Parker Pyne Investigates

ParkerPyneInvestigates
AParkerPyneCollection
Contents
1TheCaseoftheMiddle-AgedWife
2TheCaseoftheDiscontentedSoldier
3TheCaseoftheDistressedLady
4TheCaseoftheDiscontentedHusband
5TheCaseoftheCityClerk
6TheCaseoftheRichWoman
7HaveYouGotEverythingYouWant?
8TheGateofBaghdad
9TheHouseatShiraz
10ThePearlofPrice
11DeathontheNile
12TheOracleatDelphi
13ProblematPollensaBay
14TheRegattaMystery
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Credits
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
THECASEOFTHEMIDDLE-AGEDWIFE
“TheCaseoftheMiddle-AgedWife”wasfirstpublishedas“TheWomanConcerned”inWoman’sPictorial,8October1932.
Fourgrunts,anindignantvoiceaskingwhynobodycouldleaveahatalone,aslammeddoor,andMr.Packingtonhaddepartedtocatchtheeightforty-fivetothecity.Mrs.Packingtonsatonatthebreakfasttable.Herfacewasflushed,herlipswerepursed,andtheonlyreasonshewasnotcryingwasthatatthelastminuteangerhadtakentheplaceofgrief.“Iwon’tstandit,”saidMrs.Packington.“Iwon’tstandit!”Sheremainedforsomemomentsbrooding,andthenmurmured:“Theminx.Nastyslylittlecat!HowGeorgecanbesuchafool!”
Angerfaded;griefcameback.TearscameintoMrs.Packington’seyesandrolledslowlydownhermiddle-agedcheeks.“It’sallverywelltosayIwon’tstandit,butwhatcanIdo?”
Suddenlyshefeltalone,helpless,utterlyforlorn.Slowlyshetookupthemorningpaperandread,notforthefirsttime,anadvertisementonthefrontpage.
“Absurd!”saidMrs.Packington.“Utterlyabsurd.”Then:“Afterall,Imightjustsee….”
Whichexplainswhyateleveno’clockMrs.Packington,alittlenervous,wasbeingshownintoMr.ParkerPyne’sprivateoffice.
Ashasbeensaid,Mrs.Packingtonwasnervous,butsomehoworother,themeresightofMr.ParkerPynebroughtafeelingofreassurance.Hewaslarge,nottosayfat;hehadabaldheadofnobleproportions,strongglasses,andlittletwinklingeyes.
“Praysitdown,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youhavecomeinanswertomyadvertisement?”headdedhelpfully.
“Yes,”saidMrs.Packington,andstoppedthere.
“Andyouarenothappy,”saidMr.ParkerPyneinacheerful,matter-of-factvoice.“Veryfewpeopleare.Youwouldreallybesurprisedifyouknewhowfewpeoplearehappy.”
“Indeed?”saidMrs.Packington,notfeeling,however,thatitmatteredwhetherotherpeoplewereunhappyornot.
“Notinterestingtoyou,Iknow,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“butveryinterestingtome.Yousee,forthirty-fiveyearsofmylifeIhavebeenengagedinthecompilingofstatisticsinagovernmentoffice.NowIhaveretired,andithasoccurredtometousetheexperienceIhavegainedinanovelfashion.Itisallsosimple.Unhappinesscanbeclassifiedunderfivemainheads—nomore,Iassureyou.Onceyouknowthecauseofamalady,theremedyshouldnotbeimpossible.
“Istandintheplaceofthedoctor.Thedoctorfirstdiagnosesthepatient’sdisorder,thenheproceedstorecommendacourseoftreatment.Therearecaseswherenotreatmentcanbeofavail.Ifthatisso,IsayfranklythatIcandonothing.ButIassureyou,Mrs.Packington,thatifIundertakeacase,thecureispracticallyguaranteed.”
Coulditbeso?Wasthisnonsense,orcouldit,perhapsbetrue?Mrs.Packingtongazedathimhopefully.
“Shallwediagnoseyourcase?”saidMr.ParkerPyne,smiling.Heleanedbackinhischairandbroughtthetipsofhisfingerstogether.“Thetroubleconcernsyourhusband.Youhavehad,onthewhole,ahappymarriedlife.Youhusbandhas,Ithink,prospered.Ithinkthereisayoungladyconcernedinthecase—perhapsayoungladyinyourhusband’soffice.”
“Atypist,”saidMrs.Packington.“Anastymade-uplittleminx,alllipstickandsilkstockingsandcurls.”Thewordsrushedfromher.
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedinasoothingmanner.“Thereisnorealharminit—thatisyourhusband’sphrase,Ihavenodoubt.”
“Hisverywords.”
“Why,therefore,shouldhenotenjoyapurefriendshipwiththisyounglady,andbeabletobringalittlebrightness,alittlepleasure,intoherdullexistence?Poorchild,shehassolittlefun.Those,Iimagine,arehissentiments.”
Mrs.Packingtonnoddedwithvigour.“Humbug—allhumbug!Hetakesherontheriver—I’mfondofgoingontherivermyself,butfiveorsixyearsagohesaiditinterferedwithhisgolf.Buthecangiveupgolfforher.Ilikethetheatre—Georgehasalwayssaidhe’stootiredtogooutatnight.Nowhetakesherouttodance—dance!Andcomesbackatthreeinthemorning.I—I—”
“Anddoubtlesshedeploresthefactthatwomenaresojealous,sounreasonablyjealouswhenthereisabsolutelynocauseforjealousy?”
AgainMrs.Packingtonnodded.“That’sit.”Sheaskedsharply:“Howdoyouknowallthis?”
“Statistics,”Mr.ParkerPynesaidsimply.
“I’msomiserable,”saidMrs.Packington.“I’vealwaysbeenagoodwifetoGeorge.Iworkedmyfingerstotheboneinourearlydays.Ihelpedhimtogeton.I’veneverlookedatanyotherman.Histhingsarealwaysmended,hegetsgoodmeals,andthehouseiswellandeconomicallyrun.Andnowthatwe’vegotonintheworldandcouldenjoyourselvesandgoaboutabitanddoallthethingsI’velookedforwardtodoingsomeday—well,this!”Sheswallowedhard.
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedgravely.“IassureyouIunderstandyourcaseperfectly.”
“And—canyoudoanything?”Sheaskeditalmostinawhisper.
“Certainly,mydearlady.Thereisacure.Ohyes,thereisacure.”
“Whatisit?”Shewaited,roundeyedandexpectant.
Mr.ParkerPynespokequietlyandfirmly.“Youwillplaceyourselfinmyhands,andthefeewillbetwohundredguineas.”
“Twohundredguineas!”
“Exactly.Youcanaffordtopaysuchafee,Mrs.Packington.Youwouldpaythatsumforanoperation.Happinessisjustasimportantasbodilyhealth.”
“Ipayyouafterwards,Isuppose?”
“Onthecontrary,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youpaymeinadvance.”
Mrs.Packingtonrose.“I’mafraidIdon’tseemyway—”
“Tobuyingapiginapoke?”saidMr.ParkerPynecheerfully.“Well,perhapsyou’reright.It’salotofmoneytorisk.You’vegottotrustme,yousee.You’vegottopaythemoneyandtakeachance.Thosearemyterms.”
“Twohundredguineas!”
“Exactly.Twohundredguineas.It’salotofmoney.Goodmorning,Mrs.Packington.Letmeknowifyouchangeyourmind.”Heshookhandswithher,smilinginanunperturbedfashion.
Whenshehadgonehepressedabuzzeronhisdesk.Aforbidding-lookingyoungwomanwithspectaclesansweredit.
“Afile,please,MissLemon.AndyoumighttellClaudethatIamlikelytowanthimshortly.”
“Anewclient?”
“Anewclient.Atthemomentshehasjibbed,butshewillcomeback.Probablythisafternoonaboutfour.Enterher.”
“ScheduleA?”
“ScheduleA,ofcourse.Interestinghoweveryonethinkshisowncaseunique.Well,well,warnClaude.Nottooexotic,tellhim.Noscentandhe’dbettergethishaircutshort.”
ItwasaquarterpastfourwhenMrs.PackingtononcemoreenteredMr.ParkerPyne’soffice.Shedrewoutachequebook,madeoutachequeandpassedittohim.Areceiptwasgiven.
“Andnow?”Mrs.Packingtonlookedathimhopefully.
“Andnow,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,smiling,“youwillreturnhome.BythefirstposttomorrowyouwillreceivecertaininstructionswhichIshallbegladifyouwillcarryout.”
Mrs.Packingtonwenthomeinastateofpleasantanticipation.Mr.Packingtoncamehomeinadefensivemood,readytoarguehispositionifthesceneatthebreakfasttablewasreopened.Hewasrelieved,however,tofindthathiswifedidnotseemtobeinacombativemood.Shewasunusuallythoughtful.
GeorgelistenedtotheradioandwonderedwhetherthatdearchildNancywouldallowhimtogiveherafurcoat.Shewasveryproud,heknew.Hedidn’twanttooffendher.Still,shehadcomplainedofthecold.Thattweedcoatofherswasacheapaffair;itdidn’tkeepthecoldout.Hecouldputitsothatshewouldn’tmind,perhaps….
Theymusthaveanothereveningoutsoon.Itwasapleasuretotakeagirllikethattoasmartrestaurant.Hecouldseeseveralyoungfellowswereenvyinghim.Shewasuncommonlypretty.Andshelikedhim.Toher,asshehadtoldhim,hedidn’tseemabitold.
Helookedupandcaughthiswife’seye.Hefeltsuddenlyguilty,whichannoyedhim.Whatanarrow-minded,suspiciouswomanMariawas!Shegrudgedhimanylittlebitofhappiness.
Heswitchedofftheradioandwenttobed.
Mrs.Packingtonreceivedtwounexpectedlettersthefollowingmorning.Onewasaprintedformconfirminganappointmentatanotedbeautyspecialist’s.Thesecondwasanappointmentwithadressmaker.ThethirdwasfromMr.ParkerPyne,requestingthepleasureofhercompanyatlunchattheRitzthatday.
Mr.Packingtonmentionedthathemightnotbehometodinnerthateveningashehadtoseeamanonbusiness.Mrs.Packingtonmerelynoddedabsently,andMr.Packingtonleftthehousecongratulatinghimselfonhavingescapedthestorm
Thebeautyspecialistwasimpressive.Suchneglect!madame,butwhy?Thisshouldhavebeentakeninhandyearsago.However,itwasnottoolate.
Thingsweredonetoherface;itwaspressedandkneadedandsteamed.Ithadmudappliedtoit.Ithadcreamsappliedtoit.Itwasdustedwithpowder.Therewerevariousfinishingtouches.
Atlastshewasgivenamirror.“IbelieveIdolookyounger,”shethoughttoherself.
Thedressmakingseancewasequallyexciting.Sheemergedfeelingsmart,modish,up-to-date.
Athalfpastone,Mrs.PackingtonkeptherappointmentattheRitz.Mr.ParkerPyne,faultlesslydressedandcarryingwithhimhisatmosphereofsoothingreassurance,waswaitingforher.
“Charming,”hesaid,anexperiencedeyesweepingherfromheadtofoot.“IhaveventuredtoorderyouaWhiteLady.”
Mrs.Packington,whohadnotcontractedthecocktailhabit,madenodemur.Asshesippedtheexcitingfluidgingerly,shelistenedtoherbenevolentinstructor.
“Yourhusband,Mrs.Packington,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“mustbemadetoSitUp.Youunderstand—toSitUp.Toassistinthat,Iamgoingtointroducetoyouayoungfriendofmine.Youwilllunchwithhimtoday.”
Atthatmomentayoungmancamealong,lookingfromsidetoside.HeespiedMr.ParkerPyneandcamegracefullytowardsthem.
“Mr.ClaudeLuttrell,Mrs.Packington.”
Mr.ClaudeLuttrellwasperhapsjustshortofthirty.Hewasgraceful,debonair,perfectlydressed,extremelyhandsome.
“Delightedtomeetyou,”hemurmured.
ThreeminuteslaterMrs.Packingtonwasfacinghernewmentoratasmalltablefortwo.
Shewasshyatfirst,butMr.Luttrellsoonputheratherease.HeknewPariswellandhadspentagooddealoftimeontheRiviera.HeaskedMrs.Packingtonifshewerefondofdancing.Mrs.Packingtonsaidshewas,butthatsheseldomgotanydancingnowadaysasMr.Packingtondidn’tcaretogooutintheevenings.
“Buthecouldn’tbesounkindastokeepyouathome,”saidClaudeLuttrell,smilinganddisplayingadazzlingrowofteeth.“Womenwillnottoleratemalejealousyinthesedays.”
Mrs.Packingtonnearlysaidthatjealousydidn’tenterintothequestion.Butthewordsremainedunspoken.Afterall,itwasanagreeableidea.
ClaudeLuttrellspokeairilyofnightclubs.ItwassettledthatonthefollowingeveningMrs.PackingtonandMr.LuttrellshouldpatronizethepopularLesserArchangel.
Mrs.Packingtonwasalittlenervousaboutannouncingthisfacttoherhusband.George,shefelt,wouldthinkitextraordinaryandpossiblyridiculous.Butshewassavedalltroubleonthisscore.Shehadbeentoonervoustomakeherannouncementatbreakfast,andattwoo’clockatelephonemessagecametotheeffectthatMr.Packingtonwouldbediningintown.
Theeveningwasagreatsuccess.Mrs.PackingtonhadbeenagooddancerasagirlandunderClaudeLuttrell’sskilledguidanceshesoonpickedupmodernsteps.Hecongratulatedheronhergownandalsoonthearrangementofherhair.(Anappointmenthadbeenmadeforherthatmorningwithafashionablehairdresser.)Onbiddingherfarewell,hekissedherhandinamostthrillingmanner.Mrs.Packingtonhadnotenjoyedaneveningsomuchforyears.
Abewilderingtendaysensued.Mrs.Packingtonlunched,teaed,tangoed,dined,dancedandsupped.SheheardallaboutClaudeLuttrell’ssadchildhood.Sheheardthesadcircumstancesinwhichhisfatherlostallhismoney.Sheheardofhistragicromanceandhisembitteredfeelingstowardswomengenerally.
OntheeleventhdaytheyweredancingattheRedAdmiral.Mrs.Packingtonsawherspousebeforehesawher.Georgewaswiththeyoungladyfromhisoffice.Bothcouplesweredancing.
“Hallo,George,”saidMrs.Packingtonlightly,astheirorbitsbroughtthemtogether.
Itwaswithconsiderableamusementthatshesawherhusband’sfacegrowfirstred,thenpurplewithastonishment.Withtheastonishmentwasblendedanexpressionofguiltdetected.
Mrs.Packingtonfeltamusedlymistressofthesituation.PooroldGeorge!Seatedoncemoreathertable,shewatchedthem.Howstouthewas,howbald,howterriblyhebouncedonhisfeet!Hedancedinthestyleoftwentyyearsago.PoorGeorge,howterriblyhewantedtobeyoung!Andthatpoorgirlhewasdancingwithhadtopretendtolikeit.Shelookedboredenoughnow,herfaceoverhisshoulderwherehecouldn’tseeit
Howmuchmoreenviable,thoughtMrs.Packingtoncontentedly,washerownsituation.SheglancedattheperfectClaude,nowtactfullysilent.Howwellheunderstoodher.Heneverjarred—ashusbandssoinevitablydidjarafteralapseofyears.
Shelookedathimagain.Theireyesmet.Hesmiled;hisbeautifuldarkeyes,somelancholy,soromantic,lookedtenderlyintohers.
“Shallwedanceagain?”hemurmured.
Theydancedagain.Itwasheaven!
ShewasconsciousofGeorge’sapologeticgazefollowingthem.Ithadbeentheidea,sheremembered,tomakeGeorgejealous.Whatalongtimeagothatwas!Shereallydidn’twantGeorgetobejealousnow.Itmightupsethim.Whyshouldhebeupset,poorthing?Everyonewassohappy….
Mr.PackingtonhadbeenhomeanhourwhenMrs.Packingtongotin.Helookedbewilderedandunsureofhimself.
“Humph,”heremarked.“Soyou’reback.”
Mrs.Packingtoncastoffaneveningwrapwhichhadcostherfortyguineasthatverymorning.“Yes,”shesaid,smiling.“I’mback.”
Georgecoughed.“Er—ratheroddmeetingyou.”
“Wasn’tit?”saidMrs.Packington.
“I—well,Ithoughtitwouldbeakindnesstotakethatgirlsomewhere.She’sbeenhavingalotoftroubleathome.Ithought—well,kindness,youknow.”
Mrs.Packingtonnodded.PooroldGeorge—bouncingonhisfeetandgettingsohotandbeingsopleasedwithhimself.
“Who’sthatchapyouwerewith?Idon’tknowhim,doI?”
“Luttrell,hisnameis.ClaudeLuttrell.”
“Howdidyoucomeacrosshim?”
“Oh,someoneintroducedme,”saidMrs.Packingtonvaguely.
“Ratheraqueerthingforyoutogooutdancing—atyourtimeoflife.Musn’tmakeafoolofyourself,mydear.”
Mrs.Packingtonsmiled.Shewasfeelingmuchtookindlytotheuniverseingeneraltomaketheobviousreply.“Achangeisalwaysnice,”shesaidamiably.
“You’vegottobecareful,youknow.Alotoftheseloungelizardfellowsgoingabout.Middle-agedwomensometimesmakeawfulfoolsofthemselves.I’mjustwarningyou,mydear.Idon’tliketoseeyoudoinganythingunsuitable.”
“Ifindtheexerciseverybeneficial,”saidMrs.Packington.
“Um—yes.”
“Iexpectyoudo,too,”saidMrs.Packingtonkindly.
“Thegreatthingistobehappy,isn’tit?Irememberyoursayingsoonemorningatbreakfast,abouttendaysago.”
Herhusbandlookedathersharply,butherexpressionwasdevoidofsarcasm.Sheyawned.
“Imustgotobed.Bytheway,George,I’vebeendreadfullyextravagantlately.Someterriblebillswillbecomingin.Youdon’tmind,doyou?”
“Bills?”saidMr.Packington.
“Yes.Forclothes.Andmassage.Andhairtreatment.WickedlyextravagantI’vebeen—butIknowyoudon’tmind.”
Shepassedupthestairs.Mr.Packingtonremainedwithhismouthopen.Mariahadbeenamazinglyniceaboutthisevening’sbusiness;shehadn’tseemedtocareatall.ButitwasapityshehadsuddenlytakentospendingMoney.Maria—thatmodelofeconomy!
Women!GeorgePackingtonshookhishead.Thescrapesthatgirl’sbrothershadbeengettingintolately.Well,he’dbeengladtohelp.Allthesame—anddashitall,thingsweren’tgoingtoowellinthecity.
Sighing,Mr.Packingtoninhisturnslowlyclimbedthestairs.
Sometimeswordsthatfailtomaketheireffectatthetimearerememberedlater.NottillthefollowingmorningdidcertainwordsutteredbyMr.Packingtonreallypenetratehiswife’sconsciousness.
Loungelizards;middle-agedwomen;awfulfoolsofthemselves.
Mrs.Packingtonwascourageousatheart.Shesatdownandfacedfacts.Agigolo.Shehadreadallaboutgigolosinthepapers.Hadread,too,ofthefolliesofmiddle-agedwomen.
WasClaudeagigolo?Shesupposedhewas.Butthen,gigoloswerepaidforandClaudealwayspaidforher.Yes,butitwasMr.ParkerPynewhopaid,notClaude—or,rather,itwasreallyherowntwohundredguineas.
Wassheamiddle-agedfool?DidClaudeLuttrelllaughatherbehindherback?Herfaceflushedatthethought.
Well,whatofit?Claudewasagigolo.Shewasamiddle-agedfool.Shesupposedsheshouldhavegivenhimsomething.Agoldcigarettecase.Thatsortofthing.
AqueerimpulsedroveheroutthereandthentoAsprey’s.Thecigarettecasewaschosenandpaidfor.ShewastomeetClaudeatClaridge’sforlunch.
Astheyweresippingcoffeesheproduceditfromherbag.“Alittlepresent,”shemurmured.
Helookedup,frowned.“Forme?”
“Yes.I—Ihopeyoulikeit.”
Hishandclosedoveritandhesliditviolentlyacrossthetable.“Whydidyougivemethat?Iwon’ttakeit.Takeitback.Takeitback,Isay.”Hewasangry.Hisdarkeyesflashed.
Shemurmured,“I’msorry,”andputitawayinherbagagain.
Therewasconstraintbetweenthemthatday.
Thefollowingmorningherangherup.“Imustseeyou.CanIcometoyourhousethisafternoon?”
Shetoldhimtocomeatthreeo’clock.
Hearrivedverywhite,verytense.Theygreetedeachother.Theconstraintwasmoreevident.
Suddenlyhesprangupandstoodfacingher.“WhatdoyouthinkIam?ThatiswhatI’vecometoaskyou.We’vebeenfriends,haven’twe?Yes,friends.Butallthesame,youthinkI’m—well,agigolo.Acreaturewholivesonwomen.Aloungelizard.Youdo,don’tyou?”
“No,no.”
Hesweptasideherprotest.Hisfacehadgoneverywhite.“Youdothinkthat!Well,it’strue.That’swhatI’vecometosay.It’strue!Ihadmyorderstotakeyouabout,toamuseyou,tomakelovetoyou,tomakeyouforgetyourhusband.Thatwasmyjob.Adespicableone,eh?”
“Whyareyoutellingmethis?”sheasked.
“BecauseI’mthroughwithit.Ican’tcarryonwithit.Notwithyou.You’redifferent.You’rethekindofwomanIcouldbelievein,trust,adore.YouthinkI’mjustsayingthis;thatit’spartofthegame.”Hecameclosertoher.“I’mgoingtoprovetoyouitisn’t.I’mgoingaway—becauseofyou.I’mgoingtomakemyselfintoamaninsteadoftheloathsomecreatureIambecauseofyou.”
Hetookhersuddenlyinhisarms.Hislipsclosedonhers.Thenhereleasedherandstoodaway.
“Goodbye.I’vebeenarotter—always.ButIswearitwillbedifferentnow.DoyourememberoncesayingyoulikedtoreadtheadvertisementsintheAgonycolumn?Onthisdayeveryyearyou’llfindthereamessagefrommesayingthatIrememberandammakinggood.You’llknow,then,allyou’vemeanttome.Onethingmore.I’vetakennothingfromyou.Iwantyoutotakesomethingfromme.”Hedrewaplaingoldsealringfromhisfinger.“Thiswasmymother’s.I’dlikeyoutohaveit.Nowgoodbye.”
GeorgePackingtoncamehomeearly.Hefoundhiswifegazingintothefirewithafarawaylook.Shespokekindlybutabsentlytohim.
“Lookhere,Maria,”hejerkedoutsuddenly.“Aboutthatgirl?”
“Yes,dear?”
“I—Inevermeanttoupsetyou,youknow.Abouther.Nothinginit.”
“Iknow.Iwasfoolish.Seeasmuchasyoulikeofherifitmakesyouhappy.”
Thesewords,surely,shouldhavecheeredGeorgePackington.Strangelyenough,theyannoyedhim.Howcouldyouenjoytakingagirlaboutwhenyourwifefairlyurgedyouon?Dashitall,itwasn’tdecent!Allthatfeelingofbeingagaydog,ofbeingastrongmanplayingwithfire,fizzledoutanddiedanignominiousdeath.GeorgePackingtonfeltsuddenlytiredandagreatdealpoorerinpocket.Thegirlwasashrewdlittlepiece.
“Wemightgoawaytogethersomewhereforabitifyoulike,Maria?”hesuggestedtimidly.
“Oh,nevermindaboutme.I’mquitehappy.”
“ButI’dliketotakeyouaway.WemightgototheRiviera.”
Mrs.Packingtonsmiledathimfromadistance.
PooroldGeorge.Shewasfondofhim.Hewassuchapatheticolddear.Therewasnosecretsplendourinhislifeastherewasinhers.Shesmiledmoretenderlystill.
“Thatwouldbelovely,mydear,”shesaid.
Mr.ParkerPynewasspeakingtoMissLemon.“Entertainmentaccount?”
“Onehundredandtwopounds,fourteenandsixpence,”saidMissLemon.
ThedoorwaspushedopenandClaudeLuttrellentered.Helookedmoody.
“Morning,Claude,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Everythinggooffsatisfactorily?”
“Isupposeso.”
“Thering?Whatnamedidyouputinit,bytheway?”
“Matilda,”saidClaudegloomily.“1899.”
“Excellent.Whatwordingfortheadvertisement?”
“‘Makinggood.Stillremember.Claude.’”
“Makeanoteofthat,please,MissLemon.TheAgonycolumn.Novemberthirdfor—letmesee,expensesahundredandtwopounds,fourteenandsix.Yes,fortenyears,Ithink.Thatleavesusaprofitofninety-twopounds,twoandfourpence.Adequate.Quiteadequate.”
MissLemondeparted.
“Lookhere,”Claudeburstout.“Idon’tlikethis.It’sarottengame.”
“Mydearboy!”
“Arottengame.Thatwasadecentwoman—agoodsort.Tellingherallthoselies,fillingherupwiththissobstuff,dashitall,itmakesmesick!”
Mr.ParkerPyneadjustedhisglassesandlookedatClaudewithakindofscientificinterest.“Dearme!”hesaiddrily.“Idonotseemtorememberthatyourconscienceevertroubledyouduringyoursomewhat—ahem!—notoriouscareer.YouraffairsontheRivierawereparticularlybrazen,andyourexploitationofMrs.HattieWest,theCalifornianCucumberKing’swife,wasespeciallynotableforthecallousmercenaryinstinctyoudisplayed.”
“Well,I’mbeginningtofeeldifferent,”grumbledClaude.“Itisn’t—nice,thisgame.”
Mr.ParkerPynespokeinthevoiceofaheadmasteradmonishingafavouritepupil.“Youhave,mydearClaude,performedameritoriousaction.Youhavegivenanunhappywomanwhateverywomanneeds—aromance.Awomantearsapassiontopiecesandgetsnogoodfromit,butaromancecanbelaidupinlavenderandlookedatallthroughthelongyearstocome.Iknowhumannature,myboy,andItellyouthatawomancanfeedonsuchanincidentforyears.”Hecoughed.“WehavedischargedourcommissiontoMrs.Packingtonverysatisfactorily.”
“Well,”mutteredClaude,“Idon’tlikeit.”Helefttheroom.
Mr.ParkerPynetookanewfilefromadrawer.Hewrote:
“InterestingvestigesofaconsciencenoticeableinhardenedLoungeLizard.Note:Studydevelopment.”Two
THECASEOFTHEDISCONTENTEDSOLDIER
“TheCaseoftheDiscontentedSoldier”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAas“TheSoldierWhoWantedDanger”inCosmopolitan,August1932,thenas“Adventure—ByRequest”inWoman’sPictorial,15October1932.
MajorWilbrahamhesitatedoutsidethedoorofMr.ParkerPyne’sofficetoread,notforthefirsttime,theadvertisementfromthemorningpaperwhichhadbroughthimthere.Itwassimpleenough:
Themajortookadeepbreathandabruptlyplungedthroughtheswingdoorleadingtotheouteroffice.Aplainyoungwomanlookedupfromhertypewriterandglancedathiminquiringly.
“Mr.ParkerPyne?”saidMajorWilbraham,blushing.
“Comethisway,please.”
Hefollowedherintoaninneroffice—intothepresenceoftheblandMr.ParkerPyne.
“Goodmorning,”saidMr.Pyne.“Sitdown,won’tyou?AndnowtellmewhatIcandoforyou.”
“MynameisWilbraham—”begantheother.
“Major?Colonel?”saidMr.Pyne.
“Major.”
“Ah!Andrecentlyreturnedfromabroad?India?EastAfrica?”
“EastAfrica.”
“Afinecountry,Ibelieve.Well,soyouarehomeagain—andyoudon’tlikeit.Isthatthetrouble?”
“You’reabsolutelyright.Thoughhowyouknew—”
Mr.ParkerPynewavedanimpressivehand.“Itismybusinesstoknow.Yousee,forthirty-fiveyearsofmylifeIhavebeenengagedinthecompilingofstatisticsinagovernmentoffice.NowIhaveretiredandithasoccurredtometousetheexperienceIhavegainedinanovelfashion.Itisallsosimple.Unhappinesscanbeclassifiedunderfivemainheads—nomoreIassureyou.Onceyouknowthecauseofamalady,theremedyshouldnotbeimpossible.
“Istandintheplaceofthedoctor.Thedoctorfirstdiagnosesthepatient’sdisorder,thenherecommendsacourseoftreatment.Therearecaseswherenotreatmentcanbeofanyavail.Ifthatisso,IsayquitefranklythatIcandonothingaboutit.ButifIundertakeacase,thecureispracticallyguaranteed.
“Icanassureyou.MajorWilbraham,thatninety-sixpercentofretiredempirebuilders—asIcallthem—areunhappy.Theyexchangeanactivelife,alifefullofresponsibility,alifeofpossibledanger,for—what?Straitenedmeans,adismalclimateandageneralfeelingofbeingafishoutofwater.”
“Allyou’vesaidistrue,”saidthemajor.“It’stheboredomIobjectto.Theboredomandtheendlesstittle-tattleaboutpettyvillagematters.ButwhatcanIdoaboutit?I’vegotalittlemoneybesidesmypension.I’veanicecottagenearCobham.Ican’taffordtohuntorshootorfish.I’mnotmarried.Myneighboursareallpleasantfolk,butthey’venoideasbeyondthisisland.”
“Thelongandshortofthematteristhatyoufindlifetame,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Damnedtame.”
“Youwouldlikeexcitement,possiblydanger?”askedMr.Pyne.
Thesoldiershrugged.“There’snosuchthinginthistinpotcountry.”
“Ibegyourpardon,”saidMr.Pyneseriously.“Thereyouarewrong.Thereisplentyofdanger,plentyofexcitement,hereinLondonifyouknowwheretogoforit.YouhaveseenonlythesurfaceofourEnglishlife,calm,pleasant.Butthereisanotherside.Ifyouwishit,Icanshowyouthatotherside.”
MajorWilbrahamregardedhimthoughtfully.TherewassomethingreassuringaboutMr.Pyne.Hewaslarge,nottosayfat;hehadabaldheadofnobleproportions,strongglassesandlittletwinklingeyes.Andhehadanaura—anauraofdependability.
“Ishouldwarnyou,however,”continuedMr.Pyne,“thatthereisanelementofrisk.”
Thesoldier’seyebrightened.“That’sallright,”hesaid.Then,abruptly:“And—yourfees?”
“Myfee,”saidMr.Pyne,“isfiftypounds,payableinadvance.Ifinamonth’stimeyouarestillinthesamestateofboredom,Iwillrefundyourmoney.”
Wilbrahamconsidered.“Fairenough,”hesaidatlast.“Iagree.I’llgiveyouachequenow.”
Thetransactionwascompleted.Mr.ParkerPynepressedabuzzeronhisdesk.
“Itisnowoneo’clock,”hesaid.“Iamgoingtoaskyoutotakeayoungladyouttolunch.”Thedooropened.“Ah,Madeleine,mydear,letmeintroduceMajorWilbraham,whoisgoingtotakeyououttolunch.”
Wilbrahamblinkedslightly,whichwashardlytobewonderedat.Thegirlwhoenteredtheroomwasdark,languorous,withwonderfuleyesandlongblacklashes,aperfectcomplexionandavoluptuousscarletmouth.Herexquisiteclothessetofftheswayinggraceofherfigure.Fromheadtofootshewasperfect.
“Er—delighted,”saidMajorWilbraham
“MissdeSara,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Howverykindofyou,”murmuredMadeleinedeSara.
“Ihaveyouraddresshere,”announcedMr.ParkerPyne.“Tomorrowmorningyouwillreceivemyfurtherinstructions.”
MajorWilbrahamandthelovelyMadeleinedeparted.
Itwasthreeo’clockwhenMadeleinereturned.
Mr.ParkerPynelookedup.“Well?”hedemanded.
Madeleineshookherhead.“Scaredofme,”shesaid.“ThinksI’mavamp.”
“Ithoughtasmuch,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youcarriedoutmyinstructions?”
“Yes.Wediscussedtheoccupantsoftheothertablesfreely.Thetypehelikesisfair-haired,blue-eyed,slightlyanaemic,nottootall.”
“Thatshouldbeeasy,”saidMr.Pyne.“GetmeScheduleBandletmeseewhatwehaveinstockatpresent.”Heranhisfingerdownalist,finallystoppingataname.“FredaClegg.Yes,IthinkFredaCleggwilldoexcellently.IhadbetterseeMrs.Oliveraboutit.”
