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I dont like that bird, Heath grumbled, when the Egyptian was outof
hearing.
Bliss and Heath were heard returning up the stairs. And be so good,
Vance requested, as to knock on Mr. But something outof the ordinry did happen
here to-night.
Im sure he could fill in a few of the gaps. The unexpected sound
in that dim quiet house startled us, and weinstinctively turned.
Some one must
have discovered the dagger . Markham rose and stood contemplating
Vanceappraisingly.
Would the fact that to-morrow is Sunday handicap you in any
way? At ten-thirty, the man returned aggressively. Vance shot him a grateful,
affectionate look. How do you happen to be up and about at this hour? The other
studied the weapon a few seconds without touching it. Could you perhaps
suggestwhere we might best start our search? I dont like that bird, Heath
grumbled, when the Egyptian was outof hearing.
Bliss and Heath were heard
returning up the stairs.
A charmin theory, was Vances somewhat uninterested
comment.
Theresreally nothing more we can do here.
And Id appreciateit
immensely if youd try to be calm.
Im not entranced with that technic,
though.
Im glad to have some kind of explanation for your casual
attitudetonight. Meryt-Amenwould have had no reason to go into the hall.
A
little later Meryt-Amen went up-stairs, and I sat here until about half past
ten tryingto read. Your voices, or perhaps the dooropening, awakened me.
I saw
the old scalawag slip in into his khaki shirt whenhe found it. No, effendi,
Hani returned, after a perceptible hesitation. Here, effendi, he said in a low
voice, is the sheath of the royaldagger. Heath went promptly to the hall,
followed by Bliss. Theresreally nothing more we can do here. He kept it
ensconced under some papers in one of his desk drawers. Anyway, Ill take care
of the situation in the morning, he said.
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