Black Orchids

"Why did you bring it to me? I'm not a chemist. You are."

"Because I want to authenticate it. I want-"

"Take it to the police."

"No." Daniel looked and sounded determined. "They think I'm nothing but a nuisance. Maybe I am. But if I analyze this myself, without someone to-"

"Don't analyze it yourself. You have colleagues, friends, haven't you?"

"None I would want to give this to."

"Are you sure you have the piece where the iodine was poured?"

"I am. A few drops were on the edge of the flagstone. I also have pieces taken from each side of that piece, for comparison."

"Naturally. Who suggested this step to you?"

"No one. It occurred to me this mornhtg, and I immediately went up there-"

"Indeed. I congratulate you. Take it to the Fisher Laboratories. You know them, don't you?"

"Certainly." Daniel flushed. "I happen not to have any cash at the moment. They are expensive."

"Establish credit. Your sister's estate. Aren't you her nearest relative?"

"There is no estate. The liabilities greatly exceed the assets."

Wolfe looked annoyed. "You are careless not to have cash. Confound it, you should have cash. You understand, sir, my finger is not in this pie. I am not concerned. My lunch is ready. I should bid you good day. But you seem to be capable of using your brains, and that is so rare a phenomenon it is a pity to waste it. Archie, phone Mr. Weinbach at the Fisher Laboratories. Tell him to expect Mr. Huddleston, to rush the analysis he requires, and to charge it to me. You can pay the bill, sir, at your convenience."

Daniel hesitated. "I have a habit-I am extremely backward about paying bills-"

"You'll pay this one. I'll see that you do. What is argyrol?"

"Argyrol? Why-it's a silver-protein compound. Silver vietllin."

"It stains like iodine. Could tetanus bacilli live in it?"

Daniel considered. "I believe they could. It's far weaker-"

Wolfe nodded impatiently. "Tell Mr. Weinbach to try for it." He got up. "My lunch is waiting."

After I had finished the phone call and ushered Daniel out, with his package, I joined Wolfe in the dining room. Since no discussion of business was permitted at meals, I waited until we were back in the office again before observing:

"I ought to tell you that Janet saw him lifting that turf, and Maryella and the nephew-"

"There is no reason to tell me. I am not concerned." He pointed to the knife and trowel, still on his desk. "Where did you get those things?"

"Bought them."

"Please put them somewhere. They are not to appear on the expense account."