awaken, that I would visit him after I had dined. I lay down, endeavoring to snatch a little sleep before
eating.
I could not sleep-constantly the face of the doll-maker came before me whenever I began to relax into a
doze, throwing me into intense wakefulness.
At seven I arose and ate a full and excellent dinner, deliberately drinking at least twice the amount of wine
I ordinarily permit myself, finishing with strong coffee. When I arose from the table I felt distinctly better,
mentally alert and master of myself once more-or so I believed. I had decided to apprise Ricori of my
instructions to McCann concerning the abduction of the girl. I realized that this was certain to bring down
upon me a minute catechism concerning my visit to the doll-shop, but I had formulated the story I
intended to tell-