The Second Confesion

“You're entirely justified,” he told Sperling. Tm tired and I was going on merely through habit. I also said this morning that if it was an accident no one would be better pleased than me but I had to know who was responsible. Well, this certainly should satisfy me on that.” He put the folded paper in his pocket. “No, I don't want to make mud. God knows enough gets made without me helping.” He got to his feet. “Will you call at my office in White Plains tomorrow morning, Mr Kane-say around eleven o'clock? If I'm not there ask for Mr Gurran.” “I'll be there,” Kane promised.

“What for?” Sperling demanded.

“For a formality.” Archer nodded. “That's all, a formality. I'll commit myself to that now. I can't see that any good purpose would be served by a charge and a prosecution. I'll phone Gurran this evening and ask him to look up the motor vehicle statutes regarding an accident occurring on private property. It's possible there will have to be a fine or suspension of driving licence, but under all the circumstances I would prefer to see it wiped off.” He extended a hand to Sperling. “No hard feelings, I hope?” Sperling said not. Archer shook hands with Kane, with Wolfe, and even with me.

He told us all that he hoped that the next time he saw us it would be on a more cheerful occasion. He departed.

Wolfe was sitting with his head tilted to one side, as if it needed too much energy to keep it straight, and his eyes were shut. Kane and Sperling and I were standing, having been polite enough to arise to tell Archer good-bye, unlike Wolfe.

Kane spoke to Sperling. “Thank God that's over. If you don't need me any more I'll go and see if I can get some work done. I'd rather not show up at dinner.

Of course they'll have to know about it, but I'd prefer not to face them until tomorrow,” “Go ahead,” Sperling agreed. “I'll stop by your room later.” Kane started off. Wolfe opened his eyes, muttered, “Wait a minute,” and straightened his head.

Kane halted and asked, “Do you mean me?” “If you don't mind.” Wolfe's tone wasn't as civil as his words. “Can your work wait a little?” “It can if it has to. Why?” Td like to have a little talk with you.” Kane sent a glance at Sperling, but it didn't reach its destination because the Chairman of the Board had taken another piece of paper from his pocket and was looking at it. This one was unfolded, oblong, and pink in colour. As Kane stood hesitating, Sperling stepped to Wolfe and extended his hand with the paper in it.