HERCULEPOIROT’SCASEBOOK
AgathaChristieisknownthroughouttheworld
astheQueenofCrime.Herseventy-sixdetective
novelsandbooksofstorieshavebeentranslated
intoeverymajorlanguage,andhersalesare
calculated
intensofmillions.
ShebeganwritingattheendoftheFirst
WorldWar,whenshecreatedHerculePoirot,
thelittleBelgiandetectivewiththeegg-shaped
headandthepassionfororder–themost
popularsleuthinfictionsinceSherlockHolmes.
Poirot,MissMarpleandherotherdetectives
haveappearedinfilms,radioprogrammes,
televisionfilmsandstageplaysbasedonher
books.
AgathaChristiealsowrotesixromanticnovels
underthepseudonymMaryWestmacott,several
playsandabookofpoems;aswell,sheassisted
herarchaeologist.husbandSirMaxMallowanon
manyexpeditionstotheMiddleEast.Shewas
awardedtheDBEin1971.
PosternofFatewasthelastbookshewrote
beforeherdeathin1976,butsinceits
publicationtwobooksAgathaChristiewrotein
the1940shaveappeared:Curtain:Poirot’sLast
CaseandSleepingMurder,thelastMissMarple
book.
AgathaChristie’sAutobiographywas
publishedbyFontanain1978.
AvailableinFontanabythesameauthor
TheABCMurders
AtBertram’sHotel
TheBodyintheLibrary
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
TheClocks
DeadMan’sFolly
DeathComesastheEnd
DestinationUnknown
ElephantsCanRemember
EndlessNight
EvilUndertheSun
Hallowe’enParty
HickoryDickoryDock
TheHollow
TheLaboursofHercules
LordEdgwareDies
TheMovingFinger
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
MurderinMesopotamia
MurderisEasy
TheMysteriousMrQuin
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
ParkerPyneInvestigates
PartnersinCrime
APocketFullofRye
PosternofFate
SadCypress
SleepingMurder
TakenattheFlood
AndThenThereWereNone
TheThirteenProblems
ThreeActTragedy
andmanyothers
AGATHACHRISTIE
HerculePoirot’s
Casebook
FONTANA/CoIIins
ThiscollectionfirstpublishedbyFontanaPaperbacks1989
Thiscollection?AgathaChristie1989
‘TheIncredibleTheft’,‘MurderintheMews’and‘TriangleatRhodes’
werefirstpublishedinMurderintheMews,1937;‘TheDream’and‘Four
andTwentyBlackbirds’werefirstpublishedinTheAdventuresofthe
ChristmasPudding,1960;and‘ProblematSea’,‘TheThird-floorFlat’,
‘TheAdventureofJohnnieWaverly’,‘TheKingofClubs’and‘The
AdventureoftheClaphamCook’werefirstpublishedinPoirot’sEarly
Cases,1947.
PrintedandboundinGreatBritainby
WilliamCollinsSons&Co.Ltd,Glasgow
Thisbookissoldsubjecttotheconditionthatitshall
not,bywayoftradeorotherwise,belent,re-sold,hired
outorotherwisecirculatedwithoutthepublisher’sprior
consentinanyformofbindingorcoverotherthanthatin
whichitispublishedandwithoutasimilarcondition
includingthisconditionbeingimposedonthesubsequent
purchaser.
CONTENTS
TheIncredibleTheft
MurderintheMews
TriangleatRhodes
TheDream
FourandTwentyBlackbirds
ProblematSea
TheThird-floorFlat
TheAdventureofJohnnieWaverly
TheKingofClubs
TheAdventureoftheClaphamCook
THE
INCREDIBLETHEFT
CHAPTERI
Asthebutlerhandedroundthesouffle,LordMayfieldleaned
confidentiallytowardshisneighbourontheright,LadyJulia
Carrington.Knownasaperfecthost,LordMayfieldtook
troubletoliveuptohisreputation.Althoughunmarried,he
wasalwayscharmingtowomen.
LadyJuliaCarringtonwasawomanofforty,tall,darkand
vivacious.Shewasverythin,butstillbeautiful.Herhandsand
feetinparticularwereexquisite.Hermannerwasabruptand
restless,thatofawomanwholivedonhernerves.
Aboutoppositetoherattheroundtablesatherhusband,Air
MarshalSirGeorgeCarrington.Hiscareerhadbeguninthe
Navy,andhestillretainedthebluffbreezinessoftheex-Naval
man.HewaslaughingandchaffingthebeautifulMrs
Vanderlyn,whowassittingontheothersideofherhost.
MrsVanderlynwasanextremelygood-lookingblonde.Her
voiceheldasoupconofAmericanaccent,justenoughtobe
pleasantwithoutundueexaggeration.
OntheothersideofSirGeorgeCarringtonsatMrsMacatta,
M.P.MrsMacattawasagreatauthorityonHousingand
InfantWelfare.Shebarkedoutshortsentences.ratherthan
spokethem,andwasgenerallyofsomewhatalarmingaspect.It
wasperhapsnaturalthattheAirMarshalwouldfredhisright-hand
neighbourthepleasantertotalkto.
MrsMacatta,whoalwaystalkedshopwherevershewas,
barkedoutshortspatesofinformationonherspecialsubjects
toherleft-handneighbour,yomagReggieCarrington.
ReggieCarringtonwastwenty-one,andcompletelyuninter-ested
inHousing,InfantWelfare,andindeedanypolitical
7
subject.Hesaidatintervals,‘Howfrightful!’and‘Iabsolutely
agreewithyou,’andhismindwasclearlyelsewhere.Mr
Carlile,LordMayfield’sprivatesecretary,satbetweenyoung
Reggieandhismother.Apaleyoungmanwithpince-nezand
anairofintelligentreserve,hetalkedlittle,butwasalways
readytoflinghimselfintoanyconversationalbreach.Noticing
thatReggieCarringtonwasstrugglingwithayawn,heleaned
forwardandadroitlyaskedMrsMacattaaquestionabouther
‘FitnessforChildren’scheme.
Roundthetable,movingsilentlyinthesubduedamberlight,
abutlerandtwofootmenoffereddishesandffiledupwine-glasses.
LordMayfieldpaidaveryhighsalarytohischef,and
wasnotedasaconnoisseurofwines.
Thetablewasaroundone,buttherewasnomistakingwho
wasthehost.WhereLordMayfieldsatwassoverydecidedly
theheadofthetable.Abigman,square-shouldered,withthick
silveryhair,abigstraightnoseandaslightlyprominentchin.
Itwasafacethatlentitselfeasilytocaricature.AsSirCharles
McLaughlin,LordMayfieldhadcombinedapoliticalcareer
withbeingtheheadofabigengineeringfirm.Hewashimself
afirst-classengineer.Hispeeragehadcomeayearago,andat
thesametimehehadbeencreatedfirstMinisterofArma-ments,
anewministrywhichhadonlyjustcomeintobeing.
Thedesserthadbeenplacedonthetable.Theporthad
circulatedonce.CatchingMrsVanderlyn’seye,LadyJulia
rose.Thethreewomenlefttheroom.
Theportpassedoncemore,andLordMayfieldreferred
lightlytopheasants.Theconversationforfiveminutesorso
wassporting.ThenSirGeorgesaid:
‘Expectyou’dliketojointheothersinthedrawing-room,
Reggie,myboy.LordMayfieldwon’tmind.’
Theboytookthehinteasilyenough.
‘Thanks,LordMayfield,IthinkIwill.’
MrCarlilemumured:
‘Ifyou’llexcuseme,LordMayfield–certainmemoranda
andotherworktogetthrough…’
LordMayfieldnodded.Thetwoyoungmenleftthe.room.
8
Theservantshadretiredsometimebefore.TheMinisterfor
ArmamentsandtheheadoftheAirForcewerealone.
Afteraminuteortwo,Carringtonsaid:
‘Well–O.K.?’
‘Absolutely!There’snothingtotouchthisnewbomberin
anycountryinEurope.’
‘Makeringsround’em,eh?That’swhatIthought.’
‘Supremacyoftheair,’saidLordMayfielddecisively.
SirGeorgeCarringtongaveadeepsigh.
‘Ab°uttime!Youknow,Charles,we’vebeenthrougha
ticklishspell.LotsofgunpowdereverywherealloverEurope.
Andweweren’tready,damnit!We’vehadanarrowsqueak.
Andwe’renotoutofthewoodyet,howevermuchwehurryon
construction.’
LordMayfieldmurmured:
‘Nevetheless,George,therearesomeadvantagesinstarting
late.AlotoftheEuropeanstuffisoutofdatealready–and
they’reperilouslynearbankruptcy.’
‘Idon’tbelievethatmeansanything,’saidSirGeorge
gloomily.‘One’salwayshearingthisnationandthatis
bankrupt!Buttheycarryonjustthesame.Youknow,fmance
isanabsolutemysterytome.’
LordMayfield’seyestwinkledalittle.SirGeorgeCaning-ton
wasalwayssoverymuchtheoldfashioned‘bluff,honest
oldseadog’.Therewerepeoplewhosaidthatitwasaposehe
deliberatelyadopted.
Changingthesubject,Carringtonsaidinaslightlyover-casual
manner:
‘Attractivewoman,MrsVandefiyn–eh?’
LordMayfieldsaid:
‘Areyouwonderingwhatshe’sdoinghere?’
Hiseyeswereamused.
Carringtonlookedalittleconfused.
‘Notatall–notatall.’
‘Oh,yes,youwere!Don’tbeanoldhumbug,George.You
werewondering,inaslightlydismayedfashion,whetherIwas
thelatestvictim!’
Carringtonsaidslowly:
‘I’lladmitthatitdidseematrifleoddtomethatsheshould
behere–well,thisparticularweekend.’
LordMayfieldnodded.
‘Whrethecarcassis,therearethevulturesgathered
together.We’vegotaverydel’mitecarcass,andMrsVanderlyn
mightbedescribedasVultureNo.1.’
TheAirMarshalsaidabruptly:
‘KnowanythingaboutthisVanderlynwoman?’
LordMayfieldclippedofftheendofacigar,lititwith
precisionand,throwinghisheadback,droppedouthiswords
withcarefuldeliberation.
‘WhatdoIknowaboutMrsVanderlyn?Iknowthatshe’san
Americansubject.Iknowthatshe’shadthreehusbands,one
Italian,oneGermanandoneRussian,andthatinconsequence
shehasmadeusefulwhatIthinkarecalled“contacts”inthree
countries.Iknowthatshemanagestobuyveryexpensive
clothesandliveinaveryluxuriousmanner,andthatthereis
someslightuncertaintyastowheretheincomecomesfrom
whichpermitshertodoso.’
Withagrin,SirGeorgeCardngtonmurmured:
‘Yourspieshavenotbeeninactive,Charles,Isee.’
‘Iknow,’LordMayfieldcontinuecl,‘thatinadditionto
havingaseductivetypeofbeauty,Mrs￥anderlynisalsoavery
goodlistener,andthatshecandisplayafascinatinginterestin
whatwecall“shop”.Thatistosay,amancantellherallabout
hisjobandfeelthatheisbeingintenselyinterestingtothelady!
Sundryyoungofficershavegonealittletoofarintheirzealto
beinteresting,andtheircareershavesufferedinconsequence.
TheyhavetoldMrsVanderlynalittlernorethantheyshould
havedone.Nearlyallthelady’sfriendsareintheServices–but
lastwintershewashuntinginacertaincountynearoneofour
largestarmamentfirms,andsheformedvariousfriendships
notatallsportingincharacter.Tmputitbriefly,Mrs
Vanderlynisaveryusefulpersonto…’2I-Iedescribedacirclein
theairwithhiscigar.‘Perhapswehadietternotsaytowhom!
10
WewilljustsaytoaEuropeanpower–andperhapstomore
thanoneEuropeanpower.’
Carringtondrewadeepbreath.
‘Youtakeagreatloadoffmymind,Charles.’
‘YouthoughtIhadfallenforthesiren?MydearGeorge!
MrsVanderlynisjustalittletooobviousinhermethodsfora
waryoldbirdlikeme.Besides,sheis,astheysay,notquiteso
youngassheoncewas.Youryoungsquadronleaderswouldn’t
noticethat.ButIamfifty-six,myboy.InanotherfouryearsI
shallprobablybeanastyoldmancontinuallyhauntingthe
societyofunwillingdebutantes.’
‘Iwasafool,’saidCarringtonapologetically,‘butitseemed
abitodd‘
‘Itseemedtoyouoddthatsheshouldbehere,inasomewhat
intimatefamilypartyjustatthemomentwhenyouandIwere
toholdanunofficialconferenceoveradiscoverythatwill
probablyrevolutionizethewholeproblemofairdefence?’
SirGeorgeCarringtonnodded.
LordMayfieldsaid,smiling:
‘That’sexactlyit.That’sthebait.’
‘Thebait?’
‘Yousee,George,tousethelanguageofthemovies,we’ve
nothingactually“on”thewoman.Andwewantsomething!
She’sgotawaywithrathermorethansheshouldinthepast.
Butshe’sbeencareful–damnablycareful.Weknowwhatshe’s
beenupto,butwe’vegotnodefiniteproofofit.We’vegotto
temptherwithsomethingbig.’
‘Somethingbigbeingthespecificationofthenewbomber?’
‘Exactly.It’sgottobesomethingbigenoughtoinduceher
totakearisk–tocomeoutintotheopen.Andthen–we’vegother!’
SirGeorgegrunted.
‘Oh,well,’hesaid.‘Idaresayit’sallright.Butsupposeshe
won’ttaketherisk?’
‘Thatwouldbeapity,’saidLordMayfield.Thenheadded:
‘ButIthinkshewill…’
Herose.
11
‘Shallwejointheladiesinthedrawing-room?Wemustn’t
depriveyourwifeofherbridge.’
SirGeorgegrunted:
‘Julia’sadamnedsighttoofondofherbridge.Dropsa
packetoverit.Shecan’taffordtoplayashighasshedoes,and
I’vetoldherso.Thetroubleis,Julia’saborngambler.’
Comingroundthetabletojoinhishost,hesaid:
‘Well,Ihopeyourplancomesoff,Charles.’
CHAPTER2
Inthedrawing-roomconversationhadflaggedmorethan
once.MrsVanderlynwasusuallyatadisadvantagewhenleft
alonewithmembersofherownsex.Thatchanningsympa-thetic
mannerofhers,somuchappreciatedbymembersofthe
malesex,didnotforsomereasonorothercommenditselfto
women.LadyJuliawasawomanwhosemannerswereeither
verygoodorverybad.OnthisoccasionshedislikedMrs
Vanderlyn,andwasboredbyMrsMacatta,andmadenosecret
ofherfeelings.Conversationlanguished,andmighthave
ceasedaltogetherbutforthelatter.
MrsMacattawasawomanofgreatearnestnessofpurpose.
MrsVanderlynshedismissedimmediatelyasauselessand
parasitictype.LadyJuliashetriedtointerestinaforthcoming
charityentertainmentwhichshewasorganizing.LadyJulia
answeredvaguely,stifledayawnortwoandretiredintoher
owninnerpreoccupation.Whydidn’tCharlesandGeorge
come?Howtiresomemenwere.Hercommentsbecameeven
moreperfunctoryasshebecameabsorbedinher(;wnthoughts
andworries.
Thethreewomenweresittinginsilencewhenthemen
finallyenteredtheroom.
LordMayfieldthoughttohimself:
12
‘Julialooksilltonight.Whatamassofnervesthewomanis.’
Aloudhesaid:
‘Whataboutarubber–eh?’
LadyJuliabrightenedatonce.Bridgewasasthebreathof
lifetoher.
ReggieCarringtonenteredtheroomatthatminute,anda
fourwasarranged.LadyJulia,MrsVanderlyn,SirGeorgeand
youngReggiesatdowntothecard-table.LordMayfield
devotedhimselftothetaskofentertainingMrsMacatta.
Whentworubbershadbeenplayed,SirGeorgelooked
ostentatiouslyattheclockonthemantelpiece.
‘Hardlyworthwhilebeginninganother,’heremarked.
Hiswifelookedannoyed.
‘It’sonlyaquartertoeleven.Ashortone.’
‘Theyneverare,mydear,’saidSirGeorgegood
temperedly.
‘Anyway,CharlesandIhavesomeworktodo.’
MrsVanderlynmurmured:
‘Howimportantthatsounds!Isupposeyouclevermenwho
areatthetopofthingsnevergetarealrest.’
‘Noforty-eighthourweekforus,’saidSirGeorge.
MrsVanderlynmurmured:
‘Youknow,Ifeelratherashamedofmyselfasaraw
American,butIdogetsothrilledatmeetingpeoplewho
controlthedestiniesofacountry.Iexpectthatseemsavery
crudepointofviewtoyou,SirGeorge.’
‘MydearMrsVanderlyn,Ishouldneverthinkofyouas
“crude”or“raw.”‘
Hesmiledintohereyes.Therewas,perhaps,ahintofirony
inthevoicewhichshedidnotmiss.Adroifiysheturnedto
Reggie,smilingsweetlyintohiseyes.
‘I’msorrywe’renotcontinuingourpartnership.Thatwasa
frightfullycleverfourno-trumpcallofyours.’
Flushedandpleased,Reggiemumbled:
‘Bitofaflukethatitcameoff.’
‘Oh,no,itwasreallyacleverbitofdeductiononyourpart.
You’ddeducedfromthebiddingexactlywherethecardsmust
be,andyouplayedaccordingly.Ithoughtitwasbrilliant.’
13
LadyJuliaroseabruptly.
‘Thewomanlaysitonwithapalette-knife,’shethought
disgustedly.
Thenhereyessoftenedastheyrestedonherson.He
believeditall.Howpatheticallyyoungandpleasedhelooked.
Howincrediblyniivehewas.Nowonderhegotintoscrapes.
Hewastootrusting.Thetruthofitwashehadtoosweeta
nature.Georgedidn’ttmderstandhimintheleast.Menwere
sounsympatheticintheirjudgments.Theyforgotthatthey
hadevenbeenyoungthemselves.Georgewasmuchtooharsh
withReggie.
MrsMacattahadrisen.Goodnightsweresaid.
Thethreewomenwentoutoftheroom.LordMayfield
helpedhimselftoadrinkaftergivingonetoSirGeorge,then
helookedupasMrCarlileappearedatthedoor.
‘Getoutthefriesandallthepapers,willyou,Catlile?
Includingtheplansandtheprints.TheAirMarshalandIwill
bealongshortly.We’lljusttakeaturnoutsidefirst,eh,
George?It’sstoppedraining.’
MrCarlile,turningtodepart,murmuredanapologyashe
almostcollidedwithMrsVanderlyn.
Shedriftedtowardsthem,murmuring:
‘Mybook,Iwasreadingitbeforedinner.’
Reggiesprangfor’wardandheldupabook.
‘Isthisit?Onthesofa?’
‘Oh,yes.ThankYousomuch.’
Shesmiledsweetly,saidgoodnightagainandwentoutofthe
room.
SirGeorgehadolaenedoneofthefrenchwindows.
‘Beautifulnightnow,’heannounced.‘Goodideaofyoursto
takeaturn.’
Reggiesaid:
‘Well,goodnight,sir.I’llbetoddlingofftobed.’
‘Goodnight,myboy,’saidLordMayfield
ReggiepickeduDadetectivestorywhichhehadbegun
earlierintheeveningandlefttheroom.
LordMayfieldanlSirGeorgesteppedoutupontheterrace.
14
Itwasabeautifulnight,withaclearskystuddedwithstars.
SirGeorgedrewadeepbreath.
‘Phew,thatwomanusesalotofscent,’heremarked.
LordMayfieldlaughed.
‘Anyway,it’snotcheapscent.Oneofthemostexpensive
brandsonthemarket,Ishouldsay.’
SirGeorgegaveagrimace.
‘Isupposeoneshouldbethankfulforthat.’
‘Youshould,indeed.Ithinkawomansmotheredincheap
scentisoneofthegreatestabominationsknowntomanldnd.’
SirGeorgeglancedupatthesky.
‘Extraordinarythewayit’scleared.Iheardtherainbeating
downwhenwewereatdinner.’
Thetwomenstrolledgentlyalongtheterrace.
Theterraceranthewholelengthofthehouse.Belowitthe
groundslopedgentlyaway,permittingamagnificentviewover
theSussexweald.
SirGeorgelitacigar.
‘Aboutthismetalalloy-‘hebegan.
Thetalkbecametechnical.
Astheyapproachedthefarendoftheterraceforthefifth
time,LordMayfieldsaidwithasigh:
‘Oh,well,Isupposewe’dbettergetdowntoit.’
‘Yes,goodbitofworktogetthrough.’
Thetwomenturned,andLordMayfieldutteredasurprised
ejaculation.
‘Hallo!Seethat?’
‘Seewhat?’askedSirGeorge.
‘ThoughtIsawsomeoneslipacrosstheterracefrommy
studywindow.’
‘Nonsense,oldboy.Ididn’tseeanything.’
‘Well,Idid–orIthoughtIdid.’
‘Youreyesareplayingnicksonyou.Iwaslookingstraight
downtheterrace,andI’dhaveseenanythingtherewastobe
seen.There’spreciouslittleIdon’tsee–evenifIdohaveto
holdanewspaperatarm’slength.’
LordMayfieldchuckled.
15.
‘Icanputoneoveronyouthere,George.Ireadeasily
withoutglasses.’
‘Butyoucan’talwaysdistinguishthefellowontheotherside
oftheHouse.Oristhateyeglassofyourssheerintimidation?’
Laughing,thetwomenenteredLordMayfield’sstudy,the
frenchwindowofwhichwasopen.
MrCarlilewasbusyarrangingsomepapersinafilebythe
safe.
Helookedupastheyentered.
‘Ha,Carlile,everythingready?’
‘Yes,LordMayfield,allthepapersareonyourdesk.’
Thedeskinquestionwasabigimportant-lookingwfiting-table
ofmahoganysetacrossacornerbythewindow.Lord
Mayfieldwentovertoit,andbegansortingthroughthevarious
documentslaidout.
‘Lovelynightnow,’saidSirGeorge.
MrCarlileagreed.
‘Yes,indeed.Remarkablethewayit’sclearedupafterthe
rain.’
Puttingawayhisf’fle,MrCarlileasked:
‘Willyouwantmeanymoretonight,LordMayfield?’
‘No,Idon’tthinkso,Carlile.I’llputalltheseawaymyself.
Weshallprobablybelate.You’dbettermmin.’
‘Thankyou.Goodnight,LordMayfield.Goodnight,Sir
George.’
‘Goodnight,Carlile.’
Asthesecretarywasabouttoleavetheroom,LordMayfield
saidsharply:
‘Justaminute,Carlile.You’veforgottenthemostimportant
ofthelot.’
‘Ibegyourpardon,LordMayfield.’
‘Theactualplansofthebomber,man.’
Thesecretarystared.
‘They’refightonthetop,sir.’‘They’renothingofthesort.’
‘ButI’vejustputthemthere.’
‘Lookforyourself,man.’
16
Withabewilderedexpression,theyoungmancameforward
andjoinedLordMayfieldatthedesk.
SomewhatimpatientlytheMinisterindicatedthepileof
papers.Carlilesortedthroughthem,hisexpressionofbewil-derment
growing.
‘Yousee,they’renotthere.’
Thesecretarystammered:
‘But–butit’sincredible.Ilaidthemtherenotthreeminutes
ago.’
LordMayfieldsaidgood-humouredly:
‘Youmusthavemadeamistake,theymustbestillinthe
safe.’
‘Idon’tseehow–IknowIputthemthere?
LordMayfieldbrushedpasthimtotheopensafe.Sir
Georgejoinedthem.Averyfewminutessufficedtoshowthat
theplansofthebomberwerenotthere.
Dazedandunbelieving,thethreemenreturnedtothedesk
andoncemoreturnedoverthepapers.
‘MyGod!’saidMayfield.‘They’regone!’
MrCarlilecried:
‘Butit’simpossible!’
‘Who’sbeeninthisroom?’snappedouttheMinister.
‘Noone.Nooneatall.’
‘Lookhere,Carlile,thoseplanshaven’tvanishedintothin
air.Someonehastakenthem.HasMrsVanderlynbeenin
here?’
‘MrsVanderlyn?Oh,no,sir.’
‘I’llbackthat,’saidCarrington.Hesniffedtheair!‘You’d
soonsmellifshehad.Thatscentofhers.’
‘Nobodyhasbeeninhere,’insistedCarlile.‘Ican’tunder-stand
it.’
‘Lookhere,Carlile,’saidLordMayfield.‘Pullyourself
together.We’vegottogettothebottomofthis.You’re
absolutelysuretheplanswereinthesafe?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Youactuallysawthem?Youdidn’tjustassumetheywere
amongtheothers?’
17
‘No,no,LordMayfield.Isawthem.Iputthemontopofthe
othersonthedesk.’
‘Andsincethen,yousay,nobodyhasbeenintheroom.Have
youbeenoutoftheroom?’
‘No–atleast–yes.’
‘Ah!’criedSirGeorge.‘Nowwe’regettingatit!’
LordMayfieldsaidsharply:
‘Whatonearth-‘whenCarlileinterrupted.
‘Inthenormalcourseofevents,LordMayfield,Ishould
not,ofcourse,havedreamtofleavingtheroomwhen
importantpaperswerelyingabout,buthearingawoman
scream‘
‘Awomanscream?’ejaculatedLordMayfieldinasurprised
voice.
‘Yes,LordMayfield.ItstartledmemorethanIcansay.I
wasjustlayingthepapersonthedeskwhenIheardit,and
naturallyIranoutintothehall.’
‘Whoscreamed?’
‘MrsVanderlyn’sFrenchmaid.Shewasstandinghalfway
upthestairs,lookingverywhiteandupsetandshakingallover.
Shesaidshehadseenaghost.’
‘Seenaghost?’
‘Yes,atallwomandressedallinwhitewhomovedwithout
asoundandfloatedintheair.’
‘Whataridiculousstory!’
‘Yes,LordMayfield,thatiswhatItoldher.Imustsayshe
seemedratherashamedofherself.ShewentoffupstairsandI
camebackinhere.’
‘Howlongagowasthis?’
‘JustaminuteortwobeforeyouandSirGeorgecamein.’
‘Andyouwereoutoftheroom–howlong?’
Thesecretaryconsidered.
‘Twominutes–atthemostthree.’
‘Longenough,’groanedLordMayfield.Suddenlyhe
clutchedhisfriend’sarm.
‘George,thatshadowIsaw–slinkingawayfromthis
18
window.Thatwasit!AssoonasCarlilelefttheroom,he
nippedin,seizedtheplansandmadeoff.’
‘Dirtywork,’saidSirGeorge.
Thenheseizedhisfriendbythearm.
‘Lookhere,Charles,thisisthedevilofabusiness.Whatthe
hellarewegoingtodoaboutit?’
CHAPTER3
‘Atanyrategiveitatrial,Charles.’
Itwashalfanhourlater.ThetwomenwereinLord
Mayfield’sstudy,andSirGeorgehadbeenexpendinga
considerableamountofpersuasiontoinducehisfriendtoadopt
acertaincourse.
LordMayfield,atfirstmostunwilling,wasgradually
becominglessaversetotheidea.
SirGeorgewenton:
‘Don’tbesodamnedpig-headed,Charles.’
LordMayfieldsaidslowly:
‘Whydraginawretchedforeignerweknownothingabout?’
‘ButIhappentoknowalotabouthim.Theman’samarvel.’
‘Humph.’
‘Lookhere,Charles.It’sachance!Discretionistheessence
ofthisbusiness.Ifitleaksout‘
‘Whenitleaksoutiswhatyoumean!’
‘Notnecessarily.Thisman,HerculePoirot‘
‘Willcomedownhereandproducetheplanslikeaconjurer
takingrabbitsoutofhishat,Isuppose?’
‘He’llgetatthetruth.Andthetruthiswhatwewant.Look
here,Charles,Itakeallresponsibilityonmyself.’
LordMayfieldsaidslowly:
‘Oh,well,haveityourownway,butIdon’tseewhatthe
fellowcando…’
19
SirGeorgepickedupthephone.
‘I’mgoingtogetthroughtohim–now.’
‘He’llbeinbed.’
‘Hecangetup.Dashitall,Charles,youcan’tletthatwoman
getawaywithit.’
‘MrsVandcrlyn,youmean?’
‘Yes.Youdon’tdoubt,doyou,thatshe’satthebottomof
this?’
‘No,Idon’t.She’sturnedthetablesonmewithavengeance.
Idon’tlikeadmitting,George,thatawoman’sbeentooclever
forus.Itgoesagainstthegrain.Butit’strue.Weshan’tbeable
toproveanythingagainsther,andyetwebothknowthatshe’s
beentheprimemoverintheaffair.’
‘Womenarethedevil,’saidCarringtonwithfeeling.
‘Nothingtoconnectherwithit,damnitall!Wemaybelieve
thatsheputthegirluptothatscreamingtrick,andthattheman
lurkingoutsidewasheraccomplice,butthedevilofitiswe
can’tproveit.’
‘PerhapsHerculePoirotcan.’
SuddenlyLordMayfieldlaughed.
‘BytheLord,George,Ithoughtyouweretoomuchofanold
JohnBulltoputyourtrustinaFrenchman,howeverclever.’
‘He’snotevenaFrenchman,he’saBelgian,’saidSirGeorge
inarathershamefacedmanner.
‘Well,haveyourBelgiandown.Lethimtryhiswitsonthis
business.I’llbethecan’tmakemoreofitthanwecan.’
Withoutreplying,SirGeorgestretchedahandtothetelephone.
CHAPTER4
Blinkingalittle,HerculePoirotturnedhisheadfromoneman
totheother.Verydelicatelyhesmotheredayawn.
20
Itwashalf-pasttwointhemorning.Hehadbeenroused
fromsleepandrusheddownthroughthedarknessinabig
RollsRoyce.Nowhehadjustf’mishedhearingwhatthetwo
menhadtotellhim.
‘Thosearethefacts,M.Poirot,’saidLordMayfield.
Heleanedbackinhischair,andslowlyf’medhismonoclein
oneeye.Throughitashrewd,pale-blueeyewatchedPoirot
attentively.Besidesbeingshrewdtheeyewasdef’mitely
sceptical.PoirotcastaswiftglanceatSirGeorgeCarrington.
Thatgentlemanwasleaningforwardwithanexpressionof
almostchildlikehopefulnessonhisface.
Poirotsaidslowly:
‘Ihavethefacts,yes.Themaidscreams,thesecretarygoes
out,thenamelesswatchercomesin,theplansarethereontop
ofthedesk,hesnatchesthemupandgoes.Thefacts–theyare
allveryconvenient.’
Somethinginthewayheutteredthelastphraseseemedto
attractLordMayfield’sattention.Hesatupalittlestraighter,
hismonocledropped.Itwasasthoughanewalertnesscameto
him.
‘Ibegyourpardon,M.Poirot?’
‘Isaid,LordMayfield,thatthefactswereallveryconve-nient
–forthethief.Bytheway,youaresureitwasamanyou
saw?’
LordMayfieldshookhishead.
‘ThatIcouldn’tsay.Itwasjusta–shadow.Infact,Iwas
almostdoubtfulifIhadseenanyone.’
PoirottransferredhisgazetotheAirMarshal.
‘Andyou,SirGeorge?Couldyousayifitwasamanora
woman?’
‘Ididn’tseeanyonemyself.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.Thenheskippedsuddenlyto
hisfeetandwentovertothewriting-table.
‘Icanassureyouthattheplansarenotthere,’saidLord
Mayfield.‘Wehaveallthreebeenthroughthosepapershalfa
dozentimes.’
‘Allthree?Youmean,yoursecretaryalso?’
21
‘Yes,Carlile.’
Poirotturnedsuddenly.
‘Tellme,LordMayfield,whichpaperwasontopwhenyou
wentovertothedesk?’
Mayfieldfrownedalittleintheeffortofremembrance.
‘Letmesee–yes,itwasaroughmemorandumofsomesort
ofourairdefencepositions.’
Deftly,Poirotnippedoutapaperandbroughtitover.
‘Isthistheone,LordMayfield?’
LordMayfieldtookitandglancedoverit.
‘Yes,that’stheone.’
PoirottookitovertoCarrington.
‘Didyounoticethispaperonthedesk?’
SirGeorgetookit,helditawayfromhim,thenslippedonhis
pincenez.
‘Yes,that’sright.Ilookedthroughthemtoo,withCarlile
andMayfield.Thiswasontop.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.Hereplacedthepaperonthe
desk.Mayfieldlookedathiminaslightlypuzzledmanner.
‘Ifthereareanyotherquestions-‘hebegan.
‘Butyes,certainlythereisaquestion.Carlile.Carlileisthe
question!’
LordMayfield’scolourrosealittle.
‘Carlile,M.Poirot,isquiteabovesuspicion!Hehasbeenmy
confidentialsecretaryfornineyears.Hehasaccesstoallmy
privatepapers,andImaypointouttoyouthathecouldhave
madeacopyoftheplansandatracingofthespedfications
quiteeasilywithoutanyonebeingthewiser.’
‘Iappreciateyourpoint,’saidPoirot.‘Ifhehadbeenguilty
therewouldbenoneedforhimtostageaclumsyrobbery.’
‘Inanycase,’saidLordMayfield,‘IamsureofCarlile.Iwill
guaranteehim.’
‘Carlile,’saidCarringtongruffly,‘isallright.’
Poirotspreadouthishandsgracefully.
‘AndthisMrsVanderlyn–sheisallwrong?’
‘She’sawrong‘unallright,’saidSirGeorge.
LordMayfieldsaidinmoremeasuredtones:
22
‘Ithink,M.Poirot,thattherecanbenodoubtofMrs
Vanderlyn’s–well–activities.TheForeignOfficecangiveyou
morepreciousdataastothat.’
‘Andthemaid,youtakeit,isinwithhermistress?’
‘Notadoubtofit,’saidSirGeorge.
‘Itseemstomeaplausibleassumption,’saidLordMayfield
morecautiously.
Therewasapause.Poirotsighed,andabsent-mindedlyrearranged
oneortwoarticlesonatableathisrighthand.Thenhesaid:
‘Itakeitthatthesepapersrepresentedmoney?Thatis,the
stolenpaperswouldbedefinitelyworthalargesumincash.’
‘Ifpresentedinacertainquarter–yes.’
‘Suchas?’
SirGeorgementionedthenamesoftwoEuropeanpowers.
Poirotnodded.
‘Thatfactwouldbeknowntoanyone,Itakeit?’
‘MrsVanderlynwouldknowitallright.’
‘Isaidtoanyone?’‘Isupposeso,yes.’
‘Anyonewithaminimumofintelligencewouldappreciate
theCashvalueoftheplans?’
‘Yes,butM.Poirot-‘LordMayfieldwaslookingrather
uncomfortable.’
Poirotheldupahand.
‘Idowhatyoucallexplorealltheavenues.’
Suddenlyheroseagain,steppednimblyoutofthewindow
andwithaflashlightexaminedtheedgeofthegrassatthe
farthersideoftheterrace.
Thetwomenwatchedhim.
Hecameinagain,satdownandsaid:
‘Tellme,LordMayfield,thismalefactor,thisskulkerinthe
shadows,youdonothavehimpursued?’
LordMayfieldshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Atthebottomofthegardenhecouldmakehiswayouttoa
mainroad.Ifhehadacarwaitingthere,hewouldsoonbeout
ofreach‘
23
‘Buttherearethepolice–theA.A.scouts‘
SirGeorgeinterrupted.
‘Youforget,M.Poirot.Wecannotriskpublicity.Ifitwereto
getoutthattheseplanshadbeenstolen,theresultwouldbe
extremelyunfavourabletotheParty.’
‘Ah,yes,’saidPoirot.‘OnemustrememberLaPolitique.Thegreatdiscretionmustbeobserved.Yousendinsteadfor
me.Ahwell,perhapsitissimpler.’
‘Youarehopefulofsuccess,M.Poirot?’LordMayfield
soundedatrifleincredulous.
Thelittlemanshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Whynot?Onehasonlytoreason–toreflect.’
Hepausedamomentandthensaid:
‘IwouldlikenowtospeaktoMrCarlile.’
‘Certainly.’LordMayfieldrose.‘Iaskedhimtowaitup.He
willbesomewhereathand.’
Hewentoutoftheroom.
PoirotlookedatSirGeorge.
‘Ehbien,’hesaid.‘Whataboutthismanontheterrace?’
‘MydearM.Poirot.Don’taskme!Ididn’tseehim,andI
can’tdescribehim.’
Poirotleanedforward.
‘Soyouhavealreadysaid.Butitisalittledifferentfromthat
isitnot?’
‘whatd’youmean?’askedSirGeorgeabruptly.
‘HowshallIsayit?Yourdisbelief,itismoreprofomaxt.’
SirGeorgestartedtospeak,thenstopped.
‘Butyes,’saidPoirotencouragingly.‘Tellme.Youareboth
attheendoftheterrace.LordMayfieldseesashadowslipfrom
thewindowandacrossthegrass.Whydoyounotseethat
shadow?’
Carringtonstaredathim.
‘You’vehitit,M.Poirot.I’vebeenworryingaboutthatever
since.Yousee,I’dswearthatnoonedidleavethiswindow.I
thoughMayfieldhadimaginedit–branchofatreewavingsomething
ofthatkind.Andthenwhenwecameinhereand
24
foundtherehadbeenarobbery,itseemedasthoughMayfield
musthavebeenrightandI’dbeenwrong.Andyet-‘
Poirotsmiled.
‘Andyetyoustillinyourheartofheartsbelieveinthe
evidence(thenegativeevidence)ofyourowneyes?’
‘You’reright,M.Poirot,Ido.’
Poirotgaveasuddensmile.
‘Howwiseyouare.’
SirGeorgesaidsharply:
‘Therewerenofootprintsonthegrassedge?’
Poirotnodded.
‘Exactly.LordMayfield,hefanciesheseesashadow.Then
therecomestherobberyandheissure–butsure!Itisno
longerafancy–heactuallysawtheman.Butthatisnotso.Me,
Idonotconcernmyselfmuchwithfootprintsandsuchthings
butforwhatitisworthwehavethatnegativeevidence.There
werenofootprintsonthegrass.Ithadrainedheavilythis
evening.Ifamanhadcrossedtheterracetothegrassthis
eveninghisfootprintswouldhaveshown.’
SirGeorgesaid,staring:‘Butthen–butthen‘
‘Itbringsusbacktothehouse.Tothepeopleinthehouse.’
HebrokeoffasthedooropenedandLordMaytieldentered
withMrCarlile.
Thoughstilllookingverypaleandworried,thesecretaryhad
regainedacertaincomposureofmanner.Adjustinghispincenez
hesatdownandlookedatPoirotinquiringly.
‘Howlonghadyoubeeninthisroomwhenyouheardthe
scream,monsieur?’
Carlileconsidered.
‘Betweenfiveand’tenminutes,Ishouldsay.’
‘Andbeforethattherehadbeennodisturbanceofanykind?’
‘No.’
‘Iunderstandthatthehouse-partyhadbeeninoneroomfor
thegreaterpartoftheevening.’
‘Yes,thedrawing-room.’
Poirotconsultedhisnotebook.
‘SirGeorgeCarringtonandhiswife.MrsMacatta.Mrs
25
Vandedyn.MrReggieCarrington.LordMayfieldandyour-self.
Isthatright?’
‘Imyselfwasnotinthedrawing-room.Iwasworkinghere
thegreaterpartoftheevening.’
PoirotturnedtoLordMayfield.
‘Whowentuptobedfirst?’
‘LadyJuliaCarrington,Ithink.Asamatteroffact,thethree
ladieswentouttogether.’
‘Andthen?’
‘MrCarlilecameinandItoldhimtogetoutthepapersas
SirGeorgeandIwouldbealonginaminute.’
‘Itwasthenthatyoudecidedtotakeaturnontheterrace?’
‘Itwas.’
‘WasanythingsaidinMrsVanderlyn’shearingastoyour
workinginthestudy?’
‘Thematterwasmentioned,yes.’
‘ButshewasnotintheroomwhenyouirtstnactedMrCarlile
togetoutthepapers?’
‘No.’
‘Excuseme,LordMayfield,’saidCarlile.‘Justafteryouhad
saidthat,Icollidedwithherinthedoorway.Shehadcome
backforabook.’
‘Soyouthinkshemighthaveoverheard?’
‘Ithinkitquitepossible,yes.’
‘Shecamebackforabook,’musedPoirot,‘IDidyoufredher
herbook,LordMayfield?’
‘Yes,Reggiegaveittoher.’
‘Ah,yes,itiswhatyoucalltheoldgasp–no,,pardon,theold
wheeze–that–tocomebackforabook.Itis;oftenuseful!’
‘Youthinkitwasdeliberate?’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Andafterthat,youtwogentlemen[gooutrontheterrace.
AndMrsVandedyn?’
‘Shewentoffwithherbook.’
‘AndtheyoungM.Reggie.Hewenttobecttalso?’
‘Yes.’
‘AndMrCarlilehecomeshereandsmraetirmebetweenfive
26
andtenminuteslaterheheardascream.Continue,M.Carlile.
youheardascreamandyouwentoutintothehall.Ah,perhaps
itwouldbesimplestifyoureproducedexactlyyouractions.’
MrCarlilegotupalittleawkwardly.
‘HereIscream,’saidPoirothelpfully.Heopenedhismouth
andemittedashrillbleat.LordMayfieldturnhisheadawayto
hideasmileandMrCarlilelookedextremelyuncomfortable.
‘Allez!Forward!March!’criedPoirot.‘ItisyourcuethatI
giveyouthere.’
MrCarlilewalkedstifflytothedoor,openeditandwentout.
Poirotfollowedhim.Theothertwocamebehind.
‘Thedoor,didyoucloseitafteryouorleaveitopen?’
‘Ican’treallyremember.IthinkImusthaveleftitopen.’
‘Nomatter.Proceed.’
Stillwithextremestiffness,,MrCarlilewalkedtothebottom
ofthestaircaseandstoodtherelookingup.
Poirotsaid:
‘Themaid,yousay,wasonthestairs.Whereabouts?’
‘Abouthalf-wayup.’
‘Andshe,waslookingupset.’
‘Definitelyso.’
‘Ehbien,me,Iamthemaid.’Poirotrannimblyupthestairs.
‘Abouthere?’
‘Asteportwohigher.’
‘Likethis?’
Poirotstruckanattitude.
‘Well–er–notquitelikethat.’
‘Howthen?’
‘Well,shehadherhandstoherhead.’
‘Ah,herhandstoherlead.Thatisveryinteresting.Like
this?’Poirotraisedhisarms,hishandsrestedonhisheadjust
aboveeachear.
‘Yesthat’sit.’
‘Aha!Andtellme,M.Carlile,shewasaprettygirl–yes?’
‘Really,Ididn’tnotice.’
Carlile’svoicewasrepressive.
‘Aha,youdidnotnotice?Butyouareayoungman.Doesnot
ayoungmannoticewhenagirlispretty?’
‘Really,M.Poirot,IcanonlyrepeatthatIdidnotdoso.)
Carlilecastanagonizedglanceathisemployer.SirGeorg
Carringtongaveasuddenchuckle.
‘M.Poirotseemsdeterminedtomakeyououtagaydog
Carlile,’heremarked.
The,Ialwaysnoticewhenagirlispretty,’announcedPoiro
ashedescendedthestairs.
ThesilencewithwhichMrCarlilegreetedthisremarkwa,
somewhatpointed.Poirotwenton:
‘Anditwasthenshetoldthistaleofhavingseenaghost?’
‘Yes.’
‘Didyoubelievethestory?’
‘Well,hardly,M.Poirot?
‘Idonotmean,doyoubelieveinghosts.Imean,diditstrike
youthatthegirlherselfreallythoughtshehadseen
something?’
‘Oh,astothat,Icouldn’tsay.Shewascertainlybreathing
fastandseemedupset.’
‘Youdidnotseeorhearanythingofhermistress?’
‘Yes,asamatteroffactIdid.Shecameoutofherroomin
thegalleryaboveandcalled,“Leonie.”‘
‘Andthen?’
‘ThegirlranuptoherandIwentbacktothestudy.’
‘Whilstyouwerestandingatthefootoftilestairshere,could
anyonehaveenteredthestudybythedooryouhadleftopen?’
Carlileshookhishead.
‘Notwithoutpassingme.Thestudydoorisattheendofthe
passage,asyousee.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.MrCarlilewentoninhis
careful,precisevoice.
‘ImaysaythatIamverythankfulthatLorelMayfield
actuallysawthethiefleavingthewindow.OtherwiseImyself
shouldbeinaveryunpleasantposition.’
‘Nonsense,mydearCarlile,’brokeinLordMayfield
impatiently.‘Nosuspicioncouldpossiblyattachtoyou.’
28
‘Itisverykindofyoutosayso,LordMayfield,butfactsare
facts,andIcanquiteseethatitlooksbadlyforme.Inanycase
Ihopethatmybelongingsandmyselfmaybesearched.’
‘Nonsense,mydearfellow,’saidMayfield.
Poirotmurmured:
‘Youareseriousinwishingthat?’
‘Ishouldinfinitelypreferit.’
Poirotlookedathimthoughtfullyforaminuteortwoand
murmured,‘Isee.’
Thenheasked:
‘WhereisMrsVandedyn’sroomsituatedinregardtothe
study?’
‘Itisdirectlyoverit.’
‘Withawindowlookingoutovertheterrace?’
‘Yes.’
AgainPoirotnodded.Thenhesaid:
‘Letusgotothedrawing-room.’
Herehewanderedroundtheroom,examinedthefastenings
ofthewindows,glancedatthescorersonthebridgetableand
thenfinallyaddressedLordMayfield.
‘Thisaffair,’hesaid,‘ismorecomplicatedthanitappears.
Butonethingisquitecertain.Thestolenplanshavenotleft
thishouse.’
LordMayfieldstaredathim.
‘But,mydearM.Poirot,themanIsawleavingthestudy-‘
Therewasnoman.
‘ButIsawhim-‘
qWiththegreatestrespect,LordMyfield,youimagined
iousawhim.Theshadowcastbythebranchofatreedeceived
you.Thefactthatarobberyoccurrednaturallyseemedaproof
thatwhatyouhadimaginedwastrue.’
‘Really,M.Poirot,theevidenceofmyowneyes‘
‘Backmyeyesagainstyoursanyday,oldboy,’putinSir
i
orge.
::(!Youmustpermitme,LordMayfield,tobeverydefiniteon
,;,-tpoint.Noonecrossedtheterracetothegrass.
:Lookingverypaleandspeakingstiffly,MrCarlilesaid:
29
‘Inthatcase,ifM.Poirotiscorrect,suspicionautoz‘i,41y
attachesitselftome.Iamtheonlypersonwhocould
havecommittedtherobbery.’
‘tly
LordMayfieldsprangup.
‘Nonsense.WhateverM.Poirotthinksaboutit,Idon’t
agreewithhim.Iamconvincedofyourinnocence,r%,,tear
Carlile.Infact,I’mwillingtoguaranteeit.’
Poirotmurmuredmildly:
‘ButIhavenotsaidthatIsuspectM.Carlile.’
Carlileanswered:
‘No,butyou’vemadeitperfectlyclearthatnooneelsehad
achancetocommittherobbery.’
‘Dutout[Dutout[‘
‘ButIhavetoldyounobodypassedmeinthehalltogetto
thestudydoor.’
‘Iagree.Butsomeonemighthavecomeinthroughthestudy
window.’
‘Butthatisjustwhatyousaiddidnothappen?’
‘Isaidthatnoonefromoutsidecouldhavecomeandleft
withoutleavingmarksonthegrass.Butitcouldhavebeen
managedfrominsidethehouse.Someonecouldhavegone
fromhisroombyoneofthesewindows,slippedalongthe
terrace,inatthestudywindow,andbackagaininhere.’
MrCarlileobjected:
‘ButLordMayfieldandSirGeorgeCarriugtonwereon
terrace.’
‘Theywereontheterrace,yes,buttheywereenpromenade:,
SirGeorgeCarrington’seyesmaybeofthemostreliable’
Poirotmadealittlebow–‘buthedoesnotkeeptheminthe
backofhishead!Thestudywindowisattheextremeleftoftbs:
terrace,thewindowsofthisroomcomenext,buttheterrace
continuestotherightpastone,two,three,perhapsfoul’
rooms?’
‘Dining-room,billiard-room,morningroomandlibrary,’
saidLordMayfield.
‘,Andyouwalkedupanddowntheterrace,howmanytimes?’
Atleastfiveorsin.
30
‘Yousee,itiaeasyenough,thethiefhasonlytowatchforthe
rightmoment!’
Carlilesaidslowly:
‘YoumeanthatwhenIwasinthehall,talkingtotheFrench
girl,thethiefwaswaitinginthedrawing-room?’
‘Thatismysuggestion.Itis,ofcourse,onlyasuggestion.’
‘Itdoesn’tsoundveryprobabletome,’saidLordMayfield.
‘Toorisky.’
TheAirMarshalldemurred.
‘Idon’tagreewithyou,Charles.It’sperfectlypossible.
WonderIhadn’tthewitstothinkofitformyself.’
‘Soyousee,’saidPoirot,‘whyIbelievethattheplansarestill
inthehouse.Theproblemnowistofredthem?
SirGeorgesnorted.
‘That’ssimpleenough.Searcheverybody.’
LordMayfieldmadeamovementofdissent,butPoirot
spokebeforehecould.
‘No,no,itisnotsosimpleasthat.Thepersonwhotook
thoseplanswillanticipatethatasearchwillbemadeandwill
makequitesurethattheyarenotfoundamongsthisorher
belongings.Theywillhavebeenhiddeninneutralground.’
‘Doyousuggestthatwe’vegottogoplayinghideandseekall
overtheballyhouse?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘No,no,weneednotbesocrudeasthat.Wecanarriveatthe
hiding-place(oralternativelyattheidentifyoftheguilty
person)byreflection.Thatwillsimplifymatters.Inthe
morningIwouldlikeaninterviewwitheverypersoninthe
house.Itwould,Ithink,beunwisetoseekthoseinterviews
now.’
LordMayfieldnodded.
‘Causetoomuchcomment,’hesaid,‘ifwedraggedeverybody
outoftheirbedsatthreeinthemorning.Inanycaseyou’ll
havetoproceedwithagooddealofcamouflage,M.Poirot.
Thismatterhasgottobekeptdark.’
Poirotwavedanairyhand.
‘LeaveittoHerculePoirot.TheliesIinventarealwaysmost
31
delicateanqmostconvincing.Tomorrow,then,Iconductrn
investigatio
·..ess.Buttonight,Ishouldliketobeginblntervlewtnb.,e;,
,yuu,o,Georgeandyou,LordMayfield.’
Hebowetttothemboth.
‘Youmean–alone?’
‘Thatwamymeaning.’
,L,ordMabffieldraisedhiseyesslightly,thenhesaid:
Certainly.I’llleaveyoualonewithSirGeorge.Whenyouwantme,Yu’llfindmeinmystudy.Come,Carlile.’
Heandthesecretarywentout,shuttingthedoorbehind
them.
SirGeorgesatdown,reachingmechanicallyforacigarette.
HeturnedapuzzledfacetoPoirot.
‘YouknoN,,hesaidslowly.‘Idon’tquitegetthis.’
‘ThatisV%ysimplyexplained,’saidPoirotwithasmile.
twowords,tobeaccurate.MrsVanderlyn!’
‘Oh,’saidCarrington.‘IthinkIsee.MrsVanderlyn?’
‘Precisely,Itmightbe,yousee,thatitwouldnotbever’
delicatetoakLordMayfieldthequestionIwanttoask.W
MrsVanderlyn?Thislady,sheisknowntobeasuspicious
character.Why,then,shouldshebehere?Isaytomyselfthere
arethreeexplanations.One,thatLordMayfieldhasapenchan
forthelady(MadthatiswhyIseektotalktoyoualone.Idonot
wishtoembtrrasshim).Two,thatMrsVanderlynisperhaps
thedearfriendofsomeoneelseinthehouse?’
‘Youcan%untmeout!’saidSirGeorgewithagrin.
‘Then,ifreitherofthosecasesistrue,thequestionreturns
inredoubledl?orce.WhyMrsVanderlyn?AnditseemstomeI
perceiveash.dowyanswer.Therewasareason.Herpresence
atthisparttularjuncturewasdefinitelydesiredbyLord
Mayfieldforaspecialreason.AmIright?’
SirGeorgnodded.
foYou’requiteright,’hesaid.‘Mayfieldistoooldabirdto
rherwiles.Hewantedherhereforquiteanotherreason.It
waslikethis.
Heretaileqtheconversationthathadtakenplaceatthe
dinner-table.Poirotlistenedattentively.
32
‘Ah,’hesaid.‘Icomprehendnow.Nevertheless,itseems
thattheladyhasturnedthetablesonyoubothratherneatly?
SirGeorgesworefreely.
Poirotwatchedhimwithsomeslightamusement,thenhe
said:
‘Youdonotdoubtthatthistheftisherdoing–Imean,that
sheisresponsibleforit,whetherornosheplayedanactive
part?’
SirGeorgestared.
‘Ofcoursenot!Thereisn’tanydoubtofthat.Why,whoelse
wouldhaveanyinterestinstealingthoseplans?’
‘Ah!’saidHerculePoirot.Heleanedbackandlookedatthe
ceiling.‘Andyet,SirGeorge,weagreed,notaquarterofan
hourago,thatthesepapersrepresentedverydefinitelymoney.
Notperhaps,inquitesoobviousaformasbanknotes,orgold,
orjewellery,butneverthelesstheywerepotentialmoney.If
therewereanyoneherewhowashardup‘
Theother‘interruptedhimwithasnort
‘Whoisn’tthesedays?IsupposeIcansayitwithout
incriminatingmyself.’
HesmiledandPoirotsmiledpofitelybackathimand
murmured:
‘Maisoui,youcansaywhatyoulike,foryou,SirGeorge,
havetheoneunimpeachablealibiinthisaffair.’
‘ButI’mdanmedhardupmyselfl.’
Poirotshookhisheadsadly.
‘Yes,indeed,amaninyourpositionhasheavyliving
expenses.Thenyouhaveayoungsonatamostexpensiveage‘
SirGeorgegroaned.
‘Education’sbadenough,thendebtsontopofit.Mindyou,
thislad’snotabadlad.’
Poirotlistenedsympathetically.HeheardalotoftheAir
Marshal’saccumulatedgrievances.Thelackofgritand
staminaintheyoungergeneration,thefantasticwayinwhich
mothersspoilttheirchildrenandalwaystooktheirside,the
curseofgamblingonceitgotholdofawoman,thefollyof
playingforhigherstakesthanyoucouldafford.Itwascouched
33
ingeneralterms,SirGeorgedidnotalludedirectlytoeitherhis
wifeorhisson,buthisnaturaltransparencymadehis
generalizationsveryeasytoseethrough.
Hebrokeoffsuddenly.
‘Sorry,mustn’ttakeupyourtimewithsomethingthat’s
rightoffthesubject,especiallyatthishourofthenight–or
rather,morning.’
Hestifledayawn.
‘Isuggest,SirGeorge,thatyoushouldgotobed.Youhave
beenmostkindandhelpful.’
‘Right,thinkIwillmmin.Youreallythinkthereisachance
ofgettirsgtheplansback?’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Imeantotry.Idonotseewhynot.’
‘Well,I’llbeoff.Goodight.’
Helefttheroom.
Poirotremainedinhischairstaringthoughtfullyatthe
ce’fling,thenhetookoutaLITTLEnotebookandturningtoaclean
page,hewrote:
MrsVanderlyn?
LadyJuliaCarfington?
/vlrsMacatta?
ReggieCarrington?
MrCarlile?
Underneathhewrote:
Mrs
VanderlynandMrReggieCarrington?
Mrs
VandefiynandLadyJulia?
Mrs
VanderlynandMrCarlile?
Heshcokhisheadinadissatisfiedmanner,murmuring:
‘C’estMussimplequefa.’
Thenheaddedafewshortsentences.
DidLordMayfieldseea‘shadow’?Ifnot,whydidhesayhe
34
did?DidSirGeorgeseeanything?Hewaspositivehehadseez
nothingAFTERIexaminedflower-bed.Note:LordMayfield
near-sightedcanreadwithoutglassesbuthastouseamonoclett
lookacrossaroom.SirGeorgeislong-sighted.Therefore,from
farendoftheterrace,hissightismoretobedependeduponthaz,
::LordMayfield’s.YetLordMayfieldisverypositivethatheDID
ilseesomethingandisquiteunshakenbyhisfriend’sdenial.
:i,CananyonebequiteasabovesuspicionasMrCarlileappearstt
be?LordMayfieldisveryemphaticastohisinnocence.Toomuci.
so.lYhy?Becausehesecretlysuspectsbanandisashamedofh
suspicions?Orbecausehedefinitelysuspectssomeotherperson.;
istosay,somepersonOTHERthanMrsVanderlyn?
Heputthenotebookaway.
Then,gettingup,hewerealongtothestudy.
CHAPTER5
LordMayfieldwasseatedathisdeskwhenPoirotenteredthe
study.Heswunground,laiddownhispen,andlookedup
inquiringly.
‘Well,M.Poirot,hadyourinterviewwithCarrington?’
Poirotsmiledandsatdown.
‘Yes,LordMayfield.Heclearedupapointthathadpuzzled
‘Whatwasthat?’
‘ThereasonforMrsVanderlyn’spresencehere.You
comprehend,Ithoughtitpossible-‘
MayfieldwasquicktorealizethecauseofPoirot’ssomewhat
exaggeratedembarrassment.
‘YouthoughtIhadaweaknessforthelady?Notatall.Far
fromit.Funnilyenough,Carringtonthoughtthesame.’
35
‘Yes,hehastoldmeoftheconversationheheldwithx,[
thesubject.’
–‘
LordMayfieldlookedratherrueful.
cM·
ylittleschemedidn’tcomeoff.AlwaysannoyingtI
toadmitthataWomanhasgotthebetterofyou.‘
‘Ah,butshehasnotgotthebetterofyouyet,Mayfield.’
·
outhinkwemayyetwin?Well,I’mgladtohearyou
so.I’dliketothinkitwastrue.’
Hesighed.
‘IfeelI’veactedlikeacompletefool–sopleasedwithmy
stratagemforentrappingthelady.’
HerculePoirotsaid,ashelitoneofhistinycigarettes:
‘Whatwasyourstratagemexactly,LordMa3rfield?’
‘Well,’LordMayfieldhesitated.‘Ihadn’texactlygotdown
todetails.’
‘Youdidn’tdiscussitwithanyone?’
‘No.’
‘NotevenwithMrCarlile?’
‘No.’
Poirotsmiled.
‘Youprefertoplayalonehand,LordMayfield.’
‘I-haveusuallyfounditthebestway,’saidtheotheralittle
grimly.
‘Yes,youarewise.Trustnoone.Butyoud/mentionthe
mattertoSirGeorgeCarrinon’
‘Si‘‘
––°-°
replytecauseIrealizedthatthedearfellowwasseriously
perturbedaboutnae.’
LordMayfieldsmiledattheremembrance
‘Heisanoldfriendofyours?’
‘Yes.Ihaveknownhimforovertwentyyears.’
‘Andhiswife?’
‘Ihaveknownhiswifealso,ofcourse.’
‘But(pardonmeifIamimpertinent)youarenotonthesame
termsofintimacywithher?’
‘Idon’treallyseewheatmypersonalrelationshipstopeople
hastodowiththematterinhand,M.Poirot.’
36
‘ButIthink,LordMayfield,thattheymayhaveagooddeal
todowithit.Youagreed,didyounot,thatmytheoryof
someoneinthedrawing-roomwasapossibleone?’
‘Yes.Infact,Iagreewithyouthatthatiswhatmusthave
happened.’
‘Wewillnotsay“must.”Thatistooself-confidentaword.
Butifthattheoryofmineistrue,whodoyouthinktheperson
inthedrawing-roomcouldhavebeen?’
.‘ObviouslyMrsVanderlyn.Shehadbeenbackthereonce
forabook.Shecouldhavecomebackforanotherbook,ora
handbag,oradroppedhandkerchief-oneofadozenfeminine
excuses.ShearrangeswithhermaidtoscreamandgetCarlile
awayfromthestudy.Thensheslipsinandoutbythewindows
asyousaid.’
‘YouforgetitcouldnothavebeenMrsVanderlyn.Carlile
heardhercallthemaidfromupstairswhilehewastalkingtothe
girl.’
LordMayfieldbithislip.
‘True.Iforgotthat.’Helookedthoroughlyannoyed.
‘Yousee,’saidPoirotgently.‘Weprogress.Wehavefirstthe
simpleexplanationofathiefwhocomesfromouts/deand
makesoffwiththebooty.AveryconvenienttheoryasIsaidat
thetime,tooconvenienttobereadilyaccepted.Wehave
disposedofthat.Thenwecometothetheoryoftheforeign
agent,MrsVanderlyn,andthatagainseemstofittogether
beautifullyuptoacertainpoint.Butnowitlooksasthough
that,too,wastooeasy–tooconvenient–tobeaccepted.’
‘You’dwashMrsVanderlynoutofitaltogether?’
‘ItwasnotMrsVanderlyninthedrawing-room.Itmayhave
beenanallyofMrsVanderlyn’swhocommittedthetheft,but
itisjustpossiblethatitwascommittedbyanotherperson
altogether.Ifso,wehavetoconsiderthequestionofmotive.’
‘Isn’tthisratherfar-fetched,M.Po[rot?’
‘Idonotthinkso.Nowwhatmotivescouldtherebe?There
isthemotiveofmoney.Thepapersmayhavebeenstolenwith
theobjectofturningthemintocash.Thatisthesimplest
37
motivetoconsider.Butthemotivemightpossiblybesomething
quitedifferent.’
‘Suchas-‘
Poirotsaidslowly:
‘Itmighthavebeendonedefinitelywiththeideaor
damagingsomeone.’
‘Who.>’
‘PossiblyMrCarlile.Hewouldbetheobvioussuspect.Bm
theremightbemoretoitthanthat.Themenwhocontrolthe
destinyofacountry,LordMayfield,areparticularlyvulnera-.
hietodisplaysofpopularfeeling.’
‘Meaningthatthetheftwasaimedatdamagingme?’
Poirotnodded.
‘IthinkIamcorrectinsaying,LordMayfield,thatabout
fiveyearsagoyoupassedthroughasomewhattryingtime.You
weresuspectedoffriendshipwithaEuropeanPoweratthat
timebitterlyunpopularwiththeelectorateofthiscountry.’
‘Quitetrue,M.Poirot.’
‘Astatesmaninthesedayshasadifficulttask.Hehasto
pursuethepolicyhedeemsadvantageoustohiscountry,buthe
hasatthesametimetorecognizetheforceofpopularfeeling.
Popularfeelingisveryoftensentimental,muddle-headed,and
eminentlyunsound,butitcannotbedisregardedforallthat.’
‘Howwellyouexpressit!Thatisexactlythecurseofa
politician’slifeHehastobowtothecountry’sfeeling,however
dangerousandfoolhardyheknowsittobe.’
‘Thatwasyourdilemma,Ithink.Therewererumoursthat
youhadconcludedanagreementwiththecountryinquestion.
Thiscountryandthenewspaperswereupinarmsaboutit.
FortunatelythePrimeMinisterwasablecategoricallytodeny
thestory,andyourepudiatedit,thoughs611makingnosecret
ofthewayyoursympathieslay.’
‘Allthisisquitetree,M.Poirot,butwhyrakeuppast
history?’
‘BecauseIconsideritpossiblethatanenemy,disappointed
inthewayyousurmountedthatcrisis,mightendeavourto
stageafurtherdilemma.Yousoonregainedpublicconfidence.
38
Thoseparticularcircumstanceshavepassedaway,you
now,deservedly,oneofthemostpopularfiguresinpolitica
life.YouarespokenoffreelyasthenextPrimeMinisterwhe
MrHunberlyretires.’
