Vandover enjoyed his bath and usually spent two or three hours over it.

When the water was very warm he got into it with his novel on a rack in front of him and a box of chocolates conveniently near.

Here he stayed, for over an hour, eating and reading, and occasionally smoking a cigarette, until at length the enervating heat of the steam gradually overcame him and he dropped off to sleep.
On this particular morning between nine and ten Geary called, and as was his custom came right up to Vandover's room.

Mr.Corkle, lying on the wolfskin in the bay window, jumped up with a gruff bark, but, recognizing him, came up wiggling his short tail.

Geary saw Vandover's clothes thrown about the floor and the closed door of the bathroom.
"Hey, Van!" he called.