Murder in Mesopotamia

MurderinMesopotamia
AHerculePoirotMystery
Dedication
DedicatedtoMymanyarchaeologicalfriendsinIraqandSyria
Foreword
byGilesReilly,MD
Theeventschronicledinthisnarrativetookplacesomefouryearsago.Circumstanceshaverendereditnecessary,inmyopinion,thatastraightforwardaccountofthemshouldbegiventothepublic.Therehavebeenthewildestandmostridiculousrumourssuggestingthatimportantevidencewassuppressedandothernonsenseofthatkind.ThosemisconstructionshaveappearedmoreespeciallyintheAmericanPress.
Forobviousreasonsitwasdesirablethattheaccountshouldnotcomefromthepenofoneoftheexpeditionstaff,whomightreasonablybesupposedtobeprejudiced.
IthereforesuggestedtoMissAmyLeatheranthatsheshouldundertakethetask.Sheisobviouslythepersontodoit.Shehadaprofessionalcharacterofthehighest,sheisnotbiasedbyhavinganypreviousconnectionwiththeUniversityofPittstownExpeditiontoIraqandshewasanobservantandintellectualeyewitness.
ItwasnotveryeasytopersuadeMissLeatherantoundertakethistask—infact,persuadingherwasoneofthehardestjobsofmyprofessionalcareer—andevenafteritwascompletedshedisplayedacuriousreluctancetoletmeseethemanuscript.IdiscoveredthatthiswaspartlyduetosomecriticalremarksshehadmadeconcerningmydaughterSheila.Isoondisposedofthat,assuringherthataschildrencriticizetheirparentsfreelyinprintnowadays,parentsareonlytoodelightedwhentheiroffspringcomeinfortheirshareofabuse!Herotherobjectionwasextrememodestyaboutherliterarystyle.ShehopedIwould“putthegrammarrightandallthat.”Ihave,onthecontrary,refusedtoaltersomuchasasingleword.MissLeatheran’sstyleinmyopinionisvigorous,individualandentirelyapposite.IfshecallsHerculePoirot“Poirot”inoneparagraphand“Mr.Poirot”inthenext,suchavariationisbothinterestingandsuggestive.Atonemomentsheis,sotospeak,“rememberinghermanners”(andhospitalnursesaregreatsticklersforetiquette)andatthenextherinterestinwhatsheistellingisthatofapurehumanbeing—capandcuffsforgotten!
TheonlythingIhavedoneistotakethelibertyofwritingafirstchapter—aidedbyaletterkindlysuppliedbyoneofMissLeatheran’sfriends.Itisintendedtobeinthenatureofafrontispiece—thatis,itgivesaroughsketchofthenarrator.
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
ForewordbyGilesReilly,MD
1Frontispiece
2IntroducingAmyLeatheran
3Gossip
4IArriveinHassanieh
5TellYarimjah
6FirstEvening
7TheManattheWindow
8NightAlarm
9Mrs.Leidner’sStory
10SaturdayAfternoon
11AnOddBusiness
12“IDidn’tBelieve…”
13HerculePoirotArrives
14OneofUs?
15PoirotMakesaSuggestion
16TheSuspects
17TheStainbytheWashstand
18TeaatDr.Reilly’s
19ANewSuspicion
20MissJohnson,Mrs.Mercado,Mr.Reiter
21Mr.Mercado,RichardCarey
22DavidEmmott,FatherLavignyandaDiscovery
23IGoPsychic
24MurderisaHabit
25SuicideorMurder
26NextItWillBeMe!
27BeginningofaJourney
28Journey’sEnd
29L’Envoi
AbouttheAuthor
Copyright
One
FRONTISPIECE
InthehalloftheTigrisPalaceHotelinBaghdadahospitalnursewasfinishingaletter.Herfountainpendrovebrisklyoverthepaper.
…Well,dear,Ithinkthat’sreallyallmynews.Imustsayit’sbeennicetoseeabitoftheworld—thoughEnglandformeeverytime,thankyou.ThedirtandthemessinBaghdadyouwouldn’tbelieve—andnotromanticatalllikeyou’dthinkfromtheArabianNights!Ofcourse,it’sprettyjustontheriver,butthetownitselfisjustawful—andnopropershopsatall.MajorKelseytookmethroughthebazaars,andofcoursethere’snodenyingthey’requaint—butjustalotofrubbishandhammeringawayatcopperpanstilltheymakeyourheadache—andnotwhatI’dliketousemyselfunlessIwassureaboutthecleaning.You’vegottobesocarefulofverdigriswithcopperpans.I’llwriteandletyouknowifanythingcomesofthejobthatDr.Reillyspokeabout.HesaidthisAmericangentlemanwasinBaghdadnowandmightcomeandseemethisafternoon.It’sforhiswife—shehas“fancies,”soDr.Reillysaid.Hedidn’tsayanymorethanthat,andofcourse,dear,oneknowswhatthatusuallymeans(butIhopenotactuallyD.T.s!).Ofcourse,Dr.Reillydidn’tsayanything—buthehadalook—ifyouknowwhatImean.ThisDr.LeidnerisanarchaeologistandisdiggingupamoundoutinthedesertsomewhereforsomeAmericanmuseum.Well,dear,Iwillclosenow.IthoughtwhatyoutoldmeaboutlittleStubbinswassimplykilling!WhateverdidMatronsay?Nomorenow.Yoursever,AmyLeatheran
Enclosingtheletterinanenvelope,sheaddressedittoSisterCurshaw,St.Christopher’sHospital,London.
Assheputthecaponherfountainpen,oneofthenativeboysapproachedher.
“Agentlemancometoseeyou.Dr.Leidner.”
NurseLeatheranturned.Shesawamanofmiddleheightwithslightlystoopingshoulders,abrownbeardandgentle,tiredeyes.
Dr.Leidnersawawomanofthirty-five,oferect,confidentbearing.Hesawagood-humouredfacewithslightlyprominentblueeyesandglossybrownhair.Shelooked,hethought,justwhatahospitalnurseforanervouscaseoughttolook.Cheerful,robust,shrewdandmatter-of-fact.
NurseLeatheran,hethought,woulddo.
Two
INTRODUCINGAMYLEATHERAN
Idon’tpretendtobeanauthorortoknowanythingaboutwriting.I’mdoingthissimplybecauseDr.Reillyaskedmeto,andsomehowwhenDr.Reillyasksyoutodoathingyoudon’tliketorefuse.
“Oh,but,doctor,”Isaid,“I’mnotliterary—notliteraryatall.”
“Nonsense!”hesaid.“Treatitascasenotes,ifyoulike.”
Well,ofcourse,youcanlookatitthatway.
Dr.Reillywenton.HesaidthatanunvarnishedplainaccountoftheTellYarimjahbusinesswasbadlyneeded.
“Ifoneoftheinterestedpartieswritesit,itwon’tcarryconviction.They’llsayit’sbiasedonewayoranother.”
Andofcoursethatwastrue,too.Iwasinitallandyetanoutsider,sotospeak.
“Whydon’tyouwriteityourself,doctor?”Iasked.
“Iwasn’tonthespot—youwere.Besides,”headdedwithasigh,“mydaughterwon’tletme.”
Thewayheknucklesundertothatchitofagirlofhisisdownrightdisgraceful.Ihadhalfamindtosayso,whenIsawthathiseyesweretwinkling.ThatwastheworstofDr.Reilly.Youneverknewwhetherhewasjokingornot.Healwayssaidthingsinthesameslowmelancholyway—buthalfthetimetherewasatwinkleunderneathit.
“Well,”Isaiddoubtfully,“IsupposeIcould.”
“Ofcourseyoucould.”
“OnlyIdon’tquiteknowhowtosetaboutit.”
“There’sagoodprecedentforthat.Beginatthebeginning,goontotheendandthenleaveoff.”
“Idon’tevenknowquitewhereandwhatthebeginningwas,”Isaiddoubtfully.
“Believeme,nurse,thedifficultyofbeginningwillbenothingtothedifficultyofknowinghowtostop.Atleastthat’sthewayitiswithmewhenIhavetomakeaspeech.Someone’sgottocatchholdofmycoattailsandpullmedownbymainforce.”
“Oh,you’rejoking,doctor.”
“It’sprofoundlyseriousIam.Nowwhataboutit?”
Anotherthingwasworryingme.AfterhesitatingamomentortwoIsaid:“Youknow,doctor,I’mafraidImighttendtobe—well,alittlepersonalsometimes.”
“Godblessmysoul,woman,themorepersonalyouarethebetter!Thisisastoryofhumanbeings—notdummies!Bepersonal—beprejudiced—becatty—beanythingyouplease!Writethethingyourownway.Wecanalwayspruneoutthebitsthatarelibellousafterwards!Yougoahead.You’reasensiblewoman,andyou’llgiveasensiblecommonsenseaccountofthebusiness.”
Sothatwasthat,andIpromisedtodomybest.
AndhereIambeginning,butasIsaidtothedoctor,it’sdifficulttoknowjustwheretostart.
IsupposeIoughttosayawordortwoaboutmyself.I’mthirty-twoandmynameisAmyLeatheran.ItookmytrainingatSt.Christopher’sandafterthatdidtwoyearsmaternity.IdidacertainamountofprivateworkandIwasforfouryearsatMissBendix’sNursingHomeinDevonshirePlace.IcameouttoIraqwithaMrs.Kelsey.I’dattendedherwhenherbabywasborn.ShewascomingouttoBaghdadwithherhusbandandhadalreadygotachildren’snursebookedwhohadbeenforsomeyearswithfriendsofhersoutthere.Theirchildrenwerecominghomeandgoingtoschool,andthenursehadagreedtogotoMrs.Kelseywhentheyleft.Mrs.Kelseywasdelicateandnervousaboutthejourneyoutwithsoyoungachild,soMajorKelseyarrangedthatIshouldcomeoutwithherandlookafterherandthebaby.Theywouldpaymypassagehomeunlesswefoundsomeoneneedinganurseforthereturnjourney.
Well,thereisnoneedtodescribetheKelseys—thebabywasalittleloveandMrs.Kelseyquitenice,thoughratherthefrettingkind.Ienjoyedthevoyageverymuch.I’dneverbeenalongtripontheseabefore.
Dr.Reillywasonboardtheboat.Hewasablack-haired,long-facedmanwhosaidallsortsoffunnythingsinalow,sadvoice.IthinkheenjoyedpullingmylegandusedtomakethemostextraordinarystatementstoseeifIwouldswallowthem.HewasthecivilsurgeonataplacecalledHassanieh—adayandahalf’sjourneyfromBaghdad.
IhadbeenaboutaweekinBaghdadwhenIranacrosshimandheaskedwhenIwasleavingtheKelseys.IsaidthatitwasfunnyhisaskingthatbecauseasamatteroffacttheWrights(theotherpeopleImentioned)weregoinghomeearlierthantheyhadmeanttoandtheirnursewasfreetocomestraightaway.
HesaidthathehadheardabouttheWrightsandthatthatwaswhyhehadaskedme.
“Asamatteroffact,nurse,I’vegotapossiblejobforyou.”
“Acase?”
Hescrewedhisfaceupasthoughconsidering.
“Youcouldhardlycallitacase.It’sjustaladywhohas—shallwesay—fancies?”
“Oh!”Isaid.
(Oneusuallyknowswhatthatmeans—drinkordrugs!)
Dr.Reillydidn’texplainfurther.Hewasverydiscreet.“Yes,”hesaid.“AMrs.Leidner.Husband’sanAmerican—anAmericanSwedetobeexact.He’stheheadofalargeAmericandig.”
AndheexplainedhowthisexpeditionwasexcavatingthesiteofabigAssyriancitysomethinglikeNineveh.TheexpeditionhousewasnotactuallyveryfarfromHassanieh,butitwasalonelyspotandDr.Leidnerhadbeenworriedforsometimeabouthiswife’shealth.
“He’snotbeenveryexplicitaboutit,butitseemsshehasthesefitsofrecurringnervousterrors.”
“Issheleftalonealldayamongstnatives?”Iasked.
“Oh,no,there’squiteacrowd—sevenoreight.Idon’tfancyshe’severbeenaloneinthehouse.Butthereseemstobenodoubtthatshe’sworkedherselfupintoaqueerstate.Leidnerhasanyamountofworkonhisshoulders,buthe’scrazyabouthiswifeanditworrieshimtoknowshe’sinthisstate.Hefelthe’dbehappierifheknewthatsomeresponsiblepersonwithexpertknowledgewaskeepinganeyeonher.”
“AndwhatdoesMrs.Leidnerherselfthinkaboutit?”
Dr.Reillyansweredgravely:
“Mrs.Leidnerisaverylovelylady.She’sseldomofthesamemindaboutanythingtwodaysonend.Butonthewholeshefavourstheidea.”Headded,“She’sanoddwoman.Amassofaffectionand,Ishouldfancy,achampionliar—butLeidnerseemshonestlytobelievethatsheisscaredoutofherlifebysomethingorother.”
“Whatdidsheherselfsaytoyou,doctor?”
“Oh,shehasn’tconsultedme!Shedoesn’tlikemeanyway—forseveralreasons.ItwasLeidnerwhocametomeandpropoundedthisplan.Well,nurse,whatdoyouthinkoftheidea?You’dseesomethingofthecountrybeforeyougohome—they’llbediggingforanothertwomonths.Andexcavationisquiteinterestingwork.”
Afteramoment’shesitationwhileIturnedthematteroverinmymind:“Well,”Isaid,“IreallythinkImighttryit.”
“Splendid,”saidDr.Reilly,rising.“Leidner’sinBaghdadnow.I’lltellhimtocomeroundandseeifhecanfixthingsupwithyou.”
Dr.Leidnercametothehotelthatafternoon.Hewasamiddle-agedmanwitharathernervous,hesitatingmanner.Therewassomethinggentleandkindlyandratherhelplessabouthim.
Hesoundedverydevotedtohiswife,buthewasveryvagueaboutwhatwasthematterwithher.
“Yousee,”hesaid,tuggingathisbeardinaratherperplexedmannerthatIlatercametoknowtobecharacteristicofhim,“mywifeisreallyinaverynervousstate.I—I’mquiteworriedabouther.”
“Sheisingoodphysicalhealth?”Iasked.
“Yes—oh,yes,Ithinkso.No,Ishouldnotthinktherewasanythingthematterwithherphysically.Butshe—well—imaginesthings,youknow.”
“Whatkindofthings?”Iasked.
Butheshiedofffromthepoint,merelymurmuringperplexedly:“Sheworksherselfupovernothingatall…Ireallycanseenofoundationsforthesefears.”
“Fearsofwhat,Dr.Leidner?”
Hesaidvaguely,“Oh,just—nervousterrors,youknow.”
Tentoone,Ithoughttomyself,it’sdrugs.Andhedoesn’trealizeit!Lotsofmendon’t.Justwonderwhytheirwivesaresojumpyandhavesuchextraordinarychangesofmood.
IaskedwhetherMrs.Leidnerherselfapprovedoftheideaofmycoming.
Hisfacelightedup.
“Yes.Iwassurprised.Mostpleasurablysurprised.Shesaiditwasaverygoodidea.Shesaidshewouldfeelverymuchsafer.”
Thewordstruckmeoddly.Safer.Averyqueerwordtouse.IbegantosurmisethatMrs.Leidnermightbeamentalcase.
Hewentonwithakindofboyisheagerness.
“I’msureyou’llgetonverywellwithher.She’sreallyaverycharmingwoman.”Hesmileddisarmingly.“Shefeelsyou’llbethegreatestcomforttoher.IfeltthesameassoonasIsawyou.Youlook,ifyouwillallowmetosayso,sosplendidlyhealthyandfullofcommonsense.I’msureyou’rejustthepersonforLouise.”
“Well,wecanbuttry,Dr.Leidner,”Isaidcheerfully.“I’msureIhopeIcanbeofusetoyourwife.Perhapsshe’snervousofnativesandcolouredpeople?”
“Oh,dearmeno.”Heshookhishead,amusedattheidea.“MywifelikesArabsverymuch—sheappreciatestheirsimplicityandtheirsenseofhumour.Thisisonlyhersecondseason—wehavebeenmarriedlessthantwoyears—butshealreadyspeaksquiteafairamountofArabic.”
Iwassilentforamomentortwo,thenIhadonemoretry.
“Can’tyoutellmeatallwhatitisyourwifeisafraidof,Dr.Leidner?”Iasked.
Hehesitated.Thenhesaidslowly,“Ihope—Ibelieve—thatshewilltellyouthatherself.”
Andthat’sallIcouldgetoutofhim.
Three
GOSSIP
ItwasarrangedthatIshouldgotoTellYarimjahthefollowingweek.
Mrs.KelseywassettlingintoherhouseatAlwiyah,andIwasgladtobeabletotakeafewthingsoffhershoulders
DuringthattimeIheardoneortwoallusionstotheLeidnerexpedition.AfriendofMrs.Kelsey’s,ayoungsquadronleader,pursedhislipsinsurpriseasheexclaimed:“LovelyLouise.Sothat’sherlatest!”Heturnedtome.“That’sournicknameforher,nurse.She’salwaysknownasLovelyLouise.”
“Isshesoveryhandsomethen?”Iasked.
“It’stakingheratherownvaluationShethinkssheis!”
“Nowdon’tbespiteful,John,”saidMrs.Kelsey.“Youknowit’snotonlyshewhothinksso!Lotsofpeoplehavebeenverysmittenbyher.”
“Perhapsyou’reright.She’sabitlonginthetooth,butshehasacertainattraction.”
“Youwerecompletelybowledoveryourself,”saidMrs.Kelsey,laughing.
Thesquadronleaderblushedandadmittedrathershamefacedly:“Well,shehasawaywithher.AsforLeidnerhimself,heworshipsthegroundshewalkson—andalltherestoftheexpeditionhastoworshiptoo!It’sexpectedofthem!”
“Howmanyaretherealtogether?”Iasked.
“Allsortsandnationalities,nurse,”saidthesquadron-leadercheerfully.“AnEnglisharchitect,aFrenchFatherfromCarthage—hedoestheinscriptions—tabletsandthings,youknow.Andthenthere’sMissJohnson.She’sEnglishtoo—sortofgeneralbottle-washer.Andalittleplumpmanwhodoesthephotography—he’sanAmerican.AndtheMercados.Heavenknowswhatnationalitytheyare—Dagosofsomekind!She’squiteyoung—asnaky-lookingcreature—andoh!doesn’tshehateLovelyLouise!Andthereareacoupleofyoungstersandthat’sthelot.Afewoddfish,butniceonthewhole—don’tyouagree,Pennyman?”
Hewasappealingtoanelderlymanwhowassittingthoughtfullytwirlingapairofpince-nez.
Thelatterstartedandlookedup.
“Yes—yes—veryniceindeed.Takenindividually,thatis.Ofcourse,Mercadoisratheraqueerfish—”
“Hehassuchaveryoddbeard,”putinMrs.Kelsey.“Aqueerlimpkind.”
MajorPennymanwentonwithoutnoticingherinterruption.
“Theyoung’unsarebothnice.TheAmerican’srathersilent,andtheEnglishboytalksabittoomuch.Funny,it’susuallytheotherwayround.Leidnerhimselfisadelightfulfellow—somodestandunassuming.Yes,individuallytheyareallpleasantpeople.Butsomehoworother,Imayhavebeenfanciful,butthelasttimeIwenttoseethemIgotaqueerimpressionofsomethingbeingwrong.Idon’tknowwhatitwasexactly…Nobodyseemedquitenatural.Therewasaqueeratmosphereoftension.IcanexplainbestwhatImeanbysayingthattheyallpassedthebuttertoeachothertoopolitely.”
Blushingalittle,becauseIdon’tlikeairingmyownopinionstoomuch,Isaid:“Ifpeoplearetoomuchcoopeduptogetherit’sgotawayofgettingontheirnerves.Iknowthatmyselffromexperienceinhospital.”
“That’strue,”saidMajorKelsey,“butit’searlyintheseason,hardlytimeforthatparticularirritationtohavesetin.”
“Anexpeditionisprobablylikeourlifehereinminiature,”saidMajorPennyman.“Ithasitscliquesandrivalriesandjealousies.”
“Itsoundsasthoughthey’dgotagoodmanynewcomersthisyear,”saidMajorKelsey.
“Letmesee.”Thesquadronleadercountedthemoffonhisfingers.“YoungColemanisnew,soisReiter.EmmottwasoutlastyearandsoweretheMercados.FatherLavignyisanewcomer.He’scomeinplaceofDr.Byrd,whowasillthisyearandcouldn’tcomeout.Carey,ofcourse,isanoldhand.He’sbeenouteversincethebeginning,fiveyearsago.MissJohnson’sbeenoutnearlyasmanyyearsasCarey.”
“IalwaysthoughttheygotonsowelltogetheratTellYarimjah,”remarkedMajorKelsey.“Theyseemedlikeahappyfamily—whichisreallysurprisingwhenoneconsiderswhathumannatureis!I’msureNurseLeatheranagreeswithme.”
“Well,”Isaid,“Idon’tknowthatyou’renotright!TherowsI’veknowninhospitalandstartingoftenfromnothingmorethanadisputeaboutapotoftea.”
“Yes,onetendstogetpettyinclosecommunities,”saidMajorPennyman.“AllthesameIfeeltheremustbesomethingmoretoitinthiscase.Leidnerissuchagentle,unassumingman,withreallyaremarkableamountoftact.He’salwaysmanagedtokeephisexpeditionhappyandongoodtermswitheachother.AndyetIdidnoticethatfeelingoftensiontheotherday.”
Mrs.Kelseylaughed.
“Andyoudon’tseetheexplanation?Why,itleapstotheeye!”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Mrs.Leidner,ofcourse.”
“Ohcome,Mary,”saidherhusband,“she’sacharmingwoman—notatallthequarrelsomekind.”
“Ididn’tsayshewasquarrelsome.Shecausesquarrels!”
“Inwhatway?Andwhyshouldshe?”
“Why?Why?Becauseshe’sbored.She’snotanarchaeologist,onlythewifeofone.She’sboredshutawayfromanyexcitementsandsosheprovidesherowndrama.Sheamusesherselfbysettingotherpeoplebytheears.”
“Mary,youdon’tknowintheleast.You’remerelyimagining.”
“OfcourseI’mimagining!Butyou’llfindI’mright.LovelyLouisedoesn’tlookliketheMonaLisafornothing!Shemayn’tmeananyharm,butshelikestoseewhatwillhappen.”
“She’sdevotedtoLeidner.”
“Oh!Idaresay,I’mnotsuggestingvulgarintrigues.Butshe’sanallumeuse,thatwoman.”
“Womenaresosweettoeachother,”saidMajorKelsey.
“Iknow.Cat,cat,cat,that’swhatyoumensay.Butwe’reusuallyrightaboutourownsex.”
“Allthesame,”saidMajorPennymanthoughtfully,“assumingallMrs.Kelsey’suncharitablesurmisestobetrue,Idon’tthinkitwouldquiteaccountforthatcurioussenseoftension—ratherlikethefeelingthereisbeforeathunderstorm.Ihadtheimpressionverystronglythatthestormmightbreakanyminute.”
“Nowdon’tfrightennurse,”saidMrs.Kelsey.“She’sgoingthereinthreedays’timeandyou’llputherrightoff.”
“Oh,youwon’tfrightenme,”Isaid,laughing.
AllthesameIthoughtagooddealaboutwhathadbeensaid.Dr.Leidner’scurioususeoftheword“safer”recurredtome.Wasithiswife’ssecretfear,unacknowledgedorexpressedperhaps,thatwasreactingontherestoftheparty?Orwasittheactualtension(orperhapstheunknowncauseofit)thatwasreactingonhernerves?
IlookedupthewordallumeusethatMrs.Kelseyhadusedinadictionary,butcouldn’tgetanysenseoutofit.
“Well,”Ithoughttomyself,“Imustwaitandsee.”
Four
IARRIVEINHASSANIEH
ThreedayslaterIleftBaghdad.
IwassorrytoleaveMrs.Kelseyandthebaby,whowasalittleloveandwasthrivingsplendidly,gainingherpropernumberofounceseveryweek.MajorKelseytookmetothestationandsawmeoff.IshouldarriveatKirkukthefollowingmorning,andtheresomeonewastomeetme.
Isleptbadly,IneversleepverywellinatrainandIwastroubledbydreams.Thenextmorning,however,whenIlookedoutofthewindowitwasalovelydayandIfeltinterestedandcuriousaboutthepeopleIwasgoingtosee.
AsIstoodontheplatformhesitatingandlookingaboutmeIsawayoungmancomingtowardsme.Hehadaroundpinkface,andreally,inallmylife,IhaveneverseenanyonewhoseemedsoexactlylikeayoungmanoutofoneofMr.P.G.Wodehouse’sbooks.
“Hallo,’allo,’allo,”hesaid.“AreyouNurseLeatheran?Well,Imeanyoumustbe—Icanseethat.Haha!Myname’sColeman.Dr.Leidnersentmealong.Howareyoufeeling?Beastlyjourneyandallthat?Don’tIknowthesetrains!Well,hereweare—hadanybreakfast?Thisyourkit?Isay,awfullymodest,aren’tyou?Mrs.Leidnerhasfoursuitcasesandatrunk—tosaynothingofahatboxandapatentpillow,andthis,thatandtheother.AmItalkingtoomuch?Comealongtotheoldbus.”
TherewaswhatIheardcalledlaterastationwagonwaitingoutside.Itwasalittlelikeawagonette,alittlelikealorryandalittlelikeacar.Mr.Colemanhelpedmein,explainingthatIhadbettersitnexttothedriversoastogetlessjolting.
Jolting!Iwonderthewholecontraptiondidn’tfalltopieces!Andnothinglikearoad—justasortoftrackallrutsandholes.GloriousEastindeed!WhenIthoughtofoursplendidarterialroadsinEnglanditmademequitehomesick
Mr.Colemanleanedforwardfromhisseatbehindmeandyelledinmyearagooddeal.
“Track’sinprettygoodcondition,”heshoutedjustafterwehadbeenthrownupinourseatstillwenearlytouchedtheroof.
Andapparentlyhewasspeakingquiteseriously.
“Verygoodforyou—jogstheliver,”hesaid.“Yououghttoknowthat,nurse.”
“Astimulatedliverwon’tbemuchgoodtomeifmyhead’ssplitopen,”Iobservedtartly.
“Youshouldcomealonghereafterit’srained!Theskidsareglorious.Mostofthetimeone’sgoingsideways.”
TothisIdidnotrespond.
Presentlywehadtocrosstheriver,whichwedidonthecraziestferryboatyoucanimagine.Itwasamercyweevergotacross,buteveryoneseemedtothinkitwasquiteusual.
IttookusaboutfourhourstogettoHassanieh,which,tomysurprise,wasquiteabigplace.Veryprettyitlooked,too,beforewegottherefromtheothersideoftheriver—standingupquitewhiteandfairy-likewithminarets.Itwasabitdifferent,though,whenonehadcrossedthebridgeandcomerightintoit.Suchasmellandeverythingramshackleandtumbledown,andmudandmesseverywhere.
Mr.ColemantookmetoDr.Reilly’shouse,where,hesaid,thedoctorwasexpectingmetolunch.
Dr.Reillywasjustasniceasever,andhishousewasnicetoo,withabathroomandeverythingspickandspan.Ihadanicebath,andbythetimeIgotbackintomyuniformandcamedownIwasfeelingfine.
Lunchwasjustreadyandwewentin,thedoctorapologizingforhisdaughter,whohesaidwasalwayslate.We’djusthadaverygooddishofeggsinsaucewhenshecameinandDr.Reillysaid,“Nurse,thisismydaughterSheila.”
Sheshookhands,hopedI’dhadagoodjourney,tossedoffherhat,gaveacoolnodtoMr.Colemanandsatdown.
“Well,Bill,”shesaid.“How’severything?”
Hebegantotalktoheraboutsomepartyorotherthatwastocomeoffattheclub,andItookstockofher.
Ican’tsayItooktohermuch.Athoughttoocoolformyliking.Anoffhandsortofgirl,thoughgood-looking.Blackhairandblueeyes—apalesortoffaceandtheusuallipstickedmouth.She’dacool,sarcasticwayoftalkingthatratherannoyedme.Ihadaprobationerlikeherundermeonce—agirlwhoworkedwell,I’lladmit,butwhosemanneralwaysriledme.
ItlookedtomeratherasthoughMr.Colemanwasgoneonher.Hestammeredabit,andhisconversationbecameslightlymoreidioticthanitwasbefore,ifthatwaspossible!Heremindedmeofalargestupiddogwaggingitstailandtryingtoplease.
AfterlunchDr.Reillywentofftothehospital,andMr.Colemanhadsomethingstogetinthetown,andMissReillyaskedmewhetherI’dliketoseeroundthetownabitorwhetherI’dratherstopinthehouse.Mr.Coleman,shesaid,wouldbebacktofetchmeinaboutanhour.
“Isthereanythingtosee?”Iasked.
“Therearesomepicturesquecorners,”saidMissReilly.“ButIdon’tknowthatyou’dcareforthem.They’reextremelydirty.”
Thewayshesaiditrathernettledme.I’veneverbeenabletoseethatpicturesquenessexcusesdirt.
Intheendshetookmetotheclub,whichwaspleasantenough,overlookingtheriver,andtherewereEnglishpapersandmagazinesthere.
WhenwegotbacktothehouseMr.Colemanwasn’tthereyet,sowesatdownandtalkedabit.Itwasn’teasysomehow.
SheaskedmeifI’dmetMrs.Leidneryet.
“No,”Isaid.“Onlyherhusband.”
“Oh,”shesaid.“Iwonderwhatyou’llthinkofher?”
Ididn’tsayanythingtothat.Andshewenton:“IlikeDr.Leidnerverymuch.Everybodylikeshim.”
That’sasgoodassaying,Ithought,thatyoudon’tlikehiswife.
Istilldidn’tsayanythingandpresentlysheaskedabruptly:“What’sthematterwithher?DidDr.Leidnertellyou?”
Iwasn’tgoingtostartgossipingaboutapatientbeforeIgotthereeven,soIsaidevasively:“Iunderstandshe’sabitrundownandwantslookingafter.”
Shelaughed—anastysortoflaugh—hardandabrupt.
“GoodGod,”shesaid.“Aren’tninepeoplelookingafterheralreadyenough?”
“Isupposethey’veallgottheirworktodo,”Isaid.
“Worktodo?Ofcoursethey’vegotworktodo.ButLouisecomesfirst—sheseestothatallright.”
“No,”Isaidtomyself.“Youdon’tlikeher.”
“Allthesame,”wentonMissReilly,“Idon’tseewhatshewantswithaprofessionalhospitalnurse.Ishouldhavethoughtamateurassistancewasmoreinherline;notsomeonewho’lljamathermometerinhermouth,andcountherpulseandbringeverythingdowntohardfacts.”
Well,Imustadmitit,Iwascurious.
“Youthinkthere’snothingthematterwithher?”Iasked.
“Ofcoursethere’snothingthematterwithher!Thewoman’sasstrongasanox.‘DearLouisehasn’tslept.’‘She’sgotblackcirclesunderhereyes.’Yes—puttherewithabluepencil!Anythingtogetattention,tohaveeverybodyhoveringroundher,makingafussofher!”
Therewassomethinginthat,ofcourse.Ihad(whatnursehasn’t?)comeacrossmanycasesofhypochondriacswhosedelightitistokeepawholehouseholddancingattendance.Andifadoctororanurseweretosaytothem:“There’snothingonearththematterwithyou!”Well,tobeginwiththeywouldn’tbelieveit,andtheirindignationwouldbeasgenuineasindignationcanbe.
OfcourseitwasquitepossiblethatMrs.Leidnermightbeacaseofthiskind.Thehusband,naturally,wouldbethefirsttobedeceived.Husbands,I’vefound,areacredulouslotwhereillnessisconcerned.Butallthesame,itdidn’tquitesquarewithwhatI’dheard.Itdidn’t,forinstance,fitinwiththatword“safer.”
Funnyhowthatwordhadgotkindofstuckinmymind.
Reflectingonit,Iasked:“IsMrs.Leidneranervouswoman?Isshenervous,forinstance,oflivingoutfarfromanywhere?”
“Whatistheretobenervousof?Goodheavens,therearetenofthem!Andthey’vegotguardstoo—becauseoftheantiquities.Oh,no,she’snotnervous—atleast—”
Sheseemedstruckbysomethoughtandstopped—goingonslowlyafteraminuteortwo.
“It’soddyoursayingthat.”
“Why?”
“FlightLieutenantJervisandIrodeovertheotherday.Itwasinthemorning.Mostofthemwereuponthedig.ShewassittingwritingaletterandIsupposeshedidn’thearuscoming.Theboywhobringsyouinwasn’taboutforonce,andwecamestraightupontotheverandah.ApparentlyshesawFlightLieutenantJervis’sshadowthrownonthewall—andshefairlyscreamed!Apologized,ofcourse.Saidshethoughtitwasastrangeman.Abitodd,that.Imean,evenifitwasastrangeman,whygetthewindup?”
Inoddedthoughtfully.
MissReillywassilent,thenburstoutsuddenly:
“Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwiththemthisyear.They’veallgotthejumps.Johnsongoesaboutsoglumshecan’topenhermouth.Davidneverspeaksifhecanhelpit.Bill,ofcourse,neverstops,andsomehowhischatterseemstomaketheothersworse.Careygoesaboutlookingasthoughsomethingwouldsnapanyminute.Andtheyallwatcheachotherasthough—asthough—Oh,Idon’tknow,butit’squeer.”
Itwasodd,Ithought,thattwosuchdissimilarpeopleasMissReillyandMajorPennymanshouldhavebeenstruckinthesamemanner.
JustthenMr.Colemancamebustlingin.Bustlingwasjustthewordforit.Ifhistonguehadhungoutandhehadsuddenlyproducedatailtowagyouwouldn’thavebeensurprised.
“Hallo-allo,”hesaid.“Absolutelytheworld’sbestshopper—that’sme.Haveyoushownnurseallthebeautiesofthetown?”
“Shewasn’timpressed,”saidMissReillydryly.
“Idon’tblameher,”saidMr.Colemanheartily.“Ofalltheone-horsetumbledownplaces!”
“Notaloverofthepicturesqueortheantique,areyou,Bill?Ican’tthinkwhyyouareanarchaeologist.”
“Don’tblamemeforthat.Blamemyguardian.He’salearnedbird—fellowofhiscollege—browsesamongbooksinbedroomslippers—thatkindofman.Bitofashockforhimtohaveawardlikeme.”
“Ithinkit’sfrightfullystupidofyoutobeforcedintoaprofessionyoudon’tcarefor,”saidthegirlsharply
“Notforced,Sheila,oldgirl,notforced.TheoldmanaskedifIhadanyspecialprofessioninmind,andIsaidIhadn’t,andsohewangledaseasonouthereforme.”
“Buthaven’tyouanyideareallywhatyou’dliketodo?Youmusthave!”
“OfcourseIhave.Myideawouldbetogiveworkamissaltogether.WhatI’dliketodoistohaveplentyofmoneyandgoinformotorracing.”
“You’reabsurd!”saidMissReilly.
Shesoundedquiteangry.
“Oh,Irealizethatit’squiteoutofthequestion,”saidMr.Colemancheerfully.“So,ifI’vegottodosomething,Idon’tmuchcarewhatitissolongasitisn’tmugginginanofficealldaylong.Iwasquiteagreeabletoseeingabitoftheworld.Heregoes,Isaid,andalongIcame.”
“Andafatlotofuseyoumustbe,Iexpect!”
“Thereyou’rewrong.Icanstanduponthedigandshout‘Y’Allah’withanybody!AndasamatteroffactI’mnotsodustyatdrawing.Imitatinghandwritingusedtobemyspecialityatschool.I’dhavemadeafirst-classforger.Oh,well,Imaycometothatyet.IfmyRolls-Roycesplashesyouwithmudasyou’rewaitingforabus,you’llknowthatI’vetakentocrime.”
MissReillysaidcoldly:“Don’tyouthinkit’sabouttimeyoustartedinsteadoftalkingsomuch?”
“Hospitable,aren’twe,nurse?”
“I’msureNurseLeatheranisanxioustogetsettledin.”
“You’realwayssureofeverything,”retortedMr.Colemanwithagrin.
Thatwastrueenough,Ithought.Cocksurelittleminx.
Isaiddryly:“Perhapswe’dbetterstart,Mr.Coleman.”
“Rightyouare,nurse.”
IshookhandswithMissReillyandthankedher,andwesetoff.
“Damnedattractivegirl,Sheila,”saidMr.Coleman.“Butalwaystickingafellowoff.”
Wedroveoutofthetownandpresentlytookakindoftrackbetweengreencrops.Itwasverybumpyandfullofruts.
AfterabouthalfanhourMr.Colemanpointedtoabigmoundbytheriverbankaheadofusandsaid:“TellYarimjah.”
Icouldseelittleblackfiguresmovingaboutitlikeants.
AsIwaslookingtheysuddenlybegantorunalltogetherdownthesideofthemound.
“Fidos,”saidMr.Coleman.“Knocking-offtime.Weknockoffanhourbeforesunset.”
Theexpeditionhouselayalittlewaybackfromtheriver.
Thedriverroundedacorner,bumpedthroughanextremelynarrowarchandtherewewere.
Thehousewasbuiltroundacourtyard.Originallyithadoccupiedonlythesouthsideofthecourtyardwithafewunimportantoutbuildingsontheeast.Theexpeditionhadcontinuedthebuildingontheothertwosides.Astheplanofthehousewastoproveofspecialinterestlater,Iappendaroughsketchofithere.
Alltheroomsopenedontothecourtyard,andmostofthewindows—theexceptionbeingintheoriginalsouthbuildingwheretherewerewindowsgivingontheoutsidecountryaswell.Thesewindows,however,werebarredontheoutside.Inthesouth-westcornerastaircaseranuptoalongflatroofwithaparapetrunningthelengthofthesouthsideofthebuildingwhichwashigherthantheotherthreesides.
Mr.Colemanledmealongtheeastsideofthecourtyardandroundtowhereabigopenverandahoccupiedthecentreofthesouthside.Hepushedopenadooratonesideofitandweenteredaroomwhereseveralpeopleweresittingroundateatable.
“Toodle-oodle-oo!”saidMr.Coleman.“Here’sSaireyGamp.”
Theladywhowassittingattheheadofthetableroseandcametogreetme.
IhadmyfirstglimpseofLouiseLeidner.
Five
TELLYARIMJAH
Idon’tmindadmittingthatmyfirstimpressiononseeingMrs.Leidnerwasoneofdownrightsurprise.Onegetsintothewayofimaginingapersonwhenonehearsthemtalkedabout.I’dgotitfirmlyintomyheadthatMrs.Leidnerwasadark,discontentedkindofwoman.Thenervykind,allonedge.Andthen,too,I’dexpectedhertobe—well,toputitfrankly—abitvulgar.
Shewasn’tabitlikewhatI’dimaginedher!Tobeginwith,shewasveryfair.Shewasn’taSwede,likeherhusband,butshemighthavebeenasfaraslookswent.ShehadthatblondeScandinavianfairnessthatyoudon’tveryoftensee.Shewasn’tayoungwoman.Midwaybetweenthirtyandforty,Ishouldsay.Herfacewasratherhaggard,andtherewassomegreyhairmingledwiththefairness.Hereyes,though,werelovely.TheyweretheonlyeyesI’veevercomeacrossthatyoumighttrulydescribeasviolet.Theywereverylarge,andtherewerefaintshadowsunderneaththem.Shewasverythinandfragile-looking,andifIsaythatshehadanairofintensewearinessandwasatthesametimeverymuchalive,itsoundslikenonsense—butthat’sthefeelingIgot.Ifelt,too,thatshewasaladythroughandthrough.Andthatmeanssomething—evennowadays.
Sheputoutherhandandsmiled.HervoicewaslowandsoftwithanAmericandrawlinit.
“I’msogladyou’vecome,nurse.Willyouhavesometea?Orwouldyouliketogotoyourroomfirst?”
IsaidI’dhavetea,andsheintroducedmetothepeoplesittingroundthetable.
“ThisisMissJohnson—andMr.Reiter.Mrs.Mercado.Mr.Emmott.FatherLavigny.Myhusbandwillbeinpresently.SitdownherebetweenFatherLavignyandMissJohnson.”
IdidasIwasbidandMissJohnsonbegantalkingtome,askingaboutmyjourneyandsoon.
Ilikedher.SheremindedmeofamatronI’dhadinmyprobationerdayswhomwehadalladmiredandworkedhardfor.
Shewasgettingonforfifty,Ishouldjudge,andrathermannishinappearance,withiron-greyhaircroppedshort.Shehadanabrupt,pleasantvoice,ratherdeepintone.Shehadanuglyruggedfacewithanalmostlaughablyturned-upnosewhichshewasinthehabitofrubbingirritablywhenanythingtroubledorperplexedher.Sheworeatweedcoatandskirtmaderatherlikeaman’s.ShetoldmepresentlythatshewasanativeofYorkshire.
FatherLavignyIfoundjustabitalarming.Hewasatallmanwithagreatblackbeardandpince-nez.IhadheardMrs.KelseysaythattherewasaFrenchmonkthere,andInowsawthatFatherLavignywaswearingamonk’srobeofsomewhitewoollenmaterial.Itsurprisedmerather,becauseIalwaysunderstoodthatmonkswentintomonasteriesanddidn’tcomeoutagain.
Mrs.LeidnertalkedtohimmostlyinFrench,buthespoketomeinquitefairEnglish.Inoticedthathehadshrewd,observanteyeswhichdartedaboutfromfacetoface.
Oppositemeweretheotherthree.Mr.Reiterwasastout,fairyoungmanwithglasses.Hishairwasratherlongandcurly,andhehadveryroundblueeyes.Ishouldthinkhemusthavebeenalovelybaby,buthewasn’tmuchtolookatnow!Infacthewasjustalittlelikeapig.Theotheryoungmanhadveryshorthaircroppedclosetohishead.Hehadalong,ratherhumorousfaceandverygoodteeth,andhelookedveryattractivewhenhesmiled.Hesaidverylittle,though,justnoddedifspokentooransweredinmonosyllables.He,likeMr.Reiter,wasanAmerican.ThelastpersonwasMrs.Mercado,andIcouldn’thaveagoodlookatherbecausewheneverIglancedinherdirectionIalwaysfoundherstaringatmewithakindofhungrystarethatwasabitdisconcertingtosaytheleastofit.Youmighthavethoughtahospitalnursewasastrangeanimalthewayshewaslookingatme.Nomannersatall!
Shewasquiteyoung—notmorethanabouttwenty-five—andsortofdarkandslinky-looking,ifyouknowwhatImean.Quitenice-lookinginakindofway,butratherasthoughshemighthavewhatmymotherusedtocall“atouchofthetar-brush.”Shehadonaveryvividpulloverandhernailsmatcheditincolour.Shehadathinbird-likeeagerfacewithbigeyesandratheratight,suspiciousmouth.
Theteawasverygood—anicestrongblend—notliketheweakChinastuffthatMrs.Kelseyalwayshadandthathadbeenasoretrialtome.
Therewastoastandjamandaplateofrockbunsandacuttingcake.Mr.Emmottwasverypolitepassingmethings.Quietashewashealwaysseemedtonoticewhenmyplatewasempty.
PresentlyMr.ColemanbustledinandtooktheplacebeyondMissJohnson.Theredidn’tseemtobeanythingthematterwithhisnerves.Hetalkedawaynineteentothedozen.
Mrs.Leidnersighedonceandcastaweariedlookinhisdirectionbutitdidn’thaveanyeffect.NordidthefactthatMrs.Mercado,towhomhewasaddressingmostofhisconversation,wasfartoobusywatchingmetodomorethanmakeperfunctoryreplies.
Justaswewerefinishing,Dr.LeidnerandMr.Mercadocameinfromthedig.
Dr.Leidnergreetedmeinhisnicekindmanner.Isawhiseyesgoquicklyandanxiouslytohiswife’sfaceandheseemedtoberelievedbywhathesawthere.Thenhesatdownattheotherendofthetable,andMr.MercadosatdowninthevacantplacebyMrs.Leidner.Hewasatall,thin,melancholyman,agooddealolderthanhiswife,withasallowcomplexionandaqueer,soft,shapeless-lookingbeard.Iwasgladwhenhecamein,forhiswifestoppedstaringatmeandtransferredherattentiontohim,watchinghimwithakindofanxiousimpatiencethatIfoundratherodd.Hehimselfstirredhisteadreamilyandsaidnothingatall.Apieceofcakelayuntastedonhisplate.
Therewasstillonevacantplace,andpresentlythedooropenedandamancamein.
ThemomentIsawRichardCareyIfelthewasoneofthehandsomestmenI’dseenforalongtime—andyetIdoubtifthatwerereallyso.Tosayamanishandsomeandatthesametimetosayhelookslikeadeath’sheadsoundsarankcontradiction,andyetitwastrue.Hisheadgavetheeffectofhavingtheskinstretchedunusuallytightoverthebones—buttheywerebeautifulbones.Theleanlineofjawandtempleandforeheadwassosharplyoutlinedthatheremindedmeofabronzestatue.OutofthisleanbrownfacelookedtwoofthebrightestandmostintenselyblueeyesIhaveeverseen.Hestoodaboutsixfootandwas,Ishouldimagine,alittleunderfortyyearsofage.
Dr.Leidnersaid:“ThisisMr.Carey,ourarchitect,nurse.”
Hemurmuredsomethinginapleasant,inaudibleEnglishvoiceandsatdownbyMrs.Mercado.
Mrs.Leidnersaid:“I’mafraidtheteaisalittlecold,Mr.Carey.”
Hesaid:“Oh,that’squiteallright,Mrs.Leidner.Myfaultforbeinglate.Iwantedtofinishplottingthosewalls.”
Mrs.Mercadosaid,“Jam,Mr.Carey?”
Mr.Reiterpushedforwardthetoast.
AndIrememberedMajorPennymansaying:“IcanexplainbestwhatImeanbysayingthattheyallpassedthebuttertoeachotherashadetoopolitely.”
Yes,therewassomethingalittleoddaboutit….
Ashadeformal….
You’dhavesaiditwasapartyofstrangers—notpeoplewhohadknowneachother—someofthem—forquiteanumberofyears.
Six
FIRSTEVENING
AfterteaMrs.Leidnertookmetoshowmemyroom.
PerhapshereIhadbettergiveashortdescriptionofthearrangementoftherooms.Thiswasverysimpleandcaneasilybeunderstoodbyareferencetotheplan.
Oneithersideofthebigopenporchweredoorsleadingintothetwoprincipalrooms.Thatontherightledintothediningroom,wherewehadtea.Theoneontheothersideledintoanexactlysimilarroom(Ihavecalleditthelivingroom)whichwasusedasasittingroomandkindofinformalworkroom—thatis,acertainamountofdrawing(otherthanthestrictlyarchitectural)wasdonethere,andthemoredelicatepiecesofpotterywerebroughttheretobepiecedtogether.Throughthelivingroomonepassedintotheantiquitiesroomwhereallthefindsfromthedigwerebroughtinandstoredonshelvesandinpigeonholes,andalsolaidoutonbigbenchesandtables.Fromtheantikaroomtherewasnoexitsavethroughthelivingroom.
Beyondtheantikaroom,butreachedthroughadoorwhichgaveonthecourtyard,wasMrs.Leidner’sbedroom.This,liketheotherroomsonthatsideofthehouse,hadacoupleofbarredwindowslookingoutovertheploughedcountryside.RoundthecornernexttoMrs.Leidner’sroom,butwithnoactualcommunicatingdoor,wasDr.Leidner’sroom.Thiswasthefirstoftheroomsontheeastsideofthebuilding.Nexttoitwastheroomthatwastobemine.NexttomewasMissJohnson’s,withMr.andMrs.Mercado’sbeyond.Afterthatcametwoso-calledbathrooms.
(WhenIonceusedthatlastterminthehearingofDr.Reillyhelaughedatmeandsaidabathroomwaseitherabathroomornotabathroom!Allthesame,whenyou’vegotusedtotapsandproperplumbing,itseemsstrangetocallacoupleofmudroomswithatinhipbathineachofthem,andmuddywaterbroughtinkerosenetins,bathrooms!)
AllthissideofthebuildinghadbeenaddedbyDr.LeidnertotheoriginalArabhouse.Thebedroomswereallthesame,eachwithawindowandadoorgivingontothecourtyard.Alongthenorthsidewerethedrawingoffice,thelaboratoryandthephotographicrooms.
Toreturntotheverandah,thearrangementofroomswasmuchthesameontheotherside.Therewasthediningroomleadingintotheofficewherethefileswerekeptandthecataloguingandtypingwasdone.CorrespondingtoMrs.Leidner’sroomwasthatofFatherLavigny,whowasgiventhelargestbedroom;heuseditalsoforthedecoding—orwhateveryoucallit—oftablets.
Inthesouthwestcornerwasthestaircaserunninguptotheroof.Onthewestsidewerefirstthekitchenquartersandthenfoursmallbedroomsusedbytheyoungmen—Carey,Emmott,ReiterandColeman.
Atthenorthwestcornerwasthephotographicroomwiththedarkroomleadingoutofit.Nexttothatthelaboratory.Thencametheonlyentrance—thebigarcheddoorwaythroughwhichwehadentered.Outsideweresleepingquartersforthenativeservants,theguardhouseforthesoldiers,andstables,etc.,forthewaterhorses.Thedrawingofficewastotherightofthearchwayoccupyingtherestofthenorthside.
IhavegoneintothearrangementsofthehouseratherfullyherebecauseIdon’twanttohavetogooverthemagainlater.
AsIsay,Mrs.Leidnerherselftookmeroundthebuildingandfinallyestablishedmeinmybedroom,hopingthatIshouldbecomfortableandhaveeverythingIwanted.
Theroomwasnicelythoughplainlyfurnished—abed,achestofdrawers,awashstandandachair.
“Theboyswillbringyouhotwaterbeforelunchanddinner—andinthemorning,ofcourse.Ifyouwantitanyothertime,gooutsideandclapyourhands,andwhentheboycomessay,jibmai’har.Doyouthinkyoucanrememberthat?”
IsaidIthoughtsoandrepeateditalittlehaltingly.
“That’sright.Andbesureandshoutit.Arabsdon’tunderstandanythingsaidinanordinary‘English’voice.”
“Languagesarefunnythings,”Isaid.“Itseemsoddthereshouldbesuchalotofdifferentones.”
Mrs.Leidnersmiled.
“ThereisachurchinPalestineinwhichtheLord’sPrayeriswrittenupin—ninety,Ithinkitis—differentlanguages.”
“Well!”Isaid.“Imustwriteandtellmyoldauntthat.Shewillbeinterested.”
Mrs.Leidnerfingeredthejugandbasinabsentlyandshiftedthesoapdishaninchortwo.”
