braided-the hair a peculiarly pale ash and unquestionably a woman's. Each knot, I now saw, was tied
differently. Their structure was complex. The difference between them, and their irregular spacing, gave a
vague impression of forming a word or sentence. And, studying the knots, I had the same sensation of
standing before a blank door, vitally important for me to open, that I had felt while watching Peters die.
Obeying some obscure impulse, I did not return the cord to the pocket but threw it into the drawer with
the doll which Nurse Robbins had brought me.
Shortly after three, McCann telephoned me. I was more than glad to hear from him. In the broad light of
day his story of the occurrence in Ricori's car had become incredibly fantastic, all my doubts returning.
I had even begun again to review my unenviable position if he disappeared. Some of this must have
shown in the cordiality of my greeting, for he laughed.