Naturally. A drink, Mr.? Smith requires no strain on the memory. Yes, thank you. But please allow me to see what you are doing when you prepare it. hardly likely that I would have poison conveniently at hand for just such an occasion." "Hardly likely, but still possible." He watched me while I made his drink and then took an easy chair sat on the "Where would my wife be at this moment?" their "At a party, Mr. Williams. There will be a dozen people to swear that she never left sight during the time of your murder." "I will be shot by a burglar? An intruder? 45 of put his drink on the cocktail table in front of him. "Yes. After I shoot you, l shall course, wash this glass and return it to your liquor cabinet. And when I leave shall wipe all fingerprints from the doorknobs l've touched." "You will take a few trifles with you? To make the burglar intruder story more authentic?" so "That will not be necessary, Mr. Williams. The police will assume that the burglar panicked after he killed you and fled empty-handed "That picture on the east wall," said. "It's worth thirty thousand His eyes went to it for a moment and then quickly returned to me. "It is tempting Mr. Williams, but desire to possess nothing that will even remotely link me to you. I 55 appreciate art, and especially its monetary value, but not to the extent where will risk the electric Then he smiled. "or were you perhaps offering me the painting? In exchange for your life?" "It was a thought." He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Williams. Once I accept a commission I am not dissuaded. It is a matter of professional pride.