WHITEWASH
the stable gate. The girls stared at each other in silence; then Sonia laughed.
"That's a joke on us, as you say, but it has frightened sleep from me for the rest of the night."
Victoria crossed to the table, took up one of her Russian friend's cigarettes, lighted it, and began to walk the floor.
Pausing abruptly before her companion, she inquired, sharply, "What did he want with a camera at night?"
"I don't know, I'm sure. Did he have one?"
"Yes, I saw it—a five by eight, I should say—in its black leather case, slung over his shoulder."
"Flashlight," suggested Sonia.
Victoria shook her head. "Aren't the odd numbers on this side of the hall?"
Sonia nodded in bewilderment.
"Then why did he say he climbed out on the balcony? The balcony is on the front, and the chambermaid said fifty-seven."
"She may have made a mistake."
"He's not an Englishman."
