THE BRAVE RABBIT and THE IMPOLITE CORPSE THE NEW ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers: THE BRAVE RABBIT & THE IMPOLITE CORPSE

Podcast: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers
Host: Jon Hagadorn (Nero Wolfe and Archie portrayed by Sydney Greenstreet, Larry Dobkin, et al.)
Date: November 26, 2025
Episode: “The Brave Rabbit” and “The Impolite Corpse” (Nero Wolfe radio plays)

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Episode Overview

In this vintage double-feature episode, listeners are treated to two classic cases from “The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe,” featuring the eccentric, genius detective and his irrepressible assistant, Archie Goodwin. The first story, “The Brave Rabbit,” revolves around political conspiracy, corrupt officials, and a peculiar rabbit farm; the second, “The Impolite Corpse,” takes on a murder within a high-powered advertising agency, where secrets, jealousies, and ambitious careers all play into crime.

The episode beautifully captures the snappy dialogue and period flavor of golden-age radio mysteries, delivering clever plots steeped in character and atmosphere. It’s an immersive glimpse into the cerebral yet wry world of Nero Wolfe as he unravels mysteries with logic, sarcasm, and a refusal to leave his comfort zone—unless absolutely necessary.

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Case 1: The Brave Rabbit

[Begins ~02:57]

Key Characters

• Nero Wolfe: Renowned detective, famously sedentary, loves orchids and beer.
• Archie Goodwin: Wolfe’s sharp-tongued, street-smart assistant.
• James Collier: Committee secretary, owner of a rabbit farm, suspected of leaking information.
• Claire: Collier’s love interest with emotional ties to the case.
• Mr. Veeck (Veek): Criminal mastermind and manipulator.
• Marshall: Veek’s hired gunman.

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Main Plot Points & Insights

Political Scandal & Mysterious Rabbits

• Wolfe is summoned by the Governor (through Williams) to investigate confidential leaks from a crime-fighting committee ([05:16]).
• Suspicion falls on secretary James Collier, who recently began spending all his time at a rabbit farm.
• “Nothing unusual, except Jimmy Collier has gone in for raising rabbits.” (Governor, [06:18])
• Archie goes undercover, claiming to have car trouble, to investigate Collier’s farm.

Interpersonal Tensions and the Setup

• Tense exchanges between Collier and Claire reveal money trouble and secretive meetings ([06:20–07:09]).
• Archie flirts with Claire, who seems to be acting as a lookout or sentinel outside Collier’s house ([12:19–14:05]).
• Archie senses Claire’s behavior is a signal, not genuine fright:
  “You’ve already signaled whoever you’re supposed to signal… That scream had a lot of carrying power.” (Archie, [14:40])

The Murder and the Frame-up

• A man is murdered in Collier’s darkened house—Archie fails to ID the killer due to Claire’s panicked hold ([18:38]).
• The victim is not Collier but a stranger (Marshall, as it turns out), described as “early 30s, height maybe 5’10, weight around 175, blonde hair, blue eyes, suit with a shoulder holster, manicured but dirty fingernails.” (Archie, [19:02])

Linking the Clues: The Dead Rabbit

• Wolfe pieces together the plot from the safety of his hotel room (true to character!). Knowing all along the symbolic role the rabbits play:
  “I already know exactly what role the rabbits play in our problem.” (Wolfe, [10:33])
• The investigation at the farm uncovers a friendly rabbit killed by a blow to the head ([23:21]).
• Wolfe quickly deduces:
  “He may be dead now, Archie, but he was friendly. Too friendly.” ([23:28])
• The rabbits’ reaction to the burial of a human body tips Wolfe off to the location of Collier’s grave.

The Confrontation and Solution

• Veek tries to manipulate Wolfe with a false confession, seeking to frame Collier ([17:08–18:08]).
• Wolfe lays out the solution in front of all parties, including the police:
  • Collier was murdered first and buried in the rabbit run.
  • The “friendly” rabbit—unafraid of people—approached someone during the burial and was killed to cover up the event.
  • Marshall, Veek’s hitman, was then killed by Veek himself to eliminate the only witness and further frame Collier.
  • The clue: dirty fingernails betrayed that Marshall had dug a grave—uncharacteristic for such a meticulously groomed gunman.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Archie’s wit (to Claire): “Nice moonlight we’re having. My name is Goodwin and blondes call me Archie… Brunettes call me Archie too… And what do redheads call you?” ([12:46–12:51])
• Wolfe, on the rabbits: “Cross examine the rabbits… You’re going to be quite surprised.” ([11:08], [23:06])
• Wolfe, confronting Claire:
  “You clung to Archie… because you had seen and recognized the murderer as the man you loved.” ([24:44])
• Wolfe, conclusively:
  “James Collier couldn’t have killed Marshall, because at the time he was killed, James Collier was already dead.” ([27:19])

Resolution

• The real culprit, Veek, is revealed and arrested.
• Archie gently comforts Claire, who confesses her love for Collier was already gone:
  “I didn’t love Jimmy. That was all washed up.” ([28:40])
• Wolfe explains the clever rabbit farm ruse as a method for passing secret messages via “carrot deliveries.”

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Case 2: The Impolite Corpse

[32:03]

Key Characters

• Walter Channing: Victim, advertising executive, not well-liked.
• Brenda Barclay: Channing’s secretary (and former lover); she becomes Wolfe’s client.
• Tom Bennett: Disgruntled fired employee.
• Doris Channing: Channing’s wife, suspicious and resentful.
• Alan Meelik: Head of agency’s media department, Brenda’s former fiancé.
• Kelly: Shoeshine boy.

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Main Plot Points & Insights

The Murder Scene

• Channing is murdered late at night in his office—a “hole as big as your chest”—seated at his desk, gun found on the floor some 10 feet away ([38:36], [39:02]).
• Suicide is initially suspected, but soon ruled out: “The gun was held against his chest and fired… But it wasn’t suicide, Mr. Wolfe.” (Brenda, [39:16])

Complicated Relationships & Motives

• Multiple suspects with grudges: Brenda (scorned lover/former fiancée), Doris (jealous wife), Alan Meelik (angry at being dumped), Tom Bennett (fired staffer).
• Violent memos and office politics are central — focus on a memo Channing dictated that eliminated daily shoeshines, coffee breaks, and threatened job security ([36:16–36:41]).

Key Clues & Forensic Details

• Ink stains and aniline dye on the carpet suggest someone knelt at Channing’s feet to clean his cuff, leaving evidence on the floor ([46:26–46:34]).
• Laboratory analysis reveals carbon tetrachloride and perchloroethylene (used in typewriter and spot cleaners) on Channing’s trousers.
• Aniline dye (in shoe polish) matched the kind used on women’s (suede) shoes, not men’s ([57:04–57:12]).

Wolfe’s “Sanctity of Deskhood” Theory & Re-enactment

• Wolfe posits people behave differently “behind the desk”—few are permitted into that space ([54:06]).
• He orchestrates a dramatic re-enactment:
  “The killer had to be someone Channing would allow to kneel at his feet without alarm.”
• At first, suspicion falls on Kelly (the shoeshine boy), but the shoe polish on the carpet is the wrong kind ([56:57–57:12]).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Archie, analyzing the logic: “Still figure it’s so important?” Wolfe: “Absolutely essential.” ([54:12])
• Wolfe, on the memo as a red herring: “That memo was sent around the morning after Channing was killed. For only one purpose—to point suspicion at Kelly.” ([57:48])
• Wolfe unmasks Brenda:
  "Three questions, Archie, with one answer. That spells the name of the murderess. Our own client, Brenda Barkley." ([58:12])

The Solution

• The murderer is Brenda Barclay, who knelt in front of Channing under the pretext of cleaning his cuff, then shot him. She planted evidence to frame Kelly (the shoeshine).
• Wolfe explains: "If a woman... knelt in front of Channing to clean that ink spot, that smudge could have rubbed off her shoe onto the carpet." ([57:24])
• Brenda tried to mislead police with fabricated evidence and false suspicion on the shoeshine—her motive: vengeance, jealousy, and the promise of stock shares after 15 years’ employment.

