“What?”

“A drink. Here’s how. You know—one item still worries me.”

“What, again?”

“The question of why that machine sings ‘St. James Infirmary’ when it’s operating.”

“It’s a good song,” Smeith said.

“Sure, but my subconscious works logically. Crazy logic, I’ll admit. Nevertheless—”

“Here’s how,” Smeith said.

Gallegher relaxed. He was beginning to feel like himself again. A warm, rosy glow. There was money in the bank. The police had been called off. Max Cuff was, no doubt, suffering for his sins. And a heavy thumping announced that Narcissus was dancing hi the kitchen.

It was past midnight when Gallegher choked on a drink and said, “Now I remember!”

“Swmpmf,” Smeith said, startled. “What?”