‘Youthinkthisisanattempttodiscreditme?Nonsense!’‘Toutdemme,LordMayfield,itwouldnotlookwellifi
wereknownthattheplansofBritain’snewbomberhadbeet
stolenduringaweekendwhenacertainverycharmingladyha￠
beenyourguest.Littlehintsinthenewspapersastoyou
relationshipwiththatladywouldcreateafeelingofdistrustixyou.’
‘Suchathingcouldnotreallybetakenseriously.’
‘MydearLordMayfield,youknowperfectlywellitcould!
Ittakessolittletounderminepublicconfidenceinaman.’
‘Yes,that’strue,’saidLordMayfield.Helookedsuddenlj
veryworried.‘God!howdesperatelycomplicatedthisbusines:
isbecoming.Doyoureallythink–butit’simpossibleimpossible.’
‘Youknowofnobodywhois–iealousofyou?’
‘Absurd!’
‘Atanyrateyouwilladmitthatmyquestionsaboutyotn
personalrelationshipswiththemembersofthishouse-part
arenottotallyirrelevant.’
‘Oh,perhaps–perhaps.YouaskedmeaboutJuliaCarting-ton.
There’sreallynotverymuchtosay.I’venevertakentohe
verymuch,andIdon’tthinkshecaresforme.She’soneof
theserestless,nervywomen,recklesslyextravagantandmad
aboutcards.She’sold-fashionedenough,Ithink,todespise
measbeingaself-mademan.’
Poirotsaid:
‘IlookedyouupinWho’sWhobeforeIcamedown.You
weretheheadofafamousengineeringfirmandyouare
yourselfafirst-classengineer.’
‘There’scertainlynothingIdon’tknowaboutthepractical
side.I’veworkedmywayupfromthebottom.’
LordMayfieldspokerathergrimly.
‘Ohlala!’criedPoirot.‘Ihavebeenafool–butafool!’
3.
Theotherstaredathim.
‘Ibegyourpardon,M.Ioif°t’..
‘at
rtionof”uzzlenasoecomecartome
tismapo
tee
‘
SomethingIdidnotseebe￡or···Butitallfitsin.Yes–it
in’withbeautifulprecision.’
himinsomewhatastonished
LordMayfieldlookedat
inquiry.
aslightsmileP·atshookhishead.
Butwithnotnow.Im]r’angemyideasalittlemore
NOno
clearly.’
Herose.
‘Goodnight,LordMaYel/1’IthinkIknowwherethose
plallSare.
LOrdMayfieldcriedout:
‘Youknow?Thenletusgelholdofthematonce!’
Poirotshookhishead.
‘No,no,thatwouldnotcio.recipitancywouldbefatal.But
leaveitalltoHerculePoirot,
Hewentoutoftheroom.ordMayfieldraisedhisshoulders
incontempt.
,,o,,,t,
go,,‘hA-at;ttered.Then,putting
away
his
bed.
CHAPTER6
‘Ifthere’sbeen
aburul-–thedevildoesn’t
oldMayfield
1a-W,
XvB
,·‘on
sendforthe
police?’demarlde.”e,gg.e.,Cax,
He-ushedhischairsli-‘“t}acfrommeorearaasttao
e.
,ru
ewa
the
lastdownHiu
st,MrsMacattaandSirGeorge
……………..‘ae
time
bef6re
His
mother
and
had
finished
their
breakfasta
se
‘
Mrs
Vanderlyn
were
breakt?as
fig
in
bed.
Sir
George,
repeating
his
st
tement
on
the
lines
agreed
upon
4O
betweenLordMayfieldandHerculePoirot,hadafeelingtha
hewasnotmanagingitaswellashemighthavedone.
‘Tosendforaqueerforeignerlikethisseemsveryoddtl
me,’saidReggie.‘Whathasbeentaken,Father?’
‘Idon’tknowexactly,myboy.’
Reggiegotup.Helookedrathernervyandonedgethis
morlling.
‘Nothing–important?No–papersoranythinglikethat?’
‘Totellyouthetruth,Reggie,Ican’ttellyouexactly.’
‘Veryhush-hush,isit?Isee.’
Reggieranupthestairs,pausedforamomenthaft-waywith
afrownonhisface,andthencontinuedhisascentamitapped
onhismother’sdoor.Hervoicebadehimenter.
LadyJuliawassittingupinbed,scribblingfiguresonthe
backofanenvelope.
‘Goodmorning,darling.’Shelookedup,thensaidsharply:
‘Reggie,isanythingthematter?’
‘Nothingmuch,butitseemstherewasaburglarylastnight.’
‘Aburglary?Whatwastaken?’
‘Oh,Idon’tknow.It’sallveryhushhush.There’ssomeodd
kindofprivate-inquiryagentdownstairsaskingeverybody
questions.’
‘Howextraordinary?
‘It’sratherunpleasant,’saidReggieslowly,‘stayingina
housewhenthatkindofthinghappens.’
‘Whatdidhappenexactly?’
‘Don’tknow.Itwassometimeafterweallwenttobed.Look
out,Mother,you’llhavethattrayoff.’
Herescuedthebreakfast-trayandcarriedittoatablebythe
window.
‘Wasmoneytaken?’
‘ItellyouIdon’tknow.’
LadyJuliasaidslowly:
‘Isupposethisinquirymanisaskingeverybodyquestions?’
‘Isupposeso.’
‘Wheretheywerelastnight?Allthatkindofthing?’
41
‘Probably.Well,Ican’ttellhimmuch.Iwentstraightupto
bedandwasasleepinnexttonotime.’
LadyJuliadidnotanswer.
‘Isay,Mother,Isupposeyoucouldn’tletmehaveaspotof
cash.I’mabsolutelybroke.’
‘No,Icouldn’t,’hismotherreplieddecisively.‘I’vegotthe
mostfrightfuloverdraftmyself.Idon’tknowwhatyourfather
willsaywhenhehearsaboutit.’
TherewasatapatthedoorandSirGeorgeentered.
‘Ah,thereyouare,Reggie.Willyougodowntothelibrary?
M.HerculePoirotwantstoseeyou.’
Poirothadjustconcludedaninterviewwiththeredoubtable
MrsMacatta.
AfewbriefquestionshadelicitedtheinformationthatMm
Macattahadgoneuptobedjustbeforeeleven,andhadheard
orseennothinghelpful.
Poirotslidgentlyfromthetopicoftheburglarytomore
personalmatters.HehimselfhadagreatadmirationforLord
Mayfield.AsamemberofthegeneralpublichefeltthatLord
Mayfieldwasatrulygreatman.Ofcourse,MrsMacatta,being
intheknow,wouldhaveafarbettermeansofestimatingthat
thanhimself.
‘LordMayfieldhasbrains,’allowedMrsMacatta.‘Andhe
hascarvedhiscareeroutentirelyforhimself.Heowesnothing
tohereditaryinfluence.Hehasacertainlackofvision,perhaps.
InthatIfindallmensadlyalike.Theylackthebreadthofa
woman’simagination.Woman,M.Poirot,isgoingtobethe
greatforceingovernmentintenyears’time.’
Poirotsaidthathewassureofit.
HeslidtothetopicofMrsVanderlyn.Wasittrue,ashehad
heardhinted,thatsheandLordMayfieldwereverydose
friends?
‘Notintheleast.TotellyouthetruthIwasverysurprised
tomeetherhere.Verysurprisedindeed.’
PoirotinvitedMrsMacatta’sopinionofMrsVanderlynandgotit.
‘Oneofthoseabsolutelyuselesswomen,M.Poirot.Women
42
thatmakeonedespairofone’sownsex!Aparasite,firstandlast
aparasite.’
Thenadmiredher?’
Then?MrsMacattaspokethewordwithcontempt.Then
arealwaystakeninbythoseveryObviousgoodlooks.Thatboy,
now,youngReggieCarrington,flushingupeverytimeshe
spoketohim,absurdlyflatteredbybeingtakennoticeofby
her.Andthesillywaysheflatteredhimtoo.Praisinghisbridge
–whichactuallywasfarfrombrilliant.’
‘Heisnotagoodplayer?’
‘Hemadeallsortsofmistakeslastnight.’
‘LadyJuliaisagoodplayer,isshenot?’
‘Muchtoogoodinmyopinion,’saidMrsMacatta.‘It’s
almostaprofessionwithher.Sheplaysmorning,noon,and
night.’
‘Forhighstakes?’
‘Yes,indeed,muchhigherthanIwouldcaretoplay.Indeed
Ishouldn’tconsideritright.’
‘Shemakesagooddealofmoneyatthegame?’
Mrs.Macattagavealoudandvirtuoussnort.
‘Shereckonsonpayingherdebtsthatway.Butshe’sbeen
havingarunofbadlucklately,soI’veheard.Shelookedlast
nightasthoughshehadsomethingonhermind.Theevilsof
gambling,M.Po[rot,areonlyslightlylessthantheevilscaused
bydrink.IfIhadmywaythiscountryshouldbepurified-‘
Poirotwasforcedtolistentoasomewhatlengthydiscussion
onthepurificationofEngland’smorals.Thenheclosedthe
conversationadroitlyandsentforReggieCarrington.
Hesummedtheyoungmanupcarefullyasheenteredthe
room,theweakmouthcamouflagedbytherathercharming
smile,theindecisivechin,theeyessetfarapart,therather
narrowhead.HethoughtthatheknewReggieCarrington’s
typefairlywell.
‘MrReggieCarrington?’
‘Yes.AnythingIcando?’
‘Justtellmewhatyoucanaboutlastnight?’
43
‘Well,letmesee,weplayedbridge–inthedrawing-room.
AfterthatIwentuptobed.’
‘Thatwasatwhattime?’
‘Justbeforeeleven.Isupposetherobberytookplaceafter
that?’
‘Yes,afterthat.Youdidnothearorseeanything?’
Reggieshookhisheadregretfully.
‘I’mafraidnot.IwentstraighttobedandIsleeppretty
soundly.’
‘Youwentstraightupfromthedrawing-roomtoyour
bedroomandremainedthereuntilthemorning?’
‘That’sright.’
‘Curious,’saidPoirot.
Reggiesaidsharply:
‘Whatdoyoumean,curious?’
‘Youdidnot,forinstance,hearascream?’
‘No,Ididn’t.’
‘Ah,verycurious.’
‘Lookhere,Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.’
‘Youare,perhaps,slightlydeaf?.’
‘Certainlynot.’
Poirot’slipsmoved.Itwaspossiblethathewasrepeatingthe
wordcuriousforthethirdtime.Thenhesaid:
‘Well,thankyou,MrCarrington,thatisall.’
Reggiegotupandstoodratherirresolutely.
‘Youknow,’hesaid,‘nowyoucometomentionit,Ibelieve
Ididhearsomethingofthekind.’
‘Ah,youdidhearsomething?’
‘Yes,butyousee,Iwasreadingabook–adetectivestoryas
amatteroffact–andI–well,Ididn’treallyquitetakeitin.?‘Ah,’saidPoirot,‘amostsatisfyingexplanation.’
Hisfacewasquiteimpassive.
Reggiestillhesitated,thenheturnedandwalkedslowlyto
thedoor.Therehepausedandasked:
‘Isay,whatwasstolen?’
‘Somethingofgreatvalue,MrCarfington.ThatisallIam
atlibertytosay.’
‘Oh,’saidReggieratherblankly.
Hewentout.
Poirotnoddedhishead.
‘Itfits,’hemurmured.‘Itfitsverynicely.’
HetouchedabellandinquiredcourteouslyifMrsVanderlyn
wasupyet.
CHAPTER7
MrsVanderlynsweptintotheroomlookingveryhandsome.
Shewasswearinganartfully-cutrussetsports-suitthatshowed
upthewarmlightsofherhair.Sheswepttoachairandsmiled
inadazzlingfashionatthelittlemaninfrontofher.
Foramomentsomethingshowedthroughthesmile.It
mighthavebeentriumph,itmightalmosthavebeenmockery.
Itwasgonealmostimmediately,butithadbeenthere.Poirot
foundthesuggestionofitinteresting.
‘Burglars?Lastnight?Buthowdreadful!Whyno,Inever
heardathing.Whataboutthepolice?Can’ttheydoanything?’
Again,justforamoment,themockeryshowedinhereyes.
HerculePoirotthought:
‘Itisveryclearthatyouarenotafraidofthepolice,mylady.
Youknowverywellthattheyarenotgoingtobecalledin.’
Andfromthatfollowed–what?
Hesaidsoberly:
‘Youcomprehend,madame,itisanaffairofthemost
discreet.’
‘Why,naturally,M.–Poirot–isn’tit?–Ishouldn’tdream
ofbreathingaword.I’mmuchtoogreatanadmirerofdear
LordMayfield’stodoanythingtocausehimtheleastlittlebit
ofworry.’
Shecrossedherknees.Ahighly-polishedslipperofbrown
leatherdangledonthetipofhersilk-shodfoot.
45
Shesmiled,awarm,compellingsmileofperfecthealthand
deepsatisfaction.
‘Dotellmeifthere’sanythingatallIcando?’
‘Ithankyou,madame.Youplayedbridgeinthedrawing
roomlastnight?’
‘Yes.’
‘Iunderstandthatthenalltheladieswentuptobed?’
‘Thatisright.’
‘Butsomeonecamebacktofetchabook.Thatwasyou,was
itnot,MrsVanderlyn?’
‘Iwasthefirstonetocomeback–yes.’
‘Whatdoyoumean–thefirstone?’saidPoirotsharply.
‘Icamebackrightaway,’explainedMrsVanderlyn.ThenI
wentupandrangformymaid.Shewasalongtimeincoming.
Irangagain.ThenIwentoutonthelanding.Iheardhervoice
andIcalledher.AftershehadbrushedmyhairIsentheraway,
shewasinanervous,upsetstateandtangledthebrushinmy
haironceortwice.Itwasthen,justasIsentheraway,thatIsaw
LadyJuliacomingupthestairs.Shetoldmeshehadbeen
downagainforabook,too.Curious,wasn’tit?’
MrsVanderlynsmiledasshefinished,awide,ratherfeline
smile.HerculePoirotthoughttohimselfthatMrsVanderlyn
didnotlikeLadyJuliaCarrington.
‘Asyousay,madame.Tellme,didyouhearyourmaid
scream?’
‘Why,yes,Ididhearsomethingofthatkind.’
‘Didyouaskheraboutit?’
‘Yes.Shetoldmeshethoughtshehadseenafloatingfigure
inwhite–suchnonsense!’
‘WhatwasLadyJuliawearinglastnight?’
‘Oh,youthinkperhaps–Yes,Isee.Sheaswearingawhite
evening-dress.Ofcourse,thatexplainsit.Shemusthave
caughtsightofherinthedarknessjustasawhitefigure.These
girlsaresosuperstitious.’
‘Yourmaidhasbeenwithyoualongtime,madame?’
‘Oh,no.’MrsVanderlynopenedhereyesratherwide.‘Only
aboutfivemonths.’
‘Ishou,ldliketoseeherpresently,ifyoudonotmind,
madame.
MrsVanderlynraisedhereyebrows.
‘Oh,certainly,shesaidrathercoldly.
‘Ishouldlike,youunderstand,toquestionher.’
‘Oh,yes.’
Againaflickerofamusement.
Poirotroseandbowed.
‘Madame,’hesaid.‘Youhavemycompleteadmiration.’
MrsVanderlynforonceseemedatrifletakenaback.
‘Oh,M.Poirot,howniceofyou,butwhy?’
‘Youare,madame,soperfectlyarmoured,socompletely
sureofyourself.’
MrsVanderlynlaughedalittleuncertainly.
‘NowIwonder,’shesaid,‘ifIamtotakethatasa
compliment?’
Poirotsaid:
‘Itis,perhaps,awarning–nottotreatlifewitharrogance.’
MrsVanderlynlaughedwithmoreassurance.Shegotup
andheldoutahand.
‘DearM.Poirot,Idowishyouallsuccess.Thankyouforall
thecharmingthingsyouhavesaidtome.’
Shewentout.Poirotmurmuredtohimself:
‘Youwishmesuccess,doyou?Ah,butyouareverysureI
amnotgoingtomeetwithsuccess!Yes,youareverysure
indeed.That,itannoysmeverymuch.’
Withacertainpetulance,hepulledthebellandaskedthat
MademoiselleLeoniemightbesenttohim.
Hiseyesroamedoverherappreciativelyasshestood
hesitatinginthedoorway,demureinherblackdresswithher
neatly-partedblackwavesofhairandhermodestly-dropped
eyelids.Henoddedslowapproval.
‘Comein,MademoiselleLeonie,’hesaid.‘Donotbeafraid.’
Shecameinandstooddemurelybeforehim.
‘Doyouknow,’saidPoirotwithasuddenchangeoftone,
‘thatIfindyouverygoodtolookat.’
47
Leonierespondedpromptly.Sheflashedhimaglanceoutof
thecornerofhereyesandmurmuredsoftly:
‘Monsieurisverykind.’
‘Figuretoyourself,’saidPoirot.‘IdemandofM.Carlile
whetheryouareornotgood-lookingandherepliesthathedoes
notknow!’
Leoniecockedherchinupcontemptuously.
‘Thatimage!’
‘Thatdescribeshimverywell.’
‘Idonotbelievehehaseverlookedatagirlinhislife,that
one.’
‘Probablynot.Apity.Hehasmissedalot.Butthereare
othersinthishousewhoaremoreappreciative,isitnotso?’
‘Really,Idonotknowwhatmonsieurmeans.’
‘Oh,yes,MademoiselleLeonie,youknowverywell.A
prettyhistorythatyourecountlastnightaboutaghostthatyou
haveseen.AssoonasIhearthatyouarestandingtherewith
yourhandstoyourhead,Iknowverywellthatthereisno
questionofghosts.Ifagirlisfrightenedsheclaspsherheart,or
sheraisesherhandstohermouthtostifleacry,butifherhands
areonherhairitmeanssomethingverydifferent.Itmeansthat
herhairhasbeenruffledandthatsheishastilygettingitintoshape
again,tNowthen,mademoiselle,letushavethetruth.Whydid
youscreamonthestairs?’
‘Butmonsieuritistrue,Isawatallfigureallinwhite‘
‘Mademoiselle,donotinsultmyintelligence.Thatstory,it
mayhavebeengoodenoughforM.Carlile,butitisnotgood
enoughforHerculePoirot.Thetruthisthatyouhadjustbeen
kissed,isitnotso?AndIwillmakeaguessthatitwasM.
ReggieCarringtonwhokissedyou.’
Leonietwinkledanunabashedeyeathim
‘Eh&m,’shedemanded,‘afterall,whatisakiss?’
‘What,indeed?’saidPoirotgallantly.
‘Yousee,theyounggentlemanhe.cameupbehindmeand
caughtmeroundthewaist–andsonaturallyhestartledmeand
Iscreamed.IfIhadknown–well,thennaturallyIwouldnot
havescreamed.’
48
‘Naturally,’agreedPoirot.
‘Buthecameuponmelikeacat.Thenthestudydooropened
andoutcameM.lesecrtaireandtheyounggentlemanslipped
awayupstairsandthereIwaslookinglikeafool.NaturallyI
hadtosaysomething–especiallyto-‘shebrokeintoFrench,
‘unjeunehommecommefa,tellementconimeilfaut!’
‘Soyouinventaghost?’
‘Indeed,monsieur,itwasallIcouldthinkof.Atallfigureall
inwhite,thatfloated.ItisridiculousbutwhatelsecouldIdo?’
‘Nothing.Sonow,allisexplained.Ihadmysuspicionsfrom
thefirst.’
Leonieshothimaprovocativeglance.
‘Monsieurisveryclever,andverysympathetic.’
‘AndsinceIamnotgoingtomakeyouanyembarrassments
overtheaffairyouwilldosomethingformeinreturn?’
‘Mostwillingly,monsieur.’
‘Howmuchdoyouknowofyourmistress’saffairs?’
Thegirlshruggedhershoulders.
‘Notverymuch,monsieur.Ihavemyideas,ofcourse.’
‘Andthoseideas?’
‘Well,itdoesnotescapemethatthefriendsofmadameare
alwayssoldiersorsailorsorairmen.Andthenthereareother
friends–foreigngentlemenwhocometoseeherveryquietly
sometimes.Madameisveryhandsome,thoughIdonotthink
shewillbesomuchlonger.Theyoungmen,theyfredhervery
attractive.SometimesIthink,theysaytoomuch.Butitisonly
myidea,that.Madamedoesnotconfideinme.’
‘Whatyouwouldhavemetounderstandisthatmadame
playsalonehand?’
‘Thatisright,monsieur.’
‘Inotherwords,youcannothelpme.’
‘Ifearnot,monsieur.IwoulddoifIcould.’
‘Tellme,yourmistressisinagoodmoodtoday?
‘Decidedly,monsieur.’
‘Somethinghashappenedtopleaseher?’
‘Shehasbeeningoodspiritseversinceshecamehere.’
‘Well,Leonie,youshouldknow.’
49
Thegirlansweredconfidently:
‘Yes,monsieur.Icould-notbemistakenthere.Iknowall
madame’smoods.Sheisinhighspirits.’
‘Positivelytriumphant?’
‘Thatisexactlytheword,monsieur.’
Poirotnoddedgloomily.
‘Ipoundsdthat–alittlehardtobear.YetIperceivethatitis
inevitable.Thankyou,mademoiselle,thatisall.’
Leoniethrewhimacoquettishglance.
‘Thankyou,monsieur.IfImeetmonsieuronthestairs,be
wellassuredthatIshallnotscream.’
‘Mychild,’saidPoirotwithdignity.‘Iamofadvancedyears.
WhathaveItodowithsuchfrivolities?’
Butwithalittletwitteroflaughter,Loonietookherselfoff.
Poirotpacedslowlyupanddowntheroom.Hisfacebecame
graveandanxious.
‘Andnow,’hesaidatlast,‘forLadyJulia.Whatwillshesay,
Iwonder?’
LadyJuliacameintotheroomwithaquietairofassurance.
Shebentherheadgraciously,acceptedthechairthatPoirot
drewforwardandspokeinalow,well-bredvoice.
‘LordMayfieldsaysthatyouwishtoaskmesome
questions.’
‘Yes,madame.Itisaboutlastnight.’
‘Aboutlastnight,yes?’.
‘Whathappenedafteryouhadfinishedyourgameof
bridge?’
‘Myhusbandthoughtitwastoolatetobeginanother.Iwent
uptobed.’
‘Andthen?’
‘Iwenttosleep.’
‘Thatisall?’
‘Yes.I’mafraidIcan’ttellyouanythingofmuchinterest.
Whendidthis’–shehesitated–‘burglaryoccur?’
‘Verysoonafteryouwentupstairs.’
‘Isee.Andwhatexactlywastaken?’
‘Someprivatepapers,madame.’
50
‘Importantpapers?’
‘Veryimportant.’
Shefrownedalittleandthensaid:
‘Theywere–valuable?’
‘Yes,madame,theywereworthagooddealofmoney.’
‘Isee.’
Therewasapause,andthenPoirotsaid:
‘Whataboutyourbook,madame?’
‘Mybook?’Sheraisedbewilderedeyestohim.
‘Yes,IunderstandMrsVanderlyntosaythatsometime
afteryouthreeladieshadretiredyouwentdownagaintofetch
abook.’
‘Yes,ofcourse,soIdid.’
‘Sothat,asamatteroffact,youdidnotgostraighttobed
whenyouwentupstairs?Youreturnedtothedrawing-room?’
‘Yes,thatistrue.Ihadforgotten.’
‘Whileyouwereinthedrawing-room,didyouhearsomeone
scream?’
‘No–yes–Idon’tthinkso.’
‘Surely,madame.Youcouldnothavefailedtohearitinthe
drawing-room.’
LadyJuliaflungherheadbackandsaid￡uxnly:
‘Iheardnothing.’
Poirotraisedhiseyebrows,butdidnotreply.
Thesilencegrewuncomfortable.LadyJuliaaskedabruptly:
‘Whatisbeingdone?’
‘Beingdone?Idonotunderstandyou,madame.’
‘Imeanabouttherobbery.Surelythepolicemustbedoing
something.’
Poirotshookhishead.
‘Thepolicehavenotbeencalledin.Iamincharge.’
Shestaredathim,herrestlesshaggardfacesharpenedand
tense.Hereyes,darkandsearching,soughttopiercehis
impassivity.
Theyfellatlast–defeated.
‘Youcannottellmewhatisbeingdone?’
51
‘Icanonlyassureyou,madame,thatIamleavingnostone
unturned.’
‘Tocatchthethief-orto–recoverthepapers?’
‘Therecoveryofthepapersisthemainthing,madame.’
Hermannerchanged.Itbecamebored,listless.
‘Yes,’shesaidindifferently.‘Isupposeitis.’
Therewasanotherpause.
‘Isthereanythingelse,M.Poirot?’
‘No,madame.Iwillnotdetainyoufurther.’
‘Thankyou.’
Heopenedthedoorforher.Shepassedoutwithoutglancing
athim.
Poirotwentbacktothefireplaceandcarefullyrearnmged
theornamentsonthemantelpiece.HewasstillatitwhenLord
Mayfieldcameinthroughthewindow.
‘Well?’saidthelatter.
‘Verywell,Ithink.Eventsareshapingthemselvesasthey
should.’
LordMayfieldsaid,staringathim:
‘Youarepleased.’
‘No,Iamnotpleased.ButIamcontent.’
‘Really,M.Poirot,Icannotmakeyouout.’
‘Iamnotsuchacharlatanasyouthink.’
‘Ineversaid‘
‘No,butyouthought!Nomatter.Iamnotoffended.Itis
sometimesnecessaryformetoadoptacertainpose.’
LordMayfieldlookedathimdoubtfullywithacertain
amountofdistrust.HerculePoirotwasamanhedidnot
understand.Hewantedtodespisehim,butsomethingwarned
himthatthisridiculouslittlemanwasnotsofutileashe
appeared.CharlesMcLaughlinhadalwaysbeenableto
recognizecapabilitywhenhesawit.
‘Well,’hesaid,‘weareinyourhands.Whatdoyouadvise
next?’
‘Canyougetridofyourguests?’
‘Ithinkitmightbearranged…IcouldexplainthatIhave
52
togotoLondonoverthisaffair.Theywillthenprobablyoffertoleave.’
‘Verygood.Tryandarrangeitlikethat.’
LordMayfieldhesitated.
‘Youdon’tthink?’
‘Iamquitesurethatthatwouldbethewisecoursetotake.’
LordMayfieldshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Well,ifyousayso.’
Hewentout.
CHAPTER8
Theguestsleftafterlunch.MrsVanderlynandMrsMacatta
wentbytrain,theCarringtonshadtheircar.Poirotwas
standinginthehallasMrsVanderlynbadeherhostacharming
farewell.
‘Soterriblysorryforyouhavingthisbotherandanxiety.Ido
I
hopeitwillmmoutallfightforyou.Ishan’tbreatheaword
ofanything.’
.7ShepressedhishandmadwentouttowheretheRollswas
waitingtotakehertothestation.MrsMacattawasalready
inside.Heradieuhadbeencurtandunsympathetic.
SuddenlyLeonie,whohadbeengettinginfrontwiththe
chauffeur,camerunningbackintothehall.
‘Thedressing-caseofmadame,itisnotinthecar,’she
exclaimed.
Therewasahurriedsearch.AtlastLordMayfielddiscovered
itwhereithadbeenputdownintheshadowofanoldoak
chest.Leonieutteredagladlittlecryassheseizedtheelegant
affairofgreenmorocco,andhurriedoutwithit.
ThenMrsVanderlynleanedoutofthecst.
‘LordMayfield,LordMayfield.’Shehandedhimaletter.
‘Wouldyoumindputtingthisinyourpost-bag?IfIkeepit
meaningtopostitintown,I’msuretoforget.Lettersjuststay
inmybagfordays.’
SirGeorgeCarringtonwasfidgetingwithhiswatch,
openingandshuttingit.Hewasamaniacforpunctuality.
‘They’recuttingitfrae,’hemurmured.‘Veryfme.Unless
they’recareful,they’Hmissthetrain‘
Hiswifesaidirritably:
‘Oh,don’tfuss,George.Afterall,it’stheirtrain,notours!’
Helookedatherreproachfully.
TheRollsdroveoff.
ReggiedrewupatthefrontdoorintheCarringtons’Morris.
‘Allready,Father,’hesaid.
TheservantsbeganbringingouttheCarringtons’luggage.
Reggiesuperviseditsdisposalinthedickey.
Poirotmovedoutofthefrontdoor,watchingthe
proceedings.
Suddenlyhefeltahandonhisarm.LadyJulia’svoicespoke
inanagitatedwhisper.
‘M.Poirot.Imustspeaktoyou–atonce.’
Heyieldedtoherinsistenthand.Shedrewhimintoasmall
morning-roomandclosedthedoor.Shecameclosetohim.
‘Isittruewhatyousaid–thatthediscoveryofthepapersis
whatmattersmosttoLordMa3rfield?’
Poirotlookedathercuriously.
‘Itisquitetrue,madame.’
‘If-ifthosepaperswerereturnedtoyou,wouldyou
undertakethattheyshouldbegivenbacktoLordMayfield,
andnoquestionsasked?’
‘IamnotsurethatIunderstandyou.’
‘Youmust!Iamsurethatyoudo!Iamsuggestingthatthe–thethiefshouldremainanonymousifthepapersare
returned.’
Poirotasked:
‘Howsoonwouldthatbe,madame?’
‘Definitelywithintwelvehours.’
‘Youcanpromisethat?’
‘Icanpromiseit.’
54
Ashedidnotanswer,sherepeatedurgently:
‘Willyouguaranteethattherewillbenopublicity?’
Heansweredthen–verygravely:
‘Yes,madame,Iwillguaranteethat.’
‘Theneverythingcanbearranged.’
Shepassedabruptlyfromtheroom.AmomentlaterPoirot
heardthecardriveaway.
Hecrossedthehallandwentalongthepassagetothestudy.
LordMayfieldwasthere.HelookedupasPoirotentered.
::’‘Well?’hesaid.
:Poirotspreadouthishands.
::
‘Thecaseisended,LordMayfield.’
‘What?’
Poirotrepeatedwordforwordthescenebetweenhimself
andLadyJulia.
LordMayfieldlookedathimwithastupefiedexpression.
‘Butwhatdoesitmean?Idon’tunderstand.’
‘Itisveryclear,isitnot?LadyJuliaknowswhostolethe
plans.’
i‘Youdon’tmeanshetookthemherself?.’
‘Certainlynot.LadyJuliamaybeagambler.Sheisnota
thief.Butifsheofferstoreturntheplans,itmeansthatthey
weretakenbyherhusbandorherson.NowSirGeorge
Carringtonwasoutontheterracewithyou.Thatleavesusthe
son.IthinkIcanreconstructthehappeningsoflastnightfairly
accurately.LadyJuliawenttoherson’sroomlastnightand
founditempty.Shecamedownstairstolookforhim,butdid
notfindhim.Thismorningshehearsofthetheft,andshealso
hearsthathersondeclaresthathewentstraighttohisroomand
neverleftit.That,sheknows,isnottrue.Andsheknows
somethingelseaboutherson.Sheknowsthatheisweak,that
heisdesperatelyhard-upformoney.Shehasobservedhis
infatuationforMrsVanderlyn.Thewholethingiscleartoher.
MrsVanderlynhaspersuadedReggietostealtheplans.But
shedeterminestoplayherpartalso.ShewilltackleReggie,get
holdofthepapersandreturnthem.’
55
‘Butthewholethingisquiteimpossible,’criedLord
Mayfield.
‘Yes,itisimpossible,butLadyJuliadoesnotknowthat.She
doesnotknowwhatI,HerculePoirot,know,thatycng
ReggieCarringtonwasnotstealingpaperslastnight,hut
insteadwasphilanderingwithMrsVanderlyn’sFrenchrwid.’
‘Thewholethingisamare’snest!’
‘Exactly.’
‘Andthecaseisnotendedatall!’
‘Yes,itisended.I,HerculePoirot,knowthetruth.Youdo;ot
believeme?YoudidnotbelievemeyesterdaywhenIsaidI
knewwheretheplanswere.ButIdidknow.Theywerevery
closeathand.’
‘Where?’
‘Theywereinyourpocket,mylord.’
Therewasapause,thenLordMayfieldsaid.’
‘Doyoureallyknowwhatyouaresaying,M.Poirot?’
‘Yes,Iknow.IknowthatIamspeakingtoaverycleverman.
Fromthefirstitworriedmethatyou,whowereadmitxedly
short-sighted,shouldbesopositiveaboutthefigureyouhad
seenleavingthewindow.Youwantedthatsolution–the
convenientsolution–tobeaccepted.Why?Later,onebyone,
Ieliminatedeveryoneelse.MrsVandedynwasupstairs,Sir
Georgewaswithyouontheterrace,ReggieCarringtonwas
withtheFrenchgirlonthestairs,MrsMacattawasblamelessly
inherbedroom.(Itisnexttothehousekeeper’sroom,andMrs
Macattasnores!)LadyJuliaclearlybelievedhersonguilty.So
thereremainedonlytwopossibilities.EitherCarliledidnotput
thepapersonthedeskbutintohisownpocket(andthatisnot
reasonable,because,asyoupointedout,hecouldhavetakena
tracingofthem),orelse–orelsetheplansweretherewhenyou
walkedovertothedesk,andtheonlyplacetheycouldhave
gonewasintoyourpocket.Inthatcaseeverythingwasclear.
Yourinsistenceonthefigureyouhadseen,yourinsistenceon
Carlile’sinnocence,yourdisinclinationtohavemesummoned.
‘Onethingdidpuzzleme–themotive.Youwere,Iwas
convinced,anhonestman,amanofintegrity.Thatshowedin
56
youranxietythatnoinnocentpersonshouldbesuspected.It
wasalsoobviousthatthetheftoftheplansmighteasilyaffect
yourcareerunfavourably.Why,then,thiswhollyunreason-able
theft?Andatlasttheanswercametome.Thecrisisinyour
career,someyearsago,theassurancesgiventotheworldbythe
primeMinisterthatyouhadhadnonegotiationswiththe
powerinquestion.Supposethatthatwasnotstrictlytrue,that
thereremainedsomerecord–aletter,perhaps–showingthat
inactualfactyouhaddonewhatyouhadpubliclydenied.Such
adenialwasnecessaryintheinterestsofpublicpolicy.Butitis
doubtfulifthemaninthestreetwouldseeitthatway.Itmight
meanthatatthemomentwhensupremepowermightbegiven
intoyourhands,somestupidechofromthepastwouldundo
everything.
‘Isuspectthatthatletterhasbeenpreservedinthehandsof
acertaingovernment,thatthatgovernmentofferedtotrade
withyou–theletterinexchangefortheplansofthenew
bomber.Somemenwouldhaverefused.You–didnot!You
agreed.MrsVanderlynwastheagentinthematter.Shecame
herebyarrangementtomaketheexchange.Yougaveyourself
iawaywhenyouadmittedthatyouhadformednodefinite
stratagemforentrappingher.Thatadmissionmadeyour
‘Sreasonforinvitingherhereincrediblyweak.
‘Youarrangedtherobbery.Pretendedtoseethethiefonthe
terrace–therebyclearingCarlileofsuspicion.Evenifhehad
notlefttheroom,thedeskwassonearthewindowthatathief
mighthavetakentheplanswhileCarlilewasbusyatthesafe
withhisbackturned.Youwalkedovertothedesk,tookthe
plansandkeptthemonyourownpersonuntilthemoment
when,byprearrangedplan,youslippedthemintoMrs
Vanderlyn’sdressing-case.Inreturnshehandedyouthefatal
letterdisguisedasanunpostedletterofherown.’
Poirotstopped.
LordMayfieldsaid:
‘Yourknowledgeisverycomplete,M.Poirot.Youmust
thinkmeanunutterableskunk.’
Poirotmadeaquickgesture.
57
‘No,no,LordMayfield.Ithink,asIsaid,thatyouareavery
cleverman.Itcametomesuddenlyaswetalkedherelastnight.
Youareafirst-classengineer.Therewillbe,Ithink,some
subtlealterationsinthespecificationsofthatbomber,altera-tions
donesoskilfullythatitwillbedifficulttograspwhythe
machineisnotthesuccessitoughttobe.Acertainforeign
powerwillfindthetypeafailure…Itwillbeadisappointment
tothem,Iamsure…’
Againtherewasasilence–thenLordMayfieldsaid:
‘Youaremuchtooclever,M.Poirot.Iwillonlyaskyouto
believeonething.Ihavefaithinmyself.IbelievethatIamthe
mantoguideEnglandthroughthedaysofcrisisthatIsee
coming.IfIdidnothonestlybelievethatIamneededbymy
countrytosteertheshipofstate,Iwouldnothavedonewhat
Ihavedone–madethebestofbothworlds–savedmyselffrom
disasterbyaclevertrick.’
‘Mylord,’saidPoirot,‘ifyoucouldnotmakethebestofboth
worlds,youcouldnotbeapolitician!’
58
MURDERINTHEMEWS
CHAPTERI
‘Pennyfortheguy,sir?’
Asmallboywithagrimyfacegrinnedingratiatingly.
‘Certainlynot!’saidChiefInspectorJapp.‘And,lookhere,
mylad‘
Ashorthomilyfollowed.Thedismayedurchinbeata
precipitateretreat,remarkingbrieflyandsuccinctlytohis
youthfulfriends:
‘Blimey,ifitain’tacopalltoggedup!’
Thebandtooktoits.heels,chantingtheincantation:
Remember,remember
ThefifthofNovember
Gunpowdertreasonandplot.
Weseenoreason
Whygunpowdertreason
Shouldeverbeforgot.
Thechiefinspector’scompanion,asmall,elderlymanwith
anegg-shapedheadandlarge,military-lookingmoustaches,
wassmilingtohimself.
‘Trbsbtam,Japp,’heobserved.‘Youpreachthesermonvery
well!Icongratulateyou!’
‘Rankexcuseforbegging,that’swhatGuyFawkes’Dayis!’
saidJapp.
‘Aninterestingsurvival,’musedHerculePoiroc‘The
f’treworksgoup–crack–crack–longafterthemanthey
COmmemorateandhisdeedareforgotten.’
TheScotlandYardmanagreed.
59
‘Don’tsupposemanyofthosekidsreallyknowwhoGuy
FawkesWas.’
‘Andsoon,doubtless,therewillbeconfusionofthougIs
itinhonourorinexecrationthatonthefifthofNovembetheleudartificearesentup.ToblowupanEnglishParlian,:t,
wasitasinoranobledeed?’
Jappchuckled.
‘Somepeoplewouldsayundoubtedlythelatter.’
Turningoffthemainroad,thetwomenpassedintothe
comparativequietofamews.Theyhadbeendiningtogeer
andwerenowtakingashortcuttoHerculePoirot’sflat
Astheywalkedalongthesoundofsquibswasstillheard
periodically.Anoccasionalshowerofgoldenrainilluminated
thesky.
‘Goodnightforamurder,’remarkedJappwithprofessional
interest.‘Nobodywouldhearashot,forinstance,onanight
likethis.’
‘Ithasalwaysseemedoddtomethatmorecriminalsdonot
takeadvantageofthefact,’saidHerculePoirot.
‘Doyouknow,Poirot,Ialmostwishsometimesthatyou
wouldcommitamurder.’
Thenchert’
‘Yes,I’dliketoseejusthowyou’dsetaboutit.’
‘MydearJapp,/ficommittedamurderyouwouldnothave
theleastchanceofseeing–howIsetaboutit!Youwouldnot
evenbeaware,probably,thatamurderhadbeencommitted.’
Japplaughedgood-humouredlyandaffectionately.
‘Cockylittledevil,aren’tyou?’hesaidindulgently.
Athalf-pasteleventhefollowingmorning,HerculePoirot’s
telephonerang.
“Allo?‘Allo?’
‘Hallo,thatyou,Poirot?’
‘Oui,c’estmot’.’
‘Jappspeakinghere.Rememberwecamehomelastnight
throughBardsleyGardensMews?’
‘Yes?’
60
‘Andthatwetalkedabouthoweasyitwouldbetoshoota
personwithallthosesquibsandcrackersandtherestofitgoing
off?.’
‘Well,therewasasuicideinthatmews.No.14.Ayoung
widow–MrsAllen.I’mgoingroundtherenow.Liketocome?’
‘Excuseme,butdoessomeoneofyoureminence,mydear
friend,usuallygetsenttoacaseofsuicide?’
‘Sharpfellow.No–hedoesn’t.Asamatteroffactourdoctor
seemstothinkthere’ssomethingfunnyaboutthis.Willyou
come?Ikindoffeelyououghttobeinonit.’
‘CertainlyIwillcome.No.14,yousay?’
‘That’sright.’
PoirotarrivedatNo.14BardsleyGardensMewsalmostatthe
samemomentasacardrewupcontainingJappandthreeother
No.14wasclearlymarkedoutasthecentreofinterest.Abig
.circleofpeople,chauffeurs,theirwives,errandboys,loafers,
:well-dressedpassers-byandinnumerablechildrenweredrawn
upallstaringatNo.I4withopenmouthsandafascinated
stare.
Apoliceconstableinuniformstoodonthestepanddidhis
besttokeepbackthecurious.Alert-lookingyoungmenwith
cameraswerebusyandsurgedforwardasJappalighted.
i‘Nothingforyounow,’saidJapp,brushingthemaside.He
noddedtoPoirot.‘Sohereyouare.Let’sgetinside.’
Theypassedinquickly,thedoorshutbehindthemandthey
foundthemselvessqueezedtogetheratthefootofaladder-like
flightofstairs.
Amancametothetopofthestaircase,recognizedJappand
said:
‘Uphere,sir.’
JappandPoirotmountedthestairs.
Themanatthestairheadopenedadoorontheleftandthey
foundthemselvesinasmallbedroom.
‘Thoughtyou’dlikemetorunoverthechiefpoints,sir.’
61
‘Quiteright,Jameson,’saidJapp.‘Whataboutit?’
DivisionalInspectorJamesontookupthetale.
‘Deceased’saMrsAllen,sir.Livedherewithafriend–a
MissPlenderleith.MissPlenderleithwasawaystayinginthe
countryandreturnedthismorning.Sheletherselfinwithher
key,wassurprisedtofrednooneabout.Awomanusually
comesinatnineo’clocktodoforthem.Shewentupstairsfn-st
intoherownroom(that’sthisroom)thenacrossthelandingto
herfriend’sroom.Doorwaslockedontheinside.Sherattled
thehandle,knockedandcalled,butcouldn’tgetanyanswer.In
theendgettingalarmedsherangupthepolicestation.That
wasattenforty-five.Wecamealongatonceandforcedthe
dooropen.MrsAllenwaslyinginaheaponthegroundshot
throughthehead.Therewasanautomaticinherhand–a
Webley.25–anditlookedaclearcaseofsuicide.’
‘WhereisMissPlenderleithnow?’
‘She’sdownstairsinthesitting-room,sir.Averycool,
efficientyounglady,Ishouldsay.Gotaheadonher.’
‘I’lltalktoherpresently.I’dbetterseeBrettnow.’
AccompaniedbyPoirothecrossedthelandingandentered
theoppositeroom.Atall,elderlymanlookedupandnodded.
‘Hallo,Japp,gladyou’vegothere.Funnybusiness,this.’
Jappadvancedtowardshim.HerculePoirotsentaquick
searchingglanceroundtheroom.
ItwasmuchlargerthantheroomtheyhadjustquittedIt
hadabuilt-outbaywindow,andwhereastheotherroomhad
beenabedroompureandsimple,thiswasemphaticallya
bedroomdisguisedasasitting-room.
Thewailsweresilverandtheceilingemeraldgreen.There
werecurtainsofamodernisticpatterninsilverandgreen.
Therewasadivancoveredwithashimmeringemeraldgreen
silkquiltandnumbersofgoldandsilvercushions.There,’as
atallantiquewalnutbureau,awalnuttallboy,andsevcal
modemchairsofgleamingchromium.Onalowglass
therewasabigashtrayfullofcigarettestubs.
DelicatelyHerculePoirotsniffedtheair.Thenhejoined
Jappwherethelatterstoodlookingdownatthebody.
62
Inaheaponthefloor,lyingasshehadfallenfromoneofthechromiumchairs,wasthebodyofayoungwomanofperhaps
twenty-seven.Shehadfairhairanddelicatefeatures.There
wasverylittlemake-upontheface.Itwasapretty,wistful,
perhapsslightlystupidface.Ontheleftsideoftheheadwasa
massofcongealedblood.The￡mgersoftherighthandwere
claspedroundasmallpistol.Thewomanwasdressedina
simplefrockofdarkgreenhightotheneck.
‘Well,Brett,what’sthetrouble?’
Jappwaslookingdownalsoatthehuddledfigure.
‘Position’sallright,’saidthedoctor.‘Ifsheshotherselfshe’d
probablyhaveslippedfromthechairintojustthatposition.
Thedoorwaslockedandthewindowwasfastenedonthe
inside.’
‘That’sallright,yousay.Thenwhat’swrong?’
‘Takealookatthepistol.Ihaven’thandledit–waitingfor
the￡mgerprintmen.ButyoucanseequitewellwhatImean.’
TogetherPoirotandJappkneltdownandexaminedthe
pistolclosely.
‘Iseewhatyoumean,’saidJapprising.‘It’sinthecurveof
herhand.Itlooksasthoughshe’sholdingit–butasamatterof
factsheisn’tholdingit.Anythingelse?’
‘Plenty.She’sgotthepistolinherfighthsmd.Nowtakea
lookatthewound.Thepistolwasheldclosetotheheadjust
abovetheleftear–theleftear,markyou.’
‘H’m,’saidJapp.‘Thatdoesseemtosettleit.Shecouldn’t
holdapistolandfireitinthatpositionwithherrighthand?’
‘Plumbimpossible,Ishouldsay.Youmightgetyourarm
roundbutIdoubtifyoucouldfiretheshot.’
‘Thatseemsprettyobviousthen.Someoneelseshotherand
triedtomakeitlooklikesuicide.Whataboutthelockeddoor
andwindow,though?’
InspectorJamesonansweredthis.
‘Windowwasclosedandbolted,sir,butalthoughthedoor
waslockedwehaven’tbeenabletofindthekey.’
Jappnodded.
‘Yes,thatwasabadbreak.Whoeverdiditlockedthedoor
63
whenheleftandhopedtheabsenceofthekeywouldn’tbe
noticed.’
Poirotmurmured:
‘C’estbte,fa!’
‘Oh,comenow,Poirot,oldman,youmustn’tjudge
everybodyelsebythelightofyourshiningintellect!Asa
matteroffactthat’sthesortoflittledetailthat’squiteapttobe
overlooked.Door’slocked.Peoplebreakin.Womanfoux:t
dead–pistolinherhand–clearcaseofsuicide–shelocked
herselfintodoit.Theydon’tgohuntingaboutforkeys.Asa
matteroffact,MissPlenderleith’ssendingforthepolicewaslucky.Shemighthavegotoneortwoofthechauffeurstocome
andburstinthedoor–andthenthekeyquestionwouldhave
beenoverlookedaltogether.’
‘Yes,Isupposethatistrue,’saidHerculePoirot.‘Itwould
havebeenmanypeople’snaturalreaction.Thepolice,theyare
thelastresource,aretheynot?’
Hewasstillstaringdownatthebody.
‘Anythingstrikeyou?’Jappasked.
Thequestionwascarelessbuthiseyeswerekeenand
attentive.
HerculePoirotshookhisheadslowly.
‘Iwaslookingatherwristwatch.’
Hebentoverandjusttoucheditwithafinger-tip.Itwasa
daintyjewelledaffaironablackmoirstraponthewristoftlc
handthatheldthepistol.
‘Ratheraswellpiecethat,’observedJapp.‘Musthaveco,t
money!’HecockedhisheadinquiringlyatPoirot.‘Somethitg
inthatmaybe?’
‘Itispossible–yes.’
Poirotstrayedacrosstothewriting-bureau.Itwasthekixd
thathasafrontflapthatletsdown.ThisWaSdaintilysetout
matchthegeneralcolourscheme.
Therewasasomewhatmassivesilverinkstandinthecentre,
infrontofitahandsomegreenlacquerblotter.Totheleftofthe
blotterwasanemeraldglasspen-traycontainingasilver
penholder–astickofgreensealing-wax,apencilandtwo
64
stamps.Ontherightoftheblotterwasamovablecalendar
givingthedayoftheweek,dateandmonth.Therewasalsoa
littleglassjarofshotandstandinginitaflamboyantgreenquill
pen.Poirotseemedinterestedinthepen.Hetookitoutand
lookedatitbutthequillwasinnocentofink.Itwasclearlya
decoration–nothingmore.Thesilverpenholderwiththeink-stained
nibwastheoneinuse.Hiseyesstrayedtothecalendar.
‘Tuesday,Novemberfifth,’saidJapp.‘Yesterday.That’sall
correcT.’
HeturnedtoBrett.
‘Howlonghasshebeendead?’
‘Shewaskilledateleventhirty-threeyesterdayevening,’
saidBrettpromptly.
ThenhegrinnedashesawJapp’ssurprisedface.
‘Sorry,oldboy,’hesaid.‘Hadtodothesuperdoctorof
ction!AsamatteroffactelevenisaboutasnearasIcanput
:–withamarginofaboutanhoureitherway.’
‘Oh,Ithoughtthewrist-watchmighthavestopped–or
something.’
‘It’sstoppedallright,butit’sstoppedataquarterpastfour.’
‘AndIsupposeshecouldn’thavebeenkilledpossiblyata
quarterpastfour.’
‘Youcanputthatrightoutofyourmind.’
Poirothadturnedbackthecoveroftheblotter.
‘Goodidea,’saidJapp.‘Butnoluck.’
Theblottershowedaninnocentwhitesheetofblotting-
paper.Poirotturnedovertheleavesbuttheywereallthesame.
Heturnedhisattentiontothewaste-paperbasket.
Itcontainedtwoorthreetorn-uplettersandcirculars.They
wereonlytornonceandwereeasilyreconstructed.Anappeal
formoneyfromsomesocietyforassistingex-servicemen,an
invitationtoacocktailpartyonNovember3rd,anappointment
withadressmaker.Thecircularswereanannouncementofa
furricr’ssaleandacataloguefromadepartmentstore.
‘Nothingthere,’saidJapp.
‘Nc),itisodd…’saidPoirot.
‘Youmeantheyusuallyleavealetterwhenit’ssuicide?’
65
‘Exactly.’
‘Infact,onemoreproofthatitisn’tsuicide.’
Hemovedaway.
‘I’llhavemymengettoworknow.We’dbettergodownax,!
interviewthisMissPlenderleith.Coming,Poirot?’
Poirotstillseemedfascinatedbythewriting-bureauandits
appointments.
Helefttheroom,butatthedoorhiseyeswentbackonce
moretotheflauntingemeraldquillpen
CHAPTER2
Atthefootofthenarrowflightofstairsadoorgaveadmission
toalarge-sizedliving-room–actuallytheconvertedstable.In
thisroom,thewallsofwhichwerefinishedinaroughened
plastereffectandonwhichhungetchingsandwoodcuts,two
peopleweresitting.
One,inachairnearthefireplace,herhandstretchedoutTo
theblaze,wasadarkefficient-lookingyoungwomanoftwenv:.-seven
oreight.Theother,anelderlywomanofample
proportionswhocarriedastringbag,waspantingandtaikirg
whenthetwomenenteredtheroom.
‘-andasIsaid,Miss,suchaturnitgavemeInearlydropped
downwhereIstood.Andtothinkthatthismorningofall
mornings‘
Theothercuthershort.
‘Thatwilldo,MrsPierce.Thesegentlemenarepolk
officers,Ithink.’
‘MissPlenderleith?’askedJapp,advancing.
Thegirlnodded.
‘Thatismyname.ThisisMrsPiercewhocomesintow..k
foruseveryday.’
TheirrepressibleMrsPiercebrokeoutagain.
‘AndasIwassayingtoMissPlenderleith,tothinkthatthis
morningofallmornings,mysister’sLouisaMaudshouldhave
beentookwithafitandmetheonlyonehandyandasIsayflesh
andbloodisfleshandblood,andIdidn’tthinkMrsAllen
wouldmind,thoughIneverlikestodisappointmyladies-‘
Jappbrokeinwithsomedexterity.
‘Quiteso,MrsPierce.Nowperhapsyouwouldtake
InspectorJamesonintothekitchenandgivehimabrief
statement.’
HavingthengotridofthevolubleMrsPierce,whodeparted
withJamesontalkingthirteentothedozen,Jappturnedhis
attentiononcemoretothegirl.
‘IamChiefInspectorJapp.Now,MissPlenderleith,I
shouldliketoknowallyoucantellmeaboutthisbusiness.’
‘Certainly.WhereshallIbegin?’
Herself-possessionwasadmirable.Therewerenosignsof
grieforshocksaveforanalmostunnaturalrigidityofmanner.
‘Youarrivedthismorningatwhattime?’
‘Ithinkitwasjustbeforehalf-pastten.MrsPierce,theold
liar,wasn’there,Ifound‘
‘Isthatafrequentoccurrence?’
JanePlenderleithshruggedhershoulders.
‘Abouttwiceaweeksheromsupattwelve–ornotatall.
She’ssupposedtocomeatnine.Actually,asIsay,twiceaweek
sheeither“comesoverqueer,”orelsesomememberofher
familyisovertakenbysickness.Allthesedailywomenarelike
that–failyounowandagain.She’snotbadastheygo.’
‘You’vehadherlong?’
‘Justoveramonth.Ourlastonepinchedthings.’
‘Pleasegoon,MissPlenderleith.’
‘Ipaidoffthetaxi,carriedinmysuitcase,lookedroundfor
MrsP.,couldn’tseeherandwentupstairstomyroom.Itidied
upabitthenIwentacrosstoBarbara–MrsAllen–andfound
thedoorlocked.Irattledthehandleandknockedbutcouldget
noreply.Icamedownstairsandrangupthepolicestation.’
‘Pardon?Poirotinterposedaquick,deftquestion.‘Itdidnot
67
occurtoyoutotryandbreakdownthedoor–withthehelpof
oneofthechauffeursinthemews,say?’
Hereyesturnedtohim–cool,grey-greeneyes.Herglance
seemedtosweepoverhimquicklyandappraisingly.
‘No,Idon’tthinkIthoughtofthat.Ifanythingwaswrong,
itseemedtomethatthepolicewerethepeopletosendfor.’
‘Thenyouthought–pardon,mademoiselle-thattherewas
somethingwrong?’
‘Naturally.’
‘Becauseyoucouldnotgetareplytoyourknocks?But
possiblyyourfriendmighthavetakenasleepingdraughtor
somethingofthatkind‘
‘Shedidn’ttakesleepingdraughts.’
Thereplycamesharply.
‘Orshemighthavegoneawayandlockedherdoorbefore
going?’
‘Whyshouldshelockit?Inanycaseshewouldhavelefta
noteforme.’
‘Andshedidnot–leaveanoteforyou?Youarequitesure
ofthat?’
‘OfcourseIamsureofit.Ishouldhaveseenitatonce.’
Thesharpnessofhertonewasaccentuated.
Jappsaid:
‘Youdidn’ttryandlookthroughthekeyhole,Miss
Plenderleith?’
‘No,’saidJanePlenderleiththoughtfully.‘Ineverthought
ofthat.ButIcouldn’thaveseenanything,couldI?Becausethe
keywouldhavebeeninit?’
Herinquiringgaze,innocent,wide-eyed,metJapp’s.Poirot
smiledsuddenlytohimself.
‘Youdidquiteright,ofcourse,MissPlenderleith,’said
Japp.‘Isupposeyou’dnoreasontobelievethatyourfriendwa
likelytocommitsuicide?’
‘Oh,no.’
‘Shehadn’tseemedworried–ordistressedinanyway?’
Therewasapause–anappreciablepausebeforethegi!
answered.
68
‘Didyouknowshehadapistol?’
JanePlenderleithnodded.
‘Yes,shehaditoutinIndia.Shealwayskeptitinadrawer
herroom.’
‘H’m.Gotalicenceforit?’
‘Iimagineso.Idon’tknowforcertain.’
‘Now,MissPlenderleith,willyoutellmeallyoucanabout
MrsAllen,howlongyou’veknownher,whereherrelationsare
infact.’
JanePlenderleithnodded.
‘I’veknownBarbaraaboutfiveyears.Imetherfirst
abroad–inEgypttobeexact.Shewasonherway
homefromIndia.I’dbeenattheBritishSchoolinAthensfor
abitandwashavingafewweeksinEgyptbeforegoinghome.
wereonaNilecruisetogether.Wemadefriends,decided
welikedeachother.Iwaslookingatthetimeforsomeoneto
shareaflatoratinyhousewithme.Barbarawasaloneinthe
world.Wethoughtwe’dgetonwelltogether.’
‘Andyoudidgetonwelltogether?’askedPoirot.
‘Verywell.Weeachhadourownfriends–Barbarawasmore
sodalinherlikings–myfriendsweremoreoftheartistickind.
Itprobablyworkedbetterthatway.’
Poirotnodded.Jappwenton:
‘WhatdoyouknowaboutMrsAllen’sfamilyandherlife
beforeshemetyou?’
JanePlenderleithshruggedhershoulders.
‘Notverymuchreally.HermaidennamewasArmitage,I
I
believe.’‘
‘Herhusband?’
‘Idon’tfancythathewasanythingmwritehomeabout.He
drank,Ithink.Igatherhediedayearortwoafterthemarriage.
Therewasonechild,alittlegirl,whichdiedwhenitwasthree
yearsold.Barbaradidn’ttalkmuchaboutherhusband.I
believeshemarriedhiminIndiawhenshewasabout
seventeen.ThentheywentofftoBorneooroneoftheGod69
forsakenspotsyousendne’er-do-wellsto–butasitwas
obviouslyapainfulsubjectIdidn’trefertoit.’
‘DoyouknowffMrsAllenwasinany￡mancialdifficulties?’
‘No,I’msureshewasn’t.’
‘Notindebt–anythingofthatkind?’
‘Oh,no!I’msureshewasn’tinthatkindofajam.’
‘Nowthere’sanotherquestionImustask–andIhopey.a
won’tbeupsetaboutit,MissPlenderleith.HadMrsAllenay
particularmanfriendormenfriends?’
JanePlenderleithansweredcoolly:
‘Well,shewasengagedtobemarriedifthatanswersyour
question.’
‘Whatisthenameofthemanshewasengagedto?’
‘CharlesLaverton-West.He’sM.P.forsomeialacein
Hampshire.’
‘Hadsheknownhimlong?’
‘Alittleoverayear.’
‘Andshehasbeenengagedtohim–howlong?’
‘Two–no–nearerthreemonths.’
‘Asfarasyouknowtherehasnotbeenanyquarrel?’
MissPlenderleithshookherhead.
‘No.Ishouldhavebeensurprisedfftherehadbeenanything
ofthatsort.Barbarawasn’tthequarrellingkind.’
‘HowlongisitsinceyoulastsawMrsAllen?’
‘Fridaylast,justbeforeIwentawayfortheweekend.’
‘MrsAllenwasremaininginwwn?’
‘Yes.ShewasgoingoutwithherfiancontheSunday,I
believe.’
‘Andyouyourself,wheredidyouspendtheweekend?’
‘AtLaideilsHall,Laidelis,Essex.’
‘Andthenameofthepeoplewithwhomyouwerestaying;’
‘MrandMrsBentinck.’
‘Youonlyleftthemthismorning?’
‘Yes.’
‘Youmusthaveleftveryearly?’
‘MrBentinckmotoredmeup.Hestartsearlybecausehe;as
togettothecitybyten.’70
‘Isee.’
Jappnoddedcomprehendingly.MissPlenderleith’sreplies
hadallbeencrispandconvincing.
Poirotinhisturnputaquestion.
‘WhatisyourownopinionofMrLaverton-West?’
Thegirlshruggedhershoulders.
‘Doesthatmatter?’
‘No,itdoesnotmatter,perhaps,butIshouldliketohave
youropinion.’
‘Idon’tknowthatI’vethoughtabouthimonewayorthe
other.He’syoung–notmorethanthirty-oneortwoambitious
–agoodpublicspeaker–meanstogetoninthe
world.’
‘Thatisonthecreditside–andonthedebit?’
‘Well,’MissPlenderleithconsideredforamomentortwo.
‘Inmyopinionhe’scommonplace–hisideasarenot
particularlyoriginal–andhe’sslightlypompous.’
‘Thosearenotveryseriousfaults,mademoiselle,’said
Poimt,smiling.
‘Don’tyouthinkso?’
Hertonewasslightlyironic.
‘Theymightbetoyou.’
Hewaswatchingher,sawherlookalittledisconcerted.He
pursuedhisadvantage.
‘ButtoMrsAllen–no,shewouldnotnoticethem.’
‘You’reperfectlyright.Barbarathoughthewaswonderfultook
himentirelyathisownvaluation.’
Poirotsaidgently:
‘Youwerefondofyourfriend?’
Hesawthehandclenchonherknee,thetighteningofthe
lineofthejaw,yettheanswercameinamatter-of-factvoice
freefromemotion.
‘Youarequiteright.Iwas.’
Jappsaid:
‘Justoneotherthing,MissPlenderleith.Youandshedidn’t
haveaquarrel?Therewasnoupsetbetweenyou?’
‘Nonewhatever.’71
‘Notoverthisengagemembusiness?’
‘Certainlynot.Iwasgladshewasabletobesohappyab.ut
it.’
Therewasamomentarypause,thenJappsaid:
‘Asfarasyouknow,didMrsAllenhaveanyenemies?’
ThistimetherewasadefiniteintervalbeforeJanePlencrleith
replied.Whenshedidso,hertonehadalteredv‘v
slightly.
‘Idon’tknowquitewhatyoumeanbyenemies?’
‘Anyone,forinstance,whowouldprofitbyherdeath?’
‘Oh,no,thatwouldberidiculous.Shehadaverysnall
incomeanyway.’
‘Andwhoinheritsthatincome?’
JanePlenderleith’svoicesoundedmildlysurprisedasshe
said:
‘Doyouknow,Ireallydon’tknow.Ishouldn’tbesurprised
ifIdid.Thatis,ifsheevermadeawill.’
‘Andnoenemiesinanyothersense?’Jappslidofftoanother
aspectquickly.‘Peoplewithagrudgeagainsther?’
‘Idon’tthinkanyonehadagrudgeagainsther.Shewasa
verygentlecreature,alwaysanxioustoplease.Shehadareally
sweet,lovablenature.’
Forthelb-Sttimethathard,matter-of=factvoicebrokea
little.Poirotnoddedgently.
Jappsaid:
‘Soitamountstothis–MrsAllenhasbeeningoodspirits
lately,shewasn’tinanyfinancialdifficulty,shewasengagedto
bemarriedandwashappyinherengagement.Therewas
nothingintheworldtomakehercommitsuicide.That’sright,
isn’tit?’
TherewasamomentarysilencebeforeJanesaid:
‘Yes.’Japprose.
‘Excuseme,ImusthaveawordwithInspectorJameson?
Helefttheroom.
HerculePoirotremainedttedtetewithJanePlenderleith.
72
CHAPTER3
Forafewminutestherewassilence.
JanePlenderleithshotaswiftappraisingglanceatthelittle
man,butafterthatshestaredinfrontofheranddidnotspeak.
Yetaconsciousnessofhispresenceshoweditselfinacertain
nervoustension.Herbodywasstillbutnotrelaxed.Whenat
lastPoirotdidbreakthesilencethemeresoundofhisvoice
seemedtogiveheracertainrelief.Inanagreeableeveryday
voiceheaskedaquestion.
‘Whendidyoulightthefire,mademoiselle?’
‘Thefire?’Hervoicesoundedvagueandratherabsentminded.
‘Oh,assoonasIarrivedthismorning.’
‘Beforeyouwentupstairsorafterwards?’
‘Before.’
‘Isee.Yes,naturally…Anditwasalreadylaid–ordidyou
havetolayit?’
