“I see,” he hissed. “So that’s it. To put it plainly, blackmail. Blackmail! No! I won’t do it!”
Wolfe sighed. “You won’t?”
“No!”
“Very well. Then I won’t get the orchids, but I’ll be saved a lot of trouble. Archie, get Mr. Cramer in here. Tell him it’s urgent. I’ll not perch on this confounded milking stool any longer than I have to.”
I arose and started for the door, not hastily. I knew it was in the bag because Hewitt hadn’t raised his voice. It was only a war of nerves.
“Blackmail,” Hewitt said through his teeth.
“Go on, Archie,” Wolfe said. I put my hand on the knob.
“Wait a minute,” Hewitt said. I turned my head but kept my hand on the knob.
“One of them,” Hewitt said. “Select any one.”
I went back and sat down.