lay equal at the ends with a slight depression in the middle, thumbs rolling the

paper’s inner edge down and up under the outer edge as forefingers pressed it

over, thumbs and fingers sliding to the paper cylinder’s ends to hold it even

while tongue licked the flap, left forefinger and thumb pinching their end while

right forefinger and thumb smoothed the damp seam, right forefinger and thumb

twisting their end and lifting the other to Spade’s mouth.

 

He picked up the pigskin and nickel lighter that had fallen to the floor,

manipulated it, and with the cigarette burning in a corner of his mouth stood

up. He took off his pajamas. The smooth thickness of his arms, legs, and body,

the sag of his big rounded shoulders, made his body like a bear’s. It was like a

shaved bear’s: his chest was hairless.

 

His skin was childishly soft and pink.

 

He scratched the back of his neck and began to dress. He put on a thin white

union-suit, grey socks, black garters, and dark brown shoes. When he had

fastened his shoes he picked up the telephone, called Graystone 4500, and

ordered a taxicab. He put on a green-striped white shirt, a soft white collar, a

green necktie, the grey suit he had worn that day, a loose tweed overcoat, and a

dark grey hat. The street-door-bell rang as he stuffed tobacco, keys, and money

into his pockets.

 

* * * * *