The Second Confesion

I walked into the bedroom and announced to Wolfe, “The law haft arrived. Shall I arrange to have the meeting held up here?” “No,” he said testily. “What time is it?” “Eighteen minutes to six.” He grunted. “I'd have a devil of a time getting anywhere on this from the office, with these people here for the summer. You'd have to do it all, and you don't seem to take to this place very well. You gulp down drinks that have been drugged, plan and execute hold-ups, and leave my car where it can be used to kill people.” “Yep,” I agreed cheerfully, “I'm no longer what I used to be. If I were you I'd fire me. Am I fired?” “No. But if I'm to spend another night here, and possibly more, you'll have to go home to get me some shirts and socks and other things.” He was gazing gloomily at his toes, “Have you seen those holes?” “I have. Our car's immobilized, but I can borrow one. If you want to keep up with developments you'd better shake a leg. The elder daughter thinks she saw or heard something last night that gave her an idea about someone using your car, and she's making up her mind whether to tell the DA about it. I tried to get her to tell me, but she was afraid I might pass it on to you. Still another proof I've seen my best days. At least you can be there when she spills it, if you'll get off that bed and put your shoes on.” He pushed himself up, swung his legs around, and grunted as he reached for his shoes. He had them on and was tying a lace when there was a knock at the door, and before I uttered an invitation it swung open. Jimmy Sperling appeared, said, “Dad wants you in the library,” and was gone, without closing the door.

Apparently his visits to mines had had a bad effect on his manners.

Wolfe took his time about getting his shirt-tail in and putting on his tie and vest and jacket. We went along the hall to the stairs, and down, and took the complicated route to the library without seeing a soul, and I supposed they had already assembled for the meeting, but they hadn't. When we entered there were only three people there: the District Attorney, the Chairman of the Board, and Webster Kane. Again Archer had copped the best chair and Wolfe had to take second choice. I was surprised to see Webster Kane and not to see Ben Dykes, and pleased not to see Madeline. Maybe there would still be time for me to finagle a priority on her idea.