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From his nose to the nape of his neck, one side of his head was coated with rich, brown grease. This was unevenly applied and gave to his face fantastic and dreadful contours for which no distortion could account. Out of the havoc an eye, like that of a toad, glared stupidly up into mine. For some unaccountable reason its owner was as yet unconscious of his unspeakable state.

Jonah was speaking.

"What's happened is this. The Plazas were crooks. They soused our wine last night and they've cleaned us out. When I felt myself going, I tried to get to the bell. That's the last thing I remember."

There was a moment's silence. Then--

"Thank God for that," groaned Berry. "I'm not in the mood for reminiscence, and I never did like your voice. Oh, and if anyone moves my eyes, I'll split his skull."

He drew in his breath venomously.

My sister was regarding her arms.

"My bracelets," she breathed. I saw her hands fly to her throat. Then she stooped to Piers on her left. "Jill's pearls," she cried. "Are they gone?"