"You have told me what I wanted to know. You fared very badly with the witch, Dr. Lowell. And you

have not told us all the essentials."

I said: "I am sorry, Ricori!"

"Don't be." For the first time he smiled. "I understand, perfectly. I also am somewhat of a psychologist.

But I say this to you-it matters little whether McCann does or does not bring the girl to us tonight.

Tomorrow the witch dies-and the girl with her."

I made no answer. I recalled the nurse, and re-stationed the guards within the room. Whatever

confidence I might feel, I was taking no chances with Ricori's safety. I had not told him of the

doll-maker's direct threat against him, but I had not forgotten it.

Braile accompanied me to my study. He said, apologetically: