Ibeenintheringlongenoughtosizeupaguy's
    meat.You'replentyhard,boy.Butyouain'tashardaslead.Talkitupfast."
    "Iknockedatherdoor.Noanswer.Thelockwasapushover.Iwentin.I
    almostmissedherbecausethebedwaspulleddownandshehadbeensittingon
    it,readingamagazine.Therewasnosignofstruggle.Iliftedthebedjust
    beforeIleftandthereshewas.Verydead,Mr.Stoyanoff.Putthegataway.
    Copsdon'tbotheryou,yousaidaminuteago."
    Thebigmanwhispered:"Yesandno.Theydon'tmakemehappyneither.Iget
    abumponce'nawhile.MostlyaDutch.Yousaidsomethingaboutmyhands,
    mister."
    Steveshookhishead."Thatwasagag,"hesaid."Herneckhasnailmarks.
    Youbiteyournailsdownclose.You'reclean."
    Thebigmandidn'tlookathisfingers.Hewasverypale.Therewassweat
    onhislowerlips,intheblackstubbleofhisbeard.Hewasstillleaning
    forward,stillmotionless,whentherewasaknockingbeyondthekitchendoor,
    thedoorfromthelivingroomtothehallway.Thecreakingchairstoppedandthe
    woman'ssharpvoicescreamed:"Hi,Jake!Company!"
    Thebigmancockedhishead."Thatoldslutwouldn'tclimboff'nherfanny
    ifthehousecaughtfire,"hesaidthickly.
    Hesteppedtothedoorandslippedthroughit,lockingitbehindhim.
    Steverangedthekitchenswiftlywithhiseyes.Therewasasmallhigh
    windowbeyondthesink,atraplowdownforagarbagepailandparcels,butno
    otherdoor.HereachedforhiscardStoyanoffhadleftlyingonthedrainboard
    andslippeditbackintohispocket.ThenhetookashortbarreledDetective
    Specialoutofhisleftbreastpocketwhereheworeitnosedown,asina
    holster.
    Hehadgotthatfarwhentheshotsroaredbeyondthewallmuffleda
    little,butstillloudfourofthemblendedinablastofsound.
    Stevesteppedbackandhitthekitchendoorwithhislegoutstraight.It
    heldandjarredhimtothetopofhisheadandinhishipjoint.Heswore,took
    thewholewidthofthekitchenandslammedintoitwithhisleftshoulder.It
    gavethistime.Hepitchedintothelivingroom.Themudfacedwomansatleaning
    forwardinherrocker,herheadtoonesideandalockofmousyhairsmeared
    downoverherbonyforehead.

    "Backfire,huh?"shesaidstupidly."Soundedkindaclose.Mustabeeninthe
    alley."
    Stevejumpedacrosstheroom,yankedtheouterdooropenandplungedout
    intothehall.
    Thebigmanwasstillonhisfeet,adozenfeetdownthehallway,inthe
    directionofascreendoorthatopenedflushonanalley.Hewasclawingatthe
    wall.Hisgunlayathisfeet.Hisleftkneebuckledandhewentdownonit.
    Adoorwasflungopenandahardlookingwomanpeeredout,andinstantly
    slammedherdoorshutagain.Aradiosuddenlygainedinvolumebeyondherdoor.
    Thebigmangotupoffhisleftkneeandthelegshookviolentlyinsidehis
    trousers.Hewentdownonbothkneesandgotthegunintohishandandbeganto
    crawltowardsthescreendoor.Then,suddenlyhewentdownflatonhisfaceand
    triedtocrawlthatway,grindinghisfaceintothenarrowhailrunner.
    Thenhestoppedcrawlingandstoppedmovingaltogether.Hisbodywentlimp
    andthehandholdingthegunopenedandthegunrolledoutofit.
    Stevehitthescreendoorandwasoutinthealley.Agraysedanwas
    speedingtowardsthefarendofit.Hestopped,steadiedhimselfandbroughthis
    gunuplevel,andthesedanwhiskedoutofsightaroundthecorner.
    Amanboiledoutofanotherapartmenthouseacrossthealley.Steveranon,
    gesticulatingbackathimandpointingahead.Asheranheslippedthegunback
    intohispocket.Whenhereachedtheendofthealley,thegraysedanwasoutof
    sight.Steveskiddedaroundthewallontothesidewalk,slowedtoawalkand
    thenstopped.
    Halfablockdownamanfinishedparkingacar,gotoutandwentacrossthe
    sidewalktoalunchroom.Stevewatchedhimgoin,thenstraightenedhishatand
    walkedalongthewalltothelunchroom.
    Hewentin,satatthecounterandorderedcoffee.Inalittlewhilethere
    weresirens.
    Stevedrankhiscoffee,askedforanothercupanddrankthat.Helita
    cigaretteandwalkeddownthelonghilltoFifth,acrosstoHill,backtothe
    footoftheAngel'sFlight,andgothisconvertibleoutofaparkinglot.
    Hedroveoutwest,beyondVermont,tothesmallhotelwherehehadtakena
    roomthatmorning.

    BillDockery,floormanageroftheClubShalotte,teeteredonhisheelsand
    yawnedintheunlightedentrancetothediningroom.Itwasadeadhourfor
    business,latecocktailtime,tooearlyfordinner,andmuchtooearlyforthe
    realbusinessoftheclub,whichwashighclassgambling.
    Dockerywasahandsomemuginamidnightbluedinnerjacketandamaroon
    carnation.Hehadatwoinchforeheadunderblacklacquerhair,goodfeaturesa
    littleontheheavyside,alertbrowneyesandverylongcurlyeyelasheswhich
    helikedtoletdownoverhiseyes,tofooltroublesomedrunksintotakinga
    swingathim.
    Theentrancedoorofthefoyerwasopenedbytheuniformeddoormanand
    SteveGraycecamein.
    Dockerysaid,"Ho,hum,"tappedhisteethandleanedhisweightforward.He
    walkedacrossthelobbyslowlytomeettheguest.Stevestoodjustinsidethe
    doorsandrangedhiseyesoverthehighfoyerwalledwithmilkyglass,lighted
    softlyfrombehind.Moldedintheglasswereetchingsofsailingships,beasts
    ofthejungle,Siamesepagodas,templesofYucatan.Thedoorsweresquareframes
    ofchromium,likephotoframes.TheClubShalottehadalltheclasstherewas,
    andthemutterofvoicesfromthebarloungeontheleftwasnotnoisy.The
    faintSpanishmusicbehindthevoiceswasdelicateasacarvedfan.
    Dockerycameupandleanedhissleekheadforwardaninch."MayIhelp
    you?"
    "KingLeopardiaround?"
    Dockeryleanedbackagain.Helookedlessinterested."Thebandleader?He
    openstomorrownight."
    "Ithoughthemightbearoundrehearsingorsomething."
    "Friendofhis?"
    "Iknowhim.I'mnotjobhunting,andI'mnotasongpluggerifthat'swhat
    youmean."
    Dockeryteeteredonhisheels.HewastonedeafandLeopardimeantnomore
    tohimthanabagofpeanuts.Hehalfsmiled."Hewasinthebarloungeawhile
    ago."Hepointedwithhissquarerocklikechin.SteveGraycewentintothebar
    lounge.

    Itwasaboutathirdfull,warmandcomfortableandnottoodarknortoo
    light.ThelittleSpanishorchestrawasinanarchway,playingwithmuted
    stringssmallseductivemelodiesthatweremorelikememoriesthansounds.There
    wasnodancefloor.Therewasalongbarwithcomfortableseats,andtherewere
    smallroundcompositiontoptables,nottooclosetogether.Awallseatran
    aroundthreesidesoftheroom.Waitersflittedamongthetableslikemoths.
    SteveGraycesawLeopardiinthefarcorner,withagirl.Therewasan
    emptytableoneachsideofhim.Thegirlwasaknockout.
    Shelookedtallandherhairwasthecolorofabrushfireseenthrougha
    dustcloud.Onit,attheultimaterakishangle,sheworeablackvelvetdouble
    pointedberetwithtwoartificialbutterfliesmadeofpolkadottedfeathersand
    fastenedonwithtallsilverpins.Herdresswasburgundyredwoolandtheblue
    foxdrapedoveroneshoulderwasatleasttwofeetwide.Hereyeswerelarge,
    smokeblue,andlookedbored.Sheslowlyturnedasmallglassonthetabletop
    withaglovedlefthand.
    Leopardifacedher,leaningforward,talking.Hisshoulderslookedverybig
    inashaggy,creamcoloredsportscoat.Abovetheneckofithishairmadea
    pointonhisbrownneck.HelaughedacrossthetableasStevecameupandhis
    laughhadaconfident,sneeringsound.
    Stevestopped,thenmovedbehindthenexttable.Themovementcaught
    Leopardi'seye.Hisheadturned,helookedannoyed,andthenhiseyesgotvery
    wideandbrilliantandhiswholebodyturnedslowly,likeamechanicaltoy.
    Leopardiputbothhisrathersmallwellshapedhandsdownonthetable,on
    eithersideofahighballglass.Hesmiled.Thenhepushedhischairbackand
    stoodup.Heputonefingerupandtouchedhishairlinemustache,with
    theatricaldelicacy.Thenhesaiddrawlingly,butdistinctly:"Yousonofa
    bitch!"
    Amanatanearbytableturnedhisheadandscowled.Awaiterwhohad
    startedtocomeoverstoppedinhistracks,thenfadedbackamongthetables.
    ThegirllookedatSteveGrayceandthenleanedbackagainstthecushionsofthe
    wallseatandmoistenedtheendofonebarefingeronherrighthandand
    smoothedachestnuteyebrow.
    Stevestoodquitestill.Therewasasuddenhighflushonhischeekbones.
    Hesaidsoftly:"Youleftsomethingatthehotellastnight.Ithinkyouought
    todosomethingaboutit.Here."

    Hereachedafoldedpaperoutofhispocketandhelditout.Leoparditook
    it,stillsmiling,openeditandreadit.Itwasasheetofyellowpaperwith
    tornpiecesofwhitepaperpastedonit.Leopardicrumpledthesheetandletit
    dropathisfeet.
    HetookasmoothsteptowardsSteveandrepeatedmoreloudly:"Yousonofa
    bitch!"
    Themanwhohadfirstlookedaroundstoodupsharplyandturned.Hesaid
    clearly:"Idon'tlikethatsortoflanguageinfrontofmywife."
    WithoutevenlookingatthemanLeopardisaid:"Tohellwithyouandyour
    wife."
    Theman'sfacegotaduskyred.Thewomanwithhimstoodupandgrabbeda
    bagandacoatandwalkedaway.Afteramoment'sindecisionthemanfollowed
    her.Everybodyintheplacewasstaringnow.Thewaiterwhohadfadedbackamong
    thetableswentthroughthedoorwayintotheentrancefoyer,walkingvery
    quickly.
    Leoparditookanother,longerstepandslammedSteveGrayceonthejaw.
    Steverolledwiththepunchandsteppedbackandputhishanddownonanother
    tableandupsetaglass.Heturnedtoapologizetothecoupleatthetable.
    Leopardijumpedforwardveryfastandhithimbehindtheear.
    Dockerycamethroughthedoorway,splittwowaiterslikeabananaskinand
    starteddowntheroomshowingallhisteeth.
    Stevegaggedalittleandduckedaway.Heturnedandsaidthickly:"Waita
    minute,youfoolthatisn'tallofitthere's"
    Leopardiclosedinfastandsmashedhimfullonthemouth.Bloodoozedfrom
    Steve'slipandcrawleddownthelineatthecornerofhismouthandglistened
    onhischin.Thegirlwiththeredhairreachedforherbag,whitefacedwith
    anger,andstartedtogetupfrombehindhertable.
    Leoparditurnedabruptlyonhisheelandwalkedaway.Dockeryputouta
    handtostophim.Leopardibrusheditasideandwenton,wentoutofthelounge.
    Thetallredhairedgirlputherbagdownonthetableagainanddropped
    herhandkerchiefonthefloor.ShelookedatStevequietly,spokequietly."Wipe
    thebloodoffyourchinbeforeitdripsonyourshirt."Shehadasoft,husky
    voicewithatrillinit.
    Dockerycameupharshfaced,tookStevebythearmandputweightonthe
    arm."Allright,you!Let'sgo!"

    Stevestoodquitestill,hisfeetplanted,staringatthegirl.Hedabbed
    athismouthwithahandkerchief.Hehalfsmiled.Dockerycouldn'tmovehiman
    inch.Dockerydroppedhishand,signaledtwowaitersandtheyjumpedbehind
    Steve,butdidn'ttouchhim.
    Stevefelthislipcarefullyandlookedatthebloodonhishandkerchief.
    Heturnedtothepeopleatthetablebehindhimandsaid:"I'mterriblysorry.I
    lostmybalance."
    Thegirlwhosedrinkhehadspilledwasmoppingherdresswithasmall
    fringednapkin.Shesmiledupathimandsaid:"Itwasn'tyourfault."
    ThetwowaiterssuddenlygrabbedSteve'sarmsfrombehind.Dockeryshook
    hisheadandtheyletgoagain.Dockerysaidtightly:"Youhithim?"
    "No."
    "Yousayanythingtomakehimhityou?"
    "No."
    Thegirlatthecornertablebentdowntogetherfallenhandkerchief.It
    tookherquiteatime.Shefinallygotitandslidintothecornerbehindthe
    tableagain.Shespokecoldly.
    "Quiteright,Bill.ItwasjustsomemoreoftheKing'ssweetwaywithhis
    public."
    Dockerysaid"Huh?"andswiveledhisheadonhisthickhardneck.Thenhe
    grinnedandlookedbackatSteve.
    Stevesaidgrimly:"Hegavemethreegoodpunches,onefrombehind,without
    areturn.Youlookprettyhard.Seecanyoudoit."
    Dockerymeasuredhimwithhiseyes.Hesaidevenly:"Youwin.I
    couldn't...Beatit!"headdedsharplytothewaiters.Theywentaway.Dockery
    sniffedhiscarnation,andsaidquietly:"Wedon'tgoforbrawlsinhere."He
    smiledatthegirlagainandwentaway,sayingawordhereandthereatthe
    tables.Hewentoutthroughthefoyerdoors.
    Stevetappedhislip,puthishandkerchiefinhispocketandstood
    searchingthefloorwithhiseyes.
    Theredhairedgirlsaidcalmly:"IthinkIhavewhatyouwantinmy
    handkerchief.Won'tyousitdown?"
    Hervoicehadarememberedquality,asifhehadhearditbefore.
    Hesatdownoppositeher,inthechairwhereLeopardihadbeensitting.
    Theredhairedgirlsaid:"Thedrink'sonme.Iwaswithhim."

    Stevesaid,"Cokewithadashofbitters,"tothewaiter.
    Thewaitersaid:"Madame?"
    "Brandyandsoda.Lightonthebrandy,please."Thewaiterbowedand
    driftedaway.Thegirlsaidamusedly:"Cokewithadashofbitters.That'swhat
    IloveaboutHollywood.Youmeetsomanyneurotics."
    Stevestaredintohereyesandsaidsoftly:"I'manoccasionaldrinker,the
    kindofguywhogoesoutforabeerandwakesupinSingaporewithafull
    beard."
    "Idon'tbelieveawordofit.HaveyouknowntheKinglong?"
    "Imethimlastnight.Ididn'tgetalongwithhim."
    "Isortofnoticedthat."Shelaughed.Shehadarichlowlaugh,too.
    "Givemethatpaper,lady."
    "Oh,oneoftheseimpatientmen.Plentyoftime."Thehandkerchiefwiththe
    crumpledyellowsheetinsideitwasclaspedtightlyinherglovedhand.Her
    middlerightfingerplayedwithaneyebrow."You'renotinpictures,areyou?"
    "Hell,no."
    "Samehere,Me,I'mtootall.Thebeautifulmenhavetowearstiltsin
    ordertoclaspmetotheirbosoms."
    Thewaitersetthedrinksdowninfrontofthem,madeagracenoteinthe
    airwithhisnapkinandwentaway.
    Stevesaidquietly,stubbornly:"Givemethatpaper,lady."
    "Idon'tlikethat'lady'stuff.Itsoundslikecoptome."
    "Idon'tknowyourname."
    "Idon'tknowyours.WheredidyoumeetLeopardi?"Stevesighed.Themusic
    fromthelittleSpanishorchestrahadamelancholyminorsoundnowandthe
    muffledclickingofgourdsdominatedit.
    Stevelistenedtoitwithhisheadononeside.Hesaid:"TheEstringisa
    halftoneflat.Rathercuteeffect."
    Thegirlstaredathimwithnewinterest."I'dneverhavenoticedthat,"
    shesaid."AndI'msupposedtobeaprettygoodsinger.Butyouhaven'tanswered
    myquestion."
    Hesaidslowly:"LastnightIwashousedickattheCarltonHotel.They
    calledmenightclerk,buthousedickwaswhatIwas.Leopardistayedthereand
    cutuptoorough.Ithrewhimoutandgotcanned."

    Thegirlsaid:"Ah.Ibegintogettheidea.HewasbeingtheKingandyou
    werebeingifImightguessaprettytoughorderofhousedetective."
    "Somethinglikethat.Nowwillyouplease"
    "Youstillhaven'ttoldmeyourname."
    Hereachedforhiswallet,tookoneofthebrandnewcardsoutofitand
    passeditacrossthetable.Hesippedhisdrinkwhileshereadit.
    "Anicename,"shesaidslowly."Butnotaverygoodaddress.And_Private
    investigator_isbad.Itshouldhavebeen_Investigations,_verysmall,inthe
    lowerlefthandcorner."
    "They'llbesmallenough,"Stevegrinned."Nowwillyouplease"
    Shereachedsuddenlyacrossthetableanddroppedthecrumpledballof
    paperinhishand.
    "OfcourseIhaven'treaditandofcourseI'dliketo.Youdogiveme
    thatmuchcredit,Ihope"shelookedatthecardagain,andaddedSteve.Yes,
    andyourofficeshouldbeinaGeorgianorverymodernisticbuildinginthe
    SunsetEighties.SuiteSomethingorother.Andyourclothesshouldbevery
    jazzy.Veryjazzyindeed,Steve.Tobeinconspicuousinthistownistobea
    bustedflush."
    Hegrinnedather.Hisdeepsetblackeyeshadlightsinthem.Sheputthe
    cardawayinherbag,gaveherfurpieceayank,anddrankabouthalfofher
    drink."Ihavetogo."Shesignaledthewaiterandpaidthecheck.Thewaiter
    wentawayandshestoodup.
    Stevesaidsharply:"Sitdown."
    Shestaredathimwonderingly.Thenshesatdownagainandleanedagainst
    thewall,stillstaringathim.Steveleanedacrossthetable,asked"Howwell
    doyouknowLeopardi?"
    "Offandonforyears.Ifit'sanyofyourbusiness.Don'tgomasterfulon
    me,forGod'ssake.Iloathemasterfulmen.Ioncesangforhim,butnotfor
    long.Youcan'tjustsingforLeopardiifyougetwhatImean."
    "Youwerehavingadrinkwithhim."
    Shenoddedslightlyandshrugged."Heopensheretomorrownight.Hewas
    tryingtotalkmeintosingingforhimagain.Isaidno,butImayhaveto,for
    aweekortwoanyway.ThemanwhoownstheClubShalottealsoownsmycontract
    andtheradiostationwhereIworkagooddeal."

    "JumboWalters,"Stevesaid."Theysayhe'stoughbutsquare.Inevermet
    him,butI'dliketo.AfterallI'vegotalivingtoget.Here."
    Hereachedbackacrossthetableanddroppedthecrumpledpaper."Thename
    was"
    "DoloresChiozza."
    Steverepeateditlingeringly."Ilikeit.Ilikeyoursingingtoo.I've
    heardalotofit.Youdon'toversellasong,likemostofthesehighmoney
    torchers."Hiseyesglistened.
    Thegirlspreadthepaperonthetableandreaditslowly,without
    expression.Thenshesaidquietly:"Whotoreitup?"
    "Leopardi,Iguess.Thepieceswereinhiswastebasketlastnight.Iput
    themtogether,afterhewasgone.Theguyhasgutsorelsehegetsthesethings
    sooftentheydon'tregisteranymore."
    "Orelsehethoughtitwasagag."Shelookedacrossthetablelevelly,
    thenfoldedthepaperandhandeditback.
    "Maybe.Butifhe'sthekindofguyIhearheisoneofthemisgoingto
    beonthelevelandtheguybehinditisgoingtodomorethanjustshakehim
    down."
    DoloresChiozzasaid:"He'sthekindofguyyouhearheis."
    "Itwouldn'tbehardforawomantogettohimthenwoulditawomanwith
    agun?"
    Shewentonstaringathim."No.Andeverybodywouldgiveherabighand,
    ifyouaskme.IfIwereyou,I'djustforgetthewholething.Ifhewants
    protectionWalterscanthrowmorearoundhimthanthepolice.Ifhedoesn't
    whocares?Idon't.I'mdamnsureIdon't."
    "You'rekindoftoughyourself,MissChiozzaoversomethings."
    Shesaidnothing.Herfacewasalittlewhiteandmorethanalittlehard.
    Stevefinishedhisdrink,pushedhischairbackandreachedforhishat.He
    stoodup."Thankyouverymuchforthedrink,MissChiozza.NowthatI'vemet
    youI'lllookforwardallthemoretohearingyousingagain."
    "You'redamnformalallofasudden,"shesaid.
    Hegrinned."Solong,Dolores."
    "Solong,Steve.Goodluckinthesleuthracket.IfIhearofanything"
    Heturnedandwalkedamongthetablesoutofthebarlounge.

    InthecrispfalleveningthelightsofHollywoodandLosAngeleswinkedathim.
    Searchlightbeamsprobedthecloudlessskyasifsearchingforbombingplanes.
    Stevegothisconvertibleoutoftheparkinglotanddroveiteastalong
    Sunset.AtSunsetandFairfaxheboughtaneveningpaperandpulledovertothe
    curbtolookthroughit.Therewasnothinginthepaperabout118CourtStreet.
    Hedroveonandatedinneratthelittlecoffeeshopbesidehishoteland
    wenttoamovie.WhenhecameoutheboughtaHomeEditionofthe_Tribune,_a
    morningsheet.Theywereinthatbothofthem.
    PolicethoughtJakeStoyanoffmighthavestrangledthegirl,butshehad
    notbeenattacked.Shewasdescribedasastenographer,unemployedatthe
    moment.Therewasnopictureofher.TherewasapictureofStoyanoffthat
    lookedlikeatoucheduppolicephoto.Policewerelookingforamanwhohad
    beentalkingtoStoyanoffjustbeforehewasshot.Severalpeoplesaidhewasa
    tallmaninadarksuit.Thatwasallthedescriptionthepolicegotorgave
    out.
    Stevegrinnedsourly,stoppedatthecoffeeshopforagoodnightcupof
    coffeeandthenwentuptohisroom.Itwasafewminutestoeleveno'clock.As
    heunlockedhisdoorthetelephonestartedtoring.
    Heshutthedoorandstoodinthedarknessrememberingwherethephonewas.
    Thenhewalkedstraighttoit,catlikeinthedarkroom,satinaneasychair
    andreachedthephoneupfromthelowershelfofasmalltable.Heheldtheone
    piecetohisearandsaid:"Hello."
    "IsthisSteve?"Itwasarich,huskyvoice,low,vibrant.Itheldanote
    ofstrain.
    "Yeah,thisisSteve.Icanhearyou.Iknowwhoyouare."
    Therewasafaintdrylaugh."You'llmakeadetectiveafterall.Andit
    seemsI'mtogiveyouyourfirstcase.Willyoucomeovertomyplaceatonce?
    It'sTwentyfourtwelveRenfrewNorth,thereisn'tanySouthjusthalfablock
    belowFountain.It'sasortofbungalowcourt.Myhouseisthelastinline,at
    theback."
    Stevesaid:"Yes.Sure.What'sthematter?"

    Therewasapause.Ahornblaredinthestreetoutsidethehotel.Awaveof
    whitelightwentacrosstheceilingfromsomecarroundingthecorneruphill.
    Thelowvoicesaidveryslowly:"Leopardi.Ican'tgetridofhim.He'she's
    passedoutinmybedroom."Thenatinnylaughthatdidn'tgowiththevoiceat
    all.
    Steveheldthephonesotighthishandached.Histeethclickedinthe
    darkness.Hesaidflatly,inadull,brittlevoice:"Yeah.It'llcostyoutwenty
    bucks."
    "Ofcourse.Hurry,please."
    Hehungup,satthereinthedarkroombreathinghard.Hepushedhishat
    backonhishead,thenyankeditforwardagainwithaviciousjerkandlaughed
    outloud."Hell,"hesaid,"Thatkindofadame."
    TwentyfourtwelveRenfrewwasnotstrictlyabungalowcourt.Itwasa
    staggeredrowofsixbungalows,allfacingthesameway,butsoarrangedthatno
    twooftheirfrontentrancesoverlookedeachother.Therewasabrickwallat
    thebackandbeyondthebrickwallachurch.Therewasalongsmoothlawn,moon
    silvered.
    Thedoorwasuptwosteps,withlanternsoneachsideandanironwork
    grilloverthepeephole.Thisopenedtohisknockandagirl'sfacelookedout,
    asmallovalfacewithaCupid'sbowmouth,archedandpluckedeyebrows,wavy
    brownhair.Theeyeswereliketwofreshandshinychestnuts.
    Stevedroppedacigaretteandputhisfootonit."MissChiozza.She's
    expectingme.SteveGrayce."
    "MissChiozzahasretired,sir,"thegirlsaidwithahalfinsolenttwist
    toherlips.
    "Breakitup,kid.Youheardme,I'mexpected."
    Thewicketslammedshut.Hewaited,scowlingbackalongthenarrowmoonlit
    lawntowardsthestreet.O.K.Soitwaslikethatwell,twentybuckswasworth
    arideinthemoonlightanyway.
    Thelockclickedandthedooropenedwide.Stevewentpastthemaidintoa
    warmcheerfulroom,oldfashionedwithchintz.Thelampswereneitheroldnor
    newandtherewereenoughofthemintherightplaces.Therewasahearth
    behindapaneledcopperscreen,adavenportclosetoit,abartopradiointhe
    corner.

    Themaidsaidstiffly:"I'msorry,sir.MissChiozzaforgottotellme.
    Pleasehaveachair."Thevoicewassoft,anditmightbecagey.Thegirlwent
    offdowntheroomshortskirts,sheersilkstockings,andfourinchspike
    heels.
    Stevesatdownandheldhishatonhiskneeandscowledatthewall.A
    swingdoorcreakedshut.Hegotacigaretteoutandrolleditbetweenhis
    fingersandthendeliberatelysqueezedittoashapelessflatnessofwhitepaper
    andraggedtobacco.Hethrewitawayfromhim,atthefirescreen.
    DoloresChiozzacametowardshim.Sheworegreenvelvetloungingpajamas
    withalonggoldfringedsash.Shespuntheendofthesashasifshemightbe
    goingtothrowaloopwithit.Shesmiledaslightartificialsmile.Herface
    hadacleanscrubbedlookandhereyelidswerebluishandtheytwitched.
    Stevestoodupandwatchedthegreenmoroccoslipperspeepoutunderthe
    pajamasasshewalked.Whenshewasclosetohimheliftedhiseyestoherface
    andsaiddully:"Hello."
    Shelookedathimverysteadily,thenspokeinahigh,carryingvoice."I
    knowit'slate,butIknewyouwereusedtobeingupallnight.SoIthought
    whatwehadtotalkoverWon'tyousitdown?"
    Sheturnedherheadveryslightly,seemedtobelisteningforsomething.
    Stevesaid:"Inevergotobedbeforetwo.Quiteallright."
    Shewentoverandpushedabellbesidethehearth.Afteramomentthemaid
    camethroughthearch.
    "Bringsomeicecubes,Agatha.Thengoalonghome.It'sgettingpretty
    late."
    "Yes'm."Thegirldisappeared.
    Therewasasilencethenthatalmosthowledtillthetallgirltooka
    cigaretteabsentlyoutofabox,putitbetweenherlipsandStevestrucka
    matchclumsilyonhisshoe.Shepushedtheendofthecigaretteintotheflame
    andhersmokeblueeyeswereverysteadyonhisblackones.Sheshookherhead
    veryslightly.
    Themaidcamebackwithacoppericebucket.ShepulledalowIndianbrass
    traytablebetweenthembeforethedavenport,puttheicebucketonit,thena
    siphon,glassesandspoons,andatriangularbottlethatlookedlikegoodScotch
    hadcomeinitexceptthatitwascoveredwithsilverfiligreeworkandfitted
    withastopper.

    DoloresChiozzasaid,"Willyoumixadrink?"inaformalvoice.
    Hemixedtwodrinks,stirredthem,handedherone.Shesippedit,shookher
    head."Toolight,"shesaid.Heputmorewhiskeyinitandhandeditback.She
    said,"Better,"andleanedbackagainstthecornerofthedavenport.
    Themaidcameintotheroomagain.Shehadasmallrakishredhatonher
    wavybrownhairandwaswearingagraycoattrimmedwithnicefur.Shecarrieda
    blackbrocadebagthatcouldhavecleanedoutafairsizedicebox.Shesaid:
    "Goodnight,MissDolores."
    "Goodnight,Agatha."
    Thegirlwentoutthefrontdoor,closeditsoftly.Herheelsclickeddown
    thewalk.Acardooropenedandshutdistantlyandamotorstarted.Itssound
    soondwindledaway.Itwasaveryquietneighborhood.
    Steveputhisdrinkdownonthebrasstrayandlookedlevellyatthetall
    girl,saidharshly:"Thatmeansshe'soutoftheway?"
    "Yes.Shegoeshomeinherowncar.Shedrivesmehomefromthestudioin
    minewhenIgotothestudio,whichIdidtonight.Idon'tliketodriveacar
    myself."
    "Well,whatareyouwaitingfor?"
    Theredhairedgirllookedsteadilyatthepaneledfirescreenandthe
    unlitlogfirebehindit.Amuscletwitchedinhercheek.
    Afteramomentshesaid:"FunnythatIcalledyouinsteadofWalters.He'd
    haveprotectedmebetterthanyoucan.Onlyhewouldn'thavebelievedme.I
    thoughtperhapsyouwould.Ididn'tinviteLeopardihere.SofarasIknowwe
    twoaretheonlypeopleintheworldwhoknowhe'shere."
    SomethinginhervoicejerkedSteveupright.
    Shetookasmallcrisphandkerchieffromthebreastpocketofthegreen
    velvetpajamasuit,droppeditonthefloor,pickeditupswiftlyandpressedit
    againsthermouth.Suddenly,withoutmakingasound,shebegantoshakelikea
    leaf.
    Stevesaidswiftly:"WhatthehellIcanhandlethatheelinmyhip
    pocket.Ididlastnightandlastnighthehadagunandtookashotatme."
    Herheadturned.Hereyeswereverywideandstaring."Butitcouldn'thave
    beenmygun,"shesaidinadeadvoice.
    "Huh?Ofcoursenotwhat?"

    "It'smyguntonight,"shesaidandstaredathim."Yousaidawomancould
    gettohimwithagunveryeasily."
    Hejuststaredather.Hisfacewaswhitenowandhemadeavaguesoundin
    histhroat.
    "He'snotdrunk,Steve,"shesaidgently."He'sdead.Inyellowpajamasin
    mybed.Withmyguninhishand.Youdidn'tthinkhewasjustdrunkdidyou,
    Steve?"
    Hestoodupinaswiftlunge,thenbecameabsolutelymotionless,staring
    downather.Hemovedhistongueonhislipsandafteralongtimeheformed
    wordswithit."Let'sgolookathim,"hesaidinahushedvoice.

    Theroomwasatthebackofthehousetotheleft.Thegirltookakeyoutof
    herpocketandunlockedthedoor.Therewasalowlightonatable,andthe
    venetianblindsweredrawn.Stevewentinpasthersilently,oncatfeet.
    Leopardilaysquarelyinthemiddleofthebed,alargesmoothsilentman,
    waxyandartificialindeath.Evenhismustachelookedphony.Hishalfopen
    eyes,sightlessasmarbles,lookedasiftheyhadneverseen.Helayonhis
    back,onthesheet,andthebedclotheswerethrownoverthefootofthebed.
    TheKingworeyellowsilkpajamas,thesliponkind,withaturnedcollar.
    Theywerelooseandthin.Overhisbreasttheyweredarkwithbloodthathad
    seepedintothesilkasifintoblottingpaper.Therewasalittlebloodonhis
    barebrownneck.
    Stevestaredathimandsaidtonelessly:"TheKinginYellow.Ireadabook
    withthattitleonce.Helikedyellow,Iguess.Ipackedsomeofhisstufflast
    night.Andhewasn'tyelloweither.Guyslikehimusuallyareorarethey?"
    Thegirlwentovertothecornerandsatdowninaslipperchairandlooked
    atthefloor.Itwasaniceroom,asmodernisticasthelivingroomwascasual.
    Ithadachenillerug,cafaulaitcolor,severelyangledfurnitureininlaid
    wood,andatrickdresserwithamirrorforatop,akneeholeanddrawerslikea
    desk.Ithadaboxmirroraboveandasemicylindricalfrostedwalllightset

    abovethemirror,Inthecornertherewasaglasstablewithacrystalgreyhound
    ontopofit,andalampwiththedeepestdrumshadeStevehadeverseen.
    HestoppedlookingatallthisandlookedatLeopardiagain.Hepulledthe
    King'spajamasupgentlyandexaminedthewound.Itwasdirectlyovertheheart
    andtheskinwasscorchedandmottledthere.Therewasnotsoverymuchblood.
    Hehaddiedinafractionofasecond.
    AsmallMauserautomaticlaycuddledinhisrighthand,ontopofthebed's
    secondpillow.
    "That'sartistic,"Stevesaidandpointed."Yeah,that'sanicetouch.
    Typicalcontactwound,Iguess.Heevenpulledhispajamashirtup.I'veheard
    theydothat.AMausersevensixthreeabout.Sureit'syourgun?"
    "Yes."Shekeptonlookingatthefloor."Itwasinadeskintheliving
    roomnotloaded.Buttherewereshells.Idon'tknowwhy.Somebodygaveitto
    meonce.Ididn'tevenknowhowtoloadit."
    Stevesmiled.Hereyesliftedsuddenlyandshesawhissmileandshuddered.
    "Idon'texpectanybodytobelievethat,"shesaid."Wemayaswellcallthe
    police,Isuppose."
    Stevenoddedabsently,putacigaretteinhismouthandflippeditupand
    downwithhislipsthatwerestillpuffyfromLeopardi'spunch.Helitamatch
    onhisthumbnail,puffedasmallplumeofsmokeandsaidquietly:"Nocops.Not
    yet.Justtellit.'
    Theredhairedgirlsaid:"IsingatKFQC,youknow.Threenightsaweek
    onaquarterhourautomobileprogram.Thiswasoneofthenights.AgathaandI
    gothomeoh,closetohalfpastten.AtthedoorIrememberedtherewasno
    fizzwaterinthehouse,soIsentherbacktotheliquorstorethreeblocks
    away,andcameinalone.Therewasaqueersmellinthehouse.Idon'tknowwhat
    itwas.Asifseveralmenhadbeeninhere,somehow.WhenIcameinthe
    bedroomhewasexactlyasheisnow.IsawthegunandIwentandlookedand
    thenIknewIwassunk.Ididn'tknowwhattodo.Evenifthepoliceclearedme,
    everywhereIwentfromnowon"
    Stevesaidsharply:"Hegotinherehow?"
    "Idon'tknow."
    "Goon,"hesaid.
    "Ilockedthedoor.ThenIundressedwiththatonmybed.Iwentintothe
    bathroomtoshowerandcollectmybrains,ifany.IlockedthedoorwhenIleft

    theroomandtookthekey.Agathawasbackthen,butIdon'tthinkshesawme.
    Well,Itooktheshoweranditbracedmeupabit.ThenIhadadrinkandthenI
    cameinhereandcalledyou."
    Shestoppedandmoistenedtheendofafingerandsmoothedtheendofher
    lefteyebrowwithit."That'sall,Steveabsolutelyall."
    "Domestichelpcanbeprettynosy.ThisAgatha'snosierthanmostorI
    missmyguess."Hewalkedovertothedoorandlookedatthelock."Ibetthere
    arethreeorfourkeysinthehousethatknockthisover."Hewenttothe
    windowsandfeltthecatches,lookeddownatthescreensthroughtheglass.He
    saidoverhisshoulder,casually:"WastheKinginlovewithyou?"
    Hervoicewassharp,almostangry."Heneverwasinlovewithanywoman.A
    coupleofyearsbackinSanFrancisco,whenIwaswithhisbandforawhile,
    therewassomeslapsillypublicityaboutus.Nothingtoit.It'sbeenrevived
    hereinthehandoutstothepress,tobuilduphisopening.Iwastellinghim
    thisafternoonIwouldn'tstandforit,thatIwouldn'tbelinkedwithhimin
    anybody'smind.Hisprivatelifewasfilthy.Itreeked.Everybodyinthe
    businessknowsthat.Andit'snotabusinesswheredaisiesgrowveryoften."
    Stevesaid:"Yourswastheonlybedroomhecouldn'tmake?"
    Thegirlflushedtotherootsofherduskyredhair.
    "Thatsoundslousy,"hesaid."ButIhavetofiguretheangles.That's
    abouttrue,isn'tit?"
    "YesIsupposeso.Iwouldn'tsaytheonlyone."
    "Goonoutintheotherroomandbuyyourselfadrink."
    Shestoodupandlookedathimsquarelyacrossthebed."Ididn'tkillhim,
    Steve.Ididn'tlethimintothishousetonight.Ididn'tknowhewascoming
    here,orhadanyreasontocomehere.Believethatornot.Butsomethingabout
    thisiswrong.Leopardiwasthelastmanintheworldtotakehislovelylife
    himself."
    Stevesaid:"Hedidn't,angel.Gobuythatdrink.Hewasmurdered.The
    wholethingisaframetogetacoverupfromJumboWalters.Goonout."
    Hestoodsilent,motionless,untilsoundsheheardfromthelivingroom
    toldhimshewasoutthere.Thenhetookouthishandkerchiefandloosenedthe
    gunfromLeopardi'srighthandandwipeditovercarefullyontheoutside,broke
    outthemagazineandwipedthatoff,spilledoutalltheshellsandwipedevery
    one,ejectedtheoneinthebreechandwipedthat.Hereloadedthegunandput

    itbackinLeopardi'sdeadhandandclosedhisfingersarounditandpushedhis
    indexfingeragainstthetrigger.Thenheletthehandfallnaturallybackon
    thebed.
    Hepawedthroughthebedclothesandfoundanejectedshellandwipedthat
    off,putitbackwherehehadfoundit.Heputthehandkerchieftohisnose,
    sniffeditwryly,wentaroundthebedtoaclothesclosetandopenedthedoor.
    "Carelessofyourclothes,boy,"hesaidsoftly.
    Theroughcreamcoloredcoathunginthere,onahook,overdarkgray
    slackswithalizardskinbelt.Ayellowsatinshirtandawinecoloredtie
    dangledalongside.Ahandkerchieftomatchthetieflowedlooselyfourinches
    fromthebreastpocketofthecoat.Onthefloorlayapairofgazelleleather
    nutmegbrownsportsshoes,andsockswithoutgarters.Andtherewereyellow
    satinshortswithheavyblackinitialsonthemlyingcloseby.
    Stevefeltcarefullyinthegrayslacksandgotoutaleatherkeyholder.He
    lefttheroom,wentalongthecrosshallandintothekitchen.Ithadasolid
    door,agoodspringlockwithakeystuckinit.Hetookitoutandtriedkeys
    fromthebunchinthekeyholder,foundnonethatfitted,puttheotherkeyback
    andwentintothelivingroom.Heopenedthefrontdoor,wentoutsideandshut
    itagainwithoutlookingatthegirlhuddledinacornerofthedavenport.He
    triedkeysinthelock,finallyfoundtherightone.Helethimselfbackinto
    thehouse,returnedtothebedroomandputthekeyholderbackinthepocketof
    thegrayslacksagain.Thenhewenttothelivingroom.
    Thegirlwasstillhuddledmotionless,staringathim.
    Heputhisbacktothemantelandpuffedatcigarette."Agathawithyouall
    thetimeatthestudio?"
    Shenodded."Isupposeso.Sohehadakey.Thatwaswhatyouweredoing,
    wasn'tit?"
    "Yes.HadAgathalong?"
    "Aboutayear."
    "Shestealfromyou?Smallstuff,Imean?"
    DoloresChiozzashruggedwearily."Whatdoesitmatter?Mostofthemdo.A
    littlefacecreamorpowder,ahandkerchief,apairofstockingsonceina
    while.Yes,Ithinkshestolefromme.Theylookonthatsortofthingasmore
    orlesslegitimate."
    "Nottheniceones,angel."

    "Wellthehourswerealittletrying,Iworkatnight,oftengethomevery
    late.She'sadresseraswellasamaid."
    "Anythingelseabouther?Sheusecocaineorweed.Hitthebottle?Ever
    havelaughingfits?"
    "Idon'tthinkso.Whathasshegottodowithit,Steve?"
    "Lady,shesoldsomebodyakeytoyourapartment.That'sobvious.You
    didn'tgivehimone,thelandlordwouldn'tgivehimone,butAgathahadone.
    Check?"
    Hereyeshadastrickenlook.Hermouthtrembledalittle,notmuch.A
    drinkwasuntastedatherelbow.Stevebentoveranddranksomeofit.
    Shesaidslowly:"We'rewastingtime,Steve.Wehavetocallthepolice.
    There'snothinganybodycando.I'mdoneforasaniceperson,evenifnotasa
    ladyatlarge.They'llthinkitwasalovers'quarrelandIshothimandthat's
    that.IfIcouldconvincethemIdidn't,thenheshothimselfinmybed,andI'm
    stillruined.SoImightaswellmakeupmymindtofacethemusic."
    Stevesaidsoftly:"Watchthis.Mymotherusedtodoit."
    Heputafingertohismouth,bentdownandtouchedherlipsatthesame
    spotwiththesamefinger.Hesmiled,said:"We'llgotoWaltersoryouwill.
    He'llpickhiscopsandtheoneshepickswon'tgoscreamingthroughthenight
    withreporterssittingintheirlaps.They'llsneakinquiet,likeprocess
    servers.Walterscanhandlethis.Thatwaswhatwascountedon.Me,I'mgoingto
    collectAgatha.BecauseIwantadescriptionoftheguyshesoldthatkeyto
    andIwantitfast.Andbytheway,youowemetwentybucksforcomingover
    here.Don'tletthatslipyourmemory."
    Thetallgirlstoodup,smiling."You'reakick,youare,"shesaid."What
    makesyousosurehewasmurdered?"
    "He'snotwearinghisownpajamas.Hishavehisinitialsonthem.Ipacked
    hisstufflastnightbeforeIthrewhimoutoftheCarlton,Getdressed,
    angelandgetmeAgatha'saddress."
    HewentintothebedroomandpulledasheetoverLeopardi'sbody,heldita
    momentabovethestill,waxenfacebeforelettingitfall.
    "Solong,guy,"hesaidgently."Youwerealousebutyousurehadmusic
    inyou."

    ItwasasmallframehouseonBrightonAvenuenearJefferson,inablockof
    smallframehouses,alloldfashioned,withfrontporches.Thisonehadanarrow
    concretewalkwhichthemoonmadewhiterthanitwas.
    Stevemountedthestepsandlookedatthelightedgedshadeofthewide
    frontwindow.Heknocked.Therewereshufflingstepsandawomanopenedthedoor
    andlookedathimthroughthehookedscreenadumpyelderlywomanwithfrizzled
    grayhair.Herbodywasshapelessinawrapperandherfeetslitheredinloose
    slippers.Amanwithapolishedbaldheadandmilkyeyessatinawickerchair
    besideatable.Heheldhishandsinhislapandtwistedtheknucklesaimlessly.
    Hedidn'tlooktowardsthedoor.
    Stevesaid:"I'mfromMissChiozza.AreyouAgatha'smother?"
    Thewomansaiddully:"Ireckon.Butsheain'thome,mister."Themanin
    thechairgotahandkerchieffromsomewhereandblewhisnose.Hesnickered
    darkly.
    Stevesaid:"MissChiozza'snotfeelingsowelltonight.Shewashoping
    Agathawouldcomebackandstaythenightwithher."
    Themilkyeyedmansnickeredagain,sharply.Thewomansaid:"Wedunno
    wheresheis.Shedon'tcomehome.Pa'nmewaitsupforhertocomehome.She
    staysouttillwe'resick."
    Theoldmansnappedinareedyvoice:"She'llstayouttillthecopsget
    heroneofthesetimes."
    "Pa'shalfblind,"thewomansaid."Makeshimkindamean.Won'tyoustep
    in?"
    Steveshookhisheadandturnedhishataroundinhishandslikeabashful
    cowpuncherinahorseopera."I'vegottofindher,"hesaid."Wherewouldshe
    go?"
    "Outdrinkin'liquorwithcheapspenders,"Pacackled."Pantywaistswith
    silkhandkerchiefs'steadofneckties.IfIhadeyes,I'dstraphertillshe
    dropped."Hegrabbedthearmsofhischairandthemusclesknottedonthebacks
    ofhishands.Thenhebegantocry.Tearswelledfromhismilkyeyesandstarted
    throughthewhitestubbleonhischeeks,Thewomanwentacrossandtookthe
    handkerchiefoutofhisfistandwipedhisfacewithit,Thensheblewhernose
    onitandcamebacktothedoor.
    "Mightbeanywhere,"shesaidtoSteve,"Thisisabigtown,mister,I
    dunnowhereattosay."

    Stevesaiddully:"I'llcallback.Ifshecomesin,willyouhangontoher,
    What'syourphonenumber?"
    "What'sthephonenumber,Pa?"thewomancalledbackoverhershoulder.
    "Iain'tsayin',"Pasnorted.
    Thewomansaid:"Iremembernow.SouthTwofourfivefour.Callanytime.
    Pa'nmeain'tgotnothingtodo."
    Stevethankedherandwentbackdownthewhitewalktothestreetandalong
    thewalkhalfablocktowherehehadlefthiscar.Heglancedidlyacrossthe
    wayandstartedtogetintohiscar,thenstoppedmovingsuddenlywithhishand
    grippingthecardoor.Heletgoofthat,tookthreestepssidewaysandstood
    lookingacrossthestreettightmouthed.
    Allthehousesintheblockweremuchthesame,buttheoneoppositehada
    FORRENTplacardstuckinthefrontwindowandarealestatesignspikedinto
    thesmallpatchoffrontlawn.Thehouseitselflookedneglected,utterlyempty,
    butinitslittledrivewaystoodasmallneatblackcoupe.
    Stevesaidunderhisbreath:"Hunch.Playitup,Stevie."
    Hewalkedalmostdelicatelyacrossthewidedustystreet,hishandtouching
    thehardmetaloftheguninhispocket,andcameupbehindthelittlecar,
    stoodandlistened.Hemovedsilentlyalongitsleftside,glancedbackacross
    thestreet,thenlookedinthecar'sopenleftfrontwindow.
    Thegirlsatalmostasifdriving,exceptthatherheadwastippedalittle
    toomuchintothecorner.Thelittleredhatwasstillonherhead,thegray
    coat,trimmedwithfur,stillaroundherbody.Inthereflectedmoonlighther
    mouthwasstrainedopen.Hertonguestuckout.Andherchestnuteyesstaredat
    theroofofthecar.
    Stevedidn'ttouchher.Hedidn'thavetotouchhertolookanycloserto
    knowtherewouldbeheavybruisesonherneck.
    "Toughonwomen,theseguys,"hemuttered.
    Thegirl'sbigblackbrocadebaglayontheseatbesideher,gapingopen
    likehermouthlikeMissMarilynDelorme'smouth,andMissMarilynDelorme's
    purplebag.
    "Yeahtoughonwomen."
    Hebackedawaytillhestoodunderasmallpalmtreebytheentrancetothe
    driveway.Thestreetwasasemptyanddesertedasaclosedtheater,Hecrossed
    silentlytohiscar,gotintoitanddroveaway.

    Nothingtoit.Agirlcominghomealonelateatnight,stuckupand
    strangledafewdoorsfromherownhomebysometoughguy.Verysimple.The
    firstprowlcarthatcruisedthatblockiftheboyswerehalfawakewouldtake
    alooktheminutetheyspottedtheFORRENTsign.Stevetrampedhardonthe
    throttleandwentawayfromthere.
    AtWashingtonandFigueroahewentintoanallnightdrugstoreandpulled
    shutthedoorofthephoneboothattheback.Hedroppedhisnickelanddialed
    thenumberofpoliceheadquarters.
    Heaskedforthedeskandsaid:"Writethisdown,willyou,sergeant?
    BrightonAvenue,thirtytwohundredblock,westside,indrivewayofempty
    house.Gotthatmuch?"
    "Yeah.Sowhat?"
    "Carwithdeadwomaninit,"Stevesaid,andhungup.

    Quillan,headdayclerkandassistantmanageroftheCarltonHotel,wasonnight
    duty,becauseMillar,thenightauditor,wasoffforaweek.Itwashalfpast
    oneandthingsweredeadandQuillanwasbored.Hehaddoneeverythingtherewas
    todolongago,becausehehadbeenahotelmanfortwentyyearsandtherewas
    nothingtoit.
    Thenightporterhadfinishedcleaningupandwasinhisroombesidethe
    elevatorbank.Oneelevatorwaslightedandopen,asusual.Themainlobbyhad
    beentidiedupandthelightshadbeenproperlydimmed.Everythingwasexactly
    asusual.
    Quillanwasarathershort,ratherthicksetmanwithclearbrighttoadlike
    eyesthatseemedtoholdafriendlyexpressionwithoutreallyhavingany
    expressionatall.Hehadpalesandyhairandnotmuchofit.Hispalehands
    wereclaspedinfrontofhimonthemarbletopofthedesk.Hewasjustthe
    rightheighttoputhisweightonthedeskwithoutlookingasifhewere
    sprawling.Hewaslookingatthewallacrosstheentrancelobby,buthewasn't
    seeingit,Hewashalfasleep,eventhoughhiseyeswerewideopen,andifthe

    nightporterstruckamatchbehindhisdoor,Quillanwouldknowitandbangon
    hisbell.
    ThebrasstrimmedswingdoorsatthestreetentrancepushedopenandSteve
    Graycecamein,asummerweightcoatturneduparoundhisneck,hishatyanked
    lowandacigarettewispingsmokeatthecornerofhismouth.Helookedvery
    casual,veryalert,andverymuchatease.Hestrolledovertothedeskand
    rappedonit.
    "Wakeup!"hesnorted.
    Quillanmovedhiseyesaninchandsaid:"Alloutsideroomswithbath.But
    positivelynopartiesontheeighthfloor.Hiyah,Steve.Soyoufinallygotthe
    axe.Andforthewrongthing.That'slife."
    Stevesaid:"O.K.Haveyougotanewnightmanhere?"
    "Don'tneedone,Steve.Neverdid,inmyopinion."
    "You'llneedoneaslongasoldhotelmenlikeyouregisterflooziesonthe
    samecorridorwithpeoplelikeLeopardi."
    Quillanhalfclosedhiseyesandthenopenedthemtowheretheyhadbeen
    before.Hesaidindifferently:"Notme,pal.Butanybodycanmakeamistake.
    Millar'sreallyanaccountantnotadeskman."
    Steveleanedbackandhisfacebecameverystill.Thesmokealmosthungat
    thetipofhiscigarette.Hiseyeswerelikeblackglassnow.Hesmiledalittle
    dishonestly.
    "AndwhywasLeopardiputinaneightdollarroomonEightinsteadofina
    towersuiteattwentyeightper?"
    Quillansmiledbackathim."Ididn'tregisterLeopardi,oldsock.There
    werereservationsin.Isupposedtheywerewhathewanted.Someguysdon't
    spend.Anyotherquestions,Mr.Grayce?"
    "Yeah.WasEightfourteenemptylastnight?"
    "Itwasonchange,soitwasempty.Somethingabouttheplumbing.Proceed."
    "Whomarkeditonchange?"
    Quillan'sbrightfathomlesseyesturnedandbecamecuriouslyfixed.He
    didn'tanswer.
    Stevesaid:"Here'swhy.LeopardiwasinEightfifteenandthetwogirlsin
    Eighteleven.JustEightthirteenbetween.Aladwithapasskeycouldhavegone
    intoEightthirteenandturnedboththeboltlocksonthecommunicatingdoors.

    Then,ifthefolksinthetwootherroomshaddonethesamethingontheirside,
    they'dhaveasuitesetup."
    "Sowhat?"Quillanasked."Wegotchiseledoutofeightbucks,eh?Well,it
    happens,inbetterhotelsthanthis."Hiseyeslookedsleepynow.
    Stevesaid:"Millarcouldhavedonethat.Buthell,itdoesn'tmakesense.
    Millar'snotthatkindofaguy.Riskajobforabucktipphooey.Millar'sno
    dollarpimp."
    Quillansaid:"Allright,policeman.Tellmewhat'sreallyonyourmind."
    "OneofthegirlsinEightelevenhadagun.Leopardigotathreatletter
    yesterdayIdon'tknowwhereorhow.Itdidn'tfazehim,though.Hetoreitup.
    That'showIknow.Icollectedthepiecesfromhisbasket.IsupposeLeopardi's
    boysallcheckedoutofhere."
    "Ofcourse.TheywenttotheNormandy."
    "CalltheNormandy,andasktospeaktoLeopardi.Ifhe'sthere,he'll
    stillbeatthebottle.Probablywithagang."
    "Why?"Quillanaskedgently.
    "Becauseyou'reaniceguy.IfLeopardianswersjusthangup."Steve
    pausedandpinchedhischinhard."Ifhewentout,trytofindoutwhere."
    Quillanstraightened,gaveSteveanotherlongquietlookandwentbehind
    thepebbledglassscreen.Stevestoodverystill,listening,onehandclenched
    athisside,theothertappingnoiselesslyonthemarbledesk.
    InaboutthreeminutesQuillancamebackandleanedonthedeskagainand
    said:"Notthere.Partygoingoninhissuitetheysoldhimabigoneand
    soundsloud.Italkedtoaguywhowasfairlysober.HesaidLeopardigotacall
    aroundtensomegirl.Hewentoutpreeninghimself,asthefellowsays.Hinting
    aboutaveryjuicydate.Theguywasjustlitenoughtohandmeallthis."
    Stevesaid:"You'rearealpal.Ihatenottotellyoutherest.Well,I
    likedworkinghere.Notmuchworkatthat."
    Hestartedtowardstheentrancedoorsagain.Quillanlethimgethishand
    onthebrasshandlebeforehecalledout.Steveturnedandcamebackslowly.
    Quillansaid:"IheardLeoparditookashotatyou.Idon'tthinkitwas
    noticed.Itwasn'treporteddownhere.AndIdon'tthinkPetersfullyrealized
    thatuntilhesawthemirrorinEightfifteen.Ifyoucaretocomeback,
    Steve"
    Steveshookhishead."Thanksforthethought."

    "Andhearingaboutthatshot,"Quillanadded,"mademeremembersomething.
    TwoyearsagoagirlshotherselfinEightfifteen."
    Stevestraightenedhisbacksosharplythathealmostjumped."Whatgirl?"
    Quillanlookedsurprised."Idon'tknow.Idon'trememberherrealname.
    Somegirlwhohadbeenkickedaroundallshecouldstandandwantedtodieina
    cleanbedalone."
    StevereachedacrossandtookholdofQuillan'sarm."Thehotelfiles,"he
    rasped."Theclippings,whatevertherewasinthepaperswillbeinthem.Iwant
    toseethoseclippings."
    Quillanstaredathimforalongmoment.Thenhesaid:"Whatevergame
    you'replaying,kidyou'replayingitdamnclosetoyourvest.Iwillsaythat
    foryou.Andmeboredstiffwithanighttokill."
    Hereachedalongthedeskandthumpedthecallbell.Thedoorofthenight
    porter'sroomopenedandtheportercameacrosstheentrancelobby.Henodded
    andsmiledatSteve.
    Quillansaid:"Taketheboard,Carl.I'llbeinMr.Peters'officefora
    littlewhile."
    Hewenttothesafeandgotkeysoutofit.

    Thecabinwashighuponthesideofthemountain,againstathickgrowthof
    diggerpine,oakandincensecedar.Itwassolidlybuilt,withastonechimney,
    shingledalloverandheavilybracedagainsttheslopeofthehill.Bydaylight
    theroofwasgreenandthesidesdarkreddishbrownandthewindowframesand
    drawcurtainsred.IntheuncannybrightnessofanallnightmidOctobermoonin
    themountains,itstoodoutsharplyineverydetail,exceptcolor.
    Itwasattheendofaroad,aquarterofamilefromanyothercabin.
    Steveroundedthebendtowardsitwithoutlights,atfiveinthemorning.He
    stoppedhiscaratonce,whenhewassureitwastherightcabin,gotoutand
    walkedsoundlesslyalongthesideofthegravelroad,onacarpetofwildiris.
    Ontheroadleveltherewasaroughpineboardgarage,andfromthisapath
    wentuptothecabinporch.Thegaragewasunlocked.Steveswungthedooropen

    carefully,gropedinpastthedarkbulkofacarandfeltthetopofthe
    radiator.Itwasstillwarmish.Hegotasmallflashoutofhispocketand
    playeditoverthecar.Agraysedan,dusty,thegasgaugelow.Hesnappedthe
    flashoff,shutthegaragedoorcarefullyandslippedintoplacethepieceof
    woodthatservedforahasp.Thenheclimbedthepathtothehouse.
    Therewaslightbehindthedrawnredcurtains.Theporchwashighand
    juniperlogswerepiledonit,withthebarkstillonthem.Thefrontdoorhada
    thumblatchandarusticdoorhandleabove.
    Hewentup,neithertoosoftlynortoonoisily,liftedhishand,sighed
    deepinhisthroat,andknocked,Hishandtouchedthebuttoftheguninthe
    insidepocketofhiscoat,once,thencameawayempty.
    Achaircreakedandstepspaddedacrossthefloorandavoicecalledout
    softly:"Whatisit?"Millar'svoice.
    Steveputhislipsclosetothewoodandsaid:"ThisisSteve,George.You
    upalready?"
    Thekeyturned,andthedooropened.GeorgeMillar,thedappernight
    auditoroftheCarltonHouse,didn'tlookdappernow.Hewasdressedinold
    trousersandathickbluesweaterwitharollcollar.Hisfeetwereinribbed
    woolsocksandfleecelinedslippers.Hisclippedblackmustachewasacurved
    smudgeacrosshispaleface.Twoelectricbulbsburnedintheirsocketsinalow
    beamacrosstheroom,belowtheslopeofthehighroof.Atablelampwaslitand
    itsshadewastiltedtothrowlightonabigMorrischairwithaleatherseat
    andbackcushion.Afireburnedlazilyinaheapofsoftashonthebigopen
    hearth.
    Millarsaidinhislow,huskyvoice:"Hell'ssake,Steve.Gladtoseeyou.
    How'dyoufindusanyway?Comeonin,guy."
    StevesteppedthroughthedoorandMillarlockedit."Cityhabit,"hesaid
    grinning."Nobodylocksanythinginthemountains.Haveachair.Warmyourtoes.
    Coldoutatthistuneofnight."
    Stevesaid:"Yeah,Plentycold."
    HesatdownintheMorrischairandputhishatandcoatontheendofthe
    solidwoodtablebehindit.Heleanedforwardandheldhishandsouttothe
    fire.
    Millarsaid:"Howthehelldidyoufindus,Steve?"

    Stevedidn'tlookathim.Hesaidquietly:"Notsoeasyatthat.Youtold
    melastnightyourbrotherhadacabinuphereremember?SoIhadnothingto
    do,soIthoughtI'ddriveupandbumsomebreakfast.Theguyintheinnat
    Crestlinedidn'tknowwhohadcabinswhere.Histradeiswithpeoplepassing
    through.Irangupagaragemanandhedidn'tknowanyMillarcabin.ThenIsaw
    alightcomeondownthestreetinacoalandwoodyardandalittleguywhois
    forestrangeranddeputysheriffandwoodandgasdealerandhalfadozenother
    thingswasgettinghiscarouttogodowntoSanBernardinoforsometankgas.A
    verysmartlittleguy.TheminuteIsaidyourbrotherhadbeenafighterhe
    wisedup.SohereIam."
    Millarpawedathismustache.Bedspringscreakedatthebackofthecabin
    somewhere."Sure,hestillgoesunderhisfightingnameGaffTalley.I'llget
    himupandwe'llhavesomecoffee.Iguessyouandmearebothinthesameboat.
    Usedtoworkingatnightandcan'tsleep.Ihaven'tbeentobedatall."
    Stevelookedathimslowlyandlookedaway.Aburlyvoicebehindthemsaid:
    "Gaffisup.Who'syourpal,George?"
    Stevestoodupcasuallyandturned.Helookedattheman'shandsfirst.He
    couldn'thelphimself.Theywerelargehands,wellkeptastocleanliness,but
    coarseandugly.Oneknucklehadbeenbrokenbadly.Hewasabigmanwith
    reddishhair.Heworeasloppybathrobeoveroutingflannelpajamas.Hehada
    leatheryexpressionlessface,scarredoverthecheekbones.Therewerefinewhite
    scarsoverhiseyebrowsandatthecornersofhismouth.Hisnosewasspreadand
    thick.Hiswholefacelookedasifithadcaughtalotofgloves.Hiseyesalone
    lookedvaguelylikeMillar'seyes.
    Millarsaid:"SteveGrayce.Nightmanatthehoteluntillastnight."His
    grinwasalittlevague.
    GaffTalleycameoverandshookhands."Gladtomeetyou,"hesaid."I'll
    getsomedudsonandwe'llscrapeabreakfastofftheshelves.Isleptenough.
    Georgeain'tsleptany,thepoorsap."
    Hewentbackacrosstheroomtowardsthedoorthroughwhichhe'dcome.He
    stoppedthereandleanedonanoldphonograph,puthisbighanddownbehinda
    pileofrecordsinpaperenvelopes.Hestayedjustlikethat,withoutmoving.
    Millarsaid:"Anyluckonajob,Steve?Ordidyoutryyet?"

    "Yeah.Inaway.IguessI'masap,butI'mgoingtohaveashotatthe
    privateagencyracket.NotmuchinitunlessIcanlandsomepublicity."He
    shrugged.Thenhesaidveryquietly:"KingLeopardi'sbeenbumpedoff."
    Millar'smouthsnappedwideopen.Hestayedlikethatforalmostaminute
    perfectlystill,withhismouthopen.GaffTaileyleanedagainstthewalland
    staredwithoutshowinganythinginhisface.Millarfinallysaid:"Bumpedoff?
    Where?Don'ttellme"
    "Notinthehotel,George.Toobad,wasn'tit?Inagirl'sapartment.Nice
    girltoo.Shedidn'tenticehimthere.Theoldsuicidegagonlyitwon'twork.
    Andthegirlismyclient."
    Millardidn'tmove.Neitherdidthebigman.Steveleanedhisshoulders
    againstthestonemantel.Hesaidsoftly:"IwentouttotheClubShalottethis
    afternoontoapologizetoLeopardi.Sillyidea,becauseIdidn'towehiman
    apology.Therewasagirlthereinthebarloungewithhim.Hetookthreesocks
    atmeandleft.Thegirldidn'tlikethat.Wegotratherclubby.Hadadrink
    together.ThenlatetonightlastnightshecalledmeupandsaidLeopardiwas
    overatherplaceandhewasdrunkandshecouldn'tgetridofhim.Iwent
    there.Onlyhewasn'tdrunk.Hewasdead,inherbed,inyellowpajamas."
    Thebigmanliftedhislefthandandroughedbackhishair.Millarleaned
    slowlyagainsttheedgeofthetable,asifhewereafraidtheedgemightbe
    sharpenoughtocuthim.Hismouthtwitchedundertheclippedblackmustache.
    Hesaidhuskily:"That'slousy."
    Thebigmansaid:"Well,forcryin'intoamilkbottle."
    Stevesaid:"Onlytheyweren'tLeopardi'spajamas.Hishadinitialson
    thembigblackinitials.Andhisweresatin,notsilk.Andalthoughhehada
    guninhishandthisgirl'sgunbytheway_he_didn'tshoothimselfinthe
    heart.Thecopswilldeterminethat.MaybeyoubirdsneverheardoftheLund
    test,withparaffinwax,tofindoutwhodidordidn'tfireagunrecently.The
    killoughttohavebeenpulledinthehotellastnight,inRoomEightfifteen.I
    spoiledthatbyheavinghimoutonhisneckbeforethatblackhairedgirlin
    Eightelevencouldgettohim.Didn'tI,George?"
    Millarsaid:"IguessyoudidifIknowwhatyou'retalkingabout."
    Stevesaidslowly:"IthinkyouknowwhatI'mtalkingabout,George.It
    wouldhavebeenakindofpoeticjusticeifKingLeopardihadbeenknockedoff
    inRoomEightfifteen.Becausethatwastheroomwhereagirlshotherselftwo

    yearsago.AgirlwhoregisteredasMarySmithbutwhoseusualnamewasEve
    Talley.AndwhoserealnamewasEveMillar."
    Thebigmanleanedheavilyonthevictrolaandsaidthickly:"MaybeIain't
    wokeupyet.Thatsoundslikeitmightgrowuptobeadirtycrack,Wehada
    sisternamedEvethatshotherselfintheCarlton.Sowhat?"
    Stevesmiledalittlecrookedly.Hesaid:"Listen,George.Youtoldme
    QuillanregisteredthosegirlsinEighteleven.Youdid.YoutoldmeLeopardi
    registeredonEight,insteadofinagoodsuite,becausehewastight.Hewasn't
    tight.Hejustdidn'tcarewherehewasput,aslongasfemalecompanywas
    handy.Andyousawtothat.Youplannedthewholething,George.Youevengot
    PeterstowriteLeopardiattheRaleighinFriscoandaskhimtousetheCarlton
    whenhecamedownbecausethesamemanowneditwhoownedtheClubShalotte.As
    ifaguylikeJumboWalterswouldcarewhereabandleaderregistered."
    Millar'sfacewasdeadwhite,expressionless.Hisvoicecracked."Steve
    forGod'ssake,Steve,whatareyoutalkingabout?HowthehellcouldI"
    "Sorry,kid.Ilikedworkingwithyou.Ilikedyoualot.IguessIstill
    likeyou.ButIdon'tlikepeoplewhostranglewomenorpeoplewhosmearwomen
    inordertocoveruparevengemurder."
    Hishandshotupandstopped.Thebigmansaid:"Takeiteasyandlookat
    thisone."
    Gaff'shandhadcomeupfrombehindthepileofrecords.AColt.45wasin
    it.Hesaidbetweenhisteeth:"Ialwaysthoughthousedickswerejustabunch
    ofcheapgrafters.IguessImissedoutonyou.Yougotafewbrains.Hell,I
    betyouevenrunouttoOneeighteenCourtStreet.Right?"
    StevelethishandfallemptyandlookedstraightatthebigColt."Right.
    Isawthegirldeadwithyourfingersmarkedintoherneck.Theycanmeasure
    those,fella.KillingDoloresChiozza'smaidthesamewaywasamistake.They'll
    matchupthetwosetsofmarks,findoutthatyourblackhairedgungirlwasat
    theCarltonlastnight,andpiecethewholestorytogether.Withtheinformation
    theygetatthehoteltheycan'tmiss.Igiveyoutwoweeks,ifyoubeatit
    quick.AndImeanquick."
    Millarlickedhisdrylipsandsaidsoftly:"There'snohurry,Steve.No
    hurryatall.Ourjobisdone.Maybenotthebestway,maybenotthenicestway,
    butitwasn'tanicejob.AndLeopardiwastheworstkindofalouse.Weloved
    oursister,andhemadeatrampoutofher.Shewasawideeyedkidthatfell

    foraflashygreaseball,andthegreaseballwentupintheworldandthrewher
    outonherearforaredheadedtorcherwhowasmorehiskind.Hethrewherout
    andbrokeherheartandshekilledherself."
    Stevesaidharshly:"Yeahandwhatwereyoudoingallthattime
    manicuringyournails?"
    "Weweren'taroundwhenithappened.Ittookusalittletimetofindout
    thewhyofit."
    Stevesaid:"Sothatwasworthkillingfourpeoplefor,wasit?Andasfor
    DoloresChiozza,shewouldn'thavewipedherfeetonLeopardithen,oranytime
    since.Butyouhadtoputherinthemiddletoo,withyourrottenlittlerevenge
    murder.Youmakemesick,George.Tellyourbigtoughbrothertogetonwithhis
    murderparty."
    Thebigmangrinnedandsaid:"Nufftalk,George.Seehasheagatand
    don'tgetbehindhimorinfrontofhim.Thisbeanshootergoesonthrough."
    Stevestaredatthebigman's.45.Hisfacewashardaswhitebone.There
    wasathincoldsneeronhislipsandhiseyeswerecoldanddark.
    Millarmovedsoftlyinhisfleecelinedslippers.Hecamearoundtheendof
    thetableandwentclosetoSteve'ssideandreachedoutahandtotaphis
    pockets.Hesteppedbackandpointed:"Inthere."
    Stevesaidsoftly:"Imustbenuts.Icouldhavetakenyouthen,George."
    GaffTalleybarked:"Standawayfromhim."
    HewalkedsolidlyacrosstheroomandputthebigColtagainstSteve's
    stomachhard.HereachedupwithhislefthandandworkedtheDetectiveSpecial
    fromtheinsidebreastpocket.HiseyesweresharponSteve'seyes.Heheld
    Steve'sgunoutbehindhim."Takethis,George."
    Millartookthegunandwentoverbeyondthebigtableagainandstoodat
    thefarcornerofit.GaffTalleybackedawayfromSteve.
    "You'rethrough,wiseguy,"hesaid."Yougottoknowthat.There'sonly
    twowaysoutathesemountainsandwegottahavetime.Andmaybeyoudidn'ttell
    nobody.See?"
    Stevestoodlikearock,hisfacewhite,atwistedhalfsmileworkingat
    thecornersofhislips.Hestaredhardatthebigman'sgunandhisstarewas
    faintlypuzzled.
    Millarsaid:"Doesithavetobethatway,Gaff?"Hisvoicewasacroak
    now,withouttone,withoutitsusualpleasanthuskiness.

    SteveturnedhisheadalittleandlookedatMillar."Sureithas,George.
    You'rejustacoupleofcheaphoodlumsafterall.Acoupleofnastyminded
    sadistsplayingatbeingrevengersofwrongedgirlhood.Hillbillystuff.And
    rightthisminuteyou'repracticallycoldmeatcold,rottenmeat."
    GaffTalleylaughedandcockedthebigrevolverwithhisthumb."Sayyour
    prayers,guy,"hejeered.
    Stevesaidgrimly:"Whatmakesyouthinkyou'regoingtobumpmeoffwith
    thatthing?Noshellsinit,strangler.Bettertrytotakemethewayyouhandle
    womenwithyourhands."
    Thebigman'seyesflickeddown,clouded.Thenheroaredwithlaughter.
    "Geez,thedustonthatonemustbeafootthick,"hechuckled."Watch."
    Hepointedthebiggunatthefloorandsqueezedthetrigger.Thefiring
    pinclickeddrylyonanemptychamber.Thebigman'sfaceconvulsed.
    Forashortmomentnobodymoved.ThenGaffturnedslowlyontheballsof
    hisfeetandlookedathisbrother.Hesaidalmostgently:"You,George?"
    Millarlickedhislipsandgulped.Hehadtomovehismouthinandout
    beforehecouldspeak.
    "Me.Gaff.IwasstandingbythewindowwhenStevegotoutofhiscardown
    theroad,Isawhimgointothegarage.Iknewthecarwouldstillbewarm.
    There'sbeenenoughkilling,Gaff.Toomuch.SoItooktheshellsoutofyour
    gun."
    Millar'sthumbmovedbackthehammerontheDetectiveSpecial.Gaff'seyes
    bulged.Hestaredfascinatedatthesnubnosedgun.Thenhelungedviolently
    towardsit,flailingwiththeemptyColt.Millarbracedhimselfandstoodvery
    stillandsaiddimly,likeanoldman:"Goodbye,Gaff."
    Thegunjumpedthreetimesinhissmallneathand.Smokecurledlazilyfrom
    itsmuzzle.Apieceofburnedlogfelloverinthefireplace.
    GaffTalleysmiledqueerlyandstoopedandstoodperfectlystill.Thegun
    droppedathisfeet.Heputhisbigheavyhandsagainsthisstomach,said
    slowly,thickly:"'Sallright,kid.'Sallright,Iguess...IguessI.
    Hisvoicetrailedoffandhislegsbegantotwistunderhim.Stevetook
    threelongquicksilentsteps,andslammedMillarhardontheangleofthejaw.
    Thebigmanwasstillfallingasslowlyasatreefalls.
    Millarspunacrosstheroomandcrashedagainsttheendwallandablue
    andwhiteplatefellofftheplatemoldingandbroke.Thegunsailedfromhis

    fingers.Stevedivedforitandcameupwithit.Millarcrouchedandwatchedhis
    brother.
    GaffTalleybenthisheadtothefloorandbracedhishandsandthenlay
    downquietly,onhisstomach,likeamanwhowasverytired.Hemadenosoundof
    anykind.
    Daylightshowedatthewindows,aroundtheredglasscurtains.Thepieceof
    brokenlogsmokedagainstthesideofthehearthandtherestofthefirewasa
    heapofsoftgrayashwithaglowatitsheart.
    Stevesaiddully:"Yousavedmylife,Georgeoratleastyousavedalot
    ofshooting.ItookthechancebecausewhatIwantedwasevidence.Stepover
    theretothedeskandwriteitalloutandsignit."
    Millarsaid:"Ishedead?"
    "He'sdead,George.Youkilledhim.Writethattoo."
    Millarsaidquietly:"It'sfunny.IwantedtofinishLeopardimyself,with
    myownhands,whenhewasatthetop,whenhehadthefarthesttofall.Just
    finishhimandthentakewhatcame.ButGaffwastheguywhowanteditdone
    cute.Gaff,thetoughmugwhoneverhadanyeducationandneverdodgedapunch
    inhislife,wantedtodoitsmartandfigureangles.Well,maybethat'swhyhe
    ownedproperty,likethatapartmenthouseonCourtStreetthatJakeStoyanoff
    managedforhim.Idon'tknowhowhegottoDoloresChiozza'smaid.Itdoesn't
    mattermuch,doesit?"
    Stevesaid:"Goandwriteit.YouweretheonecalledLeopardiupand
    pretendedtobethegirl,huh?"
    Millarsaid:"Yes.I'llwriteitalldown,Steve.I'llsignitandthen
    you'llletmegojustforanhour.Won'tyou,Steve?Justanhour'sstart.
    That'snotmuchtoaskofanoldfriend,isit,Steve?"
    Millarsmiled.Itwasasmall,frail,ghostlysmile.Stevebentbesidethe
    bigsprawledmanandfelthisneckartery.Helookedup,said:"Quite
    dead...Yes,yougetanhour'sstart,Georgeifyouwriteitallout."
    Millarwalkedsoftlyovertoatalloakhighboydesk,studdedwith
    tarnishedbrassnails.Heopenedtheflapandsatdownandreachedforapen.He
    unscrewedthetopfromabottleofinkandbegantowriteinhisneat,clear
    accountant'shandwriting.

    SteveGraycesatdowninfrontofthefireandlitacigaretteandstared
    attheashes.Heheldthegunwithhislefthandonhisknee.Outsidethecabin,
    birdsbegantosing.Insidetherewasnosoundbutthescratchingpen.

    ThesunwaswellupwhenSteveleftthecabin,lockeditup,walkeddownthe
    steeppathandalongthenarrowgravelroadtohiscar.Thegaragewasempty
    now.Thegraysedanwasgone.Smokefromanothercabinfloatedlazilyabovethe
    pinesandoakshalfamileaway.Hestartedhiscar,droveitaroundabend,
    pasttwooldboxcarsthathadbeenconvertedintocabins,thenontoamainroad
    withastripedownthemiddleandsoupthehilltoCrestline.
    HeparkedonthemainstreetbeforetheRimoftheWorldInn,hadacupof
    coffeeatthecounter,thenshuthimselfinaphoneboothatthebackofthe
    emptylounge.HehadthelongdistanceoperatorgetJumboWalters'numberinLos
    Angeles,thencalledtheowneroftheClubShalotte.
    Avoicesaidsilkily:"ThisisMr.Walters'residence."
    "SteveGrayce.Puthimon,ifyouplease."
    "Onemoment,please."Aclick,anothervoice,notsosmoothandmuch
    harder."Yeah?"
    "SteveGrayce.IwanttospeaktoMr.Walters."
    "Sorry.Idon'tseemtoknowyou.It'salittleearly,amigo.What'syour
    business?"
    "DidhegotoMissChiozza'splace?"
    "Oh."Apause."Theshamus.Igetit.Holdtheline,pal."
    Anothervoicenowlazy,withthefaintestcolorofIrishinit."Youcan
    talk,son.ThisisWalters."
    "I'mSteveGrayce.I'mtheman"
    "Iknowallaboutthat,son.TheladyisO.K.,bytheway.Ithinkshe's
    asleepupstairs.Goon."
    "I'matCrestlinetopoftheArrowheadgrade.TwomenmurderedLeopardi.
    OnewasGeorgeMillar,nightauditorattheCarltonHotel.Theotherhis

    brother,anexfighternamedGaffTalley.Talley'sdeadshotbyhisbrother.
    Millargotawaybutheleftmeafullconfessionsigned,detailed,complete."
    Walterssaidslowly:"You'reafastworker,sonunlessyou'rejustplain
    crazy.Bettercomeinherefast.Whydidtheydoit?"
    "Theyhadasister."
    Waltersrepeatedquietly:"Theyhadasister...Whataboutthisfellowthat
    gotaway?Wedon'twantsomehicksherifforpublicityhungrycountyattorneyto
    getideas"
    Stevebrokeinquietly:"Idon'tthinkyou'llhavetoworryaboutthat,Mr.
    Walters.IthinkIknowwherehe'sgone."
    Heatebreakfastattheinn,notbecausehewashungry,butbecausehewas
    weak.Hegotintohiscaragainandstarteddownthelongsmoothgradefrom
    CrestlinetoSanBernardino,abroadpavedboulevardskirtingtheedgeofa
    sheerdropintothedeepvalley.Therewereplaceswheretheroadwentcloseto
    theedge,whiteguardfencesalongside.
    TwomilesbelowCrestlinewastheplace.Theroadmadeasharpturnaround
    ashoulderofthemountain.Carswereparkedonthegraveloffthepavement
    severalprivatecars,anofficialcar,andawreckingcar.Thewhitefencewas
    brokenthroughandmenstoodaroundthebrokenplacelookingdown.
    Eighthundredfeetbelow,whatwasleftofagraysedanlaysilentand
    crumpledinthemorningsunshine.

    BAYCITYBLUES

    OneCinderellaSuicide

    ItmusthavebeenFridaybecausethefishsmellfromtheMansionHousecoffee
    shopnextdoorwasstrongenoughtobuildagarageon.Apartfromthatitwasa
    nicewarmdayinspring,thetailoftheafternoon,andtherehadn'tbeenany
    businessinaweek.Ihadmyheelsinthegrooveonmydeskandwassunningmy
    anklesinawedgeofsunlightwhenthephonerang.Itookmyhatoffitandmade
    ayawningsoundintothemouthpiece.

    Avoicesaid:"Iheardthat.Yououghtabeashamedofyourself,Johnny
    Dalmas.EverhearoftheAustriancase?"
    ItwasVioletsM'Gee,ahomicidedickinthesheriff'sofficeandavery
    niceguyexceptforonebadhabitpassingmecaseswhereIgottossedaround
    anddidn'tmakeenoughmoneytobuyasecondhandcorset.
    "No."
    "OneofthosethingsdownatthebeachBayCity.Ihearthelittleburg
    wentsouragainthelasttimetheyelectedthemselvesamayor,butthesheriff
    livesdownthereandweliketobenice.Weain'ttrampedonit.Theysaythe
    gamblingboysputupthirtygrandcampaignmoney,sonowyougetaracingform
    withthebilloffareinthehashhouses."
    Iyawnedagain.
    "Iheardthat,too,"M'Geebarked,"Ifyouain'tinterestedI'lljustbite
    myotherthumbnailandletthewholethinggo.Theguy'sgotalittledoughto
    spend,hesays."
    "Whatguy?"
    "ThisMatson,theguythatfoundthestiff."
    "Whatstiff?"
    "Youdon'tknownothingabouttheAustriancase,huh?"
    "Didn'tIsayIdidn't?"
    "Youaintdonenothingbutyawnandsay'What.'Okay.We'lljustletthe
    poorguygetbumpedoffandCityHomicidecanworryaboutthatone,nowhe'sup
    hereintown."
    "ThisMatson?Who'sgoingtobumphimoff?"
    "Well,ifheknewthat,hewouldn'twanttohirenoshamustofindout,
    wouldhe?Andhiminyourownracketuntiltheybusthimawhilebackandnowhe
    can'tgoouthardly,onaccountoftheseguyswithgunsarebotheringhim."
    "Comeonover,"Isaid."Myleftarmisgettingtired."
    "I'monduty."
    "IwasjustgoingdowntothedrugstoreforaquartofV.O.Scotch."
    "That'smeyouhearknockingonthedoor,"M'Geesaid.
    Hearrivedinlessthanhalfanhouralarge,pleasantfacedmanwith
    silveryhairandadimpledchinandatinylittlemouthmadetokissbabies

    with.Heworeawellpressedbluesuit,polishedsquaretoedshoes,andanelk's
    toothonagoldchainhungacrosshisstomach.
    Hesatdowncarefully,thewayafatmansitsdown,andunscrewedthetop
    ofthewhiskybottleandsniffeditcarefully,tomakesureIhadn'trefilleda
    goodbottlewithninetyeightcenthooch,thewaytheydointhebars.Thenhe
    pouredhimselfabigdrinkandrolledsomeofitaroundonhistongueandpawed
    myofficewithhiseyes.
    "Nowonderyousitaroundwaitingforjobs,"hesaid."Yougottahavefront
    thesedays."
    "Youcouldsparemealittle,"Isaid."WhataboutthisMatsonandthis
    Austriancase?"
    M'Geefinishedhisdrinkandpouredanother,notsolarge.Hewatchedme
    playwithacigarette.
    "AmonoxideDutch,"hesaid."AblondbimnamedAustrian,wifeofadoctor
    downatBayCity.Aguythatrunsaroundallnightkeepingmoviehamsfrom
    havingpinkelephantsforbreakfast.Sothefrillwentaroundonherown.The
    nightshecroakedherselfshewasovertoVanceConried'sclubonthebluff
    northofthere.Knowit?"
    "Yeah.Itusedtobeabeachclub,withaniceprivatebeachdownbelowand
    theswellestlegsinHollywoodinfrontofthecabanas.Shewenttheretoplay
    roulette,huh?"
    "Well,ifwehadanygamblingjointsinthiscounty,"M'Geesaid,"I'dsay
    theClubConriedwouldbeoneofthemandtherewouldberoulette.Sayshe
    playedroulette.Theytellmeshehadmorepersonalgamessheplayedwith
    Conried,butsaysheplayedrouletteontheside.Sheloses,whichiswhat
    rouletteisfor.Thatnightsheloseshershirtandshegetssoreandthrowsa
    wingdingalloverthehouse.Conriedgetsherintohisprivateroomandpages
    thedoc,herhusband,throughthePhysicians'Exchange.Sothenthedoe"
    "Waitaminute,"Isaid."Don'ttellmeallthiswasinevidencenotwith
    thegamblingsyndicatewewouldhaveinthiscounty,ifwehadagambling
    syndicate."
    M'Geelookedatmepityingly."Mywife'sgotakidbrotherworksona
    throwawaypaperdownthere.Theydidn'thavenoinquest.Well,thedocsteams
    overtoConried'sjointandpokeshiswifeinthearmwithaneedletoquiether
    down.Buthecan'ttakeherhomeonaccountofhehasababecaseinBrentwood

    Heights.SoVanceConriedgetshispersonalcaroutandtakesherhomeand
    meantimethedochascalleduphisofficenurseandaskedhertogoovertothe
    houseandseethathiswifeisallright.Whichisalldone,andConriedgoes
    backtohischipsandthenurseseesherinbedandleaves,andthemaidgoes
    backtobed.Thisismaybemidnight,orjustalittleafter.
    "Well,alongabout2A.M.thisHarryMatsonhappensby.He'srunninga
    nightwatchmanservicedownthereandthatnighthe'soutmakingroundshimself.
    OnthestreetwhereAustrianliveshehearsacarenginerunninginadark
    garage,andhegoesintoinvestigate.Hefindstheblondfrailontheflooron
    herback,inpeekaboopajamasandslippers,withsootfromtheexhaustallover
    herhair."
    M'Geepausedtosipalittlemorewhiskyandstarearoundmyofficeagain.
    Iwatchedthelastofthesunlightsneakovermywindowsillanddropintothe
    darkslitofthealley.
    "Sowhatdoesthechumpdo?"M'Geesaid,wipinghislipsonasilk
    handkerchief."Hedecidesthebimisdead,whichmaybesheis,butyoucan't
    alwaysbesureinagascase,whatwiththisnewmethylenebluetreatment"
    "ForGod'ssake,"Isaid."Whatdoeshedo?"
    "Hedon'tcallnolaw,"M'Geesaidsternly."Hekillsthecarmotorand
    douseshisflashandbeatsithometowherehelivesafewblocksaway.Hepages
    thedocfromthereandafterawhilethey'rebothbackatthegarage.Thedoc
    saysshe'sdead.HesendsMatsoninatasidedoortocallthelocalchiefof
    policepersonal,athishome.WhichMatsondoes,andafterawhilethechief
    buzzesoverwithacoupleofstooges,andalittlewhileafterthemthebody
    snatcherfromtheundertaker,whoseturnitistobedeputycoronerthatweek.
    Theycartthestiffawayandsomelabmantakesabloodsampleandsaysit's
    fullofmonoxide.Thecoronergivesareleaseandthedameiscrematedandthe
    caseisclosed."
    "Well,what'sthematterwithit?"Iasked.
    M'Geefinishedhisseconddrinkandthoughtabouthavingathird.He
    decidedtohaveacigarfirst.Ididn'thaveanycigarsandthatannoyedhim
    slightly,buthelitoneofhisown.
    "I'mjustacop,"hesaid,blinkingatmecalmlythroughthesmoke."I
    wouldn'tknow.AllIknowis,thisMatsongotbustloosefromhislicenceand
    runoutoftownandhe'sscared."

    "Thehellwithit,"Isaid."ThelasttimeImuscledintoasmalltown
    setupIgotafracturedskull.HowdoIcontactMatson?"
    "Igivehimyournumber.He'llcontactyou."
    "Howwelldoyouknowhim?"
    "Wellenoughtogivehimyourname,"M'Geesaid."Ofcourse,ifanything
    comesupIshouldlookinto"
    "Sure,"Isaid."I'llputitonyourdesk.Bourbonorrye?"
    "Gotohell,"M'Geesaid."Scotch."
    "WhatdoesMatsonlooklike?"
    "He'smediumheavy,fiveseven,oneseventy,grayhair."
    Hehadanothershort,quickdrinkandleft.
    Isatthereforanhourandsmokedtoomanycigarettes.Itgotdarkandmy
    throatfeltdry.Nobodycalledmeup.Iwentoverandswitchedthelightson,
    washedmyhands,tuckedawayasmalldrinkandlockedthebottleup.Itwastime
    toeat.
    IhadmyhatonandwasgoingthroughthedoorwhentheGreenFeather
    messengerboycamealongthehallwaylookingatnumbers.Hewantedmine.I
    signedforasmallirregularshapedparceldoneupinthekindofflimsy
    yellowishpaperlaundriesuse.Iputtheparcelonmydeskandcutthestring.
    Insidetherewastissuepaperandanenvelopewithasheetofpaperandaflat
    keyinit.Thenotebeganabruptly:
    Afriendinthesheriff'sofficegavemeyournameasamanIcouldtrust.
    IhavebeenaheelandaminajamandallIwantnowistogetclear.Please
    comeafterdarkto524TennysonArmsApartments,HarvardnearSixth,andusekey
    toenterifIamout.LookoutforPatReel,themanager,asIdon'ttrusthim.
    Pleaseputtheslipperinasafeplaceandkeepitclean.P.S.Theycallhim
    Violets,Ineverknewwhy.
    Iknewwhy.Itwasbecausehechewedvioletscentedbreathpurifiers.The
    notewasunsigned.Itsoundedalittlejitterytome.Iunwoundthetissue
    paper.Itcontainedagreenvelvetpump,sizeabout4Alinedwithwhitekid.The
    name_Verschoyle_wasstampedinflowinggoldscriptonthewhitekidinsole.On
    thesideanumberwaswrittenverysmallinindelibleink_S465_whereasize
    numberwouldbe,butIknewitwasn'tasizenumberbecauseVerschoyle,Inc.,on

    CherokeeStreetinHollywoodmadeonlycustomshoesfromindividuallasts,and
    theatricalfootwearandridingboots.
    Ileanedbackandlitacigaretteandthoughtaboutitforawhile.Finally
    IreachedforthephonebookandlookedupthenumberofVerschoyle,Inc.,and
    dialedit.Thephonerangseveraltimesbeforeachirpyvoicesaid:"Hello?
    Yes?"
    "Verschoyleinperson,"Isaid."ThisisPeters,IdentificationBureau."I
    didn'tsaywhatidentificationbureau.
    "Oh,Mr.Verschoylehasgonehome.We'reclosed,youknow.Wecloseat
    fivethirty.I'mMr.Pringle,thebookkeeper.Isthereanything"
    "Yeah.Wegotacoupleofyourshoesinsomestolengoods.ThemarkisS
    FourSixFive.Thatmeananythingtoyou?"
    "Ohyes,ofcourse.That'salastnumber.ShallIlookitupforyou?"
    "Byallmeans,"Isaid.
    Hewasbackinnotimeatall."Ohyes,indeed,thatisMrs.Leland
    Austrian'snumber.SeventhirtysixAltairStreet,BayCity.Wemadeallher
    shoes.Verysad.Yes.Abouttwomonthsagowemadehertwopairsofemerald
    velvetpumps."
    "Whatdoyoumean,sad?"
    "Oh,she'sdead,youknow.Committedsuicide."
    "Thehellyousay.Twopairsofpumps,huh?"
    "Ohyes,boththesameyouknow.Peopleoftenorderdelicatecolorsin
    pairslikethat.Youknowaspotorstainofanykindandtheymightbemadeto
    matchacertaindress"
    "Well,thanksalotandtakecareofyourself,"Isaid,andgavethephone
    backtohim.
    Ipickeduptheslipperagainandlookeditovercarefully.Ithadn'tbeen
    worn.Therewasnosignofrubbingonthebuffedleatherofthethinsole.I
    wonderedwhatHarryMatsonwasdoingwithit.Iputitinmyofficesafeand
    wentouttodinner.

    TwoMurderOnTheCuff

    TheTennysonArmswasanoldfashioneddump,abouteightstorieshigh,faced
    withdarkredbrick.Ithadawidecentercourtwithpalmtreesandaconcrete
    fountainandsomeprissylookingflowerbeds.LanternshungbesidetheGothic
    doorandthelobbyinsidewaspavedwithredplush.Itwaslargeandempty
    exceptforaboredcanaryinagiltcagethesizeofabarrel.Itlookedlike
    thesortofapartmenthousewherewidowswouldliveonthelifeinsurancenot
    veryyoungwidows.Theelevatorwastheselfoperatingkindthatopensboth
    doorsautomaticallywhenitstops.
    Iwalkedalongthenarrowmarooncarpetofthefifthfloorhallwayand
    didn'tseeanybody,hearanybody,orsmellanybody'scooking.Theplacewasas
    quietasaminister'sstudy.Apartment524musthaveopenedonthecentercourt
    becauseastainedglasswindowwasrightbesideitsdoor.Iknocked,notloud,
    andnobodycametothedoorsoIusedtheflatkeyandwentin,andshutthe
    doorbehindme.
    Amirrorglistenedinawallbedacrosstheroom.Twowindowsinthesame
    wallastheentrancedoorwereshutanddarkdrapesweredrawnhalfacrossthem,
    butenoughlightfromsomeapartmentacrossthecourtdriftedintoshowthe
    darkbulkofheavy,overstuffedfurniture,tenyearsoutofdate,andtheshine
    oftwobrassdoorknobs.Iwentovertothewindowsandpulledthedrapesclosed,
    thenusedmypocketflashtofindmywaybacktothedoor.Thelightswitch
    theresetoffabigclusterofflamecoloredcandlesintheceilingfixture.
    Theymadetheroomlooklikeafuneralchapelannex.Iputthelightoninared
    standinglamp,dousedtheceilinglightandstartedtogivetheplacethecamera
    eye.
    Inthenarrowdressingroombehindthewallbedtherewasabuiltinbureau
    withablackbrushandcombonitandgrayhairsinthecomb.Therewasacanof
    talcum,aflashlight,acrumpledman'shandkerchief,apadofwritingpaper,a
    bankpenandabottleofinkonablotteraboutwhatonesuitcasewouldholdin
    thedrawers.TheshirtshadbeenboughtinaBayCitymen'sfurnishingstore.
    Therewasadarkgraysuitonahangerandapairofblackbroguesonthefloor.
    Inthebathroomtherewasasafetyrazor,atubeofbrushlesscream,some
    blades,threebambootoothbrushesinaglass,afewotheroddsandends.Onthe
    porcelaintoilettanktherewasabookboundinredclothDorsey's_WhyWe
    BehaveLikeHumanBeings._Itwasmarkedatpage116byarubberband.Ihadit

    openandwasreadingabouttheEvolutionofEarth,LifeandSexwhenthephone
    startedtoringinthelivingroom.
    Isnickedoffthebathroomlightandpaddedacrossthecarpettothe
    davenport.Thephonewasonastandatoneend.Itkeptonringingandahorn
    tootedoutsideinthestreet,asifansweringit.WhenithadrungeighttimesI
    shruggedandreachedforit.
    "Pat?PatReel?"thevoicesaid.
    Ididn'tknowhowPatReelwouldtalk.Igrunted.Thevoiceattheother
    endwashardandhoarseatthesametime.Itsoundedlikeatoughguyvoice.
    "Pat?"
    "Sure,"Isaid.
    Therewassilence.Ithadn'tgoneover.Thenthevoicesaid:"ThisisHarry
    Matson.SorryasallhellIcan'tmakeitbacktonight.Justoneofthose
    things.Thatbotheryoumuch?"
    "Sure,"Isaid.
    "What'sthat?"
    "Sure."
    "Is'sure'allthewordsyouknow,forGod'ssake?"
    "I'maGreek."
    Thevoicelaughed.Itseemedpleasedwithitself.
    Isaid:"Whatkindoftoothbrushesdoyouuse,Harry?"
    "Huh?"
    Thiswasastartledexplosionofbreathnotsopleasednow.
    "Toothbrushesthelittledingusessomepeoplebrushtheirteethwith.What
    kinddoyouuse?"
    "Aw,gotohell."
    "Meetyouonthestep,"Isaid.
    Thevoicegotmadnow."Listen,smartmonkey!Youain'tpullingnothin',
    see?Wegotyourname,wegotyournumber,andwegotaplacetoputyouifyou
    don'tkeepyournoseclean,see?AndHarrydon'tlivethereanymore,ha,ha."
    "Youpickedhimoff,huh?"
    "I'llsaywepickedhimoff.Whatdoyouthinkwedone,tookhimtoa
    pictureshow?"
    "That'sbad,"Isaid."Thebosswon'tlikethat."

    Ihungupinhisfaceandputthephonedownonthetableattheendofthe
    davenportandrubbedthebackofmyneck.Itookthedoorkeyoutofmypocket
    andpolisheditonmyhandkerchiefandlaiditdowncarefullyonthetable.I
    gotupandwalkedacrosstooneofthewindowsandpulledthedrapesasidefar
    enoughtolookoutintothecourt.Acrossitspalmdottedoblong,onthesame
    floorlevelIwason,abaldheadedmansatinthemiddleofaroomundera
    hard,brightlight,anddidn'tmoveamuscle.Hedidn'tlooklikeaspy.
    Iletthedrapesfalltogetheragainandsettledmyhatonmyheadandwent
    overandputthelampout.Iputmypocketflashdownonthefloorandpalmedmy
    handkerchiefonthedoorknobandquietlyopenedthedoor.
    Bracedtothedoorframebyeighthookedfingers,allbutoneofwhichwere
    whiteaswax,therehungwhatwasleftofaman.
    Hehadeyesaneighthofaninchdeep,chinablue,wideopen.Theylooked
    atmebuttheydidn'tseeme.Hehadcoarsegrayhaironwhichthesmearedblood
    lookedpurple.Oneofhistempleswasapulp,andthetraceryofbloodfromit
    reachedcleartothepointofhischin.Theonestrainingfingerthatwasn't
    whitehadbeenpoundedtoshredsasfarasthesecondjoint.Sharpsplintersof
    bonestuckoutofthemangledflesh.Somethingthatmightoncehavebeena
    fingernaillookednowlikearaggedsplinterofglass.
    Themanworeabrownsuitwithpatchpockets,threeofthem.Theyhadbeen
    tornoffandhungatoddanglesshowingthedarkalpacaliningbeneath.
    Hebreathedwithafarawayunimportantsound,likedistantfootfallson
    deadleaves.Hismouthwasstrainedopenlikeafish'smouth,andbloodbubbled
    fromit.Behindhimthehallwaywasemptyasanewduggrave.
    Rubberheelssqueakedsuddenlyonthebarespaceofwoodbesidethehall
    runner.Theman'sstrainingfingersslippedfromthedoorframeandhisbody
    startedtowinduponhislegs.Thelegscouldn'tholdit.Theyscissoredand
    thebodyturnedinmidair,likeaswimmerinawave,andthenjumpedatme.
    Iclampedmyteethhardandspreadmyfeetandcaughthimfrombehind,
    afterhistorsohadmadeahalfturn.Heweighedenoughfortwomen.Itooka
    stepbackandnearlywentdown,tooktwomoreandthenIhadhisdraggingheels
    clearofthedoorway.IlethimdownonhissideasslowlyasIcould,crouched
    overhimpanting.AfterasecondIstraightened,wentovertothedoorandshut
    andlockedit.ThenIswitchedtheceilinglightonandstartedforthe
    telephone.

    HediedbeforeIreachedit.Iheardtherattle,thespentsigh,then
    silence.Anoutflunghand,thegoodone,twitchedonceandthefingersspread
    outslowlyintoaloosecurveandstayedlikethat.Iwentbackandfelthis
    carotidartery,diggingmyfingersinhard.Notaflickerofapulse.Igota
    smallsteelmirroroutofmywalletandhelditagainsthisopenmouthfora
    longminute.TherewasnotraceofmistonitwhenItookitaway.HarryMatson
    hadcomehomefromhisride.
    AkeytickledattheoutsideofthedoorlockandImovedfast.Iwasin
    thebathroomwhenthedooropened,withaguninmyhandandmyeyestothe
    crackofthebathroomdoor.
    Thisonecameinquickly,thewayawisecatgoesthroughaswingdoor.His
    eyesflickedupattheceilinglights,thendownatthefloor.Afterthatthey
    didn'tmoveatall.Allhisbigbodydidn'tmoveamuscle.Hejuststoodand
    looked.
    Hewasabigmaninanunbuttonedovercoat,asifhehadjustcomeinor
    wasjustgoingout.Hehadagrayfelthatonthebackofathickcreamywhite
    head.Hehadtheheavyblackeyebrowsandbroadpinkfaceofabosspolitician,
    andhismouthlookedasifitusuallyhadthesmilebutnotnow.Hisfacewas
    allboneandhismouthjiggledahalfsmokedcigaralonghislipswithasucking
    noise.
    Heputabunchofkeysbackinhispocketandsaid"God!"verysoftly,over
    andoveragain.Thenhetookastepforwardandwentdownbesidethedeadman
    withaslow,clumsymotion.Heputlargefingersintotheman'sneck,tookthem
    awayagain,shookhishead,lookedslowlyaroundtheroom.Helookedatthe
    bathroomdoorbehindwhichIwashiding,butnothingchangedinhiseyes.
    "Freshdead,"hesaid,alittlelouder."Beattoapulp."
    Hestraightenedupslowlyandrockedonhisheels.Hedidn'tlikethe
    ceilinglightanybetterthanIhad.Heputthestandinglamponandswitched
    theceilinglightoff,rockedonhisheelssomemore.Hisshadowcrawledupthe
    endwall,startedacrosstheceiling,pausedanddroppedbackagain.Heworked
    thecigararoundinhismouth,dugamatchoutofhispocketandrelitthebutt
    carefully,turningitaroundandaroundintheflame.Whenheblewthematchout
    heputitinhispocket.Hedidallthiswithoutoncetakinghiseyesoffthe
    deadmanonthefloor.

    Hemovedsidewaysovertothedavenportandlethimselfdownontheendof
    it.Thespringssqueakeddismally.Hereachedforthephonewithoutlookingat
    it,eyesstillonthedeadman.
    Hehadthephoneinhishandwhenitstartedtoringagain.Thatjarred
    him.Hiseyesrolledandhiselbowsjerkedagainstthesidesofhisthickover
    coatedbody.Thenhegrinnedverycarefullyandliftedthephoneoffthecradle
    andsaidinarich,fruityvoice:"Hello.Yeah,thisisPat."
    Iheardadry,inarticulatecroakingnoiseonthewire,andIsawPat
    Reel'sfaceslowlycongestwithblooduntilitwasthecoloroffreshbeef
    liver.Hisbighandshookthephonesavagely.
    "Soit'sMisterBigChin!"heblared."Well,listenhere,saphead,youknow
    something?Yourstiffisrighthereonmycarpet,that'swhereheis...Howdid
    hegethere?HowthehellwouldIknow?Askme,youcroakedhimhere,andlemme
    tellyousomething.It'scostingyouplenty,see,plenty.Nomurderonthecuff
    inmyhouse.Ispotaguyforyouandyouknockhimoffinmylap,damnyou!
    I'lltakeagrandandnotacentless,andyoucomeandgetwhat'shereandI
    meangetit,see?"
    Therewasmorecroakingonthewire.PatReellistened.Hiseyesgotalmost
    sleepyandthepurplediedoutofhisface.Hesaidmoresteadily:"Okay.Okay.
    Iwasonlykidding...Callmeinhalfanhourdownstairs."
    Heputdownthephoneandstoodup.Hedidn'tlooktowardsthebathroom
    door,hedidn'tlookanywhere.Hebegantowhistle.Thenhescratchedhischin
    andtookasteptowardsthedoor,stoppedtoscratchhischinagain.Hedidn't
    knowtherewasanybodyintheapartment,hedidn'tknowtherewasn'tanybodyin
    theapartmentandhedidn'thaveagun.Hetookanothersteptowardsthedoor.
    BigChinhadtoldhimsomethingandtheideawastogetout.Hetookathird
    step,thenhechangedhismind.
    "Awhell,"hesaidoutloud."Thatscrewymug."Thenhiseyesrangedround
    theapartmentswiftly."Tryin'tokidme,huh?"
    Hishandraisedtothechainswitch.Suddenlyheletitfallandknelt
    besidethedeadmanagain.Hemovedthebodyalittle,rollingitwithouteffort
    onthecarpet,andputhisfacedownclosetosquintatthespotwherethehead
    hadlain.PatReelshookhisheadindispleasure,gottohisfeetandputhis
    handsunderthedeadman'sarmpits.Hethrewaglanceoverhisshoulderatthe
    darkbathroomandstartedtobacktowardsme,draggingthebody,grunting,the

    cigarbuttstillclampedinhismouth.Hiscreamywhitehairglistenedcleanly
    inthelamplight.
    HewasstillbentoverwithhisbiglegsspraddledwhenIsteppedout
    behindhim.Hemayhaveheardmeatthelastsecondbutitdidn'tmatter.Ihad
    shiftedtheguntomylefthandandIhadasmallpocketsapinmyright.Ilaid
    thesapagainstthesideofhishead,justbehindhisrightear,andIlaidit
    asthoughIlovedit.
    PatReelcollapsedforwardacrossthesprawledbodyhewasdragging,his
    headdownbetweenthedeadman'slegs.Hishatrolledgentlyofftotheside.He
    didn'tmove.Isteppedpasthimtothedoorandleft.

    ThreeGentlemanOfThePress

    OveronWesternAvenueIfoundaphoneboothandcalledthesheriff'soffice.
    VioletsM'Geewasstillthere,justreadytogohome.
    Isaid:"Whatwasthenameofyourkidbrotherinlawthatworksonthe
    throwawaypaperdownatBayCity?"
    "Kincaid.TheycallhimDollyKincaid.Alittlefeller."
    "Wherewouldhebeaboutnow?"
    "Hehangsaroundthecityhall.Thinkhe'sgotapolicebeat.Why?"
    "IsawMatson,"Isaid."Doyouknowwherehe'sstaying?"
    "Naw.Hejustcalledmeonthephone.Whatyouthinkofhim?"
    "I'lldowhatIcanforhim.Willyoubehometonight?"
    "Idon'tknowwhynot.Why?"
    Ididn'ttellhimwhy.IgotintomycarandpointedittowardsBayCity.I
    gotdownthereaboutnine.Thepolicedepartmentwashalfadozenroomsina
    cityhallthatbelongedinthehookwormandBiblebelt.Ipushedpastaknotof
    smoothiesintoanopendoorwaywheretherewaslightandacounter.Therewasa
    PBXboardinthecornerandauniformedmanbehindit.
    Iputanarmonthecounterandaplainclothesmanwithhiscoatoffandan
    underarmholsterlookingthesizeofawoodenlegagainsthisribstookoneeye
    offhispaperandsaid,"Yeah?"andbongedaspittoonwithoutmovinghishead
    morethananinch.

    Isaid:"I'mlookingforafellownamedDollyKincaid."
    "Outtoeat.I'mholdin'downhisbeat,"hesaidinasolid,unemotional
    voice.
    "Thanks.Yougotapressroomhere?"
    "Yeah.Gotatoilet,too.Wantasee?"
    "Takeiteasy,"Isaid."I'mnottryingtogetfreshwithyourtown."
    Hebongedthespittoonagain."Pressroom'sdownthehall.Nobodyinit.
    Dolly'sdueback,ifhedon'tgetdrownedinapopbottle."
    Asmallboned,delicatefacedyoungmanwithapinkcomplexionandinnocent
    eyesstrolledintotheroomwithahalfeatenhamburgersandwichinhisleft
    hand.Hishat,whichlookedlikeareportershatinamovie,wassmashedonthe
    backofhissmallblondhead.Hisshirtcollarwasunbuttonedattheneckand
    histiewaspulledtooneside.Theendsofithungoutoverhiscoat.Theonly
    thingthematterwithhimforamovienewshawkwasthathewasn'tdrunk.Hesaid
    casually:"Anythingstirring,boys?"
    Thebigblackhairedplainclothesmanbongedhisprivatespittoonagainand
    said:"Ihearthemayorchangedhisunderpants,butit'sjustarumor."
    Thesmallyoungmansmiledmechanicallyandturnedaway.Thecopsaid:
    "Thisguywantstoseeyou,Dolly."
    Kincaidmunchedhishamburgerandlookedatmehopefully.Isaid:"I'ma
    friendofViolets'.Wherecanwetalk?"
    "Let'sgointothepressroom,"hesaid.Theblackhairedcopstudiedmeas
    wewentout.Hehadalookinhiseyesasifhewantedtopickafightwith
    somebody,andhethoughtIwoulddo.
    Wewentalongthehalltowardsthebackandturnedintoaroomwithalong,
    bare,scarredtable,threeorfourwoodenchairsandalotofnewspapersonthe
    floor.Thereweretwotelephonesononeendofthetable,andaflyblownframed
    pictureintheexactcenterofeachwallWashington,Lincoln,HoraceGreeley,
    andtheotheronesomebodyIdidn'trecognize.Kincaidshutthedoorandsaton
    oneendofthetableandswunghislegandbitintothelastofhissandwich.
    Isaid:"I'mJohnDalmas,aprivatedickfromL.A.How'stotakearide
    overtoSeventhirtysixAltairStreetandtellmewhatyouknowaboutthe
    Austriancase?MaybeyoubettercallM'Geeupandgethimtointroduceus."I
    pushedacardathim.

    Thepinkyoungmansliddownoffthetableveryrapidlyandstuffedthe
    cardintohispocketwithoutlookingatitandspokeclosetomyear."Holdit."
    ThenhewalkedsoftlyovertotheframedpictureofHoraceGreeleyand
    lifteditoffthewallandpressedonasquareofpaintbehindit.Thepaint
    gaveitwaspaintedoverfabric.Kincaidlookedatmeandraisedhiseyebrows.
    Inodded.Hehungthepicturebackonthewallandcamebacktome."Mike,"he
    saidunderhisbreath."OfcourseIdon'tknowwholistensorwhen,oreven
    whetherthedamnthingstillworks."
    "HoraceGreeleywouldhavelovedit,"Isaid.
    "Yeah.Thebeat'sprettydeadtonight.IguessIcouldgoout.AlDeSpain
    willcoverformeanyway."Hewastalkingloudnow.
    "Thebigblackhairedcop?"
    "Yeah."
    "Whatmakeshimsore?"
    "He'sbeenreducedtoactingpatrolman.Heain'tevenworkingtonight.Just
    hangsaroundandhe'ssotoughitwouldtakethewholedamnpoliceforceto
    throwhimout."
    Ilookedtowardsthemicrophoneandraisedmyeyebrows.
    "That'sokay,"Kincaidsaid."Igottafeed'emsomethingtochewon."
    Hewentovertoadirtywashbowlinthecornerandwashedhishandsona
    scrapoflavasoapanddriedthemonhispockethandkerchief.Hewasjust
    puttingthehandkerchiefawaywhenthedooropened.Asmall,middleaged,gray
    hairedmanstoodinit,lookingatusexpressionlessly.
    DollyKincaidsaid:"Evening,Chief,anythingIcandoforyou?"
    Thechieflookedatmesilentlyandwithoutpleasure.Hehadseagreen
    eyes,atight,stubbornmouth,aferretshapednose,andanunhealthyskin.He
    didn'tlookbigenoughtobeacop.Henoddedveryslightlyandsaid:"Who's
    yourfriend?"
    "He'safriendofmybrotherinlaw.He'saprivatedickfromL.A.Let's
    see"Kincaidgrippeddesperatelyinhispocketformycard.Hedidn'teven
    remembermyname.
    Thechiefsaidsharply:"What'sthat?Aprivatedetective?What'syour
    businesshere?"
    "Ididn'tsayIwashereonbusiness,"Itoldhim.

    "Gladtohearit,"hesaid."Verygladtohearit.Goodnight."Heopened
    thedoorandwentoutquicklyandsnappeditshutbehindhim.
    "ChiefAndersoneswellguy,"Kincaidsaidloudly."Theydon'tcomeany
    better."Hewaslookingatmelikeascaredrabbit.
    "Theyneverhave,"Isaidjustasloudly."InBayCity."
    Ithoughtforamomenthewasgoingtofaint,buthedidn't.Wewentoutin
    thefrontofthecityhallandgotintomycaranddroveaway.
    IstoppedthecaronAltairStreetacrossthewayfromtheresidenceofDr.
    LelandAustrian.Thenightwaswindlessandtherewasalittlefogunderthe
    moon.Afaintpleasantsmellofbrackishwaterandkelpcameupthesideofthe
    blufffromthebeach.Smallridinglightspinpointedtheyachtharborandthe
    shimmeringlinesofthreepiers.Quitefarouttoseaabigmastedfishingbarge
    hadlightsstrungbetweenitsmastsandfromthemastheadsdowntothebowand
    stern.Otherthingsthanfishingprobablyhappenedonit.
    AltairStreetinthatblockwasadeadend,cutoffbyatall,ornamental
    ironfencethatwalledabigestate.Thehouseswereontheinlandsideofthe
    streetonly,oneightyorhundredfootlots,wellspaced.Ontheseawardside
    therewasanarrowsidewalkandalowwall,beyondwhichthebluffdropped
    almoststraightdown.
    DollyKincaidwaspressedbackintothecorneroftheseat,theredtipof
    acigaretteglowingatintervalsinfrontofhissmallblurredface.The
    Austrianhousewasdarkexceptforasmalllightovertheembrasureinwhichthe
    frontdoorwasset.Itwasstucco,withawallacrossthefrontyard,iron
    gates,thegarageoutsidethewall.Acementwalkwentfromasidedoorofthe
    garagetoasidedoorofthehouse.Therewasabronzeplatesetintothewall
    besidethegatesandIknewitwouldread_LelandM.Austrian,M.D._
    "Allright,"Isaid."NowwhatwasthematterwiththeAustriancase?"
    "Nothingwasthematterwithit,"Kincaidsaidslowly."Exceptyou'regoing
    togetmeinajam."
    "Why?"
    "SomebodymusthaveheardyoumentionAustrian'saddressoverthatmike.
    That'swhyChiefAnderscameintolookatyou."
    "DeSpainmighthavefiguredmeforadickjustonlooks.Hemighthave
    tippedhimoff."

    "No.DeSpainhatesthechief'sguts.Hell,hewasadetectivelieutenant
    uptoaweekago.Andersdon'twanttheAustriancasemonkeyedwith.Hewouldn't
    letuswriteitup."
    "SwellpressyougotinBayCity."
    "Wegotaswellclimateandthepressisabunchofstooges."
    "Okay,"Isaid."Yougotabrotherinlawwho'sahomicidedickinthe
    sheriff'soffice.AlltheL.A.papersbutonearestrongforthesheriff.This
    towniswherehelives,though,andlikealotofotherguyshedon'tkeephis
    ownyardclean.Soyou'rescared,huh?"
    DollyKincaidthrewhiscigaretteoutofthewindow.Iwatcheditfallina
    smallredarcandliefaintlypinkonthenarrowsidewalk.Ileanedforwardand
    pressedonthestarterbutton."Excuseit,please,"Isaid."Iwon'tbotheryou
    anymore."
    Imeshedthegearsandthecarcrawledforwardacoupleofyardsbefore
    Kincaidleanedoverandjerkedtheparkingbrakeon."I'mnotyellow,"hesaid
    sharply."Whatdoyouwantaknow?"
    Icutthemotoragainandleanedbackwithmyhandsonthewheel."First
    off,whydidMatsonlosehislicence.He'smyclient."
    "OhMatson.TheysaidhetriedtoputthebiteonDr.Austrian.Andthey
    notonlytookhislicence,theyrunhimoutoftown.Acoupleofguyswithguns
    shovedhimintoacaronenightandroughedhimaroundandtoldhimtoskipthe
    burgorelse.Hereporteditdownatheadquartersandyoucouldhaveheardthem
    laughforblocks.ButIdon'tthinkitwascops."
    "DoyouknowanybodycalledBigChin?"
    DollyKincaidthought."No.Themayor'sdriver,agoofcalledMossLorenz,
    hasachinyoucouldbalanceapianoon.ButIneverheardhimcalledBigChin.
    HeusedtoworkforVanceConried.EverhearofConried?"
    "I'mallcaughtuponthatangle,"Isaid."ThenifthisConriedwantedto
    bumpsomebodyoffthatwasbotheringhim,andespeciallysomebodythathadmade
    alittletroublehereinBayCity,thisLorenzwouldbejusttheguy.Because
    themayorwouldhavetocoverforhimuptoapoint,anyway."
    DollyKincaidsaid,"Bumpwhooff?"andhisvoicewassuddenlythickand
    tense.

    "Theydidn'tonlyrunMatsonoutoftown,"Itoldhim."Theytracedhimto
    anapartmenthouseinL.A.andsomeguycalledBigChingavehimtheworks.
    Matsonmusthavebeenworkingstillonwhateveritwashewasworkingon."
    "Geez,"DollyKincaidwhispered."Ididn'tgetawordonthat."
    "TheL.A.copsneitherwhenIleft.DidyouknowMatson?"
    "Alittle.Notwell."
    "Wouldyoucallhimhonest?"
    "Well,ashonestaswell,yeah,Iguesshewasallright.Geez,bumped
    off,huh?"
    "Ashonestasaprivatedickusuallyis?"Isaid.
    Hegiggled,fromsuddenstrainandnervousnessandshockverylittlefrom
    amusement.Acarturnedintotheendofthestreetandstoppedbythecurband
    itslightswentout.Nobodygotout.
    "HowaboutDr.Austrian,"Isaid."Wherewashewhenhiswifewas
    murdered?"
    DollyKincaidjumped."Jeepers,whosaidshewasmurdered?"hegasped.
    "IthinkMatsonwastryingtosayso.Buthewastryingtogetpaidfornot
    sayingitevenharderthanhewastryingtosayit.Eitherwaywouldhavegot
    himdisliked,buthiswaygothimchilledwithapieceofleadpipe.Myhunchis
    thatConriedwouldhavethatdonebecausehewouldnotliketohaveanybodymake
    thepaysignathim,exceptinthewayoflegitimategraft.Butontheother
    handitwouldbealittlebetterforConried'sclubtohaveDr.Austrianmurder
    hiswifethanforhertodoaDutchonaccountoflosingallherdoughat
    Conried'sroulettetables.Maybenotalotbetter,butsomebetter.SoIcan't
    figurewhyConriedwouldhaveMatsonbumpedofffortalkingaboutmurder.I
    figurehecouldhavebeentalkingaboutsomethingelseaswell."
    "Doesallthisfiguringevergetyouanywhere?"DollyKincaidasked
    politely.
    "No.It'sjustsomethingtodowhileI'mpattingthecoldcreamintomy
    faceatnight.Nowaboutthislabmanthatmadethebloodsample.Whowashe?"
    Kincaidlitanothercigaretteandlookeddowntheblockatthecarthathad
    stoppedinfrontoftheendhouse.Itslightshadgoneonagainnowanditwas
    movingforwardslowly.

    "AguynamedGreb,"hesaid."HehasasmallplaceinthePhysiciansand
    SurgeonsBuildingandworksforthedoctors."
    "Notofficial,huh?"
    "No,buttheydon'truntolabmendownhere.Andtheundertakersalltake
    turnsbeingcoronerforaweek,sowhatthehell.Thechiefhandlesittheway
    helikes."
    "Whywouldhewanttohandleitatall?"
    "Iguessmaybehemightgetordersfromthemayor,whomightgetahint
    fromthegamblingboysthatVanceConriedworksfor,orfromVanceConried
    direct.Conriedmightnotlikehisbossestoknowhewasmixedupwithadead
    frillinawaytomakeakickbackontheclub."
    "Right,"Isaid."Thatguydowntheblockdon'tknowwherehelives."
    Thecarwasstillcrawlingforwardalongthecurb.Itslightswereout
    again,butitwasstillmoving.
    "AndwhileI'mstillhealthy,"DollyKincaidsaid,"youmightaswellknow
    thatDocAustrian'sofficenurseusedtobeMatson'swife.She'saredheaded
    maneaterwithnolooksbutalotofoutsidecurve."
    "Ilikeawellcrowdedstockingmyself,"Isaid."Getoutofthatdoorand
    inthebackofthecarandliedownandmakeitfast."
    "Geez"
    "DowhatIsay!"Isnapped."Fast!"
    Thedoorontherightclickedopenandthelittlemanslidoutlikeawisp
    ofsmoke.Thedoorclickedshut.Iheardthereardooropenandsneakedalook
    backandsawadarkshapehaunchedonthefloorofthecar.Islidovertothe
    rightsidemyselfandopenedthedooragainandsteppedoutonthenarrow
    sidewalkthatranalongtherimofthebluff.
    Theothercarwasclosenow.ItslightsflaredupagainandIducked.The
    lightsswervedsothattheysweptmycar,thenswervedbackandthecarstopped
    oppositeandwentquietlydark.Itwasasmallblackcoupe.Nothinghappenedfor
    aminute,thenitsleftdooropenedandachunkymansteppedoutandstartedto
    strollovertowardsmysideofthesidepavedstreet.Itookmygunfromunder
    myarmandtuckeditinmybeltandbuttonedthebottombuttonofmycoat.Then
    Iwalkedaroundtherearendofmycartomeethim.

    Hestoppeddeadwhenhesawme.Hishandshungemptyathissides.There
    wasacigarinhismouth."Police,"hesaidbriefly.Hisrighthandshadedback
    slowlytowardshisrighthip."Nicenightain'tit?"
    "Swell,"Isaid."Alittlefoggy,butIlikefog.Itsoftenstheairup
    and"
    Hecutinonmesharply:"Where'stheotherguy?"
    "Huh?"
    "Don'tkidme,stranger.Isawacigaretteontherightsideofyourcar."
    "Thatwasme,"Isaid."Ididn'tknowitwasagainstthelawtosmokeon
    therightsideofacar."
    "Oh,asmartmonkey.Whoareyouandwhat'syourbusinesshere?"Hisheavy,
    greasyfacereflectedthesiftedlightinthesoftmistyair.
    "Thename'sO'Brien,"Isaid."JustdownfromSanMateoonalittle
    pleasuretrip."
    Hishandwasveryclosetohishipnow."I'lllookatyourdriver's
    licence,"hesaid.Hecamecloseenoughtoreachit,ifwebothstretchedout
    ourarmstoeachother.
    "I'lllookatwhatgivesyoutherighttolookatit,"Isaid.
    Hisrighthandmadeanabruptmovement.Mineflickedthegunoutofmybelt
    andpointeditathisstomach.Hishandstoppedasthoughithadbeenfrozenin
    ablockofice.
    "Maybeyou'reastickup,"Isaid."It'sstillbeingdonewithnickel
    badges."
    Hestoodthere,paralyzed,hardlybreathing.Hesaidthickly:"Gota
    licenceforthatheater?"
    "Everydayintheweek,"Isaid."Let'sseeyourbadgeandI'llputit
    away.Youdon'twearthebuzzerwhereyousitdown,doyou?"
    Hestoodforanotherfrozenminute.Thenhelookedalongtheblockasifhe
    hopedanothercarmightarrive.Behindme,inthebackofmycar,therewasa
    soft,sibilantbreathing.Ididn'tknowwhetherthechunkymanhearditornot.
    Hisownbreathingwasheavyenoughtoironashirtwith.
    "Aw,quityourkiddin',"hesnarledoutwithsuddenferocity."You're
    nothin'butalousytwobitshamusfromL.A."
    "Iuppedtherate,"Isaid."Igetthirtycentsnow."

    "Gotohell.Wedon'twantyounosin'aroundhere,see.ThistimeI'mjust
    tellin'you."
    Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedbacktohiscoupeandputafootonthe
    runningboard.Histhickneckturnedslowlyandhisgreasyskinshowedagain.
    "Gotohell,"hesaid,"beforewesendyouthereinabasket."
    "Solong,GreasyPuss,"Isaid."Nicetohavemetyouwithyourpants
    down."
    Heslammedintohiscar,starteditwithajerkandlurcheditaround.He
    wasgonedowntheblockinaflash.
    Ijumpedintomineandwasonlyablockbehindhimwhenhemadethestop
    forArguelloBoulevard.Heturnedright.Iturnedleft.DollyKincaidcameup
    andputhischinonthebackoftheseatbesidemyshoulder.
    "Knowwhothatwas?"hecroaked."ThatwasTriggerWeems,thechief'sright
    bower.Hemighthaveshotyou."
    "FannyBricemighthavehadapugnose,"Isaid."Itwasthatclose."
    Irodearoundafewblocksandstoppedtolethimgetinbesideme.
    "Where'syourcar?"Isaid.
    Hetookhiscrumpledreporter'shatoffandsmackeditonhiskneeandput
    itbackonagain."Why,downatthecityhall.Inthepoliceyard."
    "Toobad,"Isaid."You'llhavetotakethebustoL.A.Yououghttospend
    anightwithyoursisteronceinawhile.Especiallytonight."

    FourRedheadedWoman

    Theroadtwisted,dipped,soaredalongtheflankofthefoothills,ascatterof
    lightstothenorthwestandacarpetofthemtothesouth.Thethreepiers
    seemedremotefromthispoint,thinpencilsoflightlaidoutonapadofblack
    velvet.Therewasfoginthecanyonsandasmellofwildgrowth,butnofogon
    thehighgroundbetweenthecanyons.
    Iswungpastasmall,dimservicestation,closedupforthenight,down
    intoanotherwidecanyon,uppasthalfamileofexpensivewirefencewallingin
    someinvisibleestate.Thenthescatteredhousesgotstillmorescatteredalong
    thehillsandtheairsmelledstronglyofthesea.Iturnedleftpastahouse

    witharoundwhiteturretanddroveoutbetweentheonlyelectroliersinmiles
    toabigstuccobuildingonapointabovethecoasthighway.Lightleakedfrom
    drapedwindowsandalonganarchedstuccocolonnade,andshonedimlyonathick
    clusterofcarsparkedindiagonalslotsaroundanovallawn.
    ThiswastheClubConried.Ididn'tknowexactlywhatIwasgoingtodo
    there,butitseemedtobeoneoftheplaceswhereIhadtogo.Dr.Austrianwas
    stillwanderinginunknownpartsofthetownvisitingunnamedpatients.The
    Physicians'Exchangesaidheusuallycalledinabouteleven.Itwasnowabout
    tenfifteen.
    Iparkedinavacantslotandwalkedalongthearchedcolonnade.Asix
    footsixNegro,intheuniformofacomicoperaSouthAmericanfieldmarshal,
    openedonehalfofawidegrilleddoorfromtheinsideandsaid:"Card,please,
    suh."
    Ituckedadollar'sworthoffoldingmoneyintohislilaccoloredpalm.
    Enormousebonyknucklesclosedoveritlikeadraglineoverabucketfulof
    gravel.Hisotherhandpickedapieceoflintoffmyleftshoulderandlefta
    metaltagdownbehindmyshowhandkerchiefintheoutsidebreastpocketofmy
    jacket.
    "Newfloorbosskindatough,"hewhispered."Ithankyou,suh."
    "Youmeansucker,"Isaid,andwentinpasthim.
    ThelobbytheycalleditafoyerlookedlikeanMGMsetforanightclub
    intheBroadwayMelodyof1980.Undertheartificiallight,itlookedasifit
    hadcostaboutamilliondollarsandtookupenoughspaceforapolofield.The
    carpetdidn'tquiteticklemyankles.Atthebacktherewasachromiumgangway
    likeaship'sgangwaygoinguptothediningroomentrance,andatthetopof
    thisachubbyItaliancaptainofwaitersstoodwithasetsmileandatwoinch
    satinstripeonhispantsandabunchofgoldplatedmenusunderhisarm.
    Therewasafreearchedstairwaywithbanisterslikewhiteenameledsleigh
    rails.Thiswouldgouptothesecondfloorgamblingrooms.Theceilinghad
    starsinitandtheytwinkled.Besidethebarentrance,whichwasdarkand
    vaguelypurple,likeahalfrememberednightmare,therewasahugeroundmirror
    setbackinawhitetunnelwithanEgyptianheaddressoverthetopofit.In
    frontofthisaladyingreenwaspreeninghermetallicblondhair.Herevening
    gownwascutsolowatthebackthatshewaswearingablackbeautypatchonher

    lumbarmuscle,aboutaninchbelowwhereherpantswouldhavebeen,ifshehad
    beenwearinganypants.
    Acheckgirlinpeachbloompajamaswithsmallblackdragonsonthemcame
    overtotakemyhatanddisapproveofmyclothes.Shehadeyesasblackand
    shinyandexpressionlessasthetoesofpatentleatherpumps.Igavehera
    quarterandkeptmyhat.Acigarettegirlwithatraythesizeofafivepound
    candyboxcamedownthegangway.Sheworefeathersinherhair,enoughclothes
    tohidebehindathreecentstamp,andoneofherlong,beautiful,nakedlegs
    wasgildedandtheotherwassilvered.Shehadthecold,disdainfulexpression
    ofadamewhoisdatedsofaraheadthatshewouldhavetothinktwicebefore
    acceptingaknockdowntoamaharajahwithabasketofrubiesunderhisarm.
    Iwentintothesoftpurpletwilightofthebar.Glassestinkledgently.
    Therewerequietvoices,chordsonapianooffinacorner,andapansytenor
    singing"MyLittleBuckeroo"asconfidentiallyasabartendermixingaMickey
    Finn.LittlebylittlethepurplelightgottobesomethingIcouldseeby.The
    barwasfairlyfullbutnotcrowded.Amanlaughedoffkeyandthepianist
    expressedhisannoyancebydoinganEddieDuchinrippledownthekeyboardwith
    histhumbnail.
    Ispottedanemptytableandwentandsatbehindit,againstthecushioned
    wall.Thelightgrewstillbrighterforme.Icouldevenseethebuckeroosinger
    now.Hehadwavyredhairthatlookedhennaed.Thegirlatthetablenexttome
    hadredhairtoo.Itwaspartedinthemiddleandstrainedbackasifshehated
    it.Shehadlarge,dark,hungryeyes,awkwardfeaturesandnomakeupexcepta
    mouththatglaredlikeaneonsign.Herstreetsuithadtoowideshoulders,too
    flaringlapels.Anorangeundersweatersnuggledherneckandtherewasablack
    andorangequillinherRobinHoodhat,crookedonthebackofherhead.She
    smiledatmeandherteethwereasthinandsharpasapauper'sChristmas.I
    didn'tsmileback.
    Sheemptiedherglassandrattleditonthetabletop.Awaiterinaneat
    messjacketslippedoutofnowhereandstoodinfrontofme.
    "Scotchandsoda,"thegirlsnapped.Shehadahard,angularvoicewitha
    liquorslurinit.
    Thewaiterlookedather,barelymovedhischinandlookedbackatme.I
    said:"Bacardiandgrenadine."
    Hewentaway.Thegirlsaid:"That'llmakeyousicky,bigboy."

