AgathaChristie
CardsontheTable
AHerculePoirotMystery
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Foreword
1.Mr.Shaitana
2.DinneratMr.Shaitana’s
3.AGameofBridge
4.FirstMurderer?
5.SecondMurderer?
6.ThirdMurderer?
7.FourthMurderer?
8.WhichofThem?
9.Dr.Roberts
10.Dr.Roberts(continued)
11.Mrs.Lorrimer
12.AnneMeredith
13.SecondVisitor
14.ThirdVisitor
15.MajorDespard
16.TheEvidenceofElsieBatt
17.TheEvidenceofRhodaDawes
18.TeaInterlude
19.Consultation
20.TheEvidenceofMrs.Luxmore
21.MajorDespard
22.EvidencefromCombeacre
23.TheEvidenceofaPairofSilkStockings
24.EliminationofThreeMurderers?
25.Mrs.LorrimerSpeaks
26.TheTruth
27.TheEyewitness
28.Suicide
29.Accident
30.Murder
31.CardsontheTable
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
Foreword
Thereisanideaprevalentthatadetectivestoryisratherlikeabigrace—anumberofstarters—likelyhorsesandjockeys.“Youpaysyourmoneyandyoutakesyourchoice!”Thefavouriteisbycommonconsenttheoppositeofafavouriteontheracecourse.Inotherwordsheislikelytobeacompleteoutsider!Spottheleastlikelypersontohavecommittedthecrimeandinninetimesoutoftenyourtaskisfinished.
SinceIdonotwantmyfaithfulreaderstoflingawaythisbookindisgust,Iprefertowarnthembeforehandthatthisisnotthatkindofbook.Thereareonlyfourstartersandanyoneofthem,giventherightcircumstances,mighthavecommittedthecrime.Thatknocksoutforciblytheelementofsurprise.Neverthelessthereshouldbe,Ithink,anequalinterestattachedtofourpersons,eachofwhomhascommittedmurderandiscapableofcommittingfurthermurders.Theyarefourwidelydivergenttypes,themotivethatdriveseachoneofthemtocrimeispeculiartothatperson,andeachonewouldemployadifferentmethod.Thedeductionmust,therefore,beentirelypsychological,butitisnonethelessinterestingforthat,becausewhenallissaidanddoneitisthemindofthemurdererthatisofsupremeinterest.
Imaysay,asanadditionalargumentinfavourofthisstory,thatitwasoneofHerculePoirot’sfavouritecases.Hisfriend,CaptainHastings,however,whenPoirotdescribedittohim,considereditverydull!Iwonderwithwhichofthemmyreaderswillagree.
One
MR.SHAITANA
“MydearM.Poirot!”
Itwasasoftpurringvoice—avoiceuseddeliberatelyasaninstrument—nothingimpulsiveorpremeditatedaboutit.
HerculePoirotswunground.
Hebowed.
Heshookhandsceremoniously.
Therewassomethinginhiseyethatwasunusual.Onewouldhavesaidthatthischanceencounterawakenedinhimanemotionthatheseldomhadoccasiontofeel.
“MydearMr.Shaitana,”hesaid.
Theybothpaused.Theywerelikeduellistsengarde
Aroundthemawell-dressedlanguidLondoncrowdeddiedmildly.Voicesdrawledormurmured.
“Darling—exquisite!”
“Simplydivine,aren’tthey,mydear?”
ItwastheExhibitionofSnuffboxesatWessexHouse.Admissiononeguinea,inaidoftheLondonhospitals.
“Mydearman,”saidMr.Shaitana,“hownicetoseeyou!Nothangingorguillotiningmuchjustatpresent?Slackseasoninthecriminalworld?Oristheretobearobberyherethisafternoon—thatwouldbetoodelicious.”
“Alas,Monsieur,”saidPoirot.“Icamehereinapurelyprivatecapacity.”
Mr.ShaitanawasdivertedforamomentbyaLovelyYoungThingwithtightpoodlecurlsuponesideofherheadandthreecornucopiasinblackstrawontheother.
Hesaid:
“Mydear—whydidn’tyoucometomyparty?Itreallywasamarvellousparty!Quitealotofpeopleactuallyspoketome!Onewomanevensaid,‘Howdoyoudo,’and‘Good-bye’and‘Thankyousomuch’—butofcourseshecamefromaGardenCity,poordear!”
WhiletheLovelyYoungThingmadeasuitablereply,PoirotallowedhimselfagoodstudyofthehirsuteadornmentonMr.Shaitana’supperlip.
Afinemoustache—averyfinemoustache—theonlymoustacheinLondon,perhaps,thatcouldcompetewiththatofM.HerculePoirot.
“Butitisnotsoluxuriant,”hemurmuredtohimself.“No,decidedlyitisinferiorineveryrespect.Toutdemême,itcatchestheeye.”
ThewholeofMr.Shaitana’spersoncaughttheeye—itwasdesignedtodoso.HedeliberatelyattemptedaMephistophelianeffect.Hewastallandthin,hisfacewaslongandmelancholy,hiseyebrowswereheavilyaccentedandjetblack,heworeamoustachewithstiffwaxedendsandatinyblackimperial.Hisclotheswereworksofart—ofexquisitecut—butwithasuggestionofbizarre.
EveryhealthyEnglishmanwhosawhimlongedearnestlyandferventlytokickhim!Theysaid,withasingularlackoforiginality,“There’sthatdamnedDago,Shaitana!”
Theirwives,daughters,sisters,aunts,mothers,andevengrandmotherssaid,varyingtheidiomaccordingtotheirgeneration,wordstothiseffect:“Iknow,mydear.Ofcourse,heistooterrible.Butsorich!Andsuchmarvellousparties!Andhe’salwaysgotsomethingamusingandspitefultotellyouaboutpeople.”
WhetherMr.ShaitanawasanArgentine,oraPortuguese,oraGreek,orsomeothernationalityrightlydespisedbytheinsularBriton,nobodyknew.
Butthreefactswerequitecertain:
HeexistedrichlyandbeautifullyinasuperflatinParkLane.
Hegavewonderfulparties—largeparties,smallparties,macabreparties,respectablepartiesanddefinitely“queer”parties.
Hewasamanofwhomnearlyeverybodywasalittleafraid.
Whythislastwassocanhardlybestatedindefinitewords.Therewasafeeling,perhaps,thatheknewalittletoomuchabouteverybody.Andtherewasafeeling,too,thathissenseofhumourwasacuriousone.
PeoplenearlyalwaysfeltthatitwouldbebetternottoriskoffendingMr.Shaitana.
Itwashishumourthisafternoontobaitthatridiculous-lookinglittleman,HerculePoirot.
“Soevenapolicemanneedsrecreation?”hesaid.“Youstudytheartsinyouroldage,M.Poirot?”
Poirotsmiledgood-humouredly.
“Isee,”hesaid,“thatyouyourselfhavelentthreesnuffboxestotheExhibition.”
Mr.Shaitanawavedadeprecatinghand.
“Onepicksuptrifleshereandthere.Youmustcometomyflatoneday.Ihavesomeinterestingpieces.Idonotconfinemyselftoanyparticularperiodorclassofobject.”
“Yourtastesarecatholic,”saidPoirotsmiling.
“Asyousay.”
SuddenlyMr.Shaitana’seyesdanced,thecornersofhislipscurledup,hiseyebrowsassumedafantastictilt.
“Icouldevenshowyouobjectsinyourownline,M.Poirot!”
“Youhavethenaprivate‘BlackMuseum.’”
“Bah!”Mr.Shaitanasnappeddisdainfulfingers.“ThecupusedbytheBrightonmurderer,thejemmyofacelebratedburglar—absurdchildishness!Ishouldneverburdenmyselfwithrubbishlikethat.Icollectonlythebestobjectsoftheirkind.”
“Andwhatdoyouconsiderthebestobjects,artisticallyspeaking,incrime?”inquiredPoirot.
Mr.ShaitanaleanedforwardandlaidtwofingersonPoirot’sshoulder.Hehissedhiswordsdramatically.
“Thehumanbeingswhocommitthem,M.Poirot.”
Poirot’seyebrowsroseatrifle.
“Aha,Ihavestartledyou,”saidMr.Shaitana.“Mydear,dearman,youandIlookonthesethingsasfrompolesapart!Foryoucrimeisamatterofroutine:amurder,aninvestigation,aclue,andultimately(foryouareundoubtedlyanablefellow)aconviction.Suchbanalitieswouldnotinterestme!Iamnotinterestedinpoorspecimensofanykind.Andthecaughtmurdererisnecessarilyoneofthefailures.Heissecond-rate.No,Ilookonthematterfromtheartisticpointofview.Icollectonlythebest!”
“Thebestbeing—?”askedPoirot.
“Mydearfellow—theoneswhohavegotawaywithit!Thesuccesses!Thecriminalswholeadanagreeablelifewhichnobreathofsuspicionhasevertouched.Admitthatisanamusinghobby.”
“ItwasanotherwordIwasthinkingof—notamusing.”
“Anidea!”criedShaitana,payingnoattentiontoPoirot.“Alittledinner!Adinnertomeetmyexhibits!Really,thatisamostamusingthought.Icannotthinkwhyithasneveroccurredtomebefore.Yes—yes,Iseeitexactly…Youmustgivemealittletime—notnextweek—letussaytheweekafternext.Youarefree?Whatdayshallwesay?”
“Anydayoftheweekafternextwouldsuitme,”saidPoirotwithabow.
“Good—thenletussayFriday.Fridaythe18th,thatwillbe.Iwillwriteitdownatonceinmylittlebook.Really,theideapleasesmeenormously.”
“Iamnotquitesureifitpleasesme,”saidPoirotslowly.“IdonotmeanthatIaminsensibletothekindnessofyourinvitation—no—notthat—”
Shaitanainterruptedhim.
“Butitshocksyourbourgeoissensibilities?Mydearfellow,youmustfreeyourselffromthelimitationsofthepolicemanmentality.”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“ItistruethatIhaveathoroughlybourgeoisattitudetomurder.”
“But,mydear,why?Astupid,bungled,butcheringbusiness—yes,Iagreewithyou.Butmurdercanbeanart!Amurderercanbeanartist.”
“Oh,Iadmitit.”
“Wellthen?”Mr.Shaitanaasked.
“Butheisstillamurderer!”
“Surely,mydearM.Poirot,todoathingsupremelywellisajustification!Youwant,veryunimaginatively,totakeeverymurderer,handcuffhim,shuthimup,andeventuallybreakhisneckforhimintheearlyhoursofthemorning.Inmyopinionareallysuccessfulmurderershouldbegrantedapensionoutofthepublicfundsandaskedouttodinner!”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Iamnotasinsensitivetoartincrimeasyouthink.Icanadmiretheperfectmurder—Icanalsoadmireatiger—thatsplendidtawny-stripedbeast.ButIwilladmirehimfromoutsidehiscage.Iwillnotgoinside.Thatistosay,notunlessitismydutytodoso.Foryousee,Mr.Shaitana,thetigermightspring….”
Mr.Shaitanalaughed.
“Isee.Andthemurderer?”
“Mightmurder,”saidPoirotgravely.
“Mydearfellow—whatanalarmistyouare!Thenyouwillnotcometomeetmycollectionof—tigers?”
“Onthecontrary,Ishallbeenchanted.”
“Howbrave!”
“Youdonotquiteunderstandme,Mr.Shaitana.Mywordswereinthenatureofawarning.Youaskedmejustnowtoadmitthatyourideaofacollectionofmurdererswasamusing.IsaidIcouldthinkofanotherwordotherthanamusing.Thatwordwasdangerous.Ifancy,Mr.Shaitana,thatyourhobbymightbeadangerousone!”
Mr.Shaitanalaughed,averyMephistophelianlaugh.
Hesaid:
“Imayexpectyou,then,onthe18th?”
Poirotgavealittlebow.
“Youmayexpectmeonthe18th.Milleremerciments.”
“Ishallarrangealittleparty,”musedShaitana.“Donotforget.Eighto’clock.”
Hemovedaway.Poirotstoodaminuteortwolookingafterhim.
Heshookhisheadslowlyandthoughtfully.
Two
DINNERATMR.SHAITANA’S
ThedoorofMr.Shaitana’sflatopenednoiselessly.Agrey-hairedbutlerdrewitbacktoletPoirotenter.Hecloseditequallynoiselesslyanddeftlyrelievedtheguestofhisovercoatandhat.
Hemurmuredinalowexpressionlessvoice:
“WhatnameshallIsay?”
“M.HerculePoirot.”
Therewasalittlehumoftalkthateddiedoutintothehallasthebutleropenedadoorandannounced:
“M.HerculePoirot.”
Sherryglassinhand,Shaitanacameforwardtomeethim.Hewas,asusual,immaculatelydressed.TheMephistopheliansuggestionwasheightenedtonight,theeyebrowsseemedaccentuatedintheirmockingtwist.
“Letmeintroduceyou—doyouknowMrs.Oliver?”
TheshowmaninhimenjoyedthelittlestartofsurprisethatPoirotgave.
Mrs.AriadneOliverwasextremelywell-knownasoneoftheforemostwritersofdetectiveandothersensationalstories.Shewrotechatty(ifnotparticularlygrammatical)articlesonTheTendencyoftheCriminal;FamousCrimesPassionnels;MurderforLovev.MurderforGain.Shewasalsoahotheadedfeminist,andwhenanymurderofimportancewasoccupyingspaceinthePresstherewassuretobeaninterviewwithMrs.Oliver,anditwasmentionedthatMrs.Oliverhadsaid,“NowifawomanweretheheadofScotlandYard!”Shewasanearnestbelieverinwoman’sintuition.
Fortherestshewasanagreeablewomanofmiddleage,handsomeinaratheruntidyfashionwithfineeyes,substantialshouldersandalargequantityofrebelliousgreyhairwithwhichshewascontinuallyexperimenting.Onedayherappearancewouldbehighlyintellectual—abrowwiththehairscrapedbackfromitandcoiledinalargebunintheneck—onanotherMrs.OliverwouldsuddenlyappearwithMadonnaloops,orlargemassesofslightlyuntidycurls.OnthisparticulareveningMrs.Oliverwastryingoutafringe.
ShegreetedPoirot,whomshehadmetbeforeataliterarydinner,inanagreeablebassvoice.
“AndSuperintendentBattleyoudoubtlessknow,”saidMr.Shaitana.
Abig,square,wooden-facedmanmovedforward.NotonlydidanonlookerfeelthatSuperintendentBattlewascarvedoutofwood—healsomanagedtoconveytheimpressionthatthewoodinquestionwasthetimberoutofabattleship.
SuperintendentBattlewassupposedtobeScotlandYard’sbestrepresentative.Healwayslookedstolidandratherstupid.
“IknowM.Poirot,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
Andhiswoodenfacecreasedintoasmileandthenreturnedtoitsformerunexpressiveness.
“ColonelRace,”wentonMr.Shaitana.
PoirothadnotpreviouslymetColonelRace,butheknewsomethingabouthim.Adark,handsome,deeplybronzedmanoffifty,hewasusuallytobefoundinsomeoutpostofempire—especiallyifthereweretroublebrewing.SecretServiceisamelodramaticterm,butitdescribedprettyaccuratelytothelaymindthenatureandscopeofColonelRace’sactivities.
Poirothadbynowtakeninandappreciatedtheparticularessenceofhishost’shumorousintentions.
“Ourotherguestsarelate,”saidMr.Shaitana.“Myfault,perhaps.IbelieveItoldthem8:15.”
Butatthatmomentthedooropenedandthebutlerannounced:
“Dr.Roberts.”
Themanwhocameindidsowithakindofparodyofabriskbedsidemanner.Hewasacheerful,highly-colouredindividualofmiddleage.Smalltwinklingeyes,atouchofbaldness,atendencytoembonpointandageneralairofwell-scrubbedanddisinfectedmedicalpractitioner.Hismannerwascheerfulandconfident.Youfeltthathisdiagnosiswouldbecorrectandhistreatmentsagreeableandpractical—“alittlechampagneinconvalescenceperhaps.”Amanoftheworld!
“Notlate,Ihope?”saidDr.Robertsgenially.
Heshookhandswithhishostandwasintroducedtotheothers.HeseemedparticularlygratifiedatmeetingBattle.
“Why,you’reoneofthebignoisesatScotlandYard,aren’tyou?Thisisinteresting!ToobadtomakeyoutalkshopbutIwarnyouIshallhaveatryatit.Alwaysbeeninterestedincrime.Badthingforadoctor,perhaps.Mustn’tsaysotomynervouspatients—haha!”
Againthedooropened.
“Mrs.Lorrimer.”
Mrs.Lorrimerwasawell-dressedwomanofsixty.Shehadfinelycutfeatures,beautifullyarrangedgreyhair,andaclear,incisivevoice.
“IhopeI’mnotlate,”shesaid,advancingtoherhost.
SheturnedfromhimtogreetDr.Roberts,withwhomshewasacquainted.
Thebutlerannounced:
“MajorDespard.”
MajorDespardwasatall,lean,handsomeman,hisfaceslightlymarredbyascaronthetemple.Introductionscompleted,hegravitatednaturallytothesideofColonelRace—andthetwomenweresoontalkingsportandcomparingtheirexperiencesonsafari
Forthelasttimethedooropenedandthebutlerannounced:
“MissMeredith.”
Agirlintheearlytwentiesentered.Shewasofmediumheightandpretty.Browncurlsclusteredinherneck,hergreyeyeswerelargeandwideapart.Herfacewaspowderedbutnotmade-up.Hervoicewasslowandrathershy.
Shesaid:
“Ohdear,amIthelast?”
Mr.Shaitanadescendedonherwithsherryandanornateandcomplimentaryreply.Hisintroductionswereformalandalmostceremonious.
MissMeredithwasleftsippinghersherrybyPoirot’sside.
“Ourfriendisverypunctilious,”saidPoirotwithasmile.
Thegirlagreed.
“Iknow.Peopleratherdispensewithintroductionsnowadays.Theyjustsay‘Iexpectyouknoweverybody’andleaveitatthat.”
“Whetheryoudooryoudon’t?”
“Whetheryoudoordon’t.Sometimesitmakesitawkward—butIthinkthisismoreawe-inspiring.”
Shehesitatedandthensaid:
“IsthatMrs.Oliver,thenovelist?”
Mrs.Oliver’sbassvoicerosepowerfullyatthatminute,speakingtoDr.Roberts.
“Youcan’tgetawayfromawoman’sinstinct,doctor.Womenknowthesethings.”
Forgettingthatshenolongerhadabrowsheendeavouredtosweepherhairbackfromitbutwasfoiledbythefringe.
“ThatisMrs.Oliver,”saidPoirot.
“TheonewhowroteTheBodyintheLibrary?”
“Thatidenticalone.”
MissMeredithfrownedalittle.
“Andthatwooden-lookingman—asuperintendentdidMr.Shaitanasay?”
“FromScotlandYard.”
“Andyou?”
“Andme?”
“Iknowallaboutyou,M.Poirot.ItwasyouwhoreallysolvedtheA.B.C.crimes.”
“Madamoiselle,youcovermewithconfusion.”
MissMeredithdrewherbrowstogether.
“Mr.Shaitana,”shebeganandthenstopped.“Mr.Shaitana—”
Poirotsaidquietly:
“Onemightsayhewas‘crime-minded.’Itseemsso.Doubtlesshewishestohearusdisputeourselves.HeisalreadyeggingonMrs.OliverandDr.Roberts.Theyarenowdiscussinguntraceablepoisons.”
MissMeredithgavealittlegaspasshesaid:
“Whataqueermanheis!”
“Dr.Roberts?”
“No,Mr.Shaitana.”
Sheshiveredalittleandsaid:
“There’salwayssomethingalittlefrighteningabouthim,Ithink.Youneverknowwhatwouldstrikehimasamusing.Itmight—itmightbesomethingcruel.”
“Suchasfoxhunting,eh?”
MissMerediththrewhimareproachfulglance.
“Imeant—oh!somethingOriental!”
“Hehasperhapsthetortuousmind,”admittedPoirot.
“Torturer’s?”
“No,notortuous,Isaid.”
“Idon’tthinkIlikehimfrightfully,”confidedMissMeredith,hervoicedropping.
“Youwilllikehisdinner,though,”Poirotassuredher.“Hehasamarvellouscook.”
Shelookedathimdoubtfullyandthenlaughed.
“Why,”sheexclaimed,“Ibelieveyouarequitehuman.”
“ButcertainlyIamhuman!”
“Yousee,”saidMissMeredith,“allthesecelebritiesareratherintimidating.”
“Mademoiselle,youshouldnotbeintimidated—youshouldbethrilled!Youshouldhaveallreadyyourautographbookandyourfountainpen.”
“Well,yousee,I’mnotreallyterriblyinterestedincrime.Idon’tthinkwomenare:it’salwaysmenwhoreaddetectivestories.”
HerculePoirotsighedaffectedly.
“Alas!”hemurmured.“WhatwouldInotgiveatthisminutetobeeventhemostminoroffilmstars!”
Thebutlerthrewthedooropen.
“Dinnerisserved,”hemurmured.
Poirot’sprognosticationwasamplyjustified.Thedinnerwasdeliciousanditsservingperfection.Subduedlight,polishedwood,thebluegleamofIrishglass.Inthedimness,attheheadofthetable,Mr.Shaitanalookedmorethaneverdiabolical.
Heapologizedgracefullyfortheunevennumberofthesexes.
Mrs.Lorrimerwasonhisrighthand,Mrs.Oliveronhisleft.MissMeredithwasbetweenSuperintendentBattleandMajorDespard.PoirotwasbetweenMrs.LorrimerandDr.Roberts.
Thelattermurmuredfacetiouslytohim.
“You’renotgoingtobeallowedtomonopolizetheonlyprettygirlalltheevening.YouFrenchfellows,youdon’twasteyourtime,doyou?”
“IhappentobeBelgian,”murmuredPoirot.
“Samethingwheretheladiesareconcerned,Iexpect,myboy,”saidthedoctorcheerfully.
Then,droppingthefacetiousness,andadoptingaprofessionaltone,hebegantotalktoColonelRaceonhisothersideaboutthelatestdevelopmentsinthetreatmentofsleepingsickness.
Mrs.LorrimerturnedtoPoirotandbegantotalkofthelatestplays.Herjudgementsweresoundandhercriticismsapt.Theydriftedontobooksandthentoworldpolitics.Hefoundherawell-informedandthoroughlyintelligentwoman.
OntheoppositesideofthetableMrs.OliverwasaskingMajorDespardifheknewofanyunheard-of-out-of-the-waypoisons.
“Well,there’scurare.”
“Mydearman,vieuxjeu!That’sbeendonehundredsoftimes.Imeansomethingnew!”
MajorDespardsaiddrily:
“Primitivetribesareratherold-fashioned.Theysticktothegoodoldstufftheirgrandfathersandgreat-grandfathersusedbeforethem.”
“Verytiresomeofthem,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Ishouldhavethoughttheywerealwaysexperimentingwithpoundingupherbsandthings.Suchachanceforexplorers,Ialwaysthink.Theycouldcomehomeandkilloffalltheirricholduncleswithsomenewdrugthatnoone’severheardof.”
“Youshouldgotocivilization,nottothewildsforthat,”saidDespard.“Inthemodernlaboratory,forinstance.Culturesofinnocent-lookinggermsthatwillproducebonafidediseases.”
“Thatwouldn’tdoformypublic,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Besidesoneissoapttogetthenameswrong—staphylococcusandstreptococcusandallthosethings—sodifficultformysecretaryandanywayratherdull,don’tyouthinkso?Whatdoyouthink,SuperintendentBattle?”
“Inreallifepeopledon’tbotheraboutbeingtoosubtle,Mrs.Oliver,”saidthesuperintendent.“Theyusuallysticktoarsenicbecauseit’sniceandhandytogetholdof.”
“Nonsense,”saidMrs.Oliver.“That’ssimplybecausetherearelotsofcrimesyoupeopleatScotlandYardneverfindout.Nowifyouhadawomanthere—”
“Asamatteroffactwehave—”
“Yes,thosedreadfulpolicewomeninfunnyhatswhobotherpeopleinparks!Imeanawomanattheheadofthings.Womenknowaboutcrime.”
“They’reusuallyverysuccessfulcriminals,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Keeptheirheadswell.It’samazinghowthey’llbrazenthingsout.”
Mr.Shaitanalaughedgently.
“Poisonisawoman’sweapon,”hesaid.“Theremustbemanysecretwomenpoisoners—neverfoundout.”
“Ofcoursethereare,”saidMrs.Oliverhappily,helpingherselflavishlytoamousseoffoiegras
“Adoctor,too,hasopportunities,”wentonMr.Shaitanathoughtfully.
“Iprotest,”criedDr.Roberts.“Whenwepoisonourpatientsit’sentirelybyaccident.”Helaughedheartily.
“ButifIweretocommitacrime,”wentonMr.Shaitana.
Hestopped,andsomethinginthatpausecompelledattention.
Allfaceswereturnedtohim.
“Ishouldmakeitverysimple,Ithink.There’salwaysanaccident—ashootingaccident,forinstance—orthedomestickindofaccident.”
Thenheshruggedhisshouldersandpickeduphiswineglass.
“ButwhoamItopronounce—withsomanyexpertspresent….”
Hedrank.Thecandlelightthrewaredshadefromthewineontohisfacewithitswaxedmoustache,itslittleimperial,itsfantasticeyebrows….
Therewasamomentarysilence.
Mrs.Oliversaid:
“Isittwenty-toortwentypast?Anangelpassing…Myfeetaren’tcrossed—itmustbeablackangel!”
Three
AGAMEOFBRIDGE
Whenthecompanyreturnedtothedrawingroomabridgetablehadbeensetout.Coffeewashandedround.
“Whoplaysbridge?”askedMr.Shaitana.“Mrs.Lorrimer,Iknow.AndDr.Roberts.Doyouplay,MissMeredith?”
“Yes.I’mnotfrightfullygood,though.”
“Excellent.AndMajorDespard?Good.Supposingyoufourplayhere.”
“Thankgoodnessthere’stobebridge,”saidMrs.LorrimerinanasidetoPoirot.“I’moneoftheworstbridgefiendsthateverlived.It’sgrowingonme.Isimplywillnotgoouttodinnernowifthere’snobridgeafterwards!Ijustfallasleep.I’mashamedofmyself,butthereitis.”
Theycutforpartners.Mrs.LorrimerwaspartneredwithAnneMeredithagainstMajorDespardandDr.Roberts.
“Womenagainstmen,”saidMrs.Lorrimerasshetookherseatandbeganshufflingthecardsinanexpertmanner.“Thebluecards,don’tyouthink,partner?I’maforcingtwo.”
“Mindyouwin,”saidMrs.Oliver,herfeministfeelingsrising.“Showthementheycan’thaveitalltheirownway.”
“Theyhaven’tgotahope,thepoordears,”saidDr.Robertscheerfullyashestartedshufflingtheotherpack.“Yourdeal,Ithink,Mrs.Lorrimer.”
MajorDespardsatdownratherslowly.HewaslookingatAnneMeredithasthoughhehadjustmadethediscoverythatshewasremarkablypretty.
“Cut,please,”saidMrs.Lorrimerimpatiently.Andwithastartofapologyhecutthepackshewaspresentingtohim.
Mrs.Lorrimerbegantodealwithapractisedhand.
“Thereisanotherbridgetableintheotherroom,”saidMr.Shaitana.
Hecrossedtoaseconddoorandtheotherfourfollowedhimintoasmallcomfortablyfurnishedsmokingroomwhereasecondbridgetablewassetready.
“Wemustcutout,”saidColonelRace.
Mr.Shaitanashookhishead.
“Idonotplay,”hesaid.“Bridgeisnotoneofthegamesthatamuseme.”
Theothersprotestedthattheywouldmuchrathernotplay,butheoverruledthemfirmlyandintheendtheysatdown.PoirotandMrs.OliveragainstBattleandRace.
Mr.Shaitanawatchedthemforalittlewhile,smiledinaMephistophelianmannerasheobservedonwhathandMrs.OliverdeclaredTwoNoTrumps,andthenwentnoiselesslythroughintotheotherroom.
Theretheywerewelldowntoit,theirfacesserious,thebidscomingquickly.“Oneheart.”“Pass.”“Threeclubs.”“Threespades.”“Fourdiamonds.”“Double.”“Fourhearts.”
Mr.Shaitanastoodwatchingamoment,smilingtohimself.
Thenhecrossedtheroomandsatdowninabigchairbythefireplace.Atrayofdrinkshadbeenbroughtinandplacedonanadjacenttable.Thefirelightgleamedonthecrystalstoppers.
Alwaysanartistinlighting,Mr.Shaitanahadsimulatedtheappearanceofamerelyfirelitroom.Asmallshadedlampathiselbowgavehimlighttoreadbyifhesodesired.Discreetfloodlightinggavetheroomasubduedlook.Aslightlystrongerlightshoneoverthebridgetable,fromwhencethemonotonousejaculationscontinued.
“Onenotrump”—clearanddecisive—Mrs.Lorrimer.
“Threehearts”—anaggressivenoteinthevoice—Dr.Roberts.
“Nobid”—aquietvoice—AnneMeredith’s.
AslightpausealwaysbeforeDespard’svoicecame.Notsomuchaslowthinkerasamanwholikedtobesurebeforehespoke.
“Fourhearts.”
“Double.”
Hisfacelitupbytheflickeringfirelight,Mr.Shaitanasmiled.
Hesmiledandhewentonsmiling.Hiseyelidsflickeredalittle….
Hispartywasamusinghim.
II
“Fivediamonds.Gameandrubber,”saidColonelRace.
“Goodforyou,partner,”hesaidtoPoirot.“Ididn’tthinkyou’ddoit.Luckytheydidn’tleadaspade.”
“Wouldn’thavemademuchdifference,Iexpect,”saidSuperintendentBattle,amanofgentlemagnanimity.
Hehadcalledspades.Hispartner,Mrs.Oliver,hadhadaspade,but“somethinghadtoldher”toleadaclub—withdisastrousresults.
ColonelRacelookedathiswatch.
“Tenpasttwelve.Timeforanother?”
“You’llexcuseme,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“ButI’mbywayofbeingan‘early-to-bed’man.”
“I,too,”saidHerculePoirot.
“We’dbetteraddup,”saidRace.
Theresultoftheevening’sfiverubberswasanoverwhelmingvictoryforthemalesex.Mrs.Oliverhadlostthreepoundsandsevenshillingstotheotherthree.ThebiggestwinnerwasColonelRace.
Mrs.Oliver,thoughabadbridgeplayer,wasasportingloser.Shepaidupcheerfully.
“Everythingwentwrongformetonight,”shesaid.“Itislikethatsometimes.Iheldthemostbeautifulcardsyesterday.Ahundredandfiftyhonoursthreetimesrunning.”
Sheroseandgatheredupherembroideredeveningbag,justrefrainingintimefromstrokingherhairoffherbrow.
“Isupposeourhostisnextdoor,”shesaid.
Shewentthroughthecommunicatingdoor,theothersbehindher.
Mr.Shaitanawasinhischairbythefire.Thebridgeplayerswereabsorbedintheirgame.
“Doublefiveclubs,”Mrs.Lorrimerwassayinginhercool,incisivevoice.
“FiveNoTrumps.”
“DoublefiveNoTrumps.”
Mrs.Olivercameuptothebridgetable.Thiswaslikelytobeanexcitinghand.
SuperintendentBattlecamewithher.
ColonelRacewenttowardsMr.Shaitana,Poirotbehindhim.
“Gottobegoing,Shaitana,”saidRace.
Mr.Shaitanadidnotanswer.Hisheadhadfallenforward,andheseemedtobeasleep.RacegaveamomentarywhimsicalglanceatPoirotandwentalittlenearer.Suddenlyheutteredamuffledexclamation,bentforward.Poirotwasbesidehiminaminute,he,too,lookingwhereColonelRacewaspointing—somethingthatmighthavebeenaparticularlyornateshirtstud—butwasnot….
Poirotbent,raisedoneofMr.Shaitana’shands,thenletitfall.HemetRace’sinquiringglanceandnodded.Thelatterraisedhisvoice.
“SuperintendentBattle,justaminute.”
Thesuperintendentcameovertothem.Mrs.OlivercontinuedtowatchtheplayofFiveNoTrumpsdoubled.
SuperintendentBattle,despitehisappearanceofstolidity,wasaveryquickman.Hiseyebrowswentupandhesaidinalowvoiceashejoinedthem:
“Somethingwrong?”
WithanodColonelRaceindicatedthesilentfigureinthechair.
AsBattlebentoverit,PoirotlookedthoughtfullyatwhathecouldseeofMr.Shaitana’sface.Ratherasillyfaceitlookednow,themouthdroopingopen—thedevilishexpressionlacking….
HerculePoirotshookhishead.
SuperintendentBattlestraightenedhimself.Hehadexamined,withouttouching,thethingwhichlookedlikeanextrastudinMr.Shaitana’sshirt—anditwasnotanextrastud.Hehadraisedthelimphandandletitfall.
Nowhestoodup,unemotional,capable,soldierly—preparedtotakechargeefficientlyofthesituation.
“Justaminute,please,”hesaid.
Andtheraisedvoicewashisofficialvoice,sodifferentthatalltheheadsatthebridgetableturnedtohim,andAnneMeredith’shandremainedpoisedoveranaceofspadesindummy.
“I’msorrytotellyouall,”hesaid,“thatourhost,Mr.Shaitana,isdead.”
Mrs.LorrimerandDr.Robertsrosetotheirfeet.Despardstaredandfrowned.AnneMeredithgavealittlegasp.
“Areyousure,man?”
Dr.Roberts,hisprofessionalinstinctsaroused,camebrisklyacrossthefloorwithaboundingmedical“in-at-the-death”step.
Withoutseemingto,thebulkofSuperintendentBattleimpededhisprogress.
“Justaminute,Dr.Roberts.Canyoutellmefirstwho’sbeeninandoutofthisroomthisevening?”
Robertsstaredathim.
“Inandout?Idon’tunderstandyou.Nobodyhas.”
Thesuperintendenttransferredhisgaze
“Isthatright,Mrs.Lorrimer?”
“Quiteright.”
“Notthebutlernoranyoftheservants?”
“No.Thebutlerbroughtinthattrayaswesatdowntobridge.Hehasnotbeeninsince.”
SuperintendentBattlelookedatDespard
Despardnoddedinagreement.
Annesaidratherbreathlessly,“Yes—yes,that’sright.”
“What’sallthis,man,”saidRobertsimpatiently.“Justletmeexaminehim;maybejustafaintingfit.”
“Itisn’tafaintingfit,andI’msorry—butnobody’sgoingtotouchhimuntilthedivisionalsurgeoncomes.Mr.Shaitana’sbeenmurdered,ladiesandgentlemen.”
“Murdered?”AhorrifiedincreduloussighfromAnne.
Astare—averyblankstare—fromDespard.
Asharpincisive“Murdered?”fromMrs.Lorrimer.
A“GoodGod!”fromDr.Roberts.
SuperintendentBattlenoddedhisheadslowly.HelookedratherlikeaChineseporcelainmandarin.Hisexpressionwasquiteblank.
“Stabbed,”hesaid.“That’sthewayofit.Stabbed.”
Thenheshotoutaquestion:
“Anyofyouleavethebridgetableduringtheevening?”
Hesawfourexpressionsbreakup—waver.Hesawfear—comprehension—indignation—dismay—horror;buthesawnothingdefinitelyhelpful.
“Well?”
Therewasapause,andthenMajorDespardsaidquietly(hehadrisennowandwasstandinglikeasoldieronparade,hisnarrow,intelligentfaceturnedtoBattle):
“Ithinkeveryoneofus,atonetimeoranother,movedfromthebridgetable—eithertogetdrinksortoputwoodonthefire.Ididboth.WhenIwenttothefireShaitanawasasleepinthechair.”
“Asleep?”
“Ithoughtso—yes.”
“Hemayhavebeen,”saidBattle.“Orhemayhavebeendeadthen.We’llgointothatpresently.I’llaskyounowtogointotheroomnextdoor.”Heturnedtothequietfigureathiselbow:“ColonelRace,perhapsyou’llgowiththem?”
Racegaveaquicknodofcomprehension.
“Right,Superintendent.”
Thefourbridgeplayerswentslowlythroughthedoorway.
Mrs.Oliversatdowninachairatthefarendoftheroomandbegantosobquietly.
Battletookupthetelephonereceiverandspoke.Thenhesaid:
“Thelocalpolicewillberoundimmediately.OrdersfromheadquartersarethatI’mtotakeonthecase.Divisionalsurgeonwillbeherealmostatonce.Howlongshouldyousayhe’dbeendead,M.Poirot?I’dsaywelloveranhourmyself.”
“Iagree.Alas,thatonecannotbemoreexact—thatonecannotsay,‘Thismanhasbeendeadonehour,twenty-fiveminutesandfortyseconds.’”
Battlenoddedabsently.
“Hewassittingrightinfrontofthefire.Thatmakesaslightdifference.Overanhour—notmorethantwoandahalf:that’swhatourdoctorwillsay,I’llbebound.Andnobodyheardanythingandnobodysawanything.Amazing!Whatadesperatechancetotake.Hemighthavecriedout.”
“Buthedidnot.Themurderer’sluckheld.Asyousay,monami,itwasaverydesperatebusiness.”
“Anyidea,M.Poirot,astomotive?Anythingofthatkind?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Yes,Ihavesomethingtosayonthatscore.Tellme,M.Shaitana—hedidnotgiveyouanyhintofwhatkindofapartyyouwerecomingtotonight?”
SuperintendentBattlelookedathimcuriously.
“No,M.Poirot.Hedidn’tsayanythingatall.Why?”
Abellwhirredinthedistanceandaknockerwasplied.
“That’sourpeople,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“I’llgoandlet’emin.We’llhaveyourstorypresently.Mustgetonwiththeroutinework.”
Poirotnodded.
Battlelefttheroom.
Mrs.Olivercontinuedtosob.
Poirotwentovertothebridgetable.Withouttouchinganything,heexaminedthescores.Heshookhisheadonceortwice.
“Thestupidlittleman!Oh,thestupidlittleman,”murmuredHerculePoirot.“Todressupasthedevilandtrytofrightenpeople.Quelenfantillage!”
Thedooropened.Thedivisionalsurgeoncamein,baginhand.Hewasfollowedbythedivisionalinspector,talkingtoBattle.Acameramancamenext.Therewasaconstableinthehall.
Theroutineofthedetectionofcrimehadbegun.
Four
FIRSTMURDERER?
HerculePoirot,Mrs.Oliver,ColonelRaceandSuperintendentBattlesatroundthediningroomtable.
Itwasanhourlater.Thebodyhadbeenexamined,photographedandremoved.Afingerprintexperthadbeenandgone.
SuperintendentBattlelookedatPoirot.
“BeforeIhavethosefourin,Iwanttohearwhatyou’vegottotellme.Accordingtoyoutherewassomethingbehindthispartytonight?”
VerydeliberatelyandcarefullyPoirotretoldtheconversationhehadheldwithShaitanaatWessexHouse.
SuperintendentBattlepursedhislips.Heverynearlywhistled.
“Exhibits—eh?Murderersallaliveoh!Andyouthinkhemeantit?Youdon’tthinkhewaspullingyourleg?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Oh,no,hemeantit.ShaitanawasamanwhopridedhimselfonhisMephistophelianattitudetolife.Hewasamanofgreatvanity.Hewasalsoastupidman—thatiswhyheisdead.”
“Igetyou,”saidSuperintendentBattle,followingthingsoutinhismind.“Apartyofeightandhimself.Four‘sleuths,’sotospeak—andfourmurderers!”
“It’simpossible!”criedMrs.Oliver.“Absolutelyimpossible.Noneofthosepeoplecanbecriminals.”
SuperintendentBattleshookhisheadthoughtfully.
“Iwouldn’tbesosureofthat,Mrs.Oliver.Murdererslookandbehaveverymuchlikeeverybodyelse.Nice,quiet,well-behaved,reasonablefolkveryoften.”
“Inthatcase,it’sDr.Roberts,”saidMrs.Oliverfirmly.“IfeltinstinctivelythattherewassomethingwrongwiththatmanassoonasIsawhim.Myinstinctsneverlie.”
BattleturnedtoColonelRace.
Raceshruggedhisshoulders.HetookthequestionasreferringtoPoirot’sstatmentandnottoMrs.Oliver’ssuspicions.
“Itcouldbe,”hesaid.“Itcouldbe.ItshowsthatShaitanawasrightinonecaseatleast!Afterall,hecanonlyhavesuspectedthatthesepeopleweremurderers—hecan’thavebeensure.Hemayhavebeenrightinallfourcases,hemayhavebeenrightinonlyonecase—buthewasrightinonecase;hisdeathprovedthat.”
“Oneofthemgotthewindup.Thinkthat’sit,M.Poirot?”
Poirotnodded.
“ThelateMr.Shaitanahadareputation,”hesaid.“Hehadadangeroussenseofhumour,andwasreputedtobemerciless.ThevictimthoughtthatShaitanawasgivinghimselfanevening’samusement,leadinguptoamomentwhenhe’dhandthevictimovertothepolice—you!He(orshe)musthavethoughtthatShaitanahaddefiniteevidence.”
“Hadhe?”
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Thatweshallneverknow.”
“Dr.Roberts!”repeatedMrs.Oliverfirmly.“Suchaheartyman.Murderersareoftenhearty—asadisguise!IfIwereyou,SuperintendentBattle,Ishouldarresthimatonce.”
“IdaresaywewouldiftherewasaWomanattheHeadofScotlandYard,”saidSuperintendentBattle,amomentarytwinkleshowinginhisunemotionaleye.“But,yousee,meremenbeingincharge,we’vegottobecareful.We’vegottogetthereslowly.”
“Oh,men—men,”sighedMrs.Oliver,andbegantocomposenewspaperarticlesinherhead.
“Betterhavetheminnow,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Itwon’tdotokeepthemhangingabouttoolong.”
ColonelRacehalfrose.
“Ifyou’dlikeustogo—”
SuperintendentBattlehesitatedaminuteashecaughtMrs.Oliver’seloquenteye.HewaswellawareofColonelRace’sofficialposition,andPoirothadworkedwiththepoliceonmanyoccasions.ForMrs.Olivertoremainwasdecidedlystretchingapoint.ButBattlewasakindlyman.HerememberedthatMrs.Oliverhadlostthreepoundsandsevenshillingsatbridge,andthatshehadbeenacheerfulloser.
“Youcanallstay,”hesaid,“asfarasI’mconcerned.Butnointerruptions,please(helookedatMrs.Oliver),andtheremustn’tbeahintofwhatM.Poirothasjusttoldus.ThatwasShaitana’slittlesecret,andtoallintentsandpurposesitdiedwithhim.Understand?”
“Perfectly,”saidMrs.Oliver.
Battlestrodetothedoorandcalledtheconstablewhowasondutyinthehall
“Gotothelittlesmokingroom.You’llfindAndersontherewithfourguests.AskDr.Robertsifhe’llbesogoodastostepthisway.”
“Ishouldhavekepthimtotheend,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Inabook,Imean,”sheaddedapologetically.
“Reallife’sabitdifferent,”saidBattle.
“Iknow,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Badlyconstructed.”
Dr.Robertsenteredwiththespringinessofhisstepslightlysubdued.
“Isay,Battle,”hesaid.“Thisisthedevilofabusiness!Excuseme,Mrs.Oliver,butitis.Professionallyspeaking,Icouldhardlyhavebelievedit!Tostabamanwiththreeotherpeopleafewyardsaway.”Heshookhishead.“Whew!Iwouldn’tliketohavedoneit!”Aslightsmiletwitchedupthecornersofhismouth.“WhatcanIsayordotoconvinceyouthatIdidn’tdoit?”
“Well,there’smotive,Dr.Roberts.”
Thedoctornoddedhisheademphatically
“That’sallclear.Ihadn’ttheshadowofamotivefordoingawaywithpoorShaitana.Ididn’tevenknowhimverywell.Heamusedme—hewassuchafantasticfellow.TouchoftheOrientalabouthim.Naturally,you’llinvestigatemyrelationswithhimclosely—Iexpectthat.I’mnotafool.Butyouwon’tfindanything.I’dnoreasonforkillingShaitana,andIdidn’tkillhim.”
SuperintendentBattlenoddedwoodenly.
“That’sallright,Dr.Roberts.I’vegottoinvestigateasyouknow.You’reasensibleman.Now,canyoutellmeanythingabouttheotherthreepeople?”
“I’mafraidIdon’tknowverymuch.DespardandMissMeredithImetforthefirsttimetonight.IknewofDespardbefore—readhistravelbook,andajollygoodyarnitis.”
“DidyouknowthatheandMr.Shaitanawereacquainted?”
“No.Shaitananevermentionedhimtome.AsIsay,I’dheardofhim,butnevermethim.MissMeredithI’veneverseenbefore.Mrs.LorrimerIknowslightly.”
