The Doorbell Rang (The Rex Stout Library)

"No," the lawyer said. "It would be unrealistic not to agree with you about the FBI. When I learned that nothing about them was found in the apartment I made the obvious assumption, and I told Mr Althaus that I thought it very unlikely that the murderer would ever be caught. The FBI is untouchable. Goodwin told Mrs Althaus that a man told you yesterday that he knows that an FBI agent killed her son, and that he supported it with information, and I came here intending to demand the man's name and the information, but you're right. The procedure is up to you. I think it's hopeless, but I wish you luck, and I wish I could help."

"So do I." Wolfe pushed his chair back and rose. "It's possible, if this conversation has been overheard, that one or more of you will be harassed. If so I would like to know. I would like to know of any development that comes to your knowledge, however trivial. Whether the conversation was overheard or not, this house is under surveillance, and the FBI now knows that I am concerning myself with the murder of Morris Althaus. The police do not, as far as I know, and I request you not to tell them; that would only make it more difficult. I apologize for not offering you refreshment; I was preoccupied. Mr Althaus, you have not spoken. Do you wish to?"

"No," David Althaus said-his one and only word.

"Then good evening." Wolfe walked out.

As they left their chairs and moved toward the hall I stood.

The gentlemen could help the ladies with their coats; I wasn't needed. I must have been about as low as you can get, for it didn't occur to me that it would be a pleasure to hold Miss Hinckley's coat until I heard the front door open, and then it was too late. I stayed put until I heard it close and then went and bolted it. They were down on the sidewalk.

I hadn't heard the elevator, so Wolfe must be in the kitchen, and I headed for it. But he wasn't. Neither was Fritz. Had he actually climbed the stairs? Why? The only other way was down. I chose that, and as I descended I heard his voice. It came from the open door to Fritz's room, and I stepped to it and entered.