Prisoner's Base

Wolfe shuddered. "I congratulate you on your safe arrival." He went to Irby. "There has been a new development. I'm not free to describe it in detail, but it concerns Mr. Helmar and his associates sufficiently for them to have agreed to come here this evening at nine o'clock to discuss the matter. Although-"

"I want to meet them," Hagh said emphatically.

"I know you do. Although they are not coming on your affair, there is no reason why it cannot be broached, since the other matter is closely related. But if you come this evening it must be understood that the proceedings are entirely in my hands. You will take part only if and when invited, and you may not be invited at all. Do you wish to be present under those conditions?"

"But," Irby protested, "you said there should be a meeting to discuss my client's claim! I must insist-"

"You are in no position to insist, sir. By making me that silly offer yesterday you forfeited your right to equity. Do you wish to be present this evening?"

"I want only," Hagh said, "what belongs to me-what I can prove belongs to me!"

"I may have worded my offer badly," Irby admitted. "I may have misunderstood the nature of your interest in the matter. But it would be imprudent for us to meet those people here unless we have some assurance that you and Mr. Goodwin are going to testify to the authenticity-"

"Then don't come," Wolfe snapped.

Hagh pulled an envelope from his pocket and waggled it. "I have here the document that my wife signed and Margaret Caselli witnessed. I was present when she wrote it and signed it. It has been in my possession ever since, and there is no honest question that it is genuine. All we want is your help for the truth."

He was absolutely in earnest, probably as much so as he had been on August 12,1946, when he had finagled Priscilla into signing it. His appeal did not bring tears to my eyes.

Nor to Wolfe's. He said flatly, "There will be no assurance, gentlemen, and no hint of a covenant. I am engaged for the rest of the afternoon. Under the conditions I have proposed, you will be welcome here at nine this evening if you care to come."