HickoryDickoryDock
AHerculePoirotMystery
AgathaChristie
Epigraph“HickorydickorydockThemouseranuptheclockTheclockstruckoneThemouserandownHickorydickorydock.”Traditional,1744Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Epigraph
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-one
ChapterTwenty-two
ChapterTwenty-three
AbouttheAuthor
BackAds
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
ChapterOne
HerculePoirotfrowned.
“MissLemon,”hesaid.
“Yes,M.Poirot?”
“Therearethreemistakesinthisletter.”
Hisvoiceheldincredulity.ForMissLemon,thathideousandefficientwoman,nevermademistakes.Shewasneverill,nevertired,neverupset,neverinaccurate.Forallpracticalpurposes,thatistosay,shewasnotawomanatall.Shewasamachine—theperfectsecretary.Shekneweverything,shecopedwitheverything.SheranHerculePoirot’slifeforhim,sothatit,too,functionedlikeamachine.OrderandmethodhadbeenHerculePoirot’swatchwordsfrommanyyearsago.WithGeorge,hisperfectmanservant,andMissLemon,hisperfectsecretary,orderandmethodruledsupremeinhislife.Nowthatcrumpetswerebakedsquareaswellasround,hehadnothingaboutwhichtocomplain.
Andyet,thismorning,MissLemonhadmadethreemistakesintypingaperfectlysimpleletter,andmoreover,hadnotevennoticedthosemistakes.Thestarsstoodstillintheircourses!
HerculePoirotheldouttheoffendingdocument.Hewasnotannoyed,hewasmerelybewildered.Thiswasoneofthethingsthatcouldnothappen—butithadhappened!
MissLemontooktheletter.Shelookedatit.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,Poirotsawherblush;adeepuglyunbecomingflushthatdyedherfacerightuptotherootsofherstronggrizzledhair.
“Oh,dear,”shesaid.“Ican’tthinkhow—atleastIcan.It’sbecauseofmysister.”
“Yoursister?”
Anothershock.PoirothadneverconceivedofMissLemon’shavingasister.Or,forthatmatter,havingafather,mother,orevengrandparents.MissLemon,somehow,wassocompletelymachinemade—aprecisioninstrumentsotospeak—thattothinkofherhavingaffections,oranxieties,orfamilyworries,seemedquiteludicrous.ItwaswellknownthatthewholeofMissLemon’sheartandmindwasgiven,whenshewasnotonduty,totheperfectionofanewfilingsystemwhichwastobepatentedandbearhername.
“Yoursister?”HerculePoirotrepeated,therefore,withanincredulousnoteinhisvoice.
MissLemonnoddedavigorousassent.
“Yes,”shesaid,“Idon’tthinkI’veevermentionedhertoyou.PracticallyallherlifehasbeenspentinSingapore.Herhusbandwasintherubberbusinessthere.”
HerculePoirotnoddedunderstandingly.ItseemedtohimappropriatethatMissLemon’ssistershouldhavespentmostofherlifeinSingapore.ThatwaswhatplaceslikeSingaporewerefor.ThesistersofwomenlikeMissLemonmarriedmeninSingapore,sothattheMissLemonsofthisworldcoulddevotethemselveswithmachinelikeefficiencytotheiremployers’affairs(andofcoursetotheinventionoffilingsystemsintheirmomentsofrelaxation).
“Icomprehend,”hesaid.“Proceed.”
MissLemonproceeded.
“Shewasleftawidowfouryearsago.Nochildren.Imanagedtogetherfixedupinaverynicelittleflatatquiteareasonablerent—”
(OfcourseMissLemonwouldmanagetodojustthatalmostimpossiblething.)
“Sheisreasonablywelloff—thoughmoneydoesn’tgoasfarasitdid,buthertastesaren’texpensiveandshehasenoughtobequitecomfortableifsheiscareful.”
MissLemonpausedandthencontinued:
“Butthetruthis,ofcourse,shewaslonely.ShehadneverlivedinEnglandandshe’dgotnooldfriendsorcroniesandofcourseshehadalotoftimeonherhands.Anyway,shetoldmeaboutsixmonthsagothatshewasthinkingoftakingupthisjob.”
“Job?”
“Warden,Ithinktheycallit—ormatron—ofahostelforstudents.ItwasownedbyawomanwhowaspartlyGreekandshewantedsomeonetorunitforher.Managethecateringandseethatthingswentsmoothly.It’sanold-fashionedroomyhouse—inHickoryRoad,ifyouknowwherethatis.”Poirotdidnot.“Itusedtobeasuperiorneighbourhoodonce,andthehousesarewellbuilt.Mysisterwastohaveveryniceaccommodation,bedroomandsittingroomandatinybathkitchenetteofherown—”
MissLemonpaused.Poirotmadeanencouragingnoise.Sofarthisdidnotseematalllikeataleofdisaster.
“Iwasn’tanytoosureaboutitmyself,butIsawtheforceofmysister’sarguments.She’sneverbeenonetositwithherhandscrossedalldaylongandshe’saverypracticalwomanandgoodatrunningthings—andofcourseitwasn’tasthoughshewerethinkingofputtingmoneyintoitoranythinglikethat.Itwaspurelyasalariedposition—notahighsalary,butshedidn’tneedthat,andtherewasnohardphysicalwork.She’salwaysbeenfondofyoungpeopleandgoodwiththem,andhavinglivedintheEastsolongsheunderstandsracialdifferencesandpeople’ssusceptibilities.Becausethesestudentsatthehostelareofallnationalities;mostlyEnglish,butsomeofthemactuallyblack,Ibelieve.”
“Naturally,”saidHerculePoirot.
“Halfthenursesinourhospitalsseemtobeblacknowadays,”saidMissLemondoubtfully,“andIunderstandmuchpleasanterandmoreattentivethantheEnglishones.Butthat’sneitherherenorthere.Wetalkedtheschemeoverandfinallymysistermovedin.NeithershenorIcaredverymuchfortheproprietress,Mrs.Nicoletis,awomanofveryuncertaintemper,sometimescharmingandsometimes,I’msorrytosay,quitethereverse—andbothcheeseparingandimpractical.Still,naturally,ifshe’dbeenathoroughlycompetentwoman,shewouldn’thaveneededanyassistance.Mysisterisnotonetoletpeople’stantrumsandvagariesworryher.Shecanholdherownwithanyoneandsheneverstandsanynonsense.”
Poirotnodded.HefeltavagueresemblancetoMissLemonshowinginthisaccountofMissLemon’ssister—aMissLemonsoftenedasitwerebymarriageandtheclimateofSingapore,butawomanwiththesamehardcoreofsense.
“Soyoursistertookthejob?”heasked.
“Yes,shemovedinto26HickoryRoadaboutsixmonthsago.Onthewhole,shelikedherworkthereandfounditinteresting.”
HerculePoirotlistened.SofartheadventureofMissLemon’ssisterhadbeendisappointinglytame.
“Butforsometimenowshe’sbeenbadlyworried.Verybadlyworried.”
“Why?”
“Well,yousee,M.Poirot,shedoesn’tlikethethingsthataregoingon.”
“Therearestudentsthereofbothsexes?”Poirotinquireddelicately.
“Ohno,M.Poirot,Idon’tmeanthat!Oneisalwayspreparedfordifficultiesofthatkind,oneexpectsthem!No,yousee,thingshavebeendisappearing.”
“Disappearing?”
“Yes.Andsuchoddthings…Andallinratheranunnaturalway.”
“Whenyousaythingshavebeendisappearing,youmeanthingshavebeenstolen?”
“Yes.”
“Havethepolicebeencalledin?”
“No.Notyet.Mysisterhopesthatitmaynotbenecessary.Sheisfondoftheseyoungpeople—ofsomeofthem,thatis—andshewouldverymuchprefertostraightenthingsoutbyherself.”
“Yes,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Icanquiteseethat.Butthatdoesnotexplain,ifImaysayso,yourownanxietywhichItaketobeareflexofyoursister’sanxiety.”
“Idon’tlikethesituation,M.Poirot.Idon’tlikeitatall.IcannothelpfeelingthatsomethingisgoingonwhichIdonotunderstand.Noordinaryexplanationseemsquitetocoverthefacts—andIreallycannotimaginewhatotherexplanationtherecanbe.”
Poirotnoddedthoughtfully.
MissLemon’sHeelofAchilleshadalwaysbeenherimagination.Shehadnone.Onquestionsoffactshewasinvincible.Onquestionsofsurmise,shewaslost.NotforherthestateofmindofCortez’smenuponthepeakofDarien.
“Notordinarypettythieving?Akleptomaniac,perhaps?”
“Idonotthinkso.Ireadupthesubject,”saidtheconscientiousMissLemon,“intheEncyclopaediaBritannicaandinamedicalwork.ButIwasnotconvinced.”
HerculePoirotwassilentforaminuteandahalf.
DidhewishtoembroilhimselfinthetroublesofMissLemon’ssisterandthepassionsandgrievancesofapolyglothostel?ButitwasveryannoyingandinconvenienttohaveMissLemonmakingmistakesintypinghisletters.Hetoldhimselfthatifheweretoembroilhimselfinthematter,thatwouldbethereason.Hedidnotadmittohimselfthathehadbeenratherboredoflateandthattheverytrivialityofthebusinessattractedhim.
“‘Theparsleysinkingintothebutteronahotday,’”hemurmuredtohimself.
“Parsley?Butter?”MissLemonlookedstartled.
“Aquotationfromoneofyourclassics,”hesaid.“Youareacquainted,nodoubt,withtheAdventures,tosaynothingoftheExploits,ofSherlockHolmes.”
“YoumeantheseBakerStreetsocietiesandallthat,”saidMissLemon.“Grownmenbeingsosilly!Butthere,that’smenallover.Likethemodelrailwaystheygoonplayingwith.Ican’tsayI’veeverhadtimetoreadanyofthestories.WhenIdogettimeforreading,whichisn’tveryoften,Ipreferanimprovingbook.”
HerculePoirotbowedhisheadgracefully.
“Howwoulditbe,MissLemon,ifyouweretoinviteyoursisterhereforsomesuitablerefreshment—afternoontea,perhaps?Imightbeabletobeofsomeslightassistancetoher.”
“That’sverykindofyou,M.Poirot.Reallyverykindindeed.Mysisterisalwaysfreeintheafternoons.”
“Thenshallwesaytomorrow,ifyoucanarrangeit?”
Andinduecourse,thefaithfulGeorgewasinstructedtoprovideamealofsquarecrumpetsrichlybuttered,symmetricalsandwiches,andothersuitablecomponentsofalavishEnglishafternoontea
ChapterTwo
MissLemon’ssister,whosenamewasMrs.Hubbard,hadadefiniteresemblancetohersister.Shewasagooddealyellowerofskin,shewasplumper,herhairwasmorefrivolouslydone,andshewaslessbriskinmanner,buttheeyesthatlookedoutofaroundandamiablecountenancewerethesameshrewdeyesthatgleamedthroughMissLemon’spince-nez
“Thisisverykindofyou,I’msure,M.Poirot,”shesaid.“Verykind.Andsuchadelicioustea,too.I’msureI’veeatenfarmorethanIshould—well,perhapsjustonemoresandwich—tea?Well,justhalfacup.”
“First,”saidPoirot,“wemaketherepast—afterwardswegetdowntobusiness.”
Hesmiledatheramiablyandtwirledhismoustache,andMrs.Hubbardsaid:
“Youknow,you’reexactlylikeIpicturedyoufromFelicity’sdescription.”
Afteramoment’sstartledrealisationthatFelicitywasthesevereMissLemon’sChristianname,PoirotrepliedthatheshouldhaveexpectednolessgivenMissLemon’sefficiency.
“Ofcourse,”saidMrs.Hubbardabsently,takingasecondsandwich,“Felicityhasnevercaredforpeople.Ido.That’swhyI’msoworried.”
“Canyouexplaintomeexactlywhatdoesworryyou?”
“Yes,Ican.Itwouldbenaturalenoughformoneytobetaken—smallsumshereandthere.Andifitwerejewellerythat’squitestraightforwardtoo—atleast,Idon’tmeanstraightforward,quitetheopposite—butitwouldfitin—withkleptomaniaordishonesty.ButI’lljustreadyoualistofthethingsthathavebeentaken,thatI’veputdownonpaper.”
Mrs.Hubbardopenedherbagandtookoutasmallnotebook.
Eveningshoe(oneofanewpair)
Bracelet(costumejewellery)
Diamondring(foundinplateofsoup)
Powdercompact
Lipstick
Stethoscope
Earrings
Cigarettelighter
Oldflanneltrousers
Electriclightbulbs
Boxofchocolates
Silkscarf(foundcuttopieces)
Rucksack(ditto)
Boracicpowder
Bathsalts
Cookerybook
HerculePoirotdrewinalongdeepbreath.
“Remarkable,”hesaid,“andquite—quitefascinating.”
Hewasentranced.HelookedfromtheseveredisapprovingfaceofMissLemontothekindly,distressedfaceofMrs.Hubbard.
“Icongratulateyou,”hesaidwarmlytothelatter.
Shelookedstartled.
“Butwhy,M.Poirot?”
“Icongratulateyouonhavingsuchauniqueandbeautifulproblem.”
“Well,perhapsitmakessensetoyou,M.Poirot,but—”
“Itdoesnotmakesenseatall.ItremindsmeofnothingsomuchasaroundgameIwasrecentlypersuadedtoplaybysomeyoungfriendsduringtheChristmasseason.Itwascalled,Iunderstand,theThreeHornedLady.Eachpersoninturnutteredthefollowingphrase,‘IwenttoParisandbought—’addingsomearticle.Thenextpersonrepeatedthatandaddedafurtherarticleandtheobjectofthegamewastomemoriseintheirproperorderthearticlesthusenumerated,someofthem,Imaysay,ofamostmonstrousandridiculousnature.Apieceofsoap,awhiteelephant,agate-leggedtableandaMuscovyduckwere,Iremember,someoftheitems.Thedifficultyofmemorisationlay,ofcourse,inthetotallyunrelatednatureoftheobjects—thelackofsequence,sotospeak.Asinthelistyouhavejustshownme.Bythetimethat,say,twelveobjectshadbeenmentioned,toenumeratethemintheirproperorderbecamealmostimpossible.Afailuretodosoresultedinapaperhornbeinghandedtothecompetitorandheorshehadtocontinuetherecitationnexttimeintheterms,‘I,aonehornedlady,wenttoParis,’etc.Afterthreehornshadbeenacquired,retirementwascompulsory,thelastleftinwasthewinner.”
“I’msureyouwerethewinner,M.Poirot,”saidMissLemon,withthefaithofaloyalemployee.
Poirotbeamed.
“Thatwas,infact,so,”hesaid.“Toeventhemosthaphazardassemblyofobjectsonecanbringorder,andwithalittleingenuity,sequence,sotospeak.Thatis:onesaystooneselfmentally,‘WithapieceofsoapIwashthedirtfromalargewhitemarbleelephantwhichstandsonagateleggedtable’—andsoon.”
Mrs.Hubbardsaidrespectfully:“PerhapsyoucoulddothesamethingwiththelistofthingsI’vegivenyou.”
“UndoubtedlyIcould.Aladywithherrightshoeon,putsabraceletonherleftarm.Shethenputsonpowderandlipstickandgoesdowntodinneranddropsherringinthesoup,andsoon—Icouldthuscommityourlisttomemory—butthatisnotwhatweareseeking.Whywassuchahaphazardcollectionofthingsstolen?Isthereanysystembehindit?Somefixedideaofanykind?Wehavehereprimarilyaprocessofanalysis.Thefirstthingtodoistostudythelistofobjectsverycarefully.”
TherewasasilencewhilstPoirotappliedhimselftostudy.Mrs.Hubbardwatchedhimwiththeraptattentionofasmallboywatchingaconjurer,waitinghopefullyforarabbitoratleaststreamsofcolouredribbonstoappear.MissLemon,unimpressed,withdrewintoconsiderationofthefinerpointsofthesystem.
WhenPoirotfinallyspoke,Mrs.Hubbardjumped.
“Thefirstthingthatstrikesmeisthis,”saidPoirot.“Ofallthesethingsthatdisappeared,mostofthemwereofsmallvalue(somequitenegligible)withtheexceptionoftwo—astethoscopeandadiamondring.Leavingthestethoscopeasideforamoment,Ishouldliketoconcentrateonthering.Yousayavaluablering—howvaluable?”
“Well,Icouldn’tsayexactly,M.Poirot.Itwasasolitairediamond,withaclusterofsmalldiamondstopandbottom.IthadbeenMissLane’smother’sengagementring,Iunderstand.Shewasmostupsetwhenitwasmissing,andwewereallrelievedwhenitturnedupthesameeveninginMissHobhouse’splateofsoup.Justanastypracticaljoke,wethought.”
“Andsoitmayhavebeen.ButImyselfconsiderthatitstheftandreturnaresignificant.Ifalipstick,orapowdercompactorabookaremissing—itisnotsufficienttomakeyoucallinthepolice.Butavaluablediamondringisdifferent.Thereiseverychancethatthepolicewillbecalledin.Sotheringisreturned.”
“Butwhytakeitifyou’regoingtoreturnit?”saidMissLemon,frowning.
“Whyindeed,”saidPoirot.“Butforthemomentwewillleavethequestions.Iamengagednowonclassifyingthesethefts,andIamtakingtheringfirst.WhoisthisMissLanefromwhomitwasstolen?”
“PatriciaLane?She’saverynicegirl.Goinginforawhat-do-you-call-it,adiplomainhistoryorarchaeologyorsomething.”
“Welloff?”
“Ohno.She’sgotalittlemoneyofherown,butshe’sverycarefulalways.Thering,asIsay,belongedtohermother.Shehasoneortwonicebitsofjewellerybutshedoesn’thavemanynewclothes,andshe’sgivenupsmokinglately.”
“Whatisshelike?Describehertomeinyourownwords.”
“Well,she’ssortofbetwixtandbetweenincolouring.Ratherwashed-outlooking.Quietandladylike,butnotmuchspirittoher.Whatyou’dcallrathera—well,anearnesttypeofgirl.”
“AndtheringturnedupagaininMissHobhouse’splateofsoup.WhoisMissHobhouse?”
“ValerieHobhouse?She’sacleverdarkgirlwithratherasarcasticwayoftalking.Sheworksinabeautyparlour.SabrinaFair—Isupposeyouhaveheardofit.”
“Arethesetwogirlsfriendly?”
Mrs.Hubbardconsidered.
“Ishouldsayso—yes.Theydon’thavemuchtodowitheachother.Patriciagetsonwellwitheverybody,Ishouldsay,withoutbeingparticularlypopularoranythinglikethat.ValerieHobhousehasherenemies,hertonguebeingwhatitis—butshe’sgotquiteafollowingtoo,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
“IthinkIknow,”saidPoirot.
SoPatriciaLanewasnicebutdull,andValerieHobhousehadpersonality.Heresumedhisstudyofthelistofthefts.
“Whatissointriguingisallthedifferentcategoriesrepresentedhere.Therearethesmalltriflesthatwouldtemptagirlwhowasbothvainandhardup,thelipstick,thecostumejewellery,apowdercompact—bathsalts—theboxofchocolates,perhaps.Thenwehavethestethoscope,amorelikelytheftforamanwhowouldknowjustwheretosellitorpawnit.Whodiditbelongto?”
“ItbelongedtoMr.Bateson—he’sabigfriendlyyoungman.”
“Amedicalstudent?”
“Yes.”
“Washeveryangry?”
“Hewasabsolutelylivid,M.Poirot.He’sgotoneofthoseflaringuptempers—sayanythingatthetime,butit’ssoonover.He’snotthesortwho’dtakekindlytohavinghisthingspinched.”
“Doesanyone?”
“Well,there’sMr.GopalRam,oneofourIndianstudents.Hesmilesateverything.Hewaveshishandandsaysmaterialpossessionsdonotmatter—”
“Hasanythingbeenstolenfromhim?”
“No.”
“Ah!Whodidtheflanneltrousersbelongto?”
“Mr.McNabb.Veryoldtheywere,andanyoneelsewouldsaytheyweredonefor,butMr.McNabbisveryattachedtohisoldclothesandheneverthrowsanythingaway.”
“Sowehavecometothethingsthatitwouldseemwerenotworthstealing—oldflanneltrousers,electriclightbulbs,boracicpowder,bathsalts—acookerybook.Theymaybeimportant,morelikelytheyarenot.Theboracicwasprobablyremovedbyerror,someonemayhaveremovedadeadbulbandintendedtoreplaceit,butforgot—thecookerybookmayhavebeenborrowedandnotreturned.Somecharwomanmayhavetakenawaythetrousers.”
“Weemploytwoveryreliablecleaningwomen.I’msuretheywouldneitherofthemhavedonesuchathingwithoutaskingfirst.”
“Youmayberight.Thenthereistheeveningshoe,oneofanewpair,Iunderstand?Whodotheybelongto?”
“SallyFinch.She’sanAmericangirlstudyingoverhereonaFulbrightscholarship.”
“Areyousurethattheshoehasnotsimplybeenmislaid?Icannotconceivewhatuseoneshoecouldbetoanyone.”
“Itwasn’tmislaid,M.Poirot.Weallhadaterrifichunt.YouseeMissFinchwasgoingouttoapartyinwhatshecalls‘formaldress’—eveningdresstous—andtheshoeswerereallyvital—theywereheronlyeveningones.”
“Itcausedherinconvenience—andannoyance—yes…yes,Iwonder.Perhapsthereissomethingthere….”
Hewassilentforamomentortwoandthenwenton.
“Andtherearetwomoreitems—arucksackcuttopiecesandasilkscarfinthesamestate.Herewehavesomethingthatisneithervanity,norprofit—insteadwehavesomethingthatisdeliberatelyvindictive.Whodidtherucksackbelongto?”
“Nearlyallthestudentshaverucksacks—theyallhitchhikealot,youknow.Andagreatmanyoftherucksacksarealike—boughtatthesameplace,soit’shardtoidentifyonefromtheother.ButitseemsfairlycertainthatthisonebelongedtoLeonardBatesonorColinMcNabb.”
“Andthesilkscarfthatwasalsocutabout.Towhomdidthatbelong?”
“ToValerieHobhouse.ShehaditasaChristmaspresent—itwasemeraldgreenandreallygoodquality.”
“MissHobhouse…Isee.”
Poirotclosedhiseyes.Whatheperceivedmentallywasakaleidoscope,nomore,noless.Piecesofcut-upscarvesandrucksacks,cookerybooks,lipsticks,bathsalts;namesandthumbnailsketchesofoddstudents.Nowherewastherecohesionorform.Unrelatedincidentsandpeoplewhirledroundinspace.ButPoirotknewquitewellthatsomehowandsomewheretheremustbeapattern…Thequestionwaswheretostart…..
Heopenedhiseyes.
“Thisisamatterthatneedssomereflection.Agooddealofreflection.”
“Oh,I’msureitdoes,M.Poirot,”assentedMrs.Hubbardeagerly.“AndI’msureIdidn’twanttotroubleyou—”
“Youarenottroublingme.Iamintrigued.ButwhilstIamreflecting,wemightmakeastartonthepracticalside.Astart…Theshoe,theeveningshoe…yes,wemightmakeastartthere.MissLemon.”
“Yes,M.Poirot?”MissLemonbanishedfilingfromherthoughts,satevenmoreupright,andreachedautomaticallyforpadandpencil.
“Mrs.Hubbardwillobtainforyou,perhaps,theremainingshoe.ThengotoBakerStreetStation,tothelostpropertydepartment.Thelossoccurred—when?”
Mrs.Hubbardconsidered.
“Well,Ican’trememberexactlynow,M.Poirot.Perhapstwomonthsago.Ican’tgetnearerthanthat.ButIcouldfindoutfromSallyFinchthedateoftheparty.”
“Yes.Well——”HeturnedoncemoretoMissLemon.“Youcanbealittlevague.YouwillsayyouleftashoeinanInnerCircletrain—thatisthemostlikely—oryoumayhaveleftitinsomeothertrain.Orpossiblyabus.HowmanybusesservetheneighbourhoodofHickoryRoad?”
“Twoonly,M.Poirot.”
“Good.IfyougetnoresultsfromBakerStreet,tryScotlandYardandsayitwasleftinataxi.”
“Lambeth,”correctedMissLemonefficiently.
Poirotwavedahand.
“Youalwaysknowthesethings.”
“Butwhydoyouthink—”beganMrs.Hubbard.
Poirotinterruptedher.
“Letusseefirstwhatresultsweget.Then,iftheyarenegativeorpositive,youandI,Mrs.Hubbard,mustconsultagain.YouwilltellmethenthosethingswhichitisnecessarythatIshouldknow.”
“IreallythinkI’vetoldyoueverythingIcan.”
“No,no.Idisagree.Herewehaveyoungpeopleherdedtogether,ofvaryingtemperaments,ofdifferentsexes.AlovesB,butBlovesC,andDandEareatdaggersdrawnbecauseofAperhaps.ItisallthatIneedtoknow.Theinterplayofhumanemotions.Thequarrels,thejealousies,thefriendships,themaliceandalluncharitableness.”
“I’msure,”saidMrs.Hubbarduncomfortably,“Idon’tknowanythingaboutthatsortofthing.Idon’tmixatall.Ijustruntheplaceandseetothecateringandallthat.”
“Butyouareinterestedinpeople.Youhavetoldmeso.Youlikeyoungpeople.Youtookthispost,notbecauseitwasofmuchinterestfinancially,butbecauseitwouldbringyouincontactwithhumanproblems.Therewillbethoseofthestudentsthatyoulikeandsomethatyoudonotlikesowell,orindeedatall,perhaps.Youwilltellme—yes,youwilltellme!Becauseyouareworried—notaboutwhathasbeenhappening—youcouldgotothepoliceaboutthat—”
“Mrs.Nicoletiswouldn’tliketohavethepolicein,Iassureyou.”
Poirotswepton,disregardingtheinterruption.
“No,youareworriedaboutsomeone—someonewhoyouthinkmayhavebeenresponsibleoratleastmixedupinthis.Someone,therefore,thatyoulike.”
“Really,M.Poirot.”
“Yes,really.AndIthinkyouarerighttobeworried.Forthatsilkscarfcuttopieces,itisnotnice.Andtheslashedrucksack,thatalsoisnotnice.Fortherestitseemschildishness—andyet—Iamnotsure.Iamnotsureatall!”
ChapterThree
Hurryingalittleasshewentupthesteps,Mrs.Hubbardinsertedherlatchkeyintothedoorof26HickoryRoad.Justasthedooropened,abigyoungmanwithfieryredhairranupthestepsbehindher.
“Hallo,Ma,”hesaid,forinsuchafashiondidLenBatesonusuallyaddressher.Hewasafriendlysoul,withaCockneyaccentandmercifullyfreefromanykindofinferioritycomplex.“Beenoutgallivanting?”
“I’vebeenouttotea,Mr.Bateson.Don’tdelaymenow,I’mlate.”
“Icutupalovelycorpsetoday,”saidLen.“Smashing!”
“Don’tbesohorrid,younastyboy.Alovelycorpse,indeed!Theidea.Youmakemefeelquitesqueamish.”
LenBatesonlaughed,andthehallechoedthesoundinagreathaha.
“NothingtoCelia,”hesaid.“IwentalongtotheDispensary.‘Cometotellyouaboutacorpse,’Isaid.ShewentaswhiteasasheetandIthoughtshewasgoingtopassout.Whatdoyouthinkofthat,MotherHubbard?”
“Idon’twonderatit,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Theidea!Celiaprobablythoughtyoumeantarealone.”
“Whatdoyoumean—arealone?Whatdoyouthinkourcorpsesare?Synthetic?”
Athinyoungmanwithlonguntidyhairstrolledoutofaroomontheright,andsaidinawaspishway:
“Oh,it’sonlyyou.Ithoughtitwasatleastaposseofstrongmen.Thevoiceisbutthevoiceofoneman,butthevolumeisasthevolumeoften.”
“Hopeitdoesn’tgetonyournerves,I’msure.”
“Notmorethanusual,”saidNigelChapmanandwentbackagain.
“Ourdelicateflower,”saidLen.
“Nowdon’tyoutwoscrap,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Goodtemper,that’swhatIlike,andabitofgiveandtake.”
Thebigyoungmangrinneddownatheraffectionately.
“Idon’tmindourNigel,Ma,”hesaid.
“Oh,Mrs.Hubbard,Mrs.Nicoletisisinherroomandsaidshewouldliketoseeyouassoonasyougotback.”
Mrs.Hubbardsighedandstartedupthestairs.Thetalldarkgirlwhohadgiventhemessagestoodagainstthewalltoletherpass.
LenBateson,divestinghimselfofhismackintoshsaid,“What’sup,Valerie?ComplaintsofourbehaviourtobepassedonbyMotherHubbardinduecourse?”
Thegirlshruggedherthinelegantshoulders.Shecamedownthestairsandacrossthehall.“Thisplacegetsmorelikeamadhouseeveryday,”shesaidoverhershoulder.
Shewentthroughthedoorattherightasshespoke.Shemovedwiththatinsolenteffortlessgracethatiscommontothosewhohavebeenprofessionalmannequins.
Twenty-sixHickoryRoadwasinrealitytwohouses,24and26semidetached.Theyhadbeenthrownintooneonthegroundfloorsothattherewasbothacommunalsittingroomandalargediningroomonthegroundfloor,aswellastwocloakroomsandasmallofficetowardsthebackofthehouse.Twoseparatestaircasesledtothefloorsabovewhichremaineddetached.Thegirlsoccupiedbedroomsintheright-handsideofthehouse,andthemenontheother,theoriginalNo.24.
Mrs.Hubbardwentupstairslooseningthecollarofhercoat.ShesighedassheturnedinthedirectionofMrs.Nicoletis’sroom.
Shetappedonthedoorandentered.
“Inoneofherstatesagain,Isuppose,”shemuttered.
Mrs.Nicoletis’ssittingroomwaskeptveryhot.Thebigelectricfirehadallitsbarsturnedonandthewindowwastightlyshut.Mrs.Nicoletiswassittingsmokingonasofasurroundedbyalotofratherdirtysilkandvelvetsofacushions.Shewasabigdarkwoman,stillgood-looking,withabad-temperedmouthandenormousbrowneyes.
“Ah!Sothereyouare.”Mrs.Nicoletismadeitsoundlikeanaccusation.
Mrs.Hubbard,truetoherLemonblood,wasunperturbed.
“Yes,”shesaidtartly,“I’mhere.Iwastoldyouwantedtoseemespecially.”
“Yes,indeedIdo.Itismonstrous,noless,monstrous!”
“What’smonstrous?”
“Thesebills!Youraccounts!”Mrs.Nicoletisproducedasheafofpapersfrombeneathacushioninthemannerofasuccessfulconjuror.“Whatarewefeedingthesemiserablestudentson?Foiegrasandquails?IsthistheRitz?Whodotheythinktheyare,thesestudents?”
“Youngpeoplewithahealthyappetite,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Theygetagoodbreakfastandadecenteveningmeal—plainfoodbutnourishing.Itallworksoutveryeconomically.”
“Economically?Economically?Youdaretosaythattome?WhenIambeingruined?”
“Youmakeaverysubstantialprofit,Mrs.Nicoletis,outofthisplace.Forstudents,theratesareonthehighside.”
“ButamInotalwaysfull?DoIeverhaveavacancythatisnotappliedforthreetimesover?AmInotsentstudentsbytheBritishCouncil,byLondonUniversityLodgingBoard—bytheEmbassies—bytheFrenchLycée?Arenottherealwaysthreeapplicationsforeveryvacancy?”
“That’sverylargelybecausethemealshereareappetisingandsufficient.Youngpeoplemustbeproperlyfed.”
“Bah!Thesetotalsarescandalous.ItisthatItaliancookandherhusband.Theyswindleyouoverthefood.”
“Ohno,theydon’t,Mrs.Nicoletis.Icanassureyouthatnoforeignerisgoingtoputanythingoveronme.”
“Thenitisyouyourself—youwhoarerobbingme.”
Mrs.Hubbardremainedunperturbed.
“Ican’tallowyoutosaythingslikethat,”shesaid,inthevoiceanold-fashionedNannymighthaveusedtoaparticularlytruculentcharge.“Itisn’tanicethingtodo,andoneofthesedaysitwilllandyouintrouble.”
“Ah!”Mrs.Nicoletisthrewthesheafofbillsdramaticallyupintheairwhencetheyflutteredtothegroundinalldirections.Mrs.Hubbardbentandpickedthemup,pursingherlips.“Youenrageme,”shoutedheremployer.
“Idaresay,”saidMrs.Hubbard,“butit’sbadforyou,youknow,gettingallworkedup.Tempersarebadforthebloodpressure.”
“Youadmitthatthesetotalsarehigherthanthoseoflastweek?”
“Ofcoursetheyare.There’sbeensomeverygoodcutpricestuffgoingatLampson’sStores.I’vetakenadvantageofit.Nextweek’stotalswillbebelowaverage.”
Mrs.Nicoletislookedsulky.
“Youexplaineverythingsoplausibly.”
“There.”Mrs.Hubbardputthebillsinaneatpileonthetable.“Anythingelse?”
“TheAmericangirl,SallyFinch,shetalksofleaving—Idonotwanthertogo.SheisaFulbrightscholar.ShewillbringhereotherFulbrightscholars.Shemustnotleave.”
“What’sherreasonforleaving?”
Mrs.Nicoletishumpedmonumentalshoulders.
“HowcanIremember?Itwasnotgenuine.Icouldtellthat.Ialwaysknow.”
Mrs.Hubbardnoddedthoughtfully.ShewasinclinedtobelieveMrs.Nicoletisonthatpoint.
“Sallyhasn’tsaidanythingtome,”shesaid.
“Butyouwilltalktoher?”
“Yes,ofcourse.”
“Andifitisthesecolouredstudents,theseIndians,theseNegresses—thentheycanallgo,youunderstand?Thecolourbar,itmeanseverythingtotheseAmericans—andformeitistheAmericansthatmatter—asforthesecolouredones—scram!”
Shemadeadramaticgesture.
“NotwhileI’mincharge,”saidMrs.Hubbardcoldly.“Andanyway,you’rewrong.There’snofeelingofthatsorthereamongstthestudents,andSallycertainlyisn’tlikethat.SheandMr.Akibombohavelunchtogetherquiteoften,andnobodycouldbeblackerthanheis.”
“Thenitiscommunists—youknowwhattheAmericansareaboutcommunists.NigelChapmannow—heisacommunist.”
“Idoubtit.”
“Yes,yes.Youshouldhaveheardwhathewassayingtheotherevening.”
“Nigelwillsayanythingtoannoypeople.Heisverytiresomethatway.”
“Youknowthemallsowell.DearMrs.Hubbard,youarewonderful!Isaytomyselfagainandagain—whatshouldIdowithoutMrs.Hubbard?Irelyonyouutterly.Youareawonderful,wonderfulwoman.”
“Afterthepowder,thejam,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Whatisthat?”
“Don’tworry.I’lldowhatIcan.”
Shelefttheroom,cuttingshortagushingspeechofthanks.
Mutteringtoherself:“Wastingmytime—whatamaddeningwomansheis!”shehurriedalongthepassageandintoherownsittingroom.
ButtherewastobenopeaceforMrs.Hubbardasyet.AtallfigurerosetoherfeetasMrs.Hubbardenteredandsaid:
“Ishouldbegladtospeaktoyouforafewminutes,please.”
“Ofcourse,Elizabeth.”
Mrs.Hubbardwasrathersurprised.ElizabethJohnstonwasagirlfromtheWestIndieswhowasstudyinglaw.Shewasahardworker,ambitious,whokeptverymuchtoherself.Shehadalwaysseemedparticularlywellbalancedandcompetent,andMrs.Hubbardhadalwaysregardedherasoneofthemostsatisfactorystudentsinthehostel.
Shewasperfectlycontrollednow,butMrs.Hubbardcaughttheslighttremorinhervoicealthoughthedarkfeatureswerequiteimpassive.
“Issomethingthematter?”
“Yes.Willyoucomewithmetomyroom,please?”
“Justamoment.”Mrs.Hubbardthrewoffhercoatandglovesandthenfollowedthegirloutoftheroomandupthenextflightofstairs.Thegirlhadaroomonthetopfloor.Sheopenedthedoorandwentacrosstoatablenearthewindow.
“Herearethenotesofmywork,”shesaid.“Thisrepresentsseveralmonthsofhardstudy.Youseewhathasbeendone?”
Mrs.Hubbardcaughtherbreathwithaslightgasp.
Inkhadbeenspilledonthetable.Ithadrunalloverthepapers,soakingthemthrough.Mrs.Hubbardtoucheditwithherfingertip.Itwasstillwet.
Shesaid,knowingthequestiontobefoolishassheaskedit:
“Youdidn’tspilltheinkyourself?”
“No.ItwasdonewhilstIwasout.”
“Mrs.Biggs,doyouthink—”
Mrs.Biggswasthecleaningwomanwholookedafterthetop-floorbedrooms.
“ItwasnotMrs.Biggs.Itwasnotevenmyownink.Thatishereontheshelfbymybed.Ithasnotbeentouched.Itwasdonebysomeonewhobroughtinkhereanddiditdeliberately.”
Mrs.Hubbardwasshocked.
“Whataverywicked—andcruelthingtodo.”
“Yes,itisabadthing.”
Thegirlspokequietly,butMrs.Hubbarddidnotmakethemistakeofunderratingherfeelings.
“Well,Elizabeth,Ihardlyknowwhattosay.Iamshocked,badlyshocked,andIshalldomyutmosttofindoutwhodidthiswickedmaliciousthing.You’venoideasyourselfastothat?”
Thegirlrepliedatonce.
“Thisisgreenink,yousawthat.”
“Yes,Inoticedthat.”
“Itisnotverycommon,thisgreenink.Iknowonepersonherewhousesit.NigelChapman.”
“Nigel?DoyouthinkNigelwoulddoathinglikethat?”
“Ishouldnothavethoughtso—no.Buthewriteshislettersandhisnoteswithgreenink.”
“Ishallhavetoaskalotofquestions.I’mverysorry,Elizabeth,thatsuchathingshouldhappeninthishouseandIcanonlytellyouthatIshalldomybesttogettothebottomofit.”
“Thankyou,Mrs.Hubbard.Therehavebeen—otherthings,havetherenot?”
“Yes—er—yes.”
Mrs.Hubbardlefttheroomandstartedtowardsthestairs.Butshestoppedsuddenlybeforeproceedingdownandinsteadwentalongthepassagetoadoorattheendofthecorridor.SheknockedandthevoiceofMissSallyFinchbadeherenter.
TheroomwasapleasantoneandSallyFinchherself,acheerfulredhead,wasapleasantperson.
Shewaswritingonapadandlookedupwithabulgingcheek.Sheheldoutanopenboxofsweetsandsaidindistinctly:
“Candyfromhome.Havesome.”
“Thankyou,Sally.Notjustnow.I’mratherupset.”Shepaused.“Haveyouheardwhat’shappenedtoElizabethJohnston?”
“What’shappenedtoBlackBess?”
Thenicknamewasanaffectionateoneandhadbeenacceptedassuchbythegirlherself.
Mrs.Hubbarddescribedwhathadhappened.Sallyshowedeverysignofsympatheticanger.
“I’llsaythat’sameanthingtodo.Iwouldn’tbelieveanyonewoulddoathinglikethattoourBess.Everybodylikesher.She’squietanddoesn’tgetaroundmuch,orjoinin,butI’msurethere’snoonewhodislikesher.”
“That’swhatIshouldhavesaid.”
“Well,it’sallofapiece,isn’tit,withtheotherthings?That’swhy—”
“That’swhywhat?”Mrs.Hubbardaskedasthegirlstoppedabruptly.
Sallysaidslowly:
“That’swhyI’mgettingoutofhere.DidMrs.Nicktellyou?”
“Yes.Shewasveryupsetaboutit.Seemedtothinkyouhadn’tgivenhertherealreason.”
“Well,Ididn’t.Nopointinmakinghergoupinsmoke.Youknowwhatshe’slike.Butthat’sthereason,rightenough.Ijustdon’tlikewhat’sgoingonhere.Itwasoddlosingmyshoe,andthenValerie’sscarfbeingallcuttobitsandLen’srucksack…itwasn’tsomuchthingsbeingpinched—afterall,thatmayhappenanytime—it’snotnicebutit’sroughlynormal—butthisotherisn’t.”Shepausedforamoment,smiling,andthensuddenlygrinned.“Akibombo’sscared,”shesaid.“He’salwaysverysuperiorandcivilised—butthere’sagoodoldWestAfricanbeliefinmagicveryclosetothesurface.”
“Tchah!”saidMrs.Hubbardcrossly.“I’venopatiencewithsuperstitiousnonsense.Justsomeordinaryhumanbeingmakinganuisanceofthemselves.That’sallthereistoit.”
Sally’smouthcurvedupinawidecatlikegrin.
“Theemphasis,”shesaid,“isonordinary.I’veasortoffeelingthatthere’sapersoninthishousewhoisn’tordinary.”
Mrs.Hubbardwentondownthestairs.Sheturnedintothestudents’commonroomonthegroundfloor.Therewerefourpeopleintheroom.ValerieHobhouse,proneonasofawithhernarrow,elegantfeetstuckupoverthearmofit;NigelChapmansittingatatablewithaheavybookopeninfrontofhim;PatriciaLaneleaningagainstthemantelpiece,andagirlinamackintoshwhohadjustcomeinandwhowaspullingoffawoollycapasMrs.Hubbardentered.Shewasastocky,fairgirlwithbrowneyessetwideapartandamouththatwasusuallyjustalittleopensothatsheseemedperpetuallystartled.
Valerie,removingacigarettefromhermouth,saidinalazy,drawlingvoice:
“Hallo,Ma,haveyouadministeredsoothingsyruptotheolddevil,ourreveredproprietress?”
PatriciaLanesaid:
“Hasshebeenonthewarpath?”
“Andhow?”saidValerieandchuckled.
“Somethingveryunpleasanthashappened,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Nigel,Iwantyoutohelpme.”
“Me,ma’am?”Nigellookedatherandshuthisbook.Histhin,maliciousfacewassuddenlyilluminatedbyamischievousbutsurprisinglysweetsmile.“WhathaveIdone?”
“Nothing,Ihope,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“ButinkhasbeendeliberatelyandmaliciouslyspiltalloverElizabethJohnston’snotes,andit’sgreenink.Youwritewithgreenink,Nigel.”
Hestaredather,hissmiledisappearing.
“Yes,Iusegreenink.”
“Horridstuff,”saidPatricia.“Iwishyouwouldn’t,Nigel.I’vealwaystoldyouIthinkit’shorriblyaffectedofyou.”
“Ilikebeingaffected,”saidNigel.“Lilacinkwouldbeevenbetter,Ithink.Imusttryandgetsome.Butareyouserious,Mum?Aboutthesabotage,Imean?”
“Yes,Iamserious.Wasityourdoing,Nigel?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Ilikeannoyingpeople,asyouknow,butI’dneverdoafilthytricklikethat—andcertainlynottoBlackBesswhomindsherownbusinessinawaythat’sanexampletosomepeopleIcouldmention.Whereisthatinkofmine?Ifilledmypenyesterdayevening,Iremember.Iusuallykeepitontheshelfoverthere.”Hesprangupandwentacrosstheroom.“You’reright.Thebottle’snearlyempty.Itshouldbepracticallyfull.”
Thegirlinthemackintoshgavealittlegasp.
“Ohdear,”shesaid.“Ohdear,Idon’tlikeit—”
Nigelwheeledatheraccusingly.
“Haveyougotanalibi,Celia?”hesaidmenacingly.
Thegirlgaveagasp.
“Ididn’tdoit.Ireallydidn’tdoit.Anyway,I’vebeenatthehospitalallday.Icouldn’t—”
“Now,Nigel,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Don’tteaseCelia.”
PatriciaLanesaidangrily:
“Idon’tseewhyNigelshouldbesuspected.Justbecausehisinkwastaken—”
Valeriesaidcattishly:
“That’sright,darling,defendyouryoung.”
“Butit’ssounfair—”
“ButreallyIdidn’thaveanythingtodowithit,”Celiaprotestedearnestly.
“Nobodythinksyoudid,infant,”saidValerieimpatiently.“Allthesame,youknow,”hereyesmetMrs.Hubbard’sandexchangedaglance,“allthisisgettingbeyondajoke.Somethingwillhavetobedoneaboutit.”