“Idohopeyou’llbehappyhere,”shesaid,“andnotgettoobored.”
“I’mnotoftenbored,”Iassuredher.“Life’snotlongenoughforthat.”
Shedidnotanswer.Shecontinuedtotoywiththewashstandasthoughabstractedly.
Suddenlyshefixedherdarkvioleteyesonmyface.
“Whatexactlydidmyhusbandtellyou,nurse?”
Well,oneusuallysaysthesamethingtoaquestionofthatkind.
“Igatheredyouwereabitrun-downandallthat,Mrs.Leidner,”Isaidglibly.“Andthatyoujustwantedsomeonetolookafteryouandtakeanyworriesoffyourhands.”
Shebentherheadslowlyandthoughtfully.
“Yes,”shesaid.“Yes—thatwilldoverywell.”
Thatwasjustalittlebitenigmatic,butIwasn’tgoingtoquestionit.InsteadIsaid:“Ihopeyou’llletmehelpyouwithanythingthereistodointhehouse.Youmustn’tletmebeidle.”
Shesmiledalittle.
“Thankyou,nurse.”
Thenshesatdownonthebedand,rathertomysurprise,begantocross-questionmeratherclosely.Isayrathertomysurprisebecause,fromthemomentIseteyesonher,IfeltsurethatMrs.Leidnerwasalady.Andalady,inmyexperience,veryseldomdisplayscuriosityaboutone’sprivateaffairs.
ButMrs.Leidnerseemedanxioustoknoweverythingtherewastoknowaboutme.WhereI’dtrainedandhowlongago.WhathadbroughtmeouttotheEast.HowithadcomeaboutthatDr.Reillyhadrecommendedme.SheevenaskedmeifIhadeverbeeninAmericaorhadanyrelationsinAmerica.Oneortwootherquestionssheaskedmethatseemedquitepurposelessatthetime,butofwhichIsawthesignificancelater.
Then,suddenly,hermannerchanged.Shesmiled—awarmsunnysmile—andshesaid,verysweetly,thatshewasverygladIhadcomeandthatshewassureIwasgoingtobeacomforttoher.
Shegotupfromthebedandsaid:“Wouldyouliketocomeuptotheroofandseethesunset?It’susuallyverylovelyaboutthistime.”
Iagreedwillingly.
Aswewentoutoftheroomsheasked:“WeretheremanyotherpeopleonthetrainfromBaghdad?Anymen?”
IsaidthatIhadn’tnoticedanybodyinparticular.TherehadbeentwoFrenchmenintherestaurantcarthenightbefore.AndapartyofthreemenwhomIgatheredfromtheirconversationhadtodowiththePipeline.
Shenoddedandafaintsoundescapedher.Itsoundedlikeasmallsighofrelief.
Wewentuptotherooftogether.
Mrs.Mercadowasthere,sittingontheparapet,andDr.Leidnerwasbendingoverlookingatalotofstonesandbrokenpotterythatwerelaidinrows.Therewerebigthingshecalledquerns,andpestlesandceltsandstoneaxes,andmorebrokenbitsofpotterywithqueerpatternsonthemthanI’veeverseenallatonce.
“Comeoverhere,”calledoutMrs.Mercado.“Isn’tittootoobeautiful?”
Itcertainlywasabeautifulsunset.Hassaniehinthedistancelookedquitefairy-likewiththesettingsunbehindit,andtheRiverTigrisflowingbetweenitswidebankslookedlikeadreamriverratherthanarealone.
“Isn’titlovely,Eric?”saidMrs.Leidner.
Thedoctorlookedupwithabstractedeyes,murmured,“Lovely,lovely,”perfunctorilyandwentonsortingpotsherds.
Mrs.Leidnersmiledandsaid:“Archaeologistsonlylookatwhatliesbeneaththeirfeet.Theskyandtheheavensdon’texistforthem.”
Mrs.Mercadogiggled.
“Oh,they’reveryqueerpeople—you’llsoonfindthatout,nurse,”shesaid.
Shepausedandthenadded:“Weareallsogladyou’vecome.We’vebeensoveryworriedaboutdearMrs.Leidner,haven’twe,Louise?”
“Haveyou?”
Hervoicewasnotencouraging.
“Oh,yes.Shereallyhasbeenverybad,nurse.Allsortsofalarmsandexcursions.Youknowwhenanybodysaystomeofsomeone,‘It’sjustnerves,’Ialwayssay:butwhatcouldbeworse?Nervesarethecoreandcentreofone’sbeing,aren’tthey?”
“Puss,puss,”Ithoughttomyself.
Mrs.Leidnersaiddryly:“Well,youneedn’tbeworriedaboutmeanymore,Marie.Nurseisgoingtolookafterme.”
“CertainlyIam,”Isaidcheerfully.
“I’msurethatwillmakeallthedifference,”saidMrs.Mercado.“We’veallfeltthatsheoughttoseeadoctorordosomething.Hernerveshavereallybeenalltopieces,haven’tthey,Louisedear?”
“SomuchsothatIseemtohavegotonyournerveswiththem,”saidMrs.Leidner.“Shallwetalkaboutsomethingmoreinterestingthanmywretchedailments?”
IunderstoodthenthatMrs.Leidnerwasthesortofwomanwhocouldeasilymakeenemies.Therewasacoolrudenessinhertone(notthatIblamedherforit)whichbroughtaflushtoMrs.Mercado’srathersallowcheeks.Shestammeredoutsomething,butMrs.Leidnerhadrisenandhadjoinedherhusbandattheotherendoftheroof.Idoubtifheheardhercomingtillshelaidherhandonhisshoulder,thenhelookedupquickly.Therewasaffectionandakindofeagerquestioninginhisface.
Mrs.Leidnernoddedherheadgently.Presently,herarmthroughhis,theywanderedtothefarparapetandfinallydownthestepstogether.
“He’sdevotedtoher,isn’the?”saidMrs.Mercado.
“Yes,”Isaid.“It’sverynicetosee.”
Shewaslookingatmewithaqueer,rathereagersidelongglance.
“Whatdoyouthinkisreallythematterwithher,nurse?”sheasked,loweringhervoicealittle.
“Oh,Idon’tsupposeit’smuch,”Isaidcheerfully.“Justabitrun-down,Iexpect.”
Hereyesstillboredintomeastheyhaddoneattea.Shesaidabruptly:“Areyouamentalnurse?”
“Oh,dear,no!”Isaid.“Whatmadeyouthinkthat?”
Shewassilentforamoment,thenshesaid:“Doyouknowhowqueershe’sbeen?DidDr.Leidnertellyou?”
Idon’tholdwithgossipingaboutmycases.Ontheotherhand,it’smyexperiencethatit’softenveryhardtogetthetruthoutofrelatives,anduntilyouknowthetruthyou’reoftenworkinginthedarkanddoingnogood.Ofcourse,whenthere’sadoctorincharge,it’sdifferent.Hetellsyouwhatit’snecessaryforyoutoknow.Butinthiscasetherewasn’tadoctorincharge.Dr.Reillyhadneverbeencalledinprofessionally.AndinmyownmindIwasn’tatallsurethatDr.Leidnerhadtoldmeallhecouldhavedone.It’softenthehusband’sinstincttobereticent—andmorehonourtohim,Imustsay.Butallthesame,themoreIknewthebetterIcouldtellwhichlinetotake.Mrs.Mercado(whomIputdowninmyownmindasathoroughlyspitefullittlecat)wasclearlydyingtotalk.Andfrankly,onthehumansideaswellastheprofessional,Iwantedtohearwhatshehadtosay.YoucanputitthatIwasjusteverydaycuriousifyoulike.
Isaid,“IgatherMrs.Leidner’snotbeenquitehernormalselflately?”
Mrs.Mercadolaugheddisagreeably.
“Normal?Ishouldsaynot.Frighteningustodeath.Onenightitwasfingerstappingonherwindow.Andthenitwasahandwithoutanarmattached.Butwhenitcametoayellowfacepressedagainstthewindow—andwhensherushedtothewindowtherewasnothingthere—well,Iaskyou,itisabitcreepyforallofus.”
“Perhapssomebodywasplayingatrickonher,”Isuggested.
“Oh,no,shefancieditall.Andonlythreedaysagoatdinnertheywerefiringshotsinthevillage—nearlyamileaway—andshejumpedupandscreamedout—itscaredusalltodeath.AsforDr.Leidner,herushedtoherandbehavedinthemostridiculousway.‘It’snothing,darling,it’snothingatall,’hekeptsaying.Ithink,youknow,nurse,mensometimesencouragewomeninthesehystericalfancies.It’sapitybecauseit’sabadthing.Delusionsshouldn’tbeencouraged.”
“Notiftheyaredelusions,”Isaiddryly.
“Whatelsecouldtheybe?”
Ididn’tanswerbecauseIdidn’tknowwhattosay.Itwasafunnybusiness.Theshotsandthescreamingwerenaturalenough—foranyoneinanervouscondition,thatis.Butthisqueerstoryofaspectralfaceandhandwasdifferent.Itlookedtomelikeoneoftwothings—eitherMrs.Leidnerhadmadethestoryup(exactlyasachildshowsoffbytellingliesaboutsomethingthatneverhappenedinordertomakeherselfthecentreofattraction)orelseitwas,asIhadsuggested,adeliberatepracticaljoke.Itwasthesortofthing,Ireflected,thatanunimaginativeheartysortofyoungfellowlikeMr.Colemanmightthinkveryfunny.Idecidedtokeepaclosewatchonhim.Nervouspatientscanbescarednearlyoutoftheirmindsbyasillyjoke.
Mrs.Mercadosaidwithasidewaysglanceatme:
“She’sveryromantic-looking,nurse,don’tyouthinkso?Thesortofwomanthingshappento.”
“Havemanythingshappenedtoher?”Iasked.
“Well,herfirsthusbandwaskilledinthewarwhenshewasonlytwenty.Ithinkthat’sverypatheticandromantic,don’tyou?”
“It’sonewayofcallingagooseaswan,”Isaiddryly.
“Oh,nurse!Whatanextraordinaryremark!”
Itwasreallyaverytrueone.Theamountofwomenyouhearsay,“IfDonald—orArthur—orwhateverhisnamewas—hadonlylived.”AndIsometimesthinkbutifhehad,he’dhavebeenastout,unromantic,short-tempered,middle-agedhusbandaslikelyasnot.
ItwasgettingdarkandIsuggestedthatweshouldgodown.Mrs.MercadoagreedandaskedifIwouldliketoseethelaboratory.“Myhusbandwillbethere—working.”
IsaidIwouldliketoverymuchandwemadeourwaythere.Theplacewaslightedbyalamp,butitwasempty.Mrs.Mercadoshowedmesomeoftheapparatusandsomecopperornamentsthatwerebeingtreated,andalsosomebonescoatedwithwax.
“WherecanJosephbe?”saidMrs.Mercado.
Shelookedintothedrawingoffice,whereCareywasatwork.Hehardlylookedupasweentered,andIwasstruckbytheextraordinarylookofstrainonhisface.Itcametomesuddenly:“Thismanisattheendofhistether.Verysoon,somethingwillsnap.”AndIrememberedsomebodyelsehadnoticedthatsametensenessabouthim.
AswewentoutagainIturnedmyheadforonelastlookathim.Hewasbentoverhispaper,hislipspressedverycloselytogether,andthat“death’shead”suggestionofhisbonesverystronglymarked.Perhapsitwasfanciful,butIthoughtthathelookedlikeaknightofoldwhowasgoingintobattleandknewhewasgoingtobekilled.
AndagainIfeltwhatanextraordinaryandquiteunconsciouspowerofattractionhehad.
WefoundMr.Mercadointhelivingroom.HewasexplainingtheideaofsomenewprocesstoMrs.Leidner.Shewassittingonastraightwoodenchair,embroideringflowersinfinesilks,andIwasstruckanewbyherstrange,fragile,unearthlyappearance.Shelookedafairycreaturemorethanfleshandblood.
Mrs.Mercadosaid,hervoicehighandshrill:“Oh,thereyouare,Joseph.Wethoughtwe’dfindyouinthelab.”
Hejumpeduplookingstartledandconfused,asthoughherentrancehadbrokenaspell.Hesaidstammeringly:“I—Imustgonow.I’minthemiddleof—themiddleof—”
Hedidn’tcompletethesentencebutturnedtowardsthedoor.
Mrs.Leidnersaidinhersoft,drawlingvoice:“Youmustfinishtellingmesomeothertime.Itwasveryinteresting.”
Shelookedupatus,smiledrathersweetlybutinafarawaymanner,andbentoverherembroideryagain.
Inaminuteortwoshesaid:“Therearesomebooksoverthere,nurse.We’vegotquiteagoodselection.Chooseoneandsitdown.”
Iwentovertothebookshelf.Mrs.Mercadostayedforaminuteortwo,then,turningabruptly,shewentout.AsshepassedmeIsawherfaceandIdidn’tlikethelookofit.Shelookedwildwithfury.
InspiteofmyselfIrememberedsomeofthethingsMrs.KelseyhadsaidandhintedaboutMrs.Leidner.Ididn’tliketothinktheyweretruebecauseIlikedMrs.Leidner,butIwondered,nevertheless,iftheremightn’tperhapsbeagrainoftruthbehindthem.
Ididn’tthinkitwasallherfault,butthefactremainedthatdearuglyMissJohnson,andthatcommonlittlespitfireMrs.Mercado,couldn’tholdacandletoherinlooksorinattraction.Andafterall,menaremenallovertheworld.Yousoonseealotofthatinmyprofession.
Mercadowasapoorfish,andIdon’tsupposeMrs.Leidnerreallycaredtwohootsforhisadmiration—buthiswifecared.IfIwasn’tmistaken,shemindedbadlyandwouldbequitewillingtodoMrs.Leidnerabadturnifshecould.
IlookedatMrs.Leidnersittingthereandsewingatherprettyflowers,soremoteandfarawayandaloof.IfeltsomehowIoughttowarnher.Ifeltthatperhapsshedidn’tknowhowstupidandunreasoningandviolentjealousyandhatecanbe—andhowlittleittakestosetthemsmouldering.
AndthenIsaidtomyself,“AmyLeatheran,you’reafool.Mrs.Leidner’snochicken.She’scloseonfortyifshe’saday,andshemustknowallaboutlifethereistoknow.”
ButIfeltthatallthesameperhapsshedidn’t.
Shehadsuchaqueeruntouchedlook.
Ibegantowonderwhatherlifehadbeen.Iknewshe’donlymarriedDr.Leidnertwoyearsago.AndaccordingtoMrs.Mercadoherfirsthusbandhaddiedaboutfifteenyearsago.
Icameandsatdownnearherwithabook,andpresentlyIwentandwashedmyhandsforsupper.Itwasagoodmeal—somereallyexcellentcurry.TheyallwenttobedearlyandIwasglad,forIwastired.
Dr.LeidnercamewithmetomyroomtoseeIhadallIwanted.
Hegavemeawarmhandclaspandsaideagerly:
“Shelikesyou,nurse.She’stakentoyouatonce.I’msoglad.Ifeeleverything’sgoingtobeallrightnow.”
Hiseagernesswasalmostboyish.
Ifelt,too,thatMrs.Leidnerhadtakenalikingtome,andIwaspleaseditshouldbeso.
ButIdidn’tquitesharehisconfidence.Ifelt,somehow,thattherewasmoretoitallthanhehimselfmightknow.
Therewassomething—somethingIcouldn’tgetat.ButIfeltitintheair.
Mybedwascomfortable,butIdidn’tsleepwellforallthat.Idreamttoomuch.
ThewordsofapoembyKeats,thatI’dhadtolearnasachild,keptrunningthroughmyhead.Ikeptgettingthemwronganditworriedme.ItwasapoemI’dalwayshated—IsupposebecauseI’dhadtolearnitwhetherIwantedtoornot.ButsomehowwhenIwokeupinthedarkIsawasortofbeautyinitforthefirsttime.
“Ohsaywhatailsthee,knightatarms,alone—and(whatwasit?)—palelyloitering…?Isawtheknight’sfaceinmymindforthefirsttime—itwasMr.Carey’sface—agrim,tense,bronzedfacelikesomeofthosepooryoungmenIrememberedasagirlduringthewar…andIfeltsorryforhim—andthenIfellofftosleepagainandIsawthattheBelleDamesansMerciwasMrs.Leidnerandshewasleaningsidewaysonahorsewithanembroideryofflowersinherhands—andthenthehorsestumbledandeverywheretherewerebonescoatedinwax,andIwokeupallgoosefleshandshivering,andtoldmyselfthatcurryneverhadagreedwithmeatnight.
Seven
THEMANATTHEWINDOW
IthinkI’dbettermakeitclearrightawaythatthereisn’tgoingtobeanylocalcolourinthisstory.Idon’tknowanythingaboutarchaeologyandIdon’tknowthatIverymuchwantto.Messingaboutwithpeopleandplacesthatareburiedanddonewithdoesn’tmakesensetome.Mr.CareyusedtotellmethatIhadn’tgotthearchaeologicaltemperamentandI’venodoubthewasquiteright.
TheveryfirstmorningaftermyarrivalMr.CareyaskedifI’dliketocomeandseethepalacehewas—planningIthinkhecalledit.Thoughhowyoucanplanforathingthat’shappenedlongagoI’msureIdon’tknow!Well,IsaidI’dliketo,andtotellthetruth,Iwasabitexcitedaboutit.Nearlythreethousandyearsoldthatpalacewas,itappeared.Iwonderedwhatsortofpalacestheyhadinthosedays,andifitwouldbelikethepicturesI’dseenofTutankahmen’stombfurniture.Butwouldyoubelieveit,therewasnothingtoseebutmud!Dirtymudwallsabouttwofeethigh—andthat’salltherewastoit.Mr.Careytookmehereandtheretellingmethings—howthiswasthegreatcourt,andthereweresomechambershereandanupperstoreyandvariousotherroomsthatopenedoffthecentralcourt.AndallIthoughtwas,“Buthowdoesheknow?”though,ofcourse,Iwastoopolitetosayso.Icantellyouitwasadisappointment!Thewholeexcavationlookedlikenothingbutmudtome—nomarbleorgoldoranythinghandsome—myaunt’shouseinCricklewoodwouldhavemadeamuchmoreimposingruin!AndthoseoldAssyrians,orwhatevertheywere,calledthemselveskings.WhenMr.Careyhadshownmehisold“palaces,”hehandedmeovertoFatherLavigny,whoshowedmetherestofthemound.IwasalittleafraidofFatherLavigny,beingamonkandaforeignerandhavingsuchadeepvoiceandallthat,buthewasverykind—thoughrathervague.SometimesIfeltitwasn’tmuchmorerealtohimthanitwastome.
Mrs.Leidnerexplainedthatlater.ShesaidthatFatherLavignywasonlyinterestedin“writtendocuments”—asshecalledthem.Theywroteeverythingonclay,thesepeople,queer,heathenish-lookingmarkstoo,butquitesensible.Therewereevenschooltablets—theteacher’slessonononesideandthepupil’seffortonthebackofit.Iconfessthatthatdidinterestmerather—itseemedsohuman,ifyouknowwhatImean
FatherLavignywalkedroundtheworkwithmeandshowedmewhatweretemplesorpalacesandwhatwereprivatehouses,andalsoaplacewhichhesaidwasanearlyAkkadiancemetery.Hespokeinafunnyjerkyway,justthrowinginascrapofinformationandthenrevertingtoothersubjects.
Hesaid:“Itisstrangethatyouhavecomehere.IsMrs.Leidnerreallyill,then?”
“Notexactlyill,”Isaidcautiously.
Hesaid:“Sheisanoddwoman.Adangerouswoman,Ithink.”
“Nowwhatdoyoumeanbythat?”Isaid.“Dangerous?Howdangerous?”
Heshookhisheadthoughtfully.
“Ithinksheisruthless,”hesaid.“Yes,Ithinkshecouldbeabsolutelyruthless.”
“Ifyou’llexcuseme,”Isaid,“Ithinkyou’retalkingnonsense.”
Heshookhishead.
“YoudonotknowwomenasIdo,”hesaid.
Andthatwasafunnything,Ithought,foramonktosay.ButofcourseIsupposehemighthaveheardalotofthingsinconfession.Butthatratherpuzzledme,becauseIwasn’tsureifmonksheardconfessionsorifitwasonlypriests.Isupposedhewasamonkwiththatlongwoollenrobe—allsweepingupthedirt—andtherosaryandall!
“Yes,shecouldberuthless,”hesaidmusingly.“Iamquitesureofthat.Andyet—thoughsheissohard—likestone,likemarble—yetsheisafraid.Whatissheafraidof?”
That,Ithought,iswhatweshouldallliketoknow!
Atleastitwaspossiblethatherhusbanddidknow,butIdidn’tthinkanyoneelsedid.
Hefixedmewithasuddenbright,darkeye.
“Itisoddhere?Youfinditodd?Orquitenatural?”
“Notquitenatural,”Isaid,considering.“It’scomfortableenoughasfarasthearrangementsgo—butthereisn’tquiteacomfortablefeeling.”
“Itmakesmeuncomfortable.Ihavetheidea”—hebecamesuddenlyalittlemoreforeign—“thatsomethingpreparesitself.Dr.Leidner,too,heisnotquitehimself.Somethingisworryinghimalso.”
“Hiswife’shealth?”
“Thatperhaps.Butthereismore.Thereis—howshallIsayit—anuneasiness.”
Andthatwasjustit,therewasanuneasiness.
Wedidn’tsayanymorejustthen,forDr.Leidnercametowardsus.Heshowedmeachild’sgravethathadjustbeenuncovered.Ratherpatheticitwas—thelittlebones—andapotortwoandsomelittlespecksthatDr.Leidnertoldmewereabeadnecklace.
Itwastheworkmenthatmademelaugh.Youneversawsuchalotofscarecrows—allinlongpetticoatsandrags,andtheirheadstiedupasthoughtheyhadtoothache.Andeverynowandthen,astheywenttoandfrocarryingawaybasketsofearth,theybegantosing—atleastIsupposeitwasmeanttobesinging—aqueersortofmonotonouschantthatwentonandonoverandoveragain.Inoticedthatmostoftheireyeswereterrible—allcoveredwithdischarge,andoneortwolookedhalfblind.IwasjustthinkingwhatamiserablelottheywerewhenDr.Leidnersaid,“Ratherafine-lookinglotofmen,aren’tthey?”andIthoughtwhataqueerworlditwasandhowtwodifferentpeoplecouldseethesamethingeachofthemtheotherwayround.Ihaven’tputthatverywell,butyoucanguesswhatImean.
AfterabitDr.Leidnersaidhewasgoingbacktothehouseforamid-morningcupoftea.SoheandIwalkedbacktogetherandhetoldmethings.Whenheexplained,itwasallquitedifferent.Isortofsawitall—howitusedtobe—thestreetsandthehouses,andheshowedmeovenswheretheybakedbreadandsaidtheArabsusedmuchthesamekindofovensnowadays.
WegotbacktothehouseandfoundMrs.Leidnerhadgotup.Shewaslookingbettertoday,notsothinandworn.TeacameinalmostatonceandDr.Leidnertoldherwhathadturnedupduringthemorningonthedig.ThenhewentbacktoworkandMrs.LeidneraskedmeifIwouldliketoseesomeofthefindstheyhadmadeuptodate.OfcourseIsaid“Yes,”soshetookmethroughintotheantikaroom.Therewasalotofstufflyingabout—mostlybrokenpotsitseemedtome—orelseonesthatwereallmendedandstucktogether.Thewholelotmighthavebeenthrownaway,Ithought.
“Dear,dear,”Isaid,“it’sapitythey’reallsobroken,isn’tit?Aretheyreallyworthkeeping?”
Mrs.Leidnersmiledalittleandshesaid:“Youmustn’tletErichearyou.Potsinteresthimmorethananythingelse,andsomeofthesearetheoldestthingswehave—perhapsasmuchasseventhousandyearsold.”Andsheexplainedhowsomeofthemcamefromaverydeepcutonthemounddowntowardsthebottom,andhow,thousandsofyearsago,theyhadbeenbrokenandmendedwithbitumen,showingpeopleprizedtheirthingsjustasmuchthenastheydonowadays.
“Andnow,”shesaid,“we’llshowyousomethingmoreexciting.”
Andshetookdownaboxfromtheshelfandshowedmeabeautifulgolddaggerwithdark-bluestonesinthehandle.
Iexclaimedwithpleasure.
Mrs.Leidnerlaughed.
“Yes,everybodylikesgold!Exceptmyhusband.”
“Whydoesn’tDr.Leidnerlikeit?”
“Well,foronethingitcomesexpensive.Youhavetopaytheworkmenwhofindittheweightoftheobjectingold.”
“Goodgracious!”Iexclaimed.“Butwhy?”
“Oh,it’sacustom.Foronethingitpreventsthemfromstealing.Yousee,iftheydidsteal,itwouldn’tbeforthearchaeologicalvaluebutfortheintrinsicvalue.Theycouldmeltitdown.Sowemakeiteasyforthemtobehonest.”
Shetookdownanothertrayandshowedmeareallybeautifulgolddrinkingcupwithadesignoframs’headsonit.
AgainIexclaimed.
“Yes,itisbeautiful,isn’tit?Thesecamefromaprince’sgrave.Wefoundotherroyalgravesbutmostofthemhadbeenplundered.Thiscupisourbestfind.Itisoneofthemostlovelyeverfoundanywhere.EarlyAkkadian.Unique.”
Suddenly,withafrown,Mrs.Leidnerbroughtthecupupclosetohereyesandscratchedatitdelicatelywithhernail.
“Howextraordinary!There’sactuallywaxonit.Someonemusthavebeeninherewithacandle.”Shedetachedthelittleflakeandreplacedthecupinitsplace.
Afterthatsheshowedmesomequeerlittleterracottafigurines—butmostofthemwerejustrude.Nastymindsthoseoldpeoplehad,Isay.
WhenwewentbacktotheporchMrs.Mercadowassittingpolishinghernails.Shewasholdingthemoutinfrontofheradmiringtheeffect.Ithoughtmyselfthatanythingmorehideousthanthatorangeredcouldhardlyhavebeenimagined.
Mrs.Leidnerhadbroughtwithherfromtheantikaroomaverydelicatelittlesaucerbrokeninseveralpieces,andthisshenowproceededtojointogether.IwatchedherforaminuteortwoandthenaskedifIcouldhelp.
“Oh,yes,thereareplentymore.”Shefetchedquiteasupplyofbrokenpotteryandwesettowork.Isoongotintothehangofitandshepraisedmyability.Isupposemostnursesarehandywiththeirfingers.
“Howbusyeverybodyis!”saidMrs.Mercado.“Itmakesmefeeldreadfullyidle.OfcourseIamidle.”
“Whyshouldn’tyoubeifyoulike?”saidMrs.Leidner.
Hervoicewasquiteuninterested.
Attwelvewehadlunch.AfterwardsDr.LeidnerandMr.Mercadocleanedsomepottery,pouringasolutionofhydrochloricacidoverit.Onepotwentalovelyplumcolourandapatternofbulls’hornscameoutonanotherone.Itwasreallyquitemagical.Allthedriedmudthatnowashingwouldremovesortoffoamedandboiledaway.
Mr.CareyandMr.ColemanwentoutonthedigandMr.Reiterwentofftothephotographicroom.
“Whatwillyoudo,Louise?”Dr.Leidneraskedhiswife.“Isupposeyou’llrestforabit?”
IgatheredthatMrs.Leidnerusuallylaydowneveryafternoon.
“I’llrestforaboutanhour.ThenperhapsI’llgooutforashortstroll.”
“Good.Nursewillgowithyou,won’tyou?”
“Ofcourse,”Isaid.
“No,no,”saidMrs.Leidner,“Ilikegoingalone.Nurseisn’ttofeelsomuchondutythatI’mnotallowedoutofhersight.”
“Oh,butI’dliketocome,”Isaid.
“No,really,I’dratheryoudidn’t.”Shewasquitefirm—almostperemptory.“Imustbebymyselfeverynowandthen.It’snecessarytome.”
Ididn’tinsist,ofcourse.ButasIwentoffforashortsleepmyselfitstruckmeasoddthatMrs.Leidner,withhernervousterrors,shouldbequitecontenttowalkbyherselfwithoutanykindofprotection.
WhenIcameoutofmyroomathalf-pastthreethecourtyardwasdesertedsaveforalittleboywithalargecopperbathwhowaswashingpottery,andMr.Emmott,whowassortingandarrangingit.AsIwenttowardsthemMrs.Leidnercameinthroughthearchway.ShelookedmorealivethanIhadseenheryet.Hereyesshoneandshelookedupliftedandalmostgay.
Dr.Leidnercameoutfromthelaboratoryandjoinedher.Hewasshowingherabigdishwithbulls’hornsonit.
“Theprehistoriclevelsarebeingextraordinarilyproductive,”hesaid.“It’sbeenagoodseasonsofar.Findingthattombrightatthebeginningwasarealpieceofluck.TheonlypersonwhomightcomplainisFatherLavigny.We’vehadhardlyanytabletssofar.”
“Hedoesn’tseemtohavedoneverymuchwiththefewwehavehad,”saidMrs.Leidnerdryly.“Hemaybeaveryfineepigraphistbuthe’saremarkablylazyone.Hespendsallhisafternoonssleeping.”
“WemissByrd,”saidDr.Leidner.“Thismanstrikesmeasslightlyunorthodox—though,ofcourse,I’mnotcompetenttojudge.Butoneortwoofhistranslationshavebeensurprising,tosaytheleastofit.Icanhardlybelieve,forinstance,thathe’srightaboutthatinscribedbrick,andyethemustknow.”
AfterteaMrs.LeidneraskedmeifIwouldliketostrolldowntotheriver.Ithoughtthatperhapsshefearedthatherrefusaltoletmeaccompanyherearlierintheafternoonmighthavehurtmyfeelings.
IwantedhertoknowthatIwasn’tthetouchykind,soIacceptedatonce.
Itwasalovelyevening.Apathledbetweenbarleyfieldsandthenthroughsomefloweringfruittrees.FinallywecametotheedgeoftheTigris.ImmediatelyonourleftwastheTellwiththeworkmensingingintheirqueermonotonouschant.Alittletoourrightwasabigwaterwheelwhichmadeaqueergroaningnoise.Itusedtosetmyteethonedgeatfirst.ButintheendIgotfondofitandithadaqueersoothingeffectonme.Beyondthewaterwheelwasthevillagefromwhichmostoftheworkmencame.
“It’sratherbeautiful,isn’tit?”saidMrs.Leidner.
“It’sverypeaceful,”Isaid.“Itseemsfunnytometobesofarawayfromeverywhere.”
“Farfromeverywhere,”repeatedMrs.Leidner.“Yes.Hereatleastonemightexpecttobesafe.”
Iglancedathersharply,butIthinkshewasspeakingmoretoherselfthantome,andIdon’tthinksherealizedthatherwordshadbeenrevealing.
Webegantowalkbacktothehouse.
SuddenlyMrs.LeidnerclutchedmyarmsoviolentlythatInearlycriedout.
“Who’sthat,nurse?What’shedoing?”
Somedistanceaheadofus,justwherethepathranneartheexpeditionhouse,amanwasstanding.HeworeEuropeanclothesandheseemedtobestandingontiptoeandtryingtolookinatoneofthewindows.
Aswewatchedheglancedround,caughtsightofus,andimmediatelycontinuedonthepathtowardsus.IfeltMrs.Leidner’sclutchtighten.
“Nurse,”shewhispered.“Nurse…”
“It’sallright,mydear,it’sallright,”Isaidreassuringly.
Themancamealongandpassedus.HewasanIraqi,andassoonasshesawhimnearto,Mrs.Leidnerrelaxedwithasigh.
“He’sonlyanIraqiafterall,”shesaid.
Wewentonourway.IglancedupatthewindowsasIpassed.Notonlyweretheybarred,buttheyweretoohighfromthegroundtopermitofanyoneseeingin,forthelevelofthegroundwaslowerherethanontheinsideofthecourtyard.
“Itmusthavebeenjustcuriosity,”Isaid.
Mrs.Leidnernodded.
“That’sall.ButjustforaminuteIthought—”
Shebrokeoff.
Ithoughttomyself.“Youthoughtwhat?That’swhatI’dliketoknow.Whatdidyouthink?”
ButIknewonethingnow—thatMrs.Leidnerwasafraidofadefiniteflesh-and-bloodperson.
Eight
NIGHTALARM
It’salittledifficulttoknowexactlywhattonoteintheweekthatfollowedmyarrivalatTellYarimjah.
LookingbackasIdofrommypresentstandpointofknowledgeIcanseeagoodmanylittlesignsandindicationsthatIwasquiteblindtoatthetime.
Totellthestoryproperly,however,IthinkIoughttotrytorecapturethepointofviewthatIactuallyheld—puzzled,uneasyandincreasinglyconsciousofsomethingwrong.
Foronethingwascertain,thatcurioussenseofstrainandconstraintwasnotimagined.Itwasgenuine.EvenBillColemantheinsensitivecommenteduponit.
“Thisplacegetsundermyskin,”Iheardhimsay.“Aretheyalwayssuchaglumlot?”
ItwasDavidEmmotttowhomhespoke,theotherassistant.IhadtakenratherafancytoMr.Emmott,histaciturnitywasnot,Ifeltsure,unfriendly.Therewassomethingabouthimthatseemedverysteadfastandreassuringinanatmospherewhereonewasuncertainwhatanyonewasfeelingorthinking.
“No,”hesaidinanswertoMr.Coleman.“Itwasn’tlikethislastyear.”
Buthedidn’tenlargeonthetheme,orsayanymore.
“WhatIcan’tmakeoutiswhatit’sallabout,”saidMr.Colemaninanaggrievedvoice.
Emmottshruggedhisshouldersbutdidn’tanswer.
IhadaratherenlighteningconversationwithMissJohnson.Ilikedherverymuch.Shewascapable,practicalandintelligent.Shehad,itwasquiteobvious,adistinctheroworshipforDr.Leidner.
Onthisoccasionshetoldmethestoryofhislifesincehisyoungdays.Shekneweverysitehehaddug,andtheresultsofthedig.Iwouldalmostdareswearshecouldquotefromeverylecturehehadeverdelivered.Sheconsideredhim,shetoldme,quitethefinestfieldarchaeologistliving.
“Andhe’ssosimple.Socompletelyunworldly.Hedoesn’tknowthemeaningofthewordconceit.Onlyareallygreatmancouldbesosimple.”
“That’strueenough,”Isaid.“Bigpeopledon’tneedtothrowtheirweightabout.”
“Andhe’ssolight-heartedtoo,Ican’ttellyouwhatfunweusedtohave—heandRichardCareyandI—thefirstyearswewereouthere.Weweresuchahappyparty.RichardCareyworkedwithhiminPalestine,ofcourse.Theirsisafriendshipoftenyearsorso.Oh,well,I’veknownhimforseven.”
“WhatahandsomemanMr.Careyis,”Isaid.
“Yes—Isupposeheis.”
Shesaiditrathercurtly.
“Buthe’sjustalittlebitquiet,don’tyouthink?”
“Heusedn’ttobelikethat,”saidMissJohnsonquickly.“It’sonlysince—”
Shestoppedabruptly.
“Onlysince—?”Iprompted.
“Oh,well.”MissJohnsongaveacharacteristicmotionofhershoulders.“Agoodmanythingsarechangednowadays.”
Ididn’tanswer.Ihopedshewouldgoon—andshedid—prefacingherremarkswithalittlelaughasthoughtodetractfromtheirimportance.
“I’mafraidI’mratheraconservativeoldfogy.Isometimesthinkthatifanarchaeologist’swifeisn’treallyinterested,itwouldbewiserforhernottoaccompanytheexpedition.Itoftenleadstofriction.”
“Mrs.Mercado—”Isuggested.
“Oh,her!”MissJohnsonbrushedthesuggestionaside.“IwasreallythinkingofMrs.Leidner.She’saverycharmingwoman—andonecanquiteunderstandwhyDr.Leidner‘fellforher’—touseaslangterm.ButIcan’thelpfeelingshe’soutofplacehere.She—itunsettlesthings.”
SoMissJohnsonagreedwithMrs.KelseythatitwasMrs.Leidnerwhowasresponsibleforthestrainedatmosphere.ButthenwheredidMrs.Leidner’sownnervousfearscomein?
“Itunsettleshim,”saidMissJohnsonearnestly.“OfcourseI’m—well,I’mlikeafaithfulbutjealousolddog.Idon’tliketoseehimsowornoutandworried.Hiswholemindoughttobeonthework—nottakenupwithhiswifeandhersillyfears!Ifshe’snervousofcomingtoout-of-the-wayplaces,sheoughttohavestayedinAmerica.I’venopatiencewithpeoplewhocometoaplaceandthendonothingbutgrouseaboutit!”
Andthen,alittlefearfulofhavingsaidmorethanshemeanttosay,shewenton:“OfcourseIadmireherverymuch.She’salovelywomanandshe’sgotgreatcharmofmannerwhenshechooses.”
Andtherethesubjectdropped.
Ithoughttomyselfthatitwasalwaysthesameway—whereverwomenarecoopeduptogether,there’sboundtobejealousy.MissJohnsonclearlydidn’tlikeherchief’swife(thatwasperhapsnatural)andunlessIwasmuchmistakenMrs.Mercadofairlyhatedher.
Anotherpersonwhodidn’tlikeMrs.LeidnerwasSheilaReilly.Shecameoutonceortwicetothedig,onceinacarandtwicewithsomeyoungmanonahorse—ontwohorsesImean,ofcourse.ItwasatthebackofmymindthatshehadaweaknessforthesilentyoungAmerican,Emmott.Whenhewasondutyatthedigsheusedtostaytalkingtohim,andIthought,too,thatheadmiredher.
Oneday,ratherinjudiciously,Ithought,Mrs.Leidnercommenteduponitatlunch.
“TheReillygirlisstillhuntingDaviddown,”shesaidwithalittlelaugh.“PoorDavid,shechasesyouuponthedigeven!Howfoolishgirlsare!”
Mr.Emmottdidn’tanswer,butunderhistanhisfacegotratherred.Heraisedhiseyesandlookedrightintoherswithaverycuriousexpression—astraight,steadyglancewithsomethingofachallengeinit.
Shesmiledveryfaintlyandlookedaway
IheardFatherLavignymurmursomething,butwhenIsaid“Pardon?”hemerelyshookhisheadanddidnotrepeathisremark.
ThatafternoonMr.Colemansaidtome:“MatteroffactIdidn’tlikeMrs.L.anytoomuchatfirst.SheusedtojumpdownmythroateverytimeIopenedmymouth.ButI’vebeguntounderstandherbetternow.She’soneofthekindestwomenI’veevermet.Youfindyourselftellingherallthefoolishscrapesyouevergotintobeforeyouknowwhereyouare.She’sgotherknifeintoSheilaReilly,Iknow,butthenSheila’sbeendamnedrudetoheronceortwice.That’stheworstofSheila—she’sgotnomanners.Andatemperlikethedevil!”
ThatIcouldwellbelieve.Dr.Reillyspoilther.
“Ofcourseshe’sboundtogetabitfullofherself,beingtheonlyyoungwomanintheplace.Butthatdoesn’texcusehertalkingtoMrs.LeidnerasthoughMrs.Leidnerwerehergreat-aunt.Mrs.L.’snotexactlyachicken,butshe’sadamnedgood-lookingwoman.Ratherlikethosefairywomenwhocomeoutofmarsheswithlightsandlureyouaway.”Headdedbitterly,“Youwouldn’tfindSheilaluringanyone.Allshedoesistotickafellowoff.”
Ionlyremembertwootherincidentsofanykindofsignificance.
OnewaswhenIwenttothelaboratorytofetchsomeacetonetogetthestickinessoffmyfingersfrommendingthepottery.Mr.Mercadowassittinginacorner,hisheadwaslaiddownonhisarmsandIfanciedhewasasleep.ItookthebottleIwantedandwentoffwithit.
Thatevening,tomygreatsurprise,Mrs.Mercadotackledme.
“Didyoutakeabottleofacetonefromthelab?”
“Yes,”Isaid.“Idid.”
“Youknowperfectlywellthatthere’sasmallbottlealwayskeptintheantikaroom.”
Shespokequiteangrily.
“Isthere?Ididn’tknow.”
“Ithinkyoudid!Youjustwantedtocomespyinground.Iknowwhathospitalnursesare.”
Istaredather.
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,Mrs.Mercado,”Isaidwithdignity.“I’msureIdon’twanttospyonanyone.”
“Oh,no!Ofcoursenot.DoyouthinkIdon’tknowwhatyou’reherefor?”
Really,foraminuteortwoIthoughtshemusthavebeendrinking.Iwentawaywithoutsayinganymore.ButIthoughtitwasveryodd.
Theotherthingwasnothingverymuch.Iwastryingtoenticeapidogpupwithapieceofbread.Itwasverytimid,however,likeallArabdogs—andwasconvincedImeantnogood.ItslunkawayandIfollowedit—outthroughthearchwayandroundthecornerofthehouse.IcameroundsosharplythatbeforeIknewIhadcannonedintoFatherLavignyandanothermanwhowerestandingtogether—andinaminuteIrealizedthatthesecondmanwasthesameoneMrs.LeidnerandIhadnoticedthatdaytryingtopeerthroughthewindow.
IapologizedandFatherLavignysmiled,andwithawordoffarewellgreetingtotheothermanhereturnedtothehousewithme.
“Youknow,”hesaid.“Iamveryashamed.IamastudentofOrientallanguagesandnoneofthemenontheworkcanunderstandme!Itishumiliating,doyounotthink?IwastryingmyArabiconthatman,whoisatownsman,toseeifIgotonbetter—butitstillwasn’tverysuccessful.LeidnersaysmyArabicistoopure.”
Thatwasall.Butitjustpassedthroughmyheadthatitwasoddthesamemanshouldstillbehangingroundthehouse
Thatnightwehadascare.
Itmusthavebeenabouttwointhemorning.I’malightsleeper,asmostnurseshavetobe.Iwasawakeandsittingupinbedbythetimethatmydooropened.
“Nurse,nurse!”
ItwasMrs.Leidner’svoice,lowandurgent.
Istruckamatchandlightedthecandle
Shewasstandingbythedoorinalongbluedressinggown.Shewaslookingpetrifiedwithterror.
“There’ssomeone—someone—intheroomnexttomine…Iheardhim—scratchingonthewall.”
Ijumpedoutofbedandcametoher.
“It’sallright,”Isaid.“I’mhere.Don’tbeafraid,mydear.”
Shewhispered:“GetEric.”
Inoddedandranoutandknockedonhisdoor.Inaminutehewaswithus.Mrs.Leidnerwassittingonmybed,herbreathcomingingreatgasps.
“Iheardhim,”shesaid.“Iheardhim—scratchingonthewall.”
“Someoneintheantikaroom?”criedDr.Leidner.
Heranoutquickly—anditjustflashedacrossmymindhowdifferentlythesetwohadreacted.Mrs.Leidner’sfearwasentirelypersonal,butDr.Leidner’smindleapedatoncetohisprecioustreasures.
“Theantikaroom!”breathedMrs.Leidner.“Ofcourse!Howstupidofme!”
Andrisingandpullinghergownroundher,shebademecomewithher.Alltracesofherpanic-strickenfearhadvanished.
WearrivedintheantikaroomtofindDr.LeidnerandFatherLavigny.Thelatterhadalsoheardanoise,hadrisentoinvestigate,andhadfanciedhesawalightintheantikaroom.Hehaddelayedtoputonslippersandsnatchupatorchandhadfoundnoonebythetimehegotthere.Thedoor,moreover,wasdulylocked,asitwassupposedtobeatnight.
Whilsthewasassuringhimselfthatnothinghadbeentaken,Dr.Leidnerhadjoinedhim.
Nothingmorewastobelearned.Theoutsidearchwaydoorwaslocked.Theguardsworenobodycouldhavegotinfromoutside,butastheyhadprobablybeenfastasleepthiswasnotconclusive.Therewerenomarksortracesofanintruderandnothinghadbeentaken.
ItwaspossiblethatwhathadalarmedMrs.LeidnerwasthenoisemadebyFatherLavignytakingdownboxesfromtheshelvestoassurehimselfthatallwasinorder.
Ontheotherhand,FatherLavignyhimselfwaspositivethathehad(a)heardfootstepspassinghiswindowand(b)seentheflickerofalight,possiblyatorch,intheantikaroom.
Nobodyelsehadheardorseenanything.
TheincidentisofvalueinmynarrativebecauseitledtoMrs.Leidner’sunburdeningherselftomeonthefollowingday.
Nine
MRS.LEIDNER’SSTORY
Wehadjustfinishedlunch.Mrs.Leidnerwenttoherroomtorestasusual.Isettledheronherbedwithplentyofpillowsandherbook,andwasleavingtheroomwhenshecalledmeback.
“Don’tgo,nurse,there’ssomethingIwanttosaytoyou.”
Icamebackintotheroom.
“Shutthedoor.”
Iobeyed.
Shegotupfromthebedandbegantowalkupanddowntheroom.IcouldseethatshewasmakinguphermindtosomethingandIdidn’tliketointerrupther.Shewasclearlyingreatindecisionofmind.
Atlastsheseemedtohavenervedherselftotherequiredpoint.Sheturnedtomeandsaidabruptly:“Sitdown.”
Isatdownbythetableveryquietly.Shebegannervously:“Youmusthavewonderedwhatallthisisabout?”
Ijustnoddedwithoutsayinganything.
“I’vemadeupmymindtotellyou—everything!ImusttellsomeoneorIshallgomad.”
“Well,”Isaid,“Ithinkreallyitwouldbejustaswell.It’snoteasytoknowthebestthingtodowhenone’skeptinthedark.”
Shestoppedinheruneasywalkandfacedme.
“DoyouknowwhatI’mfrightenedof?”
“Someman,”Isaid.
“Yes—butIdidn’tsaywhom—Isaidwhat.”
Iwaited.
Shesaid:“I’mafraidofbeingkilled!”
Well,itwasoutnow.Iwasn’tgoingtoshowanyparticularconcern.Shewasnearenoughtohystericsasitwas.
“Dearme,”Isaid.“Sothat’sit,isit?”
Thenshebegantolaugh.Shelaughedandshelaughed—andthetearsrandownherface.
“Thewayyousaidthat!”shegasped.“Thewayyousaidit….”
“Now,now,”Isaid.“Thiswon’tdo.”Ispokesharply.Ipushedherintoachair,wentovertothewashstandandgotacoldspongeandbathedherforeheadandwrists.
“Nomorenonsense,”Isaid.“Tellmecalmlyandsensiblyallaboutit.”
Thatstoppedher.Shesatupandspokeinhernaturalvoice.
“You’reatreasure,nurse,”shesaid.“YoumakemefeelasthoughI’msix.I’mgoingtotellyou.”
“That’sright,”Isaid.“Takeyourtimeanddon’thurry.”
Shebegantospeak,slowlyanddeliberately.
“WhenIwasagirloftwentyImarried.AyoungmaninoneofourStatedepartments.Itwasin1918.”
“Iknow,”Isaid.“Mrs.Mercadotoldme.Hewaskilledinthewar.”
ButMrs.Leidnershookherhead.
“That’swhatshethinks.That’swhateverybodythinks.Thetruthissomethingdifferent.Iwasaqueerpatriotic,enthusiasticgirl,nurse,fullofidealism.WhenI’dbeenmarriedafewmonthsIdiscovered—byaquiteunforeseeableaccident—thatmyhusbandwasaspyinGermanpay.IlearnedthattheinformationsuppliedbyhimhadleddirectlytothesinkingofanAmericantransportandthelossofhundredsoflives.Idon’tknowwhatmostpeoplewouldhavedone…ButI’lltellyouwhatIdid.Iwentstraighttomyfather,whowasintheWarDepartment,andtoldhimthetruth.Frederickwaskilledinthewar—buthewaskilledinAmerica—shotasaspy.”
“Ohdear,dear!”Iejaculated.“Howterrible!”
“Yes,”shesaid.“Itwasterrible.Hewassokind,too—sogentle…Andallthetime…ButIneverhesitated.PerhapsIwaswrong.”
“It’sdifficulttosay,”Isaid.“I’msureIdon’tknowwhatonewoulddo.”
“WhatI’mtellingyouwasnevergenerallyknownoutsidetheStatedepartment.OstensiblymyhusbandhadgonetotheFrontandhadbeenkilled.Ihadalotofsympathyandkindnessshownmeasawarwidow.”
HervoicewasbitterandInoddedcomprehendingly.
“Lotsofpeoplewantedtomarryme,butIalwaysrefused.I’dhadtoobadashock.Ididn’tfeelIcouldevertrustanyoneagain.”
“Yes,Icanimaginefeelinglikethat.”
“AndthenIbecameveryfondofacertainyoungman.Iwavered.Anamazingthinghappened!Igotananonymousletter—fromFrederick—sayingthatifIevermarriedanotherman,he’dkillme!”
“FromFrederick?Fromyourdeadhusband?”
“Yes.Ofcourse,IthoughtatfirstIwasmadordreaming…AtlastIwenttomyfather.Hetoldmethetruth.Myhusbandhadn’tbeenshotafterall.He’descaped—buthisescapedidhimnogood.Hewasinvolvedinatrainwreckafewweekslaterandhisdeadbodywasfoundamongstothers.Myfatherhadkeptthefactofhisescapefromme,andsincethemanhaddiedanywayhehadseennoreasontotellmeanythinguntilnow.
“ButtheletterIreceivedopenedupentirelynewpossibilities.Wasitperhapsafactthatmyhusbandwasstillalive?
“Myfatherwentintothematterascarefullyaspossible.AndhedeclaredthatasfarasonecouldhumanlybesurethebodythatwasburiedasFrederick’swasFrederick’s.Therehadbeenacertainamountofdisfiguration,sothathecouldnotspeakwithabsolutecast-ironcertainty,buthereiteratedhissolemnbeliefthatFrederickwasdeadandthatthisletterwasacruelandmalicioushoax.
“Thesamethinghappenedmorethanonce.IfIseemedtobeonintimatetermswithanyman,Iwouldreceiveathreateningletter.”
“Inyourhusband’shandwriting?”
Shesaidslowly:“Thatisdifficulttosay.Ihadnolettersofhis.Ihadonlymymemorytogoby.”
“Therewasnoallusionorspecialformofwordsusedthatcouldmakeyousure?”
“No.Therewerecertainterms—nicknames,forinstance—privatebetweenus—ifoneofthosehadbeenusedorquoted,thenIshouldhavebeenquitesure.”
“Yes,”Isaidthoughtfully.“Thatisodd.Itlooksasthoughitwasn’tyourhusband.Butisthereanyoneelseitcouldbe?”
