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◈After the heavy stride of Larramee went down the corridor and then thudded along the stairs and disappeared, it was a long time before Holden gathered the shattered bits of his self-control and was able to take Sneak on the chain and lead him downstairs. He met the proprietor in the little lobby. It was the last person in the world he would have chosen to encounter, but the proprietor did not laugh. He did not even smile.
“Been talkin’ to Mr. Larramee?” he asked pleasantly.
And Holden, bewildered, was aware that the rich man had not spoken his mind in public. For that, he blessed his fortunate stars.
“We had quite a chat,” said he easily. “Is it too late to get some breakfast?”
“Not for a friend of Mr. Larramee’s!” said the host, and in person he escorted his guest into the dining