“Whatdoyouknowabouther?”
Robertsshruggedhisshoulders.
“She’sawidow.Moderatelywelloff.Intelligent,well-bredwoman—first-classbridgeplayer.That’swhereI’vemether,asamatteroffact—playingbridge.”
“AndMr.Shaitananevermentionedher,either?”
“No.”
“H’m—thatdoesn’thelpusmuch.Now,Dr.Roberts,perhapsyou’llbesokindastotaxyourmemorycarefullyandtellmehowoftenyouyourselfleftyourseatatthebridgetable,andallyoucanrememberaboutthemovementsoftheothers.”
Dr.Robertstookafewminutestothink
“It’sdifficult,”hesaidfrankly.“Icanremembermyownmovements,moreorless.Igotupthreetimes—thatis,onthreeoccasionswhenIwasdummyIleftmyseatandmademyselfuseful.OnceIwentoverandputwoodonthefire.OnceIbroughtdrinkstothetwoladies.OnceIpouredoutawhiskyandsodaformyself.”
“Canyourememberthetimes?”
“Icouldonlysayveryroughly.Webegantoplayaboutninethirty,Iimagine.IshouldsayitwasaboutanhourlaterthatIstokedthefire,quiteashorttimeafterthatIfetchedthedrinks(nexthandbutone,Ithink),andperhapshalfpastelevenwhenIgotmyselfawhiskyandsoda—butthosetimesarequiteapproximate.Icouldn’tanswerfortheirbeingcorrect.”
“ThetablewiththedrinkswasbeyondMr.Shaitana’schair?”
“Yes.That’stosay,Ipassedquitenearhimthreetimes.”
“Andeachtime,tothebestofyourbelief,hewasasleep?”
“That’swhatIthoughtthefirsttime.ThesecondtimeIdidn’tevenlookathim.ThirdtimeIratherfancythethoughtjustpassedthroughmymind:‘Howthebeggardoessleep.’ButIdidn’treallylookcloselyathim.”
“Verygood.Now,whendidyourfellowplayersleavetheirseats?”
Dr.Robertsfrowned.
“Difficult—verydifficult.Despardwentandfetchedanextraashtray,Ithink.Andhewentforadrink.Thatwasbeforeme,forIrememberheaskedmeifI’dhaveone,andIsaidIwasn’tquiteready.”
“Andtheladies?”
“Mrs.Lorrimerwentovertothefireonce.Pokedit,Ithink.IratherfancyshespoketoShaitana,butIdon’tknow.Iwasplayingarathertrickynotrumpatthetime.”
“AndMissMeredith?”
“Shecertainlyleftthetableonce.Cameroundandlookedatmyhand—Iwasherpartneratthetime.Thenshelookedattheotherpeople’shands,andthenshewanderedroundtheroom.Idon’tknowwhatshewasdoingexactly.Iwasn’tpayingattention.”
SuperintendentBattlesaidthoughtfully:
“Asyouweresittingatthebridgetable,noone’schairwasdirectlyfacingthefireplace?”
“No,sortofsidewayson,andtherewasabigcabinetbetween—Chinesepiece,veryhandsome.Icansee,ofcourse,thatitwouldbeperfectlypossibletostabtheoldboy.Afterall,whenyou’replayingbridge,you’replayingbridge.You’renotlookingroundyou,andnoticingwhatisgoingon.Theonlypersonwho’slikelytobedoingthatisdummy.Andinthiscase—”
“Inthiscase,undoubtedly,dummywasthemurderer,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Allthesame,”saidDr.Roberts,“itwantednerve,youknow.Afterall,whoistosaythatsomebodywon’tlookupjustatthecriticalmoment?”
“Yes,”saidBattle.“Itwasabigrisk.Themotivemusthavebeenastrongone.Iwishweknewwhatitwas,”headdedwithunblushingmendacity.
“You’llfindout,Iexpect,”saidRoberts.“You’llgothroughhispapers,andallthatsortofthing.Therewillprobablybeaclue.”
“We’llhopeso,”saidSuperintendentBattlegloomily.
Heshotakeenglanceattheother.
“Iwonderifyou’dobligeme,Dr.Roberts,bygivingmeapersonalopinion—asmantoman.”
“Certainly.”
“Whichdoyoufancyyourselfofthethree?”
Dr.Robertsshruggedhisshoulders.
“That’seasy.Offhand,I’dsayDespard.Theman’sgotplentyofnerve;he’susedtoadangerouslifewhereyou’vegottoactquickly.Hewouldn’tmindtakingarisk.Itdoesn’tseemtomelikelythewomenareinonthis.Takeabitofstrength,Ishouldimagine.”
“Notsomuchasyoumightthink.Takealookatthis.”
Ratherlikeaconjurer,Battlesuddenlyproducedalongthininstrumentofgleamingmetalwithasmallroundjewelledhead.
Dr.Robertsleanedforward,tookit,andexamineditwithrichprofessionalappreciation.Hetriedthepointandwhistled.
“Whatatool!Whatatool!Absolutelymadeformurder,thislittleboy.Goinlikebutter—absolutelylikebutter.Broughtitwithhim,Isuppose.”
“No.ItwasMr.Shaitana’s.Itlayonthetablenearthedoorwithagoodmanyotherknickknacks.”
“Sothemurdererhelpedhimself.Abitofluckfindingatoollikethat.”
“Well,that’sonewayoflookingatit,”saidBattleslowly.
“Well,ofcourse,itwasn’tluckforShaitana,poorfellow.”
“Ididn’tmeanthat,Dr.Roberts.Imeantthattherewasanotherangleoflookingatthebusiness.Itoccurstomethatitwasnoticingthisweaponthatputtheideaofmurderintoourcriminal’smind.”
“Youmeanitwasasuddeninspiration—thatthemurderwasn’tpremeditated?Heconceivedtheideaafterhegothere?Er—anythingtosuggestthatideatoyou?”
Heglancedathimsearchingly.
“It’sjustanidea,”saidSuperintendentBattlestolidly.
“Well,itmightbeso,ofcourse,”saidDr.Robertsslowly.
SuperintendentBattleclearedhisthroat.
“Well,Iwon’tkeepyouanylonger,doctor.Thankyouforyourhelp.Perhapsyou’llleaveyouraddress.”
“Certainly.200GloucesterTerrace,W.2.TelephoneNo.Bayswater23896.”
“Thankyou.Imayhavetocalluponyoushortly.”
“Delightedtoseeyouanytime.Hopetherewon’tbetoomuchinthepapers.Idon’twantmynervouspatientsupset.”
SuperintendentBattlelookedroundatPoirot.
“Excuseme,M.Poirot.Ifyou’dliketoaskanyquestions,I’msurethedoctorwouldn’tmind.”
“Ofcoursenot.Ofcoursenot.Greatadmirerofyours,M.Poirot.Littlegreycells—orderandmethod.Iknowallaboutit.Ifeelsureyou’llthinkofsomethingmostintriguingtoaskme.”
HerculePoirotspreadouthishandsinhismostforeignmanner.
“No,no.Ijustliketogetallthedetailsclearinmymind.Forinstance,howmanyrubbersdidyouplay?”
“Three,”saidRobertspromptly.“We’dgottoonegameall,inthefourthrubber,whenyoucamein.”
“Andwhoplayedwithwho?”
“Firstrubber,DespardandIagainsttheladies.Theybeatus,Godbless’em.Walkover;weneverheldacard.
“Secondrubber,MissMeredithandIagainstDespardandMrs.Lorrimer.Thirdrubber,Mrs.LorrimerandIagainstMissMeredithandDespard.Wecuteachtime,butitworkedoutlikeapivot.Fourthrubber,MissMeredithandIagain.”
“Whowonandwholost?”
“Mrs.Lorrimerwoneveryrubber.MissMeredithwonthefirstandlostthenexttwo.IwasabitupandMissMeredithandDespardmusthavebeendown.”
Poirotsaid,smiling,“Thegoodsuperintendenthasaskedyouyouropinionofyourcompanionsascandidatesformurder.Inowaskyouforyouropinionofthemasbridgeplayers.”
“Mrs.Lorrimer’sfirstclass,”Dr.Robertsrepliedpromptly.“I’llbetshemakesagoodincomeayearoutofbridge.Despard’sagoodplayer,too—whatIcallasoundplayer—longheadedchap.MissMeredithyoumightdescribeasquiteasafeplayer.Shedoesn’tmakemistakes,butsheisn’tbrilliant.”
“Andyouyourself,doctor?”
Roberts’eyestwinkled.
“Iovercallmyhandabit,orsotheysay.ButI’vealwaysfounditpays.”
Poirotsmiled.
Dr.Robertsrose.
“Anythingmore?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Well,goodnight,then.Goodnight,Mrs.Oliver.Yououghttogetsomecopyoutofthis.Betterthanyouruntraceablepoisons,eh?”
Dr.Robertslefttheroom,hisbearingspringyoncemore.Mrs.Oliversaidbitterlyasthedoorclosedbehindhim:
“Copy!Copyindeed!Peoplearesounintelligent.Icouldinventabettermurderanydaythananythingreal.I’mneveratalossforaplot.Andthepeoplewhoreadmybookslikeuntraceablepoisons!”
Five
SECONDMURDERER?
Mrs.Lorrimercameintothediningroomlikeagentlewoman.Shelookedalittlepale,butcomposed.
“I’msorrytohavetobotheryou,”SuperintendentBattlebegan.
“Youmustdoyourduty,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Lorrimerquietly.“Itis,Iagree,anunpleasantpositioninwhichtobeplaced,butthereisnogoodshirkingit.Iquiterealizethatoneofthefourpeopleinthatroommustbeguilty.Naturally,Ican’texpectyoutotakemywordthatIamnottheperson.”
SheacceptedthechairthatColonelRaceofferedherandsatdownoppositethesuperintendent.Herintelligentgreyeyesmethis.Shewaitedattentively.
“YouknewMr.Shaitanawell?”beganthesuperintendent.
“Notverywell.Ihaveknownhimoveraperiodofsomeyears,butneverintimately.”
“Wheredidyoumeethim?”
“AtahotelinEgypt—theWinterPalaceatLuxor,Ithink.”
“Whatdidyouthinkofhim?”
Mrs.Lorrimershruggedhershouldersslightly.
“Ithoughthim—Imayaswellsayso—ratheracharlatan.”
“Youhad—excusemeforasking—nomotiveforwishinghimoutoftheway?”
Mrs.Lorrimerlookedslightlyamused.
“Really,SuperintendentBattle,doyouthinkIshouldadmititifIhad?”
“Youmight,”saidBattle.“Areallyintelligentpersonmightknowthatathingwasboundtocomeout.”
Mrs.Lorrimerinclinedherheadthoughtfully.
“Thereisthat,ofcourse.No,SuperintendentBattle,IhadnomotiveforwishingMr.Shaitanaoutoftheway.Itisreallyamatterofindifferencetomewhetherheisaliveordead.Ithoughthimaposeur,andrathertheatrical,andsometimesheirritatedme.Thatis—orratherwas—myattitudetowardshim.”
“Thatisthat,then.Now,Mrs.Lorrimer,canyoutellmeanythingaboutyourthreecompanions?”
“I’mafraidnot.MajorDespardandMissMeredithImetforthefirsttimetonight.Bothofthemseemcharmingpeople.Dr.RobertsIknowslightly.He’saverypopulardoctor,Ibelieve.”
“Heisnotyourowndoctor?”
“Oh,no.”
“Now,Mrs.Lorrimer,canyoutellmehowoftenyougotupfromyourseattonight,andwillyoualsodescribethemovementsoftheotherthree?”
Mrs.Lorrimerdidnottakeanytimetothink.
“Ithoughtyouwouldprobablyaskmethat.Ihavebeentryingtothinkitout.IgotuponcemyselfwhenIwasdummy.Iwentovertothefire.Mr.Shaitanawasalivethen.Imentionedtohimhowniceitwastoseeawoodfire.”
“Andheanswered?”
“Thathehatedradiators.”
“Didanyoneoverhearyourconversation?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Iloweredmyvoice,nottointerrupttheplayers.”Sheaddeddryly:“Infact,youhaveonlymywordforitthatMr.Shaitanawasaliveandspoketome.”
SuperintendentBattlemadenoprotest.Hewentonwithhisquietmethodicalquestioning.
“Whattimewasthat?”
“Ishouldthinkwehadbeenplayingalittleoveranhour.”
“Whatabouttheothers?”
“Dr.Robertsgotmeadrink.Healsogothimselfone—thatwaslater.MajorDespardalsowenttogetadrink—atabout11:15,Ishouldsay.”
“Onlyonce?”
“No—twice,Ithink.Themenmovedaboutafairamount—butIdidn’tnoticewhattheydid.MissMeredithleftherseatonceonly,Ithink.Shewentroundtolookatherpartner’shand.”
“Butsheremainednearthebridgetable?”
“Icouldn’tsayatall.Shemayhavemovedaway.”
Battlenodded.
“It’sallveryvague,”hegrumbled.
“Iamsorry.”
OnceagainBattledidhisconjuringtrickandproducedthelongdelicatestiletto.
“Willyoulookatthis,Mrs.Lorrimer?”
Mrs.Lorrimertookitwithoutemotion.
“Haveyoueverseenthatbefore?”
“Never.”
“Yetitwaslyingonatableinthedrawingroom.”
“Ididn’tnoticeit.”
“Yourealize,perhaps,Mrs.Lorrimer,thatwithaweaponlikethatawomancoulddothetrickjustaseasilyasaman.”
“Isupposeshecould,”saidMrs.Lorrimerquietly.
Sheleanedforwardandhandedthedaintylittlethingbacktohim.
“Butallthesame,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“thewomanwouldhavetobeprettydesperate.Itwasalongchancetotake.”
Hewaitedaminute,butMrs.Lorrimerdidnotspeak.
“DoyouknowanythingoftherelationsbetweentheotherthreeandMr.Shaitana?”
Sheshookherhead.
“Nothingatall.”
“Wouldyoucaretogivemeanopinionastowhichofthemyouconsiderthemostlikelyperson?”
Mrs.Lorrimerdrewherselfupstiffly.
“Ishouldnotcaretodoanythingofthekind.Iconsiderthatamostimproperquestion.”
Thesuperintendentlookedlikeanabashedlittleboywhohasbeenreprimandedbyhisgrandmother.
“Address,please,”hemumbled,drawinghisnotebooktowardshim.
“111CheyneLane,Chelsea.”
“Telephonenumber?”
“Chelsea45632.”
Mrs.Lorrimerrose.
“Anythingyouwanttoask,M.Poirot?”saidBattlehurriedly.
Mrs.Lorrimerpaused,herheadslightlyinclined.
“Woulditbeaproperquestion,madame,toaskyouyouropinionofyourcompanions,notaspotentialmurderersbutasbridgeplayers?”
Mrs.Lorrimeransweredcoldly:
“Ihavenoobjectiontoansweringthat—ifitbearsuponthematteratissueinanyway—thoughIfailtoseehowitcan.”
“Iwillbethejudgeofthat.Youranswer,ifyouplease,madame.”
Inthetoneofapatientadulthumouringanidiotchild,Mrs.Lorrimerreplied:
“MajorDespardisagoodsoundplayer.Dr.Robertsovercalls,butplayshishandbrilliantly.MissMeredithisquiteanicelittleplayer,butabittoocautious.Anythingmore?”
Inhisturndoingaconjuringtrick,Poirotproducedfourcrumpledbridgescores.
“Thesescores,madame,isoneoftheseyours?”
Sheexaminedthem.
“Thisismywriting.Itisthescoreofthethirdrubber.”
“Andthisscore?”
“ThatmustbeMajorDespard’s.Hecancelsashegoes.”
“Andthisone?”
“MissMeredith’s.Thefirstrubber.”
“SothisunfinishedoneisDr.Roberts’?”
“Yes.”
“Thankyou,madame,Ithinkthatisall.”
Mrs.LorrimerturnedtoMrs.Oliver.
“Goodnight,Mrs.Oliver.Goodnight,ColonelRace.”
Then,havingshakenhandswithallfourofthem,shewentout.
Six
THIRDMURDERER?
“Didn’tgetanyextrachangeoutofher,”commentedBattle.“Putmeinmyplace,too.She’stheold-fashionedkind,fullofconsiderationforothers,butarrogantasthedevil!Ican’tbelieveshedidit,butyouneverknow!She’sgotplentyofresolution.What’stheideaofthebridgescores,M.Poirot?”
Poirotspreadthemonthetable.
“Theyareilluminating,doyounotthink?Whatdowewantinthiscase?Acluetocharacter.Andacluenottoonecharacter,buttofourcharacters.Andthisiswherewearemostlikelytofindit—inthesescribbledfigures.Hereisthefirstrubber,yousee—atamebusiness,soonover.Smallneatfigures—carefuladditionandsubtraction—thatisMissMeredith’sscore.ShewasplayingwithMrs.Lorrimer.Theyhadthecards,andtheywon.
“Inthisnextoneitisnotsoeasytofollowtheplay,sinceitiskeptinthecancellationstyle.ButittellsusperhapssomethingaboutMajorDespard—amanwholikesthewholetimetoknowataglancewherehestands.Thefiguresaresmallandfullofcharacter.
“ThisnextscoreisMrs.Lorrimer’s—sheandDr.Robertsagainsttheothertwo—aHomericcombat—figuresmountingupabovethelineeachside.Overcallingonthedoctor’spart,andtheygodown;but,sincetheyarebothfirst-classplayers,theynevergodownverymuch.Ifthedoctor’sovercallinginducesrashbiddingontheothersidethereisthechanceseizedofdoubling.See—thesefiguresherearedoubledtricksgonedown.Acharacteristichandwriting,graceful,verylegible,firm.
“Hereisthelastscore—theunfinishedrubber.Icollectedonescoreineachperson’shandwriting,yousee.Figuresratherflamboyant.Notsuchhighscoresastheprecedingrubber.ThatisprobablybecausethedoctorwasplayingwithMissMeredith,andsheisatimidplayer.Hiscallingwouldmakehermoreso!
“Youthink,perhaps,thattheyarefoolish,thesequestionsthatIask?Butitisnotso.Iwanttogetatthecharactersofthesefourplayers,andwhenitisonlyaboutbridgeIask,everyoneisreadyandwillingtospeak.”
“Ineverthinkyourquestionsfoolish,M.Poirot,”saidBattle.“I’veseentoomuchofyourwork.Everyone’sgottheirownwaysofworking.Iknowthat.Igivemyinspectorsafreehandalways.Everyone’sgottofindoutforthemselveswhatmethodsuitsthembest.Butwe’dbetternotdiscussthatnow.We’llhavethegirlin.”
AnneMeredithwasupset.Shestoppedinthedoorway.Herbreathcameunevenly.
SuperintendentBattlewasimmediatelyfatherly.Herose,setachairforherataslightlydifferentangle.
“Sitdown,MissMeredith,sitdown,Now,don’tbealarmed.Iknowallthisseemsratherdreadful,butit’snotsobad,really.”
“Idon’tthinkanythingcouldbeworse,”saidthegirlinalowvoice.“It’ssoawful—soawful—tothinkthatoneofus—thatoneofus—”
“Youletmedothethinking,”saidBattlekindly.“Now,then,MissMeredith,supposewehaveyouraddressfirstofall.”
“WendonCottage,Wallingford.”
“Noaddressintown?”
“No,I’mstayingatmyclubforadayortwo.”
“Andyourclubis?”
“Ladies’NavalandMilitary.”
“Good.Now,then,MissMeredith,howwelldidyouknowMr.Shaitana?”
“Ididn’tknowhimwellatall.Ialwaysthoughthewasamostfrighteningman.”
“Why?”
“Oh,wellhewas!Thatawfulsmile!Andawayhehadofbendingoveryou.Asthoughhemightbiteyou.”
“Hadyouknownhimlong?”
“Aboutninemonths.ImethiminSwitzerlandduringthewintersports.”
“Ishouldneverhavethoughthewentinforwintersports,”saidBattle,surprised.
“Heonlyskated.Hewasamarvellousskater.Lotsoffiguresandtricks.”
“Yes,thatsoundsmorelikehim.Anddidyouseemuchofhimafterthat?”
“Well—afairamount.Heaskedmetopartiesandthingslikethat.Theywereratherfun.”
“Butyoudidn’tlikehimhimself?”
“No,Ithoughthewasashiverykindofman.”
Battlesaidgently:
“Butyou’dnospecialreasonforbeingafraidofhim?”
AnneMeredithraisedwidelimpideyestohis.
“Specialreason?Oh,no.”
“That’sallright,then.Nowabouttonight.Didyouleaveyourseatatall?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Oh,yes,Imayhavedoneonce.Iwentroundtolookattheothers’hands.”
“Butyoustayedbythebridgetableallthetime?”
“Yes.”
“Quitesure,MissMeredith?”
Thegirl’scheeksflamedsuddenly.
“No—no,IthinkIwalkedabout.”
“Right.You’llexcuseme,MissMeredith,buttryandspeakthetruth.Iknowyou’renervous,andwhenone’snervousone’saptto—well,tosaythethingthewayyouwantittobe.Butthatdoesn’treallypayintheend.Youwalkedabout.DidyouwalkoverinthedirectionofMr.Shaitana?”
Thegirlwassilentforaminute,thenshesaid:
“Honestly—honestly—Idon’tremember.”
“Well,we’llleaveitthatyoumayhavedone.Knowanythingabouttheotherthree?”
Thegirlshookherhead.
“I’veneverseenanyofthembefore.”
“Whatdoyouthinkofthem?Anylikelymurderersamongstthem?”
“Ican’tbelieveit.Ijustcan’tbelieveit.Itcouldn’tbeMajorDespard.AndIdon’tbelieveitcouldbethedoctor—afterall,adoctorcouldkillanyoneinmucheasierways.Adrug—orsomethinglikethat.”
“Then,ifit’sanyone,youthinkit’sMrs.Lorrimer.”
“Oh,Idon’t.I’msureshewouldn’t.She’ssocharming—andsokindtoplaybridgewith.She’ssogoodherself,andyetshedoesn’tmakeonefeelnervous,orpointoutone’smistakes.”
“Yetyoulefthernametothelast,”saidBattle.
“Onlybecausestabbingseemssomehowmorelikeawoman.”
Battledidhisconjuringtrick.AnneMeredithshrankback.
“Oh,horrible.MustI—takeit?”
“I’dratheryoudid.”
Hewatchedherasshetookthestilettogingerly,herfacecontractedwithrepulsion.
“Withthistinything—withthis—”
“Goinlikebutter,”saidBattlewithgusto.“Achildcoulddoit.”
“Youmean—youmean”—wide,terrifiedeyesfixedthemselvesonhisface—“thatImighthavedoneit?ButIdidn’t.WhyshouldI?”
“That’sjustthequestionwe’dliketoknow,”saidBattle.“What’sthemotive?WhydidanyonewanttokillShaitana?Hewasapicturesqueperson,buthewasn’tdangerous,asfarasIcanmakeout.”
Wasthereaslightindrawingofherbreath—asuddenliftingofherbreast?
“Notablackmailer,forinstance,oranythingofthatsort?”wentonBattle.“Andanyway,MissMeredith,youdon’tlookthesortofgirlwho’sgotalotofguiltysecrets.”
Forthefirsttimeshesmiled,reassuredbyhisgeniality.
“No,indeedIhaven’t.Ihaven’tgotanysecretsatall.”
“Thendon’tworry,MissMeredith.Weshallhavetocomeroundandaskyouafewmorequestions,Iexpect,butitwillbeallamatterofroutine.”
Hegotup.
“Nowoffyougo.Myconstablewillgetyouataxi;anddon’tyoulieawakeworryingyourself.Takeacoupleofaspirins.”
Heusheredherout.AshecamebackColonelRacesaidinalow,amusedvoice:
“Battle,whatareallyaccomplishedliaryouare!Yourfatherlyairwasunsurpassed.”
“Nogooddallyingaboutwithher,ColonelRace.Eitherthepoorkidisdeadscared—inwhichcaseit’scruelty,andI’mnotacruelman;Ineverhavebeen—orshe’sahighlyaccomplishedlittleactress,andweshouldn’tgetanyfurtherifweweretokeepherherehalfthenight.”
Mrs.Olivergaveasighandranherhandsfreelythroughherfringeuntilitstooduprightandgaveherawhollydrunkenappearance.
“Doyouknow,”shesaid,“Iratherbelievenowthatshedidit!It’sluckyit’snotinabook.Theydon’treallyliketheyoungandbeautifulgirltohavedoneit.Allthesame,Iratherthinkshedid.Whatdoyouthink,M.Poirot?”
“Me,Ihavejustmadeadiscovery.”
“Inthebridgescoresagain?”
“Yes,MissAnneMeredithturnsherscoreover,drawslinesandusestheback.”
“Andwhatdoesthatmean?”
“Itmeansshehasthehabitofpovertyorelseisofanaturallyeconomicalturnofmind.”
“She’sexpensivelydressed,”saidMrs.Oliver.
“SendinMajorDespard,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
Seven
FOURTHMURDERER?
Despardenteredtheroomwithaquickspringingstep—astepthatremindedPoirotofsomethingorsomeone.
“I’msorrytohavekeptyouwaitingallthiswhile,MajorDespard,”saidBattle.“ButIwantedtolettheladiesgetawayassoonaspossible.”
“Don’tapologize.Iunderstand.”
Hesatdownandlookedinquiringlyatthesuperintendent.
“HowwelldidyouknowMr.Shaitana?”beganthelatter.
“I’vemethimtwice,”saidDespardcrisply.
“Onlytwice?”
“That’sall.”
“Onwhatoccasions?”
“Aboutamonthagowewerebothdiningatthesamehouse.Thenheaskedmetoacocktailpartyaweeklater.”
“Acocktailpartyhere?”
“Yes.”
“Wheredidittakeplace—thisroomorthedrawingroom?”
“Inalltherooms.”
“Seethislittlethinglyingabout?”
Battleoncemoreproducedthestiletto.
MajorDespard’sliptwistedslightly.
“No,”hesaid.“Ididn’tmarkitdownonthatoccasionforfutureuse.”
“There’snoneedtogoaheadofwhatIsay,MajorDespard.”
“Ibegyourpardon.Theinferencewasfairlyobvious.”
Therewasamoment’spause,thenBattleresumedhisinquiries.
“HadyouanymotivefordislikingMr.Shaitana?”
“Everymotive.”
“Eh?”Thesuperintendentsoundedstartled.
“Fordislikinghim—notforkillinghim,”saidDespard.“Ihadn’ttheleastwishtokillhim,butIwouldthoroughlyhaveenjoyedkickinghim.Apity.It’stoolatenow.”
“Whydidyouwanttokickhim,MajorDespard?”
“BecausehewasthesortofDagowhoneededkickingbadly.Heusedtomakethetoeofmybootfairlyitch.”
“Knowanythingabouthim—tohisdiscredit,Imean?”
“Hewastoowelldressed—heworehishairtoolong—andhesmeltofscent.”
“Yetyouacceptedhisinvitationtodinner,”Battlepointedout.
“IfIwereonlytodineinhouseswhereIthoroughlyapprovedofmyhostI’mafraidIshouldn’tdineoutverymuch,SuperintendentBattle,”saidDesparddrily.
“Youlikesociety,butyoudon’tapproveofit?”suggestedtheother.
“Ilikeitforveryshortperiods.Tocomebackfromthewildstolightedroomsandwomeninlovelyclothes,todancingandgoodfoodandlaughter—yes,Ienjoythat—foratime.Andthentheinsincerityofitallsickensme,andIwanttobeoffagain.”
“Itmustbeadangeroussortoflifethatyoulead,MajorDespard,wanderingaboutinthesewildplaces.”
Despardshruggedhisshoulders.Hesmiledslightly.
“Mr.Shaitanadidn’tleadadangerouslife—butheisdead,andIamalive!”
“Hemayhaveledamoredangerouslifethanyouthink,”saidBattlemeaningly.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“ThelateMr.ShaitanawasabitofaNoseyParker,”saidBattle.
Theotherleanedforward.
“Youmeanthathemeddledwithotherpeople’slives—thathediscovered—what?”
“Ireallymeantthatperhapshewasthesortofmanwhomeddled—er—well,withwomen.”
MajorDespardleantbackinhischair.Helaughed,anamusedbutindifferentlaugh.
“Idon’tthinkwomenwouldtakeamountebanklikethatseriously.”
“What’syourtheoryofwhokilledhim,MajorDespard?”
“Well,IknowIdidn’t.LittleMissMeredithdidn’t.Ican’timagineMrs.Lorrimerdoingso—sheremindsmeofoneofmymoreGod-fearingaunts.Thatleavesthemedicalgentleman.”
“Canyoudescribeyourownandotherpeople’smovementsthisevening?”
“Igotuptwice—onceforanashtray,andIalsopokedthefire—andonceforadrink—”
“Atwhattimes?”
“Icouldn’tsay.Firsttimemighthavebeenabouthalfpastten,thesecondtimeeleven,butthat’spureguesswork.Mrs.LorrimerwentovertothefireonceandsaidsomethingtoShaitana.Ididn’tactuallyhearhimanswer,but,then,Iwasn’tpayingattention.Icouldn’tswearhedidn’t.MissMeredithwanderedabouttheroomabit,butIdon’tthinkshewentovernearthefireplace.Robertswasalwaysjumpingupanddown—threeorfourtimesatleast.”
“I’llaskyouM.Poirot’squestion,”saidBattlewithasmile.“Whatdidyouthinkofthemasbridgeplayers?”
“MissMeredith’squiteagoodplayer.Robertsovercallshishanddisgracefully.Hedeservestogodownmorethanhedoes.Mrs.Lorrimer’sdamnedgood.”
BattleturnedtoPoirot.
“Anythingelse,M.Poirot?”
Poirotshookhishead.
DespardgavehisaddressastheAlbany,wishedthemgoodnightandlefttheroom.
Asheclosedthedoorbehindhim,Poirotmadeaslightmovement.
“Whatisit?”demandedBattle.
“Nothing,”saidPoirot.“Itjustoccurredtomethathewalkedlikeatiger—yes,justso—lithe,easy,doesthetigermovealong.”
“H’m!”saidBattle.“Now,then”—hiseyesglancedroundathisthreecompanions—“whichof’emdidit?”
Eight
WHICHOFTHEM?
Battlelookedfromonefacetoanother.Onlyonepersonansweredhisquestion.Mrs.Oliver,neveraversetogivingherviews,rushedintospeech.
“Thegirlorthedoctor,”shesaid.
Battlelookedquestioninglyattheothertwo.Butboththemenwereunwillingtomakeapronouncement.Raceshookhishead.Poirotcarefullysmoothedhiscrumpledbridgescores.
“Oneof’emdidit,”saidBattlemusingly.“Oneof’em’slyinglikehell.Butwhich?It’snoteasy—no,it’snoteasy.”
Hewassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:
“Ifwe’retogobywhattheysay,themedicothinksDesparddidit,Despardthinksthemedicodidit,thegirlthinksMrs.Lorrimerdidit—andMrs.Lorrimerwon’tsay!Nothingveryilluminatingthere.”
“Perhapsnot,”saidPoirot.
Battleshothimaquickglance.
“Youthinkthereis?”
Poirotwavedanairyhand.
“Anuance—nothingmore!Nothingtogoupon.”
Battlecontinued:
“Youtwogentlemenwon’tsaywhatyouthink—”
“Noevidence,”saidRacecurtly.
“Oh,youmen!”sighedMrs.Oliver,despisingsuchreticence.
“Let’slookattheroughpossibilities,”saidBattle.Heconsideredaminute.“Iputthedoctorfirst,Ithink.Specioussortofcustomer.Wouldknowtherightspottoshovethedaggerin.Butthere’snotmuchmorethanthattoit.ThentakeDespard.There’samanwithanyamountofnerve.Amanaccustomedtoquickdecisionsandamanwho’squiteathomedoingdangerousthings.Mrs.Lorrmier?She’sgotanyamountofnerve,too,andshe’sthesortofwomanwhomighthaveasecretinherlife.Shelooksasthoughshe’sknowntrouble.Ontheotherhand,I’dsayshe’swhatIcallahigh-principledwoman—sortofwomanwhomightbeheadmistressofagirls’school.Itisn’teasytothinkofherstickingaknifeintoanyone.Infact,Idon’tthinkshedid.Andlastly,there’slittleMissMeredith.Wedon’tknowanythingabouther.Sheseemsanordinarygood-looking,rathershygirl.Butonedoesn’tknow,asIsay,anythingabouther.”
“WeknowthatShaitanabelievedshehadcommittedmurder,”saidPoirot.
“Theangelicfacemaskingthedemon,”musedMrs.Oliver.
“Thisgettingusanywhere,Battle?”askedColonelRace.
“Unprofitablespeculation,youthink,sir?Well,there’sboundtobespeculationinacaselikethis.”
“Isn’titbettertofindoutsomethingaboutthesepeople?”
Battlesmiled.
“Oh,weshallbehardatworkonthat.Ithinkyoucouldhelpusthere.”
“Certainly.How?”
“AsregardsMajorDespard.He’sbeenabroadalot—inSouthAmerica,inEastAfrica,inSouthAfrica—you’vemeansofknowingthoseparts.Youcouldgetinformationabouthim.”
Racenodded.
“Itshallbedone.I’llgetallavailabledata.”
“Oh,”criedMrs.Oliver.“I’vegotaplan.Therearefourofus—foursleuths,asyoumightsay—andfourofthem!Howwoulditbeifweeachtookone.Backedourfancy!ColonelRacetakesMajorDespard,SuperintendentBattletakesDr.Roberts,I’lltakeAnneMeredith,andM.PoirottakesMrs.Lorrimer.Eachofustofollowourownline!”
SuperintendentBattleshookhisheaddecisively.
“Couldn’tquitedothat,Mrs.Oliver.Thatisofficial,yousee.I’mincharge.I’vegottoinvestigatealllines.Besides,it’sallverywelltosaybackyourfancy.Twoofusmightwanttobackthesamehorse!ColonelRacehasn’tsaidhesuspectsMajorDespard.AndM.Poirotmayn’tbeputtinghismoneyonMrs.Lorrimer.”
Mrs.Oliversighed.
“Itwassuchagoodplan,”shesighedregretfully.“Soneat.”Thenshecheeredupalittle.“Butyoudon’tmindmedoingalittleinvestigatingonmyown,doyou?”
“No,”saidSuperintendentBattleslowly.“Ican’tsayIobjecttothat.Infact,it’soutofmypowertoobject.Havingbeenatthispartytonight,you’renaturallyfreetodoanythingyourowncuriosityorinterestsuggests.ButI’dliketopointouttoyou,Mrs.Oliver,thatyou’dbetterbealittlecareful.”
“Discretionitself,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Ishan’tbreatheawordof—ofanything—”sheendedalittlelamely.
“IdonotthinkthatwasquiteSuperintendentBattle’smeaning,”saidHerculePoirot.“Hemeantthatyouwillbedealingwithapersonwhohasalready,tothebestofourbelief,killedtwice.Aperson,therefore,whowillnothesitatetokillathirdtime—ifheconsidersitnecessary.”
Mrs.Oliverlookedathimthoughtfully.Thenshesmiled—anagreeableengagingsmile,ratherlikethatofanimpudentsmallchild.
“YOUHAVEBEENWARNED,”shequoted.“Thankyou,M.Poirot.I’llwatchmystep.ButI’mnotgoingtobeoutofthis.”
Poirotbowedgracefully.
“Permitmetosay—youarethesport,madame.”
“Ipresume,”saidMrs.Oliver,sittingupverystraightandspeakinginabusinesslikecommittee-meetingmanner,“thatallinformationwereceivewillbepooled—thatisthatwewillnotkeepanyknowledgetoourselves.Ourowndeductionsandimpressions,ofcourse,weareentitledtokeepupoursleeves.”
SuperintendentBattlesighed.
“Thisisn’tadetectivestory,Mrs.Oliver,”hesaid.
Racesaid:
“Naturally,allinformationmustbehandedovertothepolice.”
Havingsaidthisinhismost“OrderlyRoom”voice,headdedwithaslighttwinkleinhiseye:“I’msureyou’llplayfair,Mrs.Oliver—thestainedglove,thefingerprintonthetoothglass,thefragmentofburntpaper—you’llturnthemovertoBattlehere.”
“Youmaylaugh,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Butawoman’sintuition—”
Shenoddedherheadwithdecision.
Racerosetohisfeet.
“I’llhaveDespardlookedupforyou.Itmaytakealittletime.AnythingelseIcando?”
“Idon’tthinkso,thankyou,sir.You’venohints?I’dvalueanythingofthatkind.”
“H’m.Well—I’dkeepaspeciallookoutforshootingorpoisonoraccidents,butIexpectyou’reontothatalready.”
“I’dmadeanoteofthat—yes,sir.”
“Goodman,Battle.Youdon’tneedmetoteachyouyourjob.Goodnight,Mrs.Oliver.Goodnight,M.Poirot.”
AndwithafinalnodtoBattle,ColonelRacelefttheroom.
“Whoishe?”askedMrs.Oliver.
“VeryfineArmyrecord,”saidBattle.“Travelledalot,too.Notmanypartsoftheworldhedoesn’tknowabout.”
“SecretService,Isuppose,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Youcan’ttellmeso—Iknow;buthewouldn’thavebeenaskedotherwisethisevening.Thefourmurderersandthefoursleuths—ScotlandYard.SecretService.Private.Fiction.Acleveridea.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Youareinerror,madame.Itwasaverystupididea.Thetigerwasalarmed—andthetigersprang.”
“Thetiger?Whythetiger?”
“BythetigerImeanthemurderer,”saidPoirot.
Battlesaidbluntly:
“What’syourideaoftherightlinetotake,M.Poirot?That’sonequestion.AndI’dalsoliketoknowwhatyouthinkofthepsychologyofthesefourpeople.You’reratherhotonthat.”
Stillsmoothinghisbridgescores,Poirotsaid:
“Youareright—psychologyisveryimportant.Weknowthekindofmurderthathasbeencommitted,thewayitwascommitted.Ifwehaveapersonwhofromthepsychologicalpointofviewcouldnothavecommittedthatparticulartypeofmurder,thenwecandismissthatpersonfromourcalculations.Weknowsomethingaboutthesepeople.Wehaveourownimpressionofthem,weknowthelinethateachhaselectedtotake,andweknowsomethingabouttheirmindsandtheircharactersfromwhatwehavelearnedaboutthemascardplayersandfromthestudyoftheirhandwritingandofthesescores.Butalas!itisnottooeasytogiveadefinitepronouncement.Thismurderrequiredaudacityandnerve—apersonwhowaswillingtotakearisk.Well,wehaveDr.Roberts—abluffer—anovercallerofhishand—amanwithcompleteconfidenceinhisownpowerstopulloffariskything.Hispsychologyfitsverywellwiththecrime.Onemightsay,then,thatthatautomaticallywipesoutMissMeredith.Sheistimid,frightenedofovercallingherhand,careful,economical,prudentandlackinginself-confidence.Thelasttypeofpersontocarryoutaboldandriskycoup.Butatimidpersonwillmurderoutoffear.Afrightenednervouspersoncanbemadedesperate,canturnlikearatatbayifdrivenintoacorner.IfMissMeredithhadcommittedacrimeinthepast,andifshebelievedthatMr.Shaitanaknewthecircumstancesofthatcrimeandwasabouttodeliverheruptojusticeshewouldbewildwithterror—shewouldstickatnothingtosaveherself.Itwouldbethesameresult,thoughbroughtaboutthroughadifferentreaction—notcoolnerveanddaring,butdesperatepanic.ThentakeMajorDespard—acool,resourcefulmanwillingtotryalongshotifhebelieveditabsolutelynecessary.Hewouldweightheprosandconsandmightdecidethattherewasasportingchanceinhisfavour—andheisthetypeofmantopreferactiontoinaction,andamanwhowouldnevershrinkfromtakingthedangerouswayifhebelievedtherewasareasonablechanceofsuccess.Finally,thereisMrs.Lorrimer,anelderlywoman,butawomaninfullpossessionofherwitsandfaculties.Acoolwoman.Awomanwithamathematicalbrain.Shehasprobablythebestbrainofthefour.IconfessthatifMrs.Lorrimercommittedacrime,Ishouldexpectittobeapremeditatedcrime.Icanseeherplanningacrimeslowlyandcarefully,makingsurethattherewerenoflawsinherscheme.Forthatreasonsheseemstomeslightlymoreunlikelythantheotherthree.Sheis,however,themostdominatingpersonality,andwhateversheundertookshewouldprobablycarrythroughwithoutaflaw.Sheisathoroughlyefficientwoman.”
Hepaused:
“Soyousee,thatdoesnothelpusmuch.No—thereisonlyonewayinthiscrime.Wemustgobackintothepast.”
Battlesighed.
“You’vesaidit,”hemurmured.
“IntheopinionofMr.Shaitana,eachofthosefourpeoplehadcommittedmurder.Hadheevidence?Orwasitaguess?Wecannottell.Itisunlikely,Ithink,thathecouldhavehadactualevidenceinallfourcases—”
“Iagreewithyouthere,”saidBattle,noddinghishead.“Thatwouldbeabittoomuchofacoincidence.”
“Isuggestthatitmightcomeaboutthisway—murderoracertainformofmurderismentioned,andMr.Shaitanasurprisedalookonsomeone’sface.Hewasveryquick—verysensitivetoexpression.Itamuseshimtoexperiment—toprobegentlyinthecourseofapparentlyaimlessconversation—heisalerttonoticeawince,areservation,adesiretoturntheconversation.Oh,itiseasilydone.Ifyoususpectacertainsecret,nothingiseasierthantoconfirmyoursuspicion.Everytimeawordgoeshomeyounoticeit—ifyouarewatchingforsuchathing.”
“It’sthesortofgamethatwouldhaveamusedourlatefriend,”saidBattle,nodding.
“Wemayassume,then,thatsuchwastheprocedureinoneormorecases.Hemayhavecomeacrossapieceofactualevidenceinanothercaseandfolloweditup.Idoubtwhether,inanyofthecases,hehadsufficientactualknowledgewithwhich,forinstance,tohavegonetothepolice.”
“Oritmayn’thavebeenthekindofcase,”saidBattle.“Oftenenoughthere’safishybusiness—wesuspectfoulplay,butwecan’teverproveit.Anyway,thecourseisclear.We’vegottogothroughtherecordsofallthesepeople—andnoteanydeathsthatmaybesignificant.Iexpectyounoticed,justastheColoneldid,whatShaitanasaidatdinner.”
“Theblackangel,”murmuredMrs.Oliver.
“Aneatlittlereferencetopoison,toaccident,toadoctor’sopportunities,toshootingaccidents.Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifhesignedhisdeathwarrantwhenhesaidthosewords.”
“Itwasanastysortofpause,”saidMrs.Oliver.
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Thosewordswenthometoonepersonatleast—thatpersonprobablythoughtthatShaitanaknewfarmorethanhereallydid.Thatlistenerthoughtthattheywerethepreludetotheend—thatthepartywasadramaticentertainmentarrangedbyShaitanaleadinguptoarrestformurderasitsclimax!Yes,asyousay,hesignedhisdeathwarrantwhenhebaitedhisguestswiththosewords.”
Therewasamoment’ssilence.
“Thiswillbealongbusiness,”saidBattlewithasigh.“Wecan’tfindoutallwewantinamoment—andwe’vegottobecareful.Wedon’twantanyofthefourtosuspectwhatwe’redoing.Allourquestioningandsoonmustseemtohavetodowiththismurder.Theremustn’tbeasuspicionthatwe’vegotanyideaofthemotiveforthecrime.Andthedevilofitiswe’vegottocheckuponfourpossiblemurdersinthepast,notone.”
Poirotdemurred.
“OurfriendMr.Shaitanawasnotinfallible,”hesaid.“Hemay—itisjustpossible—havemadeamistake.”
“Aboutallfour?”
“No—hewasmoreintelligentthanthat.”
“Callitfifty-fifty?”
“Noteventhat.Forme,Isayoneinfour.”
“Oneinnocentandthreeguilty?That’sbadenough.Andthedevilofitis,evenifwegetatthetruthitmayn’thelpus.Evenifsomebodydidpushtheirgreat-auntsdownthestairsin1912,itwon’tbemuchusetousin1937.”
“Yes,yes,itwillbeofusetous.”Poirotencouragedhim.“Youknowthat.YouknowitaswellasIdo.”
Battlenoddedslowly.
“Iknowwhatyoumean,”hesaid.“Samehallmark.”
“Doyoumean,”saidMrs.Oliver,“thattheformervictimwillhavebeenstabbedwithadaggertoo?”
“Notquiteascrudeasthat,Mrs.Oliver,”saidBattleturningtoher.“ButIdon’tdoubtitwillbeessentiallythesametypeofcrime.Thedetailsmaybedifferent,buttheessentialsunderlyingthemwillbethesame.It’sodd,butacriminalgiveshimselfawayeverytimebythat.”