‘Itwaslaid.Ionlyhadtoputamatchtoit.’
Therewasaslightimpatienceinhervoice.Clearlyshe
suspectedhimofmakingconversation.Possiblythatwaswhat
hewasdoing.Atanyratehewentoninquietconversational
tones.
‘Butyourfriend–inherroomInoticedtherewasagasfac
only?’
JanePlenderleithansweredmechanically
‘Thisistheonly.coalfirewehave–theothersareallgas
fes.’
‘Andyoucookwithgas,too?’
‘Ittdnkeveryonedoesnowadays.’
‘True.Itismuchlaboursaving.’
Thelittleinterchangedieddown.JanePlenderleithtapped
onthegroundwithhershoe.Thenshesaidabruptly:
‘Thatman–ChiefInspectorJapp–isheconsideredclever?’
73
‘Heisverysound.Yes,heiswellthoughtof.Heworkshard
andpainstakinglyandverylittleescapeshim.’
‘Iwonder-‘mutteredthegirl.
Poirotwatchedher.Hiseyeslookedverygreenin
firelight.Heaskedquietly:
‘Itwasagreatshocktoyou,yourfriend’sdeath?’
‘Terrible.’
Shespokewithabruptsincerity.
‘Youdidnotexpectit–no?’
‘Ofcoursenot.’
“Sothatitseemedtoyouatfirst,perhaps,thatitwas
impossible–thatitcouldnotbe?’
ThequietsympathyofhistoneseemedtobreakdownJane
Plenderleith’sdefences.Sherepliedeagerly,naturally,without
stiffness.
‘That’sjustit.EvenifBarbaradidkillherself,Ican’timagine
herIn?lingherselfthatway.’
‘Yetshehadapistol?’
JanePlenderleithmadeanimpatientgesture.
‘Yes,butthatpistolwasa–oh!ahangover.She’dbeenin
out-of-the-wayplaces.Shekeptitoutofhabit–notwithany
otheridea.I’msureofthat.’
‘Ah!andwhyareyousureofthat?’
‘Oh,becauseofthethingsshesaid.’
‘Suchas?’
Hisvoicewasverygentleandfriendly.Itledheronsubtly.
‘Well,forinstance,wewerediscussingsuicideonceandshe
saidmuchtheeasiestwaywouldbetoturnthegasonandstuff
upallthecracksandjustgotobed.IsaidIthoughtthatwould
beimpossible–tolietherewaiting.IsaidI’dfarrathershoc
myself.Andshesaidno,shecouldnevershootherself.She’d
betoofrightenedincaseitdidn’tcomeoffandanywayshesai
she’dhatethebang.’
‘Isee,’saidPoirot.‘Asyousay,itisodd…Because,asyo
havejusttoldme,therewasagasfiYeinherroom.’
JanePlenderleithlookedathim,slightlystartled.
74
‘Yes,therewas…Ican’tunderstand–no,Ican’tunder
standwhyshedidn’tdoitthatway.’
Poirotshookhishead.
‘Yes,itseems–odd–notnaturalsomehow.’
i‘Thewholethingdoesn’t
natural.Istillcan’tbelieve
seem
‘:flaekilledherself.Isupposeitmustbe,suicide?’
‘Well,thereisoneother
possibility.
i!‘Whatdoyoumean?’
.tPoirotlookedstraightather.
/?–‘Itmightbe-murder.’
‘Oh,no?’JanePenderleithshrankback.‘Ohno!Whata
horriblesuggestion.
‘orrible,perhaps,butdoesitstrikeyouasanimpossible
one?
::‘Butthedoorlockedtheinside.So
thewindow.’
was
on
‘Thedoorwaslocked–yes.Butthereisnothingtoshowif
werelockedfromtheinsideortheoutside.Youse,thekey
missing.’
[i:‘Butthen–ifitismissing…’Shetookaminuteortwo.
[]”Thenitmusthavebeenlockedfromtheoutside.Otherwiseit
wouldbesomewhereintheroom.’
‘Ah,butitmaybe.Theroomhasnotbeenthoroughly
searchedyet,remember.Oritmayhavebeenthrownoutofthe
windowandsomebodymayhavepickeditup.’
‘Murder!’saidJanePlenderleith.Sheturnedoverthe
possibility,herdarkcleverfaceeageronthescent.‘Ibelieve
you’reright.’
‘Butifitweremurdertherewouldhavebeenamotive.Do
youknowofamotive,mademoiselle?’
Slowlysheshookherhead.Andyet,inspiteofthedenial,
PoirotagaingottheimpressionthatJanePle-derleithwas
deliberatelykeepingsomethingback.Thedooropenedand
Jappcamein.
Poirotrose.
‘IhavebeensuggestingtoMissPlenderleith,’hesaid,‘that
herfriend’sdeathwasnotsuicide.’
75
Japplookedmomentarilyputout.Hecastaglanceof
reproachatPoirot.
‘It’sabitearlytosayanythingdefinite,’heremarked.
‘We’vealwaysgottotakeallpossibilitiesintoaccount,you
understand.That’sallthereistoitatthemoment.’-Jane
Plenderleithrepliedquietly.
‘Isee.’
Jappcametowardsher.
‘Nowthen,MissPlenderleith,haveyoueverseenthis
before?’
Onthepalmofhishandheheldoutasmallovalofdarkblue
enamel.
JanePlenderleithshookherhead.
‘No,never.’
‘It’snotyoursnorMrsAllen’s?’
‘No.It’snotthekindofthingusuallywornbyoursex,isit?’
‘Oh!soyourecognizeit.’
‘Well,it’sprettyobvious,isn’tit?That’shalfofaman’scuff
link.’
CHAPTER4
‘Thatyoungwoman’stoocockybyhalf,’Jappcomplained.
ThetwomenwereoncemoreinMrsAllen’sbedroom.The
bodyhadbeenphotographedandremovedandthefingerprint
manhaddonehisworkanddeparted.
‘Itwouldbeunadvisabletotreatherasafool,’agreedPoi?or.
‘Shemostemphaticallyisnotafool.Sheis,infact,a
particularlycleverandcompetentyoungwoman.’
‘Thinkshedidit?’askedJappwithamomentaryrayofhope.
‘Shemighthave,youknow.We’llhavetogetheralibilooked
into.Somequarreloverthisyoungman–thisbuddingM.P.
She’srathertooscathingabouthim,Ithink!Soundsfishy.
76
Ratherasthoughsheweresweetonhimherselfandhe’d
turnedherdown.She’sthekindthatwouldbumpanyoneoff
ifshefeltlikeit,andkeepherheadwhileshewasdoingit,too.
Yes,we’llhavetolookintothatalibi.Shehaditverypatand
afterallEssexisn’tveryfaraway.Plentyoftrains.Orafastcar.
It’sworthwhilefindingoutifshewenttobedwithaheadache
forinstancelastnight.’
‘Youareright,’agreedPoirot.
‘Inanycase,’continuedJapp,‘she’sholdingoutonus.Eh?
Didn’tyoufeelthattoo?Thatyoungwomanknowssomething.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.
‘Yes,thatcouldbeclearlyseen.’
‘That’salwaysadifficultyinthesecases,’Jappcomplained.
‘Peoplewillholdtheirtongues–sometimesoutofthemost
honourablemotives.’
‘Forwhichonecanhardlyblamethem,myfriend.’
‘No,butitmakesitmuchharderforus,’Jappgrumbled.
‘Itmerelydisplaystoitsfulladvantageyouringenuity.’
Poirotconsoledhim.‘Whataboutfingerprints,bytheway?’
‘Well,it’smurderallright.Noprintswhateveronthepistol.
Wipedcleanbeforebeingplacedinherhand.Evenifshe
managedtowindherarmroundherheadinsomemarvellous
acrobaticfashionshecouldhardlyfireoffapistolwithout
hangingontoitandshecouldn’twipeitaftershewasdead.’
‘No,no,anoutsideagencyisclearlyindicated.’
‘Otherwisetheprintsaredisappointing.Noneonthedoor-handle.
Noneonthewindow.Suggestive,eh?PlentyofMrs
Allen’sallovertheplace.’
‘DidJamesongetanything?’
‘Outofthedailywoman?No.Shetalkedalotbutshedidn’t
reallyknowmuch.ConfirmedthefactthatAllenandPlenderleith
wereongoodterms.I’vesentJamesonouttomake
inquiriesinthemews.We’llhavetohaveawordwithMr
Laverton-Westtoo.Findoutwherehewasandwhathewas
doinglastnight.Inthemeantimewe’llhavealookthroughher
77
Hesettowithoutmoreado.Occasionallyhegrunted
tossedsomethingovertoPoirot.Thesearchdidnottakelog.
Therewerenotmanypapersinthedeskandwhattherewere
wereneatlyarrangedanddocketed.
FinallyJappleantbackandutteredasigh.
‘Notverymuch,isthere?’
‘Asyousay.’
‘Mostofitquitestraightforward–receiptedbills,afewbills
asyetunpaid–nothingparticularlyoutstanding.Socialstuff
invitations.Notesfromfriends.These-‘helaidhishandona
pileofsevenoreightletters–‘andherchequebookand
passbook.Anythingstrikeyouthere?’
‘Yes,shewasoverdrawn.’
‘Anythingelse?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘Isitanexaminationthatyouputmethrough?Butyes,I
noticedwhatyouarethinkingof.Twohundredpoundsdrwn
toselfthreemonthsago–andtwohundredpoundsdrawn3ut
yesterday-‘
‘Andnothingonthecounterfoilofthechequebook.%
otherchequestoselfexceptsmallsums–fifteenpounds
highest.AndI’lltellyouthis–there’snosuchsumofmo:y
inthehouse.FourpoundsteninahandbagandanoddshiL;g
ortwoinanotherbag.That’sprettyclear,Ithink.’
‘Meaningthatshepaidthatsumawayyesterday.’
‘Yes.Nowwhodidshepayitto?’
ThedooropenedandInspectorJamesonentered.
‘Well,Jameson,getanything?’
‘Yes,sir,severalthings.Tobeginwith,nobodyactually
heardtheshot.Twoorthreewomensaytheydidbecausethey
wanttothinktheydid–butthat’sallthereistoit.Withall
thosefireworksgoingoffthereisn’tadog’schance.’
Jappgrunted.
‘Don’tsupposethereis.Goon.’
‘MrsAllenwasathomemostofyesterdayafternoonand
evening.Cameinaboutfiveo’clock.Thenshewentoutagain
aboutsixbutonlytothepostboxattheendofthemews.At
78
aboutnine-thirtyacardroveup–StandardSwallowsaloonand
amangotout.Descriptionaboutforty-five,wellsetup
military-lookinggent,darkblueovercoat,bowlerhat,toothbrush
moustache.JamesHogg,chauffeurfromNo.18says
he’sseenhimcallingonMrsAllenbefore.’
‘Forty-five,’saidJapp.‘Can’tverywellbeLaverton-West.’
‘Thisman,whoeverhewas,stayedhereforjustunderan
hour.Leftataboutten-twenty.Stoppedinthedoorwayto
speaktoMrs.Allen.Smallboy,FrederickHogg,washanging
aboutquitenearandheardwhathesaid.’
‘Andwhatdidhesay?’
‘”Well,thinkitoverandletmeknow.”Andthenshesaid
somethingandheanswered:“Allright.Solong.”Afterthathe
gotinhiscaranddroveaway.’
‘Thatwasatten-twenty,’saidPoirotthoughtfully.
Japprubbedhisnose.
‘Thenatten-twentyMrsAllenwasstillalive,’hesaid.‘What
next?’
‘Nothingmore,sir,asfarasIcanlearn.ThechauffeuratNo.22gotinathalf-pasttenandhe’dpromisedhiskidstoletoff
somefireworksforthem.They’dbeenwaitingforhim–andall
theotherkidsinthemewstoo.Helet’emoffandeverybody
aroundaboutwasbusywatchingthem.Afterthateveryone
wenttobed.’
AndnobodyelsewasseentoenterNo.147′
:lqo–butthat’snottosaytheydidn’t.Nobodywouldhave
noticed.’
‘H’m,’saidJapp.‘That’strue.Well,we’llhavetogetholdof
this“militarygentlemanwiththetoothbrushmoustache.”It’s
prettyclearthathewasthelastpersontoseeheralive.Iwonder
whohewas?’
MissPlenderleithmighttellus,’suggestedPoirot.
hemight,’saidJappgloomily.‘Ontheotherhandshe
m!ghtnot.I’venodoubtshecouldtellusagooddealifshe
‘hld.Whataboutyou,Poirot,oldboy?Youwerealonewith
forabit.Didn’tyoutrotoutthatFatherConfessormanner
thatsometimesmakessuchahit?’
79
Poirotspreadouthishands.
‘Alas,wetalkedonlyofgasfires.’
‘Gasfires–gasrues.’Jappsoundeddisgusted.‘What’‘he
matterwithyou,oldcock?Eversinceyou’vebeenhereth￠:.
thingsyou’vetakenaninterestinarequillpensand
paperbaskets.Oh,yes,Isawyouhavingaquietlookim(he
onedownstairs.Anythinginit?’
Poirotsighed.
‘Acatalogueofbulbsandanoldmagazine.’
‘What’stheidea,anyway?Ifanyonewantstothrowaw
incriminatingdocumentorwhateveritisyouhaveinmind
they’renotlikelyjusttopitchitintoawaste-paperbaske?.’
‘Thatisverytruewhatyousaythere.Onlysomething
unimportantwouldbethrownawaylikethat.’
Poirotspokemeekly.NeverthelessJapplookedathim
suspiciously.
‘Well,’hesaid.‘IknowwhatI’mgoingtodonext.Wh,.at
aboutyou?’
‘Ehb/eh,’saidPoirot.‘Ishallcompletemysearchforthe
unimportant.Thereisstillthedustbin.’
Heskippednimblyoutoftheroom.Japplookedafterhim
withanairofdisgust.
‘Potty,’hesaid.‘Absolutelypotty.’
InspectorJamesonpreservedarespectfulsilence.Hisihce
saidwithBritishsuperiority:‘Foreigners?
Aloudhesaid:
‘Sothat’sMrHerculePoirot!I’veheardofhim.’
‘Oldfriendofmine,’explainedJapp.‘Nothalfasbalmyas
helooks,mindyou.Allthesamehe’sgettingonnow.’
‘Goneabitgagaastheysay,sir,’suggestedInspector
Jameson.‘Ahwell,agewilltell.’
‘Allthesame,’saidJapp,‘IwishIknewwhathewasu
Hewalkedovertothewriting-tableandstareduneasilyat
emeraldgreenquillpen.
80
CHAPTER5
Jappwasjustengaginghisthirdchauffeur’swifeinconversa-tion
whenPoirot,walkingnoiselesslyasa.cat,suddenly
appearedathiselbow.
‘Whew,youmademejump,’saidJapp.‘Gotanything?’
‘NotwhatIwaslookingfor.’
JappturnedbacktoMrsJamesHogg.
‘Andyousayyou’veseenthisgentlemanbefore?’
‘Oh,yessir.Andmyhusbandtoo.Weknewhimatonce.’
‘Nowlookhere,MrsHogg,you’reashrewdwoman,Ican
see.I’venodoubtthatyouknowallabouteveryoneinthe
mews.Andyou’reawomanofjudgment–unusuallygood
judgment,Icantellthat-‘Unblushinglyherepeatedthis
remarkforthethirdtime.MrsHoggbridledslightlyand
assumedanexpressionofsuperhumanintelligence.‘Givemea
lineonthosetwoyoungwomen–MrsAllenandMiss
Plendedeith.Whatweretheylike?Gay?Lotsofparties?That
sortofthing?’
‘Oh,nosir,nothingofthekind.Theywentoutagoodbit-Mrs
Allenespecially–butthey’reclass,ifyouknowwhatI
mean.NotlikesomeasIcouldnamedowntheotherend.I’m
surethewaythatMrsStevensgoeson–ifsheisaMrsatall
whichIdoubt–wellIshouldn’tliketotellyouwhatgoeson
there–I…’
‘Quiteso,’saidJapp,dexterouslystoppingtheflow.‘Now
that’sveryimportantwhatyou’vetoldme.MrsAllenandMiss
Plenderleithwerewellliked,then?’
‘Ohyes,sir,veryniceladies,bothofthem–especiallyMrs
Allen.Alwaysspokeanicewordtothechildren,shedid.Lost
herownlittlegirl,Ibelieve,poordear.Ahwell,I’veburied
threemyself.AndwhatIsayis…’
81
‘Yes,yes,verysad.AndMissPlenderleith?’
‘Well,ofcourseshewasaniceladytoo,butmuchmor:
abruptifyouknowwhatImean.Justgobywithanod,sh:
would,andnotstoptopassthetimeofday.ButI’venothing
againsther–nothingatall.’
‘SheandMrsAllengotonwelltogether?’
‘Oh,yessir.Noquarrelling–nothinglikethat.Veryhapp,:
andcontentedtheywere–I’msureMrsPiercewillbearme
out.’
‘Yes,we’vetalkedtoher.DoyouknowMrsAllen’sfiancby
sight?’
‘Thegentlemanshe’sgoingtomarry?Oh,yes.He’sbeen
herequiteabitoffandon.MemberofParliament,theydosay.’
‘Itwasn’thewhocamelastnight?’
‘No,sir,itwasnot.’MrsHoggdrewherselfup.Anoteof
excitementdisguisedbeneathintenseprimnesscameintoher
voice.‘Andifyouaskme,sir,whatyouarethinkingisallwrong.MrsAllenwasn’tthatkindoflady,I’msure.It’strue
therewasnooneinthehouse,butIdonotbelieveanythingof
thekind–IsaidsotoHoggonlythismorning.“No,Hogg,”I
said,“MrsAllenwasalady–areallady–sodon’t
suggestingthings”–knowingwhataman’smindis,ifyou
excusemymentioningit.Alwayscoarseintheirideas.’
Passingthisinsultby,Jappproceeded:
‘Yousawhimarriveandyousawhimleave–that’sso,isn’t
it?’
‘That’sso,sir.’
‘Andyodidn’thearanythingelse?Anysoundsofa
quarrel?’
‘No,sir,norlikelyto.Not,thatistosay,thatsuchthin3s
couldn’tbeheard–becausethecontrarytothatiswell1￥::,
–anddowntheotherendthewayMrsStevensgoesfor
poorfrightenedmaidofhersiscommontalk–andoned
we’veadvisedhernottostandit,butthere,thewagesis
–temperofthedevilshemayhavebutpaysforit–fcty
shillingsaweek…’
Jappsaidquickly:
82
‘Butyoudidn’thearanythingofthekindatNo.147’
‘No,sir.Norlikelytowithfireworkspoppingoffhere,there
andeverywhereandmyEddiewithhiseyebrowssingedoffas
nearasnothing.’
‘Thismanleftatten-twenty–that’sright,isit?’
‘Itmightbe,sir.Icouldn’tsaymyself.ButHoggsayssoand
he’saveryreliable,steadyman.’
‘Youactuallysawhimleave.Didyouhearwhathesaid?’
‘No,sir.Iwasn’tnearenoughforthat.Justsawhimfrommy
[-indows,standinginthedoorwaytalkingtoMrsAllen.’
‘Seehertoo?’
‘Yes,sir,shewasstandingjustinsidethedoorway.’
‘Noticewhatshewaswearing?’
[‘Nowreally,sir,Icouldn’tsay.Notnoticingparticularlyas
twere.’
Poirotsaid:
[‘Youdidnotevennoticeifshewaswearingdaydressor
‘ieningdress?’
‘No,sir,Ican’tsayIdid.’
Poirotlookedthoughtfullyupatthewindowaboveandthen
acrosstoNo.14.Hesmiledandforamomenthiseyecaught
Japp’s.
‘Andthegentleman?’
‘Hewasinadark-blueovercoatandabowlerhat.Verysmart
andwellsetup.’
Jappaskedafewmorequestionsandthenproceededtohis
nextinterview.ThiswaswithMasterFrederickHogg,an
impish-faced,bright-eyedlad,considerablyswollenwithself-importance.
‘Yes,sir.Iheardthemtalking.“Thinkitoverandletme
kno,”thegentsaid.Pleasantlike,youknow.Andthenshe
saidsomethingandheanswered,‘/Illright.$olong.’Andhe
gotimothecar–Iwasholdingthedooropenbuthedidn’tgive
menothing,’saidMasterHoggwithaslighttingeofdepression
inhistone.‘Andhedroveaway.’
‘Youdidn’thearwhatMrsAllensaid?’
‘No,sir,can’tsayIdid.’
83
‘Canyoutellmewhatshewaswearing?Whatcolour,fir
instance?’
‘Couldn’tsay,sir.Yousee,Ididn’treallyseeher.Shemust
havebeenroundbehindthedoor.’
‘Justso,’saidJapp.‘Nowlookhere,myboy,Iwantyouo
thinkandanswermynextquestionverycarefully.Ifyoudon’t
knowandcan’tremember,sayso.Isthatclear?’
‘Yes,sir.’
MasterHogglookedathimeagerly.
‘Whichof’emdosedthedoor,MrsAllenorthe
gendeman?’
‘Thefrontdoor?’
‘Thefrontdoor,naturally.’
Thechildreflected.Hiseyesscrewedthemselvesupinan
effortofremembrance.
‘Thinktheladyprobablydid–No,shedidn’t.Hedid.
Pulledittowithabitofabangandjumpedintothecarquick.
Lookedasthoughhehadadatesomewhere.’
‘Right.Well,youngman,youseemabrightkindofshaver.
Here’ssixpenceforyou.’
DismissingMasterHogg,Jappturnedtohisfriend.Slowly
withoneaccordtheynodded.
‘Couldbe!’saidJapp.
‘Therearepossibilities,’agreedPoirot.
Hiseyesshonewithagreenlight.Theylookedlikeacat’s.
CHAPTER6
Onre-enteringthesitting-roomofNo.14,Jappwastednotin,:
inbeatingaboutthebush.Hecamestraighttothepoint.
‘Nowlookhere,MissPlenderleith,don’tyouthinkit’s
bettertospillthebeanshereandnow.It’sgoing.tocometothat
intheend.’
84
JanePlenderleithraisedhereyebrows.Shewasstandingby
themantelpiece,gentlywarmingonefootatthefire.
‘Ireallydon’tknowwhatyoumean.’
‘Isthatquitetrue,MissPlenderleith?’
·
Sheshruggedhershoulders.
I‘I’veansweredallyourquestions.Idon’tseewhatmoreI
,csndo.’
I:‘Well,it’smyopinionyoucoulddoalotmore–ifyouchose.’
‘That’sonlyanopinion,though,isn’tit,ChiefInspector?’Jappgrewratherredintheface.
l’Ithink,’saidPoirot,‘thatmademoisellewouldappreciate
tterthereasonforyourquestionsifyoutoldherjusthowthelcasestands.’
‘That’sverysimple.Nowthen,MissPlenderleith,thefacts
areasfollows.Yourfriendwasfoundshotthroughthehead
withapistolinherhandandthedoorandthewindowfastened.
Thatlookedlikeaplaincaseofsuicide.Butitwara’tsuicide.
Themedicalevidencealoneprovesthat.’
‘How?’
Allherironiccoolnesshaddisappeared.Sheleanedforward–intent–watchinghisface.
‘Thepistolwasinherhand–butthefingersweren’tgraspingit.Moreovertherewerenofingerprintsatallonthepistol.And
theangleofthewoundmakesitimpossiblethatthewound
shouldhavebeenself-inflicted.Thenagain,sheleftnoletterrather
anunusualthingforasuicide.Andthoughthedoorwas
lockedthekeyhasnotbeenfound.’
JanePlenderleithturnedslowlyandsatdowninachair
facingthem.
‘Sothat’sit!’shesaid.‘AllalongI’vefeltitwasimpossiblethatsheshouldhavekilledherselfiIwasright!Shedidn’tkillherself.Someoneelsekilledher.’
Foramomentortwosheremainedlostinthought.Thenshe
raisedherheadbrusquely.
‘Askmeanyquestionsyoulike,’shesaid.‘Iwillanswerthem
tothebestofmyability.’
Jappbegan:
85
‘LastnightMrsAllenhadavisitor.Heisdescribedasa
offorty-five,militarybearing,toothbrushmoustache,sonar]v
dressedanddrivingaStandardSwallowsalooticar.Do
knowwhothatis?’
‘Ican’tbesure,ofcourse,butitsoundslikeMajorEust:e.’
‘WhoisMajorEustace?Tellmeallyoucanabouthim?
‘HewasamanBarbarahadknownabroad–inIndia.
turnedupaboutayearago,andwe’veseenhimonandoffsince.’
‘HewasafriendofMrsAllen’s?’
‘Hebehavedlikeone,’saidJanedryly.
‘Whatwasherattitudetohim?’
‘Idon’tthinkshereallylikedhim–infact,I’msureshe
didn’t.’
‘Butshetreatedhimwithoutwardfriendliness?’
‘Yes.’
‘Didsheeverseem–thinkcarefully,MissPlenderleithafraid
ofhim?’
JanePlenderleithconsideredthisthoughtfullyforaminute
ortwo.Thenshesaid:
‘Yes–Ithinkshewas.Shewasalwaysnervouswhenhewas
about.’
‘DidheandMrLaverton-Westmeetatall?’
‘Onlyonce,Ithink.Theydidn’ttaketoeachothermu￠.
Thatistosay,MajorEustacemadehimselfasagreeableas
couldtoCharles,butCharleswasn’thavingany.Charles
gotaverygoodnoseforanybodywhoisn’twell–quite–quite.’
‘AndMajorEustacewasnot–whatyoucall–quite–quite?’
askedPoirot.
Thegirlsaiddryly:
‘No,hewasn’t.Bithairyattheheel.Definitelynotoutofthe
topdrawer.’
‘Alas–Idonotknowthosetwoexpressions.Youmear
sayhewasnotthepukkasatu’b?’
AfleetingsmilepassedacrossJanePlenderleith’sface,
sherepliedgravely,‘No.’
86
‘Woulditcomeasagreatsurprisetoyou,MissPlenderleith,
ifIsuggestedthatthismanwasblackmailingMrsAllen?’
Jappsatforwardtoobservetheresultofhissuggestion.
Hewaswellsatisfied.Thegirlstartedforward,thecolour
roseinhercheeks,shebroughtdownherhandsharplyonthe
armofherchair.
‘Sothatwasit!WhatafoolIwasnottohaveguessed.Of
courseI’
‘Youthinkthesuggestionfeasible,mademoiselle?’asked
Poirot.
‘Iwasafoolnottohavethoughtofit!Barbara’sborrowed
smallsumsoffmeseveraltimesduringthelastsixmonths.And
i’veseenhersittingporingoverherpassbook.Iknewshewas
livingwellwithinherincome,soIdidn’tbother,but,ofcourse,
ifshewaspayingoutsumsofmoney-‘
‘Anditwouldaccordwithhergeneraldemeanour–yes?’
skedPoirot.’
‘Absolutely.Shewasnervous.Quitejumpysometimes.
tltogetherdifferentfromwhatsheusedtobe.’
Poirotsaidgently:
‘Excuseme,butthatisnotjustwhatyoutoldusbefore.’
‘Thatwasdifferent,’JanePlenderleithwavedanimpatient
hand.‘Shewasn’tdepressed.Imeanshewasn’tfeelingsuiddal
oranythinglikethat.Butblackmail–yes.Iwishshe’dtoldme.
I’dhavesenthimtothedevil.’
‘Buthemighthavegone–nottothedevil,buttoMrCharles
Laverton-West?’observedPoirot.
il,5’Yes,’saidlanePlenderleithslowly.‘Yes…that’strue…’
‘You’venoideaofwhatthisman’sholdoverhermayhave
?’askedJapp.
egirlshookherhead.,
‘Ihaven’tthefaintestidea.Icantbelieve,knowingBarbara,
hatitcouldhavebeenanythingreallyserious.Ontheother
hand-‘shepaused,thenwenton.‘WhatImeanis,Barbara
asabitofasimpletoninsomeways.She’dbeveryea.ily
ghtened.Infact,shewasthekindofgirlwhowouldbea
positivegifttoablackmailer!Thenastybrute?
87
Shesnappedoutthelastthreewordswithrealvenom.
‘Unfortunately,’saidPoirot,‘thecrimeseemstohavetakec
placethewrongwayround.Itisthevictimwhoshouldkill
blackmailer,nottheblackmailerhisvictim.’
JanePlenderleithfrownedalittle.
‘No–thatistrue–butIcanimaginecircumstances-‘
‘Suchas?’
‘SupposingBarbaragotdesperate.Shemayhavethreatenecl
himwiththatsillylittlepistolofhers.Hetriestowrenchawayfromherandinthestrugglehefiresitandkillsher.Then
he’shorrifiedatwhathe’sdoneandtriestopretenditwas
suicide.’
‘Mightbe,’saidJapp.‘Butthere’sadifficulty.’
Shelookedathiminquiringly.
‘MajorEustace(ifitwashim)leftherelastnightatten-twenty
andsaidgoodbyetoMrsAllenonthedoorstep.’
‘Oh,’thegirl’sfacefell.‘Isee.’She.pausedaminuteortw)
‘Buthemighthavecomebacklater,’shesaidslowly.
‘Yes,thatispossible,’saidPoirot.
Jappcontinued:
‘Tellme,MissPlenderleith,wherewasMrsAlleninthe
habitofreceivingguests,hereorintheroomupstairs?’
‘Both.Butthisroomwasusedformorecommunalpartie
formyownspecialfriends.Yousee,thearrangementwath;t
Barbarahadthebigbedroomanduseditasasitting-rool
well,andIhadthelittlebedroomandusedthisroom.’
‘IfMajorEustacecamebyappointmentlastnight,inwhich
roomdoyouthinkMrsAllenwouldhavereceivedhim?’
‘Ithinkshewouldprobablybringhiminhere.’Thegirl
soundedalittledoubtful.‘Itwouldbelessintimate.Onthe
otherhand,ifshewantedtowriteachequeoranythingofthat
kind,shewouldprobablytakehimupstairs.Therearcno
writingmaterialsdownhere.’
Jappshookhishead.
‘Therewasnoquestionofacheque.MrsAllendrewoutwe
hundredpoundsincashyesterday.Andsofarwe’venotbeen
abletofindanytraceofitinthehouse.’
88
‘Andshegaveittothatbrute?Oh,poorBarbara!Poor,poor
Barbara!’
Poirotcoughed.
‘Unless,asyousuggest,itwasmoreorlessanaccident,itstill
seemsaremarkablefactthatheshouldkillanapparently
regularsourceofincome.’
‘Accident?Itwasn’tanaccident.Helosthistemperandsaw
redandshother.’
‘Thatishowyouthinkithappened?’
‘Yes.’Sheaddedvehemently,‘Itwasmurder–murder?
Poirotsaidgravely:
‘Iwillnotaythatyouarewrong,mademoiselle.’
Jappsaid:
‘WhatcigarettesdidMrsAllensmoke?’
‘Gaspers.Therearesomeinthatbox.’
Jappopenedthebox,tookoutacigaretteandnodded.He
slippedthecigaretteintohispocket.
‘Andyou,mademoiselle?’askedPoirot.
‘Thesame.’
‘YoudonotsmokeTurkish?’
‘Never.’
‘NorMrsAlien?’
‘No.Shedidn’tlikethem.’
Poirotasked:
‘AndMrLaverton-West.Whatdidhesmoke?’
Shestaredhardathim.
‘Charles?Whatdoesitmatterwhathesmoked?You’renot
goingtopretendthathekilledher?’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Amanhaskilledthewomanhelovedbeforenow,
mademoiselle.’
Janeshookherheadimpatiently.
‘Charleswouldn’tkillanybody.He’saverycarefulman.’
‘Allthesame,mademoiselle,itisthecarefulmenwho
committhecleverestmurders.’
Shestaredathim.
‘Butnotforthemotiveyouhavejustadvanced,M.Poirot.’
89
Hebowedhishead.
‘No,thatistrue.’
Japprose.
‘Well,Idon’tthinkthatthere’smuchmoreIcandohere.I’d
liketohaveonemorelookround.’
‘Incasethatmoneyshouldbetuckedawaysomewhere
Certainly.Lookanywhereyoulike.Andinmyroomtoo
althoughitisn’tlikelyBarbarawouldhideitthere.’
Japp’ssearchwasquickbutefficient.Theliving-roomhad
givenupallitssecretsinaveryfewminutes.Thenhewent
upstairs.JanePlenderleithsatonthearmofachair,smokinga
cigaretteandfrowningatthefire.Poirotwatchedher.
Aftersomeminutes,hesaidquietly:
‘DoyouknowifMrLaverton-WestisinLondonat
present?’
‘Idon’tknowatall.Iratherfancyhe’sinHampshirewithhis
people.IsupposeIoughttohavewiredhim.Howdreadful.
forgot.’
‘Itisnoteasytoremembereverything,mademoiselle,when
acatastropheoccurs.Andafterall,thebadnews,itwillkeep.
Onehearsitonlytoosoon.”
‘Yes,that’strue,’thegirlsaidabsently.
Japp’sfootstepswerehearddescendingthestairs.Janewent
outtomeethim.
‘Well?’
Jappshookhishead.
‘Nothinghelpful,I’mafraid,MissPlenderleith.I’vebeen
overthewholehousenow.Oh,IsupposeI’dbetterjusthave
alookinthiscupboardunderthestairs.’
Hecaughtholdofthehandleashespoke,andpulled.
JanePlenderleithsaid:
‘It’slocked.’
Somethinginhervoicemadebothmenlookathersharply.
‘Yes,’saidJapppleasantly.‘Icanseeit’slocked.Perhaps
you’llgetthekey.’
Thegirlwasstandingasthoughcarvedinstone.
‘I-I’mnotsurewhereitis.’
Jappshotaquickglanceather.Hisvoicecontinued
resolutelypleasantandoffhand.
‘Dearme,that’stoobad.Don’twanttosplinterthewood,
openingitbyforce.I’llsendJamesonouttogetanassortment
ofkeys.’
Shemovedforwardstiffly.
‘Oh,’shesaid/’Oneminute.Itmightbe-‘
Shewentbackintotheliving-roomandreappeareda
momentlaterholdingafair-sizedkeyinherhand.
‘Wekeepitlocked,’sheexplained,‘becauseone’sumbrellas
andthingshaveahabitofgettingpinched.’
‘Verywiseprecaution,’saidJapp,cheerfullyacceptingthe
keeturneditinthelockandthrewthedooropen.Itwasdark
limsidethecupboard.Japptookouthispocketflashlightandlet
ltplayroundtheinside.
POirotfeltthegirlathissidestiffenandstopbreathingfora
Ii’second.HiseyesfollowedthesweepofJapp’storch.
ir:Therewasnotverymuchtnthecupboard.Threeumbrellas
–onebroken,fourwalkingsticks,asetofgolfclubs,twotennis
.racquets,aneatly-foldedrugandseveralsofacushionsin
variousstagesofdilapidation.Onthetopoftheselastreposed
msmall,smart-lookingattache-ease.
AsJappstretchedoutahandtowardsit,JanePlenderleith
saidquickly:
‘That’smine.I–itcamebackwithmethismorning.So
therecan’tbeanythingthere.’
‘Justaswelltomakequitesure,’saidJapp,hischeery
friendlinessincreasingslightly.
Thecasewasunlocked.Insideitwasfittedwithshagreen
brushesandtoiletbottles.Thereweretwomagazinesinitbut
nothingelse.
Jappexaminedthewholeoutfitwithmefculousattention.
Whenatlastheshutthelidandbeganacursoryexaminafio,
ofthecushions,thegirlgaveanaudiblesighofrelief.
Therewasnothingelseinthecupboardbeyondwhatwas
[Plainlytobeseen.Japp’sexaminationwassoonfinished.
91
HerelockedthedoorandhandedthekeytoJane
Plenderleith.
‘Well,’hesaid,‘thatconcludesmatters.CanyougivemeMr
Laverton-West’saddress?’
‘FarlescombeHall,LittleLedbury,Hampshire.’
‘Thankyou,MissPlenderleith.That’sallforthepresent.I
mayberoundagainlater.Bytheway,mum’stheword.Leave
itatsuicideasfarasthegeneralpublic’sconcerned.’
‘Ofcourse,Iquiteunderstand.’
Sheshookhandswiththemboth.
Astheywalkedawaydownthemews,Jappexploded:
‘Whatthe–thehellwasthereinthatcupboard?Therewassomething.’
‘Yes,therewassomething.’
‘AndI’llbettentooneitwassomethingtodowiththe
attache-case!Butlikethedouble-dyedmuttImustbe,I
couldn’tfindanything.Lookedinallthebottles–feltthelining–whatthedevilcoulditbe?’
Poirotshookhisheadthoughtfully.
‘Thatgirl’sinitsomehow,’Jappwenton.‘Broughtthatcase
backthismorning?Notonyourlife,shedidn’t!Noticethat
·thereweretwomagazinesinit?’
‘Yes.’
‘Well,oneofthemwasforlasJuly!’
CHAPTER7
ItwasthefollowingdaywhenJappwalkedintoPoirot’sflat,
flunghishatonthetableindeepdisgustanddroppedintoa
chair.
‘Well,’hegrowled.‘She’soutofit!’
‘Whoisoutofit?’
‘Plenderleith.Wasplayingbridgeuptomidnight.Host,
92
hostess,naval-commanderguestandtwoservantscanallswear
tothat.Nodoubtaboutit,we’vegottogiveupanyideaofher
beingconcernedinthebusiness.Allthesame,I’dliketoknowwhyshewentallhotandbotheredaboutthatlittleattach6-caseunderthestairs.That’ssomethinginyourline,Poirot.Youlike
solvingthekindoftrivialitythatleadsnowhere.TheMystery
oftheSmallAttach6-Case.Soundsquitepromising!’
‘Iwillgiveyouyetanothersuggestionforarifle.The
MysteryoftheSmellofCigaretteSmoke.’
‘Abitclumsyforaritle.Smell–eh?Wasthatwhyyouwere
sniffingsowhenwe￡n’stexaminedthebody?Isawyou–and
heardyou!Sniff-sniff-sniff.Thoughtyouhadacoldinyour
head.’
‘Youwereentirelyinerror.’
Jappsighed.
‘Ialwaysthoughtitwasthelittlegreycellsofthebrain.
Don’ttellmethecellsofyournoseareequallysuperiorto
anyoneelse’s.’
‘No,no,calmyourself.’
‘Ididn’tsmellanycigarettesmoke,’wentonJapp
suspiciously.
‘NomoredidI,myfriend.’
Japplookedathimdoubtfully.Thenheextractedacigarette
fromhispocket.
‘That’sthekindMrsAliensmoked–gaspers.Sixofthose
stubswerehers.TheotherthreewereTurkish.’
‘Exactly.’
‘Yourwonderfulnoseknewthatwithoutlookingatthem,I
suppose!’
‘Iassureyoumynosedoesnotenterintothematter.My
noseregisterednothing.’
‘Butthebraincellsregisteredalot?’
‘Well–therewerecertainindications–doyounotthinkso?’
Japplookedathimsideways.
‘Suchas?’
‘Ehbt,n,therewasverydef’mitelysomethingmissingfrom
93
theroom.Alsosomethingadded,Ithink…Andthen,onthe
writing-bureau…’
‘Iknewit!We’recomingtothatdamnedquillpen!’
‘Dutout.Thequillpenplaysapurelynegativertle.’
Jappretreatedtosaferground.
‘I’vegotCharlesLaverton-Westcomingtoseemeat
ScotlandYardinhalfanhour.Ithoughtyoumightliketobe
aere.’
‘Ishouldverymuch.’
‘Andyou’llbegladtohearwe’vetrackeddownMaior
Eustace.GotaserviceflatintheCromwellRoad.’
‘Excellent.’
‘Andwe’vegotalittletogoonthere.Notatallaniceperson,
MajorEustace.AfterI’veseenLaverton-West,we’llgoandsee
him.Thatsuityou?’
‘Perfectly.’
‘Well,comealongthen.’
Athalf-pasteleven,CharlesLaverton-Westwasusheredinto
ChiefInspectorJapp’sroom.Japproseandshookhands.
TheM.P.wasamanofmediumheightwithaverydefinite
personality.Hewasclean-shaven,withthemobilemouthof
actor,andtheslightlyprominenteyesthatsooftengowith
giftoforatory.Hewasgood-lookinginaquiet,well-bredway.
Thoughlookingpaleandsomewhatdistressed,hismanner
wasperfectlyformalandcomposed.
Hetookaseat,laidhisglovesandhatonthetableandlooked
towardsJapp.
‘I’dliketosay,firstofall,MrLaverton-West,thatIfully
appreciatehowdistressingthismustbetoyou.’
Laverton-Westwavedthisaside.
‘Donotletusdiscussmyfeelings.Tellme,ChiefInspector,
haveyouanyideawhatcausedmy–MrsAllentotakeherown
life?’
‘Youyourselfcannothelpusinanyway?’
‘No,indeed.’
94
‘Therewasnoquarrel?Noestrangementofanykindbetweenyou?’
‘Nothingofthekind.Ithasbeenthegreatestshocktome.’
‘Perhapsitwillbemoreunderstandable,sir,ifItellyouthat
itwasnotsuicide–butmurder!’
‘Murder?’CharlesLavertun-West’seyespoppednearlyout
ofhishead.‘Yousaymurder?’
‘Quitecorrect.Now,MrLaverton-West,haveyouanyidea
whomightbelikelytomakeawaywithMrsAllen?’
Laverton-Westfairlysplutteredouthisanswer.
‘No–no,indeed–nothingofthesort!Themereideais–isunimaginable!’
‘Shenevermentionedanyenemies?Anyonewhomight
agrudgeagainsther?’
‘Never.’
‘Didyouknowthatshehadapistol?’
‘Iwasnotawareofthefact.’
Helookedalittlestartled.
‘MissPlenderleithsaysthatMrsAllenbroughtthispistol
backfromabroadwithhersomeyearsago.’
‘Really?’
‘Ofcourse,wehaveonlyMissPlenderleith’swordforthat.
ItisquitepossiblethatMrsAllenfeltherselftobeindanger
fromsomesourceandkeptthepistolhandyforreasonsofher
own?
CharlesLaverton-Westshookhisheaddoubtfully.He
seemedquitebewilderedanddazed.
‘WhatisyouropinionofMissPlenderleith,MrLaverton-West?
Imean,doesshestrikeyouasareliable,truthful
person?’
Theotherponderedaminute.
‘Ithinkso–yes,Ishouldsayso.’
‘Youdon’tlikeher?’suggestedJapp,whohadbeen
vatchinghimclosely.
‘Iwouldn’tsaythat.SheisnotthetypeofyoungwomanI
Thatsarcastic,independenttypeisnotattractiveto
me,butIshouldsayshewasquitetruthful.’
95
‘H’m,’saidJapp.‘DoyouknowaMajorEus:e?’
‘Eustace?Eustace?Ah,yes,Irememberthename.Imet
himonceatBarbara’s–NitsAllen’s.Ratheradoubtful
customerinmyopinion.Isaidasmuchtomy–toMrsAllen.
HeWasn’tthetypeofmanIshouldhaveencouragedtocome
tothehouseafterweweremarried.’
‘AndwhatdidMrsAliensay?’
‘Oh!shequiteagreed.Shetrustedmyjudgmentimplicitly.
Amanknowsothermenbetterthanawomancando.She
explainedthatshecouldn’tverywellberudetoamanwhom
shehadnotseenforsometime–Ithinkshefeltespeciallya
horrorofbeingsnobbish!Naturally,asmywife,shewouldfred
agoodmanyofheroldassociateswell–unsuitable,shallwe
say?’
‘Meaningthatinmarryingyoushewasbetteringher
position?’Jappaskedbluntly.
Laverton-Westheldupawe!l-manicuredhand.
‘No,no,notquite.that.Asamatteroffact,MrsAller
motherwasadistantrelationofmyownfamily.Shewasfu.
myequalinbirth.Butofcourse,inmyposition,Ihaveto
especiallycarefulinchoosingmyfriends–andmywife
choosinghers.Oneistoacertainextentinthelimelight.’
‘Oh,quite,’saidJappdryly.Hewenton,‘Soyoucan’t
usinanyway?’
‘Noindeed.Iamutterlyatsea.Barbara!Murdered!Itseens
incredible.’
‘Now,MrLaverton-West,canyoutellmewhatyour
movementswereonthenightofNovemberfifth?’
‘Mymovements?Mymovements?’
Laverton-West’svoiceroseinshrillprotest.
‘Purelyamatterofroutine,’explainedJapp.‘We-er–have
toaskeverybody.’
CharlesLaverton-Westlookedathimwithdignity.
‘Ishouldhopethatamaninmypositionmightbeexempt.’
Jappmerelywaited.
‘Iwas–nowletmesee…Ah,yes.IwasattheHouse.Lef’,
96
athalf-pastten.WentforawalkalonAe:$theEmbaCment,
Watchedsomeofthefireworks.’
‘Nicetothinktherearen’tanyplotsof’hatIlaaatdn0adays
saidJappcheerily.
Laverton-Westgavehimafish-likesin.
‘ThenI–er–walkedhome.’
‘Reachinghome–yourLondonaddrsisBi;is0slowSquare’
Ithink–atwhattime?’
‘Ihardlyknowexactly.’
‘Eleven?Half-past?’
‘Somewhereaboutthen.’
‘Perhapssomeoneletyouin.’
‘No,Ihavemykey.’
‘Meetanybodywhilstyouwerewallug?”c.g?’·
‘No–er–really,ChiefInspector,Irtseremthesequesticns
verymuch?
‘Iassureyou,it’sjustamatterofm‘taCtine,Mriavertt°n’
West.Theyaren’tpersonal,youknow.
Thereplyseemedtosoothetheirat￠ICi.l.l.P.
‘Ifthatisall‘
‘Thatisallforthepresent,MrLaveton.a,n-West.’
‘Youwillkeepmeinformed‘
‘Naturally,sir.Bytheway,letmeintrca’oduceM.Hercule
Poirot.Youmayhaveheardofhim.’
MrLaverton-West’seyefastenedizlf·interestedlyonthe
‘Yes–yes–Ihaveheardthename’.
‘Monsieur,’saidPoirot,hismannersuclddenlyveryfo’reqgn’
‘Believeme,myheartbleedsforyou.ga￠i/a10ss!Suchagony
youmustbeenduring!Ah,butIwillIsaynoofe.,’How
theEnglishhidetheiremotions.’liewhpped
–hiscigarettecase.‘Permitme-la,itisempty.Japgpp?’
Jappslappedhispocketsandsho{xhishead.
Laverton-Westproducedhisovno”cigarettega.se,cmar’Er
–haveoneofmine,M.10irot.’
‘Thankyou–thankyou,’The.liRemarehelpechim/nself’
9′
‘Asyousay,M.Poirot,’resumedtheother,‘weEnglish
notparadeouremotions.Astiffupperlip–thatisourmotto?
Hebowedtothetwomenandwentout.
‘Bitofastuffedfish,’saidJappdisgustedly.‘Andaboiled
owl!ThePlenderleithgirlwasquiterightabouthim.Yethe’:,
agood-lookingsortofchap–mightgodownwellwithsome
womanwhohadnosenseofhumOur.Whatabouttha*.
cigarette?’
Poirothandeditover,shakinghishead
‘Egyptian.Anexpensivevariety.’
‘No,that’snogood.Apity,forI’veneverheardaweaker
alibi!Infact,itwasn’tanalibiatall…Youknow,Poirot,it’sa
pitythebootwasn’tontheotherleg.Ifshe’dbeenblackmailing
him…He’salovelytypeforblackmail–wouldpayoutlikea
lamb!Anythingtoavoidascandal.’
‘Myfriend,itisveryprettytoreconstructthecaseas
wouldlikeittobe,butthatisnotstrictlyouraffair.’
‘No,Eustaceisouraffair.I’vegotafewlineson
Depoundsitelyanastyfellow.’
‘Bytheway,didyoudoasIsuggestedabout
Plendefieith?’
‘Yes.Waitasec,I’llringthroughandgetthelatest.’
Hepickedupthetelephonereceiverandspokethrougkt.
Afterabriefinterchangehereplaceditandlookedu3″
Poirot.
‘Prettyheartlesspieceofgoods.Goneofftoplaygolf.
anicethingtodowhenyourfriend’sbeenmurderedonly
daybefore.’
Poirotutteredanexclamation.
‘What’sthematternow?’askedJapp.
ButPoirotwasmurmuringtohimself.
‘Ofcourse..,ofcourse..,butnaturally…Whatanimbe.;iie
Iam–why,itleapttotheeye?
Jappsaidrudely:
‘Stopjabberingtoyourselfandlet’sgoandtackle
Hewasamazedtoseetheradiantsmilethatspreado,:er
Poirot’sface.
98
‘But–yes–mostcertainlyletustacklehim.Fornow,see
you,Iknoweverythingobuteverything?
CHAPTER8
elajorEustacereceivedthetwomenwiththeeasyassuranceof
manoftheworld.
Hisflatwassmall,amerepiediterre,asheexplained.He
offeredthetwomenadrinkandwhenthatwasrefusedhetook
outhiscigarettecase.
BothJappandPoirotacceptedacigarette.Aquickglance
passedbetweenthem.
‘YousmokeTurkish,Isee,’saidJappashetwirledthe
cigarettebetweenhisfingers.
‘Yes.I’msorry,doyoupreferagasper?I’vegotone
somewhereabout.’
‘No,no,thiswilldomeverywell.’Thenheleanedforward
–histonechanged.‘Perhapsyoucanguess,MajorEustace,
whatitwasIcametoseeyouabout?’
ITheothershookhishead.Hismannerwasnonchalant.
MajorEustacewasatallman,good-lookinginasomewhat
eoarsefashion.Therewasapuffinessroundtheeyes–small,
vaftyeyesthatbeliedthegood-humouredgenialityofhis
lllarmer.
Hesaid:
‘No–I’venoideawhatbringssuchabiggunasachief
inspectortoseeme.Anythingtodowithmycar?’
‘No,itisnotyourcar.IthinkyouknewaMrsBarbaraAlien,
jorEustace?’
IThemajorleantback,puffedoutacloudofsmoke,andsaid
ianenlightenedvoice:
‘Oh,sothat’sit!Ofcourse,Imighthaveguessed.Verysad
business.’
‘Youknowaboutit?’
‘Sawitinthepaperlastnight.Toobad.’
‘YouknewMrsAllenoutinIndia,Ithink.’
‘Yes,that’ssomeyearsagonow.’
‘Didyoualsoknowherhusband?’
Therewasapause–amerefractionorasecond–butduring
thatfractionthelittlepigeyesflashedaquicklookatthefaces
ofthetwomen.Thenheanswered:
‘No,asamatteroffact,InevercameacrossAllen.’
‘Butyouknowsomethingabouthim?’
‘Heardhewasbywayofbeingabadhat.Ofcourse,thatwas
onlyrumour.’
‘MrsAllendidnotsayanything?’
‘Nevertalkedabouthim.’
‘Youwereonintimatetermswithher?’
MajorEustaceshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Wewereoldfriends,youknow,oldfriends.Butwedidn’t
seeeachotherveryoften.’
‘Butyoudidseeherthatlastevening?Theeveningof
Novemberf’tfth?‘
‘Yes,asamatteroffact,Idid.’
‘Youcalledatherhouse,Ithink.’
MajorEustacenodded.Hisvoicetookonagentle,regretful
note.
‘Yes,sheaskedmetoadviseheraboutsomeinvestments.Of
course,Icanseewhatyou’redrivingat–herstateofmind–aH
thatsortofthing.Well,really,it’sverydifficulttosay.Her
mannerseemednormalenoughandyetshewasabitjumpy,
cometothinkofit.’
‘Butshegaveyounohintastowhatshecontemplated
doing?’
‘Nottheleastintheworld.Asamatteroffact,whenIsaid
goodbyeIsaidI’dringherupsoonandwe’ddoashow
together.’
‘Yousaidyou’dringherup.Thosewereyourlastwords?’
‘Yes.’
100
‘Curious.Ihaveinformationthatyousaidsomethingquite
different.’
Eustacechangedcolour.
‘Well,ofcourse,Ican’tremembertheexactwords.’
‘Myinformationisthatwhatyouactuallysaidwas,“Well,
tin)kitoverandletmeknow.”‘
‘Letmesee,yesIbelieveyou’reright.Notexactlythat.I
thinkIwassuggestingsheshouldletmeknowwhenshewas
,flee.’
‘Notquitethesamething,isit?’saidJapp.
MajorEustaceshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Mydearfellow,youcan’texpectamantorememberword
forwordwhathesaidonanygivenoccasion.’
‘AndwhatdidMrsAllenreply?’
‘Shesaidshe’dgive.mearing.Thatis,asnearasIcan
remember.’
‘Andthenyousaid,“,’Illright.Solong.”‘‘Probably.Somethingofthekindanyway.’
Jappsaidquietly:
‘YousaythatMrsAllenaskedyoutoadviseherabouther
investments.Didshe,byanychance,emrustyouwiththesumof
twohundredpoundsincashtoinvestforher?’
Eustace’sfaceflushedadarkpurple.Heleanedforwardand
growledout:
‘Whatthedevildoyoumeanbythat?’
‘Didsheordidshenot?’
‘That’smybusiness,MrChiefInspector.’
Jappsaidquietly:
‘MrsAllendrewoutthesumoftwohundredpoundsincash
fromherbank.Someofthemoneywasinfive-poundnotes.
Thenumbersofthesecan,ofcourse,betraced.’
‘Whatifshedid?’
‘Wasthemoneyforinvestment–orwasit–blackmail,
MajorEustace?’
‘That’sapreposterousidea.Whatnextwillyousuggest?’
Jappsaidinhismostofficialmanner:
‘Ithink,MajorEustace,thatatthispointImustaskyouif
101
youarewillingtocometoScotlandYardandmakeastatement.
Thereis,ofcourse,nocompulsionandyoucan,ifyouprefer
haveyoursolicitorpresent.’
‘Solicitor?WhatthedevilshouldIwantwithasolicitor:
Andwhatareyoucautioningmefor?’
‘IaminquiringintothecircumstancesofthedeathofMrs
Allen.’
‘GoodGod,man,youdon’tsuppose–Why,that’snon-sense!
Lookhere,whathappenedwasthis.Icalledroundtosee
Barbarabyappointment…’
‘Thatwasatwhattime?’
‘Atabouthalf-pastnine,Ishouldsay.Wesatandtalked…’
‘Andsmoked?’
‘Yes,andsmoked.Anythingdamaginginthat?’demanded
themajorbelligerently.
‘Wheredidthisconversationtakeplace?’
‘Inthesitting-room.Leftofthedoorasyougoin.Wetalked
togetherquiteamicably,asIsay.Ileftalittlebeforehalf-past
ten.Istayedforaminuteonthedoorstepforafew!as
words…’
‘Lastwords–precisely,’murmuredPoirot.
‘Whoareyou,I’dliketoknow?’Eustaceturnedandspathe
wordsathim.‘Somekindofdamneddago!Whatare
buttinginfor?’
‘IamHerculePoirot,’saidthelittlemanwithdignity.
‘Idon’tcareifyouaretheAchillesstatue.AsIsay,Barbara
andIpartedquiteamicably.IdrovestraighttotheFarEast
Club.Gotthereatfiveandtwentytoelevenandwentstraight
uptothecard-room.Stayedthereplayingbridgeuntilone-thirty.
Nowthen,putthatinyourpipeandsmokeit.’
‘Idonotsmokethepipe,’saidPoirot.‘Itisaprettyalibiyou
havethe’e.’
‘Itshouldbeaprettycastirononeanyway!Nowthen,sir,’
helookedatJapp.‘Areyousatisfied?’
‘Youremainedinthesitting-roomthroughoutyourvist?’
‘Yes.’
‘YoudidnotgoupstairstoMrsAllen’sownboudoir?’
102
‘No,Itellyou.Westayedintheoneroomand’didn’tleave
it.’
Japplookedathimthoughtfullyforaminuteortwo.Then
hesaid:
‘Howmanysetsofcufflinkshaveyou?’
‘Cufflinks?Cufflinks?What’sthatgottodowithit?’
‘Youarenotboundtoanswerthequestion,ofcourse.’
‘Answerit?Idon’tmindansweringit.I’vegotnothingto
hide.AndIshalldemandanapology.Therearethese…’he
stretchedouthisarms.
Jappnotedthegoldandplatinumwithanod.
‘AndI’vegotthese.’
Herose,openedadrawerandtakingoutacase,heopenedit
andshoveditrudelyalmostunderJapp’snose.
‘Verynicedesign,’saidthechiefinspector.‘Iseeoneis
broken–bitofenamelchippedoff.’
‘Whatofit?’
‘Youdon’trememberwhenthathappened,Isuppose?’
‘Adayortwoago,notlonger.’
‘Wouldyoubesurprisedtohearthatithappenedwhenyou
werevisitingMrsAllen?’
‘Whyshouldn’tit?I’venotdeniedthatIwasthere.’The
majorspokehaughtily.Hecontinuedtobluster,toactthepart
ofthejustlyindignantman,buthishandsweretrembling.
Jappleanedforwardandsaidwithemphasis:
‘Yes,butthatbitofcufflinkwasn’tfoundinthesitting-room.
ItwasfoundupstairsinMrsAllen’sboudoir–thereinthe
roomwhereshewaskilled,andwhereamansatsmokingthe
samekindofdgarettesasyousmoke.’
Theshottold.Eustacefellbackintohischair.Hiseyeswent
fromsidetoside.Thecollapseofthebullyandtheappearance
ofthecravenwasnotaprettysight.
‘You’vegotnothingonme.’Hisvoicewasalmostawhine.
‘You’retryingtoframeme…Butyoucan’tdoit.I’vegotan
alibi…Inevercamenearthehouseagainthatnight…’
Poirotinhismm,spoke.
‘No,youdidnotcomenearthehouseagain…Youdidnot
103
needto…ForperhapsMrsAllenwasalreadydeadwhenyou
leftit.’
‘That’simpossible–impossible–Shewasjustinsidethe
door–shespoketome–Peoplemusthaveheardher–seen
her…’
Poirotsaidsoftly:
‘Theyheardyouspeakingtoher..,andpretendingtowait
forheranswerandthenspeakingagain…Itisanoldtrickthat
…Peoplemayhaveassumedshewasthere,buttheydidnotseeher,becausetheycouldnotevensaywhethershewaswean’ng
eveningdressornot–notevenmentionwhatcolourshewas
wearing…’
‘MyGod–itisn’ttrue–itisn’ttrue-‘
Hewasshakingnow–collapsed…
Japplookedathimwithdisgust.Hespokecrisply.
‘I’llhavetoaskyou,si?,tocomewithme.’
‘You’rearrestingme?’
‘Detainedforinquiry–we’llputitthatway.’
Thesilencewasbrokenwithalong,shudderingsigh.The
despairingvoiceoftheerstwhileblusteringMajorEustace
said:
‘I’msunk…’
HerculePoirotrubbedhishandstogetherandsmiled
cheerfully.Heseemedtobeenjoyinghimself.
CHAPTER9‘Pretty
thewayhewentalltopieces,’saidJapp
professionalappreciation,laterthatday.
HeandPoirotweredrivinginacaralongtheBromp’.on
Road.
‘Heknewthegamewasup,’saidPoirotabsently.
‘We’vegotplentyonhim,’saidJapp.‘Twoorthreedifferent
104
aliases,atrickybusinessoveracheque,andaveryniceaffair
whenhestayedattheRitzandcalledhimselfColoneldeBathe.
SwindledhalfadozenPiccadillytradesmen.We’reholding
himonthatchargeforthemoment–untilwegetthisaffair
finallysquaredup.What’stheideaofthisrushtothecountry,
oldman?’
‘Myfriend,anaffairmustberoundedoffproperly.
Everythingmustbeexplained.Iamonthequestofthe
mysteryyousuggested.TheMysteryoftheMissingAttacheCase.’
‘The
MysteryoftheSmallAttache-Case–that’swhatI
calledit–Itisn’tmissingthatIknowof.’
‘Wait,monam/.?
Thecarturnedintothemews.AtthedoorofNo.14,Jane
PlenderleithwasjustalightingfromasmallAustinSeven.She
wasingolfingclothes.
Shelookedfromonetotheotherofthetwomen,then
producedakeyandopenedthedoor.
‘Comein,won’tyou?’
Sheledtheway.Jappfollowedherintothesitting=room.
Poirotremainedforaminuteortwointhehall,muttering
somethingabout:
‘C’estembtant–howdifficulttogetoutofthesesleeves.’
Inamomentortwohealsoenteredthesitting=roomminus
hisovercoatbutJapp’slipstwitchedunderhismoustache.He
hadheardtheveryfaintsqueakofanopeningcupboarddoor.
JappthrewPoirotaninquiringglanceandtheothergavea
hardlyperceptiblenod.
‘Wewon’tdetainyou,MissPlenderleith,’saidJappbriskly.
‘OnlycametoaskifyoucouldtellusthenameofMrsAllen’s
solicitor.’
i‘Hersolicitor?’Thegirlshookherhead.‘Idontevenknow
tshehadone.’
Well,whensherentedthishousewithyou,someonemust
havedrawnuptheagreement?’
‘No,Idon’tthinkso.Yousee,Itookthehouse,theleaseis
105
inmyname.Barbarapaidmehalftherent.Itwasquite
informal.’
‘Isee.Oh!well,Isupposethere’snothingdoingthen.’
‘I’msorryIcan’thelpyou,’saidJanepolitely.
‘Itdoesn’treallymatterverymuch.’Jappturnedtowards
thedoor.‘Beenplayinggolf?.’
‘Yes.’Sheflushed.‘Isupposeitseemsratherheartlessto
you.Butasamatteroffactitgotmedownrather,beinghere
inthishouse.IfeltImustgooutanddosomething–tiremyself
–orI’dchoke?
Shespokewithintensity.
Poirotsaidquickly:
‘Icomprehend,mademoiselle.Itismostunderstandablemost
natural.Tositinthishouseandthink–no,itwouldnot
bepleasant.’
‘Solongasyouunderstand,’saidJane’shortly.
‘Youbelongtoaclub?’
‘Yes,IplayatWentworth.’
‘Ithasbeenapleasantday,’saidPoirot.
‘Alas,therearefewleavesleftonthetreesnow!Aweekago
thewoodsweremagnificent.’
‘Itwasquitelovelytoday.’
‘Goodafternoon,MissPlenderleith,’saidJappformally.
‘I’llletyouknowwhenthere’sanythingde￡mite.Asamatterof
factwehavegotamandetainedonsuspicion.’
‘Whatman?’
Shelookedatthemeagerly.
‘MajorEustace.’
Shenoddedandturnedaway,stoopingdowntoputamatch
tothefire.
‘Well?’saidJappasthecarturnedthecornerofthemews.
Poirotgrinned.
‘Itwasquitesimple.Thekeywasinthedoorthistime.’
‘And-?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘Eh,/den,thegolfclubshadgone’
106
‘Naturally.Thegirlisn’tafool,whateverelsesheis.Anythingelsegone?’
Poirotnoddedhishead.
‘Yes,myfriend–thelittleattache-case!’
TheacceleratorleapedunderJapp’sfoot.
‘Damnation!’hesaid.‘Iknewtherewassomething.Butwhat
thedevilisit?Isearchedthatcaseprettythoroughly.’
‘MypoorJapp–butitis–howdoyousay,“obvious,my
dearWatson”?’
Jappthrewhimanexasperatedlook.
‘Wherearewegoing?’heasked.
Poirotconsultedhiswatch.
‘Itisnotyetfouro’clock.WecouldgettoWentworth,I
think,beforeitisdark.’
‘Doyouthinkshereallywentthere?’
‘Ithinkso–yes.Shewouldknowthatwemightmake
inquiries.Oh,yes,Ithinkwewillf’mdthatshehasbeenthere.’
Jappgrunted.