“Thereisapossibility.Frederickhadayoungerbrother—aboyoftenortwelveatthetimeofourmarriage.HeworshippedFrederickandFrederickwasdevotedtohim.Whathappenedtothisboy,Williamhisnamewas,Idon’tknow.Itseemstomepossiblethat,adoringhisbrotherasfanaticallyashedid,hemayhavegrownupregardingmeasdirectlyresponsibleforhisdeath.Hehadalwaysbeenjealousofmeandmayhaveinventedthisschemebywayofpunishment.”
“It’spossible,”Isaid.“It’samazingthewaychildrendorememberifthey’vehadashock.”
“Iknow.Thisboymayhavededicatedhislifetorevenge.”
“Pleasegoon.”
“Thereisn’tmuchmoretotell.ImetEricthreeyearsago.Imeantnevertomarry.Ericmademechangemymind.RightuptoourweddingdayIwaitedforanotherthreateningletter.Nonecame.Idecidedthatwhoeverthewritermightbe,hewaseitherdead,ortiredofhiscruelsport.TwodaysafterourmarriageIgotthis.”
Drawingasmallattachécasewhichwasonthetabletowardsher,sheunlockedit,tookoutaletterandhandedittome.
Theinkwasslightlyfaded.Itwaswritteninaratherwomanishhandwithaforwardslant.
Youhavedisobeyed.Nowyoucannotescape.YoumustbeFrederickBosner’swifeonly!Youhavegottodie.
“Iwasfrightened—butnotsomuchasImighthavebeentobeginwith.BeingwithEricmademefeelsafe.Then,amonthlater,Igotasecondletter.”
Ihavenotforgotten.Iammakingmyplans.Youhavegottodie.Whydidyoudisobey?
“Doesyourhusbandknowaboutthis?”
Mrs.Leidneransweredslowly.
“HeknowsthatIamthreatened.Ishowedhimbothletterswhenthesecondonecame.Hewasinclinedtothinkthewholethingahoax.Hethoughtalsothatitmightbesomeonewhowantedtoblackmailmebypretendingmyfirsthusbandwasalive.”
Shepausedandthenwenton.
“AfewdaysafterIreceivedthesecondletterwehadanarrowescapefromdeathbygaspoisoning.Somebodyenteredourapartmentafterwewereasleepandturnedonthegas.LuckilyIwokeandsmelledthegasintime.ThenIlostmynerve.ItoldErichowIhadbeenpersecutedforyears,andItoldhimthatIwassurethismadman,whoeverhemightbe,didreallymeantokillme.IthinkthatforthefirsttimeIreallydidthinkitwasFrederick.Therewasalwayssomethingalittleruthlessbehindhisgentleness.
“Ericwasstill,Ithink,lessalarmedthanIwas.Hewantedtogotothepolice.NaturallyIwouldn’thearofthat.IntheendweagreedthatIshouldaccompanyhimhere,andthatitmightbewiseifIdidn’treturntoAmericainthesummerbutstayedinLondonandParis.
“Wecarriedoutourplanandallwentwell.Ifeltsurethatnoweverythingwouldbeallright.Afterall,wehadputhalftheglobebetweenourselvesandmyenemy.
“Andthen—alittleoverthreeweeksago—Ireceivedaletter—withanIraqstamponit.”
Shehandedmeathirdletter.
Youthoughtyoucouldescape.Youwerewrong.Youshallnotbefalsetomeandlive.Ihavealwaystoldyouso.Deathiscomingverysoon.
“Andaweekago—this!Justlyingonthetablehere.Ithadnotevengonethroughthepost.”
Itookthesheetofpaperfromher.Therewasjustonephrasescrawledacrossit.
Ihavearrived.
Shestaredatme.
“Yousee?Youunderstand?He’sgoingtokillme.ItmaybeFrederick—itmaybelittleWilliam—buthe’sgoingtokillme.”
Hervoiceroseshudderingly.Icaughtherwrist.
“Now—now,”Isaidwarningly.“Don’tgiveway.We’lllookafteryou.Haveyougotanysalvolatile?”
ShenoddedtowardsthewashstandandIgaveheragooddose.
“That’sbetter,”Isaid,asthecolourreturnedtohercheeks.
“Yes,I’mbetternow.Butoh,nurse,doyouseewhyI’minthisstate?WhenIsawthatmanlookinginthroughmywindow,Ithought:he’scome…EvenwhenyouarrivedIwassuspicious.Ithoughtyoumightbeamanindisguise—”
“Theidea!”
“Oh,Iknowitsoundsabsurd.Butyoumighthavebeeninleaguewithhimperhaps—notahospitalnurseatall.”
“Butthat’snonsense!”
“Yes,perhaps.ButI’vegotbeyondsense.”
Struckbyasuddenidea,Isaid:“You’drecognizeyourhusband,Isuppose?”
Sheansweredslowly.
“Idon’tevenknowthat.It’soverfifteenyearsago.Imightn’trecognizehisface.”
Thensheshivered.
“Isawitonenight—butitwasadeadface.Therewasatap,tap,taponthewindow.AndthenIsawaface,adeadface,ghastlyandgrinningagainstthepane.Iscreamedandscreamed…Andtheysaidtherewasn’tanythingthere!”
IrememberedMrs.Mercado’sstory.
“Youdon’tthink,”Isaidhesitatingly,“thatyoudreamtthat?”
“I’msureIdidn’t!”
Iwasn’tsosure.Itwasthekindofnightmarethatwasquitelikelyunderthecircumstancesandthateasilymightbetakenforawakingoccurrence.However,Inevercontradictapatient.IsoothedMrs.LeidnerasbestIcouldandpointedoutthatifanystrangerarrivedintheneighbourhooditwasprettysuretobeknown.
Ilefther,Ithink,alittlecomforted,andIwentinsearchofDr.Leidnerandtoldhimofourconversation.
“I’mgladshetoldyou,”hesaidsimply.“Ithasworriedmedreadfully.Ifeelsurethatallthosefacesandtappingsonthewindowpanehavebeensheerimaginationonherpart.Ihaven’tknownwhattodoforthebest.Whatdoyouthinkofthewholething?”
Ididn’tquiteunderstandthetoneinhisvoice,butIansweredpromptlyenough.
“It’spossible,”Isaid,“thattheselettersmaybejustacruelandmalicioushoax.”
“Yes,thatisquitelikely.Butwhatarewetodo?Theyaredrivinghermad.Idon’tknowwhattothink.”
Ididn’teither.Ithadoccurredtomethatpossiblyawomanmightbeconcerned.Thoselettershadafemininenoteaboutthem.Mrs.Mercadowasatthebackofmymind.
SupposingthatbysomechanceshehadlearntthefactsofMrs.Leidner’sfirstmarriage?Shemightbeindulgingherspitebyterrorizingtheotherwoman.
Ididn’tquiteliketosuggestsuchathingtoDr.Leidner.It’ssodifficulttoknowhowpeoplearegoingtotakethings.
“Oh,well,”Isaidcheerfully,“wemusthopeforthebest.IthinkMrs.Leidnerseemshappieralreadyfromjusttalkingaboutit.That’salwaysahelp,youknow.It’sbottlingthingsupthatmakesthemgetonyournerves.”
“I’mverygladshehastoldyou,”herepeated.“It’sagoodsign.Itshowsshelikesandtrustsyou.I’vebeenatmywits’endtoknowwhattodoforthebest.”
Itwasonthetipofmytonguetoaskhimwhetherhe’dthoughtofgivingadiscreethinttothelocalpolice,butafterwardsIwasgladIhadn’tdoneso.
Whathappenedwasthis.OnthefollowingdayMr.ColemanwasgoingintoHassaniehtogettheworkmen’spay.Hewasalsotakinginallourletterstocatchtheairmail.
Theletters,aswritten,weredroppedintoawoodenboxonthediningroomwindowsill.LastthingthatnightMr.Colemantookthemoutandwassortingthemoutintobundlesandputtingrubberbandsroundthem.
Suddenlyhegaveashout.
“Whatisit?”Iasked.
Heheldoutaletterwithagrin.
“It’sourLovelyLouise—shereallyisgoingbalmy.She’saddressedalettertosomeoneat42ndStreet,Paris,France.Idon’tthinkthatcanberight,doyou?Doyoumindtakingittoherandaskingwhatshedoesmean?She’sjustgoneofftobed.”
ItookitfromhimandranofftoMrs.Leidnerwithitandsheamendedtheaddress.
ItwasthefirsttimeIhadseenMrs.Leidner’shandwriting,andIwonderedidlywhereIhadseenitbefore,foritwascertainlyquitefamiliartome.
Itwasn’ttillthemiddleofthenightthatitsuddenlycametome.
Exceptthatitwasbiggerandrathermorestraggling,itwasextraordinarilylikethewritingontheanonymousletters.
Newideasflashedthroughmyhead.
HadMrs.Leidnerconceivablywrittenthoselettersherself?
AnddidDr.Leidnerhalfsuspectthefact?
Ten
SATURDAYAFTERNOON
Mrs.LeidnertoldmeherstoryonaFriday.
OntheSaturdaymorningtherewasafeelingofslightanticlimaxintheair.
Mrs.Leidner,inparticular,wasinclinedtobeveryoffhandwithmeandratherpointedlyavoidedanypossibilityofatête-à-tête.Well,thatdidn’tsurpriseme!I’vehadthesamethinghappentomeagainandagain.Ladiestelltheirnursesthingsinasuddenburstofconfidence,andthen,afterwards,theyfeeluncomfortableaboutitandwishtheyhadn’t!It’sonlyhumannature.
Iwasverycarefulnottohintorremindherinanywayofwhatshehadtoldme.Ipurposelykeptmyconversationasmatter-of-factaspossible.
Mr.ColemanhadstartedintoHassaniehinthemorning,drivinghimselfinthelorrywiththelettersinaknapsack.Healsohadoneortwocommissionstodoforthemembersoftheexpedition.Itwaspaydayforthemen,andhewouldhavetogotothebankandbringoutthemoneyincoinsofsmalldenominations.Allthiswasalongbusinessandhedidnotexpecttobebackuntiltheafternoon.IrathersuspectedhemightbelunchingwithSheilaReilly.
Workonthedigwasusuallynotverybusyontheafternoonofpaydayasatthree-thirtythepayingoutbegan.
Thelittleboy,Abdullah,whosebusinessitwastowashpots,wasestablishedasusualinthecentreofthecourtyard,andagain,asusual,keptuphisqueernasalchant.Dr.LeidnerandMr.EmmottweregoingtoputinsomeworkonthepotteryuntilMr.Colemanreturned,andMr.Careywentuptothedig.
Mrs.Leidnerwenttoherroomtorest.Isettledherasusualandthenwenttomyownroom,takingabookwithmeasIdidnotfeelsleepy.Itwasthenaboutaquartertoone,andacoupleofhourspassedquitepleasantly.IwasreadingDeathinaNursingHome—reallyamostexcitingstory—thoughIdon’tthinktheauthorknewmuchaboutthewaynursinghomesarerun!AtanyrateI’veneverknownanursinghomelikethat!Ireallyfeltinclinedtowritetotheauthorandputhimrightaboutafewpoints.
WhenIputthebookdownatlast(itwasthered-hairedparlourmaidandI’dneversuspectedheronce!)andlookedatmywatchIwasquitesurprisedtofinditwastwentyminutestothree!
Igotup,straightenedmyuniform,andcameoutintothecourtyard.
Abdullahwasstillscrubbingandstillsinginghisdepressingchant,andDavidEmmottwasstandingbyhimsortingthescrubbedpots,andputtingtheonesthatwerebrokenintoboxestoawaitmending.IstrolledovertowardsthemjustasDr.Leidnercamedownthestaircasefromtheroof.
“Notabadafternoon,”hesaidcheerfully.“I’vemadeabitofaclearanceupthere.Louisewillbepleased.She’scomplainedlatelythatthere’snotroomtowalkabout.I’llgoandtellherthegoodnews.”
Hewentovertohiswife’sdoor,tappedonitandwentin.
Itmust,Isuppose,havebeenaboutaminuteandahalflaterthathecameoutagain.Ihappenedtobelookingatthedoorwhenhedidso.Itwaslikeanightmare.Hehadgoneinabrisk,cheerfulman.Hecameoutlikeadrunkenone—reelingalittleonhisfeet,andwithaqueerdazedexpressiononhisface.
“Nurse—”hecalledinaqueer,hoarsevoice.“Nurse—”
IsawatoncesomethingwaswrongandIranacrosstohim.Helookedawful—hisfacewasallgreyandtwitching,andIsawhemightcollapseanyminute.
“Mywife…”hesaid.“Mywife…Oh,myGod….”
Ipushedpasthimintotheroom.ThenIcaughtmybreath.
Mrs.Leidnerwaslyinginadreadfulhuddledheapbythebed.
Ibentoverher.Shewasquitedead—musthavebeendeadanhouratleast.Thecauseofdeathwasperfectlyplain—aterrificblowonthefrontoftheheadjustovertherighttemple.Shemusthavegotupfromthebedandbeenstruckdownwhereshestood.
Ididn’thandlehermorethanIcouldhelp.
Iglancedroundtheroomtoseeiftherewasanythingthatmightgiveaclue,butnothingseemedoutofplaceordisturbed.Thewindowswereclosedandfastened,andtherewasnoplacewherethemurderercouldhavehidden.Obviouslyhehadbeenandgonelongago.
Iwentout,closingthedoorbehindme.
Dr.Leidnerhadcollapsedcompletelynow.DavidEmmottwaswithhimandturnedawhite,inquiringfacetome.
InafewlowwordsItoldhimwhathadhappened.
AsIhadalwayssuspected,hewasafirst-classpersontorelyonintrouble.Hewasperfectlycalmandself-possessed.Thoseblueeyesofhisopenedverywide,butotherwisehegavenosignatall.
Heconsideredforamomentandthensaid:“Isupposewemustnotifythepoliceassoonaspossible.Billoughttobebackanyminute.WhatshallwedowithLeidner?”
“Helpmetogethimintohisroom.”
Henodded.
“Betterlockthisdoorfirst,Isuppose,”hesaid.
HeturnedthekeyinthelockofMrs.Leidner’sdoor,thendrewitoutandhandedittome.
“Iguessyou’dbetterkeepthis,nurse.Nowthen.”
TogetherweliftedDr.Leidnerandcarriedhimintohisownroomandlaidhimonhisbed.Mr.Emmottwentoffinsearchofbrandy.Hereturned,accompaniedbyMissJohnson.
Herfacewasdrawnandanxious,butshewascalmandcapable,andIfeltsatisfiedtoleaveDr.Leidnerinhercharge.
Ihurriedoutintothecourtyard.Thestationwagonwasjustcominginthroughthearchway.IthinkitgaveusallashocktoseeBill’spink,cheerfulfaceashejumpedoutwithhisfamiliar“Hallo,’llo,’llo!Here’stheoof!”Hewentongaily,“Nohighwayrobberies—”
Hecametoahaltsuddenly.“Isay,isanythingup?What’sthematterwithyouall?Youlookasthoughthecathadkilledyourcanary.”
Mr.Emmottsaidshortly:“Mrs.Leidner’sdead—killed.”
“What?”Bill’sjollyfacechangedludicrously.Hestared,hiseyesgoggling.“MotherLeidnerdead!You’repullingmyleg.”
“Dead?”Itwasasharpcry.IturnedtoseeMrs.Mercadobehindme.“DidyousayMrs.Leidnerhadbeenkilled?”
“Yes,”Isaid.“Murdered.”
“No!”shegasped.“Oh,no!Iwon’tbelieveit.Perhapsshe’scommittedsuicide.”
“Suicidesdon’thitthemselvesonthehead,”Isaiddryly.“It’smurderallright,Mrs.Mercado.”
Shesatdownsuddenlyonanupturnedpacking-case.
Shesaid,“Oh,butthisishorrible—horrible….”
Naturallyitwashorrible.Wedidn’tneedhertotellusso!Iwonderedifperhapsshewasfeelingabitremorsefulfortheharshfeelingsshehadharbouredagainstthedeadwoman,andallthespitefulthingsshehadsaid.
Afteraminuteortwosheaskedratherbreathlessly:“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
Mr.Emmotttookchargeinhisquietway.
“Bill,you’dbettergetinagaintoHassaniehasquickasyoucan.Idon’tknowmuchabouttheproperprocedure.BettergetholdofCaptainMaitland,he’sinchargeofthepolicehere,Ithink.GetDr.Reillyfirst.He’llknowwhattodo.”
Mr.Colemannodded.Allthefacetiousnesswasknockedoutofhim.Hejustlookedyoungandfrightened.Withoutawordhejumpedintothestationwagonanddroveoff.
Mr.Emmottsaidratheruncertainly,“Isupposeweoughttohaveahuntround.”Heraisedhisvoiceandcalled:“Ibrahim!”
“Na’am.”
Thehouseboycamerunning.Mr.EmmottspoketohiminArabic.Avigorouscolloquypassedbetweenthem.Theboyseemedtobeemphaticallydenyingsomething.
AtlastMr.Emmottsaidinaperplexedvoice,“Hesaysthere’snotbeenasoulherethisafternoon.Nostrangerofanykind.Isupposethefellowmusthaveslippedinwithouttheirseeinghim.”
“Ofcoursehedid,”saidMrs.Mercado.“Heslunkinwhentheboysweren’tlooking.”
“Yes,”saidMr.Emmott.
Theslightuncertaintyinhisvoicemademelookathiminquiringly.
Heturnedandspoketothelittlepotboy,Abdullah,askinghimaquestion.
Theboyrepliedvehementlyatlength.
ThepuzzledfrownonMr.Emmott’sbrowincreased.
“Idon’tunderstandit,”hemurmuredunderhisbreath.“Idon’tunderstanditatall.”
Buthedidn’ttellmewhathedidn’tunderstand.
Eleven
ANODDBUSINESS
I’madheringasfaraspossibletotellingonlymypersonalpartinthebusiness.Ipassovertheeventsofthenexttwohours,thearrivalofCaptainMaitlandandthepoliceandDr.Reilly.Therewasagooddealofgeneralconfusion,questioning,alltheroutinebusiness,Isuppose.
Inmyopinionwebegantogetdowntobrasstacksaboutfiveo’clockwhenDr.Reillyaskedmetocomewithhimintotheoffice.Heshutthedoor,satdowninDr.Leidner’schair,motionedmetositdownoppositehim,andsaidbriskly:“Now,then,nurse,let’sgetdowntoit.There’ssomethingdamnedoddhere.”
Isettledmycuffsandlookedathiminquiringly.
Hedrewoutanotebook.
“Thisisformyownsatisfaction.Now,whattimewasitexactlywhenDr.Leidnerfoundhiswife’sbody?”
“Ishouldsayitwasalmostexactlyaquartertothree,”Isaid.
“Andhowdoyouknowthat?”
“Well,IlookedatmywatchwhenIgotup.Itwastwentytothreethen.”
“Let’shavealookatthiswatchofyours.”
Islippeditoffmywristandhelditouttohim.
“Righttotheminute.Excellentwoman.Good,that’sthatfixed.Now,didyouformanyopinionastohowlongshe’dbeendead?”
“Oh,really,doctor,”Isaid,“Ishouldn’tliketosay.”
“Don’tbesoprofessional.Iwanttoseeifyourestimateagreeswithmine.”
“Well,Ishouldsayshe’dbeendeadatleastanhour.”
“Quiteso.IexaminedthebodyathalfpastfourandI’minclinedtoputthetimeofdeathbetween1:15and1:45.We’llsayhalfpastoneataguess.That’snearenough.”
Hestoppedanddrummedthoughtfullywithhisfingersonthetable.
“Damnedodd,thisbusiness,”hesaid.“Canyoutellmeaboutit—youwereresting,yousay?Didyouhearanything?”
“Athalf-pastone?No,doctor.Ididn’thearanythingathalfpastoneoratanyothertime.IlayonmybedfromaquartertooneuntiltwentytothreeandIdidn’thearanythingexceptthatdroningnoisetheArabboymakes,andoccasionallyMr.EmmottshoutinguptoDr.Leidnerontheroof.”
“TheArabboy—yes.”
Hefrowned.
AtthatmomentthedooropenedandDr.LeidnerandCaptainMaitlandcamein.CaptainMaitlandwasafussylittlemanwithapairofshrewdgreyeyes.
Dr.ReillyroseandpushedDr.Leidnerintohischair.
“Sitdown,man.I’mgladyou’vecome.Weshallwantyou.There’ssomethingveryqueeraboutthisbusiness.”
Dr.Leidnerbowedhishead.
“Iknow.”Helookedatme.“MywifeconfidedthetruthtoNurseLeatheran.Wemustn’tkeepanythingbackatthisjuncture,nurse,sopleasetellCaptainMaitlandandDr.Reillyjustwhatpassedbetweenyouandmywifeyesterday.”
AsnearlyaspossibleIgaveourconversationverbatim.
CaptainMaitlandutteredanoccasionalejaculation.WhenIhadfinishedheturnedtoDr.Leidner.
“Andthisisalltrue,Leidner—eh?”
“EverywordNurseLeatheranhastoldyouiscorrect.”
“Whatanextraordinarystory!”saidDr.Reilly.“Youcanproducetheseletters?”
“Ihavenodoubttheywillbefoundamongstmywife’sbelongings.”
“Shetookthemoutoftheattachécaseonhertable,”Isaid.
“Thentheyareprobablystillthere.”
HeturnedtoCaptainMaitlandandhisusuallygentlefacegrewhardandstern.
“Theremustbenoquestionofhushingthisstoryup,CaptainMaitland.Theonethingnecessaryisforthismantobecaughtandpunished.”
“YoubelieveitactuallyisMrs.Leidner’sformerhusband?”Iasked.
“Don’tyouthinkso,nurse?”askedCaptainMaitland.
“Well,Ithinkitisopentodoubt,”Isaidhesitatingly.
“Inanycase,”saidDr.Leidner,“themanisamurderer—andIshouldsayadangerouslunaticalso.Hemustbefound,CaptainMaitland.Hemust.Itshouldnotbedifficult.”
Dr.Reillysaidslowly:“Itmaybemoredifficultthanyouthink…eh,Maitland?”
CaptainMaitlandtuggedathismoustachewithoutreplying.
SuddenlyIgaveastart.
“Excuseme,”Isaid,“butthere’ssomethingperhapsIoughttomention.”
ItoldmystoryoftheIraqiwehadseentryingtopeerthroughthewindow,andofhowIhadseenhimhangingabouttheplacetwodaysagotryingtopumpFatherLavigny.
“Good,”saidCaptainMaitland,“we’llmakeanoteofthat.Itwillbesomethingforthepolicetogoon.Themanmayhavesomeconnectionwiththecase.”
“Probablypaidtoactasaspy,”Isuggested.“Tofindoutwhenthecoastwasclear.”
Dr.Reillyrubbedhisnosewithaharassedgesture.
“That’sthedevilofit,”hesaid.“Supposingthecoastwasn’tclear—eh?”
Istaredathiminapuzzledfashion.
CaptainMaitlandturnedtoDr.Leidner
“Iwantyoutolistentomeverycarefully,Leidner.Thisisareviewoftheevidencewe’vegotuptodate.Afterlunch,whichwasservedattwelveo’clockandwasoverbyfiveandtwentytoone,yourwifewenttoherroomaccompaniedbyNurseLeatheran,whosettledhercomfortably.Youyourselfwentuptotheroof,whereyouspentthenexttwohours,isthatright?”
“Yes.”
“Didyoucomedownfromtheroofatallduringthattime?”
“No.”
“Didanyonecomeuptoyou?”
“Yes,Emmottdidprettyfrequently.Hewenttoandfrobetweenmeandtheboy,whowaswashingpotterydownbelow.”
“Didyouyourselflookoverintothecourtyardatall?”
“Onceortwice—usuallytocalltoEmmottaboutsomething.”
“Oneachoccasiontheboywassittinginthemiddleofthecourtyardwashingpots?”
“Yes.”
“WhatwasthelongestperiodoftimewhenEmmottwaswithyouandabsentfromthecourtyard?”
Dr.Leidnerconsidered.
“It’sdifficulttosay—perhapstenminutes.PersonallyIshouldsaytwoorthreeminutes,butIknowbyexperiencethatmysenseoftimeisnotverygoodwhenIamabsorbedandinterestedinwhatIamdoing.”
CaptainMaitlandlookedatDr.Reilly.Thelatternodded.“We’dbettergetdowntoit,”hesaid.
CaptainMaitlandtookoutasmallnotebookandopenedit.
“Lookhere,Leidner,I’mgoingtoreadtoyouexactlywhateverymemberofyourexpeditionwasdoingbetweenoneandtwothisafternoon.”
“Butsurely—”
“Wait.You’llseewhatI’mdrivingatinaminute.FirstMr.andMrs.Mercado.Mr.Mercadosayshewasworkinginhislaboratory.Mrs.Mercadosaysshewasinherbedroomshampooingherhair.MissJohnsonsaysshewasinthelivingroomtakingimpressionsofcylinderseals.Mr.Reitersayshewasinthedark-roomdevelopingplates.FatherLavignysayshewasworkinginhisbedroom.Astothetworemainingmembersoftheexpedition,CareyandColeman,theformerwasuponthedigandColemanwasinHassanieh.Somuchforthemembersoftheexpedition.Nowfortheservants.Thecook—yourIndianchap—wassittingimmediatelyoutsidethearchwaychattingtotheguardandpluckingacoupleoffowls.IbrahimandMansur,thehouseboys,joinedhimthereatabout1:15.Theybothremainedtherelaughingandtalkinguntil2:30—bywhichtimeyourwifewasalreadydead.”
Dr.Leidnerleanedforward.
“Idon’tunderstand—youpuzzleme.Whatareyouhintingat?”
“Isthereanymeansofaccesstoyourwife’sroomexceptbythedoorintothecourtyard?”
“No.Therearetwowindows,buttheyareheavilybarred—andbesides,Ithinktheywereshut.”
Helookedatmequestioningly.
“Theywereclosedandlatchedontheinside,”Isaidpromptly.
“Inanycase,”saidCaptainMaitland,“eveniftheyhadbeenopen,noonecouldhaveenteredorlefttheroomthatway.MyfellowsandIhaveassuredourselvesofthat.Itisthesamewithalltheotherwindowsgivingontheopencountry.Theyallhaveironbarsandallthebarsareingoodcondition.Tohavegotintoyourwife’sroom,astrangermusthavecomethroughthearcheddoorwayintothecourtyard.Butwehavetheunitedassuranceoftheguard,thecookandthehouseboythatnobodydidso.”
Dr.Leidnersprangup.
“Whatdoyoumean?Whatdoyoumean?”
“Pullyourselftogether,man,”saidDr.Reillyquietly.“Iknowit’sashock,butit’sgottobefaced.Themurdererdidn’tcomefromoutside—sohemusthavecomefrominside.ItlooksasthoughMrs.Leidnermusthavebeenmurderedbyamemberofyourownexpedition.”
Twelve
“IDIDN’TBELIEVE….”
“No.No!”
Dr.Leidnersprangupandwalkedupanddowninanagitatedmanner.
“It’simpossiblewhatyousay,Reilly.Absolutelyimpossible.Oneofus?Why,everysinglememberoftheexpeditionwasdevotedtoLouise!”
AqueerlittleexpressionpulleddownthecornersofDr.Reilly’smouth.Underthecircumstancesitwasdifficultforhimtosayanything,butifeveraman’ssilencewaseloquenthiswasatthatminute.
“Quiteimpossible,”reiteratedDr.Leidner.“Theywerealldevotedtoher,Louisehadsuchwonderfulcharm.Everyonefeltit.”
Dr.Reillycoughed.
“Excuseme,Leidner,butafterallthat’sonlyyouropinion.Ifanymemberoftheexpeditionhaddislikedyourwifetheywouldnaturallynotadvertisethefacttoyou.”
Dr.Leidnerlookeddistressed.
“True—quitetrue.Butallthesame,Reilly,Ithinkyouarewrong.I’msureeveryonewasfondofLouise.”
Hewassilentforamomentortwoandthenburstout:
“Thisideaofyoursisinfamous.It’s—it’sfranklyincredible.”
“Youcan’tgetawayfrom—er—thefacts,”saidCaptainMaitland.
“Facts?Facts?LiestoldbyanIndiancookandacoupleofArabhouse-boys.YouknowthesefellowsaswellasIdo,Reilly,sodoyou,Maitland.Truthastruthmeansnothingtothem.Theysaywhatyouwantthemtosayasamerematterofpoliteness.”
“Inthiscase,”saidDr.Reillydryly,“theyaresayingwhatwedon’twantthemtosay.Besides,Iknowthehabitsofyourhouseholdfairlywell.Justoutsidethegateisakindofsocialclub.WheneverI’vebeenoverhereintheafternoonI’vealwaysfoundmostofyourstaffthere.It’sthenaturalplaceforthemtobe.”
“AllthesameIthinkyouareassumingtoomuch.Whyshouldn’tthisman—thisdevil—havegotinearlierandconcealedhimselfsomewhere?”
“Iagreethatthatisnotactuallyimpossible,”saidDr.Reillycoolly.“Letusassumethatastrangerdidsomehowgainadmissionunseen.Hewouldhavetoremainconcealeduntiltherightmoment(andhecertainlycouldn’thavedonesoinMrs.Leidner’sroom,thereisnocoverthere)andtaketheriskofbeingseenenteringtheroomandleavingit—withEmmottandtheboyinthecourtyardmostofthetime.”
“Theboy.I’dforgottentheboy,”saidDr.Leidner.“Asharplittlechap.Butsurely,Maitland,theboymusthaveseenthemurderergointomywife’sroom?”
“We’veelucidatedthat.Theboywaswashingpotsthewholeafternoonwithoneexception.Somehowaroundhalfpastone—Emmottcan’tputitcloserthanthat—hewentuptotheroofandwaswithyoufortenminutes—that’sright,isn’tit?”
“Yes.Icouldn’thavetoldyoutheexacttimebutitmusthavebeenaboutthat.”
“Verygood.Well,duringthattenminutes,theboy,seizinghischancetobeidle,strolledoutandjoinedtheothersoutsidethegateforachat.WhenEmmottcamedownhefoundtheboyabsentandcalledhimangrily,askinghimwhathemeantleavinghiswork.AsfarasIcansee,yourwifemusthavebeenmurderedduringthattenminutes.”
WithagroanDr.Leidnersatdownandhidhisfaceinhishands.
Dr.Reillytookupthetale,hisvoicequietandmatter-of-fact.
“Thetimefitsinwithmyevidence,”hesaid.“She’dbeendeadaboutthreehourswhenIexaminedher.Theonlyquestionis—whodidit?”
Therewasasilence.Dr.Leidnersatupinhischairandpassedahandoverhisforehead.
“Iadmittheforceofyourreasoning,Reilly,”hesaidquietly.“Itcertainlyseemsasthoughitwerewhatpeoplecall‘aninsidejob.’ButIfeelconvincedthatsomewhereorotherthereisamistake.It’splausiblebuttheremustbeaflawinit.Tobeginwith,youareassumingthatanamazingcoincidencehasoccurred.”
“Oddthatyoushouldusethatword,”saidDr.Reilly.
WithoutpayinganyattentionDr.Leidnerwenton:“Mywifereceivesthreateningletters.Shehasreasontofearacertainperson.Thensheis—killed.Andyouaskmetobelievethatsheiskilled—notbythatperson—butbysomeoneentirelydifferent!Isaythatthatisridiculous.”
“Itseemsso—yes,”saidReillymeditatively.
HelookedatCaptainMaitland.“Coincidence—eh?Whatdoyousay,Maitland?Areyouinfavouroftheidea?ShallweputituptoLeidner?”
CaptainMaitlandgaveanod.
“Goahead,”hesaidshortly.
“HaveyoueverheardofamancalledHerculePoirotLeidner?”
Dr.Leidnerstaredathim,puzzled.
“IthinkIhaveheardthename,yes,”hesaidvaguely.“IonceheardaMr.VanAldinspeakofhiminveryhighterms.Heisaprivatedetective,ishenot?”
“That’stheman.”
“ButsurelyhelivesinLondon,sohowwillthathelpus?”
“HelivesinLondon,true,”saidDr.Reilly,“butthisiswherethecoincidencecomesin.Heisnow,notinLondon,butinSyria,andhewillactuallypassthroughHassaniehonhiswaytoBaghdadtomorrow!”
“Whotoldyouthis?”
“JeanBerat,theFrenchconsul.Hedinedwithuslastnightandwastalkingabouthim.ItseemshehasbeendisentanglingsomemilitaryscandalinSyria.He’scomingthroughheretovisitBaghdad,andafterwardsreturningthroughSyriatoLondon.How’sthatforacoincidence?”
Dr.LeidnerhesitatedamomentandlookedapologeticallyatCaptainMaitland.
“Whatdoyouthink,CaptainMaitland?”
“Shouldwelcomecooperation,”saidCaptainMaitlandpromptly.“MyfellowsaregoodscoutsatscouringthecountrysideandinvestigatingArabbloodfeuds,butfrankly,Leidner,thisbusinessofyourwife’sseemstomeratheroutofmyclass.Thewholethinglooksconfoundedlyfishy.I’mmorethanwillingtohavethefellowtakealookatthecase.”
“YousuggestthatIshouldappealtothismanPoirottohelpus?”saidDr.Leidner.“Andsupposeherefuses?”
“Hewon’trefuse,”saidDr.Reilly.
“Howdoyouknow?”
“BecauseI’maprofessionalmanmyself.Ifareallyintricatecaseof,say,cerebrospinalmeningitiscomesmywayandI’minvitedtotakeahand,Ishouldn’tbeabletorefuse.Thisisn’tanordinarycrime,Leidner.”
“No,”saidDr.Leidner.Hislipstwitchedwithsuddenpain.“Willyouthen,Reilly,approachthisHerculePoirotonmybehalf?”
“Iwill.”
Dr.Leidnermadeagestureofthanks.
“Evennow,”hesaidslowly,“Ican’trealizeit—thatLouiseisreallydead.”
Icouldbearitnolonger.
“Oh!DoctorLeidner,”Iburstout,“I—Ican’ttellyouhowbadlyIfeelaboutthis.I’vefailedsobadlyinmyduty.ItwasmyjobtowatchoverMrs.Leidner—tokeepherfromharm.”
Dr.Leidnershookhisheadgravely.
“No,no,nurse,you’venothingtoreproachyourselfwith,”hesaidslowly.“It’sI,Godforgiveme,whoamtoblame…Ididn’tbelieve—allalongIdidn’tbelieve…Ididn’tdreamforonemomentthattherewasanyrealdanger….”
Hegotup.Hisfacetwitched.
“Ilethergotoherdeath…Yes,Ilethergotoherdeath—notbelieving—”
Hestaggeredoutoftheroom.
Dr.Reillylookedatme.
“Ifeelprettyculpabletoo,”hesaid.“Ithoughtthegoodladywasplayingonhisnerves.”
“Ididn’ttakeitreallyseriouslyeither,”Iconfessed.
“Wewereallthreewrong,”saidDr.Reillygravely.
“Soitseems,”saidCaptainMaitland.
Thirteen
HERCULEPOIROTARRIVES
Idon’tthinkIshalleverforgetmyfirstsightofHerculePoirot.Ofcourse,Igotusedtohimlateron,buttobeginwithitwasashock,andIthinkeveryoneelsemusthavefeltthesame!
Idon’tknowwhatI’dimagined—somethingratherlikeSherlockHolmes—longandleanwithakeen,cleverface.Ofcourse,Iknewhewasaforeigner,butIhadn’texpectedhimtobequiteasforeignashewas,ifyouknowwhatImean.
Whenyousawhimyoujustwantedtolaugh!Hewaslikesomethingonthestageoratthepictures.Tobeginwith,hewasn’tabovefive-footfive,Ishouldthink—anodd,plumplittleman,quiteold,withanenormousmoustache,andaheadlikeanegg.Helookedlikeahairdresserinacomicplay!
AndthiswasthemanwhowasgoingtofindoutwhokilledMrs.Leidner!
Isupposesomethingofmydisgustmusthaveshowninmyface,foralmoststraightawayhesaidtomewithaqueerkindoftwinkle:
“Youdisapproveofme,masoeur?Remember,thepuddingprovesitselfonlywhenyoueatit.”
Theproofofthepudding’sintheeating,Isupposehemeant.
Well,that’satrueenoughsaying,butIcouldn’tsayIfeltmuchconfidencemyself!
Dr.ReillybroughthimoutinhiscarsoonafterlunchonSunday,andhisfirstprocedurewastoaskusalltoassembletogether.
Wedidsointhediningroom,allsittingroundthetable.Mr.PoirotsatattheheadofitwithDr.LeidneronesideandDr.Reillytheother.
Whenwewereallassembled,Dr.Leidnerclearedhisthroatandspokeinhisgentle,hesitatingvoice.
“IdaresayyouhaveallheardofM.HerculePoirot.HewaspassingthroughHassaniehtoday,andhasverykindlyagreedtobreakhisjourneytohelpus.TheIraqipoliceandCaptainMaitlandare,Iamsure,doingtheirverybest,but—buttherearecircumstancesinthecase”—heflounderedandshotanappealingglanceatDr.Reilly—“theremay,itseems,bedifficulties….”
“Itisnotallthesquareandoverboard—no?”saidthelittlemanatthetopofthetable.Why,hecouldn’tevenspeakEnglishproperly!
“Oho,hemustbecaught!”criedMrs.Mercado.“Itwouldbeunbearableifhegotaway!”
Inoticedthelittleforeigner’seyesrestonherappraisingly.
“He?Whoishe,madame?”heasked.
“Why,themurderer,ofcourse.”
“Ah!themurderer,”saidHerculePoirot.
Hespokeasthoughthemurdererwasofnoconsequenceatall!
Weallstaredathim.Helookedfromonefacetoanother.
“Itislikely,Ithink,”hesaid,“thatyouhavenoneofyoubeenbroughtincontactwithacaseofmurderbefore?”
Therewasageneralmurmurofassent.
HerculePoirotsmiled.
“Itisclear,therefore,thatyoudonotunderstandtheABCoftheposition.Thereareunpleasantnesses!Yes,therearealotofunpleasantnesses.Tobeginwith,thereissuspicion.”
“Suspicion?”
ItwasMissJohnsonwhospoke.Mr.Poirotlookedatherthoughtfully.Ihadanideathatheregardedherwithapproval.Helookedasthoughhewerethinking:“Hereisasensible,intelligentperson!”
“Yes,mademoiselle,”hesaid.“Suspicion!Letusnotmakethebonesaboutit.Youareallundersuspicionhereinthishouse.Thecook,thehouse-boy,thescullion,thepotboy—yes,andallthemembersoftheexpeditiontoo.”
Mrs.Mercadostartedup,herfaceworking.
“Howdareyou?Howdareyousaysuchathing?Thisisodious—unbearable!Dr.Leidner—youcan’tsithereandletthisman—letthisman—”
Dr.Leidnersaidwearily:“Pleasetryandbecalm,Marie.”
Mr.Mercadostooduptoo.Hishandswereshakingandhiseyeswerebloodshot.
“Iagree.Itisanoutrage—aninsult—”
“No,no,”saidMr.Poirot.“Idonotinsultyou.Imerelyaskyoualltofacefacts.Inahousewheremurderhasbeencommitted,everyinmatecomesinforacertainshareofsuspicion.Iaskyouwhatevidenceistherethatthemurderercamefromoutsideatall?”
Mrs.Mercadocried:“Butofcoursehedid!Itstandstoreason!Why—”Shestoppedandsaidmoreslowly,“Anythingelsewouldbeincredible!”
“Youaredoubtlesscorrect,madame,”saidPoirotwithabow.“Iexplaintoyouonlyhowthemattermustbeapproached.FirstIassuremyselfofthefactthateveryoneinthisroomisinnocent.AfterthatIseekthemurdererelsewhere.”
“Isitnotpossiblethatthatmaybealittlelateintheday?”askedFatherLavignysuavely.
“Thetortoise,monpère,overtookthehare.”
FatherLavignyshruggedhisshoulders.
“Weareinyourhands,”hesaidresignedly.“Convinceyourselfassoonasmaybeofourinnocenceinthisterriblebusiness.”
“Asrapidlyaspossible.Itwasmydutytomakethepositioncleartoyou,sothatyoumaynotresenttheimpertinenceofanyquestionsImayhavetoask.Perhaps,monpe“re,theChurchwillsetanexample?”
“Askanyquestionsyoupleaseofme,”saidFatherLavignygravely.
“Thisisyourfirstseasonouthere?”
“Yes.”
“Andyouarrived—when?”
“Threeweeksagoalmosttoaday.Thatis,onthe27thofFebruary.”
“Comingfrom?”
“TheOrderofthePèresBlancsatCarthage.”
“Thankyou,monpère.WereyouatanytimeacquaintedwithMrs.Leidnerbeforecominghere?”
“No,IhadneverseentheladyuntilImetherhere.”
“Willyoutellmewhatyouweredoingatthetimeofthetragedy?”
“Iwasworkingonsomecuneiformtabletsinmyownroom.”
InoticedthatPoirothadathiselbowaroughplanofthebuilding.
“ThatistheroomatthesouthwestcornercorrespondingtothatofMrs.Leidnerontheoppositeside?”
“Yes.”
“Atwhattimedidyougotoyourroom?”
“Immediatelyafterlunch.Ishouldsayatabouttwentyminutestoone.”
“Andyouremainedthereuntil—when?”
“Justbeforethreeo’clock.Ihadheardthestationwagoncomeback—andthenIhearditdriveoffagain.Iwonderedwhy,andcameouttosee.”
“Duringthetimethatyouweretheredidyouleavetheroomatall?”
“No,notonce.”
“Andyouheardorsawnothingthatmighthaveanybearingonthetragedy?”
“No.”
“Youhavenowindowgivingonthecourtyardinyourroom?”
“No,boththewindowsgiveonthecountryside.”
“Couldyouhearatallwhatwashappeninginthecourtyard?”
“Notverymuch.IheardMr.Emmottpassingmyroomandgoinguptotheroof.Hedidsoonceortwice.”
“Canyourememberatwhattime?”
“No,I’mafraidIcan’t.Iwasengrossedinmywork,yousee.”
TherewasapauseandthenPoirotsaid:
“Canyousayorsuggestanythingatallthatmightthrowlightonthisbusiness?Didyou,forinstance,noticeanythinginthedaysprecedingthemurder?”
FatherLavignylookedslightlyuncomfortable.
Heshotahalf-questioninglookatDr.Leidner.
“Thatisratheradifficultquestion,monsieur,”hesaidgravely.“IfyouaskmeImustreplyfranklythatinmyopinionMrs.Leidnerwasclearlyindreadofsomeoneorsomething.Shewasdefinitelynervousaboutstrangers.Iimagineshehadareasonforthisnervousnessofhers—butIknownothing.Shedidnotconfideinme.”
Poirotclearedhisthroatandconsultedsomenotesthatheheldinhishand.“TwonightsagoIunderstandtherewasascareofburglary.”
FatherLavignyrepliedintheaffirmativeandretailedhisstoryofthelightseenintheantikaroomandthesubsequentfutilesearch.
“Youbelieve,doyounot,thatsomeunauthorizedpersonwasonthepremisesatthattime?”
“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”saidFatherLavignyfrankly.“Nothingwastakenordisturbedinanyway.Itmighthavebeenoneofthehouseboys—”
“Oramemberoftheexpedition?”
“Oramemberoftheexpedition.Butinthatcasetherewouldbenoreasonforthepersonnotadmittingthefact.”
“Butitmightequallyhavebeenastrangerfromoutside?”
“Isupposeso.”
“Supposingastrangerhadbeenonthepremises,couldhehaveconcealedhimselfsuccessfullyduringthefollowingdayanduntiltheafternoonofthedayfollowingthat?”
HeaskedthequestionhalfofFatherLavignyandhalfofDr.Leidner.Bothmenconsideredthequestioncarefully.
“Ihardlythinkitwouldbepossible,”saidDr.Leidneratlastwithsomereluctance.“Idon’tseewherehecouldpossiblyconcealhimself,doyou,FatherLavigny?”
“No—no—Idon’t.”
Bothmenseemedreluctanttoputthesuggestionaside.
PoirotturnedtoMissJohnson.
“Andyou,mademoiselle?Doyouconsidersuchahypothesisfeasible?”
Afteramoment’sthoughtMissJohnsonshookherhead.
“No,”shesaid.“Idon’t.Wherecouldanyonehide?Thebedroomsareallinuseand,inanycase,aresparselyfurnished.Thedarkroom,thedrawingofficeandthelaboratorywereallinusethenextday—sowerealltheserooms.Therearenocupboardsorcorners.Perhaps,iftheservantswereincollusion—”
“Thatispossible,butunlikely,”saidPoirot.
HeturnedoncemoretoFatherLavigny.
“Thereisanotherpoint.TheotherdayNurseLeatheranherenoticedyoutalkingtoamanoutside.Shehadpreviouslynoticedthatsamemantryingtopeerinatoneofthewindowsontheoutside.Itratherlooksasthoughthemanwerehangingroundtheplacedeliberately.”
“Thatispossible,ofcourse,”saidFatherLavignythoughtfully.
“Didyouspeaktothismanfirst,ordidhespeaktoyou?”
FatherLavignyconsideredforamomentortwo.
“Ibelieve—yes,Iamsure,thathespoketome.”
“Whatdidhesay?”
FatherLavignymadeaneffortofmemory
“Hesaid,Ithink,somethingtotheeffectwasthistheAmericanexpeditionhouse?AndthensomethingelseabouttheAmericansemployingalotofmenonthework.Ididnotreallyunderstandhimverywell,butIendeavouredtokeepupaconversationsoastoimprovemyArabic.Ithought,perhaps,thatbeingatowneehewouldunderstandmebetterthanthemenonthedigdo.”
“Didyouconverseaboutanythingelse?”
“AsfarasIremember,IsaidHassaniehwasabigtown—andwethenagreedthatBaghdadwasbigger—andIthinkheaskedwhetherIwasanArmenianoraSyrianCatholic—somethingofthatkind.”
Poirotnodded.
“Canyoudescribehim?”
AgainFatherLavignyfrownedinthought
“Hewasratherashortman,”hesaidatlast,“andsquarelybuilt.Hehadaverynoticeablesquintandwasoffaircomplexion.”
Mr.Poirotturnedtome.
“Doesthatagreewiththewayyouwoulddescribehim?”heasked.
“Notexactly,”Isaidhesitatingly.“Ishouldhavesaidhewastallratherthanshort,andverydark-complexioned.Heseemedtomeofaratherslenderbuild.Ididn’tnoticeanysquint.”
Mr.Poirotgaveadespairingshrugoftheshoulders.
“Itisalwaysso!Ifyouwereofthepolicehowwellyouwouldknowit!Thedescriptionofthesamemanbytwodifferentpeople—neverdoesitagree.Everydetailiscontradicted.”
“I’mfairlysureaboutthesquint,”saidFatherLavigny.“NurseLeatheranmayberightabouttheotherpoints.Bytheway,whenIsaidfair,IonlymeantfairforanIraqi.Iexpectnursewouldcallthatdark.”
“Verydark,”Isaidobstinately.“Adirtydark-yellowcolour.”
IsawDr.Reillybitehislipsandsmile.
Poirotthrewuphishands.
“Passons!”hesaid.“Thisstrangerhangingabout,hemaybeimportant—hemaynot.Atanyratehemustbefound.Letuscontinueourinquiry.”
Hehesitatedforaminute,studyingthefacesturnedtowardshimroundthetable,then,withaquicknod,hesingledoutMr.Reiter.
“Come,myfriend,”hesaid.“Letushaveyouraccountofyesterdayafternoon.”
Mr.Reiter’spink,plumpfaceflushedscarlet.
“Me?”hesaid.
“Yes,you.Tobeginwith,yournameandyourage?”
“CarlReiter,twenty-eight.”
“American—yes?”
“Yes,IcomefromChicago.”
“Thisisyourfirstseason?”
“Yes.I’minchargeofthephotography.”
“Ah,yes.Andyesterdayafternoon,howdidyouemployyourself?”
“Well—Iwasinthedarkroommostofthetime.”
“Mostofthetime—eh?”
“Yes.Idevelopedsomeplatesfirst.AfterwardsIwasfixingupsomeobjectstophotograph.”
“Outside?”
“Ohno,inthephotographicroom.”
“Thedarkroomopensoutofthephotographicroom?”
“Yes.”
“Andsoyounevercameoutsidethephotographicroom?”
“No.”
“Didyounoticeanythingthatwentoninthecourtyard?”
Theyoungmanshookhishead.
“Iwasn’tnoticinganything,”heexplained.“Iwasbusy.Iheardthecarcomeback,andassoonasIcouldleavewhatIwasdoingIcameouttoseeiftherewasanymail.ItwasthenthatI—heard.”
“Andyoubegantoworkinthephotographicroom—when?”
“Attenminutestoone.”
“WereyouacquaintedwithMrs.Leidnerbeforeyoujoinedthisexpedition?”
Theyoungmanshookhishead.
“No,sir.IneversawhertillIactuallygothere.”
“Canyouthinkofanything—anyincident—howeversmall—thatmighthelpus?”
CarlReitershookhishead.
Hesaidhelplessly:“IguessIdon’tknowanythingatall,sir.”
“Mr.Emmott?”
DavidEmmottspokeclearlyandconciselyinhispleasantsoftAmericanvoice.
“Iwasworkingwiththepotteryfromaquartertoonetillaquartertothree—overseeingtheboyAbdullah,sortingit,andoccasionallygoinguptotherooftohelpDr.Leidner.”
“Howoftendidyougouptotheroof?”
“Fourtimes,Ithink.”
“Forhowlong?”
“Usuallyacoupleofminutes—notmore.ButononeoccasionafterI’dbeenworkingalittleoverhalfanhourIstayedaslongastenminutes—discussingwhattokeepandwhattoflingaway.”
“AndIunderstandthatwhenyoucamedownyoufoundtheboyhadlefthisplace?”
“Yes.Icalledhimangrilyandhereappearedfromoutsidethearchway.Hehadgoneouttogossipwiththeothers.”
“Thatsettlestheonlytimehelefthiswork?”
“Well,Isenthimuponceortwicetotheroofwithpottery.”
Poirotsaidgravely:“Itishardlynecessarytoaskyou,Mr.Emmott,whetheryousawanyoneenterorleaveMrs.Leidner’sroomduringthattime?”
Mr.Emmottrepliedpromptly.
“Isawnooneatall.NobodyevencameoutintothecourtyardduringthetwohoursIwasworking.”
“Andtothebestofyourbeliefitwashalfpastonewhenbothyouandtheboywereabsentandthecourtyardwasempty?”
“Itcouldn’thavebeenfaroffthattime.Ofcourse,Ican’tsayexactly.”
PoirotturnedtoDr.Reilly.
“Thatagreeswithyourestimateofthetimeofdeath,doctor?”
“Itdoes,”saidDr.Reilly.
Mr.Poirotstrokedhisgreatcurledmoustaches.
“Ithinkwecantakeit,”hesaidgravely,“thatMrs.Leidnermetherdeathduringthattenminutes.”
