The Rubber Band

I got the Hotel Portland and got through to him, and Wolfe spoke. "Good morning, sir. I received your message… Yes, so I understand… No, he can't go…If you will be so good-one moment-a very important development has taken place, and I don't like to discuss details on the telephone. You may remember that on the phone yesterday afternoon Mr. Walsh spoke to you regarding a certain person whom he had just seen… Yes, he is both dangerous and desperate; moreover, he is cornered, and there is only one course open to you that can possibly prevent the fullest and most distasteful publicity on the whole affair… I know that, that's why I want you to come to my office at once… No, sir, take my word for it, it won't do, I should have to expose him immediately and publicly… Yes, sir… Good. That's a sensible man. Be sure to bring those papers along. I'll expect you in fifteen minutes…"

Clivers rang off, but Wolfe stayed on.

"Archie. Try for Mr. Muir."

I got the Seaboard Products Corporation, and Miss Barish, and then Muir, and buzzed Wolfe.

"Mr. Muir? Good morning, sir. This is Nero Wolfe… One moment, sir, I beg you. I have learned, to my great discomfiture, that I did an act of injustice yesterday, and I wish to rectify it… Yes, yes, quite so, I understand… Yes, indeed. I prefer not to discuss it on the telephone, but I am sure you will find yourself as satisfied as you deserve to be if you will come to my office at half past eleven this morning, and bring Mr. Perry with you… No, I'm sorry, I can't do that. Miss Fox will be here… Yes, she is here now… No, half past eleven, not before, and it will be necessary to have Mr. Perry present… Oh, surely not, he has shown a most active interest… Yes, it's only a short distance…"

I heard Muir's click off, and said into my transmitter, "That will bring that old goat trotting up here without stopping either for Perry or his hat. Why didn't you-"

"Thanks, Archie. Try for Mr. Cramer."