We had driven several miles, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he is acting for the best. “You have a grand gift of silence, Watson,” said he. “It makes you quite invaluable as a companion. ’Pon my word, it is a great thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear little woman to-night when she meets me at the door.” “You forget that I know nothing about it.” “I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can get nothing to go upon. There’s plenty of thread, no doubt, but I can’t get the end of it into my hand. Now, I’ll state the case clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a spark where all is dark to me.”

The velociraptor jerked its head, sniffed, and looked right at Tim, who nearly gasped with fright. As he watched, Tim’s body went rigid, tense. The reptile sniffed again, moved his eyes, and scanned the room. Tim was sure he was caught. The raptor continued on to the fifth steak, jerking his head back to look forward. Tim thought of Lex, pleading with her in his mind not to move. Whatever happens, don’t move. The freezer door was open and smoke billowed out around the animal’s feet curling in suspense. As his clawed foot came up and then down silently, the dinosaur hesitated from the cold.