‘Ohwell,comeon.’Hethreadedhiswaydexterously
throughthetraffic.‘Thoughwhatthisattachi-casebusiness
hastodowiththecrimeIcan’timagine.Ican’tseethatit’sgot
anythingatalltodowithit.’”
‘Predsely,myfriend,Iagreewithyou–ithasnothingtodo
withit.’
‘Thenwhy–No,don’ttellme!Orderandmethodand
everythingnicelyroundedoffiOh,well,it’saf’meday.’
Thecarwasafastone.TheyarrivedatWentworthGolf
Clubalittleafterhalf-pastfour.Therewasnogreatcongestion
thereonaweekday.
Poirotwentstraighttothecaddie-masterandaskedforMiss
Plenderleith’sdubs.Shewouldbeplayingonadifferent
coursetomorrow,heexplained.
Thecaddie-masterraisedhisvoiceandaboysortedthrough
somegolfdubsstandinginacorner.Hefinallyproducedabag
bearingtheinitials,J.P.
‘Thankyou,’saidPoirot.Hemovedaway,thenturned
107
carelesslyandasked,‘Shedidnotleavewithyouasmall
attache-casealso,didshe?’
‘Nottoday,sir.Mayhaveleftitintheclubhouse.’
‘Shewasdownheretoday?’
‘Oh,yes,Isawher.’
‘Whichcaddiedidshehave,doyouknow?She’smislaidan
attache-caseandcan’trememberwhereshehaditlast.’
‘Shedidn’ttakeacaddie.Shecameinhereandboughta
coupleofballs.Justtookoutacoupleofirons.Iratherfancy
shehadalittlecaseinherhandthen.’
Poirotturnedawaywithawordofthanks.Thetwomen
walkedroundtheclubhouse.Poirotstoodamomentadmiring
theview.
‘Itisbeautiful,isitnot,thedarkpinetrees–andthenrile
lake.Yes,thelake-‘
Jappgavehimaquickglance.
‘That’stheidea,isit?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘Ithinkitpossiblethatsomeonemayhaveseensomething.
IshouldsettheinquiriesinmotionifIwereyou.’
CHAPTER10
Poirotsteppedback,hisheadalittleononesideashesurveyed
thearrangementoftheroom.Achairhere–anotherchair
there.Yes,thatwasverynice.Andnowaringatthebell–that
wouldbeJapp.
TheScotlandYardmancameinalertly.‘
‘Quiteright,oldcock!Straightfromthehorse’smouth.A
youngwomanwasseentothrowsomethingintothelakeat
Wentworthyesterday.DescriptionofheranswerstoJane
Plenderleith.Wemanagedtofishitupwithoutmuchditticulty.
Alotofreedsjustthere.’
108
‘Anditwas?’
‘Itwastheattache-caseallright!Butwhy,inheaven’sname?
Well,itbeatsme!Nothinginsideit–noteventhemagazines.
Whyapresumablysaneyoungwomanshouldwanttoflingan
expensively-fitteddressing-caseintoalake–d’youknow,I
worriedallnightbecauseIcouldn’tgetthehangofit.’
‘MortpatwreJaFp!Butyouneedworrynolonger.Hereisthe
answercoming.Thebellhasjustrung.’
George,Poirot’simmaculateman-servant,openedthedoor
andannounced:
‘MissPlenderleith.’
Thegirlcameintotheroomwithherusualairofcomplete
self-assurance.Shegreetedthetwomen
‘Iaskedyoutocomehere-‘explainedPoirot.‘Sithere,will
younot,andyouhere,Japp–becauseIhavecertainnewsto
giveyou.’
·Thegirlsatdown.Shelookedfromonetotheother,pushing
asideherhat.Shetookitoffandlaiditasideimpatiently.
‘Well,’shesaid.‘MajorEustacehasbeenarrested.’
‘Yousawthat,Iexpect,inthemorningpaper?’
‘Yes.’
‘Heisatthemomentchargedwithaminoroffence,’wereon
Poirot.‘Inthemeantimewearegatheringevidencein
connectionwiththemurder.’
‘Itwasmurder,then?’
Thegirlaskediteagerly.
Poirotnoddedhishead.
‘Yes,’hesaid.‘Itwasmurder.Thewilfuldestructionofone
humanbeingbyanotherhumanbeing.’
Sheshiveredalittle.
‘Don’t,’shemurmured.‘Itsoundshorriblewhenyousayit
likethat.’
‘Yes–butitishorrible!’
Hepaused–thenhesaid:
‘Now,MissPlenderleith,IamgoingtotellyoujusthowI
arrivedatthetruthinthismatter.’
Shelooked,fromPoirottoJapp.Thelatterwassmiling.
109
‘Hehashismethods,MissPlenderleith,’hesaid.‘Ihumour
him,youknow.Ithinkwe’lllistentowhathehastosay.’
Poirotbegan:
‘Asyouknow,mademoiselle,Iarrivedwithmyfriendatthe
sceneofthecrimeonthemorningofNovemberthesixth.Te
wentintotheroomwherethebodyofMrsAllenhadbeen
foundandI.wasstruckatoncebyseveralsignificantdetails.
Therewerethings,yousee,inthatroomthatweredecidedly
odd.’
‘Goon,’saidthegirl.
‘Tobeginwith,’saidPoirot,‘therewthesmellofcigarette
smoke.’
‘Ithinkyou’reexaggeratingthere,Poirot,’saidJapp.‘I
didn’tsmellanything.’
Poirotturnedonhiminaflash.
‘Precisely.Youdidnotsmellanystalesmoke.NomoredidI.Andthatwasvery,verystrange–forthedoorandthewindow
werebothclosedandonanashtraytherewerethestubsofno
fewerthantencigarettes.Itwasodd,veryodd,thattheroom
shouldsmell–asitdid,perfectlyfresh.’
‘Sothat’swhatyouweregettingat!’Jappsighed.‘Always
havetogetatthingsinsuchatortuousway.’
‘YourSherlockHolmesdidthesame.Hedrewattention,
remember,tothecuriousincidentofthedoginthenighttime–andtheanswertothatwastherewasnocuriousincident.The
dogdidnothinginthenight-time.Toproceed:
‘Thenextthingthatattractedmyattentionwasawristwatch
wornbythedeadwoman.’
‘Whataboutit?’
‘Nothingparticularabout.it,butitwaswornonthe
wrist.Nowinmyexperienceitismoreusualforawatchtobe
wornontheleftwrist.’
Jappshruggedhisshoulders.Beforehecouldspeak,Poi,
hurriedon:
‘Butasyousay,thereisnothingverydefiniteaboutthat.
Somepeopleprefertowearoneontherighthand.AndnowI
110
cometosomethingreallyinteresting–Icome,myfriends,to
thewriting-bureau.’
‘Yes,Iguessedthat,’saidJapP.
‘Thatwasreallyveryodd–veryremarkable!Fortwo
reasons.Thefirstreasonwasthatsomethingwasmissingfrom
thatwriting-table.’
JanePlenderleithspoke.
‘Whatwasmissing?’
Poirotturnedtoher.
‘/1sheetofblotting-paper,mademoiselle.Theblotting-book
hadontopaclean,untouchedpieceofblotting-paper.’
Janeshruggedhershoulders.
‘Really,M.Poirot.Peopledooccasionallytearoffavery
muchusedsheet?
‘Yes,butwhatdotheydowithit?Throwitintothewastepaper
basket,dotheynot?Butitwasnotinthewastepaperbasket.Ilooked.’
lanePlenderleithseemedimpatient.
‘Becauseithadprobablybeenalreadythrownawaytheday
before.ThesheetwascleanbecauseBarbarahadn’twritten
anylettersthatday.’
‘Thatcouldhardlybethecase,mademoiselle.ForMrsAllen
wasseengoingtothepost-boxthatevening.Thereforeshemust
havebeenwritingletters.Shecouldnotwritedownstairs–there
werenowritingmaterials.Shewouldbehardlylikelytogotoyourroomtowrite.So,then,whathadhappenedtothesheet
ofpaperonwhichshehadblottedherletters?Itistruethat
peoplesometimesthrowthingsinthefireinsteadofthewastepaper
basket,buttherewasonlyagasfireintheroom.Andthefiredownstairshadnotbeenalightthepreviousday,dnceyoutold
meitwasalllaidreadywhenyouputamatchtoit.’
Hepaused.
‘Acuriouslittleproblem.Ilookedeverywhere,inthewastepaper
baskets,inthedustbin,butIcouldnotfredasheetof
usedblotting-paper–andthatseemedtomeveryimportant.It
lookedasthoughsomeonehaddeliberatelytakenthatsheetof
111
blottingpaperaway.Why?Becausetherewaswritingonitthat
couldeasilyhavebeenreadbyholdingituptoamirror.
‘Buttherewasasecondcuriouspointaboutthewriting-table.
Perhaps,Japp,yourememberroughlythearrangement
ofit?Blotterandinkstandinthecentre,pentraytotheleft,
calendarandquillpentotheright.Ehb/en?Youdonotsee?
Thequillpen,remember,Iexamined,itwasforshowonly–it
hadnotbeenused.Ah!stillyoudonotsee?Iwillsayitagain.
Blotterinthecentre,pentraytotheleft–totheleft,Japp.But
isitnotusualtofindapentrayontheright,convenienttothe
righthand?.
‘Ah,nowitcomestoyou,doesitnot?Thepentrayontheleft
–thewrist-watchontherightwrist–theblotting-paper
removed–andsomethingelsebroughtintotheroom–the
ashtraywiththecigaretteends!
‘Thatroomwasfreshandpuresmelling,Japp,aroomin
whichthewindowhadbeenopen,notclosedallnight…Anti
Imademyselfapicture.’
HespunroundandfacedJane.
‘Apictureofyou,mademoiselle,drivingupinyourtaxi,
payingitoff,runningupthestairs,callingperhaps,‘Barbara’
–andyouopenthedoorandyoufredyourfriendtherelying
deadwiththepistolclaspedinherhand–thelefthand,
naturally,sincesheisleft-handedandtherefore,too,thebullet
hasenteredontheleftrideofthehead.Thereisanotethere
addressedtoyou.Ittellsyouwhatitisthathasdrivenherto
takeherownlife.Itwas,Ifancy,averymovingletter…
young,gentle,unhappywomandrivenbyblackmailtotake/tar
life…
‘Ithinkthat,almostatonce,theideaflashedintoyourhead.
Thiswasacertainman’sdoing.Lethimbepunished–fully
andadequatelypunished!Youtakethepistol,wipeitand?!ace
itintherighthand.Youtakethenoteandyoutearoffthop
sheetoftheblotting-paperonwhichthenotehasbeenblowd.
Yougodown,lightthefireandputthembothontheflay
Thenyoucarryuptheashtray–tofurthertheillusionthat
peoplesattheretalking–andyoualsotakeupafragme:’
112
enamelcufflinkthatisonthefloor.Thatisaluckyfredandyou
expectittoclinchmatters.Thenyouclosethewindowandlock
thedoor.Theremustbenosuspicionthatyouhavetampered
withtheroom.Thepolicemustseeitexactlyasitis–soyoudo
notseekhelpinthemewsbutringupthepolicestraightaway.
‘Andsoitgoeson.Youplayyourchosenrtlewithjudgment
andcoolness.Yourefuseatfirsttosayanythingbutcleverly
yousuggestdoubtsofsuicide.Lateryouarequitereadytoset
usonthetrailofMajorEustace…
‘Yes,mademoiselle,itwasclever–averyclevermurder–for
thatiswhatitis.TheattemptedmurderofMajorEustace.’
JanePlenderleithsprangtoherfeet.
‘Itwasn’tmurder–itwasjustice.ThatmanhoundedpoorBarbaratoherdeath!Shewassosweetandhelpless.Yousee,
poorkid,shegotinvolvedwithamaninIndiawhenshefirst
wentout.Shewasonlyseventeenandhewasamarriedman
yearsolderthanher.Thenshehadababy.Shecouldhaveput
itinahomebutshewouldn’thearofthat.Shewentofftosome
outofthewayspotandcamebackcallingherselfMrsAllen.
Laterthechilddied.Shecamebackhereandshefellinlove
withCharles–thatpompous,stuffedowl;sheadoredhimand
hetookheradorationverycomplacently.Ifhehadbeena
differentkindofmanI’dhaveadvisedhertotellhim
everything.Butasitwas,Iurgedhertoholdhertongue.After
all,nobodyknewanythingaboutthatbusinessexceptme.
‘‘AndthenthatdevilEustaceturnedup!Youknowtherest.
Hebegantobleedhersystematically,butitwasn’ttillthatlast
eveningthatsherealisedthatshewasexposingCharlestoo,to
theriskofscandal.OncemarriedtoCharles,Eustacehadgot
hewantedher–marriedtoarichmanwithahorror
scandal!WhenEustacehadgonewiththemoneyshe
itover.Thenshecameupand
wrotealettertome.ShesaidshelovedCharlesandcouldn’t
livewithouthim,butthatforhisownsakeshemustn’tmarry
him.Shewastakingthebestwayout,shesaid.’
Janeflungherheadback.
113
‘DoyouwonderIdidwhatIdid?Andyoustandthere
callingitmurder!’
‘Becauseitismurder,’Poirot’svoicewasstem.‘Murdercan
sometimesseemjustified,butitismurderallthesame.Youare
truthfulandclear-minded–facethetruth,mademoiselle!
Yourfrienddied,inthelastresort,becauseshehadnotthe
couragetolive.Wemaysympathizewithher.Wemaypityher.
Butthefactremains–theactwashers–notanother.’
Hepaused.
‘Andyou?Thatmanisnowinprison,hewillservea‘,g
sentenceforothermatters.Doyoureallywish,ofyour,.,n
volition,todestroythelife–thelife,mind–ofanyhu?.:,n
being?’
Shestaredathim.Hereyesdarkened.Suddenly.;ne
muttered:
‘No.You’reright.Idon’t.’
Then,turningonherheel,shewentswiftlyfromthe
Theouterdoorbanged…
Jappgavealong–averyprolonged–whistle.
‘Well,I’mdamned?hesaid.
Poirotsatdownandsmiledathimamiably.Itwasqu:a
longtimebeforethesilencewasbroken.ThenJappsaid:
‘Notmurderdisguisedassuicide,butsuicidemadeto
likemurder!’
‘Yes,andverycleverlydone,too.Nothing
emphasized.’
Jappsaidsuddenly:
‘Buttheattache-case?Wheredidthatcomein?’
‘But,mydear,myverydearfriend,Ihavealreadytoldyou
thatitdidnotcomein.’
‘Thenwhy‘
‘Thegolfclubs.Thegolfclubs,Japp.Theywerethegolf..
ofaleft-handedperson.JanePlenderleithkeptherclulat
Wentworth.ThosewereBarbaraAllen’sclu3s.Nowonde
girlgot,asyousay,thewindupwhenweopenedat
cupboard.Herwholeplanmighthavebeenruined.Butsheis
114
quick,sherealizedthatshehad,foroneshortmoment,given
herselfaway.Shesawthatwesaw.Soshedoesthebestthing
shecanthinkofonthespurofthemoment.Shetriestofocus
ourattentiononthewrongobject.Shesaysoftheattache-case
“That’smine.I–itcamebackwithmethismorning.Sothere
can’tbeanythingthere.”And,asshehoped,awayyougoon
thefalsetrail.Forthesamereason,whenshesetsoutthe
followingdaytogetridofthegolfclubs,shecontinuestouse
theattache-caseasa–whatisit–kipperedherring?’
‘Redherring.Doyoumeanthatherrealobjectwas?’
‘Consider,myfriend.Whereisthebestplacetogetridofa
bagofgolfclubs?Onecannotburnthemorputthemina
dustbin.Ifoneleavesthemsomewheretheymaybereturned
toyou.MissPlenderleithtookthemtoagolfcourse.Sheleaves
themintheclubhousewhileshegetsacoupleofironsfromher
ownbag,andthenshegoesroundwithoutacaddy.Doubtless
atjudiciousintervalsshebreaksaclubinhalfandthrowsitinto
somedeepundergrowth,andendsbythrowingtheemptybag
away.Ifanyoneshouldf’mdabrokengolfclubhereandthere
itwillnotcreatesurprise.Peoplehavebeenknowntobreakand
throwawayalltheirclulasinamoodofintenseexasperation
overthegame!Itis,infact,thatkindofgame!
‘Butsincesherealizesthatheractionsmaystillbeamatter
0finterest,shethrowsthatusefulredherring–theattache-case
–inasomewhatspectacularmannerintothelake–andthat,my
friend,isthetruthof“TheMysteryoftheAttache-Case.”‘
Japplookedathisfriendforsomemomentsinsilence.Then
herose,clappedhimontheshoulder,andburstoutlaughing.
‘Notsobadforanolddog!Uponmyword,youtakethe
cake!Comeoutandhaveaspotoflunch?’
‘Withpleasure,myfriend,butwewillnothavethecake.
Indeed,anOmeletteauxChampignons,BlanquettedeVeau,
PetitspoislaFrancaise,and–tofollow–aBabaauRhum.’
:’Leadmetoit,’saidJapp.
115
TRI’qqEATRHODES
CHAFIJRl
1
P‘glb,Ste’i‘
scarefullydressedinaandified
fashionini:.’ff.annelsandalargenanama.–
h
ute/.,.,
ko
‘”-v”x’ted
his
ead.
He
-,Ae;-dtotheold-fashionedenerafi0·
ga
which
believedlZvo
,
hgitselfcarefullyfromthesun.Mi
Lw
*
‘
‘
‘‘sPamela
yall,hetach
,ldehimandtalked
ceaselessly,
re,re
tm
”·sented
heoden
blofthoughtmthatshewas
w·
bst..v,.ekfng
the
are
mm:17clothingon
hersun-browned
person.
occasio
ly
e
rflowofconversationstoppedWhilstshe
reanointed
rfromabottleofoilyfluid
whichstoodbeside
her.
Onthel
alt
,ldeof
MissPamelaLyallher·
·%e
,..greatfnen(,
MssSara
ltffqlayfacedownwardsonagaudily
-st4?e,j
towel.Mis,
-‘o:stanningwasas.perfect
as
ssible
if‘d
ar
,
.,poandier
hen
cast%y.tieagmncesathermorethanonce
I
msoatchj
ll,shemurmured
regretfully
M,
Poirot–
wouldyou.djtiistbelo,wthe
rightshoulder-blade–Ican’t
reachtoruhi..liroperly.
M.Poir
thpi.
dandthenwipedhisoilhandcar
h’
o,
,/·.
.?
ffullyon
ishandkethi(,ati?hssLyall,whosepnncipal
interests
in
life
were
the
ohw4nl)n
of
people
round
her
and
the
souhd
of
her
own
voice,ed
to
talk
a
.tll
‘
I.w(rs,nt
aDhat
wo.
man
the
onen
theChanelmodel
–ts
me,he
at?es
–
tnantry,
I
mean.
I
thought
it
was.
I
rec
°
gnizedhe
r?n)nce.
She’s
really
rather
marvellous,
isn’t
she?
I
meant
‘
–
sJ/.,;nderstand
how
people
go
uite
er
t
car/el.
q
av
abou
her.
ane
lulll—syexpectsthem
to!
That’s
halfthe
battle.
116
ThoseotherpeoplewhocamelastnightarecalledGold.He’s
terriblygood-looking.’
‘Honeymooners?’murmuredSarahinastifledvoice.
MissLyallshookherheadinanexperiencedmanner.
‘Oh,no–herclothesaren’tnewenough.Youcanalwaystell
brides!Don’tyouthinkit’sthemostfascinatingthinginthe
worldtowatch’people,M.Poirot,andseewhatyoucanfred
outaboutthembyjustlooking?’
‘Notjustlooking,darling,’saidSarahsweetly.‘Youaskalot
ofquestions,too.’
‘Ihaven’tevenspokentotheGoldsyet,’saidMissLyall
withdignity.‘AndanywayIdon’tsewhyoneshouldn’tbe
interestedinone’sfellow-creatures?Humannatureissimply
fascinating.Don’tyouthinkso,M.Poirot?’
Thistimeshepausedlongenoughtoallowhercompanionto
reply.
Withouttakinghiseyesoffthebluewater,M.Poirotreplied:
Pamelawasshocked.
‘Oh,M.Poirot!Idon’tthinkanything’ssointeresting–so
incalculableasahumanbeing!’
‘Incalculable?That,no.’
‘Oh,buttheyare.Justasyouthinkyou’vegotthem
beautifullytaped–theydosomethingcompletelyunexpected.’
HerculePoirotshookhishead.
‘No,no,thatisnottrue.Itismostrarethatanyonedoesan
actionthatisnotclanssoncaractbre.Itisintheend
monotonous.’
‘Idon’tagreewithyouatall!’saidMissPamelaLyall.
Shewassilentforquiteaminuteandahalfbeforereturning
totheattack.
‘AssoonasIseepeopleIbeginwonderingaboutthemwhat
they’relike–whatrelationstheyaretoeachother–what
they’rethinkingandfeeling.It’s–oh,it’squitethrilling.’
‘Hardlythat,’saidHerculePoirot.‘Naturerepeatsherself
morethanonewouldimagine.Thesea,’headdedthoughtfully,
‘hasinfinitelymorevariety.’
117
Sarahturnedherheadsidewaysandasked:
‘Youthinkthathumanbeingstendtoreproducecertain
patterns?Stereotypedpatterns?’
‘Prcisment,’saidPoirot,andtracedadesigninthesand
withhis￡mger.
‘What’sthatyou’redrawing?’askedPamelacuriously.
‘Atriangle,’saidPoirot.
ButPamela’sattentionhadbeendivertedelsewhere.
‘HerearetheChantrys,’shesaid.
Awomanwascomingdownthebeach–atallwoman,very
consciousofherselfandherbody.Shegaveahalf-nodand
smileandsatdownalittledistanceawayonthebeach.The
scarletandgoldsilkwrapslippeddownfromhershoulders.
Shewaswearingawhitebathing-dress.
Pamelasighed.
‘Hasn’tshegotalovelyfigure?’
ButPoirotwaslookingatherface–thefaceofawomanof
thirty-ninewhohadbeenfamoussincesixteenforherbeauty.
Heknew,aseveryoneknew,allaboutValentineChantry,.
Shehadbeenfamousformanythings–forhercaprices,forher
wealth,forherenormoussapphire-blueeyes,forhermatrimonial
venturesandadventures.Shehadhadfivehusbands
andinnumerablelovers.Shehadinmmbeenthewifeofan
Italiancount,ofarAmericansteelmagnate,ofatennis
professional,ofaracingmotorist.OfthesefourtheAmerican
haddied,buttheothershadbeenshednegligentlyinthe
divorcecourt.Sixmonthsagoshehadmarriedafifthtimea
commanderinthe.navy.
Heitwaswhocamestridingdownthebeachbehindher.
Silent,dark–withapugnaciousjawandasullenmanner.A
touchoftheprimevalapeabouthim.
Shesaid:
‘Tonydarling–mycigarettecase…’
Hehaditreadyforher–lightedhercigarette–helpedher
toslipthestrapsofthewhitebathing-dressfromhershoulders.
Shelay,armsoutstretchedinthesun.Hesatbyherlikesome
wildbeastthatguardsitprey.
118
Pamelasaid,h.hervoicejustloweredsufficiently:
‘Youknow:eyinvestmefrightfully…He’ssuchabrute!
Sosilentand–m0sortofgIowering.Isupposeawomanofherkind
likesthat.Itrmstmstbelecontrollingatiger!Iwonderhowlong
itwilllast.Skoaegettiredofthemverysoon,Ibelieve-especially
noWflabadays.Allthesame,ifshetriedtogetridofhim,
Ithinkhemight;rhtbedangerous.’
Anothercouphlplecaedownthebeach–rathershyly.They
werethenewC0,mers0fthenightbefore.MxandMxsDouglas
GoldasMissL:JLyallknewfromherinspectionofthehotel
visitors’book.Sheknew,too,forsuchweretheItalian
regulations–teiiaeirClfistiannamesandtheiragesassetdown
fromtheirpasspotports.
MrDouglaCaxeronGoldwasthirty-oneandMrs
MarjorieEmroPAGoldwasthirty-five.
MissLyall’shobbyinlife,ashasbeensaid,wasthestudyof
humanbeings.IhTUnlikemostEnglishpeople,shewascapableof
speakingtostmgangersonsightinsteadofallowingfourdaysto
aweektoelaplebeforemakingthefirstcautiousadvanceasis
thecustomarygnl3ritishhabit.She,therefore,notingtheslight
hesitancyandshy/ynessofMrsGold’sadvance,calledout:
‘Goodmolng,isn’titalovelyday?’
MrsGoldwasm.sasmallwoman–ratherlikeamouse.Shewas
notbad-loolg,g,indeedherfeatureswereregularandher
complexiong00cl-.bd,butshehadacertainairofdiffidenceand
dowdinessthata,anadeherliabletobeoverlooked.Herhusband,
ontheotherhcbxd,wasextremelygood-looking,inanalmost
theatricalmm:er.Veryfair,crisplycurlinghair,blueeyes,
broadshoulden,a,narrowhips.Helookedmorelikeayoung
manonthestaytethanayoungmaninreallife,butthemoment
heopenedhisnarnouththatimpressionfaded.Hewasquite
naturalandzrff,fected,even,perhaps,alittlestupid.
MrsGoldl00keedgratefullyatPamelaandsatdownnearher.
‘Whata]0vel3lelyshadeofbrownyouare.Ifeelterribly
underdone!’
‘Onehastok,keafrightfullotoftroubletobrownevenly,’
sighedMissLtILll.
119
Shepausedaminuteandthenwenton:
‘You’veonlyjustarrived,haven’tyou?’
‘Yes.Lastnight.WecameontheVapod’Italiaboat.’
‘HaveyoueverbeentoRhodesbefore?’
‘No.Itislovely,isn’tit?’
Herhusbandsaid:
‘Pityit’ssuchalongwaytocome.’
‘Yes,ifitwereonlynearerEngland‘
InamuffledvoiceSarahsaid:
‘Yes,butthenitwouldbeawful.Rowsandrowsofpeople
laidoutlikefishonaslab.Bodieseverywhere!’
‘That’strue,ofcourse,’saidDouglasGold.‘It’sanuisance
theItalianexchangeissoabsolutelyruinousatpresent.’
‘Itdoesmakeadifference,doesn’tit?’
Theconversationwasrunningonstrictlystereotypedlines.
Itcouldhardlyhavebeencalledbrilliant.
Alittlewayalongthebeach,ValentineChantrystirredand
satup.Withonehandsheheldherbathing-dressinposition
acrossherbreast.
Sheyawned,awideyetdelicatecat-likeyawn.Sheglanced
casuallydownthebeach.HereyesslantedpastMarjorieGold
–andstayedthoughtfullyonthecrisp,goldenheadofDouglas
Gold.
Shemovedhershoulderssinuously.Shespokeandhervoice
wasraisedalittlehigherthanitneedhavebeen.
‘Tonydarling–isn’titdivine–thissun?Isimplymusthave
beenasunworshipperonce–don’tyouthinkso?’
Herhusbandgruntedsomethinginreplythatfailedtoreach
theothers.VaienfineChantrywentoninthathigh,drawling
voice.
‘Justpullthattowelalittleflatter,willyou,darling?’
Shetookinfinitepainsintheresettlingofherbeautifulbody.
‘DouglasGoldwaslookingnow.Hiseyeswerefrankly
interested.
MrsGoldchirpedhappilyinasubduedkeytoMissLyall.
‘Whatabeautifulwoman!’
120
Pamela,asdelightedtogiveastoreceiveinformation,
repliedinalowervoice:
‘That’sValentineChantry–youknow,whousedtobe
ValentineDacres–sheisrathermarvellous,isn’tshe?He’s
simplycrazyabouther–won’tletheroutofhissight!’
MrsGoldlookedoncemorealongthebeach.Thenshesaid:
‘Theseareallyislovely–soblue.Ithinkweoughttogoin
now,don’tyou,Douglas?’
HewasstillwatchingValentineChantryandtookaminute
ortwotoanswer.Thenhesaid,ratherabsently:
‘Goin?Oh,yes,rather,inaminute.’
MarjorieGoldgotupandstrolleddowntothewater’sedge.
ValentineChantryrolledoveralittleononeside.Hereyes
lookedalongatDouglasGold.Herscarletmouthcurved
faintlyintoasmile.
TheneckofMrDouglasGoldbecameslightlyred.
ValentineChantrysaid:
‘Tonydarling–wouldyoumind?Iwantalittlepotofface-cream
–it’suponthedressing-table.Imeanttobringitdown.
Dogetitforme–there’sanangel.’
Thecommanderroseobediently.Hestalkedoffintothe
hotel.
MarjorieGoldplungedintothesea,callingout:
‘It’slovely,Douglas–sowarm.Docome.’
PamelaLyallsaidtohim:
‘Aren’tyougoingin?’
Heansweredvaguely:
‘Oh!Iliketogetwellhot-tedupfirst.’
ValentineChantrystirred.Herheadwasliftedforamoment
asthoughtorecallherhusband–buthewasjustpassinginside
thewallofthehotelgarden.
‘Ilikemydipthelastthing,’explainedMrGold.
MrsChantrysatupagain.Shepickedupaflaskofsun-bathing
oil.Shehadsomedifficultywithit–thescrewtop
seemedtoresistherefforts.
Shespokeloudlyandpetulantly.
‘Oh,dear–Ican’tgetthisthingundone!’
121
Shelookedtowardstheothergroup‘I
wonder‘
Alwaysgallant,Poirotrosetohisfeet,butDouglasGoldhad
theadvantageofyouthandsuppleness.Hewasbyhersidein
amoment.
‘CanIdoitforyou?’
‘Oh,thankyou-‘Itwasthesweet,emptydrawlagain.
‘Youarekind.I’msuchafoolatundoingthings–Ialways
seemtoscrewthemthewrongway.Oh!you’vedoneit!Thank
youeversomuch-‘
HerculePoirotsmiledtohimself.
Hegotupandwanderedalongthebeachintheopposite
direction.Hedidnotgoveryfarbuthisprogresswasleisurely.
Ashewasonhiswayback,MrsGoldcameoutoftheseaand
joinedhim.Shehadbeenswimming.Herface,undera
singularlyunbecomingbathingcap,wasradiant.
Shesaidbreathlessly,‘Idolovethesea.Andit’ssowarmand
love.lyhere.’
Shewas,heperceived,anenthusiasticbather.
Shesaid,‘DouglasandIaresimplymadonbathing,tiecan
stayinforhours.’
AndatthatlierculePoirot’seyesslidoverhershoulderto
thespotonthebeachwherethatenthusiasticbather,Mr
DouglasGold,wassittingtalkingtoValentineChantry.
Hiswifesaid:
‘Ican’tthinkwhyhedoesn’tcome…’
Hervoiceheldakindofchildishbewilderment.
Poirot’seyesrestedthoughtfullyonValentineChantry.He
thoughtthatotherwomenintheirtimehadmadethatsame
remark.
Besidehim,heheardMrsGolddrawinherbreathsharply.
Shesaid–andhervoicewascold:
‘She’ssupposedtobeveryattractive,Ibelieve.ButDouglas
doesn’tlikethattypeofwoman.’
HerculePoirotdidnotreply.
MrsGoldplungedintotheseaagain.
122
Sheswamawayfromtheshorewithslow,steadystrokes.
Youcouldseethatshelovedthewater.
Poirotretracedhisstepstothegrouponthebeach.
IthadbeenaugmentedbythearrivalofoldGeneralBarnes,
aveteranwhowasusuallyinthecompanyoftheyoung.Hewas
sittingnowbetweenPamelaandSarah,andheandPamela
wereengagedindishingupvariousscandalswithappropriate
embellishments.
CommanderChantryhadreturnedfromhiserrand.Heand
DouglasGoldweresittingoneithersideofValentine.
Valentinewassittingupverystraightbetweenthetwomen
andtalking.Shetalkedeasilyandlightlyinhersweet,drawling
voice,turningherheadtotakefirstonemanandthentheother
intheconversation.
Shewasjustfinishingananecdote.
‘-andwhatdoyouthinkthefoolishmansaid?“Itmayhave
beenonlyaminut,e,butI’drememberyouanywhere,Mum!”
Didn’the,Tony?Andyouknow,Ithoughtitwassosweetof
him.Idothinkit’ssuchakindworld–Imean,everybodyisso
frightfullykindtomealways–Idon’tknowwhy–theyjustare.
ButIsaidtoTony–d’youremember,darling–“Tony,ifyou
wanttobeateeny-weenybitjealous,youcanbejealousofthat
commissionaire.”Becausehereallywastooadorable…’
TherewasapauseandDouglasGoldsaid:
‘Goodfellows–someofthesecommissionaires.’
‘Oh,yes–buthetooksuchtrouble–reallyanimmense
amountoftrouble–andseemedjustpleasedtobeabletohelp
me.’
DouglasGoldsaid:
‘Nothingoddaboutthat.Anyonewouldforyou,I’msure.’
Shecrieddelightedly:
‘Howniceofyou!Tony,didyouhearthat?’
CommanderChantrygrunted.
Hiswifesighed:
‘Tonynevermakesprettyspeeches–doyou,mylamb?’
Herwhitehandwithitslongrednailsruffleduphisdark
head.
123
Hegaveherasuddensidelonglook.Shemurmured:
‘Idon’treallyknowhowheputsupwithme.He’ssimply
frightfullyclever–absolutelyfranticwithbrains–andIjustgo
ontalkingnonsensethewholetime,buthedoesn’tseemto
mind.NobodymindswhatIdoorsay–everybodyspoilsme.
I’msureit’sfrightfullybadforme.’
-CommanderChantrysaidacrosshertotheotherman:
‘Thatyourmissusinthesea?’
‘Yes.Expectit’sabouttimeIjoir;edher.’
Valentinemurmured:
‘Butit’ssolovelyhereinthesun.Youmustn’tgointothesea
yet.Tonydarling,Idon’tthinkIshallactuallybathetodaynot
myfirstday.Imightgetachillorsomething.Butwhy
don’tyougoinnow,Tonydarling?Mr–MrGoldwillstayand
keepmecompanywhileyou’rein.’
Chantrysaidrathergrimly:
‘No,thanks.Shan’tgoinjustyet.Yourwifeseemstobe
wavingtoyou,Gold.’
Valentinesaid:
‘Howwellyourwifeswims.I’msureshe’soneofthose
terriblyefficientwomenwhodoeverythingwell.Theyalways
frightenmesobecauseIfeeltheydespiseme.I’msofrightfully
badateverything–anabsoluteduffe?,aren’tI,Tonydarling?’
ButagainCommanderChantryonlygrunted.
Hiswifemurmuredaffectionately:
‘You’retoosweettoadmitit.Menaresowonderfullyloyal–that’swhatIlikeaboutthem.Idothinkmenaresomuchmoreloyalthanwomen–andtheyneversaynastythings.
Women,Ialwaysthink,areratherpetty.’
SarahBlakerolledoveronhersidetowardsPoirot.
Shemurmuredbetweenherteeth.
‘Examplesofpettiness,tosuggestthatdearMrsChantryis
inanywaynotabsoluteperfection!Whatacompleteidiotthe
womanisIIreallydothinkValentineChantryisverynearlythe
mostidioticwomanIevermet.Shecan’tdoanythingbutsay,
“Tony,darling,”androllhereyes.Ishouldfancyshe’dgot
cottonwoolpaddinginsteadofbrains.’
124
Poirotraisedhisexpressiveeyebrows.
‘Unpeusbore,t’
‘Oh,yes.Putitdownaspure“Cat,”ifyoulike.Shecertainly
hashermethods!Can’tsheleaveanymanalone?Her
husband’slookinglikethunder.’
Lookingouttosea,Poirotremarked:
‘MrsGoldswimswell.’
‘Yes,sheisn’tlikeuswhof’mditanuisancetogetwet.I
wonderifMrsChantrywillevergointotheseaatallwhileshe’s
outhere.’
‘Notshe,’saidGeneralBarneshuskily.‘Shewon’triskthat
make-upofherscomingoff.Notthatsheisn’taf’me-looking
womanalthoughperhapsabitlonginthetooth.’
‘She’slookingyourway,General,’saidSarahwickedly.
‘Andyou’rewrongaboutthemake-up.We’reallwaterproof
andkissproofnowadays.’
‘MrsGold’scomingout,’announcedPamela.
‘Herewegogatheringnutsandmay,’hummedSarah.‘Here
comeshiswifetofetchhimaway–fetchhimaway–fetchhim
away…’
MrsGoldcamestraightupthebeach.Shehadquiteapretty
figurebutherplain,waterproofcapwasrathertooserviceable
tobeattractive.
‘Aren’tyoucoming,Douglas?’shedemandedimpatiently.
‘Theseaislovelyandwarm.’
‘Rather.’
DouglasGoldrosehastilytohisfeet.Hepausedamoment
andashedidsoValentineChantrylookedupathimwitha
sweetsmile.
‘Aurevolt,’shesaid.
Goldandhiswifewentdownthebeach.
Assoonastheywereoutofearshot,Pamelasaidcritically:
‘Idon’tthink,youknow,thatthatwaswise.Tosnatchyour
husbandawayfromanotherwomanisalwaysbadpolicy.It
makesyouseemsopossessive.Andhusbandshatethat.’
‘Youseemtoknowalotabouthusbands,MissPamela,’said
GeneralBarnes.
125
‘Otherpeople’s–notmyown!’
‘Ah!that’swherethedifferencecomesin.’
‘Yes,butGeneral,IshallhavelearntalotofDoNots.’
‘Well,darling,’saidSarah,‘Ishouldn’twearacaplikethat
foronething…’
‘Seemsverysensibletome,’saidtheGeneral.‘Seemsanice,
sensiblelittlewomanaltogether.’
‘You’vehititexactly,General,’saidSarah.‘Butyouknow
there’salimittothesensiblenessofsensiblewomen.Ihavea
feelingshewon’tbesosensiblewhenit’sacaseofValentine
Chantry.’
Sheturnedherheadandexclaimedinalow,excited
whisper:
‘Lookathimnow.Justlikethunder.Thatmanlooksas
thoughhehadgotthemostfrightfultemper…’
CommanderChantrywasindeedscowlingaftertheretreating
husbandandwifeinasingularlyunpleasantfashion.
SusanlookedupatPoirot.
‘Well?’shesaid.‘Whatdoyoumakeofallthis?’
HerculePoirotdidnotreplyinwords,butonceagainhis
forefingertracedadesigninthesand.Thesamedesign–atriangle.
‘Theeternaltriangle,’musedSusan.‘Perhapsyou’reright.
Ifso,we’reinforanexcitingtimeinthenextfewweeks.’
CHAPTER2
M.HerculePoirotwasdisappointedwithRhodes.Hehad
cometoRhodesforarestandforaholiday.Aholiday,
especially,fromcrime.InlateOctober,sohehadbeentold,
Rhodeswouldbenearlyempty.Apeaceful,secludedspot.
That,initself,wastrueenough.TheChantrys,theGolds,
PamelaandSusan,theGeneralandhimselfandtwoItalian
126
couplesweretheonlyguests.ButwithinthatrestrictedcircletheintelligentbrainofM.Poirotperceivedtheinevitable
shapingofeventstocome.
‘ItisthatIamcriminal-minded,’hetoldhimselfreproachfully.
‘Ihavetheindigestion!Iimaginethings.’
Butstillheworried.
OnemorninghecamedowntofredMrsGoldsittingonthe
terracedoingneedlework.
Ashecameuptoherhehadtheimpressionthattherewas
theflickerofacambrichandkerchiefswiftlywhiskedoutof
sight.
MrsGold’seyesweredry,buttheyweresuspiciouslybright.
Hermanner,too,struckhimasbeingashadetoocheerful.The
brightnessofitwasashadeoverdone.
Shesaid:
‘Goodmorning,M.Poirot,’withsuchenthusiasmasto
arousehisdoubts.
Hefeltthatshecouldnotpossiblybequiteaspleasedtosee
himassheappearedtobe.Forshedidnot,afterall,knowhim
verywell.AndthoughHerculePoirotwasaconceitedlittle
manwherehisprofessionwasconcerned,hewasquitemodest
inhisestimateofhispersonalattractions.
‘Goodmorning,madame,’heresponded.‘Anotherbeautiful
day.’
‘Yes,isn’titfortunate?ButDouglasandIarealwayslucky
inourweather.’
‘Indeed?’
‘Yes.We’rereallyveryluckyaltogether.Youknow,M.
Poirot,whenoneseessomuchtroubleandunhappiness,andso
manycouplesdivorcingeachotherandallthatsortofthing,
well,onedoesfeelverygratefulforone’sownhappiness.’
‘Itispleasanttohearyousayso,madame.’
‘Yes.DouglasandIaresowonderfullyhappytogether.
We’vebeenmarriedfiveyears,youknow,andafterall,five
yearsisquitealongtimenowadays‘
‘Ihavenodoubtthatinsomecasesitcanseemaneternity,
madame,’saidPoirotdryly.
127
‘-butIreallybelievethatwe’rehappiernowthanwhenwe
werefirstmarried.Yousee,we’resoabsolutelysuitedtoeach
other.’
‘That,ofcourse,iseverything.’
‘That’swhyIfeelsosorryforpeoplewhoaren’thappy.’
‘Youmean‘
‘Oh!Iwasspeakinggenerally,M.Poirot.’
‘Isee.Isee.’
MrsGoldpickedupastrandofsilk,heldittothelight,
approvedofit,andwereon:
‘MrsChantry,forinstance‘
‘Yes,MrsChantry?’
‘Idon’tthinkshe’satallanicewoman.’
‘No.No,perhapsnot.’
‘Infact,I’mquitesureshe’snotanicewoman.Butinaway
onefeelssorryforher.Becauseinspiteofhermoneyandher
goodlooksandallthat’–MrsGold’sfingersweretrembling
andshewasquiteunabletothreadherneedle–‘she’snotthe
sortofwomanmenreallystickto.She’sthesortofwoman,I
think,thatmenwouldgettiredofveryeasily.Don’tyouthink
so?’
‘Imyselfshouldcertainlygettiredofherconversation
beforeanygreatspaceoftimehadpassed,’saidPoirot
cautiously.
‘Yes,that’swhatImean.Shehas,ofcourse,akindofappeal
…’MrsGoldhesitated,herlipstrembled,shestabbed
uncertainlyatherwork.AlessacuteobserverthanHercule
Poirotcouldnothavefailedtonoticeherdistress.Shewenton
inconsequently:
Thenarejustlikechildren!Theybelieveanything…’
Shebentoverherwork.Thetinywispofcambriccameout
againunobtrusively.
PerhapsHerculePoirotthoughtitwelltochangethe
subject.
Hesaid:
‘Youdonotbathethismorning?Andmonsieuryour
husband,ishedownonthebeach?’
128
MrsGoldlookedup,blinked,resumedheralmostdefiantly
brightmannerandreplied:
‘No,notthismorning.Wearrangedtogoroundthewallsof
theoldcity.Butsomehoworotherwe–wemissedeachother.
Theystartedwithoutme.’
Thepronounwasrevealing,butbeforePoirotcouldsay
anything,GeneralBarnescameupfromthebeachbelowand
droppedintoachairbesidethem.
‘Goodmorning,MrsGold.Goodmorning,Poirot.Both
desertersthismorning?Alotofabsentees.Youtwo,andyour
husband,MrsGold–andMrsChantry.’
‘AndCommanderChantry?’inquiredPoirotcasually.
‘Oh,no,he’sdownthere.MissPamela’sgothiminhand.’
TheGeneralchuckled.‘She’sfindinghimalittlebitdifficult!
Oneofthestrong,silentmenyouhearaboutinbooks.’
MarjorieGoldsaidwithalittleshiver:
‘Hefrightensmealittle,thatman.He–helookssoblack
sometimes.Asthoughhemightdo–anything!’
Sheshivered.
‘Justindigestion,Iexpect,’saidtheGeneralcheerfully.
‘Dyspepsiaisresponsibleformanyareputationforromantic
melancholyorungovernablerages.’
MarjorieGoldsmiledapolitelittlesmile.
‘Andwhere’syourgoodman?’inquiredtheGeneral.
Herreplycamewithouthesitation–inanatural,cheerful
voice.
‘Douglas?Oh,heandMrsChantryhavegoneintothetown.
Ibelievethey’vegonetohavealookatthewallsoftheoldcity.’
‘Ha,yes–veryinteresting.Timeofthelmightsandallthat.
Yououghttohavegonetoo,littlelady.’
MrsGoldsaid:
‘I’mafraidIcamedownratherlate.’
Shegotupsuddenlywithamurmuredexcuseandwentinto
thehotel.‘
GeneralBarneslookedafterherwithaconcernedexpression,
shakinghisheadgently.
‘Nicelittlewoman,that.Worthadozenpaintedtrollopslike
129
someonewhosenamewewon’tmention!Ha!Husband’sa
fool!Doesn’tknowwhenhe’swelloff.’
Heshookhisheadagain.Then,rising,hewentindoors.
SarahBlakehadjustcomeupfromthebeachandhadheard
theGeneral’slastspeech.
Makingafaceatthedepartingwarrior’sback,sheremarked
assheflungherselfintoachair:
‘Nicelittlewoman–nicelittlewoman!Menalwaysapprove
ofdowdywomen–butwhenitcomestobrasstacksthedress-up
trollopswinhandsdown!Sad,butthereitis.’
‘Mademoiselle,’saidPoirot,andhisvoicewasabrupt.‘Ido
notlikeallthis!’
‘Don’tyou?NordoI.No,let’sbehonest,IsupposeIdo.likeitreally.Thereisahorridsideofonethatenjoysaccidentsand
publiccalamitiesandunpleasantthingsthathappentoone’s
friends.’
Poirotasked:
‘WhereisCommanderChantry?’
‘OnthebeachbeingdissectedbyPamela(she’senjoying
herselfifyoulike!)andnotbeingimprovedintemperbythe
proceeding.HewaslookinglikeathundercloudwhenIcame
up.Therearesquallsahead,believeme.’
Poirotmurmured:
‘ThereissomethingIdonotunderstand‘
‘It’snoteasytounderstand,’saidSarah.‘Butwhat’sgoingtohappenthat’sthequestion.’
Poirotshookhisheadandmurmured:
‘Asyousay,mademoiselle–itisthefuturethatcausesone
inquietude.’
‘Whatanicewayofputtingit,’saidSarahandwentintothe
hotel.
InthedoorwayshealmostcollidedwithDouglasGold.The
youngmancameoutlookingratherpleasedwithhimselfbutat
thesametimeslightlyguilty.Hesaid:
‘Hallo,M.Poirot,’andaddedratherself-consciously,‘Been
showingMrsChantrytheCrusaders’walls.Marjoriedidn’t
feeluptogoing.’
130
Poirot’seyebrowsroseslightly,butevenhadhewishedhe
wouldhavehadnotimetomakeacommentforValentine
Chantrycamesweepingout,cryinginherhighvoice:
‘Douglas–apinkgin–positivelyImusthaveapinkgin.’
DouglasGoldwentofftoorderthedrink.Valentinesank
intoachairbyPoirot.Shewaslookingradiantthismorning.
ShesawherhusbandandPamelacominguptowardsthem
andwavedahand,cryingout:
‘Haveanicebathe,Tonydarling?Isn’titadivinemorning?’
CommanderChantrydidnotanswer.Heswungupthe
steps,passedherwithoutawordoralookandvanishedintothe
bar.
Hishandswereclenchedbyhissidesandthatfaintlikeness
toagorillawasaccentuated.
ValentineChantry’sperfectbutratherfoolishmouthfell
open.
Shesaid,‘Oh,’ratherblankly.
PamelaLyall’sfaceexpressedkeenenjoymentofthe
situation.Maskingitasfaraswaspossibletooneofher
ingenuousdispositionshesatdownbyValentineChantryand
inquired:
‘Haveyouhadanicemorning?’
AsValentinebegan,‘Simplymarvellous.We-‘Poirotgot
upandinhisturnstrolledgentlytowardsthebar.Hefound
youngGoldwaitingforthepinkginwithaflushedface.He
lookeddisturbedandangry.
HesaidtoPoirot,‘Thatman’sabrute!’Andhenoddedhis
headinthedirectionoftheretreatingfigureofCommander
Chantry.
‘Itispossible,’saidPoirot.‘Yes,itisquitepossible.Butles
femmes,theylikebrutes,rememberthat!’
Douglasmuttered:
‘Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifheill-treatsher?
‘Sheprobablylikesthattoo.’
DouglasGoldlookedathiminapuzzledway,tookupthe
pinkginandwentoutwithit.
HerculePoirotsatonastoolandorderedadropdeca.sds.
131
Whilsthewassippingitwithlongsighsofenjoyment,Chantry
cameinanddrankseveralpinkginsinrapidsuccession.
Hesaidsuddenlyandviolentlytotheworldatlargerather
thantoPoirot:
‘IfValentinethinksshecangetridofmelikeshe’sgotridof
alotofotherdamnedfools,she’smistaken!I’vegotherandI
meantokeepher.Nootherfellow’sgoingtogetherexceptover
mydeadbody.’
Heflungdownsomemoney,turnedonhisheelandwent
out.
CHAPTER3
ItwasthreedayslaterthatHerculePoirotwenttotheMount
oftheProphet.Itwasacool,agreeabledrivethroughthe
goldengreenfirtrees,windinghigherandhigher,farabovethe
pettywranglingandsquabblingofhumanbeings.Thecar
stoppedattherestaurant.Poirotgotoutandwanderedintothe
woods.Hecameoutatlastonaspotthatseemedtrulyontop
oftheworld.Farbelow,deeplyanddazzlinglyblue,wasthe
sea.
Hereatlasthewasatpeace–removedfromcares–abovethe
world.Carefullyplacinghisfoldedovercoatonatreestump,
HerculePoirotsatdown.
‘DoubtlesslebonDieuknowswhathedoes.Butitisoddthat
heshouldhavepermittedhimselftofashioncertainhuman
beings.Ehtnb,n,hereforawhileatleastIamawayfromthese
vexingproblems.’Thushemused.
Helookedupwithastart.Alittlewotmminabrowncoatand
skirtwashurryingtowardshim.ItwasMarjorieGoldandthis
timeshehadabandonedallpretence.Herfacewaswetwith
tears.
Poirotcouldnotescape.Shewasuponhim.
132
‘M.Poirot.You’vegottohelpme.I’msomiserableIdon’t
knowwhattodo!Oh,whatshallIdo?WhatshallIdo?’
Shelookedupathimwithadistractedface.Herfingers
fastenedonhiscoatsleeve..Then,assomethingshesawinhis
facealarmedher,shedrewbackalittle.
‘What–whatisit?’shefaltered.
‘Youwantmyadvice,madame?Itisthatyouask?’
Shestammered,‘Yes…Yes…’
‘Ehtnn–hereitis.’Hespokecurtly–trenchantly.‘Leave
thisplaceatonce–beforeitistoolate.’
‘What?’Shestaredathim.
‘Youheardme.Leavethisisland.’
‘Leavetheisland?’
Shestaredathimstupefied.
‘ThatiswhatIsay.’
‘Butwhy–why?’
‘Itismyadvicetoyou–ifyouvalueyourlife.’
Shegaveagasp.
‘Oh!whatdoyoumean?You’refrighteningme–you’re
frighteningme.’
‘Yes,’saidPoirotgravely,‘thatismyintention.’
Shesankdown,herfaceinherhands.
‘ButIcan’t!Hewouldn’tcome!Douglaswouldn’t,Imean.
Shewouldn’tlethim.She’sgotholdofhim–bodyandsoul.
Hewon’tlistentoanythingagainsther…He’scrazyabouther
…Hebelieveseverythingshetellshim–thatherhusbandill-treats
her–thatshe’saninjuredinnocent–thatnobodyhas
everunderstoodher…Hedoesn’teventhinkaboutmeany
more–Idon’tcount–I’mnotrealtohim.Hewantsmetogive
himhisfdom–todivorcehim.Hebelievesthatshe’ll
divorceherhusbandandmarryhim.ButI’mafraid…
Chantrywon’tgiveherup.He’s’hotthatkindoffium.Last
nightsheshowedDouglasbraisesonherarm–saidher
husbandhaddoneit.ItmadeDouglaswild..He’ssochivalrous
…Oh!I’mafraid!Whatwillcomeofitall?Tellmewhatto
do!’
133
HerculePoirotstoodlookingstraightacrossthewatertothe
bluelineofhillsonthemainlandofAsia.Hesaid:
‘Ihavetoldyou.Leavetheislandbeforeitistoolate…’Sheshookherhead.
‘Ican’t–Ican’t–unlessDouglas…’
Poirotsighed.
Heshruggedhisshoulders.
CHAPTER4
HerculePoirotsatwithPamelaLyallonthebeach.
Shesaidwithacertainamountofgusto,‘Thetriangle’s
goingstrong!Theysatoneeachsideofherlastnightglowering
ateachother!Chantryhadhadtoomuchtodrink.
HewaspositivelyinsultingtoDouglasGold.Goldbehaved
verywell.Kepthistemper.TheValentinewomanenjoyedit,
ofcourse.Purredliketheman-eatingtigersheis.Whatdoyou
thinkwillhappen?’
Poirotshookhishead.
‘Iamafraid.Iamverymuchafraid…’
‘Oh,weallare,’saidMissLyallhypocritically.Sheadded,
‘Thisbusinessisratherinyourline.Oritmaycometobe.Can’t
youdoanything?’
‘IhavedonewhatIcould.’
MissLyallleanedforwardeagerly.
‘Whathaveyoudone?’sheaskedwithpleasurable
excitement.
‘IadvisedMrsGoldtoleavetheislandbeforeitwastoolate.’
‘Oo-er–soyouthink-‘shestopped.
‘Yes,mademoiselle?’
‘Sothat’swhatyouthinkisgoingtohappen!’saidPamela
slowly.‘Buthecouldn’t–he’dneverdoathinglikethat…
134
He’ssonicereally.It’sallthatChantrywoman.Hewouldn’tHe
wouldn’t–do‘
Shestopped–thenshesaidsoftly:
‘Murder?Isthat–isthatreallythewordthat’sinyour
mind?’
‘Itisinsomeone’smind,mademoiselle.Iwilltellyouthat.’
Pamelagaveasuddenshiver.
‘Idon’tbelieveit,’shedeclared.
CHAPTER5
ThesequenceofeventsonthenightofOctoberthetwenty-ninth
wasperfectlyclear.
Tobeginwith,therewasascenebetweenthetwomenGold
andChantry.Chantry’svoiceroselouderandlouderand
hislastwordswereoverheardbyfourpersons–thecashierat
thedesk,themanager,GeneralBarnesandPamelaLyall.
‘Yougod-damnedswine!Ifyouandmywifethinkyoucan
putthisoveronme,you’remistaken!AslongasI’malive,Valentinewillremainmywife.’
Thenhehadflungoutofthehotel,hisfacelividwithrage.
Thatwasbeforedinner.Afterdinner(howarrangednoone
knew)areconciliationtookplace.ValentineaskedMarjorie
Goldtocomeoutforamoonlightdrive.PamelaandSarah
wentwiththem.GoldandChantryplayedbilliardstogether.
AfterwardstheyjoinedHerculePoirotandGeneralBarnesin
thelounge.
Forthefn,sttimealmost,Chantry’sfacewassmilingand
good-tempered.
‘Haveagoodgame?’askedtheGeneral.
TheCommandersaid:
‘Thisfellow’stoogoodforme!Ranoutwithabreakofforty-six.’
135
DouglasGolddeprecatedthismodesfiy.
‘Purefluke.Iassureyouitwas.What’llyouhave?I’llgoand
getholdofawaiter.’
‘Pinkginforme,thanks.’
‘Right.General?’
‘Thanks.I’llhaveawhiskyandsoda.’
‘Sameforme.Whataboutyou,M.Poirot?’
‘Youaremostamiable.Ishouldlikeasiropdecassis.’
‘Asirop–excuseme?’
‘Siropdecassis.Thesyrupofblackcurrants.’
‘Oh,aliqueur!Isee.Isupposetheyhaveithere?Inever
heardofit.’
‘Theyhaveit,yes.Butitisnotaliqueur.’
DouglasGoldsaid,laughing:
‘Soundsafunnytastetome–buteverymanhisownpoison!
I’llgoandorderthem.’
CommanderChantrysatdown.Thoughnotbynaturea
talkativeorasocialman,hewasclearlydoinghisbesttobe
genial.
‘Oddhowonegetsusedtodoingwithoutanynews,’he
remarked.
TheGeneralgrunted.
‘Can’tsaytheContinentalDailyMailfourdaysoldismuch
usetome.OfcourseIgetTheTimessenttomeandPunchevery
week,butthey’readevilishlongtimeincoming.’
‘Wonderifwe’llhaveageneralelectionoverthisPalestine
business?’
‘Wholething’sbeenbadlymismanaged,’declaredthe
GeneraljustasDouglasGoldreappearedfollowedbyawalter
withthedrinks.
TheGeneralhadjustbegunonananecdoteofhismilitary
careerinIndiaintheyear1905.ThetwoEnglishmenwere
listeningpolitely,ifwithoutgreatinterest.HerculePoirotwas
sippinghissiropdecassis.
TheGeneralreachedthepointofhisnarrativeandtherewas
dutifullaughterallround.
Thenthewomenappearedatthedoorwfiyofthelounge.
136
Theyallfoureemedinthebestofspiritsandweretalldog
laughing.
‘Tony,daring,itwastoodivine,’criedValentineas
droppedintochairbyhisside.‘Themostmarvellousidcv
MrsGold’s.youalloughttohavecome!’
Herhusbardsaid:
‘Whataboutadrink?’
Helookediaquiringlyattheothers.
‘Pinkginforme,darling,’saidValentine.
‘Ginandgigerbeer,’saidPamela.
‘Sidecar,’dSarah.
ped
‘Right.’Clammystoodup.HepushedhisownuntottCfor
pinkginovertohiswife.‘Youhavethis.I’llordermother
myself.What’syours,MrsGold?’
MrGoldwasbeinghelpedoutofhercoatbyherbusbOd’
Sheturnedsmiling:
‘CanIhaveanorangeade,please?’
‘Rightyouare.Orangeade.’
per
Hewentto,ardsthedoor.MrsGoldsmiledupio
husband’sface.
‘Itwassolovely,Douglas.Iwishyouhadcome.’
‘IwishIhadtoo.We’llgoanothernight,shallwe?’
Theysmiledateachother.
ValentineClantrypickedupthepinkginanddrained
‘0o!Ineededthat,’shesighed.
DouglasGoldtookMarjorie’scoatandlaiditonaserte’
Ashestrolledbacktotheothershesaidsharply:
‘Hallo,what’sthematter?’
ValentineChantrywasleaningbackinherchair.Herlils
wereblueandherhandhadgonetoherheart.
‘Ifeel–ratherqueer…’
Shegasped,fghtingforbreath.
Chantrycamebackintotheroom.Hequickenedhissgel
‘Hallo,Val,what’sthematter?’
‘I–Idon’tknow…Thatdrink–ittastedqueer…’
‘Thepinkgin?’
Chantryswungroundhisfaceworked.HecaughtDouglasGoldbytheshoulder.
‘Thatwasmydrink…Gold,whatthehelldidyouputinit?’.
DouglasGoldwasstaringattheconvulsedfaceofthe
womaninthechair.Hehadgonedeadwhite.
‘I–I–never‘.
ValentineChantryslippeddowninherchair.
GeneralBarnescriedout:
‘Getadoctor–quick…’
FiveminuteslaterValentineChantrydied…
CHAPTER6
Therewasnobathingthenextmorning.
PamelaLyall,white-faced,cladinasimpledarkcless,
clutchedatHerculePoirotinthehallanddrewhimintothe
littlewriting-room.
‘It’shorrible!’shesaid.‘Horrible!Yousaidso!Youforesaw
it!Murder?
Hebenthisheadgravely.
‘Oh!’shecriedOut.Shestampedherfootonthefloor.‘You
shouldhavestoppedit!Somehow!Itcouldhavebeenstopped?
‘How?’askedHerculePoirot.
Thatbroughtherupshortforthemoment.
‘Couldn’tyougotosomeone–tothepolice?’
‘Andsaywhat?Whatistheretosay–beforetheevent?That
someonehasmurderintheirheart?Itellyou,mortenfant,ifone
humanbeingisdeterminedtokillanotherhumanbeing‘
‘Youcouldwarnthevictim,’insistedPamela.
‘Sometimes,’saidHerculePoirot,‘warningsareuseless.’
Pamelasaidslowly,‘Youcouldwarnthemurderer–showhimthatyouknewwhatwasintended…’
Poirotnoddedappreciatively.
138
‘Yes–abetterplan,that.Buteventhenyouhavetoreckon
withacriminal’schiefvice.’
‘Whatisthat?’
‘Conceit.Acriminalneverbelievesthathiscrimecanfail.’
‘Butit’sabsurd–stupid,’criedPamela.’Tlaewholecrime
waschildish!Why,thepolicearrestedDouglasGoldatonce
lastnight.’
‘Yes.’Headdedthoughtfully,‘DouglasGoldisaverYstupid
youngman.’
‘Incrediblystupid!Ihearthattheyfoundtherestofthe
poison–whateveritwas?’
‘Aformofstropanthin.Aheartpoison.’
‘Thattheyactuallyfo,mdtherestofitinhisdinnerjacket
pocket?’
‘Quitetrue.’
‘Incrediblystupid?saidPamelaagain.‘PerhPsheeantto
getridofit–andtheshockofthewrongpersonIeingpoisoned
paralysedhim.Whatasceneitwouldmakeonthestage-The
loverputtingthestropanthininthehusband’stlassmadthen,
justwhenhisattentioniselsewhere,thewifedrinksitinstead
…ThinkoftheghastlymomentwhenDouglasGoldturned
roundandrealizedhehadkilledthewomanheloved…’
Shegavealittleshiver.
‘Yourtriangle.TheEternalTriangle/WhOwouldhave
thoughtitwouldendlikethis?’
‘Iwasafraidofit,’murmuredPoirot.
Pamelaturnedonhim.
‘Youwarnedher–MrsGold.Thenwhydicln’tyouwarn
himaswell?’
‘Youmean,whydidn’tIwarnDouglasGold?’
‘No.ImeanCommanderChantry.Youcouldhavetoldhim
thathewasindanger–afterall,hewastherealobstacle!I’ve
nodoubtDouglasGoldreliedonbeingabletobullyhiswife
intogivinghimadivorce–she’sameek-spiritedlittlewoman
andterriblyfondofhim.ButChantryisamulislasortofdevil.
HewasdeterminednottogiveValentineherfreedom.’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.
139
‘ItwouldhavebeennogoodmyspeakingtoChantry,’he
said.
‘Perhapsnot,’Pamelaadmitted.‘He’dprobablyhavesaidhe
couldlookafterhimselfandtoldyoutogotothedevil.ButIdo
feelthereoughttohavebeensomethingonecouldhavedone.’
‘Ididthink,’saidPoirotslowly,‘oftryingtopersuade
ValentineChantrytoleavetheisland,butshewouldnothave
believedwhatIhadtotellher.Shewasfartoostupidawoman
totakeinathinglikethat.Pauvrefernme,herstupiditykilled
her.’
‘Idon’tbelieveitwouldhavebeenanygoodifshehadleft
theisland,’saidPamela.‘Hewouldsimplyhavefollowedher.’
‘He?’
‘DouglasGold.’
‘YouthinkDouglasGoldwouldhavefollowedher?Oh,no,
mademoiselle,youarewrong–youarecompletelywrong.You
havenotyetappreciatedthetruthofthismatter.IfValentine
Chantryhadlefttheisland,herhusbandwouldhavegonewith
her.’
Pamelalookedpuzzled.
‘Well,naturally.’
‘Andthen,yousee,thecrimewouldsimplyhavetakenplace
somewhereelse.’
‘Idon’tunderstandyou?’
‘Iamsayingtoyouthatthesamecrimewouldhaveoccurred
somewhereelse–thatcrimebeingthemurderofValentine
Chantrybyherhusband.’