ThenextdayMajorWilbrahamreceivedanote,whichread:
OnMondaymorningnextateleveno’clockgotoEaglemont,FriarsLane,Hampstead,andaskforMr.Jones.YouwillrepresentyourselfascomingfromtheGuavaShippingCompany.
ObedientlyonthefollowingMonday(whichhappenedtobeBankHoliday),MajorWilbrahamsetoutforEaglemont,FriarsLane.Hesetout,Isay,buthenevergotthere.Forbeforehegotthere,somethinghappened.
AlltheworldandhiswifeseemedtobeontheirwaytoHampstead.MajorWilbrahamgotentangledincrowds,suffocatedinthetubeandfoundithardtodiscoverthewhereaboutsofFriarsLane.
FriarsLanewasacul-de-sac,aneglectedroadfullofruts,withhousesoneithersidestandingbackfromtheroad.Theywerelargishhouseswhichhadseenbetterdaysandhadbeenallowedtofallintodisrepair.
Wilbrahamwalkedalongpeeringatthehalf-erasednamesonthegateposts,whensuddenlyheheardsomethingthatmadehimstiffentoattention.Itwasakindofgurgling,half-chokedcry.
Itcameagainandthistimeitwasfaintlyrecognizableastheword“Help!”Itcamefrominsidethewallofthehousehewaspassing.
Withoutamoment’shesitation,MajorWilbrahampushedopenthericketygateandsprintednoiselesslyuptheweed-covereddrive.ThereintheshrubberywasagirlstrugglinginthegraspoftwoenormousNegroes.Shewasputtingupabravefight,twistingandturningandkicking.OneNegroheldhishandoverhermouthinspiteofherfuriouseffortstogetherheadfree.
Intentontheirstrugglewiththegirl,neitheroftheblackshadnoticedWilbraham’sapproach.Thefirsttheyknewofitwaswhenaviolentpunchonthejawsentthemanwhowascoveringthegirl’smouthreelingbackwards.Takenbysurprise,theothermanrelinquishedhisholdofthegirlandturned.Wilbrahamwasreadyforhim.Onceagainhisfistshotout,andtheNegroreeledbackwardsandfell.Wilbrahamturnedontheotherman,whowasclosinginbehindhim.
Butthetwomenhadhadenough.Thesecondonerolledover,satup;then,rising,hemadeadashforthegate.Hiscompanionfollowedsuit.Wilbrahamstartedafterthem,butchangedhismindandturnedtowardsthegirl,whowasleaningagainstatree,panting.
“Oh,thankyou!”shegasped.“Itwasterrible.”
MajorWilbrahamsawforthefirsttimewhoitwashehadrescuedsoopportunely.Shewasagirlofabouttwenty-oneortwo,fair-hairedandblue-eyed,prettyinarathercolourlessway.
“Ifyouhadn’tcome!”shegasped.
“There,there,”saidWilbrahamsoothingly.“It’sallrightnow.Ithink,though,thatwe’dbettergetawayfromhere.It’spossiblethosefellowsmightcomeback.”
Afaintsmilecametothegirl’slips.“Idon’tthinktheywill—notafterthewayyouhitthem.Oh,itwassplendidofyou!”
MajorWilbrahamblushedunderthewarmthofherglanceofadmiration.“Nothin’atall,”hesaidindistinctly.“Allinday’swork.Ladybeingannoyed.Lookhere,ifyoutakemyarm,canyouwalk?It’sbeenanastyshock,Iknow.”
“I’mallrightnow,”saidthegirl.However,shetooktheprofferedarm.Shewasstillrathershaky.Sheglancedbehindheratthehouseastheyemergedthroughthegate.“Ican’tunderstandit,”shemurmured.“That’sclearlyanemptyhouse.”
“It’sempty,rightenough,”agreedthemajor,lookingupattheshutteredwindowsandgeneralairofdecay.
“AndyetitisWhitefriars.”Shepointedtoahalf-obliteratednameonthegate.“AndWhitefriarswastheplaceIwastogo.”
“Don’tworryaboutanythingnow,”saidWilbraham.“Inaminuteortwowe’llbeabletogetataxi.Thenwe’lldrivesomewhereandhaveacupofcoffee.”
Attheendofthelanetheycameoutintoamorefrequentedstreet,andbygoodfortuneataxihadjustsetdownafareatoneofthehouses.Wilbrahamhailedit,gaveanaddresstothedriverandtheygotin.
“Don’ttrytotalk,”headmonishedhiscompanion.“Justlieback.You’vehadanastyexperience.”
Shesmiledathimgratefully.
“Bytheway—er—mynameisWilbraham.”
“MineisClegg—FredaClegg.”
Tenminuteslater,Fredawassippinghotcoffeeandlookinggratefullyacrossasmalltableatherrescuer.
“Itseemslikeadream,”shesaid.“Abaddream.”Sheshuddered.“AndonlyashortwhileagoIwaswishingforsomethingtohappen—anything!Oh,Idon’tlikeadventures.”
“Tellmehowithappened.”
“Well,totellyouproperlyIshallhavetotalkalotaboutmyself,I’mafraid.”
“Anexcellentsubject,”saidWilbraham,withabow.
“Iamanorphan.Myfather—hewasaseacaptain—diedwhenIwaseight.Mymotherdiedthreeyearsago.Iworkinthecity.IamwiththeVacuumGasCompany—aclerk.OneeveninglastweekIfoundagentlemanwaitingtoseemewhenIreturnedtomylodgings.Hewasalawyer,aMr.ReidfromMelbourne.
“Hewasverypoliteandaskedmeseveralquestionsaboutmyfamily.Heexplainedthathehadknownmyfathermanyyearsago.Infact,hehadtransactedsomelegalbusinessforhim.Thenhetoldmetheobjectofhisvisit.‘MissClegg,’hesaid,‘Ihavereasontosupposethatyoumightbenefitastheresultofafinancialtransactionenteredintobyyourfatherseveralyearsbeforehedied.’Iwasverymuchsurprised,ofcourse.
“‘Itisunlikelythatyouwouldeverhaveheardanythingofthematter,’heexplained.‘JohnCleggnevertooktheaffairseriously,Ifancy.However,ithasmaterializedunexpectedly,butIamafraidanyclaimyoumightputinwoulddependonyourownershipofcertainpapers.Thesepaperswouldbepartofyourfather’sestate,andofcourseitispossiblethattheyhavebeendestroyedasworthless.Haveyoukeptanyofyourfather’spapers?’
“Iexplainedthatmymotherhadkeptvariousthingsofmyfather’sinanoldseachest.Ihadlookedthroughitcursorily,buthaddiscoverednothingofinterest.
“‘Youwouldhardlybelikelytorecognizetheimportanceofthesedocuments,perhaps,’hesaid,smiling.
“Well,Iwenttothechest,tookoutthefewpapersitcontainedandbroughtthemtohim.Helookedatthem,butsaiditwasimpossibletosayoffhandwhatmightormightnotbeconnectedwiththematterinquestion.Hewouldtakethemawaywithhimandwouldcommunicatewithmeifanythingturnedup.
“BythelastpostonSaturdayIreceivedaletterfromhiminwhichhesuggestedthatIcometohishousetodiscussthematter.Hegavemetheaddress:Whitefriars,FriarsLane,Hampstead.Iwastobethereataquartertoeleventhismorning.
“Iwasalittlelatefindingtheplace.Ihurriedthroughthegateanduptowardsthehouse,whensuddenlythosetwodreadfulmensprangatmefromthebushes.Ihadn’ttimetocryout.Onemanputhishandovermymouth.Iwrenchedmyheadfreeandscreamedforhelp.Luckilyyouheardme.Ifithadn’tbeenforyou—”Shestopped.Herlooksweremoreeloquentthanfurtherwords.
“VerygladIhappenedtobeonthespot.ByGad,I’dliketogetholdofthosetwobrutes.You’dneverseenthembefore,Isuppose?”
Sheshookherhead.“Whatdoyouthinkitmeans?”
“Difficulttosay.Butonethingseemsprettysure.There’ssomethingsomeonewantsamongyourfather’spapers.ThismanReidtoldyouacock-and-bullstorysoastogettheopportunityoflookingthroughthem.Evidentlywhathewantedwasn’tthere.”
“Oh!”saidFreda.“Iwonder.WhenIgothomeonSaturdayIthoughtmythingshadbeentamperedwith.Totellyouthetruth,Isuspectedmylandladyofhavingpriedaboutinmyroomoutofcuriosity.Butnow—”
“Dependuponit,that’sit.Someonegainedadmissiontoyourroomandsearchedit,withoutfindingwhathewasafter.Hesuspectedthatyouknewthevalueofthispaper,whateveritwas,andthatyoucarrieditaboutonyourperson.Soheplannedthisambush.Ifyouhaditwithyou,itwouldhavebeentakenfromyou.Ifnot,youwouldhavebeenheldprisonerwhilehetriedtomakeyoutellwhereitwashidden.”
“Butwhatcanitpossiblybe?”criedFreda.
“Idon’tknow.Butitmustbesomethingprettygoodforhimtogotothislength.”
“Itdoesn’tseempossible.”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.Yourfatherwasasailor.Hewenttoout-of-the-wayplaces.Hemighthavecomeacrosssomethingthevalueofwhichheneverknew.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”Apinkflushofexcitementshowedinthegirl’spalecheeks.
“Idoindeed.Thequestionis,whatshallwedonext?Youdon’twanttogotothepolice,Isuppose?”
“Oh,no,please.”
“I’mgladyousaythat.Idon’tseewhatgoodthepolicecoulddo,anditwouldonlymeanunpleasantnessforyou.NowIsuggestthatyouallowmetogiveyoulunchsomewhereandthatIthenaccompanyyoubacktoyourlodgings,soastobesureyoureachthemsafely.Andthen,wemighthavealookforthepaper.Because,youknow,itmustbesomewhere.”
“Fathermayhavedestroyedithimself.”
“Hemay,ofcourse,buttheothersideevidentlydoesn’tthinkso,andthatlookshopefulforus.”
“Whatdoyouthinkitcanbe?Hiddentreasure?”
“Byjove,itmightbe!”exclaimedMajorWilbraham,alltheboyinhimrisingjoyfullytothesuggestion.“Butnow,MissClegg,lunch!”
Theyhadapleasantmealtogether.WilbrahamtoldFredaallabouthislifeinEastAfrica.Hedescribedelephanthunts,andthegirlwasthrilled.Whentheyhadfinished,heinsistedontakingherhomeinataxi.
HerlodgingswerenearNottingHillGate.Onarrivingthere,Fredahadabriefconversationwithherlandlady.ShereturnedtoWilbrahamandtookhimuptothesecondfloor,whereshehadatinybedroomandsittingroom.
“It’sexactlyaswethought,”shesaid.“AmancameonSaturdaymorningtoseeaboutlayinganewelectriccable;hetoldhertherewasafaultinthewiringinmyroom.Hewastheresometime.”
“Showmethischestofyourfather’s,”saidWilbraham.
Fredashowedhimabrass-boundbox.“Yousee,”shesaid,raisingthelid,“it’sempty.”
Thesoldiernoddedthoughtfully.“Andtherearenopapersanywhereelse?”
“I’msuretherearen’t.Motherkepteverythinginhere.”
Wilbrahamexaminedtheinsideofthechest.Suddenlyheutteredanexclamation.“Here’saslitinthelining.”Carefullyheinsertedhishand,feelingabout.Aslightcracklerewardedhim.“Something’sslippeddownbehind.”
Inanotherminutehehaddrawnouthisfind.Apieceofdirtypaperfoldedseveraltimes.Hesmootheditoutonthetable;Fredawaslookingoverhisshoulder.Sheutteredanexclamationofdisappointment.
“It’sjustalotofqueermarks.”
“Why,thething’sinSwahili.Swahili,ofallthings!”criedMajorWilbraham.“EastAfricannativedialect,youknow.”
“Howextraordinary!”saidFreda.“Canyoureadit,then?”
“Rather.Butwhatanamazingthing.”Hetookthepapertothewindow.
“Isitanything?”askedFredatremulously.Wilbrahamreadthethingthroughtwice,andthencamebacktothegirl.“Well,”hesaid,withachuckle,“here’syourhiddentreasure,allright.”
“Hiddentreasure?Notreally?YoumeanSpanishgold—asunkengalleon—thatsortofthing?”
“Notquitesoromanticasthat,perhaps.Butitcomestothesamething.Thispapergivesthehidingplaceofacacheofivory.”
“Ivory?”saidthegirl,astonished.
“Yes.Elephants,youknow.There’salawaboutthenumberyou’reallowedtoshoot.Somehuntergotawaywithbreakingthatlawonagrandscale.Theywereonhistrailandhecachedthestuff.There’sathunderinglotofit—andthisgivesfairlycleardirectionshowtofindit.Lookhere,we’llhavetogoafterthis,youandI.”
“Youmeanthere’sreallyalotofmoneyinit?”
“Quiteanicelittlefortuneforyou.”
“Buthowdidthatpapercometobeamongmyfather’sthings?”
Wilbrahamshrugged.“MaybetheJohnnywasdyingorsomething.HemayhavewrittenthethingdowninSwahiliforprotectionandgivenittoyourfather,whopossiblyhadbefriendedhiminsomeway.Yourfather,notbeingabletoreadit,attachednoimportancetoit.That’sonlyaguessonmypart,butIdaresayit’snotfarwrong.”
Fredagaveasigh.“Howfrightfullyexciting!”
“Thethingis—whattodowiththepreciousdocument,”saidWilbraham.“Idon’tlikeleavingithere.Theymightcomeandhaveanotherlook.Isupposeyouwouldn’tentrustittome?”
“OfcourseIwould.But—mightn’titbedangerousforyou?”shefaltered.
“I’matoughnut,”saidWilbrahamgrimly.“Youneedn’tworryaboutme.”Hefoldedupthepaperandputitinhispocketbook.“MayIcometoseeyoutomorrowevening?”heasked.“I’llhaveworkedoutaplanbythen,andI’lllookuptheplacesonmymap.Whattimedoyougetbackfromthecity?”
“Igetbackabouthalfpastsix.”
“Capital.We’llhaveapowwowandthenperhapsyou’llletmetakeyououttodinner.Weoughttocelebrate.Solong,then.Tomorrowathalfpastsix.”
MajorWilbrahamarrivedpunctuallyonthefollowingday.HerangthebellandenquiredforMissClegg.Amaidservanthadansweredthedoor.
“MissClegg?She’sout.”
“Oh!”Wilbrahamdidnotliketosuggestthathecomeinandwait.“I’llcallbackpresently,”hesaid.
Hehungaboutinthestreetopposite,expectingeveryminutetoseeFredatrippingtowardshim.Theminutespassed.Quartertoseven.Seven.Quarterpastseven.StillnoFreda.Afeelingofuneasinesssweptoverhim.Hewentbacktothehouseandrangthebellagain.
“Lookhere,”hesaid,“IhadanappointmentwithMissCleggathalfpastsix.Areyousuresheisn’tinorhasn’t—er—leftanymessage?”
“AreyouMajorWilbraham?”askedtheservant.
“Yes.”
“Thenthere’sanoteforyou.Itcomebyhand.”
DearMajorWilbraham,—Somethingratherstrangehashappened.Iwon’twritemorenow,butwillyoumeetmeatWhitefriars?Gothereassoonasyougetthis.Yourssincerely,FredaClegg
Wilbrahamdrewhisbrowstogetherashethoughtrapidly.Hishanddrewaletterabsentmindedlyfromhispocket.Itwastohistailor.“Iwonder,”hesaidtothemaidservant,“ifyoucouldletmehaveastamp.”
“IexpectMrs.Parkinscouldobligeyou.”
Shereturnedinamomentwiththestamp.Itwaspaidforwithashilling.InanotherminuteWilbrahamwaswalkingtowardsthetubestation,droppingtheenvelopeinaboxashepassed.
Freda’sletterhadmadehimmostuneasy.Whatcouldhavetakenthegirl,alone,tothesceneofyesterday’ssinisterencounter?
Heshookhishead.Ofallthefoolishthingstodo!HadReidappeared?Hadhesomehoworotherprevaileduponthegirltotrusthim?WhathadtakenhertoHampstead?
Helookedathiswatch.Nearlyhalfpastseven.Shewouldhavecountedonhisstartingathalfpastsix.Anhourlate.Toomuch.Ifonlyshehadhadthesensetogivehimsomehint.
Theletterpuzzledhim.SomehowitsindependenttonewasnotcharacteristicofFredaClegg.
ItwastenminutestoeightwhenhereachedFriarsLane.Itwasgettingdark.Helookedsharplyabouthim;therewasnooneinsight.Gentlyhepushedthericketygatesothatitswungnoiselesslyonitshinges.Thedrivewasdeserted.Thehousewasdark.Hewentupthepathcautiously,keepingalookoutfromsidetoside.Hedidnotintendtobecaughtbysurprise.
Suddenlyhestopped.Justforaminuteachinkoflighthadshonethroughoneoftheshutters.Thehousewasnotempty.Therewassomeoneinside.
SoftlyWilbrahamslippedintothebushesandworkedhiswayroundtothebackofthehouse.Atlasthefoundwhathewaslookingfor.Oneofthewindowsonthegroundfloorwasunfastened.Itwasthewindowofakindofscullery.Heraisedthesash,flashedatorch(hehadboughtitatashoponthewayover)aroundthedesertedinteriorandclimbedin.
Carefullyheopenedthescullerydoor.Therewasnosound.Heflashedthetorchoncemore.Akitchen—empty.Outsidethekitchenwerehalfadozenstepsandadoorevidentlyleadingtothefrontpartofthehouse.
Hepushedopenthedoorandlistened.Nothing.Heslippedthrough.Hewasnowinthefronthall.Stilltherewasnosound.Therewasadoortotherightandadoortotheleft.Hechosetheright-handdoor,listenedforatime,thenturnedthehandle.Itgave.Inchbyinchheopenedthedoorandsteppedinside.
Againheflashedthetorch.Theroomwasunfurnishedandbare.
Justatthatmomentheheardasoundbehindhim,whirledround—toolate.Somethingcamedownonhisheadandhepitchedforwardintounconsciousness….
HowmuchtimeelapsedbeforeheregainedconsciousnessWilbrahamhadnoidea.Hereturnedpainfullytolife,hisheadaching.Hetriedtomoveandfounditimpossible.Hewasboundwithropes.
Hiswitscamebacktohimsuddenly.Herememberednow.Hehadbeenhitonthehead.
Afaintlightfromagasjethighuponthewallshowedhimthathewasinasmallcellar.Helookedaroundandhisheartgavealeap.AfewfeetawaylayFreda,boundlikehimself.Hereyeswereclosed,butevenashewatchedheranxiously,shesighedandtheyopened.Herbewilderedgazefellonhimandjoyousrecognitionleapedintothem.
“You,too!”shesaid.“Whathashappened?”
“I’veletyoudownbadly,”saidWilbraham.“Tumbledheadlongintothetrap.Tellme,didyousendmeanoteaskingmetomeetyouhere?”
Thegirl’seyesopenedinastonishment.“I?Butyousentmeone.”
“Oh,Isentyouone,didI?”
“Yes.Igotitattheoffice.Itaskedmetomeetyouhereinsteadofathome.”
“Samemethodforbothofus,”hegroaned,andheexplainedthesituation.
“Isee,”saidFreda.“Thentheideawas—?”
“Togetthepaper.Wemusthavebeenfollowedyesterday.That’showtheygotontome.”
“And—havetheygotit?”askedFreda.
“Unfortunately,Ican’tfeelandsee,”saidthesoldier,regardinghisboundhandsruefully.
Andthentheybothstarted.Foravoicespoke,avoicethatseemedtocomefromtheemptyair.
“Yes,thankyou,”itsaid.“I’vegotit,allright.Nomistakeaboutthat.”
Theunseenvoicemadethembothshiver.
“Mr.Reid,”murmuredFreda.
“Mr.Reidisoneofmynames,mydearyounglady,”saidthevoice.“Butonlyoneofthem.Ihaveagreatmany.Now,Iamsorrytosaythatyoutwohaveinterferedwithmyplans—athingIneverallow.Yourdiscoveryofthishouseisaseriousmatter.Youhavenottoldthepoliceaboutityet,butyoumightdosointhefuture.
“IverymuchfearthatIcannottrustyouinthematter.Youmightpromise—butpromisesareseldomkept.And,yousee,thishouseisveryusefultome.Itis,youmightsay,myclearinghouse.Thehousefromwhichthereisnoreturn.Fromhereyoupasson—elsewhere.You,Iamsorrytosay,aresopassingon.Regrettable—butnecessary.”
Thevoicepausedforabriefsecond,thenresumed:“Nobloodshed.Iabhorbloodshed.Mymethodismuchsimpler.Andreallynottoopainful,soIunderstand.Well,Imustbegettingalong.Goodeveningtoyouboth.”
“Lookhere!”ItwasWilbrahamwhospoke.“Dowhatyouliketome,butthisyoungladyhasdonenothing—nothing.Itcan’thurtyoutolethergo.”
Buttherewasnoanswer.
AtthatmomenttherecameacryfromFreda.“Thewater—thewater!”
Wilbrahamtwistedhimselfpainfullyandfollowedthedirectionofhereyes.Fromaholeupneartheceilingasteadytrickleofwaterwaspouringin.
Fredagaveahystericalcry.“They’regoingtodrownus!”
TheperspirationbrokeoutonWilbraham’sbrow.“We’renotdoneyet,”hesaid.“We’llshoutforhelp.Surelysomebodywillhearus.Now,bothtogether.”
Theyyelledandshoutedatthetopsoftheirvoices.Notuntiltheywerehoarsedidtheystop.
“Nouse,I’mafraid,”saidWilbrahamsadly.“We’retoofarundergroundandIexpectthedoorsaremuffled.Afterall,ifwecouldbeheard,I’venodoubtthatbrutewouldhavegaggedus.”
“Oh,”criedFreda.“Andit’sallmyfault.Igotyouintothis.”
“Don’tworryaboutthat,littlegirl.It’syouI’mthinkingabout.I’vebeenintightcornersbeforenowandgotoutofthem.Don’tyouloseheart.I’llgetyououtofthis.We’veplentyoftime.Attheratethatwater’sflowingin,itwillbehoursbeforetheworsthappens.”
“Howwonderfulyouare!”saidFreda.“I’venevermetanybodylikeyou—exceptinbooks.”
“Nonsense—justcommonsense.Now,I’vegottoloosenthoseinfernalropes.”
Attheendofaquarterofanhour,bydintofstrainingandtwisting,Wilbrahamhadthesatisfactionoffeelingthathisbondswereappreciablyloosened.Hemanagedtobendhisheaddownandhiswristsuptillhewasabletoattacktheknotswithhisteeth.
Oncehishandswerefree,therestwasonlyamatteroftime.Cramped,stiff,butfree,hebentoverthegirl.Aminutelatershewasalsofree.
Sofarthewaterwasonlyuptotheirankles.
“Andnow,”saidthesoldier,“togetoutofhere.”
Thedoorofthecellarwasupafewstairs.MajorWilbrahamexaminedit.
“Nodifficultyhere,”hesaid.“Flimsystuff.Itwillsoongiveatthehinges.”Hesethisshoulderstoitandheaved.
Therewasacrackingofwood—acrash,andthedoorburstfromitshinges.
Outsidewasaflightofstairs.Atthetopwasanotherdoor—averydifferentaffair—ofsolidwood,barredwithiron
“Abitmoredifficult,this,”saidWilbraham.“Hallo,here’sapieceofluck.It’sunlocked.”
Hepusheditopen,peeredroundit,thenbeckonedthegirltocomeon.Theyemergedintoapassagebehindthekitchen.InanothermomenttheywerestandingunderthestarsinFriarsLane.
“Oh!”Fredagavealittlesob.“Oh,howdreadfulit’sbeen!”
“Mypoordarling.”Hecaughtherinhisarms.“You’vebeensowonderfullybrave.Freda—darlingangel—couldyouever—Imean,wouldyou—Iloveyou,Freda.Willyoumarryme?”
Afterasuitableinterval,highlysatisfactorytobothparties,MajorWilbrahamsaid,withachuckle:
“Andwhat’smore,we’vestillgotthesecretoftheivorycache.”
“Buttheytookitfromyou!”
Themajorchuckledagain.“That’sjustwhattheydidn’tdo!Yousee,Iwroteoutaproofcopy,andbeforejoiningyouheretonight,IputtherealthinginaletterIwassendingtomytailorandpostedit.They’vegotthespoofcopy—andIwishthemjoyofit!Doyouknowwhatwe’lldo,sweetheart!We’llgotoEastAfricaforourhoneymoonandhuntoutthecache.”
Mr.ParkerPynelefthisofficeandclimbedtwoflightsofstairs.HereinaroomatthetopofthehousesatMrs.Oliver,thesensationalnovelist,nowamemberofMr.Pyne’sstaff.
Mr.ParkerPynetappedatthedoorandentered.Mrs.Oliversatatatableonwhichwereatypewriter,severalnotebooks,ageneralconfusionofloosemanuscriptsandalargebagofapples.
“Averygoodstory,Mrs.Oliver,”saidMr.ParkerPynegenially.
“Itwentoffwell?”saidMrs.Oliver.“I’mglad.”
“Thatwater-in-the-cellarbusiness,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youdon’tthink,onafutureoccasion,thatsomethingmoreoriginal—perhaps?”Hemadethesuggestionwithproperdiffidence.
Mrs.Olivershookherheadandtookanapplefromherbag.“Ithinknot,Mr.Pyne.Yousee,peopleareusedtoreadingaboutsuchthings.Waterrisinginacellar,poisongas,etcetera.Knowingaboutitbeforehandgivesitanextrathrillwhenithappenstooneself.Thepublicisconservative,Mr.Pyne;itlikestheoldwell-worngadgets.”
“Well,youshouldknow,”admittedMr.ParkerPyne,mindfuloftheauthoress’sforty-sixsuccessfulworksoffiction,allbestsellersinEnglandandAmerica,andfreelytranslatedintoFrench,German,Italian,Hungarian,Finnish,JapaneseandAbyssinian.“Howaboutexpenses?”
Mrs.Oliverdrewapapertowardsher.“Verymoderate,onthewhole.Thetwodarkies,PercyandJerry,wantedverylittle.YoungLorrimer,theactor,waswillingtoenactthepartofMr.Reidforfiveguineas.Thecellarspeechwasaphonographrecord,ofcourse.”
“Whitefriarshasbeenextremelyusefultome,”saidMr.Pyne.“Iboughtitforasongandithasalreadybeenthesceneofelevenexcitingdramas.”
“Oh,Iforgot,”saidMrs.Oliver.“Johnny’swages.Fiveshillings.”
“Johnny?”
“Yes.Theboywhopouredthewaterfromthewateringcansthroughtheholeinthewall.”
“Ahyes.Bytheway,Mrs.Oliver,howdidyouhappentoknowSwahili?”
“Ididn’t.”
“Isee.TheBritishMuseumperhaps?”
“No.Delfridge’sInformationBureau.”
“Howmarvellousaretheresourcesofmoderncommerce!”hemurmured.
“Theonlythingthatworriesme,”saidMrs.Oliver,“isthatthosetwoyoungpeoplewon’tfindanycachewhentheygetthere.”
“Onecannothaveeverythinginthisworld,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Theywillhavehadahoneymoon.”
Mrs.Wilbrahamwassittinginadeckchair.Herhusbandwaswritingaletter.“What’sthedate,Freda?”
“Thesixteenth.”
“Thesixteenth.Byjove!”
“Whatisit,dear?”
“Nothing.IjustrememberedachapnamedJones.”
Howeverhappilymarried,therearesomethingsonenevertells.
“Dashitall,”thoughtMajorWilbraham.“Ioughttohavecalledatthatplaceandgotmymoneyback.”Andthen,beingafair-mindedman,helookedattheothersideofthequestion.“Afterall,itwasIwhobrokethebargain.IsupposeifI’dgonetoseeJonessomethingwouldhavehappened.And,anyway,asitturnsout,ifIhadn’tbeengoingtoseeJones,IshouldneverhaveheardFredacryforhelp,andwemightneverhavemet.So,indirectly,perhapstheyhavearighttothefiftypounds!”
Mrs.Wilbrahamwasalsofollowingoutatrainofthought.“WhatasillylittlefoolIwastobelieveinthatadvertisementandpaythosepeoplethreeguineas.Ofcourse,theyneverdidanythingforitandnothingeverhappened.IfI’donlyknownwhatwascoming—firstMr.Reid,andthenthequeer,romanticwaythatCharliecameintomylife.AndtothinkthatbutforpurechanceImightneverhavemethim!”
Sheturnedandsmiledadoringlyatherhusband.
Three
THECASEOFTHEDISTRESSEDLADY
“TheCaseoftheDistressedLady”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAas“ThePrettyGirlWhoWantedaRing”inCosmopolitan,August1932,thenas“Faked!”inWoman’sPictorial,22October1932.
ThebuzzeronMr.ParkerPyne’sdeskpurreddiscreetly.“Yes?”saidthegreatman.
“Ayoungladywishestoseeyou,”announcedhissecretary.“Shehasnoappointment.”
“Youmaysendherin,MissLemon.”Amomentlaterhewasshakinghandswithhisvisitor.“Goodmorning,”hesaid.“Dositdown.”
ThegirlsatdownandlookedatMr.ParkerPyne.Shewasaprettygirlandquiteyoung.Herhairwasdarkandwavywitharowofcurlsatthenapeoftheneck.Shewasbeautifullyturnedoutfromthewhiteknittedcaponherheadtothecobwebstockingsanddaintyshoes.Clearlyshewasnervous.
“YouareMr.ParkerPyne?”sheasked.
“Iam.”
“Theonewho—advertises?”
“Theonewhoadvertises.”
“Yousaythatifpeoplearen’t—aren’thappy—to—tocometoyou.”
“Yes.”
Shetooktheplunge.“Well,I’mfrightfullyunhappy.SoIthoughtI’dcomealongandjust—andjustsee.”
Mr.ParkerPynewaited.Hefelttherewasmoretocome.
“I—I’minfrightfultrouble.”Sheclenchedherhandsnervously.
“SoIsee,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Doyouthinkyoucouldtellmeaboutit?”
That,itseemed,waswhatthegirlwasbynomeanssureof.ShestaredatMr.ParkerPynewithadesperateintentness.Suddenlyshespokewitharush.
“Yes,Iwilltellyou.I’vemadeupmymindnow.I’vebeennearlycrazywithworry.Ididn’tknowwhattodoorwhomtogoto.AndthenIsawyouradvertisement.Ithoughtitwasprobablyjustaramp,butitstayedinmymind.Itsoundedsocomforting,somehow.AndthenIthought—well,itwoulddonoharmtocomeandsee.IcouldalwaysmakeanexcuseandgetawayagainifIdidn’t—well,itdidn’t—”
“Quiteso;quiteso,”saidMr.Pyne.
“Yousee,”saidthegirl,“itmeans,well,trustingsomebody.”
“Andyoufeelyoucantrustme?”hesaid,smiling.
“It’sodd,”saidthegirlwithunconsciousnessrudeness,“butIdo.Withoutknowinganythingaboutyou!I’msureIcantrustyou.”
“Icanassureyou,”saidMr.Pyne,“thatyourtrustwillnotbemisplaced.”
“Then,”saidthegirl,“I’lltellyouaboutit.MynameisDaphneSt.John.”
“Yes,MissSt.John.”
“Mrs.I’m—I’mmarried.”
“Pshaw!”mutteredMr.Pyne,annoyedwithhimselfashenotedtheplatinumcircletonthethirdfingerofherlefthand.“Stupidofme.”
“IfIweren’tmarried,”saidthegirl,“Ishouldn’tmindsomuch.Imean,itwouldn’tmattersomuch.It’sthethoughtofGerald—well,here—here’swhatallthetrouble’sabout!”
Shedivedintoherbag,tooksomethingoutandflungitdownonthedeskwhere,gleamingandflashing,itrolledovertoMr.ParkerPyne.
Itwasaplatinumringwithalargesolitairediamond.
Mr.Pynepickeditup,tookittothewindow,testeditonthepane,appliedajeweller’slenstohiseyeandexamineditclosely.
“Anexceedinglyfinediamond,”heremarked,comingbacktothetable;“worth,Ishouldsay,abouttwothousandpoundsatleast.”
“Yes.Andit’sstolen!Istoleit!AndIdon’tknowwhattodo.”
“Dearme!”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thisisveryinteresting.”
Hisclientbrokedownandsobbedintoaninadequatehandkerchief.
“Now,now,”saidMr.Pyne.“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.”
Thegirldriedhereyesandsniffed.“Isit?”shesaid.“Oh,isit?”
“Ofcourseitis.Now,justtellmethewholestory.”