“Somethingisgoingtobedone,”saidMrs.Hubbardgrimly.
ChapterFour
“Hereyouare,M.Poirot.”
MissLemonlaidasmallbrownpaperparcelbeforePoirot.Heremovedthepaperandlookedappraisinglyatawell-cutsilvereveningshoe.
“ItwasatBakerStreetjustasyousaid.”
“Thathassavedustrouble,”saidPoirot.“Alsoitconfirmsmyideas.”
“Quite,”saidMissLemon,whowassublimelyincuriousbynature.
Shewas,however,susceptibletotheclaimsoffamilyaffection.Shesaid:
“Ifitisnottroublingyoutoomuch,M.Poirot,Ireceivedaletterfrommysister.Therehavebeensomenewdevelopments.”
“YoupermitthatIreadit?”
Shehandedittohimand,afterreadingit,hedirectedMissLemontogethersisteronthetelephone.PresentlyMissLemonindicatedthattheconnectionhadbeenobtained.Poirottookthereceiver.
“Mrs.Hubbard?”
“Ohyes,M.Poirot.Sokindofyoutoringmeupsopromptly.Iwasreallyvery—”
Poirotinterruptedher.
“Whereareyouspeakingfrom?”
“Why—from26HickoryRoad,ofcourse.OhIseewhatyoumean.Iaminmyownsittingroom.”
“Thereisanextension?”
“Thisistheextension.Themainphoneisdownstairsinthehall.”
“Whoisinthehousewhomightlistenin?”
“Allthestudentsareoutatthistimeofday.Thecookisoutmarketing.Geronimo,herhusband,understandsverylittleEnglish.Thereisacleaningwoman,butsheisdeafandI’mquitesurewouldn’tbothertolistenin.”
“Verygood,then.Icanspeakfreely.Doyouoccasionallyhavelecturesintheevening,orfilms?Entertainmentsofsomekind?”
“Wedohavelecturesoccasionally.MissBaltrout,theexplorer,camenotlongago,withhercolouredtransparencies.AndwehadanappealforFarEasternMissions,thoughIamafraidthatquitealotofthestudentswentoutthatnight.”
“Ah.ThenthiseveningyouwillhaveprevailedonM.HerculePoirot,theemployerofyoursister,tocomeanddiscoursetoyourstudentsonthemoreinterestingofhiscases.”
“Thatwillbeverynice,I’msure,butdoyouthink—”
“Itisnotaquestionofthinking.Iamsure!”
Thatevening,studentsenteringthecommonroomfoundanoticetackedupontheboardwhichstoodjustinsidethedoor.
M.HerculePoirot,thecelebratedprivatedetective,haskindlyconsentedtogiveatalkthiseveningonthetheoryandpracticeofsuccessfuldetection,withanaccountofcertaincelebratedcriminalcases.
Returningstudentsmadevariedcommentsonthis.
“Who’sthisprivateeye?”“Neverheardofhim.”“Oh,Ihave.Therewasamancondemnedtodeathforthemurderofacharwomanandthisdetectivegothimoffatthelastmomentbyfindingtherealperson.”“Soundscrummytome.”“Ithinkitmightberatherfun.”“Colinoughttoenjoyit.He’smadoncriminalpsychology.”“Iwouldnotputitpreciselylikethat,butI’llnotdenythatamanwhohasbeencloselyacquaintedwithcriminalsmightbeinterestingtointerrogate.”
Dinnerwasatseven-thirtyandmostofthestudentswerealreadyseatedwhenMrs.Hubbardcamedownfromhersitting-room(wheresherryhadbeenservedtothedistinguishedguest)followedbyasmallelderlymanwithsuspiciouslyblackhairandamoustacheofferociousproportionswhichhetwirledcontinuously.
“Thesearesomeofourstudents,M.Poirot.ThisisM.HerculePoirotwhoiskindlygoingtotalktousafterdinner.”
SalutationswereexchangedandPoirotsatdownbyMrs.HubbardandbusiedhimselfwithkeepinghismoustachesoutoftheexcellentminestronewhichwasservedbyasmallactiveItalianmanservantfromabigtureen.
ThiswasfollowedbyapipinghotdishofspaghettiandmeatballsanditwasthenthatagirlsittingonPoirot’srightspokeshylytohim.
“DoesMrs.Hubbard’ssisterreallyworkforyou?”
Poirotturnedtoher.
“Butyesindeed.MissLemonhasbeenmysecretaryformanyyears.Sheisthemostefficientwomanthateverlived.Iamsometimesafraidofher.”
“OhIsee.Iwondered—”
“Nowwhatdidyouwonder,mademoiselle?”
Hesmileduponherinpaternalfashion,makingamentalnoteashedidso.
“Pretty,worried,nottooquickmentally,frightened…”Hesaid:
“MayIknowyournameandwhatitisyouarestudying?”
“CeliaAustin.Idon’tstudy.I’madispenseratSt.Catherine’sHospital.”
“Ah,thatisinterestingwork?”
“Well,Idon’tknow—perhapsitis.”Shesoundedratheruncertain.
“Andtheseothers?Canyoutellmesomethingaboutthem,perhaps?Iunderstoodthiswasahomeforforeignstudents,buttheseseemmostlytobeEnglish.”
“Someoftheforeignonesareout.Mr.ChandraLalandMr.GopalRam—they’reIndians—andMissReinjeerwho’sDutch—andMr.AchmedAliwho’sEgyptianandfrightfullypolitical!”
“Andthosewhoarehere?Tellmeaboutthese.”
“Well,sittingonMrs.Hubbard’sleftisNigelChapman.He’sstudyingMedievalHistoryandItalianatLondonUniversity.Thenthere’sPatriciaLanenexttohim,withthespectacles.She’stakingadiplomainArchaeology.Thebigred-headedboyisLenBateson,he’samedicalandthedarkgirlisValerieHobhouse,she’sinabeautyshop.NexttoherisColinMcNabb—he’sdoingapost-graduatecourseinPsychiatry.”
TherewasafaintchangeinhervoiceasshedescribedColin.Poirotglancedkeenlyatherandsawthatthecolourhadcomeupinherface.
Hesaidtohimself:
“So—sheisinloveandshecannoteasilyconcealthefact.”
HenoticedthatyoungMcNabbneverseemedtolookatheracrossthetable,beingfartoomuchtakenupwithhisconversationwithalaughingred-headedgirlbesidehim.
“That’sSallyFinch.She’sAmerican—overhereonaFulbright.Thenthere’sGenevieveMaricaud.She’sdoingEnglish,andsoisRenéHallewhositsnexttoher.ThesmallfairgirlisJeanTomlinson—she’satSt.Catherine’stoo.She’saphysiotherapist.TheblackmanisAkibombo—hecomesfromWestAfricaandhe’sfrightfullynice.Thenthere’sElizabethJohnston,she’sfromJamaicaandshe’sstudyinglaw.NexttousonmyrightaretwoTurkishstudentswhocameaboutaweekago.TheyknowhardlyanyEnglish.”
“Thankyou.Anddoyouallgetonwelltogether?Ordoyouhavequarrels?”
Thelightnessofhistonerobbedthewordsofseriousness.
Celiasaid:
“Oh,we’realltoobusyreallytohavefights—although—”
“Althoughwhat,MissAustin?”
“Well—Nigel—nexttoMrs.Hubbard.Helikesstirringpeopleupandmakingthemangry.AndLenBatesongetsangry.Hegetswildwithragesometimes.Buthe’sverysweetreally.”
“AndColinMcNabb—doeshetoogetannoyed?”
“Ohno.Colinjustraiseshiseyebrowsandlooksamused.”
“Isee.Andtheyoungladies,doyouhaveyourquarrels?”
“Ohno,weallgetonverywell.Genevievehasfeelingssometimes.IthinkFrenchpeopleareinclinedtobetouchy—oh,Imean—I’msorry—”
Celiawasthepictureofconfusion.
“Me,IamBelgian,”saidPoirotsolemnly.Hewentonquickly,beforeCeliacouldrecovercontrolofherself:“Whatdidyoumeanjustnow,MissAustin,whenyousaidthatyouwondered.Youwondered—what?”
Shecrumbledherbreadnervously.
“Ohthat—nothing—nothingreally—just,therehavebeensomesillypracticaljokeslately—IthoughtMrs.Hubbard—Butreallyitwassillyofme.Ididn’tmeananything.”
Poirotdidnotpressher.HeturnedawaytoMrs.Hubbardandwaspresentlyengagedinathree-corneredconversationwithherandwithNigelChapman,whointroducedthecontroversialchallengethatcrimewasaformofcreativeart—andthatthemisfitsofsocietywerereallythepolicewhoonlyenteredthatprofessionbecauseoftheirsecretsadism.Poirotwasamusedtonotethattheanxious-lookingyoungwomaninspectacleswhosatbesidehimtrieddesperatelytoexplainawayhisremarksasfastashemadethem.Nigel,however,tookabsolutelynonoticeofher.
Mrs.Hubbardlookedbenignlyamused.
“Allyouyoungpeoplenowadaysthinkofnothingbutpoliticsandpsychology,”shesaid.“WhenIwasagirlweweremuchmorelighthearted.Wedanced.Ifyourolledbackthecarpetinthecommonroomthere’squiteagoodfloor,andyoucoulddancetothewireless,butyouneverdo.”
Celialaughedandsaidwithatingeofmalice:
“Butyouusedtodance,Nigel.I’vedancedwithyoumyselfonce,thoughIdon’texpectyouremember.”
“You’vedancedwithme,”saidNigelincredulously.“Where?”
“AtCambridge—inMayWeek.”
“Oh,MayWeek!”Nigelwavedawaythefolliesofyouth.
“Onegoesthroughthatadolescentphase.Mercifullyitsoonpasses.”
Nigelwasclearlynotmuchmorethantwenty-fivenow.Poirotconcealedasmileinhismoustache.
PatriciaLanesaidearnestly:
“Yousee,Mrs.Hubbard,thereissomuchstudytobedone.Withlecturestoattendandone’snotestowriteup,there’sreallynottimeforanythingbutwhatisreallyworthwhile.”
“Well,mydear,one’sonlyyoungonce,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
Achocolatepuddingsucceededthespaghettiandafterwardstheyallwentintothecommonroom,andhelpedthemselvestocoffeefromanurnthatstoodonatable.Poirotwastheninvitedtobeginhisdiscourse.ThetwoTurkspolitelyexcusedthemselves.Therestseatedthemselvesandlookedexpectant.
Poirotrosetohisfeetandspokewithhisusualaplomb.Thesoundofhisownvoicewasalwayspleasanttohim,andhespokeforthree-quartersofanhourinalightandamusingfashion,recallingthoseofhisexperiencesthatlentthemselvestoanagreeableexaggeration.Ifhemanagedtosuggest,inasubtlefashion,thathewas,perhaps,somethingofamountebank,itwasnottooobviouslycontrived.
“Andso,yousee,”hefinished,“IsaytothiscitygentlemanthatIamremindedofasoapmanufacturerIknewinLiégewhopoisonedhiswifeinordertomarryabeautifulblondesecretary.IsayitverylightlybutatonceIgetareaction.HepressesuponmethestolenmoneyIhadjustrecoveredforhim.Hegoespaleandthereisfearinhiseyes.‘Iwillgivethismoney,’Isay,‘toadeservingcharity.’‘Doanythingyoulikewithit,’hesays.AndIsaytohimthen,andIsayitverysignificantly,‘Itwillbeadvisable,monsieur,tobeverycareful.’Henods,speechless,andasIgoout,Iseethathewipeshisforehead.Hehashadthebigfright,andI—Ihavesavedhislife.Forthoughheisinfatuatedwithhisblondesecretaryhewillnotnowtryandpoisonhisstupidanddisagreeablewife.Prevention,always,isbetterthancure.Wewanttopreventmurders—notwaituntiltheyhavebeencommitted.”
Hebowedandspreadouthishands.
“There,Ihaveweariedyoulongenough.”
Thestudentsclappedhimvigorously.Poirotbowed.Andthen,ashewasabouttositdown,ColinMcNabbtookhispipefrombetweenhisteethandobserved:
“Andnow,perhaps,you’lltalkaboutwhatyou’rereallyherefor!”
TherewasamomentarysilenceandthenPatriciasaidreproachfully,“Colin.”
“Well,wecanguess,can’twe?”Helookedroundscornfully.“M.Poirot’sgivenusaveryamusinglittletalk,butthat’snotwhathecameherefor.He’sonthejob.Youdon’treallythink,M.Poirot,thatwe’renotwisetothat?”
“Youspeakforyourself,Colin,”saidSally.
“It’strue,isn’tit?”saidColin.
AgainPoirotspreadouthishandsinagracefulacknowledginggesture.
“Iwilladmit,”hesaid,“thatmykindhostesshasconfidedtomethatcertaineventshavecausedher—worry.”
LenBatesongotup,hisfaceheavyandtruculent.
“Lookhere,”hesaid,“what’sallthis?Hasthisbeenplantedonus?”
“Haveyoureallyonlyjusttumbledtothat,Bateson?”askedNigelsweetly.
Celiagaveafrightenedgaspandsaid:ThenIwasright!”
Mrs.Hubbardspokewithdecisiveauthority.
“IaskedM.Poirottogiveusatalk,butIalsowantedtoaskhisadviceaboutvariousthingsthathavehappenedlately.Something’sgottobedoneanditseemedtomethattheonlyotheralternativeis—thepolice.”
Atonceaviolentaltercationbrokeout.GenevieveburstintoheatedFrench.“Itwasadisgrace,shameful,togotothepolice!”Othervoiceschimedin,fororagainst.InafinallullLeonardBateson’svoicewasraisedwithdecision.
“Let’shearwhatM.Poirothastosayaboutourtrouble.”
Mrs.Hubbardsaid:
“I’vegivenM.Poirotallthefacts.Ifhewantstoaskanyquestions,I’msurenoneofyouwillobject.”
Poirotbowedtoher.
“Thankyou.”WiththeairofaconjurerhebroughtoutapairofeveningshoesandhandedthemtoSallyFinch.
“Yourshoes,mademoiselle?”
“Why—yes—bothofthem?Wheredidthemissingonecomefrom?”
“FromtheLostPropertyOfficeatBakerStreetStation.”
“Butwhatmadeyouthinkitmightbethere,M.Poirot?”
“Averysimpleprocessofdeduction.Someonetakesashoefromyourroom.Why?Nottowearandnottosell.Andsincethehousewillbesearchedbyeveryonetotryandfindit,thentheshoemustbegotoutofthehouse,ordestroyed.Butitisnotsoeasytodestroyashoe.Theeasiestwayistotakeitinabusortraininaparcelintherushhourandleaveitthrustdownunderaseat.Thatwasmyfirstguessanditprovedright—soIknewthatIwasonsafeground—theshoewastaken,asyourpoetsays,‘toannoy,becauseheknowsitteases.’”
Valeriegaveashortlaugh.
“Thatpointstoyou,Nigel,mylove,withanunerringfinger.”
Nigelsaid,smirkingalittle,“Iftheshoefits,wearit.”
“Nonsense,”saidSally.“Nigeldidn’ttakemyshoe.”
“Ofcoursehedidn’t,”saidPatriciaangrily.“It’sthemostabsurdidea.”
“Idon’tknowaboutabsurd,”saidNigel.“ActuallyIdidn’tdoanythingofthekind—asnodoubtweshallallsay.”
ItwasasthoughPoirothadbeenwaitingforjustthosewordsasanactorwaitsforhiscue.HiseyesrestedthoughtfullyonLenBateson’sflushedface,thentheysweptinquiringlyovertherestofthestudents.
Hesaid,usinghishandsinadeliberatelyforeigngesture:
“Mypositionisdelicate.Iamaguesthere.IhavecomeattheinvitationofMrs.Hubbard—tospendapleasantevening,thatisall.Andalso,ofcourse,toreturnaverycharmingpairofshoestomademoiselle.Foranythingfurther—”hepaused.“Monsieur—Bateson?yes,Bateson—hasaskedmetosaywhatImyselfthinkofthis—trouble.ButitwouldbeanimpertinenceformetospeakunlessIwereinvitedsotodonotbyonepersonalone,butbyyouall.”
Mr.Akibombowasseentonodhisblackcurledheadinvigorousasseveration.
“Thatisverycorrectprocedure,yes,”hesaid.“Truedemocraticproceedingistoputmattertothevotingofallpresent.”
ThevoiceofSallyFinchroseimpatiently.
“Oh,shucks,”shesaid.“Thisisakindofparty,allfriendstogether.Let’shearwhatM.Poirotadviseswithoutanymorefuss.”
“Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore,Sally,”saidNigel.
Poirotbowedhishead.
“Verywell,”hesaid.“Sinceyouallaskmethisquestion,Ireplythatmyadviceisquitesimple.Mrs.Hubbard—orMrs.Nicoletisrather—shouldcallinthepoliceatonce.Notimeshouldbelost.”
ChapterFive
TherewasnodoubtthatPoirot’sstatementwasunexpected.Itcausednotarippleofprotestorcomment,butasuddenanduncomfortablesilence.
Undercoverofthatmomentaryparalysis,PoirotwastakenbyMrs.Hubbarduptoherownsittingroom,withonlyaquickpolite“Goodnighttoyouall,”toheraldhisdeparture.
Mrs.Hubbardswitchedonthelight,closedthedoor,andbeggedM.Poirottotakethearmchairbythefireplace.Hernicegood-humouredfacewaspuckeredwithdoubtandanxiety.Sheofferedherguestacigarette,butPoirotrefusedpolitely,explainingthathepreferredhisown.Heofferedherone,butsherefused,sayinginanabstractedtone:“Idon’tsmoke,M.Poirot.”
Then,asshesatdownoppositehim,shesaid,afteramomentaryhesitation:
“Idaresayyou’reright,M.Poirot.Perhapsweshouldgetthepoliceinonthis—especiallyafterthismaliciousinkbusiness.ButIratherwishyouhadn’tsaidso—rightoutlikethat.”
“Ah,”saidPoirot,ashelitoneofhistinycigarettesandwatchedthesmokeascend.“YouthinkIshouldhavedissembled?”
“Well,Isupposeit’snicetobefairandaboveboardaboutthings—butitseemstomeitmighthavebeenbettertokeepquiet,andjustaskanofficertocomeroundandexplainthingsprivatelytohim.WhatImeanis,whoever’sbeendoingthesestupidthings—well,thatperson’swarnednow.”
“Perhaps,yes.”
“Ishouldsayquitecertainly,”saidMrs.Hubbard,rathersharply.“Noperhapsaboutit!Evenifhe’soneoftheservantsorastudentwhowasn’therethisevening,thewordwillgetaround.Italwaysdoes.”
“Sotrue.Italwaysdoes.”
“Andthere’sMrs.Nicoletis,too.Ireallydon’tknowwhatattitudeshe’lltakeup.Oneneverdoesknowwithher.”
“Itwillbeinterestingtofindout.”
“Naturallywecan’tcallinthepoliceunlesssheagrees—oh,who’sthatnow?”
Therehadbeenasharpauthoritativetaponthedoor.ItwasrepeatedandalmostbeforeMrs.Hubbardhadcalledanirritable“Comein,”thedooropenedandColinMcNabb,hispipeclenchedfirmlybetweenhisteethandascowlonhisface,enteredtheroom.
Removingthepipe,andclosingthedoorbehindhim,hesaid:
“You’llexcuseme,butIwasanxioustojusthaveawordwithM.Poirothere.”
“Withme?”Poirotturnedhisheadininnocentsurprise.
“Ay,withyou.”Colinspokegrimly.
HedrewuparatheruncomfortablechairandsatsquarelyonitfacingHerculePoirot.
“You’vegivenusanamusingtalktonight,”hesaidindulgently.“AndI’llnotdenythatyou’reamanwho’shadavariedandlengthyexperience,butifyou’llexcusemeforsayingso,yourmethodsandyourideasarebothequallyantiquated.”
“Really,Colin,”saidMrs.Hubbard,colouring.“You’reextremelyrude.”
“I’mnotmeaningtogiveoffence,butI’vegottomakethingsclear.CrimeandPunishment,M.Poirot—that’sasfarasyourhorizonstretches.”
“Theyseemtomeanaturalsequence,”saidPoirot.
“YoutakethenarrowviewoftheLaw—andwhat’smore,oftheLawatitsmostold-fashioned.Nowadays,eventheLawhastokeepitselfcognisantofthenewestandmostup-to-datetheoriesofwhatcausescrime.Itisthecausesthatareimportant,M.Poirot.”
“Butthere,”criedPoirot,“tospeakinyournew-fashionedphrase,Icouldnotagreewithyoumore!”
“Thenyou’vegottoconsiderthecauseofwhathasbeenhappeninginthishouse—you’vegottofindoutwhythesethingshavebeendone.”
“ButIamstillagreeingwithyou—yes,thatismostimportant.”
“Becausetherealwaysisareason,anditmaybe,tothepersonconcerned,averygoodreason.”
AtthispointMrs.Hubbard,unabletocontainherself,interjectedsharply,“Rubbish.”
“That’swhereyou’rewrong,”saidColin,turningslightlytowardsher.“You’vegottotakeintoaccountthepsychologicalbackground.”
“Psychologicalbalderdash,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“I’venopatiencewithallthatsortoftalk!”
“That’sbecauseyouknowpreciselynothingaboutit,”saidColin,inagravelyrebukingfashion.HereturnedhisgazetoPoirot.
“I’minterestedinthesesubjects.Iamatpresenttakingapost-graduatecourseinpsychiatryandpsychology.WecomeacrossthemostinvolvedandastoundingcasesandwhatI’mpointingouttoyou,M.Poirot,isthatyoucan’tjustdismissthecriminalwithadoctrineoforiginalsin,orwilfuldisregardofthelawsoftheland.You’vegottohaveanunderstandingoftherootofthetroubleifyou’reevertoeffectacureoftheyoungdelinquent.TheseideaswerenotknownorthoughtofinyourdayandI’venodoubtyoufindthemhardtoaccept—”
“Stealing’sstealing,”putinMrs.Hubbardstubbornly.
Colinfrownedimpatiently.
Poirotsaidmeekly:
“Myideasaredoubtlessold-fashioned,butIamperfectlypreparedtolistentoyou,Mr.McNabb.”
Colinlookedagreeablysurprised.
“That’sveryfairlysaid,M.Poirot.NowI’lltrytomakethismattercleartoyou,usingverysimpleterms.”
“Thankyou,”saidPoirotmeekly.
“Forconvenience’ssake,I’llstartwiththepairofshoesyoubroughtwithyoutonightandreturnedtoSallyFinch.Ifyouremember,oneshoewasstolen.Onlyone.”
“Irememberbeingstruckbythefact,”saidPoirot.
ColinMcNabbleanedforward;hisdourbuthandsomefeatureswerelitupbyeagerness.
“Ah,butyoudidn’tseethesignificanceofit.It’soneoftheprettiestandmostsatisfyingexamplesanyonecouldwishtocomeacross.Wehavehere,verydefinitely,aCinderellacomplex.YouaremaybeacquaintedwiththeCinderellafairystory.”
“OfFrenchorigin—maisoui.”
“Cinderella,theunpaiddrudge,sitsbythefire;hersisters,dressedintheirfinery,gotothePrince’sball.AFairyGodmothersendsCinderellatoo,tothatball.Atthestrokeofmidnight,herfineryturnsbacktorags—sheescapeshurriedly,leavingbehindheroneslipper.SoherewehaveamindthatcomparesitselftoCinderella(unconsciously,ofcourse).Herewehavefrustration,envy,thesenseofinferiority.Thegirlstealsaslipper.Why?”
“Agirl?”
“Butnaturally,agirl.That,”saidColinreprovingly,“shouldbecleartothemeanestintelligence.”
“Really,Colin!”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Praycontinue,”saidPoirotcourteously.
“Probablysheherselfdoesnotknowwhyshedoesit—buttheinnerwishisclear.ShewantstobethePrincess,tobeidentifiedbythePrinceandclaimedbyhim.Anothersignificantfact,theslipperisstolenfromanattractivegirlwhoisgoingtoaball.”
Colin’spipehadlongsincegoneout.Hewaveditnowwithmountingenthusiasm.
“Andnowwe’lltakeafewoftheotherhappenings.Amagpieacquiringofprettythings—allthingsassociatedwithattractivefemininity.Apowdercompact,lipsticks,earrings,abracelet,aring—thereisatwo-foldsignificancehere.Thegirlwantstobenoticed.Shewants,even,tobepunished—asisfrequentlythecasewithveryyoungjuveniledelinquents.Thesethingsarenoneofthemwhatyoucouldcallordinarycriminalthefts.Itisnotthevalueofthesethingsthatiswanted.Injustsuchawaydowell-to-dowomengointodepartmentstoresandstealthingstheycouldperfectlywellaffordtopayfor.”
“Nonsense,”saidMrs.Hubbardbelligerently.“Somepeoplearejustplaindishonest,that’sallthereistoit.”
“Yetadiamondringofsomevaluewasamongstthethingsstolen,”saidPoirot,ignoringMrs.Hubbard’sinterpolation.
“Thatwasreturned.”
“Andsurely,Mr.McNabb,youwouldnotsaythatastethoscopeisafeminineprettypretty?”
“Thathadadeepersignificance.Womenwhofeeltheyaredeficientinfeminineattractioncanfindsublimationinthepursuitofacareer.”
“Andthecookerybook?”
“Asymbolofhomelife,husbandandfamily.”
“Andboracicpowder?”
Colinsaidirritably:
“MydearM.Poirot.Nobodywouldstealboracicpowder!Whyshouldthey?”
“ThisiswhatIhaveaskedmyself.Imustadmit,M.McNabb,thatyouseemtohaveananswerforeverything.Explaintome,then,thesignificanceofthedisappearanceofanoldpairofflanneltrousers—yourflanneltrousers,Iunderstand.”
ForthefirsttimeColinappearedillatease.Heblushedandclearedhisthroat.
“Icouldexplainthat—butitwouldbesomewhatinvolved,andperhaps—erwell,ratherembarrassing.”
“Ah,yousparemyblushes.”
SuddenlyPoirotleanedforwardandtappedtheyoungmanontheknee.
“Andtheinkthatisspiltoveranotherstudent’spapers,thesilkscarfthatiscutandslashed.Dothesethingscauseyounodisquietude?”
ThecomplacenceandsuperiorityofColin’smannerunderwentasuddenandnotunlikeablechange.
“Theydo,”hesaid.“Believeme,theydo.It’sserious.Sheoughttohavetreatment—atonce.Butmedicaltreatment,that’sthepoint.It’snotacaseforthepolice.She’salltiedupinknots.IfI….”
Poirotinterruptedhim.
“Youknowthenwhosheis?”
“Well,Ihaveaverystrongsuspicion.”
Poirotmurmuredwiththeairofonewhoisrecapitulating:
“Agirlwhoisnotoutstandinglysuccessfulwiththeothersex.Ashygirl.Anaffectionategirl.Agirlwhosebrainisinclinedtobeslowinitsreactions.Agirlwhofeelsfrustratedandlonely.Agirl….”
Therewasataponthedoor.Poirotbrokeoff.Thetapwasrepeated.
“Comein,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
ThedooropenedandCeliaAustincamein.
“Ah,”saidPoirot,noddinghishead.“Exactly.MissCeliaAustin.”
CelialookedatColinwithagonisedeyes.
“Ididn’tknowyouwerehere,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Icame—Icame….”
ShetookadeepbreathandrushedtoMrs.Hubbard.
“Please,pleasedon’tsendforthepolice.It’sme.I’vebeentakingthosethings.Idon’tknowwhy.Ican’timagine.Ididn’twantto.Itjust—itjustcameoverme.”ShewhirledroundonColin.“SonowyouknowwhatI’mlike…andIsupposeyou’llneverspeaktomeagain.IknowI’mawful….”
“Och!notabitofit,”saidColin.Hisrichvoicewaswarmandfriendly.“You’rejustabitmixedup,that’sall.It’sjustakindofillnessyou’vehad,fromnotlookingatthingsclearly.Ifyou’lltrustme,Celia,I’llsoonbeabletoputyouright.”
“OhColin—really?”
Celialookedathimwithunconcealedadoration.
“I’vebeensodreadfullyworried.”
Hetookherhandinaslightlyavuncularmanner.
“Well,there’snoneedtoworryanymore.”RisingtohisfeethedrewCelia’shandthroughhisarmandlookedsternlyatMrs.Hubbard.
“Ihopenow,”hesaid,“thatthere’llbenomorefoolishtalkofcallinginthepolice.Nothing’sbeenstolenofanyrealworth,andwhathasbeentakenCeliawillreturn.”
“Ican’treturnthebraceletandthepowdercompact,”saidCeliaanxiously.“Ipushedthemdownagutter.ButI’llbuynewones.”
“Andthestethoscope?”saidPoirot.“Wheredidyouputthat?”
Celiaflushed.
“Inevertookanystethoscope.WhatshouldIwantwithasillyoldstethoscope?”Herflushdeepened.“Anditwasn’tmewhospiltinkalloverElizabeth’spapers.I’dneverdoa—maliciousthinglikethat.”
“YetyoucutandslashedMissHobhouse’sscarf,mademoiselle.”
Celialookeduncomfortable.Shesaidratheruncertainly:
“Thatwasdifferent.Imean—Valeriedidn’tmind.”
“Andtherucksack?”
“Oh,Ididn’tcutthatup.Thatwasjusttemper.”
PoirottookoutthelisthehadcopiedfromMrs.Hubbard’slittlebook.
“Tellme,”hesaid,“andthistimeitmustbethetruth.Whatareyouorareyounotresponsibleforofthesehappenings?”
Celiaglanceddownthelistandheranswercameatonce.
“Idon’tknowanythingabouttherucksack,ortheelectriclightbulbs,orboracicorbathsalts,andtheringwasjustamistake.WhenIrealiseditwasvaluableIreturnedit.”
“Isee.”
“BecausereallyIdidn’tmeantobedishonest.Itwasonly—”
“Onlywhat?”
AfaintlywarylookcameintoCelia’seyes.
“Idon’tknow—reallyIdon’t.I’mallmixedup.”
Colincutininaperemptorymanner.
“I’llbethankfulifyou’llnotcatechiseher.Icanpromiseyouthattherewillbenorecurrenceofthisbusiness.FromnowonI’lldefinitelymakemyselfresponsibleforher.”
“Oh,Colin,youaregoodtome.”
“I’dlikeyoutotellmeagreatdealaboutyourself,Celia.Yourearlyhomelife,forinstance.Didyourfatherandmothergetonwelltogether?”
“Ohno,itwasawful—athome—”
“Precisely.And—”
Mrs.Hubbardcutin.Shespokewiththevoiceofauthority.
“Thatwilldonow,bothofyou.I’mglad,Celia,thatyou’vecomeandownedup.You’vecausedagreatdealofworryandanxiety,though,andyououghttobeashamedofyourself.ButI’llsaythis.Iacceptyourwordthatyoudidn’tspillinkdeliberatelyonElizabeth’snotes.Idon’tbelieveyou’ddoathinglikethat.Nowtakeyourselfoff,youandColin.I’vehadenoughofyoubothforthisevening.”
Asthedoorclosedbehindthem,Mrs.Hubbarddrewadeepbreath.
“Well,”shesaid.“Whatdoyouthinkofthat?”
TherewasatwinkleinHerculePoirot’seye.Hesaid:
“Ithink—thatwehaveassistedatalovescene—modernstyle.”
Mrs.Hubbardmadeanejaculationofdisapproval.
“Autrestemps,autresm?urs,”murmuredPoirot.“InmyyoungdaystheyoungmenlentthegirlsbooksontheosophyordiscussedMaeterlinck’s‘Bluebird.’Allwassentimentandhighideals.Nowadaysitisthemaladjustedlivesandthecomplexeswhichbringaboyandgirltogether.”
“Allsuchnonsense,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
Poirotdissented.
“No,itisnotallnonsense.Theunderlyingprinciplesaresoundenough—butwhenoneisanearnestyoungresearcherlikeColinoneseesnothingbutcomplexesandthevictim’sunhappyhomelife.”
“Celia’sfatherdiedwhenshewasfouryearsold,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Andshe’shadaveryagreeablechildhoodwithanicebutstupidmother.”
“Ah,butsheiswiseenoughnottosaysototheyoungMcNabb!Shewillsaywhathewantstohear.Sheisverymuchinlove.”
“Doyoubelieveallthishooey,M.Poirot?”
“IdonotbelievethatCeliahadaCinderellacomplexorthatshestolethingswithoutknowingwhatshewasdoing.IthinkshetooktheriskofstealingunimportanttrifleswiththeobjectofattractingtheattentionoftheearnestColinMcNabb—inwhichobjectshehasbeensuccessful.Hadsheremainedapretty,shy,ordinarygirlhemightneverhavelookedather.Inmyopinion,”saidPoirot,“agirlisentitledtoattemptdesperatemeasurestogetherman.”
“Ishouldn’thavethoughtshehadthebrainstothinkitup,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
Poirotdidnotreply.Hefrowned.Mrs.Hubbardwenton:
“Sothewholething’sbeenamare’snest!Ireallydoapologise,M.Poirot,fortakingupyourtimeoversuchatrivialbusiness.Anyway,all’swellthatendswell.”
“No,no.”Poirotshookhishead.“Idonotthinkweareattheendyet.Wehaveclearedoutofthewaysomethingrathertrivialthatwasatthefrontofthepicture.Buttherearethingsstillthatarenotexplained;andme,Ihavetheimpressionthatwehaveheresomethingserious—reallyserious.”
“Oh,M.Poirot,doyoureallythinkso?”
“Itismyimpression…Iwonder,madame,ifIcouldspeaktoMissPatriciaLane.Iwouldliketoexaminetheringthatwasstolen.”
“Why,ofcourse,M.Poirot.I’llgodownandsendheruptoyou.IwanttospeaktoLenBatesonaboutsomething.”
PatriciaLanecameinshortlyafterwardswithaninquiringlookonherface.
“Iamsosorrytodisturbyou,MissLane.”
“Oh,that’sallright.Iwasn’tbusy.Mrs.Hubbardsaidyouwantedtoseemyring.”
Sheslippeditoffherfingerandhelditouttohim.
“It’squitealargediamondreally,butofcourseit’sanold-fashionedsetting.Itwasmymother’sengagementring.”
Poirot,whowasexaminingthering,noddedhishead.
“Sheisalivestill,yourmother?”
“No.Bothmyparentsaredead.”
“Thatissad.”
“Yes.TheywerebothverynicepeoplebutsomehowIwasneverquitesoclosetothemasIoughttohavebeen.Oneregretsthatafterwards.Mymotherwantedafrivolousprettydaughter,adaughterwhowasfondofclothesandsocialthings.ShewasverydisappointedwhenItookuparchaeology.”
“Youhavealwaysbeenofaseriousturnofmind?”
“Ithinkso,really.Onefeelslifeissoshortoneoughtreallytobedoingsomethingworthwhile.”
Poirotlookedatherthoughtfully.
PatriciaLanewas,heguessed,inherearlythirties.Apartfromasmearoflipstick,carelesslyapplied,sheworenomakeup.Hermouse-colouredhairwascombedbackfromherfaceandarrangedwithoutartifice.Herquitepleasantblueeyeslookedatyouseriouslythroughglasses.
“Noallure,bonDieu,”saidPoirottohimselfwithfeeling.“Andherclothes!Whatisittheysay?Draggedthroughahedgebackwards?Mafoi,thatexpressesitexactly!”
Hewasdisapproving.HefoundPatricia’swell-bredunaccentedtoneswearisometotheear.“Sheisintelligentandcultured,thisgirl,”hesaidtohimself,“and,alas,everyyearshewillgrowmoreboring!Inoldage—”HisminddartedforafleetingmomenttothememoryofCountessVeraRossakoff.Whatexoticsplendourthere,evenindecay!Thesegirlsofnowadays—
“ButthatisbecauseIgrowold,”saidPoirottohimself.“EventhisexcellentgirlmayappearaveritableVenustosomeman.”Buthedoubtedthat.
Patriciawassaying:
“I’mreallyveryshockedaboutwhathappenedtoBess—toMissJohnston.UsingthatgreeninkseemstometobeadeliberateattempttomakeitlookasthoughitwasNigel’sdoing.ButIdoassureyou,M.Poirot,Nigelwouldneverdoathinglikethat.”
“Ah.”Poirotlookedatherwithmoreinterest.Shehadbecomeflushedandquiteeager.
“Nigel’snoteasytounderstand,”shesaidearnestly.“Yousee,hehadaverydifficulthomelifeasachild.”
“MonDieu,anotherofthem!”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Nothing.Youweresaying—”
“AboutNigel.Hisbeingdifficult.He’salwayshadthetendencytogoagainstauthorityofanykind.He’sveryclever—brilliantreally,butImustadmitthathesometimeshasaveryunfortunatemanner.Sneering—youknow.Andhe’smuchtooscornfulevertoexplainordefendhimself.Evenifeverybodyinthisplacethinkshedidthattrickwiththeink,hewon’tgooutofhiswaytosayhedidn’t.He’lljustsay,‘Letthemthinkitiftheywantto.’Andthatattitudeisreallysoutterlyfoolish.”
“Itcanbemisunderstood,certainly.”
“It’sakindofpride,Ithink.Becausehe’sbeensomuchmisunderstoodalways.”
“Youhaveknownhimformanyyears?”
“No,onlyforaboutayear.WemetonatouroftheChateauxoftheLoire.HewentdownwithfluwhichturnedtopneumoniaandInursedhimthroughit.He’sverydelicateandhetakesabsolutelynocareofhisownhealth.Insomeways,inspiteofhisbeingsoindependent,heneedslookingafterlikeachild.Hereallyneedssomeonetolookafterhim.”
Poirotsighed.Hefelt,suddenly,verytiredoflove…FirsttherehadbeenCelia,withtheadoringeyesofaspaniel.AndnowherewasPatricialookinglikeanearnestMadonna.Admittedlytheremustbelove,youngpeoplemustmeetandpairoff,buthe,Poirot,wasmercifullypastallthat.Herosetohisfeet.
“Willyoupermitme,mademoiselle,toretainyourring?Itshallbereturnedtoyoutomorrowwithoutfail.”
“Certainly,ifyoulike,”saidPatricia,rathersurprised.
“Youareverykind.Andplease,mademoiselle,becareful.”
“Careful?Carefulofwhat?”
“IwishIknew,”saidHerculePoirot.
Hewasstillworried.
ChapterSix
ThefollowingdayMrs.Hubbardfoundexasperatingineveryparticular.Shehadawokenwithaconsiderablesenseofrelief.Thenaggingdoubtaboutrecentoccurrenceswasatlastrelieved.Asillygirl,behavinginthatsillymodernfashion(withwhichMrs.Hubbardhadnopatience)hadbeenresponsible.Andfromnowon,orderwouldreign.
Descendingtobreakfastinthiscomfortableassurance,Mrs.Hubbardfoundhernewlyattainedeasemenaced.Thestudentschosethisparticularmorningtobeparticularlytrying,eachinhisorherway.
Mr.ChandraLalwhohadheardofthesabotagetoElizabeth’spapersbecameexcitedandvoluble.“Oppression,”hespluttered,“deliberateoppressionofnativeraces.Contemptandprejudice,colourprejudice.Itisherewellauthenticatedexample.”
“Now,Mr.ChandraLal,”saidMrs.Hubbardsharply.“You’venocalltosayanythingofthatkind.Nobodyknowswhodiditorwhyitwasdone.”
“Ohbut,Mrs.Hubbard,IthoughtCeliahadcometoyouherselfandreallyfacedup,”saidJeanTomlinson.“Ithoughtitsplendidofher.Wemustallbeverykindtoher.”
“Mustyoubesorevoltinglypi,Jean,”demandedValerieHobhouseangrily.
“Ithinkthat’saveryunkindthingtosay.”
“Facedup,”saidNigel,withashudder.“Suchanutterlyrevoltingterm.”
“Idon’tseewhy.TheOxfordGroupuseitand—”
“Oh,forHeaven’ssake,havewegottohavetheOxfordGroupforbreakfast?”
“What’sallthis,Ma?ItisCeliawho’sbeenpinchingthosethings,doyousay?Isthatwhyshe’snotdowntobreakfast?”
“Idonotunderstand,please,”saidMr.Akibombo.
Nobodyenlightenedhim.Theywerealltooanxioustosaytheirownpiece.
“Poorkid,”LenBatesonwenton.“Wassheharduporsomething?”
“I’mnotreallysurprised,youknow,”saidSallyslowly.“Ialwayshadasortofidea….”
“YouaresayingthatitwasCeliawhospiltinkonmynotes?”ElizabethJohnstonlookedincredulous.“Thatseemstobesurprisingandhardlycredible.”
“Celiadidnotthrowinkonyourwork,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“AndIwishyouwouldallstopdiscussingthis.Imeanttotellyouallquietlylaterbut—”
“ButJeanwaslisteningoutsidethedoorlastnight,”saidValerie.
“Iwasnotlistening.Ijusthappenedtogo—”
“Comenow,Bess,”saidNigel.“Youknowquitewellwhospilttheink.I,saidbadNigel,withmylittlegreenphial,Ispilttheink.”
“Hedidn’t.He’sonlypretending.Oh,Nigel,howcanyoubesostupid?”
“I’mbeingnobleandshieldingyou,Pat.Whoborrowedmyinkyesterdaymorning?Youdid.”
“Idonotunderstand,please,”saidMr.Akibombo.
“Youdon’twantto,”Sallytoldhim.“I’dkeeprightoutofitifIwereyou.”
Mr.ChandraLalrosetohisfeet.
“YouaskwhyistheMauMau?YouaskwhydoesEgyptresenttheSuezCanal?”
“Oh,hell!”saidNigelviolently,andcrashedhiscupdownonhissaucer.“FirsttheOxfordGroupandnowpolitics!Atbreakfast!I’mgoing.”
Hepushedbackhischairviolentlyandlefttheroom.
“There’sacoldwind.Dotakeyourcoat.”Patriciarushedafterhim.
“Cluck,cluck,cluck,”saidValerieunkindly.“She’llgrowfeathersandflapherwingssoon.”
TheFrenchgirl,Genevieve,whoseEnglishwasasyetnotequaltofollowingrapidexchangesofEnglish,hadbeenlisteningtoexplanationshissedintoherearbyRené.ShenowburstintorapidFrench,hervoicerisingtoascream.
“Commentdonc?C’estcettepetitequim’avolémoncompact?Ah,parexample!J’iraiàlapolice.Jenesupporteraipasunepareille….”
ColinMcNabbhadbeenattemptingtomakehimselfheardforsometime,buthisdeepsuperiordrawlhadbeendrownedbythehigherpitchedvoices.Abandoninghissuperiorattitudehenowbroughtdownhisfistwithaheavycrashonthetableandstartledeveryoneintosilence.Themarmaladepotskiddedoffthetableandbroke.
“Willyouholdyourtongues,allofyou,andhearmespeak.I’veneverheardmorecrassignoranceandunkindness!Don’tanyofyouhaveevenanoddingacquaintancewithpsychology?Thegirl’snottobeblamed,Itellyou.She’sbeengoingthroughasevereemotionalcrisisandsheneedstreatingwiththeutmostsympathyandcare—orshemayremainunstableforlife.I’mwarningyou.Theutmostcare—that’swhatsheneeds.”
“Butafterall,”saidJean,inaclear,priggishvoice,“althoughIquiteagreeaboutbeingkind—weoughtn’ttocondonethatsortofthing,oughtwe?Stealing,Imean.”
“Stealing,”saidColin.“Thiswasn’tstealing.Och!Youmakemesick—allofyou.”
“Interestingcase,isshe,Colin?”saidValerie,andgrinnedathim.
“Ifyou’reinterestedintheworkingsofthemind,yes.”
“Ofcourse,shedidn’ttakeanythingofmine,”beganJean,“butIdothink—”
“No,shedidn’ttakeanythingofyours,”saidColin,turningtoscowlather.“Andifyouknewintheleastwhatthatmeantyou’dmaybenotbetoopleasedaboutit.”
“Really,Idon’tsee—”
“Oh,comeon,Jean,”saidLenBateson.“Let’sstopnaggingandnattering.I’mgoingtobelateandsoareyou.”
Theywentouttogether.“TellCeliatobuckup,”hesaidoverhisshoulder.
“Ishouldliketomakeformalprotest,”saidMr.ChandraLal.“Boracicpowder,verynecessaryformyeyeswhichmuchinflamedbystudy,wasremoved.”
