Some Buried Caesar (Nero Wolfe, #6)

by Rex Stout

“That’s your guess.” “It’s my opinion. I am careful with my opinions, sir; they are my bread and butter and the main source of my self-esteem.”

I have the knack of arranging, when I do make a fool of myself, that no one shall know it but me.”

I know a little something about you, I’m aware of your resources, but I have a few myself. Why don’t we just agree that you’re not a fool and neither am I?”

Men like you, sir, when once calamity sufficiently disturbs their balance, become excessively dangerous. They will perform any desperate and violent deed, but they don’t lose their heads.