"You're being very lucid," said Joe. "What exactly does he sound like now?"
"A mouse," said Pearl. "A great big mouse. He's been squeaking all morning, and his claws keep clicking on the floor as though he were doing the St. Vitus Dance."
Joe frowned. Then he went into the bedroom. When he came out, he had his gun.
"What are you going to do?" asked Pearl in alarm.
"Where's the hammer?"
"In the kitchen in the knife drawer. Why?"
"I'm going to go down and see if the Devil's still securely chained. Maybe he's working loose."
"Be careful," she said. "If he has, he might be waiting for you to pull those nails out."
"You grab the snow shovel, and stand behind me waiting. If he is loose, close your eyes and swing. Don't look into his eyes under any circumstances."
Pearl went into the broom closet and got the snow shovel. She stationed herself in readiness while Joe pulled the nails. They squeaked protestingly, and from down in the basement came an answering squeak.