I didn’t know whether he expected to see the Russian Army or a place to buy a drink.
He called up to his brother in arms,
“Stay here, Steve.
Cover that door.
I’ll go and phone a report and probably send someone to cover the rear.
When that bird turns his back to go in the house give him a kick in the ass.”
I waved at him,
“Good night, sergeant,” pushed the button three shorts, took my key from my pocket, unlocked the door, and went in.
If that tenor had tickled me I’d have pulled his nose.
I slid the bolt in place.
Fritz was standing in the middle of the hall with my automatic in his hand. I said,
“Watch out, that thing’s loaded.”
He was serious.
“I know it is, Archie.
I thought possibly you might need it.”
“No, thanks.
I bit their jugulars. It’s a trick.”
Fritz giggled and handed me the gun, and went to the kitchen.
I strolled into the office.
Clara Fox was gone, and I was reflecting that she might be looking at herself in the mirror with my silk pajamas on.
I had tried them on once, but had never worn them.
I had no more than got inside the office when the doorbell rang.
As I returned to the entrance and opened the door, leaving the bolt and chain on, I wondered if it was the tenor calling me back to get my kick.
But this time it was Saul Panzer.
He stooc? there and let me see him.
I asked him through the crack,
“Did you find her?”
“No.
I lost her.
Lost the trail.”
“You’re a swell bird dog.”
I opened up and let him in, and took him to the office.
Wolfe was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed.
The tray had been moved back to its usual position, and there was a glass on it with fresh foam sticking to the sides, and two bottles. He was celebrating the hot number he was putting on.
I said,
“Here’s Saul.”
“Good.” The eyes stayed shut. “All right, Saul?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Of course.
Satisfactory.
Can you sleep here?”
“Yes, sir.
I stopped by and got a toothbrush.”
“Indeed.
Satisfactory.
The north room, Archie, above yours.
Tell Fred he is expected at eight in the morning, and send him home.
If you are hungry, Saul, go to the kitchen; if not, take a book to the front room.
There will be instructions shortly.”
I went to the kitchen and pried Fred Durkin out of his chair and escorted him to the hall and let him out, having warned him not to stumble over any foreign objects that might be found on the stoop.