“Manisanunoriginalanimal,”saidHerculePoirot.
“Women,”saidMrs.Oliver,“arecapableofinfinitevariation.Ishouldnevercommitthesametypeofmurdertwicerunning.”
“Don’tyoueverwritethesameplottwicerunning?”askedBattle.
“TheLotusMurder,”murmuredPoirot.“TheClueoftheCandleWax.”
Mrs.Oliverturnedonhim,hereyesbeamingappreciation.
“That’scleverofyou—that’sreallyverycleverofyou.Because,ofcourse,thosetwoareexactlythesameplot—butnobodyelsehasseenit.OneisstolenpapersataninformalweekendpartyoftheCabinet,andtheother’samurderinBorneoinarubberplanter’sbungalow.”
“Buttheessentialpointonwhichthestoryturnsisthesame,”saidPoirot.“Oneofyourneatesttricks.Therubberplanterarrangeshisownmurder—theCabinetMinisterarrangestherobberyofhisownpapers.Atthelastminutethethirdpersonstepsinandturnsdeceptionintoreality.”
“Ienjoyedyourlast,Mrs.Oliver,”saidSuperintendentBattlekindly.“TheonewherealltheChiefConstableswereshotsimultaneously.Youjustslippeduponceortwiceonofficialdetails.Iknowyou’rekeenonaccuracy,soIwonderedif—”
Mrs.Oliverinterruptedhim.
“AsamatteroffactIdon’tcaretwopinsaboutaccuracy.Whoisaccurate?Nobodynowadays.Ifareporterwritesthatabeautifulgirloftwenty-twodiesbyturningonthegasafterlookingoutovertheseaandkissingherfavouritelabrador,Bob,good-bye,doesanybodymakeafussbecausethegirlwastwenty-six,theroomfacedinland,andthedogwasaSealyhamterriercalledBonnie?Ifajournalistcandothatsortofthing,Idon’tseethatitmattersifImixuppoliceranksandsayarevolverwhenImeananautomatic,andadictographwhenImeanaphonograph,anduseapoisonthatjustallowsyoutogasponedyingsentenceandnomore.Whatreallymattersisplentyofbodies!Ifthething’sgettingalittledull,somemorebloodcheersitup.Somebodyisgoingtotellsomething—andthenthey’rekilledfirst.Thatalwaysgoesdownwell.Itcomesinallmybooks—camouflageddifferentways,ofcourse.Andpeoplelikeuntraceablepoisons,andidioticpoliceinspectorsandgirlstiedupincellarswithsewergasorwaterpouringin(suchatroublesomewayofkillinganyonereally)andaherowhocandisposeofanythingfromthreetosevenvillainssingle-handed.I’vewrittenthirty-twobooksbynow—andofcoursethey’reallexactlythesamereally,asM.Poirotseemstohavenoticed—butnobodyelsehas—andIonlyregretonething—makingmydetectiveaFinn.Idon’treallyknowanythingaboutFinnsandI’malwaysgettinglettersfromFinlandpointingoutsomethingimpossiblethathe’ssaidordone.TheyseemtoreaddetectivestoriesagooddealinFinland.Isupposeit’sthelongwinterswithnodaylight.InBulgariaandRomaniatheydon’tseemtoreadatall.I’dhavedonebettertohavemadehimaBulgar.”
Shebrokeoff.
“I’msosorry.I’mtalkingshop.Andthisisarealmurder.”Herfacelitup.“Whatagoodideaitwouldbeifnoneofthemhadmurderedhim.Ifhe’daskedthemall,andthenquietlycommittedsuicidejustforthefunofmakingaschemozzle.”
Poirotnoddedapprovingly.
“Anadmirablesolution.Soneat.Soironic.But,alas,Mr.Shaitanawasnotthatsortofman.Hewasveryfondoflife.”
“Idon’tthinkhewasreallyaniceman,”saidMrs.Oliverslowly.
“Hewasnotnice,no,”saidPoirot.“Buthewasalive—andnowheisdead,andasItoldhimonce,Ihaveabourgeoisattitudetomurder,Idisapproveofit.”
Headdedsoftly:
“Andso—Iampreparedtogoinsidethetiger’scage….”
Nine
DR.ROBERTS
“Goodmorning,SuperintendentBattle.”
Dr.Robertsrosefromhischairandofferedalargepinkhandsmellingofamixtureofgoodsoapandfaintcarbolic.
“Howarethingsgoing?”hewenton.
SuperintendentBattleglancedroundthecomfortableconsultingroombeforeanswering.
“Well,Dr.Roberts,strictlyspeaking,they’renotgoing.They’restandingstill.”
“There’sbeennothingmuchinthepapers,I’vebeengladtosee.”
“Suddendeathofthewell-knownMr.Shaitanaataneveningpartyinhisownhome.It’sleftatthatforthemoment.We’vehadtheautopsy—Ibroughtareportofthefindingsalong—thoughtitmightinterestyou—”
“That’sverykindofyou—itwould—h’m—h’m.Yes,veryinteresting.”
Hehandeditback.
“Andwe’veinterviewedMr.Shaitana’ssolicitor.Weknowthetermsofhiswill.Nothingofinterestthere.HehasrelativesinSyria,itseems.Andthen,ofcourse,we’vebeenthroughallhisprivatepapers.”
Wasitfancyordidthatbroad,clean-shavencountenancelookalittlestrained—alittlewooden?
“And?”saidDr.Roberts.
“Nothing,”saidSuperintendentBattle,watchinghim.Therewasn’tasighofrelief.Nothingsoblatantasthat.Butthedoctor’sfigureseemedtorelaxjustashademorecomfortablyinhischair.
“Andsoyou’vecometome?”
“Andso,asyousay,I’vecometoyou.”
Thedoctor’seyebrowsrosealittleandhisshrewdeyeslookedintoBattle’s
“Wanttogothroughmyprivatepapers—eh?”
“Thatwasmyidea.”
“Gotasearchwarrant?”
“No.”
“Well;youcouldgetoneeasilyenough,Isuppose.I’mnotgoingtomakedifficulties.It’snotverypleasantbeingsuspectedofmurderbutIsupposeIcan’tblameyouforwhat’sobviouslyyourduty.”
“Thankyou,sir,”saidSuperintendentBattlewithrealgratitude.“Iappreciateyourattitude,ifImaysayso,verymuch.Ihopealltheotherswillbeasreasonable,I’msure.”
“Whatcan’tbecuredmustbeendured,”saidthedoctorgood-humouredly.
Hewenton:
“I’vefinishedseeingmypatientshere.I’mjustoffonmyrounds.I’llleaveyoumykeysandjustsayawordtomysecretaryandyoucanrootletoyourheart’scontent.”
“That’sallveryniceandpleasant,I’msure,”saidBattle.“I’dliketoaskyouafewmorequestionsbeforeyougo.”
“Abouttheothernight?Really,ItoldyouallIknow.”
“No,notabouttheothernight.Aboutyourself.”
“Well,man,askaway,whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
“I’djustlikearoughsketchofyourcareer,Dr.Roberts.Birth,marriage,andsoon.”
“ItwillgetmeintopracticeforWho’sWho,”saidthedoctordryly.“Mycareer’saperfectlystraightforwardone.I’maShropshireman,bornatLudlow.Myfatherwasinpracticethere.HediedwhenIwasfifteen.IwaseducatedatShrewsburyandwentinformedicinelikemyfatherbeforeme.I’maSt.Christopher’sman—butyou’llhaveallthemedicaldetailsalready,Iexpect.”
“Ilookedyouup,yes,sir.Youanonlychildorhaveyouanybrothersorsisters?”
“I’manonlychild.BothmyparentsaredeadandI’munmarried.Willthatdotogetonwith?IcameintopartnershipherewithDr.Emery.Heretiredaboutfifteenyearsago.LivesinIreland.I’llgiveyouhisaddressifyoulike.Iliveherewithacook,aparlourmaidandahousemaid.Mysecretarycomesindaily.ImakeagoodincomeandIonlykillareasonablenumberofmypatients.How’sthat?”
SuperintendentBattlegrinned.
“That’sfairlycomprehensive,Dr.Roberts.I’mgladyou’vegotasenseofhumour.NowI’mgoingtoaskyouonemorething.”
“I’mastrictlymoralman,superintendent.”
“Oh,thatwasn’tmymeaning.No,Iwasgoingtoaskyouifyou’dgivemethenamesoffourfriends—peoplewho’veknownyouintimatelyforanumberofyears.Kindofreferences,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
“Yes,Ithinkso.Letmeseenow.You’dpreferpeoplewhoareactuallyinLondonnow?”
“Itwouldmakeitabiteasier,butitdoesn’treallymatter.”
Thedoctorthoughtforaminuteortwo,thenwithhisfountainpenhescribbledfournamesandaddressesonasheetofpaperandpusheditacrossthedesktoBattle.
“Willthosedo?They’rethebestIcanthinkofonthespurofthemoment.”
Battlereadcarefully,noddedhisheadinsatisfactionandputthesheetofpaperawayinaninnerpocket.
“It’sjustaquestionofelimination,”hesaid.“ThesoonerIcangetonepersoneliminatedandgoontothenext,thebetteritisforeveryoneconcerned.I’vegottomakeperfectlycertainthatyouweren’tonbadtermswiththelateMr.Shaitana,thatyouhadnoprivateconnectionsorbusinessdealingswithhim,thattherewasnoquestionofhishavinginjuredyouatanytimeandyourbearingresentment.Imaybelieveyouwhenyousayyouonlyknewhimslightly—butitisn’taquestionofmybelief.I’vegottosayI’vemadesure.”
“Oh,Iunderstandperfectly.You’vegottothinkeverybody’saliartillhe’sprovedhe’sspeakingthetruth.Herearemykeys,superintendent.That’sthedrawersofthedesk—that’sthebureau—thatlittleone’sthekeyofthepoisoncupboard.Besuretolockitupagain.PerhapsI’dbetterjusthaveawordwithmysecretary.”
Hepressedabuttononhisdesk.
Almostimmediatelythedooropenedandacompetent-lookingyoungwomanappeared.
“Yourang,doctor?”
“ThisisMissBurgess—SuperintendentBattlefromScotlandYard.”
MissBurgessturnedacoolgazeonBattle.Itseemedtosay:
“Dearme,whatsortofananimalisthis?”
“Ishouldbeglad,MissBurgess,ifyouwillansweranyquestionsSuperintendentBattlemayputtoyou,andgivehimanyhelphemayneed.”
“Certainly,ifyousayso,doctor.”
“Well,”saidRoberts,rising,“I’llbeoff.Didyouputthemorphiainmycase?IshallneeditfortheLockheartcase.”
Hebustledout,stilltalking,andMissBurgessfollowedhim.
“Willyoupressthatbuttonwhenyouwantme,SuperintendentBattle?”
SuperintendentBattlethankedherandsaidhewoulddoso.Thenhesettowork
Hissearchwascarefulandmethodical,thoughhehadnogreathopesoffindinganythingofimportance.Roberts’readyacquiescencedispelledthechanceofthat.Robertswasnofool.Hewouldrealizethatasearchwouldbeboundtocomeandhewouldmakeprovisionsaccordingly.Therewas,however,afaintchancethatBattlemightcomeacrossahintoftheinformationhewasreallyafter,sinceRobertswouldnotknowtherealobjectofhissearch.
SuperintendentBattleopenedandshutdrawers,rifledpigeonholes,glancedthroughachequebook,estimatedtheunpaidbills—notedwhatthosesamebillswerefor,scrutinizedRoberts’passbook,ranthroughhiscasenotesandgenerallyleftnowrittendocumentunturned.Theresultwasmeagreintheextreme.Henexttookalookthroughthepoisoncupboard,notedthewholesalefirmswithwhichthedoctordealt,andthesystemofchecking,relockedthecupboardandpassedontothebureau.Thecontentsofthelatterwereofamorepersonalnature,butBattlefoundnothinggermanetohissearch.Heshookhishead,satdowninthedoctor’schairandpressedthedeskbutton.
MissBurgessappearedwithcommendablepromptitude.
SuperintendentBattleaskedherpolitelytobeseatedandthensatstudyingherforamoment,beforehedecidedwhichwaytotackleher.Hehadsensedimmediatelyherhostilityandhewasuncertainwhethertoprovokeherintounguardedspeechbyincreasingthathostilityorwhethertotryasoftermethodofapproach.
“Isupposeyouknowwhatallthisisabout,MissBurgess?”hesaidatlast.
“Dr.Robertstoldme,”saidMissBurgessshortly.
“Thewholething’sratherdelicate,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“Isit?”saidMissBurgess.
“Well,it’sratheranastybusiness.Fourpeopleareundersuspicionandoneofthemmusthavedoneit.WhatIwanttoknowiswhetheryou’veeverseenthisMr.Shaitana?”
“Never.”
“EverheardDr.Robertsspeakofhim?”
“Never—no,Iamwrong.AboutaweekagoDr.Robertstoldmetoenterupadinnerappointmentinhisengagementbook.Mr.Shaitana,8:15,onthe18th.”
“AndthatisthefirstyoueverheardofthisMr.Shaitana?”
“Yes.”
“Neverseenhisnameinthepapers?Hewasofteninthefashionablenews.”
“I’vegotbetterthingstodothanreadingthefashionablenews.”
“Iexpectyouhave.Oh,Iexpectyouhave,”saidthesuperintendentmildly.
“Well,”hewenton.“Thereitis.AllfourofthesepeoplewillonlyadmittoknowingMr.Shaitanaslightly.Butoneofthemknewhimwellenoughtokillhim.It’smyjobtofindoutwhichofthemitwas.”
Therewasanunhelpfulpause.MissBurgessseemedquiteuninterestedintheperformanceofSuperintendentBattle’sjob.Itwasherjobtoobeyheremployer’sordersandsitherelisteningtowhatSuperintendentBattlechosetosayandansweranydirectquestionshemightchoosetoputtoher.
“Youknow,MissBurgess,”thesuperintendentfoundituphillworkbuthepersevered,“Idoubtifyouappreciatehalfthedifficultiesofourjob.Peoplesaythings,forinstance.Well,wemayn’tbelieveawordofit,butwe’vegottotakenoticeofitallthesame.It’sparticularlynoticeableinacaseofthiskind.Idon’twanttosayanythingagainstyoursexbutthere’snodoubtthatawoman,whenshe’srattled,isapttolashoutwithhertongueabit.Shemakesunfoundedaccusations,hintsthis,thatandtheother,andrakesupallsortsofoldscandalsthathaveprobablynothingwhatevertodowiththecase.”
“Doyoumean,”demandedMissBurgess,“thatoneoftheseotherpeoplehasbeensayingthingsagainstthedoctor?”
“Notexactlysaidanything,”saidBattlecautiously.“Butallthesame,I’mboundtotakenotice.Suspiciouscircumstancesaboutthedeathofapatient.Probablyallalotofnonsense.I’mashamedtobotherthedoctorwithit.”
“Isupposesomeone’sgotholdofthatstoryaboutMrs.Graves,”saidMissBurgesswrathfully.“Thewaypeopletalkaboutthingstheyknownothingwhateveraboutisdisgraceful.Lotsofoldladiesgetlikethat—theythinkeverybodyispoisoningthem—theirrelationsandtheirservantsandeventheirdoctors.Mrs.GraveshadhadthreedoctorsbeforeshecametoDr.RobertsandthenwhenshegotthesamefanciesabouthimhewasquitewillingforhertohaveDr.Leeinstead.It’stheonlythingtodointhesecases,hesaid.AndafterDr.LeeshehadDr.Steele,andthenDr.Farmer—untilshedied,pooroldthing.”
“You’dbesurprisedthewaythesmallestthingstartsastory,”saidBattle.“Wheneveradoctorbenefitsbythedeathofapatientsomebodyhassomethingill-naturedtosay.Andyetwhyshouldn’tagratefulpatientleavealittlesomething,orevenabigsomethingtohermedicalattendant.”
“It’stherelations,”saidMissBurgess.“Ialwaysthinkthere’snothinglikedeathforbringingoutthemeannessofhumannature.Squabblingoverwho’stohavewhatbeforethebody’scold.Luckily,Dr.Robertshasneverhadanytroubleofthatkind.Healwayssayshehopeshispatientswon’tleavehimanything.Ibelieveheoncehadalegacyoffiftypoundsandhe’shadtwowalkingsticksandagoldwatch,butnothingelse.”
“It’sadifficultlife,thatofaprofessionalman,”saidBattlewithasigh.“He’salwaysopentoblackmail.Themostinnocentoccurrenceslendthemselvessometimestoascandalousappearance.Adoctor’sgottoavoideventheappearanceofevil—thatmeanshe’sgottohavehiswitsabouthimgoodandsharp.”
“Alotofwhatyousayistrue,”saidMissBurgess.“Doctorshaveadifficulttimewithhystericalwomen.”
“Hystericalwomen.That’sright.Ithoughtinmyownmind,thatthatwasallitamountedto.”
“IsupposeyoumeanthatdreadfulMrs.Craddock?”
Battlepretendedtothink.
“Letmesee,wasitthreeyearsago?No,more.”
“Fourorfive,Ithink.Shewasamostunbalancedwoman!IwasgladwhenshewentabroadandsowasDr.Roberts.Shetoldherhusbandthemostfrightfullies—theyalwaysdo,ofcourse.Poorman,hewasn’tquitehimself—he’dbeguntobeill.Hediedofanthrax,youknow,aninfectedshavingbrush.”
“I’dforgottenthat,”saidBattleuntruthfully.
“Andthenshewentabroadanddiednotlongafterwards.ButIalwaysthoughtshewasanastytypeofwoman—man-mad,youknow.”
“Iknowthekind,”saidBattle.“Verydangerous,theyare.Adoctor’sgottogivethemawideberth.Whereaboutsdidshedieabroad—Iseemtoremember.”
“Egypt,Ithinkitwas.Shegotbloodpoisoning—somenativeinfection.”
“Anotherthingthatmustbedifficultforadoctor,”saidBattle,makingaconversationalleap,“iswhenhesuspectsthatoneofhispatientsisbeingpoisonedbyoneoftheirrelatives.What’shetodo?He’sgottobesure—orelseholdhistongue.Andifhe’sdonethelatter,thenit’sawkwardforhimifthere’stalkoffoulplayafterwards.IwonderifanycaseofthatkindhasevercomeDr.Roberts’way?”
“Ireallydon’tthinkithas,”saidMissBurgess,considering.“I’veneverheardofanythinglikethat.”
“Fromthestatisticalpointofview,itwouldbeinterestingtoknowhowmanydeathsoccuramongadoctor’spracticeperyear.Forinstancenow,you’vebeenwithDr.Robertssomeyears—”
“Seven.”
“Seven.Well,howmanydeathshavetherebeeninthattimeoffhand?”
“Really,it’sdifficulttosay.”MissBurgessgaveherselfuptocalculation.Shewasbynowquitethawedandunsuspicious.“Seven,eight—ofcourse,Ican’trememberexactly—Ishouldn’tsaymorethanthirtyinthetime.”
“ThenIfancyDr.Robertsmustbeabetterdoctorthanmost,”saidBattlegenially.“Isuppose,too,mostofhispatientsareupperclass.Theycanaffordtotakecareofthemselves.”
“He’saverypopulardoctor.He’ssogoodatdiagnosis.”
Battlesighedandrosetohisfeet.
“I’mafraidI’vebeenwanderingfrommyduty,whichistofindoutaconnectionbetweenthedoctorandthisMr.Shaitana.You’requitesurehewasn’tapatientofthedoctor’s?”
“Quitesure.”
“Underanothername,perhaps?”Battlehandedheraphotograph.“Recognizehimatall?”
“Whataverytheatrical-lookingperson.No,I’veneverseenhimhereatanytime.”
“Well,that’sthat.”Battlesighed.“I’mmuchobligedtothedoctor,I’msure,forbeingsopleasantabouteverything.Tellhimfromme,willyou?TellhimI’mpassingontoNo.2.Good-bye,MissBurgess,andthankyouforyourhelp.”
Heshookhandsanddeparted.WalkingalongthestreethetookasmallnotebookfromhispocketandmadeacoupleofentriesinitundertheletterR.
Mrs.Graves?Unlikely.Mrs.Craddock?Nolegacies.Nowife.(Pity.)Investigatedeathsofpatients.Difficult.
HeclosedthebookandturnedintotheLancasterGatebranchoftheLondonandWessexBank.
Thedisplayofhisofficialcardbroughthimtoaprivateinterviewwiththemanager.
“Goodmorning,sir.OneofyourclientsisaDr.GeoffreyRoberts,Iunderstand.”
“Quitecorrect,superintendent.”
“Ishallwantsomeinformationaboutthatgentleman’saccountgoingbackoveraperiodofyears.”
“IwillseewhatIcandoforyou.”
Acomplicatedhalfhourfollowed.FinallyBattle,withasigh,tuckedawayasheetofpencilledfigures.
“Gotwhatyouwant?”inquiredthebankmanagercuriously.
“No,Ihaven’t.Notonesuggestivelead.Thankyouallthesame.”
Atthatsamemoment,Dr.Roberts,washinghishandsinhisconsultingroom,saidoverhisshouldertoMissBurgess:
“Whataboutourstolidsleuth,eh?Didheturntheplaceupsidedownandyouinsideout?”
“Hedidn’tgetmuchoutofme,Icantellyou,”saidMissBurgess,settingherlipstightly.
“Mydeargirl,noneedtobeanoyster.Itoldyoutotellhimallhewantedtoknow.Whatdidhewanttoknow,bytheway?”
“Oh,hekeptharpingonyourknowingthatmanShaitana—suggestedeventhathemighthavecomehereasapatientunderadifferentname.Heshowedmehisphotograph.Suchatheatrical-lookingman!”
“Shaitana?Oh,yes,fondofposingasamodernMephistopheles.Itwentdownratherwellonthewhole.WhatelsedidBattleaskyou?”
“Reallynothingverymuch.Except—oh,yes,somebodyhadbeentellinghimsomeabsurdnonsenseaboutMrs.Graves—youknowthewaysheusedtogoon.”
“Graves?Graves?Oh,yes,oldMrs.Graves.That’sratherfunny!”Thedoctorlaughedwithconsiderableamusement.“That’sreallyveryfunnyindeed.”
Andinhighgoodhumourhewentintolunch.
Ten
DR.ROBERTS(CONTINUED)
SuperintendentBattlewaslunchingwithM.HerculePoirot.
Theformerlookeddowncast,thelattersympathetic.
“Yourmorning,then,hasnotbeenentirelysuccessful,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.
Battleshookhishead.
“It’sgoingtobeuphillwork,M.Poirot.”
“Whatdoyouthinkofhim?”
“Ofthedoctor?Well,frankly,IthinkShaitanawasright.He’sakiller.RemindsmeofWestaway.AndofthatlawyerchapinNorfolk.Samehearty,self-confidentmanner.Samepopularity.Bothofthemwerecleverdevils—so’sRoberts.Allthesame,itdoesn’tfollowthatRobertskilledShaitana—andasamatteroffactIdon’tthinkhedid.He’dknowtherisktoowell—betterthanalaymanwould—thatShaitanamightwakeandcryout.No,Idon’tthinkRobertsmurderedhim.”
“Butyouthinkhehasmurderedsomeone?”
“Possiblyquitealotofpeople.Westawayhad.Butit’sgoingtobehardtogetat.I’velookedoverhisbankaccount—nothingsuspiciousthere—nolargesumssuddenlypaidin.Atanyrate,inthelastsevenyearshe’snothadanylegacyfromapatient.Thatwipesoutmurderfordirectgain.He’snevermarried—that’sapity—soideallysimpleforadoctortokillhisownwife.He’swell-to-do,butthenhe’sgotathrivingpracticeamongwell-to-dopeople.”
“Infactheappearstoleadathoroughlyblamelesslife—andperhapsdoesdoso.”
“Maybe.ButIprefertobelievetheworst.”
Hewenton:
“There’sthehintofascandaloverawoman—oneofhispatients—nameofCraddock.That’sworthlookingup,Ithink.I’llgetsomeoneontothatstraightaway.WomanactuallydiedoutinEgyptofsomelocaldiseasesoIdon’tthinkthere’sanythinginthat—butitmightthrowalightonhisgeneralcharacterandmorals.”
“Wasthereahusband?”
“Yes.Husbanddiedofanthrax.”
“Anthrax?”
“Yes,therewerealotofcheapshavingbrushesonthemarketjustthen—someoftheminfected.Therewasaregularscandalaboutit.”
“Convenient,”suggestedPoirot.
“That’swhatIthought.Ifherhusbandwerethreateningtokickuparow—Butthere,it’sallconjecture.Wehaven’talegtostandupon.”
“Courage,myfriend.Iknowyourpatience.Intheend,youwillhaveperhapsasmanylegsasacentipede.”
“Andfallintotheditchasaresultofthinkingaboutthem,”grinnedBattle
Thenheaskedcuriously:
“Whataboutyou,M.Poirot?Goingtotakeahand?”
“I,too,mightcallonDr.Roberts.”
“Twoofusinoneday.Thatoughttoputthewinduphim.”
“Oh,Ishallbeverydiscreet.Ishallnotinquireintohispastlife.”
“I’dliketoknowjustexactlywhatlineyou’lltake,”saidBattlecuriously,“butdon’ttellmeunlessyouwantto.”
“Dutout—dutout.Iammostwilling.Ishalltalkalittleofbridge,thatisall.”
“Bridgeagain.Youharponthat,don’tyou,M.Poirot?”
“Ifindthesubjectveryuseful.”
“Well,everymantohistaste.Idon’tdealmuchinthefancyapproaches.Theydon’tsuitmystyle.”
“Whatisyourstyle,superintendent?”
ThesuperintendentmetthetwinkleinPoirot’seyeswithanansweringtwinkleinhisown.
“Astraightforward,honest,zealousofficerdoinghisdutyinthemostlaboriousmanner—that’smystyle.Nofrills.Nofancywork.Justhonestperspiration.Stolidandabitstupid—that’smyticket.”
Poirotraisedhisglass.
“Toourrespectivemethods—andmaysuccesscrownourjointefforts.”
“IexpectColonelRacemaygetussomethingworthhavingaboutDespard,”saidBattle.“He’sgotagoodmanysourcesofinformation.”
“AndMrs.Oliver?”
“Bitofatoss-upthere.Iratherlikethatwoman.Talksalotofnonsense,butshe’sasport.Andwomengettoknowthingsaboutotherwomenthatmencan’tgetat.Shemayspotsomethinguseful.”
Theyseparated.BattlewentbacktoScotlandYardtoissueinstructionsforcertainlinestobefollowedup.Poirotbetookhimselfto200GloucesterTerrace
Dr.Roberts’eyebrowsrosecomicallyashegreetedhisguest.
“Twosleuthsinoneday,”heasked.“Handcuffsbythisevening,Isuppose.”
Poirotsmiled.
“Icanassureyou,Dr.Roberts,thatmyattentionsarebeingequallydividedbetweenallfourofyou.”
“That’ssomethingtobethankfulfor,atallevents.Smoke?”
“Ifyoupermit,Iprefermyown.”
PoirotlightedoneofhistinyRussiancigarettes.
“Well,whatcanIdoforyou?”askedRoberts.
Poirotwassilentforaminuteortwopuffing,thenhesaid:
“Areyouakeenobserverofhumannature,doctor?”
“Idon’tknow.IsupposeIam.Adoctorhastobe.”
“Thatwasexactlymyreasoning.Isaidtomyself,‘Adoctorhasalwaystobestudyinghispatients—theirexpressions,theircolour,howfasttheybreathe,anysignsofrestlessness—adoctornoticesthesethingsautomaticallyalmostwithoutnoticinghenotices!Dr.Robertsisthemantohelpme.’”
“I’mwillingenoughtohelp.What’sthetrouble?”
Poirotproducedfromaneatlittlepocketcasethreecarefullyfoldedbridgescores.
“Thesearethefirstthreerubberstheotherevening,”heexplained.“Hereisthefirstone—inMissMeredith’shandwriting.Nowcanyoutellme—withthistorefreshyourmemory—exactlywhatthecallingwasandhoweachhandwent?”
Robertsstaredathiminastonishment.
“You’rejoking,M.Poirot.HowcanIpossiblyremember?”
“Can’tyou?Ishouldbeverygratefulifyoucould.Takethisfirstrubber.Thefirstgamemusthaveresultedinagamecallinheartsorspades,orelseoneorothersidemusthavegonedownfifty.”
“Letmesee—thatwasthefirsthand.Yes,Ithinktheywentoutinspades.”
“Andthenexthand?”
“Isupposeoneorotherofuswentdownfifty—butIcan’trememberwhichorwhatitwasin.Really,M.Poirot,youcanhardlyexpectmetodoso.”
“Can’tyourememberanyofthecallingorthehands?”
“Igotagrandslam—Irememberthat.Itwasdoubledtoo.AndIalsoremembergoingdownanastysmack—playingthreenotrumps,Ithinkitwas—wentdownapacket.Butthatwaslateron.”
“Doyourememberwithwhomyouwereplaying?”
“Mrs.Lorrimer.Shelookedabitgrim,Iremember.Didn’tlikemyovercalling,Iexpect.”
“Andyoucan’trememberanyotherofthehandsorthecalling?”
Robertslaughed.
“MydearM.Poirot,didyoureallyexpectIcould.Firsttherewasthemurder—enoughtodrivethemostspectacularhandsoutofone’smind—andinadditionI’veplayedatleasthalfadozenrubberssincethen.”
Poirotsatlookingrathercrestfallen.
“I’msorry,”saidRoberts.
“Itdoesnotmatterverymuch,”saidPoirotslowly.“Ihopedthatyoumightrememberoneortwo,atleast,ofthehands,becauseIthoughttheymightbevaluablelandmarksinrememberingotherthings.”
“Whatotherthings?”
“Wellyoumighthavenoticed,forinstance,thatyourpartnermadeamessofplayingaperfectlysimplenotrumper,orthatanopponent,say,presentedyouwithacoupleofunexpectedtricksbyfailingtoleadanobviouscard.”
Dr.Robertsbecamesuddenlyserious.Heleanedforwardinhischair.
“Ah,”hesaid.“NowIseewhatyou’redrivingat.Forgiveme.Ithoughtatfirstyouweretalkingpurenonsense.Youmeanthatthemurder—thesuccessfulaccomplishmentofthemurder—mighthavemadeadefinitedifferenceintheguiltyparty’splay?”
Poirotnodded.
“Youhaveseizedtheideacorrectly.Itwouldbeaclueofthefirstexcellenceifyouhadbeenfourplayerswhokneweachother’sgamewell.Avariation,asuddenlackofbrilliance,amissedopportunity—thatwouldhavebeenimmediatelynoticed.Unluckily,youwereallstrangerstoeachother.Variationinplaywouldnotbesonoticeable.Butthink,M.ledocteur,Ibegofyoutothink.Doyourememberanyinequalities—anysuddenglaringmistakes—intheplayofanyone?”
Therewassilenceforaminuteortwo,thenDr.Robertsshookhishead.
“It’snogood.Ican’thelpyou,”hesaidfrankly.“Isimplydon’tremember.AllIcantellyouiswhatItoldyoubefore:Mrs.Lorrimerisafirst-classplayer—shenevermadeaslipthatInoticed.Shewasbrilliantfromstarttofinish.Despard’splaywasuniformlygoodtoo.Ratheraconventionalplayer—thatis,hisbiddingisstrictlyconventional.Heneverstepsoutsidetherules.Won’ttakealongchance.MissMeredith—”Hehesitated.
“Yes?MissMeredith?”Poirotpromptedhim.
“Shedidmakemistakes—onceortwice—Iremember—towardstheendoftheevening,butthatmaysimplyhavebeenbecauseshewastired—notbeingaveryexperiencedplayer.Herhandshook,too—”
Hestopped.
“Whendidherhandshake?”
“Whenwasitnow?Ican’tremember…Ithinkshewasjustnervous.M.Poirot,you’remakingmeimaginethings.”
“Iapologize.ThereisanotherpointonwhichIseekyourhelp.”
“Yes?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Itisdifficult.Idonot,yousee,wishtoaskyoualeadingquestion.IfIsay,didyounoticesoandso—well,Ihaveputthethingintoyourhead.Youranswerwillnotbesovaluable.Letmetrytogetatthematteranotherway.Ifyouwillbesokind,Dr.Roberts,describetomethecontentsoftheroominwhichyouplayed.”
Robertslookedthoroughlyastonished.
“Thecontentsoftheroom?”
“Ifyouwillbesogood.”
“Mydearfellow,Isimplydon’tknowwheretobegin.”
“Beginanywhereyouchoose.”
“Well,therewasagooddealoffurniture—”
“Non,non,non,beprecise,Iprayofyou.”
Dr.Robertssighed.
Hebeganfacetiouslyafterthemannerofanauctioneer.
“Onelargesetteeupholsteredinivorybrocade—onedittoingreenditto—fourorfivelargechairs.EightorninePersianrugs—asetoftwelvesmallgiltEmpirechairs.WilliamandMarybureau.(Ifeeljustlikeanauctioneer’sclerk.)VerybeautifulChinesecabinet.Grandpiano.TherewasotherfurniturebutI’mafraidIdidn’tnoticeit.Sixfirst-classJapaneseprints.TwoChinesepicturesonlookingglass.Fiveorsixverybeautifulsnuffboxes.SomeJapaneseivorynetsukefiguresonatablebythemselves.Someoldsilver—CharlesItazzas,Ithink.OneortwopiecesofBatterseaenamel—”
“Bravo,bravo!”Poirotapplauded.
“AcoupleofoldEnglishslipwarebirds—and,Ithink,aRalphWoodfigure.ThentherewassomeEasternstuff—intricatesilverwork.Somejewellery,Idon’tknowmuchaboutthat.SomeChelseabirds,Iremember.Oh,andsomeminiaturesinacase—prettygoodones,Ifancy.That’snotallbyalongway—butit’sallIcanthinkoffortheminute.”
“Itismagnificent,”saidPoirotwithdueappreciation.“Youhavethetrueobserver’seye.”
Thedoctoraskedcuriously:
“HaveIincludedtheobjectyouhadinmind?”
“Thatistheinterestingthingaboutit,”saidPoirot.“IfyouhadmentionedtheobjectIhadinminditwouldhavebeenextremelysurprisingtome.AsIthought,youcouldnotmentionit.”
“Why?”
Poirottwinkled.
“Perhaps—becauseitwasnottheretomention.”
Robertsstared.
“Thatseemstoremindmeofsomething.”
“ItremindsyouofSherlockHolmes,doesitnot?Thecuriousincidentofthedoginthenight.Thedogdidnothowlinthenight.Thatisthecuriousthing!Ah,well,Iamnotabovestealingthetricksofothers.”
“Doyouknow,M.Poirot,Iamcompletelyatseaastowhatyouaredrivingat.”
“Thatisexcellent,that.Inconfidence,thatishowIgetmylittleeffects.”
Then,asDr.Robertsstilllookedratherdazed,Poirotsaidwithasmileasherosetohisfeet:
“Youmayatleastcomprehendthis,whatyouhavetoldmeisgoingtobeveryhelpfultomeinmynextinterview.”
Thedoctorrosealso.
“Ican’tseehow,butI’lltakeyourwordforit,”hesaid.
Theyshookhands.
Poirotwentdownthestepsofthedoctor’shouse,andhailedapassingtaxi.
“111CheyneLane,Chelsea,”hetoldthedriver.
Eleven
MRS.LORRIMER
111CheyneLanewasasmallhouseofveryneatandtrimappearancestandinginaquietstreet.Thedoorwaspaintedblackandthestepswereparticularlywellwhitened,thebrassoftheknockerandhandlegleamedintheafternoonsun.
Thedoorwasopenedbyanelderlyparlourmaidwithanimmaculatewhitecapandapron.
InanswertoPoirot’sinquiryshesaidthathermistresswasathome.
Sheprecededhimupthenarrowstaircase.
“Whatname,sir?”
“M.HerculePoirot.”
HewasusheredintoadrawingroomoftheusualLshape.Poirotlookedabouthim,notingdetails.Goodfurniture,wellpolished,oftheoldfamilytype.Shinychintzonthechairsandsettees.Afewsilverphotographframesaboutintheold-fashionedmanner.Otherwiseanagreeableamountofspaceandlight,andsomereallybeautifulchrysanthemumsarrangedinatalljar.
Mrs.Lorrimercameforwardtomeethim.
Sheshookhandswithoutshowinganyparticularsurpriseatseeinghim,indicatedachair,tookoneherselfandremarkedfavourablyontheweather.
Therewasapause.
“Ihope,madame,”saidHerculePoirot,“thatyouwillforgivethisvisit.”
Lookingdirectlyathim,Mrs.Lorrimerasked:
“Isthisaprofessionalvisit?”
“Iconfessit.”
“Yourealize,Isuppose,M.Poirot,thatthoughIshallnaturallygiveSuperintendentBattleandtheofficialpoliceanyinformationandhelptheymayrequire,Iambynomeansboundtodothesameforanyunofficialinvestigator?”
“Iamquiteawareofthatfact,madame.Ifyoushowmethedoor,me,Imarchtothatdoorwithcompletesubmission.”
Mrs.Lorrimersmiledveryslightly.
“Iamnotyetpreparedtogotothoseextremes,M.Poirot.Icangiveyoutenminutes.AttheendofthattimeIhavetogoouttoabridgeparty.”
“Tenminuteswillbeampleformypurpose.Iwantyoutodescribetome,madame,theroominwhichyouplayedbridgetheotherevening—theroominwhichMr.Shaitanawaskilled.”
Mrs.Lorrimer’seyebrowsrose.
“Whatanextraordinaryquestion!Idonotseethepointofit.”
“Madame,ifwhenyouwereplayingbridge,someoneweretosaytoyou—whydoyouplaythataceorwhydoyouputontheknavethatistakenbythequeenandnotthekingwhichwouldtakethetrick?Ifpeopleweretoaskyousuchquestions,theanswerswouldberatherlongandtedious,wouldtheynot?”
Mrs.Lorrimersmiledslightly.
“MeaningthatinthisgameyouaretheexpertandIamthenovice.Verywell.”Shereflectedaminute.“Itwasalargeroom.Therewereagoodmanythingsinit.”
“Canyoudescribesomeofthosethings?”
“Thereweresomeglassflowers—modern—ratherbeautiful…AndIthinkthereweresomeChineseorJapanesepictures.Andtherewasabowloftinyredtulips—amazinglyearlyforthem.”
“Anythingelse?”
“I’mafraidIdidn’tnoticeanythingindetail.”
“Thefurniture—doyourememberthecolouroftheupholstery?”
“Somethingsilky,Ithink.That’sallIcansay.”
“Didyounoticeanyofthesmallobjects?”
“I’mafraidnot.Thereweresomany.Iknowitstruckmeasquiteacollector’sroom.”
Therewassilenceforaminute.Mrs.Lorrimersaidwithafaintsmile:
“I’mafraidIhavenotbeenveryhelpful.”
“Thereissomethingelse.”Heproducedthebridgescores.“Herearethefirstthreerubbersplayed.Iwonderedifyoucouldhelpmewiththeaidofthesescorestoreconstructthehands.”
“Letmesee.”Mrs.Lorrimerlookedinterested.Shebentoverthescores.
“Thatwasthefirstrubber.MissMeredithandIwereplayingagainstthetwomen.Thefirstgamewasplayedinfourspades.Wemadeitandanovertrick.ThenthenexthandwasleftattwodiamondsandDr.Robertswentdownonetrickonit.Therewasquitealotofbiddingonthethirdhand,Iremember.MissMeredithpassed.MajorDespardwentaheart.Ipassed.Dr.Robertsgaveajumpbidofthreeclubs.MissMeredithwentthreespades.MajorDespardbidfourdiamonds.Idoubled.Dr.Robertstookitintofourhearts.Theywentdownone.”
“Epatant,”saidPoirot.“Whatamemory!”
Mrs.Lorrimerwenton,disregardinghim:
“OnthenexthandMajorDespardpassedandIbidanotrump.Dr.Robertsbidthreehearts.Mypartnersaidnothing.Despardputhispartnertofour.Idoubledandtheywentdowntwotricks.ThenIdealtandwewentoutonafour-spadecall.”
Shetookupthenextscore.
“Itisdifficult,that,”saidPoirot.“MajorDespardscoresinthecancellationmanner.”
“Iratherfancybothsideswentdownfiftytostartwith—thenDr.Robertswenttofivediamondsandwedoubledandgothimdowntothreetricks.Thenwemadethreeclubs,butimmediatelyaftertheotherswentgameinspades.Wemadethesecondgameinfiveclubs.Thenwewentdownahundred.Theothersmadeoneheart,wemadetwonotrumpsandwefinallywontherubberwithafour-clubcall.”
Shepickedupthenextscore.
“Thisrubberwasratherabattle,Iremember.Itstartedtamely.MajorDespardandMissMeredithmadeaone-heartcall.Thenwewentdownacoupleoffiftiestryingforfourheartsandfourspades.Thentheothersmadegameinspades—nousetryingtostopthem.Wewentdownthreehandsrunningafterthatbutundoubled.Thenwewonthesecondgameinnotrumps.Thenabattleroyalstarted.Eachsidewentdowninturn.Dr.Robertsovercalledbutthoughhewentdownbadlyonceortwice,hiscallingpaid,formorethanoncehefrightenedMissMeredithoutofbiddingherhand.Thenhebidanoriginaltwospades,Igavehimthreediamonds,hebidfournotrumps,Ibidfivespadesandhesuddenlyjumpedtosevendiamonds.Weweredoubled,ofcourse.Hehadnobusinesstomakesuchacall.Byakindofmiraclewegotit.IneverthoughtweshouldwhenIsawhishandgodown.Iftheothershadledaheartwewouldhavebeenthreetricksdown.Asitwastheyledthekingofclubsandwegotit.Itwasreallyveryexciting.”
“Jecroisbien—aGrandSlamVulnerabledoubled.Itcausestheemotions,that!Me,Iadmitit,Ihavenotthenervetogofortheslams.Icontentmyselfwiththegame.”
“Oh,butyoushouldn’t,”saidMrs.Lorrimerwithenergy.“Youmustplaythegameproperly.”
“Takerisks,youmean?”
“Thereisnoriskifthebiddingiscorrect.Itshouldbeamathematicalcertainty.Unfortunately,fewpeoplereallybidwell.Theyknowtheopeningbidsbutlatertheylosetheirheads.Theycannotdistinguishbetweenahandwithwinningcardsinitandahandwithoutlosingcards—butImustn’tgiveyoualectureonbridge,oronthelosingcount,M.Poirot.”
“Itwouldimprovemyplay,Iamsure,madame.”
Mrs.Lorrimerresumedherstudyofthescore.
“Afterthatexcitementthenexthandswererathertame.Haveyouthefourthscorethere?Ah,yes.Ading-dongbattle—neithersideabletoscorebelow.”
“Itisoftenlikethatastheeveningwearson.”
“Yes,onestartstamelyandthenthecardsgetworkedup.”
Poirotcollectedthescoresandmadealittlebow.
“Madame,Icongratulateyou.Yourcardmemoryismagnificent—butmagnificent!Youremember,onemightsay,everycardthatwasplayed!”
“IbelieveIdo!”
“Memoryisawonderfulgift.Withitthepastisneverthepast—Ishouldimagine,madame,thattoyouthepastunrollsitself,everyincidentclearasyesterday.Isthatso?”
Shelookedathimquickly.Hereyeswerewideanddark.
Itwasonlyforamoment,thenshehadresumedherwoman-of-the-worldmanner,butHerculePoirotdidnotdoubt.Thatshothadgonehome.
Mrs.Lorrimerrose.
“I’mafraidIshallhavetoleavenow.Iamsosorry—butIreallymustn’tbelate.”
“Ofcoursenot—ofcoursenot.Iapologizefortrespassingonyourtime.”
“I’msorryIhaven’tbeenabletohelpyoumore.”
“Butyouhavehelpedme,”saidHerculePoirot.
“Ihardlythinkso.”
Shespokewithdecision.
“Butyes.YouhavetoldmesomethingIwantedtoknow.”
Sheaskednoquestionastowhatthatsomethingwas.
Heheldouthishand.
“Thankyou,madame,foryourforbearance.”
Assheshookhandswithhimshesaid:
“Youareanextraordinaryman,M.Poirot.”
“IamasthegoodGodmademe,madame.”
“Weareallthat,Isuppose.”
“Notall,madame.SomeofushavetriedtoimproveonHispattern.Mr.Shaitana,forinstance.”
“Inwhatwaydoyoumean?”
“Hehadaveryprettytasteinobjetsdevertuandbric-à-brac—heshouldhavebeencontentwiththat.Instead,hecollectedotherthings.”
“Whatsortofthings?”
“Well—shallwesay—sensations?”