Resolution

• Brenda is exposed; she breaks down under the evidence.
• Wolfe, in his typical style, ends the day by demanding a beer and advising Archie to avoid trouble—especially with blondes.

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Wolfe and Archie’s Banter:
  Wolfe: "Archie, you better don't puff up about it. Those vest buttons won't stand the strain.”
  Archie: “I can't get you a bottle of beer. Why not? You ordered me to hold you to four a day.” ([44:02])
• Wolfe’s Deductive Brilliance:
  “The obvious can be too obvious.” ([56:26])
• On Office Politics:
  “If you want my opinion… whoever killed Walter Channing did the rest of us a favor.” (Employee, [41:21])

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Key Timestamps

• 04:16 — Mobsters discuss hiding from a governor’s crime committee.
• 06:18 — Collier’s sudden interest in rabbits noted.
• 12:19–15:21 — Archie's comedic interaction with Claire, and their approach to the murder site.
• 18:38 — Murder revealed at Collier’s house.
• 23:16 — Dead rabbit discovered, clue to the burial.
• 27:19 — Wolfe reveals Collier is dead.
• 36:09 — Villainous memo at ad agency sets up next murder.
• 39:06 — Forensic evidence discussed by Archie and Wolfe.
• 54:06–54:39 — Wolfe’s “sanctity of deskhood” demonstration.
• 57:04–58:12 — The murderer's identity is deduced and revealed.

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Episode Tone & Style

Wolfe is his usual mix of irascible, cerebral, and sardonic, while Archie is flippant, charming, and dogged. The script is packed with wit, period idioms, and detective fiction tropes, all delivered in brisk radio dialogue full of humor and snappy repartee.

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Conclusion

These two Nero Wolfe mysteries showcase how golden-age radio masters the art of character, deduction, and entertaining sleuthing. Clever setups, distinctive clues, and real human foibles keep listeners hooked as Wolfe sorts fact from red herring—all with Archie’s wisecracks along for the ride.

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Recommended for:
Fans of classic mysteries, radio drama, witty banter, and tightly-constructed detective plots.

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(Note: All timestamps are approximate and may vary by podcast player.)

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Archie Goodwin]

Who follows transcribed in 30 seconds later tonight, over most of these NBC stations, Duffy's Tavern comes your way. And on the menu at Duffy's tonight, there's a blue plate special of grilled English language served up by the delightfully ungrammatical Archie. Plus laughs garnished with chuckles brought to you by Archie's remarkable crew. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial tuned to NBC. And this Sunday means another broadcast of the Big Show. Your guests include Fred Allen, Douglas Fairbanks, Danny Thomas, and many, many more. Tallulah, of course, is your hostess on the Big Show. Ladies and gentlemen, that phone bell means adventure. Hello, Hello. The young man answering the phone is Archie Goodwin. The mountain of a man engaged in deep thought in the oversized armchair is Nero Wolf. Mr. Wolf, we've got a case. I'm not sure whether somebody's going to kill a rabbit or a rabbit is going to kill somebody, but either way it's going to be murder. Please, Mr. Wolf. Even orchids have to eat. Yes, sir. Mr. Wolf will take the case. As a matter of fact, he's working on it right now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Money work.

[Archie Goodwin]

Bah. Huh. Greatest detective in the world. Only trouble is, he is. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Archie is right. Nero Wolf is the greatest detective in the world. And the fattest and the least energetic. Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you over this NBC network in a new series of Adventures by Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight it's the case Nero Wolf likes to remember as the case of the Friendly Rabbit. He sometimes prefers his proverb. Scramble. It began in lots of places. Let's take a look at a few of them. In particular, the richly appointed library of a man named Veeck. Mr. Veeck, what's happening? Relax, Haynes. Your blood pressure. I thought it was a gag. But you really are shutting the club down. I'm shutting it down?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

I got the joint roll and the suckers are pouring in. And next week the Governor's committee, huh? It's moving on to Baylor County. Our joint enterprises in Baylor County. I think the club needs a rest. Crime committee so rarely admire gambling. Oh, that's different. So it is. The club needs a rest, you need a vacation. Florida perhaps? I don't like Florida. Pick any place you like. Just so long as you get out of reach of a subpoena. The heat sign, huh? Boss, you've just coined a phrase that may very well catch on. Get out and stay out of the state until I send for you. Okay, Mr. Vin? Sure, Mr. Marshall. Yeah, that about covers us in Baylor. Am I right?

[Nero Wolfe]

You're right.

[Archie Goodwin]

The dear Governor's Deer Committee will be sorely disappointed. However, I doubt it'll give up quite so soon.

[Nero Wolfe]

I wouldn't think so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore, have the truck driver deliver another shipment of carrots to the rabbit farm, eh, Marshall?

[Nero Wolfe]

Okay, Bo.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come in, Williams. Good afternoon, Governor. Good afternoon, Williams. I'm disturbed. The crime committee, sir. It was doing well? Very well. And then. I know, sir, There's a leak. Someone is passing on confidential information. Who? That's the problem.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Who?

[Archie Goodwin]

Started three weeks ago.

[Nero Wolfe]

A three man committee. Wilson, McCarthy, Tolliver.

[Archie Goodwin]

One of them. Williams? I'd stake my life, sir. No. Then who? You've forgotten. Collier, Committee secretary. You have reason to suspect him? No, nothing that means anything. Except you do suspect him. He's been watched. Telephone Calls, checked mail. I have no reason to suspect him. Except that one thing bothers me. What's that? He has a small farm in greendale county. He rarely went near the place in all the time he's been up here at the capital. But that suddenly changed three weeks ago. Yes, sir. He's been staying at the farm for three weeks. Is there anything unusual about that farm? Nothing unusual, except Jimmy Collier has gone in for raising rabbits.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Jimmy who? You.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, hello, clarence.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You've been hiding from me.

[Archie Goodwin]

I've been out here with the rabbits.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Jimmy, what's wrong?

[Archie Goodwin]

With what?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You.

[Nero Wolfe]

There's nothing.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You're lying. We grew up together, remember? We live next to each other. Jimmy, we were going to be married.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Archie Goodwin]

We still are, last I heard.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You haven't heard recently enough.

[Nero Wolfe]

What does that mean?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It means we're not getting married. But clara, you've been avoiding me and you've been getting money, lots of money from someplace. And in a shady way.

[Archie Goodwin]

I feel all right. You know. So what?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I've been concerned about your sudden devotion to these. These rabbits and the kind of men you've been seeing.

[Archie Goodwin]

What do you mean?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Like the one up at the house now waiting for you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, there's somebody waiting.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

That's why I came down here after you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'd better get up there.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

He's a crook. Jimmy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, I. All right, I sort of got myself in a mess.

[Nero Wolfe]

I needed money and.

[Archie Goodwin]

But it's over, Claire.

[Nero Wolfe]

No more.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Are you sure?

[Nero Wolfe]

Of course I'm sure.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I wish I could believe you for your own sake, but I feel I can't, not anymore.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Either stop breathing so heavily or take the evening off. Stop breathing?

[Archie Goodwin]

Old Dr. Titmouse wouldn't approve of that.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who in blue and assorted Blazes is old Dr. Tidmouse?

[Archie Goodwin]

My family doctor may have.