“Andyou’llbelatetoo,Mr.ChandraLal,”saidMrs.Hubbardfirmly.
“Myprofessorisoftenunpunctual,”saidMr.ChandraLalgloomily,butmovingtowardsthedoor.“Also,heisirritableandunreasonablewhenIaskmanyquestionsofsearchingnature.”
“Maisilfautqu’ellemelerende,cecompact,”saidGenevieve.
“YoumustspeakEnglish,Genevieve—you’llneverlearnEnglishifyougobackintoFrenchwheneveryou’reexcited.AndyouhadSundaydinnerinthisweekandyouhaven’tpaidmeforit.”
“Ah,Ihavenotmypursejustnow.Tonight—Viens,René,nousseronsenretard.”
“Please,”saidMr.Akibombo,lookingroundhimbeseechingly.“Idonotunderstand.”
“Comealong,Akibombo,”saidSally.“I’lltellyouaboutitonthewaytotheInstitute.”
ShenoddedreassuringlytoMrs.HubbardandsteeredthebewilderedAkibombooutoftheroom.
“Ohdear,”saidMrs.Hubbard,drawingadeepbreath.“WhyintheworldIevertookthisjobon!”
Valerie,whowastheonlypersonleft,grinnedinafriendlyfashion.
“Don’tworry,Ma,”shesaid.“It’sagoodthingit’sallcomeout.Everyonewasgettingonthejumpyside.”
“ImustsayIwasverysurprised.”
“ThatitturnedouttobeCelia?”
“Yes.Weren’tyou?”
Valeriesaidinaratherabsentvoice:
“Ratherobvious,really,Ishouldhavethought.”
“Haveyoubeenthinkingsoallalong?”
“Well,oneortwothingsmademewonder.Atanyrateshe’sgotColinwhereshewantshim.”
“Yes.Ican’thelpfeelingthatit’swrong.”
“Youcan’tgetamanwithagun,”Valerielaughed.“Butaspotofkleptomaniadoesthetrick?Don’tworry,Mum.AndforGod’ssakemakeCeliagiveGenevievebackhercompact,otherwiseweshallneverhaveanypeaceatmeals.”
Mrs.Hubbardsaidwithasigh:
“Nigelhascrackedhissaucerandthemarmaladepotisbroken.”
“Hellofamorning,isn’tit?”saidValerie.Shewentout.Mrs.Hubbardheardhervoiceinthehallsayingcheerfully:
“Goodmorning,Celia.Thecoast’sclear.Allisknownandallisgoingtobeforgiven—byorderofPiousJean.AsforColin,he’sbeenroaringlikealiononyourbehalf.”
Celiacameintothediningroom.Hereyeswerereddenedwithcrying.
“Oh,Mrs.Hubbard.”
“You’reverylate,Celia.Thecoffee’scoldandthere’snotmuchlefttoeat.”
“Ididn’twanttomeettheothers.”
“SoIgather.Butyou’vegottomeetthemsoonerorlater.”
“Oh,yes,Iknow,ButIthought—bythisevening—itwouldbeeasier.AndofcourseIshan’tstophere.I’llgoattheendoftheweek.”
Mrs.Hubbardfrowned.
“Idon’tthinkthere’sanyneedforthat.Youmustexpectalittleunpleasantness—that’sonlyfair—butthey’regenerous-mindedyoungpeopleonthewhole.Ofcourseyou’llhavetomakereparationasfaraspossible.”
Celiainterruptedhereagerly.
“Oh,yes,I’vegotmychequebookhere.That’soneofthethingsIwantedtosaytoyou.”Shelookeddown.Shewasholdingachequebookandanenvelopeinherhand.“I’dwrittentoyouincaseyouweren’taboutwhenIgotdown,tosayhowsorryIwasandImeanttoputinacheque,sothatyoucouldsquareupwithpeople—butmypenranoutofink.”
“We’llhavetomakealist.”
“Ihave—asfaraspossible.ButIdon’tknowwhethertotryandbuynewthingsorjusttogivethemoney.”
“I’llthinkitover.It’sdifficulttosayoffhand.”
“Oh,butdoletmegiveyouachequenow.I’dfeelsomuchbetter.”
Abouttosayuncompromisingly“Really?Andwhyshouldyoubeallowedtomakeyourselffeelbetter?”Mrs.Hubbardreflectedthatsincethestudentswerealwaysshortofreadycash,thewholeaffairwouldbemoreeasilysettledthatway.ItwouldalsoplacateGenevievewhootherwisemightmaketroublewithMrs.Nicoletis.(Therewouldbetroubleenoughthereanyway).
“Allright,”shesaid.Sheranhereyedownthelistofobjects.“It’sdifficulttosayhowmuchoffhand—”
Celiasaideagerly,“LetmegiveyouachequeforwhatyouthinkroughlyandthenyoufindoutfrompeopleandIcantakesomebackorgiveyoumore.”
“Verywell.”Mrs.Hubbardtentativelymentionedasumwhichgave,sheconsidered,amplemargin,andCeliaagreedatonce.Sheopenedthechequebook.
“Oh,bothermypen.”Shewentovertotheshelveswhereoddsandendswerekeptbelongingtovariousstudents.“Theredoesn’tseemtobeanyinkhereexceptNigel’sawfulgreen.Oh,I’llusethat.Nigelwon’tmind.ImustremembertogetanewbottleofQuinkwhenIgoout.”
Shefilledthepenandcamebackandwroteoutthecheque.
GivingittoMrs.Hubbard,sheglancedatherwatch.
“Ishallbelate.I’dbetternotstopforbreakfast.”
“Now,you’dbetterhavesomething,Celia—evenifit’sonlyabitofbreadandbutter—nogoodgoingoutonanemptystomach.Yes,whatisit?”
Geronimo,theItalianmanservant,hadcomeintotheroomandwasmakingemphaticgestureswithhishands,hiswizened,monkeylikefacescrewedupinacomicalgrimace.
“Thepadrona,shejustcomein.Shewanttoseeyou.”Headded,withafinalgesture,“Sheplentymad.”
“I’mcoming.”
Mrs.HubbardlefttheroomwhileCeliahurriedlybeganhackingapieceofftheloaf.
Mrs.NicoletiswaswalkingupanddownherroominafairlygoodimitationofatigerattheZoonearfeedingtime.
“WhatisthisIhear?”sheburstout.“Yousendforthepolice?Withoutawordtome?Whodoyouthinkyouare?MyGod,whodoesthewomanthinksheis?”
“Ididnotsendforthepolice.”
“Youarealiar.”
“Nowthen,Mrs.Nicoletis,youcan’ttalktomelikethat.”
“Ohno.Certainlynot!ItisIwhoamwrong.Notyou.Alwaysme.Everythingyoudoisperfect.Policeinmyrespectablehostel.”
“Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime,”saidMrs.Hubbard,recallingvariousunpleasantincidents.“TherewasthatWestIndianstudentwhowaswantedforlivingonimmoralearningsandthenotoriousyoungCommunistagitatorwhocamehereunderafalsename—and—”
“Ah!Youthrowthatinmyteeth?Isitmyfaultthatpeoplecomehereandlietomeandhaveforgedpapersandarewantedtoassistthepoliceinmurdercases?AndyoureproachmeforwhatIhavesuffered!”
“I’mdoingnothingofthekind.Ionlypointoutthatitwouldn’tbeexactlyanoveltytohavethepolicehere—Idaresayit’sinevitablewithamixedlotofstudents.Butthefactisthatnoonehas‘calledinthepolice.’Aprivatedetectivewithabigreputationhappenedtodinehereasmyguestlastnight.Hegaveaveryinterestingtalkoncriminologytothestudents.”
“Asiftherewereanyneedtotalkaboutcriminologytoourstudents!Theyknowquiteenoughalready.Enoughtostealanddestroyandsabotageastheylike!Andnothingisdoneaboutit—nothing!”
“Ihavedonesomethingaboutit.”
“Yes,youhavetoldthisfriendofyoursallaboutourmostintimateaffair.Thatisagrossbreachofconfidence.”
“Notatall.I’mresponsibleforrunningthisplace.I’mgladtotellyouthematterisnowclearedup.Oneofthestudentshasconfessedthatshehasbeenresponsibleformostofthesehappenings.”
“Dirtylittlecat,”saidMrs.Nicoletis.“Throwherintothestreet.”
“Sheisreadytoleaveofherownaccordandsheismakingfullreparation.”
“Whatisthegoodofthat?MybeautifulStudents’Homewillnowhaveabadname.Noonewillcome.”Mrs.Nicoletissatdownonthesofaandburstintotears.“Nobodythinksofmyfeelings,”shesobbed.“Itisabominable,thewayIamtreated.Ignored!Thrustaside!IfIweretodietomorrow,whowouldcare?”
Wiselyleavingthisquestionunanswered,Mrs.Hubbardlefttheroom.
“MaytheAlmightygivemepatience,”saidMrs.Hubbardtoherself,andwentdowntothekitchentointerviewMaria.
Mariawassullenanduncooperative.Theword“police”hoveredunspokenintheair.
“ItisIwhowillbeaccused.IandGeronimo—thepovero.Whatjusticecanyouexpectinaforeignland?No,Icannotcooktherisottoasyousuggest—theysendthewrongrice.Imakeyouinsteadthespaghetti.”
“Wehadspaghettilastnight.”
“Itdoesnotmatter.Inmycountryweeatthespaghettieveryday—everysingleday.Thepasta,itisgoodallthetime.”
“Yes,butyou’reinEnglandnow.”
“Verywellthen,Imakethestew.TheEnglishstew.YouwillnotlikeitbutImakeit—pale—pale—withtheonionsboiledinmuchwaterinsteadofcookedintheoil—andpalemeatoncrackedbones.”
MariaspokesomenacinglythatMrs.Hubbardfeltshewaslisteningtoanaccountofamurder.
“Oh,cookwhatyoulike,”shesaidangrily,andleftthekitchen.
Bysixo’clockthatevening,Mrs.Hubbardwasoncemoreherefficientselfagain.Shehadputnotesinallthestudents’roomsaskingthemtocomeandseeherbeforedinner,andwhenthevarioussummonseswereobeyed,sheexplainedthatCeliahadaskedhertoarrangematters.Theywereall,shethought,veryniceaboutit.EvenGenevieve,softenedsansrancuneandaddedwithawiseair,“Oneknowsthatthesecrisesofthenervesoccur.Sheisrich,thisCelia,shedoesnotneedtosteal.No,itisastorminherhead.M.McNabbisrightthere.”
LenBatesondrewMrs.Hubbardasideasshecamedownwhenthedinnerbellrang
“I’llwaitforCeliaoutinthehall,”hesaid,“andbringherin.Sothatsheseesit’sallright.”
“That’sveryniceofyou,Len.”
“That’sOK,Ma.”
Induecourse,assoupwasbeingpassedround,Len’svoicewasheardboomingfromthehall.
“Comealongin,Celia.Allfriendshere.”
Nigelremarkedwaspishlytohissoupplate:
“Donehisgooddeedfortheday!”butotherwisecontrolledhistongueandwavedahandofgreetingtoCeliaasshecameinwithLen’slargearmpassedroundhershoulders.
TherewasageneraloutburstofcheerfulconversationonvarioustopicsandCeliawasappealedtobyoneandtheother.
Almostinevitablythismanifestationofgoodwilldiedawayintoadoubtfulsilence.ItwasthenthatMr.AkibomboturnedabeamingfacetowardsCeliaand,leaningacrossthetable,said:
“TheyhaveexplainedmegoodnowallthatIdidnotunderstand.Youverycleveratstealthings.Longtimenobodyknow.Veryclever.”
AtthispointSallyFinch,gaspingout,“Akibombo,you’llbethedeathofme,”hadsuchaseverechokethatshehadtogooutinthehalltorecover.Andthelaughterbrokeoutinathoroughlynaturalfashion.
ColinMcNabbcameinlate.Heseemedreservedandevenmoreuncommunicativethanusual.Atthecloseofthemealandbeforetheothershadfinishedhegotupandsaidinanembarrassedmumble:
“Gottogooutandseesomeone.Liketotellyouallfirst.CeliaandI—hopetogetmarriednextyearwhenI’vedonemycourse.”
Thepictureofblushingmisery,hereceivedthecongratulationsandjeeringcatcallsofhisfriendsandfinallyescaped,lookingterriblysheepish.Celia,ontheotherhand,waspinkandcomposed
“Anothergoodmangonewest,”sighedLenBateson.
“I’msoglad,Celia,”saidPatricia.“Ihopeyou’llbeveryhappy.”
“Everythinginthegardenisnowperfect,”saidNigel.“Tomorrowwe’llbringsomechiantiinanddrinkyourhealth.WhyisourdearJeanlookingsograve?Doyoudisapproveofmarriage,Jean?”
“Ofcoursenot,Nigel.”
“Ialwaysthinkit’ssomuchbetterthanfreelove,don’tyou?Nicerforthechildren.Looksbetterontheirpassports.”
“Butthemothershouldnotbetooyoung,”saidGenevieve.“Theytellonethatinthephysiologyclasses.”
“Really,dear,”saidNigel,“you’renotsuggestingthatCelia’sbelowtheageofconsentoranythinglikethat,areyou?She’sfree,white,andtwenty-one.”
“That,”saidMr.ChandraLal,“isamostoffensiveremark.”
“No,no,Mr.ChandraLal,”saidPatricia.“It’sjusta—akindofidiom.Itdoesn’tmeananything.”
“Idonotunderstand,”saidMr.Akibombo.“Ifathingdoesnotmeananything,whyshoulditbesaid?”
ElizabethJohnstonsaidsuddenly,raisinghervoicealittle:
“Thingsaresometimessaidthatdonotseemtomeananythingbuttheymaymeanagooddeal.No,itisnotyourAmericanquotationImean.Iamtalkingofsomethingelse.”Shelookedroundthetable.“Iamtalkingofwhathappenedyesterday.”
Valeriesaidsharply:
“What’sup,Bess?”
“Oh,please,”saidCelia.“Ithink—Ireallydo—thatbytomorroweverythingwillbeclearedup.Ireallymeanit.Theinkonyourpapers,andthatsillybusinessoftherucksack.Andif—ifthepersonownsup,likeI’vedone,theneverythingwillbeclearedup.”
Shespokeearnestly,withaflushedface,andoneortwopeoplelookedathercuriously.
Valeriesaidwithashortlaugh:
“Andwe’llalllivehappyeverafterwards.”
Thentheygotupandwentintothecommonroom.TherewasquitealittlecompetitiontogiveCeliahercoffee.Thenthewirelesswasturnedon,somestudentslefttokeepappointmentsortoworkandfinallytheinhabitantsof24and26HickoryRoadgottobed.
Ithadbeen,Mrs.Hubbardreflected,assheclimbedgratefullybetweenthesheets,alongwearyingday.
“Butthankgoodness,”shesaidtoherself.“It’sallovernow.”
ChapterSeven
MissLemonwasseldom,ifever,unpunctual.Fog,storm,epidemicofflu,transportbreakdowns—noneofthesethingsseemedtoaffectthatremarkablewoman.ButthismorningMissLemonarrived,breathless,atfiveminutespastteninsteadofonthestrokeofteno’clock.Shewasprofuselyapologeticandforher,quiteruffled.
“I’mextremelysorry,M.Poirot—reallyextremelysorry.Iwasjustabouttoleavetheflatwhenmysisterrangup.”
“Ah,sheisingoodhealthandspirits,Itrust?”
“Well,franklyno.”Poirotlookedinquiring.“Infact,she’sverydistressed.Oneofthestudentshascommittedsuicide.”
Poirotstaredather.Hemutteredsomethingsoftlyunderhisbreath.
“Ibegyourpardon,M.Poirot?”
“Whatisthenameofthestudent?”
“AgirlcalledCeliaAustin.”
“How?”
“Theythinkshetookmorphia.”
“Couldithavebeenanaccident?”
“Ohno.Sheleftanote,itseems.”
Poirotsaidsoftly,“ItwasnotthisIexpected,no,itwasnotthis…andyetitistrue,Iexpectedsomething.”
HelookeduptofindMissLemonatattention,waitingwithpencilpoisedaboveherpad.Hesighedandshookhishead.
“No,Iwillhandyouherethismorning’smail.Filethem,please,andanswerwhatyoucan.Me,IshallgoroundtoHickoryRoad.”
GeronimoletPoirotin,andrecognisinghimasthehonouredguestoftwonightsbefore,becameatoncevolubleinasibilantconspiratorialwhisper.
“Ah,signor,itisyou.Wehaveherethetrouble—thebigtrouble.Thelittlesignorina,sheisdeadinherbedthismorning.Firstthedoctorcome.Heshakehishead.Nowcomesaninspectorofthepolice.Heisupstairswiththesignoraandthepadrona.Whyshouldshewishtokillherself,thepoverina?Whenlastnightissogayandthebetrothmentismade?”
“Betrothment?”
“Si,si.ToMr.Colin—youknow—big,dark,alwayssmokethepipe.”
“Iknow.”
GeronimoopenedthedoorofthecommonroomandintroducedPoirotintoitwitharedoublementoftheconspiratorialmanner.
“Youstayhere,yes?Presently,whenthepolicego,Itellthesignorayouarehere.Thatisgood,yes?”
PoirotsaidthatitwasgoodandGeronimowithdrew.Lefttohimself,Poirot,whohadnoscruplesofdelicacy,madeasminuteanexaminationaspossibleofeverythingintheroomwithspecialattentiontoeverythingbelongingtothestudents.Hisrewardsweremediocre.Thestudentskeptmostoftheirbelongingsandpersonalpapersintheirbedrooms.
Upstairs,Mrs.HubbardwassittingfacingInspectorSharpe,whowasaskingquestionsinasoftapologeticvoice.Hewasabigcomfortablelookingmanwithadeceptivelymildmanner.
“It’sveryawkwardanddistressingforyou,Iknow,”hesaidsoothingly.“Butyousee,asDr.Coleshasalreadytoldyou,therewillhavetobeaninquest,andwehavejusttogetthepictureright,sotospeak.Nowthisgirlhadbeendistressedandunhappylately,yousay?”
“Yes.”
“Loveaffair?”
“Notexactly.”Mrs.Hubbardhesitated
“You’dbettertellme,youknow,”saidInspectorSharpe,persuasively.“AsIsay,we’vegottogetthepicture.Therewasareason,orshethoughttherewas,fortakingherownlife?Anypossibilitythatshemighthavebeenpregnant?”
“Itwasn’tthatkindofthingatall.Ihesitated,InspectorSharpe,simplybecausethechildhaddonesomeveryfoolishthingsandIhopeditwouldn’tbenecessarytobringthemoutintheopen.”
InspectorSharpecoughed.
“Wehaveagooddealofdiscretion,andthecoronerisamanofwideexperience.Butwehavetoknow.”
“Yes,ofcourse.Iwasbeingfoolish.Thetruthisthatforsometimepast,threemonthsormore,thingshavebeendisappearing—smallthings,Imean—nothingveryimportant.”
“Trinkets,youmean,finery,nylonstockingsandallthat?Money,too?”
“NomoneyasfarasIknow.”
“Ah.Andthisgirlwasresponsible?”
“Yes.”
“You’dcaughtheratit?”
“Notexactly.Thenightbeforelasta—er—afriendofminecametodine.AM.HerculePoirot—Idon’tknowifyouknowthename.”
InspectorSharpehadlookedupfromhisnotebook.Hiseyeshadopenedratherwide.Ithappenedthathedidknowthatname.
“M.HerculePoirot?”hesaid.“Indeed?Nowthat’sveryinteresting.”
“Hegaveusalittletalkafterdinnerandthesubjectofthesetheftscameup.Headvisedme,infrontofthemall,togotothepolice.”
“Hedid,didhe?”
“Afterwards,Celiacamealongtomyroomandownedup.Shewasverydistressed.”
“Anyquestionofprosecution?”
“No.Shewasgoingtomakegoodthelosses,andeveryonewasverynicetoheraboutit.”
“Hadshebeenhardup?”
“No.ShehadanadequatelypaidjobasadispenseratSt.Catherine’sHospitalandhasalittlemoneyofherown,Ibelieve.She’sratherbetteroffthanmostofourstudents.”
“Soshe’dnoneedtosteal—butdid,”saidtheinspector,writingitdown.
“It’skleptomania,Isuppose,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“That’sthelabelthat’sused.Ijustmeanoneofthepeoplethatdon’tneedtotakethings,butneverthelessdotakethem.”
“Iwonderifyou’rebeingalittleunfairtoher.Yousee,therewasayoungman.”
“Andherattedonher?”
“Ohno.Quitethereverse.Hespokeverystronglyinherdefenceandasamatteroffact,lastnight,aftersupper,heannouncedthatthey’dbecomeengaged.”
InspectorSharpe’seyebrowsmountedhisforeheadinasurprisedfashion.
“Andthenshegoestobedandtakesmorphia?That’srathersurprising,isn’tit?”
“Itis.Ican’tunderstandit.”
Mrs.Hubbard’sfacewascreasedwithperplexityanddistress.
“Andyetthefactsareclearenough.”Sharpenoddedtothesmalltornpieceofpaperthatlayonthetablebetweenthem.
DearMrs.Hubbard(itran),IreallyamsorryandthisisthebestthingIcando.
“It’snotsigned,butyou’venodoubtit’sherhandwriting?”
“No.”
Mrs.Hubbardspokeratheruncertainlyandfrownedasshelookedatthetornscrapofpaper.Whydidshefeelsostronglythattherewassomethingwrongaboutit—?
“There’soneclearfingerprintonitwhichisdefinitelyhers,”saidtheinspector.“ThemorphiawasinasmallbottlewiththelabelofSt.Catherine’sHospitalonitandyoutellmethatsheworksasadispenserinSt.Catherine’s.She’dhaveaccesstothepoisoncupboardandthat’swheresheprobablygotit.Presumablyshebroughtithomewithheryesterdaywithsuicideinmind.”
“Ireallycan’tbelieveit.Itdoesn’tseemrightsomehow.Shewassohappylastnight.”
“Thenwemustsupposethatareactionsetinwhenshewentuptobed.Perhapsthere’smoreinherpastthanyouknowabout.Perhapsshewasafraidofthatcomingout.Youthinkshewasverymuchinlovewiththisyoungman—what’shisname,bytheway?”
“ColinMcNabb.He’sdoingapostgraduatecourseatSt.Catherine’s.”
“Adoctor?AndatSt.Catherine’s?”
“Celiawasverymuchinlovewithhim,more,Ishouldsay,thanhewithher.He’saratherself-centredyoungman.”
“Thenthat’sprobablytheexplanation.Shedidn’tfeelworthyofhim,orhadn’ttoldhimallsheoughttotellhim.Shewasquiteyoung,wasn’tshe?”
“Twenty-three.”
“They’reidealisticatthatageandtheytakeloveaffairshard.Yes,that’sit,I’mafraid.Pity.”
Herosetohisfeet.“I’mafraidtheactualfactswillhavetocomeout,butwe’lldoallwecantoglossthingsover.Thankyou,Mrs.Hubbard,I’vegotalltheinformationIneednow.HermotherdiedtwoyearsagoandtheonlyrelativeyouknowofisthiselderlyauntinYorkshire—we’llcommunicatewithher.”
HepickedupasmalltornfragmentwithCelia’sagitatedwritingonit.
“There’ssomethingwrongaboutthat,”saidMrs.Hubbardsuddenly.
“Wrong?Inwhatway?”
“Idon’tknow—butIfeelIoughttoknow.Ohdear.”
“You’requitesureit’sherhandwriting?”
“Ohyes.It’snotthat.”Mrs.Hubbardpressedherhandstohereyeballs.
“Ifeelsodreadfullystupidthismorning,”shesaidapologetically.
“It’sallbeenverytryingforyou,Iknow,”saidtheinspectorwithgentlesympathy.“Idon’tthinkwe’llneedtotroubleyoufurtheratthemoment,Mrs.Hubbard.”
InspectorSharpeopenedthedoorandimmediatelyfelloverGeronimo,whowaspressedagainstthedooroutside.
“Hallo,”saidInspectorSharpepleasantly.“Listeningatdoors,eh?”
“No,no,”Geronimoansweredwithanairofvirtuousindignation.“Idonotlisten—never,never!Iamjustcominginwithmessage.”
“Isee.Whatmessage?”
Geronimosaidsulkily:
“OnlythatthereisgentlemandownstairstoseelaSignoraHubbard.”
“Allright.Goalongin,sonny,andtellher.”
HewalkedpastGeronimodownthepassageandthen,takingaleafoutoftheItalian’sbook,turnedsharply,andtiptoednoiselesslyback.Mightaswellknowiflittlemonkey-facehadbeentellingthetruth.
HearrivedintimetohearGeronimosay:
“Thegentlemanwhocametosuppertheothernight,thegentlemanwiththemoustaches,heisdownstairswaitingtoseeyou.”
“Eh?What?”Mrs.Hubbardsoundedabstracted.“Oh,thankyou,Geronimo.I’llbedowninaminuteortwo.”
“Gentlemanwiththemoustaches,eh,”saidSharpetohimself,grinning.“IbetIknowwhothatis.”
Hewentdownstairsandintothecommomroom.
“Hallo,M.Poirot,”hesaid.“It’salongtimesincewemet.”
Poirotrosewithoutvisiblediscomposurefromakneelingpositionbythebottomshelfnearthefireplace.
“Aha,”hesaid.“Butsurely—yes,itisInspectorSharpe,isitnot?Butyouwerenotformerlyinthisdivision?”
“Transferredtwoyearsago.RememberthatbusinessdownatCraysHill?”
“Ahyes.Thatisalongtimeagonow.Youarestillayoungman,Inspector—”
“Gettingon,gettingon.”
“—andIamanoldone.Alas!”Poirotsighed.
“Butstillactive,eh,M.Poirot.Activeincertainways,shallwesay?”
“Nowwhatdoyoumeanbythat?”
“ImeanthatI’dliketoknowwhyyoucamealongheretheothernighttogiveatalkoncriminologytostudents.”
Poirotsmiled.
“Butthereissuchasimpleexplanation.Mrs.Hubbardhereisthesisterofmymuchvaluedsecretary,MissLemon.Sowhensheaskedme—”
“Whensheaskedyoutolookintowhathadbeengoingonhere,youcamealong.That’sitreally,isn’tit?”
“Youarequitecorrect.”
“Butwhy?That’swhatIwanttoknow.Whatwasthereinitforyou?”
“Tointerestme,youmean?”
“That’swhatImean.Here’sasillykidwho’sbeenpinchingafewthingshereandthere.Happensallthetime.Rathersmallbeerforyou,M.Poirot,isn’tit?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Itisnotsosimpleasthat.”
“Whynot?Whatisn’tsimpleaboutit?”
Poirotsatdownonachair.Withaslightfrownhedustedthekneesofhistrousers.
“IwishIknew,”hesaidsimply.
Sharpefrowned.
“Idon’tunderstand,”hesaid.
“No,andIdonotunderstand.Thethingsthatweretaken—”Heshookhishead.“Theydidnotmakeapattern—theydidnotmakesense.Itislikeseeingatrailoffootprintsandtheyarenotallmadebythesamefeet.Thereis,quiteclearly,theprintofwhatyouhavecalled‘asillykid’—butthereismorethanthat.OtherthingshappenedthatweremeanttofitinwiththepatternofCeliaAustin—buttheydidnotfitin.Theyweremeaningless,apparentlypurposeless.Therewasevidence,too,ofmalice.AndCeliawasnotmalicious.”
“Shewasakleptomaniac?”
“Ishouldverymuchdoubtit.”
“Justanordinarypettythief,then?”
“Notinthewayyoumean.Igiveityouasmyopinionthatallthispilferingofpettyobjectswasdonetoattracttheattentionofacertainyoungman.”
“ColinMcNabb?”
“Yes.ShewasdesperatelyinlovewithColinMcNabb.Colinnevernoticedher.Insteadofanice,pretty,well-behavedyounggirl,shedisplayedherselfasaninterestingyoungcriminal.Theresultwassuccessful.ColinMcNabbimmediatelyfellforher,astheysay,inabigway.”
“Hemustbeacompletefool,then.”
“Notatall.Heisakeenpsychologist.”
“Oh,”InspectorSharpegroaned.“Oneofthose!Iunderstandnow.”Afaintgrinshowedonhisface.“Prettysmartofthegirl.”
“Surprisinglyso.”
Poirotrepeated,musingly,“Yes,surprisinglyso.”
InspectorSharpelookedalert.
“Meaningbythat,M.Poirot?”
“ThatIwondered—Istillwonder—iftheideahadbeensuggestedtoherbysomeoneelse?”
“Forwhatreason?”
“HowdoIknow?Altruism?Someulteriormotive?Oneisinthedark.”
“Anyideaastowhoitmighthavebeenwhogaveherthetip?”
“No—unless—butno—”
“Allthesame,”saidSharpe,pondering,“Idon’tquitegetit.Ifshe’sbeensimplytryingthiskleptomaniabusinesson,andit’ssucceeded,whythehellgoandcommitsuicide?”
“Theansweristhatsheshouldnothavecommittedsuicide.”
Thetwomenlookedateachother.
Poirotmurmured:
“Youarequitesurethatshedid?”
“It’sclearasday,M.Poirot.There’snoreasontobelieveotherwiseand—”
ThedooropenedandMrs.Hubbardcamein.Shelookedflushedandtriumphant.Herchinstuckoutaggressively.
“I’vegotit,”shesaidtriumphantly.“Goodmorning,M.Poirot.I’vegotit,InspectorSharpe.Itcametomequitesuddenly.Whythatsuicidenotelookedwrong,Imean.Celiacouldn’tpossiblyhavewrittenit.”
“Whynot,Mrs.Hubbard?”
“Becauseit’swritteninordinaryblueblackink.AndCeliafilledherpenwithgreenink—thatinkoverthere,”Mrs.Hubbardnoddedtowardstheshelf,“atbreakfasttimeyesterdaymorning.”
InspectorSharpe,asomewhatdifferentInspectorSharpe,camebackintotheroomwhichhehadleftabruptlyafterMrs.Hubbard’sstatement.
“Quiteright,”hesaid.“I’vecheckedup.Theonlypeninthegirl’sroom,theonethatwasbyherbed,hasgreeninkinit.Nowthatgreenink—”
Mrs.Hubbardheldupthenearlyemptybottle.
Thensheexplained,clearlyandconcisely,thesceneatthebreakfasttable.
“Ifeelsure,”sheended,“thatthescrapofpaperwastornoutofthelettershehadwrittentomeyesterday—andwhichIneveropened.”
“Whatdidshedowithit?Canyouremember?”
Mrs.Hubbardshookherhead.
“Ileftheraloneinhereandwenttodomyhousekeeping.Shemust,Ithink,haveleftitlyingsomewhereinhere,andforgottenaboutit.”
“Andsomebodyfoundit…andopenedit…somebody—”
Hebrokeoff.
“Yourealise,”hesaid,“whatthismeans?Ihaven’tbeenveryhappyaboutthistornbitofpaperallalong.Therewasquiteapileoflecturenotepaperinherroom—muchmorenaturaltowriteasuicidenoteononeofthem.Thismeansthatsomebodysawthepossibilityofusingtheopeningphraseofherlettertoyou—tosuggestsomethingverydifferent.Tosuggestsuicide—”
Hepausedandthensaidslowly:
“Thismeans—”
“Murder,”saidHerculePoirot.
ChapterEight
Thoughpersonallydeprecatinglefiveo’clockasinhibitingtheproperappreciationofthesuprememealoftheday,dinner,Poirotwasnowgettingquiteaccustomedtoservingit.
TheresourcefulGeorgehadonthisoccasionproducedlargecups,apotofreallystrongIndianteaand,inadditiontothehotandbutterysquarecrumpets,breadandjamandalargesquareofrichplumcake.
AllthisforthedelectationofInspectorSharpe,whowasleaningbackcontentedlysippinghisthirdcupoftea.
“Youdon’tmindmycomingalonglikethis,M.Poirot?I’vegotanhourtospareuntilthetimewhenthestudentswillbegettingback.Ishallwanttoquestionthemall—and,frankly,it’snotabusinessI’mlookingforwardto.YoumetsomeofthemtheothernightandIwonderedifyoucouldgivemeanyusefuldope—ontheforeigners,anyway.”
“YouthinkIamagoodjudgeofforeigners?Butmoncher,therewerenoBelgiansamongstthem.”
“NoBelg—oh,Iseewhatyoumean!Youmeanthatasyou’reaBelgian,alltheothernationalitiesareasforeigntoyouastheyaretome.Butthat’snotquitetrue,isit?ImeanyouprobablyknowmoreabouttheContinentaltypesthanIdo—thoughnottheIndiansandtheWestAfricansandthatlot.”
“YourbestassistancewillprobablybefromMrs.Hubbard.Shehasbeenthereforsomemonthsinintimateassociationwiththeseyoungpeopleandsheisquiteagoodjudgeofhumannature.”
“Yes,thoroughlycompetentwoman.I’mrelyingonher.Ishallhavetoseetheproprietressoftheplace,too.Shewasn’ttherethismorning.Ownsseveraloftheseplaces,Iunderstand,aswellassomeofthestudentclubs.Doesn’tseemtobemuchliked.”
Poirotsaidnothingforamomentortwo,thenheasked:
“YouhavebeentoSt.Catherine’s?”
“Yes.Thechiefpharmacistwasmosthelpful.Hewasmuchshockedanddistressedbythenews.”
“Whatdidhesayofthegirl?”
“She’dworkedthereforjustoverayearandwaswellliked.Hedescribedherasratherslow,butveryconscientious.”Hepausedandthenadded,“Themorphiacamefromthereallright.”
“Itdid?Thatisinteresting—andratherpuzzling.”
“Itwasmorphinetartrate.KeptinthepoisoncupboardintheDispensary.Uppershelf—amongstdrugsthatwerenotoftenused.Thehypodermictablets,ofcourse,arewhatareingeneraluse,anditappearsthatmorphinehydrochlorideismoreoftenusedthanthetartrate.Thereseemstobeakindoffashionindrugslikeeverythingelse.Doctorsseemtofollowoneanotherinprescribinglikealotofsheep.Hedidn’tsaythat.Itwasmyownthought.Therearesomedrugsintheuppershelfofthatcupboardthatwereoncepopular,buthaven’tbeenprescribedforyears.”
“Sotheabsenceofonesmalldustyphialwouldnotimmediatelybenoticed?”
“That’sright.Stocktakingisonlydoneatregularintervals.Nobodyremembersanyprescriptionwithmorphinetartrateinitforalongtime.Theabsenceofthebottlewouldn’tbenoticeduntilitwaswanted—oruntiltheywentoverstock.Thethreedispensersallhadkeysofthepoisoncupboardandthedangerousdrugcupboard.Thecupboardsareopenedasneeded,andasonabusyday(whichispracticallyeveryday)someoneisgoingtothecupboardeveryfewminutes,thecupboardisunlockedandremainsunlockedtilltheendofwork.”
“Whohasaccesstoit,otherthanCeliaherself?”
“Thetwootherwomendispensers,buttheyhavenoconnectionofanykindwithHickoryRoad.Onehasbeenthereforfouryears,theotheronlycameafewweeksago,wasformerlyatahospitalinDevon.Goodrecord.ThentherearethethreeseniorpharmacistswhohaveallbeenatSt.Catherine’sforyears.Thosearethepeoplewhohavewhatyoumightcallrightfulandnormalaccesstothecupboard.Thenthere’sanoldwomanwhoscrubsthefloors.She’stherebetweennineandteninthemorningandshecouldhavegrabbedabottleoutofthecupboardifthegirlswerebusyattheoutpatients’hatches,orattendingtothewardbaskets,butshe’sbeenworkingforthehospitalforyearsanditseemsveryunlikely.Thelabattendantcomesthroughwithstockbottlesandhe,too,couldhelphimselftoabottleifhewatchedhisopportunity—butnoneofthesesuggestionsseematallprobable.”
“WhatoutsiderscomeintotheDispensary?”
“Quitealot,onewayoranother.They’dpassthroughtheDispensarytogotothechiefpharmacist’sofficeforinstance—ortravellersfromthebigwholesaledrughouseswouldgothoughittothemanufacturingdepartments.Then,ofcourse,friendscomeinoccasionallytoseeoneofthedispensers—notausualthing,butithappens.”
“Thatisbetter.WhocameinrecentlytoseeCeliaAustin?”
Sharpeconsultedhisnotebook.
“AgirlcalledPatriciaLanecameinonTuesdayoflastweek.ShewantedCeliatocometomeetheratthepicturesaftertheDispensaryclosed.”
“PatriciaLane,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.
“Shewasonlythereaboutfiveminutesandshedidnotgonearthepoisoncupboardbutremainedneartheoutpatients’windowstalkingtoCeliaandanothergirl.Theyalsorememberacolouredgirlcoming—abouttwoweeksago—averysuperiorgirl,theysaid.Shewasinterestedintheworkandaskedquestionsaboutitandmadenotes.SpokeperfectEnglish.”
“ThatwouldbeElizabethJohnston.Shewasinterested,wasshe?”
“ItwasaWelfareClinicafternoon.Shewasinterestedintheorganisationofsuchthingsandalsoinwhatwasprescribedforsuchailmentsasinfantdiarrhoeaandskininfections.”
Poirotnodded.
“Anyoneelse?”
“Notthatcanberemembered.”
“DodoctorscometotheDispensary?”
Sharpegrinned.
“Allthetime.Officiallyandunofficially.Sometimestoaskaboutaparticularformula,ortoseewhatiskeptinstock.”
“Toseewhatiskeptinstock?”
“Yes,Ithoughtofthat.Sometimestheyaskadvice—aboutasubstituteforsomepreparationthatseemstoirritateapatient’sskinorinterferewithdigestionunduly.Sometimesaphysicianjuststrollsinforachat—slackmoment.AgoodmanyoftheyoungchapscomeinforVegeninoraspirinwhenthey’vegotahangover—andoccasionally,I’dsay,foraflirtatiouswordortwowithoneofthegirlsiftheopportunityarises.Humannatureisalwayshumannature.Youseehowitis.Prettyhopeless.”
Poirotsaid,“AndifIrecollectrightly,oneormoreofthestudentsatHickoryRoadisattachedtoSt.Catherine’s—abig,red-hairedboy—Bates—Bateman—”
“LeonardBateson.That’sright.AndColinMcNabbisdoingapostgraduatecoursethere.Thenthere’sagirl,JeanTomlinson,whoworksinthephysiotherapydepartment.”
“AndallofthesehaveprobablybeenquiteoftenintheDispensary?”
“Yes,andwhat’smore,nobodyrememberswhenbecausethey’reusedtoseeingthemandknowthembysight.JeanTomlinsonwasbywayofbeingafriendoftheseniordispenser—”
“Itisnoteasy,”saidPoirot.
“I’llsayit’snot!Yousee,anyonewhowasonthestaffcouldtakealookinthepoisoncupboard,andsay,‘WhyonearthdoyouhavesomuchLiquorArsenicalis?’orsomethinglikethat.‘Didn’tknowanybodyuseditnowadays.’Andnobodywouldthinktwiceaboutitorrememberit.”
Sharpepausedandthensaid:
“WhatwearepostulatingisthatsomeonegaveCeliaAustinmorphiaandafterwardsputthemorphiabottleandthetorn-outfragmentofletterinherroomtomakeitlooklikesuicide.Butwhy,M.Poirot,why?”
Poirotshookhishead.Sharpewenton:
“YouhintedthismorningthatsomeonemighthavesuggestedthekleptomaniaideatoCeliaAustin.”
Poirotmoveduneasily.
“Thatwasonlyavagueideaofmine.Itwasjustthatitseemeddoubtfulifshewouldhavehadthewitstothinkofitherself.”
“Thenwho?”
“AsfarasIknow,onlythreeofthestudentswouldhavebeencapableofthinkingoutsuchanidea.LeonardBatesonwouldhavehadtherequisiteknowledge.HeisawareofColin’senthusiasmfor‘maladjustedpersonalities.’HemighthavesuggestedsomethingofthekindtoCeliamoreorlessasajokeandcoachedherinherpart.ButIcannotreallyseehimconnivingatsuchathingformonthaftermonth—unless,thatis,hehadanulteriormotive,orisaverydifferentpersonfromwhatheappearstobe.(Thatisalwaysathingonemusttakeintoaccount.)NigelChapmanhasamischievousandslightlymaliciousturnofmind.He’dthinkitgoodfun,andIshouldimaginewouldhavenoscrupleswhatever.Heisakindofgrownup‘enfantterrible.’ThethirdpersonIhaveinmindisayoungwomancalledValerieHobhouse.Shehasbrains,ismoderninoutlookandeducation,andhasprobablyreadenoughpsychologytojudgeColin’sprobablereaction.IfshewerefondofCelia,shemightthinkitlegitimatefuntomakeafoolofColin.”
“LeonardBateson,NigelChapman,ValerieHobhouse,”saidSharpe,writingdownthenames.“Thanksforthetip.I’llrememberwhenI’mquestioningthem.WhatabouttheIndians?Oneofthemisamedicalstudent.”
“Hismindisentirelyoccupiedwithpoliticsandpersecutionmania,”saidPoirot.“Idon’tthinkhewouldbeinterestedenoughtosuggestkleptomaniatoCeliaAustinandIdon’tthinkshewouldhaveacceptedsuchadvicefromhim.”
“Andthat’sallthehelpyoucangiveme,M.Poirot?”saidSharpe,risingtohisfeetandbuttoningawayhisnotebook.
“Ifearso.ButIconsidermyselfpersonallyinterested—thatisifyoudonotobject,myfriend?”
“Notintheleast.WhyshouldI?”
“InmyownamateurishwayIshalldowhatIcan.Forme,thereis,Ithink,onlyonelineofaction.”
“Andthatis?”
Poirotsighed.
“Conversation,myfriend.Conversationandagainconversation!AllthemurderersIhaveevercomeacrossenjoyedtalking.Inmyopinionthestrongsilentmanseldomcommitsacrime—andifhedoesitissimple,violent,andperfectlyobvious.Butourcleversubtlemurderer—heissopleasedwithhimselfthatsoonerorlaterhesayssomethingunfortunateandtripshimselfup.Talktothesepeople,moncher,donotconfineyourselftosimpleinterrogation.Encouragetheirviews,demandtheirhelp,inquireabouttheirhunches—but,bondieu!Idonotneedtoteachyouyourbusiness.Irememberyourabilitieswellenough.”
Sharpesmiledgently.
“Yes,”hesaid,“I’vealwaysfound—well—amiability—agreathelp.”
Thetwomensmiledateachotherinmutualaccord.Sharperosetodepart.
“Isupposeeverysingleoneofthemisapossiblemurderer,”hesaidslowly.
“Ishouldthinkso,”saidPoirotnonchalantly.“LeonardBateson,forinstance,hasatemper.Hecouldlosecontrol.ValerieHobhousehasbrainsandcouldplancleverly.NigelChapmanisthechildishtypethatlacksproportion.ThereisaFrenchgirltherewhomightkillifenoughmoneywereinvolved.PatriciaLaneisamaternaltypeandmaternaltypesarealwaysruthless.TheAmericangirl,SallyFinch,ischeerfulandgay,butshecouldplayanassumedpartbetterthanmost.JeanTomlinsonisveryfullofsweetnessandrighteousnessbutwehaveallknownkillerswhoattendedSundayschoolwithsinceredevotion.TheWestIndiangirlElizabethJohnstonhasprobablythebestbrainsofanyoneinthehostel.Shehassubordinatedheremotionallifetoherbrain—thatisdangerous.ThereisacharmingyoungAfricanwhomighthavemotivesforkillingaboutwhichwecouldneverguess.WehaveColinMcNabb,thepsychologist.HowmanypsychologistsdoesoneknowtowhomitmightbesaidPhysician,healthyself?”
“Forheaven’ssake,Poirot.Youaremakingmyheadspin!Isnobodyincapableofmurder?”
“Ihaveoftenwondered,”saidHerculePoirot.
ChapterNine
InspectorSharpesighed,leanedbackinhischairandrubbedhisforeheadwithahandkerchief.HehadinterviewedanindignantandtearfulFrenchgirl,asuperciliousanduncooperativeyoungFrenchman,astolidandsuspiciousDutchman,avolubleandaggressiveEgyptian.HehadexchangedafewbriefremarkswithtwonervousyoungTurkishstudentswhodidnotreallyunderstandwhathewassayingandthesamewentforacharmingyoungIraqi.Noneofthese,hewasprettycertain,hadhadanythingtodo,orcouldhelphiminanywaywiththedeathofCeliaAustin.HehaddismissedthemonebyonewithafewreassuringwordsandwasnowpreparingtodothesametoMr.Akibombo.
