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A brownstone on west 35th street, Manhattan.
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Most people walk by without a second look.
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This is Nero Wolfe's office.
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A man who thinks he's the world's greatest detective.
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Truth being, he is.
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Wolfe is punctual, especially about meals.
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Breakfast at 8:00 in his room
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Lunch at 12:30, dinner at 6:30.
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He also weighs a seventh of a ton.
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Evening.
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Good evening.
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I went to the bank this afternoon.
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Oh.
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Would you like to have the news?
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You're overdrawn.
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But the bank is hopeful.
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I told them you have a ship coming in.
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Smells great, Fritz.
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What is it?
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Starlings.
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Delivered this morning.
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Fresh.
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The sage?
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No, sir.
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What do you mean, "no, sir"?
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I thought you might like it once
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With saffron and tarragon.
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Remove it.
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Oh, no, you don't understand.
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This is...
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You did not consult me.
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To think that without warning
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One of my favorite dishes
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has been radically altered
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is an unpleasant shock.
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It may possibly be edible
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but I am in no humor to risk it!
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Please dispose of it and bring me
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four coddled eggs and a piece of toast!
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Fritz, I'll take some.
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Saffron, yeah.
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Thank you, sir.
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And there's a glaze or something...
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what did you use in that?
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That glaze is a secret
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but I can tell you one ingredient.
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Red currant.
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Red currant, yes.
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And you like the saffron and tarragon?
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He doesn't know what he's missing.
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Thank you, sir.
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Coffee, please, Fritz.
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Who's that?
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Someone who doesn't know the rules.
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Wrong number.
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Guess again.
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You're Archie Goodwin.
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I got to see Nero Wolfe.
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What's your name?
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Pete.
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Pete.
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Got a last name, Pete?
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Drossos.
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And what do you want to see Mr. Wolfe about?
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I got a case.
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I'll tell him.
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Now, normally, I would run the kid along.
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Sure, Pete, come on in.
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But after Wolfe's childish performance with Fritz
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It thought it would do him good
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To have another child to play with.
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Right in here.
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Archie, I will not have interruptions at meals.
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You call eggs a meal?
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This is Mr. Peter Drossos.
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He wants to consult you about a case.
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I was going to tell him you were busy
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but I remembered how sore you got at Fritz
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'cause he didn't consult you.
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I didn't want you get sore at Pete 'cause he didn't consult you either.
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Sit down, Mr. Drossos.
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Dragging Wolfe is always a bit of a gamble.
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Turn a little more to face me, please.
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Thank you.
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You wish to consult me?
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Yeah, I got a case.
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I always welcome a case
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but timing is a little unfortunate
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because Mr. Goodwin
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was going out this evening
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to see an important billiard match.
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Now, of course He'll have to stay here
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to take down all that you say and all that I say.
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Happily.
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Like I said, always a gamble.
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All right, young Pete, fire away.
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Yeah, I guess it's okay... him taking it down
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but I got to watch my end.
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This is strictly under the lid.
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If you mean it's confidential, certainly.
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Then I'll spill it.
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It happened about an hour ago.
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I was at the corner of 35th and ninth
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working the "wipe racket".
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Please, what is the wipe racket?
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You know when a car stops at the light
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you, um, walk over with a rag and start wiping the window.
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Anyway, this caddy stops for the light.
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The window was closed, so I couldn't hear
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but she worked her lips.
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Help. Get a cop.
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The guy stuck a gun in her ribs
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and I got a license plate; Connecticut Y-Y-9-4-3-2.
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May I see it, please?
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It's excellent.
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So what do you think of this case I got?
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Well, it seems a little...
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hazy.
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Okay, look, the car was a dark gray '52 Caddy.
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The driver was a good-looker.
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She had on big gold spiders for earrings.
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Spiders that stretched out like so; pure gold.
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Pure gold, huh?
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Okay, it looked like pure gold.
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Well, anyway, these people, they had bucks.
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So I figure, if he kills her
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and I identify him, I get a rewart for hanging on him.
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But that's when I decided I need to come see you because
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this case is too big for me to handle by myself.
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So, I figure 50-50. What do you say?
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Archie, you have that licence number?
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Call Mr. Cramer's office
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and give them that number.
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Say that you have information that that car, or its operator
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may have been involved in a violation of the law
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in this city in the past hour
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and suggest a routine check.
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Do not be more definite.
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Say that information is unverified.
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And that inquiry should be discreet.
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Wait. Wait. Wait.
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Who's this Mr. Cramer? A cop?
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No, he's an inspector.
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You, yourself, suggested the possibly of murder, Pete.
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If there was a murder, there's a corpse.
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If there's corpse, it should be found.
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Unless, and until it is found, where's your case?
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We have no idea where to look for it.
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So, we'll trick the police into finding it for us.
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I often make use of them in that way.
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Archie, of course, you will not mention Pete's name
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since he doesn't want to be marked.
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Call Cramer.
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I called Manhattan homicide.
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I couldn't reach Cramer
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but I talked to detective Purley Stebbins.
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I told him all about the case
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and, of course, I didn't reveal the source.
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Excellent.
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Now, your notebook.
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Excuse me, what time is it?
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Yes, it's four minutes to 8:00.
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I got to be home by a quarter to.
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See you tomorrow.
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After that, a billiard match would seem pretty dull.
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But... might as well go.
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Sir.
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The next afternoon
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Wolfe was having a beer relapse.
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He was trying to cut down to two quarts a day
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And it wasn't going very well.
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See who that is and send them away.
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Well, I supposed of course, it was Pete
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but it wasn't; it was sergeant Purley Stebbins
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of Manhattan homicide west.
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Nobody's home.
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Nuts. I want to see Wolfe
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and you.
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All right, this is me.
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I know that.
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Now take me to Wolfe.
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Yesterday evening you called me about a car.
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A dark gray Cadillac with Connecticut plates.
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I told you we had some information... not checked.
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That the car, the driver, the owner
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was involved in something.
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I know that.
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Exactly what was your information and where did you get it?
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You asked me that yesterday, I passed. I still pass.
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We don't want our informant to be annoyed.
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Well, he's going to be.
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Now, who was it and what did he tell you?
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Nothing doing, Purley.
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Now you know dam well this is just a bad habit of yours.
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Now, if something happened that makes you feel
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that I should tell you who and what
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you tell me what happened
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and see if I agree.
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You know how reasonable I can be.
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Couple of hours ago
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a car stopped for a red light
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at the corner of 35th and ninth.
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A boy with a rag starts wiping the window.
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As he circles in front of the car
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it jumps forward
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runs over the boy
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and keeps going.
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The driver was a man alone.
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Couple of people agreed on the plates:
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Connecticut, Y-Y-Nine-Four-Three-Two.
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The same dark-gray Cadillac, the same car you called me about yesterday.
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The boy died in the hospital
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shortly after the ambulance got him there.
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What was the boy's name?
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What that got to do with it?
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Just tell me his name.
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Drossos.
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Peter Drossos.
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The son of a bitch.
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Who, the boy?
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No.
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Do you tell me or does he?
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I wish you luck, Mr. Stebbins.
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That boy ate at my table yesterday.
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Yeah? Well, that makes it bad, huh?
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People got no business running over boys
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that ate at your table.
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Can I help you, madam?
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Does Nero Wolfe live here?
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Yes.
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Do you think I could see him?
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I won't take long.
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My name is Mrs. Anthea Drossos.
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Yes, Mrs. Drossos.
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You are Nero Wolfe?
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I am.
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And this gentlemen?
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Sergeant Stebbins, homicide.
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He is investigating the death of your son.
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My boy, Pete, would not want me to tell this
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in front of a cop.
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I'll be in the kitchen.
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Asrchie?
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Well, madam...
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You know my boy was killed.
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Mom?
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I'm here, Pete.
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Go to Mr. Wolfe.
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Tell him what happened.
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We're almost at the hospital.
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The can where I keep my money.
252
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Give Mr. Wolfe the money.
253
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Hold on, Pete, hold on.
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Tell him to find...
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tell him to find the guy that ran me down.
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Tell him to find... tell him to find...
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Here is Pete's money.
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He made it himself.
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Do you understand?
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Yes, I understand.
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Archie?
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This way.
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$4.30.
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A hearty congratulations to you.
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I figure after deducting for income tax
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and the ten cents call to Stebbins
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there's enough left over
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to put a pool over here or...
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Shut up!
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Will you return that to her tomorrow?
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I will not return it tomorrow or any other day.
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You know that's impossible.
273
00:13:52,949 --> 00:13:54,398
Give it to the red cross!
274
00:13:54,433 --> 00:13:56,186
You give it to the red cross!
275
00:13:56,221 --> 00:13:57,904
Should that woman come back
276
00:13:57,939 --> 00:13:59,203
and ask what we did with Pete's money
277
00:13:59,238 --> 00:14:00,506
I'm not going to feel like saying the red cross
278
00:14:00,541 --> 00:14:01,829
and I'm not going to lie.
279
00:14:01,864 --> 00:14:03,574
You brought him into this house!
280
00:14:03,609 --> 00:14:05,020
This is your house!
281
00:14:05,055 --> 00:14:07,012
You gave the boy cookies!
282
00:14:11,783 --> 00:14:13,085
You ate a couple of the cookies.
283
00:14:13,120 --> 00:14:14,837
What?
284
00:14:14,872 --> 00:14:16,364
Nothing.
285
00:14:16,399 --> 00:14:17,821
What?
286
00:14:17,856 --> 00:14:18,689
I didn't have a cookie.
287
00:14:18,724 --> 00:14:20,458
I did not have a single cookie.
288
00:14:20,459 --> 00:14:21,760
You had a couple of them.
289
00:14:31,303 --> 00:14:32,569
Well, you've always said
290
00:14:32,604 --> 00:14:34,990
it's not so much that you earn the money
291
00:14:35,025 --> 00:14:37,376
but to feel like you've earned the money.
292
00:14:37,411 --> 00:14:39,111
So why don't we earn our money?
293
00:14:39,146 --> 00:14:41,245
"Woman with spider earrings
294
00:14:41,280 --> 00:14:44,316
"who on Tuesday at the corner of ninth and 35th street
295
00:14:44,351 --> 00:14:47,477
"silently asked a young boy to get the police:
296
00:14:47,512 --> 00:14:49,539
"please communicate with Nero Wolfe
297
00:14:49,574 --> 00:14:52,089
at the address in the phone book. "
298
00:14:52,124 --> 00:14:54,032
There's enough there to run an ad in the Mirror
299
00:14:54,067 --> 00:14:56,895
and if not, I'll throw in a few bucks.
300
00:14:56,930 --> 00:14:59,064
I regard that as brilliant.
301
00:14:59,498 --> 00:15:01,233
We're using Pete's money
302
00:15:01,268 --> 00:15:02,534
for Pete.
303
00:15:02,968 --> 00:15:05,065
And since there's no chance there'll be a nibble
304
00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:06,438
it won't expose you to any work.
305
00:15:06,473 --> 00:15:07,306
What do you say?
306
00:15:08,513 --> 00:15:09,474
Very well.
307
00:15:12,077 --> 00:15:15,113
Tell Cohen it has to appear in tonight's edition.
308
00:15:15,148 --> 00:15:16,415
Don't explain.
309
00:15:25,958 --> 00:15:27,015
It was almost noon
310
00:15:27,050 --> 00:15:29,861
when the ad in the Mirror had baited the first fish...
311
00:15:29,896 --> 00:15:31,163
our old friend, inspector Cramer.
312
00:15:31,909 --> 00:15:33,332
Where's Wolfe?
313
00:15:33,765 --> 00:15:34,633
Inspector Cramer.
314
00:15:35,067 --> 00:15:36,980
I don't think he's expecting you.
315
00:15:37,015 --> 00:15:37,903
Damn right, he isn't.
316
00:15:38,470 --> 00:15:39,404
Archie, this is farcical.
317
00:15:39,838 --> 00:15:41,712
Why did you put that ad in the Mirror?
318
00:15:41,747 --> 00:15:42,961
I do not use brassavolas
319
00:15:42,996 --> 00:15:44,176
in trigeneric crosses.
320
00:15:45,477 --> 00:15:48,080
Now, your notebook, Archie.
321
00:15:48,115 --> 00:15:49,615
Dear Mr. Jordan...
322
00:15:49,650 --> 00:15:50,817
I asked you why...
323
00:15:50,852 --> 00:15:52,732
Dear Mr. Jordan...
324
00:15:52,767 --> 00:15:53,250
in reference to the orchids...
325
00:15:54,586 --> 00:15:55,453
You put that ad
326
00:15:55,488 --> 00:15:56,286
In the Mirror.
327
00:15:56,321 --> 00:15:57,622
...in performing...
328
00:15:57,657 --> 00:15:58,924
Damn it, Wolfe!
329
00:15:59,358 --> 00:16:01,999
In specific reference to Vanda Caerulea...
330
00:16:02,034 --> 00:16:04,129
I asked a civil question.
331
00:16:04,164 --> 00:16:05,395
Civil?
332
00:16:05,430 --> 00:16:06,497
Civilize it.
333
00:16:06,532 --> 00:16:07,564
Put it your way.
334
00:16:07,599 --> 00:16:09,768
Do you know that woman with the spider earrings?
335
00:16:09,803 --> 00:16:10,601
Archie?
336
00:16:10,636 --> 00:16:11,503
I have no idea.
337
00:16:11,538 --> 00:16:12,371
Back to the letter.
338
00:16:12,406 --> 00:16:13,637
Yes, please.
339
00:16:13,672 --> 00:16:14,973
Please, let's get back to it.
340
00:16:15,008 --> 00:16:16,275
You're covering up something.
341
00:16:16,708 --> 00:16:17,576
Or someone.
342
00:16:18,010 --> 00:16:19,745
Did you ever hear of Matthew Birch?
343
00:16:19,780 --> 00:16:20,242
Yes.
344
00:16:20,277 --> 00:16:21,095
Oh, so you have?
345
00:16:21,130 --> 00:16:21,913
Would you tell me
346
00:16:21,948 --> 00:16:23,180
when and where?
347
00:16:24,165 --> 00:16:25,167
It's in the newspaper.
348
00:16:25,937 --> 00:16:27,551
Here... as reported.
349
00:16:27,552 --> 00:16:28,385
"The body of a man
350
00:16:28,420 --> 00:16:30,155
"was found late Tuesday night...
351
00:16:30,190 --> 00:16:31,860
"in a desolate alley
352
00:16:31,895 --> 00:16:33,191
"alongside a south street pier.
353
00:16:33,226 --> 00:16:35,160
It is thought a car ran over him. "
354
00:16:35,195 --> 00:16:38,198
Except for newspaper and radio items
355
00:16:38,233 --> 00:16:38,795
connected with his death
356
00:16:38,830 --> 00:16:40,999
had you ever seen or heard of him?
357
00:16:41,433 --> 00:16:42,200
Under that name?
358
00:16:42,235 --> 00:16:43,567
Under that or under any name!
359
00:16:43,602 --> 00:16:45,771
Not to my knowledge.
360
00:16:45,806 --> 00:16:46,603
Go back.
361
00:16:46,638 --> 00:16:48,373
Have you got the spelling?
362
00:16:48,408 --> 00:16:50,252
V- A-N-D-A C-E-R-U-L-A
363
00:16:50,287 --> 00:16:52,132
E- A.
364
00:16:52,167 --> 00:16:53,977
E- A?
365
00:16:54,012 --> 00:16:57,049
Do you have any reason to suspect or suppose
366
00:16:57,084 --> 00:16:59,452
that the man found dead in the alley
367
00:16:59,487 --> 00:17:01,820
was someone you had seen or heard of
368
00:17:01,855 --> 00:17:04,097
in any connection whatsoever?
369
00:17:04,132 --> 00:17:06,092
Ah, that's more like it.
370
00:17:06,127 --> 00:17:07,877
That settles it.
371
00:17:07,912 --> 00:17:09,420
The answer is no.
372
00:17:09,455 --> 00:17:10,894
May I ask one?
373
00:17:10,929 --> 00:17:13,063
Have you any reason to suppose or suspect
374
00:17:13,098 --> 00:17:15,267
that the answer should be yes?
375
00:17:15,302 --> 00:17:18,275
Well, here's the complication:
376
00:17:19,315 --> 00:17:22,641
the car that killed that boy was found on 186th street
377
00:17:22,676 --> 00:17:24,810
with the Connecticut plates still on it.
378
00:17:26,069 --> 00:17:28,280
Technicians work out on it all morning.
379
00:17:28,714 --> 00:17:31,750
They clinched it that it killed the boy.
380
00:17:31,785 --> 00:17:33,919
Caught tight underneath the car
381
00:17:34,353 --> 00:17:38,256
was a piece of cloth the size of a man's hand
382
00:17:38,291 --> 00:17:40,738
torn from the flap of jacket
383
00:17:40,773 --> 00:17:43,895
worn by a man named Matthew Birch.
384
00:17:44,329 --> 00:17:46,064
So...
385
00:17:49,210 --> 00:17:53,872
The same car that killed that boy...
386
00:17:53,907 --> 00:17:56,041
ran over Matthew Birch.
387
00:17:57,022 --> 00:17:58,374
Do you agree?
388
00:17:58,409 --> 00:18:00,344
For a working hypothesis...
389
00:18:00,379 --> 00:18:02,114
Well that's the point!
390
00:18:02,149 --> 00:18:03,849
Wou are working on it. You put that ad in!
391
00:18:04,282 --> 00:18:07,753
I'll stipulate that I am capable of flummery...
392
00:18:08,186 --> 00:18:12,456
That I have on occasion gulled and hoaxed you, inspector
393
00:18:12,491 --> 00:18:16,727
but you know I eschew the crudeness of an explicit lie.
394
00:18:17,447 --> 00:18:19,607
I tell you, I have no client in this matter.
395
00:18:20,332 --> 00:18:21,633
Now, I will admit that the evidence
396
00:18:21,668 --> 00:18:24,472
that the boy and Matthew Birch...
397
00:18:24,507 --> 00:18:25,258
Nero Wolfe's office.
398
00:18:25,293 --> 00:18:28,573
...being killed by the same car is a noteworthy complication.
399
00:18:29,007 --> 00:18:31,176
But that should make things easier for you.
400
00:18:31,211 --> 00:18:33,345
Even though the license plate may be useless.
401
00:18:33,380 --> 00:18:35,220
Surely you can trace the car itself.
402
00:18:35,255 --> 00:18:36,517
Yeah, well, we have.
403
00:18:36,552 --> 00:18:38,360
It was stolen four months ago in Baltimore.
404
00:18:38,395 --> 00:18:40,310
It's been repainted twice.
405
00:18:44,092 --> 00:18:46,358
Well, that was, um...
406
00:18:46,393 --> 00:18:47,676
interesting.
407
00:18:47,711 --> 00:18:48,925
It was a, uh...
408
00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:51,563
telephone call in reference to...
409
00:18:52,345 --> 00:18:53,697
orchids.
410
00:18:53,732 --> 00:18:55,467
Thank you, Archie.
411
00:19:00,367 --> 00:19:01,505
Okay.
412
00:19:01,540 --> 00:19:04,716
Um, you know, I've never had any notion
413
00:19:04,751 --> 00:19:07,612
that you're a crude liar, Wolfe.
414
00:19:08,046 --> 00:19:10,215
I've never seen you be crude.
415
00:19:12,384 --> 00:19:14,553
No...
416
00:19:15,601 --> 00:19:17,155
Not crude.
417
00:19:20,833 --> 00:19:21,927
You're nice.
418
00:19:25,672 --> 00:19:27,765
Archie, I- I- I'm not happy with...
419
00:19:27,800 --> 00:19:28,433
Wait, wait, wait.