“Anddon’tyouthinkthatwasdanssoncaractère?”
Poirotshookhisheadgravely.
“Heplayedthepartofthedeviltoosuccessfully.Buthewasnotthedevil.Aufond,hewasastupidman.Andso—hedied.”
“Becausehewasstupid?”
“Itisthesinthatisneverforgivenandalwayspunished,madame.”
Therewasasilence.ThenPoirotsaid:
“Itakemydeparture.Athousandthanksforyouramiability,madame.Iwillnotcomeagainunlessyousendforme.”
Hereyebrowsrose.
“Dearme,M.Poirot,whyshouldIsendforyou?”
“Youmight.Itisjustanidea.Ifso,Iwillcome.Rememberthat.”
Hebowedoncemoreandlefttheroom.
Inthestreethesaidtohimself:
“Iamright…IamsureIamright…Itmustbethat!”
Twelve
ANNEMEREDITH
Mrs.Oliverextricatedherselffromthedrivingseatofherlittletwo-seaterwithsomedifficulty.Tobeginwith,themakersofmodernmotorcarsassumethatonlyapairofsylphlikekneeswilleverbeunderthesteeringwheel.Itisalsothefashiontositlow.Thatbeingso,foramiddle-agedwomanofgenerousproportionsitrequiresagooddealofsuperhumanwrigglingtogetoutfromunderthesteeringwheel.Inthesecondplace,theseatnexttothedrivingseatwasencumberedbyseveralmaps,ahandbag,threenovelsandalargebagofapples.Mrs.OliverwaspartialtoapplesandhadindeedbeenknowntoeatasmanyasfivepoundsstraightoffwhilstcomposingthecomplicatedplotofTheDeathintheDrainPipe—comingtoherselfwithastartandanincipientstomachacheanhourandtenminutesaftershewasdueatanimportantluncheonpartygiveninherhonour.
Withafinaldeterminedheaveandasharpshovewithakneeagainstarecalcitrantdoor,Mrs.OliverarrivedalittletoosuddenlyonthesidewalkoutsidethegateofWendonCottage,showeringapplecoresfreelyroundherasshedidso.
Shegaveadeepsigh,pushedbackhercountryhattoanunfashionableangle,lookeddownwithapprovalatthetweedsshehadrememberedtoputon,frownedalittlewhenshesawthatshehadabsentmindedlyretainedherLondonhigh-heeledpatentleathershoes,andpushingopenthegateofWendonCottagewalkeduptheflaggedpathtothefrontdoor.Sherangthebellandexecutedacheerfullittlerat-a-tat-tatontheknocker—aquaintconceitintheformofatoad’shead.
Asnothinghappenedsherepeatedtheperformance.
Afterafurtherpauseofaminuteandahalf,Mrs.Oliversteppedbrisklyroundthesideofthehouseonavoyageofexploration.
Therewasasmallold-fashionedgardenwithMichaelmasdaisiesandstragglingchrysanthemumsbehindthecottage,andbeyonditafield.Beyondthefieldwastheriver.ForanOctoberdaythesunwaswarm.
Twogirlswerejustcrossingthefieldinthedirectionofthecottage.Astheycamethroughthegateintothegarden,theforemostofthetwostoppeddead.
Mrs.Olivercameforward.
“Howdoyoudo,MissMeredith?Yourememberme,don’tyou?”
“Oh—oh,ofcourse.”AnneMeredithextendedherhandhurriedly.Hereyeslookedwideandstartled.Thenshepulledherselftogether.
“Thisismyfriendwholiveswithme—MissDawes.Rhoda,thisisMrs.Oliver.”
Theothergirlwastall,dark,andvigorous-looking.Shesaidexcitedly:
“Oh,areyoutheMrs.Oliver?AriadneOliver?”
“Iam,”saidMrs.Oliver,andsheaddedtoAnne,“Nowletussitdownsomewhere,mydear,becauseI’vegotalottosaytoyou.”
“Ofcourse.Andwe’llhavetea—”
“Teacanwait,”saidMrs.Oliver.
Anneledthewaytoalittlegroupofdeckandbasketchairs,allratherdilapidated.Mrs.Oliverchosethestrongest-lookingwithsomecare,havinghadvariousunfortunateexperienceswithflimsysummerfurniture.
“Now,mydear,”shesaidbriskly.“Don’tlet’sbeataboutthebush.Aboutthismurdertheotherevening.We’vegottogetbusyanddosomething.”
“Dosomething?”queriedAnne.
“Naturally,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Idon’tknowwhatyouthink,butIhaven’ttheleastdoubtwhodidit.Thatdoctor.Whatwashisname?Roberts.That’sit!Roberts.AWelshname!InevertrusttheWelsh!IhadaWelshnurseandshetookmetoHarrogateonedayandwenthomehavingforgottenallaboutme.Veryunstable.Butnevermindabouther.Robertsdidit—that’sthepointandwemustputourheadstogetherandprovehedid.”
RhodaDaweslaughedsuddenly—thensheblushed.
“Ibegyourpardon.Butyou’re—you’resodifferentfromwhatIwouldhaveimagined.”
“Adisappointment,Iexpect,”saidMrs.Oliverserenely.“I’musedtothat.Nevermind.WhatwemustdoisprovethatRobertsdidit!”
“Howcanwe?”saidAnne.
“Oh,don’tbesodefeatist,Anne,”criedRhodaDawes.“IthinkMrs.Oliver’ssplendid.Ofcourse,sheknowsallaboutthesethings.She’lldojustasSvenHjersondoes.”
BlushingslightlyatthenameofhercelebratedFinnishdetective,Mrs.Oliversaid:
“It’sgottobedone,andI’lltellyouwhy,child.Youdon’twantpeoplethinkingyoudidit?”
“Whyshouldthey?”askedAnne,hercolourrising.
“Youknowwhatpeopleare!”saidMrs.Oliver.“Thethreewhodidn’tdoitwillcomeinforjustasmuchsuspicionastheonewhodid.”
AnneMeredithsaidslowly:
“Istilldon’tquiteseewhyyoucometome,Mrs.Oliver?”
“Becauseinmyopiniontheothertwodon’tmatter!Mrs.Lorrimerisoneofthosewomenwhoplaybridgeatbridgeclubsallday.Womenlikethatmustbemadeofarmourplating—theycanlookafterthemselvesallright!Andanywayshe’sold.Itwouldn’tmatterifanyonethoughtshe’ddoneit.Agirl’sdifferent.She’sgotherlifeinfrontofher.”
“AndMajorDespard?”askedAnne.
“Pah!”saidMrs.Oliver.“He’saman!Ineverworryaboutmen.Mencanlookafterthemselves.Doitremarkablywell,ifyouaskme.Besides,MajorDespardenjoysadangerouslife.He’sgettinghisfunathomeinsteadofontheIrrawaddy—ordoImeantheLimpopo?YouknowwhatImean—thatyellowAfricanriverthatmenlikesomuch.No,I’mnotworryingmyheadabouteitherofthosetwo.”
“It’sverykindofyou,”saidAnneslowly.
“Itwasabeastlythingtohappen,”saidRhoda.“It’sbrokenAnneup,Mrs.Oliver.She’sawfullysensitive.AndIthinkyou’requiteright.Itwouldbeeversomuchbettertodosomethingthanjusttositherethinkingaboutitall.”
“Ofcourseitwould,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Totellyouthetruth,arealmurderhasnevercomemywaybefore.And,tocontinuetellingthetruth,Idon’tbelieverealmurderisverymuchinmyline.I’msousedtoloadingthedice—ifyouunderstandwhatImean.ButIwasn’tgoingtobeoutofitandletthosethreemenhaveallthefuntothemselves.I’vealwayssaidthatifawomanweretheheadofScotlandYard—”
“Yes?”saidRhoda,leaningforwardwithpartedlips.“IfyouwereheadofScotlandYard,whatwouldyoudo?”
“IshouldarrestDr.Robertsstraightaway—”
“Yes?”
“However,I’mnottheheadofScotlandYard,”saidMrs.Oliver,retreatingfromdangerousground.“I’maprivateindividual—”
“Oh,you’renotthat,”saidRhoda,confusedlycomplimentary.
“Hereweare,”continuedMrs.Oliver,“threeprivateindividuals—allwomen.Letusseewhatwecandobyputtingourheadstogether.”
AnneMeredithnoddedthoughtfully.Thenshesaid:
“WhydoyouthinkDr.Robertsdidit?”
“He’sthatsortofman,”repliedMrs.Oliverpromptly.
“Don’tyouthink,though—”Annehesitated.“Wouldn’tadoctor—?Imeansomethinglikepoisonwouldbesomucheasierforhim.”
“Notatall.Poison—drugsofanykindwouldpointstraighttoadoctor.LookhowtheyarealwaysleavingcasesofdangerousdrugsincarsalloverLondonandgettingthemstolen.No,justbecausehewasadoctorhe’dtakespecialcarenottouseanythingofamedicalkind.”
“Isee,”saidAnnedoubtfully.
Thenshesaid:
“ButwhydoyouthinkhewantedtokillMr.Shaitana?Haveyouanyidea?”
“Idea?I’vegotanyamountofideas.Infact,that’sjustthedifficulty.Italwaysismydifficulty.Icanneverthinkofevenoneplotatatime.Ialwaysthinkofatleastfive,andit’sagonytodecidebetweenthem.Icanthinkofsixbeautifulreasonsforthemurder.ThetroubleisI’venoearthlymeansofknowingwhichisright.Tobeginwith,perhapsShaitanawasamoneylender.Hehadaveryoilylook.Robertswasinhisclutches,andkilledhimbecausehecouldn’tgetthemoneytorepaytheloan.OrperhapsShaitanaruinedhisdaughterorhissister.OrperhapsRobertsisabigamist,andShaitanaknewit.OrpossiblyRobertsmarriedShaitana’ssecondcousin,andwillinheritallShaitana’smoneythroughher.Or—HowmanyhaveIgotto?”
“Four,”saidRhoda.
“Or—andthisisareallygoodone—supposeShaitanaknewsomesecretinRoberts’past.Perhapsyoudidn’tnotice,mydear,butShaitanasaidsomethingratherpeculiaratdinner—justbeforearatherqueerpause.”
Annestoopedtotickleacaterpillar.Shesaid,“Idon’tthinkIremember.”
“Whatdidhesay?”askedRhoda.
“Somethingabout—whatwasit?—anaccidentandpoison.Don’tyouremember?”
Anne’slefthandtightenedonthebasketworkofherchair.
“Idoremembersomethingofthekind,”shesaidcomposedly.
Rhodasaidsuddenly,“Darling,yououghttohaveacoat.It’snotsummer,remember.Goandgetone.”
Anneshookherhead.
“I’mquitewarm.”
Butshegaveaqueerlittleshiverasshespoke.
“Youseemytheory,”wentonMrs.Oliver.“Idaresayoneofthedoctor’spatientspoisonedhimselfbyaccident;but,ofcourse,really,itwasthedoctor’sowndoing.Idaresayhe’smurderedlotsofpeoplethatway.”
AsuddencolourcameintoAnne’scheeks.Shesaid,“Dodoctorsusuallywanttomurdertheirpatientswholesale?Wouldn’tithaveratheraregrettableeffectontheirpractice?”
“Therewouldbeareason,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Olivervaguely.
“Ithinktheideaisabsurd,”saidAnnecrisply.“Absolutelyabsurdlymelodramatic.”
“Oh,Anne!”criedRhodainanagonyofapology.ShelookedatMrs.Oliver.Hereyes,ratherlikethoseofanintelligentspaniel,seemedtobetryingtosaysomething.“Tryandunderstand.Tryandunderstand,”thoseeyessaid.
“Ithinkit’sasplendididea,Mrs.Oliver,”Rhodasaidearnestly.“Andadoctorcouldgetholdofsomethingquiteuntraceable,couldn’the?”
“Oh!”exclaimedAnne.
Theothertwoturnedtolookather.
“Iremembersomethingelse,”shesaid.“Mr.Shaitanasaidsomethingaboutadoctor’sopportunitiesinalaboratory.Hemusthavemeantsomethingbythat.”
“Itwasn’tMr.Shaitanawhosaidthat.”Mrs.Olivershookherhead.“ItwasMajorDespard.”
Afootfallonthegardenwalkmadeherturnherhead.
“Well!”sheexclaimed.“Talkofthedevil!”
MajorDespardhadjustcomeroundthecornerofthehouse.
Thirteen
SECONDVISITOR
AtthesightofMrs.Oliver,MajorDespardlookedslightlytakenaback.Underhistanhisfaceflushedarichbrickred.Embarrassmentmadehimjerky.HemadeforAnne.
“Iapologize,MissMeredith,”hesaid.“Beenringingyourbell.Nothinghappened.Waspassingthisway.ThoughtImightjustlookyouup.”
“I’msosorryyou’vebeenringing,”saidAnne.“Wehaven’tgotamaid—onlyawomanwhocomesinthemornings.”
SheintroducedhimtoRhoda.
Rhodasaidbriskly:
“Let’shavesometea.It’sgettingchilly.We’dbettergoin.”
Theyallwentintothehouse.Rhodadisappearedintothekitchen.Mrs.Oliversaid:
“Thisisquiteacoincidence—ourallmeetinghere.”
Despardsaidslowly,“Yes.”
Hiseyesrestedonherthoughtfully—appraisingeyes.
“I’vebeentellingMissMeredith,”saidMrs.Oliver,whowasthoroughlyenjoyingherself,“thatweoughttohaveaplanofcampaign.Aboutthemurder,Imean.Ofcourse,thatdoctordidit.Don’tyouagreewithme?”
“Couldn’tsay.Verylittletogoon.”
Mrs.Oliverputonher“Howlikeaman!”expression.
Acertainairofconstrainthadsettledoverthethree.Mrs.Oliversenseditquicklyenough.WhenRhodabroughtinteasheroseandsaidshemustbegettingbacktotown.No,itwaseversokindofthem,butshewouldn’thaveanytea.
“I’mgoingtoleaveyoumycard,”shesaid.“Hereitis,withmyaddressonit.Comeandseemewhenyoucomeuptotown,andwe’lltalkeverythingoverandseeifwecan’tthinkofsomethingingenioustogettothebottomofthings.”
“I’llcomeouttothegatewithyou,”saidRhoda.
Justastheywerewalkingdownthepathtothefrontgate,AnneMeredithranoutofthehouseandovertookthem.
“I’vebeenthinkingthingsover,”shesaid.
Herpalefacelookedunusuallyresolute
“Yes,mydear?”
“It’sextraordinarilykindofyou,Mrs.Oliver,tohavetakenallthistrouble.ButI’dreallyrathernotdoanythingatall.Imean—itwasallsohorrible.Ijustwanttoforgetaboutit.”
“Mydearchild,thequestionis,willyoubeallowedtoforgetaboutit?”
“Oh,Iquiteunderstandthatthepolicewon’tletitdrop.They’llprobablycomehereandaskmealotmorequestions.I’mpreparedforthat.Butprivately,Imean,Idon’twanttothinkaboutit—orberemindedofitinanyway.IdaresayI’macoward,butthat’showIfeelaboutit.”
“Oh,Anne!”criedRhodaDawes.
“Icanunderstandyourfeeling,butI’mnotatallsurethatyou’rewise,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Lefttothemselves,thepolicewillprobablyneverfindoutthetruth.”
AnneMeredithshruggedhershoulders.
“Doesthatreallymatter?”
“Matter?”criedRhoda.“Ofcourseitmatters.Itdoesmatter,doesn’tit,Mrs.Oliver?”
“Ishouldcertainlysayso,”saidMrs.Oliverdryly.
“Idon’tagree,”saidAnneobstinately.“NobodywhoknowsmewouldeverthinkI’ddoneit.Idon’tseeanyreasonforinterfering.It’sthebusinessofthepolicetogetatthetruth.”
“Oh,Anne,youarespiritless,”saidRhoda.
“That’showIfeel,anyway,”saidAnne.Sheheldoutherhand.“Thankyouverymuch,Mrs.Oliver.It’sverygoodofyoutohavebothered.”
“Ofcourse,ifyoufeelthatway,there’snothingmoretobesaid,”saidMrs.Olivercheerfully.“I,atanyrate,shallnotletthegrassgrowundermyfeet.Good-bye,mydear.LookmeupinLondonifyouchangeyourmind.”
Sheclimbedintothecar,startedit,anddroveoff,wavingacheerfulhandatthetwogirls.
Rhodasuddenlymadeadashafterthecarandleaptontherunningboard.
“Whatyousaid—aboutlookingyouupinLondon,”shesaidbreathlessly.“DidyouonlymeanAnne,ordidyoumeanme,too?”
Mrs.Oliverappliedthebrake.
“Imeantbothofyou,ofcourse.”
“Oh,thankyou.Don’tstop.I—perhapsImightcomeoneday.There’ssomething—No,don’tstop.Icanjumpoff.”
Shedidsoand,wavingahand,ranbacktothegate,whereAnnewasstanding.
“Whatonearth—?”beganAnne.
“Isn’tsheaduck?”askedRhodaenthusiastically.“Idolikeher.Shehadonoddstockings,didyounotice?I’msureshe’sfrightfullyclever.Shemustbe—towriteallthosebooks.Whatfunifshefoundoutthetruthwhenthepoliceandeveryonewerebaffled.”
“Whydidshecomehere?”askedAnne.
Rhoda’seyesopenedwide.
“Darling—shetoldyou—”
Annemadeanimpatientgesture.
“Wemustgoin.Iforgot.I’velefthimallalone.”
“MajorDespard?Anne,he’sfrightfullygood-looking,isn’the?”
“Isupposeheis.”
Theywalkedupthepathtogether.
MajorDespardwasstandingbythemantelpiece,teacupinhand.
HecutshortAnne’sapologiesforleavinghim.
“MissMeredith,IwanttoexplainwhyI’vebuttedinlikethis.”
“Oh—but—”
“IsaidthatIhappenedtobepassing—thatwasn’tstrictlytrue.Icamehereonpurpose.”
“Howdidyouknowmyaddress?”askedAnneslowly.
“IgotitfromSuperintendentBattle.”
Hesawhershrinkslightlyatthename.
Hewentonquickly:
“Battle’sonhiswayherenow.IhappenedtoseehimatPaddington.Igotmycaroutandcamedownhere.IknewIcouldbeatthetraineasily.”
“Butwhy?”
Despardhesitatedjustaminute.
“Imayhavebeenpresumptuous—butIhadtheimpressionthatyouwere,perhaps,whatiscalled‘aloneintheworld.’”
“She’sgotme,”saidRhoda.
Despardshotaquickglanceather,ratherlikingthegallantboyishfigurethatleantagainstthemantelpieceandwasfollowinghiswordssointensely.Theywereanattractivepair,thesetwo.
“I’msureshecouldn’thaveamoredevotedfriendthanyou,MissDawes,”hesaidcourteously;“butitoccurredtomethat,inthepeculiarcircumstances,theadviceofsomeonewithagooddashofworldwisdommightnotbeamiss.Frankly,thesituationisthis:MissMeredithisundersuspicionofhavingcommittedmurder.Thesamethingappliestomeandtothetwootherpeoplewhowereintheroomlastnight.Suchasituationisnotagreeable—andithasitsownpeculiardifficultiesanddangerswhichsomeoneasyoungandinexperiencedasyouare,MissMeredith,mightnotrecognize.Inmyopinion,yououghttoputyourselfinthehandsofathoroughlygoodsolicitor.Perhapsyouhavealreadydoneso?”
AnneMeredithshookherhead.
“Ineverthoughtofit.”
“ExactlyasIsuspected.Haveyougotagoodman—aLondonman,forchoice?”
AgainAnneshookherhead.
“I’vehardlyeverneededasolicitor.”
“There’sMr.Bury,”saidRhoda.“Buthe’saboutahundred-and-two,andquitegaga.”
“Ifyou’llallowmetoadviseyou,MissMeredith,IrecommendyourgoingtoMr.Myherne,myownsolicitor.Jacobs,Peel&Jacobsistheactualnameofthefirm.They’refirst-classpeople,andtheyknowalltheropes.”
Annehadgotpaler.Shesatdown.
“Isitreallynecessary?”sheaskedinalowvoice.
“Ishouldsayemphaticallyso.Thereareallsortsoflegalpitfalls.”
“Arethesepeoplevery—expensive?”
“Thatdoesn’tmatterabit,”saidRhoda.“Thatwillbequiteallright,MajorDespard.Ithinkeverythingyousayisquitetrue.Anneoughttobeprotected.”
“Theirchargeswill,Ithink,bequitereasonable,”saidDespard.Headdedseriously:“Ireallydothinkit’sawisecourse,MissMeredith.”
“Verywell,”saidAnneslowly.“I’lldoitifyouthinkso.”
“Good.”
Rhodasaidwarmly:
“Ithinkit’sawfullyniceofyou,MajorDespard.Reallyfrightfullynice.”
Annesaid,“Thankyou.”
Shehesitated,andthensaid:
“DidyousaySuperintendentBattlewascominghere?”
“Yes.Youmustn’tbealarmedbythat.It’sinevitable.”
“Oh,Iknow.Asamatteroffact,I’vebeenexpectinghim.”
Rhodasaidimpulsively:
“Poordarling—it’snearlykillingher,thisbusiness.It’ssuchashame—sofrightfullyunfair.”
Despardsaid:
“Iagree—it’saprettybeastlybusiness—draggingayounggirlintoanaffairofthiskind.IfanyonewantedtostickaknifeintoShaitana,theyoughttohavechosensomeotherplaceortime.”
Rhodaaskedsquarely:
“Whodoyouthinkdidit?Dr.RobertsorthatMrs.Lorrimer?”
AveryfaintsmilestirredDespard’smoustache.
“Mayhavedoneitmyself,forallyouknow.”
“Oh,no,”criedRhoda.“AnneandIknowyoudidn’tdoit.”
Helookedatthembothwithkindlyeyes
Anicepairofkids.Touchinglyfulloffaithandtrust.Atimidlittlecreature,theMeredithgirl.Nevermind,Myhernewouldseeherthrough.Theotherwasafighter.Hedoubtedifshewouldhavecrumpledupinthesamewayifshe’dbeeninherfriend’splace.Nicegirls.He’dliketoknowmoreaboutthem.
Thesethoughtspassedthroughhismind.Aloudhesaid:“Nevertakeanythingforgranted,MissDawes.Idon’tsetasmuchvalueonhumanlifeasmostpeopledo.Allthishystericalfussaboutroaddeaths,forinstance.Manisalwaysindanger—fromtraffic,fromgerms,fromahundred-and-onethings.Aswellbekilledonewayasanother.Themomentyoubeginbeingcarefulofyourself—adoptingasyourmotto‘SafetyFirst’—youmightaswellbedead,inmyopinion.”
“Oh,Idoagreewithyou,”criedRhoda.“Ithinkoneoughttolivefrightfullydangerously—ifonegetsthechancethatis.Butlife,onthewhole,isterriblytame.”
“Ithasitsmoments.”
“Yes,foryou.Yougotoout-of-the-wayplacesandgetmauledbytigersandshootthingsandjiggersburythemselvesinyourtoesandinsectsstingyou,andeverything’sterriblyuncomfortablebutfrightfullythrilling.”
“Well,MissMeredithhashadherthrill,too.Idon’tsupposeitoftenhappensthatyou’veactuallybeenintheroomwhileamurderwascommitted—”
“Oh,don’t!”criedAnne.
Hesaidquickly:
“I’msorry.”
ButRhodasaidwithasigh:
“Ofcourseitwasawful—butitwasexciting,too!Idon’tthinkAnneappreciatesthatsideofit.Youknow,IthinkthatMrs.Oliveristhrilledtothecoretohavebeentherethatnight.”
“Mrs.—?Oh,yourfatfriendwhowritesthebooksabouttheunpronounceableFinn.Isshetryingherhandatdetectioninreallife?”
“Shewantsto.”
“Well,let’swishherluck.ItwouldbeamusingifsheputoneoveronBattleandCo.”
“WhatisSuperintendentBattlelike?”askedRhodacuriously.
MajorDespardsaidgravely:
“He’sanextraordinarilyastuteman.Amanofremarkableability.”
“Oh!”saidRhoda.“Annesaidhelookedratherstupid.”
“That,Ishouldimagine,ispartofBattle’sstock-in-trade.Butwemustn’tmakeanymistakes.Battle’snofool.”
Herose.
“Well,Imustbeoff.There’sjustoneotherthingI’dliketosay.”
Annehadrisenalso.
“Yes?”shesaid,assheheldoutherhand.
Despardpausedaminute,pickinghiswordscarefully.Hetookherhandandretaineditinhis.Helookedstraightintothewide,beautifulgreyeyes.
“Don’tbeoffendedwithme,”hesaid.“Ijustwanttosaythis:It’shumanlypossiblethattheremaybesomefeatureofyouracquaintanceshipwithShaitanathatyoudon’twanttocomeout.Ifso—don’tbeangry,please”(hefelttheinstinctivepullofherhand)—“youareperfectlywithinyourrightsinrefusingtoansweranyquestionsBattlemayaskunlessyoursolicitorispresent.”
Annetoreherhandaway.Hereyesopened,theirgreydarkeningwithanger.
“There’snothing—nothing…Ihardlyknewthebeastlyman.”
“Sorry,”saidMajorDespard.“ThoughtIoughttomentionit.”
“It’squitetrue,”saidRhoda.“Annebarelyknewhim.Shedidn’tlikehimmuch,buthegavefrightfullygoodparties.”
“That,”saidMajorDespardgrimly,“seemstohavebeentheonlyjustificationforthelateMr.Shaitana’sexistence.”
Annesaidinacoldvoice:
“SuperintendentBattlecanaskmeanythinghelikes.I’venothingtohide—nothing.”
Despardsaidverygently,“Pleaseforgiveme.”
Shelookedathim.Herangerdwindled.Shesmiled—itwasaverysweetsmile.
“It’sallright,”shesaid.“Youmeantitkindly,Iknow.”
Sheheldoutherhandagain.Hetookitandsaid:
“We’reinthesameboat,youknow.Weoughttobepals….”
ItwasAnnewhowentwithhimtothegate.WhenshecamebackRhodawasstaringoutofthewindowandwhistling.Sheturnedasherfriendenteredtheroom.
“He’sfrightfullyattractive,Anne.”
“He’snice,isn’the?”
“Agreatdealmorethannice…I’vegotanabsolutepassionforhim.Whywasn’tIatthatdamneddinnerinsteadofyou?I’dhaveenjoyedtheexcitement—thenetclosingroundme—theshadowofthescaffold—”
“No,youwouldn’t.You’retalkingnonsense,Rhoda.”
Anne’svoicewassharp.Thenitsoftenedasshesaid:
“Itwasniceofhimtocomeallthisway—forastranger—agirlhe’sonlymetonce.”
“Oh,hefellforyou.Obviously.Mendon’tdopurelydisinterestedkindnesses.Hewouldn’thavecometoddlingdownifyou’dbeencross-eyedandcoveredwithpimples.”
“Don’tyouthinkso?”
“Idonot,mygoodidiot.Mrs.Oliver’samuchmoredisinterestedparty.”
“Idon’tlikeher,”saidAnneabruptly.“Ihadasortoffeelingabouther…Iwonderwhatshereallycamefor?”
“Theusualsuspicionsofyourownsex.IdaresayMajorDespardhadanaxetogrindifitcomestothat.”
“I’msurehehadn’t,”criedAnnehotly.
ThensheblushedasRhodaDaweslaughed
Fourteen
THIRDVISITOR
SuperintendentBattlearrivedatWallingfordaboutsixo’clock.ItwashisintentiontolearnasmuchashecouldfrominnocentlocalgossipbeforeinterviewingMissAnneMeredith.
Itwasnotdifficulttogleansuchinformationastherewas.Withoutcommittinghimselfdefinitelytoanystatement,thesuperintendentneverthelessgaveseveraldifferentimpressionsofhisrankandcallinginlife.
AtleasttwopeoplewouldhavesaidconfidentlythathewasaLondonbuildercomedowntoseeaboutanewwingtobeaddedtothecottage,fromanotheryouwouldhavelearnedthathewas“oneoftheseweekenderswantingtotakeafurnishedcottage,”andtwomorewouldhavesaidtheyknewpositively,andforafact,thathewasarepresentativeofahardcourttennisfirm.
Theinformationthatthesuperintendentgatheredwasentirelyfavourable.
“WendonCottage—Yes,that’sright—ontheMarlburyRoad.Youcan’tmissit.Yes,twoyoungladies.MissDawesandMissMeredith.Veryniceyoungladies,too.Thequietkind.
“Hereforyears?Oh,no,notthatlong.Justovertwoyears.Septemberquartertheycomein.Mr.Pickersgilltheyboughtitfrom.Neveruseditmuch,hedidn’t,afterhiswifedied.”
SuperintendentBattle’sinformanthadneverheardtheycamefromNorthumberland.London,hethoughttheycamefrom.Popularintheneighbourhood,thoughsomepeoplewereold-fashionedanddidn’tthinktwoyoungladiesoughttobelivingalone.Butveryquiet,theywere.Noneofthiscocktail-drinkingweekendlot.MissRhoda,shewasthedashingone.MissMeredithwasthequietone.Yes,itwasMissDaweswhatpaidthebills.Shewastheonehadgotthemoney.
Thesuperintendent’sresearchesatlastledhiminevitablytoMrs.Astwell—who“did”fortheladiesatWendonCottage.
Mrs.Astwellwasalocquaciouslady.
“Well,no,sir.Ihardlythinkthey’dwanttosell.Notsosoon.Theyonlygotintwoyearsago.I’vedoneforthemfromthebeginning,yes,sir.Eighto’clocktilltwelve—thosearemyhours.Verynice,livelyyoungladies,alwaysreadyforajokeorabitoffun.Notstuckupatall.
“Well,ofcourse,Icouldn’tsayifit’sthesameMissDawesyouknew,sir—thesamefamily,Imean.It’smyfancyherhome’sinDevonshire.Shegetsthecreamsenthernowandagain,andsaysitremindsherofhome;soIthinkitmustbe.
“Asyousay,sir,it’ssadforsomanyyoungladieshavingtoearntheirlivingnowadays.Theseyoungladiesaren’twhatyou’dcallrich,buttheyhaveaverypleasantlife.It’sMissDaweshasgotthemoney,ofcourse.MissAnne’shercompanion,inamannerofspeaking,Isupposeyoumightsay.ThecottagebelongstoMissDawes.
“Icouldn’treallysaywhatpartMissAnnecomesfrom.I’veheardhermentiontheIsleofWight,andIknowshedoesn’tliketheNorthofEngland;andsheandMissRhodaweretogetherinDevonshire,becauseI’veheardthemjokeaboutthehillsandtalkabouttheprettycovesandbeaches.”
Theflowwenton.EverynowandthenSuperintendentBattlemadeamentalnote.Later,acrypticwordortwowasjotteddowninhislittlebook.
AthalfpasteightthateveninghewalkedupthepathtothedoorofWendonCottage.
Itwasopenedtohimbyatall,darkgirlwearingafrockoforangecretonne.
“MissMeredithlivehere?”inquiredSuperintendentBattle.
Helookedverywoodenandsoldierly.
“Yes,shedoes.”
“I’dliketospeaktoher,please.SuperintendentBattle.”
Hewasimmediatelyfavouredwithapiercingstare.
“Comein,”saidRhodaDawes,drawingbackfromthedoorway.
AnneMeredithwassittinginacosychairbythefire,sippingcoffee.Shewaswearingembroideredcrêpedechinepyjamas.
“It’sSuperintendentBattle,”saidRhoda,usheringintheguest.
Anneroseandcameforwardwithoutstretchedhand.
“Abitlateforacall,”saidBattle.“ButIwantedtofindyouin,andit’sbeenafineday.”
Annesmiled.
“Willyouhavesomecoffee,Superintendent?Rhoda,fetchanothercup.”
“Well,it’sverykindofyou,MissMeredith.”
“Wethinkwemakerathergoodcoffee,”saidAnne.
Sheindicatedachair,andSuperintendentBattlesatdown.Rhodabroughtacup,andAnnepouredouthiscoffee.Thefirecrackledandtheflowersinthevasesmadeanagreeableimpressionuponthesuperintendent.
Itwasapleasanthomeyatmosphere.Anneseemedself-possessedandatherease,andtheothergirlcontinuedtostareathimwithdevouringinterest.
“We’vebeenexpectingyou,”saidAnne.
Hertonewasalmostreproachful.“Whyhaveyouneglectedme?”itseemedtosay.
“Sorry,MissMeredith.I’vehadalotofroutineworktodo.”
“Satisfactory?”
“Notparticularly.Butitallhastobedone.I’veturnedDr.Robertsinsideout,sotospeak.AndthesameforMrs.Lorrimer.AndnowI’vecometodothesameforyou,MissMeredith.”
Annesmiled.
“I’mready.”
“WhataboutMajorDespard?”askedRhoda.
“Oh,hewon’tbeoverlooked.Icanpromiseyouthat,”saidBattle.
HesetdownhiscoffeecupandlookedtowardsAnne.Shesatupalittlestraighterinherchair.
“I’mquiteready,superintendent.Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
“Well,roughly,allaboutyourself,MissMeredith.”
“I’mquitearespectableperson,”saidAnne,smiling.
“She’sledablamelesslife,too,”saidRhoda.“Icananswerforthat.”
“Well,that’sverynice,”saidSuperintendentBattlecheerfully.“You’veknownMissMeredithalongtime,then?”
“Wewereatschooltogether,”saidRhoda.“Whatagesago,itseems,doesn’tit,Anne?”
“Solongago,youcanhardlyrememberit,Isuppose,”saidBattlewithachuckle.“Now,then,MissMeredith,I’mafraidI’mgoingtoberatherlikethoseformsyoufillupforpassports.”
“Iwasborn—”beganAnne.
“Ofpoorbuthonestparents,”Rhodaputin.
SuperintendentBattleheldupaslightlyreprovinghand.
“Now,now,younglady,”hesaid.
“Rhoda,darling,”saidAnnegravely.“It’sserious,this.”
“Sorry,”saidRhoda.
“Now,MissMeredith,youwereborn—where?”
“AtQuetta,inIndia.”
“Ah,yes.YourpeoplewereArmyfolk?”
“Yes—myfatherwasMajorJohnMeredith.MymotherdiedwhenIwaseleven.FatherretiredwhenIwasfifteenandwenttoliveinCheltenham.HediedwhenIwaseighteenandleftpracticallynomoney.”
Battlenoddedhisheadsympathetically.
“Bitofashocktoyou,Iexpect.”
“Itwas,rather.Ialwaysknewthatweweren’twelloff,buttofindtherewaspracticallynothing—well,that’sdifferent.”
“Whatdidyoudo,MissMeredith?”
“Ihadtotakeajob.Ihadn’tbeenparticularlywelleducatedandIwasn’tclever.Ididn’tknowtypingorshorthand,oranything.AfriendinCheltenhamfoundmeajobwithfriendsofhers—twosmallboyshomeintheholidays,andgeneralhelpinthehouse.”
“Name,please?”
“ThatwasMrs.Eldon,TheLarches,Ventnor.Istayedtherefortwoyears,andthentheEldonswentabroad.ThenIwenttoaMrs.Deering.”
“Myaunt,”putinRhoda.
“Yes,Rhodagotmethejob.Iwasveryhappy.Rhodausedtocomeandstaysometimes,andwehadgreatfun.”
“Whatwereyouthere—companion?”
“Yes—itamountedtothat.”
“Morelikeundergardener,”saidRhoda
Sheexplained:
“MyAuntEmilyisjustmadongardening.Annespentmostofhertimeweedingorputtinginbulbs.”
“AndyouleftMrs.Deering?”
“Herhealthgotworse,andshehadtohavearegularnurse.”
“She’sgotcancer,”saidRhoda.“Poordarling,shehastohavemorphiaandthingslikethat.”
“Shehadbeenverykindtome.Iwasverysorrytogo,”wentonAnne.
“Iwaslookingaboutforacottage,”saidRhoda,“andwantingsomeonetoshareitwithme.Daddy’smarriedagain—notmysortatall.IaskedAnnetocomeherewithme,andshe’sbeenhereeversince.”
“Well,thatcertainlyseemsamostblamelesslife,”saidBattle.“Let’sjustgetthedatesclear.YouwerewithMrs.Eldontwoyears,yousay.Bytheway,whatisheraddressnow?”
“She’sinPalestine.HerhusbandhassomeGovernmentappointmentoutthere—I’mnotsurewhat.”
“Ah,well,Icansoonfindout.AndafterthatyouwenttoMrs.Deering?”
“Iwaswithherthreeyears,”saidAnnequickly.“HeraddressisMarshDene,LittleHembury,Devon.”
“Isee,”saidBattle.“Soyouarenowtwenty-five,MissMeredith.Now,there’sjustonethingmore—thenameandaddressofacoupleofpeopleinCheltenhamwhoknewyouandyourfather.”
Annesuppliedhimwiththese.
“Now,aboutthistriptoSwitzerland—whereyoumetMr.Shaitana.Didyougoalonethere—orwasMissDawesherewithyou?”
“Wewentouttogether.Wejoinedsomeotherpeople.Therewasapartyofeight.”
“TellmeaboutyourmeetingwithMr.Shaitana.”
Annecrinkledherbrows.
“There’sreallynothingtotell.Hewasjustthere.Weknewhiminthewayyouknowpeopleinahotel.Hegotfirstprizeatthefancydressball.HewentasMephistopheles.”
SuperintendentBattlesighed.
“Yes,thatalwayswashisfavouriteeffect.”
“Hereallywasmarvellous,”saidRhoda.“Hehardlyhadtomakeupatall.”
Thesuperintendentlookedfromonegirltotheother.
“Whichofyoutwoyoungladiesknewhimbest?”
Annehesitated.ItwasRhodawhoanswered.
“Boththesametobeginwith.Awfullylittle,thatis.Yousee,ourcrowdwastheskiinglot,andwewereoffdoingrunsmostdaysanddancingtogetherintheevenings.ButthenShaitanaseemedtotakeratherafancytoAnne.Youknow,wentoutofhiswaytopayhercompliments,andallthat.Weraggedheraboutit,rather.”
“Ijustthinkhedidittoannoyme,”saidAnne.“BecauseIdidn’tlikehim.Ithinkitamusedhimtomakemefeelembarrassed.”
Rhodasaidlaughing:
“WetoldAnneitwouldbeanicerichmarriageforher.Shegotsimplywildwithus.”
“Perhaps,”saidBattle,“you’dgivemethenamesoftheotherpeopleinyourparty?”
“Youaren’twhatIcallatrustfulman,”saidRhoda.“Doyouthinkthateverywordwe’retellingyouisdownrightlies?”
SuperintendentBattletwinkled.
“I’mgoingtomakesureitisn’t,anyway,”hesaid.
“Youaresuspicious,”saidRhoda.
Shescribbledsomenamesonapieceofpaperandgaveittohim.
Battlerose.
“Well,thankyouverymuch,MissMeredith,”hesaid.“AsMissDawessays,youseemtohaveledaparticularlyblamelesslife.Idon’tthinkyouneedworrymuch.It’soddthewayMr.Shaitana’smannerchangedtoyou.You’llexcusemyasking,buthedidn’taskyoutomarryhim—or—er—pesteryouwithattentionsofanotherkind?”
“Hedidn’ttrytoseduceher,”saidRhodahelpfully.“Ifthat’swhatyoumean.”
Annewasblushing.
“Nothingofthekind,”shesaid.“Hewasalwaysmostpoliteand—and—formal.Itwasjusthiselaboratemannersthatmademeuncomfortable.”
“Andlittlethingshesaidorhinted?”
“Yes—atleast—no.Heneverhintedthings.”
“Sorry.Theselady-killersdosometimes.Well,goodnight,MissMeredith.Thankyouverymuch.Excellentcoffee.Goodnight,MissDawes.”
“There,”saidRhodaasAnnecamebackintotheroomaftershuttingthedoorafterBattle.“That’sover,andnotsoveryterrible.He’sanicefatherlyman,andheevidentlydoesn’tsuspectyouintheleast.ItwasalleversomuchbetterthanIexpected.”
Annesankdownwithasigh.
“Itwasreallyquiteeasy,”shesaid.“Itwassillyofmetoworkmyselfupso.Ithoughthe’dtrytobrowbeatme—likeK.C.sonthestage.”
“Helookssensible,”saidRhoda.“He’dknowwellenoughyou’renotamurderingkindoffemale.”
Shehesitatedandthensaid:
“Isay,Anne,youdidn’tmentionbeingatCroftways.Didyouforget?”
Annesaidslowly:
“Ididn’tthinkitcounted.Iwasonlythereafewmonths.Andthere’snoonetoaskaboutmethere.Icanwriteandtellhimifyouthinkitmatters;butI’msureitdoesn’t.Let’sleaveit.”
“Right,ifyousayso.”
Rhodaroseandturnedonthewireless.
Araucousvoicesaid:
“YouhavejustheardtheBlackNubiansplay‘Whydoyoutellmelies,Baby?’”
Fifteen
MAJORDESPARD
MajorDespardcameoutoftheAlbany,turnedsharplyintoRegentStreetandjumpedonabus.
Itwasthequiettimeofday—thetopofthebushadveryfewseatsoccupied.Despardmadehiswayforwardandsatdownonthefrontseat.
Hehadjumpedonthebuswhileitwasgoing.Nowitcametoahalt,tookuppassengersandmadeitswayoncemoreupRegentStreet.
Asecondtravellerclimbedthesteps,madehiswayforwardandsatdowninthefrontseatontheotherside.
Desparddidnotnoticethenewcomer,butafterafewminutesatentativevoicemurmured:
“ItisagoodviewofLondon,isitnot,thatonegetsfromthetopofabus?”
Despardturnedhishead.Helookedpuzzledforamoment,thenhisfacecleared
“Ibegyourpardon,M.Poirot.Ididn’tseeitwasyou.Yesasyousay,onehasagoodbird’seyeviewoftheworldfromhere.Itwasbetter,though,intheolddays,whentherewasn’tallthiscaged-inglassbusiness.”
Poirotsighed.
“Toutdemême,itwasnotalwaysagreeableinthewetweatherwhentheinsidewasfull.Andthereismuchwetweatherinthiscountry.”
“Rain?Rainneverdidanyharmtoanyone.”
“Youareinerror,”saidPoirot.“Itleadsoftentoafluxiondepoitrine.”
Despardsmiled.
“Iseeyoubelongtothewell-wrapped-upschool,M.Poirot.”
Poirotwasindeedwellequippedagainstanytreacheryofanautumnday.Heworeagreatcoatandamuffler.
“Ratherodd,runningintoyoulikethis,”saidDespard.
Hedidnotseethesmilethatthemufflerconcealed.Therewasnothingoddinthisencounter.HavingascertainedalikelyhourforDespardtoleavehisrooms,Poirothadbeenwaitingforhim.Hehadprudentlynotriskedleapingonthebus,buthehadtrottedafterittoitsnextstoppingplaceandboardeditthere.
“True.WehavenotseeneachothersincetheeveningatMr.Shaitana’s,”hereplied.
“Aren’tyoutakingahandinthebusiness?”askedDespard.
Poirotscratchedhiseardelicately.
“Ireflect,”hesaid.“Ireflectagooddeal.Toruntoandfro,tomaketheinvestigations,that,no.Itdoesnotsuitmyage,mytemperament,ormyfigure.”
Despardsaidunexpectedly:
“Reflect,eh?Well,youmightdoworse.There’stoomuchrushingaboutnowadays.Ifpeoplesattightandthoughtaboutathingbeforetheytackledit,there’dbelessmess-upsthanthereare.”
“Isthatyourprocedureinlife,MajorDespard?”
“Usually,”saidtheothersimply.“Getyourbearings,figureoutyourroute,weighuptheprosandcons,makeyourdecision—sticktoit.”
Hismouthsetgrimly.
“And,afterthat,nothingwillturnyoufromyourpath,eh?”askedPoirot.
“Oh,Idon’tsaythat.Nouseinbeingpigheadedoverthings.Ifyou’vemadeamistake,admitit.”
“ButIimaginethatyoudonotoftenmakeamistake,MajorDespard.”
“Weallmakemistakes,M.Poirot.”
“Someofus,”saidPoirotwithacertaincoldness,possiblyduetothepronountheotherhadused,“makelessthanothers.”
Despardlookedathim,smiledslightlyandsaid:
“Don’tyoueverhaveafailure,M.Poirot?”
“Thelasttimewastwenty-eightyearsago,”saidPoirotwithdignity.“Andeventhen,therewerecircumstances—butnomatter.”
“Thatseemsaprettygoodrecord,”saidDespard.
Headded:“WhataboutShaitana’sdeath?Thatdoesn’tcount,Isuppose,sinceitisn’tofficiallyyourbusiness.”