    Ididn'tlookather."Soyoudon'twanttoplay,"shesaidloosely.Ilit
    acigaretteandblewaringinthesoftpurplishair."Gochaseyourself,"the
    girlsaid."Icouldpickupadozengorillaslikeyouoneveryblockon
    HollywoodBoulevard.HollywoodBoulevard,myfoot.Alotofbitplayersoutof
    workandfishfacedblondestryingtoshakeahangoveroutoftheirteeth."
    "WhosaidanythingaboutHollywoodBoulevard?"Iasked.
    "Youdid.NobodybutaguyfromHollywoodBoulevardwouldn'ttalkbacktoa
    girlthatinsultedhimcivilly."
    Amanandagirlatanearbytableturnedtheirheadsandstared.Theman
    gavemeashort,sympatheticgrin."Thatgoesforyou,too,"thegirlsaidto
    him.
    "Youdidn'tinsultmeyet,"hesaid.
    "Naturebeatmetoit,handsome."
    Thewaitercamebackwiththedrinks.Hegavememinefirst.Thegirlsaid
    loudly:"Iguessyou'renotusedtowaitingonladies."
    ThewaitergaveherherScotchandsoda."Ibegyourpardon,madam,"he
    saidinanicytone.
    "Sure.ComearoundsometimeandI'llgiveyouamanicure,ifIcanborrowa
    hoe.Boyfriend'spayingtheticketonthis."
    Thewaiterlookedatme.Igavehimabillandaliftofmyrightshoulder.
    Hemadechange,tookhistip,andfadedoffamongthetables.
    Thegirlpickedherdrinkupandcameovertomytable.Sheputherelbows
    onthetableandcuppedherchininherhands."Well,well,aspender,"she
    said."Ididn'tknowtheymadethemanymore.Howdoyoulikeme?"
    "I'mthinkingitover,"Isaid."Keepyourvoicedownorthey'llthrowyou
    out."
    "Idoubtit,"shesaid,"AslongasIdon'tbreakanymirrors.Besides,me
    andtheirbossarelikethat."Shehelduptwofingersclosetogether."Thatis
    wewouldbeifIcouldmeethim."Shelaughedtinnily,drankalittleofher
    drink."Where'veIseenyouaround?"
    "Mostanywhere."
    "Where'veyouseenme?"
    "Hundredsofplaces."
    "Yes,"shesaid."Justlikethat.Agirlcan'thangontoherindividuality
    anymore."

    "Shecan'tgetitbackoutofabottle,"Isaid.
    "Theheckyousay.Icouldnameyouplentyofbignamesthatgotosleep
    withabottleineachhand.Andhavetogetpushedinthearmsotheywon'twake
    upyelling."
    "Yeah?"Isaid."Moviesoaks,huh?"
    "Yeah.Iworkforaguythatpushestheminthearmattenbucksapush.
    Sometimestwentyfiveorfifty."
    "Soundslikeaniceracket,"Isaid.
    "Ifitlasts.Youthinkit'lllast?"
    "YoucanalwaysgotoPalmSpringswhentheyrunyououtofhere."
    "Who'sgoingtorunwhooutofwhere?"
    "Idon'tknow,"Isaid."Whatwerewetalkingabout?"
    Shehadredhair.Shewasnotgoodlooking,butshehadcurves.Andshe
    workedforamanwhopushedpeopleinthearm.Ilickedmylips.
    Abigdarkmancamethroughtheentrancedoorandstoodjustinsideit,
    waitingforhiseyestogetusedtothelight.Thenhestartedtolooktheplace
    overwithouthaste.HisglancetraveledtothetablewhereIwassitting.He
    leanedhisbigbodyforwardandstartedtowalkourway.
    "Oh,oh,"thegirlsaid."Thebouncer.Canyoutakeit?"
    Ididn'tanswer.Shestrokedhercolorlesscheekwithastrongpalehand
    andleeredatme.Themanatthepianostrucksomechordsandbegantowhine
    about"WeCanStillDream,Can'tWe?"
    Thebig,darkmanstoppedwithhishandonthechairacrossthetablefrom
    me.Hepulledhiseyesoffthegirlandsmiledatme.Shewastheonehehad
    beenlookingat.Shewastheonehehadcomedowntheroomtogetnear.ButI
    wastheonehelookedatfromnowon.Hishairwassmoothanddarkandshiny
    abovecoldgrayeyesandeyebrowsthatlookedasiftheywerepenciled,anda
    handsomeactorishmouthandanosethathadbeenbrokenbutwellset.Hespoke
    liplessly.
    "Haven'tseenyouaroundforsometimeorismymemorybad?"
    "Idon'tknow,"Isaid."Whatareyoutryingtoremember?"
    "Yourname,doc."
    Isaid:"Quittrying.Wenevermet."Ifishedthemetaltagoutofmy
    breastpocketandtosseditdown."Here'smyticketinfromthedrummajoron
    thewicket."Igotacardoutofmywalletandtossedthatdown."Here'smy

    name,age,height,weight,scarsifany,andhowmanytimesconvicted.Andmy
    businessistoseeConried."
    Heignoredthetagandreadthecardtwice,turneditoverandlookedat
    theback,thenlookedatthefrontagain,hookedanarmoverthechairbackand
    gavemeamealysmile.Hedidn'tlookatthegirlthenorever.Herackedthe
    cardedgeacrossthetabletopandmadeafaintsqueak,likeaveryyoungmouse.
    Thegirlstaredattheceilingandpretendedtoyawn.
    Hesaiddryly:"Soyou'reoneofthoseguys.Sosorry.Mr.Conriedhadto
    gonorthonalittlebusinesstrip.Caughtanearlyplane."
    Thegirlsaid:"ThatmusthavebeenhisstandinIsawthisafternoonat
    SunsetandVine,inagrayCordsedan."
    Hedidn'tlookather.Hesmiledfaintly."Mr.Conrieddoesn'thaveagray
    Cordsedan."
    Thegirlsaid:"Don'tlethimkidyou.Ibethe'supstairscrookinga
    roulettewheelrightthisminute."
    Thedarkmandidn'tlookather.Hisnotlookingatherwasmoreemphatic
    thanifhehadslappedherface.Isawherwhitenalittle,veryslowly,and
    staywhite.
    Isaid:"He'snothere,he'snothere.Thanksforlistening.Maybesome
    othertime."
    "Ohsure.Butwedon'tuseanyprivateeyesinhere.Sosorry."
    "Saythat'sosorry'againandI'llscream.Sohelpme,"theredhaired
    girlsaid.
    Theblackhairedmanputmycardinthecasualouterpocketofhisdinner
    jacket.Hepushedhischairbackandstoodup.
    "Youknowhowitis,"hesaid."So"
    Thegirlcackledandthrewherdrinkinhisface.
    Thedarkmansteppedbackjarringlyandsweptacrispwhitehandkerchief
    fromhispocket.Hemoppedhisfaceswiftly,shakinghishead.Whenhelowered
    thehandkerchieftherewasabigsoakedspotonhisshirt,limpabovetheblack
    pearlstud.Hiscollarwasaruin.
    "Sosorry,"thegirlsaid."Thoughtyouwereaspittoon."
    Hedroppedhishandandhisteethglintededgily."Getherout,"hepurred.
    "Getheroutfast."

    Heturnedandwalkedoffveryquicklyamongthetables,holdinghis
    handkerchiefagainsthismouth.Twowaitersinmessjacketscameupcloseand
    stoodlookingatus.Everybodyintheplacewaslookingatus.
    "Roundone,"thegirlsaid."Alittleslow.Bothfighterswerecautious."
    "I'dhatetobewithyouwhenyou'dtakeachance,"Isaid.
    Herheadjerked.Inthatqueerpurplelighttheextremewhitenessofher
    faceseemedtoleapatme.Evenherrougedlipshadadrainedlook.Herhand
    wentuptohermouth,stiffandclawlike.Shecougheddrylylikeaconsumptive
    andreachedformyglass.Shegulpedthebacardiandgrenadinedowninbubbling
    swallows.Thenshebegantoshake.Shereachedforherbagandpusheditover
    theedgeofthetabletothefloor.Itfellopenandsomestuffcameout.A
    giltmetalcigarettecaseslidundermychair.Ihadtogetupandmovethe
    chairtoreachit.Oneofthewaiterswasbehindme.
    "CanIhelp?"heaskedsuavely.
    Iwasstoopedoverwhentheglassthegirlhaddrunkfromrolledoverthe
    edgeofthetableandhitthefloorbesidemyhand.Ipickedupthecigarette
    case,lookedatitcasually,andsawthatahandtintedphotoofabigboned,
    darkmandecoratedthefrontofit.Iputitbackinherbagandtookholdof
    thegirl'sarmandthewaiterwhohadspokentomeslidaroundandtookher
    otherarm.Shelookedatusblankly,movingherheadfromsidetosideasif
    tryingtolimberupastiffneck.
    "Mama'sabouttopassout,"shecroaked,andwestarteddowntheroomwith
    her.Sheputherfeetoutcrazily,threwherweightfromonesidetotheother
    asiftryingtoupsetus.Thewaitersworesteadilytohimselfinamonotonous
    whisper.Wecameoutofthepurplelightintothebrightlobby.
    "Ladies'Room,"thewaitergrunted,andpointedwithhischinatadoor
    whichlookedlikethesideentrancetotheTajMahal."There'sacolored
    heavyweightintherecanhandleanything."
    "NutstotheLadies'Room,"thegirlsaidnastily."Andleggoofmyarm,
    steward.Boyfriend'sallthetransportationIneed."
    "He'snotyourboyfriend,madam.Hedon'tevenknowyou."
    "Beatit,wop.You'reeithertoopoliteornotpoliteenough.Beatit
    beforeIlosemycultureandbongyou."
    "Okay,"Itoldhim."I'llsetherouttocool.Shecomeinalone?"

    "Icouldn'tthinkofanyreasonwhynot,"hesaid,andsteppedaway.The
    captainofwaiterscamehalfwaydownhisgangplankandstoodglowering,andthe
    visionatthecheckroomlookedasboredastherefereeofafourroundopener.
    Ipushedmynewfriendoutintothecold,mistyair,walkedheralongthe
    colonnadeandfeltherbodycomecontrolledandsteadyonmyarm.
    "You'reaniceguy,"shesaiddully."Iplayedthataboutassmoothasa
    handfuloftacks.You'reaniceguy,mister.Ididn'tthinkI'devergetoutof
    therealive."
    "Why?"
    "Ihadawrongideaaboutmakingsomemoney.Forgetit.Letitlaywithall
    theotherwrongideasI'vebeenhavingallmylife.DoIgetaride?Icameina
    cab."
    "Sure.DoIgettoldyourname?"
    "HelenMatson,"shesaid.
    Ididn'tgetanykickoutofthatnow.Ihadguesseditlongago.
    Shestillleanedonmealittleaswewalkeddownthestripofpavedroad
    pasttheparkedcans.WhenwecametomineIunlockeditandheldthedoorfor
    herandsheclimbedinandfellbackinthecornerwithherheadonthecushion.
    IshutthedoorandthenIopeneditagainandsaid:"Wouldyoutellme
    somethingelse?Who'sthatmugonthecigarettecaseyoucarry?SeemstomeI've
    seenhimsomewhere."
    Sheopenedhereyes."Anoldsweet,"shesaid,"thatworeout.He"Her
    eyeswidenedandhermouthsnappedopenandIbarelyheardthefaintrustle
    behindmeassomethingharddugintomybackandamuffledvoicesaid:"Holdit,
    buddy.Thisisaheist."
    Thenanavalgunwentoffinmyearandmyheadwasalargepinkfirework
    explodingintothevaultoftheskyandscatteringandfallingslowandpale,
    andthendank,intothewaves.Blacknessatemeup.

    FiveMyDeadNeighbor

    Ismelledofgin.Notjustcasually,asifIhadtakenafewdrinks,butasif
    thePacificOceanwaspureginandIhadbeenswimminginitwithmyclotheson.
    Theginwasonmyhair,onmyeyebrows,onmyfaceandundermychinonmy
    shirt.MycoatwasoffandIwaslyingflatonsomebody'scarpetandIwas
    lookingupataframedphotographontheendofaplastermantel.Theframewas
    somekindofgrainedwoodandthephotowasintendedtobearty,witha
    highlightonalong,thin,unhappyface,butallthehighlightdidwasmakethe
    facelookjustthatlongandthinandunhappyundersomekindofflat,pale
    hairthatmighthavebeenpaintonadriedskull.Therewaswritingacrossthe
    cornerofthephotobehindtheglass,butIcouldn'treadthat.
    IreachedupandpressedthesideofmyheadandIcouldfeelashootof
    paincleartothesolesofmyfeet.Igroanedandmadeagruntoutofthegroan,
    fromprofessionalpride,andthenIrolledoverslowlyandcarefullyandlooked
    atthefootofapulleddowntwinwallbed.Theothertwinwasstillupinthe
    wallwithaflourishofdesignpaintedontheenameledwood.WhenIrolled,a
    ginbottlerolledoffmychestandhitthefloor.Itwaswaterwhite,empty.I
    thoughttherecouldn'thavebeenthatmuchgininjustonebottle.
    Igotmykneesundermeandstayedonallfoursforawhile,sniffinglike
    adogwhocan'tfinishhisdinnerandyethatestoleaveit.Imovedmyhead
    aroundonmyneck.Ithurt.Imoveditsomemoreanditstillhurt,soIgotup
    onmyfeetanddiscoveredthatIdidn'thaveanyshoeson.
    Itseemedlikeaniceapartment,nottoocheapandnottooexpensivethe
    usualfurniture,theusualdrumlamp,theusualdurablecarpet.Onthebed,
    whichwasdown,agirlwaslying,clothedinapairoftansilkstockings.There
    weredeepscratchesthathadbledandtherewasathickbathtowelacrossher
    middle,waddedupalmostintoaroll.Hereyeswereopen.Theredhairthathad
    beenpartedandstrainedbackasifshehateditwasstillthatway.Butshe
    didn'thateitanymore.
    Shewasdead.
    Aboveandinsideherleftbreasttherewasascorchedplacethesizeofthe
    palmofaman'shand,andinthemiddleofthattherewasathimblefulofblazed
    blood.Bloodhadrundownherside,butithaddriednow.
    Isawclothesonadavenport,mostlyhers,butincludingmycoat.There
    wereshoesonthefloormineandhers.Iwentover,steppingontheballsofmy
    feetasthoughonverythinice,andpickedupmycoatandfeltthroughthe

    pockets.TheystillheldeverythingIcouldrememberhavingputinthem.The
    holsterthatwasstillstrappedaroundmybodywasempty,ofcourse.Iputmy
    shoesandcoaton,pushedtheemptyholsteraroundundermyarmandwentoverto
    thebedandliftedtheheavybathtowel.Agunfelloutofitmygun.Iwiped
    somebloodoffthebarrel,sniffedthemuzzlefornoreasonatall,andquietly
    putthegunbackundermyarm.
    Heavyfeetcamealongthecorridoroutsidetheapartmentdoorandstopped.
    Therewasamutterofvoices,thensomebodyknocked,aquick,hard,impatient
    rapping.Ilookedatthedoorandwonderedhowlongitwouldbebeforethey
    triedit,andifthespringlockwouldbesetsotheycouldwalkin,andifit
    wasn'tsethowlongitwouldtaketogetthemanagerupwithapasskeyifhe
    wasn'ttherealready.Iwasstillwonderingwhenahandtriedthedoor.Itwas
    locked.
    Thatwasveryfunny.Ialmostlaughedoutloud.
    Isteppedovertoanotherdoorandglancedintoabathroom.Thereweretwo
    washrugsonthefloor,abathmatfoldedneatlyovertheedgeofthetub,a
    pebbledglasswindowaboveit.Ieasedthebathroomdoorshutquietlyandstood
    ontheedgeofthebathtubandpushedupthelowersashofthebathroomwindow.
    Iputmyheadoutandlookeddownaboutsixfloorstothedarknessofaside
    streetlinedwithtrees.TodothisIhadtolookoutthroughaslotformedby
    twoshortblankwalls,hardlymorethananairshaftThewindowswereinpairs,
    allinthesameendwalloppositetheopenendoftheslot.Ileanedfartherout
    anddecidedIcouldmakethenextwindowifItried.Iwonderedifitwas
    unlocked,andifitwoulddomeanygood,andifI'dhavetimebeforetheycould
    getthedooropen.
    Behindme,beyondtheclosedbathroomdoor,thepoundingwasalittle
    louderandharderandavoicewasgrowlingout:"Openituporwe'llbustit
    in."
    Thatdidn'tmeananything.Thatwasjustroutinecopstuff.Theywouldn't
    breakitdownbecausetheycouldgetakey,andkickingthatkindofdoorin
    withoutafireaxeisalotofworkandtoughonthefeet.
    Ishutthelowerhalfofthewindowandpulleddowntheupperhalfandtook
    atowelofftherack.ThenIopenedthebathroomdooragainandmyeyeswere
    lookingstraightatthefaceinthephotoframeonthemantel.Ihadtoreadthe
    inscriptiononthatphotobeforeIleft.Iwentoverandscanneditwhilethe

    poundingonthedoorwentonangrily.Theinscriptionsaid_Withallmylove
    Leland._
    ThatmadeasapoutofDr.Austrian,withoutanythingelse.Igrabbedthe
    photoandwentbackintothebathroomandshutthedooragain.ThenIshovedthe
    photounderthedirtytowelsandlineninthecupboardunderthebathroom
    closet.Itwouldtakethemalittlewhiletofindit,iftheyweregoodcops.If
    wewereinBayCity,theyprobablywouldn'tfinditatall.Ididn'tknowofany
    reasonwhyweshouldbeinBayCity,exceptthatHelenMatsonwouldverylikely
    livethereandtheairoutsidethebathroomwindowseemedtobebeachair.
    Isqueezedoutthroughtheupperhalfofthewindowwiththetowelinmy
    handandswungmybodyacrosstothenextwindow,holdingontothesashofthe
    oneIhadleft.Icouldreachjustfarenoughtopushthenextwindowup,ifit
    wasunlocked.Itwasn'tunlocked.Iswungmyfootandkickedtheglassinjust
    overthecatch.Itmadeanoisethatoughttohavebeenheardamile.The
    distantpoundingwentonmonotonously.
    Iwrappedthetowelaroundmylefthandandstretchedmyarmsforallthey
    hadinthemandshovedmyhandinthroughthebrokenplaceandturnedthewindow
    catch.ThenIswungovertotheothersillandreachedbacktopushupthe
    windowIhadcomeoutof.Theycouldhavethefingerprints.Ididn'texpectto
    beabletoproveIhadn'tbeeninHelenMatson'sapartment.AllIwantedwasa
    chancetoprovehowIhadgotthere.
    Ilookeddownatthestreet.Amanwasgettingintoacar.Hedidn'teven
    lookupatme.NolighthadgoneonintheapartmentIwasbreakinginto.Igot
    thewindowdownandclimbedin.Therewasalotofbrokenglassinthebathtub.
    Igotdowntothefloorandswitchedthelightonandpickedtheglassoutof
    thebathtubandwrappeditinmytowelandhidit.Iusedsomebodyelse'stowel
    towipeoffthesillandtheedgeofthebathtubwhereI'dstood.ThenItookmy
    gunoutandopenedthebathroomdoor.
    Thiswasalargerapartment.TheroomIwaslookingathadtwinbedswith
    pinkdustcovers.Theyweremadeupnicelyandtheywereempty.Beyondthe
    bedroomtherewasalivingroom.Allthewindowswereshutandtheplacehada
    close,dustysmell.Ilitafloorlamp,thenIranafingeralongthearmofa
    chainandlookedatdustonit.Therewasanarmchairradio,abookrackbuilt
    likeahod,abigbookcasefullofnovelswiththejacketsstillonthem,adank

    woodhighboywithasiphonandadecanterofliquoronit,andfourstriped
    glassesupsidedown.Isniffedtheliquor,whichwasScotch,andusedalittle
    ofit.Itmademyheadfeelworsebutitmademefeelbetter.
    Ileftthelightonandwentbacktothebedroomandpokedintobureauand
    closets.Thereweremaleclothesinonecloset,tailormade,andthename
    writtenonthelabelbythetailorwasGeorgeTalbot.George'sclotheslookeda
    littlesmallforme.ItriedthebureauandfoundapairofpajamasIthought
    woulddo.Theclosetgavemeabathrobeandslippers.Istrippedtotheskin.
    WhenIcameoutoftheshowerIsmelledonlyfaintlyofgin.Therewasno
    noiseorpoundinggoingonanywherenow,soIknewtheywereinHelenMatson's
    apartmentwiththeirlittlepiecesofchalkandstring.IputMr.Talbot's
    pajamasandslippersandbathrobeon,usedsomeofMr.Talbot'stoniconmyhair
    andhisbrushandcombtotidyup.IhopedMr.andMrs.Talbotwerehavinga
    goodtimewherevertheywereandthattheywouldnothavetohurryhome.
    Iwentbacktothelivingroom,usedsomemoreTalbotScotchandlitoneof
    hiscigarettes.ThenIunlockedtheentrancedoor.Amancoughedclosebyinthe
    hall.Iopenedthedoorandleanedagainstthejambandlookedout.Auniformed
    manwasleaningagainsttheoppositewallasmallish,blond,sharpeyedman.
    Hisbluetrouserswereedgedlikeaknifeandhelookedneat,clean,competent
    andnosy.
    Iyawnedandsaid:"Whatgoeson,officer?"
    Hestaredatmewithsharpreddishbrowneyesfleckedwithgold,acolon
    youseldomseewithblondhair."Alittletroublenextdoortoyou.Hear
    anything?"Hisvoicewasmildlysarcastic.
    "Thecarrottop?"Isaid."Haw,haw.Justtheusualbiggamehunt.Drink?"
    Thecopwentonwithhiscarefulstare.Thenhecalleddownthehallway:
    "Hey,Al!"
    Amansteppedoutofanopendoor.Hewasaboutsixfeet,weighedaround
    twohundred,andhehadcoarseblackhairanddeepsetexpressionlesseyes.It
    wasAlDeSpainwhomIhadmetthateveningatBayCityheadquarters.
    Hecamedownthehallwithouthaste.Theuniformedcopsaid:"Here'sthe
    guylivesnextdoor."
    DeSpaincameclosetomeandlookedintomyeyes.Hisownheldnomore
    expressionthanpiecesofblackslate.Hespokealmostsoftly.
    "Name?"

    "GeorgeTalbot,"Isaid.Ididn'tquitesqueak.
    "Hearanynoises?Imean,beforewegothere?"
    "Oh,abrawl,Iguess.Aroundmidnight.That'snothingnewinthere."I
    jerkedathumbtowardsthedeadgirl'sapartment.
    "Thatso?Acquaintedwiththedame?"
    "No.DoubtifI'dwanttoknowher."
    "Youwon'thaveto,"DeSpainsaid."She'scroaked."
    Heputabig,hardhandagainstmychestandpushedmebackverygently
    throughthedoorintotheapartment.Hekepthishandagainstmychestandhis
    eyesflickeddownsharplytothesidepocketsofthebathrobe,thenbacktomy
    faceagain.Whenhehadmeeightfeetfromthedoorhesaidoverhisshoulder:
    "Comeinandshutthedoor,Shorty."
    Shortycameandshutthedoor,small,sharpeyesgleaming."Quiteagag,"
    DeSpainsaid,verycasually."Putagunonhim,Shorty."
    Shortyflickedhisblackbeltholsteropenandhadapoliceguninhishand
    likelightning.Helickedhislips."Ohboy,"hesaidsoftly."Ohboy."He
    snappedhishandcuffholderopenandhalfdrewthecuffsout."How'dyouknow,
    Al?"
    "Knowwhat?"DeSpainkepthiseyesonmyeyes.Hespoketomegently.
    "Whatwasyougoin'todogodownandbuyapaper?"
    "Yah,"Shortysaid."He'sthekiller,sure.Hecomeinthroughthebathroom
    windowandputonclothesbelongingtotheguythatliveshere.Thefolksare
    away.Lookatthedust.Nowindowsopen.Deadairintheplace."
    DeSpainsaidsoftly:"Shorty'sascientificcop.Don'tlethimgetyou
    down.He'sgottobewrongsomeday."
    Isaid:"Whatforisheinuniform,ifhe'ssohot?"
    Shortyreddened,DeSpainsaid:"Findhisclothes,Shorty.Andhisgun.And
    makeitfast.Thisisourpinch,ifwemakeitfast."
    "Youain'tdetailedonthecaseeven,"Shortysaid.
    "WhatcanIlose?"
    _"I_canlosethishereuniform."
    "Takeachance,boy.ThatlugReednextdoorcouldn'tcatchamothina
    shoebox."

    Shortyscuttledintothebedroom.DeSpainandIstoodmotionless,except
    thathetookhishandoffmychestanddroppedittohisside."Don'ttellme,"
    hedrawled."Justletmeguess."
    WeheardShortyfussingaroundopeningdoors.Thenweheardayelplikea
    terrier'syelpwhenhesmellsarathole.Shortycamebackintotheroomwithmy
    guninhisrighthandandmywalletinhisleft.Heheldthegunbythefore
    sight,withahandkerchief."Thegat'sbeenfired,"hesaid."Andthisguyain't
    calledTalbot."
    DeSpaindidn'tturnhisheadonchangeexpression.Hesmiledatmethinly,
    movingonlytheextremecornersofhiswide,ratherbrutalmouth.
    "Youdon'tsay,"hesaid."Youdon'tsay."Hepushedmeawayfromhimwith
    ahandashardasapieceoftoolsteel."Getdressed,sweetheartanddon't
    fusswithyournecktie.Placeswantustogotothem."

    SixIGetMyGunBack

    Wewentoutoftheapartmentandalongthehall.Lightstillcamefromtheopen
    doorofHelenMatson'sapartment.Twomenwithabasketstoodoutsideit
    smoking.Therewasasoundofwranglingvoicesinsidethedeadwoman'splace.
    Wewentaroundabendofthehallandstarteddownthestairs,floorafter
    floor,untilwecameoutinthelobby.Halfadozenpeoplestoodaroundbug
    eyedthreewomeninbathrobes,abaldheadedmanwithagreeneyeshade,likea
    cityeditor,twomorewhohungbackintheshadows.Anotheruniformedmanwalked
    upanddownjustinsidethefrontdoor,whistlingunderhisbreath.Wewentout
    pasthim.Helookedcompletelyuninterested.Aknotofpeopleclusteredonthe
    sidewalkoutside.
    DeSpainsaid:"Thisisabignightinourlittletown."
    WewalkedalongtoablacksedanthathadnopoliceinsigniaonitandDe
    Spainslidinbehindthewheelandmotionedmetogetinbesidehim.Shortygot
    intheback.He'dhadhisgunbackinhisholsterlongsince,butheleftthe
    flapunbuttoned,andkepthishandclosetoit.
    DeSpainputthecarintomotionwithajerkthatthrewmebackagainstthe
    cushions.Wemadethenearestcornerontwowheels,goingeast.Abigblackcar

    withtwinredspotlightswasonlyhalfablockawayandcomingfastaswemade
    theturn.
    DeSpainspatoutofthewindowanddrawled:"That'sthechief.He'llbe
    lateforhisownfuneral.Boy,didweskinhisnoseonthisone."
    Shortysaiddisgustedlyfromthebackseat:"Yeahforathirtydaylay
    off."
    DeSpainsaid:"Keepthatmushofyoursinlowandyoumightgetbackon
    Homicide."
    "I'dratherwearbuttonsandeat,"Shortysaid.
    DeSpaindrovethecarhardfortenblocks,thenslowedalittle.Shorty
    said:"Thisain'tthewaytoheadquarters."
    DeSpainsaid:"Don'tbeanass."
    Heletthecarslowtoacrawl,turneditleftintoaquiet,dank,
    residentialstreetlinedwithconiferoustreesandsmallexacthousessetback
    fromsmallexactlawns.Hebrakedthecargently,coasteditoventothecurb
    andswitchedthemotoroff.Thenhethrewanarmoverthebackoftheseatand
    turnedtolookatthesmall"sharpeyed"uniformedman.
    "Youthinkthisguypluggedher,Shorty?"
    "Hisgunwentoff."
    "Getthatbigflashoutathepocketandlookatthebackofhishead."
    Shortysnorted,fussedaroundinthebackofthecar,andthenmetal
    clickedandtheblindingwhitebeamofalargebelltoppedflashlightsprayed
    overmyhead.Iheardthelittleman'sclosebreathing.Hereachedoutand
    pressedthesoreplaceonthebackofmyhead.Iyelped.Thelightwentoffand
    theblacknessofthedarkStreetjumpedatusagain.
    Shortysaid:"Iguesshewassapped."
    DeSpainsaidwithoutemotion:"Sowasthegirl.Itdidn'tshowmuchbut
    it'sthere.Shewassappedsoshecouldhaveherclothespulledoffandbe
    clawedupbeforeshewasshot,sothescratcheswouldbleedandlooklikeyou
    knowwhat.Thenshewasshotwithabathtowelaroundthegun.Nobodyheardthe
    shot.Whoreportedit,Shorty?"
    "HowthehellwouldIknow?Aguycalleduptwothreeminutesbeforeyou
    cameintotheHall,whileReedwasstilllookingforacameraman.Aguywitha
    thickvoice,theoperatorsaid."
    "Okay.Ifyoudoneit,Shorty,howwouldyougetoutofthere?"

    "I'dwalkout,"Shortysaid."Whynot?Hey,"hebankedatme,"whydidn't
    you?"
    Isaid:"Ihavetohavemylittlesecrets."
    DeSpainsaidtonelessly:"Youwouldn'tclimbacrossnoairshaft,would
    you,Shorty?Youwouldn'tcrashintothenextapartmentandpretendtobethe
    guythatlivedthere,wouldyou?Andyouwouldn'tcallnolawandtellthemto
    takeitupthereinhighandthey'dcatchthekiller,wouldyou?"
    "Hell,"Shortysaid,"thisguycallup?No,Iwouldn'tdoanyofthem
    things."
    "Neitherdidthekiller,"DeSpainsaid,"exceptthelastone,Hecalled
    up."
    "Themsexfiendsdofunnythings,"Shortysaid."Thisguycouldhavehad
    helpandtheotherguytriedtoputhiminthemiddleafterknockinghimout
    withasap."
    DeSpainlaughedharshly."Hello,sexfiend,"hesaid,andpokedmeinthe
    ribswithafingerashardasagunbarrel."Lookatussaps,justsittinghere
    andthrowingourjobsawaythatis,theoneofusthathasajobandarguing
    itoutwhenyou,theguythatknowsalltheanswers,ain'ttoldusadamnthing.
    Wedon'tevenknowwhothedamewas."
    "AredheadIpickedupinthebaroftheClubConried,"Isaid."No,she
    pickedmeup."
    "Nonameoranything?"
    "No.Shewastight,Ihelpedheroutintotheairandsheaskedmetotake
    herawayfromthereandwhileIwasputtingherintomycarsomebodysappedmc.
    Icametoontheflooroftheapartmentandthegirlwasdead."
    DeSpainsaid:"WhatwasyoudoinginthebaroftheClubConried?"
    "Gettingmyhaircut,"Isaid."Whatdoyoudoinabar?Thisredheadwas
    tightandseemedscaredaboutsomethingandshethrewadrinkinthefloor
    boss'sface.Ifeltalittlesorryforher."
    "Ialwaysfeelsorryforaredhead,too,"DeSpainsaid."Thisguythat
    sappedyoumusthavebeenanelephant,ifhecarriedyouuptothatapartment."
    Isaid:"Haveyoueverbeensapped?"
    "No,"DeSpainsaid."Haveyou,Shorty?"
    Shortysaidhehadneverbeensappedeither.Hesaiditunpleasantly.

    "Allright,"Isaid."It'slikeanalcoholdrunk.Iprobablycametointhe
    carandthefellowwouldhaveagunandthatwouldkeepmequiet.Hewouldwalk
    meuptotheapartmentwiththegirl.Thegirlmayhaveknownhim.Andwhenhe
    hadmeuptherehewouldsapmeagainandIwouldn'trememberanythingthat
    happenedinbetweenthetwosappings."
    "I'veheardofit,"DeSpainsaid."ButIneverbelievedit."
    "Well,it'strue,"Isaid."It'sgottobetrue.BecauseIdon'tremember
    andtheguycouldn'thavecarriedmeuptherewithouthelp."
    "Icould,"DeSpainsaid."I'vecarriedheavierguysthanyou."
    "Allright,"Isaid."Hecarriedmeup.Nowwhatdowedo?"
    Shortysaid:"Idon'tgetwhyhewenttoallthattrouble."
    "Sappingaguyain'ttrouble,"DeSpainsaid."Passoventhatheaterand
    wallet."
    Shortyhesitated,thenpassedthemover.DeSpainsmelledthegunand
    droppeditcarelesslyintohissidepocket,theonenexttomc.Heflippedthe
    walletopenandhelditdownunderthedashlightandthenputitaway.He
    startedthecar,turneditinthemiddleoftheblock,andshotbackupArguello
    Boulevard,turnedeastonthatandpulledupinfrontofaliquorstorewitha
    redneonsign.Theplacewaswideopen,evenatthathourofthenight.
    DeSpainsaidoverhisshoulder:"Runinsideandphonethedesk,Shorty.
    Tellthesargewegotahotleadandwe'reonourwaytopickupasuspectin
    theBraytonAvenuekilling.Tellhimtotellthechiefhisshirtisout."
    Shortygotoutofthecar,slammedthereardoor,startedtosaysomething,
    thenwalkedfastacrossthesidewalkintothestore.
    DeSpainjerkedthecarintomotionandhitfortyinthefirstblock.He
    laugheddeepdowninhischest.Hemadeitfiftyinthenextblockandthen
    begantoturninandoutofstreetsandfinallyhepulledtoastopagainunder
    apeppertreeoutsideaschoolhouse.
    Igotthegunwhenhereachedforwardfortheparkingbrake.Helaughed
    drylyandspatoutoftheopenwindow.
    "Okay,"hesaid."That'swhyIputitthere.ItalkedtoVioletsM'Gee.
    ThatkidreportercalledmeupfromL.A.They'vefoundMatson.They'resweating
    someapartmenthouseguyrightnow."

    Islidawayfromhimovertomycornerofthecarandheldthegunloosely
    betweenmyknees."We'reoutsidethelimitsofBayCity,copper,"Itoldhim.
    "WhatdidM'Geesay?"
    "HesaidhegaveyoualeadtoMatson,buthedidn'tknowwhetheryouhad
    contactedhimornot.ThisapartmenthouseguyIdidn'thearhisnamewas
    tryingtodumpastiffinthealleywhenacoupleofalcoholicsjumpedhim.
    M'GeesaidifyouhadcontactedMatsonandheardhisstoryyouwouldbedown
    heregettinginajam,andwouldlikelywakeupsappedbesidesomestiff."
    "Ididn'tcontactMatson,"Isaid.
    IcouldfeelDeSpainstaringatmeunderhisdarkcraggybrows."But
    you'redownhereinajam,"hesaid.
    Igotacigaretteoutofmypocketwithmylefthandandlititwiththe
    dashlighten.Ikeptmyrighthandonthegun.Isaid:"Igottheideayouwere
    onthewayoutdownhere.Thatyouweren'tevendetailedonthiskilling.Now
    you'vetakenaprisoneracrossthecityline.Whatdoesthatmakeyou?"
    "AbucketofmudunlessIdeliversomethinggood."
    "That'swhatIam,"Isaid."Iguessweoughttoteamupandbreakthese
    threekillings."
    "Three?"
    "Yeah.HelenMatson,HarryMatsonandDocAustrian'swife.Theyallgo
    together."
    "IditchedShorty,"DeSpainsaidquietly,"becausehe'salittleguyand
    thechieflikeslittleguysandShortycanputtheblameonme.Wheredowe
    start?"
    "WemightstartbyfindingamannamedGrebwhorunsalaboratoryinthe
    PhysiciansandSurgeonsBuilding.Ithinkheturnedinaphonyreportonthe
    Austriandeath.Supposetheyputoutanalarmforyou?"
    "TheyusetheL.A.air.Theywon'tusethattopickuponeoftheirown
    cops."
    Heleanedforwardandstartedthecanagain.
    "Youmightgivememywallet,"Isaid."SoIcanputthisgunaway."
    Helaughedharshlyandgaveittome.

    SevenBigChin

    ThelabmanlivedonNinthStreet,onthewrongsideoftown.Thehousewasa
    shapelessframebungalow.Alargedustyhydrangeabushandsomesmall
    undernourishedplantsalongthepathlookedliketheworkofamanwhohadspent
    hislifetryingtomakesomethingoutofnothing.
    DeSpaindousedthelightsasweglidedupfrontandsaid:"Whistle,ifyou
    needhelp.Ifanycopsshouldcrowdus,skinoventoTenthandI'llcirclethe
    blockandpickyouup.Idon'tthinktheywill,though.Allthey'rethinkingof
    tonightisthatdameonBraytonAvenue."
    Ilookedupanddownthequietblock,walkedacrossthestreetinfoggy
    moonlightandupthewalktothehouse.Thefrontdoorwassetatnightangles
    tothestreetinafrontprojectionthatlookedlikearoomwhichhadbeenadded
    asanafterthoughttothenestofthehouse.Ipushedabellandhearditring
    somewhereintheback.Noanswer.Irangittwicemoreandtriedthefrontdoor.
    Itwaslocked.
    Iwentdownoffthelittleporchandaroundthenorthsideofthehouse
    towardsasmallgarageonthebacklot.Itsdoorswereshutandlockedwitha
    padlockyoucouldbreakwithastrongbreath.Ibentoverandshotmypocket
    flashundertheloosedoors.Thewheelsofacarshowed.Iwentbacktothe
    frontdoorofthehouseandknockedthistimeplentyloud.
    Thewindowinthefrontroomcreakedandcamedownslowlyfromthetop,
    abouthalfway.Therewasashadepulleddownbehindthewindowanddankness
    behindtheshade.Athick,hoarsevoicesaid:"Yeah?"
    "Mr.Greb?"
    "Yeah."
    "I'dliketospeaktoyouonimportantbusiness."
    "Igottagetmysleep,mister.Comebacktomorrow."
    Thevoicedidn'tsoundlikethevoiceofalaboratorytechnician.It
    soundedlikeavoiceIhadheardoverthetelephoneonce,alongtimeago,early
    intheeveningattheTennysonArmsApartments.
    Isaid:"Well,I'llcometoyourofficethen,Mr.Greb.What'stheaddress
    again?"
    Thevoicedidn'tspeakforamoment.Thenitsaid:"Aw,goon,beatit
    beforeIcomeoutthereandpasteyouone."

    "That'snowaytogetbusiness,Mr.Greb,"Isaid."Areyousureyou
    couldn'tgivemejustafewmoments,nowyou'reup?"
    "Pipedown.You'llwakethewife.She'ssick.IfIgottacomeoutthere"
    "Goodnight,Mr.Greb,"Isaid.
    Iwentbackdownthewalkinthesoft,foggymoonlight.WhenIgotacross
    tothefarsideofthedarkparkedcarIsaid:"It'satwomanjob.Sometough
    guyisinthere.Ithinkit'sthemanIheardcalledBigChinoverthephonein
    L.A."
    "Geez.TheguythatkilledMatson,huh?"DeSpaincameovertomysideof
    thecarandstuckhisheadoutandspatclearovenafireplugthatmusthave
    beeneightfeetaway.Ididn'tsayanything.
    DeSpainsaid:"IfthisguyyoucallBigChinisMossLorenz,I'llknow
    him.Wemightgetin.Onmaybewewalkourselvesintosomehotlead."
    "Justlikethecoppersdoontheradio,"Isaid.
    "Youscared?"
    "Me?"Isaid."SureI'mscared.Thecar'sinthegarage,soeitherhe'sgot
    Grebinthereandistryingtomakeuphismindwhattodowithhim"
    "Ifit'sMossLorenz,hedon'thaveamind,"DeSpaingrowled."Thatguyis
    screwyexceptintwoplacesbehindagunandbehindthewheelofacar."
    "Andbehindapieceofleadpipe,"Isaid."WhatIwassayingwas,Greb
    mightbeoutwithouthiscanandthisBigChin"
    DeSpainbentovertolookattheclockonthedash."Myguesswouldbe
    he'sskipped.He'dbehomebynow.He'sgotatiptoscramoutofsometrouble."
    "Willyougointhereorwon'tyou?"Isnapped."Whowouldtiphim?"
    "Whoeverfixedhiminthefistplace,ifhewasfixed."DeSpainclicked
    thedooropenandslidoutofthecar,stoodlookingovenitacrossthestreet.
    Heopenedhiscoatandloosenedtheguninhisshoulderclip."MaybeIcouldkid
    him,"hesaid."Keepyourhandsshowingandempty.It'sourbestchance."
    Wewentbackacrossthestreetandupthewalk,upontheporch.DeSpain
    leanedonthebell.
    Thevoicecamegrowlingatusagainfromthehalfopenwindow,behindthe
    frayeddankgreenshade.
    "Yeah?"
    "Hello,Moss,"DeSpainsaid.
    "Huh?"

    "ThisisAlDeSpain,Moss.I'minontheplay."
    Silencealong,murderoussilence.Thenthethick,hoarsevoicesaid:
    "Who'sthatwithyou?"
    "ApalfromL.A.He'sokay."Moresilence,then,"What'stheangle?"
    "Youaloneinthere?"
    "Exceptforadame.Shecan'thearyou."
    "Where'sGreb?"
    "Yeahwhereishe?What'stheangle,copper?Snapitup!"
    DeSpainspokeascalmlyasthoughhehadbeenathomeinanarmchair,
    besidetheradio."We'reworkin'forthesameguy,Moss."
    "Haw,haw,"BigChinsaid.
    "Matson'sbeenfounddeadinL.A.,andthosecitydickshavealready
    connectedhimwiththeAustriandame.Wegottastepfast.Thebigshot'sup
    northalibiinghimself,butwhatdoesthatdoforus?"
    Thevoicesaid,"Aw,baloney,"buttherewasanoteofdoubtinit.
    "Itlookslikeastink,"DeSpainsaid."Comeon,openup.Youcanseewe
    don'thaveanythingtoholdonyou."
    "BythetimeIgotaroundtothedooryouwouldhave,"BigChinsaid.
    "Youain'tthatyellow,"DeSpainsneered.
    Theshaderustledatthewindowasifahandhadletgoofitandthesash
    movedupintoplace.Myhandstartedup.
    DeSpaingrowled:"Don'tbeasap.Thisguyisourcase.Wewanthimallin
    onepiece."
    Faintstepssoundedinsidethehouse.Alockturnedinthefrontdoorand
    itopenedandafigurestoodthere,shadowed,abigColtinhishand.BigChin
    wasagoodnameforhim.Hisbig,broadjawstuckoutfromhisfacelikea
    cowcatcher.HewasabiggermanthanDeSpainagooddealbigger.
    "Snapitup,"hesaid,andstartedtomoveback.
    DeSpain,hishandshanginglooseandempty,palmsturnedout,tookaquiet
    stepforwardonhisleftfootandkickedBigChininthegroinjustlikethat
    withouttheslightesthesitation,andagainstagun.
    BigChinwasstillfightinginsidehimselfwhenwegotourgunsout.His
    righthandwasfightingtopressthetriggerandholdthegunup.Hissenseof
    painwasfightingdowneverythingelsebutthedesiretodoubleupandyell.
    Thatinternalstruggleofhiswastedasplitsecondandhehadneithershotnor

    yelledwhenweslammedhim.DeSpainhithimontheheadandIhithimonthe
    rightwrist.Iwantedtohithischinitfascinatedmebuthiswristwas
    nearestthegun.ThegundroppedandBigChindropped,almostassuddenly,then
    plungedforwardagainstus.Wecaughtandheldhimandhisbreathblewhotand
    rankinourfaces,thenhiskneeswenttopiecesandwefellintothehallwayon
    topofhim.
    DeSpaingruntedandstruggledtohisfeetandshutthedoor.Thenhe
    rolledthebig,groaning,halfconsciousmanoveranddraggedhishandsbehind
    himandsnappedcuffsonhiswrists.
    Wewentdownthehall.Therewasadimlightintheroomtotheleft,from
    asmalltablelampwithanewspaperoverit.DeSpainliftedthepaperoffand
    welookedatthewomanonthebed.Atleasthehadn'tmurderedher.Shelayin
    sleazypajamaswithhereyeswideopenandstaringandhalfmadwithfear.
    Mouth,wrists,anklesandkneesweretapedandtheendsofthickwadsofcotton
    stuckoutofherears.Avaguebubblingsoundcamefrombehindtheslaboftwo
    inchadhesivethatplasteredhermouthshut.DeSpainbentthelampshadea
    little.Herfacewasmottled.Shehadbleachedhair,darkattheroots,anda
    thin,scrapedlookaboutthebonesofherface.
    DeSpainsaid:"I'mapoliceofficer.AreyouMrs.Greb?"
    Thewomanjerkedandstaredathimagonizingly.Ipulledthecottonoutof
    herearsandsaid:"Tryagain."
    "AreyouMrs.Greb?"
    Shenodded.
    DeSpaintookholdofthetapeatthesideofhermouth.Hereyeswinced
    andhejerkedithardandcappedahanddownovenhermouthatonce.Hestood
    there,bendingover,thetapeinhislefthandabig,dark,deadpancopperwho
    didn'tseemtohaveanymorenervesthanacementmixer.
    "Promisenottoscream?"hesaid.
    Thewomanforcedanodandhetookhishandaway."Where'sGreb?"heasked.
    Hepulledtherestofthetapeoffher.
    Sheswallowedandtookholdofherforeheadwithherrednailedhandand
    shookherhead."Idon'tknow.Hehasn'tbeenhome."
    "Whattalkwastherewhenthegorillacamein?"
    "Therewasn'tany,"shesaiddully,"ThebellrangandIopenedthedoor
    andhewalkedinandgrabbedmc.Thenthebigbrutetiedmeupandaskedme

    wheremyhusbandwasandIsaidIdidn'tknowandheslappedmyfaceafew
    times,butafterawhileheseemedtobelieveme.Heaskedmewhymyhusband
    didn'thavethecarandIsaidhealwayswalkedtoworkandnevertookthecar.
    Thenhejustsatinthecorneranddidn'tmoveorspeak.Hedidn'tevensmoke."
    "Didheusethetelephone?"DeSpainasked.
    "No."
    "Youeverseenhimbefore?"
    "No."
    "Getdressed,"DeSpainsaid."Yougottafindsomefriendsyoucangoto
    fortherestofthenight."
    Shestaredathimandsatupslowlyonthebedandrumpledherhair.Then
    hermouthopenedandDeSpainclappedhishandoveritagain,hard.
    "Holdit,"hesaidsharply."Nothing'shappenedtohimthatweknowof.But
    Iguessyouwouldn'tbetoodamnsurprisedifitdid.
    Thewomanpushedhishandawayandstoodupoffthebedandwalkedaround
    ittoabureauandtookoutapintofwhisky.Sheunscrewedthetopanddrank
    fromthebottle."Yeah,"shesaidinastrong,coarsevoice."Whatwouldyoudo,
    ifyouhadtosoapabunchofdoctorsforeverynickelyoumadeandtherewas
    damnfewnickelstobemadeatthat?"Shetookanotherdrink.
    DeSpainsaid:"Imightswitchbloodsamples."
    Thewomanstaredathimblankly.Helookedatmeandshrugged."Maybeit's
    happypowder,"hesaid."Maybehepeddlesalittleofthat.Itmustbedamn
    little,togobyhowhelives."Helookedaroundtheroomcontemptuously."Get
    dressed,lady."
    Wewentoutoftheroomandshutthedoor.DeSpainbentdownovenBig
    Chin,lyingonhisbackandhalfonhissideonthefloor.Thebigmangroaned
    steadilywithhismouthopen,neithercompletelyoutnorfullyawareofwhatwas
    goingonaroundhim.DeSpain,stillbendingdowninthedimlighthe'dputon
    inthehall,lookedatthepieceofadhesiveinthepalmofhishandandlaughed
    suddenly.HeslammedthetapehardoverBigChin'smouth.
    "Thinkwecanmakehimwalk?"heasked."I'dhatelikehelltohaveto
    carryhim."
    "Idon'tknow,"Isaid."I'mjusttheswamperonthisroute.Walkto
    where?"

    "Upinthehillswhereit'squietandthebirdssing,"DeSpainsaid
    grimly.
    Isatontherunningboardofthecarwiththebigbellshapedflashlight
    hangingdownbetweenmyknees.Thelightwasn'ttoogood,butitseemedtobe
    goodenoughforwhatDeSpainwasdoingtoBigChin.Aroofedreservoirwasjust
    aboveusandthegroundslopedawayfromthatintoadeepcanyon.Thereweretwo
    hilltophousesabouthalfamileaway,bothdark,withaglistenofmoonlighton
    theirstuccowalls.Itwascoldupthereinthehills,buttheairwascleanand
    thestarswerelikepiecesofpolishedchromium.ThelighthazeoverBayCity
    seemedtobefanoff,asifinanothercounty,butitwasonlyafasttenminute
    drive.
    DeSpainhadhiscoatoff.Hisshirtsleeveswererolledupandhiswrists
    andhisbighairlessarmslookedenormousinthefainthardlight.Hiscoatlay
    onthegroundbetweenhimandBigChin.Hisgunholsterlayonthecoat,with
    thegunintheholster,andthebutttowardsBigChin.Thecoatwasalittleto
    onesidesothatbetweenDeSpainandBigChintherewasasmallspaceof
    scuffedmoonlitgravel.ThegunwastoBigChin'srightandtoDeSpain'sleft
    AfteralongsilencethickwithbreathingDeSpainsaid:"Tryagain."He
    spokecasually,asifheweretalkingtoamanplayingapinballgame.
    BigChin'sfacewasamassofblood.Icouldn'tseeitasred,butIhad
    puttheflashonitatimeortwoandIknewitwasthere.Hishandswerefree
    andwhatthekickinthegroinhaddonetohimwaslongago,onthefarsideof
    oceansofpain.Hemadeacroakingnoiseandturnedhislefthipsuddenly
    againstDeSpainandwentdownonhisrightkneeandlungedforthegun.
    DeSpainkickedhimintheface.
    BigChinrolledbackonthegravelandclawedathisfacewithbothhands
    andawailingsoundcamethroughhisfingers.DeSpainsteppedoverandkicked
    himontheankle.BigChinhowled.DeSpainsteppedbacktohisoriginal
    positionbeyondthecoatandtheholsteredgun.BigChinrolledalittleand
    cameuponhiskneesandshookhishead.Bigdankdropsfellfromhisfaceto
    thegravellyground.Hegotuptohisfeetslowlyandstayedhunchedovera
    little.
    DeSpainsaid:"Comeonup.You'reatoughguy.YougotVanceConried
    behindyouandhe'sgotthesyndicatebehindhim.YoumaybegotChiefAnders

    behindyou.I'malousyflatfootwithatickettonowhereinmypants.Comeup.
    Let'sputonashow."
    BigChinshotoutinadivinglungeforthegun.Hishandtouchedthebutt
    butonlysleweditaround.DeSpaincamedownhardonthehandwithhisheeland
    screwedhisheel.BigChinyelled.DeSpainjumpedbackandsaidwearily:"You
    ain'tovermatched,areyou,sweetheart?"
    Isaidthickly:"ForGod'ssake,whydon'tyoulethimtalk?"
    "Hedon'twanttotalk,"DeSpainsaid."Heain'tthetalkingkind.He'sa
    toughguy."
    "Well,let'sshootthepoordevilthen."
    "Notachance.I'mnotthatkindofcop.Hey,Moss,thisguythinksI'm
    justoneofthosesadisticcopsthathastosmackaheadwithapieceoflead
    pipeeverysooftentokeepfromgettingnervousindigestion.Youain'tgoingto
    lethimthinkthat,areyou?Thisisasquarefight.Yougotmeshadedtwenty
    poundsandlookwherethegunis."
    BigChinmumbled:"SupposeIgotit.Yourpalwouldblastme."
    "Notachance.Comeon,bigboy.Justoncemore.Yougotalotofstuff
    left."
    BigChingotuponhisfeetagain.Hegotupsoslowlythatheseemedlike
    amanclimbingupawall.Heswayedandwipedbloodoffhisfacewithhishand.
    Myheadached.Ifeltsickatmystomach.
    BigChinswunghisrightfootverysuddenly.Itlookedlikesomethingfora
    fractionofasecond,thenDeSpainpickedthefootoutoftheairandstepped
    back,pulledonit.Heheldthelegtautandthebigbruiserswayedonhisother
    foottryingtoholdhisbalance.
    DeSpainsaidconversationally:"ThatwasokaywhenIdiditbecauseyou
    hadplentyofguninyourmittandIdidn'thaveanygunandyoudidn'tfigure
    onmetakingachancelikethat.Nowyouseehowwrongtheplayisinthis
    spot."
    Hetwistedthefootquickly,withbothhands.BigChin'sbodyseemedto
    leapintotheairanddivesideways,andhisshoulderandfacesmashedintothe
    ground,butDeSpainheldontothefoot.Hekeptonturningit.BigChinbegan
    tothresharoundonthegroundandmakeharshanimalsounds,halfstifledinthe
    gravel.DeSpaingavethefootasuddenhardwrench.BigChinscreamedlikea
    dozensheetstearing.

    DeSpainlungedforwardandsteppedontheankleofBigChin'sotherfoot.
    HeputhisweightagainstthefootheheldinhishandsandspreadBigChin's
    legs.BigChintriedtogaspandyellatthesametimeandmadeasound
    somethinglikeaverylargeandveryolddogbarking.
    DeSpainsaid:"GuysgetpaidmoneyforwhatI'mdoing.Notnickelsreal
    dough.Ioughtalookintoit."
    BigChinyelled:"Lemmeup!I'lltalk!I'lltalk!"
    DeSpainspreadthelegssomemore.HedidsomethingtothefootandBig
    Chinsuddenlywentlimp.Itwaslikeasealionfainting.ItstaggeredDeSpain
    andhereeledtoonesideasthelegsmackedtheground.Thenhereacheda
    handkerchiefoutofhispocketandslowlymoppedhisfaceandhands.
    "Soft,"hesaid."Toomuchbeer.Theguylookedhealthy.Maybeit'salways
    havinghisfannyunderawheel."
    "Andhishandunderagun,"Isaid.
    "That'sanidea,"DeSpainsaid."Wedon'twanttolosehimhisself
    respect."
    HesteppedovenandkickedBigChinintheribs.Afterthethirdkickthere
    wasagruntandaglisteningwheretheblanknessofBigChin'seyelidshadbeen.
    "Getup,"DeSpainsaid."Iain'tgoin'tohurtyounomore."
    BigChingotup.Ittookhimawholeminutetogetup.Hismouthwhatwas
    leftofitwasstrainedwideopen.Itmademethinkofanotherman'smouthand
    Istoppedhavingpityforhim.Hepawedtheairwithhishands,lookingfor
    somethingtoleanagainst.
    DeSpainsaid:"Mypalheresaysyou'resoftwithoutaguninyourhand.I
    wouldn'twantastrongguylikeyoutobesoft.Helpyourselftomygat."He
    kickedtheholsterlightlysothatitslidoffthecoatandclosetoBigChin's
    foot.BigChinbowedhisshoulderstolookdownatit.Hecouldn'tbendhisneck
    anymore.
    "I'lltalk,"hegrunted.
    "Nobodyaskedyoutotalk.Iaskedyoutogetthatguninyourhand.Don't
    makemecaveyouinagaintomakeyoudoit.Seetheguninyourhand."
    BigChinstaggereddowntohiskneesandhishandfoldedslowlyoverthe
    buttofthegun.DeSpainwatchedwithoutmovingamuscle.
    "Attaboy.Nowyougotagun.Nowyou'retoughagain.Nowyoucanbumpoff
    somemorewomen.Pullitoutatheclip."

    Veryslowly,withwhatseemedtobeenormouseffort,BigChindrewthegun
    outoftheholsterandknelttherewithitdanglingdownbetweenhislegs.
    "What,ain'tyougoingtobumpanybodyoff?"DeSpaintauntedhim.
    BigChindroppedthegunoutofhishandandsobbed.
    "Hey,you!"DeSpainbanked."Putthatgunbackwhereyougotit,Iwant
    thatgunclean,likeIalwayskeepitmyself."
    BigChin'shandfumbledforthegunandgotholdofitandslowlypushedit
    homeintheleathersheath.Theefforttookallhisremainingstrength.Hefell
    flatonhisfaceoventheholster.
    DeSpainliftedhimbyanarmandrolledhimoveronhisbackandpicked
    theholsterupofftheground.Herubbedthebuttofthegunwithhishandand
    strappedtheholsteraroundhischest.Thenhepickeduphiscoatandputiton.
    "Nowwe'lllethimspillhisguts,"hesaid."Idon'tbelieveinmakin'a
    guytalkwhenhedon'twanttotalk.Gotacigarette?"
    Ireachedapackoutofmypocketwithmylefthandandshookacigarette
    looseandheldthepackout.Iclickedthebigflashonandhelditonthe
    projectingcigaretteandonhisbigfingersastheycameforwardtotakeit.
    "Idon'tneedthat,"hesaid.Hefumbledforamatchandstruckitanddrew
    smokeslowlyintohislungs.Idousedtheflashagain.DeSpainlookeddownthe
    hilltowardstheseaandthecurveoftheshoreandthelightedpiers."Kindof
    niceuphere,"headded.
    "Cold,"Isaid."Eveninsummer.Icoulduseadrink."
    "Metoo,"DeSpainsaid."OnlyIcan'tworkonthestuff."

    EightNeedlePusher

    DeSpainstoppedthecarinfrontofthePhysiciansandSurgeonsBuildingand
    lookedupatalightedwindowonthesixthfloor.Thebuildingwasdesignedina
    seriesofradiatingwingssothatalltheofficeshadanoutsideexposure.
    "Goodgrief,"DeSpainsaid."He'supthererightnow.Thatguydon'tnever
    sleepatall,Iguess.Takealookatthatheapdowntheline."
    Igotupandwalkeddowninfrontofthedarkdrugstorethatflankedthe
    lobbyentranceofthebuildingononeside.Therewasalongblacksedanparked

    diagonallyandcorrectlyinoneoftheruledspaces,asthoughithadbeenhigh
    nooninsteadofalmostthreeinthemorning.Thesedanhadadoctor'semblem
    besidethefrontlicenseplate,thestaffofHippocratesandtheserpents
    twistedaroundit.Iputmyflashintothecarandreadpartofthenameonthe
    licenseholderandsnappedthelightoffagain.IwentbacktoDeSpain.
    "Check,"Isaid."Howdidyouknowthatwashiswindowandwhatwouldhebe
    doinghereatthistimeofnight?"
    "Loadinguphislittleneedles,"hesaid."I'vewatchedtheguysomeishow
    Iknow."
    "Watchedhimwhy?"
    Helookedatmeandsaidnothing.Thenhelookedbackoverhisshoulder
    intothebackpartofthecar."Howyoudoin',pal?"
    Athicksoundthatmightbetryingtobeavoicecamefromunderarugon
    thefloorofthecar."Helikesriding,"DeSpainsaid."Allthesehardguys
    likeridingaroundincars.Okay.I'lltucktheheapinthealleyandwe'llgo
    up."
    Heslidaroundthecornerofthebuildingwithoutlightsandthecarsound
    diedinthemoonlitdarkness.Acrossthestreetarowofenormouseucalyptus
    treesfringedasetofpublictenniscourts.Thesmellofkelpcameupalongthe
    boulevardfromtheocean.
    DeSpaincamebackaroundthecornerofthebuildingandwewentuptothe
    lockedlobbydoorandknockedontheheavyplateglass.Farbacktherewaslight
    fromanopenelevatorbeyondabigbronzemailbox.Anoldmancameoutofthe
    elevatorandalongthecorridortothedoorandstoodlookingoutatuswith
    keysinhishand.DeSpainhelduphispoliceshield.Theoldmansquintedatit
    andunlockedthedoorandlockeditafteruswithoutsayingaword.Hewentback
    alongthehalltotheelevatorandrearrangedthehomemadecushiononthestool
    andmovedhisfalseteetharoundwithhistongueandsaid:"Whatyouwant?"
    Hehadalonggrayfacethatgrumbledevenwhenitdidn'tsayanything.His
    trouserswerefrayedatthecuffsandoneofhisheelwornblackshoescontained
    anobviousbunion.Hisblueuniformcoatfittedhimthewayastallfitsa
    horse.
    DeSpainsaid:"DocAustrianisupstairs,ain'the?"
    "Iwouldn'tbesurprised."

    "Iain'ttryingtosurpriseyou,"DeSpainsaid."I'dhavewornmypink
    tights."
    "Yeah,he'supthere,"theoldmansaidsourly.
    "WhattimeyoulastseeGreb,thelaboratorymanonFour?"
    "Didn'tseehim."
    "Whattimeyoucomeon,Pop?"
    "Seven."
    "Okay.TakeusuptoSix."
    Theoldmanwhooshedthedoorsshutandrodeusupslowlyandgingerlyand
    whooshedthedoorsopenagainandsatlikeapieceofgraydriftwoodcarvedto
    looklikeaman.
    DeSpainreachedupandlifteddownthepasskeythathungovertheold
    man'shead.
    "Hey,youcan'tdothat,"theoldmansaid.
    "WhosaysIcan't?"
    Theoldmanshookhisheadangrily,saidnothing.
    "Howoldareyou,Pop?"DeSpainsaid.
    "Goin'onsixty."
    "Goin'onsixtyhell.You'reagoodjuicyseventy.Howcomeyougotan
    elevatorlicence?"
    Theoldmandidn'tsayanything.Heclickedhisfalseteeth."That's
    better,"DeSpainsaid."Justkeeptheoldtrapbuttonedthatwayandeverything
    willbewickywacky.Takeherdown,Pop."
    Wegotoutoftheelevatoranditdroppedquietlyintheenclosedshaftand
    DeSpainstoodlookingdownthehallway,jigglingtheloosepasskeyonthering.
    "Nowlisten,"hesaid."Hissuiteisattheend,fourrooms.There'sareception
    roommadeoutofanofficecutinhalftomaketworeceptionroomsforadjoining
    suites.Outofthatthere'sanarrowhallinsidethewallofthishall,acouple
    smallroomsandthedoc'sroom.Gotthat?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Whatdidyouplantodoburgleit?"
    "Ikeptaneyeontheguyforawhile,afterhiswifedied."
    "Toobadyoudidn'tkeepaneyeontheredheadedofficenurse,"Isaid.
    "Theonethatgotbumpedofftonight."
    Helookedatmeslowly,outofhisdeepblackeyes,outofhisdeadpan
    face.

    "MaybeIdid,"hesaid."AsmuchasIhadachance."
    "Hell,youdidn'tevenknowhername,"Isaid,andstaredathim."Ihadto
    tellyou."
    Hethoughtthatover."Well,seeingherinawhiteofficeuniformand
    seeinghernakedanddeadonabediskindofdifferent,Iguess."
    "Sure,"Isaid,andkeptonlookingathim.
    "Okay.Nowyouknockatthedoc'soffice,whichisthethirddoorfromthe
    end,andwhenheopensupI'llsneakinatthereceptionroomandcomealong
    insideandgetanearfulofwhateverhesays."
    "Itsoundsallright,"Isaid."ButIdon'tfeellucky."
    Wewentdownthecorridor.Thedoorsweresolidwoodandwellfittedandno
    lightshowedbehindanyofthem.IputmyearagainsttheoneDeSpainindicated
    andheardfaintmovementinside.InoddedtoDeSpaindownattheendofthe
    hall.HefittedthepasskeyslowlyintothelockandIrappedhardonthedoor
    andsawhimgoinoutofthetailofmyeye.Thedoorshutbehindhimalmostat
    once.Irappedonmydooragain.
    Itopenedalmostsuddenlythen,andatallmanwasstandingaboutafoot
    awayfrommewiththeceilinglightglintingonhispalesandcoloredhair.He
    wasinhisshirtsleevesandheheldaflatleathercaseinhishand.Hewas
    railthin,withduneyebrowsandunhappyeyes.Hehadbeautifulhands,longand
    slim,withsquarebutnotbluntfingertips.Thenailswerehighlypolishedand
    cutveryclose.
    Isaid:"Dr.Austrian?"
    Henodded.HisAdam'sapplemovedvaguelyinhisleanthroat.
    "Thisisafunnyhourformetocomecalling,"Isaid,"butyou'reahard
    mantocatchupwith.I'maprivatedetectivefromLosAngeles.Ihaveaclient
    namedHarryMatson."
    Hewaseithernotstartledorsousedtohidinghisfeelingsthatitdidn't
    makeanydifference.HisAdam'sapplemovedaroundagainandhishandmovedthe
    leathercasehewasholding,andhelookedatitinapuzzledsortofwayand
    thensteppedback.
    "Ihavenotimetotalktoyounow,"hesaid."Comebacktomorrow."
    "That'swhatGrebtoldme,"Isaid.
    Hegotajoltoutofthat.Hedidn'tscreamonfalldowninafitbutI
    couldseeitjarredhim."Comein,"hesaidthickly.

    Iwentinandheshutthedoor.Therewasadeskthatseemedtobemadeof
    blackglass.Thechainswerechromiumtubingwithroughwoolupholstery.The
    doortothenextroomwashalfopenandtheroomwasdark.Icouldseethe
    stretchedwhitesheetonanexaminationtableandthestirruplikethingsatthe
    footofit.Ididn'thearanysoundfromthatdirection.
    Ontopoftheblackglassdeskacleantowelwaslaidoutandonthetowel
    adozenonsohypodermicsyringeslaywithneedlesseparate.Therewasan
    electricsterilizingcabinetonthewallandinsidetheremusthavebeenanother
    dozenneedlesandsyringes.Thejuicewasturnedon.Iwentoverandlookedat
    thethingwhilethetall,nailthinmanwalkedaroundbehindhisdeskandsat
    down.
    "That'salotofneedlesworking,"Isaid,andpulledoneofthechairs
    nearthedesk.
    "What'syourbusinesswithmc?"Hisvoicewasstillthick.
    "MaybeIcoulddoyousomegoodaboutyourwife'sdeath,"Isaid.
    "That'sverykindofyou,"hesaidcalmly."Whatkindofgood?"
    "Imightbeabletotellyouwhomurderedher,"Isaid.
    Histeethglintedinaqueer,unnaturalhalfsmile.Thenheshruggedand
    whenhespokehisvoicewasnomoredramaticthanifwehadbeendiscussingthe
    weather."Thatwouldbekindofyou.Ihadthoughtshecommittedsuicide.The
    coronerandthepoliceseemedtoagreewithme.Butofcourseaprivate
    detective"
    "Grebdidn'tthinkso,"Isaid,withoutanyparticularattemptatthe
    truth."Thelabmanwhoswitchedasampleofyourwife'sbloodforasamplefrom
    arealmonoxidecase."
    Hestaredatmelevelly,outofdeep,sad,remoteeyesunderthedun
    coloredeyebrows."Youhaven'tseenGreb,"hesaid,almostwithaninner
    amusement."IhappentoknowhewentEastthisnoon.HisfatherdiedinOhio."
    Hegotupandwenttotheelectricsterilizerandlookedathisstrapwatchand
    thenswitchedthejuiceoff.Hecamebacktothedeskthenandopenedaflatbox
    ofcigarettesandputoneinhismouthandpushedtheboxacrossthedesk.I
    reachedandtookone.Ihalfglancedatthedarkexaminationroom,butIsaw
    nothingthatIhadn'tseenthelasttimeIlookedatit.

    "That'sfunny,"Isaid."Hiswifedidn'tknowthat.BigChindidn'tknow
    it.Hewassittingtherewithheralltieduponthebedtonight,waitingfor
    Grebtocomebackhome,sohecouldbumphimoff."
    Dr.Austrianlookedatmevaguelynow.Hepawedaroundonhisdeskfora
    matchandthenopenedasidedrawerandtookoutasmallwhitehandled
    automatic,andhelditontheflatofhishand.Thenhetossedapacketof
    matchesatmewithhisotherhand.
    "Youwon'tneedthegun,"Isaid."ThisisabusinesstalkwhichI'mgoing
    toshowyouitwillpaytokeepabusinesstalk."
    Hetookthecigaretteoutofhismouthanddroppeditonthedesk."Idon't
    smoke,"hesaid."Thatwasjustwhatonemightcallthenecessarygesture.I'm
    gladtohearIwon'tneedthegun.ButI'dratherbeholdingitandnotneedit
    thanbeneedingitandnotholdit.Now,whoisBigChin,andwhatelse
    importanthaveyoutosaybeforeIcallthepolice?"
    "Letmetellyou,"Isaid."That'swhatI'mherefor.Yourwifeplayeda
    lotofrouletteatVanceConried'sclubandlostthemoneyyoumadewithyour
    littleneedlesalmostasfastasyoumadeit.There'ssometalkshewasgoing
    aroundwithConriedinanintimatewayalso.Youmaybedidn'tcareaboutthat,
    beingoutallnightandtoobusytobotherbeingmuchofahusbandtoher.But
    youprobablydidcareaboutthemoney,becauseyouwereriskingalottogetit.
    I'llcometothatlater.
    "OnthenightyourwifediedshegothystericaloveratConried'sandyou
    weresentforandwentoverandneedledherinthearmtoquiethen.Conried
    tookherhome.Youphonedyourofficenurse,HelenMatsonMatson'sexwifeto
    gointoyourhouseandseeifshewasallright.ThenlateronMatsonfoundher
    deadunderthecarinthegarageandgotholdofyou,andyougotholdofthe
    chiefofpolice,andtherewasahushputonitthatwouldhavemadeaSouthern
    senatorsoundlikeadeafmuteaskingforasecondplateofmush.ButMatson,
    thefirstguyonthescene,hadsomething.Hedidn'thaveanylucktryingto
    peddleittoyou,becauseyouinyourquietwayhavealotofguts.Andperhaps
    yourfriend,ChiefAnders,toldyouitwasn'tevidence.SoMatsontriedtoput
    thebiteonConried,figuringthatifthecasegotopenedupbeforethetough
    grandjurythat'ssittingnowitwouldallbouncebackonConried'sgambling
    joint,andhewouldbecloseduptighterthanafrozenpiston,andthepeople
    behindhimmightgetsoreathimandtakehispoloponiesawayfromhim.

    "SoConrieddidn'tlikethatideaandhetoldamugnamedMossLorenz,the
    mayor'schauffeurnowbutformerlyastrongarmforConriedhe'sthefellowI
    calledBigChintotakecareofMatson.AndMatsonlosthislicenceandwasrun
    outofBayCity.Buthehadhisownbrandofgutstoo,andheholedupinan
    apartmenthouseinL.A.andkeptontrying.Theapartmenthousemanagergotwise
    tohimsomehowIdon'tknowhowbuttheL.A.policewillfindoutandputhim
    onthespot,andtonightBigChinwentuptotownandbumpedMatsonoff."
    Istoppedtalkingandlookedatthethin,tallman.Nothinghadchangedin
    hisface.Hiseyesflickedacoupleoftimesandheturnedthegunoveronhis
    hand.Theofficewasverysilent.Ilistenedforbreathingfromthenextroom
    butIdidn'thearanything.
    "Matsonisdead?"Dr.Austriansaidveryslowly."Ihopeyoudon'tthinkI
    hadanythingtodowiththat."Hisfaceglistenedalittle.
    "Well,Idon'tknow,"Isaid."Grebwastheweaklinkinyoursetupand
    somebodygothimtoleavetowntodayfastbeforeMatsonwaskilled,ifitwas
    atnoon.Andprobablysomebodygavehimmoney,becauseIsawwherehelivedand
    itdidn'tlooklikethehomeofafellowwhowastakinginanydough."
    Dr.Austriansaidveryswiftly."Conried,damnhim!Hecalledmeupearly
    thismorningandtoldmetogetGreboutoftown.Igavehimthemoneytogo,
    but"hestoppedtalkingandlookedmadathimselfandthenlookeddownatthe
    gunagain.
    "Butyoudidn'tknowwhatwasup.Ibelieveyou,Doc.Ireallydo.Putthat
    gundown,won'tyou,justforalittlewhile?"
    "Goon,"hesaidtensely."Goonwithyourstory."
    "Okay,"Isaid."There'splentymore.FirstofftheL.A.policehavefound
    Matson'sbodybuttheywon'tbedownherebeforetomorrow;first,becauseit's
    toolate,andsecond,becausewhentheyputthestorytogethertheywon'twant
    tobustthecase.TheClubConriediswithintheL.A.citylimitsandthegrand
    juryIwastellingyouaboutwouldjustlovethat.They'llgetMossLorenzand
    MosswillcopapleaandtakeafewyearsupinQuentin.That'sthewaythose
    thingsarehandledwhenthelawwantstohandlethem.NextpointishowIknow
    whatBigChindid.Hetoldus.ApalandIwentaroundtoseeGrebandBigChin
    wassquattingthereinthedarkwithMrs.Greballtapeduponthebedandwe
    tookhim.Wetookhimupinthehillsandgavehimthebootandhetalked.I
    feltkindofsorryforthepoorguy.Twomurdersandhedidn'tevengetpaid."

    "Twomurders?"Dr.Austriansaidqueerly.
    "I'llgettothatafterawhile.Nowyouseewhereyoustand.Inalittle
    whileyouaregoingtotellmewhomurderedyourwife.AndthefunnythingisI
    amnotgoingtobelieveyou."
    "MyGod!"hewhispered."MyGod!"Hepointedthegunatmeandimmediately
    droppeditagain,beforeIhadtimetostartdodging.
    "I'mamiracleman,"Isaid."I'mthegreatAmericandetectiveunpaid.I
    nevertalkedtoMatson,althoughhewastryingtohireme.NowI'mgoingtotell
    youwhathehadonyou,andhowyourwifewasmurdered,andwhyyoudidn'tdo
    it.Allfromapinchofdust,justliketheViennapolice."
    Hewasnotamused.Hesighedbetweenstilllipsandhisfacewasoldand
    grayanddrawnunderthepalesandcoloredhairthatpaintedhisbonyskull.
    "Matsonhadagreenvelvetslipperonyou,"Isaid."Itwasmadeforyour
    wifebyVerschoyleofHollywoodcustommade,withherlastnumberonit.Itwas
    brandnewandhadneverbeenworn.Theymadehertwopairsexactlythesame.She
    haditononeofherfeetwhenMatsonfoundher.Andyouknowwherehefound
    heronthefloorofagaragetogettowhichshehadtogoalongaconcrete
    pathfromasidedoorofthehouse.Soshecouldn'thavewalkedinthatslipper.
    Soshewascarried.Soshewasmurdered.Whoeverputtheslippersonhergotone
    thathadbeenwornandonethathadnot.AndMatsonspotteditandswipedthe
    slipper.Andwhenyousenthimintothehousetophonethechiefyousneakedup
    andgottheotherwornslipperandputitonherbarefoot.YouknewMatsonmust
    haveswipedthatslipper.Idon'tknowwhetheryoutoldanybodyornot.Okay?"
    Hemovedhisheadhalfaninchdownward.Heshiveredslightly,butthehand
    holdingthebonehandledautomaticdidn'tshiver.
    "Thisishowshewasmurdered.Grebwasdangeroustosomebody,whichproves
    shedid_not_dieofmonoxidepoisoning.Shewasdeadwhenshewasputunderthe
    car.Shediedofmorphine.That'sguessing.Iadmit,butit'saswellguess,
    becausethatwouldbetheonlywaytokillherwhichwouldforceyoutocoverup
    forthekiller.Anditwaseasy,tosomebodywhohadthemorphineandgota
    chancetouseit.Alltheyhadtodowasgiveherasecondfataldoseinthe
    samespotwhereyouhadshotherearlierintheevening.Thenyoucamehomeand
    foundherdead.Andyouhadtocoverupbecauseyouknewhowshehaddiedand
    youcouldn'thavethatcomeout.You'reinthemorphinebusiness."

    Hesmilednow.Thesmilehungatthecornersofhismouthlikecobwebsin
    thecornersofanoldceiling.Hedidn'tevenknowitwasthere."Youinterest
    me,"hesaid."Iamgoingtokillyou,Ithink,butyouinterestme."
    Ipointedtotheelectricsterilizer."Thereareacoupledozenmedicos
    likeyouaroundHollywoodneedlepushers.Theyrunaroundatnightwithleather
    casesfullofloadedhypodermics.Theykeepdopesanddrunksfromgoingscrewy
    forawhile.Onceinawhileoneofthembecomesanaddictandthenthere's
    trouble.Maybemostofthepeopleyoufixupwouldlandinthehoosegoworthe
    psychoward,ifyoudidn'ttakecaneofthem.It'sacinchtheywouldlosetheir
    jobs,iftheyhavejobs.Andsomeofthemhaveprettybigjobs.Butit's
    dangerousbecauseanysoreheadcansticktheFedsontoyouandoncetheystart
    checkingyourpatientsthey'llfindonethatwilltalk.Youtrytoprotect
    yourself.Partofthewaybynotgettingallofyourdopethroughlegitimate
    channels.I'dsayConriedgotsomeofitforyou,andthatwaswhyyouhadto
    lethimtakeyourwifeandyourmoney."
    Dr.Austriansaidalmostpolitely:"Youdon'tholdverymuchback,doyou?"
    "WhyshouldI?Thisisjustamantomantalk.Ican'tproveanyofit.
    ThatslipperMatsonstoleisgoodforabuildup,butitwouldn'tbewortha
    nickelincourt.Andanydefenseattorneywouldmakeamonkeyoutofalittle
    squirtlikethisGreb,eveniftheyeverbroughthimbacktotestify.Butit
    mightcostyoualotofmoneytokeepyourmedicallicence."
    "Soitwouldbebetterformetogiveyoupartofitnow.Isthatit?"he
    askedsoftly.
    "No.Keepyourmoneytobuylifeinsurance.Ihaveonemorepointtomake.
    Willyouadmit,justmantoman,thatyoukilledyourwife?"
    "Yes,"hesaid.Hesaiditsimplyanddirectly,asthoughIhadaskedhim
    ifhehadacigarette.
    "Ithoughtyouwould,"Isaid."Butyoudon'thaveto.Youseetheparty
    thatdidkillyourwife,becauseyourwifewaswastingmoneysomebodyelsecould
    havefunspending,alsoknewwhatMatsonknewandwastryingtoshakeConried
    downherself.Soshegotbumpedofflastnight,onBraytonAvenue,andyou
    don'thavetocoverupforheranymore.Isawyourphotoonhermantel_With
    allmyloveLeland_andIhidit.Butyoudon'thavetocoverupforherany
    more.HelenMatsonisdead."

    Iwentsidewaysoutofthechairasthegunwentoff.Ihadkiddedmyself
    bythistimethathewouldn'ttrytoshootmc,buttheremusthavebeenpartof
    methatwasn'tsoldontheidea.ThechairtippedoverandIwasonmyhandsand
    kneesonthefloor,andthenanothermuchloudergunwentofffromthedarkroom
    withtheexaminationtableinit.
    DeSpainsteppedthroughthedoorwiththesmokingpoliceguninhisbig
    righthand."Boy,wasthatashot,"hesaid,andstoodtheregrinning.
    Icameuponmyfeetandlookedacrossthedesk.Dr.Austriansatthere
    perfectlystill,holdinghisnighthandwithhisleft,shakingitgently.There
    wasnoguninhishand.Ilookedalongthefloorandsawitatthecornerofthe
    desk.
    "Geez,Ididn'tevenhithim,"DeSpainsaid."AllIhitwasthegun."
    "That'sperfectlylovely,"Isaid."Supposeallhehadhitwasmyhead?"
    DeSpainlookedatmelevellyandthegrinlefthisface."Youputhim
    throughit,Iwillsaythatforyou,"hegrowled."Butwhatwastheideaof
    holdingoutonmeonthatgreenslipperangle?"
    "Igottiredofbeingyourstooge,"Isaid."Iwantedalittleplayoutof
    myownhand."
    "Howmuchofitwastrue?"
    "Matsonhadtheslipper.Itmusthavemeantsomething.NowthatI'vemade
    itupIthinkit'salltrue."
    Dr.AustriangotupslowlyoutofhischairandDeSpainswungthegunon
    him.Thethin,haggardmanshookhisheadslowlyandwalkedovertothewalland
    leanedagainstit.
    "Ikilledher,"hesaidinadeadvoicetonobodyatall."NotHelen.I
    killedhen.Callthepolice."
    DeSpain'sfacetwistedandhestoopeddownandpickedupthegunwiththe
    bonehandleanddroppeditintohispocket.Heputhispolicegunbackunderhis
    armandsatdownatthedeskandpulledthephonetowardshim.
    "WatchmegetChiefofHomicideoutofthis,"hedrawled.

    NineAGuyWithGuts

    Thelittlechiefofpolicecameinspringily,withhishatonthebackofhis
    headandhishandsinthepocketsofathindankovercoat.Therewassomething
    intherighthandovercoatpocketthathewasholdingonto,somethinglargeand
    heavy.ThereweretwoplainclothesmenbehindhimandoneofthemwasWeems,the
    chunkyfatfacedmanwhohadfollowedmeovertoAltairStreet.Shorty,the
    uniformedcopwehadditchedonArguelloBoulevard,broughtuptherear.
    ChiefAndersstoppedalittlewayinsidethedoorandsmiledatme
    unpleasantly."Soyou'vehadalotoffuninourtown,Ihear.Putthecuffson
    him,Weems."
    Thefatfacedmansteppedaroundhimandpulledhandcuffsoutofhisleft
    hippocket."Nicetomeetyouagainwithyourpantsdown,"hetoldmeinan
    oilyvoice.
    DeSpainleanedagainstthewallbeyondthedooroftheexaminationroom.
    Herolledamatchacrosshislipsandstaredsilently.Dr.Austrianwasinhis
    deskchainagain,holdinghisheadinhishands,staringatthepolishedblack
    topofthedeskandthetowelofhypodermicneedlesandthesmallblack
    perpetualcalendarandthepensetandtheherodoodadsthatwereonthedesk.
    Hisfacewasstonepaleandhesatwithoutmoving,withoutevenseemingto
    breathe.
    DeSpainsaid:"Don'tbeintoomuchofahurry,Chief.Thisladhas
    friendsinL.A.whoareworkingontheMatsonkillnightnow.Andthatkid
    reporterhasabrotherinlawwhoisacop.Youdidn'tknowthat."
    Thechiefmadeavaguemotionwithhischin."Waitaminute,Weems."He
    turnedtoDeSpain."YoumeantheyknowintownthatHelenMatsonhasbeen
    murdered?"
    Dr.Austrian'sfacejerkedup,haggardanddrawn.Thenhedroppeditinto
    hishandsandcoveredhiswholefacewithhislongfingers.
    DeSpainsaid:"ImeantHarryMatson,Chief.HewasbumpedoffinL.A.
    tonightlastnightnowbyMossLorenz."
    Thechiefseemedtopullhisthinlipsbackintohismouth,almostoutof
    sight.Hespokewiththemlikethat."Howdoyouknowthat?"
    "TheshamusandmepickedoffMoss.Hewashidingoutinthehouseofaman
    namedGreb,thelabmanwhodidajobontheAustriandeath.Hewashidingthere
    becauseitlookedlikesomebodywasgoingtoopenuptheAustriancasewide
    enoughforthemayortothinkitwasanewboulevardandcomeoutwithabunch

    offlowersandmakeaspeech.Thatis,ifGrebandtheMatsonsdidn'tgettook
    careof.ItseemstheMatsonswereworkin'together,inspiteofbeingdivorced,
    shakingConrieddown,andConriedputthepencilonthem."
    Thechiefturnedhisheadandsnarledathisstooges."Getoutinthehall
    andwait."
    TheplainclothesmanIdidn'tknowopenedthedoorandwentout,andafter
    aslighthesitationWeemsfollowedhim.ShortyhadhishandonthedoorwhenDe
    Spainsaid:"IwantShortytostay.Shorty'sadecentcopnotlikethemtwo
    vicesquadgraftersyoubeensleepin'withlately."
    Shortyletgoofthedoorandwentandleanedagainstthewallandsmiled
    behindhishand.Thechief'sfacecolored."WhodetailedyoutotheBrayton
    Avenuedeath?"hebarked.
    "Idetailedmyself,Chief.Iwasinthedicks'roomaminuteorsoafter
    thecallcomeinandIwentoverwithReed.HepickedShortyuptoo.Shortyand
    mewasbothoffduty."
    DeSpaingrinned,ahard,lazygrinthatwasneitheramusednortriumphant.
    Itwasjustagrin.
    Thechiefjerkedagunoutofhisovercoatpocket.Itwasafootlong,a
    regularhogleg,butheseemedtoknowhowtoholdit.Hesaidtightly:"Where's
    Lorenz?"
    "He'shid.Wegothimallreadyforyou.Ihadtobruisehimalittle,but
    hetalked.Thatright,shamus?"
    Isaid:"Hesayssomethingthatmightbeyesorno,buthemakesthesounds
    intherightplaces."
    "That'sthewayIliketohearaguytalk,"DeSpainsaid."Yououghtn'tto
    bewastingyourstrengthonthathomicidestuff,Chief.Andthemtoydicksyou
    runaroundwithdon'tknownothingaboutpoliceworkexcepttogothrough
    apartmenthousesandshakedownallthewomenthatlivealone.Now,yougiveme
    backmyjobandeightmenandI'llshowyousomehomicidework."
    ThechieflookeddownathisbiggunandthenhelookedatDr.Austrian's
    bowedhead."Sohekilledhiswife,"hesaidsoftly."Iknewtherewasachance
    ofit,butIdidn'tbelieveit."
    "Don'tbelieveitnow,"Isaid."HelenMatsonkilledher.Dr.Austrian
    knowsthat.Hecoveredupforher,andyoucoveredupforhim,andhe'sstill
    willingtocoverupforher.Loveislikethatwithsomepeople.Andthisis

    sometown,Chief,whereagalcancommitamurder,getherfriendsandthe
    policetocoverit,andthenstartouttoblackmailtheverypeoplethatkept
    heroutoftrouble."
    Thechiefbithislip.Hiseyeswerenasty,buthewasthinkingthinking
    hand."Nowondershegotrubbedout,"hesaidquietly."Lorenz"
    Isaid:"Takeaminutetothink.Lorenzdidn'tkillHelenMatson.Hesaid
    hedid,butDeSpainbeathimuptothepointwherehewouldhaveconfessed
    shootingMcKinley."
    DeSpainstraightenedfromthewall.Hehadbothhandslazilyinthe
    pocketsofhissuitcoat.Hekeptthemthere.Hestoodstraightonwideplanted
    feet,awickofblackhairshowingunderthesideofhishat.
    "Huh?"hesaidalmostgently."Whatwasthat?"
    Isaid:"Lorenzdidn'tkillHelenMatsonforseveralreasons.Itwastoo
    fussyajobforhistypeofmind.He'dhaveknockedheroffandletherlay.
    Second,hedidn'tknowGrebwasleavingtown,tippedoffbyDr.Austrianwhowas
    tippedoff,inturn,byVanceConried,whoisnowupnorthprovidinghimself
    withallthenecessaryalibis.AndifLorenzdidn'tknowthatmuch,hedidn't
    knowanythingaboutHelenMatson.EspeciallyasHelenMatsonhadneverreally
    gottoConriedatall.Shehadjusttriedto.Shetoldmethatandshewasdrunk
    enoughtobetellingthetruth.SoConriedwouldn'thavetakenthesillyriskof
    havingherknockedoffinherownapartmentbythesortofmananybodywould
    rememberseeingiftheysawhimanywherenearthatapartment.Knockingoff
    MatsonupinL.A.wassomethingelseagain.Thatwaswayoffthehomegrounds."
    Thechiefsaidtightly:"TheClubConriedisinL.A."
    "Legally,"Iadmitted."Butbypositionandclienteleit'sjustoutsideBay
    City.It'spartofBayCityandithelpstorunBayCity."
    Shortysaid:"Thatain'tnowaytotalktothechief."
    "Lethimalone,"thechiefsaid."It'ssolongsinceIheardaguythinkI
    didn'tknowtheydiditanymore."
    Isaid:"AskDeSpainwhokilledHelenMatson."
    DeSpainlaughedharshly.Hesaid:"Sure.Ikilledher."
    Dr.Austrianliftedhisfaceoffhishandsandturnedhisheadslowlyand
    lookedatDeSpain.Hisfacewasasdead,asexpressionlessasthebigdeadpan
    copper's.Thenhereachedoverandopenedthenighthanddrawerofhisdesk.
    Shortyflippedhisgunoutandsaid:"Holdit,Doe."

    Dr.Austrianshruggedandquietlytookawidemouthedbottlewithaglass
    stopperoutofthedrawer.Heloosenedthestopperandheldthebottlecloseto
    hisnose."Justsmellingsalts,"hesaiddully.
    Shortyrelaxedanddroppedtheguntohisside.Thechiefstaredatmeand
    chewedhislip.DeSpainstaredatnothing,atnobody.Hegrinnedloosely,kept
    ongrinning.
    Isaid:"HethinksI'mkidding.YouthinkI'mkidding.I'mnotkidding.He
    knewHelenwellenoughtogiveheragiltcigarettecasewithhisphotoonit.
    Isawit.ItwasasmallhandtintedphotoandnotverygoodandIhadonlyseen
    himonce.Shetoldmeitwasanoldsweetthatworeout.Afterwardsitcameback
    tomewhothatphotowas.Butheconcealedthefactthatheknewherandhe
    didn'tactverymuchlikeacoppertonight,inalotofways.Hedidn'tgetme
    outofajamandrunaroundwithmeinordertobenice.Hedidittofindout
    whatIknewbeforeIwasputunderthelampsdownatheadquarters.Hedidn't
    beatLorenzhalftodeathjustinordertomakeLorenztellthetruth.Hedidit
    tomakeLorenztellanythingDeSpainwantedhimtotell,includingconfessing
    tothemurderoftheMatsongirlwhomLorenzprobablydidn'tevenknow.
    "Whocalledupheadquartersandtippedtheboysaboutthemurder?DeSpain.
    Whowalkedinthereimmediatelyafterwardsandhornedinontheinvestigation?
    DeSpain.Whoscratchedthegirl'sbodyupinafitofjealousragebecauseshe
    hadditchedhimforabetterprospect?DeSpain.Whostillhasbloodandcuticle
    underthenailsofhisnighthandwhichagoodpolicechemistcandoalotwith?
    DeSpain.Takealook.Itookseveral."
    Thechiefturnedhisheadveryslowly,asifitwereonapivot.He
    whistledandthedooropenedandtheothermencamebackintotheroom.DeSpain
    didn'tmove.Thegrinstayedonhisface,carvedthere,ameaninglesshollow
    grinthatmeantandlookedasifitwouldnevergoawayagain.
    Hesaidquietly:"AndyoutheguyIthoughtwasmypal.Well,youhavesome
    wildideas,shamus.Iwillsaythatforyou."
    Thechiefsaidsharply:"Itdoesn'tmakesense.IfDeSpaindidkillher,
    thenhewastheonewhotriedtoputyouinaframeandtheonethatgotyouout
    ofit.Howcome?"
    Isaid:"Listen.YoucanfindoutifDeSpainknewthegirlandhowwell.
    Youcanfindouthowmuchofhistimetonightisnotaccountedforandmakehim
    accountforit.Youcanfindoutifthereisbloodandcuticleunderhisnails

    and,withinlimits,whetheritisorcouldbethegirl'sbloodandthegirl's
    skin.AndwhetheritwastherebeforeDeSpainhitMossLorenz,beforehehit
    anybody.Andhedidn'tscratchLorenz.That'sallyouneedandallyoucanuse
    exceptaconfession.AndIdon'tthinkyou'llgetthat.
    "Astotheframe,IwouldsayDeSpainfollowedthegirlovertotheClub
    Conried,orknewshehadgonethereandwentovenhimself.Hesawhercomeout
    withmeandhesawmeputherinmycar.Thatmadehimmad.Hesappedmeandthe
    girlwastooscarednottohelphimgetmetoherapartmentandupintoit.I
    don'trememberanyofthat.ItwouldbeniceifIdid,butIdon't.Theygotme
    uptheresomehow,andtheyhadafight,andDeSpainknockedheroutandthenhe
    deliberatelymurderedher.Hehadsomeclumsyideaofmakingitlooklikearape
    murderandmakingmethefallguy.Thenhebeatit,turnedinanalarm,horned
    inontheinvestigation,andIgotoutoftheapartmentbeforeIwascaught
    there.
    "Herealizedbythistimethathehaddoneafoolishthing.HeknewIwasa
    privatedickfromL.A.,thatIhadtalkedtoDollyKincaid,andfromthegirlhe
    probablyknewthatIhadgonetoseeConried.AndhemayeasilyhaveknownIwas
    interestedintheAustriancase.Okay.Heturnedafoolishplayintoasmartone
    bystringingalongwithmeontheinvestigationIwastryingtomake,helpingme
    onit,gettingmystory,andthenfindinghimselfanotherandmuchbetterfall
    guyforthemurderoftheMatsongirl."
    DeSpainsaidtonelessly:"I'mgoin'tostartclimbingonthisguyina
    minute,Chief.Okay?"
    Thechiefsaid:"Justaminute.WhatmadeyoususpectDeSpainatall?"
    "Thebloodandskinunderhisnails,andthebrutalwayhehandledLorenz,
    andthefactthatthegirltoldmehehadbeenhersweetandhepretendednotto
    knowwhoshewas.WhatthehellmorewouldIwant?"
    DeSpainsaid:"This."
    HeshotfromhispocketwiththewhitehandledgunhehadtakenfromDr.
    Austrian.Shootingfromthepockettakesalotofpracticeofakindcopsdon't
    get.TheslugwentafootovermyheadandIsatdownonthefloorandDr.
    AustrianstoodupveryquicklyandswunghisrighthandintoDeSpain'sface,
    thehandthatheldthewidemouthedbrownbottle.Acolorlessliquidsplashed
    intohiseyesandsmokeddownhisface.Anyothermanwouldhavescreamed.De
    Spainpawedtheairwithhislefthandandtheguninhispocketbangedthree

    timesmoreandDr.Austrianfellsidewaysacrosstheendofthedeskandthen
    collapsedtothefloor,outofrange.Thegunwentonbanging.
    Theothermenintheroomhadalldroppedtotheirknees.Thechiefjerked
    hishoglegupandshotDeSpaintwiceinthebody.Oncewouldhavebeenenough
    withthatgun.DeSpain'sbodytwistedintheairandhitthefloorlikeasafe.
    Thechiefwentoverandkneltbesidehimandlookedathimsilently.Hestoodup
    andcamebackaroundthedesk,thenwentbackandstoopedoverDr.Austrian.
    "Thisone'salive,"hesnapped."Getonthephone,Weems."Thechunky,fat
    facedmanwentaroundthefarsideofthedeskandscoopedthetelephonetowards
    himandstartedtodial.Therewasasharpsmellofacidandscorchedfleshin
    theair,anastysmell.Wewerestandingupagainnow,andthelittlepolice
    chiefwaslookingatmebleakly.
    "Heoughtn'ttohaveshotatyou,"hesaid."Youcouldn'thaveproveda
    thing.Wewouldn'thaveletyou."
    Ididn'tsayanything.WeemsputthephonedownandlookedatDr.Austrian
    again.
    "Ithinkhe'scroaked,"hesaid,frombehindthedesk.
    Thechiefkeptonlookingatme."Youtakesomeawfulchances,Mr.Dalmas.
    Idon'tknowwhatyourgameis,butIhopeyoulikeyourchips."
    "I'msatisfied,"Isaid."I'dliketohavehadachancetotalktomy
    clientbeforehewasbumpedoff,butIguessI'vedoneallIcouldforhim.The
    hellofitisIlikedDeSpain.Hehadallthegutstheyevermade."
    Thechiefsaid:"Ifyouwanttoknowaboutguts,trybeingasmalltown
    chiefofpolicesomeday."
    Isaid:"Yeah.TellsomebodytotieahandkerchiefaroundDeSpain'snight
    hand,Chief.Youkindofneedtheevidenceyourselfnow."
    AsirenwaileddistantlyonArguelloBoulevard.Thesoundcamefaintly
    throughtheclosedwindows,likeacoyotehowlinginthehills.

    THELADYINTHELAKE

    OneNotForMissingPersons

    IwasbreakinganewpairofshoesinonmydeskthatmorningwhenVioletsM'Gee
    calledmeup.Itwasadull,hot,dampAugustdayandyoucouldn'tkeepyour
    neckdrywithabathtowel.
    "How'stheboy?"Violetsbegan,asusual."Nobusinessinaweek,huh?
    There'saguynamedHowardMeltonoverintheAvenantBuildinglosttrackofhis
    wife.He'sdistrictmanagerfortheDoremeCosmeticCompany.Hedon'twantto
    giveittoMissingPersonsforsomereason.Thebossknowshimalittle.Better
    getoverthere,andtakeyourshoesoffbeforeyougoin.It'saprettysnooty
    outfit."
    VioletsM'Geeisahomicidedickinthesheriff'soffice,andifitwasn't
    forallthecharityjobshegivesmc,Imightbeabletomakealiving.This
    lookedalittledifferent,soIputmyfeetonthefloorandswabbedthebackof
    myneckagainandwentoventhere.
    TheAvenantBuildingisonOlivenearSixthandhasablackandwhite
    rubbersidewalkoutinfront.TheelevatorgirlsweargraysilkRussianblouses
    andthekindofflopoverberetsartistsusedtoweartokeepthepaintoutof
    theirhair.TheDoremeCosmeticCompanywasontheseventhfloorandhadagood
    pieceofit.Therewasabigglasswalledreceptionroomwithflowersand
    Persianrugsandbitsofnuttysculptureinglazedwane.Aneatlittleblonde
    satinabuiltinswitchboardatabigdeskwithflowersonitandatiltedsign
    reading:MISSVANDEGRAAF.SheworeHaroldLloydcheatersandherhairwas
    draggedbacktowhereherforeheadlookedhighenoughtohavesnowonit.
    ShesaidMr.HowardMeltonwasinconference,butshewouldtakemycardin
    tohimwhenshehadanopportunity,andwhatwasmybusiness,please?IsaidI
    didn'thaveacard,butthenamewasJohnDalmas,fromMr.West.
    "WhoisMr.West?"sheinquiredcoldly."DoesMr.Meltonknowhim?"
    "That'spastme,sister.NotknowingMr.MeltonIwouldnotknowhis
    friends."
    "Whatisthenatureofyourbusiness?"
    "Personal."
    "Isee."Sheinitialedthreepapersonherdeskquickly,tokeepfrom
    throwingherpensetatmc.Iwentandsatinablueleatherchairwithchromium
    arms.Itfelt,lookedandsmelledverymuchlikeabarber'schair.

    Inabouthalfanhouradooropenedbeyondabronzerailingandtwomen
    cameoutbackwardslaughing.Athirdmanheldthedoorandechoedtheir
    laughter.Theyshookhandsandthetwomenwentawayandthethirdmanwipedthe
    grinoffhisfaceinnothingflatandlookedatMissVanDeGraaf."Anycalls?"
    heaskedinabossyvoice.
    Sheflutteredpapersandsaid:"No,sir.AMr.Dalmastoseeyoufroma
    MrWest.Hisbusinessispersonal."
    "Don'tknowhim,"themanbarked."I'vegotmoreinsurancethanIcanpay
    for."Hegavemeaswift,hardlookandwentintohisroomandslammedthedoor.
    MissVanDeGraafsmiledatmewithdelicateregret.Ilitacigaretteand
    crossedmylegstheotherway.Inanotherfiveminutesthedoorbeyondthe
    railingopenedagainandhecameoutwithhishatonandsneeredthathewas
    goingoutforhalfanhour.
    Hecamethroughagateintherailingandstartedfortheentranceandthen
    didanicecutbackandcamestridingovertomc.Hestoodlookingdownatmea
    bigman,twoinchesoversixfeetandbuilttoproportion.Hehadawell
    massagedfacethatdidn'thidethelinesofdissipation.Hiseyeswereblack,
    hard,andtricky.
    "Youwanttoseemc?"
    Istoodup,gotoutmybillfoldandgavehimacard.Hestaredatthecard
    andpalmedit.Hiseyesbecamethoughtful.
    "Who'sMr.West?"
    "Searchme."
    Hegavemeahard,direct,interestedlook."Youhavetherightidea,"he
    said."Let'sgointomyoffice."
    Thereceptionistwassomadshewastryingtoinitialthreepapersatonce
    whenwewentpastherthroughtherailing.
    Theofficebeyondwaslong,dimandquiet,butnotcool.Therewasalarge
    photoonthewallofatoughlookingoldbirdwhohadheldlotsofnosestolots
    ofgrindstonesinhistime.Thebigmanwentbehindabouteighthundreddollars'
    worthofdeskandtiltedhimselfbackinapaddedhighbackeddirector'schair.
    Hepushedacigarhumidoratmc.Ilitacigarandhewatchedmelightitwith
    cool,steadyeyes.
    "Thisisveryconfidential,"hesaid.
    "Uhhuh."

    Hereadmycardagainandputitawayinagoldplatedwallet."Whosent
    you?"
    "Afriendinthesheriff'soffice."
    "I'dhavetoknowalittlemoreaboutyouthanthat."
    Igavehimacoupleofnamesandnumbers.Hereachedforhisphone,asked
    foralineanddialedthemhimself.HegotboththepartiesIhadmentionedand
    talked.Infourminuteshehadhungupandtiltedhischairagain.Webothwiped
    thebacksofournecks.
    "Sofar,sogood,"hesaid."Nowshowmeyou'rethemanyousayyouarc."
    Igotmybillfoldoutandshowedhimasmallphotostatofmylicense.He
    seemedpleased."Howmuchdoyoucharge?"
    "Twentyfivebucksadayandexpenses."
    "That'stoomuch.Whatisthenatureoftheexpenses?"
    "Gasandoil,maybeabribeortwo,mealsandwhisky.Mostlywhisky."
    "Don'tyoueatwhenyou'renotworking?"
    "Yeahbutnotsowell."
    Hegrinned.Hisgrinlikehiseyeshadastonycasttoit."Ithinkmaybe
    we'llgetalong,"hesaid.
    HeopenedadrawerandbroughtoutaScotchbottle.Wehadadrink.Heput
    thebottleonthefloor,wipedhislips,litamonogrammedcigaretteandinhaled
    comfortably."Bettermakeitfifteenaday,"hesaid."Intimeslikethese.And
    goeasyontheliquor."
    "Iwasjustkiddingyou,"Isaid."Amanyoucan'tkidisamanyoucan't
    trust."
    Hegrinnedagain."It'sadeal.Firstoffthough,yourpromisethatinno
    circumstancesyouhaveanythingtodowithanycopfriendsyoumayhappento
    have."
    "Aslongasyouhaven'tmurderedanybody,itsuitsme."
    Helaughed."Notyet.ButI'maprettytoughguystill.Iwantyoutotrace
    mywifeandfindoutwheresheisandwhatshe'sdoing,andwithoutherknowing
    it.
    "ShedisappearedelevendaysagoAugusttwelfthfromacabinwehaveat
    LittleFawnLake.That'sasmalllakeownedbymyselfandtwoothermen.It's
    threemilesfromPumaPoint.Ofcourseyouknowwherethatis."
    "IntheSanBernardinoMountains,aboutfortymilesfromSanBernardino."

    "Yes."Heflickedashfromhiscigaretteonthedesktopandleanedoverto
    blowitoff."LittleFawnLakeisonlyaboutthreeeighthsofamilelong.It
    hasasmalldamwebuiltforrealestatedevelopmentjustatthewrongtime.
    Therearefourcabinsupthere.Mine,twobelongingtomyfriends,neitherof
    themoccupiedthissummer,andafourthonthenearsideofthelakeasyoucome
    in.ThatoneisoccupiedbyamannamedWilliamHainesandhiswife.He'sa
    disabledveteranwithapension.Helivesthererentfreeandlooksafterthe
    place.Mywifehasbeenspendingthesummerupthereandwastoleaveonthe
    twelfthtocomeintotownforsomesocialactivityovertheweekend.Shenever
    came."
    Inodded.Heopenedalockeddrawerandtookoutanenvelope.Hetooka
    photoandatelegramfromtheenvelope,andpassedthetelegramacrossthedesk.
    IthadbeensentfromElPaso,Texas,onAugust15that9:18AM.Itwas
    addressedtoHowardMelton,715AvenantBuilding,LosAngeles.Itread:_Am
    crossingtogetMexicandivorce.WillmarryLance.Goodluckandgoodbye.
    Julia._
    Iputtheyellowformdownonthedesk."Juliaismywife'sname,"Melton
    said.
    "Who'sLance?"
    "LancelotGoodwin.Heusedtobemyconfidentialsecretaryuptoayear
    ago.Thenhecameintosomemoneyandquit.Ihaveknownforalongtimethat
    Juliaandhewereabitsoftoneachother,ifImayputitthatway."
    "It'sallrightwithme,"Isaid.
    Hepushedthephotoacrossthedesk.Itwasasnapshotonglazedpaper
    showingaslim,smallblondeandatall,lean,dark,handsomeguy,aboutthirty
    five,ashadetoohandsome.Theblondecouldhavebeenanythingfromeighteento
    forty.Shewasthattype.Shehadafigureanddidn'tactstingywithit.She
    woreaswimsuitwhichdidn'tstraintheimaginationandthemanworetrunks.
    Theysatagainstastripedbeachumbrellaonthesand.Iputthesnapshotdown
    ontopofthetelegram.
    "That'salltheexhibits,"Meltonsaid,"butnotallthefacts.Another
    drink?"Hepoureditandwedrankit.Heputthebottledownontheflooragain
    andhistelephonerang.Hetalkedamoment,thenjuggledthehoodandtoldthe
    operatortoholdhiscallsforawhile.

    "Sofartherewouldbenothingmuchtoit,"hesaid."ButImetLance
    GoodwinonthestreetlastFriday.Hesaidhehadn'tseenJuliainmonths.I
    believedhim,becauseLanceisafellowwithoutmanyinhibitions,andhedoesn't
    scare.He'dbeapttotellmethetruthaboutathinglikethat.AndIthink
    he'llkeephismouthshut."
    "Werethereotherfellowsyouthoughtof?"
    "No.Ifthereareany,Idon'tknowthem.Myhunchis,Juliahasbeen
    arrestedandisinjailsomewhereandhasmanaged,bybriberyorotherwise,to
    hideheridentity."
    "Injailforwhat?"
    Hehesitatedamomentandthensaidveryquietly:"Juliaisakleptomaniac.
    Notbad,andnotallthetime.Mostlywhensheisdrinkingtoomuch.Shehas
    spellsofthat,too.MostofhertrickshavebeenhereinLosAngelesinthebig
    storeswherewehaveaccounts.She'sbeencaughtafewtimesandbeenableto
    bluffoutandhavethestuffputonthebill.NoscandalsofarthatIcouldn't
    takecareof.Butinastrangetown"Hestoppedandfrownedhard."Ihavemy
    jobwiththeDoremepeopletoworryabout,"hesaid.
    "Sheeverbeenprinted?"
    "How?"
    "Hadherfingerprintstakenandfiled?"
    "NotthatIknowof."Helookedworriedatthat.
    "ThisGoodwinknowaboutthesidelinesheworked?"
    "Icouldn'tsay.Ihopenot.He'snevermentionedit,ofcourse."
    "I'dlikehisaddress."
    "He'sinthebook.HasabungalowoverintheChevyChasedistrict,near
    Glendale.Verysecludedplace.I'veahunchLanceisquiteachaser."
    Itlookedlikeaverynicesetup,butIdidn'tsaysooutloud.Icouldsee
    alittlehonestmoneycomingmywayforachange."You'vebeenuptothisLittle
    FawnLakesinceyourwifedisappeared,ofcourse."
    Helookedsurprised."Well,no.I'vehadnoreasonto.UntilImetLancein
    frontoftheAthleticClubIsupposedheandJuliaweretogethersomewhere
    perhapsevenmarriedalready.Mexicandivorcesarequick."
    "Howaboutmoney?Shehavemuchwithher?"
    "Idon'tknow.Shehasquitealotofmoneyofherown,inheritedfromher
    father.Iguessshecangetplentyofmoney."

    "Isee.Howwasshedressedorwouldyouknow?"
    Heshookhishead."Ihadn'tseenherintwoweeks.Sheworeratherdark
    clothesasarule.Hainesmightbeabletotellyou.Isupposehe'llhaveto
    knowshedisappeared.Ithinkhecanbetrustedtokeephismouthshut."Melton
    smiledwryly."Shehadasmalloctagonalplatinumwristwatchwithachainof
    largelinks.Abirthdaypresent.Ithadhernameinside.Shehadadiamondand
    emeraldringandaplatinumweddingringengravedinside:_HowardandJulia
    Melton.July27th,1926."_
    "Butyoudon'tsuspectfoulplay,doyou?"
    "No."Hislargecheekbonesreddenedalittle."ItoldyouwhatI
    suspected."
    "Ifshe'sinsomebody'sjailhouse,whatdoIdo?Justreportbackand
    wait?"
    "Ofcourse.Ifshe'snot,keepherinsightuntilIcangetthere,wherever
    itis.IthinkIcanhandlethesituation."
    "Uhhuh.Youlookbigenough.YousaidsheleftLittleFawnLakeonAugust
    twelfth.Butyouhaven'tbeenupthere.Youmeanshedidorshewasjust
    supposedtooryouguessitfromthedateofthetelegram?'
    "Right.There'sonemorethingIforgot.Shedidleaveonthetwelfth.She
    neverdroveatnight,soshedrovedownthemountainintheafternoonand
    stoppedattheOlympiaHoteluntiltraintime.Iknowthatbecausetheycalled
    meupaweeklaterandsaidhercarwasintheirgarageanddidIwanttocall
    forit.IsaidI'dbeoverandgetitwhenIhadtime."
    "Okay,Mr.Melton.IthinkI'llrunaroundandcheckoverthisLancelot
    Goodwinalittlefirst,Hemighthappennottohavetoldyouthetruth."
    HehandedmetheOtherCitiesphonebookandIlookeditup.Lancelot
    Goodwinlivedat3416ChesterLane.Ididn'tknowwherethatwas,butIhada
    mapinthecar.
    Isaid:"I'mgoingoutthereandsnooparound.I'dbetterhavealittle
    moneyonaccount.Sayahundredbucks."
    "Fiftyshoulddotostart,"hesaid.Hetookouthisgoldplatedwalletand
    gavemetwotwentiesandaten."I'llgetyoutosignareceiptjustasa
    matterofform."
    HehadareceiptbookinhisdeskandwroteoutwhathewantedandIsigned
    it.Iputthetwoexhibitsinmypocketandstoodup.Weshookhands.

    Ilefthimwiththefeelingthathewasaguywhowouldnotmakemanysmall
    mistakes,especiallyaboutmoney.AsIwentoutthereceptionistgavemethe
    nastyeye.Iworriedaboutitalmostasfarastheelevator.

    TwoTheSilentHouse

    Mycarwasinalotacrossthestreet,soItookitnorthtoFifthandwestto
    FlowerandfromtheredowntoGlendaleBoulevardandsoonintoGlendale.That
    madeitaboutlunchtime,soIstoppedandateasandwich.
    ChevyChaseisadeepcanyoninthefoothillsthatseparateGlendalefrom
    Pasadena.Itisheavilywooded,andthestreetsbranchingoffthemaindragare
    apttobeprettyshutinanddark.ChesterLanewasoneofthem,andwasdark
    enoughtobeinthemiddleofaredwoodforest.Goodwin'shousewasatthedeep
    end,asmallEnglishbungalowwithapeakedroofandleadedwindowpanesthat
    wouldn'thaveletmuchlightin,eveniftherehadbeenanytoletin.Thehouse
    wassetbackinafoldofthehills,withabigoaktreepracticallyonthe
    frontporch.Itwasanicelittleplacetohavefun.
    Thegarageatthesidewasshutup.Iwalkedalongatwistedpathmadeof
    steppingstonesandpushedthebell.Icouldhearitringsomewhereintherear
    withthatsoundbellsseemtohaveinanemptyhouse.Irangittwicemore.
    Nobodycametothedoor.Amockingbirdflewdownonthesmall,neatfrontlawn
    andpokedawormoutofthesodandwentawaywithit.Somebodystartedacar
    outofsightdownthecurveofthestreet.Therewasabrandnewhouseacross
    thestreetwitha_ForSale_signstuckintothemanureandgrassseedinfront
    ofit.Nootherhousewasinsight.
    Itriedthebellonemoretimeanddidasnappytattoowiththeknocker,
    whichwasaringheldinthemouthofalion.ThenIleftthefrontdoorandput
    aneyetothecrackbetweenthegaragedoors.Therewasacarinthere,shining
    dimlyinthefaintlight.Iprowledaroundtothebackyardandsawtwomoreoak
    treesandarubbishburnerandthreechairsaroundagreengardentableunder
    oneofthetrees.Itlookedsoshadyandcoolandpleasantbackthere,Iwould
    havelikedtostay.Iwenttothebackdoor,whichwashalfglassbuthada

    springlock.Itriedturningtheknob,whichwassilly.ItopenedandItooka
    deepbreathandwalkedin.
    ThisLancelotGoodwinoughttobewillingtolistentoalittlereason,if
    hecaughtme.Ifhedidn't,Iwantedtoglancearoundhiseffects.Therewas
    somethingabouthimmaybejusthisfirstnamethatworriedme.
    Thebackdooropenedonaporchwithhigh,narrowscreens.Fromthat
    anotherunlockeddoor,alsowithaspringlock,openedintoakitchenwithgaudy
    tilesandanenclosedgasstove.Therewerealotofemptybottlesonthesink.
    Thereweretwoswingdoors.Ipushedtheonetowardsthefrontofthehouse.It
    gaveonanalcovediningroomwithabuffetonwhichthereweremoreliquor
    bottlesbutnotempty.
    Thelivingroomwastomyrightunderanarch.Itwasdarkeveninthe
    middleoftheday.Itwasnicelyfurnished,withbuiltinbookshelvesandbooks
    thathadn'tbeenboughtinsets.Therewasahighboyradiointhecorner,witha
    halfemptyglassofamberfluidontopofit.Andtherewasiceintheamber
    fluid.Theradiomadeafainthummingsoundandlightglowedbehindthedial.It
    wason,butthevolumewasdowntonothing.
    Thatwasfunny.Iturnedaroundandlookedatthebackcorneroftheroom
    andsawsomethingfunnier.
    Amanwassittinginadeepbrocadechairwithslipperedfeetona
    footstoolthatmatchedthechair.Heworeanopenneckpoloshirtandicecream
    pantsandawhitebelt.Hislefthandrestedeasilyonthewidearmofthechair
    andhisrighthanddroopedlanguidlyoutsidetheotherarmtothecarpet,which
    wasasoliddullrose.Hewasalean,dark,handsomeguy,rangilybuilt.Oneof
    thoseladswhomovefastandaremuchstrongerthantheylook.Hismouthwas
    slightlyopenshowingtheedgesofhisteeth.Hisheadwasalittlesideways,as
    thoughhehaddozedoffashesatthere,havinghimselfafewdrinksand
    listeningtotheradio.
    Therewasagunonthefloorbesidehisrighthandandtherewasascorched
    redholeinthemiddleofhisforehead.
    Blooddrippedveryquietlyfromtheendofhischinandfellonhiswhite
    poloshirt.
    Forallofaminutewhichinaspotlikethatcanbeaslongasa
    chiropractor'sthumbIdidn'tmoveamuscle.IfIdrewafullbreath,itwasa
    secret.Ijusthungthere,emptyasabustedflush,andwatchedMr.Lancelot

    Goodwin'sbloodformsmallpearshapedglobulesontheendofhischinandthen
    veryslowlyandcasuallydropandaddthemselvestothelargepatchofcrimson
    thatchangedthewhitenessofhispoloshirt.Itseemedtomethateveninthat
    timetheblooddrippedslower.Iliftedafootatlast,draggeditoutofthe
    cementitwasstuckin,tookastep,andthenhauledtheotherfootafterit
    likeaballandchain.Imovedacrossthedarkandsilentroom.
    HiseyesglitteredasIgotclose.Ibentovertostareintothem,totry
    andmeettheirlook.Itcouldn'tbedone.Itnevercan,withdeadeyes.Theyare
    alwayspointedalittletoonesideorupordown.Itouchedhisface.Itwas
    warmandslightlymoist.Thatwouldbefromhisdrink.Hehadn'tbeendeadmore
    thantwentyminutes.
    Iswungaroundhard,asifsomebodyweretryingtosneakupbehindmewith
    ablackjack,butnobodywas.Thesilenceheld.Theroomwasfullofit,brimming
    overwithit.Abirdchirpedoutdoorsinatree,butthatonlymadethesilence
    thicker.Youcouldhavecutslicesofitandbutteredthem.
    Istartedlookingatotherthingsintheroom.Therewasasilverframed
    photolyingonthefloor,backup,infrontoftheplastermantel.Iwentover
    andlifteditwithahandkerchiefandturnedit.Theglasswascrackedneatly
    fromcornertocorner.Thephotoshowedaslim,lighthairedladywitha
    dangeroussmile.ItookoutthesnapshotHowardMeltonhadgivenmeandheldit
    besidethephoto.Iwassureitwasthesameface,buttheexpressionwas
    different,anditwasaverycommontypeofface.
    Itookthephotographcarefullyintoanicelyfurnishedbedroomandopened
    adrawerinalongleggedchest.Iremovedthephotofromtheframe,polished
    theframeoffnicelywithmyhandkerchiefandtuckeditundersomeshirts.Not
    veryclever,butascleverasIfelt.
    Nothingseemedverypressingnow.Iftheshothadbeenheard,and
    recognizedasashot,radiocopswouldhavebeentherelongago.Itookmyphoto
    intothebathroomandtrimmeditclosewithmypocketknifeandflushedthe
    scrapsdownthetoilet.IaddedthephototowhatIhadinmybreastpocket,and
    wentbacktothelivingroom.
    Therewasanemptyglassonthelowtablebesidethedeadman'slefthand.
    Itwouldhavehisprints.Ontheotherhandsomebodyelsemighthavetakenasip
    outofitandleftotherprints.Awoman,ofcourse.Shewouldhavebeensitting
    onthearmofthechair,withasoft,sweetsmileonherface,andthegundown

    behindherback.Ithadtobeawoman.Amancouldn'thaveshothiminjustthat
    perfectlyrelaxedposition.IgaveaguesswhatwomanitwasbutIdidn'tlike
    herleavingherphotoonthefloor.Thatwasbadpublicity.
    Icouldn'trisktheglass.IwipeditoffanddidsomethingIdidn'tenjoy.
    Imadehishandholditagain,thenputitbackonthetable.Ididthesame
    thingwiththegun.WhenIlethishandfallthetrailinghandthistimeit
    swungandswung,likeapendulumonagrandfather'sclock.Iwenttotheglass
    ontheradioandwipeditoff.Thatwouldmakethemthinkshewasprettywise,a
    differentkindofwomanaltogetheriftherearedifferentkinds.Icollected
    fourcigarettestubswithlipstickabouttheshadecalled"Carmen,"ablond
    shade.Itookthemtothebathroomandgavethemtothecity.Iwipedoffafew
    shinyfixtureswithatowel,didthesameforthefrontdoorknob,andcalledit
    aday.Icouldn'twipeoverthewholedamnhouse.
    IstoodandlookedatLancelotGoodwinamomentlonger.Thebloodhad
    stoppedflowing.Thelastdroponhischinwasn'tgoingtofall.Itwasgoingto
    hangthereandgetdarkandshinyandaspermanentasawart.
    Iwentbackthroughthekitchenandporch,wipingacouplemoredoorknobs
    asIwent,strolledaroundthesideofthehouseandtookaquickganderupand
    downthestreet.Nobodybeinginsight,Itiedthejobupwithribbonbyringing
    thefrontdoorbellagainandsmearingthebuttonandknobwellwhileIdidit.I
    wenttomycar,gotinanddroveaway.Thishadalltakenlessthanhalfan
    hour.IfeltasifIhadfoughtallthewaythroughtheCivilWar.
    TwothirdsofthewaybacktotownIstoppedatthefootofAlesandro
    Streetandtuckedmyselfintoadrugstorephonebooth.IdialedHowardMelton's
    officenumber.
    Achirpyvoicesaid:"DoremeCosmeticCompany.Goodafternoowun."
    "Mr.Melton."
    "I'llconnectyouwithhissecretary,"sangthevoiceofthelittleblonde
    whohadbeenoffinthecorner,outofharm'sway.
    "MissVanDeGraafspeaking."Itwasanicedrawlthatcouldgetcharming
    orsnootywiththechangeofaquartertone."WhoiscallingMr.Melton,please?"
    "JohnDalmas."
    "AhdoesMr.Meltonknowyou,Mr.ahDalmas?"
    "Don'tstartthatagain,"Isaid."Askhim,girlie.Icangetallthe
    ritzingIneedatthestampwindow."

    Herintakenbreathalmosthurtmyeardrum.
    Therewasawait,aclick,andMelton'sburlybusinesslikevoicesaid:
    "Yes?Meltontalking.Yes?"
    "Ihavetoseeyouquick."
    "What'sthat?"hebarked.
    "Isaidwhatyouheard.Therehavebeenwhattheboyscalldevelopments.
    Youknowwhoyou'retalkingto,don'tyou?"
    "Ohyes.Yes.Well,letmesee.Letmelookatmydeskcalendar."
    "Tohellwithyourdeskcalendar,"Isaid."Thisisserious.Ihaveenough
    sensenottobreakinonyourday,ifitwasn't."
    "AthleticClubtenminutes,"hesaidcrisply."Havemepagedinthe
    readingroom."
    "I'llbealittlelongerthanthat."Ihungupbeforehecouldargue.
    Iwastwentyminutesasamatteroffact.
    ThehopinthelobbyoftheAthleticClubscootedneatlyintooneofthe
    oldopencageelevatorstheyhavethereandwasbackinnotimeatallwitha
    nod.Hetookmeuptothefourthfloorandshowedmethereadingroom.
    "Aroundtotheleft,sir."
    Thereadingroomwasnotbuiltprincipallyforreading.Therewerepapers
    andmagazinesonalongmahoganytableandleatherbindingsbehindglassonthe
    wallsandaportraitoftheclub'sfounderinoil,withahoodedlightoverit.
    Butmostlytheplacewaslittlenooksandcornerswithenormousslopinghigh
    backedleatherchairs,andoldboyssnoozinginthempeacefully,theirfaces
    violetwitholdageandhighbloodpressure.
    Isneakedquietlyaroundtotheleft.Meltonsatthere,inaprivatenook
    betweenshelves,withhisbacktotheroom,andthechair,highasitwas,not
    highenoughtohidehisbigdarkhead.Hehadanotherchairdrawnupbesidehim.
    Islippedintoitandgavehimtheeye.
    "Keepyourvoicedown,"hesaid."Thisplaceisforafterluncheonnaps.
    Now,whatisit?WhenIemployedyou,itwastosavemebother,nottoadd
    bothertowhatIalreadyhave."
    "Yeah,"Isaid,andputmyfaceclosetohis.Hesmelledofhighballs,but
    nicely."Sheshothim."

    Hisstiffeyebrowswentupalittle.Hiseyesgotthestonylook.Histeeth
    clamped.Hebreathedsoftlyandtwistedonelargehandonhiskneeandlooked
    downatit.
    "Goon,"hesaid,inavoicethesizeofamarble.
    Icranedbackoverthetopofthechair.Thenearestoldgeezerwas
    snoozlinglightlyandblowingthefuzzinhisnostrilsbackandforthwitheach
    breath.
    "IwentouttheretoGoodwin'splace.Noanswer.Triedthebackdoor.Open.
    Walkedin.Radioturnedon,butmuted.Twoglasseswithdrinks.Smashedphotoon
    floorbelowmantel.Goodwininchairshotdeadatcloserange.Contactwound.
    Gunonfloorbyhisrighthand.Twentyfiveautomaticawoman'sgun.Hesat
    thereasifhehadneverknownit.Iwipedglasses,gun,doorknobs,puthis
    printswheretheyshouldbe,left."
    Meltonopenedandshuthismouth.Histeethmadeagratingnoise.Hemade
    fistsofbothhands.Thenhelookedsteadilyatmewithhardblackeyes.
    "Photo,"hesaidthickly.
    Ireacheditoutofmypocketandshowedittohim,butIheldontoit.
    "Julia,"hesaid.Hisbreathmadeaqueer,sharpkeeningsoundandhishand
    wentlimp.Islippedthephotobackintomypocket."Whatthen?"hewhispered.
    "All.Imayhavebeenseen,butnotgoinginorcomingout.Treesinback.
    Theplaceiswellshaded.Shehaveagunlikethat?"
    Hisheaddroopedandhehelditinhishands.Heheldstillforawhile,
    thenpusheditupandspreadhisfingersonhisfaceandspokethroughthemat
    thewallwewerefacing.
    "Yes.ButIneverknewhertocarryit.Isupposeheditchedher,thedirty
    rat."Hesaiditquietlywithoutheat.
    "You'requiteaguy,"hesaid."It'sasuicidenow,eh?"
    "Can'ttell.Withoutasuspectthey'reapttohandleitthatway.They'll
    testhishandwithparaffintoseeifhefiredthegun.That'sroutinenow.But
    itsometimesdoesn'twork,andwithoutasuspecttheymayletitrideanyway.I
    don'tgetthephotoangle."
    "Idon'teither,"hewhispered,stilltalkingbetweenhisfingers."She
    musthavegotpanickedupverysuddenly."

