"Certainly, if it is important," I answered, after consulting my appointment book. "Have you found out

anything, Ricori?"

He hesitated.

"I do not know. I think perhaps-yes."

"You mean," I did not even try to hide my own eagerness. "You mean-the hypothetical place we

discussed?"

"Perhaps. I will know later. I go now, to where it may be."

"Tell me this, Ricori-what do you expect to find?"

"Dolls!" he answered.

And as though to avoid further questions he hung up before I could speak.