420
00:19:28,867 --> 00:19:29,734
The phone call.
421
00:19:29,769 --> 00:19:30,567
Hmm?
422
00:19:30,602 --> 00:19:32,302
It was...
423
00:19:32,337 --> 00:19:34,471
a woman answering the ad.
424
00:19:35,238 --> 00:19:36,675
She wouldn't give her name, uh...
425
00:19:37,976 --> 00:19:39,814
Uh, she made an appointment.
426
00:19:40,613 --> 00:19:41,845
It's lunch.
427
00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:44,265
Uh, she made an appointment
428
00:19:44,300 --> 00:19:46,651
for 20 minutes from now.
429
00:19:49,598 --> 00:19:51,423
Archie, this is insufferable.
430
00:19:52,096 --> 00:19:53,158
So...
431
00:19:57,613 --> 00:19:59,881
Dear Mr. Jordan...
432
00:19:59,916 --> 00:20:01,397
"dear Mr. Jordan... "
433
00:20:21,749 --> 00:20:22,576
Mr. Wolfe?
434
00:20:22,611 --> 00:20:24,150
No, I'm Archie Goodwin
435
00:20:24,185 --> 00:20:25,690
Mr. Wolfe's assistant.
436
00:20:26,489 --> 00:20:27,859
Right on the dot.
437
00:20:30,462 --> 00:20:32,631
I am usually punctual.
438
00:20:34,855 --> 00:20:36,066
What can I do for you, madam?
439
00:20:36,101 --> 00:20:38,486
This is a clipping of your advertisement.
440
00:20:38,521 --> 00:20:40,872
And this is a check made out to you for $500.
441
00:20:40,907 --> 00:20:42,607
May I see it, please?
442
00:20:42,642 --> 00:20:43,874
Not yet.
443
00:20:43,909 --> 00:20:45,860
It has my name on it.
444
00:20:45,895 --> 00:20:47,777
So I would guess.
445
00:20:47,812 --> 00:20:51,716
I want to ask you some things before I give you my name.
446
00:20:51,751 --> 00:20:52,983
What things?
447
00:20:53,763 --> 00:20:57,532
About the boy... the boy I asked to see a cop.
448
00:20:58,575 --> 00:20:59,946
I would like to see him.
449
00:20:59,981 --> 00:21:02,092
Will you arrange for me to see him?
450
00:21:03,457 --> 00:21:06,021
If you could just give me his name and address
451
00:21:06,056 --> 00:21:08,586
I think that that woud be enough for the $500.
452
00:21:08,633 --> 00:21:09,900
Describe the boy.
453
00:21:10,687 --> 00:21:13,086
Describe the other occupants of the car.
454
00:21:13,121 --> 00:21:14,238
What time did it happen?
455
00:21:14,273 --> 00:21:15,356
What did the boy say?
456
00:21:15,391 --> 00:21:17,198
Exactly what did he do?
457
00:21:17,233 --> 00:21:18,575
As for your name
458
00:21:18,610 --> 00:21:20,465
that is no longer in your discretion.
459
00:21:20,500 --> 00:21:21,611
Mr. Goodwin seizes
460
00:21:21,646 --> 00:21:23,815
your bag... by force, if necessary...
461
00:21:23,850 --> 00:21:25,544
and examines its contents.
462
00:21:25,579 --> 00:21:27,285
If you complain, we are two to one.
463
00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:29,020
Sit down, madam!
464
00:21:32,618 --> 00:21:35,492
I like eyes at a level.
465
00:21:35,527 --> 00:21:38,129
Sit down and we'll discuss it.
466
00:21:38,563 --> 00:21:40,298
But first, the name.
467
00:21:48,106 --> 00:21:50,058
My driving license.
468
00:21:50,746 --> 00:21:52,010
I am Mrs. Laura Fromm.
469
00:21:52,045 --> 00:21:53,276
I am a widow.
470
00:21:53,311 --> 00:21:55,188
My New York residence is...
471
00:21:55,223 --> 00:21:56,155
I've noted it.
472
00:21:57,011 --> 00:21:58,237
You still maintain
473
00:21:58,272 --> 00:22:00,466
you were driving the car, and told the boy to get a cop?
474
00:22:00,501 --> 00:22:02,310
I do, most certainly.
475
00:22:02,345 --> 00:22:04,120
Then you're in a pickle.
476
00:22:04,155 --> 00:22:06,031
The police want to question you
477
00:22:06,066 --> 00:22:08,059
about a murder.
478
00:22:09,049 --> 00:22:11,371
Yesterday, a car ran over the boy
479
00:22:11,406 --> 00:22:13,693
and killed him... intentionally.
480
00:22:15,961 --> 00:22:17,631
What are you saying?
481
00:22:17,666 --> 00:22:19,302
It was the same car...
482
00:22:19,337 --> 00:22:21,941
the one you profess to be driving
483
00:22:21,976 --> 00:22:24,109
when you spoke to the boy.
484
00:22:24,542 --> 00:22:25,844
I don't believe it.
485
00:22:25,879 --> 00:22:27,110
You will.
486
00:22:27,145 --> 00:22:28,429
The police will explain to you
487
00:22:28,464 --> 00:22:29,713
how they know it was the same car.
488
00:22:29,748 --> 00:22:31,916
There's no question about it, Mrs. Fromm.
489
00:22:31,951 --> 00:22:34,902
I am not assuming that you were driving the car
490
00:22:34,937 --> 00:22:37,520
that killed the boy, but I tell you
491
00:22:37,555 --> 00:22:40,592
merely by being drawn to me by that advertisement
492
00:22:41,026 --> 00:22:43,194
and coming rigged in those earrings
493
00:22:43,229 --> 00:22:44,894
you have put your foot in it.
494
00:22:44,929 --> 00:22:48,399
And if you stick to it that you were driving the car
495
00:22:48,434 --> 00:22:51,870
you will have fully qualified as a feeble-minded donkey.
496
00:22:53,605 --> 00:22:55,340
I was not...
497
00:22:56,207 --> 00:22:58,376
driving the car.
498
00:22:59,252 --> 00:23:00,545
That's better.
499
00:23:02,304 --> 00:23:04,814
Where were you Tuesday evening between 6:30 and 7:00?
500
00:23:04,849 --> 00:23:06,149
At an executive meeting
501
00:23:06,184 --> 00:23:08,787
for the aid to european refugees.
502
00:23:08,822 --> 00:23:11,554
And the following day, Wednesday?
503
00:23:11,589 --> 00:23:12,222
Where was I?
504
00:23:12,257 --> 00:23:14,214
Same time... 6:30 to 7:00?
505
00:23:14,249 --> 00:23:15,317
What is has got?
506
00:23:18,277 --> 00:23:20,964
That's when he was struck and killed.
507
00:23:25,270 --> 00:23:27,872
I was having tea with a friend.
508
00:23:27,907 --> 00:23:29,758
The friend's name, please?
509
00:23:29,793 --> 00:23:31,450
The friend's name is Paul Kuffner...
510
00:23:31,485 --> 00:23:33,078
my publicist.
511
00:23:44,355 --> 00:23:46,091
This is a check
512
00:23:46,524 --> 00:23:47,825
for $10,000.
513
00:23:49,064 --> 00:23:50,503
I see it is.
514
00:23:50,538 --> 00:23:51,943
It's a retainer.
515
00:23:51,978 --> 00:23:52,597
For what?
516
00:23:53,031 --> 00:23:55,633
It seems as though I'm going to need your expert advice
517
00:23:55,668 --> 00:23:56,952
and maybe your help.
518
00:23:56,987 --> 00:23:58,201
Bosh. You're offering
519
00:23:58,236 --> 00:24:00,356
to pay me not to tell the police of your visit.
520
00:24:00,391 --> 00:24:02,825
I am Mrs. Damon Fromm.
521
00:24:02,860 --> 00:24:06,390
My husband left me a large fortune.
522
00:24:06,425 --> 00:24:09,885
I have position and responsibilities.
523
00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:14,222
If you would to report my visit to the police, I would arrange
524
00:24:14,257 --> 00:24:16,419
to see the commissioner.
525
00:24:16,454 --> 00:24:20,792
So... if you would come to my home tomorrow...
526
00:24:20,827 --> 00:24:23,394
I don't go to people's homes.
527
00:24:24,045 --> 00:24:25,962
Fine.
528
00:24:25,997 --> 00:24:27,732
Then I will come here
529
00:24:27,767 --> 00:24:29,484
at noon.
530
00:24:30,261 --> 00:24:31,487
Until then
531
00:24:31,522 --> 00:24:34,672
you will not report my coming here.
532
00:24:37,275 --> 00:24:40,169
I want to...
533
00:24:40,204 --> 00:24:42,707
I must see someone.
534
00:24:43,348 --> 00:24:46,053
I must try to find out something.
535
00:24:46,088 --> 00:24:48,119
If I don't, you may inform the police.
536
00:24:48,154 --> 00:24:52,114
If I do, I will need your advice
537
00:24:52,149 --> 00:24:54,830
and probably your help.
538
00:24:54,865 --> 00:24:57,345
That's what the $10,000 is for.
539
00:24:57,380 --> 00:24:59,826
Archie, is she Mrs. Damon Fromm?
540
00:25:00,647 --> 00:25:01,531
I would say yes
541
00:25:01,566 --> 00:25:03,301
but I wouldn't sign it.
542
00:25:03,735 --> 00:25:06,083
Archie, go to Mr. Cohen's office and ask to see pictures
543
00:25:06,118 --> 00:25:07,429
of Mrs. Damon Fromm.
544
00:25:07,464 --> 00:25:08,705
Phone me from there.
545
00:25:08,740 --> 00:25:11,976
You will stay here with me.
546
00:25:12,410 --> 00:25:13,711
This is ridiculous.
547
00:25:14,145 --> 00:25:16,722
No doubt, but under the circumstances
548
00:25:16,757 --> 00:25:17,907
not unreasonable.
549
00:25:17,942 --> 00:25:19,611
Do you refuse?
550
00:25:19,646 --> 00:25:21,246
No. I deserve it.
551
00:25:21,281 --> 00:25:22,387
It isn't necessary, Archie.
552
00:25:22,422 --> 00:25:24,087
You are Mrs. Fromm.
553
00:25:24,122 --> 00:25:26,689
Before you leave, an understanding:
554
00:25:26,724 --> 00:25:29,977
my decision whether to accept your retainer
555
00:25:30,012 --> 00:25:33,231
and work for you will be made tomorrow.
556
00:25:33,266 --> 00:25:35,684
You are not now my client.
557
00:25:35,719 --> 00:25:37,152
Understood.
558
00:25:37,187 --> 00:25:38,835
And a question:
559
00:25:38,870 --> 00:25:42,140
do you know who the woman was
560
00:25:42,175 --> 00:25:44,943
who was driving the car Tuesday and spoke to the boy?
561
00:25:44,978 --> 00:25:48,996
I won't answer that now because I can't.
562
00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:51,015
I really don't know.
563
00:25:51,449 --> 00:25:52,317
But you think you know?
564
00:25:52,352 --> 00:25:54,128
I won't answer it.
565
00:25:54,163 --> 00:25:55,353
Have you ever seen or heard
566
00:25:55,388 --> 00:25:57,322
of a man named Matthew Birch?
567
00:25:57,357 --> 00:25:58,507
No. Why?
568
00:25:58,542 --> 00:26:00,161
A man of that name
569
00:26:00,196 --> 00:26:04,675
was run over and killed by a car Tuesday night
570
00:26:04,710 --> 00:26:07,932
and it was the same car that killed the boy Wednesday.
571
00:26:08,366 --> 00:26:10,201
Since the car itself
572
00:26:10,236 --> 00:26:13,507
cannot be supposed ruthless and malign
573
00:26:13,542 --> 00:26:16,778
someone associated with it must be.
574
00:26:16,813 --> 00:26:19,175
I am warning you
575
00:26:19,210 --> 00:26:21,379
not to be foolhardy...
576
00:26:21,414 --> 00:26:23,548
or even imprudent.
577
00:26:26,730 --> 00:26:28,406
Mrs. Fromm extended her hand.
578
00:26:28,441 --> 00:26:31,155
Wolfe doesn't usually rise when a woman enters or leaves
579
00:26:31,190 --> 00:26:31,754
but it was lunch time
580
00:26:31,789 --> 00:26:33,091
and the hand was in the way.
581
00:26:33,524 --> 00:26:35,260
I walked Mrs. Fromm to the door
582
00:26:35,295 --> 00:26:36,526
spent the rest of the day
583
00:26:36,561 --> 00:26:38,730
making sure her check was bona fide.
584
00:26:46,217 --> 00:26:48,556
That woman is 18 minutes late
585
00:26:48,591 --> 00:26:53,044
and I shall not permit this to interfere with my lunch.
586
00:26:53,079 --> 00:26:55,213
She must have heard you.
587
00:26:59,984 --> 00:27:02,803
I'm Denis Horan, counselor-at-law.
588
00:27:02,838 --> 00:27:05,623
James Albert Maddox, also an attorney.
589
00:27:05,658 --> 00:27:07,098
There's been a terrible tragedy.
590
00:27:07,133 --> 00:27:09,093
We must see Nero Wolfe.
591
00:27:10,395 --> 00:27:12,528
Mrs. Fromm's body was found an hour ago.
592
00:27:12,563 --> 00:27:15,600
She was apparently run over by an automobile.
593
00:27:19,682 --> 00:27:21,673
Is that the reason you've come to see me?
594
00:27:22,106 --> 00:27:24,186
Mrs. Fromm was a former friend and client.
595
00:27:24,221 --> 00:27:25,108
Not your client.
596
00:27:25,143 --> 00:27:25,872
I advised her.
597
00:27:25,907 --> 00:27:26,865
Badly.
598
00:27:26,900 --> 00:27:29,047
Perhaps it would be well for each of you to tell me...
599
00:27:29,082 --> 00:27:31,180
without interruption...
600
00:27:31,215 --> 00:27:34,212
to what extent, and with what authority
601
00:27:34,247 --> 00:27:34,920
you represent Mrs. Fromm.
602
00:27:34,955 --> 00:27:37,118
I represent Mrs. Fromm.
603
00:27:37,153 --> 00:27:37,687
You do not.
604
00:27:37,722 --> 00:27:39,900
My firm is counsel to Mrs. Fromm.
605
00:27:39,935 --> 00:27:40,290
I am counsel
606
00:27:40,325 --> 00:27:43,100
for the association of european refugees.
607
00:27:43,135 --> 00:27:43,361
I am also
608
00:27:43,795 --> 00:27:45,530
executor of Mrs. Fromm's estate.
609
00:27:46,592 --> 00:27:47,230
And in that capacity, Mr. Wolfe
610
00:27:47,265 --> 00:27:50,156
I ask you formally, under what conditions
611
00:27:50,191 --> 00:27:51,096
and for what purpose
612
00:27:51,131 --> 00:27:54,205
did she give you a check for $10,000?
613
00:27:54,240 --> 00:27:55,940
I prefer not to tell you.
614
00:27:57,057 --> 00:27:58,222
Do you know the law, Mr. Wolfe?
615
00:27:58,257 --> 00:27:59,027
No.
616
00:27:59,062 --> 00:28:01,115
Then I suggest you to seek advice.
617
00:28:01,150 --> 00:28:03,764
I can compel you to disgorge that check
618
00:28:03,799 --> 00:28:05,105
Unless you can establish
619
00:28:05,140 --> 00:28:07,218
that Mrs. Fromm received value for it.
620
00:28:07,253 --> 00:28:09,187
I can't. She received nothing.
621
00:28:09,222 --> 00:28:11,122
But I intend to earn that money.
622
00:28:11,157 --> 00:28:11,990
How?
623
00:28:12,423 --> 00:28:13,441
By making sure
624
00:28:13,476 --> 00:28:15,893
her murderer is exposed and punished.
625
00:28:15,928 --> 00:28:17,195
That's ridiculous.
626
00:28:17,230 --> 00:28:18,930
We'll see.
627
00:28:20,231 --> 00:28:22,723
Am I correct, sir
628
00:28:22,758 --> 00:28:25,023
in assuming that you are not demanding
629
00:28:25,058 --> 00:28:28,039
that I return the money Mrs. Fromm paid me?
630
00:28:28,074 --> 00:28:29,305
That depends.
631
00:28:30,282 --> 00:28:31,040
Tell me under what arrangement
632
00:28:31,075 --> 00:28:33,241
and for what purpose the check was made out
633
00:28:33,276 --> 00:28:34,510
and I will consider the matter.
634
00:28:34,545 --> 00:28:36,714
No, sir. I will tell you nothing whatsoever
635
00:28:36,749 --> 00:28:38,581
of the conversation I had with Mrs. Fromm.
636
00:28:38,616 --> 00:28:40,114
Then you're withholding evidence.
637
00:28:40,149 --> 00:28:42,353
Phooey! I will report it to the police...
638
00:28:42,388 --> 00:28:44,088
in writing... signed.
639
00:28:44,123 --> 00:28:44,956
Archie?
640
00:28:45,390 --> 00:28:46,084
And why not to me?
641
00:28:46,119 --> 00:28:48,379
Because I'm not a simpleton.
642
00:28:48,414 --> 00:28:50,604
Because I have reason to think
643
00:28:50,639 --> 00:28:53,197
that the conversation that I had with Mrs. Fromm
644
00:28:53,232 --> 00:28:55,800
was one of the links in a chain that led to her death.
645
00:28:55,835 --> 00:28:57,066
And if that is so
646
00:28:57,101 --> 00:28:59,704
the person most eager to know what she said to me
647
00:28:59,739 --> 00:29:01,005
is probably her murderer.
648
00:29:01,439 --> 00:29:02,705
Nonsense.
649
00:29:02,740 --> 00:29:05,126
I am not her murderer.
650
00:29:05,161 --> 00:29:07,512
That remains to be seen.
651
00:29:07,547 --> 00:29:08,778
This is a sham.
652
00:29:09,971 --> 00:29:12,891
You're not interested in finding the killer of my client.
653
00:29:13,083 --> 00:29:14,084
Excuse me.
654
00:29:15,319 --> 00:29:17,324
You're only interested in the $10,000.
655
00:29:20,108 --> 00:29:21,406
I'm going to replevy that money.
656
00:29:21,441 --> 00:29:22,705
Archie, call inspector Cramer.
657
00:29:22,740 --> 00:29:23,900
Wait a minute.
658
00:29:23,935 --> 00:29:25,695
You're making a mistake, Wolfe.
659
00:29:25,730 --> 00:29:27,465
You say you want to investigate a murder
660
00:29:27,500 --> 00:29:28,973
yet you have two of the people
661
00:29:29,008 --> 00:29:31,149
closest to Mrs. Fromm here in your office
662
00:29:31,150 --> 00:29:32,392
and you chase one of them out!
663
00:29:32,427 --> 00:29:36,348
Bosh! Will you describe, fully and frankly
664
00:29:36,383 --> 00:29:39,177
the course and nature of your relations with Mrs. Fromm?
665
00:29:39,212 --> 00:29:40,443
Certainly not.
666
00:29:40,478 --> 00:29:42,377
If I send Mr. Goodwin to the office
667
00:29:42,412 --> 00:29:44,277
of the association of european refugees
668
00:29:44,312 --> 00:29:45,490
will you instruct the staff
669
00:29:45,525 --> 00:29:48,201
to answer his questions fully and freely?
670
00:29:48,236 --> 00:29:48,684
No. I...
671
00:29:48,719 --> 00:29:50,888
Then I have little use for you.
672
00:29:50,923 --> 00:29:53,057
Archie, show Mr. Horan to the door.
673
00:29:53,092 --> 00:29:54,536
Counselor.
