The Second Confesion

The poor devil.” “I understand that.” Sperling was controlling himself admirably, considering that he had stated before witnesses that he would pay for the damage to the plant rooms. “But what about you? You have spent three hours this afternoon questioning my family and guests and servants. You have no intention of running for office, have you?” “Good heavens, no.” From Wolfe's tone you might have thought he had been asked if he intended to take up basketball. “But you have hired me to investigate Mr Rony's death. I was trying to earn my fee. I admit it doesn't look much like it at this moment, but I had a hard night Sunday, and I'm waiting to learn what line Mr Archer is going to take. What time is it, Archie?” “Quarter past four.” “Then he should be here in an hour or so.” Sperling stood up. “Things are piling up at my office,” he said, just stating a fact, and strode out of the room.

“On him a crown looks good,” I remarked.

“It doesn't chafe him,” Wolfe agreed, and went back to his book.

After a while it began to irritate me to see the toes of the yellow socks sticking up with holes started, so I tossed the magazines on a table, wandered out of the room, on downstairs, and outdoors. Sounds came from the direction of the swimming pool, and I went that way. The wind was no longer even a breeze, the sun was warm and friendly, and for anyone who likes grass and flowers and trees better than sidewalks and buildings it would have been a treat.

Connie Emerson and Madeline were in the pool. Paul Emerson, in a cotton shirt and slacks, not too clean, was standing on the marble at the edge, scowling at them. Gwenn, in a dress dark in colour but summery in weight, was in a chair under an umbrella, her head leaning back and her eyes closed.

Madeline interrupted an expert crawl to call to me, “Come on in!” “No trunks!” I called back.

Gwenn, hearing, swivelled her head to give me a long straight look, had nothing to say, turned her head back as before, and shut her eyes.

“You not getting wet?” I asked Emerson.