    "Uhhuh.YourealizeI'veputmyheadinabag,don'tyou?It'smylicence
    ifI'mcaught.Ofcoursethere'sabarechanceitwassuicide.Buthedoesn't
    seemthetype.You'vegottoplayball,Melton."
    Helaughedgrimly.Thenheturnedhisheadenoughtolookatme,butstill
    kepthishandsonhisface.Thegleamofhiseyesshotthroughhisfingers.
    "Whydidyoufixitup?"heaskedquietly.
    "DamnedifIknow.IguessItookadisliketohimfromthatphoto.He
    didn'tlookworthwhatthey'ddotoherandtoyou."
    "Fivehundred,asabonus,"hesaid.
    Ileanedbackandgavehimastonystare."I'mnottryingtopressureyou.
    I'mafairlytoughguybutnotinspotslikethis.Didyougivemeeverything
    youhad?"
    Hesaidnothingforalongminute.Hestoodupandlookedalongtheroom,
    puthishandsinhispockets,jingledsomething,andsatdownagain.
    "That'sthewrongapproachbothways,"hesaid."Iwasn'tthinkingof
    blackmailorofferingtopayit.Itisn'tenoughmoney.Thesearehardtimes.
    Youtakeanextrarisk,Iofferyouanextracompensation.SupposeJuliahad
    nothingtodowithit.Thatmightexplainthephotobeingleft.Therewere
    plentyofotherwomeninGoodwin'slife.ButifthestorycomesoutandI'm
    connectedwithitatall,thehomeofficeswillbounceme.I'minasensitive
    business,andithasn'tbeendoingtoowell.Theymightbegladoftheexcuse."
    "That'sdifferent,"Isaid."Iaskedyou,didyougivemeeverythingyou
    had."
    Helookedatthefloor."No.Isuppressedsomething.Itdidn'tseem
    importantthen.Andithurtsthepositionbadlynow.Afewdaysago,justafter
    ImetGoodwindowntown,thebankcalledmeandsaidaMr.LancelotGoodwinwas
    theretocashacheckforonethousanddollarsmadeouttocashbyJuliaMelton.
    ItoldthemMrs.Meltonwasoutoftown,butthatIknewMr.Goodwinverywell
    andIsawnoobjectiontocashingthecheck,ifitwasinorderandhewas
    properlyidentified.Icouldn'tsayanythingelseinthecircumstances.I
    supposetheycashedit.Idon'tknow."
    "IthoughtGoodwinhaddough."
    Meltonshruggedstiffly.
    "Ablackmailerofwomen,huh?Andasappyoneatthat,tobetakingchecks.
    IthinkI'llplaywithyouonit,Melton.Ihatelikehelltoseethese

    newspaperghoulsgototownonayamlikethat.Butiftheygettoyou,I'm
    outifIcangetout."
    Hesmiledforthefirsttime."I'llgiveyouthefivehundredrightnow,"
    hesaid.
    "Nothingdoing.I'mhiredtofindher.IfIfindherIgetfivehundred
    flatallotherbetsoff."
    "You'llfindmeagoodmantotrust,"hesaid.
    "IwantanotetothisHainesupatyourplaceatLittleFawnLake.Iwant
    intoyourcabin.MyonlywaytogoatitisasifI'dneverbeentoChevy
    Chase."
    Henoddedandstoodup.Hewentovertoadeskandcamebackwithanoteon
    theclubstationery.
    _Mr.WilliamHaines,
    LittleFawnLake.
    DearBillPleaseallowbearer,Mr.JohnDalmas,to
    viewmycabinandassisthiminallwaystolookover
    theproperty.
    Sincerely,
    HOWARDMELTON_
    Ifoldedthenoteandputitawaywithmyothergatheringsfromtheday.
    Meltonputahandonmyshoulder."I'llneverforgetthis,"hesaid."Areyou
    goinguptherenow?"
    "Ithinkso."
    "Whatdoyouexpecttofind?"
    "Nothing.ButI'dbeasapnottostartwherethetrailstarts."
    "Ofcourse.Hainesisagoodfellow,butalittlesurly.Hehasapretty
    blondwifethatrideshimalot.Goodluck."
    Weshookhands.Hishandfeltclammyasapickledfish.

    ThreeTheManWithThePegLeg

    ImadeSanBernardinoinlessthantwohoursandforonceinitslifeitwas
    almostascoolasLosAngeles,andnotnearlyassticky.Itookonacupof
    coffeeandboughtapintofryeandgassedupandstartedupthegrade.Itwas
    overcastallthewaytoBubblingSprings.Thenitsuddenlygotdryandbright
    andcoolairblewdownthegorges,andIfinallycametothebigdamandlooked
    alongthelevelbluereachesofPumaLake.Canoespaddledonit,androwboats
    withoutboardmotorsandspeedboatschurnedupthewaterandmadealotoffuss
    overnothing.Jouncedaroundintheirwake,peoplewhohadpaidtwodollarsfor
    afishinglicensewastedtheirtimetryingtocatchadime'sworthoffish.
    Theroadturnedtwowaysfromthedam.Mywaywasthesouthshore.It
    skimmedalonghighamongpiledupmassesofgranite.Hundredfootyellowpines
    probedattheclearbluesky.Intheopenspacesgrewbrightgreenmanzanitaand
    whatwasleftofthewildirisesandwhiteandpurplelupineandbugleflowers
    anddesertpaintbrush.TheroaddroppedtothelakelevelandIbegantopass
    flocksofcampsandflocksofgirlsinshortsonbicycles,onmotorscooters,
    walkingalloverthehighway,orjustsittingundertreesshowingofftheir
    legs.Isawenoughbeefonthehooftostockacattleranch.
    HowardMeltonhadsaidtoturnawayfromthelakeattheoldRedlandsroad,
    amileshortofPumaPoint.Itwasafrayedasphaltribbonthatclimbedintothe
    surroundingmountains.Cabinswereperchedhereandthereontheslopes.The
    asphaltgaveoutandafterawhileasmall,narrowdirtroadsneakedofftomy
    right.Asignatitsentrancesaid:_PrivateRoadtoLittleFawnLake.No
    Trespassing._Itookitandcrawledaroundbigbarestonesandpastalittle
    waterfallandthroughyellowpinesandblackoaksandsilence.Asquirrelsaton
    abranchandtoreafreshpineconetopiecesandsentthepiecesfluttering
    downlikeconfetti.Hescoldedatmeandbeatonepawangrilyonthecone.
    Thenarrowroadswervedsharplyaroundabigtreetrunkandthentherewas
    afivebarredgateacrossitwithanothersign.Thisonesaid:_PrivateNo
    Admittance._
    Igotoutandopenedthegateanddrovethroughandcloseditagain.I
    woundthroughtreesforanothercoupleofhundredyards.Suddenlybelowmewasa
    smallovallakethatlaydeepintreesandrocksandwildgrass,likeadropof
    dewcaughtinafurledleaf.Atthenearendtherewasayellowconcretedam
    witharopehandrailacrossthetopandanoldmillwheelattheside.Nearthat

    stoodasmallcabinofnativewoodcoveredwithroughbark.Ithadtwosheet
    metalchimneysandsmokelispedfromoneofthem.Somewhereanaxethudded.
    Acrossthelake,alongwaybytheroadandtheshortwayoverthedam,
    therewasalargecabinclosetothewaterandtwoothersnotsolarge,spaced
    atwideintervals.Atthefarend,oppositethedam,waswhatlookedlikea
    smallpierandbandpavilion.Awarpedwoodensignonitread:_CampKilkare._I
    couldn'tseeanysenseinthat,soIwalkeddownapathtothebarkcovered
    cabinandpoundedonthedoor.
    Thesoundoftheaxestopped.Aman'svoiceyelledfromsomewherebehind.I
    satdownonabigstoneandrolledanunlitcigarettearoundinmyfingers.The
    ownerofthecabincamearounditssidewithanaxeinhishands.Hewasa
    thickbodiedman,notverytall,withadark,rough,unshavenchin,steadybrown
    eyesandgrizzledhairthatcurled.Heworebluedenimpantsandablueshirt
    openonamuscularbrownneck.Whenhewalkedheseemedtogivehisrightfoota
    littlekickoutwardswitheachstep.Itswungoutfromhisbodyinashallow
    arc.Hewalkedslowlyandcameuptome,acigarettedanglingfromhisthick
    lips.Hehadacityvoice.
    "Yeah?"
    "Mr.Haines?"
    "That'sme."
    "Ihaveanoteforyou."Itookitoutandgaveittohim.Hethrewtheaxe
    toonesideandlookedsquintinglyatthenote,thenturnedandwentintothe
    cabin.Hecameoutwearingglasses,readingthenoteashecame.
    "Oh,yeah,"hesaid,"Fromtheboss."Hestudiedthenoteagain."Mr.John
    Dalmas,huh?I'mBillHaines.Gladtoknowyou."Weshookhands.Hehadahand
    likeasteeltrap.
    "YouwanttolookaroundandseeMelton'scabin,huh?What'sthematter?He
    ain'tselling,forGod'ssake?"
    Ilitmycigaretteandflippedthematchintothelake."Hehasmorethan
    heneedshere,"Isaid.
    "Landsure.Butitsaysthecabin"
    "Hewantedmetolookitover.It'saprettynicecabin,hesays."
    Hepointed."Thatoneoverthere,thebigone.Milledredwoodwalls,
    celarexlinedandthenknottypineinside.Compositionshingleroof,stone

    foundationsandporches,bathroom,showerandtoilet.He'sgotaspringfilled
    reservoirbackinthehillbehind.I'llsayit'sanicecabin."
    Ilookedatthecabin,butIlookedatBillHainesmore.Hiseyeshada
    glitterandtherewerepouchesunderhiseyes,forallhisweatheredlook.
    "Youwantagoovernow?I'llgetthekeys."
    "I'mkindoftiredafterthatlongdriveup.Isurecoulduseadrink,
    Haines."
    Helookedinterested,butshookhishead."I'msorry,Mr.Dalmas,Ijust
    finishedupaquart."Helickedhisbroadlipsandsmiledatme.
    "What'sthemillwheelfor?"
    "Moviestuff.Theymakeapictureuphereonceinawhile.That'sanother
    setdownattheend.TheymadeLoveAmongthePineswiththat.Therestofthe
    setsaretoredown.Iheardthepictureflopped."
    "Isthatso?Wouldyoujoinmeinadrink?"Ibroughtoutmypintofrye.
    "Neverbeenheardtosayno.Wait'llIgetsomeglasses."
    "Mrs.Hainesaway?"
    Hestaredatmewithsuddencoldness."Yeah,"hesaidveryslowly."Why?"
    "Onaccountoftheliquor."
    Herelaxed,butkeptaneyeonmeforamomentlonger.Thenheturnedand
    walkedhisstiffleggedwalkbackintothecabin.Hecameoutwithacoupleof
    thelittleglassestheypackfancycheesein.Iopenedmybottleandpoureda
    coupleofstiffonesandwesatholdingthem,Haineswithhisrightlegalmost
    straightoutinfrontofhim,thefoottwistedalittleoutwards.
    "IcoppedthatinFrance,"hesaid,anddrank."OldPeglegHaines.Well,
    itgotmeapensionanditain'thurtmewiththeladies.Here'stocrime."He
    finishedhisdrink.
    Wesetourglassesdownandwatchedabluejaygoupabigpine,hopping
    frombranchtobranchwithoutpausingtobalance,likeamanrunningupstairs.
    "Coldandnicehere,butlonely,"Hainessaid."Toodamnlonely."He
    watchedmewiththecornersofhiseyes.Hehadsomethingonhismind.
    "Somepeoplelikethat."Ireachedfortheglassesanddidmydutywith
    them.
    "Getsme.Ibeendrinkin'toomuchaccountofitgetsme.Itgetsmeat
    night."

    Ididn'tsayanything.Heputhisseconddrinkdowninaswift,hardgulp.
    Ipassedthebottletohimsilently.Hesippedhisthirddrink,cockedhishead
    ononeside,andlickedathislip.
    "KindoffunnywhatyousaidthereaboutMrs.Hainesbein'away."
    "Ijustthoughtmaybeweoughttotakeourbottleoutofsightofthe
    cabin."
    "Uhhuh.YouafriendofMelton's?"
    "Iknowhim.Notintimately."
    Haineslookedacrossatthebigcabin.
    "Thatdamnfloozie!"hesnarledsuddenly,hisfacetwisted.
    Istaredathim."LostmeBeryl,thedamntart,"hesaidbitterly."Hadto
    haveevenoneleggedguyslikeme.HadtogetmedrunkandmakemeforgetIhad
    ascutealittlewifeaseveraguyhad."
    Iwaited,nervestaut.
    "Thehellwithhim,too!Leavin'thattrampuphereallalone.Idon'thave
    toliveinhisgoddamcabin.IcanliveanywheresIlike.Igotapension.War
    pension."
    "It'saniceplacetolive,"Isaid."Haveadrink."
    Hedidthat,turnedangryeyesonme."It'salousyplacetolive,"he
    snarled."Whenaguy'swifemovesoutonhimandhedon'tknowwhereshe'sat
    maybewithsomeotherguy."Heclenchedanironleftfist.
    Afteramomentheunclencheditslowlyandpouredhisglasshalffull.The
    bottlewaslookingprettypeakedbythistime.Heputhisbigdrinkdownina
    lump.
    "Idon'tknowyoufromamule'shindleg,"hegrowled,"butwhatthehell!
    I'msickofbein'alone.IbeenasuckerbutIain'tjusthuman.Shehas
    lookslikeBeryl.Samesize,samehair,samewalkasBeryl.Hell,theycoulda
    beensisters.OnlyjustenoughdifferentifyougetwhatImean."Heleeredat
    me,alittledrunknow.
    Ilookedsympathetic.
    "I'movertheretoburntrash,"hescowled,wavinganarm."Shecomesout
    onthebackporchinpajamasliketheywasmadeofcellophane.Withtwodrinks
    inherhands.Smilingatme,withthembedroomeyes.'Haveadrink,Bill.'Yeah.
    Ihadadrink.Ihadnineteendrinks.Iguessyouknowwhathappened."
    "It'shappenedtoalotofgoodmen."

    "Leavesheraloneuphere,the!WhileheplaysaroundinL.A.
    AndBerylwalksoutonmetwoweekscomeFriday."
    Istiffened.IstiffenedsohardthatIcouldfeelmymusclesstrainall
    overmybody.TwoweekscomeFridaywouldbeaweekagolastFriday.Thatwould
    beAugusttwelfththedayMrs.JuliaMeltonwassupposedtohaveleftforEl
    Paso,thedayshehadstoppedoverattheOlympiaHoteldownatthefootofthe
    mountains.
    Hainesputhisemptyglassdownandreachedintohisbuttonedshirtpocket.
    Hepassedmeadogearedpieceofpaper.Iunfoldeditcarefully.Itwaswritten
    inpencil.
    _I'dratherbedeadthanlivewithyouanylonger,youlousycheater
    Beryl._Thatwaswhatitsaid.
    "Wasn'tthefirsttime,"Hainessaid,witharoughchuckle."Justthefirst
    timeIgotcaught."Helaughed.Thenhescowledagain.Igavehimbackhisnote
    andhebuttoneditupinthepocket."WhatthehellamItellin'youfor?"he
    growledatme.
    Abluejayscoldedatabigspeckledwoodpeckerandthewoodpeckersaid"Cr
    racker!"justlikeaparrot.
    "You'relonely,"Isaid."Youneedtogetitoffyourchest.Haveanother
    drink.I'vehadmyshare.Youwereawaythatafternoonwhensheleftyou?"
    Henoddedmoodilyandsatholdingthebottlebetweenhislegs."Wehada
    spatandIdroveonovertothenorthshoretoaguyIknow.Ifeltmeanerthan
    fleadirt.Ihadtogetgoodandsoused.Idonethat.IgothomemaybetwoAM
    plentystinko.ButIdriveslowaccountofthistrickpin.She'sgone.Justthe
    noteleft."
    "ThatwasaweekagolastFriday,huh?Andyouhaven'theardfromher
    since?"
    Iwasbeingalittletooexact.Hegavemeahardquestioningglance,but
    itwentaway.Heliftedthebottleanddrankmoodilyandhelditagainstthe
    sun."Boy,thisisdamnnearadeadsoldier,"hesaid."Shescrammedtoo."He
    jerkedathumbtowardstheothersideofthelake.
    "Maybetheyhadafight."
    "Maybetheywenttogether."
    Helaughedraucously."Mister,youdon'tknowmylittleBeryl.She'sahell
    catwhenshestarts."

    "Soundsasiftheybothare.DidMrs.Haineshaveacar?Imean,youdrove
    yoursthatday,didn'tyou?"
    "WegottwoFords.Minehastohavethefootthrottleandbrakepedalover
    ontheleft,underthegoodleg.Shetookherown."
    Istoodupandwalkedtothewaterandthrewmycigarettestubintoit.The
    waterwasdarkblueandlookeddeep.Thelevelwashighfromthespringflood
    andinacoupleofplacesthewaterlickedacrossthetopofthedam.
    IwentbacktoHaines.Hewasdrainingthelastofmywhiskydownhis
    throat."Gottagetsomemorehooch,"hesaidquickly."Oweyouapint.Youain't
    drunknothing."
    "Plentymorewhereitcamefrom,"Isaid."WhenyoufeellikeitI'llgo
    overandlookatthatcabin."
    "Sure.We'llwalkaroundthelake.Youdon'tmindmesoundin'offthatway
    atyouaboutBeryl?"
    "Aguysometimeshastotalkhistroublestosomebody,"Isaid."Wecould
    goacrossthedam.Youwouldn'thavetowalksofar."
    'Hell,no.Iwalkgood,evenifitdon'tlookgood.Iain'tbeenaroundthe
    lakeinamonth."Hestoodupandwentintothecabinandcameoutwithsome
    keys."Let'sgo."
    Westartedtowardsthelittlewoodenpierandpavilionatthefarendof
    thelake.Therewasapathclosetothewater,windinginandoutamongbig
    roughgraniteboulders.Thedirtroadwasfartherbackandhigherup.Haines
    walkedslowly,kickinghisrightfoot.Hewasmoody,justdrunkenoughtobe
    livinginhisownworld.Hehardlyspoke.WereachedthelittlepierandI
    walkedoutonit.Hainesfollowedme,hisfootthumpingheavilyontheplanks.
    Wereachedtheend,beyondthelittleopenbandpavilion,andleanedagainsta
    weathereddarkgreenrailing.
    "Anyfishinhere?"Iasked.
    "Sure.Rainbowtrout,blackbass.Iain'tnofisheatermyself.Iguess
    there'stoomanyofthem."
    Ileanedoutandlookeddownintothedeepstillwater.Therewasswirl
    downthereandagreenishformmovedunderthepier.Hainesleanedbesideme.
    Hiseyesstareddownintothedepthsofthewater.Thepierwassolidlybuilt
    andhadanunderwaterflooringwiderthanthepieritselfasifthelakehad

    oncebeenatamuchlowerlevel,andthisunderwaterflooringhadbeenaboat
    landing.Aflatbottomedboatdangledinthewateronafrayedrope.
    Hainestookholdofmyarm.Ialmostyelled.Hisfingersbitintomy
    muscleslikeironclaws.Ilookedathim.Hewasbentover,staringlikealoon,
    hisfacesuddenlywhiteandglistening.Ilookeddownintothewater.
    Languidly,attheedgeoftheunderwaterflooring,somethingthatlooked
    vaguelylikeahumanarmandhandinadarksleevewavedoutfromunderthe
    submergedboarding,hesitated,wavedbackoutofsight.
    Hainesstraightenedhisbodyslowlyandhiseyesweresuddenlysoberand
    frightful.Heturnedfrommewithoutawordandwalkedbackalongthepier.He
    wenttoapileofrocksandbentdownandheaved.Hispantingbreathcametome.
    Hegotarocklooseandhisthickbackstraightened.Heliftedtherockbreast
    high.Itmusthaveweighedahundredpounds.Hewalkedsteadilybackoutonthe
    pierwithit,gamelegandall,reachedtheendrailingandliftedtherockhigh
    abovehishead.Hestoodthereamomentholdingit,hisneckmusclesbulging
    abovehisblueshirt.Hismouthmadesomevaguedistressfulsound.Thenhis
    wholebodygaveahardlurchandthebigstonesmasheddownintothewater.
    Itmadeahugesplashthatwentoverbothofus.Itfellstraightandtrue
    throughthewaterandcrashedontheedgeofthesubmergedplanking.Theripples
    widenedswiftlyandthewaterboiled.Therewasadimsoundofboardsbreaking
    underwater.Wavesrippledoffintothedistanceandthewaterdownthereunder
    oureyesbegantoclear.Anoldrottenplanksuddenlypoppedupabovethe
    surfaceandsankbackwithaflatslapandfloatedoff.
    Thedepthsclearedstillmore.Inthemsomethingmoved.Itroseslowly,a
    long,dark,twistedsomethingthatrolledasitcameup.Itbrokesurface.Isaw
    wool,soddenblacknowasweater,apairofslacks.Isawshoes,andsomething
    thatbulgedshapelessandswollenovertheedgesoftheshoes.Isawawaveof
    blondhairstraightenoutinthewaterandliestillforaninstant.
    Thethingrolledthenandanarmflappedinthewaterandthehandatthe
    endofthearmwasnodecenthumanhand.Thefacecamerollingup.Aswollen,
    pulpy,graywhitemassofbloatedflesh,withoutfeatures,withouteyes,without
    mouth.Athingthathadoncebeenaface.Haineslookeddownatit.Greenstones
    showedbelowtheneckthatbelongedtotheface.Haines'righthandtookholdof
    therailingandhisknuckleswentaswhiteassnowunderthehardbrownskin.

    "Beryl!"Hisvoiceseemedtocometomefromalongwayoff,overahill,
    throughathickgrowthoftrees.

    FourTheLadyInTheLake

    Alargewhitecardinthewindow,printedinheavyblockcapitals,said:KEEP
    TINCHFLELDCONSTABLE.Behindthewindowwasanarrowcounterwithpilesofdusty
    foldersonit.Thedoorwasglassandletteredinblackpaint:_ChiefofPolice.
    FireChief.TownConstable.ChamberofCommerce.Enter._
    Ienteredandwasinwhatwasnothingbutasmalloneroompineboardshack
    withapotbelliedstoveinthecorner,alitteredrolltopdesk,twohardchairs,
    andthecounter.Onthewallhungalargeblueprintmapofthedistrict,a
    calendar,athermometer.Besidethedesktelephonenumbershadbeenwritten
    laboriouslyonthewoodinlargedeeplybittenfigures.
    Amansattiltedbackatthedeskinanantiqueswivelchair,withaflat
    brimmedStetsononthebackofhisheadandahugespittoonbesidehisright
    foot.Hislargehairlesshandswereclaspedcomfortablyonhisstomach.Hewore
    apairofbrownpantsheldbysuspenders,afadedandmuchwashedtanshirt
    buttonedtighttohisfatneck,notie.WhatIcouldseeofhishairwasmousy
    brownexceptthetemples,whichweresnowwhite.Onhisleftbreasttherewasa
    star.Hesatmoreonhislefthipthanhisright,becauseheworealeatherhip
    holsterwithabigblackguninitdowninsidehishippocket.
    Ileanedonthecounterandlookedathim.Hehadlargeearsandfriendly
    grayeyesandhelookedasifachildcouldpickhispocket.
    "AreyouMr.Tinchfleld?"
    "Yep.Whatlawwegottohave,I'mitcomeelectionanyways.There'sa
    couplegoodboysrunningagainstmeandtheymightupandwhipme."Hesighed.
    "DoesyourjurisdictionextendtoLittleFawnLake?"
    "Whatwasthat,son?"
    "LittleFawnLake,backinthemountains.Youcoverthat?"
    "Yep.GuessIdo.I'mdeppitysheriff.Wasn'tnomoreroomonthedoor."He
    eyedthedoor,withoutdispleasure."I'mallthemthingsthere.Melton'splace,
    eh?Somethingbotherin'there,son?"

    "There'sadeadwomaninthelake."
    "Well,Iswan."Heunclaspedhishandsandscratchedhisearandstoodup
    heavily.Standinguphewasabig,powerfulman.Hisfatwasjustcheerfulness.
    "Dead,yousaid?Whoisit?"
    "BillHaines'wife,Beryl.Lookslikesuicide.She'sbeeninthewatera
    longtime,Sheriff.Notnicetolookat.Shelefthimtendaysago,hesaid.I
    guessthat'swhenshedidit."
    Tinchfleldbentoverthespittoonanddischargedatangledmassofbrown
    fiberintoit.Itfellwithasoftplop.Heworkedhislipsandwipedthemwith
    thebackofhishand.
    "Whoareyou,son?"
    "MynameisJohnDalmas.IcameupfromLosAngeleswithanotetoHaines
    fromMr.Meltontolookattheproperty.HainesandIwerewalkingaroundthe
    lakeandwewentoutonthelittlepierthemoviepeoplebuiltthereonce.We
    sawsomethingdowninthewaterunderneath.Hainesthrewalargerockinandthe
    bodycameup.It'snotnicetolookat,Sheriff."
    "Hainesupthere?"
    "Yeah.Icamedownbecausehe'sprettybadlyshaken."
    "Ain'tsurprisedatthat,son."Tinchfleldopenedadrawerinhisdeskand
    tookoutafullpintofwhisky.Heslippeditinsidehisshirtandbuttonedthe
    shirtagain."We'llgetDocMenzies,"hesaid."AndPaulLoomis."Hemoved
    calmlyaroundtheendofthecounter.Thesituationseemedtobotherhim
    slightlylessthanafly.
    Wewentout.Beforegoingoutheadjustedaclockcardhanginginsidethe
    glasstoread_Backat6p.m._Helockedthedoorandgotintoacarthathada
    sirenonit,tworedspotlights,twoamberfoglights,aredandwhitefire
    plate,andvariouslegendsonthesidewhichIdidn'tbothertoread.
    "Youwaithere,son.I'llbebackinafrogsquawk."
    Heswirledthecararoundinthestreetandwentoffdowntheroadtowards
    thelakeandpulledupataframebuildingoppositethestagedepot.Hewent
    intothisandcameoutwithatall,thinman.Thecarcameslowlyswirlingback
    andIfellinbehindit.Wewentthroughthevillage,dodginggirlsinshorts
    andmenintrunks,shortsandpants,mostofthemnakedandbrownfromthewaist
    up.Tinchfieldstoodonhishorn,butdidn'tusehissiren.Thatwouldhave

    startedamobofcarsafterhim.Wewentupadustyhillandstoppedatacabin.
    Tinchfleldhonkedhishornandyelled.Amaninblueoverallsopenedthedoor.
    "Getin,Paul."
    Themaninoverallsnoddedandduckedbackintothecabinandcameoutwith
    adirtylionhunter'shatonhishead.Wewentbacktothehighwayandalongto
    thebranchroadandsoovertothegateontheprivateroad.Themaninoveralls
    gotoutandopeneditandcloseditafterourcarshadgonethrough.
    Whenwecametothelake,smokewasnolongerrisingfromthesmallcabin.
    Wegotout.
    DocMenzieswasanangularyellowfacedmanwithbugeyesandnicotine
    stainedfingers.Themaninblueoverallsandthelionhunter'shatwasabout
    thirty,dark,swarthy,lithe,andlookedunderfed.
    Wewenttotheedgeofthelakeandlookedtowardsthepier.BillHaines
    wassittingonthefloorofthepier,starknaked,withhisheadinhishands.
    Therewassomethingbesidehimonthepier.
    "Wecanrideawaysmore,"Tinchfleldsaid.Wegotbackintothecarsand
    wenton,stoppedagain,andalltroopeddowntothepier.
    Thethingthathadbeenawomanlayonitsfaceonthepierwitharope
    underthearms.Haines'clotheslaytooneside.Hisartificialleg,gleaming
    withleatherandmetal,laybesidethem.WithoutawordspokenTinchfleld
    slippedthebottleofwhiskyoutofhisshirtanduncorkeditandhandeditto
    Haines.
    "Drinkhearty,Bill,"hesaidcasually.Therewasasickening,horrible
    smellontheair.Hainesdidn'tseemtonoticeit,norTinchfleldandMenzies.
    Loomisgotablanketfromthecarandthrewitoverthebody,thenheandI
    backedawayfromit.
    Hainesdrankfromthebottleandlookedupwithdeadeyes.Heheldthe
    bottledownbetweenhisbarekneeandhisstumpandbegantotalk.Hespokeina
    deadvoice,withoutlookingatanybodyoranything.Hespokeslowlyandtold
    everythinghehadtoldme.HesaidthatafterIwenthehadgottheropeand
    strippedandgoneintothewaterandgotthethingout.Whenhehadfinishedhe
    staredatthewoodenplankandbecameasmotionlessasastatue.
    Tinchfleldputacutoftobaccoinhismouthandchewedonitforamoment.
    Thenheshuthisteethtightandleaneddownandturnedthebodyovercarefully,
    asifhewasafraiditwouldcomeapartinhishands.Thelatesunshoneonthe

    loosenecklaceofgreenstonesIhadnoticedinthewater.Theywereroughly
    carvedandlustreless,likesoapstone.Agiltchainjoinedthem.Tinchfleld
    straightenedhisbroadbackandblewhisnosehardonatanhandkerchief.
    "Whatyousay,Doc?"
    Menziesspokeinatight,high,irritablevoice."Whatthehelldoyouwant
    metosay?"
    "Causeandtimeofdeath,"Tinchfleldsaidmildly.
    "Don'tbeadamnfool,Jim,"thedoctorsaidnastily.
    "Can'ttellnothing,eh?"
    "Bylookingatthat?GoodGod!"
    Tinchfleldsighedandturnedtome."Wherewasitwhenyoufirstseenit?"
    Itoldhim.Helistenedwithhismouthmotionlessandhiseyesblank.Then
    hebegantochewagain."Funnyplacetobe.Nocurrenthere.Iftherewasany,
    'twouldbetowardsthedam."
    BillHainesgottohisfoot,hoppedovertohisclothesandstrappedhis
    legon.Hedressedslowly,awkwardly;dragginghisshirtoverhiswetskin.He
    spokeagainwithoutlookingatanybody.
    "Shedoneitherself.Hadto.Swumundertheboardsthereandbreathed
    waterin.Maybegotstuck.Hadto.Nootherway."
    "Oneotherway,Bill,"Tinchfleldsaidmildly,lookingatthesky.
    Hainesrummagedinhisshirtandgotouthisdogearednote.Hegaveitto
    Tinchfleld.Bymutualconsenteverybodymovedsomedistanceawayfromthebody.
    ThenTinchfleldwentbacktogethisbottleofwhiskyandputitawayunderhis
    shirt.Hejoinedusandreadthenoteoverandover.
    "Itdon'thaveadate.Yousaythiswasacoupleofweeksago?"
    "TwoweekscomeFriday."
    "Sheleftyouoncebefore,didn'tshe?"
    "Yeah,"Hainesdidn'tlookathim."Twoyearsago.Igotdrunkandstayed
    withachippy."Helaughedwildly.
    Thesheriffcalmlyreadthenoteoncemore."Noteleftthattime?"he
    inquired.
    "Igetit,"Hainessnarled."Igetit.Youdon'thavetodrawmepictures."
    "Notelooksmiddlin'old,"Tinchfleldsaidgently.
    "Ihaditinmyshirttendays,"Hainesyelled.Helaughedwildlyagain.
    "What'samusingyou,Bill?"

    "Youevertrytodragapersonsixfeetunderwater?"
    "Neverdid,Bill."
    "Iswimprettygoodforaguywithoneleg.Idon'tswimthatgood."
    Tinchfleldsighed."Nowthatdon'tmeananything,Bill.Couldhavebeena
    ropeused.Shecouldhavebeenweighteddownwithastone,maybetwostones,
    headandfoot.Thenaftershe'sunderthemboardstheropecouldbecutloose.
    Couldbedone,son."
    "Sure.Idoneit,"Hainessaidandroaredlaughing."MeIdoneitto
    Beryl.Takemein,youss!"
    "Iaimto,"Tinchfleldsaidmildly."Forinvestigation.Nochargesyet,
    Bill.Youcouldhavedoneit.Don'ttellmedifferent.Iain'tsayingyoudid,
    though.I'mjustsayin'youcould."
    Hainessoberedasquicklyashehadgonetopieces.
    "Anyinsurance?"Tinchfieldasked,lookingatthesky.
    Hainesstarted."Fivethousand.Thatdoesit.Thathangsme.Okay.Let's
    go."
    TinchfleldturnedslowlytoLoomis."Gobackthereinthecabin,Paul,and
    getacoupleofblankets.Thenwebetterallgetsomewhiskyinsideournose."
    Loomisturnedandwalkedbackalongthepaththatskirtedthelaketowards
    theHaines'cabin.Therestofusjuststood.Haineslookeddownathishard
    brownhandsandclenchedthem.Withoutawordheswepthisrightfistupandhit
    himselfaterribleblowintheface.
    "You!"hesaidinaharshwhisper.
    Hisnosebegantobleed.Hestoodlax.Thebloodrandownhislip,downthe
    sideofhismouthtothepointofhischin.Itbegantodripoffhischin.
    ThatremindedmeofsomethingIhadalmostforgotten.

    FiveTheGoldenAnklet

    ItelephonedHowardMeltonathisBeverlyHillshomeanhourafterdark.I
    calledfromthetelephonecompany'slittlelogcabinofficehalfablockfrom
    themainstreetofPumaPoint,almostoutofhearingofthe.22'satthe

    shootinggallery,therattleoftheskiballs,thetootingoffancyautohorns,
    andthewhineofhillbillymusicfromthediningroomoftheIndianHeadHotel.
    Whentheoperatorgothimshetoldmetotakethecallinthemanager's
    office.Iwentinandshutthedoorandsatdownatasmalldeskandanswered
    thephone.
    "Findanythingupthere?"Melton'svoiceasked.Ithadathickishedgeto
    it,athreehighballedge.
    "NothingIexpected.Butsomethinghashappeneduphereyouwon'tlike.
    WantitstraightorwrappedinChristmaspaper?"
    Icouldhearhimcough.Ididn'thearanyothersoundsfromtheroomin
    whichhewastalking."I'lltakeitstraight,"hesaidsteadily.
    "BillHainesclaimsyourwifemadepassesathimandtheyscored.Theygot
    drunktogethertheverymorningofthedayshewentaway.Haineshadarowwith
    hiswifeaboutitafterwards,andthenhewentovertothenorthshoreofPuma
    Laketogetdrunksomemore.HewasgoneuntiltwoA.M.I'mjusttellingyou
    whathesays,youunderstand."
    Iwaited.Melton'svoicesaidfinally:"Iheardyou.Goon,Dalmas."Itwas
    atonelessvoice,asflatasapieceofslate.
    "Whenhegothomeboththewomenhadgone.HiswifeBerylhadleftanote
    sayingshe'dratherbedeadthanlivewithalousycheateranymore.Hehasn't
    seenhersinceuntiltoday."
    Meltoncoughedagain.Thesoundmadeasharpnoiseinmyear.Therewere
    buzzesandcracklesonthewire.AnoperatorbrokeinandIaskedhertogo
    brushherhair.AftertheinterruptionMeltonsaid:"Hainestoldallthisto
    you,acompletestranger?"
    "Ibroughtsomeliquorwithme.Helikestodrinkandhewasachingtotalk
    tosomebody.Theliquorbrokedownthebarriers.There'smore.Isaidhedidn't
    seehiswifeagainuntiltoday.Todayshecameupoutofyourlittlelake.I'll
    letyouguesswhatshelookedlike."
    "GoodGod!"Meltoncried.
    "Shewasstuckdownundertheunderwaterboardingbelowthepierthemovie
    peoplebuilt.Theconstablehere,JimTinchfield,didn'tlikeittoowell.He's
    takenHainesin.Ithinkthey'vegonedowntoseetheD.A.inSanBernardinoand
    haveanautopsyandsoon."
    "TinchfleldthinksHaineskilledher?"

    "Hethinksitcouldhavehappenedthatway.He'snotsayingeverythinghe
    thinks.Hainesputonaswellbrokenheartedact,butthisTinchfleldisno
    fool.HemayknowalotofthingsaroundHainesthatIdon'tknow."
    "DidtheysearchHaines'cabin?"
    "NotwhileIwasaround.Maybelater."
    "Isee."Hesoundedtirednow,spent.
    "It'sanicedishforacountyprosecutorclosetoelectiontime,"Isaid.
    "Butit'snotanicedishforus.IfIhavetoappearataninquest,I'llhave
    tostatemybusiness,onoath.ThatmeanstellingwhatIwasdoingupthere,to
    someextent,atleast.Andthatmeanspullingyouin."
    "Itseems,"Melton'svoicesaidflatly,"thatI'mpulledinalready.Ifmy
    wife"Hebrokeoffandswore.Hedidn'tspeakagainforalongtime.Wire
    noisescametomeandasharpercrackling,thundersomewhereinthemountains
    alongthelines.
    Isaidatlast:"BerylHaineshadaFordofherown.NotBill's.Hiswas
    fixedupforhisleftlegtodotheheavywork.Thecarisgone.Andthatnote
    didn'tsoundlikeasuicidenotetome."
    "Whatdoyouplantodonow?"
    "ItlooksasthoughI'malwaysbeingsidetrackedonthisjob.Imaycome
    downtonight.CanIcallyouatyourhome?"
    "Anytime,"hesaid."I'llbehomealleveningandallnight.Callmeany
    time.Ididn'tthinkHaineswasthatsortofaguyatall."
    "Butyouknewyourwifehaddrinkingspellsandyouleftheruphere
    alone."
    "MyGod,"hesaid,asifhehadn'theardme."Amanwithawooden"
    "Ohlet'sskipthatpartofit,"Igrowled."It'sdirtyenoughwithout.
    Goodbye."
    Ihungupandwentbacktotheouterofficeandpaidthegirlforthecall.
    ThenIwalkedbacktothemainstreetandgotintomycarparkedinfrontofthe
    drugstore.Thestreetwasfullofgaudyneonsignsandnoiseandglitter.Onthe
    drymountainaireverysoundseemedtocarryamile.Icouldhearpeopletalking
    ablockaway.Igotoutofmycaragainandboughtanotherpintatthedrugstore
    anddroveawayfromthere.

    WhenIgottotheplacebackalongthehighwaywheretheroadturnedoffto
    LittleFawnLake,Ipulledovertothesideandthought.ThenIstartedupthe
    roadintothemountainstowardsMelton'splace.
    Thegateacrosstheprivateroadwasshutandpadlockednow.Ituckedmy
    carofftothesideinsomebushesandclimbedoverthegateandpussyfooted
    alongthesideoftheroaduntilthestarlitglimmerofthelakesuddenly
    bloomedatmyfeet.Haines'cabinwasdark.Thecabinsontheothersideofthe
    lakewerevagueshadowsagainsttheslope.Theoldmillwheelbesidethedam
    lookedfunnyashellupthereallalone.Ilisteneddidn'thearasound.There
    arenonightbirdsinthemountains.
    IpaddedalongtoHaines'cabinandtriedthedoorlocked.Iwentaround
    tothebackandfoundanotherlockeddoor.Iprowledaroundthecabinwalking
    likeacatonawetfloor.Ipushedontheonescreenlesswindow.Thatwas
    lockedalso.Istoppedandlistenedsomemore.Thewindowwasnotverytight.
    Wooddriesoutinthatairandshrinks.Itriedmyknifebetweenthetwosashes,
    whichopenedinward,likesmallcottagewindows.Nodice.Ileanedagainstthe
    wallandlookedatthehardshimmerofthelakeandtookadrinkfrommypint.
    Thatmademetough.Iputthebottleawayandpickedupabigstoneandsmacked
    thewindowframeinwithoutbreakingtheglass.Iheaveduponthesilland
    climbedintothecabin.
    Aflashhitmeintheface.
    Acalmvoicesaid:"I'drestrightthere,son.Youmustbealltiredout."
    Theflashpinnedmeagainstthewallforamomentandthenalightswitch
    clickedandalampwenton.Theflashdied.Tinchfieldsattherepeacefullyina
    leatherMorrischairbesideatableovertheedgeofwhichabrownfringedshawl
    dangledfoolishly.Tinchfieldworethesameclothesashehadwornthat
    afternoon,andtheadditionofabrownwoolwindbreakeroverhisshirt.Hisjaws
    movedquietly.
    "Thatmovieoutfitstrungtwomilesofwireuphere,"hesaidreflectively.
    "Kindofniceforthefolks.Well,what'sonyourmind,sonbesidesbreakin'
    andenterin'?"
    Ipickedoutachairandsatdownandlookedaroundthecabin.Theroomwas
    asmallsquareroomwithadoublebedandaragrugandafewmodestpiecesof
    furniture.Anopendooratthebackshowedthecornerofacookstove.
    "Ihadanidea,"Isaid."FromwhereIsitnowitlookslousy."

    Tinchfieldnoddedandhiseyesstudiedmewithoutrancor."Iheardyour
    car,"hesaid."Iknewyouwasontheprivateroadandcomin'thisway.Youwalk
    rightnice,though.Ididn'thearyouwalkworthadarn.I'vebeenmighty
    curiousaboutyou,son."
    "Why?"
    "Ain'tyoukindofheavyundertheleftarm,son?"
    Igrinnedathim."MaybeIbettertalk,"Isaid.
    "Well,youdon'thavetobotheralotaboutpushin'inthatwinder.I'ma
    tolerantman.Ifigureyougotaproperrighttocarrythatsixgun,eh?"
    Ireachedintomypocketandlaidmyopenbillfoldonhisthickknee.He
    lifteditandhelditcarefullytothelamplight,lookingatthephotostat
    licensebehindthecelluloidwindow.Hehandedthebillfoldbacktome.
    "IkindoffiguredyouwasinterestedinBillHaines,"hesaid."Aprivate
    detective,eh?Well,yougotagoodhardbuildonyouandyourfacedon'ttella
    lotofstories.I'mkindofworriedaboutBillmyself.Youaimtosearchthe
    cabin?"
    "Ididhavetheidea."
    "It'sallrightbyme,butthereain'treallynonecessity.Ialreadypawed
    aroundconsiderable.Whohiredyou?"
    "HowardMelton."
    Hechewedamomentinsilence."MightIasktodowhat?"
    "Tofindhiswife.Sheskippedoutonhimacoupleofweeksback."
    TinchfleldtookhisflatcrownedStetsonoffandrumpledhismousyhair.He
    stoodupandunlockedandopenedthedoor.Hesatdownagainandlookedatmein
    silence.
    "He'sveryanxioustoavoidpublicity,"Isaid."Onaccountofacertain
    failinghiswifehaswhichmightlosehimhisjob."Tinchfleldeyedme
    unblinkingly.Theyellowlamplightmadebronzeoutofonesideofhisface."I
    don'tmeanliquororBillHaines,"Iadded.
    "Noneofthatdon'thardlyexplainyourwantin'tosearchBill'scabin,"he
    saidmildly.
    "I'mjustagreatguytopokearound."
    Hedidn'tbudgeforalongminute,duringwhichhewasprobablydeciding
    whetherornotIwaskiddinghim,andifIwas,whetherhecared.

    Hesaidatlength:"Wouldthisinterestyouatall,son?"Hetookafolded
    pieceofnewspaperfromtheslantingpocketofhiswindbreakerandopeneditup
    onthetableunderthelamp.Iwentoverandlooked.Onthenewspaperlayathin
    goldchainwithatinylock.Thechainhadbeensnippedthroughneatlybyapair
    ofcuttingpliers.Thelockwasnotunlocked.Thechainwasshort,notmorethan
    fourorfiveincheslongandthelockwastinyandhardlyanylargeraroundthan
    thechainitself.Therewasalittlewhitepowderonbothchainandnewspaper.
    "WherewouldyouguessIfoundthat?"Tinchfleldasked.
    Imoistenedafingerandtouchedthewhitepowderandtastedit."Inasack
    offlour.Thatis,inthekitchenhere.It'sananklet.Somewomenwearthemand
    nevertakethemoff.Whoevertookthisoneoffdidn'thavethekey."
    Tinchfleldlookedatmebenignly.Heleanedbackandpattedonekneewitha
    largehandandsmiledremotelyatthepineboardceiling.Irolledacigarette
    aroundinmyfingersandsatdownagain.
    Tinchfleldrefoldedthepieceofnewspaperandputitbackinhispocket.
    "Well,Iguessthat'sallunlessyoucaretomakeasearchinmypresence."
    "No,"Isaid.
    "Itlookslikemeandyouaregoin'todoourthinkin'separate."
    "Mrs.Haineshadacar,Billsaid.AFord."
    "Yep.Abluecoupe.It'sdowntheroadapiece,hidinsomerocks."
    "Thatdoesn'tsoundmuchlikeaplannedmurder."
    "Idon'tfigureanythingwasplanned,son.Justcomeoverhimsudden.Maybe
    chokedher,andhehasawfulpowerfulhands.Thereheisstuckwithabodyto
    disposeof.Hedoneitthebestwayhecouldthinkofandforapegleghedone
    prettydamnwell."
    "Thecarsoundsmorelikeasuicide,"Isaid."Aplannedsuicide.People
    havebeenknowntocommitsuicideinsuchawayastomakeamurdercasestick
    againstsomebodytheyweremadat.Shewouldn'ttakethecarfaraway,because
    hehadtowalkback."
    Tinchfleldsaid:"Billwouldn'tneither.Thatcarwouldbemightyawkward
    forhimtodrive,himbeingusedtousehisleftfoot."
    "HeshowedmethatnotefromBerylbeforewefoundthebody,"Isaid."And
    Iwastheonethatwalkedoutonthepierfirst."
    "Youandmecouldgetalong,son.Well,we'llsee.Bill'sagoodfellerat
    heartexcepttheseveteransgivethemselvestoomanyprivilegesinmyopinion.

    Someof'emdidthreeweeksinacampandactliketheywaswoundedninetimes.
    BillmusthavebeenmightysentimentalaboutthispieceofchainIfound."
    Hegotupandwenttotheopendoor.Hespathischawoutintothedark.
    "I'mamansixtytwoyearsofage,"hesaidoverhisshoulder."I'veknownfolks
    todoallmanneroffunnythings.Iwouldsayoffhandthatjumpin'intoacold
    lakewithallyourclotheson,andswimmin'hardtogetdownunderthatboard,
    andthenjustdyin'therewasafunnythingtodo.Ontheotherhand,sinceI'm
    tellin'youallmysecretsandyouain'ttellin'menothing,I'vehadtospeak
    toBillanumberoftimesforslappinghiswifearoundwhenhewasdrunk.That
    ain'tgoin'tosoundgoodtoajury.Andifthisherelittlechaincomeoff
    BerylHaines'leg,it'sjustaboutenoughtosethiminthatnicenewgas
    chambertheygotupnorth.Andyouandmemightaswellmoseyonhome,son.,'
    Istoodup.
    "Anddon'tgosmokin'thatcigaretteonthehighway,"headded."It's
    contrarytothelawuphere."
    Iputtheunlitcigarettebackinmypocketandsteppedoutintothenight.
    Tinchfleldswitchedthelampoffandlockedupthecabinandputthekeyinhis
    pocket."Whereatareyoustain',son?"
    "I'mgoingdowntotheOlympiainSanBernardino."
    "It'saniceplace,buttheydon'thavetheclimatewehaveuphere.Too
    hot."
    "Ilikeithot,"Isaid.
    WewalkedbacktotheroadandTinchfleldturnedtotheright."Mycar'sup
    apiecetowardstheendofthelake.I'llsaygoodnighttoyou,son."
    "Goodnight,Sheriff.Idon'tthinkhemurderedher."
    Hewasalreadywalkingoff.Hedidn'tturn."Well,we'llsee,"hesaid
    quietly.
    Iwentbacktothegateandclimbeditandfoundmycarandstartedback
    downthenarrowroadpastthewaterfall.AtthehighwayIturnedwesttowards
    thedamandthegradetothevalley.
    OnthewayIdecidedthatifthecitizensaroundPumaLakedidn'tkeep
    Tinchfleldconstable,theywouldbemakingaverybadmistake.

    SixMeltonUpsTheAnte

    ItwaspasttenthirtywhenIgottothebottomofthegradeandparkedinone
    ofthediagonalslotsinfrontoftheHotelOlympiainSanBernardino.Ipulled
    anovernightbagoutofthebackofmycarandhadtakenaboutfourstepswith
    itwhenabellhopinbraidedpantsandawhiteshirtandblackbowtiehadit
    outofmyhand.
    Theclerkondutywasaneggheadedmanwithnointerestinme.Isigned
    theregister.
    ThehopandIrodeafourbyfourelevatortothesecondfloorandwalkeda
    coupleofblocksaroundthecorners.Aswewalkeditgothotterandhotter.The
    hopunlockedadoorintoaboy'ssizeroomwithonewindowonanairshaft.
    Thehop,whowastall,thin,yellow,andascoolasasliceofchickenin
    aspic,movedhisgumaroundinhisface,putmybagonachair,openedthe
    windowandstoodlookingatme.Hehadeyesthecolorofadrinkofwater.
    "Bringusupsomegingeraleandglassesandice,"Isaid.
    "Us?"
    "Thatis,ifyouhappentobeadrinkingman."
    "AfterelevenIreckonImighttakeachance."
    "It'snowtenthirtynine,"Isaid."IfIgiveyouadime,willyousay'I
    sho'lydothankyou'?"
    Hegrinnedandsnappedhisgum.
    Hewentout,leavingthedooropen.Itookoffmycoatandunstrappedmy
    holster.Itwaswearinggroovesinmyhide.Iremovedmytie,shirt,undershirt
    andwalkedaroundtheroominthedraftfromtheopendoor.Thedraftsmelledof
    hotiron.Iwentintothebathroomsidewaysitwasthatkindofbathroom
    dousedmyselfwithcoldwaterandwasbreathingmorefreely,whenthetall,
    languidhopreturnedwithatray.HeshutthedoorandIbroughtoutmybottle.
    Hemixedacoupleofdrinksandwedrank.Theperspirationstartedfromtheback
    ofmyneckdownmyspine,butIfeltbetterallthesame.Isatonthebed
    holdingmyglassandlookingatthehop.
    "Howlongcanyoustay?"
    "Doingwhat?"
    "Remembering."
    "Iain'tadamnbitofuseatit."

    "Ihavemoneytospend,"Isaid,"inmyownpeculiarway."Itookmywallet
    frommycoatandspreadbillsalongthebed.
    "Ibegyorepardon,"thehopsaid."You'reacopper?"
    "Private."
    "I'minterested.Thislikkermakesmymindwork."
    Igavehimadollarbill."Trythatonyourmind.CanIcallyouTex?"
    "Youdoneguessedit,"hedrawled,tuckingthebillneatlyintothewatch
    pocketofhispants.
    "WherewereyouonFridaythetwelfthofAugust,inthelateafternoon?"
    Hesippedhisdrinkandthought,shakingtheiceverygentlyanddrinking
    pasthisgum."Here.Fourtotwelveshift,"heansweredfinally.
    "AladynamedMrs.GeorgeAtkins,asmall,slim,prettyblonde,checkedin
    andstayeduntiltimeforthenighttraineast.Sheputhercarinthehotel
    garageandIbelieveitisstillthere.Iwanttheladthatcheckedherin.That
    winsanotherdollar."Iseparateditfrommystakeandlaiditbyitselfonthe
    bed.
    "Isho'lydothankyou,"thehopsaid,grinning.Hefinishedhisdrinkand
    lefttheroom,closingthedoorquietly.Ifinishedmydrinkandmadeanother.
    Timepassed.Finallythewalltelephonerang.Iwedgedmyselfintoasmallspace
    betweenthebathroomdoorandthebedandansweredit.
    "ThatwasSonny.Offateighttonight.Hecanbereached,Ireckon."
    "Howsoon?"
    "Youwanthimover?"
    "Yeah."
    "Halfanhour,ifhe'shome.Anotherboycheckedherout.Afellowwecall
    Les.He'shere."
    "Okay.Shoothimup."
    Ifinishedmyseconddrinkandthoughtwellenoughofittomixathird
    beforetheicemelted.Iwasstirringitwhentheknockcame,andIopenedtoa
    small,wiry,carrotheaded,greeneyedratwithatightlittlegirlishmouth.
    "Drink?"
    "Sure,"hesaid.Hepouredhimselfalargeoneandaddedawhisperof
    mixer.Heputthemixturedowninoneswallow,tuckedacigarettebetweenhis
    lipsandsnappedamatchalightwhileitwasstillcomingupfromhispocket.He

    blewsmoke,fanneditwithhishand,andstaredatmecoldly.Inoticed,
    stitchedoverhispocketinsteadofanumber,theword_Captain._
    "Thanks,"Isaid."Thatwillbeall."
    "Huh?"Hismouthtwistedunpleasantly.
    "Beatit."
    "Ithoughtyouwantedtoseeme,"hesnarled.
    "You'rethenightbellcaptain?"
    "Check."
    "Iwantedtobuyyouadrink.Iwantedtogiveyouabuck.Here.Thanksfor
    comingup."
    Hetookthedollarandhungthere,smoketrailingfromhisnose,hiseyes
    beadyandmean.Heturnedthenwithaswift,tightshrugandslippedoutofthe
    roomsoundlessly.
    Tenminutespassed,thenanotherknock,verylight.WhenIopenedthelanky
    ladstoodtheregrinning.Iwalkedawayfromhimandheslippedinsideandcame
    overbesidethebed.Hewasstillgrinning.
    "Youdidn'ttaketoLes,huh?"
    "No.Ishesatisfied?"
    "Ireckonso.Youknowwhatcaptainsare.Havetohavetheircut.Maybeyou
    bettercallmeLes,Mr.Dalmas."
    "Soyoucheckedherout."
    "NotifMrs.GeorgeAtkinswashername,Ididn't."
    ItookthephotoofJuliafrommypocketandshowedittohim.Helookedat
    itcarefully,foralongtime."Shelookedlikethat,"hesaid."Shegaveme
    fourbits,andinthislittletownthatgetsyouremembered.Mrs.HowardMelton
    wasthename.There'sbeentalkabouthercar.Iguesswejustdon'thavemuch
    totalkabouthere."
    "Uhhuh.Wheredidshegofromhere."
    "Shetookahacktothedepot.Youusenicelikker,Mr.Dalmas."
    "Excuseme.Helpyourself."WhenhehadIsaid:"Rememberanythingabout
    her?Shehaveanyvisitors?"
    "No,sir.ButIdorecallsomething.Atall,goodlookin'jasper.She
    didn'tseempleasedtoseehim."
    "Ah."Itookanotherphotooutofmypocketandshowedittohim.He
    studiedthatcarefullyalso.

    "Thisdon'tlookquitesomuchlikeher.ButI'msureit'sthegentlemanI
    spokeof."
    Hepickedupbothphotosagainandheldthemsidebyside.Helookeda
    littlepuzzled."Yes,sir.That'shimallright,"hesaid.
    "You'reanaccommodatingguy,"Isaid."You'drememberalmostanything,
    wouldn'tyou?"
    "Idon'tgetyou,sir."
    "Takeanotherdrink.Ioweyoufourbucks.That'sfiveinall.It'snot
    worthit.Youhopsarealwaystryingtopullsomegag."
    Hetookaverysmalloneandbalanceditinhishand,hisyellowface
    puckered."IdothebestIcan,"hesaidstiffly.Hedrankhisdrink,putthe
    glassdownsilentlyandmovedtothedoor."Youcankeepyourgoddammoney,"he
    said.Hetookthedollaroutofhiswatchpocketandthrewitonthefloor."To
    hellwithyou,you"hesaidsoftly.
    Hewentout.
    Ipickedupthetwophotosandheldthemsidebysideandscowledatthem.
    Afteralongmomentanicyfingertouchedmyspine.Ithadtoucheditonce
    before,verybriefly,butIhadshakenoffthefeeling.Itcamebacknowto
    stay.
    Iwenttothetinydeskandgotanenvelopeandputafivedollarbillin
    itandsealeditandwrote"Les"onit.Iputmyclothesonandmybottleonmy
    hipandpickedupmyovernightbagandlefttheroom.
    Downinthelobbytheredheadjumpedatme.Lesstayedbackbyapillar,
    hisarmsfolded,silent.Iwenttothedeskandaskedformybill.
    "Anythingwrong,sir?"Theclerklookedtroubled.
    Ipaidthebillandwalkedouttomycarandthenturnedandwentbackto
    thedesk.Igavetheclerktheenvelopewiththefiveinit."Givethistothe
    Texasboy,Les.He'smadatme,buthe'llgetoverit."
    ImadeGlendalebefore2a.m.andlookedaroundforaplacewhereIcould
    phone.Ifoundanallnightgarage.
    Igotoutdimesandnickels,anddialedtheoperatorandgotMelton's
    numberinBeverlyHills.Hisvoice,whenitfinallycameoverthewire,didn't
    soundverysleepy.
    "Sorrytocallatthishour,"Isaid,"butyoutoldmeto.ItracedMrs.
    MeltontoSanBernardinoandtothedepotthere."

    "Weknewthatalready,"hesaidcrossly.
    "Well,itpaystobesure.Haines'cabinhasbeensearched.Nothingmuch
    found.IfyouthoughtheknewwhereMrs.Melton"
    "Idon'tknowwhatIthought,"hebrokeinsharply."Afterwhatyoutoldme
    Ithoughttheplaceoughttobesearched.Isthatallyouhavetoreport?"
    "No."Ihesitatedalittle."I'vehadabaddream.Idreamedtherewasa
    woman'sbaginachairinthatChesterLanehousethismorning.Itwaspretty
    darkintherefromthetreesandIforgottoremoveit."
    "Whatcolorbag?"Hisvoicewasasstiffasaclamshell.
    "Darkbluemaybeblack.Thelightwasbad."
    "You'dbettergobackandgetit,"hesnapped.
    "Why?"
    "That'swhatI'mpayingyoufivehundreddollarsforamongotherthings."
    "There'salimittowhatIhavetodoforfivehundredbucksevenifIhad
    them."
    Heswore."Listen,fella.Ioweyoualot,butthisisuptoyouandyou
    can'tletmedown."
    "Well,theremightbeaflockofcopsonthefrontstep.Andthenagainthe
    placemightbequietasapetflea.EitherwayIdon'tlikeit.I'vehadenough
    ofthathouse."
    TherewasadeepsilencefromMelton'send.Itookalongbreathandgave
    himsomemore:"What'smore,Ithinkyouknowwhereyouwifeis,Melton.Goodwin
    ranintoherinthehotelinSanBernardino.Hehadacheckofhersafewdays
    ago.YoumetGoodwinonthestreet.Youhelpedhimgetthecheckcashed,
    indirectly.Ithinkyouknow.Ithinkyoujusthiredmetobacktrackoverher
    trailandseethatitwasproperlycovered."
    Therewasmoreheavysilencefromhim.Whenhespokeagainitwasina
    small,chastenedvoice."Youwin,Dalmas.Yeahitwasblackmailallright,on
    thatcheckbusiness.ButIdon'tknowwheresheis.That'sstraight.Andthat
    baghastobegot.Howwouldsevenhundredandfiftysoundtoyou?"
    "Better.WhendoIgetit?"
    "Tonight,ifyou'lltakeacheck.Ican'tmakebetterthaneightydollars
    incashbeforetomorrow."

    Ihesitatedagain.IknewbythefeelofmyfacethatIwasgrinning.
    "Okay,"Isaidatlast."It'sadeal.I'llgetthebagunlessthere'saflockof
    johnsthere."
    "Whereareyounow?"Healmostwhistledwithrelief.
    "Azusa.It'lltakemeaboutanhourtogetthere,"Ilied.
    "Steponit,"hesaid."You'llfindmeagoodguytoplayballwith.You're
    inthisprettydeepyourself,fella."
    "I'musedtojams,"Isaid,andhungup.

    SevenAPairOfFallGuys

    IdrovebacktoChevyChaseBoulevardandalongittothefootofChesterLane
    whereIdimmedmylightsandturnedin.Idrovequicklyuparoundthecurveto
    thenewhouseacrossfromGoodwin'splace.Therewasnosignoflifearoundit,
    nocarsinfront,nosignofastakeoutthatIcouldspot.ThatwasachanceI
    hadtotake,likeanotherandworseoneIwastaking.
    Idroveintothedrivewayofthehouseandgotoutandliftedupthe
    unlockedswingupgaragedoor.Iputmycarinside,loweredthedoorandsnaked
    backacrossthestreetasifIndianswereafterme.Iusedallthecoverof
    Goodwin'streestothebackyardandputmyselfbehindthebiggestofthem
    there.Isatdownonthegroundandallowedmyselfasipfrommypintofrye.
    Timepassed,withadeadlyslowness.Iexpectedcompany,butIdidn'tknow
    howsoon.ItcamesoonerthanIexpected.
    InaboutfifteenminutesacarcameupChesterLaneandIcaughtafaint
    glistenofitbetweenthetrees,alongthesideofthehouse.Itwasrunning
    withoutlights.Ilikedthat.Ashadowmovedwithoutsoundatthecornerofthe
    house.Itwasasmallshadow,afootshorterthanMelton'swouldhavebeen.He
    couldn'thavedrivenfromBeverlyHillsinthattimeanyway.
    Thentheshadowwasatthebackdoor,thebackdooropened,andtheshadow
    vanishedthroughitintodeeperdarkness.Thedoorclosedsilently.Igotupon
    myfeetandsneakedacrossthesoft,moistgrass.IsteppedsilentlyintoMr.
    Goodwin'sporchandfromthereintohiskitchen.Istoodstill,listeninghard.
    Therewasnosound,nolightbeyondme.Itookthegunoutfromundermyarmand

    squeezedthebuttdownatmyside.Ibreathedshallowly,fromthetopofmy
    lungs.Thenafunnythinghappened.Acrackoflightappearedsuddenlyunderthe
    swingdoortothediningroom.Theshadowhadturnedthelightsup.Careless
    shadow!Iwalkedacrossthekitchenandpushedtheswingdooropenandleftit
    thatway.Thelightpouredintothealcovediningroomfrombeyondtheliving
    roomarch.Iwentthatway,carelesslymuchtoocarelessly.Isteppedpastthe
    arch.
    Avoiceatmyelbowsaid:"Dropitandkeeponwalking."Ilookedather.
    Shewassmall,prettyafterafashion,andhergunpointedatmysidevery
    steadily.
    "You'renotclever,"shesaid."Areyou?"
    Iopenedmyhandandletthegunfall.Iwalkedfourstepsbeyonditand
    turned.
    "No,"Isaid.
    Thewomansaidnothingmore.Shemovedaway,circlingalittle,leavingthe
    gunonthefloor.Shecircleduntilshefacedme.Ilookedpastheratthe
    cornerchairwiththefootstool.Whitebuckshoesstillrestedonthefootstool.
    Mr.LanceGoodwinstillsatnegligentlyinthechair,withhislefthandonthe
    widebrocadedarmandhisrighttrailingtothesmallgunonthefloor.Thelast
    blooddrophadfrozenonhischin.Itlookedblackandhardandpermanent.His
    facehadawaxylooknow.
    Ilookedatthewomanagain.Sheworewellpressedblueslacksanda
    doublebreastedjacketandasmalltiltedhat.Herhairwaslongandcurledin
    attheendsanditwasadarkredcolorwithglintsofblueintheshadows
    dyed.Redspotsofhastilyappliedrougeburnedonhercheekstoohighup.She
    pointedhergunandsmiledatme.Itwasn'tthenicestsmileIhadeverseen.
    Isaid:"Goodevening,Mrs.Melton.Whatalotofgunsyoumustown."
    "Sitdowninthechairbehindyouandclaspyourhandsbehindyourneckand
    keepthemthere.That'simportant.Don'tgetcarelessaboutit."Sheshowedme
    herteethtohergums.
    Ididasshesuggested.Thesmiledroppedfromherfaceahardlittle
    face,eventhoughprettyinaconventionalsortofway."Justwait,"shesaid.
    "That'simportant,too.Maybeyoucouldguesshowimportantthatis."
    "Thisroomsmellsofdeath,"Isaid."Isupposethat'simportant,too."
    "Justwait,smartboy."

    "Theydon'thangwomenanymoreinthisstate,"Isaid."Buttwocostmore
    thanone.Alotmore.Aboutfifteenyearsmore.Thinkitover."
    Shesaidnothing.Shestoodfirmly,pointingthegun.Thiswasaheavier
    gun,butitdidn'tseemtobotherher.Herearswerebusywiththedistance.She
    hardlyheardme.Thetimepassed,asitdoes,inspiteofeverything.Myarms
    begantoache.
    Atlasthecame.Anothercardriftedquietlyupthestreetoutsideand
    stoppedanditsdoorclosedquietly.Silenceforamoment,thenthehousedoor
    atthebackopened.Hisstepswereheavy.Hecamethroughtheopenswingdoor
    andintothelightedroom.Hestoodsilent,lookingaroundit,ahardfrownon
    hisbigface.Helookedatthedeadmaninthechair,atthewomanwithhergun,
    lastofallatme.Hestoopedandpickedupmygunanddroppeditintohisside
    pocket.Hecametomequietly,almostwithoutrecognitioninhiseyes,stepped
    behindmeandfeltmypockets.Hetookoutthetwophotosandthetelegram.He
    steppedawayfromme,nearthewoman.Iputmyarmsdownandrubbedthem.They
    bothstaredatmequietly.
    Atlasthesaidsoftly:"Agag,eh?FirstoffIcheckedyourcallandfound
    outitcamefromGlendalenotfromAzusa.Idon'tknowjustwhyIdidthat,but
    Idid.ThenImadeanothercall.Thesecondcalltoldmetherewasn'tanybag
    leftinthisroom.Well?"
    "Whatdoyouwantmetosay?"
    "Whythetrickwork?What'sitallabout?"Hisvoicewasheavy,cold,but
    morethoughtfulthanmenacing.Thewomanstoodbesidehim,motionless,holding
    hergun.
    "Itookachance,"Isaid."Youtookonetoocominghere.Ihardlythought
    itwouldwork.Theidea,suchasitwas,thatyouwouldcallherquicklyabout
    thebag.Shewouldknowtherewasn'tone.YouwouldbothknowthenthatIwas
    tryingtopullsomething.You'dbeveryanxioustoknowwhatitwas.You'dbe
    prettysureIwasn'tworkingwithanylaw,becauseIknewwhereyouwereandyou
    couldhavebeenjumpedtherewithoutanytroubleatall.Iwantedtobringthe
    ladyoutofhidingthat'sall.Itookalongchance.Ifitdidn'twork,Ihad
    tothinkupabetterway."
    Thewomanmadeacontemptuoussoundandsaid:"I'dliketoknowwhyyou
    hiredthissnooperinthefirstplace,Howe."

    Heignoredher.Helookedatmesteadilyoutofstonyblackeyes.Iturned
    myheadandgavehimaquick,hardwink.Hismouthgotrigidatonce.Thewoman
    didn'tseeit.Shewastoofartotheside.
    "Youneedafallguy,Melton,"Isaid."Bad."
    Heturnedhisbodyalittlesothathisbackwaspartlytothewoman.His
    eyesatemyface.Heliftedhiseyebrowsalittleandhalfnodded.Hestill
    thoughtIwasforsale.
    Hediditnicely.Heputasmileonhisfaceandturnedtowardsherand
    said,"Howaboutgettingoutofhereandtalkingitoverinasaferplace?"and
    whileshewaslisteningandhermindwasonthequestionhisbighandstruck
    downsharplyatherwrist.Sheyelpedandthegundropped.Shereeledbackand
    clenchedbothherfistsandspatathim.
    "Aw,gositdownandgetwisetoyourself,"hesaiddryly.
    Hestoopedandpickeduphergunanddroppeditintohisotherpocket.He
    smiledthen,alargeconfidentsmile.Hehadforgottensomethingcompletely.I
    almostlaughedinspiteofthespotIwasin.Thewomansatdowninachair
    behindhimandleanedherheadinherhandsbroodingly.
    "Youcantellmeaboutitnow,"Meltonsaidcheerfully."WhyIneedafall
    guy,asyousay."
    "Iliedtoyouoverthephonealittle.AboutHaines'cabin.There'sawise
    oldcountrycopuptherewhowentthroughitwithasifter.Hefoundagold
    ankletintheflourbag,cutthroughwithpliers."
    Thewomanletoutaqueeryelp.Meltondidn'tevenbothertolookather.
    Shewasstaringatmewithallhereyesnow.
    "Hemightfigureitout,"Isaid,"andhemightnot.Hedoesn'tknowMrs.
    MeltonstayedoverattheHotelOlympia,foronething,andthatshemetGoodwin
    there.Ifheknewthat,he'dbewiseinasecond.Thatis,ifhehadphotosto
    showthebellhops,thewayIhad.ThehopwhocheckedMrs.Meltonoutand
    rememberedheronaccountofherleavinghercartherewithoutanyinstructions
    rememberedGoodwin,rememberedhimspeakingtoher.Hesaidshewasstartled.He
    wasn'tsosureaboutMrs.Meltonfromthephotos.HeknewMrs.Melton."
    Meltonopenedhismouthalittleinaqueergrimaceandgratedtheedgesof
    histeethtogether.Thewomanstoodupnoiselesslybehindhimanddriftedback,
    inchbyinch,intothedarkbackpartoftheroom.Ididn'tlookather.Melton
    didn'tseemtohearhermove.

    Isaid:"Goodwintrailedherintotown.Shemusthavecomebybusorina
    rentcar,becauseshelefttheotherinSanBernardino.Hetrailedhertoher
    hideoutwithoutherknowingit,whichwasprettysmart,sinceshemusthavebeen
    onherguard,andthenhejumpedher.ShestalledhimforawhileIdon'tknow
    withwhatstoryandhemusthavehadherwatchedeveryminute,becauseshe
    didn'tslipawayfromhim.Thenshecouldn'tstallhimanylongerandshegave
    himthatcheck.Thatwasjustaretainer.Hecamebackformoreandshefixed
    himuppermanentlyoverthereinthechair.Youdidn'tknowthat,oryouwould
    neverhaveletmecomeoutherethismorning."
    Meltonsmiledgrimly."Right,Ididn'tknowthat,"hesaid."IsthatwhatI
    needafallguyfor?"
    Ishookmyhead."Youdon'tseemtowanttounderstandme,"Isaid."Itold
    youGoodwinknewMrs.Meltonpersonally.That'snotnews,isit?Whatwould
    GoodwinhaveonMrs.Meltontoblackmailherfor?Nothing.Hewasn't
    blackmailingMrs.Melton.Mrs.Meltonisdead.Shehasbeendeadforeleven
    days.ShecameupoutofLittleFawnLaketodayinBerylHaines'clothes.
    That'swhatyouneedafallguyforandyouhaveone,twoofthem,madeto
    order."
    Thewomanintheshadowsoftheroomstoopedandpickedsomethingupand
    rushed.Shepantedassherushed.Meltonturnedhardandhishandsjerkedathis
    pockets,buthehesitatedjusttoolong,lookingatthegunshehadsnatchedup
    fromthefloorbesideGoodwin'sdeadhand,thegunthatwasthethinghehad
    forgottenabout.
    "You!"shesaid.
    Hestillwasn'tveryscared.Hemadeplacatingmovementswithhisempty
    hands."Okay,honey,we'llplayityourway,"hesaidsoftly.Hehadalongarm.
    Hecouldreachhernow.Hehaddoneitalreadywhensheheldagun.Hetriedit
    oncemore.Heleanedtowardsherquicklyandswepthishand.Iputmyfeetunder
    meanddivedforhislegs.Itwasalongdivetoolong.
    "I'dmakeaswellfallguy,wouldn'tI?"shesaidraspingly,andstepped
    back.Thegunbangedthreetimes.
    Hejumpedatherwiththeslugsinhim,andfellhardagainstherand
    carriedhertothefloor.Sheoughttohavethoughtofthattoo.Theycrashed
    together,hisbigbodypinningherdown.Shewailedandanarmwaveduptowards
    meholdingthegun.Ismackeditoutofherhand.Igrabbedathispocketsand

    gotmygunoutandjumpedawayfromthem.Isatdown.Thebackofmyneckfelt
    likeapieceofice.Isatdownandheldthegunonmykneeandwaited.
    Hisbighandreachedoutandtookholdoftheclawshapedlegofa
    davenportandwhitenedonthewood.Hisbodyarchedandrolledandthewoman
    wailedagain.Hisbodyrolledbackandsaggedandthehandletgoofthe
    davenportleg.Thefingersuncurledquietlyandlaylimponthenapofthe
    carpet.Therewasachokingrattleandsilence.
    Shefoughtherwayoutfromunderhimandgottoherfeetpanting,glaring
    likeananimal.Sheturnedwithoutasoundandran.Ididn'tmove.Ijustlet
    hergo.
    Iwentoverandbentdownabovethebig,sprawledmanandheldafinger
    hardagainstthesideofhisneck.Istoodtheresilently,leaningdown,feeling
    forapulse,andlistening.Istraightenedupslowlyandlistenedsomemore.No
    sirens,nocar,nonoise.Justthedeadstillnessoftheroom.Iputmygunback
    undermyarmandputthelightoutandopenedthefrontdoorandwalkeddownthe
    pathtothesidewalk.Nothingmovedonthestreet.Abigcarstoodatthecurb,
    besidethefireplug,upatthedeadendbeyondGoodwin'splace.Icrossedthe
    streettothenewhouseandgotmycaroutofitsgarageandshutthegarageup
    againandstartedforPumaLakeagain.

    EightKeepTinchfieldConstable

    Thecabinstoodinahollow,infrontofagrowthofjackpines.Abigbarnlike
    garagewithcordwoodpiledononesidewasopentothemorningsunand
    Tinchfield'scarglistenedinsideit.Therewasacleatedwalkdowntothefront
    doorandsmokelispedfromthechimney.
    Tinchfleldopenedthedoorhimself.Heworeanoldgrayrollcollarsweater
    andhiskhakipants.Hewasfreshshavedandassmoothasababy.
    "Well,stepin,son,"hesaidpeacefully."Iseeyougotoworkbrightand
    early.Soyoudidn'tgodownthehilllastnight,eh?"
    IwentpasthimintothecabinandsatinanoldBostonrockerwitha
    crochetedantimacassaroveritsback.Irockedinitanditgaveoutahomey
    squeak.

    "Coffee'sjustaboutreadytopour,"Tinchfleldsaidgenially."Emma'lllay
    aplateforyou.Yougotakindoftuckeredoutlook,son."
    "Iwentbackdownthehill,"Isaid."Ijustcamebackup.Thatwasn't
    BerylHainesinthelakeyesterday."
    Tinchfleldsaid:"Well,Iswan."
    "Youdon'tseemahellofalotsurprised,"Igrowled.
    "Idon'tsurpriserighteasy,son.Particularlybeforebreakfast."
    "ItwasJuliaMelton,"Isaid."ShewasmurderedbyHowardMeltonand
    BerylHaines.ShewasdressedinBeryl'sclothesandputdownunderthose
    boards,sixfeetunderwater,sothatshewouldstaylongenoughnottolook
    likeJuliaMelton.Boththewomenwereblondes,ofthesamesizeandgeneral
    appearance.Billsaidtheywereenoughaliketobesisters.Nottwinsisters,
    probably."
    "Theyweresomealike,"Tinchfleldsaid,staringatmegravely.Heraised
    hisvoice."Emma!"
    Astoutwomaninaprintdressopenedtheinnerdoorofthecabin.An
    enormouswhiteapronwastiedaroundwhathadoncebeenherwaist.Asmellof
    coffeeandfryingbaconrushedout.
    "Emma,thisisDetectiveDalmasfromLosAngeles.Layanotherplateand
    I'llpullthetableoutfromthewallaways.He'samitetiredandhungry."
    Thestoutwomanduckedherheadandsmiledandputsilveronthetable.
    Wesatdownandatebaconandeggsandhotcakesanddrankcoffeebythe
    quart.Tinchfleldatelikefourmenandhiswifeatelikeabirdandkept
    hoppingupanddownlikeabirdtogetmorefood.
    WefinishedatlastandMrs.Tinchfleldgatheredupthedishesandshut
    herselfinthekitchen.Tinchfleldcutalargesliceofplugandtuckedit
    carefullyintohisfaceandIsatdownintheBostonrockeragain.
    "Well,son,"hesaid,"IguessI'mreadyfortheword.Iwasamiteanxious
    aboutthatpieceofgoldchainbein'hidwhereitwas,whatwiththelakeso
    handy.ButI'maslowthinker.WhatmakesyouthinkMeltonmurderedhiswife?"
    "BecauseBerylHainesisstillalive,withherhairdyedred."
    Itoldhimmystory,allofit,factbyfact,concealingnothing.Hesaid
    nothinguntilIhadfinished.

    "Well,son,"hesaidthen,"youdoneamightysmartpieceofdetectin'work
    therewhatwithalittleluckinacoupleofplaces,likeweallhavetohave.
    Butyoudidn'thavenobusinesstobedoin'itatall,didyou?"
    "No.ButMeltontookmeforarideandplayedmeforasucker.I'ma
    stubbornsortofguy."
    "WhatfordoyoureckonMeltonhiredyou?"
    "Hehadto.Itwasanecessarypartofhisplantohavethebodycorrectly
    identifiedintheend,perhapsnotforsometime,perhapsnotuntilafterithad
    beenburiedandthecaseclosed.Buthehadtohaveitidentifiedintheendin
    ordertogethiswife'smoney.Thatorwaitforyearstohavethecourtsdeclare
    herlegallydead.Whenitwascorrectlyidentified,hewouldhavetoshowthat
    hehadmadeanefforttofindher.Ifhiswifewasakleptomaniac,ashesaid,
    hehadagoodexcuseforhiringaprivatedickinsteadofgoingtothepolice.
    Buthehadtodosomething.AlsotherewasthemenaceofGoodwin.Hemighthave
    plannedtokillGoodwinandframemeforit.Hecertainlydidn'tknowBerylhad
    beathimtoit,orhewouldn'thaveletmegotoGoodwin'shouse.
    "AfterthatandIwasfoolishenoughtocomeupherebeforeIhadreported
    Goodwin'sdeathtotheGlendalepoliceheprobablythoughtIcouldbehandled
    withmoney.Themurderitselfwasfairlysimple,andtherewasanangletoit
    thatBeryldidn'tknoworthinkabout.Shewasprobablyinlovewithhim.An
    underprivilegedwomanlikethat,withadrunkenhusband,wouldbeapttogofor
    aguylikeMelton.
    "Meltoncouldn'thaveknownthebodywouldbefoundyesterday,becausethat
    waspureaccident,buthewouldhavekeptmeonthejobandkepthintingaround
    untilitwasfound.HeknewHaineswouldbesuspectedofmurderinghiswifeand
    thenotesheleftwaswordedtosoundabitunlikearealsuicidenote.Melton
    knewhiswifeandHainesweregettingtighttogetheruphereandplayinggames.
    "HeandBeryljustwaitedfortherighttime,whenHaineshadgoneoffto
    thenorthshoreonabigdrunk.Berylmusthavetelephonedhimfromsomewhere.
    You'llbeabletocheckthat.Hecouldmakeituphereinthreehours'hard
    driving.Juliawasprobablystilldrinking.Meltonknockedherout,dressedher
    inBeryl'sclothesandputherdowninthelake.Hewasabigmanandcoulddo
    italone,withoutmuchtrouble.Berylwouldbeactingaslookoutdowntheonly
    roadintotheproperty.ThatgavehimachancetoplanttheankletintheHaines

    cabin.ThenherushedbacktotownandBerylputonJulia'sclothesandtook
    Julia'scarandluggageandwenttothehotelinSanBernardino.
    "ThereshewasunluckyenoughtobeseenandspokentobyGoodwin,whomust
    haveknownsomethingwaswrong,byherclothesorherbagsorperhapshearing
    herspokentoasMrs.Melton.Sohefollowedherintotownandyouknowthe
    rest.ThefactthatMeltonhadherlaythistrailshowstwothings,asIseeit.
    One,thatheintendedtowaitsometimebeforehavingthebodyproperly
    identified.ItwouldbealmostcertaintobeacceptedasthebodyofBeryl
    HainesonBill'ssayso,especiallyasthatputBillinaverybadspot.
    "TheotherthingisthatwhenthebodywasidentifiedasJuliaMelton,then
    thefalsetraillaidbyBerylwouldmakeitlookasthoughsheandBillhad
    committedthemurdertocollectherinsurance.IthinkMeltonmadeabadmistake
    byplantingthatankletwherehedid.Heshouldhavedroppeditintothelake,
    tiedtoaboltorsomething,andlateron,accidentallyonpurpose,fishedit
    out.PuttingitinHaines'cabinandthenaskingmeifHaines'cabinhadbeen
    searchedwasalittletoosloppy.Butplannedmurdersarealwayslikethat."
    Tinchfleldswitchedhischawtotheothersideofhisfaceandwenttothe
    doortospit.Hestoodintheopendoorwithhisbighandsclaspedbehindhim.
    "Hecouldn'thavepinnednothingonBeryl,"hesaidoverhisshoulder."Not
    withouthertalkin'agreatdeal,son.Didyouthinkofthat?"
    "Sure.Oncethepolicewerelookingforherandthecasebrokewideopenin
    thepapersImeantherealcasehewouldhavehadtobumpBeryloffandmake
    itlooklikeasuicide.Ithinkitmighthaveworked."
    "Youhadn'toughttohaveletthattheremurderin'womangetaway,son.
    There'sotherthingsyouhadn'toughttohavedone,butthatonewasbad."
    "Whosecaseisthis?"Igrowled."YoursortheGlendalepolice's?Beryl
    willbecaughtallright.She'skilledtwomenandshe'llfloponthenexttrick
    shetriestopull.Theyalwaysdo.Andthere'scollateralevidencetobedugup.
    That'spoliceworknotmine.Ithoughtyouwererunningforreelection,
    againstacoupleofyoungermen.Ididn'tcomebackupherejustforthe
    mountainair."
    Heturnedandlookedatmeslyly."Ikindoffiguredyouthoughtoldman
    Tinchfleldmightbesoftenoughtokeepyououtofjail,son."Thenhelaughed
    andslappedhisleg."KeepTinchfleldConstable,"heboomedatthebigoutdoors.
    "You'redarnrighttheywill.They'dbedumpfoolsnottoafterthis.Let's

    moseyonovertotheofficeandcallthe'cutordowninBerdoo."Hesighed.
    "JusttoodumpsmartthatMeltonwas,"hesaid."Ilikesimplefolks."
    "Metoo,"Isaid."That'swhyI'mhere."
    TheycaughtBerylHainesontheCaliforniaOregonline,doublingbacksouth
    toYrekainarentcar.Thehighwaypatrolstoppedherforaroutineborder
    fruitinspection,butshedidn'tknowthat.Shepulledanothergun.Shestill
    hadJuliaMelton'sluggageandJuliaMelton'sclothesandJuliaMelton's
    checkbook,withnineblankchecksinittracedfromoneofJuliaMelton's
    genuinesignatures.ThecheckcashedbyGoodwinprovedtobeanotherforgery.
    TinchfieldandthecountyprosecutorwenttobatformewiththeGlendale
    police,butIgothellfromthemjustthesame.FromVioletsM'GeeIgotthe
    largeandsucculentrazzberry,andfromthelateHowardMeltonIgotwhatwas
    leftofthefiftydollarshehadadvancedme.TheykeptTinchfleldconstable,by
    alandslide.

    PEARLSAREANUISANCE

    ItisquitetruethatIwasn'tdoinganythingthatmorningexceptlookingata
    blanksheetofpaperinmytypewriterandthinkingaboutwritingaletter.Itis
    alsoquitetruethatIdon'thaveagreatdealtodoanymorning.Butthatisno
    reasonwhyIshouldhavetogoouthuntingforoldMrs.Penruddock'spearl
    necklace.Idon'thappentobeapoliceman.
    ItwasEllenMacintoshwhocalledmeup,whichmadeadifference,of
    course."Howareyou,darling?"sheasked."Busy?"
    "Yesandno,"Isaid."Mostlyno.Iamverywell.Whatisitnow?"
    "Idon'tthinkyouloveme,Walter.Andanywayyououghttogetsomework
    todo.Youhavetoomuchmoney.SomebodyhasstolenMrs.Penruddock'spearlsand
    Iwantyoutofindthem."
    "Possiblyyouthinkyouhavethepolicedepartmentontheline,"Isaid
    coldly."ThisistheresidenceofWalterGage.Mr.Gagetalking."

    "Well,youcantellMr.GagefromMissEllenMacintosh,"shesaid,"thatif
    heisnotouthereinhalfanhour,hewillreceiveasmallparcelbyregistered
    mailcontainingonediamondengagementring."
    "Andalotofgooditdidme,"Isaid."Thatoldcrowwillliveforanother
    fiftyyears."
    ButshehadalreadyhungupsoIputmyhatonandwentdownanddroveoff
    inthePackard.ItwasanicelateAprilmorning,ifyoucareforthatsortof
    thing.Mrs.PenruddocklivedonawidequietstreetinCarondeletPark.The
    househadprobablylookedexactlythesameforthelastfiftyyears,butthat
    didn'tmakemeanybetterpleasedthatEllenMacintoshmightliveinitanother
    fiftyyears,unlessoldMrs.Penruddockdiedanddidn'tneedanurseanymore.
    Mr.Penruddockhaddiedafewyearsbefore,leavingnowill,athoroughly
    tangledupestate,andalistofpensionersaslongasastarboarder'sarm.
    Irangthefrontdoorbellandthedoorwasopened,notverysoon,bya
    littleoldwomanwithamaid'sapronandastrangledknotofgrayhaironthe
    topofherhead.Shelookedatmeasifshehadneverseenmebeforeanddidn't
    wanttoseemenow.
    "MissEllenMacintosh,please,"Isaid."Mr.WalterGagecalling."
    Shesniffed,turnedwithoutawordandwewentbackintothemustyrecesses
    ofthehouseandcametoaglassedinporchfullofwickerfurnitureandthe
    smellofEgyptiantombs.Shewentaway,withanothersniff.
    InamomentthedooropenedagainandEllenMacintoshcamein.Maybeyou
    don'tliketallgirlswithhoneycoloredhairandskinlikethefirststrawberry
    peachthegrocersneaksoutoftheboxforhimself.Ifyoudon't,I'msorryfor
    you.
    "Darling,soyoudidcome,"shecried."Thatwasniceofyou,Walter.Now
    sitdownandI'lltellyouallaboutit."
    Wesatdown.
    "Mrs.Penruddock'spearlnecklacehasbeenstolen,Walter."
    "Youtoldmethatoverthetelephone.Mytemperatureisstillnormal."
    "Ifyouwillexcuseaprofessionalguess,"shesaid,"itisprobably
    subnormalpermanently.Thepearlsareastringoffortyninematchedpinkones
    whichMr.PenruddockgavetoMrs.Penruddockforhergoldenweddingpresent.She
    hardlyeverworethemlately,exceptperhapsonChristmasorwhenshehada
    coupleofveryoldfriendsintodinnerandwaswellenoughtositup.Andevery

    Thanksgivingshegivesadinnertoallthepensionersandfriendsandold
    employeesMr.Penruddockleftonherhands,andsheworethemthen."
    "Youaregettingyourverbtensesalittlemixed,"Isaid,"butthegeneral
    ideaisclear.Goon."
    "Well,Walter,"Ellensaid,withwhatsomepeoplecallanarchlook,"the
    pearlshavebeenstolen.Yes,IknowthatisthethirdtimeItoldyouthat,but
    there'sastrangemysteryaboutit.Theywerekeptinaleathercaseinanold
    safewhichwasopenhalfthetimeandwhichIshouldjudgeastrongmancould
    openwithhisfingersevenwhenitwaslocked.Ihadtogothereforapaper
    thismorningandIlookedinatthepearlsjusttosayhello"
    "IhopeyourideainhangingontoMrs.Penruddockhasnotbeenthatshe
    mightleaveyouthatnecklace,"Isaidstiffly."Pearlsareallverywellfor
    oldpeopleandfatblondes,butfortallwillowy"
    "Ohshutup,darling,"Ellenbrokein."Ishouldcertainlynothavebeen
    waitingforthesepearlsbecausetheywerefalse."
    Iswallowedhardandstaredather."Well,"Isaid,withaleer,"Ihave
    heardthatoldPenruddockpulledsomecrosseyedrabbitsoutofthehat
    occasionally,butgivinghisownwifeastringofphonypearlsonhergolden
    weddinggetsmymoney."
    "Oh,don'tbesuchafool,Walter!Theywererealenoughthen.Thefactis
    Mrs.Penruddocksoldthemandhadimitationsmade.Oneofheroldfriends,Mr.
    LansingGallemoreoftheGallemoreJewelryCompany,handleditallforhervery
    quietly,becauseofcourseshedidn'twantanyonetoknow.Andthatiswhythe
    policehavenotbeencalledin.You_will_findthemforher,won'tyou,
    Walter?"
    "How?Andwhatdidshesellthemfor?"
    "BecauseMr.Penruddockdiedsuddenlywithoutmakinganyprovisionforall
    thesepeoplehehadbeensupporting.Thenthedepressioncame,andtherewas
    hardlyanymoneyatall.Onlyjustenoughtocarryonthehouseholdandpaythe
    servants,allofwhomhavebeenwithMrs.Penruddocksolongthatshewould
    ratherstarvethanletanyofthemgo."
    "That'sdifferent,"Isaid."Itakemyhatofftoher.Buthowthedickens
    amIgoingtofindthem,andwhatdoesitmatteranywayiftheywerefalse?"
    "Well,thepearlsimitations,Imeancosttwohundreddollarsandwere
    speciallymadeinBohemiaandittookseveralmonthsandthewaythingsareover

    therenowshemightneverbeabletogetanothersetofreallygoodimitations.
    Andsheisterrifiedsomebodywillfindouttheywerefalse,orthatthethief
    willblackmailher,whenhefindsouttheywerefalse.Yousee,darling,Iknow
    whostolethem."
    Isaid,"Huh?"awordIveryseldomuseasIdonotthinkitpartofthe
    vocabularyofagentleman.
    "Thechauffeurwehadhereafewmonths,Walterahorridbigbrutenamed
    HenryEichelberger.Heleftsuddenlythedaybeforeyesterday,fornoreasonat
    all.NobodyeverleavesMrs.Penruddock.Herlastchauffeurwasaveryoldman
    andhedied.ButHenryEichelbergerleftwithoutawordandI'msurehehad
    stolenthepearls.Hetriedtokissmeonce,Walter."
    "Oh,hedid,"Isaidinadifferentvoice."Triedtokissyou,eh?Whereis
    thisbigslabofmeat,darling?Haveyouanyideaatall?Itseemshardlylikely
    hewouldbehangingaroundonthestreetcornerformetopunchhisnosefor
    him."
    EllenloweredherlongsilkyeyelashesatmeandwhenshedoesthatIgo
    limpasascrubwoman'sbackhair.
    "Hedidn'trunaway.Hemusthaveknownthepearlswerefalseandthathe
    wassafeenoughtoblackmailMrs.Penruddock.Icalleduptheagencyhecame
    fromandhehasbeenbackthereandregisteredagainforemployment.Butthey
    saiditwasagainsttheirrulestogivehisaddress."
    "Whycouldn'tsomebodyelsehavetakenthepearls?Aburglar,for
    instance?"
    "Thereisnooneelse.Theservantsarebeyondsuspicionandthehouseis
    lockedupastightasaniceboxeverynightandtherewerenosignsofanybody
    havingbrokenin.BesidesHenryEichelbergerknewwherethepearlswerekept,
    becausehesawmeputtingthemawayafterthelasttimesheworethemwhichwas
    whenshehadtwoverydearfriendsintodinnerontheoccasionofthe
    anniversaryofMr.Penruddock'sdeath."
    "Thatmusthavebeenaprettywildparty,"Isaid."Allright,I'llgodown
    totheagencyandmakethemgivemehisaddress.Whereisit?"
    "ItiscalledtheAdaTwomeyDomesticEmploymentAgency,anditisinthe
    twohundredblockonEastSecond,averyunpleasantneighborhood."
    "NothalfasunpleasantasmyneighborhoodwillbetoHenryEichelberger,"
    Isaid."Sohetriedtokissyou,eh?"

    "Thepearls,Walter,"Ellensaidgently,"aretheimportantthing.Ido
    hopehehasn'talreadyfoundouttheyarefalseandthrownthemintheocean."
    "Ifhehas,I'llmakehimdiveforthem."
    "Heissixfeetthreeandverybigandstrong,Walter,"Ellensaidcoyly.
    "Butnothandsomelikeyou,ofcourse."
    "Justmysize,"Isaid."Itwillbeapleasure.Goodbye,darling."
    Shetookholdofmysleeve."Thereisjustonething,Walter.Idon'tmind
    alittlefightingbecauseitismanly.Butyoumustn'tcauseadisturbancethat
    wouldbringthepolicein,youknow.Andalthoughyouareverybigandstrong
    andplayedrighttackleatcollege,youarealittleweakaboutonething.Will
    youpromisemenottodrinkanywhiskey?"
    "ThisEichelberger,"Isaid,"isallthedrinkIwant."

    TheAdaTwomeyDomesticEmploymentAgencyonEastSecondStreetprovedtobeall
    thatthenameandlocationimplied.Theodoroftheanteroom,inwhichIwas
    compelledtowaitforashorttime,wasnotatallpleasant.Theagencywas
    presidedoverbyahardfacedmiddleagedwomanwhosaidthatHenryEichelberger
    wasregisteredwiththemforemploymentasachauffeur,andthatshecould
    arrangetohavehimcalluponme,orcouldbringhimtheretotheofficeforan
    interview.ButwhenIplacedatendollarbillonherdeskandindicatedthatit
    wasmerelyanearnestofgoodfaith,withoutprejudicetoanycommissionwhich
    mightbecomeduetoheragency,sherelentedandgavemehisaddress,whichwas
    outwestonSantaMonicaBoulevard,nearthepartofthecitywhichusedtobe
    calledSherman.
    Idroveouttherewithoutdelay,forfearthatHenryEichelbergermight
    telephoneinandbeinformedthatIwascoming.Theaddressprovedtobeaseedy
    hotel,convenientlyclosetotheinterurbancartracksandhavingitsentrance
    adjoiningaChineselaundry.Thehotelwasupstairs,thestepsbeingcoveredin
    placeswithstripsofdecayedrubbermattingtowhichwerescrewedirregular
    fragmentsofunpolishedbrass.ThesmelloftheChineselaundryceasedabout
    halfwayupthestairsandwasreplacedbyasmellofkerosene,cigarbutts,

    sleptinairandgreasypaperbags.Therewasaregisterattheheadofthe
    stairsonawoodenshelf.Thelastentrywasinpencil,threeweekspreviousas
    todate,andhadbeenwrittenbysomeonewithaveryunsteadyhand.Ideduced
    fromthisthatthemanagementwasnotoverparticular.
    Therewasabellbesidethebookandasignreading:MANAGER.Irangthe
    bellandwaited.Presentlyadooropeneddownthehallandfeetshuffledtowards
    mewithouthaste.Amanappearedwearingfrayedleatherslippersandtrousersof
    anamelesscolor,whichhadthetwotopbuttonsunlatchedtopermitmorefreedom
    tothesuburbsofhisextensivestomach.Healsoworeredsuspenders,hisshirt
    wasdarkenedunderthearms,andelsewhere,andhisfacebadlyneededathorough
    launderingandtrimming.
    Hesaid,"Fullup,bud,"andsneered.
    Isaid:"Iamnotlookingforaroom.IamlookingforoneEichelberger,
    who,Iaminformedliveshere,butwho,Iobserve,hasnotregisteredinyour
    book.Andthis,asofcourseyouknow,iscontrarytothelaw."
    "Awiseguy,"thefatmansneeredagain."Downthehall,bud.Two
    eighteen."Hewavedathumbthecolorandalmostthesizeofaburntbaked
    potato.
    "Havethekindnesstoshowmetheway,"Isaid.
    "Geez,thelootenantgovernor,"hesaid,andbegantoshakehisstomach.
    Hissmalleyesdisappearedinfoldsofyellowfat."O.K.,bud.Followon."
    Wewentintothegloomydepthsofthebackhallandcametoawoodendoor
    attheendwithaclosedwoodentransomaboveit.Thefatmansmotethedoor
    withafathand.Nothinghappened.
    "Out,"hesaid.
    "Havethekindnesstounlockthedoor,"Isaid."Iwishtogoinandwait
    forEichelberger."
    "Inapig'svalise,"thefatmansaidnastily,"Whothehellyouthinkyou
    are,bum?"
    Thisangeredme.Hewasafairsizedman,aboutsixfeettall,buttoofull
    ofthememoriesofbeer.Ilookedupanddownthedarkhall.Theplaceseemed
    utterlydeserted.
    Ihitthefatmaninthestomach.
    Hesatdownonthefloorandbelchedandhisrightkneecapcameintosharp
    contactwithhisjaw.Hecoughedandtearswelledupinhiseyes.

    "Cripes,bud,"hewhined."Yougottwentyyearsonme.Thatain'tfair."
    "Openthedoor,"Isaid."Ihavenotimetoarguewithyou."
    "Abuck,"hesaid,wipinghiseyesonhisshirt."Twobucksandnotip
    off."
    Itooktwodollarsoutofmypocketandhelpedthemantohisfeet.He
    foldedthetwodollarsandproducedanordinarypasskeywhichIcouldhave
    purchasedforfivecents.
    "Brother,yousock,"hesaid."Whereyoulearnit?Mostbigguysare
    musclebound."Heunlockedthedoor.
    "Ifyouhearanynoiseslateron,"Isaid,"ignorethem.Ifthereisany
    damage,itwillbepaidforgenerously."
    HenoddedandIwentintotheroom.Helockedthedoorbehindmeandhis
    stepsreceded.Therewassilence.
    Theroomwassmall,meanandtawdry.Itcontainedabrownchestofdrawers
    withasmallmirrorhangingoverit,astraightwoodenchair,awoodenrocking
    chair,asinglebedofchippedenamel,withamuchmendedcottoncounterpane.
    Thecurtainsatthesinglewindowhadflymarksonthemandthegreenshadewas
    withoutaslatatthebottom.Therewasawashbowlinthecornerwithtwo
    paperthintowelshangingbesideit.Therewas,ofcourse,nobathroom,and
    therewasnocloset.Apieceofdarkfiguredmaterialhangingfromashelfmade
    asubstituteforthelatter.BehindthisIfoundagraybusinesssuitofthe
    largestsizemade,whichwouldbemysize,ifIworereadymadeclothes,whichI
    donot.Therewasapairofblackbroguesonthefloor,sizenumbertwelveat
    least.Therewasalsoacheapfibersuitcase,whichofcourseIsearched,asit
    wasnotlocked.
    Ialsosearchedthebureauandwassurprisedtofindthateverythinginit
    wasneatandcleananddecent.Buttherewasnotmuchinit.Particularlythere
    werenopearlsinit.Isearchedinallotherlikelyandunlikelyplacesinthe
    roombutIfoundnothingofinterest.
    Isatonthesideofthebedandlitacigaretteandwaited.Itwasnow
    apparenttomethatHenryEichelbergerwaseitheraverygreatfoolorentirely
    innocent.Theroomandtheopentrailhehadleftbehindhimdidnotsuggesta
    mandealinginoperationslikestealingpearlnecklaces.
    Ihadsmokedfourcigarettes,morethanIusuallysmokeinanentireday,
    whenapproachingstepssounded.Theywerelightquickstepsbutnotatall

    clandestine.Akeywasthrustintothedoorandturnedandthedoorswung
    carelesslyopen.Amansteppedthroughitandlookedatme.
    Iamsixfeetthreeinchesinheightandweighovertwohundredpounds.
    Thismanwastall,butheseemedlighter.Heworeabluesergesuitofthekind
    whichiscalledneatforlackofanythingbettertosayaboutit.Hehadthick
    wiryblondhair,anecklikeaPrussiancorporalinacartoon,verywide
    shouldersandlargehardhands,andhehadafacethathadtakenmuchbattering
    initstime.HissmallgreenisheyesglintedatmewithwhatIthentooktobe
    evilhumor.Isawatoncethathewasnotamantotriflewith,butIwasnot
    afraidofhim.Iwashisequalinsizeandstrength,and,Ihadsmalldoubt,his
    superiorinintelligence.
    Istoodupoffthebedcalmlyandsaid:"Iamlookingforone
    Eichelberger."
    "Howyougetinhere,bud?"Itwasacheerfulvoice,ratherheavy,butnot
    unpleasanttotheear.
    "Theexplanationofthatcanwait,"Isaidstiffly."Iamlookingforone
    Eichelberger.Areyouhe?"
    "Haw,"themansaid."Agutbuster.Acomedian.Wait'llIloosenmybelt."
    HetookacoupleofstepsfartherintotheroomandItookthesamenumber
    towardshim.
    "MynameisWalterGage,"Isaid."AreyouEichelberger?"
    "Gimmeanickel,"hesaid,"andI'lltellyou."
    Iignoredthat."IamthefiancofMissEllenMacintosh,"Itoldhim
    coldly."Iaminformedthatyoutriedtokissher."
    HetookanothersteptowardsmeandIanothertowardshim."Whaddayamean
    tried?"hesneered.
    Iledsharplywithmyrightanditlandedflushonhischin.Itseemedto
    meagoodsolidpunch,butitscarcelymovedhim.Ithenputtwohardleftjabs
    intohisneckandlandedasecondhardrightatthesideofhisratherwide
    nose.Hesnortedandhitmeinthesolarplexus.
    Ibentoverandtookholdoftheroomwithbothhandsandspunit.WhenI
    haditnicelyspinningIgaveitafullswingandhitmyselfonthebackofthe
    headwiththefloor.ThismademelosemybalancetemporarilyandwhileIwas
    thinkingabouthowtoregainitawettowelbegantoslapatmyfaceandI

    openedmyeyes.ThefaceofHenryEichelbergerwasclosetomineandborea
    certainappearanceofsolicitude.
    "Bud,"hisvoicesaid,"yourstomachisasweakasaChinaman'stea."
    "Brandy!"Icroaked."Whathappened?"
    "Youtrippedonalittletearinthecarpet,bud.Youreallygottohave
    liquor?"
    "Brandy,"Icroakedagain,andclosedmyeyes.
    "Ihopeitdon'tgetmestarted,"hisvoicesaid.
    Adooropenedandclosed.Ilaymotionlessandtriedtoavoidbeingsickat
    mystomach.Thetimepassedslowly,inalonggrayveil.Thenthedoorofthe
    roomopenedandclosedoncemoreandamomentlatersomethinghardwasbeing
    pressedagainstmylips.Iopenedmymouthandliquorpoureddownmythroat.I
    coughed,butthefieryliquidcoursedthroughmyveinsandstrengthenedmeat
    once.Isatup.
    "Thankyou,Henry,"Isaid."MayIcallyouHenry?"
    "Notaxonit,bud."
    Igottomyfeetandstoodbeforehim.Hestaredatmecuriously."Youlook
    O.K.,"hesaid."Why'n'tyoutoldmeyouwassick?"
    "Damnyou,Eichelberger!"Isaidandhitwithallmystrengthontheside
    ofhisjaw.Heshookhisheadandhiseyesseemedannoyed.Ideliveredthree
    morepunchestohisfaceandjawwhilehewasstillshakinghishead.
    "Soyouwantaplayforkeeps!"heyelledandtookholdofthebedandthrew
    itatme.
    Idodgedthecornerofthebed,butindoingsoImovedalittletoo
    quicklyandlostmybalanceandpushedmyheadaboutfourinchesintothe
    baseboardunderthewindow.
    Awettowelbegantoslapatmyface.Iopenedmyeyes.
    "Listen,kid.Yougottwostrikesandnoballsonyou.Maybeyououghtatry
    alighterbat."
    "Brandy,"Icroaked.
    "You'lltakerye."HepressedaglassagainstmylipsandIdrank
    thirstily.ThenIclimbedtomyfeetagain.
    Thebed,tomyastonishment,hadnotmoved.IsatdownonitandHenry
    Eichelbergersatdownbesidemeandpattedmyshoulder.

    "Youandmecouldgetalong,"hesaid."Ineverkissedyourgirl,although
    Iain'tsayingIwouldn'tliketo.Isthatallisworryingatyou?"
    Hepouredhimselfhalfawaterglassfulofthewhiskeyoutofthepint
    bottlewhichhehadgoneouttobuy.Heswallowedtheliquorthoughtfully.
    "No,thereisanothermatter,"Isaid.
    "Shoot.Butnomorehaymakers.Promise?"
    Ipromisedhimratherreluctantly."WhydidyouleavetheemployofMrs.
    Penruddock?"Iaskedhim.
    Helookedatmefromunderhisshaggyblondeyebrows.Thenhelookedatthe
    bottlehewasholdinginhishand."Wouldyoucallmealooker?"heasked.
    "Well,Henry"
    "Don'tpansyuponme,"hesnarled.
    "No,Henry,Ishouldnotcallyouveryhandsome.Butunquestionablyyouare
    virile."
    Hepouredanotherhalfwaterglassfulofwhiskeyandhandedittome."Your
    turn,"hesaid.IdrankitdownwithoutfullyrealizingwhatIwasdoing.WhenI
    hadstoppedcoughingHenrytooktheglassoutofmyhandandrefilledit.He
    tookhisowndrinkmoodily.Thebottlewasnownearlyempty.
    "Supposeyoufellforadamewithallthelooksthissideofheaven.Witha
    maplikemine.Aguylikeme,aguyfromthestockyardsthatplayedhimselfa
    lotofverytoughleftendatacowcollegeandlefthislooksandeducationon
    thescoreboard.Aguythathasfoughteverythingbutwhalesandfreighthogs
    enginestoyouandlicked'emall,butnaturallyhadtotakeasocknowand
    then.ThenIgetajobwhereIseethislovelyallthetimeandeverydayand
    knowit'snodice.Whatwouldyoudo,pal?Me,Ijustquitthejob."
    "Henry,I'dliketoshakeyourhand,"Isaid.
    Heshookhandswithmelistlessly."SoIaskformytime,"hesaid."What
    elsewouldIdo?"Heheldthebottleupandlookedatitagainstthelight."Bo,
    youmadeanerrorwhenyouhadmegetthis.WhenIstartdrinkingit'saworld
    cruise.Yougotplentydough?"
    "Certainly,"Isaid."Ifwhiskeyiswhatyouwant,Henry,whiskeyiswhat
    youshallhave.IhaveaveryniceapartmentonFranklinAvenueinHollywoodand
    whileIcastnoaspersionsonyourownhumbleandofcoursequitetemporary
    abode,Inowsuggestwerepairtomyapartment,whichisagooddeallargerand
    givesonemoreroomtoextendone'selbow."Iwavedmyhandairily.

    "Say,you'redrunk,"Henrysaid,withadmirationinhissmallgreeneyes.
    "Iamnotyetdrunk,Henry,althoughIdoinfactfeeltheeffectofthat
    whiskeyandverypleasantly.Youmustnotmindmywayoftalkingwhichisa
    personalmatter,likeyourownclippedandconcisemethodofspeech.Butbefore
    wedepartthereisoneotherratherinsignificantdetailIwishtodiscusswith
    you.IamempoweredtoarrangeforthereturnofMrs.Penruddock'spearls.I
    understandthereissomepossibilitythatyoumayhavestolenthem."
    "Son,youtakesomeawfulchances,"Henrysaidsoftly.
    "Thisisabusinessmatter,Henry,andplaintalkisthebestwaytosettle
    it.Thepearlsareonlyfalsepearls,soweshouldveryeasilybeabletocome
    toanagreement.Imeanyounoillwill,Henry,andIamobligedtoyoufor
    procuringthewhiskey,butbusinessisbusiness.Willyoutakefiftydollarsand
    returnthepearlsandnoquestionsasked?"
    Henrylaughedshortlyandmirthlessly,butheseemedtohavenoanimosity
    inhisvoicewhenhesaid:"SoyouthinkIstolesomemarblesandamsitting
    aroundherewaitingforaflockofdickstoswarmme?"
    "Nopolicehavebeentold,Henry,andyoumaynothaveknownthepearls
    werefalse.Passtheliquor,Henry."
    Hepouredmemostofwhatwasleftinthebottle,andIdrankitdownwith
    thegreatestgoodhumor.Ithrewtheglassatthemirror,butunfortunately
    missed.Theglass,whichwasofheavyandcheapconstruction,fellonthefloor
    anddidnotbreak.HenryEichelbergerlaughedheartily.
    "Whatareyoulaughingat,Henry?"
    "Nothing,"hesaid."Iwasjustthinkingwhatasuckersomeguyisfinding
    outheisaboutthemmarbles."
    "Youmeanyoudidnotstealthepearls,Henry?"
    Helaughedagain,alittlegloomily."Yeah,"hesaid,"meaningno.Ioughta
    sockyou,butwhatthehell?Anyguycangetabumidea.No,Ididn'tstealno
    pearls,bud.Iftheywasringers,Iwouldn'tbebothered,andiftheywaswhat
    theylookedliketheonetimeIsawthemontheoldlady'sneck,Iwouldn't
    decidedlybeholedupinnocheapflatinL.A.waitingforacouplecarloadsof
    johnstoputthesneezeonme."
    Ireachedforhishandagainandshookit.
    "ThatisallIrequiredtoknow,"Isaidhappily."NowIamatpeace.We
    shallnowgotomyapartmentandconsiderwaysandmeanstorecoverthese

    pearls.YouandItogethershouldmakeateamthatcanconqueranyopposition,
    Henry."
    "Youain'tkiddingme,huh?"
    Istoodupandputmyhatonupsidedown."No,Henry.Iammakingyouan
    offerofemploymentwhichIunderstandyouneed,andallthewhiskeyyoucan
    drink.Letusgo.Canyoudriveacarinyourcondition?"
    "Hell,Iain'tdrunk,"Henrysaid,lookingsurprised.
    Welefttheroomandwalkeddownthedarkhallway.Thefatmanagervery
    suddenlyappearedfromsomenebulousshadeandstoodinfrontofusrubbinghis
    stomachandlookingatmewithsmallgreedyexpectanteyes."Everythingokey?"
    heinquired,chewingonatimedarkenedtoothpick.
    "Givehimabuck,"Henrysaid.
    "Whatfor,Henry?"
    "Oh,Idunno.Justgivehimabuck."
    Iwithdrewadollarbillfrommypocketandgaveittothefatman.
    "Thanks,pal,"Henrysaid.HechuckedthefatmanundertheAdam'sapple,
    andremovedthedollarbilldeftlyfrombetweenhisfingers."Thatpaysforthe
    hooch,"headded."Ihatetohavetobumdough."
    Wewentdownthestairsarminarm,leavingthemanagertryingtocoughthe
    toothpickupfromhisesophagus.

    Atfiveo'clockthatafternoonIawokefromslumberandfoundthatIwaslying
    onmybedinmyapartmentintheChateauMoraine,onFranklinAvenuenearIvar
    Street,inHollywood.Iturnedmyhead,whichached,andsawthatHenry
    Eichelbergerwaslyingbesidemeinhisundershirtandtrousers.Ithen
    perceivedthatIalsowasaslightlyattired.Onthetablenearbytherestood
    analmostfullbottleofOldPlantationryewhiskey,thefullquartsize,andon
    thefloorlayanentirelyemptybottleofthesameexcellentbrand.Therewere
    garmentslyinghereandthereonthefloor,andacigarettehadburnedaholein
    thebrocadedarmofoneofmyeasychairs.

    Ifeltmyselfovercarefully.Mystomachwasstiffandsoreandmyjaw
    seemedalittleswollenononeside.OtherwiseIwasnonetheworseforwear.A
    sharppaindartedthroughmytemplesasIstoodupoffthebed,butIignoredit
    andwalkedsteadilytothebottleonthetableandraisedittomylips.Aftera
    steadydraughtofthefieryliquidIsuddenlyfeltmuchbetter.Aheartyand
    cheerfulmoodcameovermeandIwasreadyforanyadventure.Iwentbacktothe
    bedandshookHenryfirmlybytheshoulder.
    "Wakeup,Henry,"Isaid."Thesunsethourisnigh.Therobinsarecalling
    andthesquirrelsarescoldingandthemorninggloriesfurlthemselvesin
    sleep."
    LikeallmenofactionHenryEichelbergercameawakewithhisfistdoubled.
    "Whatwasthatcrack?"hesnarled."Oh,yeah.Hi,Walter.Howyoufeel?"
    "Ifeelsplendid.Areyourested?"
    "Sure."Heswunghisshoelessfeettothefloorandrumpledhisthickblond
    hairwithhisfingers."Wewasgoingswelluntilyoupassedout,"hesaid."SoI
    hadmeanap.Ineverdrinksolo.YouO.K.?"
    "Yes,Henry,Ifeelverywellindeed.Andwehaveworktodo."
    "Swell."Hewenttothewhiskeybottleandquaffedfromitfreely.He
    rubbedhisstomachwiththeflatofhishand.Hisgreeneyesshonepeacefully.
    "I'masickman,"hesaid,"andIgottotakemymedicine."Heputthebottle
    downonthetableandsurveyedtheapartment."Geez,"hesaid,"wethrownit
    intoussofastIain'thardlylookedatthedump.Yougotanicelittleplace
    here,Walter.Geez,awhitetypewriterandawhitetelephone.What'sthematter,
    kidyoujustbeenconfirmed?"
    "Justafoolishfancy,Henry,"Isaid,wavinganairyhand.Henrywentover
    andlookedatthetypewriterandthetelephonesidebysideonmywritingdesk,
    andthesilvermounteddeskset,eachpiecechasedwithmyinitials.
    "Wellfixed,huh?"Henrysaid,turninghisgreengazeonme.
    "Tolerablyso,Henry,"Isaidmodestly;
    "Well,whatnextpal?Yougotanyideasordowejustdrinksome?"
    "Yes,Henry,Idohaveanidea.WithamanlikeyoutohelpmeIthinkit
    canbeputintopractice.Ifeelthatwemust,astheysay,tapthegrapevine.
    Whenastringofpearlsisstolen,alltheunderworldknowsitatonce.Pearls
    arehardtosell,Henry,inasmuchastheycannotbecutandcanbeidentifiedby
    experts,Ihaveread.Theunderworldwillbeseethingwithactivity.Itshould

    notbetoodifficultforustofindsomeonewhowouldsendamessagetothe
    properquarterthatwearewillingtopayareasonablesumfortheirreturn."
    "Youtalkniceforadrunkguy,"Henrysaid,reachingforthebottle."But
    ain'tyouforgotthesemarblesarephonies?"
    "ForsentimentalreasonsIamquitewillingtopayfortheirreturn,just
    thesame."
    Henrydranksomewhiskey,appearedtoenjoytheflavorofitanddranksome
    more.Hewavedthebottleatmepolitely.
    "That'sO.K.asfarasitgoes,"hesaid."Butthisunderworldthat's
    doingallthishereseethingyouspokeofain'tgoingtoseetheahellofalot
    overastringofglassbeads.OramIscrewy?"
    "Iwasthinking,Henry,thattheunderworldprobablyhasasenseofhumor
    andthelaughthatwouldgoaroundwouldbequiteemphatic.'
    "There'sanideainthat,"Henrysaid."Here'ssomemugfindsoutlady
    Penruddockhasastringofoysterfruitworthoodlesofkale,andhedoes
    hisseifaneatlittleboxjobandtrotsdowntothefence.Andthefencegives
    himthebellylaugh.Iwouldsaysomethinglikethatcouldgetaroundthe
    poolroomsandstartalittleidlechatter.Sofar,sonutty.Butthisboxmanis
    goingtodumpthembeadsinahurry,becausehehasathreetotenonhimeven
    iftheyareonlyworthanickelplussalestax.Breakingandenteringisthe
    rap,Walter."
    "However,Henry,"Isaid,"thereisanotherelementinthesituation.If
    thisthiefisverystupid,itwillnot,ofcourse,havemuchweight.Butifhe
    isevenmoderatelyintelligent,itwill.Mrs.Penruddockisaveryproudwoman
    andlivesinaveryexclusivesectionofthecity.Ifitshouldbecomeknown
    thatsheworeimitationpearls,andaboveall,ifitshouldbeevenhintedin
    thepublicpressthattheseweretheverypearlsherownhusbandhadgivenher
    forhergoldenweddingpresentwell,Iamsureyouseethepoint,Henry."
    "Boxguysain'ttoobright,"hesaidandrubbedhisstonychin.Thenhe
    liftedhisrightthumbandbititthoughtfully.Helookedatthewindows,atthe
    corneroftheroom,atthefloor.Helookedatmefromthecornersofhiseyes.
    "Blackmail,huh?"hesaid."Maybe.Butcrooksdon'tmixtheirracketsmuch.
    Still,theguymightpassthewordalong.There'sachance,Walter.Iwouldn't
    caretohockmygoldfillingstobuymeapieceofit,butthere'sachance.How
    muchyoufiguretoputout?"

    "Ahundreddollarsshouldbeample,butIamwillingtogoashighastwo
    hundred,whichistheactualcostoftheimitations."
    Henryshookhisheadandpatronizedthebottle."Nope.Theguywouldn't
    uncoverhisselfforthatkindofmoney.Wouldn'tbeworththechancehetakes.
    He'ddumpthemarblesandkeephisnoseclean."
    "Wecanatleasttry,Henry."
    "Yeah,butwhere?Andwe'regettinglowonliquor.MaybeIbetterputmy
    shoesonandrunout,huh?"
    Atthatverymoment,asifinanswertomyunspokenprayer,asoftdull
    thumpsoundedonthedoorofmyapartment.Iopeneditandpickedupthefinal
    editionoftheeveningpaper.Iclosedthedooragainandcarriedthepaperback
    acrosstheroom,openingitupasIwent.Itoucheditwithmyrightforefinger
    andsmiledconfidentlyatHenryEichelberger.
    "Here.IwillwageryouafullquartofOldPlantationthattheanswerwill
    beonthecrimepageofthispaper."
    "Thereain'tanycrimepage,"Henrychortled."ThisisLosAngeles.I'll
    fadeyou."
    Iopenedthepapertopagethreewithsometrepidation,for,althoughIhad
    alreadyseentheitemIwaslookingforinanearlyeditionofthepaperwhile
    waitinginAdaTwomey'sDomesticEmploymentAgency,Iwasnotcertainitwould
    appearintactinthelatereditions.Butmyfaithwasrewarded.Ithadnotbeen
    removed,butappearedmidwayofcolumnthreeexactlyasbefore.Theparagraph,
    whichwasquiteshort,washeaded:LOUGANDESIQUESTIONEDINGEMTHEFTS."Listen
    tothis,Henry,"Isaid,andbegantoread.
    _ActingonananonymoustippolicelatelastnightpickedupLouisC.(Lou)
    Gandesi,proprietorofawellknownSpringStreettavern,andquizzedhim
    intensivelyconcerningtherecentwaveofdinnerpartyholdupsinanexclusive
    westernsectionofthiscity,holdupsduringwhich,itisalleged,morethan
    twohundredthousanddollars'worthofvaluablejewelshavebeentornatgun's
    pointfromwomenguestsinfashionablehomes.Gandesiwasreleasedatalate
    hourandrefusedtomakeanystatementtoreporters."Ineverkibitzthecops,"
    hesaidmodestly.CaptainWilliamNorgaard,oftheGeneralRobberyDetail,
    announcedhimselfassatisfiedthatGandesihadnoconnectionwiththe
    robberies,andthatthetipwasmerelyanactofpersonalspite._

    Ifoldedthepaperandthrewitonthebed.
    "Youwin,ho,"Henrysaid,andhandedmethebottle.Itookalongdrink
    andreturnedittohim."Nowwhat?BracethisGandesiandtakehimthroughthe
    hoops?"
    "Hemaybeadangerousman,Henry.Doyouthinkweareequaltoit?"
    Henrysnortedcontemptuously."Yah,aSpringStreetpunk.Somefatslob
    withaphonyrubyonhismitt.Leadmetohim.We'llturntheslobinsideout
    anddrainhisliver.Butwe'rejustaboutfreshoutofliquor.Allwegotis
    maybeapint."Heexaminedthebottleagainstthelight.
    "Wehavehadenoughforthemoment,Henry."
    "Weain'tdrunk,arewe?IonlyhadsevendrinkssinceIgothere,maybe
    nine."
    "Certainlywearenotdrunk,Henry,butyoutakeverylargedrinks,andwe
    haveadifficulteveningbeforeus.Ithinkweshouldnowgetshavedand
    dressed,andIfurtherthinkthatweshouldweardinnerclothes.Ihaveanextra
    suitwhichwillfityouadmirably,aswearealmostexactlythesamesize.Itis
    certainlyaremarkableomenthattwosuchlargemenshouldbeassociatedinthe
    sameenterprise.Eveningclothesimpresstheselowcharacters,Henry."
    "Swell,"Henrysaid."They'llthinkwe'remugsworkin'forsomebigshot.
    ThisGandesiwillbescaredenoughtoswallowhisnecktie."
    WedecidedtodoasIhadsuggestedandIlaidoutclothesforHenry,and
    whilehewasbathingandshavingItelephonedtoEllenMacintosh.
    "Oh,Walter,Iamsogladyoucalledup,"shecried."Haveyoufound
    anything?"
    "Notyet,darling,"Isaid."Butwehaveanidea.HenryandIarejust
    abouttoputitintoexecution."
    "Henry,Walter?Henrywho?"
    "Why,HenryEichelberger,ofcourse,darling.Haveyouforgottenhimso
    soon?HenryandIarewarmfriendsandwe"
    Sheinterruptedmecoldly."Areyoudrinking,Walter?"shedemandedina
    verydistantvoice.
    "Certainlynot,darling.Henryisateetotaler."
    Shesniffedsharply.Icouldhearthesounddistinctlyoverthetelephone.
    "Butdidn'tHenrytakethepearls?"sheasked,afterquitealongpause.

    "Henry,angel?Ofcoursenot.Henryleftbecausehewasinlovewithyou."
    "Oh,Walter.Thatape?I'msureyou'redrinkingterribly.Idon'teverwant
    tospeaktoyouagain.Goodbye."Andshehungthephoneupverysharplysothat
    apainfulsensationmadeitselffeltinmyear.
    IsatdowninachairwithabottleofOldPlantationinmyhandwondering
    whatIhadsaidthatcouldbeconstruedasoffensiveorindiscreet.AsIwas
    unabletothinkofanything,IconsoledmyselfwiththebottleuntilHenrycame
    outofthebathroomlookingextremelypersonableinoneofmypleatedshirtsand
    awingcollarandblackbowtie.
    ItwasdarkwhenwelefttheapartmentandI,atleast,wasfullofhope
    andconfidence,althoughalittledepressedbythewayEllenMacintoshhad
    spokentomeoverthetelephone.

    Mr.Gandesi'sestablishmentwasnotdifficulttofind,inasmuchasthefirst
    taxicabdriverHenryyelledatonSpringStreetdirectedustoit.Itwascalled
    theBlueLagoonanditsinteriorwasbathedinanunpleasantbluelight.Henry
    andIentereditsteadily,sincewehadconsumedapartlysolidmealatMandy's
    CaribbeanGrottobeforestartingouttofindMr.Gandesi.Henrylookedalmost
    handsomeinmysecondbestdinnersuit,withafringedwhitescarfhangingover
    hisshoulder,alightweightblackfelthatonthebackofhishead(whichwas
    onlyalittlelargerthanmine),andabottleofwhiskeyineachoftheside
    pocketsofthesummerovercoathewaswearing.
    ThebaroftheBlueLagoonwascrowded,butHenryandIwentonbacktothe
    smalldimdiningroombehindit.Amaninadirtydinnersuitcameuptousand
    HenryaskedhimforGandesi,andhepointedoutafatmanwhosataloneata
    smalltableinthefarcorneroftheroom.Wewentthatway.
    Themansatwithasmallglassofredwineinfrontofhimandslowly
    twistedalargegreenstoneonhisfinger.Hedidnotlookup.Therewereno
    otherchairsatthetable,soHenryleanedonitwithbothelbows.
    "YouGandesi?"hesaid.

    Themandidnotlookupeventhen.Hemovedhisthickblackeyebrows
    togetherandsaidinanabsentvoice:"Si.Yes."
    "Wegottotalktoyouinprivate,"Henrytoldhim.Wherewewon'tbe
    disturbed."
    Gandesilookedupnowandtherewasextremeboredominhisflatblack
    almondshapedeyes."So?"heaskedandshrugged."Eeteesaboutwhat?"
    "Aboutsomepearls,"Henrysaid."Fortynineonthestring,matchedand
    pink."
    "Youselloryoubuy?"Gandesiinquiredandhischinbegantoshakeupand
    downasifwithamusement.
    "Buy,"Henrysaid.
    Themanatthetablecrookedhisfingerquietlyandaverylargewaiter
    appearedathisside."Eesdronk,"hesaidlifelessly."Putdeesmenout."
    ThewaitertookholdofHenry'sshoulder.Henryreachedupcarelesslyand
    tookholdofthewaiter'shandandtwistedit.Thewaiter'sfaceinthatbluish
    lightturnedsomecolorIcouldnotdescribe,butwhichwasnotatallhealthy.
    Heletoutalowmoan.Henrydroppedthehandandsaidtome:"PutaCnoteon
    thetable."
    Itookmywalletoutandextractedfromitoneofthetwohundreddollar
    billsIhadtakentheprecautiontoobtainfromthecashierattheChateau
    Moraine.Gandesistaredatthebillandmadeagesturetothelargewaiter,who
    wentawayrubbinghishandandholdingittightagainsthischest.
    "Whatfor?"Gandesiasked.
    "Fiveminutesofyourtimealone."
    "Eesveryfonny.O.K.,Ibite."Gandesitookthebillandfoldeditneatly
    andputitinhisvestpocket.Thenheputbothhandsonthetableandpushed
    himselfheavilytohisfeet.Hestartedtowaddleawaywithoutlookingatus.
    HenryandIfollowedhimamongthecrowdedtablestothefarsideofthe
    diningroomandthroughadoorinthewainscotingandthendownanarrowdim
    hallway.AttheendofthisGandesiopenedadoorintoalightedroomandstood
    holdingitforus,withagravesmileonhisoliveface.Iwentinfirst.
    AsHenrypassedinfrontofGandesiintotheroomthelatter,with
    surprisingagility,tookasmallshinyblackleatherclubfromhisclothesand
    hitHenryontheheadwithitveryhard.Henrysprawledforwardonhishandsand
    knees.Gandesishutthedooroftheroomveryquicklyforamanofhisbuildand

    leanedagainstitwiththesmallclubinhislefthand.Now,verysuddenly,in
    hisrighthandappearedashortbutheavyblackrevolver.
    "Eesveryfonny,"hesaidpolitely,andchuckledtohimself.
    ExactlywhathappenedthenIdidnotseeclearly.Henrywasatoneinstant
    onhishandsandkneeswithhisbacktoGandesi.Inthenext,orpossiblyeven
    inthesameinstant,somethingswirledlikeabigfishinwaterandGandesi
    grunted.IthensawthatHenry'shardblondheadwasburiedinGandesi'sstomach
    andthatHenry'slargehandsheldbothofGandesi'shairywrists.ThenHenry
    straightenedhisbodytoitsfullheightandGandesiwashighupintheair
    balancedontopofHenry'shead,hismouthstrainedwideopenandhisfacea
    darkpurplecolor.ThenHenryshookhimself,asitseemed,quitelightly,and
    Gandesilandedonhisbackonthefloorwithaterriblethudandlaygasping.
    ThenakeyturnedinthedoorandHenrystoodwithhisbacktoit,holdingboth
    theclubandtherevolverinhislefthand,andsolicitouslyfeelingthepockets
    whichcontainedoursupplyofwhiskey.Allthishappenedwithsuchrapiditythat
    Ileanedagainstthesidewallandfeltalittlesickatmystomach.
    "Agutbuster,"Henrydrawled."Acomedian.Wait'llIloosenmybelt."
    Gandesirolledoverandgottohisfeetveryslowlyandpainfullyandstood
    swayingandpassinghishandupanddownhisface.Hisclotheswerecoveredwith
    dust.
    "Thishere'sasap,"Henrysaid,showingmethesmallblackclub."Hehit
    mewithit,didn'the?"
    "Why,Henry,don'tyouknow?"Iinquired.
    "Ijustwantedtobesure,"Henrysaid."Youdon'tdothattothe
    Eichelbergers."
    "O.K.,whatyouboyswant?"Gandesiaskedabruptly,withnotracewhatever
    ofhisItalianaccent.
    "Itoldyouwhatwewanted,doughface."
    "Idon'tthinkIknowyouboys,"Gandesisaidandloweredhisbodywith
    careintoawoodenchairbesideashabbyofficedesk.Hemoppedhisfaceand
    neckandfelthimselfinvariousplaces.
    "Yougotthewrongidea,Gandesi.AladylivinginCarondeletParklosta
    fortyninebeadpearlnecklaceacoupleofdaysback.Aboxjob,butapushover.
    Ouroutfit'scarryingalittleinsuranceonthosemarbles.AndI'lltakethatC
    note."

