In the Best Families

He spoke, not to me but to Hebe. She came to him, a darting shadow, close to him. He leaned over to touch the shoulder of the body of Mrs Barry Rackham and said, “Watch it, Hebe. The dog moved alongside the body, and Leeds, with nothing to say to me, went. He didn't leap or run, but he sure was gone. I called after him, “Phone the police before you kill anybody! stepped to the trail, and headed for Hillside Kennels.

With the flashlight I had no trouble finding my way. This time, as I approached, the livestock barked plenty, and, hoping the kennel doors were all closed tight,

I had my gun out as I passed the runs and the buildings. Nothing attacked me but noise, and that stopped when I had entered the house and closed the door.

Apparently if an enemy once got inside it was then up to the master.

Nobby was still there on the bench, and the knife was still in him. With only a glance at him in passing, I made for the little living-room, where I had previously seen a phone on a table, turned on a light, went to the phone, and got the operator and gave her a number. As I waited, a look at my wrist-watch showed me five minutes past midnight.

I hoped Wolfe hadn't forgotten to plug in the line to his room when he went up to bed. He hadn't. After the ring signal had come five times I had his voice.

“Nero Wolfe speaking.

“Archie. Sorry to wake you up, but I need orders. We're minus a client. Mrs

Rackham. This is a quick guess, but it looks as if someone stabbed her with a knife and then stuck the knife in a dog. Anyhow, she's dead. I've just-

“What is this? It was almost a bellow. “Flummery?

“No, sir. I've just come from where she's lying in the woods. Leeds and I found her. The dog's dead too, here on a bench. I don't-

“Archie!

“Yes, sir.

“This is insupportable. In the circumstances.

“Yes, sir, all of that.

“Is Mr Rackham out of it?

“Not as far as I know. I told you we just found her.

“Where are you?

“At Leeds' place, alone. I'm here guarding the knife in the dog. Leeds went to

Birchvale to get a doctor and the cops and maybe to kill somebody. I can't help it. I've got all the time in the world. How much do you want?

“Anything that might help.

“Okay, but in case I get interrupted here's a question first. On two counts, because I'm here working for you and because I helped find the body, they're going to be damn' curious. How much do I spill? There's no one on this line unless the operator's listening in.