674
00:30:01,448 --> 00:30:04,415
I wasn't sure Mrs. Fromm would like to be called a socialite.
675
00:30:04,450 --> 00:30:07,383
It didn't seem very dignified, but then, it isn't dignified
676
00:30:07,418 --> 00:30:09,540
to be murdered by a car, either.
677
00:30:09,575 --> 00:30:10,842
Hey, Lon!
678
00:30:10,877 --> 00:30:11,670
Hey!
679
00:30:11,705 --> 00:30:13,845
Well, well, well, so Nero Wolfe is on the case.
680
00:30:13,880 --> 00:30:14,955
I was just passing by.
681
00:30:14,990 --> 00:30:17,478
I wanted to ask a few questions.
682
00:30:18,782 --> 00:30:20,678
What do you know about Nora Fromm's activities
683
00:30:20,713 --> 00:30:22,553
the day she was killed?
684
00:30:22,588 --> 00:30:23,855
What do I get?
685
00:30:24,288 --> 00:30:26,674
Appreciation, respect... trust me.
686
00:30:26,709 --> 00:30:29,060
Eh... all right, start with lunch
687
00:30:29,095 --> 00:30:31,627
at the Churchill, Paul Kaffner...
688
00:30:31,662 --> 00:30:33,596
public relations guy for the A.E.R.
689
00:30:33,631 --> 00:30:35,531
The association for european refugees.
690
00:30:35,566 --> 00:30:37,301
Kuffner told the cops she was worried about something.
691
00:30:37,336 --> 00:30:39,001
What happened after lunch?
692
00:30:39,036 --> 00:30:40,540
Went back to the A.E.R. office
693
00:30:40,575 --> 00:30:42,343
where a Mrs. Wright, executive-something
694
00:30:42,378 --> 00:30:44,675
says she spent their time going over the books.
695
00:30:44,710 --> 00:30:46,596
Then Fromm goes home
696
00:30:46,631 --> 00:30:49,447
meets her personal secretary, friend and confidante.
697
00:30:49,881 --> 00:30:50,612
Named?
698
00:30:50,647 --> 00:30:53,351
Jean Estey. Estey helps her get dressed for dinner.
699
00:30:53,386 --> 00:30:55,087
The buter said they had some argument.
700
00:30:55,789 --> 00:30:56,786
Where's dinner?
701
00:30:56,821 --> 00:30:58,556
Denis Horan's apartment.
702
00:30:58,591 --> 00:30:59,388
Yeah? Who's there?
703
00:30:59,423 --> 00:31:01,158
Just Horan, his wife Claire
704
00:31:01,193 --> 00:31:02,894
Angela Wright and Paul Kuffner.
705
00:31:03,327 --> 00:31:04,594
Dinner breaks early.
706
00:31:04,629 --> 00:31:08,064
Rumor is, Horan was overly familiar with Mrs. Fromm
707
00:31:08,099 --> 00:31:11,135
so he walks her back to the car and watches her drive away.
708
00:31:11,248 --> 00:31:14,172
Yeah, so he was the last man to see her alive, huh?
709
00:31:14,207 --> 00:31:15,473
As far as is known.
710
00:31:15,907 --> 00:31:19,377
Listen, uh, anything new on this, uh, Matthew Birch guy?
711
00:31:19,810 --> 00:31:20,678
What's Matthew Birch got to do with it?
712
00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,508
Are you saying his murder's connected to Fromm?
713
00:31:24,582 --> 00:31:26,614
Eh, what else you know about the guy, huh?
714
00:31:26,649 --> 00:31:27,793
He's a special agent
715
00:31:27,828 --> 00:31:29,600
for immigration and naturalization services.
716
00:31:29,635 --> 00:31:31,683
Married, seems to live above his means.
717
00:31:31,718 --> 00:31:33,257
What do you got?
718
00:31:33,691 --> 00:31:35,426
Eh, the cops seem to have it wrapped up
719
00:31:35,461 --> 00:31:37,167
that the same car that killed the kid
720
00:31:37,202 --> 00:31:38,427
killed Birch.
721
00:31:38,462 --> 00:31:40,667
Hey, and Fromm was killed by a car also.
722
00:31:40,702 --> 00:31:41,733
That's sweet, Archie.
723
00:31:41,768 --> 00:31:43,199
That's very sweet.
724
00:31:43,234 --> 00:31:45,403
So who hired Nero Wolfe?
725
00:31:45,438 --> 00:31:47,537
Nope. Not yet.
726
00:31:47,572 --> 00:31:49,705
Hey, what you mean? Come on! Come on!
727
00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:52,343
I promise you I'll give you an exclusive later.
728
00:31:52,378 --> 00:31:54,078
Hey Arch...!
729
00:31:58,416 --> 00:32:00,116
No tasting.
730
00:32:01,091 --> 00:32:02,727
I wasn't tasting. I was sampling.
731
00:32:02,753 --> 00:32:04,922
You must explain to me the difference someday.
732
00:32:05,356 --> 00:32:06,657
Inspector Cramer was here.
733
00:32:07,358 --> 00:32:08,728
Any blood flow?
734
00:32:08,763 --> 00:32:11,051
You'll have to ask him yourself.
735
00:32:13,647 --> 00:32:16,070
The top floor was devoted to Wolfe's second obsession:
736
00:32:16,105 --> 00:32:17,466
Orchids.
737
00:32:18,022 --> 00:32:19,887
Eh, cattleyas.
738
00:32:20,356 --> 00:32:22,885
Wrong. Andropium.
739
00:32:24,170 --> 00:32:26,696
What information did you obtain from Mr. Cohen?
740
00:32:26,731 --> 00:32:31,382
Well, miss Fromm had quite a busy social schedule...
741
00:32:31,417 --> 00:32:33,082
And so I told him.
742
00:32:33,117 --> 00:32:35,286
Wolfe sat there with eyes closed and nose twitching.
743
00:32:35,321 --> 00:32:37,455
...her publicist Mr. Kuffner...
744
00:32:37,888 --> 00:32:42,660
When I finished, he held his pose for a long moment
745
00:32:42,695 --> 00:32:45,263
absorbing everything... I think.
746
00:32:45,696 --> 00:32:49,284
Then he opened his eyes.
747
00:32:51,551 --> 00:32:53,027
Cramer was here.
748
00:32:53,062 --> 00:32:54,469
Yes. So Fritz said.
749
00:32:54,504 --> 00:32:56,072
Yes. He was uncommonly offensive.
750
00:32:56,107 --> 00:32:58,709
He intimated that had I told him yesterday
751
00:32:58,744 --> 00:33:01,312
of Mrs. Fromm's visit, she would not...
752
00:33:01,347 --> 00:33:03,047
have been killed.
753
00:33:05,750 --> 00:33:07,648
He was insufferable.
754
00:33:09,059 --> 00:33:11,423
How old is Jean Estey?
755
00:33:11,458 --> 00:33:13,752
Lon didn't specify.
756
00:33:13,787 --> 00:33:16,156
He thought young, I suppose under 30.
757
00:33:16,191 --> 00:33:16,892
Why?
758
00:33:16,927 --> 00:33:18,229
Is she comely?
759
00:33:18,264 --> 00:33:19,096
No data.
760
00:33:19,530 --> 00:33:21,699
Get her and bring her here.
761
00:33:21,734 --> 00:33:23,868
"Get her and bring her here. "
762
00:33:23,903 --> 00:33:25,568
Well, that's Nero Wolfe.
763
00:33:25,603 --> 00:33:27,555
How was I even going to get to see Jean Estey?
764
00:33:27,590 --> 00:33:30,915
I concocted and rejected four different plans.
765
00:33:30,950 --> 00:33:31,676
Yes...?
766
00:33:31,711 --> 00:33:33,728
Uh, yes, there seems to be some confusion
767
00:33:33,763 --> 00:33:35,145
about the flower arrangements for the funeral.
768
00:33:35,146 --> 00:33:37,315
I must consult with miss Estey immediately.
769
00:33:37,350 --> 00:33:38,616
Mr. Goodwin is the name.
770
00:33:39,392 --> 00:33:40,354
This way, please.
771
00:33:40,389 --> 00:33:41,994
Thank you.
772
00:33:47,291 --> 00:33:49,026
What's this about flowers?
773
00:33:49,061 --> 00:33:51,160
Miss Jean Estey?
774
00:33:51,195 --> 00:33:53,763
Yes. What about flowers?
775
00:33:53,798 --> 00:33:55,750
Yes, that's why I've come to see you.
776
00:33:55,785 --> 00:33:57,702
Have you heard the name "Nero Wolfe"?
777
00:33:57,737 --> 00:33:58,569
The detective?
778
00:33:58,604 --> 00:33:59,437
Yes.
779
00:33:59,870 --> 00:34:01,371
Well, certainly.
780
00:34:01,406 --> 00:34:02,872
Good. He sent me.
781
00:34:02,907 --> 00:34:04,607
Mr. Wolfe would like to know
782
00:34:04,642 --> 00:34:07,244
if there would be any objection to orchids...
783
00:34:07,279 --> 00:34:11,547
miltonia roezlii alba.
784
00:34:11,582 --> 00:34:15,486
They're pure white and... quite beautiful.
785
00:34:20,679 --> 00:34:22,383
Eh, grief... grief.
786
00:34:22,418 --> 00:34:24,436
I'm quite accustomed.
787
00:34:24,471 --> 00:34:26,454
We have it under control.
788
00:34:26,489 --> 00:34:28,499
Thank you, thank you.
789
00:34:28,534 --> 00:34:29,800
You-You see...
790
00:34:29,835 --> 00:34:31,102
pardon?
791
00:34:33,704 --> 00:34:36,884
What started me was the way you're dressed.
792
00:34:36,919 --> 00:34:38,663
Ot, it's grotesque.
793
00:34:38,698 --> 00:34:41,512
Yes, well, the costume merely got me in.
794
00:34:41,547 --> 00:34:44,080
Why, yes, I understand...
795
00:34:44,115 --> 00:34:45,850
under false pretenses, and what for?
796
00:34:46,283 --> 00:34:47,983
Mr. Wolfe would like to invite you to dinner.
797
00:34:48,018 --> 00:34:50,187
Are you aware that Mrs. Fromm gave Mr. Wolfe a check
798
00:34:50,222 --> 00:34:51,454
for $10,000 yesterday?
799
00:34:51,489 --> 00:34:53,657
Yes. I handle her personal checking account.
800
00:34:53,692 --> 00:34:55,826
Ah. Did she tell you what the check was for?
801
00:34:56,260 --> 00:34:57,128
No.
802
00:34:57,561 --> 00:34:58,828
Well, I can't tell you, either.
803
00:34:58,863 --> 00:35:00,993
But I can tell you that Mr. Wolfe feels responsible
804
00:35:01,028 --> 00:35:02,003
for Mrs. Fromm
805
00:35:02,038 --> 00:35:05,334
and feels an obligation to investigate her death.
806
00:35:05,369 --> 00:35:07,538
Oh, the police are investigating it.
807
00:35:08,068 --> 00:35:10,347
Two of them left here just a half an hour ago.
808
00:35:10,382 --> 00:35:12,274
Yes, yes, the police.
809
00:35:12,309 --> 00:35:13,811
I'm sure they'll do a very fine job
810
00:35:13,846 --> 00:35:14,664
and they'll solve it.
811
00:35:14,699 --> 00:35:16,647
But if they don't, Mr. Wolfe will.
812
00:35:18,375 --> 00:35:21,852
Don't you... want Mr. Wolfe to solve it?
813
00:35:21,887 --> 00:35:24,420
It doesn't matter what I want.
814
00:35:24,455 --> 00:35:25,928
Well, it matters to Mr. Wolfe, and that's why
815
00:35:25,963 --> 00:35:27,509
he's inviting you to dinner.
816
00:35:27,544 --> 00:35:28,864
Our offices are at 35th street.
817
00:35:28,899 --> 00:35:30,961
We could be there in 15 minutes. Shall we go?
818
00:35:30,996 --> 00:35:31,853
Oh, go now?
819
00:35:31,888 --> 00:35:32,380
Yes.
820
00:35:32,415 --> 00:35:35,227
Oh, no. Look, I may be
821
00:35:35,262 --> 00:35:38,005
in the middle of this mess
822
00:35:38,040 --> 00:35:39,923
but I'm not going to say or do anything
823
00:35:39,958 --> 00:35:41,806
to make it worse than it already is.
824
00:35:41,841 --> 00:35:43,020
Now, I've been instructed...
825
00:35:43,055 --> 00:35:44,164
Miss Estey! There you are.
826
00:35:44,199 --> 00:35:46,143
Archie Goodwin. I work for Nero Wolfe.
827
00:35:46,178 --> 00:35:47,028
I'm in disguise.
828
00:35:47,063 --> 00:35:48,196
I'm Paul Kuffner.
829
00:35:48,312 --> 00:35:49,145
I...
830
00:35:49,180 --> 00:35:51,845
handle public relations for Mrs. Fromm
831
00:35:51,880 --> 00:35:53,951
and I am not in disguise.
832
00:35:54,385 --> 00:35:56,520
Sorry to break in like this and take miss Estey away
833
00:35:56,555 --> 00:35:58,722
but there are urgent matters.
834
00:35:59,156 --> 00:36:00,423
Upstairs, please, miss Estey.
835
00:36:00,458 --> 00:36:02,409
Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Goodwin.
836
00:36:02,444 --> 00:36:04,270
I've heard a great deal about you and Mr. Wolfe.
837
00:36:04,305 --> 00:36:06,096
Ah, Beecham, Mr. Goodwin is leaving.
838
00:36:06,131 --> 00:36:07,398
See him to the door, would you?
839
00:36:07,433 --> 00:36:08,420
It was a fine job.
840
00:36:08,455 --> 00:36:10,276
He could have said, "get out of this house 'til I ask
841
00:36:10,311 --> 00:36:13,037
Miss Estey what you're trying to put over. "
842
00:36:13,072 --> 00:36:14,303
But no, sir.
843
00:36:14,909 --> 00:36:17,808
Gentlemen, uh, Fritz has provided us with some...
844
00:36:17,843 --> 00:36:19,942
lovely homemade cookies
845
00:36:19,977 --> 00:36:22,296
in case any of you is interested.
846
00:36:22,331 --> 00:36:23,621
Napkins are provided.
847
00:36:23,656 --> 00:36:25,182
Hello, everyone!
848
00:36:25,217 --> 00:36:26,718
I'm a mortician.
849
00:36:26,753 --> 00:36:27,768
Saul, Fred, Orrie.
850
00:36:27,803 --> 00:36:29,970
Saul, Fred and Orrie, our best freelance operatives
851
00:36:30,005 --> 00:36:32,148
were waiting when I got back to the office.
852
00:36:32,183 --> 00:36:34,291
So you went to miss Estey dressed as...?
853
00:36:34,326 --> 00:36:35,593
A mortician.
854
00:36:35,628 --> 00:36:36,460
Ah.
855
00:36:36,894 --> 00:36:37,726
This got me in.
856
00:36:37,761 --> 00:36:38,807
Unfortunately, miss Estey
857
00:36:38,842 --> 00:36:41,232
with the well-timed help of a Paul Kuffner
858
00:36:41,267 --> 00:36:42,967
refused your dinner invitation.
859
00:36:43,002 --> 00:36:45,135
You don't look very alert.
860
00:36:47,054 --> 00:36:49,203
Sit down, Archie.
861
00:36:49,900 --> 00:36:51,642
Remove the silly cap.
862
00:36:53,121 --> 00:36:56,636
So, I must inform you of the situation
863
00:36:56,671 --> 00:36:58,981
in all of its intricacy.
864
00:36:59,016 --> 00:37:01,150
The police will tell me nothing.
865
00:37:01,185 --> 00:37:04,655
With all of their advantages of manpower and authority...
866
00:37:04,690 --> 00:37:07,365
they will certainly forestall us.
867
00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:11,218
But I intend to persuade myself that I am justified
868
00:37:11,253 --> 00:37:13,159
in keeping Mrs. Fromm's fee.
869
00:37:13,194 --> 00:37:15,065
Besides, I resent the assumption
870
00:37:15,100 --> 00:37:16,765
that those who come to seek my help
871
00:37:16,800 --> 00:37:20,271
may be murdered with impunity... that's the personal reason.
872
00:37:21,068 --> 00:37:22,442
We'll get the bastard.
873
00:37:22,477 --> 00:37:25,153
I doubt it, Fred.
874
00:37:25,188 --> 00:37:27,795
But we will try.
875
00:37:27,830 --> 00:37:31,054
There are dozens of possible approaches to the problem.
876
00:37:32,281 --> 00:37:34,992
So Saul, tell me, where do you want to start?
877
00:37:35,027 --> 00:37:37,187
I'd kind of like to start with that A.E.R. place...
878
00:37:37,621 --> 00:37:38,489
that refugee joint?
879
00:37:38,923 --> 00:37:40,224
Mrs. Fromm's organization.
880
00:37:40,259 --> 00:37:41,490
Why?
881
00:37:41,525 --> 00:37:43,089
Because they're interested in refugees
882
00:37:43,124 --> 00:37:44,517
and Birch used to be
883
00:37:44,552 --> 00:37:46,877
with the immigration and naturalization service.
884
00:37:46,912 --> 00:37:50,372
That's the one connection I see between Birch and Mrs. Fromm.
885
00:37:50,407 --> 00:37:51,412
Very well.
886
00:37:51,447 --> 00:37:53,942
Take $200 in expenses.
887
00:37:53,977 --> 00:37:56,273
But a displaced person would not be lavish.
888
00:37:56,308 --> 00:37:58,841
Yeah, I know that.
889
00:37:58,876 --> 00:38:00,866
I'll start with the spider earrings...
890
00:38:00,901 --> 00:38:01,912
not that I've seen any.
891
00:38:01,947 --> 00:38:03,213
How big were they?
892
00:38:03,248 --> 00:38:04,515
Archie?
893
00:38:04,949 --> 00:38:06,666
Like so, like so.
894
00:38:06,701 --> 00:38:08,384
Were they gold?
895
00:38:08,419 --> 00:38:10,924
I think they were gold, but don't quote me.
896
00:38:11,668 --> 00:38:16,361
Archie, give Orrie... $100.
897
00:38:20,439 --> 00:38:21,586
What about you, Fred?
898
00:38:21,621 --> 00:38:22,733
Where do you start?
899
00:38:22,768 --> 00:38:24,034
Them earrings.
900
00:38:27,947 --> 00:38:29,023
No. They're- They're covered.
901
00:38:29,058 --> 00:38:32,293
Has anyone a suggestion for Fred?
902
00:38:33,453 --> 00:38:34,878
We'll think of something.
903
00:38:36,416 --> 00:38:37,424
Let's try this:
904
00:38:37,459 --> 00:38:41,580
I assume that on Tuesday afternoon
905
00:38:41,615 --> 00:38:44,551
when the woman driver stopped at the corner
906
00:38:44,586 --> 00:38:46,329
and told the boy Pete to get a cop
907
00:38:46,364 --> 00:38:49,193
that the man in the car with her was Matthew Birch.
908
00:38:49,627 --> 00:38:52,248
What? I don't get that, Mr. Wolfe.
909
00:38:52,283 --> 00:38:54,406
Good. Then it probably hasn't occurred to the police.
910
00:38:54,441 --> 00:38:57,099
Now, I admit that this is extremely tenuous
911
00:38:57,134 --> 00:38:59,592
but later that night, the same car
912
00:38:59,627 --> 00:39:02,016
ran over and killed Matthew Birch
913
00:39:02,051 --> 00:39:04,768
in a place and manner indicating that it had
914
00:39:04,803 --> 00:39:06,865
carried him to the spot.