TheyoungWestAfricanlookedathimwithsmilingwhiteteethandratherchildlike,plaintive,eyes.
“Ishouldliketohelp—yes—please,”hesaid.“Sheisverynicetome,thisMissCelia.ShegivemeonceaboxofEdinburghrock—veryniceconfectionwhichIdonotknowbefore.Itseemsverysadsheshouldbekilled.Isitbloodfeud,perhaps?Orisitperhapsfathersoruncleswhocomeandkillherbecausetheyhaveheardfalsestoriesthatshedowrongthings.”
InspectorSharpeassuredhimthatnoneofthesethingswereremotelypossible.Theyoungmanshookhisheadsadly.
“ThenIdonotknowwhyithappened,”hesaid.“Idonotseewhyanybodyhereshouldwanttodoharmtoher.Butyougivemepieceofherhairandnailclippings,”hecontinued,“andIseeifIfindoutbyoldmethod.Notscientific,notmodern,butverymuchinusewhereIcomefrom.”
“Well,thankyou,Mr.Akibombo,butIdon’tthinkthatwillbenecessary.We—er—don’tdothingsthatwayoverhere.”
“No,sir,Iquiteunderstand.Notmodern.Notatomicage.Notdoneathomenowbynewpolicemen—onlyoldmenfrombush.Iamsureallnewmethodsverysuperiorandsuretoachievecompletesuccess.”Mr.Akibombobowedpolitelyandremovedhimself.InspectorSharpemurmuredtohimself:
“Isincerelyhopewedomeetwithsuccess—ifonlytomaintainprestige.”
HisnextinterviewwaswithNigelChapman,whowasinclinedtotaketheconductoftheconversationintohisownhands.
“Thisisanabsolutelyextraordinarybusiness,isn’tit?”hesaid.“Mindyou,Ihadanideathatyouwerebarkingupthewrongtreewhenyouinsistedonsuicide.Imustsay,it’srathergratifyingtometothinkthatthewholethinghinges,really,onherhavingfilledherfountainpenwithmygreenink.Justtheonethingthemurderercouldn’tpossiblyforesee.Isupposeyou’vegivendueconsiderationastowhatcanpossiblybethemotiveforthiscrime?”
“I’maskingthequestions,Mr.Chapman,”saidInspectorSharpedrily.
“Oh,ofcourse,ofcourse,”saidNigel,airily,wavingahand.“Iwastryingtomakeabitofashortcutofit,thatwasall.ButIsupposewe’vegottogothroughwithalltheredtapeasusual.Name,NigelChapman.Age,twenty-five.Born,Ibelieve,inNagasaki—itreallyseemsamostridiculousplace.WhatmyfatherandmotherweredoingthereatthetimeIcan’timagine.Onaworldtour,Isuppose.However,itdoesn’tmakemenecessarilyaJapanese,Iunderstand.I’mtakingadiplomaatLondonUniversityinBronzeAgeandMedievalHistory.Anythingelseyouwanttoknow?”
“Whatisyourhomeaddress,Mr.Chapman?”
“Nohomeaddress,mydearsir.Ihaveapapa,butheandIhavequarrelled,andhisaddressisthereforenolongermine.So26HickoryRoadandCouttsBank,LeadenhallStreetBranch,willalwaysfindme,asonesaystotravellingacquaintanceswhomyouhopeyouwillnevermeetagain.”
InspectorSharpedisplayednoreactiontowardsNigel’sairyimpertinence.HehadmetNigelsbeforeandshrewdlysuspectedthatNigel’simpertinencemaskedanaturalnervousnessofbeingquestionedinconnectionwithmurder.
“HowwelldidyouknowCeliaAustin?”heasked.
“That’sreallyquiteadifficultquestion.Iknewherverywellinthesenseofseeingherpracticallyeveryday,andbeingonquitecheerfultermswithher,butactuallyIdidn’tknowheratall.Ofcourse,Iwasn’tintheleastbitinterestedinherandIthinksheprobablydisapprovedofme,ifanything.”
“Didshedisapproveofyouforanyparticularreason?”
“Well,shedidn’tlikemysenseofhumourverymuch.Then,ofcourse,Iwasn’toneofthosebrooding,rudeyoungmenlikeColinMcNabb.Thatkindofrudenessisreallytheperfecttechniqueforattractingwomen.”
“WhenwasthelasttimeyousawCeliaAustin?”
“Atdinneryesterdayevening.We’dallgivenherthebighand,youknow.Colinhadgotupandhemmedandhawedandfinallyadmitted,inacoyandbashfulway,thattheywereengaged.Thenweallraggedhimabit,andthatwasthat.”
“Wasthatatdinnerorinthecommonroom?”
“Oh,atdinner.Afterwards,whenwewentintothecommonroomColinwentoffsomewhere.”
“Andtherestofyouhadcoffeeinthecommonroom.”
“Ifyoucallthefluidtheyservecoffee—yes,”saidNigel.
“DidCeliaAustinhavecoffee?”
“Well,Isupposeso.Imean,Ididn’tactuallynoticeherhavingcoffee,butshemusthavehadit.”
“Youdidnotpersonallyhandherhercoffee,forinstance?”
“Howhorriblysuggestiveallthisis!Whenyousaidthatandlookedatmeinthatsearchingway,d’youknowIfeltquitecertainthatIhadhandedCeliahercoffeeandhadfilleditupwithstrychnine,orwhateveritwas.Hypnoticsuggestion,Isuppose,butactually,Mr.Sharpe,Ididn’tgonearher—andtobefrank,Ididn’tevennoticeherdrinkingcoffee,andIcanassureyou,whetheryoubelievemeornot,thatIhaveneverhadanypassionforCeliamyselfandthattheannouncementofherengagementtoColinMcNabbarousednofeelingsofmurderousrevengeinme.”
“I’mnotreallysuggestinganythingofthekind,Mr.Chapman,”saidSharpemildly.“UnlessI’mverymuchmistaken,there’snoparticularloveangletothis,butsomebodywantedCeliaAustinoutoftheway.Why?”
“Isimplycan’timaginewhy,Inspector.It’sreallymostintriguingbecauseCeliawasreallyamostharmlesskindofgirl,ifyouknowwhatImean.Slowontheuptake;abitofabore;thoroughlynice;andabsolutely,Ishouldsay,notthekindofgirltogetherselfmurdered.”
“WereyousurprisedwhenyoufoundthatitwasCeliaAustinwhohadbeenresponsibleforthevariousdisappearances,thefts,etcetera,inthisplace?”
“Mydearman,youcouldhaveknockedmeoverwithafeather!Mostuncharacteristic,that’swhatIthought.”
“Youdidn’t,perhaps,putheruptodoingthesethings?”
Nigel’sstareofsurpriseseemedquitegenuine.
“I?Putheruptoit?WhyshouldI?”
“Well,thatwouldberatherthequestion,wouldn’tit?Somepeoplehaveafunnysenseofhumour.”
“Well,really,Imaybedense,butIcan’tseeanythingamusingaboutallthissillypilferingthat’sbeengoingon.”
“Notyourideaofajoke?”
“Itneveroccurredtomeitwasmeanttobefunny.Surely,Inspector,thetheftswerepurelypsychological?”
“YoudefinitelyconsiderthatCeliaAustinwasakleptomaniac?”
“Butsurelytherecan’tbeanyotherexplanation,Inspector?”
“Perhapsyoudon’tknowasmuchaboutkleptomaniacsasIdo,Mr.Chapman.”
“Well,Ireallycan’tthinkofanyotherexplanation.”
“Youdon’tthinkit’spossiblethatsomeonemighthaveputMissAustinuptoallthisasameansof—say—arousingMr.McNabb’sinterestinher?”
Nigel’seyesglistenedwithappreciativemalice.
“Nowthatreallyisamostdivertingexplanation,Inspector,”hesaid.“Youknow,whenIthinkofit,it’sperfectlypossibleandofcourseoldColinwouldswallowit,line,hookandsinker.”Nigelsavouredthiswithmuchgleeforasecondortwo.Thenheshookhisheadsadly.
“ButCeliawouldn’thaveplayed,”hesaid.“Shewassoppyabouthim.”
“You’venotheoryofyourown,Mr.Chapman,aboutthethingsthathavebeengoingoninthishouse?About,forinstance,thespillingofinkoverMissJohnston’spapers?”
“Ifyou’rethinkingIdidit,InspectorSharpe,that’squiteuntrue.Ofcourse,itlookslikemebecauseofthegreenink,butifyouaskme,thatwasjustspite.”
“Whatwasspite?”
“Usingmyink.Somebodydeliberatelyusedmyinktomakeitlooklikeme.There’salotofspiteabouthere,Inspector.”
TheInspectorlookedathimsharply.
“Nowwhatexactlydoyoumeanbyalotofspiteabout?”
ButNigelimmediatelydrewbackintohisshellandbecamenoncommittal.
“Ididn’tmeananythingreally—justthatwhenalotofpeoplearecoopeduptogether,theygetratherpetty.”
ThenextpersononInspectorSharpe’slistwasLeonardBateson.LenBatesonwasevenlessathiseasethanNigel,thoughitshowedinadifferentway.Hewassuspiciousandtruculent.
“Allright!”heburstout,afterthefirstroutineinquirieswereconcluded.“IpouredoutCelia’scoffeeandgaveittoher.Sowhat?”
“Yougaveherherafter-dinnercoffee—isthatwhatyou’resaying,Mr.Bateson?”
“Yes.AtleastIfilledthecupupfromtheurnandputitdownbesideherandyoucanbelieveitornot,buttherewasnomorphiainit.”
“Yousawherdrinkit?”
“No,Ididn’tactuallyseeherdrinkit.WewereallmovingaroundandIgotintoanargumentwithsomeonejustafterthat.Ididn’tnoticewhenshedrankit.Therewereotherpeopleroundher.”
“Isee.Infact,whatyouaresayingisthatanybodycouldhavedroppedmorphiaintohercoffeecup?”
“Youtryandputanythinginanyone’scup!Everybodywouldseeyou.”
“Notnecessarily,”saidSharpe.
Lenburstoutaggressively:
“WhatthehelldoyouthinkIwanttopoisonthekidfor?I’venothingagainsther.”
“I’venotsuggestedthatyoudidwanttopoisonher.”
“Shetookthestuffherself.Shemusthavetakenitherself.There’snootherexplanation.”
“Wemightthinkso,ifitweren’tforthatfakedsuicidenote.”
“Fakedmyhat!Shewroteit,didn’tshe?”
“Shewroteitaspartofaletter,earlythatmorning.”
“Well—shecouldhavetornabitoutanduseditasasuicidenote.”
“Comenow,Mr.Bateson.Ifyouwantedtowriteasuicidenoteyou’dwriteone.Youwouldn’ttakealetteryou’dwrittentosomebodyelseandcarefullytearoutoneparticularphrase.”
“Imightdo.Peopledoallsortsoffunnythings.”
“Inthatcase,whereistherestoftheletter?”
“HowshouldIknow?That’syourbusiness,notmine.”
“I’mmakingitmybusiness.You’dbewelladvised,Mr.Bateson,toanswermyquestionscivilly.”
“Well,whatdoyouwanttoknow?Ididn’tkillthegirl,andI’dnomotiveforkillingher.”
“Youlikedher?”
Lensaidlessaggressively:
“Ilikedherverymuch.Shewasanicekid.Abitdumb,butnice.”
“Youbelievedherwhensheowneduptohavingcommittedthetheftswhichhadbeenworryingeveryoneforsometimepast?”
“Well,Ibelievedher,ofcourse,sinceshesaidso.ButImustsayitseemedodd.”
“Youdidn’tthinkitwasalikelythingforhertodo?”
“Well,no.Notreally.”
Leonard’struculencehadsubsidednowthathewasnolongeronthedefensiveandwasgivinghismindtoaproblemwhichobviouslyintriguedhim.
“Shedidn’tseemtobethetypeofakleptomaniac,ifyouknowwhatImean,”hesaid.“Norathiefeither.”
“Andyoucan’tthinkofanyotherreasonforherhavingdonewhatshedid?”
“Otherreason?Whatotherreasoncouldtherebe?”
“Well,shemighthavewantedtoarousetheinterestofMr.ColinMcNabb.”
“That’sabitfar-fetched,isn’tit?”
“Butitdidarousehisinterest.”
“Yes,ofcourseitdid.OldColin’sabsolutelydeadkeenonanykindofpsychologicalabnormality.”
“Well,then.IfCeliaAustinknewthat….”
Lenshookhishead.
“You’rewrongthere.Shewouldn’thavebeencapableofthinkingathinglikethatout.Ofplanningit,Imean.Shehadn’tgottheknowledge.”
“You’vegottheknowledge,though,haven’tyou?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Imeanthat,outofapurelykindintention,youmighthavesuggestedsomethingofthekindtoher.”
Lengaveashortlaugh.
“ThinkI’ddoadamfoolthinglikethat?You’recrazy.”
TheInspectorshiftedhisground.
“DoyouthinkthatCeliaAustinspilledtheinkoverElizabethJohnston’spapersordoyouthinksomeoneelsedidit?”
“Someoneelse.Celiasaidshedidn’tdothatandIbelieveher.CelianevergotriledbyBess;notlikesomeotherpeopledid.”
“Whogotriledbyher—andwhy?”
“Shetickedpeopleoff,youknow.”Lenthoughtaboutitforamomentortwo.“Anyonewhomadearashstatement.She’dlookacrossthetableandshe’dsay,inthatprecisewayofhers,‘I’mafraidthatisnotborneoutbythefacts.Ithasbeenwellestablishedbystatisticsthat…’Somethingofthatkind.Well,itwasriling,youknow—especiallytopeoplewholikemakingrashstatements,likeNigelChapmanforinstance.”
“Ahyes.NigelChapman.”
“Anditwasgreenink,too.”
“SoyouthinkitwasNigelwhodidit?”
“Well,it’spossible,atleast.He’saspitefulsortofcove,youknow,andIthinkhemighthaveabitofracialfeeling.Abouttheonlyoneofuswhohas.”
“CanyouthinkofanybodyelsewhoMissJohnstonannoyedwithherexactitudeandherhabitofcorrection?”
“Well,ColinMcNabbwasn’ttoopleasednowandagain,andshegotJeanTomlinson’sgoatonceortwice.”
SharpeaskedafewmoredesultoryquestionsbutLenBatesonhadnothingusefultoadd.NextSharpesawValerieHobhouse.
Valeriewascool,elegant,andwary.Shedisplayedmuchlessnervousnessthaneitherofthemenhaddone.ShehadbeenfondofCelia,shesaid.CeliawasnotparticularlybrightanditwasratherpatheticthewayshehadsetherheartonColinMcNabb.
“Doyouthinkshewasakleptomaniac,MissHobhouse?”
“Well,Isupposeso.Idon’treallyknowmuchaboutthesubject.”
“Doyouthinkanyonehadputheruptodoingwhatshedid?”
Valerieshruggedhershoulders.
“YoumeaninordertoattractthatpompousassColin?”
“You’reveryquickonthepoint,MissHobhouse.Yes,that’swhatImean.Youdidn’tsuggestittoheryourself,Isuppose?”
Valerielookedamused.
“Well,hardly,mydearman,consideringthataparticularlyfavouritescarfofminewascuttoribbons.I’mnotsoaltruisticasthat.”
“Doyouthinkanyoneelsesuggestedittoher?”
“Ishouldhardlythinkso.Ishouldsayitwasjustnaturalonherpart.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbynatural?”
“Well,IfirsthadasuspicionthatitwasCeliawhenallthefusshappenedaboutSally’sshoe.CeliawasjealousofSally.SallyFinch,I’mtalkingabout.She’sfarandawaythemostattractivegirlhereandColinpaidherafairamountofattention.SoonthenightofthispartySally’sshoedisappearsandshehastogoinanoldblackdressandblackshoes.TherewasCelialookingassmugasacatthat’sswallowedcreamaboutit.Mindyou,Ididn’tsuspectherofallthesepettythievingsofbraceletsandcompacts.”
“Whodidyouthinkwasresponsibleforthose?”
Valerieshruggedhershoulders.
“Oh,Idon’tknow.Oneofthecleaningwomen,Ithought.”
“Andtheslashedrucksack?”
“Wasthereaslashedrucksack?I’dforgotten.Thatseemsverypointless.”
“You’vebeenhereagoodlongtime,haven’tyou,MissHobhouse?”
“Well,yes.IshouldsayI’mprobablytheoldestinhabitant.Thatistosay,I’vebeenheretwoyearsandahalfnow.”
“Soyouprobablyknowmoreaboutthishostelthananybodyelse?”
“Ishouldsayso,yes.”
“HaveyouanyideasofyourownaboutCeliaAustin’sdeath?Anyideaofthemotivethatunderlayit?”
Valerieshookherhead.Herfacewasseriousnow.
“No,”shesaid.“Itwasahorriblethingtohappen.Ican’tseeanybodywhocouldpossiblyhavewantedCeliatodie.Shewasanice,harmlesschild,andshe’djustgotengagedtobemarried,and….”
“Yes.And?”theInspectorprompted.
“Iwonderedifthatwaswhy,”saidValerieslowly.“Becauseshe’dgotengaged.Becauseshewasgoingtobehappy.Butthatmeans,doesn’tit,somebody—well—mad.”
Shesaidthewordwithalittleshiver,andInspectorSharpelookedatherthoughtfully.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Wecan’tquiteruleoutmadness.”Hewenton,“HaveyouanytheoryaboutthedamagedonetoElizabethJohnston’snotesandpapers?”
“No.Thatwasaspitefulthing,too.Idon’tbelieveforamomentthatCeliawoulddoathinglikethat.”
“Anyideawhoitcouldhavebeen?”
“Well…Notareasonableidea.”
“Butanunreasonableone?”
“Youdon’twanttohearsomethingthat’sjustahunch,doyou,Inspector?”
“I’dliketohearahunchverymuch.I’llacceptitassuch,andit’llonlybebetweenourselves.”
“Well,Imayprobablybequitewrong,butI’vegotasortofideathatitwasPatriciaLane’swork.”
“Indeed!Nowyoudosurpriseme,MissHobhouse.Ishouldn’thavethoughtofPatriciaLane.Sheseemsaverywell-balanced,amiable,younglady.”
“Idon’tsayshediddoit.Ijusthadasortofideashemighthavedone.”
“Forwhatreasoninparticular?”
“Well,PatriciadislikedBlackBess.BlackBesswasalwaystickingoffPatricia’sbelovedNigel,puttinghimright,youknow,whenhemadesillystatementsinthewayhedoessometimes.”
“YouthinkitwasmorelikelytohavebeenPatriciaLanethanNigelhimself?”
“Oh,yes.Idon’tthinkNigelwouldbother,andhe’dcertainlynotgousinghisownpetbrandofink.He’sgotplentyofbrains.Butit’sjustthesortofstupidthingthatPatriciawoulddowithoutthinkingthatitmightinvolveherpreciousNigelasasuspect.”
“Oragain,itmightbesomebodywhohadadownonNigelChapmanandwantedtosuggestthatitwashisdoing?”
“Yes,that’sanotherpossibility.”
“WhodislikesNigelChapman?”
“Oh,well,JeanTomlinsonforone.AndheandLenBatesonarealwaysscrappingagooddeal.”
“Haveyouanyideas,MissHobhouse,howmorphiacouldhavebeenadministeredtoCeliaAustin?”
“I’vebeenthinkingandthinking.Ofcourse,Isupposethecoffeeisthemostobviousway.Wewereallmillingaroundinthecommonroom.Celia’scoffeewasonasmalltablenearherandshealwayswaiteduntilhercoffeewasnearlycoldbeforeshedrankit.Isupposeanybodywhohadsufficientnervecouldhavedroppedatabletorsomethingintohercupwithoutbeingseen,butitwouldberatherarisktotake.Imean,it’sthesortofthingthatmightbenoticedquiteeasily.”
“Themorphia,”saidInspectorSharpe,“wasnotintabletform.”
“Whatwasit?Powder?”
“Yes.”
Valeriefrowned.
“Thatwouldberathermoredifficult,wouldn’tit?”
“Anythingelsebesidescoffeeyoucanthinkof?”
“Shesometimeshadaglassofhotmilkbeforeshewenttobed.Idon’tthinkshedidthatnight,though.”
“Canyoudescribetomeexactlywhathappenedthateveninginthecommonroom?”
“Well,asIsay,weallsatabout,talked;somebodyturnedthewirelesson.Mostoftheboys,Ithink,wentout.CeliawentuptobedfairlyearlyandsodidJeanTomlinson.SallyandIsatontherefairlylate.IwaswritinglettersandSallywasmuggingoversomenotes.IratherthinkIwasthelasttogouptobed.”
“Itwasjustausualevening,infact?”
“Absolutely,Inspector.”
“Thankyou,MissHobhouse.WillyousendMissLanetomenow?”
PatriciaLanelookedworried,butnotapprehensive.Questionsandanswerselicitednothingverynew.AskedaboutthedamagetoElizabethJohnston’spapersPatriciasaidthatshehadnodoubtthatCeliahadbeenresponsible.
“Butshedeniedit,MissLane,veryvehemently.”
“Well,ofcourse,”saidPatricia.“Shewould.Ithinkshewasashamedofhavingdoneit.Butitfitsin,doesn’tit,withalltheotherthings?”
“DoyouknowwhatIfindaboutthiscase,MissLane?Thatnothingfitsinverywell.”
“Isuppose,”saidPatricia,flushing,“thatyouwouldthinkitwasNigelwhomessedupBess’spapers.Becauseoftheink.That’ssuchabsolutenonsense.Imean,Nigelwouldn’thaveusedhisowninkifhe’ddoneathinglikethat.Hewouldn’tbesuchafool.Butanyway,hewouldn’tdoit.”
“Hedidn’talwaysgetonverywellwithMissJohnston,didhe?”
“Oh,shehadanannoyingmannersometimes,buthedidn’treallymind.”PatriciaLaneleanedforwardearnestly.“Iwouldliketotryandmakeyouunderstandoneortwothings,Inspector.AboutNigelChapman,Imean.Yousee,Nigelisreallyverymuchhisownworstenemy.I’mthefirsttoadmitthathe’sgotaverydifficultmanner.Itprejudicespeopleagainsthim.He’srudeandsarcasticandmakesfunofpeople,andsoheputspeople’sbacksupandtheythinktheworstofhim.Butreallyhe’squitedifferentfromwhatheseems.He’soneofthoseshy,ratherunhappypeoplewhoreallywanttobelikedbutwho,fromakindofspiritofcontradiction,findthemselvessayinganddoingtheoppositetowhattheymeantosayanddo.”
“Ah,”saidInspectorSharpe.“Ratherunfortunateforthem,that.”
“Yes,buttheyreallycan’thelpit,youknow.Itcomesfromhavinghadanunfortunatechildhood.Nigelhadaveryunhappyhomelife.Hisfatherwasveryharshandsevereandneverunderstoodhim.Andhisfathertreatedhismotherverybadly.AftershediedtheyhadthemostterrificquarrelandNigelflungoutofthehouse,andhisfathersaidthathe’dnevergivehimapennyandhemustgetonaswellashecouldwithoutanyhelpfromhim.Nigelsaidhedidn’twantanyhelpfromhisfather;andwouldn’ttakeitifitwasoffered.Asmallamountofmoneycametohimunderhismother’swill,andheneverwrotetohisfatherorwentnearhimagain.Ofcourse,Ithinkthatwasapityinaway,butthere’snodoubtthathisfatherisaveryunpleasantman.Idon’twonderthatthat’smadeNigelbitteranddifficulttogetonwith.Sincehismotherdied,he’sneverhadanyonetocareforhimandlookafterhim.Hishealth’snotbeengood,thoughhismindisbrilliant.Heishandicappedinlifeandhejustcan’tshowhimselfashereallyis.”
PatriciaLanestopped.Shewasflushedandalittlebreathlessastheresultofherlongearnestspeech.InspectorSharpelookedatherthoughtfully.HehadcomeacrossmanyPatriciaLanesbefore.“Inlovewiththechap,”hethoughttohimself.“Don’tsupposehecarestwopenceforher,butprobablyacceptsbeingmothered.Fathercertainlysoundsacantankerousoldcuss,butIdaresaythemotherwasafoolishwomanwhospoilthersonandbydotingonhim,widenedthebreachbetweenhimandhisfather.I’veseenenoughofthatkindofthing.”HewonderedifNigelChapmanhadbeenattractedatalltoCeliaAustin.Itseemedunlikely,butitmightbeso.“Andifso,”hethought,“PatriciaLanemighthavebitterlyresentedthefact.”Resenteditenoughtodomurder?Surelynot—andinanycase,thefactthatCeliahadgotengagedtoColinMcNabbwouldsurelywashthatoutasapossiblemotiveformurder.HedismissedPatriciaLaneandaskedforJeanTomlinson.
ChapterTen
MissTomlinsonwasasevere-lookingyoungwomanoftwenty-seven,withfairhair,regularfeaturesandaratherpursed-upmouth.Shesatdownandsaidprimly:
“Yes,Inspector?WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Iwonderifyoucanhelpusatall,MissTomlinson,aboutthisverytragicmatter.”
“It’sshocking.Reallyquiteshocking,”saidJean.“ItwasbadenoughwhenwethoughtCeliahadcommittedsuicide,butnowthatit’ssupposedtobemurder…”Shestoppedandshookherhead,sadly.
“Wearefairlysurethatshedidnotpoisonherself,”saidSharpe.“Youknowwherethepoisoncamefrom?”
Jeannodded.
“IgatheritcamefromSt.Catherine’sHospital,wheresheworks.Butsurelythatmakesitseemmorelikesuicide?”
“Itwasintendedto,nodoubt,”saidtheinspector.
“ButwhoelsecouldpossiblyhavegotthatpoisonexceptCelia?”
“Quitealotofpeople,”saidInspectorSharpe,“iftheyweredeterminedtodoso.Evenyou,yourself,MissTomlinson,”hesaid,“mighthavemanagedtohelpyourselftoitifyouhadwishedtodoso.”
“Really,InspectorSharpe!”Jean’stonesweresharpwithindignation.
“Well,youvisitedtheDispensaryfairlyoften,didn’tyou,MissTomlinson?”
“IwentintheretoseeMildredCarey,yes.ButnaturallyIwouldneverhavedreamedoftamperingwiththepoisoncupboard.”
“Butyoucouldhavedoneso?”
“Icertainlycouldn’thavedoneanythingofthekind!”
“Oh,comenow,MissTomlinson.Saythatyourfriendwasbusypackingupthewardbasketsandtheothergirlwasattheoutpatients’window.Therearefrequenttimeswhenthereareonlytwodispensersinthefrontroom.Youcouldhavewanderedcasuallyroundthebackoftheshelvesofbottlesthatrunacrossthemiddleofthefloor.Youcouldhavenippedabottleoutofthecupboardandintoyourpocket,andneitherofthetwodispenserswouldhavedreamedofwhatyouhaddone.”
“Iresentwhatyousayverymuch,InspectorSharpe.It’s—it’sa—disgracefulaccusation.”
“Butit’snotanaccusation,MissTomlinson.It’snothingofthekind.Youmustn’tmisunderstandme.Yousaidtomethatitwasn’tpossibleforyoutodosuchathing,andI’mtryingtoshowyouthatitwaspossible.I’mnotsuggestingforamomentthatyoudidso.Afterall,”headded,“whyshouldyou?”
“Quiteso.Youdon’tseemtorealise,InspectorSharpe,thatIwasafriendofCelia’s.”
“Quitealotofpeoplegetpoisonedbytheirfriends.There’sacertainquestionwehavetoaskourselvessometimes.‘Whenisafriendnotafriend?’”
“TherewasnodisagreementbetweenmeandCelia;nothingofthekind.Ilikedherverymuch.”
“Hadyouanyreasontosuspectitwasshewhohadbeenresponsibleforthesetheftsinthehouse?”
“No,indeed.Iwasneversosurprisedinmylife.IalwaysthoughtCeliahadhighprinciples.Iwouldn’thavedreamedofherdoingsuchathing.”
“Ofcourse,”saidSharpe,watchinghercarefully,“kleptomaniacscan’treallyhelpthemselves,canthey?”
JeanTomlinson’slipspursedthemselvestogetherevenmoreclosely.Thensheopenedthemandspoke.
“Ican’tsayIcanquitesubscribetothatidea,InspectorSharpe.I’mold-fashionedinmyviewsandbelievethatstealingisstealing.”
“YouthinkthatCeliastolethingsbecause,frankly,shewantedtotakethem?”
“CertainlyIdo.”
“Plaindishonest,infact?”
“I’mafraidso.”
“Ah!”saidInspectorSharpe,shakinghishead.“That’sbad.”
“Yes,it’salwaysupsettingwhenyoufeelyou’redisappointedinanyone.”
“Therewasaquestion,Iunderstand,ofourbeingcalledin—thepolice,Imean.”
“Yes.Thatwouldhavebeentherightthingtodoinmyopinion.”
“Perhapsyouthinkitoughttohavebeendoneanyway?”
“Ithinkitwouldhavebeentherightthing.Yes,Idon’tthink,youknow,peopleoughttobeallowedtogetawaywiththesethings.”
“Withcallingoneselfakleptomaniacwhenoneisreallyathief,doyoumean?”
“Well,moreorless,yes—thatiswhatImean.”
“InsteadofwhicheverythingwasendinghappilyandMissAustinhadweddingbellsahead.”
“Ofcourse,oneisn’tsurprisedatanythingColinMcNabbdoes,”saidJeanTomlinsonviciously.“I’msurehe’sanatheistandamostdisbelieving,mocking,unpleasantyoungman.He’srudetoeverybody.It’smyopinionthathe’sacommunist!”
“Ah!”saidInspectorSharpe.“Bad!”Heshookhishead.
“HebackedupCelia,Ithink,becausehehasn’tgotanyproperfeelingaboutproperty.Heprobablythinkseveryoneshouldhelpthemselvestoeverythingtheywant.”
“Still,atanyrate,”saidInspectorSharpe,“MissAustindidownup.”
“Aftershewasfoundout.Yes,”saidJeansharply.
“Whofoundherout?”
“ThatMr.—what-was-his-name…Poirot,whocame.”
“Butwhydoyouthinkhefoundherout,MissTomlinson?Hedidn’tsayso.Hejustadvisedcallinginthepolice.”
“Hemusthaveshownherthatheknew.Sheobviouslyknewthegamewasupandrushedofftoconfess.”
“WhatabouttheinkonElizabethJohnston’spapers?Didsheconfesstothat?”
“Ireallydon’tknow.Isupposeso.”
“Yousupposewrong,”saidSharpe.“Shedeniedmostvehementlythatshehadanythingtodowiththat.”
“Well,perhapsthatmaybeso.Imustsayitdoesn’tseemverylikely.”
“YouthinkitismorelikelythatitwasNigelChapman?”
“No,Idon’tthinkNigelwoulddothateither.Ithinkit’smuchmorelikelytobeMr.Akibombo.”
“Really?Whyshouldhedoit?”
“Jealousy.Allthesecolouredpeopleareveryjealousofeachotherandveryhysterical.”
“That’sinteresting,MissTomlinson.WhenwasthelasttimeyousawCeliaAustin?”
“AfterdinneronFridaynight.”
“Whowentuptobedfirst?Didsheordidyou?”
“Idid.”
“Youdidnotgotoherroomorseeherafteryou’dleftthecommonroom?”
“No.”
“Andyou’venoideawhocouldhaveintroducedmorphiaintohercoffee—ifitwasgiventhatway?”
“Noideaatall.”
“Youneversawmorphialyingaboutthehouseorinanyone’sroom?”
“No.No,Idon’tthinkso.”
“Youdon’tthinkso?Whatdoyoumeanbythat,MissTomlinson?”
“Well,Ijustwondered.Therewasthatsillybet,youknow.”
“Whatbet?”
“One—oh,twoorthreeoftheboyswerearguing—”
“Whatweretheyarguingabout?”
“Murder,andwaysofdoingit.Poisoninginparticular.”
“Whowasconcernedinthediscussion?”
“Well,IthinkColinandNigelstartedit,andthenLenBatesonchippedinandPatriciawastheretoo—”
“Canyouremember,ascloselyaspossible,whatwassaidonthatoccasion—howtheargumentwent?”
JeanTomlinsonreflectedafewmoments.
“Well,itstarted,Ithink,withadiscussiononmurderingbypoisoning,sayingthatthedifficultywastogetholdofthepoison,thatthemurdererwasusuallytracedbyeitherthesaleofthepoisonorhavinganopportunitytogetit,andNigelsaidthatwasn’tatallnecessary.Hesaidthathecouldthinkofthreedistinctwaysbywhichanyonecouldgetholdofpoison,andnobodywouldeverknowtheyhadit.LenBatesonsaidthenthathewastalkingthroughhishat.Nigelsaidnohewasn’t,andhewasquitepreparedtoproveit.PatsaidthatofcourseNigelwasquiteright.ShesaidthateitherLenorColincouldprobablyhelpthemselvestopoisonanytimetheylikedfromahospital,andsocouldCelia,shesaid.AndNigelsaidthatwasn’twhathemeantatall.HesaiditwouldbenoticedifCeliatookanythingfromtheDispensary.Soonerorlaterthey’dlookforitandfinditgone.AndPatsaidno,notifshetookthebottleandemptiedsomestuffoutandfilleditupwithsomethingelse.Colinlaughedthenandsaidthere’dbeveryseriouscomplaintsfromthepatientsoneofthesedays,inthatcase.ButNigelsaidofcoursehedidn’tmeanspecialopportunities.Hesaidthathehimself,whohadn’tgotanyparticularaccess,eitherasadoctorordispenser,couldjollywellgetthreedifferentkindsofpoisonbythreedifferentmethods.LenBatesonsaid,‘Allright,then,butwhatareyourmethods?’andNigelsaid,‘Ishan’ttellyou,now,butI’mpreparedtobetyouthatwithinthreeweeksIcanproducesamplesofthreedeadlypoisonshere,’andLenBatesonsaidhe’dbethimafiverhecouldn’tdoit.”
“Well?”saidInspectorSharpe,whenJeanstopped.
“Well,nothingmorecameofit,Ithink,forsometimeandthen,oneeveninginthecommonroom,Nigelsaid,‘Nowthen,chaps,lookhere—I’masgoodasmyword,’andhethrewdownthreethingsonthetable.Hehadatubeofhyoscinetablets,andabottleoftinctureofdigitalin,andatinybottleofmorphinetartrate.”
Theinspectorsaidsharply:
“Morphinetartrate.Anylabelonit?”
“Yes,ithadSt.Catherine’sHospitalonit.Idorememberthatbecause,naturally,itcaughtmyeye.”
“Andtheothers?”
“Ididn’tnotice.Theywerenothospitalstores,Ishouldsay.”
“Whathappenednext?”
“Well,ofcourse,therewasalotoftalkandjawing,andLenBatesonsaid,‘Comenow,ifyou’ddoneamurderthiswouldbetracedtoyousoonenough,’andNigelsaid,‘Notabitofit.I’malayman.I’venoconnectionwithanyclinicorhospitalandnobodywillconnectmeforonemomentwiththese.Ididn’tbuythemoverthecounter,’andColinMcNabbtookhispipeoutofhisteethandsaid,‘No,you’dcertainlynotbeabletodothat.There’snochemistwouldsellyouthosethreethingswithoutadoctor’sprescription.’Anyway,theyarguedabitbutintheendLensaidhe’dpayup.Hesaid,‘Ican’tdoitnow,becauseI’mabitshortofcash,butthere’snodoubtaboutit;Nigel’sprovedhispoint,’andthenhesaid,‘Whatarewegoingtodowiththeguiltyspoils?’Nigelgrinnedandsaidwe’dbettergetridofthembeforeanyaccidentsoccurred,sotheyemptiedoutthetubeandthrewthetabletsonthefireandemptiedoutthepowderfromthemorphinetartrateandthrewthatonthefiretoo.Thetinctureofdigitalistheypoureddownthelavatory.”
“Andthebottles?”
“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtothebottles…Ishouldthinktheyprobablywerejustthrownintothewastepaperbasket?”
“Butthepoisonitselfwasdestroyed?”
“Yes.I’msureofthat.Isawit.”
“Andthatwas—when?”
“About,oh,justoverafortnightago,Ithink.”
“Isee.Thankyou,MissTomlinson.”
Jeanlingered,clearlywantingtobetoldmore.
“D’youthinkitmightbeimportant?”
“Itmightbe.Onecan’ttell.”
InspectorSharperemainedbroodingforafewmoments.ThenhehadNigelChapmaninagain.
“I’vejusthadaratherinterestingstatementfromMissJeanTomlinson,”hesaid.
“Ah!Who’sdearJeanbeenpoisoningyourmindagainst?Me?”
“She’sbeentalkingaboutpoison,andinconnectionwithyou,Mr.Chapman.”
“Poisonandme?Whatonearth?”
“DoyoudenythatsomeweeksagoyouhadawagerwithMr.Batesonaboutmethodsofobtainingpoisoninsomewaythatcouldnotbetracedtoyou?”
“Oh,that!”Nigelwassuddenlyenlightened.“Yes,ofcourse!FunnyIneverthoughtofthat.Idon’tevenrememberJeanbeingthere.Butyoudon’tthinkitcouldhaveanypossiblesignificance,doyou?”
“Well,onedoesn’tknow.Youadmitthefact,then?”
“Ohyes,wewerearguingonthesubject.ColinandLenwerebeingverysuperiorandhigh-handedaboutitsoItoldthemthatwithalittleingenuityanyonecouldgetholdofasuitablesupplyofpoison—infactIsaidIcouldthinkofthreedistinctwaysofdoingit,andI’dprovemypoint,Isaid,byputtingthemintopractice.”
“Whichyouthenproceededtodo?”
“WhichIthenproceededtodo,Inspector.”
“Andwhatwerethosethreemethods,Mr.Chapman?”
Nigelputhisheadalittleononeside
“Aren’tyouaskingmetoincriminatemyself?”hesaid.“Surelyyououghttowarnme?”
“Ithasn’tcometowarningyouyet,Mr.Chapman,but,ofcourse,there’snoneedforyoutoincriminateyourself,asyouputit.Infactyou’reperfectlyentitledtorefusemyquestionsifyouliketodoso.”
“Idon’tknowthatIwanttorefuse.”Nigelconsideredforamomentortwo,aslightsmileplayingroundhislips
“Ofcourse,”hesaid,“whatIdidwas,nodoubt,againstthelaw.Youcouldhaulmeinforitifyouliked.Ontheotherhand,thisisamurdercaseandifit’sgotanybearingonpoorlittleCelia’sdeathIsupposeIoughttotellyou.”
“Thatwouldcertainlybethesensiblepointofviewtotake.”
“Allrightthen.I’lltalk.”
“Whatwerethesethreemethods?”
“Well.”Nigelleantbackinhischair.“One’salwaysreadinginthepapers,isn’tone,aboutdoctorslosingdangerousdrugsfromacar?Peoplearebeingwarnedaboutit.”
“Yes.”
“Well,itoccurredtomethatoneverysimplemethodwouldbetogodowntothecountry,followaGPaboutonhisrounds,whenoccasionoffered—justopenthecar,lookinthedoctor’scase,andextractwhatyouwanted.Yousee,inthesecountrydistricts,thedoctordoesn’talwaystakehiscaseintothehouse.Itdependswhatsortofpatienthe’sgoingtosee.”
“Well?”
“Well,that’sall.That’stosaythat’sallformethodnumberone.IhadtosleuththreedoctorsuntilIfoundasuitablycarelessone.WhenIdid,itwassimplicityitself.Thecarwasleftoutsideafarmhouseinaratherlonelyspot.Iopenedthedoor,lookedatthecase,tookoutatubeofhyoscinehydrobromide,andthatwasthat.”
“Ah!Andmethodnumbertwo?”
“ThatentailedjustalittlepumpingofdearCelia,asamatteroffact.Shewasquiteunsuspicious.Itoldyoushewasastupidgirl,shehadnoideawhatIwasdoing.IsimplytalkedabitaboutthemumbojumboLatinofdoctors’prescriptions,andaskedhertowritemeoutaprescriptioninthewayadoctorwritesit,fortincturedigitalin.She
“Veryingenious,”saidInspectorSharpedrily.
“Iamincriminatingmyself!Icanhearitinyourvoice.”
“Andthethirdmethod?”
Nigeldidnotreplyatonce.Thenhesaid:
“Lookhere.WhatexactlyamIlettingmyselfinfor?”
“Thetheftofdrugsfromanunlockedcarislarceny,”saidInspectorSharpe.“Forgingaprescription….”
Nigelinterruptedhim.
“Notexactlyforging,isit?Imean,Ididn’tobtainmoneybyit,anditwasn’texactlyanimitationofanydoctor’ssignature.Imean,ifIwriteaprescriptionandwriteHRJamesonit,youcan’tsayI’mforginganyparticularDr.James’sname,canyou?”Hewentonwithratherawrysmile.“YouseewhatImean?I’mstickingmyneckout.Ifyouliketoturnnastyoverthis—well—I’mobviouslyforit.Ontheotherhand,if….”
“Yes,Mr.Chapman,ontheotherhand?”
Nigelsaidwithasuddenpassion:
“Idon’tlikemurder.It’sabeastly,horriblething.Celia,poorlittledevil,didn’tdeservetobemurdered.Iwanttohelp.Butdoesithelp?Ican’tseethatitdoes.Tellingyoumypeccadilloes,Imean.”
“Thepolicehaveagooddealoflatitude,Mr.Chapman.It’suptothemtolookuponcertainhappeningsasalight-heartedprankofanirresponsiblenature.Iacceptyourassurancethatyouwanttohelpinthesolvingofthisgirl’smurder.Nowpleasegoon,andtellmeaboutyourthirdmethod.”
“Well,”saidNigel,“we’recomingfairlynearthebonenow.Itwasabitmoreriskythantheothertwo,butatthesametimeitwasagreatdealmorefun.Yousee,I’dbeentovisitCeliaonceortwiceinherDispensary.Iknewthelayofthelandthere….”
“Soyouwereabletopinchthebottleoutofthecupboard?”
“No,no,nothingassimpleasthat.Thatwouldn’thavebeenfairfrommypointofview.And,incidentally,ifithadbeenarealmurder—thatis,ifIhadbeenstealingthepoisonforthepurposeofmurder—itwouldprobablyberememberedthatIhadbeenthere.Actually,Ihadn’tbeeninCelia’sDispensaryforaboutsixmonths.No,IknewthatCeliaalwayswentintothebackroomateleven-fifteenforwhatyoumightcall‘elevenses,’thatis,acupofcoffeeandabiscuit.Thegirlswentinturn,twoatatime.Therewasanewgirltherewhohadonlyjustcomeandshecertainlywouldn’tknowmebysight.SowhatIdidwasthis.IstrolledintotheDispensarywithawhitecoatonandastethoscoperoundmyneck.Therewasonlythenewgirlthereandshewasbusyattheoutpatients’hatch.Istrolledin,wentalongtothepoisoncupboard,tookoutabottle,strolledroundtheendofthepartition,saidtothegirl,‘Whatstrengthadrenalindoyoukeep?’ShetoldmeandInodded,thenIaskedherifshehadacoupleofVeganinasIhadaterrifichangover.Iswallowedthemdownandstrolledoutagain.SheneverhadtheleastsuspicionthatIwasn’tsomebody’shousemanoramedicalstudent.Itwaschild’splay.CelianeverevenknewI’dbeenthere.”
“Astethoscope,”saidInspectorSharpecuriously.“Wheredidyougetastethoscope?”
Nigelgrinnedsuddenly.
“ItwasLenBateson’s,”hesaid.“Ipinchedit.”
“Fromthishouse?”
“Yes.”
“Sothatexplainsthetheftofthestethoscope.ThatwasnotCelia’sdoing.”
“Goodlordno!Can’tseeakleptomaniacstealingastethoscope,canyou?”
“Whatdidyoudowithitafterwards?”
“Well,Ihadtopawnit,”saidNigelapologetically.
“Wasn’tthatalittlehardonBateson?”