[Nero Wolfe]

Keep your puny mind, but you don't have a family. Answer the phone.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, but it might be a case. It might be very important. It might mean work. Mr. Wolf. Archie, w o r k. You've got.

[Nero Wolfe]

Millions in the bank, why worry, confound you? Do you want me to answer their phone myself?

[Archie Goodwin]

Now you've got me. No, Mr. Wolf. Couldn't let you knock yourself out lifting a telephone receiver near a wolf's office. Archie Goodwin, speak. What? Wait. Mr. Wolf is to go up to greendale. Oh, now look, friend, Mr. Wolfe does not go anywhere and that includes greendale. He wouldn't stir out of the house for anybody short of the. But I see. Yes, sir, in an hour. Goodbye, Mr. Wolf, brace yourself. You've got an appointment with a Mr. Williams at the Starlight Hotel in Greendale for one hour from now.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're insane.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, I'll admit I've been tempted.

[Nero Wolfe]

Fury. Were it not for the fact that often the native hue of resolution is sickly doer with a pale cast of.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thought, quoting Hamlet will get you no place.

[Nero Wolfe]

I would fire you.

[Archie Goodwin]

And then who would drive you to the Starlight Hotel in Greendale?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm not going to Greendale.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nevertheless, in an hour you will be there.

[Nero Wolfe]

And who, may I inquire? Ceso?

[Archie Goodwin]

The Governor of the state.

[Nero Wolfe]

Is that all, Mr. Williams?

[Archie Goodwin]

That, Mr. Wolf, is all anyone knows about the situation. Except the guilty man, of course.

[Nero Wolfe]

An admirably clear summary, Mr. Williams.

[Archie Goodwin]

Obviously our meeting here at the hotel was necessary. I couldn't be seen entering your house, nor would it have been advisable for you to visit the governor.

[Nero Wolfe]

I can appreciate that. You're quite sure I need pay no attention to anyone on the committee except James Collier? Quite sure. Police surveillance of Collier is deemed unwise. He has certainly taken interest in rabbits. But although keeping them may perhaps be considered suspicious, it is hardly in itself of value. You have no other evidence against Collier?

[Archie Goodwin]

I know we're clutching at straws, Mr. Wool, but there is a leak and work is being nullified. Something must be done. Hence the governor's call for you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Very well, sir. I shall attempt to be more than a man clutching at a straw. I said attempt. Archie, unpack. We shall stay at Greendale, near Collier and his rabbits.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf. Mr. Wolf. Oh, naturally. I know that shutting your eyes and pushing your lips in and out indicates you're thinking feverishly, but there's nothing for you to think about. I accept your correction. What are you thinking about?

[Nero Wolfe]

Hotel babes. They're notoriously flimsy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, you gave up on the case so soon?

[Nero Wolfe]

Fiddlesticks. I already know exactly what role the rabbits play in our problem.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore, we're going to drive out to Collier's farm. You are? While you test the hotel beds. Fine.

[Nero Wolfe]

It'll be necessary for you to spend the night at Collie's place. You drive out there and pretend you've lost a cylinder or something.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, a lost cylinder. Oh, my.

[Nero Wolfe]

Confound you, Archie. You can invent something plausible as a pretext. And if you are properly charming, Mr. Collier will, I hope, invite you to stay the night.

[Archie Goodwin]

And during the night, I sleep happily, breathing the fresh country air.

[Nero Wolfe]

Trust not.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, Mr. Wolf, I accept the assignment. I will learn all I can from Mr. Collier's rabbits. Incidentally, remember the play Harvey?

[Nero Wolfe]

I do. Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Harvey was an invisible rabbit, a figment of a man's imagination. I hope this rabbit venture is more tangible, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

It is, Mr. Goodwin. Will you desist in the part?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay. Oh, if anyone calls, just say I've gone out to Greendale to cross examine a rabbit.

[Nero Wolfe]

I think you're going to be quite surprised.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes. Running out of gas. Me such a big boy. Hello.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Hello.

[Archie Goodwin]

That tree a friend of yours?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The tree?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, the one you're clutching.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, I. I was leaning against it.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's an idea, but not a good one. Trees are notoriously skittish. The instant you really need one, they're out sewing wild oaks or something.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You sound as if you know a lot about trees.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I do. I was brought up in one. Look. Now, if you really have to lean, I can recognize.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

No thanks, I tried.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nice moonlight we're having. My name is Goodwin and blondes call me Archie.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I'm not blonde.

[Archie Goodwin]

Brunettes call me Archie too.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

And what do redheads call you?

[Archie Goodwin]

We'll just skip that.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Huh.

[Archie Goodwin]

And your name is?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Claire.

[Archie Goodwin]

Claire. I approve. Now you may not believe this, but I have just run out of gas. You think I might wangle some up at your house?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

My house? You mean Jimmy's house.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, I mean Jimmy's house.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, I. I don't know. He might have some now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why don't we go up to the house and ask him?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, all right.

[Archie Goodwin]

Jimmy who?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Collier.

[Archie Goodwin]

Uh huh. I like to be formal when I'm borrowing gas. Would you mind waving your left hand in front of my nose?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Waving, Mike?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, just try it. Don't worry, I won't bite it.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

All right, I did.

[Archie Goodwin]

And very gracefully too. No ring in the third finger. You're not Mrs. Collier.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

There isn't any Mrs. Collier.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you applying for the position, Mr. Goodwin?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now remember what I confided in you about brunettes.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

All right, Archie, you're a little rapid.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe, but I always remember what old Dr. Tidmouse said.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What did he say?

[Archie Goodwin]

Gather ye rosebuds while you may, old time is still a flying.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Robert Herrick wrote that.

[Archie Goodwin]

He did? Dr. Tidmoss is a liar. How much farther is this house?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, it's just beyond those trees. I.

[Archie Goodwin]

What, Luke?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, there was something ran across the path. It brushed my legs, frightened me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Must have been a rabbit.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I. I guess it was. I'm sorry. They were silly of me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, don't worry about it. Also, you will have noticed how much more satisfactory I Am than a tree. We're clutching at moments of stress.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I mean, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. But you better let go now.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

I and we'll get onto the house. See, I don't need a haircut. And you're not the right type for Delilah anyway.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You mean something by that? Something nasty?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, that depends. What I meant is you've already signaled whoever you're supposed to signal. Nothing frightened you back there.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

That scream had a lot of carrying power. Oh, that's the house. Looks peaceful enough. Archie, who were you supposed to warn if anyone came up the path to the house?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

No one. Something did frighten me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Honey. I've been lied to by experts and you're not one. Oh. Think I ought to knock? No, we don't think I ought to knock. Dark inside, except for a handful of moonlight filtering in through the window. Kind of early for Kylie to turn in, isn't it?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I wouldn't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's go find out. Now relax. Relax. Grandpa's making one of the chimes. Time is. Yeah, 10 o'. Clock. It's getting late. Come on. This would be the living room. Filled with early American furniture. The early Americans would be pleased. Nothing here. What's that door lead to?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I. I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Or won't tell. Smaller room. Dark as.

[Nero Wolfe]

Come in. Put the beer on it. Oh, you're not the bell boy.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm sorry. I should have remembered to bring some beer.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed. And you are?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm a fellow guest at this hotel, Mr. Wolfe. My name is Wieck.

[Nero Wolfe]

Wieck? Ah, yes. A criminal of moderate intelligence and immoderate pretensions.

[Archie Goodwin]

We won't quarrel, Mr. Wolfe. I've something to offer you. You and your boy Goodwin didn't drive up to Greendale for the exercise?

[Nero Wolfe]

I dislike. Exercise shortens life.

[Archie Goodwin]

James Collier lives nearby. The Governor's committee on crime is unhappy. There's been a leakage of information. It hasn't helped them in their work.