915
00:39:06,900 --> 00:39:10,842
Therefore, since Birch was in the car late in the evening
916
00:39:10,877 --> 00:39:14,785
why not assume that he was in the car early in the evening?
917
00:39:15,219 --> 00:39:16,485
The assumption would be
918
00:39:16,520 --> 00:39:18,836
that the man that ran the car over the boy on Wednesday
919
00:39:18,871 --> 00:39:19,912
was the same guy who was in the car
920
00:39:19,947 --> 00:39:21,261
with the woman on Tuesday.
921
00:39:21,296 --> 00:39:23,260
Because wherever he was, he knew the boy
922
00:39:23,295 --> 00:39:23,996
could identify him.
923
00:39:24,031 --> 00:39:25,193
It couldn't have been Birch
924
00:39:25,228 --> 00:39:27,701
'cause by Wednesday, Birch was... dead.
925
00:39:28,666 --> 00:39:31,268
That's probably what the police assume.
926
00:39:31,303 --> 00:39:34,269
It... sounds logical.
927
00:39:35,018 --> 00:39:37,589
Fred, you will proceed on my assumption
928
00:39:37,624 --> 00:39:40,160
that Birch was in the car with the woman.
929
00:39:40,195 --> 00:39:43,499
Try either to validate it or disprove it.
930
00:39:43,534 --> 00:39:44,670
Archie will supply you
931
00:39:44,705 --> 00:39:46,176
with a photograph of Birch.
932
00:39:46,211 --> 00:39:47,751
Archie, could you get photographs
933
00:39:47,786 --> 00:39:49,486
of everyone involved?
934
00:39:49,521 --> 00:39:50,354
Tomorrow.
935
00:39:50,788 --> 00:39:51,655
Do so.
936
00:39:52,089 --> 00:39:53,824
And then there's something I want you to do.
937
00:39:54,258 --> 00:39:55,090
Thank you, gentlemen.
938
00:39:56,213 --> 00:39:59,463
Archie will coordinate your efforts.
939
00:40:04,668 --> 00:40:05,958
'Morning.
940
00:40:11,058 --> 00:40:13,343
Have you any questions about the instructions
941
00:40:13,378 --> 00:40:14,645
I gave you last night?
942
00:40:15,079 --> 00:40:15,911
One.
943
00:40:15,946 --> 00:40:18,448
It's clear enough as far as it goes
944
00:40:18,483 --> 00:40:19,587
but who am I after?
945
00:40:19,622 --> 00:40:21,550
You're stirring them up.
946
00:40:21,585 --> 00:40:25,408
Turning a tiger loose in a crowd
947
00:40:25,443 --> 00:40:28,672
or, if that's too bombastic, a mouse.
948
00:40:28,707 --> 00:40:30,134
How will they take it?
949
00:40:30,169 --> 00:40:31,561
Will they tell the police?
950
00:40:31,562 --> 00:40:33,512
If so, which one or ones?
951
00:40:33,547 --> 00:40:38,502
Sure. I see the possibilities.
952
00:40:38,537 --> 00:40:40,237
Is there a specific item
953
00:40:40,272 --> 00:40:41,445
I should retrieve?
954
00:40:41,480 --> 00:40:42,840
No, none.
955
00:40:46,078 --> 00:40:46,709
What?
956
00:40:46,744 --> 00:40:48,912
You've been eating corned beef.
957
00:40:48,947 --> 00:40:51,046
Yes, I have. Yes, I have.
958
00:40:51,081 --> 00:40:54,118
I've been eating corned beef...
959
00:40:54,153 --> 00:40:56,641
But not in premises.
960
00:41:04,528 --> 00:41:07,130
Well, well, no costume today.
961
00:41:08,645 --> 00:41:10,514
"Representing Nero Wolfe. "
962
00:41:10,549 --> 00:41:12,609
Yes, but not exactly.
963
00:41:12,644 --> 00:41:13,968
Oh?
964
00:41:14,003 --> 00:41:15,746
I'm here on my own.
965
00:41:15,781 --> 00:41:16,573
On your own.
966
00:41:16,608 --> 00:41:18,191
But don't you work for Nero Wolfe?
967
00:41:18,226 --> 00:41:20,612
I like to get work for me, too
968
00:41:20,647 --> 00:41:22,113
when I get a chance.
969
00:41:22,148 --> 00:41:23,579
Read the other side.
970
00:41:23,614 --> 00:41:26,417
"To discuss what Mrs. Fromm told Mr. Wolfe. "
971
00:41:26,452 --> 00:41:28,432
Yes, that's exactly what
972
00:41:28,467 --> 00:41:31,925
I want to talk with you about, but...
973
00:41:33,699 --> 00:41:36,544
just between you and me.
974
00:41:36,579 --> 00:41:37,456
I don't understand.
975
00:41:37,491 --> 00:41:38,299
Oh, you soon will.
976
00:41:38,334 --> 00:41:41,028
You see, I was present during the talk
977
00:41:41,063 --> 00:41:43,723
that Mrs. Fromm had with Mr. Wolfe.
978
00:41:43,758 --> 00:41:44,677
I remember all of it.
979
00:41:44,712 --> 00:41:45,711
I have a very good memory.
980
00:41:45,746 --> 00:41:47,599
I could recite it to you word for word
981
00:41:47,634 --> 00:41:49,512
or mighty close to it.
982
00:41:49,547 --> 00:41:50,038
Well?
983
00:41:50,073 --> 00:41:54,011
I think you'd appreciate hearing what that talk was.
984
00:41:54,046 --> 00:41:55,380
I've reason to believe
985
00:41:55,415 --> 00:41:57,231
that you would find it most interesting
986
00:41:57,266 --> 00:42:01,260
if I woud recite it to you word for word for $5,000.
987
00:42:04,955 --> 00:42:06,332
Now, I don't expect you
988
00:42:06,367 --> 00:42:08,055
to have that kind of money right now.
989
00:42:08,090 --> 00:42:09,709
You can pay me this afternoon
990
00:42:09,744 --> 00:42:11,328
but I must be paid in advance.
991
00:42:11,363 --> 00:42:13,604
This is incredible.
992
00:42:13,639 --> 00:42:15,197
Why on earth should I pay you five cents
993
00:42:15,232 --> 00:42:18,713
to hear about that talk, let alone $5,000. Why?
994
00:42:18,748 --> 00:42:21,940
Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?
995
00:42:21,975 --> 00:42:24,635
After you pay, and I deliver
996
00:42:24,670 --> 00:42:28,245
you may or may not decide whether you got your mony is worth.
997
00:42:31,432 --> 00:42:33,884
And what if I told Mr. Wolfe about your offer?
998
00:42:33,919 --> 00:42:37,154
I'd say you were a liar.
999
00:42:37,189 --> 00:42:40,389
You trust me. I'd simply say
1000
00:42:40,390 --> 00:42:45,561
you were a dirty liar.
1001
00:42:46,945 --> 00:42:50,708
Well, I suppose I should be insulted
1002
00:42:50,743 --> 00:42:53,591
and indignant, but I'm too shocked.
1003
00:42:53,626 --> 00:42:56,440
I didn't know you were a common skunk.
1004
00:43:02,079 --> 00:43:03,345
You should go.
1005
00:43:04,128 --> 00:43:06,850
Yes, well, think about the offer.
1006
00:43:06,885 --> 00:43:07,718
Taxi!
1007
00:43:08,151 --> 00:43:11,733
Looking for a Mrs. Horan.
1008
00:43:11,790 --> 00:43:12,432
Thank you, sir.
1009
00:43:12,467 --> 00:43:14,627
Just across the street.
1010
00:43:17,286 --> 00:43:18,622
Ah, Mrs. Horan.
1011
00:43:18,657 --> 00:43:21,296
Do I know you? Do we know each other?
1012
00:43:21,331 --> 00:43:22,787
Quiet, darling.
1013
00:43:22,822 --> 00:43:26,803
Not exactly, but we're about to meet.
1014
00:43:27,148 --> 00:43:29,664
Oh, a detective, working with Nero Wolfe.
1015
00:43:29,699 --> 00:43:30,888
For Nero Wolfe.
1016
00:43:30,923 --> 00:43:31,747
Have you heard of him?
1017
00:43:31,782 --> 00:43:34,177
Oh, yes, my husband saw him the other day.
1018
00:43:34,212 --> 00:43:35,930
What day was it? I'm not sure.
1019
00:43:35,965 --> 00:43:37,013
If you're looking for him...
1020
00:43:37,048 --> 00:43:40,389
No, Mrs. Horan, actually. Turn the card over.
1021
00:43:40,795 --> 00:43:42,419
"To discuss what Mrs. Fromm... "
1022
00:43:43,720 --> 00:43:45,455
With me? Why would I be interested?
1023
00:43:45,490 --> 00:43:48,381
Mrs. Fromm visited Mr. Wolfe and...
1024
00:43:48,416 --> 00:43:49,163
Poor Mrs. Fromm.
1025
00:43:49,198 --> 00:43:50,475
...I was present out their conversation.
1026
00:43:50,510 --> 00:43:51,752
She tried to help all those people...
1027
00:43:51,787 --> 00:43:53,361
Their entire conversation...
1028
00:43:53,396 --> 00:43:55,541
You see, I heard everything that was said.
1029
00:43:55,576 --> 00:43:57,438
And to satisfy your curiosity
1030
00:43:57,473 --> 00:43:59,301
I will tell you for $5,000.
1031
00:43:59,336 --> 00:44:01,505
And I will pay it back the day it rains up
1032
00:44:01,540 --> 00:44:02,607
instead of down.
1033
00:44:02,642 --> 00:44:03,639
How about that?
1034
00:44:03,674 --> 00:44:05,073
What an amusing idea.
1035
00:44:05,108 --> 00:44:06,594
Yes, yes, yes.
1036
00:44:06,629 --> 00:44:08,207
"Raining up instead of down. "
1037
00:44:08,242 --> 00:44:09,306
Yes.
1038
00:44:09,341 --> 00:44:10,957
Would it be raining from the clouds up
1039
00:44:10,992 --> 00:44:12,574
or up from the grounds to the clouds?
1040
00:44:12,609 --> 00:44:13,356
Well either actually.
1041
00:44:13,391 --> 00:44:15,819
I think I like it better raining up from the ground.
1042
00:44:16,253 --> 00:44:19,072
Oh, well, we're about the rain are we, Mrs. Horan?
1043
00:44:19,107 --> 00:44:21,892
you see, I'm willing to sell you some information
1044
00:44:21,893 --> 00:44:24,340
about what Mrs Fromm might have said to Mr. Wolfe.
1045
00:44:24,375 --> 00:44:27,097
But why would that interest me?
1046
00:44:27,132 --> 00:44:28,363
Oh, I see.
1047
00:44:28,398 --> 00:44:31,868
You mean, she told him something awful about me.
1048
00:44:32,302 --> 00:44:35,555
That doesn't surprise me any. What was it?
1049
00:44:35,590 --> 00:44:38,809
Well, I'm not sure you understand exactly
1050
00:44:38,844 --> 00:44:40,509
what I'm talking about here.
1051
00:44:40,544 --> 00:44:43,146
Maybe I need to make myself perfectly clear.
1052
00:44:43,181 --> 00:44:45,786
First you give me the money
1053
00:44:45,821 --> 00:44:48,392
then I give you the facts, see?
1054
00:44:49,358 --> 00:44:50,903
You know what I think, Mr. Goodwin?
1055
00:44:50,938 --> 00:44:51,708
No, I do not.
1056
00:44:51,743 --> 00:44:53,335
I think you're much too fine a person
1057
00:44:53,370 --> 00:44:55,303
to use these kind of tactics
1058
00:44:55,338 --> 00:44:57,202
to stir up my curiosity.
1059
00:44:57,237 --> 00:44:59,812
Well, if it's the money, we could...
1060
00:44:59,847 --> 00:45:01,798
I thought you were a nice man.
1061
00:45:01,833 --> 00:45:03,334
You have kind eyes.
1062
00:45:03,369 --> 00:45:04,800
Did you know that?
1063
00:45:04,835 --> 00:45:07,437
I thought you were a nice man, but I can see i was wrong.
1064
00:45:07,472 --> 00:45:09,137
Ya-Wa, attack!
1065
00:45:09,172 --> 00:45:10,005
That's not necessary.
1066
00:45:10,040 --> 00:45:13,109
Oh! No, no, bad dog! Bad, bad!
1067
00:45:13,144 --> 00:45:16,113
Hey! Just have him stop.
1068
00:45:20,017 --> 00:45:21,831
Well, it's dangerous out in the front lines
1069
00:45:21,866 --> 00:45:22,891
but I still wasn't ready to give up
1070
00:45:22,926 --> 00:45:26,054
on my quest for $5,000.
1071
00:45:26,344 --> 00:45:29,126
This is the association for european refugees?
1072
00:45:29,161 --> 00:45:30,227
Yes, it is.
1073
00:45:30,262 --> 00:45:31,454
Just like sign says.
1074
00:45:31,489 --> 00:45:33,489
I'm here to see Angela Wright.
1075
00:45:33,524 --> 00:45:34,296
She's busy.
1076
00:45:34,331 --> 00:45:36,059
Well, show her this card.
1077
00:45:36,094 --> 00:45:36,795
She's busy.
1078
00:45:36,830 --> 00:45:37,801
Show her the card.
1079
00:45:37,836 --> 00:45:39,102
She'll see me.
1080
00:45:55,282 --> 00:45:56,396
Mrs. Wright will see you.
1081
00:45:56,431 --> 00:45:57,526
Corner office.
1082
00:45:57,561 --> 00:45:58,587
I told you so.
1083
00:45:58,622 --> 00:46:00,322
You're next, Mr. Heim.
1084
00:46:00,357 --> 00:46:02,526
Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much.
1085
00:46:04,261 --> 00:46:05,779
Come in.
1086
00:46:06,569 --> 00:46:07,262
Afternoon.
1087
00:46:07,883 --> 00:46:10,727
You represent Mr. Nero Wolfe.
1088
00:46:11,159 --> 00:46:12,914
I suppose you are a detective also.
1089
00:46:12,949 --> 00:46:13,769
Well, actually...
1090
00:46:13,804 --> 00:46:15,504
Are you trying to solve her murder?
1091
00:46:15,539 --> 00:46:17,619
Well, actually, what I'd like to do is...
1092
00:46:17,654 --> 00:46:19,699
I can't see why would anyone wish her dead?
1093
00:46:19,734 --> 00:46:21,576
No matter how she could be.
1094
00:46:21,611 --> 00:46:23,346
She was doing such humanitarian work.
1095
00:46:23,381 --> 00:46:25,047
She certainly was.
1096
00:46:25,082 --> 00:46:26,225
You know, the A.E.R. is
1097
00:46:26,260 --> 00:46:28,924
a private organization supported by wonderful people
1098
00:46:28,959 --> 00:46:31,588
like Mrs. Fromm which helps immigrants to find jobs
1099
00:46:31,623 --> 00:46:33,942
and provides legal and financial assistance.
1100
00:46:33,977 --> 00:46:35,023
Yes, that's very touching.
1101
00:46:35,058 --> 00:46:36,793
If it were not for Mrs. Fromm, I might
1102
00:46:36,828 --> 00:46:38,528
never have been able to come here.
1103
00:46:39,830 --> 00:46:42,823
What a tragedy her death is.
1104
00:46:42,858 --> 00:46:45,694
Terrible, terrible tragedy, huh?
1105
00:46:45,729 --> 00:46:47,316
So, how can I help you?
1106
00:46:47,351 --> 00:46:48,904
Ah, well, are you aware
1107
00:46:48,939 --> 00:46:51,107
that Mrs. Fromm visited Mr. Wolfe
1108
00:46:51,142 --> 00:46:53,771
the day she was killed, murdered?
1109
00:46:53,806 --> 00:46:55,603
No, I didn't know that.
1110
00:46:55,638 --> 00:46:56,119
Yes.
1111
00:46:56,154 --> 00:46:58,915
But we were not so close that she confided in me.
1112
00:46:58,950 --> 00:47:00,182
I see, I see.
1113
00:47:00,217 --> 00:47:01,583
So, then you wouldn't be interested in anything
1114
00:47:01,618 --> 00:47:03,253
Mrs. Fromm had to say to Mr. Wolfe?
1115
00:47:04,357 --> 00:47:05,821
About me?
1116
00:47:05,856 --> 00:47:08,234
For $5,000, I'll tell you
1117
00:47:08,269 --> 00:47:11,267
exactly what the conversation was in detail.
1118
00:47:11,302 --> 00:47:13,663
So, it does concern me.
1119
00:47:15,398 --> 00:47:18,760
Sit down, Mr. Goodwin.
1120
00:47:21,471 --> 00:47:24,012
Perhaps we can arrange something.
1121
00:47:24,569 --> 00:47:25,340
I'm sure we can.
1122
00:47:26,786 --> 00:47:29,713
Shall we put your offer in writing?
1123
00:47:29,748 --> 00:47:31,448
You take me for a sap?
1124
00:47:31,483 --> 00:47:32,983
A "sap"?
1125
00:47:33,728 --> 00:47:34,923
For a fool.
1126
00:47:34,958 --> 00:47:36,618
Oh, if you were a fool...
1127
00:47:36,653 --> 00:47:40,991
no, if you were so dishonest, wouldn't Mr. Wolfe...?
1128
00:47:41,026 --> 00:47:44,027
I mean, he is a detective, you agree?
1129
00:47:46,196 --> 00:47:47,535
You see, the thing is
1130
00:47:47,570 --> 00:47:51,514
I, uh, I've fallen on hard times recently
1131
00:47:51,549 --> 00:47:54,224
and I've never done this before.
1132
00:47:54,259 --> 00:47:58,341
I, uh, my mother, cancer.
1133
00:47:58,376 --> 00:48:00,245
Ridiculous.
1134
00:48:01,164 --> 00:48:02,657
What?
1135
00:48:02,692 --> 00:48:03,945
Ridiculous.
1136
00:48:03,980 --> 00:48:05,385
What is ridiculous?
1137
00:48:05,420 --> 00:48:08,650
Mr. Goodwin, I resent being taken
1138
00:48:08,685 --> 00:48:10,784
for a sap. Is it sap?
1139
00:48:11,354 --> 00:48:14,233
That's my vanity.
1140
00:48:14,381 --> 00:48:17,392
Tell Nero Wolfe
1141
00:48:17,427 --> 00:48:19,596
tell him I mind being underrated by him
1142
00:48:19,631 --> 00:48:21,764
and tell him I think he is a sap
1143
00:48:21,765 --> 00:48:25,001
for thinking he can fool me with such a crude trick.
1144
00:48:25,036 --> 00:48:27,288
But miss Wright...
1145
00:48:27,323 --> 00:48:29,540
Yes, Mr. Goodwin?
1146
00:48:31,628 --> 00:48:34,320
Good luck to all of you.
1147
00:48:35,560 --> 00:48:39,115
After Angela Wright, I had one more offer to make
1148
00:48:39,150 --> 00:48:41,518
Paul Kaffner, but I called Wolfe to report.
1149
00:48:42,416 --> 00:48:43,852
Archie, come home at once.
1150
00:48:43,887 --> 00:48:47,791
Mr. Kuffner is here and I want to see you.
1151
00:48:52,128 --> 00:48:53,863
Oh!
1152
00:48:59,502 --> 00:49:00,769
Don't sit there, Archie.
1153
00:49:02,310 --> 00:49:05,220
Your right to sit at that desk is suspended.
1154
00:49:08,103 --> 00:49:09,444
Move, please. Move.
1155
00:49:10,486 --> 00:49:13,022
Mr. Kuffner has a shocking accusation.
