The Second Confesion

I had finally got around to the magazines I had brought upstairs the previous evening. There was a knock at the door and I said come in.

It was the Chairman of the Board. He closed the door and approached. I said hello. Wolfe let his book down to rest on his belly but otherwise stayed put.

“You look comfortable,” Sperling said like a host.

Wolfe grunted. I said something gracious.

Sperling moved a chair around to a different angle and sat.

“So you talked yourself out of it?” he asked.

“I doubt if I rate a credit line,” I said modestly. “The picture was out of focus, that's all. It would have needed too much retouching, and all I did was point that out.” He nodded. “I understand from Dykes that the District Attorney offered to guarantee immunity if you would sign a statement.” “Not quite. He didn't offer to put it in writing. Not that I think he would have crossed me, but I liked the immunity I already had. As I heard a guy say once, virtue is never left to stand alone.” “Where did you get that?” Wolfe demanded from his pillows. “That's Confucius.” I shrugged. “It must have been him I heard say it.” Our host gave me up and turned to Wolfe. “The District Attorney will be back between five and six. He left word that he would like all of us to be here. What does that mean?” “Apparently,” Wolfe said dryly, “it means that he feels compelled to annoy you some more, much as he would prefer not to. By the way, I wouldn't underrate Mr Archer. Don't let the defects of his personality mislead you.” “They haven't. But what evidence has he got that this was anything but an accident?” “I don't know, beyond what he hinted to you. Possibly none. Even if he accepts it as an accident, he needs to find out who was driving the car. Being a man in your position, Mr Sperling, a man of wealth and note, bestows many advantages and privileges, but it also bestows handicaps. Mr Archer knows he cannot afford to have it whispered that he winked at this affair because you are such a man.