“Itisnotmybusiness—no.But,allthesame,itoffendsmyamourpropre.Iconsideritanimpertinence,youcomprehend,foramurdertobecommittedundermyverynose—bysomeonewhomockshimselfatmyabilitytosolveit!”
“Notunderyournoseonly,”saidDesparddrily.“UnderthenoseoftheCriminalInvestigationDepartmentalso.”
“Thatwasprobablyabadmistake,”saidPoirotgravely.“ThegoodSuperintendentBattle,hemaylookwooden,butheisnotwoodeninthehead—notatall.”
“Iagree,”saidDespard.“Thatstolidityisapose.He’saverycleverandableofficer.”
“AndIthinkheisveryactiveinthecase.”
“Oh,he’sactiveenough.Seeanicequietsoldierly-lookingfellowononeofthebackseats?”
Poirotlookedoverhisshoulder.
“Thereisnooneherenowbutourselves.”
“Oh,well,he’sinside,then.Heneverlosesme.Veryefficientfellow.Varieshisappearance,too,fromtimetotime.Quiteartisticaboutit.”
“Ah,butthatwouldnotdeceiveyou.Youhavetheveryquickandaccurateeye.”
“Ineverforgetaface—evenablackone—andthat’salotmorethanmostpeoplecansay.”
“YouarejustthepersonIneed,”saidPoirot.“Whatachance,meetingyoutoday!Ineedsomeonewithagoodeyeandagoodmemory.Malheureusementthetwoseldomgotogether.IhaveaskedtheDr.Robertsaquestion,withoutresult,andthesamewithMadameLorrimer.Now,IwilltryyouandseeifIgetwhatIwant.CastyourmindbacktotheroominwhichyouplayedcardsatMr.Shaitana’s,andtellmewhatyourememberofit.”
Despardlookedpuzzled.
“Idon’tquiteunderstand.”
“Givemeadescriptionoftheroom—thefurnishings—theobjectsinit.”
“Idon’tknowthatI’mmuchofahandatthatsortofthing,”saidDespardslowly.“Itwasarottensortofroom—tomymind.Notaman’sroomatall.Alotofbrocadeandsilkandstuff.SortofroomafellowlikeShaitanawouldhave.”
“Buttoparticularize—”
Despardshookhishead.
“AfraidIdidn’tnotice…He’dgotsomegoodrugs.TwoBokharasandthreeorfourreallygoodPersianones,includingaHamadanandaTabriz.Ratheragoodelandhead—no,thatwasinthehall.FromRowlandWard’s,Iexpect.”
“YoudonotthinkthatthelateMr.Shaitanawasonetogooutandshootwildbeasts?”
“Nothe.Neverpottedanythingbutsittinggame,I’llbet.Whatelsewasthere?I’msorrytofailyou,butIreallycan’thelpmuch.Anyamountofknickknackslyingabout.Tableswerethickwiththem.OnlythingInoticedwasaratherjollyidol.EasterIsland,Ishouldsay.Highlypolishedwood.Youdon’tseemanyofthem.TherewassomeMalaystuff,too.No,I’mafraidIcan’thelpyou.”
“Nomatter,”saidPoirot,lookingslightlycrestfallen.
Hewenton:
“Doyouknow,Mrs.Lorrimer,shehasthemostamazingcardmemory!Shecouldtellmethebiddingandplayofnearlyeveryhand.Itwasastonishing.”
Despardshruggedhisshoulders.
“Somewomenarelikethat.Becausetheyplayprettywellalldaylong,Isuppose.”
“Youcouldnotdoit,eh?”
Theothershookhishead.
“Ijustrememberacoupleofhands.OnewhereIcouldhavegotgameindiamonds—andRobertsbluffedmeoutofit.Wentdownhimself,butwedidn’tdoublehim,worseluck.Irememberanotrumper,too.Trickybusiness—everycardwrong.Wewentdownacouple—luckynottohavegonedownmore.”
“Doyouplaymuchbridge,MajorDespard?”
“No,I’mnotaregularplayer.It’sagoodgame,though.”
“Youpreferittopoker?”
“Idopersonally.Poker’stoomuchofagamble.”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:
“IdonotthinkMr.Shaitanaplayedanygame—anycardgame,thatis.”
“There’sonlyonegamethatShaitanaplayedconsistently,”saidDespardgrimly.
“Andthat?”
“Alow-downgame.”
Poirotwassilentforaminute,thenhesaid:
“Isitthatyouknowthat?Ordoyoujustthinkit?”
Despardwentbrickred.
“Meaningoneoughtn’ttosaythingswithoutgivingchapterandverse?Isupposethat’strue.Well,it’saccurateenough.Ihappentoknow.Ontheotherhand,I’mnotpreparedtogivechapterandverse.SuchinformationasI’vegotcametomeprivately.”
“Meaningawomanorwomenareconcerned?”
“Yes.Shaitana,likethedirtydoghewas,preferredtodealwithwomen.”
“Youthinkhewasablackmailer?Thatisinteresting.”
Despardshookhishead.
“No,no,you’vemisunderstoodme.Inaway,Shaitanawasablackmailer,butnotthecommonorgardensort.Hewasn’taftermoney.Hewasaspiritualblackmailer,iftherecanbesuchathing.”
“Andhegotoutofit—what?”
“Hegotakickoutofit.That’stheonlywayIcanputit.Hegotathrilloutofseeingpeoplequailandflinch.Isupposeitmadehimfeellessofalouseandmoreofaman.Andit’saveryeffectiveposewithwomen.He’donlygottohintthathekneweverything—andthey’dstarttellinghimalotofthingsthatperhapshedidn’tknow.Thatwouldticklehissenseofhumour.Thenhe’dstrutaboutinhisMephistophelianattitudeof‘Iknoweverything!IamthegreatShaitana!’Themanwasanape!”
“SoyouthinkthathefrightenedMissMerediththatway,”saidPoirotslowly
“MissMeredith?”Despardstared.“Iwasn’tthinkingofher.Sheisn’tthekindtobeafraidofamanlikeShaitana.”
“Pardon.YoumeantMrs.Lorrimer.”
“No,no,no.Youmisunderstandme.Iwasspeakinggenerally.Itwouldn’tbeeasytofrightenMrs.Lorrimer.Andshe’snotthekindofwomanwhoyoucanimaginehavingaguiltysecret.No,Iwasnotthinkingofanyoneinparticular.”
“Itwasthegeneralmethodtowhichyoureferred?”
“Exactly.”
“Thereisnodoubt,”saidPoirotslowly,“thatwhatyoucallaDagooftenhasaverycleverunderstandingofwomen.Heknowshowtoapproachthem.Hewormssecretsoutofthem—”
Hepaused.
Despardbrokeinimpatiently:
“It’sabsurd.Themanwasamountebank—nothingreallydangerousabouthim.Andyetwomenwereafraidofhim.Ridiculouslyso.”
Hestartedupsuddenly.
“Hallo,I’veovershotthemark.Gottoointerestedinwhatwewerediscussing.Good-bye,M.Poirot.Lookdownandyou’llseemyfaithfulshadowleavethebuswhenIdo.”
Hehurriedtothebackanddownthesteps.Theconductor’sbelljangled.Butadoublepullsoundedbeforeithadtimetostop.
Lookingdowntothestreetbelow,PoirotnoticedDespardstridingbackalongthepavement.Hedidnottroubletopickoutthefollowingfigure.Somethingelsewasinterestinghim.
“Nooneinparticular,”hemurmuredtohimself.“Now,Iwonder.”
Sixteen
THEEVIDENCEOFELSIEBATT
SergeantO’ConnorwasunkindlynicknamedbyhiscolleaguesattheYard:“TheMaidservant’sPrayer.”
Therewasnodoubtthathewasanextremelyhandsomeman.Tall,erect,broad-shouldered,itwaslesstheregularityofhisfeaturesthantheroguishanddaredevilsparkinhiseyewhichmadehimsoirresistibletothefairsex.ItwasindubitablethatSergeantO’Connorgotresults,andgotthemquickly.
Sorapidwashe,thatonlyfourdaysafterthemurderofMr.Shaitana,SergeantO’Connorwassittinginthethree-and-sixpennyseatsattheWillyNillyRevuesidebysidewithMissElsieBatt,lateparlourmaidtoMrs.Craddockof117NorthAudleyStreet.
Havinglaidhislineofapproachcarefully,SergeantO’Connorwasjustlaunchingthegreatoffensive.
“—Remindsme,”hewassaying,“ofthewayoneofmyoldgovernorsusedtocarryon.NameofCraddock.Hewasanoldcuss,ifyoulike.”
“Craddock,”saidElsie.“IwaswithsomeCraddocksonce.”
“Well,that’sfunny.Wonderwhethertheywerethesame?”
“LivedinNorthAudleyStreet,theydid,”saidElsie.
“MylotweregoingtoLondonwhenIleftthem,”saidO’Connorpromptly.“Yes,IbelieveitwasNorthAudleyStreet.Mrs.Craddockwasratheraoneforthegents.”
Elsietossedherhead.
“I’dnopatiencewithher.Alwaysfindingfaultandgrumbling.Nothingyoudidright.”
“Herhusbandgotsomeofit,too,didn’the?”
“Shewasalwayscomplainingheneglectedher—thathedidn’tunderstandher.Andshewasalwayssayinghowbadherhealthwasandgaspingandgroaning.Notillatall,ifyouaskme.”
O’Connorslappedhisknee.
“Gotit.Wasn’ttheresomethingaboutherandsomedoctor?Abittoothickorsomething?”
“YoumeanDr.Roberts?Hewasanicegentleman,hewas.”
“Yougirls,you’reallalike,”saidSergeantO’Connor.“Themomentaman’sabadlot,allthegirlsstickupforhim.Iknowhiskind.”
“No,youdon’t,andyou’reallwrongabouthim.Therewasn’tanythingofthatkindabouthim.Wasn’thisfault,wasit,ifMrs.Craddockwasalwayssendingforhim?What’sadoctortodo?Ifyouaskme,hedidn’tthinknothingofheratall,exceptasapatient.Itwasallherdoing.Wouldn’tleavehimalone,shewouldn’t.”
“That’sallverywell,Elsie.Don’tmindmecallingyouElsie,doyou?FeelasthoughI’dknownyouallmylife.”
“Well,youhaven’t!Elsie,indeed.”
Shetossedherhead.
“Oh,verywell,MissBatt.”Hegaveheraglance.“AsIwassaying,that’sallverywell,butthehusband,hecutuprough,allthesame,didn’the?”
“Hewasabitrattyoneday,”admittedElsie.“But,ifyouaskme,hewasillatthetime.Hediedjustafter,youknow.”
“Iremember—diedofsomethingqueer,didn’the?”
“SomethingJapanese,itwas—allfromanewshavingbrush,he’dgot.Seemsawful,doesn’tit,thatthey’renotmorecareful?I’venotfanciedanythingJapanesesince.”
“BuyBritish,that’smymotto,”saidSergeantO’Connorsententiously.“Andyouweresayingheandthedoctorhadarow?”
Elsienodded,enjoyingherselfassherelivedpastscandals.
“Hammerandtongs,theywentatit,”shesaid.“Atleast,themasterdid.Dr.Robertswaseversoquiet.Justsaid,‘Nonsense.’And,‘Whathaveyougotintoyourhead?’”
“Thiswasatthehouse,Isuppose?”
“Yes.She’dsentforhim.Andthensheandthemasterhadwords,andinthemiddleofitDr.Robertsarrived,andthemasterwentforhim.”
“Whatdidhesayexactly?”
“Well,ofcourse,Iwasn’tsupposedtohear.ItwasallintheMissus’sbedroom.Ithoughtsomethingwasup,soIgotthedustpananddidthestairs.Iwasn’tgoingtomissanything.”
SergeantO’Connorheartilyconcurredinthissentiment,reflectinghowfortunateitwasthatElsiewasbeingapproachedunofficially.OninterrogationbySergeantO’ConnorofthePolice,shewouldhavevirtuouslyprotestedthatshehadnotoverheardanythingatall.
“AsIsay,”wentonElsie,“Dr.Roberts,hewasveryquiet—themasterwasdoingalltheshouting.”
“Whatwashesaying?”askedO’Connor,forthesecondtimeapproachingthevitalpoint.
“Abusingofhimproper,”saidElsiewithrelish.
“Howdoyoumean?”
Wouldthegirlnevercometoactualwordsandphrases?
“Well,Idon’tunderstandalotofit,”admittedElsie.“Therewerealotoflongwords,‘unprofessionalconduct,’and‘takingadvantage,’andthingslikethat—andIheardhimsayhe’dgetDr.Robertsstruckoffthe—MedicalRegister,woulditbe?Somethinglikethat.”
“That’sright,”saidO’Connor.“ComplaintotheMedicalCouncil.”
“Yes,hesaidsomethinglikethat.AndtheMissuswasgoingoninsortofhysterics,saying‘Younevercaredforme.Youneglectedme.Youleftmealone.’AndIheardhersaythatDr.Robertshadbeenanangelofgoodnesstoher.
“Andthenthedoctor,hecamethroughintothedressingroomwiththemasterandshutthedoorofthebedroom—andhesaidquiteplain:
“‘Mygoodman,don’tyourealizeyourwife’shysterical?Shedoesn’tknowwhatshe’ssaying.Totellyouthetruth,it’sbeenaverydifficultandtryingcase,andI’dhavethrownituplongagoifI’dthoughtitwascon—con—somelongword;oh,yes,consistent—thatwasit—consistentwithmyduty.’That’swhathesaid.Hesaidsomethingaboutnotoversteppingaboundary,too—somethingbetweendoctorandpatient.Hegotthemasterquietenedabit,andthenhesaid:
“‘You’llbelateattheoffice,youknow.You’dbetterbeoff.Justthinkthingsoverquietly.Ithinkyou’llrealizethatthewholebusinessisamare’snest.I’lljustwashmyhandsherebeforeIgoontomynextcase.Now,youthinkitover,mydearfellow.Icanassureyouthatthewholethingarisesoutofyourwife’sdisorderedimagination.’
“Andthemaster,hesaid,‘Idon’tknowwhattothink.’
“Andhecomeout—and,ofcourse,Iwasbrushinghard—butheneverevennoticedme.Ithoughtafterwardshelookedill.Thedoctor,hewaswhistlingquitecheerilyandwashinghishandsinthedressingroom,wheretherewashotandcoldlaidon.Andpresentlyhecameout,withhisbag,andhespoketomeverynicelyandcheerily,ashealwaysdid,andhewentdownthestairs,quitecheerfulandgayandhisusualself.Soyousee,I’mquitesureashehadn’tdoneanythingwrong.Itwasallher.”
“AndthenCraddockgotthisanthrax?”
“Yes,Ithinkhe’dgotitalready.Themistress,shenursedhimverydevoted,buthedied.Lovelywreathstherewasatthefuneral.”
“Andafterwards?DidDr.Robertscometothehouseagain?”
“No,hedidn’t,Nosey!You’vegotsomegrudgeagainsthim.Itellyoutherewasnothinginit.Iftherewerehe’dhavemarriedherwhenthemasterwasdead,wouldn’the?Andheneverdid.Nosuchfool.He’dtakenhermeasureallright.Sheusedtoringhimup,though,butsomehowhewasneverin.Andthenshesoldthehouse,andweallgotournotices,andshewentabroadtoEgypt.”
“Andyoudidn’tseeDr.Robertsinallthattime?”
“No.Shedid,becauseshewenttohimtohavethis—whatdoyoucallit?—’noculationagainstthetyphoidfever.Shecamebackwithherarmeversosorewithit.Ifyouaskme,hemadeitcleartoherthenthattherewasnothingdoing.Shedidn’tringhimupnomore,andshewentoffverycheerfulwithalovelylotofnewclothes—alllightcolours,althoughitwasthemiddleofwinter,butshesaiditwouldbeallsunshineandhotoutthere.”
“That’sright,”saidSergeantO’Connor.“It’stoohotsometimes,I’veheard.Shediedoutthere.Youknowthat,Isuppose?”
“No,indeedIdidn’t.Well,fancythat!ShemayhavebeenworsethanIthought,poorsoul.”
Sheaddedwithasigh:
“Iwonderwhattheydidwithallthatlovelylotofclothes.They’reblacksoutthere,sotheycouldn’twearthem.”
“You’dhavelookedatreatinthem,Iexpect,”saidSergeantO’Connor.
“Impudence,”saidElsie.
“Well,youwon’thavemyimpudencemuchlonger,”saidSergeantO’Connor.“I’vegottogoawayonbusinessformyfirm.”
“Yougoingforlong?”
“Maybegoingabroad,”saidtheSergeant.
Elsie’sfacefell.
ThoughunacquaintedwithLordByron’sfamouspoem,“Ineverlovedadeargazelle,”etc.,itssentimentswereatthatmomenthers.Shethoughttoherself:
“Funnyhowallthereallyattractiveonesnevercometoanything.Oh,well,there’salwaysFred.”
Whichisgratifying,sinceitshowsthatthesuddenincursionofSergeantO’ConnorintoElsie’slifedidnotaffectitpermanently.“Fred”mayevenhavebeenthegainer!
Seventeen
THEEVIDENCEOFRHODADAWES
RhodaDawescameoutofDebenham’sandstoodmeditativelyuponthepavement.Indecisionwaswrittenalloverherface.Itwasanexpressiveface;eachfleetingemotionshoweditselfinaquicklyvaryingexpression.
QuiteplainlyatthismomentRhoda’sfacesaid:“ShallIorshan’tI?I’dliketo…ButperhapsI’dbetternot….”
Thecommissionairesaid,“Taxi,Miss?”toherhopefully.
Rhodashookherhead.
Astoutwomancarryingparcelswithaneager“shoppingearlyforChristmas”expressiononherface,cannonedintoherseverely,butstillRhodastoodstock-still,tryingtomakeuphermind.
Chaoticoddsandendsofthoughtsflashedthroughhermind.
“Afterall,whyshouldn’tI?Sheaskedmeto—butperhapsit’sjustathingshesaystoeveryone…Shedoesn’tmeanittobetakenseriously…Well,afterall,Annedidn’twantme.Shemadeitquiteclearshe’drathergowithMajorDespardtothesolicitormanalone…Andwhyshouldn’tshe?Imean,threeisacrowd…Anditisn’treallyanybusinessofmine…Itisn’tasthoughIparticularlywantedtoseeMajorDespard…Heisnice,though…IthinkhemusthavefallenforAnne.Mendon’ttakealotoftroubleunlesstheyhave…Imean,it’sneverjustkindness….”
AmessengerboybumpedintoRhodaandsaid,“Begpardon,Miss,”inareproachfultone.
“Oh,dear,”thoughtRhoda.“Ican’tgoonstandinghereallday.JustbecauseI’msuchanidiotthatIcan’tmakeupmymind…Ithinkthatcoatandskirt’sgoingtobeawfullynice.Iwonderifbrownwouldhavebeenmoreusefulthangreen?No,Idon’tthinkso.Well,comeon,shallIgoorshan’tI?Halfpastthree,it’squiteagoodtime—Imean,itdoesn’tlookasthoughI’mcadgingamealoranything.Imightjustgoandlook,anyway.”
Sheplungedacrosstheroad,turnedtotheright,andthentotheleft,upHarleyStreet,finallypausingbytheblockofflatsalwaysairilydescribedbyMrs.Oliveras“allamongthenursinghomes.”
“Well,shecan’teatme,”thoughtRhoda,andplungedboldlyintothebuilding.
Mrs.Oliver’sflatwasonthetopfloor.Auniformedattendantwhiskedherupinaliftanddecantedheronasmartnewmatoutsideabrightgreendoor.
“Thisisawful,”thoughtRhoda.“Worsethandentists.Imustgothroughwithitnow,though.”
Pinkwithembarrassment,shepushedthebell.
Thedoorwasopenedbyanelderlymaid.
“Is—couldI—isMrs.Oliverathome?”askedRhoda.
Themaiddrewback,Rhodaentered,shewasshownintoaveryuntidydrawingroom.Themaidsaid:
“WhatnameshallIsay,please?”
“Oh—eh—MissDawes—MissRhodaDawes.”
Themaidwithdrew.AfterwhatseemedtoRhodaaboutahundredyears,butwasreallyexactlyaminuteandforty-fiveseconds,themaidreturned.
“Willyoustepthisway,Miss?”
Pinkerthanever,Rhodafollowedher.Alongapassage,roundacorner,adoorwasopened.NervouslysheenteredintowhatseemedatfirsttoherstartledeyestobeanAfricanforest!
Birds—massesofbirds,parrots,macaws,birdsunknowntoornithology,twinedthemselvesinandoutofwhatseemedtobeaprimevalforest.Inthemiddleofthisriotofbirdandvegetablelife,Rhodaperceivedabatteredkitchentablewithatypewriteronit,massesoftypescriptlitteredalloverthefloorandMrs.Oliver,herhairinwildconfusion,risingfromasomewhatrickety-lookingchair.
“Mydear,hownicetoseeyou,”saidMrs.Oliver,holdingoutacarbon-stainedhandandtryingwithherotherhandtosmoothherhair,aquiteimpossibleproceeding.
Apaperbag,touchedbyherelbow,fellfromthedesk,andapplesrolledenergeticallyalloverthefloor.
“Nevermind,mydear,don’tbother,someonewillpickthemupsometime.”
Ratherbreathless,Rhodarosefromastoopingpositionwithfiveapplesinhergrasp.
“Oh,thankyou—no,Ishouldn’tputthembackinthebag.Ithinkit’sgotaholeinit.Putthemonthemantelpiece.That’sright.Now,then,sitdownandlet’stalk.”
Rhodaacceptedasecondbatteredchairandfocussedhereyesonherhostess.
“Isay,I’mterriblysorry.AmIinterrupting,oranything?”sheaskedbreathlessly.
“Well,youareandyouaren’t,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Iamworking,asyousee.ButthatdreadfulFinnofminehasgothimselfterriblytangledup.HedidsomeawfullycleverdeductionwithadishofFrenchbeans,andnowhe’sjustdetecteddeadlypoisoninthesageandonionstuffingoftheMichaelmasgoose,andI’vejustrememberedthatFrenchbeansareoverbyMichaelmas.”
Thrilledbythispeepintotheinnerworldofcreativedetectivefiction,Rhodasaidbreathlessly,“Theymightbetinned.”
“Theymight,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Oliverdoubtfully.“Butitwouldratherspoilthepoint.I’malwaysgettingtangledupinhorticultureandthingslikethat.PeoplewritetomeandsayI’vegotthewrongflowersallouttogether.Asthoughitmattered—andanyway,theyareallouttogetherinaLondonshop.”
“Ofcourseitdoesn’tmatter,”saidRhodaloyally.“Oh,Mrs.Oliver,itmustbemarvelloustowrite.”
Mrs.Oliverrubbedherforeheadwithacarbonnyfingerandsaid:
“Why?”
“Oh,”saidRhoda,alittletakenaback.“Becauseitmust.Itmustbewonderfuljusttositdownandwriteoffawholebook.”
“Itdoesn’thappenexactlylikethat,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Oneactuallyhastothink,youknow.Andthinkingisalwaysabore.Andyouhavetoplanthings.Andthenonegetsstuckeverynowandthen,andyoufeelyou’llnevergetoutofthemess—butyoudo!Writing’snotparticularlyenjoyable.It’shardworklikeeverythingelse.”
“Itdoesn’tseemlikework,”saidRhoda.
“Nottoyou,”saidMrs.Oliver,“becauseyoudon’thavetodoit!Itfeelsverylikeworktome.SomedaysIcanonlykeepgoingbyrepeatingoverandovertomyselftheamountofmoneyImightgetformynextserialrights.Thatspursyouon,youknow.Sodoesyourbankbookwhenyouseehowmuchoverdrawnyouare.”
“Ineverimaginedyouactuallytypedyourbooksyourself,”saidRhoda.“Ithoughtyou’dhaveasecretary.”
“Ididhaveasecretary,andIusedtotryanddictatetoher,butshewassocompetentthatitusedtodepressme.IfeltsheknewsomuchmoreaboutEnglishandgrammarandfullstopsandsemicolonsthanIdid,thatitgavemeakindofinferioritycomplex.ThenItriedhavingathoroughlyincompetentsecretary,but,ofcourse,thatdidn’tanswerverywell,either.”
“Itmustbesowonderfultobeabletothinkofthings,”saidRhoda.
“Icanalwaysthinkofthings,”saidMrs.Oliverhappily.“Whatissotiringiswritingthemdown.IalwaysthinkI’vefinished,andthenwhenIcountupIfindI’veonlywrittenthirtythousandwordsinsteadofsixtythousand,andsothenIhavetothrowinanothermurderandgettheheroinekidnappedagain.It’sallveryboring.”
Rhodadidnotanswer.ShewasstaringatMrs.Oliverwiththereverencefeltbyyouthforcelebrity—slightlytingedbydisappointment.
“Doyoulikethewallpaper?”askedMrs.Oliverwavinganairyhand.“I’mfrightfullyfondofbirds.Thefoliageissupposedtobetropical.Itmakesmefeelit’sahotday,evenwhenit’sfreezing.Ican’tdoanythingunlessIfeelvery,verywarm.ButSvenHjersonbreakstheiceonhisbatheverymorning!”
“Ithinkit’sallmarvellous,”saidRhoda.“Andit’sawfullyniceofyoutosayI’mnotinterruptingyou.”
“We’llhavesomecoffeeandtoast,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Veryblackcoffeeandveryhottoast.Icanalwayseatthatanytime.”
Shewenttothedoor,openeditandshouted.Thenshereturnedandsaid:
“Whatbringsyoutotown—shopping?”
“Yes,I’vebeendoingsomeshopping.”
“IsMissMeredithup,too?”
“Yes,she’sgonewithMajorDespardtoasolicitor.”
“Solicitor,eh?”
Mrs.Oliver’seyebrowsroseinquiringly.
“Yes.Yousee,MajorDespardtoldhersheoughttohaveone.He’sbeenawfullykind—hereallyhas.”
“Iwaskind,too,”saidMrs.Oliver,“butitdidn’tseemtogodownverywell,didit?Infact,Ithinkyourfriendratherresentedmycoming.”
“Oh,shedidn’t—reallyshedidn’t.”Rhodawriggledonherchairinaparoxysmofembarrassment.“That’sreallyonereasonwhyIwantedtocometoday—toexplain.Yousee,Isawyouhadgotitallwrong.Shedidseemveryungracious,butitwasn’tthat,really.Imean,itwasn’tyourcoming.Itwassomethingyousaid.”
“SomethingIsaid?”
“Yes.Youcouldn’ttell,ofcourse.Itwasjustunfortunate.”
“WhatdidIsay?”
“Idon’texpectyouremember,even.Itwasjustthewayyouputit.Yousaidsomethingaboutanaccidentandpoison.”
“DidI?”
“Iknewyou’dprobablynotremember.Yes.Yousee,Annehadaghastlyexperienceonce.Shewasinahousewhereawomantooksomepoison—hatpaint,Ithinkitwas—bymistakeforsomethingelse.Andshedied.And,ofcourse,itwasanawfulshocktoAnne.Shecan’tbearthinkingofitorspeakingofit.Andyoursayingthatremindedher,ofcourse,andshedriedupandgotallstiffandqueerlikeshedoes.AndIsawyounoticedit.AndIcouldn’tsayanythinginfrontofher.ButIdidwantyoutoknowthatitwasn’twhatyouthought.Shewasn’tungrateful.”
Mrs.OliverlookedatRhoda’sflushedeagerface.Shesaidslowly:
“Isee.”
“Anne’sawfullysensitive,”saidRhoda.“Andshe’sbadabout—well,facingthings.Ifanything’supsether,she’djustrathernottalkaboutit,althoughthatisn’tanygood,really—atleast,Idon’tthinkso.Thingsaretherejustthesame—whetheryoutalkaboutthemornot.It’sonlyrunningawayfromthemtopretendtheydon’texist.I’dratherhaveitallout,howeverpainfulitwouldbe.”
“Ah,”saidMrs.Oliverquietly.“Butyou,mydear,areasoldier.YourAnneisn’t.”
Rhodaflushed.
“Anne’sadarling.”
Mrs.Oliversmiled.
Shesaid,“Ididn’tsayshewasn’t.Ionlysaidshehadn’tgotyourparticularbrandofcourage.”
Shesighed,thensaidratherunexpectedlytothegirl:
“Doyoubelieveinthevalueoftruth,mydear,ordon’tyou?”
“OfcourseIbelieveinthetruth,”saidRhodastaring.
“Yes,yousaythat—butperhapsyouhaven’tthoughtaboutit.Thetruthhurtssometimes—anddestroysone’sillusions.”
“I’dratherhaveit,allthesame,”saidRhoda.
“SowouldI.ButIdon’tknowthatwe’rewise.”
Rhodasaidearnestly:
“Don’ttellAnne,willyou,whatI’vetoldyou?Shewouldn’tlikeit.”
“Icertainlyshouldn’tdreamofdoinganysuchthing.Wasthislongago?
“Aboutfouryearsago.It’sodd,isn’tit,howthesamethingshappenagainandagaintopeople.Ihadanauntwhowasalwaysinshipwrecks.Andhere’sAnnemixedupintwosuddendeaths—only,ofcourse,thisoneismuchworse.Murder’sratherawful,isn’tit?”
“Yes,itis.”
Theblackcoffeeandthehotbutteredtoastappearedatthisminute.
Rhodaateanddrankwithchildishgusto.Itwasveryexcitingtoherthustobesharinganintimatemealwithacelebrity.
Whentheyhadfinishedsheroseandsaid:
“IdohopeIhaven’tinterruptedyoutooterribly.Wouldyoumind—Imean,woulditbotheryouawfully—ifIsentoneofyourbookstoyou,wouldyousignitforme?”
Mrs.Oliverlaughed.
“Oh,Icandobetterthanthatforyou.”Sheopenedacupboardatthefarendoftheroom.“Whichwouldyoulike?IratherfancyTheAffairoftheSecondGoldfishmyself.It’snotquitesuchfrightfultripeastherest.”
Alittleshockedathearinganauthoressthusdescribethechildrenofherpen,Rhodaacceptedeagerly.Mrs.Olivertookthebook,openedit,inscribedhernamewithasuperlativeflourishandhandedittoRhoda.
“Thereyouare.”
“Thankyouverymuch.Ihaveenjoyedmyself.Sureyoudidn’tmindmycoming?”
“Iwantedyouto,”saidMrs.Oliver.
Sheaddedafteramoment’spause:
“You’reanicechild.Good-bye.Takecareofyourself,mydear.”
“Now,whydidIsaythat?”shemurmuredtoherselfasthedoorclosedbehindherguest.
Sheshookherhead,ruffledherhair,andreturnedtothemasterlydealingsofSvenHjersonwiththesageandonionstuffing.
Eighteen
TEAINTERLUDE
Mrs.LorrimercameoutofacertaindoorinHarleyStreet.
Shestoodforaminuteatthetopofthesteps,andthenshedescendedthemslowly.
Therewasacuriousexpressiononherface—aminglingofgrimdeterminationandofstrangeindecision.Shebentherbrowsalittle,asthoughtoconcentrateonsomeall-absorbingproblem.
ItwasjustthenthatshecaughtsightofAnneMeredithontheoppositepavement.
Annewasstandingstaringupatabigblockofflatsjustonthecorner.
Mrs.Lorrimerhesitatedamoment,thenshecrossedtheroad.
“Howdoyoudo,MissMeredith?”
Annestartedandturned.
“Oh,howdoyoudo?”
“StillinLondon?”saidMrs.Lorrimer
“No.I’veonlycomeupfortheday.Todosomelegalbusiness.”
Hereyeswerestillstrayingtothebigblockofflats.
Mrs.Lorrimersaid:
“Isanythingthematter?”
Annestartedguiltily.
“Thematter?Oh,no,whatshouldbethematter?”
“Youwerelookingasthoughyouhadsomethingonyourmind.”
“Ihaven’t—well,atleastIhave,butit’snothingimportant,somethingquitesilly.”Shelaughedalittle.
Shewenton:
“It’sonlythatIthoughtIsawmyfriend—thegirlIlivewith—gointhere,andIwonderedifshe’dgonetoseeMrs.Oliver.”
“IsthatwhereMrs.Oliverlives?Ididn’tknow.”
“Yes.Shecametoseeustheotherdayandshegaveusheraddressandaskedustocomeandseeher.IwonderedifitwasRhodaIsawornot.”
“Doyouwanttogoupandsee?”
“No,I’drathernotdothat.”
“Comeandhaveteawithme,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.“ThereisashopquitenearherethatIknow.”
“It’sverykindofyou,”saidAnne,hesitating.
Sidebysidetheywalkeddownthestreetandturnedintoasidestreet.Inasmallpastrycook’stheywereservedwithteaandmuffins.
Theydidnottalkmuch.Eachofthemseemedtofindtheother’ssilencerestful.
Anneaskedsuddenly:
“HasMrs.Oliverbeentoseeyou?”
Mrs.Lorrimershookherhead.
“NoonehasbeentoseemeexceptM.Poirot.”
“Ididn’tmean—”beganAnne.
“Didn’tyou?Ithinkyoudid,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.
Thegirllookedup—aquick,frightenedglance.SomethingshesawinMrs.Lorrimer’sfaceseemedtoreassureher.
“Hehasn’tbeentoseeme,”shesaidslowly.
Therewasapause.
“Hasn’tSuperintendentBattlebeentoseeyou?”askedAnne.
“Oh,yes,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.
Annesaidhesitatingly:
“Whatsortofthingsdidheaskyou?”
Mrs.Lorrimersighedwearily.
“Theusualthings,Isuppose.Routineinquiries.Hewasverypleasantoveritall.”
“Isupposeheinterviewedeveryone?”
“Ishouldthinkso.”
Therewasanotherpause.
Annesaid:
“Mrs.Lorrimer,doyouthink—theywilleverfindoutwhodidit?”
Hereyeswerebentonherplate.Shedidnotseethecuriousexpressionintheolderwoman’seyesasshewatchedthedowncasthead.
Mrs.Lorrimersaidquietly:
“Idon’tknow….”
Annemurmured:
“It’snot—verynice,isit?”
TherewasthatsamecuriousappraisingandyetsympatheticlookonMrs.Lorrimer’sface,assheasked:
“Howoldareyou,AnneMeredith?”
“I—I?”thegirlstammered.“I’mtwenty-five.”
“AndI’msixty-three,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.
Shewentonslowly:
“Mostofyourlifeisinfrontofyou….”
Anneshivered.
“Imightberunoverbyabusonthewayhome,”shesaid.
“Yes,that’strue.AndI—mightnot.”
Shesaiditinanoddway.Annelookedatherinastonishment.
“Lifeisadifficultbusiness,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.“You’llknowthatwhenyoucometomyage.Itneedsinfinitecourageandalotofendurance.Andintheendonewonders:‘Wasitworthwhile?’”
“Oh,don’t,”saidAnne.
Mrs.Lorrimerlaughed,heroldcompetentselfagain.
“It’srathercheaptosaygloomythingsaboutlife,”shesaid.
Shecalledthewaitressandsettledthebill.
Astheygottotheshopdoorataxicrawledpast,andMrs.Lorrimerhailedit.
“CanIgiveyoualift?”sheasked.“Iamgoingsouthofthepark.”
Anne’sfacehadlightedup.
“No,thankyou.Iseemyfriendturningthecorner.Thankyousomuch,Mrs.Lorrimer.Good-bye.”
“Good-bye.Goodluck,”saidtheolderwoman.
ShedroveawayandAnnehurriedforward
Rhoda’sfacelitupwhenshesawherfriend,thenchangedtoaslightlyguiltyexpression.
“Rhoda,haveyoubeentoseeMrs.Oliver?”demandedAnne.
“Well,asamatteroffact,Ihave.”
“AndIjustcaughtyou.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumeanbycaught.Let’sgodownhereandtakeabus.You’dgoneoffonyourownployswiththeboyfriend.Ithoughtatleasthe’dgiveyoutea.”
Annewassilentforaminute—avoiceringinginherears.
“Can’twepickupyourfriendsomewhereandallhaveteatogether?”
Andherownanswer—hurried,withouttakingtimetothink:
“Thanksawfully,butwe’vegottogoouttoteatogetherwithsomepeople.”
Alie—andsuchasillylie.Thestupidwayonesaidthefirstthingthatcameintoone’sheadinsteadofjusttakingaminuteortwotothink.Perfectlyeasytohavesaid“Thanks,butmyfriendhasgottogoouttotea.”Thatis,ifyoudidn’t,asshehadn’t,wantedtohaveRhodatoo.
Ratherodd,that,thewayshehadn’twantedRhoda.Shehadwanted,definitely,tokeepDespardtoherself.Shehadfeltjealous.JealousofRhoda.Rhodawassobright,soreadytotalk,sofullofenthusiasmandlife.TheothereveningMajorDespardhadlookedasthoughhethoughtRhodanice.Butitwasher,AnneMeredith,hehadcomedowntosee.Rhodawaslikethat.Shedidn’tmeanit,butshereducedyoutothebackground.No,definitelyshehadn’twantedRhodathere.
Butshehadmanageditverystupidly,gettingflurriedlikethat.Ifshe’dmanagedbetter,shemightbesittingnowhavingteawithMajorDespardathiscluborsomewhere.
ShefeltdefinitelyannoyedwithRhoda.Rhodawasanuisance.AndwhathadshebeendoinggoingtoseeMrs.Oliver?
Outloudshesaid:
“WhydidyougoandseeMrs.Oliver?”
“Well,sheaskedusto.”
“Yes,butIdidn’tsupposeshereallymeantit.Iexpectshealwayshastosaythat.”
“Shedidmeanit.Shewasawfullynice—couldn’thavebeennicer.Shegavemeoneofherbooks.Look.”
Rhodaflourishedherprize.
Annesaidsuspiciously:
“Whatdidyoutalkabout?Notme?”
“Listentotheconceitofthegirl!”
“No,butdidyou?Didyoutalkaboutthe—themurder?”
“Wetalkedabouthermurders.She’swritingonewherethere’spoisoninthesageandonions.Shewasfrightfullyhuman—andsaidwritingwasawfullyhardworkandhowshegotintotangleswithplots,andwehadblackcoffeeandhotbutteredtoast,”finishedRhodainatriumphantburst.
Thensheadded:
“Oh,Anne,youwantyourtea.”
“No,Idon’t.I’vehadit.WithMrs.Lorrimer.”
“Mrs.Lorrimer?Isn’tthattheone—theonewhowasthere?”
Annenodded.
“Wheredidyoucomeacrossher?Didyougoandseeher?”
“No.IranacrossherinHarleyStreet.”
“Whatwasshelike?”
Annesaidslowly:
“Idon’tknow.Shewas—ratherqueer.Notatallliketheothernight.”
“Doyoustillthinkshedidit?”askedRhoda.
Annewassilentforaminuteortwo.Thenshesaid:
“Idon’tknow.Don’tlet’stalkofit,Rhoda!YouknowhowIhatetalkingofthings.”
“Allright,darling.Whatwasthesolicitorlike?Verydryandlegal?”
“RatheralertandJewish.”
“Soundsallright.”Shewaitedalittleandthensaid:
“HowwasMajorDespard?”
“Verykind.”
“He’sfallenforyou,Anne.I’msurehehas.”
“Rhoda,don’ttalknonsense.”
“Well,you’llsee.”
Rhodabeganhummingtoherself.Shethought:
“Ofcoursehe’sfallenforher.Anne’sawfullypretty.Butabitwishy-washy…She’llnevergoontrekswithhim.Why,she’dscreamifshesawasnake…Menalwaysdotakefanciestounsuitablewomen.”
Thenshesaidaloud.
“ThatbuswilltakeustoPaddington.We’lljustcatchthe4:48.”
Nineteen
CONSULTATION
ThetelephoneranginPoirot’sroomandarespectfulvoicespoke.
“SergeantO’Connor.SuperintendentBattle’scomplimentsandwoulditbeconvenientforMr.HerculePoirottocometoScotlandYardat11:30?”
PoirotrepliedintheaffirmativeandSergeantO’Connorrangoff.
Itwas11:30totheminutewhenPoirotdescendedfromhistaxiatthedoorofNewScotlandYard—tobeatonceseizeduponbyMrs.Oliver.
“M.Poirot.Howsplendid!Willyoucometomyrescue?”
“Enchanté,madame.WhatcanIdo?”
“Paymytaxiforme.Idon’tknowhowithappenedbutIbroughtoutthebagIkeepmygoing-abroadmoneyinandthemansimplywon’ttakefrancsorlirasormarks!”
Poirotgallantlyproducedsomeloosechange,andheandMrs.Oliverwentinsidethebuildingtogether.
TheyweretakentoSuperintendentBattle’sownroom.Thesuperintendentwassittingbehindatableandlookingmorewoodenthanever.“Justlikealittlepieceofmodernsculpture,”whisperedMrs.OlivertoPoirot.
Battleroseandshookhandswiththembothandtheysatdown.
“Ithoughtitwasabouttimeforalittlemeeting,”saidBattle.“You’dliketohearhowI’vegoton,andI’dliketohearhowyou’vegoton.We’rejustwaitingforColonelRaceandthen—”
Butatthatmomentthedooropenedandthecolonelappeared.
“SorryI’mlate,Battle.Howdoyoudo,Mrs.Oliver.Hallo,M.Poirot.VerysorryifI’vekeptyouwaiting.ButI’mofftomorrowandhadalotofthingstoseeto.”
“Whereareyougoingto?”askedMrs.Oliver.
“Alittleshootingtrip—Baluchistanway.”
Poirotsaid,smilingironically:
“Alittletrouble,istherenot,inthatpartoftheworld?Youwillhavetobecareful.”
“Imeantobe,”saidRacegravely—buthiseyestwinkled.
“Gotanythingforus,sir?”askedBattle.
“I’vegotyouyourinformationreDespard.Hereitis—”
Hepushedoverasheafofpapers.
“There’samassofdatesandplacesthere.Mostofitquiteirrelevant,Ishouldimagine.Nothingagainsthim.He’sastoutfellow.Recordquiteunblemished.Strictdisciplinarian.Likedandtrustedbythenativeseverywhere.OneoftheircumbrousnamesforhiminAfrica,wheretheygoinforsuchthings,is‘Themanwhokeepshismouthshutandjudgesfairly.’GeneralopinionofthewhiteracesthatDespardisaPukkaSahib.Fineshot.Coolhead.Generallylong-sightedanddependable.”
Unmovedbythiseulogy,Battleasked:
“Anysuddendeathsconnectedwithhim?”
“Ilaidspecialstressonthatpoint.There’sonefinerescuetohiscredit.Palofhiswasbeingmauledbyalion.”
Battlesighed.
“It’snotrescuesIwant.”
“You’reapersistentfellow,Battle.There’sonlyoneincidentI’vebeenabletorakeupthatmightsuityourbook.TripintotheinteriorinSouthAmerica.DespardaccompaniedProfessorLuxmore,thecelebratedbotanist,andhiswife.TheprofessordiedoffeverandwasburiedsomewhereuptheAmazon.”
“Fever—eh?”
“Fever.ButI’llplayfairwithyou.Oneofthenativebearers(whowassackedforstealing,incidentally)hadastorythattheprofessordidn’tdieoffever,butwasshot.Therumourwasnevertakenseriously.”
“Abouttimeitwas,perhaps.”
Raceshookhishead.
“I’vegivenyouthefacts.Youaskedforthemandyou’reentitledtothem,butI’dlaylongoddsagainstitsbeingDespardwhodidthedirtyworktheotherevening.He’sawhiteman,Battle.”
“Incapableofmurder,youmean?”
ColonelRacehesitated.
“IncapableofwhatI’dcallmurder—yes,”hesaid.
“Butnotincapableofkillingamanforwhatwouldseemtohimgoodandsufficientreasons,isthatit?”
“Ifso,theywouldbegoodandsufficientreasons!”
Battleshookhishead.
“Youcan’thavehumanbeingsjudgingotherhumanbeingsandtakingthelawintotheirownhands.”
“Ithappens,Battle—ithappens.”
“Itshouldn’thappen—that’smypoint.Whatdoyousay,M.Poirot?”
“Iagreewithyou,Battle.Ihavealwaysdisapprovedofmurder.”
“Whatadelightfullydrollwayofputtingit,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Ratherasthoughitwerefoxhuntingorkillingospreysforhats.Don’tyouthinktherearepeoplewhooughttobemurdered?”
“That,verypossibly.”
“Wellthen!”
“Youdonotcomprehend.Itisnotthevictimwhoconcernsmesomuch.Itistheeffectonthecharacteroftheslayer.”
“Whataboutwar?”
“Inwaryoudonotexercisetherightofprivatejudgement.Thatiswhatissodangerous.Onceamanisimbuedwiththeideathatheknowswhooughttobeallowedtoliveandwhooughtnot—thenheishalfwaytobecomingthemostdangerouskillerthereis—thearrogantcriminalwhokillsnotforprofit—butforanidea.HehasusurpedthefunctionsoflebonDieu.”