1156
00:49:13,817 --> 00:49:15,550
Sit there.
1157
00:49:17,701 --> 00:49:19,286
Mr. Kuffner?
1158
00:49:20,928 --> 00:49:22,709
A woman I trust says that you offered to tell her
1159
00:49:22,744 --> 00:49:25,095
about the conversation Mrs. Fromm had with Mr. Wolfe
1160
00:49:25,130 --> 00:49:28,022
if she would first pay you $5,000 in cash.
1161
00:49:28,057 --> 00:49:29,432
What's the woman name?
1162
00:49:29,467 --> 00:49:31,132
I have not told Mr. Wolfe
1163
00:49:31,167 --> 00:49:33,117
because one was requested not to.
1164
00:49:33,152 --> 00:49:34,438
Of course, you know it.
1165
00:49:34,473 --> 00:49:35,505
I've forgotten. Tell me.
1166
00:49:35,540 --> 00:49:36,401
No.
1167
00:49:36,436 --> 00:49:38,171
For God's sakes, if you were a U.S. senator
1168
00:49:38,206 --> 00:49:40,976
I wouldn't expect you to name the accuser
1169
00:49:41,011 --> 00:49:43,747
but since you're not, go climb a tree.
1170
00:49:43,782 --> 00:49:45,880
He has a point, Mr. Kuffner.
1171
00:49:45,915 --> 00:49:48,952
Anonymous accusations are in questionable taste.
1172
00:49:48,987 --> 00:49:50,704
You should name her.
1173
00:49:50,739 --> 00:49:52,231
I was asked not to.
1174
00:49:52,266 --> 00:49:55,546
Then I'm afraid we're at an impasse.
1175
00:49:56,732 --> 00:49:58,061
May I smoke?
1176
00:49:58,096 --> 00:49:58,928
No.
1177
00:50:04,294 --> 00:50:05,869
It was Angela Wright.
1178
00:50:07,106 --> 00:50:08,870
Archie?
1179
00:50:08,905 --> 00:50:12,537
Did you make Angela Wright such as proposal
1180
00:50:12,572 --> 00:50:14,879
as described by Mr. Kuffner?
1181
00:50:14,914 --> 00:50:15,810
No, sir.
1182
00:50:15,845 --> 00:50:17,428
Did you say anything to her
1183
00:50:17,463 --> 00:50:20,617
that could have reasonably been construed as such a proposal?
1184
00:50:20,652 --> 00:50:21,449
No, sir.
1185
00:50:22,144 --> 00:50:24,954
Then you may sit at your desk.
1186
00:50:28,628 --> 00:50:31,317
Mr. Kuffner, I'm afraid we're at a dead end.
1187
00:50:31,352 --> 00:50:33,387
If it is an issue of voracity
1188
00:50:33,422 --> 00:50:36,184
between Mr. Goodwin and Mrs. Wright
1189
00:50:36,219 --> 00:50:38,090
I believe Mr. Goodwin.
1190
00:50:40,844 --> 00:50:40,844
Yes, you would. Of course.
1191
00:50:40,879 --> 00:50:43,017
And even if I could prove such an offer was made
1192
00:50:43,052 --> 00:50:45,086
where would it get me?
1193
00:50:45,121 --> 00:50:46,584
Look, Wolfe, we haven't much time.
1194
00:50:46,619 --> 00:50:48,048
I must get to Mrs. Fromm's funeral
1195
00:50:48,083 --> 00:50:48,731
but you should know
1196
00:50:48,766 --> 00:50:49,873
that my professional function
1197
00:50:49,908 --> 00:50:50,980
was to give advice to my clients.
1198
00:50:51,015 --> 00:50:52,298
Mrs. Fromm and the association
1199
00:50:52,333 --> 00:50:54,412
relied on me to handle their affairs
1200
00:50:54,447 --> 00:50:57,317
so that their activities would be regarded in a favorable light.
1201
00:50:57,352 --> 00:50:58,898
I will do anything in my power to see
1202
00:50:58,933 --> 00:51:02,562
that Mrs. Fromm's reputation is not damaged, and, while I see
1203
00:51:02,597 --> 00:51:04,826
no connection between the association's affairs
1204
00:51:04,861 --> 00:51:07,897
and her death, I believe it is possible, indeed probable
1205
00:51:07,932 --> 00:51:09,164
that there is a connection
1206
00:51:09,199 --> 00:51:11,367
between Mrs. Fromm's death and a talk with you.
1207
00:51:11,402 --> 00:51:13,948
Now, if I am to further my client's interests
1208
00:51:13,983 --> 00:51:15,922
I need to know about that conversation.
1209
00:51:15,957 --> 00:51:17,322
I've tried to talk to the police about it
1210
00:51:17,357 --> 00:51:18,872
but they won't tell me, so you must.
1211
00:51:18,907 --> 00:51:20,875
I'll pay you $5,000 for it.
1212
00:51:20,910 --> 00:51:23,947
Which is it, Mr. Kuffner, black or white?
1213
00:51:23,982 --> 00:51:25,213
Five minutes ago
1214
00:51:25,248 --> 00:51:26,983
you were going to report
1215
00:51:27,018 --> 00:51:28,279
an iniquitous proposal.
1216
00:51:28,314 --> 00:51:30,887
Now you're ready to be a party to it.
1217
00:51:30,922 --> 00:51:33,056
An extraordinary ethical somersault.
1218
00:51:33,091 --> 00:51:35,582
I have the cash with me.
1219
00:51:36,287 --> 00:51:38,110
No, Mr. Kuffner.
1220
00:51:38,145 --> 00:51:39,920
I'm afraid to deal with you.
1221
00:51:39,955 --> 00:51:41,696
You're too agile for me.
1222
00:51:41,731 --> 00:51:42,997
You can't deny me. You can't.
1223
00:51:43,032 --> 00:51:44,652
As a representative of Mrs. Fromm's interests
1224
00:51:44,687 --> 00:51:46,512
I have the right to demand it.
1225
00:51:46,936 --> 00:51:48,671
You'll be late for the funeral.
1226
00:52:04,721 --> 00:52:07,404
Orry used hi connections in the jewelry trade to locate
1227
00:52:07,439 --> 00:52:10,087
a store on 46th street where the golden spider earrings
1228
00:52:10,122 --> 00:52:11,626
had been displayed in the window.
1229
00:52:11,661 --> 00:52:15,565
When Orrie asked about them, the proprietor clammed up.
1230
00:52:15,600 --> 00:52:19,035
Now it was up to me to open that clam somehow.
1231
00:52:26,164 --> 00:52:26,843
Who is it, Irving?
1232
00:52:26,878 --> 00:52:28,144
I don't know, papa.
1233
00:52:29,091 --> 00:52:30,174
Oh, it's you again.
1234
00:52:31,964 --> 00:52:32,639
Who are you?
1235
00:52:32,674 --> 00:52:33,314
Archie Goodwin.
1236
00:52:33,349 --> 00:52:35,084
We work for Nero Wolfe.
1237
00:52:35,633 --> 00:52:36,664
The detective?
1238
00:52:36,699 --> 00:52:37,660
That's right.
1239
00:52:37,695 --> 00:52:38,398
I want to ask you something
1240
00:52:38,433 --> 00:52:40,489
about the murder of, uh, Pete Drossos.
1241
00:52:40,524 --> 00:52:41,525
Who's that? A gangster?
1242
00:52:41,560 --> 00:52:43,039
I know nothing about gangsters.
1243
00:52:43,074 --> 00:52:44,518
Oh, no. He was a 12-year-old boy
1244
00:52:44,553 --> 00:52:46,934
just like your son here.
1245
00:52:47,766 --> 00:52:48,062
Irving, go.
1246
00:52:48,097 --> 00:52:49,833
Do your homework.
1247
00:52:49,868 --> 00:52:51,568
Now.
1248
00:52:53,890 --> 00:52:54,569
A boy murdered?
1249
00:52:55,433 --> 00:52:56,339
Why didn't you say so.
1250
00:52:56,374 --> 00:52:57,856
Come. Explain.
1251
00:53:03,279 --> 00:53:05,882
I still don't understand why this boy was killed.
1252
00:53:05,917 --> 00:53:07,183
And by the same car.
1253
00:53:09,616 --> 00:53:10,773
So you want what?
1254
00:53:10,808 --> 00:53:12,743
I want to know who bought those earrings.
1255
00:53:12,778 --> 00:53:13,867
Those spiders?
1256
00:53:13,902 --> 00:53:14,956
That's right.
1257
00:53:15,774 --> 00:53:17,059
One of a kind.
1258
00:53:17,094 --> 00:53:18,336
I gave her a good price.
1259
00:53:18,371 --> 00:53:19,578
Yeah? How'd she pay?
1260
00:53:19,613 --> 00:53:20,339
By check.
1261
00:53:20,374 --> 00:53:22,799
By check? What was the signature?
1262
00:53:22,834 --> 00:53:23,666
The name?
1263
00:53:24,100 --> 00:53:27,950
It was the woman who was murdered... Laura Fromm.
1264
00:53:27,951 --> 00:53:30,103
Ah, Laura Fromm.
1265
00:53:30,138 --> 00:53:31,681
You've been most helpful.
1266
00:53:31,716 --> 00:53:32,774
Thank you.
1267
00:53:36,494 --> 00:53:38,267
We're back. We tracked down the earrings.
1268
00:53:38,302 --> 00:53:39,716
Guess who bought them.
1269
00:53:39,751 --> 00:53:41,145
Mrs. Damon Fromm.
1270
00:53:41,180 --> 00:53:42,656
You knew?
1271
00:53:42,691 --> 00:53:44,487
No, Orrie. I was asked to guess.
1272
00:53:44,522 --> 00:53:45,320
Now I know.
1273
00:53:45,355 --> 00:53:47,307
Good work, Orrie.
1274
00:53:47,342 --> 00:53:50,068
Saul phoned. He started something
1275
00:53:50,103 --> 00:53:51,144
but he's not sure what.
1276
00:53:51,179 --> 00:53:51,826
Yes, I know.
1277
00:53:51,861 --> 00:53:53,813
I saw him at the association office.
1278
00:53:53,848 --> 00:53:56,271
Yes. He calls himself Leopold Heim.
1279
00:53:56,306 --> 00:53:59,669
Under that name he has taken a cheap hotel on first avenue.
1280
00:53:59,704 --> 00:54:02,072
After you left the association office
1281
00:54:02,107 --> 00:54:04,440
he had a brief talk with Angela Wright.
1282
00:54:04,475 --> 00:54:06,447
Who referred you to our organization?
1283
00:54:06,482 --> 00:54:09,484
Uh, special agent for immigration and naturalization.
1284
00:54:09,519 --> 00:54:12,248
It was, uh, Birch. Mr. Matthew Birch.
1285
00:54:12,283 --> 00:54:13,081
Oh, really?
1286
00:54:13,116 --> 00:54:15,068
Mr. Birch is dead.
1287
00:54:15,103 --> 00:54:17,712
Dead? Oh, I'm sorry.
1288
00:54:17,747 --> 00:54:18,450
I didn't know.
1289
00:54:18,485 --> 00:54:19,153
A few weeks ago
1290
00:54:19,188 --> 00:54:21,357
he told me to come here, so here I am.
1291
00:54:21,392 --> 00:54:23,526
You entered the country illegal?
1292
00:54:23,561 --> 00:54:25,261
Well, yes and no.
1293
00:54:25,296 --> 00:54:26,961
Yes.
1294
00:54:26,996 --> 00:54:28,696
I was told this association
1295
00:54:28,731 --> 00:54:31,168
would be able to help people like me.
1296
00:54:32,153 --> 00:54:34,370
The association cannot be an accessory
1297
00:54:34,405 --> 00:54:36,539
to a violation of the law.
1298
00:54:37,151 --> 00:54:38,900
No, no, I understand.
1299
00:54:39,601 --> 00:54:40,419
No.
1300
00:54:40,454 --> 00:54:41,311
Of course not.
1301
00:54:43,700 --> 00:54:45,214
I don't know...
1302
00:54:45,249 --> 00:54:47,348
what I should do.
1303
00:54:47,383 --> 00:54:48,636
Consult with a lawyer.
1304
00:54:48,671 --> 00:54:49,951
A lawyer?
1305
00:54:49,986 --> 00:54:51,721
I don't know any lawyers.
1306
00:54:53,890 --> 00:54:56,492
Here is a lawyer you can trust.
1307
00:54:56,663 --> 00:54:58,227
Denis Horan.
1308
00:54:58,262 --> 00:54:59,494
I have no money.
1309
00:54:59,529 --> 00:55:02,566
He works for the association.
1310
00:55:02,601 --> 00:55:03,866
It's a service.
1311
00:55:04,300 --> 00:55:06,903
Oh, a service.
1312
00:55:08,638 --> 00:55:09,722
That's very kind.
1313
00:55:09,757 --> 00:55:10,807
Thank you very much.
1314
00:55:11,240 --> 00:55:12,976
I appreciate it. I appreciate it.
1315
00:55:13,011 --> 00:55:13,843
Thank you.
1316
00:55:15,354 --> 00:55:19,265
Saul went to Ran's office and told him of his plight.
1317
00:55:19,300 --> 00:55:22,861
Mr. Heim, you have a very big problem.
1318
00:55:22,896 --> 00:55:26,611
Many people like you come to me every day
1319
00:55:26,646 --> 00:55:30,326
but I'm only able to help a very few.
1320
00:55:31,973 --> 00:55:33,478
However...
1321
00:55:33,513 --> 00:55:37,266
there may be a solution to this mess.
1322
00:55:37,700 --> 00:55:39,002
Where can you be found?
1323
00:55:39,890 --> 00:55:40,268
Hotel.
1324
00:55:40,303 --> 00:55:44,237
The hotel Duval in room 312.
1325
00:55:44,272 --> 00:55:48,172
Go to your room and wait.
1326
00:55:48,207 --> 00:55:49,341
Tonight.
1327
00:55:50,102 --> 00:55:50,102
I wait?
1328
00:55:50,137 --> 00:55:51,075
This evening.
1329
00:55:51,110 --> 00:55:52,014
This evening.
1330
00:55:52,049 --> 00:55:52,882
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
1331
00:55:54,480 --> 00:55:56,786
I really appreciate it very much.
1332
00:55:56,821 --> 00:55:57,619
Thank you.
1333
00:55:58,506 --> 00:56:00,690
So Saul went back to the hotel.
1334
00:56:00,725 --> 00:56:02,477
At 8:00 p. m.
1335
00:56:02,512 --> 00:56:04,230
he had a caller.
1336
00:56:06,763 --> 00:56:08,931
Uh, just a second, please.
1337
00:56:08,966 --> 00:56:10,198
Just one minute.
1338
00:56:10,233 --> 00:56:12,402
Please. Yes, uh, come in.
1339
00:56:12,835 --> 00:56:14,137
Please come in. The door is open.
1340
00:56:15,618 --> 00:56:16,887
You Heim?
1341
00:56:16,922 --> 00:56:18,156
Who are you?
1342
00:56:20,823 --> 00:56:21,783
I'm here to help you.
1343
00:56:21,818 --> 00:56:22,709
What do you mean?
1344
00:56:22,744 --> 00:56:24,547
How... how are you going to help me?
1345
00:56:28,017 --> 00:56:29,318
I'm aware of your predicament
1346
00:56:29,353 --> 00:56:30,637
and I sympathize.
1347
00:56:30,672 --> 00:56:31,886
But don't worry.
1348
00:56:31,921 --> 00:56:33,656
You want help, don't you?
1349
00:56:33,691 --> 00:56:34,758
Yes, I need help.
1350
00:56:34,793 --> 00:56:36,176
Of course I do.
1351
00:56:36,211 --> 00:56:37,560
You're an illegal.
1352
00:56:37,994 --> 00:56:40,058
Illegal, really, in a manner of speaking.
1353
00:56:40,163 --> 00:56:42,432
That means the FBI and the police
1354
00:56:42,467 --> 00:56:43,216
have to be dealt with.
1355
00:56:43,251 --> 00:56:44,465
It's going to be costly.
1356
00:56:44,500 --> 00:56:47,537
So you... you wanted how much?
1357
00:56:47,572 --> 00:56:49,073
Ten thousand dollars.
1358
00:56:49,108 --> 00:56:50,538
What? $10,000?
1359
00:56:50,573 --> 00:56:52,273
No, but for what is the...?
1360
00:56:52,308 --> 00:56:56,212
To prevent any kind of exposure or harassment.
1361
00:56:56,247 --> 00:56:57,964
No, no. You don't understand.
1362
00:56:57,999 --> 00:56:59,491
I have nothing. I have nothing.
1363
00:56:59,526 --> 00:57:00,948
$10,000 is a ridiculous amount...
1364
00:57:00,983 --> 00:57:02,718
You can do it by the month, by the week
1365
00:57:02,753 --> 00:57:04,454
a little bit here, a little bit there.
1366
00:57:05,536 --> 00:57:08,791
I see, for a little bit from the week and the month.
1367
00:57:09,225 --> 00:57:11,196
Yes, but... I could...
1368
00:57:11,231 --> 00:57:14,236
and the papers are then good, yes?
1369
00:57:14,430 --> 00:57:15,948
Guaranteed.
1370
00:57:16,449 --> 00:57:17,432
Remember
1371
00:57:17,467 --> 00:57:20,454
Any attempt to alter this arrangement
1372
00:57:20,489 --> 00:57:22,738
would be disastrous.
1373
00:57:22,773 --> 00:57:23,556
Sleep on it.
1374
00:57:23,591 --> 00:57:25,274
I'll be back.
1375
00:57:25,309 --> 00:57:26,107
Sure.
1376
00:57:26,142 --> 00:57:27,408
Um... sir?
1377
00:57:27,443 --> 00:57:28,710
Sir, I want to thank you.
1378
00:57:28,745 --> 00:57:31,781
I appreciate very much your... your helping me.
1379
00:57:51,896 --> 00:57:57,373
And... walk... ease... easy there, young fellow.
1380
00:57:57,408 --> 00:58:00,428
When he left, Saul managed to follow him.
1381
00:58:00,463 --> 00:58:02,804
The man is now at a restaurant
1382
00:58:02,839 --> 00:58:05,146
on third avenue and 14th street.
1383
00:58:05,181 --> 00:58:08,342
Saul called from across the street at...
1384
00:58:08,377 --> 00:58:11,136
well, it was less than a half hour ago.
1385
00:58:11,171 --> 00:58:13,895
I'll take the sedan and drop Orrie off.
1386
00:58:13,896 --> 00:58:15,909
I'll lay back with the car.
1387
00:58:15,944 --> 00:58:16,773
Nero Wolfe's.
1388
00:58:16,808 --> 00:58:18,160
Archie, it's Fred.
1389
00:58:18,195 --> 00:58:19,654
Is the boss there? He ought to hear this.
1390
00:58:19,689 --> 00:58:21,182
Hiya, Fred.
1391
00:58:21,217 --> 00:58:22,676
It's Fred.
1392
00:58:23,785 --> 00:58:25,198
Take a taxi.
1393
00:58:25,233 --> 00:58:26,577
Go to Saul's.
1394
00:58:26,612 --> 00:58:28,357
If tuns out Fred doesn't needs me worse than Saul
1395
00:58:28,392 --> 00:58:29,425
I'll come join you.
1396
00:58:29,472 --> 00:58:30,304
Go on, Fred.
1397
00:58:30,339 --> 00:58:31,172
I'm at a phone booth...
1398
00:58:31,207 --> 00:58:32,508
third avenue and 55th street.
1399
00:58:32,942 --> 00:58:35,052
I just found a lot of new stuff about Matthew Birch.
