Perhaps if I explained that I was not the person who had said he would come again, but another, the man behind the window would consider me a complication, and refuse to let me pass at such an hour without a fuss.

And of all things, a fuss was what I least wanted--for Maxine's sake, and because of the treaty.

I decided to seize upon the advantage that was offered me.
"Quite right," I said shortly.

"I know the way." And so began to mount the stairs.

Flight after flight I went up, meeting no one; and on the fifth floor I found that I had reached the top of the house.