Chapter 4 Summary

Archie returns to Wolfe's house late that night in a foul mood, having learned nothing and found no leads among Lon's most promising FBI rumors. He refuses food from Fritz and recounts the events to Wolfe. A man charged with conspiring to transport stolen goods got violent with him, and he could not find a woman who may have been framed for espionage. Wolfe says that they will think of a new strategy in the morning. Archie has a stiff drink of bourbon and prepares to sleep on the office couch, to prevent the FBI from breaking in.

The next morning, Archie is considering the possible lines of investigation, when Dr. Vollmer, who lives down the street, rings the doorbell. Vollmer received a phone message for Archie to go to a hotel room at 11:30 and make sure he's not followed. Archie says that...