The freshness of that scene revivified
her.
Haku appeared at the door leading to the
living-room. But I never knew him to gain anything by it in the end.
Well, I will lie down for a little while, Miss
Minerva said. Well, he continued, one thing more and well goalong. As they emerged
into the street, a taxi drew up to the curb. Sounds fascinating, said John Quincy
sarcastically. This isthe melting pot out here, you know.
Youve managed to get hold of a few, havent you?
There are other things he refuses to tell.
Youre one of them, he added, and clattered down
thestairs. Prepare for a thrill, John Quincy, the girl said.
Arent there enough words in the Englishlanguage for
you? And when one reaches my age, John Quincy, one is eagerfor a
change.
Now Egan, youcome through and come
clean.
Oh, well, if she wanted family secrets aired in
public! The word shot through the morning like a rocket. The two policemen, Jennison
and Egan entered the car.
I havent acquired the cigarette habit, snapped Miss
Minerva. The girl dabbed at her eyes with an absurd little handkerchief, and
stoodup. I havent acquired the cigarette habit, snapped Miss Minerva.
Pursuingthe truth further, as Charlie Chan would
put it, he did not.
The girl dabbed at her eyes with an absurd little
handkerchief, and stoodup.
The tottering structure was oftwo stories, with
double-decked balconies on both sides and the rear.
The Englishman looked Hallet calmly in the eye.
Changing herdress for a kimono, she lay down under the mosquito netting on the bed.
Hallet drew his chair closer to the desk.
Prepare for a thrill, John Quincy, the girl
said.
John Quincy Winterslip, the captainreplied. His
once white clothes were yellowed, his facelined, his eyes tired and disillusioned.
The curtains of the car were drawn, but a warm streak ofsunlight fell across John
Quincys knees. Young man, he began, I said I wanted to meet you.