Some Buried Caesar

I found him in the second shed ahead, which was devoted to Guernseys. It was full of activity and worriment- brushing coats, washing hoofs and faces, combing tails, discussing and arguing. Bennett was rushing back and forth. He didn't rec- ognize me, and I nearly had to wrestle him to stop him. I re- minded him of our acquaintance and said that Nero Wolfe wanted to see him at the main exhibits building, or some more convenient spot, as soon as possible. Urgent.

"Out of the question," he declared, looking fierce. "I haven't even got time to eat. They're judging us at 1 o'clock."

"Mr. Wolfe's solving a murder for Mr. Frederick Osgood. He needs important information from you."

"I haven't got any."

"He wants to ask you."

"I can't see him now. I just can't do it. After 1 o'clock… when they start judging… you say he's at the main exhibits building? I'll see him or let him know…"

"He'll lunch at the Methodist tent. Make it soon. Huh?"

He said just as soon as possible.

It was noon by the time I got to our space in the main ex- hibits building. It was judgment day for more than Guernseys, as 4 o'clock that afternoon was zero hour for the orchids. Wolfe was there spraying and manicuring. The sprayer was a pippin, made specially to his order, holding two gallons, with a compression chamber and a little electric motor, weigh- ing only 11 pounds empty. His rival and enemy. Shanks, was with him admiring the sprayer when I joined them. I told him the car was okay and named the extent of the damage, and described the plight of Mr. Bennett.

He grimaced. "Then I must wait here."

"Standing is good for you."

"And the delay. It is Wednesday noon. We have nothing left but shreds. I telephoned Mr. Waddell. The club carried to Mr. Pratt's place has not been found, and the police took no photographs of the bull. Pfui. Inspector Cramer's inde- fatigable routine has its advantages. Miss Osgood reports that none of the servants saw Bronson return. Our next move depends on Mr. Bennett."

"He says he has no information."

"But he has. He is ignorant of its application. Perhaps if you went back and explained?…"

"Not without using force. He says he hasn't got time to eat."

That of course silenced him. He grunted and returned to Shanks.