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. He turned his head to get his nose clear of cloth resting on it.
Then he did cry, after which he went to sleep.
He was awakened by voices and footsteps, recalled where he was barely in time to keep from sitting up. The lid above his face opened, and then slammed, making his ears ring; a man's voice called out, "Nothing in this room, Sarge!"
"Well see." Thorby recognized Poddy's voice. "You missed that scuttle up there. Fetch the ladder."
Mother Shaum's voice said, "Nothing up there but the breather space, Sergeant"
"I said, 'We'd see.' "
A few minutes later he added, "Hand me the torch. Hmm . . . you're right. Mother . . . but he has been here."
"Huh?"
"Screen broken back at the end of the house and dust disturbed. I think he got in this way, came down through your bedroom, and out."
"Saints and devils! I could have been murdered in my bed! Do you call that police protection?"
"You're not hurt. But you'd better have that screen fixed, or you'll have snakes and all their cousins living with you." He paused. "It's my thought he tried to stay in the district, found it too hot, and went back to the ruins. If so, no doubt well gas him out before the day is over."
"Do you think I'm safe to go back to my bed?"
"Why should he bother an old sack of suet like you?"
"What a nasty thing to say! And just when I was about to offer you a drop to cut the dust
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