    HewalkedovertoGandesiandGandesiquicklyreachedthefoldedbillfrom
    hispocketandhandedittohim.HenrygavemethebillandIputitbackinmy
    wallet.
    "Idon'tthinkIhearaboutit,"Gandesisaidcarefully.
    "Youhitmewithasap,"Henrysaid."Listenkindofhard."
    Gandesishookhisheadandthenwinced."Idon'tbacknopetermen,"he
    said,"nornoheistguys.Yougotmewrong."
    "Listenhard,"Henrysaidinalowvoice."Youmighthearsomething."He
    swungthesmallblackclublightlyinfrontofhisbodywithtwofingersofhis
    righthand.Theslightlytoosmallhatwasstillonthebackofhishead,
    althoughalittlecrumpled.
    "Henry,"Isaid,"youseemtobedoingalltheworkthisevening.Doyou
    thinkthatisquitefair?"
    "O.K.,workhimover,"Henrysaid."Thesefatguysbruisesomething
    lovely."
    BythistimeGandesihadbecomeamorenaturalcolorandwasgazingatus
    steadily."Insuranceguys,huh?"heinquireddubiously.
    "Yousaidit,doughface."
    "YoutryMelachrino?"Gandesiasked.
    "Haw,"Henrybeganraucously,"agutbuster.A"butIinterruptedhim
    sharply.
    "Onemoment,Henry,"Isaid.ThenturningtoGandesi,"IsthisMelachrinoa
    person?"Iaskedhim.
    Gandesi'seyesroundedinsurprise."Sureaguy.Youdon'tknowhim,huh?"
    Alookofdarksuspicionwasborninhisshoeblackeyes,butvanishedalmostas
    soonasitappeared.
    "Phonehim,"Henrysaid,pointingtotheinstrumentwhichstoodonthe
    shabbyofficedesk.
    "Phoneisbad,"Gandesiobjectedthoughtfully.
    "Soissappoison,"Henrysaid.
    Gandesisighedandturnedhisthickbodyinthechairanddrewthe
    telephonetowardshim.Hedialedanumberwithaninkynailandlistened.After
    anintervalhesaid:"Joe?...Lou.Coupleinsuranceguystryin'todealona

    CarondeletParkjob...Yeah...No,marbles...Youain'theardawhisper,
    huh?...O.K.,Joe."
    Gandesireplacedthephoneandswungaroundinthechairagain.Hestudied
    uswithsleepyeyes."Nosoap.Whatinsuranceoutfityouboysworkfor?"
    "Givehimacard,"Henrysaidtome.
    Itookmywalletoutoncemoreandwithdrewoneofmycardsfromit.Itwas
    anengravedcallingcardandcontainednothingbutmyname.SoIusedmypocket
    penciltowrite,ChateauMoraineApartments,FranklinnearIvar,belowthename.
    IshowedthecardtoHenryandthengaveittoGandesi.
    Gandesireadthecardandquietlybithisfinger.Hisfacebrightened
    suddenly."YouboysbetterseeJackLawler,"hesaid.
    Henrystaredathimclosely.Gandesi'seyeswerenowbrightandunblinking
    andguileless.
    "Who'she?"Henryasked.
    "RunsthePenguinClub.OutontheStripEightysixFortyfourSunsetor
    somenumberlikethat.Hecanfindout,ifanyguycan."
    "Thanks,"Henrysaidquietly.Heglancedatme."Youbelievehim?"
    "Well,Henry,"Isaid,"Idon'treallythinkhewouldbeabovetellingus
    anuntruth."
    "Haw!"Gandesibegansuddenly."Agutbuster!A"
    "Canit!"Henrysnarled."That'smyline.Straightgoods,isit,Gandesi?
    AboutthisJackLawler?"
    Gandesinoddedvigorously."Straightgoods,absolute.JackLawlergota
    fingerineverythinghighclassthat'stouched.Butheain'teasytosee."
    "Don'tworrynoneaboutthat.Thanks,Gandesi."
    Henrytossedtheblackclubintothecorneroftheroomandbrokeopenthe
    breechoftherevolverhehadbeenholdingallthistimeinhislefthand.He
    ejectedtheshellsandthenbentdownandslidthegunalongtheflooruntilit
    disappearedunderthedesk.Hetossedthecartridgesidlyinhishandfora
    momentandthenletthemspillonthefloor.
    Solong,Gandesi,"hesaidcoldly."Andkeepthatschnozzleofyoursclean,
    ifyoudon'twanttobelookingforitunderthebed."
    HeopenedthedoorthenandwebothwentoutquicklyandlefttheBlue
    Lagoonwithoutinterferencefromanyoftheemployees.

    Mycarwasparkedashortdistanceawaydowntheblock.WeentereditandHenry
    leanedhisarmsonthewheelandstaredmoodilythroughthewindshield.
    "Well,whatyouthink,Walter?"heinquiredatlength.
    "Ifyouaskmyopinion,Henry,IthinkMr.Gandesitoldusacockandbull
    storymerelytogetridofus.FurthermoreIdonotbelievehethoughtwewere
    insuranceagents."
    "Metoo,andanextrahelping,"Henrysaid."Idon'tfigurethere'sany
    suchguyasthisMelachrinoorthisJackLawlerandthisGandesicalledupsome
    deadnumberandhadhimselfaphonychinwithit.Ioughtagobackthereand
    pullhisarmsandlegsoff.Thehellwiththefatslob."
    "Wehadthebestideawecouldthinkof,Henry,andweexecutedittothe
    bestofourability.Inowsuggestthatwereturntomyapartmentandtryto
    thinkofsomethingelse."
    "Andgetdrunk,"Henrysaid,startingthecarandguidingitawayfromthe
    curb.
    "Wecouldperhapshaveasmallallowanceofliquor,Henry."
    "Yah!"Henrysnorted."Astall.Ioughtagobackthereandwreckthe
    joint."
    Hestoppedattheintersection,althoughnotrafficsignalwasinoperation
    atthetime;andraisedabottleofwhiskeytohislips.Hewasintheactof
    drinkingwhenacarcameupbehindusandcollidedwithourcar,butnotvery
    severely.Henrychokedandloweredhisbottle,spillingsomeoftheliquoron
    hisgarments.
    "Thistown'sgettingtoocrowded,"hesnarled."Aguycan'ttakehisselfa
    drinkwithoutsomesmartmonkeybumpshiselbow."
    Whoeveritwasinthecarbehindusblewahornwithsomeinsistence,
    inasmuchasourcarhadnotyetmovedforward.Henrywrenchedthedooropenand
    gotoutandwentback.Iheardvoicesofconsiderableloudness,thelouderbeing
    Henry'svoice.Hecamebackafteramomentandgotintothecaranddroveon.

    "Ioughtahavepulledhismushoff,"hesaid,"butIwentsoft,"Hedrove
    rapidlytherestofthewaytoHollywoodandtheChateauMoraineandwewentup
    tomyapartmentandsatdownwithlargeglassesinourhands.
    "Wegotbetterthanaquartandahalfofhooch,"Henrysaid,lookingat
    thetwobottleswhichhehadplacedonthetablebesideotherswhichhadlong
    sincebeenemptied."Thatoughtabegoodforanidea."
    "Ifitisn'tenough,Henry,thereisanabundantfurthersupplywhereit
    camefrom,"Idrainedmyglasscheerfully.
    "Youseemarightguy,"Henrysaid."Whatmakesyoualwaystalksofunny?"
    "Icannotseemtochangemyspeech,Henry.Myfatherandmotherwereboth
    severepuristsintheNewEnglandtradition,andthevernacularhasnevercome
    naturallytomylips,evenwhileIwasincollege."
    Henrymadeanattempttodigestthisremark,butIcouldseethatitlay
    somewhatheavilyonhisstomach.
    WetalkedforatimeconcerningGandesiandthedoubtfulqualityofhis
    advice,andthuspassedperhapshalfanhour.Thenrathersuddenlythewhite
    telephoneonmydeskbegantoring.Ihurriedovertoit,hopingthatitwas
    EllenMacintoshandthatshehadrecoveredfromherillhumor.Butitprovedto
    beamalevoiceandastrangeonetome.Itspokecrisply,withanunpleasant
    metallicqualityoftone.
    "YouWalterGage?"
    "ThisisMisterGagespeaking."
    "Well,_Mister_Gage,Iunderstandyou'reinthemarketforsomejewelry."
    IheldthephoneverytightlyandturnedmybodyandmadegrimacestoHenry
    overthetopoftheinstrument.Buthewasmoodilypouringhimselfanotherlarge
    portionofOldPlantation.
    "Thatisso,"Isaidintothetelephone,tryingtokeepmyvoicesteady,
    althoughmyexcitementwasalmosttoomuchforme."Ifbyjewelryyoumean
    pearls."
    "Fortynineinarope,brother,Andfivegrandistheprice."
    "Whythatisentirelyabsurd,"Igasped."Fivethousanddollarsfor
    those"
    Thevoicebrokeinonmerudely."Youheardme,brother.Fivegrand.Just
    holdupthehandandcountthefingers.Nomore,noless.Thinkitover.I'll
    callyoulater."

    ThephoneclickeddrylyandIreplacedtheinstrumentshakilyinits
    cradle.Iwastrembling.Iwalkedbacktomychairandsatdownandwipedmy
    facewithmyhandkerchief.
    "Henry,"Isaidinalowtensevoice,"itworked.Buthowstrangely."
    Henryputhisemptyglassdownonthefloor.ItwasthefirsttimethatI
    hadeverseenhimputanemptyglassdownandleaveitempty.Hestaredatme
    closelywithhistightunblinkinggreeneyes.
    "Yeah?"hesaidgently."Whatworked,kid?"Helickedhislipsslowlywith
    thetipofhistongue.
    "WhatweaccomplisheddownatGandesi'splace,Henry.Amanjustcalledme
    onthetelephoneandaskedmeifIwasinthemarketforpearls."
    "Geez."Henrypursedhislipsandwhistledgently."Thatdamndagohad
    somethingafterall."
    "Butthepriceisfivethousanddollars,Henry.Thatseemsbeyond
    reasonableexplanation."
    "Huh?"Henry'seyesseemedtobulgeasiftheywereabouttodepartfrom
    theirorbits."Fivegrandforthemringers?Theguy'snuts.TheycosttwoC's,
    yousaid.Bugscompletelyiswhattheguyis.Fivegrand?Why,forfivegrandI
    couldbuymeenoughphonypearlstocoveranelephant'scaboose."
    IcouldseethatHenryseemedpuzzled.Herefilledourglassessilentlyand
    westaredateachotheroverthem."Well,whattheheckcanyoudowiththat,
    Walter?"heaskedafteralongsilence.
    "Henry,"Isaidfirmly,"thereisonlyonethingtodo.Itistruethat
    EllenMacintoshspoketomeinconfidence,andasshedidnothaveMrs.
    Penruddock'sexpresspermissiontotellmeaboutthepearls,IsupposeIshould
    respectthatconfidence.ButEllenisnowangrywithmeanddoesnotwishto
    speaktome,forthereasonthatIamdrinkingwhiskeyinconsiderable
    quantities,althoughmyspeechandbrainarestillreasonablyclear.Thislast
    isaverystrangedevelopmentandIthink,inspiteofeverything,someclose
    friendofthefamilyshouldbeconsulted.Preferablyofcourse,aman,someone
    oflargebusinessexperience,andinadditiontothatamanwhounderstands
    aboutjewels.Thereissuchaman,Henry,andtomorrowmorningIshallcallupon
    him."
    "Geez,"Henrysaid."Youcouldasaidallthatinninewords,bo.Whois
    thisguy?"

    "HisnameisMr.LansingGallemore,andheispresidentoftheGallemore
    JewelryCompanyonSeventhStreet.HeisaveryoldfriendofMrs.Penruddock
    Ellenhasoftenmentionedhimandis,infact,theverymanwhoprocuredfor
    hertheimitationpearls."
    "Butthisguywilltipthebulls,"Henryobjected.
    "Idonotthinkso,Henry.Idonotthinkhewilldoanythingtoembarrass
    Mrs.Penruddockinanyway."
    Henryshrugged."Phoniesarephonies,"hesaid."Youcan'tmakenothing
    elseoutathem.Notevennopresidentofnojewlerystorecan't."
    "Nevertheless,theremustbeareasonwhysolargeasumisdemanded,
    Henry.Theonlyreasonthatoccurstomeisblackmailand,frankly,thatisa
    littletoomuchformetohandlealone,becauseIdonotknowenoughaboutthe
    backgroundofthePenruddockfamily."
    "Okey,"Henrysaid,sighing."Ifthat'syourhunch,youbetterfollowit,
    Walter.AndIbetterbreezeonhomeandflopsoastobeingoodshapeforthe
    roughwork,ifany."
    "Youwouldnotcaretopassthenighthere,Henry?"
    "Thanks,pal,butI'mO.K.backatthehotel.I'lljusttakethisspare
    bottleofthetigersweattoputmetosleep.Imighthappentogetacallfrom
    theagencyintheA.M.andwouldhavetobrushmyteethandgoafterit.AndI
    guessIbetterchangemydudsbacktowhereIcanmixwiththecommonpeople."
    Sosayinghewentintothebathroomandinashorttimeemergedwearinghis
    ownbluesergesuite.Iurgedhimtotakemycar,buthesaiditwouldnotbe
    safeinhisneighborhood.Hedid,however,consenttousethetopcoathehad
    beenwearingand,placinginitcarefullytheunopenedquartofwhiskey,he
    shookmewarmlybythehand.
    "Onemoment,Henry,"Isaidandtookoutmywallet.Iextendedatwenty
    dollarbilltohim.
    "What'sthatinfavorof?"hegrowled.
    "Youaretemporarilyoutofemployment,Henry,andyouhavedoneanoble
    pieceofworkthisevening,puzzlingasaretheresults.Youshouldberewarded
    andIcanwellaffordthissmalltoken."
    "Well,thanks,pal,"Henrysaid."Butit'sjustaloan."Hisvoicewas
    gruffwithemotion."ShouldIgiveyouabuzzintheA.M.?

    "Byallmeans.Andthereisonethingmorethathasoccurredtome.Would
    itnotbeadvisableforyoutochangeyourhotel?Suppose,throughnofaultof
    mine,thepolicelearnofthistheft.Wouldtheynotatleastsuspectyou?"
    "Hell,they'dbouncemeupanddownforhours,"Henrysaid."Butwhat'llit
    getthem?Iain'tnoripepeach."
    "Itisforyoutodecide,ofcourse,Henry."
    "Yeah.Goodnight,pal,anddon'thavenonightmares."
    HeleftmethenandIfeltsuddenlyverydepressedandlonely.Henry's
    companyhadbeenverystimulatingtome,inspiteofhisroughwayoftalking.
    Hewasverymuchofaman.Ipouredmyselfaratherlargedrinkofwhiskeyfrom
    theremainingbottleanddrankitquicklybutgloomily.
    TheeffectwassuchthatIhadanovermasteringdesiretospeaktoEllen
    Macintoshatallcosts.Iwenttothetelephoneandcalledhernumber.Aftera
    longwaitasleepymaidanswered.ButEllen,uponhearingmyname,refusedto
    cometothetelephone.ThatdepressedmestillfurtherandIfinishedtherest
    ofthewhiskeyalmostwithoutnoticingwhatIwasdoing.Ithenlaydownonthe
    bedandfellintofitfulslumber.

    ThebusyringingofthetelephoneawokemeandIsawthatthemorningsunlight
    wasstreamingintotheroom.Itwasnineo'clockandallthelampswerestill
    burning.Iarosefeelingalittlestiffanddissipated,forIwasstillwearing
    mydinnersuit.ButIamahealthymanwithverysteadynervesandIdidnot
    feelasbadlyasIexpected.Iwenttothetelephoneandansweredit.
    Henry'svoicesaid:"Howyoufeel,pal?Igotahangoverliketwelve
    Swedes."
    "Nottoobadly,Henry."
    "Igotacallfromtheagencyaboutajob.Ibettergodownandtakea
    ganderatit.ShouldIdroparoundlater?"
    "Yes,Henry,byallmeansdothat.Byeleveno'clockIshouldbebackfrom
    theerrandaboutwhichIspoketoyoulastnight."
    "Anymorecallsfromyouknow?"

    "Notyet,Henry."
    "Check.Abyssinia."HehungupandItookacoldshowerandshavedand
    dressed.Idonnedaquietbrownbusinesssuitandhadsomecoffeesentupfrom
    thecoffeeshopdownstairs.Ialsohadthewaiterremovetheemptybottlesfrom
    myapartmentandgavehimadollarforhistrouble.Afterdrinkingtwocupsof
    blackcoffeeIfeltmyownmanoncemoreanddrovedowntowntotheGallemore
    JewelryCompany'slargeandbrilliantstoreonWestSeventhStreet.
    Itwasanotherbright,goldenmorninganditseemedthatsomehowthings
    shouldadjustthemselvesonsopleasantaday.
    Mr.LansingGallemoreprovedtobealittledifficulttosee,sothatIwas
    compelledtotellhissecretarythatitwasamatterconcerningMrs.Penruddock
    andofaconfidentialnature.UponthismessagebeingcarriedintohimIwasat
    onceusheredintoalongpaneledoffice,atthefarendofwhichMr.Gallemore
    stoodbehindamassivedesk.Heextendedathinpinkhandtome.
    "Mr.Gage?Idon'tbelievewehavemet,havewe?"
    "No,Mr.Gallemore,Idonotbelievewehave.Iamthefiancorwasuntil
    lastnightofMissEllenMacintosh,who,asyouprobablyknow,isMrs.
    Penruddock'snurse.Iamcometoyouuponaverydelicatematteranditis
    necessarythatIaskforyourconfidencebeforeIspeak."
    Hewasamanofperhapsseventyfiveyearsofage,andverythinandtall
    andcorrectandwellpreserved.Hehadcoldblueeyesbutawarmingsmile.He
    wasattiredyouthfullyenoughinagrayflannelsuitwitharedcarnationathis
    lapel.
    "ThatissomethingImakeitarulenevertopromise,Mr.Gage,"hesaid.
    "Ithinkitisalmostalwaysaveryunfairrequest.Butifyouassuremethe
    matterconcernsMrs.Penruddockandisreallyofadelicateandconfidential
    nature,Iwillmakeanexception."
    "Itisindeed,Mr.Gallemore,"Isaid,andthereupontoldhimtheentire
    story,concealingnothing,noteventhefactthatIhadconsumedfartoomuch
    whiskeythedaybefore.
    Hestaredatmecuriouslyattheendofmystory.Hisfinelyshapedhand
    pickedupanoldfashionedwhitequillpenandheslowlytickledhisrightear
    withthefeatherofit.
    "Mr.Gage,"hesaid,"can'tyouguesswhytheyaskfivethousanddollars
    forthatstringofpearls?"

    "Ifyoupermitmetoguess,inamatterofsopersonalanature,Icould
    perhapshazardanexplanation,Mr.Gallemore."
    Hemovedthewhitefeatheraroundtohisleftearandnodded."Goahead,
    son."
    "Thepearlsareinfactreal,Mr.Gallemore.Youareaveryoldfriendof
    Mrs.Penruddockperhapsevenachildhoodsweetheart.Whenshegaveyouher
    pearls,hergoldenweddingpresent,tosellbecauseshewasinsoreneedof
    moneyforagenerouspurpose,youdidnotsellthem,Mr.Gallemore.Youonly
    pretendedtosellthem.Yougavehertwentythousanddollarsofyourownmoney,
    andyoureturnedtherealpearlstoher,pretendingthattheywereanimitation
    madeinCzechoslovakia."
    "Son,youthinkalotsmarterthanyoutalk,"Mr.Gallemoresaid.Hearose
    andwalkedtoawindow,pulledasideafinenetcurtainandlookeddownonthe
    bustleofSeventhStreet.Hecamebacktohisdeskandseatedhimselfandsmiled
    alittlewistfully.
    "Youarealmostembarrassinglycorrect,Mr.Gage,"hesaid,andsighed.
    "Mrs.Penruddockisaveryproudwoman,orIshouldsimplyhaveofferedherthe
    twentythousanddollarsasanunsecuredloan.Ihappenedtobetheco
    administratorofMr.Penruddock'sestateandIknewthatintheconditionofthe
    financialmarketatthattimeitwouldbeoutofthequestiontoraiseenough
    cash,withoutdamagingthecorpusoftheestatebeyondreason,tocareforall
    thoserelativesandpensioners.SoMrs.Penruddocksoldherpearlsasshe
    thoughtbutsheinsistedthatnooneshouldknowaboutit.AndIdidwhatyou
    haveguessed.Itwasunimportant.Icouldaffordthegesture.Ihavenever
    married,Gage,andIamratedawealthyman.Asamatteroffact,atthattime,
    thepearlswouldnothavefetchedmorethanhalfofwhatIgaveher,orofwhat
    theyshouldbringtoday."
    Iloweredmyeyesforfearthiskindlyoldgentlemanmightbetroubledby
    mydirectgaze.
    "SoIthinkwehadbetterraisethatfivethousand,son,"Mr.Gallemoreat
    onceaddedinabriskvoice."Thepriceisprettylow,althoughstolenpearls
    areagreatdealmoredifficulttodealinthancutstones.IfIshouldcareto
    trustyouthatfaronyourface,doyouthinkyoucouldhandletheassignment?"

    "Mr.Gallemore,"Isaidfirmlybutquietly,"Iamatotalstrangertoyou
    andIamonlyfleshandblood.ButIpromiseyoubythememoriesofmydeadand
    reveredparentsthattherewillbenocowardice."
    "Well,thereisagooddealofthefleshandblood,son,"Mr.Gallemore
    saidkindly."AndIamnotafraidofyourstealingthemoney,becausepossiblyI
    knowalittlemoreaboutMissEllenMacintoshandherboyfriendthanyoumight
    suspect.Furthermore,thepearlsareinsured,inmyname,ofcourse,andthe
    insurancecompanyshouldreallyhandlethisaffair.Butyouandyourfunny
    friendseemtohavegotalongverynicelysofar,andIbelieveinplayingouta
    hand.ThisHenrymustbequiteaman."
    "Ihavegrownveryattachedtohim,inspiteofhisuncouthways,"Isaid.
    Mr.Gallemoreplayedwithhiswhitequillpenalittlelongerandthenhe
    broughtoutalargecheckbookandwroteacheck,whichhecarefullyblottedand
    passedacrossthedesk.
    "Ifyougetthepearls,I'llseethattheinsurancepeoplerefundthisto
    me,"hesaid."Iftheylikemybusiness,therewillbenodifficultyaboutthat.
    ThebankisdownatthecornerandIwillbewaitingfortheircall.Theywon't
    cashthecheckwithouttelephoningme,probably.Becareful,son,anddon'tget
    hurt."
    HeshookhandswithmeoncemoreandIhesitated."Mr.Gallemore,youare
    placingagreatertrustinmethananymaneverhas,"Isaid."Withthe
    exception,ofcourse,ofmyownfather."
    "Iamactinglikeadamnfool,"hesaidwithapeculiarsmile."Itisso
    longsinceIheardanyonetalkthewayJaneAustenwritesthatitismakinga
    suckeroutofme."
    "Thankyou,sir.Iknowmylanguageisabitstilted.DareIaskyoutodo
    measmallfavor,sir?"
    "Whatisit,Gage?"
    "TotelephoneMissEllenMacintosh,fromwhomIamnowalittleestranged,
    andtellherthatIamnotdrinkingtoday,andthatyouhaveentrustedmewitha
    verydelicatemission."
    Helaughedaloud."I'llbegladto,Walter.AndasIknowshecanbe
    trusted,I'llgiveheranideaofwhat'sgoingon."
    Ilefthimthenandwentdowntothebankwiththecheck,andtheteller,
    afterlookingatmesuspiciously,thenabsentinghimselffromhiscagefora

    longtime,finallycountedoutthemoneyinhundreddollarbillswiththe
    reluctanceonemighthaveexpected,ifithadbeenhisownmoney.
    Iplacedtheflatpacketofbillsinmypocketandsaid:"Nowgivemea
    rollofquarters,please."
    "Arollofquarters,sir?"Hiseyebrowslifted.
    "Exactly.Iusethemfortips.AndnaturallyIshouldprefertocarrythem
    homeinthewrappings."
    "Oh,Isee.Tendollars,please."
    Itookthefathardrollofcoinsanddroppeditintomypocketanddrove
    backtoHollywood.
    HenrywaswaitingformeinthelobbyoftheChateauMoraine,twirlinghis
    hatbetweenhisroughhardhands.Hisfacelookedalittlemoredeeplylined
    thanithadthedaybeforeandInoticedthathisbreathsmelledofwhiskey.We
    wentuptomyapartmentandheturnedtomeeagerly.
    "Anyluck,pal?"
    "Henry,"Isaid,"beforeweproceedfurtherintothisdayIwishitclearly
    understoodthatIamnotdrinking.Iseethatalreadyyouhavebeenatthe
    bottle."
    "Justapickup,Walter,"hesaidalittlecontritely."ThatjobIwentout
    forwasgonebeforeIgotthere.What'sthegoodword?"
    Isatdownandlitacigaretteandstaredathimevenly."Well,Henry,I
    don'treallyknowwhetherIshouldtellyouornot.Butitseemsalittlepetty
    nottodosoafterallyoudidlastnighttoGandesi."Ihesitatedamoment
    longerwhileHenrystaredatmeandpinchedthemusclesofhisleftarm."The
    pearlsarereal,Henry.AndIhaveinstructionstoproceedwiththebusinessand
    Ihavefivethousanddollarsincashinmypocketatthismoment."
    Itoldhimbrieflywhathadhappened.
    Hewasmoreamazedthanwordscouldtell."Cripes!"heexclaimed,hismouth
    hangingwideopen."YoumeanyougotthefivegrandfromthisGallemorejust
    likethat?"
    "Preciselythat,Henry."
    "Kid,"hesaidearnestly,"Yougotsomethingwiththatdaisypanandthat
    flufftalkthatalotofguyswouldgiveimportantdoughtocop.Fivegrandout
    ofabusinessguyjustlikethat.Why,I'llbeamonkey'suncle.I'llbea
    snake'sdaddy.I'llbeamickeyfinnatawoman'sclublunch."

    Atthatexactmoment,asifmyentrancetothebuildinghadbeenobserved,
    thetelephonerangagainandIsprangtoanswerit.
    ItwasoneofthevoicesIwasawaiting,butnottheoneIwantedtohear
    withthegreaterlonging."How'sitlookingtoyouthismorning,Gage?"
    "Itislookingbetter,"Isaid."IfIcanhaveanyassuranceofhonorable
    treatment,Iampreparedtogothroughwithit."
    "Youmeanyougotthedough?"
    "Inmypocketatthisexactmoment."
    Thevoiceseemedtoexhaleaslowbreath."You'llgetyourmarblesO.K.if
    wegettheprice,Gage.We'reinthisbusinessforalongtimeandwedon't
    welsh.Ifwedid,itwouldsoongetaroundandnobodywouldplaywithusany
    more."
    "Yes,Icanreadilyunderstandthat,"Isaid."Proceedwithyour
    instructions,"Iaddedcoldly.
    "Listenclose,Gage.TonightateightsharpyoubeinPacificPalisades.
    Knowwherethatis?"
    "Certainly.Itisasmallresidentialsectionwestofthepolofieldson
    SunsetBoulevard."
    "Right.Sunsetgoesslapthroughit.There'sonedrugstorethereopentill
    nine.Betherewaitingacallateightsharptonight.Alone.AndImeanalone,
    Gage.Nocopsandnostrongarmguys.It'sroughcountrydownthereandwegota
    waytogetyoutowherewewantyouandknowifyou'realone.Getallthis?"
    "Iamnotentirelyanidiot,"Iretorted.
    "Nodummypackages,Gage.Thedoughwillbechecked.Noguns.You'llbe
    searchedandthere'senoughofustocoveryoufromallangles.Weknowyour
    car.Nofunnybusiness,nosmartwork,noslipupandnobodyhurt.That'sthe
    waywedobusiness.How'sthedoughfixed?"
    "Onehundreddollarbills,"Isaid."Andonlyafewofthemarenew."
    "Attaboy.Eighto'clockthen.Besmart,Gage."
    ThephoneclickedinmyearandIhungup.Itrangagainalmostinstantly.
    Thistimeitwastheonevoice.
    "Oh,Walter,"Ellencried,"Iwassomeantoyou!Pleaseforgiveme,
    Walter.Mr.GallemorehastoldmeeverythingandI'msofrightened."
    "Thereisnothingofwhichtobefrightened,"Itoldherwarmly."DoesMrs.
    Penruddockknow,darling?"

    "No,darling.Mr.Gallemoretoldmenottotellher.Iamphoningfroma
    storedownonSixthStreet.Oh,Walter,Ireallyamfrightened.WillHenrygo
    withyou?"
    "Iamafraidnot,darling.Thearrangementsareallmadeandtheywillnot
    permitit.Imustgoalone."
    "Oh,Walter!I'mterrified.Ican'tbearthesuspense."
    "Thereisnothingtofear,"Iassuredher."Itisasimplebusiness
    transaction.AndIamnotexactlyamidget."
    "But,Walteroh,I_will_trytobebrave,Walter.Willyoupromiseme
    justoneteensyweensylittlething?"
    "Notadrop,darling,"Isaidfirmly."Notasinglesolitarydrop."
    "Oh,Walter!"
    Therewasalittlemoreofthatsortofthing,verypleasanttomeinthe
    circumstances,althoughpossiblynotofgreatinteresttoothers.Wefinally
    partedwithmypromisetotelephoneassoonasthemeetingbetweenthecrooks
    andmyselfhadbeenconsummated.
    IturnedfromthetelephonetofindHenrydrinkingdeeplyfromabottlehe
    hadtakenfromhishippocket.
    "Henry!"Icriedsharply.
    Helookedatmeoverthebottlewithashaggydeterminedlook.'Listen,
    pal,"hesaidinalowhardvoice."Igotenoughofyourendofthetalkto
    figurethesetup.Someplaceoutinthetallweedsandyougoaloneandthey
    feedyoutheoldsappoisonandtakeyourdoughandleaveyoulyingwiththe
    marblesstillintheirkitty.Nothingdoing,pal.Isaidnothingdoing!"He
    almostshoutedthelastwords.
    "Henry,itismydutyandImustdoit,"Isaidquietly.
    "Haw!"Henrysnorted."Isayno.You'reanut,butyou'reasweetguyon
    theside.Isayno.HenryEichelbergeroftheWisconsinEichelbergersinfact,
    ImightjustasleavesayoftheMilwaukeeEichelbergerssaysno.Andhesays
    itwithbothhandsworking."Hedrankagainfromhisbottle.
    "Youcertainlywillnothelpmattersbybecomingintoxicated,"Itoldhim
    ratherbitterly.
    Heloweredthebottleandlookedatmewithamazementwrittenalloverhis
    ruggedfeatures."Drunk,Walter?"heboomed."DidIhearyousaydrunk?An
    Eichelbergerdrunk?Listen,son.Weain'tgotalotoftimenow.Itwouldtake

    maybethreemonths.Somedaywhenyougotthreemonthsandmaybefivethousand
    gallonsofwhiskeyandafunnel,Iwouldbegladtotakemyowntimeandshow
    youwhatanEichelbergerlookslikewhendrunk.Youwouldn'tbelieveit.Son,
    therewouldn'tbenothingleftofthistownbutafewsprunggirdersandalot
    ofbustedbricks,inthemiddleofwhichGeez,I'llgettalkingEnglishmyself
    ifIhangaroundyoumuchlongerinthemiddleofwhich,peaceful,withno
    humanlifenearerthanmaybefiftymiles,HenryEichelbergerwillbeonhisback
    smilingatthesun.Drunk,Walter.Notstinkingdrunk,notevencountryclub
    drunk.ButyoucouldusetheworddrunkandIwouldn'ttakenooffense."
    Hesatdownanddrankagain.Istaredmoodilyatthefloor.Therewas
    nothingformetosay.
    "Butthat,"Henrysaid,"issomeothertime.RightnowIamjusttakingmy
    medicine.Iain'tmyselfwithoutaslighttouchofdeliriumtremens,astheguy
    says.Iwasbroughtuponit.AndI'mgoingwithyou,Walter.Whereisthis
    placeat?"
    "It'sdownnearthebeach,Henry,andyouarenotgoingwithme.Ifyou
    mustgetdrunkgetdrunk,butyouarenotgoingwithme."
    "Yougotabigcar,Walter.I'llhideinbackonthefloorunderarug.
    It'sacinch."
    "No,Henry."
    "Walter,youareasweetguy,"Henrysaid,"andIamgoingwithyouinto
    thisframe.Haveasmellfromthebarrel,Walter.Youlooktomekindoffrail."
    WearguedforanhourandmyheadachedandIbegantofeelverynervous
    andtired.ItwasthenthatImadewhatmighthavebeenafatalmistake.I
    succumbedtoHenry'sblandishmentsandtookasmallportionofwhiskey,purely
    formedicinalpurposes.ThismademefeelsomuchmorerelaxedthatItook
    anotherandlargerportion.Ihadhadnofoodexceptcoffeethatmorningand
    onlyaverylightdinnertheeveningbefore.AttheendofanotherhourHenry
    hadbeenoutfortwomorebottlesofwhiskeyandIwasasbrightasabird.All
    difficultieshadnowdisappearedandIhadagreedheartilythatHenryshouldlie
    inthebackofmycarhiddenbyarugandaccompanymetotherendezvous.
    Wehadpassedthetimeverypleasantlyuntiltwoo'clock,atwhichhourI
    begantofeelsleepyandlaydownonthebed,andfellintoadeepslumber.

    WhenIawokeagainitwasalmostdark.Irosefromthebedwithpanicinmy
    heart,andalsoasharpshootofpainthroughmytemples.Itwasonlysix
    thirty,however.Iwasaloneintheapartmentandlengtheningshadowswere
    stealingacrossthefloor.Thedisplayofemptywhiskeybottlesonthetablewas
    verydisgusting.HenryEichelbergerwasnowheretobeseen.Withaninstinctive
    pang,ofwhichIwasalmostimmediatelyashamed,Ihurriedtomyjackethanging
    onthebackofachairandplungedmyhandintotheinnerbreastpocket.The
    packetofbillswasthereintact.Afterabriefhesitation,andwithafeeling
    ofsecretguilt,Idrewthemoutandslowlycountedthemover.Notabillwas
    missing.Ireplacedthemoneyandtriedtosmileatmyselfforthislackof
    trust,andthenswitchedonalightandwentintothebathroomtotakealternate
    hotandcoldshowersuntilmybrainwasoncemorecomparativelyclear.
    Ihaddonethisandwasdressinginfreshlinenwhenakeyturnedinthe
    lockandHenryEichelbergerenteredwithtwowrappedbottlesunderhisarm.He
    lookedatmewithwhatIthoughtwasgenuineaffection.
    "Aguythatcansleepitofflikeyouisarealchamp,Walter,"hesaid
    admiringly."Isnuckyourkeyssoasnottowakeyou.Ihadtogetsomeeatsand
    somemorehooch.Idonealittlesolodrinking,whichasItoldyouisagainst
    myprinciples,butthisisabigday.However,wetakeiteasyfromnowonasto
    thehooch.Wecan'taffordnojitterstillit'sallover."
    Hehadunwrappedabottlewhilehewasspeakingandpouredmeasmall
    drink.Idrankitgratefullyandimmediatelyfeltawarmglowinmyveins.
    "Ibetyoulookedinyourpokeforthatdeckofmazuma,"Henrysaid,
    grinningatme.
    Ifeltmyselfreddening,butIsaidnothing."Okay,pal,youdoneright.
    WhattheheckdoyouknowaboutHenryEichelbergeranyways?Idonesomething
    else."Hereachedbehindhimanddrewashortautomaticfromhishippocket."If
    theseboyswantaplayrough,"hesaid,"Igotmefivebucksworthofironthat
    don'tmindplayin'roughalittleitself.AndtheEichelbergersain'tmisseda
    wholelotoftheguystheyshotat."
    "Idon'tlikethat,Henry,"Isaidseverely."Thatiscontrarytothe
    agreement."

    "Nutstotheagreement,"Henrysaid."Theboysgettheirdoughandnocops.
    I'mouttoseethattheyhandoverthemmarblesanddon'tpullanyfast
    footwork."
    Isawtherewasnousearguingwithhim,soIcompletedmydressingand
    preparedtoleavetheapartment.WeeachtookonemoredrinkandthenHenryput
    afullbottleinhispocketandweleft.
    Onthewaydownthehalltotheelevatorheexplainedinalowvoice:"I
    gotahackoutfronttotailyou,justincasetheseboysgotthesameidea.You
    mightcircleafewquietblockssoasIcanfindout.Moreliketheydon'tpick
    youuptilldownclosetothebeach."
    "Allthismustbecostingyouagreatdealofmoney,Henry,"Itoldhim,
    andwhilewewerewaitingfortheelevatortocomeupItookanothertwenty
    dollarbillfrommywalletandofferedittohim.Hetookthemoneyreluctantly,
    butfinallyfoldeditandplaceditinhispocket.
    IdidasHenryhadsuggested,drivingupanddownanumberofthehilly
    streetsnorthofHollywoodBoulevard,andpresentlyIheardtheunmistakable
    hootofataxicabhornbehindme.Ipulledovertothesideoftheroad.Henry
    gotoutofthecabandpaidoffthedriverandgotintomycarbesideme.
    "Allclear,"hesaid."Notail.I'lljustkeepkindofslumpeddownandyou
    betterstopsomewhereforsomegroceriesonaccountofifwehavetogetrough
    withthesemugs,afullheadofsteamwillhelp."
    SoIdrovewestwardanddroppeddowntoSunsetBoulevardandpresently
    stoppedatacrowdeddriveinrestaurantwherewesatatthecounterandatea
    lightmealofomeletteandblackcoffee.Wethenproceededonourway.Whenwe
    reachedBeverlyHills,Henryagainmademewindinandoutthroughanumberof
    residentialstreetswhereheobservedverycarefullythroughtherearwindowof
    thecar.
    FullysatisfiedatlastwedrovebacktoSunset,andwithoutincident
    onwardsthroughBelAirandthefringesofWestwood,almostasfarasthe
    RivieraPolofield.Atthispoint,downinthehollow,thereisacanyoncalled
    MandevilleCanyon,averyquietplace.Henryhadmedriveupthisforashort
    distance.Wethenstoppedandhadalittlewhiskeyfromhisbottleandhe
    climbedintothebackofthecarandcurledhisbigbodyuponthefloor,with
    therugoverhimandhisautomaticpistolandhisbottledownonthefloor
    convenientlytohishand.ThatdoneIoncemoreresumedmyjourney.

    PacificPalisadesisadistrictwhoseinhabitantsseemtoretirerather
    early.WhenIreachedwhatmightbecalledthebusinesscenternothingwasopen
    butthedrugstorebesidethebank.Iparkedthecar,withHenryremainingsilent
    undertherugintheback,exceptforaslightgurglingnoiseInoticedasI
    stoodonthedarksidewalk.ThenIwentintothedrugstoreandsawbyitsclock
    thatitwasnowfifteenminutestoeight.Iboughtapackageofcigarettesand
    litoneandtookupmypositionneartheopentelephonebooth.
    Thedruggist,aheavysetredfacedmanofuncertainage,hadasmallradio
    upveryloudandwaslisteningtosomefoolishserial.Iaskedhimtoturnit
    down,asIwasexpectinganimportanttelephonecall.Thishedid,butnotwith
    anygoodgrace,andimmediatelyretiredtothebackpartofhisstorewhenceI
    sawhimlookingoutatmemalignantlythroughasmallglasswindow.
    Atpreciselyoneminutetoeightbythedrugstoreclockthephonerang
    sharplyinthebooth.Ihastenedintoitandpulledthedoortightshut.I
    liftedthereceiver,tremblingalittleinspiteofmyself.
    Itwasthesamecoolmetallicvoice."Gage?"
    "ThisisMr.Gage."
    "YoudonejustwhatItoldyou?"
    "Yes,"Isaid."IhavethemoneyinmypocketandIamentirelyalone."I
    didnotlikethefeelingoflyingsobrazenly,eventoathief,butIsteeled
    myselftoit.
    "Listen,then.Gobackaboutthreehundredfeetthewayyoucome.Beside
    thefirehousethere'saservicestation,closedup,paintedgreenandredand
    white.Besidethat,goingsouth,isadirtroad.Followitthreequartersofa
    mileandyoucometoawhitefenceoffourbyfourbuiltalmostacrosstheroad.
    Youcanjustsqueezeyourcarbyattheleftside.Dimyourlightsandget
    throughthereandkeepgoingdownthelittlehillintoahollowwithsageall
    around.Parkthere,cutyourlights,andwait.Getit?"
    "Perfectly,"Isaidcoldly,"anditshallbedoneexactlythatway."
    "Andlisten,pal.Thereain'tahouseinhalfamile,andthereain'tany
    folksaroundatall.Yougottenminutestogetthere.You'rewatchedrightthis
    minute.Yougettherefastandyougettherealoneoryougotatripfor
    biscuits.Anddon'tlightnomatchesorpillsnorusenoflashlights.Onyour
    way."

    ThephonewentdeadandIleftthebooth.Iwasscarcelyoutsidethe
    drugstorebeforethedruggistrushedathisradioandturnedituptoabooming
    blare.IgotintomycarandturneditanddrovebackalongSunsetBoulevard,as
    directed.Henrywasasstillasthegraveonthefloorbehindme.
    IwasnowverynervousandHenryhadalltheliquorwhichwehadbrought
    withus.Ireachedthefirehouseinnotimeatallandthroughitsfrontwindow
    Icouldseefourfiremenplayingcards.Iturnedtotherightdownthedirtroad
    pasttheredandgreenandwhiteservicestationandalmostatoncethenight
    wassostill,inspiteofthequietsoundofmycar,thatIcouldhearthe
    cricketsandtreefrogschirpingandtrillinginalldirections,andfromsome
    nearbywateryspotcamethehoarsecroakofasolitarybullfrog.
    Theroaddippedandroseagainandfarofftherewasayellowwindow.Then
    aheadofme,ghostlyintheblacknessofthemoonlessnight,appearedthedim
    whitebarrieracrosstheroad.Inotedthegapatthesideandthendimmedmy
    headlampsandsteeredcarefullythroughitandsoondownaroughshorthill
    intoanovalshapedhollowspacesurroundedbylowbrushandplentifully
    litteredwithemptybottlesandcansandpiecesofpaper.Itwasentirely
    deserted,however,atthisdarkhour.Istoppedmycarandshutoffthe
    ignition,andthelights,andsattheremotionless,handsonthewheel.
    BehindmeIheardnomurmurofsoundfromHenry.Iwaitedpossiblyfive
    minutes,althoughitseemedmuchlonger,butnothinghappened.Itwasvery
    still,verylonely,andIdidnotfeelhappy.
    FinallytherewasafaintsoundofmovementbehindmeandIlookedbackto
    seethepaleblurofHenry'sfacepeeringatmefromundertherug.
    Hisvoicewhisperedhuskily."Anythingstirring,Walter?"
    Ishookmyheadathimvigorouslyandheoncemorepulledtherugoverhis
    face.Iheardafaintsoundofgurgling.
    FullyfifteenminutespassedbeforeIdaredtomoveagain.Bythistimethe
    tensityofwaitinghadmademestiff.Ithereforeboldlyunlatchedthedoorof
    thecarandsteppedoutupontheroughground.Nothinghappened.Iwalkedslowly
    backandforthwithmyhandsinmypockets.Moreandmoretimedraggedby.More
    thanhalfanhourhadnowelapsedandIbecameimpatient.Iwenttotherear
    windowofthecarandspokesoftlyintotheinterior.
    "Henry,Ifearwehavebeenvictimizedinaverycheapway.Ifearvery
    muchthatthisisnothingbutalowpracticaljokeonthepartofMr.Gandesiin

    retaliationforthewayyouhandledhimlastnight.Thereisnoonehereand
    onlyonepossiblewayofarriving.Itlookstomelikeaveryunlikelyplacefor
    thesortofmeetingwehavebeenexpecting."
    "Thesonofabitch!"Henrywhisperedback,andthegurglingsoundwas
    repeatedinthedarknessofthecar.Thentherewasmovementandheappeared
    freeoftherug.Thedooropenedagainstmybody.Henry'sheademerged.He
    lookedinalldirectionshiseyescouldcommand."Sitdownontherunning
    board,"hewhispered."I'mgettingout,Iftheygotabeadonusfromthem
    bushes,they'llonlyseeonehead."
    IdidwhatHenrysuggestedandturnedmycollaruphighandpulledmyhat
    downovermyeyes.AsnoiselesslyasashadowHenrysteppedoutofthecarand
    shutthedoorwithoutsoundandstoodbeforemerangingthelimitedhorizonwith
    hiseyes.Icouldseethedimreflectionoflightontheguninhishand.We
    remainedthusfortenmoreminutes.
    Henrythengotangryandthrewdiscretiontothewinds."Suckered!"he
    snarled."Youknowwhathappened,Walter?"
    "No,Henry.Idonot."
    "Itwasjustatryout,that'swhatitwas.Somewherealongthelinethese
    dirtysoandso'scheckedonyoutoseedidyouplayball,andthenagainthey
    checkedonyouatthatdrugstorebackthere.Ibetyouapairofsolidplatinum
    bicyclewheelsthatwasalongdistancecallyoucaughtbackthere."
    "Yes,Henry,nowthatyoumentionit,Iamsureitwas,"Isaidsadly.
    "Thereyouare,kid.Thebumsain'tevenlefttown.Theyaresittingback
    therebesidetheirplushlinedspittoonsgivingyouthebigrazzoo.Andtomorrow
    thisguycallsyouagainonthephoneandsaysO.K.sofar,buttheyhadtobe
    carefulandtheywilltryagaintonightmaybeoutinSanFernandoValleyandthe
    pricewillbeuppedtotengrand,onaccountoftheirextratrouble.Ioughtago
    backthereandtwistthatGandesisohewouldbelookin'uphisleftpantsleg."
    "Well,Henry,"Isaid,"afterall,Ididnotdoexactlywhattheytoldme
    to,becauseyouinsistedoncomingwithme.Andperhapstheyaremoreclever
    thanyouthink.SoIthinkthebestthingnowistogobacktotownandhope
    therewillbeachancetomorrowtotryagain.Andyoumustpromisemefaithfully
    nottointerfere."
    "Nuts!"Henrysaidangrily."Withoutmealongtheywouldtakeyoutheway
    thecattookthecanary.Youareasweetguy,Walter,butyoudon'tknowasmany

    answersasBabyLeroy.Theseguysarethievesandtheyhaveastringofmarbles
    thatmightprobablybringthemtwentygrandwithcarefulhandling.Theyareout
    foraquicktouch,buttheywillsqueezealltheycanjustthesame.Ioughtago
    backtothatfatwopGandesirightnow.Icoulddothingstothatslobthat
    ain'tbeeninventedyet."
    "Now,Henry,don'tgetviolent,"Isaid.
    "Haw,"Henrysnarled."Themguysgivemeanacheinthebackofmylap."He
    raisedhisbottletohislipswithhislefthandanddrankthirstily.Hisvoice
    camedownafewtonesandsoundedmorepeaceful."Betterdipthebill,Walter.
    Theparty'saflop."
    "Perhapsyouareright,Henry,"Isighed."Iwilladmitthatmystomachhas
    beentremblinglikeanautumnleafforallofhalfanhour."
    SoIstoodupboldlybesidehimandpouredaliberalportionofthefiery
    liquiddownmythroat.Atoncemycouragerevived.Ihandedthebottlebackto
    Henryandheplaceditcarefullydownontherunningboard.Hestoodbesideme
    dancingtheshortautomaticpistolupanddownonthebroadpalmofhishand.
    "Idon'tneednotoolstohandlethatbunch.Thehellwithit."Andwitha
    sweepofhisarmhehurledthepistoloffamongthebushes,whereitfelltothe
    groundwithamuffledthud.Hewalkedawayfromthecarandstoodwithhisarms
    akimbo,lookingupatthesky.
    Imovedoverbesidehimandwatchedhisavertedface,insofarasIwasable
    toseeitinthatdimlight.Astrangemelancholycameoverme.Inthebrief
    timeIhadknownHenryIhadgrownveryfondofhim.
    "Well,Henry,"Isaidatlast,"whatisthenextmove?"
    "Beatitonhome,Iguess,"hesaidslowlyandmournfully."Andgetgood
    anddrunk."Hedoubledhishandsintofistsandshookthemslowly.Thenhe
    turnedtofaceme."Yeah,"hesaid."Nothingelsetodo.Beatitonhome,kid,
    isallthatislefttous."
    "Notquiteyet,Henry,"Isaidsoftly.
    Itookmyrighthandoutofmypocket.Ihavelargehands.Inmyrighthand
    nestledtherollofwrappedquarterswhichIhadobtainedatthebankthat
    morning.Myhandmadealargefistaroundthem.

    "Goodnight,Henry,"Isaidquietly,andswungmyfistwithalltheweight
    ofmyarmandbody."Youhadtwostrikesonme,Henry,"Isaid."Thebigoneis
    stillleft."
    ButHenrywasnotlisteningtome.Myfistwiththewrappedweightofmetal
    insideithadcaughthimfairlyandsquarelyonthepointofhisjaw.Hislegs
    becamebonelessandhepitchedstraightforward,brushingmysleeveashefell.
    Isteppedquicklyoutofhisway.
    HenryEichelbergerlaymotionlessontheground,aslimpasarubberglove.
    Ilookeddownathimalittlesadly,waitingforhimtostir,buthedid
    notmoveamuscle.Helayinert,completelyunconscious.Idroppedtherollof
    quartersbackintomypocket,bentoverhim,searchedhimthoroughly,movinghim
    aroundlikeasackofmeal,butitwasalongtimebeforeIfoundthepearls.
    Theyweretwinedaroundhisankleinsidehisleftsock.
    "Well,Henry,"Isaid,speakingtohimforthelasttime,althoughhecould
    nothearme,"youareagentleman,evenifyouareathief.Youcouldhavetaken
    themoneyadozentimesthisafternoonandgivenmenothing.Youcouldhave
    takenitalittlewhileagowhenyouhadtheguninyourhand,buteventhat
    repelledyou.Youthrewthegunawayandweweremantoman,farfromhelp,far
    frominterference.Andeventhenyouhesitated,Henry.Infact,Henry,Ithink
    forasuccessfulthiefyouhesitatedjustalittletoolong.Butasamanof
    sportingfeelingsIcanonlythinkthemorehighlyofyou.Goodbye,Henry,and
    goodluck."
    Itookmywalletoutandwithdrewaonehundreddollarbillandplacedit
    carefullyinthepocketwhereIhadseenHenryputhismoney.ThenIwentback
    tothecarandtookadrinkoutofthewhiskeybottleandcorkeditfirmlyand
    laiditbesidehim,convenienttohisrighthand.
    Ifeltsurethatwhenheawakenedhewouldneedit.

    Itwaspastteno'clockwhenIreturnedhometomyapartment,butIatoncewent
    tothetelephoneandcalledEllenMacintosh."Darling!"Icried."Ihavethe
    pearls."

    Icaughtthesoundofherindrawnbreathoverthewire."Ohdarling,"she
    saidtenselyandexcitedly,"andyouarenothurt?Theydidnothurtyou,
    darling?Theyjusttookthemoneyandletyougo?"
    "Therewereno'they,'darling,"Isaidproudly."IstillhaveMr.
    Gallemore'smoneyintact.TherewasonlyHenry."
    "Henry!"shecriedinaverystrangevoice."ButIthoughtComeoverhere
    atonce,WalterGage,andtellme"
    "Ihavewhiskeyonmybreath,Ellen."
    "Darling!I'msureyouneededit.Comeatonce."
    SooncemoreIwentdowntothestreetandhurriedtoCarondeletParkand
    innotimeatallwasatthePenruddockresidence.Ellencameoutontheporch
    tomeetmeandwetalkedtherequietlyinthedark,holdinghands,forthe
    householdhadgonetobed.AssimpleasIcouldItoldhermystory.
    "Butdarling,"shesaidatlast,"howdidyouknowitwasHenry?Ithought
    Henrywasyourfriend.Andthisothervoiceonthetelephone"
    "Henry_was_myfriend,"Isaidalittlesadly,"andthatiswhatdestroyed
    him.Astothevoiceonthetelephone,thatwasasmallmatterandeasily
    arranged.Henrywasawayfrommeanumberoftimestoarrangeit.Therewasjust
    onesmallpointthatgavemethought.AfterIgaveGandesimyprivatecardwith
    thenameofmyapartmenthousescribbleduponit,itwasnecessaryforHenryto
    communicatetohisconfederatethatwehadseenGandesiandgivenhimmyname
    andaddress.ForofcoursewhenIhadthisfoolish,orperhapsnotsovery
    foolishideaofvisitingsomewellknownunderworldcharacterinordertosenda
    messagethatwewouldbuybackthepearls,thiswasHenry'sopportunitytomake
    methinkthetelephonemessagecameasaresultofourtalkingtoGandesi,and
    tellinghimourdifficulty.Butsincethefirstcallcametomeatmyapartment
    beforeHenryhadhadachancetoinformhisconfederateofourmeetingwith
    Gandesi,itwasobviousthatatrickhadbeenemployed.
    "ThenIrecalledthatacarhadbumpedintousfrombehindandHenryhad
    gonebacktoabusethedriver.Andofcoursethebumpingwasdeliberate,and
    Henryhadmadetheopportunityforitonpurpose,andhisconfederatewasinthe
    car.SoHenry,whilepretendingtoshoutathim,wasabletoconveythe
    necessaryinformation."

    "But,Walter,"Ellensaid,havinglistenedtothisexplanationalittle
    impatiently,"thatisaverysmallmatter.WhatIreallywanttoknowishowyou
    decidedthatHenryhadthepearlsatall."
    "Butyoutoldmehehadthem,"Isaid."Youwerequitesureofit.Henryis
    averydurablecharacter.Itwouldbejustlikehimtohidethepearls
    somewhere,havingnofearofwhatthepolicemightdotohim,andgetanother
    positionandthenafterperhapsquitealongtime,retrievethepearlsand
    quietlyleavethispartofthecountry."
    Ellenshookherheadimpatientlyinthedarknessoftheporch."Walter,"
    shesaidsharply,"youarehidingsomething.Youcouldnothavebeensureand
    youwouldnothavehitHenryinthatbrutalway,unlessyouhadbeensure.I
    knowyouwellenoughtoknowthat."
    "Well,darling,"Isaidmodestly,"therewasindeedanothersmall
    indication,oneofthosefoolishtrifleswhichthecleverestmenoverlook.As
    youknow,Idonotusetheregularapartmenthousetelephone,notwishingtobe
    annoyedbysolicitorsandsuchpeople.ThephonewhichIuseisaprivateline
    anditsnumberisunlisted.ButthecallsIreceivedfromHenry'sconfederate
    cameoverthatphone,andHenryhadbeeninmyapartmentagreatdeal,andIhad
    beencarefulnottogiveMr.Gandesithatnumber,becauseofcourseIdidnot
    expectanythingfromMr.Gandesi,asIwasperfectlysurefromthebeginning
    thatHenryhadthepearls,ifonlyIcouldgethimtobringthemoutofhiding."
    "Oh,darling,"Ellencried,andthrewherarmsaroundme."Howbraveyou
    are,andIreallythinkthatyouareactuallycleverinyourownpeculiarway.
    DoyoubelievethatHenrywasinlovewithme?"
    ButthatwasasubjectinwhichIhadnointerestwhatever.Ileftthe
    pearlsinEllen'skeepingandlateasthehournowwasIdroveatoncetothe
    residenceofMr.LansingGallemoreandtoldhimmystoryandgavehimbackhis
    money.
    AfewmonthslaterIwashappytoreceivealetterpostmarkedinHonolulu
    andwrittenonaveryinferiorbrandofpaper.
    _Well,pal,thatSundaypunchofyourswasthemoneyandIdidnotthink
    youhaditinyou,althoofcourseIwasnotsetforit.Butitwasapipand
    mademethinkofyouforaweekeverytimeIbrushedmyteeth.ItwastoobadI
    hadtoscrambecauseyouareasweetguyalthoalittleonthegoofysideand

    I'dliketobegettingplasteredwithyourightnowinsteadofwipingoilvalves
    whereIamatwhichisnotwherethisletterismailedbyseveralthousand
    miles.ThereisjusttwothingsIwouldlikeyoutoknowandtheyareboth
    kosher.IdidfallhardforthattallblondeandthiswasthemainreasonItook
    mytimefromtheoldlady.Glommingthepearlswasjustoneofthosescrewy
    ideasaguycangetwhenheisdizzywithadame.Itwasacrimethewaythey
    leftthemmarbleslyingaroundinthatbreadboxandIworkedforaFrenchyonce
    inDjiboutyandgottoknowpearlsenoughtotellthemfromsnowballs.Butwhen
    itcametotheclinchdownthereinthatbrushwithustwoaloneandnoholds
    barredIjustwastoosofttogothroughwiththedeal.Tellthatblondeyougot
    alooponIwasaskingforher.
    YRS.asever,
    HENRYEICHELBERGER(Alias)
    P.S.Whatdoyouknow,thatpunkthatdidthephoneworkonyoutriedto
    takemeforafiftycutonthatCnoteyoutuckedinmyvest.Ihadtotwistthe
    suckerplenty.
    Yrs.H.E.(Alias)_

    TROUBLEISMYBUSINESS

    AnnaHalseywasabouttwohundredandfortypoundsofmiddleagedputtyfaced
    womaninablacktailormadesuit.Hereyeswereshinyblackshoebuttons,her
    cheekswereassoftassuetandaboutthesamecolor.Shewassittingbehinda
    blackglassdeskthatlookedlikeNapoleon'stombandshewassmokinga
    cigaretteinablackholderthatwasnotquiteaslongasarolledumbrella.She
    said:"Ineedaman."
    Iwatchedhershakeashfromthecigarettetotheshinytopofthedesk
    whereflakesofitcurledandcrawledinthedraftfromanopenwindow.
    "Ineedamangoodlookingenoughtopickupadamewhohasasenseof
    class,buthe'sgottobetoughenoughtoswappuncheswithapowershovel.I

    needaguywhocanactlikeabarlizardandbackchatlikeFredAllen,only
    better,andgethitontheheadwithabeertruckandthinksomecutieinthe
    leglinetoppedhimwithabreadstick."
    "It'sacinch,"Isaid."YouneedtheNewYorkYankees,RobertDonat,and
    theYachtClubBoys."
    "Youmightdo,"Annasaid,"cleanedupalittle.Twentybucksadayand
    ex's.Ihaven'tbrokeredajobinyears,butthisoneisoutofmyline.I'min
    thesmoothanglesofthedetectingbusinessandImakemoneywithoutgettingmy
    canknockedoff.Let'sseehowGladyslikesyou."
    Shereversedthecigaretteholderandtippedakeyonalargeblackand
    chromiumannunciatorbox."ComeinandemptyAnna'sashtray,honey."
    Wewaited.
    ThedooropenedandatallblondedressedbetterthantheDuchessof
    Windsorstrolledin.
    Sheswayedelegantlyacrosstheroom,emptiedAnna'sashtray,pattedher
    fatcheek,gavemeasmoothripplingglanceandwentoutagain.
    "Ithinksheblushed,"Annasaidwhenthedoorclosed."Iguessyoustill
    haveit."
    "SheblushedandIhaveadinnerdatewithDarrylZanuck,"Isaid."Quit
    horsingaround.What'sthestory?"
    "It'stosmearagirl.Aredheadednumberwithbedroomeyes.She'sshill
    foragamblerandshe'sgotherhooksintoarichman'spup."
    "WhatdoIdotoher?"
    Annasighed."It'skindofameanjob,Philip,Iguess.Ifshe'sgota
    recordofanysort,youdigitupandtossitinherface.Ifshehasn't,which
    ismorelikelyasshecomesfromgoodpeople,it'skindofuptoyou.Yougetan
    ideaonceinawhile,don'tyou?"
    "Ican'trememberthelastoneIhad.Whatgamblerandwhatrichman?"
    "MartyEstel."
    Istartedtogetupfrommychair,thenrememberedthatbusinesshadbeen
    badforamonthandthatIneededthemoney.
    Isatdownagain.
    "Youmightgetintotrouble,ofcourse,"Annasaid."IneverheardofMarty
    bumpinganybodyoffinthepublicsquareathighnoon,buthedon'tplaywith
    cigarcoupons."

    "Troubleismybusiness,"Isaid."Twentyfiveadayandguaranteeoftwo
    fifty,ifIpullthejob."
    "Igottamakealittlesomethingformyself,"Annawhined.
    "O.K.There'splentyofcoolielaboraroundtown.Nicetohaveseenyou
    lookingsowell.Solong,Anna."
    Istoodupthistime.Mylifewasn'tworthmuch,butitwasworththat
    much.MartyEstelwassupposedtobeprettytoughpeople,withtherighthelpers
    andtherightprotectionbehindhim.HisplacewasoutinWestHollywood,onthe
    Strip.Hewouldn'tpullanythingcrude,butifhepulledatall,somethingwould
    pop.
    "Sitdown,it'sadeal,"Annasneered."I'mapooroldbrokendownwoman
    tryingtorunahighclassdetectiveagencyonnothingbutfatandbadhealth,
    sotakemylastnickelandlaughatme."
    "Who'sthegirl?"Ihadsatdownagain.
    "HernameisHarrietHuntressaswellnamefortheparttoo.Shelivesin
    theElMilano,nineteenhundredblockonNorthSycamore,veryhighclass.Father
    wentbrokebackinthirtyoneandjumpedoutofhisofficewindow.Motherdead.
    KidsisterinboardingschoolbackinConnecticut.Thatmightmakeanangle."
    "Whodugupallthis?"
    "TheclientgotabunchofphotostatsofnotesthepuphadgiventoMarty.
    Fiftygrandworth.Thepuphe'sanadoptedsontotheoldmandeniedthe
    notes,askidswill.Sotheclienthadthephotostatsexpertedbyaguynamed
    Arbogast,whopretendstobegoodatthatsortofthing.HesaidO.K.anddug
    aroundabit,buthe'stoofattodolegwork,likeme,andhe'soffthecase
    now."
    "ButIcouldtalktohim?"
    "Idon'tknowwhynot."Annanoddedseveralofherchins.
    "Thisclientdoeshehaveaname?"
    "Son,youhaveatreatcoming.Youcanmeethiminpersonrightnow."
    Shetippedthekeyofhercallboxagain."HaveMr.Jeetercomein,honey."
    "ThatGladys,"Isaid,"doesshehaveasteady?"
    "YoulayoffGladys!"Annaalmostscreamedatme."She'swortheighteen
    grandayearindivorcebusinesstome.Anyguythatlaysafingeronher,
    PhilipMarlowe,ispracticallycremated."
    "She'sgottofallsomeday,"Isaid."Whycouldn'tIcatchher?"

    Theopeningdoorstoppedthat.
    Ihadn'tseenhiminthepaneledreceptionroom,sohemusthavebeen
    waitinginaprivateoffice.Hehadn'tenjoyedit.Hecameinquickly,shutthe
    doorquickly,andyankedathinoctagonalplatinumwatchfromhisvestand
    glaredatit.Hewasatallwhiteblondtypeinpinstripedflannelofyouthful
    cut.Therewasasmallpinkrosebudinhislapel.Hehadakeenfrozenface,a
    littlepouchyundertheeyes,alittlethickinthelips.Hecarriedanebony
    canewithasilverknob,worespatsandlookedasmartsixty,butIgavehim
    closetotenyearsmore.Ididn'tlikehim.
    "Twentysixminutes,MissHalsey,"hesaidicily."Mytimehappenstobe
    valuable.ByregardingitasvaluableIhavemanagedtomakeagreatdealof
    money."
    "Well,we'retryingtosaveyousomeofthemoney,"Annadrawled.She
    didn'tlikehimeither."Sorrytokeepyouwaiting,Mr.Jeeter,butyouwanted
    toseetheoperativeIselectedandIhadtosendforhim."
    "Hedoesn'tlookthetypetome,"Mr.Jeetersaid,givingmeanasty
    glance."Ithinkmoreofagentleman"
    "You'renottheJeeterof_TobaccoRoad,_areyou?"Iaskedhim.
    Hecameslowlytowardsmeandhalfliftedthestick.Hisicyeyestoreat
    melikeclaws."Soyouinsultme,"hesaid."Meamaninmyposition."
    "Nowwaitaminute,"Annabegan.
    "Waitaminutenothing,"Isaid."ThispartysaidIwasnotagentleman.
    Maybethat'sO.K.foramaninhisposition,whateveritisbutamaninmy
    positiondoesn'ttakeadirtycrackfromanybody.Hecan'taffordto.Unless,of
    course,itwasn'tintended."
    Mr.Jeeterstiffenedandglaredatme.Hetookhiswatchoutagainand
    lookedatit."Twentyeightminutes,"hesaid."Iapologize,youngman.Ihadno
    desiretoberude."
    "That'sswell,"Isaid."Iknewyouweren'ttheJeeterin_TobaccoRoad_
    allalong."
    Thatalmoststartedhimagain,butheletitgo.Hewasn'tsurehowImeant
    it.
    "Aquestionortwowhilewearetogether,"Isaid."Areyouwillingtogive
    thisHuntressgirlalittlemoneyforexpenses?"
    "Notonecent,"hebarked."WhyshouldI?"

    "It'sgottobeasortofcustom.Supposeshemarriedhim.Whatwouldhe
    have?"
    "Atthemomentathousanddollarsamonthfromatrustfundestablishedby
    hismother,mylatewife."Hedippedhishead."Whenheistwentyeightyears
    old,fartoomuchmoney."
    "Youcan'tblamethegirlfortrying,"Isaid."Notthesedays.Howabout
    MartyEstel?Anysettlementthere?"
    Hecrumpledhisgraygloveswithapurpleveinedhand."Thedebtis
    uncollectible.Itisagamblingdebt."
    Annasighedwearilyandflickedasharoundonherdesk.
    "Sure,"Isaid."Butgamblerscan'taffordtoletpeoplewelshonthem.
    Afterall,ifyoursonhadwon,Martywouldhavepaid_him."_
    "I'mnotinterestedinthat,"thetallthinmansaidcoldly.
    "Yeah,butthinkofMartysittingtherewithfiftygrandinnotes.Not
    worthanickel.Howwillhesleepnights?"
    Mr.Jeeterlookedthoughtful."Youmeanthereisdangerofviolence?"he
    suggested,almostsuavely.
    "That'shardtosay.Herunsanexclusiveplace,getsagoodmoviecrowd.
    Hehashisownreputationtothinkof.Buthe'sinaracketandheknowspeople.
    ThingscanhappenalongwayofffromwhereMartyis.AndMartyisnobathmat.
    Hegetsupandwalks."
    Mr.Jeeterlookedathiswatchagainanditannoyedhim.Heslammeditback
    intohisvest."Allthatisyouraffair,"hesnapped."Thedistrictattorneyis
    apersonalfriendofmine.Ifthismatterseemstobebeyondyourpowers"
    "Yeah,"Itoldhim."Butyoucameslummingdownourstreetjustthesame.
    EveniftheD.A.isinyourvestpocketalongwiththatwatch."
    Heputhishaton,drewononeglove,tappedtheedgeofhisshoewithhis
    stick,walkedtothedoorandopenedit.
    "IaskresultsandIpayforthem,"hesaidcoldly."Ipaypromptly.Ieven
    paygenerouslysometimes,althoughIamnotconsideredagenerousman.Ithink
    weallunderstandoneanother."
    Healmostwinkedthenandwentonout.Thedoorclosedsoftlyagainstthe
    cushionofairinthedoorcloser.IlookedatAnnaandgrinned.
    "Sweet,isn'the?"shesaid."I'dlikeeightofhimformycocktailset."
    Igougedtwentydollarsoutofherforexpenses.

    TheArbogastIwantedwasJohnD.ArbogastandhehadanofficeonSunsetnear
    Ivar.Icalledhimupfromaphonebooth.Thevoicethatansweredwasfat.It
    wheezedsoftly,likethevoiceofamanwhohadjustwonapieeatingcontest.
    "Mr.JohnD.Arbogast?"
    "Yeah."
    "ThisisPhilipMarlowe,aprivatedetectiveworkingonacaseyoudidsome
    expertingon.PartynamedJeeter."
    "Yeah?"
    "CanIcomeupandtalktoyouaboutitafterIeatlunch?"
    "Yeah."Hehungup.Idecidedhewasnotatalkativeman.
    Ihadlunchanddroveoutthere.ItwaseastofIvar,anoldtwostory
    buildingfacedwithbrickwhichhadbeenpaintedrecently.Thestreetfloorwas
    storesandarestaurant.Thebuildingentrancewasthefootofawidestraight
    stairwaytothesecondfloor.OnthedirectoryatthebottomIread:JohnD.
    Arbogast,Suite212.Iwentupthestairsandfoundmyselfinawidestraight
    hallthatranparallelwiththestreet.Amaninasmockwasstandinginanopen
    doorwaydowntomyright.Heworearoundmirrorstrappedtohisforeheadand
    pushedback,andhisfacehadapuzzledexpression.Hewentbacktohisoffice
    andshutthedoor.
    Iwenttheotherway,abouthalfthedistancealongthehall.Adooronthe
    sideawayfromSunsetwaslettered:JOHND.ARBOGAST,EXAMINEROFQUESTIONED
    DOCUMENTS.PRIVATEINVESTIGATOR.ENTER.Thedooropenedwithoutresistanceonto
    asmallwindowlessanteroomwithacoupleofeasychairs,somemagazines,two
    chromiumsmokingstands.Thereweretwofloorlampsandaceilingfixture,all
    lighted.Adoorontheothersideofthecheapbutthicknewrugwaslettered:
    JOHND.ARBOGAST,EXAMINEROFQUESTIONEDDOCUMENTS.PRIVATE.
    AbuzzerhadrungwhenIopenedtheouterdoorandgoneonringinguntilit
    closed.Nothinghappened.Nobodywasinthewaitingroom.Theinnerdoordidn't
    open.Iwentoverandlistenedatthepanelnosoundofconversationinside.I

    knocked.Thatdidn'tbuymeanythingeither.Itriedtheknob.Itturned,soI
    openedthedoorandwentin.
    Thisroomhadtwonorthwindows,bothcurtainedatthesidesandbothshut
    tight.Therewasdustonthesills.Therewasadesk,twofilingcases,acarpet
    whichwasjustacarpet,andwallswhichwerejustwalls.Totheleftanother
    doorwithaglasspanelwaslettered:JOHND.ARBOGAST.LABORATORY.PRIVATE.
    IhadanideaImightbeabletorememberthename.
    TheroominwhichIstoodwassmall.Itseemedalmosttoosmallevenfor
    thepudgyhandthatrestedontheedgeofthedesk,motionless,holdingafat
    pencillikeacarpenter'spencil.Thehandhadawrist,hairlessasaplate.A
    buttonedshirtcuff,nottooclean,camedownoutofacoatsleeve.Therestof
    thesleevedroppedoverthefaredgeofthedeskoutofsight.Thedeskwasless
    thansixfeetlong,sohecouldn'thavebeenaverytallman.Thehandandthe
    endsofthesleeveswereallIsawofhimfromwhereIstood.Iwentquietly
    backthroughtheanteroomandfixeditsdoorsothatitcouldn'tbeopenedfrom
    theoutsideandputoutthethreelightsandwentbacktotheprivateoffice.I
    wentaroundanendofthedesk.
    Hewasfatallright,enormouslyfat,fatterbyfarthanAnnaHalsey.His
    face,whatIcouldseeofit,lookedaboutthesizeofabasketball.Ithada
    pleasantpinkness,evennow.Hewaskneelingonthefloor.Hehadhislargehead
    againstthesharpinnercornerofthekneeholeofthedesk,andhislefthand
    wasflatonthefloorwithapieceofyellowpaperunderit.Thefingerswere
    outspreadasmuchassuchfatfingerscouldbe,andtheyellowpapershowed
    between.Helookedasifhewerepushinghardonthefloor,buthewasn't
    really.Whatwasholdinghimupwashisownfat.Hisbodywasfoldeddown
    againsthisenormousthighs,andthethicknessandfatnessofthemheldhimthat
    way,kneeling,poisedsolid.Itwouldhavetakenacoupleofgoodblockingbacks
    toknockhimover.Thatwasn'taveryniceideaatthemoment,butIhaditjust
    thesame.Itooktimeoutandwipedthebackofmyneck,althoughitwasnota
    warmday.
    Hishairwasgrayandclippedshortandhisneckhadasmanyfoldsasa
    concertina.Hisfeetweresmall,asthefeetoffatmenoftenare,andtheywere
    inblackshinyshoeswhichweresidewaysonthecarpetandclosetogetherand
    neatandnasty.Heworeadarksuitthatneededcleaning.Ileaneddownand
    buriedmyfingersinthebottomlessfatofhisneck.Hehadanarteryinthere

    somewhere,probably,butIcouldn'tfinditandhedidn'tneeditanymore
    anyway.Betweenhisbloatedkneesonthecarpetadarkstainhadspreadand
    spread
    Ikneltinanotherplaceandliftedthepudgyfingersthatwereholding
    downthepieceofyellowpaper.Theywerecool,butnotcold,andsoftanda
    littlesticky.Thepaperwasfromascratchpad.Itwouldhavebeenveryniceif
    ithadhadamessageonit,butithadn't.Therewerevaguemeaninglessmarks,
    notwords,notevenletters.Hehadtriedtowritesomethingafterhewasshot
    perhapseventhoughthe_was_writingsomethingbutallhemanagedwassomehen
    scratches.
    Hehadslumpeddownthen,stillholdingthepaper,pinnedittothefloor
    withhisfathand,heldontothefatpencilwithhisotherhand,wedgedhis
    torsoagainsthishugethighs,andsodied.JohnD.Arbogast.Examinerof
    QuestionedDocuments.Private.Verydamnedprivate.Hehadsaid"yeah"tome
    threetimesoverthephone.
    Andherehewas.
    Iwipeddoorknobswithmyhandkerchief,putoffthelightsintheanteroom,
    lefttheouterdoorsothatitwaslockedfromtheoutside,leftthehallway,
    leftthebuildingandlefttheneighborhood.SofarasIcouldtellnobodysaw
    mego.SofarasIcouldtell.

    TheElMilanowas,asAnnahadtoldme,inthe1900blockonNorthSycamore.It
    wasmostoftheblock.Iparkedfairlyneartheornamentalforecourtandwent
    alongtothepaleblueneonsignovertheentrancetothebasementgarage.I
    walkeddownarailedrampintoabrightspaceofglisteningcarsandcoldair.A
    trimlightcoloredNegroinaspotlesscoverallsuitwithbluecuffscameoutof
    aglassoffice.Hisblackhairwasassmoothasabandleader's.
    "Busy?"Iaskedhim.
    "Yesandno,sir."
    "I'vegotacaroutsidethatneedsadusting.Aboutfivebucksworthof
    dusting."

    Itdidn'twork.Hewasn'tthetype.Hischestnuteyesbecamethoughtfuland
    remote."Thatisagooddealofdusting,sir.MayIaskifanythingelsewould
    beincluded?"
    "Alittle.IsMissHarrietHuntress'carin?"
    Helooked.Isawhimlookalongtheglisteningrowatacanaryyellow
    convertiblewhichwasaboutasinconspicuousasaprivyonthefrontlawn.
    "Yes,sir.Itisin."
    "I'dlikeherapartmentnumberandawaytogetuptherewithoutgoing
    throughthelobby.I'maprivatedetective."Ishowedhimabuzzer.Helookedat
    thebuzzer.Itfailedtoamusehim.
    HesmiledthefaintestsmileIeversaw."Fivedollarsisnicemoney,sir,
    toaworkingman.Itfallsalittleshortofbeingniceenoughtomakemerisk
    myposition.AboutfromheretoChicagoshort,sir.Isuggestthatyousaveyour
    fivedollars,sir,andtrythecustomarymodeofentry."
    "You'requiteaguy,"Isaid."Whatareyougoingtobewhenyougrowupa
    fivefootshelf?"
    "Iamalreadygrownup,sir.Iamthirtyfouryearsold,marriedhappily,
    andhavetwochildren.Goodafternoon,sir."
    Heturnedonhisheel."Well,goodbye,"Isaid."Andpardonmywhiskey
    breath.IjustgotinfromButte."
    IwentbackupalongtherampandwanderedalongthestreettowhereI
    shouldhavegoneinthefirstplace.Imighthaveknownthatfivebucksanda
    buzzerwouldn'tbuymeanythinginaplaceliketheElMilano.
    TheNegrowasprobablytelephoningtheofficerightnow.
    Thebuildingwasahugewhitestuccoaffair,Moorishinstyle,withgreat
    frettedlanternsintheforecourtandhugedatepalms.Theentrancewasatthe
    insidecornerofanL,upmarblesteps,throughanarchframedinCaliforniaor
    dishpanmosaic.
    AdoormanopenedthedoorformeandIwentin.Thelobbywasnotquiteas
    bigastheYankeeStadium.Itwasflooredwithapalebluecarpetwithsponge
    rubberunderneath.Itwassosoftitmademewanttoliedownandroll.Iwaded
    overtothedeskandputanelbowonitandwasstaredatbyapalethinclerk
    withoneofthosemustachesthatgetstuckunderyourfingernail.Hetoyedwith
    itandlookedpastmyshoulderatanAliBabaoiljarbigenoughtokeepatiger
    in.

    "MissHuntressin?"
    "WhoshallIannounce?"
    "Mr.MartyEstel."
    Thatdidn'ttakeanybetterthanmyplayinthegarage.Heleanedon
    somethingwithhisleftfoot.Ablueandgiltdooropenedattheendofthedesk
    andalargesandyhairedmanwithcigarashonhisvestcameoutandleaned
    absentlyontheendofthedeskandstaredattheAliBabaoiljar,asiftrying
    tomakeuphismindwhetheritwasaspittoon.
    Theclerkraisedhisvoice."YouareMr.MartyEstel?"
    "Fromhim."
    "Isn'tthatalittledifferent?Andwhatisyourname,sir,ifonemay
    ask?"
    "Onemayask,"Isaid."Onemaynotbetold.Sucharemyorders.Sorryto
    bestubbornandallthatrot."
    Hedidn'tlikemymanner.Hedidn'tlikeanythingaboutme."I'mafraidI
    can'tannounceyou,"hesaidcoldly."Mr.Hawkins,mightIhaveyouradviceona
    matter?"
    Thesandyhairedmantookhiseyesofftheoiljarandslidalongthedesk
    untilhewaswithinblackjackrangeofme.
    "Yes,Mr.Gregory?"heyawned.
    "Nutstobothofyou,"Isaid."Andthatincludesyourladyfriends."
    Hawkinsgrinned."Comeintomyoffice,bo.We'llkindofseeifwecanget
    youstraightenedout."
    Ifollowedhimintothedogholehehadcomeoutof.Itwaslargeenoughfor
    apintsizeddesk,twochairs,akneehighcuspidor,andanopenboxofcigars.
    Heplacedhisrearendagainstthedeskandgrinnedatmesociably.
    "Didn'tplayitverysmooth,didyou,bo?I'mthehousemanhere.Spill
    it."
    "SomedaysIfeellikeplayingsmooth,"Isaid,"andsomedaysIfeellike
    playingitlikeawaffleiron."Igotmywalletoutandshowedhimthebuzzer
    andthesmallphotostatofmylicensebehindacelluloidwindow.
    "Oneoftheboys,huh?"Henodded."Yououghttoofaskedformeinthe
    firstplace."
    "Sure.OnlyIneverheardofyou.IwanttoseethisHuntressfrail.She
    doesn'tknowme,butIhavebusinesswithher,andit'snotnoisybusiness."

    Hemadeayardandhalfsidewaysandcockedhiscigarintheothercorner
    ofhismouth.Helookedatmyrighteyebrow."What'sthegag?Whytrytoapple
    polishthedingedownstairs?Yougettin'anyexpensemoney?"
    "Couldbe."
    "I'mnicepeople,"hesaid."ButIgottaprotecttheguests."
    "You'realmostoutofcigars,"Isaid,lookingattheninetyorsointhe
    box.Iliftedacouple,smelledthem,tuckedafoldedtendollarbillbelowthem
    andputthemback.
    "That'scute,"hesaid."Youandmecouldgetalong.Whatyouwantdone?"
    "TellherI'mfromMartyEstel.She'llseeme."
    "It'sthejobifIgetakickback."
    "Youwon't.I'vegotimportantpeoplebehindme."
    Istartedtoreachformyten,buthepushedmyhandaway."I'lltakea
    chance,"hesaid.HereachedforhisphoneandaskedforSuite814andbeganto
    hum.Hishummingsoundedlikeacowbeingsick.Heleanedforwardsuddenlyand
    hisfacebecameahoneyedsmile.Hisvoicedripped.
    "MissHuntress?ThisisHawkins,thehouseman.Hawkins.Yeah...Hawkins.
    Sure,youmeetalotofpeople,MissHuntress.Say,there'sagentlemaninmy
    officewantingtoseeyouwithamessagefromMr.Estel.Wecan'tlethimup
    withoutyoursayso,becausehedon'twanttogiveusnoname...Yeah,Hawkins,
    thehousedetective,MissHuntress.Yeah,hesaysyoudon'tknowhimpersonal,
    buthelooksO.K.tome...O.K.Thanksalot,MissHuntress.Servehimrightup."
    Heputthephonedownandpatteditgently.
    "Allyouneededwassomebackgroundmusic,"Isaid.
    "Youcanrideup,"hesaiddreamily.Hereachedabsentlyintohiscigarbox
    andremovedthefoldedbill."Adarb,"hesaidsoftly."EverytimeIthinkof
    thatdameIhavetogooutandwalkaroundtheblock.Let'sgo."
    WewentouttothelobbyagainandHawkinstookmetotheelevatorand
    highsignedmein.
    AstheelevatordoorsclosedIsawhimonhiswaytotheentrance,probably
    forhiswalkaroundtheblock.
    Theelevatorhadacarpetedfloorandmirrorsandindirectlighting.It
    roseassoftlyasthemercuryinathermometer.Thedoorswhisperedopen,I
    wanderedoverthemosstheyusedforahallcarpetandcametoadoormarked
    814.Ipushedalittlebuttonbesideit,chimesranginsideandthedooropened.

    Sheworeastreetdressofpalegreenwoolandasmallcockeyedhatthat
    hungonherearlikeabutterfly.Hereyeswerewidesetandtherewasthinking
    roombetweenthem.Theircolorwaslapislazuliblueandthecolorofherhair
    wasduskyred,likeafireundercontrolbutstilldangerous.Shewastootall
    tobecute.Sheworeplentyofmakeupintherightplacesandthecigaretteshe
    waspokingatmehadabuiltonmouthpieceaboutthreeincheslong.Shedidn't
    lookhard,butshelookedasifshehadheardalltheanswersandrememberedthe
    onesshethoughtshemightbeabletousesometime.
    Shelookedmeovercoolly."Well,what'sthemessage,browneyes?"
    "I'dhavetocomein,"Isaid."Inevercouldtalkonmyfeet."
    ShelaugheddisinterestedlyandIslidpasttheendofhercigaretteintoa
    longrathernarrowroomwithplentyofnicefurniture,plentyofwindows,plenty
    ofdrapes,plentyofeverything.Afireblazedbehindascreen,abiglogontop
    ofagasteaser.TherewasasilkOrientalruginfrontofanicerosedavenport
    infrontofthenicefire,andbesidethattherewasScotchandswishona
    tabouret,iceinabucket,everythingtomakeamanfeelathome.
    "You'dbetterhaveadrink,"shesaid."Youprobablycan'ttalkwithouta
    glassinyourhand."
    IsatdownandreachedfortheScotch.Thegirlsatinadeepchairand
    crossedherknees.IthoughtofHawkinswalkingaroundtheblock.Icouldseea
    littlesomethinginhispointofview.
    "Soyou'refromMartyEstel,"shesaid,refusingadrink.
    "Nevermethim."
    "Ihadanideatothateffect.What'stheracket,bum?Martywillloveto
    hearhowyouusedhisname."
    "I'mshakinginmyshoes.Whatmadeyouletmeup?"
    "Curiosity.I'vebeenexpectingladslikeyouanyday.Ineverdodge
    trouble.Somekindofadick,aren'tyou?"
    Ilitacigaretteandnodded."Private.Ihavealittledealtopropose."
    "Proposeit."Sheyawned.
    "HowmuchwillyoutaketolayoffyoungJeeter?"
    Sheyawnedagain."YouinterestmesolittleIcouldhardlytellyou."
    "Don'tscaremetodeath.Honest,howmuchareyouasking?Oristhatan
    insult?"

    Shesmiled.Shehadanicesmile.Shehadlovelyteeth."I'mabadgirl
    now,"shesaid."Idon'thavetoask.Theybringittome,tiedupwithribbon."
    "Theoldman'salittletough.Theysayhedrawsalotofwater."
    "Waterdoesn'tcostmuch."
    Inoddedanddranksomemoreofmydrink.ItwasgoodScotch.Infactit
    wasperfect."Hisideaisyougetnothing.Yougetsmeared.Yougetputinthe
    middle.Ican'tseeitthatway."
    "Butyou'reworkingforhim."
    "Soundsfunny,doesn'tit?There'sprobablyasmartwaytoplaythis,butI
    justcan'tthinkofitatthemoment.Howmuchwouldyoutakeorwouldyou?"
    "Howaboutfiftygrand?"
    "FiftygrandforyouandanotherfiftyforMarty?"
    Shelaughed."Now,yououghttoknowMartywouldn'tlikemetomixinhis
    business.Iwasjustthinkingofmyend."
    Shecrossedherlegstheotherway.Iputanotherlumpoficeinmydrink.
    "Iwasthinkingoffivehundred,"Isaid.
    "Fivehundredwhat?"Shelookedpuzzled.
    "DollarsnotRollsRoyces."
    Shelaughedheartily."Youamuseme.Ioughttotellyoutogotohell,but
    Ilikebrowneyes.Warmbrowneyeswithflecksofgoldinthem."
    "You'rethrowingitaway.Idon'thaveanickel."
    Shesmiledandfittedafreshcigarettebetweenherlips.Iwentoverto
    lightitforher.Hereyescameupandlookedintomine.Hershadsparksin
    them.
    "MaybeIhaveanickelalready,"shesaidsoftly.
    "Maybethat'swhyhehiredthefatboysoyoucouldn'tmakehimdance."I
    satdownagain.
    "Whohiredwhatfatboy?"
    "OldJeeterhiredafatboynamedArbogast.Hewasonthecasebeforeme.
    Didn'tyouknow?Hegotbumpedoffthisafternoon."
    Isaiditquitecasuallyfortheshockeffect,butshedidn'tmove.The
    provocativesmiledidn'tleavethecornersofherlips.Hereyesdidn'tchange.
    Shemadeadimsoundwithherbreath.
    "Doesithavetohavesomethingtodowithme?"sheaskedquietly.

    "Idon'tknow.Idon'tknowwhomurderedhim.Itwasdoneinhisoffice,
    aroundnoonoralittlelater.ItmaynothaveanythingtodowiththeJeeter
    case.ButithappenedprettypatjustafterIhadbeenputonthejoband
    beforeIgotachancetotalktohim."
    Shenodded."Isee.AndyouthinkMartydoesthingslikethat.Andof
    courseyoutoldthepolice?"
    "OfcourseIdidnot."
    "You'regivingawayalittleweightthere,brother."
    "Yeah.Butlet'sgettogetheronapriceandithadbetterbelow.Because
    whateverthecopsdotomethey'lldoplentytoMartyEstelandyouwhenthey
    getthestoryiftheygetit."
    "Alittlespotofblackmail,"thegirlsaidcoolly."IthinkImightcall
    itthat.Don'tgotoofarwithme,browneyes.Bytheway,doIknowyourname?"
    "PhilipMarlowe."
    "Thenlisten,Philip.IwasintheSocialRegisteronce.Myfamilywere
    nicepeople.OldmanJeeterruinedmyfatherallproperandlegitimate,the
    waythatkindofheelruinspeoplebutheruinedhim,andmyfathercommitted
    suicide,andmymotherdiedandI'vegotakidsisterbackEastinschooland
    perhapsI'mnottoodamnparticularhowIgetthemoneytotakecareofher.And
    maybeI'mgoingtotakecareofoldJeeteroneofthesedays,tooevenifI
    havetomarryhissontodoit."
    "Stepson,adoptedson,"Isaid."Norelationatall."
    "It'llhurthimjustashard,brother.Andtheboywillhaveplentyofthe
    longgreeninacoupleofyears.Icoulddoworseevenifhedoesdrinktoo
    much."
    "Youwouldn'tsaythatinfrontofhim,lady."
    "No?Takealookbehindyou,gumshoe.Yououghttohavethewaxtakenout
    ofyourears."
    Istoodupandturnedfast.Hestoodaboutfourfeetfromme.Hehadcome
    outofsomedoorandsneakedacrossthecarpetandIhadbeentoobusybeing
    cleverwithnothingontheballtohearhim.Hewasbig,blond,dressedina
    roughsportysuit,withascarfandopenneckedshirt.Hewasredfacedandhis
    eyesglitteredandtheywerenotfocusinganytoowell.Hewasabitdrunkfor
    thatearlyintheday.

    "Beatitwhileyoucanstillwalk,"hesneeredatme."Iheardit.Harry
    cansayanythingshelikesaboutme.Ilikeit.Dangle,beforeIknockyour
    teethdownyourthroat!"
    Thegirllaughedbehindme.Ididn'tlikethat.Itookasteptowardsthe
    bigblondboy.Hiseyesblinked.Bigashewas,hewasapushover.
    "Ruinhim,baby,"thegirlsaidcoldlybehindmyback."Ilovetoseethese
    hardnumbersbendattheknees."
    Ilookedbackatherwithaleer.Thatwasamistake.Hewaswild,
    probably,buthecouldstillhitawallthatdidn'tjump.HehitmewhileIwas
    lookingbackovermyshoulder.Ithurtstobehitthatway.Hehitmeplenty
    hard,onthebackendofthejawbone.
    Iwentoversideways,triedtospreadmylegs,andslidonthesilkrug.I
    didanosedivesomewhereorotherandmyheadwasnotashardasthepieceof
    furnitureitsmashedinto.
    ForabriefblurredmomentIsawhisredfacesneeringdownatmein
    triumph.IthinkIwasalittlesorryforhimeventhen.
    DarknessfoldeddownandIwentout.

    WhenIcameto,thelightfromthewindowsacrosstheroomwashittingmesquare
    intheeyes.Thebackofmyheadached.Ifeltitanditwassticky.Imoved
    aroundslowly,likeacatinastrangehouse,gotuponmykneesandreachedfor
    thebottleofScotchonthetabouretattheendofthedavenport.Bysome
    miracleIhadn'tknockeditover.FallingIhadhitmyheadontheclawlikeleg
    ofachair.ThathadhurtmealotmorethanyoungJeeter'shaymaker.Icould
    feelthesoreplaceonmyjawallright,butitwasn'timportantenoughtowrite
    inmydiary.
    Igotuponmyfeet,tookaswigoftheScotchandlookedaround.There
    wasn'tanythingtosee.Theroomwasempty.Itwasfullofsilenceandthe
    memoryofaniceperfume.Oneofthoseperfumesyoudon'tnoticeuntiltheyare
    almostgone,likethelastleafonatree.Ifeltmyheadagain,touchedthe

    stickyplacewithmyhandkerchief,decideditwasn'tworthyellingabout,and
    tookanotherdrink.
    Isatdownwiththebottleonmyknees,listeningtotrafficnoise
    somewhere,faroff.Itwasaniceroom.MissHarrietHuntresswasanicegirl.
    Sheknewafewwrongnumbers,butwhodidn't?Ishouldcriticizealittlething
    likethat.Itookanotherdrink.Thelevelinthebottlewasalotlowernow.It
    wassmoothandyouhardlynoticeditgoingdown.Itdidn'ttakehalfyour
    tonsilswithit,likesomeofthestuffIhadtodrink.Itooksomemore.My
    headfeltallrightnow.Ifeltfine.IfeltlikesingingthePrologueto
    Pagliacci.Yes,shewasanicegirl.Ifshewaspayingherownrent,shewas
    doingrightwell.Iwasforher.Shewasswell.IusedsomemoreofherScotch.
    Thebottlewasstillhalffull.Ishookitgently,stuffeditinmy
    overcoatpocket,putmyhatsomewhereonmyheadandleft.Imadetheelevator
    withouthittingthewallsoneithersideofthecorridor,floateddownstairs,
    strolledoutintothelobby.
    Hawkins,thehousedick,wasleaningontheendof'thedeskagain,staring
    attheAliBabaoiljar.Thesameclerkwasnuzzlingatthesameitsybitsy
    mustache.Ismiledathim.Hesmiledback.Hawkinssmiledatme.Ismiledback.
    Everybodywasswell.
    Imadethefrontdoorthefirsttimeandgavethedoormantwobitsand
    floateddownthestepsandalongthewalktothestreetandmycar.Theswift
    Californiatwilightwasfalling.Itwasalovelynight.Venusinthewestwasas
    brightasastreetlamp,asbrightaslife,asbrightasMissHuntress'eyes,as
    brightasabottleofScotch.Thatremindedme.Igotthesquarebottleoutand
    tappeditwithdiscretion,corkedit,andtuckeditawayagain.Therewasstill
    enoughtogethomeon.
    Icrashedfiveredlightsonthewaybackbutmyluckwasinandnobody
    pinchedme.Iparkedmoreorlessinfrontofmyapartmenthouseandmoreor
    lessnearthecurb.Irodetomyfloorintheelevator,hadalittletrouble
    openingthedoorsandhelpedmyselfoutwithmybottle.Igotthekeyintomy
    doorandunlockeditandsteppedinsideandfoundthelightswitch.Itooka
    littlemoreofmymedicinebeforeexhaustingmyselfanyfurther.ThenIstarted
    forthekitchentogetsomeiceandgingeraleforarealdrink.
    IthoughttherewasafunnysmellintheapartmentnothingIcouldputa
    nametooffhandasortofmedicinalsmell.Ihadn'tputitthereandithadn't

    beentherewhenIwentout.ButIfelttoowelltoargueaboutit.Istartedfor
    thekitchen,gotabouthalfwaythere.
    Theycameoutatme,almostsidebyside,fromthedressingroombesidethe
    wallbedtwoofthemwithguns.Thetallonewasgrinning.Hehadhishatlow
    onhisforeheadandhehadawedgeshapedfacethatendedinapoint,likethe
    bottomhalfoftheaceofdiamonds.Hehaddarkmoisteyesandanoseso
    bloodlessthatitmighthavebeenmadeofwhitewax.HisgunwasaColtWoodsman
    withalongbarrelandthefrontsightfiledoff.Thatmeanthethoughthewas
    good.
    Theotherwasalittleterrierlikepunkwithbristlyreddishhairandno
    hatandwateryblankeyesandbatearsandsmallfeetindirtywhitesneakers.
    Hehadanautomaticthatlookedtooheavyforhimtoholdup,butheseemedto
    likeholdingit.HebreathedopenmouthedandnoisilyandthesmellIhad
    noticedcamefromhiminwavesmenthol.
    "Reach,youbastard,"hesaid.
    Iputmyhandsup.Therewasnothingelsetodo.
    Thelittleonecircledaroundtothesideandcameatmefromtheside.
    "Telluswecan'tgetawaywithit,"hesneered.
    "Youcan'tgetawaywithit,"Isaid.
    Thetallonekeptongrinninglooselyandhisnosekeptonlookingasifit
    wasmadeofwhitewax.Thelittleonespatonmycarpet."Yah!"Hecamecloseto
    me,leering,andmadeapassatmychinwiththebiggun.
    Idodged.Ordinarilythatwouldhavebeenjustsomethingwhich,inthe
    circumstances,Ihadtotakeandlike.ButIwasfeelingbetterthanordinary.I
    wasaworldbeater.Itooktheminsets,gunsandall.Itookthelittleman
    aroundthethroatandjerkedhimhardagainstmystomach,putahandoverhis
    littlegunhandandknockedtheguntothefloor.Itwaseasy.Nothingwasbad
    aboutitbuthisbreath.Blobsofsalivacameoutonhislips.Hespitcurses.
    Thetallmanstoodandleeredanddidn'tshoot.Hedidn'tmove.Hiseyes
    lookedalittleanxious,Ithought,butIwastoobusytomakesure.Iwentdown
    behindthelittlepunk,stillholdinghim,andgotholdofhisgun.Thatwas
    wrong.Ioughttohavepulledmyown.
    Ithrewhimawayfrommeandhereeledagainstachairandfelldownand
    begantokickthechairsavagely.Thetallmanlaughed.
    "Itain'tgotanyfiringpininit,"hesaid.

    "Listen,"Itoldhimearnestly,"I'mhalffullofgoodScotchandreadyto
    goplacesandgetthingsdone.Don'twastemuchofmytime.Whatdoyouboys
    want?"
    "Itstillain'tgotanyfiringpininit,"Waxnosesaid."Tryandsee.I
    don'tneverletFriskycarryaloadedrod.He'stooimpulsive.Yougotanice
    armactionthere,pal.Iwillsaythatforyou."
    Friskysatuponthefloorandspatonthecarpetagainandlaughed.I
    pointedthemuzzleofthebigautomaticatthefloorandsqueezedthetrigger.
    Itclickeddryly,butfromthebalanceitfeltasifithadcartridgesinit.
    "Wedon'tmeannoharm,"Waxnosesaid."Notthistrip.Maybenexttrip?Who
    knows?Maybeyou'reaguythatwilltakeahint.LayofftheJeeterkidisthe
    word.See?"
    "No."
    "Youwon'tdoit?"
    "No,Idon'tsee.Who'stheJeeterkid?"
    Waxnosewasnotamused.Hewavedhislong.22gently."Yououghtagetyour
    memoryfixed,pal,aboutthesametimeyougetyourdoorfixed.Apushoverthat
    was.Friskyjustblewitinwithhisbreath."
    "Icanunderstandthat,"Isaid.
    "Gimmemygat,"Friskyyelped.Hewasupofftheflooragain,butthistime
    herushedhispartnerinsteadofme.
    "Layoff,dummy,"thetallonesaid."Wejustgotamessageforaguy.We
    don'tblasthim.Nottoday."
    "Saysyou!"Friskysnarledandtriedtograbthe.22outofWaxnose'shand.
    Waxnosethrewhimtoonesidewithouttroublebuttheinterludeallowedmeto
    switchthebigautomatictomylefthandandjerkoutmyLuger.Ishoweditto
    Waxnose.Henodded,butdidnotseemimpressed.
    "Heain'tgotnoparents,"hesaidsadly."Ijustlethimrunaroundwith
    me.Don'tpayhimnoattentionunlesshebitesyou.We'llbeonourwaynow.You
    gettheidea.LayofftheJeeterkid."
    "You'relookingataLuger,"Isaid."WhoistheJeeterkid?Andmaybe
    we'llhavesomecopsbeforeyouleave."
    Hesmiledwearily."Mister,IpackthissmallborebecauseIcanshoot.If
    youthinkyoucantakeme,gotoit."
    "O.K.,"Isaid."DoyouknowanybodynamedArbogast?"

    "Imeetsuchalotofpeople,"hesaid,withanotherwearysmile."Maybe
    yes,maybeno.Solong,pal.Bepure."
    Hestrolledovertothedoor,movingalittlesideways,sothathehadme
    coveredallthetime,andIhadhimcovered,anditwasjustacaseofwhoshot
    firstandstraightest,orwhetheritwasworthwhiletoshootatall,orwhether
    IcouldhitanythingwithsomuchnicewarmScotchinme.Ilethimgo.He
    didn'tlooklikeakillertome,butIcouldhavebeenwrong.
    ThelittlemanrushedmeagainwhileIwasn'tthinkingabouthim.Heclawed
    hisbigautomaticoutofmylefthand,skippedovertothedoor,spatonthe
    carpetagain,andslippedout.Waxnosebackedafterhimlongsharpface,white
    nose,pointedchin,wearyexpression.Iwouldn'tforgethim.
    HeclosedthedoorsoftlyandIstoodthere,foolish,holdingmygun.I
    heardtheelevatorcomeupandgodownagainandstop.Istillstoodthere.
    MartyEstelwouldn'tbeverylikelytohireacoupleofcomicslikethatto
    throwascareintoanybody.Ithoughtaboutthat,butthinkinggotmenowhere.I
    rememberedthehalfbottleofScotchIhadleftandwentintoexecutivesession
    withit.
    AnhourandahalflaterIfeltfine,butIstilldidn'thaveanyideas.I
    justfeltsleepy.
    Thejarringofthetelephonebellwokeme.Ihaddozedoffinthechair,
    whichwasabadmistake,becauseIwokeupwithtwoflannelblanketsinmy
    mouth,asplittingheadache,abruiseonthebackofmyheadandanotheronmy
    jaw,neitherofthemlargerthanaYakimaapple,butsoreforallthat.Ifelt
    terrible.Ifeltlikeanamputatedleg.
    Icrawledovertothetelephoneandhumpedmyselfinachairbesideitand
    answeredit.Thevoicedrippedicicles.
    "Mr.Marlowe?ThisisMr.Jeeter.Ibelievewemetthismorning.I'mafraid
    Iwasalittlestiffwithyou."
    "I'malittlestiffmyself.Yoursonpokedmeinthejaw.Imeanyour
    stepson,oryouradoptedsonorwhateverheis."
    "Heisbothmystepsonandmyadoptedson.Indeed?"Hesoundedinterested.
    "Andwheredidyoumeethim?"
    "InMissHuntress'apartment."
    "OhIsee."Therehadbeenasuddenthaw.Theicicleshadmelted."Very
    interesting.WhatdidMissHuntresshavetosay?"

    "Shelikedit.Shelikedhimpokingmeinthejaw."
    "Isee.Andwhydidhedothat?"
    "Shehadhimhidout.Heoverheardsomeofourtalk.Hedidn'tlikeit."
    "Isee.Ihavebeenthinkingthatperhapssomeconsiderationnotlarge,of
    courseshouldbegrantedtoherforhercooperation.Thatis,ifwecansecure
    it."
    "Fiftygrandistheprice."
    "I'mafraidIdon't"
    "Don'tkidme,"Isnarled."Fiftythousanddollars.Fiftygrand.Ioffered
    herfivehundredjustforagag."
    "Youseemtotreatthiswholebusinessinaspiritofconsiderablelevity,"
    hesnarledback."IamnotaccustomedtothatsortofthingandIdon'tlike
    it."
    Iyawned.Ididn'tgiveadamnifschoolkeptinornot."Listen,Mr.
    Jeeter,I'magreatguytohorsearound,butIhavemymindonthejobjustthe
    same.Andtherearesomeveryunusualanglestothiscase.Forinstanceacouple
    ofgunmenjuststuckmeupinmyapartmenthereandtoldmetolayoffthe
    Jeetercase.Idon'tseewhyitshouldgetsotough."
    "Goodheavens!"Hesoundedshocked."Ithinkyouhadbettercometomy
    houseatonceandwewilldiscussmatters.I'llsendmycarforyou.Canyou
    comerightaway?"
    "Yeah.ButIcandrivemyself.I"
    "No.I'msendingmycarandchauffeur.HisnameisGeorge;youmayrely
    uponhimabsolutely.Heshouldbethereinabouttwentyminutes."
    "O.K.,"Isaid."Thatjustgivesmetimetodrinkmydinner.Havehimpark
    aroundthecornerofKenmore,facingtowardsFranklin."Ihungup.
    WhenI'dhadahotandcoldshowerandputonsomecleanclothesIfelt
    morerespectable.Ihadacoupleofdrinks,smallonesforachange,andputa
    lightovercoatonandwentdowntothestreet.
    Thecarwastherealready.Icouldseeithalfablockdowntheside
    street.Itlookedlikeanewmarketopening.Ithadacoupleofheadlampslike
    theoneonthefrontendofastreamliner,twoamberfoglightshookedtothe
    frontfender,andacoupleofsidelightsasbigasordinaryheadlights.Icame
    upbesideitandstoppedandamansteppedoutoftheshadows,tossinga
    cigaretteoverhisshoulderwithaneatflipofthewrist.Hewastall,broad,

    dark,woreapeakedcap,aRussiantunicwithaSamBrownebelt,shinyleggings
    andbreechesthatflaredlikeanEnglishstaffmajor'swhipcords.
    "Mr.Marlowe?"Hetouchedthepeakofhiscapwithaglovedforefinger.
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Atease.Don'ttellmethat'soldmanJeeter'scar."
    "Oneofthem."Itwasacoolvoicethatcouldgetfresh.
    HeopenedthereardoorandIgotinandsankdownintothecushionsand
    Georgeslidunderthewheelandstartedthebigcar.Itmovedawayfromthecurb
    andaroundthecornerwithasmuchnoiseasabillmakesinawallet.Wewent
    west.Weseemedtobedriftingwiththecurrent,butwepassedeverything.We
    slidthroughtheheartofHollywood,thewestendofit,downtotheStripand
    alongtheglitterofthattothecoolquietofBeverlyHillswherethebridle
    pathdividestheboulevard.
    WegaveBeverlyHillstheswiftandclimbedalongthefoothills,sawthe
    distantlightsoftheuniversitybuildingsandswungnorthintoBelAir.We
    begantoslideuplongnarrowstreetswithhighwallsandnosidewalksandbig
    gates.Lightsonmansionsglowedpolitelythroughtheearlynight.Nothing
    stirred.Therewasnosoundbutthesoftpurrofthetiresonconcrete.Weswung
    leftagainandIcaughtasignwhichreadCalvelloDrive.HalfwayupthisGeorge
    startedtoswingthecarwidetomakealeftturninatapairoftwelvefoot
    wroughtirongates.Thensomethinghappened.
    Apairoflightsflaredsuddenlyjustbeyondthegatesandahornscreeched
    andamotorraced.Acarchargedatusfast.Georgestraightenedoutwitha
    flickofthewrist,brakedthecarandslippedoffhisrightglove,allinone
    motion.
    Thecarcameon,thelightsswaying."Damndrunk,"Georgesworeoverhis
    shoulder.
    Itcouldbe.Drunksincarsgoallkindsofplacestodrink.Itcouldbe.I
    sliddownontothefloorofthecarandyankedtheLugerfromundermyarmand
    reacheduptoopenthecatch.Iopenedthedooralittleandhelditthatway,
    lookingoverthesill.TheheadlightshitmeinthefaceandIducked,thencame
    upagainasthebeampassed.
    Theothercarjammedtoastop.Itsdoorslammedopenandafigurejumped
    outofit,wavingagunandshouting.Iheardthevoiceandknew.
    "Reach,youbastards!"Friskyscreamedatus.

    GeorgeputhislefthandonthewheelandIopenedmydooralittlemore.
    Thelittlemaninthestreetwasbouncingupanddownandyelling.Outofthe
    smalldarkcarfromwhichhehadjumpedcamenosoundexceptthenoiseofits
    motor.
    "Thisisaheist!"Friskyyelled."Outofthereandlineup,yousonsof
    bitches!"
    Ikickedmydooropenandstartedtogetout,theLugerdownatmyside.
    "Youaskedforit!"thelittlemanyelled.
    Idroppedfast.Theguninhishandbelchedflame.Somebodymusthaveput
    afiringpininit.Glasssmashedbehindmyhead.Outofthecornerofmyeye,
    whichoughtn'ttohavehadanycornersatthatparticularmoment,IsawGeorge
    makeamovementassmoothasarippleofwater.IbroughttheLugerupand
    startedtosqueezethetrigger,butashotcrashedbesidemeGeorge.
    Iheldmyfire.Itwasn'tneedednow.
    Thedarkcarlurchedforwardandstarteddownthehillfuriously.Itroared
    intothedistancewhilethelittlemanoutinthemiddleofthepavementwas
    stillreelinggrotesquelyinthelightreflectedfromthewalls.
    Therewassomethingdarkonhisfacethatspread.Hisgunboundedalongthe
    concrete.Hislittlelegsbuckledandheplungedsidewaysandrolledandthen,
    verysuddenly,becamestill.
    Georgesaid,"Yah!"andsniffedatthemuzzleofhisrevolver.
    "Niceshooting."Igotoutofthecar,stoodtherelookingatthelittle
    manacrumplednothing.Thedirtywhiteofhissneakersgleamedalittleinthe
    sideglareofthecar'slights.
    Georgegotoutbesideme."Whyme,brother?"
    "Ididn'tfire.Iwaswatchingthatprettyhipdrawofyours.Itwas
    sweeterthanhoney."
    "Thanks,pal.TheywereafterMisterGerald,ofcourse.Iusuallyferryhim
    homefromtheclubaboutthistime,fullofliquorandbridgelosses."
    Wewentovertothelittlemanandlookeddownathim.Hewasn'tanything
    tosee.Hewasjustalittlemanwhowasdead,withabigsluginhisfaceand
    bloodonhim.
    "Turnsomeofthosedamnlightsoff,"Igrowled."Andlet'sgetawayfrom
    herefast."

    "Thehouseisjustacrossthestreet."Georgesoundedascasualasifhe
    hadjustshotanickelinaslotmachineinsteadofaman.
    "TheJeetersareoutofthis,ifyoulikeyourjob.Yououghttoknowthat.
    We'llgobacktomyplaceandstartallover."
    "Igetit,"hesnapped,andjumpedbackintothebigcar.Hecutthe
    foglightsandthesidelightsandIgotinbesidehiminthefrontseat.
    Westraightenedoutandstartedupthehill,overthebrow.Ilookedback
    atthebrokenwindow.Itwasthesmalloneattheextremebackofthecarandit
    wasn'tshatterproof.Alargepiecewasgonefromit.Theycouldfitthat,if
    theygotaroundtoit,andmakesomeevidence.Ididn'tthinkitwouldmatter,
    butitmight.
    Atthecrestofthehillalargelimousinepassedusgoingdown.Itsdome
    lightwasonandintheinterior,asinalightedshowcase,anelderlycouple
    satstiffly,takingtheroyalsalute.Themanwasineveningclothes,witha
    whitescarfandacrushhat.Thewomanwasinfursanddiamonds.
    Georgepassedthemcasually,gunnedthecarandwemadeafastrightturn
    intoadarkstreet."There'sacoupleofgooddinnersallshottohell,"he
    drawled,"andIbettheydon'tevenreportit."
    "Yeah.Let'sgetbackhomeandhaveadrink,"Isaid."Ineverreallygot
    tolikekillingpeople."

    WesatwithsomeofMissHarrietHuntress'Scotchinourglassesandlookedat
    eachotheracrosstherims.Georgelookednicewithhiscapoff.Hisheadwas
    clusteredoverwithwavydarkbrownhairandhisteethwereverywhiteand
    clean.Hesippedhisdrinkandnibbledacigaretteatthesametime.Hissnappy
    blackeyeshadacoolglitterinthem.
    "Yale?"Iasked.
    "Dartmouth,ifit'sanyofyourbusiness."
    "Everything'smybusiness.What'sacollegeeducationworththesedays?"
    "Threesquaresandauniform,"hedrawled.
    "WhatkindofguyisyoungJeeter?"

    "Bigblondbruiser,playsafairgameofgolf,thinkshe'shellwiththe
    women,drinksheavybuthasn'tsickedupontherugssofar."
    "WhatkindofguyisoldJeeter?"
    "He'dprobablygiveyouadimeifhedidn'thaveanickelwithhim."
    "Tsk,tsk,you'retalkingaboutyourboss."
    Georgegrinned."He'ssotighthisheadsqueakswhenhetakeshishatoff.
    Ialwaystookchances.Maybethat'swhyI'mjustsomebody'sdriver.Thisisgood
    Scotch."
    Imadeanotherdrink,whichfinishedthebottle.Isatdownagain.
    "YouthinkthosetwogunnieswerestashedoutforMisterGerald?"
    "Whynot?Iusuallydrivehimhomeaboutthattime.Didn'ttoday.Hehada
    badhangoveranddidn'tgooutuntillate.You'readick,youknowwhatit'sall
    about,don'tyou?"
    "WhotoldyouIwasadick?"
    "Nobodybutadickeveraskedsogoddammanyquestions."
    Ishookmyhead."Uhuh.I'veaskedyoujustsixquestions.Yourbosshasa
    lotofconfidenceinyou.Hemusthavetoldyou."
    Thedarkmannodded,grinnedfaintlyandsipped."Thewholesetupis
    prettyobvious,"hesaid."Whenthecarstartedtoswingfortheturnintothe
    drivewaytheseboyswenttowork.Idon'tfiguretheymeanttokillanybody,
    somehow.Itwasjustascare.Onlythatlittleguywasnuts."
    IlookedatGeorge'seyebrows.Theywereniceblackeyebrows,withagloss
    onthemlikehorsehair.
    "Itdoesn'tsoundlikeMartyEsteltopickthatsortofhelpers."
    "Sure.Maybethat'swhyhepickedthatsortofhelpers."
    "You'resmart.YouandIcangetalong.Butshootingthatlittlepunkmakes
    ittougher.Whatwillyoudoaboutthat?"
    "Nothing."
    "O.K.Iftheygettoyouandtieittoyourgun,ifyoustillhavethegun,
    whichyouprobablywon't,Isupposeitwillbepassedoffasanattemptedstick
    up.There'sjustonething."
    "What?"Georgefinishedhisseconddrink,laidtheglassaside,litafresh
    cigaretteandsmiled.
    "It'sprettyhardtotellacarfrominfrontatnight.Evenwithall
    thoselights.Itmighthavebeenavisitor."

    Heshruggedandnodded."Butifit'sascare,thatwoulddojustaswell.
    Becausethefamilywouldhearaboutitandtheoldmanwouldguesswhoseboys
    theywereandwhy."
    "Hell,youreallyaresmart,"Isaidadmiringly,andthephonerang.
    ItwasanEnglishbutlervoice,veryclippedandprecise,anditsaidthat
    ifIwasMr.PhilipMarlowe,Mr.Jeeterwouldliketospeaktome.Hecameonat
    once,withplentyoffrost.
    "Imustsaythatyoutakeyourtimeaboutobeyingorders,"hebarked."Or
    hasn'tthatchauffeurofmine"
    "Yeah,hegothere,Mr.Jeeter,"Isaid."Butweranintoalittletrouble.
    Georgewilltellyou."
    "Youngman,whenIwantsomethingdone"
    "Listen,Mr.Jeeter,I'vehadahardday.Yoursonpunchedmeonthejaw
    andIfellandcutmyheadopen.WhenIstaggeredbacktomyapartment,more
    deadthanalive,Iwasstuckupbyacoupleofhardguyswithgunswhotoldme
    tolayofftheJeetercase.I'mdoingmybestbutI'mfeelingalittlefrail,so
    don'tscareme."
    "Youngman"
    "Listen,"Itoldhimearnestly,"ifyouwanttocallalltheplaysinthis
    game,youcancarrytheballyourself.Oryoucansaveyourselfalotofmoney
    andhireanordertaker.Ihavetodothingsmyway.Anycopsvisityou
    tonight?"
    "Cops?"heechoedinasourvoice."Youmeanpolicemen?"
    "ByallmeansImeanpolicemen."
    "AndwhyshouldIseeanypolicemen?"healmostsnarled.
    "Therewasastiffinfrontofyourgateshalfanhourago.Stiffmeaning
    deadman.He'squitesmall.Youcouldsweephimupinadustpan,ifhebothers
    you."
    "MyGod!Areyouserious?"
    "Yes.What'smorehetookashotatGeorgeandme.Herecognizedthecar.
    Hemusthavebeenallsetforyourson,Mr.Jeeter."
    Asilencewithbarbsonit."Ithoughtyousaidadeadman,"Mr.Jeeter's
    voicesaidverycoldly."Nowyousayheshotatyou."
    "Thatwaswhilehewasn'tdead,"Isaid."Georgewilltellyou.George"

    "Youcomeouthereatonce!"heyelledatmeoverthephone."Atonce,do
    youhear?Atonce!"
    "Georgewilltellyou,"Isaidsoftlyandhungup.
    Georgelookedatmecoldly.Hestoodupandputhiscapon."O.K.,pal,"he
    said."MaybesomedayIcanputyouontoasoftthing."Hestartedforthe
    door.
    "Ithadtobethatway.It'suptohim.He'llhavetodecide."
    "Nuts,"Georgesaid,lookingbackoverhisshoulder."Saveyourbreath,
    shamus.Anythingyousaytomeisjustsomuchnoiseinthewrongplace."
    Heopenedthedoor,wentout,shutit,andIsattherestillholdingthe
    telephone,withmymouthopenandnothinginitbutmytongueandabadtasteon
    that.
    IwentouttothekitchenandshooktheScotchbottle,butitwasstill
    empty.Iopenedsomeryeandswallowedadrinkandittastedsour.Somethingwas
    botheringme.IhadafeelingitwasgoingtobothermealotmorebeforeIwas
    through.
    TheymusthavemissedGeorgebyawhisker.Iheardtheelevatorcomeup
    againalmostassoonasithadstoppedgoingdown.Solidstepsgrewlouderalong
    thehallway.Afisthitthedoor.Iwentoverandopenedit.
    Onewasinbrown,oneinblue,bothlarge,heftyandbored.
    Theoneinbrownpushedhishatbackonhisheadwithafreckledhandand
    said:"YouPhilipMarlowe?"
    "Me,"Isaid.
    Theyrodemebackintotheroomwithoutseemingto.Theoneinblueshut
    thedoor.Theoneinbrownpalmedashieldandletmecatchaglintofthegold
    andenamel.
    "Finlayson,DetectiveLieutenantworkingoutofCentralHomicide,"hesaid.
    "ThisisSebold,mypartner.We'reacoupleofswellguysnottogetfunnywith.
    Wehearyou'rekindofsharpwithagun."
    Seboldtookhishatoffanddustedhissaltandpepperhairbackwiththe
    flatofhishand.Hedriftednoiselesslyouttothekitchen.
    Finlaysonsatdownontheedgeofachairandflickedhischinwitha
    thumbnailassquareasanicecubeandyellowasamustardplaster.Hewasolder
    thanSebold,butnotsogoodlooking.Hehadthefrowsyexpressionofaveteran
    copwhohadn'tgotveryfar.

    Isatdown.Isaid:"Howdoyoumean,sharpwithagun?"
    "ShootingpeopleishowImean."
    Ilitacigarette.Seboldcameoutofthekitchenandwentintothe
    dressingroombehindthewallbed.
    "Weunderstandyou'reaprivatelicenseguy,"Finlaysonsaidheavily.
    "That'sright."
    "Give."Heheldhishandout.Igavehimmywallet.Hecheweditoverand
    handeditback."Carryagun?"
    Inodded.Heheldouthishandforit.Seboldcameoutofthedressing
    room.FinlaysonsniffedattheLuger,snappedthemagazineout,clearedthe
    breechandheldthegunsothatalittlelightshoneupthroughthemagazine
    openingintothebreechendofthebarrel.Helookeddownthemuzzle,squinting.
    HehandedtheguntoSebold.Sebolddidthesamething.
    "Don'tthinkso,"Seboldsaid."Clean,butnotthatclean.Couldn'thave
    beencleanedwithinthehour.Alittledust."
    "Right."
    Finlaysonpickedtheejectedshelloffthecarpet,presseditintothe
    magazineandsnappedthemagazinebackinplace.Hehandedmethegun.Iputit
    backundermyarm.
    "Beenoutanywheretonight?"heaskedtersely.
    "Don'ttellmetheplot,"Isaid."I'mjustabitplayer."
    "Smartguy,"Seboldsaiddispassionately.Hedustedhishairagainand
    openedadeskdrawer."Funnystuff.Goodforacolumn.Ilike'emthatwaywith
    myblackjack."
    Finlaysonsighed."Beenouttonight,shamus?"
    "Sure.Inandoutallthetime.Why?"
    Heignoredthequestion."Whereyoubeen?"
    "Outtodinner.Businesscallortwo."
    "Whereat?"
    "I'msorry,boys.Everybusinesshasitsprivatefiles."
    "Hadcompany,too,"Seboldsaid,pickingupGeorge'sglassandsniffingit.
    "Recentwithinthehour."
    "You'renotthatgood,"Itoldhimsourly.
    "HadarideinabigCaddy?"Finlaysonboredon,takingadeepbreath.
    "OverWestL.A.direction?"

    "HadarideinaChrysleroverVineStreetdirection."
    "Maybewebetterjusttakehimdown,"Seboldsaid,lookingathis
    fingernails.
    "Maybeyoubetterskipthegangbusterstuffandtellmewhat'sstuckin
    yournose.Igetalongwithcopsexceptwhentheyactasifthelawisonlyfor
    citizens."
    Finlaysonstudiedme.NothingIhadsaidmadeanimpressiononhim.Nothing
    Seboldsaidmadeanyimpressiononhim.Hehadanideaandhewasholdingit
    likeasickbaby.
    "YouknowalittleratnamedFriskyLavon?"hesighed."Usedtobeadummy
    chucker,thenfoundouthecouldbughiswayoutaraps.Beendoingthatforsay
    twelveyears.Totesagunandactssimple.Buthequitactingtonightatseven
    thirtyabout.Quitcoldwithasluginhishead."
    "Neverheardofhim,"Isaid.
    "Youbumpedanybodyofftonight?"
    "I'dhavetolookatmynotebook."
    Seboldleanedforwardpolitely."Wouldyoucareforasmackinthekisser?"
    heinquired.
    Finlaysonheldhishandoutsharply."Cutit,Ben.Cutit.Listen,Marlowe.
    Maybewe'regoingatthiswrong.We'renottalkingaboutmurder.Couldhavebeen
    legitimate.ThisFriskyLavongotfrozeofftonightonCalvelloDriveinBel
    Air.Outinthemiddleofthestreet.Nobodyseenorheardanything.Sowekind
    ofwanttoknow."
    "Allright,"Igrowled."Whatmakesitmybusiness?Andkeepthatpiano
    tuneroutofmyhair.Hehasanicesuitandhisnailsareclean,buthebears
    downonhisshieldtoohard."
    "Nutstoyou,"Seboldsaid.
    "Wegotafunnyphonecall,"Finlaysonsaid."Whichiswhereyoucomein.
    Weain'tjustthrowingourweightaround.Andwewantafortyfive.Theyain't
    surewhatkindyet."
    "He'ssmart.HethrewitunderthebaratLevy's,"Seboldsneered.
    "Ineverhadafortyfive,"Isaid."Aguywhoneedsthatmuchgunoughtto
    useapick."
    Finlaysonscowledatmeandcountedhisthumbs.Thenhetookadeepbreath
    andsuddenlywenthumanonme."Sure,I'mjustadumbflatheel,"hesaid.

    "AnybodycouldpullmyearsoffandIwouldn'tevennoticeit.Let'sallquit
    horsingaroundandtalksense.
    "ThisFriskywasfounddeadafteranonamephonecalltoWestL.A.
    police.FounddeadoutsideabighousebelongingtoamannamedJeeterwhoowns
    astringofinvestmentcompanies.Hewouldn'tuseaguylikeFriskyforapen
    wiper,sothere'snothinginthat.Theservantsdidn'thearnothing,northe
    servantsatanyofthefourhousesontheblock.Friskyislyinginthestreet
    andsomebodyrunoverhisfoot,butwhatkilledhimwasafortyfiveslugsmack
    inhisface.WestL.A.ain'thardlystartedtheroutinewhensomeguycallsup
    CentralandsaystotellHomicideiftheywanttoknowwhogotFriskyLavon,ask
    aprivateeyenamedPhilipMarlowe,completewithaddressandeverything,thena
    quickhangup.
    "O.K.TheguyontheboardgivesmethedopeandIdon'tknowFriskyfroma
    holeinmysock,butIaskIdentificationandsureenoughtheyhavehimandjust
    aboutthetimeI'mlookingitovertheflashcomesfromWestL.A.andthe
    descriptionseemstocheckprettyclose.Sowegettogetherandit'sthesame
    guyallrightandthechiefofdetectiveshasusdroparoundhere.Sowedrop
    around."
    "Sohereyouare,"Isaid."Willyouhaveadrink?"
    "Canwesearchthejoint,ifwedo?"
    "Sure.It'sagoodleadthatphonecall,Imeanifyouputinaboutsix
    monthsonit."
    "Wealreadygotthatidea,"Finlaysongrowled."Ahundredguyscouldhave
    chilledthislittlewart,andtwothreeofthemmaybecouldhavethoughtitwas
    asmartribtopinitonyou.Themtwothreeiswhatinterestsus."
    Ishookmyhead.
    "Noideasatall,huh?"
    "Justforwisecracks,"Seboldsaid.
    Finlaysonlumberedtohisfeet."Well,wegottalookaround."
    "Maybewehadoughttohavebroughtasearchwarrant,"Seboldsaid,
    ticklinghisupperlipwiththeendofhistongue.
    "Idon't_have_tofightthisguy,doI?"IaskedFinlayson."Imean,isit
    allrightifIleavehimhisgaglinesandjustkeepmytemper?"
    Finlaysonlookedattheceilingandsaiddryly:"Hiswifelefthimday
    beforeyesterday.He'sjusttryingtocompensate,asthefellowsays."

    Seboldturnedwhiteandtwistedhisknucklessavagely.Thenhelaughed
    shortlyandgottohisfeet.
    Theywentatit.Tenminutesofopeningandshuttingdrawersandlookingat
    thebacksofshelvesandunderseatcushionsandlettingthebeddownand
    peeringintotheelectricrefrigeratorandthegarbagepailfedthemup.
    Theycamebackandsatdownagain."Justanut,"Finlaysonsaidwearily.
    "Someguythatpickedyournameoutathedirectorymaybe.Couldbeanything."
    "NowI'llgetthatdrink."
    "Idon'tdrink,"Seboldsnarled.
    Finlaysoncrossedhishandsonhisstomach."Thatdon'tmeananyliquor
    getspouredintheflowerpot,son."
    IgotthreedrinksandputtwoofthembesideFinlayson.Hedrankhalfof
    oneofthemandlookedattheceiling."Igotanotherkilling,too,"hesaid
    thoughtfully."Aguyinyourracket,Marlowe.AfatguyonSunset.Nameof
    Arbogast.Everhearofhim?"
    "Ithoughthewasahandwritingexpert,"Isaid.
    "You'retalkingaboutpolicebusiness,"Seboldtoldhispartnercoldly.
    "Sure.Policebusinessthat'salreadyinthemorningpaper.ThisArbogast
    wasshotthreetimeswithatwentytwo.Targetgun.Youknowanycrooksthat
    packthatkindofheat?"
    Iheldmyglasstightlyandtookalongslowswallow.Ihadn'tthought
    Waxnoselookeddangerousenough,butyouneverknew.
    "Idid,"Isaidslowly."AkillernamedAlTessilore.Buthe'sinFolsom.
    HeusedaColtWoodsman."
    Finlaysonfinishedthefirstdrink,usedthesecondinaboutthesametime,
    andstoodup.Seboldstoodup,stillmad.
    Finlaysonopenedthedoor."Comeon,Ben."Theywentout.
    Iheardtheirstepsalongthehall,theclangoftheelevatoroncemore.A
    carstartedjustbelowinthestreetandgrowledoffintothenight.
    "Clownslikethatdon'tkill,"Isaidoutloud.Butitlookedasifthey
    did.
    IwaitedfifteenminutesbeforeIwentoutagain.ThephonerangwhileI
    waswaiting,butIdidn'tanswerit.

    IdrovetowardstheElMilanoandcircledaroundenoughtomakesureI
    wasn'tfollowed.

    Thelobbyhadn'tchangedany.ThebluecarpetstilltickledmyankleswhileI
    ambledovertothedesk,thesamepaleclerkwashandingakeytoacoupleof
    horsefacedfemalesintweeds,andwhenhesawmeheputhisweightonhisleft
    footagainandthedoorattheendofthedeskpoppedopenandoutpoppedthe
    fatanderoticHawkins,withwhatlookedlikethesamecigarstubinhisface.
    Hehustledoverandgavemeabigwarmsmilethistime,tookholdofmy
    arm."JusttheguyIwashopingtosee,"hechuckled."Let'susgoupstairsa
    minute."
    "What'sthematter?"
    "Matter?"Hissmilebecamebroadasthedoortoatwocargarage."Nothing
    ain'tthematter.Thisway."
    Hepushedmeintotheelevatorandsaid"Eight"inafatcheerfulvoiceand
    upwesailedandoutwegotandslidalongthecorridor.Hawkinshadahardhand
    andknewwheretoholdanarm.Iwasinterestedenoughtolethimgetawaywith
    it.HepushedthebuzzerbesideMissHuntress'doorandBigBenchimedinside
    andthedooropenedandIwaslookingatadeadpaninaderbyhatandadinner
    coat.Hehadhisrighthandinthesidepocketofthecoat,andunderthederby
    apairofscarredeyebrowsandundertheeyebrowsapairofeyesthathadas
    muchexpressionasthecaponagastank.
    Themouthmovedenoughtosay:"Yeah?"
    "Companyfortheboss,"Hawkinssaidexpansively.
    "Whatcompany?"
    "Letmeplaytoo,"Isaid."LimitedLiabilityCompany.Gimmetheapple."
    "Huh?"Theeyebrowswentthiswayandthatandthejawcameout."Nobody
    ain'tkiddin'anybody,Ihope."
    "Now,now,gents"Hawkinsbegan.
    Avoicebehindthederbyhattedmaninterruptedhim."What'sthematter,
    Beef?"

    "He'sinastew,"Isaid.
    "Listen,mugg"
    "Now,now,gents"asbefore.
    "Ain'tnothingthematter,"Beefsaid,throwinghisvoiceoverhisshoulder
    asifitwereacoilofrope."Thehoteldickgotaguyuphereandhesayshe's
    company."
    "Showthecompanyin,Beef."Ilikedthisvoice.Itwassmoothquiet,and
    youcouldhavecutyournameinitwithathirtypoundsledgeandacoldchisel.
    "Liftthedogs,"Beefsaid,andstoodtooneside.
    Wewentin.Iwentfirst,thenHawkins,thenBeefwheeledneatlybehindus
    likeadoor.Wewentinsoclosetogetherthatwemusthavelookedlikeathree
    deckersandwich.
    MissHuntresswasnotintheroom.Theloginthefireplacehadalmost
    stoppedsmoldering.Therewasstillthatsmellofsandalwoodontheair.Withit
    cigarettesmokeblended.
    Amanstoodattheendofthedavenport,bothhandsinthepocketsofa
    bluecamel'shaircoatwiththecollarhightoablacksnapbrimhat.Aloose
    scarfhungoutsidehiscoat.Hestoodmotionless,thecigaretteinhismouth
    lispingsmoke.Hewastall,blackhaired,suave,dangerous.Hesaidnothing.
    Hawkinsambledovertohim."ThisistheguyIwastellingyouabout,Mr.
    Estel,"thefatmanburbled."Comeinearliertodayandsaidhewasfromyou.
    Kindafooledme."
    "Givehimaten,Beef."
    Thederbyhattookitslefthandfromsomewhereandtherewasabillinit.
    ItpushedthebillatHawkins.Hawkinstookthebill,blushing.
    "Thisain'tnecessary,Mr.Estel.Thanksalotjustthesame."
    "Scram."
    "Huh?"Hawkinslookedshocked.
    "Youheardhim,"Beefsaidtruculently."Wantyourfannyoutthedoor
    first,huh?"
    Hawkinsdrewhimselfup."Igottaprotectthetenants.Yougentlemenknow
    howitis.Amaninajoblikethis."
    "Yeah.Scram,"Estelsaidwithoutmovinghislips.
    Hawkinsturnedandwentoutquickly,softly.Thedoorclickedgentlyshut
    behindhim.Beeflookedbackatit,thenmovedbehindme.

    "Seeifhe'srodded,Beef."
    ThederbyhatsawifIwasrodded.HetooktheLugerandwentawayfromme.
    EstellookedcasuallyattheLuger,backatme.Hiseyesheldanexpressionof
    indifferentdislike.
    "Name'sPhilipMarlowe,eh?Aprivatedick."
    "Sowhat?"Isaid.
    "Somebody'sgoin'togetsomebody'sfacepushedintosomebody'sfloor,"
    Beefsaidcoldly.
    "Aw,keepthatcrapfortheboilerroom,"Itoldhim."I'msickofhard
    guysforthisevening.Isaid'sowhat,'and'sowhat'iswhatIsaid."
    MartyEstellookedmildlyamused."Hell,keepyourshirtin.I'vegotto
    lookaftermyfriends,don'tI?YouknowwhoIam.O.K.,Iknowwhatyoutalked
    toMissHuntressabout.AndIknowsomethingaboutyouthatyoudon'tknowI
    know."
    "Allright,"Isaid."ThisfatslobHawkinscollectedtenfrommefor
    lettingmeupherethisafternoonknowingperfectlywellwhoIwasandhehas
    justcollectedtenfromyourironmanforslippingmethenasty.Givemebackmy
    gunandtellmewhatmakesmybusinessyourbusiness."
    "Plenty.Firstoff,Harriet'snothome.We'rewaitingforheronaccountof
    athingthathappened.Ican'twaitanylonger.Gottogotoworkattheclub.
    Sowhatdidyoucomeafterthistime?"
    "LookingfortheJeeterboy.Somebodyshotathiscartonight.Fromnowon
    heneedssomebodytowalkbehindhim."
    "YouthinkIplaygameslikethat?"Estelaskedmecoldly.
    IwalkedovertoacabinetandopeneditandfoundabottleofScotch.I
    twistedthecapoff,liftedaglassfromthetabouretandpouredsomeout.I
    tastedit.Ittastedallright.
    Ilookedaroundforice,buttherewasn'tany.Ithadallmeltedlongsince
    inthebucket.
    "Iaskedyouaquestion,"Estelsaidgravely.
    "Iheardit.I'mmakingmymindup.Theansweris,Iwouldn'thavethought
    itno.Butithappened.Iwasthere.IwasinthecarinsteadofyoungJeeter.
    Hisfatherhadsentformetocometothehousetotalkthingsover."
    "Whatthings?"

    Ididn'tbothertolooksurprised."Youholdfiftygrandoftheboy's
    paper.Thatlooksbadforyou,ifanythinghappenstohim."
    "Idon'tfigureitthatway.BecausethatwayIwouldlosemydough.The
    oldmanwon'tpaygranted.ButIwaitacoupleofyearsandIcollectfromthe
    kid.Hegetshisestateoutoftrustwhenhe'stwentyeight.Rightnowhegetsa
    grandamonthandhecan'tevenwillanything,becauseit'sstillintrust.
    Savvy?"
    "Soyouwouldn'tknockhimoff,"Isaid,usingmyScotch."Butyoumight
    throwascareintohim."
    Estelfrowned.Hediscardedhiscigaretteintoatrayandwatcheditsmoke
    amomentbeforehepickeditupagainandsnubbeditout.Heshookhishead.
    "Ifyou'regoingtobodyguardhim,itwouldalmostpaymetostandpartof
    yoursalary,wouldn'tit?Almost.Amaninmyracketcan'ttakecareof
    everything.He'sofageandit'shisbusinesswhoherunsaroundwith.For
    instance,women.Anyreasonwhyanicegirlshouldn'tcutherselfapieceof
    fivemillionbucks?"
    Isaid:"Ithinkit'saswellidea.WhatwasityouknewaboutmethatI
    didn'tknowyouknew?"
    Hesmiled,faintly."WhatwasityouwerewaitingtotellMissHuntress
    thethingthathappened?"
    Hesmiledfaintlyagain.
    "Listen,Marlowe,therearelotsofwaystoplayanygame.Iplaymineon
    thehousepercentage,becausethat'sallIneedtowin.Whatmakesmeget
    tough?"
    Irolledafreshcigarettearoundinmyfingersandtriedtorollitaround
    myglasswithtwofingers."Whosaidyouweretough?Ialwaysheardthenicest
    thingsaboutyou."
    MartyEstelnoddedandlookedfaintlyamused."Ihavesourcesof
    information,"hesaidquietly."WhenIhavefiftygrandinvestedinaguy,I'm
    apttofindoutalittleabouthim.JeeterhiredamannamedArbogasttodoa
    littlework.Arbogastwaskilledinhisofficetodaywithatwentytwo.That
    couldhavenothingtodowithJeeter'sbusiness.Buttherewasatailonyou
    whenyouwentthereandyoudidn'tgiveittothelaw.Doesthatmakeyouandme
    friends?"
    Ilickedtheedgeofmyglass,nodded."Itseemsitdoes."

    "FromnowonjustforgetaboutbotheringHarriet,see?"
    "O.K."
    "Soweunderstandeachotherrealgood,now."
    "Yeah."
    "Well,I'llbegoing.GivetheguybackhisLuger,Beef."
    Thederbyhatcameoverandsmackedmygunintomyhandhardenoughto
    breakabone.
    "Staying?"Estelasked,movingtowardsthedoor.
    "IguessI'llwaitalittlewhile.UntilHawkinscomesuptotouchmefor
    anotherten."
    Estelgrinned.Beefwalkedinfrontofhimwoodenfacedtothedoorand
    openedit.Estelwentout.Thedoorclosed.Theroomwassilent.Isniffedat
    thedyingperfumeofsandalwoodandstoodmotionless,lookingaround.
    Somebodywasnuts.Iwasnuts.Everybodywasnuts.Noneofitfitted
    togetherworthanickel.MartyEstel,ashesaid,hadnogoodmotivefor
    murderinganybody,becausethatwouldbethesurestwaytokillchancesto
    collecthismoney.Evenifhehadamotiveformurderinganybody,Waxnoseand
    Friskydidn'tseemliketheteamhewouldselectforthejob.Iwasinbadwith
    thepolice,Ihadspenttendollarsofmytwentyexpensemoney,andIdidn't
    haveenoughleverageanywheretoliftadimeoffacigarcounter.
    Ifinishedmydrink,puttheglassdown,walkedupanddowntheroom,
    smokedathirdcigarette,lookedatmywatch,shruggedandfeltdisgusted.The
    innerdoorsofthesuitewereclosed.Iwentacrosstotheoneoutof'which
    youngJeetermusthavesneakedthatafternoon.OpeningitIlookedintoa
    bedroomdoneinivoryandashesofroses.Therewasabigdoublebedwithno
    footboard,coveredwithfiguredbrocade.Toiletarticlesglistenedonabuiltin
    dressingtablewithapanellight.Thelightwaslit.Asmalllamponatable
    besidethedoorwaslitalso.Adoornearthedressingtableshowedthecool
    greenofbathroomtiles.
    Iwentoverandlookedinthere.Chromium,aglassstallshower,
    monogrammedtowelsonarack,aglassshelfforperfumeandbathsaltsatthe
    footofthetub,everythingniceandrefined.MissHuntressdidherselfwell.I
    hopedshewaspayingherownrent.Itdidn'tmakeanydifferencetomeIjust
    likeditthatway.

    Iwentbacktowardsthelivingroom,stoppedinthedoorwaytotakeanother
    pleasantlookaround,andnoticedsomethingIoughttohavenoticedtheinstant
    Isteppedintotheroom.Inoticedthesharptangofcorditeontheair,almost,
    butnotquitegone.AndthenInoticedsomethingelse.
    Thebedhadbeenmovedoveruntilitsheadoverlappedtheedgeofacloset
    doorwhichwasnotquiteclosed.Theweightofthebedwasholdingitfrom
    opening.Iwentovertheretofindoutwhyitwantedtoopen.Iwentslowlyand
    abouthalfwaythereInoticedthatIwasholdingaguninmyhand.
    Ileanedagainsttheclosetdoor.Itdidn'tmove.Ithrewmoreweight
    againstit.Itstilldidn'tmove.BracedagainstitIpushedthebedawaywith
    myfoot,gavegroundslowly.
    Aweightpushedagainstmehard.Ihadgonebackafootorsobefore
    anythingelsehappened.Thenithappenedsuddenly.Hecameoutsideways,ina
    sortofroll.Iputsomemoreweightbackonthedoorandheldhimlikethata
    moment,lookingathim.
    Hewasstillbig,stillblond,stilldressedinroughsportymaterial,with
    scarfandopenneckedshirt.Buthisfacewasn'tredanymore.
    Igavegroundagainandherolleddownthebackofthedoor,turninga
    littlelikeaswimmerinthesurf,thumpedthefloorandlaythere,almoston
    hisback,stilllookingatme.Lightfromthebedsidelampglitteredonhis
    head.Therewasascorchedandsoggystainontheroughcoataboutwherehis
    heartwouldbe.Sohewouldn'tgetthatfivemillionafterall.Andnobodywould
    getanythingandMartyEstelwouldn'tgethisfiftygrand.BecauseyoungMister
    Geraldwasdead.
    Ilookedbackintotheclosetwherehehadbeen.Itsdoorhungwideopen
    now.Therewereclothesonracks,feminineclothes,niceclothes.Hehadbeen
    backedinamongthem,probablywithhishandsintheairandagunagainsthis
    chest.Andthenhehadbeenshotdead,andwhoeverdidithadn'tbeenquite
    quickenoughorquitestrongenoughtogetthedoorshut.Orhadbeenscaredand
    hadjustyankedthebedoveragainstthedoorandleftitthatway.
    Somethingglittereddownonthefloor.Ipickeditup.Asmallautomatic,.
    25caliber,awoman'spursegunwithabeautifullyengravedbuttinlaidwith
    silverandivory.Iputtheguninmypocket.Thatseemedafunnythingtodo,
    too.

    Ididn'ttouchhim.HewasasdeadasJohnD.Arbogastandlookedawhole
    lotdeader.Ileftthedooropenandlistened,walkedquicklybackacrossthe
    roomandintothelivingroomandshutthebedroomdoor,smearingtheknobasI
    didit.
    Alockwasbeingtinkledatwithakey.Hawkinswasbackagain,toseewhat
    delayedme.Hewaslettinghimselfinwithhispasskey.
    Iwaspouringadrinkwhenhecamein.
    Hecamewellintotheroom,stoppedwithhisfeetplantedandsurveyedme
    coldly.
    "IseenEstelandhisboyleave,"hesaid."Ididn'tseeyouleave.SoI
    comeup.Igotta"
    "Yougottaprotecttheguests,"Isaid.
    "Yeah.Igottaprotecttheguests.Youcan'tstayuphere,pal.Notwithout
    theladyofthehousehome."
    "ButMartyEstelandhishardboycan."
    Hecamealittleclosertome.Hehadameanlookinhiseye.Hehadalways
    hadit,probably,butInoticeditmorenow.
    "Youdon'twanttomakenothingofthat,doyou?"heaskedme.
    "No.Everymantohisownchisel.Haveadrink."
    "Thatain'tyourliquor."
    "MissHuntressgavemeabottle.We'repals.MartyEstelandIarepals.
    Everybodyispals.Don'tyouwanttobepals?"
    "Youain'ttryingtokidme,areyou?"
    "Haveadrinkandforgetit."
    Ifoundaglassandpouredhimone.Hetookit.
    "It'sthejobifanybodysmellsitonme,"hesaid.
    "Uhhuh."
    Hedrankslowly,rollingitaroundonhistongue."GoodScotch."
    "Won'tbethefirsttimeyoutastedit,willit?"
    Hestartedtogethardagain,thenrelaxed."Hell,Iguessyou'rejusta
    kidder."Hefinishedthedrink,puttheglassdown,pattedhislipswithalarge
    andverycrumpledhandkerchiefandsighed.
    "O.K.,"hesaid."Butwe'llhavetoleavenow."
    "Allset.Iguessshewon'tbehomeforawhile.Youseethemgoout?"
    "Herandtheboyfriend.Yeah,longtimeago."

    Inodded.WewenttowardsthedoorandHawkinssawmeout.Hesawme
    downstairsandoffthepremises.Buthedidn'tseewhatwasinMissHuntress'
    bedroom.Iwonderedifhewouldgobackup.Ifhedid,theScotchbottlewould
    probablystophim.
    IgotintomycaranddroveoffhometotalktoAnnaHalseyonthephone.
    Therewasn'tanycaseanymoreforus.Iparkedclosetothecurbthistime.I
    wasn'tfeelinggayanymore.Irodeupintheelevatorandunlockedthedoorand
    clickedthelighton.
    Waxnosesatinmybestchair,anunlithandrolledbrowncigarettebetween
    hisfingers,hisbonykneescrossed,andhislongWoodsmanrestingsolidlyon
    hisleg.Hewassmiling.Itwasn'tthenicestsmileIeversaw.
    "Hi,pal,"hedrawled."Youstillain'thadthatdoorfixed.Kindofshut
    it,huh?"Hisvoice,forallthedrawl,wasdeadly.
    Ishutthedoor,stoodlookingacrosstheroomathim.
    "Soyoukilledmypal,"hesaid.
    Hestoodupslowly,cameacrosstheroomslowlyandleanedthe.22against
    mythroat.Hissmilingthinlippedmouthseemedasexpressionless,forallits
    smile,ashiswaxwhitenose.Hereachedquietlyundermycoatandtookthe
    Luger.Imightaswellleaveithomefromnowon.Everybodyintownseemedtobe
    abletotakeitawayfromme.
    Hesteppedbackacrosstheroomandsatdownagaininthechair.
    "Steadydoesit,"hesaidalmostgently."Parkthebody,friend.Nofalse
    moves.Nomovesatall.Youandmeareatthejumpingoffplace.Theclock's
    tickin'andwe'rewaitingtogo.
    Isatdownandstaredathim.Acuriousbird.Imoistenedmydrylips."You
    toldmehisgunhadnofiringpin,"Isaid.
    "Yeah.Hefooledmeonthat,thelittlesoandso.AndItoldyoutolay
    offtheJeeterkid.That'scoldnow.It'sFriskyI'mthinkingabout.Crazy,
    ain'tit?Mebotheringaboutadimwitlikethat,packin'himaroundwithme,and
    lettinghimgethisselfbumpedoff."Hesighedandaddedsimply,"Hewasmykid
    brother."
    "Ididn'tkillhim,"Isaid.
    Hesmiledalittlemore.Hehadneverstoppedsmiling.Thecornersofhis
    mouthjusttuckedinalittledeeper.
    "Yeah?"

    HeslidthesafetycatchofftheLuger,laiditcarefullyonthearmofthe
    chairathisright,andreachedintohispocket.Whathebroughtoutmademeas
    coldasanicebucket.
    Itwasametaltube,darkandroughlooking,aboutfourincheslongand
    drilledwithalotofsmallholes.HeheldhisWoodsmaninhislefthandand
    begantoscrewthetubecasuallyontheendofit.
    "Silencer,"hesaid."They'rethebunk,Iguessyousmartguysthink.This
    oneain'tthebunknotforthreeshots.Ioughtaknow.Imadeitmyself."
    Imoistenedmylipsagain."It'llworkforoneshot,"Isaid."Thenitjams
    youraction.Thatonelookslikecastiron.Itwillprobablyblowyourhand
    off."
    Hesmiledhiswaxysmile,screwediton,slowly,lovingly,gaveitalast
    hardturnandsatbackrelaxed."Notthisbaby.She'spackedwithsteelwooland
    that'sgoodforthreeshots,likeIsaid.Thenyougottorepackit.Andthere
    ain'tenoughbackpressuretojamtheactiononthisgun.Youfeelgood?I'd
    likeyoutofeelgood."
    "Ifeelswell,yousadisticsonofabitch,"Isaid.
    "I'mhavingyouliedownonthebedafterawhile.Youwon'tfeelnothing.
    I'mkindoffussyaboutmykillings.Friskydidn'tfeelnothing,Iguess.You
    gothimneat."
    "Youdon'tseegood,"Isneered."ThechauffeurgothimwithaSmith&
    Wessonfortyfour.Ididn'tevenfire."
    "Uhhuh."
    "O.K.,youdon'tbelieveme,"Isaid."WhatdidyoukillArbogastfor?
    Therewasnothingfussyaboutthatkilling.Hewasjustshotathisdesk,three
    timeswithatwentytwoandhefelldownonthefloor.Whatdidheeverdoto
    yourfilthylittlebrother?"
    Hejerkedthegunup,buthissmileheld."Yougotguts,"hesaid."Whois
    thishereArbogast?"
    Itoldhim.Itoldhimslowlyandcarefully,indetail.Itoldhimalotof
    things.Andhebeganinsomevaguewaytolookworried.Hiseyesflickeredat
    me,away,backagain,restlessly,likeahummingbird.
    "Idon'tknowanypartynamedArbogast,pal,"hesaidslowly."Neverheard
    ofhim.AndIain'tshotanyfatguystoday."

    "Youkilledhim,"Isaid."AndyoukilledyoungJeeterinthegirl's
    apartmentattheElMilano.He'slyingtheredeadrightnow.You'reworkingfor
    MartyEstel.He'sgoingtobeawfullydamnsorryaboutthatkill.Goaheadand
    makeitthreeinarow."
    Hisfacefroze.Thesmilewentawayatlast.Hiswholefacelookedwaxy
    now.Heopenedhismouthandbreathedthroughit,andhisbreathmadearestless
    worryingsound.Icouldseethefaintglitterofsweatonhisforehead,andI
    couldfeelthecoldfromtheevaporationofsweatonmine.
    Waxnosesaidverygently:"Iain'tkilledanybodyatall,friend.Not
    anybody.Iwasn'thiredtokillpeople.UntilFriskystoppedthatslugIdidn't
    havenosuchideas.That'sstraight."
    ItriednottostareatthemetaltubeontheendoftheWoodsman.
    Aflameflickeredatthebackofhiseyes,asmall,weak,smokyflame.It
    seemedtogrowlargerandclearer.Helookeddownatthefloorbetweenhisfeet.
    Ilookedaroundatthelightswitch,butitwastoofaraway.Helookedup
    again.Veryslowlyhebegantounscrewthesilencer.Hehaditlooseinhis
    hand.Hedroppeditbackintohispocket,stoodup,holdingthetwoguns,onein
    eachhand.Thenhehadanotheridea.Hesatdownagain,tookalltheshellsout
    oftheLugerquicklyandthrewitonthefloorafterthem.
    Hecametowardsmesoftlyacrosstheroom."Iguessthisisyourlucky
    day,"hesaid."Igottogoaplaceandseeaguy."
    "Iknewallalongitwasmyluckyday.I'vebeenfeelingsogood."
    Hemoveddelicatelyaroundmetothedoorandopeneditafootandstarted
    throughthenarrowopening,smilingagain.
    "Igottaseeaguy,"hesaidverygently,andhistonguemovedalonghis
    lips.
    "Notyet,"Isaid,andjumped.
    Hisgunhandwasattheedgeofthedoor,almostbeyondtheedge.Ihitthe
    doorhardandhecouldn'tbringitinquicklyenough.Hecouldn'tgetoutofthe
    way.Ipinnedhiminthedoorway,andusedallthestrengthIhad.Itwasa
    crazything.HehadgivenmeabreakandallIhadtodowastostandstilland
    lethimgo.ButIhadaguytoseetooandIwantedtoseehimfirst.
    Waxnoseleeredatme.Hegrunted.Hefoughtwithhishandbeyondthedoor
    edge.IshiftedandhithisjawwithallIhad.Itwasenough.Hewentlimp.I

    hithimagain.Hisheadbouncedagainstthewood.Iheardalightthudbeyond
    thedooredge.Ihithimathirdtime.Ineverbitanythinganyharder.
    Itookmyweightbackfromthedoorthenandheslidtowardsme,blank
    eyed,rubberkneedandIcaughthimandtwistedhisemptyhandsbehindhimand
    lethimfall.Istoodoverhimpanting.Iwenttothedoor.HisWoodsmanlay
    almostonthesill.Ipickeditup,droppeditintomypocketnotthepocket
    thatheldMissHuntress'gun.Hehadn'tevenfoundthat.
    Therehelayonthefloor.Hewasthin,hehadnoweight,butIpantedjust
    thesame.Inalittlewhilehiseyesflickeredopenandlookedupatme.
    "Greedyguy,"hewhisperedwearily."WhydidIeverleaveSaintLooey?"
    Isnappedhandcuffsonhiswristsandpulledhimbytheshouldersintothe
    dressingroomandtiedhisankleswithapieceofrope.Ilefthimlayingonhis
    back,alittlesideways,hisnoseaswhiteasever,hiseyesemptynow,hislips
    movingalittleasifheweretalkingtohimself.Afunnylad,notallbad,but
    notsopureIhadtoweepoverhimeither.
    IputmyLugertogetherandleftwithmythreeguns.Therewasnobody
    outsidetheapartmenthouse.

    TheJeetermansionwasonanineortenacreknoll,abigcolonialpilewith
    fatwhitecolumnsanddormerwindowsandmagnoliasandafourcargarage.There
    wasacircularparkingspaceatthetopofthedrivewaywithtwocarsparkedin
    itonewasthebigdreadnaughtinwhichI'driddenandtheotheracanary
    yellowsportsconvertibleIhadseenbefore.
    Irangabellthesizeofasilverdollar.Thedooropenedandatall
    narrowcoldeyedbirdindarkclotheslookedoutatme.
    "Mr.Jeeterhome?Mr.Jeeter,Senior?"
    MayIarskwhoiscalling?"Theaccentwasalittletoothick,likecut
    Scotch.
    "PhilipMarlowe.I'mworkingforhim.MaybeIhadoughttoofgonetothe
    servant'sentrance."

    Hehitchedafingeratawingcollarandlookedatmewithoutpleasure.
    "Aw,possibly.Youmaystepin.IshallinformMr.Jeeter.Ibelieveheis
    engagedatthemoment.Kindlywait'ereinthe'all."
    "Theactstinks,"Isaid."Englishbutlersaren'tdroppingtheirh'sthis
    year."
    "Smartguy,huh?"hesnarled,inavoicefromnotanyfartheracrossthe
    AtlanticthanHoboken."Waithere."Heslidaway.
    Isatdowninacarvedchairandfeltthirsty.Afterawhilethebutler
    camecatfootingbackalongthehallandjerkedhischinatmeunpleasantly.
    Wewentalongamileofhallway.Attheenditbroadenedwithoutanydoors
    intoahugesunroom.Onthefarsideofthesunroomthebutleropenedawide
    doorandIsteppedpasthimintoanovalroomwithablackandsilverovalrug,
    ablackmarbletableinthemiddleoftherug,stiffhighbackedcarvedchairs
    againstthewalls,ahugeovalmirrorwitharoundedsurfacethatmademelook
    likeapygmywithwateronthebrain,andintheroomthreepeople.
    BythedooroppositewhereIcamein,Georgethechauffeurstoodstifflyin
    hisneatdarkuniform,withhispeakedcapinhishand.Intheleast
    uncomfortableofthechairssatMissHarrietHuntressholdingaglassinwhich
    therewashalfadrink.Andaroundthesilvermarginoftheovalrug,Mr.
    Jeeter,Senior,wastryinghislegsoutinabriskcanter,stillunderwraps,
    butmadinside.Hisfacewasredandtheveinsonhisnoseweredistended.His
    handswereinthepocketsofavelvetsmokingjacket.Heworeapleatedshirt
    withablackpearlinthebosom,abatwingblacktieandoneofhispatent
    leatheroxfordswasunlaced.
    Hewhirledandyelledatthebutlerbehindme:"Getoutandkeepthose
    doorsshut!AndI'mnotathometoanybody,understand?Nobody!"
    Thebutlerclosedthedoors.Presumably,hewentaway.Ididn'thearhim
    go.
    GeorgegavemeacoolonesidedsmileandMissHuntressgavemeabland
    stareoverherglass."Youmadeanicecomeback,"shesaiddemurely.
    "Youtookachanceleavingmealoneinyourapartment,"Itoldher."I
    mighthavesneakedsomeofyourperfume.'
    "Well,whatdoyouwant?"Jeeteryelledatme."Anicesortofdetective
    youturnedouttobe.Iputyouonaconfidentialjobandyouwalkrightinon
    MissHuntressandexplainthewholethingtoher."

    "Itworked,didn'tit?"
    Hestared.Theyallstared."Howdoyouknowthat?"hebarked.
    "IknowanicegirlwhenIseeone.She'sheretellingyoushehadanidea
    shegotnottolike,andforyoutoquitworryingaboutit.Where'sMister
    Gerald?"
    OldmanJeeterstoppedandgavemeahardlevelstare."Istillregardyou
    asincompetent,"hesaid."Mysonismissing."
    "I'mnotworkingforyou.I'mworkingforAnnaHalsey.Anycomplaintsyou
    havetomakeshouldbeaddressedtoher,DoIpourmyowndrinkordoyouhavea
    flunkyinapurplesuittodoit?Andwhatdoyoumean,yoursonismissing?"
    "ShouldIgivehimtheheave,sir?"Georgeaskedquietly.
    Jeeterwavedhishandatadecanterandsiphonandglassesontheblack
    marbletableandstartedaroundtherugagain."Don'tbesilly,"hesnappedat
    George.
    Georgeflushedalittle,highonhischeekbones.Hismouthlookedtough.
    Imixedmyselfadrinkandsatdownwithitandtasteditandaskedagain:
    "Whatdoyoumeanyoursonismissing,Mr.Jeeter?"
    "I'mpayingyougoodmoney,"hestartedtoyellatme,stillmad.
    "When?"
    Hestoppeddeadinhiscanterandlookedatmeagain.MissHuntresslaughed
    lightly.Georgescowled.
    "WhatdoyousupposeImeanmysonismissing?"hesnapped."Ishouldhave
    thoughtthatwouldbeclearenougheventoyou.Nobodyknowswhereheis.Miss
    Huntressdoesn'tknow.Idon'tknow.Nooneatanyoftheplaceswherehemight
    beknown."
    "ButI'msmarterthantheyare,"Isaid."_I_know."
    Nobodymovedforalongminute.Jeeterstaredatmefisheyed.George
    staredatme.Thegirlstaredatme.Shelookedpuzzled.Theothertwojust
    stared.
    Ilookedather."Wheredidyougowhenyouwentout,ifyou'retelling?"
    Herdarkblueeyeswerewaterclear."There'snosecretaboutit.Wewent
    outtogetherinataxi.Geraldhadhadhisdrivinglicensesuspendedfora
    month.Toomanytickets.WewentdowntowardsthebeachandIhadachangeof
    heart,asyouguessed.IdecidedIwasjustbeingachiselerafterall.Ididn't
    wantGerald'smoneyreally.WhatIwantedwasrevenge.OnMr.Jeeterherefor

    ruiningmyfather.Donealllegallyofcourse,butdonejustthesame.ButIgot
    myselfinaspotwhereIcouldn'thavemyrevengeandnotlooklikeacheap
    chiseler.SoItoldGeraldtofindsomeothergirltoplaywith.Hewassoreand
    wequarreled.IstoppedthetaxiandgotoutinBeverlyHills.Hewenton.I
    don'tknowwhere.LaterIwentbacktotheElMilanoandgotmycaroutofthe
    garageandcamehere.TotellMr.Jeetertoforgetthewholethingandnot
    bothertosicksleuthsontome."
    "Yousayyouwentwithhiminataxi,"Isaid."Whywasn'tGeorgedriving
    him,ifhecouldn'tdrivehimself?"
    Istaredather,butIwasn'ttalkingtoher.Jeeteransweredme,frostily.
    "Georgedrovemehomefromtheoffice,ofcourse.AtthattimeGeraldhad
    alreadygoneout.Isthereanythingimportantaboutthat?"
    Iturnedtohim."Yeah.There'sgoingtobe.MisterGeraldisattheEl
    Milano.Hawkinsthehousedicktoldme.HewentbacktheretowaitforMiss
    HuntressandHawkinslethimintoherapartment.Hawkinswilldoyouthose
    littlefavorsfortenbucks.Hemaybetherestillandhemaynot."
    Ikeptonwatchingthem.Itwashardtowatchallthreeofthem.Butthey
    didn'tmove.Theyjustlookedatme.
    "WellI'mgladtohearit,"oldmanJeetersaid."Iwasafraidhewasoff
    somewheregettingdrunk."
    "No.He'snotoffanywheregettingdrunk,"Isaid."Bytheway,amongthese
    placesyoucalledtoseeifhewasthere,youdidn'tcalltheElMilano?"
    Georgenodded."Yes,Idid.Theysaidhewasn'tthere.Lookslikethis
    housepeepertippedthephonegirloffnottosayanything."
    "Hewouldn'thavetodothat.She'djustringtheapartmentandhewouldn't
    answernaturally."IwatchedoldmanJeeterhardthen,withalotofinterest.
    Itwasgoingtobehardforhimtotakethatup,buthewasgoingtohavetodo
    it.
    Hedid.Helickedhislipsfirst."Whynaturally,ifImayask?"hesaid
    coldly.
    Iputmyglassdownonthemarbletableandstoodagainstthewall,withmy
    handshangingfree.Istilltriedtowatchthemallthreeofthem.
    "Let'sgobackoverthisthingalittle,"Isaid."We'reallwisetothe
    situation.IknowGeorgeis,althoughheshouldn'tbe,beingjustaservant.I
    knowMissHuntressis.Andofcourseyouare,Mr.Jeeter.Solet'sseewhatwe

    havegot.Wehavealotofthingsthatdon'taddup,butI'msmart.I'mgoingto
    addthemupanyhow.FirstoffahandfulofphotostatsofnotesfromMartyEstel.
    GeralddenieshavinggiventheseandMr.Jeeterwon'tpaythem,buthehasa
    handwritingmannamedArbogastcheckthesignatures,toseeiftheylook
    genuine.Theydo.Theyare.ThisArbogastmayhavedoneotherthings.Idon't
    know.Icouldn'taskhim.WhenIwenttoseehim,hewasdeadshotthree
    timesasI'vesinceheardwithatwentytwo.No,Ididn'ttellthepolice,
    Mr.Jeeter."
    Thetallsilverhairedmanlookedhorriblyshocked.Hisleanbodyshook
    likeabullrush."Dead?"hewhispered."Murdered?"
    IlookedatGeorge.Georgedidn'tmoveamuscle.Ilookedatthegirl.She
    satquietly,waiting,tightlipped.
    Isaid:"There'sonlyonereasontosupposehiskillinghadanythingtodo
    withMr.Jeeter'saffairs.Hewasshotwithatwentytwoandthereisamanin
    thiscasewhowearsatwentytwo."
    Istillhadtheirattention.Andtheirsilence.
    "WhyhewasshotIhaven'tthefaintestidea.Hewasnotadangerousmanto
    MissHuntressorMartyEstel.Hewastoofattogetaroundmuch.Myguessishe
    wasalittletoosmart.Hegotasimplecaseofsignatureidentificationandhe
    wentonfromtheretofindoutmorethanheshould.Andafterhehadfoundout
    morethanheshouldheguessedmorethanheoughtandmaybeheeventrieda
    littleblackmail.Andsomebodyrubbedhimoutthisafternoonwithatwentytwo.
    O.K.,Icanstandit.Ineverknewhim.
    "SoIwentovertoseeMissHuntressandafteralotoffinaglingaround
    withthisitchyhandedhousedickIgottoseeherandwehadachat,andthen
    MisterGeraldsteppedneatlyoutofhidingandboppedmeaniceoneonthechin
    andoverIwentandhitmyheadonachairleg.AndwhenIcameoutofthatthe
    jointwasempty.SoIwentonhome.
    "AndhomeIfoundthemanwiththetwentytwoandwithhimadimwitcalled
    FriskyLavon,withabadbreathandaverylargegun,neitherofwhichmatters
    nowashewasshotdeadinfrontofyourhousetonight,Mr.Jeetershottrying
    tostickupyourcar.Thecopsknowaboutthatonetheycametoseemeabout
    itbecausetheotherguy,theonethatpacksthetwentytwo,isthelittle
    dimwit'sbrotherandhethoughtIshotDimwitandtriedtoputthebeeonme.
    Butitdidn'twork.That'stwokillings.

    "Wenowcometothethirdandmostimportant.IwentbacktotheElMilano
    becauseitnolongerseemedagoodideaforMisterGeraldtoberunningaround
    casually.Heseemedtohaveafewenemies.Itevenseemedthathewassupposed
    tobeinthecarthiseveningwhenFriskyLavonshotatitbutofcoursethat
    wasjustaplant."
    OldJeeterdrewhiswhiteeyebrowstogetherinanexpressionofpuzzlement.
    Georgedidn'tlookpuzzled.Hedidn'tlookanything.Hewasaswoodenfacedasa
    cigarstoreIndian.Thegirllookedalittlewhitenow,alittletense.Iplowed
    on.
    "BackattheElMilanoIfoundthatHawkinshadletMartyEstelandhis
    bodyguardintoMissHuntress'apartmenttowaitforher.Martyhadsomethingto
    tellherthatArbogasthadbeenkilled.Thatmadeitagoodideaforhertolay
    offyoungJeeterforawhileuntilthecopsquieteddownanyhow.Athoughtful
    guy,Marty.Amuchmorethoughtfulguythanyouwouldsuppose.Forinstance,he
    knewaboutArbogastandheknewMr.JeeterwenttoAnnaHalsey'sofficethis
    morningandheknewsomehowAnnamighthavetoldhimherself,Iwouldn'tputit
    pastherthatIwasworkingonthecasenow.SohehadmetailedtoArbogast's
    placeandaway,andhefoundoutlaterfromhiscopfriendsthatArbogasthad
    beenmurdered,andheknewIhadn'tgivenitout.Sohehadmethereandthat
    madeuspals.HewentawayaftertellingmethisandoncemoreIwasleftalone
    inMissHuntress'apartment.ButthistimefornoreasonatallIpokedaround.
    AndIfoundyoungMisterGerald,inthebedroom,inacloset."
    Isteppedquicklyovertothegirlandreachedintomypocketandtookout
    thesmallfancy.25automaticandlaiditdownonherknee.
    "Everseethisbefore?"
    Hervoicehadacurioustightsound,butherdarkblueeyeslookedatme
    levelly.
    "Yes.It'smine."
    "Youkeptitwhere?"
    "Inthedrawerofasmalltablebesidethebed."
    "Sureaboutthat?"
    Shethought.Neitherofthetwomenstirred.
    Georgebegantotwitchthecornerofhismouth.Sheshookherhead
    suddenly,sideways.

    "No.IhaveanideanowItookitouttoshowsomebodybecauseIdon't
    knowmuchaboutgunsandleftitlyingonthemantelinthelivingroom.In
    fact,I'malmostsureIdid.ItwasGeraldIshoweditto."
    "Sohemighthavereachedforitthere,ifanybodytriedtomakeawrong
    playathim?"
    Shenodded,troubled."Whatdoyoumeanhe'sinthecloset?"sheaskedin
    asmallquickvoice.
    "Youknow.EverybodyinthisroomknowswhatImean.TheyknowthatI
    showedyouthatgunforapurpose."IsteppedawayfromherandfacedGeorgeand
    hisboss."He'sdead,ofcourse.Shotthroughtheheartprobablywiththisgun.
    Itwaslefttherewithhim.That'swhyitwouldbeleft."
    Theoldmantookastepandstoppedandbracedhimselfagainstthetable.I
    wasn'tsurewhetherhehadturnedwhiteorwhetherhehadbeenwhitealready.He
    staredstonilyatthegirl.Hesaidveryslowly,betweenhisteeth:"Youdamned
    murderess!"
    "Couldn'tithavebeensuicide?"Isneered.
    Heturnedhisheadenoughtolookatme.Icouldseethattheidea
    interestedhim.Hehalfnodded.
    "No,"Isaid."Itcouldn'thavebeensuicide."
    Hedidn'tlikethatsowell.Hisfacecongestedwithbloodandtheveinson
    hisnosethickened.Thegirltouchedthegunlyingonherknee,thenputher
    handlooselyaroundthebutt.Isawherthumbslideverygentlytowardsthe
    safetycatch.Shedidn'tknowmuchaboutguns,butsheknewthatmuch.
    "Itcouldn'tbesuicide,"Isaidagain,veryslowly."Asanisolated
    eventmaybe.Butnotwithalltheotherstuffthat'sbeenhappening.Arbogast,
    thestickupdownonCalvelloDriveoutsidethishouse,thethugsplantedinmy
    apartment,thejobwiththetwentytwo."
    IreachedintomypocketagainandpulledoutWaxnose'sWoodsman.Iheldit
    carelesslyontheflatofmylefthand."Andcuriouslyenough,Idon'tthinkit
    was_this_twentytwoalthoughthishappenstobethegunman'stwentytwo.
    Yeah,Ihavethegunman,too.He'stiedupinmyapartment.Hecamebackto
    knockmeoff,butItalkedhimoutofit.I'maswelltalker."
    "Exceptthatyouoverdoit,"thegirlsaidcoolly,andliftedtheguna
    little.

    "It'sobviouswhokilledhim,MissHuntress,"Isaid."It'ssimplyamatter
    ofmotiveandopportunity.MartyEsteldidn't,anddidn'thaveitdone.That
    wouldspoilhischancestogethisfiftygrand.FriskyLavon'spaldidn't,
    regardlessofwhohewasworkingfor,andIdon'tthinkhewasworkingforMarty
    Estel.Hecouldn'thavegotintotheElMilanotodothejob,andcertainlynot
    intoMissHuntress'apartment.Whoeverdidithadsomethingtogainbyitandan
    opportunitytogettotheplacewhereitwasdone.Well,whohadsomethingto
    gain?Geraldhadfivemillioncomingtohimintwoyearsoutofatrustfund.He
    couldn'twillituntilhegotit.Soifhedied,hisnaturalheirgotit.Who's
    hisnaturalheir?You'dbesurprised.Didyouknowthatinthestateof
    Californiaandsomeothers,butnotinall,amancanbyhisownactbecomea
    naturalheir?Justbyadoptingsomebodywhohasmoneyandnoheirs!"
    Georgemovedthen.Hismovementwasoncemoreassmoothasarippleof
    water.TheSmith&Wessongleameddullyinhishand,buthedidn'tfireit.The
    smallautomaticinthegirl'shandcracked.BloodspurtedfromGeorge'sbrown
    hardhand.TheSmith&Wessondroppedtothefloor.Hecursed.Shedidn'tknow
    muchaboutgunsnotverymuch.
    "Ofcourse!"shesaidgrimly."Georgecouldgetintotheapartmentwithout
    anytrouble,ifGeraldwasthere.Hewouldgointhroughthegarage,achauffeur
    inuniform,rideupintheelevatorandknockatthedoor.AndwhenGerald
    openedit,GeorgewouldbackhiminwiththatSmith&Wesson.Buthowdidhe
    knowGeraldwasthere?"
    Isaid:"Hemusthavefollowedyourtaxi.Wedon'tknowwherehehasbeen
    alleveningsinceheleftme.Hehadacarwithhim.Thecopswillfindout.How
    muchwasinitforyou,George?"
    Georgeheldhisrightwristwithhislefthand,heldittightly,andhis
    facewastwisted,savage.Hesaidnothing.
    "GeorgewouldbackhiminwiththeSmith&Wesson,"thegirlsaidwearily.
    "Thenhewouldseemygunonthemantelpiece.Thatwouldbebetter.Hewoulduse
    that.HewouldbackGeraldintothebedroom,awayfromthecorridor,intothe
    closet,andthere,quietly,calmly,hewouldkillhimanddropthegunonthe
    floor."
    "GeorgekilledArbogast,too.Hekilledhimwithatwentytwobecausehe
    knewthatFriskyLavon'sbrotherhadatwentytwo,andheknewthatbecausehe
    hadhiredFriskyandhisbrothertoputoverabigscareonGeraldsothatwhen

    hewasmurdereditwouldlookasifMartyEstelhadhaditdone.ThatwaswhyI
    wasbroughtoutheretonightintheJeetercarsothatthetwothugswhohad
    beenwarnedandplantedcouldpulltheiractandmaybeknockmeoff,ifIgot
    tootough.OnlyGeorgelikestokillpeople.HemadeaneatshotatFrisky.He
    hithimintheface.ItwassogoodashotIthinkhemeantittobeamiss.How
    aboutit,George?"
    Silence.
    IlookedatoldJeeteratlast.Ihadbeenexpectinghimtopullagun
    himself,buthehadn't.Hejuststoodthere,openmouthed,appalled,leaning
    againsttheblackmarbletable,shaking.
    "MyGod!"hewhispered."MyGod!"
    "Youdon'thaveoneexceptmoney."
    Adoorsqueakedbehindme.Iwhirled,butIneedn'thavebothered.Ahard
    voice,aboutasEnglishasAmosandAndy,said:"Put'emup,bud."
    Thebutler,theveryEnglishbutler,stoodthereinthedoorway,agunin
    hishand,tightlipped.Thegirlturnedherwristandshothimjustkindof
    casually,intheshoulderorsomething.Hesquealedlikeastuckpig.
    "Goaway,you'reintruding,"shesaidcoldly.
    Heran.Weheardhisstepsrunning.
    "He'sgoingtofall,"shesaid.
    IwaswearingmyLugerinmyrighthandnow,alittlelateintheseason,
    asusual.Icamearoundwithit.OldmanJeeterwasholdingontothetable,his
    facegrayasapavingblock.Hiskneesweregiving.Georgestoodcynically,
    holdingahandkerchiefaroundhisbleedingwrist,watchinghim.
    "Lethimfall,"Isaid."Downiswherehebelongs."
    Hefell.Hisheadtwisted.Hismouthwentslack.Hehitthecarpetonhis
    sideandrolledalittleandhiskneescameup.Hismouthdrooledalittle.His
    skinturnedviolet.
    "Gocallthelaw,angel,"Isaid."I'llwatchthemnow."
    "Allright,"shesaidstandingup."Butyoucertainlyneedalotofhelpin
    yourprivatedetectingbusiness,Mr.Marlowe."

    Ihadbeeninthereforasolidhour,alone.Therewasthescarreddeskinthe
    middle,anotheragainstthewall,abrassspittoononamat,apolice
    loudspeakerboxonthewall,threesquashedflies,asmellofcoldcigarsand
    oldclothes.Thereweretwohardarmchairswithfeltpadsandtwohardstraight
    chairswithoutpads.TheelectriclightfixturehadbeendustedaboutCoolidge's
    firstterm.
    ThedooropenedwithajerkandFinlaysonandSeboldcamein.Seboldlooked
    asspruceandnastyasever,butFinlaysonlookedolder,moreworn,mousier.He
    heldasheafofpapersinhishand.Hesatdownacrossthedeskfrommeandgave
    meahardbleakstare.
    "Guyslikeyougetinalotoftrouble,"Finlaysonsaidsourly.Seboldsat
    downagainstthewallandtiltedhishatoverhiseyesandyawnedandlookedat
    hisnewstainlesssteelwristwatch.
    "Troubleismybusiness,"Isaid."HowelsewouldImakeanickel?"
    "Weoughtathrowyouinthecanforallthiscoverupstuff.Howmuchyou
    makingonthisone?"
    "IwasworkingforAnnaHalseywhowasworkingforoldmanJeeter.Iguess
    Imadeabaddebt."
    Seboldsmiledhisblackjacksmileatme.Finlaysonlitacigarandlicked
    atatearonthesideofitandpasteditdown,butitleakedsmokejustthe
    samewhenhedrewonit.Hepushedpapersacrossthedeskatme.
    "Signthreecopies."
    Isignedthreecopies.
    Hetookthemback,yawnedandrumpledhisoldgrayhead."Theoldman'shad
    astroke,"hesaid."Nodicethere.Probablywon'tknowwhattimeitiswhenhe
    comesout.ThisGeorgeHasterman,thischauffeurguy,hejustlaughsatus.Too
    badhegotpinked.I'dliketowrastlehimabit."
    "He'stough,"Isaid.
    "Yeah.O.K.,youcanbeatitfornow."
    Igotupandnoddedtothemandwenttothedoor."Well,goodnight,boys."
    Neitherofthemspoketome.
    Iwentout,alongthecorridoranddowninthenightelevatortotheCity
    Halllobby.IwentouttheSpringStreetsideanddownthelongflightofempty
    stepsandthewindblewcold.Ilitacigaretteatthebottom.Mycarwasstill

    outattheJeeterplace.Iliftedafoottostartwalkingtoataxihalfablock
    downacrossthestreet.Avoicespokesharplyfromaparkedcar.
    "Comehereaminute."
    Itwasaman'svoice,tight,hard.ItwasMartyEstel'svoice.Itcamefrom
    abigsedanwithtwomeninthefrontseat.Iwentoverthere.Therearwindow
    wasdownandMartyEstelleanedaglovedhandonit.
    "Getin."Hepushedthedooropen.Igotin.Iwastootiredtoargue.
    "Takeitaway,Skin."
    Thecardrovewestthroughdark,almostquietstreets,almostclean
    streets.Thenightairwasnotpurebutitwascool.Wewentupoverahilland
    begantopickupspeed.
    "Whattheyget?"Estelaskedcoolly.
    "Theydidn'ttellme.Theydidn'tbreakthechauffeuryet."
    "Youcan'tconvictacouplemillionbucksofmurderinthisman'stown."
    ThedrivercalledSkinlaughedwithoutturninghishead."MaybeIdon'teven
    touchmyfiftygrandnow...shelikesyou."
    "Uhhuh.Sowhat?"
    "Layoffher."
    "Whatwillitgetme?"
    "It'swhatit'llgetyouifyoudon't."
    "Yeah,sure,"Isaid."Gotohell,willyouplease.I'mtired."Ishutmy
    eyesandleanedinthecornerofthecarandjustlikethatwenttosleep.Ican
    dothatsometimes,afterastrain.
    Ahandshakingmyshoulderwokeme.Thecarhadstopped.Ilookedoutat
    thefrontofmyapartmenthouse.
    "Home,"MartyEstelsaid."Andremember.Layoffher."
    "Whytheridehome?Justtotellmethat?"
    "Sheaskedmetolookoutforyou.That'swhyyou'reloose.Shelikesyou.
    Ilikeher.See?Youdon'twantanymoretrouble."
    "Trouble"Istartedtosay,andstopped.Iwastiredofthatgagforthat
    night."Thanksfortheride,andapartfromthat,nutstoyou."Iturnedaway
    andwentintotheapartmenthouseandup.
    Thedoorlockwasstillloosebutnobodywaitedformethistime.Theyhad
    takenWaxnoseawaylongsince.Ileftthedooropenandthrewthewindowsupand
    Iwasstillsniffingatpolicemen'scigarbuttswhenthephonerang.Itwasher

    voice,cool,alittlehard,nottouchedbyanything,almostamused.Well,she'd
    beenthroughenoughtomakeherthatway,probably.
    "Hello,browneyes.Makeithomeallright?"
    "YourpalMartybroughtmehome.Hetoldmetolayoffyou.Thankswithall
    myheart,ifIhaveany,butdon'tcallmeupanymore."
    "Alittlescared,Mr.Marlowe?"
    "No.Waitformetocallyou,"Isaid."Goodnight,angel."
    "Goodnight,browneyes."
    Thephoneclicked.Iputitawayandshutthedoorandpulledthebeddown.
    Iundressedandlayonitforawhileinthecoldair.
    ThenIgotupandhadadrinkandashowerandwenttosleep.
    TheybrokeGeorgeatlast,butnotenough.Hesaidtherehadbeenafight
    overthegirlandyoungJeeterhadgrabbedthegunoffthemantelandGeorgehad
    foughtwithhimandithadgoneoff.Allofwhich,ofcourse,lookedpossible
    inthepapers.TheyneverpinnedtheArbogastkillingonhimoronanybody.They
    neverfoundthegunthatdidit,butitwasnotWaxnose'sgun.Waxnose
    disappearedIneverheardwhere.Theydidn'ttoucholdmanJeeter,becausehe
    nevercameoutofhisstroke,excepttolieonhisbackandhavenursesandtell
    peoplehowhehadn'tlostanickelinthedepression.
    MartyEstelcalledmeupfourtimestotellmetolayoffHarrietHuntress.
    Ifeltkindofsorryforthepoorguy.Hehaditbad.Iwentoutwithhertwice
    andsatwithhertwicemoreathome,drinkingherScotch.Itwasnice,butI
    didn'thavethemoney,theclothes,thetimeorthemanners.Thenshestopped
    beingattheElMilanoandIheardshehadgonetoNewYork.
    Iwasgladwhenshelefteventhoughshedidn'tbothertotellmegoodbye.

    I'LLBEWAITING

    Atoneo'clockinthemorning,Carl,thenightporter,turneddownthelastof
    threetablelampsinthemainlobbyoftheWindermereHotel.Thebluecarpet
    darkenedashadeortwoandthewallsdrewbackintoremoteness.Thechairs
    filledwithshadowyloungers.Inthecornerswerememorieslikecobwebs.

    TonyReseckyawned.Heputhisheadononesideandlistenedtothefrail,
    twitterymusicfromtheradioroombeyondadimarchatthefarsideofthe
    lobby.Hefrowned.ThatshouldbehisradioroomafteroneA.M.Nobodyshouldbe
    init.Thatredhairedgirlwasspoilinghisnights.
    Thefrownpassedandaminiatureofasmilequirkedatthecornersofhis
    lips.Hesatrelaxed,ashort,pale,paunchy,middleagedmanwithlong,
    delicatefingersclaspedontheelk'stoothonhiswatchchain;thelong
    delicatefingersofasleightofhandartist,fingerswithshiny,moldednails
    andtaperingfirstjoints,fingersalittlespatulateattheends.Handsome
    fingers.TonyReseckrubbedthemgentlytogetherandtherewaspeaceinhis
    quietseagrayeyes.
    Thefrowncamebackonhisface.Themusicannoyedhim.Hegotupwitha
    curiouslitheness,allinonepiece,withoutmovinghisclaspedhandsfromthe
    watchchain.Atonemomenthewasleaningbackrelaxed,andthenexthewas
    standingbalancedonhisfeet,perfectlystill,sothatthemovementofrising
    seemedtobeathingperfectlyperceived,anerrorofvision.
    Hewalkedwithsmall,polishedshoesdelicatelyacrossthebluecarpetand
    underthearch.Themusicwaslouder.Itcontainedthehot,acidblare,the
    frenetic,jitteringrunsofajamsession.Itwastooloud.Theredhairedgirl
    satthereandstaredsilentlyatthefrettedpartofthebigradiocabinetas
    thoughshecouldseethebandwithitsfixedprofessionalgrinandthesweat
    runningdownitsback.Shewascurledupwithherfeetunderheronadavenport
    whichseemedtocontainmostofthecushionsintheroom.Shewastuckedamong
    themcarefully,likeacorsageintheflorist'stissuepaper.
    Shedidn'tturnherhead.Sheleanedthere,onehandinasmallfistonher
    peachcoloredknee.Shewaswearingloungingpajamasofheavyribbedsilk
    embroideredwithblacklotusbuds.
    "YoulikeGoodman,MissCressy?"TonyReseckasked.
    Thegirlmovedhereyesslowly.Thelightintherewasdim,buttheviolet
    ofhereyesalmosthurt.Theywerelarge,deepeyeswithoutatraceofthought
    inthem.Herfacewasclassicalandwithoutexpression.
    Shesaidnothing.
    Tonysmiledandmovedhisfingersathissides,onebyone,feelingthem
    move."YoulikeGoodman,MissCressy?"herepeatedgently.
    "Nottocryover,"thegirlsaidtonelessly.

    Tonyrockedbackonhisheelsandlookedathereyes.Large,deep,empty
    eyes.Orwerethey?Hereacheddownandmutedtheradio.
    "Don'tgetmewrong,"thegirlsaid."Goodmanmakesmoney,andaladthat
    makeslegitimatemoneythesedaysisaladyouhavetorespect.Butthis
    jitterbugmusicgivesmethebackdropofabeerflat.Ilikesomethingwith
    rosesinit."
    "MaybeyoulikeMozart,"Tonysaid.
    "Goon,kidme,"thegirlsaid.
    "Iwasn'tkiddingyou,MissCressy.IthinkMozartwasthegreatestman
    thateverlivedandToscaniniishisprophet."
    "Ithoughtyouwerethehousedick."Sheputherheadbackonapillowand
    staredathimthroughherlashes."MakemesomeofthatMozart,"sheadded.
    "It'stoolate,"Tonysighed."Youcan'tgetitnow."
    Shegavehimanotherlonglucidglance."Gottheeyeonme,haven'tyou,
    flatfoot?"Shelaughedalittle,almostunderherbreath."WhatdidIdowrong?"
    Tonysmiledhistoysmile."Nothing,MissCressy.Nothingatall.Butyou
    needsomefreshair.You'vebeenfivedaysinthishotelandyouhaven'tbeen
    outdoors.Andyouhaveatowerroom."
    Shelaughedagain."Makemeastoryaboutit.I'mbored."
    "Therewasagirlhereoncehadyoursuite.Shestayedinthehotelawhole
    week,likeyou.Withoutgoingoutatall,Imean.Shedidn'tspeaktoanybody
    hardly.Whatdoyouthinkshedidthen?"
    Thegirleyedhimgravely."Shejumpedherbill."
    Heputhislongdelicatehandoutandturneditslowly,flutteringthe
    fingers,withaneffectalmostlikealazywavebreaking.'Unhuh.Shesentdown
    forherbillandpaidit.Thenshetoldthehoptobebackinhalfanhourfor
    hersuitcases.Thenshewentoutonherbalcony."
    Thegirlleanedforwardalittle,hereyesstillgrave,onehandcapping
    herpeachcoloredknee."Whatdidyousayyournamewas?"
    "TonyReseck."
    "Soundslikeaflunky."
    "Yeah,"Tonysaid."Polish."
    "Goon,Tony."
    "Allthetowersuiteshaveprivatebalconies,MissCressy.Thewallsof
    themaretoolowforfourteenstoriesabovethestreet.Itwasadarknight,

    thatnight,highclouds."Hedroppedhishandwithafinalgesture,afarewell
    gesture."Nobodysawherjump.Butwhenshehit,itwaslikeabiggungoing
    off."
    "You'remakingitup,Tony."Hervoicewasacleandrywhisperofsound.
    Hesmiledhistoysmile.Hisquietseagrayeyesseemedalmosttobe
    smoothingthelongwavesofherhair."EveCressy,"hesaidmusingly."Aname
    waitingforlightstobein."
    "Waitingforatalldarkguythat'snogood,Tony.Youwouldn'tcarewhy.I
    wasmarriedtohimonce.Imightbemarriedtohimagain.Youcanmakealotof
    mistakesinjustonelifetime."Thehandonherkneeopenedslowlyuntilthe
    fingerswerestrainedbackasfarastheywouldgo.Thentheyclosedquicklyand
    tightly,andeveninthatdimlighttheknucklesshonelikethelittlepolished
    bones."Iplayedhimalowtrickonce.Iputhiminabadplacewithoutmeaning
    to.Youwouldn'tcareaboutthateither.It'sjustthatIowehimsomething."
    Heleanedoversoftlyandturnedtheknobontheradio.Awaltzformed
    itselfdimlyonthewarmair.Atinselwaltz,butawaltz.Heturnedthevolume
    up.Themusicgushedfromtheloudspeakerinaswirlofshadowedmelody.Since
    Viennadied,allwaltzesareshadowed.
    Thegirlputherhandononesideandhummedthreeorfourbarsandstopped
    withasuddentighteningofhermouth.
    "EveCressy,"shesaid."Itwasinlightsonce.Atabumnightclub.A
    dive.Theyraideditandthelightswentout."
    Hesmiledatheralmostmockingly."Itwasnodivewhileyouwerethere,
    MissCressy...That'sthewaltztheorchestraalwaysplayedwhentheoldporter
    walkedupanddowninfrontofthehotelentrance,allswelledupwithhis
    medalsonhischest._TheLastLaugh._EmilJannings.Youwouldn'trememberthat
    one,MissCressy."
    "'Spring,BeautifulSpring,'"shesaid."No,Ineversawit."
    Hewalkedthreestepsawayfromherandturned."Ihavetogoupstairsand
    palmdoorknobs.IhopeIdidn'tbotheryou.Yououghttogotobednow.It's
    prettylate."
    Thetinselwaltzstoppedandavoicebegantotalk.Thegirlspokethrough
    thevoice."Youreallythoughtsomethinglikethataboutthebalcony?"
    Henodded."Imighthave,"hesaidsoftly."Idon'tanymore."

    "Nochance,Tony."Hersmilewasadimlostleaf."Comeandtalktomesome
    more.Redheadsdon'tjump,Tony.Theyhangonandwither."
    Helookedathergravelyforamomentandthenmovedawayoverthecarpet.
    Theporterwasstandinginthearchwaythatledtothemainlobby.Tonyhadn't
    lookedthatwayyet,butheknewsomebodywasthere.Healwaysknewifanybody
    wasclosetohim.Hecouldhearthegrassgrow,likethedonkeyin_TheBlue
    Bird._
    Theporterjerkedhischinathimurgently.Hisbroadfaceabovethe
    uniformcollarlookedsweatyandexcited.Tonysteppedupclosetohimandthey
    wenttogetherthroughthearchandouttothemiddleofthedimlobby.
    "Trouble?"Tonyaskedwearily.
    "There'saguyoutsidetoseeyou,Tony.Hewon'tcomein.I'mdoinga
    wipeoffontheplateglassofthedoorsandhecomesupbesideme,atallguy.
    'GetTony,'hesays,outofthesideofhismouth."
    Tonysaid:"Uhhuh,"andlookedattheporter'spaleblueeyes."Whowas
    it?"
    "Al,hesaidtosayhewas."
    Tony'sfacebecameasexpressionlessasdough."Okey."Hestartedtomove
    off.
    Theportercaughthissleeve."Listen,Tony.Yougotanyenemies?"
    Tonylaughedpolitely,hisfacestilllikedough.
    "Listen,Tony."Theporterheldhissleevetightly."There'sabigblack
    cardowntheblock,theotherwayfromthehacks.There'saguystandingbeside
    itwithhisfootontherunningboard.Thisguythatspoketome,hewearsa
    darkcolored,wraparoundovercoatwithahighcollarturnedupagainsthis
    ears.Hishat'swaylow,Youcan'thardlyseehisface.Hesays,'GetTony,'out
    ofthesideofhismouth.Youain'tgotanyenemies,haveyou,Tony?"
    "Onlythefinancecompany,"Tonysaid."Beatit."
    Hewalkedslowlyandalittlestifflyacrossthebluecarpet,upthethree
    shallowstepstotheentrancelobbywiththethreeelevatorsononesideandthe
    deskontheother.Onlyoneelevatorwasworking.Besidetheopendoors,his
    armsfolded,thenightoperatorstoodsilentinaneatblueuniformwithsilver
    facings.Alean,darkMexicannamedGomez.Anewboy,breakinginonthenight
    shift.

    Theothersidewasthedesk,rosemarble,withthenightclerkleaningon
    itdelicately.Asmallneatmanwithawispyreddishmustacheandcheekssorosy
    theylookedroughed.HestaredatTonyandpokedanailathismustache.
    Tonypointedastiffindexfingerathim,foldedtheotherthreefingers
    tighttohispalm,andflickedhisthumbupanddownonthestifffinger.The
    clerktouchedtheothersideofhismustacheandlookedbored.
    Tonywentonpasttheclosedanddarkenednewsstandandthesideentrance
    tothedrugstore,outtothebrassboundplateglassdoors.Hestoppedjust
    insidethemandtookadeep,hardbreath.Hesquaredhisshoulders,pushedthe
    doorsopenandsteppedoutintothecolddampnightair.
    Thestreetwasdark,silent.TherumbleoftrafficonWilshire,twoblocks
    away,hadnobody,nomeaning.Totheleftweretwotaxis.Theirdriversleaned
    againstafender,sidebyside,smoking.Tonywalkedtheotherway.Thebigdark
    carwasathirdofablockfromthehotelentrance.Itslightsweredimmedand
    itwasonlywhenhewasalmostuptoitthatheheardthegentlesoundofits
    engineturningover.
    Atallfiguredetacheditselffromthebodyofthecarandstrolledtoward
    him,bothhandsinthepocketsofthedarkovercoatwiththehighcollar.From
    theman'smouthacigarettetipglowedfaintly,arustypearl.
    Theystoppedtwofeetfromeachother.
    Thetallmansaid,"Hi,Tony.Longtimenosee."
    "Hello,Al.How'sitgoing?"
    "Can'tcomplain."Thetallmanstartedtotakehisrighthandoutofhis
    overcoatpocket,thenstoppedandlaughedquietly."Iforgot.Guessyoudon't
    wanttoshakehands."
    "Thatdon'tmeananything,"Tonysaid."Shakinghands.Monkeyscanshake
    hands.What'sonyourmind,Al?"
    "Stillthefunnylittlefatguy,eh,Tony?"
    "Iguess."Tonywinkedhiseyestight.Histhroatfelttight.
    "Youlikeyourjobbackthere?"
    "It'sajob."
    Allaughedhisquietlaughagain."Youtakeitslow,Tony.I'lltakeit
    fast.Soit'sajobandyouwanttoholdit.Okey.There'sagirlnamedEve
    Cressyfloppinginyourquiethotel.Getherout.Fastandrightnow."
    "What'sthetrouble?"

    Thetallmanlookedupanddownthestreet.Amanbehindinthecarcoughed
    lightly."She'shookedwithawrongnumber.Nothingagainstherpersonal,but
    she'llleadtroubletoyou.Getherout,Tony.Yougotmaybeanhour."
    "Sure,"Tonysaidaimlessly,withoutmeaning.
    AltookhishandoutofhispocketandstretcheditagainstTony'schest.
    Hegavehimalightlazypush."Iwouldn'tbetellingyoujustforthehellof
    it,littlefatbrother.Getheroutofthere."
    "Okey,"Tonysaid,withoutanytoneinhisvoice.
    Thetallmantookbackhishandandreachedforthecardoor.Heopenedit
    andstartedtoslipinlikealeanblackshadow.
    Thenhestoppedandsaidsomethingtothemeninthecarandgotoutagain.
    HecamebacktowhereTonystoodsilent,hispaleeyescatchingalittledim
    lightfromthestreet.
    "Listen,Tony.Youalwayskeptyournoseclean.You'reagoodbrother,
    Tony."
    Tonydidn'tspeak.
    Alleanedtowardhim,alongurgentshadow,thehighcollaralmosttouching
    hisears."It'stroublebusiness,Tony.Theboyswon'tlikeit,butI'mtelling
    youjustthesame.ThisCressywasmarriedtoaladnamedJohnnyRails.Railsis
    outofQuentintwo,threedays,oraweek.Hedidathreespotformanslaughter.
    Thegirlputhimthere.Herandownanoldmanonenightwhenhewasdrunk,and
    shewaswithhim.Hewouldn'tstop.Shetoldhimtogoinandtellit,orelse.
    Hedidn'tgoin.SotheJohnscomeforhim."
    Tonysaid,"That'stoobad."
    "It'skosher,kid.It'smybusinesstoknow.ThisRailsflappedhismouth
    instirabouthowthegirlwouldbewaitingforhimwhenhegotout,allsetto
    forgiveandforget,andhewasgoingstraighttoher."
    Tonysaid,"What'shetoyou?"Hisvoicehadadry,stiffcrackle,like
    thickpaper.
    Allaughed."Thetroubleboyswanttoseehim.Heranatableataspoton
    theStripandfiguredoutascheme.Heandanotherguytookthehouseforfifty
    grand.Theotherladcoughedup,butwestillneedJohnny'stwentyfive.The
    troubleboysdon'tgetpaidtoforget."
    Tonylookedupanddownthedarkstreet.Oneofthetaxidriversflickeda
    cigarettestubinalongarcoverthetopofoneofthecabs.Tonywatchedit

    fallandsparkonthepavement.Helistenedtothequietsoundofthebigcar's
    motor.
    "Idon'twantanypartofit,"hesaid."I'llgetherout."
    Albackedawayfromhim,nodding."Wisekid.How'smomthesedays?"
    "Okey,"Tonysaid.
    "TellherIwasaskingforher."
    "Askingforherisn'tanything,"Tonysaid.
    Alturnedquicklyandgotintothecar.Thecarcurvedlazilyinthemiddle
    oftheblockanddriftedbacktowardthecorner.Itslightswentupandsprayed
    onawall.Itturnedacornerandwasgone.Thelingeringsmellofitsexhaust
    driftedpastTony'snose.Heturnedandwalkedbacktothehotelandintoit.He
    wentalongtotheradioroom.
    Theradiostillmuttered,butthegirlwasgonefromthedavenportinfront
    ofit.Thepressedcushionswerehollowedoutbyherbody.Tonyreacheddownand
    touchedthem.Hethoughttheywerestillwarm.Heturnedtheradiooffandstood
    there,turningathumbslowlyinfrontofhisbody,hishandflatagainsthis
    stomach.Thenhewentbackthroughthelobbytowardtheelevatorbankandstood
    besideamajolicajarofwhitesand.Theclerkfussedbehindapebbledglass
    screenatoneendofthedesk.Theairwasdead.
    Theelevatorbankwasdark.Tonylookedattheindicatorofthemiddlecar
    andsawthatitwasat14.
    "Gonetobed,"hesaidunderhisbreath.
    Thedooroftheporter'sroombesidetheelevatorsopenedandthelittle
    Mexicannightoperatorcameoutinstreetclothes.HelookedatTonywitha
    quietsidewiselookoutofeyesthecolorofdriedoutchestnuts.
    "Goodnight,boss."
    "Yeah,"Tonysaidabsently.
    Hetookathindappledcigaroutofhisvestpocketandsmelledit.He
    examineditslowly,turningitaroundinhisneatfingers.Therewasasmall
    tearalongtheside.Hefrownedatthatandputthecigaraway.
    Therewasadistantsoundandthehandontheindicatorbegantosteal
    aroundthebronzedial.Lightglitteredupintheshaftandthestraightlineof
    thecarfloordissolvedthedarknessbelow.Thecarstoppedandthedoors
    opened,andCarlcameoutofit.

    HiseyescaughtTony'swithakindofjumpandhewalkedovertohim,his
    headononeside,athinshinealonghispinkupperlip.
    "Listen,Tony."
    Tonytookhisarminahardswifthandandturnedhim.Hepushedhim
    quickly,yetsomehowcasually,downthestepstothedimmainlobbyandsteered
    himintoacorner.Heletgoofthearm.Histhroattightenedagain,forno
    reasonhecouldthinkof.
    "Well?"hesaiddarkly."Listentowhat?"
    Theporterreachedintoapocketandhauledoutadollarbill."Hegimme
    this,"hesaidloosely.HisglitteringeyeslookedpastTony'sshoulderat
    nothing.Theywinkedrapidly."Iceandgingerale."
    "Don'tstall,"Tonygrowled.
    "GuyinFourteenB,"theportersaid.
    "Lemmesmellyourbreath."
    Theporterleanedtowardhimobediently.
    "Liquor,"Tonysaidharshly.
    "Hegimmeadrink."
    Tonylookeddownatthedollarbill."Nobody'sinFourteen.Notonmy
    list,"hesaid.
    "Yeah.Thereis."Theporterlickedhislipsandhiseyesopenedandshut
    severaltimes."Talldarkguy."
    "Allright,"Tonysaidcrossly."Allright.There'satalldarkguyin
    FourteenBandhegaveyouabuckandadrink.Thenwhat?"
    "Gatunderhisarm,"Carlsaid,andblinked.
    Tonysmiled,buthiseyeshadtakenonthelifelessglitterofthickice.
    "YoutakeMissCressyuptoherroom?"
    Carlshookhishead."Gomez.Isawhergoup."
    "Getawayfromme,"Tonysaidbetweenhisteeth."Anddon'tacceptanymore
    drinksfromtheguests."
    Hedidn'tmoveuntilCarlhadgonebackintohiscubbyholebytheelevators
    andshutthedoor.Thenhemovedsilentlyupthethreestepsandstoodinfront
    ofthedesk,lookingattheveinedrosemarble,theonyxpenset,thefresh
    registrationcardinitsleatherframe.Heliftedahandandsmackeditdown
    hardonthemarble.Theclerkpoppedoutfrombehindtheglassscreenlikea
    chipmunkcomingoutofitshole.

    Tonytookaflimsyoutofhisbreastpocketandspreaditonthedesk."No
    FourteenBonthis,"hesaidinabittervoice.
    Theclerkwispedpolitelyathismustache."Sosorry.Youmusthavebeen
    outtosupperwhenhecheckedin."
    "Who?"
    "RegisteredasJamesWatterson,SanDiego."Theclerkyawned.
    "Askforanybody?"
    TheclerkstoppedinthemiddleoftheyawnandlookedatthetopofTony's
    head."Whyyes.Heaskedforaswingband.Why?"
    "Smart,fastandfunny,"Tonysaid."Ifyoulike'emthatway."Hewroteon
    hisflimsyandstuffeditbackintohispocket."I'mgoingupstairsandpalm
    doorknobs.There'sfourtowerroomsyouain'trentedyet.Getuponyourtoes,
    son.You'reslipping."
    "Imadeout,"theclerkdrawled,andcompletedhisyawn."Hurryback,pop.
    Idon'tknowhowI'llgetthroughthetime."
    "Youcouldshavethatpinkfuzzoffyourlip,"Tonysaid,andwentacross
    totheelevators.
    Heopenedupadarkoneandlitthedomelightandshotthecarupto
    fourteen.Hedarkeneditagain,steppedoutandclosedthedoors.Thislobbywas
    smallerthananyother,excepttheoneimmediatelybelowit.Ithadasingle
    bluepaneleddoorineachofthewallsotherthantheelevatorwall.Oneach
    doorwasagoldnumberandletterwithagoldwreatharoundit.Tonywalkedover
    to14Aandputhiseartothepanel.Heheardnothing.EveCressymightbein
    bedasleep,orinthebathroom,oroutonthebalcony.Orshemightbesitting
    thereintheroom,afewfeetfromthedoor,lookingatthewall.Well,he
    wouldn'texpecttobeabletohearhersitandlookatthewall.Hewentoverto
    14Bandputhiseartothatpanel.Thiswasdifferent.Therewasasoundin
    there.Amancoughed.Itsoundedsomehowlikeasolitarycough.Therewereno
    voices.Tonypressedthesmallnacrebuttonbesidethedoor.
    Stepscamewithouthurry.Athickenedvoicespokethroughthepanel.Tony
    madenoanswer,nosound.Thethickenedvoicerepeatedthequestion.Lightly,
    maliciously,Tonypressedthebellagain.

    Mr.JamesWatterson,ofSanDiego,shouldnowopenthedoorandgiveforth
    noise.Hedidn't.Asilencefellbeyondthatdoorthatwaslikethesilenceofa
    glacier.OncemoreTonyputhiseartothewood.Silenceutterly.
    Hegotoutamasterkeyonachainandpusheditdelicatelyintothelock
    ofthedoor.Heturnedit,pushedthedoorinwardthreeinchesandwithdrewthe
    key.Thenhewaited.
    "Allright,"thevoicesaidharshly."Comeinandgetit."
    Tonypushedthedoorwideandstoodthere,framedagainstthelightfrom
    thelobby.Themanwastall,blackhaired,angularandwhitefaced.Hehelda
    gun.Hehelditasthoughheknewaboutguns.
    "Steprightin,"hedrawled.
    Tonywentinthroughthedoorandpusheditshutwithhisshoulder.Hekept
    hishandsalittleoutfromhissides,thecleverfingerscurledandslack.He
    smiledhisquietlittlesmile.
    "Mr.Watterson?"
    "Andafterthatwhat?"
    "I'mthehousedetectivehere."
    "Itslaysme."
    Thetall,whitefaced,somehowhandsomeandsomehownothandsomemanbacked
    slowlyintotheroom.Itwasalargeroomwithalowbalconyaroundtwosidesof
    it.Frenchdoorsopenedoutonthelittleprivateopenairbalconythateachof
    thetowerroomshad.Therewasagratesetforalogfirebehindapaneled
    screeninfrontofacheerfuldavenport.Atallmistedglassstoodonahotel
    traybesideadeep,cozychair.Themanbackedtowardthisandstoodinfrontof
    it.Thelarge,glisteninggundroopedandpointedatthefloor.
    "Itslaysme,"hesaid."I'minthedumpanhourandthehousecoppergives
    methebus.Okey,sweetheart,lookintheclosetandbathroom.Butshejust
    left."
    "Youdidn'tseeheryet,"Tonysaid.
    Theman'sbleachedfacefilledwithunexpectedlines.Histhickenedvoice
    edgedtowardasnarl."Yeah?Whodidn'tIseeyet?"
    "AgirlnamedEveCressy."
    Themanswallowed.Heputhisgundownonthetablebesidethetray.Helet
    himselfdownintothechairbackwards,stiffly,likeamanwithatouchof
    lumbago.Thenheleanedforwardandputhishandsonhiskneecapsandsmiled

    brightlybetweenhisteeth."Soshegothere,huh?Ididn'taskaboutheryet.
    I'macarefulguy.Ididn'taskyet."
    "She'sbeenherefivedays,"Tonysaid."Waitingforyou.Shehasn'tleft
    thehotelaminute."
    Theman'smouthworkedalittle.Hissmilehadaknowingtilttoit."Igot
    delayedalittleupnorth,"hesaidsmoothly."Youknowhowitis.Visitingold
    friends.Youseemtoknowalotaboutmybusiness,copper."
    "That'sright,Mr.Rails."
    Themanlungedtohisfeetandhishandsnappedatthegun.Hestood
    leaningover,holdingitonthetable,staring."Damestalktoomuch,"hesaid
    withamuffledsoundinhisvoiceasthoughheheldsomethingsoftbetweenhis
    teethandtalkedthroughit.
    "Notdames,Mr.Rails."
    "Huh?"Thegunslitheredonthehardwoodofthetable."Talkitup,
    copper.Mymindreaderjustquit."
    "Notdames,guys.Guyswithguns."
    Theglaciersilencefellbetweenthemagain.Themanstraightenedhisbody
    outslowly.Hisfacewaswashedcleanofexpression,buthiseyeswerehaunted.
    Tonyleanedinfrontofhim,ashortishplumpmanwithaquiet,pale,friendly
    faceandeyesassimpleasforestwater.
    "Theyneverrunoutofgasthoseboys,"JohnnyRailssaid,andlickedat
    hislip."Earlyandlate,theywork.Theoldfirmneversleeps."
    "Youknowwhotheyare?"Tonysaidsoftly.
    "Icouldmaybegivenineguesses.Andtwelveofthemwouldberight."
    "Thetroubleboys,"Tonysaid,andsmiledabrittlesmile.
    "Whereisshe?"JohnnyRailsaskedharshly.
    "Rightnextdoortoyou."
    Themanwalkedtothewallandlefthisgunlyingonthetable.Hestoodin
    frontofthewall,studyingit.Hereachedupandgrippedthegrillworkofthe
    balconyrailing.Whenhedroppedhishandandturned,hisfacehadlostsomeof
    itslines.Hiseyeshadaquieterglint.HemovedbacktoTonyandstoodover
    him.
    "I'vegotastake,"hesaid."EvesentmesomedoughandIbuiltitupwith
    atouchImadeupnorth.Casedough,whatImean.Thetroubleboystalkabout

    twentyfivegrand."Hesmiledcrookedly."FiveC'sIcancount.I'dhavealot
    offunmakingthembelievethat,Iwould."
    "Whatdidyoudowithit?"Tonyaskedindifferently.
    "Ineverhadit,copper.Leavethatlay.I'mtheonlyguyintheworldthat
    believesit.ItwasalittledealthatIgotsuckeredon."
    "I'llbelieveit,"Tonysaid.
    "Theydon'tkilloften.Buttheycanbeawfultough."
    "Mugs,"Tonysaidwithasuddenbittercontempt."Guyswithguns.Just
    mugs."
    JohnnyRailsreachedforhisglassanddraineditempty.Theicecubes
    tinkledsoftlyasheputitdown.Hepickedhisgunup,danceditonhispalm,
    thentuckedit,nosedown,intoaninnerbreastpocket.Hestaredatthecarpet.
    "Howcomeyou'retellingmethis,copper?"
    "Ithoughtmaybeyou'dgiveherabreak."
    "AndifIwouldn't?"
    "Ikindofthinkyouwill,"Tonysaid.
    JohnnyRailsnoddedquietly."CanIgetoutofhere?"
    "Youcouldtaketheserviceelevatortothegarage.Youcouldrentacar.I
    cangiveyouacardtothegarageman."
    "You'reafunnylittleguy,"JohnnyRailssaid.
    Tonytookoutawornostrichskinbillfoldandscribbledonaprintedcard.
    JohnnyRailsreadit,andstoodholdingit,tappingitagainstathumbnail.
    "Icouldtakeherwithme,"hesaid,hiseyesnarrow."Youcouldtakea
    rideinabaskettoo,"Tonysaid."She'sbeenherefivedays,Itoldyou.She's
    beenspotted.AguyIknowcalledmeupandtoldmetogetheroutofhere.Told
    mewhatitwasallabout.SoI'mgettingyououtinstead."
    "They'lllovethat,"JohnnyRailssaid."They'llsendyouviolets."
    "I'llweepaboutitonmydayoff."
    JohnnyRailsturnedhishandoverandstaredatthepalm."Icouldseeher,
    anyway.BeforeIblow.Nextdoortohere,yousaid?"
    Tonyturnedonhisheelandstartedforthedoor.Hesaidoverhis
    shoulder,"Don'twastealotoftime,handsome.Imightchangemymind."
    Themansaid,almostgently:"Youmightbespottingmerightnow,forallI
    know."
    Tonydidn'tturnhishead."That'sachanceyouhavetotake."

    Hewentontothedoorandpassedoutoftheroom.Heshutitcarefully,
    silently,lookedonceatthedoorof14Aandgotintohisdarkelevator.Herode
    itdowntothelinenroomfloorandgotouttoremovethebasketthatheldthe
    serviceelevatoropenatthatfloor.Thedoorslidquietlyshut.Hehelditso
    thatitmadenonoise.Downthecorridor,lightcamefromtheopendoorofthe
    housekeeper'soffice.Tonygotbackintohiselevatorandwentondowntothe
    lobby.
    Thelittleclerkwasoutofsightbehindhispebbledglassscreen,auditing
    accounts.Tonywentthroughthemainlobbyandturnedintotheradioroom.The
    radiowasonagain,soft.Shewasthere,curledonthedavenportagain.The
    speakerhummedtoher,avaguesoundsolowthatwhatitsaidwasaswordlessas
    themurmuroftrees.Sheturnedherheadslowlyandsmiledathim.
    "Finishedpalmingdoorknobs?Icouldn'tsleepworthanickel.SoIcame
    downagain.Okey?"
    Hesmiledandnodded.Hesatdowninagreenchairandpattedtheplump
    brocadearmsofit."Sure,MissCressy."
    "Waitingisthehardestkindofwork,isn'tit?Iwishyou'dtalktothat
    radio.Itsoundslikeapretzelbeingbent."
    Tonyfiddledwithit,gotnothingheliked,setitbackwhereithadbeen.
    "Beerparlordrunksareallthecustomersnow."
    Shesmiledathimagain.
    "Idon'tbotheryoubeinghere,MissCressy?"
    "Ilikeit.You'reasweetlittleguy,Tony."
    Helookedstifflyatthefloorandarippletouchedhisspine.Hewaited
    forittogoaway.Itwentslowly.Thenhesatback,relaxedagain,hisneat
    fingersclaspedonhiselk'stooth.Helistened.Nottotheradiotofaroff,
    uncertainthings,menacingthings.Andperhapstojustthesafewhirofwheels
    goingawayintoastrangenight.
    "Nobody'sallbad,"hesaidoutloud.
    Thegirllookedathimlazily."I'vemettwoorthreeIwaswrongon,
    then."
    Henodded."Yeah,"headmittedjudiciously."Iguessthere'ssomethat
    are."
    Thegirlyawnedandherdeepvioleteyeshalfclosed.Shenestledbackinto
    thecushions."Sitthereforawhile,Tony.MaybeIcouldnap."

    "Sure.Notathingformetodo.Don'tknowwhytheypayme."
    Shesleptquicklyandwithcompletestillness,likeachild.Tonyhardly
    breathedfortenminutes.Hejustwatchedher,hismouthalittleopen.There
    wasaquietfascinationinhislimpideyes,asifhewaslookingatanaltar.
    Thenhestoodupwithinfinitecareandpaddedawayunderthearchtothe
    entrancelobbyandthedesk.Hestoodatthedesklisteningforalittlewhile.
    Heheardapenrustlingoutofsight.Hewentaroundthecornertotherowof
    housephonesinlittleglasscubbyholes.Heliftedoneandaskedthenight
    operatorforthegarage.
    Itrangthreeorfourtimesandthenaboyishvoiceanswered:"Windermere
    Hotel.Garagespeaking."
    "ThisisTonyReseck.ThatguyWattersonIgaveacardto.Heleave?"
    "Sure,Tony.Halfanhouralmost.Isityourcharge?"
    "Yeah,"Tonysaid."Myparty.Thanks.Beseein'you."
    Hehungupandscratchedhisneck.Hewentbacktothedeskandslappeda
    handonit.Theclerkwaftedhimselfaroundthescreenwithhisgreeter'ssmile
    inplace.ItdroppedwhenhesawTony.
    "Can'taguycatchuponhiswork?"hegrumbled.
    "What'stheprofessionalrateonFourteenB?"
    Theclerkstaredmorosely."There'snoprofessionalrateinthetower."
    "Makeone.Thefellowleftalready.Wasthereonlyanhour."
    "Well,well,"theclerksaidairily."Sothepersonalitydidn'tclick
    tonight.Wegetaskipout."
    "Willfivebuckssatisfyyou?
    "Friendofyours?"
    "No.Justadrunkwithdelusionsofgrandeurandnodough."
    "Guesswe'llhavetoletitride,Tony.Howdidhegetout?"
    "Itookhimdowntheserviceelevator.Youwasasleep.Willfivebucks
    satisfyyou?"
    "Why?"
    Thewornostrichskinwalletcameoutandaweedyfiveslippedacrossthe
    marble."AllIcouldshakehimfor,"Tonysaidloosely.
    Theclerktookthefiveandlookedpuzzled."You'retheboss,"hesaid,and
    shrugged.Thephoneshrilledonthedeskandhereachedforit.Helistenedand
    thenpushedittowardTony."Foryou."

    Tonytookthephoneandcuddleditclosetohischest.Heputhismouth
    closetothetransmitter.Thevoicewasstrangetohim.Ithadametallicsound.
    Itssyllablesweremeticulouslyanonymous.
    "Tony?TonyReseck?"
    "Talking."
    "AmessagefromAl.Shoot?"
    Tonylookedattheclerk."Beapal,"hesaidoverthemouthpiece.The
    clerkflickedanarrowsmileathimandwentaway."Shoot,"Tonysaidintothe
    phone.
    "Wehadalittlebusinesswithaguyinyourplace.Pickedhimup
    scramming.Alhadahunchyou'drunhimout.Tailedhimandtookhimtothe
    curb.Notsogood.Backfire."
    Tonyheldthephoneverytightandhistempleschilledwiththeevaporation
    ofmoisture."Goon,"hesaid."Iguessthere'smore."
    "Alittle.Theguystoppedthebigone.Cold.AlAlsaidtotellyou
    goodbye."
    Tonyleanedhardagainstthedesk.Hismouthmadeasoundthatwasnot
    speech.
    "Getit?"Themetallicvoicesoundedimpatient,alittlebored."Thisguy
    hadhimarod.Heusedit.Alwon'tbephoninganybodyanymore."
    Tonylurchedatthephone,andthebaseofitshookontherosemarble.His
    mouthwasaharddryknot.
    Thevoicesaid:"That'sasfaraswego,hub.G'night."Thephoneclicked
    dryly,likeapebblehittingawall.
    Tonyputthephonedowninitscradleverycarefully,soasnottomakeany
    sound.Helookedattheclenchedpalmofhislefthand.Hetookahandkerchief
    outandrubbedthepalmsoftlyandstraightenedthefingersoutwithhisother
    hand.Thenhewipedhisforehead.Theclerkcamearoundthescreenagainand
    lookedathimwithglintingeyes.
    "I'moffFriday.Howaboutlendingmethatphonenumber?"
    Tonynoddedattheclerkandsmiledaminutefrailsmile.Heputhis
    handkerchiefawayandpattedthepockethehadputitin.Heturnedandwalked
    awayfromthedesk,acrosstheentrancelobby,downthethreeshallowsteps,
    alongtheshadowyreachesofthemainlobby,andsointhroughthearchtothe
    radioroomoncemore.Hewalkedsoftly,likemanmovinginaroomwheresomebody

    isverysick.Hereachedthechairhehadsatinbeforeandloweredhimselfinto
    itinchbyinch.Thegirlslepton,motionless,inthatcurleduplooseness
    achievedbysomewomenandallcats.Herbreathmadenoslightestsoundagainst
    thevaguemurmuroftheradio.
    TonyReseckleanedbackinthechairandclaspedhishandsonhiselk's
    toothandquietlyclosedhiseyes.

    THEBRONZEDOOR

    ThelittlemanwasfromtheCalabarcoastorfromPapuaorTongatabu,somesuch
    remoteplacelikethat.Anempirebuilderfrayedatthetemples,thinand
    yellow,andslightlydrunkattheclubbar.Andhewaswearingafadedschool
    tiehehadprobablykeptyearafteryearinatinboxsothecentipedeswouldn't
    eatit.
    Mr.SuttonCornishdidn'tknowhim,atleastnotthen,butheknewthetie
    becauseitwashisownschooltie.Sohespoketothemantimidly,andtheman
    talkedtohim,beingalittledrunkandnotknowinganybody.Theyhaddrinksand
    talkedoftheoldschool,inthatpeculiar,remotewaytheEnglishhave,without
    evenexchangingnames,butquitefriendlyunderneath.
    ItwasabigthrillforMr.SuttonCornish,becausenobodyevertalkedto
    himattheclubexcepttheservants.Hewastoodefeated,tooingrowing,andyou
    don'thavetotalktopeopleinLondonclubs.That'swhatthey'refor.
    Mr.SuttonCornishgothometoteaalittlethicktongued,forthefirst
    timeinfifteenyears.Hesatthereblanklyintheupstairsdrawingroom,
    holdinghiscupoftepidteaandgoingovertheman'sfaceinhismind,making
    ityoungerandchubbier,afacethatwouldgooveranEtoncollarorundera
    schoolcricketcap.
    Suddenlyhegotit,andchuckled.Thatwassomethinghehadn'tdoneina
    goodfewyearseither.

    "Llewellyn,m'dear,"hesaid."LlewellynMinor.Hadanelderbrother.
    KilledintheWar,inthehorseartillery."
    Mrs.SuttonCornishstaredathimbleaklyacrosstheheavilyembroidered
    teacozy.Herchestnutcoloredeyesweredullwithdisdaindriedoutchestnuts,
    notfreshones.Therestofherlargefacelookedgray.ThelateOctober
    afternoonwasgray,andtheheavy,fullbottomed,monogrammedcurtainsacross
    thewindows.Eventheancestorsonthewallsweregrayallexceptthebadone,
    thegeneral.
    ThechucklediedinMr.SuttonCornish'sthroat.Thelonggraystaretook
    careofthat.Thenheshiveredalittle,andashewasn'tverysteady,hishand
    jerked.Heemptiedhisteaontherug,almostdelicately,cupandall.
    "Oh,rot,"hesaidthickly."Sorry,m'dear.Missedmetrousers,though.
    Awfullysorry,m'dear."
    ForafullminuteMrs.SuttonCornishmadeonlythesoundofalargewoman
    breathing.Thensuddenlythingsbegantotinkleonhertotinkleandrustleand
    squeak.Shewasfullofquaintnoises,likeahauntedhouse,butMr.Sutton
    Cornishshuddered,becauseheknewshewastremblingwithrage.
    "Ahhh,"shebreathedoutvery,veryslowly,afteralongtime,inher
    firingsquadmanner."Ahhh.Intoxicated,James?"
    Somethingstirredsuddenlyatherfeet.Teddy,thePomeranian,stopped
    snoringandliftedhisheadandsmelledblood.Heletoutashortsnappingbark,
    merelyarangingshot,andwaddledtohisfeet.Hisprotuberantbrowneyes
    staredmalignantlyatMr.SuttonCornish.
    "I'dbetterringthebell,m'dear,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaidhumbly,and
    stoodup."Hadn'tI?"
    Shedidn'tanswerhim.ShespoketoTeddyinstead,softly.Asortofdoughy
    softness,withsomethingsadisticinit.
    "Teddy,"shesaidsoftly,"lookatthatman.Lookatthatman,Teddy."
    Mr.SuttonCornishsaidthickly:"Nowdon'tlethimsnapatme,m'dear.D
    don'tlethimsnapatme,please,m'dear."
    Noanswer.Teddybracedhimselfandleered.Mr.SuttonCornishtorehis
    eyesawayandlookedupatthebadancestor,thegeneral.Thegeneralworea
    scarletcoatwithadiagonalbluesashacrossit,ratherlikeabarsinister.He
    hadthewinycomplexiongeneralsusedtohaveinhisday.Hehadalotofvery
    fruitylookingdecorationsandaboldstare,thestareofanunrepentantsinner.

    Thegeneralwasnoviolet.Hehadbrokenupmorehomesthanhehadfoughtduels
    andhehadfoughtmoreduelsthanhehadwonbattles,andhehadwonplentyof
    battles.
    Lookingupattheboldveinedface,Mr.SuttonCornishbracedhimself,
    leaneddownandtookasmalltriangularsandwichfromtheteatable.
    "Here,Teddy,"hegulped."Catch,boy,catch!"
    Hethrewthesandwich.ItfellinfrontofTeddy'slittle,brownpaws.
    Teddysnuffleditlanguidlyandyawned.Hehadhismealsservedtohimonchina,
    notthrownathim.Hesidledinnocentlyovertotheedgeoftherugandsuddenly
    pouncedonit,snarling.
    "Attable,James?"Mrs.SuttonCornishsaidslowlyanddreadfully.
    Mr.SuttonCornishstoodonhisteacup.Itbrokeintothinlightsliversof
    finechina.Heshudderedagain.
    Butnowwasthetime.Hestartedquicklytowardthebell.Teddylethimget
    almostthere,stillpretendingtoworrythefringeoftherug.Thenhespitout
    apieceoffringe,andchargedlowandsoundlessly,hissmallfeetlikefeathers
    inthenapoftherug.Mr.SuttonCornishwasjustreachingforthebell.
    Smallbrightteethtorerapidlyandexpertlyatapearlgrayspat.
    Mr.SuttonCornishyelped,pivotedswiftlyandkicked.Hisneatshoe
    flashedinthegraylight.Asilkybrownobjectsailedthroughtheairand
    landedgobbling.
    Thentherewasaquiteindescribablestillnessintheroom,likethe
    silenceintheinnermostroomofacoldstoragewarehouse,atmidnight.
    Teddywhimperedonce,artfully,creptalongthefloorwithhisbodyclose
    toit,creptunderMrs.SuttonCornish'schair.Herpurplishbrownskirtsmoved
    andTeddy'sfaceemergedslowly,framedinsilk,thefaceofanastyoldwoman
    withashawloverherhead.
    "Caughtmeoffbalance,"Mr.SuttonCornishmumbled,leaningagainstthe
    mantelpiece."Didn'tmean...neverintended"
    Mrs.SuttonCornishrose.Sherosewiththeairofgatheringaretinue
    abouther.Hervoicewasthecoldbleatofafoghornonanicyriver.
    "Chinverly,"shesaid."IshallleaveatonceforChinverly.Atonce.This
    hour...Drunk!Filthilydrunkinthemiddleoftheafternoon.Kickinglittle
    inoffensiveanimals.Vile!Utterlyvile!_Openthedoor!"_

    Mr.SuttonCornishstaggeredacrosstheroomandopenedthedoor.Shewent
    out.Teddytrottedbesideher,onthesideawayfromMr.SuttonCornish,andfor
    oncehedidn'ttrytotripherinthedoorway.
    Outsidesheturned,slowly,asalinerturns.
    "James,"shesaid,"haveyouanythingtosaytome?"
    Hegiggledfrompurenervousstrain.
    Shelookedathimhorribly,turnedagain,saidoverhershoulder:"Thisis
    theend,James.Theendofourmarriage."
    Mr.SuttonCornishsaidappallingly:"Goodness,m'deararewemarried?"
    Shestartedtoturnagain,butdidn't.Asoundlikesomebodybeing
    strangledinadungeoncamefromher.Thenshewenton.
    Thedooroftheroomhungopenlikeaparalyzedmouth.Mr.SuttonCornish
    stoodjustinsideit,listening.Hedidn'tmoveuntilheheardstepsonthe
    flooraboveheavystepshers.Hesighedandlookeddownathistornspat.Then
    hecreptdownstairs,intohislong,narrowstudybesidetheentrancehall,and
    gotatthewhiskey.
    Hehardlynoticedthesoundsofdeparture,luggagebeingdescended,voices,
    thethrobbingofthebigcaroutinfront,voices,thelastbarkfromTeddy's
    ironoldthroat.Thehousegrewutterlysilent.Thefurniturewaitedwithits
    tongueinitscheek.Outsidethelampswerelitinalightfog.Taxishooted
    alongthewetstreet.Thefirediedlowinthegrate.
    Mr.SuttonCornishstoodinfrontofit,swayingalittle,lookingathis
    longgrayfaceinthewallmirror.
    "Takealittlestroll,"hewhisperedwryly."Youandme.Neverwasanyone
    else,wasthere?"
    HesneakedoutintothehallwithoutCollins,thebutler,hearing.him.He
    gothisscarfandovercoatandhaton,graspedhisstickandgloves,lethimself
    outsilentlyintothedusk.
    Hestoodalittlewhileatthebottomofthestepsandlookedupatthe
    house.No.14GrinlingCrescent.Hisfather'shouse,hisgrandfather'shouse,
    hisgreatgrandfather'shouse.Allhehadleft.Therestwashers.Eventhe
    clotheshewore,themoneyinhisbankaccount.Butthehousewasstillhisat
    leastinname.

    Fourwhitesteps,asspotlessasthesoulsofvirgins,leadinguptoan
    applegreen,deeppaneleddoor,paintedasthingsusedtobepaintedlongago,
    intheageofleisure.Ithadabrassknockerandathumblatchabovethehandle
    andoneofthosebellsyoutwisted,insteadofpushingorpullingthem,andit
    rangjustontheothersideofthedoor,ratherridiculously,ifyouwerenot
    usedtoit.
    Heturnedandlookedacrossthestreetatthelittlerailedinparkalways
    keptlocked,whereonsunnydaysthesmall,primchildrenofGrinlingCrescent
    walkedalongthesmoothpaths,aroundthelittleornamentallake,beside
    rhododendronbushes,holdingthehandsoftheirnursemaids.
    Helookedatallthisalittlewanly,thenhesquaredhisthinshoulders
    andmarchedoffintothedusk,thinkingofNairobiandPapuaandTongatabu,
    thinkingofthemaninthefadedschooltiewhowouldgobacktherepresently,
    whereveritwashecamefrom,andlieawakeinthejungle,thinkingofLondon.

    "Keb,sir?"
    Mr.SuttonCornishhalted,stoodontheedgeofthecurbandstared.The
    voicecamefromabove,oneofthosewindhusked,beeryvoicesyoudon'thear
    veryoftenanymore.Itcamefromthedriver'sseatofahansomcab.
    Thehansomcabhadcomeoutofthedarkness,slidingoililyalongthe
    streetonhighrubbertiredwheels,thehorse'shoofsmakingaslow,even_clop
    clop_thatMr.SuttonCornishhadn'tnoticeduntilthedrivercalleddownto
    him.
    Itlookedrealenough.Thehorsehadtimewornblackblinkersandthe
    characteristicwellfedandyetsomehowdilapidatedlookthatcabhorsesusedto
    have.ThehalfdoorsofthehansomwerefoldedbackandMr.SuttonCornishcould
    seethequiltedgrayupholsteryinside.Thelongreinswereriddledwithcracks
    andfollowingthemupwardhesawthebeefydriver,thewidebrimmedcoachman's
    "topper"hewore,thehugebuttonsontheupperpartofhisgreatcoat,andthe
    wellwornblanketthatswathedthelowerpartofhimroundandround.Heheld
    hislongwhiplightlyanddelicately,asahansomdrivershouldholdhiswhip.

    Thetroublewasthatthereweren'tanymorehansomcabs.
    Mr.SuttonCornishgulped,slippedagloveoffandreachedouttotouchthe
    wheel.Itwascold,verysolid,wetwiththemuddyslimeofthecitystreets.
    "DoubtifI'veeverseenoneofthesesincetheWar,"hesaidoutloud,
    verysteadily.
    "Wotwar,guv'nor?"
    Mr.SuttonCornishstarted.Hetouchedthewheelagain.Thenhesmiled,
    slowlyandcarefullydrewhisgloveonagain.
    "I'mgettingin,"hesaid.
    "Steadythere,Prince,"thedriverwheezed.
    Thehorseswitchedhislongtailcontemptuously.Telling_him_tobe
    steady.Mr.SuttonCornishclimbedinoverthewheel,ratherclumsily,because
    onehadlosttheknackofthatartthesemanyyears.Heclosedthehalfdoors
    aroundinfrontofhim,leanedbackagainsttheseatinthepleasantharness
    roomsmell.
    Thetrapopenedoverhisheadandthedriver'slargenoseandalcoholic
    eyesmadeanimprobablepictureintheopening,likeadeepseafishstaringyou
    downthroughtheglasswallofanaquarium.
    "Whereto,guv'nor?"
    "Well...Soho."Itwasthemostforeignplacehecouldthinkoffora
    hansomcabtogoto.
    Thecabman'seyesstareddownathim.
    "Won'tlikeitthere,guv'nor.Toomanydagoes."
    "Idon'thavetolikeit,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaidbitterly.
    Thecabmanstareddownathimalittlelonger."Yus,"hesaid."Soho.
    WardourStreetlike.Rightyouare,guv'nor."
    Thetrapslammedshut,thewhipflickeddelicatelybesidethehorse'sright
    ear,andmotioncametothehansomcab.
    Mr.SuttonCornishsatperfectlystill,hisscarftightaroundhisthin
    neckandhisstickbetweenhiskneesandhisglovedhandsclaspedonthecrook
    ofthestick.Hestaredmutelyoutintothemist,likeanadmiralonthebridge.
    Thehorse_clopclopped_outofGrinlingCrescent,throughBelgraveSquare,over
    toWhitehall,uptoTrafalgarSquare,acrossthattoSt.Martin'sLane.

    Itwentneitherfastnorslow,andyetitwentasfastasanythingelse
    went.Itmovedwithoutsound,exceptforthe_clopclop,_acrossaworldthat
    stankofgasolinefumesandcharredoil,thatshrilledwithwhistlesandhooted
    withhorns.
    Andnobodyseemedtonoticeitandnothingseemedtogetinitsway.That
    wasratheramazing,Mr.SuttonCornishthought.Butafterallahansomcabhad
    nothingtodowiththatworld.Itwasaghost,anunderlayeroftime,thefirst
    writingonapalimpsest,broughtoutbyultravioletlightinadarkenedroom.
    "Y'know,"hesaid,speakingtothehorse'srump,becausetherewasn't
    anythingelsetheretospeakto,"thingsmighthappentoaman,ifamanwould
    justletthemhappen."
    ThelongwhipflickedbyPrince'searaslightlyasatroutflyflickingat
    asmalldarkpoolunderarock.
    "Theyalreadyhave,"headdedglumly.
    Thecabslowedalongacurb,andthetrapsnappedopenagain.
    "Well,'ereweare,guv'nor.'OwaboutoneofthemlittleFrenchdinners
    foreighteenpence?Youknow,guv'nor.Sixcoursesofnothinkatall.You'ave
    oneonmeandthenI'aveoneonyouandwe'restill'ungry.'Owaboutit?"
    AverychillhandclutchedatMr.SuttonCornish'sheart.Sixcourse
    dinnersforeighteenpence?Ahansomcabdriverwhosaid:"Wotwar,guv'nor?"
    Twentyyearsago,perhaps
    "Letmeouthere!"hesaidshrilly.
    Hethrewthedoorsopen,thrustmoneyupatthefaceinthetrap,hopped
    overthewheeltothesidewalk.
    Hedidn'tquiterun,buthewalkedprettyfastandclosetoadarkwalland
    alittleslinkingly.Butnothingfollowedhim,noteventhe_clopclop_ofthe
    horse'shoofs.Heswungaroundacornerintoanarrowcrowdedstreet.
    Thelightcamefromtheopendoorofashop."CuriosandAntiques"itsaid
    onthefacade,inlettersoncegold,heavilyGothicinstyle.Therewasaflare
    onthesidewalktoattractattentionandbythislighthereadthesign.The
    voicecamefrominside,fromalittle,plumpmanstandingonaboxwhochanted
    overtheheadsofalistlesscrowdofsilent,bored,foreignlookingmen.The
    chantingvoiceheldanoteofexhaustionandfutility.

    "NowwhatamIbid,gents?NowwhatamIbidonthismagnificentexampleof
    Orientalart?Onepoundstartstheballrolling,gents.Onepoundnotecoinof
    therealm.Now'oosaysapound,gents?'Oosaysapound?"
    Nobodysaidanything.Thelittleplumpmanontheboxshookhishead,wiped
    hisfacewithadirtyhandkerchiefanddrewalongbreath.ThenhesawMr.
    SuttonCornishstandingonthefringeofthelittlecrowd.
    "'Owaboutyou,sir?"hepounced."Youlookasifyou'dacountry'ouse.
    Nowthatdoor'smadeforacountry'ouse.'Owaboutyou,sir?Justgivemea
    startlike."
    Mr.SuttonCornishblinkedathim."Eh?What'sthat?"hesnapped.
    Thelistlessmensmiledfaintlyandspokeamongthemselveswithoutmoving
    theirthicklips.
    "Nooffense,sir,"theauctioneerchirped."Ifyoudid'aveacountry
    'ouse,thattheredoormightbejustwhatyoucoulduse."
    Mr.SuttonCornishturnedhisheadslowly,followingtheauctioneer's
    pointinghand,andlookedforthefirsttimeatthebronzedoor.

    Itstoodallbyitselfoveragainstthelefthandwallofthenearlystripped
    shop.Itstoodabouttwofeetoutfromthesidewall,onitsownbase.Itwasa
    doubledoor,apparentlyofcastbronze,althoughfromitssizethatseemed
    impossible.ItwasheavilyscrolledoverwithawelterofArabicscriptin
    relief,anendlessstorythatherefoundnolistener,aprocessionofcurvesand
    dotsthatmighthaveexpressedanythingfromananthologyoftheKorantothe
    bylawsofawellorganizedharem.
    Thetwoleavesofthedoorwereonlypartofthething.Ithadawide,
    heavybasebelowandasuperstructuretoppedbyaMoorisharch.Fromthemeeting
    edgeofthetwoleavesahugekeystuckoutofahugekeyhole,thesortofkeya
    medievaljailerusedtowearinenormousclankingbunchesonaleatherbelt
    aroundhiswaist.Akeyfrom"TheYeomenoftheGuard"acomicoperakey.
    "Oh...that,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaidinthestillness."Well,really,you
    know.I'mafraidnotthat,youknow"

    Theauctioneersighed.Nohopehadeverbeensmaller,probably,butat
    leastitwasworthasigh.Thenhepickedupsomethingwhichmighthavebeen
    carvedivory,butwasn't,staredatitpessimistically,andburstoutagain:
    "Now'ere,gents,I'oldinmy'andoneofthefinestexamples"
    Mr.SuttonCornishsmiledfaintlyandskimmedalongtheclusterofmen
    untilhecameclosetothebronzedoor.
    Hestoodinfrontofitleaningonhisstick,whichwasasectionof
    polishedrhinoceroshideoverasteelcore,dullmahoganyincolor,andastick
    evenaheavymancouldhaveleanedon.Afterawhilehereachedforwardidlyand
    twistedthegreatkey.Itturnedstubbornly,butitturned.Aringbesideitwas
    thedoorknob.Hetwistedthat,too,andtuggedonehalfofthedooropen.
    Hestraightened,andwithapleasantlyidlegesturethrusthisstick
    forwardthroughtheopening.Andthen,forthesecondtimethatevening,
    somethingincrediblehappenedtohim.
    Hewheeledsharply.Nobodywaspayinganyattention.Theauctionwasdead
    onitsfeet.Thesilentmenweredriftingoutintothenight.Inapause,
    hammeringsoundedatthebackoftheshop.Theplumplittleauctioneerlooked
    moreandmoreasifhewereeatingabadegg.
    Mr.SuttonCornishlookeddownathis,glovedrighthand.Therewasno
    stickinit.Therewasnothinginit.Hesteppedtoonesideandlookedbehind
    thedoor.Therewasnostickthere,onthedustyfloor.
    Hehadfeltnothing.Nothinghadjerkedathim.Thestickhadmerelypassed
    partwaythroughthedoorandthenithadmerelyceasedtoexist.
    Heleaneddownandpickedupapieceoftornpaper,waddeditswiftlyinto
    aball,glancedbehindhimagainandtossedtheballthroughtheopenpartof
    thedoor.
    Thenheletoutaslowsighinwhichsomeneolithicrapturestruggledwith
    hiscivilizedamazement.Theballofpaperdidn'tfalltothefloorbehindthe
    door.Itfell,inmidair,cleanoutofthevisibleworld.
    Mr.SuttonCornishreachedhisemptyrighthandforwardandveryslowlyand
    carefullypushedthedoorshut.Thenhejuststoodthere,andlickedhislips.
    Afterawhile:"Haremdoor,"hesaidverysoftly."Exitdoorofaharem.
    Now,that'sanidea."
    Averycharmingidea,too.Thesilkenlady,hernightofpleasurewiththe
    sultanover,wouldbeconductedpolitelytothatdoorandwouldcasuallystep

    throughit.Thennothing.Nosobbinginthenight,nobrokenhearts,no
    blackamoorwithcrueleyesandalargescimitar,noknottedsilkcord,noblood,
    nodullsplashinthemidnightBosphorus.Merelynothing.Acool,clean,
    perfectlytimed,andperfectlyirrevocableabsenceofexistence.Someonewould
    closethedoorandlockitandtakethekeyout,andforthetimebeingthat
    wouldbethat.
    Mr.SuttonCornishdidn'tnoticetheemptyingoftheshop.Faintlyheheard
    itsstreetdoorclose,butwithoutgivingitanymeaning.Thehammeringatthe
    backstoppedforamoment,voicesspoke.Thenstepscamenear.Theywereweary
    stepsinthesilence,thestepsofamanwhohadhadenoughofthatday,andof
    manysuchdays.AvoicespokeatMr.SuttonCornish'selbow,anendoftheday
    voice.
    "Averyfinepieceofwork,sir.Abitoutofmylinetobefrankwith
    you."
    Mr.SuttonCornishdidn'tlookathim,notyet."Quiteabitoutof
    anybody'sline,"hesaidgravely.
    "Iseeitinterestsyou,sir,afterall."
    Mr.SuttonCornishturnedhisheadslowly.Downonthefloor,offhisbox,
    theauctioneerwasamerewispofaman.Ashabby,unpressedredeyedlittleman
    whohadfoundlifenopicnic.
    "Yes,butwhatwouldone_do_withit?"Mr.SuttonCornishaskedthroatily.
    "Wellit'sadoorlikeanyother,sir.Bit'eavy.Bitqueerlike.Butstill
    adoorlikeanyother."
    "Iwonder,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid,stillthroatily.
    Theauctioneergavehimaswiftappraisingglance,shruggedandgaveitup.
    Hesatdownonanemptybox,litacigaretteandrelaxedsloppilyintoprivate
    life.
    "Whatareyouaskingforit?"Mr.SuttonCornishinquired,quitesuddenly.
    "Whatareyouaskingforit,Mr."
    "Skimp,sir.JosiahSkimp.Well,atwentypoundnote,sir?Bronzealone
    oughttobeworththatforartwork."Thelittleman'seyeswereglittering
    again.
    Mr.SuttonCornishnoddedabsently."Idon'tknowmuchaboutthat,"he
    said.

    "'Ellofalotofit,sir."Mr.Skimphoppedoffhisbox,pattedoverand
    heavedtheleafofthedooropen,grunting."Beatsme'owitevergot'ere.For
    sevenfooters.Nodoorforshrimpslikeme.Look,sir."
    Mr.SuttonCornishhadaratherghastlypresentiment,ofcourse.Buthe
    didn'tdoanythingaboutit.Hecouldn't.Histonguestuckinhisthroatandhis
    legswerelikeice.Thecomicalcontrastbetweenthemassivenessofthedoorand
    hisownwispofabodyseemedtoamuseMr.Skimp.Hislittle,roundfacethrew
    backtheshadowofagrin.Thenheliftedhisfootandhopped.
    Mr.SuttonCornishwatchedhimaslongastherewasanythingtowatch.In
    facthewatchedmuchlonger.Thehammeringatthebackoftheshopseemedtoget
    quitethunderousinthesilence.
    Oncemore,afteralongtime,Mr.SuttonCornishbentforwardandclosed
    thedoor.Thistimehetwistedthekeyanddraggeditoutandputitinhis
    overcoatpocket.
    "Gottodosomething,"hemumbled."GottodoCan'tletthissortof
    thing"Hisvoicetrailedoffandthenhejerkedviolently,asthoughasharp
    painhadshotthroughhim.Thenhelaughedoutloud,offkey.Notanatural
    laugh.Notaverynicelaugh.
    "Thatwasbeastly,"hesaidunderhisbreath."Butamazinglyfunny."
    Hewasstillstandingthererootedwhenapaleyoungmanwithahammer
    appearedathiselbow.
    "Mr.Skimpstepout,sirordidyounotice?We'resupposedtobeclosed
    up,sir."
    Mr.SuttonCornishdidn'tlookupatthepaleyoungmanwiththehammer.
    Movingaclammytonguehesaid:
    "Yes...Mr.Skimp...steppedout."
    Theyoungmanstartedtoturnaway.Mr.SuttonCornishmadeagesture.
    "I'veboughtthisdoorfromMr.Skimp,"hesaid."Twentypounds.Willyoutake
    themoneyandmycard?"
    Thepaleyoungmanbeamed,delightedatpersonalcontactwithasale.Mr.
    SuttonCornishdrewoutanotecase,extractedfourfivepoundnotesfromit,
    alsoaformalcallingcard.Hewroteonthecardwithasmall,goldpencil.His
    handseemedsurprisinglysteady.

    "No.14GrinlingCrescent,"hesaid."Haveitsenttomorrowwithoutfail.
    It's...it'sveryheavy.Ishallpaythedrayage,ofcourse.Mr.Skimpwill"
    Hisvoicetrailedoffagain.Mr.Skimpwouldn't.
    "Oh,that'sallright,sir.Mr.Skimpismyuncle."
    "Ah,that'stooImean,well,takethistenshillingnoteforyourself,
    won'tyou?"
    Mr.SuttonCornishlefttheshopratherrapidly,hisrighthandclutching
    thebigkeydowninhispocket.
    Anordinarytaxitookhimhometodinner.Hedinedaloneafterthree
    whiskeys.Buthewasn'tasmuchaloneashelooked.Heneverwouldbeanymore.

    Itcamethenextday,swathedinsackingandboundaboutwithcords,looking
    likenothingonearthandconductingitselfwithratherlessagilitythana
    concertgrand.
    Fourlargemeninleatherapronsperspireditupthefourfrontstepsand
    intothehall,withagooddealofsharplanguagebackandforth.Theyhada
    lighthoisttohelpthemgetitofftheirdray,butthestepsalmostbeatthem.
    Onceinsidethehalltheygotitontwodolliesandafterthatitwasjustan
    averageheavy,gruntingjob.TheysetitupatthebackofMr.SuttonCornish's
    study,acrossasortofalcovehehadanideaabout.
    Hetippedthemliberally,theywentaway,andCollins,thebutler,leftthe
    frontdooropenforawhiletoairtheplacethrough.
    Carpenterscame.Thesackingwasstrippedoff,andaframeworkwasbuilt
    aroundthedoor,sothatitbecamepartofapartitionwallacrossthealcove.A
    smalldoorwassetinthepartition.Whentheworkwasdoneandthemesscleared
    upMr.SuttonCornishaskedforanoilcan,andlockedhimselfintohisstudy.
    Thenandonlythenhegotoutthebigbronzekeyandfitteditagainintothe
    hugelockandopenedthebronzedoorwide,bothsidesofit.
    Heoiledthehingesfromtherear,justincase.Thenheshutitagainand
    oiledthelock,removedthekeyandwentforagoodlongwalk,inKensington

    Gardens,andback.Collinsandthefirstparlormaidhadalookatitwhilehe
    wasout.Cookhadn'tbeenupstairsyet.
    "Beatsmewhattheoldfool'safter,"thebutlersaidstonily."Igivehim
    anotherweek,Bruggs.If_she's_notbackbythen,Igivehimmynotice.How
    aboutyou,Bruggs?"
    "Lethimhavehisfun,"Bruggssaid,tossingherhead."Thatoldsowhe's
    marriedto"
    "Bruggs!"
    "Tittattoyou,Mr.Collins,"Bruggssaidandflouncedoutoftheroom.
    Mr.Collinsremainedlongenoughtosamplethewhiskeyinthebigsquare
    decanteronMr.SuttonCornish'ssmokingtable.
    Inashallow,tallcabinetinthealcovebehindthebronzedoor,Mr.
    SuttonCornisharrangedafewoddsandendsofoldchinaandbricabracand
    carvedivoryandsomeidolsinshinyblackwood,veryoldandunnecessary.It
    wasn'tmuchofanexcuseforsomassiveadoor.Headdedthreestatuettesin
    pinkmarble.Thealcovestillhadanairofnotbeingquiteontoitself.
    Naturallythebronzedoorwasneveropenunlesstheroomdoorwaslocked.
    InthemorningBruggs,orMarythehousemaid,dustedinthealcove,having
    entered,ofcourse,bythepartitiondoor.ThatamusedMr.SuttonCornish
    slightly,buttheamusementbegantowearthin.Itwasaboutthreeweeksafter
    hiswifeandTeddyleftthatsomethinghappenedtobrightenhimup.
    Alarge,tawnymanwithawaxedmustacheandsteadygrayeyescalledonhim
    andpresentedacardthatindicatedhewasDetectivesergeantThomasLloydof
    ScotlandYard.HesaidthatoneJosiahSkimp,anauctioneer,livingin
    Kennington,wasmissingfromhishometothegreatconcernofhisfamily,and
    thathisnephew,oneGeorgeWilliamHawkins,alsoofKennington,hadhappenedto
    mentionthatMr.SuttonCornishwaspresentinashopinSohoontheverynight
    whenMr.Skimpvanished.Infact,Mr.SuttonCornishmightevenhavebeenthe
    lastpersonknowntohavespokentoMr.Skimp.
    Mr.SuttonCornishlaidoutthewhiskeyandcigars,placedhisfingertips
    togetherandnoddedgravely.
    "Irecallhimperfectly,sergeant.InfactIboughtthatfunnydoorover
    therefromhim.Quaint,isn'tit?"
    Thedetectiveglancedatthebronzedoor,abriefandemptyglance.

    "Outofmyline,sir,I'mafraid.Idorecallnowsomethingwassaidabout
    thedoor.Theyhadquiteajobmovingit.Verysmoothwhiskey,sir.Verysmooth
    indeed."
    "Helpyourself,sergeant.SoMr.Skimphasrunoffandlosthimself.Sorry
    Ican'thelpyou.Ireallydidn'tknowhim,youknow"
    Thedetectivenoddedhislargetawnyhead."Ididn'tthinkyoudid,sir.
    TheYardonlygotthecaseacoupleofdaysago.Routinecall,youknow.Didhe
    seemexcited,forinstance?"
    "Heseemedtired,"Mr.SuttonCornishmused."Veryfedupwiththewhole
    businessofauctioneering,perhaps.Ionlyspoketohimamoment.Aboutthat
    door,youknowAnicelittlemanbuttired."
    Thedetectivedidn'tbothertolookatthedooragain.Hefinishedhis
    whiskeyandallowedhimselfalittlemore.
    "Nofamilytrouble,"hesaid."Notmuchmoney,butwhohasthesedays?No
    scandal.Notamelancholytype,theysay.Odd."
    "SomeveryqueertypesinSoho,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaidmildly.
    Thedetectivethoughtitover."Harmless,though.Aroughdistrictonce,
    butnotinourtime.MightIaskyouwhatyouwasdoingoverthere,sir?"
    "Wandering,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid."Justwandering.Alittlemoreof
    this?"
    "Well,now,really,sir,threewhiskeysinamorning...well,justthisonce
    andmanythankstoyou,sir."
    DetectivesergeantLloydleftratherregretfully.
    Afterhehadbeengonetenminutesorso,Mr.SuttonCornishgotupand
    lockedthestudydoor.Hewalkedsoftlydownthelong,narrowroomandgotthe
    bigbronzekeyoutofhisinsidebreastpocket,wherehealwayscarrieditnow.
    Thedooropenednoiselesslyandeasilynow.Itwaswellbalancedforits
    weight.Heopeneditwide,bothsidesofit.
    "Mr.Skimp,"hesaidverygentlyintotheemptiness,"youarewantedbythe
    police,Mr.Skimp."
    Thefunofthatlastedhimwellontolunchtime.

    IntheafternoonMrs.SuttonCornishcameback.Sheappearedquitesuddenly
    beforehiminthestudy,sniffedharshlyatthesmelloftobaccoandScotch,
    refusedachair,andstoodverysolidandloweringjustinsidethecloseddoor.
    Teddystoodbesideherforamoment,thenhurledhimselfattheedgeoftherug.
    "Stopthat,youlittlebeast.Stopthatatonce,darling,"Mrs.Sutton
    Cornishsaid.ShepickedTeddyupandstrokedhim.Helayinherarmsandlicked
    hernoseandsneeredatMr.SuttonCornish.
    "Ifind,"Mrs.SuttonCornishsaid,inavoicethathadthebrittlenessof
    drysuet,"afternumerousveryboringinterviewswithmysolicitor,thatIcan
    donothingwithoutyourhelp.NaturallyIdislikeaskingforthat."
    Mr.SuttonCornishmadeineffectualmotionstowardsachairandwhenthey
    wereignoredheleanedresignedlyagainstthemantelpiece.Hesaidhesupposed
    thatwasso.
    "PerhapsithasescapedyourattentionthatIamstillcomparativelya
    youngwoman.Andthesearemoderndays,James."
    Mr.SuttonCornishsmiledwanlyandglancedatthebronzedoor.Shehadn't
    noticedityet.Thenheputhisheadononesideandwrinkledhisnoseandsaid
    mildly,withoutmuchinterest:
    "You'rethinkingofadivorce?"
    "I'mthinkingofverylittleelse,"shesaidbrutally.
    "Andyouwishmetocompromisemyselfintheusualmanner,atBrighton,
    withaladywhowillbedescribedincourtasanactress?"
    Sheglaredathim.Teddyhelpedherglare.Theircombinedglarefailedeven
    toperturbMr.SuttonCornish.Hehadotherresourcesnow.
    "Notwiththatdog,"hesaidcarelessly,whenshedidn'tanswer.
    Shemadesomekindoffuriousnoise,asnortwithatouchofsnarlinit.
    Shesatdownthen,veryslowlyandheavily,alittlepuzzled.SheletTeddyjump
    tothefloor.
    "Justwhatareyoutalkingabout,James?"sheaskedwitheringly.
    Hestrolledovertothebronzedoor,leanedhisbackagainstitand
    exploreditsrichprotuberanceswithafingertip.Eventhenshedidn'tseethe
    door.

    "Youwantadivorce,mydearLouella,"hesaidslowly,"sothatyoumay
    marryanotherman.There'sabsolutelynopointinitwiththatdog.Ishouldn't
    beaskedtohumiliatemyself.Toouseless.Nomanwouldmarrythatdog."
    "Jamesareyouattemptingtoblackmailme?"Hervoicewasratherdreadful.
    Shealmostbugled.Teddysneakedacrosstothewindowcurtainsandpretendedto
    liedown.
    "Andevenifhewould,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaidwithapeculiarquietin
    histone,"Ioughtn'ttomakeitpossible.Ioughttohaveenoughhuman
    compassion"
    "James!Howdareyou!Youmakemephysicallysickwithyourinsincerity!"
    ForthefirsttimeinhislifeJamesSuttonCornishlaughedinhiswife's
    face.
    "ThosearetwoorthreeofthesilliestspeechesIeverhadtolistento,"
    hesaid."You'reanelderly;ponderousanddamndullwoman.Gooutandbuy
    yourselfagigolo,ifyouwantsomeonetofawnonyou.Butdon'taskmetomake
    abeastofmyselfsothathecanmarryyouandthrowmeoutofmyfather's
    house.Nowrunalongandtakeyourmiserablebrownbeetlewithyou."
    Shegotupquickly,veryquicklyforher,andstoodamomentalmost
    swaying.Hereyeswereasblankasablindman'seyes.InthesilenceTeddytore
    fretfullyatacurtain,withbitter,preoccupiedgrowlsthatneitherofthem
    noticed.
    Shesaidveryslowlyandalmostgently:"We'llseehowlongyoustayin
    yourfather'shouse,JamesSuttonCornish_pauper."_
    Shemovedveryquicklytheshortdistancetothedoor,wentthroughand
    slammeditbehindher.
    Theslammingofthedoor,anunusualeventinthathousehold,seemedto
    awakenalotofechoesthathadnotbeencalledupontoperformforalongtime.
    SothatMr.SuttonCornishwasnotinstantlyawareofthesmallpeculiarsound
    athisownsideofthedoor,amixtureofsniffingandwhimpering,withjusta
    dashofgrowl.
    Teddy.Teddyhadn'tmadethedoor.Thesudden,bitterexithadforonce
    caughthimnapping.TeddywasshutinwithMr.SuttonCornish.
    ForalittlewhileMr.SuttonCornishwatchedhimratherabsently,still
    shakenbytheinterview,notfullyrealizingwhathadhappened.Thesmall,wet,
    blacksnoutexploredthecrackatthebottomofthecloseddoor.Atmoments,

    whilethewhimperingandsniffingwenton,Teddyturnedareddishbrownout
    juttingeye,likeafatwetmarble,towardthemanhehated.
    Mr.SuttonCornishsnappedoutofitrathersuddenly.Hestraightenedand
    beamed."Well,well,oldman,"hepurred."Hereweare,andforoncewithoutthe
    ladies."
    Cunningdawnedinhisbeamingeye.Teddyreaditandslippedoffundera
    chair.Hewassilentnow,verysilent.AndMr.SuttonCornishwassilentashe
    movedswiftlyalongthewallandturnedthekeyinthestudydoor.Thenhesped
    backtowardthealcove,dugthekeyofthebronzedooroutofhispocket,
    unlockedandopenedthatwide.
    HesaunteredbacktowardTeddy,beyondTeddy,asfarasthewindow.He
    grinnedatTeddy.
    "Hereweare,oldman.Jolly,eh?Haveashotofwhiskey,oldman?"
    Teddymadeasmallsoundunderthechair,andMr.SuttonCornishsidled
    towardhimdelicately,bentdownsuddenlyandlunged.Teddymadeanotherchair,
    fartheruptheroom.Hebreathedhardandhiseyesstuckoutrounderandwetter
    thanever,buthewassilent,exceptforhisbreathing.AndMr.SuttonCornish,
    stalkinghimpatientlyfromchairtochair,wasassilentasthelastleafof
    autumnfallinginsloweddiesinawindlesscopse.
    Ataboutthattimethedoorknobturnedsharply.Mr.SuttonCornishpaused
    tosmileandclickhistongue.Asharpknockfollowed.Heignoredit.The
    knockingwentonsharperandsharperandanangryvoiceaccompaniedit.
    Mr.SuttonCornishwentonstalkingTeddy.Teddydidthebesthecould,but
    theroomwasnarrowandMr.SuttonCornishwaspatientandratheragilewhenhe
    wantedtobe.Intheinterestsofagilityhewasquitewillingtobe
    undignified.
    Theknockingandcallingoutbeyondthedoorwenton,butinsidetheroom
    thingscouldonlyendoneway.Teddyreachedthesillofthebronzedoor,
    sniffedatitrapidly,almostliftedacontemptuoushindleg,butdidn'tbecause
    Mr.SuttonCornishwastooclosetohim.Hesentalowsnarlbackoverhis
    shoulderandhoppedthatdisastroussill.
    Mr.SuttonCornishracedbacktotheroomdoor,turnedthekeyswiftlyand
    silently,creptovertoachairandsprawledinitlaughing.Hewasstill
    laughingwhenMrs.SuttonCornishthoughttotrytheknobagain,foundthedoor
    yieldedthistime,andstormedintotheroom.Throughthemistofhisgrisly,

    solitarylaughterhesawhercoldstare,thenheheardherrustlingaboutthe
    room,heardhercallingTeddy.
    Then,"What'sthatthing?"heheardhersnapsuddenly."Whatutter
    foolishnessTeddy!Come;mother'slittlelamb!Come,Teddy!"
    EveninhislaughterMr.SuttonCornishfeltthewingofaregretbrushhis
    cheek.PoorlittleTeddy.Hestoppedlaughingandsatup,stiffandalert.The
    roomwastooquiet.
    "Louella!"hecalledsharply.
    Nosoundansweredhim.
    Heclosedhiseyes,gulped,openedthemagain,creptalongtheroom
    staring.Hestoodinfrontofhislittlealcoveforlongtime,peering,peering
    throughthatbronzeportalattheinnocentlittlecollectionoftriviabeyond.
    Helockedthedoorwithquiveringhands,stuffedthekeydowninhis
    pocket,pouredhimselfastiffpegofwhiskey.
    Aghostlyvoicethatsoundedsomethinglikehisown,andyetunlikeit,
    saidoutloud,veryclosetohisear:
    "Ididn'treallyintendanythinglikethat...never...never...oh,
    never...or..."afteralongpause"didI?"
    BracedbytheScotchhesneakedoutintothehallandourofthefrontdoor
    withoutCollinsseeinghim.Nocarwaitedoutside.Asluckwouldhaveitshehad
    evidentlycomefromChinverlybytrainandtakenataxi.Ofcoursethecould
    tracethetaxilateron,whentheytried.Alotofgoodthatwoulddothem.
    Collinswasnext.HethoughtaboutCollinsforsometimeglancingatthe
    bronzedoor,temptedagooddeal,butfinalshakinghisheadnegatively.
    "Notthatway,"hemuttered."Havetodrawthelinesomewhere.Can'thavea
    procession"
    Hedranksomemorewhiskeyandrangthebell.Collinsmadeitrathereasy
    forhim.
    "Yourang,sir?"
    "Whatdiditsoundlike?"Mr.SuttonCornishasked,littlethicktongued.
    "Canaries?"
    Collins'chinsnappedbackafulltwoinches.
    "Thedowagerwon'tbeheretodinner,Collins.IthinkIdineout.That's
    all."

