“Warning number two. If this business is on the level, Mac, there will be a warning number two, and I can’t do a thing till it comes. With Priam being pigheaded, you and your mother can be most useful by simply keeping your eyes open. I’ll decide then.”
“What do we watch for,” sneered the young man, “another mysterious box?”
“I’ve no idea. But whatever it turns out to be ― and it may not be a thing, Mac, but an event ― whatever happens out of the ordinary, no matter how silly or trivial it may seem to you ― let me know about it right away. You,” and Ellery added, as if in afterthought, “or your mother.”
The phone was ringing. He opened his eyes, conscious that it had been ringing for some time.
He switched on the light, blinking at his wristwatch.
4:35. He hadn’t got to bed until 1130.
“Hello?” he mumbled.
“Mr. Queen―”
Delia Priam.
“Yes?” He had never felt so wakeful.