The Mother Hunt (Rex Stout Library)

Yes. Mr. Bingham came half an hour ago. I was at lunch; I haven't seen him. I told him through Fritz that I would not see him unless he got Mr. Haft and Mr. Krug to come, and he used the telephone. He was putting Brie on a cracker. What took you so long? Was she difficult?

No. I dawdled. I was afraid to lunch with you. I thought you might throw your plate at me. Is Krug coming?

I don't know.

You actually wouldn't have seen Bingham if he had balked?

Certainty I would. But he had to wait until I finished lunch, and he might as well try to get the others. He aimed a finger at me. Archie. I am making an effort to control myself. I advise you to do the same. I realize that the provocation is as insupportable for you. The doorbell rang. I moved, but Wolfe snapped, No. Fritz will go. Have some cheese. Coffee? Get a cup.

Fritz had gone. I got a cup and poured, and plastered a cracker with Brie. I was controlling myself. It might be Willis Krug at the door, but it might be Inspector Cramer, and if so, fur would fly. But when Fritz returned he said he had shown Mr. Krug to the office, and I took too big a sip of hot coffee and scalded my tongue. Wolfe took another cracker, and cheese, and then another. Finally he asked me politely if I wanted more, pushed his chair back, rose, thanked Fritz for the meal as always, and moved. I followed.

As we entered the office Leo Bingham bounced up out of the red leather chair and boomed, Who the hell do you think you are?

Wolfe detoured around him. My route was between Wolfe's desk and the other two. Wolfe sat and said, Sit down, Mr. Bingham.

By God, if you. Sit down! Wolfe roared.

I want to. Sit down!

Bingham sat.

Wolfe eyed him. In my house I do the bawling, he said. You came to see me, uninvited. What do you want?

I was invited, Julian Haft said. What do you want? His thin tenor was close to a squeak.

I didn't come to go on the air, Bingham said. You wanted Krug and Haft, and here they are. When you're through with them I'll speak with you privately.

Wolfe's head turned slowly to the right, to take his eyes past Haft to Krug, who was nearest me, and back again to the left. It saves time, he said, to have all three of you, because I wish to ask each of you the same question. And no doubt each of you would like to ask me the same question. Your question would be, why was a picture of Carol Mardus among those I sent you on Tuesday? My question is, why did none of you identify it?

Bingham blurted, You sent it to them too?

I did.