1400
00:58:35,087 --> 00:58:37,713
His main hangout was a dump on ninth and 54th
1401
00:58:37,748 --> 00:58:38,980
Danny's bar and grill.
1402
00:58:39,015 --> 00:58:40,641
I've been in and out asking about Birch
1403
00:58:40,676 --> 00:58:42,213
Telling people my name is O'Connor.
1404
00:58:42,248 --> 00:58:43,751
and I've been told that my wife
1405
00:58:43,786 --> 00:58:46,389
was seen with him at a park last Tuesday afternoon
1406
00:58:46,424 --> 00:58:47,655
In a dark gray Cadillac.
1407
00:58:47,690 --> 00:58:49,223
One guy told me there's a guy
1408
00:58:49,258 --> 00:58:50,258
who'll give me the lowdown on Birch.
1409
00:58:50,293 --> 00:58:53,328
If I wanted to see him, come back between 9:30 and 10:00.
1410
00:58:53,329 --> 00:58:54,792
Go ahead and play it, but wait 'til I get there.
1411
00:58:54,827 --> 00:58:57,331
I'll take the sedan and park across the street.
1412
00:58:57,366 --> 00:58:59,836
I'll wait in the car until I hear you scream
1413
00:58:59,871 --> 00:59:01,102
or they roll your corpse out.
1414
00:59:01,137 --> 00:59:03,335
If you leave with company, I'll tail you.
1415
00:59:03,370 --> 00:59:05,533
Otherwise, walk along 42nd street, keep going
1416
00:59:05,568 --> 00:59:06,741
and I'll wait until you're loose
1417
00:59:06,776 --> 00:59:08,511
and then I'll come get you. You got it?
1418
00:59:08,546 --> 00:59:10,680
Okay. Anything else, Mr. Wolfe?
1419
00:59:10,715 --> 00:59:12,415
No. Proceed.
1420
00:59:21,241 --> 00:59:23,224
You know I dislike guns.
1421
00:59:23,990 --> 00:59:26,729
So do I, except in situations where I might get knifed
1422
00:59:26,764 --> 00:59:29,065
plugged or shoved off a building.
1423
00:59:51,916 --> 00:59:53,351
I laid back and waited.
1424
00:59:53,386 --> 00:59:56,659
I decided to wait half an hour until 10:19
1425
00:59:56,694 --> 00:59:59,262
But I didn't have to wait that long.
1426
01:00:41,771 --> 01:00:43,859
The driver didn't spot me tailing him
1427
01:00:43,894 --> 01:00:46,022
But he drove kind of fast, a little too fast
1428
01:00:46,057 --> 01:00:48,922
for a night when the rain was starting to come down harder and harder.
1429
01:01:37,293 --> 01:01:38,993
They were talking.
1430
01:01:39,028 --> 01:01:42,064
I couldn't make out what they were saying, so...
1431
01:01:42,099 --> 01:01:46,402
I looked for a better vantage point.
1432
01:01:46,836 --> 01:01:49,005
Get up.
1433
01:02:04,620 --> 01:02:06,789
You ever been to st. Louis, Missouri?
1434
01:02:07,223 --> 01:02:08,747
St. Louis? No.
1435
01:02:11,351 --> 01:02:12,862
Me, neither.
1436
01:02:34,116 --> 01:02:36,285
Got alligators there.
1437
01:02:36,320 --> 01:02:38,419
Hello, Mort.
1438
01:02:38,454 --> 01:02:40,264
We been waiting for you.
1439
01:02:40,299 --> 01:02:41,022
Is he clean?
1440
01:02:41,057 --> 01:02:44,072
Yeah, but he had an "s" and "w" under his arm.
1441
01:02:44,107 --> 01:02:47,087
What's this about your wife and Matthew Birch?
1442
01:02:47,122 --> 01:02:48,864
Someone said they saw her with him.
1443
01:02:48,899 --> 01:02:50,166
I think she's cheating on me.
1444
01:02:50,201 --> 01:02:51,484
You know Matt Birch?
1445
01:02:51,519 --> 01:02:52,733
Me? Birch?
1446
01:02:52,768 --> 01:02:54,503
No, but she must've known him.
1447
01:02:54,538 --> 01:02:56,238
I guess so.
1448
01:02:57,932 --> 01:02:59,254
Check his papers.
1449
01:02:59,289 --> 01:03:00,576
All right, boss.
1450
01:03:03,612 --> 01:03:05,347
My name's not "O'Connor. "
1451
01:03:05,781 --> 01:03:07,048
No, it's "Durkin. "
1452
01:03:08,115 --> 01:03:08,817
See, the reason I was...
1453
01:03:08,818 --> 01:03:09,685
Shut up.
1454
01:03:09,720 --> 01:03:10,518
Archie...
1455
01:03:10,553 --> 01:03:12,505
Private dick, eh?
1456
01:03:12,540 --> 01:03:14,457
Who you working for?
1457
01:03:14,492 --> 01:03:15,197
Myself.
1458
01:03:15,232 --> 01:03:17,003
Even a private dick has a personal life
1459
01:03:17,038 --> 01:03:18,360
and my wife...
1460
01:03:18,794 --> 01:03:20,529
Shut up!
1461
01:03:20,963 --> 01:03:21,796
Archie
1462
01:03:22,645 --> 01:03:23,566
The big, white guy...
1463
01:03:23,601 --> 01:03:25,101
he's "lips".
1464
01:03:25,136 --> 01:03:26,602
I followed him
1465
01:03:27,036 --> 01:03:27,903
from the hotel.
1466
01:03:27,938 --> 01:03:29,222
Where's Orrie?
1467
01:03:29,966 --> 01:03:30,471
Orrie's upstairs.
1468
01:03:30,506 --> 01:03:32,206
He's watching our back.
1469
01:03:32,241 --> 01:03:34,844
What do you got for me here, mort?
1470
01:03:40,916 --> 01:03:43,085
Oh, yeah.
1471
01:03:46,122 --> 01:03:47,857
Let's get serious, now, huh?
1472
01:03:47,892 --> 01:03:49,592
I want to hear you talk.
1473
01:03:51,361 --> 01:03:52,628
All right.
1474
01:04:13,015 --> 01:04:13,883
Get up.
1475
01:04:14,999 --> 01:04:15,818
Come on.
1476
01:04:22,713 --> 01:04:23,592
Back up.
1477
01:04:24,727 --> 01:04:26,462
Ah... be nice.
1478
01:04:27,329 --> 01:04:28,413
Does it hurt?
1479
01:04:28,448 --> 01:04:29,463
Good, good.
1480
01:04:29,498 --> 01:04:31,673
Get some rope, boys. Tie them up.
1481
01:04:31,708 --> 01:04:32,665
In less than a minute
1482
01:04:32,700 --> 01:04:36,150
Saul looked through their wallets.
1483
01:04:36,185 --> 01:04:39,475
They were Lips Egan and Mortimer Erwin.
1484
01:04:39,909 --> 01:04:42,511
And the last entry is Leopold Heim, me.
1485
01:04:42,546 --> 01:04:45,114
What do you think... little blackmail?
1486
01:04:45,149 --> 01:04:46,380
So, that'sit.
1487
01:04:46,415 --> 01:04:50,102
Geez, there must be a thousand names in this book.
1488
01:04:50,137 --> 01:04:53,789
Each one paid ten grand... that's ten million bucks.
1489
01:04:53,824 --> 01:04:55,758
Quite a racket, fellas.
1490
01:04:55,793 --> 01:04:57,693
Do you care to comment?
1491
01:04:58,127 --> 01:04:58,994
Yeah. I ought to explain.
1492
01:04:59,029 --> 01:05:00,096
Yeah. I should explain.
1493
01:05:00,131 --> 01:05:01,128
We work for Nero Wolfe
1494
01:05:01,163 --> 01:05:02,429
and we disapprove of blackmail
1495
01:05:02,464 --> 01:05:04,165
but that's not what we're working on.
1496
01:05:04,200 --> 01:05:07,598
We're working on a murder... or should I say three murders?
1497
01:05:07,633 --> 01:05:09,834
So, if I ask you
1498
01:05:09,869 --> 01:05:13,742
about your racket, it's to get at a murder, see?
1499
01:05:13,777 --> 01:05:15,044
For instance...
1500
01:05:16,784 --> 01:05:19,226
was Matthew Birch in with you on this?
1501
01:05:21,984 --> 01:05:22,851
Ow! Ow!
1502
01:05:23,285 --> 01:05:25,671
That's it, you lousy little rat!
1503
01:05:25,706 --> 01:05:28,057
Now that that's out of your system you feel better?
1504
01:05:29,194 --> 01:05:30,226
Another thing, uh...
1505
01:05:30,659 --> 01:05:33,244
how much of, uh, the cut of the dough was yours
1506
01:05:33,279 --> 01:05:34,997
and who got the rest?
1507
01:05:35,032 --> 01:05:36,099
What dough?
1508
01:05:36,134 --> 01:05:37,166
"What dough?"
1509
01:05:37,600 --> 01:05:38,546
Huh.
1510
01:05:39,536 --> 01:05:41,809
Who gave you the tip on Leopold Heim?
1511
01:05:41,844 --> 01:05:43,637
Nobody.
1512
01:05:43,672 --> 01:05:44,505
Tough character.
1513
01:05:44,540 --> 01:05:45,806
He's very tough, Archie.
1514
01:05:45,841 --> 01:05:47,576
Let me do a little crisscross on him.
1515
01:05:47,611 --> 01:05:48,409
Yeah, get his arms.
1516
01:05:48,444 --> 01:05:50,482
All right. Hey, Fred, move him.
1517
01:05:51,739 --> 01:05:52,823
Come on.
1518
01:05:54,150 --> 01:05:54,915
Allright. Here we go.
1519
01:05:55,849 --> 01:05:56,217
The crisscross?
1520
01:05:56,252 --> 01:05:57,518
"The crisscross," yeah.
1521
01:05:57,553 --> 01:05:59,494
I don't know if you've been introduced
1522
01:05:59,529 --> 01:06:01,422
It's a scientific method
1523
01:06:01,457 --> 01:06:03,192
for stimulating vocal cords.
1524
01:06:03,227 --> 01:06:05,250
If and when you decide you don't want any more
1525
01:06:05,285 --> 01:06:06,300
there's a phone right there
1526
01:06:06,335 --> 01:06:07,898
and you can always call police headquarters.
1527
01:06:07,933 --> 01:06:08,964
We'll stop the science here
1528
01:06:08,999 --> 01:06:10,075
you can tell them anything you want
1529
01:06:10,110 --> 01:06:13,602
without interference or... you can answer my questions.
1530
01:06:14,167 --> 01:06:16,639
Did you see Birch in that car?
1531
01:06:17,940 --> 01:06:20,109
Who gave you the tip on Leopold Heim?
1532
01:06:27,339 --> 01:06:29,339
Who's the boss of your racket?
1533
01:06:30,519 --> 01:06:32,574
Birch is... or was.
1534
01:06:32,609 --> 01:06:34,572
Hmm. All right, now, we're getting somewhere.
1535
01:06:34,607 --> 01:06:36,123
Now... did you see Birch in the car
1536
01:06:36,158 --> 01:06:38,679
with a woman last, uh, Tuesday afternoon?
1537
01:06:38,714 --> 01:06:39,194
What woman?
1538
01:06:39,229 --> 01:06:40,027
"What woman?"
1539
01:06:40,062 --> 01:06:41,762
This hurts me more than it hurts you.
1540
01:06:41,797 --> 01:06:43,993
All right, let up, let up.
1541
01:06:44,028 --> 01:06:45,332
I saw them together.
1542
01:06:45,367 --> 01:06:46,863
You saw them together in Birch's car?
1543
01:06:46,898 --> 01:06:47,835
I don't know whose car it was.
1544
01:06:47,870 --> 01:06:48,954
Ah, who- who was the woman?
1545
01:06:48,989 --> 01:06:50,004
I don't know her either.
1546
01:06:50,039 --> 01:06:51,774
All right, who was driving the car?
1547
01:06:51,809 --> 01:06:53,040
Was Birch driving the car?
1548
01:06:53,075 --> 01:06:55,244
No, no, that's what surprised me... she was.
1549
01:06:55,279 --> 01:06:56,562
Birch wasn't the type of guy
1550
01:06:56,597 --> 01:06:57,846
who let a dame do the driving.
1551
01:06:59,148 --> 01:07:01,749
Who gave you the tip on, uh, Leopold Heim?
1552
01:07:01,750 --> 01:07:02,618
I don't know.
1553
01:07:03,485 --> 01:07:04,318
Oh, no!
1554
01:07:04,353 --> 01:07:06,522
Come on, I'm telling the truth.
1555
01:07:07,467 --> 01:07:08,656
I got leads in two ways...
1556
01:07:08,691 --> 01:07:11,293
from Birch and from some woman.
1557
01:07:11,727 --> 01:07:12,593
What woman?
1558
01:07:12,594 --> 01:07:13,427
I don't know.
1559
01:07:13,462 --> 01:07:15,197
Well, how do you know it wasn't a trap?
1560
01:07:15,631 --> 01:07:16,932
She uses a password.
1561
01:07:16,967 --> 01:07:17,765
A password, eh?
1562
01:07:17,800 --> 01:07:20,185
Well, what's the password?
1563
01:07:20,220 --> 01:07:22,263
"Said the spider to the fly".
1564
01:07:22,298 --> 01:07:24,306
"Said the spider to the fly. "
1565
01:07:25,387 --> 01:07:26,041
Spider earrings.
1566
01:07:26,076 --> 01:07:27,793
Yeah...
1567
01:07:27,828 --> 01:07:29,875
"Spider earrings".
1568
01:07:29,910 --> 01:07:31,470
Very good, Fred.
1569
01:07:31,505 --> 01:07:32,995
Very, very good.
1570
01:07:33,030 --> 01:07:35,527
And, uh, what number did you call her at?
1571
01:07:35,562 --> 01:07:36,884
Oh, I never called.
1572
01:07:36,885 --> 01:07:38,152
No, she called me.
1573
01:07:38,187 --> 01:07:39,900
Birch was the contact.
1574
01:07:41,223 --> 01:07:43,379
Are we, uh... are we expecting anyone?
1575
01:08:07,249 --> 01:08:09,418
Well, hello, there.
1576
01:08:09,453 --> 01:08:10,285
Ah-Ah-Ah.
1577
01:08:10,719 --> 01:08:12,020
Hello, Orrie. Good to see you.
1578
01:08:12,055 --> 01:08:13,756
Just in time. Thanks.
1579
01:08:13,791 --> 01:08:15,456
Come on in.
1580
01:08:15,491 --> 01:08:16,757
That hurts.
1581
01:08:16,792 --> 01:08:18,058
"That hurts," huh?
1582
01:08:18,093 --> 01:08:19,793
Yeah, well, we're very serious here.
1583
01:08:19,828 --> 01:08:22,431
I've got the name of an ambulance, if you'd like.
1584
01:08:22,466 --> 01:08:23,697
Yes, it is serious...
1585
01:08:23,732 --> 01:08:26,125
serious enough to finish you, Goodwin.
1586
01:08:27,202 --> 01:08:28,035
Pipe down, pipe down.
1587
01:08:28,070 --> 01:08:29,805
I'm going to make a phone call.
1588
01:08:51,927 --> 01:08:53,627
Nero Wolfe.
1589
01:08:53,662 --> 01:08:55,397
Yeah, I need some advice.
1590
01:08:55,432 --> 01:08:56,230
I'm asleep.
1591
01:08:56,265 --> 01:08:57,097
Well, splash some...
1592
01:08:57,132 --> 01:08:58,741
And, so, I filled him in.
1593
01:08:58,776 --> 01:09:01,083
I talked about Mort, talked about Lips...
1594
01:09:01,118 --> 01:09:02,078
told him about the notebook
1595
01:09:02,113 --> 01:09:04,169
with 1,000 names now in my pocket...
1596
01:09:04,204 --> 01:09:06,013
he could draw his own conclusion...
1597
01:09:06,048 --> 01:09:07,787
and I told him about lips' claim
1598
01:09:07,822 --> 01:09:09,681
that Birch was the boss in the racket
1599
01:09:09,716 --> 01:09:12,967
although the orders came from a woman he had never seen
1600
01:09:13,002 --> 01:09:16,218
and how Denis Horan showed up in the middle of all this.
1601
01:09:16,253 --> 01:09:20,122
This is... very satisfactory.
1602
01:09:21,857 --> 01:09:24,026
Apologize to Mr. Horan.
1603
01:09:24,061 --> 01:09:26,243
What? Have a heart.
1604
01:09:26,446 --> 01:09:27,461
He's a lawyer.
1605
01:09:27,496 --> 01:09:29,665
We won't give him cards to play.
1606
01:09:31,834 --> 01:09:33,896
Keep the notebook.
1607
01:09:33,931 --> 01:09:35,924
Mention it to no one
1608
01:09:35,959 --> 01:09:38,340
And put in the safe as soon as you get home.
1609
01:09:38,375 --> 01:09:40,040
Right, right.
1610
01:09:40,075 --> 01:09:42,155
Although it makes me ill to consider...
1611
01:09:42,190 --> 01:09:44,236
As Wolfe laid out the rest of the plan
1612
01:09:44,271 --> 01:09:45,452
some of it was sketchy
1613
01:09:45,487 --> 01:09:47,883
but, finally, I said I had it and I hung up.
1614
01:09:47,918 --> 01:09:49,618
...those barbarians to my house.
1615
01:09:50,919 --> 01:09:54,823
Boys, you committed two felonies...
1616
01:09:54,858 --> 01:09:58,555
assault with a firearm on Fred
1617
01:09:58,590 --> 01:10:00,891
And extortion on Saul.
1618
01:10:00,926 --> 01:10:02,922
Aw, you'll never make it stick.
1619
01:10:02,957 --> 01:10:04,717
No, no, wait, wait, wait.
1620
01:10:04,752 --> 01:10:06,443
Now, my inclination would
1621
01:10:06,478 --> 01:10:07,367
to have the cops come down here
1622
01:10:07,402 --> 01:10:09,137
and take you two birds away, but I work
1623
01:10:09,172 --> 01:10:10,316
for Nero Wolfe, see?
1624
01:10:10,439 --> 01:10:11,380
So, he might think differently.
1625
01:10:11,415 --> 01:10:12,275
He might want to bring you
1626
01:10:12,310 --> 01:10:14,690
to his house for questioning. That's we 're gonna do.
1627
01:10:14,725 --> 01:10:16,546
All right, you have one other choice
1628
01:10:16,547 --> 01:10:17,984
which is to go to the cops.
1629
01:10:18,247 --> 01:10:20,529
Now, I'd be happy to take you down to the station
1630
01:10:20,564 --> 01:10:22,811
But that's your only choice. As for you, Mr. Horan
1631
01:10:22,846 --> 01:10:25,465
I want to tender our sincere apologies.
1632
01:10:25,500 --> 01:10:28,588
Because of these two characters.
1633
01:10:28,589 --> 01:10:32,560
Mr. Wolfe would personally send his regrets as well.
1634
01:10:32,561 --> 01:10:34,650
Yes, and I would like to apologize to you
1635
01:10:34,685 --> 01:10:36,465
for one other thing, actually.
1636
01:10:36,899 --> 01:10:38,116
I neglected to introduce you
1637
01:10:38,151 --> 01:10:39,501
to Mr. Saul Panzer...
1638
01:10:39,536 --> 01:10:40,369
Yes.
1639
01:10:40,802 --> 01:10:41,635
Thank you very much
1640
01:10:41,962 --> 01:10:43,683
For all the help you've given me.
1641
01:10:43,718 --> 01:10:45,574
I appreciate very much.
