“We’re going to find that out right now.” Ellery took the box from Keats and they all followed him up the hall to Priam’s door.
“Furl your mains’l,” said a voice. It was old Mr. Collier, in the doorway across the hall.
“Mr. Collier. Would you care to join us? There’s something new.”
“I’ll sit up in the rigging,” said Delia’s father. “Hasn’t there been enough trouble?”
“We’re trying to prevent trouble,” said Keats mildly.
“So you go looking for it. Doesn’t make sense to me,” said the old man, shaking his head. “Live and let live. Or die and let die. If it’s right one way, it’s right the other.” He stepped back and shut the library door emphatically.
Ellery tried Priam’s door. It was locked. He rapped loudly.
“Who is it?” The bull voice sounded slurry.
Ellery said, “Delia, you answer him.”
She nodded mechanically. “Roger, open the door, won’t you?” She sounded passive, almost bored.