The Doorbell Rang (The Rex Stout Library)

"Then you're twaddling. You're quite aware that we have undertaken a job which, considered logically, is preposterous. We have both said so. It's extremely unlikely that any of the suggestions Mr Cohen gave us will give us a start, but it's conceivable that one might. There's some hit-or-miss in every operation, but this one is all hit-or-miss. We are at the mercy of the vicissitudes of fortune; we can only invite, not command. I have no program for tomorrow; it depended on today. You don't know that today was bootless. Some prick may have stirred someone to action. Or tomorrow it may, or next week. You're tired and hungry. Confound it, eat something!"

I shook my head. "What about tomorrow?"

"We'll consider that in the morning. Not tonight." He picked up his book.

I left my chair, gave it a kick, got the paper from my desk and put it in the safe, and went to the kitchen and poured a glass of milk. Fritz had gone down to bed. Realizing that what would be an insult to caviar would also be an insult to milk, I poured it back in the carton, got another glass and the bottle of Old Sandy bourbon, poured three fingers, and took a healthy swig. That took care of the grease all right, and after going to see that the back door was bolted I finished the bourbon, rinsed the glasses, went and mounted the two flights to my room, and changed into pajamas and slippers.

I considered taking my electric blanket but vetoed it. In a pinch a man must expect hardship. From my bed I took only the pillow, and got sheets and blankets from the closet in the hall. With my arms loaded I descended, went to the office, removed the cushions from the couch, and spread the sheets. As I was unfolding a blanket Wolfe's voice came.

"I question the need for that."

"I don't." I spread the blanket, and the other one, and turned. "You've read that book. They can move fast if and when. With some of the stuff in the files they could have a picnic-and the safe."

"Bah. You're stretching it. Blow open a safe in an occupied house?"

"They wouldn't have to, that antique. You ought to get some books on electronics." I tucked the blankets in at the foot.

He pushed his chair back, levered himself up, said good night, and went, taking The Treasure of Our Tongue.