“Well,itbeganbymybeinghardup.Yousee,I’mfrightfullyextravagant.AndGeraldgetssoannoyedaboutit.Gerald’smyhusband.He’salotolderthanIam,andhe’sgotvery—well,veryaustereideas.Hethinksrunningintodebtisdreadful.SoIdidn’ttellhim.AndIwentovertoLeTouquetwithsomefriendsandIthoughtperhapsImightbeluckyatchemmyandgetstraightagain.Ididwinatfirst.AndthenIlost,andthenIthoughtImustgoon.AndIwenton.And—and—”
“Yes,yes,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youneednotgointodetails.Youwereinaworseplightthanever.Thatisright,isitnot?”
DaphneSt.Johnnodded.“Andbythen,yousee,Isimplycouldn’ttellGerald.Becausehehatesgambling.Oh,Iwasinanawfulmess.Well,wewentdowntostaywiththeDortheimersnearCobham.He’sfrightfullyrich,ofcourse.Hiswife,Naomi,wasatschoolwithme.She’sprettyandadear.Whilewewerethere,thesettingofthisringgotloose.Onthemorningwewereleaving,sheaskedmetotakeituptotownanddropitatherjeweller’sinBondStreet.”Shepaused.
“Andnowwecometothedifficultpart,”saidMr.Pynehelpfully.“Goon,Mrs.St.John.”
“Youwon’tevertell,willyou?”demandedthegirlpleadingly.
“Myclients’confidencesaresacred.Andanyway,Mrs.St.John,youhavetoldmesomuchalreadythatIcouldprobablyfinishthestoryformyself.”
“That’strue.Allright.ButIhatesayingit—itsoundssoawful.IwenttoBondStreet.There’sanothershopthere—Viro’s.They—copyjewellery.SuddenlyIlostmyhead.ItooktheringinandsaidIwantedanexactcopy;IsaidIwasgoingabroadanddidn’twanttotakerealjewellerywithme.Theyseemedtothinkitquitenatural.
“Well,Igotthepastereplica—itwassogoodyoucouldn’thavetolditfromtheoriginal—andIsentitoffbyregisteredposttoLadyDortheimer.Ihadaboxwiththejeweller’snameonit,sothatwasallright,andImadeaprofessional-lookingparcel.AndthenI—I—pawnedtherealone.”Shehidherfaceinherhands.“HowcouldI?HowcouldI?Iwasalow,mean,commonthief.”
Mr.ParkerPynecoughed.“Idonotthinkyouhavequitefinished,”hesaid.
“No,Ihaven’t.This,youunderstand,wasaboutsixweeksago.Ipaidoffallmydebtsandgotsquareagain,but,ofcourse,Iwasmiserableallthetime.AndthenanoldcousinofminediedandIcameintosomemoney.ThefirstthingIdidwastoredeemthewretchedring.Well,that’sallright;hereitis.But,somethingterriblydifficulthashappened.”
“Yes?”
“We’vehadaquarrelwiththeDortheimers.It’soversomesharesthatSirReubenpersuadedGeraldtobuy.HewasterriblyletinoverthemandhetoldSirReubenwhathethoughtofhim—andoh,it’salldreadful!Andnow,yousee,Ican’tgettheringback.”
“Couldn’tyousendittoLadyDortheimeranonymously?”
“Thatgivesthewholethingaway.She’llexamineherownring,findit’safakeandguessatoncewhatI’vedone.”
“Yousayshe’safriendofyours.Whatabouttellingherthewholetruth—throwingyourselfonhermercy?”
Mrs.St.Johnshookherhead.“We’renotsuchfriendsasthat.Wheremoneyorjewelleryisconcerned,Naomi’sashardasnails.Perhapsshecouldn’tprosecutemeifIgavetheringback,butshecouldtelleveryonewhatI’vedoneandI’dberuined.Geraldwouldknowandhewouldneverforgiveme.Oh,howawfuleverythingis!”Shebegantocryagain.“I’vethoughtandI’vethought,andIcan’tseewhattodo!Oh,Mr.Pyne,can’tyoudoanything?”
“Severalthings,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Youcan?Really?”
“Certainly.IsuggestedthesimplestwaybecauseinmylongexperienceIhavealwaysfounditthebest.Itavoidsunlooked-forcomplications.Still,Iseetheforceofyourobjections.Atpresentnooneknowsofthisunfortunateoccurrencebutyourself?”
“Andyou,”saidMrs.St.John.
“Oh,Idonotcount.Well,then,yoursecretissafeatpresent.Allthatisneededistoexchangetheringsinsomeunsuspiciousmanner.”
“That’sit,”thegirlsaideagerly.
“Thatshouldnotbedifficult.Wemusttakealittletimetoconsiderthebestmethod—”
Sheinterruptedhim.“Butthereisnotime!That’swhat’sdrivingmenearlycrazy.She’sgoingtohavetheringreset.”
“Howdoyouknow?”
“Justbychance.IwaslunchingwithawomantheotherdayandIadmiredaringshehadon—abigemerald.Shesaiditwasthenewestthing—andthatNaomiDortheimerwasgoingtohaveherdiamondresetthatway.”
“Whichmeansthatweshallhavetoactquickly,”saidMr.Pynethoughtfully.“Itmeansgainingadmissiontothehouse—andifpossiblenotinanymenialcapacity.Servantshavelittlechanceofhandlingvaluablerings.Haveyouanyideasyourself,Mrs.St.John?”
“Well,NaomiisgivingabigpartyonWednesday.Andthisfriendofminementionedthatshehadbeenlookingforsomeexhibitiondancers.Idon’tknowifanythinghasbeensettled—”
“Ithinkitcanbemanaged,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Ifthematterisalreadysettleditwillbemoreexpensive,thatisall.Onethingmore,doyouhappentoknowwherethemainlightswitchissituated?”
“AsithappensIdoknowthat,becauseafuseblewoutlateonenightwhentheservantshadallgonetobed.It’saboxatthebackofthehall—insidealittlecupboard.”
AtMr.ParkerPyne’srequestshedrewhimasketch.
“Andnow,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“everythingisgoingtobeallright,sodon’tworry,Mrs.St.John.Whataboutthering?ShallItakeitnow,orwouldyouratherkeepittillWednesday?”
“Well,perhapsI’dbetterkeepit.”
“Now,nomoreworry,mindyou,”Mr.ParkerPyneadmonishedher.
“Andyour—fee?”sheaskedtimidly.
“Thatcanstandoverforthemoment.IwillletyouknowonWednesdaywhatexpenseshavebeennecessary.Thefeewillbenominal,Iassureyou.”
Heconductedhertothedoor,thenrangthebuzzeronhisdesk.
“SendClaudeandMadeleinehere.”
ClaudeLuttrellwasoneofthehandsomestspecimensofloungelizardtobefoundinEngland.MadeleinedeSarawasthemostseductiveofvamps.
Mr.ParkerPynesurveyedthemwithapproval.“Mychildren,”hesaid,“Ihaveajobforyou.Youaregoingtobeinternationallyfamousexhibitiondancers.Now,attendtothiscarefully,Claude,andmindyougetitright….”
LadyDortheimerwasfullysatisfiedwiththearrangementsforherball.Shesurveyedthefloraldecorationsandapproved,gaveafewlastorderstothebutler,andremarkedtoherhusbandthatsofarnothinghadgonewrong!
ItwasaslightdisappointmentthatMichaelandJuanita,thedancersfromtheRedAdmiral,hadbeenunabletofulfiltheircontractatthelastmoment,owingtoJuanita’ssprainingherankle,butinstead,twonewdancerswerebeingsent(soranthestoryoverthetelephone)whohadcreatedafuroreinParis.
ThedancersdulyarrivedandLadyDortheimerapproved.Theeveningwentsplendidly.JulesandSanchiadidtheirturn,andmostsensationalitwas.AwildSpanishRevolutiondance.ThenadancecalledtheDegenerate’sDream.Thenanexquisiteexhibitionofmoderndancing.
The“cabaret”over,normaldancingwasresumed.ThehandsomeJulesrequestedadancewithLadyDortheimer.Theyfloatedaway.NeverhadLadyDortheimerhadsuchaperfectpartner.
SirReubenwassearchingfortheseductiveSanchia—invain.Shewasnotintheballroom.
Shewas,asamatteroffact,outinthedesertedhallnearasmallbox,withhereyesfixedonthejewelledwatchwhichsheworeroundherwrist.
“YouarenotEnglish—youcannotbeEnglish—todanceasyoudo,”murmuredJulesintoLadyDortheimer’sear.“Youarethesprite,thespiritofthewindDroushckapetrovkanavarouchi.”
“Whatisthatlanguage?”
“Russian,”saidJulesmendaciously.“IsaysomethingtoyouinRussianthatIdarenotsayinEnglish.”
LadyDortheimerclosedhereyes.Julespressedherclosertohim.
Suddenlythelightswentout.InthedarknessJulesbentandkissedthehandthatlayonhisshoulder.Asshemadetodrawitaway,hecaughtit,raisedittohislipsagain.Somehowaringslippedfromherfingerintohishand.
ToLadyDortheimeritseemedonlyasecondbeforethelightswentonagain.Juleswassmilingather.
“Yourring,”hesaid.“Itslippedoff.Youpermit?”Hereplaceditonherfinger.Hiseyessaidanumberofthingswhilehewasdoingit.
SirReubenwastalkingaboutthemainswitch.“Someidiot.Practicaljoke,Isuppose.”
LadyDortheimerwasnotinterested.Thosefewminutesofdarknesshadbeenverypleasant.
Mr.ParkerPynearrivedathisofficeonThursdaymorningtofindMrs.St.Johnalreadyawaitinghim.
“Showherin,”saidMr.Pyne.
“Well?”Shewasalleagerness.
“Youlookpale,”hesaidaccusingly.
Sheshookherhead.“Icouldn’tsleeplastnight.Iwaswondering—”
“Now,hereisthelittlebillforexpenses.Trainfares,costumes,andfiftypoundstoMichaelandJuanita.Sixty-fivepounds,seventeenshillings.”
“Yes,yes!Butaboutlastnight—wasitallright?Didithappen?”
Mr.ParkerPynelookedatherinsurprise.“Mydearyounglady,naturallyitisallright.Itookitforgrantedthatyouunderstoodthat.”
“Whatarelief!Iwasafraid—”
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhisheadreproachfully.“Failureisawordnottoleratedinthisestablishment.IfIdonotthinkIcansucceedIrefusetoundertakeacase.IfIdotakeacase,itssuccessispracticallyaforegoneconclusion.”
“She’sreallygotherringbackandsuspectsnothing?”
“Nothingwhatever.Theoperationwasmostdelicatelyconducted.”
DaphneSt.Johnsighed.“Youdon’tknowtheloadoffmymind.Whatwereyousayingaboutexpenses?”
“Sixty-fivepounds,seventeenshillings.”
Mrs.St.Johnopenedherbagandcountedoutthemoney.Mr.ParkerPynethankedherandwroteoutareceipt.
“Butyourfee?”murmuredDaphne.“Thisisonlyforexpenses.”
“Inthiscasethereisnofee.”
“Oh,Mr.Pyne!Icouldn’t,really!”
“Mydearyounglady,Iinsist.Iwillnottouchapenny.Itwouldbeagainstmyprinciples.Hereisyourreceipt.Andnow—”
Withthesmileofahappyconjurorbringingoffasuccessfultrick,hedrewasmallboxfromhispocketandpusheditacrossthetable.Daphneopenedit.Inside,toallappearances,laytheidenticaldiamondring.
“Brute!”saidMrs.St.John,makingafaceatit.“HowIhateyou!I’veagoodmindtothrowyououtofthewindow.”
“Ishouldn’tdothat,”saidMr.Pyne.“Itmightsurprisepeople.”
“You’requitesureitisn’ttherealone?”saidDaphne.
“No,no!TheoneyoushowedmetheotherdayissafelyonLadyDortheimer’sfinger.”
“Then,that’sallright.”Daphnerosewithahappylaugh.
“Curiousyouaskedmethat,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“OfcourseClaude,poorfellow,hasn’tmanybrains.Hemighteasilyhavegotmuddled.So,tomakesure,Ihadanexpertlookatthisthingthismorning.”
Mrs.St.Johnsatdownagainrathersuddenly.“Oh!Andhesaid?”
“Thatitwasanextraordinarilygoodimitation,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,beaming.“First-classwork.Sothatsetsyourmindatrest,doesn’tit?”
Mrs.St.Johnstartedtosaysomething,thenstopped.ShewasstaringatMr.ParkerPyne.
Thelatterresumedhisseatbehindthedeskandlookedatherbenevolently.“Thecatwhopulledthechestnutsoutofthefire,”hesaiddreamily.“Notapleasantrole.NotaroleIshouldcaretohaveanyofmystaffundertake.Excuseme.Didyousayanything?”
“I—no,nothing.”
“Good.Iwanttotellyoualittlestory,Mrs.St.John.Itconcernsayounglady.Afair-hairedyounglady,Ithink.Sheisnotmarried.HernameisnotSt.John.HerChristiannameisnotDaphne.Onthecontrary,hernameisErnestineRichards,anduntilrecentlyshewassecretarytoLadyDortheimer.
“Well,onedaythesettingofLadyDortheimer’sdiamondringbecamelooseandMissRichardsbroughtituptotowntohaveitfixed.Quitelikeyourstoryhere,isitnot?ThesameideaoccurredtoMissRichardsthatoccurredtoyou.Shehadtheringcopied.Butshewasafarsightedyounglady.ShesawadaycomingwhenLadyDortheimerwoulddiscoverthesubstitution.Whenthathappened,shewouldrememberwhohadtakentheringtotownandMissRichardswouldbeinstantlysuspected.
“Sowhathappened?First,Ifancy,MissRichardsinvestedinaLaMerveilleusetransformation—NumberSevensideparting,Ithink”—hiseyesrestedinnocentlyonhisclient’swavylocks—“shadedarkbrown.Thenshecalledonme.Sheshowedmethering,allowedmetosatisfymyselfthatitwasgenuine,therebydisarmingsuspiciononmypart.Thatdone,andaplanofsubstitutionarranged,theyoungladytooktheringtothejeweller,who,induecourse,returnedittoLadyDortheimer.
“Yesterdayeveningtheotherring,thefalsering,washurriedlyhandedoveratthelastminuteatWaterlooStation.Quiterightly,MissRichardsdidnotconsiderthatMr.Luttrellwaslikelytobeanauthorityondiamonds.ButjusttosatisfymyselfthateverythingwasaboveboardIarrangedforafriendofmine,adiamondmerchant,tobeonthetrain.Helookedattheringandpronouncedatonce,‘Thisisnotarealdiamond;itisanexcellentpastereplica.’
“Youseethepoint,ofcourse,Mrs.St.John?WhenLadyDortheimerdiscoveredherloss,whatwouldsheremember?Thecharmingyoungdancerwhoslippedtheringoffherfingerwhenthelightswentout!Shewouldmakeenquiriesandfindoutthatthedancersoriginallyengagedwerebribednottocome.Ifmattersweretracedbacktomyoffice,mystoryofaMrs.St.Johnwouldseemfeebleintheextreme.LadyDortheimerneverknewaMrs.St.John.Thestorywouldsoundaflimsyfabrication.
“Nowyousee,don’tyou,thatIcouldnotallowthat?AndsomyfriendClaudereplacedonLadyDortheimer’sfingerthesameringthathetookoff.”Mr.ParkerPyne’ssmilewaslessbenevolentnow.
“YouseewhyIcouldnottakeafee?Iguaranteetogivehappiness.ClearlyIhavenotmadeyouhappy.Iwillsayjustonethingmore.Youareyoung;possiblythisisyourfirstattemptatanythingofthekind.NowI,onthecontrary,amcomparativelyadvancedinyears,andIhavehadalongexperienceinthecompilationofstatistics.FromthatexperienceIcanassureyouthatineighty-sevenpercentofcasesdishonestydoesnotpay.Eighty-sevenpercent.Thinkofit!”
WithabrusquemovementthepseudoMrs.St.Johnrose.“Youoilyoldbrute!”shesaid.“Leadingmeon!Makingmepayexpenses!Andallthetime—”Shechoked,andrushedtowardsthedoor.
“Yourring,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,holdingitouttoher.
Shesnatcheditfromhim,lookedatitandflungitoutoftheopenwindow.
Adoorbangedandshewasgone.
Mr.ParkerPynewaslookingoutofthewindowwithsomeinterest.“AsIthought,”hesaid.“Considerablesurprisehasbeencreated.ThegentlemansellingDismalDesmondsdoesnotknowwhattomakeofit.”
Four
THECASEOFTHEDISCONTENTEDHUSBAND
“TheCaseoftheDiscontentedHusband”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAas“TheHusbandWhoWantedtoKeepHisWife”inCosmopolitan,August1932,andthenas“HisLady’sAffair”inWoman’sPictorial,29October1932.
UndoubtedlyoneofMr.ParkerPyne’sgreatestassetswashissympatheticmanner.Itwasamannerthatinvitedconfidence.Hewaswellacquaintedwiththekindofparalysisthatdescendedonclientsassoonastheygotinsidehisoffice.ItwasMr.Pyne’stasktopavethewayforthenecessarydisclosures.
Onthisparticularmorninghesatfacinganewclient,aMr.ReginaldWade.Mr.Wade,hededucedatonce,wastheinarticulatetype.Thetypethatfindsithardtoputintowordsanythingconnectedwiththeemotions.
Hewasatall,broadly-builtmanwithmild,pleasantblueeyesandawell-tannedcomplexion.HesatpullingabsentmindedlyatalittlemoustachewhilehelookedatMr.ParkerPynewithallthepathosofadumbanimal.
“Sawyouradvertisement,youknow,”hejerked.“ThoughtImightaswellcomealong.Rumsortofshow,butyouneverknow,what?”
Mr.ParkerPyneinterpretedthesecrypticremarkscorrectly.“Whenthingsgobadly,oneiswillingtotakeachance,”hesuggested.
“That’sit.That’sit,exactly.I’mwillingtotakeachance—anychance.Thingsareinabadwaywithme,Mr.Pyne.Idon’tknowwhattodoaboutit.Difficult,youknow;damneddifficult.”
“That,”saidMr.Pyne,“iswhereIcomein.Idoknowwhattodo!Iamaspecialistineverykindofhumantrouble.”
“Oh,Isay—bitofatallorder,that!”
“Notreally.Humantroublesareeasilyclassifiedintoafewmainheads.Thereisillhealth.Thereisboredom.Therearewiveswhoareintroubleovertheirhusbands.Therearehusbands”—hepaused—“whoareintroubleovertheirwives.”
“Matteroffact,you’vehitit.You’vehititabsolutely.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”saidMr.Pyne.
“There’snothingmuchtotell.Mywifewantsmetogiveheradivorcesothatshecanmarryanotherchap.”
“Verycommonindeedinthesedays.Nowyou,Igather,don’tseeeyetoeyewithherinthisbusiness?”
“I’mfondofher,”saidMr.Wadesimply.“Yousee—well,I’mfondofher.”
Asimpleandsomewhattamestatement,butifMr.Wadehadsaid,“Iadoreher.Iworshipthegroundshewalkson.Iwouldcutmyselfintolittlepiecesforher,”hecouldnothavebeenmoreexplicittoMr.ParkerPyne.
“Allthesame,youknow,”wentonMr.Wade,“whatcanIdo?Imean,afellow’ssohelpless.Ifsheprefersthisotherfellow—well,one’sgottoplaythegame;standasideandallthat.”
“Theproposalisthatsheshoulddivorceyou?”
“Ofcourse.Icouldn’tletherbedraggedthroughthedivorcecourt.”
Mr.Pynelookedathimthoughtfully.“Butyoucometome?Why?”
Theotherlaughedinashamefacedmanner.“Idon’tknow.Yousee,I’mnotacleverchap.Ican’tthinkofthings.Ithoughtyoumight—well,suggestsomething.I’vegotsixmonths,yousee.Sheagreedtothat.Ifattheendofsixmonthssheisstillofthesamemind—well,then,Igetout.Ithoughtyoumightgivemeahintortwo.AtpresenteverythingIdoannoysher.
“Yousee,Mr.Pyne,whatitcomestoisthis:I’mnotacleverchap!Ilikeknockingballsabout.Ilikearoundofgolfandagoodsetoftennis.I’mnogoodatmusicandartandsuchthings.Mywife’sclever.Shelikespicturesandtheoperaandconcerts,andnaturallyshegetsboredwithme.Thisotherfellow—nasty,long-hairedchap—heknowsallaboutthesethings.Hecantalkaboutthem.Ican’t.Inaway,Icanunderstandaclever,beautifulwomangettingfedupwithanasslikeme.”
Mr.ParkerPynegroaned.“Youhavebeenmarried—howlong?…Nineyears?AndIsupposeyouhaveadoptedthatattitudefromthestart.Wrong,mydearsir;disastrouslywrong!Neveradoptanapologeticattitudewithawoman.Shewilltakeyouatyourownvaluation—andyoudeserveit.Youshouldhavegloriedinyourathleticprowess.Youshouldhavespokenofartandmusicas‘allthatnonsensemywifelikes.’Youshouldhavecondoledwithheronnotbeingabletoplaygamesbetter.Thehumblespirit,mydearsir,isawashoutinmatrimony!Nowomancanbeexpectedtostandupagainstit.Nowonderyourwifehasbeenunabletolastthecourse.”
Mr.Wadewaslookingathiminbewilderment.“Well,”hesaid,“whatdoyouthinkIoughttodo?”
“Thatcertainlyisthequestion.Whateveryoushouldhavedonenineyearsago,itistoolatenow.Newtacticsmustbeadopted.Haveyoueverhadanyaffairswithotherwomen?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Ishouldhavesaid,perhaps,anylightflirtations?”
“Ineverbotheredaboutwomenmuch.”
“Amistake.Youmuststartnow.”
Mr.Wadelookedalarmed.“Oh,lookhere,Icouldn’treally.Imean—”
“Youwillbeputtonotroubleinthematter.Oneofmystaffwillbesuppliedforthepurpose.Shewilltellyouwhatisrequiredofyou,andanyattentionsyoupayhershewill,ofcourse,understandtobemerelyamatterofbusiness.”
Mr.Wadelookedrelieved.“That’sbetter.Butdoyoureallythink—Imean,itseemstomethatIriswillbekeenertogetridofmethanever.”
“Youdonotunderstandhumannature,Mr.Wade.Stilllessdoyouunderstandfemininehumannature.Atthepresentmomentyouare,fromafemininepointofview,merelyawasteproduct.Nobodywantsyou.Whatusehasawomanforsomethingthatnoonewants?Nonewhatever.Buttakeanotherangle.Supposeyourwifediscoversthatyouarelookingforwardtoregainingyourfreedomasmuchassheis?”
“Thensheoughttobepleased.”
“Sheoughttobe,perhaps,butshewillnotbe!Moreover,shewillseethatyouhaveattractedafascinatingyoungwoman—ayoungwomanwhocouldpickandchoose.Immediatelyyourstockgoesup.Yourwifeknowsthatallherfriendswillsayitwasyouwhotiredofherandwishedtomarryamoreattractivewoman.Thatwillannoyher.”
“Youthinkso?”
“Iamsureofit.Youwillnolongerbe‘poordearoldReggie.’Youwillbe‘thatslydogReggie.’Allthedifferenceintheworld!Withoutrelinquishingtheotherman,shewilldoubtlesstrytowinyouback.Youwillnotbewon.Youwillbesensibleandrepeattoherallherarguments.‘Muchbettertopart.’‘Temperamentallyunsuited.’Yourealizethatwhilewhatshesaidwastrue—thatyouhadneverunderstoodher—itisalsotruethatshehadneverunderstoodyou.Butweneednotgointothisnow;youwillbegivenfullinstructionswhenthetimecomes.”
Mr.Wadeseemeddoubtfulstill.“Youreallythinkthatthisplanofyourswilldothetrick?”heaskeddubiously.
“IwillnotsayIamabsolutelysureofit,”saidMr.ParkerPynecautiously.“Thereisabarepossibilitythatyourwifemaybesooverwhelminglyinlovewiththisothermanthatnothingyoucouldsayordowillaffecther,butIconsiderthatunlikely.Shehasprobablybeendrivenintothisaffairthroughboredom—boredomwiththeatmosphereofuncriticaldevotionandabsolutefidelitywithwhichyouhavemostunwiselysurroundedher.Ifyoufollowmyinstructions,thechancesare,Ishouldsay,ninety-sevenpercentinyourfavour.”
“Goodenough,”saidMr.Wade.“I’lldoit.Bytheway—er—howmuch?”
“Myfeeistwohundredguineas,payableinadvance.”
Mr.Wadedrewoutachequebook.
ThegroundsofLorrimerCourtwerelovelyintheafternoonsunshine.IrisWade,lyingonalongchair,madeadeliciousspotofcolour.Shewasdressedindelicateshadesofmauveandbyskilfulmakeupmanagedtolookmuchyoungerthanherthirty-fiveyears.
ShewastalkingtoherfriendMrs.Massington,whomshealwaysfoundsympathetic.Bothladieswereafflictedwithathletichusbandswhotalkedstocksandsharesandgolfalternately.
“Andsoonelearnstoliveandletlive,”finishedIris.
“You’rewonderful,darling,”saidMrs.Massington,andaddedtooquickly:“Tellme,whoisthisgirl?”
Irisraisedawearyshoulder.“Don’taskme!Reggiefoundher.She’sReggie’slittlefriend!Soamusing.Youknowheneverlooksatgirlsasarule.Hecametomeandhemmedandhawed,andfinallysaidhewantedtoaskthisMissdeSaradownfortheweekend.OfcourseIlaughed—Icouldn’thelpit.Reggieyouknow!Well,heresheis.”
“Wheredidhemeether?”
“Idon’tknow.Hewasveryvagueaboutitall.”
“Perhapshe’sknownhersometime.”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,”saidMrs.Wade.“Ofcourse,”shewenton,“I’mdelighted—simplydelighted.Imean,itmakesitsomucheasierforme,asthingsare.BecauseIhavebeenunhappyaboutReggie;he’ssuchadearoldthing.That’swhatIkeptsayingtoSinclair—thatitwouldhurtReggieso.ButheinsistedthatReggiewouldsoongetoverit;itlooksasifhewereright.TwodaysagoReggieseemedheartbroken—andnowhewantsthisgirldown!AsIsay,I’mamused.IliketoseeReggieenjoyinghimself.IfancythepoorfellowactuallythoughtImightbejealous.Suchanabsurdidea!‘Ofcourse,’Isaid,‘haveyourfrienddown.’PoorReggie—asthoughagirllikethatcouldevercareabouthim.She’sjustamusingherself.”
“She’sextremelyattractive,”saidMrs.Massington.“Almostdangerouslyso,ifyouknowwhatImean.Thesortofgirlwhocaresonlyformen.Idon’tfeel,somehow,shecanbeareallynicegirl.”
“Probablynot,”saidMrs.Wade.
“Shehasmarvellousclothes,”saidMrs.Massington.
“Almosttooexoticdon’tyouthink?”
“Butveryexpensive.”
“Opulent.She’stooopulentlooking.”
“Heretheycome,”saidMrs.Massington.
MadeleinedeSaraandReggieWadewerewalkingacrossthelawn.Theywerelaughingandtalkingtogetherandseemedveryhappy.Madeleineflungherselfintoachair,toreofftheberetshewaswearingandranherhandsthroughherexquisitelydarkcurls.
Shewasundeniablybeautiful.
“We’vehadsuchamarvellousafternoon!”shecried.“I’mterriblyhot.Imustbelookingtoodreadful.”
ReggieWadestartednervouslyatthesoundofhiscue.“Youlook—youlook—”Hegavealittlelaugh.“Iwon’tsayit,”hefinished.
Madeleine’seyesmethis.Itwasaglanceofcompleteunderstandingonherpart.Mrs.Massingtonnoteditalertly.
“Youshouldplaygolf,”saidMadeleinetoherhostess.“Youmisssuchalot.Whydon’tyoutakeitup?Ihaveafriendwhodidandbecamequitegood,andshewasalotolderthanyou.”
“Idon’tcareforthatsortofthing,”saidIriscoldly.
“Areyoubadatgames?Howrottenforyou!Itmakesonefeelsooutofthings.Butreally,Mrs.Wade,coachingnowadaysissogoodthatalmostanyonecanplayfairlywell.Iimprovedmytennisnoendlastsummer.OfcourseI’mhopelessatgolf.”
“Nonsense!”saidReggie.“Youonlyneedcoaching.Lookhowyouweregettingthosebrassieshotsthisafternoon.”
“Becauseyoushowedmehow.You’reawonderfulteacher.Lotsofpeoplesimplycan’tteach.Butyou’vegotthegift.Itmustbewonderfultobeyou—youcandoeverything.”
“Nonsense.I’mnogood—nousewhatever.”Reggiewasconfused.
“Youmustbeveryproudofhim,”saidMadeleine,turningtoMrs.Wade.“Howhaveyoumanagedtokeephimalltheseyears?Youmusthavebeenveryclever.Orhaveyouhiddenhimaway?”
Herhostessmadenoreply.Shepickedupherbookwithahandthattrembled.
Reggiemurmuredsomethingaboutchanging,andwentoff.
“Idothinkit’ssosweetofyoutohavemehere,”saidMadeleinetoherhostess.“Somewomenaresosuspiciousoftheirhusbands’friends.Idothinkjealousyisabsurd,don’tyou?”
“Idoindeed.IshouldneverdreamofbeingjealousofReggie.”
“That’swonderfulofyou!Becauseanyonecanseethathe’samanwho’sfrightfullyattractivetowomen.ItwasashocktomewhenIheardhewasmarried.Whydoalltheattractivemengetsnappedupsoyoung?”
“I’mgladyoufindReggiesoattractive,”saidMrs.Wade.
“Well,heis,isn’the?Sogood-looking,andsofrightfullygoodatgames.Andthatpretendedindifferenceofhistowomen.Thatspursusonofcourse.”
“Isupposeyouhavelotsofmenfriends,”saidMrs.Wade.
“Oh,yes.Ilikemenbetterthanwomen.Womenareneverreallynicetome.Ican’tthinkwhy.”
“Perhapsyouaretoonicetotheirhusbands,”saidMrs.Massingtonwithatinklylaugh.
“Well,one’ssorryforpeoplesometimes.Somanynicemenaretiedtosuchdullwives.Youknow,‘arty’womenandhighbrowwomen.Naturally,themenwantsomeoneyoungandbrighttotalkto.Ithinkthatthemodernideasofmarriageanddivorcearesosensible.Startagainwhileoneisstillyoungwithsomeonewhosharesone’stastesandideas.It’sbetterforeverybodyintheend.Imean,thehighbrowwivesprobablypickupsomelong-hairedcreatureoftheirowntypewhosatisfiesthem.Ithinkcuttingyourlossesandstartingagainisawiseplan,don’tyou,Mrs.Wade?”
“Certainly.”
AcertainfrostinessintheatmosphereseemedtopenetrateMadeleine’sconsciousness.Shemurmuredsomethingaboutchangingforteaandleftthem.
“Detestablecreaturesthesemoderngirlsare,”saidMrs.Wade.“Notanideaintheirheads.”
“She’sgotoneideainhers,Iris,”saidMrs.Massington.“Thatgirl’sinlovewithReggie.”
“Nonsense!”
“Sheis.Isawthewayshelookedathimjustnow.Shedoesn’tcareapinwhetherhe’smarriedornot.Shemeanstohavehim.Disgusting,Icallit.”
Mrs.Wadewassilentamoment,thenshelaugheduncertainly.“Afterall,”shesaid,“whatdoesitmatter?”
PresentlyMrs.Wade,too,wentupstairs.Herhusbandwasinhisdressingroomchanging.Hewassinging.
“Enjoyedyourself,dear?”saidMrs.Wade.
“Oh,er—rather,yes.”
“I’mglad.Iwantyoutobehappy.”
“Yes,rather.”
ActingapartwasnotReggieWade’sstrongpoint,butasithappened,theacuteembarrassmentoccasionedbyhisfancyinghewasdoingsodidjustaswell.Heavoidedhiswife’seyeandjumpedwhenshespoketohim.Hefeltashamed;hatedthefarceofitall.Nothingcouldhaveproducedabettereffect.Hewasthepictureofconsciousguilt.
“Howlonghaveyouknownher?”askedMrs.Wadesuddenly.
“Er—who?”
“MissdeSara,ofcourse.”
“Well,Idon’tquiteknow.Imean—oh,sometime.”
“Really?Younevermentionedher.”
“Didn’tI?IsupposeIforgot.”
“Forgotindeed!”saidMrs.Wade.Shedepartedwithawhiskofmauvedraperies.
AfterteaMr.WadeshowedMissdeSaratherosegarden.Theywalkedacrossthelawnconsciousoftwopairsofeyesrakingtheirbacks.
