McCann picked up the dead girl. We went, silent as phantoms, into the doll-shop. The little Italian set the
circle of glass back in its place. I could see dimly the door that opened into the corridor leading to that
evil room at the rear. The little Italian tried the knob. The door was locked. He worked for a few
seconds, and the door swung open. Ricori leading, McCann behind him with the girl, we passed like
shadows through the corridor and paused at the further door.
The door swung open before the little Italian could touch it.
We heard the voice of the doll-maker!
"Enter, gentlemen. It was thoughtful of you to bring me back my dear niece! I would have met you at my
outer door-but I am an old, old woman and timid!"
McCann whispered: "One side, boss!"