    Collinsstaredathim.AgraynessspreadoverCollins'facewithalittle
    flushatthecheekbones.
    "YoualludetoMrs.SuttonCornish,sir?"
    Mr.SuttonCornishhiccuped."Whod'yousuppose?GonebacktoChinverlyto
    stewinherownjuicesomemore.Oughttobeplentyofit."
    WithdeadlypolitenessCollinssaid:"Ihadmeanttoaskyou,sir,whether
    Mrs.SuttonCornishwouldreturnherepermanently.Otherwise"
    "Carryon."Anotherhiccup.
    "OtherwiseIshouldnotcaretoremainmyself,sir."
    Mr.SuttonCornishstoodupandwentclosetoCollinsandbreathedinhis
    face.Haig&Haig.Agoodbreath,ofthetype.
    "Getout!"herasped."Getoutnow!Upstairswithyouandpackyourthings.
    Yourcheckwillbereadyforyou.Afullmonth.Thirtytwopoundsinall,I
    believe?"
    Collinssteppedbackandmovedtowardsthedoor."Thatwillsuitme
    perfectly,sir.Thirtytwopoundsisthecorrectamount."Hereachedthedoor,
    spokeagainbeforeheopenedit,"Areferencefrom_you,_sir,willnotbe
    desired."
    Hewentout,closingthedoorsoftly.
    "Ha!"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid.
    Thenhegrinnedslyly,stoppedpretendingtobeangryordrunk,andsat
    downtowritethecheck.
    Hedinedoutthatnight,andthenextnight,andthenext.Cookleftonthe
    thirdday,takingthekitchenmaidwithher.ThatleftBruggsandMary,the
    housemaid.OnthefifthdayBruggsweptwhenshegavehernotice.
    "I'drathergoatonce,sir,ifyou'llletme,"shesobbed."There's
    somethingcreepylikeaboutthehousesincecookandMr.CollinsandTeddyand
    Mrs.SuttonCornishleft."
    Mr.SuttonCornishpattedherarm."CookandMr.CollinsandTeddyandMrs.
    SuttonCornish,"herepeated."Ifonlyshecouldhear_that_orderof
    precedence."
    Bruggsstaredathim,redeyed.Hepattedherarmagain."Quiteallright,
    Bruggs.I'llgiveyouyourmonth.AndtellMarytogo,too.ThinkI'llclosethe
    houseupandliveinthesouthofFranceforawhile.Nowdon'tcry,Bruggs."
    "No,sir."Shebawledherwayoutoftheroom.

    Hedidn'tgettothesouthofFrance,ofcourse.Toomuchfunbeingright
    wherehewasaloneatlastinthehomeofhisfathers.Notquitewhatthey
    wouldhaveapprovedof,perhaps,exceptpossiblythegeneral.Butthebesthe
    coulddo.
    Almostovernightthehousebegantohavethemurmursofanemptyplace.He
    keptthewindowsclosedandtheshadesdown.Thatseemedtobeagestureof
    respecthecouldhardlyaffordtoomit.

    ScotlandYardmoveswiththedeadlydependabilityofaglacier,andattimes
    almostasslowly.SoitwasafullmonthandninedaysbeforeDetectivesergeant
    LloydcamebacktoNo.14GrinlingCrescent.
    Bythattimethefrontstepshadlongsincelosttheirwhiteserenity.The
    applegreendoorhadacquiredasinistershadeofgray.Thebrasssauceraround
    thebell,theknocker,thebiglatch,alltheseweretarnishedandstained,like
    thebrassworkofanoldfreighterlimpingaroundtheHorn.Thosewhorangthe
    belldepartedslowly,withbackwardglances,andMr.SuttonCornishwouldbe
    peepingoutatthemfromthesideofadrawnwindowshade.
    Heconcoctedhimselfweirdmealsintheechoingkitchen,creepinginafter
    darkwithraggedlookingparcelsoffood.Laterhewouldslinkoutagainwith
    hishatpulledlowandhisovercoatcollarup,giveaquickglanceupanddown
    thestreet,thenscrambleoffaroundthecorner.Thepoliceconstableonduty
    sawhimoccasionallyatthesemaneuversandrubbedhischinagooddealoverthe
    situation.
    Nolongerastudyeveninwitheredelegance,Mr.SuttonCornishbecamea
    customerinobscureeatinghouseswheredraymenblewontheirsouponnaked
    tablesincompartmentslikehorsestalls;inforeigncafeswheremenwithblue
    blackhairandpointedshoesdinedinterminablyoverminutebottlesofwine;in
    crowded,anonymousteashopswherethefoodlookedandtastedastiredasthe
    peoplewhoateit.
    Hewasnolongeraperfectlysaneman.Inhisdry,solitary,poisoned
    laughtertherewasthesoundofcrumblingwalls.Eventhepinchedloafersunder

    thearchesoftheThamesEmbankment,wholistenedtohimbecausehehad
    sixpences,eventheseweregladwhenhepassedon,steppingcarefullyin
    unshinedshoesandlightlyswingingthestickhenolongercarried.
    Then,lateonenight,returningsoftlyoutofthedullgraydarkness,he
    foundthemanfromScotlandYardlurkingnearthedirtyfrontstepswithanair
    ofthinkinghimselfhiddenbehindthelamppost.
    "I'dlikeafewwordswithyou,sir,"hesaid,steppingforthbrisklyand
    holdinghishandsasthoughhemighthavetousethemsuddenly.
    "Charmed,I'msure,"Mr.SuttonCornishchuckled."Trotrightin."
    Heopenedthedoorwithhislatchkey,switchedthelighton,andstepped
    withaccustomedeaseoverapileofdustylettersonthefloor.
    "Gotridoftheservants,"heexplainedtothedetective."Alwaysdidwant
    tobealonesomeday."
    Thecarpetwascoveredwithburnedmatches,pipeash,tornpaper,andthe
    cornersofthehallhadcobwebsinthem.Mr.SuttonCornishopenedhisstudy
    door,switchedthelightoninthereandstoodaside.Thedetectivepassedhim
    warily,staringhardattheconditionofthehouse.
    Mr.SuttonCornishpushedhimintoadustychair,thrustacigarathim,
    reachedforthewhiskeydecanter.
    "Businessorpleasurethistime?"heinquiredarchly.
    DetectivesergeantLloydheldhishardhatononekneeandlookedthecigar
    overdubiously."Smokeitlater,thankyou,sir...Business,Itakeit.I'm
    instructedtomakeinquiriesastothewhereaboutsofMrs.SuttonCornish."
    Mr.SuttonCornishsippedwhiskeyamiablyandpointedatthedecanter.He
    tookhiswhiskeystraightnow."Haven'ttheleastidea,"hesaid."Why?Downat
    Chinverly,Isuppose.Countryplace.Sheownsit."
    "Itso'appenssheain't,"DetectivesergeantLloydsaid,slippingonan
    "h,"whichheseldomdidanymore."Beenaseparation,I'mtold,"headded
    grimly.
    "That's_our_business,oldman."
    "Uptoapoint,yes,sir.Granted.Notafterhersolicitorcan'tfindher
    andsheain'tanywhereanybodycanfindher.Not_then,_itain'tjustyour
    business."
    Mr.SuttonCornishthoughtitover."Youmighthavesomethingthereasthe
    Americanssay,"heconceded.

    Thedetectivepassedalargepalehandacrosshisforeheadandleaned
    forward.
    "Let's'aveit,sir,"hesaidquietly."Bestinthelongrun.Bestforall.
    Nothingtogainbyfoolishness.Thelaw'sthelaw."
    "Havesomewhiskey,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid.
    "NottonightIwon't,"DetectivesergeantLloydsaidgrimly.
    "Sheleftme,"Mr.SuttonCornishshrugged."Andbecauseofthatthe
    servantsleftme.Youknowwhatservantsarenowadays.BeyondthatIhaven'tan
    idea."
    "OhyusIthinkyou'ave,"thedetectivesaid,losingalittlemoreofhis
    WestEndmanner."Nochargeshavebeenpreferred,butIthinkyouknowall
    right,allright."
    Mr.SuttonCornishsmiledairily.Thedetectivescowledathimandwenton:
    "We'vetakenthelibertyofwatchingyou,andforagentlemanofyour
    positionyou'vebeenlivingadamnqueerlife,ifImaysayso."
    "Youmaysayso,andthenyoumaygettohelloutofmyhouse,"Mr.Sutton
    Cornishsaidsuddenly.
    "Notsofarst.NotyetIwon't."
    "Perhapsyouwouldliketosearchthehouse."
    "Per'apsIshould.Per'apsIshall.Nohurrythere.Takestime.Sometimes
    takesshovels."DetectivesergeantLloydpermittedhimselftoleerrather
    nastily."Seemstomelikepeopledoesabitofdisappearin'whenyou'appento
    bearound.TakethatSkimp.NowtakeMrs.SuttonCornish."
    Mr.SuttonCornishstaredathimwithlingeringmalice."Andinyour
    experience,sergeant,wheredopeoplegowhentheydisappear?"
    "Sometimestheydon'tdisappear.Sometimessomebodydisappearsthem."The
    detectivelickedhisstronglips,withaslightlycatlikeexpression.
    Mr.SuttonCornishslowlyraisedhisarmandpointedtothebronzedoor.
    "Youwantedit,sergeant,"hesaidsuavely."Youshallhaveit.Thereiswhere
    youshouldlookforMr.Skimp,forTeddythePomeranian,andformywife.
    Therebehindthatancientdoorofbronze."
    Thedetectivedidn'tshifthisgaze.Foralongmomenthedidn'tchange
    expression.Then,quiteamiably,hegrinned.Therewassomethingelsebehindhis
    eyes,butitwasbehindthem.

    "Let'syouandmetakeanicelittlewalk,"hesaidbreezily."Thefresh
    airwoulddoyoualotofgood,sir.Let's"
    "There,"Mr.SuttonCornishannounced,stillpointingwithhisarmrigid,
    "behindthatdoor."
    "Ahah."DetectivesergeantLloydwaggledalargefingerroguishly."Been
    alonetoomuch,you'ave,sir.Thinkin'aboutthings.Doitmyselfonceina
    while.Getsafellowbalmyinthecrumpetlike.Takeanicelittlewalkwithme,
    sir.Wecouldstopsomewhereforanice"Thebig,tawnymanplanteda
    forefingerontheendofhisnoseandpushedhisheadbackandwiggledhis
    littlefingerintheairatthesametime.Buthissteadygrayeyesremainedin
    anothermood.
    "We'lllookatmybronzedoorfirst."
    Mr.SuttonCornishskippedoutofhischair.Thedetectivehadhimbythe
    arminaflash."Noneofthat,"hesaidinafrostyvoice."Holdstill,you."
    "Keyinhere,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid,pointingathisbreastpocket,but
    nottryingtogethishandintoit.
    Thedetectivegotitoutforhim,staredatitheavily.
    "Allbehindthedooronmeathooks,"Mr.SuttonCornishsaid."Allthree.
    LittlemeathookforTeddy.Verylargemeathookformywife._Very_large
    meathook."
    Holdinghimwithhislefthand,DetectivesergeantLloydthoughtitover.
    Hispalebrowsweredrawntight.Hislargeweatheredfacewasgrimbut
    skeptical.
    "Noharmtolook,"hesaidfinally.
    HemarchedMr.SuttonCornishacrossthefloor,pushedthebronzekeyinto
    thehugeantiquelock,twistedthering,andopenedthedoor.Heopenedboth
    sidesofit.Hestoodlookingintothatveryinnocentalcovewithitscabinetof
    knickknacksandabsolutelynothingelse.Hebecamegenialagain.
    "Meathooks,didyousay,sir?Verycute,ifImaysayso."
    Helaughed,releasedMr.SuttonCornish'sarmandteeteredonhisheels.
    "Whatthehell'sitfor?"heasked.
    Mr.SuttonCornishdoubledoververyswiftlyandlaunchedhisthinbody
    withfuriousspeedatthebigdetective.
    "Takealittlewalkyourselfandfindout!"hescreamed.

    DetectivesergeantLloydwasabigandsolidmanandprobablyusedtobeing
    butted.Mr.SuttonCornishcouldhardlyhavemovedhimsixinches,evenwitha
    runningstart.Butthebronzedoorhadahighsill.Thedetectivemovedwiththe
    deceptivequicknessofhistrade,swayedhisbodyjustenough,andjarredhis
    footagainstthebronzesill.
    Ifithadn'tbeenforthathewouldhavepluckedMr.SuttonCornishneatly
    outoftheairandheldhimsquirminglikeakitten,betweenhislargethumband
    forefinger.Butthesilljarredhimoffbalance.Hestumbledalittle,and
    swayedhisbodycompletelyoutofMr.SuttonCornish'sway.
    Mr.SuttonCornishbuttedemptyspacetheemptyspaceframedbythat
    majesticdoorofbronze.Hesprawledforwardclutchingfallingclutching
    acrossthesill
    DetectivesergeantLloydstraightenedupslowly,twistedhisthickneckand
    stared.Hemovedbackalittlefromthesillsothathecouldbeperfectly
    certainthesideofthedoorhidnothingfromhim.Itdidn't.Hesawacabinet
    ofoddpiecesofchina,oddsandendsofcarvedivoryandshinyblackwood,and
    ontopofthecabinetthreelittlestatuettesofpinkmarble.
    Hesawnothingelse.Therewasnothingelseintheretosee.
    "Gorblimey!"hesaidatlast,violently.Atleasthethoughthesaidit.
    Somebodysaidit.Hewasn'tquitesure.Hewasneverabsolutelysureabout
    anythingafterthatnight.

    Thewhiskeylookedallright.Itsmelledallright,too.Shakingsothathe
    couldhardlyholdthedecanterDetectivesergeantLloydpouredalittleintoa
    glassandtookasipinhisdrymouthandwaited.
    Afteralittlewhilehedrankanotherspoonful.Hewaitedagain.Thenhe
    drankastiffdrinkaverystiffdrink.
    Hesatdowninthechairbesidethewhiskeyandtookhislargefolded
    cottonhandkerchiefoutofhispocketandunfoldeditslowlyandmoppedhisface
    andneckandbehindhisears.

    Inalittlewhilehewasn'tshakingquitesomuch.Warmthbegantoflow
    throughhim.Hestoodup,dranksomemorewhiskey,thenslowlyandbitterly
    movedbackdowntheroom.
    Heswungthebronzedoorshut,lockedit,putthekeydowninhisown
    pocket.Heopenedthepartitiondoorattheside,bracedhimselfandstepped
    throughintothealcove.Helookedatthebackofthebronzedoor.Hetouched
    it.Itwasn'tverylightinthere,buthecouldseethattheplacewasempty,
    exceptforthesillylookingcabinet.Hecameoutagainshakinghishead.
    "Can'tbe,"hesaidoutloud."Notachance.Not'arfachance."
    Then,withthesuddenunreasonablenessofthereasonableman,heflewinto
    arage.
    "IfIget'ookedforthis,"hesaidbetweenhisteeth,"Igetooked."
    Hewentdowntothedarkcellar,rummagedarounduntilhefoundahandaxe
    andcarrieditbackupstairs.
    Hehackedthewoodworktoribbons.Whenhewasdonethebronzedoorstood
    aloneonitsbase,jaggedwoodallaroundit,butnotholdingitanylonger.
    DetectivesergeantLloydputthehandaxedown,wipedhishandsandfaceonhis
    bighandkerchief,andwentinbehindthedoor.Heputhisshouldertoitandset
    hisstrong,yellowteeth.
    Onlyabrutallydeterminedmanofimmensestrengthcouldhavedoneit.The
    doorfellforwardwithaheavyrumblingcrashthatseemedtoshakethewhole
    house.Theechoesofthatcrashdiedawayslowly,alonginfinitecorridorsof
    unbelief.
    Thenthehousewassilentagain.Thebigmanwentoutintothehallandhad
    anotherlookoutofthefrontdoor.
    Heputhiscoaton,adjustedhishardhat,foldedhisdamphandkerchief
    carefullyandputitinhishippocket,litthecigarMr.SuttonCornishhad
    givenhim,tookadrinkofwhiskeyandswaggeredtothedoor.
    Atthedoorheturnedanddeliberatelysneeredatthebronzedoor,lying
    fallenbutstillhugeinthewelterofsplinteredwood.
    "To'ellwithyou,'ooeveryouare,"DetectivesergeantLloydsaid."I
    ain'tnobloodyprimrose."
    Heshutthehousedoorbehindhim.Alittlehighfogoutside,afewdim
    stars,aquietstreetwithlightedwindows.Twoorthreecarsofexpensive
    appearance,verylikelychauffeurslounginginthem,butnooneinsight.

    Hecrossedthestreetatanangleandwalkedalongbesidethetalliron
    railingofthepark.Faintlythroughtherhododendronbusheshecouldseethe
    dullglimmerofthelittleornamentallake.Helookedupanddownthestreetand
    tookthebigbronzekeyoutofhispocket.
    "Makeitagood'un,"hetoldhimselfsoftly.
    Hisarmsweptupandover.Therewasaminutesplashintheornamental
    lake,thensilence.DetectivesergeantLloydwalkedoncalmly,puffingathis
    cigar.
    BackattheC.I.D.hegavehisreportsteadily,andforthefirstandlast
    timeinhislife,therewassomethingbesidestruthinit.Couldn'traise
    anybodyatthehouse.Alldark.Waitedthreehours.Mustallbeaway.
    Theinspectornoddedandyawned.
    TheSuttonCornishheirseventuallypriedtheestateoutofChanceryand
    openedupNo.14GrinlingCrescentandfoundthebronzedoorlyinginawelter
    ofdustandsplinteredwoodandmattedcobwebs.Theystaredatitgoggleeyed,
    andwhentheyfoundoutwhatitwas,sentfordealers,thinkingtheremightbea
    littlemoneyinit.Butthedealerssighedandsaidno,nomoneyinthatsortof
    thingnowBettershipitofftoafoundryandhaveitmelteddownforthemetal.
    Getsomuchapound.Thedealersdepartednoiselesslywithwrysmiles.
    SometimeswhenthingsarealittledullintheMissingPersonssectionof
    theC.I.D.theytaketheSuttonCornishfileoutanddustitoffandlook
    throughitsourlyandputitawayagain.
    SometimeswhenInspectorformerlyDetectivesergeantThomasLloydis
    walkingalonganunusuallydarkandquietstreethewillwhirlsuddenly,forno
    reasonatall,andjumptoonesidewithaswiftanguishedagility.
    Butthereisn'treallyanybodythere,tryingtobutthim.

    NOCRIMEINTHEMOUNTAINS

    Thelettercamejustbeforenoon,specialdelivery,adimestoreenvelopewith
    thereturnaddressF.S.Lacey,PumaPoint,California.Insidewasacheckfora
    hundreddollars,madeouttocashandsignedFrederickS.Lacey,andasheetof
    plainwhitebondpapertypedwithanumberofstrikeovers.Itsaid:
    Mr.JohnEvans.
    DearSir:
    IhaveyournamefromLenEsterwald.Mybusinessisurgentandextremely
    confidential.Ienclosearetainer.PleasecometoPumaPointThursdayafternoon
    orevening,ifatallpossible,registerattheIndianHeadHotel,andcallme
    at2306.
    Yours,
    FREDLACEY
    Therehadn'tbeenanybusinessinaweek,butthismadeitaniceday.The
    bankonwhichthecheckwasdrawnwasaboutsixblocksaway.Iwentoverand
    cashedit,atelunch,andgotthecaroutandstartedoff.
    Itwashotinthevalley,hotterstillinSanBernardino,anditwasstill
    hotatfivethousandfeet,fifteenmilesupthehighgearroadtoPumaLake.I
    haddonefortyofthefiftymilesofcurving,twistinghighwaybeforeitstarted
    tocooloff,butitdidn'tgetreallycooluntilIreachedthedamandstarted
    alongthesouthshoreofthelakepastthepiledupgranitebouldersandthe
    sprawledcampsintheflatsbeyond.ItwasearlyeveningwhenIreachedPuma
    PointandIwasasemptyasaguttedfish.
    TheIndianHeadHotelwasabrownbuildingonacorner,oppositeadance
    halt.Iregistered,carriedmysuitcaseupstairsanddroppeditinableak,
    hardlookingroomwithanovalrugonthefloor,adoublebedinthecorner,and
    nothingonthebarepinewallbutahardwarestorecalendarallcurledupfrom
    thedrymountainsummer.Iwashedmyfaceandhandsandwentdownstairstoeat.
    Thediningdrinkingparlorthatadjoinedthelobbywasfulltooverflowing
    withmalesinsportsclothesandliquorbreathsandfemalesinslacksandshorts
    withbloodredfingernailsanddirtyknuckles.AfellowwitheyebrowslikeJohn
    L.Lewiswasprowlingaroundwithacigarscrewedintohisface.Alean,pale
    eyedcashierinshirtsleeveswasfightingtogettheraceresultsfrom

    HollywoodParkonasmallradiothatwasasfullofstaticasthemashedpotato
    wasfullofwater.Inthedeep,blackcorneroftheroomahillbillysymphonyof
    fivedefeatistsinwhitecoatsandpurpleshirtswastryingtomakeitselfheard
    abovethebrawlatthebar.
    Igobbledwhattheycalledtheregulardinner,drankabrandytositonit,
    andwentoutontothemainstem.Itwasstillbroaddaylight,buttheneon
    lightswereturnedonandtheeveningwasfullofthenoiseofautohorns,
    shrillvoices,therattleofbowls,thesnapof.22'sattheshootinggallery,
    jukeboxmusic,andbehindallthisthehoarse,hardmutterofspeedboatsonthe
    lake.Atacorneroppositethepostofficeablueandwhitearrowsaid
    _Telephone._Iwentdownadustysideroadthatsuddenlybecamequietandcool
    andpiney.Atamedoedeerwithaleathercollaronitsneckwanderedacrossthe
    roadinfrontofme.Thephoneofficewasalogcabin,andtherewasaboothin
    thecornerwithacoinintheslottelephone.Ishutmyselfinsideanddropped
    mynickelanddialed2306.Awoman'svoiceanswered.
    Isaid:"IsMr.FredLaceythere?"
    "Whoiscalling,please?"
    "Evansisthename."
    "Mr.Laceyisnothererightnow,Mr.Evans.Isheexpectingyou?"
    Thatgavehertwoquestionstomyone.Ididn'tlikeit.Isaid:"Areyou
    Mrs.Lacey?"
    "Yes.IamMrs.Lacey."Ithoughthervoicewastautandoverstrung,but
    somevoicesarelikethatallthetime.
    "It'sabusinessmatter,"Isaid."Whenwillhebeback?"
    "Idon'tknowexactly.Sometimethisevening,Isuppose.Whatdidyou"
    "Whereisyourcabin,Mrs.Lacey?"
    "It's...it'sonBallSagePoint,abouttwomileswestofthevillage.Are
    youcallingfromthevillage?Didyou"
    "I'llcallbackinanhour,Mrs.Lacey,"Isaid,andhungup.Isteppedout
    ofthebooth.Intheothercorneroftheroomadarkgirlinslackswaswriting
    insomekindofaccountbookatalittledesk.Shelookedupandsmiledand
    said:"Howdoyoulikethemountains?"
    Isaid:"Fine."
    "It'sveryquietuphere,"shesaid."Veryrestful."
    "Yeah.DoyouknowanybodynamedFredLacey?"

    "Lacey?Oh,yes,theyjusthadaphoneputin.TheyboughttheBaldwin
    cabin.Itwasvacantfortwoyears,andtheyjustboughtit.It'soutattheend
    ofBallSagePoint,abigcabinonhighground,lookingoutoverthelake.It
    hasamarvelousview.DoyouknowMr.Lacey?"
    "No,"Isaid,andwentoutofthere.
    Thetamedoewasinthegapofthefenceattheendofthewalk.Itriedto
    pushheroutoftheway.Shewouldn'tmove,soIsteppedoverthefenceand
    walkedbacktotheIndianHeadandgotintomycar.
    Therewasagasstationattheeastendofthevillage.Ipulledupfor
    somegasandaskedtheleatherymanwhopoureditwhereBallSagePointwas.
    "Well,"hesaid."That'seasy.Thatain'thardatall.Youwon'thaveno
    troublefindingBallSagePoint.Yougodownhereaboutamileandahalfpast
    theCatholicchurchandKincaid'sCamp,andatthebakeryyouturnrightand
    thenyoukeepontheroadtoWillertonBoys'Camp,andit'sthefirstroadto
    theleftafteryoupassonby.It'sadirtroad,kindofrough.Theydon'tsweep
    thesnowoffinwinter,butitain'twinternow.Youknowsomebodyoutthere?"
    "No."Igavehimmoney.Hewentforthechangeandcameback.
    "It'squietoutthere,"hesaid."Restful.Whatwasthename?"
    "Murphy,"Isaid.
    "Gladtoknowyou,Mr.Murphy,"hesaid,andreachedformyhand."Dropin
    anytime.Gladtohavethepleasureofservingyou.Now,forBallSagePointyou
    justkeepstraightondownthisroad"
    "Yeah,"Isaid,andlefthismouthflapping.
    IfiguredIknewhowtofindBallSagePointnow,soIturnedaroundand
    drovetheotherway.ItwasjustpossibleFredLaceywouldnotwantmetogoto
    hiscabin.
    Halfablockbeyondthehotelthepavedroadturneddowntowardsaboat
    landing,theneastagainalongtheshoreofthelake.Thewaterwaslow.Cattle
    weregrazinginthesourlookinggrassthathadbeenunderwaterinthespring.
    Afewpatientvisitorswerefishingforbassorbluegillfromboatswith
    outboardmotors.Aboutamileorsobeyondthemeadowsadirtroadwoundout
    towardsalongpointcoveredwithjunipers.Closeinshoretherewasalighted
    dancepavilion.Themusicwasgoingalready,althoughitstilllookedlikelate
    afternoonatthataltitude.Thebandsoundedasifitwasinmypocket.Icould
    hearagirlwithathroatyvoicesinging"TheWoodpecker'sSong."Idroveon

    pastandthemusicfadedandtheroadgotroughandstony.Acabinontheshore
    slidpastme,andtherewasnothingbeyonditbutpinesandjunipersandthe
    shineofthewater.Istoppedthecaroutnearthetipofthepointandwalked
    overtoahugetreefallenwithitsrootstwelvefeetintheair.Isatdown
    againstitonthebonedrygroundandlitapipe.Itwaspeacefulandquietand
    farfromeverything.Onthefarsideofthelakeacoupleofspeedboatsplayed
    tag,butonmysidetherewasnothingbutsilentwater,veryslowlygettingdark
    inthemountaindusk.IwonderedwhothehellFredLaceywasandwhathewanted
    andwhyhedidn'tstayhomeorleaveamessageifhisbusinesswassourgent.I
    didn'twonderaboutitverylong.Theeveningwastoopeaceful.Ismokedand
    lookedatthelakeandthesky,andatarobinwaitingonthebarespikeatthe
    topofatallpineforittogetdarkenoughsohecouldsinghisgoodnight
    song.
    AttheendofhalfanhourIgotupanddugaholeinthesoftgroundwith
    myheelandknockedmypipeoutandstampeddownthedirtovertheashes.Forno
    reasonatall,Iwalkedafewstepstowardsthelake,andthatbroughtmetothe
    endofthetree.SoIsawthefoot.
    Itwasinawhiteduckshoe,aboutsizenine.Iwalkedaroundtherootsof
    thetree.
    Therewasanotherfootinanotherwhiteduckshoe.Therewerepinstriped
    whitepantswithlegsinthem,andtherewasatorsoinapalegreensportshirt
    ofthekindthathangsoutsideandhaspocketslikeasweater.Ithada
    buttonlessVneckandchesthairshowedthroughtheV.Themanwasmiddleaged,
    halfbald,hadagoodcoatoftanandalinemustacheshavedupfromthelip.
    Hislipswerethick,andhismouth,alittleopenastheyusuallyare,showed
    bigstrongteeth.Hehadthekindoffacethatgoeswithplentyoffoodandnot
    toomuchworry.Hiseyeswerelookingatthesky.Icouldn'tseemtomeetthem.
    Theleftsideofthegreensportshirtwassoddenwithbloodinapatchas
    bigasadinnerplate.Inthemiddleofthepatchtheremighthavebeena
    scorchedhole.Icouldn'tbesure.Thelightwasgettingalittletricky.
    Ibentdownandfeltmatchesandcigarettesinthepocketsoftheshirt,a
    coupleofroughlumpslikekeysandsilverinhispantspocketsatthesides.I
    rolledhimalittletogetathiship.Hewasstilllimpandonlyalittle
    cooledoff.Awalletofroughleathermadeatightfitinhisrighthippocket.
    Idraggeditout,bracingmykneeagainsthisback.

    Therewastwelvedollarsinthewalletandsomecards,butwhatinterested
    mewasthenameonhisphotostatdriver'slicense.IlitamatchtomakesureI
    readitrightinthefadingdaylight.
    ThenameonthelicensewasFrederickShieldLacey.

    Iputthewalletbackandstoodupandmadeafullcircle,staringhard.Nobody
    wasinsight,onlandoronthewater.Inthatlight,nobodycouldhaveseen
    whatIwasdoingunlesshewasclose.
    IwalkedafewstepsandlookeddowntoseeifIwasmakingtracks.No.The
    groundwashalfpineneedlesofmanyyearspast,andtheotherhalfpulverized
    rottenwood.
    Thegunwasaboutfourfeetaway,almostunderthefallentree.Ididn't
    touchit.Ibentdownandlookedatit.Itwasa.22automatic,aColtwitha
    bonegrip.Itwashalfburiedinasmallpileofthepowdery,brown,rotted
    wood.Therewerelargeblackantsonthepile,andoneofthemwascrawling
    alongthebarrelofthegun.
    Istraightenedupandtookanotherquicklookaround.Aboatidledoffshore
    outofsightaroundthepoint.Icouldhearanunevenstutterfromthe
    throttleddownmotor,butIcouldn'tseeit.Istartedbacktowardthecar.I
    wasalmostuptoit.Asmallfigurerosesilentlybehindaheavymanzanitabush.
    Thelightwinkedonglassesandonsomethingelse,lowerdowninahand.
    Avoicesaidhissingly:"Placingthehandsup,please."
    Itwasanicespotforaveryfastdraw.Ididn'tthinkminewouldbefast
    enough.Iplacedthehandsup.
    Thesmallfigurecamearoundthemanzanitabush.Theshiningthingbelow
    theglasseswasagun.Thegunwaslargeenough.Itcametowardsme.
    Agoldtoothwinkedoutofasmallmouthbelowablackmustache.
    "Turningaround,please,"thenicelittlevoicesaidsoothingly."You
    seeingmanlieonground?"
    "Look,"Isaid,"I'mastrangerhere.I"
    "Turningaroundverysoon,"themansaidcoldly.Iturnedaround.

    Thenendofthegunmadeanestagainstmyspine.Alight,defthand
    proddedmehereandthere,restedonthegunundermyarm.Thevoicecooed.The
    handwenttomyhip.Thepressureofmywalletwentaway.Averyneatpick
    pocket.Icouldhardlyfeelhimtouchme.
    "Ilookatwalletnow.Youverystill,"thevoicesaid.Thegunwentaway.
    Agoodmanhadachancenow.Hewouldfallquicklytotheground,doaback
    flipfromakneelingposition,andcomeupwithhisgunblazinghishand.It
    wouldhappenveryfast.Thegoodmanwouldtakethelittlemanwithglassesthe
    wayadowagertakesherteethout,inanevensmoothmotion.Isomehowdidn't
    thinkIwasthatgood.
    Thewalletwentbackonmyhip,thegunbarrelbackintomyback.
    "So,"thevoicesaidsoftly."Youcominghereyoumakingmistake."
    "Brother,yousaidit,"Itoldhim.
    "Notmatter,"thevoicesaid."Goawaynow,gohome.Fivehundreddollars.
    Nothingbeingsaidfivehundreddollarsarrivingoneweekfromtoday."
    "Fine,"Isaid."Youhavingmyaddress?"
    "Veryfunny,"thevoicecooed."Ha,ha."
    Somethinghitthebackofmyrightknee,andthelegfoldedsuddenlythe
    wayitwillwhenhitatthatpoint.Myheadbegantoachefromwhereitwas
    goingtogetacrackfromthegun,buthefooledme.Itwastheoldrabbit
    punch,anditwasahoneyofitstype.Donewiththeheelofaveryhardlittle
    hand.Myheadcameoffandwenthalfwayacrossthelakeanddidaboomerangturn
    andcamebackandslammedontopofmyspinewithasickeningjar.Somehowon
    thewayitgotamouthfulofpineneedles.
    Therewasanintervalofmidnightinasmallroomwiththewindowsshutand
    noair.Mychestlaboredagainsttheground.Theyputatonofcoalonmyback.
    Oneofthehardlumpspressedintothemiddleofmyback.Imadesomenoisesbut
    theymusthavebeenunimportant.Nobodybotheredaboutthem.Iheardthesound
    ofaboatmotorgetlouder,andasoftthudoffeetwalkingonthepineneedles,
    makingadry,slitheringsound.Thenacoupleofheavygruntsandstepsgoing
    away.Thenstepscomingbackandahurryvoice,withasortofaccent.
    "Whatdidyougetthere,Charlie?"
    "Ohnothing,"Charliesaidcooingly."Smokingpipe,notdoinganything.
    Summervisitor,ha,ha."
    "Didheseethestiff?"

    "Notseeing,"Charliesaid.Iwonderedwhy.
    "Okay,let'sgo."
    "Ah,toobad,"Charliesaid."Toobad."Theweightgotoffmybackandthe
    lumpsofhardcoalwentawayfrommyspine."Toobad,"Charliesaidagain."But
    mustdo."
    Hedidn'tfoolthistime.Hehitmewiththegun.ComearoundandI'lllet
    youfeelthelumpundermyscalp.I'vegotseveralofthem.
    TimepassedandIwasuponmyknees,whining.Iputafootontheground
    andhoistedmyselfonitandwipedmyfaceoffwiththebackofmyhandandput
    theotherfootonthegroundandclimbedoutoftheholeitfeltlikeIwasin.
    Theshineofwater,darknowfromthesunbutsilveredbythemoon,was
    directlyinfrontofme.Totherightwasthebigfallentree.Thatbroughtit
    back.Imovedcautiouslytowardsit,rubbingmyheadwithcarefulfingertips.It
    wasswollenandsoft,butnotbleeding.Istoppedandlookedbackformyhat,
    andthenrememberedIhadleftitinthecar.
    Iwentaroundthetree.Themoonwasbrightasitcanonlybeinthe
    mountainsoronthedesert.Youcouldalmostseethattherewasnobodyonthe
    groundnowandnogunlyingagainstthetreewithantscrawlingonit.The
    groundhadasortofsmoothedout,rakedlook.
    Istoodthereandlistened,andallIheardwasthebloodpoundinginmy
    head,andallIfeltwasmyheadaching.Thenmyhandjumpedforthegunandthe
    gunwasthere.Andthehandjumpedagainformywalletandthewalletwasthere.
    Ihauleditoutandlookedatmymoney.Thatseemedtobethere,too.
    Iturnedaroundandplowedbacktothecar.Iwantedtogobacktothe
    hotelandgetacoupleofdrinksandliedown.IwantedtomeetCharlieaftera
    while,butnotrightaway.FirstIwantedtoliedownforawhile.Iwasa
    growingboyandIneededrest.
    Igotintothecarandstarteditandtooleditaroundonthesoftground
    andbackontothedirtroadandbackalongthattothehighway.Ididn'tmeet
    anycars.Themusicwasstillgoingwellinthedancingpavilionofftothe
    side,andthethroatyvoicedsingerwasgivingout"I'llNeverSmileAgain."
    WhenIreachedthehighwayIputthelightsonanddrovebacktothe
    village.Thelocallawhungoutinaoneroompineboardshackhalfwayupthe
    blockfromtheboatlanding,acrossthestreetfromthefirehouse.Therewasa
    nakedlightburninginside,behindaglasspaneleddoor.

    Istoppedthecarontheothersideofthestreetandsattherefora
    minutelookingintotheshack.Therewasamaninside,sittingbareheadedina
    swivelchairatanoldrolltopdesk.Iopenedthecardoorandmovedtogetout,
    thenstoppedandshutthedooragainandstartedthemotoranddroveon.
    Ihadahundreddollarstoearn,afterall.

    Idrovetwomilespastthevillageandcametothebakeryandturnedonanewly
    oiledroadtowardsthelake.Ipassedacoupleofcampsandthensawthe
    brownishtentsoftheboys'campwithlightsstrungbetweenthemandaclatter
    comingfromabigtentwheretheywerewashingdishes.Alittlebeyondthatthe
    roadcurvedaroundaninletandadirtroadbranchedoff.Itwasdeeplyrutted
    andfullofstoneshalfembeddedinthedirt,andthetreesbarelygaveitroom
    topass.Iwentbyacoupleoflightedcabins,oldonesbuiltofpinewiththe
    barklefton.Thentheroadclimbedandtheplacegotemptier,andafterawhile
    abigcabinhungovertheedgeoftheblufflookingdownonthelakeatits
    feet.Thecabinhadtwochimneysandarusticfence,andadoublegarageoutside
    thefence.Therewasalongporchonthelakeside,andstepsgoingdowntothe
    water.Lightcamefromthewindows.Myheadlightstiltedupenoughtocatchthe
    nameBaldwinpaintedonawoodenboardnailedtoatree.Thiswasthecabin,all
    right.
    Thegaragewasopenandasedanwasparkedinit.Istoppedalittlebeyond
    andwentfarenoughintothegaragetofeeltheexhaustpipeofthecar.Itwas
    cold.Iwentthrougharusticgateupapathoutlinedinstonestotheporch.
    ThedooropenedasIgotthere.Atallwomanstoodthere,framedagainstthe
    light.Alittlesilkydogrushedoutpasther,tumbleddownthestepsandhitme
    inthestomachwithtwofrontpaws,thendroppedtothegroundandranin
    circlesmakingnoisesofapproval.
    "Down,Shiny!"thewomancalled."Down!Isn'tsheafunnylittledog?Funny
    ittydoggie.She'shalfcoyote."
    Thedogranbackintothehouse.Isaid:"AreyouMrs.Lacey?I'mEvans.I
    calledyouupaboutanhourago."

    "Yes,I'mMrs.Lacey,"shesaid."Myhusbandhasn'tcomeinyet.Iwell,
    comein,won'tyou?"Hervoicehadaremotesound,likeavoiceinthemist.
    SheclosedthedoorbehindmeafterIwentinandstoodtherelookingat
    me,thenshruggedalittleandsatdowninawickerchair.Isatdowninanother
    justlikeit.Thedogappearedfromnowhere,jumpedinmylap,wipedaneat
    tongueacrosstheendofmynoseandjumpeddownagain.Itwasasmallgrayish
    dogwithasharpnoseandalong,featherytail.
    Itwasalongroomwithalotofwindowsandnotveryfreshcurtainsat
    them.Therewasabigfireplace,Indianrugs,twodavenportswithfadedcretonne
    slipsoverthem,morewickerfurniture,nottoocomfortable.Thereweresome
    antlersonthewall,onepairwithsixpoints.
    "Fredisn'thomeyet,"Mrs.Laceysaidagain."Idon'tknowwhat'skeeping
    him."
    Inodded.Shehadapaleface,rathertaut,darkhairthatwasalittle
    wild.Shewaswearingadoublebreastedscarletcoatwithbrassbuttons,gray
    flannelslacks,pigskinclogsandals,andnostockings.Therewasanecklaceof
    cloudyamberaroundherthroatandabandeauofoldrosematerialinherhair.
    Shewasinhermiddlethirties,soitwastoolateforhertolearnhowtodress
    herself.
    "Youwantedtoseemyhusbandonbusiness?"
    "Yes.HewrotemetocomeupandstayattheIndianHeadandphonehim."
    "OhattheIndianHead,"shesaid,asifthatmeantsomething.Shecrossed
    herlegs,didn'tlikethemthatway,anduncrossedthemagain.Sheleaned
    forwardandcuppedalongchininherhand."Whatkindofbusinessareyouin,
    Mr.Evans?"
    "I'maprivatedetective."
    "It's...it'saboutthemoney?"sheaskedquickly.
    Inodded.Thatseemedsafe.Itwasusuallyaboutmoney.Itwasabouta
    hundreddollarsthatIhadinmypocket,anyhow.
    "Ofcourse,"shesaid."Naturally.Wouldyoucareforadrink?"
    "Verymuch."
    Shewentovertoalittlewoodenbarandcamebackwithtwoglasses.We
    drank.Welookedateachotherovertherimsofourglasses.

    "TheIndianHead,"shesaid."Westayedtheretwonightswhenwecameup.
    Whilethecabinwasbeingcleanedup.Ithadbeenemptyfortwoyearsbeforewe
    boughtit.Theygetsodirty."
    "Iguessso,"Isaid.
    "Yousaymyhusbandwrotetoyou?"Shewaslookingdownintoherglassnow.
    "Isupposehetoldyouthestory."
    Iofferedheracigarette.Shestartedtoreach,thenshookherheadand
    putherhandonherkneecapandtwistedit.Shegavemethecarefulupfrom
    underlook.
    "Hewasalittlevague,"Isaid."Inspots."
    ShelookedatmesteadilyandIlookedathersteadily.Ibreathedgently
    intomyglassuntilitmisted.
    "Well,Idon'tthinkweneedbemysteriousaboutit,"shesaid."Although
    asamatteroffactIknowmoreaboutitthanFredthinksIdo.Hedoesn'tknow,
    forexample,thatIsawthatletter."
    "Theletterhesentme?"
    "No.TheletterhegotfromLosAngeleswiththereportonthetendollar
    bill."
    "Howdidyougettoseeit?"Iasked.
    Shelaughedwithoutmuchamusement."Fred'stoosecretive.It'samistake
    tobetoosecretivewithawoman.Isneakedalookatitwhilehewasinthe
    bathroom.Igotitoutofhispocket."
    Inoddedanddranksomemoreofmydrink.Isaid:"Uhhuh."Thatdidn't
    commitmeveryfar,whichwasagoodideaaslongasIdidn'tknowwhatwewere
    talkingabout."Buthowdidyouknowitwasinhispocket?"Iasked.
    "He'djustgotitatthepostoffice.Iwaswithhim."Shelaughed,witha
    littlemoreamusementthistime."Isawthattherewasabillinitandthatit
    camefromLosAngeles.Iknewhehadsentoneofthebillstoafriendtherewho
    isanexpertonsuchthings.SoofcourseIknewthisletterwasareport.It
    was."
    "SeemslikeFreddoesn'tcoverupverywell,"Isaid."Whatdidtheletter
    say?"
    Sheflushedslightly."Idon'tknowthatIshouldtellyou.Idon'treally
    knowthatyouareadetectiveorthatyournameisEvans."

    "Well,that'ssomethingthatcanbesettledwithoutviolence,"Isaid.I
    gotupandshowedherenoughtoproveit.WhenIsatdownagainthelittledog
    cameoverandsniffedatthecuffsonmytrousers.Ibentdowntopatherhead
    andgotahandfulofspit.
    "Itsaidthatthebillwasbeautifulwork.Thepaper,inparticular,was
    justaboutperfect.Butunderacomparisonmicroscopetherewereverysmall
    differencesofregistration.Whatdoesthatmean?"
    "Itmeansthatthebillhesenthadn'tbeenmadefromagovernmentplate.
    Anythingelsewrong?"
    "Yes.Underblacklightwhateverthatisthereappearedtobeslight
    differencesinthecompositionoftheinks.Buttheletteraddedthattothe
    nakedeyethecounterfeitwaspracticallyperfect.Itwouldfoolanybank
    teller."
    Inodded.ThiswassomethingIhadn'texpected."Whowrotetheletter,Mrs.
    Lacey?"
    "HesignedhimselfBill.Itwasonaplainsheetofpaper.Idon'tknowwho
    wroteit.Oh,therewassomethingelse.BillsaidthatFredoughttoturnitin
    totheFederalpeoplerightaway,becausethemoneywasgoodenoughtomakea
    lotoftroubleifmuchofitgotintocirculation.But,ofcourse,Fredwouldn't
    wanttodothatifhecouldhelpit.Thatwouldbewhyhesentforyou."
    "Well,no,ofcoursenot,"Isaid.Thiswasashotinthedark,butit
    wasn'tlikelytohitanything.NotwiththeamountofdarkIhadtoshootinto.
    Shenodded,asifIhadsaidsomething.
    "WhatisFreddoingnow,mostly?"Iasked.
    "Bridgeandpoker,likehe'sdoneforyears.Heplaysbridgealmostevery
    afternoonattheathleticclubandpokeratnightagooddeal.Youcanseethat
    hecouldn'taffordtobeconnectedwithcounterfeitmoney,eveninthemost
    innocentway.Therewouldalwaysbesomeonewhowouldn'tbelieveitwas
    innocent.Heplaystheraces,too,butthat'sjustfun.That'showhegotthe
    fivehundreddollarsheputinmyshoeforapresentforme.AttheIndian
    Head."
    Iwantedtogooutintheyardanddoalittleyellingandbreastbeating,
    justtoletoffsteam.ButallIcoulddowassitthereandlookwiseandguzzle
    mydrink.Iguzzleditemptyandmadealonelynoisewiththeicecubesandshe

    wentandgotmeanotherone.Itookaslugofthatandbreatheddeeplyandsaid:
    "Ifthebillwassogood,howdidheknowitwasbad,ifyougetwhatImean?"
    Hereyeswidenedalittle."OhIsee.Hedidn't,ofcourse.Notthatone.
    Buttherewerefiftyofthem,alltendollarbills,allnew.Andthemoney
    hadn'tbeenthatwaywhenheputitintheshoe."
    Iwonderediftearingmyhairwoulddomeanygood.Ididn'tthinkmyhead
    wastoosore.Charlie.GoodoldCharlie!Okay,Charlie,afterawhileI'llbe
    aroundwithmygang.
    "Look,"Isaid."Look,Mrs.Lacey.Hedidn'ttellmeabouttheshoe.Does
    healwayskeephismoneyinashoe,orwasthissomethingspecialonaccountof
    hewonitattheracesandhorseswearshoes?"
    "Itoldyouitwasasurprisepresentforme.WhenIputtheshoeonI
    wouldfindit,ofcourse."
    "Oh."Ignawedabouthalfaninchoffmyupperlip."Butyoudidn'tfind
    it?"
    "HowcouldIwhenIsentthemaidtotaketheshoestotheshoemakerinthe
    villagetohaveliftsputonthem?Ididn'tlookinside.Ididn'tknowFredhad
    putanythingintheshoe."
    Alittlelightwascoming.Itwasveryfaroffandcomingveryslowly.It
    wasaverylittlelight,abouthalfafirefly'sworth.
    Isaid:"AndFreddidn'tknowthat.Andthismaidtooktheshoestothe
    shoemaker.Whatthen?"
    "Well,Gertrudethat'sthemaid'snamesaidshehadn'tnoticedthemoney,
    either.SowhenFredfoundoutaboutitandhadaskedher,hewentovertothe
    shoemaker'splace,andhehadn'tworkedontheshoesandtherollofmoneywas
    stillstuffeddownintothetoeoftheshoe.SoFredlaughedandtookthemoney
    outandputitinhispocketandgavetheshoemakerfivedollarsbecausehewas
    lucky."
    Ifinishedmyseconddrinkandleanedback."Igetitnow.ThenFredtook
    therolloutandlookeditoverandhesawitwasn'tthesamemoney.Itwasall
    newtendollarbills,andbeforeithadprobablybeenvarioussizesofbillsand
    notnewornotallnew."
    ShelookedsurprisedthatIhadtoreasonitout.Iwonderedhowlonga
    lettershethoughtFredhadwrittenme.Isaid:"ThenFredwouldhavetoassume
    thattherewassomereasonforchangingthemoney.Hethoughtofoneandsenta

    billtoafriendofhistobetested.Andthereportcamebackthatitwasvery
    goodcounterfeit,butstillcounterfeit.Whodidheaskaboutitatthehotel?"
    "NobodyexceptGertrude,Iguess.Hedidn'twanttostartanything.Iguess
    hejustsentforyou."
    Isnubbedmycigaretteoutandlookedoutoftheopenfrontwindowsatthe
    moonlitlake.Aspeedboatwithahardwhiteheadlightslidmutteringalongin
    thewater,faroffoverthewater,anddisappearedbehindawoodedpoint.
    IlookedbackatMrs.Lacey.Shewasstillsittingwithherchinproppedin
    athinhand.Hereyesseemedfaraway.
    "IwishFredwouldcomehome,"shesaid.
    "Whereishe?"
    "Idon'tknow.HewentoutwithamannamedFrankLuders,whoisstayingat
    theWoodlandClub,downatthefarendofthelake.Fredsaidheownedan
    interestinit.ButIcalledMr.LudersupawhileagoandhesaidFredhadjust
    riddenuptownwithhimandgotoffatthepostoffice.I'vebeenexpectingFred
    tophoneandaskmetopickhimupsomewhere.Helefthoursago."
    "TheyprobablyhavesomecardgamesdownattheWoodlandClub.Maybehe
    wentthere."
    Shenodded."Heusuallycallsme,though."
    Istaredatthefloorforawhileandtriednottofeellikeaheel.ThenI
    stoodup."IguessI'llgoonbacktothehotel.I'llbethereifyouwantto
    phoneme.IthinkI'vemetMr.Laceysomewhere.Isn'theathicksetmanabout
    fortyfive,goingalittlebald,withasmallmustache?"
    Shewenttothedoorwithme."Yes,"shesaid."That'sFred,allright."
    ShehadshutthedoginthehouseandwasstandingoutsideherselfasI
    turnedthecaranddroveaway.God,shelookedlonely.

    Iwaslyingonmybackonthebed,wobblingacigarettearoundandtryingto
    makeupmymindjustwhyIhadtoplaycutewiththisaffair,whentheknock
    cameatthedoor.Icalledout.Agirlinaworkinguniformcameinwithsome
    towels.Shehaddark,reddishhairandapert,nicelymadeupfaceandlong

    legs.Sheexcusedherselfandhungsometowelsontherackandstartedbackto
    thedoorandgavemeasidelonglookwithagooddealofflutteringeyelashin
    it.
    Isaid,"Hello,Gertrude,"justforthehellofit.
    Shestopped,andthedarkredheadcamearoundandthemouthwasreadyto
    smile.
    "How'dyouknowmyname?"
    "Ididn't.ButoneofthemaidsisGertrude.Iwantedtotalktoher."
    Sheleanedagainstthedoorframe,towelsoverherarm.Hereyeswerelazy.
    "Yeah?"
    "Liveuphere,orjustuphereforthesummer?"Iasked.
    Herlipcurled."IshouldsayIdon'tliveuphere.Withthesemountain
    screwballs?Ishouldsaynot."
    "Youdoingallright?"
    Shenodded."AndIdon'tneedanycompany,mister."Shesoundedasifshe
    couldbetalkedoutofthat.
    Ilookedatherforaminuteandsaid:"Tellaboutthatmoneysomebodyhid
    inashoe."
    "Whoareyou?"sheaskedcoolly.
    "ThenameisEvans.I'maLosAngelesdetective."Igrinnedather,very
    wise.
    Herfacestiffenedalittle.Thehandholdingthetowelsclutchedandher
    nailsmadeascratchingsoundonthecloth.Shemovedbackfromthedoorandsat
    downinastraightchairagainstthewall.Troubledweltinhereyes.
    "Adick,"shebreathed."Whatgoeson?"
    "Don'tyouknow?"
    "AllIheardwasMrs.Laceyleftsomemoneyinashoeshewantedaliftput
    ontheheel,andItookitovertotheshoemakerandhedidn'tstealthemoney.
    AndIdidn't,either.Shegotthemoneyback,didn'tshe?"
    "Don'tlikecops,doyou?SeemstomeIknowyourface,"Isaid.
    Thefacehardened."Look,copper,IgotajobandIworkatit.Idon't
    needanyhelpfromanycopper.Idon'toweanybodyanickel."
    "Sure,"Isaid."Whenyoutookthoseshoesfromtheroomdidyougoright
    overtotheshoemakerwiththem?"
    Shenoddedshortly.

    "Didn'tstoponthewayatall?"
    "WhywouldI?"
    "Iwasn'taroundthen.Iwouldn'tknow."
    "Well,Ididn't.ExcepttotellWeberIwasgoingoutforaguest."
    "Who'sMr.Weber?"
    "He'stheassistantmanager.He'sdowninthediningroomalot."
    "Tall,paleguythatwritesdownalltheraceresults?"
    Shenodded."Thatwouldbehim."
    "Isee,"Isaid.Istruckamatchandlitmycigarette.Istaredather
    throughsmoke."Thanksverymuch,"Isaid.
    Shestoodupandopenedthedoor."Idon'tthinkIrememberyou,"shesaid,
    lookingbackatme.
    "Theremustbeafewofusyoudidn'tmeet,"Isaid.
    Sheflushedandstoodthereglaringatme.
    "Theyalwayschangethetowelsthislateinyourhotel?"askedher,justto
    besayingsomething.
    "Smartguy,ain'tyou?"
    "Well,Itrytogivethatimpression,"Isaidwithamodestsmirk.
    "Youdon'tputitover,"shesaid,withasuddentraceofthickaccent.
    "Anybodyhandlethoseshoesexceptyouafteryoutookthem?"
    "No.ItoldyouIjuststoppedtotellMr.Weber"Shestoppeddeadand
    thoughtaminute."Iwenttogethimacupofcoffee,"shesaid."Ileftthemon
    hisdeskbythecashregister.HowthehellwouldIknowanybodyhandledthem?
    Andwhatdifferencedoesitmakeiftheygottheirdoughbackallright?"
    "Well,Iseeyou'reanxioustomakemefeelgoodaboutit.Tellmeabout
    thisguy,Weber.Hebeenherelong?"
    "Toolong,"shesaidnastily."Agirldon'twanttowalktooclosetohim
    ifyougetwhatImean.WhatamItalkingabout?"
    "AboutMr.Weber."
    "Well,tohellwithMr.WeberifyougetwhatImean."
    "Youbeenhavinganytroublegettingitacross?"
    Sheflushedagain"Andstrictlyofftherecord,"shesaid,"tohellwith
    you."
    "IfIgetwhatyoumean,"Isaid.
    Sheopenedthedoorandgavemeaquick,halfangrysmileandwentout.

    Herstepsmadeatappingsoundgoingalongthehall.Ididn'thearherstop
    atanyotherdoors.Ilookedatmywatch.Itwasafterhalfpastnine.
    Somebodycamealongthehallwithheavyfeet,wentintotheroomnexttome
    andbangedthedoor.Themanstartedhawkingandthrowingshoesaround.Aweight
    floppedonthebedspringsandstartedboundingaround.Fiveminutesofthisand
    hegotupagain.Twobig,unshodfeetthuddedonthefloor,abottletinkled
    againstaglass.Themanhadhimselfadrink,laydownonthebedagain,and
    begantosnorealmostatonce.
    Exceptforthatandtheconfusedracketfromdownstairsinthediningroom
    andthebartherewasthenearestthingyougettosilenceinamountainresort.
    Speedboatsstutteredoutonthelake,dancemusicmurmuredhereandthere,cars
    wentbyblowinghorns,the.22'ssnappedintheshootinggallery,andkids
    yelledateachotheracrossthemaindrag.
    ItwassoquietthatIdidn'thearmydooropen.ItwashalfopenbeforeI
    noticedit.Amancameinquietly,halfclosedthedoor,movedacoupleofsteps
    fartherintotheroomandstoodlookingatme.Hewastall,thin,pale,quiet,
    andhiseyeshadaflatlookofmenace.
    "Okay,sport,"hesaid."Let'sseeit."
    Irolledaroundandsatup.Iyawned."Seewhat?"
    "Thebuzzer."
    "Whatbuzzer?"
    "Shakeitup,halfsmart.Let'sseethebuzzerthatgivesyoutherightto
    askquestionsofthehelp."
    "Oh,that,"Isaid,smilingweakly."Idon'thaveanybuzzer,Mr.Weber."
    "Well,thatisverylovely,"Mr.Webersaid.Hecameacrosstheroom,his
    longarmsswinging.Whenhewasaboutthreefeetfrommeheleanedforwarda
    littleandmadeaverysuddenmovement.Anopenpalmslappedthesideofmyface
    hard.Itrockedmyheadandmadethebackofitshootpaininalldirections.
    "Justforthat,"Isaid,"youdon'tgotothemoviestonight."
    Hetwistedhisfaceintoasneerandcockedhisrightfist.Hetelegraphed
    hispunchwellahead.Iwouldalmosthavehadtimetorunoutandbuya
    catcher'smask.Icameupunderthefistandstuckaguninhisstomach.He
    gruntedunpleasantly.Isaid:"Puttingthehandsup,please."
    Hegruntedagainandhiseyeswentoutoffocus,buthedidn'tmovehis
    hands.Iwentaroundhimandbackedtowardsthefarsideoftheroom.Heturned

    slowly,eyingme.Isaid:"JustamomentuntilIclosethedoor.Thenweallgo
    intothecaseofthemoneyintheshoe,otherwiseknownastheClueofthe
    SubstitutedLettuce."
    "Gotohell,"hesaid.
    "Arightsnappycomeback,"Isaid."Andfulloforiginality."Ireached
    backfortheknobofthedoor,keepingmyeyesonhim.Aboardcreakedbehind
    me.Iswungaround,addingalittlepowertothelarge,heavy,hardand
    businesslikehunkofconcretewhichlandedonthesideofmyjaw.Ispunoff
    intothedistance,trailingflashesoflightning,anddidanosediveoutinto
    space.Acoupleofthousandyearspassed.ThenIstoppedaplanetwithmyback,
    openedmyeyesfuzzilyandlookedatapairoffeet.
    Theyweresprawledoutatalooseangle,andlegscametowardsmefrom
    them.Thelegsweresplayedoutontheflooroftheroom.Ahandhungdownlimp,
    andagunlayjustoutofitsreach.Imovedoneofthefeetandwassurprised
    tofinditbelongedtome.Thelaxhandtwitchedandreachedautomaticallyfor
    thegun,missedit,reachedagainandgrabbedthesmoothgrip.Iliftedit.
    Somebodyhadtiedafiftypoundweighttoit,butIlifteditanyway.Therewas
    nothingintheroombutsilence.Ilookedacrossandwasstaringstraightatthe
    closeddoor.Ishiftedalittleandachedallover.Myheadached.Myjawached.
    Iliftedthegunsomemoreandthenputitdownagain.Thehellwithit.I
    shouldbeliftinggunsaroundforwhat.Theroomwasempty.Allvisitors
    departed.Thedroplightfromtheceilingburnedwithanemptyglare.Irolleda
    littleandachedsomemoreandgotalegbentandakneeunderme.Icameup
    gruntinghard,grabbedthegunagainandclimbedtherestoftheway.Therewas
    atasteofashesinmymouth.
    "Ah,toobad,"Isaidoutloud."Toobad.Mustdo.Okay,Charlie.I'llbe
    seeingyou."
    Iswayedalittle,stillgroggyasathreedaydrunk,swiveledslowlyand
    prowledtheroomwithmyeyes.
    Amanwaskneelinginprayeragainstthesideofthebed.Heworeagray
    suitandhishairwasadustyblondcolor.Hislegswerespreadout,andhis
    bodywasbentforwardonthebedandhisarmswereflungout.Hisheadrested
    sidewaysonhisleftarm.

    Helookedquitecomfortable.Theroughdeerhorngripofthehuntingknife
    underhisleftshoulderbladedidn'tseemtobotherhimatall.
    Iwentovertobenddownandlookathisface.ItwasthefaceofMr.
    Weber.PoorMr.Weber!Fromunderthehandleofthehuntingknife,downtheback
    ofhisjacket,adarkstreakextended.
    Itwasnotmercurochrome.
    Ifoundmyhatsomewhereandputitoncarefully,andputthegunundermy
    armandwadedovertothedoor.Ireversedthekey,switchedthelightoff,went
    out,andlockedthedooraftermeanddroppedthekeyintomypocket.
    Iwentalongthesilenthallwayanddownthestairstotheoffice.Anold
    wastedlookingnightclerkwasreadingthepaperbehindthedesk.Hedidn'teven
    lookatme.Iglancedthroughthearchwayintothediningroom.Thesamenoisy
    crowdwasbrawlingatthebar.Thesamehillbillysymphonywasfightingforlife
    inthecorner.TheguywiththecigarandtheJohnL.Lewiseyebrowswasminding
    thecashregister.Businessseemedgood.Acoupleofsummervisitorswere
    dancinginthemiddleofthefloor,holdingglassesovereachother'sshoulders.

    Iwentoutofthelobbydoorandturnedleftalongthestreettowheremycar
    wasparked,butIdidn'tgoveryfarbeforeIstoppedandturnedbackintothe
    lobbyofthehotel.Ileanedonthecounterandaskedtheclerk:"MayIspeakto
    themaidcalledGertrude?"
    Heblinkedatmethoughtfullyoverhisglasses.
    "She'soffatninethirty.She'sgonehome."
    "Wheredoesshelive?"
    Hestaredatmewithoutblinkingthistime.
    "Ithinkmaybeyou'vegotthewrongidea,"hesaid.
    "IfIhave,it'snottheideayouhave."
    Herubbedtheendofhischinandwashedmyfacewithhisstare."Something
    wrong?"
    "I'madetectivefromL.A.Iworkveryquietlywhenpeopleletmework
    quietly."

    "You'dbetterseeMr.Holmes,"hesaid."Themanager."
    "Look,pardner,thisisaverysmallplace.Iwouldn'thavetodomorethan
    wanderdowntherowandaskinthebarsandeatingplacesforGertrude.Icould
    thinkupareason.Icouldfindout.Youwouldsavemealittletimeandmaybe
    savesomebodyfromgettinghurt.Verybadlyhurt."
    Heshrugged."Letmeseeyourcredentials,Mr."
    "Evans."Ishowedhimmycredentials.Hestaredatthemalongtimeafter
    hehadreadthem,thenhandedthewalletbackandstaredattheendsofhis
    fingertips.
    "Ibelieveshe'sstoppingattheWhitewaterCabins,"hesaid.
    "What'sherlastname?"
    "Smith,"hesaid,andsmiledafaint,old,andverywearysmile,thesmile
    ofamanwhohasseentoomuchofoneworld."OrpossiblySchmidt."
    Ithankedhimandwentbackoutonthesidewalk.Iwalkedhalfablock,
    thenturnedintoanoisylittlebarforadrink.Athreepieceorchestrawas
    swingingitonatinystageattheback.Infrontofthestagetherewasasmall
    dancefloor,andafewfuzzyeyedcoupleswereshaggingaroundflatfootedwith
    theirmouthsopenandtheirfacesfullofnothing.
    IdrankajiggerofryeandaskedthebarmanwheretheWhitewaterCabins
    were.Hesaidattheeastendofthetown,halfablockback,onaroadthat
    startedatthegasstation.
    Iwentbackformycaranddrovethroughthevillageandfoundtheroad.A
    paleblueneonsignwithanarrowonitpointedtheway.TheWhitewaterCabins
    wereaclusterofshacksonthesideofthehillwithanofficedownfront.I
    stoppedinfrontoftheoffice.Peopleweresittingoutontheirtinyfront
    porcheswithportableradios.Thenightseemedpeacefulandhomey.Therewasa
    bellintheoffice.
    IrangitandagirlinslackscameinandtoldmeMissSmithandMiss
    Hoffmanhadacabinkindofoffbyitselfbecausethegirlssleptlateand
    wantedquiet.Ofcourse,itwasalwayskindofbusyintheseason,butthecabin
    wheretheywereitwascalledTuckMeInnwasquietanditwasattheback,
    wayofftotheleft,andIwouldn'thaveanytroublefindingit.WasIafriend
    oftheirs?
    IsaidIwasMissSmith'sgrandfather,thankedherandwentoutandupthe
    slopebetweentheclusteredcabinstotheedgeofthepinesattheback.There

    wasalongwoodpileattheback,andateachendoftheclearedspacetherewas
    asmallcabin.Infrontoftheonetothelefttherewasacoupestandingwith
    itslightsdim.Atallblondgirlwasputtingasuitcaseintotheboot.Herhair
    wastiedinabluehandkerchief,andsheworeabluesweaterandbluepants.Or
    darkenoughtobeblue,anyhow.Thecabinbehindherwaslighted,andthelittle
    signhangingfromtheroofsaid_TuckMeInn._
    Theblondgirlwentbackintothecabin,leavingthebootofthecaropen.
    Dimlightoozedoutthroughtheopendoor.Iwentverysoftlyuponthesteps
    andwalkedinside.
    Gertrudewassnappingdownthetopofasuitcaseonabed.Theblondgirl
    wasoutofsight,butIcouldhearheroutinthekitchenofthelittlewhite
    cabin.
    Icouldn'thavemadeverymuchnoise.Gertrudesnappeddownthelidofthe
    suitcase,hefteditandstartedtocarryitout.Itwasonlythenthatshesaw
    me.Herfacewentverywhite,andshestoppeddead,holdingthesuitcaseather
    side.Hermouthopened,andshespokequicklybackoverhershoulder:"Anna
    _achtung!"_
    Thenoisestoppedinthekitchen.GertrudeandIstaredateachother.
    "Leaving?"Iasked.
    Shemoistenedherlips."Goingtostopme,copper?"
    "Idon'tguess.Whatyouleavingfor?"
    "Idon'tlikeituphere.Thealtitudeisbadformynerves."
    "Madeupyourmindrathersuddenly,didn'tyou?"
    "Anylawagainstit?"
    "Idon'tguess.You'renotafraidofWeber,areyou?"
    Shedidn'tanswerme.Shelookedpastmyshoulder.Itwasanoldgag,andI
    didn'tpayanyattentiontoit.Behindme,thecabindoorclosed.Iturned,
    then.Theblondgirlwasbehindme.Shehadaguninherhand.Shelookedatme
    thoughtfully,withoutanyexpressionmuch.Shewasabiggirl,andlookedvery
    strong.
    "Whatisit?"sheasked,speakingalittleheavily,inavoicealmostlike
    aman'svoice.
    "ALosAngelesdick,"repliedGertrude.
    "So,"Annasaid."Whatdoeshewant?"

    "Idon'tknow,"Gertrudesaid."Idon'tthinkhe'sarealdick.Hedon't
    seemtothrowhisweightenough."
    "So,"Annasaid.Shemovedtothesideandawayfromthedoor.Shekeptthe
    gunpointedatme.Shehelditasifgunsdidn'tmakehernervousnottheleast
    bitnervous."Whatdoyouwant?"sheaskedthroatily.
    "Practicallyeverything,"Isaid."Whyareyoutakingapowder?"
    "Thathasbeenexplained,"theblondgirlsaidcalmly."Itisthealtitude.
    ItismakingGertrudesick."
    "YoubothworkattheIndianHead?"
    Theblondgirlsaid:"Ofnoconsequence."
    "Whatthehell,"Gertrudesaid."Yeah,webothworkedatthehoteluntil
    tonight.Nowwe'releaving.Anyobjection?"
    "Wewastetime,"theblondgirlsaid."Seeifhehasagun."Gertrudeput
    hersuitcasedownandfeltmeover.ShefoundthegunandIlethertakeit,
    bighearted.Shestoodtherelookingatitwithapale,worriedexpression.The
    blondgirlsaid:"Putthegundownoutsideandputthesuitcaseinthecar.
    Starttheengineofthecarandwaitforme."
    Gertrudepickedhersuitcaseupagainandstartedaroundmetothedoor.
    "Thatwon'tgetyouanywhere,"Isaid."They'lltelephoneaheadandblock
    youontheroad.Thereareonlytworoadsoutofhere,botheasytoblock."
    Theblondgirlraisedherfine,tawnyeyebrowsalittle."Whyshouldanyone
    wishtostopus?"
    "Yeah,whyareyouholdingthatgun?"
    "Ididnotknowwhoyouwere,"theblondgirlsaid."Idonotknoweven
    now.Goon,Gertrude."
    Gertrudeopenedthedoor,thenlookedbackatmeandmovedherlipsone
    overtheother."Takeatip,shamus,andbeatitoutofthisplacewhileyou're
    able,"shesaidquietly.
    "Whichofyousawthehuntingknife?"
    Theyglancedateachotherquickly,thenbackatme.Gertrudehadafixed
    stare,butitdidn'tlooklikeaguiltykindofstare."Ipass,"shesaid.
    "You'reovermyhead."
    "Okay,"Isaid."Iknowyoudidn'tputitwhereitwas.Onemorequestion:
    HowlongwereyougettingthatcupofcoffeeforMr.Weberthemorningyoutook
    theshoesout?"

    "Youarewastingtime,Gertrude,"theblondgirlsaidimpatiently,oras
    impatientlyasshewouldeversayanything.Shedidn'tseemanimpatienttype.
    Gertrudedidn'tpayanyattentiontoher.Hereyesheldatight
    speculation."Longenoughtogethimacupofcoffee."
    "Theyhavethatrightinthediningroom."
    "Itwasstaleinthediningroom.Iwentouttothekitchenforit.Igot
    himsometoast,also."
    "Fiveminutes?"
    Shenodded."Aboutthat."
    "WhoelsewasinthediningroombesidesWeber?"Shestaredatmevery
    steadily."AtthattimeIdon'tthinkanybody.I'mnotsure.Maybesomeonewas
    havingalatebreakfast."
    "Thanksverymuch,"Isaid."Putthegundowncarefullyontheporchand
    don'tdropit.Youcanemptyitifyoulike.Idon'tplantoshootanyone."
    Shesmiledaverysmallsmileandopenedthedoorwiththehandholdingthe
    gunandwentout.Iheardhergodownthestepsandthenheardthebootofthe
    carslammedshut.Iheardthestarter,thenthemotorcaughtandpurredquietly.
    Theblondgirlmovedaroundtothedoorandtookthekeyfromtheinside
    andputitontheoutside."Iwouldnotcaretoshootanybody,"shesaid."ButI
    coulddoitifIhadto.Pleasedonotmakeme."
    Sheshutthedoorandthekeyturnedinthelock.Herstepswentdownoff
    theporch.Thecardoorslammedandthemotortookhold.Thetiresmadeasoft
    whispergoingdownbetweenthecabins.Thenthenoiseoftheportableradios
    swallowedthatsound.
    Istoodtherelookingaroundthecabin,thenwalkedthroughit.Therewas
    nothinginitthatdidn'tbelongthere.Therewassomegarbageinacan,coffee
    cupsnotwashed,asaucepanfullofgrounds.Therewerenopapers,andnobody
    hadleftthestoryofhislifewrittenonapapermatch.
    Thebackdoorwaslocked,too.Thiswasonthesideawayfromthecamp,
    againstthedarkwildernessofthetrees.Ishookthedoorandbentdowntolook
    atthelock.Astraightboltlock.Iopenedawindow.Ascreenwasnailedover
    itagainstthewalloutside.Iwentbacktothedoorandgaveittheshoulder.
    Itheldwithoutanytroubleatall.Italsostartedmyheadblazingagain.I
    feltinmypocketsandwasdisgusted.Ididn'tevenhaveafivecentskeleton
    key.

    Igotthecanopeneroutofthekitchendrawerandworkedacornerofthe
    screenlooseandbentitback.ThenIgotuponthesinkandreacheddowntothe
    outsideknobofthedoorandgropedaround.Thekeywasinthelock.Iturnedit
    anddrewmyhandinagainandwentoutofthedoor.ThenIwentbackandputthe
    lightsout.Mygunwaslyingonthefrontporchbehindapostofthelittle
    railing.ItuckeditundermyarmandwalkeddownhilltotheplacewhereIhad
    leftmycar.

    Therewasawoodencounterleadingbackfrombesidethedoorandapotbellied
    stoveinthecorner,andalargeblueprintmapofthedistrictandsomecurled
    upcalendarsonthewall.Onthecounterwerepilesofdustylookingfolders,a
    rustypen,abottleofink,andsomebody'ssweatdarkenedStetson.
    Behindthecountertherewasanoldgoldenoakrolltopdesk,andatthe
    desksataman,withatallcorrodedbrassspittoonleaningagainsthisleg.He
    wasaheavy,calmman,andhesattiltedbackinhischairwithlarge,hairless
    handsclaspedonhisstomach.Heworescuffedbrownarmyshoes,whitesocks,
    brownwashpantsheldupbyfadedsuspenders,akhakishirtbuttonedtothe
    neck.Hishairwasmousybrownexceptatthetemples,whereitwasthecolorof
    dirtysnow.Onhisleftbreasttherewasastar.Hesatalittlemoreonhis
    lefthipthanonhisright,becausetherewasabrownleatherhipholsterinside
    hisrighthippocket,andaboutafootof.45gunintheholster.
    Hehadlargeears,andfriendlyeyes,andhelookedaboutasdangerousasa
    squirrel,butmuchlessnervous.Ileanedonthecounterandlookedathim,and
    henoddedatmeandloosedahalfpintofbrownjuiceintothespittoon.Ilita
    cigaretteandlookedaroundforsomeplacetothrowthematch.
    "Trythefloor,"hesaid."WhatcanIdoforyou,son?"
    Idroppedthematchonthefloorandpointedwithmychinatthemaponthe
    wall."Iwaslookingforamapofthedistrict.Sometimeschambersofcommerce
    havethemtogiveaway.ButIguessyouwouldn'tbethechamberofcommerce."
    "Weain'tgotnomaps,"themansaid."Wehadamessofthemacoupleof
    yearsback,butwerunout.IwashearingthatSidYounghadsomedownatthe

    camerastorebythepostoffice.He'sthejusticeofthepeacehere,besides
    runningthecamerastore,andhegivesthemouttoshowthemwhereattheycan
    smokeandwherenot.Wegotabadfirehazarduphere.Gotagoodmapofthe
    districtupthereonthewall.Begladtodirectyouanyplaceyou'dcaretogo.
    Weaimtomakethesummervisitorstohome."
    Hetookaslowbreathanddroppedanotherloadofjuice.
    "Whatwasthename?"heasked.
    "Evans.Areyouthelawaroundhere?"
    "Yep.I'mPumaPointconstableandSanBerdoodeppitysheriff.Whatlawwe
    gottahave,meandSidYoungisit,Barronisthename.IcomefromL.A.
    Eighteenyearsinthefiredepartment.Icomeupherequiteawhileback.Nice
    andquietuphere.Youuponbusiness?"
    Ididn'tthinkhecoulddoitagainsosoon,buthedid.Thatspittoontook
    anawfulbeating.
    "Business?"Iasked.
    Thebigmantookonehandoffhisstomachandhookedafingerinsidehis
    collarandtriedtoloosenit."Business,"hesaidcalmly."Meaning,yougota
    permitforthatgun,Iguess?"
    "Hell,doesitstickoutthatmuch?"
    "Dependswhataman'slookin'for,"hesaid,andputhisfeetonthefloor.
    "Maybeyou'n'mebettergetstraightenedout."
    HegottohisfeetandcameovertothecounterandIputmywalletonit,
    openedoutsothathecouldseethephotostatofthelicencebehindthe
    celluloidwindow.IdrewouttheL.A.sheriff'sgunpermitandlaiditbeside
    thelicense.
    Helookedthemover."Ibetterkindofcheckthenumber,"hesaid.
    Ipulledthegunoutandlaiditonthecounterbesidehishand.Hepicked
    itupandcomparedthenumbers."Iseeyougotthreeofthem.Don'twearthem
    alltoones,Ihope.Nicegun,son.Can'tshootlikemine,though."Hepulled
    hiscannonoffhishipandlaiditonthecounter.AFrontierColtthatwould
    weighasmuchasasuitcase.Hebalancedit,tosseditintotheairandcaught
    itspinning,thenputitbackonhiship.Hepushedmy.38backacrossthe
    counter.
    "Uphereonbusiness,Mr.Evans?"

    "I'mnotsure.Igotacall,butIhaven'tmadeacontactyet.A
    confidentialmatter."
    Henodded.Hiseyeswerethoughtful.Theyweredeeper,colder,darkerthan
    theyhadbeen.
    "I'mstoppingattheIndianHead,"Isaid.
    "Idon'taimtopryintoyouraffairs,son,"hesaid."Wedon'thaveno
    crimehere.Onceinawhileafightoradrunkdriverinsummertime.Ormaybea
    couplehardboiledkidsonamotorcyclewillbreakintoacabinjusttosleep
    andstealfood.Norealcrime,though.Mightylittleinducementtocrimeinthe
    mountains.Mountainfolksaremightypeaceable."
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Andagain,no."
    Heleanedforwardalittleandlookedintomyeyes.
    "Rightnow,"Isaid,'You'vegotamurder."
    Nothingmuchchangedinhisface.Helookedmeoverfeaturebyfeature.He
    reachedforhishatandputitonthebackofhishead.
    "Whatwasthat,son?"heaskedcalmly.
    "Onthepointeastofthevillageoutpastthedancingpavilion.Aman
    shot,lyingbehindabigfallentree.Shotthroughtheheart.Iwasdownthere
    smokingforhalfanhourbeforeInoticedhim."
    "Isthatso?"hedrawled."OutSpeakerPoint,eh?PastSpeaker'sTavern.
    Thattheplace?"
    "That'sright,"Isaid.
    "Youtakenalongishwhiletogetaroundtotellingme,didn'tyou?"The
    eyeswerenotfriendly.
    "Igotashock,"Isaid."Ittookmeawhiletogetmyselfstraightened
    out."
    Henodded."Youandmewillnowdriveoutthatway.Inyourcar."
    "Thatwon'tdoanygood,"Isaid."Thebodyhasbeenmoved.AfterIfound
    thebodyIwasgoingbacktomycarandaJapanesegunmanpoppedupfrombehind
    abushandknockedmedown.Acoupleofmencarriedthebodyawayandtheywent
    offinaboat.There'snosignofitthereatallnow."
    Thesheriffwentoverandspatinhisgobboon.Thenhemadeasmallspiton
    thestoveandwaitedasifforittosizzle,butitwassummerandthestovewas
    out.Heturnedaroundandclearedhisthroatandsaid:"You'dkindofbettergo
    onhomeandliedownalittlewhile,maybe."Heclenchedafistathisside."We

    aimforthesummervisitorstoenjoytheirselvesuphere."Heclenchedbothhis
    hands,thenpushedthemharddownintotheshallowpocketsinthefrontofhis
    pants.
    "Okay,"Isaid.
    "Wedon'thavenoJapanesegunmenuphere,"thesheriffsaidthickly."We
    areplumboutofJapanesegunmen."
    "Icanseeyoudon'tlikethatone,"Isaid."Howaboutthisone?Aman
    namedWeberwasknifedinthebackattheIndianHeadawhileback.Inmyroom.
    SomebodyIdidn'tseeknockedmeoutwithabrick,andwhileIwasoutthis
    Weberwasknifed.HeandIhadbeentalkingtogether.Weberworkedatthehotel.
    Ascashier."
    "Yousaidthishappenedinyourroom?"
    "Yeah."
    "Seemslike,"Barronsaidthoughtfully,"youcouldturnouttobeabad
    influenceinthistown."
    "Youdon'tlikethatone,either?"
    Heshookhishead."Nope.Don'tlikethisone,neither.Unless,ofcourse,
    yougotabodytogowithit."
    "Idon'thaveitwithme,"Isaid,"butIcanrunoverandgetitforyou."
    HereachedandtookholdofmyarmwithsomeofthehardestfingersIever
    felt."I'dhateforyoutobeinyourrightmind,son,"hesaid."ButI'llkind
    ofgooverwithyou.It'sanicenight."
    "Sure,"Isaid,notmoving."ThemanIcameupheretoworkforiscalled
    FredLacey.HejustboughtacabinoutonBallSagePoint.TheBaldwincabin.
    ThemanIfounddeadonSpeakerPointwasnamedFrederickLacey,accordingto
    thedriver'slicenceinhispocket.There'salotmoretoit,butyouwouldn't
    wanttobebotheredwiththedetails,wouldyou?"
    "Youandme,"thesheriffsaid,"willnowrunovertothehotel.Yougota
    car?"
    IsaidIhad.
    "That'sfine,"thesheriffsaid."Wewon'tuseit,butgivemethekeys."

    Themanwiththeheavy,furledeyebrowsandthescrewedincigarleanedagainst
    thecloseddooroftheroomanddidn'tsayanythingorlookasifhewantedto
    sayanything.SheriffBarronsatstraddlingastraightchairandwatchingthe
    doctor,whosenamewasMenzies,examinethebody.IstoodinthecornerwhereI
    belonged.Thedoctorwasanangular,bugeyedmanwithayellowfacerelievedby
    brightredpatchesonhischeeks.Hisfingerswerebrownwithnicotinestains,
    andhedidn'tlookveryclean.
    Hepuffedcigarettesmokeintothedeadman'shairandrolledhimaroundon
    thebedandfelthimhereandthere.Helookedasifhewastryingtoactasif
    heknewwhathewasdoing.TheknifehadbeenpulledoutofWeber'sback.Itlay
    onthebedbesidehim.Itwasashort,widebladedknifeofthekindthatis
    worninaleatherscabbardattachedtothebelt.Ithadaheavyguardwhich
    wouldsealthewoundastheblowwasstruckandkeepbloodfromgettingbackon
    thehandle.Therewasplentyofbloodontheblade.
    "SearsSawbuckHunter'sSpecialNo.2438,"thesheriffsaid,lookingatit.
    "There'sathousandofthemaroundthelake.Theyain'tbadandtheyain'tgood.
    Whatdoyousay,Doc?"
    Thedoctorstraightenedupandtookahandkerchiefout.Hecoughed
    hackinglyintothehandkerchief,lookedatit,shookhisheadsadlyandlit
    anothercigarette.
    "Aboutwhat?"heasked.
    "Causeandtimeofdeath."
    "Deadveryrecently,"thedoctorsaid."Notmorethantwohours.There'sno
    beginningofrigoryet."
    "Wouldyousaytheknifekilledhim?"
    "Don'tbeadamnfool,JimBarron."
    "There'sbeencases,"thesheriffsaid,"whereamanwouldbepoisonedor
    somethingandtheywouldstickaknifeintohimtomakeitlookdifferent."
    "Thatwouldbeveryclever,"thedoctorsaidnastily."Youhadmanylike
    thatuphere?"
    "OnlymurderIhaduphere,"thesheriffsaidpeacefully,"wasoldDad
    Meachamovertotheotherside.HadashackinSheedyCanyon.Folksdidn'tsee
    himaroundforawhile,butitwaskindacoldweatherandtheyfiguredhewasin
    therewithhisoilstoverestingup.Thenwhenhedidn'tshowuptheyknocked

    andfoundthecabinwaslockedup,sotheyfiguredhehadgonedownforthe
    winter.Thencomeaheavysnowandtheroofcavedin.Wewasoverthereatrying
    topropherupsohewouldn'tloseallhisstuff,and,bygum,therewasDadin
    bedwithanaxeinthebackofhishead.Hadalittlegoldhe'dpannedin
    summerIguessthatwaswhathewaskilledfor.Weneverdidfindoutwhodone
    it."
    "Youwanttosendhimdowninmyambulance?"thedoctorasked,pointingat
    thebedwithhiscigarette.
    Thesheriffshookhishead."Nope.Thisisapoorcounty,Doc.Ifigurehe
    couldridecheaperthanthat."
    Thedoctorputhishatonandwenttothedoor.Themanwiththeeyebrows
    movedoutoftheway.Thedoctoropenedthedoor."Letmeknowifyouwantmeto
    payforthefuneral,"hesaid,andwentout.
    "Thatain'tnowaytotalk,"thesheriffsaid.
    Themanwiththeeyebrowssaid:"Let'sgetthisoverwithandgethimout
    ofheresoIcangobacktowork.IgotamovieoutfitcomingupMondayandI'll
    bebusy.Igottofindmeanewcashier,too,andthatain'tsoeasy."
    "WhereyoufindWeber?"thesheriffasked."Didhehaveanyenemies?"
    "I'dsayhehadatleastone,"themanwiththeeyebrowssaid,"Igothim
    throughFrankLudersoverattheWoodlandClub.AllIknowabouthimisheknew
    hisjobandhewasabletomakeatenthousanddollarbondwithoutnotrouble.
    That'sallIneededtoknow."
    "FrankLuders,"thesheriffsaid."Thatwouldbethemanthat'sboughtin
    overthere.Idon'tthinkImethim.Whatdoeshedo?"
    "Ha,ha,"themanwiththeeyebrowssaid.
    Thesherifflookedathimpeacefully."Well,thatain'ttheonlyplace
    wheretheyrunanicepokergame,Mr.Holmes."
    Mr.Holmeslookedblank."Well,Igottogobacktowork,"hesaid."You
    needanyhelptomovehim?"
    "Nope.Ain'tgoingtomovehimrightnow.Movehimbeforedaylight.Butnot
    rightnow.Thatwillbeallfornow,Mr.Holmes."
    Themanwiththeeyebrowslookedathimthoughtfullyforamoment,then
    reachedforthedoorknob.
    Isaid:"YouhaveacoupleofGermangirlsworkinghere,Mr.Holmes.Who
    hiredthem?"

    Themanwiththeeyebrowsdraggedhiscigaroutofhismouth,lookedatit,
    putitbackandscreweditfirmlyinplace.Hesaid:"Wouldthatbeyour
    business?"
    "TheirnamesareAnnaHoffmanandGertrudeSmith,ormaybeSchmidt,"I
    said."TheyhadacabintogetheroverattheWhitewaterCabins.Theypackedup
    andwentdownthehilltonight.GertrudeisthegirlthattookMrs.Lacey's
    shoestotheshoemaker."
    Themanwiththeeyebrowslookedatmeverysteadily.
    Isaid:"WhenGertrudewastakingtheshoes,sheleftthemonWeber'sdesk
    forashorttime.Therewasfivehundreddollarsinoneoftheshoes.Mr.Lacey
    hadputitinthereforajoke,sohiswifewouldfindit."
    "FirstIheardofit,"themanwiththeeyebrowssaid.Thesheriffdidn't
    sayanythingatall.
    "Themoneywasn'tstolen,"Isaid."TheLaceysfounditstillintheshoe
    overattheshoemaker'splace."
    Themanwiththeeyebrowssaid:"I'mcertainlygladthatgotstraightened
    outallright."Hepulledthedooropenandwentoutandshutitbehindhim.The
    sheriffdidn'tsayanythingtostophim.
    Hewentoverintothecorneroftheroomandspatinthewastebasket.Then
    hegotalargekhakicoloredhandkerchiefoutandwrappedthebloodstainedknife
    initandslippeditdowninsidehisbelt,attheside.Hewentoverandstood
    lookingdownatthedeadmanonthebed.Hestraightenedhishatandstarted
    towardsthedoor.Heopenedthedoorandlookedbackatme."Thisisalittle
    tricky,"hesaid."Butitprobablyain'tastrickyasyouwouldlikeforitto
    be.Let'sgoovertoLacey'splace."
    Iwentoutandhelockedthedoorandputthekeyinhispocket.Wewent
    downstairsandoutthroughthelobbyandcrossedthestreettowhereasmall,
    dusty,tancoloredsedanwasparkedagainstthefireplug.Aleatheryyoungman
    wasatthewheel.Helookedunderfedandalittledirty,likemostofthe
    natives.ThesheriffandIgotinthebackofthecar.Thesheriffsaid:"You
    knowtheBaldwinplaceouttotheendofBallSage,Andy?"
    "Yup."
    "We'llgooutthere,"thesheriffsaid."Stopalittletothisside."He
    lookedupatthesky."Fullmoonallnight,tonight,"hesaid."Andit'ssurea
    dandy."

    ThecabinonthepointlookedthesameaswhenIhadseenitlast,Thesame
    windowswerelighted,thesamecarstoodintheopendoublegarage,andthesame
    wild,screamingbarkburstonthenight.
    "Whatinheck'sthat?"thesheriffaskedasthecarslowed."Soundslikea
    coyote."
    "It'shalfacoyote,"Isaid.
    Theleatheryladinfrontsaidoverhisshoulder,"Youwanttostopin
    front,Jim?"
    "Driveherdownapiece.Underthemoldpines."
    Thecarstoppedsoftlyinblackshadowattheroadside.ThesheriffandI
    gotout."Youstayhere,Andy,anddon'tletnobodyseeyou,"thesheriffsaid.
    "Igotmyreasons."
    Wewentbackalongtheroadandthroughtherusticgate.Thebarking
    startedagain.Thefrontdooropened.Thesheriffwentuponthestepsandtook
    hishatoff.
    "Mrs.Lacey?I'mJimBarron,constableatPumaPoint.ThishereisMr.
    Evans,fromLosAngeles.Iguessyouknowhim.Couldwecomeinaminute?"
    Thewomanlookedathimwithafacesocompletelyshadowedthatno
    expressionshowedonit.Sheturnedherheadalittleandlookedatme.She
    said,"Yes,comein,"inalifelessvoice.
    Wewentin.Thewomanshutthedoorbehindus.Abiggrayhairedman
    sittinginaneasychairletgoofthedoghewasholdingonthefloorand
    straightenedup.Thedogtoreacrosstheroom,didaflyingtackleonthe
    sheriff'sstomach,turnedintheairandwasalreadyrunningincircleswhenshe
    hitthefloor.
    "Well,that'sarightnicelittledog,"thesheriffsaid,tuckinghisshirt
    in.
    Thegrayhairedmanwassmilingpleasantly.Hesaid:"Goodevening."His
    white,strongteethgleamedwithfriendliness.

    Mrs.Laceywasstillwearingthescarletdoublebreastedcoatandthegray
    slacks.Herfacelookedolderandmoredrawn.Shelookedatthefloorandsaid:
    "ThisisMr.FrankLudersfromtheWoodlandClub.Mr.Bannonand"shestopped
    andraisedhereyestolookatapointovermyleftshoulder''Ididn'tcatch
    theothergentleman'sname,"shesaid.
    "Evans,"thesheriffsaid,anddidn'tlookatmeatall."Andmineis
    Barron,notBannon."HenoddedatLuders.InoddedatLuders.Luderssmiledat
    bothofus.Hewasbig,meaty,powerfullooking,wellkeptandcheerful.He
    didn'thaveacareintheworld.Big,breezyFrankLuders,everybody'spal.
    Hesaid:"I'veknownFredLaceyforalongtime.Ijustdroppedbytosay
    hello.He'snothome,soIamwaitingalittlewhileuntilafriendcomesbyin
    acartopickmeup."
    "Pleasedtoknowyou,Mr.Luders,"thesheriffsaid."Iheardyouhad
    boughtinattheclub.Didn'thavethepleasureofmeetingyouyet."
    Thewomansatdownveryslowlyontheedgeofachair.Isatdown.The
    littledog,Shiny,jumpedinmylap,washedmyrightearforme,squirmeddown
    againandwentundermychair.Shelaytherebreathingoutloudandthumpingthe
    floorwithherfeatherytail.
    Theroomwasstillforamoment.Outsidethewindowsonthelakesidethere
    wasaveryfaintthrobbingsound.Thesheriffheardit.Hecockedhishead
    slightly,butnothingchangedinhisface.
    Hesaid:"Mr.Evansherecometomeandtoldmeaqueerstory.Iguessit
    ain'tnoharmtomentionithere,seeingMr.Ludersisafriendofthefamily."
    HelookedatMrs.Laceyandwaited.Sheliftedhereyesslowly,butnot
    enoughtomeethis.Sheswallowedacoupleoftimesandnoddedherhead.Oneof
    herhandsbegantoslideslowlyupanddownthearmofherchair,backand
    forth,backandforth.Luderssmiled.
    "I'dalikedtohaveMr.Laceyhere,"thesheriffsaid."Youthinkhe'llbe
    inprettysoon?"
    Thewomannoddedagain."Isupposeso,"shesaidinadrainedvoice."He's
    beengonesincemidafternoon.Idon'tknowwhereheis.Ihardlythinkhewould
    godownthehillwithouttellingme,buthehashadtimetodothat.Something
    mighthavecomeup."

    "Seemslikesomethingdid,"thesheriffsaid."SeemslikeMr.Laceywrotea
    lettertoMr.Evans,askinghimtocomeupherequickly.Mr.Evansisa
    detectivefromL.A."
    Thewomanmovedrestlessly."Adetective?"shebreathed.Luderssaid
    brightly:"NowwhyintheworldwouldFreddothat?"
    "Onaccountofsomemoneythatwashidinashoe,"thesheriffsaid.
    LudersraisedhiseyebrowsandlookedatMrs.Lacey.Mrs.Laceymovedher
    lipstogetherandthensaidveryshortly:"Butwegotthatback,Mr.Bannon.
    Fredwashavingajoke.Hewonalittlemoneyattheracesandhiditinoneof
    myshoes.Hemeantitforasurprise.Isenttheshoeouttoberepairedwith
    themoneystillinit,butthemoneywasstillinitwhenwewentovertothe
    shoemaker'splace."
    'Barronisthename,notBannon,"thesheriffsaid."Soyougotyourmoney
    backallintact,Mrs.Lacey?"
    "Whyofcourse.Ofcourse,wethoughtatfirst,itbeingahotelandone
    ofthemaidshavingtakentheshoewell,Idon'tknowjustwhatwethought,but
    itwasasillyplacetohidemoneybutwegotitback,everycentofit."
    "Anditwasthesamemoney?"Isaid,beginningtogettheideaandnot
    likingit.
    Shedidn'tquitelookatme."Why,ofcourse.Whynot?"
    "Thatain'tthewayIhearditfromMr.Evans,"thesheriffsaid
    peacefully,andfoldedhishandsacrosshisstomach."Therewasaslight
    difference,seemslike,inthewayyoutoldittoEvans."
    Ludersleanedforwardsuddenlyinhischair,buthissmilestayedput.I
    didn'tevengettight.Thewomanmadeavaguegestureandherhandkeptmoving
    onthechairarm."I...toldit...toldwhattoMr.Evans?"
    Thesheriffturnedhisheadveryslowlyandgavemeastraight,hardstare.
    Heturnedhisheadback.Onehandpattedtheotheronhisstomach.
    "IunderstandMr.Evanswasoverhereearlierintheeveningandyoutold
    himaboutit,Mrs.Lacey.Aboutthemoneybeingchanged?"
    "Changed?"Hervoicehadacuriouslyhollowsound."Mr.Evanstoldyouhe
    washereearlierintheevening?I...IneversawMr.Evansbeforeinmylife."
    Ididn'tevenbothertolookather.Luderswasmyman.IlookedatLuders.
    Itgotmewhatthenickelgetsyoufromtheslotmachine.Hechuckledandputa
    freshmatchtohiscigar.

    Thesheriffclosedhiseyes.Hisfacehadasortofsadexpression.Thedog
    cameoutfromundermychairandstoodinthemiddleoftheroomlookingat
    Luders.Thenshewentoverinthecornerandslidunderthefringeofadaybed
    cover.Asnufflingsoundcamefromheramoment,thensilence.
    "Hum,hum,dummy,"thesheriffsaid,talkingtohimself."Iain'treally
    equippedtohandlethissortofadeal.Idon'thavetheexperience.Wedon't
    havenofastworklikethatuphere.Nocrimeatallinthemountains.Hardly."
    Hemadeawryface.
    Heopenedhiseyes."Howmuchmoneywasthatintheshoe,Mrs.Lacey?"
    "Fivehundreddollars."Hervoicewashushed.
    "Whereatisthismoney,Mrs.Lacey?"
    "IsupposeFredhasit."
    "Ithoughthewasgoin'togiveittoyou,Mrs.Lacey."
    "Hewas,"shesaidsharply.'Heis.ButIdon'tneeditatthemoment.Not
    uphere.He'llprobablygivemeachecklateron."
    "Wouldhehaveitinhispocketorwoulditbeinthecabinhere,Mrs.
    Lacey?"
    Sheshookherhead."Inhispocket,probably.Idon'tknow.Doyouwantto
    searchthecabin?"
    Thesheriffshruggedhisfatshoulders."Why,no,Iguessnot,Mrs.Lacey.
    Itwouldn'tdomenogoodifIfounditespeciallyifitwasn'tchanged."
    Luderssaid:"Justhowdoyoumeanchanged,Mr.Barron?"
    "Changedforcounterfeitmoney,"thesheriffsaid.
    Luderslaughedquietly."That'sreallyamusing,don'tyouthink?
    CounterfeitmoneyatPumaPoint?There'snoopportunityforthatsortofthing
    uphere,isthere?"
    Thesheriffnoddedathimsadly."Don'tsoundreasonable,doesit?"
    Luderssaid:"AndyouronlysourceofinformationonthepointisMr.Evans
    herewhoclaimstobeadetective?Aprivatedetective,nodoubt?"
    "Ithoughtofthat,"thesheriffsaid.
    Ludersleanedforwardalittlemore."HaveyouanyknowledgeotherthanMr.
    Evans'statementthatFredLaceysentforhim?"
    "He'dhavetoknowsomethingtocomeuphere,wouldn'the?"thesheriff
    saidinaworriedvoice."AndheknewaboutthatmoneyinMrs.Lacey'sslipper."
    "Iwasjustaskingaquestion,"Luderssaidsoftly.

    Thesheriffswungaroundonme.Iwasalreadywearingmyfrozensmile.
    SincetheincidentinthehotelIhadn'tlookedforLacey'sletter.IknewI
    wouldn'thavetolook,now.
    "YougotaletterfromLacey?"heaskedmeinahardvoice.
    Iliftedmyhandtowardsmyinsidebreastpocket.Barronthrewhisright
    handdownandup.WhenitcameupitheldtheFrontierColt."I'lltakethatgun
    ofyoursfirst,"hesaidbetweenhisteeth.Hestoodup.
    Ipulledmycoatopenandhelditopen.Heleaneddownovermeandjerked
    theautomaticfromtheholster.Helookedatitsourlyamomentanddroppedit
    intohislefthippocket.Hesatdownagain."Nowlook,"hesaideasily.
    Luderswatchedmewithblandinterest.Mrs.Laceyputherhandstogether
    andsqueezedthemhardandstaredatthefloorbetweenhershoes.
    Itookthestuffoutofmybreastpocket.Acoupleofletters,someplain
    cardsforcasualnotes,apacketofpipecleaners,asparehandkerchief.Neither
    oftheletterswastheone.Iputthestuffbackandgotacigaretteoutandput
    itbetweenmylips.Istruckthematchandheldtheflametothetobacco.
    Nonchalant.
    "Youwin,"Isaid,smiling."Bothofyou."
    TherewasaslowflushonBarron'sfaceandhiseyesglittered.Hislips
    twitchedasheturnedawayfromme.
    "Whynot,"Ludersaskedgently,"seealsoifhereallyisadetective?"
    Barronbarelyglancedathim."Thesmallthingsdon'tbotherme,"hesaid.
    "RightnowI'minvestigatin'amurder."
    Hedidn'tseemtobelookingateitherLudersorMrs.Lacey.Heseemedto
    belookingatacorneroftheceiling.Mrs.Laceyshook,andherhandstightened
    sothattheknucklesgleamedhardandshinyandwhiteinthelamplight.Her
    mouthopenedveryslowly,andhereyesturnedupinherhead.Adrysobhalf
    diedinherthroat.
    Luderstookthecigaroutofhismouthandlaiditcarefullyinthebrass
    diponthesmokingstandbesidehim.Hestoppedsmiling.Hismouthwasgrim.He
    saidnothing.
    Itwasbeautifullytimed.Barrongavethemalltheyneededforthereaction
    andnotasecondforacomeback.Hesaid,inthesamealmostindifferentvoice:
    "AmannamedWeber,cashierintheIndianHeadHotel.HewasknifedinEvans'
    room.Evanswasthere,buthewasknockedoutbeforeithappened,soheisone

    ofthemboyswehearsomuchaboutanddon'toftenmeettheboysthatgetthere
    first."
    "Notme,"Isaid."Theybringtheirmurdersanddropthemrightatmy
    feet."
    Thewoman'sheadjerked.Thenshelookedup,andforthefirsttimeshe
    lookedstraightatme.Therewasaqueerlightinhereyes,shiningfarback,
    remoteandmiserable.
    Barronstoodupslowly."Idon'tgetit,"hesaid."Idon'tgetitatall.
    ButIguessIain'tmakinganymistakeintakin'thisfellerin."Heturnedto
    me."Don'truntoofast,notatfirst,bud.Ialwaysgiveamanfortyyards."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Nobodysaidanything.
    Barronsaidslowly:"I'llhavetoaskyoutowaitheretillIcomeback,
    Mr.Luders.Ifyourfriendcomesforyou,youcouldlethimgoon.I'dbeglad
    todriveyoubacktotheclublater."
    Ludersnodded.Barronlookedataclockonthemantel.Itwasaquarterto
    twelve."Kindalateforaoldfuddyduddylikeme.YouthinkMr.Laceywillbe
    homeprettysoon,ma'am?"
    "I...Ihopeso,"shesaid,andmadeagesturethatmeantnothingunlessit
    meanthopelessness.
    Barronmovedovertoopenthedoor.Hejerkedhischinatme.Iwentouton
    theporch.Thelittledogcamehalfwayoutfromunderthecouchandmadea
    whiningsound.Barronlookeddownather.
    "Thatsureisanicelittledog,"hesaid."Iheardshewashalfcoyote.
    Whatdidyousaytheotherhalfwas?"
    "Wedon'tknow,"Mrs.Laceymurmured.
    "KindoflikethiscaseI'mworkingon,"Barronsaid,andcameoutonto
    theporchafterme.

    Wewalkeddowntheroadwithoutspeakingandcametothecar.Andywasleaning
    backinthecorner,adeadhalfcigarettebetweenhislips.

    Wegotintothecar."Drivedownapiece,abouttwohundredyards,"Barron
    said."Makeplentyofnoise."
    Andystartedthecar,racedthemotor,clashedthegears,andthecarslid
    downthroughthemoonlightandaroundacurveoftheroadandupamoonlithill
    sparredwiththeshadowsoftreetrunks.
    "Turnheratthetopandcoastback,butnotclose,"Barronsaid."Stayout
    ofsightofthatcabin.Turnyourlightsoffbeforeyouturn."
    "Yup,"Andysaid.
    Heturnedthecarjustshortofthetop,goingaroundatreetodoit.He
    cutthelightsoffandstartedbackdownthelittlehill,thenkilledthemotor.
    Justbeyondthebottomoftheslopetherewasaheavyclumpofmanzanita,almost
    astallasironwood.Thecarstoppedthere.Andypulledthebrakebackvery
    slowlytosmoothoutthenoiseoftheratchet.
    Barronleanedforwardoverthebackseat."We'regoin'acrosstheroadand
    getnearthewater,"hesaid."Idon'twantnonoiseandnobodywalkin'inno
    moonlight."
    Andysaid:"Yup."
    Wegotout.Wewalkedcarefullyonthedirtoftheroad,thenonthepine
    needles.Wefilteredthroughthetrees,behindfallenlogs,untilthewaterwas
    downbelowwherewestood.Barronsatdownonthegroundandthenlaydown.Andy
    andIdidthesame.BarronputhisfaceclosetoAndy.
    "Hearanything?"
    Andysaid:"Eightcylinders,kindarough."
    Ilistened.IcouldtellmyselfIheardit,butIcouldn'tbesure.Barron
    noddedinthedark."Watchthelightsinthecabin,"hewhispered.
    Wewatched.Fiveminutespassed,orenoughtimetoseemlikefiveminutes.
    Thelightsinthecabindidn'tchange.Thentherewasaremote,halfimagined
    soundofadoorclosing.Therewereshoesonwoodensteps.
    "Smart.Theyleftthelighton,"BarronsaidinAndy'sear.Wewaited
    anothershortminute.Theidlingmotorburstintoaroarofthrobbingsound,a
    stuttering,confusedracket,withasortofhop,skipandjumpinit.Thesound
    sanktoaheavypurringroarandthenquicklybegantofade.Adarkshapeslid
    outonthemoonlitwater,curvedwithabeautifullineoffrothandsweptpast
    thepointoutofsight.

    Barrongotaplugoftobaccooutandbit.Hechewedcomfortablyandspat
    fourfeetbeyondhisfeet.Thenhegotuponhisfeetanddustedoffthepine
    needles.AndyandIgotup.
    "Manain'tgotgoodsensechewin'tobaccothesedays,"hesaid."Things
    ain'tfixedforhim.Inearwenttosleepbackthereinthecabin."Helifted
    theColthewasstillholdinginhislefthand,changedhandsandpackedthegun
    awayonhiship.
    "Well?"hesaid,lookingatAndy.
    "TedRooney'sboat,"Andysaid."She'sgottwostickyvalvesandabig
    crackinthemuffler.Youhearitbestwhenyouthrottleherup,liketheydid
    justbeforetheystarted."
    ItwasalotofwordsforAndy,butthesherifflikedthem.
    "Couldn'tbewrong,Andy?Lotsofboatsgetstickyvalves."Andysaid:
    "Whatthehellyouaskmefor?"inanastyvoice.
    "Okay,Andy,don'tgetsore."
    Andygrunted.Wecrossedtheroadandgotintothecaragain.Andystarted
    itup,backedandturnandsaid:"Lights?"
    Barronnodded.Andyputthelightson."Wheretonow?"
    "TedRooney'splace,"Barronsaidpeacefully."Andmakeitfast.Wegotten
    milestothere."
    "Can'tmakeitinless'ntwentyminutes,"Andysaidsourly."Gottogo
    throughthePoint."
    Thecarhitthepavedlakeroadandstartedbackpastthedarkboys'camp
    andtheothercamps,andturnedleftonthehighway.Barrondidn'tspeakuntil
    wewerebeyondthevillageandtheroadouttoSpeakerPoint.Thedancebandwas
    stillgoingstronginthepavilion.
    "Ifoolyouany?"heaskedmethen.
    "Enough."
    "DidIdosomethingwrong?"
    "Thejobwasperfect,"Isaid,"butIdon'tsupposeyoufooledLuders."
    "Thatladywasmightyuncomfortable,"Barronsaid."ThatLudersisagood
    man.Hard,quiet,fullofeyesight.ButIfooledhimsome.Hemademistakes."
    "Icanthinkofacouple,"Isaid."Onewasbeingthereatall.Anotherwas
    tellingusafriendwascomingtopickhimup,toexplainwhyhehadnocar.It

    didn'tneedexplaining.Therewasacarinthegarage,butyoudidn'tknowwhose
    caritwas.Anotherwaskeepingthatboatidling."
    "Thatwasn'tnomistake,"Andysaidfromthefrontseat."Notifyouever
    triedtostartherupcold."
    Barronsaid:"Youdon'tleaveyourcarinthegaragewhenyoucomecallin'
    uphere.Ain'tnomoisturetohurtit.Theboatcouldhavebeenanybody'sboat.
    Acoupleofyoungfolkscouldhavebeeninitgettingacquainted.Iain'tgot
    anythingonhim,anyways,sofarasheknows.Hejustworkedtoohardtryin'to
    headmeoff."
    Hespatoutofthecar.Ihearditsmacktherearfenderlikeawetrag.
    Thecarsweptthroughthemoonlitnight,aroundcurves,upanddownhills,
    throughfairlythickpinesandalongopenflatswherecattlelay.
    Isaid:"HeknewIdidn'thavetheletterLaceywroteme.Becausehetook
    itawayfrommehimself,upinmyroomatthehotel.ItwasLudersthatknocked
    meoutandknifedWeber.LudersknowsthatLaceyisdead,evenifhedidn'tkill
    him.That'swhathe'sgotonMrs.Lacey.Shethinksherhusbandisaliveand
    thatLudershashim."
    "YoumakethisLudersoutaprettybadguy,"Barronsaidcalmly."Whywould
    LudersknifeWeber?"
    "BecauseWeberstartedallthetrouble.Thisisanorganization.Itsobject
    istounloadsomeverygoodcounterfeittendollarbills,agreatmanyofthem.
    Youdon'tadvancethecausebyunloadingtheminfivehundreddollarlots,all
    brandnew,incircumstancesthatwouldmakeanybodysuspicious,wouldmakea
    muchlesscarefulmanthanFredLaceysuspicious."
    "You'redoingsomeniceguessin',son,"thesheriffsaid,grabbingthedoor
    handleaswetookafastturn,"buttheneighborsain'twatchin'you.Igotto
    bemorecareful.I'minmyownbackyard.PumaLakedon'tstrikemeasavery
    goodplacetogointothecounterfeitmoneybusiness."
    "Okay,"Isaid.
    "Ontheotherhand,ifLudersisthemanIwant,hemightbekindofhard
    tocatch.There'sthreeroadsoutofthevalley,andthere'shalfadozenplanes
    downtotheeastendoftheWoodlandClubgolfcourse.Alwaysisinsummer."
    "Youdon'tseemtobedoingverymuchworryingaboutit,"Isaid.
    "Amountainsheriffdon'thavetoworryalot,"Barronsaidcalmly."Nobody
    expectshimtohaveanybrains.EspeciallyguyslikeMr.Ludersdon't."

    10

    Theboatlayinthewaterattheendofashortpainter,movingasboatsmove
    eveninthestillestwater.Acanvastarpaulincoveredmostofitandwastied
    downhereandthere,butnoteverywhereitshouldhavebeentied.Behindthe
    shortricketypieraroadtwistedbackthroughjunipertreestothehighway.
    Therewasacampofftooneside,withaminiaturewhitelighthouseforits
    trademark.Asoundofdancemusiccamefromoneofthecabins,butmostofthe
    camphadgonetobed.
    Wecamedowntherewalking,leavingthecarontheshoulderofthehighway.
    Barronhadabigflashinhishandandkeptthrowingitthiswayandthat,
    snappingitonandoff.Whenwecametotheedgeofthewaterandtheendofthe
    roadtothepier,heputhisflashlightontheroadandstudieditcarefully.
    Therewerefreshlookingtiretracks.
    "Whatdoyouthink?"heaskedme.
    "Looksliketiretracks,"Isaid.
    "Whatdoyouthink,Andy?"Barronsaid."Thismaniscute,buthedon't
    givemenoideas."
    Andybentoverandstudiedthetracks."Newtiresandbigones,"hesaid,
    andwalkedtowardsthepier.Hestoopeddownagainandpointed.Thesheriff
    threwthelightwherehepointed."Yup,turnedaroundhere,"Andysaid."So
    what?Theplaceisfullofnewcarsrightnow.ComeOctoberandthey'dmean
    something.Folksthatliveupherebuyonetireatatime,andcheapones,at
    that.Thesehereareheavydutyallweathertreads."
    "Mightseeabouttheboat,"thesheriffsaid.
    "Whataboutit?"
    "Mightseeifitwasusedrecent,"Barronsaid.
    "Hell,"Andysaid,"weknowitwasusedrecent,don'twe?"
    "Alwayssupposin'youguessedright,"Barronsaidmildly.
    Andylookedathiminsilenceforamoment.Thenhespatonthegroundand
    startedbacktowherewehadleftthecar.Whenhehadgoneadozenfeethesaid

    overhisshoulder:"Iwasn'tguessin'."Heturnedhisheadagainandwenton,
    plowingthroughthetrees.
    "Kindoftouchy,"Barronsaid."Butagoodman."Hewentdownontheboat
    landingandbentoverit,passinghishandalongtheforwardpartoftheside,
    belowthetarpaulin.Hecamebackslowlyandnodded."Andy'sright.Alwaysis,
    durnhim.Whatkindoftireswouldyousaythosemarkswere,Mr.Evans?They
    tellyouanything?"
    "CadillacV12,"Isaid."Aclubcoupewithredleatherseatsandtwo
    suitcasesintheback.Theclockonthedashistwelveandonehalfminutes
    slow."
    Hestoodthere,thinkingaboutit.Thenhenoddedhisbighead.Hesighed.
    "Well,Ihopeitmakesmoneyforyou,"hesaid,andturnedaway.
    Wewentbacktothecar.Andywasinthefrontseatbehindthewheelagain.
    Hehadacigarettegoing.Helookedstraightaheadofhimthroughthedusty
    windshield.
    "Where'sRooneylivenow?"Barronasked.
    "Wherehealwayslived,"Andysaid.
    "Why,that'sjustapieceuptheBascombroad."
    "Iain'tsaiddifferent,"Andygrowled.
    "Let'sgothere,"thesheriffsaid,gettingin.Igotinbesidehim.
    Andyturnedthecarandwentbackhalfamileandthenstartedtoturn.The
    sheriffsnappedtohim:"Holditaminute."
    Hegotoutandusedhisflashontheroadsurface.Hegotbackintothe
    car."Ithinkwegotsomething.Themtracksdownbythepierdon'tmeanalot.
    Butthesametracksupheremightturnouttomeanmore.Iftheygooninto
    Bascomb,they'regoin'tomeanplenty.Themoldgoldcampsoverthereismadeto
    orderformonkeybusiness."
    Thecarwentintothesideroadandclimbedslowlyintoagap.Bigboulders
    crowdedtheroad,andthehillsidewasstuddedwiththem.Theyglistenedpure
    whiteinthemoonlight.ThecargrowledonforhalfamileandthenAndystopped
    again.
    "Okay,Hawkshaw,thisisthecabin,"hesaid.Barrongotoutagainand
    walkedaroundwithhisflash.Therewasnolightinthecabin.Hecamebackto
    thecar.

    "Theycomebyhere,"hesaid."BringingTedhome.Whentheyleftthey
    turnedtowardsBascomb.YoufigureTedRooneywouldbemixedupinsomething
    crooked,Andy?"
    "Notunlesstheypaidhimforit,"Andysaid.
    IgotoutofthecarandBarronandIwentuptowardsthecabin.Itwas
    small,rough,coveredwithnativepine.Ithadawoodenporch,atinchimney
    guyedwithwires,andasaggingprivybehindthecabinattheedgeofthetrees.
    Itwasdark.WewalkedupontheporchandBarronhammeredonthedoor.Nothing
    happened.Hetriedtheknob.Thedoorwaslocked.Wewentdownofftheporchand
    aroundtheback,lookingatthewindows.Theywereallshut.Barrontriedthe
    backdoor,whichwaslevelwiththeground.Thatwaslocked,too.Hepounded.
    Theechoesofthesoundwanderedoffthroughthetreesandechoedhighuponthe
    riseamongtheboulders.
    "He'sgonewiththem,"Barronsaid."Iguesstheywouldn'tdastleavehim
    now.Prob'lystoppedherejusttolethimgethisstuffsomeofit.Yep."
    Isaid:"Idon'tthinkso.AlltheywantedofRooneywashisboat.That
    boatpickedupFredLacey'sbodyoutattheendofSpeakerPointearlythis
    evening.Thebodywasprobablyweightedanddroppedoutinthelake.Theywaited
    fordarktodothat.Rooneywasinonit,andhegotpaid.Tonighttheywanted
    theboatagain.Buttheygottothinkingtheydidn'tneedRooneyalong.Andif
    they'reoverinBascombValleyinsomequietlittleplace,makingorstoring
    counterfeitmoney,theywouldn'tatallwantRooneytogoovertherewiththem."
    "You'reguessingagain,son,"thesheriffsaidkindly."Anyways,Idon't
    havenosearchwarrant.ButIcanlookoverRooney'sdollhouseaminute.Wait
    forme."
    Hewalkedawaytowardstheprivy.Itooksixfeetandhitthedoorofthe
    cabin.Itshiveredandsplitdiagonallyacrosstheupperpanel.Behindme,the
    sheriffcalledout,"Hey,"weakly,asifhedidn'tmeanit.
    Itookanothersixfeetandhitthedooragain.Iwentinwithitand
    landedonmyhandsandkneesonapieceoflinoleumthatsmelledlikeafish
    skillet.Igotuptomyfeetandreachedupandturnedthekeyswitchofa
    hangingbulb.Barronwasrightbehindme,makingcluckingnoisesofdisapproval.
    Therewasakitchenwithawoodstove,somedirtywoodenshelveswith
    dishesonthem.Thestovegaveoutafaintwarmth.Unwashedpotssatontopof
    itandsmelled.Iwentacrossthekitchenandintothefrontroom.Iturnedon

    anotherhangingbulb.Therewasanarrowbedtooneside,madeuproughly,with
    aslimyquiltonit.Therewasawoodentable,somewoodenchairs,anold
    cabinetradio,hooksonthewall,anashtraywithfourburnedpipesinit,a
    pileofpulpmagazinesinthecorneronthefloor.
    Theceilingwaslowtokeeptheheatin.Inthecornertherewasatrapto
    getuptotheattic.Thetrapwasopenandastepladderstoodundertheopening.
    Anoldwaterstainedcanvassuitcaselayopenonawoodenbox,andtherewere
    oddsandendsofclothinginit.
    Barronwentoverandlookedatthesuitcase."LookslikeRooneywasgetting
    readytomoveoutorgoforatrip.Thentheseboyscomealongandpickedhim
    up.Heain'tfinishedhispacking,buthegothissuitin.AmanlikeRooney
    don'thavebutonesuitanddon'twearthat'lesshegoesdownthehill."
    "He'snothere,"Isaid."Heatedinnerhere,though.Thestoveisstill
    warm."
    Thesheriffcastaspeculativeeyeatthestepladder.Hewentoverand
    climbedupitandpushedthetrapupwithhishead.Heraisedhistorchand
    shoneitaroundoverhead.Heletthetrapcloseandcamedownthestepladder
    again.
    "Likelyhekeptthesuitcaseupthere,"hesaid."Iseethere'saold
    steamertrunkupthere,too.Youreadytoleave?"
    "Ididn'tseeacararound,"Isaid."Hemusthavehadacar."
    "Yep.HadaoldPlymouth.Dousethelight."
    Hewalkedbackintothekitchenandlookedaroundthatandthenweputboth
    thelightsoutandwentoutofthehouse.Ishutwhatwasleftofthebackdoor.
    Barronwasexaminingtiretracksinthesoftdecomposedgranite,trailingthem
    backovertoaspaceunderabigoaktreewhereacoupleoflargedarkenedareas
    showedwhereacarhadstoodmanytimesanddrippedoil.
    Hecamebackswinginghisflash,thenlookedtowardstheprivyandsaid:
    "YoucouldgoonbacktoAndy.Istillgottalookoverthatdollhouse."
    Ididn'tsayanything.Iwatchedhimgoalongthepathtotheprivyand
    unlatchthedoor,andopenit.Isawhisflashgoinsideandthelightleaked
    outofadozencracksandfromtheramshackleroof.Iwalkedbackalongtheside
    ofthecabinandgotintothecar.Thesheriffwasgonealongtime.Hecame
    backslowly,stoppedbesidethecarandbitoffanotherchewfromhisplug.He
    rolleditaroundinhismouthandthengottoworkonit.

    "Rooney,"hesaid,"isintheprivy.Shottwiceinthehead."Hegotinto
    thecar."Shotwithabiggun,andshotverydead.Judgin'fromthe
    circumstancesIwouldsaysomebodywasinahellofahurry."

    11

    Theroadclimbedsteeplyforawhilefollowingthemeanderingsofadried
    mountainstreamthebedofwhichwasfullofboulders.Thenitleveledoffabout
    athousandorfifteenhundredfeetabovethelevelofthelake.Wecrosseda
    cattlestopofspacednarrowrailsthatclankedunderthecarwheels.Theroad
    begantogodown.Awideundulatingflatappearedwithafewbrowsingcattlein
    it.Alightlessfarmhouseshowedupagainstthemoonlitsky.Wereachedawider
    roadthatranatrightangles.AndystoppedthecarandBarrongotoutwithhis
    bigflashlightagainandranthespotslowlyovertheroadsurface.
    "Turnedleft,"hesaid,straightening."Thanksbethereain'tbeenanother
    carpastsincethemtracksweremade."Hegotbackintothecar.
    "Leftdon'tgotonooldmines,"Andysaid."LeftgoestoWorden'splace
    andthenbackdowntothelakeatthedam."
    Barronsatsilentamomentandthengotoutofthecarandusedhisflash
    again.HemadeasurprisedsoundovertotherightoftheTintersection.He
    camebackagain,snappingthelightoff.
    "Goesright,too,"hesaid."Butgoesleftfirst.Theydoubledback,but
    theybeensomewhereoffwestofherebeforetheydoneit.Wegoliketheywent."
    Andysaid:"Yousuretheywentleftfirstandnotlast?Leftwouldbeaway
    outtothehighway."
    "Yep.Rightmarksoverlaysleftmarks,"Barronsaid.
    Weturnedleft.Theknollsthatdottedthevalleywerecoveredwith
    ironwoodtrees,someofthemhalfdead.Ironwoodgrowstoabouteighteenor
    twentyfeethighandthendies.Whenitdiesthelimbsstripthemselvesandget
    agraywhitecolorandshineinthemoonlight.
    Wewentaboutamileandthenanarrowroadshotofftowardsthenorth,a
    meretrack.Andystopped.Barrongotoutagainandusedhisflash.Hejerkedhis
    thumbandAndyswungthecar.Thesheriffgotin.

    "Themboysain'ttoocareful,"hesaid."Nope.I'dsaytheyain'tcareful
    atall.ButtheyneverfiguredAndycouldtellwherethatboatcomefrom,just
    bylistenin'toit."
    Theroadwentintoafoldofthemountainsandthegrowthgotsocloseto
    itthatthecarbarelypassedwithoutscratching.Thenitdoubledbackata
    sharpangleandroseagainandwentaroundaspurofhillandasmallcabin
    showedup,pressedbackagainstaslopewithtreesonallsidesofit.
    Andsuddenly,fromthehouseorveryclosetoit,camealong,shrieking
    yellwhichendedinasnappingbark.Thebarkwaschokedoffsuddenly.
    Barronstartedtosay:"Killthem"butAndyhadalreadycutthelights
    andpulledofftheroad."Toolate,Iguess,"hesaiddryly."Must'veseenus,
    ifanybody'swatchin'."
    Barrongotoutofthecar."Thatsoundedmightylikeacoyote,Andy."
    "Awfulclosetothehouseforacoyote,don'tyouthink,Andy?"
    "Nope,"Andysaid."Light'sout,acoyotewouldcomerightuptothecabin
    lookin'forburiedgarbage."
    "Andthenagainitcouldbethatlittledog,"Barronsaid.
    "Orahenlayingasquareegg,"Isaid."Whatarewewaitingfor?Andhow
    aboutgivingmebackmygun?Andarewetryingtocatchupwithanybody,ordo
    wejustliketogetthingsallfiguredoutaswegoalong?"
    Thesherifftookmygunoffhislefthipandhandedittome."Iain'tin
    nohurry,"hesaid."BecauseLudersain'tinnohurry.Hecouldabeenlonggone,
    ifhewas.TheywasinahurrytogetRooney,becauseRooneyknewsomething
    aboutthem.ButRooneydon'tknownothingaboutthemnowbecausehe'sdeadand
    hishouselockedupandhiscardrivenaway.Ifyouhadn'tbustinhisback
    door,hecouldbethereinhisprivyacoupleofweeksbeforeanybodywouldget
    curious.Themtiretrackslookskindofobvious,butthat'sonlybecauseweknow
    wheretheystarted.Theydon'thaveanyreasontothinkwecouldfindthatout.
    Sowherewouldwestart?No,Iain'tinanyhurry."
    Andystoopedoverandcameupwithadeerrifle.Heopenedthelefthand
    doorandgotoutofthecar.
    "Thelittledog'sinthere,"Barronsaidpeacefully."ThatmeansMrs.Lacey
    isinthere,too.Andtherewouldbesomebodytowatchher.Yep,Iguesswe
    bettergoupandlook,Andy."
    "Ihopeyou'rescared,"Andysaid."Iam."

    Westartedthroughthetrees.Itwasabouttwohundredyardstothecabin.
    Thenightwasverystill.EvenatthatdistanceIheardawindowopen.Wewalked
    aboutfiftyfeetapart.Andystayedbacklongenoughtolockthecar.Thenhe
    startedtomakeawidecircle,farouttotheright.
    Nothingmovedinthecabinaswegotclosetoit,nolightshowed.The
    coyoteorShiny,thedog,whicheveritwas,didn'tbarkagain.
    Wegotveryclosetothehouse,notmorethantwentyyards.BarronandI
    wereaboutthesamedistanceapart.Itwasasmallroughcabin,builtlike
    Rooney'splace,butlarger.Therewasanopengarageattheback,butitwas
    empty.Thecabinhadasmallporchoffieldstone.
    Thentherewasthesoundofashort,sharpstruggleinthecabinandthe
    beginningofabark,suddenlychokedoff.Barronfelldownflatontheground.I
    didthesame.Nothinghappened.
    Barronstoodupslowlyandbegantomoveforwardastepatatimeanda
    pausebetweeneachstep.Istayedout.Barronreachedtheclearedspaceinfront
    ofthehouseandstartedtogoupthestepstotheporch.Hestoodthere,bulky,
    clearlyoutlinedinthemoonlight,theColthangingathisside.Itlookedlike
    aswellwaytocommitsuicide.
    Nothinghappened.Barronreachedthetopofthesteps,movedovertight
    againstthewall.Therewasawindowtohisleft,thedoortohisright.He
    changedhisguninhishandandreachedouttobangonthedoorwiththebutt,
    thenswiftlyreverseditagain,andflattenedtothewall.
    Thedogscreamedinsidethehouse.Ahandholdingaguncameoutatthe
    bottomoftheopenedwindowandturned.
    Itwasatoughshotattherange.Ihadtomakeit.Ishot.Thebarkofthe
    automaticwasdrownedinthedullerboomofarifle.Thehanddroopedandthe
    gundroppedtotheporch.Thehandcameoutalittlefartherandthefingers
    twitched,thenbegantoscratchatthesill.Thentheywentbackinthroughthe
    windowandthedoghowled.Barronwasatthedoor,jerkingatit.AndAndyandI
    wererunninghardforthecabin,fromdifferentangles.
    Barrongotthedooropenandlightframedhimsuddenlyassomeoneinside
    litalampandturneditup.
    ImadetheporchasBarronwentin,Andyclosebehindme.Wewentintothe
    livingroomofthecabin.

