The Spiral Staircase Page #2

And if you think this is all

I've got to do, you're mistaken.

I think I better fix that window first.

And I hope that Carleton

is all that came in.

I won't need you.

You'd better get up to Mrs. Warren.

Helen?

Haven't you gone in

to Mrs. Warren yet?

Hurry along, will you?

It's about time. Mrs. Warren's

been asking for you all afternoon.

She won't let me

do anything for her. Oh, no.

I'm ordered to sit out in the hallway.

Why in the world am I kept on here...

...to nurse someone

who can't stand the sight of me?

But then, I can't stand

the sight of her either.

I've nursed some queer

ones in my time...

...but she's got them all beat.

She's sly too.

Even with her eyes shut, she seems

to be watching you like an evil spirit.

But get in there before she gets

herself into another tantrum.

I got him before he got me.

The tiger, I mean.

I was as good as any man.

You're not only late,

but you're playing games.

Why are you so late?

Never mind. Never mind.

Come here.

I hoped you were never

coming back...

...that you'd run away.

Leave this house tonight

if you know what's good for you.

You understand?

Who's there?

I told you to sit in the hall.

Why must you spy on me?

I'm not spying on you.

It's time for your medicine.

-Helen can give me my medicine.

-I don't know what I'm being paid for.

You're being paid to sit in the hall.

That's all you're good for. Get out.

That was the constable

at the front door, professor.

He wants to see you.

I've asked him to wait

in the living room.

Thank you.

-Put these in order, will you?

-Yes, sir.

-Oh, constable?

-Yes, Professor Warren?

I'll be with you in just a moment.

Blanche, get these ready

as quickly as possible.

Yes, sir.

-Hello, constable.

-Hello, professor.

-Wouldn't you like to sit down?

-Oh, no. No, thanks.

You sure got a lot

of interesting things here.

-What's this?

-That? Plant life.

You mean to say you can write

a whole book about...

-...little stuff like this?

-Yes.

What did you want

to see me about?

Oh, a couple of things, professor.

I hate to bother you

at this time of night...

...but I figure it's important enough.

You know, there's been

another murder.

Yes, so I've heard.

What I want to say is...

...that we've traced

the murderer to this vicinity.

-Are you certain?

-Yes, that's why I've come here.

That's why I'm asking everyone

to be careful.

Keep your doors

and windows locked tonight.

Well, I'll see that your orders

are carried out, constable.

I'm especially worried about

that girl who works for you.

-Helen?

-Yes.

You see, every one

of those girls murdered...

...had something the matter with her.

Something wrong.

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