“You heard me. X.”

He reached for his phone. Getting no sign to do otherwise, I stayed on.

“Nero Wolfe speaking.”

“How do you do, Mr. Wolfe. Goodwin told you who I am? Or my voice does?”

“I know the voice.”

“Yes, it’s easily recognized, isn’t it? You ignored the advice I gave you Saturday. You also ignored the demonstration you received Sunday night. May I say that that didn’t surprise me?”

“You may say anything.”

“It didn’t. I hope there will never be occasion for a more pointed demonstration. It’s a more interesting world with you in it. Have you opened the package you received a little while ago?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t need to explain why I decided to reimburse you for the damage to your property. Do I?”