    Mrs.FredLaceystoodinthemiddleofthefloorbesideatablewithalamp
    onit,holdingthelittledoginherarms.Athickset,blondishmanlayonhis
    sideunderthewindow,breathingheavily,hishandgropingaroundaimlesslyfor
    thegunthathadfallenoutsidethewindow.
    Mrs.Laceyopenedherarmsandletthedogdown.Itleapedandhitthe
    sheriffinthestomachwithitssmall,sharpnoseandpushedinsidehiscoatat
    hisshirt.Thenitdroppedtotheflooragainandranaroundincircles,
    silently,weavingitshindendwithdelight.
    Mrs.Laceystoodfrozen,herfaceasemptyasdeath.Themanonthefloor
    groanedalittleinthemiddleofhisheavybreathing.Hiseyesopenedandshut
    rapidly.Hislipsmovedandbubbledpinkfroth.
    "Thatsureisanicelittledog,Mrs.Lacey,"Barronsaid,tuckinghis
    shirtin."Butitdon'tseemarighthandytimetohavehimaroundnotforsome
    people."
    Helookedattheblondmanonthefloor.Theblondman'seyesopenedand
    becamefixedonnothing.
    "Iliedtoyou,"Mrs.Laceysaidquickly."Ihadto.Myhusband'slife
    dependedonit.Ludershashim.Hehashimsomewhereoverhere.Idon'tknow
    where,butitisn'tfaroff,hesaid.Hewenttobringhimbacktome,buthe
    leftthismantoguardme.Icouldn'tdoanythingaboutit,sheriff.I'mI'm
    sorry."
    "Iknewyoulied,Mrs.Lacey,"Barronsaidquietly.Helookeddownathis
    Coltandputitbackonhiship."Iknewwhy.Butyourhusbandisdead,Mrs.
    Lacey.Hewasdeadlongago.Mr.Evansheresawhim.It'shardtotake,ma'am,
    butyoubetterknowitnow."
    Shedidn'tmoveorseemtobreathe.Thenshewentveryslowlytochairand
    satdownandleanedherfaceinherhands.Shesattherewithoutmotion,without
    sound.Thelittledogwhinedandcreptunderherchair.
    Themanonthefloorstartedtoraisetheupperpartofhisbody.Heraised
    itveryslowly,stiffly.Hiseyeswereblank.Barronmovedovertohimandbent
    down.
    "Youhitbad,son?"
    Themanpressedhislefthandagainsthischest.Bloodoozedbetweenhis
    fingers.Heliftedhisrighthandslowly,untilthearmwasrigidandpointing
    tothecorneroftheceiling.Hislipsquivered,stiffened,spoke.

    "HeilHitler!"hesaidthickly.
    Hefellbackandlaymotionless.Histhroatrattledalittleandthenthat,
    too,wasstill,andeverythingintheroomwasstill,eventhedog.
    "ThismanmustbeoneofthemNazis,"thesheriffsaid."Youhearwhathe
    said?"
    "Yeah,"Isaid.
    Iturnedandwalkedoutofthehouse,downthestepsanddownthroughthe
    treesagaintothecar.Isatontherunningboardandlitacigarette,andsat
    theresmokingandthinkinghard.
    Afteralittlewhiletheyallcamedownthroughthetrees.Barronwas
    carryingthedog.Andywascarryinghisrifleinhislefthand.Hisleathery
    youngfacelookedshocked.
    Mrs.LaceygotintothecarandBarronhandedthedogintoher.Helooked
    atmeandsaid:"It'sagainstthelawtosmokeouthere,son,morethanfifty
    feetfromacabin."
    Idroppedthecigaretteandgroundithardintothepowderygraysoil.I
    gotintothecar,infrontbesideAndy.
    Thecarstartedagainandwewentbacktowhattheyprobablycalledthe
    mainroadoverthere.Nobodysaidanythingforalongtime,thenMrs.Laceysaid
    inalowvoice:"LudersmentionedanamethatsoundedlikeSloat.Hesaiditto
    themanyoushot.TheycalledhimKurt.TheyspokeGerman.Iunderstandalittle
    German,buttheytalkedtoofast.Sloatdidn'tsoundlikeGerman.Doesitmean
    anythingtoyou?"
    "It'sthenameofanoldgoldminenotfarfromhere,"Barronsaid.
    "Sloat'sMine.Youknowwhereitis,don'tyou,Andy?"
    "Yup.IguessIkilledthatfeller,didn'tI?"
    "Iguessyoudid,Andy."
    "Ineverkillednobodybefore,"Andysaid.
    "MaybeIgothim,"Isaid."Ifiredathim."
    "Nope,"Andysaid."Youwasn'thighenoughtogethiminthechest.Iwas."
    Barronsaid:"Howmanybroughtyoutothatcabin,Mrs.Lacey?Ihatetobe
    askingyouquestionsatatimelikethis,ma'am,butIjustgotto."
    Thedeadvoicesaid:"Two.Ludersandthemanyoukilled.Herantheboat."
    "Didtheystopanywhereonthissideofthelake,ma'am?"

    "Yes.Theystoppedatasmallcabinnearthelake.Luderswasdriving.The
    otherman,Kurt,gotout,andwedroveon.AfterawhileLudersstoppedandKurt
    cameupwithusinanoldcar.Hedrovethecarintoagullybehindsomewillows
    andthencameonwithus."
    "That'sallweneed,"Barronsaid."IfwegetLuders,thejob'salldone.
    ExceptIcan'tfigurewhatit'sallabout."
    Ididn'tsayanything.WedroveontowheretheTintersectionwasandthe
    roadwentbacktothelake.Wekeptonacrossthisforaboutfourmiles.
    "Betterstophere,Andy.We'llgotherestofthewayonfoot.Youstay
    here."
    "Nope.Iain'tgoingto,"Andysaid.
    "Youstayhere,"Barronsaidinavoicesuddenlyharsh."Yougotaladyto
    lookafterandyoudoneyourkillin'fortonight.AllIaskisyoukeepthat
    littledogquiet."
    Thecarstopped.BarronandIgotout.Thelittledogwhinedandthenwas
    still.Wewentofftheroadandstartedacrosscountrythroughagroveofyoung
    pinesandmanzanitaandironwood.Wewalkedsilently,withoutspeaking.The
    noiseourshoesmadecouldn'thavebeenheardthirtyfeetawayexceptbyan
    Indian.

    12

    Wereachedthefaredgeofthethicketinafewminutes.Beyondthattheground
    waslevelandopen.Therewasaspiderysomethingagainstthesky,afewlow
    pilesofwastedirt,asetofsluiceboxesbuiltoneontopoftheotherlikea
    miniaturecoolingtower,anendlessbeltgoingtowardsitfromacut.Barronput
    hismouthagainstmyear.
    "Ain'tbeenworkedforacoupleofyears,"hesaid."Ain'tworthit.Day's
    hardworkfortwomenmightgetyouapennyweightofgold.Thiscountrywas
    workedtodeathsixtyyearsago.Thatlowhutoveryonder'saoldrefrigerator
    car.She'sthickanddamnnearbulletproof.Idon'tseenocar,butmaybeit's
    behind.Orhidden.Mostlikehidden.Youreadytogo?"

    Inodded.Westartedacrosstheopenspace.Themoonwasalmostasbright
    asdaylight.Ifeltswell,likeaclaypipeinashootinggallery.Barronseemed
    quiteatease.HeheldthebigColtdownathisside,withhisthumboverthe
    hammer.
    Suddenlylightshowedinthesideoftherefrigeratorcarandwewentdown
    ontheground.Thelightcamefromapartlyopeneddoor,ayellowpanelanda
    yellowspearheadontheground.Therewasamovementinthemoonlightandthe
    noiseofwaterstrikingtheground.Wewaitedalittle,thengotupagainand
    wenton.
    Therewasn'tmuchuseplayingIndian.Theywouldcomeoutofthedooror
    theywouldn't.Iftheydid,theywouldseeus,walking,crawlingorlying.The
    groundwasthatbareandthemoonwasthatbright.Ourshoesscuffedalittle,
    butthiswasharddirt,muchwalkedonandtightpacked.Wereachedapileof
    sandandstoppedbesideit.Ilistenedtomyselfbreathing.Iwasn'tpanting,
    andBarronwasn'tpantingeither.ButItookalotofinterestinmybreathing.
    ItwassomethingIhadtakenforgrantedforalongtime,butrightnowIwas
    interestedinit.Ihopeditwouldgoonforalongtime,butIwasn'tsure.
    Iwasn'tscared.IwasafullsizedmanandIhadaguninmyhand.Butthe
    blondmanbackintheothercabinhadbeenafullsizedmanwithaguninhis
    hand,too.Andhehadawalltohidebehind.Iwasn'tscaredthough.Iwasjust
    thoughtfulaboutlittlethings.IthoughtBarronwasbreathingtooloud,butI
    thoughtIwouldmakemorenoisetellinghimhewasbreathingtooloudthanhe
    wasmakingbreathing.That'sthewayIwas,verythoughtfulaboutthelittle
    things.
    Thenthedooropenedagain.Thistimetherewasnolightbehindit.Asmall
    man,verysmall,cameoutofthedoorwaycarryingwhatlookedlikeaheavy
    suitcase.Hecarrieditalongthesideofthecar,gruntinghard.Barronheldmy
    arminavise.Hisbreathhissedfaintly.
    Thesmallmanwiththeheavysuitcase,orwhateveritwas,reachedtheend
    ofthecarandwentaroundthecorner.ThenIthoughtthatalthoughthepileof
    sanddidn'tlookveryhighitwasprobablyhighenoughsothatwedidn'tshow
    aboveit.Andifthesmallmanwasn'texpectingvisitors,hemightnotseeus.
    Wewaitedforhimtocomeback.Wewaitedtoolong.
    Aclearvoicebehindussaid:"Iamholdingamachinegun,Mr.Barron.Put
    yourhandsup,please.Ifyoumovetodoanythingelse,Ifire."

    Iputmyhandsupfast.Barronhesitatedalittlelonger.Thenheputhis
    handsup.Weturnedslowly.FrankLudersstoodaboutfourfeetawayfromus,
    withatommygunheldwaisthigh.ItsmuzzlelookedasbigastheSecondStreet
    tunnelinL.A.
    Luderssaidquietly:"Ipreferthatyoufacetheotherway.WhenCharlie
    comesbackfromthecar,hewilllightthelampsinside.Thenweshallallgo
    in."
    Wefacedthelong,lowcaragain.Luderswhistledsharply.Thesmallman
    camebackaroundthecornerofthecar,stoppedamoment,thenwenttowardsthe
    door.Luderscalledout:"Lightthelamps,Charlie.Wehavevisitors."
    Thesmallmanwentquietlyintothecarandamatchscratchedandtherewas
    lightinside.
    "Now,gentlemen,youmaywalk,"Luderssaid."Observing,ofcourse,that
    deathwalksclosebehindyouandconductingyourselvesaccordingly."
    Wewalked.

    13

    "Taketheirgunsandseeiftheyhaveanymoreofthem,Charlie."
    Westoodbackedagainstawallnearalongwoodentable.Therewerewooden
    benchesoneithersideofthetable.Onitwasatraywithabottleofwhisky
    andacoupleofglasses,ahurricanelampandanoldfashionedfarmhouseoil
    lampofthickglass,bothlit,asaucerfullofmatchesandanotherfullof
    ashesandstubs.Intheendofthecabin,awayfromthetable,therewasasmall
    stoveandtwocots,onetumbled,onemadeupasneatasapin.
    ThelittleJapanesecametowardsuswiththelightshiningonhisglasses.
    "Ohhavingguns,"hepurred."Ohtoobad."
    HetookthegunsandpushedthembackwardsacrossthetabletoLuders.His
    smallhandsfeltusoverdeftly.Barronwincedandhisfacereddened,buthe
    saidnothing.Charliesaid:"Nomoreguns.Pleasedtosee,gentlemen.Verynice
    night,Ithinkso.Youhavingpicnicinmoonlight?"
    Barronmadeanangrysoundinhisthroat.Luderssaid:"Sitdown,please,
    gentlemen,andtellmewhatIcandoforyou."

    Wesatdown.Luderssatdownopposite.Thetwogunswereonthetablein
    frontofhimandthetommygunrestedonit,hislefthandholdingitsteady,
    hiseyesquietandhard.Hiswasnolongerapleasantface,butitwasstillan
    intelligentface.Intelligentastheyeverare.
    Barronsaid:"GuessI'llchew.Ithinkbetterthatway."Hegothisplug
    outandbitintoitandputitaway.Hechewedsilentlyandthenspatonthe
    floor.
    "GuessImightmessupyourfloorsome,"hesaid."Hopeyoudon'tmind."
    TheJapwassittingontheendoftheneatbed,hisshoesnottouchingthe
    floor."Notlikingmuch,"hesaidhissingly,"verybadsmell."
    Barrondidn'tlookathim.Hesaidquietly:"Youaimtoshootusandmake
    yourgetaway,Mr.Luders?"
    Ludersshruggedandtookhishandoffthemachinegunandleanedback
    againstthewall.
    Barronsaid:"Youleftaprettybroadtrailhereexceptforonething.How
    wewouldknowwheretopickitup.Youdidn'tfigurethatoutbecauseyou
    wouldn'thaveactedthewayyoudid.Butyouwasallstakedoutforuswhenwe
    gothere.Idon'tfollowthat."
    Luderssaid:"ThatisbecauseweGermansarefatalists.Whenthingsgovery
    easily,astheydidtonightexceptforthatfool,Weberwebecomesuspicious.
    Isaidtomyself,'Ihaveleftnotrail,nowaytheycouldfollowmeacrossthe
    lakequicklyenough.Theyhadnoboat,andnoboatfollowedme.Itwouldbe
    impossibleforthemtofindme.Quiteimpossible.'SoIsaid,'Theywillfindme
    justbecausetomeitappearsimpossible.Therefore,Ishallbewaitingfor
    them.'"
    "WhileCharlietotedthesuitcasesfullofmoneyouttothecar,"Isaid.
    "Whatmoney?"Ludersasked,anddidn'tseemtolookateitherofus.He
    seemedtobelookinginward,searching.
    Isaid:"Thoseveryfinenewtendollarbillsyouhavebeenbringingin
    fromMexicobyplane."
    Luderslookedatmethen,butindifferently."Mydearfriend,youcouldnot
    possiblybeserious?"hesuggested.
    "Phooey.Easiestthingintheworld.Theborderpatrolhasnoplanesnow.
    Theyhadafewcoastguardplanesawhileback,butnothingcameover,sothey
    weretakenoff.AplaneflyinghighovertheborderfromMexicolandsonthe

    fielddownbytheWoodlandClubgolfcourse.It'sMr.Luders'planeandMr.
    Ludersownsaninterestintheclubandlivesthere.Whyshouldanybodyget
    curiousaboutthat?ButMr.Ludersdoesn'twanthalfamilliondollars'worthof
    queermoneyinhiscabinattheclub,sohefindshimselfanoldmineoverhere
    andkeepsthemoneyinthisrefrigeratorcar.It'salmostasstrongasasafe
    anditdoesn'tlooklikeasafe."
    "Youinterestme,"Luderssaidcalmly."Continue."
    Isaid:"Themoneyisverygoodstuff.We'vehadareportonit.Thatmeans
    organizationtogettheinksandtherightpaperandtheplates.Itmeansan
    organizationmuchmorecompletethananygangofcrookscouldmanage.A
    governmentorganization.TheorganizationoftheNazigovernment."
    ThelittleJapjumpedupoffthebedandhissed,butLudersdidn'tchange
    expression."I'mstillinterested,"hesaidlaconically.
    "Iain't,"Barronsaid."Soundstomelikeyou'retryin'totalkyourself
    intoavestfuloflead."
    Iwenton:"AfewyearsagotheRussianstriedthesamestunt.Plantinga
    lotofqueermoneyoverheretoraisefundsforespionageworkand,
    incidentally,theyhoped,todamageourcurrency.TheNazisaretoosmartto
    gambleonthatangle.AlltheywantisgoodAmericandollarstoworkwithin
    CentralandSouthAmerica.Nicemixedupmoneythat'sbeenused.Youcan'tgo
    intoabankanddepositahundredthousanddollarsinbrandnewtendollar
    bills.What'sbotheringthesheriffiswhyyoupickedthisparticularplace,a
    mountainresortfullofratherpoorpeople."
    "Butthatdoesnotbotheryouwithyoursuperiorbrain,doesit?"Luders
    sneered.
    "Itdon'tbothermeawholeloteither,"Barronsaid."Whatbothersmeis
    folksgettingkilledinmyterritory.Iain'tusedtoit."
    Isaid:"Youpickedtheplaceprimarilybecauseit'saswellplacetobring
    themoneyinto.It'sprobablyoneofhundredsalloverthecountry,placeswhere
    thereisverylittlelawenforcementtododgebutplaceswhereinthesummertime
    alotofstrangepeoplecomeandgoallthetime.Andplaceswhereplanesset
    downandnobodycheckstheminorout.Butthatisn'ttheonlyreason.It'salso
    aswellplacetounloadsomeofthemoney,quitealotofit,ifyou'relucky.
    Butyouweren'tlucky.YourmanWeberpulledadumbtrickandmadeyouunlucky.

    ShouldItellyoujustwhyit'sagoodplacetospreadqueermoneyifyouhave
    enoughpeopleworkingforyou?"
    "Pleasedo,"Luderssaid,andpattedthesideofthemachinegun.
    "Becauseforthreemonthsintheyearthisdistricthasafloating
    populationofanywherefromtwentytofiftythousandpeople,dependingonthe
    holidaysandweekends.Thatmeansalotofmoneybroughtinandalotof
    businessdone.Andthere'snobankhere.Theresultofthatisthatthehotels
    andbarsandmerchantshavetocashchecksallthetime.Theresultofthatis
    thatthedepositstheysendoutduringtheseasonarealmostallchecksandthe
    moneystaysincirculation.Untiltheendoftheseason,ofcourse."
    "Ithinkthatisveryinteresting,"Luderssaid."Butifthisoperation
    wereundermycontrol,Iwouldnotthinkofpassingverymuchmoneyuphere.I
    wouldpassalittlehereandthere,butnotmuch.Iwouldtestthemoneyout,to
    seehowwellitwasaccepted.Andforareasonthatyouhavethoughtof.Because
    mostofitwouldchangehandsrapidlyand,ifitwasdiscoveredtobequeer
    money,asyousay,itwouldbeverydifficulttotracethesourceofit."
    "Yeah,"Isaid."Thatwouldbesmarter.You'reniceandfrankaboutit."
    "Toyou,"Luderssaid,"itnaturallydoesnotmatterhowfrankIam."
    Barronleanedforwardsuddenly."Lookhere,Luders,killin'usain'tgoing
    tohelpyouany.Ifyoucomerightdowntoit,wedon'thaveathingonyou.
    LikelyyoukilledthismanWeber,butthewaythingsareuphere,it'sgoingto
    bemightyhardtoproveit.Ifyoubeenspreadingbadmoney,they'llgetyoufor
    it,sure,butthatain'tahangin'matter.NowI'vegotacouplepairhandcuffs
    inmybelt,sohappens,andmypropositionisyouwalkoutofherewiththemon,
    youandyourJapanesepal."
    CharlietheJapsaid:"Ha,ha.Veryfunnyman.SomeboobIguessyes."
    Luderssmiledfaintly."Youputallthestuffinthecar,Charlie?"
    "Onemoresuitcasecomingrightup,"Charliesaid.
    "Bettertakeitonout,andstarttheengine,Charlie."
    "Listen,itwon'twork,Luders,"Barronsaidurgently."Igotamanbackin
    thewoodswithadeerrifle.It'sbrightmoonlight.Yougotafairweaponthere,
    butyougotnomorechanceagainstadeerriflethanEvansandmegotagainst
    you.You'llnevergetoutofhereunlesswegowithyou.Heseenuscomeinhere
    andhowwecome.He'llgiveustwentyminutes.Thenhe'llsendforsomeboysto
    dynamiteyouout.Themweremyorders."

    Luderssaidquietly:"Thisworkisverydifficult.EvenweGermansfindit
    difficult.Iamtired.Imadeabadmistake.Iusedamanwhowasafool,who
    didafoolishthing,andthenhekilledamanbecausehehaddoneitandtheman
    knewhehaddoneit.Butitwasmymistakealso.Ishallnotbeforgiven.My
    lifeisnolongerofgreatimportance.Takethesuitcasetothecar,Charlie."
    Charliemovedswiftlytowardshim."Notliking,no,"hesaidsharply."That
    damnheavysuitcase.Manwithrifleshooting.Tohell."
    Luderssmiledslowly."That'sallalotofnonsense,Charlie.Iftheyhad
    menwiththem,theywouldhavebeenherelongago.ThatiswhyIletthesemen
    talk.Toseeiftheywerealone.Theyarealone.Go,Charlie."
    Charliesaidhissingly:"Igoing,butIstillnotliking."
    Hewentovertothecornerandheftedthesuitcasethatstoodthere.He
    couldhardlycarryit.Hemovedslowlytothedoorandputthesuitcasedownand
    sighed.Heopenedthedooracrackandlookedout."Notseeanybody,"hesaid.
    "Maybealllies,too."
    Luderssaidmusingly:"Ishouldhavekilledthedogandthewomantoo.I
    wasweak.ThemanKurt,whatofhim?"
    "Neverheardofhim,"Isaid."Wherewashe?'
    Ludersstaredatme."Getuponyourfeet,bothofyou."
    Igotup.Aniciclewascrawlingaroundonmyback.Barrongotup.Hisface
    wasgray.Thewhiteninghairatthesideofhisheadglistenedwithsweat.There
    wassweatalloverhisface,buthisjawswentonchewing.
    Hesaidsoftly:"Howmuchyougetforthisjob,son?"
    Isaidthickly:"AhundredbucksbutIspentsomeofit."
    Barronsaidinthesamesofttone:"Ibeenmarriedfortyyears.Theypayme
    eightydollarsamonth,houseandfirewood.Itain'tenough.Bygum,Ioughtto
    getahundred."HegrinnedwrylyandspatandlookedatLuders."Tohellwith
    you,youNazibastard,"hesaid.
    Ludersliftedthemachinegunslowlyandhislipsdrewbackoverhisteeth.
    Hisbreathmadeahissingnoise.Thenveryslowlyhelaidthegundownand
    reachedinsidehiscoat.HetookoutaLugerandmovedthesafetycatchwithhis
    thumb.Heshiftedtheguntohislefthandandstoodlookingatusquietly.Very
    slowlyhisfacedrainedofallexpressionandbecameadeadgraymask.Helifted

    thegun,andatthesametimeheliftedhisrightarmstifflyaboveshoulder
    height.Thearmwasasrigidasarod.
    "HeilHitler!"hesaidsharply.
    Heturnedthegunquickly,putthemuzzleinhismouthandfired.

    14

    TheJapscreamedandstreakedoutofthedoor.BarronandIlungedhardacross
    thetable.Wegotourguns.BloodfellonthebackofmyhandandthenLuders
    crumpledslowlyagainstthewall.
    Barronwasalreadyoutofthedoor.WhenIgotoutbehindhim,Isawthat
    thelittleJapwasrunningharddownthehilltowardsaclumpofbrush.
    Barronsteadiedhimself,broughttheColtup,thenlowereditagain.
    "Heain'tfarenough,"hesaid."Ialwaysgiveamanfortyyards."
    HeraisedthebigColtagainandturnedhisbodyalittleand,asthegun
    reachedfiringposition,itmovedveryslowlyandBarron'sheadwentdowna
    littleuntilhisarmandshoulderandrighteyewereallinaline.
    Hestayedlikethat,perfectlyrigidforalongmoment,thenthegunroared
    andjumpedbackinhishandandaleanthreadofsmokeshowedfaintinthe
    moonlightanddisappeared.
    TheJapkeptonrunning.BarronloweredhisColtandwatchedhimplunge
    intoaclumpofbrush.
    "Hell,"hesaid."Imissedhim."Helookedatmequicklyandlookedaway
    again."Buthewon'tgetnowhere.Ain'tgotnothingtogetwith.Themlittle
    legsofhisain'thardlylongenoughtojumphimoverapinecone."
    "Hehadagun,"Isaid."Underhisleftarm."
    Barronshookhishead."Nope.Inoticedtheholsterwasempty.Ifigure
    Ludersgotitawayfromhim.IfigureLudersmeanttoshoothimbeforeheleft."
    Carlightsshowedinthedistance,comingdustilyalongtheroad.
    "WhatmadeLudersgosoft?"
    "Ifigurehispridewashurt,"Barronsaidthoughtfully."Abigorganizer
    likehimgettin'hisselfallballedtohellbyacoupleoflittlefellowslike
    us."

    Wewentaroundtheendoftherefrigeratorcar.Abignewcoupewasparked
    there.Barronmarchedovertoitandopenedthedoor.Thecarontheroadwas
    nearnow.Itturnedoffanditsheadlightsrakedthebigcoupe.Barronstared
    intothecarforamoment,thenslammedthedoorviciouslyandspatonthe
    ground.
    "CaddyV12,"hesaid."Redleathercushionsandsuitcasesintheback."He
    reachedinagainandsnappedonthedashlight"Whattimeisit?"
    "Twelveminutestotwo,"Isaid.
    "Thisclockain'tnotwelveandahalfminutesslow,"Barronsaidangrily.
    "Youslippedonthat."Heturnedandfacedme,pushinghishatbackonhishead.
    "Hell,youseenitparkedinfrontoftheIndianHead,"hesaid.
    "Right."
    "Ithoughtyouwasjustasmartguy."
    "Right,"Isaid.
    "Son,nexttimeIgottogetalmostshot,couldyouplantobearound?"
    Thecarthatwascomingstoppedafewyardsawayandadogwhined.Andy
    calledout:"Anybodyhurt?"
    BarronandIwalkedovertothecar.Thedooropenedandthelittlesilky
    dogjumpedoutandrushedatBarron.Shetookoffaboutfourfeetawayand
    sailedthroughtheairandplantedherfrontpawshardagainstBarron'sstomach,
    thendroppedbacktothegroundandranincircles.
    Barronsaid:"Ludersshothisselfinsidethere.There'salittleJapdown
    inthebusheswegottoroundup.Andthere'sthree,foursuitcasesfullof
    counterfeitmoneywegottotakecareof."
    Helookedoffintothedistance,asolid,heavymanlikearock."Anight
    likethis,"hesaid,"andit'sgottobefullofdeath."

    PROFESSORBINGO'SSNUFF

    Atteno'clockinthemorningalreadythedancemusic.Loud.Boom,boom.Boom,
    boom,boom.Thetonecontrolwaydowninthebass.Italmostmadethefloor
    vibrate.BehindthepurringoftheelectricrazorwhichJoePettigrewwas

    runningupanddownhisfaceitvibratedinthefloorsandwalls.Heseemedto
    feelitwithhistoes.Itseemedtorunuphislegs.Theneighborsmustloveit.
    Alreadyatteno'clockinthemorningtheicecubesintheglass,the
    flushedcheek,theslightlyglazedeye,thesillysmile,theloudlaughterabout
    nothingatall.
    Hepulledthepluglooseandthepurringoftherazorstopped.Asheran
    hisfingertipsalongtheangleofhisjawhiseyesmettheeyesinthemirror
    withasomberstare."Washedup,"hesaidbetweenhisteeth."Atfiftytwo
    you'resenile.I'msurprisedyou'rethereatall.I'msurprisedIcanseeyou."
    Heblewthefluffoutoftheshavingheadoftherazor,puttheprotective
    capbackonit,woundthecordarounditcarefullyandputitawayinthe
    drawer.Hegotouttheaftershavinglotion,rubbeditintohisface,dustedit
    withpowderandcarefullywipedthepowderoffwithahandtowel.
    Hescowledattherathergauntfaceintheglassandturnedandlookedout
    ofthebathroomwindow.Notmuchsmogthismorning.Quitesunnyandclear.You
    couldseethecityhall.Whothehellwantstoseethecityhall?Theheckwith
    thecityhall.Hewentoutofthebathroom,puttinghiscoatonashestarted
    downthestairs.Boom,boom.Boom,boom,boom.Likebackinacheapdivewhere
    youcouldsmellsmokeandsweat,andperfumeofasort.Thelivingroomdoorwas
    halfopen.Hemovedinthroughitandstoodlookingatthetwoofthem,cheek
    tocheek,driftingslowlyaroundtheroom.Theydancedclosetogether,dreamy
    eyed,inaworldoftheirown.Notdrunk.Justlitenoughtolikethemusic
    loud.Hestoodthereandwatchedthem.Astheyturnedandsawhimtheyhardly
    lookedathim.Gladys'lipscurledalittleinafaintsneer,veryfaint.Porter
    Greenhadacigaretteinthecornerofhismouth,andhiseyeshalfclosed
    againstthesmoke.Atall,darkfellow,withasprinklingofgrayinhishair.
    Welldressed.Abitshiftyeyed.Mightbeausedcarsalesman.Mightbeanything
    thatdidn'ttaketoomuchworkortoomuchhonesty.Themusicstoppedand
    somebodystartedtospielacommercial.Thedancingcouplebrokeapart.Porter
    Greensteppedoverandturnedthevolumecontroldown.Gladysstoodinthe
    middleofthefloorlookingatJoePettigrew.
    "Anylittlethingwecandoforyou,sweetheart?"sheaskedhiminaclear
    contemptuousvoice.
    Heshookhisheadwithoutanswering.

    "Thenyoucandosomethingforme.Dropdead."Sheopenedhermouthwide
    andwentoffintoapealoflaughter.
    "Cutit,"PorterGreensaid."Stoppickingonhim,Glad.Sohedoesn'tlike
    dancemusic.Sowhat?Therearethingsyoudon'tlike,aren'tthere?"
    "Surethereare,"Gladyssaid."Him."
    PorterGreenmovedoverandpickedupawhiskeybottle,begantoloadthe
    twohighballglassesonthecoffeetable.
    "Howaboutadrink,Joe?"heasked,withoutlookingup.
    JoePettigrewagainshookhisheadslightlyandsaidnothing."Hecando
    tricks,"Gladyssaid."He'salmosthuman.Buthecan'ttalk."
    "Aw,shutup,"PorterGreensaid,wearily.Hestoodupwiththetwofull
    glassesinhishand."Listen,Joe,I'mbuyingtheliquor.You'renotworrying
    aboutthat,areyou?No?Well,that'sfine."HehandedaglasstoGladys.They
    bothdrank,lookingacrosstheglassesatJoePettigrewstandingsilentinthe
    doorway.
    "YouknowImarriedthat,"Gladyssaidthoughtfully."Ireallydid.I
    wonderwhatkindofsleepmedicineI'dbeentaking."
    JoePettigrewsteppedbackintothehallwayandhalfclosedthedoor.
    Gladysstaredatit.Inachangedtone,shesaid,"Justthesame,hescaresme.
    Hejuststandsthereanddon'tsayanything.Nevercomplains.Nevergetsmad.
    Whatdoyousupposegoesoninsidehishead?"
    Thecommercialspielerendedhisstintandputonanewrecord.Porter
    Greensteppedacrossandturnedthevolumeupagain,thenturneditdown."I
    thinkIcouldguess,"hesaid."Afterall,it'saprettyoldstory."Heturned
    thevolumeupagainandheldhisarmsout.
    JoePettigrewsteppedoutonthefrontporch,puttheheavyoldfashionedfront
    dooronthelatch,andcloseditbehindhimtomuffletheboomoftheradio.
    Lookingalongthefrontofthehousehesawthatthefrontwindowswereclosed.
    Itwasn'tsoloudouthere.Theseoldframehouseswereprettysolidlybuilt.He
    wasjuststartingtothinkwhetherthegrassneededcuttingwhenafunnylooking
    manturneduptheconcretewalktowardhim.Onceinawhileyouseeamaninan
    operacloak.ButnotonLexingtonAvenueinthatblock.Notinthemiddleofthe
    morning.Andnotwearingatophat.JoePettigrewstaredatthetophat.Itwas
    definitelynotnew,definitelyontherustyside.Abitroughinthenaplikea

    cat'sfurwhenthecatisn'tfeelingtoowell.Andtheoperacloakwasn't
    anythingAdrianwouldhavewantedtoautograph.Themanhadasharpnoseand
    deepsetblackeyes.Hewaspalebuthedidn'tlooksick.Hestoppedatthefoot
    ofthestepsandlookedupatJoePettigrew.
    "Goodmorning,"hesaid,touchingtheedgeofthetopper.
    "Morning,"JoePettigrewsaid."Whatareyousellingtoday?"
    "I'mnotsellingmagazines,"themanintheoperacloaksaid.
    "Notatthisaddress,friend."
    "NoramIabouttoenquireifyouhaveaphotographofyourselfthatwould
    tintupinbeautifulwatercolorsastransparentasmoonlightontheMatterhorn."
    Themanputahandunderhisoperacloak.
    "Don'ttellmeyou'vegotavacuumcleanerunderthatcloak,"JoePettigrew
    said.
    "Nor,"wentonthemanintheoperacloak,"doIhaveanallstainless
    steelkitcheninmyhippocket.NotthatIcouldn'thave,ifIchose."
    "Butyou_are_sellingsomething,"JoePettigrewsaiddryly.
    "Iambestowingsomething,"themanintheoperacloaksaid."Ontheright
    persons.Acarefullyselected..."
    "Asuitclub,"JoePettigrewsaiddisgustedly."Ididn'tknowtheyhadthem
    anymore."
    Thetallskinnymanbroughthishandoutfromunderthecloakwithacard
    init.
    "Acarefullyselectedfew,"herepeated."Idon'tknow.I'mlazythis
    morning.PerhapsIshallonlyselectone."
    "Thejackpot,"JoePettigrewsaid."Me."
    Themanheldthecardout.JoePettigrewtookitandread"Professor
    AugustusBingo."Theninsmallerlettersinthecorner"WhiteEagleDepilatory
    Powder."TherewasatelephonenumberandanaddressonNorthWilcox.Joe
    Pettigrewflickedthecardwithafingernailandshookhishead."Neveruseit,
    friend."
    ProfessorAugustusBingosmiledveryfaintly.Orratherhislipspulled
    backafractionofaninchandhiseyescrinkledatthecorners.Callita
    smile.Itwasn'tbigenoughtoargueabout.Heputhishandunderhiscloak
    again,cameoutwithasmallroundboxaboutthesizeofatypewriterribbon

    box.Hehelditupandsureenoughitsaidonit"WhiteEagleDepilatory
    Powder."
    "Ipresumeyouknowwhatdepilatorypowderis,Mister..."
    "Pettigrew,"JoePettigrewsaidamiably."JoePettigrew."
    "Ah,myinstinctwasright,"ProfessorBingoremarked."Youarein
    trouble."Hetappedontheroundboxwithhislongpointedfinger."This,Mr.
    Pettigrew,isnotdepilatorypowder."
    "Waitaminute,"JoePettigrewsaid."Firstit'sdepilatorypowder,thenit
    isn't.AndI'mintrouble.Why?BecausemynameisPettigrew?"
    "Allingoodtime,Mr.Pettigrew.Letmeestablishthebackground.Thisis
    arundownneighborhood.Nolongerdesirable.Butyourhouseisnotrundown.It
    isoldbutwell.kept.Therefore,youownit."
    "SayIownapieceofit,"JoePettigrewsaid.
    TheProfessorhelduphislefthand,palmoutwards."Quiet,please.I
    continuewithmyanalysis.Thetaxesarehighandyouownthehouse.Ifyouwere
    able,youwouldhavemovedaway.Whyhaveyounot?Becauseyoucan'tsellthis
    property.Butitisalargehouse.Thereforeyouhaveroomers."
    "Oneroomer,"JoePettigrewsaid."Justone."Hesighed.
    "Youareaboutfortyeightyearsofage,"theProfessorsuggested.
    "Giveortakefouryears,"JoePettigrewsaid.
    "Youareshavedandneatlydressed.Yetyouhaveanunhappyexpression.
    ThereforeIpostulateayoungwife.Spoiled,exacting.Ialsopostulate..."He
    brokeoffabruptlyandbegantopullthelidofftheboxofsomethingthatwas
    nodepilatorypowder."Ihaveceasedtopostulate,"hesaidcalmly."This,"he
    heldouttheuncoveredbox,andJoePettigrewcouldseethatitwashalffullof
    awhitepowder,"isnotCopenhagensnuff"
    "I'mapatientman,"JoePettigrewsaid."Butjustlayofftellingmewhat
    itisn'tandtellmewhatitis."
    "Itissnuff,"theProfessorsaidcoldly."ProfessorBingo'ssnuff._My_
    snuff."
    "Neverusesnuffeither,"JoePettigrewsaid."ButI'lltellyou.Downthe
    endofthestreetthere'saTudorcourtcalledtheLexingtonTowers.Fullofbit
    playersandextrasandsoon.Whenthey'renotworking,whichismostofthe
    time,andwhenthey'renothittingthesixtyfivepercentneutralspirits,which
    ishardlyanyofthetime,asniffofwhatyouhavetheremightberightdown

    themiddleforthem.Ifyoucancollectforit,thatis.Andthat'sapointyou
    wanttowatch."
    "ProfessorBingo'ssnuff,"theProfessorsaidwithicydignity,"isnot
    cocaine."Hefoldedhiscloakaroundhimwithagestureandtouchedthebrimof
    hishat.Hewasstillholdingthesmallboxinhislefthandasheturnedaway.
    "Cocaine,myfriend?"hesaid."Bah!ComparedwithBingo'ssnuffcocaineis
    babypowder."
    JoePettigrewwatchedhimmovedowntheconcretewalkandturnalongthe
    sidewalk.Oldstreetshaveoldtreesalongthem.LexingtonAvenuewaslinedwith
    camphortrees.Theyhadtheirnewcoatsofleavesandtheleaveswerestill
    tingedwithpinkhereandthere.TheProfessormovedoffunderthetrees.From
    thehousetheboomboomsoundedstill.Theywouldbeontheirthirdorfourth
    drinkbynow.Theywouldbehummingthemusic,cheektocheek.Afterawhilethey
    wouldstartfloppingaroundonthefurniture.Maulingeachother.Well,what
    differencediditmake?HewonderedwhatGladyswouldbelikewhenshewas
    fiftytwoyearsold.Thewayshewasgoingnowshewouldn'tlooklikeshesang
    inthechoir.
    HestoppedthinkingaboutthisandwatchedProfessorBingo,whohadnow
    stoppedunderoneofthecamphortreesandturnedtolookback.Heputhishand
    uptothebrimofhisrustytopperandliftedthehatclearoffhisheadand
    bowed.JoePettigrewwavedathimpolitely.TheProfessorputthehatbackon
    andveryslowly,sothatJoePettigrewcouldseeexactlywhathewasdoing,he
    tookapinchofpowderfromthestillopensmallroundboxandpusheditagainst
    hisnostrils.JoePettigrewcouldalmosthearhimsniffitupwiththatlong
    indrawnbreathsnufftakersuseinordertogetthestuffhighuponthe
    membranes.
    Hedidn'tactuallyhearthis,ofcourse,hejustimaginedit.Buthesawit
    clearlyenough.Thehat,theoperacloak,thelongthinlegs,thewhiteindoor
    face,thedeepdarkeyes,thearmraised,theroundboxinthelefthand.He
    couldn'thavebeenmorethanfiftyfeetawayatmost.Rightinfrontofthe
    fourthcamphortreefromthefootofthewalk.
    Butthatcouldn'thavebeenrightbecauseifhehadbeenstandinginfront
    ofthetreeJoePettigrewwouldn'thavebeenabletoseetheentiretrunkofthe
    tree,thegrass,theedgeofthecurbing,thestreet.Someofthiswouldhave
    beenhiddenbehindthelean,fantasticbodyofProfessorBingo.Onlyitwasn't.

    BecauseProfessorAugustusBingowasn'tthereanymore.Nobodywasthere.Nobody
    atall.
    JoePettigrewputhisheadononeside,staringdownthestreet.Hestood
    verystill.Hehardlyheardtheradioinsidethehouse.Acarturnedthecorner
    andwentbyalongtheblock.Dustrosebehindit.Theleavesofthetreesdidn't
    quiterustlebuttheymadeafaint,barelyaudiblesound.Thensomethingelse
    rustled.
    SlowstepswerecomingtowardsJoePettigrew.Nosoundofheels.Justshoe
    leatherslitheringalongtheconcreteofthewalk.Themusclesinthebackof
    hisneckbegantoache.Hecouldfeelhisteethbitinghardtogether.Thesteps
    cameonslowly.Theycameveryclose.Thentherewasamomentofcomplete
    silence.ThentherustlingstepsmovedawayfromJoePettigrewagain.Andthen
    thevoiceofProfessorBingosaidoutofnowhere:
    "Afreesamplewithmycompliments,Mr.Pettigrew.But,ofcourse,Ishall
    beavailableforfurthersuppliesonamoreprofessionalbasis."
    Thestepsrustledagaingoingaway.InalittlewhileJoePettigrewdidn't
    hearthematall.Exactlywhyhelookeddownatthetopofthestepshewasnot
    quiteclear;buthedid.Andthere,wherenohandhadputit,besidethetoeof
    hisrightshoe,wasasmallroundboxlikeatypewriterribbonbox.Onthecover
    ofitwaswritteninink,inaclearSpencerianhand,"ProfessorBingo'sSnuff."
    Veryslowly,likeamanveryoldorinadream,JoePettigrewleaneddown
    andpickedupthebox,covereditwithhishandandputitinhispocket.
    Boom,boom.Boom,boom,boom,wenttheradio.GladysandPorterGreenwere
    notpayinganyattentiontoit.Theywerelockedineachother'sarmsina
    cornerofthedavenport,lipsonlips.Withalongsigh,Gladysopenedhereyes
    andlookedacrosstheroom.Thenshestiffenedandjerkedaway.Veryslowlythe
    dooroftheroomwasopening.
    "What'sthematter,baby?"
    "Thedoor.What'sheuptonow?"
    PorterGreenturnedhishead.Thedoorwaswideopennow.Butnobodystood
    init."Okaythedoor'sopen,"hesaidalittlethickly."Sowhat?"
    "It'sJoe."
    "It'sJoeandstillsowhat?"PorterGreensaidirritably.
    "He'shidingoutthere.He'suptosomething."

    "Phooey,"PorterGreensaid.Hestoodupandwalkedacrosstheroom.Heput
    hisheadoutintothehall."Nobodyhere,"hesaidoverhisshoulder."Musthave
    beenthedraft."
    "Thereisn'tanydraft,"Gladyssaid.PorterGreenshutthedoor,feltthat
    itwasfirmlyclosed,shookit.Itwasclosedallright.Hestartedbackacross
    theroom.Whenhewashalfwaytothedavenportthedoorclickedbehindhimand
    slowlyswungopenagain.Shrilly,againsttheheavybeatoftheradio,Gladys
    yelled.
    PorterGreenlungedacrossandsnappedofftheradio,thenturnedangrily.
    "Don'tgoloopyonme,"hesaidbetweenhisteeth."Idon'tlikeloopy
    dames."
    Gladysjustsattherewithhermouthopenstaringattheopendoor.Porter
    Greenwentacrosstoitandsteppedoutintothehall.Therewasnobodythere.
    Therewasnosound.Foralongmomentthehousewasperfectlystill.
    Then,upstairsfromthebackofthehousesomebodybegantowhistle.
    WhenPorterGreenagainshutthedoorhefixeditsothatitwasnotonthe
    latch.Hewouldhavebeenwisertoturntheknoboftheboltaswell.Hemight
    justpossiblyhavesavedalotoftrouble.Buthewasnotaverysensitiveman
    andhehadotherthingsonhismind.
    Itmightnothavemadeanydifferenceanyway.
    Therewerethingstothinkaboutcarefully.Thenoisebutthatcouldbe
    blanketedbyturninguptheradio.Wouldn'thavetoturnitupmucheither.
    Maybenotatall.Darnnearshookthefloorthewayitwas.JoePettigrew
    sneeredathisreflectioninthebathroommirror.
    "Youandmespendsuchalotoftimetogether,"hesaidtohisreflection.
    "We'resuchlittlepals.Fromnowonyououghttohaveaname.I'llcallyou
    Joseph."
    "Don'tgowhimsicalonme,"Josephsaid."Idon'tgoforthelighttouch.
    I'mthemoodytype."
    "Ineedyouradvice,"Joesaid."Notthatiteverwasworthanything.I'm
    seriousenough.TakethequestionofthesnufftheProfessorgaveme.Itworks.
    Gladysandherboyfrienddidn'tseeme.TwiceIstoodrightintheopendoor
    andtheylookedstraightatme.Theydidn'tseeathing.That'swhysheyelled.
    Seeingmewouldn'thavescaredherworthanickel."

    "Itwouldhavemadeherlaugh,"Josephsaid.
    "ButIcanseeyou,Joseph.Andyoucanseeme.Sosupposetheeffectof
    thesnuffwearsoffafterawhile?It'sgotto,becauseotherwisehowwouldthe
    Professormakeanymoney?SoIneedtoknowhowlong."
    "You'llknowallright,"Josephsaid,"ifanyoneislookingyourwaywhen
    itwearsoff."
    "That,"JoePettigrewsaid,"couldbeveryinconvenient,ifyouknowwhat
    I'mthinking."
    Josephnodded.Heknewthatallright."Maybeitdoesn'twearoff,"he
    suggested."MaybetheProfessorhasanotherpowderthatcancelsthisoneout.
    Maybethat'sthehook.Hegivesyouwhattakesyououtbutwhenyouwantbackin
    againyouhavetoseehimwithfoldingmoney."
    JoePettigrewthoughtaboutit,buthesaidno,hedidn'tthinkthatcould
    beright,becausetheProfessor'scardgaveanaddressonWilcoxwhichwouldbe
    inanofficebuilding.Itwouldhaveelevators,andiftheProfessorwaswaiting
    aroundforcustomersthatnobodycouldsee,butthatpresumablytheycouldfeel
    iftheytouchedthemwell,havinghisplaceofbusinessinanofficebuilding
    wouldn'tbepracticalunlesstheeffectdidwearoff.
    "Allright,"Josephsaidalittlesourly."Iwon'tbestubborn."
    "Thenextpoint,"JoePettigrewsaid,"iswherethisbeinginvisibleleaves
    off.WhatImeanis,GladysandPorterGreencan'tseeme.Thereforetheycan't
    seetheclothesI'mwearingbecauseanemptysuitofclothesstandinginthe
    doorwaywouldscarethemalotworsethannothingstandingthere.Butthere's
    gottobesomekindofsystemtoit.IsitanythingItouch?"
    "Thatcouldbeit,"Josephsaid."Whynot?Anythingyoutouchfadesout
    justthesameasyoudo."
    "ButItouchedthedoor,"Joesaid."AndIdon'tthinkthatfadedout.And
    Idon'ttouchImeanactuallytouchallofmyclothes.Myfeettouchmysocks
    andmysockstouchmyshoes.ItouchmyshirtandIdon'ttouchmyjacket.And
    whataboutthethingsinpockets?"
    "Maybeit'syouraura,"Josephsaid."Oryourmagneticfieldorjustyour
    personalitywhatthereisofitanythingthatfallsinthatfieldgoeswith
    you.Cigarettes,money,anythingthat'sproperlyyours,butnotthingslike
    doorsandwallsandfloors."
    "Idon'tthinkthat'sverylogical,"JoePettigrewsaidseverely.

    "Wouldalogicalguybewhereyouare?"Josephinquiredcoldly."Wouldthat
    screwyProfessorwanttodobusinesswithalogicalguy?What'slogicalabout
    anypartofthisdeal?Hepicksacompletestranger,aguyheneversaworheard
    ofbefore,andgiveshimabatchofthatstuffforfree,andtheguyhegivesit
    toismaybetheoneguyinthewholeblockthathasagoodquickuseforit.Is
    anyofthatlogical?Inapig'seyeit'slogical."
    "Sothat,"JoePettigrewsaidslowly,"bringsmetowhatI'llbetaking
    downstairswithme.Theywon'tseethateither.Chancesaretheywon'tevenhear
    it."
    "Ofcourseyoucouldtryoutwithahighballglass,"Josephsaid."You
    couldpickoneupjustassomebodystartedtoreachforit.You'dknowquick
    enoughwhetheritdisappearedwhenyoutouchedit."
    "Icoulddothat,"JoePettigrewsaid.Hepausedandlookedvery
    thoughtful."Iwonderifyoucomebackgradually,"headded,"orallofa
    sudden.Bang."
    "Ivoteforbang,"Josephsaid."Theoldgentlemandoesn'tcallhimself
    Bingofornothing.Isayit'sfastbothwaysoutandin.Thethingyouhaveto
    findoutiswhen."
    "I'lldothat,"JoePettigrewsaid."I'llbeverycarefulaboutit.It's
    important."HenoddedathisreflectionandJosephnoddedback.Ashemovedto
    turnawayheadded:
    "I'mjustalittlesorryforPorterGreen.Allthetimeandmoneyhe's
    spentonher.AndifIknowaclubchairfromacatcher'smitt,allhe'sgotout
    ofitisatease."
    "That'ssomethingyoucan'tbesureabout,"Josephsaid."Helookstome
    likeatypethatgetswhathepaysfororelse."
    Thatendedthat.JoePettigrewwentintothebedroomandgotanold
    suitcaseoffaclosetshelf.Insidewasascuffedbriefcasewithabrokenstrap.
    Heunlockeditwithasmallkey.Therewasahardbundleinthebriefcase,
    wrappedinaflannelduster.Insidethedusterwasanoldwoolensock.And
    insidethesock,welloiledandclean,wasaloaded.32caliberautomatic.Joe
    Pettigrewputthisinhisrighthippocket,whereitfeltheavierthansin.He
    replacedthebriefcaseintheclosetandwentdownstairs,walkingsoftlyand
    steppingonthetreadstowardstheside.Thenhethoughtthatwassillybecause
    iftheycreakednobodycouldhearsuchasmallsoundwiththeradiogoing.

    Hereachedthebottomofthestairsandmovedacrosstothedoorofthe
    livingroom.Hetriedtheknobgently.Thedoorwaslocked.Itwasaspringlock
    whichhadbeenputonwhenmostofthelowerfloorhadbeenconvertedintoa
    bachelorapartmentforrentingpurposes.Joegothiskeyholderoutandpusheda
    keyslowlyintothelock.Heturnedit.Hecouldfeeltheboltcomingback.The
    deadlatchwasn'ton.Whyshoulditbe?Youonlydothatatnight,whenyou're
    thenervoustype.Heheldthedoorknobwithhislefthandandgentlyeasedthe
    dooropenenoughforthelocktoclear.Thiswasthetrickybitoneofthe
    trickybits.Whentheboltwasclearhelettheknobreturntoitsoriginal
    positionandwithdrewthekey.Holdingtheknobtightlyhepushedthedooropen
    untilhecouldlookaroundit.Therewasnosoundfrominsideexceptthebooming
    radio.Nobodyyelled.Thereforenobodywaslookingatthedoor.Sofar,sogood.
    JoePettigrewputhisheadaroundthedoorandlookedin.Theroomwaswarm
    andsmelledofcigarettesmokeandhumanityandeversolightlyofliquor.But
    therewasnobodyinit.Joepushedthedoorwideopenandsteppedinside,a
    frownofdisappointmentonhisface.Thenthefrownofdisappointmentchangedto
    agrimaceofdisgust.
    Atthebackofthelivingroomslidingdoorshadoncegivenontothe
    diningroom.Thediningroomwasnowabedroom,buttheslidingdoorshadbeen
    leftmuchastheyhadalwaysbeen.Nowtheywereclosedtighttogether.Joe
    Pettigrewstoodquitemotionlessstaringattheslidingdoors.Hishandwentup
    aimlesslyandsmoothedhisthinninghairback.Hisfacewascompletely
    expressionlessforalongmoment,thenafaintsmilethatmighthavemeant
    anythingliftedthecornersofhismouth.Heturnedbackandclosedthedoor.He
    movedacrosstothedavenportandlookeddownathalfmeltediceinthebottoms
    oftwotallstripedglasses,andtheicecubesswimminginwaterinaglassbowl
    besidetheuncorkedwhiskeybottle,atthesmearedcigarettestubsinatray,
    oneofthemstillwispingatinythreadofsmokeintothestillair.
    Joesatdownquietlyonthecornerofthedavenportandlookedathis
    watch.Itseemedlikealong,longtimesincehehadmadetheacquaintanceof
    ProfessorBingo.Along,longtimeandaworldaway.Nowifhecouldonly
    rememberatexactlywhattimehehadtakenthepinchofsnuff.Itwouldbeabout
    tentwenty,hethought.Itwouldbebettertobesure,bettertowait,betterto
    experiment.Muchbetter.Butwhenhadheeverdonethebetterthing?
    Noteverthathecouldrecall.AndcertainlynotsincehehadmetGladys.

    Hetooktheautomaticoutofhishippocketandlaiditdownonthe
    cocktailtableinfrontofhim.Hesatlookingatitabsently,listeningtothe
    growloftheradio.Thenhereacheddownandalmostdaintilyhereleasedthe
    safetycatch.Thatdoneheleanedbackagainandwaited.Andashewaited,with
    noparticularemotionhismindremembered.Itwasthesortofthingmanyminds
    havetoremember.Behindthecloseddoubledoorshehalfheardaseriesof
    noiseswhichneverquiteregisteredonhismind,partlybecauseoftheradioand
    partlybecauseoftheintensityofhisremembering.
    WhentheslidingdoorsbegantoopenJoePettigrewreachedhishandoutand
    tookthegunoffthecocktailtable.Heresteditonhisknee.Thatwastheonly
    movementhemade.Hedidn'tevenlookatthedoors.
    Whenthedoorswereopenenoughforaman'sbodytopassthroughPorter
    Green'sbodyappearedintheopening.Hishandsheldontothedoorshighup,
    thefingersglisteningwithstrain.Heswayedalittleholdingontothedoors
    likeamanverydrunk.Buthewasnotdrunk.Hiseyeswerewideopeninafixed
    stareandhismouthhadthebeginningsofasillygrinonit.Sweatglistenedon
    hisfaceandonhispuffywhitebelly.Hewasnakedexceptforapairofslacks.
    Hisfeetwerebare,hisheadwasdankwithsweatandtousled.Onhisfacewas
    somethingelsethatJoePettigrewdidn'tseebecauseJoePettigrewkepton
    staringatthecarpetbetweenhisfeet,holdingthegunonhisknee,sideways,
    pointingatnothing.
    PorterGreentookadeephardbreathandletitoutinalongsigh.Helet
    goofthedoorsandtookacoupleofraggedstepsforwardintotheroom.His
    eyescamearoundtothewhiskeybottleonthetableinfrontofthedavenport,
    infrontofJoePettigrewTheyfocusedonthebottleandhisbodyturneda
    littleandheleanedtowardsitevenbeforehewasnearenoughtoreachit.The
    bottlerattledontheglasstopofthecocktailtable.EventhenJoePettigrew
    didn'tlookup.Hesmelledthemansonearhim,sounawareofhimandhisgaunt
    facetwistedsuddenlywithpain.
    Thebottlewentup,thehandwiththefineblackhairsonthebackofit
    disappearedfromJoePettigrew'sfieldofvision.Thegurglingoftheliquidwas
    audibleevenagainsttheradio.
    "Bitch!"PorterGreensaidharshlybetweenhisteeth."Goddamnrotten
    lousyfilthybitch."Therewasapukinghorroranddisgustinhisvoice.

    JoePettigrewmovedhisheadslightlyandtensed.Therewasjustroomfor
    himtostandupbetweenthedavenportandthecocktailtablewithoutsquirming
    around.Hestoodup.Theguncameupinhishand.Asitcameuphiseyescame
    withitslowly,slowly.Hesawthenakedsoftfleshabovethewaistbandof
    PorterGreen'sslacks.Hesawthesweatglisteningonthebulgeabovehisnavel.
    Hiseyesmovedtotherightandcrawleduptheribs.Hishandsteadied.The
    heartishigherupthanmostpeoplethinkitis.JoePettigrewknewthat.The
    muzzleoftheautomaticknewitalso.Themuzzlepointedstraightatthatheart
    andwithasteadysqueezethatwasalmostindifferentJoePettigrewpulledthe
    trigger.
    Itwaslouderthantheradioandadifferentkindofsound.Therewasa
    feelingofconcussionaboutit,ahintofpower.Ifyouhaven'tfiredagunfor
    alongtimethatalwaystakesyoubysurprisethesuddenpulsinglifeinthe
    instrumentofdeath,theswiftwayitmovesinyourhandlikealizardona
    rock.
    Shotmenfallinallsortsofways.PorterGreenfellsideways,oneknee
    givingwaybeforetheother.Hefellwithabonelessleisure,asifhisknees
    werehingedinalldirections.InthesecondittookhimtofallJoePettigrew
    rememberedavaudevilleacthehadseenlongagowhenhewasinshowbusiness
    himself.Anactwithatallthinbonelessmanandagirl.Inthemiddleoftheir
    foolishnessthetallmanwouldstarttofallsidewaysveryslowly,hisbody
    curvinglikeahoopsothatatnomomentcouldyousayhehitthefloorofthe
    stage.Heseemedtomeltintoitwithouteffortorshock.Hedidthissixtimes.
    Thefirsttimeitwasjustfunny,thesecondtimeitwasexcitingtowatchhim
    doitandwonderhowhedidit.Thefourthtimewomenintheaudiencebeganto
    scream:"Don'tlethimdoit!Don'tlethimdoit!"Hedidit.Andbytheendof
    theacthehadalltheimpressionablepeopleinrags,dreadingwhathewasgoing
    todo,becauseitwasinhumanandunnatural,andnomanbuiltalongtheusual
    linescouldpossiblyhavedoneit.
    JoePettigrewstoppedrememberingthisandcamebacktowherehewasand
    therewasPorterGreenlyingonthefloorwithhisheadagainstthecarpetand
    nobloodatall,andforthefirsttimeJoePettigrewlookedathisfaceandsaw
    thatitwasrippedandtornwithdeepscratchesfromawoman'slongsharp
    franticfingernails.Thatdidit.JoePettigrewopenedhismouthandscreamed
    likeagoredhorse.

    Inhisownearsthescreamsoundedfaroff,likesomethinginanother
    house.Athintearingsoundthathadnothingtodowithhim.Perhapshehadn't
    screamedatall.Itmighthavebeentirestakingacornertoofast.Oralost
    soulonitsheadlongrushdowntohell.Hehadnophysicalsensationatall.He
    seemedtofloataroundtheendofthetableandaroundthecadaverofPorter
    Green.Buthisfloatingorwhateveritwashadapurpose.Hewasatthedoor
    now.Heturnedthedeadlatch.Hewasatthewindows.Theywereclosedbutone
    wasnotlocked;helockedit.Hewasattheradio.Hetwistedthatoff.Nomore
    boomboom.Asilencelikeinterstellarspaceswathedhiminalongwhiteshroud.
    Hemovedbackacrosstheroomtotheslidingdoors.
    HemovedthroughthemintoPorterGreen'sbedroom,whichhadbeenthe
    diningroomofthehouselongago,whenLosAngeleswasyoungandhotanddry
    anddustyandbelongedstilltothedesertandtherustlinglinesofeucalyptus
    treesandthefatpalmtreesthatlineditsstreets.
    Allthatremainedofthediningroomwasabuiltinchinaclosetbetween
    thetwonorthwindows.Therewerebooksbehinditsfretteddoors.Notmany
    books.PorterGreenwasn'twhatyouwouldcallareadingman.Thebedwas
    againsttheeastwall,beyondwhichwasthebreakfastroomandkitchen.Itwas
    veryuntidy,thebedwas,andtherewassomethingonit,butJoePettigrew
    wasn'tinthemoodtolookatwhatwasonit.Beyondthebedwaswhathadbeena
    swingdoorbutthathadbeenchangedforasoliddoor,thatfittedtightlyin
    itsframeandhadaturnboltonit.Theboltwasshot.JoePettigrewthoughthe
    couldseedustinthecracksofthedoor.Heknewitwasseldomopened.Butthe
    boltwasshot,thatwastheimportantthing.
    Hepassedonintoashorthallthatpassedacrossthemainhallunderthe
    stairs.Thishadbeennecessarytogiveaccesstothebathroom,onceasewing
    room,ontheothersideofthehouse.Therewasaclosetunderthestairs.Joe
    Pettigrewopenedthedoorandswitchedonthelight.Acoupleofsuitcasesin
    thecorners,suitsonhangers,anovercoatandaraincoat.Apairofdingywhite
    buckshoestossedinthecorner.Heswitchedthelightoffagainandclosedthe
    door.Hewentonintothebathroom.Itwasprettylargeforabathroomandthe
    tubwasoldfashioned.JoePettigrewpassedthemirroroverthewashbasin
    withoutlookingintoit.Hedidn'tfeelliketalkingtoJosephjustnow.Detail,
    thatwasthemainthing,carefulattentiontodetail.Thebathroomwindowswere

    openandthegauzecurtainsfluttered.Heshutthemtightandturnedthecatches
    inthesideoftheframe.Therewasnodooroutofthebathroomexcepttheone
    bywhichhehadentered.Therehadbeenonetowardsthefrontofthehouse,but
    ithadbeenfilledinandpaperedoverwithwaterproofpaper,liketherestof
    thehall.
    Theroominfrontwaspracticallyajunkroom.Ithadsomeoldfurniture
    andstuffandarolltopdeskinthathideouslightoakpeopleusedtolike.Joe
    Pettigrewneverusedit,neverwentinthereatall.Sothatwasthat.
    Heturnedbackandstoppedinfrontofthebathroommirror.Hedidn'twant
    toatall.ButJosephmighthavethoughtofsomethingheoughttoknow,sohe
    lookedatJoseph.Josephlookedbackathimwithanunpleasantfixedstare.
    "Radio,"Josephsaidcurtly."Youturneditoff.Wrong.Turnitdown,yes.
    Off,no."
    "Oh,"JoePettigrewsaidtoJoseph."Yes,Iguessyou'reright.Then
    there'sthegun.ButIhadn'tforgottenthat."Hepattedhispocket.
    "Andthebedroomwindows,"Josephsaid,almostcontemptuous."Andyou're
    goingtohavetolookatGladys."
    "Thebedroomwindows,check,"JoePettigrewsaidandpaused."Idon'twant
    tolookather.She'sdead.She'sgottobedead.Allyouhadtodowassee
    him."
    "Teasedthewrongguythistime,didn'tshe?"Josephsaidcoldly."Orwere
    youexpectingsomethinglikethat?"
    "Idon'tknow,"Joesaid."No,Idon'tthinkIwentthatfar.ButImessed
    itupgood.Ididn'thavetoshoothimatall."
    Josephlookedathimwithapeculiarexpression."AndwastetheProfessor's
    timeandmaterial?Youdon'tthinkhecamebyherejustfortheexercise,do
    you?"
    "Goodbye,Joseph,"JoePettigrewsaid.
    "Whatforareyousayinggoodbye?"Josephsnapped.
    "Ihaveafeelingthatway"JoePettigrewreplied.Hewentoutofthe
    bathroom.
    Hewentaroundthebedandclosedandlockedthewindows.Hedidfinally
    lookatGladys,althoughhedidn'twantto.Heneedn'thave.Hishunchhadbeen
    right.Ifeverabedlookedlikeabattlefieldthiswasit.Ifeveraface
    lookedlividandtwistedanddead,itwasthefaceofGladys.Therewereafew

    shredsofclothingonher,that'sall.Justafewshreds.Shelookedbattered.
    Shelookedawful.
    JoePettigrew'sdiaphragmconvulsedandhismouthtastedbile.Hewentout
    oftherequicklyandleanedagainstthedoorsontheotherside,butwascareful
    nottotouchthemwithhishands.
    "Radioonbutnotloud,"hesaidinthesilence,whenhehadhisstomach
    backinplace."Guninhishand.I'mnotgoingtolikedoingthat."Hiseyes
    wenttowardstheouterdoor."I'dbetterusetheupstairsphone.Plentyoftime
    tocomeback."
    Heletoutaslowsighandwentaboutit.Butwhenitcametimetofixthe
    guninPorterGreen'shandhefoundhecouldn'tlookatPorterGreen'sface.He
    hadafeeling,acertaintythatPorterGreen'seyeswereopenandlookingat
    him,buthecouldn'tmeetthem,evendead.HefeltthatPorterGreenwould
    forgivehimandhadn'treallymindedbeingshot.Itwasquickandprobablymuch
    lessunpleasantthanwhathehadcominginthelegalway.
    Itwasn'tthatwhichmadehimashamed.Andhewasn'tashamedbecausePorter
    GreenhadtakenGladysfromhim,forthatwouldbesilly.PorterGreenhadn't
    doneanythingthathadn'tbeendonealready,yearsago.Heguessedmaybeitwas
    theawfulbloodylookingscratchesthatmadehimashamed.UptothenPorter
    Greenhadatleastlookedlikeaman.Thescratchessomehoworothermadeadamn
    fooloutofhim.Evendead.AmanwholookedandactedlikePorterGreen,who
    hadbeenaroundasmuchashemusthavebeen,knownwomentoooftenandtoo
    well,andalltherestofitamanlikethatoughttobeabovegettingintoa
    catfightwithaslutlikeGladys,anemptypaperbagofawomanwhohadnothing
    togiveanyman,notevenherself.
    JoePettigrewdidn'tthinkveryhighlyofhimselfasadominatingmale.But
    atleasthehadneverhadhisfaceclawed.
    HearrangedthegunverynearlyinPorterGreen'shand,withoutonce
    lookingathisface.Ashadetooneatly,perhaps.Withthesameneatnessand
    withnounduehastehearrangedwhatothermattersrequiredtobearranged.
    Theblackandwhiteradiocarturnedthecornerandcoasteddowntheblock.
    Therewasnofussorurgencyaboutit.Itstoppedquietlyinfrontofthehouse
    andforamomentboththeuniformedofficerslookedupatthedeepporchandthe
    closeddoorandwindowswithoutsayinganything,hearingthesteadystreamof

    talkfromthesquawkboxandsortingitoutintheirmindswithoutconsciously
    payinganyattentiontoit.
    Thentheonenearestthecurbsaid:"Idon'thearanybodyscreamingandI
    don'tseeanyneighborsoutfront.Lookslikesomebodyshotablank."
    Thepolicemanbehindthewheelnoddedandsaidabsently:"Betterringthe
    bellanyway."Hemadeanoteofthetimeonhisreportsheet,reportedthecar
    outofservicetothedispatcher.Theonenexttothecurbgotoutandwentup
    theconcretewalkandontotheporch.Herangthebell.Hecouldhearitring
    somewhereinthehouse.Hecouldalsoheararadioorrecordplayergoing
    quietlybutdistinctlytohisleftintheroomwiththeclosedwindows.Herang
    again.Noanswer.Hewalkedalongtheporchandtappedonthewindowglassabove
    thescreen.Thenharder.Themusicwentonbutthatwasall.Hewentdownoff
    theporchandaroundthesideofthehousetothebackdoor.Thescreenwas
    hooked,thedoorinsideshut.Therewasanotherbellhere.Herangthat.It
    buzzedclosetohim,quiteloud,butnooneansweredit.Hebangedhardonthe
    screenandthengaveitayank.Thehookheld.Hewentaroundthehousethe
    otherway.Thewindowsonthenorthsideweretoohightolookintofromthe
    ground.Hereachedthefrontlawnandwalkeddiagonallybackacrossthelawnto
    theradiocar.Itwasawellkeptlawnandhadbeenwateredthenightbefore.At
    onepointhelookedbacktoseeifhisheelshadmarkedit.Theyhadn't.Hewas
    gladtheyhadn't.Hewasjustayoungpolicemanandnottoughatall.
    "Noanswer,butthere'smusicgoing,"hetoldhispartner,leaningintothe
    car.
    Thedriverlistenedtothesquawkboxamomentandthengotoutofthecar.
    "Youtakethatside,"heanswered,pointingsouthwithhisthumb."I'lltrythe
    otherhouse.Maybetheneighborsheardsomething."
    "Couldn'thavebeenmuchorthey'dbebreathingdownournecksbynow,"the
    firstpolicemansaid.
    "Betteraskjustthesame."
    Anelderlymanwascultivatingwithaoneprongcultivatoraroundsomerose
    bushesbehindthehousesouthofthePettigrewhouse.Theyoungcopaskedhim
    whatheknewtocauseapolicecallaboutnextdoor.Nothing.Seethepeoplego
    out?No,hehadn'tnoticedanyoneleave.Pettigrewshadnocar.Roomerhada
    car,butgaragelookedlocked.Youcouldseethepadlock.Whatkindofpeople?
    Ordinary.Neverbotheredanybody.Radioseemedabitloudlately?Likenow?The

    oldmanshookhishead.Wasn'tloudnow.Hadbeenearlier.Whattimetheyturn
    itdown?Hedidn'tknow.Heck,whywouldhe?Anhour,halfanhour.Nothingbeen
    happeningaroundhere,officer.Ibeenoutpotteringallmorning.Somebody
    calledin,theofficersaid.Mustbeamistake,theoldmansaid.Anybodyelse
    inhishouse?Hishouse?Theoldmanshookhishead.Nope,notnowThewifehad
    gonetothebeautyparlor.Shewentforthatpurplestufftheywereputtingon
    whitehairnowadays.Hechuckled.Theyoungcophadn'tthoughthehadachuckle
    inhim,thewayhekeptpeckingatthoseroses,kindofshortandcross.
    OntheothersideofthePettigrewhousewherethedriveroftheradiocar
    wentnobodyansweredthefrontdoor.Thepolicemanwentaroundbackandsawa
    childofindeterminateageandsextryingtokicktheslatsoutofaplaypen.
    Thechildneededitsnosewipedandlookedasifitpreferreditthatway.The
    officerbangedatthebackdoorandgotalankhairedslatternofawoman.When
    sheopenedthedoorsomedamnfoolsoapoperapouredoutofthekitchenandhe
    couldseethatshewaslisteningtoitwiththepassionateattentionofan
    engineersquadclearingaminefield.Shehadn'theardadarnthing,shescreamed
    athim,timingheranswerneatlybetweentwolinesofdopeydialogue.Shedidn't
    havenotimetobotherwithwhatwentonanywhereselse.Radionextdoor?Yes,
    sheguessedtheyhadone.Mighthavehearditonceinawhile.Couldsheturn
    thatthingdownalittle,thecopaskedher,scowlingatthetableradioonthe
    kitchensink.Shesaidshecould,butdidn'taimto.Athindarkgirlwithhair
    aslankashermother'sappearedsuddenlyfromnowhereandstoodaboutsix
    inchesfromtheofficer'sstomachandstareduphisshirtfrontathim.Hemoved
    backandshestayedrightwithhim.Hedecidedhewasgoingtogetmadina
    minute.Didn'thearanythingatall,huh?heyelledatthewoman.Sheheldup
    herhandforsilence,listenedtoabriefinterchangeofsparklingslopfromthe
    radioandthenshookherhead.Shestartedtoclosethedoorbeforehewashalf
    throughit.Thelittlegirlspeededhimonhiswaywithashortsharpand
    efficientraspberry.
    Hisfacefeltalittlehotwhenhemettheotherpolicemanbesidetheradio
    car.Theybothlookedacrossthestreetandthenlookedateachotherand
    shrugged.Thedriverstartedaroundthebackofthecartogetbackin,then
    changedhismindandwentbackupthewalktothefrontporchofPettigrew's
    house.Helistenedtotheradioandnotedthattherewaslamplightaroundthe

    blinds.Hestoppedandangledhimselffromwindowtowindowuntilhefounda
    smallchinkhecouldseethroughwithoneeye.
    Afterstrainingthiswayandthathefinallysawwhatlookedlikeaman's
    bodylyingonitsbackonthefloorbesidethelegofalowtable.He
    straightenedandmadeasharpgesturetotheothercop.Theothercamerunning.
    "Wegoin,"thedriversaid."Youdon'tseesogoodthisshift.There'sa
    guyinthereandheain'tdancing.Radioon,lightson,alldoorsandwindows
    locked,nobodyanswersthedoorandaguyislyingonthecarpet.Don'tthatadd
    toanythinginyourbook?"
    ItwasatthatmomentthatJoePettigrewtookhissecondpinchofProfessor
    Bingo'ssnuff.
    Theygotintothekitchenbyforcingawindowupwithascrewdriver,
    withoutbreakingtheglass.Theoldmannextdoorsawthemandwentrighton
    peckingathisroses.Itwasacleanneatkitchen,becauseJoePettigrewkeptit
    thatway.Beinginthekitchentheyfoundtheycouldaseasilyhavestayed
    outside.Therewasnopossiblewayintothelightedfrontroomwithoutbreaking
    downadoor.Whichfinallybroughtthembacktothefrontporch.Thedriverof
    theradiocarcrackedawindowwiththeheavyscrewdriver,unlatchedit,pulled
    itupfarenoughtoleaninandknockthescreenhookloosewiththeendofthe
    screwdriver.Theygotbothsashesofthewindowupandsogotintotheroom
    withouttouchinganythingwiththeirhandsexceptthewindowcatch.
    Theroomwaswarmandoppressive.WithabriefglanceatPorterGreenthe
    driverwenttowardsthebedroom,unbuttoningtheflapofhisholsterashewent.
    "Betterputyourhandsinyourpockets,"hetoldtheyoungpolicemanover
    hisshoulder."Couldbethisisn'tyourday."Hesaiditwithoutsarcasmor
    anythinginhisvoicebutthemeaningofthewords,buttheyoungofficer
    flushedjustthesameandbithislip.HestoodlookingdownatPorterGreen.He
    hadnoneedtotouchhimorevenbenddown.Hehadseenfarmoredeadmenthan
    hispartner.Hestoodperfectlystillbecauseheknewtherewasnothingforhim
    todoandthatanythinghedid,evenwalkingaroundonthecarpet,mighthappen
    tospoilsomethingthelabboyscoulduse.
    Standingtherequietly,andevenwiththeradiostillgoinginthecorner,
    heseemedtohearasoundlikeafaintclinkandthentherustleofastep
    outsideontheporch.Heturnedswiftlyandwenttothewindow.Hepushedthe
    glasscurtainasideandlookedout.

    No.Nothing.Helookedfaintlypuzzledbecausehehadverykeenhearing.
    Thenhelookeddisgusted.
    "Watchyourself,kid,"hetoldhimself."NoJapsnearthisfoxhole."
    Youcouldstandinarecesseddoorwayandtakeawalletoutofyourpocket
    andacardfromthewalletandreaditandnobodycouldseethewalletorthe
    cardorthehandholdingit.Peoplepassedupanddownthestreetidlyor
    busily,theusualearlyafternoonmob,andnobodyevenglancedtowardsyou.If
    theydid,alltheywouldseewouldbeanemptydoorway.Inothercircumstances
    itmighthavebeenamusing.Itwasn'tamusingnow,forobviousreasons.Joe
    Pettigrew'sfeetweretired.Hehadn'tdonesomuchwalkingintenyears.He
    prettywellhadtowalk.Hecouldn'tverywellhavegotPorterGreen'scarout.
    Thesightofaperfectlyemptycardrivingalongintrafficwouldbeaptto
    unhingethetrafficpolice.Somebodywouldstartyelling.Youneverknewwhat
    wouldhappen.
    Hemighthaveriskedcrowdingontoabusorstreetcarinagroupof
    people.Itlookedfeasible.Theyprobablywouldn'tlookaroundtoseewhowas
    jostlingthembuttherewasalwaysthechancethatsomebigstrongcharacter
    mightmakeagrabatnothingandgetholdofanarmandbejuststubbornenough
    tohangonevenifhecouldn'tseewhatitwashewashangingonto.No;much
    betterwalk.Josephwouldcertainlyapproveofthat.
    "Wouldn'tyou,Joseph?"heasked,lookingintothedustyglassofthe
    doorwaybehindhim.
    Josephdidn'tsay.Hewasthereallright,buthewasn'tsharpandwell
    defined.Hewasfoggy.Hedidn'thavethecleancutpersonalityyouexpected
    fromJoseph.
    "AllrightJoseph.Someothertime."JoePettigrewlookeddownatthecard
    hewasstillholding.Hewouldbeabouteightblockstothebuildingwhere,in
    Room311,ProfessorAugustusBingomaintainedanoffice.Therewasatelephone
    numbertoo.JoePettigrewwonderedifitwouldbewisertomakeanappointment.
    Yes,itwouldbewiser.Therewasprobablyanelevatorandonceinthathewould
    betoomuchatthemercyofchance.Alotoftheseoldbuildingsandheknew
    ProfessorBingowouldbealmostcertaintohavehisofficeinabuildingthat
    wentwithhisrustyoldhatdidn'thaveanyfirestairs.Theyhadoutsidefire

    escapesandafreightelevatoryoucouldn'tgettofromthelobby.Muchbetter
    makeanappointment.
    Therewasalsothequestionofpayment.JoePettigrewhadthirtyseven
    dollarsinhiswallet,buthedidn'tsupposethatthirtysevendollarswould
    causeProfessorBingo'shearttobulgewithexcitement.ProfessorBingo
    undoubtedlyselectedhisprospectswithcareandwouldbeapttodemandalarge
    sliceoftheiravailablefunds.Thiswasnoteasytomanage.Youcouldhardly
    cashacheckifnobodycouldseethecheck.Evenifthetellercouldseethe
    check,whichJoePettigrewsupposedwouldbepossibleifheputitdownonthe
    counterandtookhishandawayafteralltherewould_be_achecktheteller
    wouldhardlyholdthemoneyouttoemptyspace.Thebankwasout.Ofcourse,he
    mightwaitaroundforsomeoneelsetocashacheckandthengrabthemoney.But
    abankwasabadplaceforthatkindofoperation.Thepersongrabbedfromwould
    probablymakeagreatdealoffussandnoiseandJoePettigrewknewthatthe
    firstthingabankdidinacaselikethatwasblockthedoorsandringanalarm
    bell.Itwouldbebettertoletthepersonwiththemoneyleavethebankfirst.
    Butthishaddisadvantages.Ifitwasaman,hewouldputthemoneywhereit
    wouldbedifficultforaninexperiencedpickpockettoliftit,evenifhehada
    certaintechnicaladvantageoverthemostexperiencedpickpocket.Itwouldhave
    tobeawoman.ButwomenveryseldomcashedlargechecksandJoePettigrewhad
    scruplesaboutsnatchingawoman'sbag.Evenifshecouldsparethemoney,the
    lossofherbagwouldmakehersohelpless.
    "I'mnottherighttype,"JoePettigrewsaidmoreorlessoutloud,still
    standinginthedoorway,"toreallygetthevalueoutofasituationlikethis."
    Thatwasthetruthandthewholetrouble.Inspiteofhavingputaneat
    slugintoPorterGreen,JoePettigrewwasfundamentallyadecentman.Hehad
    beenalittlecarriedawayatfirst,buthecouldseenowthatbeinginvisible
    haditsdrawbacks.Well,perhapshedidn'tneedanymoresnuff.Therewasaway
    tofindout.Butifhedidneedit,hewouldneeditawfullyfast.
    TherewasnothingsensibleexcepttotelephoneProfessorBingoandmakean
    appointment.
    Heleftthedoorwayandedgedalongtheoutsideofthesidewalktothenext
    intersection.Therewasadimlookingbaracrosstheway.Itmightwellhavea
    secludedtelephonebooth.Ofcourseevenasecludedtelephoneboothcouldbea

    rattrapnowSupposesomebodycamealongandsawitwasapparentlyemptyand
    cameinno,betternotthinkofthat.
    Hewentintothebar.Itwassecludedenough.Thereweretwomenonthe
    stoolsandacoupleinabooth.Itwasthattimeofdaywhenalmostnoone
    drinksexceptafewloafersandalcoholicsandanoccasionalpairofclandestine
    lovers.Thepairintheboothlookedlikethat.Theywereveryclosetogether
    andhadeyesforthemselvesandnooneelse.Thewomanhadanawfulhatanda
    dirtywhitebabylambjacketandshelookedpuffyandspoiled.Themanlookeda
    bitlikePorterGreen.Hehadthatsamesharpcompetentunscrupulousair.Joe
    Pettigrewstoppedbesidetheboothandlookeddownatthemwithdistaste.There
    wasaponyofwhiskeyinfrontofthemanwithachaserbesideit.Thewomanhad
    somegodawfulmessinlayersofdifferentcolors.JoePettigrewlookeddownat
    thewhiskey.
    Itprobablywasn'twise,buthefeltlikeit.Hereachedquicklyforthe
    smallglassandpouredthewhiskeydownhisthroat.Ithadanawfultaste.He
    chokedviolently.Themanintheboothstraightenedupandswunghishead
    around.HestaredstraightatJoePettigrew.
    "Whatthehell..."hesaidsharply.
    JoePettigrewwasfrozen.Hestoodthereholdingtheglassandtheman
    lookedhimstraightintheeye.Theman'seyeswentdown,downtotheempty
    glassJoePettigrewwasholding.Themanputhishandsontheedgeofthetable
    andstartedtomovesideways.Hedidn'tsayanotherword,butJoePettigrew
    didn'thavetobetold.Heturnedandrantowardsthebackofthebar.The
    bartenderandthetwomenonthestoolsbothturnedtolook.Themanfromthe
    boothwasstandingupnow.
    JustintimeJoePettigrewfoundit.Itsaid_Men_onthedoor.Hewentin
    quicklyandswungaround.Therewasnolockonthedoor.Hishandgripped
    franticallyfortheboxinhispocketandhewasonlyjustgettingitoutwhen
    thedoorstartedtoopen.Hesteppedbehinditandwrenchedthelidoffthebox
    andgrabbedabigpinch.Hegotittohisnoseameresecondbeforethemanin
    theboothwasinthemen'sroomwithhim.
    JoePettigrew'shandshooksoviolentlythathedroppedhalfthesnuffon
    thefloor.Healsodroppedthecoverofthebox.Withadiabolicalprecisionthe

    coverrolledstraightalongtheconcretefloorandcametorestpractically
    touchingthetipoftherightshoeofthemanfromthebooth.
    Themanstoodinsidethedoorandlookedaround.Hereallylookedaround.
    AndhelookedstraightatJoePettigrew.Buthisexpressionwasquitedifferent
    thistime.Helookedaway.Hesteppedacrosstothetwostalls.Hepushedfirst
    onedooropen,thenanother.Bothstallswereempty.Themanstoodtherelooking
    intothem.Apeculiarsoundcamefromhisthroat.Withanabsentgesturehegot
    outapackofcigarettesandstuckacigaretteinhismouth.Aneatsmallsilver
    lightercameoutnextandsnappedaneatsmallflametothecigarette.
    Themanblewalongplumeofsmoke.Heturnedslowlyandmovedtowardsthe
    doorlikeamaninadream.Hewentout.Thenwithappallingsuddennesshecame
    backinagain,hurlingthedoorinfrontofhim.JoePettigrewgotoutofthe
    wayjustintime.Themangavetheroomanotherrakingglance.Herewasabadly
    puzzledman,JoePettigrewthought.Averyannoyedman,amanintowhosemorning
    alargedropofgallhadbeendropped.Themanwentoutagain.
    JoePettigrewmovedoncemore.Therewasafrostedwindowinthewall,
    small,butadequate.Heunlatcheditandtriedtopushitup.Itstuck.Hetried
    harder.Thewrenchoftheefforthurthisback.Thewindowcamefreeatlastand
    slidupjerkilyasfarasitwouldgo.
    Ashedroppedhishandsandwipedthemonhispantsavoicebehindhim
    said:"Thatwasn'topen."
    Anothervoicesaid:"Whatwasn'topen,mister?"
    "Thewindow,chump."
    Joelookedaroundcarefully.HesidledawayfromthewindowThebarkeepand
    themanfromtheboothwerebothlookingatthewindow.
    "Mustofbeen,"thebarkeepsaidtersely."Andskipthechump."
    "Isayitwasn't."Themanfromtheboothwasmorethanemphatic,andless
    thanpolite.
    "Youcallin'mealiar?"thebarkeepenquired.
    "Howwouldyouknowwhetheritwasopen?"Themanfromtheboothstartedto
    getaggressiveagain.
    "Whyyoucomebackinhere,ifyouwassosure?"
    "BecauseIcouldn'tbelievemyeyes,"themanfromtheboothalmostyelled.
    Thebarkeepgrinned."Butyouexpectmetobelieve'em.Thatthepicture?"

    "Oh,gotohell,"themanfromtheboothsaid.Heturnedandbangedoutof
    themen'sroom.InsodoinghesteppedsquareonthetopofProfessorBingo's
    snuffbox.Itcrunchedflatunderhisshoe.Nobodylookedatit,exceptJoe
    PettigrewHelookedatitallright.
    Thebarkeepwentacrosstothewindowandshutitandturnedthecatch.
    "Thattakescareofthatjerk,"hesaid,andwentonout.JoePettigrew
    movedcarefullytothecrushedboxtopandstoopedforit.Hestraightenedit
    outasbesthecouldandputitbackonthebottomhalf.Itdidn'tlookvery
    safeanymore.Hewrappeditinapapertoweljusttobealittlesafer.
    Anothermancameintothemen'sroom,buthewasonbusiness.JoePettigrew
    caughtthedoorasitswungshutandslippedout.Thebarkeepwasbehindthebar
    again.Themanfromtheboothandthewomanwiththedirtywhitelambswoolwere
    startingout.
    "Comeagainsoon,"thebarkeepsaid,inavoicethatmeantexactlythe
    opposite.Themanfromtheboothalmoststoppedbutthewomansaidsomethingto
    himandtheywentonout.
    "What'sthebeef?"themanonthestoolasked,theonewhohadnotgoneto
    themen'sroom.
    "IcouldpickabetterlookingskirtthanthatoveronNorthBroadwayat
    oneintheA.M.,"thebarkeepsaidcontemptuously."Theguynotonlyain'tgot
    nomannersandnobrains,heain'tgotnotaste."
    "Butyouknowwhathehasgot,"themanonthestoolsaidlaconicallyas
    JoePettigrewwentquietlyoutofthedoor.
    ThebusstationonCahuengawastheplace.Peoplecomingandgoingallthe
    time,peopleintentononething,peoplewhowouldneverlooktoseewhojostled
    them,peoplewithnotimetothinkandmostofthemnothingtothinkwithif
    theyhadthetime.Therewasplentyofnoise.Dialinginanemptyphonebooth
    wouldattractnoattention.Hereachedupandloosenedthebulbsothelight
    wouldnotgoonwhenheclosedthedoor.Hewasalittleworriednow.Thesnuff
    couldn'tbetrustedformuchmorethananhour.Hefiguredbackfromthetimehe
    hadlefttheyoungpolicemaninthelivingroomatthehousetowhenthemanin
    theboothhadlookedupandseenhim.
    Justaboutanhour.Thistookthought.Muchthought.Hepeeredatthe
    telephonenumber.Gladstone74963.Hedroppedhisnickelanddialedit.At

    firstitdidn'tring,thenawavyhighpitchedwhinereachedhisears,thena
    clickandthenheheardhisnickeldropdownintothereturnslot.Thenan
    operator'svoicesaid:"Whatnumberareyoucalling,please?"
    JoePettigrewtoldher.Shesaid:"Onemoment,please."Therewasapause.
    JoePettigrewkeptlookingoutthroughtheglasspanelofthebooth.Hewondered
    howlongitwouldbebeforesomebodytriedthedooroftheboothandhowmuch
    longerbeforesomeonenoticedwhatwouldseemtohimorheraverycurious
    positionforthetelephonereceiverattheearofasomeonewhowasn'tthere.
    Hesupposeditwasthatway.Thewholedamntelephonesystemcouldhardly
    disappearjustbecausehewasusingoneinstrument.
    Theoperator'svoicecameback,"I'msorry,sir,butthereisnosuch
    telephonenumberlisted."
    "Theremustbe,"JoePettigrewsaidviolentlyandrepeatedthenumber.The
    operatoralsorepeatedherremark,andadded:"Onemoment,please,Iwillgive
    youInformation."TheboothwashotandJoePettigrewwasbeginningtosweat.
    Informationcameandheardandwentawayandcameback.
    "I'msorry,sir.Thereisnotelephonelistedunderthatname."
    JoePettigrewsteppedoutoftheboothjustintimetoavoidawomanwitha
    stringbagandanappearanceofgreathurry.Hejustslidawayfromherintime.
    Hegotoutoftherefast.
    Itcouldbeanunlistednumber.Heshouldhavethoughtofthatlongago.
    ThewayProfessorBingooperated,hewouldcertainlyhaveanunlistedphone.Joe
    Pettigrewstoppeddeadandsomebodykickedhisheel.Heskippedoutoftheway
    justintime.
    No,hewasbeingsilly.Hehaddialedthenumber.Andevenifitwasan
    unlistednumber,theoperator,knowinghehadthenumberandthatitwasa
    correctnumber,wouldsimplyhavetoldhimtodialitagain.Shewouldthinkhe
    hadmadeamistakeindialing.SoBingohadnotelephoneatall.
    "Allright,"JoePettigrewsaid."Allright,Bingo.MaybeI'lljustdrop
    overandtellyouaboutit.MaybeIwon'tneedanymoneyatall.Amanyourage
    oughttohavemoresensethantoputaphonytelephonenumberonabusiness
    card.Howcanyouexpecttoselltheproductifthecustomercan'tgettotalk
    toyou?"
    Hesaidallthisinhismind.Thenhetoldhimselfhewasprobablydoing
    ProfessorBingoaninjustice.TheProfessorlookedlikeaprettysmooth

    operator.Hewouldhaveareasonforwhathedid.JoePettigrewgotthecardout
    andlookedatitagain.311BlankeyBuilding,onNorthWilcox.JoePettigrewhad
    neverheardoftheBlankeyBuilding,butthatdidn'tmeananything.Anybigcity
    isfullofratholeslikethat.Itcouldn'tbemorethanhalfamile.Thatwould
    beaboutalltherewouldbetothebusinesspartofWilcox.
    Hewalkedsouth.Thebuildinghadanevennumber,whichwouldputitonthe
    eastside.Heoughttohaveaskedthetelephoneoperatortochecktheaddress
    whenshecouldn'tfindthename.Maybeshewouldandmaybeshewouldtellhimto
    gofishing.
    Hefoundtheblockeasilyenoughandhefoundthenumbernotquiteso
    easily,butbyaprocessofelimination.Itwasn'tcalledtheBlankeyBuilding,
    though.Hereadthecardagainandmadesure.No,hehadn'tmadeamistake.That
    wastherightaddress,butitwasn'tanofficebuilding.Norwasitaprivate
    home,norastore.
    Quiteasenseofhumor,ProfessorAugustusBingohad.Hisbusinessaddress
    turnedouttobetheHollywoodPoliceStation.
    Besidesthelabmenandphotographersandthefellowwhodidtheblock
    sketchtoscale,showingthepositionofthefurnitureandwindowsandthings,
    therewasalieutenantofdetectivesandasergeant.BeingfromtheHollywood
    divisiontheybothlookedabitmoresportythanyouexpectplainclothescopsto
    look.Onehadhissportshirtcollaroutsidethecollarofhisshepherd'splaid
    jacket.Heworeskyblueslacksandshoeswithgiltbucklesonthem.Hisargyle
    socksgleamedinthedarknessoftheclothesclosetthatopenedunderthestairs
    betweenthebedroomandthebathroom.Hehadthesquareofcarpetrolledback.
    Underneathwasatrapdoorwithasunkenringinit.Themanintheblue
    slackshehappenedtobethesergeantalthoughhelookedolderthanthe
    lieutenantpulledattheringandgotthetrapdoorupagainstthebackwallof
    thecloset.Thespacedownbelowwashalflitfromtheventilatingscreensin
    thefoundationwalls.Therewasaroughwoodenladderleaningagainstthe
    concretewallofthebasement.Thesergeant,whosenamewasRehder,gotthe
    ladderintopositionandbackeddownfarenoughtoseewhatwasunderthefloor.
    "Bigplace,"hesaidspeakingup."Musthavebeenstairsdownhereonce
    beforetheyflooredthespaceinhardwoodtomakethecloset.Theyputthetrap

    intogetatthegasandwaterpipesandtheoutfall.Thinkit'sworthlooking
    inthetrunks?"
    Thelieutenantwasabighandsomemanbuiltlikeablockingback.Hehad
    saddarkeyes.HisnamewasWaldman.Henoddedvaguely.
    "There'sthebottomofthefloorfurnace,"Rehdersaid.Hereachedoutand
    rappedonit.Thesheetironrang."That'sallthefurnacethereis.Andthat
    wouldbeinstalledfromthetop.Anybodychecktheairvents?"
    "Yes,"Waldmansaid."They'rebigenoughallright,butthreeofthemare
    nailedshutandpaintedover.Theoneinbackofthehouseisloosebutthegas
    meterisjustinsideit.Nobodycouldgetpastthat."
    Rehdercamebackuptheladderandloweredthetraptotheclosetfloor.
    "Alsothere'sthiscarpet,"hesaid."Prettyhardtogetthattofallinplace
    withoutawrinkle."
    Hedustedhishandsoffonthepieceofcarpetandtheywentoutofthe
    closetandshutthedoor.Theywentintothelivingroomandwatchedthelabmen
    fussingaround.
    "Printsaren'tgoingtomeananything,"thelieutenantsaidmovingafinger
    alongtheedgeofhischinagainstthedarkcloseshavenbristles."Unlesswe
    happentogetaclearoverlay.OrsomethingonadoororwindowEventhat
    wouldn'tbetooconclusive.AfterallPettigrewliveshere.It'shishouse."
    "I'dsureliketoknowwhoreportedthatshot,"Rehdersaid.
    "Pettigrew.Whoelse?"Waldmankeptonrubbinghischin.Hiseyesweresad
    andsleepy."Ican'tgoforsuicide.I'veseentoomanyandIneveroncesawone
    whereaguyshothimselfthroughtheheartfromadistanceofnotlessthan
    threefeetandmorelikelyfourorfive."
    Rehdernodded.Hewaslookingdownatthefloorfurnace.Ithadabig
    gratingpartlyinthefloor,partlyinthewall.
    "Butassumeit_could_besuicide,"Waldmanwenton."Theplaceislocked
    uptightallexceptthewindowtheprowlboysgotinat,andoneofthemstayed
    rightbesideituntilwegothere.Thedoor'snotonlylockedbutboltedwitha
    deadlatchthatisnotconnectedwiththelock.Everywindowislockedandthe
    onlyotherdoor,theonethatconnectswiththebreakfastroomatthebackof
    thehouse,hasadeadlatchonthissidewhichcan'tbeopenedfromthebreakfast
    roomandaspringlockontheothersidewhichcan'tbeopenedfrominhere.So

    thephysicalevidenceprovesPettigrewcouldn'thavehadaccesstotheserooms
    whentheshotwasfired."
    "Sofar,"Rehdersaid.
    "Sofar,sure.Butsomebodyheardthatshotandsomebodyreportedit.None
    oftheneighborsheardit."
    "Theysay,"Rehderputin.
    "Butwhylieaboutit_after_wefoundthebodies?Beforethatmaybe,just
    nottobeinvolved.Youcouldsaywhoeverhearditdoesn'twanttobeawitness
    ataninquestoratrial.Somepeopledon't,sure.Butthey'relikelytobe
    botheredalotmore,iftheydidn'thearanythingorthinktheydidn'tthanif
    theydid.Theinvestigatorsaregoingtokeeptryingtomakethemremember
    somethingtheythinkthey'veforgotten.Youknowhowoftenthatworksout."
    Rehdersaid:"Let'sgetbacktoPettigrew"Hiseyeswereonhispartner
    now,verywatchfulandfaintlytriumphant,asifatsomesecretthought.
    "Wehavetosuspecthim,"Waldmansaid."Wealwayshavetosuspectthe
    husband.HemusthaveknownhiswifewasplayingaroundwiththisPorterGreen.
    Pettigrew'snotoutoftownoranything.Themailmansawhimthismorning.He
    eitherleftbeforeoraftertheshot.Ifheleftbefore,he'sclear.Ifheleft
    afterhestillmightnothaveheardit.ButI'msayinghedidbecausehehada
    betterchancethananyoneelse.Andifhedid,whatwouldhedo?"
    Rehderfrowned."Theyneverdotheobviousthing,dothey?No.You'dsay
    he'dtrytogetinandhe'dfindouthecouldn'twithoutbreakingin.Thenhe'd
    callthelaw.Butthisguyislivingrightinthehousewherehiswifeis
    playingfootiewiththeroomer.Eitherhe'sanawfulcoldfishanddoesn'tgive
    adamn..."
    "That'shappened,"Waldmanputin.
    "...orhe'dbehumiliatedandprettysavageinside.Whenhehearsthat
    shot,heknowsdamnwellhe'dliketohavefiredit.Andheknowswe'relikely
    tothinkthesame.Sohegoesoutandcallsusfromapaystationandthen
    disappears.Whenhecomeshomehe'llbethemostsurprisedguyintheworld."
    Waldmannodded."Butuntilwegetachancetosizehimup,itdoesn'tmean
    athing.Itwaspurechancenobodysawhimleave,purechancenobodyreported
    theshot.Hecouldn'trelyonanyofthat,thereforehecouldn'trelyon
    pretendingnottoknow.Ifit'ssuicideIsayhedidn'theartheshotanddidn't

    callin.Helefteitherbeforeorafterandhedoesn'tknowathingabout
    anybodybeingdead."
    "Soagainit'snotsuicide,"Rehdersaid."Sohehadtogetoutofhereand
    leavetheplacelockedup.Fine.Howdidhedoit?"
    "Yes.How?"
    "Floorfurnace.Itheatsthehalltoo.Didn'tyounotice?"Rehderasked
    triumphantly.
    Waldman'seyeswenttothefloorfurnaceandbacktoRehder."Whatsizeman
    ishe?"heasked.
    "Oneoftheboyslookedathisclothesupstairs.Fiveten,onesixty,wears
    aneightandahalfshoe,athirtyeightshirt,athirtyninesuit.Justsmall
    enough.Thatpiecebehindtheuprightgratingjusthangsonarod.We'llprint
    itandthentryitout."
    "Nottryingtomakeachumpoutofme,areyouMax?"
    "Youknowbetterthanthat,Lieutenant.Ifit'shomicide,theguyhadto
    getoutoftheroom.There'snosuchthingasalockedroommurder.Neverhas
    been."
    Waldmansighedandlookedtowardsthestainonthecarpetbythecornerof
    thecocktailtable.
    "Isupposenot,"hesaid."Butitdoesseemapitywecan'thavejustone."
    AtsixteenminutestothreeJoePettigrewwalkeddownapathinaquiet
    partofHollywoodCemetery.Notthatitwasn'tallquiet.Buthereitwasremote
    andforgotten.Thegrasswasgreenandcool.Therewasasmallstonebench.He
    satdownonitandlookedacrossatamarblemonumentwithangelsonit.It
    lookedexpensive.Hecouldseethattheletteringhadoncebeeningold.Heread
    thename.Itwentbackalongtime,toalostglamor,tothedayswhenastarof
    theflickeringscreenlivedlikeanEasterncaliphanddiedlikeaprinceofthe
    blood.Itwasasimpleplaceforamanwhohadoncebeensofamous.Notmuch
    likethathokedupdemiparadiseoveronthefarsideoftheriver.
    Alongtimeago,inalostanddingyworld.Bathtubgin,gangwars,ten
    percentmarginaccounts,partieswhereeveryonegotparalyzedasamatterof
    course.Cigarsmokeinthetheater.Everybodysmokedcigarsinthosedays.A
    heavypallofitalwayshungoverthemezzanineboxes.Thedraftsuckedit
    acrossontothestage.Hecouldsmellitasheteeteredfifteenfeetintheair

    onabikewithwheelslikewatermelons.JoeMeredithClownCyclist.Goodtoo.
    Neverquiteaheadlineryoucouldn'tbewiththatkindofactbutahellofa
    longwayfromtheacrobats.Asolo.Oneofthebestfallsinthebusiness.Looks
    easy,doesn'tit?Tryitsometimeandfindouthoweasyfifteenfeetandland
    onthebackofyourneckonahardstageandrollgentlytoyourfeetwiththe
    hatstillonyourheadandnineinchesoflightedcigarstuckinthecornerofa
    hugepaintedmouth.
    HewonderedwhatwouldhappenifhetrieditnowProbablybreakfourribs
    andgetapuncturedlung.
    Amancamealongthepath.Oneoftheseyounghardlookingkidsthatgo
    coatlessinanykindofweather.Abouttwentyortwentyone,toomuchblackhair
    notcleanenough,narrowflatblackeyes,darkoliveskin,shirtopenonahard
    hairlesschest.
    HestoppedinfrontofthebenchandmeasuredJoePettigrewwithaquick
    sweepoftheeyes."Gotamatch?"
    JoePettigrewstoodup.Itwastimetogohomenow.Hetookapapermatch
    folderoutofhispockerandhelditout.
    "Thanks."Thekidpickedaloosecigaretteoutofhisshirtpocketandlit
    thecigaretteslowly,movinghiseyesthiswayandthat.Ashehandedthe
    matchesbackwithhislefthandhelookedoverhisshoulder,aquickglance.Joe
    Pettigrewreachedforthematches.Thekiddroppedhisrighthandswiftlyinside
    theshirtandjerkedoutashortgun.
    "Nowthewallet,chum,andtakeits"
    JoePettigrewkickedhiminthegroin.Thekiddoubledoverandbeganto
    sweat.Notasoundcamefromhim.Hishandstillheldthegun,butnotpointed.
    Toughkidallright.JoePettigrewtookastepandkickedthegunoutofhis
    hand.Hehaditbeforethekidmoved.
    Thekidwasbreathinginharshgaspsnow.Helookedprettysick.Joe
    Pettigrewfeltalittlesad.Hehadthefloor.Hecouldsayanythingheliked.
    Hehadnothingtosay.Theworldwasfulloftoughkids.Itwastheirworld,the
    worldofPorterGreen.
    Timetogohomenow.Hewalkedawayalongthesunlitpathanddidn'tlook
    back.Whenhecametoaneatgreentrashbarrelhedroppedthegunintoit.He
    lookedbackthenbutthekidwasnowhereinsight.Probablywalkingfasttoget
    awayandgroaningashewalked.Perhapsevenrunning.Wheredoyouruntowhen

    youhavekilledaman?Nowhere.Yougohome.Runningawayisaverycomplicated
    business.Ittakesthoughtandpreparation.Ittakestime,moneyandclothes.
    Hislegsached.Hewastired.Buthecouldbuycoffeenowandtakethebus.
    Heoughttohavewaitedandthoughtitout.ThatwasProfessorAugustusBingo's
    fault.Hemadeitmuchtooeasy,likeashortcutthatwasn'tonthemap.You
    tookit,andthenyoufoundthattheshortcutdidn'tgoanywhere,justendedin
    ayardwithaviciousdog.So,ifyouwereveryquickandverylucky,youkicked
    theviciousdogintherightplaceandwentbackthewayyoucame.
    Hishandwentintohispocketandhisfingerstouchedthepacketof
    ProfessorBingo'sproductalittlecrumpledandpartlyspilled,butstill
    usable,ifhecouldthinkofanyuseforit,whichwasnowunlikely.
    ToobadProfessorBingodidn'thavearealaddressonhiscard.Joe
    Pettigrewwouldhavelikedtocallonhimandtwisthisneck.Afellowlikethat
    coulddoalotofharmintheworld.MoreharmthanahundredPorterGreens.
    ButacharacterasresourcefulasProfessorBingowouldknowallthatin
    advance.Evenifhehadanoffice,youwouldn'tfindhimthereunlesshewanted
    youto.
    JoePettigrewwalked.
    LieutenantWaldmansawhimandknewhimthreehousesaway,longbeforehe
    turnedupthewalk.HelookedexactlylikewhatWaldmanhadexpected,gaunt
    face,neatgraysuit,preciseandexactwayofmoving.Rightweightandbuild.
    "Okay,"hesaid,standingupfromachairbythewindow."Nothingrough,
    Max.Feelhimoutslowly."
    Theyhadsentthepolicecaroffaroundthecorner.Thestreetwasquiet
    again.Nothinglookedsensational.JoePettigrewturnedintothewalkandcame
    towardstheporch.Hestoppedhalfway,steppedoveronthelawnandgotouta
    pocketknife.Hebentdownandcutadandelionoffjustbelowthesurface.He
    foldedtheknifecarefullyafterwipingitoffonthegrassandputitbackin
    hispocket.Hethrewthedandelionofftowardsthecornerofthehouseoutof
    sightofthemenwatching.
    "Idon'tbuyit,"Rehdersaidinaharshwhisper."Itjustain'tpossible
    thatguycooledanybodytoday."
    "Heseesthewindow,"Waldmansaid,pullingbackintoshadowwithoutmoving
    tooquickly.Thelightswereoffintheroomnowandtheradiohadlongsince

    beenstilled.JoePettigrewwaslookingupatthebrokenwindowrightinfront
    ofhimfromwherehestoodonthelawn.Hemovedalittlemorequicklyuponthe
    porchandstopped.Hishandwentoutandpulledatthescreenenoughtoshow
    thatitwasloose.Heletgoofthescreenandstraightenedup.Hisfacehadan
    oddexpression.Thenheturnedquicklytowardsthedoor.
    Thedooropenedashereachedit.Waldmanstoodinsidelookingoutgravely.
    "IthinkyouwouldbeMr.Pettigrew,"hesaidpolitely.
    "Yes,I'mPettigrew,"thegauntexpressionlessfacetoldhim."Whoare
    you?"
    "Apoliceofficer,Mr.PettigrewThenameisWaldman,LieutenantWaldman.
    Comein,please."
    "Police?Somebodybreakinhere?Thewindow..."
    "No,it'snotaburglary,Mr.PettigrewWe'llexplainitalltoyou."He
    stoodbackfromthedoorandJoePettigrewsteppedinpasthim.Hetookoffhis
    hatandhungitup,justashealwaysdid.
    Waldmansteppedclosetohimandranhishandsrapidlyoverhisbody.
    "Sorry,Mr.Pettigrew.Partofmyjob.ThisisSergeantRehder.We'refrom
    theHollywoodDivision.Let'sgointothelivingroom."
    "That'snotourlivingroom,"JoePettigrewsaid."Thispartofthehouse
    isrented."
    "Weknowthat,Mr.Pettigrew.Justsitdownandtakeiteasy."
    JoePettigrewsatdownandleanedback.Hiseyessearchedtheroom.They
    sawthechalkmarksandthedustingpowder.Heleanedforwardagain.
    "What'sthat?"heaskedsharply.
    WaldmanandRehderlookedathimwithlevelunsmilingexpressions."What
    timedidyougoouttoday?"Waldmanasked,andleanedbackcasuallyandlita
    cigarette.Rehdersathunchedforwardonthefronthalfofachair,hisright
    handlooseonhisknee.Hisgunwasinashortleatherholsterinsidehisright
    hippocket.He'dneverlikedanunderarmclip.ThisguyPettigrewdidn'tlook
    likeitwouldtakeaguntoknockhimover,butyouneverknew.
    "Whattime?Idon'tremember.Somewherearoundnoon."
    "Togowhere?"
    "Justwalking.IwentovertoHollywoodCemeteryforawhile.Myfirstwife
    isburiedthere."

    "Oh,yourfirstwife,"Waldmansaideasily."Anyideawhereyourpresent
    wifeis?"
    "Probablyoutwiththeroomer.FellownamedPorterGreen,"JoePettigrew
    saidcalmly.
    "Likethat,eh?"Waldmansaid.
    "Justlikethat."Pettigrew'seyeswenttotheflooragain,overwherethe
    chalkmarkswereandthedarkstaininthecarpet."Supposeyoumentellme..."
    "Inamoment,"Waldmancutin,rathermoresharply."Didyouhaveany
    reasontocallthepolice?Fromhereorwhileyouwereout?"
    JoePettigrewshookhishead."Aslongastheneighborsdidn'tcomplain,
    whyshouldI?"
    "Idon'tgetit,"Rehdersaid."What'shetalkingabout?"
    "Prettynoisy,werethey?"Waldmanasked.Hegotitallright.
    Pettigrewnoddedagain."Buttheyhadallthewindowsshut."
    "Andlocked?"Waldmanaskedcasually.
    "Whenacopstartsbeingsubtle,"JoePettigrewansweredjustascasually,
    "it'sforlaughs.HowwouldIknowifthewindowswerelocked?"
    "I'llstopbeingsubtle,ifitbothersyou,Mr.Pettigrew"Waldmanhada
    sweetsadsmileonhisfacenow."Thewindows_were_locked.That'swhythe
    radioofficershadtobreaktheglasstogetin.Nowastowhytheyhadtoget
    in,Mr.Pettigrew"
    JoePettigrewjustlookedathimsteadily.Don'tanswerthem,hethought,
    andthey'llstarttellingyou.Onethingtheywon'tdotheywon'tstoptalking.
    Theylovetohearthemselvestalk.Hedidn'tspeak.Waldmanwenton:
    "Somebodycalledinandsaidhe'dheardashotinthishouse.Wethoughtit
    mighthavebeenyou.Wedon'tknowthatitwas.Theneighborsdenyhavingheard
    anything."
    Nowiswhenyoucanmakethemistake,JoePettigrewsaidinhismind.I
    wishIhadJosephtotalkto.Ifeelclearinmymind.Ifeelokay,butthese
    boysaren'tdumb.EspeciallytheonewiththesoftvoiceandtheJewisheyes.
    Nothingthatdumbevercarriedabadge.Niceguy,buthewon'tfool.Icomehome
    andthecopshavethehouseandsomebody'scalledinaboutagunandthefront
    window'sbrokenandtheroom'sbeengoneoveruntilitlooksalltiredout.And
    there'sastaintherethatcouldbeblood.Andthosechalkmarkscouldbethe
    outlineofabody.AndGladysisn'taroundandPorterGreenisn'taround.Well,

    howwouldIactifIdidn'tknowanythingaboutit?PerhapsIdon'tcare.I
    guessthat'sit.Ijustdon'tcarewhatthesebirdsthink.BecauseanytimeI
    changemymindaboutbeinghereIdon'thavetobehere.Waitaminutethough.
    Itdoesn'tsettleanything.It'smurderandsuicide.Ithastobe,becauseit
    couldn'tbeanythingelse.I'mnotgoingtothinkthataway.Ifit'smurderand
    suicide,thenIdon'tmindbeinghere.I'mfine.
    "Asuicidepact,"hesaidoutloud,asifthoughtfully."PorterGreen
    didn'tseemthetype.NormywifeGladys.Tooshallowandtooselfish."
    "Nobodysaidanythingaboutanybodybeingdead,"Rehdersaidharshly.
    That'sarealcop,JoePettigrewthought.Likeinthemovies.HimIdon't
    mind.Doesn'tlikeanybodytohaveanideaormakeanobviousdeduction.That's
    afatheadedremarkhemade,ifeverIheardone.Outloudhesaid:
    "Howobviousdoesithavetoget?"
    Waldmansmiledfaintly."Onlyoneshotwasheard,Mr.Pettigrew.Ifthe
    informantheardcorrectly.Andfrankly,sincewedon'tknowtheinformant,we
    haven'tbeenabletoquestionhim.Butitwasnotasuicidepact.Icanassure
    youofthat.AndsinceIhavestoppedbeingsubtlealthoughIdon'tthinkyou
    haveletmesayatoncethattheradioofficersfoundPorterGreendeadwhere
    youseethosemarks.Hischestwaswhereyouseethatbloodstain.Hebledvery
    little.Hewasshotthroughtheheartquiteaccuratelyatadistancethat
    makessuicideveryunlikely.Previoustothathehadstrangledyourwife,after
    aratherviolentstruggle."
    "Hedidn'tknowwomenaswellashethoughthedid,"JoePettigrewsaid.
    "Thisguyisshakingwithexcitement",Rehderputinnastily."Justlikean
    irondeeronsomebody'sfrontlawn."
    Waldmanwavedhishandandkeptthesmileonhisface."Thisisn'ta
    performance,Max,"hesaidwithoutlookingathispartner."AlthoughIknowyou
    giveaverygoodone.Mr.Pettigrewisaveryintelligentlevelheadedman.We
    don'tknowtoomuchabouthishomelife,butweknowenoughtosuspectthatit
    wasnothappy.Hepretendstonofalsegrief.Right,Mr.Pettigrew?"
    "Exact."
    "Ithoughtso.Also,notbeinganidiot,Max,Mr.Pettigrewknowsperfectly
    wellfromtheappearanceofthisroom,fromourbeinghere,andfromourmanner,
    thatsomethingserioushashappened.Hemayevenhaveexpectedsomethingofthe
    sorttohappen."

    JoePettigrewshookhishead."Oneofherboyfriendsbeatheruponce,"he
    saidcalmly."Shedisappointedhim.Shedisappointedallofthem.Heevenwanted
    tobeatmeup."
    "Whydidn'the?"Waldmanasked,asifthesituationwasthemostnatural
    thingintheworldawifelikeGladys,ahusbandlikeJoePettigrew,anda
    roomerlikePorterGreenorareasonablefacsimileofPorterGreen.
    JoePettigrewsmiledevenmorefaintlythanWaldmanhadsmiled.Thiswas
    somethingtheywerenotgoingtoknow.Hisphysicalskills,whichheseldom
    used,andthenonlyatclimactericmoments.Somethinginreserve,likewhatwas
    leftofProfessorBingo'ssampleofsnuff.
    "Probablydidn'tthinkitworthwhile,"heanswered.
    "Quiteaman,ain'tyou,Pettigrew?"Rehdersneered.Alittletasteofmale
    disgustwasrisinginhim,likebile.
    "AsIsaid,"Waldmanwentonpeacefully,"fromtheappearanceofthings
    whenwegotherewecouldassumearatherviolentscene.Theman'sfacewas
    badlyscratchedandthewomanwasbadlybruisedupinadditiontotheusual
    signsofstrangulationnevertoopleasanttoasensitiveman.Areyoua
    sensitiveman,Mr.Pettigrew?You'llhavetoidentifyherbody,evenifyou
    are."
    "That'sthefirstsnideremarkyou'vemade,Lieutenant."
    Waldmanflushed.Hebithislip.Hewashimselfaverysensitiveman.
    Pettigrewwasright."I'msorry,"hesaidandasifhemeantitsincerely."You
    nowunderstandwhatwefoundhere.Sinceyou'rethehusbandandsincesofaras
    weknownowit'suncertainwhenyouleftthehouseyouwouldnormallybea
    suspectforoneofthesedeaths,andpossiblyboth."
    "Both?"JoePettigrewasked.Heshowedrealsurprisethistime,andhe
    instantlyknewitwasamistake.Hetriedtoretrieveit."Oh,Iseewhatyou
    mean.ThescratchesonPorterGreenandtheblowsonmywife'sbodylikeyou
    saiddon'tprovehestrangledher.Imighthaveshothimandthenstrangled
    herwhileshewasunconsciousorhelplessfromthebeating."
    "Thisguy'sgotnoemotionsatall,"Rehdersaidwithakindofwonder.
    Waldmansaidgently:"Hehasemotions,Max.Buthehaslivedwiththema
    longtime.Theyareprettydeep.Right,Mr.Pettigrew?"
    JoePettigrewsaidhewasright.Hedidn'tthinkhehadquiteretrievedthe
    mistake,buthemighthave.

    "ThewoundonPorterGreenwasdefinitelynotatypicalsuicidewound,"
    Waldmanwenton."Itwouldn'tbe,evenifyoupictureamancoollyandquietly
    decidingtokillhimselfforwhatseemtohimgoodreasonsifasuicideeveris
    coolandquiet.Someofthemdoseemtobe.Butamanwhohadjustpassed
    throughaviolentsceneforsuchamaninsuchamentalstatetoholdagunas
    farfromhisbodyashecouldreachanddeliberatelyandaccuratelyaimitat
    hisheartandpullthetriggernobodycouldreallybelievethat,Mr.Pettigrew.
    Nobody."
    "SoIdidit,"PettigrewsaidandlookedstraightatWaldman'seyes.
    Waldmanstaredathimandthenturnedtoputhiscigaretteoutinanamber
    glasstray.Hegrounditbackandforthuntilthestubwasshapeless.Hespoke
    withoutlookingatPettigrew,amanthinkingoutloud,perfectlyrelaxedinhis
    thinking.
    "Therearetwoobjectionstothat.Thatis,therewere.First,thewindows
    werelockedallthewindows.Thedoorofthisroomwaslockedandalthoughyou
    wouldhaveakey,beingthelandlordoh,bytheway,Isupposeyouarethe
    landlord?"
    "Iownthehouse,"Pettigrewsaid.
    "Yourkeywouldnotopenthisdoorbecauseofadeadlatchwhichisseparate
    fromthelock.Thedoorintoyourkitchencan'tbeopenedfromtheotherside
    untilaboltonthissideisturned.There'satrapdoortothecellar,butit
    leadsnowhereoutsidethehouse.We'vedeterminedthat.Sowethoughtatfirst
    thatnoonebuthimselfcouldhavekilledPorterGreen,becausenoonecould
    havelefttheroomafterkillinghimandleftitlockedupasit_was_locked
    up.Wefoundananswertothat."
    JoePettigrewfeltaslighttinglingontheskinofhistemples.Hismouth
    seemedtofeeldryandhistongueseemedlargeandstiffinit.Healmostlost
    control.Healmostsaid,thereisn'tanyway.Therejustisn't.Iftherewas,
    thewholethingwouldbealaugh.ProfessorBingowouldbealaugh.Whythehell
    wouldIstandinsidethewindowandwaitforthecoptobreaktheglassand
    climbinandthenrightbehindhisback,nottenfeetfromhim,stepoutonto
    thatporchandsoftshoeawayandawayandaway?WhywouldIbotherwithall
    thatandtherestofitandthedodgingpeopleonthestreetsandthenothaving
    anycoffeeoranywaytogetanywhereandnotbeingabletospeaktoanybody,

    whywouldIdoallthatiftherewasawayoutoftheroomthatacoupleof
    flatfeetwouldfind?
    Hedidn'tsayit.Buthissayingitinhisminddidsomethingtohisface.
    Rehderleanedforwardalittlefurtherandhistongueshoweditstipbetweenhis
    lips.Waldmansighed.FunnyneitherhenorMaxhadthoughtofthekillerhaving
    killedbothofthem.
    "Thefurnace,"hesaidinacooldetachedvoice.
    Pettigrewstaredandslowlyhisheadwentaroundandhewaslookingatthe
    gratingofthefloorfurnace,thetwogratings,onehorizontalandoneupright
    whereitcutintothewallbetweenthisroomandthehall."Thefurnace,"he
    saidandlookedbackatWaldman."Whythefurnace?"
    "Itwasintendedtosendheatintothehallaswellasthisroom,probably
    withtheideatheheatwouldrisetotheupperpartofthehouse.Betweenthe
    twopartsofthefurnacethatis,betweenthetworooms,thereisasheetiron
    screenhangingonarod.Itisintendedtodiverttheheatwhereyouwantit.It
    willblankeitheroftheuprightgratingsandputmostoftheheatintoone
    outlet,orifithangsstraightupanddownaswefoundit,theheatgoesin
    bothdirections."
    "Amancouldgetthroughthat?"Pettigrewaskedwonderingly.
    "Noteveryman.Youcould.Thescreenmoveseasily.We'vetriedit.Oneof
    ourtechnicalmenwentthrough.Theavailablespaceisabouttwelvebytwenty
    inches.Ampleforyou,Mr.Pettigrew"
    "SoIkilledthemandgotoutthatway"JoePettigrewsaid."I'mbrilliant.
    Reallybrilliant.Andputthegratingsbackafterwards".
    "Nothingtothat.Theyarenotscreweddown,justheldinpositionbytheir
    weight.Wetriedit,Mr.Pettigrew.Weknow"Herumpledhisdarkwavyhair.
    "Unfortunatelythat'snotacompletesolution."
    "No?"ApulsewasbeatinginJoePettigrew'stemple.Ahardlittleangry
    hammerofapulse.Hewastired.Thelongaccumulatedtirednessofmanysmall
    tirednesses.Yes,hewasverytirednow.Heputhishandinhispocketandfelt
    thecrumpledboxofsnuffwrappedinthepapertowel.
    Boththedetectivestensed.Rehder'shandwenttohiship.Heleanedhis
    weightforwardonhisfeet.
    "Justsnuff,"JoePettigrewsaid.

    Waldmanstoodup."I'lltakethat,"hesaidsharply,andstoodoverJoe
    Pettigrew.
    "Justsnuff.Quiteharmless."JoePettigrewopenedthepackageanddropped
    thepieceofpapertowelonthefloor.Heliftedoffthecrumpledlidofthe
    box.Hetouchedhisfingertothespoonfulofwhitepowderthatwasallthatwas
    left.Twogoodpinches,nomore.Tworeprieves.
    Heturnedhishandandemptiedthepowderontothefloor.
    "Ineversawsnuffthatcolour,"Waldmansaid.Hetooktheemptiedbox.The
    writingonthesmashedcoverwasblurredwithdirt.Itcouldberead,butnot
    quickly.
    "It'ssnuffallright,"JoePettigrewsaid."It'snotpoison.Atleastnot
    thekindyou'rethinkingof.Idon'twantitanymore.What'stherestofyour
    analysis,Lieutenant?"
    Waldmanmovedbackandawayfromhim,buthedidn'tsitdownagain.
    "Theotherobjectiontotheideaofmurderisthattherewasnopointin
    itifitwasGreenthatstrangledyourwife.Untilyoumentionedit,Ihadn't
    thoughtofanythingelse.Thatmakesyouareasonablysharpman,Mr.Pettigrew.
    Ifthefingermarksonherthroatwhichareveryclearandwillbeclearer
    stillcomefromyourhands,there'snomoretosay."
    "Theydidn't,"JoePettigrewsaid.Heheldhishandsout,palmsup."You
    oughttobeabletotell.PorterGreen'shandsaretwiceasbigasmine."
    "Ifthatisso,Mr.Pettigrew,"andWaldman'svoicebegantoriseintone
    andvolumeashespoke,"andyourwifewasalreadydeadandyoushotPorter
    Green,notonlywasitsillyofyoutorunawayandmakeananonymoustelephone
    call,becauseevenifthiscouldhavebeenadeliberatemurderonyourpart,no
    jurywouldconvictyouofasmuchasmanslaughteryouhadaperfectdefense
    selfdefense..."Waldmanwasnowspeakingveryloudlyandclearly,althoughnot
    shouting,andRehderwaswatchinghimwithareluctantadmiration."Ifyouhad
    simplypickedupthetelephoneandcalledthepoliceandsaidyoushothim
    becauseyouheardascreamandhadcomedownstairswithagunandthismanwas
    halfnakedandhadbloodalloverhisfacefromthescratchesandhehadrushed
    atyouandyou..."Waldman'svoicefaded"shotathim,bypureinstinct.
    Anybodywouldbelievethat,"heendedquietly.
    "Ididn'tseethescratchesuntilafterIshothim,"JoePettigrewsaid.

    Adeadsilencefellintotheroom.Waldmanstoodwithhismouthopen,the
    finalwordshangingonhislips.Rehderlaughed.Hereachedhishandbackagain
    andtookthegunfromhishipholster.
    "Iwasashamed,"JoePettigrewsaid."Ashamedtolookathisface.Ashamed
    forhim.Youwouldn'tunderstand.Youhadn'tlivedwithher."
    Waldmanstoodsilent,hischindown,hiseyesbrooding.Hemovedforward.
    "I'mafraidthat'sall,Mr.Pettigrew,"hesaidquietly."It'sbeeninteresting,
    andalittlepainful.Nowwe'llgowherewehavetogo."
    JoePettigrewlaughedsharply.JustforamomentWaldmanmaskedRehderwith
    hisbody.JoePettigrewwentsidewaysoutofthechairandseemedtotwistin
    midairlikeadroppedcat.Hewasinthedoorway.
    Rehderyelledathimtostop.Then,tooquickly,hefired.Theshotknocked
    JoePettigrewclearacrossthehall.Hehitthefarwall,floppedhisarmsand
    halfturned.Hesatdownwithhisbackagainstthewallandhismouthandeyes
    open.
    "Someboy,"Rehdersaid,walkingstiffleggedoutpastWaldman."Betchahe
    didthembothin,Lieutenant".
    Hebentdown,thenstraightenedandturnedputtinghisgunaway."No
    ambulance,"hesaidtersely."NotthatImeantitthatway.Youmadeittough
    forme."Waldmanstoodinthedoorway.Helitanothercigarette.Hishandshook
    alittle.Helookedatitwavingthematchout.
    "Everoccurtoyouthathemightbeperfectlyinnocentafterall?"
    "Notachance,Lieutenant.Notashadow.I'veseentoomany."
    "Toomanyofsomething,"Waldmansaiddistantly.Hisdarkeyeswerecold
    andangry."Yousawmefriskhim.Youknewhewasnotarmed.Howfarcouldhe
    haverun?Soyoukilledhimbecauseyouliketoshowoff.Fornootherreason."
    HewentpastRehderintothehallandbentdownoverJoePettigrewHeputa
    handinsidehisjacketandfelthisheart.Hestraightenedandturned.
    Rehderwassweating.Hiseyeswerenarrowandhiswholefacelooked
    unnatural.Hestillhadtheguninhishand.
    "Ididn'tseeyoufriskhim,"hesaidthickly.
    "SoyouthinkI'madamnfool,"Waldmansaidcoldly."Evenifyou'renot
    lyingandyou_are_lying."
    "Yourankme,"Rehdersaidwithaharshrustleinhisvoice."Butyoucan't
    callmealiar,bud."Heliftedthegunalittle.Waldman'slipcurledwith

    contempt.Hedidn'tsayanything.Afteramoment,slowly,Rehderswungthegate
    ofhisgunoutandblewthroughthebarrel,andthenputthegunaway."Imadea
    mistake,"hesaid,inastrainedvoice."Youtellitanywayyoulike.Andyou
    bettergetyouanotherpartner.YeahIshottooquick.Andtheguycouldof
    beeninnocentlikeyousay.Crazy,anyway.Mostthey'dhavedonewouldbeto
    commithim.Sayayear,ninemonths.Andhecomesouttoahappylifewithout
    Gladys.Ispoiledallthat."
    Waldmansaidalmostgently,"Crazyinasense,nodoubt.Buthemeantto
    killbothofthem.Thewholesetuppointstothat.Webothknowit.Andhe
    didn'tgetoutthroughthefloorfurnace."
    "Huh."Rehder'seyesjumpedandhismouthfellopen.
    "IwaswatchinghimwhenItoldhimaboutit.That,Max,wastheonlything
    wetoldhimthatreallysurprisedhim."
    "Hehadto.Wasn'tanyotherway."
    Waldmannodded,thenshrugged."Saywehaven'tfoundanyotherwayandwe
    don'thavetonow.I'llcallin."
    HewentpastRehderintothelivingroomandsatdownatthetelephone.
    Thefrontdoorbellrang.RehderlookeddownatJoePettigrewandthenat
    thedoor.Hesteppedsoftlyalongthehall.Hesteppedtothedoorandopenedit
    aboutsixinches,holdingitthatway.Helookedoutatatallangularwasted
    lookingmanwhoworeatophatandanoperacloak,althoughRehderdidn'tknow
    exactlywhatanoperacloakwas.Themanwaspaleandhaddeepsetblackeyes.
    Hetookthehatoffandbowedalittle.
    "Mr.Pettigrew?"
    "He'sbusy.Whowantshim?"
    "Ilefthimasmallsampleofanewkindofsnuffthismorning.Iwondered
    ifhelikedit."
    "Hedon'twantnosnuff,"Rehdersaid.Funnylookingbird.Wheredidthey
    digthemup?Bettertestthatpowderforcoke,maybe.
    "Well,ifhedoes,heknowswheretoreachme,"ProfessorBingosaid
    politely."Goodafternoontoyou."Hetouchedthebrimofthehat,andturned
    away.Hewalkedslowly,withgreatdignity.WhenhehadtakenthreestepsRehder
    saidinhisharshcopvoice,whichhedidn'tuseasmuchashehadonce:"Come
    hereaminute,Doc.Wemightwanttotalktoyouaboutthatsnuff.Itdon'tlook
    likenosnufftome."