1642
01:10:45,609 --> 01:10:48,504
Otherwise known as Leopold Heim.
1643
01:10:48,539 --> 01:10:49,838
That's it.
1644
01:10:50,308 --> 01:10:51,572
All right, now
1645
01:10:51,607 --> 01:10:52,986
Please go out your business.
1646
01:10:53,021 --> 01:10:54,214
But there is, uh...
1647
01:10:54,249 --> 01:10:55,949
I had th this great idea.
1648
01:10:55,984 --> 01:10:58,182
In fairness to, uh, Mr. Egan over here.
1649
01:10:58,217 --> 01:11:00,322
If we go down to Wolfe's house, you might want
1650
01:11:00,357 --> 01:11:02,491
to, uh, be represented by an attorney
1651
01:11:02,526 --> 01:11:04,625
and just by coincidence, guess what?
1652
01:11:04,660 --> 01:11:07,262
There's an attorney in the room... Mr. Denis Horan.
1653
01:11:07,696 --> 01:11:09,126
Horan was in a pickle.
1654
01:11:09,161 --> 01:11:10,471
If Horan deserted them
1655
01:11:10,506 --> 01:11:11,746
they might desert him
1656
01:11:11,781 --> 01:11:14,396
But to say yes would tie him to them.
1657
01:11:14,431 --> 01:11:18,106
Isn't it a lawyer's duty to help a guy who's in a jam?
1658
01:11:18,141 --> 01:11:22,657
So, it is, but I'm quite busy right now.
1659
01:11:22,692 --> 01:11:25,263
Yeah, so am I.
1660
01:11:25,851 --> 01:11:28,048
Of course.
1661
01:11:28,083 --> 01:11:30,902
Very well, I'll see what I can do.
1662
01:11:30,937 --> 01:11:33,722
Uh, we'll have to have a talk.
1663
01:11:34,156 --> 01:11:35,457
All right, let's go, boys.
1664
01:11:35,891 --> 01:11:38,927
Hey, bring those pliers for a souvenir, Fred.
1665
01:11:40,958 --> 01:11:42,025
Good morning.
1666
01:11:42,060 --> 01:11:43,092
Good morning.
1667
01:11:46,301 --> 01:11:47,602
All right, take it easy, Fred
1668
01:11:47,637 --> 01:11:48,904
Don't kill anybody, all right?
1669
01:11:48,939 --> 01:11:50,170
How did everything go?
1670
01:11:50,205 --> 01:11:51,524
Good. I took over from Fred about 5:30.
1671
01:11:51,559 --> 01:11:52,701
Fred, you awake?
1672
01:11:52,736 --> 01:11:53,696
I'm going to get a coffee.
1673
01:11:53,731 --> 01:11:54,448
Did you sleep well?
1674
01:11:54,483 --> 01:11:55,711
Oh, thank you.
1675
01:11:55,746 --> 01:11:57,145
This is insufferable!
1676
01:11:57,180 --> 01:11:57,919
Well, then don't suffer.
1677
01:11:57,954 --> 01:11:58,623
I told you many times
1678
01:11:58,658 --> 01:11:59,689
you can leave at any time you want.
1679
01:11:59,724 --> 01:12:00,263
How about us?
1680
01:12:00,298 --> 01:12:01,928
For you, deluxe accommodations.
1681
01:12:01,963 --> 01:12:04,186
Your tie is crooked.
1682
01:12:10,592 --> 01:12:11,858
Eight breakfasts.
1683
01:12:11,893 --> 01:12:13,427
Well, that includes three houseguests.
1684
01:12:13,462 --> 01:12:15,276
Guests? Here?
1685
01:12:17,099 --> 01:12:18,573
I am on a mission and I am starving.
1686
01:12:18,608 --> 01:12:19,701
Archie, I need $500.
1687
01:12:19,736 --> 01:12:20,527
What for?
1688
01:12:20,562 --> 01:12:21,284
Phone calls.
1689
01:12:21,319 --> 01:12:22,298
Fritz, I'm just going to have that
1690
01:12:22,333 --> 01:12:24,438
'cause that looks great. Mmm.
1691
01:12:24,910 --> 01:12:26,696
I knew it would be useless for me to guess
1692
01:12:26,731 --> 01:12:28,201
what Wolfe had in mind for Orrie
1693
01:12:28,236 --> 01:12:30,979
and I knew it would be useless to ask.
1694
01:12:31,014 --> 01:12:32,356
I also knew Wolfe well enough to know
1695
01:12:32,391 --> 01:12:33,699
he had something up his sleeve.
1696
01:12:33,734 --> 01:12:36,184
He always did.
1697
01:12:38,353 --> 01:12:40,579
That must be inspector Cramer.
1698
01:12:40,614 --> 01:12:42,568
We called him when we got home last night
1699
01:12:42,603 --> 01:12:43,576
And told him everything.
1700
01:12:43,611 --> 01:12:45,393
Well, almost everything.
1701
01:12:49,215 --> 01:12:49,596
Yeah?
1702
01:12:49,631 --> 01:12:50,687
Yeah, we're on our way somewhere.
1703
01:12:50,722 --> 01:12:51,576
Where are these characters?
1704
01:12:51,611 --> 01:12:52,498
And what do you want to tell me?
1705
01:12:52,533 --> 01:12:54,018
Uh, come in.
1706
01:12:57,421 --> 01:12:59,139
What kept you so long?
1707
01:12:59,174 --> 01:13:00,909
Mr. Goodwin phoned more than six hours ago.
1708
01:13:00,944 --> 01:13:02,179
As you know my house is full
1709
01:13:02,214 --> 01:13:03,513
of questionable characters
1710
01:13:03,548 --> 01:13:04,813
and I want to get rid of them.
1711
01:13:04,848 --> 01:13:05,422
Where are they?
1712
01:13:05,457 --> 01:13:07,849
Guilty of extortion. And, and... assault
1713
01:13:07,884 --> 01:13:09,385
and I'm certain much more.
1714
01:13:09,420 --> 01:13:10,851
Archie will explain later.
1715
01:13:10,886 --> 01:13:13,271
But first, I have two questions.
1716
01:13:13,306 --> 01:13:15,657
Why did the man who killed the boy
1717
01:13:15,692 --> 01:13:16,406
in broad daylight
1718
01:13:16,441 --> 01:13:19,528
dare to run the risk of later identification
1719
01:13:19,563 --> 01:13:21,193
by one or more onlookers?
1720
01:13:22,133 --> 01:13:24,949
And the other question concerns the journey of the earrings
1721
01:13:24,984 --> 01:13:27,329
bought by Mrs. Fromm
1722
01:13:27,364 --> 01:13:30,370
worn by the woman in the car some days later.
1723
01:13:30,405 --> 01:13:34,743
Then worn again by Mrs. Fromm three days after that.
1724
01:13:34,778 --> 01:13:36,478
Can you explain that?
1725
01:13:36,513 --> 01:13:37,351
No.
1726
01:13:37,386 --> 01:13:40,738
So I have provided my own answers.
1727
01:13:40,773 --> 01:13:44,368
But I can't expound upon them without naming my candidate.
1728
01:13:44,403 --> 01:13:45,587
If you're ready to name a candidate
1729
01:13:45,622 --> 01:13:47,151
don't let me stop you.
1730
01:13:47,186 --> 01:13:47,756
Have you got one?
1731
01:13:47,791 --> 01:13:48,588
Oh, yes.
1732
01:13:48,623 --> 01:13:50,358
The hell you have.
1733
01:13:50,792 --> 01:13:51,625
Name them.
1734
01:13:51,660 --> 01:13:53,395
The question was:
1735
01:13:53,430 --> 01:13:54,630
"Have I a candidate?"
1736
01:13:54,665 --> 01:13:57,169
Not "am I ready to nominate?"
1737
01:13:57,204 --> 01:14:01,636
I may be in an hour or week, but not now.
1738
01:14:02,955 --> 01:14:04,635
What is it, Fred?
1739
01:14:04,673 --> 01:14:05,190
Yes, sir.
1740
01:14:05,225 --> 01:14:08,063
Horan wants to speak with you; now. Urgent.
1741
01:14:08,143 --> 01:14:14,000
Mm, this man Horan is a hyena and he irritates me.
1742
01:14:14,035 --> 01:14:15,317
Why don't you talk to him?
1743
01:14:16,555 --> 01:14:17,686
Bring him in.
1744
01:14:21,371 --> 01:14:22,998
Oh, I think I've seen you work
1745
01:14:23,033 --> 01:14:24,626
all the dodges there are, Wolfe
1746
01:14:24,661 --> 01:14:25,981
but this one takes the cake.
1747
01:14:27,738 --> 01:14:29,230
And I don't get it.
1748
01:14:35,036 --> 01:14:36,338
Oh...
1749
01:14:37,639 --> 01:14:38,940
I'm glad you're here.
1750
01:14:38,975 --> 01:14:40,242
So am I.
1751
01:14:41,478 --> 01:14:43,038
I have decided to reveal
1752
01:14:43,073 --> 01:14:45,406
a conversation I had with Mrs. Fromm
1753
01:14:45,441 --> 01:14:46,713
the night of my party.
1754
01:14:46,748 --> 01:14:48,266
I would have revealed it earlier
1755
01:14:48,301 --> 01:14:49,785
except that, as her attorney
1756
01:14:49,820 --> 01:14:51,754
I thought it privileged
1757
01:14:51,789 --> 01:14:54,121
but now it seems critical.
1758
01:14:54,122 --> 01:14:55,388
Get to it, Horan.
1759
01:14:56,655 --> 01:14:59,569
She told me that she had received information
1760
01:14:59,604 --> 01:15:01,292
that someone in the organization
1761
01:15:01,327 --> 01:15:04,231
was furnishing the names of illegal immigrants
1762
01:15:04,266 --> 01:15:07,135
to a blackmailing group led by Matthew Birch
1763
01:15:07,170 --> 01:15:10,762
and that a man named Egan was involved.
1764
01:15:10,797 --> 01:15:13,173
She impressed on me especially
1765
01:15:13,208 --> 01:15:16,244
the importance of avoiding any scandal
1766
01:15:16,279 --> 01:15:19,281
that might damage the association.
1767
01:15:19,714 --> 01:15:20,981
It was so like her.
1768
01:15:21,016 --> 01:15:24,444
Always thinking of others, never of herself.
1769
01:15:25,481 --> 01:15:26,221
You okay?
1770
01:15:26,655 --> 01:15:27,921
Yes.
1771
01:15:27,956 --> 01:15:30,547
Aren't you, uh, Egan's attorney?
1772
01:15:30,559 --> 01:15:33,595
No... no, that was a mistake.
1773
01:15:33,630 --> 01:15:36,860
I acted on impulse.
1774
01:15:36,895 --> 01:15:39,089
I've told him I can't act for him.
1775
01:15:39,124 --> 01:15:41,173
Purley, bring Egan.
1776
01:15:41,208 --> 01:15:43,188
You realize, of course
1777
01:15:43,223 --> 01:15:45,944
that this man is evidently a low criminal
1778
01:15:45,979 --> 01:15:47,716
and he's in a desperate situation.
1779
01:15:47,751 --> 01:15:49,453
He's scarcely a credible witness.
1780
01:15:49,488 --> 01:15:50,444
Yeah.
1781
01:15:50,479 --> 01:15:51,344
Come on in.
1782
01:15:51,379 --> 01:15:53,548
Let's take a pew.
1783
01:15:53,982 --> 01:15:56,584
Aren't you Lawrence Egan?
1784
01:15:57,091 --> 01:15:59,187
Otherwise known as Lips Egan?
1785
01:15:59,909 --> 01:16:01,482
Yeah. Yeah. That's me.
1786
01:16:01,517 --> 01:16:03,056
And Mr. Horan here
1787
01:16:03,091 --> 01:16:06,092
says he doesn't represent you anymore.
1788
01:16:06,127 --> 01:16:08,346
He also says that you're a low criminal and a...
1789
01:16:08,381 --> 01:16:09,598
That's not what I said!
1790
01:16:09,633 --> 01:16:10,465
Shut up!
1791
01:16:10,899 --> 01:16:12,165
One more interruption and out you go.
1792
01:16:12,200 --> 01:16:14,369
Did you say you wouldn't represent him anymore?
1793
01:16:14,803 --> 01:16:15,237
Yes or no?
1794
01:16:15,564 --> 01:16:16,937
Yes.
1795
01:16:16,972 --> 01:16:18,273
Did you say he was a low criminal?
1796
01:16:18,308 --> 01:16:19,068
Yes.
1797
01:16:19,103 --> 01:16:20,007
Then shut up.
1798
01:16:20,008 --> 01:16:22,586
Have you seen this man before last night?
1799
01:16:23,591 --> 01:16:24,628
Well?
1800
01:16:24,663 --> 01:16:26,149
I got to think.
1801
01:16:26,184 --> 01:16:28,402
Don't hurt yourself.
1802
01:16:29,167 --> 01:16:30,784
He also said that you're involved
1803
01:16:30,819 --> 01:16:32,587
in the blackmail scheme.
1804
01:16:34,322 --> 01:16:36,924
Yeah, I've seen him before last night.
1805
01:16:36,925 --> 01:16:38,009
I've seen him lots.
1806
01:16:38,044 --> 01:16:39,219
Dozens of times.
1807
01:16:39,254 --> 01:16:40,395
Right, brother?
1808
01:16:41,263 --> 01:16:42,563
You lousy rat.
1809
01:16:42,564 --> 01:16:43,396
Sit down!
1810
01:16:43,431 --> 01:16:45,166
He's in it up to his ears.
1811
01:16:45,201 --> 01:16:46,034
That's a lie!
1812
01:16:46,468 --> 01:16:48,298
You led him into this.
1813
01:16:48,333 --> 01:16:49,035
Maybe so...
1814
01:16:49,070 --> 01:16:53,056
but I got all I need right now, Mr. Horan.
1815
01:16:53,091 --> 01:16:54,076
You're being detained
1816
01:16:54,111 --> 01:16:55,386
as a material witness
1817
01:16:55,421 --> 01:16:56,766
in a murder and extortion case.
1818
01:16:56,801 --> 01:16:59,047
Purley. Get him out of here and take the others with you.
1819
01:16:59,082 --> 01:17:01,181
Let's go, boys.
1820
01:17:05,987 --> 01:17:09,856
It's 9:00. My orchids.
1821
01:17:10,548 --> 01:17:12,494
You mean you're just going to leave when...
1822
01:17:12,529 --> 01:17:13,326
When what?
1823
01:17:13,361 --> 01:17:15,313
You've got this retch cornered
1824
01:17:15,348 --> 01:17:17,230
and you're clawing away at him
1825
01:17:17,265 --> 01:17:20,302
to get at another retch... that unspeakable Horan.
1826
01:17:20,337 --> 01:17:22,225
I'm not after blackmailers.
1827
01:17:22,260 --> 01:17:23,303
I'm after a murderer.
1828
01:17:23,338 --> 01:17:25,507
You can deal with them just as effectively elsewhere.
1829
01:17:25,542 --> 01:17:27,145
You bet I can.
1830
01:17:27,180 --> 01:17:29,159
And I'm going to take your men with me...
1831
01:17:29,194 --> 01:17:30,337
all four of them.
1832
01:17:30,372 --> 01:17:31,286
You may have three of them
1833
01:17:31,321 --> 01:17:33,315
but not Mr. Cather, he's not here.
1834
01:17:33,350 --> 01:17:35,483
Where is he? I want him.
1835
01:17:35,518 --> 01:17:36,802
You can't have him.
1836
01:17:36,837 --> 01:17:38,051
He's on an errand.
1837
01:17:38,086 --> 01:17:41,122
Haven't I given you enough for one morning?
1838
01:17:42,352 --> 01:17:43,291
Archie, do you remember where
1839
01:17:43,326 --> 01:17:44,557
Orrie has gone?
1840
01:17:44,592 --> 01:17:46,328
Couldn't remember to save me.
1841
01:17:46,363 --> 01:17:48,355
Good. Don't try.
1842
01:17:50,884 --> 01:17:53,436
And the truth was I didn't have the smallest idea
1843
01:17:53,471 --> 01:17:55,870
where Orrie was.
1844
01:17:59,426 --> 01:18:01,367
I've never seen as much top brass in one day
1845
01:18:01,402 --> 01:18:03,273
as I did during the next eight hours.
1846
01:18:03,308 --> 01:18:06,199
Finally, they tied up a reasonably accurate statement
1847
01:18:06,234 --> 01:18:07,144
and I was sent down
1848
01:18:07,179 --> 01:18:09,751
to police commissioner Walter Neary's office.
1849
01:18:09,786 --> 01:18:11,398
Howdy, commish, what's up?
1850
01:18:11,433 --> 01:18:13,221
So tell me about this deal with Jean Estey.
1851
01:18:13,256 --> 01:18:13,841
Again?
1852
01:18:13,876 --> 01:18:15,003
It looks different now.
1853
01:18:15,038 --> 01:18:16,472
Well, I was over there I talked to a few...
1854
01:18:16,507 --> 01:18:17,993
And Mrs. Horan and Angela Wright...
1855
01:18:18,028 --> 01:18:19,311
whose idea was that?
1856
01:18:19,346 --> 01:18:20,621
Hey, that's you.
1857
01:18:20,656 --> 01:18:21,896
So, Wolfe knew.
1858
01:18:22,330 --> 01:18:24,065
I'll have to think about that one.
1859
01:18:24,605 --> 01:18:26,199
That fat son of a bitch.
1860
01:18:27,354 --> 01:18:28,529
He said he's ready to earn the money
1861
01:18:28,564 --> 01:18:30,572
Mrs. Fromm paid him to identify the murderer.
1862
01:18:30,607 --> 01:18:32,706
He wants Stebbins and me.
1863
01:18:32,741 --> 01:18:34,476
He wants the five people chiefly involved.
1864
01:18:34,511 --> 01:18:35,913
And if that's not enough
1865
01:18:35,948 --> 01:18:38,813
he wants three or four policewomen... not in uniform.
1866
01:18:38,848 --> 01:18:40,565
He wants you immediately.
1867
01:18:40,600 --> 01:18:42,283
He wants Durkin, Panzer
1868
01:18:42,318 --> 01:18:43,550
and Egan.
1869
01:18:43,585 --> 01:18:47,055
And he says we'll be bringing the murderer with us.
1870
01:18:47,489 --> 01:18:49,189
He's a maniac. Insufferable.
1871
01:18:49,224 --> 01:18:50,129
Get him down here.
1872
01:18:50,164 --> 01:18:50,924
He won't come.
1873
01:18:50,959 --> 01:18:51,585
You bring him.
1874
01:18:51,620 --> 01:18:52,682
Got a warrant?
1875
01:18:52,717 --> 01:18:53,709
I'll get it.
1876
01:18:53,744 --> 01:18:56,164
Commissioner, he won't open his mouth.
1877
01:18:56,199 --> 01:18:56,997
He'll get out on bail
1878
01:18:57,032 --> 01:18:58,934
Go home and do his own inviting.
1879
01:18:58,969 --> 01:19:00,033
Without us.
1880
01:19:00,068 --> 01:19:01,768
Well, I'll see you gentlemen later.
1881
01:19:01,803 --> 01:19:03,538
Always a pleasure commish.
1882
01:19:10,678 --> 01:19:13,515
Would someone please tell me what this is all about?
1883
01:19:14,793 --> 01:19:16,117
I'm inspector Cramer.
1884
01:19:16,901 --> 01:19:18,685
New York homicide.
1885
01:19:19,117 --> 01:19:21,756
I want you to understand that this is official.
1886
01:19:21,791 --> 01:19:23,023
Only up to a point.
1887
01:19:24,213 --> 01:19:26,498
You were brought here by the police department.
