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Vance shook his head seriously in disagreement.
At this moment Hani appeared at
the door holding a small object inhis hand. Really, y know, I hadnt given it
any Cartesian consideration. He was facing thegreat steel door leading into the
museum, and I saw his framesuddenly go taut.
I could still detect some of the
underpainting. Here, effendi, he said in a low voice, is the sheath of the
royaldagger.
Vance rang up the Blissnumber and asked Brush to call Scarlett to
the phone. You believe its the letter Salveter said he wrote?
That probably
accounts for Brushs not telling us, dont y know. The lastperson in the museum
is supposed to turn off the switch. You are very courageous, madam, Vance
murmured. Bliss and the doctor thatwe shant disturb them any more to-night.
Vance looked straight into Hanis eyes, and presentlya faint, gentle smile crept
into his gaze. Unless, he added, as astartled afterthought, Hani knows the art.
Salveter started to make a reply, changed his mind, and, turningabruptly,
strode rapidly away.
But, Markham old dear, I knew who hurled the bejewelled
bodkin.
The other studied the weapon a few seconds without touching it.
I
really dont anticipate any difficulty in putting my hands onit.
Markham
suddenly leaned forward in his chair.
Blissclosed the door after us, and we
could hear the key turn in thelock.
Im sure I locked it when I first came to my
room. Perhaps, then, you heard Sakhmet when she returned to the
housetonight.
Dont let the dagger disturb your slumbers. I really dont
anticipate any difficulty in putting my hands onit.
Markham studied Vance with
baffled curiosity. Vance glanced over a few of the upturned photographs. Vance
read the accounts with a cynical smile. But, Markham old dear, I knew who
hurled the bejewelled bodkin. Could you perhaps suggestwhere we might best
start our search? Vance spoke in low, level and quiet tones. The lastperson in
the museum is supposed to turn off the switch.
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