ColonelRacerose:
“I’msorryIcan’tstopwithyou.Toomuchtodo.I’dliketoseetheendofthisbusiness.Shouldn’tbesurprisedifthereneverwasanend.Evenifyoufindoutwhodidit,it’sgoingtobenexttoimpossibletoprove.I’vegivenyouthefactsyouwanted,butinmyopinionDespard’snottheman.Idon’tbelievehe’severcommittedmurder.ShaitanamayhaveheardsomegarbledrumourofProfessorLuxmore’sdeath,butIdon’tbelievethere’smoretoitthanthat.Despard’sawhiteman,andIdon’tbelievehe’severbeenamurderer.That’smyopinion.AndIknowsomethingofmen.”
“What’sMrs.Luxmorelike?”askedBattle.
“ShelivesinLondon,soyoucanseeforyourself.You’llfindtheaddressamongthosepapers.SomewhereinSouthKensington.ButIrepeat,Despardisn’ttheman.”
ColonelRacelefttheroom,steppingwiththespringynoiselesstreadofahunter.
Battlenoddedhisheadthoughtfullyasthedoorclosedbehindhim.
“He’sprobablyright,”hesaid.“Heknowsmen,ColonelRacedoes.Butallthesame,onecan’ttakeanythingforgranted.”
HelookedthroughthemassofdocumentsRacehaddepositedonthetable,occasionallymakingapencilnoteonthepadbesidehim.
“Well,SuperintendentBattle,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Aren’tyougoingtotelluswhatyouhavebeendoing?”
Helookedupandsmiled,aslowsmilethatcreasedhiswoodenfacefromsidetoside.
“Thisisallveryirregular,Mrs.Oliver.Ihopeyourealizethat.”
“Nonsense,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Idon’tsupposeforamomentyou’lltellusanythingyoudon’twantto.”
Battleshookhishead.
“No,”hesaiddecidedly.“Cardsonthetable.That’sthemottoforthisbusiness.Imeantoplayfair.”
Mrs.Oliverhitchedherchairnearer.
“Tellus,”shebegged.
SuperintendentBattlesaidslowly:
“Firstofall,I’llsaythis.AsfarastheactualmurderofMr.Shaitanagoes,I’mnotapennythewiser.There’snohintorclueofanykindtobefoundinhispapers.Asforthefourothers,I’vehadthemshadowed,naturally,butwithoutanytangibleresult.No,asM.Poirotsaid,there’sonlyonehope—thepast.Findoutwhatcrimeexactly(ifany,thatistosay—afterall,ShaitanamayhavebeentalkingthroughhishattomakeanimpressiononM.Poirot)thesepeoplehavecommitted—anditmaytellyouwhocommittedthiscrime.”
“Well,haveyoufoundoutanything?”
“I’vegotalineononeofthem.”
“Which?”
“Dr.Roberts.”
Mrs.Oliverlookedathimwiththrilledexpectation.“AsM.Poirothereknows,Itriedoutallkindsoftheories.Iestablishedthefactprettyclearlythatnoneofhisimmediatefamilyhadmetwithasuddendeath.I’veexploredeveryalleyaswellasIcould,andthewholethingboilsdowntoonepossibility—andratheranoutsidepossibilityatthat.AfewyearsagoRobertsmusthavebeenguiltyofindiscretion,atleast,withoneofhisladypatients.Theremayhavebeennothinginit—probablywasn’t.Butthewomanwasthehysterical,emotionalkindwholikestomakeascene,andeitherthehusbandgotwindofwhatwasgoingon,orhiswife‘confessed.’Anyway,thefatwasinthefireasfarasthedoctorwasconcerned.EnragedhusbandthreateningtoreporthimtotheGeneralMedicalCouncil—whichwouldprobablyhavemeanttheruinofhisprofessionalcareer.”
“Whathappened?”demandedMrs.Oliverbreathlessly.
“ApparentlyRobertsmanagedtocalmdowntheirategentlemantemporarily—andhediedofanthraxalmostimmediatelyafterwards.”
“Anthrax?Butthat’sacattledisease?”
Thesuperintendentgrinned.
“Quiteright,Mrs.Oliver.Itisn’ttheuntraceablearrowpoisonoftheSouthAmericanIndians!Youmayrememberthattherewasratherascareaboutinfectedshavingbrushesofcheapmakeaboutthattime.Craddock’sshavingbrushwasprovedtohavebeenthecauseofinfection.”
“DidDr.Robertsattendhim?”
“Oh,no.Toocannyforthat.DaresayCraddockwouldn’thavewantedhiminanycase.TheonlyevidenceI’vegot—andthat’spreciouslittle—isthatamongthedoctor’spatientstherewasacaseofanthraxatthetime.”
“Youmeanthedoctorinfectedtheshavingbrush?”
“That’sthebigidea.Andmindyou,it’sonlyanidea.Nothingwhatevertogoon.Pureconjecture.Butitcouldbe.”
“Hedidn’tmarryMrs.Craddockafterwards?”
“Oh,dearme,no,Iimaginetheaffectionwasalwaysonthelady’sside.Shetendedtocutuprough,Ihear,butsuddenlywentofftoEgyptquitehappilyforthewinter.Shediedthere.Acaseofsomeobscurebloodpoisoning.It’sgotalongname,butIdon’texpectitwouldconveymuchtoyou.Mostuncommoninthiscountry,fairlycommonamongthenativesinEgypt.”
“Sothedoctorcouldn’thavepoisonedher?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidBattleslowly.“I’vebeenchattingtoabacteriologistfriendofmine—awfullydifficulttogetstraightanswersoutofthesepeople.Theynevercansayyesorno.It’salways‘thatmightbepossibleundercertainconditions’—‘itwoulddependonthepathologicalconditionoftherecipient’—‘suchcaseshavebeenknown’—‘alotdependsonindividualidiosyncrasy’—allthatsortofstuff.ButasfarasIcouldpinmyfrienddownIgotatthis—thegerm,orgerms,Isuppose,mighthavebeenintroducedintothebloodbeforeleavingEngland.Thesymptomswouldnotmaketheirappearanceforsometimetocome.”
Poirotasked:
“WasMrs.CraddockinoculatedfortyphoidbeforegoingtoEgypt?Mostpeopleare,Ifancy.”
“Goodforyou,M.Poirot.”
“AndDr.Robertsdidtheinoculation?”
“That’sright.Thereyouareagain—wecan’tproveanything.Shehadtheusualtwoinoculations—andtheymayhavebeentyphoidinoculationsforallweknow.Oroneofthemmayhavebeentyphoidinoculationandtheother—somethingelse.Wedon’tknow.Wenevershallknow.Thewholethingispurehypothesis.Allwecansayis:itmightbe.”
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.
“ItagreesverywellwithsomeremarksmadetomebyMr.Shaitana.Hewasexaltingthesuccessfulmurderer—themanagainstwhomhiscrimecouldneverbebroughthome.”
“HowdidMr.Shaitanaknowaboutit,then?”askedMrs.Oliver.
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Thatweshallneverlearn.HehimselfwasinEgyptatonetime.Weknowthat,becausehemetMrs.Lorrimerthere.HemayhaveheardsomelocaldoctorcommentoncuriousfeaturesofMrs.Craddock’scase—awonderastohowtheinfectionarose.AtsomeothertimehemayhaveheardgossipaboutRobertsandMrs.Craddock.Hemighthaveamusedhimselfbymakingsomecrypticremarktothedoctorandnotedthestartledawarenessinhiseye—allthatonecanneverknow.Somepeoplehaveanuncannygiftofdiviningsecrets.Mr.Shaitanawasoneofthosepeople.Allthatdoesnotconcernus.Wehaveonlytosay—heguessed.Didheguessright?”
“Well,Ithinkhedid,”saidBattle.“I’veafeelingthatourcheerful,genialdoctorwouldn’tbetooscrupulous.I’veknownoneortwolikehim—wonderfulhowcertaintypesresembleeachother.Inmyopinionhe’sakillerallright.HekilledCraddock.HemayhavekilledMrs.CraddockifshewasbeginningtobeanuisanceandcauseascandalButdidhekillShaitana?That’stherealquestion.Andcomparingthecrimes,Iratherdoubtit.InthecaseoftheCraddocksheusedmedicalmethodseachtime.Thedeathsappearedtobeduetonaturalcauses.InmyopinionifhehadkilledShaitana,hewouldhavedonesoinamedicalway.He’dhaveusedthegermandnottheknife.”
“Ineverthoughtitwashim,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Notforaminute.He’stooobvious,somehow.”
“ExitRoberts,”murmuredPoirot.“Andtheothers?”
Battlemadeagestureofimpatience.
“I’veprettywelldrawnblank.Mrs.Lorrimer’sbeenawidowfortwentyyearsnow.She’slivedinLondonmostofthetime,occasionallygoingabroadinthewinter.Civilizedplaces—theRiviera,Egypt,thatsortofthing.Can’tfindanymysteriousdeathassociatedwithher.Sheseemstohaveledaperfectlynormal,respectablelife—thelifeofawomanoftheworld.Everyoneseemstorespectherandtohavethehighestopinionofhercharacter.Theworstthattheycansayaboutheristhatshedoesn’tsufferfoolsgladly!Idon’tmindadmittingI’vebeenbeatenallalongthelinethere.Andyettheremustbesomething!Shaitanathoughttherewas.”
Hesighedinadispiritedmanner.
“Thenthere’sMissMeredith.I’vegotherhistorytapedoutquiteclearly.Usualsortofstory.Armyofficer’sdaughter.Leftwithverylittlemoney.Hadtoearnherliving.Notproperlytrainedforanything.I’vecheckeduponherearlydaysatCheltenham.Allquitestraightforward.Everyoneverysorryforthepoorlittlething.ShewentfirsttosomepeopleintheIsleofWight—kindofnursery-governessandmother’shelp.ThewomanshewaswithisoutinPalestinebutI’vetalkedwithhersisterandshesaysMrs.Eldonlikedthegirlverymuch.Certainlynomysteriousdeathsnoranythingofthatkind.
“WhenMrs.Eldonwentabroad,MissMeredithwenttoDevonshireandtookapostascompaniontoanauntofaschoolfriend.Theschoolfriendisthegirlsheislivingwithnow—MissRhodaDawes.ShewasthereovertwoyearsuntilMissDawesgottooillandshehadtohavearegulartrainednurse.Cancer,Igather.She’salivestill,butveryvague
“Sincethenthere’sbeenSwitzerland.ThoughtImightgetonthetrackofsomefatalaccidentthere,butnothingdoing.Andthere’snothinginWallingfordeither.”
“SoAnneMeredithisacquitted?”askedPoirot.
Battlehesitated.
“Iwouldn’tsaythat.There’ssomething…There’sascaredlookaboutherthatcan’tquitebeaccountedforbypanicoverShaitana.She’stoowatchful.Toomuchonthealert.I’dsweartherewassomething.Butthereitis—she’sledaperfectlyblamelesslife.”
Mrs.Olivertookadeepbreath—abreathofpureenjoyment.
“Andyet,”shesaid,“AnneMeredithwasinthehousewhenawomantookpoisonbymistakeanddied.”
Shehadnothingtocomplainofintheeffectherwordsproduced.
SuperintendentBattlespunroundinhischairandstaredatherinamazement.
“Isthistrue,Mrs.Oliver?Howdoyouknow?”
“I’vebeensleuthing,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Igetonwithgirls.Iwentdowntoseethosetwoandtoldthemacock-and-bullstoryaboutsuspectingDr.Roberts.TheRhodagirlwasfriendly—oh,andratherimpressedbythinkingIwasacelebrity.ThelittleMeredithhatedmycomingandshoweditquiteplainly.Shewassuspicious.Whyshouldshebeifshehadn’tgotanythingtohide?IaskedeitherofthemtocomeandseemeinLondon.TheRhodagirldid.Andsheblurtedthewholethingout.HowAnnehadbeenrudetometheotherdaybecausesomethingI’dsaidhadremindedherofapainfulincident,andthenshewentontodescribetheincident.”
“Didshesaywhenandwhereithappened?”
“ThreeyearsagoinDevonshire.”
Thesuperintendentmutteredsomethingunderhisbreathandscribbledonhispad.Hiswoodencalmwasshaken.
Mrs.Oliversatenjoyinghertriumph.Itwasamomentofgreatsweetnesstoher.
“Itakeoffmyhattoyou,Mrs.Oliver,”hesaid.“You’veputoneoveronusthistime.Thatisveryvaluableinformation.Anditjustshowshoweasilyyoucanmissathing.”
Hefrownedalittle.
“Shecan’thavebeenthere—whereveritwas—long.Acoupleofmonthsatmost.ItmusthavebeenbetweentheIsleofWightandgoingtoMissDawes.Yes,thatcouldbeitrightenough.NaturallyMrs.Eldon’ssisteronlyremembersshewentofftoaplaceinDevonshire—shedoesn’trememberexactlywhoorwhere.”
“Tellme,”saidPoirot,“wasthisMrs.Eldonanuntidywoman?”
Battlebentacuriousgazeuponhim.
“It’soddyoursayingthat,M.Poirot.Idon’tseehowyoucouldhaveknown.Thesisterwasratherapreciseparty.IntalkingIrememberhersaying‘Mysisterissodreadfullyuntidyandslapdash.’Buthowdidyouknow?”
“Becausesheneededamother’shelp,”saidMrs.Oliver.
Poirotshookhishead.
“No,no,itwasnotthat.Itisofnomoment.Iwasonlycurious.Continue,SuperintendentBattle.”
“Inthesameway,”wentonBattle,“ItookitforgrantedthatshewenttoMissDawesstraightfromtheIsleofWight.She’ssly,thatgirl.Shedeceivedmeallright.Lyingthewholetime.”
“Lyingisnotalwaysasignofguilt,”saidPoirot.
“Iknowthat,M.Poirot.There’sthenaturalliar.Ishouldsayshewasone,asamatteroffact.Alwayssaysthethingthatsoundsbest.Butallthesameit’saprettygraverisktotake,suppressingfactslikethat.”
“Shewouldn’tknowyouhadanyideaofpastcrimes,”saidMrs.Oliver.
“That’sallthemorereasonfornotsuppressingthatlittlepieceofinformation.Itmusthavebeenacceptedasabonafidecaseofaccidentaldeath,soshe’dnothingtofear—unlessshewereguilty.”
“UnlessshewereguiltyoftheDevonshiredeath,yes,”saidPoirot.
Battleturnedtohim.
“Oh,Iknow.Evenifthataccidentaldeathturnsouttobenotsoaccidental,itdoesn’tfollowthatshekilledShaitana.Buttheseothermurdersaremurderstoo.Iwanttobeabletobringhomeacrimetothepersonresponsibleforit.”
“AccordingtoMr.Shaitana,thatisimpossible,”remarkedPoirot.
“ItisinRoberts’case.ItremainstobeseenifitisinMissMeredith’s.IshallgodowntoDevontomorrow.”
“Willyouknowwheretogo?”askedMrs.Oliver.“Ididn’tliketoaskRhodaformoredetails.”
“No,thatwaswiseofyou.Ishan’thavemuchdifficulty.Theremusthavebeenaninquest.Ishallfinditinthecoroner’srecords.That’sroutinepolicework.They’llhaveitalltapedoutformebytomorrowmorning.”
“WhataboutMajorDespard?”askedMrs.Oliver.“Haveyoufoundoutanythingabouthim?”
“I’vebeenwaitingforColonelRace’sreport.I’vehadhimshadowed,ofcourse.Oneratherinterestingthing,hewentdowntoseeMissMeredithatWallingford.Yourememberhesaidhe’dnevermetheruntiltheothernight.”
“Butsheisaveryprettygirl,”murmuredPoirot.
Battlelaughed.
“Yes,Iexpectthat’sallthereistoit.Bytheway,Despard’stakingnochances.He’salreadyconsultedasolicitor.Thatlooksasthoughhe’sexpectingtrouble.”
“Heisamanwholooksahead,”saidPoirot.“Heisamanwhopreparesforeverycontingency.”
“Andthereforenotthekindofmantostickaknifeintoamaninahurry,”saidBattlewithasigh.
“Notunlessitwastheonlyway,”saidPoirot.“Hecanactquickly,remember.”
Battlelookedacrossthetableathim.
“Now,M.Poirot,whataboutyourcards?Haven’tseenyourhanddownonthetableyet.”
Poirotsmiled.
“Thereissolittleinit.YouthinkIconcealfactsfromyou?Itisnotso.Ihavenotlearnedmanyfacts.IhavetalkedwithDr.Roberts,withMrs.Lorrimer,withMajorDespard(IhavestilltotalktoMissMeredith)andwhathaveIlearnt?This!ThatDr.Robertsisakeenobserver,thatMrs.Lorrimerontheotherhandhasamostremarkablepowerofconcentrationbutis,inconsequence,almostblindtohersurroundings.Butsheisfondofflowers.Despardnoticesonlythosethingswhichappealtohim—rugs,trophiesofsport.HehasneitherwhatIcalltheoutwardvision(seeingdetailsallaroundyou—whatiscalledanobservantperson)northeinnervision—concentration,thefocusingofthemindononeobject.Hehasapurposefullylimitedvision.Heseesonlywhatblendsandharmonizeswiththebentofhismind.”
“Sothosearewhatyoucallfacts—eh?”saidBattlecuriously.
“Theyarefacts—verysmallfry—perhaps.”
“WhataboutMissMeredith?”
“Ihavelefthertotheend.ButIshallquestionhertooastowhatsheremembersinthatroom.”
“It’sanoddmethodofapproach,”saidBattlethoughtfully.“Purelypsychological.Supposethey’releadingyouupthegardenpath?”
Poirotshookhisheadwithasmile.
“No,thatwouldbeimpossible.Whethertheytrytohinderortohelp,theynecessarilyrevealtheirtypeofmind.”
“There’ssomethinginit,nodoubt,”saidBattlethoughtfully.“Icouldn’tworkthatwaymyself,though.”
Poirotsaid,stillsmiling:
“IfeelIhavedoneverylittleincomparisonwithyouandwithMrs.Oliver—andwithColonelRace.Mycards,thatIplaceonthetable,areverylowones.”
Battletwinkledathim.
“Astothat,M.Poirot,thetwooftrumpsisalowcardbutitcantakeanyoneofthreeaces.Allthesame,I’mgoingtoaskyoutodoapracticaljobofwork.”
“Andthatis?”
“IwantyoutointerviewProfessorLuxmore’swidow.”
“Whydoyounotdothatyourself?”
“Because,asIsaidjustnow,I’mofftoDevonshire.”
“Whydoyounotdothatyourself?”repeatedPoirot.
“Won’tbeputoff,willyou?Well,I’llspeakthetruth.Ithinkyou’llgetmoreoutofherthanIshall.”
“Mymethodsbeinglessstraightforward?”
“Youcanputitthatwayifyoulike,”saidBattlegrinning.“I’veheardInspectorJappsaythatyou’vegotatortuousmind.”
“LikethelateMr.Shaitana?”
“Youthinkhewouldhavebeenabletogetthingsoutofher?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Iratherthinkhedidgetthingsoutofher!”
“Whatmakesyouthinkso?”askedBattlesharply.
“AchanceremarkofMajorDespard’s.”
“Gavehimselfaway,didhe?Thatsoundsunlikehim.”
“Oh,mydearfriend,itisimpossiblenottogiveoneselfaway—unlessoneneveropensone’smouth!Speechisthedeadliestofrevealers.”
“Evenifpeopletelllies?”askedMrs.Oliver.
“Yes,madame,becauseitcanbeseenatoncethatyoutellacertainkindoflie.”
“Youmakemefeelquiteuncomfortable,”saidMrs.Oliver,gettingup.
SuperintendentBattleaccompaniedhertothedoorandshookherbythehand.
“You’vebeenthegoods,Mrs.Oliver,”hesaid.“You’reamuchbetterdetectivethanthatlonglankyLaplanderofyours.”
“Finn,”correctedMrs.Oliver.“Ofcoursehe’sidiotic.Butpeoplelikehim.Good-bye.”
“I,too,mustdepart,”saidPoirot.
BattlescribbledanaddressonapieceofpaperandshoveditintoPoirot’shand.
“Thereyouare.Goandtackleher.”
Poirotsmiled.
“Andwhatdoyouwantmetofindout?”
“ThetruthaboutProfessorLuxmore’sdeath.”
“MoncherBattle!Doesanybodyknowthetruthaboutanything?”
“I’mgoingtoaboutthisbusinessinDevonshire,”saidthesuperintendentwithdecision.
Poirotmurmured:
“Iwonder.”
Twenty
THEEVIDENCEOFMRS.LUXMORE
ThemaidwhoopenedthedooratMrs.Luxmore’sSouthKensingtonaddresslookedatHerculePoirotwithdeepdisapproval.Sheshowednodispositiontoadmithimintothehouse.
Unperturbed,Poirotgaveheracard.
“Givethattoyourmistress.Ithinkshewillseeme.”
Itwasoneofhismoreostentatiouscards.Thewords“PrivateDetective”wereprintedinonecorner.Hehadhadthemspeciallyengravedforthepurposeofobtaininginterviewswiththeso-calledfairsex.Nearlyeverywoman,whetherconsciousofinnocenceornot,wasanxioustohavealookataprivatedetectiveandfindoutwhathewanted.
Leftignominiouslyonthemat,Poirotstudiedthedoorknockerwithintensedisgustatitsunpolishedcondition.
“Ah!forsomeBrassoandarag,”hemurmuredtohimself.
BreathingexcitedlythemaidreturnedandPoirotwasbiddentoenter.
Hewasshownintoaroomonthefirstfloor—aratherdarkroomsmellingofstaleflowersandunemptiedashtrays.Therewerelargequantitiesofsilkcushionsofexoticcoloursallinneedofcleaning.Thewallswereemeraldgreenandtheceilingwasofpseudocopper.
Atall,ratherhandsomewomanwasstandingbythemantelpiece.Shecameforwardandspokeinadeephuskyvoice.
“M.HerculePoirot?”
Poirotbowed.Hismannerwasnotquitehisown.Hewasnotonlyforeignbutornatelyforeign.Hisgestureswerepositivelybaroque.Faintly,veryfaintly,itwasthemannerofthelateMr.Shaitana.
“Whatdidyouwanttoseemeabout?”
AgainPoirotbowed.
“IfImightbeseated?Itwilltakealittletime—”
Shewavedhimimpatientlytoachairandsatdownherselfontheedgeofasofa.
“Yes?Well?”
“Itis,madame,thatImaketheinquiries—theprivateinquiries,youunderstand?”
Themoredeliberatehisapproach,thegreaterhereagerness.
“Yes—yes?”
“ImakeinquiriesintothedeathofthelateProfessorLuxmore.”
Shegaveagasp.Herdismaywasevident
“Butwhy?Whatdoyoumean?Whathasitgottodowithyou?”
Poirotwatchedhercarefullybeforeproceeding.
“Thereis,youcomprehend,abookbeingwritten.Alifeofyoureminenthusband.Thewriter,naturally,isanxioustogetallhisfactsexact.Astoyourhusband’sdeath,forinstance—”
Shebrokeinatonce:
“Myhusbanddiedoffever—ontheAmazon.”
Poirotleanedbackinhischair.Slowly,very,veryslowly,heshookhisheadtoandfro—amaddening,monotonousmotion.
“Madame—madame—”heprotested.
“ButIknow!Iwasthereatthetime.”
“Ah,yes,certainly.Youwerethere.Yes,myinformationsaysso.”
Shecriedout:
“Whatinformation?”
EyeinghercloselyPoirotsaid:
“InformationsuppliedtomebythelateMr.Shaitana.”
Sheshrankbackasthoughflickedwithawhip.
“Shaitana?”shemuttered.
“Aman,”saidPoirot,“possessedofvaststoresofknowledge.Aremarkableman.Thatmanknewmanysecrets.”
“Isupposehedid,”shemurmured,passingatongueoverherdrylips.
Poirotleanedforward.Heachievedalittletaponherknee.
“Heknew,forinstance,thatyourhusbanddidnotdieoffever.”
Shestaredathim.Hereyeslookedwildanddesperate.
Heleanedbackandwatchedtheeffectofhiswords.
Shepulledherselftogetherwithaneffort.
“Idon’t—Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
Itwasveryunconvincinglysaid.
“Madame,”saidPoirot,“Iwillcomeoutintotheopen.Iwill,”hesmiled,“placemycardsuponthetable.Yourhusbanddidnotdieoffever.Hediedofabullet!”
“Oh!”shecried.
Shecoveredherfacewithherhands.Sherockedherselftoandfro.Shewasinterribledistress.Butsomewhere,insomeremotefibreofherbeing,shewasenjoyingherownemotions.Poirotwasquitesureofthat.
“Andtherefore,”saidPoirotinamatter-of-facttone,“youmightjustaswelltellmethewholestory.”
Sheuncoveredherfaceandsaid:
“Itwasn’tintheleastwayyouthink.”
AgainPoirotleanedforward—againhetappedherknee.
“Youmisunderstandme—youmisunderstandmeutterly,”hesaid.“Iknowverywellthatitwasnotyouwhoshothim.ItwasMajorDespard.Butyouwerethecause.”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow.IsupposeIwas.Itwasalltooterrible.Thereisasortoffatalitythatpursuesme.”
“Ah,howtruethatis,”criedPoirot.“HowoftenhaveInotseenit?Therearesomewomenlikethat.Wherevertheygo,tragediesfollowintheirwake.Itisnottheirfault.Thesethingshappeninspiteofthemselves.”
Mrs.Luxmoredrewadeepbreath.
“Youunderstand.Iseeyouunderstand.Itallhappenedsonaturally.”
“Youtravelledtogetherintotheinterior,didyounot?”
“Yes.Myhusbandwaswritingabookonvariousrareplants.MajorDespardwasintroducedtousasamanwhoknewtheconditionsandwouldarrangethenecessaryexpedition.Myhusbandlikedhimverymuch.Westarted.”
Therewasapause.Poirotallowedittocontinueforaboutaminuteandahalfandthenmurmuredasthoughtohimself
“Yes,onecanpictureit.Thewindingriver—thetropicalnight—thehumoftheinsects—thestrongsoldierlyman—thebeautifulwoman….”
Mrs.Luxmoresighed.
“Myhusbandwas,ofcourse,yearsolderthanIwas.ImarriedasamerechildbeforeIknewwhatIwasdoing….”
Poirotshookhisheadsadly.
“Iknow.Iknow.Howoftendoesthatnotoccur?”
“Neitherofuswouldadmitwhatwashappening,”wentonMrs.Luxmore.“JohnDespardneversaidanything.Hewasthesoulofhonour.”
“Butawomanalwaysknows,”promptedPoirot.
“Howrightyouare…Yes,awomanknows…ButInevershowedhimthatIknew.WewereMajorDespardandMrs.Luxmoretoeachotherrightuptotheend…Wewerebothdeterminedtoplaythegame.”
Shewassilent,lostinadmirationofthatnobleattitude.
“True,”murmuredPoirot.“Onemustplaythecricket.Asoneofyourpoetssofinelysays,‘Icouldnotlovethee,dear,somuch,lovedInotcricketmore.’”
“Honour,”correctedMrs.Luxmorewithaslightfrown.
“Ofcourse—ofcourse—honour.‘LovedInothonourmore.’”
“Thosewordsmighthavebeenwrittenforus,”murmuredMrs.Luxmore.“Nomatterwhatitcostus,wewerebothdeterminednevertosaythefatalword.Andthen—”
“Andthen—”promptedPoirot.
“Thatghastlynight.”Mrs.Luxmoreshuddered.
“Yes?”
“Isupposetheymusthavequarrelled—JohnandTimothy,Imean.Icameoutofmytent…Icameoutofmytent….”
“Yes—yes?”
Mrs.Luxmore’seyeswerewideanddark.Shewasseeingthesceneasthoughitwerebeingrepeatedinfrontofher.
“Icameoutofmytent,”sherepeated.“JohnandTimothywere—Oh!”sheshuddered.“Ican’trememberitallclearly.Icamebetweenthem…Isaid‘No—no,itisn’ttrue!’Timothywouldn’tlisten.HewasthreateningJohn.Johnhadtofire—inself-defence.Ah!”shegaveacryandcoveredherfacewithherhands.“Hewasdead—stonedead—shotthroughtheheart.”
“Aterriblemomentforyou,madame.”
“Ishallneverforgetit.Johnwasnoble.Hewasallforgivinghimselfup.Irefusedtohearofit.Wearguedallnight.‘Formysake,’Ikeptsaying.Hesawthatintheend.Naturallyhecouldn’tletmesuffer.Theawfulpublicity.Thinkoftheheadlines.TwoMenandaWomanintheJungle.PrimevalPassions
“IputitalltoJohn.Intheendhegavein.Theboyshadseenandheardnothing.Timothyhadbeenhavingaboutoffever.Wesaidhehaddiedofit.WeburiedhimtherebesidetheAmazon.”
Adeep,torturedsighshookherform.
“Andthen—backtocivilization—andtopartforever.”
“Wasitnecessary,madame?”
“Yes,yes.TimothydeadstoodbetweenusjustasTimothyalivehaddone—moreso.Wesaidgood-byetoeachother—forever.ImeetJohnDespardsometimes—outintheworld.Wesmile,wespeakpolitely—noonewouldeverguessthattherewasanythingbetweenus.ButIseeinhiseyes—andheinmine—thatwewillneverforget….”
Therewasalongpause.Poirotpaidtributetothecurtainbynotbreakingthesilence.
Mrs.Luxmoretookoutavanitycaseandpowderedhernose—thespellwasbroken.
“Whatatragedy,”saidPoirot,butinamoreeverydaytone.
“Youcansee,M.Poirot,”saidMrs.Luxmoreearnestly,“thatthetruthmustneverbetold.”
“Itwouldbepainful—”
“Itwouldbeimpossible.Thisfriend,thiswriter—surelyhewouldnotwishtoblightthelifeofaperfectlyinnocentwoman?”
“Oreventohangaperfectlyinnocentman?”murmuredPoirot.
“Youseeitlikethat?Iamglad.Hewasinnocent.Acrimepassionnelisnotreallyacrime.Andinanycaseitwasself-defence.Hehadtoshoot.Soyoudounderstand,M.Poirot,thattheworldmustcontinuetothinkTimothydiedoffever?”
Poirotmurmured.
“Writersaresometimescuriouslycallous.”
“Yourfriendisawoman-hater?Hewantstomakeussuffer?Butyoumustnotallowthat.Ishallnotallowit.IfnecessaryIshalltaketheblameonmyself.IshallsayIshotTimothy.
Shehadrisentoherfeet.Herheadwasthrownback.
Poirotalsorose.
“Madame,”hesaidashetookherhand,“suchsplendidself-sacrificeisunnecessary.Iwilldomybestsothatthetruefactsshallneverbeknown.”
AsweetwomanlysmilestoleoverMrs.Luxmore’sface.Sheraisedherhandslightly,sothatPoirot,whetherhehadmeanttodosoornot,wasforcedtokissit.
“Anunhappywomanthanksyou,M.Poirot,”shesaid.
Itwasthelastwordofapersecutedqueentoafavouredcourtier—clearlyanexitline.Poirotdulymadehisexit.
Onceoutinthestreet,hedrewalongbreathoffreshair.
Twenty-one
MAJORDESPARD
“Quellefemme,”murmuredHerculePoirot.“CepauvreDespard!Cequ’ilad?souffrir!Quelvoyageépouvantable!”
Suddenlyhebegantolaugh.
HewasnowwalkingalongtheBromptonRoad.Hepaused,tookouthiswatch,andmadeacalculation.
“Butyes,Ihavethetime.Inanycasetowaitwilldohimnoharm.Icannowattendtotheotherlittlematter.WhatwasitthatmyfriendintheEnglishpoliceforceusedtosing—howmanyyears—fortyyearsago?‘Alittlepieceofsugarforthebird.’”
Hummingalong-forgottentune,HerculePoirotenteredasumptuous-lookingshopmainlydevotedtotheclothingandgeneralembellishmentofwomenandmadehiswaytothestockingcounter.
Selectingasympathetic-lookingandnottoohaughtydamselhemadeknownhisrequirements.
“Silkstockings?Oh,yes,wehaveaverynicelinehere.Guaranteedpuresilk.”
Poirotwavedthemaway.Hewaxedeloquentoncemore.
“Frenchsilkstockings?Withtheduty,youknow,theyareveryexpensive.”
Afreshlotofboxeswasproduced.
“Verynice,mademoiselle,butIhadsomethingofafinertextureinmind.”
“Theseareahundredgauge.Ofcourse,wehavesomeextrafine,butI’mafraidtheycomeoutataboutthirty-fiveshillingsapair.Andnodurability,ofcourse.Justlikecobwebs.”
“C’est?a.C’est?a,exactement.”
Aprolongedabsenceoftheyoungladythistime.
Shereturnedatlast.
“I’mafraidtheyareactuallythirty-sevenandsixpenceapair.Butbeautiful,aren’tthey?”
Sheslidthemtenderlyfromagauzyenvelope—thefinest,gauziestwispsofstockings.
“Enfin—thatisitexactly!”
“Lovely,aren’tthey?Howmanypairs,sir?”
“Iwant—letmesee,nineteenpairs.”
Theyoungladyverynearlyfelldownbehindthecounter,butlongtraininginscornfulnessjustkepthererect.
“Therewouldbeareductionontwodozen,”shesaidfaintly.
“No,Iwantnineteenpairs.Ofslightlydifferentcolours,please.”
Thegirlsortedthemoutobediently,packedthemupandmadeoutthebill.
AsPoirotdepartedwithhispurchase,thenextgirlatthecountersaid:
“Wonderwhotheluckygirlis?Mustbeanastyoldman.Oh,well,sheseemstobestringinghimalonggoodandproper.Stockingsatthirty-sevenandsixpenceindeed!”
UnawareofthelowestimateformedbytheyoungladiesofMessrsHarveyRobinson’suponhischaracter,Poirotwastrottinghomewards.
Hehadbeeninforabouthalfanhourwhenheheardthedoorbellring.AfewminuteslaterMajorDespardenteredtheroom.
Hewasobviouslykeepinghistemperwithdifficulty.
“WhatthedevildidyouwanttogoandseeMrs.Luxmorefor?”heasked.
Poirotsmiled.
“Iwished,yousee,forthetruestoryofProfessorLuxmore’sdeath.”
“Truestory?Doyouthinkthatwoman’scapableoftellingthetruthaboutanything?”demandedDespardwrathfully.
“Ehbien,Ididwondernowandthen,”admittedPoirot.
“Ishouldthinkyoudid.Thatwoman’scrazy.”
Poirotdemurred.
“Notatall.Sheisaromanticwoman,thatisall.”
“Romanticbedamned.She’sanout-and-outliar.Isometimesthinksheevenbelievesherownlies.”
“Itisquitepossible.”
“She’sanappallingwoman.Ihadthehellofatimewithheroutthere.”
“ThatalsoIcanwellbelieve.”
Despardsatdownabruptly.
“Lookhere,M.Poirot,I’mgoingtotellyouthetruth.”
“Youmeanyouaregoingtogivemeyourversionofthestory?”
“Myversionwillbethetrueversion.”
Poirotdidnotreply.
Despardwentondrily:
“IquiterealizethatIcan’tclaimanymeritincomingoutwiththisnow.I’mtellingthetruthbecauseit’stheonlythingtobedoneatthisstage.Whetheryoubelievemeornotisuptoyou.I’venokindofproofthatmystoryisthecorrectone.”
Hepausedforaminuteandthenbegan.
“IarrangedthetripfortheLuxmores.Hewasaniceoldboyquitebattyaboutmossesandplantsandthings.Shewasa—well,shewaswhatyou’venodoubtobservedhertobe!Thattripwasanightmare.Ididn’tcareadamnforthewoman—ratherdislikedher,asamatteroffact.Shewastheintense,soulfulkindthatalwaysmakesmefeelpricklywithembarrassment.Everythingwentallrightforthefirstfortnight.Thenweallhadagooffever.SheandIhaditslightly.OldLuxmorewasprettybad.Onenight—nowyou’vegottolistentothiscarefully—Iwassittingoutsidemytent.SuddenlyIsawLuxmoreinthedistancestaggeringoffintothebushbytheriver.Hewasabsolutelydeliriousandquiteunconsciousofwhathewasdoing.Inanotherminutehewouldbeintheriver—andatthatparticularspotitwouldhavebeentheendofhim.Nochanceofarescue.Therewasn’ttimetorushafterhim—onlyonethingtobedone.Myriflewasbesidemeasusual.Isnatcheditup.I’maprettyaccurateshot.IwasquitesureIcouldbringtheoldboydown—gethimintheleg.Andthen,justasIfired,thatidioticfoolofawomanflungherselffromsomewhereuponme,yelpingout,‘Don’tshoot.ForGod’ssake,don’tshoot.’Shecaughtmyarmandjerkediteversoslightlyjustastheriflewentoff—withtheresultthatthebulletgothiminthebackandkilledhimdead!
“Icantellyouthatwasaprettyghastlymoment.Andthatdamnedfoolofawomanstilldidn’tunderstandwhatshe’ddone.Insteadofrealizingthatshe’dbeenresponsibleforherhusband’sdeath,shefirmlybelievedthatI’dbeentryingtoshoottheoldboyincoldblood—fortheloveofher,ifyouplease!Wehadthedevilofascene—sheinsistingthatweshouldsayhediedoffever.Iwassorryforher—especiallyasIsawshedidn’trealizewhatshe’ddone.Butshe’dhavetorealizeitifthetruthcameout!AndthenhercompletecertaintythatIwasheadoverheelsinlovewithhergavemeabitofajar.Itwasgoingtobeaprettykettleoffishifshewentaboutgivingthatout.IntheendIagreedtodowhatshewanted—partlyforthesakeofpeace,I’lladmit.Afterall,itdidn’tseemtomattermuch.Feveroraccident.AndIdidn’twanttodragawomanthroughalotofunpleasantness—evenifshewasadamnedfool.Igaveitoutnextdaythattheprofessorwasdeadoffeverandweburiedhim.Thebearersknewthetruth,ofcourse,buttheywerealldevotedtomeandIknewthatwhatIsaidthey’dsweartoifneedbe.WeburiedpooroldLuxmoreandgotbacktocivilization.SincethenI’vespentagooddealoftimedodgingthewoman.”
Hepaused,thensaidquietly:
“That’smystory,M.Poirot.”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“ItwastothatincidentthatMr.Shaitanareferred,orsoyouthought,atdinnerthatnight?”
Despardnodded.
“HemusthavehearditfromMrs.Luxmore.Easyenoughtogetthestoryoutofher.Thatsortofthingwouldhaveamusedhim.”
“Itmighthavebeenadangerousstory—toyou—inthehandsofamanlikeShaitana.”
Despardshruggedhisshoulders.
“Iwasn’tafraidofShaitana.”
Poirotdidn’tanswer.
Despardsaidquietly:
“Thatagainyouhavetotakemywordfor.It’strueenough,Isuppose,thatIhadakindofmotiveforShaitana’sdeath.Well,thetruth’soutnow—takeitorleaveit.”
Poirotheldoutahand.
“Iwilltakeit,MajorDespard.IhavenodoubtatallthatthingsinSouthAmericahappenedexactlyasyouhavedescribed.”
Despard’sfacelitup.
“Thanks,”hesaidlaconically.
AndheclaspedPoirot’shandwarmly.
Twenty-two
EVIDENCEFROMCOMBEACRE
SuperintendentBattlewasinthepolicestationofCombeacre.
InspectorHarper,ratherredintheface,talkedinaslow,pleasingDevonshirevoice.
“That’showitwas,sir.Seemedallasrightasrain.Thedoctorwassatisfied.Everyonewassatisfied.Whynot?”
“Justgivemethefactsaboutthetwobottlesagain.Iwanttogetitquiteclear.”
“SyrupofFigs—that’swhatthebottlewas.Shetookitregular,itseems.Thentherewasthishatpaintshe’dbeenusing—orrathertheyounglady,hercompanion,hadbeenusingforher.Brighteningupagardenhat.Therewasagooddealleftover,andthebottlebroke,andMrs.Bensonherselfsaid,‘Putitinthatoldbottle—theSyrupofFigsbottle.’That’sallright.Theservantsheardher.Theyounglady,MissMeredith,andthehousemaidandtheparlourmaid—theyallagreeonthat.ThepaintwasputintotheoldSyrupofFigsbottleanditwasputuponthetopshelfinthebathroomwithotheroddsandends.”
“Notrelabelled?”
“No.Careless,ofcourse;thecoronercommentedonthat.”
“Goon.”
“Onthisparticularnightthedeceasedwentintothebathroom,tookdownaSyrupofFigsbottle,pouredherselfoutagooddoseanddrankit.Realizedwhatshe’ddoneandtheysentoffatonceforthedoctor.Hewasoutonacase,anditwassometimebeforetheycouldgetathim.Theydidalltheycould,butshedied.”
“Sheherselfbelievedittobeanaccident?”
“Oh,yes—everyonethoughtso.Itseemsclearthebottlesmusthavegotmixed-upsomehow.Itwassuggestedthehousemaiddiditwhenshedusted,butsheswearsshedidn’t.”
SuperintendentBattlewassilent—thinking.Suchaneasybusiness.Abottletakendownfromanuppershelf,putinplaceoftheother.Sodifficulttotraceamistakelikethattoitssource.Handledwithgloves,possibly,andanyway,thelastprintswouldbethoseofMrs.Bensonherself.Yes,soeasy—sosimple.But,allthesame,murder!Theperfectcrime.
Butwhy?Thatstillpuzzledhim—why?
“Thisyounglady-companion,thisMissMeredith,shedidn’tcomeintomoneyatMrs.Benson’sdeath?”heasked.
InspectorHarpershookhishead.
“No.She’donlybeenthereaboutsixweeks.Difficultplace,Ishouldimagine.Youngladiesdidn’tstaylongasarule.”
Battlewasstillpuzzled.Youngladiesdidn’tstaylong.Adifficultwoman,evidently.ButifAnneMeredithhadbeenunhappy,shecouldhaveleftasherpredecessorshaddone.Noneedtokill—unlessitweresheerunreasoningvindictiveness.Heshookhishead.Thatsuggestiondidnotringtrue.
“WhodidgetMrs.Benson’smoney?”
“Icouldn’tsay,sir,nephewsandnieces,Ibelieve.Butitwouldn’tbeverymuch—notwhenitwasdividedup,andIheardashowmostofherincomewasoneoftheseannuities.”
Nothingtherethen.ButMrs.Bensonhaddied.AndAnneMeredithhadnottoldhimthatshehadbeenatCombeacre.
Itwasallprofoundlyunsatisfactory.
Hemadediligentandpainstakinginquiries.Thedoctorwasquiteclearandemphatic.Noreasontobelieveitwasanythingbutanaccident.Miss—couldn’trememberhername—nicegirlbutratherhelpless—hadbeenveryupsetanddistressed.Therewasthevicar.HerememberedMrs.Benson’slastcompanion—anicemodest-lookinggirl.AlwayscametochurchwithMrs.Benson.Mrs.Bensonhadbeen—notdifficult—butatrifleseveretowardsyoungpeople.ShewastherigidtypeofChristian.
Battletriedoneortwootherpeoplebutlearnednothingofvalue.AnneMeredithwashardlyremembered.Shehadlivedamongthemafewmonths—thatwasall—andherpersonalitywasnotsufficientlyvividtomakealastingimpression.Anicelittlethingseemedtobetheaccepteddescription.
Mrs.Bensonloomedoutalittlemoreclearly.Aself-righteousgrenadierofawoman,workinghercompanionshardandchangingherservantsoften.Adisagreeablewoman—butthatwasall.
NeverthelessSuperintendentBattleleftDevonshireunderthefirmimpressionthat,forsomereasonunknown,AnneMeredithhaddeliberatelymurderedheremployer.
Twenty-three
THEEVIDENCEOFAPAIROFSILKSTOCKINGS
AsSuperintendentBattle’strainrushedeastwardsthroughEngland,AnneMeredithandRhodaDaweswereinHerculePoirot’ssittingroom.
Annehadbeenunwillingtoaccepttheinvitationthathadreachedherbythemorning’spost,butRhoda’scounselhadprevailed.
“Anne—you’reacoward—yes,acoward.It’snogoodgoingonbeinganostrich,buryingyourheadinthesand.There’sbeenamurderandyou’reoneofthesuspects—theleastlikelyoneperhaps—”
“Thatwouldbetheworst,”saidAnnewithatouchofhumour.“It’salwaystheleastlikelypersonwhodidit.”
“Butyouareone,”continuedRhoda,undisturbedbytheinterruption.“Andit’snouseputtingyournoseintheairasthoughmurderwasanastysmellandnothingtodowithyou.”
“Itisnothingtodowithme,”Annepersisted.“Imean,I’mquitewillingtoansweranyquestionsthepolicewanttoaskme,butthisman,thisHerculePoirot,he’sanoutsider.”