Pamelastared:
‘AreyoutryingtosaythatitwasCommanderChantryo
TonyChantry–whomurderedValentine?’
‘Yes.Yousawhimdoit!DouglasGoldbroughthimhis
drink.Hesatwithitinfrontofhim.Whenthewomencamein
wealllookedacrosstheroom,hehadthestropanthinready,he
droppeditintothepinkginandpresently,courteously,he
passeditalongtohiswifeandshedrankit.’
‘ButthepacketofstropanthinwasfoundinDouglasGold’s
pocket!’
140
‘Averysimplemattertoslipittherewhenwewereall
crowdingroundthedyingwoman.’
ItwasquitetwominutesbeforePamelagotherbreath.
‘ButIdon’tunderstandaword!Thetriangle–yousaid
yourself-‘
HerculePoirotnoddedhisheadvigorously.
‘Isaidtherewasatriangle–yes.Butyou,youimaginedthe
wrongone.Youweredeceivedbysomeverycleveracting!You
thought,asyouweremeanttothink,thatbothTonyChantry
andDouglasGoldwereinlovewithValentineChantry.You
believed,asyouweremeanttobelieve,thatDouglasGold,
beinginlovewithValentineChantry(whosehusbandrefused
todivorceher)tookthedesperatestepofadministeringa
powerfulheartpoisontoChantryandthat,byafatalmistake,
ValentineChantrydrankthatpoisoninstead.Allthatis
illusion.Chantryhasbeenmeaningtodoawaywithhiswifefor
sometime.Hewasboredtodeathwithher,Icouldseethat
fromthefirst.Hemarriedherforhermoney.Nowhewantsto
marryanotherwoman–soheplannedtogetridofValentine
andkeephermoney.Thatentailedmurder.’
‘Anotherwoman?’Poirotsaidslowly:
‘Yes,yes–thelittleMarjorieGold.Itwastheeternaltriangle
allright!Butyousawitthewrongwayround.Neitherofthose
twomencaredintheleastforValentineChantry.Itwasher
vanityandMajorieGold’sverycleverstagemanagingthatmade
youthinktheydid!Averycleverwoman,MrsGold,and
amazinglyattractiveinherdemureMadonna,poor-littlething-way!
Ihaveknownfourwomencriminalsofthesame
type.TherewasMrsAdamswhowasacquittedofmurdering
herhusband,buteverybodyknowsshedidit.MaryParkerdid
awaywithanaunt,asweetheartandtwobrothersbeforeshe
gotalittlecarelessandwascaught.ThentherewasMrs
Rowden,shewashangedallright.MrsLecrayescapedbythe
skinofherteeth.Thiswomanisexactlythesametype.I
recognizeditassoonasIsawher!Thattypetakestocrimelike
aducktowater!Andaveryprettybitofwell-plannedworkit
141
was.Tellme,whatev/dencedidyoueverhavethatDouglas
GoldwasinlovewithValentineChantry?Whenyoucometo
thinkitout,youwillrealizethattherewasonlyMrsGold’s
confidencesChantry’sjealousbluster.Yes?Yousee?’
‘It’shorrible,’criedPamela.
‘Theywereacleverpair,’saidPoirotwithprofessional
detachment.‘Theyplannedto“meet”hereandstagetheir
crime.ThatMarjorieGold,sheisacold-bloodeddevil!She
wouldhavesentherpoor,innocentfoolofahusbandtothe
scaffoldwithouttheleastremorse.’
Pamelacriedout:
‘Buthewasarrestedandtakenawaybythepolicelastnight.’
‘Ah,’saidHerculePoirot,‘butafterthat,me,Ihadafew
littlewordswiththepolice.ItistruethatIdidnotseeChantry
putthestropanthinintheglass.I,likeeveryoneelse,lookedup
whentheladiescamein.ButthemomentIrealizedthat
ValentineChantryhadbeenpoisoned,Iwatchedherhusband
withouttakingmyeyesoffhim.Andso,yousee,Iactuallysaw
himslipthepacketofstropanthininDouglasGold’scoat
pocket…’
Headdedwithagrimexpressiononhisface:
‘Iamagoodwitness.Mynameiswellknown.Themoment
thepoliceheardmystorytheyrealizedthatitputanentirely
differentcomplexiononthematter.’
‘AAthen?’demandedPamela,fascinated.
‘Ehb/eh,thentheyaskedCommanderChantryafew
questions.Hetriedtoblusteritout,butheisnotreallyclever,
hesoonbrokedown.’
‘SoDouglasGoldwassetatliberty?’
‘Yes.’
‘And–MarorieGold?’
Poirot’sfacegrewstero.
‘Iwarnedher,’hesaid.‘Yes,Iwarnedher…Uponthe
MountoftheProphet…Itwastheonlychanceofavertingthe
crime.IasgoodastoldherthatIsuspectedher.She
understood.Butshebelievedherselftooclever…Itoldherm
leavetheislandifshevaluedherlife.Shechose–toremain…’
142
HerculePoirotgavethehouseasteadyappraisingglance.His
eyeswanderedamomenttoitssurroundings,theshops,thebig
factorybuildingontheright,theblocksofcheapmansionflats
opposite.
ThenoncemorehiseyesreturnedtoNorthwayHouse,relicof
anearlierage-anageofspaceandleisure,whengreenfieldshad
surroundeditswell-bredarrogance.Nowitwasananachronism
submergedandforgotteninthehecticseaofmodemLondon
andnotonemaninfiftycouldhavetoldyouwhereitstood.
Furthermore,veryfewpeoplecouldhavetoldyoutowhon
itbelonged,thoughitsowner’snamewouldhavebeenrecog-nized
asoneoftheworld’srichestmen.Butmoneycanquench
publicityaswellasflauntit.BenedictFarley,thateccentric
millionaire,chosenottoadvertisehischoiceofresidence.He
himselfwasrarelyseen,seldommakingapublicappearance.
Fromtimetotime,heappearedatboardmeetings,hislean
figure,beakednose,andraspingvoiceeasilydominatingthe
assembleddirectors.Apartfromthat,hewasjustawell-known
figureoflegend.Therewerehisstrangemeannesses,his
incrediblegenerosities,aswellasmorepersonaldetails–his
famouspatchworkdressing-gown,nowreputedtobetwenty-eight
yearsold,hisinvariabledietofcabbagesoupandcaviare,
hishatredofcats.Allthesethingsthepublicknew.
HerculePoirotknewthemalso.Itwasallhedidknowofthe
manhewasabouttovisit.Theletterwhichwasinhiscoat
pockettoldhimlittlemore.
Aftersurveyingthismelancholylandmarkofapastagefora
minuteortwoinsilence,hewalkedupthestepstothefront
doorandpressedthebell,glancingashedidsoattheneat
wrist-watchwhichhadatlastreplacedap.oldfavourite–the
largeturnip-facedwatchofearlierdays.Yes,itwasexactly
nine-thirty.Asever,HerculePoirotwasexacttotheminute..
ThedOOropenedafterjusttherightinterval.Aperfectspecimen
ofthegenusbufferstoodoutlinedagainstthelightedhall.
‘MrBenedictFarley?’askedHerculePoirot.
Theimpersonalglancesurveyedhimfromheadtofoot,
inoffensivelybutffecfively.
Engrosetenddtail,thoughtHerculePoirottohimselfwith
appreciation.
‘Youhaveanappointment,sir?’askedthesuavevoice.
‘Yes.’
‘Yourname,sir?’
‘MonsieurHerculePoirot.’
Thebufferbowedanddrewback.HerculePoirotenteredthe
house.Thebufferclosedthedoorbehindhim.
Buttherewasyetonemoreformalitybeforethedefthands
tookhatandstickfromthevisitor.
‘Youwillexcuseme,sir.Iwastoaskforaletter.’
WithdeliberationPoirottookfromhispocketthefolded
letterandhandedittothebuffer.Thelattergaveitamere
glance,thenreturneditwithabow.HerculePoirotreturnedit
tohispocket.Itscontentsweresimple
NorthwayHouse,W.8
M.HerculePoirot
DearSir,
MrBenedictFarleywouldliketohavethebenefitofyour
advice.Ifconvenienttoyourselfhewouldbegladifyouwould
calluponhimattheaboveaddressat9.30tomorrow(Thursday)
Yourstruly,
P.S.Pleasebringthisletterwi&you.144
HugoCornwonhy
(Secretary)
DeftlythebutlerrelievedPoirotofhat,stickandovert
said:l,
‘WillyoupleasecomeuptoMrComworthy’sroom?
Heledthewayupthebroadstaircase.Poirotfollowedingwithappreciationatsuchobjetsd’artaswereofanopt
floridnature!Histasteinartwasalwayssomewhat
Onthefirstfloorthebuderknockedonadoor.
HerculePoirot’seyebrowsroseveryslightly.Itwas
jarringnote.Forthebestbudersdonotknockatdoo
yetindubitablythiswasafu’st-classbutler!
Itwas,sotospeak,thefu’stintimationofcontacti$
eccentricityofamillionaire.
Avoicefromwithincalledoutsomething.Thebud%
openthedoor.Heannounced(andagainPoirotse
deliberatedeparturefromorthodoxy):
‘Thegendemanyouareexpecting,sir.’
Poirotpassedintotheroom.Itwasafair-sizedto
plainlyfurnishedinaworkmanlikefashion.Filingq
booksofreference,acoupleofeasy-chairs,andala
imposingdeskcoveredwithneatlydocketedpape
cornersoftheroomweredim,fortheonlylightcamefr
green-shadedreadinglampwhichstoodonasmalltablarmofoneoftheeasy-chairs.Itwasplacedsoastocas
lightonanyoneapproachingfromthedoor.Hercul
blinkedalittle,realizing.thatthelampbulbwasat
watts.Inthearm-chairsatathinfigureinapalI
dressing-gown–BenedictFarley.Hisheadwasstuckfl
inacharacteristicattitude,hisbeakednoseprojecting
ofabird.Acrestofwhitehairlikethatofacockatooto
hisforehead.HiseyesglitteredbehindthicklensesashI
suspiciouslyathisvisitor.
‘Hey,’hesaidatlast-andhisvoicewasshrillandhar:
araspingnoteinit.‘Soyou’reHerculePoirot,hey?’
‘Atyourservice,’saidPoirotpolitelyandbowed,e,
onthebackofthechair.
wrist-watchwhichhadatlastreplacedap.oldfavourite–the
largeturnip-facedwatchofearlierdays.Yes,itwasexactly
nine-thirty.Asever,HerculePoirotwasexacttotheminute.
ThedOOropenedafterjusttherightinterval.Aperfectspecimen
ofthegenusbutlerstoodoutlinedagainstthelightedhall.
‘MrBenedictFarley?’askedHerculePoirot.
Theimpersonalglancesurveyedhimfromheadtofoot,
inoffensivelybutffectively.
Engrosetenddtail,thoughtHerculePoirottohimselfwith
appreciation.
‘Youhaveanappointment,sir?’askedthesuavevoice.
‘Yes.’
‘Yourname,sir?’
‘MonsieurHerculePoirot.’
Thebutlerbowedanddrewback.HerculePoirotenteredthe
house.Thebutlerclosedthedoorbehindhim.
Buttherewasyetonemoreformalitybeforethedefthands
tookhatandstickfromthevisitor.
‘Youwillexcuseme,sir.Iwastoaskforaletter.,
WithdeliberationPoirottookfromhispocketthefolded
letterandhandedittothebutler.Thelattergaveitamere
glance,thenreturneditwithabow.HerculePoirotreturnedit
tohispocket.Itscontentsweresimple
NonhwayHome,W.8
M.HerculePoirot
DearSir,
MrBenedictFarleywouldliketohavethebenefitofyour
advice.Ifconvenienttoyourselfhewouldbegladifyouwould
calluponhimattheaboveaddressat9.30tomorrow(Thursday)
P.S.Pleasebringthisletterwithyou.144
HugoComworthy
(Secretary)
DeftlythebutlerfeliccedPoirotofhat,stickandovercoat.He
said:
–,,euptoMrComworthy’sroom?’
wmyouplea.,,thebroadstaircase.Poirotfollowedhim,look
He
ledtheway°..rtsuchobjetsd’artaswereofanopulentand
ingwithappreciO-‘:iartwasalwayssomewhatbourgeois.
floridnature!Hi,butlerknockedonadoor.
Onthefirstflo.,seyebrowsroseveryslightly.Itwasthefirst
HerculePoirotth10estbutlersdonotknockatdoors–and
jarringnote.For.wasafrrst-classbuffer!
yetindubitablytl-2thefzrstintimationofcontactwiththe
Itwas,sotos..lv’..‘;re’
eccentricityofaffioaJlhthicalledoutsomething.Thebufferthrew
Avoicefrom,Seafn°unced(andagainPoirotsensedthe
openthedoor.c..ocaorthodoxy):
deliberatedepartO’:oreexpecting,sir’
‘Thegentlema.o°la’room.Itwasafair-sizedroom,very
Poirotpassed.workmanlikefashion.Filingcabinets,
green-shadedrea°/vchairs.Itwasplacedsoastocastitsyfull
armofoneofthe.,achin§fromthedoor.HerculePoirot
gtonanyoneol;g.thatthelampbulbwasatleast150
blinkedalittle,f-lffsatathinfigureinapatchwork
watts.InthenedictFarley.Hisheadwasstuckforward
dressing-gown·
attittlde,hisbeakednoseprojectinglikethat
macharacteristic;wlaitehairlikethatofacockatooroseabove
ofabird.Acrest°.S,,eslitteredbehindthicklensesashepeered
hisforehead.Hisv:
sus,
picio,uslyathitiaS[°rn,dhisvoicewasshrillan,d,harsh,with
Hey,hesaida‘SoyoureHerculePoirot,hey?
araspingnoteinit’,saidPoirotpolitelyandbowed,onehand
‘AtyourserviC￠aTf
onthebackofthec·
145
‘Sitdown-sitdown,’saidtheoldmantestily.
HerculePoirotsatdown–inthefullglareofthelamp.
Frombehindittheoldmanseemedtobestudyinghim
attentively.
‘HowdoIknowyou’reHerculePoirot–hey?’hede-manded
fretfully.‘Tellmethat-hey?’
OncemorePoirotdrewtheletterfromhispocketand
handedittoFarley.
‘Yes,’admittedthemillionairegrudgingly.‘That’sit.
That’swhatIgotCornworthytowrite.’Hefoldeditupand
tosseditback.‘Soyou’rethefellow,areyou?’
WithalittlewaveofhishandPoirotsaid:
‘Iassureyouthereisnodeception?
BenedictFarleychuckledsuddenly.
‘That’swhattheconjurersaysbeforehetakesthegoldfish
outofthehat!Sayingthatispartofthetrick,youknow!’
Poirotdidnotreply.Farleysaidsuddenly:
‘ThinkI’masuspiciousoldman,hey?SoIam.Don’ttrust
anybody!That’smymotto.Can’ttrustanybodywhenyou’re
rich.No,no,itdoesn’tdo.’
‘Youwished,’Poirothintedgently,”toconsultme?’
Theoldmannodded.
‘Gototheexpertanddon’tcountthecost.You’llnotice,
M.Poirot,Ihaven’taskedyouyourfee.I’mnotgoingto!
Sendmeinthebilllater–Ishan’tcutuproughoverit.
Damnedfoolsatthedairythoughttheycouldchargemetwo
andnineforeggswhentwoandseven’sthemarketprice-lot
ofswindlers!Iwon’tbeswindled.Butthemanatthetop’s
different.He’sworththemoney.I’matthetopmyself-I
know.‘
HerculePoirotmadenoreply.Helistenedattentively,his
headpoisedalittleononeside.
Behindhisimpassi(eexteriorhewasconsciousofafeeling
ofdisappointment.Hecouldnotexactlyputhisfingeronit.
SofarBenedictFarleyhadruntruetotype–thatis,hehad
146
conformedtothepopularideaofhimself;andyet–Poirot
wasdisappointed.
‘Theman,’hesaiddisgustedlytohimself,‘isa
mountebank-nothingbutamountebank!’
Hehadknownothermillionaires,eccentricmentoo,but
innearlyeverycasehehadbeenconsciousofacertainforce,
aninnerenergythathadcommandedhisrespect.Iftheyhad
wornapatchworkdressing-gown,itwouldhavebeenbe-cause
theylikedwearingsuchadressing-gown.Butthe
dressing-gownofBenedictFarley,orsoitseemedtoPoirot,
wasessentiallyastageproperty.Andthemanhimselfwas
essentiallystagy.Everywordhespokewasuttered,soPoirot
feltassured,sheerlyforeffect.
Herepeatedagainunemotionally,‘Youwishedtoconsult
me,MrFarley?’
Abruptlythemillionaire’smannerchanged.
Heleanedforward.Hisvoicedroppedtoacroak.
‘Yes.Yes…Iwanttohearwhatyou’vegottosay-what
youthink….Gotothetop!That’smyway!Thebest
doctor-thebestdetective-it’sbetweenthetwoofthem.’
‘Asyet,Monsieur,Idonotunderstand.’
‘Naturally,’snappedFarley.‘Ihaven’tbeguntotellyou.’
Heleanedforwardoncemoreandshotoutanabrupt
question.
‘Whatdoyouknow,M.Poirot,aboutdreams?’
Thelittleman’seyebrowsrose.Whateverhehadex-pected,
itwasnotthis.
‘Forthat,M.Farley,IshouldrecommendNapoleon’s
BookofDreams–orthelatestpractisingpsychologistfrom
HarleyStreet.’
BenedictFarleysaidsoberly,‘I’vetriedboth….‘
Therewasapause,thenthemillionairespoke,atfirst
almostinawhisper,thenwithavoicegrowinghigherand
higher.
‘It’sthesamedream–nightafternight.AndI’mafraid,I
147
tellyou–I’mafraid….It’salwaysthesame.I’msittinginmyroomnextdoortothis.Sittingatmydesk,writing.
There’saclockthereandIglanceatitandseethetimeexactly
twenty-eightminutespastthree.Alwaysthesame
time,youunderstand.
‘AndwhenIseethetime,M.Poirot,IknowI’vegottodoit.I
don’twanttodoit-Iloathedoingit-butI’vegotto‘
His
voicehadrisenshrilly.
Unperturbed,
Poirotsaid,‘Andwhatisitthatyouhavetodo?’
‘At
twenty-eightminutespastthree,’BenedictFarleysaidhoarsely,
‘Iopentheseconddrawerdownontherightofmydesk,
takeouttherevolverthatIkeepthere,loaditandwalk
over
tothewindow.Andthen-andthen-‘
‘Yes?’
Benedict
Farleysaidinawhisper:
‘
ThenIshootmyself‘
There
was
silence.
ThenPoirot
said,‘Thatisyourdream?’
‘Yes.’
‘The
same
everynight?’
‘Yes.’
‘What
happens
afteryoushootyourself?.’
‘I
wakeup.’
Poirot
noddedhisheadslowlyandthoughtfully.‘Asamatter
ofinterest,doyoukeeparevolverinthatparticular
drawer?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘I
havealwaysdoneso.Itisaswelltobeprepared.’
‘Prepared
forwhat?’
Farley
saidirritably,‘Amaninmypositionhastobeonhisguard.
Allrichmenhaveenemies.’
Poirot
didnotpursuethesubject.Heremainedsilentfora
momentortwo,thenhesaid:
148
‘Whyexactlydidyousendforme?’
‘Iwilltellyou.FirstofallIconsultedadoctor–three
doctorstobeexact.’
‘Yes?’
‘Thefirsttoldmeitwasallaquestionofdiet.Hewasan
elderlyman.Thesecondwasayoungmanofthemodern
school.Heassuredmethatitallhingedonacertainevent
thattookplaceininfancyatthatparticulartimeofday-three
twenty-eight.Iamsodetermined,hesays,nottoremember
theevent,thatIsymbolizeitbydestroyingmyself.Thatis
hisexplanation.’
‘Andthethirddoctor?’askedPoirot.
BenedictFarley’svoiceroseinshrillanger.
‘He’sayoungmantoo.Hehasapreposteroustheory!He
assertsthatI,myself,amtiredoflife,thatmylifeisso
unbearabletomethatIdeliberatelywanttoendit!Butsince
toacknowledgethatfactwouldbetoacknowledgethat
essentiallyIamafailure,Irefuseinmywakingmomentsto
facethetruth.ButwhenIamasleep,allinhibitionsare
removed,andIproceedtodothatwhichIreallywishtodo.I
putanendtomyself.’
‘Hisviewisthatyoureallywish,unknowntoyourself,to
commitsuicide?’saidPoirot.
BenedictFarleycriedshrilly:
‘Andthat’simpossible–impossible!I’mperfectlyhappy!
I’vego.teverythingIwant–eversthingmoneycanbuy!It’s
fantastic-unbelievableeventosuggestathinglikethat!’
Poirotlookedathimwithinterest.Perhapssomethingin
theshakinghands,thetremblingshrillnessofthevoice,
warnedhimthatthedenialwastoovehement,thatitsvery
insistencewasinitselfsuspect.Hecontentedhimselfwith
saying:
‘AndwheredoIcomein,Monsieur?’
BenedictFarleycalmeddownsuddenly.Hetappedwith
anemphaticpoundsgeronthetablebesidehim.
149
‘There’sanotherpossibility.Andifit’sright,you’rethe
mantoknowaboutit!You’refamous,you’vehadhundreds
ofcases–fantastic,improbablecases!You’dknowifanyone
does.’
‘Knowwhat?’
Farley’svoicedroppedtoawhisper.
‘Supposingsomeonewantstokillme..-..Couldtheydo
itthisway?Couldtheymakemedreamthatdreamnight
afternight?’
‘Hypnotism,youmean?’
‘Yes.’
HerculePoirotconsideredthequestion.
‘Itwouldbepossible,Isuppose,’hesaidatlast.‘Itismore
aquestionforadoctor.’
‘Youdon’tknowofsuchacaseinyourexperience?’
‘Notpreciselyonthoselines,no.’
‘YouseewhatI’mdrivingat?I’mmadetodreamthesame
dream,nightafternight,nightafternight–andthen–one
daythesuggestionistoomuchforme–andIactuponit.Ido
whatI’vedreamedofsooften-killmyself!’
SlowlyHerculePoirotshookhishead.
‘Youdon’tthinkthatispossible?’askedFarley.
‘Possible?’Poirotshookhishead.‘ThatisnotawordIcare
tomeddlewith.’
‘Butyouthinkitimprobable?’
‘Mostimprobable.’
BenedictFarleymurmured.‘Thedoctorsaidsotoo….‘
Thenhisvoicerisingshrillyagain,hecriedout,‘ButwhydoI
havethisdream?Why?Why?’
HerculePoirotshookhishead.BenedictFarleysaid
abruptly,‘You’resureyou’venevercomeacrossanything
likethisinyourexperience?’
‘Never.’
‘That’swhatIwantedtoknow.’
Delicately,Poirotclearedhisthroat.
150
‘Youpermit,’hesaid,‘aquestion?’
‘Whatisit?Whatisit?Saywhatyoulike.’
‘Whoisityoususpectofwantingtokillyou?’
Farleysnappedout,‘Nobody.Nobodyatall.’
‘Buttheideapresenteditselftoyourmind?’Poirotper
sisted.
‘Iwantedtoknow-ifitwasapossibility.’
‘Speakingfrommyownexperience,IshouldsayNo.Have
youeverbeenhypnotized,bytheway?’
‘Ofcoursenot.D’youthinkI’dlendmyselftosuch
tomfoolery?’
‘ThenIthinkonecansaythatyourtheoryisdefmitely
improbable.’
‘Butthedream,youfool,thedream.’
‘Thedreamiscertainlyremarkable,’saidPoirot
thoughtfully.Hepausedandthenwenton.‘Ishouldliketo
seethesceneofthisdrama–thetable,theclock,andthe
revolver.’
‘Ofcourse,I’lltakeyounextdoor.’
Wrappingthefoldsofhisdressing-gownroundhim,the
oldmanhalf-rosefromhischair.Thensuddenly,asthougha
thoughthadstruckhim,heresumedhisseat.
‘No,’hesaid.‘There’snothingtoseethere.I’vetoldyou
allthereistotell.’
‘ButIshouldliketoseeformyself-‘
‘There’snoneed,’Farleysnapped.‘You’vegivenmeyour
opinion.That’stheend.’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.‘Asyouplease.’Heroseto
hisfeet.‘Iamsorry,MrFarley,thatIhavenotbeenableto
beofassistancetoyou.’
BenedictFarleywasstaringstraightaheadofhim.
‘Don’twantalotofhanky-pankyingaround,’hegrowled
out.‘I’vetoldyouthefacts–youcan’tmakeanythingof
them.Thatclosesthematter.Youcansendmeabillforthe
consultationfee.’
151
‘Ishallnotfailtodoso,’saidthedetectivedrily.Hewalked
towardsthedoor.
‘Stopaminute.’Themillionairecalledhimback.‘Thatletter
–Iwantit.’
‘Theletterfromyoursecretary?’
eyes.,
Poirot’seyebrowsrose.Heputhishandintohispocket,
drewoutafoldedsheet,andhandedittotheoldman.The
latterscru‘tmizedit,thenputitdownonthetablebesidehim
withanod.
OncemoreHerculePoirotwalkedtothedoor.Hewas
puzzled.Hisbusymindwasgoingoverandoverthestoryhe
hadbeentold.Yetinthemidstofhismentalpreoccupation,a
naggingsenseofsomethingwrongobtrudeditself.Andthat
somethinghadtodowithhimself-notwithBenedictFarley.
Withhishandonthedoorknob,hismindcleared.He,
HerculePoirot,hadbeenguiltyofanerror!Heturnedback
intotheroomoncemore.
‘Athousandpardons!IntheinterestofyourproblemIhave
committedafolly!ThatletterIhandedtoyou-bymischanceI
putmyhandintomyright-handpocketinsteadoftheleft-‘
‘What’sallthis?What’sallthis?’
‘TheletterthatIhandedyoujustnow-anapologyfrommy
laundressconcerningthetreatmentofmycollars.’Poirotwas
smiling,apologetic.Hedippedintohisleft-handpocket.‘This
isyourletter.’
BenedictFarleysnatchedatit–grunted:‘Whythedevil
can’tyoumindwhatyou’redoing?’
Poirotretrievedhislaundress’scommunication,apologized
gracefullyoncemore,andlefttheroom
Hepausedforamomentoutsideonthelanding.Itwasa
spaciousone.Directlyfacinghimwasabigoldoaksettlewitha
refectorytableinfrontofit.Onthetableweremagazines.
Therewerealsotwoann-chairsandatablewithflowers.It
remindedhimalittleofadentist’swaiting-room.
152
Thebutlerwasinthehallbelowwaitingtolethimout.
‘CanIgetyouataxi,sir?’
‘No,Ithankyou.Thenightispoundse.Iwillwalk.’
HerculePoirotpausedamomentonthepavementwaiting
foralullinthetrafficbeforecrossingthebusystreet.
Afrowncreasedhisforehead.
‘No,’hesaidtohimself.‘Idonotunderstandatall.No.thing
makessense.Regrettabletohavetoadmitit,butI,Hercule
Poirot,amcompletelybaffled.’
Thatwaswhatmightbetermedthefu’stactofthedrama.
Thesecondactfollowedaweeklater.Itopenedwithatele-phone
callfromoneJohnSfillingfleet,MD.
Hesaidwitharemarkablelackofmedicaldecorum:
‘Thatyou,Poirot,oldhorse?Sti!lingtleethere.’
‘Yes,myfriend.Whatisit?’
‘I’mspeakingfromNorthwayHouse-BenedictFarley’s.’
‘Ah,yes?’Poirot’svoicequickenedwithinterest.‘Whatof-Mr
Farley?’
‘Farley’sdead.Shothimseffthisafternoon.’
Therewasapause,thenPoirotsaid:
‘Yes…’
‘Inoticeyou’renotovercomewithsurprise.Knowsome-thing
aboutit,oldhorse?’
‘Whyshouldyouthinkthat?’
‘Well,itisn’tbrilliantdeductionortelepathyoranythinglike
that.WefoundanotefromFarleytoyoumakingan
appointmentaboutaweekago.’
‘Isee.’
‘We’vegotatamepoliteinspectorhere–gottobecareful,
youknow,whenoneofthesemillionaireblokesbumpshimself
off.Wonderedwhetheryoucouldthrowanylightonthecase.
Ifso,perhapsyou’dcomeround?’
‘Iwillcomeimmediately.’
‘Goodforyou,oldboy.Somedirtyworkatthecrossroads-eh?’
153
Poirotmerelyrepeatedthathewouldsetforthimmediately.
‘Don’twanttospillthebeansoverthetelephone?Quite
right.Solong.’
AquarterofanhourlaterPoirotwassittinginthelibrary,a
lowlongroomatthebackofNorthwayHouseontheground
floor.Therewerefiveotherpersonsintheroom.Inspector
Barnett,DrStillingfieet,MrsFarley,thewidowofthe
millionaire,JoannaFarley,hisonlydaughter,andHugo
Cornworthy,hisprivatesecretary.
Ofthese,InspectorBarnettwasadiscreetsoldierly-looking
man.DrStillingfieet,whoseprofessionalmannerwasentirely
differentfromhistelephonicstyle,wasatall,long-facedyoung
manofthirty.MrsFarleywasobviouslyverymuchyounger
thanherhusband.Shewasahandsomedark-hairedwoman.
Hermouthwashardandherblackeyesgaveabsolutelynodue
toheremotions.Sheappearedperfectlyself-possessed.Joanna
Farleyhadfairhairandafreckledface.Theprominenceofher
noseandchinwasclearlyinheritedfromherfather.Hereyes
wereintelligentandshrewd.HugoCornworthywasagood-looking
youngfellow,verycorrectlydressed.Heseemedin-telligent
andefficient.
Aftergreetingsandintroductions,Poirotnarratedsimply
andclearlythecircumstancesofhisvisitandthestorytoldhim
byBenedictFarley.Hecouldnotcomplainofanylackof
interest.
‘MostextraordinarystoryI’veeverheard?saidthein-spector.
‘Adream,eh?Didyouknowanythingaboutthis,Mrs
Farley?’
Shebowedherhead.
‘Myhusbandmentionedittome.Itupsethimverymuch.I-I
toldhimitwasindigestion–hisdiet,youknow,wasvery
peculiar-andsuggestedhiscallinginDrStillingfieet.’
Theyoungmanshookhishead.
‘Hedidn’tconsultme.FromM.Poirot’sstory,Igatherhe
wenttoHarleyStreet.’
154
‘Iwouldlikeyouradviceonthatpoint,Doctor,’saidPoirot.
‘MrFarleytoldmethatheconsultedthreespecialists.Whatdo
youthinkofthetheoriestheyadvanced?’
Stillingtleetfrowned.
‘It’sdifficulttosay.You’vegottotakeintoaccountthatwhat
hepassedontoyouwasn’texactlywhathadbeensaidtohim.It
wasalayman’sinterpretation.’
‘Youmeanhehadgotthephraseologywrong?’
‘Notexactly.Imeantheywouldputathingtohimin
professionalterms,he’dgetthemeaningalittledistorted,and
thenrecastitinhisownlanguage.’
‘Sothatwhathetoldmewasnotreallywhatthedoctorssaid.’
‘That’swhatitamountsto.He’sjustgotitallalittlewrong,if
youknowwhatImean.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.‘Isitknownwhomhecon-suited?’
heasked.
MrsFarleyshookherhead,andJoannaParleyremarked:
‘Noneofushadanyideahehadconsultedanyone.’
‘Didhespeaktoyouabouthisdream?’askedPoirot.
Thegirlshookherhead.
‘Andyou,MrComworthy?’
‘No,hesaidnothingatall.Itookdownalettertoyouathis
dictation,butIhadnoideawhyhewishedtoconsultyou.I
thoughtitmightpossiblyhavesomethingtodowithsome
businessirregularity.’
Poirotasked:‘AndnowastotheactualfactsofMrFarley’s
death?’
InspectorBarnettlookedinterrogativelitatMrsFarleyandat
DrStillingtleet,andthentookuponhimselftheroleof
spokesman.
‘MrFarleywasinthehabitofworkinginhisownroomon
thefixstflooreveryafternoon.Iunderstandthattherewasabig
amalgamationofbusinessinprospect‘
Helo6kedatHugoComworthywhosaid,‘Consolidated
Coachlines.’
155
‘Inconnectionwiththat,’continuedInspectorBarnett,‘Mr
Farleyhadagreedtogiveaninterviewtotwomembersofthe
Press.Heveryseldomdidanythingofthekind–onlyabout
·onceinfiveyears,Iunderstand.Accordinglytworeporters,
onefromtheAssociatedNewsgroups,andonefrom
AmalgamatedPress-sheets,arrivedataquarterpastthreeby
appointment.TheywaitedonthefirstflooroutsideMrFarley’s
door-whichwasthecustomaryplaceforpeopletowaitwho
hadanappointmentwithMrFarley.Attwentypastthreea
messengerarrivedfromtheofficeofConsolidatedCoachlines
withsomeurgentpapers.HewasshownintoMrFarley’sroom
wherehehandedoverthedocuments.MrFarleyaccompanied
himtothedoor,andfromtherespoketothetwomembersof
thePress.Hesaid:
‘”I’msorry,gentlemen,tohavetokeepyouwaiting,butI
havesomeurgentbusinesstoattendto.IwillbeasquickasI
‘Thetwogentlemen,MrAdamsandMrStoddart,assuredMr
Farleythattheywouldawaithisconvenience.Hewentbackinto
hisroom,shutthedoor-andwasneverseenaliveagain!’
‘Continue,’saidPoirot.
‘Atalittleafterfouro’clock,’wentontheinspector,‘Mr
ComworthyherecameoutofhisroomwhichisnextdoortoMr
Farley’sandwassurprisedtoseethetworeportersstillwaiting.
HewantedMr’Farley’ssignaturetosomelettersandthoughthe
hadalsobetterremindhimthatthesetwogentlemenwere
waiting.HeaccordinglywentintoMrFarley’sroom.Tohis
surprisehecouldnotatfa’stseeMrFarleyandthoughttheroom
wasempty.Thenhecaughtsightofabootstickingoutbehind
thedesk(whichisplacedinfrontofthewindow).Hewent
quicklyacrossanddiscoveredMrFarleylyingtheredead,witha
revolverbesidehim.
‘MrComworthyhurriedoutoftheroomanddirectedthe
butlertoringupDrStillinglleet.Bythelatter’sadvice,Mr
Cornworthyalsoinformedthepolice.’
156
‘Wastheshotheard?’askedPoirot.
‘No.Thetrafficisverynoisyhere,thelandingwindowwa
open.Whatwithlorriesandmotorhornsitwouldbemo
unlikelyifithadbeennoticed.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.‘Whattimeisitsupposedh,
died?’heasked.
S‘ullingfleetsaid:
‘IexaminedthebodyassoonasIgothere–thatis,atthirt3
twominutespastfour.MrFarleyhadbeendeadatleast
hour.’
Poirot’sfacewasverygrave.
‘Sothen,itseemspossiblethathisdeathcouldhaveoccurre{
atthetimehementionedtome–thatis,attwenty-eig,h
nunutespastthree.
‘Exactly,’saidStillingileet.
‘Anyfmgermarksontherevolver?’
Yes,hisown.
‘Andtherevolveritself?.’
Theinspectortookupthetale.
‘Wasonewhichhekeptinthesecondright-handdrawerofhi:
desk,justashetoldyou.MrsFarleyhasidentifieditpositively
Moreover,youunderstand,thereisonlyoneentrancetothe
room,thedoorgivingontothelanding.Thetworeporterswer
sittingexactlyoppositethatdoorandtheyswearthatnoon
enteredtheroomfromthetimeMrFarleyspoketothem,un
MrComworthyentereditatalittleafterfouro’clock.’
‘SothatthereiseveryreasontosupposethatMrFarley.
comnuttedstuclde.
InspectorBarnettsmiledalittle.
‘Therewouldhavebeennodoubtatallbutforonepoint.’
‘Andthat?’
‘Theletterwrittentoyou.
Poirotsmiledtoo.
‘Isee!WhereHerculePoirotisconcerned-immediatelythe
suspicionofmurderarises.
15
‘Precisely,’saidtheinspectordryly.‘However,afteryour
clearingupofthesituation-‘
Poirotinterruptedhim.‘Onelittleminute.’Heturnedto
MrsFarley.‘Hadyourhusbandeverbeenhypnotized?’
‘Never.’
‘Hadhestudiedthequestionofhypnotism?Washe
interestedinthesubject?’
Sheshookherhead.‘Idon’tthinkso.’
Suddenlyherself-controlseemedtobreakdown.‘That
horribledream!It’suncanny!Thatheshouldhavedreamed
that–nightafternight–andthen–it’sasthoughhewerehoundedtodeath!’
PoirotrememberedBenedictFarleysaying–‘Iproceedto
dothatwhichIreallywishtodo.Iputanendtomyself.’
Hesaid,‘Haditeveroccurredtoyouthatyourhusband
mightbetemptedtodoawaywithhimself?.’
‘No-atleast-sometimeshewasveryqueer….‘
JoannaFarley’svoicebrokeinclearandscornful.‘Father
wouldneverhavekilledhimself.Hewasfartoocarefulof
himself.’
DrStillingfleetsaid,‘Itisn’tthepeoplewhothreatento
commitsuicidewhousuallydoit,youknow,MissFarley.
That’swhysuicidessometimesseemunaccountable.’
Poirotrosetohisfeet.‘Isitpermitted,’heasked,‘thatIsee
theroomwherethetragedyoccurred?’
‘Certainly.DrStillingfleet-‘
ThedoctoraccompaniedPoirotupstairs.
BenedictFarley’sroomwasamuchlargeronethanthe
secretary’snextdoor.Itwasluxuriouslyfurnishedwithdeep
leather-coveredarm-chairs,athickpilecarpet,andasuperb
outsizewriting-desk.
Poirotpassedbehindthelattertowhereadarkstainonthe
carpetshowedjustbeforethewindow.Herememberedthe
millionairesaying,‘Attwenty-eightminutespastthreeIopenthe
seconddrawerontherightofmydesk,takeouttherevolverthatI
158
keepthere,loadit,andwalkovertothewindow.Andthen–and
thenIshootmyself.’
Henoddedslowly.Thenhesaid:
‘Thewindowwasopenlikethis?’
‘Yes.Butnobodycouldhavegotinthatway.’
Poirotputhisheadout.Therewasnosillorparapetandno
pipesnear.Notevenacatcouldhavegainedaccessthatway.
Oppositerosetheblankwallofthefactory,adeadwallwithno
windowsinit.
Sfillingtleetsaid,‘Funnyroomforarichmantochooseashis
ownsanctum,withthatoutlook.It’slikelookingoutontoa
prisonwall.’
‘Yes,’saidPoirot.Hedrewhisheadinandstaredatthe
expanseofsolidbrick.‘Ithink,’hesaid,‘thatthatwallis
important.’
Stillingtleetlookedathimcuriously.‘Youmean–psycho-
logicany?’
Poirothadmovedtothedesk.Idly,orsoitseemed,he
pickedupapairofwhatareusuallycalledlazy-tongs.He
pressedthehandles;thetongsshotouttotheirfulllength.
Delicately,Poirotpickedupaburntmatchstumpwiththem
frombesideachairsomefeetawayandconveyeditcarefullyto
thewastepaperbasket.
‘Whenyou’vefinishedplayingwiththosethings‘
said
Stillingfleet
irritably.
Hercule
Poirotmurmured,‘Aningeniousinvention,’andreplaced
thetongsneatlyonthewriting-table.Thenheasked:
‘Where
wereMrsFarleyandMissFarleyatthetimeofthedeath?’
‘Mrs
Farley
wasrestinginherroomonthefloorabovethis.MissFarley
waspaintinginherstudioatthetopofthehouse.’
HerculePoirot
drummedidlywithhisfingersonthetableforaminute
ortwo.Thenhesaid:
‘Ishould
liketoseeMissFarley.Doyouthinkyoucouldaskherto
comehereforaminuteortwo?’
159
‘Ifyoulike.’
Stillingfieetglancedathimcuriously,thenlefttheroom.r2
.anotherminuteortwothedooropenedandJoannaFarleycare
m.
‘Youdonotmind,Mademoiselle,ifIaskyouafewquestions?
Shereturnedhisglancecoolly.‘Pleaseaskanythingyou
choose.‘
‘Didyouknowthatyourfatherkeptarevolverinhisdesk.)’‘No.’
‘Wherewereyouandyourmother–thatistosayyour
stepmother-thatisfight?’
‘Yes,Louiseismyfather’ssecondwife.Sheisonlyeight
yearsolderthanIam.Youwereabouttosay-?’
‘WherewereyouandsheonThursdayoflastweek?Thatis
tosay,onThursdaynight.’
Shereflectedforaminuteortwo.
‘Thursday?Letmesee.Oh,yes,wehadgonetothetheatre.
ToseeLittleDogLaughed.’
‘Yourfatherdidnotsuggestaccompanyingyou?’
‘Heneverwentouttotheatres.’
‘Whatdidheusuallydointheevenings?’
‘Hesatinhereandread.’
‘Hewasnotaverysociableman?’
Thegirllookedathimdirectly.‘Myfather,’shesaid,‘hada
singularlyunpleasantpersonality.Noonewholivedinclose
associationwithhimcouldpossiblybefondofhim.’
‘That,Mademoiselle,isaverycandidstatement.’
‘Iamsavingyoutime,M.Poirot.Irealizequitewellwhat
youaregettingat.Mystepmothermarriedmyfatherforhis
money.IliveherebecauseIhavenomoneytoliveelsewhere.
ThereisamanIwishtomarry-apoorman;myfathersaivtoit
thathelosthisjob.Hewantedme,yousee,tomarwell–an
easymattersinceIwastobehisheiress!’
‘Yourfather’sfortunepassestoyou?’
‘Yes.Thatis,heleftLouise,mystepmother,aquarterofa
160
millionfreeoftax,andthereareotherlegacies,buttheresidue
goestome.’Shesmiledsuddenly.‘Soyousee,M.Poirot,Ihad
everyreasontodesiremyfather’sdeath!’
‘Isee,Mademoiselle,thatyouhaveinheritedyourfather’s
intdligence.’
Shesaidthoughtfully,‘Fatherwas’clever….Onefeltthat
withhim–thathehadforce–drivingpower–butithadall
turnedsour-bitter-therewasnohumanityleft….‘
HerculePoirotsaidsoftly,‘GrandDieu,butwhatanimbecile
JoannaFarleyturnedtowardsthedoor.‘Isthereanything
more?’
‘Twolittlequestions.Thesetongshere,’hepickedupthe
lazy-tongs,‘weretheyalwaysonthetable?’
‘Yes.Fatherusedthemforpickingupthings.Hedidn’tlike
stooping.’
‘Oneotherquestion.Wasyourfather’seyesightgood?’
Shestaredathim.
‘Oh,no–hecouldn’tseeatall–Imeanhecouldn’tsee
withouthisglasses.Hissighthadalwaysbeenbadfromaboy.’
‘Butwithhisglasses?’
‘Oh,hecouldseeallrightthen,ofcourse.’
‘Hecouldreadnewspapersandfraeprint?’
‘Oh,yes.’
‘Thatisall,Mademoiselle.’
Shewentoutoftheroom.
Poirotmurmured,‘Iwasstupid.Itwasthere,allthetime,
undermynose.AndbecauseitwassonearIcouldnotseeit.’
Heleanedoutofthewindowoncemore.Downbelow,inthe
narrowwaybetweenthehouseandthefactory,hesawasmall
darkobject.
HerculePoirotnodded,satisfied,andwentdownstairsagain.
Theotherswerestillinthelibrary.Poirotaddressedhimself
tothesecretary:
‘Iwantyou,MrComworthy,torecounttomeindetailthe
161
exactcircumstancesofMrFarley’ssummonstome.When,
forinstance,didMrFarleydictatethatletter?’
‘OnWednesdayafternoon–atfive-thirty,asfarasIcan
remember.’
‘Werethereanyspecialdirectionsaboutpostingit?’
‘Hetoldmetopostitmyself.’
‘Andyoudidso?’
‘Yes.’
‘Didhegiveanyspecialinstructionstothebutlerabou,.
admittingme?’
‘Yes.HetoldmetotellHolmes(Holmesisthebutler)that
agentlemanwouldbecallingatnine-thirty.Hewastoaskthe
gentleman’sname.Hewasalsotoasktoseetheletter.’
‘Ratherpeculiarprecautiontotake,don’tyouthink?’
Cornworthyshruggedhisshoulders.
‘MrFarley,’hesaidcarefully,‘wasratherapeculiarman.’
‘Anyotherinstructions?’
‘Yes.Hetoldmetotaketheeveningoff.’
‘Didyoudoso?’
‘Yes,immediatelyafterdinnerIwenttothecinema.’
‘Whendidyoureturn?’
‘Iletmyselfinaboutaquarterpasteleven.’
‘DidyouseeMrFarleyagainthatevening?’.
‘No.’
‘Andhedidnotmentionthematterthenextmorning?’
Poirotpausedamoment,thenresumed,‘WhenIarrivedI
wasnotshownintoMrFarley’sownroom.’
‘No.HetoldmethatIwastotellHolmestoshowyouinto
myroom.’
‘Whywasthat?Doyouknow?’
Comworthyshookhishead.‘IneverquestionedanyofMr
Farley’sorders,’hesaiddryly.‘HewouldhaveresenteditifI
had.’
‘Didheusuallyreceivevisitorsinhisownroom?’
162
‘Ustally,butnotalways.Sometimeshesawtheminmyroom.’
‘Wasthereanyreasonforthat?’
HugoComworthyconsidered.
‘No-Ihardlythinkso-I’veneverreallythoughtaboutit.’
TurningtoMrsFarley,Poirotasked:
‘YoupermitthatIringforyourbutler?’
‘Certainly,M.Poirot.’
Verycorrect,veryurbane,Holmesansweredthebell.
‘Yourang,madam?’
MrsFarleyindicatedPoirotwithagesture.Holmesmined.
politely.‘Yes,sir?’
‘Whatwereyourinstructions,Holmes,ontheThursday
nightwhenIcamehere?’
Holmesclearedhisthroat,thensaid:
‘MterdinnerMrComworthytoldmethatMrFarleyex-pected
aMrHerculPoirotatnine-thirty.Iwastoascertainthe
gentleman’sname,andIwastoverifytheinformationby
glancingataletter.ThenIwastoshowhimuptoMr
Cornworthy’sroom.’
‘Wereyoualsotoldtoknockonthedoor?’
Anexpressionofdistastecrossedthebutler’scountenance.
‘ThatwasoneofMrFarley’sorders.Iwasalwaystoknock
whenintroducingvisitors-businessvisitors,thatis,’headded.
‘Ah,thatpuledme!Wereyougivenanyotherinstructions
concerningme?’
‘No,sir.WhenMrCornworthyhadtoldmewhatIhavejust
repeatedtoyouhewentout.’
‘whattimewasthat?’
‘Tenminutestonine,sir.’
‘DidyouseeMrFarleyafterthat?’
‘Yes,sir,Itookhimupaglassofhotwaterasusualatnine
o’clock.’
‘WashetheninhisownroomorinMrComworthy’s?’
‘Hewasinhisownroom,sir.’
‘Younoticednothingunusualaboutthatroom?’
163
‘Unusual?No,sir.’
‘WherewereMrsFarleyandMissFarley?’
‘Theyhadgonetothetheatre,sir.’
‘Thankyou,Holmes,thatwilldo.’
Holmesbowedandlefttheroom.PoirotturnedtoHa
millionaire’swidow.
‘Onemorequestion,MrsFarley.Hadyourhusbandgoc
sight?’
‘No.Notwithouthisglasses.’
‘Hewasveryshortsighted?’
‘Oh,yes,hewasquitehelplesswithouthisspectacles.’
‘Hehadseveralpairsofglasses?’
‘yes.’
‘Ah,’saidPoirot.Heleanedback.‘Ithinkthatthatcon
cludesthecase….‘
Therewassilencein.theroom.Theywerealllookingatth
littlemanwhosattherecomplacentlystrokinghismoustache
Ontheinspector’sfacewasperplexity,DrS‘tdlingfieetwas
frowning,Cornworthymerelystareduncomprehendingly,Mr
Farleygazedinblankastonishment,JoannaFarleylook
eager.
MrsFarleybrokethesilence.
‘Idon’tunderstand,M.Poirot.’Hervoicewasfretful.‘The
dream‘
‘Yes,’saidPoirot.‘Thatdreamwasveryimportant.’
MrsFarleyshivered.Shesaid:
‘I’veneverbelievedinanythingsupernaturalbefore–but
now-todreamitnightafternightbeforehand-‘
‘It’sextraordinary,’saidS‘tfilingfieet.‘Extraordinary!Ifwe
hadn’tgotyourwordforit,Poirot,andifyouhadn’thadit
straightfromthehorse’smouth-‘hecoughedin
embarrassment,andreadoptinghisprofessionalmanner,‘Ibeg
yourpardon,MrsFarley.IfMrFarleyhimselfhadnottoldthat
story-‘
‘Exactly,’saidPoirot.Hiseyes,whichhadbeenhalf-closed,
164
openedsuddenly.Theywereverygreen.‘/fBenedictFarley
hadn’ttoldme-‘
Hepausedaminute,lookingroundatacircleofblankfaces.
‘Therearecertainthings,youcomprehend,thathappened
thateveningwhichIwasquiteatalosstoexplain.First,why
makesuchapointofmybringingthatletterwithme?’
‘Identification,’suggestedCornworthy.
‘No,no,mydearyoungman.Reallythatideaistoo
ridiculous.Theremustbesomemuchmorevalidreason.For
notonlydidMrFarleyrequiretoseethatletterproduced,but
hedefinitelydemandedthatIshouldleaveitbehindme.And
moreovereventhenhedidnotdestroyit!Itwasfoundamong
hispapersthisafternoon.Whydidhekeepit?’
JoannaFafiey’svoicebrokein.‘Hewanted,incaseanything
happenedtohim,thatthefactsofhisstrangedreamshouldbe
madeknown.’
Poirotnoddedapprovingly.
‘Youareastute,Mademoiselle.Thatmustbe-thatcanonly
be-thepointofthekeepingoftheletter.WhenMrFarleywas
dead,thestoryofthatstrangedreamwastobetold!Thatdream
wasveryimportant.Thatdream,Mademoiselle,wasvita/!
‘Iwillcomenow,’hewenton,‘tothesecondpoint.After
hearinghisstoryIaskMrFarleytoshowmethedeskandthe
revolver.Heseemsabouttogetuptodoso,thensuddenly
refuses.Whydidherefuse?’
·Thistimenooneadvancedananswer.
‘Iwillputthatquestiondifferently.Whatwasthereinthat
nextroomthatMrFarleydidnotwantmetosee?’
Therewasstillsilence.
‘Yes,’saidPoirot,‘itisdifficult,that.Andyettherewassome
reason–someurgentreasonwhyMrFarleyreceivedmeinhis
secretary’sroomandrefusedpointblanktotakemeintohis
ownroom.Therewassomethinginthatroomhecouldnotafforato
2vemesee.
‘AndnowIcometothethirdinexplicablethingthat
165
happenedonthatevening.MrFarley,justasIwasleaving,
requestedmetohandhimtheletterIhadreceived.By
inadvertenceIhandedhimacommunicationfrommy
laundress.Heglancedatitandlaiditdownbesidehim.Jtt
beforeIlefttheroomIdiscoveredmyerror-andrectifiedi:!
AfterthatIleftthehouseand–Iadmitit-IwascompletelyatsealThewholeaffairandespeciallythatlastinddentseemedto
mequiteinexplicable.’
Helookedroundfromonetotheother.
‘Youdonotsee?’
Stillingfieetsaid,‘Idon’treallyseehowyourlaundre.,;:;
comesintoit,Poirot.’
‘Mylaundress,’saidPoirot,‘wasveryimportant.That
miserablewomanwhoruinsmycollars,was,forthefirsttimein
herlife,usefultosomebody.Surelyyousee–itissoobvious.
MrFarleyglancedatthatcommunication–oneglancewould
havetoldhimthatitwasthewrongletter–andyetheknew
nothing.Why?Becausehecouldnotseeitproperly,t’
InspectorBarnettsaidsharply,‘Didn’thehavehisglasses
on?’
HerculePoirotsmiled.‘Yes,’hesaid.‘Hehadhisglasseson.
Thatiswhatmakesitsoveryinteresting.’
Heleanedforward.
‘MrFarley’sdreamwasveryimportant.Hedreamed,you
see,thathecommittedsuicide.Andalittlelateron,hedid
commitsuicide.Thatistosayhewasaloneinaroomandwa
foundtherewitharevolverbyhim,andnooneenteredorlei’
theroomatthetimethathewasshot.Whatdoesthatmean?1
means,doesitnot,thatitmustbesuicide!’
‘Yes,’saidSfllingfleet.
HerculePoirotshookhishead.
‘Onthecontrary,’hesaid.‘Itwasmurder.Anunusualand:
verycleverlyplannedmurder.’
Againheleanedforward,tappingthetable,hiseyesgreen
andshining.
166
‘WhydidMrFarleynotallowmetogointohisownroom
thatevening?WhatwasthereintherethatImustnotbe
allowedtosee?Ithink,myfriends,thattherewas-Benedict
FarleyhimselfI’
Hesmiledattheblankfaces.
‘Yes,yes,itisnotnonsensewhatIsay.WhycouldtheMr
FarleytowhomIhadbeentalkingnotrealizethedifference
betweentwototallydissimilarletters?Because,roesamis,he
wasamanofnom.lsightwearingapairofverypowerful
glasses.Thoseglasseswouldrenderamanofnormaleyesight
practicallyblind.Isn’tthatso,Doctor?’
Stillingfieetmurmured,‘That’sso–ofcourse.’
‘WhydidIfeelthatintalkingtoMrFarleyIwastalkingtoamountebank,toanactorplayingapart!Considerthesetting.
Thedimroom,thegreen-shadedlightturnedblindingly
awayfromthefigureinthechair.WhatdidIsee-the￡amous
patchworkdressing-gown,thebeakednose(fakedwiththat
.usefulsubstance,noseputty)thewhitecrestofhair,the
.iPOwerfullensesconcealingtheeyes.Whatevidenceisthere
‘“i!ithatMrFarleyeverhadadream?OnlythestoryIwastold
andtheevidenceofMrsFarley.Whatevidenceistherethat
BenedictFarleykeptarevolverinhisdesk?Againonlythe
storytoldmeandthewordofMrsFarley.Twopeople
carriedthisfraudthrough-MrsFarleyandHugo
Cornworthy.Cornworthywrotethelettertome,gaveinstructions
tothebutler,wentoutostensiblytothecinema,
butlethimselfinagainimmediatelywithakey,wenttohis
room,madehimselfup,andplayedthepartofBenedict
Farley.
‘Andsowecometothisafternoon.Theopportunityfor
whichMrCornworthyhasbeenwaitingarrives.Thereare
twowitnessesonthelandingtoswearthat’noonegoesinor
·outofBenedictFarley’sroom.Cornworthywaitsuntila
particularlyheavybatchoftrafficisabouttopass.Thenhe
leansoutofhiswindow,andwiththelazy-tongswhichhehas
167
purloinedfromthedesknextdoorheholdsanobjectagainst
thewindowofthatroom.BenedictFarleycomestot[.
window.CornworthysnatchesbackthetongsandasFarle,.
leansout,andthelorriesarepassingoutside,Cornworthy
shootshimwiththerevolverthathehasready.Thereisa
blankwallopposite,remember.Therecanbenowitnessof
thecrime.Cornworthywaitsforoverhalf-anhour,then
gathersupsomepapers,concealsthelazy-tongsandthe
revolverbetweenthemandgOeSoutontothelandingand
intothenextroom.Hereplacesthetongsonthedesk,lays
downtherevolverafterpressingthedeadman’spoundsgersonit,
andhurriesoutwiththenewsofMrFarley’s“suicide.”
‘HearrangesthatthelettertomeshallbefoundandthatI
shallarrivewithmystory-thestoryIheardfromMrFarley’s
ownlips–ofhisextraordinary“dream”–thestrangecom-pulsion
hefelttokillhimselEAfewcredulouspeoplewill
discussthehypnotismtheory–butthemainresultwillbeto
confirmwithoutadoubtthattheactualhandthatheldthe
revolverwasBenedictFarley’sown.’
HerculePoirot’seyeswenttothewidow’sface–henoted
withsatisfactionthedismay–theashypallor–theblind
fear….
‘Andinduecourse,’hefinishedgently,‘thehappyending
wouldhavebeenachieved.Aquarterofamillionandtwo
heartsthatbeatasone….‘
JohnStillingfieet,MD,andHerculePoirotwalkedalongthe
sideofNorthwayHouse.Ontheirrightwasthetowering
wallofthefactory.Abovethem,ontheirleft,werethe
windowsofBenedictFarley’sandHugoCornworthy’s
rooms.HerculePoirotstoppedandpickedupasmallobject-a
blackstuffedcat.
‘Voild,’hesaid.‘ThatiswhatCornworthyheldinthe
lazy-tongsagainstFarley’swindow.Youremember,he
hatedcats?Naturallyherushedtothewindow.’
168
‘Whyonearthdidn’tCornworthycomeoutandpickitup
‘afterhe’ddroppedit?’
‘Howcouldhe?Todosowouldhavebeendefinitely
suspicious.Afterall,ifthisobjectwerefoundwhatwould
anyonethink-thatsomechildhadwanderedroundhereand
droppedit.’
‘Yes,’saidSti!lingfleetwithasigh.‘That’sprobablywhat
theordinarypersonwouldhavethought.Butnotgoodold
Hercule!D’youknow,oldhorse,uptotheverylastminuteI
thoughtyou-wereleadinguptosomeSubtletheoryofhighfalutin’
psychological“suggested”murder?Ibetthosetwo
thoughtsotoo!Nastybitofgoods,theFarley.Goodness,
howshecracked!Cornworthymighthavegotawaywithitif
shehadn’thadhystericsandtriedtospoilyourbeautyby
goingforyouwithhernails.Ionlygotheroffyoujustin
time.’
Hepausedaminutearidthensaid:
‘Iratherlikethegirl.Grit,youknow,andbrains.I
supposeI’dbethoughttobeafortunehunterifIhadashotat
her…?’
‘Youaretoolate,myfriend.Thereisalreadysomeonesur
letapis.Herfather’sdeathhasopenedthewaytohappiness.’
‘Takeitallround,shehadaprettygoodmotivefor
bumpingofftheunpleasantparent.’
‘Motiveandopportunityarenotenough,’saidPoirot.
‘Theremustalsobethecriminaltemperament!’
‘Iwonderifyou’llevercommitacrime,Poirot?’said
Stillingfieet.‘Ibetyoucouldgetawaywithitallright.Asa
matteroffact,itwouldbetooeasyforyou–Imeanthething
wouldbeoffasdefinitelytoounsporting.’
‘That,’saidPoirot,‘isatypicalEnglishidea.’
169
FOURANDTWENTYBLACKBIRDS
HerculePoirotwasdiningwithhisfriend,Henry
BonningtonattheGallantEndeavourintheKing’sRoad,
Chelsea.
MrBonningtonwasfondoftheGallantEndeavour.He
likedtheleisurelyatmosphere,helikedthefoodwhichwas
‘plain’and‘English’and‘notalotofmadeupmesses.’He
likedtotellpeoplewhodinedwithhimtherejustexactl
whereAugustusJohnhadbeenwonttositanddrawthe
attentiontothefamousartists’namesinthevisitors’book
MrBonningtonwashimselftheleastartisticofmen–butb’
tookacertainprideintheartisticactivitiesofothers.
Molly,thesympatheticwaitress,greetedMrBonningto;
asanoldfriend.Shepridedherselfonrememberinghe
customers’likesanddislikesinthewayoffood.
‘Goodevening,sir,’shesaid,asthetwomentooktheir
seatsatacornertable.‘You’reinlucktoday–turkeystuffe,￠
withchestnuts–that’syourfavourite,isn’tit?Andeversuc}
aniceStiltonwe’vegotIWillyouhavesoupfirstorfish?’
MrBonningtondeliberatedthepoint.HesaidtoPoirot
warninglyasthelatterstudiedthemenu:
‘NoneofyourFrenchkickshawsnow.Goodwell-cooked
Englishfood.’
‘Myfriend,’HerculePoirotwavedhishand,‘Iaskno
better!Iputmyselfinyourhandsunreservedly.’
‘Ah–hruup–er–hm,’repliedMrBonningtonandgave
carefulattentiontothematter.
Theseweightymatters,andthequestionofwine,settled,
MrBonningtonleanedbackwithasighandunfoldedhis
napkinasMollyspedaway.
170
‘Goodgirl,that,’hesaidapprovingly.‘Wasquiteabeauty
once–artistsusedtopainther.Sheknowsaboutfood,tooand
that’sagreatdealmoreimportant.Womenarevery
unsoundonfoodasarule.There’smanyawomanifshegoes
outwithafellowshefancies–won’tevennoticewhatshe
eats.She’lljustorderthefirstthingshesees.’HerculePoirotshookhishead.‘C’estterrible.’
Thenaren’tlikethat,thankGod?saidMrBonnington
complacently.
‘Never?’TherewasatwinkleinHerculePoirot’seye.
‘Well,perhapswhenthey’reveryyoung,’concededMr
Bonnington.‘Youngpuppies!Youngfellowsnowadaysare
allthesame–noguts–nostamina.I’venousefortheyoung-and
they,’headdedwithstrictimpartiality,‘havenousefor
me.’Perhapsthey’rerightIButtohearsomeoftheseyoung
fellowstalkyou’dthinknomanhadarighttobealiveafter
sixty!Fromthewaytheygoon,you’dwondermoreofthem
didn’thelptheirelderlyrelationsoutoftheworld.’
‘Itispossible,’saidHerculePoirot,‘thattheydo.’
‘Nicemindyou’vegot,Poirot,Imustsay.Allthispolice
worksapsyourideals.’
HerculePoirotsmiled.
‘Toutdembme,’hesaid.‘Itwouldbeinterestingtomakea
tableofaccidentaldeathsovertheageofsixty.Iassureyouit
wouldraisesomecuriousspeculationsinyourmind.’
‘Thetroublewithyouisthatyou’vestartedgoingtolook
forcrime-insteadofwaitingforcrimetocometoyou.’
‘Iapologize,’saidPoirot.‘Italkwhatyoucall“theshop.”
Tellme,myfriend,ofyourownaffairs.Howdoestheworld
gowithyou?’
‘Mess!’saidMrBonnington.‘That’swhat’sthematter
withtheworldnowadays.Toomuchmess.Andtoomuch
tildelanguage.Thefinelanguagehelpstoconcealthemess.
Likeahighly-flavouredsauceconcealingthefactthatthefish
171
underneathitisnoneofthebest!Givemeanhonestfilletof
soleandnomessysauceoverit.’
ItwasgivenhimatthatmomentbyMollyandhegrunted
approval.
‘YouknowjustwhatIlike,mygirl,’hesaid.
‘Well,youcomehereprettyregular,don’tyou,sir?[
oughttoknowwhatyoulike.’
HerculePoirotsaid:
‘Dopeoplethenalwayslikethesamethings?Donotth,:,
likeachangesometimes?’
‘Notgentlemen,sir.Ladieslikevariety–gentlemen
alwayslikethesamething.’
‘WhatdidItellyou?’gruntedBonnington.‘Womenare
fundamentallyunsoundwherefoodisconcerned?
Helookedroundtherestaurant.
‘Theworld’safunnyplace.Seethatodd-lookingoldfellow
withabeardinthecorner?Molly’lltellyouhe’salwayshere
TuesdaysandThursdaynights.Hehascomehereforclose
ontenyearsnow–he’sakindoflandmarkintheplace.Yet
nobodyhereknowshisnameorwherehelivesorwhathis
businessis.It’soddwhenyoucometothinkofit.’