    ProfessorBingostoppedandturned.Hisarmswereunderhisoperacloak
    now."Andjustwhoareyou?"heaskedRehderwithdetachedinsolence.
    "Policeofficer.There'sbeenahomicideinthishouse.Itcouldbethat
    snuff..."
    ProfessorBingosmiled."MybusinessiswithMr.Pettigrew,officer."
    "Youcomebackhere!"Rehderbarked,jerkingthedoorwide.ProfessorBingo
    lookedintothehall.Hepursedhislips.Otherwisehedidn'tmove.
    "Why,thatlookslikeMr.Pettigrewonthefloor,"hesaid."Isheill?"
    "Worse.He'sdead.AndlikeIsaidyoucomebackhere."
    ProfessorBingotookahandoutfromunderhiscloak.Therewasnoweapon
    init.Rehderhadmadeamotiontowardshiship.Herelaxedandlethishand
    drop.
    "Dead,eh?"ProfessorBingosmiledalmostgaily."Wellyoumustn'tletthat
    disturbyou,officer.Ipresumesomeoneshothimashetriedtoescape?"
    "Comehere,you!"Rehderstarteddownthesteps.
    ProfessorBingowavedalongwhitelefthand."PoorMr.Pettigrew,hehas
    reallybeendeadforalloftenyears.Hejustdidn'tknowit,officer."
    Rehderwasatthebottomofthestepsnow.Hishandwasitchingtogofor
    hisgunagain.SomethinginProfessorBingo'seyesmadehimfeelcoldallover.
    "Iimagineyouhadquiteaprobleminthere,"ProfessorBingosaid
    politely."Quiteaproblem.Butit'sverysimplereally."
    Hisrighthandcamedelicatelyoutfromunderhiscloak.Histhumband
    forefingerwerepressedtogether.Theywentuptowardshisface.
    ProfessorBingotookapinchofsnuff.

    THEPENCIL

    IntroductoryNote

    _ThisisthefirstMarloweshortstoryintwentyyearsandwaswritten
    especiallyforEngland.Ihavepersistentlyrefusedtowriteshortstories,
    becauseIthinkbooksaremynaturalelement,butwaspersuadedtodothis

    becausepeopleforwhomIhaveahighregardseemedtowantmetodoit,andI
    havealwayswantedtowriteastoryaboutthetechniqueoftheSyndicate's
    murders.
    RaymondChandler,1959._
    1

    Hewasaslightlyfatmanwithadishonestsmilethatpulledthecornersofhis
    mouthouthalfaninchleavingthethicklipstightandhiseyesbleak.Fora
    fattishmanhehadaslowwalk.Mostfatmenarebriskandlightontheirfeet.
    Heworeagreyherringbonesuitandahandpaintedtiewithpartofadiving
    girlvisibleonit.Hisshirtwasclean,whichcomfortedme,andhisbrown
    loafers,aswrongasthetieforhissuit,shonefromarecentpolishing.
    HesidledpastmeasIheldthedoorbetweenthewaitingroomandmy
    thinkingparlor.Onceinside,hetookaquicklookaround.I'dhaveplacedhim
    asamobster,secondgrade,ifIhadbeenasked.ForonceIwasright.Ifhe
    carriedagun,itwasinsidehispants.Hiscoatwastootighttohidethebulge
    ofanunderarmholster.
    HesatdowncarefullyandIsatoppositeandwelookedateachother.His
    facehadasortoffoxyeagerness.Hewassweatingalittle.Theexpressionon
    myfacewasmeanttobeinterestedbutnotclubby.Ireachedforapipeandthe
    leatherhumidorinwhichIkeptmyPearce'stobacco.Ipushedcigarettesathim.
    "Idon'tsmoke."Hehadarustyvoice.Ididn'tlikeitanymorethanI
    likedhisclothes,orhisface.WhileIfilledthepipehereachedinsidehis
    coat,prowledinapocket,cameoutwithabill,glancedatitanddroppedit
    acrossthedeskinfrontofme.Itwasanicebillandcleanandnew.One
    thousanddollars.
    "Eversaveaguy'slife?"
    "Onceinawhile,maybe."
    "Savemine."
    "Whatgoes?"
    "Iheardyouleveledwiththecustomers,Marlowe."
    "That'swhyIstaypoor."

    "Istillgottwofriends.Youmakeitthreeandyou'llbeoutofthered.
    Yougotfivegrandcomingifyouprymeloose."
    "Fromwhat?"
    "You'retalkativeashellthismorning.Don'tyoupipewhoIam?"
    "Nope."
    "Neverbeeneast,huh?"
    "SurebutIwasn'tinyourset."
    "Whatsetwouldthatbe?"
    Iwasgettingtiredofit."Stopbeingsogoddamcageyorpickupyour
    grandandbemissing."
    "I'mIkkyRosenstein.I'llbemissingbutgoodunlessyoucanfiguresome
    out.Guess."
    "I'vealreadyguessed.Youtellmeandtellmequick.Idon'thaveallday
    towatchyoufeedingmewithaneyedropper."
    "IranoutontheOutfit.Thehighboysdon'tgoforthat.Tothemitmeans
    yougotinfoyoufigureyoucanpeddle,oryougotindependentideas,oryou
    lostyourmoxie.Me,Ilostmymoxie.Ihadituptohere."Hetouchedhis
    Adam'sapplewiththeforefingerofastretchedhand."Idonebadthings.I
    scaredandhurtguys.Ineverkillednobody.That'snothingtotheOutfit.I'm
    outofline.Sotheypickupthepencilandtheydrawaline.Igottheword.
    Theoperatorsareontheway.Imadeabadmistake.ItriedtoholeupinVegas.
    Ifiguredthey'dneverexpectmetolieupintheirownjoint.Theyoutfigured
    me.WhatIdid'sbeendonebefore,butIdidn'tknowit.WhenItooktheplane
    toL.A.theremusthavebeensomebodyonit.TheyknowwhereIlive."
    "Move."
    "NogoodnowI'mcovered."Iknewhewasright.
    "Whyhaven'ttheytakencareofyoualready?"
    "Theydon'tdoitthatway.Alwaysspecialists.Don'tyouknowhowit
    works?"
    "Moreorless.AguywithanicehardwarestoreinBuffalo.Aguywitha
    smalldairyinK.C.Alwaysagoodfront.TheyreportbacktoNewYorkor
    somewhere.Whentheymounttheplanewestorwhereverthey'regoing,theyhave
    gunsintheirbriefcases.They'requietandwelldressedandtheydon'tsit
    together.Theycouldbeacoupleoflawyersorincometaxsharpiesanythingat

    allthat'swellmanneredandinconspicuous.Allsortsofpeoplecarry
    briefcases.Includingwomen."
    "Correctashell.Andwhentheylandthey'llbesteeredtome,butnotfrom
    theairfield.Theygotways.IfIgotothecops,somebodywillknowaboutme.
    TheycouldhaveacoupleMafiaboysrightontheCityCouncilforallIknow
    It'sbeendone.Thecopswillgivemetwentyfourhourstoleavetown.Nouse.
    Mexico?Worsethanhere.Canada?Betterbutstillnogood.Connectionsthere
    too."
    "Australia?"
    "Can'tgetapassport.Ibeenheretwentyfiveyearsillegal.Theycan't
    deportmeunlesstheycanproveacrimeonme.TheOutfitwouldseetheydidn't.
    SupposeIgottossedintothefreezer.I'moutonawritintwentyfourhours.
    Andmynicefriendsgotacarwaitingtotakemehomeonlynothome."
    Ihadmypipelitandgoingwell.Ifrowneddownatthegrandnote.Icould
    useitverynicely.Mycheckingaccountcouldkissthesidewalkwithout
    stooping.
    "Let'sstophorsing,"Isaid."SupposejustsupposeIcouldfigureanout
    foryou.What'syournextmove?"
    "IknowaplaceifIcouldgettherewithoutbein'tailed.I'dleavemy
    carhereandtakearentcar.I'dturnitinjustshortofthecountylineand
    buyasecondhandjob.HalfwaytowhereI'mgoingItradeitonanewlast's
    model,aleftover.Thisisjusttherighttimeofyear.Gooddiscount,new
    modelsoutsoon.Nottosavemoneylessshowoff.WhereI'dgoisagoodsized
    placebutstillprettyclean."
    "Uhhuh,"Isaid."Wichita,lastIheard.Butitmayhavechanged."
    Hescowledatme."Getsmart,Marlowe,butnottoodamnsmart."
    "I'llgetassmartasIwantto.Don'ttrytomakerulesforme.IfItake
    thison,therearen'tanyrules.ItakeitforthisgrandandtherestifI
    bringitoff.Don'tcrossme.Imightleakinformation.IfIgetknockedoff,
    putjustoneredroseonmygrave.Idon'tlikecutflowers.Iliketoseethem
    growing.ButIcouldtakeone,becauseyou'resuchasweetcharacter.When'sthe
    planein?"
    "Sometimetoday.It'sninehoursfromNewYork.Probablycomeinabout5.30
    PM."

    "MightcomebySanDiegoandswitchorbySanFranciscoandswitch.Alot
    ofplanesfromDagoandFrisco.Ineedahelper."
    "Goddamyou,Marlowe"
    "Holdit.Iknowagirl.Daughterofachiefofpolicewhogotbrokenfor
    honesty.Shewouldn'tleakundertorture."
    "Yougotnorighttoriskher,"Ikkysaidangrily.
    Iwassoastonishedmyjawhunghalfwaytomywaist.Icloseditslowlyand
    swallowed.
    "GoodGod,theman'sgotaheart."
    "Womenain'tbuiltfortheroughstuff,"hesaidgrudgingly.
    Ipickedupthethousanddollarnoteandsnappedit."Sorry.Noreceipt,"I
    said."Ican'thavemynameinyourpocket.Andtherewon'tbeanyroughstuff
    ifI'mlucky.They'dhavemeoutclassed.There'sonlyonewaytoworkit.Now
    givemeyouraddressandallthedopeyoucanthinkof,names,descriptionsof
    anyoperatorsyouhaveeverseenintheflesh."
    Hedid.Hewasaprettygoodobserver.TroublewastheOutfitwouldknow
    whathehadseen.Theoperatorswouldbestrangerstohim.
    Hegotupsilentlyandputhishandout.Ihadtoshakeit,butwhathehad
    saidaboutwomenmadeiteasier.Hishandwasmoist.Minewouldhavebeeninhis
    spot.Henoddedandwentoutsilently.

    ItwasaquietstreetinBayCity,ifthereareanyquietstreetsinthis
    beatnikgenerationwhenyoucan'tgetthroughamealwithoutsomemaleorfemale
    stomachsingerbelchingoutakindoflovethatisasoldfashionedasabustle
    orsomeHammondorganjazzingitupinthecustomer'ssoup.
    Thelittleonestoryhousewasasneatasafreshpinafore.Thefrontlawn
    wascutlovinglyandverygreen.Thesmoothcompositiondrivewaywasfreeof
    greasespotsfromstandingcars,andthehedgethatbordereditlookedasthough
    thebarbercameeveryday.

    Thewhitedoorhadaknockerwithatiger'shead,agotohellwindowanda
    dingusthatletsomeoneinsidetalktosomeoneoutsidewithoutevenopeningthe
    littlewindow.
    I'dhavegivenamortgageonmyleftlegtoliveinahouselikethat.I
    didn'tthinkIeverwould.
    Thebellchimedinsideandafterawhilesheopenedthedoorinapaleblue
    sportsshirtandwhiteshortsthatwereshortenoughtobefriendly.Shehad
    grayblueeyes,darkredhairandfinebonesinherface.Therewasusuallya
    traceofbitternessinthegrayblueeyes.Shecouldn'tforgetthatherfather's
    lifehadbeendestroyedbythecrookedpowerofagamblingshipmobster,that
    hermotherhaddiedtoo.Shewasabletosuppressthebitternesswhenshewrote
    nonsenseaboutyounglovefortheshinymagazines,butthiswasn'therlife.She
    didn'treallyhavealife.Shehadanexistencewithoutmuchpainandenoughoil
    moneytomakeitsafe.Butinatightspotshewasascoolandresourcefulasa
    goodcop.HernamewasAnneRiordan.
    ShestoodtoonesideandIpassedherprettyclose.ButIhaverulestoo.
    Sheshutthedoorandparkedherselfonadavenportandwentthroughthe
    cigaretteroutine,andherewasonedollwhohadthestrengthtolightherown
    cigarette.
    Istoodlookingaround.Therewereafewchanges,notmany.
    "Ineedyourhelp,"Isaid.
    "That'stheonlytimeIeverseeyou."
    "I'vegotaclientwhoisanexhood;usedtobeatroubleshooterforthe
    Outfit,theSyndicate,thebigmob,orwhatevernameyouwanttouseforit.You
    knowdamnwellitexistsandisasrichasRockefeller.Youcan'tbeatit
    becausenotenoughpeoplewantto,especiallythemillionayearlawyersthat
    workforit,andthebarassociationsthatseemmoreanxioustoprotectother
    lawyersthantheirowncountry."
    "MyGod,areyourunningforofficesomewhere?Ineverknewyoutosoundso
    pure."
    Shemovedherlegsaround,notprovocativelyshewasn'tthetypebutit
    madeitdifficultformetothinkstraightjustthesame.
    "Stopmovingyourlegsaround,"Isaid."Orelseputapairofslackson."
    "Damnyou,Marlowe.Can'tyouthinkofanythingelse?"

    "I'lltry.IliketothinkthatIknowatleastoneprettyandcharming
    femalewhodoesn'thaveroundheels."Iswallowedandwenton."Theman'sname
    isIkkyRosenstein.He'snotbeautifulandhe'snotanythingthatIlikeexcept
    one.HegotmadwhenIsaidIneededagirlhelper.Hesaidwomenwerenotmade
    fortheroughstuff.That'swhyItookthejob.Toarealmobster,awomanmeans
    nomorethanasackofflour.Theyusewomenintheusualway,butifit's
    advisabletogetridofthem,theydoitwithoutasecondthought."
    "Sofaryou'vetoldmeawholelotofnothing.Perhapsyouneedacupof
    coffeeoradrink."
    "You'resweetbutIdon'tinthemorningexceptsometimesandthisisn't
    oneofthem.Coffeelater.Ikkyhasbeenpenciled."
    "Nowwhat'sthat?"
    "Youhavealist.Youdrawalinethroughanamewithapencil.Theguyis
    asgoodasdead.TheOutfithasreasons.Theydon'tdoitjustforkicksany
    more.Theydon'tgetanykick.It'sbookkeepingtothem."
    "WhatonearthcanIdo?Imightevenhavesaid,whatcan_you_do?"
    "Icantry.Whatyoucandoishelpmespottheirplaneandseewherethey
    gotheoperatorsassignedtothejob."
    "Yes,buthowcanyoudoanything?"
    "IsaidIcouldtry.Iftheytookanightplanetheyarealreadyhere.If
    theytookamorningplanetheycan'tbeherebeforefiveorso.Plentyoftime
    togetset.Youknowwhattheylooklike."
    "Oh,sure.Imeetkillerseveryday.Ihavetheminforwhiskeysoursand
    caviareonhottoast."Shegrinned.WhileshewasgrinningItookfourlong
    stepsacrossthetanfiguredrugandliftedherandputakissonhermouth.She
    didn'tfightmebutshedidn'tgoalltremblyeither.Iwentbackandsatdown.
    "They'lllooklikeanybodywho'sinaquietwellrunbusinessor
    profession.They'llhavequietclothesandthey'llbepolitewhentheywantto
    be.They'llhavebriefcaseswithgunsinthemthathavechangedhandssooften
    theycan'tpossiblybetraced.Whenandiftheydothejob,they'lldropthe
    guns.They'llprobablyuserevolvers,buttheycoulduseautomatics.Theywon't
    usesilencersbecausesilencerscanjamagunandtheweightmakesithardto
    shootaccurately.Theywon'tsittogetherontheplane,butonceoffofitthey
    maypretendtoknoweachotherandsimplynothavenoticedduringtheflight.
    Theymayshakehandswithappropriatesmilesandwalkawayandgetinthesame

    taxi.Ithinkthey'llgotoahotelfirst.Butverysoontheywillmoveinto
    somethingfromwhichtheycanwatchIkky'smovementsandgetusedtohis
    schedule.Theywon'tbeinanyhurryunlessIkkymakesamove.Thatwouldtip
    themoffthatIkkyhasbeentippedoff.Hehasacoupleoffriendslefthe
    says."
    "Willtheyshoothimfromthisroomorapartmentacrossthestreet
    assumingthereisone?"
    "No.They'llshoothimfromthreefeetaway.They'llwalkupbehindhimand
    say,'Hello,Ikky.'He'lleitherfreezeorturn.They'llfillhimwithlead,
    droptheguns,andhopintothecartheyhavewaiting.Thenthey'llfollowthe
    crashcaroffthescene."
    "Who'lldrivethecrashcar?"
    "Somewellfixedandblamelesscitizenwhohasn'tbeenrapped.He'lldrive
    hisowncar.He'llcleartheway,evenifhehastoaccidentallyonpurpose
    crashsomebody,evenapolicecar.He'llbesogoddamsorryhe'llcryallthe
    waydownhismonogrammedshirt.Andthekillerswillbelonggone.
    "Goodheavens,"Annesaid."Howcanyoustandyourlife?Ifyoudidbring
    itoff,they'llsendoperatorstoyou."
    "Idon'tthinkso.Theydon'tkillalegit.Theblamewillgotothe
    operators.Remember,thesetopmobstersarebusinessmen.Theywantlotsandlots
    ofmoney.Theyonlygetreallytoughwhentheyfiguretheyhavetogetridof
    somebody,andtheydon'tcravethat.There'salwaysachanceofaslipup.Not
    muchofachance.Nogangkillinghaseverbeensolvedhereoranywhereelse
    excepttwoorthreetimes.LepkeBuchalterfried.RememberAnastasia?Hewas
    awfulbigandawfultough.Toobig,tootough.Pencil."
    Sheshudderedalittle."IthinkIneedadrinkmyself."
    Igrinnedather."You'rerightintheatmosphere,darling.I'llweaken."
    ShebroughtacoupleofScotchhighballs.WhenweweredrinkingthemI
    said:"Ifyouspotthemorthinkyouspotthem,followtowheretheygoifyou
    candoitsafely.Nototherwise.Ifit'sahotelandtentooneitwillbe
    checkinandkeepcallingmeuntilyougetme."
    SheknewmyofficenumberandIwasstillonYuccaAvenue.Sheknewthat
    too.
    "You'rethedamnedestguy,"shesaid."Womendoanythingyouwantthemto.
    HowcomeI'mstillavirginattwentyeight?"

    "Weneedafewlikeyou.Whydon'tyougetmarried?"
    "Towhat?Somecynicalchaserwhohasnothingleftbuttechnique?Idon't
    knowanyreallynicemenexceptyou.I'mnopushoverforwhiteteethanda
    gaudysmile."
    Iwentoverandpulledhertoherfeet.Ikissedherlongandhard."I'm
    honest,"Ialmostwhispered."That'ssomething.ButI'mtooshopsoiledfora
    girllikeyou.I'vethoughtofyou,I'vewantedyou,butthatsweetclearlook
    inyoureyestellsmetolayoff."
    "Takeme,"shesaidsoftly."Ihavedreamstoo."
    "Icouldn't.It'snotthefirsttimeit'shappenedtome.I'vehadtoomany
    womentodeserveonelikeyou.Wehavetosaveaman'slife.I'mgoing."
    Shestoodupandwatchedmeleavewithagraveface.
    Thewomenyougetandthewomenyoudon'tgettheyliveindifferent
    worlds.Idon'tsneerateitherworld.Iliveinbothmyself.

    AtLosAngelesInternationalAirportyoucan'tgetclosetotheplanesunless
    you'releavingonone.Youseethemland,ifyouhappentobeintheright
    place,butyouhavetowaitatabarriertogetalookatthepassengers.The
    airportbuildingsdon'tmakeitanyeasier.Theyarestrungoutfromhereto
    breakfasttime,andyoucangetcalluseswalkingfromTWAtoAmerican.
    Icopiedanarrivalscheduleofftheboardsandprowledaroundlikeadog
    thathasforgottenwhereheputhisbone.Planescamein,planestookoff,
    porterscarriedluggage,passengerssweatedandscurried,childrenwhined,the
    loudspeakeroverrodealltheothernoises.
    IpassedAnneanumberoftimes.Shetooknonoticeofme.
    At5.45theymusthavecome.Annedisappeared.Igaveithalfanhour,just
    incaseshehadsomeotherreasonforfading.No.Shewasgoneforgood.Iwent
    outtomycaranddrovesomelongcrowdedmilestoHollywoodandmyoffice.I
    hadadrinkandsat.At6.45thephonerang.
    "Ithinkso,"shesaid."BeverlyWesternHotel.Room410.Icouldn'tget
    anynames.Youknowtheclerksdon'tleaveregistrationcardslyingaroundthese

    days.Ididn'tliketoaskanyquestions.ButIrodeupintheelevatorwith
    themandspottedtheirroom.Iwalkedrightonpastthemwhenthebellmanputa
    keyintheirdoor,andwalkeddowntothemezzanineandthendownstairswitha
    bunchofwomenfromthetearoom.Ididn'tbothertotakearoom."
    "Whatweretheylike?"
    "TheycameuptheramptogetherbutIdidn'thearthemspeak.Bothhad
    briefcases,bothworequietsuits,nothingflashy.Whiteshirts,starched,one
    bluetie,oneblackstripedwithgray.Blackshoes.Acoupleofbusinessmenfrom
    theEastCoast.Theycouldbepublishers,lawyers,doctors,accountexecutives
    no,cutthelast;theyweren'tgaudyenough.Youwouldn'tlookatthentwice."
    "Lookatthemtwice.Faces."
    "Bothmediumbrownhair,oneabitdarkerthantheother.Smoothfaces,
    ratherexpressionless.Onehadgrayeyes;theonewiththelighterhairhadblue
    eyes.Theireyeswereinteresting.Veryquicktomove,veryobservant,watching
    everythingnearthem.Thatmighthavebeenwrong.Theyshouldhavebeenabit
    preoccupiedwithwhattheycameoutfororinterestedinCalifornia.Theyseemed
    moreoccupiedwithfaces.It'sagoodthingIspottedthemandnotyou.You
    don'tlooklikeacop,butyoudon'tlooklikeamanwhoisnotacop.Youhave
    marksonyou."
    "Phooey.I'madamngoodlookingheartwrecker."
    "Theirfeatureswerestrictlyassemblyline.NeitherlookedItalian.Each
    pickedupaflightsuitcase.Onesuitcasewasgraywithtworedandwhite
    stripesupanddown,aboutsixorseveninchesfromtheends,theotherablue
    andwhitetartan.Ididn'tknowtherewassuchatartan."
    "Thereis,butIforgetthenameofit."
    "Ithoughtyoukneweverything."
    "Justalmosteverything.Runalonghomenow"
    "DoIgetadinnerandmaybeakiss?"
    "Later,andifyou'renotcarefulyou'llgetmorethanyouwant."
    "Arapist,eh?I'llcarryagun.You'lltakeoverandfollowthem?"
    "Ifthey'retherightmen,they'llfollowme.Ialreadytookanapartment
    acrossthestreetfromIkky.ThatblockonPoynterandthetwooneachsideof
    ithaveaboutsixlowlifeapartmenthousestotheblock.I'llbettheincidence
    ofchippiesisveryhigh."
    "It'shigheverywherethesedays."

    "Solong,Anne.Seeyou."
    "Whenyouneedhelp."
    Shehungup.Ihungup.Shepuzzledme.Toowisetobesonice.Iguessall
    nicewomenarewisetoo.IcalledIkky.Hewasout.Ihadadrinkfromthe
    officebottle,smokedforhalfanhourandcalledagain.ThistimeIgothim.
    Itoldhimthescoreuptothen,andsaidIhopedAnnehadpickedtheright
    men.ItoldhimabouttheapartmentIhadtaken.
    "DoIgetexpenses?"Iasked.
    "Fivegrandoughttocoverthelot."
    "IfIearnitandgetit.Iheardyouhadaquarterofamillion,"Isaid
    atawildventure.
    "Couldbe,pal;buthowdoIgetatit?Thehighboysknowwhereitis.
    It'llhavetocoolalongtime."
    Isaidthatwasallright.Ihadcooledalongtimemyself.OfcourseI
    didn'texpecttogetthefourthousand,evenifIbroughtthejoboff.Menlike
    IkkyRosensteinwouldstealtheirmother'sgoldteeth.Thereseemedtobea
    littlegoodinhimsomewherebutlittlewastheoperativeword.
    Ispentthenexthalfhourtryingtothinkofaplan.Icouldn'tthinkof
    onethatlookedpromising.Itwasalmosteighto'clockandIneededfood.I
    didn'tthinktheboyswouldmovethatnight.Nextmorningtheywoulddrivepast
    Ikky'splaceandscouttheneighborhood.
    Iwasreadytoleavetheofficewhenthebuzzersoundedfromthedoorofmy
    waitingroom.Iopenedthecommunicatingdoor.Asmalltightlookingmanwas
    standinginthemiddleofthefloorrockingonhisheelswithhishandsbehind
    hisback.Hesmiledatme,buthewasn'tgoodatit.Hewalkedtowardsme.
    "YouMarlowe?"
    "Whoelse?WhatcanIdoforyou?"
    Hewasclosenow.Hebroughthisrighthandaroundfastwithaguninit.
    Hestucktheguninmystomach.
    "YoucanlayoffIkkyRosenstein,"hesaidinavoicethatmatchedhis
    face,"oryoucangetyourbellyfulloflead."

    Hewasanamateur.Ifhehadstayedfourfeetaway,hemighthavehadsomething.
    Ireachedupandtookthecigaretteoutofmymouthandhelditcarelessly.
    "WhatmakesyouthinkIknowanyIkkyRosenstein?"
    Helaughedahighpitchedlaughandpushedhisgunintomystomach.
    "Wouldn'tyouliketoknow?"Thecheapsneer,theemptytriumphofthat
    feelingofpowerwhenyouholdafatguninasmallhand.
    "Itwouldbefairtotellme."
    Ashismouthopenedforanothercrack,Idroppedthecigaretteandswepta
    hand.IcanbefastwhenIhaveto.Thereareboysthatarefaster,butthey
    don'tstickgunsinyourstomach.Igotmythumbbehindthetriggerandmyhand
    overhis.Ikneedhiminthegroin.Hebentoverwithawhimper.Itwistedhis
    armtotherightandIhadhisgun.Ihookedaheelbehindhisheelandhewas
    onthefloor.Helaythereblinkingwithsurpriseandpain,hiskneesdrawnup
    againsthisstomach.Herolledfromsidetosidegroaning.Ireacheddownand
    grabbedhislefthandandyankedhimtohisfeet.Ihadsixinchesandforty
    poundsonhim.Theyoughttohavesentabigger,bettertrainedmessenger.
    "Let'sgointomythinkingparlor,"Isaid."Wecouldhaveachatandyou
    couldhaveadrinktopickyouup.Nexttimedon'tgetnearenoughtoaprospect
    forhimtogetyourgunhand.I'lljustseeifyouhaveanymoreirononyou."
    Hehadn't.Ipushedhimthroughthedoorandintoachair.Hisbreath
    wasn'tquitesorasping.Hegrabbedoutahandkerchiefandmoppedathisface.
    "Nexttime,"hesaidbetweenhisteeth."Nexttime."
    "Don'tbeanoptimist.Youdon'tlookthepart."
    IpouredhimadrinkofScotchinapapercup,setitdowninfrontofhim.
    Ibrokehis.38anddumpedthecartridgesintothedeskdrawer.Iclickedthe
    chamberbackandlaidthegundown.
    "Youcanhaveitwhenyouleaveifyouleave."
    "That'sadirtywaytofight,"hesaid,stillgasping.
    "Sure.Shootingamanissomuchcleaner.Now,howdidyougethere?"
    "Screwyourself."
    "Don'tbeacrumb.Ihavefriends.Notmany,butsome.Icangetyoufor
    armedassault,andyouknowwhatwouldhappenthen.You'dbeoutonawritoron
    bailandthat'sthelastanyonewouldhearofyou.Thebiggiesdon'tgofor
    failures.Nowwhosentyouandhowdidyouknowwheretocome?"

    "Ikkywascovered,"hesaidsullenly."He'sdumb.Itrailedhimhere
    withoutnotroubleatall.Whywouldhegoseeaprivateeye?Peoplewantto
    know"
    "More."
    "Gotohell."
    "Cometothinkofit,Idon'thavetogetyouforarmedassault.Ican
    smashitoutofyourighthereandnow"
    Igotupfromthechairandheputaflathandout.
    "IfIgetknockedabout,acoupleofrealtoughmonkeyswilldroparound.
    IfIdon'treportback,samething.Youain'tholdingnorealhighcards.They
    justlookhigh,"hesaid.
    "Youhaven'tanythingtotell.IfthisIkkyguycametoseeme,youdon't
    knowwhy,norwhetherItookhimon.Ifhe'samobster,he'snotmytypeof
    client."
    "Hecometogetyoutotrytosavehishide."
    "Whofrom?"
    "That'dbetalking."
    "Gorightahead.Yourmouthseemstoworkfine.Andtelltheboysanytime
    Ifrontforahood,thatwillbetheday.
    Youhavetoliealittleonceinawhileinmybusiness.Iwaslyinga
    little."What'sIkkydonetogethimselfdisliked?Orwouldthatbetalking?"
    "Youthinkyou'realotofman,"hesneered,rubbingtheplacewhereIhad
    kneedhim."Inmyleagueyouwouldn'tmakepinchrunner."
    Ilaughedinhisface.ThenIgrabbedhisrightwristandtwisteditbehind
    hisback.Hebegantosquawk.Ireachedintohisbreastpocketwithmylefthand
    andhauledoutawallet.Ilethimgo.HereachedforhisgunonthedeskandI
    bisectedhisupperarmwithahardcut.Hefellintothecustomer'schairand
    grunted.
    "Youcanhaveyourgun,"Itoldhim."WhenIgiveittoyou.Nowbegoodor
    I'llhavetobounceyoujusttoamusemyself."
    InthewalletIfoundadriver'slicensemadeouttoCharlesHickon.Itdid
    menogoodatall.Punksofhistypealwayshaveslangypseudonyms.They
    probablycalledhimTiny,orSlim,orMarbles,orevenjust"you."Itossedthe
    walletbacktohim.Itfelltothefloor.Hecouldn'tevencatchit.

    "Hell,"Isaid,"theremustbeaneconomycampaignon,iftheysentyouto
    domorethanpickupcigarettebutts."
    "Screwyourself."
    "Allright,mug.Beatitbacktothelaundry.Here'syourgun.
    Hetookit,madeabusinessofshovingitintohiswaistband,stoodup,
    gavemeasdirtyalookashehadinstock,andstrolledtothedoor,nonchalant
    asahustlerwithanewminkstole.Heturnedatthedoorandgavemethebeady
    eye.
    "Stayclean,tinhorn.Tinbendseasy."
    Withthisblindingpieceofreparteeheopenedthedooranddriftedout.
    AfteralittlewhileIlockedmyotherdoor,cutthebuzzer,madethe
    officedark,andleft.Isawnoonewholookedlikealifetaker.Idrovetomy
    house,packedasuitcase,drovetoaservicestationwheretheywerealmostfond
    ofme,storedmycarandpickedupaHertzChevrolet.IdrovethistoPoynter
    Street,dumpedmysuitcaseinthesleazyapartmentIhadrentedearlyinthe
    afternoon,andwenttodinneratVictor's.Itwasnineo'clock,toolateto
    drivetoBayCityandtakeAnnetodinner.She'dhavecookedherownlongago.
    IorderedadoubleGibsonwithfreshlimesanddrankit,andIwasas
    hungryasaschoolboy.

    OnthewaybacktoPoynterStreetIdidagooddealofweavinginandoutand
    circlingblocksandstopping,withagunontheseatbesideme.AsfarasI
    couldtell,noonewastryingtotailme.
    IstoppedonSunsetataservicestationandmadetwocallsfromthebox.I
    caughtBernieOhlsjustashewasleavingtogohome.
    "ThisisMarlowe,Bernie.Wehaven'thadafightinyears.I'mgetting
    lonely."
    "Well,getmarried.I'mchiefinvestigatorfortheSheriff'sOfficenow.I
    rankactingcaptainuntilIpasstheexam.Idon'thardlyspeaktoprivate
    eyes."

    "Speaktothisone.Icouldneedhelp.I'monaticklishjobwhereIcould
    getkilled."
    "Andyouexpectmetointerferewiththecourseofnature?"
    "Comeoffit,Bernie.Ihaven'tbeenabadguy.I'mtryingtosaveanex
    mobsterfromacoupleofexecutioners."
    "Themoretheymoweachotherdown,thebetterIlikeit."
    "Yeah.IfIcallyou,comerunningorsendacoupleofgoodboys.You'll
    havehadtimetoteachthem."
    Weexchangedacoupleofmildinsultsandhungup.IdialedIkky
    Rosenstein'snumber.Hisratherunpleasantvoicesaid:"Okay,talk."
    "Marlowe.Bereadytomoveoutaboutmidnight.We'vespottedyourboy
    friendsandtheyareholedupattheBeverlyWestern.Theywon'tmovetoyour
    streettonight.Remember,theydon'tknowyou'vebeentipped."
    "Soundschancy."
    "GoodGod,itwasn'tmeanttobeaSundaySchoolpicnic.You'vebeen
    careless,Ikky.Youwerefollowedtomyoffice.Thatcutsthetimewehave."
    Hewassilentforamoment.Iheardhimbreathing."Whoby?"heasked.
    "Somelittletweezerwhostuckaguninmybellyandgavemethetroubleof
    takingitawayfromhim.Icanonlyfigurewhytheysentapunkonthetheory
    thattheydon'twantmetoknowtoomuch,incaseIdon'tknowitalready."
    "You'reinfortrouble,friend."
    "Whennot?I'llcomeovertoyourplaceaboutmidnight.Beready.Where's
    yourcar?"
    "Outfront."
    "Getitonasidestreetandmakeabusinessoflockingitup.Where'sthe
    backdoorofyourflop?"
    "Inback.Wherewoulditbe?Onthealley."
    "Leaveyoursuitcasethere.Wewalkouttogetherandgotoyourcar.We
    drivethealleyandpickupthesuitcaseorcases."
    "Supposesomeguystealsthem?"
    "Yeah.Supposeyougetdead.Whichdoyoulikebetter?"
    "Okay,"hegrunted."I'mwaiting.Butwe'retakingbigchances."
    "Sodoracedrivers.Doesthatstopthem?There'snowaytogetoutbut
    fast.Douseyourlightsabouttenandrumplethebedwell.Itwouldbegoodif
    youcouldleavesomebaggagebehind.Wouldn'tlooksoplanned."

    HegruntedanotherokayandIhungup.Thetelephoneboxwaswelllighted
    outside.Theyusuallyare,atservicestations.Itookagoodlongganderaround
    whileIpawedoverthecollectionofgiveawaymapsinsidethestation.Isaw
    nothingtoworryme.ItookamapofSanDiegojustforthehellofitandgot
    intomyrentcar.
    OnPoynterIparkedaroundthecornerandwentuptomysecondfloorsleazy
    apartmentandsatinthedarkwatchingfrommywindow.Isawnothingtoworry
    about.AcoupleofmediumclasschippiescameoutofIkky'sapartmenthouseand
    werepickedupinalatemodelcar.AmanaboutIkky'sheightandbuildwent
    intotheapartmenthouse.Variouspeoplecameandwent.Thestreetwasfairly
    quiet.SincetheyputintheHollywoodFreewaynobodymuchusestheoffthe
    boulevardstreetsunlesstheyliveintheneighborhood.
    ItwasanicefallnightorasniceastheygetinLosAngeles'spoiled
    climateclearishbutnotevencrisp.Idon'tknowwhat'shappenedtothe
    weatherinourovercrowdedcity,butit'snottheweatherIknewwhenIcameto
    it.
    Itseemedlikealongtimetomidnight.Icouldn'tspotanybodywatching
    anything,andnocoupleofquietsuitedmenpagedanyofthesixapartment
    housesavailable.Iwasprettysurethey'dtryminefirstwhentheycame,andif
    Annehadpickedtherightmen,andifanybodyhadcomeatall,andifthe
    tweezer'smessagebacktohisbosseshaddonemeanygoodorotherwise.Inspite
    ofthehundredwaysAnnecouldbewrong,Ihadahunchshewasright.The
    killershadnoreasontobecageyiftheydidn'tknowIkkyhadbeenwarned.No
    reasonbutone.Hehadcometomyofficeandbeentailedthere.ButtheOutfit,
    withallitsarroganceofpower,mightlaughattheideahehadbeentippedoff
    orcometomeforhelp.Iwassosmalltheywouldhardlybeabletoseeme.
    AtmidnightIlefttheapartment,walkedtwoblockswatchingforatail,
    crossedthestreetandwentintoIkky'sdive.Therewasnolockeddoor,andno
    elevator.Iclimbedstepstothethirdfloorandlookedforhisapartment.I
    knockedlightly.Heopenedthedoorwithaguninhishand.Heprobablylooked
    scared.
    Thereweretwosuitcasesbythedoorandanotheragainstthefarwall.I
    wentoverandliftedit.Itwasheavyenough.Iopenedit.Itwasunlocked.

    "Youdon'thavetoworry,"hesaid."It'sgoteverythingaguycouldneed
    forthreefournights,andnothingexceptsomeclothesthatIcouldn'tglomoff
    inanyreadytowearplace."
    Ipickeduponeoftheothersuitcases."Let'sstashthisbytheback
    door."
    "Wecanleavebythealleytoo."
    "Weleavebythefrontdoor.Justincasewe'recoveredthoughIdon't
    thinksowe'rejusttwoguysgoingouttogether.Justonething.Keepboth
    handsinyourcoatpocketsandtheguninyourright.Ifanybodycallsoutyour
    namebehindyou,turnfastandshoot.Nobodybutalifetakerwilldoit.I'll
    dothesame."
    "I'mscared,"hesaidinhisrustyvoice.
    "Metoo,ifithelpsany.Butwehavetodoit.Ifyou'rebraced,they'll
    havegunsintheirhands.Don'tbotheraskingthemquestions.Theywouldn't
    answerinwords.Ifit'sjustmysmallfriend,we'llcoolhimanddumphim
    insidethedoor.Gotit?"
    Henodded,lickinghislips.Wecarriedthesuitcasesdownandputthem
    outsidethebackdoor.Ilookedalongthealley.Nobody,andonlyashort
    distancetothesidestreet.Wewentbackinandalongthehalltothefront.We
    walkedoutonPoynterStreetwithallthecasualnessofawifebuyingher
    husbandabirthdaytie.
    Nobodymadeamove.Thestreetwasempty.Wewalkedaroundthecornerto
    Ikky'srentcar.Heunlockedit.Iwentbackwithhimforthesuitcases.Nota
    stir.Weputthesuitcasesinthecarandstartedupanddrovetothenext
    street.
    Atrafficlightnotworking,aboulevardstoportwo,theentrancetothe
    Freeway.Therewasplentyoftrafficonitevenatmidnight.Californiais
    loadedwithpeoplegoingplacesandmakingspeedtogetthere.Ifyoudon't
    driveeightymilesanhour,everybodypassesyou.Ifyoudo,youhavetowatch
    therearviewmirrorforhighwaypatrolcars.It'stheratraceofratraces.
    Ikkydidaquietseventy.WereachedthejunctiontoRoute66andhetook
    it.Sofarnothing.IstayedwithhimtoPomona.
    "Thisisfarenoughforme,"Isaid."I'llgrababusbackifthereisone,
    orparkmyselfinamotorcourt.Drivetoaservicestationandwe'llaskfor

    thebusstop.ItshouldbeclosetotheFreeway.Takeustowardsthebusiness
    section."
    Hedidthatandstoppedmidwayofablock.Hereachedouthispocketbook,
    andheldoutfourthousanddollarbillstome.
    "Idon'treallyfeelI'veearnedallthat.Itwastooeasy."
    Helaughedwithakindofwryamusementonhispudgyface."Don'tbeasap.
    Ihaveitmade.Youdidn'tknowwhatyouwaswalkinginto.What'smore,your
    troublesarejustbeginning.TheOutfithaseyesandearseverywhere.Perhaps
    I'msafeifI'mdamncareful.PerhapsIain'tassafeasIthinkIam.Either
    way,youdidwhatIasked.Takethedough.Igotplenty."
    Itookitandputitaway.Hedrovetoanallnightservicestationandwe
    weretoldwheretofindthebusstop."There'sacrosscountryGreyhoundat2.25
    A.M.,"theattendantsaid,lookingataschedule."They'lltakeyou,iftheygot
    room."
    Ikkydrovetothebusstop.Weshookhandsandhewentgunningdownthe
    roadtowardstheFreeway.Ilookedatmywatchandfoundaliquorstorestill
    openandboughtapintofScotch.ThenIfoundabarandorderedadoublewith
    water.
    Mytroubleswerejustbeginning,Ikkyhadsaid.Hewassoright.
    IgotoffattheHollywoodbusstation,grabbedataxianddrovetomy
    office.Iaskedthedrivertowaitafewmoments.Atthattimeofnighthewas
    gladto.Thecolorednightmanletmeintothebuilding.
    "Youworklate,Mr.Marlowe.Butyoualwaysdid,didn'tyou?"
    "It'sthatsortofabusiness,"Isaid."Thanks,Jasper."
    UpinmyofficeIpawedthefloorformailandfoundnothingbutalongish
    narrowishbox,SpecialDelivery,withaGlendalepostmark.
    Itcontainednothingatallbutanewfreshlysharpenedpencil,the
    mobster'smarkofdeath.

    Ididn'ttakeittoohard.Whentheymeanit,theydon'tsendittoyou.Itook
    itasasharpwarningtolayoff.Theremightbeabeatingarranged.Fromtheir

    pointofview,thatwouldbegooddiscipline."Whenwepencilaguy,anyguy
    thattriestohelphimisinforasmashing."Thatcouldbethemessage.
    IthoughtofgoingtomyhouseonYuccaAvenue.Toolonely.Ithoughtof
    goingtoAnne'splaceinBayCity.Worse.Iftheygotwisetoher,realhoods
    wouldthinknothingofrapingherandthenbeatingherup.
    ItwasthePoynterStreetflopforme.Easilythesafestplacenow.Iwent
    downtothewaitingtaxiandhadhimdrivemetowithinthreeblocksoftheso
    calledapartmenthouse.Iwentupstairs,undressedandsleptraw.Nothing
    botheredmebutabrokenspring.Thatbotheredmyback.Ilayuntil3.30
    ponderingthesituationwithmymassivebrain.Iwenttosleepwithagununder
    thepillow,whichisabadplacetokeepagunwhenyouhaveonepillowasthick
    andsoftasatypewriterpad.Itbotheredme,soItransferredittomyright
    hand.Practicehadtaughtmetokeepitthereeveninsleep.
    Iwokeupwiththesunshining.Ifeltlikeapieceofspoiledmeat.I
    struggledintothebathroomanddousedmyselfwithcoldwaterandwipedoffwith
    atowelyoucouldn'thaveseenifyouhelditsideways.Thiswasareally
    gorgeousapartment.AllitneededwasasetofChippendalefurnituretograduate
    itintotheslumclass.
    TherewasnothingtoeatandifIwentout,MissNothingMarlowemightmiss
    something.Ihadapintofwhiskey.Ilookedatitandsmelledit,butI
    couldn'ttakeitforbreakfast,onanemptystomach,evenifIcouldreachmy
    stomach,whichwasfloatingaroundneartheceiling.Ilookedintotheclosets
    incaseaprevioustenantmighthaveleftacrustofbreadinahastydeparture.
    Nope.Iwouldn'thavelikeditanyhow,notevenwithwhiskeyonit.SoIsatin
    thewindow.AnhourofthatandIwasreadytobiteapieceoffabellhop.
    Idressedandwentaroundthecornertotherentcaranddrovetoan
    eatery.Thewaitresswassoretoo.Shesweptaclothoverthecounterinfront
    ofmeandletmehavethelastcustomer'scrumbsinmylap.
    "Look,sweetness,"Isaid,"don'tbesogenerous.Savethecrumbsfora
    rainyday.AllIwantistwoeggsthreeminutesnomoreasliceofyourfamous
    concretetoast,atallglasstomatojuicewithadashofLeaandPerrins,abig
    happysmile,anddon'tgiveanybodyelseanycoffee.Imightneeditall."
    "Igotacold,"shesaid."Don'tpushmearound.Imightcrackyouoneon
    thekisser."
    "Let'sbepals.Ihadaroughnighttoo."

    Shegavemeahalfsmileandwentthroughtheswingdoorsidewise.It
    showedmoreofhercurves,whichwereample,evenexcessive.ButIgottheeggs
    thewayIlikedthem.Thetoasthadbeenpaintedwithmeltedbutterpastits
    bloom.
    "NoLeaandPerrins,"shesaid,puttingdownthetomatojuice."Howabouta
    littleTabasco?We'refreshoutofarsenictoo."
    IusedtwodropsofTabasco,swallowedtheeggs,dranktwocupsofcoffee
    andwasabouttoleavethetoastforatip,butIwentsoftandleftaquarter
    instead.Thatreallybrightenedher.Itwasajointwhereyouleftadimeor
    nothing.Mostlynothing.
    BackonPoynternothinghadchanged.Igottomywindowagainandsat.At
    about.8.30themanIhadseengointotheapartmenthouseacrossthewaythe
    onewiththesamesortofheightandbuildasIkkycameoutwithasmall
    briefcaseandturnedeast.Twomengotoutofadarkbluesedan.Theywereof
    thesameheightandveryquietlydressedandhadsofthatspulledlowovertheir
    foreheads.Eachjerkedoutarevolver.
    "Hey,Ikky!"oneofthemcalledout.
    Themanturned."Solong,Ikky,"theothermansaid.Gunfireracketed
    betweenthehouses.Themancrumpledandlaymotionless.Thetwomenrushedfor
    theircarandwereoff,goingwest.HalfwaydowntheblockIsawaCaddypull
    outandstartaheadofthem.
    Innotimeatalltheywerecompletelygone.
    Itwasaniceswiftcleanjob.Theonlythingwrongwithitwasthatthey
    hadn'tgivenitenoughtimeforpreparation.
    Theyhadshotthewrongman.

    Igotoutoftherefast,almostasfastasthetwokillers.Therewasasmallish
    crowdgroupedaroundthedeadman.Ididn'thavetolookathimtoknowhewas
    deadtheboyswerepros.Wherehelayonthesidewalkontheothersideofthe
    streetIcouldn'tseehim;peoplewereintheway.ButIknewjusthowhewould
    lookandIalreadyheardsirensinthedistance.Itcouldhavebeenjustthe

    routineshriekingfromSunset,butitwasn't.Sosomebodyhadtelephoned.Itwas
    tooearlyforthecopstobegoingtolunch.
    Istrolledaroundthecornerwithmysuitcaseandjammedintotherentcar
    andwentawayfromthere.Theneighborhoodwasnotmypieceofshortcakeany
    more.Icouldimaginethequestions.
    "Justwhattookyouoverthere,Marlowe?Yougotaflopofyourown,ain't
    you?"
    "IwashiredbyanexmobsterintroublewiththeOutfit.
    They'dsentkillersafterhim."
    "Don'ttellushewastryingtogostraight."
    "Idon'tknow.ButIlikedhismoney."
    "Didn'tdomuchtoearnit,didyou?"
    "Igothimawaylastnight.Idon'tknowwhereheisnow.Idon'twantto
    know"
    "Yougothimaway?"
    "That'swhatIsaid."
    "Yeahonlyhe'sinthemorguewithmultiplebulletwounds.Trysomething
    better.Orsomebody'sinthemorgue."
    Andonandon.Policeman'sdialogue.Itcomesoutofanoldshoebox.What
    theysaydoesn'tmeananything,whattheyaskdoesn'tmeananything.Theyjust
    keepboringinuntilyouaresoexhaustedyoufliponsomedetail.Thenthey
    smilehappilyandrubtheirhands,andsay:"Kindofcarelessthere,weren't
    you?Let'sstartalloveragain."
    ThelessIhadofthat,thebetter.Iparkedinmyusualparkingslotand
    wentuptotheoffice.Itwasfullofnothingbutstaleair.EverytimeIwent
    intothedumpitfeltmoreandmoretired.Whythehellhadn'tIgotmyselfa
    governmentjobtenyearsago?Makeitfifteenyears.Ihadbrainsenoughtoget
    amailorderlawdegree.Thecountry'sfulloflawyersthatcouldn'twritea
    complaintwithoutthebook.
    SoIsatinmyofficechairanddisadmiredmyself.AfterawhileI
    rememberedthepencil.Imadecertainarrangementswithafortyfivegun,more
    gunthanIevercarrytoomuchweight.IdialedtheSheriff'sOfficeandasked
    forBernieOhls.Igothim.Hisvoicewassour.
    "Marlowe.I'mintroublerealtrouble."
    "Whytellme?"hegrowled."Youmustbeusedtoitbynow.

    "Thiskindoftroubleyoudon'tgetusedto.I'dliketocomeoverandtell
    you."
    "Youinthesameoffice?"
    "Thesame."
    "Havetogooverthatway.I'lldropin."
    Hehungup.Iopenedtwowindows.Thegentlebreezewaftedasmellof
    coffeeandstalefattomefromJoe'sEatsnextdoor.Ihatedit,Ihated
    myself,Ihatedeverything.
    Ohlsdidn'tbotherwithmyelegantwaitingroom.Herappedonmyowndoor
    andIlethimin.Hescowledhiswaytothecustomer'schair.
    "Okay.Give."
    "EverhearofacharacternamedIkkyRosenstein?"
    "WhywouldI?Record?"
    "Anexmobsterwhogotdislikedbythemob.Theyputapencilthroughhis
    nameandsenttheusualtwotoughboysonaplane.Hegottippedandhiredmeto
    helphimgetaway."
    "Nicecleanwork."
    "Cutitout,Bernie."Ilitacigaretteandblewsmokeinhisface.In
    retaliationhebegantochewacigarette.Heneverlitone,buthecertainly
    mangledthem.
    "Look,"Iwenton."Supposethemanwantstogostraightandsupposehe
    doesn't.He'sentitledtohislifeaslongashehasn'tkilledanyone.Hetold
    mehehadn't."
    "Andyoubelievedthehood,huh?WhendoyoustartteachingSundaySchool?"
    "Ineitherbelievedhimnordisbelievedhim.Itookhimon.Therewasno
    reasonnotto.AgirlIknowandIwatchedtheplanesyesterday.Shespottedthe
    boysandtailedthemtoahotel.Shewassureofwhattheywere.Theylookedit
    rightdowntotheirblackshoes.Theygotofftheplaneseparatelyandthen
    pretendedtoknoweachotherandnottohavenoticedontheplane.Thisgirl"
    "Wouldshehaveaname?"
    "Onlyforyou."
    "I'llbuy,ifshehasn'tcrackedanylaws."
    "HernameisAnneRiordan.ShelivesinBayCity.HerfatherwasonceChief
    ofPolicethere.Anddon'tsaythatmakeshimacrook,becausehewasn't."
    "Uhhuh.Let'shavetherest.Makealittletimetoo."

    "ItookanapartmentoppositeIkky.Thekillerswerestillatthehotel.At
    midnightIgotIkkyoutanddrovewithhimasfarasPomona.Hewentoninhis
    rentcarandIcamebackbyGreyhound.ImovedintotheapartmentonPoynter
    Street,rightacrossfromhisdump."
    "Whyifhewasalreadygone?"
    Iopenedthemiddledeskdrawerandtookoutthenicesharppencil.Iwrote
    mynameonapieceofpaperandranthepencilthroughit.
    "Becausesomeonesentmethis.Ididn'tthinkthey'dkillme,butIthought
    theyplannedtogivemeenoughofabeatingtowarnmeoffanymorepranks."
    "Theyknewyouwereinonit?"
    "Ikkywastailedherebyalittlesquirtwholatercamearoundandstucka
    guninmystomach.Iknockedhimaroundabit,butIhadtolethimgo.I
    thoughtPoynterStreetwassaferafterthat.Ilivelonely."
    "Igetaround,"BernieOhlssaid."Ihearreports.Sotheygunnedthewrong
    guy."
    "Sameheight,samebuild,samegeneralappearance.Isawthemgunhim.I
    couldn'ttellifitwasthetwoguysfromtheBeverlyWestern.I'dneverseen
    them.Itwasjusttwoguysindarksuitswithhatspulleddown.Theyjumpedinto
    abluePontiacsedan,abouttwoyearsold,andlammedoff,withabigCaddy
    runningcrashforthem."
    Berniestoodupandstaredatmeforalongmoment."Idon'tthinkthey'll
    botherwithyounow,"hesaid."They'vehitthewrongguy.Themobwillbevery
    quietforawhile.Youknowsomething?Thistownisgettingtobealmostas
    lousyasNewYork,BrooklynandChicago.Wecouldenduprealcorrupt."
    "We'vemadeahellofagoodstart."
    "Youhaven'ttoldmeanythingthatmakesmetakeaction,Phil.I'lltalkto
    thecityhomicideboys.Idon'tguessyou'reinanytrouble.Butyousawthe
    shooting.They'llwantthat."
    "Icouldn'tidentifyanybody,Bernie.Ididn'tknowthemanwhowasshot.
    Howdid_you_knowitwasthewrongman?"
    "Youtoldme,stupid."
    "Ithoughtperhapsthecityboyshadamakeonhim."
    "Theywouldn'ttellme,iftheyhad.Besides,theyain'thardlyhadtimeto
    gooutforbreakfast.He'sjustastiffinthemorguetothemuntiltheIDcomes

    upwithsomething.Butthey'llwanttotalktoyou,Phil.Theyjustlovetheir
    taperecorders."
    Hewentoutandthedoorwhooshedshutbehindhim.Isattherewondering
    whetherIhadbeenadopetotalktohim.OrtotakeIkky'stroubleson.Five
    thousandgreenmensaidno.Buttheycanbewrongtoo.
    Somebodybangedonmydoor.Itwasauniformholdingatelegram.I
    receiptedforitandtoreitloose.
    Itsaid:"OnmywaytoFlagstaff.MiradorMotorCourt.ThinkI'vebeen
    spotted.Comefast."
    Itorethewireintosmallpiecesandburnedtheminmybigashtray.

    IcalledAnneRiordan.
    "Funnythinghappened,"Itoldher,andtoldheraboutthefunnything.
    "Idon'tlikethepencil,"shesaid."AndIdon'tlikethewrongmanbeing
    killed,probablysomepoorbookkeeperinacheapbusinessorhewouldn'tbe
    livinginthatneighborhood.Youshouldneverhavetouchedit,Phil."
    "Ikkyhadalife.Wherehe'sgoinghemightmakehimselfdecent.Hecan
    changehisname.Hemustbeloadedorhewouldn'thavepaidmesomuch."
    "IsaidIdidn'tlikethepencil.You'dbettercomedownhereforawhile.
    Youcanhaveyourmailreaddressedifyougetanymail.Youdon'thavetowork
    rightawayanyhow.AndL.A.isoozingwithprivateeyes."
    "Youdon'tgetthepoint.I'mnotthroughwiththejob.Thecitydickshave
    toknowwhereIam,andiftheydo,allthecrimebeatreporterswillknowtoo.
    Thecopsmightevendecidetomakemeasuspect.Nobodywhosawtheshootingis
    goingtoputoutadescriptionthatmeansanything.TheAmericanpeopleknow
    betterthantobewitnessestogangkillings."
    "Allright,loudbrain.Butmyofferstands."
    Thebuzzersoundedintheoutsideroom.ItoldAnneIhadtohangup.I
    openedthecommunicatingdoorandawelldressedImightsayelegantly
    dressedmiddleagedmanstoodsixfeetinsidetheouterdoor.Hehada
    pleasantlydishonestsmileonhisface.HeworeawhiteStetsonandoneofthose

    narrowtiesthatgothroughanornamentalbuckle.Hiscreamcoloredflannelsuit
    wasbeautifullytailored.
    Helitacigarettewithagoldlighterandlookedatmeoverthefirstpuff
    ofsmoke.
    "Mr.Marlowe?"
    Inodded.
    "I'mFosterGrimesfromLasVegas.IruntheRanchoEsperanzaonSouth
    Fifth.IhearyougotalittleinvolvedwithamannamedIkkyRosenstein."
    "Won'tyoucomein?"
    Hestrolledpastmeintomyoffice.Hisappearancetoldmenothing.A
    prosperousmanwholikedorfeltitgoodbusinesstolookabitwestern.Yousee
    thembythedozeninthePalmSpringswinterseason.Hisaccenttoldmehewas
    aneasterner,butnotNewEngland.NewYorkorBaltimore,likely.LongIsland,
    theBerkshiresno,toofarfromthecity.
    Ishowedhimthecustomer'schairwithaflickofthewristandsatdownin
    myantiqueswivelsqueaker.Iwaited.
    "WhereisIkkynow,ifyouknow?"
    "Idon'tknow,Mr.Grimes."
    "Howcomeyoumessedwithhim?"
    "Money."
    "Adamnedgoodreason,"hesmiled."Howfardiditgo?"
    "Ihelpedhimleavetown.I'mtellingyouthis,althoughIdon'tknowwho
    thehellyouare,becauseI'vealreadytoldanoldfriendenemyofmine,atop
    manintheSheriff'sOffice."
    "What'safriendenemy?"
    "Lawmendon'tgoaroundkissingme,butI'veknownhimforyears,andwe
    areasmuchfriendsasaprivatestarcanbewithalawman."
    "ItoldyouwhoIwas.WehaveauniquesetupinVegas.Weowntheplace
    exceptforonelousynewspapereditorwhokeepsclimbingourbacksandthebacks
    ofourfriends.Welethimlivebecauselettinghimlivemakesuslookbetter
    thanknockinghimoff.Killingsarenotgoodbusinessanymore."
    "LikeIkkyRosenstein."
    "That'snotakilling.It'sanexecution.Ikkygotoutofline."
    "Soyourgunboyshadtorubthewrongguy.Theycouldhavehungarounda
    littletomakesure."

    "Theywouldhave,ifyou'dkeptyournosewhereitbelonged.Theyhurried.
    Wedon'tappreciatethat.Wewantcoolefficiency."
    "Who'sthisgreatbigfat'we'youkeeptalkingabout?"
    "Don'tgojuvenileonme,Marlowe."
    "Okay.Let'ssayIknow"
    "Here'swhatwewant."Hereachedintohispocketanddrewoutaloose
    bill.Heputitonthedeskonhisside."FindIkkyandtellhimtogetbackin
    lineandeverythingisoke.Withaninnocentbystandergunned,wedon'twantany
    troubleoranyextrapublicity.It'sthatsimple.Yougetthisnow"Henoddedat
    thebill.Itwasagrand.Probablythesmallestbilltheyhad."Andanotherwhen
    youfindIkkyandgivehimthemessage.Ifheholdsoutcurtains."
    "SupposeIsaytakeyourgoddamgrandandblowyournosewithit?"
    "Thatwouldbeunwise."HeflippedoutaColtWoodsmanwithashort
    silenceronit.AColtWoodsmanwilltakeonewithoutjamming.Hewasfasttoo,
    fastandsmooth.Thegenialexpressiononhisfacedidn'tchange.
    "IneverleftVegas,"hesaidcalmly."Icanproveit.You'redeadinyour
    officechairandnobodyknowsanything.Justanotherprivateeyethattriedthe
    wrongpitch.Putyourhandsonthedeskandthinkalittle.Incidentally,I'ma
    crackshotevenwiththisdamnedsilencer."
    "Justtosinkalittlelowerinthesocialscale,Mr.Grimes,Iain't
    puttingnohandsonnodesk.Buttellmeaboutthis."
    Iflippedthenicelysharpenedpencilacrosstohim.Hegrabbedforit
    afteraswiftchangeoftheguntohislefthandveryswift.Heheldthepencil
    upsothathecouldlookatitwithouttakinghiseyesoffme.
    Isaid:"ItcametomebySpecialDeliverymail.Nomessage,noreturn
    address.Justthepencil.ThinkI'veneverheardaboutthepencil,Mr.Grimes?"
    Hefrownedandtossedthepencildown.Beforehecouldshifthislonglithe
    gunbacktohisrighthandIdroppedmineunderthedeskandgrabbedthebuttof
    the.45andputmyfingerhardonthetrigger.
    "Lookunderthedesk,Mr.Grimes.You'llseea.45inanopenendholster.
    It'sfixedthereandit'spointingatyourbelly.Evenifyoucouldshootme
    throughtheheartthe.45wouldstillgoofffromaconvulsivemovementofmy
    hand.

    Andyourbellywouldbehangingbyashredandyouwouldbeknockedoutof
    thatchair.A.45slugcanthrowyoubacksixfeet.Eventhemovieslearnedthat
    atlast."
    "LookslikeaMexicanstandoff,"hesaidquietly.Heholsteredhisgun.He
    grinned."Nicesmoothwork,Marlowe.Wecoulduseyou.Butit'salongtimefor
    youandnotimeatalltous.FindIkkyanddon'tbeadrip.He'lllistento
    reason.Hedoesn'treallywanttobeontherunfortherestofhislife.We'd
    tracehimeventually."
    "Tellmesomething,Mr.Grimes.Whypickonme?ApartfromIkky,whatdidI
    everdotomakeyoudislikeme?"
    Notmoving,hethoughtamoment,orpretendedto."TheLarsencase.You
    helpedsendoneofourboystothegaschamber.Thatwedon'tforget.Wehadyou
    inmindasafallguyforIkky.You'llalwaysbeafallguy,unlessyouplayit
    ourway.Somethingwillhityouwhenyouleastexpectit."
    "Amaninmybusinessisalwaysafallguy,Mr.Grimes.Pickupyourgrand
    anddriftoutquietly.Imightdecidetodoityourway,butIhavetothink.As
    fortheLarsencase,thecopsdidallthework.Ijusthappenedtoknowwherehe
    was.Idon'tguessyoumisshimterribly."
    "Wedon'tlikeinterference."Hestoodup.Heputthegrandnotecasually
    backinhispocket.WhilehewasdoingitIletgoofthe.45andjerkedoutmy
    Smith&Wessonfiveinch.38.
    Helookedatitcontemptuously."I'llbeinVegas,Marlowe.InfactInever
    leftVegas.YoucancatchmeattheEsperanza.No,wedon'tgiveadamnabout
    Larsenpersonally.Justanothergunhandler.Theycomeingrosslots.We_do_
    giveadamnthatsomepunkprivateeyefingeredhim."
    Henoddedandwentoutbymyofficedoor.
    Ididsomepondering.IknewIkkywouldn'tgobacktotheOutfit.He
    wouldn'ttrustthemenoughifhegotthechance.Buttherewasanotherreason
    now.IcalledAnneRiordanagain.
    "I'mgoingtolookforIkky.Ihaveto.IfIdon'tcallyouinthreedays,
    getholdofBernieOhls.I'mgoingtoFlagstaff,Arizona.Ikkysayshewillbe
    there."
    "You'reafool,"shewailed."It'ssomesortoftrap."

    "AMr.GrimesofVegasvisitedmewithasilencedgun.Ibeathimtothe
    punch,butIwon'talwaysbethatlucky.IfIfindIkkyandreporttoGrimes,
    themobwillletmealone."
    "You'dcondemnamantodeath?"Hervoicewassharpandincredulous.
    "No.Hewon'tbetherewhenIreport.He'llhavetohopaplaneto
    Montreal,buyforgedpapersMontrealisalmostascrookedasweareandplane
    toEurope.Hemaybefairlysafethere.ButtheOutfithaslongarmsandIkky
    willhaveadamneddulllifestayingalive.Hehasn'tanychoice.Forhimit's
    eitherhideorgetthepencil."
    "Socleverofyou,darling.Whataboutyourownpencil?"
    "Iftheymeantit,theywouldn'thavesentit.Justabitofscare
    technique."
    "Andyoudon'tscare,youwonderfulhandsomebrute."
    "Iscare.Butitdoesn'tparalyzeme.Solong.Don'ttakeanyloversuntil
    Igetback."
    "Damnyou,Marlowe!"
    Shehunguponme.Ihunguponmyself.
    Sayingthewrongthingisoneofmyspecialties.
    Ibeatitoutoftownbeforethehomicideboyscouldhearaboutme.It
    wouldtakethemquiteawhiletogetalead.AndBernieOhlswouldn'tgivea
    citydickausedpaperbag.TheSheriff'smenandtheCityPolicecooperate
    aboutasmuchastwotomcatsonafence.

    ImadePhoenixbyeveningandparkedmyselfinamotorcourtontheoutskirts.
    Phoenixwasdamnedhot.Themotorcourthadadiningroom,soIhaddinner.I
    collectedsomequartersanddimesfromthecashierandshutmyselfinaphone
    boothandstartedtocalltheMiradorinFlagstaff.HowsillycouldIget?Ikky
    mightberegisteredunderanynamefromCohentoCordileone,fromWatsonto
    Woichehovski.Icalledanywayandgotnothingbutasmuchofasmileasyoucan
    getonthephone.SoIaskedforaroomthefollowingnight.Notachanceunless
    someonecheckedout,buttheywouldputmedownforacancellationorsomething.

    FlagstaffistooneartheGrandCanyon.Ikkymusthavearrangedinadvance.That
    wassomethingtopondertoo.
    Iboughtapaperbackandreadit.Isetmyalarmwatchfor6.30.The
    paperbackscaredmesobadlythatIputtwogunsundermypillowItwasabouta
    guywhobuckedthehoodlumbossofMilwaukeeandgotbeatenupeveryfifteen
    minutes.Ifiguredthathisheadandfacewouldbenothingbutapieceofbone
    withastripofskinhangingfromit.Butinthenextchapterhewasasgayasa
    meadowlark.ThenIaskedmyselfwhyIwasreadingthisdrivelwhenIcouldhave
    beenmemorizing_TheBrothersKaramazov._Notknowinganygoodanswers,Iturned
    thelightoutandwenttosleep.At6.30Ishavedandshoweredandhadbreakfast
    andtookoffforFlagstaff.Igottherebylunchtime,andtherewasIkkyinthe
    restauranteatingmountaintrout.Isatdownacrossfromhim.Helooked
    surprisedtoseeme.
    Iorderedmountaintroutandateitfromtheoutsidein,whichisthe
    properway.Boningspoilsitalittle.
    "Whatgives?"heaskedmewithhismouthfull.Adelicateeater.
    "Youreadthepapers?"
    "Justthesportingsection."
    "Let'sgotoyourroomandtalkaboutit.There'smorethanthat."
    Wepaidforourlunchesandwentalongtoanicedouble.Themotorcourts
    aregettingsogoodthattheymakealotofhotelslookcheap.Wesatdownand
    litcigarettes.
    "ThetwohoodsgotuptooearlyandwentovertoPoynterStreet.They
    parkedoutsideyourapartmenthouse.Theyhadn'tbeenbriefedcarefullyenough.
    Theyshotaguywholookedalittlelikeyou."
    "That'sahotone."Hegrinned."Butthecopswillfindout,andtheOutfit
    willfindout.Sothetagformestayson."
    "YoumustthinkI'mdumb,"Isaid."Iam."
    "Ithoughtyoudidafirstclassjob,Marlowe.What'sdumbaboutthat?"
    "WhatjobdidIdo?"
    "Yougotmeoutofthereprettyslick."
    "Anythingaboutityoucouldn'thavedoneyourself?"
    "Withluckno.Butit'snicetohaveahelper."
    "Youmeansucker."

    Hisfacetightened.Andhisrustyvoicegrowled."Idon'tcatch.Andgive
    mebacksomeofthatfivegrand,willyou?I'mshorterthanIthought."
    "I'llgiveitbacktoyouwhenyoufindahummingbirdinasaltshaker."
    "Don'tbelikethat,"healmostsighed,andflickedagunintohishand.I
    didn'thavetoflick.Iwasholdingoneinmysidepocket.
    "Ioughtn'ttohaveboobedoff,"Isaid."Puttheheateraway.Itdoesn't
    payanymorethanaVegasslotmachine."
    "Wrong.Themmachinespaythejackpoteverysooften.Otherwiseno
    customers."
    "Everysoseldom,youmean.Listen,andlistengood."
    Hegrinned.Hisdentistwastiredwaitingforhim.
    "Thesetupintriguedme,"Iwenton,debonairasMiloVanceinaVanDyne
    storyandalotbrighterinthehead."Firstoff,coulditbedone?Second,if
    itcouldbedone,wherewouldIbe?ButgraduallyIsawthelittletouchesthat
    flawthepicture.Whywouldyoucometomeatall?TheOutfitisn'tthatnaive.
    WhywouldtheysendalittlepunklikethisCharlesHickonorwhatevernamehe
    usesonThursdays?Whywouldanoldhandlikeyouletanybodytrailyoutoa
    dangerousconnection?"
    "Youslayme,Marlowe.You'resobrightIcouldfindyouinthedark.
    You'resodumbyoucouldn'tseearedwhiteandbluegiraffe.Ibetyouwere
    backthereinyourunbrainemporiumplayingwiththatfivegrandlikeacatwith
    abagofcatnip.Ibetyouwerekissingthenotes."
    "Notafteryouhandledthem.Thenwhythepencilthatwassenttome?Big
    dangerousthreat.Itreinforcedtherest.ButlikeItoldyourchoirboyfrom
    Vegas,theydon'tsendthemwhentheymeanthem.Bytheway,hehadaguntoo.A
    Woodsman.22withasilencer.Ihadtomakehimputitaway.Hewasniceabout
    that.Hestartedwavinggrandsatmetofindoutwhereyouwereandtellhim.A
    welldressed,nicelookingfrontmanforapackofdirtyrats.TheWomen's
    ChristianTemperanceAssociationandsomebootlickingpoliticiansgavethemthe
    moneytobebig,andtheylearnedhowtouseitandmakeitgrow.Nowthey're
    prettywellunstoppable.Butthey'restillapackofdirtyrats.Andthey're
    alwayswheretheycan'tmakeamistake.That'sinhuman.Anymanhasarighttoa
    fewmistakes.Nottherats.Theyhavetobeperfectallthetime.Orelsethey
    getstuckwith_you."_

    "Idon'tknowwhatthehellyou'retalkingabout.Ijustknowit'stoo
    long."
    "Well,allowmetoputitinEnglish.SomepoorjerkfromtheEastSide
    getsinvolvedwiththelowerechelonsofamob.Youknowwhatanechelonis,
    Ikky?"
    "IbeenintheArmy,"hesneered.
    "Hegrowsupinthemob,buthe'snotallrotten.He'snotrottenenough.
    Sohetriestobreakloose.Hecomesouthereandgetshimselfacheapjobof
    somesortandchangeshisnameornamesandlivesquietlyinacheapapartment
    house.Butthemobbynowhasagentsinmanyplaces.Somebodyspotshimand
    recognizeshim.Itmightbeapusher,afrontmanforabookiejoint,anight
    girl,evenacopthat'sonthetake.Sothemob,orcallthemtheOutfit,say
    throughtheircigarsmoke:'Ikkycan'tdothistous.It'sasmalloperation
    becausehe'ssmall.Butitannoysus.Badfordiscipline.Callacoupleofboys
    andhavethempencilhim.'Butwhatboysdotheycall?Acouplethey'retired
    of.Beenaroundtoolong.Mightmakeamistakeorgetchillytoes.Perhapsthey
    likekilling.That'sbadtoo.Thatmakesrecklessness.Thebestboysarethe
    onesthatdon'tcareeitherway.Soalthoughtheydon'tknowit,theboysthey
    callareontheirwayout.Butitwouldbekindofcutetoframeaguythey
    alreadydon'tlike,forfingeringahoodnamedLarsen.Oneofthesepunylittle
    jokestheOutfittakesbig.Lookguys,weevengottimetoplayfootieswitha
    privateeye.Jesus,wecandoanything.Wecouldevensuckourthumbs.'Sothey
    sendaringer."
    "TheTorribrothersain'tringers.They'rerealhardboys.Theyprovedit
    eveniftheydidmakeamistake."
    "Mistakenothing.TheygotIkkyRosenstein.You'rejustasinging
    commercialinthisdeal.Andasofnowyou'reunderarrestformurder.You're
    worseoffthanthat.TheOutfitwillhabeascorpusyououtoftheclinkandblow
    youdown.You'veservedyourpurposeandyoufailedtofingermeintoapatsy."
    Hisfingertightenedonthetrigger.Ishotthegunoutofhishand.Mygun
    inmycoatpocketwassmall,butatthatdistanceaccurate.Anditwasoneofmy
    daystobeaccuratemyself.
    Hemadeafaintmoaningsoundandsuckedathishand.Iwentoverand
    kickedhimhardinthechest.Beingnicetokillersisnotpartofmy
    repertoire.Hewentoverbackwardsandsidewiseandstumbledfourorfivesteps.

    IpickeduphisgunandhelditonhimwhileItappedalltheplacesnotjust
    pocketsorholsterswhereamancouldstashasecondgun.Hewascleanthat
    wayanyhow.
    "Whatareyoutryingtodotome?"hesaidwhiningly."Ipaidyou.You're
    clear.Ipaidyoudamnwell."
    "Webothhaveproblemsthere.Yoursistostayalive."Itookapairof
    cuffsoutofmypocketandwrestledhishandsbehindhimandsnappedthemon.
    Hishandwasbleeding.Itiedhisshowhandkerchiefaroundit.Iwenttothe
    telephone.
    Flagstaffwasbigenoughtohaveapoliceforce.TheD.A.mightevenhave
    hisofficethere.ThiswasArizona,apoorstate,relatively.Thecopsmight
    evenbehonest.

    10

    Ihadtostickaroundforafewdays,butIdidn'tmindthataslongasIcould
    havetroutcaughteightorninethousandfeetup.IcalledAnneandBernieOhls.
    Icalledmyansweringservice.TheArizonaD.A.wasayoungkeeneyedmanand
    theChiefofPolicewasoneofthebiggestmenIeversaw.
    IgotbacktoL.A.intimeandtookAnnetoRomanoff'sfordinnerand
    champagne.
    "WhatIcan'tsee,"shesaidoverathirdglassofbubbly,"iswhythey
    draggedyouintoit,whytheysetupthefakeIkkyRosenstein.Whydidn'tthey
    justletthetwolifetakersdotheirjob?"
    "Icouldn'treallysay.Unlessthebigboysfeelsosafethey'redeveloping
    asenseofhumor.AndunlessthisLarsenguythatwenttothegaschamberwas
    biggerthanheseemedtobe.Onlythreeorfourimportantmobstershavemadethe
    electricchairortheropeorthegaschamber.NonethatIknowofinthelife
    imprisonmentstateslikeMichigan.IfLarsenwasbiggerthananyonethought,
    theymighthavehadmynameonawaitinglist."
    "Butwhywait?"sheaskedme."They'dgoafteryouquickly."

    "Theycanaffordtowait.Who'sgoingtobotherthemKefauver?Hedidhis
    best,butdoyounoticeanychangeinthesetupexceptwhentheymakeone
    themselves?"
    "Costello?"
    "IncometaxraplikeCapone.Caponemayhavehadseveralhundredmen
    killed,andkilledafewofthemhimself,personally.ButittooktheInternal
    Revenueboystogethim.TheOutfitwon'tmakethatmistakeoften."
    "WhatIlikeaboutyou,apartfromyourenormouspersonalcharm,isthat
    whenyoudon'tknowanansweryoumakeoneup."
    "Themoneyworriesme,"Isaid."Fivegrandoftheirdirtymoney.WhatdoI
    dowithit?"
    "Don'tbeajerkallyourlife.Youearnedthemoneyandyouriskedyour
    lifeforit.YoucanbuySeriesEBonds.They'llmakethemoneyclean.Andtome
    thatwouldbepartofthejoke."
    _"You_tell_me_onegoodreasonwhytheypulledtheswitch.""Youhave
    moreofareputationthanyourealize.AndhowwoulditbeifthefalseIkky
    pulledtheswitch?Hesoundslikeoneoftheseoverclevertypesthatcan'tdo
    anythingsimple."
    "TheOutfitwillgethimformakinghisownplansifyou'reright."
    "IftheD.A.doesn't.AndIcouldn'tcarelessaboutwhathappenstohim.
    Morechampagne,please."

    ENGLISHSUMMERAGothicRomance

    _Burymewherethesoldiersofretreat_
    _Areburied,underneaththefadedstar._
    _StephenVincentBent_

    Itwasoneofthoseold,oldcottagesinthecountrywhicharesupposedtobe
    picturesque,whichtheEnglishgotoforweekendsorforamonthinthesummer
    inayearwhentheycan'taffordthehighAlpsorVeniceorSicilyorGreeceor
    theRiviera,ayearwhentheydon'twanttoseetheirinfernalgrayocean.
    Inthewinterwholivesinsuchplaces?Whowouldslogthroughthelong,
    dreadfulwetsilencetofindout?Butprobablysomepeacefuloldwomanwith
    applecheeksandtwoearthenhotwaterbottlesinherbedandnotacareinthe
    world,notevenfordeath.
    Itwassummernow,however,andtheCrandallswerethereforamonth,I,as
    aguestforavaguefewdays.EdwardCrandallhadinvitedmehimself,andIhad
    gone,alittletobenearher,alittlebecausehisaskingmewasasortof
    insult,andIlikeinsults,fromsomepeople.
    Idon'tthinkhehopedtocatchmemakinglovetoher.Idon'tthinkhe
    wouldhavecared.Hewastoobusyonthetilesoftheroofs,onthewallsofthe
    barnyards,intheshadowsofthehayricks.Hewouldn'thavepaideitherofus
    thatcomplimentanyhow.
    ButIneverhadmadelovetoher,sohecouldn'thavecaughtusnotinthe
    threeyears,offandon,Ihadknownthem.Itwasacurious,averynaive,a
    verydecrepitdelicacyonmypart.Inthecircumstances,whileshecontinuedto
    endurehiminuttersilence,Ithoughtitwouldhavebeentoocallousagesture.
    PerhapsIwaswrong.ProbablyIwaswrong.Shewasverylovely.
    Itwasasmallcottage,attheextremeedgeofavillagecalledBuddenham,
    butinspiteofitsnaturalseclusionithadthoseunnecessarywallsthatsome
    Englishgardenshave,asthoughtheflowersmightbecaughtinembarrassing
    postures.Thepartintheback,nearestthehouse,theylikedtocallthe
    "close."IthadthatalmostunbearablefragranceofEnglishflowersinsummer.
    Onthesunnysidenectarinesgrewinespaliers,andtherewasatableputthere
    onthefirm,ancientlawn,andrusticchairsfortea,ifitwaswarmenoughfor
    teaoutdoors.ItneverwaswhileIwasthere.
    Infronttherewasmoregarden,anotherwalledinspacesmellingofroses
    andmignonettes,drowsywithstripedbumblebees.Therewasawalkandahedge
    andafenceandagate.Thatwasoutside.Ilikedallofthat.InsideIhated
    onething,thestairs.Theyhadasortofdeadlycoldingenuityofwrongness,as
    thoughdesignedforyoursixmonths'bridetofalldownandbreakherneck,and

    makeoneofthosesuddentragediesthatpeopleusedtogloatover,lickingtheir
    tearwetlips.
    Ididn'tevenmindtherebeingonlyonebathroomandnoshower.Afterten
    yearsofvisitinginEngland,forlongperiodsatatime,Iknewtherewerefew
    houses,evenlargeones,withmore.Andyougetusedtobeingwakenedinthe
    morningbyadiscreettapping,thenthedooropeningsoftlywithoutyourhaving
    answered,thenthecurtainsbeingraspedback,andthenbythedullthudofa
    copperutensilofquaintshape,fullofhotwater,beingdepositedinawide
    shallowtry,inwhichyoucanjustmanagetositifyouputyourwetfeetout
    onthefloor.Thisisoldfashionednow,butitpersistsinsomeplaces.
    Thatwasallright,butnotthestairs.Inthefirstplacetherewasasort
    ofveryvaguehalfturnatthetop,incompletedarkness,andatotally
    unnecessaryhalfstepthere,atexactlytheworstpossibleangle.Ialways
    stumbledoverit.
    Thenatthestraightupperreachofthemainflight,beforethehalfturn,
    therewasanewelpostashardandsharpasasteelgirderandaboutthesizeof
    awellgrownoak.Itwascarved,thestorywent,fromtherudderstemofsome
    SpanishgalleonwhichaveryEnglishstormhadcastuponaveryEnglishlee
    shore.Aftertheusualfewcenturies,partoftherudderstemhadgotto
    Buddenhamandgotitselfmadeintoanewelpost.
    Onemorethingthetwosteelengravings.Theyhungoutatanabsurdangle
    fromthewallrightonthestraightpartofthestairsandthestairswere
    alreadycramped.Theyhungsidebyside,framedinthatverymonumentalmanner
    steelengravingsusedtolove.Onecornerwouldlayyourskullopenlikeanaxe.
    TheyweretheStagDrinkingandtheStagatBay.Theyseemedtobeexactlythe
    same,exceptforthepositionofthestag'shead.ButIneverreallysawthem.I
    justcrawledpastthem.Theonlyplacefromwhichyoucouldreallyseethemwas
    thepassagetothekitchenandthescullery.Fromthere,ifyouhadanybusiness
    there,andifyoulikedsteelengravingsafterLandseer,youcouldlookup
    throughthebanistersandgazeyourfill.Itmayhavebeenalotoffun,butnot
    tome.
    ThisparticularafternoonIcamedownthesestairsstumblinganddodging
    aboutasusual,swingingmycherrywoodstickinabriskandBritishmanner,
    gettingitcaughtinthebanisters,andinhalingthefaintsouraromaofthe
    pastebehindthewallpaper.

    Thehouseseemedunusuallystill.Imissedthecrackedmonotoneofold
    Bessie'shumminginthekitchen.OldBessiewentwiththecottageandlooked
    verymuchasthoughshehadcomeashorewiththeSpanishgalleon,throughalot
    ofrocks.
    Ipeepedintothedrawingroom,andthatwasempty,soIwentonback
    throughtheFrenchdoorstothe"close."Millicentwassittingthere,ina
    gardenchair.Justsitting.ItseemsthatImustdescribeher,andIshall
    probablyoverdoit,liketherest.
    Shewas,Isuppose,veryEnglish,butmorefragilethantheEnglish.She
    hadthatsortofceramicdelicacyandgrace,likecertainverylovelykindsof
    china.Shewasrathertallquitetall,infact,andfromcertainanglesmay
    haveappearedatriflesharp.ButIhadneverthoughtso.Andaboveallshehad
    theflowingmovement,theinfinite,effortlessgraceofafairytale.Shehad
    thepalehair,sopale,sogold,sofinethatyouneversawaseparatestrandof
    it.Itwasthehairofaprincessinaremoteandbittertower.Itwasthehair
    anoldnursewouldhavebrushed,hourafterhourbycandlelight,inavastdim
    room,holdingitsoftlyintiredoldhands,whiletheprincesssatbeforea
    polishedsilvermirror,halfasleep,andglancedintotheburnishedmetal
    occasionally,butnottoseeherself.Shehaddreamsforthatmirror.Thatwas
    thesortofhairMillicentCrandallhad.Itoucheditonlyonceandthenitwas
    toolate.
    Shehadlovelyarmstoo,andtheyseemedtoknowit,without,asitwere,
    herknowingit.Sothattheyalwaysseemedpoisedinjusttherightway,inthe
    mostlanguidandgraciouscurves,alongamantelpiece,withthewristtrailing,
    ortheedgeofaratherseveresleevefallingawaysostraightlythatthecurve
    itletyouglimpsegainedstrengthandlostnoloveliness.Andattea,herhands
    wouldmakegracious,unheeded,beautifulmotionsoverthesilver.Thatwouldbe
    inLondon,particularlyinthelong,grayupstairsdrawingroomtheyhadthere.
    Itwouldbehalfraining,andthelightwouldbethecolorofrain,andthe
    paintingsonthewall,whatevercolortheyhadinthem,wouldbegray.Evenif
    theywerevanGoghstheywouldbegray.Butherhairwouldnotbegray.
    Today,however,Ijustlookedatherandwaggledthecherrywoodstickand
    said,"Nouseaskingyoutowalkovertothelakeandletmerowyouabout,I
    suppose?"
    Shehalfsmiled.Herhalfsmilewasnegative.

    "Where'sEdward?Golfing?"
    Thesamehalfsmile,butderisioninitnow.
    "Somethingaboutrabbitstoday,withagamekeeperhemetinthevillage
    pub.It_would_beagamekeeper.Itseemsalotofthemgetaroundasortof
    clearinginaspinney,awarren,andtheferretsaresentdownintotherabbits'
    holes,andsotherabbitshavetocomeup."
    "Iknow,"Isaid."Thentheydrinktheblood."
    "Thatshouldhavebeenmyline,ifyoueverleftmeone.Runalongnow,and
    don'tbetoolatebackfortea."
    "Itmustbefun,"Isaid,"justwaitingfortea.Inawarmspot,inanice
    garden,withthebeesdroningaroundyounottooclose,andthenectarines
    perfumingtheair.Waitingforteaasifitwerearevolution."
    ShejustlookedatmewithherpaleblueEnglisheyes.Nottiredeyes,but
    eyesthathadlookedatthesamethingstoolong.
    "Revolution?Whatintheworlddoesthatmean?"
    "Idon'tknow,"Isaidfrankly."Itjustsoundedlikeagoodgagline.So
    long."
    TotheEnglish,Americansarealwaysatriflestupid.
    Iwalkedovertothelaketoofast.Itwasn'tmuchofalake,asAmerican
    lakesgo,butithadalotoftinyislandsonit,andthesemadevistasandgave
    afalseimpressionoflength,andthewaterbirdsswoopedandclatteredorjust
    satonreedsgrowingoutofthewaterandlookedsupercilious.Inplacestheold
    backwoodsstrolleddownveryclosetothegraywater.Intheseplacestherewere
    nowaterbirds.Somebody'scrackedbutnotsomehowleakyoldtubwastiedtoa
    logbyashortrope,stiffwithageandpaint.Iusedtorowthatamongthe
    littleislands.Nothinglivedonthem,buttherewerethingsgrowing,andnow
    andagainsomeoldgafferwouldstophoeingandshadehiseyesandstareatme.
    IwouldcalloutapolitesemiEnglishgreeting.Hewouldnotanswer.Hewastoo
    old,toodeafandhadotherusesforhisenergy.
    Igotmoretiredthanusualthatday.Theoldboatseemedascumbersomeas
    awaterloggedbarninaMississippiflood.Thealwaystooshortoarswere
    shorterthanever.SoIloafedgoingback,andtherewereshaftsofyellowlight
    throughthebeeches,distantly,inanotherworld.Itgotcoldonthewater.
    Idraggedtheboatuphighenoughtotiethepaintertothelogand
    straightened,suckingafingertheknothadn'tbeenkindto.

    Ihadn'theardasoundofherorofherbigblackhorseorevenofthe
    clinkingringsattheendofthebit.Lastyear'sleavesmusthavebeenvery
    softaroundthere,orshehadamagicwithhorses.
    ButwhenIstraightenedandturnedshewasnotmorethanninefeetaway.
    Sheworeablackridinghabit,awhitehuntingstockatherthroat,andthe
    horselookedwickedasshesatastrideofhim.Astallion.Shesmiled,ablack
    eyedwoman,young,butnotagirl.Ihadneverseenherbefore.Shewasterribly
    handsome.
    "Likerowing?"sheinquiredinthatoffhandEnglishwaythatisutterly
    beyondmereease.Hervoicewasthevoiceofathrush,anAmericanthrush.
    Theblackstallionlookedatmeredeyedandquietlypawedaleafortwo,
    thenstoodlikearock,quietlyswingingoneear.
    "Hateit,"Isaid."Allhardworkandblisters.Thenthreemileshomefor
    tea."
    "Thenwhydoyoudoit?IneverdoanythingIdon'tlike."Shetouchedthe
    stallion'sneckwithagauntletedgloveasblackashiscoat.
    Ishrugged."Imustlikeitinaway.Exercise.Takesthenervesoutof
    you.Beatsupanappetite.Ican'tthinkofanycleverreasons."
    "Youshould,"shesaid."BeinganAmerican."
    "AmIanAmerican?"
    "Ofcourse.Iwatchedyourowing.Sofierce.Ikneweventhen.Andof
    course,youraccent."
    Myeyesmusthavebeenalittleavidonherface,butshedidn'tseemto
    mind.
    "StayingwithsomepeoplecalledCrandall,atBuddenham,aren'tyou,Mr.
    American?Gossipdoesgetaroundsointhesecountryplaces.I'mLadyLakenham,
    fromLakeview."
    Somethingmusthavestiffenedinmyface.AsifIhadsaidoutloud:Oh,
    you're_that_woman!
    Shenoticedit,Idaresay.Shewouldnoticemostthings.Perhapsall
    things.Butnotevenaverysmallnewshadowwasborninherdeepblack,
    depthlesseyes.
    "ThatlovelyTudorplaceI'veseenitalreadyfromadistance."
    "Seeitcloserandgetashock,"shesaid."Trymytea.Thename,ifyou
    please?"

    "Paringdon.JohnParingdon."
    "John'sanicesturdyname,"shesaid."Atrifleonthedullside.I'll
    havetoputupwithit,duringthebriefmomentsofouracquaintance.Takehold
    ofRomeo'sstirrupleather,Johnabovetheironandlightly."
    ThestallionfrettedalittlewhenItouchedtheleather,butshecooedat
    himandhebegantowalkhomeward,uparise,slowly,hisearsveryalert.Even
    whensomebirdsuddenlywhirredacrosstheglade,lowunderthetrees,onlyhis
    earsjumped.
    Nicemanners,"Isaid.
    Shearchedherblackeyebrows.
    "Romeo?Thatdepends.Wemeetallsortsofpeople,don'twe,Romeo?Andour
    mannersvary."
    Sheswunghershortwhiplightly.
    "Butthatwouldn'tconcernyou,wouldit?"
    "Idon'tknow,"Isaid."Itmight."
    Shelaughed.Ifoundoutlaterthatsheveryseldomlaughed.
    Myhandonthestirrupleatherwasinchesaboveherfoot.Iwantedtotouch
    herfoot.Ididn'tknowwhy;Ithoughtshewantedmetotouchherfoot.Ididn't
    knowthewhyofthateither.
    "Oh,youhavenicemannerstoo,"shesaid."Icanseethat."
    Isaid,"I'mstillnotsure.Theyareswiftliketheswallow,andslowlike
    theox,butalwaysinthewrongplace."
    Thewhipflickedaroundidly,butnotatme,norattheblackstallionwho
    obviouslydidn'texpectittoflickathim.
    "I'mafraidyou'reflirtingwithme,"shesaid.
    "I'mafraidIam."
    Itwasthestallion'sfault.Hestoppedtoosuddenly.Myhandslippedto
    herankle.Ikeptitthere.
    Ihadn'tseenhermoveeither,hadn'tanyideahowshehadstoppedthe
    horse.Hestoodnowlikeacastinginbronze.
    Shelookeddownveryslowlyatmyhandonherankle.
    "Intentional?"sheinquired.
    "Very,"Isaid.
    "Youhaveatleastcourage,"shesaid.Hervoicewasdistant,likeawood
    call.Thatkindofdistance.Ishooklikealeaf.

    Sheleaneddownveryveryslowlyuntilherheadwasalmostaslowasmine.
    Thestalliondidn'tseemtomoveamuscleofhisgreatbody.
    "Icoulddothreethings,"shesaid."Guessthem."
    "Easy.Rideon,usethewhiponme,orjustlaugh."
    "Iwaswrong,"shesaid,inasuddenlytautvoice."Fourthings."
    "Givemeyourlips,"Isaid.

    Theplaceappearedsuddenly,downtheslopefromawide,grassycircle,which
    wassupposedtobewhatremainedofaRomancamp.DowntheslopewasLakeview,
    which,characteristically,hadnoviewofthelake.
    Itlayinanutternessofneglectyoudon'tseeinEngland,inajungleof
    tangledvines,awildernessoflong,weedgrownlawns.Eventhesunkengarden
    hadbecomeapitofshame.GrassgrewalmostkneehighontheElizabethan
    bowlinglawnattheside.Thehouseitselfwasalovelytimedarkenedredbrick,
    inthetraditionalElizabethanform,withoutwardjutting,heavilyleaded
    windows.Fatspiderssleptbehindthemlikebishops,andtheirwebsmottledthe
    glass,andtheygazedoutsomnolentlywhereoncethehawkfaceddandiesin
    slasheddoubletshadlookedoutatEngland,unappeased,intheirfuriousdays,
    byitscloisteredcharm.
    Stablesappeared,totteringinmossandneglect.Agnome,allhandsand
    noseandridingbreeches,cameoutofashadowystallandheldthestallion.
    Shedroppedtothebricksofthestableyard,walkedawaywithoutaword.
    "It'snotneglect,"shesaid,whenwewereoutofthegnome'shearing.
    "It'ssimplemurder.HeknewIlovedtheplace."
    "Yourhusband?"Imovedmylipssoftly,oneinsidetheother,hatinghim.
    "Let'sgointhefrontway.Yougettheloveliestviewofthemain
    staircase.Heexcelledhimselfthere.Hegavethathispersonalattention."
    Therewasawidespaceinfront,ringedwithadrive.Ancientoaksclosed
    itin.Itsturfwasworsethantherestbecauseithadbeenscythedroughlyand
    lookedyellow.Theoakssentlongshadowsstealinginsidiouslyacrosstheruined

    lawn,silent,dark,probingfingersofhate.Shadows,yetmorethanshadows,as
    theshadowonasundialismorethanashadow
    Acroneasagedandbadlyhungtogetherasthestablegnomeansweredthe
    remote,fretfuljanglingofthebell.TheEnglishofhersortseemnevertogo
    intoahouse.Theymustbeadmitted.Theoldwomanmutteredtoherselfinsome
    obscuredialect,asthoughlayingcurses.
    Westeppedthroughthedoor,andtheridingcropwentupagain.
    "Nowthere,"shesaid,inavoicethanwhichnothingwaseverharder,"you
    havehisbestworkinthemiddleperiod,aspainterssay.SirHenryLakenham,
    Baronet,mindyou,andpleaserememberthatabaronetismuchmorethanabaron
    orviscountinourregardSirHenryLakenham,oneofouroldestbaronetsand
    oneofouroldeststaircases,meetingonsomewhatunequalterms."
    "Youmeantheaxewasnew,"Isaid.
    Themainstaircase,orwhatwasleftofit,wasbeforeus.Ithadbeen
    builtforaroyaldescent,foragreatladywitharetinueinvelvetandstars,
    foraningenuityofshadowsonthevastpaneledceiling,foravictoryora
    triumphorahomecoming,andfor,onoccasion,justastaircase.
    Itwasenormouslybroadandsweeping,ithadtheslow,indomitablecurveof
    time.Thebalustradealonemusthavebeenworthafortune,butImerelyguessed
    that.Ithadbeenhackedtojagged,darksplinters.
    Iturnedawayfromitafterquitealongtime.Therewasanamenowfrom
    whichmystomachwouldalwaysrecoil.
    "Waitaminute,"Isaid."You'restillhis"
    "Oh,that'spartoftherevenge."
    Thecronehadgonemumblingaway.
    "Whatdidyoudotohim?"
    Atfirstshesaidnothing.Then,verynegligently:"IonlywishIcoulddo
    itagainandagain,forever,andthathemightalwayshearofitdownthedark
    placeshewillultimatelywanderin."
    "Youdon'tmeanthat.Notallofit."
    "No?Let'sgothisway.OurRomneysarefamousfortheirabsence."
    Wewentalongwhatmighthavebeenapicturegallery.Therewere.darker,
    plumcoloredoblongsonthedamaskofthewalls.Ourfootstepsechoedonabare,
    dustyfloor.
    "Swine!"Isaidtotheechoesandtheemptiness."Swine!"

    "Youdon'treallycare,"shesaid."Doyou?"
    "No,"Isaid."NotasmuchasIpretend."
    Beyondthegallerytherewaswhatmighthavebeenagunroom.Fromthata
    narrow,secretdoorledtoanarrow,secretstaircase,curvedandintimateand
    gracious.Wewentupthat.Sowecameatlasttoaroomthatwasatleast
    furnished.
    Shepulledherhardblackhatoffandfluffedherhaircarelesslyandthrew
    herhatandglovesandwhiponabench.Therewasahugecanopiedbed.Charles
    theSecondhadprobablysleptinitnotalone.Therewasadressingtablewith
    wingmirrorsandtheusualchorusofglitteringbottles.Shewentpastallthis,
    withoutaglance,toatableinthecornerwhereshemixedScotchandsoda,
    tepidofcourse,andcamebackwithtwoglassesinherhands.
    Sinewyhands,thehandsofahorsewoman.Notthelovelyplasticthingsthat
    werethehandsofMillicentCrandall.Thesewerehandsthatcouldbedesperately
    tight,thatcouldhurt.Thatcouldtakeahunteroveranimpossiblefenceora
    manoveranachingabyss.Handsthatalmostshatteredthefragileglassesshe
    held.Isawtheirknuckles,aswhiteasnewivory.
    Iwasstandingjustinsidethebigolddoorandhadn'tmovedamusclesince
    Isteppedintotheroom.Shehandedmeadrink.Itshookalittle,anddancedin
    theglass.
    Hereyestheywerethosefaroff,unobtainableeyes.Thoseancienteyes.
    Theysaynothing,theyareutterlywithdrawn.Theyarethelastwindowthat
    neveropensinahouseotherwisenotsecret.
    Somewhere,Isuppose,therewasstilltheratherdistantscentofsweet
    peasinanEnglishgarden,nectarinesonasunnywall,anotherfragranceand
    anotherhead.
    Ireachedbackclumsilyandturnedthehugekey,asbigasamonkeywrench,
    inalockthesizeofacupboarddoor.
    Thelockcreakedandwedidn'tlaugh.Wedrank.BeforeIcouldputmyglass
    downshewaspressedagainstmesotightlythatIstoppedbreathing.
    Herskinwassweetandwild,likewildflowersonasunbakedslope,in
    spring,inthehardwhitesunofmyowncountry.Ourlipsburnedtogether,
    almostfused.Thenhersopenedandhertonguedrovehardagainstmyteethand
    herbodyshookconvulsively.

    "Please,"shesaidinastrangledvoice,hermouthburiedinmine."Please,
    ohplease"
    Therecouldbeonlyoneending.

    Idon'trememberwhattimeitwaswhenIgotbacktotheCrandalls'cottage.I
    hadtoputatimeonitafterward,forareason,butIneverreallyknew.The
    Englishsummerafternoonslast,liketheEnglishthemselves,forever.Iknew
    thatOldBessiewasbackbecauseIcouldhearherhummingmonotoneinthe
    kitchen,likeaflycaughtinapaneofglass.
    Perhapseventhealmostinfinitehourofteahadnotbeenlaidaway.
    Iturnedfromthefootofthestairsandmademyselfgointothedrawing
    room.ThatwhichIcarriedwithmewasneitheralltriumphnoralldefeat,but
    itseemedtohavenoplacethere,whereMillicentwas.
    Shestoodthere,ofcourse,asifwaitingforme,herbacktothefutile
    lacecurtainsattheFrenchdoors.Theywerestill,asshewas.Therewasnot,
    forthemoment,enoughlifeintheairtomovethem.Shestoodasifshehad
    beenwaitingforsilent,immobilehours.Ifeltsomehowthatthelighthad
    scarcelystirredalongherarmorinthealmostshadowofherthroat.
    Shedidn'tsayanythingatonce.Hernotsayinganythingseemedvery
    thunderous.Thenhermarblesmoothvoicesaid,surprisingly,"You'velovedme
    forthreeyearsnow,haven'tyou,John?"
    Thatwasveryswell,thatwas.
    "Yes,"Isaid.Itwastoolate,fartoolatetobesayinganythingatall.
    "Ialwaysknewit.Youmeantmetoknowit,didn'tyou,John?"
    "Isupposeso.Yes."ThecroakIheardseemedtobemyvoice.
    Herpaleblueeyeswereplacidasapondunderafullmoon.
    "I'vealwayslikedknowingit,"shesaid.
    Ididn'tmovenearertoher.Ijuststoodthere,notexactlytoeingholes
    inthecarpet.
    Quitesuddenly,inthatstill,greenishlateafternoonlightherfrailbody
    begantoripplefromheadtofoot.

    Therewasanothersilence.Ididnothingtoendit.Atlastshereachedout
    tothefrayedbellcord.Thebelltinkledatthebackofthehouselikeachild
    crying.
    "Well,wecanalwayshavetea,"shesaid.
    Igotoutoftheroom,asonedoes,withoutseemingtousethedoor.
    Imadethestairswithoutafumblethistime,thewholestraightflightand
    theturn.ButIwasanothermannow.Iwasasmooth,quietlittlemanwhohad
    beenputinhisplaceanddidn'tmatteratall,butwouldn'thaveanythingto
    worryabouteither.Alltakencareof.Finished.Alittlemanabouttwofeet
    highwhorolledhiseyeswhenyoushookhimhardenough.Puthimbackinhis
    box,dear,andlet'sgoriding.
    Then,justattheverytop,wheretherewasnostepatall,Istumbled,and
    asifthatmadeadraft,adoorfellopen,softly,likealeaffalling.Just
    halfopen.EdwardCrandall'sbedroomdoor.
    Hewasinthere.Thebedinsidethedoorwasveryhighandhadatleasttwo
    eiderdownmattressesonit,astheyhaveinthatpartofthecountry.Thatwas
    allIreallylookedatthebed.Hewassprawledalloverit,onhisface,asif
    eatingit.Deaddrunk.Passedout.Alittleearly,evenforhim.
    Istoodthereintheelflightthatwasneitherafternoonnorduskand
    lookedinathim.Thebigblackhandsomebrute,theconqueringone.Filthy
    drunk,beforeitwasevendark.
    Tohellwithhim.Ireachedoversoftlyandshutthedooragainandalmost
    tiptoedontomyownroom,andwashedupinthehandbasin,withcoldwater.How
    colditwas,ascoldasthemorningafterabattle.
    Igropeddownthestairsagain.Inthemeantime,teahadbeenserved.She
    satbehindthelowtable,behindthelarge,polishedurn,holdingasleeveaway
    fromitasshepoured,sothatherbarewhitearmseemedtoshootoutofthe
    sleeve.
    "Youmustbetired,"shesaid."Youmustbeterriblyhungry,"shesaid,in
    thatflat,offhand,utterlydeadvoicethatremindedmeoftheleavetrainsat
    Victoriaduringthewar,thecarelessEnglishwomenontheplatformbythe
    firstclasscarriages,sayingthoseunimportantthings,soeasily,tothefaces
    theywouldneverseeagain.Socareless,sosmooth,soutterlydeadinside.

    Itwaslikethat.Itookacupofteaandapieceofscone."He's
    upstairs,"Isaid."Blotto.Ofcourseyouknowthat.""Oh,yes."Hersleeve
    swirledalittle,verydelicately.
    "DoIputhimtobed?"Iasked."OrdoIjustlethimdecomposewherehe
    is?"
    Herheadjerkedqueerly.Therewasforthemomentanexpressionshenever
    meantmetosee.
    "John!"Quitesmoothagainnow."You'venevertalkedlikethatabouthim
    before."
    "Nevertalkedmuchabouthimatall,"Isaid."Funny.Heaskedmedown,
    too.AndIcame.Funnypeoplepeopleare.It'sbeenniceheretoo.I'm
    leaving."
    "John!"
    "Thehellwithit,"Isaid."I'mleaving.Thankhimwhenhe'ssober.Thank
    himalotforaskingme."
    "John!"Forthethirdtime,justlikethat."Aren'tyoubeingjustalittle
    strange?"
    "It'stheAmericangutturalscreepingout,"Isaid,"afteralong
    hibernation."
    "Haveyouhatedhimsomuch?"
    "Ifyou'llpardonanoldfriend,"Isaid."Therearetoomanyexclamation
    pointsinthisconversation.Forgetmybadmanners.OfcourseI'llputhimto
    bedandthenI'lltakemyselfsomeEnglishair."
    Butshewashardlylisteningtomenow.Shewasleaningforward,andher
    eyeshadanalmostclairvoyantlook,andshebegantotalkquickly,asif
    somethinghadtobesaidandtherewasn'tmuchtimeandinterruptionsmight
    come.
    "There'sawomanoveratLakeview,"shesaid."ALadyLakenham.Aterrible
    woman.Amaneater.He'sbeenseeingher.Thismorningtheyhadsomesortof
    quarrel.Heshoutedallthisatme,whilewewerealoneinthehouse,
    contemptuously,overglassesofbrandyhespilledalldownhiscoat.Shehithim
    inthefacewithawhipandrodehimdownonherhorse."
    OfcourseIwasn'thearinghereither,notwithmyconsciousears.
    Instantly,asyou'dsnapyourfingers,Ihadbecomeawoodenman.Itwasasif

    alltimeweredistilledintooneinstantandIhadswallowedthat,likeapill.
    Ithadmadeawoodenmanofme.Icouldevenfeelawoodengrinpullingmyface.
    Soeventherehehadtobefirst.
    Shestoppedtalking,itseemed,andshewaslookingatmeacrossthetea
    urn.Isawher.Icouldsee.Onecan,eveninthosemoments.Herhairwasever
    sopale,hermelancholyeversodistinct.Shemadetheusualmotions,slow,
    lovelycurvesofthearmandhandandwristandcheek,whichatthetimehadan
    almostunbearableseductiveness,butwhichinretrospectwouldhaveonlythe
    fadedanduncertaingraceofwispsofmist.
    ItseemedthatIhadhandedhermycupandshewaspouringmemoretea.
    "Shelashedhimwithahuntingcrop,"shesaid."Imagine!Edward!Thenshe
    rodehimdown,knockedhimoverwithherbighorse."
    "Onabigblackstallion,"Isaid."Sherodehimdownlikeabundleof
    dirtyrags."
    Herbreathcaughtinthestillness.
    "Yes,shehasherpoints,"Isaidbrutally."Andshelovesthehouse.
    LakeviewYououghttoseewhatLakenhamdidtotheinsideofit.Hedidhisbest
    lickonthemainstaircasesomebodyelse'sheelofahusband."
    Didherbreathstaycaught,ordidsomeonelaughbehindanarras,some
    courtfoolhidingfromawickedking?
    "Iknewhertoo,"Isaid."Intimately."
    Itseemedtodawnonheralittletooslowly,asifanativehadtobe
    wakedinagrasshutinSumatra,andthenrunmileaftermilethroughthe
    jungle,andthenamanhadtorideahorseacrossavastdesert,andthena
    sailingshiphadtobattlestormafterstormaroundtheHorn,bringingthenews
    home.Itseemedtotakeallthattime.
    Hereyesgotverylargeandverystillandlikegrayglass.Therewasno
    colorinthemandnolight.
    "Hemusthavethoughthehadthemorning,"Isaid."Ihadanafternoon
    appointment.Itjustdidn't"Istopped.Thatwasn'tfunny,notinanycompany.
    Istoodup."I'msorry.Souselesslysorry.I'mjustaseasytotakeasthe
    nextguy,forallmyvisions.I'msorry.Sorry,andIknowit'sjustaword."
    Shestooduptoo.Shewascomingaroundthetable,veryslowly.Wewere
    quiteclosetogetherthen,butnopartofustouched.

    Thenshetouchedmysleeve,verylightly,asthoughabutterflyhadlighted
    onit,andIwasverystill,notwantingtofrightenthebutterfly.
    Itfloatedaway.Ithoveredinmidair.Itsettledoncemoreonmysleeve.
    Hervoicesaid,assoftlyasthebutterflyhadmoved,"Wedon'thavetotalk
    aboutit.Weunderstand.Weunderstandeverything,youandI.Wedon'thaveto
    sayaword."
    "Itcouldhappentoanybody,"Isaid."Thehellofitiswhenitdoes."
    Therewassomethingelsebehindhereyes.Theywerenotblankanymore,but
    neitherweretheysoft.Littledoorswereopeningfarback,attheendsofdark
    corridors.Doorsthathadbeenshutsolong.Sounutterablylong.Stepscame,
    alongastonecorridor.Theyshuffled,withouthaste,withouthope.Athreadof
    smokewascaughtinadraftandspiraledtonothing.AllthesethingsIseemed
    toseeandknowbehindhereyes.Nonsense,ofcourse.
    "You'remine,"shewhispered,"allminenow"
    Sheclutchedmyheadandpulleditdown.Herlipsfumblingunskillfullyon
    mymouthwereascoldandremoteasArcticsnow.
    "Goupstairsandseeifheisallright,"shewhisperedsecretly,"before
    yougo."
    "Sure."Ispokelikeamanwhohasbeenshotthroughthelungs.
    SoIwentoutofthatroomagain,andupthosestairsagain.
    Fumblingthistime,fumblingwithancientcaution.Anoldmanwhosebones
    werebrittle.Igottomyroomandshutthedoor.Ipantedagainstitfora
    littlewhile.ThenIchangedmyclothesandputontheonlyloungesuitIhad
    withme,tuckedtherestofmystuffintoasuitcase,closedthesuitcase,and
    lockeditverysoftly.Listening,movingverysoftly,alittleboywhohasbeen
    bad,bad,bad.
    AndinthesilenceIhelpedtomake,stepscameupthestairsandwentinto
    aroomandcameoutofaroomandwentdownthestairsagain.Veryslowly,all
    this,creepinglikemythoughts.
    Soundscameback.Thecracked,incessanthummingoftheoldwomaninthe
    kitchen,thebuzzingofalatebeeundermywindow,thecreakingofanold
    countryman'scartfardowntheroad.Ipickedupmysuitcaseandwentoutofmy
    room.Ishutitsdoorsoftly,softly.
    Andatthetopofthestairs_his_doorhadtobewideopenagain.Wide
    open,asifsomebodyhadcomeupdeliberatelyandopeneditandleftitopen.

    Iputthesuitcasedownandleanedagainstthewallandstaredin.He
    didn'tseemtohavemovedmuch.Prettycompletecase.Helookedasifhehad
    takenarunningdiveontothehighbedandgrabbedtwobighandfulsofthe
    counterpaneandsopassedintothelargealcoholicbeyond.
    TheninthegraystillnessIwasawareofalackofsound.Thestertorous
    breathing,halfsnore,halfmutteroftheunconsciousdrunk.Ilistenedoh,
    verycarefully.Itwasmissinghisbreathing.Hedidn'tmakeanysoundatall,
    sprawledonhisfaceonthathighbed.
    Yetitwasn'teventhatthatbroughtmeintotheroomlikeapanther,
    crouching,noiseless,holdingmyownbreath.ItwassomethingIhadalready
    lookedatandnotobserved.Hisleftringfinger.Funny,thatwas.Itwashalf
    aninchlongerthanthemiddlefingernexttoit,ashishandhunglimpagainst
    thespread.Itshouldhavebeenhalfaninchshorter.
    Itwashalfaninchlonger.Theextralengthhappenedtobeacongealed
    icicleofblood.
    Ithadcomeallthewayfromhisthroat,soundless,implacable,andmade
    thatfunnyiciclethere.
    Hehadbeendead,ofcourse,forhours.

    Ishutthedoorofthedrawingroomverypolitely,verycarefully,likeanold
    familypriestdepartingintohisfunkhole,inthedaysofoneoftheanti
    Catholicpersecutions.
    ThenIstoleoverandshuttheFrenchdoors.Isupposealittlelast
    fragranceoftherosesandthenectarinescreptinatme,mockingly,asIdid
    this.
    Shewasleaningbackinalowchair,smokingacigarettenotskillfully,
    herpalegoldheadagainstacushion.HereyesIdidn'tknowwhatwasinher
    eyes.Ihadhadenoughofwhatwasineyes,anyhow.
    "Where'sthegun?Itshouldbeinhishand."
    Imadeitsharpbutnotloud,notacarryingvoice.Buttherewasnogentle
    Englishgraynessinmenow.

    Shesmiledveryfaintlyandpointedtooneofthosespindlyarticlesof
    furnitureoninsecurelogswhichsometimeshavedrawersbutarereallytohold
    anarrayoflittleglazedcupsandmugsemblazonedingilt:"APresentfrom
    BognorRegis,"orwhereveritwas,andacoatofarms.
    Thisparticularsideboy,orwhateveritwas,hadastiffcurveddrawer,
    whichIpulledout,rattlingtheglazedmugsalittle.
    Itwasinthere,onasheetofpinkshelfpaper,againstafringeddoily.A
    Webleyrevolver.Innocentasafishknife.
    Iputmynosedownandsniffedatit.Thereseemedtobethatharshsmell
    ofcordite.Ididn'ttouchthegunyet.
    "Soyouknew,"Isaid."YouknewallthetimeIwasmakingaprissyfoolof
    myself.Youknewwhilewehadtea.Youknewhewaslyingupthereonthatbed.
    Drippingbloodslowly,slowly,slowlythedead_do_bleed,butsoslowlyfrom
    awoundinhisthroat,downunderhisshirt,downhisarm,downhishand,down
    hisfinger.Youknewallthetime."
    "Thatbeast,"shesaidinanutterlycalmvoice."Thatoffal.Haveyouany
    ideawhathehassubjectedmeto?"
    "Allright,"Isaid."Igetthattoo.I'mnotsqueamisheither,abouthis
    sort.Butthingshavetobedone.Thegunshouldn'thavebeentouchedatall.
    Whereitwasitprobablylookedallright.Nowyou'vehandledit.Fingerprints,
    youknowYouknowaboutfingerprints?"
    Iwasn'ttalkingtoachildorbeingsarcasticeither.Iwasjustgetting
    anideaover,incaseithadn'tgotover.Shehadsomehowdiscardedthe
    cigarettewithoutmyobservingamovement.Shecoulddothosethings.Shesat
    nowverystill,herhandsonthearmsofherchair,slim,separate,asdelicate
    asdawn.
    "Youwereherealone,"Isaid."ItwaswhileOldBessiehadgoneout.
    Nobodyheardtheshot,orwouldhavethoughtofitasanythingbutahunting
    gun."
    Shelaughedthen.Itwasalow,ecstaticlaugh,thelaughofawoman
    nestlingbackamongpillows,inagreatcanopiedbed.
    Asshelaughed,thelinesofherthroatsharpenedalittle.Andtheynever
    softenedagain,thatIsaw.
    "Why,"sheasked,"areyouworryingaboutallthat?"

    "Youshouldhavetoldmebefore.Whatareyoulaughingat?Doyouthink
    thisEnglishlawofyoursisfunny?...Andyouwentupandopenedthatdooryou.
    SoIwouldn'tleavewithoutknowing.Why?"
    "Ilovedyou,"shesaid."Afterafashion.I'macoldwoman,John.Didyou
    knowIwasacoldwoman?"
    "Isuspectedit,butitdidn'thappentobeanyofmybusiness.You'renot
    answeringmyquestion."
    "Yourbusiness,asitwere,layelsewhere."
    "That'sathousandyearsago.Tenthousand.ThatlieswiththePharaohs.
    Crumblinginanancientshroud.Thisisfornow"Ipointedupward,ahardstiff
    finger.
    "It'sbeautiful,"shesighed."Let'snotmakeacheapsensationofit.It's
    abeautifultragedy."Shetouchedherslim,delicateneckcaressingly.
    "They'llhangme,John.TheydoinEngland."
    IstaredatherwithwhateyesIhadandwhatwasinthem.
    "Deliberately,"shesaidcoolly."Withdueformality.Andsomefaint,
    summaryregrets.Andthegovernoroftheprisonwillhaveaperfectcreasein
    histrousers,putthereasdeliberately,ascarefully,ascoldlyasasIshot
    him."
    Ikeptonbreathingenoughtostayalive."Onpurpose?"Itwasauseless
    question.Ialreadyknew.
    "Ofcourse.I'vebeenintendingtoformonths.Todayseemedsomehowa
    littlemorebrutalthanusual.ThiswomanoveratLakeviewdidn'timprovehis
    selfesteem.Shemadehimcheap.Hewasalwaysnasty.SoIdidwhatIdid."
    "Butyoucouldstandhisbeingjustnasty,"Isaid.
    Shenoddedthathead.Iheardastrange,clankingnoiselikenothingelse
    onearth.Somethingswayed,hooded.Verygentlyitswayed,inacoldlight,from
    along,hiddenexquisiteneck.
    "No,"Isaid,withoutbreath."Never.Thisiseasy.Willyouplayitmy
    way?"
    Shestoodupallinonesmoothmotionandcametome.Itookherinmy
    arms.Ikissedher.Itouchedherhair.
    "Myknight,"shewhispered."Myplumedknight.Myglisteningone."
    "How?"Iasked,pointingintothedraweratthegun."They'lltesthishand
    forpowdernitrates.Thatis,leakageofgaswhenthegunisfired.It's

    somethingthatstaysintheskinforawhileandmakesachemicalreaction.That
    hastobearranged."
    Shestrokedmyhair."Theywill,mylove.Theywillfindwhatyoumean.I
    puttheguninhisownhand,andhelditthere,andsoothedhim.Myfingerwas
    overhisfinger.Hewassodrunkhedidn'tevenknowwhathewasdoing."
    Shewentonstrokingmyhair.
    "Myplumed,glisteningknight,"shesaid.
    Iwasn'tholdinghernow;shewasholdingme.Isqueezedmybrainsslowly,
    slowly.Intoaclot.
    "Itmaynotmakeaverygoodtest,"Isaid."Andtheymighttestyourhand
    aswell.Sowemustdotwothings.Areyoulisteningtome?"
    "Myplumedknight!"Hereyesshone.
    "Youmustwashyourrighthandwithgood,harshlaundrysoapandhotwater,
    foralongtime.Itmayhurt,butkeepitupaslongasyoudarewithouttaking
    theskinoff.Thatwouldshow.Imeanthat.It'simportant.Theotherthingis
    I'mleavingwiththegun.Thatshouldthrowthemoff.Idon'tthinkthatnitrate
    testisanygoodafteraboutfortyeighthours.Understand?"
    Shesaidthesamethings,inthesameway,andhereyesshonewiththesame
    light.Herhandonmyheadwasthesamesoft,lingeringhand.
    Ididn'thateher.Ididn'tloveher.ItwasjustsomethingIhadtodo.I
    gottheWebleyandthepinkpaperunderit,becausethatwasslightlyoil
    stained.Ilookedcloselyatthewoodofthedrawer.Thatseemedclean.Iput
    thegunandthepaperawayinmypockets.
    "Youdon'tsleepinthesameroomwithhim,"Ipoundedon."He'sdrunk
    sleepingitoff.Nothingnew,nothingtogetexcitedorworriedabout.Youheard
    ashot,ofcourse,atsomewherearoundtherighttime,butnottoocloseandnot
    tooevasiveeither.Youthoughtitwasaguninthewoods."
    Sheheldmyarm.Ihadtosmoothhers.Hereyesdemandedit.
    "You'reprettydisgustedwithhim,"Isaid."It'shappenedoftenenough,so
    thatyougotanoverloadtoday.Sohe'stobeleftalonetillmorning.ThenOld
    Bessie"
    "Oh,notOldBessie,"shesaidbeautifully."NotpoorOldBessie."
    Itmayhavebeenanicetouch.Itslidpastme.Istartedtogo.
    "Themainthingswashingyourhand,butnotenoughtoinflameitandme
    offwiththegun.Allset?"

    Sheclutchedmeagain,withthatfierce,unskillfulclutch.
    "Andafterwards?"
    "Andafterwards"Ibreatheddreamilyagainsthericylips.Ipriedmyself
    loosefromherandleftthathouse.

    ForalmostthreeweeksIstayedclearofthem,ortheyletme.Iwaspretty
    good,foranamateur,inasmalltightcountrylikeEngland.
    Iditchedmyrunaboutlateatnight,intheloneliestcopseIcoulddrive
    towithoutlights.Itseemedathousandwindsweptsolitarymilesfromanywhere.
    Itwasn't,ofcourse.IdraggedmysuitcaseacrossinfiniteEnglishlandscapes,
    throughthedark,throughfieldsofdrowsycattle,pastthefringesofsilent
    villageswherenotasinglelampwarmedthenight.
    NottooearlyIreachedarailwaystationandrodeittoLondon.Iknew
    wheretogo,asmalllodginghouseinBloomsbury,northofRussellSquare,a
    placewherenoonewaswhatheshouldbeorwantedtobe,andnoonecared,
    leastofalltheslatternwhocalledherselfthelandlady.
    Breakfast,acold,greasymessonatrayoutsideyourdoor.Lunch,aleand
    breadandcheddar,ifyouwantedit.Dinner,ifyouwereinthediningclass,
    youwentoutandforagedfor.Ifyoucamehomelateatnight,thewhitefaced
    spectersofRussellSquarehauntedyou,creepingalongwheretheironrailings
    hadbeen,asthoughthemerememoryofthembroughtsomeshelterfromthe
    policeman'slantern.Theyhauntedyouallnightwiththeacheoftheir"Listen,
    dearies,"withtheremembranceoftheirpinchedlips,gnawedthinfromwithin,
    theirlargeholloweyesinwhichaworldwasalreadydead.
    TherewasamanatthedigswhoplayedBach,alittletoomuchandalittle
    tooloud;buthediditforhisownsoul.
    Therewasalonelyoldmanwithapoised,delicatefaceandafilthymind.
    Thereweretwoyoungwoodenbutterflieswhothoughtofthemselvesasactors.
    Igotsickofallthatsoonenough.Iboughtaknapsackandwentona
    walkingtourdowntoDevonshire.Iwasinthepapers,ofcourse,butnot
    prominently.Nosensation,noblurredreproductionofmypassportphotograph,

    whichmademelooklikeanArmenianrugmerchantwiththetoothache.Justa
    discreetparagraphaboutmybeingmissing,age,height,weight,colorofeyes,
    American,believedtohaveinformationwhichmightaidtheauthorities.There
    wassomebriefbiographicalstuffaboutEdwardCrandall,notmorethanthree
    lines.Hewasnotimportanttothem.Merelyawelltodomanwhohappenedtobe
    dead.CallingmeanAmericanclinchedit.Myaccent,whenItriedit,wasalmost
    goodenoughforBloomsbury.Itwouldbemorethangoodenoughfortherural
    districts.
    TheycaughtupwithmeatChagford,neartheedgeofDartmoor.Iwashaving
    tea,ofcourse,theparlorboarderatasmallfarmhouse,awriterdownfrom
    Londonforabitofarest.Nicemanners,butnotalker.Fondofcats.
    Theyhadtwofatones,ablackandawhite,wholikedDevonshirecreamas
    muchasIdid.ThecatsandIhadourteatogether.Itwasadismalafternoon,
    asgrayasaprisonyard.Ahangman'sday.Mistswouldbehanginginlowclumps
    onthehardyellowgorseofthemoor.
    Thereweretwoofthem,aConstableTressider,localman,thoughwitha
    Cornishname,andtheScotlandYardman.Thisonewastheenemy.Thelocalman
    merelysatinthecornerandsmelledofhisuniform.
    Theotherwasfiftyish,beautifullybuilt,astheyareovertherewhenthey
    are,redfaced,awarrantofficeroftheGuardswithouttheruthless,deadly
    detachedvoice.Hewassoftandquietandfriendly.Heputhishatonthefar
    endofthelongdinnertableandpickeduptheblackcat.
    "Gladtofindyouin,sir.InspectorKnightfromtheYard.You'vegivenus
    averynicerunforourmoney."
    "Havetea,"Isaid.Iwentovertopullthebellandleanedagainstthe
    wall."Haveteawithamurderer."
    Helaughed.ConstableTressiderdidnotlaugh.Hisfaceexpressednothing
    butthebitterwindonthemoor.
    "Gladlybutwewon'ttalkofthatothernow,ifyouplease.Butjustto
    easeyourmindnobody'sinanyrealtroubleovertheaffair."
    Imusthaveturnedprettywhite.HejumpedforabottleofDewar'sonthe
    mantelandshooksomeofitintoaglassfasterthanIwouldhavethoughtsucha
    bigmancouldhavemoved.Hehaditagainstmymouth.Igulped.
    Ahandfeltmeover,ahandasneatandquestingasahummingbird'sbill,
    assharp,asthorough.

    Igrinnedathim."You'llhaveit,"Isaid."Ijustdon'twearittotea."
    Theconstablehadhisteainthecorner,andtheScotlandYardmanatthe
    table,withtheblackcatinhislap.Rank,afterall,isrank.
    IwentbacktoLondonwithhimthatsameevening.
    Andtherewasnothingtoitabsolutelynothing.
    Theyhadbeenfoxedandtheyknewit,andastheEnglishalwaysdo,they
    lostasiftheywerewinning.Outwardly,itwas,whyhadItakenthegun?
    Becauseshehadfoolishlyhandledit,andthatfrightenedme.Ohyes,Isee.But
    itwouldreallyhavebeenmuchbetteryousee,theCrownandtheinquestbeing
    adjournedattherequestofthepolicemakesahintofsomethingwrong,don't
    youthink?Ithoughtso,contritely.
    Thatwasoutwardly.Inwardly,Isawitbehindthecoldgraystonewallsof
    theireyes.Theideahadcometothemjusttoolateanditwasmyfault.Just
    toolatehadarrivedintheirbleak,keenmindsthepossibilityofhisbeing
    justdrunkenoughandjustsillyenoughtoletsomebodyputaguninhishand
    andpointit(wherehecouldn'tseeit)andsay"Bang!"andmakehimpullthe
    trigger,withafingeroverhislaxfinger,andthenlethimfallbacknot
    laughing.
    IsawMillicentCrandallattheadjournedinquest,awomaninblackIhad
    metsomewhere,longago.Wedidnotspeaktoeachother.Ineversawheragain.
    Shemusthavelookedravishinginblackchiffonnightgowns.Shecouldwearone
    now,anydayoranyyear.
    IsawLadyLakenhamonce,inPiccadilly,bytheGreenPark,strollingwith
    amanandadog.Shesentthemonandstopped.Ithinkthedogwassomesortof
    bobtailedsheepdogtype,butmuchsmaller.Weshookhands.Shelooked
    marvelous.
    Westoodinthemiddleofthesidewalk,andtheEnglishmovedaroundus
    meticulously,astheEnglishdo.
    Hereyeswereblackmarble,opaque,calm,atpeace.
    "Youwereswelltogotobatforme,"Isaid.
    "Why,darling,IhadthegrandesttimewiththeAssistantCommissionerat
    ScotlandYard.ThewholeplacesimplyswamwithScotchandsoda."
    "Withoutyou,"Isaid,"theymighthavetriedtopinitonme.
    "Tonight,"shesaid,veryquickly,verybusily,"I'mterriblyafraidI'm
    allbookedup.ButtomorrowI'mstayingatClaridge's.You'llcall?"

    "Tomorrow,"Isaid."Oh,definitely."(IwasleavingEnglandtomorrow)"So
    yourodehimdownonRomeo.I'mbeingimpertinent.Why?"
    ThisonPiccadilly,bytheGreenPark,whilethecarefulpedestrians
    eddied.
    "DidI?Why,howutterlyabominableofme.Don'tyouknowwhy?"Athrush,
    ascalmastheGreenParkitself.
    "Ofcourse,"Isaid."Menofhistypemakethatmistake.Theythinkthey
    owneverywomanwhosmilesatthem."Thewildperfumeofherskincametomea
    little,asifadesertwindbroughtitathousandmilestome.
    "Tomorrow,"shesaid."Aboutfour.Youneedn'teventelephone,really."
    "Tomorrow,"Ilied.
    Istaredatheruntilshewasquiteoutofsight.Motionless,utterly
    motionless.Theymovedaroundmepolitely,thoseEnglish,asthoughIwerea
    monument,oraChinesesage,oralifesizeddollinDresdenchina.
    Quitemotionless.Achillwindblewleavesandbitsofpaperacrossthenow
    lusterlessgrassofGreenPark,acrossthetrimwalks,almostoverthehigh
    curbingintoPiccadillyitself.
    Istoodthereforwhatseemedalong,longtime,lookingafternothing.
    Therewasnothingtolookafter.

    Вам также может понравиться