“A brief ceremony of exorcism might not hurt,” Tony said obscurely. He rose to his feet. “Ow. I’m as stiff as he is. I’ll go see the Gräfin. After all, the poor devil was a faithful family retainer. They ought to be able to spare him a few feet down here in the vault.”

“I will remain here,” Blankenhagen said. “When you return with the Gräfin, bring a sheet or blanket.”

“I’ll stay,” George offered. “Why don’t you interview the old lady, Doctor? Tony ought to be in bed—he’s probably strained that arm. And frankly, I’d rather face a whole cemetery of dead bodies than. Elfrida.”

“I am not on good terms with the Gräfin,” Blankenhagen said. “Perhaps you can think of an acceptable excuse for your breach of hospitality and good taste here; I certainly cannot, and I see no reason why I should face her indignation when she hears what you have done. But I agree Lawrence should go to bed. I will look at his injury later.”

We left him standing over the bones with bowed head. He could have been praying, but I didn’t think so.

“It wasn’t there,” I said to Tony, who was leaning pathetically on my arm.

“It isn’t there now, anyhow.”

“That was a bright idea, though,” I said generously. “Where do we look next?”

Tony shook his head.

“I’ve used up my hunches. Without a plan of the Schloss, I’m lost. I wish we could find those missing maps.”

His voice rose a little on the last sentence, and George turned around.

“Maps? Blankenhagen has some.”

“What kind of maps?”

“Old ones, on parchment, in a big roll. He was looking at them when I knocked on his door. He told me to wait outside, and when he came out the maps were gone.”

“Blankenhagen.” Tony smacked himself on the forehead. “He must be involved in this thing somehow…. Nolan, I’ve got to have those maps. Did he lock his door?”

“Yes, he did. But I think your key will open it. The locks in this place are simple, cheap deals.”

“Okay. Then you go—”

“No,” I said. “Tony is going to beddy-by. George, you get the Gräfin and take her straight down to the crypt. Make sure she and Blankenhagen stay there for a while. I’ll get the maps.”

“I’ll get the maps if you interview the Gräfin,” George offered.

“What are you so nervous about? I thought you were accustomed to breaking laws with devil-may-care insouciance. I admit what we did was outrageous—”

“Unbelievable,” George agreed heartily. “Why did we do it?”

We both looked at Tony.

“I was mad,” said Tony simply. “Not crazy mad—angry. I hate being stabbed.”

“I’ll tell the old lady that,” said George. “I am sure she’ll understand. Damn it, I don’t like this partnership. I get all the dirty jobs.”