Chapter 12 Summary

The next day, with the actors and detectives gathered in the house but disallowed from speaking or making noise, is torture for Archie. However, he is amused by Jarvis learning Wolfe's movements by studying Wolfe walking down the stairs. Archie also spends some time discussing his driving style with Kirby. On Thursday, Fritz heads to Lewis Hewitt's to prepare the meal, and Theodore Horstmann, Wolfe's orchid gardener, leaves early. Kirby and Jarvis, impersonating Wolfe and Archie, leave in the car for Lewis Hewitt's lunch.

Wolfe, Archie, Saul, Fred, and Orrie are left alone in the brownstone. They take up their positions throughout the house and wait in the darkness. After almost an hour of waiting, a shadow appears in the doorway. Two men are outside, picking the lock. Archie, who is stationed in the hallway, signals the others in the front room and...