“Veryhardonhim.Butwithoutexplainingmymethods,whichIdidn’tmeantodo,Icouldn’ttellhimaboutit.However,”addedNigelcheerfully,“Itookhimoutnotlongafterandgavehimahellofapartyoneevening.”
“You’reaveryirresponsibleyoungman,”saidInspectorSharpe.
“Youshouldhaveseentheirfaces,”saidNigel,hisgrinwidening,“whenIthrewdownthosethreelethalpreparationsonthetableandtoldthemIhadmanagedtopinchthemwithoutanybodybeingwiseastowhotookthem.”
“Whatyou’retellingmeis,”saidtheinspector,“thatyouhadthreemeansofpoisoningsomeonebythreedifferentpoisonsandthatineachcasethepoisoncouldnothavebeentracedtoyou.”
Nigelnodded.
“That’sfairenough,”hesaid.“Andgiventhecircumstancesit’snotaverypleasantthingtoadmit.Butthepointis,thatthepoisonswerealldisposedofatleastafortnightagoorlonger.”
“Thatiswhatyouthink,Mr.Chapman,butitmaynotreallybeso.”
Nigelstaredathim.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Youhadthesethingsinyourpossession,howlong?”
Nigelconsidered.
“Well,thetubeofhyoscineabouttendays,Isuppose.Themorphinetartrate,aboutfourdays.ThetincturedigitalinI’donlygotthatveryafternoon.”
“Andwheredidyoukeepthesethings—thehyoscinehydrobromideandthemorphinetartrate,thatistosay?”
“Inthedrawerofmychestofdrawers,pushedtothebackundermysocks.”
“Didanyoneknowyouhaditthere?”
“No.No,I’msuretheydidn’t.”
Therehadbeen,however,afainthesitationinhisvoicewhichInspectorSharpenoticed,butforthemomenthedidnotpressthepoint.
“Didyoutellanyonewhatyouweredoing?Yourmethods?Thewayyouweregoingaboutthesethings?”
“No.Atleast—no,Ididn’t.”
“Yousaid‘atleast,’Mr.Chapman.”
“Well,Ididn’tactually.Asamatteroffact,IwasgoingtotellPat,thenIthoughtshewouldn’tapprove.She’sverystrict,Patis,soIfobbedheroff.”
“Youdidn’ttellheraboutstealingthestufffromthedoctor’scar,ortheprescription,orthemorphiafromthehospital?”
“Actually,Itoldherafterwardsaboutthedigitalin;thatI’dwrittenaprescriptionandgotabottlefromthechemist,andaboutmasqueradingasadoctoratthehospital.I’msorrytosayPatwasn’tamused.Ididn’ttellheraboutpinchingthingsfromacar.Ithoughtshe’dgoupinsmoke.”
“Didyoutellheryouweregoingtodestroythisstuffafteryou’dwonthebet?”
“Yes.Shewasallworriedandhetupaboutit.StartedtoinsistItookthethingsbackorsomethinglikethat.”
“Thatcourseofactionneveroccurredtoyouyourself?”
“Goodlordno!Thatwouldhavebeenfatal;itwouldhavelandedmeinnoendofarow.No,wethreejustchuckedthestuffonthefireandpoureditdownthelooandthatwasthat.Noharmdone.”
“Yousaythat,Mr.Chapman,butit’squitepossiblethatharmwasdone.”
“Howcanithavebeen,ifthestuffwaschuckedawayasItellyou?”
“Hasiteveroccurredtoyou,Mr.Chapman,thatsomeonemighthaveseenwhereyouputthosethings,orfoundthemperhaps,andthatsomeonemighthaveemptiedmorphiaoutofthebottleandreplaceditwithsomethingelse?”
“Goodlordno!”Nigelstaredathim.“Ineverthoughtofanythingofthatkind.Idon’tbelieveit.”
“Butit’sapossibility,Mr.Chapman.”
“Butnobodycouldpossiblyhaveknown.”
“Ishouldsay,”saidtheinspectordrily,“thatinaplaceofthiskindagreatdealmoreisknownthanyouyourselfmightbelievepossible.”
“Snooping,youmean?”
“Yes.”
“Perhapsyou’rerightthere.”
“Whichofthestudentsmightnormally,atanytime,beinyourroom?”
“Well,IshareitwithLenBateson.Mostofthemenherehavebeeninitnowandagain.Notthegirls,ofcourse.Thegirlsaren’tsupposedtocometothebedroomfloorsonoursideofthehouse.Propriety.Pureliving.”
“They’renotsupposedto,buttheymightdoso,Isuppose?”
“Anyonemight,”saidNigel.“Inthedaytime.Theafternoon,forinstance,there’snobodyabout.”
“DoesMissLaneevercometoyourroom?”
“Ihopeyoudon’tmeanthatthewayitsounds,Inspector.Patcomestomyroomsometimestoreplacesomesocksshe’sbeendarning.Nothingmorethanthat.”
Leaningforward,InspectorSharpesaid:
“Youdorealise,Mr.Chapman,thatthepersonwhocouldmosteasilyhavetakensomeofthatpoisonoutofthebottleandsubstitutedsomethingelseforit,wasyourself?”
Nigellookedathim,hisfacesuddenlyhardandhaggard.
“Yes,”hesaid.“I’veseenthatjustaminuteandahalfago.Icouldhavedonejustexactlythat.ButI’dnoreasononearthforputtingthatgirloutoftheway,Inspector,andIdidn’tdoit.Still,thereitis—Iquiterealisethatyou’veonlygotmywordforit.”
ChapterEleven
ThestoryofthebetandthedisposalofthepoisonwasconfirmedbyLenBatesonandbyColinMcNabb.SharperetainedColinMcNabbaftertheothershadgone
“Idon’twanttocauseyouanymorepainthanIcanhelp,Mr.McNabb,”hesaid.“Icanrealisewhatitmeanstoyouforyourfiancéetohavebeenpoisonedontheverynightofyourengagement.”
“There’llbenoneedtogointothataspectofit,”saidColinMcNabb,hisfaceimmovable.“You’llnotneedtoconcernyourselfwithmyfeelings.Justaskmeanyquestionsyoulikewhichyouthinkmaybeusefultoyou.”
“ItwasyourconsideredopinionthatCeliaAustin’sbehaviourhadapsychologicalorigin?”
“There’snodoubtaboutitatall,”saidColinMcNabb.“Ifyou’dlikemetogointothetheoryofthething….”
“No,no,”saidInspectorSharpehastily.“I’mtakingyourwordforitasastudentofpsychology.”
“Herchildhoodhadbeenparticularlyunfortunate.Ithadsetupanemotionalblock….”
“Quiteso,quiteso.”InspectorSharpewasdesperatelyanxioustoavoidhearingthestoryofyetanotherunhappychildhood.Nigel’shadbeenquiteenough
“Youhadbeenattractedtoherforsometime?”
“Iwouldnotsaypreciselythat,”saidColin,consideringthematterconscientiously.“Thesethingssometimessurpriseyoubythewaytheydawnuponyousuddenly,like.Subconsciouslynodoubt,Ihadbeenattracted,butIwasnotawareofthefact.Sinceitwasnotmyintentiontomarryyoung,Ihadnodoubtsetupaconsiderableresistancetotheideainmyconsciousmind.”
“Yes.Justso.CeliaAustinwashappyinherengagementtoyou?Imean,sheexpressednodoubts?Uncertainties?Therewasnothingshefeltsheoughttotellyou?”
“Shemadeaveryfullconfessionofallshe’dbeendoing.Therewasnothingmoreinhermindtoworryher.”
“Andyouwereplanningtogetmarried—when?”
“Notforaconsiderabletime.I’mnotinapositionatthemomenttosupportawife.”
“HadCeliaanyenemieshere?Anyonewhodidnotlikeher?”
“Icanhardlybelieveso.I’vegiventhatpointofviewagreatdealofthought,Inspector.Celiawaswell-likedhere.I’dsay,myself,itwasnotapersonalmatteratallwhichbroughtaboutherend.”
“Whatdoyoumeanby‘notapersonalmatter?’”
“Idonotwishtobeverypreciseatthemoment.It’sonlyavaguekindofideaIhaveandI’mnotclearaboutitmyself.”
Fromthatpositiontheinspectorcouldnotbudgehim.
ThelasttwostudentstobeinterviewedwereSallyFinchandElizabethJohnston.TheinspectortookSallyFinchfirst
Sallywasanattractivegirlwithamopofredhairandeyesthatwerebrightandintelligent.AfterroutineinquiriesSallyFinchsuddenlytooktheinitiative.
“D’youknowwhatI’dliketodo,Inspector?I’dliketotellyoujustwhatIthink.Ipersonally.There’ssomethingallwrongaboutthishouse,somethingverywrongindeed.I’msureofthat.”
“Youmeanyou’reafraidofsomething,MissFinch?”Sallynoddedherhead.
“Yes,I’mafraid.There’ssomethingorsomeoneherewho’sprettyruthless.Thewholeplaceisn’t—well,howshallIputit?—itisn’twhatitseems.No,no,Inspector,Idon’tmeancommunists.Icanseethatjusttremblingonyourlips.It’snotcommunistsImean.Perhapsitisn’tevencriminal.Idon’tknow.ButI’llbetyouanythingyoulikethatawfuloldwomanknowsaboutitall.”
“Whatoldwoman?Youdon’tmeanMrs.Hubbard?”
“No.NotMaHubbard.She’sadear.ImeanoldNicoletis.Thatoldshe-wolf.”
“That’sinteresting,MissFinch.Canyoubemoredefinite?AboutMrs.Nicoletis,Imean.”
Sallyshookherhead.
“No.That’sjustwhatIcan’tbe.AllIcantellyouisshegivesmethecreepseverytimeIpassher.Somethingqueerisgoingonhere,Inspector.”
“Iwishyoucouldbealittlemoredefinite.”
“SodoI.You’llbethinkingI’mfanciful.Well,perhapsIam,butotherpeoplefeelittoo.Akibombodoes.He’sscared.IbelieveBlackBessdoes,too,butshewouldn’tleton.AndIthink,Inspector,thatCeliaknewsomethingaboutit.”
“Knewsomethingaboutwhat?”
“That’sjustit.What?Buttherewerethingsshesaid.Saidthatlastday.Aboutclearingeverythingup.Shehadowneduptoherpartinwhatwasgoingon,butshesortofhintedthattherewereotherthingssheknewaboutandshewantedtogetthemcleareduptoo.Ithinksheknewsomething,Inspector,aboutsomeone.That’sthereasonIthinkshewaskilled.”
“Butifitwassomethingasseriousasthat….”
Sallyinterruptedhim.
“I’dsaythatshehadnoideahowseriousitwas.Shewasn’tbright,youknow.Shewasprettydumb.She’dgotholdofsomethingbutshe’dnoideathatthesomethingshe’dgotholdofwasdangerous.Anyway,that’smyhunchforwhatit’sworth.”
“Isee.Thankyou…NowthelasttimeyousawCeliaAustinwasinthecommonroomafterdinnerlastnight,isthatright?”
“That’sright.Atleast,actually,Isawherafterthat.”
“Yousawherafterthat?Where?Inherroom?”
“No.WhenIwentuptobedshewasgoingoutofthefrontdoorjustasIcameoutofthecommonroom.”
“Goingoutofthefrontdoor?Outofthehouse,doyoumean?”
“Yes.”
“That’srathersurprising.Nobodyelsehassuggestedthat.”
“Idaresaytheydidn’tknow.Shecertainlysaidgoodnightandthatshewasgoinguptobed,andifIhadn’tseenherIwouldhaveassumedthatshehadgoneuptobed.”
“Whereasactuallyshewentupstairs,putonsomeoutdoorthingsandthenleftthehouse.Isthatright?”
Sallynodded.
“AndIthinkshewasgoingtomeetsomeone.”
“Isee.Someonefromoutside.Orcouldithavebeenoneofthestudents?”
“Well,it’smyhunchthatitwouldbeoneofthestudents.Yousee,ifshewantedtospeaktosomebodyprivately,therewasnowhereverywellshecoulddoitinthehouse.Someonemighthavesuggestedthatsheshouldcomeoutandmeetthemsomewhereoutside.”
“Haveyouanyideawhenshegotinagain?”
“Noideawhatever.”
“WouldGeronimoknow,themanservant?”
“He’dknowifshecameinaftereleveno’clockbecausethat’sthetimeheboltsandchainsthedoor.Uptothattimeanyonecangetinwiththeirownkey.”
“Doyouknowexactlywhattimeitwaswhenyousawhergoingoutofthehouse?”
“I’dsayitwasabout—ten.Perhapsalittlepastten,butnotmuch.”
“Isee.Thankyou,MissFinch,forwhatyou’vetoldme.”
LastofalltheinspectortalkedtoElizabethJohnston.Hewasatonceimpressedwiththequietcapabilityofthegirl.Sheansweredhisquestionswithintelligentdecisionandthenwaitedforhimtoproceed.
“CeliaAustin,”hesaid,“protestedvehementlythatitwasnotshewhodamagedyourpapers,MissJohnston.Doyoubelieveher?”
“IdonotthinkCeliadidthat.No.”
“Youdon’tknowwhodid?”
“TheobviousanswerisNigelChapman.Butitseemstomealittletooobvious.Nigelisintelligent.Hewouldnotusehisownink.”
“AndifnotNigel,whothen?”
“Thatismoredifficult.ButIthinkCeliaknewwhoitwas—oratleastguessed.”
“Didshetellyouso?”
“Notinsomanywords;butshecametomyroomontheeveningofthedayshedied,beforegoingdowntodinner.Shecametotellmethatthoughshewasresponsibleforthetheftsshehadnotsabotagedmywork.ItoldherthatIacceptedthatassurance.Iaskedherifsheknewwhohaddoneso.”
“Andwhatdidshesay?”
“Shesaid”—Elizabethpausedamoment,asthoughtobesureoftheaccuracyofwhatshewasabouttosay—“shesaid,‘Ican’treallybesure,becauseIdon’tseewhy…Itmighthavebeenamistakeoranaccident…I’msurewhoeverdiditisveryunhappyaboutit,andwouldreallyliketoownup.’Celiawenton,‘TherearesomethingsIdon’tunderstand,liketheelectriclightbulbsthedaythepolicecame.’”
Sharpeinterrupted.
“What’sthisaboutthepoliceandelectriclightbulbs?”
“Idon’tknow.AllCeliasaidwas:‘Ididn’ttakethemout.’Andthenshesaid:‘Iwonderedifithadanythingtodowiththepassport?’Isaid,‘Whatpassportareyoutalkingabout?’Andshesaid:‘Ithinksomeonemighthaveaforgedpassport.’”
Theinspectorwassilentforamomentortwo.
Hereatlastsomevaguepatternseemedtobetakingshape.Apassport….
Heasked,“Whatmoredidshesay?”
“Nothingmore.Shejustsaid:‘AnywayIshallknowmoreaboutittomorrow.’”
“Shesaidthat,didshe?Ishallknowmoreaboutittomorrow.That’saverysignificantremark,MissJohnston.”
“Yes.”
Theinspectorwasagainsilentashereflected.
Somethingaboutapassport—andavisitfromthepolice…BeforecomingtoHickoryRoad,hehadcarefullylookedupthefiles.Afairlycloseeyewaskeptonhostelswhichhousedforeignstudents.26HickoryRoadhadagoodrecord.Suchdetailsastherewere,weremeagreandunsuggestive.AWestAfricanstudentwantedbytheSheffieldpoliceforlivingonawoman’searnings;thestudentinquestionhadbeenatHickoryRoadforafewdaysandhadthengoneelsewhere,andhadinduecoursebeengatheredinandsincedeported.TherehadbeenaroutinecheckofallhostelsandboardinghousesforaEurasian“wantedtoassistthepolice”intheinvestigationofthemurderofapublican’swifenearCambridge.ThathadbeenclearedupwhentheyoungmaninquestionhadwalkedintothepolicestationatHullandhadgivenhimselfupforthecrime.Therehadbeenaninquiryintoastudent’sdistributionofsubversivepamphlets.AlltheseoccurrenceshadtakenplacesometimeagoandcouldnotpossiblyhaveanyconnectionwiththedeathofCeliaAustin.
HesighedandlookeduptofindElizabethJohnston’sdarkintelligenteyeswatchinghim.
Onanimpulse,hesaid,“Tellme,MissJohnston,haveyoueverhadafeeling—animpression—ofsomethingwrongaboutthisplace?”
Shelookedsurprised.
“Inwhatway—wrong?”
“Icouldn’treallysay.I’mthinkingofsomethingMissSallyFinchsaidtome.”
“Oh—SallyFinch!”
Therewasanintonationinhervoicewhichhefoundhardtoplace.Hefeltinterestedandwenton:
“MissFinchseemedtomeagoodobserver,bothshrewdandpractical.Shewasveryinsistentontherebeingsomething—odd,aboutthisplace—thoughshefounditdifficulttodefinejustwhatitwas.”
Elizabethsaidsharply:
“ThatisherAmericanwayofthought.Theyareallthesame,theseAmericans,nervous,apprehensive,suspectingeverykindoffoolishthing!Lookatthefoolstheymakeofthemselveswiththeirwitchhunts,theirhystericalspymania,theirobsessionovercommunism.SallyFinchistypical.”
Theinspector’sinterestgrew.SoElizabethdislikedSallyFinch.Why?BecauseSallywasanAmerican?OrdidElizabethdislikeAmericansmerelybecauseSallyFinchwasanAmerican,andhadshesomereasonofherownfordislikingtheattractiveredhead?Perhapsitwasjustsimplefemalejealousy.
Heresolvedtotryalineofapproachthathehadsometimesfounduseful.Hesaidsmoothly:
“Asyoumayappreciate,MissJohnston,inanestablishmentlikethis,thelevelofintelligencevariesagreatdeal.Somepeople—mostpeople—wejustaskforfacts.Butwhenwecomeacrosssomeonewithahighlevelofintelligence—”
Hepaused.Theinferencewasflattering.Wouldsherespond?
Afterabriefpause,shedid.
“IthinkIunderstandwhatyoumean,Inspector.Theintellectuallevelhereisnot,asyousay,veryhigh.NigelChapmanhasacertainquicknessofintellect,buthismindisshallow.LeonardBatesonisaplodder—nomore.ValerieHobhousehasagoodqualityofmind,butheroutlookiscommercial,andshe’stoolazytouseherbrainsonanythingworthwhile.Whatyouwantisthedetachmentofatrainedmind.”
“Suchasyours,MissJohnston.”
Sheacceptedthetributewithoutaprotest.Herealised,withsomeinterest,thatbehindhermodestpleasantmanner,herewasayoungwomanwhowaspositivelyarrogantinherappraisementofherownqualities.
“I’minclinedtoagreewithyourestimateofyourfellowstudents,MissHobhouse.Chapmaniscleverbutchildish.ValerieHobhousehasbrainsbutablaséattitudetolife.You,asyousay,haveatrainedmind.That’swhyI’dvalueyourviews—theviewsofapowerfuldetachedintellect.”
Foramomenthewasafraidhehadoverdoneit,butheneedhavehadnofears.
“Thereisnothingwrongaboutthisplace,Inspector.PaynoattentiontoSallyFinch.Thisisadecentwell-runhostel.Iamcertainthatyouwillfindnotracehereofanysubversiveactivities.”
InspectorSharpefeltalittlesurprised.
“Itwasn’treallysubversiveactivitiesIwasthinkingabout.”
“Oh—Isee—”Shewasalittletakenaback.“IwaslinkingupwhatCeliasaidaboutapassport.Butlookingatitimpartiallyandweighingupalltheevidence,itseemsquitecertaintomethatthereasonforCelia’sdeathwaswhatIshouldexpressasaprivateone—somesexcomplication,perhaps.I’msureithadnothingtodowithwhatImightcallthehostelasahostel,oranything‘goingon’here.Nothing,Iamsure,isgoingon.Ishouldbeawareofthefactifitwereso,myperceptionsareverykeen.”
“Isee.Well,thankyou,MissJohnston.You’vebeenverykindandhelpful.”
ElizabethJohnstonwentout.InspectorSharpesatstaringatthecloseddoorandSergeantCobbhadtospeaktohimtwicebeforeherousedhimself.
“Eh?”
“Isaidthat’sthelot,sir.”
“Yes,andwhathavewegot?Preciouslittle.ButI’lltellyouonething,Cobb.I’mcomingbackheretomorrowwithasearchwarrant.We’llgoawaytalkingprettynowandthey’llthinkit’sallover.Butthere’ssomethinggoingoninthisplace.TomorrowI’llturnitupsidedown—notsoeasywhenyoudon’tknowwhatyou’relookingfor,butthere’sachancethatI’llfindsomethingtogivemeaclue.That’saveryinterestinggirlwhojustwentout.She’sgottheegoofaNapoleon,andIstronglysuspectthatsheknowssomething.”
ChapterTwelve
I
HerculePoirot,atworkuponhiscorrespondence,pausedinthemiddleofasentencethathewasdictating.MissLemonlookedupquestioningly.
“Yes,M.Poirot?”
“Mymindwanders!”Poirotwavedahand.“Afterall,thisletterisnotimportant.Besokind,MissLemon,astogetmeyoursisteruponthetelephone.”
“Yes,M.Poirot.”
AfewmomentslaterPoirotcrossedtheroomandtookthereceiverfromhissecretary’shand.
“’Allo!”hesaid.
“Yes,M.Poirot?”
Mrs.Hubbardsoundedratherbreathless.
“Itrust,Mrs.Hubbard,thatIamnotdisturbingyou?”
“I’mpastbeingdisturbed,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Therehavebeenagitations,yes?”Poirotaskeddelicately.
“That’saverynicewayofputtingit,M.Poirot.That’sexactlywhattheyhavebeen.InspectorSharpefinishedquestioningallthestudentsyesterday,andthenhecamebackwithasearchwarranttodayandI’vegotMrs.Nicoletisonmyhandswithravinghysterics.”
Poirotcluckedhistonguesympathetically.
Thenhesaid,“ItisjustalittlequestionIhavetoask.Yousentmealistofthosethingsthathaddisappeared—andotherqueerhappenings—whatIhavetoaskisthis,didyouwritethatlistinchronologicalorder?”
“Youmean?”
“Imean,werethethingswrittendownexactlyintheorderoftheirdisappearance?”
“No,theyweren’t.I’msorry—IjustputthemdownasIthoughtofthem.I’msosorryifImisledyou.”
“Ishouldhaveaskedyoubefore,”saidPoirot.“Butitdidnotstrikemethenasimportant.Ihaveyourlisthere.Oneeveningshoe,bracelet,diamondring,powdercompact,lipstick,stethoscope,andsoon.Butyousaythatwasnottheorderofdisappearance?”
“No.”
“Canyouremembernow,orwoulditbetoodifficultforyou,whatwastheproperorder?”
“Well,I’mnotsureifIcouldnow,M.Poirot.Youseeit’sallsometimeago.Ishouldhavetothinkitout.Actually,afterIhadtalkedwithmysisterandknewIwascomingtoseeyou,Imadealist,andIshouldsaythatIputitdownintheorderofthingsasIrememberedthem.Imean,theeveningshoebecauseitwassopeculiar;andthenthebraceletandthepowdercompactandthecigarettelighterandthediamondringbecausetheywereallratherimportantthingsandlookedasthoughwehadagenuinethiefatwork;andthenIrememberedtheothermoreunimportantthingslaterandaddedthem.Imeantheboracicandtheelectriclightbulbsandtherucksack.Theyweren’treallyimportantandIonlyreallythoughtofthemasakindofafterthought.”
“Isee,”saidPoirot.“Yes,Isee…NowwhatIwouldaskofyou,madame,istositdownnow,whenyouhavetheleisure,thatis….”
“IdaresaywhenI’vegotMrs.NicoletistobedwithasedativeandcalmeddownGeronimoandMaria,Ishallhavealittletime.Whatisityouwantmetodo?”
“Sitdownandtrytoputdown,asnearlyasyoucan,thechronologicalorderinwhichthevariousincidentsoccurred.”
“Certainly,M.Poirot.Therucksack,Ibelieve,wasthefirst,andtheelectriclightbulbs—whichIreallydidn’tthinkhadanyconnectionwiththeotherthings—andthenthebraceletandthecompact,no—theeveningshoe.Butthere,youdon’twanttohearmespeculateaboutit.I’llputthemdownasbestIcan.”
“Thankyou,madame,Ishallbemuchobligedtoyou.”
Poirothungupthephone.
“Iamvexedwithmyself,”hesaidtoMissLemon.“Ihavedepartedfromtheprinciplesoforderandmethod.Ishouldhavemadequitesurefromthestart,theexactorderinwhichthesetheftsoccurred.”
“Dear,dear,”saidMissLemonmechanically.“Areyougoingtofinishtheselettersnow,M.Poirot?”
ButonceagainPoirotwavedherindignantlyaway.
II
OnarrivalbackatHickoryRoadwithasearchwarrantonSaturdaymorning,InspectorSharpehaddemandedaninterviewwithMrs.Nicoletis,whoalwayscameonSaturdaystodoaccountswithMrs.Hubbard.Hehadexplainedwhathewasabouttodo.
Mrs.Nicoletisprotestedwithvigour.
“Butitisaninsult,that!Mystudentstheywillleave—theywillallleave.Ishallberuined….”
“No,no,madam.I’msuretheywillbesensible.Afterall,thisisacaseofmurder.”
“Itisnotmurder—itissuicide.”
“AndI’msureonceI’veexplained,noonewillobject….”
Mrs.Hubbardputinasoothingword.
“I’msure,”shesaid,“everyonewillbesensible—except,”sheaddedthoughtfully,“perhapsMr.AchmedAliandMr.ChandraLal.”
“Pah!”saidMrs.Nicoletis.“Whocaresaboutthem?”
“Thankyou,madam,”saidtheinspector.“ThenI’llmakeastarthere,inyoursittingroom.”
AnimmediateandviolentprotestcamefromMrs.Nicoletisatthesuggestion.
“Yousearchwhereyouplease,”shesaid,“buthere,no!Irefuse.”
“I’msorry,Mrs.Nicoletis,butIhavetogothroughthehousefromtoptobottom.”
“Thatisright,yes,butnotinmyroom.Iamabovethelaw.”
“Noone’sabovethelaw.I’mafraidIshallhavetoaskyoutostandaside.”
“Itisanoutrage,”Mrs.Nicoletisscreamedwithfury.“Youareofficiousbusybodies.Iwillwritetoeveryone.IwillwritetomymemberofParliament.Iwillwritetothepapers.”
“Writetoanyoneyouplease,madam,”saidInspectorSharpe.“I’mgoingtosearchthisroom.”
Hestartedstraightawayuponthebureau.Alargecartonofconfectionery,amassofpapers,andalargevarietyofassortedjunkrewardedhissearch.Hemovedfromtheretoacupboardinthecorneroftheroom.
“Thisislocked.CanIhavethekey,please?”
“Never!”screamedMrs.Nicoletis.“Never,never,nevershallyouhavethekey!Beastandpigofapoliceman,Ispitatyou.Ispit!Ispit!Ispit!”
“Youmightjustaswellgivemethekey,”saidInspectorSharpe.“Ifnot,Ishallsimplyprisethedooropen.”
“Iwillnotgiveyouthekey!Youwillhavetotearmyclothesoffmebeforeyougetthekey!Andthat—thatwillbeascandal.”
“Getachisel,Cobb,”saidInspectorSharperesignedly.
Mrs.Nicoletisutteredascreamoffury.InspectorSharpepaidnoattention.Thechiselwasbrought.Twosharpcracksandthedoorofthecupboardcameopen.Asitswungforwardalargeconsignmentofemptybrandybottlespouredoutofthecupboard.
“Beast!Pig!Devil!”screamedMrs.Nicoletis.
“Thankyou,madam,”saidtheinspectorpolitely.“We’vefinishedinhere.”
Mrs.HubbardtactfullyreplacedthebottleswhileMrs.Nicoletishadhysterics
Onemystery,themysteryofMrs.Nicoletis’stempers,wasnowclearedup.
III
Poirot’stelephonecallcamethroughjustasMrs.Hubbardwaspouringoutanappropriatedoseofsedativefromtheprivatemedicinecupboardinhersittingroom.AfterreplacingthereceivershewentbacktoMrs.Nicoletiswhomshehadleftscreamingandkickingherheelsonthesofainherownsittingroom.
“Nowyoudrinkthis,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Andyou’llfeelbetter.”
“Gestapo!”saidMrs.Nicoletis,whowasnowquietbutsullen.
“Ishouldn’tthinkanymoreaboutitifIwereyou,”saidMrs.Hubbardsoothingly.
“Gestapo!”saidMrs.Nicoletisagain.“Gestapo!Thatiswhattheyare!”
“Theyhavetodotheirduty,youknow,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Isittheirdutytopryintomyprivatecupboards?Isaytothem,‘Thatisnotforyou.’Ilockit.Iputthekeydownmybosom.Ifyouhadnotbeenthereasawitnesstheywouldhavetornmyclothesoffmewithoutshame.”
“Ohno,Idon’tthinktheywouldhavedonethat,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Thatiswhatyousay!Insteadtheygetachiselandtheyforcemydoor.ThatisstructuraldamagetothehouseforwhichIshallberesponsible.”
“Well,yousee,ifyouwouldn’tgivethemthekey….”
“WhyshouldIgivethemthekey?Itismykey.Myprivatekey.Andthisismyprivateroom.MyprivateroomandIsaytothepolice,‘Keepout’andtheydonotkeepout.”
“Well,afterall,Mrs.Nicoletis,therehasbeenamurder,remember.Andafteramurderonehastoputupwithcertainthingswhichmightnotbeverypleasantatordinarytimes.”
“Ispituponthemurder!”saidMrs.Nicoletis.“ThatlittleCeliashecommitssuicide.Shehasasillyloveaffairandshetakespoison.Itisthesortofthingthatisalwayshappening.Theyaresostupidaboutlove,thesegirls—asthoughlovemattered!Oneyear,twoyearsanditisallfinished,thegrandpassion!Themanisthesameasanyotherman!Butthesesillygirlstheydonotknowthat.Theytakethesleepingdraughtandthedisinfectantandtheyturnongastapsandthenitistoolate.”
“Well,”saidMrs.Hubbard,turningfullcircle,asitwere,towheretheconversationhadstarted,“Ishouldn’tworryanymoreaboutitallnow.”
“Thatisallverywellforyou.Me,Ihavetoworry.Itisnotsafeformeanylonger.”
“Safe?”Mrs.Hubbardlookedather,startled.
“Itwasmyprivatecupboard,”Mrs.Nicoletisinsisted.“Nobodyknowswhatwasinmyprivatecupboard.Ididnotwantthemtoknow.Andnowtheydoknow.Iamveryuneasy.Theymaythink—whatwilltheythink?”
“Whodoyoumeanbythey?”
Mrs.Nicoletisshruggedherlarge,handsomeshouldersandlookedsulky.
“Youdonotunderstand,”shesaid,“butitmakesmeuneasy.Veryuneasy.”
“You’dbettertellme,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“ThenperhapsIcanhelpyou.”
“ThankgoodnessIdonotsleephere,”saidMrs.Nicoletis.“Theselocksonthedoorsheretheyareallalike;onekeyfitsanyother.No,thankstoheaven,Idonotsleephere.”
Mrs.Hubbardsaid:
“Mrs.Nicoletis,ifyouareafraidofsomething,hadn’tyoubettertellmejustwhatitis?”
Mrs.Nicoletisgaveheraflickeringlookfromherdarkeyesandthenlookedawayagain.
“Youhavesaidityourself,”shesaidevasively.“Youhavesaidtherehasbeenamurderinthishouse,sonaturallyoneisuneasy.Whomaybenext?Onedoesnotevenknowwhothemurdereris.Thatisbecausethepolicearesostupid,orperhapstheyhavebeenbribed.”
“That’sallnonsenseandyouknowit,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Buttellme,haveyougotanycauseforrealanxiety….”
Mrs.Nicoletisflewintooneofhertempers.
“Ah,youdonotthinkIhaveanycauseforanxiety?Youknowbestasusual!Youknoweverything!Youaresowonderful;youcater,youmanage,youspendmoneylikewateronfoodsothatthestudentsarefondofyou,andnowyouwanttomanagemyaffairs!Butthat,no!Ikeepmyaffairstomyselfandnobodyshallpryintothem,doyouhear?No,Mrs.What-do-you-call-itPaulPry.”
“Pleaseyourself,”saidMrs.Hubbard,exasperated.
“Youareaspy—Ialwaysknewit.”
“Aspyonwhat?”
“Nothing,”saidMrs.Nicoletis.“Thereisnothingheretospyupon.Ifyouthinkthereisitisbecauseyoumadeitup.IfliesaretoldaboutmeIshallknowwhotoldthem.”
“Ifyouwishmetoleave,”saidMrs.Hubbard,“you’veonlygottosayso.”
“No,youarenottoleave.Iforbidit.Notatthismoment.NotwhenIhaveallthecaresofthepolice,ofmurder,ofeverythingelseonmyhands,Ishallnotallowyoutoabandonme.”
“Oh,allright,”saidMrs.Hubbardhelplessly.“Butreally,it’sverydifficulttoknowwhatyoudowant.SometimesIdon’tthinkyouknowyourself.You’dbetterliedownonmybedandhaveasleep—”
ChapterThirteen
HerculePoirotalightedfromataxiat26HickoryRoad.
ThedoorwasopenedtohimbyGeronimowhowelcomedhimasanoldfriend.TherewasaconstablestandinginthehallandGeronimodrewPoirotintothediningroomandclosedthedoor.
“Itisterrible,”hewhispered,asheassistedPoirotoffwithhisovercoat.“Wehavepolicetherealltime!Askquestions,gohere,gothere,lookincupboards,lookindrawers,comeintoMaria’skitcheneven.Mariaveryangry.ShesayssheliketohitpolicemanwithrollingpinbutIsaybetternot.IsaypolicemannotlikebeinghitbyrollingpinsandtheymakeusmoreembarrassmentsifMariadothat.”
“Youhavethegoodsense,”saidPoirotapprovingly.“IsMrs.Hubbardatliberty?”
“Itakeyouupstairstoher.”
“Alittlemoment.”Poirotstoppedhim.“Doyourememberthedaywhencertainelectriclightbulbsdisappeared?”
“Ohyes,Iremember.Butthatlongtimeagonow.One—two—threemonthsago.”
“Exactlywhatelectriclightbulbsweretaken?”
“TheoneinthehallandIthinkinthecommonroom.Someonemakejoke.Takeallthebulbsout.”
“Youdon’tremembertheexactdate?”
Geronimostruckanattitudeashethought.
“Idonotremember,”hesaid.“ButIthinkitwasondaywhenpolicemancome,sometimeinFebruary—”
“Apoliceman?Whatdidapolicemancomeherefor?”
“HecomeheretoseeMrs.Nicoletisaboutastudent.Verybadstudent,comefromAfrica.Notdowork.Gotolabourexchange,getNationalAssistance,thenhavewomanandshegooutwithmenforhim.Verybadthat.Policenotlikethat.AllthisinManchester,Ithink,orSheffield.Soheranawayfromthereandhecomehere,butpolicecomeafterhimandtheytalktoMrs.Hubbardabouthim.Yes.Andshesayhenotstopherebecauseshenolikehimandshesendhimaway.”
“Isee.Theyweretryingtotracehim.”
“Scusi?”
“Theyweretryingtofindhim?”
“Yes,yes,thatisright.Theyfindhimandthentheyputhiminprisonbecauseheliveonwoman,andliveonwomanmustnotdo.Thisisnicehousehere.Nothinglikethathere.”
“Andthatwasthedaythebulbsweremissing?”
“Yes.BecauseIturnswitchandnothinghappen.AndIgointocommonroomandnobulbthere,andIlookindrawerhereforsparesandIseebulbshavebeentakenaway.SoIgodowntokitchenandaskMariaifsheknowwheresparebulbs—butsheangrybecauseshenotlikepolicecomeandshesaysparebulbsnotherbusiness,soIbringjustcandles.”
PoirotdigestedthisstoryashefollowedGeronimoupthestairstoMrs.Hubbard’sroom.
PoirotwaswelcomedwarmlybyMrs.Hubbard,whowaslookingtiredandharassed.Sheheldout,atonce,apieceofpapertohim.
“I’vedonemybest,M.Poirot,towritedownthesethingsintheproperorderbutIwouldn’tliketosaythatit’sahundredpercentaccuratenow.Yousee,it’sverydifficultwhenyoulookbackoveraperiodofmonthstorememberjustwhenthis,thatortheotherhappened.”
“Iamdeeplygratefultoyou,madame.AndhowisMrs.Nicoletis?”
“I’vegivenherasedativeandIhopeshe’sasleepnow.Shemadeaterriblefussoverthesearchwarrant.Sherefusedtoopenthecupboardinherroomandtheinspectorbrokeitopenandquantitiesofemptybrandybottlestumbledout.”
“Ah!”saidPoirot,makingatactfulsound.
“Whichreallyexplainsquitealotofthings,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Ireallycan’timaginewhyIdidn’tthinkofthatbefore,havingseenasmuchofdrinkasIhaveoutinSingapore.Butallthat,I’msure,isn’twhatinterestsyou.”
“Everythinginterestsme,”saidPoirot.
HesatdownandstudiedthepieceofpaperthatMrs.Hubbardhadhandedtohim
“Ah!”hesaid,afteramomentortwo.“Iseethatnowtherucksackheadsthelist.”
“Yes.Itwasn’taveryimportantthing,butIdoremembernow,definitely,thatithappenedbeforethejewelleryandthosesortofthingsbegantodisappear.Itwasallrathermixedupwithsometroublewehadaboutoneofthecolouredstudents.He’dleftadayortwobeforethishappenedandIrememberthinkingthatitmighthavebeenarevengefulactonhispartbeforehewent.There’dbeen,well—alittletrouble.”
“Ah!Geronimohasrecountedtomesomethinglikethat.Youhad,Ibelieve,thepolicehere?Isthatright?”
“Yes.ItseemstheyhadaninquiryfromSheffieldorBirminghamorsomewhere.Ithadallbeenratherascandal.Immoralearningsandallthatsortofthing.Hewashadupaboutitincourtlater.Actually,he’donlystayedhereaboutthreeorfourdays.ThenIdidn’tlikehisbehaviour,thewayhewascarryingon,soItoldhimthathisroomwasengagedandthathe’dhavetogo.Iwasn’treallyatallsurprisedwhenthepolicecalled.Ofcourse,Icouldn’ttellthemwherehe’dgoneto,buttheygotonhistrackallright.”
“Anditwasafterthatthatyoufoundtherucksack?”
“Yes,Ithinkso—it’shardtoremember.Yousee,LenBatesonwasgoingoffonahitchhikeandhecouldn’tfindhisrucksackanywhereandhecreatedaterriblefussaboutit,andeveryonedidalotofsearching,andatlastGeronimofounditshovedbehindtheboilerallcuttoribbons.Suchanoddthingtohappen.Socurious;andpointless,M.Poirot.”
“Yes,”Poirotagreed.“Curiousandpointless.”
Heremainedthoughtfulforamoment.
“Anditwasonthatsameday,thedaythepolicecametoinquireaboutthisAfricanstudent,thatsomeelectricbulbsdisappeared—orsoGeronimotellsme.Wasitthatday?”
“Well,Ican’treallyremember.Yes,yes,Ithinkyou’reright,becauseIremembercomingdownstairswiththepoliceinspectorandgoingintothecommonroomwithhimandtherewerecandlesthere.WewantedtoaskAkibombowhetherthisotheryoungmanhadspokentohimatallortoldhimwherehewasgoingtostay.”
“Whoelsewasinthecommonroom?”
“Oh,Ithinkmostofthestudentshadcomebackbythattime.Itwasintheevening,youknow,justaboutsixo’clock.IaskedGeronimoaboutthebulbsandhesaidthey’dbeentakenout.Iaskedhimwhyhehadn’treplacedthemandhesaidwewererightoutofelectricbulbs.Iwasratherannoyedasitseemedsuchasillypointlessjoke.Ithoughtofitasajoke,notasstealing,butIwasrathersurprisedthatwehadnomoreelectricbulbsbecauseweusuallykeepquiteagoodsupplyinstock.Still,Ididn’ttakeitseriously,M.Poirot,notatthattime.”
“Thebulbsandtherucksack,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.
“Butitstillseemstomepossible,”saidMrs.Hubbard,“thatthosetwothingshavenoconnectionwithpoorlittleCelia’speccadilloes.Youremembershedeniedveryearnestlythatshe’devertouchedtherucksackatall.”
“Yes,yes,thatistrue.Howsoonafterthisdidthetheftsbegin?”
“Ohdear,M.Poirot,you’venoideahowdifficultallthisistoremember.Letmesee—thatwasMarch,no,February—theendofFebruary.Yes,yes,IthinkGenevievesaidshe’dmissedherbraceletaboutaweekafterthat.Yes,betweenthe20thand25thofFebruary.”
“Andafterthatthetheftswentonfairlycontinuously?”
“Yes.”
“AndthisrucksackwasLenBateson’s?”
“Yes.”
“Andhewasveryannoyedaboutit?”
“Well,youmustn’tgobythat,M.Poirot,”saidMrs.Hubbard,smilingalittle.“LenBatesonisthatkindofboy,youknow.Warmhearted,generous,kindtoafault,butoneofthosefiery,outspokentempers.”
“Whatwasit,thisrucksack—somethingspecial?”
“Ohno,itwasjusttheordinarykind.”
“Couldyoushowmeonelikeit?”
“Well,yes,ofcourse.Colin’sgotone,Ithink,justlikeit.SohasNigel—infactLen’sgotoneagainnowbecausehehadtogoandbuyanother.Thestudentsusuallybuythemattheshopattheendoftheroad.It’saverygoodplaceforallkindsofcampingequipmentandhikers’outfits.Shorts,sleepingbags,allthatsortofthing.Andverycheap—muchcheaperthananyofthebigstores.”
“IfIcouldjustseeoneoftheserucksacks,madame?”
Mrs.HubbardobliginglyledhimtoColinMcNabb’sroom.
Colinhimselfwasnotthere,butMrs.Hubbardopenedthewardrobe,stooped,andpickeduparucksackwhichsheheldouttoPoirot.
“Thereyouare,M.Poirot.That’sexactlyliketheonethatwasmissingandthatwefoundallcutup.”
“Itwouldtakesomecutting,”murmuredPoirot,ashefingeredtherucksackappreciatively.“Onecouldnotsnipatthiswithalittlepairofembroideryscissors.”
“Ohno,itwasn’twhatyou’dexpecta—well,agirltodo,forinstance.Theremusthavebeenacertainamountofstrengthinvolved,Ishouldsay.Strengthand—well—malice,youknow.”
“Iknow,yes,Iknow.Itisnotpleasant.Notpleasanttothinkabout.”
“Then,whenlaterthatscarfofValerie’swasfound,alsoslashedtopieces,well,itdidlook—whatshallIsay—unbalanced.”
“Ah,”saidPoirot.“ButIthinkthereyouarewrong,madame.Idonotthinkthereisanythingunbalancedaboutthisbusiness.Ithinkithasaimandpurpose,andshallwesay,method?”
“Well,Idaresayyouknowmoreaboutthesethings,M.Poirot,thanIdo,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“AllIcansayis,Idon’tlikeit.AsfarasIcanjudgewe’vegotaverynicelotofstudentshereanditwoulddistressmeverymuchtothinkthatoneofthemis—well,notwhatI’dliketothinkheorsheis.”
Poirothadwanderedovertothewindow.Heopeneditandsteppedoutontotheold-fashionedbalcony.
Theroomlookedoutoverthebackofthehouse.Belowwasasmall,sootygarden.
“Itismorequietherethanatthefront,Iexpect?”hesaid.
“Inaway.ButHickoryRoadisn’treallyanoisyroad.Andfacingthiswayyougetallthecatsatnight.Yowling,youknow,andknockingthelidsoffthedustbins.”
Poirotlookeddownatfourlargebatteredashcansandotherassortedbackyardjunk.
“Whereistheboilerhouse?”
“That’sthedoortoit,downtherenexttothecoalhouse.”
“Isee.”
Hegazeddownspeculatively.
“Whoelsehasroomsfacingthisway?”
“NigelChapmanandLenBatesonhavethenextroomtothis.”
“Andbeyondthem?”
“Thenit’sthenexthouse—andthegirls’rooms.FirsttheroomCeliahadandbeyonditElizabethJohnston’sandthenPatriciaLane’s.ValerieandJeanTomlinsonlookouttothefront.”
