Max's face was black with anger as he backed swiftly toward the window; with his hand behind him, he opened the window and put his leg out into the night. “I will wait on the balcony. Send them away or I'll shoot and take my chances!�

　　 The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr. Ausable! Mr. Ausable!�

　　 Keeping his body twisted so that his gun still covered the fat man and his guest, the man at the window seized the frame with his free hand to support himself as he rested his weight on one thigh. Then he swung his other leg up and over the window sill.

　　 The doorknob turned. Swiftly Max pushed with his left hand to free himself, and dropped to the balcony. And then as he dropped, he screamed once shrilly.

　　 The door opened and a waiter stood there with a tray, a bottle and two glasses. “Here is the drink you ordered, sir.�He set the tray on the table and left the room.

　　 White faced and shaking, Fowler stared after him. “But... but... what about... the police?�he stammered.

　　 “There never were any police,�Ausable said. “Only Henry, whom I was expecting.�

　　 “But what about the man on the balcony...?�Fowler began.
 

ÉÏÒ»Ò³  [1] [2] [3]