“Andwhatwillhethinkifyouhedgeandtrytogetoutofit?He’llthinkyou’reburstingwithguilt.”
“I’mcertainlynotburstingwithguilt,”saidAnnecoldly.
“Darling,Iknowthat.Youcouldn’tmurderanybodyifyoutried.Buthorriblesuspiciousforeignersdon’tknowthat.Ithinkweoughttogonicelytohishouse.Otherwisehe’llcomedownhereandtrytowormthingsoutoftheservants.”
“Wehaven’tgotanyservants.”
“We’vegotMotherAstwell.Shecanwagatonguewithanybody!Comeon,Anne,let’sgo.Itwillberatherfunreally.”
“Idon’tseewhyhewantstoseeme.”Annewasobstinate.
“Toputoneoverontheofficialpolice,ofcourse,”saidRhodaimpatiently.“Theyalwaysdo—theamateurs,Imean.TheymakeoutthatScotlandYardareallbootsandbrainlessness.”
“DoyouthinkthismanPoirotisclever?”
“Hedoesn’tlookaSherlock,”saidRhoda.“Iexpecthehasbeenquitegoodinhisday.He’sgaganow,ofcourse.Hemustbeatleastsixty.Oh,comeon,Anne,let’sgoandseetheoldboy.Hemaytellusdreadfulthingsabouttheothers.”
“Allright,”saidAnne,andadded,“Youdoenjoyallthisso,Rhoda.”
“Isupposebecauseitisn’tmyfuneral,”saidRhoda.“Youwereanoddle,Anne,notjusttohavelookedupattherightminute.Ifonlyyouhad,youcouldlivelikeaduchessfortherestofyourlifeonblackmail.”
Soitcameaboutthatatthreeo’clockofthatsameafternoon,RhodaDawesandAnneMeredithsatprimlyontheirchairsinPoirot’sneatroomandsippedblackberrysirop(whichtheydislikedverymuchbutweretoopolitetorefuse)fromold-fashionedglasses.
“Itwasmostamiableofyoutoaccedetomyrequest,mademoiselle,”Poirotwassaying.
“I’msureIshallbegladtohelpinanywayIcan,”murmuredAnnevaguely.
“Itisalittlematterofmemory.”
“Memory?”
“Yes,IhavealreadyputthesequestionstoMrs.Lorrimer,toDr.RobertsandtoMajorDespard.Noneofthem,alas,havegivenmetheresponsethatIhopedfor.”
Annecontinuedtolookathiminquiringly.
“Iwantyou,mademoiselle,tocastyourmindbacktothateveninginthedrawingroomofMr.Shaitana.”
AwearyshadowpassedoverAnne’sface.Wasshenevertobefreeofthatnightmare?”
Poirotnoticedtheexpression.
“C’estpénible,n’estcepas?Thatisverynatural.You,soyoungasyouare,tobebroughtincontactwithhorrorforthefirsttime.Probablyyouhaveneverknownorseenaviolentdeath.”
Rhoda’sfeetshiftedalittleuncomfortablyonthefloor.
“Well?”saidAnne.
“Castyourmindback.Iwantyoutotellmewhatyourememberofthatroom?”
Annestaredathimsuspiciously.
“Idon’tunderstand?”
“Butyes.Thechairs,thetables,theornaments,thewallpaper,thecurtains,thefireirons.Yousawthemall.Canyounotthendescribethem?”
“Oh,Isee.”Annehesitated,frowning.“It’sdifficult.Idon’treallythinkIremember.Icouldn’tsaywhatthewallpaperwaslike.Ithinkthewallswerepainted—someinconspicuouscolour.Therewererugsonthefloor.Therewasapiano.”Sheshookherhead.“Ireallycouldn’ttellyouanymore.”
“Butyouarenottrying,mademoiselle.Youmustremembersomeobject,someornament,somepieceofbric-à-brac?”
“TherewasacaseofEgyptianjewellery,Iremember,”saidAnneslowly.“Overbythewindow.”
“Oh,yes,attheextremeotherendoftheroomfromthetableonwhichlaythelittledagger.”
Annelookedathim.
“Ineverheardwhichtablethatwason.”
“Passibête,”commentedPoirottohimself.“Butthen,nomoreisHerculePoirot!IfsheknewmebettershewouldrealizeIwouldneverlayapiègeasgrossasthat!”
Aloudhesaid:
“AcaseofEgyptianjewellery,yousay?”
Anneansweredwithsomeenthusiasm.
“Yes—someofitwaslovely.Bluesandred.Enamel.Oneortwolovelyrings.Andscarabs—butIdon’tlikethemsomuch.”
“Hewasagreatcollector,Mr.Shaitana,”murmuredPoirot.
“Yes,hemusthavebeen,”Anneagreed.“Theroomwasfullofstuff.Onecouldn’tbegintolookatitall.”
“Sothatyoucannotmentionanythingelsethatparticularlystruckyournotice?”
Annesmiledalittleasshesaid:
“Onlyavaseofchrysanthemumsthatbadlywantedtheirwaterchanged.”
“Ah,yes,servantsarenotalwaystooparticularaboutthat.”
Poirotwassilentforamomentortwo.
Anneaskedtimidly:
“I’mafraidIdidn’tnotice—whateveritisyouwantedmetonotice.”
Poirotsmiledkindly.
“Itdoesnotmatter,monenfant.Itwas,indeed,anoutsidechance.Tellme,haveyouseenthegoodMajorDespardlately?”
Hesawthedelicatepinkcolourcomeupinthegirl’sface.Shereplied:
“Hesaidhewouldcomeandseeusagainquitesoon.”
Rhodasaidimpetuously:
“Hedidn’tdoit,anyway!AnneandIarequitesureofthat.”
Poirottwinkledatthem.
“Howfortunate—tohaveconvincedtwosuchcharmingyoungladiesofone’sinnocence.”
“Oh,dear,”thoughtRhoda.“He’sgoingtobeFrench,anditdoesembarrassmeso.”
Shegotupandbeganexaminingsomeetchingsonthewall.
“Theseareawfullygood,”shesaid.
“Theyarenotbad,”saidPoirot.
Hehesitated,lookingatAnne.
“Mademoiselle,”hesaidatlast.“IwonderifImightaskyoutodomeagreatfavour—oh,nothingtodowiththemurder.Thisisanentirelyprivateandpersonalmatter.”
Annelookedalittlesurprised.Poirotwentonspeakinginaslightlyembarrassedmanner.
“Itis,youunderstand,thatChristmasiscomingon.Ihavetobuypresentsformanyniecesandgrandnieces.Anditisalittledifficulttochoosewhatyoungladieslikeinthispresenttime.Mytastes,alas,areratherold-fashioned.”
“Yes?”saidAnnekindly.
“Silkstockings,now—aresilkstockingsawelcomepresenttoreceive?”
“Yes,indeed.It’salwaysnicetobegivenstockings.”
“Yourelievemymind.Iwillaskmyfavour.Ihaveobtainedsomedifferentcolours.Thereare,Ithink,aboutfifteenorsixteenpairs.Wouldyoubesoamiableastolookthroughthemandsetasidehalfadozenpairsthatseemtoyouthemostdesirable?”
“CertainlyIwill,”saidAnne,rising,withalaugh.
Poirotdirectedhertowardsatableinanalcove—atablewhosecontentswerestrangelyatvariance,hadshebutknownit,withthewell-knownorderandneatnessofHerculePoirot.Therewerestockingspiledupinuntidyheaps—somefur-linedgloves—calendarsandboxesofbonbons.
“Isendoffmyparcelsverymuchàl’avance,”Poirotexplained.“See,mademoiselle,herearethestockings.Selectme,Iprayofyou,sixpairs.”
Heturned,interceptingRhoda,whowasfollowinghim.
“Asformademoisellehere,Ihavealittletreatforher—atreatthatwouldbenotreattoyou,Ifancy,MademoiselleMeredith.”
“Whatisit?”criedRhoda.
Heloweredhisvoice.
“Aknife,mademoiselle,withwhichtwelvepeopleoncestabbedaman.ItwasgiventomeasasouvenirbytheCompagnieInternationaledesWagonsLits.”
“Horrible,”criedAnne.
“Ooh!Letmesee,”saidRhoda.
Poirotledherthroughintotheotherroom,talkingashewent.
“ItwasgivenmebytheCompagnieInternationaledesWagonsLitsbecause—”
Theypassedoutoftheroom.
Theyreturnedthreeminuteslater.Annecametowardsthem.
“Ithinkthesesixarethenicest,M.Poirot.Boththeseareverygoodeveningshades,andthislightercolourwouldbenicewhensummercomesandit’sdaylightintheevening.”
“Milleremerc?ments,mademoiselle.”
Heofferedthemmoresirop,whichtheyrefused,andfinallyaccompaniedthemtothedoor,stilltalkinggenially.
Whentheyhadfinallydepartedhereturnedtotheroomandwentstraighttothelitteredtable.Thepileofstockingsstilllayinaconfusedheap.Poirotcountedthesixselectedpairsandthenwentontocounttheothers.
Hehadboughtnineteenpairs.Therewerenowonlyseventeen.
Henoddedhisheadslowly.
Twenty-four
ELIMINATIONOFTHREEMURDERERS?
OnarrivalinLondon,SuperintendentBattlecamestraighttoPoirot.AnneandRhodahadthenbeengoneanhourormore
Withoutmoreado,thesuperintendentrecountedtheresultofhisresearchesinDevonshire.
“We’reontoit—notadoubtofit,”hefinished.“That’swhatShaitanawasaimingat—withhis‘domesticaccident’business.Butwhatgetsmeisthemotive.Whydidshewanttokillthewoman?”
“IthinkIcanhelpyouthere,myfriend.”
“Goahead,M.Poirot.”
“ThisafternoonIconductedalittleexperiment.Iinducedmademoiselleandherfriendtocomehere.Iputtothemmyusualquestionsastowhattherewasintheroomthatnight.”
Battlelookedathimcuriously.
“You’reverykeenonthatquestion.”
“Yes,it’suseful.Ittellsmeagooddeal.MademoiselleMeredithwassuspicious—verysuspicious.Shetakesnothingforgranted,thatyounglady.Sothatgooddog,HerculePoirot,hedoesoneofhisbesttricks.Helaysaclumsyamateurishtrap.Mademoisellementionsacaseofjewellery.Isaywasnotthatattheoppositeendoftheroomfromthetablewiththedagger.Mademoiselledoesnotfallintothetrap.Sheavoidsitcleverly.Andafterthatsheispleasedwithherself,andhervigilancerelaxes.Sothatistheobjectofthisvisit—togethertoadmitthatsheknewwherethedaggerwas,andthatshenoticedit!Herspiritsrisewhenshehas,asshethinks,defeatedme.Shetalkedquitefreelyaboutthejewellery.Shehasnoticedmanydetailsofit.Thereisnothingelseintheroomthatsheremembers—exceptthatavaseofchrysanthemumsneededitswaterchanging.”
“Well?”saidBattle.
“Well,itissignificant,that.Supposeweknewnothingaboutthisgirl.Herwordwouldgiveusacluetohercharacter.Shenoticesflowers.Sheis,then,fondofflowers?No,sinceshedoesnotmentionaverybigbowlofearlytulipswhichwouldatoncehaveattractedtheattentionofaflowerlover.No,itisthepaidcompanionwhospeaks—thegirlwhosedutyithasbeentoputfreshwaterinthevases—and,alliedtothat,thereisagirlwholovesandnoticesjewellery.Isnotthat,atleast,suggestive?”
“Ah,”saidBattle.“I’mbeginningtoseewhatyou’redrivingat.”
“Precisely.AsItoldyoutheotherday,Iplacemycardsonthetable.Whenyourecountedherhistorytheotherday,andMrs.Olivermadeherstartlingannouncement,mymindwentatoncetoanimportantpoint.Themurdercouldnothavebeencommittedforgain,sinceMissMeredithhadstilltoearnherlivingafterithappened.Why,then?IconsideredMissMeredith’stemperamentasitappearedsuperficially.Arathertimidyounggirl,poor,butwell-dressed,fondofprettythings…Thetemperament,isitnot,ofathief,ratherthanamurderer.AndIaskedimmediatelyifMrs.Eldonhadbeenatidywoman.Yourepliedthatno,shehadnotbeentidy.Iformedahypothesis.SupposingthatAnneMeredithwasagirlwithaweakstreakinhercharacter—thekindofgirlwhotakeslittlethingsfromthebigshops.Supposingthat,poor,andyetlovingprettythings,shehelpedherselfonceortwicetothingsfromheremployer.Abrooch,perhaps,anoddhalfcrownortwo,astringofbeads.Mrs.Eldon,careless,untidy,wouldputdownthesedisappearancestoherowncarelessness.Shewouldnotsuspecthergentlelittlemother’shelp.But,now,supposeadifferenttypeofemployer—anemployerwhodidnotice—accusedAnneMeredithoftheft.Thatwouldbeapossiblemotiveformurder.AsIsaidtheotherevening,MissMeredithwouldonlycommitamurderthroughfear.Sheknowsthatheremployerwillbeabletoprovethetheft.Thereisonlyonethingthatcansaveher:heremployermustdie.Andsoshechangesthebottles,andMrs.Bensondies—ironicallyenoughconvincedthatthemistakeisherown,andnotsuspectingforaminutethatthecowed,frightenedgirlhashadahandinit.”
“It’spossible,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“It’sonlyahypothesis,butit’spossible.”
“Itisalittlemorethanpossible,myfriend—itisalsoprobable.ForthisafternoonIlaidalittletrapnicelybaited—therealtrap—aftertheshamonehadbeencircumvented.IfwhatIsuspectistrue,AnneMeredithwillnever,neverbeabletoresistareallyexpensivepairofstockings!Iaskhertoaidme.IletherknowcarefullythatIamnotsureexactlyhowmanystockingsthereare,Igooutoftheroom,leavingheralone—andtheresult,myfriend,isthatIhavenowseventeenpairsofstockings,insteadofnineteen,andthattwopairshavegoneawayinAnneMeredith’shandbag.”
“Whew!”SuperintendentBattlewhistled.“Whatarisktotake,though.”
“Pasdutout.WhatdoesshethinkIsuspectherof?Murder.Whatistherisk,then,instealingapair,ortwopairs,ofsilkstockings?Iamnotlookingforathief.And,besides,thethief,orthekleptomaniac,isalwaysthesame—convincedthatshecangetawaywithit.”
Battlenoddedhishead.
“That’strueenough.Incrediblystupid.Thepitchergoestothewelltimeaftertime.Well,Ithinkbetweenuswe’vearrivedfairlyclearlyatthetruth.AnneMeredithwascaughtstealing.AnneMeredithchangedabottlefromoneshelftoanother.Weknowthatwasmurder—butI’mdamnedifwecouldeverproveit.SuccessfulcrimeNo.2.Robertsgetsawaywithit.AnneMeredithgetsawaywithit.ButwhataboutShaitana?DidAnneMeredithkillShaitana?”
Heremainedsilentforamomentortwo,thenheshookhishead.
“Itdoesn’tworkoutright,”hesaidreluctantly.“She’snotonetotakearisk.Changeacoupleofbottles,yes.Sheknewnoonecouldfastenthatonher.Itwasabsolutelysafe—becauseanyonemighthavedoneit!Ofcourse,itmightn’thaveworked.Mrs.Bensonmighthavenoticedbeforeshedrankthestuff,orshemightn’thavediedfromit.ItwaswhatIcallahopefulkindofmurder.Itmightworkoritmightn’t.Actually,itdid.ButShaitanawasaverydifferentpairofshoes.Thatwasdeliberate,audacious,purposefulmurder.”
Poirotnoddedhishead.
“Iagreewithyou.Thetwotypesofcrimearenotthesame.”
Battlerubbedhisnose.
“Sothatseemstowipeheroutasfarashe’sconcerned.Robertsandthegirl,bothcrossedoffourlist.WhataboutDespard?AnyluckwiththeLuxmorewoman?”
Poirotnarratedhisadventuresoftheprecedingafternoon.
Battlegrinned.
“Iknowthattype.Youcan’tdisentanglewhattheyrememberfromwhattheyinvent.”
Poirotwenton.HedescribedDespard’svisit,andthestorythelatterhadtold.
“Believehim?”Battleaskedabruptly.
“Yes,Ido.”
Battlesighed.
“SodoI.Notthetypetoshootamanbecausehewantedtheman’swife.Anyway,what’swrongwiththedivorcecourt?Everyoneflocksthere.Andhe’snotaprofessionalman;itwouldn’truinhim,oranythinglikethat.No,I’moftheopinionthatourlatelamentedMr.Shaitanastruckasnagthere.MurdererNo.3.wasn’tamurderer,afterall.”
HelookedatPoirot.
“Thatleaves—”
“Mrs.Lorrimer,”saidPoirot.
Thetelephonerang.Poirotgotupandansweredit.Hespokeafewwords,waited,spokeagain.ThenhehungupthereceiverandreturnedtoBattle.
Hisfacewasverygrave.
“ThatwasMrs.Lorrimerspeaking,”hesaid.“Shewantsmetocomeroundandseeher—now.”
HeandBattlelookedateachother.Thelattershookhisheadslowly.
“AmIwrong?”hesaid.“Orwereyouexpectingsomethingofthekind?”
“Iwondered,”saidHerculePoirot.“Thatwasall.Iwondered.”
“You’dbettergetalong,”saidBattle.“Perhapsyou’llmanagetogetatthetruthatlast.”
Twenty-five
MRS.LORRIMERSPEAKS
Thedaywasnotabrightone,andMrs.Lorrimer’sroomseemedratherdarkandcheerless.Sheherselfhadagreylook,andseemedmucholderthanshehaddoneontheoccasionofPoirot’slastvisit.
Shegreetedhimwithherusualsmilingassurance.
“Itisveryniceofyoutocomesopromptly,M.Poirot.Youareabusyman,Iknow.”
“Atyourservice,madame,”saidPoirotwithalittlebow.
Mrs.Lorrimerpressedthebellbythefireplace.
“Wewillhaveteabroughtin.Idon’tknowwhatyoufeelaboutit,butIalwaysthinkit’samistaketorushstraightintoconfidenceswithoutanydecentpavingoftheway.”
“Therearetobeconfidences,then,madame?”
Mrs.Lorrimerdidnotanswer,foratthatmomenthermaidansweredthebell.Whenshehadreceivedtheorderandgoneagain,Mrs.Lorrimersaiddryly:
“Yousaid,ifyouremember,whenyouwerelasthere,thatyouwouldcomeifIsentforyou.Youhadanidea,Ithink,ofthereasonthatshouldpromptmetosend.”
Therewasnomorejustthen.Teawasbrought.Mrs.Lorrimerdispensedit,talkingintelligentlyonvarioustopicsoftheday.
Takingadvantageofapause,Poirotremarked:
“IhearyouandlittleMademoiselleMeredithhadteatogethertheotherday.”
“Wedid.Haveyouseenherlately?”
“Thisveryafternoon.”
“SheisinLondon,then,orhaveyoubeendowntoWallingford?”
“No.Sheandherfriendweresoamiableastopaymeavisit.”
“Ah,thefriend.Ihavenotmether.”
Poirotsaid,smilingalittle:
“Thismurder—ithasmadeformearapprochement.YouandMademoiselleMeredithhaveteatogether.MajorDespard,he,too,cultivatesMissMeredith’sacquaintance.TheDr.Roberts,heisperhapstheonlyoneoutofit.”
“Isawhimoutatbridgetheotherday,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.“Heseemedquitehisusualcheerfulself.”
“Asfondofbridgeasever?”
“Yes—stillmakingthemostoutrageousbids—andveryoftengettingawaywithit.”
Shewassilentforamomentortwo,thensaid:
“HaveyouseenSuperintendentBattlelately?”
“Alsothisafternoon.Hewaswithmewhenyoutelephoned.”
Shadingherfacefromthefirewithonehand,Mrs.Lorrimerasked:
“Howishegettingon?”
Poirotsaidgravely:
“Heisnotveryrapid,thegoodBattle.Hegetsthereslowly,buthedoesgetthereintheend,madame.”
“Iwonder.”Herlipscurvedinafaintlyironicalsmile.
Shewenton:
“Hehaspaidmequitealotofattention.Hehasdelved,Ithink,intomypasthistoryrightbacktomygirlhood.Hehasinterviewedmyfriends,andchattedtomyservants—theonesIhavenowandtheoneswhohavebeenwithmeinformeryears.WhathehopedtofindIdonotknow,buthecertainlydidnotfindit.HemightaswellhaveacceptedwhatItoldhim.Itwasthetruth.IknewMr.Shaitanaveryslightly.ImethimatLuxor,asIsaid,andouracquaintanceshipwasnevermorethananacquaintanceship.SuperintendentBattlewillnotbeabletogetawayfromthesefacts.”
“Perhapsnot,”saidPoirot.
“Andyou,M.Poirot?Havenotyoumadeanyinquiries?”
“Aboutyou,madame?”
“ThatiswhatImeant.”
Slowlythelittlemanshookhishead.
“Itwouldhavebeentonoavail.”
“Justexactlywhatdoyoumeanbythat,M.Poirot?”
“Iwillbequitefrank,madame.Ihaverealizedfromthebeginningthat,ofthefourpersonsinMr.Shaitana’sroomthatnight,theonewiththebestbrains,withthecoolest,mostlogicalhead,wasyou,madame.IfIhadtolaymoneyonthechanceofoneofthosefourplanningamurderandgettingawaywithitsuccessfully,itisonyouthatIshouldplacemymoney.”
Mrs.Lorrimer’sbrowsrose.
“AmIexpectedtofeelflattered?”sheaskeddrily.
Poirotwenton,withoutpayinganyattentiontoherinterruption:
“Foracrimetobesuccessful,itisusuallynecessarytothinkeverydetailofitoutbeforehand.Allpossiblecontingenciesmustbetakenintoaccount.Thetimingmustbeaccurate.Theplacingmustbescrupulouslycorrect.Dr.Robertsmightbungleacrimethroughhasteandoverconfidence;MajorDespardwouldprobablybetooprudenttocommitone;MissMeredithmightloseherheadandgiveherselfaway.You,madame,woulddononeofthesethings.Youwouldbeclearheadedandcool,youaresufficientlyresoluteofcharacter,andcouldbesufficientlyobsessedwithanideatotheextentofoverrulingprudence,youarenotthekindofwomantoloseherhead.”
Mrs.Lorrimersatsilentforaminuteortwo,acurioussmileplayingroundherlips.Atlastshesaid:
“Sothatiswhatyouthinkofme,M.Poirot.ThatIamthekindofwomantocommitanidealmurder.”
“Atleastyouhavetheamiabilitynottoresenttheidea.”
“Ifinditveryinteresting.SoitisyourideathatIamtheonlypersonwhocouldsuccessfullyhavemurderedShaitana?”
Poirotsaidslowly:
“Thereisadifficultythere,madame.”
“Really?Dotellme.”
“YoumayhavenoticedthatIsaidjustnowaphrasesomethinglikethis:‘Foracrimetobesuccessfulitisusuallynecessarytoplaneverydetailofitcarefullybeforehand.’‘Usually’isthewordtowhichIwanttodrawyourattention.Forthereisanothertypeofsuccessfulcrime.Haveyoueversaidsuddenlytoanyone,‘Throwastoneandseeifyoucanhitthattree,’andthepersonobeysquickly,withoutthinking—andsurprisinglyoftenhedoeshitthetree?Butwhenhecomestorepeatthethrowitisnotsoeasy—forhehasbeguntothink.‘Sohard—noharder—alittlemoretotheright—totheleft.’Thefirstwasanalmostunconsciousaction,thebodyobeyingthemindasthebodyofananimaldoes.Ehbien,madame,thereisatypeofcrimelikethat,acrimecommittedonthespurofthemoment—aninspiration—aflashofgenius—withouttimetopauseorthink.Andthat,madame,wasthekindofcrimethatkilledMr.Shaitana.Asuddendirenecessity,aflashofinspiration,rapidexecution.”
Heshookhishead.
“Andthat,madame,isnotyourtypeofcrimeatall.IfyoukilledMr.Shaitana,itshouldhavebeenapremeditatedcrime.”
“Isee.”Herhandwavedsoftlytoandfro,keepingtheheatofthefirefromherface.“And,ofcourse,itwasn’tapremeditatedcrime,soIcouldn’thavekilledhim—eh,M.Poirot?”
Poirotbowed.
“Thatisright,madame.”
“Andyet—”Sheleanedforward,herwavinghandstopped.“IdidkillShaitana,M.Poirot….”
Twenty-six
THETRUTH
Therewasapause—averylongpause.
Theroomwasgrowingdark.Thefirelightleapedandflickered.
Mrs.LorrimerandHerculePoirotlookednotateachother,butatthefire.Itwasasthoughtimewasmomentarilyinabeyance.
ThenHerculePoirotsighedandstirred.
“Soitwasthat—allthetime…Whydidyoukillhim,madame?”
“Ithinkyouknowwhy,M.Poirot.”
“Becauseheknewsomethingaboutyou—somethingthathadhappenedlongago?”
“Yes.”
“Andthatsomethingwas—anotherdeath,madame?”
Shebowedherhead.
Poirotsaidgently:
“Whydidyoutellme?Whatmadeyousendformetoday?”
“YoutoldmeoncethatIshoulddososomeday.”
“Yes—thatis,Ihoped…Iknew,madame,thattherewasonlyonewayoflearningthetruthasfarasyouwereconcerned—andthatwasbyyourownfreewill.Ifyoudidnotchoosetospeak,youwouldnotdoso,andyouwouldnevergiveyourselfaway.Buttherewasachance—thatyouyourselfmightwishtospeak.”
Mrs.Lorrimernodded.
“Itwascleverofyoutoforeseethat—theweariness—theloneliness—”
Hervoicediedaway.
Poirotlookedathercuriously.
“Soithasbeenlikethat?Yes,Icanunderstanditmightbe….”
“Alone—quitealone,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.“Nooneknowswhatthatmeansunlesstheyhavelived,asIhavelived,withtheknowledgeofwhatonehasdone.”
Poirotsaidgently:
“Isitanimpertinence,madame,ormayIbepermittedtooffermysympathy?”
Shebentherheadalittle.
“Thankyou,M.Poirot.”
Therewasanotherpause,thenPoirotsaid,speakinginaslightlybriskertone:
“AmItounderstand,madame,thatyoutookthewordsMr.Shaitanaspokeatdinnerasadirectmenaceaimedatyou?”
Shenodded.
“Irealizedatoncethathewasspeakingsothatonepersonshouldunderstandhim.Thatpersonwasmyself.Thereferencetoawoman’sweaponbeingpoisonwasmeantforme.Heknew.Ihadsuspecteditoncebefore.Hehadbroughttheconversationroundtoacertainfamoustrial,andIsawhiseyeswatchingme.Therewasakindofuncannyknowledgeinthem.But,ofcourse,thatnightIwasquitesure.”
“Andyouweresure,too,ofhisfutureintentions?”
Mrs.Lorrimersaiddrily:
“ItwashardlylikelythatthepresenceofSuperintendentBattleandyourselfwasanaccident.ItookitthatShaitanawasgoingtoadvertisehisownclevernessbypointingouttoyouboththathehaddiscoveredsomethingthatnooneelsehadsuspected.”
“Howsoondidyoumakeupyourmindtoact,madame?”
Mrs.Lorrimerhesitatedalittle.
“Itisdifficulttorememberexactlywhentheideacameintomymind,”shesaid.“Ihadnoticedthedaggerbeforegoingintodinner.WhenwereturnedtothedrawingroomIpickeditupandslippeditintomysleeve.Noonesawmedoit.Imadesureofthat.”
“Itwouldbedexterouslydone,Ihavenodoubt,madame.”
“ImadeupmymindthenexactlywhatIwasgoingtodo.Ihadonlytocarryitout.Itwasrisky,perhaps,butIconsideredthatitwasworthtrying.”
“Thatisyourcoolness,yoursuccessfulweighingofchances,comingintoplay.Yes,Iseethat.”
“Westartedtoplaybridge,”continuedMrs.Lorrimer.Hervoicecoolandunemotional.“Atlastanopportunityarose.Iwasdummy.Istrolledacrosstheroomtothefireplace.Shaitanahaddozedofftosleep.Ilookedoverattheothers.Theywereallintentonthegame.Ileantoverand—anddidit—”
Hervoiceshookjustalittle,butinstantlyitregaineditscoolaloofness.
“Ispoketohim.Itcameintomyheadthatthatwouldmakeakindofalibiforme.Imadesomeremarkaboutthefire,andthenpretendedhehadansweredmeandwentonagain,sayingsomethinglike:‘Iagreewithyou.Idonotlikeradiators,either.’”
“Hedidnotcryoutatall?”
“No.Ithinkhemadealittlegrunt—thatwasall.Itmighthavebeentakenforwordsfromadistance.”
“Andthen?”
“AndthenIwentbacktothebridgetable.Thelasttrickwasjustbeingplayed.”
“Andyousatdownandresumedplay?”
“Yes.”
“Withsufficientinterestinthegametobeabletotellmenearlyallthecallingandthehandstwodayslater?”
“Yes,”saidMrs.Lorrimersimply.
“Epatant!”saidHerculePoirot.
Heleanedbackinhischair.Henoddedhisheadseveraltimes.Then,bywayofachange,heshookit.
“Butthereisstillsomething,madame,thatIdonotunderstand.”
“Yes?”
“ItseemstomethatthereissomefactorthatIhavemissed.Youareawomanwhoconsidersandweighseverythingcarefully.Youdecidethat,foracertainreason,youwillrunanenormousrisk.Youdorunit—successfully.Andthen,nottwoweekslater,youchangeyourmind.Frankly,madame,thatdoesnotseemtometoringtrue.”
Aqueerlittlesmiletwistedherlips.
“Youarequiteright,M.Poirot,thereisonefactorthatyoudonotknow.DidMissMeredithtellyouwhereshemetmetheotherday?”
“Itwas,Ithinkshesaid,nearMrs.Oliver’sflat.”
“Ibelievethatisso.ButImeanttheactualnameofthestreet.AnneMeredithmetmeinHarleyStreet.”
“Ah!”Helookedatherattentively.“Ibegintosee.”
“Yes,Ithoughtyouwould.Ihadbeentoseeaspecialistthere.HetoldmewhatIalreadyhalfsuspected.”
Hersmilewidened.Itwasnolongertwistedandbitter.Itwassuddenlysweet.
“Ishallnotplayverymuchmorebridge,M.Poirot.Oh,hedidn’tsaysoinsomanywords.Hewrappedupthetruthalittle.Withgreatcare,etc.,etc.,Imightliveseveralyears.ButIshallnottakeanygreatcare.Iamnotthatkindofawoman.”
“Yes,yes,Ibegintounderstand,”saidPoirot.
“Itmadeadifference,yousee.Amonth—twomonths,perhaps—notmore.Andthen,justasIleftthespecialist,ImetMissMeredith.Iaskedhertohaveteawithme.”
Shepaused,thenwenton:
“Iamnot,afterall,awhollywickedwoman.AllthetimewewerehavingteaIwasthinking.BymyactiontheothereveningIhadnotonlydeprivedthemanShaitanaoflife(thatwasdone,andcouldnotbeundone),Ihadalso,toavaryingdegree,affectedunfavourablythelivesofthreeotherpeople.BecauseofwhatIhaddone,Dr.Roberts,MajorDespardandAnneMeredith,noneofwhomhadinjuredmeinanyway,werepassingthroughaverygraveordeal,andmightevenbeindanger.That,atleast,Icouldundo.Idon’tknowthatIfeltparticularlymovedbytheplightofeitherDr.RobertsorMajorDespard—althoughbothofthemhadpresumablyamuchlongerspanoflifeinfrontofthemthanIhad.Theyweremen,andcould,toacertainextent,lookafterthemselves.ButwhenIlookedatAnneMeredith—”
Shehesitated,thencontinuedslowly:
“AnneMeredithwasonlyagirl.Shehadthewholeofherlifeinfrontofher.Thismiserablebusinessmightruinthatlife….
“Ididn’tlikethethoughtofthat….
“Andthen,M.Poirot,withtheseideasgrowinginmymind,Irealizedthatwhatyouhadhintedhadcometrue.Iwasnotgoingtobeabletokeepsilence.ThisafternoonIrangyouup….”
Minutespassed.
HerculePoirotleanedforward.Hestared,deliberatelystaredthroughthegatheringgloom,atMrs.Lorrimer.Shereturnedthatintentgazequietlyandwithoutanynervousness.
Hesaidatlast:
“Mrs.Lorrimer,areyousure—areyoupositive(youwilltellmethetruth,willyounot?)—thatthemurderofMr.Shaitanawasnotpremeditated?Isitnotafactthatyouplannedthecrimebeforehand—thatyouwenttothatdinnerwiththemurderalreadymappedoutinyourmind?”
Mrs.Lorrimerstaredathimforamoment,thensheshookherheadsharply.
“No,”shesaid.
“Youdidnotplanthemurderbeforehand?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Then—then…Oh,youarelyingtome—youmustbelying!…”
Mrs.Lorrimer’svoicecutintotheairlikeice.
“Really,M.Poirot,youforgetyourself.”
Thelittlemansprangtohisfeet.Hepacedupanddowntheroom,mutteringtohimself,utteringejaculations.
Suddenlyhesaid:
“Permitme.”
And,goingtotheswitch,heturnedontheelectriclights.
Hecameback,satdowninhischair,placedbothhandsonhiskneesandstaredstraightathishostess.
“Thequestionis,”hesaid,“canHerculePoirotpossiblybewrong?”
“Noonecanalwaysberight,”saidMrs.Lorrimercoldly.
“Iam,”saidPoirot.“AlwaysIamright.Itissoinvariablethatitstartlesme.Butnowitlooks,itverymuchlooks,asthoughIamwrong.Andthatupsetsme.Presumably,youknowwhatyouaresaying.Itisyourmurder!Fantastic,then,thatHerculePoirotshouldknowbetterthanyoudohowyoucommittedit.”
“Fantasticandveryabsurd,”saidMrs.Lorrimerstillmorecoldly.
“Iam,then,mad.DecidedlyIammad:No—sacrénomd’unpetitbonhomme—Iamnotmad!Iamright.Imustberight.IamwillingtobelievethatyoukilledMr.Shaitana—butyoucannothavekilledhiminthewayyousayyoudid.Noonecandoathingthatisnotdanssoncharactère!”
Hepaused.Mrs.Lorrimerdrewinanangrybreathandbitherlips.Shewasabouttospeak,butPoirotforestalledher
“EitherthekillingofShaitanawasplannedbeforehand—oryoudidnotkillhimatall!”
Mrs.Lorrimersaidsharply:
“Ireallybelieveyouaremad,M.Poirot.IfIamwillingtoadmitIcommittedthecrime,IshouldnotbelikelytolieaboutthewayIdidit.Whatwouldbethepointofsuchathing?”
Poirotgotupagainandtookoneturnroundtheroom.Whenhecamebacktohisseathismannerhadchanged.Hewasgentleandkindly.
“YoudidnotkillShaitana,”hesaidsoftly.“Iseethatnow.Iseeeverything.HarleyStreet.AndlittleAnneMeredithstandingforlornonthepavement.Isee,too,anothergirl—averylongtimeago,agirlwhohasgonethroughlifealwaysalone—terriblyalone.Yes,Iseeallthat.ButonethingIdonotsee—whyareyousocertainthatAnneMeredithdidit?”
“Really,M.Poirot—”
“Absolutelyuselesstoprotest—toliefurthertome,madame.Itellyou,Iknowthetruth.IknowtheveryemotionsthatsweptoveryouthatdayinHarleyStreet.YouwouldnothavedoneitforDr.Roberts—oh,no!YouwouldnothavedoneitforMajorDespard,nonplus.ButAnneMeredithisdifferent.Youhavecompassionforher,becauseshehasdonewhatyouoncedid.Youdonotknoweven—orsoIimagine—whatreasonshehadforthecrime.Butyouarequitesureshedidit.Youweresurethatfirstevening—theeveningithappened—whenSuperintendentBattleinvitedyoutogiveyourviewsonthecase.Yes,Iknowitall,yousee.Itisquiteuselesstoliefurthertome.Youseethat,doyounot?”
Hepausedforananswer,butnonecame.Henoddedhisheadinsatisfaction.
“Yes,youaresensible.Thatisgood.Itisaverynobleactionthatyouperformthere,madame,totaketheblameonyourselfandtoletthischildescape.”
“Youforget,”saidMrs.Lorrimerinadryvoice,“Iamnotaninnocentwoman.Yearsago,M.Poirot,Ikilledmyhusband….”
Therewasamoment’ssilence.
“Isee,”saidPoirot.“Itisjustice.Afterall,onlyjustice.Youhavethelogicalmind.Youarewillingtosufferfortheactyoucommitted.Murderismurder—itdoesnotmatterwhothevictimis.Madame,youhavecourage,andyouhaveclearsightedness.ButIaskofyouoncemore:Howcanyoubesosure?HowdoyouknowthatitwasAnneMeredithwhokilledMr.Shaitana?”
AdeepsighbrokefromMrs.Lorrimer.HerlastresistancehadgonedownbeforePoirot’sinsistence.Sheansweredhisquestionquitesimplylikeachild.
“Because,”shesaid,“Isawher.”
Twenty-seven
THEEYEWITNESS
SuddenlyPoirotlaughed.Hecouldnothelpit.Hisheadwentback,andhishighGalliclaughfilledtheroom.
“Pardon,madame,”hesaid,wipinghiseyes.“Icouldnothelpit.Hereweargueandwereason!Weaskquestions!Weinvokethepsychology—andallthetimetherewasaneyewitnessofthecrime.Tellme,Iprayofyou.”
“Itwasfairlylateintheevening.AnneMeredithwasdummy.Shegotupandlookedoverherpartner’shand,andthenshemovedabouttheroom.Thehandwasn’tveryinteresting—theconclusionwasinevitable.Ididn’tneedtoconcentrateonthecards.JustaswegottothelastthreetricksIlookedovertowardsthefireplace.AnneMeredithwasbentoverMr.Shaitana.AsIwatched,shestraightenedherself—herhandhadbeenactuallyonhisbreast—agesturewhichawakenedmysurprise.Shestraightenedherself,andIsawherfaceandherquicklookovertowardsus.Guiltandfear—thatiswhatIsawonherface.Ofcourse,Ididn’tknowwhathadhappenedthen.Ionlywonderedwhatonearththegirlcouldhavebeendoing.Later—Iknew.”
Poirotnodded.
“Butshedidnotknowthatyouknew.Shedidnotknowthatyouhadseenher?”
“Poorchild,”saidMrs.Lorrimer.“Young,frightened—herwaytomakeintheworld.DoyouwonderthatI—well,heldmytongue?”
“No,no,Idonotwonder.”
“EspeciallyknowingthatI—thatImyself—”Shefinishedthesentencewithashrug.“Itwascertainlynotmyplacetostandaccuser.Itwasuptothepolice.”
“Quiteso—buttodayyouhavegonefurtherthanthat.”
Mrs.Lorrimersaidgrimly:
“I’veneverbeenaverysoftheartedorcompassionatewoman,butIsupposethesequalitiesgrowupononeinone’soldage.Iassureyou,I’mnotoftenactuatedbypity.”
“Itisnotalwaysaverysafeguide,madame.MademoiselleAnneisyoung,sheisfragile,shelookstimidandfrightened—oh,yes,sheseemsaveryworthysubjectforcompassion.ButI,Idonotagree.ShallItellyou,madame,whyMissAnneMeredithkilledMr.Shaitana.Itwasbecauseheknewthatshehadpreviouslykilledanelderlyladytowhomshewascompanion—becausethatladyhadfoundheroutinapettytheft.”
Mrs.Lorrimerlookedalittlestartled.
“Isthattrue,M.Poirot?”
“Ihavenodoubtofit,whatsoever.Sheissosoft—sogentle—onewouldsay.Pah!Sheisdangerous,madame,thatlittleMademoiselleAnne!Whereherownsafety,herowncomfort,isconcerned,shewillstrikewildly—treacherously.WithMademoiselleAnnethosetwocrimeswillnotbetheend.Shewillgainconfidencefromthem….”
Mrs.Lorrimersaidsharply:
“Whatyousayishorrible,M.Poirot.Horrible!”
Poirotrose.
“Madame,Iwillnowtakemyleave.ReflectonwhatIhavesaid.”
Mrs.Lorrimerwaslookingalittleuncertainofherself.Shesaidwithanattemptatheroldmanner:
“Ifitsuitsme,M.Poirot,Ishalldenythiswholeconversation.Youhavenowitnesses,remember.WhatIhavejusttoldyouthatIsawonthatfataleveningis—well,privatebetweenourselves.”
Poirotsaidgravely:
“Nothingshallbedonewithoutyourconsent,madame.Andbeatpeace;Ihavemyownmethods.NowthatIknowwhatIamdrivingat—”
Hetookherhandandraisedittohislips.
“Permitmetotellyou,madame,thatyouareamostremarkablewoman.Allmyhomageandrespect.Yes,indeed,awomaninathousand.Why,youhavenotevendonewhatninehundredandninety-ninewomenoutofathousandcouldnothaveresisteddoing.”
“Whatisthat?”
“Toldmejustwhyyoukilledyourhusband—andhowentirelyjustifiedsuchaproceedingreallywas.”
Mrs.Lorrimerdrewherselfup.
“Really,M.Poirot,”shesaidstiffly.“Myreasonswereentirelymyownbusiness.”
“Magnifique!”saidPoirot,and,oncemoreraisingherhandtohislips,helefttheroom.
Itwascoldoutsidethehouse,andhelookedupanddownforataxi,buttherewasnoneinsight.
HebegantowalkinthedirectionofKing’sRoad.
Ashewalkedhewasthinkinghard.Occasionallyhenoddedhishead;onceheshookit.
Helookedbackoverhisshoulder.SomeonewasgoingupthestepsofMrs.Lorrimer’shouse.InfigureitlookedverylikeAnneMeredith.Hehesitatedforaminute,wonderingwhethertoturnbackornot,butintheendhewenton.
Onarrivalathome,hefoundthatBattlehadgonewithoutleavinganymessage.
Heproceededtoringthesuperintendentup.
“Hallo.”Battle’svoicecamethrough.“Gotanything?”
“Jecroisbien.Monami,wemustgetaftertheMeredithgirl—andquickly.”
“I’mgettingafterher—butwhyquickly?”
“Because,myfriend,shemaybedangerous.”
Battlewassilentforaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid:
“Iknowwhatyoumean.Butthere’snoone…Oh,well,wemustn’ttakechances.Asamatteroffact,I’vewrittenher.Officialnote,sayingI’mcallingtoseehertomorrow.Ithoughtitmightbeagoodthingtogetherrattled.”
“Itisapossibility,atleast.Imayaccompanyyou?”
“Naturally.Honouredtohaveyourcompany,M.Poirot.”
Poirothungupthereceiverwithathoughtfulface.
Hismindwasnotquiteatrest.Hesatforalongtimeinfrontofhisfire,frowningtohimself.Atlast,puttinghisfearsanddoubtsaside,hewenttobed.
“Wewillseeinthemorning,”hemurmured.
Butofwhatthemorningwouldbringhehadnoidea.
Twenty-eight
SUICIDE
ThesummonscamebytelephoneatthemomentwhenPoirotwassittingdowntohismorningcoffeeandrolls.
Heliftedthetelephonereceiver,andBattle’svoicespoke:
“ThatM.Poirot?”
“Yes,itis.Qu’estcequ’ilya?”
Themereinflectionofthesuperintendent’svoicehadtoldhimthatsomethinghadhappened.Hisownvaguemisgivingscamebacktohim.
“Butquickly,myfriend,tellme.”
“It’sMrs.Lorrimer.”
“Lorrimer—yes?”
“Whatthedevildidyousaytoher—ordidshesaytoyou—yesterday?Younevertoldmeanything;infact,youletmethinkthattheMeredithgirlwastheonewewereafter.”
Poirotsaidquietly:
“Whathashappened?”
“Suicide.”
“Mrs.Lorrimerhascommittedsuicide?”
“That’sright.Itseemsshehasbeenverydepressedandunlikeherselflately.Herdoctorhadorderedhersomesleepingstuff.Lastnightshetookanoverdose.”
Poirotdrewadeepbreath.
“Thereisnoquestionof—accident?”
“Nottheleast.It’sallcutanddried.Shewrotetothethreeofthem.”
“Whichthree?”
“Theotherthree.Roberts,DespardandMissMeredith.Allfairandsquare—nobeatingaboutthebush.Justwrotethatshewouldlikethemtoknowthatshewastakingashortcutoutofallthemess—thatitwasshewhohadkilledShaitana—andthatsheapologized—apologized—toallthreeofthemfortheinconvenienceandannoyancetheyhadsuffered.Perfectlycalm,businesslikeletter.Absolutelytypicalofthewoman.Shewasacoolcustomerallright.”