Poirotnoddedandcamebackintotheroom.
“Heisneat,thisyoungman,”hemurmured,lookingroundhimappreciatively.
“Yes.Colin’sroomisalwaysverytidy.Someoftheboysliveinaterriblemess,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“YoushouldseeLenBateson’sroom.”Sheaddedindulgently,“Butheisaniceboy,M.Poirot.”
“Yousaythattheserucksacksareboughtattheshopattheendoftheroad?”
“Yes.”
“Whatisthenameofthatshop?”
“Nowreally,M.Poirot,whenyouaskmelikethatIcan’tremember.Mabberley,Ithink.OrelseKelso.No,Iknowtheydon’tsoundthesamekindofnamebutthey’rethesamesortofnameinmymind.Really,ofcourse,becauseIknewsomepeopleoncecalledKelsoandsomeotheronescalledMabberley,andtheywereveryalike.”
“Ah,”saidPoirot.“Thatisoneofthereasonsforthingsthatalwaysfascinateme.Theunseenlink.”
Helookedoncemoreoutofthewindowanddownintothegarden,thentookhisleaveofMrs.Hubbardandleftthehouse.
HewalkeddownHickoryRoaduntilhecametothecornerandturnedintothemainroad.HehadnodifficultyinrecognisingtheshopofMrs.Hubbard’sdescription.Itdisplayedingreatprofusionpicnicbaskets,rucksacks,Thermosflasks,sportsequipmentofallkinds,shorts,bushshirts,topees,tents,swimmingsuits,bicyclelampsandtorches;infactallpossibleneedsofyoungandathleticyouth.Thenameabovetheshop,henoted,wasneitherMabberleynorKelsobutHicks.Afteracarefulstudyofthegoodsdisplayedinthewindow,Poirotenteredandrepresentedhimselfasdesirousofpurchasingarucksackforahypotheticalnephew.
“Hemakes‘lecamping,’youunderstand,”saidPoirotathismostforeign.“Hegoeswithotherstudentsuponthefeetandallheneedshetakeswithhimonhisback,andthecarsandthelorriesthatpass,theygivehimalift.”
Theproprietor,whowasasmallobligingmanwithsandyhair,repliedpromptly
“Ah,hitchhiking,”hesaid.“Theyalldoitnowadays.Mustlosethebusesandtherailwaysalotofmoney,though.HitchhikethemselvesalloverEuropesomeoftheseyoungpeopledo.Nowit’sarucksackyou’rewantingsir.Justanordinaryrucksack?”
“Iunderstandso.Youhaveavarietythen?”
“Well,wehaveoneortwoextralightonesforladies,butthisisthegeneralarticlewesell.Good,stout,standalotofwear,andreallyverycheapthoughIsayitmyself.”
Heproducedastoutcanvasaffairwhichwas,asfarasPoirotcouldjudge,anexactreplicaoftheonehehadbeenshowninColin’sroom.Poirotexaminedit,askedafewmoreexoticandunnecessaryquestions,andendedbypayingforitthenandthere.
“Ahyes,wesellalotofthese,”saidthemanashemadeitupintoaparcel.
“Agoodmanystudentslodgeroundhere,dotheynot?”
“Yes.Thisisaneighbourhoodwithalotofstudents.”
“Thereisonehostel,IbelieveinHickoryRoad?”
“Ohyes,I’vesoldseveraltotheyounggentlementhere.Andtheyoungladies.Theyusuallycomehereforanyequipmenttheywantbeforetheygooff.Mypricesarecheaperthanthebigstores,andsoItellthem.Thereyouare,sir,andI’msureyournephewwillbedelightedwiththeservicehegetsoutofthis.”
Poirotthankedhimandwentoutwithhisparcel.
Hehadonlygoneasteportwowhenahandfellonhisshoulder.
ItwasInspectorSharpe.
“JustthemanIwanttosee,”saidSharpe.
“Youhaveaccomplishedyoursearchofthehouse?”
“I’vesearchedthehouse,butIdon’tknowthatI’veaccomplishedverymuch.There’saplacealongherewhereyoucangetadecentsandwichandacupofcoffee.Comealongwithmeifyou’renotbusy.I’dliketotalktoyou.”
Thesandwichbarwasalmostempty.Thetwomencarriedtheirplatesandcupstoasmalltableinacorner.
HereSharperecountedtheresultsofhisquestioningofthestudents.
“Theonlypersonwe’vegotanyevidenceagainstisyoungChapman,”hesaid.“Andtherewe’vegottoomuch.Threelotsofpoisonthroughhishands!Butthere’snoreasontobelievehe’danyanimusagainstCeliaAustin,andIdoubtifhe’dhavebeenasfrankabouthisactivitiesifhewasreallyguilty.”
“Itopensoutotherpossibilities,though.”
“Yes—allthatstuffknockingaboutinadrawer.Sillyyoungass!”
HewentontoElizabethJohnstonandheraccountofwhatCeliahadsaidtoher
“Ifwhatshesaidistrue,it’ssignificant.”
“Verysignificant,”Poirotagreed.
Theinspectorquoted:
“‘Ishallknowmoreaboutittomorrow.’”
“Andso—tomorrownevercameforthatpoorgirl.Yoursearchofthehouse—diditaccomplishanything?”
“Therewereoneortwothingsthatwere—whatshallIsay?—unexpected,perhaps.”
“Suchas?”
“ElizabethJohnstonisamemberoftheCommunistParty.WefoundherPartycard.”
“Yes,”saidPoirot,thoughtfully.“Thatisinteresting.”
“Youwouldn’thaveexpectedit,”saidInspectorSharpe.“Ididn’tuntilIquestionedheryesterday.She’sgotalotofpersonality,thatgirl.”
“IshouldthinkshewasavaluablerecruittotheParty,”saidHerculePoirot.“Sheisayoungwomanofquiteunusualintelligence,Ishouldsay.”
“Itwasinterestingtome,”saidInspectorSharpe,“becauseshehasneverparadedthosesympathies,apparently.She’skeptveryquietaboutitatHickoryRoad.Idon’tseethatithasanysignificanceinconnectionwiththecaseofCeliaAustin,Imean—butit’sathingtobearinmind.”
“Whatelsedidyoufind?”
InspectorSharpeshruggedhisshoulders
“MissPatriciaLane,inherdrawer,hadahandkerchiefratherextensivelystainedwithgreenink.”
Poirot’seyebrowsrose.
“Greenink?PatriciaLane!SoitmayhavebeenshewhotooktheinkandspilleditoverElizabethJohnston’spapersandthenwipedherhandsafterwards.Butsurely….”
“Surelyshewouldn’twantherdearNigeltobesuspected,”Sharpefinishedforhim.
“Onewouldnothavethoughtso.Ofcourse,someoneelsemighthaveputthehandkerchiefinherdrawer.”
“Likelyenough.”
“Anythingelse?”
“Well,”Sharpereflectedforamoment.“ItseemsLeonardBateson’sfatherisinLongwithValeMentalHospital,acertifiedpatient.Idon’tsupposeit’sofanyparticularinterest,but….”
“ButLenBateson’sfatherisinsane.Probablywithoutsignificance,asyousay,butitisafacttobestoredawayinthememory.Itwouldevenbeinterestingtoknowwhatparticularformhismaniatakes.”
“Bateson’saniceyoungfellow,”saidSharpe,“butofcoursehistemperisabit,well,uncontrolled.”
Poirotnodded.Suddenly,vividly,herememberedCeliaAustinsaying,“Ofcourse,Iwouldn’tcutuparucksack.Anywaythatwasonlytemper.”Howdidsheknowitwastemper?HadsheseenLenBatesonhackingatthatrucksack?HecamebacktothepresenttohearSharpesay,withagrin:
“…andMr.AchmedAlihassomeextremelypornographicliteratureandpostcardswhichexplainswhyhewentupintheairoverthesearch.”
“Thereweremanyprotests,nodoubt?”
“Ishouldsaytherewere.AFrenchgirlpracticallyhadhystericsandanIndian,Mr.ChandraLal,threatenedtomakeaninternationalincidentofit.Therewereafewsubversivepamphletsamongsthisbelongings—theusualhalf-bakedstuff—andoneoftheWestAfricanshadsomeratherfearsomesouvenirsandfetishes.Yes,asearchwarrantcertainlyshowsyouthepeculiarsideofhumannature.YouheardaboutMrs.Nicoletisandherprivatecupboard?”
“Yes,Iheardaboutthat.”
InspectorSharpegrinned.
“Neverseensomanyemptybrandybottlesinmylife!Andwasshemadatus!”
Helaughed,andthen,abruptly,becameserious.
“Butwedidn’tfindwhatwewentafter,”hesaid.“Nopassportsexceptstrictlylegitimateones.”
“Youcanhardlyexpectsuchathingasafalsepassporttobeleftaboutforyoutofind,monami.Youneverhadoccasion,didyou,tomakeanofficialvisitto26HickoryRoadinconnectionwithapassport?Say,inthelastsixmonths?”
“No.I’lltellyoutheonlyoccasionsonwhichwedidcallround—withinthetimesyoumention.”
Hedetailedthemcarefully.
Poirotlistenedwithafrown.
“Allthat,itdoesnotmakesense,”hesaid.
Heshookhishead.
“Thingswillonlymakesenseifwebeginatthebeginning.”
“Whatdoyoucallthebeginning,Poirot?”
“Therucksack,myfriend,”saidPoirotsoftly.“Therucksack.Allthisbeganwitharucksack.”
ChapterFourteen
I
Mrs.Nicoletiscameupthestairsfromthebasement,whereshehadjustsucceededinthoroughlyinfuriatingbothGeronimoandthetemperamentalMaria.
“Liarsandthieves,”saidMrs.Nicoletis,inaloudtriumphantvoice.“AllItaliansareliarsandthieves!”
Mrs.Hubbard,whowasjustdescendingthestairs,gaveashortvexedsigh.
“It’sapity,”shesaid,“toupsetthemjustwhilethey’recookingthesupper.”
Mrs.Hubbardsuppressedtheretortthatrosetoherlips.
“IshallcomeinasusualonMonday,”saidMrs.Nicoletis.
“Yes,Mrs.Nicoletis.”
“AndpleasegetsomeonetorepairmycupboarddoorfirstthingMondaymorning.Thebillforrepairingitwillgotothepolice,doyouunderstand?Tothepolice.”
Mrs.Hubbardlookeddubious.
“AndIwantfreshelectriclightbulbsputinthedarkpassages—strongerones.Thepassagesaretoodark.”
“Yousaidespeciallythatyouwantedlowpowerbulbsinthepassages—foreconomy.”
“Thatwaslastweek,”snappedMrs.Nicoletis.“Now—itisdifferent.NowIlookovermyshoulder—andIwonder‘Whoisfollowingme?’”
Washeremployerdramatisingherself,Mrs.Hubbardwondered,orwasshereallyafraidofsomethingorsomeone?Mrs.Nicoletishadsuchahabitofexaggeratingeverythingthatitwasalwayshardtoknowhowmuchreliancetoplaceonherstatements.
Mrs.Hubbardsaiddoubtfully:
“Areyousureyououghttogohomebyyourself?Wouldyoulikemetocomewithyou?”
“Ishallbesafertherethanhere,Icantellyou!”
“Butwhatisityouareafraidof?IfIknew,perhapsIcould—”
“Itisnotyourbusiness.Itellyounothing.Ifinditinsupportablethewayyoucontinuallyaskmequestions.”
“I’msorry.I’msure—”
“Nowyouareoffended.”Mrs.Nicoletisgaveherabeamingsmile.“Iambadtemperedandrude—yes.ButIhavemuchtoworryme.AndrememberItrustyouandrelyonyou.WhatIshoulddowithoutyou,dearMrs.Hubbard,Ireallydonotknow.See,Ikissmyhandtoyou.Haveapleasantweekend.Goodnight.”
Mrs.Hubbardwatchedherasshewentoutthroughthefrontdoorandpulledittobehindher.Relievingherfeelingswitharatherinadequate“Well,really!”Mrs.Hubbardturnedtowardsthekitchenstairs.
Mrs.Nicoletiswentdownthefrontsteps,outthroughthegateandturnedtotheleft.HickoryRoadwasafairlybroadroad.Thehousesinitweresetbackalittleintheirgardens.Attheendoftheroad,afewminutes’walkfromnumber26,wasoneofLondon’smainthoroughfares,downwhichbuseswereroaring.Thereweretrafficlightsattheendoftheroadandapublichouse,TheQueen’sNecklace,atthecorner.Mrs.Nicoletiswalkedinthemiddleofthepavementandfromtimetotimesentanervousglanceoverhershoulder,buttherewasnooneinsight.HickoryRoadappearedtobeunusuallydesertedthisevening.ShequickenedherstepsalittleasshedrewnearTheQueen’sNecklace.Takinganotherhastyglanceroundsheslippedratherguiltilythroughintothesaloonbar.
Sippingthedoublebrandythatshehadaskedfor,herspiritsrevived.Shenolongerlookedthefrightenedanduneasywomanthatshehadashorttimepreviously.Heranimosityagainstthepolice,however,wasnotlessened.Shemurmuredunderherbreath,“Gestapo!Ishallmakethempay.Yes,theyshallpay!”andfinishedoffherdrink.Sheorderedanotherandbroodedoverrecenthappenings.Unfortunate,extremelyunfortunate,thatthepoliceshouldhavebeensotactlessastodiscoverhersecrethoard,andtoomuchtohopethatwordwouldnotgetaroundamongstthestudentsandtherestofthem.Mrs.Hubbardwouldbediscreet,perhaps,oragainperhapsnot,becausereally,couldonetrustanyone?Thesethingsalwaysdidgetround.Geronimoknew.Hehadprobablyalreadytoldhiswife,andshewouldtellthecleaningwomenandsoitwouldgoonuntil—shestartedviolentlyasavoicebehindhersaid:
“Why,Mrs.Nick,Ididn’tknowthiswasahauntofyours?”
“Oh,it’syou,”shesaid.“Ithought….”
“Whodidyouthinkitwas?Thebigbadwolf?Whatareyoudrinking?Haveanotheronme.”
“Itisalltheworry,”Mrs.Nicoletisexplainedwithdignity.“Thesepolicemensearchingmyhouse,upsettingeveryone.Mypoorheart.Ihavetobecarefulwithmyheart.Idonotcarefordrink,butreallyIfeltquitefaintoutside.Ithoughtalittlebrandy….”
“Nothinglikebrandy.Hereyouare.”
Mrs.NicoletisleftTheQueen’sNecklaceashortwhilelaterfeelingrevivedandpositivelyhappy.Shewouldnottakeabus,shedecided.Itwassuchafinenightandtheairwouldbegoodforher.Yes,definitely,theairwouldbegoodforher.Shefeltnotexactlyunsteadyonherfeetbutjustalittlebituncertain.Onebrandyless,perhaps,wouldhavebeenwise,buttheairwouldsoonclearherhead.Afterall,whyshouldn’taladyhaveaquietdrinkinherownroomfromtimetotime?Whatwastherewrongwithit?Itwasnotasthoughshehadeverallowedherselftobeseenintoxicated.Intoxicated?Ofcourse,shewasneverintoxicated.Andanyway,iftheydidn’tlikeit;iftheytickedSheknewathingortwo,didn’tshe?Ifshelikedtoshootoffhermouth!Mrs.Nicoletistossedherheadinabellicosemannerandswervedabruptlytoavoidapillar-boxwhichhadadvanceduponherinamenacingmanner.Nodoubt,herheadwasswimmingalittle.Perhapsifshejustleantagainstthewallhereforalittle?Ifsheclosedhereyesforamomentortwo….
II
PoliceConstableBott,swingingmagnificentlydownonhisbeat,wasaccostedbyatimid-lookingclerk.
“There’sawomanhere,Officer.Ireally—sheseemstohavebeentakenillorsomething.She’slyinginaheap.”
PoliceConstableBottbenthisenergeticstepsthatway,andstoopedovertherecumbentform.Astrongaromaofbrandyconfirmedhissuspicions.
“Passedout,”hesaid.“Drunk.Ahwell,don’tworry,sir,we’llseetoit.”
III
HerculePoirot,havingfinishedhisSundaybreakfast,wipedhismoustachescarefullyfreefromalltracesofhisbreakfastcupofchocolateandpassedintohissittingroom.
Neatlyarrangedonthetablewerefourrucksacks,eachwithitsbillattached—theresultofinstructionsgiventoGeorge.Poirottooktherucksackhehadpurchasedthedaybeforefromitswrapping,andaddedittotheothers.Theresultwasinteresting.TherucksackhehadboughtfromMr.Hicksdidnotseeminferiorinanywaythathecouldsee,tothearticlespurchasedbyGeorgefromvariousotherestablishments.Butitwasverydecidedlycheaper.
“Interesting,”saidHerculePoirot.
Hestaredattherucksacks.
Thenheexaminedthemindetail.Insideandoutside,turningthemupsidedown,feelingtheseams,thepockets,thehandles.Thenherose,wentintothebathroomandcamebackwithasmallsharpcornknife.TurningtherucksackhehadboughtatMr.Hicks’sstoreinsideout,heattackedthebottomofitwiththeknife.Betweentheinnerliningandthebottomtherewasaheavypieceofcorrugatedstiffening,ratherresemblinginappearancecorrugatedpaper.Poirotlookedatthedismemberedrucksackwithagreatdealofinterest.
Thenheproceededtoattacktheotherrucksacks.
Hesatbackfinallyandsurveyedtheamountofdestructionhehadjustaccomplished.
ThenhedrewthetelephonetowardshimandafterashortdelaymanagedtogetthroughtoInspectorSharpe.
“Ecoutez,moncher,”hesaid.“Iwanttoknowjusttwothings.”
SomethinginthenatureofaguffawcamefromInspectorSharpe.
“Iknowtwothingsaboutthehorse,
Andoneofthemisrathercoarse,”heobserved.
“Ibegyourpardon?”saidHerculePoirot,surprised.
“Nothing.Nothing.JustarhymeIusedtoknow.Whatarethetwothingsyouwanttoknow?”
“YoumentionedyesterdaycertainpoliceinquiriesatHickoryRoadmadeduringthelastthreemonths.Canyoutellmethedatesofthemandalsothetimeofdaytheyweremade?”
“Yes—well—thatshouldbeeasy.It’llbeinthefiles.JustwaitandI’lllookitup.”
Itwasnotlongbeforetheinspectorreturnedtothephone.“FirstinquiryastoIndianstudentdisseminatingsubversivepropaganda,18thDecemberlast—3:30p.m.”
“Thatistoolongago.”
“InquiryreMontagueJones,Eurasian,wantedinconnectionwithmurderofMrs.AliceCombeofCambridge—February24th—5:30p.m.InquiryreWilliamRobinson—nativeWestAfrica,wantedbySheffieldpolice—March6th,11a.m.”
“Ah!Ithankyou.”
“Butifyouthinkthateitherofthosecasescouldhaveanyconnectionwith—”
Poirotinterruptedhim.
“No,theyhavenoconnection.Iaminterestedonlyinthetimeofdaytheyweremade.”
“Whatareyouupto,Poirot?”
“Idissectrucksacks,myfriend.Itisveryinteresting.”
Gentlyhereplacedthereceiver.
HetookfromhispocketbooktheamendedlistthatMrs.Hubbardhadhandedhimthedaybefore.Itranasfollows:
Rucksack(LenBateson’s)
Electriclightbulbs
Bracelet(Genevieve’s)
Diamondring(Patricia’s)
Powdercompact(Genevieve’s)
Eveningshoe(Sally’s)
Lipstick(ElizabethJohnston’s)
Earrings(Valerie’s)
Stethoscope(LenBateson’s)
Bathsalts(?)
Scarfcutinpieces(Valerie’s)
Trousers(Colin’s)
Cookerybook(?)
Boracic(ChandraLal’s)
Costumebrooch(Sally’s)
InkspilledonElizabeth’snotes.
(ThisisthebestIcando.It’snotabsolutelyaccurate.LHubbard.)
Poirotlookedatitalongtime.
Hesighedandmurmuredtohimself,“Yes…decidedly…wehavetoeliminatethethingsthatdonotmatter….”
Hehadanideaastowhocouldhelphimtodothat.ItwasSunday.Mostofthestudentswouldprobablybeathome.
Hedialledthenumberof26HickoryRoadandaskedtospeaktoMissValerieHobhouse.Athickrathergutturalvoiceseemedratherdoubtfulastowhethershewasupyet,butsaiditwouldgoandsee.
Presentlyheheardalowhuskyvoice:
“ValerieHobhousespeaking.”
“ItisHerculePoirot.Yourememberme?”
“Ofcourse,M.Poirot.WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Iwouldlike,ifImay,tohaveashortconversationwithyou?”
“Certainly.”
“Imaycomeround,then,toHickoryRoad?”
“Yes.I’llbeexpectingyou.I’lltellGeronimotobringyouuptomyroom.There’snotmuchprivacyhereonaSunday.”
“Thankyou,MissHobhouse.Iammostgrateful.”
GeronimoopenedthedoortoPoirotwithaflourish,thenbendingforwardhespokewithhisusualconspiratorialair.
“ItakeyouuptoMissValerieveryquietly.Hushshsh.”
Placingafingeronhislips,heledthewayupstairsandintoagoodsizedroomoverlookingHickoryRoad.Itwasfurnishedwithtasteandareasonableamountofluxuryasabed-sittingroom.ThedivanbedwascoveredwithawornbutbeautifulPersianrug,andtherewasanattractiveQueenAnnewalnutbureauwhichPoirotjudgedhardlylikelytobeoneoftheoriginalfurnishingsof26HickoryRoad.
ValerieHobhousewasstandingreadytogreethim.Shelookedtired,hethought,andthereweredarkcirclesroundhereyes.
“Maisvousêtestrèsbienici,”saidPoirot,ashegreetedher.“Itischic.Ithasanair.”
Valeriesmiled.
“I’vebeenhereagoodtime,”shesaid.“Twoandahalfyears.Nearlythree.I’vedugmyselfinmoreorlessandI’vegotsomeofmyownthings.”
“Youarenotastudent,areyou,mademoiselle?”
“Ohno.Purelycommercial.I’vegotajob.”
“Ina—cosmeticfirm,wasit?”
“Yes.I’moneofthebuyersforSabrinaFair—it’sabeautysalon.ActuallyIhaveasmallshareinthebusiness.Werunacertainamountofsidelinesbesidesbeautytreatment.Accessories,thattypeofthing.SmallParisiannovelties.Andthat’smydepartment.”
“YougooverthenfairlyoftentoParisandtotheContinent?”
“Ohyes,aboutonceamonth,sometimesoftener.”
“Youmustforgiveme,”saidPoirot,“ifIseemtobedisplayingcuriosity….”
“Whynot?”Shecuthimshort.“Inthecircumstancesinwhichwefindourselveswemustallputupwithcuriosity.I’veansweredagoodmanyquestionsyesterdayfromInspectorSharpe.Youlookasthoughyouwouldlikeanuprightchair,M.Poirot,ratherthanalowarmchair.”
“Youdisplaytheperspicacity,mademoiselle.”Poirotsatdowncarefullyandsquarelyinahigh-backedchairwitharmstoit.
Valeriesatdownonthedivan.Sheofferedhimacigaretteandtookoneherselfandlightedit.Hestudiedherwithsomeattention.Shehadanervous,ratherhaggardelegancethatappealedtohimmorethanmereconventionalgoodlookswouldhavedone.Anintelligentandattractiveyoungwoman,hethought.Hewonderedifhernervousnesswastheresultoftherecentinquiryorwhetheritwasanaturalcomponentofhermanner.Herememberedthathehadthoughtmuchthesameaboutherontheeveningwhenhehadcometosupper.
“InspectorSharpehasbeenmakinginquiriesofyou?”heasked.
“Yes,indeed.”
“Andyouhavetoldhimallthatyouknow?”
“Ofcourse.”
“Iwonder,”saidPoirot,“ifthatistrue.”
Shelookedathimwithanironicexpression.
“SinceyoudidnothearmyanswerstoInspectorSharpeyoucanhardlybeajudge,”shesaid.
“Ahno.Itismerelyoneofmylittleideas.Ihavethem,youknow—thelittleideas.Theyarehere.”Hetappedhishead.
ItcouldbenoticedthatPoirot,ashesometimesdid,wasdeliberatelyplayingthemountebank.Valerie,however,didnotsmile.Shelookedathiminastraightforwardmanner.Whenshespokeitwaswithacertainabruptness.
“Shallwecometothepoint,M.Poirot?”sheasked.“Ireallydon’tknowwhatyou’redrivingat.”
“Butcertainly,MissHobhouse.”
Hetookfromhispocketalittlepackage.
“Youcanguess,perhaps,whatIhavehere?”
“I’mnotclairvoyant,M.Poirot.Ican’tseethroughpaperandwrappings.”
“Ihavehere,”saidPoirot,“theringthatwasstolenfromMissPatriciaLane.”
“Theengagementring?Imean,hermother’sengagementring?Butwhyshouldyouhaveit?”
“Iaskedhertolendittomeforadayortwo.”
AgainValerie’srathersurprisedeyebrowsmountedherforehead.
“Indeed,”sheobserved.
“Iwasinterestedinthering,”saidPoirot.“Interestedinitsdisappearance,initsreturnandinsomethingelseaboutit.SoIaskedMissLanetolendittome.Sheagreedreadily.Itookitstraightawaytoajewellerfriendofmine.”
“Yes?”
“Iaskedhimtoreportonthediamondinit.Afairlylargestone,ifyouremember,flankedateithersidebyalittleclusterofsmallstones.Youremember—mademoiselle?”
“Ithinkso.Idon’treallyrememberitverywell.”
“Butyouhandledit,didn’tyou?Itwasinyoursoupplate.”
“Thatwashowitwasreturned!Ohyes,Irememberthat.Inearlyswallowedit.”Valeriegaveashortlaugh.
“AsIsay,ItooktheringtomyjewellerfriendandIaskedhimhisopiniononthediamond.Doyouknowwhathisanswerwas?”
“HowcouldI?”
“Hisanswerwasthatthestonewasnotadiamond.Itwasmerelyazircon.Awhitezircon.”
“Oh!”Shestaredathim.Thenshewenton,hertonealittleuncertain.“D’youmeanthat—Patriciathoughtitwasadiamondbutitwasonlyazirconor….”
Poirotwasshakinghishead.
“No,Idonotmeanthat.Itwastheengagementring,soIunderstand,ofthisPatriciaLane’smother.MissPatriciaLaneisayoungladyofgoodfamily,andherpeople,Ishouldsay,certainlybeforerecenttaxation,wereincomfortablecircumstances.Inthosecircles,mademoiselle,moneyisspentuponanengagementring—adiamondringoraringcontainingsomeotherpreciousstone.IamquitecertainthatthepapaofMissLanewouldnothavegivenhermammaanythingbutavaluableengagementring.”
“Astothat,”saidValerie,“Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore.Patricia’sfatherwasasmallcountrysquire,Ibelieve.”
“Therefore,”saidPoirot,“itwouldseemthatthestoneintheringmusthavebeenreplacedbyanotherstonelater.”
“Isuppose,”saidValerieslowly,“thatPatmighthavelostthestoneoutofit,couldn’taffordtoreplaceitwithadiamond,andhadazirconputininstead.”
“Thatispossible,”saidHerculePoirot,“butIdonotthinkitiswhathappened.”
“Well,M.Poirot,ifwe’reguessing,whatdoyouthinkhappened?”
“Ithink,”saidPoirot,“thattheringwastakenbyMademoiselleCeliaandthatthediamondwasdeliberatelyremovedandthezirconsubstitutedbeforetheringwasreturned.”
Valeriesatupverystraight.
“YouthinkthatCeliastolethatdiamonddeliberately?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“No,”hesaid.“Ithinkyoustoleit,mademoiselle.”
ValerieHobhousecaughtherbreathsharply:
“Well,really!”sheexclaimed.“Thatseemstomeprettythick.You’venoearthlyevidenceofanykind.”
“But,yes,”Poirotinterruptedher.“Ihaveevidence.Theringwasreturnedinaplateofsoup.Nowme,Idinedhereoneevening.Inoticedthewaythesoupwasserved.Itwasservedfromatureenonthesidetable.Therefore,ifanyonefoundaringintheirsoupplateitcouldonlyhavebeenplacedthereeitherbythepersonwhowasservingthesoup(inthiscaseGeronimo)orbythepersonwhosesoupplateitwas.You!IdonotthinkitwasGeronimo.Ithinkthatyoustagedthereturnoftheringinthesoupinthatwaybecauseitamusedyou.Youhave,ifImaymakethecriticism,rathertoohumorousasenseofthedramatic.Toholdupthering!Toexclaim!Ithinkyouindulgedyoursenseofhumourthere,mademoiselle,anddidnotrealisethatyoubetrayedyourselfinsodoing.”
“Isthatall?”Valeriespokescornfully.
“Oh,no,itisbynomeansall.Yousee,whenCeliaconfessedthateveningtohavingbeenresponsibleforthetheftshere,Inoticedseveralsmallpoints.Forinstance,inspeakingofthisringshesaid,‘Ididn’trealisehowvaluableitwas.AssoonasIknewImanagedtoreturnit.’Howdidsheknow,MissValerie?Whotoldherhowvaluabletheringwas?Andthenagaininspeakingofthecutscarf,littleMissCeliasaidsomethinglike,‘Thatdidn’tmatter,Valeriedidn’tmind…’Whydidyounotmindifagoodqualitysilkscarfbelongingtoyouwascuttoshreds?Iformedtheimpressionthenandtherethatthewholecampaignofstealingthings,ofmakingherselfouttobeakleptomaniac,andsoattractingtheattentionofColinMcNabb,hadbeenthoughtoutforCeliabysomeoneelse.SomeonewithfarmoreintelligencethanCeliaAustinhadandwithagoodworkingknowledgeofpsychology.Youtoldhertheringwasvaluable;youtookitfromherandarrangedforitsreturn.Inthesamewayitwasatyoursuggestionthatsheslashedascarfofyourstopieces.”
“Thesearealltheories,”saidValerie,“andratherfarfetchedtheoriesatthat.TheinspectorhasalreadysuggestedtomethatIputCeliauptodoingthesetricks.”
“Andwhatdidyousaytohim?”
“Isaiditwasnonsense,”saidValerie.
“Andwhatdoyousaytome?”
Valerielookedathimsearchinglyforamomentortwo.Thenshegaveashortlaugh,stubbedouthercigarette,leanedbackthrustingacushionbehindherback,andsaid:
“You’requiteright.Iputheruptoit.”
“MayIaskyouwhy?”
Valeriesaidimpatiently:
“Oh,sheerfoolishgoodnature.Benevolentinterfering.ThereCeliawas,mooningaboutlikealittleghost,yearningoverColinwhoneverlookedather.Itallseemedsosilly.Colin’soneofthoseconceitedopinionatedyoungmenwrappedupinpsychologyandcomplexesandemotionalblocksandalltherestofit,andIthoughtitwouldbereallyratherfuntoegghimonandmakeafoolofhim.AnywayIhatedtoseeCelialooksomiserable,soIgotholdofher,gaveheratalking-to,explainedinoutlinethewholescheme,andurgedherontoit.Shewasabitnervous,Ithink,aboutitall,butratherthrilledatthesametime.Then,ofcourse,oneofthefirstthingsthelittleidiotdoesistofindPat’sringleftinthebathroomandpinchthat—areallyvaluablepieceofjewelleryaboutwhichthere’dbealotofhoo-haaandthepolicewouldbecalledinandthewholethingmighttakeaseriousturn.SoIgrabbedtheringoffher,toldherI’dreturnitsomehow,andurgedherinfuturetosticktocostumejewelleryandcosmeticsandalittlewilfuldamagetosomethingofminewhichwouldn’tlandherintrouble.”
Poirotdrewadeepbreath.
“ThatwasexactlywhatIthought,”hesaid.
“IwishthatIhadn’tdoneitnow,”saidValeriesombrely.“ButIreallydidmeanwell.That’sanatrociousthingtosayandjustlikeJeanTomlinson,butthereitis.”
“Andnow,”saidPoirot,“wecometothisbusinessofPatricia’sring.Celiagaveittoyou.YouweretofinditsomewhereandreturnittoPatricia.ButbeforereturningittoPatricia,”hepaused.“Whathappened?”
Hewatchedherfingersnervouslyplaitingandunplaitingtheendofafringedscarfthatshewaswearingroundherneck.Hewenton,inanevenmorepersuasivevoice:
“Youwerehardup,eh,wasthatit?”
Withoutlookingupathimshegaveashortnodofthehead.
“IsaidI’dcomeclean,”shesaidandtherewasbitternessinhervoice.“Thetroublewithmeis,M.Poirot,I’magambler.That’soneofthethingsthat’sborninyouandyoucan’tdoanythingmuchaboutit.IbelongtoalittleclubinMayfair—oh,Ishan’ttellyoujustwhere—Idon’twanttoberesponsibleforgettingitraidedbythepoliceoranythingofthatkind.We’lljustletitgoatthefactthatIbelongtoit.There’sroulettethere,baccarat,alltherestofit.I’vetakenanastyseriesoflossesoneaftertheother.IhadthisringofPat’s.Ihappenedtobepassingashopwheretherewasazirconring.Ithoughttomyself,‘ifthisdiamondwasreplacedwithawhitezirconPatwouldneverknowthedifference!’Youneverdolookataringyouknowreallywell.Ifthediamondseemsabitdullerthanusualyoujustthinkitneedscleaningorsomethinglikethat.Allright,Ihadanimpulse.Ifell.Iprisedoutthediamondandsoldit.ReplaceditwithazirconandthatnightIpretendedtofinditinmysoup.Thatwasadamnsillythingtodo,too,Iagree.There!Nowyouknowitall.Buthonestly,InevermeantCeliatobeblamedforthat.”
“No,no,Iunderstand.”Poirotnoddedhishead.“Itwasjustanopportunitythatcameyourway.Itseemedeasyandyoutookit.Butyoumadethereagreatmistake,mademoiselle.”
“Irealisethat,”saidValeriedrily.Thenshebrokeoutunhappily:
“Butwhatthehell!Doesthatmatternow?Oh,turnmeinifyoulike.TellPat.Telltheinspector.Telltheworld!Butwhatgoodisitgoingtodo?How’sitgoingtohelpuswithfindingoutwhokilledCelia?”
Poirotrosetohisfeet.
“Oneneverknows,”hesaid,“whatmayhelpandwhatmaynot.Onehastoclearoutofthewaysomanythingsthatdonotmatterandthatconfusetheissue.ItwasimportantformetoknowwhohadinspiredthelittleCeliatoplaythepartshedid.Iknowthatnow.Astothering,IsuggestthatyougoyourselftoMissPatriciaLaneandthatyoutellherwhatyoudidandexpressthecustomarysentiments.”
Valeriemadeagrimace.
“Idaresaythat’sprettygoodadviceonthewhole,”shesaid.“Allright,I’llgotoPatandI’lleathumblepie.Pat’saverydecentsort.I’lltellherthatwhenIcanafforditagainI’llreplacethediamond.Isthatwhatyouwant,M.Poirot?”
“ItisnotwhatIwant,itiswhatisadvisable.”
ThedooropenedsuddenlyandMrs.Hubbardcamein.
ShewasbreathinghardandtheexpressioninherfacemadeValerieexclaim:
“What’sthematter,Mum?What’shappened?”
Mrs.Hubbarddroppedintoachair.
“It’sMrs.Nicoletis.”
“Mrs.Nick?Whatabouther?”
“Oh,mydear.She’sdead.”
“Dead?”Valerie’svoicecameharshly.“How?When?”
“Itseemsshewaspickedupinthestreetlastnight—theytookhertothepolicestation.Theythoughtshewas—was—”
“Drunk?Isuppose….”
“Yes—shehadbeendrinking.Butanyway—shedied—”
“PooroldMrs.Nick,”saidValerie.Therewasatremorinherhuskyvoice.
Poirotsaidgently:
“Youwerefondofher,mademoiselle?”
“It’soddinaway—shecouldbeaproperolddevil—butyes—Iwas…WhenIfirstcamehere—threeyearsago,shewasn’tnearlyas—astemperamentalasshebecamelater.Shewasgoodcompany—amusing—warmhearted.She’schangedalotinthelastyear—”
ValerielookedatMrs.Hubbard.
“Isupposethat’sbecauseshe’dtakentodrinkingonthequiet—theyfoundalotofbottlesandthingsinherroom,didn’tthey?”
“Yes,”Mrs.Hubbardhesitated,thenburstout:“Idoblamemyself—lettinghergooffhomealonelastnight—shewasafraidofsomething,youknow.”
“Afraid?”
PoirotandValeriesaiditinunison.
Mrs.Hubbardnoddedunhappily.Hermildroundfacewastroubled.
“Yes.Shekeptsayingshewasn’tsafe.Iaskedhertotellmewhatshewasafraidof—andshesnubbedme.Andoneneverknewwithher,ofcourse,howmuchwasexaggeration.Butnow—Iwonder—”
Valeriesaid:
“Youdon’tthinkthatshe—thatshe,too—thatshewas—”
Shebrokeoffwithalookofhorrorinhereyes.
Poirotasked:
“Whatdidtheysaywasthecauseofdeath?”
Mrs.Hubbardsaidunhappily:
“They—theydidn’tsay.There’stobeaninquest—onTuesday—”
ChapterFifteen
InaquietroomatNewScotlandYard,fourmenweresittingroundatable.
PresidingovertheconferencewasSuperintendentWildingoftheNarcoticssquad.NexttohimwasSergeantBell,ayoungmanofgreatenergyandoptimismwholookedratherlikeaneagergreyhound.Leaningbackinhischair,quietandalert,wasInspectorSharpe.ThefourthmanwasHerculePoirot.Onthetablewasarucksack.
SuperintendentWildingstrokedhischinthoughtfully.
“It’saninterestingidea,M.Poirot,”hesaidcautiously.“Yes,it’saninterestingidea.”
“Itis,asIsay,simplyanidea,”saidPoirot.
Wildingnodded.
“We’veoutlinedthegeneralposition,”hesaid.“Smugglinggoesonallthetime,ofcourse,inoneformoranother.Weclearuponelotofoperators,andafteradueintervalthingsstartagainsomewhereelse.Speakingformyownbranch,there’sbeenagoodlotofthestuffcomingintothiscountryinthelastyearandahalf.Heroinmostly—afairamountofcoke.TherearevariousdepotsdottedhereandthereontheContinent.TheFrenchpolicehavegotaleadortwoastohowitcomesintoFrance—they’relesscertainhowitgoesoutagain.”
“WouldIberightinsaying,”Poirotasked,“thatyourproblemcouldbedividedroughlyunderthreeheads.Thereistheproblemofdistribution,thereistheproblemofhowtheconsignmentsenterthecountry,andthereistheproblemofwhoreallyrunsthebusinessandtakesthemainprofits?”
“RoughlyI’dsaythat’squiteright.Weknowafairamountaboutthesmalldistributorsandhowthestuffisdistributed.Someofthedistributorswepullin,someweleavealonehopingthattheymayleadustothebigfish.It’sdistributedinalotofdifferentways,nightclubs,pubs,drugstores,anodddoctororso,fashionablewomen’sdressmakersandhairdressers.Itishandedoveronracecourses,andinantiquedealers’,sometimesinacrowdedmultiplestore.ButIneedn’ttellyouallthis.It’snotthatsideofitthat’simportant.Wecankeeppacewithallthatfairlywell.Andwe’vegotcertainveryshrewdsuspicionsastowhatI’vecalledthebigfish.Oneortwoveryrespectablewealthygentlemenagainstwhomthere’sneverabreathofsuspicion.Verycarefultheyare;theyneverhandlethestuffthemselves,andthelittlefrydon’tevenknowwhotheyare.Buteverynowandagain,oneofthemmakesaslip—andthen—wegethim.”
“ThatisallverymuchasIsupposed.ThelineinwhichIaminterestedisthethirdline—howdotheconsignmentscomeintothecountry?”
“Ah.We’reanisland.Themostusualwayisthegoodold-fashionedwayofthesea.Runningacargo.Quietlandingsomewhereontheeastcoast,oralittlecovedownsouth,byamotorboatthat’sslippedquietlyacrosstheChannel.Thatsucceedsforabitbutsoonerorlaterwegetalineontheparticularfellowwhoownstheboatandoncehe’sundersuspicionhisopportunity’sgone.Onceortwicelatelythestuff’scomeinononeoftheairliners.There’sbigmoneyoffered,andoccasionallyoneofthestewardsoroneofthecrewprovestobeonlytoohuman.Andthentherearethecommercialimporters.Respectablefirmsthatimportgrandpianos,orwhathaveyou!Theyhavequiteagoodrunforabit,butweusuallygetwisetothemintheend.”
“Youwouldagreethatitisoneofthechiefdifficultieswhenyouarerunninganillicittrade—theentryfromabroadintothiscountry?”
“Decidedly.AndI’llsaymore.Forsometimenow,we’vebeenworried.Morestuffiscominginthanwecankeeppacewith.”
“Andwhataboutotherthings,suchasgems?”
SergeantBellspoke.
“There’sagooddealofitgoingon,sir.IllicitdiamondsandotherstonesarecomingoutofSouthAfricaandAustralia,somefromtheFarEast.They’recomingintothiscountryinasteadystream,andwedon’tknowhow.Theotherdayayoungwoman,anordinarytourist,inFrance,wasaskedbyacasualacquaintanceifshe’dtakeapairofshoesacrosstheChannel.Notnewones,nothingdutiable,justsomeshoessomeonehadleftbehind.Sheagreedquiteunsuspiciously.Wehappenedtobeontothat.Theheelsoftheshoesturnedouttobehollowandpackedwithuncutdiamonds.”
SuperintendentWildingsaid:
“Butlookhere,M.Poirot,whatisityou’reonthetrackof,dopeorsmuggledgems?”
“Either.Anything,infact,ofhighvalueandsmallbulk.Thereisanopening,itseemstome,forwhatyoumightcallafreightservice,conveyinggoodssuchasIhavedescribedtoandfroacrosstheChannel.Stolenjewellery,thestonesremovedfromtheirsettings,couldbetakenoutofEngland,illicitstonesanddrugsbroughtin.Itcouldbeasmallindependentagency,unconnectedwithdistribution,thatcarriedstuffonacommissionbasis.Andtheprofitsmightbehigh.”
“I’llsayyou’rerightthere!Youcanpacktenortwentythousandpounds’worthofheroininaverysmallspaceandthesamegoesforuncutstonesofhighquality.”
“Yousee,”saidPoirot,“theweaknessofthesmugglerisalwaysthehumanelement.Soonerorlateryoususpectaperson,anairlinesteward,ayachtingenthusiastwithasmallcabincruiser,thewomanwhotravelstoandfrotoFrancetoooften,theimporterwhoseemstobemakingmoremoneythanisreasonable,themanwholiveswellwithoutvisiblemeansofsupport.Butifthestuffisbroughtintothiscountrybyaninnocentperson,andwhatismore,byadifferentpersoneachtime,thenthedifficultiesofspottingthecargoesareenormouslyincreased.”
Wildingpushedafingertowardstherucksack.“Andthat’syoursuggestion?”
“Yes.Whoisthepersonwhoisleastvulnerabletosuspicionthesedays?Thestudent.Theearnest,hard-workingstudent.Badlyoff,travellingaboutwithnomoreluggagethanwhathecancarryonhisback.HitchhikinghiswayacrossEurope.Ifoneparticularstudentweretobringthestuffinallthetime,nodoubtyou’dgetwisetohimorher,butthewholeessenceofthearrangementisthatthecarriersareinnocentandthattherearealotofthem.”
Wildingrubbedhisjaw.
“Justhowexactlydoyouthinkit’smanaged,M.Poirot?”heasked.
HerculePoirotshruggedhisshoulders.
“Astothatitismyguessonly.NodoubtIamwronginmanydetails,butIshouldsaythatitworkedroughlylikethis:First,alineofrucksacksisplacedonthemarket.Theyareoftheordinary,conventionaltype,justlikeanyotherrucksack,wellandstronglymadeandsuitablefortheirpurpose.WhenIsay‘justlikeanyotherrucksack’thatisnotso.Theliningatthebaseisslightlydifferent.Asyousee,itisquiteeasilyremovableandisofathicknessandcompositiontoallowforrouleauxofgemsorpowderconcealedinthecorrugations.Youwouldneversuspectitunlessyouwerelookingforit.Pureheroinorpurecocainewouldtakeupverylittleroom.”
