“It may be necessary. I don’t know.”
“You told Zov that you disapprove of torture but that violence is often unavoidable, as it was on his mission to New York.”
“That’s true. I meant that. But I don’t think a man should be killed merely on suspicion. Have you any evidence that this Nero Wolfe will really help your enemies as Vukcic did?”
“I have.” Stritar opened a drawer of his desk and took out a paper. “Day before yesterday a man in Bari received a telegram from Nero Wolfe which read as follows: ‘Inform proper persons across Adriatic I am handling Vukcic’s affairs and assuming obligations. Two hundred thousand dollars available soon. Will send agent conference Bari next month.’ ” Stritar put the paper back and shut the drawer. “Is that evidence?”
“It sounds like it. Who is the man in Bari that got the telegram?”
“That’s not important. You want to know too much.”
“I don’t think so, Comrade Stritar — if I am to call you Comrade. If I am to trust you on vital matters, as I am prepared to do, you will trust me to some extent. My son and I will have to go through Bari on our way back, to get our papers and effects, and we might possibly encounter him. His name?”
Stritar shrugged his bulging shoulders. “Paolo Telesio.”
Wolfe’s eyes widened. “What!”
Stritar stared. “What’s the matter?”