The Second Confesion

“It's still a hypothesis,” Stevens said. “As such, we'll be glad to think it over.” “For how long?” “I don't know. Tomorrow or next day.” “I don't like it.” “The hell you don't.” Harvey's manners were showing. “Do you have to?” “I suppose not.” Wolfe was regretful. “But I don't like to leave a man around loose when I know he's a murderer. If we do it the simple way, and do it now, we'll have him locked up before midnight. If we postpone it-” Wolfe shrugged. “I don't know what he'll be doing-possibly nothing that will block us-” I had to keep a grin back. He might as well have asked them if they wanted to give Reynolds a day or two to do some more articles for the Gazette, because of course that was where he had them. Knowing that was in their minds, I tried to find some sign of it, any sign at all, in their faces, but they were old hands.

They might have been merely a couple of guys looking over a hypothesis and not liking it much.

Stevens spoke, in the same soft voice. “Go ahead and arrest him. If you don't get it the simple way you can try the other one.” “No, sir,” Wolfe said emphatically. “Without your statement it won't be easy to get him charged. It can be done, but not Just by snapping my fingers.” “You said,” Harvey objected, “that if we sign that thing that will be all, but it won't. We'd have to testify at the trial.” “Probably,” Wolfe conceded. “But only you two, as friendly witnesses for the prosecution, helping to get a murderer punished. The other way it will be you two and many more, and, if you answer in the negative, you will be shielding a murderer merely because he is a fellow Communist, which will not raise you in public esteem-in addition to risking perjury.” Stevens stood up. “We'll let you know in half an hour, maybe less.” “Good. The front room is soundproofed, or you can go upstairs.” “There's more room outdoors. Come on, Jerry.” Stevens led the way. I went to the front to let them out and then returned to the office. What I saw, re-entering, gave me an excuse to use the grin I had squelched. Wolfe had opened a drawer and got out a sheet of paper and the tube of paste.

“Before they're hatched?” I inquired.