ForaminuteortwoPoirotdidnotanswer.
SothiswasMrs.Lorrimer’sfinalword.Shehaddetermined,afterall,toshieldAnneMeredith.Aquickpainlessdeathinsteadofaprotractedpainfulone,andherlastactionanaltruisticone—thesavingofthegirlwithwhomshefeltasecretbondofsympathy.Thewholethingplannedandcarriedoutwithquiteruthlessefficiency—asuicidecarefullyannouncedtothethreeinterestedparties.Whatawoman!Hisadmirationquickened.Itwaslikeher—likeherclearcutdetermination,herinsistenceonwhatshehaddecidedbeingcarriedout.
Hehadthoughttohaveconvincedher—butevidentlyshehadpreferredherownjudgement.Awomanofverystrongwill.
Battle’svoicecutintohismeditations.
“Whatthedevildidyousaytoheryesterday?Youmusthaveputthewindupher,andthisistheresult.ButyouimpliedthattheresultofyourinterviewwasdefinitesuspicionoftheMeredithgirl.”
Poirotwassilentaminuteortwo.Hefeltthat,dead,Mrs.Lorrimerconstrainedhimtoherwill,asshecouldnothavedoneifshewereliving.
Hesaidatlastslowly:
“Iwasinerror….”
Theywereunaccustomedwordsonhistongue,andhedidnotlikethem.
“Youmadeamistake,eh?”saidBattle.“Allthesame,shemusthavethoughtyouwereontoher.It’sabadbusiness—lettingherslipthroughourfingerslikethis.”
“Youcouldnothaveprovedanythingagainsther,”saidPoirot.
“No—Isupposethat’strue…Perhapsit’sallforthebest.You—er—didn’tmeanthistohappen,M.Poirot?”
Poirot’sdisclaimerwasindignant.Thenhesaid:
“Tellmeexactlywhathasoccurred.”
“Robertsopenedhisletterjustbeforeeighto’clock.Helostnotime,dashedoffatonceinhiscar,leavinghisparlourmaidtocommunicatewithus,whichshedid.HegottothehousetofindthatMrs.Lorrimerhadn’tbeencalledyet,rusheduptoherbedroom—butitwastoolate.Hetriedartificialrespiration,buttherewasnothingdoing.Ourdivisionalsurgeonarrivedsoonafterandconfirmedhistreatment.”
“Whatwasthesleepingstuff?”
“Veronal,Ithink.Oneofthebarbituricgroup,atanyrate.Therewasabottleoftabletsbyherbed.”
“Whatabouttheothertwo?Didtheynottrytocommunicatewithyou?”
“Despardisoutoftown.Hehasn’thadthismorning’spost.”
“And—MissMeredith?”
“I’vejustrungherup.”
“Ehbien?”
“Shehadjustopenedtheletterafewmomentsbeforemycallcamethrough.Postislaterthere.”
“Whatwasherreaction?”
“Aperfectlyproperattitude.Intensereliefdecentlyveiled.Shockedandgrieved—thatsortofthing.”
Poirotpausedamoment,thenhesaid:
“Whereareyounow,myfriend?”
“AtCheyneLane.”
“Bien.Iwillcomeroundimmediately.”
InthehallatCheyneLanehefoundDr.Robertsonthepointofdeparture.Thedoctor’susualfloridmannerwasratherinabeyancethismorning.Helookedpaleandshaken.
“Nastybusinessthis,M.Poirot.Ican’tsayI’mnotrelieved—frommyownpointofview—but,totellyouthetruth,it’sabitofashock.IneverreallythoughtforaminutethatitwasMrs.LorrimerwhostabbedShaitana.It’sbeenthegreatestsurprisetome.”
“I,too,amsurprised.”
“Quiet,well-bred,self-containedwoman.Can’timagineherdoingaviolentthinglikethat.Whatwasthemotive,Iwonder?Oh,well,weshallneverknownow.IconfessI’mcurious,though.”
“Itmusttakealoadoffyourmind—thisoccurrence.”
“Oh,itdoes,undoubtedly.Itwouldbehypocrisynottoadmitit.It’snotverypleasanttohaveasuspicionofmurderhangingoveryou.Asforthepoorwomanherself—well,itwasundoubtedlythebestwayout.”
“Soshethoughtherself.”
Robertsnodded.
“Conscience,Isuppose,”hesaidashelethimselfoutofthehouse.
Poirotshookhisheadthoughtfully.Thedoctorhadmisreadthesituation.ItwasnotremorsethathadmadeMrs.Lorrimertakeherlife.
Onhiswayupstairshepausedtosayafewwordsofcomforttotheelderlyparlourmaid,whowasweepingquietly.
“It’ssodreadful,sir.Soverydreadful.Wewereallsofondofher.Andyouhavingteawithheryesterdaysoniceandquiet.Andnowtodayshe’sgone.Ishallneverforgetthismorning—neveraslongasIlive.Thegentlemanpealingatthebell.Rangthreetimes,hedid,beforeIcouldgettoit.And,‘Where’syourmistress?’heshotoutatme.Iwassoflustered,Icouldn’thardlyanswer.Yousee,weneverwentintothemistresstillsherang—thatwasherorders.AndIjustcouldn’tgetoutanything.Andthedoctorhesays,‘Where’sherroom?’andranupthestairs,andmebehindhim,andIshowedhimthedoor,andherushesin,notsomuchasknocking,andtakesonelookatherlyingthere,and,‘Toolate,’hesays.Shewasdead,sir.Buthesentmeforbrandyandhotwater,andhetrieddesperatetobringherback,butitcouldn’tbedone.Andthenthepolicecomingandall—itisn’t—itisn’t—decent,sir.Mrs.Lorrimerwouldn’thavelikedit.Andwhythepolice?It’snoneoftheirbusiness,surely,evenifanaccidenthasoccurredandthepoormistressdidtakeanoverdosebymistake.”
Poirotdidnotreplytoherquestion.
Hesaid:
“Lastnight,wasyourmistressquiteasusual?Didsheseemupsetorworriedatall?”
“No,Idon’tthinkso,sir.Shewastired—andIthinkshewasinpain.Shehasn’tbeenwelllately,sir.”
“No,Iknow.”
Thesympathyinhistonemadethewomangoon.
“Shewasneveroneforcomplaining,sir,butbothcookandIhadbeenworriedaboutherforsometime.Shecouldn’tdoasmuchassheusedtodo,andthingstiredher.Ithink,perhaps,theyoungladycomingafteryouleftwasabittoomuchforher.”
Withhisfootonthestairs,Poirotturnedback.
“Theyounglady?Didayoungladycomehereyesterdayevening?”
“Yes,sir.Justafteryouleft,itwas.MissMeredith,hernamewas.”
“Didshestaylong?”
“Aboutanhour,sir.”
Poirotwassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:
“Andafterwards?”
“Themistresswenttobed.Shehaddinnerinbed.Shesaidshewastired.”
AgainPoirotwassilent;thenhesaid:
“Doyouknowifyourmistresswroteanylettersyesterdayevening?”
“Doyoumeanaftershewenttobed?Idon’tthinkso,sir.”
“Butyouarenotsure?”
“Thereweresomelettersonthehalltablereadytobeposted,sir.Wealwaystookthemlastthingbeforeshuttingup.ButIthinktheyhadbeenlyingtheresinceearlierintheday.”
“Howmanywerethere?”
“Twoorthree—I’mnotquitesure,sir.Three,Ithink.”
“You—orcook—whoeverpostedthem—didnothappentonoticetowhomtheywereaddressed?Donotbeoffendedatmyquestion.Itisoftheutmostimportance.”
“Iwenttothepostmyselfwiththem,sir.Inoticedthetopone—itwastoFortnumandMason’s.Icouldn’tsayastotheothers.”
Thewoman’stonewasearnestandsincere.
“Areyousuretherewerenotmorethanthreeletters?”
“Yes,sir,I’mquitecertainofthat.”
Poirotnoddedhisheadgravely.Oncemorehestartedupthestaircase.Thenhesaid:
“Youknew,Itakeit,thatyourmistresstookmedicinetomakehersleep?”
“Oh,yes,sir,itwasthedoctor’sorders.Dr.Lang.”
“Wherewasthissleepingmedicinekept?”
“Inthelittlecupboardinthemistress’sroom.”
Poirotdidnotaskanyfurtherquestions.Hewentupstairs.Hisfacewasverygrave.
OntheupperlandingBattlegreetedhim.Thesuperintendentlookedworriedandharassed.
“I’mgladyou’vecome,M.Poirot.LetmeintroduceyoutoDr.Davidson.”
Thedivisionalsurgeonshookhands.Hewasatall,melancholyman.
“Theluckwasagainstus,”hesaid.“Anhourortwoearlier,andwemighthavesavedher.”
“H’m,”saidBattle.“Imustn’tsaysoofficially,butI’mnotsorry.Shewasa—well,shewasalady.Idon’tknowwhatherreasonswereforkillingShaitana,butshemayjustconceivablyhavebeenjustified.”
“Inanycase,”saidPoirot,“itisdoubtfulifshewouldhavelivedtostandhertrial.Shewasaveryillwoman.”
Thesurgeonnoddedinagreement.
“Ishouldsayyouwerequiteright.Well,perhapsitisallforthebest.”
Hestarteddownthestairs.
Battlemovedafterhim.
“Oneminute,doctor.”
Poirot,hishandonthebedroomdoor,murmured,“Imayenter—yes?”
Battlenoddedoverhisshoulder.“Quiteallright.We’rethrough.”Poirotpassedintotheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim….
Hewentovertothebedandstoodlookingdownatthequiet,deadface.
Hewasverydisturbed.
Hadthedeadwomangonetothegraveinalastdeterminedefforttosaveayounggirlfromdeathanddisgrace—orwasthereadifferent,amoresinisterexplanation?
Therewerecertainfacts….
Suddenlyhebentdown,examiningadark,discolouredbruiseonthedeadwoman’sarm.
Hestraightenedhimselfupagain.Therewasastrange,catlikegleaminhiseyesthatcertaincloseassociatesofhiswouldhaverecognized.
Helefttheroomquicklyandwentdownstairs.Battleandasubordinatewereatthetelephone.Thelatterlaiddownthereceiverandsaid:
“Hehasn’tcomeback,sir.”
Battlesaid:
“Despard.I’vebeentryingtogethim.There’saletterforhimwiththeChelseapostmarkallright.”
Poirotaskedanirrelevantquestion.
“HadDr.Robertshadhisbreakfastwhenhecamehere?”
Battlestared.
“No,”hesaid,“Irememberhementionedthathe’dcomeoutwithoutit.”
“Thenhewillbeathishousenow.Wecangethim.”
“Butwhy—?”
ButPoirotwasalreadybusyatthedial.Thenhespoke:
“Dr.Roberts?ItisDr.Robertsspeaking?Maisoui,itisPoirothere.Justonequestion.AreyouwellacquaintedwiththehandwritingofMrs.Lorrimer?”
“Mrs.Lorrimer’shandwriting?I—no,Idon’tknowthatI’deverseenitbefore.”
“Jevousremercie.”
Poirotlaiddownthereceiverquickly.
Battlewasstaringathim.
“What’sthebigidea,M.Poirot?”heaskedquietly.
Poirottookhimbythearm.
“Listen,myfriend.AfewminutesafterIleftthishouseyesterdayAnneMereditharrived.Iactuallysawhergoingupthesteps,thoughIwasnotquitesureofheridentityatthetime.ImmediatelyafterAnneMeredithleftMrs.Lorrimerwenttobed.Asfarasthemaidknows,shedidnotwriteanylettersthen.And,forreasonswhichyouwillunderstandwhenIrecounttoyouourinterview,Idonotbelievethatshewrotethosethreelettersbeforemyvisit.Whendidshewritethem,then?”
“Aftertheservantshadgonetobed?”suggestedBattle.“Shegotupandpostedthemherself.”
“Thatispossible,yes,butthereisanotherpossibility—thatshedidnotwritethematall.”
Battlewhistled.
“MyGod,youmean—”
Thetelephonetrilled.Thesergeantpickedupthereceiver.Helistenedaminute,thenturnedtoBattle.
“SergeantO’ConnorspeakingfromDespard’sflat,sir.There’sreasontobelievethatDespard’sdownatWallingford-on-Thames.”
PoirotcaughtBattlebythearm.
“Quickly,myfriend.We,too,mustgotoWallingford.Itellyou,Iamnoteasyinmymind.Thismaynotbetheend.Itellyouagain,myfriend,thisyounglady,sheisdangerous.”
Twenty-nine
ACCIDENT
“Anne,”saidRhoda.
“Mmm?”
“No,really,Anne,don’tanswerwithhalfyourmindonacrosswordpuzzle.Iwantyoutoattendtome.”
“Iamattending.”
Annesatboltuprightandputdownthepaper.
“That’sbetter.Lookhere,Anne.”Rhodahesitated.“Aboutthismancoming.”
“SuperintendentBattle?”
“Yes,Anne,Iwishyou’dtellhim—aboutbeingattheBensons.’”
Anne’svoicegrewrathercold.
“Nonsense.WhyshouldI?”
“Because—well,itmightlook—asthoughyou’dbeenkeepingsomethingback.I’msureitwouldbebettertomentionit.”
“Ican’tverywellnow,”saidAnnecoldly.
“Iwishyouhadinthefirstplace.”
“Well,it’stoolatetobotheraboutthatnow.”
“Yes.”Rhodadidnotsoundconvinced.
Annesaidratherirritably:
“Inanycase,Ican’tseewhy.It’sgotnothingtodowithallthis.”
“No,ofcoursenot.”
“Iwasonlythereabouttwomonths.Heonlywantsthesethingsas—well—references.Twomonthsdoesn’tcount.”
“No,Iknow.IexpectI’mbeingratherfoolish,butitdoesworrymerather.Ifeelyououghttomentionit.Yousee,ifitcameoutsomeotherway,itmightlookratherbad—yourkeepingdarkaboutit,Imean.”
“Idon’tseehowitcancomeout.Nobodyknowsbutyou.”
“N-no?”
AnnepouncedontheslighthesitationinRhoda’svoice.
“Why,whodoesknow?”
“Well,everyoneatCombeacre,”saidRhodaafteramoment’ssilence.
“Oh,that!”Annedismisseditwithashrug.“Thesuperintendentisn’tlikelytocomeupagainstanyonefromthere.Itwouldbeanextraordinarycoincidenceifhedid.”
“Coincidenceshappen.”
“Rhoda,you’rebeingextraordinaryaboutthis.Fuss,fuss,fuss.”
“I’mterriblysorry,darling.Onlyyouknowwhatthepolicemightbelikeiftheythoughtyouwere—well—hidingthings.”
“Theywon’tknow.Who’stotellthem?Nobodyknowsbutyou.”
Itwasthesecondtimeshehadsaidthosewords.Atthissecondrepetitionhervoicechangedalittle—somethingqueerandspeculativecameintoit.
“Oh,dear,Iwishyouwould,”sighedRhodaunhappily.
ShelookedguiltilyatAnne,butAnnewasnotlookingather.Shewassittingwithafrownonherface,asthoughworkingoutsomecalculation.
“Ratherfun,MajorDespardturningup,”saidRhoda.
“What?Oh,yes.”
“Anne,heisattractive.Ifyoudon’twanthim,do,do,dohandhimovertome!”
“Don’tbeabsurd,Rhoda.Hedoesn’tcaretuppenceforme.”
“Thenwhydoeshekeeponturningup?Ofcoursehe’skeenonyou.You’rejustthesortofdistresseddamselthathe’denjoyrescuing.Youlooksobeautifullyhelpless,Anne.”
“He’sequallypleasanttobothofus.”
“That’sonlyhisniceness.Butifyoudon’twanthim,Icoulddothesympatheticfriendact—consolehisbrokenheart,etc.,etc.,andintheendImightgethim.Whoknows?”Rhodaconcludedinelegantly.
“I’msureyou’requitewelcometohim,mydear,”saidAnne,laughing.
“He’sgotsuchalovelybacktohisneck,”sighedRhoda.“Verybrickredandmuscular.”
“Darling,mustyoubesomawkish?”
“Doyoulikehim,Anne?”
“Yes,verymuch.”
“Aren’tweprimandsedate?Ithinkhelikesmealittle—notasmuchasyou,butalittle.”
“Oh,buthedoeslikeyou,”saidAnne
Againtherewasanunusualnoteinhervoice,butRhodadidnothearit.
“Whattimeisoursleuthcoming?”sheasked.
“Twelve,”saidAnne.Shewassilentforaminuteortwo,thenshesaid,“It’sonlyhalfpasttennow.Let’sgooutontheriver.”
“Butisn’t—didn’t—didn’tDespardsayhe’dcomeroundabouteleven?”
“Whyshouldwewaitinforhim?WecanleaveamessagewithMrs.Astwellwhichwaywe’vegone,andhecanfollowusalongthetowpath.”
“Infact,don’tmakeyourselfcheap,dear,asmotheralwayssaid!”laughedRhoda.“Comeon,then.”
Shewentoutoftheroomandthroughthegardendoor.Annefollowedher.
MajorDespardcalledatWendonCottageabouttenminuteslater.Hewasbeforehistime,heknew,sohewasalittlesurprisedtofindbothgirlshadalreadygoneout.
Hewentthroughthegardenandacrossthefields,andturnedtotherightalongthetowpath.
Mrs.Astwellremainedaminuteortwolookingafterhim,insteadofgettingonwithhermorningchores.
“Sweetononeorotherof’em,heis,”sheobservedtoherself.“Ithinkit’sMissAnne,butI’mnotcertain.Hedon’tgivemuchawaybyhisface.Treats’embothalike.I’mnotsuretheyain’tbothsweetonhim,too.Ifso,theywon’tbesuchdearfriendssomuchlonger.Nothinglikeagentlemanforcomingbetweentwoyoungladies.”
Pleasurablyexcitedbytheprospectofassistingatabuddingromance,Mrs.Astwellturnedindoorstohertaskofwashingupthebreakfastthings,whenonceagainthedoorbellrang.
“Dratthatdoor,”saidMrs.Astwell.“Doitonpurpose,theydo.Parcel,Isuppose.Ormightbeatelegram.”
Shemovedslowlytothefrontdoor.
Twogentlemenstoodthere,asmallforeigngentlemanandanexceedinglyEnglish,big,burlygentleman.Thelattershehadseenbefore,sheremembered.
“MissMeredithathome?”askedthebigman.
Mrs.Astwellshookherhead.
“Justgoneout.”
“Really?Whichway?Wedidn’tmeether.”
Mrs.Astwell,secretlystudyingtheamazingmoustacheoftheothergentleman,anddecidingthattheylookedanunlikelypairtobefriends,volunteeredfurtherinformation.
“Goneoutontheriver,”sheexplained.
Theothergentlemanbrokein:
“Andtheotherlady?MissDawes?”
“They’vebothgone.”
“Ah,thankyou,”saidBattle.“Letmesee,whichwaydoesonegettotheriver?”
“Firstturningtotheleft,downthelane,”Mrs.Astwellrepliedpromptly.“Whenyougettothetowpath,goright.Iheardthemsaythat’sthewaytheyweregoing,”sheaddedhelpfully.“Notaboveaquarterofanhourago.You’llsooncatch’emup.”
“AndIwonder,”sheaddedtoherselfassheunwillinglyclosedthefrontdoor,havingstaredinquisitivelyattheirretreatingbacks,“whoyoutwomightbe.Can’tplaceyou,somehow.”
Mrs.Astwellreturnedtothekitchensink,andBattleandPoirotdulytookthefirstturningtotheleft—astragglinglanewhichsoonendedabruptlyatthetowpath.
Poirotwashurryingalong,andBattleeyedhimcuriously.
“Anythingthematter,M.Poirot?Youseeminamightyhurry.”
“Itistrue.Iamuneasy,myfriend.”
“Anythingparticular?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“No.Buttherearepossibilities.Youneverknow….”
“You’vegotsomethinginyourhead,”saidBattle.“Youwereurgentthatweshouldcomedownherethismorningwithoutlosingamoment—and,myword,youmadeConstableTurnersteponthegas!Whatareyouafraidof?Thegirl’sshotherbolt.”
Poirotwassilent.
“Whatareyouafraidof?”Battlerepeated.
“Whatisonealwaysafraidofinthesecases?”
Battlenodded.
“You’requiteright.Iwonder—”
“Youwonderwhat,myfriend?”
Battlesaidslowly:
“I’mwonderingifMissMeredithknowsthatherfriendtoldMrs.Oliveracertainfact.”
Poirotnoddedhisheadinvigorousappreciation.
“Hurry,myfriend,”hesaid.
Theyhastenedalongtheriverbank.Therewasnocraftvisibleonthewater’ssurface,butpresentlytheyroundedabend,andPoirotsuddenlystoppeddead.Battle’squickeyessawalso.
“MajorDespard,”hesaid.
Despardwasabouttwohundredyardsaheadofthem,stridingalongtheriverbank.
Alittlefartheronthetwogirlswereinviewinapuntonthewater,Rhodapunting—Annelyingandlaughingupather.Neitherofthemwerelookingtowardsthebank.
Andthen—ithappened.Anne’shandoutstretched,Rhoda’sstagger,herplungeoverboard—herdesperategraspatAnne’ssleeve—therockingboat—thenanoverturnedpuntandtwogirlsstrugglinginthewater.
“Seeit?”criedBattleashestartedtorun.“LittleMeredithcaughtherroundtheankleandtippedherin.MyGod,that’sherfourthmurder!”
Theywerebothrunninghard.Butsomeonewasaheadofthem.Itwasclearthatneithergirlcouldswim,butDespardhadrunquicklyalongthepathtothenearestpoint,andnowheplungedinandswamtowardsthem.
“MonDieu,thisisinteresting,”criedPoirot.HecaughtBattle’sarm.“Whichofthemwillhegoforfirst?”
Thetwogirlswerenottogether.Abouttwelveyardsseparatedthem.
Despardswampowerfullytowardsthem—therewasnocheckinhisstroke.HewasmakingstraightforRhoda.
Battle,inhisturn,reachedthenearestbankandwentin.DespardhadjustbroughtRhodasuccessfullytoshore.Hehauledherup,flungherdownandplungedinagain,swimmingtowardsthespotwhereAnnehadjustgoneunder.
“Becareful,”calledBattle.“Weeds.”
HeandBattlegottothespotatthesametime,butAnnehadgoneunderbeforetheyreachedher.
Theygotheratlastandbetweenthemtowedhertotheshore.
RhodawasbeingministeredtobyPoirot.Shewassittingupnow,herbreathcomingunevenly.
DespardandBattlelaidAnneMeredithdown.
“Artificialrespiration,”saidBattle.“Onlythingtodo.ButI’mafraidshe’sgone.”
Hesettoworkmethodically.Poirotstoodby,readytorelievehim.
DesparddroppeddownbyRhoda.
“Areyouallright?”heaskedhoarsely.
Shesaidslowly:
“Yousavedme.Yousavedme…”Sheheldoutherhandstohim,andashetookthemsheburstsuddenlyintotears.
Hesaid,“Rhoda….”
Theirhandsclungtogether….
Hehadasuddenvision—ofAfricanscrub,andRhoda,laughingandadventurous,byhisside….
Thirty
MURDER
“Doyoumeantosay,”saidRhodaincredulously,“thatAnnemeanttopushmein?Iknowitfeltlikeit.AndsheknewIcan’tswim.But—butwasitdeliberate?”
“Itwasquitedeliberate,”saidPoirot.
TheyweredrivingthroughtheoutskirtsofLondon.
“But—but—why?”
Poirotdidnotreplyforaminuteortwo.HethoughtheknewoneofthemotivesthathadledAnnetoactasshehaddone,andthatmotivewassittingnexttoRhodaattheminute.
SuperintendentBattlecoughed.
“You’llhavetoprepareyourself,MissDawes,forabitofashock.ThisMrs.Bensonyourfriendlivedwith,herdeathwasn’tquitetheaccidentthatitappeared—atleast,sowe’vereasontosuppose.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Webelieve,”saidPoirot,“thatAnneMeredithchangedtwobottles.”
“Oh,no—no,howhorrible!It’simpossible.Anne?Whyshouldshe?”
“Shehadherreasons,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Butthepointis,MissDawes,that,asfarasMissMeredithknew,youweretheonlypersonwhocouldgiveusacluetothatincident.Youdidn’ttellher,Isuppose,thatyou’dmentionedittoMrs.Oliver?”
Rhodasaidslowly:
“No.Ithoughtshe’dbeannoyedwithme.”
“Shewould.Veryannoyed,”saidBattlegrimly.“Butshethoughtthattheonlydangercouldcomefromyou,andthat’swhyshedecidedto—er—eliminateyou.”
“Eliminate?Me?Oh,howbeastly!Itcan’tbealltrue.”
“Well,she’sdeadnow,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“sowemightaswellleaveitatthat;butshewasn’tanicefriendforyoutohave,MissDawes—andthat’safact.”
Thecardrewupinfrontofadoor.
“We’llgointoM.Poirot’s,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“andhaveabitofatalkaboutitall.”
InPoirot’ssittingroomtheywerewelcomedbyMrs.Oliver,whowasentertainingDr.Roberts.Theyweredrinkingsherry.Mrs.Oliverwaswearingoneofhernewhorsyhatsandavelvetdresswithabowonthechestonwhichreposedalargepieceofapplecore.
“Comein.Comein,”saidMrs.OliverhospitablyandquiteasthoughitwereherhouseandnotPoirot’s.
“AssoonasIgotyourtelephonecallIrangupDr.Roberts,andwecameroundhere.Andallhispatientsaredying,buthedoesn’tcare.They’reprobablygettingbetter,really.Wewanttohearallabouteverything.”
“Yes,indeed,I’mthoroughlyfogged,”saidRoberts.
“Ehbien,”saidPoirot.“Thecaseisended.ThemurdererofMr.Shaitanaisfoundatlast.”
“SoMrs.Olivertoldme.Thatprettylittlething,AnneMeredith.Icanhardlybelieveit.Amostunbelievablemurderess.”
“Shewasamurderessallright,”saidBattle.“Threemurderstohercredit—andnotherfaultthatshedidn’tgetawaywithafourthone.”
“Incredible!”murmuredRoberts.
“Notatall,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Leastlikelyperson.Itseemstoworkoutinreallifejustthesameasinbooks.”
“It’sbeenanamazingday,”saidRoberts.“FirstMrs.Lorrimer’sletter.Isupposethatwasaforgery,eh?”
“Precisely.Aforgerywrittenintriplicate.”
“Shewroteonetoherself,too?”
“Naturally.Theforgerywasquiteskilful—itwouldnotdeceiveanexpert,ofcourse—but,then,itwashighlyunlikelythatanexpertwouldhavebeencalledin.AlltheevidencepointedtoMrs.Lorrimer’shavingcommittedsuicide.”
“Youwillexcusemycuriosity,M.Poirot,butwhatmadeyoususpectthatshehadnotcommittedsuicide?”
“AlittleconversationthatIhadwithamaidservantatCheyneLane.”
“ShetoldyouofAnneMeredith’svisittheformerevening?”
“Thatamongotherthings.Andthen,yousee,Ihadalreadycometoaconclusioninmyownmindastotheidentityoftheguiltyperson—thatis,thepersonwhokilledMr.Shaitana.ThatpersonwasnotMrs.Lorrimer.”
“WhatmadeyoususpectMissMeredith?”
Poirotraisedhishand.
“Alittleminute.Letmeapproachthismatterinmyownway.Letme,thatistosay,eliminate.ThemurdererofMr.ShaitanawasnotMrs.Lorrimer,norwasitMajorDespard,and,curiouslyenough,itwasnotAnneMeredith….”
Heleanedforward.Hisvoicepurred,softandcatlike.
“Yousee,Dr.Roberts,youwerethepersonwhokilledMr.Shaitana;andyoualsokilledMrs.Lorrimer….”
II
Therewasatleastthreeminutes’silence.ThenRobertslaughedarathermenacinglaugh.
“Areyouquitemad,M.Poirot?IcertainlydidnotmurderMr.Shaitana,andIcouldnotpossiblyhavemurderedMrs.Lorrimer.MydearBattle”—heturnedtotheScotlandYardman—“areyoustandingforthis?”
“Ithinkyou’dbetterlistentowhatM.Poirothastosay,”saidBattlequietly.
Poirotsaid:
“ItistruethatthoughIhaveknownforsometimethatyou—andonlyyou—couldhavekilledShaitana,itwouldnotbeaneasymattertoproveit.ButMrs.Lorrimer’scaseisquitedifferent.”Heleanedforward.“Itisnotacaseofmyknowing.Itismuchsimplerthanthat—forwehaveaneyewitnesswhosawyoudoit.”
Robertsgrewveryquiet.Hiseyesglittered.Hesaidsharply:
“Youaretalkingrubbish!”
“Oh,no,Iamnot.Itwasearlyinthemorning.YoubluffedyourwayintoMrs.Lorrimer’sroom,whereshewasstillheavilyasleepundertheinfluenceofthedrugshehadtakenthenightbefore.Youbluffagain—pretendtoseeataglancethatsheisdead!Youpacktheparlourmaidoffforbrandy—hotwater—alltherestofit.Youareleftaloneintheroom.Themaidhasonlyhadthebarestpeep.Andthenwhathappens?
“Youmaynotbeawareofthefact,Dr.Roberts,butcertainfirmsofwindowcleanersspecializeinearlymorningwork.Awindowcleanerwithhisladderarrivedatthesametimeasyoudid.Heplacedhisladderagainstthesideofthehouseandbeganhiswork.ThefirstwindowhetackledwasthatofMrs.Lorrimer’sroom.When,however,hesawwhatwasgoingon,hequicklyretiredtoanotherwindow,buthehadseensomethingfirst.Heshalltellushisownstory.”
Poirotsteppedlightlyacrossthefloor,turnedadoorhandle,called:
“Comein,Stephens,”andreturned.
Abigawkward-lookingmanwithredhairentered.Inhishandheheldauniformedhatbearingthelegend“ChelseaWindowCleaners’Association”whichhetwirledawkwardly.
Poirotsaid:
“Isthereanybodyyourecognizeinthisroom?”
Themanlookedround,thengaveabashfulnodoftheheadtowardsDr.Roberts.
“Him,”hesaid.
“Telluswhenyousawhimlastandwhathewasdoing.”
“Thismorningitwas.Eighto’clockjobatalady’shouseinCheyneLane.Istartedonthewindowsthere.Ladywasinbed.Lookedillshedid.Shewasjustturningherheadroundonthepillow.ThisgentItooktobeadoctor.Heshovedhersleeveupandjabbedsomethingintoherarmabouthere—”Hegestured.“Shejustdroppedbackonthepillowagain.IthoughtI’dbetterhopittoanotherwindow,soIdid.HopeIdidn’tdowronginanyway?”
“Youdidadmirably,myfriend,”saidPoirot.
Hesaidquietly:
“Ehbien,Dr.Roberts?”
“A—asimplerestorative—”stammeredRoberts.“Alasthopeofbringingherround.It’smonstrous—”
Poirotinterruptedhim.
“Asimplerestorative?—N-methyl—cyclo—hexenyl—methyl—malonylurea,”saidPoirot.Herolledoutthesyllablesunctuously.“KnownmoresimplyasEvipan.Usedasananaestheticforshortoperations.Injectedintravenouslyinlargedosesitproducesinstantunconsciousness.Itisdangeroustouseitafterveronaloranybarbiturateshavebeengiven.Inoticedthebruisedplaceonherarmwheresomethinghadobviouslybeeninjectedintoavein.AhinttothepolicesurgeonandthedrugwaseasilydiscoveredbynolessapersonthanSirCharlesImphery,theHomeOfficeAnalyst.”
“Thataboutcooksyourgoose,Ithink,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“NoneedtoprovetheShaitanabusiness,though,ofcourse,ifnecessarywecanbringafurtherchargeastothemurderofMr.CharlesCraddock—andpossiblyhiswifealso.”
ThementionofthosetwonamesfinishedRoberts.
Heleanedbackinhischair.
“Ithrowinmyhand,”hesaid.“You’vegotme!IsupposethatslydevilShaitanaputyouwisebeforeyoucamethatevening.AndIthoughtI’dsettledhishashsonicely.”
“Itisn’tShaitanayou’vegottothank,”saidBattle.“ThehonoursliewithM.Poirothere.”
Hewenttothedoorandtwomenentered
SuperintendentBattle’svoicebecameofficialashemadetheformalarrest.
AsthedoorclosedbehindtheaccusedmanMrs.Oliversaidhappily,ifnotquitetruthfully:
“Ialwayssaidhedidit!”
Thirty-one
CARDSONTHETABLE
ItwasPoirot’smoment,everyfacewasturnedtohisineageranticipation.
“Youareverykind,”hesaid,smiling.“Youknow,Ithink,thatIenjoymylittlelecture.Iamaprosyoldfellow
“Thiscase,tomymind,hasbeenoneofthemostinterestingcasesIhaveevercomeacross.Therewasnothing,yousee,togoupon.Therewerefourpeople,oneofwhommusthavecommittedthecrimebutwhichofthefour?Wasthereanythingtotellone?Inthematerialsense—no.Therewerenotangibleclues—nofingerprints—noincriminatingpapersordocuments.Therewereonly—thepeoplethemselves.
“Andonetangibleclue—thebridgescores.
“YoumayrememberthatfromthebeginningIshowedaparticularinterestinthosescores.Theytoldmesomethingaboutthevariouspeoplewhohadkeptthemandtheydidmore.Theygavemeonevaluablehint.Inoticedatonce,inthethirdrubber,thefigureof1500abovetheline.Thatfigurecouldonlyrepresentonething—acallofgrandslam.Nowifapersonweretomakeuptheirmindstocommitacrimeunderthesesomewhatunusualcircumstances(thatis,duringarubbergameofbridge)thatpersonwasclearlyrunningtwoseriousrisks.Thefirstwasthatthevictimmightcryoutandthesecondwasthatevenifthevictimdidnotcryoutsomeoneoftheotherthreemightchancetolookupatthepsychologicalmomentandactuallywitnessthedeed
“Nowastothefirstrisk,nothingcouldbedoneaboutit.Itwasamatterofgambler’sluck.Butsomethingcouldbedoneaboutthesecond.Itstandstoreasonthatduringaninterestingoranexcitinghandtheattentionofthethreeplayerswouldbewhollyonthegame,whereasduringadullhandtheyweremorelikelytobelookingaboutthem.Noweachofthemwouldhavecommittedthecrimefromanentirelydifferentangle
“Inextmadeasecondtest.Igoteveryoneinturntotellmejustwhattheyrememberedoftheroom.FromthatIgotsomeveryvaluableinformation.Firstofall,byfarthemostlikelypersontohavenoticedthedaggerwasDr.Roberts.Hewasanaturalobserveroftriflesofallkinds—whatiscalledanobservantman.Ofthebridgehands,however,
“Mrs.LorrimerIfoundtohaveamarvellouscardmemory,andIcouldwellimaginethatwithanyoneofherpowersofconcentrationamurdercouldeasilybecommittedcloseathandandshewouldnevernoticeanything.Shegavemeavaluablepieceofinformation.ThegrandslamwasbidbyDr.Roberts(quiteunjustifiably)—andhebiditinhersuit,nothisown,sothatshenecessarilyplayedthehand.
“Thethirdtest,thetestonwhichSuperintendentBattleandIbuiltagooddeal,wasthediscoveryoftheearliermurderssoastoestablishasimilarityofmethod.Well,thecreditforthosediscoveriesbelongstoSuperintendentBattle,toMrs.OliverandtoColonelRace.DiscussingthematterwithmyfriendBattle,heconfessedhimselfdisappointedbecausetherewerenopointsofsimilaritybetweenanyofthethreeearliercrimesandthatofthemurderofMr.Shaitana.Butactuallythatwasnottrue.ThetwomurdersattributedtoDr.Roberts,whenexaminedclosely,andfromthepsychologicalpointofviewandnotthematerialone,provedtobealmostexactlythesame.They,too,hadbeenwhatImightdescribeaspublicmurders.Ashavingbrushboldlyinfectedinthevictim’sowndressingroomwhilethedoctorofficiallywasheshishandsafteravisit.ThemurderofMrs.Craddockundercoverofatyphoidinoculation.Againdonequiteopenly—inthesightoftheworld,asyoumightsay.Andthereactionofthemanisthesame.Pushedintoacorner,heseizesachanceandactsatonce—sheerboldaudaciousbluff—exactlylikehisplayatbridge.Asatbridge,sointhemurderofShaitana,hetookalongchanceandplayedhiscardswell.Theblowwasperfectlystruckandatexactlytherightmoment.
“NowjustatthemomentthatIhaddecidedquitedefinitelythatDr.Robertswastheman,Mrs.Lorrimeraskedmetocomeandseeher—andquiteconvincinglyaccusedherselfofthecrime!Inearlybelievedher!ForaminuteortwoIdidbelieveher—andthenmylittlegreycellsreassertedtheirmastery.Itcouldnotbe—soitwasnot!
“Butwhatshetoldmewasmoredifficultstill.
“SheassuredmethatshehadactuallyseenAnneMeredithcommitthecrime.
“Itwasnottillthefollowingmorning—whenIstoodbyadeadwoman’sbed—thatIsawhowIcouldstillberightandMrs.Lorrimerstillhavespokenthetruth.
“AnneMeredithwentovertothefireplace—andsawthatMr.Shaitanawasdead!Shestoopedoverhim—perhapsstretchedoutherhandtothegleamingheadofthejewelledpin.
“Herlipsparttocallout,butshedoesnotcallout.SheremembersShaitana’stalkatdinner.Perhapshehadleftsomerecord.She,AnneMeredith,hasamotivefordesiringhisdeath.Everyonewillsaythatshehaskilledhim.Shedarenotcallout.Tremblingwithfearandapprehensionshegoesbacktoherseat.
“SoMrs.Lorrimerisright,sinceshe,asshethought,sawthecrimecommitted—butIamrighttoo,foractuallyshedidnotseeit.
“IfRobertshadheldhishandatthispoint,Idoubtifwecouldhaveeverbroughthiscrimeshometohim.Wemighthavedoneso—byamixtureofbluffandvariousingeniousdevices.Iwouldatanyratehavetried
“Buthelosthisnerveandonceagainoverbidhishand.Andthistimethecardslaywrongforhimandhecamedownheavily.
“Nodoubthewasuneasy.HeknewthatBattlewasnosingabout.Heforesawthepresentsituationgoingonindefinitely,thepolicestillsearching—andperhaps,bysomemiracle—comingontracesofhisformercrimes.HehituponthebrilliantideaofmakingMrs.Lorrimerthescapegoatfortheparty.Hispractisedeyeguessed,nodoubt,thatshewasill,andthatherlifecouldnotbeverymuchprolonged.Hownaturalinthosecircumstancesforhertochooseaquickwayout,andbeforetakingit,confesstothecrime!Sohemanagestogetasampleofherhandwriting—forgesthreeidenticallettersandarrivesatthehousehotfootinthemorningwithhisstoryoftheletterhehasjustreceived.Hisparlourmaidquitecorrectlyisinstructedtoringupthepolice.Allheneedsisastart.Andhegetsit.Bythetimethepolicesurgeonarrivesitisallover.Dr.Robertsisreadywithhisstoryofartificialrespirationthathasfailed.Itisallperfectlyplausible—perfectlystraightforward.
“InallthishehasnoideaofthrowingsuspiciononAnneMeredith.Hedoesnotevenknowofhervisitthenightbefore.Itissuicideandsecurityonlythatheisaimingat.
“ItisinfactanawkwardmomentforhimwhenIaskifheisacquaintedwithMrs.Lorrimer’shandwriting.Iftheforgeryhasbeendetectedhemustsavehimselfbysayingthathehasneverseenherhandwriting.Hismindworksquickly,butnotquicklyenough.
“FromWallingfordItelephonetoMrs.Oliver.Sheplaysherpartbylullinghissuspicionsandbringinghimhere.Andthenwhenheiscongratulatinghimselfthatalliswell,thoughnotexactlythewayhehasplanned,theblowfalls.HerculePoirotsprings!Andso—thegamblerwillgatherinnomoretricks.Hehasthrownhiscardsuponthetable.C’estfini.”
Therewassilence.Rhodabrokeitwithasigh.
“Whatamazingluckthatwindowcleanerhappenedtobethere,”shesaid.
“Luck?Luck?Thatwasnotluck,mademoiselle.ThatwasthegreycellsofHerculePoirot.Andthatremindsme—”
Hewenttothedoor.
“Comein—comein,mydearfellow.Youactedyourpartàmerveille.”
Hereturnedaccompaniedbythewindowcleaner,whonowheldhisredhairinhishandandwholookedsomehowaverydifferentperson.
“MyfriendMr.GeraldHemmingway,averypromisingyoungactor.”
“Thentherewasnowindowcleaner?”criedRhoda.“Nobodysawhim?”
“Isaw,”saidPoirot.“Withtheeyesofthemindonecanseemorethanwiththeeyesofthebody.Oneleansbackandclosestheeyes—”
Despardsaidcheerfully:
“Let’sstabhim,Rhoda,andseeifhisghostcancomebackandfindoutwhodidit.”
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEHERCULEPOIROTMYSTERIES
MatchyourwitswiththefamousBelgiandetective.
TheMysteriousAffairatStylesTheMurderontheLinksPoirotInvestigatesTheMurderofRogerAckroydTheBigFourTheMysteryoftheBlueTrainPerilatEndHouseLordEdgwareDiesMurderontheOrientExpressThreeActTragedyDeathintheCloudsTheA.B.C.MurdersMurderinMesopotamiaCardsontheTableMurderintheMewsDumbWitnessDeathontheNileAppointmentwithDeathHerculePoirot’sChristmasSadCypressOne,Two,BuckleMyShoeEvilUndertheSunFiveLittlePigsTheHollowTheLaborsofHerculesTakenattheFloodTheUnderdogandOtherStoriesMrs.McGinty’sDeadAftertheFuneralHickoryDickoryDockDeadMan’sFollyCatAmongthePigeonsTheClocksThirdGirlHallowe’enPartyElephantsCanRememberCurtain:Poirot’sLastCase
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEMISSMARPLEMYSTERIES
JointhelegendaryspinstersleuthfromSt.MaryMeadinsolvingmurdersfarandwide.
TheMurderattheVicarageTheBodyintheLibraryTheMovingFingerAMurderIsAnnouncedTheyDoItwithMirrorsAPocketFullofRye4:50FromPaddingtonTheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSideACaribbeanMysteryAtBertram’sHotelNemesisSleepingMurderMissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
THETOMMYANDTUPPENCEMYSTERIES
Jumponboardwiththeentertainingcrime-solvingcouplefromYoungAdventurersLtd.
TheSecretAdversaryPartnersinCrimeNorM?BythePrickingofMyThumbsPosternofFate
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
Don’tmissasingleoneofAgathaChristie’sstand-alonenovelsandshort-storycollections.
TheManintheBrownSuitTheSecretofChimneysTheSevenDialsMysteryTheMysteriousMr.QuinTheSittafordMysteryParkerPyneInvestigatesWhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?MurderIsEasyTheRegattaMysteryandOtherStoriesAndThenThereWereNoneTowardsZeroDeathComesastheEndSparklingCyanideTheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStoriesCrookedHouseThreeBlindMiceandOtherStoriesTheyCametoBaghdadDestinationUnknownOrdealbyInnocenceDoubleSinandOtherStoriesThePaleHorseStaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStoriesEndlessNightPassengertoFrankfurtTheGoldenBallandOtherStoriesTheMousetrapandOtherPlaysTheHarlequinTeaSet
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AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
www.AgathaChristie.com
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THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSet
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderdogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?POIROT?CARDSONTHETABLE?.Copyright?1936AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
CARDSONTHETABLE?1937.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207373-0
EPubEdition?MAY2011ISBN:978-0-06-174003-9
1112131415
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TableofContents
TitlePage
Contents
Foreword
1.Mr.Shaitana
2.DinneratMr.Shaitana’s
3.AGameofBridge
4.FirstMurderer?
5.SecondMurderer?
6.ThirdMurderer?
7.FourthMurderer?
8.WhichofThem?
9.Dr.Roberts
10.Dr.Roberts(continued)
11.Mrs.Lorrimer
12.AnneMeredith
13.SecondVisitor
14.ThirdVisitor
15.MajorDespard
16.TheEvidenceofElsieBatt
17.TheEvidenceofRhodaDawes
18.TeaInterlude
19.Consultation
20.TheEvidenceofMrs.Luxmore
21.MajorDespard
22.EvidencefromCombeacre
23.TheEvidenceofaPairofSilkStockings
24.EliminationofThreeMurderers?
25.Mrs.LorrimerSpeaks
26.TheTruth
27.TheEyewitness
28.Suicide
29.Accident
30.Murder
31.CardsontheTable
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
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