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 “I’m trying to get back to the house,” I said calmly. “As I was standing beside the old man’s body I saw some one moving outside an open window.”

I outlined briefly the series of small adventures that had followed. He heard me out, then tossed away his cigarette, and I saw a faint smile on his cruel face. It occurred to me that I would have to repeat my story—repeat it again and again—and that I was destined to see that smile of unbelief on other faces.

“Very interesting,” said Parker, still smiling. “I wish I could be of some help, old man. But as a matter of fact I’m in the same fix as you. I started to walk to the house, and lost my way.”

“At any rate,” I answered, “you must know the address.”

“Don’t you?” He laughed loudly. “I say, that’s funny.”

“To you, perhaps,” I said.

“Pardon me. My sense of humor breaks out at most unseemly times. I Rh