“Lookhere.”SafeoutofsightintherosegardenMr.Wadeunburdenedhimself.“Lookhere,Ithinkwe’llhavetogivethisup.Mywifelookedatmejustnowasthoughshehatedme.”
“Don’tworry,”saidMadeleine.“It’squiteallright.”
“Doyouthinkso?Imean,Idon’twanttoputheragainstme.Shesaidseveralnastythingsattea.”
“It’sallright,”saidMadeleine.“You’redoingsplendidly.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”
“Yes.”Inalowervoiceshewenton:“Yourwifeiswalkingroundthecorneroftheterrace.Shewantstoseewhatwe’redoing.You’dbetterkissme.”
“Oh!”saidMr.Wadenervously.“MustI?Imean—”
“Kissme!”saidMadeleinefiercely.
Mr.Wadekissedher.AnylackofélanintheperformancewasremediedbyMadeleine.Sheflungherarmsaroundhim.Mr.Wadestaggered.
“Oh!”hesaid.
“Didyouhateitverymuch?”saidMadeleine.
“No,ofcoursenot,”saidMr.Wadegallantly.“It—itjusttookmebysurprise.”Headdedwistfully:“Havewebeenintherosegardenlongenough,doyouthink?”
“Ithinkso,”saidMadeleine.“We’veputinabitofgoodworkhere.”
Theyreturnedtothelawn.Mrs.MassingtoninformedthemthatMrs.Wadehadgonetoliedown.
Later,Mr.WadejoinedMadeleinewithaperturbedface.
“She’sinanawfulstate—hysterics.”
“Good.”
“Shesawmekissingyou.”
“Well,wemeantherto.”
“Iknow,butIcouldn’tsaythat,couldI?Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Isaidithadjust—just—well,happened.”
“Excellent.”
“Shesaidyouwereschemingtomarrymeandthatyouwerenobetterthanyoushouldbe.Thatupsetme—itseemedsuchawfullyroughluckonyou.Imean,whenyou’rejustdoingajob.IsaidthatIhadtheutmostrespectforyouandthatwhatshesaidwasn’ttrueatall,andI’mafraidIgotangrywhenshewentonaboutit.”
“Magnificent!”
“Andthenshetoldmetogoaway.Shedoesn’teverwanttospeaktomeagain.Shetalkedofpackingupandleaving.”Hisfacewasdismayed.
Madeleinesmiled.“I’lltellyoutheanswertothatone.Tellherthatyou’llbetheonetogo;thatyou’llpackupandclearouttotown.”
“ButIdon’twantto!”
“That’sallright.Youwon’thaveto.YourwifewouldhatetothinkofyouamusingyourselfinLondon.”
ThefollowingmorningReggieWadehadafreshbulletintoimpart.
“Shesaysshe’sbeenthinkingthatitisn’tfairforhertogoawaywhensheagreedtostaysixmonths.ButshesaysthatasIhavemyfriendsdownhereshedoesn’tseewhysheshouldn’thavehers.SheisaskingSinclairJordan.”
“Ishetheone?”
“Yes,andI’mdamnedifI’llhavehiminmyhouse!”
“Youmust,”saidMadeleine.“Don’tworry,I’llattendtohim.Saythatonthinkingthingsoveryouhavenoobjectionandthatyouknowshewon’tmindyouaskingmetostayon,too.”
“Ohdear!”sighedMr.Wade.
“Nowdon’tloseheart,”saidMadeleine.“Everythingisgoingsplendidly.Anotherfortnight—andallyourtroubleswillbeover.”
“Afortnight?Doyoureallythinkso?”demandedMr.Wade.
“Thinkso?I’msureofit,”saidMadeleine.
AweeklaterMadeleinedeSaraenteredMr.ParkerPyne’sofficeandsankwearilyintoachair.
“EntertheQueenoftheVamps,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,smiling.
“Vamps!”saidMadeleine.Shegaveahollowlaugh.“I’veneverhadsuchuphillworkbeingavamp.Thatmanisobsessedbyhiswife!It’sadisease.”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.“Yes,indeed.Well,inonewayitmadeourtaskeasier.Itisnoteveryman,mydearMadeleine,whomIwouldexposetoyourfascinationsolightheartedly.”
Thegirllaughed.“IfyouknewthedifficultyIhadtomakehimevenkissmeasthoughhelikedit!”
“Anovelexperienceforyou,mydear.Well,isyourtaskaccomplished?”
“Yes,Ithinkalliswell.Wehadatremendousscenelastnight.Letmesee,mylastreportwasthreedaysago?”
“Yes.”
“Well,asItoldyou,Ionlyhadtolookatthatmiserableworm,SinclairJordan,once.Hewasalloverme—especiallyashethoughtfrommyclothesthatIhadmoney.Mrs.Wadewasfurious,ofcourse.Herewerebothhermendancingattendanceonme.Isoonshowedwheremypreferencelay.ImadefunofSinclairJordan,tohisfaceandtoher.Ilaughedathisclothes,andatthelengthofhishair.Ipointedoutthathehadknockknees.”
“Excellenttechnique,”saidMr.ParkerPyneappreciatively.
“Everythingboileduplastnight.Mrs.Wadecameoutintheopen.Sheaccusedmeofbreakingupherhome.ReggieWadementionedthelittlematterofSinclairJordan.Shesaidthatthatwasonlytheresultofherunhappinessandloneliness.Shehadnoticedherhusband’sabstractionforsometime,buthadnoideaastothecauseofit.Shesaidthey
“Isaiditwastoolateforthat.Mr.Wadefollowedhisinstructionssplendidly.Hesaidhedidn’tgiveadamn!Hewasgoingtomarryme!Mrs.WadecouldhaveherSinclairassoonasshepleased.Therewasnoreasonwhythedivorceproceedingsshouldn’tbestartedatonce;waitingsixmonthswasabsurd.
“Withinafewdays,hesaid,sheshouldhavethenecessaryevidenceandcouldinstructhersolicitors.Hesaidhecouldn’tlivewithoutme.ThenMrs.Wadeclutchedherchestandtalkedaboutherweakheartandhadtobegivenbrandy.Hedidn’tweaken.Hewentuptotownthismorning,andI’venodoubtshe’sgoneafterhimbythistime.”
“Sothat’sallright,”saidMr.Pynecheerfully.“Averysatisfactorycase.”
Thedoorflewopen.InthedoorwaystoodReggieWade.
“Isshehere?”hedemanded,advancingintotheroom.“Whereisshe?”HecaughtsightofMadeleine.“Darling!”hecried.Heseizedbothherhands.“Darling,darling.Youknew,didn’tyou,thatitwasreallastnight—thatImeanteverywordIsaidtoIris?Idon’tknowwhyIwasblindsolong.ButI’veknownforthelastthreedays.”
“Knownwhat?”saidMadeleinefaintly.
“ThatIadoredyou.Thattherewasnowomanintheworldformebutyou.Iriscanbringherdivorceandwhenit’sgonethroughyou’llmarryme,won’tyou?Sayyouwill,Madeleine,Iadoreyou.”
HecaughttheparalysedMadeleineinhisarmsjustasthedoorflewopenagain,thistimetoadmitathinwomandressedinuntidygreen.
“Ithoughtso,”saidthenewcomer.“Ifollowedyou!Iknewyou’dgotoher!”
“Icanassureyou—”beganMr.ParkerPyne,recoveringfromthestupefactionthathaddescendeduponhim.
Theintrudertooknonoticeofhim.Sheswepton:“Oh,Reggie,youcan’twanttobreakmyheart!Onlycomeback!I’llnotsayawordaboutthis.I’lllearngolf.Iwon’thaveanyfriendsyoudon’tcareabout.Afteralltheseyears,whenwe’vebeensohappytogether—”
“I’veneverbeenhappytillnow,”saidMr.Wade,stillgazingatMadeleine.“Dashitall,Iris,youwantedtomarrythatassJordan.Whydon’tyougoanddoit?”
Mrs.Wadegaveawail.“Ihatehim!Ihatetheverysightofhim.”SheturnedtoMadeleine.“Youwickedwoman!Youhorriblevampire—stealingmyhusbandfromme.”
“Idon’twantyourhusband,”saidMadeleinedistractedly.
“Madeleine!”Mr.Wadewasgazingatherinagony.
“Pleasegoaway,”saidMadeleine.
“Butlookhere,I’mnotpretending.Imeanit.”
“Oh,goaway!”criedMadeleinehysterically.“Goaway!”
Reggiemovedreluctantlytowardsthedoor.“Ishallcomeback,”hewarnedher.“You’venotseenthelastofme.”Hewentout,bangingthedoor.
“Girlslikeyououghttobefloggedandbranded!”criedMrs.Wade.“Reggiewasanangeltomealwaystillyoucamealong.Nowhe’ssochangedIdon’tknowhim.”Withasob,shehurriedoutafterherhusband.
MadeleineandMr.ParkerPynelookedateachother.
“Ican’thelpit,”saidMadeleinehelplessly.“He’saveryniceman—adear—butIdon’twanttomarryhim.I’dnoideaofallthis.IfyouknewthedifficultyIhadmakinghimkissme!”
“Ahem!”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Iregrettoadmitit,butitwasanerrorofjudgementonmypart.”Heshookhisheadsadly,anddrawingMr.Wade’sfiletowardshim,wroteacrossit:
FAILURE—owingtonaturalcauses.
N.B.—Theyshouldhavebeenforeseen.
Five
THECASEOFTHECITYCLERK
“TheCaseoftheCityClerk”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAas“TheClerkWhoWantedExcitement”inCosmopolitan,August1932,andthenas“The￡10Adventure”inStrandMagazine,November1932.
Mr.ParkerPyneleanedbackthoughtfullyinhisswivelchairandsurveyedhisvisitor.Hesawasmallsturdilybuiltmanofforty-fivewithwistful,puzzled,timideyesthatlookedathimwithakindofanxioushopefulness.
“Isawyouradvertisementinthepaper,”saidthatlittlemannervously.
“Youareintrouble,Mr.Roberts?”
“No,notintroubleexactly.”
“Youareunhappy?”
“Ishouldn’tliketosaythateither.I’veagreatdealtobethankfulfor.”
“Weallhave,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Butwhenwehavetoremindourselvesofthefactitisabadsign.”
“Iknow,”saidthelittlemaneagerly.“That’sjustit!You’vehitthenailonthehead,sir.”
“Supposingyoutellmeallaboutyourself,”suggestedMr.ParkerPyne.
“There’snotmuchtotell,sir.AsIsay,I’veagreatdealtobethankfulfor.Ihaveajob;I’vemanagedtosavealittlemoney;thechildrenarestrongandhealthy.”
“Soyouwant—what?”
“I—Idon’tknow.”Heflushed.“Iexpectthatsoundsfoolishtoyou,sir.”
“Notatall,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Byskilledquestioningheelicitedfurtherconfidences.HeheardofMr.Roberts’employmentinawell-knownfirmandofhisslowbutsteadyrise.Heheardofhismarriage;ofthestruggletopresentadecentappearance,toeducatethechildrenandhavethem“lookingnice”;oftheplottingandplanningandskimpingandsavingtoputasideafewpoundseachyear.Heheard,infact,thesagaofalifeofceaselessefforttosurvive.
“And—well,youseehowitis,”confessedMr.Roberts.“Thewife’saway.Stayingwithhermotherwiththetwochildren.Littlechangeforthemandarestforher.Noroomformeandwecan’taffordtogoelsewhere.Andbeingaloneandreadingthepaper,Isawyouradvertisementanditsetmethinking.I’mforty-eight.Ijustwondered…Thingsgoingoneverywhere,”heended,withallhiswistfulsuburbansoulinhiseyes.
“Youwant,”saidMr.Pyne,“tolivegloriouslyfortenminutes?”
“Well,Ishouldn’tputitlikethat.Butperhapsyou’reright.Justtogetoutoftherut.I’dgobacktoitthankfulafterwards—ifonlyIhadsomethingtothinkabout.”Helookedattheothermananxiously.“Isupposethere’snothingpossible,sir?I’mafraid—I’mafraidIcouldn’taffordtopaymuch.”
“Howmuchcouldyouafford?”
“Icouldmanagefivepounds,sir.”Hewaited,breathless.
“Fivepounds,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Ifancy—Ijustfancywemightbeabletomanagesomethingforfivepounds.Doyouobjecttodanger?”headdedsharply.
AtingeofcolourcameintoMr.Roberts’sallowface.“Dangerdidyousay,sir?Oh,no,notatall.I—I’veneverdoneanythingdangerous.”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.“CometoseemeagaintomorrowandI’lltellyouwhatIcandoforyou.”
TheBonVoyageurisalittle-knownhostelry.Itisarestaurantfrequentedbyafewhabitués.Theydislikenewcomers.
TotheBonVoyageurcameMr.Pyneandwasgreetedwithrespectfulrecognition.“Mr.Bonningtonhere?”heasked.
“Yes,sir.He’sathisusualtable.”
“Good.I’lljoinhim.”
Mr.Bonningtonwasagentlemanofmilitaryappearancewithasomewhatbovineface.Hegreetedhisfriendwithpleasure.
“Hallo,Parker.Hardlyeverseeyounowadays.Didn’tknowyoucamehere.”
“Idonowandthen.EspeciallywhenIwanttolaymyhandonanoldfriend.”
“Meaningme?”
“Meaningyou.Asamatteroffact,Lucas,I’vebeenthinkingoverwhatweweretalkingabouttheotherday.”
“ThePeterfieldbusiness?Seenthelatestinthepapers?No,youcan’thave.Itwon’tbeintillthisevening.”
“Whatisthelatest?”
“TheymurderedPeterfieldlastnight,”saidMr.Bonnington,placidlyeatingsalad.
“Goodheavens!”criedMr.Pyne.
“Oh,I’mnotsurprised,”saidMr.Bonnington.“Pigheadedoldman,Peterfield.Wouldn’tlistentous.Insistedonkeepingtheplansinhisownhands.”
“Didtheygetthem?”
“No;itseemssomewomancameroundandgavetheprofessorarecipeforboilingaham.Theoldass,absentmindedasusual,puttherecipeforthehaminhissafeandtheplansinthekitchen.”
“Fortunate.”
“Almostprovidential.ButIstilldon’tknowwho’sgoingtotake’emtoGeneva.Maitland’sinthehospital.Carslake’sinBerlin.Ican’tleave.ItmeansyoungHooper.”Helookedathisfriend.
“You’restillofthesameopinion?”askedMr.ParkerPyne.
“Absolutely.He’sbeengotat!Iknowit.Ihaven’tashadowofproof,butItellyou,Parker,Iknowwhenachap’scrooked!AndIwantthoseplanstogettoGeneva.TheLeagueneeds’em.Forthefirsttimeaninventionisn’tgoingtobesoldtoanation.It’sgoingtobehandedovervoluntarilytotheLeague.
“It’sthefinestpeacegesturethat’severbeenattempted,andit’sgottobeputthrough.AndHooper’scrooked.You’llsee,he’llbedruggedonthetrain!Ifhegoesinaplaneit’llcomedownatsomeconvenientspot!Butconfounditall,Ican’tpasshimover.Discipline!You’vegottohavediscipline!That’swhyIspoketoyoutheotherday.”
“YouaskedmewhetherIknewofanyone.”
“Yes.Thoughtyoumightinyourlineofbusiness.Somefireeaterspoilingforarow.WhoeverIsendstandsagoodchanceofbeingdonein.Yourmanwouldprobablynotbesuspectedatall.Buthe’sgottohavenerve.”
“IthinkIknowofsomeonewhowoulddo,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“ThankGodtherearestillchapswhowilltakearisk.Well,it’sagreedthen?”
“It’sagreed,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Mr.ParkerPynewassummingupinstructions.“Now,that’squiteclear?Youwilltravelinafirst-classsleepertoGeneva.YouleaveLondonattenforty-five,viaFolkestoneandBoulogne,andyougetintoyourfirst-classsleeperatBoulogne.YouarriveatGenevaateightthefollowingmorning.Hereistheaddressatwhichyouwillreport.PleasememorizeitandIwilldestroyit.Afterwardsgotothishotelandawaitfurtherinstructions.HereissufficientmoneyinFrenchandSwissnotesandcurrency.Youunderstand?”
“Yes,sir.”Roberts’eyeswereshiningwithexcitement.“Excuseme,sir,butamIallowedto—er—knowanythingofwhatitisIamcarrying?”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiledbeneficently.“YouarecarryingacryptogramwhichrevealsthesecrethidingplaceofthecrownjewelsofRussia,”hesaidsolemnly.“Youcanunderstand,naturally,thatBolshevistagentswillbealerttointerceptyou.Ifitisnecessaryforyoutotalkaboutyourself,Ishouldrecommendthatyousayyouhavecomeintomoneyandareenjoyingalittleholidayabroad.”
Mr.RobertssippedacupofcoffeeandlookedoutovertheLakeofGeneva.Hewashappybutatthesametimehewasdisappointed.
Hewashappybecause,forthefirsttimeinhislife,hewasinaforeigncountry.Moreover,hewasstayinginthekindofhotelhewouldneverstayinagain,andnotforonemomenthadhehadtoworryaboutmoney!Hehadaroomwithprivatebathroom,deliciousmealsandattentiveservice.AllthesethingsMr.Robertshadenjoyedverymuchindeed.
Hewasdisappointedbecausesofarnothingthatcouldbedescribedasadventurehadcomehisway.NodisguisedBolshevistsormysteriousRussianshadcrossedhispath.ApleasantchatonthetrainwithaFrenchcommercialtravellerwhospokeexcellentEnglishwastheonlyhumanintercoursethathadcomehisway.Hehadsecretedthepapersinhisspongebagashehadbeentoldtodoandhaddeliveredthemaccordingtoinstructions.Therehadbeennodangerstoovercome,nohair’sbreadthescapes.Mr.Robertswasdisappointed.
Itwasatthatmomentthatatall,beardedmanmurmured“Pardon,”andsatdownontheothersideofthelittletable.“Youwillexcuseme,”hesaid,“butIthinkyouknowafriendofmine.‘P.P.’aretheinitials.”
Mr.Robertswaspleasantlythrilled.Here,atlast,wasamysteriousRussian.“Qu-quiteright.”
“ThenIthinkweunderstandeachother,”saidthestranger.
Mr.Robertslookedathimsearchingly.Thiswasfarmoreliketherealthing.Thestrangerwasamanofaboutfifty,ofdistinguishedthoughforeignappearance.Heworeaneyeglass,andasmallcolouredribboninhisbuttonhole.
“Youhaveaccomplishedyourmissioninthemostsatisfactorymanner,”saidthestranger.“Areyoupreparedtoundertakeafurtherone?”
“Certainly.Oh,yes.”
“Good.YouwillbookasleeperontheGeneva-Paristrainfortomorrownight.YouwillaskforBerthNumberNine.”
“Supposingitisnotfree?”
“Itwillbefree.Thatwillhavebeenseento.”
“BerthNumberNine,”repeatedRoberts.“Yes,I’vegotthat.”
“Duringthecourseofyourjourneysomeonewillsaytoyou,‘Pardon,Monsieur,butIthinkyouwererecentlyatGrasse?’Tothatyouwillreply‘Yes,lastmonth.’Thepersonwillthensay,‘Areyouinterestedinscent?’Andyouwillreply,‘Yes,IamamanufacturerofsyntheticOilofJasmine.’Afterthatyouwillplaceyourselfentirelyatthedisposalofthepersonwhohasspokentoyou.Bytheway,areyouarmed?”
“No,”saidMr.Robertsinaflutter.“No;Ineverthought—thatis—”
“Thatcansoonberemedied,”saidthebeardedman.Heglancedaround.Noonewasnearthem.SomethinghardandshiningwaspressedintoMr.Roberts’hand.“Asmallweaponbutefficacious,”saidthestranger,smiling.
Mr.Roberts,whohadneverfiredarevolverinhislife,slippeditgingerlyintoapocket.Hehadanuneasyfeelingthatitmightgooffatanyminute.
Theywentoverthepasswordsagain.ThenRoberts’newfriendrose.
“Iwishyougoodluck,”hesaid.“Mayyoucomethroughsafely.Youareabraveman,Mr.Roberts.”
“AmI?”thoughtRoberts,whentheotherhaddeparted.“I’msureIdon’twanttogetkilled.Thatwouldneverdo.”
Apleasantthrillshotdownhisspine,slightlyadulteratedbyathrillthatwasnotquitesopleasant.
Hewenttohisroomandexaminedtheweapon.Hewasstilluncertainaboutitsmechanismandhopedhewouldnotbecalledupontouseit.
Hewentouttobookhisseat.
ThetrainleftGenevaatninethirty.Robertsgottothestationingoodtime.Thesleepingcarconductortookhisticketandhispassport,andstoodasidewhileanunderlingswungRoberts’suitcaseontotherack.Therewasotherluggagethere:apigskincaseandaGladstonebag.
“NumberNineisthelowerberth,”saidtheconductor.
AsRobertsturnedtoleavethecarriageheranintoabigmanwhowasentering.Theydrewapartwithapologies—Roberts’inEnglishandthestranger’sinFrench.Hewasabigburlyman,withacloselyshavenheadandthickeyeglassesthroughwhichhiseyesseemedtopeersuspiciously.
“Anuglycustomer,”saidthelittlemantohimself.
Hesensedsomethingvaguelysinisterabouthistravellingcompanion.WasittokeepawatchonthismanthathehadbeentoldtoaskforBerthNumberNine?Hefancieditmightbe.
Hewentoutagainintothecorridor.Therewasstilltenminutesbeforethetrainwasduetostartandhethoughthewouldwalkupanddowntheplatform.Halfwayalongthepassagehestoodbacktoallowaladytopasshim.Shewasjustenteringthetrainandtheconductorprecededher,ticketinhand.AsshepassedRobertsshedroppedherhandbag.TheEnglishmanpickeditupandhandedittoher.
“Thankyou,Monsieur.”ShespokeinEnglishbuthervoicewasforeign,arichlowvoiceveryseductiveinquality.Asshewasabouttopasson,shehesitatedandmurmured:“Pardon,Monsieur,butIthinkyouwererecentlyatGrasse?”
Roberts’heartleapedwithexcitement.Hewastoplacehimselfatthedisposalofthislovelycreature—forshewaslovely,ofthattherewasnodoubt.Sheworeatravellingcoatoffur,achichat.Therewerepearlsroundherneck.Shewasdarkandherlipswerescarlet.
Robertsmadetherequiredanswer.“Yes,lastmonth.”
“Youareinterestedinscent?”
“Yes,IamamanufacturerofsyntheticOilofJasmine.”
Shebentherheadandpassedon,leavingamerewhisperbehindher.“Inthecorridorassoonasthetrainstarts.”
ThenexttenminutesseemedanagetoRoberts.Atlastthetrainstarted.Hewalkedslowlyalongthecorridor.Theladyinthefurcoatwasstrugglingwithawindow.Hehurriedtoherassistance.
“Thankyou,Monsieur.Justalittleairbeforetheyinsistonclosingeverything.”Andtheninasoft,low,rapidvoice:“Afterthefrontier,whenourfellowtravellerisasleep—notbefore—gointothewashingplaceandthroughitintothecompartmentontheotherside.Youunderstand?”
“Yes.”Heletdownthewindowandsaidinaloudervoice:“Isthatbetter,madame?”
“Thankyouverymuch.”
Heretiredtohiscompartment.Histravellingcompanionwasalreadystretchedoutintheupperberth.Hispreparationsforthenighthadobviouslybeensimple.Theremovalofbootsandacoat,infact.
Robertsdebatedhisowncostume.Clearly,ifheweregoingintoalady’scompartmenthecouldnotundress.
Hefoundapairofslippers,substitutingthemforhisboots,andthenlaydown,switchingoutthelight.Afewminuteslater,themanabovebegantosnore.
Justafterteno’clocktheyreachedthefrontier.Thedoorwasthrownopen;aperfunctoryquestionwasasked.HadMessieursanythingtodeclare?Thedoorwasclosedagain.PresentlythetraindrewoutofBellegarde.
Themanintheupperberthwassnoringagain.Robertsallowedtwentyminutestoelapse,thenheslippedtohisfeetandopenedthedoorofthelavatorycompartment.Onceinside,heboltedthedoorbehindhimandeyedthedooronthefartherside.Itwasnotbolted.Hehesitated.Shouldheknock?
Perhapsitwouldbeabsurdtoknock.Buthedidn’tquitelikeenteringwithoutknocking.Hecompromised,openedthedoorgentlyaboutaninchandwaited.Heevenventuredonasmallcough.
Theresponsewasprompt.Thedoorwaspulledopen,hewasseizedbythearm,pulledthroughintothefarthercompartment,andthegirlclosedandboltedthedoorbehindhim.
Robertscaughthisbreath.Neverhadheimaginedanythingsolovely.Shewaswearingalongfoamygarmentofcreamchiffonandlace.Sheleanedagainstthedoorintothecorridor,panting.Robertshadoftenreadofbeautifulhuntedcreaturesatbay.Nowforthefirsttime,hesawone—athrillingsight.
“ThankGod!”murmuredthegirl.
Shewasquiteyoung,Robertsnoted,andherlovelinesswassuchthatsheseemedtohimlikeabeingfromanotherworld.Herewasromanceatlast—andhewasinit!
Shespokeinalow,hurriedvoice.HerEnglishwasgoodbuttheinflectionwaswhollyforeign.“Iamsogladyouhavecome,”shesaid.“Ihavebeenhorriblyfrightened.Vassilievitchisonthetrain.Youunderstandwhatthatmeans?”
Robertsdidnotunderstandintheleastwhatitmeant,buthenodded.
“IthoughtIhadgiventhemtheslip.Imighthaveknownbetter.Whatarewetodo?Vassilievitchisinthenextcarriagetome.Whateverhappens,hemustnotgetthejewels.”
“He’snotgoingtomurderyouandhe’snotgoingtogetthejewels,”saidRobertwithdetermination.
“ThenwhatamItodowiththem?”
Robertslookedpasthertothedoor.“Thedoor’sbolted,”hesaid.
Thegirllaughed.“WhatarelockeddoorstoVassilievitch?”
Robertsfeltmoreandmoreasthoughhewereinthemiddleofoneofhisfavouritenovels.“There’sonlyonethingtobedone.Givethemtome.”
Shelookedathimdoubtfully.“Theyareworthaquarterofamillion.”
Robertsflushed.“Youcantrustme.”
Thegirlhesitatedamomentlonger,then:“Yes,Iwilltrustyou,”shesaid.Shemadeaswiftmovement.Thenextminuteshewasholdingouttohimarolled-uppairofstockings—stockingsofcobwebsilk.“Takethem,myfriend,”shesaidtotheastonishedRoberts.
Hetookthemandatonceheunderstood.Insteadofbeinglightasair,thestockingswereunexpectedlyheavy.
“Takethemtoyourcompartment,”shesaid.“Youcangivethemtomeinthemorning—if—ifIamstillhere.”
Robertscoughed.“Lookhere,”hesaid.“Aboutyou.”Hepaused.“I—Imustkeepguardoveryou.”Thenheflushedinanagonyofpropriety.“Notinhere,Imean.I’llstayinthere.”Henoddedtowardsthelavatorycompartment.
“Ifyouliketostayhere—”Sheglancedattheupperunoccupiedberth.
Robertsflushedtotherootsofhishair.“No,no,”heprotested.“Ishallbeallrightinthere.Ifyouneedme,callout.”
“Thankyou,myfriend,”saidthegirlsoftly.
Sheslippedintothelowerberth,drewupthecoversandsmiledathimgratefully.Heretreatedintothewashroom.
Suddenly—itmusthavebeenacoupleofhourslater—hethoughtheheardsomething.Helistened—nothing.Perhapshehadbeenmistaken.Andyetitcertainlyseemedtohimthathehadheardafaintsoundfromthenextcarriage.Supposing—justsupposing….
Heopenedthedoorsoftly.Thecompartmentwasashehadleftit,withthetinybluelightintheceiling.Hestoodtherewithhiseyesstrainingthroughthedimnesstilltheygotaccustomedtoit.Thegirlwasnotthere!
Heswitchedthelightfullon.Thecompartmentwasempty.Suddenlyhesniffed.Justawhiffbutherecognizedit—thesweet,sicklyodourofchloroform!
Hesteppedfromthecompartment(unlockednow,henoted)outintothecorridorandlookedupanddownit.Empty!Hiseyesfastenedonthedoornexttothegirl’s.ShehadsaidthatVassilievitchwasinthenextcompartment.GingerlyRobertstriedthehandle.Thedoorwasboltedontheinside.
Whatshouldhedo?Demandadmittance?Butthemanwouldrefuse—andafterall,thegirlmightnotbethere!Andifshewere,wouldshethankhimformakingapublicbusinessofthematter?Hehadgatheredthatsecrecywasessentialinthegametheywereplaying.
Aperturbedlittlemanwanderedslowlyalongthecorridor.Hepausedattheendcompartment.Thedoorwasopen,andtheconductorlaytheresleeping.Andabovehim,onahook,hunghisbrownuniformcoatandpeakedcap.
InaflashRobertshaddecidedonhiscourseofaction.Inanotherminutehehaddonnedthecoatandcap,andwashurryingbackalongthecorridor.Hestoppedatthedoornexttothatofthegirl,summonedallhisresolutionandknockedperemptorily.
Whenthesummonswasnotanswered,heknockedagain.
“Monsieur,”hesaidinhisbestaccent.
Thedooropenedalittlewayandaheadpeeredout—theheadofaforeigner,clean-shavenexceptforablackmoustache.Itwasanangry,malevolentface.
“Qu’est-ce-qu’ilya?”hesnapped.
“Votrepasseport,monsieur.”Robertssteppedbackandbeckoned.
Theotherhesitated,thensteppedoutintothecorridor.Robertshadcountedonhisdoingthat.Ifhehadthegirlinside,henaturallywouldnotwanttheconductortocomein.Likeaflash,Robertsacted.Withallhisforceheshovedtheforeigneraside—themanwasunpreparedandtheswayingofthetrainhelped—boltedintothecarriagehimself,shutthedoorandlockedit.
Lyingacrosstheendoftheberthwasthegirl,agagacrosshermouthandherwriststiedtogether.Hefreedherquicklyandshefellagainsthimwithasigh.
“Ifeelsoweakandill,”shemurmured.“Itwaschloroform,Ithink.Didhe—didhegetthem?”
“No.”Robertstappedhispocket.“Whatarewegoingtodonow?”heasked.
Thegirlsatup.Herwitswerereturning.Shetookinhiscostume.
“Howcleverofyou.Fancythinkingofthat!HesaidthathewouldkillmeifIdidnottellhimwherethejewelswere.Ihavebeensoafraid—andthenyoucame.”Suddenlyshelaughed.“Butwehaveoutwittedhim!Hewillnotdaretodoanything.Hecannoteventrytogetbackintohisowncompartment.
“Wemuststayheretillmorning.ProbablyhewillleavethetrainatDijon;weareduetostopthereinabouthalfanhour.HewilltelegraphtoParisandtheywillpickupourtrailthere.Inthemeantime,youhadbetterthrowthatcoatandcapoutofthewindow.Theymightgetyouintotrouble.”
Robertsobeyed.
“Wemustnotsleep,”thegirldecided.“Wemuststayonguardtillmorning.”
Itwasastrange,excitingvigil.Atsixo’clockinthemorning,Robertsopenedthedoorcarefullyandlookedout.Noonewasabout.Thegirlslippedquicklyintoherowncompartment.Robertsfollowedherin.Theplacehadclearlybeenransacked.Heregainedhisowncarriagethroughthewashroom.Hisfellowtravellerwasstillsnoring.
TheyreachedParisatseveno’clock.Theconductorwasdeclaimingatthelossofhiscoatandcap.Hehadnotyetdiscoveredthelossofapassenger.
Thenbeganamostentertainingchase.ThegirlandRobertstooktaxiaftertaxiacrossParis.Theyenteredhotelsandrestaurantsbyonedoorandleftthembyanother.Atlastthegirlgaveasign.
“Ifeelsurewearenotfollowednow,”shesaid.“Wehaveshakenthemoff.”
TheybreakfastedanddrovetoLeBourget.ThreehourslatertheywereatCroydon.Robertshadneverflownbefore.
AtCroydonatallgentlemanwithafar-offresemblancetoMr.Roberts’mentoratGenevawaswaitingforthem.Hegreetedthegirlwithespecialrespect.
“Thecarishere,madam,”hesaid.
“Thisgentlemanwillaccompanyus,Paul,”saidthegirl.AndtoRoberts:“CountPaulStepanyi.”
Thecarwasavastlimousine.Theydroveforaboutanhour,thentheyenteredthegroundsofacountryhouseandpulledupatthedoorofanimposingmansion.Mr.Robertswastakentoaroomfurnishedasastudy.Therehehandedoverthepreciouspairofstockings.Hewasleftaloneforawhile.PresentlyCountStepanyireturned.