Whenthewaitressbroughttheportionsofturkeyhesaid:
‘Iseeyou’vestillgotOldFatherTimeoverthere?’
‘That’sright,sir.TuesdaysandThursdays,hisdaysare.
NotbutwhathecameinhereonaMondaylastweek!Itquite
upsetme!IfeltI’dgotmydateswrongandthatitmustbe
Tuesdaywithoutmyknowingit!Buthecameinthenext
nightaswell–sotheMondaywasjustakindofextra,soto
speak.’
‘Aninterestingdeviationfromhabit,’murmuredPoirot.‘I
wonderwhatthereasonwas?’
‘Well,sir,ifyouaskme,Ithinkhe’dhadsomekindof
upsetorworry.’
‘Whydidyouthinkthat?Hismanner?’
‘No,sir–nothismannerexactly.Hewasveryquietashe
172
alwaysis.Neversaysmuchexceptgoodeveningwhenhe
comesandgoes.No,itwashisorder.’
‘Hisorder?’
‘Idaresayyougentlemenwilllaughatme,’Mollyflushed
up,‘butwhenagentlemanhasbeenherefortenyears,you
gettoknowhislikesanddislikes.Henevercouldbearsuet
puddingorblackberriesandI’veneverknownhimtakethick
soup–butonthatMondaynightheorderedthicktomato
soup,beefsteakandkidneypuddingandblackberrytart!
Seemedasthoughhejustdidn’tnoticewhatheordered!’
‘Doyouknow,’saidHerculePoirot,‘Ifredthatex-traordinarily
interesting.’
Mollylookedgratifiedanddeparted.
‘Well,Poirot,’saidHenryBonningtonwithachuckle.
‘Let’shaveafewdeductionsfromyou.Allinyourbest
manner.’
‘Iwouldprefertohearyoursfirst.’
i‘WantmetobeWatson,eh?Well,oldfellowwenttoa
idoctorandthedoctorchangedhisdiet.’
·.’il‘Tothicktomatosoup,steakandkidneypuddingand
i‘iblackberrytart?Icannotimagineanydoctordoingthat.’
‘Don’tbelieveit,oldboy.Doctorswillputyouonto
anything.’
‘Thatistheonlysolutionthatoccurstoyou?’
HenryBonningtonsaid:
‘Well,seriously,Isupposethere’sonlyoneexplanation
possible.Ourunknownfriendwasinthegripofsome
powerfulmentalemotion.Hewassoperturbedbyitthathe
literallydidnotnoticewhathewasorderingoreating.’
Hepausedaminuteandthensaid:
‘You’llbetellingmenextthatyouknowjustwhatwason
hismind.You’llsayperhapsthathewasmakinguphismind
tocommitamurder.’
Helaughedathisownsuggestion.
HerculePoirotdidnotlaugh.
173
Hehasadmittedthatatthatmomenthewasseriously
worried.Heclaimsthatheoughtthentohavehadsome
inklingofwhatwaslikelytooccur.
Hisfriendsassurehimthatsuchanideaisquitefantastic.
ItwassomethreeweekslaterthatHerculePoirotand
Bonningtonmetagain–thistimetheirmeetingwasinthe
Tube.
Theynoddedtoeachother,swayingabout,hangingonto
adjacentstraps.ThenatPiccadillyCircustherewasageneral
exodusandtheyfoundseatsrightattheforwardendofthe
car-apeacefulspotsincenobodypassedinoroutthatway.
‘That’sbetter,’saidMrBonnington.‘Selfishlot,the
humanrace,theywon’tpassupthecarhowevermuchyou
ask’emto!’
HerculePoirotshruggedhisshoulders.
‘Whatwillyou?’hesaid.‘Lifeistoouncertain.’
‘That’sit.Heretoday,gonetomorrow,’said3A
Bonningtonwithakindofgloomyrelish.‘Andtalkingo
that,d’yourememberthatoldboywenoticedattheGalla
Endeavour?Ishouldn’twonderifhe’dhoppedittoabettc.:
world.He’snotbeenthereforawholeweek.Molly’squic
upsetaboutit.’
HerculePoirotsatup.Hisgreeneyesflashed.
‘Indeed?hesaid.‘Indeed?’
Bonningtonsaid:
‘D’yourememberIsuggestedhe’dbeenoadoctorand
beenputonadiet?Diet’snonsenseofcourse–butI
shouldn’twonderifhehadconsultedadoctorabouthis
healthandwhatthedoctorsaidgavehimabitofajolt.That
wouldaccountforhimorderingthingsoffthemenuwithout
noticingwhathewasdoing.Quitelikelythejolthe-got
hurriedhimoutoftheworldsoonerthanhewouldhavegone
otherwise.Doctorsoughttobecarefulwhattheytellachap.’
‘Theyusuallyare,’saidHerculePoirot
174
‘Thisismystation,’saidMrBonnington.‘Bye,bye.Don’t
suppogeweshalleverknownowwhotheoldboywas-noteven
hisname.Funnyworld!’
Hehurriedoutofthecarriage.
HerculePoirot,sittingfrowning,lookedasthoughhedidnot
thinkitwassuchafunnyworld.
Hewenthomeandgavecertaininstructionstohisfaithful
valet,George.
HerculePoirotranhisfingerdownalistofnames.Itwasa
recordofdeathswithinacertainarea.
Poirot’sfmgerstopped.
‘HenryGascoigne.Sixty-nine.Imighttryhimfast.’
Laterintheday,HerculePoirotwassittinginDr
MacAndrew’ssurgeryjustofftheKing’sRoad.MacAndrew
wasatallred-hairedScotsmanwithanintelligentface.
‘Gascoigne?’hesaid.‘Yes,that’sright.Eccentricoldbird.
Livedaloneinoneofthosederelictoldhousesthatarebeing
clearedawayinordertobuildablockofmodemflats.Ihadn’t
attendedhimbefore,butI’dseenhimaboutandIknewwhohe
was.Itwasthedairypeoplegotthewindupfirst.Themilk
bottlesbegantopileupoutside.Intheendthepeoplenextdoor
sentwordtothepoliceandtheybrokethedoorinandfound
him.He’dpitcheddownthestairsandbrokenhisneck.Hadon
anolddressing-gownwitharaggedcord–mighteasilyhave
trippedhimselfupwithit.’
‘Isee,’saidHerculePoirot.‘Itwasquitesimple-anaccident.’
‘That’sright.’
‘Hadheanyrelations?’
‘There’sanephew.Usedtocomealongandseehisuncle
aboutonceamonth.Lorrimer,hisnameis,GeorgeLorrimer.
He’samedicohimself.LivesatWimbledon.’
‘Washeupsetattheoldman’sdeath?’
‘Idon’tknowthatI’dsayhewasupset.Imean,hehadanaffection
fortheoldman,buthedidn’treallyknowhimverywell.’
175
‘HowlonghadMrGascoignebeendeadwhenyousaw
him?’
‘Ah!’saidDrMacAndrew.‘Thisiswherewegetofficial.
Notlessthanforty-eighthoursandnotmorethanseventy-two
hours.Hewasfoundonthemorningofthesixth.
Actually,wegotcloserthanthat.He’dgotaletterinthe
pocketofhisdressing-gown-writtenonthethird–postedin
Wimbledonthatafternoon–wouldhavebeendelivered
somewherearoundnine-twentyp.m.Thatputsthetimeof
deathatafternine-twentyontheeveningofthethird.That
agreeswiththecontentsofthestomachandtheprocessesof
digestion.Hehadhadamealabouttwohoursbeforedeath.I
examinedhimonthemorningofthesixthandhiscondition
wasquiteconsistentwithdeathhavingoccurredaboutsixty
hourspreviously-roundabouttenp.m.onthethird.’
‘Itallseemsveryconsistent.Tellme,whenwashelastseen
alive?’
‘HewasseenintheKing’sRoadaboutseveno’clockthat
sameevening,Thursdaythethird,andhedinedatthe
GallantEndeavourrestaurantatseven-thirty.Itseemshe
alwaysdinedthereonThursdays.Hewasbywayofbeingan
artist,youknow.Anextremelybadone.’
‘Hehadnootherrelations?Onlythisnephew?’
‘Therewasatwinbrother.Thewholestoryisrather
curious.Theyhadn’tseeneachotherforyears.Itseemsthe
otherbrother,AnthonyGascoigne,marriedaveryrich
womanandgaveupart-andthebrothersquarrelledoverit.
Hadn’tseeneachothersince,Ibelieve.Butoddlyenoug,theydiedonthesameday.Theeldertwinpassedawayatthree
o’clockontheafternoonofthethird.OncebeforeI’veknown
acaseoftwinsdyingonthesameday–indifferentpartsif
theworld!Probablyjustacoincidence-butthereitis.’
‘Istheotherbrother’swifealive?’
‘No,shediedsomeyearsago.’
‘WheredidAnthonyGascoignelive?’
176
‘HehadahouseonKingstonHill.Hewas,Ibelieve,from
WhatDrLorrimertellsme,verymuchofarecluse.’
HerculePoirotnoddedthoughtfully.
TheScotsmanlookedathimkeenly.
‘Whatexactlyhaveyougotinyourmind,M.Poirot?’he
askedbluntly.‘I’veansweredyourquestions–aswasmy
dutyseeingthecredentialsyoubrought.ButI’minthedark
astowhatit’sallabout.’
Poirotsaidslowly:
‘Asimplecaseofaccidentaldeath,that’swhatyousaid.
WhatIhaveinmindisequallysimple-asimplepush.’
DrMacAndrewlookedstartled.
‘Inotherwords,murder!Haveyouanygroundsforthat
belief?.’
‘No,’saidPoirot.‘Itisameresupposition.’
‘Theremustbesomething-‘persistedtheother.
Poirotdidnotspeak.MacAndrewsaid:
‘Ifit’sthenephew,Lorrimer,yoususpect,Idon’tmind
tellingyouhereandnowthatyouarebarkingupthewrong
tree.LorrimerwasphiyingbridgeinWimbledonfromeight
thirty
tillmidnight.Thatcameoutattheinquest.’
Poirotmurmured:
‘Andpresumablyitwasverified.Thepolicearecareful.’
Thedoctorsaid:
‘Perhapsyouknowsomethingagainsthim?’
‘Ididn’tknowthattherewassuchapersonuntilyou
mentionedhim.’
‘Thenyoususpectsomebodyelse?’
‘No,no.Itisnotthatatall.It’sacaseoftheroutinehabits
ofthehuman‘animal.Thatisveryimportant.Andthedead
M.Gascoignedoesnotfitin.Itisallwrong,yousee.’
‘Ireallydon’tunderstand.’
HerculePoirotmurmured:
‘Thetroubleis,thereistoomuchsauceoverthebadfish.’
‘Mydearsir?’
177
HerculePoirotsmiled.
‘Youwillbehavingmelockedupasalunaticsoon,MomleUr
leDocteur.ButIamnotreallyamentalcase-justamanwhohasalikingfororderandmethodandwhoisworriedwhenhe
comesacrossafactthatdoesnotfitin.Imustaskyoutoforgive
meforhavinggivenyousomuchtrouble.’
Heroseandthedoctorrosealso.
thiYUstlbt:.’-s.’d’Mac.Andre.w,‘.honestlyIcan’tseeanything
uslalCaousaboutmeaeathofHenryGascoigne.I
sayhefell–yousaysomebodypushedhim.It’sall-well–in
theair.’
HerculePoirotsighed.
‘Yes,’hesaid.‘Itisworkmanlike.Somebodyhasmadethe
goodjobofit!’
‘Youstillthink-‘
Thelittlemanspreadouthishands.
manoostmateman–amanvthalittleidea–andnothingto
supportit!Bytheway,didHenryGascoignehavefalseteeth?’
‘No,hisownteethwereinexcellentpreservation.Very
creditableindeedathisage.’
‘Helookedafterthemwell–theywerewhiteandwelt
brushed?’
‘Yes,Inoticedthemparticularly.Teethtendtogrowalittle
yellowasonegrowsolder,buttheywereingoodcondition.’
‘Notdiscolouredinanyway?’
‘NoIdon’tthinkhewasasmokerifthatIswhatyoumean.
‘Ididnotmeanthatprecisely-itwasjustalongshot-whit:
probablywillnotcomeoffiGoodbye,DrMacAndrew,and
thankyouforyourkindness.’
Heshookthedoctor’shandanddeparted
‘Andnow,’hesaid,orthelongshot.
AttheGallantEndeavour,hesatdownatthesametablewificb
hehadsharedwithBonnington.Thegirlwhoservedhim
notMolly.Molly,thegirltoldhim,wasawayonaholiday.
178
ItwasonlyjustsevenandHerculePoirotfoundnodifficulty
inenteringintoconversationwiththegirlonthesubjectofold
MrGascoigue.
‘Yes,’shesaid.‘He’dbeenhereforyearsandyears.Butnone
ofusgirlseverknewhisname.Wesawabouttheinquestinthe
paper,andtherewasapictureofhim.“There,”IsaidtoMolly.
“Ifthatisn’tour‘OldFatherTime’”asweusedtocallhim.’
‘Hedinedhereontheeveningofhisdeath,didhenot?’
‘That’sright,Thursday,thethird.Hewasalwayshereona
Thursday.TuesdaysandThursdayspunctualasadock.’
‘Youdon’tremember,Isuppose,whathehadfordinner?’
‘Nowletmesee,itwasmulligatawnysoup,that’sright,and
beefsteakpuddingorwasitthemutton?–nopudding,that’s
right,andblackberryand’applepieandcheese.Andthento
thinkofhimgoinghomeandfallingdownthosestairsthatvery
sameevening.Afrayeddressing-gowncordtheysaiditwasas
causedit.Ofcourse,hisclotheswerealwayssomethingawful-old-fashioned
andputonanyhow,andalltattered,andyethe
hadakindofair,allthesame,asthoughhewassomebody!Oh,
wegetallsortsofinterestingcustomershere.’
Shemovedoff.
HerculePoirotatehisfilletedsole.Hiseyesshowedagreen
light.
‘Itisodd,’hesaidtohimself,‘howthecleverestpeopleslip
overdetails.Bonningtonwillbeinterested.’
Butthetimehadnotyetcomeforleisurelydiscussionwith
Bonnington.
Armedwithintroductionsfromacertaininfluential.quarter,
HerculePoirotfoundnodifficultyatallindealingwiththe
coronerforthedistrict.·
‘Acuriousfigure,thedeceasedmanGascoigne,’heob-served.
‘Alonely,eccentricoldfellow.Buthisdeceaseseemsto
arouseanunusualamountofattention?’
Helookedwithsomecuriosityathisvisitorashespoke.
179
HerculePoirotchosehiswordscarefully.
‘Therearecircumstancesconnectedwithit,Monsieur,
whichmakeinvestigationdesirable.’
‘Well,howcanIhelpyou?’
‘Itis,Ibelieve,withinyourprovincetoorderdocuments
producedinyourcourttobedestroyed,ortobeimpounded-as
youthinkfit.Acertainletterwasfoundinthepocketof
HenryGascoigne’sdressing-gown,wasitnot?’
‘Thatisso.’
‘Aletterfromhisnephew,DrGeorgeLorrimer?’
‘Quitecorrect.Theletterwasproducedattheinquestas
helpingtofixthetimeofdeath.’
‘Whichwascorroboratedbythemedicalevidence?’
‘Exactly.’
‘Isthatletterstillavailable?’
HerculePoirotwaitedratheranxiouslyforthereply.
Whenheheardthattheletterwasstillavailableforex-amination
hedrewasighofrelief.
Whenitwasfamilyproducedhestudieditwithsomecare.It
waswritteninaslightlycrampedhandwritingwitha
stylographicpen.
Itranasfollows:
DearUncleHenry,
IamsorrytotellyouthatIhavehadnosuccessasregards
UncleAmhony.Heshowednoenthusiasmforavisitfromyou
andwouldgivemenoreplytoyourrequestthathewouldle
bygonesbebygones.Heis,ofcourse,extremelyill,andhismind
isinclinedtowander.Ishouldfancythattheendiszrynear.He
seemedhardlytorememberwhoyouwere.
Iamsorrytohavefailedyou,butIcanassureyouthatIdid
mybest.
180
Youraffectionatenephew,
GeorgeLorrimer
Theletteritselfwasdated3rdNovember.Poimtglancedatthe
envelope’spostmark-4.30p.m.3Nov.
Hemurmured:
‘Itisbeautifullyinorder,isitnot?’
KingstonHillwashisnextobjective.Afteralittletrouble,with
theexerciseofgood-humouredpertinacity,heobtainedan
‘interviewwithAmeliaHill,cook-housekeepertothelate
AnthonyGascoigne.
MrsHillwasinclinedtobestiffandsuspiciousatfu’st,butthe
charminggenialityofthisstrange-lookingforeignerwouldhave
haditseffectonastone.MrsAmeliaHillbegantounbend.
Shefoundherself,ashadsomanyotherwomenbeforeher,
pouringouthertroublestoareallysympatheticlistener.
ForfourteenyearsshehadhadchargeofMrGascoigne’s
household-notaneasyjob!No,indeed!Manyawomanwould
havequailedundertheburdensshehadhadtobear!Eccentric
thepoorgentlemanwasandnodenyingit.Remarkablyclose
withhismoney–akindofmaniawithhimitwas–andheas
richagentlemanasmightbe!ButMrsHillhadservedhim
faithfully,andPitupwithhisways,andnaturallyshe’d
expectedatanyratearemembrance.Butno-nothingatall!Just
anoldwillthatleftallhismoneytohiswifeandifshe
predeceasedhimtheneverythingtohisbrother,Henry.Awill
madeyearsago.Itdidn’tseemfair!
GraduallyHerctilePoirotdetachedherfromhermaintheme
ofunsatisfiedcupidity.ItwasindeedaheartlessinjusticetMrs
HillcouldnotbeBlamedforfeelinghurtandsurprised.Itwas
wellknownthatMrGascoignewastight-fistedaboutmoney.It
hadevenbeensaidthatthedeadmanhadrefusedhisonly
brotherassistance.MrsHillprobablyknewallaboutthat.
‘WasitthatthatDrLorrimercametoseehimabout?’asked
MrsHill.‘Iknewitwassomethingabouthisbrother,butI
thoughtitwasjustthathisbrotherwantedtobereconciled.
They’dquarrelledyearsago.’
181
‘Iunderstand,’saidPoirot,‘thatMrGascoignerefused
absolutely?’
‘That’srightenough,’saidMrsHillwithanod.‘”Henry?”he
says,ratherweaklike.“What’sthisaboutHenry?Hcrotn’tseen
himforyearsanddon’tzntto.Quarrelsomefellow,Henry.”Justthat.’
TheconversationthenrevertedtoMrsHill’sownspec
grievances,andtheunfeelingattitudeofthelateMr
Gascoigne’ssolicitor.
WithsomedifficultyHerculePoirottoolhisleavewithout
breakingofftheconversationtooabruptly.
Andso,justafterthedinnerhour,hecametoIF.Itncrest,
DorsetRoad,Wimbledon,theresidenceofDrGeorge
Lorrimer.
Thedoctorwasin.HerculePoirotwasshownintothe
surgeryandtherepresentlyDrGeorgeLorrimercametohim,
obviouslyjustrisenfromthedinnertable.
‘I’mnotapatient,Doctor,’saidHerculePoirot.‘Andmy
cominghereis,perhaps,somewhatofanimpertinence–but
I’manoldmanandIbelieveinplainanddirectdealing.Idoof
careforlawyersandtheirlong-windedroundaboutmethods.’
HehadcertainlyarousedLorrimer’sinterest.Thedoctor
wasaclean-shavenmanofmiddleheight.Hishairwasbrow
buthiseyelashswerealmostwhitewhichgavehiseyesapaic,
boiledappearance.Hismannerwasbriskandnotwithout
humour.
‘Lawyers?’hesaid,raisinghiseyebrows.‘Hatethefellows!
Yourousemycuriosity,mydearsir.Praysitdown.’
Poirotdidsoandthenproducedoneofhisprofessionalcards
whichhehandedtothedoctor.
GeorgeLorrimer’swhiteeyelashesblinked.
Poirotleanedforwardconfidentially.‘Agoodmanyofmy
clientsarewomen,’hesaid.
‘Naturally,’saidDrGeorgeLorrimer,withaslighttwinkle.
‘Asyousay,naturally,’agreedPoirot.‘Womendistrustthe
182
officialpolice.Theypreferprivateinvestigations.Theydo
notwanttohavetheictroublesmadepublic.Anelderly
womancametoconsultmeafewdaysago.Shewasunhappy
aboutahusbandshe’dquarrelledwithmanyyearsbefore.
Thishusbandofherswasyouruncle,thelateMrGascoigne.’
GeorgeLorrimer’sfacewentpurple.
‘Myuncle?Nonsense!Hiswifediedmanyyearsago.’
‘Notyouruncle,MrAnthonyGascoigne.Youruncle,Mr
HenryGascoigne.’
‘UncleHenry?Buthewasn’tmarried!’
‘Ohyes,hewas,’saidHerculePoirot,lyingunblushingly.
‘Notadoubtofit.Theladyevenbroughtalonghermarriage
certificate.’
‘It’salie!’criedGeorgeLorrimer.HisfaceWasnowas
purpleasaplum.‘Idon’tbelieveit.You’reanimpudent
liar.’
‘Itistoobad,isitnot?’saidPoirot.‘Youhavecommitted
murderfornothing.’
‘Murder?’Lorrimer’svoicequavered.Hispaleeyes
bulgedwithterror.
‘Bytheway,’saidPoirot,‘Iseeyouhavebeeneating
blackberrytartagain.Anunwisehabit.Blackberriesaresaid
tobefullofvitamins,buttheymaybedeadlyinotherways.
OnthisoccasionIratherfancytheyhavehelpedtoputarope
roundaman’sneck-yourneck,DrLorrimer.’
‘Yousee,monami,whereyouwentwrongwasoveryour
fundamentalassumption.’HerculePoirot,beamingplacidly
acrossthetableathisfriend,wavedanexpositoryhand.‘A
manunderseverementalstressdoesn’tchoosethattimetodo
somethingthathe’sneverdonebefore.Hisreflexesjust
followthetrackofleastresistance.Amanwhoisupsetabout
SOmethingmightconceivablycomedowntodinnerdressedin
hispyjamas–buttheywillbehisownpyjamas–not
somebodyelse’s.
183
‘Amanwhodislikesthicksoup,suetpuddingand
blackberriessuddenlyordersallthreeoneevening.Yousay,
becauseheisthinkingofsomethingelse.ButIsaythataman‘
whohasgotsomethingonhismindwillorderautomaticallythe
dishhehasorderedmostoftenbefore.
‘Ehbien,then,whatotherexplanationcouldtherebe?I
simplycouldnotthinkofareasonableexplanation.AndI
wasworried!Theincidentwasallwrong.Itdidnotfit!Ihave
anorderlymindandIlikethingstofit.MrGaacoigne’s
dinnerorderworriedme.
‘Thenyoutoldmethatthemanhaddisappeared.Hehad
missedaTuesdayandaThursdaythefirsttimeforyears.I
likedthatevenless.Aqueerhypothesissprangupinmy
mind.IfIwererightaboutitthemanwasdead.Imade
inquiries.Themanwasdead.Andhewasveryneatlyand
tidilydead.Inotherwordsthebadfishwascoveredupwith
thesauce!
‘HehadbeenseenintheKing’sRoadatseveno’clock.He
hadhaddinnerhereatseven-thirty–twohoursbeforehe
died.Itallfittedin–theevidenceofthestomachcontents,
theevidenceofthelettffr.Muchtoomuchsauce!You
couldn’tseethefishatall!
‘Devotednephewwrotetheletter,devotednephewhad
beautifulalibifortimeofdeath.Deathverysimple–afall
downthestairs.Simpleaccident?Simplemurder?Everyone
saystheformer.
‘Devotednephewonlysurvivingrelative.Devoted
nephewwilli.herit–butisthereanythingtoinherit?Uncle
,r.
‘Nat&
‘Asyou.
182
abrother.Andbrotherinhistimehad
Ce.Andbrotherlivesinabigrichhouseon
‘twouldseemthatrichwifemusthave
Youseethesequence–richwifeleaves
,AnthonyleavesmoneytoHenry,
George-acompletechain.’
veryprettyintheory,’saidBonnington.‘Butwhatdid
youdo?’
‘Onceyouknow–youcanusuallygetholdofwhatyou
want.Henryhaddiedtwohoursafterameal-thatisallthe
inquestreallybotheredabout.Butsupposingthemealwas
notdinner,butlunch.PutyourselfinGeorge’splace.George
wantsmoney–badly.AnthonyGascoigneisdying–buthis
deathisnogoodtoGeorge.HismoneygoestoHenry,and
HenryGascoignemayliveforyears.SoHenrymustdietoo-and
thesoonerthebetter-buthisdeathmusttakeplaceajer
Anthony’s,andatthesametimeGeorgemu,sthaveanalibi.
Henry’shabitofdiningregularlyatarestaurantontwo
eveningsoftheweeksuggestanalibitoGeorge.Beinga
cautiousfellow’,hetrieshisplanoutfirst.Heimpersonateshis
uncleonMondayeveningattherestaurantinquestion.Itgoes
withoutahitch.Everyonethereacceptshimashisuncle.He
issatisfied.HehasonlytowaittillUncleAnthonyshows
definitesignsofpeggingout.Thetimecomes.Hewritesa
lettertohisuncleontheafternoonofthesecondNovember
butdatesitthethird.Hecomesuptotownontheafternoon
ofthethird,callsonhisuncle,andcarrieshisschemeinto
action.AsharpshoveanddownthestairsgoesUncleHenry.
Georgehuntsaboutfortheletterhehaswritten,andshovesit
inthepocketofhisuncle’sdressing-gown.Atseven-thirtyhe
isattheGallantEndeavour,beard,bushyeyebrowsall
complete.UndoubtedlyMrHenryGascoigneisaliveat
seven-thirty.Thenarapidmetamorphosisinalavatoryand
backfullspeedinhiscartoWimbledonandaneveningof
bridge.Theperfectalibi.’
MrBonningtonlookedathim.
‘Butthepostmarkontheletter?’
‘Oh,thatwasverysimple.Thepostmarkwassmudg.
Why?Ithadbeenalteredwithlampblackfromsecond
.NovembertothirdNovember.Youwouldnotnoticeitunless
ouzoerelookingforit.AndfinallythereWeretheblackbirds.’
185
‘Blackbirds?’
‘Four-and-twentyblackbirdsbakedinapie!Orblack-berries
ifyouprefertobeliteral!George,youcomprehend,
wasafterallnotquiteagoodenoughactor.Doyouremember
thefellowwhoblackedhimselfallovertoplayOthello?That
isthekindofactoryouhavegottobeincrime.Georgelooked
likehisuncleandwalkedlikehisuncleandspokelikehis
uncleandhadhisuncles’beardandeyebrows,butheforgot
toeatlikehisuncle.Heorderedthedishesthathehimself
liked.Blackberriesdiscolourtheteeth–thecorpse’steeth
werenotdiscoloured,andyetHenryGascoigneate
blackberriesattheGallantEndeavourthatnight.Butthere
werenoblackberriesinthestomach.Iaskedthismorning.
AndGeorgehadbeenfoolenoughtokeepthebeardandthe
restofthemake-up.Oh!plentyofevidenceonceyoulookfor
it.IcalledonGeorgeandrattledhim.Thatfinishedit!He
hadbeeneatingblackberriesagain,bytheway.Agreedy
fellow–caredalotabouthisfood.Ehbien,greedwillhang
himallrightunlessIamverymuchmistaken.’
Awaitressbroughtthemtwoportionsofblackberryand
appletart.
‘Takeitaway,’saidMrBonnington.‘Onecan’tbetoo
careftil.Bringmeasmallhelpingofsagopudding.’
186
PROBLEMATSEA
“lonelClappertonl’saidGeneralForbes
Hesaiditwithaneffectmidwaybetweenasnortandasniff.
MissEllieHendersonleanedforward,astrandofhersoft
greyhairblowingacrossherface.Hereyes,darkandsnapping,
gleamedwithawickedpleasure.
‘Suchasoldierly-lookingman!’shesaidwithmalicious
intent,andsmoothedbackthelockofhairtoawaittheresult.
‘Soldierly!’explodedGeneralForbes.Hetuggedathis
militarymoustacheandhisfacebecamebrightred.
‘IntheGuards,wasn’the?’murmuredMissHenderson,
completingherwork.
‘Guards?Guards?Packofnonsense.Fellowwasonthe
musichallstage!Fact!JoinedupandwasoutinFrance
countingtinsofplumandapple.Hunsdroppedastraybomb
andhewenthomewithafleshwoundinthearm.Somehowor
othergotintoLadyCarfington’shospital.’
‘Sothat’showtheymet.’
‘Fact!Fellowplayedthewoundedhero.LadyCarrington
hadnosenseandoceansofmoney.OldCarringtonhadbeenin
munitions.She’dbeenawidowonlysixmonths.Tiffsfellow
snapsherupinnotime.ShewangledhimajobattheWar
Office.ColonelClapperton!Pah!’hesnorted.
‘Andbeforethewarhewasonthemusichallstage,’mused
MissHenderson,tryingtoreconcilethedistinguishedgreyhaired
ColonelClappertonwithared-nosedcomediansinging
,firth-provokingsongs.
‘Fact!’saidGeneralForbes.‘HearditfromoldBassingron.
ffrench.AndhehearditfromoldBadgerCotterillwho’dgotit
fromSnooksParker.’
MissHendersonnoddedbrightly.‘Thatdoesseemtosettle
it!’shesaid.
lAfleetingsmileshowedforaminuteonthefaceofasmall
mansittingnearthem.MissHendersonnoticedthesmile.She
wasobservant.Ithadshownappreciationofthe
underlyingherlastremark–ironywhichtheGeneralnew
amomentsuspected.
TheGeneralhimselfdidnotnoticethesmile.Heglancedat
hiswatch,roseandremarked:‘Exercise.Gottokeeponeselffit
onaboat,’andpassedoutthroughtheopendoorontothe
deck.
MissHendersonglancedatthemanwhohadsmiled.Itwasawell-bredglanceindicatingthatshewasreadytoenter‘
conversationwithafellowtraveller.
‘Heisenergetic–yes?’saidthelittleman.
‘Hegoesroundthedeckforty-eighttimesexactly,’saidMis
Henderson.‘Whatanoldgossip!Andtheysayzvearethe
scandal-lovingsex.’
‘Whatanimpoliteness?
‘Frenchmenmealwayspolite,’saidMissHenderson
wasthenuanceofaquestioninhervoice.
Thelittlemanrespondedpromptly.‘Beigian,
moiselle.’
‘Oh
‘HerculePoirot.Atyourservice.’
Thenamearousedsomememory.Surelyshehadheard
before-?‘Areyouenjoyingthistrip,M.Poirot?’
‘Frankly,no.Itwasanimbecilivmallowmyselfto
persuadedtocome.Idetestlame.Neverdoesit
tranquil–no,notforalit-deminute.’
‘Well,youadmitit’squitecalmnow.’
M.Poirotadmittedthisgrudgingly.‘Acm,,yes.T
iswhyIrevive.Ioncemoreinterestmyselfinwhatpass’
aroundme–yourveryadepthandlingoftheGeneralForbeL
forinstance.’
‘Youmean-‘MissHendersonpaused.
HcrculePoirotbowed.‘Yourmethodsofextracting
scandalousmatter.Admirable!’
MissHendersonlaughedinanunashamedmanner.
touchabouttheGuards?Iknewthatwouldbring
188
-,..,4.oandasoing.’Sheleanedforwardconfidentially.
,PdmitIliscandal–themoreill-natured,thebetter.
poirotlookedthoughtfullyather–herslimwell-preservedfigure,herkeendarkeyes,hergreyhair;awomanofforty-five
whowascontenttolookherage.
Elliesaidabruptly:‘Ihaveit!Aren’tyouthegreat
detective?’.··,
Poirotbowed.‘Youaretootamable,mademotselle.Buthe.
madenodisclaimer.
‘Howthrilling,’saidMissHenderson.‘Areyou“hotonthe
trail”astheysayinbooks?Haveweacriminalsecretlyinour
midst?OramIbeingindiscreet?’
‘Notatall.Notatall.Itpainsmetodisappointyour
expectations,butIamsimplyhere,likeeveryoneelse,toamuse
myself.’
HesaiditinsuchagloomyvoicethatMissHenderson
laughed.
‘0h!Well,youwillbeabletogetashoretomorrowat
Alexandria.YouhavebeentoEgyptbefore?’
‘Never,mademoiselle.’
MissHendersonrosesomewhatabruptly.
‘IthinkIshalljointheGeneralonhisconstitutional,’she
announced.
Poirotsprangpolitelytohisfeet.
Shegavehimalittlenodandpassedontothedeck.
AfaintpuzzledlookshowedforamomentinPoirot’seyes,
then,alittlesmilecreasinghislips,herose,puthishead
throughthedoormadglanceddownthedeck.MissHenderson
wasleaningagainsttherailtalkingtoatall,soldierly-lookinglllall.
Poirot’ssmiledeepened.Hedrewhimselfbackintothe
smoking-roomwiththesameexaggeratedcarewithwhicha
tortoisewithdrawsitselfintoitsshell.Forthemomenthehad
thesmoking-roomtohimself,thoughherightlyconjectured
thatthatwouldnotlastlong.
Itdidnot.MrsClapperton,hercarefullywavedplatinum
headprotectedwithanet,hermassagedanddietedform
dressedinasmartsportssuit,camethroughthedoorfromthe
barwiththepurposefulairofawomanwhohasalways13een
abletopaytoppriceforanythingsheneeded.
Shesaid:‘John–?Oh!Goodmorning,M.Poirot–haveyou
seenJohn?’
‘He’sonthestarboarddeck,madame.ShallI–?’
Shearrestedhimwithagesture.‘I’llsithereaminute.’She
satdowninaregalfashioninthechairoppositehim.Fromthe
distanceshehadlookedapossibletwenty-eight.Now,inspite
ofherexquisitelymade-upface,herdelicatelyplucked
eyebrows,shelookednotheractualforty-nineyears,buta
possiblefifty-five.Hereyeswereahardpalebluewithtiny
pupils.
‘Iwassorrynottohaveseenyouatdinnerlastnight,’she
said.‘Itwasjustashadechoppy,ofcourse-‘‘Prdabnent,’saidPoirotwithfeeling.
‘Luckily,Iamanexcellentsailor,’saidMrsClapperton.‘I
sayluckily,because,withmyweakheart,’seasicknesswould
probablybethedeathofme.’
‘Youhavetheweakheart,madame?’
‘Yes,Ihavetobemostcareful.Imustnotoverfiremyself.Allthespecialistssayso!’MrsClappertonhadembarkedontheto
her–ever-fascinatingtopicofherhealth.‘John,poor
darling,wearshimselfouttryingtopreventmefromdoingtoo
much.Ilivesointensely,ifyouknowwhatImean,M.Poirot?’
‘Yes,yes.’
‘Healwayssaystome:“Trytobemoreofavegetable,
Adeline.”ButIcan’t.Lifewasmeanttobelived,Ifeel.^5.a
matteroffactIworemyselfoutasagirlinthewar.Myhosp?d–you’veheardofmyhospital?OfcourseIhadnursesa:.i
matronsandallthat–butIactuallyranit.’Shesighed.
‘Yourvitalityismarvellous,dearlady,’saidPoirot,withl.:
slightlymechanicalairofonerespondingtohiscue.
MrsClappertongaveagirlishlaugh.
‘EveryonetellsmehowyoungIam!It’sabsurd.Inevertry
topretendI’madaylessthanforty-three,’shecontinuedwith
slightlymendaciouscandour,‘butalotofpeoplefredithardto
believe.“You’resoalive,Adelkne,”theysaytome.Butreally,
M.Poirot,whatwouldonebeifonewasn’talive?’
190
‘Dead,’saidPoirot.
MrsClappertonfrowned.Thereplywasnottoher–hking.
Theman,shederided,wastryingtobefunny.Shegotupand
saidcoldly:‘Imustf’mdJohn.’
Asshesteppedthroughthedoorshedroppedherhandbag.
Itopenedandthecontentsflewfarandwide.Poirotrushed
gallantlytotherescue.Itwassomefewminutesbeforethe
lipsticks,vanityboxes,cigarettecaseandlighterandotherodds
andendswerecollected.MrsClappertonthankedhimpolitely,
thenshesweptdownthedeckandsaj.’d,‘John‘
ColonelClappertonwasstilldeepinconversationwithMiss
Henderson.Heswungroundandcamequicklytomeethis
wife.Hebentoverherprotectively.Herdeckchair–wasitin
therightplace?Wouldn’titbebetter–?Hismannerwas
courteous–fullofgentleconsideration.Clearlyanadoredwife
spoiltbyanadoringhusband.
MissEllieHendersonlookedoutatthehorizonasthough
somethingaboutitratherdisgustedher
Standinginthesmoking-roomdoor,Poirotlookedon.
Ahoarsequaveringvoicebehindhimsaid:’I’dtakeahatchet
tothatwomanifIwereherhusband.’Theoldgentleman
knowndisrespectfullyamongtheyoungersetonboardasthe
GrandfatherofAlltheTeaPlanters,hadjustshttttledin.‘Boy!’
hecalled.‘Getmeawhiskypeg.’
Poirotstoopedtoretrieveatornscrapofnotepaper,an
overlookeditemfromthecontentsofMrsClapperton’sbag.
Partofaprescription,henoted,containingdigitalin.Heputit
inhispocket,meaningtoreswreittoMrsClappertonlater.
‘Yes,’wentontheagedpassenger.‘Poisonouswoman.I
rememberawomanlikethatinPoona.In’87thatwas.’
‘Didanyonetakeahatchettoher?’inquiredPoirot.
Theoldgentlemanshookhisheadsadly.
‘Worriedherhusbandintohisgravewithintheyear.
Clappertonoughttoasserthimself.Giveshiswifeherheadtoo
much.’
‘Sheholdsthepursestrings,’saidPoirotgravely.
‘Ha,ha!’chuckledtheoldgentleman.‘You’veputthematter
inanutshell.Holdsthepursestrings.Ha,ha!’
191
Twogirlsburstintothesmoking-room.Onehadar.
facewithfrecklesanddarkhairstreamingoutinawindsw?pt
confusion,theotherhadfrecklesandcurlychestnuthair.
‘Arescue–arescue!’criedKittyMooney.‘PamandI
goingtorescueColonelClapperton.’
‘Fromhiswife,’gaspedPamelaCregan.
‘Wethinkhe’sapet…’
‘Andshe’sjustawful–shewon’tlethimdoanything,’the
twogirlsexclaimed.
‘Andifheisn’twithher,he’susuallygrabbedbythe
Hendersonwoman…’
‘Who’squitenice.Butterriblyold…’
Theyranout,gaspinginbetweengiggles.‘Arescue–a
rescue…’
ThattherescueofColonelClappertonwasnoisolatedsally,
butafixedprojechwasmadeclearthatsameeveningwhenthe
eighteen-year-oldParaCregancameuptoHerculePoirot,and
murmured:‘Watchus,M.Poirot.He’sgoingtobecutout
fromunderhernoseandtakentowalkinthemoonlightonthe
boatdeck.’
ItwasjustatthatmomentthatColonelClappertonwas
saying:‘IgrantyouthepriceofaRolls-Royce.Butit’s
practicallygoodforalifetime.Nowmycar‘
‘Mycar,Ithink,John.’MrsClapperton’svoicewasshrill
andpenetrating.
Heshowednoannoyanceatherungradousness.Either:
wasusedtoitbythistime,orelse‘Or
else?’thoughtPoirotandlethimselfspeculate.
‘Certainly,mydear,yourcar’,’Clappertonbowedtohisas
andfinishedwhathehadbeensaying,perfectlyunrutTled.
‘Voildcequ’onappellelepukkasahib,’thoughtPoirot.‘t‘
theGeneralForbessaysthatClappertonisnogentlemanat.
Iwondernow.’
Therewasasuggestionofbridge.MrsClapperton,General
Forbesandahawk-eyedcouplesatdowntoit.MissHenders,‘
hadexcusedherselfandgoneoutondeck.
192
‘Whataboutyourhusband?’askedGeneralForbes,
hesitating.
‘Johnwon’tplay,’saidMrsClapperton.‘Mosttiresomeof
him.’
Thefourbridgeplayersbeganshufflingthecards.
ParaandKittyadvancedonColonelClappenon.Eachone
tookanarm.
‘You’recomingwithus!’saidPain.‘Totheboatdeck.
There’samoon.’
‘Don’tbefoolish,John,’saidMrsClapperton.You’llCatch
achill.’
‘Notwithus,hewon’t,’saidKitty.‘We’rehotsmffi.’
Hewentwiththem,laughing.
PoirotnoticedthatMrsClappenonsaidNoBidtoherinitial
hidofTwoClubs.
Hestrolledoutontothepromenadedeck.MissHenderson
wasstandingbytherail.Shelookedroundexpectantlyashe
cametostandbesideherandhesawthedropinherexpression.
Theychattedforawhile.Thenpresentlyashefellsilentshe
asked:‘Whatareyouthinkingabout?’
Poirotreplied:‘Iamwonderingaboutmyknowledgeof
English.MrsClappertonsaid:“Johnwon’tplaybridge.”Is
not“can’tplay”theusualterm?’
‘Shetakesitasapersonalinsultthathedoesn’t,Isuppose,’
saidElliedrily.‘Themanwasafoolevertohavemarriedher.’
InthedarknessPoirotsmiled.‘Youdon’tthinkit’sjust
possiblethatthemarriagemaybeasuccess?’heasked
diffidently.
‘Withawomanlikethat?’
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.‘Manyodiouswomenhave
devotedhusbands.Anenigmaofnature.Youwillamitthat
nothingshesaysordoesappearstogallhim.’MissHenderson
wasconsideringherreplywhenMrsClappenon’svoicefloated
outthroughthesmoking-roomwindow.
‘No–Idon’tthinkIwillplayanotherrubber.Sostuffy.I
thinkI’llgoupandgetsomeairontheboatdeck.’
‘Goodnight,’saidMissHenderson.‘I’mgoingtobed.’She
disappearedabruptly.
193
Poirotstrolledforwardtothelounge–desertedsaw:for
ColonelClappertonandthetwogirls.Hewasdoingcardt
forthemandnotingthedexterityofhisshufflingandhansiing
ofthecards,PoirotrememberedtheGeneral’sstoryofac:?eer
onthemusichallstage.
‘Iseeyouenjoythecardseventhoughyoudonotplay
bridge,’heremarked.
‘I’vemyreasonsfornotplayingbridge,’saidClapperton,his
charmingsmilebreakingout.‘I’llshowyou.We’llplayone
hand.’
Hedealtthecardsrapidly.‘Pickupyourhands.Well,what
aboutit?’HelaughedatthebewilderedexpressiononKitty’s
face.Helaiddownhishandandtheothersfollowedsuit.Kitty
heldtheentireclubsuit,M.Poirotthehearts,Pamthe
diamondsandColonelClappertonthespades.
‘Yousee?’hesaid.‘Amanwhocandealhispartnerandhis
adversariesanyhandhepleaseshadbetterstandalooffroma
friendlygame!Iftheluckgoestoomuchhisway,ill-natured
thingsmightbesaid.’
‘Oh!’gaspedKitty.‘Howcouldyoudothat?Italllooked
perfectordinary.’
‘Thequicknessofthehanddeceivestheeye,’saidPoitot
sententiously–andcaughtthesuddenchangeintheColonel’s
expression.
Itwasasthoughherealizedthathehadbeenoffhisguard
foramomentortwo.
Poirotsmiled.Theconjurorhadshownhimselfthroughthe
maskofthepulO.asahib.
TheshipreachedAlexandriaatdawnthefollowingmorning.
AsPoirotcameupfrombrealffasthefoundthetwogirlsall
Ieadytogoonshore.TheyweretalkingtoColonelClapperton.
‘Weoughttogetoffnow,’urgedKitty.‘Thepassportpeorle
willbegoingofftheshippresently.You’llcomewithuswc,’,’t
you?Youwouldn’tletusgoashoreallbyourselves?Ay01
thingsmighthappentous.’
‘Icertainlydon’tthinkyououghttogobyyourselves,’sI
Clapperton,smiling.‘ButI’mnotsuremywifefeelsupto
194
‘lat’stoobad,’saidPam.‘Butshecanhaveanicelong
rest.’
ColonelClappertonlookedalittleirresolute.Ev’entlythe
desiretoplaytruantwasstronguponhim.HenoticedPoirot.
‘Hullo,M.Poirot–yougoingashore?’
‘No,Ithinknot,’M.Poirotreplied.
‘I’ll–I’ll–justhaveawordwithAdeline,’decidedColonel
Clapperton.
‘We’llcomewithyou,’saidPam.Sheflashedawinkat
Poirot.‘Perhapswecanpersuadehertocometoo’sheadded
gravely.
ColonelClappertonseemedtowelcomethissuggeafion.He
lookeddecidedlyrelieved.
‘Comealongthen,thepairofyou,’hesaidlightly.Theyall
threewentalongthepassageofBdecktogether.
Poirot,whosecabinwasjustoppositetheC!appertons’,
followedthemoutofcuriosity.
ColonelClappertonrappedalittlenervouslyatthecabin
door.
‘Adeline,mydear,areyouup?’
ThesleepyvoiceofMrsClappertonfromwithinreplied:
‘Oh,bother–whatisit?’
‘It’sJohn.Whataboutgoingashore?’
‘Certainlynot.’Thevoicewasshrillanddecisive.‘I’vehad
averybadnight.Ishallstayinbedmostoftheday.’
Paranippedinquickly.‘Oh,MxsClapperton,I’msosorry.
Wedidsowantyoutocomewithus.Areyousureyou’renot
uptoit?’
‘I’mquitecertain.’MrsClapperton’svoicesoundedeven
shriller.
TheColonelwasturningthedoor-handlewithoutresult.
‘Whatisit,John?Thedoor’slocked.Idon’twanttobe
disturbedbythestewards.’
‘Sorry,mydear,sorry.JustwantedmyBaedeker.’
‘Well,youcan’thaveit,’snappedMrsClapperton.‘I’mnot
goingtogetoutofbed.Dogoaway,John,andletmehavea
littlepeace.’
195
‘Certainly,certainly,mydear.’TheColonelbackedw%.
fromthedoor.PamandKittyclosedinonhim.
‘Let’sstartatonce.Thankgoodnessyourhat’sonyourhead.
Oh,gracious–yourpassportisn’tinthecabin,isit?’
‘Asamatteroffactit’sinmypocket-‘begantheCol,)nel.
Kittysqueezedhisarm.‘Glorybe!’sheexclaimed.‘?;ow,
comeon.’
Leaningovertherail,Poirotwatchedthethreeofthemieave
theship.Heheardafaintintakeofbrea/hbesidehimand
turnedtoseeMissHenderson.Hereyeswerefastenedonthe
threeretreatingfigures.
‘Sothey’vegoneashore,’shesaidflatly.
‘Yes.Areyougoing?’
Shehadashadehat,henoticed,andasmartbagandshoes.
Therewasashore-goingappearanceabouther.Nevertheless
afterthemostinfinitesimalofpauses,sheshookherhead.
‘No,’shesaid.‘IthinkI’llstayonboard.Ihavealotofletters
towrite.’
Sheturnedandlefthim.
Puff’rogafterhismorningtourofforty-eightroundsofthe
deck,GeneralForbestookherplace.‘Aha!’heexclaimedashis
eyesnotedtheretreatingfiguresoftheColonelandthetwo
girls.‘Sothat’sthegame!Where’stheMadam?’
PoirotexplainedthatMrsClappertonwashavingaquiet
dayinbed.
‘Don’tyoubelieveit!’theoldwarriorclosedoneknowing
eye.‘She’llbeupfortiffin–andifthepoordevil’sfoundtobe
absentwithoutleave,there’llbeructions.’
ButtheGeneral’sprognosticationswerenotfulfilled,brs
ClappertondidnotappearatlunchandbythetimetheColocl
andhisattendantdamselsreturnedtotheshipatfouro’cl.,
shehadnotshownherself.
Poirotwasinhiscabinandheardthehusband’sslighi’
guiltyknockonhiscabindoor.Heardtheknockrepeated,ti.s
cabindoortried,andfinallyheardtheColonel’scallto,2
steward.
‘Lookhere,Ican’tgetananswer.Haveyouakey?’
196
poirotrosequicklyfromhisbunkandcameoutintothe
passage.
Thenewswentlikewildfireroundtheship.Withhorrified
incredulitypeopleheardthatMrsClappertonhadbeenfound
deadinherbunk–anativedaggerdriventhroughherheart.A
stringofamberbeadswasfoundonthefloorofhercabin.
Rumoursucceededmmour.Allbeadsellerswhohadbeen
allowedonboardthatdaywerebeingroundedupand
questioned!Alargesumincashhaddisapfromadrawer
inthecabin!Thenoteshadbeentraced!Theyhadnotbeen
traced!Jewe!leryworthafortunehadbeentaken!Nojewellery
hadbeentakenatall!Astewardhadbeenarrestedandhad
confessedtothemurder!
‘Whatisthetruthofitall?’demandedMissEllieHenderson
waylayingPoirot.Herfacewaspaleandtroubled.
‘Mydearlady,howshouldIknow?’
‘
youknow’saidMissHenderson.
Ofcourse,
Itwaslateintheevening.Mostpeoplehadretiredto.thetr
cabins.MissHendersonledPoirottoacoupleofdeckchairson
theshelteredsideoftheship.‘Nowtellme,’shecommanded.
Poirotsurveyedherthoughtfully.‘It’saninterestingcase,’
hesaid.
‘Isittruethatshehadsomeveryvaluableiewellerystolen?’
Poirotshookhishead.‘No.Nojewellerywastaken.Asmall
amountofloosecashthatwasinadrawerhasdisappeared,
though.’
‘I’llneverfeelsafeonashipagain,’saidMissHenderson
withashiver.‘Anyclueastowhichofthosecoffee-coloured
brutesdidit?’
‘No,’saidHerculePoirot.‘Thewholethingisratherstrange.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’askedEiliesharply
Poirotspreadouthishands.*Ehbien–takethefacts.Mrs
CJappertonhadbeendeadatleastfivehourswhenshewas
found.Somemoneyhaddisappeared.Astringofbeadswason
thefloorbyherbed.Thedoorwaslockedandthekeywas
197
missing.Thewindow–w/ndow,notport-hole–givesonthe
deckandwasopen.’
‘Well?’askedthewomanimpatiently.
‘Doyounotthinkitiscuriousforamurdertobecommitted
underthoseparticularcircumstances?Rememberthatthe
postcardsellers,moneychangersandbeadsellerswhoare
allowedonboardareallwellknowntothepolice.’
‘Thestewardsusuallylockyourcabin,allthesame,’Ellie
pointedout.
‘Yes,topreventanychanceofpettypilfering.Butthis–was
murder.
‘Whatexactlyareyouthinkingof,M.Poirot?’Hervoice
soundedalittlebreathless.
‘Iamthinkingofthelockeddoor.’
MissHendersonconsideredthis.‘Idon’tseeanythingin
that.Themanleftbythedoor,lockeditandtookthekeywith
himsoastoavoidhavingthemurderdiscoveredtoosoon.
Quiteintelligentofhim,foritwasn’tdiscovereduntilfour
o’clockintheafternoon.’
‘No,no,mademoiselle,youdon’tappreciatethepointI’m
tryingtomake.I’mnotworriedastohowhegotout,butasto
howhegotin.’
‘Thewindowofcourse.’
‘C’estpossible.Butitwouldbeaverynarrowfit–andthere
werepeoplepassingupanddownthedeckallthetime,
remember.’
‘Thenthroughthedoor,’saidMissHendersonimpatieiy.
‘Butyouforget,mademoiselle.MrsClappertonhadlocke,ht
doorontheinside.ShehaddonesobeforeColonelClappe.:n
lefttheboatthismorning.Heactuallytriedit-soweknowthat
isSO.’
Nonsense.Itprobablystuck–orhedidn’tturnthehandle
properly.’
‘Butitdoesnotrestonhisword.Weactuallyheard;4rs
Clappertonherselfsayso.’
‘We?’
‘MissMooney,MissCregan,ColonelClapl2rtonmd
myself.’
198
EllieHendersontappedaneatlyshodfoot.Shedidnotspeak
foramomentortwo.Thenshesaidinaslightlyirritabletone:
‘Well–whatexactlydoyoudeducefromthat?IfMss
Clappertoncouldlockthedoorshecouldunlockittoo,I
suppose.’
‘Precisely,precisely.’Poirotturnedabeamingfaceupon
her.‘Andyouseewherethatleavesus.MrsClappertonunlocked
t&doorandletthemurdererin.Nowwouldshebelikelytodo
thatforabeadseller?’
Ellieobjected:‘Shemightnothaveknownwhoitwas.He
mayhaveknocked–shegotupandopenedthedoor–andhe
forcedhiswayinandkilledher.’
Poirotshookhishead.‘Aucontraire.Shewas‘lyingpeace-fully
inbedwhenshewasstabbed.’
MissHendersonstaredathim.‘What’syouridea?’sheasked
abruptly.
Poirotsmiled.‘Well,itlooks,doesitnot,asthoughsheknew
thepersonsheadmitted…’
‘Youmean,’saidMissHendersonandhervoicesoundeda
littleharsh,‘thatthemurdererisapassengeronthesh)?’
Poirotnodded.‘Itseemsindicated.’
‘Andthestringofbeadsleftonthefloorwasablind?’
‘Precisely.’
‘Thetheftofthemoneyalso?’
‘Exactly.’
Therewasapause,thenMissHendersonsaidslowly:‘I
thoughtMrsClappertonaveryunpleasantwomanandIdon’t
thinkanyoneonboardreallylikedher–buttherewasn’t
anyonewhohadanyreasontokillher.’
‘Exceptherhusband,perhaps,’saidPoirot.
‘Youdon’treallythink-‘Shestopped.
‘ItistheopinionofeverypersononthisshipthatColonel
Clappertonwouldhavebeenquitejustifiedin“takinga
hatchettoher”.Thatwas,Ithink,theexpressionused.’
EllieHendersonlookedathim–waiting
‘ButIamboundtosay,’wentonPoirot,‘thatImyselfhave
notnotedanysignsofexasperationonthegoodColonel’spart.
Alsowhatismoreimportant,hehadanalibi.Hewaswiththose
199
twogirlsalldayanddidnotreturntotheshiptillfouro’clockBythen,MrsClappertonhadbeendeadmanyhours.’
Therewasanotherminuteofsilence.EllieHendersonsaid
softly:‘Butyoustillthink–apassengerontheship?’
Poirotbowedhishead.
EllieHendersonlaughedsuddenly–arecklessdefmntlaugh.
‘Yourtheorymaybedifficulttoprove,M.Poirot.Therearea
goodmanypassengersonthisship.’
Poirotbowedtoher.‘Iwilluseaphrasefromoneo;
detectivestories.“Ihavemymethods,Watson.”‘
Thefollowingevening,atdinner,everypassengerfeda
typewrittenslipbyhisplaterequestinghimtobehthe,nain
loungeat8.30.Whenthecompanywereassembled,the
Captainsteppedontotheraisedplatformwheretheorccstra
usuallyplayedandaddressedthem.
‘Ladiesandgentlemen,youallknowofthetragedy“.:,￥ich
tookplaceyesterday.Iamsureyouallwishtoco-oper:ein
bringingtheperpetratorofthatfoulcrimetojustice‘He
pausedandclearedhisthroat.‘Wehaveonboardwith‘￠,,M.
HerculePoirotwhoisprobablyknowntoyouallasamanwho
hashadwideexperiencein–er–suchmatters.Ihopeyouwill
listencarefullytowhathehastosay.’
ItwasatthismomentthatColonelClappenon,whohadnot
beenatdinner,cameinandsatdownnexttoGeneralForbes.
Helookedlikeamanbewilderedbysorrow–notatalllikea
manconsciousofgreatrelief.Eitherhewasaverygood
actororelsehehadbeengenuinelyfondofhisdisagreeable
wife.
‘M.HerculePoirot,’saidtheCaptainandsteppeddown.
Poirottookhisplace.Helookedcomicallyself-importantashe
beamedonhisaudience.
‘Messieurs,mesdames,’hebegan.‘Itismostkindofyou.be
soindulgentastolistentome.M.leGapitainehastoldyou;at
Ihavehadacertainexperienceinthesematters.Ihave,tis
true,alittleideaofmyownabouthowtogettothebotto‘:of
thisparticularcase.’Hemadeasignandastewardpu.ed
200
forwardandpassedontohimabulky,shapelessobject
vrappedinasheet.
‘WhatIamabouttodomaysurpriseyoualittle,’Poirot
vamedthem.‘ItmayoccurtoyouthatIameccentric,perhaps
mad.NeverthelessIassureyouthatbehindmymadnessthere
is–asyouEnglishsay–amethod.’
HiseyesmetthoseofMissHendersonforjustaminute.He
beganunwrappingthebulkyobject.
‘Ihavehere,messieursandmesdames,animportantwitnessto
thetruthofwhokilledMrsClapperton.’Withadefthandhe
whiskedawaythelastenvelopingcloth,andtheobjectit
concealedwasrevealed–analmostlife-sizedwoodendoll,
dressedinavelvetsuitandlacecollar.
‘Now,Arthur,’saidPoirotandhisvoicechangedsubtly–it
wasnolongerforeign–ithadinsteadaconfidentEnglish,a
slightlyCockneyinflection.‘Canyoutellme–Irepeat–can
youtellme–anythingatallaboutthedeathofMrs
Clapperton?’
Thedoll’sneckoscillatedalittle,itswoodenlowerjaw
droppedandwaveredandashrillhigh-pitchedwoman’svoice.
spoke:
‘Whatisit,John?Thedoor’slocked.Idon’twanttobe
disturbedbythestewards…’
Therewasacry–anoverturnedchair–amanstood
swaying,hishandtohisthroat–tryingtospeak–trying…
Thensuddenly,hisfigureseemedtocrumpleup.Hepitched
headlong.
ItwasColonelClapperton.
Poirotandtheship’sdoctorrosefromtheirkneesbythe
prostratefigure.
‘Allover,I’mafraid.Heart,’saidthedoctor’briefly.
Poirotnodded.‘Theshockofhavinghistrickseenthrough,’
hesaid.
HeturnedtoGeneralForbes.‘Itwasyou,General,who
gavemeavaluablehintwithyourmentionofthemusichall
stage.Ipuzzle–Ithink–andthenitcomestome.Supposing
thatbeforethewarClappertonwasaventriloquist.Inthatcase,
201
itwouldbeperfectlypossibleforthreepeopletohear
Clappertonspeakfrominsidehercabinwhenshewasalread
dead…’
EllieHendersonwasbesidehim.Hereyesweredarkandfull
ofpain.‘Didyouknowhisheartwasweak?’sheasked.
‘Iguessedit…MrsClappertontalkedofherownhe.an
beingaffected,butshestruckmeasthetypeofwomanwho
likestobethoughtill.ThenIpickedupatornprescription
withaverystrongdoseofdigitalininit.Digitalinisa
medicinebutitcouldn’tbeMrsClapperton’sbecausedigitalin‘
dilatesthepupilsoftheeyes.Ihavenevernoticedsuch
phenomenonwithher–butwhenIlookedathiseyesIsawthe
signsatonce.’
ERiemurmured:‘Soyouthought–itmightend–thisway?’
‘Thebestway,don’tyouthink,ndemoiselle?’hesaid
gently.
Hesawthetearsriseinhereyes.Shesaid:‘You’veknown.
You’veknownallalong…ThatIcared…Buthedidn’tdoit
forme…Itwasthosegirls–youth–itmadehimfeelhis
‘slavery.Hewantedtobefreebeforeitwastoolate…Yes,I’m
surethat’showitwas…Whendidyouguess–thatitwashe?’
‘Hisself-controlwastooperfect,’saidPoirotsimply.‘No
matterhowgallinghiswife’sconduct,itneverseemedtotouch
him.Thatmeanteitherthathewassousedtoitthatitnolonger
stunghim,orelse–ehb/eh–Idecidedonthelatter
alternative…AndIwasright…
‘Andthentherewashisinsistenceonhisconjuringability-the
eveningbeforethecrimehepretendedtogivehimself
away.ButamanlikeClappertondoesn’tgivehimselfaway,
Theremustbeareason.Solongaspeoplethoughthehadbeea
aconjurortheyweren’tlikelytothinkofhishavingbeenavemriloquist.’
‘Andthevoiceweheard–MrsClapperton’svoice?’
‘Oneofthestewardesseshadavoicenotunlikehers.I
inducedhertohidebehindthestageandtaughtherthewrdstosay.’
‘Itwasatrick–acrueltrick,’criedoutEllie.
‘Idonotapproveofmurder,’saidHerculePoirot.
202
THETHIRD-FLOORFLAT
‘Bother?saidPat.
WithadeepeningfrownsherummagedWildlyinthesilken
trifleshecalledaneveningbag.Twoyoungmenandanother
girlwatchedheranxiously.Theywereallstandingoutsidethe
closeddoorofPatricaGamettsfla.
‘It’snogood,’saidPat.‘It’snotthere.Andnowwhatshall
wedo?’
‘Whatislifewithoutalatchley?’murmuredJimmy
Faulkener.
Hewasashorhbroad-shoulderedyoungroan,withgood-tempered
blueeyes.
Patturnedonhimangrily.‘Don’tmakejokes,Jimmy.This
isserious.’
‘Lookagain,Pat,’saidDonovanBailey.‘Itmustbethere
somewhere.’
Hehadalazy,pleasantvoicethatmatchedhislean,dark
figure.
‘Ifyoueverbroughtitout,’saidtheothergirl,Mildred
Hope.
‘OfcourseIbroughtitout,’saidPat.‘IbelieveIgaveitto
oneofyoutwo.’Sheturnedonthemenaceusinly.‘Itold
Donovantotakeitforme.’
Butshewasnottofindascapegoatsoeasily.Donovanputin
afirmdisclaimer,andliramybackedhimup.
‘Isawyouputitinyourbag,myself,’saidJimmy.
‘Well,then,oneofyoudroppeditoutwhenyoupickedup
mybag.I’vedroppeditonceortwice.’
‘Onceortwice?saidDonovan.‘You’vedroppeditadozen
timesatleast,besidesleavingitbehindoneverypossible
OCiOll?
‘Ican’tseewhyeverythingonearthdoesn’tdropoutofitthe
wholetime,’saidJimmy.
2O3
0
oomom.oduu1;)!qgd.9uno,(‘umsqlqnq‘lqolsn
osnpI,‘MP,’Pals,l,uopI,
,’si,‘.oup,’oN,
andweshallsmashendlesscrockerybeforeIcangettothelight
switch.Don’tmoveabout,Jimmy,tillIgetthelighton.’
Hefelthiswaycautiouslyoverthefloor,utteringonefervent
‘Damn!’asacornerofthekitchentabletookhimunawaresin
theribs.Hereachedtheswitch,andinanothermoment
another‘Damn!’floatedoutofthedarkness.
‘What’sthematter?’askedJimmy.
‘Lightwon’tcomeon.Dudbulb,Isuppose.Waitaminute.
I’llturnthesitting-roomlighton.’
Thesitting-roomwasthedoorimmediatelyacrossthe
passage.JimmyheardDonovangooutofthedoor,and
presentlyfreshmuffledcursesreachedhim.Hehimseffedged
hiswaycautiouslyacrossthekitchen.
‘What’sthematter?’
‘Idon’tknow.Roomsgetbewitchedatnight,Ibelieve.
Everythingseemstobeinadifferentplace.Chairsandtbles
whereyouleastexpectedthem.Oh,hell!Here’snother!’
ButatthismomentJimmyfortunatelyconnectedwith￠
electric-lightswitchandpresseditdown.Inanothermix,ute
twoyoungmenwerelookingateachotherinsilenthorror
ThisroomwasnotPat’ssitting-room.Theywereinthe
wrOngflat.
