The room was dimly lighted but not in total darkness. After a silence a faint, low-pitched voice said, "I am here."
"Are you Peter Crane?" asked Zizi, who chose to be spokesman.
"Yes."
"Will you talk to us?"
"Yes, for a short time only."
"Very well, then tell us who killed Gilbert Blair."
"His friend, McClellan Thorpe. Good-by."
"Wait a minute. I own up to being skeptical, is it too much to ask for some proof of your identity, Peter Crane? Will you, can you give some material proof?"
"It is not easy."
"I'm sorry for that, but, oh, I do so want to be convinced. And I can't, unless I have something tangible to take away with me. Do give me something."