“Tootrue,”saidWilding.“Why,”hemeasuredwithrapidfingers,“youcouldbringinstuffworthfiveorsixthousandpoundseachtimewithoutanyonebeingthewiser.”
“Exactly,”saidHerculePoirot.“Alors!Therucksacksaremade,putonthemarket,areonsale—probablyinmorethanoneshop.Theproprietoroftheshopmaybeintheracketorhemaynot.Itmaybethathehasjustbeensoldacheaplinewhichhefindsprofitable,sincehispriceswillcomparefavourablywiththatchargedbyothercampingoutfitsellers.Thereis,ofcourse,adefiniteorganisationinthebackground;acarefullykeptlistofstudentsatthemedicalschools,atLondonUniversityandatotherplaces.Someonewhoishimselfastudent,orposingasastudent,isprobablyattheheadoftheracket.Studentsgoabroad.Atsomepointinthereturnjourneyaduplicaterucksackisexchanged.ThestudentreturnstoEngland;customsinvestigationswillbeperfunctory.Thestudentarrivesbackathisorherhostel,unpacks,andtheemptyrucksackistossedintoacupboardorintoacorneroftheroom.Atthispointtherewillbeagainanexchangeofrucksacksorpossiblythefalsebottomwillbeneatlyextractedandaninnocentonereplaceit.”
“Andyouthinkthat’swhathappenedatHickoryRoad?”
Poirotnodded.
“Thatismysuspicion.Yes.”
“Butwhatputyouontoit,M.Poirot—assumingyou’reright,thatis?”
“Arucksackwascuttopieces,”saidPoirot.“Why?Sincethereasonisnotplain,onehastoimagineareason.ThereissomethingqueerabouttherucksacksthatcometoHickoryRoad.Theyaretoocheap.TherehavebeenaseriesofpeculiarhappeningsatHickoryRoad,butthegirlresponsibleforthemsworethatthedestructionoftherucksackwasnotherdoing.Sinceshehasconfessedtotheotherthingswhyshouldshedenythat,unlessshewasspeakingthetruth?Sotheremustbeanotherreasonforthedestructionoftherucksack—andtodestroyarucksack,Imaysay,isnotaneasything.Itwashardworkandsomeonemusthavebeenprettydesperatetoundertakeit.IgotmycluewhenIfoundthatroughly—(onlyroughly,alas,becausepeople’smemoriesafteraperiodofsomemonthsarenottoocertain)butroughly—thatthatrucksackwasdestroyedataboutthedatewhenapoliceofficercalledtoseethepersoninchargeofthehostel.Theactualreasonthatthepoliceofficercalledhadtodowithquiteanothermatter,butIwillputittoyoulikethis:Youaresomeoneconcernedinthissmugglingracket.YougohometothehousethateveningandyouareinformedthatthepolicehavecalledandareatthemomentupstairswithMrs.Hubbard.Immediatelyyouassumethatthepoliceareontothesmugglingracket,thattheyhavecometomakeaninvestigation;andletussaythatatthatmomentthereisinthehousearucksackjustbroughtbackfromabroadcontaining—orwhichhasrecentlycontained—contraband.Now,ifthepolicehavealineonwhathasbeengoingon,theywillhavecometoHickoryRoadfortheexpresspurposeofexaminingtherucksacksofthestudents.Youdarenotwalkoutofthehousewiththerucksackinquestionbecause,forallyouknow,somebodymayhavebeenleftoutsidebythepolicetowatchthehousewithjustthatobjectinview,andarucksackisnotaneasythingtoconcealordisguise.Theonlythingyoucanthinkofistoripuptherucksack,andcramthepiecesawayamongthejunkintheboilerhouse.Ifthereisdopeorgemsonthepremises,theycanbeconcealedinbathsaltsasatemporarymeasure.Butevenanemptyrucksack,ifithadhelddope,mightyieldtracesofheroinorcocaineoncloseexaminationoranalysis.Sotherucksackmustbedestroyed.Youagreethatthatispossible?”
“Itisanidea,asIsaidbefore,”saidSuperintendentWilding.
“Italsoseemspossiblethatasmallincidentnothithertoregardedasimportantmaybeconnectedwiththerucksack.AccordingtotheItalianservant,Geronimo,ontheday,oroneofthedays,whenthepolicecalled,thelightinthehallhadgone.Hewenttolookforabulbtoreplaceit;foundthesparebulbs,too,weremissing.Hewasquitesurethatadayortwopreviouslytherehadbeensparebulbsinthedrawer.Itseemstomeapossibility—thisisfar-fetchedandIwouldnotsaythatIamsureofit,youunderstand,itisamerepossibility—thattherewassomeonewithaguiltyconsciencewhohadbeenmixedupwithasmugglingracketbeforeandwhofearedthathisfacemightbeknowntothepoliceiftheysawhiminabrightlight.Sohequietlyremovedthebulbfromthehalllightandtookawaythenewonessothatitshouldnotbereplaced.Asaresultthehallwasilluminatedbyacandleonly.This,asIsay,ismerelyasupposition.”
“It’saningeniousidea,”saidWilding.
“It’spossible,sir,”saidSergeantBelleagerly.“ThemoreIthinkofitthemorepossibleIthinkitis.”
“Butifso,”wentonWilding,“there’smoretoitthanjustHickoryRoad?”
Poirotnodded.
“Ohyes.Theorganisationmustcoverawiderangeofstudents’clubsandsoon.”
“Youhavetofindaconnectinglinkbetweenthem,”saidWilding.
InspectorSharpespokeforthefirsttime.
“Thereissuchalink,sir,”hesaid,“ortherewas.Awomanwhoranseveralstudentclubsandorganisations.AwomanwhowasrightonthespotatHickoryRoad.Mrs.Nicoletis.”
WildingflickedaquickglanceatPoirot.
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Mrs.Nicoletisfitsthebill.Shehadafinancialinterestinalltheseplacesthoughshedidn’trunthemherself.Hermethodwastogetsomeoneofunimpeachableintegrityandantecedentstoruntheplace.MyfriendMrs.Hubbardissuchaperson.ThefinancialbackingwassuppliedbyMrs.Nicoletis—butthereagainIsuspectherofbeingonlyafigurehead.”
“H’m,”saidWilding.“IthinkitwouldbeinterestingtoknowalittlemoreaboutMrs.Nicoletis.”
Sharpenodded.
“We’reinvestigatingher,”hesaid.“Herbackgroundandwhereshecamefrom.Ithastobedonecarefully.Wedon’twanttoalarmourbirdstoosoon.We’relookingintoherfinancialbackground,too.Myword,thatwomanwasatartarifevertherewasone.”
HedescribedhisexperiencesofMrs.Nicoletiswhenconfrontedwithasearchwarrant.
“Brandybottles,eh?”saidWilding.“Soshedrank?Well,thatoughttomakeiteasier.What’shappenedtoher?Hookedit—”
“Nosir.She’sdead.”
“Dead?”Wildingraisedhiseyebrows.“Monkeybusiness,doyoumean?”
“Wethinkso—yes.We’llknowforcertainaftertheautopsy.Ithinkmyselfshe’dbeguntocrack.Maybeshedidn’tbargainformurder.”
“You’retalkingabouttheCeliaAustincase.Didthegirlknowsomething?”
“Sheknewsomething,”saidPoirot,“butifImaysoputit,Idonotthinksheknewwhatitwassheknew!”
“Youmeansheknewsomethingbutdidn’tappreciatetheimplicationsofit?”
“Yes.Justthat.Shewasnotaclevergirl.Shewouldbequitelikelytofailtograspaninference.Buthavingseensomething,orheardsomething,shemayhavementionedthefactquiteunsuspiciously.”
“You’venoideawhatshesaworheard,M.Poirot?”
“Imakeguesses,”saidPoirot.“Icannotdomore.Therehasbeenmentionofapassport.DidsomeoneinthehousehaveafalsepassportallowingthemtogotoandfrototheContinentunderanothername?Wouldtherevelationofthatfactbeaseriousdangertothatperson?Didsheseetherucksackbeingtamperedwithordidshe,perhaps,onedayseesomeoneremovingthefalsebottomfromtherucksackwithoutrealisingwhatitwasthatthatpersonwasdoing?Didsheperhapsseethepersonwhoremovedthelightbulbs?Andmentionthefacttohimorher,notrealisingthatitwasofanyimportance?Ah,mondieu!”saidHerculePoirotwithirritation.“Guesses!guesses!guesses!Onemustknowmore.Alwaysonemustknowmore!”
“Well,”saidSharpe,“wecanmakeastartonMrs.Nicoletis’santecedents.Somethingmaycomeup.”
“Shewasputoutofthewaybecausetheythoughtshemighttalk?Wouldshehavetalked?”
“She’dbeendrinkingsecretlyforsometime…andthatmeanshernerveswereshottopieces,”saidSharpe.“Shemighthavebrokendownandspilledthewholething.TurnedQueen’sEvidence.”
“Shedidn’treallyruntheracket,Isuppose?”
Poirotshookhishead.
“Ishouldnotthinkso,no.Shewasoutintheopen,yousee.Sheknewwhatwasgoingon,ofcourse,butIshouldnotsayshewasthebrainsbehindit.No.”
“Anyideawhoisthebrainsbehindit?”
“Icouldmakeaguess—Imightbewrong.Yes—Imightbewrong!”
ChapterSixteen
I
“Hickory,dickory,dock,”saidNigel,“themouseranuptheclock.Thepolicesaid‘Boo,’Iwonderwho,willeventuallystandintheDock?”
Headded:
“Totellornottotell?Thatisthequestion!”
Hepouredhimselfoutafreshcupofcoffeeandbroughtitbacktothebreakfasttable.
“Tellwhat?”askedLenBateson.
“Anythingoneknows,”saidNigel,withanairywaveofthehand.
JeanTomlinsonsaiddisapprovingly:
“Butofcourse!Ifwehaveanyinformationthatmaybeofuse,ofcoursewemusttellthepolice.Thatwouldbeonlyright.”
“AndtherespeaksourbonnieJean,”saidNigel.
“Moijen’aimepaslesflics,”saidRené,offeringhiscontributiontothediscussion.
“Tellwhat?”LeonardBatesonsaidagain.
“Thethingsweknow,”saidNigel.“Abouteachother,Imean,”hesaidhelpfully.Hisglancesweptroundthebreakfasttablewithamaliciousgleam.
“Afterall,”hesaidcheerfully,“wealldoknowlotsofthingsabouteachother,don’twe?Imean,one’sboundto,livinginthesamehouse.”
“Butwhoistodecidewhatisimportantornot?Therearemanythingsnobusinessofthepoliceatall,”saidMr.AchmedAli.Hespokehotly,withaninjuredremembranceoftheinspector’ssharpremarksabouthiscollectionofpostcards.
“Ihear,”saidNigel,turningtowardsMr.Akibombo,“thattheyfoundsomeveryinterestingthingsinyourroom.”
Owingtohiscolour,Mr.Akibombowasnotabletoblush,buthiseyelidsblinkedinadiscomfitedmanner.
“Verymuchsuperstitioninmycountry,”hesaid.“Mygrandfathergivemethingstobringhere.Ikeepoutoffeelingofpietyandrespect.I,myself,ammodernandscientific;notbelieveinvoodoo,butowingtoimperfectcommandoflanguageIfindverydifficulttoexplaintopoliceman.”
“EvendearlittleJeanhashersecrets,Iexpect,”saidNigel,turninghisgazebacktoMissTomlinson.
Jeansaidhotlythatshewasn’tgoingtobeinsulted.
“IshallleavethisplaceandgototheYWCA,”shesaid.
“Comenow,Jean,”saidNigel.“Giveusanotherchance.”
“Oh,cutitout,Nigel!”saidValeriewearily.“Thepolicehavetosnoop,Isuppose,underthecircumstances.”
ColinMcNabbclearedhisthroat,preparatorytomakingaremark.
“Inmyopinion,”hesaidjudicially,“thepresentpositionoughttobemadecleartous.WhatexactlywasthecauseofMrs.Nick’sdeath?”
“We’llhearattheinquest,Isuppose,”saidValerie,impatiently.
“Iverymuchdoubtit,”saidColin.“Inmyopinionthey’lladjourntheinquest.”
“Isupposeitwasherheart,wasn’tit?”saidPatricia.“Shefelldowninthestreet.”
“Drunkandincapable,”saidLenBateson.“That’showshegottakentothepolicestation.”
“Soshediddrink,”saidJean.“Youknow,Ialwaysthoughtso.Whenthepolicesearchedthehousetheyfoundcupboardsfullofemptybrandybottlesinherroom,Ibelieve,”sheadded.
“TrustourJeantoknowallthedirt,”saidNigelapprovingly.
“Well,thatdoesexplainwhyshewassometimessooddinhermanner,”saidPatricia.
Colinclearedhisthroatagain.
“Ahem!”hesaid.“IhappenedtoobservehergoingintoTheQueen’sNecklaceonSaturdayevening,whenIwasonmywayhome.”
“That’swhereshegottankedup,Isuppose,”saidNigel.
“Isupposeshejustdiedofdrink,then?”saidJean.
LenBatesonshookhishead.
“Cerebralhaemorrhage?Iratherdoubtit.”
“Forgoodness’sake,youdon’tthinkshewasmurderedtoo,doyou?”saidJean.
“Ibetshewas,”saidSallyFinch.“Nothingwouldsurprisemeless.”
“Please,”saidMr.Akibombo.“Itisthoughtsomeonekilledher?Isthatright?”
Helookedfromfacetoface.
“We’venoreasontosupposeanythingofthesortyet,”saidColin.
“Butwhowouldwanttokillher?”demandedGenevieve.“Hadshemuchmoneytoleave?Ifshewasrichitispossible,Isuppose.”
“Shewasamaddeningwoman,mydear,”saidNigel.“I’msureeverybodywantedtokillher.Ioftendid,”headded,helpinghimselfhappilytomarmalade.
II
“Please,MissSally,mayIaskyouaquestion?Itisafterwhatwassaidatbreakfast.Ihavebeenthinkingverymuch.”
“Well,Ishouldn’tthinktoomuchifIwereyou,Akibombo,”saidSally.“Itisn’thealthy.”
SallyandAkibombowerepartakingofanopen-airlunchinRegent’sPark.Summerwasofficiallysupposedtohavecomeandtherestaurantwasopen.
“Allthismorning,”saidAkibombomournfully,“Ihavebeenmuchdisturbed.Icannotanswermyprofessor’squestionsgoodatall.Heisnotpleasedatme.HesaystomethatIcopylargebitsoutofbooksanddonotthinkformyself.ButIamheretoacquirewisdomfrommuchbooksanditseemstomethattheysaybetterinthebooksthanthewayIputit,becauseIhavenotgoodcommandoftheEnglish.Andbesides,thismorningIfinditveryhardtothinkatallexceptofwhatgoesonatHickoryRoadanddifficultiesthere.”
“I’llsayyou’rerightaboutthat,”saidSally.“Ijustcouldn’tconcentratemyselfthismorning.”
“SothatiswhyIaskyoupleasetotellmecertainthings,becauseasIsay,Ihavebeenthinkingverymuch.”
“Well,let’shearwhatyou’vebeenthinkingabout,then.”
“Well,itisthisborr—ass—sic.”
“Borr-ass-ic?Oh,boracic!Yes.Whataboutit?”
“Well,Idonotunderstandverywell.Itisanacid,theysay?Anacidlikesulphuricacid?”
“Notlikesulphuricacid,no,”saidSally.
“Itisnotsomethingforlaboratoryexperimentonly?”
“Ishouldn’timaginetheyeverdidanyexperimentsinlaboratorieswithit.It’ssomethingquitemildandharmless.”
“Youmean,evenyoucouldputitinyoureyes?”
“That’sright.That’sjustwhatonedoesuseitfor.”
“Ah,thatexplainsthatthen.Mr.ChandraLal,hehavelittlewhitebottlewithwhitepowder,andheputspowderinhotwaterandbatheshiseyeswithit.Hekeepsitinbathroomandthenitisnotthereonedayandheisveryangry.Thatwouldbethebor-ac-ic,yes?”
“Whatisallthisaboutboracic?”
“Itellyoubyandby.Pleasenotnow.Ithinksomemore.”
“Well,don’tgostickingyourneckout,”saidSally.“Idon’twantyourstobethenextcorpse,Akibombo.”
III
“Valerie,doyouthinkyoucouldgivemesomeadvice?”
“OfcourseIcouldgiveyouadvice,Jean,thoughIdon’tknowwhyanyoneeverwantsadvice.Theynevertakeit.”
“It’sreallyamatterofconscience,”saidJean.
“ThenI’mthelastpersonyououghttoask.Ihaven’tgotanyconscience,tospeakof.”
“Oh,Valerie,don’tsaythingslikethat!”
“Well,it’squitetrue,”saidValerie.Shestubbedoutacigaretteasshespoke.“IsmuggleclothesinfromParisandtellthemostfrightfulliesabouttheirfacestothehideouswomenwhocometothesalon.IeventravelonbuseswithoutpayingmyfarewhenI’mhardup.Butcomeon,tellme.What’sitallabout?”
“It’swhatNigelsaidatbreakfast.Ifoneknowssomethingaboutsomeoneelse,doyouthinkoneoughttotell?”
“Whatanidioticquestion!Youcan’tputathinglikethatingeneralterms.Whatisityouwanttotell,ordon’twanttotell?”
“It’saboutapassport.”
“Apassport?”Valeriesatup,surprised.“Whosepassport?”
“Nigel’s.He’sgotafalsepassport.”
“Nigel?”Valeriesoundeddisbelieving.“Idon’tbelieveit.Itseemsmostimprobable.”
“Buthehas.Andyouknow,Valerie,Ibelievethere’ssomequestion—IthinkIheardthepolicesayingthatCeliahadsaidsomethingaboutapassport.Supposingshe’dfoundoutaboutitandhekilledher?”
“Soundsverymelodramatic,”saidValerie.“Butfrankly,Idon’tbelieveawordofit.Whatisthisstoryaboutapassport?”
“Isawit.”
“Howdidyouseeit?”
“Well,itwasabsolutelyanaccident,”saidJean.“Iwaslookingforsomethinginmydespatchcaseaweekortwoago,andbymistakeImusthavelookedinNigel’sattachécaseinstead.Theywerebothontheshelfinthecommonroom.”
Valerielaughedratherdisagreeably.
“Tellthattothemarines!”shesaid.“Whatwereyoureallydoing?Snooping?”
“No,ofcoursenot!”Jeansoundedjustlyindignant.“TheonethingI’dneverdoistolookamonganybody’sprivatepapers.I’mnotthatsortofperson.ItwasjustthatIwasfeelingratherabsentminded,soIopenedthecaseandIwasjustsortingthroughit….”
“Lookhere,Jean,youcan’tgetawaywiththat.Nigel’sattachécaseisagooddeallargerthanyoursandit’sanentirelydifferentcolour.Whileyou’readmittingthingsyoumightjustaswelladmitthatyouarethatsortofperson.Allright.YoufoundachancetogothroughsomeofNigel’sthingsandyoutookit.”
Jeanrose.
“Ofcourse,Valerie,ifyou’regoingtobesounpleasantandsoveryunfairandunkind,Ishall….”
“Oh,comeback,child!”saidValerie.“Getonwithit.I’mgettinginterestednow.Iwanttoknow.”
“Well,therewasthispassport,”saidJean.“Itwasdownatthebottomandithadanameonit.StanfordorStanleyorsomenamelikethat,andIthought,‘HowoddthatNigelshouldhavesomebodyelse’spassporthere.’IopeneditandthephotographinsidewasNigel!Sodon’tyousee,hemustbeleadingadoublelife?WhatIwonderis,oughtItotellthepolice?Doyouthinkit’smyduty?”
Valerielaughed.
“Badluck,Jean,”shesaid.“Asamatteroffact,Ibelievethere’squiteasimpleexplanation.Pattoldme.Nigelcameintosomemoney,orsomething,onconditionthathechangedhisname.Hediditperfectlyproperlybydeedpollorwhateveritis,butthat’sallitis.IbelievehisoriginalnamewasStanfieldorStanley,orsomethinglikethat.”
“Oh!”Jeanlookedthoroughlychagrined.
“AskPataboutitifyoudon’tbelieveme,”saidValerie.
“Oh—no—well,ifit’sasyousay,Imusthavemadeamistake.”
“Betterlucknexttime,”saidValerie
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,Valerie.”
“You’dliketogetyourknifeintoNigel,wouldn’tyou?Andgethiminwrongwiththepolice?”
Jeandrewherselfup.
“Youmaynotbelieveme,Valerie,”shesaid,“butallIwantedtodowasmyduty.”
Shelefttheroom.
“Oh,hell!”saidValerie.
TherewasatapatthedoorandSallyentered.
“What’sthematter,Valerie?You’relookingabitdowninthemouth.”
“It’sthatdisgustingJean.Shereallyistooawful!Youdon’tthink,doyou,thatthere’stheremotestchanceitwasJeanthatbumpedoffpoorCelia?IshouldrejoicemadlyifIeversawJeaninthedock.”
“I’mwithyouthere,”saidSally.“ButIdon’tthinkit’sparticularlylikely.Idon’tthinkJeanwouldeverstickherneckoutenoughtomurderanybody.”
“WhatdoyouthinkaboutMrs.Nick?”
“Ijustdon’tknowwhattothink.Isupposeweshallhearsoon.”
“I’dsaytentooneshewasbumpedoff,too,”saidValerie.
“Butwhy?What’sgoingonhere?”saidSally.
“IwishIknew.Sally,doyoueverfindyourselflookingatpeople?”
“Whatdoyoumean,Val,lookingatpeople?”
“Well,lookingandwondering,‘Isityou?’I’vegotafeeling,Sally,thatthere’ssomeoneherewho’smad.Reallymad.Badmad,Imean—notjustthinkingthey’reacucumber.”
“Thatmaywellbe,”saidSally.Sheshivered.
“Ouch!”shesaid.“Somebody’swalkingovermygrave.”
IV
“NigelI’vegotsomethingImusttellyou.”
“Well,whatisit,Pat?”Nigelwasburrowingfranticallyinhischestofdrawers.“WhatthehelldidIdowiththosenotesofmineIcan’timagine.Ishovedtheminhere,Ithought.”
“Oh,Nigel,don’tscrabblelikethat!YouleaveeverythinginsuchafrightfulmessandI’vejusttidiedit.”
“Well,whatthehell,I’vegottofindmynotes,haven’tI?”
“Nigel,youmustlisten!”
“OK,Pat,don’tlooksodesperate.Whatisit?”
“It’ssomethingI’vegottoconfess.”
“Notmurder,Ihope?”saidNigel,withhisusualflippancy.
“No,ofcoursenot!”
“Good.Well,whatlessersin?”
“ItwasonedaywhenImendedyoursocksandIbroughtthemalongheretoyourroomandwasputtingthemawayinyourdrawer….”
“Yes?”
“Andthebottleofmorphiawasthere.Theoneyoutoldmeabout,thatyougotfromthehospital.”
“Yes,andyoumadesuchafussaboutit!”
“But,Nigel,itwasthereinyourdraweramongyoursocks,whereanybodycouldhavefoundit.”
“Whyshouldthey?Nobodyelsegoesrootingaboutamongmysocksexceptyou.”
“Well,itseemedtomedreadfultoleaveitaboutlikethat,andIknowyou’dsaidyouweregoingtogetridofitafteryou’dwonyourbet,butinthemeantimethereitwas,stillthere.”
“Ofcourse.Ihadn’tgotthethirdthingyet.”
“Well,Ithoughtitwasverywrong,andsoItookthebottleoutofthedrawerandIemptiedthepoisonoutofit,andIreplaceditwithsomeordinarybicarbonateofsoda.Itlookedalmostexactlythesame.”
Nigelpausedinhisscrambleforhislostnotes.
“Goodlord!”hesaid.“Didyoureally?YoumeanthatwhenIwasswearingtoLenandoldColinthatthestuffwasmorphinesulphateortartrateorwhateveritwas,itwasmerelybicarbonateofsodaallthetime?”
“Yes.Yousee….”
Nigelinterruptedher.Hewasfrowning.
“I’mnotsure,youknow,thatthatdoesn’tinvalidatethebet.Ofcourse,I’dnoidea—”
“ButNigel,itwasreallydangerouskeepingitthere.”
“Ohlord,Pat,mustyoualwaysfussso?Whatdidyoudowiththeactualstuff?”
“IputitinthesodabicbottleandIhiditatthebackofmyhandkerchiefdrawer.”
Nigellookedatherinmildsurprise.
“Really,Pat,yourlogicalthoughtprocessesbeggardescription!Whatwasthepoint?”
“Ifeltitwassaferthere.”
“Mydeargirl,eitherthemorphiashouldhavebeenunderlockandkey,orifitwasn’t,itcouldn’treallymatterwhetheritwasamongmysocksoryourhandkerchiefs.”
“Well,itdidmatter.Foronething,Ihavearoomtomyselfandyoushareyours.”
“Why,youdon’tthinkpooroldLenwasgoingtopinchthemorphiaoffme,doyou?”
“Iwasn’tgoingtotellyouaboutit,ever,butImustnow.Because,yousee,it’sgone.”
“Youmeanthepolicehaveswipedit?”
“No.Itdisappearedbeforethat.”
“Doyoumean…?”Nigelgazedatherinconsternation.“Let’sgetthisstraight.There’sabottlelabelled‘SodaBic,’containingmorphinesulphate,whichisknockingabouttheplacesomewhere,andatanytimesomeonemaytakeaheapingteaspoonfulofitifthey’vegotapainintheirmiddle?GoodGod,Pat!Youhavedoneit!Whythehelldidn’tyouthrowthestuffawayifyouweresoupsetaboutit?”
“BecauseIthoughtitwasvaluableandoughttogobacktothehospitalinsteadofbeingjustthrownaway.Assoonasyou’dwonyourbet,ImeanttogiveittoCeliaandaskhertoputitback.”
“You’resureyoudidn’tgiveittoher?”
“No,ofcoursenot.YoumeanIgaveittoher,andshetookitanditwassuicide,anditwasallmyfault?”
“Calmdown.Whendiditdisappear?”
“Idon’tknowexactly.IlookedforitthedaybeforeCeliadied.Icouldn’tfindit,butIjustthoughtI’dperhapsputitsomewhereelse.”
“Itwasgonethedaybeforeshedied?”
“Isuppose,”saidPatricia,herfacewhite,“thatI’vebeenverystupid.”
“That’sputtingitmildly,”saidNigel.“Towhatlengthscanamuddledmindandanactiveconsciencego!”
“Nigel.D’youthinkIoughttotellthepolice?”
“Oh,hell!”saidNigel.“Isupposeso,yes.Andit’sgoingtobeallmyfault.”
“Oh,no,Nigeldarling,it’sme.I—”
“Ipinchedthedamnedstuffinthefirstplace,”saidNigel.“Itallseemedtobeaveryamusingstuntatthetime.Butnow—Icanalreadyhearthevitriolicremarksfromthebench.”
“Iamsorry.WhenItookitIreallymeantitfor—”
“Youmeantitforthebest.Iknow!Lookhere,Pat,Isimplycan’tbelievethestuffhasdisappeared.You’veforgottenjustwhereyouputit.Youdomislaythingssometimes,youknow.”
“Yes,but—”
Shehesitated,ashadeofdoubtappearingonherfrowningface.
Nigelrosebriskly.
“Let’sgoalongtoyourroomandhaveathoroughsearch.”
V
“Nigel,thosearemyunderclothes.”
“Really,Pat,youcan’tgoallprudishonmeatthisstage.Downamongthepantiesisjustwhereyouwouldhideabottle,now,isn’tit?”
“Yes,butI’msureI—”
“Wecan’tbesureofanythinguntilwe’velookedeverywhere.AndI’mjollywellgoingtodoit.”
TherewasaperfunctorytaponthedoorandSallyFinchentered.Hereyeswidenedwithsurprise.Pat,claspingahandfulofNigel’ssocks,wassittingonthebed,andNigel,thebureaudrawersallpulledout,wasburrowinglikeanexcitedterrierintoaheapofpulloverswhilstabouthimwerestrewnpanties,brassières,stockings,andothercomponentpartsoffemaleattire.
“Forland’ssake,”saidSally,“whatgoeson?”
“Lookingforbicarbonate,”saidNigelbriefly.
“Bicarbonate?Why?”
“I’vegotapain,”saidNigel,grinning.“Apaininmytum-tum-tum—andnothingbutbicarbonatewillassuageit.”
“I’vegotsomesomewhere,Ibelieve.”
“Nogood,Sally,it’sgottobePat’s.Hersistheonlybrandthatwilleasemyparticularailment.”
“You’recrazy,”saidSally.“What’sheupto,Pat?”
Patriciashookherheadmiserably.
“Youhaven’tseenmysodabic,haveyou,Sally?”sheasked.“Justalittleinthebottomofthebottle?”
“No.”Sallylookedathercuriously.Thenshefrowned.“Letmesee.Somebodyaroundhere—no,Ican’tremember—Haveyougotastamp,Pat?IwanttomailaletterandI’verunout.”
“Inthedrawerthere.”
Sallyopenedtheshallowdrawerofthewritingtable,tookoutabookofstamps,extractedone,affixedittothelettersheheldinherhand,droppedthestampbookbackinthedrawer,andputtwopence-halfpennyonthedesk.
“Thanks.ShallImailthisletterofyoursatthesametime?”
“Yes—no—no,IthinkI’llwait.”
Sallynoddedandlefttheroom.
Patdroppedthesocksshehadbeenholding,andtwistedherfingersnervouslytogether.
“Nigel?”
“Yes?”Nigelhadtransferredhisattentiontothewardrobeandwaslookinginthepocketsofacoat.
“There’ssomethingelseI’vegottoconfess.”
“Goodlord,Pat,whatelsehaveyoubeendoing?”
“I’mafraidyou’llbeangry.”
“I’mpastbeingangry.I’mjustplainscared.IfCeliawaspoisonedwiththestuffthatIpinched,Ishallprobablygotoprisonforyearsandyears,eveniftheydon’thangme.”
“It’snothingtodowiththat.It’saboutyourfather.”
“What?”Nigelspunround,anexpressionofincredulousastonishmentonhisface.
“Youdoknowhe’sveryill,don’tyou?”
“Idon’tcarehowillheis.”
“Itsaidsoonthewirelesslastnight.‘SirArthurStanley,thefamousresearchchemist,islyinginaverycriticalcondition.’”
“SonicetobeaVIP.Alltheworldgetsthenewswhenyou’reill.”
“Nigel,ifhe’sdying,yououghttobereconciledtohim.”
“LikehellIwill!”
“Butifhe’sdying.”
“He’sthesameswinedyingashewaswhenhewasinthepinkofcondition!”
“Youmustn’tbelikethat,Nigel.Sobitterandunforgiving.”
“Listen,Pat—Itoldyouonce:hekilledmymother.”
“Iknowyousaidso,andIknowyouadoredher.ButIdothink,Nigel,thatyousometimesexaggerate.Lotsofhusbandsareunkindandunfeelingandtheirwivesresentitanditmakesthemveryunhappy.Buttosayyourfatherkilledyourmotherisanextravagantstatementandisn’treallytrue.”
“Youknowsomuchaboutit,don’tyou?”
“Iknowthatsomedayyou’llregretnothavingmadeitupwithyourfatherbeforehedied.That’swhy—”Patpausedandbracedherself.“That’swhyI—I’vewrittentoyourfather—tellinghim—”
“You’vewrittentohim?IsthattheletterSallywantedtopost?”Hestrodeovertothewritingtable.“Isee.”
Hepickeduptheletterlyingaddressedandstamped,andwithquick,nervousfingers,hetoreitintosmallpiecesandthrewitintothewastepaperbasket.
“That’sthat!Anddon’tyoudaredoanythingofthatkindagain.”
“Really,Nigel,youareabsolutelychildish.Youcanteartheletterup,butyoucan’tstopmewritinganother,andIshall.”
“You’resoincurablysentimental.DiditeveroccurtoyouthatwhenIsaidmyfatherkilledmymother,Iwasstatingjustaplainunvarnishedfact.Mymotherdiedofanoverdoseofmedinal.Tookitbymistake,theysaidattheinquest.Butshedidn’ttakeitbymistake.Itwasgiventoher,deliberately,bymyfather.Hewantedtomarryanotherwoman,yousee,andmymotherwouldn’tgivehimadivorce.It’saplainsordidmurderstory.Whatwouldyouhavedoneinmyplace?Denouncedhimtothepolice?Mymotherwouldn’thavewantedthat…SoIdidtheonlythingIcoulddo—toldtheswineIknew—andclearedout—forever.Ievenchangedmyname.”
“Nigel—I’msorry…Ineverdreamed….”
“Well,youknownow…TherespectedandfamousArthurStanleywithhisresearchesandantibiotics.Flourishinglikethegreenbaytree!Buthisfancypiecedidn’tmarryhimafterall.Shesheeredoff.Ithinksheguessedwhathe’ddone—”
“Nigeldear,howawful—Iamsorry….”
“Allright.Wewon’ttalkofitagain.Let’sgetbacktothisblastedbicarbonatebusiness.Nowthinkbackcarefullytoexactlywhatyoudidwiththestuff.Putyourheadinyourhandsandthink,Pat.”
VI
Genevieveenteredthecommonroominastateofgreatexcitement.Shespoketotheassembledstudentsinalowthrilledvoice.
“Iamsurenow,butabsolutelysureIknowwhokilledthelittleCelia.”
“Whowasit,Genevieve?”demandedRené.“Whathasarrivedtomakeyousopositive?”
Genevievelookedcautiouslyroundtomakesurethedoorofthecommonroomwasclosed.Sheloweredhervoice.
“ItisNigelChapman.”
“NigelChapman,butwhy?”
“Listen.IpassalongthecorridortogodownthestairsjustnowandIhearvoicesinPatricia’sroom.ItisNigelwhospeaks.”
“Nigel?InPatricia’sroom?”Jeanspokeinadisapprovingvoice.ButGenevieveswepton.
“Andheissayingtoherthathisfatherkilledhismother,andthat,pour?a,hehaschangedhisname.Soitisclear,isitnot?Hisfatherwasaconvictedmurderer,andNigelhehasthehereditarytaint….”
“Itispossible,”saidMr.ChandraLal,dwellingpleasurablyonthepossibility.“Itiscertainlypossible.Heissoviolent,Nigel,sounbalanced.Noself-control.Youagree?”HeturnedcondescendinglytoAkibombo,whonoddedanenthusiasticblackwoollyheadandshowedhiswhiteteethinapleasedsmile.
“I’vealwaysfeltverystrongly,”saidJean,“thatNigelhasnomoralsense…Athoroughlydegeneratecharacter.”
“Itissexmurder,yes,”saidMr.AchmedAli.“Hesleepswiththisgirl,thenhekillsher.Becausesheisanicegirl,respectable,shewillexpectmarriage….”
“Rot,”saidLeonardBatesonexplosively.
“Whatdidyousay?”
“Isaidrot!”roaredLen.
ChapterSeventeen
I
Seatedinaroomatthepolicestation,NigellookednervouslyintothesterneyesofInspectorSharpe.Stammeringslightly,hehadjustbroughthisnarrativetoaclose.
“Yourealise,Mr.Chapman,thatwhatyouhavejusttoldusisveryserious?Veryseriousindeed.”
“OfcourseIrealiseit.Iwouldn’thavecomeheretotellyouaboutitunlessI’dfeltthatitwasurgent.”
“AndyousayMissLanecan’trememberexactlywhenshelastsawthisbicarbonatebottlecontainingmorphine?”
“She’sgotherselfallmuddledup.Themoreshetriestothinkthemoreuncertainshegets.ShesaidIflusteredher.She’stryingtothinkitoutwhileIcameroundtoyou.”
“We’dbettergoroundtoHickoryRoadrightaway.”
Astheinspectorspokethetelephoneonthetablerang,andtheconstablewhohadbeentakingnotesofNigel’sstorystretchedouthishandandliftedthereceiver.
“It’sMissLanenow,”hesaid,ashelistened.“WantingtospeaktoMr.Chapman.”
Nigelleanedacrossthetableandtookthereceiverfromhim.
“Pat?Nigelhere.”
Thegirl’svoicecame,breathless,eager,thewordstumblingovereachother.
“Nigel.IthinkI’vegotit!Imean,IthinkIknownowwhomusthavetaken—youknow—takenitfrommyhandkerchiefdrawer,Imean—yousee,there’sonlyonepersonwho—”
Thevoicebrokeoff.
“Pat.Hallo?Areyouthere?Whowasit?”
“Ican’ttellyounow.Later.You’llbecominground?”
Thereceiverwasnearenoughfortheconstableandtheinspectortohaveheardtheconversationclearly,andthelatternoddedinanswertoNigel’squestioninglook.
“Tellher‘atonce,’”hesaid.
“We’recomingroundatonce,”saidNigel.“Onourwaythisminute.”
“Oh!Good.I’llbeinmyroom.”
“Solong,Pat.”
HardlyawordwasspokenduringthebriefridetoHickoryRoad.Sharpewonderedtohimselfwhetherthiswasabreakatlast.WouldPatriciaLanehaveanydefiniteevidencetooffer,orwoulditbepuresurmiseonherpart?Clearlyshehadrememberedsomethingthathadseemedtoherimportant.Hesupposedthatshehadbeentelephoningfromthehall,andthatthereforeshehadhadtobeguardedinherlanguage.Atthistimeintheeveningsomanypeoplewouldhavebeenpassingthrough.
Nigelopenedthefrontdoorat26HickoryRoadwithhiskeyandtheypassedinside.Throughtheopendoorofthecommonroom,SharpecouldseetherumpledredheadofLeonardBatesonbentoversomebooks.
NigelledthewayupstairsandalongthepassagetoPat’sroom.Hegaveashorttaponthedoorandentered.
“Hallo,Pat.Herewe—”
Hisvoicestopped,dyingawayinalongchokinggasp.Hestoodmotionless.Overhisshoulder,Sharpesawalsowhattherewastosee.
PatriciaLanelayslumpedonthefloor.
TheinspectorpushedNigelgentlyaside.Hewentforwardandkneltdownbythegirl’shuddledbody.Heraisedherhead,feltforthepulse,thendelicatelylettheheadresumeitsformerposition.Herosetohisfeet,hisfacegrimandset.
“No?”saidNigel,hisvoicehighandunnatural.“No.No.No.”
“Yes,Mr.Chapman.She’sdead.”
“No,no.NotPat!DearstupidPat.How—”
“Withthis.”
Itwasasimple,quicklyimprovisedweapon.Amarblepaperweightslippedintoawoollensock.
“Struckonthebackofthehead.Averyefficaciousweapon.Ifit’sanyconsolationtoyou,Mr.Chapman,Idon’tthinksheevenknewwhathappenedtoher.”
Nigelsatdownshakilyonthebed.Hesaid:
“That’soneofmysocks…Shewasgoingtomendit…Oh,God,shewasgoingtomendit….”
Suddenlyhebegantocry.Hecriedlikeachild—withabandonandwithoutself-consciousness.
Sharpewascontinuinghisreconstruction.
“Itwassomeonesheknewquitewell.Someonewhopickedupasockandjustslippedthepaperweightintoit.Doyourecognisethepaperweight,Mr.Chapman?”
Herolledthesockbacksoastodisplayit.
Nigel,stillweeping,looked.
“Patalwayshaditonherdesk.ALionofLucerne.”
Heburiedhisfaceinhishands.
“Pat—oh,Pat!WhatshallIdowithoutyou!”
Suddenlyhesatupright,flingingbackhisuntidyfairhair.
“I’llkillwhoeverdidthis!I’llkillhim!Murderingswine!”
“Gently,Mr.Chapman.Yes,yes,Iknowhowyoufeel.Abrutalpieceofwork.”
“Patneverharmedanybody….”
Speakingsoothingly,InspectorSharpegothimoutoftheroom.Thenhewentbackhimselfintothebedroom.Hestoopedoverthedeadgirl.Verygentlyhedetachedsomethingfrombetweenherfingers.
II
Geronimo,perspirationrunningdownhisforehead,turnedfrighteneddarkeyesfromonefacetotheother.
“Iseenothing.Ihearnothing,Itellyou.Idonotknowanythingatall.IamwithMariainkitchen.Iputtheminestroneon,Igratethecheese—”
Sharpeinterruptedthecatalogue.
“Nobody’saccusingyou.Wejustwanttogetsometimesquiteclear.Whowasinandoutofthehousethelasthour?”
“Idonotknow.HowshouldIknow?”
“Butyoucanseeveryclearlyfromthekitchenwindowwhogoesinandout,can’tyou?”
“Perhaps,yes.”
“Thenjusttellus.”
“Theycomeinandoutallthetimeatthishouroftheday.”
“Whowasinthehousefromsixo’clockuntilsixthirty-fivewhenwearrived?”
“EverybodyexceptMr.NigelandMrs.HubbardandMissHobhouse.”
“Whendidtheygoout?”
“Mrs.Hubbardshegooutbeforeteatime,shehasnotcomebackyet.”
“Goon.”
“Mr.Nigelgoesoutabouthalfanhourago,justbeforesix—lookveryupset.Hecomebackwithyoujustnow—”
“That’sright,yes.”
“MissValerie,shegoesoutjustatsixo’clock.Timesignal,pip,pip,pip.Dressedforcocktails,verysmart.Shestillout.”
“Andeverybodyelseishere?”
“Yes,sir.Allhere.”
Sharpelookeddownathisnotebook.ThetimeofPatricia’scallwasnotedthere.Eightminutespastsix,exactly.
“Everybodyelsewashere,inthehouse?Nobodycamebackduringthattime?”
“OnlyMissSally.Shebeendowntopillar-boxwithletterandcomebackin—”
“Doyouknowwhattimeshecamein?”
Geronimofrowned.
“Shecamebackwhilethenewswasgoingon.”
“Aftersix,then?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Whatpartofthenewswasit?”
“Idon’tremember,sir.Butbeforethesport.Becausewhensportcomeweswitchoff.”
Sharpesmiledgrimly.Itwasawidefield.OnlyNigelChapman,ValerieHobhouseandMrs.Hubbardcouldbeexcluded.Itwouldmeanlongandexhaustivequestioning.Whohadbeeninthecommonroom,whohadleftit?Andwhen?Whowouldvouchforwho?Addtothat,thatmanyofthestudents,especiallytheAsiaticandAfricanones,wereconstitutionallyvagueabouttimes,andthetaskwasnoenviableone.
Butitwouldhavetobedone.
III
InMrs.Hubbard’sroomtheatmospherewasunhappy.Mrs.Hubbardherself,stillinheroutdoorthings,herniceroundfacestrainedandanxious,satonthesofa.SharpeandSergeantCobbsatatasmalltable.
“Ithinkshetelephonedfrominhere,”saidSharpe.“Aroundaboutsix-eightseveralpeopleleftorenteredthecommonroom,orsotheysay—andnobodysawornoticedorheardthehalltelephonebeingused.Ofcourse,theirtimesaren’treliable,halfthesepeopleneverseemtolookataclock.ButIthinkthatanywayshe’dcomeinhereifshewantedtotelephonethepolicestation.Youwereout,Mrs.Hubbard,butIdon’tsupposeyoulockyourdoor?”
Mrs.Hubbardshookherhead.
“Mrs.Nicoletisalwaysdid,butIneverdo—”
“Wellthen,PatriciaLanecomesinheretotelephone,allagogwithwhat’sshe’sremembered.Then,whilstshewastalking,thedooropenedandsomebodylookedinorcamein.Patriciastalledandhungup.Wasthatbecausesherecognisedtheintruderasthepersonwhosenameshewasjustabouttosay?Orwasitjustageneralprecaution?Mightbeeither.Iinclinemyselftothefirstsupposition.”
Mrs.Hubbardnoddedemphatically.
“Whoeveritwasmayhavefollowedherhere,perhapslisteningoutsidethedoor.ThencameintostopPatfromgoingon.”
“Andthen—”
Sharpe’sfacedarkened.“ThatpersonwentbacktoPatricia’sroomwithher,talkingquitenormallyandeasily.PerhapsPatriciataxedherwithremovingthebicarbonate,andperhapstheothergaveaplausibleexplanation.”
Mrs.Hubbardsaidsharply:
“Whydoyousay‘her?’”
