"This way," said Margery, and she and Simpson passed by Jennie and Merriam, who stood a little behind Jennie, and disappeared into the flat.
Jennie gave one quick look at Norman, who was leaning weakly against the railing staring in front of him, turned away with eyes that were very bright and a little hard, brushed past Merriam, and went back into the sitting room and sat down.
Almost at the same moment Simpson returned, carrying a rather tall stepladder and followed by Margery.
Norman came out of his apathy and stared. Simpson set the ladder up in the center of the hall, mounted it, and climbed through the trap, which they had left open when they descended.
"Here. Catch!" said Rockwell. He tossed Norman's silk hat up through the trap, and Simpson caught it.
Then he stooped, picked Norman up again, and began to mount the ladder with him.
"What in hell!" said the sick man.
Rockwell did not reply but continued to mount and then hoisted the Senator up so that Simpson could catch him under the arms and draw him through the trap.
Finally he spoke to Merriam:
"Take this ladder inside. Then you must go straight to bed. He'll be here any time now. I'll 'phone from the hotel when we get there."