He opened his eyes and straightened up. "Archie? Have you a suggestion?"

So it had bit him good. It was conceivable that he might even commit himself, partially at least, and of course that wouldn't do. The best way to prevent it was to get her out of there quick.

"Not offhand," I said. "No suggestion. I have a comment. You said that if she's being tailed she was followed here, but if her phone's tapped they didn't have to bother to tail her because they heard her secretary making the appointment."

He frowned. "And this house is under surveillance."

"Possibly. It could be that it isn't as bad as she thinks it is. Of course she wouldn't stretch it deliberately, but-"

"I don't 'stretch' things," she cut in.

"Of course not," I told her. "But," I told Wolfe, "people who aren't used to being annoyed annoy easy. We can check the tailing part right now." I turned. "Did you come in a taxi, Mrs Bruner?"

"No. My car and chauffeur are outside."

"Fine. I'll take you out and wait there while you leave and see what happens." I stood up. "Mr Wolfe can let you know tomorrow what he decides." I went to the couch for the sable.

It worked. She didn't like it. She had come to hire Nero Wolfe, and she hung on for five minutes trying to clinch it, but she soon saw that she was only riling him and got up and invited her coat.