“Mr.Roberts,”hesaid,“ourthanksandgratitudeareduetoyou.Youhaveprovedyourselfabraveandresourcefulman.”Heheldoutaredmoroccocase.“PermitmetoconferuponyoutheOrderofSt.Stanislaus—tenthclasswithlaurels.”
AsinadreamRobertsopenedthecaseandlookedatthejewelledorder.Theoldgentlemanwasstillspeaking.
“TheGrandDuchessOlgawouldliketothankyouherselfbeforeyoudepart.”
Hewasledtoabigdrawingroom.There,verybeautifulinaflowingrobe,stoodhistravellingcompanion.
Shemadeanimperiousgestureofthehand,andtheothermanleftthem.
“Ioweyoumylife,Mr.Roberts,”saidthegrandduchess.
Sheheldoutherhand.Robertskissedit.Sheleanedsuddenlytowardshim.
“Youareabraveman,”shesaid.
Hislipsmethers;awaftofrichOrientalperfumesurroundedhim.
Foramomentheheldthatslender,beautifulforminhisarms….
Hewasstillinadreamwhensomebodysaidtohim:“Thecarwilltakeyouanywhereyouwish.”
Anhourlater,thecarcamebackfortheGrandDuchessOlga.Shegotintoitandsodidthewhite-hairedman.Hehadremovedhisbeardforcoolness.ThecarsetdowntheGrandDuchessOlgaatahouseinStreatham.Sheentereditandanelderlywomanlookedupfromateatable.
“Ah,Maggie,dear,sothereyouare.”
IntheGeneva-ParisexpressthisgirlwastheGrandDuchessOlga;inMr.ParkerPyne’sofficeshewasMadeleinedeSara,andinthehouseatStreathamshewasMaggieSayers,fourthdaughterofanhonest,hardworkingfamily.
Howarethemightyfallen!
Mr.ParkerPynewaslunchingwithhisfriend.“Congratulations,”saidthelatter,“yourmancarriedthethingthroughwithoutahitch.TheTormaligangmustbewildtothinktheplansofthatgunhavegonetotheLeague.Didyoutellyourmanwhathewascarrying?”
“No.Ithoughtitbetterto—er—embroider.”
“Verydiscreetofyou.”
“Itwasn’texactlydiscretion.Iwantedhimtoenjoyhimself.Ifanciedhemightfindagunalittletame.Iwantedhimtohavesomeadventures.”
“Tame?”saidMr.Bonnington,staringathim.“Why,thatlotwouldmurderhimassoonaslookathim.”
“Yes,”saidMr.ParkerPynemildly.“ButIdidn’twanthimtobemurdered.”
“Doyoumakealotofmoneyinyourbusiness,Parker?”askedMr.Bonnington.
“SometimesIloseit,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thatis,ifitisadeservingcase.”
ThreeangrygentlemenwereabusingoneanotherinParis.
“ThatconfoundedHooper!”saidone.“Heletusdown.”
“Theplanswerenottakenbyanyonefromtheoffice,”saidthesecond.“ButtheywentWednesday,Iamassuredofthat.AndsoIsayyoubungledit.”
“Ididn’t,”saidthethirdsulkily;“therewasnoEnglishmanonthetrainexceptalittleclerk.He’dneverheardofPeterfieldorofthegun.Iknow.Itestedhim.Peterfieldandthegunmeantnothingtohim.”Helaughed.“HehadaBolshevistcomplexofsomekind.”Mr.Robertswassittinginfrontofagasfire.OnhiskneewasaletterfromMr.ParkerPyne.Itenclosedachequeforfiftypounds“fromcertainpeoplewhoaredelightedwiththewayacertaincommissionwasexecuted.”
Onthearmofhischairwasalibrarybook.Mr.Robertsopeneditatrandom.“Shecrouchedagainstthedoorlikeabeautiful,huntedcreatureatbay.”
Well,heknewallaboutthat.
Hereadanothersentence:“Hesniffedtheair.Thefaint,sicklyodourofchloroformcametohisnostrils.”
Thatheknewallabouttoo.
“Hecaughtherinhisarmsandfelttheresponsivequiverofherscarletlips.”
Mr.Robertsgaveasigh.Itwasn’tadream.Ithadallhappened.Thejourneyouthadbeendullenough,butthejourneyhome!Hehadenjoyedit.Buthewasgladtobehomeagain.Hefeltvaguelythatlifecouldnotbelivedindefinitelyatsuchapace.EventheGrandDuchessOlga—eventhatlastkiss—partookalreadyoftheunrealqualityofadream
Maryandthechildrenwouldbehometomorrow.Mr.Robertssmiledhappily.
Shewouldsay:“We’vehadsuchaniceholiday.Ihatedthinkingofyouallalonehere,pooroldboy.”Andhe’dsay:“That’sallright,oldgirl.IhadtogotoGenevaforthefirmonbusiness—delicatebitofnegotiations—andlookwhatthey’vesentme.”Andhe’dshowherthechequeforfiftypounds.
HethoughtoftheOrderofSt.Stanislaus,tenthclasswithlaurels.He’dhiddenit,butsupposingMaryfoundit!Itwouldtakeabitofexplaining….
Ah,thatwasit—he’dtellherhe’dpickeditupabroad.Acurio.
Heopenedhisbookagainandreadhappily.Nolongerwasthereawistfulexpressiononhisface.
He,too,wasofthatgloriouscompanytowhomThingsHappened.
Six
THECASEOFTHERICHWOMAN
“TheCaseoftheRichWoman”wasthefirstParkerPynestory,publishedintheUSAas“TheRichWomanWhoWantedOnlytoBeHappy”inCosmopolitan,August1932.
ThenameofMrs.AbnerRymerwasbroughttoMr.ParkerPyne.Heknewthenameandheraisedhiseyebrows.
Presentlyhisclientwasshownintotheroom.
Mrs.Rymerwasatallwoman,big-boned.Herfigurewasungainlyandthevelvetdressandtheheavyfurcoatsheworedidnotdisguisethefact.Theknucklesofherlargehandswerepronounced.Herfacewasbigandbroadandhighlycoloured.Herblackhairwasfashionablydressed,andthereweremanytipsofcurledostrichinherhat.
Sheplumpedherselfdownonachairwithanod.“Goodmorning,”shesaid.Hervoicehadaroughaccent.“Ifyou’reanygoodatallyou’lltellmehowtospendmymoney!”
“Mostoriginal,”murmuredMr.ParkerPyne.“Fewaskmethatinthesedays.Soyoureallyfinditdifficult,Mrs.Rymer?”
“Yes,Ido,”saidtheladybluntly.“I’vegotthreefurcoats,alotofParisdressesandsuchlike.I’vegotacarandahouseinParkLane.I’vehadayachtbutIdon’tlikethesea.I’vegotalotofthosehigh-classservantsthatlookdowntheirnoseatyou.I’vetravelledabitandseenforeignparts.AndI’mblessedifIcanthinkofanythingmoretobuyordo.”ShelookedhopefullyatMr.Payne.
“Therearehospitals,”hesaid.
“What?Giveitaway,youmean?No,thatIwon’tdo!Thatmoneywasworkedfor,letmetellyou,workedforhard.IfyouthinkI’mgoingtohanditoutlikesomuchdirt—well,you’remistaken.Iwanttospendit;spenditandgetsomegoodoutofit.Now,ifyou’vegotanyideasthatareworthwhileinthatline,youcandependonagoodfee.”
“Yourpropositioninterestsme,”saidMr.Pyne.“Youdonotmentionacountryhouse.”
“Iforgotit,butI’vegotone.Boresmetodeath.”
“Youmusttellmemoreaboutyourself.Yourproblemisnoteasytosolve.”
“I’lltellyouandwilling.I’mnotashamedofwhatI’vecomefrom.Workedinafarmhouse,Idid,whenIwasagirl.Hardworkitwastoo.ThenItookupwithAbner—hewasaworkmaninthemillsnearby.Hecourtedmeforeightyears,andthenwegotmarried.”
“Andyouwerehappy?”askedMr.Pyne.
“Iwas.Hewasagoodmantome,Abner.Wehadahardstruggleofit,though;hewasoutofajobtwice,andchildrencomingalong.Fourwehad,threeboysandagirl.Andnoneofthemlivedtogrowup.Idaresayitwouldhavebeendifferentiftheyhad.”Herfacesoftened;lookedsuddenlyyounger.
“Hischestwasweak—Abner’swas.Theywouldn’ttakehimforthewar.Hedidwellathome.Hewasmadeforeman.Hewasacleverfellow,Abner.Heworkedoutaprocess.Theytreatedhimfair,Iwillsay;gavehimagoodsumforit.Heusedthatmoneyforanotherideaofhis.Thatbroughtinmoneyhandoverfist.It’sstillcomingin.
“Mindyou,itwasrarefunatfirst.Havingahouseandatip-topbathroomandservantsofone’sown.Nomorecookingandscrubbingandwashingtodo.Justsitbackonyoursilkcushionsinthedrawingroomandringthebellfortea—likeanycountessmight!Grandfunitwas,andweenjoyedit.AndthenwecameuptoLondon.Iwenttoswelldressmakersformyclothes.WewenttoParisandtheRiviera.Rarefunitwas.”
“Andthen,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Wegotusedtoit,Isuppose,”saidMrs.Rymer.“Afterabititdidn’tseemsomuchfun.Why,thereweredayswhenwedidn’tevenfancyourmealsproperly—us,withanydishwefanciedtochoosefrom!Asforbaths—well,intheend,onebathaday’senoughforanyone.AndAbner’shealthbegantoworryhim.Paidgoodmoneytodoctors,wedid,buttheycouldn’tdoanything.Theytriedthisandtheytriedthat.Butitwasnouse.Hedied.”Shepaused.“Hewasayoungman,onlyforty-three.”
Mr.Pynenoddedsympathetically.
“Thatwasfiveyearsago.Money’sstillrollingin.Itseemswastefulnottobeabletodoanythingwithit.ButasItellyou,Ican’tthinkofanythingelsetobuythatIhaven’tgotalready.”
“Inotherwords,”saidMr.Pyne,“yourlifeisdull.Youarenotenjoyingit.”
“I’msickofit,”saidMrs.Rymergloomily.“I’venofriends.Thenewlotonlywantsubscriptions,andtheylaughatmebehindmyback.Theoldlotwon’thaveanythingtodowithme.Myrollingupinacarmakesthemshy.Canyoudoanythingorsuggestanything?”
“ItispossiblethatIcan,”saidMr.Pyneslowly.“Itwillbedifficult,butIbelievethereisachanceofsuccess.Ithinkit’spossibleIcangiveyoubackwhatyouhavelost—yourinterestinlife.”
“How?”demandedMrs.Rymercurtly.
“That,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“ismyprofessionalsecret.Ineverdisclosemymethodsbeforehand.Thequestionis,willyoutakeachance?Idonotguaranteesuccess,butIdothinkthereisareasonablepossibilityofit.
“Ishallhavetoadoptunusualmethods,andthereforeitwillbeexpensive.Mychargeswillbeonethousandpounds,payableinadvance.”
“Youcanopenyourmouthallright,can’tyou?”saidMrs.Rymerappreciatively.“Well,I’llriskit.I’musedtopayingtopprice.Only,whenIpayforathing,ItakegoodcarethatIgetit.”
“Youshallgetit,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Neverfear.”
“I’llsendyouthechequethisevening,”saidMrs.Rymer,rising.“I’msureIdon’tknowwhyIshouldtrustyou.Foolsandtheirmoneyaresoonparted,theysay.IdaresayI’mafool.You’vegotnerve,toadvertiseinallthepapersthatyoucanmakepeoplehappy!”
“Thoseadvertisementscostmemoney,”saidMr.Pyne.“IfIcouldnotmakemywordsgood,thatmoneywouldbewasted.Iknowwhatcausesunhappiness,andconsequentlyIhaveaclearideaofhowtoproduceanoppositecondition.”
Mrs.Rymershookherheaddoubtfullyanddeparted,leavingacloudofexpensivemixedessencesbehindher.
ThehandsomeClaudeLuttrellstrolledintotheoffice.“Somethinginmyline?”
Mr.Pyneshookhishead.“Nothingsosimple,”hesaid.“No,thisisadifficultcase.Wemust,Ifear,takeafewrisks.Wemustattempttheunusual.”
“Mrs.Oliver?”
Mr.Pynesmiledatthementionoftheworld-famousnovelist.“Mrs.Oliver,”hesaid,“isreallythemostconventionalofallofus.Ihaveinmindaboldandaudaciouscoup.Bytheway,youmightringupDr.Antrobus.”
“Antrobus?”
“Yes.Hisserviceswillbeneeded.”
AweeklaterMrs.RymeroncemoreenteredMr.ParkerPyne’soffice.Herosetoreceiveher.
“Thisdelay,Iassureyou,hasbeennecessary,”hesaid.“Manythingshadtobearranged,andIhadtosecuretheservicesofanunusualmanwhohadtocomehalf-acrossEurope.”
“Oh!”Shesaiditsuspiciously.Itwasconstantlypresentinhermindthatshehadpaidoutachequeforathousandpoundsandthechequehadbeencashed.
Mr.ParkerPynetouchedabuzzer.Ayounggirl,dark,Orientallooking,butdressedinwhitenurse’skit,answeredit.
“Iseverythingready,NursedeSara?”
“Yes.DoctorConstantineiswaiting.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”askedMrs.Rymerwithatouchofuneasiness.
“IntroduceyoutosomeEasternmagic,dearlady,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Mrs.Rymerfollowedthenurseuptothenextfloor.Hereshewasusheredintoaroomthatborenorelationtotherestofthehouse.Orientalembroideriescoveredthewalls.Thereweredivanswithsoftcushionsandbeautifulrugsonthefloor.Amanwasbendingoveracoffeepot.Hestraightenedastheyentered.
“DoctorConstantine,”saidthenurse.
ThedoctorwasdressedinEuropeanclothes,buthisfacewasswarthyandhiseyesweredarkandobliquewithapeculiarlypiercingpowerintheirglance.
“Sothisismypatient?”hesaidinalow,vibrantvoice.
“I’mnotapatient,”saidMrs.Rymer
“Yourbodyisnotsick,”saidthedoctor,“butyoursoulisweary.WeoftheEastknowhowtocurethatdisease.Sitdownanddrinkacupofcoffee.”
Mrs.Rymersatdownandacceptedatinycupofthefragrantbrew.Asshesippeditthedoctortalked.
“HereintheWest,theytreatonlythebody.Amistake.Thebodyisonlytheinstrument.Atuneisplayeduponit.Itmaybeasad,wearytune.Itmaybeagaytunefullofdelight.Thelastiswhatweshallgiveyou.Youhavemoney.Youshallspenditandenjoy.Lifeshallbeworthlivingagain.Itiseasy—easy—soeasy….”
AfeelingoflanguorcreptoverMrs.Rymer.Thefiguresofthedoctorandthenursegrewhazy.Shefeltblissfullyhappyandverysleepy.Thedoctor’sfiguregrewbigger.Thewholeworldwasgrowingbigger.
Thedoctorwaslookingintohereyes.“Sleep,”hewassaying.“Sleep.Youreyelidsareclosing.Soonyouwillsleep.Youwillsleep.Youwillsleep….”
Mrs.Rymer’seyelidsclosed.Shefloatedwithawonderfulgreatbigworld..
Whenhereyesopeneditseemedtoherthatalongtimehadpassed.Sherememberedseveralthingsvaguely—strange,impossibledreams;thenafeelingofwaking;thenfurtherdreams.Sherememberedsomethingaboutacarandthedark,beautifulgirlinanurse’suniformbendingoverher.
Anyway,shewasproperlyawakenow,andinherownbed.
Atleast,wasitherownbed?Itfeltdifferent.Itlackedthedelicioussoftnessofherownbed.Itwasvaguelyreminiscentofdaysalmostforgotten.Shemoved,anditcreaked.Mrs.Rymer’sbedinParkLanenevercreaked.
Shelookedround.Decidedly,thiswasnotParkLane.Wasitahospital?No,shedecided,notahospital.Norwasitahotel.Itwasabareroom,thewallsanuncertainshadeoflilac.Therewasadealwashstandwithajugandbasinuponit.Therewasadealchestofdrawersandatintrunk.Therewereunfamiliarclotheshangingonpegs.Therewasthebedcoveredwithamuch-mendedquiltandtherewasherselfinit.
“WhereamI?”saidMrs.Rymer.
Thedooropenedandaplumplittlewomanbustledin.Shehadredcheeksandagood-humouredair.Hersleeveswererolledupandsheworeanapron.
“There!”sheexclaimed.“She’sawake.Comein,doctor.”
Mrs.Rymeropenedhermouthtosayseveralthings—buttheyremainedunsaid,forthemanwhofollowedtheplumpwomanintotheroomwasnotintheleastliketheelegant,swarthyDoctorConstantine.Hewasabentoldmanwhopeeredthroughthickglasses.
“That’sbetter,”hesaid,advancingtothebedandtakingupMrs.Rymer’swrist.“You’llsoonbebetternow,mydear.”
“What’sbeenthematterwithme?”demandedMrs.Rymer.
“Youhadakindofseizure,”saidthedoctor.“You’vebeenunconsciousforadayortwo.Nothingtoworryabout.”
“Gaveusafrightyoudid,Hannah,”saidtheplumpwoman.“You’vebeenravingtoo,sayingtheoddestthings.”
“Yes,yes,Mrs.Gardner,”saidthedoctorrepressively.“Butwemusn’texcitethepatient.You’llsoonbeupandaboutagain,mydear.”
“Butdon’tyouworryaboutthework,Hannah.”saidMrs.Gardner.“Mrs.Robertshasbeenintogivemeahandandwe’vegotonfine.Justliestillandgetwell,mydear.”
“WhydoyoucallmeHannah?”saidMrs.Rymer.
“Well,it’syourname,”saidMrs.Gardner,bewildered.
“No,itisn’t.MynameisAmelia.AmeliaRymer.Mrs.AbnerRymer.”
ThedoctorandMrs.Gardnerexchangedglances.
“Well,justyouliestill,”saidMrs.Gardner.
“Yes,yes;noworry,”saidthedoctor
Theywithdrew.Mrs.Rymerlaypuzzling.WhydidtheycallherHannah,andwhyhadtheyexchangedthatglanceofamusedincredulitywhenshehadgiventhemhername?Wherewassheandwhathadhappened?
Sheslippedoutofbed.Shefeltalittleuncertainonherlegs,butshewalkedslowlytothesmalldormerwindowandlookedout—onafarmyard!Completelymystified,shewentbacktobed.Whatwasshedoinginafarmhousethatshehadneverseenbefore?
Mrs.Gardnerre-enteredtheroomwithabowlofsouponatray.
Mrs.Rymerbeganherquestions.“WhatamIdoinginthishouse?”shedemanded.“Whobroughtmehere?”
“Nobodybroughtyou,mydear.It’syourhome.Leastways,you’velivedhereforthelastfiveyears—andmenotsuspectingoncethatyouwereliabletofits.”
“Livedhere!Fiveyears?”
“That’sright.Why,Hannah,youdon’tmeanthatyoustilldon’tremember?”
“I’veneverlivedhere!I’veneverseenyoubefore.”
“Yousee,you’vehadthisillnessandyou’veforgotten.”
“I’veneverlivedhere.”
“Butyouhave,mydear.”SuddenlyMrs.GardnerdartedacrosstothechestofdrawersandbroughttoMrs.Rymerafadedphotographinaframe.
Itrepresentedagroupoffourpersons:abeardedman,aplumpwoman(Mrs.Gardner),atall,lankmanwithapleasantlysheepishgrin,andsomebodyinaprintdressandapron—herself!
Stupefied,Mrs.Rymergazedatthephotograph.Mrs.Gardnerputthesoupdownbesideherandquietlylefttheroom.
Mrs.Rymersippedthesoupmechanically.Itwasgoodsoup,strongandhot.Allthetimeherbrainwasinawhirl.Whowasmad?Mrs.Gardnerorherself?Oneofthemmustbe!Buttherewasthedoctortoo.
“I’mAmeliaRymer,”shesaidfirmlytoherself.“IknowI’mAmeliaRymerandnobody’sgoingtotellmedifferent.”
Shehadfinishedthesoup.Sheputthebowlbackonthetray.Afoldednewspapercaughthereyeandshepickeditupandlookedatthedateonit,October19.WhatdayhadshegonetoMr.ParkerPyne’soffice?Eitherthefifteenthorthesixteenth.Thenshemusthavebeenillforthreedays.
“Thatrascallydoctor!”saidMrs.Rymerwrathfully.
Allthesame,shewasashaderelieved.Shehadheardofcaseswherepeoplehadforgottenwhotheywereforyearsatatime.Shehadbeenafraidsomesuchthinghadhappenedtoher.
Shebeganturningthepagesofthepaper,scanningthecolumnsidly,whensuddenlyaparagraphcaughthereye.
Mrs.AbnerRymer,widowofAbnerRymer,the“buttonshank”king,wasremovedyesterdaytoaprivatehomeformentalcases.Forthepasttwodaysshehaspersistedindeclaringshewasnotherself,butaservantgirlnamedHannahMoorhouse.
“HannahMoorhouse!Sothat’sit,”saidMrs.Rymer.“She’smeandI’mher.Kindofdouble,Isuppose.Well,wecansoonputthatright!IfthatoilyhypocriteofaParkerPyneisuptosomegameorother—”
ButatthisminutehereyewascaughtbythenameConstantinestaringatherfromtheprintedpage.Thistimeitwasaheadline.
DR.CONSTANTINE’SCLAIM
AtafarewelllecturegivenlastnightontheeveofhisdepartureforJapan,Dr.ClaudiusConstantineadvancedsomestartlingtheories.Hedeclaredthatitwaspossibletoprovetheexistenceofthesoulbytransferringasoulfromonebodytoanother.InthecourseofhisexperimentsintheEasthehad,heclaimed,successfullyeffectedadoubletransfer—thesoulofahypnotizedbodyAbeingtransferredtoahypnotizedbodyBandthesoulofbodyBtothesoulofbodyA.Onrecoveringfromthehypnoticsleep,AdeclaredherselftobeB,andBthoughtherselftobeA.Fortheexperimenttosucceed,itwasnecessarytofindtwopeoplewithagreatbodilyresemblance.Itwasanundoubtedfactthattwopeopleresemblingeachotherwereenrapport.Thiswasverynoticeableinthecaseoftwins,buttwostrangers,varyingwidelyinsocialposition,butwithamarkedsimilarityoffeature,werefoundtoexhibitthesameharmonyofstructure.
Mrs.Rymercastthepaperfromher.“Thescoundrel!Theblackscoundrel!”
Shesawthewholethingnow!Itwasadastardlyplottogetholdofhermoney.ThisHannahMoorhousewasMr.Pyne’stool—possiblyaninnocentone.HeandthatdevilConstantinehadbroughtoffthisfantasticcoup.
Butshe’dexposehim!She’dshowhimup!She’dhavethelawonhim!She’dtelleveryone—
AbruptlyMrs.Rymercametoastopinthetideofherindignation.Sherememberedthefirstparagraph.HannahMoorhousehadnotbeenadociletool.Shehadprotested;haddeclaredherindividuality.Andwhathadhappened?
“Clappedintoalunaticasylum,poorgirl,”saidMrs.Rymer.
Achillrandownherspine.
Alunaticasylum.Theygotyouinthereandtheyneverletyougetout.Themoreyousaidyouweresane,thelessthey’dbelieveyou.Thereyouwereandthereyoustayed.No,Mrs.Rymerwasn’tgoingtoruntheriskofthat.
ThedooropenedandMrs.Gardnercamein.
“Ah,you’vedrunkyoursoup,mydear.That’sgood.You’llsoonbebetternow.”
“WhenwasItakenill?”demandedMrs.Rymer.
“Letmesee.Itwasthreedaysago—onWednesday.
Thatwasthefifteenth.Youweretookbadaboutfouro’clock.”
“Ah!”Theejaculationwasfraughtwithmeaning.Ithadbeenjustaboutfouro’clockwhenMrs.RymerhadenteredthepresenceofDoctorConstantine.
“Youslippeddowninyourchair,”saidMrs.Gardner.“Oh!”yousays.“Oh!”justlikethat.Andthen:“I’mfallingasleep,”yousaysinadreamyvoice.“I’mfallingasleep.”Andfallasleepyoudid,andweputyoutobedandsentforthedoctor,andhereyou’vebeeneversince.”
“Isuppose,”Mrs.Rymerventured,“thereisn’tanywayyoucouldknowwhoIam—apartfrommyface,Imean.”
“Well,that’saqueerthingtosay,”saidMrs.Gardner.“Whatistheretogobybetterthanaperson’sface,I’dliketoknow?There’syourbirthmark,though,ifthatsatisfiesyoubetter.”
“Abirthmark?”saidMrs.Rymer,brightening.Shehadnosuchthing.
“Strawberrymarkjustundertherightelbow,”saidMrs.Gardner.“Lookforyourself,mydear.”
“Thiswillproveit,”saidMrs.Rymertoherself.Sheknewthatshehadnostrawberrymarkundertherightelbow.Sheturnedbackthesleeveofhernightdress.Thestrawberrymarkwasthere.
Mrs.Rymerburstintotears.
FourdayslaterMrs.Rymerrosefromherbed.Shehadthoughtoutseveralplansofactionandrejectedthem.
ShemightshowtheparagraphinthepapertoMrs.Gardnerandexplain.Wouldtheybelieveher?Mrs.Rymerwassuretheywouldnot.
Shemightgotothepolice.Wouldtheybelieveher?Againshethoughtnot.
ShemightgotoMr.Pyne’soffice.Thatideaundoubtedlypleasedherbest.Foronething,shewouldliketotellthatoilyscoundrelwhatshethoughtofhim.Shewasdebarredfromputtingthisplanintooperationbyavitalobstacle.ShewasatpresentinCornwall(soshehadlearned),andshehadnomoneyforthejourneytoLondon.Twoandfourpenceinawornpurseseemedtorepresentherfinancialposition.
Andso,afterfourdays,Mrs.Rymermadeasportingdecision.Forthepresentshewouldacceptthings!ShewasHannahMoorhouse.Verywell,shewouldbeHannahMoorhouse.Forthepresentshewouldacceptthatrole,andlater,whenshehadsavedsufficientmoney,shewouldgotoLondonandbeardtheswindlerinhisden.
Andhavingthusdecided,Mrs.Rymeracceptedherrolewithperfectgoodtemper,evenwithakindofsardonicamusement.Historywasrepeatingitselfindeed.Thisliferemindedherofhergirlhood.Howlongagothatseemed!
Theworkwasabithardafterheryearsofsoftliving,butafterthefirstweekshefoundherselfslippingintothewaysofthefarm.
Mrs.Gardnerwasagood-tempered,kindlywoman.Herhusband,abig,taciturnman,waskindlyalso.Thelank,shamblingmanofthephotographhadgone;anotherfarmhandcameinhisstead,agood-humouredgiantofforty-five,slowofspeechandthought,butwithashytwinkleinhisblueeyes.
Theweekswentby.AtlastthedaycamewhenMrs.RymerhadenoughmoneytopayherfaretoLondon.Butshedidnotgo.Sheputitoff.Timeenough,shethought.Shewasn’teasyinhermindaboutasylumsyet.Thatscoundrel,ParkerPyne,wasclever.He’dgetadoctortosayshewasmadandshe’dbeclappedawayoutofsightwithnooneknowinganythingaboutit.
“Besides,”saidMrs.Rymertoherself,“abitofachangedoesonegood.”
Sheroseearlyandworkedhard.JoeWelsh,thenewfarmhand,wasillthatwinter,andsheandMrs.Gardnernursedhim.Thebigmanwaspatheticallydependentonthem.
Springcame—lambingtime;therewerewildflowersinthehedges,atreacheroussoftnessintheair.JoeWelshgaveHannahahandwithherwork.HannahdidJoe’smending.
Sometimes,onSundays,theywentforawalktogether.Joewasawidower.Hiswifehaddiedfouryearsbefore.Sinceherdeathhehad,hefranklyconfessedit,takenadroptoomuch.
Hedidn’tgomuchtotheCrownnowadays.Heboughthimselfsomenewclothes.Mr.andMrs.Gardnerlaughed.
HannahmadefunofJoe.Sheteasedhimabouthisclumsiness.Joedidn’tmind.Helookedbashfulbuthappy.
Afterspringcamesummer—agoodsummerthatyear.Everyoneworkedhard.
Harvestwasover.Theleaveswereredandgoldenonthetrees.
ItwasOctobereighthwhenHannahlookeduponedayfromacabbageshewascuttingandsawMr.ParkerPyneleaningoverthefence.
“You!”saidHannah,aliasMrs.Rymer.“You….”
Itwassometimebeforeshegotitallout,andwhenshehadsaidhersay,shewasoutofbreath.
Mr.ParkerPynesmiledblandly.“Iquiteagreewithyou,”hesaid.
“Acheatandaliar,that’swhatyouare!”saidMrs.Rymer,repeatingherself.“YouwithyourConstantinesandyourhypnotizing,andthatpoorgirlHannahMoorhouseshutupwith—loonies.”
“No,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“thereyoumisjudgeme.HannahMoorhouseisnotinalunaticasylum,becauseHannahMoorhouseneverexisted.”
“Indeed?”saidMrs.Rymer.“AndwhataboutthephotographofherthatIsawwithmyowneyes?”
“Faked,”saidMr.Pyne.“Quiteasimplethingtomanage.”
“Andthepieceinthepaperabouther?”
“Thewholepaperwasfakedsoastoincludetwoitemsinanaturalmannerwhichwouldcarryconviction.Asitdid.”
“Thatrogue,DoctorConstantine!”
“Anassumedname—assumedbyafriendofminewithatalentforacting.”
Mrs.Rymersnorted.“Ho!AndIwasn’thypnotizedeither,Isuppose?”
“Asamatteroffact,youwerenot.YoudrankinyourcoffeeapreparationofIndianhemp.Afterthat,otherdrugswereadministeredandyouwerebroughtdownherebycarandallowedtorecoverconsciousness.”
“ThenMrs.Gardnerhasbeeninitallthetime?”saidMrs.Rymer.
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.
“Bribedbyyou,Isuppose!Orfilledupwithalotoflies!”
“Mrs.Gardnertrustsme,”saidMr.Pyne.“Ioncesavedheronlysonfrompenalservitude.”
SomethinginhismannersilencedMrs.Rymeronthattack.“Whataboutthebirthmark!”shedemanded.
Mr.Pynesmiled.“Itisalreadyfading.Inanothersixmonthsitwillhavedisappearedaltogether.”
“Andwhat’sthemeaningofallthistomfoolery?Makingafoolofme,stickingmedownhereasaservant—mewithallthatgoodmoneyinthebank.ButIsupposeIneedn’task.You’vebeenhelpingyourselftoit,myfinefellow.That’sthemeaningofallthis.”
“Itistrue,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“thatIdidobtainfromyou,whileyouwereundertheinfluenceofdrugs,apowerofattorneyandthatduringyour—er—absence,Ihaveassumedcontrolofyourfinancialaffairs,butIcanassureyou,mydearmadam,thatapartfromthatoriginalthousandpounds,nomoneyofyourshasfounditswayintomypocket.Asamatteroffact,byjudiciousinvestmentsyourfinancialpositionisactuallyimproved.”Hebeamedather.
“Thenwhy—?”beganMrs.Rymer.
“Iamgoingtoaskyouaquestion,Mrs.Rymer,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youareanhonestwoman.Youwillanswermehonestly,Iknow.Iamgoingtoaskyouifyouarehappy.”
“Happy!That’saprettyquestion!Stealawoman’smoneyandaskherifshe’shappy.Ilikeyourimpudence!”
“Youarestillangry,”hesaid.“Mostnatural.Butleavemymisdeedsoutofitforthemoment.Mrs.Rymer,whenyoucametomyofficeayearagotoday,youwereanunhappywoman.Willyoutellmethatyouareunhappynow?Ifso,Iapologize,andyouareatlibertytotakewhatstepsyoupleaseagainstme.Moreover,Iwillrefundthethousandpoundsyoupaidme.Come,Mrs.Rymer,areyouanunhappywomannow?”
Mrs.RymerlookedatMr.ParkerPyne,butshedroppedhereyeswhenshespokeatlast.
“No,”shesaid.“I’mnotunhappy.”Atoneofwondercreptintohervoice.“You’vegotmethere.Iadmitit.I’venotbeenashappyasIamnowsinceAbnerdied.I—I’mgoingtomarryamanwhoworkshere—JoeWelsh.OurbannsaregoingupnextSunday;that,istheyweregoingupnextSunday.”
“Butnow,ofcourse,everythingisdifferent.”
Mrs.Rymer’sfaceflamed.Shetookastepforward.