Fourteen
ONEOFUS?
Therewasalittlepause—andinitawaveofhorrorseemedtofloatroundtheroom.
IthinkitwasatthatmomentthatIfirstbelievedDr.Reilly’stheorytoberight.
Ifeltthatthemurdererwasintheroom.Sittingwithus—listening.Oneofus
PerhapsMrs.Mercadofeltittoo.Forshesuddenlygaveashortsharpcry.
“Ican’thelpit,”shesobbed.“I—it’ssoterrible!”
“Courage,Marie,”saidherhusband.
Helookedatusapologetically.
“Sheissosensitive.Shefeelsthingssomuch.”
“I—IwassofondofLouise,”sobbedMrs.Mercado.
Idon’tknowwhethersomethingofwhatIfeltshowedinmyface,butIsuddenlyfoundthatMr.Poirotwaslookingatme,andthataslightsmilehoveredonhislips.
Igavehimacoldglance,andatonceheresumedhisinquiry.
“Tellme,madame,”hesaid,“ofthewayyouspentyesterdayafternoon?”
“Iwaswashingmyhair,”sobbedMrs.Mercado.“Itseemsawfulnottohaveknownanythingaboutit.Iwasquitehappyandbusy.”
“Youwereinyourroom?”
“Yes.”
“Andyoudidnotleaveit?”
“No.NottillIheardthecar.ThenIcameoutandIheardwhathadhappened.Oh,itwasawful!”
“Diditsurpriseyou?”
Mrs.Mercadostoppedcrying.Hereyesopenedresentfully.
“Whatdoyoumean,M.Poirot?Areyousuggesting—?”
“WhatshouldImean,madame?YouhavejusttoldushowfondyouwereofMrs.Leidner.Shemight,perhaps,haveconfidedinyou.”
“Oh,Isee…No—no,dearLouisenevertoldmeanything—anythingdefinite,thatis.Ofcourse,Icouldseeshewasterriblyworriedandnervous.Andtherewerethosestrangeoccurrences—handstappingonthewindowsandallthat.”
“Fancies,Irememberyousaid,”Iputin,unabletokeepsilent.
Iwasgladtoseethatshelookedmomentarilydisconcerted.
OnceagainIwasconsciousofMr.Poirot’samusedeyeglancinginmydirection.
Hesummedupinabusinesslikeway.
“Itcomestothis,madame,youwerewashingyourhair—youheardnothingandyousawnothing.Isthereanythingatallyoucanthinkofthatwouldbeahelptousinanyway?”
Mrs.Mercadotooknotimetothink.
“No,indeedthereisn’t.It’sthedeepestmystery!ButIshouldsaythereisnodoubt—nodoubtatallthatthemurderercamefromoutside.Why,itstandstoreason.”
Poirotturnedtoherhusband.
“Andyou,monsieur,whathaveyoutosay?”
Mr.Mercadostartednervously.Hepulledathisbeardinanaimlessfashion.
“Musthavebeen.Musthavebeen,”hesaid.“Yethowcouldanyonewishtoharmher?Shewassogentle—sokind—”Heshookhishead.“Whoeverkilledhermusthavebeenafiend—yes,afiend!”
“Andyouyourself,monsieur,howdidyoupassyesterdayafternoon?”
“I?”hestaredvaguely.
“Youwereinthelaboratory,Joseph,”hiswifepromptedhim.
“Ah,yes,soIwas—soIwas.Myusualtasks.”
“Atwhattimedidyougothere?”
AgainhelookedhelplesslyandinquiringlyatMrs.Mercado.
“Attenminutestoone,Joseph.”
“Ah,yes,attenminutestoone.”
“Didyoucomeoutinthecourtyardatall?”
“No—Idon’tthinkso.”Heconsidered.“No,IamsureIdidn’t.”
“Whendidyouhearofthetragedy?”
“Mywifecameandtoldme.Itwasterrible—shocking.Icouldhardlybelieveit.Evennow,Icanhardlybelieveitistrue.”
Suddenlyhebegantotremble.
“Itishorrible—horrible….”
Mrs.Mercadocamequicklytohisside.
“Yes,yes,Joseph,wefeelthat.Butwemustn’tgiveway.ItmakesitsomuchmoredifficultforpoorDr.Leidner.”
IsawaspasmofpainpassacrossDr.Leidner’sface,andIguessedthatthisemotionalatmospherewasnoteasyforhim.HegaveahalfglanceatPoirotasthoughinappeal.Poirotrespondedquickly.
“MissJohnson?”hesaid.
“I’mafraidIcantellyouverylittle,”saidMissJohnson.Herculturedwell-bredvoicewassoothingafterMrs.Mercado’sshrilltreble.Shewenton:“Iwasworkinginthelivingroom—takingimpressionsofsomecylindersealsonplasticine.”
“Andyousawornoticednothing?”
“No.”
Poirotgaveheraquickglance.Hisearhadcaughtwhatminehad—afaintnoteofindecision.
“Areyouquitesure,mademoiselle?Istheresomethingthatcomesbacktoyouvaguely?”
“No—notreally—”
“Somethingyousaw,shallwesay,outofthecornerofyoureyehardlyknowingyousawit.”
“No,certainlynot,”sherepliedpositively.
“Somethingyouheardthen.Ah,yes,somethingyouarenotquitesurewhetheryouheardornot?”
MissJohnsongaveashort,vexedlaugh
“Youpressmeveryclosely,M.Poirot.I’mafraidyouareencouragingmetotellyouwhatIam,perhaps,onlyimagining.”
“Thentherewassomethingyou—shallwesay—imagined?”
MissJohnsonsaidslowly,weighingherwordsinadetachedway:“Ihaveimagined—since—thatatsometimeduringtheafternoonIheardaveryfaintcry…WhatImeanisthatIdaresayIdidhearacry.Allthewindowsinthelivingroomwereopenandonehearsallsortsofsoundsfrompeopleworkinginthebarleyfields.Butyousee—since—I’vegottheideaintomyheadthatitwas—thatitwasMrs.LeidnerIheard.Andthat’smademeratherunhappy.BecauseifI’djumpedupandrunalongtoherroom—well,whoknows?Imighthavebeenintime….”
Dr.Reillyinterposedauthoritatively.
“Now,don’tstartgettingthatintoyourhead,”hesaid.“I’venodoubtbutthatMrs.Leidner(forgiveme,Leidner)wasstruckdownalmostassoonasthemanenteredtheroom,anditwasthatblowthatkilledher.Nosecondblowwasstruck.Otherwiseshewouldhavehadtimetocallforhelpandmakearealoutcry.”
“Still,Imighthavecaughtthemurderer,”saidMissJohnson.
“Whattimewasthis,mademoiselle?”askedPoirot.“Intheneighbourhoodofhalfpastone?”
“Itmusthavebeenaboutthattime—yes.”Shereflectedaminute.
“Thatwouldfitin,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Youheardnothingelse—theopeningorshuttingofadoor,forinstance?”
MissJohnsonshookherhead.
“No,Idonotrememberanythingofthatkind.”
“Youweresittingatatable,Ipresume.Whichwaywereyoufacing?Thecourtyard?Theantikaroom?Theverandah?Ortheopencountryside?”
“Iwasfacingthecourtyard.”
“CouldyouseetheboyAbdullahwashingpotsfromwhereyouwere?”
“Oh,yes,ifIlookedup,butofcourseIwasveryintentonwhatIwasdoing.Allmyattentionwasonthat.”
“Ifanyonehadpassedthecourtyardwindow,though,youwouldhavenoticedit?”
“Oh,yes,Iamalmostsureofthat.”
“Andnobodydidso?”
“No.”
“Butifanyonehadwalked,say,acrossthemiddleofthecourtyard,wouldyouhavenoticedthat?”
“Ithink—probablynot—unless,asIsaidbefore,Ihadhappenedtolookupandoutofthewindow.”
“YoudidnotnoticetheboyAbdullahleavehisworkandgoouttojointheotherservants?”
“No.”
“Tenminutes,”musedPoirot.“Thatfataltenminutes.”
Therewasamomentarysilence.
MissJohnsonliftedherheadsuddenlyandsaid:“Youknow,M.Poirot,IthinkIhaveunintentionallymisledyou.Onthinkingitover,IdonotbelievethatIcouldpossiblyhaveheardanycryutteredinMrs.Leidner’sroomfromwhereIwas.Theantikaroomlaybetweenmeandher—andIunderstandherwindowswerefoundclosed.”
“Inanycase,donotdistressyourself,mademoiselle,”saidPoirotkindly.“Itisnotreallyofmuchimportance.”
“No,ofcoursenot.Iunderstandthat.Butyousee,itisofimportancetome,becauseIfeelImighthavedonesomething.”
“Don’tdistressyourself,dearAnne,”saidDr.Leidnerwithaffection.“Youmustbesensible.WhatyouheardwasprobablyoneArabbawlingtoanothersomedistanceawayinthefields.”
MissJohnsonflushedalittleatthekindlinessofhistone.Ievensawtearsspringtohereyes.Sheturnedherheadawayandspokeevenmoregrufflythanusual.
“Probablywas.Usualthingafteratragedy—startimaginingthingsthataren’tsoatall.”
Poirotwasoncemoreconsultinghisnotebook.
“Idonotsupposethereismuchmoretobesaid.Mr.Carey?”
RichardCareyspokeslowly—inawoodenmechanicalmanner.
“I’mafraidIcanaddnothinghelpful.Iwasondutyatthedig.Thenewswasbroughttomethere.”
“Andyouknoworcanthinkofnothinghelpfulthatoccurredinthedaysimmediatelyprecedingthemurder?”
“Nothingatall.”
“Mr.Coleman?”
“Iwasrightoutofthewholething,”saidMr.Colemanwith—wasitjustashadeofregret—inhistone.“IwentintoHassaniehyesterdaymorningtogetthemoneyforthemen’swages.WhenIcamebackEmmotttoldmewhathadhappenedandIwentbackinthebustogetthepoliceandDr.Reilly.”
“Andbeforehand?”
“Well,sir,thingswereabitjumpy—butyouknowthatalready.Therewastheantikaroomscareandoneortwobeforethat—handsandfacesatthewindow—youremember,sir,”heappealedtoDr.Leidner,whobenthisheadinassent.“Ithink,youknow,thatyou’llfindsomeJohnnydidgetinfromoutside.Musthavebeenanartfulsortofbeggar.”
Poirotconsideredhimforaminuteortwoinsilence.
“YouareanEnglishman,Mr.Coleman?”heaskedatlast.
“That’sright,sir.AllBritish.Seethetrademark.Guaranteedgenuine.”
“Thisisyourfirstseason?”
“Quiteright.”
“Andyouarepassionatelykeenonarchaeology?”
ThisdescriptionofhimselfseemedtocauseMr.Colemansomeembarrassment.HegotratherpinkandshotthesidelookofaguiltyschoolboyatDr.Leidner
“Ofcourse—it’sallveryinteresting,”hestammered.“Imean—I’mnotexactlyabrainychap….”
Hebrokeoffratherlamely.Poirotdidnotinsist.
Hetappedthoughtfullyonthetablewiththeendofhispencilandcarefullystraightenedaninkpotthatstoodinfrontofhim.
“Itseemsthen,”hesaid,“thatthatisasnearaswecangetforthemoment.Ifanyoneofyouthinksofsomethingthathasforthetimebeingslippedhisorhermemory,donothesitatetocometomewithit.Itwillbewellnow,Ithink,formetohaveafewwordsalonewithDr.LeidnerandDr.Reilly.”
Itwasthesignalforabreakingupoftheparty.Weallroseandfiledoutofthedoor.WhenIwashalfwayout,however,avoicerecalledme.
“Perhaps,”saidM.Poirot,“NurseLeatheranwillbesokindastoremain.Ithinkherassistancewillbevaluabletous.”
Icamebackandresumedmyseatatthetable.
Fifteen
POIROTMAKESASUGGESTION
Dr.Reillyhadrisenfromhisseat.Wheneveryonehadgoneouthecarefullyclosedthedoor.Then,withaninquiringglanceatPoirot,heproceededtoshutthewindowgivingonthecourtyard.Theotherswerealreadyshut.Thenhe,too,resumedhisseatatthetable.
“Bien!”saidPoirot.“Wearenowprivateandundisturbed.Wecanspeakfreely.Wehaveheardwhatthemembersoftheexpeditionhavetotellusand—Butyes,masoeur,whatisitthatyouthink?”
Igotratherred.Therewasnodenyingthatthequeerlittlemanhadsharpeyes.He’dseenthethoughtpassingthroughmymind—IsupposemyfacehadshownabittooclearlywhatIwasthinking!
“Oh,it’snothing—”Isaidhesitating.
“Comeon,nurse,”saidDr.Reilly.“Don’tkeepthespecialistwaiting.”
“It’snothingreally,”Isaidhurriedly.“Itonlyjustpassedthroughmymind,sotospeak,thatperhapsevenifanyonedidknoworsuspectsomethingitwouldn’tbeeasytobringitoutinfrontofeverybodyelse—oreven,perhaps,infrontofDr.Leidner.”
Rathertomyastonishment,M.Poirotnoddedhisheadinvigorousagreement.
“Precisely.Precisely.Itisveryjustwhatyousaythere.ButIwillexplain.Thatlittlereunionwehavejusthad—itservedapurpose.InEnglandbeforetheracesyouhaveaparadeofthehorses,doyounot?Theygoinfrontofthegrandstandsothateveryonemayhaveanopportunityofseeingandjudgingthem.Thatisthepurposeofmylittleassembly.Inthesportingphrase,Irunmyeyeoverthepossiblestarters.”
Dr.Leidnercriedoutviolently,“Idonotbelieveforoneminutethatanymemberofmyexpeditionisimplicatedinthiscrime!”
Then,turningtome,hesaidauthoritatively:“Nurse,IshouldbemuchobligedifyouwouldtellM.Poirothereandnowexactlywhatpassedbetweenmywifeandyoutwodaysago.”
Thusurged,Iplungedstraightawayintomyownstory,tryingasfaraspossibletorecalltheexactwordsandphrasesMrs.Leidnerhadused.
WhenIhadfinished,M.Poirotsaid:“Verygood.Verygood.Youhavethemindneatandorderly.Youwillbeofgreatservicetomehere.”
HeturnedtoDr.Leidner.
“Youhavetheseletters?”
“Ihavethemhere.Ithoughtthatyouwouldwanttoseethemfirstthing.”
Poirottookthemfromhim,readthem,andscrutinizedthemcarefullyashedidso.Iwasratherdisappointedthathedidn’tdustpowderoverthemorexaminethemwithamicroscopeoranythinglikethat—butIrealizedthathewasn’taveryyoungmanandthathismethodswereprobablynotveryuptodate.Hejustreadtheminthewaythatanyonemightreadaletter.
Havingreadthemheputthemdownandclearedhisthroat.
“Now,”hesaid,“letusproceedtogetourfactsclearandinorder.ThefirstoftheseletterswasreceivedbyyourwifeshortlyafterhermarriagetoyouinAmerica.Therehadbeenothersbuttheseshedestroyed.Thefirstletterwasfollowedbyasecond.Averyshorttimeafterthesecondarrivedyoubothhadanearescapefromcoalgaspoisoning.Youthencameabroadandfornearlytwoyearsnofurtherletterswerereceived.Theystartedagainatthebeginningofyourseasonthisyear—thatistosaywithinthelastthreeweeks.Thatiscorrect?”
“Absolutely.”
“Yourwifedisplayedeverysignofpanicand,afterconsultingDr.Reilly,youengagedNurseLeatheranheretokeepyourwifecompanyandallayherfears?”
“Yes.”
“Certainincidentsoccurred—handstappingatthewindow—aspectralface—noisesintheantikaroom.Youdidnotwitnessanyofthesephenomenayourself?”
“No.”
“InfactnobodydidexceptMrs.Leidner?”
“FatherLavignysawalightintheantikaroom.”
“Yes,Ihavenotforgottenthat.”
Hewassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:“Hadyourwifemadeawill?”
“Idonotthinkso.”
“Whywasthat?”
“Itdidnotseemworthitfromherpointofview.”
“Isshenotawealthywoman?”
“Yes,duringherlifetime.Herfatherleftheraconsiderablesumofmoneyintrust.Shecouldnottouchtheprincipal.Atherdeathitwastopasstoanychildrenshemighthave—andfailingchildrentothePittstownMuseum.”
Poirotdrummedthoughtfullyonthetable.
“Thenwecan,Ithink,”hesaid,“eliminateonemotivefromthecase.Itis,youcomprehend,whatIlookforfirstWhobenefitsbythedeceased’sdeath?Inthiscaseitisamuseum.Haditbeenotherwise,hadMrs.Leidnerdiedintestatebutpossessedofaconsiderablefortune,Ishouldimaginethatitwouldproveaninterestingquestionastowhoinheritedthemoney—you—oraformerhusband.Buttherewouldhavebeenthisdifficulty,theformerhusbandwouldhavehadtoresurrecthimselfinordertoclaimit,andIshouldimaginethathewouldthenbeindangerofarrest,thoughIhardlyfancythatthedeathpenaltywouldbeexactedsolongafterthewar.However,thesespeculationsneednotarise.AsIsay,Isettlefirstthequestionofmoney.ForthenextstepIproceedalwaystosuspectthehusbandorwifeofthedeceased!Inthiscase,inthefirstplace,youareprovednevertohavegonenearyourwife’sroomyesterdayafternoon,inthesecondplaceyouloseinsteadofgainbyyourwife’sdeath,andinthethirdplace—”
Hepaused.
“Yes?”saidDr.Leidner.
“Inthethirdplace,”saidPoirotslowly,“Ican,Ithink,appreciatedevotionwhenIseeit.Ibelieve,Dr.Leidner,thatyourloveforyourwifewastherulingpassionofyourlife.Itisso,isitnot?”
Dr.Leidneransweredquitesimply:“Yes.”
Poirotnodded.
“Therefore,”hesaid,“wecanproceed.”
“Hear,hear,let’sgetdowntoit,”saidDr.Reillywithsomeimpatience.
Poirotgavehimareprovingglance.
“Myfriend,donotbeimpatient.Inacaselikethiseverythingmustbeapproachedwithorderandmethod.Infact,thatismyruleineverycase.Havingdisposedofcertainpossibilities,wenowapproachaveryimportantpoint.Itisvitalthat,asyousay—allthecardsshouldbeonthetable—theremustbenothingkeptback.”
“Quiteso,”saidDr.Reilly.
“ThatiswhyIdemandthewholetruth,”wentonPoirot.
Dr.Leidnerlookedathiminsurprise.
“Iassureyou,M.Poirot,thatIhavekeptnothingback.IhavetoldyoueverythingthatIknow.Therehavebeennoreserves.”
“Toutdemême,youhavenottoldmeeverything.”
“Yes,indeed.Icannotthinkofanydetailthathasescapedme.”
Helookedquitedistressed.
Poirotshookhisheadgently.
“No,”hesaid.“Youhavenottoldme,forinstance,whyyouinstalledNurseLeatheraninthehouse.”
Dr.Leidnerlookedcompletelybewildered.
“ButIhaveexplainedthat.Itisobvious.Mywife’snervousness—herfears…”
Poirotleanedforward.Slowlyandemphaticallyhewaggedafingerupanddown.
“No,no,no.Thereissomethingtherethatisnotclear.Yourwifeisindanger,yes—sheisthreatenedwithdeath,yes.Yousend—notforthepolice—notforaprivatedetectiveeven—butforanurse!Itdoesnotmakethesense,that!”
“I—I—”Dr.Leidnerstopped.Thecolourroseinhischeeks.“Ithought—”Hecametoadeadstop.
“Nowwearecomingtoit,”Poirotencouragedhim.“Youthought—what?”
Dr.Leidnerremainedsilent.Helookedharassedandunwilling.
“Seeyou,”Poirot’stonebecamewinningandappealing,“itallringswhatyouhavetoldme,exceptforthat.Whyanurse?Thereisananswer—yes.Infact,therecanbeonlyoneanswer.Youdidnotbelieveyourselfinyourwife’sdanger.”
AndthenwithacryDr.Leidnerbrokedown.
“Godhelpme,”hegroaned.“Ididn’t.Ididn’t.”
Poirotwatchedhimwiththekindofattentionacatgivesamouse-hole—readytopouncewhenthemouseshowsitself.
“Whatdidyouthinkthen?”heasked.
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow….”
“Butyoudoknow.Youknowperfectly.PerhapsIcanhelpyou—withaguess.Didyou,Dr.Leidner,suspectthattheseletterswereallwrittenbyyourwifeherself?”
Therewasn’tanyneedforhimtoanswer.ThetruthofPoirot’sguesswasonlytooapparent.Thehorrifiedhandheheldup,asthoughbeggingformercy,tolditsowntale.
Idrewadeepbreath.SoIhadbeenrightinmyhalf-formedguess!IrecalledthecurioustoneinwhichDr.LeidnerhadaskedmewhatIthoughtofitall.Inoddedmyheadslowlyandthoughtfully,andsuddenlyawoketothefactthatM.Poirot’seyeswereonme.
“Didyouthinkthesame,nurse?”
“Theideadidcrossmymind,”Isaidtruthfully.
“Forwhatreason?”
IexplainedthesimilarityofthehandwritingontheletterthatMr.Colemanhadshownme.
PoirotturnedtoDr.Leidner.
“Hadyou,too,noticedthatsimilarity?”
Dr.Leidnerbowedhishead.
“Yes,Idid.Thewritingwassmallandcramped—notbigandgenerouslikeLouise’s,butseveraloftheletterswereformedthesameway.Iwillshowyou.”
Fromaninnerbreastpockethetookoutsomelettersandfinallyselectedasheetfromone,whichhehandedtoPoirot.Itwaspartofaletterwrittentohimbyhiswife.Poirotcompareditcarefullywiththeanonymousletters.
“Yes,”hemurmured.“Yes.Thereareseveralsimilarities—acuriouswayofformingtheletters,adistinctivee.Iamnotahandwritingexpert—Icannotpronouncedefinitely(andforthatmatter,Ihaveneverfoundtwohandwritingexpertswhoagreeonanypointwhatsoever)—butonecanatleastsaythis—thesimilaritybetweenthetwohandwritingsisverymarked.Itseemshighlyprobablethattheywereallwrittenbythesameperson.Butitisnotcertain.Wemusttakeallcontingenciesintomind.”
Heleanedbackinhischairandsaidthoughtfully:“Therearethreepossibilities.First,thesimilarityofthehandwritingispurecoincidence.Second,thatthesethreateningletterswerewrittenbyMrs.Leidnerherselfforsomeobscurereason.Third,thattheywerewrittenbysomeonewhodeliberatelycopiedherhandwritingWhy?Thereseemsnosenseinit.Oneofthesethreepossibilitiesmustbethecorrectone.”
Hereflectedforaminuteortwoandthen,turningtoDr.Leidner,heasked,witharesumalofhisbriskmanner:“WhenthepossibilitythatMrs.Leidnerherselfwastheauthoroftheselettersfirststruckyou,whattheorydidyouform?”
Dr.Leidnershookhishead.
“Iputtheideaoutofmyheadasquicklyaspossible.Ifeltitwasmonstrous.”
“Didyousearchfornoexplanation?”
“Well,”hehesitated.“Iwonderedifworryingandbroodingoverthepasthadperhapsaffectedmywife’sbrainslightly.Ithoughtshemightpossiblyhavewrittenthoseletterstoherselfwithoutbeingconsciousofhavingdoneso.Thatispossible,isn’tit?”headded,turningtoDr.Reilly.
Dr.Reillypurseduphislips.
“Thehumanbrainiscapableofalmostanything,”herepliedvaguely.
ButheshotalightningglanceatPoirot,andasifinobediencetoit,thelatterabandonedthesubject.
“Thelettersareaninterestingpoint,”hesaid.“Butwemustconcentrateonthecaseasawhole.Thereare,asIseeit,threepossiblesolutions.”
“Three?”
“Yes.Solutionone:thesimplest.Yourwife’sfirsthusbandisstillalive.Hefirstthreatensherandthenproceedstocarryouthisthreats.Ifweacceptthissolution,ourproblemistodiscoverhowhegotinoroutwithoutbeingseen.
“Solutiontwo:Mrs.Leidner,forreasonsofherown(reasonsprobablymoreeasilyunderstoodbyamedicalmanthanalayman),writesherselfthreateningletters.Thegasbusinessisstagedbyher(remember,itwasshewhorousedyoubytellingyoushesmeltgas).But,ifMrs.Leidnerwroteherselftheletters,shecannotbeindangerfromthesupposedwriter.Wemust,therefore,lookelsewhereforthemurderer.Wemustlook,infact,amongstthemembersofyourstaff.Yes,”inanswertoamurmurofprotestfromDr.Leidner,“thatistheonlylogicalconclusion.Tosatisfyaprivategrudgeoneofthemkilledher.Thatperson,Imaysay,wasprobablyawareoftheletters—orwasatanyrateawarethatMrs.Leidnerfearedorwaspretendingtofearsomeone.Thatfact,inthemurderer’sopinion,renderedthemurderquitesafeforhim.Hefeltsureitwouldbeputdowntoamysteriousoutsider—thewriterofthethreateningletters.
“Avariantofthissolutionisthatthemurdereractuallywrotethelettershimself,beingawareofMrs.Leidner’spasthistory.ButinthatcaseitisnotquiteclearwhythecriminalshouldhavecopiedMrs.Leidner’sownhandwritingsince,asfaraswecansee,itwouldbemoretohisorheradvantagethattheyshouldappeartobewrittenbyanoutsider.
“Thethirdsolutionisthemostinterestingtomymind.Isuggestthatthelettersaregenuine.TheyarewrittenbyMrs.Leidner’sfirsthusband(orhisyoungerbrother),whoisactuallyoneoftheexpeditionstaff.”
Sixteen
THESUSPECTS
Dr.Leidnersprangtohisfeet.
“Impossible!Absolutelyimpossible!Theideaisabsurd!”
Mr.Poirotlookedathimquitecalmlybutsaidnothing.
“Youmeantosuggestthatmywife’sformerhusbandisoneoftheexpeditionandthatshedidn’trecognizehim?”
“Exactly.Reflectalittleonthefacts.Somefifteenyearsagoyourwifelivedwiththismanforafewmonths.Wouldsheknowhimifshecameacrosshimafterthatlapseoftime?Ithinknot.Hisfacewillhavechanged,hisbuildwillhavechanged—hisvoicemaynothavechangedsomuch,butthatisadetailhecanattendtohimself.Andremember,sheisnotlookingforhimamongstherownhousehold.Shevisualizeshimassomewhereoutside—astranger.No,Idonotthinkshewouldrecognizehim.Andthereisasecondpossibility.Theyoungbrother—thechildofthosedayswhowassopassionatelydevotedtohiselderbrother.Heisnowaman.Willsherecognizeachildoftenortwelveyearsoldinamannearingthirty?Yes,thereisyoungWilliamBosnertobereckonedwith.Remember,Mrs.Leidneristhetraitor—themonsterwhosenthisbelovedbrothertodeath!Asusceptiblechildiscapableofgreatheroworship,andayoungmindcaneasilybeobsessedbyanideawhichpersistsintoadultlife.”
“Quitetrue,”saidDr.Reilly.“Thepopularviewthatachildforgetseasilyisnotanaccurateone.Manypeoplegorightthroughlifeinthegripofanideawhichhasbeenimpressedontheminverytenderyears.”
“Bien.Youhavethesetwopossibilities.FrederickBosner,amanbynowoffiftyodd,andWilliamBosner,whoseagewouldbesomethingshortofthirty.Letusexaminethemembersofyourstafffromthesetwopointsofview.”
“Thisisfantastic,”murmuredDr.Leidner.“Mystaff!Themembersofmyownexpedition.”
“Andconsequentlyconsideredabovesuspicion,”saidPoirotdryly.“Averyusefulpointofview.Commen?ons!WhocouldemphaticallynotbeFrederickorWilliam?”
“Thewomen.”
“Naturally.MissJohnsonandMrs.Mercadoarecrossedoff.Whoelse?”
“Carey.HeandIhaveworkedtogetherforyearsbeforeIevenmetLouise—”
“Andalsoheisthewrongage.Heis,Ishouldjudge,thirty-eightornine,tooyoungforFrederick,toooldforWilliam.Nowfortherest.ThereisFatherLavignyandMr.Mercado.EitherofthemmightbeFrederickBosner.”
“But,mydearsir,”criedDr.Leidnerinavoiceofmingledirritationandamusement,“FatherLavignyisknownallovertheworldasanepigraphistandMercadohasworkedforyearsinawell-knownmuseuminNewYork.Itisimpossiblethateitherofthemshouldbethemanyouthink!”
Poirotwavedanairyhand.
“Impossible—impossible—Itakenoaccountoftheword!Theimpossible,alwaysIexamineitveryclosely!Butwewillpassonforthemoment.Whoelsehaveyou?CarlReiter,ayoungmanwithaGermanname,DavidEmmott—”
“Hehasbeenwithmetwoseasons,remember.”
“Heisayoungmanwiththegiftofpatience.Ifhecommittedacrime,itwouldnotbeinahurry.Allwouldbeverywellprepared.”
Dr.Leidnermadeagestureofdespair.
“Andlastly,WilliamColeman,”continuedPoirot.
“HeisanEnglishman.”
“Pourquoipas?DidnotMrs.LeidnersaythattheboyleftAmericaandcouldnotbetraced?HemighteasilyhavebeenbroughtupinEngland.”
“Youhaveananswertoeverything,”saidDr.Leidner.
Iwasthinkinghard.RightfromthebeginningIhadthoughtMr.Coleman’smannerrathermorelikeaP.G.Wodehousebookthanlikearealliveyoungman.Hadhereallybeenplayingapartallthetime?
Poirotwaswritinginalittlebook.
“Letusproceedwithorderandmethod,”hesaid.“Onthefirstcountwehavetwonames.FatherLavignyandMr.Mercado.OnthesecondwehaveColeman,EmmottandReiter.
“Nowletuspasstotheoppositeaspectofthematter—meansandopportunity.Whoamongsttheexpeditionhadthemeansandtheopportunityofcommittingthecrime?Careywasonthedig,ColemanwasinHassanieh,youyourselfwereontheroof.ThatleavesusFatherLavigny,Mr.Mercado,Mrs.Mercado,DavidEmmott,CarlReiter,MissJohnsonandNurseLeatheran.”
“Oh!”Iexclaimed,andIboundedinmychair.
Mr.Poirotlookedatmewithtwinklingeyes.
“Yes,I’mafraid,masoeur,thatyouhavegottobeincluded.ItwouldhavebeenquiteeasyforyoutohavegonealongandkilledMrs.Leidnerwhilethecourtyardwasempty.Youhaveplentyofmuscleandstrength,andshewouldhavebeenquiteunsuspiciousuntilthemomenttheblowwasstruck.”
IwassoupsetthatIcouldn’tgetawordout.Dr.Reilly,Inoticed,waslookinghighlyamused.
“Interestingcaseofanursewhomurderedherpatientsonebyone,”hemurmured.
SuchalookasIgavehim!
Dr.Leidner’smindhadbeenrunningonadifferenttack.
“NotEmmott,M.Poirot,”heobjected.“Youcan’tincludehim.Hewasontheroofwithme,remember,duringthattenminutes.”
“Neverthelesswecannotexcludehim.Hecouldhavecomedown,gonestraighttoMrs.Leidner’sroom,killedher,andthencalledtheboyback.Orhemighthavekilledherononeoftheoccasionswhenhehadsenttheboyuptoyou.”
Dr.Leidnershookhishead,murmuring:“Whatanightmare!It’sallso—fantastic.”
TomysurprisePoirotagreed.
“Yes,that’strue.Thisisafantasticcrime.Onedoesnotoftencomeacrossthem.Usuallymurderisverysordid—verysimple.Butthisisunusualmurder…Isuspect,Dr.Leidner,thatyourwifewasanunusualwoman.”
HehadhitthenailontheheadwithsuchaccuracythatIjumped.
“Isthattrue,nurse?”heasked.
Dr.Leidnersaidquietly:“TellhimwhatLouisewaslike,nurse.Youareunprejudiced.”
Ispokequitefrankly.
“Shewasverylovely,”Isaid.“Youcouldn’thelpadmiringherandwantingtodothingsforher.I’venevermetanyonelikeherbefore.”
“Thankyou,”saidDr.Leidnerandsmiledatme.
“Thatisvaluabletestimonycomingfromanoutsider,”saidPoirotpolitely.“Well,letusproceed.Undertheheadingofmeansandopportunitywehavesevennames.NurseLeatheran,MissJohnson,Mrs.Mercado,Mr.Mercado,Mr.Reiter,Mr.EmmottandFatherLavigny.”
Oncemoreheclearedhisthroat.I’vealwaysnoticedthatforeignerscanmaketheoddestnoises.
“Letusforthemomentassumethatourthirdtheoryiscorrect.ThatisthatthemurdererisFrederickorWilliamBosner,andthatFrederickorWilliamBosnerisamemberoftheexpeditionstaff.Bycomparingbothlistswecannarrowdownoursuspectsonthiscounttofour.FatherLavigny,Mr.Mercado,CarlReiterandDavidEmmott.”
“FatherLavignyisoutofthequestion,”saidDr.Leidnerwithdecision.“HeisoneofthePèresBlancsinCarthage.”
“Andhisbeard’squitereal,”Iputin.
“Masoeur,”saidPoirot,“amurdererofthefirstclassneverwearsafalsebeard!”
“Howdoyouknowthemurdererisofthefirstclass?”Iaskedrebelliously.
“Becauseifhewerenot,thewholetruthwouldbeplaintomeatthisinstant—anditisnot.”
That’spureconceit,Ithoughttomyself.
“Anyway,”Isaid,revertingtothebeard,“itmusthavetakenquiteatimetogrow.”
“Thatisapracticalobservation,”saidPoirot.
Dr.Leidnersaidirritably:“Butit’sridiculous—quiteridiculous.BothheandMercadoarewell-knownmen.They’vebeenknownforyears.”
Poirotturnedtohim.
“Youhavenotthetrueversion.Youdonotappreciateanimportantpoint.IfFrederickBosnerisnotdead—whathashebeendoingalltheseyears?Hemusthavetakenadifferentname.Hemusthavebuilthimselfupacareer.”
“AsaPèreBlanc?”askedDr.Reillysceptically.
“Itisalittlefantasticthat,yes,”confessedPoirot.“Butwecannotputitrightoutofcourt.Besides,theseotherpossibilities.”
“Theyoung’uns?”saidReilly.“Ifyouwantmyopinion,onthefaceofitthere’sonlyoneofyoursuspectsthat’sevenplausible.”
“Andthatis?”
“YoungCarlReiter.There’snothingactuallyagainsthim,butcomedowntoitandyou’vegottoadmitafewthings—he’stherightage,he’sgotaGermanname,he’snewthisyearandhehadtheopportunityallright.He’donlygottopopoutofhisphotographicplace,crossthecourtyardtodohisdirtyworkandharebackagainwhilethecoastwasclear.Ifanyoneweretohavedroppedintothephotographicroomwhilehewasoutofit,hecanalwayssaylaterthathewasinthedark-room.Idon’tsayhe’syourmanbutifyouaregoingtosuspectsomeoneIsayhe’sbyfarandawaythemostlikely.”
M.Poirotdidn’tseemveryreceptive.Henoddedgravelybutdoubtfully.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Heisthemostplausible,butitmaynotbesosimpleasallthat.”
Thenhesaid:“Letussaynomoreatpresent.Iwouldlikenow,ifImay,toexaminetheroomwherethecrimetookplace.”
“Certainly.”Dr.Leidnerfumbledinhispockets,thenlookedatDr.Reilly
“CaptainMaitlandtookit,”hesaid.
“Maitlandgaveittome,”saidReilly.“HehadtogooffonthatKurdishbusiness.”
Heproducedthekey.
Dr.Leidnersaidhesitatingly:“Doyoumind—ifIdon’t—Perhaps,nurse—”
“Ofcourse.Ofcourse,”saidPoirot.“Iquiteunderstand.NeverdoIwishtocauseyouunnecessarypain.Ifyouwillbegoodenoughtoaccompanyme,masoeur.”
“Certainly,”Isaid.
Seventeen
THESTAINBYTHEWASHSTAND
Mrs.Leidner’sbodyhadbeentakentoHassaniehforthepostmortem,butotherwiseherroomhadbeenleftexactlyasitwas.Therewassolittleinitthatithadnottakenthepolicelongtogooverit.
Totherightofthedoorasyouenteredwasthebed.Oppositethedoorwerethetwobarredwindowsgivingonthecountryside.BetweenthemwasaplainoaktablewithtwodrawersthatservedMrs.Leidnerasadressingtable.Ontheeastwalltherewasalineofhookswithdresseshungupprotectedbycottonbagsandadealchestofdrawers.Immediatelytotheleftofthedoorwasthewashstand.Inthemiddleoftheroomwasagood-sizedplainoaktablewithablotterandinkstandandasmallattachécase.ItwasinthelatterthatMrs.Leidnerhadkepttheanonymousletters.Thecurtainswereshortstripsofnativematerial—whitestripedwithorange.Thefloorwasofstonewithsomegoatskinrugsonit,threenarrowonesofbrownstripedwithwhiteinfrontofthetwowindowsandthewashstand,andalargerbetterqualityoneofwhitewithbrownstripeslyingbetweenthebedandthewritingtable.
Therewerenocupboardsoralcovesorlongcurtains—nowhere,infact,whereanyonecouldhavehidden.Thebedwasaplainirononewithaprintedcottonquilt.Theonlytraceofluxuryintheroomwerethreepillowsallmadeofthebestsoftandbillowydown.NobodybutMrs.Leidnerhadpillowslikethese.
InafewbriefwordsDr.ReillyexplainedwhereMrs.Leidner’sbodyhadbeenfound—inaheapontherugbesidethebed.
Toillustratehisaccount,hebeckonedmetocomeforward.
“Ifyoudon’tmind,nurse?”hesaid.
I’mnotsqueamish.IgotdownonthefloorandarrangedmyselfasfaraspossibleintheattitudeinwhichMrs.Leidner’sbodyhadbeenfound.
“Leidnerliftedherheadwhenhefoundher,”saidthedoctor.“ButIquestionedhimcloselyandit’sobviousthathedidn’tactuallychangeherposition.”
“Itseemsquitestraightforward,”saidPoirot.“Shewaslyingonthebed,asleeporresting—someoneopensthedoor,shelooksup,risestoherfeet—”
“Andhestruckherdown,”finishedthedoctor.“Theblowwouldproduceunconsciousnessanddeathwouldfollowveryshortly.Yousee—”
Heexplainedtheinjuryintechnicallanguage.
“Notmuchblood,then?”saidPoirot.
“No,thebloodescapedinternallyintothebrain.”
“Ehbien,”saidPoirot,“thatseemsstraightforwardenough—exceptforonething.Ifthemanwhoenteredwasastranger,whydidnotMrs.Leidnercryoutatonceforhelp?Ifshehadscreamedshewouldhavebeenheard.NurseLeatheranherewouldhaveheardher,andEmmottandtheboy.”
“That’seasilyanswered,”saidDr.Reillydryly.“Becauseitwasn’tastranger.”
Poirotnodded.
“Yes,”hesaidmeditatively.“Shemayhavebeensurprisedtoseetheperson—butshewasnotafraid.Then,ashestruck,shemayhaveutteredahalfcry—toolate.”
“ThecryMissJohnsonheard?”
“Yes,ifshedidhearit.ButonthewholeIdoubtit.Thesemudwallsarethickandthewindowswereclosed.”
Hesteppeduptothebed.
“Youleftheractuallylyingdown?”heaskedme.
IexplainedexactlywhatIhaddone.
“Didshemeantosleeporwasshegoingtoread?”
“Igavehertwobooks—alightoneandavolumeofmemoirs.Sheusuallyreadforawhileandthensometimesdroppedoffforashortsleep.”
“Andshewas—whatshallIsay—quiteasusual?”
Iconsidered.
“Yes.Sheseemedquitenormalandingoodspirits,”Isaid.“Justashadeoff-hand,perhaps,butIputthatdowntoherhavingconfidedinmethedaybefore.Itmakespeoplealittleuncomfortablesometimes.”
Poirot’seyestwinkled.
“Ah,yes,indeed,me,Iknowthatwell.”
Helookedroundtheroom.
“Andwhenyoucameinhereafterthemurder,waseverythingasyouhadseenitbefore?”
Ilookedroundalso.
“Yes,Ithinkso.Idon’trememberanythingbeingdifferent.”
“Therewasnosignoftheweaponwithwhichshewasstruck?”
“No.”
PoirotlookedatDr.Reilly.
“Whatwasitinyouropinion?”
Thedoctorrepliedpromptly:
“Somethingprettypowerful,ofafairsizeandwithoutanysharpcornersoredges.Theroundedbaseofastatue,say—somethinglikethat.Mindyou,I’mnotsuggestingthatthatwasit.Butthattypeofthing.Theblowwasdeliveredwithgreatforce.”
“Struckbyastrongarm?Aman’sarm?”
“Yes—unless—”
“Unless—what?”
Dr.Reillysaidslowly:“ItisjustpossiblethatMrs.Leidnermighthavebeenonherknees—inwhichcase,theblowbeingdeliveredfromabovewithaheavyimplement,theforceneededwouldnothavebeensogreat.”
“Onherknees,”musedPoirot.“Itisanidea—that.”
“It’sonlyanidea,mind,”thedoctorhastenedtopointout.“There’sabsolutelynothingtoindicateit.”
“Butit’spossible.”
“Yes.Andafterall,inviewofthecircumstances,it’snotfantastic.Herfearmighthaveledhertokneelinsupplicationratherthantoscreamwhenherinstinctwouldtellheritwastoolate—thatnobodycouldgetthereintime.”
“Yes,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Itisanidea….”
Itwasaverypoorone,Ithought.Icouldn’tforonemomentimagineMrs.Leidneronherkneestoanyone.
Poirotmadehiswayslowlyroundtheroom.Heopenedthewindows,testedthebars,passedhisheadthroughandsatisfiedhimselfthatbynomeanscouldhisshouldersbemadetofollowhishead.
“Thewindowswereshutwhenyoufoundher,”hesaid.“Weretheyalsoshutwhenyouleftherataquartertoone?”
“Yes,theywerealwaysshutintheafternoon.Thereisnogauzeoverthesewindowsasthereisinthelivingroomanddiningroom.Theyarekeptshuttokeepouttheflies.”
“Andinanycasenoonecouldgetinthatway,”musedPoirot.“Andthewallsareofthemostsolid—mud-brick—andtherearenotrapdoorsandnoskylights.No,thereisonlyonewayintothisroom—throughthedoor.Andthereisonlyonewaytothedoorthroughthecourtyard.Andthereisonlyoneentrancetothecourtyard—throughthearchway.Andoutsidethearchwaytherewerefivepeopleandtheyalltellthesamestory,andIdonotthink,me,thattheyarelying…No,theyarenotlying.Theyarenotbribedtosilence.Themurdererwashere….”
Ididn’tsayanything.Hadn’tIfeltthesamethingjustnowwhenwewereallcoopeduproundthetable?
SlowlyPoirotprowledroundtheroom.Hetookupaphotographfromthechestofdrawers.Itwasofanelderlymanwithawhitegoateebeard.Helookedinquiringlyatme.
“Mrs.Leidner’sfather,”Isaid.“Shetoldmeso.”
Heputitdownagainandglancedoverthearticlesonthedressing-table—allofplaintortoiseshell—simplebutgood.Helookedupatarowofbooksonashelf,repeatingthetitlesaloud.
“WhoweretheGreeks?IntroductiontoRelativity.LifeofLadyHesterStanhope.CreweTraine.BacktoMethuselah.LindaCondon.Yes,theytellussomething,perhaps.Shewasnotafool,yourMrs.Leidner.Shehadamind.”
“Oh!shewasaverycleverwoman,”Isaideagerly.“Verywellreadandupineverything.Shewasn’tabitordinary.”
Hesmiledashelookedoveratme.
“No,”hesaid.“I’vealreadyrealizedthat.”
Hepassedon.Hestoodforsomemomentsatthewashstand,wheretherewasabigarrayofbottlesandtoiletcreams.
Then,suddenly,hedroppedonhiskneesandexaminedtherug.
Dr.ReillyandIcamequicklytojoinhim.Hewasexaminingasmalldarkbrownstain,almostinvisibleonthebrownoftherug.Infactitwasonlyjustnoticeablewhereitimpingedononeofthewhitestripes.
“Whatdoyousay,doctor?”hesaid.“Isthatblood?”
Dr.Reillykneltdown.
“Mightbe,”hesaid.“I’llmakesureifyoulike?”
“Ifyouwouldbesoamiable.”
Mr.Poirotexaminedthejugandbasin.Thejugwasstandingonthesideofthewashstand.Thebasinwasempty,butbesidethewashstandtherewasanemptykerosenetincontainingslopwater.
Heturnedtome.
“Doyouremember,nurse?WasthisjugoutofthebasinorinitwhenyouleftMrs.Leidnerataquartertoone?”
“Ican’tbesure,”Isaidafteraminuteortwo.“Iratherthinkitwasstandinginthebasin.”
“Ah?”
“Butyousee,”Isaidhastily,“Ionlythinksobecauseitusuallywas.Theboysleaveitlikethatafterlunch.Ijustfeelthatifithadn’tbeeninIshouldhavenoticedit.”
Henoddedquiteappreciatively.
“Yes.Iunderstandthat.Itisyourhospitaltraining.Ifeverythinghadnotbeenjustsointheroom,youwouldquiteunconsciouslyhavesetittorightshardlynoticingwhatyouweredoing.Andafterthemurder?Wasitlikeitisnow?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Ididn’tnoticethen,”Isaid.“AllIlookedforwaswhethertherewasanyplaceanyonecouldbehiddenoriftherewasanythingthemurdererhadleftbehindhim.”
“It’sbloodallright,”saidDr.Reilly,risingfromhisknees.“Isitimportant?”
Poirotwasfrowningperplexedly.Heflungouthishandswithpetulance.
“Icannottell.HowcanItell?Itmaymeannothingatall.Icansay,ifIlike,thatthemurderertouchedher—thattherewasbloodonhishands—verylittleblood,butstillblood—andsohecameoverhereandwashedthem.Yes,itmayhavebeenlikethat.ButIcannotjumptoconclusionsandsaythatitwasso.Thatstainmaybeofnoimportanceatall.”
“Therewouldhavebeenverylittleblood,”saidDr.Reillydubiously.“Nonewouldhavespurtedoutoranythinglikethat.Itwouldhavejustoozedalittlefromthewound.Ofcourse,ifhe’dprobeditatall….”
Igaveashiver.Anastysortofpicturecameupinmymind.Thevisionofsomebody—perhapsthatnicepig-facedphotographicboy,strikingdownthatlovelywomanandthenbendingoverherprobingthewoundwithhisfingerinanawfulgloatingfashionandhisface,perhaps,quitedifferent…allfierceandmad….
Dr.Reillynoticedmyshiver.
“What’sthematter,nurse?”hesaid.
“Nothing—justgooseflesh,”Isaid.“Agoosewalkingovermygrave.”
Mr.Poirotturnedroundandlookedatme.
“Iknowwhatyouneed,”hesaid.“PresentlywhenwehavefinishedhereandIgobackwiththedoctortoHassaniehwewilltakeyouwithus.YouwillgiveNurseLeatherantea,willyounot,doctor?”
“Delighted.”
“Oh,nodoctor,”Iprotested.“Icouldn’tthinkofsuchathing.”
M.Poirotgavemealittlefriendlytapontheshoulder.QuiteanEnglishtap,notaforeignone.
“You,masoeur,willdoasyouaretold,”hesaid.“Besides,itwillbeofadvantagetome.ThereisagooddealmorethatIwanttodiscuss,andIcannotdoitherewhereonemustpreservethedecencies.ThegoodDr.Leidnerheworshippedhiswifeandheissure—oh,sosure—thateverybodyelsefeltthesameabouther!Butthat,inmyopinion,wouldnotbehumannature!No,wewanttodiscussMrs.Leidnerwith—howdoyousay?—theglovesremoved.Thatissettledthen.Whenwehavefinishedhere,wetakeyouwithustoHassanieh.”
“Isuppose,”Isaiddoubtfully,“thatIoughttobeleavinganyway.It’sratherawkward.”
“Donothingforadayortwo,”saidDr.Reilly.“Youcan’tverywellgountilafterthefuneral.”
“That’sallverywell,”Isaid.“AndsupposingIgetmurderedtoo,doctor?”
IsaidithalfjokinglyandDr.Reillytookitinthesamefashionandwould,Ithink,havemadesomejocularresponse.
ButM.Poirot,tomyastonishment,stoodstock-stillinthemiddleofthefloorandclaspedhishandstohishead.
“Ah!ifthatwerepossible,”hemurmured.“Itisadanger—yes—agreatdanger—andwhatcanonedo?Howcanoneguardagainstit?”
“Why,M.Poirot,”Isaid,“Iwasonlyjoking!Who’dwanttomurderme,Ishouldliketoknow?”
“You—oranother,”hesaid,andIdidn’tlikethewayhesaiditatall.Positivelycreepy.
“Butwhy?”Ipersisted.
Helookedatmeverystraightthen.
“Ijoke,mademoiselle,”hesaid,“andIlaugh.Buttherearesomethingsthatarenojoke.Therearethingsthatmyprofessionhastaughtme.Andoneofthesethings,themostterriblething,isthis:Murderisahabit….”
Eighteen
TEAATDR.REILLY’S
Beforeleaving,Poirotmadearoundoftheexpeditionhouseandtheoutbuildings.Healsoaskedafewquestionsoftheservantsatsecondhand—thatistosay,Dr.ReillytranslatedthequestionsandanswersfromEnglishtoArabicandviceversa.
ThesequestionsdealtmainlywiththeappearanceofthestrangerMrs.LeidnerandIhadseenlookingthroughthewindowandtowhomFatherLavignyhadbeentalkingonthefollowingday.
“Doyoureallythinkthatfellowhadanythingtodowithit?”askedDr.ReillywhenwewerebumpingalonginhiscaronourwaytoHassanieh.
“Ilikealltheinformationthereis,”wasPoirot’sreply.
Andreally,thatdescribedhismethodsverywell.Ifoundlaterthattherewasn’tanything—nosmallscrapofinsignificantgossip—inwhichhewasn’tinterested.Menaren’tusuallysogossipy
ImustconfessIwasgladofmycupofteawhenwegottoDr.Reilly’shouse.M.Poirot,Inoticed,putfivelumpsofsugarinhis.
Stirringitcarefullywithhisteaspoonhesaid:“Andnowwecantalk,canwenot?Wecanmakeupourmindswhoislikelytohavecommittedthecrime.”
“Lavigny,Mercado,EmmottorReiter?”askedDr.Reilly.
