Wolfe was in the potting room, taking his coat off, with a scowl all ready for me.

“Two things,” I told him curtly. “First, Bascom not only-” He was outer. “Did Mr Bascom get any lead at all to the Communist Party?” “No. But he-” “Then he got nothing for us.” Wolfe was rolling up his shirt sleeves. “We'll discuss his reports after I've read them. Did he have good men on it?” “He sure did. His best.” “They why should I hire an army to stalk the same phantom, even with Mr Sperling's money? You know what that amounts to, trying to track a Communist down, granting that he is one-especially when what is wanted is not presumption, but proof. Bah. A will-o'-the-wisp. I defined the objective and Mr Sperling agreed. See him and get details, yes. Get invited to his home, socially. Meet Mr Rony, and form an opinion of him. More important, form one of the daughter, as intimately and comprehensively as possible. Make appointments with her. Seize and hold her attention. You should be able to displace Mr Rony in a week, a fortnight at the most-and that's the objective.” “I'll be damned.” I shook my head reproachfully. “You mean make a pass at her.” “Your terms are yours, and I prefer mine. Mr Sperling said his daughter is excessively curious. Transfer her curiosity from Mr Rony to you.” “You mean break her heart.” “You can stop this side of tragedy.” “Yeah, and I can stop this side of starting.” I looked righteous and outraged.

“You've gone a little too far. I like being a detective, and I like being a man, with all that implies, but I refuse to degrade whatever glamour I may-” “Archie!” He snapped it.

“Yes, sir.” “With how many young women whom you met originally through your association with my business have you established personal relationships?” “Between five and six thousand. But that's not- “I'm merely suggesting that you reverse the process and establish the personal relationship first. What's wrong with that?” “Everything.” I shrugged. “Okay. Maybe nothing. It depends. I'll take a look at her.” “Good. You're going to be late.” He started for the supply shelves.