The Mother Hunt (Rex Stout Library)

I have worked at many different firms. My employer is the Stopgap Employment Service. I average about fifteen assignments a year.

Is there anyone in this room you have ever worked for on assignment?

Yes.

Do you recognize him?

Certainly. Julian Haft, president of the Parthenon Press.

When did you work for him?

I don't know the exact dates, but it was early last summer. I think it was the last two weeks in June and the first week in July.

Did your work bring you into frequent contact with Mr. Haft?

Yes. I was replacing his private secretary. She was on vacation.

Was the name of your aunt, Ellen Tenzer, ever mentioned in conversation with him?

Yes. He dictated a letter about a book, a manuscript, by a woman who had been a nurse, and I mentioned that I had an aunt who had been a nurse, and we talked about her a little. I must have mentioned that she boarded babies in her house sometimes, because when he called me up, he asked. If you please. When did he call you up?

Several months later, in the winter, I think some time in January. He called the Stopgap Employment Service and left a message, and I called him. He asked if my aunt still boarded babies, and I said I thought so, and he wanted her name and address.

You supplied it? The name and address?

Yes.

Have you been. Just a minute. Cramer was glaring at her. Why didn't you mention this when you were questioned at the time of your aunt's death?

Because I had forgotten no, I hadn't forgotten, but I didn't think of it. Why should I?

What reminded you of it now?

A man came and asked me. She nodded at Saul. That man. He named some men, four men, and asked if I had ever met any of them. I told him I had met Julian Haft, that I had worked for him, and he asked if I had any reason to suppose that he had ever heard of my aunt. Then of course I remembered, and I told him. He said it might help to find out who had killed my aunt, and I told him all about it.

With him helping you to remember?

I don't know what you mean, helping me.' I do my own remembering. How could he help me remember?

He could make suggestions. He could suggest that you had told Mr. Haft that your aunt boarded babies. He could suggest the phone call that you say you received in January.