He hadn't bargained for that. Mr. Piper might not
notice Ted on the fire-escape--but then again he might--and if he did he
would certainly investigate--mute bound bodies were not ordinary or normal
adjuncts of even the most illegal of Riverside Drive apartments. And then.
Oliver's hand went down over the revolver in his pocket--if necessary he
stood perfectly ready to hold up Mr. Piper at the point of his own pistol
to preserve the inviolability of that kitchen.
But Mrs. Severance saved him the bother.
"If you would be so kind?" she said simply. "It's in the small
cupboard---the brown one--Sargent, you have the key?"
"Oh, yes, Rose." Mr. Piper was looking, Oliver thought, rather more
embarrassed than it was fair for any man to have to look and live. His eyes
kept going pitifully and always to Mrs. Severance and then creeping, away.
He produced the key, however, and gave it to Oliver silently and Oliver
took the first opportunity when he was through the curtains of giving
whatever fates had presided over the insanities of the evening a long cheer
with nine Mrs. Severances on the end.
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