“Whatdoyoumean,different?DoyouthinkthatifIhadallthemoneyintheworlditwouldmakemealady?Idon’twanttobealady,thankyou;ahelplessgood-for-nothinglottheyare.Joe’sgoodenoughformeandI’mgoodenoughforhim.Wesuiteachotherandwe’regoingtobehappy.Asyoufor,Mr.NoseyParker,youtakeyourselfoffanddon’tinterferewithwhatdoesn’tconcernyou!”
Mr.ParkerPynetookapaperfromhispocketandhandedittoher.“Thepowerofattorney,”hesaid.“ShallItearitup?Youwillassumecontrolofyourownfortunenow,Itakeit.”
AstrangeexpressioncameoverMrs.Rymer’sface.Shethrustbackthepaper.
“Takeit.I’vesaidhardthingstoyou—andsomeofthemyoudeserved.You’readownyfellow,butallthesameItrustyou.SevenhundredpoundsI’llhaveinthebankhere—that’llbuyusafarmwe’vegotoureyeon.Therestofit—well,letthehospitalshaveit.”
“Youcannotmeantohandoveryourentirefortunetohospitals?”
“That’sjustwhatIdomean.Joe’sadear,goodfellow,buthe’sweak.Givehimmoneyandyou’druinhim.I’vegothimoffthedrinknow,andI’llkeephimoffit.ThankGod,Iknowmyownmind.I’mnotgoingtoletmoneycomebetweenmeandhappiness.”
“Youarearemarkablewoman,”saidMr.Pyneslowly.“Onlyonewomaninathousandwouldactasyouaredoing.”
“Thenonlyonewomaninathousand’sgotsense,”saidMrs.Rymer.
“Itakemyhatofftoyou,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,andtherewasanunusualnoteinhisvoice.Heraisedhishatwithsolemnityandmovedaway.
“AndJoe’snevertoknow,mind!”Mrs.Rymercalledafterhim.
Shestoodtherewiththedyingsunbehindher,agreatblue-greencabbageinherhands,herheadthrownbackandhershoulderssquared.Agrandfigureofapeasantwoman,outlinedagainstthesettingsun….
Seven
HAVEYOUGOTEVERYTHINGYOUWANT?
“HaveYouGotEverythingYouWant?”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAinCosmopolitan,April1933,andthenas“OntheOrientExpress”inNash’sPallMall,June1933.
Parici,madame.”
AtallwomaninaminkcoatfollowedherheavilyencumberedporteralongtheplatformoftheGaredeLyon.
Sheworeadark-brownknittedhatpulleddownoveroneeyeandear.Theothersiderevealedacharmingtip-tiltedprofileandlittlegoldencurlsclusteringoverashell-likeear.TypicallyanAmerican,shewasaltogetheraverycharming-lookingcreatureandmorethanonemanturnedtolookatherasshewalkedpastthehighcarriagesofthewaitingtrain.
Largeplateswerestuckinholdersonthesidesofthecarriages.
PARIS-ATHENES.PARIS-BUCHAREST.PARIS-STAMBOUL.
Atthelastnamedtheportercametoanabrupthalt.Heundidthestrapwhichheldthesuitcasestogetherandtheyslippedheavilytotheground.“Voici,madame.”
Thewagon-litconductorwasstandingbesidethesteps.Hecameforward,remarking,“Bonsoir,madame,”withanempressementperhapsduetotherichnessandperfectionoftheminkcoat.
Thewomanhandedhimhersleepingcarticketofflimsypaper.
“NumberSix,”hesaid.“Thisway.”
Hesprangnimblyintothetrain,thewomanfollowinghim.Asshehurrieddownthecorridorafterhim,shenearlycollidedwithaportlygentlemanwhowasemergingfromthecompartmentnexttohers.Shehadamomentaryglimpseofalargeblandfacewithbenevolenteyes.
“Voici,madame.”
Theconductordisplayedthecompartment.Hethrewupthewindowandsignalledtotheporter.Thelesseremployeetookinthebaggageandputitupontheracks.Thewomansatdown.
Besideherontheseatshehadplacedasmallscarletcaseandherhandbag.Thecarriagewashot,butitdidnotseemtooccurtohertotakeoffhercoat.Shestaredoutofthewindowwithunseeingeyes.Peoplewerehurryingupanddowntheplatform.Thereweresellersofnewspapers,ofpillows,ofchocolate,offruit,ofmineralwaters.Theyhelduptheirwarestoher,buthereyeslookedblanklythroughthem.TheGaredeLyonhadfadedfromhersight.Onherfaceweresadnessandanxiety.
“Ifmadamewillgivemeherpassport?”
Thewordsmadenoimpressiononher.Theconductor,standinginthedoorway,repeatedthem.ElsieJeffriesrousedherselfwithastart.
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Yourpassport,madame.”
Sheopenedherbag,tookoutthepassportandgaveittohim.
“Thatwillbeallright,madame,Iwillattendtoeverything.”Aslightsignificantpause.“IshallbegoingwithmadameasfarasStamboul.”
Elsiedrewoutafifty-francnoteandhandedittohim.Heaccepteditinabusinesslikemanner,andinquiredwhenshewouldlikeherbedmadeupandwhethershewastakingdinner.
Thesematterssettled,hewithdrewandalmostimmediatelytherestaurantmancamerushingdownthecorridorringinghislittlebellfrantically,andbawlingout,“Premierservice.Premierservice.”
Elsierose,divestedherselfoftheheavyfurcoat,tookabriefglanceatherselfinthelittlemirror,andpickingupherhandbagandjewelcasesteppedoutintothecorridor.Shehadgoneonlyafewstepswhentherestaurantmancamerushingalongonhisreturnjourney.Toavoidhim,Elsiesteppedbackforamomentintothedoorwayoftheadjoiningcompartment,whichwasnowempty.Asthemanpassedandshepreparedtocontinueherjourneytothediningcar,herglancefellidlyonthelabelofasuitcasewhichwaslyingontheseat.
Itwasastoutpigskincase,somewhatworn.Onthelabelwerethewords:“J.ParkerPyne,passengertoStamboul.”Thesuitcaseitselfboretheinitials“P.P.”
Astartledexpressioncameoverthegirl’sface.Shehesitatedamomentinthecorridor,thengoingbacktoherowncompartmentshepickedupacopyofTheTimeswhichshehadlaiddownonthetablewithsomemagazinesandbooks.
Sheranhereyedowntheadvertisementcolumnsonthefrontpage,butwhatshewaslookingforwasnotthere.Aslightfrownonherface,shemadeherwaytotherestaurantcar.
Theattendantallottedheraseatatasmalltablealreadytenantedbyoneperson—themanwithwhomshehadnearlycollidedinthecorridor.Infact,theownerofthepigskinsuitcase.
Elsielookedathimwithoutappearingtodoso.Heseemedverybland,verybenevolent,andinsomewayimpossibletoexplain,delightfullyreassuring.HebehavedinreservedBritishfashion,anditwasnotuntilthefruitwasonthetablethathespoke.
“Theykeeptheseplacesterriblyhot,”hesaid.
“Iknow,”saidElsie.“Iwishonecouldhavethewindowopen.”
Hegavearuefulsmile.“Impossible!Everypersonpresentexceptourselveswouldprotest.”
Shegaveanansweringsmile.Neithersaidanymore.
Coffeewasbroughtandtheusualindecipherablebill.Havinglaidsomenotesuponit,Elsiesuddenlytookhercourageinbothhands.
“Excuseme,”shemurmured.“Isawyournameuponyoursuitcase—ParkerPyne.Areyou—areyou,byanychance—?”
Shehesitatedandhecamequicklytoherrescue.
“IbelieveIam.Thatis”—hequotedfromtheadvertisementwhichElsiehadnoticedmorethanonceinTheTimes,andforwhichshehadsearchedvainlyjustnow:“‘Areyouhappy?Ifnot,consultMr.ParkerPyne.’Yes,I’mthatone,allright.”
“Isee,”saidElsie.“How—howextraordinary!”
Heshookhishead.“Notreally.Extraordinaryfromyourpointofview,butnotfrommine.”Hesmiledreassuringly,thenleanedforward.Mostoftheotherdinershadleftthecar.“Soyouareunhappy?”hesaid.
“I—”beganElsie,andstopped.
“Youwouldnothavesaid‘Howextraordinary’otherwise,”hepointedout.
Elsiewassilentforaminute.ShefeltstrangelysoothedbythemerepresenceofMr.ParkerPyne.“Ye—es,”sheadmittedatlast.“Iam—unhappy.Atleast,Iamworried.”
Henoddedsympathetically.
“Yousee,”shecontinued,“averycuriousthinghashappened—andIdon’tknowtheleastwhattomakeofit.”
“Supposeyoutellmeaboutit,”suggestedMr.Pyne.
Elsiethoughtoftheadvertisement.SheandEdwardhadoftencommentedonitandlaughed.Shehadneverthoughtthatshe…perhapsshehadbetternot…ifMr.ParkerPynewereacharlatan…buthelooked—nice!
Elsiemadeherdecision.Anythingtogetthisworryoffhermind.
“I’lltellyou.I’mgoingtoConstantinopletojoinmyhusband.HedoesalotofOrientalbusiness,andthisyearhefounditnecessarytogothere.Hewentafortnightago.Hewastogetthingsreadyformetojoinhim.I’vebeenveryexcitedatthethoughtofit.Yousee,I’veneverbeenabroadbefore.We’vebeeninEnglandsixmonths.”
“YouandyourhusbandarebothAmerican?”
“Yes.”
“Andyouhavenot,perhaps,beenmarriedverylong?”
“We’vebeenmarriedayearandahalf.”
“Happily?”
“Oh,yes!Edward’saperfectangel.”Shehesitated.“Not,perhaps,verymuchgotohim.Justalittle—well,I’dcallitstraightlaced.Lotofpuritanancestryandallthat.Buthe’sadear,”sheaddedhastily.
Mr.ParkerPynelookedatherthoughtfullyforamomentortwo,thenhesaid,“Goon.”
“ItwasaboutaweekafterEdwardhadstarted.Iwaswritingaletterinhisstudy,andInoticedthattheblottingpaperwasallnewandclean,exceptforafewlinesofwritingacrossit.I’djustbeenreadingadetectivestorywithaclueintheblotterandso,justforfun,Iheldituptoamirror.Itreallywasjustfun,Mr.Pyne—Imean,he’ssuchamildlambonewouldn’tdreamofanythingofthatkind.”
“Yes,yes;Iquiteunderstand.”
“Thethingwasquiteeasytoread.Firsttherewastheword‘wife’then‘SimplonExpress,’andlowerdown,‘justbeforeVenicewouldbethebesttime,’”Shestopped.
“Curious,”saidMr.Pyne.“Distinctlycurious.Itwasyourhusband’shandwriting?”
“Oh,yes.ButI’vecudgelledmybrainsandIcannotseeunderwhatcircumstanceshewouldwritealetterwithjustthosewordsinit.”
“‘JustbeforeVenicewouldbethebesttime,’”repeatedMr.ParkerPyne.“Distinctlycurious.”
Mrs.Jeffrieswasleaningforwardlookingathimwithaflatteringhopefulness.“WhatshallIdo?”sheaskedsimply
“Iamafraid,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“thatweshallhavetowaituntilbeforeVenice.”Hetookupafolderfromthetable.“Hereisthescheduletimeofourtrain.ItarrivesatVeniceattwotwenty-seventomorrowafternoon.”
Theylookedateachother.
“Leaveittome,”saidParkerPyne.
Itwasfiveminutespasttwo.TheSimplonExpresswaselevenminuteslate.IthadpassedMestreaboutaquarterofanhourbefore.
Mr.ParkerPynewassittingwithMrs.Jeffriesinhercompartment.Sofarthejourneyhadbeenpleasantanduneventful.Butnowthemomenthadarrivedwhen,ifanythingwasgoingtohappen,itpresumablywouldhappen.Mr.ParkerPyneandElsiefacedeachother.Herheartwasbeatingfast,andhereyessoughthiminakindofanguishedappealforreassurance.
“Keepperfectlycalm,”hesaid.“Youarequitesafe.Iamhere.”
Suddenlyascreambrokeoutfromthecorridor.
“Oh,look—look!Thetrainisonfire!”
WithaboundElsieandMr.ParkerPynewereinthecorridor.AnagitatedwomanwithaSlavcountenancewaspointingadramaticfinger.Outofoneofthefrontcompartmentssmokewaspouringinacloud.Mr.ParkerPyneandElsieranalongthecorridor.Othersjoinedthem.Thecompartmentinquestionwasfullofsmoke.Thefirstcomersdrewback,coughing.Theconductorappeared.
“Thecompartmentisempty!”hecried.“Donotalarmyourselves,messieursetdames.Lefeu,itwillbecontrolled.”
Adozenexcitedquestionsandanswersbrokeout.ThetrainwasrunningoverthebridgethatjoinsVenicetothemainland.
SuddenlyMr.ParkerPyneturned,forcedhiswaythroughthelittlepackofpeoplebehindhimandhurrieddownthecorridortoElsie’scompartment.TheladywiththeSlavfacewasseatedinit,drawingdeepbreathsfromtheopenwindow.
“Excuseme,madame,”saidParkerPyne.“Butthisisnotyourcompartment.”
“Iknow.Iknow,”saidtheSlavlady.“Pardon.Itistheshock,theemotion—myheart.”Shesankbackontheseatandindicatedtheopenwindow.Shedrewinherbreathingreatgasps.
Mr.ParkerPynestoodinthedoorway.Hisvoicewasfatherlyandreassuring.“Youmustnotbeafraid,”hesaid.“Idonotthinkforamomentthefireisserious.”
“Not?Ah,whatamercy!Ifeelrestored.”Shehalfrose.“Iwillreturntomycompartment.”
“Notjustyet.”Mr.ParkerPyne’shandpressedhergentlyback.“Iwillaskyoutowaitamoment,madame.”
“Monsieur,thisisanoutrage!”
“Madame,youwillremain.”
Hisvoicerangoutcoldly.Thewomansatstilllookingathim.Elsiejoinedthem.
“Itseemsitwasasmokebomb,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Someridiculouspracticaljoke.Theconductorisfurious.Heisaskingeverybody—”Shebrokeoff,staringatthesecondoccupantofthecarriage.
“Mrs.Jeffries,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“whatdoyoucarryinyourlittlescarletcase?”
“Myjewellery.”
“Perhapsyouwouldbesokindastolookandseethateverythingisthere.”
TherewasimmediatelyatorrentofwordsfromtheSlavlady.ShebrokeintoFrench,thebettertodojusticetoherfeelings.
InthemeantimeElsiehadpickedupthejewelcase.“Oh!”shecried.“It’sunlocked.”
“EtjeporteraiplainteàlaCompagniedesWagons-Lits,”finishedtheSlavlady.
“They’regone!”criedElsie.“Everything!Mydiamondbracelet.AndthenecklacePopgaveme.Andtheemeraldandrubyrings.Andsomelovelydiamondbrooches.ThankgoodnessIwaswearingmypearls.Oh,Mr.Pyne,whatshallwedo?”
“Ifyouwillfetchtheconductor,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“Iwillseethatthiswomandoesnotleavethiscompartmenttillhecomes.”
“Scélérat!Monstre!”shriekedtheSlavlady.Shewentontofurtherinsults.ThetraindrewintoVenice.
Theeventsofthenexthalfhourmaybebrieflysummarized.Mr.ParkerPynedealtwithseveraldifferentofficialsinseveraldifferentlanguages—andsuffereddefeat.Thesuspectedladyconsentedtobesearched—andemergedwithoutastainonhercharacter.Thejewelswerenotonher.
BetweenVeniceandTriesteMr.ParkerPyneandElsiediscussedthecase.
“Whenwasthelasttimeyouactuallysawyourjewels?”
“Thismorning.IputawaysomesapphireearringsIwaswearingyesterdayandtookoutapairofplainpearlones.”
“Andallthejewellerywasthereintact?”
“Well,Ididn’tgothroughitall,naturally.Butitlookedthesameasusual.Aringorsomethinglikethatmighthavebeenmissing,butnomore.”
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.“Now,whentheconductormadeupthecompartmentthismorning?”
“Ihadthecasewithme—intherestaurantcar.Ialwaystakeitwithme.I’veneverleftitexceptwhenIranoutjustnow.”
“Therefore,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“thatinjuredinnocent,MadameSubayska,orwhatevershecallsherself,musthavebeenthethief.Butwhatthedevildidshedowiththethings?Shewasonlyinhereaminuteandahalf—justtimetoopenthecasewithaduplicatekeyandtakeoutthestuff—yes,butwhatnext?”
“Couldshehavehandedthemtoanyoneelse?”
“Hardly.Ihadturnedbackandwasforcingmywayalongthecorridor.IfanyonehadcomeoutofthiscompartmentIshouldhaveseenthem.”
“Perhapsshethrewthemoutofthewindowtosomeone.”
“Anexcellentsuggestion;only,asithappens,wewerepassingovertheseaatthatmoment.Wewereonthebridge.”
“Thenshemusthavehiddenthemactuallyinthecarriage.”
“Let’shuntforthem.”
WithtruetransatlanticenergyElsiebegantolookabout.Mr.ParkerPyneparticipatedinthesearchinasomewhatabsentfashion.Reproachedfornottrying,heexcusedhimself.
“I’mthinkingthatImustsendaratherimportanttelegramatTrieste,”heexplained.
Elsiereceivedtheexplanationcoldly.Mr.ParkerPynehadfallenheavilyinherestimation.
“I’mafraidyou’reannoyedwithme,Mrs.Jeffries,”hesaidmeekly.
“Well,you’venotbeenverysuccessful,”sheretorted.
“But,mydearlady,youmustrememberIamnotadetective.Theftandcrimearenotinmylineatall.Thehumanheartismyprovince.”
“Well,IwasabitunhappywhenIgotonthistrain,”saidElsie,“butnothingtowhatIamnow!Icouldjustcrybuckets.Mylovely,lovelybracelet—andtheemeraldringEdwardgavemewhenwewereengaged.”
“Butsurelyyouareinsuredagainsttheft?”Mr.ParkerPyneinterpolated.
“AmI?Idon’tknow.Yes,IsupposeIam.Butit’sthesentimentofthething,Mr.Pyne.”
Thetrainslackenedspeed.Mr.ParkerPynepeeredoutofthewindow.“Trieste,”hesaid.“Imustsendmytelegram.”
“Edward!”Elsie’sfacelightedupasshesawherhusbandhurryingtomeetherontheplatformatStamboul.Forthemomenteventhelossofherjewelleryfadedfromhermind.Sheforgotthecuriouswordsshehadfoundontheblotter.Sheforgoteverythingexceptthatitwasafortnightsinceshehadseenherhusbandlast,andthatinspiteofbeingsoberandstraightlacedhewasreallyamostattractiveperson.
TheywerejustleavingthestationwhenElsiefeltafriendlytapontheshoulderandturnedtoseeMr.ParkerPyne.Hisblandfacewasbeaminggood-naturedly.
“Mrs.Jeffries,”hesaid,“willyoucometoseemeattheHotelTokatlianinhalfanhour?IthinkImayhavesomegoodnewsforyou.”
ElsielookeduncertainlyatEdward.Thenshemadetheintroduction.“This—er—ismyhusband—Mr.ParkerPyne.”
“AsIbelieveyourwifewiredyou,herjewelshavebeenstolen,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“IhavebeendoingwhatIcantohelpherrecoverthem.IthinkImayhavenewsforherinabouthalfanhour.”
ElsielookedenquiringlyatEdward.Herepliedpromptly:“You’dbettergo,dear.TheTokatlian,yousaid,Mr.Pyne?Right;I’llseeshemakesit.”
ItwasjustahalfanhourlaterthatElsiewasshownintoMr.ParkerPyne’sprivatesittingroom.Herosetoreceiveher.
“You’vebeendisappointedinme,Mrs.Jeffries,”hesaid.“Now,don’tdenyit.Well,Idon’tpretendtobeamagicianbutIdowhatIcan.Takealookinsidehere.”
Hepassedalongthetableasmallstoutcardboardbox.Elsieopenedit.Rings,brooches,bracelets,necklace—theywereallthere.
“Mr.Pyne,howmarvellous!How—howtoowonderful!”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiledmodestly.“Iamgladnottohavefailedyou,mydearyounglady.”
“Oh,Mr.Pyne,youmakemefeeljustmean!EversinceTriesteI’vebeenhorridtoyou.Andnow—this.Buthowdidyougetholdofthem?When?Where?”
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhisheadthoughtfully.“It’salongstory,”hesaid.“Youmayhearitoneday.Infact,youmayhearitquitesoon.”
“Whycan’tIhearitnow?”
“Therearereasons,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
AndElsiehadtodepartwithhercuriosityunsatisfied.
Whenshehadgone,Mr.ParkerPynetookuphishatandstickandwentoutintothestreetsofPera.Hewalkedalongsmilingtohimself,comingatlasttoalittlecafé,desertedatthemoment,whichoverlookedtheGoldenHorn.Ontheotherside,themosquesofStamboulshowedslenderminaretsagainsttheafternoonsky.Itwasverybeautiful.Mr.Pynesatdownandorderedtwocoffees.Theycamethickandsweet.Hehadjustbeguntosiphiswhenamanslippedintotheseatopposite.ItwasEdwardJeffries.
“Ihaveorderedsomecoffeeforyou,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,indicatingthelittlecup.
Edwardpushedthecoffeeaside.Heleanedforwardacrossthetable.“Howdidyouknow?”heasked.
Mr.ParkerPynesippedhiscoffeedreamily.“Yourwifewillhavetoldyouaboutherdiscoveryontheblotter?No?Oh,butshewilltellyou;ithasslippedhermindforthemoment.”
HementionedElsie’sdiscovery.
“Verywell;thatlinkedupperfectlywiththecuriousincidentthathappenedjustbeforeVenice.Forsomereasonorotheryouwereengineeringthetheftofyourwife’sjewels.Butwhythephrase‘justbeforeVenicewouldbethebesttime?’Thereseemednonsenseinthat.Whydidyounotleaveittoyour—agent—tochooseherowntimeandplace?
“Andthen,suddenly,Isawthepoint.Yourwife’sjewelswerestolenbeforeyouyourselfleftLondonandwerereplacedbypasteduplicates.Butthatsolutiondidnotsatisfyyou.Youwereahigh-minded,conscientiousyoungman.Youhaveahorrorofsomeservantorotherinnocentpersonbeingsuspected.Atheftmustactuallyoccur—ataplaceandinamannerwhichwillleavenosuspicionattachedtoanybodyofyouracquaintanceorhousehold.
“Youraccompliceisprovidedwithakeytothejewelboxandasmokebomb.Atthecorrectmomentshegivesthealarm,dartsintoyourwife’scompartment,unlocksthejewelcaseandflingsthepasteduplicatesintothesea.Shemaybesuspectedandsearched,butnothingcanbeprovedagainsther,sincethejewelsarenotinherpossession.
“Andnowthesignificanceoftheplacechosenbecomesapparent.Ifthejewelshadmerelybeenthrownoutbythesideoftheline,theymighthavebeenfound.Hencetheimportanceoftheonemomentwhenthetrainispassingoverthesea.”
“Inthemeantime,youmakeyourarrangementsforsellingthejewelleryhere.Youhaveonlytohandoverthestoneswhentherobberyhasactuallytakenplace.Mywire,however,reachedyouintime.YouobeyedmyinstructionsanddepositedtheboxofjewelleryattheTokatliantoawaitmyarrival,knowingthatotherwiseIshouldkeepmythreatofplacingthematterinthehandsofthepolice.Youalsoobeyedmyinstructionsinjoiningmehere.”
EdwardJeffrieslookedatMr.ParkerPyneappealingly.Hewasagood-lookingyoungman,tallandfair,witharoundchinandveryroundeyes.“HowcanImakeyouunderstand?”hesaidhopelessly.“ToyouImustseemjustacommonthief.”
“Notatall,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Onthecontrary,Ishouldsayyouarealmostpainfullyhonest.Iamaccustomedtotheclassificationoftypes.You,mydearsir,fallnaturallyintothecategoryofvictims.Now,tellmethewholestory.”
“Icantellyouinoneword—blackmail.”
“Yes?”
“You’veseenmywife:yourealizewhatapure,innocentcreaturesheis—withoutknowledgeorthoughtofevil.”
“Yes,yes.”
“Shehasthemostmarvellouslypureideals.Ifsheweretofindoutabout—aboutanythingIhaddone,shewouldleaveme.”
“Iwonder.Butthatisnotthepoint.Whathaveyoudone,myyoungfriend?Ipresumethereissomeaffairwithawoman?”
EdwardJeffriesnodded.
“Sinceyourmarriage—orbefore?”
“Before—oh,before.”
“Well,well,whathappened?”
“Nothing,nothingatall.Thisisjustthecruelpartofit.ItwasatahotelintheWestIndies.Therewasaveryattractivewoman—aMrs.Rossiter—stayingthere.Herhusbandwasaviolentman;hehadthemostsavagefitsoftemper.Onenighthethreatenedherwitharevolver.Sheescapedfromhimandcametomyroom.Shewashalf-crazywithterror.She—sheaskedmetoletherstaytheretillmorning.I—whatelsecouldIdo?”
Mr.ParkerPynegazedattheyoungman,andtheyoungmangazedbackwithconsciousrectitude.Mr.ParkerPynesighed.“Inotherwords,toputitplainly,youwerehadforamug,Mr.Jeffries.”
“Really—”
“Yes,yes.Averyoldtrick—butitoftencomesoffsuccessfullywithquixoticyoungmen.Isuppose,whenyourapproachingmarriagewasannounced,thescrewwasturned?”
“Yes.Ireceivedaletter.IfIdidnotsendacertainsumofmoney,everythingwouldbedisclosedtomyprospectivefather-in-law.HowIhad—hadalienatedthisyoungwoman’saffectionfromherhusband;howshehadbeenseencomingtomyroom.Thehusbandwouldbringasuitfordivorce.Really,Mr.Pyne,thewholethingmademeoutthemostutterblackguard.”
Hewipedhisbrowinaharassedmanner.
“Yes,yes,Iknow.Andsoyoupaid.Andfromtimetotimethescrewhasbeenputonagain.”
“Yes.Thiswasthelaststraw.Ourbusinesshasbeenbadlyhitbytheslump.Isimplycouldnotlaymyhandsonanyreadymoney.Ihituponthisplan.”Hepickeduphiscupofcoldcoffee,lookedatitabsently,anddrankit.“WhatamItodonow?”hedemandedpathetically.“WhatamItodo,Mr.Pyne?”
“Youwillbeguidedbyme,”saidParkerPynefirmly.“Iwilldealwithyourtormentors.Astoyourwife,youwillgostraightbacktoherandtellherthetruth—oratleastaportionofit.TheonlypointwhereyouwilldeviatefromthetruthisconcerningtheactualfactsintheWestIndies.Youmustconcealfromherthefactthatyouwere—well,hadforamug,asIsaidbefore.”
“But—”
“MydearMr.Jeffries,youdonotunderstandwomen.IfawomanhastochoosebetweenamugandaDonJuan,shewillchooseDonJuaneverytime.Yourwife,Mr.Jeffries,isacharming,innocent,high-mindedgirl,andtheonlywaysheisgoingtogetanykickoutofherlifewithyouistobelievethatshehasreformedarake.”
EdwardJeffrieswasstaringathim,openmouthed.
“ImeanwhatIsay,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Atthepresentmomentyourwifeisinlovewithyou,butIseesignsthatshemaynotremainsoifyoucontinuetopresenttoherapictureofsuchgoodnessandrectitudethatitisalmostsynonymouswithdullness.”
“Gotoher,myboy,”saidMr.ParkerPynekindly.“Confesseverything—thatis,asmanythingsasyoucanthinkof.Thenexplainthatfromthemomentyoumetheryougaveupallthislife.Youevenstolesothatitmightnotcometoherears.Shewillforgiveyouenthusiastically.”
“Butwhenthere’snothingreallytoforgive—”
“Whatistruth?”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Inmyexperienceitisusuallythethingthatupsetstheapplecart!Itisafundamentalaxiomofmarriedlifethatyoumustlietoawoman.Shelikesit!Goandbeforgiven,myboy.Andlivehappilyeverafterwards.Idaresayyourwifewillkeepawaryeyeonyouinfuturewheneveraprettywomancomesalong—somemenwouldmindthat,butIdon’tthinkyouwill.”
“IneverwanttolookatanyotherwomanbutElsie,”saidMr.Jeffriessimply.
“Splendid,myboy,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“ButIshouldn’tletherknowthatifIwereyou.Nowomanlikestofeelshe’stakenontoosoftajob.”
EdwardJeffriesrose.“Youreallythink—?”
“Iknow,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,withforce.
Eight
THEGATEOFBAGHDAD
“TheGateofBaghdad”wasfirstpublishedas“AttheGateofBaghdad”inNash’sPallMall,June1933.
“FourgreatgateshasthecityofDamascus….”
Mr.ParkerPynerepeatedFlecker’slinessoftlytohimself.“PosternofFate,theDesertGate,Disaster’sCavern,FortofFear,ThePortalofBaghdadamI,theDoorwayofDiarbekir.”
HewasstandinginthestreetsofDamascusanddrawnupoutsidetheOrientalHotelhesawoneofthehugesix-wheeledPullmansthatwastotransporthimandelevenotherpeopleacrossthedeserttoBaghdadonthemorrow.“Passnotbeneath,OCaravan,orpassnotsinging.HaveyouheardThatsilencewherethebirdsaredeadyetsomethingpipethlikeabird?Passoutbeneath,OCaravan,Doom’sCaravan,Death’sCaravan!”
Somethingofacontrastnow.FormerlytheGateofBagdadhadbeenthegateofDeath.Fourhundredmilesofdeserttotraversebycaravan.Longwearymonthsoftravel.Nowtheubiquitouspetrol-fedmonstersdidthejourneyinthirty-sixhours.
“Whatwereyousaying,Mr.ParkerPyne?”
ItwastheeagervoiceofMissNettaPryce,youngestandmostcharmingofthetouristrace.ThoughencumberedbyasternauntwiththesuspicionofabeardandathirstforBiblicalknowledge,NettamanagedtoenjoyherselfinmanyfrivolouswaysofwhichtheelderMissPrycemightpossiblyhavenotapproved.
Mr.ParkerPynerepeatedFlecker’slinestoher.
“Howthrilling,”saidNetta.
ThreemeninAirForceuniformwerestandingnearandoneofthem,anadmirerofNetta’s,struckin.
“Therearestillthrillstobegotoutofthejourney,”hesaid.“Evennowadaystheconvoyisoccasionallyshotupbybandits.Thenthere’slosingyourself—thathappenssometimes.Andwearesentouttofindyou.Onefellowwaslostforfivedaysinthedesert.Luckilyhehadplentyofwaterwithhim.Thentherearethebumps.Somebumps!Onemanwaskilled.It’sthetruthI’mtellingyou!Hewasasleepandhisheadstruckthetopofthecaranditkilledhim.”
“Inthesix-wheeler,Mr.O’Rourke?”demandedtheelderMissPryce.
“No—notinthesix-wheeler,”admittedtheyoungman.
“Butwemustdosomesightseeing,”criedNetta.
Herauntdrewoutaguidebook.
Nettaedgedaway.
“Iknowshe’llwantmetogotosomeplacewhereSt.Paulwasloweredoutofawindow,”shewhispered.“AndIdosowanttoseethebazaars.”
O’Rourkerespondedpromptly.
“Comewithme.We’llstartdowntheStreetcalledStraight—”
Theydriftedoff.
Mr.ParkerPyneturnedtoaquietmanstandingbesidehim,Hensleybyname.HebelongedtothepublicworksdepartmentofBaghdad.
“Damascusisalittledisappointingwhenoneseesitforthefirsttime,”hesaidapologetically.“Alittlecivilized.Tramsandmodernhousesandshops.”
Hensleynodded.Hewasamanoffewwords.
“Notgot—backofbeyond—whenyouthinkyouhave,”hejerkedout.
Anothermandriftedup,afairyoungmanwearinganoldEtoniantie.Hehadanamiablebutslightlyvacantfacewhichatthemomentlookedworried.HeandHensleywereinthesamedepartment.
“Hello,Smethurst,”saidhisfriend.“Lostanything?”
CaptainSmethurstshookhishead.Hewasayoungmanofsomewhatslowintellect.
“Justlookinground,”hesaidvaguely.Thenheseemedtorousehimself.“Oughttohaveabeanotonight.What?”
Thetwofriendswentofftogether.Mr.ParkerPyneboughtalocalpaperprintedinFrench.
Hedidnotfinditveryinteresting.Thelocalnewsmeantnothingtohimandnothingofimportanceseemedtobegoingonelsewhere.HefoundafewparagraphsheadedLondres.
