Say, Charlie," he added, "suppose likely your sister and you would be too busy to see me for a few minutes now?
I'd like to see if you've got an answer to a riddle." "A riddle ?" "Um-hm.

I've just had the riddle sprung on me and it's got MY head whirlin' like a bottle in a tide rip.

Can I come into your house for a minute and spring it on you ?" The young man looked puzzled, which was not surprising, but his invitation to come into the house was most cordial.

They entered by the front door.

As they came into the little hall they heard a man's voice in the living-room beyond.