“No,no—thatwastheorynumberthree.Iwishtoconcentratenowontheorynumbertwo—leavingasideallquestionofamysterioushusbandorbrother-in-lawturningupfromthepast.LetusdiscussnowquitesimplywhichmemberoftheexpeditionhadthemeansandopportunitytokillMrs.
Leidner,andwhoislikelytohavedoneso.”
“Ithoughtyoudidn’tthinkmuchofthattheory.”
“Notatall.ButIhavesomenaturaldelicacy,”saidPoirotreproachfully.“CanIdiscussinthepresenceofDr.Leidnerthemotiveslikelytoleadtothemurderofhiswifebyamemberoftheexpedition?Thatwouldnothavebeendelicateatall.Ihadtosustainthefictionthathiswifewasadorableandthateveryoneadoredher!
“Butnaturallyitwasnotlikethatatall.Nowwecanbebrutalandimpersonalandsaywhatwethink.Wehavenolongertoconsiderpeople’sfeelings.AndthatiswhereNurseLeatheranisgoingtohelpus.Sheis,Iamsure,averygoodobserver.”
“Oh,Idon’tknowaboutthat,”Isaid.
Dr.Reillyhandedmeaplateofhotscones—“Tofortifyyourself,”hesaid.Theywereverygoodscones.
“Comenow,”saidM.Poirotinafriendly,chattyway.“Youshalltellme,masoeur,exactlywhateachmemberoftheexpeditionfelttowardsMrs.Leidner.”
“Iwasonlythereaweek,M.Poirot,”Isaid.
“Quitelongenoughforoneofyourintelligence.Anursesumsupquickly.Shemakesherjudgmentsandabidesbythem.Come,letusmakeabeginning.FatherLavigny,forinstance?”
“Well,therenow,Ireallycouldn’tsay.HeandMrs.Leidnerseemedtoliketalkingtogether.ButtheyusuallyspokeFrenchandI’mnotverygoodatFrenchmyselfthoughIlearntitasagirlatschool.I’veanideatheytalkedmainlyaboutbooks.”
“Theywere,asyoumightsay,companionabletogether—yes?”
“Well,yes,youmightputitthatway.But,allthesame,IthinkFatherLavignywaspuzzledbyherand—well—almostannoyedbybeingpuzzled,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
AndItoldhimoftheconversationIhadhadwithhimoutonthedigthatfirstdaywhenhehadcalledMrs.Leidnera“dangerouswoman.”
“Nowthatisveryinteresting,”M.Poirotsaid.“Andshe—whatdoyouthinkshethoughtofhim?”
“That’sratherdifficulttosay,too.Itwasn’teasytoknowwhatMrs.Leidnerthoughtofpeople.Sometimes,Ifancy,hepuzzledher.IrememberhersayingtoDr.Leidnerthathewasunlikeanypriestshehadeverknown.”
“AlengthofhemptobeorderedforFatherLavigny,”saidDr.Reillyfacetiously.
“Mydearfriend,”saidPoirot.“Haveyounot,perhaps,somepatientstoattend?Iwouldnotfortheworlddetainyoufromyourprofessionalduties.”
“I’vegotawholehospitalofthem,”saidDr.Reilly.
Andhegotupandsaidawinkwasasgoodasanodtoablindhorse,andwentoutlaughing.
“Thatisbetter,”saidPoirot.“Wewillhavenowaninterestingconversationtête-à-tête.Butyoumustnotforgettoeatyourtea.”
Hepassedmeaplateofsandwichesandsuggestedmyhavingasecondcupoftea.Hereallyhadverypleasant,attentivemanners.
“Andnow,”hesaid,“letuscontinuewithyourimpressions.WhowastherewhoinyouropiniondidnotlikeMrs.Leidner?”
“Well,”Isaid,“it’sonlymyopinionandIdon’twantitrepeatedascomingfromme.”
“Naturallynot.”
“ButinmyopinionlittleMrs.Mercadofairlyhatedher!”
“Ah!AndMr.Mercado?”
“Hewasabitsoftonher,”Isaid.“Ishouldn’tthinkwomen,apartfromhiswife,hadevertakenmuchnoticeofhim.AndMrs.Leidnerhadanicekindwayofbeinginterestedinpeopleandthethingstheytoldher.Itratherwenttothepoorman’shead,Ifancy.”
“AndMrs.Mercado—shewasnotpleased?”
“Shewasjustplainjealous—that’sthetruthofit.You’vegottobeverycarefulwhenthere’sahusbandandwifeabout,andthat’safact.Icouldtellyousomesurprisingthings.You’venoideatheextraordinarythingswomengetintotheirheadswhenit’saquestionoftheirhusbands.”
“Idonotdoubtthetruthofwhatyousay.SoMrs.Mercadowasjealous?AndshehatedMrs.Leidner?”
“I’veseenherlookatherasthoughshe’dhavelikedtokillher—oh,gracious!”Ipulledmyselfup.“Indeed,M.Poirot,Ididn’tmeantosay—Imean,thatis,notforonemoment—”
“No,no.Iquiteunderstand.Thephraseslippedout.Averyconvenientone.AndMrs.Leidner,wassheworriedbythisanimosityofMrs.Mercado’s?”
“Well,”Isaid,reflecting,“Idon’treallythinkshewasworriedatall.Infact,Idon’tevenknowwhethershenoticedit.Ithoughtonceofjustgivingherahint—butIdidn’tliketo.Leastsaidsoonestmended.That’swhatIsay.”
“Youaredoubtlesswise.CanyougivemeanyinstancesofhowMrs.Mercadoshowedherfeelings?”
Itoldhimaboutourconversationontheroof.
“SoshementionedMrs.Leidner’sfirstmarriage,”saidPoirotthoughtfully.“Canyouremember—inmentioningit—didshelookatyouasthoughshewonderedwhetheryouhadheardadifferentversion?”
“Youthinkshemayhaveknownthetruthaboutit?”
“Itisapossibility.Shemayhavewrittenthoseletters—andengineeredatappinghandandalltherestofit.”
“Iwonderedsomethingofthesamekindmyself.Itseemedthekindofpettyrevengefulthingshemightdo.”
“Yes.Acruelstreak,Ishouldsay.Buthardlythetemperamentforcold-blooded,brutalmurderunless,ofcourse—”
Hepausedandthensaid:“Itisodd,thatcuriousthingshesaidtoyou.‘Iknowwhyyouarehere.’Whatdidshemeanbyit?”
“Ican’timagine,”Isaidfrankly.
“Shethoughtyouwerethereforsomeulteriorreasonapartfromthedeclaredone.Whatreason?Andwhyshouldshebesoconcernedinthematter.Odd,too,thewayyoutellmeshestaredatyouallthroughteathedayyouarrived.”
“Well,she’snotalady,M.Poirot,”Isaidprimly.
“That,masoeur,isanexcusebutnotanexplanation.”
Iwasn’tquitesurefortheminutewhathemeant.Buthewentonquickly.
“Andtheothermembersofthestaff?”
Iconsidered.
“Idon’tthinkMissJohnsonlikedMrs.Leidnereitherverymuch.Butshewasquiteopenandaboveboardaboutit.Sheasgoodasadmittedshewasprejudiced.Yousee,she’sverydevotedtoDr.Leidnerandhadworkedwithhimforyears.Andofcourse,marriagedoeschangethings—there’snodenyingit.”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“AndfromMissJohnson’spointofviewitwouldbeanunsuitablemarriage.ItwouldreallyhavebeenmuchmoresuitableifDr.Leidnerhadmarriedher.”
“Itwouldreally,”Iagreed.“Butthere,that’samanallover.Notoneinahundredconsiderssuitability.Andonecan’treallyblameDr.Leidner.MissJohnson,poorsoul,isn’tsomuchtolookat.NowMrs.Leidnerwasreallybeautiful—notyoung,ofcourse—butoh!Iwishyou’dknownher.Therewassomethingabouther…IrememberMr.Colemansayingshewaslikeathingummyjigthatcametolurepeopleintomarshes.Thatwasn’taverygoodwayofputtingit,but—oh,well—you’lllaughatme,buttherewassomethingaboutherthatwas—well—unearthly.”
“Shecouldcastaspell—yes,Iunderstand,”saidPoirot.
“ThenIdon’tthinksheandMr.Careygotonverywelleither,”Iwenton.“I’veanideahewasjealousjustlikeMissJohnson.Hewasalwaysverystiffwithherandsowasshewithhim.Youknow—shepassedhimthingsandwasverypoliteandcalledhimMr.Careyratherformally.Hewasanoldfriendofherhusband’sofcourse,andsomewomencan’tstandtheirhusband’soldfriends.Theydon’tliketothinkthatanyoneknewthembeforetheydid—atleastthat’sratheramuddledwayofputtingit—”
“Iquiteunderstand.Andthethreeyoungmen?Coleman,yousay,wasinclinedtobepoeticabouther.”
Icouldn’thelplaughing.
“Itwasfunny,M.Poirot,”Isaid.“He’ssuchamatter-of-factyoungman.”
“Andtheothertwo?”
“Idon’treallyknowaboutMr.Emmott.He’salwayssoquietandneversaysmuch.Shewasverynicetohimalways.Youknow—friendly—calledhimDavidandusedtoteasehimaboutMissReillyandthingslikethat.”
“Ah,really?Anddidheenjoythat?”
“Idon’tquiteknow,”Isaiddoubtfully.“He’djustlookather.Ratherfunnily.Youcouldn’ttellwhathewasthinking.”
“AndMr.Reiter?”
“Shewasn’talwaysverykindtohim,”Isaidslowly.“Ithinkhegotonhernerves.Sheusedtosayquitesarcasticthingstohim.”
“Anddidhemind?”
“Heusedtogetverypink,poorboy.Ofcourse,shedidn’tmeantobeunkind.”
Andthensuddenly,fromfeelingalittlesorryfortheboy,itcameovermethathewasverylikelyacold-bloodedmurdererandhadbeenplayingapartallthetime.
“Oh,M.Poirot,”Iexclaimed.“Whatdoyouthinkreallyhappened?”
Heshookhisheadslowlyandthoughtfully.
“Tellme,”hesaid.“Youarenotafraidtogobacktheretonight?”
“Ohno,”Isaid.“Ofcourse,Irememberwhatyousaid,butwhowouldwanttomurderme?”
“Idonotthinkthatanyonecould,”hesaidslowly.“ThatispartlywhyIhavebeensoanxioustohearallyoucouldtellme.No,Ithink—Iamsure—youarequitesafe.”
“IfanyonehadtoldmeinBaghdad—”Ibeganandstopped.
“DidyouhearanygossipabouttheLeidnersandtheexpeditionbeforeyoucamehere?”heasked.
ItoldhimaboutMrs.Leidner’snicknameandjustalittleofwhatMrs.
Kelseyhadsaidabouther.
InthemiddleofitthedooropenedandMissReillycamein.Shehadbeenplayingtennisandhadherracquetinherhand.
IgatheredPoirothadalreadymetherwhenhearrivedinHassanieh.
Shesaidhow-do-you-dotomeinherusualoffhandmannerandpickedupasandwich.
“Well,M.Poirot,”shesaid.“Howareyougettingonwithourlocalmystery?”
“Notveryfast,mademoiselle.”
“Iseeyou’verescuednursefromthewreck.”
“NurseLeatheranhasbeengivingmevaluableinformationaboutthevariousmembersoftheexpedition.IncidentallyIhavelearntagooddeal—aboutthevictim.Andthevictim,mademoiselle,isveryoftenthecluetothemystery.”
MissReillysaid:“That’srathercleverofyou,M.Poirot.It’scertainlytruethatifeverawomandeservedtobemurderedMrs.Leidnerwasthatwoman!”
“MissReilly!”Icried,scandalized.
Shelaughed,ashort,nastylaugh.
“Ah!”shesaid.“Ithoughtyouhadn’tbeenhearingquitethetruth.NurseLeatheran,I’mafraid,wasquitetakenin,likemanyotherpeople.Doyouknow,M.Poirot,Iratherhopethatthiscaseisn’tgoingtobeoneofyoursuccesses.I’dquitelikethemurdererofLouiseLeidnertogetawaywithit.Infact,Iwouldn’tmuchhaveobjectedtoputtingheroutofthewaymyself.”
Iwassimplydisgustedwiththegirl.M.Poirot,Imustsay,didn’tturnahair.Hejustbowedandsaidquitepleasantly:
“Ihope,then,thatyouhaveanalibiforyesterdayafternoon?”
Therewasamoment’ssilenceandMissReilly’sracquetwentclatteringdownontothefloor.Shedidn’tbothertopickitup.Slackanduntidylikeallhersort!Shesaidinaratherbreathlessvoice:“Oh,yes,Iwasplayingtennisattheclub.But,seriously,M.Poirot,IwonderifyouknowanythingatallaboutMrs.Leidnerandthekindofwomanshewas?”
Againhemadeafunnylittlebowandsaid:“Youshallinformme,mademoiselle.”
Shehesitatedaminuteandthenspokewithacallousnessandlackofdecencythatreallysickenedme.
“There’saconventionthatonedoesn’tspeakillofthedead.That’sstupid,Ithink.Thetruth’salwaysthetruth.Onthewholeit’sbettertokeepyourmouthshutaboutlivingpeople.Youmightconceivablyinjurethem.Thedeadarepastthat.Buttheharmthey’vedonelivesafterthemsometimes.NotquiteaquotationfromShakespearebutverynearly!HasnursetoldyouofthequeeratmospheretherewasatTellYarimjah?Hasshetoldyouhowjumpytheyallwere?Andhowtheyallusedtoglareateachotherlikeenemies?ThatwasLouiseLeidner’sdoing.WhenIwasakidoutherethreeyearsagotheywerethehappiest,jolliestlotimaginable.Evenlastyeartheywereprettywellallright.Butthisyeartherewasablightoverthem—anditwasherdoing.Shewasthekindofwomanwhowon’tletanybodyelsebehappy!Therearewomenlikethatandshewasoneofthem!Shewantedtobreakupthingsalways.Justforfun—orforthesenseofpower—orperhapsjustbecauseshewasmadethatway.Andshewasthekindofwomanwhohadtogetholdofeverymalecreaturewithinreach!”
“MissReilly,”Icried,“Idon’tthinkthat’strue.InfactIknowitisn’t.”
Shewentonwithouttakingtheleastnoticeofme.
“Itwasn’tenoughforhertohaveherhusbandadoreher.Shehadtomakeafoolofthatlong-leggedshamblingidiotofaMercado.ThenshegotholdofBill.Bill’sasensiblecove,butshewasgettinghimallmazedandbewildered.CarlReitershejustamusedherselfbytormenting.Itwaseasy.He’sasensitiveboy.AndshehadajollygoodgoatDavid.
“Davidwasbettersporttoherbecauseheputupafight.Hefelthercharm—buthewasn’thavingany.Ithinkbecausehe’dgotsenseenoughtoknowthatshedidn’treallycareadamn.Andthat’swhyIhateherso.She’snotsensual.Shedoesn’twantaffairs.It’sjustcold-bloodedexperimentonherpartandthefunofstirringpeopleupandsettingthemagainsteachother.Shedabbledinthattoo.She’sthesortofwomanwho’sneverhadarowwithanyoneinherlife—butrowsalwayshappenwheresheis!Shemakesthemhappen.She’sakindoffemaleIago.Shemusthavedrama.Butshedoesn’twanttobeinvolvedherself.She’salwaysoutsidepullingstrings—lookingon—enjoyingit.Oh,doyouseeatallwhatImean?”
“Isee,perhaps,morethanyouknow,mademoiselle,”saidPoirot.
Icouldn’tmakehisvoiceout.Hedidn’tsoundindignant.Hesounded—oh,well,Ican’texplainit.
SheilaReillyseemedtounderstand,forsheflushedalloverherface.
“Youcanthinkwhatyouchoose,”shesaid.“ButI’mrightabouther.Shewasacleverwomanandshewasboredandsheexperimented—withpeople—likeotherpeopleexperimentwithchemicals.SheenjoyedworkingonpooroldJohnson’sfeelingsandseeingherbiteonthebulletandcontrolherselfliketheoldsportsheis.ShelikedgoadinglittleMercadointoawhite-hotfrenzy.Shelikedflickingmeontheraw—andshecoulddoittoo,everytime!Shelikedfindingoutthingsaboutpeopleandholdingitoverthem.Oh,Idon’tmeancrudeblackmail—Imeanjustlettingthemknowthatsheknew—andleavingthemuncertainwhatshemeanttodoaboutit.MyGod,though,thatwomanwasanartist!Therewasnothingcrudeabouthermethods!”
“Andherhusband?”askedPoirot.
“Sheneverwantedtohurthim,”saidMissReillyslowly.“I’veneverknownheranythingbutsweettohim.Isupposeshewasfondofhim.He’sadear—wrappedupinhisownworld—hisdiggingandhistheories.Andheworshippedherandthoughtherperfection.Thatmighthaveannoyedsomewomen.Itdidn’tannoyher.Inasensehelivedinafool’sparadise—andyetitwasn’tafool’sparadisebecausetohimshewaswhathethoughther.Thoughit’shardtoreconcilethatwith—”
Shestopped.
“Goon,mademoiselle,”saidPoirot.
Sheturnedsuddenlyonme.
“WhathaveyousaidaboutRichardCarey?”
“AboutMr.Carey?”Iasked,astonished.
“AboutherandCarey?”
“Well,”Isaid,“I’vementionedthattheydidn’thititoffverywell—”
Tomysurpriseshebrokeintoafitoflaughter.
“Didn’thititoffverywell!Youfool!He’sheadoverearsinlovewithher.Andit’stearinghimtopieces—becauseheworshipsLeidnertoo.He’sbeenhisfriendforyears.Thatwouldbeenoughforher,ofcourse.She’smadeitherbusinesstocomebetweenthem.ButallthesameI’vefancied—”
“Ehbien?”
Shewasfrowning,absorbedinthought.
“I’vefanciedthatshe’dgonetoofarforonce—thatshewasnotonlybiterbutbit!Carey’sattractive.He’sasattractiveashell…Shewasacolddevil—butIbelieveshecouldhavelosthercoldnesswithhim….”
“Ithinkit’sjustscandalouswhatyou’resaying,”Icried.“Why,theyhardlyspoketoeachother!”
“Oh,didn’tthey?”Sheturnedonme.“Ahellofalotyouknowaboutit.Itwas‘Mr.Carey’and‘Mrs.Leidner’inthehouse,buttheyusedtomeetoutside.She’dwalkdownthepathtotheriver.Andhe’dleavethedigforanhouratatime.Theyusedtomeetamongthefruittrees.
“Isawhimoncejustleavingher,stridingbacktothedig,andshewasstandinglookingafterhim.Iwasafemalecad,Isuppose.IhadsomeglasseswithmeandItookthemoutandhadagoodlookatherface.Ifyouaskme,IbelieveshecaredlikehellforRichardCarey….”
ShebrokeoffandlookedatPoirot.
“Excusemybuttinginonyourcase,”shesaidwithasuddenrathertwistedgrin,“butIthoughtyou’dliketohavethelocalcolourcorrect.”
Andshemarchedoutoftheroom.
“M.Poirot,”Icried.“Idon’tbelieveonewordofitall!”
Helookedatmeandhesmiled,andhesaid(veryqueerlyIthought):“Youcan’tdeny,nurse,thatMissReillyhasshedacertain—illuminationonthecase.”
Nineteen
ANEWSUSPICION
Wecouldn’tsayanymorejustthenbecauseDr.Reillycamein,sayingjokinglythathe’dkilledoffthemosttiresomeofhispatients.
HeandM.Poirotsettleddowntoamoreorlessmedicaldiscussionofthepsychologyandmentalstateofananonymousletter-writer.Thedoctorcitedcasesthathehadknownprofessionally,andM.Poirottoldvariousstoriesfromhisownexperience.
“Itisnotsosimpleasitseems,”heended.“Thereisthedesireforpowerandveryoftenastronginferioritycomplex.”
Dr.Reillynodded.
“That’swhyyouoftenfindthattheauthorofanonymouslettersisthelastpersonintheplacetobesuspected.Somequietinoffensivelittlesoulwhoapparentlycan’tsayBotoagoose—allsweetnessandChristianmeeknessontheoutside—andseethingwithallthefuryofhellunderneath!”
Poirotsaidthoughtfully:“ShouldyousayMrs.Leidnerhadanytendencytoaninferioritycomplex?”
Dr.Reillyscrapedouthispipewithachuckle.
“LastwomanonearthI’ddescribethatway.Norepressionsabouther.Life,lifeandmorelife—that’swhatshewanted—andgot,too!”
“Doyouconsideritapossibility,psychologicallyspeaking,thatshewrotethoseletters?”
“Yes,Ido.Butifshedid,thereasonaroseoutofherinstincttodramatizeherself.Mrs.Leidnerwasabitofafilmstarinprivatelife!Shehadtobethecentreofthings—inthelimelight.BythelawofoppositesshemarriedLeidner,who’saboutthemostretiringandmodestmanIknow.Headoredher—butadorationbythefiresidewasn’tenoughforher.Shehadtobethepersecutedheroineaswell.”
“Infact,”saidPoirot,smiling,“youdon’tsubscribetohistheorythatshewrotethemandretainednomemoryofheract?”
“No,Idon’t.Ididn’tturndowntheideainfrontofhim.Youcan’tverywellsaytoamanwho’sjustlostadearlylovedwifethatthatsamewifewasashamelessexhibitionist,andthatshedrovehimnearlycrazywithanxietytosatisfyhersenseofthedramatic.Asamatteroffactitwouldn’tbesafetotellanymanthetruthabouthiswife!Funnilyenough,I’dtrustmostwomenwiththetruthabouttheirhusbands.Womencanacceptthefactthatamanisarotter,aswindler,adrugtaker,aconfirmedliar,andageneralswinewithoutbattinganeyelashandwithoutitsimpairingtheiraffectionforthebruteintheleast!Womenarewonderfulrealists.”
“Frankly,Dr.Reilly,whatwasyourexactopinionofMrs.Leidner?”
Dr.Reillylaybackinhischairandpuffedslowlyathispipe.
“Frankly—it’shardtosay!Ididn’tknowherwellenough.She’dgotcharm—anyamountofit.Brains,sympathy…Whatelse?Shehadn’tanyoftheordinaryunpleasantvices.Shewasn’tsensualorlazyorevenparticularlyvain.Shewas,I’vealwaysthought(butI’venoproofsofit),amostaccomplishedliar.WhatIdon’tknow(andwhatI’dliketoknow)iswhethersheliedtoherselforonlytootherpeople.I’mratherpartialtoliarsmyself.Awomanwhodoesn’tlieisawomanwithoutimaginationandwithoutsympathy.Idon’tthinkshewasreallyamanhunter—shejustlikedthesportofbringingthemdown‘withmybowandarrow.’Ifyougetmydaughteronthesubject—”
“Wehavehadthatpleasure,”saidPoirotwithaslightsmile.
“H’m,”saidDr.Reilly.“Shehasn’twastedmuchtime!Shovedherknifeintoherprettythoroughly,Ishouldimagine!Theyoungergenerationhasnosentimenttowardsthedead.It’sapityallyoungpeopleareprigs!Theycondemnthe‘oldmorality’andthenproceedtosetupamuchmorehard-and-fastcodeoftheirown.IfMrs.LeidnerhadhadhalfadozenaffairsSheilawouldprobablyhaveapprovedofheras‘livingherlifefully’—or‘obeyingherbloodinstincts.’Whatshedoesn’tseeisthatMrs.Leidnerwasactingtruetotype—hertype.Thecatisobeyingitsbloodinstinctwhenitplayswiththemouse!It’smadethatway.Menaren’tlittleboystobeshieldedandprotected.They’vegottomeetcatwomen—andfaithfulspaniel,yours-till-deathadoringwomen,andhen-peckingnaggingbirdwomen—andalltherestofit!Life’sabattlefield—notapicnic!I’dliketoseeSheilahonestenoughtocomeoffherhighhorseandadmitthatshehatedMrs.Leidnerforgoodoldthorough-goingpersonalreasons.Sheila’sabouttheonlyyounggirlinthisplaceandshenaturallyassumesthatsheoughttohaveitallherownwaywiththeyoungthingsintrousers.Naturallyitannoysherwhenawoman,whoinherviewismiddle-agedandwhohasalreadytwohusbandstohercredit,comesalongandlicksheronherownground.Sheila’sanicechild,healthyandreasonablygood-lookingandattractivetotheothersexassheshouldbe.ButMrs.Leidnerwassomethingoutoftheordinaryinthatline.She’dgotjustthatsortofcalamitousmagicthatplaysthedeucewiththings—akindofBelleDamesansMerci.”
Ijumpedinmychair.Whatacoincidencehissayingthat!
“Yourdaughter—Iamnotindiscreet—shehasperhapsatendresseforoneoftheyoungmenoutthere?”
“Oh,Idon’tsupposeso.She’shadEmmottandColemandancingattendanceonherasamatterofcourse.Idon’tknowthatshecaresforonemorethantheother.ThereareacoupleofyoungAirForcechapstoo.Ifancyall’sfishthatcomestohernetatpresent.No,Ithinkit’sagedaringtodefeatyouththatannoyshersomuch!Shedoesn’tknowasmuchoftheworldasIdo.It’swhenyougettomyagethatyoureallyappreciateaschoolgirlcomplexionandacleareyeandafirmlyknityoungbody.Butawomanoverthirtycanlistenwithraptattentionandthrowinawordhereandtheretoshowthetalkerwhatafinefellowheis—andfewyoungmencanresistthat!Sheila’saprettygirl—butLouiseLeidnerwasbeautiful.Gloriouseyesandthatamazinggoldenfairness.Yes,shewasabeautifulwoman.”
Yes,Ithoughttomyself,he’sright.Beauty’sawonderfulthing.Shehadbeenbeautiful.Itwasn’tthekindoflooksyouwerejealousof—youjustsatbackandadmired.IfeltthatfirstdayImetherthatI’ddoanythingforMrs.Leidner!
Allthesame,thatnightasIwasbeingdrivenbacktoTellYarimjah(Dr.Reillymademestayforanearlydinner)oneortwothingscamebacktomymindandmademeratheruncomfortable.AtthetimeIhadn’tbelievedawordofallSheilaReilly’soutpouring.I’dtakenitforsheerspiteandmalice.
ButnowIsuddenlyrememberedthewayMrs.Leidnerhadinsistedongoingforastrollbyherselfthatafternoonandwouldn’thearofmecomingwithher.Icouldn’thelpwonderingifperhaps,afterall,shehadbeengoingtomeetMr.Carey…Andofcourse,itwasalittleodd,really,thewayheandshespoketoeachothersoformally.MostoftheothersshecalledbytheirChristiannames.
Heneverseemedtolookather,Iremembered.Thatmightbebecausehedislikedher—oritmightbejusttheopposite
Igavemyselfalittleshake.HereIwasfancyingandimaginingallsortsofthings—allbecauseofagirl’sspitefuloutburst!Itjustshowedhowunkindanddangerousitwastogoaboutsayingthatkindofthing.
Mrs.Leidnerhadn’tbeenlikethatatall….
Ofcourse,shehadn’tlikedSheilaReilly.She’dreallybeen—almostcattyaboutherthatdayatlunchtoMr.Emmott.
Funny,thewayhe’dlookedather.Thesortofwaythatyoucouldn’tpossiblytellwhathewasthinking.YounevercouldtellwhatMr.Emmottwasthinking.Hewassoquiet.Butverynice.Anicedependableperson.
NowMr.Colemanwasafoolishyoungmanifthereeverwasone!
I’dgottothatpointinmymeditationswhenwearrived.Itwasjustonnineo’clockandthebigdoorwasclosedandbarred.
Ibrahimcamerunningwithhisgreatkeytoletmein.
WeallwenttobedearlyatTellYarimjah.Thereweren’tanylightsshowinginthelivingroom.TherewasalightinthedrawingofficeandoneinDr.Leidner’soffice,butnearlyalltheotherwindowsweredark.Everyonemusthavegonetobedevenearlierthanusual.
AsIpassedthedrawingofficetogotomyroomIlookedin.Mr.Careywasinhisshirtsleevesworkingoverhisbigplan.
Terriblyill,helooked,Ithought.Sostrainedandworn.Itgavemequiteapang.Idon’tknowwhattherewasaboutMr.Carey—itwasn’twhathesaidbecausehehardlysaidanything—andthatofthemostordinarynature,anditwasn’twhathedid,forthatdidn’tamounttomucheither—andyetyoujustcouldn’thelpnoticinghim,andeverythingabouthimseemedtomattermorethanitwouldhaveaboutanyoneelse.Hejustcounted,ifyouknowwhatImean.
Heturnedhisheadandsawme.Heremovedhispipefromhismouthandsaid:“Well,nurse,backfromHassanieh?”
“Yes,Mr.Carey.You’reupworkinglate.Everybodyelseseemstohavegonetobed.”
“IthoughtImightaswellgetonwiththings,”hesaid.
“Iwasabitbehind-hand.AndIshallbeoutonthedigalltomorrow.We’restartingdiggingagain.”
“Already?”Iasked,shocked.
Helookedatmeratherqueerly.
“It’sthebestthing,Ithink.IputituptoLeidner.He’llbeinHassaniehmostoftomorrowseeingtothings.Buttherestofuswillcarryonhere.Youknowit’snottooeasyallsittingroundandlookingateachotherasthingsare.”
Hewasrightthere,ofcourse.Especiallyinthenervy,jumpystateeveryonewasin.
“Well,ofcourseyou’rerightinaway,”Isaid.“Ittakesone’smindoffifone’sgotsomethingtodo.”
Thefuneral,Iknew,wastobethedayaftertomorrow.
Hehadbentoverhisplanagain.Idon’tknowwhy,butmyheartjustachedforhim.Ifeltcertainthathewasn’tgoingtogetanysleep.
“Ifyou’dlikeasleepingdraught,Mr.Carey?”Isaidhesitatingly.
Heshookhisheadwithasmile.
“I’llcarryon,nurse.Badhabit,sleepingdraughts.”
“Well,goodnight,Mr.Carey,”Isaid.“Ifthere’sanythingIcando—”
“Don’tthinkso,thankyou,nurse.Goodnight.”
“I’mterriblysorry,”Isaid,rathertooimpulsivelyIsuppose.
“Sorry?”Helookedsurprised.
“For—foreverybody.It’sallsodreadful.Butespeciallyforyou.”
“Forme?Whyforme?”
“Well,you’resuchanoldfriendofthemboth.”
“I’manoldfriendofLeidner’s.Iwasn’tafriendofhersparticularly.”
Hespokeasthoughhehadactuallydislikedher.Really,IwishedMissReillycouldhaveheardhim!
“Well,goodnight,”Isaidandhurriedalongtomyroom.
Ifussedaroundabitinmyroombeforeundressing.Washedoutsomehandkerchiefsandapairofwash-leatherglovesandwroteupmydiary.IjustlookedoutofmydooragainbeforeIreallystartedtogetreadyforbed.Thelightswerestilloninthedrawingofficeandinthesouthbuilding.
IsupposeDr.Leidnerwasstillupandworkinginhisoffice.IwonderedwhetherIoughttogoandsaygoodnighttohim.Ihesitatedaboutit—Ididn’twanttoseemofficious.Hemightbebusyandnotwanttobedisturbed.Intheend,however,asortofuneasinessdrovemeon.Afterall,itcouldn’tdoanyharm.I’djustsaygoodnight,askiftherewasanythingIcoulddoandcomeaway.
ButDr.Leidnerwasn’tthere.TheofficeitselfwaslitupbuttherewasnooneinitexceptMissJohnson.Shehadherheaddownonthetableandwascryingasthoughherheartwouldbreak.
Itgavemequiteaturn.Shewassuchaquiet,self-controlledwoman.Itwaspitifultoseeher.
“Whateverisit,mydear?”Icried.Iputmyarmroundherandpattedher.“Now,now,thiswon’tdoatall…Youmustn’tsitherecryingallbyyourself.”
Shedidn’tanswerandIfeltthedreadfulshudderingsobsthatwererackingher.
“Don’t,mydear,don’t,”Isaid.“Takeaholdonyourself.I’llgoandmakeyouacupofnicehottea.”
Sheraisedherheadandsaid:“No,no,itsallright,nurse.I’mbeingafool.”
“What’supsetyou,mydear?”Iasked
Shedidn’tansweratonce,thenshesaid:“It’salltooawful….”
“Nowdon’tstartthinkingofit,”Itoldher.“What’shappenedhashappenedandcan’tbemended.It’snousefretting.”
Shesatupstraightandbegantopatherhair.
“I’mmakingratherafoolofmyself,”shesaidinhergruffvoice.“I’vebeenclearingupandtidyingtheoffice.Thoughtitwasbesttodosomething.Andthen—itallcameovermesuddenly—”
“Yes,yes,”Isaidhastily.“Iknow.Anicestrongcupofteaandahot-waterbottleinyourbediswhatyouwant,”Isaid.
Andshehadthemtoo.Ididn’tlistentoanyprotests.
“Thankyou,nurse,”shesaidwhenI’dsettledherinbed,andshewassippingherteaandthehot-waterbottlewasin.“You’reanicekindsensiblewoman.It’snotoftenImakesuchafoolofmyself.”
“Oh,anybody’sliabletodothatatatimelikethis,”Isaid.“Whatwithonethingandanother.Thestrainandtheshockandthepolicehere,thereandeverywhere.Why,I’mquitejumpymyself.”
Shesaidslowlyinratheraqueervoice:“Whatyousaidinthereistrue.What’shappenedhashappenedandcan’tbemended….”
Shewassilentforaminuteortwoandthensaid—ratheroddly,Ithought:“Shewasneveranicewoman!”
Well,Ididn’targuethepoint.I’dalwaysfeltitwasquitenaturalforMissJohnsonandMrs.Leidnernottohititoff.
Iwonderedif,perhaps,MissJohnsonhadsecretlyhadafeelingthatshewaspleasedMrs.Leidnerwasdead,andhadthenbeenashamedofherselfforthethought.
Isaid:“Nowyougotosleepanddon’tworryaboutanything.”
Ijustpickedupafewthingsandsettheroomtorights.Stockingsoverthebackofthechairandcoatandskirtonahanger.Therewasalittleballofcrumpledpaperonthefloorwhereitmusthavefallenoutofapocket.
IwasjustsmoothingitouttoseewhetherIcouldsafelythrowitawaywhenshequitestartledme.
“Givethattome!”
Ididso—rathertakenaback.She’dcalledoutsoperemptorily.Shesnatcheditfromme—fairlysnatchedit—andthenhelditinthecandleflametillitwasburnttoashes.
AsIsay,Iwasstartled—andIjuststaredather.
Ihadn’thadtimetoseewhatthepaperwas—she’dsnatcheditsoquick.Butfunnilyenough,asitburneditcurledovertowardsmeandIjustsawthattherewerewordswrittenininkonthepaper.
Itwasn’ttillIwasgettingintobedthatIrealizedwhythey’dlookedsortoffamiliartome.
Itwasthesamehandwritingasthatoftheanonymousletters.
WasthatwhyMissJohnsonhadgivenwaytoafitofremorse?Haditbeenherallalongwhohadwrittenthoseanonymousletters?
Twenty
MISSJOHNSON,MRS.MERCADO,MR.REITER
Idon’tmindconfessingthattheideacameasacompleteshocktome.I’dneverthoughtofassociatingMissJohnsonwiththeletters.Mrs.Mercado,perhaps.ButMissJohnsonwasareallady,andsoself-controlledandsensible.
ButIreflected,rememberingtheconversationIhadlistenedtothateveningbetweenM.PoirotandDr.Reilly,thatthatmightbejustwhy.
IfitwereMissJohnsonwhohadwrittenthelettersitexplainedalot,mindyou.Ididn’tthinkforaminuteMissJohnsonhadhadanythingtodowiththemurder.ButIdidseethatherdislikeofMrs.Leidnermighthavemadehersuccumbtothetemptationof,well—puttingthewindupher—toputitvulgarly.
ShemighthavehopedtofrightenawayMrs.Leidnerfromthedig.
ButthenMrs.LeidnerhadbeenmurderedandMissJohnsonhadfeltterriblepangsofremorse—firstforhercrueltrickandalso,perhaps,becausesherealizedthatthoseletterswereactingasaverygoodshieldtotheactualmurderer.Nowondershehadbrokendownsoutterly.Shewas,Iwassure,adecentsoulatheart.Anditexplained,too,whyshehadcaughtsoeagerlyatmyconsolationof“what’shappened’shappenedandcan’tbemended.”
Andthenhercrypticremark—hervindicationofherself—“shewasneveranicewoman!”
Thequestionwas,whatwasItodoaboutit?
ItossedandturnedforagoodwhileandintheenddecidedI’dletM.Poirotknowaboutitatthefirstopportunity.
Hecameoutnextday,butIdidn’tgetachanceofspeakingtohimwhatyoumightcallprivately.
WehadjustaminutealonetogetherandbeforeIcouldcollectmyselftoknowhowtobegin,hehadcomeclosetomeandwaswhisperinginstructionsinmyear.
“Me,IshalltalktoMissJohnson—andothers,perhaps,inthelivingroom.YouhavethekeyofMrs.Leidner’sroomstill?”
“Yes,”Isaid.
“Trèsbien.Gothere,shutthedoorbehindyouandgiveacry—notascream—acry.YouunderstandwhatImean—itisalarm—surprisethatIwantyoutoexpress—notmadterror.Asfortheexcuseifyouareheard—Ileavethattoyou—thesteppedtoeorwhatyouwill.”
AtthatmomentMissJohnsoncameoutintothecourtyardandtherewasnotimeformore.
IunderstoodwellenoughwhatM.Poirotwasafter.AssoonasheandMissJohnsonhadgoneintothelivingroomIwentacrosstoMrs.Leidner’sroomand,unlockingthedoor,wentinandpulledthedoortobehindme.
Ican’tsayIdidn’tfeelabitofafoolstandingupinanemptyroomandgivingayelpallfornothingatall.Besides,itwasn’tsoeasytoknowjusthowloudtodoit.Igaveaprettyloud“Oh”andthentrieditabithigherandabitlower.
ThenIcameoutagainandpreparedmyexcuseofastepped(stubbedIsupposehemeant!)toe.
Butitsoonappearedthatnoexcusewouldbeneeded.PoirotandMissJohnsonweretalkingtogetherearnestlyandtherehadclearlybeennointerruption.
“Well,”Ithought,“thatsettlesthat.EitherMissJohnsonimaginedthatcrysheheardorelseitwassomethingquitedifferent.”
Ididn’tliketogoinandinterruptthem.TherewasadeckchairontheporchsoIsatdownthere.Theirvoicesfloatedouttome.
“Thepositionisdelicate,youunderstand,”Poirotwassaying.“Dr.Leidner—obviouslyheadoredhiswife—”
“Heworshippedher,”saidMissJohnson.
“Hetellsme,naturally,howfondallhisstaffwasofher!Asforthem,whatcantheysay?Naturallytheysaythesamething.Itispoliteness.Itisdecency.Itmayalsobethetruth!Butalsoitmaynot!AndIamconvinced,mademoiselle,thatthekeytothisenigmaliesinacompleteunderstandingofMrs.Leidner’scharacter.IfIcouldgettheopinion—thehonestopinion—ofeverymemberofthestaff,Imight,fromthewhole,buildupapicture.Frankly,thatiswhyIamheretoday.IknewDr.LeidnerwouldbeinHassanieh.Thatmakesiteasyformetohaveaninterviewwitheachofyouhereinturn,andbegyourhelp.”
“That’sallverywell,”beganMissJohnsonandstopped.
“DonotmakemetheBritishclichés,”Poirotbegged.“Donotsayitisnotthecricketorthefootball,thattospeakanythingbutwellofthedeadisnotdone—that—enfin—thereisloyalty!Loyaltyitisapestilentialthingincrime.Againandagainitobscuresthetruth.”
“I’venoparticularloyaltytoMrs.Leidner,”saidMissJohnsondryly.Therewasindeedasharpandacidtoneinhervoice.“Dr.Leidner’sadifferentmatter.And,afterall,shewashiswife.”
“Precisely—precisely.Iunderstandthatyouwouldnotwishtospeakagainstyourchief’swife.Butthisisnotaquestionofatestimonial.Itisaquestionofsuddenandmysteriousdeath.IfIamtobelievethatitisamartyredangelwhohasbeenkilleditdoesnotaddtotheeasinessofmytask.”
“Icertainlyshouldn’tcallheranangel,”saidMissJohnsonandtheacidtonewasevenmoreinevidence.
“Tellmeyouropinion,frankly,ofMrs.Leidner—asawoman.”
“H’m!Tobeginwith,M.Poirot,I’llgiveyouthiswarning.I’mprejudiced.Iam—weallwere—devotedtoDr.Leidner.And,Isuppose,whenMrs.Leidnercamealong,wewerejealous.Weresentedthedemandsshemadeonhistimeandattention.Thedevotionheshowedherirritatedus.I’mbeingtruthful,M.Poirot,anditisn’tverypleasantforme.Iresentedherpresencehere—yes,Idid,though,ofcourse,Itriednevertoshowit.Itmadeadifferencetous,yousee.”
“Us?Yousayus?”
“ImeanMr.Careyandmyself.We’rethetwoold-timers,yousee.Andwedidn’tmuchcarefortheneworderofthings.Isupposethat’snatural,thoughperhapsitwasratherpettyofus.Butitdidmakeadifference.”
“Whatkindofadifference?”
“Oh!toeverything.Weusedtohavesuchahappytime.Agooddealoffun,youknow,andrathersillyjokes,likepeopledowhoworktogether.Dr.Leidnerwasquitelighthearted—justlikeaboy.”
“AndwhenMrs.Leidnercameshechangedallthat?”
“Well,Isupposeitwasn’therfault.Itwasn’tsobadlastyear.Andpleasebelieve,M.Poirot,thatitwasn’tanythingshedid.She’salwaysbeencharmingtome—quitecharming.That’swhyI’vefeltashamedsometimes.Itwasn’therfaultthatlittlethingsshesaidanddidseemedtorubmeupthewrongway.Really,nobodycouldbenicerthanshewas.”
“Butneverthelessthingswerechangedthisseason?Therewasadifferentatmosphere.”
“Oh,entirely.Really.Idon’tknowwhatitwas.Everythingseemedtogowrong—notwiththework—Imeanwithus—ourtempersandournerves.Allonedge.Almostthesortoffeelingyougetwhenthereisathunderstormcoming.”
“AndyouputthatdowntoMrs.Leidner’sinfluence?”
“Well,itwasneverlikethatbeforeshecame,”saidMissJohnsondryly.“Oh!I’macross-grained,complainingolddog.Conservative—likingthingsalwaysthesame.Youreallymustn’ttakeanynoticeofme,M.Poirot.”
“HowwouldyoudescribetomeMrs.Leidner’scharacterandtemperament?”
MissJohnsonhesitatedforamoment.Thenshesaidslowly:“Well,ofcourse,shewastemperamental.Alotofupsanddowns.Nicetopeopleonedayandperhapswouldn’tspeaktothemthenext.Shewasverykind,Ithink.Andverythoughtfulforothers.Allthesameyoucouldseeshehadbeenthoroughlyspoiltallherlife.ShetookDr.Leidner’swaitingonherhandandfootasperfectlynatural.AndIdon’tthinksheeverreallyappreciatedwhataveryremarkable—whatareallygreat—manshehadmarried.Thatusedtoannoymesometimes.Andofcourseshewasterriblyhighlystrungandnervous.Thethingssheusedtoimagineandthestatessheusedtogetinto!IwasthankfulwhenDr.LeidnerbroughtNurseLeatheranhere.Itwastoomuchforhimhavingtocopebothwithhisworkandwithhiswife’sfears.”
“Whatisyourownopinionoftheseanonymouslettersshereceived?”
Ihadtodoit.IleanedforwardinmychairtillIcouldjustcatchsightofMissJohnson’sprofileturnedtoPoirotinanswertohisquestion.
Shewaslookingperfectlycoolandcollected.
“IthinksomeoneinAmericahadaspiteagainstherandwastryingtofrightenorannoyher.”
“Pasplussérieuxque?a?”
“That’smyopinion.Shewasaveryhandsomewoman,youknow,andmighteasilyhavehadenemies.Ithink,thoseletterswerewrittenbysomespitefulwoman.Mrs.Leidnerbeingofanervoustemperamenttookthemseriously.”
“Shecertainlydidthat,”saidPoirot.“Butremember—thelastofthemarrivedbyhand.”
“Well,Isupposethatcouldhavebeenmanagedifanyonehadgiventheirmindstoit.Womenwilltakealotoftroubletogratifytheirspite,M.Poirot.”
Theywillindeed,Ithoughttomyself!
“Perhapsyouareright,mademoiselle.Asyousay,Mrs.Leidnerwashandsome.Bytheway,youknowMissReilly,thedoctor’sdaughter?”
“SheilaReilly?Yes,ofcourse.”
Poirotadoptedaveryconfidential,gossipytone.
“Ihaveheardarumour(naturallyIdonotliketoaskthedoctor)thattherewasatendressebetweenherandoneofthemembersofDr.Leidner’sstaff.Isthatso,doyouknow?”
MissJohnsonappearedratheramused.
“Oh,youngColemanandDavidEmmottwerebothinclinedtodanceattendance.Ibelievetherewassomerivalryastowhowastobeherpartnerinsomeeventattheclub.BoththeboyswentinonSaturdayeveningstotheclubasageneralrule.ButIdon’tknowthattherewasanythinginitonherside.She’stheonlyyoungcreatureintheplace,youknow,andsoshe’sbywayofbeingthebelleofit.She’sgottheAirForcedancingattendanceonheraswell.”
“Soyouthinkthereisnothinginit?”
“Well—Idon’tknow.”MissJohnsonbecamethoughtful.“Itistruethatshecomesoutthiswayfairlyoften.Uptothedigandallthat.Infact,Mrs.LeidnerwaschaffingDavidEmmottaboutittheotherday—sayingthegirlwasrunningafterhim.Whichwasratheracattythingtosay,Ithought,andIdon’tthinkhelikedit…Yes,shewashereagooddeal.Isawherridingtowardsthedigonthatawfulafternoon.”Shenoddedherheadtowardstheopenwindow.“ButneitherDavidEmmottnorColemanwereondutythatafternoon.RichardCareywasincharge.Yes,perhapssheisattractedtooneoftheboys—butshe’ssuchamodernunsentimentalyoungwomanthatonedoesn’tknowquitehowseriouslytotakeher.I’msureIdon’tknowwhichofthemitis.Bill’saniceboy,andnotnearlysuchafoolashepretendstobe.DavidEmmottisadear—andthere’salottohim.Heisthedeep,quietkind.”
ThenshelookedquizzicallyatPoirotandsaid:“Buthasthisanybearingonthecrime,M.Poirot?”
M.PoirotthrewuphishandsinaveryFrenchfashion.
“Youmakemeblush,mademoiselle,”hesaid.“Youexposemeasameregossip.Butwhatwillyou,Iaminterestedalwaysintheloveaffairsofyoungpeople.”
“Yes,”saidMissJohnsonwithalittlesigh.“It’snicewhenthecourseoftrueloverunssmooth.”
Poirotgaveanansweringsigh.IwonderedifMissJohnsonwasthinkingofsomeloveaffairofherownwhenshewasagirl.AndIwonderedifM.Poirothadawife,andifhewentoninthewayyoualwayshearforeignersdo,withmistressesandthingslikethat.HelookedsocomicIcouldn’timagineit.
“SheilaReillyhasalotofcharacter,”saidMissJohnson.“She’syoungandshe’scrude,butshe’stherightsort.”
“Itakeyourwordforit,mademoiselle,”saidPoirot.
Hegotupandsaid,“Arethereanyothermembersofthestaffinthehouse?”
“MarieMercadoissomewhereabout.Allthemenareuponthedigtoday.Ithinktheywantedtogetoutofthehouse.Idon’tblamethem.Ifyou’dliketogouptothedig—”
Shecameoutontheverandahandsaid,smilingtome:“NurseLeatheranwon’tmindtakingyou,Idaresay.”
“Oh,certainly,MissJohnson,”Isaid.
“Andyou’llcomebacktolunch,won’tyou,M.Poirot?”
“Enchanted,mademoiselle.”
MissJohnsonwentbackintothelivingroomwhereshewasengagedincataloguing.
“Mrs.Mercado’sontheroof,”Isaid.“Doyouwanttoseeherfirst?”
“Itwouldbeaswell,Ithink.Letusgoup.”
AswewentupthestairsIsaid:“Ididwhatyoutoldme.Didyouhearanything?”
“Notasound.”
“ThatwillbeaweightoffMissJohnson’smindatanyrate,”Isaid.“She’sbeenworryingthatshemighthavedonesomethingaboutit.”
Mrs.Mercadowassittingontheparapet,herheadbentdown,andshewassodeepinthoughtthatsheneverheardustillPoirothaltedoppositeherandbadehergoodmorning.
Thenshelookedupwithastart.
Shelookedillthismorning,Ithought,hersmallfacepinchedandwizenedandgreatdarkcirclesunderhereyes.
“Encoremoi,”saidPoirot.“Icometodaywithaspecialobject.”
AndhewentonmuchinthesamewayashehaddonetoMissJohnson,explaininghownecessaryitwasthatheshouldgetatruepictureofMrs.Leidner.
Mrs.Mercado,however,wasn’tashonestasMissJohnsonhadbeen.Sheburstintofulsomepraisewhich,Iwasprettysure,wasquitefarremovedfromherrealfeelings.
“Dear,dearLouise!It’ssohardtoexplainhertosomeonewhodidn’tknowher.Shewassuchanexoticcreature.Quitedifferentfromanyoneelse.Youfeltthat,I’msure,nurse?Amartyrtonerves,ofcourse,andfulloffancies,butoneputupwiththingsinheronewouldn’tfromanyoneelse.Andshewassosweettousall,wasn’tshe,nurse?Andsohumbleaboutherself—Imeanshedidn’tknowanythingaboutarchaeology,andshewassoeagertolearn.AlwaysaskingmyhusbandaboutthechemicalprocessesfortreatingthemetalobjectsandhelpingMissJohnsontomendpottery.Oh,wewerealldevotedtoher.”
“Thenitisnottrue,madame,whatIhaveheard,thattherewasacertaintenseness—anuncomfortableatmosphere—here?”
Mrs.Mercadoopenedheropaqueblackeyesverywide.
“Oh!whocanhavebeentellingyouthat?Nurse?Dr.Leidner?I’msurehewouldnevernoticeanything,poorman.”
Andsheshotathoroughlyunfriendlyglanceatme.
Poirotsmiledeasily.
“Ihavemyspies,madame,”hedeclaredgaily.AndjustforaminuteIsawhereyelidsquiverandblink.
