I did so, and for the first time saw an expression that was unquestionably human on Dorothy’s face. At sound of the name Donaldson all trace of the brow-lifter vanished. Muscles tightened all over and color went. She may or may not have been what she had just called me, I didn’t know because I had never seen or heard of Donaldson, but she sure was scared stiff.
I got tired waiting and repeated it. “Mr. Donaldson is here to see you.”
“I—” She wet her lips. In a moment she swallowed. In another moment she stood up, said in a voice not soft at all, “Tell her to send him to Mr. Talbott’s room,” and went.
I forwarded the command as instructed, asked for an outside line, and, when I heard the dial tone, fingered the number. My wrist watch said five past three, and it stopped my tongue for a second when once more I heard Orrie’s voice.
“Archie,” I said shortly. “Let me speak to Saul.”
“Saul? He’s not here. Been gone for hours.”
“Oh, I thought it was a party. Then Wolfe.”
Wolfe’s voice came. “Yes, Archie?”
“I’m in Keyes’ office, sitting at his desk. I’m alone. I brought Pohl his lunch, and he owes me ninety-five cents. It just occurred to me that I’ve seen you go to great lengths to keep your clients from being arrested. Remember the time you buried Clara Fox in a box of osmundine and turned the hose on her? Or the time—”
“What about it?”