XIV
The next morning at eight-thirty the door of the steam-heated apartment resounded to sharp knocking. There being no response, the knocking was repeated and prolonged. Retreating footsteps were heard in the hallway. Five minutes later a key rattled in the door and Cassidy entered, followed by the waster.
Bean was discovered in a flowered dressing-gown gazing open-eyed at the shut door of a closet. He sat on the couch and one of his arms clasped a sleeping dog. The floor was littered with wisps of excelsior.
"My word, old top, had to have the chap let me into your diggin's you know. You were sleeping like the dead." The waster was bustling and breezy.
"Busy," said Bean. He arose and went into the hall where Cassidy stood.
"He would have in," explained Cassidy. "Say th' wor-r-d if he's no frind, an' he 'll have out agin. I'll put him so. 'T would not be a refined thing to do, but nicissary if needed."
"'S all right," said Bean. "Friend of mine." He closed the door on Cassidy.
Inside, he found the waster interestedly poking with his stick at a roundish object on the floor.
269