Tobeginwith,theroomwasabouttentimesmorecrowded
thanPat’s,whichexplainedDonovan’spatheticbewilderment
atrepeatedlycannoningintochairsandtables.Therewasa
largeroundtableinthecentreoftheroomcoveredwithab$ze
cloth,andtherewasanaspidistrainthewindow.Itwas,infact,
thekindofroomwhoseowner,theyoungmenfeltsure,would
bedifficulttoexplainto.Withsilenthorrortheygazeddownat
thetabletonwhichlayalittlepileofletters.
‘MrsEmestineGrant,’breathedDonovan,pickingthemup
andreadingthename.‘Oh,helpIDoyouthinkshe’sheardus?’
‘It’samiracleshehasn’theardyou,’saidJimmy.‘Whatwith
yourlanguageandthewayyou’vebeencrashingintome
furniture.Come-on,fortheLord’ssake,let’sgetoutofilere
quickly.’
Theyhastilyswitchedoffthelightandretracedtheirsteps
206
titoetothelift.]imraybreathedasighofreliefasthey
onP–.-sofitsdepthswithoutfurtherincident…
regainedthea…–:–..a,,ood,soundsleeper,’hesmd
‘Idolikeawormul
‘
.‘1‘MrsEmestineGranthasherpoint
!0rovmgY’
·
,hvemadethemistakein
-Iseeitflow,’salcll.<jLuvu—-aW
thcfloor,Imean.Outinthatwellwestartedupfromthe
basement.’
lieheavedontherope,andtheliftshotup.‘We’rerightthis
time.’,
‘Idevoutlytrustweare,saidJimmyashesteppedoutinto
,
‘t
shocks
anotherinkyvoid.Mynerveswonstandmanymore
ofthiskind.’
Butnofurthernervestrainwasimposed.Thefirstclickof
thelightshowedthemPat’skitchen,andinanotherminute
theywereopeningthefrontdoorandadmittingthetwogirls
wfiowerewaitingoutside.
‘Youhavebeenalongtime,’grumbledPat.‘MildredandI
havebeenwaitinghereages.’
‘We’vehadanadventure,’saidDonovan.‘Wemighthave
beenhauledofftothepolice-stationasdangerousmalefactors.’
Pathadpassedonintothesitting-room,wheresheswitched
onthelightanddroppedherwraponthesofa.Shelistened
livelyinteresttoDonovan’saccountofhisadventures.
wi”mgladshedidn’tcatchyou,’shecommented.‘I’msure
she’sanoldcurmudgeon.Igotanotefromherthismorningwanted
toseemesometime–somethingshehadtocomplain
about–mypiano,Isuppose,peoplewhodon’tlikepianosover
theirheadsshouldn’tcomeandliveinflats.Isay,Donovan,
you’vehurtyourhand.It’salloverblood.Goandwashit
underthetap.’
Donovanlookeddownathishandinsurprise.Hewentout
oftheroomobedientlyandpresentlyhisvoicecalledtoJimmy.
‘Hullo,’saidtheother,‘what’sup?Youhaven’thurt
yourselfbadly,haveyou?’
‘Ihaven’thurtmyselfatall.’
TherewassomethingsoqueerinDonovan’svoicethat
Jimmystaredathiminsurprise.Donovanheldouthiswashed
207
handandJimmysawthattherewasnomarkorcutofanykind
onit.
‘That’sodd,’hesaid,frowning.‘Therewasquitealotof
blood.Therediditcomefrom?’Andthensuddenlyhe
realizedwhathisquicker-wittedfriendhadalreadyseen.‘By
Jove,’hesaid.‘Itmusthavecomefromthatflat.’Hestopped,
thinkingoverthepossibilitieshiswordimplied.‘You’resureit
was–er–blood?’hesaid.‘Notpaint?’
Donovanshookhishead.‘Itwasblood,allright,’hesaid,
andshivered.
Theylookedateachother.Thesamethoughtwasclearlyin
eachoftheirminds.ItwasJimmywhovoiceditfirst.
‘Isay,’hesaidawkwardly.‘Doyouthinkweoughtto–well
‘godownagain–andhave–a–lookaround?Seeit’sallright,
youknow?’
‘Whataboutthegirls?’
‘Wewon’tsayanythingtothem.Pat’sgoingtoputonan
apronandmakeusanomelette.We’llbebackbythetimethey
wonderwhereweare.’
‘Oh,well,comeon,’saidDonovan.‘Isupposewe’vegotto
gothroughwithit.Idaresaythereisn’tanythingreallywrong.’
Buthistonelackedconviction.Theygotintotheliftand
descendedtothefloorbelow.Theyfoundtheirwayacrossthe
kitchenwithoutmuchdifficultyandoncemoreswitchedon
thesitting-roomlight.
‘Itmusthavebeeninhere,’saidDonovan,‘that–thatIgot
thestuffonme.Inevertouchedanythinginthekitchen.’
Helookedroundhim.Jimmydidthesame,andtheyboth
frowned.Everythinglookedneatandcommonplaceandmiles
removedfromanysuggestionofviolenceorgore.
SuddenlyJimmystartedviolentlyandcaughthiscompan-ion’s
arm.
‘Look!’
‘Donovanfollowedthepointingfinger,andinhisturn
utteredanexclamation.Frombeneaththeheavyrepcurtains
thereprotrudedafoot–awoman’sfootinagapingpatcn.r
leathershoe.
Jimmywenttothecurtain.sanddrewthemsharplyapart.In
208
recessofthewindowawoman’shuddledbodyIyonthe
flor,astickydarkpoolbesideit.Shewasdead,therewasno
doubtofthat.Jimmywasattemptingtoraiseherupwhen
Donovanstoppedhim.
‘You’dbetternotdothat.Sheoughm’ttobetouchedtillthe
policecome.’
‘Thepolice.Oh,ofcourse.Isay,Donovan,whataghtly
business.Whodoyouthinksheis?MrsErnestineGrt?’
‘Lookslikeit.Atanyrate,ifthere’sanyoneelseintheflt
they’rekeepingjollyquiet.’
‘Whatdowedonext?’askedJimmy.‘Runoutandgeta
policemanorringupfromPat’sfit?’
‘Ishouldthinkringingupwouldbebest.Comeon,we
mightaswellgooutthefrontdoor.Wecan’tspendthewhole
nightgoingupanddowninthatevil-smelliug·
Jimmyagreed.Justastheywerepassingthroughthedoorhe
hesitated.‘Lookhere;doyouthinkoneofusoughttostay-just
tokeepaneyeonthings–tillthepolicecome?’
‘Yes,Ithinkyou’reright.Ifyou’llstayI’llnmupand
telephone.’
Heranquicklyupthestairsandrangthebelloftheflat
above.Patcametoopenit,averyprettyPatwithaflushedface
‘andacookingapronon.Hereyeswidenedinsurprise.
‘You?Buthow–Donovan,whatisit?Isanythingthematter?’
Hetookbothherhandsinhis.‘It’sallright,Pat–onlywe’ve
madearatherunpleasantdiscoveryintheflatbelow.Awoman–dead.’
‘Oh!’Shegavealittlegasp.‘Howhorrible..Hasshehadafit
orsomething?’
‘No.Itlooks–well–itlooksratherasthoughshehadbeen
murdered.’
‘Oh,Donovan!’
‘Iknow.It’sprettybeastly.’
Herhandswerestillinhis.Shehadleftthemthere–was
evenclingingtohim.DarlingPat–howhelovedher.Didshe
careatallforhim?Sometimeshethoughtshedid.Sometimes
209
hewasafraidthatJimmyFaulkener-remembrancesofJimmy
waitingpatienfiybelowmadehimstartguiltily.
‘Pat,dear,wemusttelephonetothepolice.’
‘Monsieurisright,’saidavoicebehindhim.‘Andi,the
meantime,whilewearewaitingtheirarrival,perhapsIc:be
ofsomeslightassistance.’
Theyhadbeenstandinginthedoorwayoftheflat,antiao
theypeeredoutonthelanding.Afigurewasstandingonthe
stairsalittlewayabovethem.Itmoveddownandintothei
rangeofvision.
Theystoodstaringatthelittlemanwithaveryfierce
moustacheandanegg-shapedhead.Heworearesplendent
dressing-gownandembroideredslippers.Hebowedgallantly
toPatricia.
‘Mademoiselle!’hesaid.‘Iam,asperhapsyouknow,the
tenantoftheflatabove.Iliketobeuphigh–intheair–the
viewoverLondon.ItaketheflatinthenameofMrO’Connor.
ButIamnotanIrishman.Ihaveanothername.Thatiswhy
Iventuretoputmyselfatyourservice.Permitme.’Witha
flourishhepulledoutacardandhandedittoPat.Shereadit.
‘M.HerculePoirot.Oh?Shecaughtherbreath.‘TheM.
Poirot!Thegreatdetective?Andyouwillreallyhelp?’
‘Thatismyintention,mademoiselle.Inearlyofferedmy
helpearlierintheevening.’
Patlookedpuzzled.
‘Iheardyoudiscussinghowtogainadmissiontoyourflat
Me,Iamveryfeveratpickinglocks.Icould,withoutdoubt,
haveopenedyourdoorforyou,butIhesitatedtosuggestit.
Youwouldhavehadthegravesuspicionsofme.’
Patlaughed.
‘Now,monsieur,’saidPoirottoDonovan.‘Goin,Iprayof
you,andtelephonetothepolice.Iwilldescendtotheflat
below.’
Patcamedownthestairswithhim.TheyfoundJimmyon
guard,andPatexplainedPoirot’spresence,jimmy,inhisturn,
explainedtoPoirothisandDonovan’sadventures.The
detectivelistenedattentively.
210
‘Theliftdoorwasunbolted,yousy?Youeinothe
tchcn,butthelihlitwouldnotmrnon.’
I-Iedirecxedhisfootstepsothekitchenashespoke.His
fgerspressedtheswitch.,
‘Tiens!Voildcequiestcurieux!hesidasthelightfiashedon.
‘Itfunctionsperfectlynow.Iwonder-‘Heheldupafingerto
ensuresilenceandlistened.Afaintsoundbrokethestillnessthe
soundofanunmistakablesnore.‘Ah!’saidPoirot.‘Lacharnbrededomestique.’
Hetiptoedacrossthekitchenintoalittlepmtry,outof
whichledadoor.Heopenedthedoorandswitchedonthe
light.Theroomwasthekindofdogkenneldesignedbythe
buildersofflatstoaccommodateahumanbeing.Thefloor
spacewasalmostentirelyoccupiedbythebed.Inthebedwas
arosy-cheekedgirllyingonherbackwithhermouthwide
open,snoringplacidly.
Poirotswitchedoffthelightandbeataretreat.
‘Shewillnotwake,’hesaid.‘Wewilllethersleeptillthe
policecome.’
Hewentbacktothesitting-room.Donovanhadjoined
them.
‘Thepolicewillbeherealmostimmediately,theysy’he
ridbreathlessly.‘Wearetotouchnothing.’
Poirotnodded.‘Wewillnottouch,’hesaid.‘Wewilllook,
·atisall.’
Hemovedintotheroom.Mildredhadcomedownwith
Donovan,andallfouryoungpeoplestoodinthedoorwayand
watchedhimwithbreathlessinterest.
‘WhatIcan’tunderstand,sir,isthis,’saidDonovaa.‘Inever
wentnearthewindow–howdidthebloodcomeonmyhand?’
‘Myyoungfriend,theanswertothatstaresyouintheface.
Ofwhatcolouristhetablecloth?Red,isitnot?anddoubtless
youdidputyourbandonthetable.’
‘Yes,Idid.Isthat–?Heitopped.
Poirotnodded.Hewasbendingoverthetable.Heindicated
withhishandadarkpatchonthered.
‘Itwasherethatthecrimewascommitted,’hesaidsolemnly.
‘Thebodywasmovedafterwards.’
211
Thenhestooduptightandlookedslowlyroundt3,
Hedidnotmove,hehandlednothing,butneverth?
fourwatchingfeltasthougheveryobjectinthatratherCrows
placegaveupkssecrettohisobservanteye.
HerculePoirotnoddedhisheadasthoughsatisfied.A1:
sighescapedhim.‘Isee,’hesaid.
‘Youseewhat?’askedDonovancuriously
‘Isee,’saidPoirot,‘whatyoudoubtlessfelt–thatthero0
isoverfulloffurniture.’
Donovansmiledruefully.‘Ididgobargingaboutabit,’1
confessed.‘Ofcourse,everythingwasinadifferentplace
Pat’sroom,andIcouldn’tmakeitout.’
‘Noteverything,’saidPoirot.
Donovanlookedathiminq‘mtingly.
‘Imean,’saidPoirotapologetically,‘thatcertainthingsau
alwaysfnted.Inablockofflatsthedoor,thewindow,
fireplace–theyareinthesameplaceintheroomswhicha
beloweachother.’
‘Isn’tthatrathersplittinghairs?’askedMildred.ShewlookingatPoirotwithfaintdisapproval.
‘Oneshouldalwaysspeakwithabsoluteaccuracy.Thatisa
little–howdoyousay?–fadofmine.’
Therewasthenoiseoffootstepsonthestairs,andthreenm
camein.Theywereapoliceinspector,aconstable,and
divisionalsurgeon.TheinspectorrecognizedPoirotand
greetedhiminanalmostreverentialmanner.Thenheturned
totheothers.
‘Ishallwantstatementsfromeveryone,’hebegan,‘butinthe
firstplace-‘
Poirotinterrupted.‘Alittlesuggestion.Wewillgobackto
theflatupstairsandmademoisellehereshalldowhatshewas
planningtodo–makeusanomelette.Me,Ihaveapassionfor
theomelettes.Then,M.l’Inspecteur,whenyouhavefinished
here,youwillmounttousandaskquestionsatyourleisure.’
Itwasarrangedaccordingly,andPoirotwentupwiththem.
‘M.Poirot,’saidPat,‘Ithinkyou’reaperfectdear.Andyou
shallhavealovelyomelette.Ireallymakeomelettesfrightfullywell.’
212
,Thatisgood.Once,mademoiselle,Ilovedabeaudfulyoun
·‘riwhoresembledyougreatly–butalas{–shecould
Enghshgl,
·
thebest’
notcook.Soperhapseverythingwasfor
·
Therewasafaintsadnessinhisvoice,andJimmyFaulkener
lookedathimcuriously.
Onceintheflat,however,heexertedhimselfopleaseand
amuse.Thegrimtrsgedybelowwasalmostforgotten.
Theomelettehadbeenconsumediuddulypraisedbythe
timethatInspectorRice’sfootstepswereheard,liecnein
accompaniedbythedoctor,havinglefttheconstablebelow.
‘Well,MonsieurPoiroChesaid.‘Itallseemsdearand
above-board–notmuchinyourline,thoughwemayirmdit
hardtocatchtheman.I’djustliketohearhowthediscovery
cametobemade.’
DonovaniudJimmybetweenthemrecountedthehappen
ingsoftheevening.TheinspectorturnedreproachfullytoPat.
‘Youshouldn’tleaveyourliftdoorunboked,miss.You
reallyshouldn’t.’
‘Ishan’tagain,’saidPat,withashiver.‘Somebodymight
comeinandmurdermelikethatpoorwomanbelow.’
‘Ah,buttheydidn’tcomeinthatway,though,’saidtime
inspector.
·
‘‘d
‘Youwillrecounttouswhatyouhavediscovered,yes?sin
Poirot..
‘Idon’tknowasIoughtto–butseeingit’syou,IVl.’
Poirot-‘
‘Prc/sSne,’saidPoirot.‘Andtheseyoungpeople-they
‘Thenewspaperswillgetholdofii,anyway,soonemaoug,h,’
saidtheinspeaor.‘There’snorealsecretaboutthemater.
Well,thedeadwoman’slkirsGrant,ifilright.Ihsdtheporter
uptoidentifyher.Womanofshoutthirty-five.Shewassittin8
atthetable,aridshewasshotwithanautomaticp/stolofsmall
calibre,probablybysomeonesittingoppositeheraitable.She
fellforward,andthat’showthebloodstaincameonthetable.’
‘Butwouldn’tsomeonehaveheardtheshot}’asked
Mildred.
‘Thepistolwasfinedwithasilencer.No,youwouldnkhea
213
anything.Bytheway,didyouhearthescreechthemaidletoutwhenwetoldherhermistresswasdead?No.Well,thatjust
showshowunlikelyitwasthatanyonewouldheartheother.’
‘Hasthemaidnostorytotell?’askedPoirot.
‘Itwashereveningout.She’sgotherownkey.Shecamein
aboutteno’clock.Everythingwasquiet.Shethoughther
mistresshadgonetobed.’
‘Shedidnotlookinthesitting-room,then?’
‘Yes,shetookthelettersintherewhichhadcomebythe
eveningpost,butshesawnothingunusual–anymorethanMr
FaulkenerandMrBaileydid.Yousee,themurdererhad
concealedthebodyratherneatlybehindthecurtains.’
‘Butitwasacuriousthingtodo,don’tyouthink?’
Poirot’svoicewasverygentle,yetitheldsomethingthat
madetheinspectorlookupquickly.
‘Didn’twantthecrimediscoveredtillhe’dhadtimetomake
.hisgetaway.’
‘Perhaps,perhaps–butcontinuewithwhatyouwere
saying.’
‘Themaidwentoutatfiveo’clock.Thedoctorhereput:3the
timeofdeathas–roughly–aboutfourtofivehoursago.That’s
right,isn’tit?’
Thedoctor,whowasamanoffewwords,contentedhiaself
withjerkinghisheadafFmnatively.
‘It’saquartertotwelvenow.Theactualtimecan,Ithink,be
narroweddowntoafairlydel’mitehour.’
Hetookoutacrumpledsheetofpaper.
‘Wefoundthisinthepocketofthedeadwoman’sdress.You
needn’tbeafraidofhandlingit.Therearenof’mgerprint$on
it.’
Poirotsmoothedoutthesheet.Acrossitsomewordswere
printedinsmall,primcapitals.
I
WILLCOMETOSEEYOUTHISEVENINGATHALFPASTSEVEN.
‘Acompromisingdocumenttoleavebehind,’commuted
Poirot,ashehandeditback.
214
‘Well,hedidn’tknowshe’dgotitinherpocket,’saidthe
inspector.‘Heprobablythoughtshe’ddestroyedit.We’ve
evidencethathewasacarefulman,though.Thepistolshewas
shotwithwefoundunderthebody–andthereagainno
fingerprints.They’dbeenwipedoffverycarefullywithasilk
handkerchief.’
‘Howdoyouknow,’saidPoirot,‘thatitwasasilk
handkerchief?.’
‘Becausewefoundit,’saideinspectortriumphantly.‘At
thelast,ashewasdrawingtheaxrtains,hemusthaveletitfall
unnoticed.’
Hehandedacrossabigwhitesilkhandkerchief–agood-quality
handkerchief.Itdidnotneedtheinspector’sfingerto
drawPoirot’sattentiontothemarkonitinthecentre.Itwas
neatlymarkedandquitelegible.Poirotreadthenameout.
‘JohnFraser.’
‘That’sit,’saidtheinspector.‘JohnFraser–J.F.inthenote.
Weknowthenameofthemanwehavetolookfor,andIdare
saywhenwef’mdoutalittleaboutthedeadwoman,sntlher
relationscomeforward,weshallsoongetalineonhim.’
‘Iwonder,’saidPoirot.‘No,monchef,somehowIdonot
thinkhewillbeeasyto[‘md,yourJohnFraser.Heisastrange
man–csreful,sincehemarkshishandkerchiefsandwipesthe
pistolwithwhichhehascommittedthecrime–yetcareless
sinceheloseshishandkerchiefanddoesnotsearchforaletter
thatmightincriminatehim.’
‘Flurried,that’swhathewas,’saidtheinspector.
‘Itispossible,’saidPoirot.‘Yes,itispossible.Andhewas
notseenenteringthebuilding?’
‘Thereareallsortsofpeoplegoinginandoutsllthetime.
Thesearebigblocks.Isupposenoneofyou-‘headdressedthe
fourcollectively-‘sawanyonecomingoutoftheflat?’
Patshookherhead.‘Wewentoutearlier–aboutseven
o’clock.’
‘Isee.’Theinspectorrose.Poirotaccompaniedhimtothe
door.
‘Asalittlefavour,mayIexaminetheflatbelow?’
‘Why,certainly,M.Poirot.Iknowwhattheythinkofyonat
215
headquarters.I’llleaveyouakey.I’vegottwo.E
empty.Themaidclearedouttosomerelativestoo
staytherealone.’‘oos.
‘Ithankyou,’saidM.Poirot.Hewentbackinto?:￠
thoughtful.
‘You’renotsatisfied,M.Poirot?’saidJimmy.
‘No,’saidPoirot.‘Iamnotsatisfied.’
Donovanlookedathimcuriously.‘Whatisitthatwell,
worriesyou?
Poirotdidnotanswer.Heremainedsilentforaminuteor
.two,frowning,asthoughinthought,thenhemadeasudden
mpatentmovememoftheshoulders.
‘Iwillsaygoodnighttoyou,mademoiselle.Youmustbe
tired.Youhavehadmuchcookingtodo–eh?’
Patlaughed.‘Onlytheomelette.Ididn’tdodinner.
DonovanandJimmycameandcalledforus,andwewentout
toalittleplaceinSoho.’
‘Andthenwithoutdoubt,youwenttoatheatre?’
‘Yes.TheBrownEyesofCaroline.’
‘Ah!’saidPoirot.‘Itshouldhavebeenblueeyes–theblue
eyesofmademoiselle.,
Hemadeasentimentalgesture,andthenoncemorewished
Patgoodnight,alsoMildred,whowasstayingthenightby
specialrequest,asPatadmittedfnmkiythatshewouldgetthe
horrorsifleftaloneonthisPm’ticularnight.
ThetwoyoungmenaccompaniedPoirot.Whenthedoor
wasshut,mdtheywerepreparingtosaygoodbyetohimonle
landing,Poirotforestalledthem.
‘Myyoungfriends,youheardmesayIwasnotsatisfied?/;h
b/eh,itistrue–Iamnot.Igonowtomakesomelittle
investigationsofmyown.Youwouldliketoaccompanyme
yes?’
Aneagerassentgreetedthisproposal.Poirotledtheway
theflatbelowandinsertedthekeytheinspectorhadgivenhim
inthelock.Onentering,hedidnot,astheothershadexpected,
enterthesitting-room.Insteadhewentstraighttothekitchen
Inalittlerecesswhichservedasasculleryabigironbinwas
216
stding.Poirotuncoveredthisand,doublinghimselfup,
begantoroofieinitwiththeenergyofaferociousterrier.
BothJimmyandDonovanstaredathiminamazement.
Suddenlywithacryoftriumphheemerged.Inhishandhe
heldaloftasmallstopperedbottle.
‘VoilcWhesaid.‘IfredwhatIseek.’Hesniffedatit
delicately.‘Alas!Iamenrhum–Ihavethecoldinthehead.’
Donovantookthebottlefromhimandsniffedinhisturn,
butcouldsmellnothing.Hetookoutthestopperandheldthe
bottletohisnosebeforePoirot’swarningcrycouldstophim.
Immediatelyhefelllikealog.Poirot,byspringingforward,
partlybrokehisfall.
‘Imbecile!’hecried.‘Theidea.Toremovethestopperin
thatfoolhardymanner!DidhenotobservehowdelicatelyI
‘handledit?Monsieur–Faulkener–isitnot?Willyoubeso
goodastogetmealittlebrandy?Iobservedadecanterinthe
sitting-room.’
Jimmyhurriedoff,butbythetimehereturned,Donovan
wassittingupanddeclaringhimselfquiteallfightagain.He
hadtolistentoashortlecturefromPoirotonthenecessityof
cautioninsniff’rogatpossiblypoisonoussubstances.
‘IthinkI’llbeoffhome,’saidDonovan,risingshakilytohis
feet.‘Thatis,ifIcan’tbeanymoreusehere.Ifeelabitwonky
still.’
‘Assuredly,’saidPoirot.‘Thatisthebestthing’youcando.
M.Faulkener,attendmeherealittleminute.Iwillreturnon
theinstant.’
HeaccompaniedDonovantothedoorandbeyond.They
remainedoutsideonthelaxaxlingtalkingforsomeminutes.
WhenPoirotatlastre-enteredtheflathefoundJimmy
standinginthesitting-roomgazingroundhimwithpuwled
eyes.
‘Well,M.Poirot,’hesaid,‘whatnext?’
‘Thereisnothingnext.Thecaseisf’mished.’
‘What?’
‘Iknoweverything–now.’
Jimmystaredathim.‘Thatlittlebottleyoufound?’
‘Exactly.Thatlittlebottle.’
217
Jimmyshookhishead.‘Ican’tmakeheadortailofit.For
somereasonorotherIcanseeyouaredissatisfiedih
evidenceagainstthisJohnFraser,whoeverhemaybe.
‘Whoeverhemaybe,’repeatedPoirotsoffiy.‘Ifheisany0
atall–well,Ishallbesurprised.’
‘Idon’tunderstand.’
‘Heisa–thatisall–snamecarefullymarkedon
handkerchiefl’
‘Andtheletter?’
‘Didyounoticethatitwasprinted?Now,why?Iwilltell
you.Handwriting‘mightberecognized,andatypne
letterismoreeasilytracedthlmyouwouldimagine–butif
realJohnFraserwrotethatletterthosetwopointswouldnot
haveappealedtohim!No,itwaswrittenonpurposedput
inthedeadwoman’spocketforustofind.Thereisnosuch
personasJohnFraser.’
Jimmylookedathiminquiringly.
‘Andso,’wentonPoirot,‘Iwentbcktothepointthat
struckme.Youheardmesayrkstcertainthingsinaroomwere
alwaysinthesameplaceundergivencirounstances.Igave
threeinstances.Imighthsvementionedafourth–theelectric-light
switch,myfriend.’
Jimmystillstareduncompy.Poirotwenton.
‘YourfriendDonovandidnotgonesrthewindow–itwas
byrestinghishandonthistablethathegotitcoveredinblood!
ButIaskedmyselfatonce–whydidherestitthere?Whatwas
hedoinggropingaboutthisroomindarkness?Forremember,
myfriend,theelectric-lightswitchisalwaysinthesameplace–bythedoor.Why,whenhecametothisroom,didhenotat
oncefeelforthelightdmmiton?Thatwasthenatural,the
normalthingtodo.Accordingtohim,hetriedtoturnon
lightinthekitchen,butfailed.YetwhenItriedtheswitchit
wasinperfectworkingorder.Didhe,then,notwishthelight
togoonjustthen?Ifithsdgoneonyouwouldbothhaveseen
atoncethatyouwereinthewrongflat.Therewouldhavebeen
noreasontocomeintothisroom.’
‘Whatareyoudrivingat,M.Poirot?Idon’tunderstand.
Whatdoyoumean?’
218
‘Imean–this.’
poirotheldupaYaledoorhey.
‘Thekeyofthisflat?’
‘No,mortam/,theheyoftheflatabove.Mademoiselle
fromher
pamcakey,whichM.DonovanBaileyabstracted
bagsometimeduringtheevening.’
‘Butwhy–why?’
‘parbleu!Sothathecoulddowhathewantedtodo–gain
admissiontothisflatinaperfectlyunsuspidousmanner.He
madesurethattheliftdoorwasunboltedearlierinthe
m‘
eveng.
‘Wheredidyougetthekey?’
Poirot’ssmilebroadened.‘Ifounditjustnow–whereI
lookedforit–inM.Donovan’spocket.Seeyou,thatlittle
bottleIpretendedtofindwasaruse.M.Donovanistakenin.
HedoeswhatIknewhewoulddo–unstoppersitandsniffs.
Andinthatlittlebottleisethylchloride,averypowerfulinstant
anaesthetic.Itgivesmejustthemomentortwoofunconsdousness
Ineed.ItakefromhispocketthetwothingsthatI
knewwouldbethere.Thiskeywasoneofthem–theother-‘
Hiestoppedandthenwenton..
questionedatthetimethereasontheinspectorgaveforthe
bodybeingconcealedbehindthecurtain.Togaintime?No,
therewasmorethanthat.AndsoIthoughtofjustonething
–—-friendTheeveningpostthatcomesathalf.p?t
tilepostmy,,,
·
‘
nineortheresbouts.Saythemurdererdoesnotfindsometmug
heexpectstof’md,butthatsomethingmaybedeliveredbypost
later.Clearly,then,hemustcomeback.Butthecrimemustnot
bediscoveredbythemaidwhenshecomesorthepolice
wouldtakepossessionoftheflat,sohehidesthebodybehind
thecurtsin.Andthemaidsuspectsnothingandlaystheletters
onthetableasusual.’
‘Theletters?’
‘Yes,theletters.’Poirotdrewsomethingfromhispocket.
‘ThisisthesecondarticleItookfromM.Donovanwhenhe
wasunconscious.’Heshowedthesuperscription–atypewritten
envelopeaddressedtoMrsErnestineGrant.‘ButIwillask
youonethingfirst.M.Faulkener,beforewelookatthe
219
contentsofthisletter.Areyouorareyounotin1owi
MademoisellePatri?’
‘IcareforPatdamnably–butI’veneverthoughtIhada
chance.’
‘YouthoughtthatshecmdforM.Donovan?Itmaybethat
shehadbeguntocareforhim–butitwasonlyabeginning,my
friend.Itisforyoutomakeherforget–tostandbyherinher
trouble.’
‘Trouble?’saidJimmysh*ply.
‘Yes,trouble.Wewilldoallwecantokeephernameoutof
it,butitwillbeimpossibletodosoentirely.Shewas,yousee,
themotive.’
Herippedopentheenvelopethatheheld.Anenclosurefell
out.Thecoveringletterwasbrief,andwasfromafirmof
solicitors.
DearMadam,
Thedocumentyouencloseisquiteinorder,andthefact
ofthemarriagehavingtdnplaceinaforeigncountrydoes
notinvalidateitin.nyway.
Yourstruly,etc.
Poirotspreadouttheenclosure,hwasacertificateof
marriagebetweenDonovanBaileyEmestineGrant,dated
eightyearsago.
‘Oh,myGod!’saidJimmy.‘Patsaidshe’dhadletterfrom
thewomanaskingtoseeher,butsheneverdreameditwas
anythingimportant.’
Poirotnodded.‘Donovanknew–hewenttoseehiswifethis
eveningbeforegoingtotheflatabove–astrangeirony,bythe
way,thatledtheunfortunatewomantocometothisbuilding
whereherrivallived–hemurderedherincoldblood,clthen
wentontohisevening’samusement.Hiswifemusthavetold
himthatshehadsentthemarriagecertificatetohersolicitors
andwasexpectingtohearfromthem.Doubtlesshehimself
hadtriedtomakeherbelievethattherewasaflawinthe
220
‘Heseemedinquitegood-spirits,too,alltheevening.M.
poirot,youhaven’tlethimescape?’Jimmyshuddered.
·,
·
‘uneed
,Thereisnoescapeforhim,saidPotrotgravely.Yo
notfear.’
‘It’sPatI’mthinkingaboutmostly,’said]immy.‘Youdon’t
think–shereallycared.’
Thenami,thatisyourpart,’saidPoirotgently.‘Tomakeher
turntoyouandforget.Idonotthinkyouwillfinditvery
difficult!’
221
THEADVENTUREOFJOHNNIEWAVERLy
‘Youcanunderstandthefeelingsofamother,’saidMrs
Waverlyforperhapsthesixthtime.
Shelookedappealing/yatPoirot.MyLittlefriend,always
sympathetictomotherhoodindistress,gesticulated
reassuringly.
‘Butyes,butyes,Icomprehendperfectly.HavefaithinPapa
Poirot.’
‘Thepolice-‘beganMrWaverly.
Hiswifewavedtheinterruptionaside.‘Iwon’thave
anythingmoretodowiththepoLice.Wetrustedtothemand
lookwhathappened!ButI’dheardsomuchofM.Poirotand
thewonderfulthingshe’ddone,thatIfelthemightpossiblybe
abletohelpus.Amother’sfeelings-‘
Poirothastilystemmedthereiterationwithaneloquent
gegture.MrsWaverly’semotionwasobviouslygenuine,butit
assortedstrangelywithhershrewd,ratherhardtypeof
countenance.WhenIheardlaterthatshewasthedaughterof
hPer°minentsteelmanufacturerwhohadworked;
·
worldfromanofficeboytohi
msway.Upm
o,,cnteminence,Irealized
thatshehadinheritedmanyofthepaternalqualities.
MrWaverlywasabig,ton’d,jovial-lookingman.Hestood
withhislegsstraddledwideapartandlookedthetypeofthe
countrysquire.
‘Isupposeyouknowallaboutthisbusiness,M.Poirot?’
Thequestionwasalmostsuperfluous.ForsomedayspastthepapershadbeenfullofthesensationalkidnappingofLittle
JohnnieWaver/y,thethree-year-oldsonandheirofMarcus
Waverly,Esq.,ofWaverlyCourt,Surrey,oneoftheoldest
familiesinEngland.
‘ThemainfactsIknow,ofcourse,butrecounttomethe
wholestory,monsieur,Ibegofyou.Andindetailifyou
please.’
222
‘Well,Isupposethebeginningofthewholethingwasaborn
tendaysagowhenIgotananonymousletter–beastlythings,
qyway–thatIcouldn’tmakeheadortailof.Thewriterhad
theimpudencetodemandthatIshouldpayhimtwenty-five
thousandpounds–twenty-fivethousandpounds,M.Poirot!
Failingmyagreement,hethreatenedtokidnapJohnnie.Of
courseIthrewthethingintothewastepaperbasketwithout
moreado.Thoughtitwassomesillyjoke.FivedayslaterIgot
anotherletter.“Unlessyoupay,yoursonwillbekidnappedon
thetwenty-ninth.”Thatwasonthetwenty-seventh.Adawas
worded,butIcouldn’tbringmyselftotreatthematter
seriously.Damnitall,we’reinEngland.Nobodygoesabout
kidnappingchildrenandholdingthemuptoransom.’
‘Itisnotacommonpractice,certainly,’saidPoirot.
‘Proceed,monsieur.’
‘Well,Adagavemenopeace,so–feelingabitofafool–I
laidthematterbeforeScotlandYard.Theydidn’tseemtotake
thethingveryseriously–inclinedtomyviewthatitwassome
sillyjoke.Onthetwenty-eighthIgotathirdletter.“Youhave
notpaid.Yoursonwillbetakenfromyouattwdveo’clock
noontomorrow,thetwenty-ninth.Itwillcostyoufifty
thousandpoundstorecoverhim.”UpIdrovetoScotland’
Yardagain.Thistimetheyweremoreimpressed.They
inc)inedtotheviewthattheletterswerewrittenbyalunatic,
andthatinallprobabilityanattemptofsomekindwouldbe
madeatthehourstated.Theyassuredmethattheywouldtake
alldueprecautions.InspectorNcNeflandasufficientforce
wouldcomedowntoWaverlyonthemorrowandtakecharge.
‘Iwenthomemuchrelievedinmind.Yetwealreadyhadthe
feelingofbeinginastateofsiege.Igaveordersthat’nostranger
wastobeadmitted,andthatnoonewastoleavethehouse.The
eveningpassedoffwithoutanyuntowardincident,butonthe
followingmorningmywifewasseriouslyunwell.Alarmedby
hercondition,IsentforDoctorD.ers.Hersymptoms
appearedtopn,.,lehim.Whilehesitatingtosuggestthatshe
hadbeenpoisoned,Icouldseethatthatwaswhatwasinhis
mind.Therewasnodanger,heassuredme,butitwouldbea
dayortwobeforeshewouldbeabletogetaboutagain.
223
Returningtomyownroom,Iwasstartledandamazedtoanotepinnedtomypi/low.Itwasinthesame
theothersandcontainedjustthreewords:“Attwelve
‘Iadmit,M.Poirot,thatthenIsawred!Someone
housewasinthis–oneoftheservants.Ihadthemall
blackguardedthemrightandleft.Theyneverspliton
other,twasMissCollins,mywife’scompanion,who
methatshehad·
thatmorningseenJohnnie’snurseslipdownthedrive
·Itaxedherwithit,andshebrokedown.She
leftthechildwiththenurserymaidandstolenouttomeet
friendofhers–aman!Prettygoingson!Shedenied
pinnedthenotetomypillow–shemayhavebeen
truth,Idon’tknow.IfeltIcouldn’ttaketheriskoftheck
ownnursebeingintheplot.Oneoftheservantswasimplio;ed
–ofthatIWassure.FinallyIlostmytemperandsackedthe
wholebunch,nurseandall.Igavethemanhourtopacktheir
boxesandgetoutofthehouse.’
MrWaverly,sfacewasquitetwoshadesredderashe
rememberedhisjustwrath.
‘Wasnotthatlittleinjudicious,monsieur?’suggested
Poirot.‘IF
a
orallyouknow,youmighthavebeenplayingintothe
enemy’shands.,
MrWaverlystaredathim.‘Idon’tseethat.Sendthewhole
lotpacking,thatwasmyidea.IwiredtoLondonforafreshlot
tobesentdownthatevening.Inthemeantime,there’dbeonly
peopleIcouldtrustinthehouse:mywife’ssecretary,Miss
Collins,andTredwell,thebutler,whohasbeenwithmesince
Iwasaboy.’
‘AndthisMissCollins,howlonghasshebeenwithyou?’
‘Justayear,’SaidMrsWaverly.‘Shehasbeeninvaluable
ncasasecretary-companion,andisalsoaveryefficien
housekeeper.,
‘Thenurse?’
‘Shehasbeenwithmesixmonths.Shecametomewith
excellentreferences.Allthesame,Ineverreallylikedher,
althoughJohnniewasquitedevotedtoher.’
‘Still,Igathershehadalreadyleftwhenthecatastrophe
224
occurred.Perhaps,MonsieurWaverly,youwillbesokindasto
continue.’
MrWaverlyresumedhisnarrative.
‘InspectorMcNeilarrivedaboutten-thirty.Theservants
hadallleftbythen.Hedeclaredhimselfquitesatisfiedwiththe
internalarrangements.Hehadvariousmenpostedinthepark
outside,guardingalltheapproachestothehouse,andhe
assuredmethatifthewholethingwerenotahoax,weshould
undoubtedlycatchmymysteriouscorrespondent.
‘IhadJohnniewithme,andheandIandtheinspectorwent
togetherintotheroomwecallthecouncilchamber.The
igspector16ckedthedoor.Thereisabiggrandfatherclock
tlzre,andasthehandsdrewneartotwelveIdon’tmind
confessingthatIwasasnervousasacat.Therewasawhirring
sound,andtheclockbegantostrike.IclutchedatJohrmie.I
hdafeelingamanmightdropfromtheskies.Thelaststroke
sounded,andasitdidso,therewasagreatcommotionoutside
–shoutingandrunning.Theinspectorflungupthewindow,
andaconstablecamerunningup.
‘”We’vegothimsir,”hepanted.“Hewassneakingup
throughthebushes.He’sgotawholedopeoutfitonhim.”
‘Wehurriedoutontheterracewheretwoconstableswere
holdingaruffianly-lookingfellowinshabbyclothes,whowas
twistingandturninginavainendcav0urtoescape.Oneofthe
policemenheldoutanunrolledparcelwhichthe3;hadwrested
fromtheircaptive.Itcontainedapadofcottonwoolanda
bottleofchloroform.Itmademybloodboiltoseeit.Therewas
anote,too,addressedtome.Itoreitopen.Itborethefollowing
words:“Youshouldhavepaidup.Toransomyoursonwill
nowcostyoufiftythousand.Inspiteofallyourprecautionshe
hasbeenabductedonthetwenty-ninthasIsaid.”
‘Igaveagreatlaugh,thelaughofrelief,butasIdidsoI
heardthehumofamotorandashout.Iturnedmyhead.
Racingdownthedrivetowardsthesouthlodgeatafurious
speedwasalow,longgreycar.Itwasthemanwhodroveitwho
shouted,butthatwasnotwhatgavemeashockofhorror.It
wasthesightofJohnnie’sflaxencurls.Thechildwasinthecar
besidehim.
225
‘Theinspectorrippedoutanoath.“Thechildwasherenot
aminuteago,”hecried.Hiseyessweptoverus.Wewereall
there:myself,Tredwell,MissCollins.“Whendidyoulastsee
him,MrWaverly?”
‘Icastmymindback,tryingtoremember.Whenthe
constablehadcalledus,Ihadrunoutwiththeinspector,
forgettingallaboutJohnnle.
‘Andthentherecameasoundthatstartledus,thechiming
ofachurchclockfromthevillage.Withanexclamationthe
inspectorpulledouthiswatch.Itwasexactlytwelveo’clock.
Withonecommonaccordwerantothecouncilchamber;the
clocktheremarkedthehourastenminutespast.Someone
musthavedeliberatelytamperedwithit,forIhavenever
knownitgainorlosebefore.Itisaperfecttimekeeper.’
MrWaverlypaused.Poirotsmiledtohimselfandstraightened
alittlematwhichtheanxiousfatherhadpushedaskew.
‘Apleasinglittleproblem,obscureandcharming,’murmured
Poirot.‘Iwillinvestigateitforyouwithpleasure.Truly
itwasplannedimervle.’
MrsWaverlylookedathimreproachfully.‘Butmyboy,’she
wailed.
Poirothastilycomposedhisfaceandlookedthepictureof
earnestsympathyagain.‘Heissafe,madame,heisunlmrmed.
Restassured,thesemiscreantswilltakethegreatestcareof
him.Ishenottothemtheturkey–no,thegoose–thatlaysthe
goldeneggs?’
‘M.Poirot,I’msurethere’sonlyonethingtobedone–pay
up.Iwasallagainstitatfirst-butnow!Amother’sfeelings‘
‘Butwehaveinterruptedmonsieurinhishistory,’cried
Poirothastily.
‘Iexpectyouknowtherestprettywellfromthepapers,’saidMeWaverly.‘Ofcourse,InspectorMcNeilgotontothe
telephoneimmediately.Adescriptionofthecarandtheman
wascirculatedallround,anditlookedatfirstasthough
everythingwasgoingtoturnoutallright.Acar,answeringto
thedescription,withamanandasmallboy,hadpassed
throughvariousvillages,apparentlymakingforLondon.At
oneplacetheyhadstopped,anditwasnoticedthatthechild
226
IllspeCt°’
–––anandboydetained,Iwasalmostillwithrelief.YouoW
thesequel.Theboywasnot]ohtmie,
ardentmotorist,fondofchildren,whohadpicklupasmall
childplayinginthestreetsofEdenswcll,avillageaboutfifteen
ailesfromus,andwas16ndiygivinghimaride.Thankstothe
cocksureblunderingofthepolice,alltraceshavedisappeared.
Hadtheynotpersistentlyfollowedthewrongcar,theymight
go,
bynowhavefoundthe.y.
policeareabraveand
‘Calmyourself,monsieur.The
intelligentforceofmen.Theirmistakewasaverynaturalone.
Adaltogetheritwasacleverscheme.Astothemanthey
caughtinthegrounds,Iunderstandthathisdefencehas
consistedallalongofapersistentdenial.Hedeclaredthatthe
andarcelweregiventohimtodeliveratWaverlyCourt.
·noteP
–handedhimaten-shllinSnote
IThemanwhogavemereto
andpromisedhimanotherifitweredeliveredatexactlyten
·utestotwelve.Hewastoapproachthehousetluonghthe
–‘-‘-r’
‘Idon’tbelieveaworaoxn,
‘It’sallaparceloflies.’
‘EhveritY,itisathinstory,’saidPoimtreflectively.‘Butso
fartheyhavenotshakenit.Iunderstand,also,thathemadea
certainaccusation?’
HisglanceinterrogatedMrWaverly.Thelattergotrather
redagain,
impertinencetopretendthathe
‘Thefellowhadthe
recognizedinTredwellthemanwhogavehimtheparcel.
“Onlytheblokehasshavedoffhismoustache.”Tredwell,who
wasbornontheestate!’···
Poirotsmiledalittleatthecountrygentleman’s‘indignation.
‘Yetyouyourselfsuspectaninmateofthehousetohavebeen
accessorytotheabduction.’
‘Yes,butnotTredwell.’
‘Andyou,madame?’askedPoirot,suddenlyminingtoher.
‘ItcouldnothavebeenTredwellwhogavethistrampthe
letterandparcel–ifanybodyeverdid,whichIdon’tbelieve.
227
Itwasgivenhimatteno’clock,hesays.Atteno’clockTredve
waswithmyhusbandinthesmoking-room.’
‘Wereyouabletoseethefaceofthemaninthe
monsieur?DiditresemblethatofTredwellinany
‘Itwastoofarawayformetoseehisface.’
‘HasTredweUabrother,doyouknow?’
‘Hehadseveral,buttheyarealldead.Thelastonewaskilled
inthewar.’
‘IamnotyetclearastothegroundsofWaverlyCourt.The
carwasheadingforthesouthlodge.Isthereanotherentranee?’
‘Yes,whatwecalltheeastlodge.Itcanbeseenfromthe
othersideofthehouse.’
‘Itseemstomestrangethatnobodysawthecatenteringthe
grounds.’
‘Thereisarightofwaythrough,andaccesstoasmallchapel,
Agoodmanycarspassthrough.Themmmusthavestopped
thecarinaconvenientphceandrunuptothehousejustasthe
alarmwasgivenandattentionattractedelsewhere.’
‘Unlesshewasalreadyinsidethehouse,’musedPoirot‘Is
thereanyplacewherehecouldhavehidden?’
‘Well,wecertainlydidn’tmakeathoroughsearchofthe
housebeforehand.Thereseemednoneed.Isupposehemight
havehiddenhimselfsomewhere,butwhowouldhavelethim
in?’
‘Weshallcometothatlater.Onethingatatime–letusbe
methodical..Thereisnospecialhiding-placeinthehouse?
WaverlyCourtisanoldplace,andtherearesometimes
“priests’holes”,astheycallthem.’
‘Bygad,there/sapriest’shole.Itopensfromoneofthe
panelsinthehall.’
‘Nearthecouncilchamber?’
‘Justoutsidethedoor.’
‘Butnobodyknowsofitsexistenceexceptmywifeand
myself.’
‘Tredwell?’
‘Well–hemighthaveheardofit.’
‘MissCollins?’
228
‘Ihavenevermentionedittoher.’
poirotreflectedforaminute.
,Well,monsieur,thenextthingisformetocomedownto
averlyCourt.IfIarrivethisafternoon,willitsuityou:?’
,.soonassible,please,MonsieurPoirot!’cried
Oh.as
pos
Waverly.‘Readthisoncemore.’
Shethrustintohishandsthelastmissivefromtheenemy
whichhadreachedtheWaverlysthatmorningandwhichhad
sentherpost-hastetoPoirot.Itgavecleverandexplicit
·‘longforthepayingoverofthemoney,andended.wth
thattheboy’slifewouldpayforanytreachery.It
dtea
warredwiththeessentialmotherlove
clearthataloveofmoney
gainingtheday.
ofMrsWaverly,andthatthelatterwasatlastbehindher
PoirotdetainedMrsWaverlyforaminute
husband.
‘Madame,thetruth,ifyouplease.Doyoushareyour
husband’sfaithinthebutler,Tredweii?’
nothingagainsthim,MonsieurPoirot,Irmotsee
‘Ihave
concernedinthis,but–well,Ihave
howhecanhavebeen
neverlikedhim–never?
‘Oneotherthing,madame,canyougivemetheaddressof
thechild’snurse?’
·
don’timagine‘
‘149lqetherallRoad,Hammersmith.You
greycells.
‘NeverdoIimagine.Only–Iemploythelittle
Andsometimes,instsometimes,Ihavealittleidea.’
Poirotcamebacktomeasthedoordosed.
‘Somadamehasneverlikedthebutler.Itisinteresting,that,
eh,Hastings?’
Irefusedtobedrawn.Poirothasdeceivedmesooftenthat
Inowgowarily.Thereisalwaysacatchsomewhere.
Aftercompletinganelaborateoutdoortoilet,wesetofffor
.4etherallRoad.WewerefortunateenoughtofindMissJessie
Withersathome·Shewasapleasant-facedwomanofthirty-five,
capableandsuperior.Icouldnotbelievethatshecouldbe
mixedupintheaffair.Shewasbitterlyresendulofthewayshe
hadbeendismissed,butadmittedthatshehsdbeeninthe
wrong.Shewasengagedtobemarriedtoapainterand
decoratorwhohappenedtobeintheneighbourhood,andshe
229
hadrunouttomeethim.Thethingseemednaturaleoug.
couldnotquiteunderstandPoirot.Allhisquestions
mequiteirrelevant.Theywereconcernedmainlyvith
dailymurineofherlifeatWaverlyCourt.Iwasfranklbored
andgladwhenPoirottookhisdeparture
‘Kidnappingisaneasyjob,monam/,’heobserved,ashe
hailedataxiintheHammersmithRoadandorderedittodrive
toWaterloo.‘Thatchildcouldhavebeenabductedwithgreatesteaseanydayforthelastthreeyears.’
‘Idon’tseethatthatadvancesusmuch,’Iremarkedcoldly.‘Aucontraire,itadvancesusenormously,butenonnouslytIf
youmustwearatiepin,Hastings,atleastletitbeintheeyact
centreofyourtie.Atpresentitisatleastasixteenthofaninch
toomuchtotheright.’
WaverlyCourtwasafraeoldplaceandhadrecentlybeen
restoredwithtasteandcare.MxWaverlyshowedusthe
councilchamber,theterrace,andallthevariousspots
‘connectedwiththecase.Finally,atPoirot’srequest,hepressed
aspringinthewall,apanelslidaside,andashortpassageled
usintothepriest’shole.
‘Yousee,’saidWaverly.‘Thereisnothinghere.’
Thetinyroomwasbareenough,therewasnoteventhemark
ofafootsteponthefloor.IjoinedPoirotwherehewasbending
attentivelyoveramarkinthecorner.
‘ghatdoyoumakeofthis,myfriend?’
Therewerefourimprintsdosetogether.
‘Adog,’Icried.
‘Averysmalldog,Hastings.’
‘APorn.’
‘SmallerthanaPorn.’
‘Agriffon?’Isuggesteddoubtfully.
‘Smallereventhanagriffon.Aspeciesunknowntothe
KennelClub.’
Ilookedathim.Hisfacewasalightwithexcitement
satisfaction.
‘Iwasright,’hemurmured.‘IknewIwasright.Come,Hastings.’
Aswesteppedoutintothehallandthepanelclosedbehind
230
aourladycameoutofadoorfartherdownthepassage.
s./,,resentedhertous.
,Miss.onms.
thirtyyearsofage,brisk.andalertin
MissCollinswasabout
fair
ratherdullhair,andworepm.ce-nez.
.,saner.Shehad,
—-aintoasmallmorning-room,
‘”AtpoirOt’Srequest,wepa,,
·hercloselyastotheservantsandparticularly
￠uesnoned
·
·thebutler.
andhq.,o,..oamittedthatshedidnotlike
aStOTreclweu.of
‘Hegiveshimselfairs,’sheexplained.
TheythenwentintothequestionofthefoodeatenbyMrs
VsverlYonthenightofthe28th.MissCollinsdeclaredthat
shehadpartakenofthesamedishesupstairsinhersitting
ora
andhadfeltnoilleffects.AsshewasdepartingInudged
Poirot.
‘Thedog,’Iwhispered.
‘Ah,yes,thedog!’Hesmiledbroadly.‘Isthereadogkept
herebyanychance,mademoiselle?’
‘Therearctworetrieversinthekennelsoutside.’
‘No,Imeanasmalldog,atoydog.’
‘No–nothingofthekind.’
Poirotpermittedhertodepart.Then,pressingthehell,he
remarkedtome,‘Shelies,thatMademoiselleCollins.Possibly
Ishould,also,inherplace,blowforthebutler.’
Tredwellwasadignifiedindividual.Hetoldhisstorywith
perfectaplomb,anditwasessentiallythesameasthatofMr
Waverly.Headmittedthatheknewthesecretofthepriest’s
hole.
Whenhefinallywithdrew,pontificaltothelast,Imet
Poirot’squizzicaleyes.
‘Whatdoyoumakeofitall,Hastings?
‘Whatdoyou?’Iparried.
‘Howcautiousyoubecome,blever,neverwillthegreycells
functionunlessyoustimulatethem.Ah,butIwillnottease
you!Letusmakeourdeductionstogether.Whatpointsstrike
usspeciallyasbeingdifficult?’
Isaid.‘Whydidtheman
‘Theresonethingthatstrikesme;
insteadof
whokidnappedthechildgooutbythesouthlodge
bytheeastlodgewherenoonewouldseehim?’
231
‘Thatisaverygoodpoint,ltastis,anexcellent
matchitwithanother.WhywarntheWaverlysbe‘.‘and?
Whynotsimplykidnapthechildandholdhimtot
‘Becausetheyhopedtogetthemoneywithoutbe:
toaction.’
‘Surelyitwasveryunlikelythatthemoneywouldbepaidon
amerethreat?’
‘Alsotheywantedtofocusattentionontwelveo’clock,so
thatwhenthetrampmanwasseized,theothercouldemerge
fromhishiding-placeandgetawaywiththechildunnoticed.,
‘Thatdoesnotalterthefactthattheywerenmldngathing
difficultthatwasperfectlyeasy.Iftheydonotspeatimeor
date,nothingwouldbeeasierthantowaittheirchance,ami
carryoffthechildinamotoronedaywhenheisoutwithhis
‘Ye–es,’Iadmitteddoubtfully.
‘Infact,thereisadeliberateplayingofthefarce!Nowletus
‘approachthequestionfromanotherside.Everythinggoesto
showthattherewasan$ccompliceinsidethehouse.Point
numberone,themysteriouspoisoningofMrsWaverly.Point
numbertwo,theletterpinnedtothepillow.Pointnumber
three,theputtingonofthedocktenminutes–allinsidejobs.
Andanadditionalfactthatyoumaynothavenoticed.There
wasnodustinthepriest’shole.Ithadbeensweptoutwitha
broom.
‘Nowthen,wehavefourpeopleinthehouse.Wecan
excludethenurse,sinceshecouldnothavesweptoutthe
priest’shole,thoughshecouldhaveatteaxiedtotheotherthree
points.Fourpeople,MrandMrsWaverly,Tredwell,the
butler,andMissCollins.WewilltakeMissCollinsfa-st.We
havenothingmuchagainstherdexceptthatweknowverylittle
abouther,thatsheisobviouslyanintelligentyoungwoman,
andthatshehasonlybeenhereayear.’
‘Sheliedaboutthedog,yousaid,’Iremindedhim.
‘Ah,yes,thedog.’PoirotgaveapeculiarsmL!e.‘Nowletus
passtoTredwell.Thereareseveralsuspiciousfactsagainst
him.Foronething,thetrampdeclaresthatitwasTredwell
whogavehimtheparcelinthevillage.’
232
Iicanproveanalibionthatpoem..
,0.Trcdwe
‘-nedMrswaveny,pinned
-.hecouldhaveposo
·thepillo,
mmao
he,.theotherhand,:
-,s,.lastdegree
priestss,,-…On‘‘tsemsunlikelyu,
theserviceofthewavenys.·
·
,theshouldco.nmve,attheabductvofthesonofthehouse
tisnotintheptcture’.
—n?’
,Well,the·
‘Wemustproceedlogically–howeverabsurditmaysee?.
WewillbrieflyconsiderMrsWaverly.Butsheisrich,the
snoneYishers.Itishermoneywhichhasttoredthis
inapoverishedestate.Therewouldhenotnmsonforherto
kidnaphersonandpayoverhermoneytoherself.The
husband,no,isinadifferentposition,liehasarichwife.Itis
asbeingrichhimself-infactIhavealittle
notthesamething
ofpartingwithh￠￡money,
ideathattheladyisnotveryfotld
exceptonaverygoodpretext.But1Waverly,youcanseeat
once,heisaeur.’
,impossible,’Ispluttered.
‘blotatall.Whosendsawaytheservants}MrWaverly.He
canwritethenotes,drughiswife,putonthehandsofthec.,
andestablishanexcellentalibiforhisfaithfulrelmner
Tredwell.TredwellhasneverlikedMrsWaverl￥.Heis
devotedtohisfeasterandiswillingtoohe￥hisorders
·it.Waverty,Tredwell,
implicitly.Therewerethreeofthemm
andsomefriendofWaverlY.Thatisthemistakethepolice
madenofurtherinquiriesaboutthemaxiwhodrove
made,they
it.liewasthethirdnn.
carwiththewrongchildi.—-‘thtlaxcurls.
thegrey
..·
eneaIy,a10oy’m
Hectrivestnu,,,—-
wavihishandand
southlodgejustattherightmoment,
faceorthenumberofthecat’s°
·
ecannotseethechild’s
obviouslythY.s.,,
a
falsetrailtoLonaon.·uumestobedeliveredbya
inarrangingfortheparcelandnote.··
partman
Hismastercanprovide
ronghlootang
gen..c-‘–him,inspt
theunlikely
?se.ortheforMrWaverlY,assoonasthe
falsemoustache
newore.r,.,,,
233
qh.byalo?,oc?rsoutside,andtheinsor
runesth.t,a:–t.–pectrushesoK,
Laterinthecl,,……..Ptshole,followshim….
isv,t
–,wacnmeinspectorisionear
,:.,7
,c-,?’wmwe
easyenoughtodrive;,‘But
whataboutthedog?’Iasked.‘AndMissCollinslyiag.,
‘That
wasmylittlejoke.Iaskedheriftherewereanytoy
dogsinthehouse,andshesaidno–butdoubtlessthere
.some–inthenursery!Yousee,MrWaverlyplaced
sometoys
mthepriest’sholetokeep]ohnnieamusedandquiet.’
‘M.Po/rot–‘MrWaverlyenteredtheroom–‘have
you
discovered
anyth/ng?Haveyouanycluetowheretheboyhas
beentaken?’
PoirothandedMma
pieceofpaper.‘Hereistheaddress.,
‘Butthisis
ablanksheet.’
‘BecauseIamwaiting
for
youtowrite
it
down
for
..Whatthe-‘MrWaverly’sface
turnedme.’
Ilnoweve..purple.
rything,monsieur.I
gveyoutwenty-fourhours
toreturn
theboy.Youringenuitywillbeequal
tothetaskof
explaininghisreappearance.Otherw/se,MrsWaverlywillbe
informed
oftheexactsequenceofevents.’
MrWaverlysankdowninachair
andbur/edMsif
ceinh/s
hands.‘Heiswithmyoldnurse,tenm/lesaway.Heis
happy
andwellcaredfor.’
‘Ihavenodoubtofthat.iFididnot
believeyouto
beagood
fatheratheart,Ishouldnotbe
tog/yeyouanother
chance.‘
‘Thescandal,
‘Exactly.
Yournameisanoldandhonouredone.Donot
jeopardize
it
agaha.
C
ood
evening,
Mr
Waverly.
Ah,
by
the
way,
oneword
of
advice.
Always
sweep
in
the
coruera!’
THEKINGOFCLUBS
‘Truth,’Iobserved,hyingasidetheDailyNewsmonger,‘i
strangerthanfiction!’
Theremarkwasnot,perhaps,anoriginalone.Itappearedt,
lincensemyfriend.Tiltinghisegg-shapedheadononeside,th,
ittlemancarefullyfliedanimaginaryfleckofdustfromhh
U’carefullycreasedtrousers,andobserved:‘Howprofound
WhatathinkerismyfriendHastings!’
Withoutdisplayinganyannoyanceatthisquiteuncailed-fo
gibe,ItappedthesheetIhadlaidaside.
‘You’vereadthismorning’spaper?’
‘Ihave.Andafterreadingit,Ifoldeditanewsymmetrically
Ididnotcastitonthefloorasyouhavedone,withyoursc
lamentableabsenceoforderandmethod.’
(ThatistheworstofPoirot.OrderandMethodarehisgods
Hegoessofarastoattributeallhissuccesstothem.)
‘ThenyousawtheaccountofthemurderofHem3
Reedburn,theimpresario?Itwasthatwhichpromptedm
remark.Notonlyistruthstrangerthanfiction–itismor
dramatic.Thinkofthatsolidmiddle-classEnglishfamily,the
Oglanders.Father.andmother,sonanddaughter,typicalof
thousandsoffamiliesalloverthiscountry.Themenofthe
familygotothecityeveryday;thewomenlookafterthehouse.
Theirlivesareperfectlypeaceful,andutterlymonotonous.
Lastnighttheyweresittingintheirneatsuburbandrawing-room
atDaisymead,Streatham,playingbridge.Suddenly,
withoutanywarning,thefrenchwindowburstsopen,anda
womanstaggersintotheroom.Hergreysatinfrockismarked
withacrimsonstain.Sheuttersoneword,“Murder!”before
shesinkstothegroundinsensible.Itispossiblethatthey
recognizeherfromherpicturesasValerieSaintclair,the
famousdancerwhohaslatelytakeLondonbystorm!’
235
‘Isthisyoureloquence,orthatoftheDaily
inquiredPoirot.
‘TheDailyNewsmongerwasinahurrytogotopress:and
contenteditselfwithbarefacts.Butthedramaticpossibides
ofthestorystruckmeatonce.’
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.‘Whereverthereishuan
nature,thereisdrama.But–itisnotalwaysjustwhereou
thinkitis.Rememberthat.Still,Itooaminterestedinthet
sinceitislikythatIshallbeconnectedwithit.’
‘Indeed?’
‘Yes.Agentlemanrangmeupthismorning,andmadean
appointmentwithmeonbehalfofPrincePaulofMaurania.’
‘Butwhathasthattodowithit?’
‘YoudonotreadyourprettylittleEnglishscandal-papers.
Theoneswiththefunnystories,and%littlemousehasheard
–“or%littlebirdwouldliketoknow-”Seehere.’
Ifollowedhisshortstubbyfingeralongtheparagraph:
–whethertheforeignprinceandthefamousdancerare
reallyaff’mifies!Andiftheladylikeshernewdiamondring!’
‘Andnowtoresumeyoursodramaticnarratives’saidPoirot.
‘MademoiselleSaintclairhadjustfaintedonthedrawing-room
carpetatDaisymead,youremember.’
Ishrugged.‘AsaresultofMademoiselle’sfirstmurmured
wordswhenshecameround,thetwomaleOglandersstepped
out,onetofetchadoctortoattendtothelady,whowas
evidentlysufferingterriblyfromshock,andtheothertothe
police-station–whenceaftertellinghisstory,heaccompanied
thepolicetoMonIsir,MrReedbum’smagxxificentvilla,
whichissituatedatnogreatdistancefromDaisymead.There
theyfoundthegreatman,whobythewaysuffersfrom
somewhatunsavouryreputation,lyinginthelibrarywiththe
backofhisheadcrackedopenlikeaneggshell.’
‘Ihavecrampedyourstyle,’saidPoirotkindly.‘Forgiveme,
Ipray…Ah,hereisM.lePrince?
Ourdistinguishedvisitorwasannouncedunderthetitleof
CountFeodor.Hewasastrange-lookingyouth,tall,eager,
withaweakchin,thefamousMauranbergmouth,andthedark
fieryeyesofafanatic.
236
‘M.Poirot?’
Myfriendbowed.
‘Monsieur,Iaminterribletrouble,greaterthanIcanwell
express–‘
‘I
Poiro’twavedhishand.comprehendyouranxiety.Made.
moiselleSaintclairisaverydearfriend,isitnotso?’
Theprincerepliedsimply:‘Ihopetomakehermywife.’
Piorotsatupinhischair,andhiseyesopened.
Theprincecontinued:‘Ishouldnotbethefirstofmyfamib
tomakeamorganaticmarriage.MybrotherAlexanderhas
defiedtheEmperor.Wearelivingnowinmoreenlightened
freefromtheoldcaste-prejudice.Besides,Mademoiselle
Saintclear,inactualfact,isquitemyequalinrank.Youhave
heardhintsastoherhistory?’