“Don’tyouthink,”askedMrs.Mercadowithanairofgreatsweetness,“thatafteraneventofthiskind,everyonealwayspretendsalotofthingsthatneverwere?Youknow—tension,atmosphere,a‘feelingthatsomethingwasgoingtohappen?’Ithinkpeoplejustmakeupthesethingsafterwards.”
“Thereisalotinwhatyousay,madame,”saidPoirot.
“Anditreallywasn’ttrue!Wewereathoroughlyhappyfamilyhere.”
“ThatwomanisoneofthemostutterliarsI’veeverknown,”Isaidindignantly,whenM.PoirotandIwereclearofthehouseandwalkingalongthepathtothedig.“I’msureshesimplyhatedMrs.Leidnerreally!”
“Sheishardlythetypetowhomonewouldgoforthetruth,”Poirotagreed.
“Wasteoftimetalkingtoher,”Isnapped.
“Hardlythat—hardlythat.Ifapersontellsyoulieswithherlipssheissometimestellingyoutruthwithhereyes.Whatissheafraidof,littleMadameMercado?Isawfearinhereyes.Yes—decidedlysheisafraidofsomething.Itisveryinteresting.”
“I’vegotsomethingtotellyou,M.Poirot,”Isaid.
ThenItoldhimallaboutmyreturnthenightbeforeandmystrongbeliefthatMissJohnsonwasthewriteroftheanonymousletters.
“Soshe’saliartoo!”Isaid.“Thecoolwaysheansweredyouthismorningaboutthesesameletters!”
“Yes,”saidPoirot.“Itwasinteresting,that.Forsheletoutthefactsheknewallaboutthoseletters.Sofartheyhavenotbeenspokenofinthepresenceofthestaff.Ofcourse,itisquitepossiblethatDr.Leidnertoldheraboutthemyesterday.Theyareoldfriends,heandshe.Butifhedidnot—well—thenitiscuriousandinteresting,isitnot?”
Myrespectforhimwentup.Itwascleverthewayhehadtrickedherintomentioningtheletters.
“Areyougoingtotackleheraboutthem?”Iasked.
M.Poirotseemedquiteshockedbytheidea.
“No,no,indeed.Alwaysitisunwisetoparadeone’sknowledge.UntilthelastminuteIkeepeverythinghere,”hetappedhisforehead.“Attherightmoment—Imakethespring—likethepanther—and,monDieu!theconsternation!”
Icouldn’thelplaughingtomyselfatlittleM.Poirotintheroleofapanther.
Wehadjustreachedthedig.ThefirstpersonwesawwasMr.Reiter,whowasbusyphotographingsomewalling.
It’smyopinionthatthemenwhowerediggingjusthackedoutwallswherevertheywantedthem.That’swhatitlookedlikeanyway.Mr.Careyexplainedtomethatyoucouldfeelthedifferenceatoncewithapick,andhetriedtoshowme—butIneversaw.Whenthemansaid“Libn”—mud-brick—itwasjustordinarydirtandmudasfarasIcouldsee.
Mr.Reiterfinishedhisphotographsandhandedoverthecameraandtheplatetohisboyandtoldhimtotakethembacktothehouse.
Poirotaskedhimoneortwoquestionsaboutexposuresandfilmpacksandsoonwhichheansweredveryreadily.Heseemedpleasedtobeaskedabouthiswork.
HewasjusttenderinghisexcusesforleavinguswhenPoirotplungedoncemoreintohissetspeech.Asamatteroffactitwasn’tquiteasetspeechbecausehevarieditalittleeachtimetosuitthepersonhewastalkingto.ButI’mnotgoingtowriteitalldowneverytime.WithsensiblepeoplelikeMissJohnsonhewentstraighttothepoint,andwithsomeoftheothershehadtobeataboutthebushabitmore.Butitcametothesameintheend.
“Yes,yes,Iseewhatyoumean,”saidMr.Reiter.“Butindeed,IdonotseethatIcanbemuchhelptoyou.IamnewherethisseasonandIdidnotspeakmuchwithMrs.Leidner.Iregret,butindeedIcantellyounothing.”
Therewassomethingalittlestiffandforeigninthewayhespoke,though,ofcourse,hehadn’tgotanyaccent—exceptanAmericanone,Imean.
“Youcanatleasttellmewhetheryoulikedordislikedher?”saidPoirotwithasmile.
Mr.Reitergotquiteredandstammered:“Shewasacharmingperson—mostcharming.Andintellectual.Shehadaveryfinebrain—yes.”
“Bien!Youlikedher.Andshelikedyou?”
Mr.Reitergotredderstill.
“Oh,I—Idon’tknowthatshenoticedmemuch.AndIwasunfortunateonceortwice.IwasalwaysunluckywhenItriedtodoanythingforher.I’mafraidIannoyedherbymyclumsiness.Itwasquiteunintentional…Iwouldhavedoneanything—”
Poirottookpityonhisflounderings.
“Perfectly—perfectly.Letuspasstoanothermatter.Wasitahappyatmosphereinthehouse?”
“Please?”
“Wereyouallhappytogether?Didyoulaughandtalk?”
“No—no,notexactlythat.Therewasalittle—stiffness.”
Hepaused,strugglingwithhimself,andthensaid:“Yousee,Iamnotverygoodincompany.Iamclumsy.Iamshy.Dr.Leidneralwayshehasbeenmostkindtome.But—itisstupid—Icannotovercomemyshyness.Isayalwaysthewrongthing.Iupsetwaterjugs.Iamunlucky.”
Hereallylookedlikealargeawkwardchild.
“Wealldothesethingswhenweareyoung,”saidPoirot,smiling.“Thepoise,thesavoirfaire,itcomeslater.”
Thenwithawordoffarewellwewalkedon.
Hesaid:“That,masoeur,iseitheranextremelysimpleyoungmanoraveryremarkableactor.”
Ididn’tanswer.Iwascaughtuponcemorebythefantasticnotionthatoneofthesepeoplewasadangerousandcold-bloodedmurderer.Somehow,onthisbeautifulstillsunnymorningitseemedimpossible.
Twenty-one
MR.MERCADO,RICHARDCAREY
“Theyworkintwoseparateplaces,Isee,”saidPoirot,halting.
Mr.Reiterhadbeendoinghisphotographyonanoutlyingportionofthemainexcavation.Alittledistanceawayfromusasecondswarmofmenwerecomingandgoingwithbaskets.
“That’swhattheycallthedeepcut,”Iexplained.“Theydon’tfindmuchthere,nothingbutrubbishybrokenpottery,butDr.Leidneralwayssaysit’sveryinteresting,soIsupposeitmustbe.”
“Letusgothere.”
Wewalkedtogetherslowly,forthesunwashot.
Mr.Mercadowasincommand.Wesawhimbelowustalkingtotheforeman,anoldmanlikeatortoisewhoworeatweedcoatoverhislongstripedcottongown.
Itwasalittledifficulttogetdowntothemastherewasonlyanarrowpathorstairandbasketboysweregoingupanddownitconstantly,andtheyalwaysseemedtobeasblindasbatsandnevertothinkofgettingoutoftheway.
AsIfollowedPoirotdownhesaidsuddenlyoverhisshoulder:“IsMr.Mercadoright-handedorleft-handed?”
Nowthatwasanextraordinaryquestionifyoulike!
Ithoughtaminute,then:“Right-handed,”Isaiddecisively.
Poirotdidn’tcondescendtoexplain.HejustwentonandIfollowedhim.
Mr.Mercadoseemedratherpleasedtoseeus.
Hislongmelancholyfacelitup.
M.PoirotpretendedtoaninterestinarchaeologythatI’msurehecouldn’thavereallyfelt,butMr.Mercadorespondedatonce.
Heexplainedthattheyhadalreadycutdownthroughtwelvelevelsofhouseoccupation.
“Wearenowdefinitelyinthefourthmillennium,”hesaidwithenthusiasm.
Ialwaysthoughtamillenniumwasinthefuture—thetimewheneverythingcomesright.
Mr.Mercadopointedoutbeltsofashes(howhishanddidshake!Iwonderedifhemightpossiblyhavemalaria)andheexplainedhowthepotterychangedincharacter,andaboutburials—andhowtheyhadhadonelevelalmostentirelycomposedofinfantburials—poorlittlethings—andaboutflexedpositionandorientation,whichseemedtomeanthewaytheboneswerelying.
Andthensuddenly,justashewasstoopingdowntopickupakindofflintknifethatwaslyingwithsomepotsinacorner,heleaptintotheairwithawildyell.
HespunroundtofindmeandPoirotstaringathiminastonishment.
Heclappedhishandtohisleftarm.
“Somethingstungme—likeared-hotneedle.”
ImmediatelyPoirotwasgalvanizedintoenergy.
“Quick,moncher,letussee.NurseLeatheran!”
Icameforward.
HeseizedMr.Mercado’sarmanddeftlyrolledbackthesleeveofhiskhakishirttotheshoulder.
“There,”saidMr.Mercadopointing.
Aboutthreeinchesbelowtheshouldertherewasaminuteprickfromwhichthebloodwasoozing.
“Curious,”saidPoirot.Hepeeredintotherolled-upsleeve.“Icanseenothing.Itwasanant,perhaps?”
“Betterputonalittleiodine,”Isaid.
Ialwayscarryaniodinepencilwithme,andIwhippeditoutandappliedit.ButIwasalittleabsentmindedasIdidso,formyattentionhadbeencaughtbysomethingquitedifferent.Mr.Mercado’sarm,allthewayuptheforearmtotheelbow,wasmarkedalloverbytinypunctures.Iknewwellenoughwhattheywere—themarksofahypodermicneedle.
Mr.Mercadorolleddownhissleeveagainandrecommencedhisexplanations.Mr.Poirotlistened,butdidn’ttrytobringtheconversationroundtotheLeidners.Infact,hedidn’taskMr.Mercadoanythingatall.
PresentlywesaidgoodbyetoMr.Mercadoandclimbedupthepathagain.
“Itwasneatthat,didyounotthinkso?”mycompanionasked.
“Neat?”Iasked.
M.Poirottooksomethingfrombehindthelapelofhiscoatandsurveyeditaffectionately.TomysurpriseIsawthatitwasalongsharpdarningneedlewithablobofsealingwaxmakingitintoapin.
“M.Poirot,”Icried,“didyoudothat?”
“Iwasthestinginginsect—yes.AndveryneatlyIdidit,too,doyounotthinkso?Youdidnotseeme.”
Thatwastrueenough.Ineversawhimdoit.AndI’msureMr.Mercadohadn’tsuspected.Hemusthavebeenquickaslightning.
“But,M.Poirot,why?”Iasked.
Heansweredmebyanotherquestion.
“Didyounoticeanything,sister?”heasked.
Inoddedmyheadslowly.
“Hypodermicmarks,”Isaid.
“SonowweknowsomethingaboutMr.Mercado,”saidPoirot.“Isuspected—butIdidnotknow.Itisalwaysnecessarytoknow.”
“Andyoudon’tcarehowyousetaboutit!”Ithought,butdidn’tsay.
Poirotsuddenlyclappedhishandtohispocket.
“Alas,Ihavedroppedmyhandkerchiefdownthere.Iconcealedthepininit.”
“I’llgetitforyou,”Isaidandhurriedback.
I’dgotthefeeling,yousee,bythistime,thatM.PoirotandIwerethedoctorandnurseinchargeofacase.Atleast,itwasmorelikeanoperationandhewasthesurgeon.PerhapsIoughtn’ttosayso,butinaqueerwayIwasbeginningtoenjoymyself.
IrememberjustafterI’dfinishedmytraining,Iwenttoacaseinaprivatehouseandtheneedforanimmediateoperationarose,andthepatient’shusbandwascrankyaboutnursinghomes.Hejustwouldn’thearofhiswifebeingtakentoone.Saidithadtobedoneinthehouse.
Well,ofcourseitwasjustsplendidforme!Nobodyelsetohavealookin!Iwasinchargeofeverything.Ofcourse,Iwasterriblynervous—Ithoughtofeverythingconceivablethatdoctorcouldwant,buteventhenIwasafraidImighthaveforgottensomething.Youneverknowwithdoctors.Theyaskforabsolutelyanythingsometimes!Buteverythingwentsplendidly!Ihadeachthingreadyasheaskedforit,andheactuallytoldmeI’ddonefirst-rateafteritwasover—andthat’sathingmostdoctorswouldn’tbothertodo!TheG.P.wasverynicetoo.AndIranthewholethingmyself!
Thepatientrecovered,too,soeverybodywashappy.
Well,Ifeltratherthesamenow.InawayM.Poirotremindedmeofthatsurgeon.Hewasalittleman,too.Uglylittlemanwithafacelikeamonkey,butawonderfulsurgeon.Heknewinstinctivelyjustwheretogo.I’veseenalotofsurgeonsandIknowwhatalotofdifferencethereis.
GraduallyI’dbeengrowingakindofconfidenceinM.Poirot.Ifeltthathe,too,knewexactlywhathewasdoing.AndIwasgettingtofeelthatitwasmyjobtohelphim—asyoumightsay—tohavetheforcepsandtheswabsandallhandyjustwhenhewantedthem.That’swhyitseemedjustasnaturalformetorunoffandlookforhishandkerchiefasitwouldhavebeentopickupatowelthatadoctorhadthrownonthefloor.
WhenI’dfounditandgotbackIcouldn’tseehimatfirst.ButatlastIcaughtsightofhim.HewassittingalittlewayfromthemoundtalkingtoMr.Carey.Mr.Carey’sboywasstandingnearwiththatgreatbigrodthingwithmetresmarkedonit,butjustatthatmomenthesaidsomethingtotheboyandtheboytookitaway.Itseemedhehadfinishedwithitforthetimebeing.
I’dliketogetthisnextbitquiteclear.Yousee,Iwasn’tquitesurewhatM.Poirotdidordidn’twantmetodo.Hemight,Imean,havesentmebackforthathandkerchiefonpurpose.Togetmeoutoftheway.
Itwasjustlikeanoperationoveragain.You’vegottobecarefultohandthedoctorjustwhathewantsandnotwhathedoesn’twant.Imean,supposeyougavehimthearteryforcepsatthewrongmoment,andwerelatewiththemattherightmoment!ThankgoodnessIknowmyworkinthetheatrewellenough.I’mnotlikelytomakemistakesthere.ButinthisbusinessIwasreallytherawestofrawlittleprobationers.AndsoIhadtobeparticularlycarefulnottomakeanysillymistakes.
Ofcourse,Ididn’tforonemomentimaginethatM.Poirotdidn’twantmetohearwhatheandMr.Careyweresaying.Buthemighthavethoughthe’dgetMr.CareytotalkbetterifIwasn’tthere.
NowIdon’twantanybodytogetitintotheirheadsthatI’mthekindofwomanwhogoesabouteavesdroppingonprivateconversations.Iwouldn’tdosuchathing.Notforamoment.NothowevermuchIwantedto.
AndwhatImeanisifithadbeenaprivateconversationIwouldn’tforamomenthavedonewhat,asamatteroffact,Iactuallydiddo.
AsIlookedatitIwasinaprivilegedposition.Afterall,youhearmanyathingwhenapatient’scomingroundafterananaesthetic.Thepatientwouldn’twantyoutohearit—andusuallyhasnoideayouhaveheardit—butthefactremainsyoudohearit.IjusttookitthatMr.Careywasthepatient.He’dbenonetheworseforwhathedidn’tknowabout.AndifyouthinkthatIwasjustcurious,well,I’lladmitthatIwascurious.Ididn’twanttomissanythingIcouldhelp.
AllthisisjustleadinguptothefactthatIturnedasideandwentbyaroundaboutwayupbehindthebigdumpuntilIwasafootfromwheretheywere,butconcealedfromthembythecornerofthedump.AndifanyonesaysitwasdishonourableIjustbegtodisagree.Nothingoughttobehiddenfromthenurseinchargeofthecase,though,ofcourse,it’sforthedoctortosaywhatshallbedone.
Idon’tknow,ofcourse,whatM.Poirot’slineofapproachhadbeen,butbythetimeI’dgottherehewasaimingstraightforthebull’seye,sotospeak.
“NobodyappreciatesDr.Leidner’sdevotiontohiswifemorethanIdo,”hewassaying.“Butitisoftenthecasethatonelearnsmoreaboutapersonfromtheirenemiesthanfromtheirfriends.”
“Yousuggestthattheirfaultsaremoreimportantthantheirvirtues?”saidMr.Carey.Histonewasdryandironic
“Undoubtedly—whenitcomestomurder.ItseemsoddthatasfarasIknownobodyhasyetbeenmurderedforhavingtooperfectacharacter!Andyetperfectionisundoubtedlyanirritatingthing.”
“I’mafraidI’mhardlytherightpersontohelpyou,”saidMr.Carey.“Tobeperfectlyhonest,Mrs.LeidnerandIdidn’thititoffparticularlywell.Idon’tmeanthatwewereinanysenseofthewordenemies,butwewerenotexactlyfriends.Mrs.Leidnerwas,perhaps,ashadejealousofmyoldfriendshipwithherhusband.I,formypart,althoughIadmiredherverymuchandthoughtshewasanextremelyattractivewoman,wasjustashaderesentfulofherinfluenceoverLeidner.Asaresultwewerequitepolitetoeachother,butnotintimate.”
“Admirablyexplained,”saidPoirot.
Icouldjustseetheirheads,andIsawMr.Carey’sturnsharplyasthoughsomethinginM.Poirot’sdetachedtonestruckhimdisagreeably.
M.Poirotwenton:“WasnotDr.Leidnerdistressedthatyouandhiswifedidnotgetontogetherbetter?”
Careyhesitatedaminutebeforesaying:“Really—I’mnotsure.Heneversaidanything.Ialwayshopedhedidn’tnoticeit.Hewasverywrappedupinhiswork,youknow.”
“Sothetruth,accordingtoyou,isthatyoudidnotreallylikeMrs.Leidner?”
Careyshruggedhisshoulders.
“Ishouldprobablyhavelikedherverymuchifshehadn’tbeenLeidner’swife.”
Helaughedasthoughamusedbyhisownstatement.
Poirotwasarrangingalittleheapofbrokenpotsherds.Hesaidinadreamy,farawayvoice:“ItalkedtoMissJohnsonthismorning.SheadmittedthatshewasprejudicedagainstMrs.Leidneranddidnotlikeherverymuch,althoughshehastenedtoaddthatMrs.Leidnerhadalwaysbeencharmingtoher.”
“Allquitetrue,Ishouldsay,”saidCarey.
“SoIbelieved.ThenIhadaconversationwithMrs.Mercado.ShetoldmeatgreatlengthhowdevotedshehadbeentoMrs.Leidnerandhowmuchshehadadmiredher.”
Careymadenoanswertothis,andafterwaitingaminuteortwoPoirotwenton:“That—Ididnotbelieve!ThenIcometoyouandthatwhichyoutellme—well,again—Idonotbelieve….”
Careystiffened.Icouldheartheanger—repressedanger—inhisvoice.
“Ireallycannothelpyourbeliefs—oryourdisbeliefs,M.Poirot.You’veheardthetruthandyoucantakeitorleaveitasfarasIamconcerned.”
Poirotdidnotgrowangry.Insteadhesoundedparticularlymeekanddepressed.
“IsitmyfaultwhatIdo—ordonotbelieve?Ihaveasensitiveear,youknow.Andthen—therearealwaysplentyofstoriesgoingabout—rumoursfloatingintheair.Onelistens—andperhaps—onelearnssomething!Yes,therearestories….”
Careysprangtohisfeet.Icouldseeclearlyalittlepulsethatbeatinhistemple.Helookedsimplysplendid!Soleanandsobrown—andthatwonderfuljaw,hardandsquare.Idon’twonderwomenfellforthatman.
“Whatstories?”heaskedsavagely.
Poirotlookedsidewaysathim.
“Perhapsyoucanguess.Theusualsortofstory—aboutyouandMrs.Leidner.”
“Whatfoulmindspeoplehave!”
“N’est-cepas?Theyarelikedogs.Howeverdeepyouburyanunpleasantnessadogwillalwaysrootitupagain.”
“Andyoubelievethesestories?”
“Iamwillingtobeconvinced—ofthetruth,”saidPoirotgravely.
“Idoubtifyou’dknowthetruthifyouheardit,”Careylaughedrudely.
“Trymeandsee,”saidPoirot,watchinghim.
“Iwillthen!Youshallhavethetruth!IhatedLouiseLeidner—there’sthetruthforyou!Ihatedherlikehell!”
Twenty-two
DAVIDEMMOTT,FATHERLAVIGNYANDADISCOVERY
Turningabruptlyaway,Careystrodeoffwithlong,angrystrides.
Poirotsatlookingafterhimandpresentlyhemurmured:“Yes—Isee….”
Withoutturninghisheadhesaidinaslightlyloudervoice:“Donotcomeroundthecornerforaminute,nurse.Incaseheturnshishead.Nowitisallright.Youhavemyhandkerchief?Manythanks.Youaremostamiable.”
Hedidn’tsayanythingatallaboutmyhavingbeenlistening—andhowheknewIwaslisteningIcan’tthink.He’dneveroncelookedinthatdirection.Iwasratherrelievedhedidn’tsayanything.Imean,Ifeltallrightwithmyselfaboutit,butitmighthavebeenalittleawkwardexplainingtohim.Soitwasagoodthinghedidn’tseemtowantexplanations.
“Doyouthinkhedidhateher,M.Poirot?”Iasked.
Noddinghisheadslowlywithacuriousexpressiononhisface,Poirotanswered
“Yes—Ithinkhedid.”
Thenhegotupbrisklyandbegantowalktowherethemenwereworkingonthetopofthemound.Ifollowedhim.Wecouldn’tseeanyonebutArabsatfirst,butwefinallyfoundMr.Emmottlyingfacedownwardsblowingdustoffaskeletonthathadjustbeenuncovered.
Hegavehispleasant,gravesmilewhenhesawus.
“Haveyoucometoseeround?”heasked.“I’llbefreeinaminute.”
Hesatup,tookhisknifeandbegandaintilycuttingtheearthawayfromroundthebones,stoppingeverynowandthentouseeitherabellowsorhisownbreath.Averyinsanitaryproceedingthelatter,Ithought.
“You’llgetallsortsofnastygermsinyourmouth,Mr.Emmott,”Iprotested.
“Nastygermsaremydailydiet,nurse,”hesaidgravely.“Germscan’tdoanythingtoanarchaeologist—theyjustgetnaturallydiscouragedtrying.”
Hescrapedalittlemoreawayroundthethighbone.Thenhespoketotheforemanathisside,directinghimexactlywhathewanteddone.
“There,”hesaid,risingtohisfeet.“That’sreadyforReitertophotographafterlunch.Rathernicestuffshehadinwithher.”
Heshowedusalittleverdigriscopperbowlandsomepins.Andalotofgoldandbluethingsthathadbeenhernecklaceofbeads.
Thebonesandalltheobjectswerebrushedandcleanedwithaknifeandkeptinpositionreadytobephotographed.
“Whoisshe?”askedPoirot.
“Firstmillennium.Aladyofsomeconsequenceperhaps.Skulllooksratherodd—ImustgetMercadotolookatit.Itsuggestsdeathbyfoulplay.”
“AMrs.Leidneroftwothousandoddyearsago?”saidPoirot.
“Perhaps,”saidMr.Emmott.
BillColemanwasdoingsomethingwithapicktoawallface.
DavidEmmottcalledsomethingtohimwhichIdidn’tcatchandthenstartedshowingM.Poirotround.
Whentheshortexplanatorytourwasover,Emmottlookedathiswatch.
“Weknockoffintenminutes,”hesaid.“Shallwewalkbacktothehouse?”
“Thatwillsuitmeexcellently,”saidPoirot.
Wewalkedslowlyalongthewell-wornpath.
“Iexpectyouareallgladtogetbacktoworkagain,”saidPoirot.
Emmottrepliedgravely:“Yes,it’smuchthebestthing.It’snotbeenanytooeasyloafingaboutthehouseandmakingconversation.”
“Knowingallthetimethatoneofyouwasamurderer.”
Emmottdidnotanswer.Hemadenogestureofdissent.Iknewnowthathehadhadasuspicionofthetruthfromtheveryfirstwhenhehadquestionedthehouseboys.
Afterafewminutesheaskedquietly:“Areyougettinganywhere,M.Poirot?”
Poirotsaidgravely:“Willyouhelpmetogetsomewhere?”
“Why,naturally.”
Watchinghimclosely,Poirotsaid:“ThehubofthecaseisMrs.Leidner.IwanttoknowaboutMrs.Leidner.”
DavidEmmottsaidslowly:“Whatdoyoumeanbyknowabouther?”
“Idonotmeanwhereshecamefromandwhathermaidennamewas.Idonotmeantheshapeofherfaceandthecolourofhereyes.Imeanher—herself.”
“Youthinkthatcountsinthecase?”
“Iamquitesureofit.”
Emmottwassilentforamomentortwo,thenhesaid:“Maybeyou’reright.”
“Andthatiswhereyoucanhelpme.Youcantellmewhatsortofawomanshewas.”
“CanI?I’veoftenwonderedaboutitmyself.”
“Didn’tyoumakeupyourmindonthesubject?”
“IthinkIdidintheend.”
“Ehbien?”
ButMr.Emmottwassilentforsomeminutes,thenhesaid:“Whatdidnursethinkofher?Womenaresaidtosumupotherwomenquicklyenough,andanursehasawideexperienceoftypes.”
Poirotdidn’tgivemeanychanceofspeakingevenifIhadwantedto.Hesaidquickly:“WhatIwanttoknowiswhatamanthoughtofher?”
Emmottsmiledalittle.
“Iexpectthey’dallbemuchthesame.”Hepausedandsaid,“Shewasn’tyoung,butIthinkshewasaboutthemostbeautifulwomanI’veevercomeacross.”
“That’shardlyananswer,Mr.Emmott.”
“It’snotsofaroffone,M.Poirot.”
Hewassilentaminuteortwoandthenhewenton:“ThereusedtobeafairystoryIreadwhenIwasakid.ANorthernfairytaleabouttheSnowQueenandLittleKay.IguessMrs.Leidnerwasratherlikethat—alwaystakingLittleKayforaride.”
“Ahyes,ataleofHansAndersen,isitnot?Andtherewasagirlinit.LittleGerda,wasthathername?”
“Maybe.Idon’tremembermuchofit.”
“Can’tyougoalittlefurther,Mr.Emmott?”
DavidEmmottshookhishead.
“Idon’tevenknowifI’vesummedherupcorrectly.Shewasn’teasytoread.She’ddoadevilishthingoneday,andareallyfineonethenext.ButIthinkyou’reaboutrightwhenyousaythatshe’sthehubofthecase.That’swhatshealwayswantedtobe—atthecentreofthings.Andshelikedtogetatotherpeople—Imean,shewasn’tjustsatisfiedwithbeingpassedthetoastandthepeanutbutter,shewantedyoutoturnyourmindandsoulinsideoutforhertolookatit.”
“Andifonedidnotgiveherthatsatisfaction?”askedPoirot.
“Thenshecouldturnugly!”
Isawhislipscloseresolutelyandhisjawset.
“Isuppose,Mr.Emmott,youwouldnotcaretoexpressaplainunofficialopinionastowhomurderedher?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidEmmott.“Ireallyhaven’ttheslightestidea.Iratherthinkthat,ifI’dbeenCarl—CarlReiter,Imean—Iwouldhavehadashotatmurderingher.Shewasaprettyfairdeviltohim.But,ofcourse,heasksforitbybeingsodarnedsensitive.Justinvitesyoutogivehimakickinthepants.”
“AnddidMrs.Leidnergivehim—akickinthepants?”inquiredPoirot.
Emmottgaveasuddengrin.
“No.Prettylittlejabswithanembroideryneedle—thatwashermethod.Hewasirritating,ofcourse.Justlikesomeblubbering,poor-spiritedkid.Butaneedle’sapainfulweapon.”
IstoleaglanceatPoirotandthoughtIdetectedaslightquiverofhislips.
“Butyoudon’treallybelievethatCarlReiterkilledher?”heasked.
“No.Idon’tbelieveyou’dkillawomanbecauseshepersistentlymadeyoulookafoolateverymeal.”
Poirotshookhisheadthoughtfully.
Ofcourse,Mr.EmmottmadeMrs.Leidnersoundquiteinhuman.Therewassomethingtobesaidontheothersidetoo.
TherehadbeensomethingterriblyirritatingaboutMr.Reiter’sattitude.Hejumpedwhenshespoketohim,anddididioticthingslikepassingherthemarmaladeagainandagainwhenheknewsheneverateit.I’dhavefeltinclinedtosnapathimabitmyself.
Mendon’tunderstandhowtheirmannerismscangetonwomen’snervessothatyoufeelyoujusthavetosnap.
IthoughtI’djustmentionthattoMr.Poirotsometime.
WehadarrivedbacknowandMr.EmmottofferedPoirotawashandtookhimintohisroom.
Ihurriedacrossthecourtyardtomine.
IcameoutagainaboutthesametimetheydidandwewereallmakingforthediningroomwhenFatherLavignyappearedinthedoorwayofhisroomandinvitedPoirotin.
Mr.EmmottcameonroundandheandIwentintothediningroomtogether.MissJohnsonandMrs.Mercadoweretherealready,andafterafewminutesMr.Mercado,Mr.ReiterandBillColemanjoinedus.
WewerejustsittingdownandMercadohadtoldtheArabboytotellFatherLavignylunchwasreadywhenwewereallstartledbyafaint,muffledcry.
Isupposeournervesweren’tverygoodyet,forwealljumped,andMissJohnsongotquitepaleandsaid:“Whatwasthat?What’shappened?”
Mrs.Mercadostaredatherandsaid:“Mydear,whatisthematterwithyou?It’ssomenoiseoutsideinthefields.”
ButatthatminutePoirotandFatherLavignycamein.
“Wethoughtsomeonewashurt,”MissJohnsonsaid.
“Athousandpardons,mademoiselle,”criedPoirot.“Thefaultismine.FatherLavigny,heexplainstomesometablets,andItakeonetothewindowtoseebetter—and,mafoi,notlookingwhereIwasgoing,Istebthetoe,andthepainissharpforthemomentandIcryout.”
“Wethoughtitwasanothermurder,”saidMrs.Mercado,laughing.
“Marie!”saidherhusband.
Histonewasreproachfulandsheflushedandbitherlip.
MissJohnsonhastilyturnedtheconversationtothedigandwhatobjectsofinteresthadturnedupthatmorning.Conversationallthroughlunchwassternlyarchaeological.
Ithinkweallfeltitwasthesafestthing.
Afterwehadhadcoffeeweadjournedtothelivingroom.Thenthemen,withtheexceptionofFatherLavigny,wentofftothedigagain.
FatherLavignytookPoirotthroughintotheantikaroomandIwentwiththem.IwasgettingtoknowthethingsprettywellbynowandIfeltathrillofpride—almostasthoughitweremyownproperty—whenFatherLavignytookdownthegoldcupandIheardPoirot’sexclamationofadmirationandpleasure.
“Howbeautiful!Whataworkofart!”
FatherLavignyagreedeagerlyandbegantopointoutitsbeautieswithrealenthusiasmandknowledge.
“Nowaxonittoday,”Isaid.
“Wax?”Poirotstaredatme.
“Wax?”SodidFatherLavigny.
Iexplainedmyremark.
“Ah,jecomprends,”saidFatherLavigny.“Yes,yes,candlegrease.”
Thatleddirecttothesubjectofthemidnightvisitor.ForgettingmypresencetheybothdroppedintoFrench,andIleftthemtogetherandwentbackintothelivingroom.
Mrs.Mercadowasdarningherhusband’ssocksandMissJohnsonwasreadingabook.Ratheranunusualthingforher.Sheusuallyseemedtohavesomethingtoworkat.
AfterawhileFatherLavignyandPoirotcameout,andtheformerexcusedhimselfonthescoreofwork.Poirotsatdownwithus.
“Amostinterestingman,”hesaid,andaskedhowmuchworktherehadbeenforFatherLavignytodosofar.
MissJohnsonexplainedthattabletshadbeenscarceandthattherehadbeenveryfewinscribedbricksorcylinderseals.FatherLavigny,however,haddonehisshareofworkonthedigandwaspickingupcolloquialArabicveryfast.
Thatledthetalktocylinderseals,andpresentlyMissJohnsonfetchedfromacupboardasheetofimpressionsmadebyrollingthemoutonplasticine.
Irealizedaswebentoverthem,admiringthespiriteddesigns,thatthesemustbewhatshehadbeenworkingatonthatfatalafternoon.
AswetalkedInoticedthatPoirotwasrollingandkneadingalittleballofplasticinebetweenhisfingers.
“Youusealotofplasticine,mademoiselle?”heasked.
“Afairamount.Weseemtohavegotthroughalotalreadythisyear—thoughIcan’timaginehow.Buthalfoursupplyseemstohavegone.”
“Whereisitkept,mademoiselle?”
“Here—inthiscupboard.”
Asshereplacedthesheetofimpressionssheshowedhimtheshelfwithrollsofplasticine,Durofix,photographicpasteandotherstationerysupplies.
Poirotstoopeddown.
“Andthis—whatisthis,mademoiselle?”
Hehadslippedhishandrighttothebackandhadbroughtoutacuriouscrumpledobject.
Ashestraighteneditoutwecouldseethatitwasakindofmask,witheyesandmouthcrudelypaintedonitinIndianinkandthewholethingroughlysmearedwithplasticine.
“Howperfectlyextraordinary!”criedMissJohnson.“I’veneverseenitbefore.Howdiditgetthere?Andwhatisit?”
“Astohowitgotthere,well,onehiding-placeisasgoodasanother,andIpresumethatthiscupboardwouldnothavebeenturnedouttilltheendoftheseason.Astowhatitis—that,too,Ithink,isnotdifficulttosay.WehaveherethefacethatMrs.Leidnerdescribed.Theghostlyfaceseeninthesemi-duskoutsideherwindow—withoutbodyattached.”
Mrs.Mercadogavealittleshriek.
MissJohnsonwaswhitetothelips.Shemurmured:“Thenitwasnotfancy.Itwasatrick—awickedtrick!Butwhoplayedit?”
“Yes,”criedMrs.Mercado.“Whocouldhavedonesuchawicked,wickedthing?”
Poirotdidnotattemptareply.Hisfacewasverygrimashewentintothenextroom,returnedwithanemptycardboardboxinhishandandputthecrumpledmaskintoit.
“Thepolicemustseethis,”heexplained.
“It’shorrible,”saidMissJohnsoninalowvoice.“Horrible!”
“Doyouthinkeverything’shiddenheresomewhere?”criedMrs.Mercadoshrilly.“Doyouthinkperhapstheweapon—theclubshewaskilledwith—allcoveredwithbloodstill,perhaps…Oh!I’mfrightened—I’mfrightened….”
MissJohnsongrippedherbytheshoulder.
“Bequiet,”shesaidfiercely.“Here’sDr.Leidner.Wemustn’tupsethim.”
Indeed,atthatverymomentthecarhaddrivenintothecourtyard.Dr.Leidnergotoutofitandcamestraightacrossandinattheliving-roomdoor.Hisfacewassetinlinesoffatigueandhelookedtwicetheagehehadthreedaysago.
Hesaidinaquietvoice:“Thefuneralwillbeateleveno’clocktomorrow.MajorDeanewillreadtheservice.”
Mrs.Mercadofalteredsomething,thenslippedoutoftheroom.
Dr.LeidnersaidtoMissJohnson:“You’llcome,Anne?”
Andsheanswered:“Ofcourse,mydear,we’llallcome.Naturally.”
Shedidn’tsayanythingelse,butherfacemusthaveexpressedwhathertonguewaspowerlesstodo,forhisfacelightenedupwithaffectionandamomentaryease.
“DearAnne,”hesaid.“Youaresuchawonderfulcomfortandhelptome.Mydearoldfriend.”
HelaidhishandonherarmandIsawtheredcolourcreepupinherfaceasshemuttered,gruffasever:“That’sallright.”
ButIjustcaughtaglimpseofherexpressionandknewthat,foroneshortmoment,AnneJohnsonwasaperfectlyhappywoman.
Andanotherideaflashedacrossmymind.Perhapssoon,inthenaturalcourseofthings,turningtohisoldfriendforsympathy,anewandhappystateofthingsmightcomeabout.
NotthatI’mreallyamatchmaker,andofcourseitwasindecenttothinkofsuchathingbeforethefuneraleven.Butafterall,itwouldbeahappysolution.Hewasveryfondofher,andtherewasnodoubtshewasabsolutelydevotedtohimandwouldbeperfectlyhappydevotingtherestofherlifetohim.Thatis,ifshecouldbeartohearLouise’sperfectionssungallthetime.Butwomencanputupwithalotwhenthey’vegotwhattheywant.
Dr.LeidnerthengreetedPoirot,askinghimifhehadmadeanyprogress.
MissJohnsonwasstandingbehindDr.LeidnerandshelookedhardattheboxinPoirot’shandandshookherhead,andIrealizedthatshewaspleadingwithPoirotnottotellhimaboutthemask.Shefelt,Iwassure,thathehadenoughtobearforoneday.
Poirotfellinwithherwish.
“Thesethingsmarchslowly,monsieur,”hesaid.
Then,afterafewdesultorywords,hetookhisleave.
Iaccompaniedhimouttohiscar.
TherewerehalfadozenthingsIwantedtoaskhim,butsomehow,whenheturnedandlookedatme,Ididn’taskanythingafterall.I’dassoonhaveaskedasurgeonifhethoughthe’dmadeagoodjobofanoperation.Ijuststoodmeeklywaitingforinstructions.
Rathertomysurprisehesaid:“Takecareofyourself,mychild.”
Andthenheadded:“Iwonderifitiswellforyoutoremainhere?”
“ImustspeaktoDr.Leidneraboutleaving,”Isaid.“ButIthoughtI’dwaituntilafterthefuneral.”
Henoddedinapproval.
“Inthemeantime,”hesaid,“donottrytofindouttoomuch.Youunderstand,Idonotwantyoutobeclever!”Andheaddedwithasmile,“Itisforyoutoholdtheswabsandformetodotheoperation.”
Wasn’titfunny,hisactuallysayingthat?
Thenhesaidquiteirrelevantly:“Aninterestingman,thatFatherLavigny.”
“Amonkbeinganarchaeologistseemsoddtome,”Isaid.
“Ah,yes,youareaProtestant.Me,IamagoodCatholic.Iknowsomethingofpriestsandmonks.”
Hefrowned,seemedtohesitate,thensaid:“Remember,heisquitecleverenoughtoturnyouinsideoutifhelikes.”
IfhewaswarningmeagainstgossipingIfeltthatIdidn’tneedanywarning!
Itannoyedme,andthoughIdidn’tliketoaskhimanyofthethingsIreallywantedtoknow,Ididn’tseewhyIshouldn’tatanyratesayonething.
“You’llexcuseme,M.Poirot,”Isaid.“Butit’s‘stubbedyourtoe,’notsteppedorstebbed.”
“Ah!Thankyou,masoeur.”
“Don’tmentionit.Butit’sjustaswelltogetaphraseright.”
“Iwillremember,”hesaid—quitemeeklyforhim.
Andhegotinthecarandwasdrivenaway,andIwentslowlybackacrossthecourtyardwonderingaboutalotofthings.
AboutthehypodermicmarksonMr.Mercado’sarm,andwhatdrugitwashetook.Andaboutthathorridyellowsmearedmask.AndhowodditwasthatPoirotandMissJohnsonhadn’theardmycryinthelivingroomthatmorning,whereaswehadallheardPoirotperfectlywellinthediningroomatlunch-time—andyetFatherLavigny’sroomandMrs.Leidner’swerejustthesamedistancefromthelivingroomandthediningroomrespectively.
AndthenIfeltratherpleasedthatI’dtaughtDoctorPoirotoneEnglishphrasecorrectly!
Evenifhewasagreatdetectivehe’drealizehedidn’tknoweverything!
Twenty-three
IGOPSYCHIC
Thefuneralwas,Ithought,averyaffectingaffair.Aswellasourselves,alltheEnglishpeopleinHassaniehattendedit.EvenSheilaReillywasthere,lookingquietandsubduedinadarkcoatandskirt.Ihopedthatshewasfeelingalittleremorsefulforalltheunkindthingsshehadsaid.
WhenwegotbacktothehouseIfollowedDr.Leidnerintotheofficeandbroachedthesubjectofmydeparture.Hewasveryniceaboutit,thankedmeforwhatIhaddone(Done!Ihadbeenworsethanuseless)andinsistedonmyacceptinganextraweek’ssalary.
IprotestedbecausereallyIfeltI’ddonenothingtoearnit.
“Indeed,Dr.Leidner,I’drathernothaveanysalaryatall.Ifyou’lljustrefundmemytravellingexpenses,that’sallIwant.”
Buthewouldn’thearofthat.
“Yousee,”Isaid,“Idon’tfeelIdeserveit,Dr.Leidner.Imean,I’ve—well,I’vefailed.She—mycomingdidn’tsaveher.”
“Nowdon’tgetthatideaintoyourhead,nurse,”hesaidearnestly.“Afterall,Ididn’tengageyouasafemaledetective.Ineverdreamtmywife’slifewasindanger.Iwasconvinceditwasallnervesandthatshe’dworkedherselfupintoarathercuriousmentalstate.Youdidallanyonecoulddo.Shelikedandtrustedyou.AndIthinkinherlastdaysshefelthappierandsaferbecauseofyourbeinghere.There’snothingforyoutoreproachyourselfwith.”
HisvoicequiveredalittleandIknewwhathewasthinking.HewastheonetoblamefornothavingtakenMrs.Leidner’sfearsseriously.
“Dr.Leidner,”Isaidcuriously.“Haveyouevercometoanyconclusionaboutthoseanonymousletters?”
Hesaidwithasigh:“Idon’tknowwhattobelieve.HasM.Poirotcometoanydefiniteconclusion?”
“Hehadn’tyesterday,”Isaid,steeringratherneatly,Ithought,betweentruthandfiction.Afterall,hehadn’tuntilItoldhimaboutMissJohnson.
ItwasonmymindthatI’dliketogiveDr.Leidnerahintandseeifhereacted.InthepleasureofseeinghimandMissJohnsontogetherthedaybefore,andhisaffectionandrelianceonher,I’dforgottenallabouttheletters.EvennowIfeltitwasperhapsrathermeanofmetobringitup.Evenifshehadwrittenthem,shehadhadabadtime
“Anonymouslettersareusuallytheworkofawoman,”Isaid.Iwantedtoseehowhe’dtakeit.
“Isupposetheyare,”hesaidwithasigh.“Butyouseemtoforget,nurse,thatthesemaybegenuine.TheymayactuallybewrittenbyFrederickBosner.”
“No,Ihaven’tforgotten,”Isaid.“ButIcan’tbelievesomehowthatthat’stherealexplanation.”
“Ido,”hesaid.“It’sallnonsense,hisbeingoneoftheexpeditionstaff.ThatisjustaningenioustheoryofM.Poirot’s.Ibelievethatthetruthismuchsimpler.Themanisamadman,ofcourse.He’sbeenhangingroundtheplace—perhapsindisguiseofsomekind.Andsomehoworotherhegotinonthatfatalafternoon.Theservantsmaybelying—theymayhavebeenbribed.”
“Isupposeit’spossible,”Isaiddoubtfully.
Dr.Leidnerwentonwithatraceofirritability.
“ItisallverywellforM.Poirottosuspectthemembersofmyexpedition.Iamperfectlycertainnoneofthemhaveanythingtodowithit!Ihaveworkedwiththem.Iknowthem!”
Hestoppedsuddenly,thenhesaid:“Isthatyourexperience,nurse?Thatanonymouslettersareusuallywrittenbywomen?”
“Itisn’talwaysthecase,”Isaid.“Butthere’sacertaintypeoffemininespitefulnessthatfindsreliefthatway.”
“IsupposeyouarethinkingofMrs.Mercado?”hesaid.
Thenheshookhishead.
“EvenifsheweremaliciousenoughtowishtohurtLouiseshewouldhardlyhavethenecessaryknowledge,”hesaid.
Irememberedtheearlierlettersintheattachécase.
IfMrs.LeidnerhadleftthatunlockedandMrs.Mercadohadbeenaloneinthehouseonedaypotteringabout,shemighteasilyhavefoundthemandreadthem.Menneverseemtothinkofthesimplestpossibilities!
“AndapartfromherthereisonlyMissJohnson,”Isaid,watchinghim.
“Thatwouldbequiteridiculous!”
Thelittlesmilewithwhichhesaiditwasquiteconclusive.TheideaofMissJohnsonbeingtheauthorofthelettershadneverenteredhishead!Ihesitatedjustforaminute—butIdidn’tsayanything.Onedoesn’tlikegivingawayafellowwoman,andbesides,IhadbeenawitnessofMissJohnson’sgenuineandmovingremorse.Whatwasdonewasdone.WhyexposeDr.Leidnertoafreshdisillusionontopofallhisothertroubles?
ItwasarrangedthatIshouldleaveonthefollowingday,andIhadarrangedthroughDr.ReillytostayforadayortwowiththematronofthehospitalwhilstImadearrangementsforreturningtoEnglandeitherviaBaghdadordirectviaNissibinbycarandtrain.
Dr.Leidnerwaskindenoughtosaythathewouldlikemetochooseamementofromamongsthiswife’sthings.
“Oh,no,really,Dr.Leidner,”Isaid.“Icouldn’t.It’smuchtookindofyou.”
Heinsisted.
“ButIshouldlikeyoutohavesomething.AndLouise,Iamsure,wouldhavewishedit.”
ThenhewentontosuggestthatIshouldhavehertortoiseshelltoiletset!
“Oh,no,Dr.Leidner!Why,that’samostexpensiveset.Icouldn’t,really.”
“Shehadnosisters,youknow—noonewhowantsthesethings.Thereisnooneelsetohavethem.”
Icouldquiteimaginethathewouldn’twantthemtofallintoMrs.Mercado’sgreedylittlehands.AndIdidn’tthinkhe’dwanttoofferthemtoMissJohnson.
Hewentonkindly:“Youjustthinkitover.Bytheway,hereisthekeyofLouise’sjewelcase.Perhapsyouwillfindsomethingthereyouwouldratherhave.AndIshouldbeverygratefulifyouwouldpackup—allherclothes.IdaresayReillycanfindauseforthemamongstsomeofthepoorChristianfamiliesinHassanieh.”
Iwasverygladtobeabletodothatforhim,andIexpressedmywillingness.
Isetaboutitatonce.
Mrs.Leidnerhadonlyhadaverysimplewardrobewithheranditwassoonsortedandpackedupintoacoupleofsuitcases.Allherpapershadbeeninthesmallattachécase.Thejewelcasecontainedafewsimpletrinkets—apearlring,adiamondbrooch,asmallstringofpearls,andoneortwoplaingoldbarbroochesofthesafetypintype,andastringoflargeamberbeads.
NaturallyIwasn’tgoingtotakethepearlsorthediamonds,butIhesitatedabitbetweentheamberbeadsandthetoiletset.Intheend,however,Ididn’tseewhyIshouldn’ttakethelatter.ItwasakindlythoughtonDr.Leidner’spart,andIwassuretherewasn’tanypatronageaboutit.I’dtakeitinthespiritithadbeenoffered,withoutanyfalsepride.Afterall,Ihadbeenfondofher.
Well,thatwasalldoneandfinishedwith.Thesuitcasespacked,thejewelcaselockedupagainandputseparatetogivetoDr.LeidnerwiththephotographofMrs.Leidner’sfatherandoneortwootherpersonallittleoddsandends
Theroomlookedbareandforlornemptiedofallitsaccoutrements,whenI’dfinished.Therewasnothingmoreformetodo—andyetsomehoworotherIshrankfromleavingtheroom.Itseemedasthoughtherewassomethingstilltodothere—somethingIoughttosee—orsomethingIoughttohaveknown.I’mnotsuperstitious,buttheideadidpopintomyheadthatperhapsMrs.Leidner’sspiritwashangingabouttheroomandtryingtogetintouchwithme.
Irememberonceatthehospitalsomeofusgirlsgotaplanchetteandreallyitwrotesomeveryremarkablethings.
Perhaps,althoughI’dneverthoughtofsuchathing,Imightbemediumistic.
AsIsay,onegetsallworkeduptoimagineallsortsoffoolishnesssometimes
Iprowledroundtheroomuneasily,touchingthisandthat.But,ofcourse,therewasn’tanythingintheroombutbarefurniture.Therewasnothingslippedbehinddrawersortuckedaway.Icouldn’thopeforanythingofthatkind.
Intheend(itsoundsratherbatty,butasIsay,onegetsworkedup)Ididratheraqueerthing.
Iwentandlaydowninthebedandclosedmyeyes.
IdeliberatelytriedtoforgetwhoandwhatIwas.Itriedtothinkmyselfbacktothatfatalafternoon.IwasMrs.Leidnerlyinghereresting,peacefulandunsuspicious.
It’sextraordinaryhowyoucanworkyourselfup.
I’maperfectlynormalmatter-of-factindividual—nottheleastbitspooky,butItellyouthatafterI’dlainthereaboutfiveminutesIbegantofeelspooky.
Ididn’ttrytoresist.Ideliberatelyencouragedthefeeling.
Isaidtomyself:“I’mMrs.Leidner.I’mMrs.Leidner.I’mlyinghere—halfasleep.Presently—verysoonnow—thedoor’sgoingtoopen.”
Ikeptonsayingthat—asthoughIwerehypnotizingmyself.
“It’sjustabouthalfpastone…it’sjustaboutthetime…Thedoorisgoingtoopen…thedoorisgoingtoopen…Ishallseewhocomesin….”
Ikeptmyeyesgluedonthatdoor.Presentlyitwasgoingtoopen.Ishouldseeitopen.AndIshouldseethepersonwhoopenedit.
ImusthavebeenalittleoverwroughtthatafternoontoimagineIcouldsolvethemysterythatway.
ButIdidbelieveit.Asortofchillpasseddownmybackandsettledinmylegs.Theyfeltnumb—paralysed.
“You’regoingintoatrance,”Isaid.“Andinthattranceyou’llsee…”
AndonceagainIrepeatedmonotonouslyagainandagain:
“Thedoorisgoingtoopen—thedoorisgoingtoopen….”
Thecoldnumbedfeelinggrewmoreintense.
Andthen,slowly,Isawthedoorjustbeginningtoopen.
Itwashorrible.
I’veneverknownanythingsohorriblebeforeorsince.
Iwasparalysed—chilledthroughandthrough.Icouldn’tmove.ForthelifeofmeIcouldn’thavemoved.
AndIwasterrified.Sickandblindanddumbwithterror.
Thatslowlyopeningdoor.
Sonoiseless.
InaminuteIshouldsee….
Slowly—slowly—widerandwider.
BillColemancamequietlyin.
Hemusthavehadtheshockofhislife!
Iboundedoffthebedwithascreamofterrorandhurledmyselfacrosstheroom.
