"Definitely not a toy," he pointed out, replacing the bullet and closing the magazine with a sharp click. "In fact, as deadly a weapon as we're likely to find. Therefore.. yes? Yes? What is it?"
He broke off, frowning at Sharpless.
The latter was going through a pantomime of extraordinary concentration. After screwing up his face and making gestures to attract Rich's attention, Sharpless was stabbing his finger in the direction of the partly open door.
Rich, as though enlightened, uttered an exclamation. He hurried over and closed the door firmly.
"She heard you!" said Sharpless in a whisper. "She couldn't have helped hearing you!"
Rich smiled.
"I sincerely hope she did," he answered with composure. "If she didn't, there is no point in this experiment."
"What?"
Rich tossed the pistol across to Sharpless, who automatically caught it.
"Examine that revolver," Rich suggested. "Or, more properly, examine the bullets."