Thefirstreferredtofinancialmatters.TheseconddealtwiththesupposeddestinationofMr.SamuelLong,thedefaultingfinancier.HisdefalcationsnowamountedtothesumofthreemillionsanditwasrumouredthathehadreachedSouthAmerica.
“Nottoobadforamanjustturnedthirty,”saidMr.ParkerPynetohimself.
“Ibegyourpardon?”
ParkerPyneturnedtoconfrontanItalianGeneralwhohadbeenonthesameboatwithhimfromBrindisitoBeirut.
Mr.ParkerPyneexplainedhisremark.TheItalianGeneralnoddedhisheadseveraltimes.
“Heisagreatcriminal,thatman.EveninItalywehavesuffered.Heinspiredconfidenceallovertheworld.Heisamanofbreeding,too,theysay.”
“Well,hewenttoEtonandOxford,”saidMr.ParkerPynecautiously.
“Willhebecaught,doyouthink?”
“Dependsonhowmuchofastarthegot.HemaybestillinEngland.Hemaybe—anywhere.”
“Herewithus?”theGenerallaughed.
“Possibly.”Mr.ParkerPyneremainedserious.“Forallyouknow,General,Imaybehe.”
TheGeneralgavehimastartledglance.Thenhisolive-brownfacerelaxedintoasmileofcomprehension.
“Oh!Thatisverygood—verygoodindeed.Butyou—”
HiseyesstrayeddownwardsfromMr.ParkerPyne’sface.
Mr.ParkerPyneinterpretedtheglancecorrectly.
“Youmustn’tjudgebyappearances,”hesaid.“Alittleadditional—er—embonpoint—iseasilymanagedandhasaremarkablyageingeffect.”
Headdeddreamily:
“Thenthereishairdye,ofcourse,andfacestain,andevenachangeofnationality.”
GeneralPoliwithdrewdoubtfully.HeneverknewhowfartheEnglishwereserious.
Mr.ParkerPyneamusedhimselfthateveningbygoingtoacinema.Afterwardshewasdirectedtoa“NightlyPalaceofGaieties.”Itappearedtohimtobeneitherapalacenorgay.Variousladiesdancedwithadistinctlackofverve.Theapplausewaslanguid.
SuddenlyMr.ParkerPynecaughtsightofSmethurst.Theyoungmanwassittingatatablealone.HisfacewasflushedanditoccurredtoMr.ParkerPynethathehadalreadydrunkmorethanwasgoodforhim.Hewentacrossandjoinedtheyoungman.
“Disgraceful,thewaythesegirlstreatyou,”saidCaptainSmethurstgloomily.“Boughthertwodrinks—threedrinks—lotsofdrinks.Thenshegoesofflaughingwithsomedago.Callitadisgrace.”
Mr.ParkerPynesympathized.Hesuggestedcoffee.
“Gotsomearaqcoming,”saidSmethurst.“Jollygoodstuff.Youtryit.”
Mr.ParkerPyneknewsomethingofthepropertiesofaraq.Heemployedtact.Smethurst,however,shookhishead.
“I’minabitofamess,”hesaid.“Gottocheermyselfup.Don’tknowwhatyou’ddoinmyplace.Don’tliketogobackonapal,what?Imeantosay—andyet—what’safellowtodo?”
HestudiedMr.ParkerPyneasthoughnoticinghimforthefirsttime.
“Whoareyou?”hedemandedwiththecurtnessbornofhispotations.“Whatdoyoudo?”
“Theconfidencetrick,”saidMr.ParkerPynegently.
Smethurstgazedathiminlivelyconcern.
“What—youtoo?”
Mr.ParkerPynedrewfromhiswalletacutting.HelaiditonthetableinfrontofSmethurst.
“Areyouunhappy?(Soitran.)Ifso,consultMr.ParkerPyne.”
Smethurstfocusedonitaftersomedifficulty.
“Well,I’mdamned,”heejaculated.“Youmeantersay—peoplecomeandtellyouthings?”
“Theyconfideinme—yes.”
“Packofidioticwomen,Isuppose.”
“Agoodmanywomen,”admittedMr.ParkerPyne.“Butmenalso.Whataboutyou,myyoungfriend?Youwantedadvicejustnow?”
“Shutyourdamnedhead,”saidCaptainSmethurst.“Nobusinessofanybody’s—anybody’s’ceptmine.Where’sthatgoddamedaraq?”
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhisheadsadly.
HegaveupCaptainSmethurstasabadjob.
TheconvoyforBaghdadstartedatseveno’clockinthemorning.Therewasapartyoftwelve.Mr.ParkerPyneandGeneralPoli,MissPryceandherniece,threeAirForceofficers,SmethurstandHensleyandanArmenianmotherandsonbynamePentemian.
Thejourneystarteduneventfully.ThefruittreesofDamascusweresoonleftbehind.Theskywascloudyandtheyoungdriverlookedatitdoubtfullyonceortwice.HeexchangedremarkswithHensley.
“BeenrainingagoodbittheothersideofRutbah.Hopeweshan’tstick.”
Theymadeahaltatmiddayandsquarecardboardboxesoflunchwerehandedround.Thetwodriversbrewedteawhichwasservedincardboardcups.Theydroveonagainacrosstheflatinterminableplain.
Mr.ParkerPynethoughtoftheslowcaravansandtheweeksofjourneying…
JustatsunsettheycametothedesertfortofRutbah.
Thegreatgateswereunbarredandthesix-wheelerdroveinthroughthemintotheinnercourtyardofthefort.
“Thisfeelsexciting,”saidNetta.
Afterawashshewaseagerforashortwalk.Flight-LieutenantO’RourkeandMr.ParkerPyneofferedthemselvesasescorts.Astheystartedthemanagercameuptothemandbeggedthemnottogofarawayasitmightbedifficulttofindtheirwaybackafterdark.
“We’llonlygoashortway,”O’Rourkepromised.
Walkingwasnot,indeed,veryinterestingowingtothesamenessofthesurroundings.
OnceMr.ParkerPynebentandpickedsomethingup.
“Whatisit?”askedNettacuriously.
Hehelditouttoher.
“Aprehistoricflint,MissPryce—aborer.”
“Didthey—killeachotherwiththem?”
“No—ithadamorepeacefuluse.ButIexpecttheycouldhavekilledwithitifthey’dwantedto.It’sthewishtokillthatcounts—themereinstrumentdoesn’tmatter.Somethingcanalwaysbefound.”
Itwasgettingdark,andtheyranbacktothefort.
Afteradinnerofmanycoursesofthetinnedvarietytheysatandsmoked.Attwelveo’clockthesix-wheelerwastoproceed.
Thedriverlookedanxious.
“Somebadpatchesnearhere,”hesaid.“Wemaystick.”Theyallclimbedintothebigcarandsettledthemselves.MissPrycewasannoyednottobeabletogetatoneofhersuitcases.
“Ishouldlikemybedroomslippers,”shesaid.
“Morelikelytoneedyourgumboots,”saidSmethurst.“IfIknowthelookofthingswe’llbestuckinaseaofmud.”
“Ihaven’tevengotachangeofstockings,”saidNetta.
“That’sallright.You’llstayput.Onlythestrongersexhastogetoutandheave.”
“Alwayscarrysparesocks,”saidHensley,pattinghisovercoatpocket.“Neverknow.”
Thelightswereturnedout.Thebigcarstartedoutintothenight.
Thegoingwasnottoogood.Theywerenotjoltedastheywouldhavebeeninatouringcar,butneverthelesstheygotabadbumpnowandthen.
Mr.ParkerPynehadoneofthefrontseats.AcrosstheaislewastheArmenianladyshroudedinwrapsandshawls.Hersonwasbehindher.BehindMr.ParkerPynewerethetwoMissPryces.TheGeneral,Smethurst,HensleyandtheR.A.F.menwereattheback.
Thecarrushedonthroughthenight.Mr.ParkerPynefoundithardtosleep.Hispositionwascramped.TheArmenianlady’sfeetstuckoutandencroachedonhispreserve.She,atanyrate,wascomfortable.
Everyoneelseseemedtobeasleep.Mr.ParkerPynefeltdrowsinessstealingoverhim,whenasuddenjoltthrewhimtowardstheroofofthecar.Heheardadrowsyprotestfromthebackofthesix-wheeler.“Steady.Wanttobreakournecks?”
Thenthedrowsinessreturned.Afewminuteslater,hisnecksagginguncomfortably,Mr.ParkerPyneslept….
Hewasawakenedsuddenly.Thesix-wheelerhadstopped.Someofthemenweregettingout.Hensleyspokebriefly.
“We’restuck.”
Anxioustoseealltherewastosee,Mr.ParkerPynesteppedgingerlyoutinthemud.Itwasnotrainingnow.Indeedtherewasamoonandbyitslightthedriverscouldbeseenfranticallyatworkwithjacksandstones,strivingtoraisethewheels.Mostofthemenwerehelping.Fromthewindowsofthesix-wheelerthethreewomenlookedout.MissPryceandNettawithinterest,theArmenianladywithill-concealeddisgust.
Atacommandfromthedriver,themalepassengersobedientlyheaved.
“Where’sthatArmenianfellow?”demandedO’Rourke.“Keepinghistoeswarmedandcomfortablelikeacat?Let’shavehimouttoo.”
“CaptainSmethursttoo,”observedGeneralPoli.“Heisnotwithus.”
“Theblighter’sasleepstill.Lookathim.”
Trueenough,Smethurststillsatinhisarmchair,hisheadsaggingforwardandhiswholebodyslumpeddown.
“I’llrousehim,”saidO’Rourke.
Hespranginthroughthedoor.Aminutelaterhereappeared.Hisvoicehadchanged.
“Isay.Ithinkhe’sill—orsomething.Where’sthedoctor?”
SquadronLeaderLoftus,theAirForcedoctor,aquiet-lookingmanwithgreyinghair,detachedhimselffromthegroupatthewheel.
“What’sthematterwithhim?”heasked.
“I—don’tknow.”
Thedoctorenteredthecar.O’RourkeandParkerPynefollowedhim.Hebentoverthesaggingfigure.Onelookandtouchwasenough.
“He’sdead,”hesaidquietly.
“Dead?Buthow?”Questionsshotout.“Oh!Howdreadful!”fromNetta.
Loftusturnedroundinanirritatedmanner.
“Musthavehithisheadagainstthetop,”hesaid.“Wewentoveronebadbump.”
“Surelythatwouldn’tkillhim?Isn’tthereanythingelse?”
“Ican’ttellyouunlessIexaminehimproperly,”snappedLoftus.Helookedaroundhimwithaharassedair.Thewomenwerepressingcloser.Themenoutsidewerebeginningtocrowdin.
Mr.ParkerPynespoketothedriver.Hewasastrongathleticyoungman.Heliftedeachfemalepassengerinturn,carryingheracrossthemudandsettingherdownondryland.madamePentemianandNettahemanagedeasily,buthestaggeredundertheweightoftheheftyMissPryce.
Theinteriorofthesix-wheelerwasleftclearforthedoctortomakehisexamination.
Themenwentbacktotheireffortstojackupthecar.Presentlythesunroseoverthehorizon.Itwasagloriousday.Themudwasdryingrapidly,butthecarwasstillstuck.Threejackshadbeenbrokenandsofarnoeffortshadbeenofanyavail.Thedriverstartedpreparingbreakfast—openingtinsofsausagesandboilingtea.
AlittlewayapartSquadronLeaderLoftuswasgivinghisverdict.
“There’snomarkorwoundonhim.AsIsaid,hemusthavehithisheadagainstthetop.”
“You’resatisfiedhediednaturally?”askedMr.ParkerPyne.
Therewassomethinginhisvoicethatmadethedoctorlookathimquickly.
“There’sonlyoneotherpossibility.”
“Yes.”
“Well,thatsomeonehithimonthebackoftheheadwithsomethinginthenatureofasandbag.”Hisvoicesoundedapologetic.
“That’snotverylikely,”saidWilliamson,theotherAirForceofficer.Hewasacherubic-lookingyouth.“Imean,nobodycoulddothatwithoutourseeing.”
“Ifwewereasleep,”suggestedthedoctor.
“Fellowcouldn’tbesureofthat,”pointedouttheother.
“Gettingupandallthatwouldhaverousedsomeoneorother.”
“Theonlyway,”saidGeneralPoli,“wouldbeforanyonesittingbehindhim.Hecouldchoosehismomentandneednotevenrisefromhisseat.”
“WhowassittingbehindCaptainSmethurst?”askedthedoctor.
O’Rourkerepliedreadily.
“Hensley,sir—sothat’snogood.HensleywasSmethurst’sbestpal.”
Therewasasilence.ThenMr.ParkerPyne’svoicerosewithquietcertainty.
“Ithink,”hesaid,“thatFlightLieutenantWilliamsonhassomethingtotellus.”
“I,sir?I—well—”
“Outwithit,Williamson,”saidO’Rourke.
“It’snothing,really—nothingatall.”
“Outwithit.”
“It’sonlyascrapofconversationIoverheard—atRutbah—inthecourtyard.I’dgotbackintothesix-wheelertolookformycigarettecase.Iwashuntingabout.Twofellowswerejustoutsidetalking.OneofthemwasSmethurst.Hewassaying—”
Hepaused.
“Comeon,man,outwithit.”
“Somethingaboutnotwantingtoletapaldown.Hesoundedverydistressed.Thenhesaid:‘I’llholdmytonguetillBaghdad—butnotaminuteafterwards.You’llhavetogetoutquickly.’”
“Andtheotherman?”
“Idon’tknowsir.IswearIdon’t.ItwasdarkandheonlysaidawordortwoandthatIcouldn’tcatch.”
“WhoamongstyouknowsSmethurstwell?”
“Idon’tthinkthewords—apal—couldrefertoanyonebutHensley,”saidO’Rourkeslowly.“IknewSmethurst,butveryslightly.Williamsonisnewout—soisSquadronLeaderLoftus.Idon’tthinkeitherofthemhaveevermethimbefore.”
Bothmenagreed.
“You,General?”
“IneversawtheyoungmanuntilwecrossedtheLebanoninthesamecarfromBeirut.”
“AndthatArmenianrat?”
“Hecouldn’tbeapal,”saidO’Rourkewithdecision.“AndnoArmenianwouldhavethenervetokillanyone.”
“Ihave,perhaps,asmalladditionalpieceofevidence,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
HerepeatedtheconversationhehadhadwithSmethurstinthecaféatDamascus
“Hemadeuseofthephrase—‘don’tliketogobackonapal,’”saidO’Rourkethoughtfully.“Andhewasworried.”
“Hasnooneelseanythingtoadd?”askedMr.ParkerPyne.
Thedoctorcoughed.
“Itmayhavenothingtodowith—”hebegan.
Hewasencouraged.
“ItwasjustthatIheardSmethurstsaytoHensley,‘Youcan’tdenythatthereisaleakageinyourdepartment.’”
“Whenwasthis?”
“JustbeforestartingfromDamascusyesterdaymorning.Ithoughttheywerejusttalkingshop.Ididn’timagine—”Hestopped.
“Myfriends,thisisinteresting,”saidtheGeneral.“Piecebypieceyouassembletheevidence.”
“Yousaidasandbag,doctor,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Couldamanmanufacturesuchaweapon?”
“Plentyofsand,”saidthedoctordrily.Hetooksomeupinhishandashespoke.
“Ifyouputsomeinasock,”beganO’Rourkeandhesitated.
EveryonerememberedthetwoshortsentencesspokenbyHensleythenightbefore
“Alwayscarrysparesocks.Neverknow.”
Therewasasilence.ThenMr.ParkerPynesaidquietly,“SquadronLeaderLoftus.IbelieveMr.Hensley’ssparesocksareinthepocketofhisovercoatwhichisnowinthecar.”
Theireyeswentforoneminutetowhereamoodyfigurewaspacingtoandfroonthehorizon.Hensleyhadheldaloofsincethediscoveryofthedeadman.Hiswishforsolitudehadbeenrespectedsinceitwasknownthatheandthedeadmanhadbeenfriends.
“Willyougetthemandbringthemhere?”
Thedoctorhesitated.
“Idon’tlike—”hemuttered.Helookedagainatthatpacingfigure.“Seemsabitlowdown—”
“Youmustgetthem,please,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Thecircumstancesareunusual.Wearemaroonedhere.Andwehavegottoknowthetruth.IfyouwillfetchthosesocksIfancyweshallbeastepnearer.”
Loftusturnedawayobediently.
Mr.ParkerPynedrewGeneralPolialittleaside.
“General,IthinkitwasyouwhosatacrosstheaislefromCaptainSmethurst.”
“Thatisso.”
“Didanyonegetupandpassdownthecar?”
“OnlytheEnglishlady,MissPryce.Shewenttothewashplaceattheback.”
“Didshestumbleatall?”
“Shelurchedwiththemovementofthecar,naturally.”
“Shewastheonlypersonyousawmovingabout?”
“Yes.”
TheGenerallookedathimcuriouslyandsaid,“Whoareyou,Iwonder?Youtakecommand,yetyouarenotasoldier.”
“Ihaveseenagooddealoflife,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Youhavetravelled,eh?”
“No,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Ihavesatinanoffice.”
Loftusreturnedcarryingthesocks.Mr.ParkerPynetookthemfromhimandexaminedthem.Totheinsideofoneofthemwetsandstilladhered.
Mr.ParkerPynedrewadeepbreath.
“NowIknow,”hesaid.
Alltheireyeswenttothepacingfigureonthehorizon.
“IshouldliketolookatthebodyifImay,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
HewentwiththedoctortowhereSmethurst’sbodyhadbeenlaiddowncoveredwithatarpaulin.
Thedoctorremovedthecover.
“There’snothingtosee,”hesaid.
ButMr.ParkerPyne’seyeswerefixedonthedeadman’stie.
“SoSmethurstwasanoldEtonian,”hesaid.
Loftuslookedsurprised.
ThenMr.ParkerPynesurprisedhimstillfurther.
“WhatdoyouknowofyoungWilliamson?”heasked.
“Nothingatall.IonlymethimatBeirut.I’dcomefromEgypt.Butwhy?Surely—?”
“Well,it’sonhisevidencewe’regoingtohangaman,isn’tit?”saidMr.ParkerPynecheerfully.“One’sgottobecareful.”
Hestillseemedtobeinterestedinthedeadman’stieandcollar.Heunfastenedthestudsandremovedthecollar.Thenheutteredanexclamation.
“Seethat?”
Onthebackofthecollarwasasmallroundbloodstain.
Hepeeredcloserdownattheuncoveredneck.
“Thismanwasn’tkilledbyablowonthehead,doctor,”hesaidbriskly.“Hewasstabbed—atthebaseoftheskull.Youcanjustseethetinypuncture.”
“AndImissedit!”
“You’dgotyourpreconceivednotion,”saidMr.ParkerPyneapologetically.“Ablowonthehead.It’seasyenoughtomissthis.Youcanhardlyseethewound.Aquickstabwithasmallsharpinstrumentanddeathwouldbeinstantaneous.Thevictimwouldn’tevencryout.”
“Doyoumeanastiletto?YouthinktheGeneral—?”
“Italiansandstilettosgotogetherinthepopularfancy—Hallo,herecomesacar!”
Atouringcarappearedoverthehorizon
“Good,”saidO’Rourkeashecameuptojointhem.“Theladiescangooninthat.”
“Whataboutourmurderer?”askedMr.ParkerPyne.
“YoumeanHensley—?”
“No,Idon’tmeanHensley,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“IhappentoknowthatHensley’sinnocent.”
“You—butwhy?”
“Well,yousee,hehadsandinhissock.”
O’Rourkestared.
“Iknowmyboy,”saidMr.ParkerPynegently,“itdoesn’tsoundlikesense,butitis.Smethurstwasn’thitonthehead,yousee,hewasstabbed.”
Hepausedaminuteandthenwenton.
“JustcastyourmindbacktotheconversationItoldyouabout—theconversationwehadinthecafé.Youpickedoutwhatwas,toyou,thesignificantphrase.Butitwasanotherphrasethatstruckme.WhenIsaidtohimthatIdidtheConfidenceTrickhesaid,‘What,youtoo?’Doesn’tthatstrikeyouasrathercurious?Idon’tknowthatyou’ddescribeaseriesofpeculationsfromaDepartmentasa‘ConfidenceTrick.’ConfidenceTrickismoredescriptiveofsomeoneliketheabscondingMr.SamuelLong,forinstance.”
Thedoctorstarted.O’Rourkesaid:“Yes—perhaps….”
“IsaidinjestthatperhapstheabscondingMr.Longwasoneofourparty.Supposethatthisisthetruth.”
“What—butit’simpossible!”
“Notatall.Whatdoyouknowofpeoplebesidestheirpassportsandtheaccountstheygiveofthemselves.AmIreallyMr.ParkerPyne?IsGeneralPolireallyanItalianGeneral?AndwhatofthemasculineMissPryceseniorwhoneedsashavemostdistinctly.”
“Buthe—butSmethurst—didn’tknowLong?”
“SmethurstisanoldEtonian.Longalso,wasatEton.Smethurstmayhaveknownhimalthoughhedidn’ttellyouso.Hemayhaverecognizedhimamongstus.Andifso,whatishetodo?Hehasasimplemind,andheworriesoverthematter.HedecidesatlasttosaynothinguntilBaghdadisreached.Butafterthathewillholdhistonguenolonger.”
“YouthinkoneofusisLong,”saidO’Rourke,stilldazed.
Hedrewadeepbreath.
“ItmustbetheItalianfellow—itmust…orwhatabouttheArmenian?”
“TomakeupasaforeignerandtogetaforeignpassportisreallymuchmoredifficultthantoremainEnglish,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“MissPryce?”saidO’Rourkeincredulously.
“No,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thisisourman!”
Helaidwhatseemedanalmostfriendlyhandontheshoulderofthemanbesidehim.Buttherewasnothingfriendlyinhisvoice,andthefingerswerevice-likeintheirgrip.
“SquadronLeaderLoftusorMr.SamuelLong,itdoesn’tmatterwhatyoucallhim!”
“Butthat’simpossible—impossible,”splutteredO’Rourke.“Loftushasbeenintheserviceforyears.”
“Butyou’venevermethimbefore,haveyou?Hewasastrangertoallofyou.Itisn’ttherealLoftusnaturally.”
Thequietmanfoundhisvoice.
“Cleverofyoutoguess.Howdidyou,bytheway?”
“YourridiculousstatementthatSmethursthadbeenkilledbybumpinghishead.O’RourkeputthatideaintoyourheadwhenwewerestandingtalkinginDamascusyesterday.Youthought—howsimple!Youweretheonlydoctorwithus—whateveryousaidwouldbeaccepted.You’dgotLoftus’skit.You’dgothisinstruments.Itwaseasytoselectaneatlittletoolforyourpurpose.Youleanovertospeaktohimandasyouarespeakingyoudrivethelittleweaponhome.Youtalkaminuteortwolonger.Itisdarkinthecar.Whowillsuspect?
“Thencomesthediscoveryofthebody.Yougiveyourverdict.Butitdoesnotgoaseasilyasyouthought.Doubtsareraised.Youfallbackonasecondlineofdefence.WilliamsonrepeatstheconversationhehasoverheardSmethursthavingwithyou.ItistakentorefertoHensleyandyouaddadamaginglittleinventionofyourownaboutaleakageinHensley’sdepartment.AndthenImakeafinaltest.Imentionthesandandthesocks.Youareholdingahandfulofsand.Isendyoutofindthesockssothatwemayknowthetruth.ButbythatIdidnotmeanwhatyouthoughtImeant.IhadalreadyexaminedHensley’ssocksTherewasnosandineitherofthem.Youputitthere.”
Mr.SamuelLonglitacigarette.“Igiveitup,”hesaid.“Myluck’sturned.Well,Ihadagoodrunwhileitlasted.TheyweregettinghotonmytrailwhenIreachedEgypt.IcameacrossLoftus.HewasgoingtojoinupinBaghdad—andheknewnoneofthemthere.Itwastoogoodachancetobemissed.Iboughthim.Itcostmetwentythousandpounds.Whatwasthattome?Then,bycursedillluck,IrunintoSmethurst—anassifthereeverwasone!HewasmyfagatEton.Hehadabitofheroworshipformeinthosedays.Hedidn’tliketheideaofgivingmeaway.IdidmybestandatlasthepromisedtosaynothingtillwereachedBaghdad.WhatchanceshouldIhavethen?Noneatall.Therewasonlyoneway—toeliminatehim.ButIcanassureyouIamnotamurdererbynature.Mytalentslieinquiteanotherdirection.”
Hisfacechanged—contracted.Heswayedandpitchedforward.
O’Rourkebentoverhim.
“Probablyprussicacid—inthecigarette,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thegamblerhaslosthislastthrow.”
Helookedaroundhim—atthewidedesert.Thesunbeatdownonhim.OnlyyesterdaytheyhadleftDamascus—bytheGateofBaghdad.
“Passnotbeneath,OCaravan,orpassnotsinging.HaveyouheardThatsilencewherethebirdsaredeadyetsomethingpipethlikeabird?”Nine
THEHOUSEATSHIRAZ
“TheHouseatShiraz”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAinCosmopolitan,April1933,andthenas“IntheHouseatShiraz”inNash’sPallMall,June1933.
ItwassixinthemorningwhenMr.ParkerPyneleftforPersiaafterastopinBaghdad.
Thepassengerspaceinthelittlemonoplanewaslimited,andthesmallwidthoftheseatswasnotsuchastoaccommodatethebulkofMr.ParkerPynewithanythinglikecomfort.Thereweretwofellowtravellers—alarge,floridmanwhomMr.ParkerPynejudgedtobeofatalkativehabitandathinwomanwithpursed-uplipsandadeterminedair.
“Atanyrate,”thoughtMr.ParkerPyne,“theydon’tlookasthoughtheywouldwanttoconsultmeprofessionally.”
Nordidthey.ThelittlewomanwasanAmericanmissionary,fullofhardworkandhappiness,andthefloridmanwasemployedbyanoilcompany.Theyhadgiventheirfellowtravellerarésuméoftheirlivesbeforetheplanestarted.
“Iammerelyatourist,Iamafraid,”Mr.ParkerPynehadsaiddeprecatingly.“IamgoingtoTeheranandIspahanandShiraz.”
Andthesheermusicofthenamesenchantedhimsomuchashesaidthemthatherepeatedthem.Teheran.Ispahan.Shiraz.
Mr.ParkerPynelookedoutatthecountrybelowhim.Itwasflatdesert.Hefeltthemysteryofthesevast,unpopulatedregions.
AtKermanshahthemachinecamedownforpassportexaminationsandcustoms.AbagofMr.ParkerPyne’swasopened.Acertainsmallcardboardboxwasscrutinizedwithsomeexcitement.Questionswereasked.SinceMr.ParkerPynedidnotspeakorunderstandPersian,thematterwasdifficult.
Thepilotofthemachinestrolledup.Hewasafair-hairedyoungGerman,afine-lookingman,withdeep-blueeyesandaweatherbeatenface.“Please?”heinquiredpleasantly.
Mr.ParkerPyne,whohadbeenindulginginsomeexcellentrealisticpantomimewithout,itseemed,muchsuccess,turnedtohimwithrelief.“It’sbugpowder,”hesaid.“Doyouthinkyoucouldexplainittothem?”
Thepilotlookedpuzzled.“Please?”
Mr.ParkerPynerepeatedhispleainGerman.ThepilotgrinnedandtranslatedthesentenceintoPersian.Thegraveandsadofficialswerepleased;theirsorrowfulfacesrelaxed;theysmiled.Oneevenlaughed.Theyfoundtheideahumorous.
Thethreepassengerstooktheirplacesinthemachineagainandtheflightcontinued.TheyswoopeddownatHamadantodropthemails,buttheplanedidnotstop.Mr.ParkerPynepeereddown,tryingtoseeifhecoulddistinguishtherockofBehistun,thatromanticspotwhereDariusdescribestheextentofhisempireandconquestsinthreedifferentlanguages—Babylonian,MedianandPersian.
Itwasoneo’clockwhentheyarrivedatTeheran.Thereweremorepoliceformalities.TheGermanpilothadcomeupandwasstandingbysmilingasMr.ParkerPynefinishedansweringalonginterrogationwhichhehadnotunderstood.
“WhathaveIsaid?”heaskedoftheGerman.
“Thatyourfather’sChristiannameisTourist,thatyourprofessionisCharles,thatthemaidennameofyourmotherisBaghdad,andthatyouhavecomefromHarriet.”
“Doesitmatter?”
“Nottheleastintheworld.Justanswersomething;thatisalltheyneed.”
Mr.ParkerPynewasdisappointedinTeheran.Hefounditdistressinglymodern.HesaidasmuchthefollowingeveningwhenhehappenedtorunintoHerrSchlagal,thepilot,justashewasenteringhishotel.Onanimpulseheaskedtheothermantodine,andtheGermanaccepted.
TheGeorgianwaiterhoveredoverthemandissuedhisorders.Thefoodarrived.
Whentheyhadreachedthestageoflatorte,asomewhatstickyconfectionofchocolate,theGermansaid:
“SoyougotoShiraz?”
“Yes.Ishallflythere.ThenIshallcomebackfromShiraztoIspahanandTeheranbyroad.IsityouwhowillflymetoShiraztomorrow?”
“Ach,no.IreturntoBaghdad.”
“Youhavebeenlonghere?”
“Threeyears.Ithasonlybeenestablishedthreeyears,ourservice.Sofar,wehaveneverhadanaccident—unberufen!”Hetouchedthetable.
Thickcupsofsweetcoffeewerebrought.Thetwomensmoked.
“Myfirstpassengersweretwoladies,”saidtheGermanreminiscently.“TwoEnglishladies.”
“Yes?”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Theoneshewasayoungladyverywellborn,thedaughterofoneofyourministers,the—howdoesonesayit?—theLadyEstherCarr.Shewashandsome,veryhandsome,butmad.”
“Mad?”
“Completelymad.ShelivesthereatShirazinabignativehouse.ShewearsEasterndress.ShewillseenoEuropeans.Isthatalifeforawellbornladytolive?”
“Therehavebeenothers,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“TherewasLadyHesterStanhope—”
“Thisoneismad,”saidtheotherabruptly.“Youcouldseeitinhereyes.JustsohaveIseentheeyesofmysubmarinecommanderinthewar.Heisnowinanasylum.”
Mr.ParkerPynewasthoughtful.HerememberedLordMicheldever,LadyEstherCarr’sfather,well.HehadworkedunderhimwhenthelatterwasHomeSecretary—abigblondmanwithlaughingblueeyes.HehadseenLadyMicheldeveronce—anotedIrishbeautywithherblackhairandviolet-blueeyes.Theywerebothhandsome,normalpeople,butforallthattherewasinsanityintheCarrfamily.Itcroppedupeverynowandthen,aftermissingageneration.Itwasodd,hethought,thatHerrSchlagalshouldstressthepoint.
“Andtheotherlady,”heaskedidly.
“Theotherlady—isdead.”
SomethinginhisvoicemadeMr.ParkerPynelookupsharply.
“Ihaveaheart,”saidHerrSchlagal.“Ifeel.Shewas,tome,mostbeautiful,thatlady.Youknowhowitis,thesethingscomeoveryouallofasudden.Shewasaflower—aflower.”Hesigheddeeply.“Iwenttoseethemonce—atthehouseatShiraz.TheLadyEsther,sheaskedmetocome.Mylittleone,myflower,shewasafraidofsomething,Icouldseeit.WhennextIcamebackfromBaghdad,Ihearthatsheisdead.Dead!”
Hepausedandthensaidthoughtfully:“Itmightbethattheotheronekilledher.Shewasmad,Itellyou.”
Hesighed,andMr.ParkerPyneorderedtwoBenedictines.
“Thecura?ao,itisgood,”saidtheGeorgianwaiter,andbroughtthemtwocura?aos.
Justafternoonthefollowingday,Mr.ParkerPynehadhisfirstviewofShiraz.Theyhadflownovermountainrangeswithnarrow,desolatevalleysbetween,andallarid,parched,drywilderness.ThensuddenlyShirazcameintoview—anemerald-greenjewelintheheartofthewilderness.
Mr.ParkerPyneenjoyedShirazashehadnotenjoyedTeheran.Theprimitivecharacterofthehoteldidnotappalhim,northeequallyprimitivecharacterofthestreets.
HefoundhimselfinthemidstofaPersianholiday.TheNanRuzfestivalhadbegunonthepreviousevening—thefifteen-dayperiodinwhichthePersianscelebratetheirNewYears.Hewanderedthroughtheemptybazaarsandpassedoutintothegreatopenstretchofcommononthenorthsideofthecity.AllShirazwascelebrating.
