The Second Confesion

I left the breakfast table as soon as I was through because there were a lot of phone calls to make-to slat manufacturers, hardware stores, painters, supply houses, and others. I was at it when Captain Murdoch left and Wolfe took the elevator to the roof, and still at it when Wolfe came down again, trudged into the office, got himself lowered into his chair, leaned back, and heaved a deep sigh.

I glanced at him. “You'd better go up and take a nap. And I'll tell you something. I can be just as stubborn as you can, and courage and valour and spunk are very fine things and I'm all for them, but I'm also a fairly good book-keeper. If this keeps up, as I suppose it will, the balance sheet will be a lulu. I have met Gwenn socially and therefore might be expected to grit my teeth and stick; but you haven't, and all you need to do is return his retainer. What I want to say is that if you do I promise never to ride you about it. Never.

Want me to get the Bible?” “No.” His eyes were half closed. “Is everything arranged for the repairs and replacements?” “As well as it can be now.” “Then call that place and speak to the elder daughter.” I was startled. “Why her? What reason have you-” “Pfui. You thought you concealed the direction your interest took-your personal interest-but you didn't. I know you too well. Call her and learn if all the family is there-all except the son, who probably doesn't matter. If they are, tell her we'll be there in two hours and want to see them.” “We?” “Yes. You and I.” I got at the phone. He was not really smashing a precedent. It was true that he had an unbreakable rule not to stir from his office to see anyone on business, but what had happened that night had taken this out of the category of business and listed it under struggle for survival.