"coffinfortheavenger" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tepperman Emile C)

there he stepped into a drugstore on the corner and consulted the telephone directory. He
found that the Broderick Casket Co. was located in Brooklyn. He dialed the number and
frowned when someone answered the phone. It was after nine o'clock, long past business
hours.

"Hello," he said. "Is this the Broderick Casket Co.?"

"That's right."

"Well, I want to order a coffin."

"We're all out of coffins, mister. Shipped the last one today."

"But how can I die without a coffin?" Smitty demanded.

"Who are you?" the man at the other end asked, suddenly suspicious. "Have you ever
done business with us before?"

"No," said Smitty. "You see, I've never died before!" And he hung up.

Thoughtfully, he went out of the drugstore and walked down the street toward the under-
taking parlor.

There was a light in the store as he approached, but he couldn't look in, for the
Venetian blinds were drawn all the way down, behind both the door and the plate-glass
window.

Smitty approached the door and a man standing near it said, "Were you looking for
someone, mister?"

"Why. yes," said Smitty. He glanced at the name on the window. "I'm looking for Mr.
Strake."

"What did you want to see him about?"

"About a coffin that was delivered today by the Broderick Casket Co."

The man stiffened. One hand stole into his coat pocket.

"What about the coffin that was delivered today?"

"I thought I'd like to buy it. It was a pretty coffin. It might be nice to be buried in."

The man grinned. "You getting ready to die?"

"I'm afraid so," Smitty said, looking at the bulge in the man's pocket.

"Well, mister," said the man, "I'm sure Colonel Strake will be glad to see you. Very
glad."