“Now we can relax, I told Hammond.

“I just can't help it, he said, irritated. “I'm not strong for dogs anyhow, and with these… He shrugged. “I'd just as soon go for a walk with a tiger.

Soon Annabel rejoined us, with a crack about Hammond's hair. I suggested that if they had something to do I could wait for Leeds without any help, but she said no.

“We only came to see you, she stated impersonally. “That is, I did, and Mr

Hammond went to the length of coming along. Just to see you, even if you are

Archie Goodwin, I wouldn't cross the street; but I want to watch you work. So many things fall short of the build-up, I want to see if a famous detective does. I'm sceptical already. You look younger than you should, and you dress too well, and if you really thought that dog might jump you, you should have done something to-where did that come from? Hey!

Sometimes I fumble a little drawing from my armpit, but that time it had been slick and clean. I had the barrel pointed straight up. Hammond had made a noise and an involuntary backward jerk.

I grinned at her. “Showing off. Okay? Want to try it? Get him and send him out from behind that same bush, with orders to take me, and any amount up to two bits, even, that he won't reach me. I returned the gun to the holster.

“Ready?

She blinked. “You mean you would?

Hammond giggled. He was a full-sized middle-aged man and he looked like a banker, and I want to be fair to him, but he giggled. “Look out, Annabel, he said warningly. “He might.›

“Of course, I told her, “you would be in the line of fire, and I've never shot a fast-moving dog, so we would both be taking a risk. Only I don't like you being sceptical. Stick around and you'll see.