"Archie," said Blair, "what's that big empty room above the
billiard-room for?"
"That," said Archie, "is where we hide the corpses of our guests. I
sleep with the key under my pillow."
"This is rather sudden," I said. "I'm not at all sure that I should
have come if I had known that."
"Don't frighten them, dear; tell them the truth."
"Well, the truth is," said Archie, "that there was some idea of a
little play-acting there occasionally. Hence the curtain-rod, the
emergency exit and other devices."
"Then why haven't we done any? We came down here to open your house
for you, and then you go and lock up the most important room of all,
and sleep with the key under your pillow."
"It's too hot. But we'll do a little charade to-night if you
like--just to air the place."
"Hooray," said Myra, "I know a lovely word."
Myra's little word was in two syllables and required three
performers. Archie and I were kindly included in her company.
Simpson threatened to follow with something immense and archaic, and
Thomas also had something rather good up his sleeve, but I am not
going to bother you with these. One word will be enough for you.