[Nero Wolfe]

But it has helped you.

[Archie Goodwin]

You wouldn't have left your house New York on any ordinary job. A request from the governor. However. Shall we stop fencing?

[Nero Wolfe]

I don't have to fence with you.

[Archie Goodwin]

The committee's work doesn't particularly bother me. I've already made my arrangements for retiring from active business, shall I say. However, I don't want you messing around in the meantime.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin]

In your effort to discover how the committee's information leaked out, you might also discover a number of things about me that I prefer to remain undiscovered.

[Nero Wolfe]

No one has employed me to do anything about you, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not Directly. But indirectly, you might have to. I want to insure myself against any such possibility. I want to make a deal with you. I'm ready to supply you with the name of the man responsible for the leak and papers proving his guilt. I have them here.

[Nero Wolfe]

In return. For which you expect a quick conclusion.

[Archie Goodwin]

To your activities and your return to New York, leaving my name out of your reports.

[Nero Wolfe]

I am neither a public official nor a philanthropist. I should do nothing about you unless it becomes necessary. You may remove your hand from your pocket. You wouldn't dare shoot me. Now then, the name of the man?

[Archie Goodwin]

James Collier.

[Nero Wolfe]

Proof of his guilt.

[Archie Goodwin]

These. A series of reports on the committee's meetings in Collier's handwriting.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you. Good night, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good night. And I hope for your sake that we do not meet again.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, answer the. Oh, hello, Mr. Wolf. Yes, Archie, I'm at the Collier place. Since it takes only 10 minutes to get there, may I congratulate you on your speed?

[Archie Goodwin]

I've been at the Collier place for nearly an hour.

[Nero Wolfe]

Doing what?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, meeting Claire, for one thing. Discussing rosebuds.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your delay has been explained. Good night.

[Archie Goodwin]

And for another, I was being around when someone got murdered.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Ah.

[Nero Wolfe]

You laid hands on the murderer.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, the room was dark. By the time I got Claire untangled from me and started looking for somebody with a gun, he'd left.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see. And the dead man, of course, is James Collier.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, sorry.

[Nero Wolfe]

Found it.

[Archie Goodwin]

It had to be.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who was he?

[Archie Goodwin]

Total stranger. Ah, Chief, I'm not being difficult. There was no identification on him.

[Nero Wolfe]

Strange. And description?

[Archie Goodwin]

Early 30s. Height, maybe 5 10. Weight around 175 pounds. Blonde hair, blue eyes, very natty. Dresser suit, custom tailored with a built in shoulder holster. Don Juan shirts. Manicured, but very dirty. Fingernails. And the. Oh, company, please.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mm. Very well. You tell them whatever you think proper. Without mentioning the governor's committee, of course. You then bid them farewell and come to the hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

Can't I say goodbye to Claire too?

[Nero Wolfe]

You cannot confound your Archie. Do you think I want to wait up all night?

[Archie Goodwin]

Police were not happy about letting me go, but I threatened to tell you on them, so they gave up.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have told me the entire story of what occurred at the Collier farm, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. All details, if you like. I wouldn't mind repeating the parts about Claire. You may call it phooey. I call it love. By the way, did you know that it was Robert Herrick who wrote that Found you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Be quiet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, push your lips around. But you've missed something.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. The burning question of the day. Night Rather, which is? Where is James Collier? Ah, stop buying. The cops want him on suspicion of murder. The way it shapes up, he shot our unknown pal and then headed for the nearest border.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mean he didn't shoot our unknown pal.

[Nero Wolfe]

I mean Collier's whereabouts are not a mystery.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know where he is?

[Nero Wolfe]

I know where he is.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't believe it. You couldn't know. You haven't been out of the hotel. You haven't had any cold.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nah. Gee, I used my intelligence. If you had used yours instead of.

[Archie Goodwin]

Opening the girl, I still wouldn't know where Collier is. Never mind. I'm in. Impressed. What do I do now?

[Nero Wolfe]

You get Mr. Veek on the phone.

[Archie Goodwin]

Huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

He's staying here at the hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

Old home week.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Operator.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Veeck, please. Hello? Hello, Mr. Veeck? Who is this? Mr. Wolf wants to speak with you. Just a second. Here you are, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you, Mr. V. Where were you at 10 o'?

[Archie Goodwin]

Clock? Why? On my way to the hotel.

[Nero Wolfe]

You checked in at 10:15, then came.

[Archie Goodwin]

Directly to your room.

[Nero Wolfe]

One other question. You have an employee, a man in his early 30s, blond haired, blue eyed and well dressed. Am I correct?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, that is Marshall.

[Nero Wolfe]

No, that was Marshall. Good night, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Having done that, whatever it meant, we now go to sleep.

[Nero Wolfe]

We go to the Collier farm.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, but why?

[Nero Wolfe]

Because, Archie, the time has come to cross examine the rabbits. Confound you, Archie, you're not driving a truck. Be careful.

[Archie Goodwin]

Truck drivers are careful also. They are courteous. Indeed. Furthermore, they will always stop to help a motorist in time of trouble.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, are you training to become a truck driver or have you fallen in love with a truck driver's daughter?

[Archie Goodwin]

Her name is Susie. Her hair the color of wheat fields at high new. Never mind turning purple. I'm about to change the subject. Boss, I have a theory. Stick to truck drivers as follows. Our boy Collier, who'd been selling information to Veek, had a change of heart and decided to turn ethical. But Veek's man, Marshall, at Veeck's orders, tried to apply pressure. So Collier shot him and. And headed for Canada.

[Nero Wolfe]

And the girls?

[Archie Goodwin]

Roight in my life. Oh, you mean about her playing sentry. Well, she's in Veek's employ too.

[Nero Wolfe]

Phooey.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't like my theory?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's charming. It merely happens to be wrong.

[Archie Goodwin]

Merely happens to be? Why is it wrong?

[Nero Wolfe]

Because, Archie, of a dead man's dirty fingernails. Marshall's fingernail.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, you made me bring you to the rabbit hutches. We have arrived. There are the rabbits. Go ahead, cross examine them.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good Many hutches. A large pen for the rabbits to run about in. Notice that they're old, cowering at the far end of the pen. Ran as we entered.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's because they don't like us, maybe, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

One of them, however, seems to be friendly. The one up here at the corner opposite us.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, yeah, there is one here. He's not friendly, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin]

He's dead. Somebody stole in his skull.

[Nero Wolfe]

Interesting.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's interesting about a dead rabbit?

[Nero Wolfe]

He may be dead now, Archie, but he was friendly. Too friendly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Claire, this is Mr. Wolf. Mr. Wolf, this is Claire. Claire, I'm Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah, chair, Archie, chair.

[Archie Goodwin]

Try this one. Be gentle with it. If you break it, all the early Americans will hate you.

[Nero Wolfe]

It'll serve.

[Archie Goodwin]

Steady.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, now then, Mr. Wolf, I'm dreadfully tired. The police are idiots.

[Nero Wolfe]

What, for example, do they know that you were posted a sentry outside this house in order to warn James Collier of any intrusion?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, they don't. I wasn't.

[Nero Wolfe]

Do they know that James Collier and the dead man Marshall were quarreling?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

No.

[Nero Wolfe]

Do they know that James Collier had armed himself in preparation for this meeting with the gunman?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

That isn't true.

[Nero Wolfe]

It is true.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I don't have to say anything.

[Nero Wolfe]

You've already said more than enough with your actions, my dear.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What do you mean?

[Nero Wolfe]

According to Archie's report, an Archie is always meticulously accurate. When you and he opened the door of the room in which the murder took place, you screamed at the shots.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, of course, any girl would scream with.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then you clung to Archie with sufficient force and for sufficient length of time to prevent him from chasing the murderer.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Why I?

