The Black Mountain Read Free

front of our eyes, and he was not too big anyway - not a shorty,
    but quite narrow up to his shoulders, where he spread out some. He let the hand fall, but kept his voice down. Good God, Mr. Wolfe, is it true'It must -
    A hand gripped his shoulder from behind. Joe was there, and Joe was built for gripping. His years with Marko had polished him so that he no longer looked like a professional wrestler, but he had the size and lines.
    Get hold of yourself, damn it, he muttered at Leo. Did you want a table, Mr.
    Wolfe'Marko’s not here.
    I know he’s not. He’s dead. I don’t -
    Please not so loud. Please. Then you know he’s dead'
    Yes. I saw him. I don’t want a table. Where’s Felix'
    Felix is up in the office with two men. They came and said Marko had been shot and killed. He left the dinner to Leo and me and took them upstairs. No one has been told except Vincent at the door because Felix said Marko would not want the dinner to be spoiled. It makes me want to vomit to see them eating and drinking and laughing, but it may be that Felix is right - and the face he had, it was no time to argue. Do you think he is right'I would myself want to put everybody out and lock the door.
    Wolfe shook his head. No. Felix is right. Let them eat. I’m going upstairs.
    Archie'He headed for the elevator.
    The third floor of the building had been remodeled a year or so previously to provide an office in front and three private dining rooms to the rear. Wolfe opened the door to the office, without knocking, and entered, and I followed.
    The three men in chairs over by a table turned to us. Felix Martin, a wiry,
    compact little guy with quick black eyes and gray hair - in his uniform, of course - got up and started toward us. The other two stayed put. They rated uniforms too, one an inspector’s and the other a sergeant’s, but didn’t wear them to work.
    Mr. Wolfe, Felix said. You didn’t expect a voice so deep from one that size,
    even after you were acquainted with it. The worst thing on earth! The worst thing! everything was going so fine! Wolfe gave him a nod and went on by to Inspector Cramer.
    What have you got'he demanded.
    Cramer controlled himself. His big round face was always a little redder, and his cold gray eyes a little colder, when he was exercising restraint. I know,
    he conceded, that you’re interested in this one personally. Sergeant Stebbins was saying to me that we would have to make allowances, and I agreed. Also this is one time when I’ll gladly take all the help you’ll give, so let’s all take it easy. Bring chairs, Goodwin.
    For Wolfe I went and got the one at Marko’s desk because it was nearer the size desired than any of the others. For myself I wasn’t so particular. As I was joining the party Wolfe was demanding, not taking it easy at all, Have you got anything'
    Cramer tolerated it. Anything hot, no. The murder was committed just two hours ago.
    I know. Wolfe tried to shift to a more acceptable position in the chair. Of course you have asked Felix if he can name the murderer. His eyes moved. Can you, Felix'
    No, sir. I can’t believe it.
    You have no suggestions'
    No, sir.
    Where have you been since seven o’clock'
    Me'The black eyes were steady at Wolfe. I’ve been right here.
    All the time'
    Yes, sir.
    Where has Joe been'
    Right here too.
    All the time'
    Yes, sir.
    You’re sure of that'
    Yes, sir.
    Where has Leo been'
    Here too, all the time. Where else would we be at dinnertime'And when Marko didn’t come -
    If you don’t mind, Cramer cut in, I’ve already got this. I don’t need -
    I do, Wolfe told him. I have a double responsibility, Mr. Cramer. If you assume that I intend to see that the murderer of my friend is caught and brought to account with the least possible delay, you are correct. But another onus is on me. Under my friend’s will, as you will soon learn officially, I am executor of his estate and trustee ad interim. I am not a legatee. This restaurant is the only