1888
01:19:26,533 --> 01:19:29,370
With the approval of the D.A.
1889
01:19:29,564 --> 01:19:32,132
I'm done with you.
1890
01:19:32,979 --> 01:19:36,071
But now, Nero Wolfe will proceed on his own.
1891
01:19:36,900 --> 01:19:37,771
I want you to understand
1892
01:19:37,806 --> 01:19:40,373
that he has, uh, no authority
1893
01:19:40,408 --> 01:19:44,312
to insist on any answers to any questions he may ask.
1894
01:19:44,347 --> 01:19:46,915
You understand that?
1895
01:20:05,133 --> 01:20:06,000
This is, uh...
1896
01:20:06,434 --> 01:20:07,302
a little awkward.
1897
01:20:08,293 --> 01:20:10,794
I... have only seen two of you before...
1898
01:20:10,829 --> 01:20:15,508
Mr. Horan and Mr. Kuffner.
1899
01:20:15,543 --> 01:20:22,050
Mr. Goodwin has provided me with a chart, but I'd like to check.
1900
01:20:22,085 --> 01:20:23,785
You're miss Jean Estey?
1901
01:20:23,820 --> 01:20:25,086
Yes.
1902
01:20:26,821 --> 01:20:28,990
Mrs. Angela Wright?
1903
01:20:29,025 --> 01:20:31,124
Cheer up.
1904
01:20:31,159 --> 01:20:32,026
Mrs. Denis Horan?
1905
01:20:32,460 --> 01:20:33,029
I don't see...
1906
01:20:33,064 --> 01:20:34,160
Mr. Goodwin tells me
1907
01:20:34,195 --> 01:20:36,364
you have a charming little pet.
1908
01:20:46,341 --> 01:20:48,041
Thank you all for coming.
1909
01:20:49,689 --> 01:20:52,725
Uh, this is the first time I've undertaken
1910
01:20:52,760 --> 01:20:55,786
to single out a murderer from a group of mostly strangers.
1911
01:20:55,821 --> 01:20:58,160
It seems a little presumptuous
1912
01:20:58,195 --> 01:20:59,787
but let's see.
1913
01:21:02,857 --> 01:21:07,164
I have no questions to ask
1914
01:21:07,199 --> 01:21:11,499
but indeed I have questions to ask of myself.
1915
01:21:11,534 --> 01:21:13,199
For instance...
1916
01:21:13,234 --> 01:21:17,138
why did Mrs. Fromm wear those golden spider earrings
1917
01:21:17,173 --> 01:21:20,469
when she came to see me?
1918
01:21:20,504 --> 01:21:24,946
Answer: they were part of an attempted imposture.
1919
01:21:24,981 --> 01:21:26,646
She wanted to impersonate
1920
01:21:26,681 --> 01:21:29,284
the woman who was wearing them in the car
1921
01:21:29,319 --> 01:21:33,188
in order to find out what I knew.
1922
01:21:33,621 --> 01:21:34,888
Another question.
1923
01:21:34,923 --> 01:21:40,128
Why did Mr. Horan go to the factory last night?
1924
01:21:40,163 --> 01:21:41,828
Answer: because
1925
01:21:41,863 --> 01:21:45,949
his greed had impelled him to a foolish action
1926
01:21:45,984 --> 01:21:49,671
giving Leopold Heim's name and address to Mr. Lips Egan
1927
01:21:49,706 --> 01:21:50,409
and he was alarmed.
1928
01:21:50,444 --> 01:21:51,297
I protest.
1929
01:21:51,332 --> 01:21:54,008
Inspector Cramer, this is slander.
1930
01:21:54,043 --> 01:21:56,142
You're a lawyer. Sue him.
1931
01:21:56,177 --> 01:21:58,968
Mr. Horan. If I were you I'd stop blathering
1932
01:21:59,003 --> 01:21:59,881
About your implication
1933
01:21:59,916 --> 01:22:01,347
in blackmail and extortion.
1934
01:22:01,382 --> 01:22:03,516
On that you're sunk, and you know it
1935
01:22:03,551 --> 01:22:07,021
and now you're confronted with a much greater danger...
1936
01:22:07,056 --> 01:22:10,601
identification as the murderer of Pete Drossos.
1937
01:22:10,636 --> 01:22:11,758
But, I-I...
1938
01:22:11,793 --> 01:22:15,121
You can't possibly escape a term in jail
1939
01:22:15,156 --> 01:22:18,449
but with my help you may go on living.
1940
01:22:20,034 --> 01:22:21,057
I suppose most of you
1941
01:22:21,092 --> 01:22:24,175
know nothing of the extortion enterprise
1942
01:22:24,210 --> 01:22:26,510
which has resulted in the death of three people.
1943
01:22:26,541 --> 01:22:29,143
So you can't follow me throughout
1944
01:22:29,178 --> 01:22:31,850
but one of you will most assuredly
1945
01:22:31,885 --> 01:22:33,915
be able to follow me.
1946
01:22:35,267 --> 01:22:36,623
Where do I begin?
1947
01:22:37,385 --> 01:22:41,072
With the golden spider earrings.
1948
01:22:41,107 --> 01:22:43,800
Unusual and very unattractive.
1949
01:22:43,835 --> 01:22:48,383
Why would a woman of taste
1950
01:22:48,418 --> 01:22:53,940
like Mrs. Fromm, upon seeing these earrings
1951
01:22:53,975 --> 01:22:56,791
in a store window, be motivated to purchase them?
1952
01:22:56,826 --> 01:22:58,779
Perhaps she didn't find them unattractive.
1953
01:22:59,073 --> 01:23:00,773
Tastes differ? Ptooey.
1954
01:23:00,808 --> 01:23:03,444
Do you remember Mr. Lips Egan
1955
01:23:03,479 --> 01:23:05,609
saying that in phoning him
1956
01:23:05,644 --> 01:23:07,564
a woman used a password?
1957
01:23:07,599 --> 01:23:09,484
What was it, Mr. Egan?
1958
01:23:10,351 --> 01:23:12,954
"Said the spider to a fly. "
1959
01:23:13,388 --> 01:23:17,158
Exactly. "Said the spider... "
1960
01:23:17,193 --> 01:23:21,629
Perhaps Mrs. Fromm had overheard that peculiar password used
1961
01:23:21,664 --> 01:23:25,967
and the impulse struck her to play a kind of game
1962
01:23:26,002 --> 01:23:28,986
with those who she thought might be involved.
1963
01:23:29,003 --> 01:23:29,836
What game?
1964
01:23:29,871 --> 01:23:32,473
Possibly to see if anyone would respond.
1965
01:23:32,907 --> 01:23:35,908
What we do know
1966
01:23:35,943 --> 01:23:38,980
is that a woman wearing those earrings
1967
01:23:39,015 --> 01:23:41,149
was driving a car with a man
1968
01:23:41,184 --> 01:23:42,849
and mouthed the words
1969
01:23:42,884 --> 01:23:46,372
"Help. Get a cop. " to a boy named Pete Drossos
1970
01:23:46,407 --> 01:23:49,885
And the car suddenly drove off.
1971
01:23:50,746 --> 01:23:52,947
The next day, the same car
1972
01:23:52,982 --> 01:23:56,379
now driven by a man, ran over the boy
1973
01:23:56,414 --> 01:23:58,090
at a fairly busy intersection.
1974
01:23:58,125 --> 01:23:59,766
We know it was a man driving
1975
01:23:59,801 --> 01:24:03,271
because witnesses caught a glimpse of him.
1976
01:24:03,306 --> 01:24:04,572
So, obviously...
1977
01:24:05,006 --> 01:24:06,090
the driver was the man
1978
01:24:06,125 --> 01:24:07,175
in the car with the woman
1979
01:24:07,210 --> 01:24:08,476
the day before.
1980
01:24:08,910 --> 01:24:11,512
This seemed obvious because this man would be afraid
1981
01:24:11,547 --> 01:24:13,247
that Pete Drossos could identify him.
1982
01:24:13,282 --> 01:24:15,590
But that theory was invalidated
1983
01:24:15,625 --> 01:24:18,573
when I learned that the man in the car with the woman
1984
01:24:18,608 --> 01:24:19,754
was Matthew Birch
1985
01:24:20,188 --> 01:24:23,189
and Matthew Birch had been killed
1986
01:24:23,224 --> 01:24:27,562
the nightbefore Pete Drossos was run over.
1987
01:24:28,416 --> 01:24:32,351
So who was the driver?
1988
01:24:32,386 --> 01:24:37,105
I put myself in his place.
1989
01:24:37,538 --> 01:24:41,442
I can't expect to kill the boy at my first attempt.
1990
01:24:41,876 --> 01:24:44,632
I must anticipate driving through that intersection
1991
01:24:44,667 --> 01:24:47,532
several, or even many times.
1992
01:24:47,567 --> 01:24:49,684
There will be people around.
1993
01:24:49,719 --> 01:24:51,384
Witnesses.
1994
01:24:52,298 --> 01:24:53,804
So what do I do?
1995
01:24:53,839 --> 01:24:55,665
Wear a mask?
1996
01:24:55,700 --> 01:24:57,457
A false beard?
1997
01:24:58,945 --> 01:25:04,866
No. I proceed with my hazardous and mortal adventure
1998
01:25:04,901 --> 01:25:08,336
dressed in a brown suit
1999
01:25:08,371 --> 01:25:11,299
and a felt hat.
2000
01:25:11,334 --> 01:25:17,330
Manifestly... either I am a peerless dunce
2001
01:25:17,365 --> 01:25:22,216
or... I am a woman.
2002
01:25:26,988 --> 01:25:30,458
Let's say, hypothetically
2003
01:25:30,493 --> 01:25:32,158
I am a woman.
2004
01:25:32,193 --> 01:25:37,973
For if I am a woman, many of the complexities disappear
2005
01:25:38,008 --> 01:25:41,161
since most of the roles now become mine.
2006
01:25:41,196 --> 01:25:45,206
I am, let us say, involved in the blackmailing project.
2007
01:25:45,241 --> 01:25:47,350
I may even direct it.
2008
01:25:47,385 --> 01:25:52,124
Mrs. Fromm catches wind of it, she becomes suspicious.
2009
01:25:52,159 --> 01:25:54,280
She asks me guarded questions.
2010
01:25:54,315 --> 01:25:58,028
She even gives me the spider earrings as a gift
2011
01:25:58,063 --> 01:25:59,485
to provoke a reaction.
2012
01:25:59,520 --> 01:26:03,424
I tell Matthew Birch, one of my accomplices
2013
01:26:03,459 --> 01:26:05,827
about Mrs. Fromm's suspicions.
2014
01:26:05,862 --> 01:26:08,196
He insists upon meeting me.
2015
01:26:08,629 --> 01:26:11,197
He has me drive his car, which is unusual.
2016
01:26:12,274 --> 01:26:16,106
He suddenly produces a gun and orders me to drive somewhere.
2017
01:26:16,141 --> 01:26:17,677
Whatever the cause of his hostility
2018
01:26:17,712 --> 01:26:18,406
I know his character.
2019
01:26:18,441 --> 01:26:19,907
I fear for my life.
2020
01:26:19,942 --> 01:26:21,226
At a corner
2021
01:26:21,261 --> 01:26:22,475
the car stops.
2022
01:26:22,510 --> 01:26:25,546
A boy approaches to wipe my window.
2023
01:26:25,581 --> 01:26:27,434
His face is close to mine.
2024
01:26:27,469 --> 01:26:31,185
I mouth the words, "help. Get a cop. "
2025
01:26:31,220 --> 01:26:33,805
Birch prods me and we go.
2026
01:26:33,840 --> 01:26:36,355
I recover from my panic.
2027
01:26:37,360 --> 01:26:42,631
Somewhere, sometime, I catch him off-guard and attack.
2028
01:26:42,666 --> 01:26:46,171
I disable him, but I do not shoot him.
2029
01:26:46,206 --> 01:26:49,665
I have him in the car, helpless and unconscious
2030
01:26:49,700 --> 01:26:53,524
and later that night, I drive to a secluded alley, dump him out
2031
01:26:53,559 --> 01:26:58,828
run his body over several times, park the car, and go home.
2032
01:26:59,380 --> 01:27:01,983
I could make up this story.
2033
01:27:02,018 --> 01:27:03,718
Show me the proof.
2034
01:27:03,753 --> 01:27:05,687
I intend to.
2035
01:27:05,722 --> 01:27:07,587
The next day
2036
01:27:07,622 --> 01:27:12,827
I decide the boy is a threat not to be tolerated.
2037
01:27:12,862 --> 01:27:18,032
He may identify me as Birch's companion in the car.
2038
01:27:18,067 --> 01:27:21,736
So that afternoon, dressed as a man
2039
01:27:21,771 --> 01:27:25,406
I get the car from where I parked it...
2040
01:27:26,707 --> 01:27:28,009
and dispatch the boy
2041
01:27:28,442 --> 01:27:29,986
Ending that possibility.
2042
01:27:30,021 --> 01:27:30,576
Proof.
2043
01:27:30,611 --> 01:27:32,795
Proof. Where's the proof?
2044
01:27:32,830 --> 01:27:33,613
Mrs. Fromm was going
2045
01:27:33,648 --> 01:27:37,985
to the Horans' apartment for dinner that night.
2046
01:27:38,020 --> 01:27:40,588
I found her car parked nearby.
2047
01:27:41,889 --> 01:27:44,926
I hid on the floor behind the front seat
2048
01:27:44,961 --> 01:27:47,094
Armed with a tire wrench.
2049
01:27:47,129 --> 01:27:49,414
Horan came down with her, but...
2050
01:27:49,449 --> 01:27:50,565
Hold it.
2051
01:27:50,998 --> 01:27:51,866
Hold it!
2052
01:27:53,601 --> 01:27:56,203
I got 'em here, but there's a limit.
2053
01:27:56,238 --> 01:27:58,823
Give me a fact or we're through.
2054
01:27:59,613 --> 01:28:01,409
Archie, let them in, please.
2055
01:28:19,627 --> 01:28:20,928
The red chair.
2056
01:28:29,604 --> 01:28:31,772
My name is Nero Wolfe.
2057
01:28:33,129 --> 01:28:35,025
What is your business, Mr. Levine?
2058
01:28:35,060 --> 01:28:37,845
I'm a partner in B. and S. Levine.
2059
01:28:38,279 --> 01:28:40,448
The "S" is for sidney, my brother.
2060
01:28:40,483 --> 01:28:41,714
And the business?
2061
01:28:42,422 --> 01:28:44,134
A clothing store, men's clothing
2062
01:28:44,169 --> 01:28:46,520
on Fillmore street in Brooklyn.
2063
01:28:46,555 --> 01:28:47,787
Why are you here?
2064
01:28:48,724 --> 01:28:50,649
Well... there was this phone call
2065
01:28:50,684 --> 01:28:51,741
at the store, and a man said
2066
01:28:51,776 --> 01:28:54,094
that this wife had bought for him
2067
01:28:54,129 --> 01:28:56,413
a felt hat and a brown suit last week
2068
01:28:56,448 --> 01:28:57,365
and did we remember about it
2069
01:28:57,400 --> 01:28:59,065
and I said, "sure"
2070
01:28:59,100 --> 01:29:03,004
and he said, to make sure, would I describe her, and I did.
2071
01:29:03,039 --> 01:29:05,137
And then, what happened?
2072
01:29:05,172 --> 01:29:06,907
Then he talked me into coming here.
2073
01:29:06,942 --> 01:29:08,425
What a talker that man is.
2074
01:29:08,460 --> 01:29:09,909
A salesman he should be.
2075
01:29:09,944 --> 01:29:11,644
I want to know about the woman
2076
01:29:11,679 --> 01:29:13,848
who bought the brown suit and felt hat.
2077
01:29:13,883 --> 01:29:15,383
She's here. I saw her
2078
01:29:15,418 --> 01:29:16,884
as soon as I sat down.
2079
01:29:23,150 --> 01:29:23,824
All right.
2080
01:29:23,859 --> 01:29:25,126
It's a fact.
2081
01:29:25,559 --> 01:29:26,426
I was a fool.
2082
01:29:26,461 --> 01:29:28,414
I bought the suit for claire Horan.
2083
01:29:28,449 --> 01:29:29,731
She asked me to, and I did it.
2084
01:29:29,766 --> 01:29:30,782
You bitch!
2085
01:29:30,817 --> 01:29:32,031
That's a lie!
2086
01:29:32,066 --> 01:29:34,200
She's a murderer and a liar!
2087
01:29:34,235 --> 01:29:36,837
Shut up! Shut up, you fool! I'll kill you!
2088
01:29:36,872 --> 01:29:37,939
I'll kill you!
2089
01:29:37,974 --> 01:29:38,971
All right, Purley.
2090
01:29:39,006 --> 01:29:40,741
Get 'em out of here... all of 'em.
2091
01:29:40,776 --> 01:29:41,843
Get 'em out of here.
2092
01:29:41,878 --> 01:29:42,828
Mrs. Horan, too.
2093
01:29:42,863 --> 01:29:43,778
Get her out of here.
2094
01:29:44,732 --> 01:29:46,366
I felt I owed Lon Cohen
2095
01:29:46,401 --> 01:29:47,590
a good shot for his paper.
2096
01:29:47,625 --> 01:29:50,081
He'd done me some good favors
2097
01:29:50,116 --> 01:29:52,538
and now he'd do a few more.
2098
01:30:11,972 --> 01:30:14,141
He said you wanted to see me?
2099
01:30:14,176 --> 01:30:16,310
I said that, Mrs. Drossos.
2100
01:30:19,780 --> 01:30:22,178
Mrs. Drossos, this is for you.
2101
01:30:22,213 --> 01:30:23,537
This is $5,000.
2102
01:30:23,572 --> 01:30:24,517
It's half of Mr. Wolfe's fee.
2103
01:30:24,552 --> 01:30:27,154
You see, Mr. Wolfe and Pete were partners
2104
01:30:27,189 --> 01:30:29,288
and he would like you to have that.
2105
01:30:29,323 --> 01:30:32,824
But, I, I, I gave him Pete's money, five dollars.
2106
01:30:32,859 --> 01:30:34,110
I know. Wolfe believes
2107
01:30:34,145 --> 01:30:35,361
that a deal is a deal.
2108
01:30:35,396 --> 01:30:38,432
But why does he not give it to me himself?
2109
01:30:38,467 --> 01:30:41,469
Mr. Wolfe, uh, is a bit of a coward, you see.
2110
01:30:41,902 --> 01:30:42,735
A coward?
2111
01:30:44,584 --> 01:30:46,383
He hates to see a woman cry.
2112
01:30:49,710 --> 01:30:51,228
Thank you for coming.
2113
01:30:51,263 --> 01:30:53,089
Fritz will see you home.
2114
01:30:53,124 --> 01:30:54,915
Don't tell him I cried.
2115
01:30:54,950 --> 01:30:56,217
I will not.
2116
01:31:19,640 --> 01:31:23,978
Well, I gave her half of Mrs. Fromm's fee.
2117
01:31:24,845 --> 01:31:26,545
And she took it?
2118
01:31:26,580 --> 01:31:30,267
Of course she took it.
2119
01:31:30,302 --> 01:31:33,954
Did she... did she, uh...?
2120
01:31:36,123 --> 01:31:38,292
Maybe when she left the house.
2121
01:31:38,726 --> 01:31:41,762
But not a single tear inthe house.
2122
01:31:43,063 --> 01:31:46,534
Well, that's remarkable, Archie.
2123
01:31:46,569 --> 01:31:49,570
It's very, very remarkable.
2124
01:31:54,775 --> 01:31:57,378
Remarkable.
146338
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