Hestoodstock-still,hisbluntpinkfacepinkerandhismouthopenedwidewithsurprise.
“Hallo-allo-allo,”hesaid.“What’sup,nurse?”
Icamebacktorealitywithacrash.
“Goodness,Mr.Coleman,”Isaid.“Howyoustartledme!”
“Sorry,”hesaidwithamomentarygrin.
Isawthenthathewasholdingalittlebunchofscarletranunculusinhishand.TheywereprettylittleflowersandtheygrewwildonthesidesoftheTell.Mrs.Leidnerhadbeenfondofthem.
Heblushedandgotratherredashesaid:“Onecan’tgetanyflowersorthingsinHassanieh.Seemedratherrottennottohaveanyflowersforthegrave.IthoughtI’djustnipinhereandputalittleposyinthatlittlepotthingshealwayshadflowersinonhertable.Sortofshowshewasn’tforgotten—eh?Abitasinine,Iknow,but—well—Imeantosay.”
Ithoughtitwasveryniceofhim.HewasallpinkwithembarrassmentlikeEnglishmenarewhenthey’vedoneanythingsentimental.Ithoughtitwasaverysweetthought.
“Why,Ithinkthat’saveryniceidea,Mr.Coleman,”Isaid.
AndIpickedupthelittlepotandwentandgotsomewaterinitandweputtheflowersin.
IreallythoughtmuchmoreofMr.Colemanforthisideaofhis.Itshowedhehadaheartandnicefeelingsaboutthings.
Hedidn’taskmeagainwhatmademeletoutsuchasquealandI’mthankfulhedidn’t.Ishouldhavefeltafoolexplaining.
“Sticktocommonsenseinfuture,woman,”IsaidtomyselfasIsettledmycuffsandsmoothedmyapron.“You’renotcutoutforthispsychicstuff.”
Ibustledaboutdoingmyownpackingandkeptmyselfbusyfortherestoftheday.
FatherLavignywaskindenoughtoexpressgreatdistressatmyleaving.Hesaidmycheerfulnessandcommonsensehadbeensuchahelptoeverybody.Commonsense!I’mgladhedidn’tknowaboutmyidioticbehaviourinMrs.Leidner’sroom.
“WehavenotseenM.Poirottoday,”heremarked.
ItoldhimthatPoirothadsaidhewasgoingtobebusyalldaysendingofftelegrams.
FatherLavignyraisedhiseyebrows.
“Telegrams?ToAmerica?”
“Isupposeso.Hesaid,‘Allovertheworld!’butIthinkthatwasratheraforeignexaggeration.”
AndthenIgotratherred,rememberingthatFatherLavignywasaforeignerhimself.
Hedidn’tseemoffendedthough,justlaughedquitepleasantlyandaskedmeiftherewereanynewsofthemanwiththesquint.
IsaidIdidn’tknowbutIhadn’theardofany.
FatherLavignyaskedmeagainaboutthetimeMrs.LeidnerandIhadnoticedthemanandhowhehadseemedtobestandingontiptoeandpeeringthroughthewindow.
“ItseemsclearthemanhadsomeoverwhelminginterestinMrs.Leidner,”hesaidthoughtfully.“IhavewonderedsincewhetherthemancouldpossiblyhavebeenaEuropeangotuptolooklikeanIraqi?”
ThatwasanewideatomeandIconsidereditcarefully.Ihadtakenitforgrantedthatthemanwasanative,butofcoursewhenIcametothinkofit,Iwasreallygoingbythecutofhisclothesandtheyellownessofhisskin.
FatherLavignydeclaredhisintentionofgoingroundoutsidethehousetotheplacewhereMrs.LeidnerandIhadseenthemanstanding.
“Youneverknow,hemighthavedroppedsomething.Inthedetectivestoriesthecriminalalwaysdoes.”
“Iexpectinreallifecriminalsaremorecareful,”Isaid.
IfetchedsomesocksIhadjustfinisheddarningandputthemonthetableinthelivingroomforthementosortoutwhentheycamein,andthen,astherewasnothingmuchmoretodo,Iwentupontheroof.
MissJohnsonwasstandingtherebutshedidn’thearme.Igotrightuptoherbeforeshenoticedme.
ButlongbeforethatI’dseenthattherewassomethingverywrong.
Shewasstandinginthemiddleoftheroofstaringstraightinfrontofher,andtherewasthemostawfullookonherface.Asthoughshe’dseensomethingshecouldn’tpossiblybelieve.
Itgavemequiteashock.
Mindyou,I’dseenherupsettheotherevening,butthiswasquitedifferent.
“Mydear,”Isaid,hurryingtoher,“whatever’sthematter?”
Sheturnedherheadatthatandstoodlookingatme—almostasifshedidn’tseeme.
“Whatisit?”Ipersisted.
Shemadeaqueersortofgrimace—asthoughsheweretryingtoswallowbutherthroatweretoodry.Shesaidhoarsely:“I’vejustseensomething.”
“Whathaveyouseen?Tellme.Whatevercanitbe?Youlookallin.”
Shegaveanefforttopullherselftogether,butshestilllookedprettydreadful.
Shesaid,stillinthatsamedreadfulchokedvoice:“I’veseenhowsomeonecouldcomeinfromoutside—andnoonewouldeverguess”
IfollowedthedirectionofhereyesbutIcouldn’tseeanything.
Mr.ReiterwasstandinginthedoorofthephotographicroomandFatherLavignywasjustcrossingthecourtyard—buttherewasnothingelse.
Iturnedbackpuzzledandfoundhereyesfixedonminewiththestrangestexpressioninthem.
“Really,”Isaid,“Idon’tseewhatyoumean.Won’tyouexplain?”
Butsheshookherhead.
“Notnow.Later.Weoughttohaveseen.Oh,weoughttohaveseen!”
“Ifyou’donlytellme—”
Butsheshookherhead.
“I’vegottothinkitoutfirst.”
Andpushingpastme,shewentstumblingdownthestairs.
Ididn’tfollowherassheobviouslydidn’twantmewithher.InsteadIsatdownontheparapetandtriedtopuzzlethingsout.ButIdidn’tgetanywhere.Therewasonlytheonewayintothecourtyard—throughthebigarch.JustoutsideitIcouldseethewaterboyandhishorseandtheIndiancooktalkingtohim.Nobodycouldhavepassedthemandcomeinwithouttheirseeinghim.
Ishookmyheadinperplexityandwentdownstairsagain.
Twenty-four
MURDERISAHABIT
Weallwenttobedearlythatnight.MissJohnsonhadappearedatdinnerandhadbehavedmoreorlessasusual.Shehad,however,asortofdazedlook,andonceortwicequitefailedtotakeinwhatotherpeoplesaidtoher.
Itwasn’tsomehowaverycomfortablesortofmeal.You’dsay,Isuppose,thatthatwasnaturalenoughinahousewherethere’dbeenafuneralthatday.ButIknowwhatImean.
Latelyourmealshadbeenhushedandsubdued,butforallthattherehadbeenafeelingofcomradeship.TherehadbeensympathywithDr.Leidnerinhisgriefandafellowfeelingofbeingallinthesameboatamongsttheothers.
ButtonightIwasremindedofmyfirstmealthere—whenMrs.Mercadohadwatchedmeandtherehadbeenthatcuriousfeelingasthoughsomethingmightsnapanyminute.
I’dfeltthesamething—onlyverymuchintensified—whenwe’dsatroundthediningroomtablewithPoirotattheheadofit.
Tonightitwasparticularlystrong.Everyonewasonedge—jumpy—ontenterhooks.IfanyonehaddroppedsomethingI’msuresomebodywouldhavescreamed.
AsIsay,weallseparatedearlyafterwards.Iwenttobedalmostatonce.ThelastthingIheardasIwasdroppingofftosleepwasMrs.Mercado’svoicesayinggoodnighttoMissJohnsonjustoutsidemydoor.
Idroppedofftosleepatonce—tiredbymyexertionsandevenmorebymysillyexperienceinMrs.Leidner’sroom.Isleptheavilyanddreamlesslyforseveralhours.
IawokewhenIdidawakewithastartandafeelingofimpendingcatastrophe.Somesoundhadwokenme,andasIsatupinbedlisteningIhearditagain.
Anawfulsortofagonizedchokinggroan
Ihadlitmycandleandwasoutofbedinatwinkling.Isnatchedupatorch,too,incasethecandleshouldblowout.Icameoutofmydoorandstoodlistening.Iknewthesoundwasn’tfaraway.Itcameagain—fromtheroomimmediatelynexttomine—MissJohnson’sroom
Ihurriedin.MissJohnsonwaslyinginbed,herwholebodycontortedinagony.AsIsetdownthecandleandbentoverher,herlipsmovedandshetriedtospeak—butonlyanawfulhoarsewhispercame.Isawthatthecornersofhermouthandtheskinofherchinwereburntakindofgreyishwhite.
Hereyeswentfrommetoaglassthatlayonthefloorevidentlywhereithaddroppedfromherhand.Thelightrugwasstainedabrightredwhereithadfallen.Ipickeditupandranafingerovertheinside,drawingbackmyhandwithasharpexclamation.ThenIexaminedtheinsideofthepoorwoman’smouth.
Therewasn’ttheleastdoubtwhatwasthematter.Somehoworother,intentionallyorotherwise,she’dswallowedaquantityofcorrosiveacid—oxalicorhydrochloric,Isuspected.
IranoutandcalledtoDr.Leidnerandhewoketheothers,andweworkedoverherforallwewereworth,butallthetimeIhadanawfulfeelingitwasnogood.Wetriedastrongsolutionofcarbonateofsoda—andfolloweditwitholiveoil.ToeasethepainIgaveherahypodermicofmorphinesulphate.
DavidEmmotthadgoneofftoHassaniehtofetchDr.Reilly,butbeforehecameitwasover.
Iwon’tdwellonthedetails.Poisoningbyastrongsolutionofhydrochloricacid(whichiswhatitprovedtobe)isoneofthemostpainfuldeathspossible.
ItwaswhenIwasbendingoverhertogiveherthemorphiathatshemadeoneghastlyefforttospeak.Itwasonlyahorriblestrangledwhisperwhenitcame.
“Thewindow..”shesaid.“Nurse..thewindow..”
Butthatwasall—shecouldn’tgoon.Shecollapsedcompletely.
Ishallneverforgetthatnight.ThearrivalofDr.Reilly.ThearrivalofCaptainMaitland.Andfinallywiththedawn,HerculePoirot.
Heitwaswhotookmegentlybythearmandsteeredmeintothediningroom,wherehemademesitdownandhaveacupofgoodstrongtea.
“There,monenfant,”hesaid,“thatisbetter.Youarewornout.”
Uponthat,Iburstintotears.
“It’stooawful,”Isobbed.“It’sbeenlikeanightmare.Suchawfulsuffering.Andhereyes…Oh,M.Poirot—hereyes…”
Hepattedmeontheshoulder.Awomancouldn’thavebeenkinder.
“Yes,yes—donotthinkofit.Youdidallyoucould.”
“Itwasoneofthecorrosiveacids.”
“Itwasastrongsolutionofhydrochloricacid.”
“Thestufftheyuseonthepots?”
“Yes.MissJohnsonprobablydrankitoffbeforeshewasfullyawake.Thatis—unlessshetookitonpurpose.”
“Oh,M.Poirot,whatanawfulidea!”
“Itisapossibility,afterall.Whatdoyouthink?”
Iconsideredforamomentandthenshookmyheaddecisively.
“Idon’tbelieveit.No,Idon’tbelieveitforamoment.”Ihesitatedandthensaid,“Ithinkshefoundoutsomethingyesterdayafternoon.”
“Whatisthatyousay?Shefoundoutsomething?”
Irepeatedtohimthecuriousconversationwehadhadtogether.
Poirotgavealowsoftwhistle.
“Lapauvrefemme!”hesaid.“Shesaidshewantedtothinkitover—eh?Thatiswhatsignedherdeathwarrant.Ifshehadonlyspokenout—then—atonce.”
Hesaid:“Tellmeagainherexactwords.”
Irepeatedthem.
“Shesawhowsomeonecouldhavecomeinfromoutsidewithoutanyofyouknowing?Come,masoeur,letusgouptotheroofandyoushallshowmejustwhereshewasstanding.”
WewentuptotherooftogetherandIshowedPoirottheexactspotwhereMissJohnsonhadstood.
“Likethis?”saidPoirot.“NowwhatdoIsee?Iseehalfthecourtyard—andthearchway—andthedoorsofthedrawingofficeandthephotographicroomandthelaboratory.Wasthereanyoneinthecourtyard?”
“FatherLavignywasjustgoingtowardsthearchwayandMr.Reiterwasstandinginthedoorofthephotographicroom.”
“AndstillIdonotseeintheleasthowanyonecouldcomeinfromoutsideandnoneofyouknowaboutit…Butshesaw….”
Hegaveitupatlast,shakinghishead
“Sacrénomd’unchien—va!Whatdidshesee?”
Thesunwasjustrising.Thewholeeasternskywasariotofroseandorangeandpale,pearlygrey.
“Whatabeautifulsunrise!”saidPoirotgently.
TheriverwoundawaytoourleftandtheTellstoodupoutlinedingoldcolour.Tothesouthweretheblossomingtreesandthepeacefulcultivation.Thewaterwheelgroanedinthedistance—afaintunearthlysound.InthenorthweretheslenderminaretsandtheclusteringfairywhitenessofHassanieh.
Itwasincrediblybeautiful.
Andthen,closeatmyelbow,IheardPoirotgivealongdeepsigh.
“FoolthatIhavebeen,”hemurmured.“Whenthetruthissoclear—soclear.”
Twenty-five
SUICIDEORMURDER?
Ihadn’ttimetoaskPoirotwhathemeant,forCaptainMaitlandwascallinguptousandaskingustocomedown.
Wehurrieddownthestairs.
“Lookhere,Poirot,”hesaid.“Here’sanothercomplication.Themonkfellowismissing.”
“FatherLavigny?”
“Yes.Nobodynoticedittilljustnow.Thenitdawnedonsomebodythathewastheonlyoneofthepartynotaround,andwewenttohisroom.Hisbed’snotbeensleptinandthere’snosignofhim.”
Thewholethingwaslikeabaddream.FirstMissJohnson’sdeathandthenthedisappearanceofFatherLavigny.
Theservantswerecalledandquestioned,buttheycouldn’tthrowanylightonthemystery.Hehadlastbeenseenatabouteighto’clockthenightbefore.Thenhehadsaidhewasgoingoutforastrollbeforegoingtobed.
Nobodyhadseenhimcomebackfromthatstroll.
Thebigdoorshadbeenclosedandbarredatnineo’clockasusual.Nobody,however,rememberedunbarringtheminthemorning.Thetwohouseboyseachthoughttheotheronemusthavedonetheunfastening.
HadFatherLavignyeverreturnedthenightbefore?Hadhe,inthecourseofhisearlierwalk,discoveredanythingofasuspiciousnature,goneouttoinvestigateitlater,andperhapsfallenathirdvictim?
CaptainMaitlandswungroundasDr.ReillycameupwithMr.Mercadobehindhim.
“Hallo,Reilly.Gotanything?”
“Yes.Thestuffcamefromthelaboratoryhere.I’vejustbeencheckingupthequantitieswithMercado.It’sH.C.L.fromthelab.”
“Thelaboratory—eh?Wasitlockedup?”
Mr.Mercadoshookhishead.Hishandswereshakingandhisfacewastwitching.Helookedawreckofaman.
“It’sneverbeenthecustom,”hestammered.“Yousee—justnow—we’reusingitallthetime.I—nobodyeverdreamt—”
“Istheplacelockedupatnight?”
“Yes—alltheroomsarelocked.Thekeysarehungupjustinsidethelivingroom.”
“Soifanyonehadakeytothattheycouldgetthelot.”
“Yes.”
“Andit’saperfectlyordinarykey,Isuppose?”
“Oh,yes.”
“Nothingtoshowwhethershetookitherselffromthelaboratory?”askedCaptainMaitland.
“Shedidn’t,”Isaidloudlyandpositively.
Ifeltawarningtouchonmyarm.Poirotwasstandingclosebehindme.
Andthensomethingratherghastlyhappened.
Notghastlyinitself—infactitwasjusttheincongruousnessthatmadeitseemworsethananythingelse.
Acardroveintothecourtyardandalittlemanjumpedout.Hewaswearingasunhelmetandashortthicktrenchcoat
HecamestraighttoDr.Leidner,whowasstandingbyDr.Reilly,andshookhimwarmlybythehand.
“Vousvoilà,moncher,”hecried.“Delightedtoseeyou.IpassedthiswayonSaturdayafternoon—enroutetotheItaliansatFugima.Iwenttothedigbuttherewasn’tasingleEuropeanaboutandalas!IcannotspeakArabic.Ihadnottimetocometothehouse.ThismorningIleaveFugimaatfive—twohoursherewithyou—andthenIcatchtheconvoyon.Ehbien,andhowistheseasongoing?”
Itwasghastly.
Thecheeryvoice,thematter-of-factmanner,allthepleasantsanityofaneverydayworldnowleftfarbehind.Hejustbustledin,knowingnothingandnoticingnothing—fullofcheerfulbonhomie.
NowonderDr.LeidnergaveaninarticulategaspandlookedinmuteappealatDr.Reilly.
Thedoctorrosetotheoccasion.
Hetookthelittleman(hewasaFrencharchaeologistcalledVerrierwhodugintheGreekislands,Iheardlater)asideandexplainedtohimwhathadoccurred.
Verrierwashorrified.HehimselfhadbeenstayingatanItaliandigrightawayfromcivilizationforthelastfewdaysandhadheardnothing.
Hewasprofuseincondolencesandapologies,finallystridingovertoDr.Leidnerandclaspinghimwarmlybybothhands.
“Whatatragedy!MyGod,whatatragedy!Ihavenowords.Monpauvrecollègue.”
Andshakinghisheadinonelastineffectualefforttoexpresshisfeelings,thelittlemanclimbedintohiscarandleftus.
AsIsay,thatmomentaryintroductionofcomicreliefintotragedyseemedreallymoregruesomethananythingelsethathadhappened.
“Thenextthing,”saidDr.Reillyfirmly,“isbreakfast.Yes,Iinsist.Come,Leidner,youmusteat.”
PoorDr.Leidnerwasalmostacompletewreck.Hecamewithustothediningroomandthereafunerealmealwasserved.Ithinkthehotcoffeeandfriedeggsdidusallgood,thoughnooneactuallyfelttheywantedtoeat.Dr.Leidnerdranksomecoffeeandsattwiddlinghisbread.Hisfacewasgrey,drawnwithpainandbewilderment.
Afterbreakfast,CaptainMaitlandgotdowntothings.
IexplainedhowIhadwokenup,heardaqueersoundandhadgoneintoMissJohnson’sroom.
“Yousaytherewasaglassonthefloor?”
“Yes.Shemusthavedroppeditafterdrinking.”
“Wasitbroken?”
“No,ithadfallenontherug.(I’mafraidtheacid’sruinedtherug,bytheway.)Ipickedtheglassupandputitbackonthetable.”
“I’mgladyou’vetoldusthat.Thereareonlytwosetsoffingerprintsonit,andonesetiscertainlyMissJohnson’sown.Theothermustbeyours.”
Hewassilentforamoment,thenhesaid:“Pleasegoon.”
IdescribedcarefullywhatI’ddoneandthemethodsIhadtried,lookingratheranxiouslyatDr.Reillyforapproval.Hegaveitwithanod.
“Youtriedeverythingthatcouldpossiblyhavedoneanygood,”hesaid.AndthoughIwasprettysureIhaddoneso,itwasarelieftohavemybeliefconfirmed.
“Didyouknowexactlywhatshehadtaken?”CaptainMaitlandasked.
“No—butIcouldsee,ofcourse,thatitwasacorrosiveacid.”
CaptainMaitlandaskedgravely:“Isityouropinion,nurse,thatMissJohnsondeliberatelyadministeredthisstufftoherself?”
“Oh,no,”Iexclaimed.“Ineverthoughtofsuchathing!”
Idon’tknowwhyIwassosure.Partly,Ithink,becauseofM.Poirot’shints.His“murderisahabit”hadimpresseditselfonmymind.Andthenonedoesn’treadilybelievethatanyone’sgoingtocommitsuicideinsuchaterriblypainfulway.
IsaidasmuchandCaptainMaitlandnoddedthoughtfully.“Iagreethatitisn’twhatonewouldchoose,”hesaid.“Butifanyonewereingreatdistressofmindandthisstuffwereeasilyobtainableitmightbetakenforthatreason.”
“Wassheingreatdistressofmind?”Iaskeddoubtfully.
“Mrs.Mercadosaysso.ShesaysthatMissJohnsonwasquiteunlikeherselfatdinnerlastnight—thatshehardlyrepliedtoanythingthatwassaidtoher.Mrs.MercadoisquitesurethatMissJohnsonwasinterribledistressoversomethingandthattheideaofmakingawaywithherselfhadalreadyoccurredtoher.”
“Well,Idon’tbelieveitforamoment,”Isaidbluntly.
Mrs.Mercadoindeed!Nastyslinkinglittlecat!
“Thenwhatdoyouthink?”
“Ithinkshewasmurdered,”Isaidbluntly.
Herappedouthisnextquestionsharply.IfeltratherthatIwasintheorderlyroom.
“Anyreasons?”
“Itseemstomebyfarandawaythemostpossiblesolution.”
“That’sjustyourprivateopinion.Therewasnoreasonwhytheladyshouldbemurdered?”
“Excuseme,”Isaid,“therewas.Shefoundoutsomething.”
“Foundoutsomething?Whatdidshefindout?”
Irepeatedourconversationontheroofwordforword.
“Sherefusedtotellyouwhatherdiscoverywas?”
“Yes.Shesaidshemusthavetimetothinkitover.”
“Butshewasveryexcitedbyit?”
“Yes.”
“Awayofgettinginfromoutside.”CaptainMaitlandpuzzledoverit,hisbrowsknit.“Hadyounoideaatallofwhatshewasdrivingat?”
“Notintheleast.IpuzzledandpuzzledoveritbutIcouldn’tevengetaglimmering.”
CaptainMaitlandsaid:“Whatdoyouthink,M.Poirot?”
Poirotsaid:“Ithinkyouhavethereapossiblemotive.”
“Formurder?”
“Formurder.”
CaptainMaitlandfrowned.
“Shewasn’tabletospeakbeforeshedied?”
“Yes,shejustmanagedtogetouttwowords.”
“Whatwerethey?”
“Thewindow..”
“Thewindow?”repeatedCaptainMaitland.“Didyouunderstandtowhatshewasreferring?”
Ishookmyhead.
“Howmanywindowswerethereinherbedroom?”
“Justtheone.”
“Givingonthecourtyard?”
“Yes.”
“Wasitopenorshut?Open,Iseemtoremember.Butperhapsoneofyouopenedit?”
“No,itwasopenallthetime.Iwondered—”
Istopped.
“Goon,nurse.”
“Iexaminedthewindow,ofcourse,butIcouldn’tseeanythingunusualaboutit.Iwonderedwhether,perhaps,somebodychangedtheglassesthatway.”
“Changedtheglasses?”
“Yes.Yousee,MissJohnsonalwaystakesaglassofwatertobedwithher.Ithinkthatglassmusthavebeentamperedwithandaglassofacidputinitsplace.”
“Whatdoyousay,Reilly?”
“Ifit’smurder,thatwasprobablythewayitwasdone,”saidDr.Reillypromptly.“Noordinarymoderatelyobservanthumanbeingwoulddrinkaglassofacidinmistakeforoneofwater—iftheywereinfullpossessionoftheirwakingfaculties.Butifanyone’saccustomedtodrinkingoffaglassofwaterinthemiddleofthenight,thatpersonmighteasilystretchoutanarm,findtheglassintheaccustomedplace,andstillhalfasleep,tossoffenoughofthestufftobefatalbeforerealizingwhathadhappened.”
CaptainMaitlandreflectedaminute.
“I’llhavetogobackandlookatthatwindow.Howfarisitfromtheheadofthebed?”
Ithought.
“Withaverylongstretchyoucouldjustreachthelittletablethatstandsbytheheadofthebed.”
“Thetableonwhichtheglassofwaterwas?”
“Yes.”
“Wasthedoorlocked?”
“No.”
“Sowhoeveritwascouldhavecomeinthatwayandmadethesubstitution?”
“Oh,yes.”
“Therewouldbemoreriskthatway,”saidDr.Reilly.“Apersonwhoissleepingquitesoundlywilloftenwakeupatthesoundofafootfall.Ifthetablecouldbereachedfromthewindowitwouldbethesaferway.”
“I’mnotonlythinkingoftheglass,”saidCaptainMaitlandabsent-mindedly.
Rousinghimself,headdressedmeonceagain.
“It’syouropinionthatwhenthepoorladyfeltshewasdyingshewasanxioustoletyouknowthatsomebodyhadsubstitutedacidforwaterthroughtheopenwindow?Surelytheperson’snamewouldhavebeenmoretothepoint?”
“Shemayn’thaveknownthename,”Ipointedout.
“Oritwouldhavebeenmoretothepointifshe’dmanagedtohintwhatitwasthatshehaddiscoveredthedaybefore?”
Dr.Reillysaid:“Whenyou’redying,Maitland,youhaven’talwaysgotasenseofproportion.Oneparticularfactverylikelyobsessesyourmind.Thatamurderoushandhadcomethroughthewindowmayhavebeentheprincipalfactobsessingherattheminute.Itmayhaveseemedtoherimportantthatsheshouldletpeopleknowthat.Inmyopinionshewasn’tfarwrongeither.Itwasimportant!Sheprobablyjumpedtothefactthatyou’dthinkitwassuicide.Ifshecouldhaveusedhertonguefreely,she’dprobablyhavesaid‘Itwasn’tsuicide.Ididn’ttakeitmyself.Somebodyelsemusthaveputitnearmybedthroughthewindow.’”
CaptainMaitlanddrummedwithhisfingersforaminuteortwowithoutreplying.Thenhesaid:
“Therearecertainlytwowaysoflookingatit.It’seithersuicideormurder.Whichdoyouthink,Dr.Leidner?”
Dr.Leidnerwassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaidquietlyanddecisively:“Murder.AnneJohnsonwasn’tthesortofwomantokillherself.”
“No,”allowedCaptainMaitland.“Notinthenormalrunofthings.Buttheremightbecircumstancesinwhichitwouldbequiteanaturalthingtodo.”
“Suchas?”
CaptainMaitlandstoopedtoabundlewhichIhadpreviouslynoticedhimplacebythesideofhischair.Heswungitontothetablewithsomethingofaneffort.
“There’ssomethingherethatnoneofyouknowabout,”hesaid.“Wefounditunderherbed.”
Hefumbledwiththeknotofthecovering,thenthrewitback,revealingaheavygreatquernorgrinder.
Thatwasnothinginitself—therewereadozenorsoalreadyfoundinthecourseoftheexcavations.
Whatrivetedourattentiononthisparticularspecimenwasadull,darkstainandafragmentofsomethingthatlookedlikehair.
“That’llbeyourjob,Reilly,”saidCaptainMaitland.“ButIshouldn’tsaythatthere’smuchdoubtaboutthisbeingtheinstrumentwithwhichMrs.Leidnerwaskilled!”
Twenty-six
NEXTITWILLBEME!
Itwasratherhorrible.Dr.LeidnerlookedasthoughheweregoingtofaintandIfeltabitsickmyself.
Dr.Reillyexamineditwithprofessionalgusto.
“Nofingerprints,Ipresume?”hethrewout.
“Nofingerprints.”
Dr.Reillytookoutapairofforcepsandinvestigateddelicately.
“H’m—afragmentofhumantissue—andhair—fairblondehair.That’stheunofficialverdict.Ofcourse,I’llhavetomakeapropertest,bloodgroup,etc.,butthere’snotmuchdoubt.FoundunderMissJohnson’sbed?Well,well—sothat’sthebigidea.Shedidthemurder,andthen,Godresther,remorsecametoherandshefinishedherselfoff.It’satheory—aprettytheory.”
Dr.Leidnercouldonlyshakehisheadhelplessly.
“NotAnne—notAnne,”hemurmured.
“Idon’tknowwhereshehidthistobeginwith,”saidCaptainMaitland.“Everyroomwassearchedafterthefirstcrime.”
SomethingjumpedintomymindandIthought,“Inthestationerycupboard,”butIdidn’tsayanything.
“Whereveritwas,shebecamedissatisfiedwithitshidingplaceandtookitintoherownroom,whichhadbeensearchedwithalltherest.Orperhapsshedidthataftermakinguphermindtocommitsuicide.”
“Idon’tbelieveit,”Isaidaloud.
AndIcouldn’tsomehowbelievethatkindniceMissJohnsonhadbatteredoutMrs.Leidner’sbrains.Ijustcouldn’tseeithappening!Andyetitdidfitinwithsomethings—herfitofweepingthatnight,forinstance.Afterall,I’dsaid“remorse”myself—onlyI’dneverthoughtitwasremorseforanythingbutthesmaller,moreinsignificantcrime.
“Idon’tknowwhattobelieve,”saidCaptainMaitland.“There’stheFrenchFather’sdisappearancetobecleareduptoo.Mymenareouthuntingaroundincasehe’sbeenknockedontheheadandhisbodyrolledintoaconvenientirrigationditch.”
“Oh!Iremembernow—”Ibegan.
Everyonelookedtowardsmeinquiringly.
“Itwasyesterdayafternoon,”Isaid.“He’dbeencross-questioningmeaboutthemanwithasquintwhowaslookinginatthewindowthatday.Heaskedmejustwherehe’dstoodonthepathandthenhesaidhewasgoingouttohavealookround.Hesaidindetectivestoriesthecriminalalwaysdroppedaconvenientclue.”
“Damnedifanyofmycriminalseverdo,”saidCaptainMaitland.“Sothat’swhathewasafter,wasit?ByJove,Iwonderifhedidfindanything.AbitofacoincidenceifbothheandMissJohnsondiscoveredacluetotheidentityofthemurdereratpracticallythesametime.”
Headdedirritably,“Manwithasquint?Manwithasquint?There’smoreinthistaleofthatfellowwithasquintthanmeetstheeye.Idon’tknowwhythedevilmyfellowscan’tlayholdofhim!”
“Probablybecausehehasn’tgotasquint,”saidPoirotquietly.
“Doyoumeanhefakedit?Didn’tknowyoucouldfakeanactualsquint.”
Poirotmerelysaid:“Asquintcanbeaveryusefulthing.”
“Thedevilitcan!I’dgivealottoknowwherethatfellowisnow,squintornosquint!”
“Ataguess,”saidPoirot,“hehasalreadypassedtheSyrianfrontier.”
“We’vewarnedTellKotchekandAbuKemal—allthefrontierposts,infact.”
“Ishouldimaginethathetooktheroutethroughthehills.Theroutelorriessometimestakewhenrunningcontraband.”
CaptainMaitlandgrunted.
“Thenwe’dbettertelegraphDeirezZor?”
“Ididsoyesterday—warningthemtolookoutforacarwithtwomeninitwhosepassportswillbeinthemostimpeccableorder.”
CaptainMaitlandfavouredhimwithastare.
“Youdid,didyou?Twomen—eh?”
Poirotnodded.
“Therearetwomeninthis.”
“Itstrikesme,M.Poirot,thatyou’vebeenkeepingquitealotofthingsupyoursleeve.”
Poirotshookhishead.
“No,”hesaid.“Notreally.ThetruthcametomeonlythismorningwhenIwaswatchingthesunrise.Averybeautifulsunrise.”
Idon’tthinkthatanyofushadnoticedthatMrs.Mercadowasintheroom.Shemusthavecreptinwhenwewerealltakenabackbytheproductionofthathorriblegreatbloodstainedstone.
Butnow,withouttheleastwarning,shesetupanoiselikeapighavingitsthroatcut.
“Oh,myGod!”shecried.“Iseeitall.Iseeitallnow.ItwasFatherLavigny.He’smad—religiousmania.Hethinkswomenaresinful.He’skillingthemall.FirstMrs.Leidner—thenMissJohnson.Andnextitwillbeme….”
WithascreamoffrenzysheflungherselfacrosstheroomandclutchedDr.Reilly’scoat.
“Iwon’tstayhere,Itellyou!Iwon’tstayhereadaylonger.There’sdanger.There’sdangerallround.He’shidingsomewhere—waitinghistime.He’llspringoutonme!”
Hermouthopenedandshebeganscreamingagain.
IhurriedovertoDr.Reilly,whohadcaughtherbythewrists.IgaveherasharpslaponeachcheekandwithDr.Reilly’shelpIsatherdowninachair.
“Nobody’sgoingtokillyou,”Isaid.“We’llseetothat.Sitdownandbehaveyourself.”
Shedidn’tscreamanymore.Hermouthclosedandshesatlookingatmewithstartled,stupideyes.
Thentherewasanotherinterruption.ThedooropenedandSheilaReillycamein
Herfacewaspaleandserious.ShecamestraighttoPoirot.
“Iwasatthepostofficeearly,M.Poirot,”shesaid,“andtherewasatelegramthereforyou—soIbroughtitalong.”
“Thankyou,mademoiselle.”
Hetookitfromherandtoreitopenwhileshewatchedhisface.
Itdidnotchange,thatface.Hereadthetelegram,smootheditout,foldeditupneatlyandputitinhispocket.
Mrs.Mercadowaswatchinghim.Shesaidinachokedvoice:“Isthat—fromAmerica?”
“No,madame,”hesaid.“ItisfromTunis.”
Shestaredathimforamomentasthoughshedidnotunderstand,thenwithalongsigh,sheleantbackinherseat.
“FatherLavigny,”shesaid.“Iwasright.I’vealwaysthoughttherewassomethingqueerabouthim.Hesaidthingstomeonce—Isupposehe’smad…”Shepausedandthensaid,“I’llbequiet.ButImustleavethisplace.JosephandIcangoinandsleepattheRestHouse.”
“Patience,madame,”saidPoirot.“Iwillexplaineverything.”
CaptainMaitlandwaslookingathimcuriously.
“Doyouconsideryou’vedefinitelygotthehangofthisbusiness?”hedemanded.
Poirotbowed.
Itwasamosttheatricalbow.IthinkitratherannoyedCaptainMaitland.
“Well,”hebarked.“Outwithit,man.”
Butthatwasn’tthewayHerculePoirotdidthings.Isawperfectlywellthathemeanttomakeasonganddanceofit.Iwonderedifhereallydidknowthetruth,orifhewasjustshowingoff.
HeturnedtoDr.Reilly.
“Willyoubesogood,Dr.Reilly,astosummontheothers?”
Dr.Reillyjumpedupandwentoffobligingly.Inaminuteortwotheothermembersoftheexpeditionbegantofileintotheroom.FirstReiterandEmmott.ThenBillColeman.ThenRichardCareyandfinallyMr.Mercado.
Poorman,hereallylookedlikedeath.Isupposehewasmortallyafraidthathe’dgethauledoverthecoalsforcarelessnessinleavingdangerouschemicalsabout.
EveryoneseatedthemselvesroundthetableverymuchaswehaddoneonthedayM.Poirotarrived.BothBillColemanandDavidEmmotthesitatedbeforetheysatdown,glancingtowardsSheilaReilly.Shehadherbacktothemandwasstandinglookingoutofthewindow.
“Chair,Sheila?”saidBill.
DavidEmmottsaidinhislowpleasantdrawl,“Won’tyousitdown?”
Sheturnedthenandstoodforaminutelookingatthem.Eachwasindicatingachair,pushingitforward.Iwonderedwhosechairshewouldaccept.
Intheendsheacceptedneither.
“I’llsithere,”shesaidbrusquely.Andshesatdownontheedgeofatablequiteclosetothewindow.
“Thatis,”sheadded,“ifCaptainMaitlanddoesn’tmindmystaying?”
I’mnotquitesurewhatCaptainMaitlandwouldhavesaid.Poirotforestalledhim.
“Staybyallmeans,mademoiselle,”hesaid.“Itis,indeed,necessarythatyoushould.”
Sheraisedhereyebrows.
“Necessary?”
“ThatisthewordIused,mademoiselle.TherearesomequestionsIshallhavetoaskyou.”
Againhereyebrowswentupbutshesaidnothingfurther.Sheturnedherfacetothewindowasthoughdeterminedtoignorewhatwentonintheroombehindher.
“Andnow,”saidCaptainMaitland,“perhapsweshallgetatthetruth!”
Hespokeratherimpatiently.Hewasessentiallyamanofaction.AtthisverymomentIfeltsurethathewasfrettingtobeoutanddoingthings—directingthesearchforFatherLavigny’sbody,oralternativelysendingoutpartiesforhiscaptureandarrest.
HelookedatPoirotwithsomethingakintodislike.
“Ifthebeggar’sgotanythingtosay,whydoesn’thesayit?”
Icouldseethewordsonthetipofhistongue.
Poirotgaveaslowappraisingglanceatusall,thenrosetohisfeet.
Idon’tknowwhatIexpectedhimtosay—somethingdramaticcertainly.Hewasthatkindofperson.
ButIcertainlydidn’texpecthimtostartoffwithaphraseinArabic.
Yetthatiswhathappened.Hesaidthewordsslowlyandsolemnly—andreallyquitereligiously,ifyouknowwhatImean.
“Bismillahiarrahmanarrahim.”
AndthenhegavethetranslationinEnglish.
“InthenameofAllah,theMerciful,theCompassionate.”
Twenty-seven
BEGINNINGOFAJOURNEY
“Bismillahiarrahmanarrahim.ThatistheArabphraseusedbeforestartingoutonajourney.Ehbien,wetoostartonajourney.Ajourneyintothepast.Ajourneyintothestrangeplacesofthehumansoul.”
Idon’tthinkthatuptillthatmomentI’deverfeltanyoftheso-called“glamouroftheEast.”Frankly,whathadstruckmewasthemesseverywhere.Butsuddenly,withM.Poirot’swords,aqueersortofvisionseemedtogrowupbeforemyeyes.IthoughtofwordslikeSamarkandandIspahan—andofmerchantswithlongbeards—andkneelingcamels—andstaggeringporterscarryinggreatbalesontheirbacksheldbyaroperoundtheforehead—andwomenwithhenna-stainedhairandtattooedfaceskneelingbytheTigrisandwashingclothes,andIheardtheirqueerwailingchantsandthefar-offgroaningofthewaterwheel.
TheyweremostlythingsI’dseenandheardandthoughtnothingmuchof.Butnow,somehowtheyseemeddifferent—likeapieceoffustyoldstuffyoutakeintothelightandsuddenlyseetherichcoloursofanoldembroidery..
ThenIlookedroundtheroomweweresittinginandIgotaqueerfeelingthatwhatM.Poirotsaidwastrue—wewereallstartingonajourney.Wewereheretogethernow,butwewereallgoingourdifferentways.
AndIlookedateveryoneasthough,inasortofway,Iwereseeingthemforthefirsttime—andforthelasttime—whichsoundsstupid,butitwaswhatIfeltallthesame.
Mr.Mercadowastwistinghisfingersnervously—hisqueerlighteyeswiththeirdilatedpupilswerestaringatPoirot.Mrs.Mercadowaslookingatherhusband.Shehadastrangewatchfullooklikeatigresswaitingtospring.Dr.Leidnerseemedtohaveshrunkinsomecuriousfashion.Thislastblowhadjustcrumpledhimup.Youmightalmostsayhewasn’tintheroomatall.Hewassomewherefarawayinaplaceofhisown.Mr.ColemanwaslookingstraightatPoirot.Hismouthwasslightlyopenandhiseyesprotruded.Helookedalmostidiotic.Mr.EmmottwaslookingdownathisfeetandIcouldn’tseehisfaceproperly.Mr.Reiterlookedbewildered.Hismouthwaspushedoutinapoutand
Itwasaqueerfeeling….
Poirot’svoicewentquietlyon.Itwaslikeariverrunningevenlybetweenitsbanks…runningtothesea..
“FromtheverybeginningIhavefeltthattounderstandthiscaseonemustseeknotforexternalsignsorclues,butforthetruercluesoftheclashofpersonalitiesandthesecretsoftheheart.
“AndImaysaythatthoughIhavenowarrivedatwhatIbelievetobethetruesolutionofthecase,Ihavenomaterialproofofit.Iknowitisso,becauseitmustbeso,becauseinnootherwaycaneverysinglefactfitintoitsorderedandrecognizedplace.
“Andthat,tomymind,isthemostsatisfyingsolutiontherecanbe.”
Hepausedandthenwenton:
“IwillstartmyjourneyatthemomentwhenImyselfwasbroughtintothecase—whenIhaditpresentedtomeasanaccomplishedhappening.Now,everycase,inmyopinion,hasadefiniteshapeandform.Thepatternofthiscase,tomymind,allrevolvedroundthepersonalityofMrs.Leidner.UntilIknewexactlywhatkindofawomanMrs.LeidnerwasIshouldnotbeabletoknowwhyshewasmurderedandwhomurderedher.
“That,then,wasmystartingpoint—thepersonalityofMrs.Leidner.
“Therewasalsooneotherpsychologicalpointofinterest—thecuriousstateoftensiondescribedasexistingamongstthemembersoftheexpedition.Thiswasattestedtobyseveraldifferentwitnesses—someofthemoutsiders—andImadeanotethatalthoughhardlyastartingpoint,itshouldneverthelessbeborneinmindduringmyinvestigations.
“TheacceptedideaseemedtobethatitwasdirectlytheresultofMrs.Leidner’sinfluenceonthemembersoftheexpedition,butforreasonswhichIwilloutlinetoyoulaterthisdidnotseemtomeentirelyacceptable.
“Tostartwith,asIsay,IconcentratedsolelyandentirelyonthepersonalityofMrs.Leidner.Ihadvariousmeansofassessingthatpersonality.Therewerethereactionssheproducedinanumberofpeople,allvaryingwidelyincharacterandtemperament,andtherewaswhatIcouldgleanbymyownobservation.Thescopeofthelatterwasnaturallylimited.ButIdidlearncertainfacts.
“Mrs.Leidner’stastesweresimpleandevenontheaustereside.Shewasclearlynotaluxuriouswoman.Ontheotherhand,someembroideryshehadbeendoingwasofanextremefinenessandbeauty.Thatindicatedawomanoffastidiousandartistictaste.FromtheobservationofthebooksinherbedroomIformedafurtherestimate.Shehadbrains,andIalsofanciedthatshewas,essentially,anegoist.
“IthadbeensuggestedtomethatMrs.Leidnerwasawomanwhosemainpreoccupationwastoattracttheoppositesex—thatshewas,infact,asensualwoman.ThisIdidnotbelievetobethecase.
“InherbedroomInoticedthefollowingbooksonashelf:WhoweretheGreeks?,IntroductiontoRelativity,LifeofLadyHesterStanhope,BacktoMethuselah,LindaCondon,CreweTrain.
“Shehad,tobeginwith,aninterestincultureandinmodernscience—thatis,adistinctintellectualside.Ofthenovels,LindaCondon,andinalesserdegreeCreweTrain,seemedtoshowthatMrs.Leidnerhadasympathyandinterestintheindependentwoman—unencumberedorentrappedbyman.ShewasalsoobviouslyinterestedbythepersonalityofLadyHesterStanhope.LindaCondonisanexquisitestudyoftheworshipofherownbeautybyawoman.CreweTrainisastudyofapassionateindividualist,BacktoMethuselahisinsympathywiththeintellectualratherthantheemotionalattitudetolife.IfeltthatIwasbeginningtounderstandthedeadwoman.
“InextstudiedthereactionsofthosewhohadformedMrs.Leidner’simmediatecircle—andmypictureofthedeadwomangrewmoreandmorecomplete.
“ItwasquitecleartomefromtheaccountsofDr.ReillyandothersthatMrs.LeidnerwasoneofthosewomenwhoareendowedbyNaturenotonlywithbeautybutwiththekindofcalamitousmagicwhichsometimesaccompaniesbeautyandcan,indeed,existindependentlyofit.Suchwomenusuallyleaveatrailofviolenthappeningsbehindthem.Theybringdisaster—sometimesonothers—sometimesonthemselves.
“IwasconvincedthatMrs.Leidnerwasawomanwhoessentiallyworshippedherselfandwhoenjoyedmorethananythingelsethesenseofpower.Wherevershewas,shemustbethecentreoftheuniverse.Andeveryoneroundher,manorwoman,hadgottoacknowledgehersway.Withsomepeoplethatwaseasy.NurseLeatheran,forinstance,agenerous-naturedwomanwitharomanticimagination,wascapturedinstantlyandgaveinungrudgingmannerfullappreciation.ButtherewasasecondwayinwhichMrs.Leidnerexercisedhersway—thewayoffear.Whereconquestwastooeasysheindulgedamorecruelsidetohernature—butIwishtoreiterateemphaticallythatitwasnotwhatyoumightcallconsciouscruelty.Itwasasnaturalandunthinkingasistheconductofacatwithamouse.Whereconsciousnesscamein,shewasessentiallykindandwouldoftengooutofherwaytodokindandthoughtfulactionsforotherpeople.
“Nowofcoursethefirstandmostimportantproblemtosolvewastheproblemoftheanonymousletters.Whohadwrittenthemandwhy?Iaskedmyself:HadMrs.Leidnerwrittenthemherself?
“Toanswerthisproblemitwasnecessarytogobackalongway—togoback,infact,tothedateofMrs.Leidner’sfirstmarriage.Itisherewestartonourjourneyproper.ThejourneyofMrs.Leidner’slife.
“FirstofallwemustrealizethattheLouiseLeidnerofallthoseyearsagoisessentiallythesameLouiseLeidnerofthepresenttime.
“Shewasyoungthen,ofremarkablebeauty—thatsamehauntingbeautythataffectsaman’sspiritandsensesasnomerematerialbeautycan—andshewasalreadyessentiallyanegoist.
“Suchwomennaturallyrevoltfromtheideaofmarriage.Theymaybeattractedbymen,buttheyprefertobelongtothemselves.TheyaretrulyLaBelleDamesansMerciofthelegend.NeverthelessMrs.Leidnerdidmarry—andwecanassume,Ithink,thatherhusbandmusthavebeenamanofacertainforceofcharacter.
“ThentherevelationofhistraitorousactivitiesoccursandMrs.LeidneractsinthewayshetoldNurseLeidner.ShegaveinformationtotheGovernment.
“NowIsubmitthattherewasapsychologicalsignificanceinheraction.ShetoldNurseLeatheranthatshewasaverypatrioticidealisticgirlandthatthatfeelingwasthecauseofheraction.Butitisawell-knownfactthatwealltendtodeceiveourselvesastothemotivesforourownactions.Instinctivelyweselectthebest-soundingmotive!Mrs.Leidnermayhavebelievedherselfthatitwaspatriotismthatinspiredheraction,butIbelievemyselfthatitwasreallytheoutcomeofanunacknowledgeddesiretogetridofherhusband!Shedislikeddomination—shedislikedthefeelingofbelongingtosomeoneelse—infactshedislikedplayingsecondfiddle.Shetookapatrioticwayofregainingherfreedom.
“Butunderneathherconsciousnesswasagnawingsenseofguiltwhichwastoplayitspartinherfuturedestiny.
“Wenowcomedirectlytothequestionoftheletters.Mrs.Leidnerwashighlyattractivetothemalesex.Onseveraloccasionsshewasattractedbythem—butineachcaseathreateningletterplayeditspartandtheaffaircametonothing.
“Whowrotethoseletters?FrederickBosnerorhisbrotherWilliamorMrs.Leidnerherself?
“Thereisaperfectlygoodcaseforeithertheory.ItseemscleartomethatMrs.Leidnerwasoneofthosewomenwhodoinspiredevouringdevotionsinmen,thetypeofdevotionwhichcanbecomeanobsession.IfinditquitepossibletobelieveinaFrederickBosnertowhomLouise,hiswife,matteredmorethananythingintheworld!Shehadbetrayedhimonceandhedarednotapproachheropenly,buthewasdeterminedatleastthatsheshouldbehisornoone’s.Hepreferredherdeathtoherbelongingtoanotherman.
“Ontheotherhand,ifMrs.Leidnerhad,deepdown,adislikeofenteringintothemarriagebond,itispossiblethatshetookthiswayofextricatingherselffromdifficultpositions.Shewasahuntresswho,thepreyonceattained,hadnofurtheruseforit!Cravingdramainherlife,sheinventedahighlysatisfactorydrama—aresurrectedhusbandforbiddingthebanns!Itsatisfiedherdeepestinstincts.Itmadeheraromanticfigure,atragicheroine,anditenabledhernottomarryagain.
“Thisstateofaffairscontinuedoveranumberofyears.Everytimetherewasanylikelihoodofmarriage—athreateningletterarrived.
“Butnowwecometoareallyinterestingpoint.Dr.Leidnercameuponthescene—andnoforbiddingletterarrived!NothingstoodinthewayofherbecomingMrs.Leidner.Notuntilafterhermarriagedidaletterarrive.
“Atonceweaskourselves—why?
“Letustakeeachtheoryinturn.
…“IfMrs.Leidnerwrotethelettersherselftheproblemiseasilyexplained.Mrs.LeidnerreallywantedtomarryDr.Leidner.Andsoshedidmarryhim.Butinthatcase,whydidshewriteherselfaletterafterwards?Washercravingfordramatoostrongtobesuppressed?Andwhyonlythosetwoletters?Afterthatnootherletterwasreceiveduntilayearandahalflater
“Nowtaketheothertheory,thattheletterswerewrittenbyherfirsthusband,FrederickBosner(orhisbrother).Whydidthethreateningletterarriveafterthemarriage?PresumablyFrederickcouldnothavewantedhertomarryLeidner.Why,then,didhenotstopthemarriage?Hehaddonesosuccessfullyonformeroccasions.Andwhy,havingwaitedtillthemarriagehadtakenplace,didhethenresumehisthreats?
“Theanswer,anunsatisfactoryone,isthathewassomehoworotherunabletoprotestsooner.Hemayhavebeeninprisonorhemayhavebeenabroad.
“Thereisnexttheattemptedgaspoisoningtoconsider.Itseemsextremelyunlikelythatitwasbroughtaboutbyanoutsideagency.ThelikelypersonstohavestageditwereDr.andMrs.Leidnerthemselves.ThereseemsnoconceivablereasonwhyDr.Leidnershoulddosuchathing,sowearebroughttotheconclusionthatMrs.Leidnerplannedandcarrieditoutherself.
“Why?Moredrama?
“AfterthatDr.andMrs.Leidnergoabroadandforeighteenmonthstheyleadahappy,peacefullifewithnothreatsofdeathtodisturbit.Theyputthatdowntohavingsuccessfullycoveredtheirtraces,butsuchanexplanationisquiteabsurd.Inthesedaysgoingabroadisquiteinadequateforthatpurpose.AndespeciallywasthatsointhecaseoftheLeidners.Hewasthedirectorofamuseumexpedition.Byinquiryatthemuseum,FrederickBosnercouldatoncehaveobtainedhiscorrectaddress.Evengrantingthathewasintooreducedcircumstancestopursuethecouplehimselftherewouldbenobartohiscontinuinghisthreateningletters.Anditseemstomethatamanwithhisobsessionwouldcertainlyhavedoneso.