[Nero Wolfe]

Because you had seen and recognized the murderer as the man you loved.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It was too dark to see anything.

[Archie Goodwin]

True.

[Nero Wolfe]

Therefore you didn't have to see the man. You thought you already knew who the killer had to be.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

That's a lie.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're shielding James Collier, aren't you?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I'll never admit any of it. Never.

[Nero Wolfe]

May not be necessary. Haji.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Get hold of that policeman outside. And remember what happened to one particular rabbit. Well, look around for freshly dug earth. Midnight.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What? What are we waiting for?

[Nero Wolfe]

A return.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Archie's.

[Archie Goodwin]

No.

[Nero Wolfe]

It'll take him longer.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Well, then who's.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Veek's, of course. Complete with revolver. Come in, Mr. Veek.

[Archie Goodwin]

It couldn't have been easier. No one outside, only the two of you here. I warned you, Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Fiddlesticks. You merely tried to use me as a prop for an alibi and a rationalization for a motive.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't understand Mr. Wolf does.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed I do. Did you really think me fool enough to believe your proposal, Mr. Veeck?

[Archie Goodwin]

It was plausible.

[Nero Wolfe]

It was nonsense. You pretended you were handing James Collier plus the proofs of his guilt over to me in an effort to keep yourself out of the picture. But your proposition was silly. No matter how much I might have wanted to help you, I would have been powerless once James Collier went before a jury. You are too intelligent not to know that.

[Archie Goodwin]

That couldn't have given you enough to go on.

[Nero Wolfe]

It didn't. You yourself gave me more.

[Archie Goodwin]

I did.

[Nero Wolfe]

When you came to my room, you told me you knew Mr. Goodwin and I had come to Greendale, checked in at the hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

I did.

[Nero Wolfe]

However, when I phoned you later and asked for an account of your movements between 10 and 10:30, you replied that you had driven to the hotel, signed in and came directly to my room. Obviously, you already knew of my presence in the hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

How? I.

[Nero Wolfe]

Only one way you could have known. You had seen Archie at some time prior to the time you checked in at the hotel. And the only place where Archie was.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Was here at the farm?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes. Which told me Mr. Wieck had been here at the time of Marshall's death. What was Wieck doing here? Only one thing. Murder.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Then he killed the gunman.

[Nero Wolfe]

No other possibility but Jimmy.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I thought he did it.

[Nero Wolfe]

James Cully couldn't have killed Marshall because at the time he was killed, James Collier was already dead.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's this?

[Nero Wolfe]

Let's play that gun first.

[Archie Goodwin]

My arm. That's nice and cooperative. So he'll be quiet for a while. The cop is back in the rabbit pen, Mr. Wolf, guarding Collier's grave.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Grave, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, With James Collier in it.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, poor Jimmy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Veek knew the expose was coming. He had to shut Collier up. So he had his gunman Marshall kill Collier and bury him in the rabbit run back of the hutches. You spotted that boss because of the dead rabbit.

[Nero Wolfe]

The others scurried away from the man who bore James Collier's body to that lonely spot. But one rabbit overcame his fear.

[Archie Goodwin]

He was too friendly and got killed for it. There was that.

[Nero Wolfe]

And in the dirty fingernails of Marshall, the gunman who killed and buried James Collier. Your description indicated extreme neatness. The dirty fingernails were a wrong note.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, Indicated he'd been digging. So we know now, don't we? Vic killed his own trigger man to frame a dead man for it. Collier would be thought guilty. He'd be hunted among the living. And all the while. Oh, I. I'm sorry, Claire.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It's all right. Archie, I didn't love Jimmy. That was all washed up. Mr. Wolf, I understand everything except why did Jimmy suddenly start staying at the farm with the rabbits?

[Nero Wolfe]

He knew he'd be watched. He couldn't risk conveying his information by telephone or the mails. Nor could he be seen holding conversation with men who might be traced to Veek. But who would suspect a truck driver delivering carrots for the rabbits as being the go between for Jimmy Collier and Veek?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf. Which is why I hope there's an adequate bed in this house for Mr. Wolf.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I'm sure I'll be able to find one.

[Nero Wolfe]

Splendid. Archie. You will have the police removed, Mr. Veeck. And then.

[Archie Goodwin]

And then maybe Claire would like to go gathering rosebuds, huh? By moonlight.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I would like to as you go.

[Nero Wolfe]

Up to bed now. Seen the moonlight more times than I care to remember. However, while you and Miss Claire stroll through the moonlight. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah?

[Nero Wolfe]

You might remember that rosebuds have thorns.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin and Martha Shaw, Hal Gerard, herb Butterfield, Howard McNear and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the impolite corpse. Don Stanley speaking. Free chimes mean good times on NBC. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial on. This NBC station this evening as Archie, the manager, played by Ed Gardner and his remarkable friends, serve up another blue plate special of grilled English language, fresh laughs and whimsy a la mode. Another Friday fun favorite is the delightful Life of Riley, starring William Bendix as the beleaguered Chester A. Riley. Now it's Sam Spade. Then the magnificent Montague on NBC. Hello, Is this Pacific Source Health Plans?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

This is a health plan.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm trying to reach Pacific Source.

[Archie Goodwin]

I know I'll get a person on.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The phone when I call them. What do you think I am?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I mean, you sound like a person.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

That's what counts. Automated systems can do a lot, even sound a lot like people. What automated systems can't do is offer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The quality our members rely.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Empathy. When you call Pacific Source Health Plans, you'll talk to a person who cares.

[Archie Goodwin]

What did you say your name was?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Nexa 9000. Hmm.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ladies and gentlemen, that phone bell means adventure. Hello? Hello? The young man answering the phone is Archie Goodwin. And the mountain of a man engaged in deep thought in the oversized armchair is Nero Wolfe. What was that? Somebody's gonna be murdered who has no manners. Well, what do you want Nero Wolf to do? Teach him manners. Oh, hold on. Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

We've got a prospective client. In case someone she knows gets murdered, she'd like you to do something about it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Very well. However, advice I.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Nero Wolfe]

Not to get murdered herself. I never take a corpse for a client.

[Archie Goodwin]

Greatest detective in the world. Yes, Archie is so right. He is the greatest detective in the world and the fattest and the least energetic. He's Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you over this NBC network in a new series of Adventures by Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight, it's the Case of the Impolite Corpse. It began on a certain night at 8:40 when Walter Channing, an advertising executive, was dictating in his office to his charming secretary, Brenda Barclay. Brenda, take a memo.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes, Mr. Channing.

[Archie Goodwin]

This is to be mimeographed and sent to the entire staff.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The entire staff? Yes, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Notice effective at once, one hour. Lunch periods will be strictly enforced. Employees will post time of departure and time of return. Yes, what is it, Mr. Channing? Bennett, I'm busy. Well, I. I've got to see you, Mr. Channing, about this afternoon. This afternoon was unfortunate, Bennett, but it happened. I lost my temper. I'm sorry. So am I, Mr. Channing.

[Nero Wolfe]

I've been with the firm 14 years and I. Well, because a man blows up once in 14 years.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Channing's office.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh. You've got to reconsider, that's all, Mr. Channing. I never reconsider, Bennett.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It's your wife.

[Nero Wolfe]

But Mr. Channing.

[Archie Goodwin]

That will be all, Bennett. It won't be all. You can't wipe out 14 years of a man's life.

[Nero Wolfe]

Even you can't do that. Channing.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It's Mrs. Channing on the phone.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, hello. You're where? That's in this building. Since when has Dr. Ellis kept evening office hours? I told you, there's nothing wrong with you. No, I can't. I don't know when I'll be through and I don't want you hanging around up here. Well, take a cab or walk. I don't care what you do. What? I can't understand you. What?

