The Mother Hunt (Rex Stout Library)

Wolfe walked in. Usually he goes to his desk before asking or looking a question, but that time he stopped short of it, glowered at me, and growled, Well?

Well enough, I said. What you would expect. Being set for a jolt is one thing and actually getting it is another. She was shying a little. She needed some assurance that you can stay in the saddle and I supplied it. She understands why she makes no exceptions when she's not answering questions. Purley asked her if she knew Ellen Tenzer. I assume we're standing pat.

Yes. He crossed to the bookshelves and looked at titles. I had stopped long ago being nervous when his eyes went up to the two top shelves. If he decided to have another go at one of the books up out of reach he would get the ladder, mount it as high as necessary, and step down, and he wouldn't even wobble, let alone tumble. This time no title, high or low, appealed to him, and he moved to the big globe and started twirling it, slow motion. Presumably looking for a spot where the mother of a discarded baby might be hiding out, or perhaps for one where he could light when he had to blow town.

At dinnertime no company had come. There had been two phone calls, but not on official business. One was from Saul, reporting that two more names had been crossed off, and the other was Orrie. He had eliminated one more and had only two left. Fred was in Arizona. We were about to the end of the string.

At the table, when Wolfe finished his strawberries Romanoff, used his napkin, and pushed his chair back, I got to my feet and said, I won't join you for coffee. They never come after dinner unless it's urgent, and I have a sort of a date.

He grunted. Can I reach you?

Sure. At Mrs. Valdon's number. It's on the card.

He looked at me. Is this flummery? You said she shied but you reassured her. Is she in fact in a pucker?

No, sir. She's set. But she may be afraid that you might pull out. She asked me to come and report after I spoke with you.

Pfui.

Yes, but she doesn't know you as well as I do. You don't know her as well as I do, either. I dropped my napkin on the table and departed.