“Insteadnothingisheardofhimuntilnearlytwoyearslaterwhenthelettersareresumed.
“Whywerethelettersresumed?
“Averydifficultquestion—mosteasilyansweredbysayingthatMrs.Leidnerwasboredandwantedmoredrama.ButIwasnotquitesatisfiedwiththat.Thisparticularformofdramaseemedtomeashadetoovulgarandtoocrudetoaccordwellwithherfastidiouspersonality.
“Theonlythingtodowastokeepanopenmindonthequestion.
“Therewerethreedefinitepossibilities:(1)theletterswerewrittenbyMrs.Leidnerherself;(2)theywerewrittenbyFrederickBosner(oryoungWilliamBosner);(3)theymighthavebeenwrittenoriginallybyeitherMrs.Leidnerorherfirsthusband,buttheywerenowforgeries—thatis,theywerebeingwrittenbyathirdpersonwhowasawareoftheearlierletters.
“InowcometodirectconsiderationofMrs.Leidner’sentourage.
“Iexaminedfirsttheactualopportunitiesthateachmemberofthestaffhadhadforcommittingthemurder.
“Roughly,onthefaceofit,anyonemighthavecommittedit(asfarasopportunitywent),withtheexceptionofthreepersons.
“Dr.Leidner,byoverwhelmingtestimony,hadneverlefttheroof.Mr.Careywasondutyatthemound.Mr.ColemanwasinHassanieh.
“Butthosealibis,myfriends,werenotquiteasgoodastheylooked.IexceptDr.Leidner’s.Thereisabsolutelynodoubtthathewasontheroofallthetimeanddidnotcomedownuntilquiteanhourandaquarterafterthemurderhadhappened.
“ButwasitquitecertainthatMr.Careywasonthemoundallthetime?
“AndhadMr.ColemanactuallybeeninHassaniehatthetimethemurdertookplace?”
BillColemanreddened,openedhismouth,shutitandlookedrounduneasily.
Mr.Carey’sexpressiondidnotchange
Poirotwentonsmoothly.
“Ialsoconsideredoneotherpersonwho,Isatisfiedmyself,wouldbeperfectlycapableofcommittingmurderifshefeltstronglyenough.MissReillyhascourageandbrainsandacertainqualityofruthlessness.WhenMissReillywasspeakingtomeonthesubjectofthedeadwoman,Isaidtoher,jokingly,thatIhopedshehadanalibi.IthinkMissReillywasconsciousthenthatshehadhadinherheartthedesire,atleast,tokill.Atanyratesheimmediatelyutteredaverysillyandpurposelesslie.Shesaidshehadbeenplayingtennisonthatafternoon.ThenextdayIlearnedfromacasualconversationwithMissJohnsonthatfarfromplayingtennis,MissReillyhadactuallybeennearthishouseatthetimeofthemurder.ItoccurredtomethatMissReilly,ifnotguiltyofthecrime,mightbeabletotellmesomethinguseful.”
Hestoppedandthensaidquietly:“Willyoutellus,MissReilly,whatyoudidseethatafternoon?”
Thegirldidnotansweratonce.Shestilllookedoutofthewindowwithoutturningherhead,andwhenshespokeitwasinadetachedandmeasuredvoice.
“Irodeouttothedigafterlunch.ItmusthavebeenaboutaquartertotwowhenIgotthere.”
“Didyoufindanyofyourfriendsonthedig?”
“No,thereseemedtobenoonetherebuttheArabforeman.”
“YoudidnotseeMr.Carey?”
“No.”
“Curious,”saidPoirot.“NomoredidM.Verrierwhenhewenttherethatsameafternoon.”
HelookedinvitinglyatCarey,butthelatterneithermovednorspoke.
“Haveyouanyexplanation,Mr.Carey?”
“Iwentforawalk.Therewasnothingofinterestturn-ingup.”
“Inwhichdirectiondidyougoforawalk?”
“Downbytheriver.”
“Notbacktowardsthehouse?”
“No.”
“Isuppose,”saidMissReilly,“thatyouwerewaitingforsomeonewhodidn’tcome.”
Helookedatherbutdidn’tanswer.
Poirotdidnotpressthepoint.Hespokeoncemoretothegirl.
“Didyouseeanythingelse,mademoiselle?”
“Yes.IwasnotfarfromtheexpeditionhousewhenInoticedtheexpeditionlorrydrawnupinawadi.Ithoughtitwasratherqueer.ThenIsawMr.Coleman.Hewaswalkingalongwithhisheaddownasthoughheweresearchingforsomething.”
“Lookhere,”burstoutMr.Coleman,“I—”
Poirotstoppedhimwithanauthoritativegesture.
“Wait.Didyouspeaktohim,MissReilly?”
“No.Ididn’t.”
“Why?”
Thegirlsaidslowly:“Because,fromtimetotime,hestartedandlookedroundwithanextraordinaryfurtivelook.It—gavemeanunpleasantfeeling.Iturnedmyhorse’sheadandrodeaway.Idon’tthinkhesawme.Iwasnotverynearandhewasabsorbedinwhathewasdoing.”
“Lookhere,”Mr.Colemanwasnottobehushedanylonger.“I’vegotaperfectlygoodexplanationforwhat—Iadmit—looksabitfishy.Asamatteroffact,thedaybeforeIhadslippedajollyfinecylindersealintomycoatpocketinsteadofputtingitintheantikaroom—forgotallaboutit.AndthenIdiscoveredI’dbeenandlostitoutofmypocket—droppeditsomewhere.Ididn’twanttogetintoarowaboutitsoIdecidedI’dhaveajollygoodsearchonthequiet.IwasprettysureI’ddroppeditonthewaytoorfromthedig.IrushedovermybusinessinHassanieh.Sentawaladtodosomeoftheshoppingandgotbackearly.Istuckthebuswhereitwouldn’tshowandhadajollygoodhuntforoveranhour.Anddidn’tfindthedamnedthingatthat!ThenIgotintothebusanddroveontothehouse.Naturally,everyonethoughtI’djustgotback.”
“Andyoudidnotundeceivethem?”askedPoirotsweetly.
“Well,thatwasprettynaturalunderthecircumstances,don’tyouthink?”
“Ihardlyagree,”saidPoirot.
“Oh,comenow—don’tgolookingfortrouble—that’smymotto!Butyoucan’tfastenanythingonme.Ineverwentintothecourtyard,andyoucan’tfindanyonewho’llsayIdid.”
“That,ofcourse,hasbeenthedifficulty,”saidPoirot.“Theevidenceoftheservantsthatnooneenteredthecourtyardfromoutside.Butitoccurredtome,uponreflection,thatthatwasreallynotwhattheyhadsaid.Theyhadswornthatnostrangerhadenteredthepremises.Theyhadnotbeenaskedifamemberoftheexpeditionhaddoneso.”
“Well,youaskthem,”saidColeman.“I’lleatmyhatiftheysawmeorCareyeither.”
“Ah!butthatraisesratheraninterestingquestion.Theywouldnoticeastrangerundoubtedly—butwouldtheyhaveevennoticedamemberoftheexpedition?Themembersofthestaffarepassinginandoutallday.Theservantswouldhardlynoticetheirgoingandcoming.Itispossible,Ithink,thateitherMr.CareyorMr.Colemanmighthaveenteredandtheservants’mindswouldhavenoremembranceofsuchanevent.”
“Bunkum!”saidMr.Coleman.
Poirotwentoncalmly:“Ofthetwo,IthinkMr.Careywastheleastlikelytobenoticedgoingorcoming.Mr.ColemanhadstartedtoHassaniehinthecarthatmorningandhewouldbeexpectedtoreturninit.Hisarrivalonfootwouldthereforebenoticeable.”
“Ofcourseitwould!”saidColeman.
RichardCareyraisedhishead.Hisdeep-blueeyeslookedstraightatPoirot.
“Areyouaccusingmeofmurder,M.Poirot?”heasked.
Hismannerwasquitequietbuthisvoicehadadangerousundertone.
Poirotbowedtohim.
“AsyetIamonlytakingyouallonajourney—myjourneytowardsthetruth.Ihadnowestablishedonefact—thatallthemembersoftheexpeditionstaff,andalsoNurseLeatheran,couldinactualfacthavecommittedthemurder.Thattherewasverylittlelikelihoodofsomeofthemhavingcommitteditwasasecondarymatter.
“Ihadexaminedmeansandopportunity.Inextpassedtomotive.Idiscoveredthatoneandallofyoucouldbecreditedwithamotive!”
“Oh!M.Poirot,”Icried.“Notme!Why,Iwasastranger.I’donlyjustcome.”
“Ehbien,masoeur,andwasnotthatjustwhatMrs.Leidnerhadbeenfearing?Astrangerfromoutside?”
“But—but—Why,Dr.Reillyknewallaboutme!Hesuggestedmycoming!”
“Howmuchdidhereallyknowaboutyou?Mostlywhatyouyourselfhadtoldhim.Impostershavepassedthemselvesoffashospitalnursesbeforenow.”
“YoucanwritetoSt.Christopher’s,”Ibegan.
“Forthemomentwillyousilenceyourself.Impossibletoproceedwhileyouconductthisargument.IdonotsayIsuspectyounow.AllIsayisthat,keepingtheopenmind,youmightquiteeasilybesomeoneotherthanyoupretendedtobe.Therearemanysuccessfulfemaleimpersonators,youknow.YoungWilliamBosnermightbesomethingofthatkind.”
Iwasabouttogivehimafurtherpieceofmymind.Femaleimpersonatorindeed!ButheraisedhisvoiceandhurriedonwithsuchanairofdeterminationthatIthoughtbetterofit.
“Iamgoingnowtobefrank—brutallyso.Itisnecessary.Iamgoingtolaybaretheunderlyingstructureofthisplace.
“Iexaminedandconsideredeverysinglesoulhere.TobeginwithDr.Leidner,Isoonconvincedmyselfthathisloveforhiswifewasthemainspringofhisexistence.Hewasamantornandravagedwithgrief.NurseLeatheranIhavealreadymentioned.Ifshewereafemaleimpersonatorshewasamostamazinglysuccessfulone,andIinclinedtothebeliefthatshewasexactlywhatshesaidshewas—athoroughlycompetenthospitalnurse.”
“Thankyoufornothing,”Iinterposed
“MyattentionwasimmediatelyattractedtowardsMr.andMrs.Mercado,whowerebothofthemclearlyinastateofgreatagitationandunrest.IconsideredfirstMrs.Mercado.Wasshecapableofmurder,andifsoforwhatreasons?
“Mrs.Mercado’sphysiquewasfrail.AtfirstsightitdidnotseempossiblethatshecouldhavehadthephysicalstrengthtostrikedownawomanlikeMrs.Leidnerwithaheavystoneimplement.If,however,Mrs.Leidnerhadbeenonherkneesatthetime,thethingwouldatleastbephysicallypossible.Therearewaysinwhichonewomancaninduceanothertogodownonherknees.Oh!notemotionalways!Forinstance,awomanmightbeturningupthehemofaskirtandaskanotherwomantoputinthepinsforher.Thesecondwomanwouldkneelonthegroundquiteunsuspectingly.
“Butthemotive?NurseLeatheranhadtoldmeoftheangryglancesshehadseenMrs.MercadodirectatMrs.Leidner.Mr.MercadohadevidentlysuccumbedeasilytoMrs.Leidner’sspell.ButIdidnotthinkthesolutionwastobefoundinmerejealousy.IwassureMrs.LeidnerwasnotintheleastinterestedreallyinMr.Mercado—anddoubtlessMrs.Mercadowasawareofthefact.Shemightbefuriouswithherforthemoment,butformurdertherewouldhavetobegreaterprovocation.ButMrs.Mercadowasessentiallyafiercelymaternaltype.FromthewayshelookedatherhusbandIrealized,notonlythatshelovedhim,butthatshewouldfightforhimtoothandnail—andmorethanthat—thatsheenvisagedthepossibilityofhavingtodoso.Shewasconstantlyonherguardanduneasy.Theuneasinesswasforhim—notforherself.AndwhenIstudiedMr.MercadoIcouldmakeafairlyeasyguessatwhatthetroublewas.Itookmeanstoassuremyselfofthetruthofmyguess.Mr.Mercadowasadrugaddict—inanadvancedstageofthecraving.
“NowIneedprobablynottellyouallthatthetakingofdrugsoveralongperiodhastheresultofconsiderablybluntingthemoralsense.
“Undertheinfluenceofdrugsamancommitsactionsthathewouldnothavedreamedofcommittingafewyearsearlierbeforehebeganthepractice.Insomecasesamanhascommittedmurder—andithasbeendifficulttosaywhetherhewaswhollyresponsibleforhisactionsornot.Thelawofdifferentcountriesvariesslightlyonthatpoint.Thechiefcharacteristicofthedrug-fiendcriminalisoverweeningconfidenceinhisowncleverness.
“Ithoughtitpossiblethattherewassomediscreditableincident,perhapsacriminalincident,inMr.Mercado’spastwhichhiswifehadsomehoworothersucceededinhushingup.Neverthelesshiscareerhungonathread.Ifanythingofthispastincidentwerebruitedabout,Mr.Mercadowouldberuined.Hiswifewasalwaysonthewatch.Butthere
“Here,then,wasapossiblemotiveformurderonthepartoftheMercados.Toprotecthermate,Mrs.Mercado,Ifeltsure,wouldstickatnothing!Bothsheandherhusbandhadhadtheopportunity—duringthattenminuteswhenthecourtyardwasempty.”
Mrs.Mercadocriedout,“It’snottrue!”
Poirotpaidnoattention.
“InextconsideredMissJohnson.Wasshecapableofmurder?
“Ithoughtshewas.Shewasapersonofstrongwillandironself-control.Suchpeopleareconstantlyrepressingthemselves—andonedaythedambursts!ButifMissJohnsonhadcommittedthecrimeitcouldonlybeforsomereasonconnectedwithDr.Leidner.IfinanywayshefeltconvincedthatMrs.Leidnerwasspoilingherhusband’slife,thenthedeepunacknowledgedjealousyfardowninherwouldleapatthechanceofaplausiblemotiveandgiveitselffullrein.
“Yes,MissJohnsonwasdistinctlyapossibility.
“Thentherewerethethreeyoungmen.
“FirstCarlReiter.If,byanychance,oneoftheexpeditionstaffwasWilliamBosner,thenReiterwasbyfarthemostlikelyperson.ButifhewasWilliamBosner,thenhewascertainlyamostaccomplishedactor!Ifheweremerelyhimself,hadheanyreasonformurder?
“RegardedfromMrs.Leidner’spointofview,CarlReiterwasfartooeasyavictimforgoodsport.Hewaspreparedtofallonhisfaceandworshipimmediately.Mrs.Leidnerdespisedundiscriminatingadoration—andthedoormatattitudenearlyalwaysbringsouttheworstsideofawoman.InhertreatmentofCarlReiterMrs.Leidnerdisplayedreallydeliberatecruelty.Sheinsertedagibehere—aprickthere.Shemadethepooryoungman’slifeahelltohim.”
Poirotbrokeoffsuddenlyandaddressedtheyoungmaninapersonal,highlyconfidentialmanner.
“Monami,letthisbealessontoyou.Youareaman.Behave,then,likeaman!ItisagainstNatureforamantogrovel.WomenandNaturehavealmostexactlythesamereactions!Rememberitisbettertotakethelargestplatewithinreachandflingitatawoman’sheadthanitistowrigglelikeawormwhenevershelooksatyou!”
Hedroppedhisprivatemannerandrevertedtohislecturestyle.
“CouldCarlReiterhavebeengoadedtosuchapitchoftormentthatheturnedonhistormentorandkilledher?Sufferingdoesqueerthingstoaman.Icouldnotbesurethatitwasnotso!
“NextWilliamColeman.Hisbehaviour,asreportedbyMissReilly,iscertainlysuspicious.IfhewasthecriminalitcouldonlybebecausehischeerfulpersonalityconcealedthehiddenoneofWilliamBosner.IdonotthinkWilliamColeman,asWilliamColeman,hasthetemperamentofamurderer.Hisfaultsmightlieinanotherdirection.Ah!perhapsNurseLeatherancanguesswhattheywouldbe?”
Howdidthemandoit?I’msureIdidn’tlookasthoughIwasthinkinganythingatall.
“It’snothingreally,”Isaid,hesitating.“Onlyifit’stobealltruth,Mr.Colemandidsayoncehimselfthathewouldhavemadeagoodforger.”
“Agoodpoint,”saidPoirot.“Thereforeifhehadcomeacrosssomeoftheoldthreateningletters,hecouldhavecopiedthemwithoutdifficulty.”
“Oy,oy,oy!”calledoutMr.Coleman.“Thisiswhattheycallaframe-up.”
Poirotswepton.
“AstohisbeingornotbeingWilliamBosner,suchamatterisdifficultofverification.ButMr.Colemanhasspokenofaguardian—notofafather—andthereisnothingdefinitelytovetotheidea.”
“Tommyrot,”saidMr.Coleman.“Whyallofyoulistentothischapbeatsme.”
“OfthethreeyoungmenthereremainsMr.Emmott,”wentonPoirot.“HeagainmightbeapossibleshieldfortheidentityofWilliamBosner.WhateverpersonalreasonshemighthavefortheremovalofMrs.LeidnerIsoonrealizedthatIshouldhavenomeansoflearningthemfromhim.Hecouldkeephisowncounselremarkablywell,andtherewasnottheleastchanceofprovokinghimnoroftrickinghimintobetrayinghimselfonanypoint.OfalltheexpeditionheseemedtobethebestandmostdispassionatejudgeofMrs.Leidner’spersonality.Ithinkthathealwaysknewherforexactlywhatshewas—butwhatimpressionherpersonalitymadeonhimIwasunabletodiscover.IfancythatMrs.Leidnerherselfmusthavebeenprovokedandangeredbyhisattitude.
“Imaysaythatofalltheexpedition,asfarascharacterandcapacitywereconcerned,Mr.Emmottseemedtomethemostfittedtobringacleverandwell-timedcrimeoffsatisfactorily.”
Forthefirsttime,Mr.Emmottraisedhiseyesfromthetoesofhisboots.
“Thankyou,”hesaid.
Thereseemedtobejustatraceofamusementinhisvoice.
“ThelasttwopeopleonmylistwereRichardCareyandFatherLavigny.
“AccordingtothetestimonyofNurseLeatheranandothers,Mr.CareyandMrs.Leidnerdislikedeachother.Theywerebothcivilwithaneffort.Anotherperson,MissReilly,propoundedatotallydifferenttheorytoaccountfortheirattitudeoffrigidpoliteness.
“IsoonhadverylittledoubtthatMissReilly’sexplanationwasthecorrectone.IacquiredmycertitudebythesimpleexpedientofprovokingMr.Careyintorecklessandunguardedspeech.Itwasnotdifficult.AsIsoonsaw,hewasinastateofhighnervoustension.Infacthewas—andis—verynearacompletenervousbreakdown.Amanwhoissufferinguptothelimitofhiscapacitycanseldomputupmuchofafight.
“Mr.Carey’sbarrierscamedownalmostimmediately.Hetoldme,withasinceritythatIdidnotforamomentdoubt,thathehatedMrs.Leidner.
“Andhewasundoubtedlyspeakingthetruth.HedidhateMrs.Leidner.Butwhydidhehateher?
“Ihavespokenofwomenwhohaveacalamitousmagic.Butmenhavethatmagictoo.Therearemenwhoareablewithouttheleastefforttoattractwomen.Whattheycallinthesedayslesexappeal!Mr.Careyhadthisqualityverystrongly.Hewastobeginwithdevotedtohisfriendandemployer,andindifferenttohisemployer’swife.ThatdidnotsuitMrs.Leidner.Shemustdominate—andshesetherselfouttocaptureRichardCarey.Buthere,Ibelieve,somethingentirelyunforeseentookplace.Sheherselfforperhapsthefirsttimeinherlife,fellavictimtoanovermasteringpassion.Shefellinlove—reallyinlove—withRichardCarey.
“Andhe—wasunabletoresisther.Hereisthetruthoftheterriblestateofnervoustensionthathehasbeenenduring.Hehasbeenamantornbytwoopposingpassions.HelovedLouiseLeidner—yes,buthealsohatedher.Hehatedherforundermininghisloyaltytohisfriend.Thereisnohatredsogreatasthatofamanwhohasbeenmadetoloveawomanagainsthiswill.
“IhadhereallthemotivethatIneeded.IwasconvincedthatatcertainmomentsthemostnaturalthingforRichardCareytodowouldhavebeentostrikewithalltheforceofhisarmatthebeautifulfacethathadcastaspelloverhim.
“AllalongIhadfeltsurethatthemurderofLouiseLeidnerwasacrimepassionnel.InMr.CareyIhadfoundanidealmurdererforthattypeofcrime.
“Thereremainsoneothercandidateforthetitleofmurderer—FatherLavigny.MyattentionwasattractedtothegoodFatherstraightawaybyacertaindiscrepancybetweenhisdescriptionofthestrangemanwhohadbeenseenpeeringinatthewindowandtheonegivenbyNurseLeatheran.Inallaccountsgivenbydifferentwitnessesthereisusuallysomediscrepancy,butthiswasabsolutelyglaring.Moreover,FatherLavignyinsistedonacertaincharacteristic—asquint—whichoughttomakeidentificationmucheasier.
“ButverysoonitbecameapparentthatwhileNurseLeatheran’sdescriptionwassubstantiallyaccurate,FatherLavigny’swasnothingofthekind.ItlookedalmostasthoughFatherLavignywasdeliberatelymisleadingus—asthoughhedidnotwantthemancaught.
“Butinthatcasehemustknowsomethingaboutthiscuriousperson.Hehadbeenseentalkingtothemanbutwehadonlyhiswordforwhattheyhadbeentalkingabout.
“WhathadtheIraqibeendoingwhenNurseLeatheranandMrs.Leidnersawhim?Tryingtopeerthroughthewindow—Mrs.Leidner’swindow,sotheythought,butIrealizedwhenIwentandstoodwheretheyhadbeen,thatitmightequallyhavebeentheantikaroomwindow.
“Thenightafterthatanalarmwasgiven.Someonewasintheantikaroom.Nothingprovedtohavebeentaken,however.TheinterestingpointtomeisthatwhenDr.LeidnergottherehefoundFatherLavignytherebeforehim.FatherLavignytellshisstoryofseeingalight.Butagainwehaveonlyhiswordforit.
“IbegintogetcuriousaboutFatherLavigny.TheotherdaywhenImakethesuggestionthatFatherLavignymaybeFrederickBosner,Dr.Leidnerpooh-poohsthesuggestion.HesaysFatherLavignyisawell-knownman.IadvancethesuppositionthatFrederickBosner,whohashadnearlytwentyyearstomakeacareerforhimself,underanewname,mayverypossiblybeawell-knownmanbythistime!Allthesame,Idonotthinkthathehasspenttheinterveningtimeinareligiouscommunity.Averymuchsimplersolutionpresentsitself.
“DidanyoneattheexpeditionknowFatherLavignybysightbeforehecame?Apparentlynot.WhythenshouldnotitbesomeoneimpersonatingthegoodFather?IfoundoutthatatelegramhadbeensenttoCarthageonthesuddenillnessofDr.Byrd,whowastohaveaccompaniedtheexpedition.Tointerceptatelegram,whatcouldbeeasier?Astothework,therewasnootherepigraphistattachedtotheexpedition.Withasmatteringofknowledgeaclevermanmightbluffhiswaythrough.Therehadbeenveryfewtabletsandinscriptionssofar,andalreadyIgatheredthatFatherLavigny’spronouncementshadbeenfelttobesomewhatunusual.
“ItlookedverymuchasthoughFatherLavignywereanimposter.
“ButwasheFrederickBosner?
“Somehow,affairsdidnotseemtobeshapingthemselvesthatway.Thetruthseemedlikelytolieinquiteadifferentdirection.
“IhadalengthyconversationwithFatherLavigny.IamapractisingCatholicandIknowmanypriestsandmembersofreligiouscommunities.FatherLavignystruckmeasnotringingquitetruetohisrole.Buthestruckme,ontheotherhand,asfamiliarinquiteadifferentcapacity.Ihadmetmenofhistypequitefrequently—buttheywerenotmembersofareligiouscommunity.Farfromit!
“Ibegantosendofftelegrams.
“Andthen,unwittingly,NurseLeatherangavemeavaluableclue.Wewereexaminingthegoldornamentsintheantikaroomandshementionedatraceofwaxhavingbeenfoundadheringtoagoldcup.Me,Isay,‘Wax?’andFatherLavigny,hesaid‘Wax?’andhistonewasenough!Iknewinaflashexactlywhathewasdoinghere.”
PoirotpausedandaddressedhimselfdirectlytoDr.Leidner.
“Iregrettotellyou,monsieur,thatthegoldcupintheantikaroom,thegolddagger,thehairornamentsandseveralotherthingsarenotthegenuinearticlesfoundbyyou.Theyareverycleverelectrotypes.FatherLavigny,Ihavejustlearnedbythislastanswertomytelegrams,isnoneotherthanRaoulMenier,oneofthecleverestthievesknowntotheFrenchpolice.Hespecializesintheftsfrommuseumsofobjetsd’artandsuchlike.AssociatedwithhimisAliYusuf,asemi-Turk,whoisafirst-classworkingjeweller.OurfirstknowledgeofMenierwaswhencertainobjectsintheLouvrewerefoundnottobegenuine—ineverycaseitwasdiscoveredthatadistinguishedarchaeologistnotknownpreviouslybysighttothedirectorhadrecentlyhadthehandlingofthespuriousarticleswhenpayingavisittotheLouvre.OninquiryallthesedistinguishedgentlemendeniedhavingpaidavisittotheLouvreatthetimesstated!
“IhavelearnedthatMenierwasinTunispreparingthewayforatheftfromtheHolyFatherswhenyourtelegramarrived.FatherLavigny,whowasinillhealth,wasforcedtorefuse,butMeniermanagedtogetholdofthetelegramandsubstituteoneofacceptance.Hewasquitesafeindoingso.Evenifthemonksshouldreadinsomepaper(initselfanunlikelything)thatFatherLavignywasinIraqtheywouldonlythinkthatthenewspapershadgotholdofahalf-truthassooftenhappens.
“Menierandhisaccomplicearrived.Thelatterisseenwhenheisreconnoitringtheantikaroomfromoutside.TheplanisforFatherLavignytotakewaximpressions.Alithenmakescleverduplicates.Therearealwayscertaincollectorswhoarewillingtopayagoodpriceforgenuineantiquesandwillasknoembarrassingquestions.FatherLavignywilleffectthesubstitutionofthefakeforthegenuinearticle—preferablyatnight.
“AndthatisdoubtlesswhathewasdoingwhenMrs.Leidnerheardhimandgavethealarm.Whatcanhedo?Hehurriedlymakesupastoryofhavingseenalightintheantikaroom.
“That‘wentdown,’asyousay,verywell.ButMrs.Leidnerwasnofool.Shemayhaverememberedthetraceofwaxshehadnoticedandthenputtwoandtwotogether.Andifshedid,whatwillshedothen?Woulditnotbedanssoncaracte“retodonothingatonce,butenjoyherselfbylettinghintssliptothediscomfitureofFatherLavigny?Shewilllethimseethatshesuspects—butnotthatsheknows.Itis,perhaps,adangerousgame,butsheenjoysadangerousgame.
“Andperhapssheplaysthatgametoolong.FatherLavignyseesthetruth,andstrikesbeforesherealizeswhathemeanstodo.
“FatherLavignyisRaoulMenier—athief.Ishealso—amurderer?”
Poirotpacedtheroom.Hetookoutahandkerchief,wipedhisforeheadandwenton:“Thatwasmypositionthismorning.TherewereeightdistinctpossibilitiesandIdidnotknowwhichofthesepossibilitieswastherightone.Istilldidnotknowwhowasthemurderer.
“Butmurderisahabit.Themanorwomanwhokillsoncewillkillagain.
“Andbythesecondmurder,themurdererwasdeliveredintomyhands.
“Allalongitwaseverpresentinthebackofmymindthatsomeoneofthesepeoplemighthaveknowledgethattheyhadkeptback—knowledgeincriminatingthemurderer.
“Ifso,thatpersonwouldbeindanger
“MysolicitudewasmainlyonaccountofNurseLeatheran.Shehadanenergeticpersonalityandabriskinquisitivemind.Iwasterrifiedofherfindingoutmorethanitwassafeforhertoknow.
“Asyouallknow,asecondmurderdidtakeplace.ButthevictimwasnotNurseLeatheran—itwasMissJohnson.
“IliketothinkthatIshouldhavereachedthecorrectsolutionanywaybypurereasoning,butitiscertainthatMissJohnson’smurderhelpedmetoitmuchquicker.
“Tobeginwith,onesuspectwaseliminated—MissJohnsonherself—forIdidnotforamomententertainthetheoryofsuicide.
“Letusexaminenowthefactsofthissecondmurder.
“FactOne:OnSundayeveningNurseLeatheranfindsMissJohnsonintears,andthatsameeveningMissJohnsonburnsafragmentofaletterwhichnursebelievestobeinthesamehandwritingasthatoftheanonymousletters.
“FactTwo:TheeveningbeforeherdeathMissJohnsonisfoundbyNurseLeatheranstandingontheroofinastatethatnursedescribesasoneofincreduloushorror.Whennursequestionshershesays,‘I’veseenhowsomeonecouldcomeinfromoutside—andnoonewouldeverguess.’Shewon’tsayanymore.FatherLavignyiscrossingthecourtyardandMr.Reiterisatthedoorofthephotographicroom.
“FactThree:MissJohnsonisfounddying.Theonlywordsshecanmanagetoarticulateare‘thewindow—thewindow—’
“Thosearethefacts,andthesearetheproblemswithwhichwearefaced:
“Whatisthetruthoftheletters?
“WhatdidMissJohnsonseefromtheroof?
“Whatdidshemeanby‘thewindow—thewindow?’
“Ehbien,letustakethesecondproblemfirstastheeasiestofsolution.IwentupwithNurseLeatheranandIstoodwhereMissJohnsonhadstood.Fromthereshecouldseethecourtyardandthearchwayandthenorthsideofthebuildingandtwomembersofthestaff.HadherwordsanythingtodowitheitherMr.ReiterorFatherLavigny?
“Almostatonceapossibleexplanationleapedtomybrain.Ifastrangercameinfromoutsidehecouldonlydosoindisguise.Andtherewasonlyonepersonwhosegeneralappearancelentitselftosuchanimpersonation.FatherLavigny!Withasunhelmet,sunglasses,blackbeardandamonk’slongwoollenrobe,astrangercouldpassinwithouttheservantsrealisingthatastrangerhadentered.
“WasthatMissJohnson’smeaning?Orhadshegonefurther?DidsherealizethatFatherLavigny’swholepersonalitywasadisguise?Thathewassomeoneotherthanhepretendedtobe?
“KnowingwhatIdidknowaboutFatherLavigny,Iwasinclinedtocallthemysterysolved.RaoulMenierwasthemurderer.HehadkilledMrs.Leidnertosilenceherbeforeshecouldgivehimaway.Nowanotherpersonletshimseethatshehaspenetratedhissecret.She,too,mustberemoved.
“Andsoeverythingisexplained!Thesecondmurder.FatherLavigny’sflight—minusrobeandbeard.(HeandhisfriendaredoubtlesscareeringthroughSyriawithexcellentpassportsastwocommercialtravellers.)Hisactioninplacingtheblood-stainedquernunderMissJohnson’sbed.
“AsIsay,Iwasalmostsatisfied—butnotquite.Fortheperfectsolutionmustexplaineverything—andthisdoesnotdoso.
“Itdoesnotexplain,forinstance,whyMissJohnsonshouldsay‘thewindow,’asshewasdying.Itdoesnotexplainherfitofweepingovertheletter.Itdoesnotexplainhermentalattitudeontheroof—herincreduloushorrorandherrefusaltotellNurseLeatheranwhatitwasthatshenowsuspectedorknew.
“Itwasasolutionthatfittedtheouterfacts,butitdidnotsatisfythepsychologicalrequirements.
“Andthen,asIstoodontheroof,goingoverinmymindthosethreepoints:theletters,theroof,thewindow,Isaw—justasMissJohnsonhadseen!
“AndthistimewhatIsawexplainedeverything!”
Twenty-eight
JOURNEY’SEND
Poirotlookedround.Everyeyewasnowfixeduponhim.Therehadbeenacertainrelaxation—aslackeningoftension.Nowthetensionsuddenlyreturned.
Therewassomethingcoming…something…
Poirot’svoice,quietandunimpassioned,wenton:“Theletters,theroof,‘thewindow’…Yes,everythingwasexplained—everythingfellintoplace
“Isaidjustnowthatthreemenhadalibisforthetimeofthecrime.TwoofthosealibisIhaveshowntobeworthless.Isawnowmygreat—myamazingmistake.Thethirdalibiwasworthlesstoo.NotonlycouldDr.Leidnerhavecommittedthemurder—butIwasconvincedthathehadcommittedit.”
Therewasasilence,abewildered,uncomprehendingsilence.Dr.Leidnersaidnothing.Heseemedlostinhisfarawayworldstill.DavidEmmott,however,stirreduneasilyandspoke.
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumeantoimply,M.Poirot.ItoldyouthatDr.Leidnerneverlefttheroofuntilatleastaquartertothree.Thatistheabsolutetruth.Iswearitsolemnly.Iamnotlying.Anditwouldhavebeenquiteimpossibleforhimtohavedonesowithoutmyseeinghim.”
Poirotnodded.
“Oh,Ibelieveyou.Dr.Leidnerdidnotleavetheroof.Thatisanundisputedfact.ButwhatIsaw—andwhatMissJohnsonhadseen—wasthatDr.Leidnercouldmurderhiswifefromtheroofwithoutleavingit.”
Weallstared.
“Thewindow,”criedPoirot.“Herwindow!ThatiswhatIrealized—justasMissJohnsonrealizedit.Herwindowwasdirectlyunderneath,onthesideawayfromthecourtyard.AndDr.Leidnerwasaloneuptherewithnoonetowitnesshisactions.Andthoseheavystonequernsandgrinderswereupthereallreadytohishand.Sosimple,soverysimple,grantedonething—thatthemurdererhadtheopportunitytomovethebodybeforeanyoneelsesawit…Oh,itisbeautiful—ofanunbelievablesimplicity!
“Listen—itwentlikethis:
“Dr.Leidnerisontheroofworkingwiththepottery.Hecallsyouup,Mr.Emmott,andwhileheholdsyouintalkhenoticesthat,asusuallyhappens,thesmallboytakesadvantageofyourabsencetoleavehisworkandgooutsidethecourtyard.Hekeepsyouwithhimtenminutes,thenheletsyougoandassoonasyouaredownbelowshoutingtotheboyhesetshisplaninoperation.
“Hetakesfromhispockettheplasticine-smearedmaskwithwhichhehasalreadyscaredhiswifeonaformeroccasionanddanglesitovertheedgeoftheparapettillittapsonhiswife’swindow.
“That,remember,isthewindowgivingonthecountrysidefacingtheoppositedirectiontothecourtyard.
“Mrs.Leidnerislyingonherbedhalfasleep.Sheispeacefulandhappy.Suddenlythemaskbeginstappingonthewindowandattractsherattention.Butitisnotdusknow—itisbroaddaylight—thereisnothingterrifyingaboutit.Sherecognizesitforwhatitis—acrudeformoftrickery!Sheisnotfrightenedbutindignant.Shedoeswhatanyotherwomanwoulddoinherplace.Jumpsoffthebed,opensthewindow,passesherheadthroughthebarsandturnsherfaceupwardtoseewhoisplayingthetrickonher.
“Dr.Leidneriswaiting.Hehasinhishands,poisedandready,aheavyquern.Atthepsychologicalmomenthedropsit
“Withafaintcry(heardbyMissJohnson)Mrs.Leidnercollapsesontherugunderneaththewindow.
“Nowthereisaholeinthisquern,andthroughthatDr.Leidnerhadpreviouslypassedacord.Hehasnowonlytohaulinthecordandbringupthequern.Hereplacesthelatterneatly,bloodstainedsidedown,amongsttheotherobjectsofthatkindontheroof.
“Thenhecontinueshisworkforanhourormoretillhejudgesthemomenthascomeforthesecondact.Hedescendsthestairs,speakstoMr.EmmottandNurseLeatheran,crossesthecourtyardandentershiswife’sroom.Thisistheexplanationhehimselfgivesofhismovementsthere:
“‘Isawmywife’sbodyinaheapbythebed.ForamomentortwoIfeltparalysedasthoughIcouldn’tmove.ThenatlastIwentandkneltdownbyherandliftedupherhead.Isawshewasdead..AtlastIgotup.IfeltdazedandasthoughIweredrunk.Imanagedtogettothedoorandcallout.’
“Aperfectlypossibleaccountoftheactionsofagrief-dazedman.NowlistentowhatIbelievetobethetruth.Dr.Leidnerenterstheroom,hurriestothewindow,and,havingpulledonapairofgloves,closesandfastensit,thenpicksuphiswife’sbodyandtransportsittoapositionbetweenthebedandthedoor.Thenhenoticesaslightstainonthewindow-siderug.Hecannotchangeitwiththeotherrug,theyareadifferentsize,buthedoesthenextbestthing.Heputsthestainedruginfrontofthewashstandandtherugfromthewashstandunderthewindow.Ifthestainisnoticed,itwillbeconnectedwiththewashstand—notwiththewindow—averyimportantpoint.Theremustbenosuggestionthatthewindowplayedanypartinthebusiness.Thenhecomestothedoorandactsthepartoftheovercomehusband,andthat,Iimagine,isnotdifficult.Forhedidlovehiswife.”
“Mygoodman,”criedDr.Reillyimpatiently,“ifhelovedher,whydidhekillher?Where’sthemotive?Can’tyouspeak,Leidner?Tellhimhe’smad.”
Dr.Leidnerneitherspokenormoved.
Poirotsaid:“DidInottellyouallalongthatthiswasacrimepassionnel?Whydidherfirsthusband,FrederickBosner,threatentokillher?Becausehelovedher…Andintheend,yousee,hemadehisboastgood….
“Maisoui—maisoui—onceIrealizethatitisDr.Leidnerwhodidthekilling,everythingfallsintoplace….
“Forthesecondtime,Irecommencemyjourneyfromthebeginning—Mrs.Leidner’sfirstmarriage—thethreateningletters—hersecondmarriage.Theletterspreventedhermarryinganyotherman—buttheydidnotpreventhermarryingDr.Leidner.Howsimplethatis—ifDr.LeidnerisactuallyFrederickBosner.
“Oncemoreletusstartourjourney—fromthepointofviewthistimeofyoungFrederickBosner.
“Tobeginwith,heloveshiswifeLouisewithanoverpoweringpassionsuchasonlyawomanofherkindcanevoke.Shebetrayshim.Heissentencedtodeath.Heescapes.Heisinvolvedinarailwayaccidentbuthemanagestoemergewithasecondpersonality—thatofayoungSwedisharchaeologist,EricLeidner,whosebodyisbadlydisfiguredandwhowillbeconvenientlyburiedasFrederickBosner.
“WhatisthenewEricLeidner’sattitudetothewomanwhowaswillingtosendhimtohisdeath?Firstandmostimportant,hestilllovesher.Hesetstoworktobuilduphisnewlife.Heisamanofgreatability,hisprofessioniscongenialtohimandhemakesasuccessofit.Butheneverforgetstherulingpassionofhislife.Hekeepshimselfinformedofhiswife’smovements.Ofonethingheiscold-bloodedlydetermined(rememberMrs.Leidner’sowndescriptionofhimtoNurseLeatheran—gentleandkindbutruthless),sheshallbelongtonootherman.Wheneverhejudgesitnecessaryhedespatchesaletter.Heimitatessomeofthepeculiaritiesofherhandwritingincasesheshouldthinkoftakinghisletterstothepolice.Womenwhowritesensationalanonymousletterstothemselvesaresuchacommonphenomenonthatthepolicewillbesuretojumptothatsolutiongiventhelikenessofthehandwriting.Atthesametimeheleavesherindoubtastowhetherheisreallyaliveornot.
“Atlast,aftermanyyears,hejudgesthatthetimehasarrived;hereentersherlife.Allgoeswell.Hiswifeneverdreamsofhisrealidentity.Heisawell-knownman.Theupstanding,good-lookingyoungfellowisnowamiddle-agedmanwithabeardandstoopingshoulders.Andsoweseehistoryrepeatingitself.Asbefore,FrederickisabletodominateLouise.Forthesecondtimesheconsentstomarryhim.Andnolettercomestoforbidthebanns
“Butafterwardsaletterdoescome.Why?
“IthinkthatDr.Leidnerwastakingnochances.Theintimacyofmarriagemightawakenamemory.Hewishestoimpressonhiswife,onceandforall,thatEricLeidnerandFrederickBosneraretwodifferentpeople.Somuchsothatathreateninglettercomesfromtheformeronaccountofthelatter.Theratherpuerilegaspoisoningbusinessfollows—arrangedbyDr.Leidner,ofcourse.Stillwiththesameobjectinview.
“Afterthatheissatisfied.Nomorelettersneedcome.Theycansettledowntohappymarriedlifetogether.
“Andthen,afternearlytwoyears,thelettersrecommence.
“Why?Ehbien,IthinkIknow.Becausethethreatunderlyingtheletterswasalwaysagenuinethreat.(ThatiswhyMrs.Leidnerhasalwaysbeenfrightened.SheknewherFrederick’sgentlebutruthlessnature.)Ifshebelongstoanyothermanbuthimhewouldkillher.AndshehasgivenherselftoRichardCarey.
“Andso,havingdiscoveredthis,cold-bloodedly,calmly,Dr.Leidnerpreparesthesceneformurder.
“YouseenowtheimportantpartplayedbyNurseLeatheran?Dr.Leidner’srathercuriousconduct(itpuzzledmeattheveryfirst)insecuringherservicesforhiswifeisexplained.ItwasvitalthatareliableprofessionalwitnessshouldbeabletostateincontrovertiblythatMrs.Leidnerhadbeendeadoveranhourwhenherbodywasfound—thatis,thatshehadbeenkilledatatimewheneverybodycouldswearherhusbandwasontheroof.Asuspicionmighthavearisenthathehadkilledherwhenheenteredtheroomandfoundthebody—butthatwasoutofthequestionwhenatrainedhospitalnursewouldassertpositivelythatshehadalreadybeendeadanhour.
“Anotherthingthatisexplainedisthecuriousstateoftensionandstrainthathadcomeovertheexpeditionthisyear.IneverfromthefirstthoughtthatthatcouldbeattributedsolelytoMrs.Leidner’sinfluence.Forseveralyearsthisparticularexpeditionhadhadareputationforhappygoodfellowship.Inmyopinion,thestateofmindofacommunityisalwaysdirectlyduetotheinfluenceofthemanatthetop.Dr.Leidner,quietthoughhewas,wasamanofgreatpersonality.Itwasduetohistact,tohisjudgment,tohissympatheticmanipulationofhumanbeingsthattheatmospherehadalwaysbeensuchahappyone.
“Iftherewasachange,therefore,thechangemustbeduetothemanatthetop—inotherwords,toDr.Leidner.ItwasDr.Leidner,notMrs.Leidner,whowasresponsibleforthetensionanduneasiness.Nowonderthestafffeltthechangewithoutunderstandingit.Thekindly,genialDr.Leidner,outwardlythesame,wasonlyplayingthepartofhimself.Therealmanwasanobsessedfanaticplottingtokill.
“Andnowwewillpassontothesecondmurder—thatofMissJohnson.IntidyingupDr.Leidner’spapersintheoffice(ajobshetookonherselfunasked,cravingforsomethingtodo)shemusthavecomeonsomeunfinisheddraftofoneoftheanonymousletters.
“Itmusthavebeenbothincomprehensibleandextremelyupsettingtoher!Dr.Leidnerhasbeendeliberatelyterrorizinghiswife!Shecannotunderstandit—butitupsetsherbadly.ItisinthismoodthatNurseLeatherandiscovershercrying.
“IdonotthinkatthemomentthatshesuspectedDr.Leidnerofbeingthemurderer,butmyexperimentswithsoundsinMrs.Leidner’sandFatherLavigny’sroomsarenotlostuponher.SherealizesthatifitwasMrs.Leidner’scrysheheard,thewindowinherroommusthavebeenopen,notshut.Atthemomentthatconveysnothingvitaltoher,butsheremembersit.
“Hermindgoesonworking—ferretingitswaytowardsthetruth.PerhapsshemakessomereferencetotheletterswhichDr.Leidnerunderstandsandhismannerchanges.Shemayseethatheis,suddenly,afraid.
“ButDr.Leidnercannothavekilledhiswife!Hewasontheroofallthetime.
“Andthen,oneevening,assheherselfisontheroofpuzzlingaboutit,thetruthcomestoherinaflash.Mrs.Leidnerhasbeenkilledfromuphere,throughtheopenwindow.
“ItwasatthatminutethatNurseLeatheranfoundher.
“Andimmediately,heroldaffectionreassertingitself,sheputsupaquickcamouflage.NurseLeatheranmustnotguessthehorrifyingdiscoveryshehasjustmade.
“Shelooksdeliberatelyintheoppositedirection(towardsthecourtyard)andmakesaremarksuggestedtoherbyFatherLavigny’sappearanceashecrossesthecourtyard.
“Sherefusestosaymore.Shehasgotto‘thinkthingsout.’
“AndDr.Leidner,whohasbeenwatchingheranxiously,realizesthatsheknowsthetruth.Sheisnotthekindofwomantoconcealherhorroranddistressfromhim.
“Itistruethatasyetshehasnotgivenhimaway—buthowlongcanhedependuponher?
“Murderisahabit.Thatnighthesubstitutesaglassofacidforherglassofwater.Thereisjustachanceshemaybebelievedtohavedeliberatelypoisonedherself.Thereisevenachanceshemaybeconsideredtohavedonethefirstmurderandhasnowbeenovercomewithremorse.Tostrengthenthelatterideahetakesthequernfromtheroofandputsitunderherbed.
“NowonderthatpoorMissJohnson,inherdeathagony,couldonlytrydesperatelytoimpartherhard-woninformation.Through‘thewindow,’thatishowMrs.Leidnerwaskilled,notthroughthedoor—throughthewindow
“Andsothus,everythingisexplained,everythingfallsintoplace…Psychologicallyperfect.
“Butthereisnoproof…Noproofatall…”
Noneofusspoke.Wewerelostinaseaofhorror…Yes,andnotonlyhorror.Pity,too.
Dr.Leidnerhadneithermovednorspoken.Hesatjustashehaddoneallalong.Atired,wornelderlyman.
AtlasthestirredslightlyandlookedatPoirotwithgentle,tiredeyes.
“No,”hesaid,“thereisnoproof.Butthatdoesnotmatter.YouknewthatIwouldnotdenytruth…Ihaveneverdeniedtruth…Ithink—really—Iamratherglad…I’msotired….”
Thenhesaidsimply:“I’msorryaboutAnne.Thatwasbad—senseless—itwasn’tme!Andshesuffered,too,poorsoul.Yes,thatwasn’tme.Itwasfear….”
Alittlesmilejusthoveredonhispain-twistedlips.
“Youwouldhavemadeagoodarchaeologist,M.Poirot.Youhavethegiftofrecreatingthepast.
“Itwasallverymuchasyousaid.
“IlovedLouiseandIkilledher…ifyou’dknownLouiseyou’dhaveunderstood…No,Ithinkyouunderstandanyway….”
Twenty-nine
L’ENVOI
Thereisn’treallyanymoretosayaboutthings.
Theygot“Father”LavignyandtheothermanjustastheyweregoingtoboardasteameratBeyrouth.
SheilaReillymarriedyoungEmmott.Ithinkthatwillbegoodforher.He’snodoor-mat—he’llkeepherinherplace.She’dhaveriddenroughshodoverpoorBillColeman.
Inursedhim,bytheway,whenhehadappendicitisayearago.Igotquitefondofhim.HispeopleweresendinghimouttofarminSouthAfrica.
I’veneverbeenoutEastagain.It’sfunny—sometimesIwishIcould.Ithinkofthenoisethewater-wheelmadeandthewomenwashing,andthatqueerhaughtylookthatcamelsgiveyou—andIgetquiteahomesickfeeling.Afterall,perhapsdirtisn’treallysounhealthyasoneisbroughtuptobelieve!
Dr.Reillyusuallylooksmeupwhenhe’sinEngland,andasIsaid,it’shewho’sgotmeintothis.“Takeitorleaveit,”Isaidtohim.“Iknowthegrammar’sallwrongandit’snotproperlywrittenoranythinglikethat—butthereitis.”
Andhetookit.Madenobonesaboutit.Itwillgivemeaqueerfeelingifit’severprinted.
M.PoirotwentbacktoSyriaandaboutaweeklaterhewenthomeontheOrientExpressandgothimselfmixedupinanothermurder.Hewasclever,Idon’tdenyit,butIshan’tforgivehiminahurryforpullingmylegthewayhedid.PretendingtothinkImightbemixedupinthecrimeandnotarealhospitalnurseatall!
Doctorsarelikethatsometimes.Willhavetheirjoke,someofthemwill,andneverthinkofyourfeelings!
I’vethoughtandthoughtaboutMrs.Leidnerandwhatshewasreallylike…Sometimesitseemstomeshewasjustaterriblewoman—andothertimesIrememberhowniceshewastomeandhowsofthervoicewas—andherlovelyfairhairandeverything—andIfeelthatperhaps,afterall,shewasmoretobepitiedthanblamed….
AndIcan’thelpbutpityDr.Leidner.Iknowhewasamurderertwiceover,butitdoesn’tseemtomakeanydifference.Hewassodreadfullyfondofher.It’sawfultobefondofanyonelikethat.
Somehow,themoreIgetolder,andthemoreIseeofpeopleandsadnessandillnessandeverything,thesorrierIgetforeveryone.Sometimes,Ideclare,Idon’tknowwhat’sbecomingofthegood,strictprinciplesmyauntbroughtmeupwith.Averyreligiouswomanshewas,andmostparticular.Therewasn’toneofourneighbourswhosefaultsshedidn’tknowbackwardsandforwards..
Oh,dear,it’squitetruewhatDr.Reillysaid.Howdoesonestopwriting?IfIcouldfindareallygoodtellingphrase.
ImustaskDr.ReillyforsomeArabone.
LiketheoneM.Poirotused.
InthenameofAllah,theMerciful,theCompassionate…
Somethinglikethat.
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
www.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSet
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderDogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
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