The League of Frightened Men

Hibbard is with us. Mr. Goodwin and I I are gratified that we were able to play the Stanley to his Livingstone. As to the particular dark continent that Mr. Hibbard chose to explore, and the method of our finding him, those details must wait for another occasion, since we have more pressing business. I believe it is enough at present to say that Mr. Hibbard's disappearance was a venture on his own account, a sally in search of education.

That is correct, Mr. Hibbard?"

They all looked at Hibbard. He nodded. "That's correct."

Wolfe took some papers from his drawer, spread them out, and picked one up. ‹I have here, gentlemen, a copy of the memorandum of our agreement. One of my undertakings herein was to remove from you all apprehension and expectation of injury from the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Andrew Hibbard. I take it that that has been accomplished? You have no fear of Mr. Hibbard himself? – Good. Then that much is done." He paused to look them over, face by face, and went on. "For the rest, it will be necessary to read you a document." He put the memorandum down and picked up another paper, sheets clipped to a brown paper jacket. "This, gentlemen, is dated November twelfth, which is today. It is signed with the name of Paul Chapin. At the top it is headed,

CONFESSION OF PAUL CHAPIN

REGARDING THE

DEATHS OF WILLIAM R. HARRISON

AND

EUGENE DREYER AND THE WRITING

AND

DISPATCHING OF CERTAIN

INFORMATIVE AND

THREATENING VERSES.

It reads as follows-"

Cabot the lawyer butted in. He would.

He interrupted: "Mr. Wolfe. Of course this is interesting, but in view of what has happened do you think it's necessary?"

"Quite." Wolfe didn't look up. "If you will permit me: va ^ 7, Paul Chapin, of 203 Perry Street, New York City, hereby confess that I "was in no way concerned in the death of g Judge William R. Harrison. To the best of my knowledge and belief his death was accidental. f‹] I further confess that I was in no way concerned in the death of Eugene Dreyer.

To the best of my knowledge and belief he committed suicide.

I further confess -ff

There was an explosive snort from Mike

Ayers, and mutterings from some of the others. Julius Adier's mild sarcastic voice took the air: "This is drivel. Chapin has maintained throughout -"

Wolfe stopped him, and all of them.

"Gentlemen! Please. I ask your indulgence.