[Nero Wolfe]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodbye, Doris. Where was I?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Walter.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You are going to reconsider about Tom Bennett, aren't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Bennett was insolent this afternoon. I won't tolerate insolence. Yes, shine, Mr. Channing. Shine? No. What's he doing down here this time of night?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Half the staff's working overtime. Carrie is an enterprising shoeshine boy. Might have missed someone on his rounds this afternoon. Walter, a bar. Tom Bennett. Forget Bennett. Look. Do you upset the ink?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, quick, blot the stuff.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes, of course. Did any spill on you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Spot my trouser cuff. Lucky you didn't get on the carpet.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Walter, about Tom Bennett.

[Archie Goodwin]

I told you to forget Bennett.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

All right, Walter, all right.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, maybe you shouldn't. Maybe you'd be better off to use him as a model.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

A model?

[Archie Goodwin]

If he knows he's not wanted around here, he'll have the self respect to get out. Meaning? Well, you've known for a long time you're not wanted and you're still here.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

How you'd like to fire me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Denying that would be silly.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I've been with this firm 15 years. In January, employees get a bonus of stock shares after 15 years service. That's what I'm waiting for and you know it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Suppose we get back to that memorandum.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You'd like to get me out before I collect those shares, wouldn't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

I said let's get on with the memo.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You'd be petty enough to do it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Too, if you knew how there may be a way.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

There isn't and you know it. I'm too careful. You can't fire me without cause. And I've given you no cause, Walter. Nothing you can possibly dictate. One of your vicious little memorandums about.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't try my patience too far, Brenda.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Walter, this can't be us talking like this. You and me hating each other.

[Archie Goodwin]

I find it remarkable there ever was anything between us except hate. Walter, I mean it. Look at you. You were flashy when I met you. You're getting flashier. That means cheaper. Brenda, stop it. Too much lipstick, too much rouge, hair too bright, dress too tight. You're trying too hard, Brenda. You're labeling yourself like a sound wagon. I wonder what it is that stops.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Me from killing you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cowardice, of course. Now, when you've stopped sniveling, we'll get on with a memorandum. You ready? Yes, I'm ready. Notice. In the interest of economy and efficiency, junior executives will confer in the conference room. Not in private offices. Mid afternoon coffee and personal phone calls and daily shoe shines will be eliminated.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your name is Barclay. Brenda barclay. Very well, Ms. Barkley. What can I do for you?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Wolf, I. I don't know how to begin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe I can make this easier all around by briefing Mr. Wolfe, on the Walter Channing case. Hey, that's funny.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

Violet eyes. I always thought there was something the poets made up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Huh? Oh, the ch. The Channing case. Yes.

[Nero Wolfe]

One moment, Ms. Barkley. Look this way, please. To me an eye is functional. Object found. Mammals, birds, fish, potatoes and horticulture.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Go on, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Walter Channing was the boy wonder of advertising at 33. Executive Vice President of Winslow, Hart and StraightM. Just 24 hours ago they found him at his desk, shot through the heart. They?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who is they?

[Archie Goodwin]

A night porter and a shoeshine boy. Is that right?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

He'd been dead about an hour. The bullet went through Channing, his desk chair and lodged in the windowsill behind him. Police thought at first it was suicide. The gun.38. Found it on the floor, 10ft away. No fingerprints anyhow. No clear ones.

[Nero Wolfe]

Seldom are on a gun. But you say suicide was suspected. Why? The gun was 10ft from the body.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It was the smudges.

[Nero Wolfe]

Smudges?

[Archie Goodwin]

Powder burns. According to the papers, he was sitting at his desk. There were no signs of a struggle. The gun was held against his chest and fired.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

But it wasn't suicide, Mr. Wolfe. Walter Channing would never have killed himself.

[Archie Goodwin]

The police have already decided that. Finally. According to the evening papers.

[Nero Wolfe]

And I presume you, Ms. Barkley, are the suspect?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

No, not yet.

[Nero Wolfe]

But you expect to be. That's why you came to me when.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The police talked to her. Doris, his wife. I've been Walter Channing secretary for eight years. At one time we. We thought we were in love.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mrs. Channing was aware of this?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes. Oh, it was a long time ago.

[Archie Goodwin]

It was over.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

It was finished a long time ago. But she never believes that. Neither did Alan.

[Archie Goodwin]

Alan who?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Alan Mealick, Head of the media department at the agency. We were going to be married when I. When Walter and I decided you were.

[Nero Wolfe]

In love, Ms. Barclay, who finally decided you were? Not you or Mr. Channing? He did.

[Archie Goodwin]

I see.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Melick believes you did not share this change of heart.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, he's such a fool.

[Nero Wolfe]

I dare say you fear Mrs. Channing or Mr. Melick or both, will reveal the ill fated romance.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You know what the papers will make of it? What the police will try to make of it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ms. Barkley, did you kill Channing?

[Archie Goodwin]

No.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, no, I swear I didn't. Oh, Mr. Wolf, I didn't.

[Nero Wolfe]

Please, for heaven's sake, no tears.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Put her in a cab.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then come up to the plant room. There are some things I want you to execute for me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Women Bah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, Ms. Goodmohmite Jackson. A night for he was working late that night. Mr. Channing, his secretary, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Mealik and his secretary. About 10:30 I met the shoe shine Kelly on Mr. Channing's floor. Was a light burning in Channing's place. Who went in to turn it off? Kelly and me. And there he was sitting at his desk, a hole as big in his chest. Tell me Mr. Bennett, did Channing have any enemies in the agency?

[Nero Wolfe]

Channing was a slave driver, Mr. King.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The girls hated him, the men were afraid of him.

[Archie Goodwin]

He'd send out memos like this one around here. Take a look at it. It's typical. No coffee, no shoeshines, no office conferences. If you want my opinion as one employee out of 150, whoever killed Walter Channing did the rest of us a favor. You're Amy Long, secretary to Alan Mealik. Now what can you do?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I can tell you plenty. How she jilted Mr. Mealy, took up with Mr. Channing, got thrown over by him. I wouldn't go so far as to say Brenda Barkley would murder anyone. But if she did, Walter Channing would be one a.

[Archie Goodwin]

Channing get his shoes shined by you.

[Nero Wolfe]

I called the agency man, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know it was Jackson and me found him.

[Nero Wolfe]

Everyone else had gone and left himself, poor soul, sitting at his desk. Date. This specimen. A minimus tree orchid. Beautiful, isn't it? Mrs. Channing?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Melik, I could never quite like orchids. They have no smell, you know.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's pretty all right, but tulips are more in my line, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Tulips, Mr. Melee?

[Archie Goodwin]

I had a stand of emperors this spring.

[Nero Wolfe]

Emperors. Come in, Archie. Emperors, Mr. Meelik.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's the name of a tulip, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

A peasant flower. I've heard of it of course. Archie. Mrs. Channing, Mr. Medick, my assistant, Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Goodwin. Didn't know you had company.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Wolf asks us here to explain why Brenda Barclay is worried.

[Nero Wolfe]

And you have both agreed to restrict her position.

[Archie Goodwin]

Brenda ought to know I'd never tell the police anything to get her into trouble. Foolish, sir. He said Phooey, Mr. Meelik. Meaning he doubts what you say and does not admit your right to say it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie. Mr. Meelik, you say you'd never intentionally inform on Ms. Barclay.

[Archie Goodwin]

Certainly not the tongue slip, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

We would expect you to guard your.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What do you think what I started to say? You asked us here because Brenda Barclay is your client. I despise Ms. Barclay, everyone knows that and why. But I wouldn't stoop to implicating her in murder.

