Wolfe’s eyes went nearly shut.
“What’s that?
You’ve paid them?”
“Of course I have, and you know it.
And I’ve got their receipt, and I’ve got the paper I signed.” Clivers abruptly sat down again. “Look here.
Your man is here, and I’m alone, so why not talk straight?
I don’t resent your being a crook, I’ve dealt with crooks before, and more pretentious ones than you.
But cut out the pretense and get down to business.
You have a good lever for blackmail, I admit it.
But you might as well give up the idea of a big haul, because I won’t submit to it.
I’ll pay three thousand pounds for a receipt from the Lindquists for that horse.”
Wolfe’s forefinger was tapping gently on the arm of his chair, which meant he was dodging meteors and comets.
His eyes were mere slits.
After a moment he said,
“This is bad.
It raises questions of credibility.” He wiggled the finger. “Really bad, sir.
How am I to know whether you really have paid?
And if you have, how are you to know whether I was really ignorant of the fact and acting in good faith? Have you any suggestions?” He pushed the button. “I need some beer.
Will you join me?”
“Yes.
It’s pretty good. Do you mean to say you didn’t know I had paid?”
“I do.
I do indeed.
Though the possibility should certainly have occurred to me. I was too intent on the path under my feet.” He stopped to open hordes, pushed one across to Clivers, and filled his glass. “You say you paid them.
What them? When?
How much?
What with? They signed a receipt?
Tell me about it.”
Clivers, taking his time, emptied his glass and set it down.
He licked his lips, screwed up his mouth, and looked at Wolfe, considering.
Finally he shook his head,
“I don’t know about you. You’re clever. Do you mean that if I show evidence of having paid, and their receipt, you will abandon this preposterous claim for the horse on payment of a thousand pounds?”
“Satisfactory evidence?” Wolfe nodded. “I’ll abandon it for nothing.”
“Oh, I’ll pay a thousand.
I understand the Lindquists are hard up.
The evidence will be satisfactory, and you can see it tomorrow morning.”
“I’d rather see it today.”
“You can’t.
I haven’t got it.
It will arrive this evening on the Berengana.
My dispatch bag will reach me tonight, but I shall be engaged.
Come to my hotel any time after nine in the morning.”
“I don’t go out.
I am busy from nine to eleven.
You can bring your evidence here any time after eleven.”
“The devil I can.” Clivers stared at him, and suddenly laughed his three blasts again.
Haw-haw-haw.
He turned it off. “You can come to my hotel.
You don’t look infirm.”
Wolfe said patiently,