Death Times Three SSC by Rex Stout Page A

place this evening. But at seven o'clock you went. Why?"

    "He phoned--and asked me to come. Soon after I got home from work."

    "What for? Did he say?"

    "He said it was something about Phil. My cousin."

    She went to move her head, and a little moan came out of her. "He wouldn't say what it was on the phone." "But when you got there? What did he say then?" "He didn't--oh "

    "Take it easy now," Doc Vollmer warned.

    "I'm all right," Amy declared. "I'm not going to faint again. But when I shut my eyes I see it. The door of his office was open and the light was on, but he wasn't there. I mean--I didn't see him. I went right on in.

    "Go ahead."

    "That's all I remember. The next thing I remember was my head. I thought something was on it holding it down. I tried to lift myself up and then I saw him. Oh!" Her brow creased. "I thought I saw him--my uncle there with the blood--"

    "That's all right. Don't worry about that. What happened next?"

    "Nothing happened. I don't remember anything." "Didn't you see anyone at all when you went in? Or hear anyone?"

    "No. I don't think--I'm sure I didn't--"

    "Excuse me," I said. "The doorbell's ringing. If it's city employees do I ask to see a warrant?"

    "No." Wolfe scowled at me. "Take them to the office.

    . Wait a minute. Dr. Vollmer, if this young woman is in no condition to leave my house it would be cruel and dangerous for her to undergo a police grilling. Do you agree?"

    "I do,"

    "Good.-, Miss Duncan, when a policeman comes up here to look at you, keep your eyes closed and moan. Will you do that?"

    "Yes. But--"

    "No buts. Don't overdo it, and don't speak." He moved. "Come, gentlemen."

    When we got downstairs I waited until they were in the office before opening the front door. There I was greeted by a surprise. It was no squad lieutenant, but Inspector Cramer himself, who shoved in rudely over the sill, with a pair of dicks on his heels. All he had for me was a discourteous remark about answering doorbells as he made for the office. Having to shut the door, I brought up the rear.

    Cramer appeared to be having an attack of gout. Not bothering to pass the time of day, he barked at me like a howitzer, "What were you doing down at Twenty-sixth Street?"

    I looked at the boss. He murmured, "He's upset, Archie. Humor him."

    "Humor hell! What time did you get there?" I looked thoughtful. "Well, let's see... ."

    "Quit clowning! You know damn well you've always got a timetable!"

    "Yes, sir," I said abjectly. "Arrived at 8:08. Left at 8:24."

    "You admit it!"

    "Admit it? I'm proud of it. It was quick work."

    "Yeah." If glares could kill, I would have been awful sick. "And Wolfe phoned from here at five after nine! You didn't see the phone right there on Tingley's desk? I've warned you about that. Now, talk! Fast!"

    Having received no flag from Wolfe to retain any items for our personal use, I gave Cramer the crop, as far as my activities and observations were concerned, omitting the crumbs that had been gathered in conversation with Cliff and Amy. My candor didn't seem to make him any more friendly.

    When I finished he grunted vulgarly. "So you stood there in that room with a man lying there murdered; and a phone right there and you didn't use it. Where's the woman?"

    "Upstairs in bed."

    "You can check her out. Doyle, stay here with Mr. Cliff. Foster, come with me--well?"

    Doc Vollmer blocked the way. He said firmly, "Miss Duncan should not be disturbed. I speak as her physician."

    "You do." Cramer eyed him. "I'll take a look at her. Come, Foster."

    Doc Vollmer, leading the way, went with the forces of law and order. Wolfe heaved a sigh, leaned back, and closed his eyes. Pretty soon steps were heard descending the stairs, and Cramer and Vollmer entered. Wolfe opened his eyes.

    "She's faking," Cramer declared. "Sure as hell. I'll send a police doctor."

    "Dr. Vollmer," Wolfe murmured, "is a competent and reputable physician."

    "Yeah, I know. And a friend of yours. I'll