[Nero Wolfe]

You believe her innocent then, Mrs. Channing?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I believe she lacks the gumption to pull a trigger. Poison I wouldn't put past her at all. Mr. Meelik, would you be kind enough to see me home?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course, Mrs. Channing. Good day, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good day.

[Archie Goodwin]

And Mr. Goodwin.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have, I suppose, an exhaustive report from me. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Seven pages of notes.

[Nero Wolfe]

Save them and get me a bottle of.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're in a rosy mood. What happened?

[Nero Wolfe]

I said I would like a bottle of beer.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, you wouldn't. Archie, you better don't puff up about it. Those vest buttons won't stand the strain. I can't get you a bottle of beer. Why not? You ordered me to hold you to four a day.

[Nero Wolfe]

I rescind the order.

[Archie Goodwin]

You also ordered me not to let you rescind the order. What's the matter with you anyhow?

[Nero Wolfe]

I've had to entertain two very dull people too long.

[Archie Goodwin]

Both those dull people are prime suspects. Mrs. Channing is a woman scorned. Melek lost his girl to the guy who was killed.

[Nero Wolfe]

I can't blame her for throwing him over. Archie, the man grows tulips.

[Archie Goodwin]

What Tulips?

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, give me a report.

[Archie Goodwin]

I checked the agency, everybody who was working down there the night of the murder. Also, I dropped in on inspector Kramer at homicide. Also I visited the morgue.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why the morgue?

[Archie Goodwin]

Because if I hadn't you'd have said why not the morgue? Go on. I drew a blank there. Kramer. Let me look at the clothes Channing was wearing. There was an ink stain on the left trouser cuff. An ink stain and a hole through his shirt front with plenty of powder smudge. Like the paper said, he was shot with a.38 at point blank range. Sitting down an impolite corpse. What? Discourteous.

[Nero Wolfe]

He didn't rise to meet his murderer. That is most significant, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

I know. I've got a theory about this case.

[Nero Wolfe]

No theories, facts, if you please.

[Archie Goodwin]

But Look, Channing owned a.38, that's a fact. It's disappeared. That's another fact. The murder gun was a.38 with the numbers filed off. And it could be Channing's own gun.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thereby proving what, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

That his wife had access to it?

[Nero Wolfe]

Your theory involves Mrs. Channing then?

[Archie Goodwin]

And Melek. She decides her husband is less trouble to her dead than alive.

[Nero Wolfe]

A regrettable tendency of wives, have you noticed?

[Archie Goodwin]

And she sells mealik on the idea. Now that wouldn't be hard. They figure to make it look like suicide. But Meelik loses his head and runs. Drops the gun on his way out and you don't buy it?

[Nero Wolfe]

Enough of theories. The facts, Archie, out of your notebook.

[Archie Goodwin]

One, nine people were on the scene that night working late for one reason or another.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mrs. Channing tells me she was visiting a doctor's office in the same building.

[Archie Goodwin]

By the way. Two, every one of those people hated Channing. Three, here's a sample of why he wasn't popular. Memorandum dictated the night he was killed. The staff got it the next morning.

[Nero Wolfe]

A whip cracker, Mr. Channing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Fact four, the ink stain in this trouser cuff was partly rubbed out.

[Nero Wolfe]

With what?

[Archie Goodwin]

Cleaner of some kind. I didn't get brand. Fact five, there's a spot on the carpet near Channing's chair.

[Nero Wolfe]

Spot of what? Ink.

[Archie Goodwin]

Blood. Looks like ink.

[Nero Wolfe]

It looks like ink.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I didn't analyze it on the spur of the moment. My chemical set isn't working so good, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, I want two things.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get over to headquarters. The police have Channing's trousers. Suggest to inspector Kramer that he have the stain analyzed. Suggest also that the spot on the carpet be analyzed at the same time. Be around him when the information arrives.

[Archie Goodwin]

This is be kind to the police week.

[Nero Wolfe]

Phooey. I never have sought to beat the police on matters of fact, only on interpretation, deduction.

[Archie Goodwin]

Get going.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, and Arji?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Nero Wolfe]

When you return, I should discourse upon the sanctity of desk hood.

[Archie Goodwin]

The sanctity of what hood?

[Nero Wolfe]

Desk hood. Now be off with you. And please remember you're tracking a murderer. Don't stub your toe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodwin. The thing on the carpet was a die of some kind. Die, huh? Mm. How long will it take the lab to give you the analysis on it, inspector? Oh, not very long. I've got the report on what was used on the trouser cuff right now, though. And they found traces of carbon tetrachloride. Wait a minute. This goes in the notebook. K. Carbon tetrachloride and something else. Goodwin, What's Wolf Afton interpretations Was what he said, inspector. You object? No. Maybe I'll get an interpretation too. The something else was perchlor. Ethylene perchlor. Why, inspector, such language. Oh.

[Nero Wolfe]

What? What? Archie, the phone.

[Archie Goodwin]

I.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not back yet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

This is Brenda Barclay. Oh, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

What is it, Ms. Barkley?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You've got to come to Mr. Channing's office right away, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Goodman has been to your office. Everything I need to know.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

You've got to come, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense. I don't go out My digestion disapproves of it. I disapprove of it.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

But, Mr. Goodwin, he's in danger.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Nero Wolfe]

What's that?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Terrible danger. He needs you here at once, Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

In danger? Let me talk to him.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Please. Come. Hurry.

[Nero Wolfe]

What's happening? Hello, Sparkly. Fritz, get out of the car. Bring me my wool muffler and worsted vest. See if you can find my galoshes. Confound it, I've got to go out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Going up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Step to the rear of the car, please. Mister, will you please step back? I'm back as far as I can go.

[Archie Goodwin]

You are elevators.

[Nero Wolfe]

Contraptions for little men. Come, come, take me up, young man. Hold it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hold that car. I'm late for a date with a blonde. 16th floor, buddy.

[Nero Wolfe]

Evening, Mr. Goodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good evening.

[Nero Wolfe]

I was told you were in danger.

[Archie Goodwin]

Danger? I. Mr. Wolf, you would. What are you doing out down here? Sparkly's idea about me being in danger.

[Nero Wolfe]

Obviously she was lying. I suspected at the time and I fell in with her suggestion. I'm anxious to end the case. My presence here is needed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't understand why she'd do such a thing. And why is your presence needed, 16th floor?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's a matter of perspective.

[Archie Goodwin]

Brenda's got a very nice perspective. She'll be around here someplace. The agency's got this whole floor down this corridor next to Channing's. Oh, Kramer came through on those reports from the lab. That smudge on the carpet wasn't ink, it was a dye. Powdered aniline. Brenda.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh. Oh, Mr. Wolf, thank heavens you're here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, I'm here, too.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The police, they questioned me again this afternoon. I'm so frightened. Mr. Wolf, you've got to find the murderer before they.

[Archie Goodwin]

Before, baby, take it easy.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, hello, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello. What's the idea of trying to pull a fast one on Mr. Wolf?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I just had to see him. Please understand.

[Nero Wolfe]

Is this Channing's office?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

You told him I was in danger?

[Nero Wolfe]

At last, the place to sit down.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I had to tell him something to get him down here.

[Archie Goodwin]

He's not happy. You comfortable there, sir?

[Nero Wolfe]

Ms. Barclay, come here.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Mr. Wolf, I can explain. I thought if you were here where it happened. I mean, if you could see for yourself, then you'd.

[Nero Wolfe]

Young woman, there are many things I'd like to say to you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, now, wait a minute. She was scared, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

However, I am too scared of breath to do them justice. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Nero Wolfe]

Round up everyone concerned with this case right now, including Mrs. Channing. Get them in here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

You help him. Ms. Barclay, and close that window.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Fresh air. I've had enough today, thanks to you, to last me a lifetime. If after all that exposure, I live a lifetime.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's going on here anyhow? A tea party. Find yourself seats. Keep your knees steady. All right, Mr. Wolf, everybody's here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mrs. Shoeshine, Kerry.

