“Oh, it’s wonderful to be alive!”
“Of course you’ll stay at my house. My wife will be delighted to have you. After that...”
“You’re so kind, Mr. Thorne. I don’t know how I shall ever be able to thank you enough.” She paused, startled. “Why, what’s the matter, Mr. Queen?”
For Ellery had done a strange thing. Fie had stopped the car at a traffic intersection and asked the officer on duty something in a low tone. The officer stared at him and replied with gestures. Ellery swung the car off into another street. He drove slowly.
“What’s the matter?” asked Alice again, leaning forward.
Thorne said, frowning: “You can’t have lost your way. There’s a sign which distinctly says...”
“No, it’s not that,” said Ellery in a preoccupied way. “I’ve just thought of something.”
The girl and the old man looked at each other, puzzled. Ellery stopped the car at a large stone building with green lights outside and went in, remaining there for fifteen minutes. He came out whistling.
“Queen!” said Thorne abruptly, eyes on the green lights. “What’s up?”
“Something that must be brought down.” Ellery swung the car about and headed it for the traffic intersection. When he reached it he turned left.