“Funnything—apronoun!Whenwefoundthebody,NigelChapmansaid,‘I’llkillwhoeverdidthis.I’llkillhim.’‘Him,’younotice.NigelChapmanclearlybelievedthemurderwasdonebyaman.Itmaybebecauseheassociatedtheideaofviolencewithaman.Itmaybethathe’sgotsomeparticularsuspicionpointingtoaman,tosomeparticularman.Ifthelatter,wemustfindouthisreasonsforthinkingso.Butspeakingformyself,Iplumpforawoman.”
“Why?”
“Justthis.SomebodywentintoPatricia’sroomwithher—someonewithwhomshefeltquiteathome.Thatpointstoanothergirl.Themendon’tgotothegirls’bedroomfloorsunlessit’sforsomespecialreason.That’sright,isn’tit,Mrs.Hubbard?”
“Yes.It’snotexactlyahardandfastrule,butit’sfairlygenerallyobserved.”
“Theothersideofthehouseiscutofffromthisside,exceptonthegroundfloor.TakingitthattheconversationearlierbetweenNigelandPatwasoverheard,itwouldinallprobabilitybeawomanwhooverheardit.”
“Yes,Iseewhatyoumean.Andsomeofthegirlsseemtospendhalftheirtimeherelisteningatkeyholes.”
Sheflushedandaddedapologetically:
“That’srathertooharsh.Actually,althoughthesehousesaresolidlybuilt,they’vebeencutupandpartitioned,andallthenewworkisflimsyasanything,likepaper.Youcan’thelphearingthroughit.Jean,Imustadmit,doesdoagooddealofsnooping.She’sthetype.Andofcourse,whenGenevieveheardNigeltellingPathisfatherhadmurderedhismother,shestoppedandlistenedforallshewasworth.”
Theinspectornodded.HehadlistenedtotheevidenceofSallyFinchandJeanTomlinsonandGenevieve.Hesaid:
“WhooccupiestheroomsoneithersideofPatricia’s?”
“Genevieve’sisbeyondit—butthat’sagoodoriginalwall.ElizabethJohnston’sisontheotherside,nearerthestairs.That’sonlyapartitionwall.”
“Thatnarrowsitdownabit,”saidtheinspector.
“TheFrenchgirlheardtheendoftheconversation.SallyFinchwaspresentearlieronbeforeshewentouttopostherletter.Butthefactthatthosetwogirlswerethereautomaticallyexcludesanybodyelsehavingbeenabletosnoop,exceptforaveryshortperiod.AlwayswiththeexceptionofElizabethJohnston,whocouldhaveheardeverythingthroughthepartitionwallifshe’dbeeninherbedroom,butitseemstobefairlyclearthatshewasalreadyinthecommonroomwhenSallyFinchwentouttothepost.”
“Shedidnotremaininthecommonroomallthetime?”
“No,shewentupstairsagainatsomeperiodtofetchabookshehadforgotten.Asusual,nobodycansaywhen.”
“Itmighthavebeenanyofthem,”saidMrs.Hubbardhelplessly.
“Asfarastheirstatementsgo,yes—butwe’vegotalittleextraevidence.”
Hetookasmallfoldedpaperpacketoutofhispocket.
“What’sthat?”demandedMrs.Hubbard
Sharpesmiled.
“Acoupleofhairs—ItookthemfrombetweenPatriciaLane’sfingers.”
“Youmeanthat—”
Therewasataponthedoor.
“Comein,”saidtheinspector.
ThedooropenedtoadmitMr.Akibombo.Hewassmilingbroadly,alloverhisblackface.
“Please,”hesaid.
InspectorSharpesaidimpatiently:
“Yes,Mr.—er—um,whatisit?”
“Ithink,please,Ihaveastatementtomake.Offirst-classimportancetoelucidationofsadandtragicoccurrence.”
ChapterEighteen
“Now,Mr.Akibombo,”saidInspectorSharpe,resignedly,“let’shear,please,whatallthisisabout.”
Mr.Akibombohadbeenprovidedwithachair.Hesatfacingtheotherswhowerealllookingathimwithkeenattention
“Thankyou.Ibeginnow?”
“Yes,please.”
“Well,itis,yousee,thatsometimesIhavethedisquietingsensationsinmystomach.”
“Oh.”
“Sicktomystomach.ThatiswhatMissSallycallsit.ButIamnot,yousee,actuallysick.Idonot,thatis,vomit.”
InspectorSharperestrainedhimselfwithdifficultywhilethesemedicaldetailswereelaborated.
“Yes,yes,”hesaid.“Verysorry,I’msure.Butyouwanttotellus—”
“Itis,perhaps,unaccustomedfood.Ifeelveryfullhere.”Mr.Akibomboindicatedexactlywhere.“Ithinkmyself,notenoughmeat,andtoomuchwhatyoucallcardohydrates.”
“Carbohydrates,”theinspectorcorrectedhimmechanically.“ButIdon’tsee—”
“SometimesItakesmallpill,sodamint;andsometimesstomachpowder.Itdoesnotmatterverymuchwhatitis—sothatagreatpoufcomesandmuchair—likethis.”Mr.Akibombogaveamostrealisticandgiganticbelch.“Afterthat,”hesmiledseraphically,“Ifeelmuchbetter,muchbetter.”
Theinspector’sfacewasbecomingacongestedpurple.Mrs.Hubbardsaidauthoritatively:
“Weunderstandallaboutthat.Nowgetontothenextpart.”
“Yes.Certainly.Well,asIsay,thishappenstomeearlylastweek—Idonotrememberexactlywhichday.VerygoodmacaroniandIeatalot,andafterwardsfeelverybad.Itrytodoworkformyprofessorbutdifficulttothinkwithfullnesshere.”(AgainAkibomboindicatedthespot.)“ItisaftersupperinthecommonroomandonlyElizabeththereandIsaytoher,‘Haveyoubicarbonateorstomachpowder,Ihavefinishedmine.’Andshesays,‘No.But,’shesays,‘IsawsomeinPat’sdrawerwhenIwasputtingbackahandkerchiefIborrowedfromher.Iwillgetitforyou,’shesays.‘Patwillnotmind.’Soshegoesupstairsandcomesbackwithsodabicarbonatebottle.Verylittleleft,atbottomofbottle,almostempty.Ithankherandgowithittothebathroom,andIputnearlyallofitaboutateaspoonfulinwaterandstiritupanddrinkit.”
“Ateaspoonful?Ateaspoonful!MyGod!”
Theinspectorgazedathimfascinated.SergeantCobbleanedforwardwithanastonishedface.Mrs.Hubbardsaidobscurely:
“Rasputin!”
“Youswallowedateaspoonfulofmorphia?”
“Naturally,Ithinkitisbicarbonate.”
“Yes,yes,whatIcan’tunderstandiswhyyou’resittingherenow!”
“Andthen,afterwards,Iwasill,butreallyill.Notjustthefullness.Pain,badpaininmystomach.”
“Ican’tmakeoutwhyyou’renotdead!”
“Rasputin,”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Theyusedtogivehimpoisonagainandagain,lotsofit,anditdidn’tkillhim!”
Mr.Akibombowascontinuing.
“Sothen,nextday,whenIambetter,ItakethebottleandthetinybitofpowderthatisleftinittoachemistandIsaypleasetellmewhatisthisIhavetakenthathasmademefeelsobad?”
“Yes?”
“Andhesayscomebacklater,andwhenIdo,hesays,‘Nowonder!Thisisnotthebicarbonate.Itistheborasseek.Theacidborasseek.Youcanputitintheeyes,yes,butifyouswallowateaspoonfulitmakesyouill.’”
“Boracic?”TheInspectorstaredathimstupefied.“Buthowdidboracicgetintothatbottle?Whathappenedtothemorphia?”Hegroaned.“Ofallthehaywirecases!”
“AndIhavebeenthinking,please,”wentonAkibombo.
“Youhavebeenthinking,”Sharpesaid.“Andwhathaveyoubeenthinking?”
“IhavebeenthinkingofMissCeliaandhowshediedandthatsomeone,aftershewasdead,musthavecomeintoherroomandlefttheretheemptymorphiabottleandthelittlepieceofpaperthatsayshekilledherself—”
Akibombopausedandtheinspectornodded.
“AndsoIsay—whocouldhavedonethat?AndIthinkifitisoneofthegirlsitwillbeeasy,butifamannotsoeasy,becausehewouldhavetogodownstairsinourhouseanduptheotherstairsandsomeonemightwakeupandhearhimorseehim.SoIthinkagain,andIsay,supposeitissomeoneinourhouse,butinthenextroomtoMissCelia’s—onlysheisinthishouse,youunderstand?Outsidehiswindowisabalconyandoutsidehersisabalconytoo,andshewillsleepwithherwindowopenbecausethatishygienicpractice.Soifheisbigandstrongandathletichecouldjumpacross.”
“TheroomnexttoCelia’sintheotherhouse,”saidMrs.Hubbard,“Letmesee,that’sNigel’sand—and….”
“LenBateson’s,”saidtheinspector.Hisfingertouchedthefoldedpaperinhishand.“LenBateson.”
“Heisverynice,yes,saidMr.Akibombosadly.“Andtomemostpleasant,butpsychologicallyonedoesnotknowwhatgoesonbelowtopsurface.Thatisso,isitnot?Thatismoderntheory.Mr.ChandraLalveryangrywhenhisboracicfortheeyesdisappearsandlater,whenIask,hesayshehasbeentoldthatitwastakenbyLenBateson….”
“ThemorphiawastakenfromNigel’sdrawerandboracicwassubstitutedforit,andwhenPatriciaLanecamealongandsubstitutedsodabicarbonateforwhatshethoughtwasmorphiabutwhichwasreallyboracicpowder…Yes…Isee….”
“Ihavehelpedyou,yes?”Mr.Akibomboaskedpolitely.
“Yes,indeed,we’remostgratefultoyou.Don’t—er—repeatanyofthis.”
“No,sir.Iwillbemostcareful.”
Mr.Akibombobowedpolitelytoallandlefttheroom.
“LenBateson,”saidMrs.Hubbard,inadistressedvoice.“Oh!No.”
Sharpelookedather.
“Youdon’twantittobeLenBateson?”
“I’vegotfondofthatboy.He’sgotatemper,Iknow,buthe’salwaysseemedsonice.”
“That’sbeensaidaboutalotofcriminals,”saidSharpe.
Gentlyheunfoldedhislittlepaperpacket.Mrs.Hubbardobeyedhisgestureandleanedforwardtolook.
Onthewhitepaperweretworedshortcurlyhairs….
“Oh!dear,”saidMrs.Hubbard.
“Yes,”saidSharpereflectively.“Inmyexperienceamurdererusuallymakesatleastonemistake.”
ChapterNineteen
I
“Butitisbeautiful,myfriend,”saidHerculePoirotwithadmiration.“Soclear—sobeautifullyclear.”
“Yousoundasifyouweretalkingaboutsoup,”grumbledtheinspector.“ItmaybeConsommétoyou—buttomethere’sagooddealofthickMockTurtleaboutitstill.”
“Notnow.Everythingfitsininitsappointedplace.”
“Eventhese?”
AshehaddonetoMrs.Hubbard,InspectorSharpeproducedhisexhibitoftworedhairs.
Poirot’sanswerwasalmostinthesamewordsasSharpehadused.
“Ah—yes,”hesaid.“Whatdoyoucallitontheradio?Theonedeliberatemistake.”
Theeyesofthetwomenmet.
“Noone,”saidHerculePoirot,“isascleverastheythinktheyare.”
InspectorSharpewasgreatlytemptedtosay:
“NotevenHerculePoirot?”butherestrainedhimself.
“Fortheother,myfriend,itisallfixed?”
“Yes,theballoongoesuptomorrow.”
“Yougoyourself?”
“No.I’mscheduledtoappearat26HickoryRoad.Cobbwillbeincharge.”
“Wewillwishhimgoodluck.”
Gravely,HerculePoirotraisedhisglass.Itcontainedcrèmedementhe.
InspectorSharperaisedhiswhiskyglass.
“Here’shoping,”hesaid.
II
“Theydothinkupthings,theseplaces,”saidSergeantCobb.
HewaslookingwithgrudgingadmirationatthedisplaywindowofSABRINAFAIR.Framedandenclosedinanexpensiveillustrationoftheglassmaker’sart—the“glassygreentranslucentwave”—Sabrinawasdisplayed,recumbent,cladinbriefandexquisitepantiesandhappilysurroundedwitheveryvarietyofdeliciouslypackagedcosmetics.Besidesthepantiessheworevariousexamplesofbarbariccostumejewellery.
Detective-ConstableMcCraegaveasnortofdeepdisapproval.
“Blasphemy,Icallit.SabrinaFair,that’sMilton,thatis.”
“Well,Miltonisn’ttheBible,mylad.”
“You’llnotdenythatParadiseLostisaboutAdamandEveandthegardenofEdenandallthedevilsofhellandifthat’snotreligion,whatis?”
SergeantCobbdidnotenteronthesecontroversialmatters.Hemarchedboldlyintotheestablishment,thedourconstableathisheels.IntheshellpinkinteriorofSabrinaFairthesergeantandhissatellitelookedasoutofplaceasthetraditionalbullinachinashop.
Anexquisitecreatureindelicatesalmonpinkswamuptothem,herfeethardlyseemingtotouchthefloor.
SergeantCobbsaid,“Goodmorning,madam,”andproducedhiscredentials.Thelovelycreaturewithdrewinaflutter.Anequallylovelybutslightlyoldercreatureappeared.Sheinturngavewaytoasuperbandresplendentduchesswhosebluegreyhairandsmoothcheekssetageandwrinklesatnought.Appraisingsteelgreyeyesmetthesteadygazeof
“Thisismostunusual,”saidtheduchessseverely.“Pleasecomethisway.”
Sheledhimthroughasquaresalonwithacentretablewheremagazinesandperiodicalswereheapedcarelessly.Allroundthewallswerecurtainedrecesseswhereglimpsescouldbeobtainedofrecumbentwomensupineundertheministranthandsofpinkrobedpriestesses.
Theduchessledthepoliceofficersintoasmallbusinesslikeapartmentwithabigrolltopdesk,severechairs,andnosofteningoftheharshnorthernlight.
“IamMrs.Lucas,theproprietressofthisestablishment,”shesaid.“Mypartner,MissHobhouse,isnotheretoday.”
“No,madam,”saidSergeantCobb,towhomthiswasnonews.
“Thissearchwarrantofyoursseemstobemosthigh-handed,”saidMrs.Lucas.“ThisisMissHobhouse’sprivateoffice.Isincerelyhopethatitwillnotbenecessaryforyouto—er—upsetourclientsinanyway.”
“Idon’tthinkyouneedtoworryundulyonthatscore,”saidCobb.“Whatwe’reafterisn’tlikelytobeinthepublicrooms.”
Hewaitedpolitelyuntilsheunwillinglywithdrew.ThenhelookedroundValerieHobhouse’soffice.ThenarrowwindowgaveaviewofthebackpremisesoftheotherMayfairfirms.ThewallswerepanelledinpalegreyandthereweretwogoodPersianrugsonthefloor.Hiseyeswentfromthesmallwallsafetothebigdesk.
“Won’tbeinthesafe,”saidCobb.“Tooobvious.”
Aquarterofanhourlater,thesafeandthedrawersofthedeskhadyieldeduptheirsecrets.
“Lookslikeit’smaybeamare’snest,”saidMcCrae,whowasbynaturebothgloomyanddisapproving.
“We’reonlybeginning,”saidCobb.
Havingemptiedthedrawersoftheircontentsandarrangedthelatterneatlyinpiles,henowproceededtotakethedrawersoutandturnthemupsidedown.
Heutteredanejaculationofpleasure.
“Hereweare,mylad,”hesaid.
Fastenedtotheunderneathsideofthebottomdrawerwithadhesivetapewereahalf-dozensmalldarkbluebookswithgiltlettering.
“Passports,”saidSergeantCobb.“IssuedbyHerMajesty’sSecretaryofStateforForeignAffairs,Godblesshistrustingheart.”
McCraebentoverwithinterestasCobbopenedthepassportsandcomparedtheaffixedphotographs.
“Hardlythinkitwasthesamewoman,wouldyou?”saidMcCrae.
ThepassportswerethoseofMrs.daSilva,MissIreneFrench,Mrs.OlgaKohn,MissNinaLeMesurier,Mrs.GladysThomas,andMissMoiraO’Neele.Theyrepresentedadarkyoungwomanwhoseagevariedbetweentwenty-fiveandforty.
“It’sthedifferenthairdoeverytimethatdoesit,”saidCobb.“Pompadour,curls,straightcut,pageboybob,etc.She’sdonesomethingtohernoseforOlgaKohn,plumpersinhercheeksforMrs.Thomas.Herearetwomore—foreignpassports—MadameMahmoudi,Algerian.SheilaDonovan,Eire.I’llsayshe’sgotbankaccountsinallthesedifferentnames.”
“Bitcomplicated,isn’tthat?”
“Ithastobecomplicated,mylad.InlandRevenuealwayssnoopingroundaskingembarrassingquestions.It’snotsodifficulttomakemoneybysmugglinggoods—butit’shellandalltoaccountformoneywhenyou’vegotit!IbetthislittlegamblingclubinMayfairwasstartedbytheladyforjustthatreason.Winningmoneybygamblingisabouttheonlythinganincometaxinspectorcan’tcheckupon.Agoodpartoftheloot,Ishouldsay,iscachedaroundinAlgerianandFrenchbanksandinEire.Thewholething’sathoroughlywellthoughtoutbusinesslikesetup.Andthen,oneday,shemusthavehadoneofthesefakepassportslyingaboutatHickoryRoadandthatpoorlittledevilCeliasawit.”
ChapterTwenty
“ItwasacleverideaofMissHobhouse’s,”saidInspectorSharpe.Hisvoicewasindulgent,almostfatherly.
Heshuffledthepassportsfromonehandtotheotherlikeamandealingcards.
“Complicatedthing,finance,”hesaid.“We’vehadabusytimeharingroundfromonebanktotheother.Shecoveredhertrackswell—herfinancialtracks,Imean.I’dsaythatinacoupleofyears’timeshecouldhaveclearedout,goneabroadandlivedhappilyeverafter,astheysay,onill-gottengains.Itwasn’tabigshow—illicitdiamonds,sapphires,etc.,comingin—stolenstuffgoingout—andnarcoticsontheside,asyoumightsay.Thoroughlywellorganised.Shewentabroadunderherownandunderdifferentnames,butnevertoooften,andtheactualsmugglingwasalwaysdone,unknowingly,bysomeoneelse.Shehadagentsabroadwhosawtotheexchangeofrucksacksattherightmoment.Yes,itwasacleveridea.Andwe’vegotM.Poirotheretothankforputtingusontoit.Itwassmartofher,too,tosuggestthatpsychologicalstealingstunttopoorlittleMissAustin.Youwerewisetothatalmostatonce,weren’tyou,M.Poirot?”
PoirotsmiledinadeprecatingmannerandMrs.Hubbardlookedadmiringlyathim.TheconversationwasstrictlyofftherecordinMrs.Hubbard’ssittingroom.
“Greedwasherundoing,”saidPoirot.“ShewastemptedbythatfinediamondinPatriciaLane’sring.Itwasfoolishofherbecauseitsuggestedatoncethatshewasusedtohandlingpreciousstones—thatbusinessofprisingthediamondoutandreplacingitwithazircon.Yes,thatcertainlygavemeideasaboutValerieHobhouse.Shewasclever,though,whenItaxedherwithinspiringCelia,sheadmitteditandexplaineditinathoroughlysympatheticway.”
“Butmurder!”saidMrs.Hubbard.“Cold-bloodedmurder.Ican’treallybelieveitevennow.”
InspectorSharpelookedgloomy.
“Wearen’tinapositiontochargeherwiththemurderofCeliaAustinyet,”hesaid.“We’vegothercoldonthesmuggling,ofcourse.Nodifficultiesaboutthat.Butthemurderchargeismoretricky.Thepublicprosecutordoesn’tseehisway.There’smotive,ofcourse,andopportunity.SheprobablyknewallaboutthebetandNigel’spossessionofmorphia,butthere’snorealevidence,andtherearethetwootherdeathstotakeintoaccount.ShecouldhavepoisonedMrs.Nicoletisallright—butontheotherhand,shedefinitelydidnotkillPatriciaLane.Actuallyshe’sabouttheonlypersonwho’scompletelyintheclear.Geronimosayspositivelythatsheleftthehouseatsixo’clock.Hestickstothat.Idon’tknowwhethershebribedhim—”
“No,”saidPoirot,shakinghishead.“Shedidnotbribehim.”
“Andwe’vetheevidenceofthechemistatthecorneroftheroad.Heknowsherquitewellandhestickstoitthatshecameinatfiveminutespastsixandboughtfacepowderandaspirinandusedthetelephone.Shelefthisshopatquarterpastsixandtookataxifromtherankoutside.”
Poirotsatupinhischair.
“Butthat,”hesaid,“ismagnificent!Itisjustwhatwewant!”
“Whatonearthdoyoumean?”
“Imeanthatsheactuallytelephonedfromtheboxatthechemist’sshop.”
InspectorSharpelookedathiminanexasperatedfashion.
“Now,seehere,M.Poirot.Let’staketheknownfacts.Ateightminutespastsix,PatriciaLaneisaliveandtelephoningtothepolicestationfromthisroom.Youagreetothat?”
“Idonotthinkshewastelephoningfromthisroom.”
“Wellthen,fromthehalldownstairs.”
“Notfromthehalleither.”
InspectorSharpesighed.
“Isupposeyoudon’tdenythatacallwasputthroughtothepolicestation?Youdon’tthinkthatIandmysergeantandPoliceConstableNyeandNigelChapmanwerethevictimsofmasshallucination?”
“Assuredlynot.Acallwasputthroughtoyou.Ishouldsayataguessthatitwasputthroughfromthepubliccallboxatthechemist’sonthecorner.”
InspectorSharpe’sjawdroppedforamoment.
“YoumeanthatValerieHobhouseputthroughthatcall?ThatshepretendedtospeakasPatriciaLane,andthatPatriciaLanewasalreadydead.”
“ThatiswhatImean,yes.”
Theinspectorwassilentforamoment,thenhebroughtdownhisfistwithacrashonthetable.
“Idon’tbelieveit.Thevoice—Ihearditmyself—”
“Youheardit,yes.Agirl’svoice,breathless,agitated.Butyoudidn’tknowPatriciaLane’svoicewellenoughtosaydefinitelythatitwashervoice.”
“Ididn’t,perhaps.ButitwasNigelChapmanwhoactuallytookthecall.Youcan’ttellmethatNigelChapmancouldbedeceived.Itisn’tsoeasytodisguiseavoiceoverthetelephone,ortocounterfeitsomebodyelse’svoice.NigelChapmanwouldhaveknownifitwasn’tPat’svoicespeaking.”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“NigelChapmanwouldhaveknown.NigelChapmanknewquitewellthatitwasn’tPatricia.Whoshouldknowbetterthanhe,sincehehadkilledherwithablowonthebackoftheheadonlyashortwhilebefore.”
Itwasamomentortwobeforetheinspectorrecoveredhisvoice.
“NigelChapman?NigelChapman?Butwhenwefoundherdead—hecried—criedlikeachild.”
“Idaresay,”saidPoirot.“Ithinkhewasasfondofthatgirlashecouldbeofanybody—butthatwouldn’tsaveher—notifsherepresentedamenacetohisinterests.Allalong,NigelChapmanhasstoodoutastheobviousprobability.Whohadmorphiainhispossession?NigelChapman.Whohadtheshallowbrilliantintellecttoplanandtheaudacitytocarryoutfraudandmurder?NigelChapman.Whodoweknowtobebothruthlessandvain?NigelChapman.Hehasallthehallmarksofthekiller;theoverweeningvanity,thespitefulness,thegrowingrecklessnessthatledhimtodrawattentiontohimselfineveryconceivableway—usingthegreeninkinastupendousdoublebluff,andfinallyoverreachinghimselfbythesillydeliberatemistakeofputtingLenBateson’shairsinPatricia’sfingers,obliviousofthefactthatasPatriciawasstruckdownfrombehind,shecouldnotpossiblyhavegraspedherassailantbythehair.Theyarelikethat,thesemurderers,carriedawaybytheirownegotism,bytheiradmirationoftheirowncleverness,relyingontheircharm—forhehascharm,thisNigel—hehasallthecharmofaspoiledchildwhohasnevergrownup,whoneverwillgrowup—whoseesonlyonething,himself,andwhathewants!”
“Butwhy,M.Poirot?Whymurder?CeliaAustin,perhaps,butwhyPatriciaLane?”
“That,”saidPoirot,“wehavegottofindout.”
ChapterTwenty-one
“Ihaven’tseenyouforalongtime,”saidoldMr.EndicotttoHerculePoirot.Hepeeredattheotherkeenly.“It’sveryniceofyoutodropin.”
“Notreally,”saidHerculePoirot.“Iwantsomething.”
“Well,asyouknow,I’mdeeplyinyourdebt.YouclearedupthatnastyAbernethybusinessforme.”
“Iamsurprisedreallytofindyouhere.Ithoughtyouhadretired.”
Theoldlawyersmiledgrimly.Hisfirmwasamostrespectableandold-establishedone.
“Icameinspeciallytodaytoseeaveryoldclient.Istillattendtotheaffairsofoneortwooldfriends.”
“SirArthurStanleywasanoldfriendandclient,washenot?”
“Yes.We’veundertakenallhislegalworksincehewasquiteayoungman.Averybrilliantman,Poirot—quiteanexceptionalbrain.”
“Hisdeathwasannouncedonthesixo’clocknewsyesterday,Ibelieve.”
“Yes.Thefuneral’sonFriday.He’sbeenailingsometime.Amalignantgrowth,Iunderstand.”
“LadyStanleydiedsomeyearsago?”
“Twoandahalfyearsago,roughly.”
ThekeeneyesbelowthebushybrowslookedsharplyatPoirot.
“Howdidshedie?”
Thelawyerrepliedpromptly.
“Overdoseofsleepingstuff.MedinalasfarasIremember.”
“Therewasaninquest?”
“Yes.Theverdictwasthatshetookitaccidentally.”
“Didshe?”
Mr.Endicottwassilentforamoment.
“Iwon’tinsultyou,”hesaid.“I’venodoubtyou’vegotagoodreasonforasking.Medinal’saratherdangerousdrug,Iunderstand,becausethere’snotabigmarginbetweenaneffectivedoseandalethalone.Ifthepatientgetsdrowsyandforgetsshe’stakenadoseandtakesanother—well,itcanhaveafatalresult.”
Poirotnodded.
“Isthatwhatshedid?”
“Presumably.Therewasnosuggestionofsuicide,orsuicidaltendencies.”
“Andnosuggestionof—anythingelse?”
Againthatkeenglancewasshotathim.
“Herhusbandgaveevidence.”
“Andwhatdidhesay?”
“Hemadeitclearthatshedidsometimesgetconfusedaftertakinghernightlydoseandaskforanother.”
“Washelying?”
“Really,Poirot,whatanoutrageousquestion.WhyshouldyousupposeforaminutethatIshouldknow?”
Poirotsmiled.Theattemptatblusterdidnotdeceivehim.
“Isuggest,myfriend,thatyouknowverywell.ButforthemomentIwillnotembarrassyoubyaskingyouwhatyouknow.InsteadIwillaskyouforanopinion.Theopinionofonemanaboutanother.WasArthurStanleythekindofmanwhowoulddoawaywithhiswifeifhewantedtomarryanotherwoman?”
Mr.Endicottjumpedasthoughhehadbeenstungbyawasp.
“Preposterous,”hesaidangrily.“Quitepreposterous.Andtherewasnootherwoman.Stanleywasdevotedtohiswife.”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Ithoughtso.Andnow—Iwillcometothepurposeofmycalluponyou.YouarethesolicitorswhodrewupArthurStanley’swill.Youare,perhaps,hisexecutor.”
“Thatisso.”
“ArthurStanleyhadason.Thesonquarrelledwithhisfatheratthetimeofhismother’sdeath.Quarrelledwithhimandlefthome.Heevenwentsofarastochangehisname.”
“ThatIdidnotknow.What’shecallinghimself?”
“Weshallcometothat.BeforewedoIamgoingtomakeanassumption.IfIamright,perhapsyouwilladmitthefact.IthinkthatArthurStanleyleftasealedletterwithyou,alettertobeopenedundercertaincircumstancesorafterhisdeath.”
“Really,Poirot!IntheMiddleAgesyouwouldcertainlyhavebeenburntatthestake.Howyoucanpossiblyknowthethingsyoudo!”
“Iamrightthen?Ithinktherewasanalternativeintheletter.Itscontentswereeithertobedestroyed—oryouweretotakeacertaincourseofaction.”
Hepaused.
“Bondieu!”saidPoirotwithalarm.“Youhavenotalreadydestroyed—”
HebrokeoffinreliefasMr.Endicottslowlyshookhisheadinnegation.
“Weneveractinhaste,”hesaidreprovingly.“Ihavetomakefullinquiries—tosatisfymyselfabsolutely—”
Hepaused.“Thismatter,”hesaidseverely,“ishighlyconfidential.Eventoyou,Poirot—”Heshookhishead.
“AndifIshowyougoodcausewhyyoushouldspeak.”
“Thatisuptoyou.Icannotconceivehowyoucanpossiblyknowanythingatallthatisrelevanttothematterwearediscussing.”
“Idonotknow—soIhavetoguess.IfIguesscorrectly—”
“Highlyunlikely,”saidMr.Endicott,withawaveofhishand.
Poirotdrewadeepbreath.
“Verywellthen.Itisinmymindthatyourinstructionsareasfollows.IntheeventofSirArthur’sdeath,youaretotracehissonNigel,toascertainwhereheislivingandhowheislivingandparticularlywhetherheisorhasbeenengagedinanycriminalactivitywhatsoever.”
ThistimeMr.Endicott’simpregnablelegalcalmwasreallyshattered.Heutteredanexclamationsuchasfewhadeverheardfromhislips.
“Sinceyouappeartobeinfullpossessionofthefacts,”hesaid,“I’lltellyouanythingyouwanttoknow.Igatheryou’vecomeacrossyoungNigelinthecourseofyourprofessionalactivities.What’stheyoungdevilbeenupto?”
“Ithinkthestorygoesasfollows.Afterhehadlefthomehechangedhisname,tellinganyonewhowasinterestedthathehadtodosoasaconditionofalegacy.Hethenfellinwithsomepeoplewhowererunningasmugglingracket—drugsandjewels.Ithinkitwasduetohimthattheracketassumeditsfinalform—anexceedinglycleveroneinvolvingtheusingofinnocentbonafidestudents.Thewholethingwasoperatedbytwopeople,NigelChapman,ashenowcalledhimself,andayoungwomancalledValerieHobhousewho,Ithink,originallyintroducedhimtothesmugglingtrade.Itwasasmallprivateconcernandtheyworkeditonacommissionbasis—butitwasimmenselyprofitable.Thegoodshadtobeofsmallbulk,butthousandsofpoundsworthofgemsandnarcoticsoccupyaverysmallspace.Everythingwentwelluntiloneofthoseunforeseenchancesoccurred.Apoliceofficercameonedaytoastudents’hosteltomakeinquiriesinconnectionwithamurdernearCambridge.IthinkyouknowthereasonwhythatparticularpieceofinformationshouldcauseNigeltopanichim.Heremovedcertainelectriclightbulbssothatthelightshouldbedimandhealso,inapanic,tookacertainrucksackoutintothebackyard,hackedittopiecesandthrewitbehindtheboilersincehefearedtracesofnarcoticmightbefoundinitsfalsebottom.
“Hispanicwasquiteunfounded—thepolicehadmerelycometoaskquestionsaboutacertainEurasianstudent—butoneofthegirlslivinginthehostelhadhappenedtolookoutofherwindowandhadseenhimdestroyingtherucksack.Thatdidnotimmediatelysignherdeathwarrant.Instead,acleverschemewasthoughtupbywhichsheherselfwasinducedtocommitcertainfoolishactionswhichwouldplaceherinaveryinvidiousposition.Buttheycarriedthatschemetoofar.Iwascalledin.Iadvisedgoingtothepolice.Thegirllostherheadandconfessed.Sheconfessed,thatis,tothethingsthatshehaddone.Butshewent,Ithink,toNigel,andurgedhimtoconfessalsototherucksackbusinessandtospillinginkoverafellowstudent’swork.NeitherNigelnorhisaccomplicecouldconsiderattentionbeingcalledtotherucksack—theirwholeplanofcampaignwouldberuined.MoreoverCelia,thegirlinquestion,hadanotherdangerouspieceofknowledgewhichsherevealed,asithappened,thenightIdinedthere.SheknewwhoNigelreallywas.”
“Butsurely—”Mr.Endicottfrowned.
“Nigelhadmovedfromoneworldtoanother.AnyformerfriendshemetmightknowthathenowcalledhimselfChapman,buttheyknewnothingofwhathewasdoing.InthehostelnobodyknewthathisrealnamewasStanley—butCeliasuddenlyrevealedthatsheknewhiminbothcapacities.ShealsoknewthatValerieHobhouse,ononeoccasionatleast,hadtravelledabroadonafalsepassport.Sheknewtoomuch.Thenexteveningshewentouttomeethimbyappointmentsomewhere.Hegaveheradrinkofcoffeeandinitwasmorphia.Shediedinhersleepwitheverythingarrangedtolooklikesuicide.”
Mr.Endicottstirred.Anexpressionofdeepdistresscrossedhisface.Hemurmuredsomethingunderhisbreath.
“Butthatwasnottheend,”saidPoirot.“Thewomanwhoownedthechainofhostelsandstudents’clubsdiedsoonafterinsuspiciouscircumstancesandthen,finally,therecamethelastmostcruelandheartlesscrime.PatriciaLane,agirlwhowasdevotedtoNigelandofwhomhehimselfwasreallyfond,meddledunwittinglyinhisaffairs,andmoreoverinsistedthatheshouldbereconciledtohisfatherbeforethelatterdied.Hetoldherastringoflies,butherealisedthatherobstinacymighturgeheractuallytowriteasecondletterafterthefirstwasdestroyed.Ithink,myfriend,thatyoucantellmewhy,fromhispointofview,thatwouldhavebeensuchafatalthingtohappen.”
Mr.Endicottrose.Hewentacrosstheroomtoasafe,unlockedit,andcamebackwithalongenvelopeinhishand.Ithadabrokenredsealonthebackofit.HedrewouttwoenclosuresandlaidthembeforePoirot.
DearEndicott,
YouwillopenthisafterIamdead.IwishyoutotracemysonNigelandfindoutifhehasbeenguiltyofanycriminalactionswhatsoever.
ThefactsIamabouttotellyouareknowntomeonly.Nigelhasalwaysbeenprofoundlyunsatisfactoryinhischaracter.Hehastwicebeenguiltyofforgingmynametoacheque.OneachoccasionIacknowledgedthesignatureasmine,butwarnedhimthatIwouldnotdosoagain.Onthethirdoccasionitwashismother’snameheforged.Shechargedhimwithit.Hebeggedhertokeepsilent.Sherefused.SheandIhaddiscussedhim,andshemadeitclearshewasgoingtotellme.Itwasthen,inhandingherhereveningsleepingmixture,headministeredanoverdose.Beforeittookeffect,however,shehadcometomyroomandtoldmeallaboutmatters.When,thenextmorning,shewasfounddead,Iknewwhohaddoneit.
IaccusedNigelandtoldhimthatIintendedtomakeacleanbreastofallthefactstothepolice.Hepleadeddesperatelywithme.Whatwouldyouhavedone,Endicott?Ihavenoillusionsaboutmyson,Iknowhimforwhatheis,oneofthosedangerousmisfitswhohaveneitherconsciencenorpity.Ihadnocausetosavehim.Butitwasthethoughtofmybelovedwifethatswayedme.Wouldshewishmetoexecutejustice?IthoughtthatIknewtheanswer—shewouldhavewantedhersonsavedfromthescaffold.Shewouldhaveshrunk,asIshrank,fromthedraggingdownofourname.Buttherewasanotherconsideration.Ifirmlybelievethatonceakiller,alwaysakiller.Theremightbe,inthefuture,othervictims.Imadeabargainwithmyson,andwhetherIdidrightorwrong,Idonotknow.HewastowriteoutaconfessionofhiscrimewhichIshouldkeep.Hewastoleavemyhouseandneverreturn,butmakeanewlifeforhimself.Iwouldgivehimasecondchance.Moneybelongingtohismotherwouldcometohimautomatically.Hehadhadagoodeducation.Hehadeverychanceofmakinggood.
But—ifhewereconvictedofanycriminalactivitywhatsoevertheconfessionhehadleftwithmeshouldgotothepolice.Isafeguardedmyselfbyexplainingthatmyowndeathwouldnotsolvetheproblem.
Youaremyoldestfriend.Iamplacingaburdenonyourshoulders,butIaskitinthenameofadeadwomanwhowasalsoyourfriend.FindNigel.Ifhisrecordisclean,destroythisletterandtheenclosedconfession.Ifnot—thenjusticemustbedone.
Youraffectionatefriend,
ArthurStanley
“Ah!”Poirotbreathedalongsigh.
Heunfoldedtheenclosure.
IherebyconfessthatImurderedmymotherbygivingheranoverdoseofmedinalonNovember18,195—
NigelStanley
ChapterTwenty-two
“Youquiteunderstandyourposition,MissHobhouse.Ihavealreadywarnedyou—”
ValerieHobhousecuthimshort.
“IknowwhatI’mdoing.You’vewarnedmewhatIsaywillbeusedinevidence.I’mpreparedforthat.You’vegotmeonthesmugglingcharge.Ihaven’tgotahope.Thatmeansalongtermofimprisonment.ThisothermeansthatI’llbechargedasanaccessorytomurder.”
“Yourbeingwillingtomakeastatementmayhelpyou,butIcan’tmakeanypromiseorholdoutanyinducement.”
“Idon’tknowthatIcare.Justaswellenditallaslanguishinprisonforyears.Iwanttomakeastatement.Imaybewhatyoucallanaccessory,butI’mnotakiller.Ineverintendedmurderorwantedit.I’mnotsuchafool.WhatIdowantisthatthereshouldbeaclearcaseagainstNigel….
“Celiaknewfartoomuch,butIcouldhavedealtwiththatsomehow.Nigeldidn’tgivemetime.Hegothertocomeoutandmeethim,toldherthathewasgoingtoownuptotherucksackandtheinkbusinessandthenslippedherthemorphiainacupofcoffee.He’dgotholdofherlettertoMrs.Hubbardearlieronandhadtornoutauseful‘suicide’phrase.Heputthatandtheemptymorphiaphial(whichhehadretrievedafterpretendingtothrowitaway)byherbed.Iseenowthathe’dbeencontemplatingmurderforquitealittletime.Thenhecameandtoldmewhathe’ddone.FormyownsakeIhadtostandinwithhim.
“ThesamethingmusthavehappenedwithMrs.Nick.He’dfoundoutthatshedrank,thatshewasgettingunreliable—hemanagedtomeethersomewhereonherwayhome,andpoisonedherdrink.Hedeniedittome—butIknowthatthat’swhathedid.ThencamePat.Hecameuptomyroomandtoldmewhathadhappened.HetoldmewhatI’dgottodo—sothatbothheandIwouldhaveanunbreakablealibi.Iwasinthenetbythen,therewasnowayout…Isuppose,ifyouhadn’tcaughtme,I’dhavegotawayabroadsomewhere,andmadeanewlifeformyself.Butyoudidcatchme…AndnowIonlycareaboutonething—tomakesurethatthatcruelsmilingdevilgetshanged.”
InspectorSharpedrewadeepbreath.Allthiswaseminentlysatisfactory,itwasanunbelievablepieceofluck;buthewaspuzzled.
Theconstablelickedhispencil.
“I’mnotsurethatIquiteunderstand,”beganSharpe.
Shecuthimshort.
“Youdon’tneedtounderstand.I’vegotmyreasons.”
HerculePoirotspokeverygently.
“Mrs.Nicoletis?”heasked.
Heheardthesharpintakeofherbreath
“Shewas—yourmother,wasshenot?”
“Yes,”saidValerieHobhouse.“Shewasmymother….”
ChapterTwenty-three
I
“Idonotunderstand,”saidMr.Akibomboplaintively.
Helookedanxiouslyfromoneredheadtotheother.
SallyFinchandLenBatesonwereconductingaconversationwhichMr.Akibombofoundhardtofollow.
“Doyouthink,”askedSally,“thatNigelmeantmetobesuspected,oryou?”
“Either,Ishouldsay,”repliedLen.“Ibelieveheactuallytookthehairsfrommybrush.”
“Idonotunderstand,please,”saidMr.Akibombo.“WasitthenMr.Nigelwhojumpedthebalcony?”
“Nigelcanjumplikeacat.Icouldn’thavejumpedacrossthatspace.I’mfartooheavy.”
“Iwanttoapologiseverydeeplyandhumblyforwhollyunjustifiablesuspicions.”
“That’sallright,”saidLen.
“Actually,youhelpedalot,”saidSally.“Allyourthinking—abouttheboracic.”
Mr.Akibombobrightenedup.
“Oneoughttohaverealisedallalong,”saidLen,“thatNigelwasathoroughlymaladjustedtypeand—”
“Oh,forheaven’ssake—yousoundjustlikeColin.Frankly,Nigelalwaysgavemethecreeps—andatlastIseewhy.Doyourealise,Len,thatifpoorSirArthurStanleyhadn’tbeensentimentalandhadturnedNigelstraightovertothepolice,threeotherpeoplewouldbealivetoday?It’sasolemnthought.”
“Still,onecanunderstandwhathefeltaboutit—”
“Please,MissSally.”
“Yes,Akibombo?”
“IfyoumeetmyprofessoratUniversitypartytonightwillyoutellhim,please,thatIhavedonesomegoodthinking?MyprofessorhesaysoftenthatIhaveamuddledthoughtprocess.”
“I’lltellhim,”saidSally.
LenBatesonwaslookingthepictureofgloom.
“Inaweek’stimeyou’llbebackinAmerica,”hesaid.
Therewasamomentarysilence.
“Ishallcomeback,”saidSally.“Oryoumightcomeanddoacourseoverthere.”
“What’stheuse?”
“Akibombo,”saidSally,“wouldyoulike,oneday,tobebestmanatawedding?”
“Whatisbestman,please?”
“Thebridegroom,Lenhereforinstance,givesyouaringtokeepforhim,andheandyougotochurchverysmartlydressedandattherightmomentheasksyoufortheringandyougiveittohim,andheputsitonmyfinger,andtheorganplaystheweddingmarchandeverybodycries.Andthereweare.”
“YoumeanthatyouandMr.Lenaretobemarried?”
“That’stheidea.”
“Sally!”
“Unles,ofcourse,Lendoesn’tcarefortheidea.”
“Sally!Butyoudon’tknow—aboutmyfather—”
“Sowhat?OfcourseIknow.Soyourfather’snuts.Allright,soarelotsofpeople’sfathers.”
“Itisn’tahereditarytypeofmania.Icanassureyouofthat,Sally.IfyouonlyknewhowdesperatelyunhappyI’vebeenaboutyou.”
“Ididjusthaveatinysuspicion.”
“InAfrica,”saidMr.Akibombo,“inolddays,beforeatomicageandscientificthoughthadcome,marriagecustomsverycuriousandinteresting.Itellyou—”
“You’dbetternot,”saidSally.“IhaveanideatheymightmakebothLenandmeblush,andwhenyou’vegotredhairit’sverynoticeablewhenyoublush.”
II
HerculePoirotsignedthelastofthelettersthatMissLemonhadlaidbeforehim.
“Trèsbien,”hesaidgravely.“Notasinglemistake.”
MissLemonlookedslightlyaffronted.
“Idon’toftenmakemistakes,Ihope,”shesaid.
“Notoften.Butithashappened.Howisyoursister,bytheway?”
“Sheisthinkingofgoingonacruise,M.Poirot.Tothenortherncapitals.”
“Ah,”saidHerculePoirot.
Hewonderedif—possibly—onacruise—?
Notthathehimselfwouldundertakeaseavoyage—notforanyinducement…
Theclockbehindhimstruckone.
“Theclockstruckone,
Themouserandown
Hickory,dickory,dock,”
declaredHerculePoirot.
“Ibegyourpardon,M.Poirot?”
“Nothing,”saidHerculePoirot.
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheage
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