[Archie Goodwin]

Here, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Here. It was you who found the body?

[Archie Goodwin]

Him and me. Ms. Wolf, I'm Abe Jackson, a night man.

[Nero Wolfe]

You gentlemen can help us if you will.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, to be sure, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'd like to know the exact position of the body when you found it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, he was setting up. That's it, sir. Sitting up straight, as you please.

[Nero Wolfe]

You'll oblige me if you demonstrate. Sit in the chair, please. His chair, sir, if you please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Abe, you. Yeah. Oh, no, no, not me. Not on your life.

[Nero Wolfe]

There's no easy thing you ask, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

I.

[Nero Wolfe]

But I'll oblige you. So it was like.

[Archie Goodwin]

Like this, I'd say.

[Nero Wolfe]

You agree, Mr. Jackson?

[Archie Goodwin]

A little more right, maybe. Yeah. That's the way he was.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir?

[Nero Wolfe]

Help me with a brief recapitulation.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, so far as we know, Channing made no outcry.

[Nero Wolfe]

Therefore he could not have been startled by the appearance of the killer.

[Archie Goodwin]

There were powder burns on the body.

[Nero Wolfe]

Therefore the gun was against Channing when it was fired. His own hand couldn't have held it closer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nobody heard the shot, probably because this officer soundproofed. The gun that killed him was lying on the floor 10ft from the desk.

[Nero Wolfe]

In the direction of flight, through that door. Go on, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

The killer was almost certainly well known to Channing, or Channing wouldn't have let him come that close without a struggle or an alarm. Also, the killer had access to this office. Another proof that he's not a stranger.

[Nero Wolfe]

One more point, if I may, Archie. The killer, he or she is present here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now be quiet, everyone.

[Nero Wolfe]

We come now to the point I mentioned to you last night, Archie. The point I call the sanctity of desk hood.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Sanctity of What?

[Nero Wolfe]

Desk hood, Mrs. Jenning. Explain, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Still figure it's so important?

[Nero Wolfe]

Absolutely essential.

[Archie Goodwin]

I wrote it here somewhere.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Desk hood refers to that area behind a desk where a man earns his livelihood, makes his career, builds his reputation. You mean here where I'm sitting? So long as a man sits at his desk, he enjoys a curious area of privacy. He is remarkably safe from intrusion. That's it, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

The sanctity of desk could think about it a moment. You'll see what I mean.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Nonsense. I've Gone around that desk hundreds of times. I'm sure she has many more. Hundreds? If you mean what I think you mean. Mrs. Channing.

[Archie Goodwin]

You are dazed, lady.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mrs. Channing, when you approached your husband at his desk, what did he do?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What did he. Why, he stood up and.

[Nero Wolfe]

He stood up. Ms. Barkley, you agree?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Yes. He'd have to stand up. At least he always did.

[Nero Wolfe]

But for his murderer he did not. Archie, resume from your notes, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, whoever killed Walter Channing went around the desk without Channing rising, held a gun to his chest and pulled the trigger.

[Nero Wolfe]

Excuse me. If you will go behind the desk and stand facing Mr. Kelly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, here. This the way you mean?

[Nero Wolfe]

You know the angle of the body wound or the hole in the chair?

[Archie Goodwin]

There wasn't any angle. One was in a straight line with the other.

[Nero Wolfe]

From where you stand now in front of Mr. Kelly, if you wish to inflict an identical wound upon him, could you do it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not from where I stand. I'd have to kneel.

[Nero Wolfe]

You'd have to kneel. Do so. No, please. The murder tableau. The question now, who could kneel before Channing if close enough to kill him from that position without alarming him in the least?

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Kelly, the shoe shine man.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey, hey, wait a minute now. I.

[Archie Goodwin]

Shut up you and sit there.

[Nero Wolfe]

His motive is crystal clear.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

The memorandum.

[Nero Wolfe]

Memorandum? You have a copy?

[Archie Goodwin]

Aji in my notebook.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah, yes. Ms. Barkley, read the part which could explain Mr. Kelly's action. No, no, it was all over the office. Kelly must have seen it.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Oh, wait a minute now. Notice effective at once. Yes, here it is. In the interest of economy, daily shoe shines will be eliminated.

[Archie Goodwin]

That'd cut off Kelly's bread and butter. Kelly.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I can't believe it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nor can I.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

What?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's obvious. Kelly murdered Walter Channing. Mr. Wolfe, now listen, I did nothing. But the obvious can be too obvious.

[Archie Goodwin]

Meaning what exactly?

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Brief these people on the ink stained trousers.

[Archie Goodwin]

Channing spilled ink on his trouser cuff the night he was murdered. Somebody tried to clean the spot off.

[Nero Wolfe]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

According to the police analysis, carbon tetrachloride and perchloroethylene showed up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Those non inflammable ingredients used in many commercial cleaners.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

Exactly what are you getting at, Mr. Wolfe?

[Nero Wolfe]

One moment, Mrs. Channing. Mr. Goodwin also has an analysis of the spot on the carpet behind the desk. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

A powder form of dye. Aniline Dye used in what perhaps? Well, the lab suggested a shoe dressing.

[Nero Wolfe]

I got no powder dye.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I swear I ain't.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Wolf, I'm sure you haven't, Mr. Kelly, you'll find this particular type of dressing is used on women's shoes. Suede shoes, usually.

[Claire / Brenda Barclay / Other Female Characters]

I don't understand.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

If a woman. Now, suppose a woman knelt in front of Chanie to clean that ink spot off his trouser cuff. That smudge could have rubbed off the tip of her shoe onto the carpet.

[Nero Wolfe]

Exactly. I believe you'll find a typewriter cleaner contains tetrachloride and perchlor. Ethylene.

[Archie Goodwin]

Something else just occurred to me. That memo was sent around the morning after Channing was killed. I never thought of that.

[Nero Wolfe]

True, Archie, and for only one purpose. To point suspicion at Kelly.

[Archie Goodwin]

But when the police didn't take the hint.

[Nero Wolfe]

Go on, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

What then? Somebody else was brought down here who would. Comes around to three questions, doesn't it? Who knew about the memo? Who had access to Channing's file, where he kept his gun, and who made sure Nero Wolf would see the evidence against Kelly?

[Nero Wolfe]

Three questions, Archie, with one answer. That spells the name of the murderess. Our own client, Brenda Bakke. Steak, Archie, marinated. You like it?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm not hungry.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed. I suggest a tonic.

[Archie Goodwin]

That reminds me, I had a call you had. Doris Channing. She had some idea about my explaining things to her.

[Nero Wolfe]

She found my explanation insufficient?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, but she felt it lacked the personal touch. Phooey.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hand me a can of beer. However, you do have the evening off.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Keep out of trouble. Doris Channing is a blond. Let us try to keep out of trouble.

[Archie Goodwin]

In the company of a blonde who wants to. Good night, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good night, AJI. Good night.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story by William Kendall Clark was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edmund Fadiman program, produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin and Donald Morrison, Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Johnstone, Howard McNear, Mary Lansing and Barney Phillips. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the girl who cried Wolf. John Storm speaking.

[Nero Wolfe]

Near a wolf. Archie and all of our cast hope.

[Archie Goodwin]

That our listeners have taken time out from this busy Christmas season to help brighten some youngsters. Christmas Day, be sure to send a thing, your choice of anything you think a child would like for Christmas to the groups in your own town who are distributing these toy gifts to less fortunate children. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.