The next instant they were standing in a cramped lobby in front of the iron grillwork of an old-fashioned elevator. Peter reached out and pushed the button. A bell jangled down in the elevator shaft. The old building seemed deserted.
“How about the stairs?” For some reason, Peggy was whispering. Peter nodded wordlessly and turned into a corridor behind the elevator. Through the gloom of a single night light, Peggy could see stairs leading upward.
“Take a deep breath,” Peter advised over his shoulder. “It’s on the fifth floor.”
“I’m right behind you,” Peggy assured him.
Slowly, they made their ascent. On the second floor they passed the bolted front door of a sporting goods manufacturer. The third floor was occupied by a firm that specialized in trimmings for ladies’ hats. The night light on the fourth floor was out and Peggy couldn’t read the name on the door.
“Peter,” she whispered through the darkness, “Where are you?”
There was a shuffling step in front of her and a hand reached out for hers. “Here,” came the answering whisper. “Just one flight more.”
About halfway up the last flight, Peggy felt Peter freeze. His hand tightened over hers. Catching her breath, Peggy tried to peer through the inky gloom. Then she heard the sound of a banjo being played. It seemed to come from a great distance.
Peter advanced a few more steps, made a sharp right turn, and stopped on a landing. In front of them a thin slit of pale yellow light illuminated the floor. They were now standing directly in front of the door that led to Syd Walsh’s shop. From the other side Peggy heard a soft voice singing the tune that had recently become so familiar to her.
Moving very slowly, Peter turned the handle of the door and opened it a crack. By crowding behind him, Peggy could see the interior of the shop. It was a jumble of old boxes, trunks, musty figures clothed in period costumes. Masks of all descriptions leered down from the walls, and in one cabinet there was a shadowy row of wigs. The singing was clearer now and Peter pushed in a little farther.