Triple Jeopardy by Rex Stout Page B

huddled hump under the bush was perfectly plain. A ripple ran up my spine. Since Saul was still there, Heath was still there too, under his eye, and almost certainly the woman with the dog was there also. Of course I couldnt see them, on account of the bushes. I considered what to do. I wanted to confront them together, before they separated, but if Saul was close enough to hear their words I didnt want to bust it up. The most attractive idea was to sneak across to Sauls bush and join him, but I might be heard, if not by them by the dog. Standing there, peering toward Sauls bush, concentrated, with Doyle beside me, I became aware of footsteps behind me, approaching along the path, but supposed it was just a late park stroller and didnt turn - until the footsteps stopped and a voice came.
    Looking for tigers'
    I wheeled. It was a flatfoot on park patrol. Good evening, officer, I said respectfully. Nope, just getting air.
    The airs the same if you stay on the path. He approached on the grass,
    looking not at us but past us, in the direction we had been gazing. Suddenly he grunted, quickened his step, and headed straight for Sauls bush. Apparently he had good eyes too. There was no time to consider. I muttered fast at Doyles ear, Grab his cap and run - jump, damn it!
    He did. I will always love him for it, especially for not hesitating a tenth of a second. Four leaps got him to the cop, a swoop of his hand got the cap, and away he scooted, swerving right to double back to the path. I stood in my tracks. The cop acted by reflex. Instead of ignoring the playful prank and proceeding to inspect the object under the bush, or making for me, he bounded after Doyle and his cap, calling a command to halt. Doyle, reaching the path and streaking along it, had a good lead, but the cop was no snail. They disappeared.
    All that commotion changed the situation entirely. I made it double quick to the left across the grass until I reached the other fork of the path, and kept going. Around a bend, there they were - Heath seated on a bench with a woman, a big collie lying at their feet. When I stopped in front of them the collie rose to its haunches and made a noise, asking a question.
    I had a hand in a coat pocket.
    Tell the dog its okay, I suggested. I hate to shoot a dog.
    Why should you - Heath started, and stopped. He stood up.
    Yeah, its me, I said. Representing Nero Wolfe. It wont help if you scream,
    theres two of us. Come on out, Saul. Watch the dog, it may not wait for orders.
    There was a sound from the direction of the bushes, and in a moment Saul appeared, circling around to join me on the right. The dog made a noise that was more of a whine than a growl, but it didnt move. The woman put a hand on its head.
    I asked Saul, Could you hear what they said'
    Most of it. I heard enough.
    Was it interesting'
    Yes.
    This is illegal, Heath stated. He was half choked with indignation or something. This is an invasion -
    Nuts. Save it; you may need it. I have a cab parked at the Eighty-sixth-Street entrance. Four of us with the dog will just fill it comfortably. Mr. Wolfe is expecting us. Lets go.
    Youre armed, Heath said. This is assault with a deadly weapon.
    Im going home, the woman said, speaking for the first time. Ill telephone Mr. Wolfe, or my husband will, and well see about this. I brought my dog to the park, and this gentleman and I happened to get into conversation. This is outrageous. You wont dare to harm my dog.
    She got up, and the collie was instantly erect by her, against her knee.
    Well, I conceded, I admit I hate to shoot a dog. I also admit that Mr. Wolfe likes himself so well that hell steal the throne on the Day of Judgment if they dont watch him. So you go on home with Towser, and Saul and I will call on the police and the FBI, and Ill tell them what I saw, and Saul will tell them what he saw and heard. But dont make the mistake of thinking you can talk them out of believing us. We have our reputations just as you have