‘Therearemanyromanticstoriesofherorigin–notan
uncommonthingwithfamousdancers.Ihaveheardthatshe
thedaughterofanIrishcharwoman,alsothestorywhich
makeshermotheraRussiangrandduchess.’
‘Thefirststoryis,ofcourse,nonsense,’saidtheyoungman.
‘Butthesecondistrue.Valerie,thoughboundtosecrecy,ha
letmeguessasmuch.Besides,sheprovesitunconsciouslyina
thousandways.Ibelieveinheredity,M.Poirot.’
,‘Itoobelieveinheredity,’saidPoirotthoughtfully.‘Ihave
seensomestrangethingstconnectionwithit–mo/qui
parle…Buttobusiness,M.lePrince.Whatdoyouwantof
me?Whatdoyoufear?Imayspeakfreely,mayInot?Isthere
anythingtoconnectMademoiselleSaintclairwiththecrime?
SheknewReedburnofcourse?’
‘Yes.Heprofessedtobemlovewithh
‘Andshe?’
‘Shewouldhavenothingtosaytohim.’
Poirotlookedathimkeenly.‘Hadsheanyreasontofear
him?’
Theyoungmanhesitated.‘Therewasanincident.You
knowZara,theclairvoyant?’
‘Sheiswonderful.Youshouldconsulthersometime.
ValerieandIwenttoseeherlastweek.Shereadthecardsfor
237
us.ShespoketoValerieoftrouble–ofgatheringclouds;hen
sheturnedupthelastcard–thecoveringcard,theycallr.It
wasthekingofclubs.ShesaidmValerie:“Beware.Theris
manwhoholdsyouinhispower.Youfearhim–youa,
greatdangerthroughhim.YouknowwhomImean?”
waswhitetothelips.Shenoddedandsaid:“Yes,yes,Iknt,.,,Shortlyafterwards.weleft.Eara’slastwordstoValerie.:e’
·womatellmenothi–assured
thatallwaswell.Butnow,afterlastnight,Iammoresuretan
everthatinthekingofclubsValeriesawReedbum,andtha:
wasthemanshefeared.’.e
ThePrincepausedabruptly.‘Nowyouunderstandmy
agitationwhenIopenedthepaperthismorning.Supposing
Valerie,inafitofmadness–oh,itisimpossible!’
Poirotrosefromhisseat,andpattedtheyoungmankindly
ontheshoulder.
itinmyhands.’‘Donotdistressyourself,Ibegofyou.Leave
‘Youwillgoto$treatham?Igathersheisstillthere,at
Daisyraead–prostratedbYtheshock.’
‘Iwillgoatonce.’
‘Ihavearrangedmatters–throughtheembassy.Youwillbe
allowedaccesseverywhere.,
‘Thenwewilldepart
Aurevoir,M.lePrince.”‘Hastings,youwillaccompanyme?
MonIXsirwasanexceptionally￡mevilla,thoroughlymoden
andcomfortable.Ashortcarriage-driveleduptoitfromthe
road,andbeautifulgardensextendedbehindthehouseforSOFtieacres.
OnmentioningPrincePaul’sname,thebutlerwhoanswered
thedooratoncetookustothesceneofthetragedy.Thelibrary
wasamagnificentroom,runningfrombacktofrontofthe
wholebuilding,withawindowateitherendonegivingonthe
frontcarriage-drive,andtheotheronthegarden.Itwasinthe
recessofthelatterthatthebodyhadlain.Ithadbeenremoved
notlongbefore,thepolicehavingconcludedtheirexamination.
238
‘Thatisannoying,’ImurmuredtoPoirot.‘Whoknowswhat
cluestheymayhavedestroyed?’
Mylittlefriendsmiled.‘Eh–Eh!HowoftenmustItellyou
thatcluescomefromithin?Inthelittlegreyceilsofthebrain
liesthesolutionofeverymystery.’
Heturnedtothebutler.‘Isuppose,exceptfortheremoval
ofthebody,theroomhasnotbeentouched?’
‘No,sir.It’sjustasitwaswhenthepolicecameuplast
night.’
‘Thesecurtains,now.Iseetheypullrightacrossthewi.dow
recess.Theyarethesameintheotherwindow.Werethey
drawnlastnight?’
‘Yes,sir,Idrawthemeverynight.’
‘ThenReedburnmusthavedrawnthembackhimse.‘
‘Isupposeso,sir.’
‘Didyouknowyourmasterexpectedavisitorlastnight?’
‘Hedidnotsayso,sir.Buthegaveordershewasnottobe
disturbedafterdinner.Yousee,sir,thereisadoorleadingout
ofthelibraryontotheterraceatthesideofthehouse.Hecould
haveadmittedanyonethatway.’
I?‘Washeinthehabitofdoingthat?’
[:Thebutlercougheddiscreetly.‘Ibelieveso,sir.’
t;’Poirotstrodetothedoorinquestion.Itwasunlocked.He
steppedthroughitontotheterracewhichjoinedthedriveon
theright;ontheleftitleduptoaredbrickwall.
‘Thefruitgarden,sir.Thereisadoorleadingintoitfarther
along,butitwasalwayslockedatsixo’clock.’
Poirotnodded,andre-enteredthelibrary,thebutler
following.
‘Didyouhearnothingoflastnight’sevents?’
‘Well,sir,weheardvoicesinthelibrm3balittlebeforenine.
Butthatwasn’t.unusual,especiallybeingalady’svoice.Butof
course,oncewewereallintheservants’ha!l,righttheother
side,wedidn’thearanythingatall.Andthen,abouteleven
o’clock,thepolicecame.’
‘Howmanyvoicesdidyouhear?’
‘Icouldn’tsay,sir.Ionlynoticedthelady’s.’
‘Ah!’
239
‘Ibegpardon,sir,butDrRyanisstillinthehouse,if
wouldcaretoseehim.’
Wejumpedatthesuggestion,andinafewminutesh￠
doctor,acheery,middle-agedman,joinedus,andgave
alltheinformationherequired.Reedburnhadbeenlying::earthewindow,hisheadbythemarblewindow-seat.Therewere
twowounds,onebetweentheeyes,andtheother,thefatalone,
onthebackofthehead.
‘Hewaslyingonhisback?’
‘Yes.Thereisthemark.’Hepointedtoasmallclarkstainon
thefloor..
‘Couldnottheblowonthebackoftheheadhavebeen
causedbyhisstrikingthefloor?’
‘Impossible.Whatevertheweaponwas,itpenetratedsome
distanceintotheskull.’
Poirotlookedthoughtfullyinfrontofhim.Intheembrasure
ofeachwindowwasacarvedmarbleseat,thearmsbeing
fashionedintheformofalion’shead.AlightcameintoPoirot’s
eyes.‘Supposinghehadfallenbackwardsonthisprojecting
lion’shead,andslippedfromtheretotheground.Wouldnot
thatcauseawoundsuchasyoudescribe?’
‘Yes,itwould.Buttheangleatwhichbewaslyingmakes
thattheoryimpossible.Andbesidestherecouldnotfailtobe
tracesofbloodonthemarbleoftheseat.’
‘Unlesstheywerewashedaway?’
Thedoctorshruggedhisshoulders.‘Thatishardlylikely.
wouldbetonoone’sadvantagetogiveanaccident
appearanceofmurder.’
‘Quiteso,’acquiescedPoirot.‘Couldeitheroftheblm,
havebeenstruckbyawoman,doyouthink?’
‘Oh,quiteoutofthequestion,Ishouldsay.Youarethinkix
ofMademoiselleSaintclair,Isuppose?’
‘IthinkofnooneinparticularuntilItmsure,’saidP0in
gently.
Heturnedhisattentiontotheopenfrenchwindow,dthe
doctorcontinued:
‘ItisthroughherethatMademoiselleSfintdairfled.You
canjustcatchaglimpseofDaisymelbetweenthetrees.Of
24O
course,therearemanyhousesnearertothefrontofhouse
ontheroad,butasithappens,Daisymead,thoughsome
distanceaway,istheonlyhousevisiblethisside.’
‘Thankyouforyouramiability,Doctor,’saidPoirnt.‘Come,
wewillfollowthefootstepsofMademoiselle.’
Poirotledthewaydownthroughthegarden,outthroughan
irongate,acrossashortstretchofgreenandinthroughthe
gardengateofDaisymead,whichwasanunpretentiouslittle
houseinabouthalfanacreofgrotmd.Therewasasmallflight
ofstepsleadinguptoafrenchwindow.Poirotnoddedintheir
direction.
‘ThatisthewayMademoiselleSaintclairwent.Forus,who
notherurgencytoplead,itwillbebettertogoroundto
befrontdoor.’
Amaidadmittedusandtookusintothedrawing-room,then
wentinsearchofMrsOglander.Theroomhadevidentlynot
beentouchedsincethenightbefore.Theasheswerestillinthe
grate,andthebridge-tablewasstillinthecentreoftheroom,
withadummyexposed,andthehandsthrowndown.Theplace
wassomewhatoverloadedwithgimcrackornaments,anda
goodmanyfamilyportraitsofsurpassinguglinessadornedthe
walls.
PoirotgazedatthemmorelenientlythanIdid,
straightenedoneortwothatwerehanashadeaskew.‘Lafarnille,itisastrongtie,isitnot?Sentiment,ittakestheplace
ofbeauty.’
Iagreed,myeyesbeingfLxedonafamilygroupcomprising
agentlemanwithwhiskers,aladywithahigh‘front’ofhair,a
solid,thick-setboy,andtwolittlegirlstiedupwithagood
manyunnecessarybowsofribbon.Itookthistobethe
Oglanderfamilyinearlierdays,andstudieditwithinterest.
Thedooropened,andayoungwomancamein.Herdark
hairwasneatlyarranged,andsheworeadrab-coloured
sportscoatandatweedskirt.
Shelookedatusinquiringly.Poirotsteppedforward.‘Miss
Oglander?Iregrettoderangeyou–especiallyafterallyouhave
241
beenthrough.Thewholeaffairmusthavebeenmost
disturbing.’
‘Ithasbeenratherupsetting,’admittedtheyounglady
1.toanytragedy.Iwasconfirmedinthis-:-.se
cn;aaClSSll
continued:‘Imustapologforthestatethisroomis.
Servantsgetsofoolishlyexcited.’
‘Itwasherethatyouweresittinglastnight,n’est-cepas?’
‘Yes,wewereplayingbridgeaftersupper,when‘
‘Excuseme–howlonghadyoubeenplaying?’
‘Well–‘MissOglanderconsidered.‘Ireallycan’tsay.I
supposeitmusthavebeenaboutteno’clock.Wehadhad
severalrubbers,Iknow.’
‘Andyouyourselfweresitting–where?’
‘Facingthewindow.Iwasplayingwithmymotherandhad
goneonenotrump.Suddenly,withoutanywarning,the
windowburstopen,andMissSaintclairstaggered.intotheroom.’
‘Yourecognizedher?’
‘Ihadavagueideaherfacewasfamiliar.’
‘Sheisstillhere,isshenot?’
‘Yes,butsherefusestoseeanyone.Sheisstillquite
prostrated.’
‘Ithinkshewillseeme.WillyoutellherthatIamhereatthe
expressrequestofPrincePaulofMaurania?’
Ifanciedthatthementionof’aroyalprincerathershook
MissOglander’simperturbablecalm.Butshelefttheroomon
hererrandwithoutanyfurtherremark,andreturnedalmost
immediatelytosaythatMademoiselleSaintclairwouldseeus
inherroom.
Wefollowedherupstairs,andintoafair-sizedlight
bedroom.Onacouch,bythewindowawomanwaslyingwho
turnedherheadasweentered.Thecontrastbetweenthetwo
womenstruckmeatonce,themoresoasinactualfeaturesand
colouringtheywerenotunalike–butoh,thedifference!Nota
look,notagestureofValerieSaintclair’sbutexpresseddrama.
Sheseemedtoexhaleanatmosphereofromance.Ascarlet
242
flanneldressing-gowncoveredherfeet–ahomelygarmentin
allconscience;butthecharmofherpersonalityinvesteditwith
aexoticfiavour,anditseemedanEasternrobeofglowing
colour.
HerlargedarkeyesfastenedthemselvesonPoirot.
‘YoucomefromPaul?’Hervoicematchedherappeanmceit
wasfullandlanguid.
es,mademoiselle.Iamheretoservehim–andyou.’
‘Whatdoyouwanttoknow?’
‘Everythingthathappenedlastnight.Buteverything?Shesmiledratherwearily.
DoyouthinkIshouldlie?Iamnotstupid.Iseewell
enoughthattherecanbenoconcealment.Heheldasecretof
mine,thatmanwhoisdead.Hethreatenedmewithit.For
!ul’ssake,Iendeavouredtomaketermswithhim.Icouldnot
risklosingPaul…Nowthatheisdead,Iamsafe.ButforallThat,Ididnotkillhim.’
Poirotshookhisheadwithasmile.‘Itisnotnecessarytotell
methat,mademoiselle.Nowrecounttomewhathappenedlast
.Right?
‘Iofferedhimmoney.Heappearedtobewillingtotreatwith
me.Heappointedlastnightatnineo’clock.IwastogotoMon
Dsir.Iknewtheplace;Ihadbeentherebefore.Iwastogo
roundtothesidedoorintothelibrary,sothattheservants
shouldnotseeme.
‘Excuseme,mademoiselle,butwereyounotafraidtotrust
yourselfalonethereatnight?’
Wasitmyfancy,orwasthereamomentarypusebeforeshe
answered?
‘PerhapsIwas.Butyousee,therewasnooneIcouldaskto
gowithme.AndIwasdesperate.Reedburnadmittedmetothe
library.Oh,thatman!Iamgladheisdead!Heplayedwithme,
asacatdoeswithamouse.Hetauntedme.Ibeggedand
imploredhimonmyknees.IofferedhimevedjewelIhave.
Allinvain!Thenhenamedhisownterms.Perhapsyoucan
guesswhattheywere.Irefused.ItoldhimwhatIthoughtof
him.Iravedathim.Heremainedcalmlysmiling.Andthen,as
Ifelltosilenceatlast,therewasasound–frombehindthe
243
curtaininthewinciow…Heheardittoo.Hestrotothe
curtainsandflungthemwideaprt.Therewasama,,there,
hiding–adreadful-lookingman,asonoftramp.He!truckat
MrReedburn–thenhestruckagain,andhewentdo,l.The
trampclutchedatmewithhisbloodstainedhand.Itoznyself
free,slippedthroughthewindow,andranformylifeenI
perceivedthelightsinthishouse,andmadeforthe,,.The
blindswereup,andIsawsomepeopleplayingbridge.
fellintotheroom.Ijustmanagedtogaspout“Murd-;!”and
theneverythingwentblack‘
‘Thankyou,Mademoiselle.Itmusthavebeenagreatshock
toyournervoussystem.Astothistramp,couldyoudescribe
him?Doyourememberwhathewaswearing?’
‘No–itwasallsoquick.ButIshouldknowtheman
anywhere.Hisfaceisburntinonmybrain.’
‘Justonemorequestion,mademoiselle.Thecurtainsoftheotherwindow,theonegivingonthedrive,weretheydrawn?’
Forthefirsttimeapuzzledexpressioncreptoverthe
dancer’sface.Sheseemedtobetryingtoremember.
‘Ehbien,mademohelle?’
‘Ithink–Iamalmostsure–yes,quitesure!Theywerenot
drawn.’
‘Thatiscurious,sincetheotheroneswere.Nomatter.Itis,
Idaresay,ofnogreatimporumce.Youareremaininghere
long,mademoiselle?’
‘ThedoctorthinksIshallbefittoreturntotowntomorrow.’
Shelookedroundtheroom.MissOgianderhadgoneout.
‘Thesepeople,theyareverykind–buttheyarenotofmy
world.Ishockthem!Andtome–well,Iamnotfondofthebourgeoisie!’
Afaintnoteofbitternessunderlayherwords.
Poirotnodded.‘Iunderstand.IhopeIhavenotfatiguedyou
undulywithmyquestions?’
‘Notatall,monsieur.IamonlytooanxiousPaulshould
knowallassoonaspossible.’
‘ThenIwillwishyougoodday,mademoiselle.’
AsPoirotwasleavingtheroom,hepaused,andpouncedon
apairofpatent-leatherslippers.‘Yours,mademoiselle?’
244
‘yes,monsieur.Theyhavejustbeencleanedandbrought
aPAh!’saidPoirot,sswedescendedthestairs.‘Itseemsthat
domesticsarenottooexcitedtocleanshoes,thoughthey
forgeagrate.Well,monam/,atfutrJaereappeared.tobeone
ortwopointsofinterest,butIfear,Iverymucfear,thatwt
mustregardthecaseas￡mished.Itallseemastraightforward
‘Kadthemurderer?’
‘HcrculePoirotdoesnothuntdowntraml,’rplledmy
frieadgraadlloquently.
MissOglarderagtusinthehall.‘Ifyouwillwaitinthe
I
-drawing-roomamiaute,Mammawouldtospetoyou.’
Theroomwasstilluntouc3,andPoirotidlygatbetedup
thecards,shutlTuthemwithhistiny,fastidiouslygroomed
hands.
‘DoyouknowwhatIthing,myfriend?
‘o?’Isaideagerly.
‘IthinlthatMiasOglaadmadeamitakeingoingoneno
trump.Sheshouldhavegonethreespades.’
‘Poirot!Youaethelimit.’
‘MonD/eu,Imaotalwaysbetalifngbloodandthunder!’
Suddenlyhestiffned:‘Hastings–Hast/ng$.See!The1lng
ofclubsismissingfromthepacX!’
‘Zara?Icried.
‘Eh?’hedidnotseemtoumterstamyalluaion.Mec.ically
hestackedthecardsandputthemawayintheicas.I-
facewasverygrave.
‘Hastings,’hesaidatlast,‘I,HercolePoirot,havecome
tomakingabigmistake–averybigmistake.’
Igazedathim,impressed,bututerlyuncomprhemling.
‘Wemustbeginagain,Hastings.Yes,wemustbeginagain.
Butthistimeweshalltoterr.’
Hewasinterruptedbytheenmmcofahamlaome
middle-agedlady.Shecarrisomebouaeholdbooksinhex
hand.Poirotbowedtoher.
245
‘DoIunderstand,sir,thatyouareafriendof-er–Miss
Saintclair’s?’
‘Icomefromafriendofhers,madame.’
‘Oh,Isee.Ithoughtperhaps-‘
Poirotsuddenlywavedbrusquelyatthewindow.
‘Yourblindswerenotpulleddownlastnight?’
‘No–IsupposethatiswhyMissSaintclairsawthelightso
plainly.’
‘Therewasmoonlightlastnight.Iwonderthatyoudidnot
seeMademoiselleSaintclairfromyourseatherefacingthe
windows?’
‘Isupposewewereengrossedwithourgame.Nothinglike
thishaseverhappenedbeforetous.’
‘Icanquitebelievethat,madame.AndIwillputyourmind
atrest.MademoiselleSaintclairisleavingtomorrow.’
‘Oh!’Thegoodlady’sfacecleared.
‘AndIwillwishyougoodmorning,madame.’
Aservantwascleaningthestepsaswewentoutofthefront
door.Poirotaddressedher.
‘Wasityouwhocleanedtheshoesoftheyounglady
upstairs?’
Themaidshookherhead.‘No,sir.Idon’tthinkthey’ve
beencleaned.’
‘Whocleanedthem,then?’IinquiredofPoirot,aswe
walkeddowntheroad.
‘Nobody.Theydidnotneedcleaning.’
‘Igrantthatwalkingonthemadorpathon.afinenight
wouldnotsoilthem.Butsurelyaftergoingthroughthelong
grassofthegarden,theywouldhavebeensoiledandstained.’
‘Yes,’saidPoirotwithacurioussmile.‘Inthatcase,Iagree,
theywouldhavebeenstained.’
‘But–‘
‘Havepatiencealittlehalf-hour,myfriend.Wearegoing
backtoMonD6sir.’
Thebutlerlookedsurprisedatourreappearance,butoffered
noobjectiontoourreturningtothelibrary.
46
·‘Ii,that’sthewrongwindow,Poirot,’Icriedashemadefor
￠oneoverlool6ngthecarriage-drive.
‘Ithinknot,myfriend.Seehere.’Hepointedtothemarble
lion’Shead.Onitwasafaintdiscolouredsmear.Heshiftedhis
poundserandpointedtoasimilarsufinonthepolishedfloor.
,SomeonestruckReedbumablowwithhisclenchedfist
le,thenslippedtothefloor.Afterwards,hewas
gaUSsthefloortotheotherwindow,andlaidthereinstead,but
nCquiteatthesameangle,astheDoctor’sevidencetoldus.’
:’Butwhy?Itseemsutterlyunnecessary.’
‘Onthecontras,itwasessential.Also,itisthektothe
murderer’sidentity–though,bytheway,hehadnointention
ofkillingReedbum,andsoitishardlypermissibletocallhim
amurderer.Hemustbeaverystrongman?
‘Becauseofhavingdraggedthebodyacrossthefloor?’
,‘Notaltogether.Ithasbeenanintcresfingcase.Inearly
madeanimbecileofmyself,though.’
‘Doyoumeantosayitisover,thatyouknoweverything?’
‘Yes.’
Aremembrancesmoteme.‘No,’Icried.‘Thereisonething
youdonotknow!’
‘Andthat?’
‘Youdonotknowwherethemissingkingofclubsis!’
‘Eh?Oh,thatisdroll!Thatisverydroll,myfriend.’
‘Why?’
‘BecziuseitisinmypocMt!’Hedrewitforthwithaflourish.
‘Oh!’Isaid,rathercrestfallen.‘WheredidyouFredit?
Here?’
‘Therewasnothingsensationalaboutit.Ithadsimplynot
beentakenoutwiththeothercsrds,hwasinthebox.’
‘H’m!Allthesame,itgaveyouanides,didn’tit?’
‘Yes,myfriend.IpresentmyrespectstoHisMajesty.’
‘AndtoMsdsmeZsra!’
‘Ah,yes–totheladyalso.’
‘Well,whatarewegoingtodonow?’
‘Wearegoingtoreturntotown.ButImusthavesfewwords
withacertainladyatDaisymeadf’mt.’
l
247
Thesamelittlemaidopenedthedoortous.
‘They’reallatlunchnow,sir–unlessit’sMissSaintclairyou
wanttosee,andshe’sresting.’
‘ItwilldoifIcanseeMrsOglapxierforafewminutes.Will
youtellher?’
Wewereledintothech-awing-roomtowait.Ihadaglimp
ofthefamilyinthedining-roomaswepassed,nowreinforced
bythepresenceoftwoheavy,solid-lookingmen,onewitha
moustache,theotherwithabeardalso.
InafewminutesMrsOglandercameintotheroom,looking
inquiringlyatPoirot,whobowed.
‘Madame,we,inourcountry,haveagreattenderness,a
greatrespectforthemother.Thenredefamille,sheiseverything!’
MrsOglanderlookedratherastonishedatthisopening.
‘ItisforthatreasonthatIhavecome–toallayamother’s
anxiety.ThemurdererofMrReedbumwillnotbediscovered.
Havenofear.I,HerculePoirot,tellyouso.Iamfight,amI
not?OrisitawifethatImustreassure?’
Therewasamoment’spause.MrsOglanderseemed
searchingPoirotwithhereyes.Atlastshesaidquietly:‘Idon’t
knowhowyouknow–butyes,youareright.’
Poirotnoddedgravely.‘Thatiszll,madame.Butdonotbe
uneasy.YourEnglishpolicemenhavenottheeyesofHercuie
Poirot.’Hetappedthefamilyportraitonthewallwithhis
fingernail.
‘Youhadanotherdaughteronce.Sheisdead,madame?’
Againtherewasapause,asshesearchedhimwithhereyes.
Thensheanswered:‘Yes,sheisdead.’
‘Ah!’saidPoirotbriskly.‘Well,wemustreturntotown.You
permitthatIreturnthekingofclubstothepsck?Itwasyour
onlyslip.Youunderstand,tohaveplayedbridgeforimhouror
so,withonlyfifty-onecards–well,noonewhoknowsanything
ofthegamewouldcredititforaminute!Bonjour!’
‘Andnow,myfriend,’saidPoirotaswesteppedtowardsthe
.station,‘youseeitall!’
‘Iseenothing!WhokilledReedburn?’
‘JohnOglander,Junior.Iwasnotquitesureifitwasthe
.derortheson,butIfixedonthesonasbeingthestronger
dyou,gecofthetwo.Ithadtobeoneofthem,becauseofthe
,Terewerefourexitsfromthelibrary–twodoors,two
evidentlyonlyonewoulddo.Threeexitsgave.on
..Mows;but
..-r,,oodvhadtooccurin
w,,.-‘
Ctl￥ormo,lrcc’uy.·-,-–=-a,
:the
front,dire.
,oitannearthatValcric
cametoDaisymeY
‘
‘
adJohnOglandercarriedheracrossoverhisshoulders.That
iswhyIsaidhemustbeastrongman.’
‘Didtheygotheretogether,then?’
·
‘Yes.YourememberValerie’shesitationwhenIaskedherif
.iafraidtogoaloneJohnOglanderwentwithhtr–
lshcw,as,n.i,:—oreReecibum’stemper,Ifa.cy..,Tbe.Y-
which
diantmF
‘
,
thebridge
‘
Butwhy
‘–-‘—ersAsimplethinglikethat
‘Bridgepresupposesrouxpa,·
·alotofconviction.Whowouldhavesupposed.tha-tere
carnes·–;-:.-thatroomalltheevenmge
hadbeenontytrucepcot,-.,I
wass611puzzled.
‘There’sonethingIdon’tunderstand.aathavethe
OglanderstodowiththedancerValerieSaintclair?’
‘Ah,thatIwonderyoudidnotsee.Andyetyoulookedlong
Oelandcr’sotherdaughtermay.oe.-:-ur,,
wrldknowsherasValeriesaintclatr:
‘Wtt?’
‘Didyounotetheresemblancethemomentyouwthe
tosistertogether?’
‘No,’Iconfessed.‘Ionlythoughthowe.xtordinarily
dissimilartheywe·
‘Thatisbecauseyourmindissoopentoexternalromantic
impressions,mydearl-Iating.Thefeaturesrealmost
identical.Soistheolouring.Theinterestingthingiatlt
Valerieisashamedofherf–mily,andherfamilyisaah-mof
her.Nevertheless,inamomentofperil,sheturnedtoher
249
brotherforhelp,andwhenthingswentwrong,theyallhung
togetherinaremarkableway.Familystrengthisamamellous
thing.TheycanaHact,thatfamily.ThatiswhereValefiegets
herhistrionictalentfrom.I,likePrincePaul,believein
heredity!Theydeceivedme!Butforaluckyaccident,andtest
questiontoMrsOglanderbywhichIgothertocontradicther
daughter’saccountofhowtheyweresitting,theOglander
familywouldhaveputadefeatonHerculePoirot.’
‘WhatshallyoutellthePrince?’
‘ThatValeriecouldnotpossiblyhavecommittedthecrime,
andthatIdoubtifthattrampwilleverbefound.Also,to
conveymycomplimentstoZara.Acuriouscoincidence,that!
IthinkIshallcallthislittleaffairtheAdventureoftheKingof
Clubs.Whatdoyouthink,myfriend?’
250
THEADVENTUREOFTHECLAPHAMCOOK
AtthetimethatIwassharingroomswithmyfriendHercule
Poirot,itwasmycustomtoreadaloudtohimtheheadlinesin
themorningnewspaper,theDailyBlare.
TheDailyBlarewasapaperthatmadethemostofany
opportunityforsensationalism.Robberiesandmurdersdid
notlurkobscurelyinitsbackpages.Insteadtheyhityouinthe
eyeinlargetypeonthefrontpage.
ABSCONDINGBANKCLERKDISAPPEARSWITHFIFTYTHOUSAND
POUNDS’WORTHOFNEGOTIABIESECURITIES)Iread.
HUSBANDPUTSHISHEADINGAS-OVEN.UNHAPPYHOME
LIFE.MISSINGTYPIST.PREIFYGIRLOFTWENTY-ONE.WHERE
ISEDNAFIELD?
‘Thereyouare,Poirot,plentytochoosefrom.Anabsconding
bankclerk,amysterioussuidde,amissingtypist–which
willyouhave?’
Myfriendwasinaplacidmood.Hequietlyshookhishead.
‘Iamnotgreatlyattractedtoanyofthem,monam/.TodayI
feelinclinedforthelifeofease.Itwouldhavetobeavery
interestingproblemtotemptmefrommychair.Seeyou,I
haveaffairsofimportanceofmyowntoattendm.’
‘Suchas?’
‘Mywardrobe,Hastings.IfImistakenot,thereisonmy
newgreysuitthespotofgrease–onlytheuniquespot,butitis,ufficienttotroubleme.ThenthereismywinterovercoatI
mustlayhimasideinthepowderofKeatin.AndIthinkyes,
Ithink–themomentisripeforthetrimmingsofmy
moustaches–andafterwardsImustapplythepomade.’
‘Well,’Isaid,strollingtothewindow,‘Idoubtifyou’llbe
abletocarryoutthisdeliriousprogramme.Thatwasaringat
thebell.Youhaveadiem.’
251
‘Unlesstheaffairisoneofnationalimportance,
not,’declaredPoirotwithdignity.
Itouchit
Amomentlaterourprivacywasinvadedbyastout
ladywhopantedaudiblyasaresultofherran:J
aced
stairs.
,pauaSCentofthe
‘You’reM.Poirot?’shedemanded,asshesankintochair.
‘IamHerculePoirot,yes,madame.,
a
‘.You.’.renotabitliewhatIthought,,,.,,.-,.
eyem-ghimwithsomedisfavour,,A.”.”-u–°?S.dthe
papersayingwhataclever—‘·“,,ulytotthebitin
itinthemselves?’
,-,u=tccuveyouwere,ordidthey
‘Madame!’saidPoirot,drawinghimselfup.
‘I’msorry,I’msure,butyouknowwhatthesepapersare
nowadays.Youbeginreadinganicemicle“WhatabrideSaid
tohe.rplainunmarriedfriend”,andit’sal/about-:
youbuyatthechemist’saridsl,
a
.npie
butpuff.ButnooffencetakenIhope?I’ll
tellyouwhatIwant
youtodoforme.Iwant
youtof’mdmycook.’
Poirotstaredather;foroncehis
readytonguefailedhim.I
turnedasidetohidethebroadening
smileIcouldnotcontrol.
‘It’sallthiswickeddole,’
continuedthelady.‘Puttingideas
intoservants’heads,wantingtobe
typistsandwhatnots.Stop
thedole,that’swhatIsay.I’dli
etoknowwhatmysen’ants
havetocomplainof
–afternoonandeveningoffaweek,
alternateSundays,washingputout,
samefoodaswehave–and
neverabitofmargarinein
the
house,nothingbuttheverybest
butter.’
Shepausedfor
wantofbreathandPoirotseizedhis
opportunity.Hespoke
inhishaughtiestmanner,rising
to
his
feetashedidso..
‘Ifearyouaremaking
amistake,madame.Iamnotholdinganinquiryintotheconditions
ofdomestic
service.Iamaprivatedetective.’
‘Iknowthat,’saidourvisitor.‘Didn’t
ItellyouIwantedyoutofindmycookforme?
WalkedoutofthehouseonWednesday,withoutsomuchasa
word
to
me,
and
never
came
back.’
252
‘Iamsorry,madame,butIdonottouchthisparticularfind
ofbusiness.Iwishyougoodmorning.’
Ourvisitorsnortedwithindignation.
‘That’sit,isit,myfraefellow?Tooproud,eh?Onlydeal
withGovernmentsecretsandcountesses’jewels?Letmeetell
youaservant’severybitasimportantasatiaratoaworo.amin
myposition.Wecan’tallbefineladiesgoingoutinourmotors
withourdiamondsandourpearls.Agoodcook’sagoodook–andwhenyouloseher,it’sasmuchtoyouasherpearlare
tosometimelady.’
Foramomentortwoitappearedtobeatossupbet,,een
Poirot’sdignityandhissenseofhumour.Finallyhelaughed
andsatdownagain.
‘Madame,youareintheright,andIaminthewrong.?srour
remarksarejustandintelligent.Thiscasewillbeanovelty.
NeveryethaveIhuntedamissingdomestic.Trulyherei-sthe
.problemofnationalimportancethatIwasdemandingoffatejustbeforeyourarrival.Enavant!Yousaythisjewelofacook
wentoutonWednesdayanddidnotreturn.Thatistheday
beforeyesterday.’
i!‘Yes,itwasherdayout.’
‘Butprobably,madame,shehasmetwithsomeacciient.
Haveyouinquiredatanyofthehospitals?’
‘That’sexactlywhatIthoughtyesterday,butthismotoring,
ifyouplease,shesentforherbox.AndnotsomuchasaIi-neto
me!IfI’dbeenathome,I’dnothaveletitgo–treatingm-elike
that!ButI’djuststeppedouttothebutcher.’
‘Willyoudescribehertome?’
‘Shewasmiddle.-aged,stout,blackhairturninggrey–most
respectable.She’dbeentenyearsinherlastplace.Elizalunn,
hernamewas.’
‘Andyouhadhad–nodisagreementwithheroz’the
Wednesday?’
‘Nonewhatsoever.That’swhatmakesitallsoqueer.’
‘Howmanyservantsdoyoukeep,madame?’
‘Two.Thehouse-parlourmaid,Annie,isaverynice-irl.A
bitforgetfulandherheadfullofyoungmen,butagoodservant
ifyoukeepheruptoherwork.’
253
‘Did’sheandthecookgetonwelllogether?’
‘Theyhadtheirupsanddowns,ofcourse–butont’r:
verywell.’
‘Andthegirlcanthrownolightonthemystery?’
‘Shesaysnotobutyouknowwhatservantsare–they11
hangtogether.’
‘Well,well,wemustlookintothis.Wheredidyousayyou
resided,madame?’
‘AtClapham;88PrinceAlbertRoad.’
‘B/m,madame,Iwillwishyougoodmorning,andyoumaycoulduponseeingmeatyourresidenceduringthecourseof
theday.’
MrsTodd,forsuchwasournewfriend’sname,then
herdeparture.Poirotlookedatmesomewhatruefully.
‘Well,well,Hastings,thisisanovelaffairthatwehavehere,
TheDisappearanceoftheClaphamCook!Never,never,must
ourfriendInspectorJappgettohearofthis!’
Hethenproceededtoheatanironavacarefullyremove￠i
greasespotfromhisgreysuitbymeansofapieceofblomag-paper.
Hismoustachesheregretfullypostpov,edtoanother
day,andwesetoutforClapham.
PrinceAlbertRoadprovedtobeastreetofsmallprim
houses,allexactlyalike,withneatlacecurtainsre’flingthe
windows,andwell-polishedbrassknockersonthedoors.
WerangthebellatNo.88,andthedoorwasopenedbya
neatmaidwithaprettyface.MrsToddcroneoutinthehallto
greetus.
‘Don’tgo,Annie,’shecried.‘Thisgenflenmn’sadetective
andhe’llwanttoaskyousomequestions.’‘
Annie’sfacedisplayedastrugglebetweenalarmanda
‘leasurableexcitement.
‘Ithankyou,madame,’saidPoirotbowing.‘Iwouldliketo
questionyourmaidnow–andtoseeheralone,ifImay.’
Wewereshownintoasmalldrawing-room,andwhenMrs
Todd,withobviousreluctance,hadlefttheroom,Poirot
commencedhiscross-examination.
‘Voyons,MademoiSelleAnn/e,allthatyoushalltelluswillbe
254
imtrance.Youalonecanshedanylightonthe
fthegreatestpo
v.-.assistance
1amu,,.,,——.
case.WttYc
—,,,oirl’sfaceandthepleasuramc
Thealarmvamsn
excitementbecamemorestronglymarked.
‘I’msure,sir,’shesaid‘I’lltellyouanythingIcan.’
‘Thatisgood.’Poirotbeamedapprovalonher.‘Now,firstof
allwhatisyourownidea?Youareagirlofremarkable
telligence.Thatcanbeseenatonce!Whatisyourown
explanationofFAi’sdisappearance?’
Thusencouraged,Anniefairlyflowedintoexcitedspeech.
‘Whiteslavers,sir,I’vesaidsoallalongtCookwasalways
warningmeagainstthem.“Don’tyousniffnoscent,orestany
sweets–nomatterhowgentlemanlythefellow!”Thosewere
herwordstome.Andnowthey’vegother!I’msureofit.As
likelyasnot,she’sbeenshippedtoTurkeyoroneofthem
EasternplaceswhereI’veheardtheylikethemfat?
Poirotpreservedanadmirablegravity.
‘Butinthatcase–anditisindeedanidea!–wouldshehave
sentroihertrunk?’
‘Well,Idon’tknow,sir.She’dwantherthings–evenin
thoseforeignplaces.’
‘Whocameforthemmic–aman?’
‘ItwasCarterPaterson,sir.’
‘Didyoupackit?’
‘Nb,sir,itwasalreadypackedandcorded.’
‘Ah!That’sinteresting.Thatshowsthatwhensheleftthe
houseonWednesday,shehadalreadydeterminednotto
return.Youseethatdoyounot?’
‘Yes,sir.’Annielookedslightlytakenaback.‘Ihadn’t
thoughtofthat.Butitmightstillhavebeenwhiteslaver,
mighm’tit,sir?sheaddedwistfully.
‘Undoubtedly?saidPoirotgravely.Hewenton:‘Didyou
bothoccupythesamebedroom?’
‘No,sir,wehadseparaterooms.’
‘AndhadElizaexpressedanydissatisfactionwithher
presentposttoyouatall?Wereyoubothhappyhere?’
‘She’dnevermentionedleaving.Theplaceisallright-‘The
girlhesitated.255
‘Speakfreely,’saidPoirotkindly.‘IshallnotourStSS.’
‘Well,ofcourse,sir,she’sacaution,.Missusis.Buttocl’s
good.Plentyofit,andnostinting.Somethinghotforsu:per,
goodoutings,andasmuchfrying-fatasyoulike.Andanyway,
ifElizadidwanttomakeachange,she’dneverhavegoneoff
thisway,I’msure.She’dhavestayedhermonth.Why,Missus
couldhaveamonth’swagesoutofherfordoingthis!’
‘Andthework,itisnottoohard?’
‘Well,she’sparticular–alwayspokingroundincornenand
lookingfordust.Andthenthere’sthelodger,orpayingguest
ashe’salwayscalled.Butthat’sonlybreakfastanddinner,same
asMaster.They’reoutalldayintheCity.’
‘Youlikeyourmaster?’
‘He’sallright–veryquietandabitonthestingyside.’
‘Youcan’tremember,Isuppose,thelastthingElizasaid
beforeshewentout?’
‘Yes,Ican.“Ifthere’sanystewedpeachesoverfromThe
dining-room,”shesays,“we’llhavethemforsupper,andabit
ofbaconandsomefriedpotatoes.”Madoverstewedpeaches,
shewas.Ishouldn’twonderiftheydidn’tgherthatway.’
‘WasWednesdayherregulardayout?’
‘Yes,shehadWednesdaysspaIhadThursdays.’
Poirotaskedafewmorequestions,thendeclaredhimself
satisfied.Anniedeparted,andMrsToddhurriedin,herface
alightwithcuriosity.Shehad,Ifeltcertain,bitxerlyresented
herexclusionfromtheroomduringourconversationwith
Annie.Poirot,however,wascarefultosootheherfeelings
tactfully.
Itisdifficult,’heexplained,‘forswomanofexceptional
iatclligencesuchasyourself,madame,tobearpadendythe
roundaboutme,odswepoordetectivesarcforcedtouse.To
havepatiencewithstupidityisdifficultforthequick-witted.’
HavingthuscharmedawayanyUt-deresentmentonMrs
Todd’spart,hebroughttheconversationroundtoherhusband
andelicitedtheinformationthatheworkedwithafu’minthe
Cityandwouldnotbehomeuntilaftersix.
256
,Doubtless
heisverydisturbedandwon4ibythis
..business,eh?Isitnotso?’
‘lie’sneverworried;dec.lmeedMrsTodd.’“Well,well,get
nother.mydear.”That’sallhsaid!lie’ssocalmthatitdrives
lllelodistractionsolnetillles.”ungratefulwomsll,”hesaid.
“Wearewellridofher.”‘
‘Whatabouttheotherinmatesofthehouse,madame?’
‘YoumeanMrSimpson,ourpayingguest?Well,aslongas
hegetshisbrealffastandhiseveningmealallright,hdoem’tworry.’
‘Whatishisprofession,madame?’
‘Heworksinabank.’Shementioneditsname,amiIstarted
lightly,rememberingmyperusaloftheDailyBlare.
‘Ayoungman?’
,Twenty-eight,Ibelieve,lqicequietyoungfellow.’
‘Ishouldliketohaveafewwordswithhim,andalsowith
yourhusband,ifImay.Iwillreturnforthatputlxthis
evening.Iventuretosuggestthatyoushouldreposeyoura
little,madame,youlookfatigued.’
‘IshouldjustthinkIam!FirsttheworryaboutEliza,and
thenIwasatthesalespracticallyallyesterday,andyougnow
whatthatis,M.Poirot,andwhatwithonethingandanother
andalottodointhehouse,becauseofcourseAnniecan’tdo
itall–andverylikelyshe’llgivenoticeanyway,beingunsettled
inthisway–well,whatwithitall,I’mfiredout!’
PoirotmurmuredsympatheticallY,.andwetookourleave.
‘It’sacuriouscoincidence,’Isaid,‘butthatabsconding
clerk,Davis,wasfromthesamebankasSimpson.Cantherebe
anyconnection,doyouthink?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘Attheoneend,adefaultingclerk,attheotheravanishing
cook.Itishardtoseeanyrelationbetweenthetwo,unless
possiblyDavisvisitedSimpson,fellinlove.withthecook,and
·
–rsuadedhertoaccompany.himonhisflight.
‘Ilaughed.ButPoirotremainedgrave,
reprovingly.
·
‘Hemighthavedoneworse,’hesaid
‘Remember,Hastings,ifyouaregoingintoexile,agoodcook
maybeofmorecomfortthanaprettyface!’Hepausedfora
257
momentahdthenwenton.‘Itisacuriouscase,fullof
contradictoryfeatures.Iaminterested–yes,Iamdistinctly
interested.’
Thateveningwereturnedto88PrinceAlbertRoadand
interviewedbothToddandSimpson.Theformerwasa
melancholylantern-jawedmanofforty-odd.
‘Oh!Yes,yes,’hesaidvaguely.‘Eliza.Yes.Agoodcook,I
believe.Andeconomical.Imakeastrongpointofeconomy.,
‘Canyouimagineanyreasonforherleavingyouso
suddenly?’
‘Oh,well,’saidMrToddvaguely.‘Servants,youknow.My
wifeworriestoomuch.Wornoutfromalwaysworrying.The
wholeproblem’squitesimplereally.“Getanother,myder,”
Isay.“Getanother.”That’sallthereistoit.Nogoodcrying
overspiltmilk.’
MrSimpsonwasequallyunhelpful.Hewasaquiet
inconspicuousyoungmanwithspectacles
‘Imusthaveseenher,Isuppose,’hesaid.‘Elderlywoman,
wasn’tshe?Ofcourse,it’stheotheroneIseealways,Annie.
Nicegirl.Veryobliging.’
‘Werethosetwoongoodtermswitheachother?’
so.MrSimpsonsaidhecouldn’tsay,hewassure.Hesupposed
‘Well,wegetnothingofinterestthere,monam/,’saidPoirot
asweleftthehouse.Ourdeparturehadbeendelayedbyaburst
ofvociferousrepetitionfromMrsTodd,Whorepeatedeverything
shehadsaidthatmorningatrathergreaterlength.
‘Areyoudisappointed?’Iasked.‘Didyouexpecttohear
something?’
Poirotshookhishead..
‘Therewasapossibility,ofcourse,’hesaid.‘ButIhardly
thoughtitlikely.’
ThenextdevelopmentwasaletterwhichPoirntreceivedon
thefollowingmorning.Heread.it,turnedpurplewith
indignation,andhandedittome.
MrsToddregretsthatafterallshewillnotavailherself
8
ofMrPoirot’sservices.Aftertalkingthematteroverwith
herhusbandsheseesthatitisfoolishtocallinadetective
aboutapurelydomesticaffair.MrsToddenclosesa
guineaforconsultationfee.
‘Aha!’criedPoirotangrily.‘Andtheythinktogetridof
HerculePoirotlikethat!Asafavour-agreatfavour–Iconsent
toinvestigatetheirmiserablelittletwopeuny-halfpennyaffair
oandtheydismissmecommela!Here,Imistakenot,isthe
handofMrTodd.ButIsayno!–thirty-sixtimesno!Iwill
spendmyownguineas,thirty-sixhundredofthemifneedbe,
butIwillgettothebottomofthismatter?
‘Yes,’Isaid.‘Buthow?’
Poirotcalmeddownalittle.
‘D’abord,’hesaid,‘wewilladvertiseinthepapers.Letme
see–yes–somethinglikethis:“IfElizaDunnwillcommunicate
withthisaddress,shewillhearofsomethingtoher
‘advantage.’Putitinallthepapersyoucanthinkof,Hastings.
ThenIwillmakesomelittleinquiriesofmyown.Go,go–all
mustbedoneasquicklyaspossible?
Ididnotseehimagainuntiltheevening,whenhe
condescendedtotellmewhathehadbeendoing.
‘IhavemadeinquiriesatthefirmofMrTodd.Hewasnot
absentonWednesday,andhebearsagoodcharacter–somuch
forhim.ThenSimpson,onThursdayhewasillanddidnot
cometothebank,buthewasthereonWednesday.Hewas
moderatelyfriendlywithDavis.Nothingoutofthecommon.
Theredoesnotseemtobeanythingthere.No.Wemustplace
ourrelianceontheadvertisement.’
Theadvertisementdulyappearedinalltheprincipaldaily
papers.ByPoirot’sordersitwastobecontinuedeverydayfor
aweek.Hiseagernessoverthisuninterestingmatterofa
defaultingcookwasextraordinary,butIrealizedthathe
considereditapointofhonourtopersevereuntilhefinally
succeeded.Severalextremelyinterestingcaseswerebroughtto
himaboutthistime,buthedeclinedthemall.Everymorning
hewouldrushathisletters,scrutinizethemearnestlyandthen
laythemdownwithasigh.
259
Butourpatiencewasrewardedatlast.Onthe
followingMrsTodd’svisit,ourlandladyinformedfriara
personofthenameofElizaDunnhadcalled.
‘Enfin!’criedPoirot.‘ButmakehermountthenfAt‘race.
Immediately.’
Thusadmonished,ourlandladyhurriedoutandreturned
momentortwolater,usheringinMissDuma.Ourquarrywas
muchasdescribed:tall,stout,andeminentlyrespectable.
‘Icameinanswertotheadvertisement,,sheexplained.
thoughttheremustbesomemuddleorother,andthatperhaps
youdidn’tknowI’dalreadygotmylegacy.’
Poirotwasstudyingherattentively.Hedrewforwardacair
withaflourish.
‘Thetruthofthematteris,’heexplained,‘thatyourlate
mistress,MrsTodd,wasmuchconcernedaboutyou.She
fearedsomeaccidentmighthavebefallenyou.’
ElizaDunnseemedverymuchsurprised.
‘Didn’tshegetmyletterthen?’
‘Shegotnowordofanykind.’Hepaused,andthensaid
persuasively:‘Recounttomethewholestory,wiyounot.)’
ElizaDunnneedednoencouragement.Sheplungedatonce
intoalengthynarrative.
‘IwasjustcominghomeonWednesdaynightandhadnear!y
gottothehouse,whenagentlemanstoppedme.Atag
gentlemanhewas,withabeardandabighat.“MissElV:a
Dunn?”hesaid.“Yes,”Isaid.“I’vebeeninquiringforyouat
No.88,”he.said.“TheytoldmeImightmeetyoucoming
alonghere.MissDunn,IhavecomefromAustraliaspeciallyto
findyou.Doyouhappentoknowth–
c
mmaennameoIyour
maternal
grandmother?laneEmmott,”
Isaid.“Exactly,”
hesaid.
“Now,MissDunn,althoughyoumayneverhave
heardof
thefact,yourgrandmotherhadagreatfriend,El/za
Leech.This
friend·
went
to
Australiawhereshemarriedavery
wealthy
rtler.Hertwochildrendiedininfancy,andshe
‘–‘allherhusband’sproperty.Shediedafewmonths
Itherwillyouinheritahousein
,
lesumofmoney.”
figscountryanda
258
,Idhaveknockedwpdownwithafeather,’con
t/huedMissDuma.‘Foraminute,Iwassuspicious,andhe
musthaveseenit,forhesmiled.“Quiterighttobeonyour
guard,MissDunn,”hesaid.“Herearemycredentials.”He
handedmealetterfromsomelawyersinMelbourne,Hurst
andCrotchet,andacard.HewasMrCrotchet.“Thereareone
ortwoconditions,”hesaid.“Ourclientwasalittleeccentric,
youknow.Thebequestisconditionalonyourtakingposses-sion
ofthehouse(itisinCumberland)beforetwelveo’clock
tomorrow.Theotherconditionisofnoimportance–itis
merelyastipulationthatyoushouldnotbeindomestic
service.”Myfacefell.“Oh,MrCrotchet,”Isaid.“I’macook.
Didn’ttheytellyouatthehouse?”“Dear,dear,”hesaid.“I
hadnoideaofsuchathing.Ithoughtyoumightpossiblybea
companionorgovernessthere.Thisisveryunfortunate–very
unfortunateindeed.”
‘“ShallIhavetoloseallthemoney?”Isaid,anxiouslike.He’
thoughtforaminuteortwo.“Therearealwayswaysofgetting
roundthelaw,MissDuma,”hesaidatlast.“Weaslawyers
knowthat.Thewayouthereisforyoutohaveleftyour
employmentthisafternoon.”“Butmymonth?”Isaid.“My
dearMissDurra,’hesaidwithasmile.“Youcanleavean.
employeranyminutebyforfeitingamonth’swages.Your
mistresswillunderstandinviewofthecircum.tances.The
difficultyistime!Itis/mperativethatyoushouldcatchthe11.5
fromKing’sCrosstothenorth.Icanadvanceyoutenpounds
orsoforthefare,andyoucanwriteanoteatthestationtoyour
employer.Iwilltakeittohermyselfandexplainthewhole
circumstances.”Iagreed,ofcourse,andanhourlaterIwasin
thetrain,soflusteredthatIdidn’tknowwhetherIwasonmy
headorheels.IndeedbythetimeIgottoCarlisle,Iwashalf
inclinedtothinkthewholethingwasoneofthoseconfidence
tri‘cksyoureadabout.ButIwenttotheaddresshehadgiven
me–solidtorstheywere,anditwasallright.Anicelittle
house,andanincomeoftlu’eehundredayear.Theselawyers
knewverylittle,they’djustgotaletterfromagentlemanin
Londoninstructingthemtohandoverthehousetomeand
150poundsforthefirstsixmonths.MrCrotchetsentupmythings
tome,buttherewasnowordfromMissus.Isupposedshewas
261
angryandgrudgedmemybitofluck.Shekeptbackmybox
too,andsentmyclothesinpaperparcels.Butthere,ofcoucs￠
ifsheneverhadmyletter,shemightthinkitabitcoolofme.’
Poirothadlistenedattentivelytothislonghistory.Nowhe
noddedhisheadasthoughcompletelysatisfied.
‘Thankyou,mademoiselle.Therehadbeen,asyousay,a
littlemuddle.Permitmetorecompenseyouforyourtrouble.’
Hehandedheranenvelope.‘YoureturntoCumberland
immediately?Alittlewordinyourear.Donotforgethto
cook.Itisalwaysusefultohavesomethingtofallbackuponin
‘Credulous,’hemurmured,asourvisitordeparted,‘but
perhapsnotmorethanmostofhercls.’Hisfacegrewgrave.
‘Come,Hastings,thereisnotimetobelost.GetataxiwhileI
writeanotetoJapp.’
PoirotwaswaitingonthedoorstepwhenIreturnedwithe
taxi.
‘Wherearewegoing?’Iaskedanxiously
‘First,todespatchthisnotebyspec/al.’,
Thiswasdone,andre-enteringthetaxiPoirotgavethe
addresstothedriver.
‘Eighty-eightPrinceAlbertRoad,Clapham.’
‘Sowearegoingthere?’
‘Maisoui.ThoughfranklyIfearweshallbetoolate.Our
birdwillhaveflown,Hastings.’
‘Whoisourbird?’
Poirotsmiled.
‘TheinconspicuousMrSimpson.’
‘What?’Iexclaimed.
‘Oh,comenow,Hastings,donottellmethatallisnotdear
toyounow?
‘Thecook–sgotoutoftheWay,Irealizethat,’Isaid,
sI;”’
‘Butwhy?WhyshouldSimpsonwishtoget
se?Didsheknowsomethingabouthim?’
258
‘No,myfriend–somethingquitedifferent.’Hepausedaandthensaidgravely:‘Abatteredtintrunk…’
Ilookedsidewaysathim.Hisstatementseemedsofantastic
Isuspectedhimofpullingmyleg,buthewasperfectly
i’$raveandserious.
‘Surelyhecouldbuyatrunkifhewantedone,’Icried.
‘Hedidnotwantanewtrunk.Hewantedatrunkof
pedigree.Atrunkofassuredrespectability.’
‘Lookhere,Poitot,’Icried,‘thisreallyisabitthick.You’re
pullingmyleg.’
Helookedatme.
‘YoulackthebrainsandtheimaginationofMrSimpson,
Hastings.Seehere:OnWednesdayevening,Simpsondecoys
awaythecook.Aprintedcardandaprintedsheetofnotepaper
aresimplematterstoobtain,andheiswillingtopay￡150and
ayear’shouseremtoassurethesuccessofhisplan.MissDunn
doesnotrecognizehim–thebeardthehatandtheslight
colonialaccentcompletelydeceiveher.Thatistheendof
Wednesday–exceptforthetriflingfactthatSimpsonhas
helpedhimselftoftythousandpounds’worthofnegotiable
securities.’
‘Simpson–butitwasDads‘
‘Ifyouwillkindlypermitmetocontinue,Hastings!
SimpsonknowsthatthetheftwillbediscoveredonThursday
afternoon.HedoesnotgotothebankonThursday,buthelies
inwaitforDaviswhenhecomesouttolunch,perhapshe
admitsthetheftandtellsDavishewillreturnthesecuritiesto
him–anyhowhesucceeds.ingettingDavistocometo
Claphamwithhim.Itisthemaid’sdayout,andMrsToddwas.
atthesales,sothereisnooneinthehouse.Whenthetheftis
.discoveredandDavisismissing,theimplicationwillbe
overwhelming.DavisisthethieflMrSimpsgnwillbeperfectly
safe,andcanreturntoworkonthemorrowlikethehonestclerk
theythinkhim.’
‘AndDavis?’
Poirotmadeanexpressivegesture,andslowlyshookhis
head.
‘Itseemstoocold-bloodedtobebelieved,andyetwhatoe6;
explanationcantherebe,monam/.Theonedifficultyfora
murdereristhedisposalofthebody–andSimpsonhad
plannedthatoutbeforehand.Iwasstruckatoncebythefact
thatalthoughElizaDunnobviouslymeanttoreturnthatnight
whenshewentout(witnessherremarkaboutthestewed
peaches)yethertrunkvxt$allreadytnzckedvahentheycamefor
it.ItwasSimpsonwhosentwordtoCarterPatersontocallon
FridayanditwasSimpsonwhocordeduptheboxon
Thursdayafternoon.Whatsuspicioncouldpossiblyarise?A
maidleavesandsendsforherbox,itislabelledandaddressed
readyinhername,probablytoarailwaystationwithineasy
reachofLondon.OnSaturdayafternoon,Simpson,inhis
Australiandisguise,claimsit,heafl’utesanewlabelandaddress
andredespatchesitsomewhereelse,again“tobelefttillcalled
for”.Whentheauthoritiesgetsuspicious,forexcellentreasons,
andopenit,allthatcanbeelicitedwillbethatabearded
colonialdespatcheditfromsomejunctionnearLondon.There
willbenothingtoconnectitwith88PrinceAlbertRoad.Ah!
Hereweare.’
Poirot’sprognosticationshadbeencorrea.Simpsonhadleft
dayspreviously.Buthewasnottoescapetheconsequencesof
hiscrime.Bythea/dofwireless,hewasdiscoveredontheOlympia,enroutetoAmerica.
Atintrunk,addreaitoMrHenryWintergreen,attracted
theattentionofrailwayoffidalsatGlasgow.Itwasopenedand
foundtocontainthebodyoftheunfortunateDavis.
MrsTodd’schequeforaguineawasnevercashed.Instead
Poirothaditframedandhungon,thewallofoursitting-room.
‘Itistomealittlereminder,Hastings.Nevertodeapiaethe
trivial–theundignified.Adisappearingdomesticatoneenda
cold-bloodedmurderattheother.Tomeoneofthemosti,,ycases.’
258‘
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
Murderin
Mesopotamia
NurseAmyLeatheranhadamostunusualpatient.
Louise,accordingtoherhusband,celebrated
archaeologistDrLeiclner,sufferedfrom‘nervous
terror’.Herfantasieswerevividandhorrifying:a
disembodiedhand,ayellow,deadfacepressed
againstthewindow.Whoorwhatdidshefear?
AtthesiteofadigintheIraqidesert,surelyshewas
safefromdanger.Mostoftheexpeditionwereold
colleaguesandfriends.Yettheyseemedanunnatu-rally
formalgroup–therewastension,uneasiness
even,intheair.Somethingverysinisterwasgoing
on,anditinvolved…murder.
258
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
OrdealbyInnocence
Theverdictismurder…
Andwhileservingalifesentenceforkillinghis
mother,JackoArgyledies.Twoyearslater,a
strangershattersthepeaceoftheArgylehousehold.
CanArthurCalgaryprovidethemissinglinkin
Jacko’sdefence?Was]ackosentencedforamurder
hedidn’tcommit?
AndifJackodidn’tmurderhismother..,whodid?
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
TheABCMurders
AisforAndover–andMrsAscherbatteredto
death.
BisforBexhill–andBettyBarnardisstrangled.
CisforSirCarmichaelClarkeclubbedandkilled.
BesideeachbodylayacopyoftheABCRailway
Guide–openattherelevantpage.Thepolicewere
baffled.Butthemurdererhadalreadymadeagrave
mistake.HehadchallengedHerculePoirotto
unmaskhim…
‘Theacknowledgedqueenofdetectivefiction.’
OBSERVER
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
Takenat
theFlood
GordonCloadeiskilledinanair-raidonLondon.
Hehasleftnowillandhisvastfortunepassestohis
youngwife,Rosaleen.
Butfiveotherpeoplehavebeenpromisedasharein
thatfortune–fivepeoplewhodesperatelyneedthe
money.NowitcanonlybecometheirsifRosaleen
shouldhappentodiebeforethem.
Therearefivepeoplewithastrongmotivefor
murderandviolentmurderiscommitted.
ButRosaleenisnotthevictim.
‘MissChristieisamasteroftheartofthecosy
murderstorytoldbriskly,vivaciously,andwith
ever-fertileimagination.’
MANCHESTEREVENINGNEWS
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
ElephantsCan
Remember
HerculePoirotstoodonthecliffoverlookingthe
rocksbelowandtheseabreakingagainstthem.
Here,wherehestood,thebodiesofahusbandand
wifehadbeenfound.Here,threeweeksbeforethat,
awomanhadwalkedinhersleepandfallentoher
death.
Whyhadthesethingshappened…?
‘Aclassicexampleoftheingeniousthree-cardtrick
thatshehasbeenplayingonusforsomanyyears.’
SUNDAYEXPRESS
‘Splendid…shetellsusallwewanttoknowand
nothingthatisirrelevant.’
THETIMES
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
TheSeven
DialsMystery
Sevenclockstickingominouslyinasuicide’sroom
andadyingfriendwhoselastwordsare‘sevendials’
leaddapperJimmyThesigerandhisirrepressible
girlfriendtoaSohoclub.
TheretheylearnoftheSevenDialsSociety:seven
maskedconspiratorswhomeetinasecretroomto
talkaboutstealingscientificsecrets–andplanthe
nextmurder…
‘Hergiftispuregenius.’
OBSERVER
FontanaPaperbacks
Fiction
Fontanaisaleadingpaperbackpublisherofbothnonfiction,
popularandacademic,andfiction.Belowaresomerecent
fictionrifles.
[]FIRSTLADYErinPizzey￡3.95
[]AWOMANINVOLVEDJohnGordonDavis￡3.95
[]COLDNEWDAWNlanStJames￡3.95
[]ACLASSAPARTSu$lLeWiS￡3.95
[]WEEPNOMORE,/dYLADYMaryHigginsClark￡2.95
[]copOUTR.W.Jones￡2.95
[]WOLF’SHEADJ.K.Mayo￡2.95
[]GARDENOFSHADOWSVirginiaAndrews￡3:50
[]WINGSOFTHEWINDRonaldHardy￡3.50
[]SWEETSONGmRDTeresaCrane￡3.95
[]EERDALEFAmSOOK23JamesFerguson￡2.95
[]AArACharlesGidley￡3.95
YoucanbuyFontanapaperbacksatyourlocalbookshopor
newsagent.OryoucanorderthemfromFontana.Paperbacks,
CashSalesDepartment,Box29,Douglas,IsleofMan.Please
sendacheque,postalormoneyorder(notcurrency)worththe
purchase,priceplus22pperbookforpostage(maximum
postagerequiredis￡3.00fororderswithintheUK).
NAME(Blockletters)
ADDRESS
Whileeveryeffortismadetokeeppriceslow,itismetimesnecessaryto
increasethematshortnotice.FontanaPaperbacksreervetherighttoshownew’
retailpricesoncoverswhichmaydifferfromthesepreviouslyadvertisedinthe
textorelsewhere.
BERKLEY
‘”l”’r.
$5.99U.S.J
$7.99CAN
desire?”-.wYo.TMsHERCULEPOIROTMYSTERIES–APPOINTMENTWITHDEATH–FIVELITTLEPIGS(AlsopublishedasMURDERINRETROSPECT)–LORDEDGWAREDIES042E091.X/e.0
(AlsopublishedasTHIRTEENATDINNER)
ELEPHANTSCANREMEMBER
THEMURDERONTHELINKS
–MURDERINTHEMEWS0-426-1043HI/$E.99
(AlsopublishedasDEADMAN’SMIRROR)
–THEWITNESSFORTHEPROSECUTION04.0
ANDOTHERSTORIES
–CARDSONTHETABLE
–ONE,TWO,BUCKLEMYSHOE
(AlsopublishedasTHEPATRIOTICMURDERS)
–MURDERINMESOPOTAMIA0425103633/$.0
–THREEACTTRAGEDYo42r09180-r.o
(AlsopublishedasMURDERINTHREEACTS)
…-TAKENATTHEFLOOD
(AlsopublishedasTHEREISATIDE…)
–THEUNDERDOGANDOTHERSTORIES0-42EiNiS080/$E.
–SADCYPRESSO-42/$E.EODUMBWITNESS
bllshedasPOIROTLOSESACLIENT.Pw’eu.s.fts.Nocaaed.Pa;t&haxf$15rmebmk,75fa’chadkMaximumpostage$5.50.Prices,postagemdhandingchargesmaychangewithoutnotice.Amex,MasterCardcai1-800-78&6262,ext.1,orfa1-201-932316;refertoad#194bOr,checkaboveboolmBillmlc.I’lsarlMadarCan:lr’lAma–.(aq3j)andlendthlloderfomtto:
TheBerkleyPublishingGroupP.O.Box12289,Dept.BDaytimePfme..($t0*.,,m)Newark,NJ07101-5289
Reasealow46waeksfordaivery.OreneloIedimy:[]check[]moneyorderForeignmdCanadian8-12weeks.Shipto:N.–AddressBillto:Name.
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet