The Mother Hunt (Rex Stout Library)

Yes. I can save you gentlemen severe annoyance by not telling the police what I know. In return you will answer some questions. Many questions. You may refuse to answer any specific one, but a refusal is often more informative than a reply. The point is, all of you will remain until I have finished. It may take hours. I don't expect to get all that is in your minds and memories regarding Carol Mardus, but I'll get all I can.

You would probably get more, Krug said, if you took us separately.

Wolfe shook his head. This is better. What one omits another may supply. And it's safer, since it must be all or none. If one of you would rather answer to the police than to me, I withdraw the proposal. You, Mr. Krug?

I'll answer to the police anyway. I'm Carol's divorced husband. Of course the list and the picture would make it worse. And if you're as good as your reputation… I'll take you. I'll answer your questions.

Mr. Bingham?

I'm in. I may answer your questions.

Mr. Haft?

He had the cheaters back on. It seems to me all one-sided. You can tell the police about the lists and the pictures whenever you please.

True. You risk that. I know I won't, if all of you accept my proposal, but you don't. Your choice is between a certainty and a possibility.

Very well. I accept the proposal.

Wolfe swiveled to look up at the clock. Ten minutes to three. Good-by schedule. He couldn't possibly make it. He swiveled back. It will take a while, he said. Will you have something to drink?

They all would, and Wolfe rang for Fritz. Scotch and soda for Haft, bourbon and water for Krug, brandy with water on the side for Bingham, milk for me, and beer for Wolfe. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Haft got up and crossed over to the bookshelves and looked at titles. Bingham asked to use the phone and then decided not to. Krug sat fidgeting, staring here and then there, lacing and unlacing his fingers. When his bourbon and water came he took some, had trouble with the swallowing, and nearly coughed it out. Wolfe opened the bottle of beer, dropped the cap in the drawer they always go there so he can keep count poured, watched the foam go down to an inch, and drank.

He licked his lips and focused on the divorced husband. I have a suggestion, Mr. Krug. Tell me about Carol Mardus your association with her, her association with others, anything that you think might be material. I'll interrupt with questions only if I must.