Onedayhewalkedjustoutsidethetown.HehadbeentothetombofHafizthepoet,anditwasonreturningthathesaw,andwasfascinatedby,ahouse.Ahousealltiledinblueandroseandyellow,setinagreengardenwithwaterandorangetreesandroses.Itwas,hefelt,thehouseofadream.
ThatnighthewasdiningwiththeEnglishconsulandheaskedaboutthehouse.
“Fascinatingplace,isn’tit?ItwasbuiltbyaformerwealthygovernorofLuristan,whohadmadeagoodthingoutofhisofficialposition.AnEnglishwoman’sgotitnow.Youmusthaveheardofher.LadyEstherCarr.Madasahatter.Gonecompletelynative.Won’thaveanythingtodowithanythingoranyoneBritish.”
“Issheyoung?”
“Tooyoungtoplaythefoolinthisway.She’saboutthirty.”
“TherewasanotherEnglishwomanwithher,wasn’tthere?Awomanwhodied?”
“Yes;thatwasaboutthreeyearsago.HappenedthedayafterItookupmyposthere,asamatteroffact.Barham,mypredecessor,diedsuddenly,youknow.”
“Howdidshedie?”askedMr.ParkerPynebluntly.
“Fellfromthatcourtyardorbalconyplaceonthefirstfloor.ShewasLadyEsther’smaidorcompanion,Iforgetwhich.Anyway,shewascarryingthebreakfasttrayandsteppedbackovertheedge.Verysad;nothingtobedone;crackedherskullonthestonebelow.”
“Whatwashername?”
“King,Ithink;orwasitWillis?No,that’sthemissionarywoman.Ratheranice-lookinggirl.”
“WasLadyEstherupset?”
“Yes—no.Idon’tknow.Shewasvery,queer;Icouldn’tmakeherout.She’savery—well,imperiouscreature.Youcanseesheissomebody,ifyouknowwhatImean;sheratherscaredmewithhercommandingwaysandherdark,flashingeyes.”
Helaughedhalf-apologetically,thenlookedcuriouslyathiscompanion.Mr.ParkerPynewasapparentlystaringintospace.Thematchhehadjuststrucktolighthiscigarettewasburningawayunheededinhishand.Itburneddowntohisfingersandhedroppeditwithanejaculationofpain.Thenhesawtheconsul’sastonishedexpressionandsmiled.
“Ibegyourpardon,”hesaid.
“Woolgathering,weren’tyou?”
“Threebagsfull,”saidMr.ParkerPyneenigmatically.
Theytalkedofothermatters.
Thatevening,bythelightofasmalloillamp,Mr.ParkerPynewrotealetter.Hehesitatedagooddealoveritscomposition.Yetintheenditwasverysimple:Mr.ParkerPynepresentshiscomplimentstoLadyEstherCarrandbegstostatethatheisstayingattheHotelFarsforthenextthreedaysshouldshewishtoconsulthim.
Heenclosedacutting—thefamousadvertisement
“Thatoughttodothetrick,”saidMr.ParkerPyneashegotgingerlyintohisratheruncomfortablebed.“Letmesee,nearlythreeyears;yes,itoughttodoit.”
Onthefollowingdayaboutfouro’clocktheanswercame.ItwasbroughtbyaPersianservantwhoknewnoEnglish.
LadyEstherCarrwillbegladifMr.ParkerPynewillcalluponheratnineo’clockthisevening.
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.
Itwasthesameservantwhoreceivedhimthatevening.Hewastakenthroughthedarkgardenandupanoutsidestaircasethatledroundtothebackofthehouse.Fromthereadoorwasopenedandhepassedthroughintothecentralcourtorbalcony,whichwasopentothenight.Abigdivanwasplacedagainstthewallandonitreclinedastrikingfigure.
LadyEstherwasattiredinEasternrobes,anditmighthavebeensuspectedthatonereasonforherpreferencelayinthefactthattheysuitedherrich,Orientalstyleofbeauty.Imperious,theconsulcalledher,andindeedimperiousshelooked.Herchinwasheldhighandherbrowswerearrogant.
“YouareMr.ParkerPyne?Sitdownthere.”
Herhandpointedtoaheapofcushions.Onthethirdfingerthereflashedabigemeraldcarvedwiththearmsofherfamily.Itwasanheirloomandmustbeworthasmallfortune,Mr.ParkerPynereflected.
Heloweredhimselfobediently,thoughwithalittledifficulty.Foramanofhisfigureitisnoteasytositonthegroundgracefully.
Aservantappearedwithcoffee.Mr.ParkerPynetookhiscupandsippedappreciatively.
HishostesshadacquiredtheOrientalhabitofinfiniteleisure.Shedidnotrushintoconversation.She,too,sippedhercoffeewithhalf-closedeyes.Atlastshespoke.
“Soyouhelpunhappypeople,”shesaid.“Atleast,thatiswhatyouradvertisementclaims.”
“Yes.”
“Whydidyousendittome?Isityourwayof—doingbusinessonyourtravels?”
Therewassomethingdecidedlyoffensiveinhervoice,butMr.ParkerPyneignoredit.Heansweredsimply,“No.Myideaintravellingistohaveacompleteholidayfrombusiness.”
“Thenwhysendittome?”
“BecauseIhadreasontobelievethatyou—areunhappy.”
Therewasamoment’ssilence.Hewasverycurious.Howwouldshetakethat?Shegaveherselfaminutetodecidethatpoint.Thenshelaughed.
“Isupposeyouthoughtthatanyonewholeavestheworld,wholivesasIdo,cutofffrommyrace,frommycountry,mustdosobecausesheisunhappy!Sorrow,disappointment—youthinksomethinglikethatdrovemeintoexile?Oh,well,howshouldyouunderstand?There—inEngland—Iwasafishoutofwater.HereIammyself.IamanOrientalatheart.Ilovethisseclusion.Idaresayyoucan’tunderstandthat.Toyou,Imustseem”—shehesitatedamoment—“mad.”
“You’renotmad,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Therewasagooddealofquietassuranceinhisvoice.Shelookedathimcuriously.
“Butthey’vebeensayingIam,Isuppose.Fools!Ittakesallkindstomakeaworld.I’mperfectlyhappy.”
“Andyetyoutoldmetocomehere,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“IwilladmitIwascurioustoseeyou.”Shehesitated.“Besides,Ineverwanttogobackthere—toEngland—butallthesame,sometimesIliketohearwhatisgoingonin—”
“Intheworldyouhaveleft?”
Sheacknowledgedthesentencewithanod.
Mr.ParkerPynebegantotalk.Hisvoice,mellowandreassuring,beganquietly,thenroseeversolittleasheemphasizedthispointandthat.
HetalkedofLondon,ofsocietygossip,offamousmenandwomen,ofnewrestaurantsandnewnightclubs,ofracemeetingsandshootingpartiesandcountry-housescandals.Hetalkedofclothes,offashionsfromParis,oflittleshopsinunfashionablestreetswheremarvellousbargainscouldbehad.
Hedescribedtheatresandcinemas,hegavefilmnews,hedescribedthebuildingofnewgardensuburbs,hetalkedofbulbsandgardening,andhecamelasttoahomelydescriptionofLondonintheevening,withthetramsandbusesandthehurryingcrowdsgoinghomewardaftertheday’sworkandofthelittlehomesawaitingthem,andofthewholestrangeintimatepatternofEnglishfamilylife.
Itwasaveryremarkableperformance,displayingasitdidwideandunusualknowledgeandaclevermarshallingofthefacts.LadyEsther’sheadhaddrooped;thearroganceofherpoisehadbeenabandoned.Forsometimehertearshadbeenquietlyfalling,andnowthathehadfinished,sheabandonedallpretenceandweptopenly.
Mr.ParkerPynesaidnothing.Hesattherewatchingher.Hisfacehadthequiet,satisfiedexpressionofonewhohasconductedanexperimentandobtainedthedesiredresult.
Sheraisedherheadatlast.“Well,”shesaidbitterly,“areyousatisfied?”
“Ithinkso—now.”
“HowshallIbearit;howshallIbearit?Nevertoleavehere;nevertosee—anyoneagain!”Thecrycameasthoughwrungoutofher.Shecaughtherselfup,flushing.“Well?”shedemandedfiercely.“Aren’tyougoingtomaketheobviousremark?Aren’tyougoingtosay,‘Ifyouwanttogohomesomuch,whynotdoso?’”
“No.”Mr.ParkerPyneshookhishead.“It’snotnearlyaseasyasthatforyou.”
Forthefirsttimealittlelookoffearcreptintohereyes.
“DoyouknowwhyIcan’tgo?”
“Ithinkso.”
“Wrong.”Sheshookherhead.“ThereasonIcan’tgoisareasonyou’dneverguess.”
“Idon’tguess,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Iobserve—andIclassify.”
Sheshookherhead.“Youdon’tknowanythingatall.”
“Ishallhavetoconvinceyou,Isee,”saidMr.ParkerPynepleasantly.“Whenyoucameouthere,LadyEsther,youflew,Ibelieve,bythenewGermanAirServicefromBaghdad?”
“Yes?”
“Youwereflownbyayoungpilot,HerrSchlagal,whoafterwardscameheretoseeyou.”
“Yes.”
Adifferent“yes”insomeindescribableway—asofter“yes.”
“Andyouhadafriend,orcompanionwho—died.”Avoicelikesteelnow—cold,offesnive.
“Mycompanion.”
“Hernamewas—?”
“MurielKing.”
“Wereyoufondofher?”
“Whatdoyoumean,fond?”Shepaused,checkedherself.“Shewasusefultome.”
ShesaidithaughtilyandMr.ParkerPynewasremindedoftheconsul’ssaying:“Youcanseesheissomebody,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
“Wereyousorrywhenshedied?”
“I—naturally!Really,Mr.Pyne,isitnecessarytogointoallthis?”Shespokeangrily,andwentonwithoutwaitingforananswer:“Ithasbeenverygoodofyoutocome.ButIamalittletired.IfyouwilltellmewhatIoweyou—?”
ButMr.ParkerPynedidnotmove.Heshowednosignsoftakingoffence.Hewentquietlyonwithhisquestions.“Sinceshedied,HerrSchlagalhasnotbeentoseeyou.Supposeheweretocome,wouldyoureceivehim?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Yourefuseabsolutely?”
“Absolutely.HerrSchlagalwillnotbeadmitted.”
“Yes,”saidMr.ParkerPynethoughtfully.“Youcouldnotsayanythingelse.”
Thedefensivearmourofherarrogancebrokedownalittle.Shesaiduncertainly:“I—Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Didyouknow,LadyEsther,thatyoungSchlagalfellinlovewithMurielKing?Heisasentimentalyoungman.Hestilltreasureshermemory.”
“Doeshe?”Hervoicewasalmostawhisper.
“Whatwasshelike?”
“Whatdoyoumean,whatwasshelike?HowdoIknow?”
“Youmusthavelookedathersometimes,”saidMr.ParkerPynemildly.
“Oh,that!Shewasquiteanice-lookingyoungwoman.”
“Aboutyourownage?”
“Justabout.”Therewasapause,andthenshesaid:
“Whydoyouthinkthat—thatSchlagalcaredforher?”
“Becausehetoldmeso.Yes,yes,inthemostunmistakableterms.AsIsay,heisasentimentalyoungman.Hewasgladtoconfideinme.Hewasveryupsetatherdyingthewayshedid.”
LadyEsthersprangtoherfeet.“DoyoubelieveImurderedher?”
Mr.ParkerPynedidnotspringtohisfeet.Hewasnotaspringingkindofman
“No,mydearchild,”hesaid.“Idonotbelievethatyoumurderedher,andthatbeingso,Ithinkthesooneryoustopthisplayactingandgohome,thebetter.”
“Whatdoyoumean,playacting?”
“Thetruthis,youlostyournerve.Yes,youdid.Youlostyournervebadly.Youthoughtyou’dbeaccusedofmurderingyouremployer.”
Thegirlmadeasuddenmovement.
Mr.ParkerPynewenton.“YouarenotLadyEstherCarr.IknewthatbeforeIcamehere,butI’vetestedyoutomakesure.”Hissmilebrokeout,blandandbenevolent.
“WhenIsaidmylittlepiecejustnow,Iwaswatchingyou,andeverytimeyoureactedasMurielKing,notasEstherCarr.Thecheapshops,thecinemas,thenewgardensuburbs,goinghomebybusandtram—youreactedtoallthose.Country-housegossip,newnightclubs,thechatterofMayfair,racemeetings—noneofthesemeantanythingtoyou.”
Hisvoicebecameevenmorepersuasiveandfatherly.“Sitdownandtellmeaboutit.Youdidn’tmurderLadyEsther,butyouthoughtyoumightbeaccusedofdoingso.Justtellmehowitallcameabout.”
Shetookalongbreath;thenshesankdownoncemoreonthedivanandbegantospeak.Herwordscamehurriedly,inlittlebursts.
“Imustbegin—atthebeginning.I—Iwasafraidofher.Shewasmad—notquitemad—justalittle.Shebroughtmeoutherewithher.LikeafoolIwasdelighted;Ithoughtitwassoromantic.Littlefool.That’swhatIwas,alittlefool.Therewassomebusinessaboutachauffeur.Shewasman-mad—absolutelyman-mad.Hewouldn’thaveanythingtodowithher,anditgotout;herfriendsgottoknowaboutitandlaughed.Andshebrokeloosefromherfamilyandcameouthere.
“Itwasallaposetosaveherface—solitudeinthedesert—allthatsortofthing.Shewouldhavekeptitupforabit,andthengoneback.Butshegotqueererandqueerer.Andthentherewasthepilot.She—tookafancytohim.Hecameheretoseeme,andshethought—ohwell,youcanunderstand.Buthemusthavemadeitcleartoher….
“Andthenshesuddenlyturnedonme.Shewasawful,frightening.ShesaidIshouldnevergohomeagain.ShesaidIwasinherpower.ShesaidIwasaslave.Justthat—aslave.Shehadthepoweroflifeanddeathoverme.”
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.Hesawthesituationunfolding.LadyEstherslowlygoingovertheedgeofsanity,asothersofherfamilyhadgonebeforeher,andthefrightenedgirl,ignorantanduntravelled,believingeverythingthatwassaidtoher.
“Butonedaysomethinginmeseemedtosnap.Istooduptoher.ItoldherthatifitcametoitIwasstrongerthanshewas.ItoldherI’dthrowherdownontothestonesbelow.Shewasfrightened,reallyfrightened.Isupposeshe’djustthoughtmeaworm.Itookasteptowardher—Idon’tknowwhatshethoughtImeanttodo.Shemovedbackwards;she—shesteppedbackofftheedge!”MurielKingburiedherfaceinherhands.
“Andthen?”Mr.ParkerPynepromptedgently.
“Ilostmyhead.Ithoughtthey’dsayI’dpushedherover.Ithoughtnobodywouldlistentome.IthoughtIshouldbethrownintosomeawfulprisonouthere.”Herlipsworked.Mr.ParkerPynesawclearlyenoughtheunreasoningfearthathadpossessedher.“Andthenitcametome—ifitwereI!IknewthattherewouldbeanewBritishconsulwho’dneverseeneitherofus.Theotheronehaddied.
“IthoughtIcouldmanagetheservants.TothemweweretwomadEnglishwomen.Whenonewasdead,theothercarriedon.IgavethemgoodpresentsofmoneyandtoldthemtosendfortheBritishconsul.HecameandIreceivedhimasLadyEsther.Ihadherringonmyfinger.Hewasveryniceandarrangedeverything.Nobodyseemedtohavetheleastsuspicion.”
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedthoughtfully.LadyEstherCarrmightbemadasahatter,butshewasstillLadyEstherCarr.
“Andthenafterwards,”continuedMuriel,“IwishedIhadn’t.IsawthatI’dbeenquitemadmyself.Iwascondemnedtostayonhereplayingapart.Ididn’tseehowIcouldevergetaway.IfIconfessedthetruthnow,itwouldlookmorethaneverasthoughI’dmurderedher.Oh,Mr.Pyne,whatshallIdo?WhatshallIdo?”
“Do?”Mr.ParkerPynerosetohisfeetasbrisklyashisfigureallowed.“Mydearchild,youwillcomewithmenowtotheBritishconsul,whoisaveryamiableandkindlyman.Therewillbecertainunpleasantformalitiestogothrough.Idon’tpromiseyouthatitwillbeallplainsailing,butyouwon’tbehangedformurder.Bytheway,whywasthebreakfasttrayfoundwiththebody?”
“Ithrewitover.I—Ithoughtitwouldlookmorelikemetohaveatraythere.Wasitsillyofme?”
“Itwasratheraclevertouch,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Infact,itwastheonepointwhichmademewonderifyoumight,perhaps,havedoneawaywithLadyEsther—thatis,untilIsawyou.WhenIsawyou,Iknewthatwhateverelseyoumightdoinyourlife,youwouldneverkillanyone.”
“BecauseIhaven’tthenerve,youmean?”
“Yourreflexeswouldn’tworkthatway,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,smiling.“Now,shallwego?There’sanunpleasantjobtobefaced,butI’llseeyouthroughit,andthen—hometoStreathamHill—itisStreathamHill,isn’tit?Yes,Ithoughtso.IsawyourfacecontractwhenImentionedoneparticularbusnumber.Areyoucoming,mydear?”
MurielKinghungback.“They’llneverbelieveme,”shesaidnervously.“Herfamilyandall.Theywouldn’tbelieveshecouldactthewayshedid.”
“Leaveittome,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Iknowsomethingofthefamilyhistory,yousee.Come,child,don’tgoonplayingthecoward.Remember,there’sayoungmansighinghisheartout.WehadbetterarrangethatitisinhisplaneyouflytoBaghdad.”
Thegirlsmiledandblushed.“I’mready,”shesaidsimply.Then,asshemovedtowardsthedoor,sheturnedback.“YousaidyouknewIwasnotLadyEstherCarrbeforeyousawme.Howcouldyoupossiblytellthat?”
“Statistics,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Statistics?”
“Yes.BothLordandLadyMicheldeverhadblueeyes.WhentheconsulmentionedthattheirdaughterhadflashingdarkeyesIknewtherewassomethingwrong.Brown-eyedpeoplemayproduceablue-eyedchild,butnottheotherwayabout.Ascientificfact,Iassureyou.”
“Ithinkyou’rewonderful!”saidMurielKing.
Ten
THEPEARLOFPRICE
“ThePearlofPrice”wasfirstpublishedas“ThePearl”inNash’sPallMall,July1933.
Thepartyhadhadalongandtiringday.TheyhadstartedfromAmmanearlyinthemorningwithatemperatureofninety-eightintheshade,andhadcomeatlastjustasitwasgrowingdarkintothecampsituatedintheheartofthatcityoffantasticandpreposterousredrockwhichisPetra.
Thereweresevenofthem,Mr.CalebP.Blundell,thatstoutandprosperousAmericanmagnate.Hisdarkandgood-looking,ifsomewhattaciturn,secretary,JimHurst.SirDonaldMarvel,M.P.,atired-lookingEnglishpolitician.DoctorCarver,aworld-renownedelderlyarchaeologist.AgallantFrenchman,ColonelDubosc,onleavefromSyria.AMr.ParkerPyne,notperhapssoplainlylabelledwithhisprofession,butbreathinganatmosphereofBritishsolidity.Andlastly,therewasMissCarolBlundell—pretty,spoiled,andextremelysureofherselfastheonlywomanamonghalfadozenmen.
Theydinedinthebigtent,havingselectedtheirtentsorcavesforsleepingin.TheytalkedofpoliticsintheNearEast—theEnglishmancautiously,theFrenchmandiscreetly,theAmericansomewhatfatuously,andthearchaeologistandMr.ParkerPynenotatall.Bothofthem,itseemed,preferredther?leoflisteners.SoalsodidJimHurst.
Thentheytalkedofthecitytheyhadcometovisit.
“It’sjusttooromanticforwords,”saidCarol.“Tothinkofthose—whatdoyoucall’em—Nabataeanslivinghereallthatwhileago,almostbeforetimebegan!”
“Hardlythat,”saidMr.ParkerPynemildly.“Eh,DoctorCarver?”
“Oh,that’sanaffairofameretwothousandyearsback,andifracketeersareromantic,thenIsupposetheNabataeansaretoo.Theywereapackofwealthyblackguards,Ishouldsay,whocompelledtravellerstousetheirowncaravanroutes,andsawtoitthatallotherrouteswereunsafe.Petrawasthestorehouseoftheirracketeeringprofits.”
“Youthinktheywerejustrobbers?”askedCarol.“Justcommonthieves?”
“Thievesisalessromanticword,MissBlundell.Athiefsuggestsaprettypilferer.Arobbersuggestsalargercanvas.”
“Whataboutamodernfinancier?”suggestedMr.ParkerPynewithatwinkle.
“That’soneforyou,Pop!”saidCarol.
“Amanwhomakesmoneybenefitsmankind,”saidMr.Blundellsententiously.
“Mankind,”murmuredMr.ParkerPyne,“issoungrateful.”
“Whatishonesty?”demandedtheFrenchman.“Itisanuance,aconvention.Indifferentcountriesitmeansdifferentthings.AnArabisnotashamedofstealing.Heisnotashamedoflying.Withhimitisfromwhomhestealsortowhomheliesthatmatters.”
“Thatisthepointofview—yes,”agreedCarver.
“WhichshowsthesuperiorityoftheWestovertheEast,”saidBlundell.“Whenthesepoorcreaturesgeteducation—”
SirDonaldenteredlanguidlyintotheconversation.“Educationisratherrot,youknow.Teachesfellowsalotofuselessthings.AndwhatImeanis,nothingalterswhatyouare.”
“Youmean?”
“Well,whatImeantosayis,forinstance,onceathief,alwaysathief.”
Therewasadeadsilenceforamoment.ThenCarolbegantalkingfeverishlyaboutmosquitoes,andherfatherbackedherup.
SirDonald,alittlepuzzled,murmuredtohisneighbour,Mr.ParkerPyne:“SeemsIdroppedabrick,what?”
“Curious,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Whatevermomentaryembarrassmenthadbeencaused,onepersonhadquitefailedtonoticeit.Thearchaeologisthadsatsilent,hiseyesdreamyandabstracted.Whenapausecame,hespokesuddenlyandabruptly.
“Youknow,”hesaid,“Iagreewiththat—atanyrate,fromtheoppositepointofview.Aman’sfundamentallyhonest,orheisn’t.Youcan’tgetawayfromit.”
“Youdon’tbelievethatsuddentemptation,forinstance,willturnanhonestmanintoacriminal?”askedMr.ParkerPyne.
“Impossible!”saidCarver.
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhisheadgently.“Iwouldn’tsayimpossible.Yousee,therearesomanyfactorstotakeintoaccount.There’sthebreakingpoint,forinstance.”
“Whatdoyoucallthebreakingpoint?”askedyoungHurst,speakingforthefirsttime.Hehadadeep,ratherattractivevoice.
“Thebrainisadjustedtocarrysomuchweight.Thethingthatprecipitatesthecrisis—thatturnsanhonestmanintoadishonestone—maybeameretrifle.Thatiswhymostcrimesareabsurd.Thecause,ninetimesoutoften,isthattrifleofoverweight—thestrawthatbreaksthecamel’sback.”
“Itisthepsychologyyoutalkthere,myfriend,”saidtheFrenchman.
“Ifacriminalwereapsychologist,whatacriminalhecouldbe!”saidMr.ParkerPyne.Hisvoicedweltlovinglyontheidea.“Whenyouthinkthatoftenpeopleyoumeet,atleastnineofthemcanbeinducedtoactinanywayyoupleasebyapplyingtherightstimulus.”
“Oh,explainthat!”criedCarol.
“There’sthebullyableman.Shoutloudenoughathim—andheobeys.There’sthecontradictoryman.Bullyhimtheoppositewayfromthewayinwhichyouwanthimtogo.Thenthere’sthesuggestibleperson,thecommonesttypeofall.Thosearethepeoplewhohaveseenamotor,becausetheyhaveheardamotorhorn;whoseeapostmanbecausetheyheartherattleoftheletterbox;whoseeaknifeinawoundbecausetheyaretoldamanhasbeenstabbed;orwhowillhaveheardthepistoliftheyaretoldamanhasbeenshot.”
“Iguessnoonecouldputthatsortofstuffoveronme,”saidCarolincredulously.
“You’retoosmartforthat,honey,”saidherfather.
“Itisverytruewhatyousay,”saidtheFrenchmanreflectively.“Thepreconceivedidea,itdeceivesthesenses.”
Carolyawned.“I’mgoingtomycave.I’mtiredtodeath.AbbasEffendisaidwehadtostartearlytomorrow.He’sgoingtotakeusuptotheplaceofsacrifice—whateverthatis.”
“Itiswheretheysacrificeyoungandbeautifulgirls,”saidSirDonald.
“Mercy,Ihopenot!Well,goodnight,all.Oh,I’vedroppedmyearring.”
ColonelDubosepickeditupfromwhereithadrolledacrossthetableandreturnedittoher.
“Aretheyreal?”askedSirDonaldabruptly.Discourteousforthemoment,hewasstaringatthetwolargesolitairepearlsinherears.
“They’rerealallright,”saidCarol
“Costmeeightythousanddollars,”saidherfatherwithrelish.“Andshescrewstheminsolooselythattheyfalloffandrollaboutthetable.Wanttoruinme,girl?”
“I’dsayitwouldn’truinyouevenifyouhadtobuymeanewpair,”saidCarolfondly.
“Iguessitwouldn’t,”herfatheracquiesced.“Icouldbuyyouthreepairsofearringswithoutnoticingitinmybankbalance.”Helookedproudlyaround.
“Howniceforyou!”saidSirDonald.
“Well,gentlemen,IthinkI’llturninnow,”saidBlundell.“Goodnight.”YoungHurstwentwithhim.
Theotherfoursmiledatoneanother,asthoughinsympathyoversomethought.
“Well,”drawledSirDonald,“it’snicetoknowhewouldn’tmissthemoney.Purse-proudhog!”headdedviciously
“Theyhavetoomuchmoney,theseAmericans,”saidDubosc.
“Itisdifficult,”saidMr.ParkerPynegently,“forarichmantobeappreciatedbythepoor.”
Dubosclaughed.“Envyandmalice?”hesuggested.“Youareright,Monsieur.Weallwishtoberich;tobuythepearlearringsseveraltimesover.Except,perhaps,Monsieurhere.”
HebowedtoDoctorCarverwho,asseemedusualwithhim,wasoncemorefaraway.Hewasfiddlingwithalittleobjectinhishand.
“Eh?”herousedhimself.“No,ImustadmitIdon’tcoverlargepearls.Moneyisalwaysuseful,ofcourse.”Histoneputitwhereitbelonged.“Butlookatthis,”hesaid.“Hereissomethingahundredtimesmoreinterestingthanpearls.”
“Whatisit?”
“It’sacylindersealofblackhaematiteandit’sgotapresentationsceneengravedonit—agoodintroducingasupplianttoamoreenthronedgod.Thesuppliantiscarryingakidbywayofanoffering,andtheaugustgodonthethronehastheflieskeptoffhimbyaflunkeywhowieldsapalmbranchflywhisk.ThatneatinscriptionmentionsthemanasaservantofHammurabi,sothatitmusthavebeenmadejustfourthousandyearsago.”
HetookalumpofPlasticinefromhispocketandsmearedsomeonthetable,thenheoileditwithalittlevaselineandpressedthesealuponit,rollingitout.Then,withapenknife,hedetachedasquareofthePlasticineandlevereditgentlyupfromthetable.
“Yousee?”hesaid.
ThescenehehaddescribedwasunrolledbeforetheminthePlasticine,clearandsharplydefined.
Foramomentthespellofthepastwaslaiduponthemall.Then,fromoutside,thevoiceofMr.Blundellwasraisedunmusically.
“Say,youniggers!Changemybaggageoutofthisdarnedcaveandintoatent!Theno-see-umsarebitinggoodandhard.Ishan’tgetawinkofsleep.”
“No-see-ums?”SirDonaldqueried.
“Probablysandflies,”saidDoctorCarver.
“Ilikeno-see-ums,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“It’samuchmoresuggestivename.”
Thepartystartedearlythefollowingmorning,gettingunderwayaftervariousexclamationsatthecolourandmarkingoftherocks.The“rosered”citywasindeedafreakinventedbyNatureinhermostextravagantandcolourfulmood.Thepartyproceededslowly,sinceDoctorCarverwalkedwithhiseyesbentontheground,occasionallypausingtopickupsmallobjects.
“Youcanalwaystellanarchaeologist—so,”saidColonelDubosc,smiling.“Heregardsneverthesky,northehills,northebeautiesofnature.Hewalkswithheadbent,searching.”
“Yes,butwhatfor?”saidCarol.“Whatarethethingsyouarepickingup,DoctorCarver?”
Withaslightsmilethearchaeologistheldoutacoupleofmuddyfragmentsofpottery.
“Thatrubbish!”criedCarolscornfully.
“Potteryismoreinterestingthangold,”saidDoctorCarver.Carollookeddisbelieving.
Theycametoasharpbendandpassedtwoorthreerockcuttombs.Theascentwassomewhattrying.TheBedouinguardswentahead,swinginguptheprecipitousslopesunconcernedly,withoutadownwardglanceatthesheerdropononesideofthem.
Carollookedratherpale.Oneguardleaneddownfromaboveandextendedahand.Hurstsprangupinfrontofherandheldouthissticklikearailontheprecipitousside.Shethankedhimwithaglance,andaminutelaterstoodsafelyonabroadpathofrock.Theothersfollowedslowly.Thesunwasnowhighandtheheatwasbeginningtobefelt.
Atlasttheyreachedabroadplateaualmostatthetop.Aneasyclimbledtothesummitofabigsquareblockofrock.Blundellsignifiedtotheguidethatthepartywouldgoupalone.TheBedouinsdisposedthemselvescomfortablyagainsttherocksandbegantosmoke.Afewshortminutesandtheothershadreachedthesummit.
Itwasacurious,bareplace.Theviewwasmarvellous,embracingthevalleyoneveryside.Theystoodonaplainrectangularfloor,withrockbasinscutinthesideandakindofsacrificialaltar.
“Aheavenlyplaceforsacrifices,”saidCarolwithenthusiasm.“Butmy,theymusthavehadatimegettingthevictimsuphere!”
“Therewasoriginallyakindofzigzagrockroad,”explainedDoctorCarver.“Weshallseetracesofitaswegodowntheotherway.”
Theyweresometimelongercommentingandtalking.Thentherewasatinychink,andDoctorCarversaid:“Ibelieveyoudroppedyourearringagain,MissBlundell.”
Carolclappedahandtoherear.“Why,soIhave.”
DuboscandHurstbegansearchingabout.
“Itmustbejusthere,”saidtheFrenchman.“Itcan’thaverolledaway,becausethereisnowhereforittorollto.Theplaceislikeasquarebox.”
“Itcan’thaverolledintoacrack?”queriedCarol.
“There’snotacrackanywhere,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youcanseeforyourself.Theplaceisperfectlysmooth.Ah,youhavefoundsomething,Colonel?”
“Onlyalittlepebble,”saidDubosc,smilingandthrowingitaway.
Graduallyadifferentspirit—aspiritoftension—cameoverthesearch.Theywerenotsaidaloud,butthewords“eightythousanddollars”werepresentineverybody’smind.
“Youaresureyouhadit,Carol?”snappedherfather.“Imean,perhapsyoudroppeditonthewayup.”
“Ihaditjustaswesteppedontotheplateauhere,”saidCarol.“Iknow,becauseDoctorCarverpointedouttomethatitwaslooseandhescreweditupforme.That’sso,isn’tit,Doctor?”
DoctorCarverassented.ItwasSirDonaldwhovoicedthethoughtsineverybody’smind.
“Thisisaratherunpleasantbusiness,Mr.Blundell,”hesaid.“Youweretellinguslastnightwhatthevalueoftheseearringsis.Oneofthemaloneisworthasmallfortune.Ifthisearringisnotfound,anditdoesnotlookasthoughitwillbefound,everyoneofuswillbeunderacertainsuspicion.”
“Andforone,Iasktobesearched,”brokeinColonelDubosc.“Idonotask,Idemanditasaright!”
“Yousearchmetoo,”saidHurst.Hisvoicesoundedharsh.
“Whatdoeseveryoneelsefeel?”askedSirDonald,lookingaround.
“Certainly,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Anexcellentidea,”saidDoctorCarver.
“I’llbeinonthistoo,gentlemen,”saidMr.Blundell.“I’vegotmyreasons,thoughIdon’twanttostressthem.”
“Justasyoulike,ofcourse,Mr.Blundell,”saidSirDonaldcourteously.
“Carol,mydear,willyougodownandwaitwiththeguides?”
Withoutawordthegirlleftthem.Herfacewassetandgrim.Therewasadespairinglookuponitthatcaughttheattentionofonememberoftheparty,atleast.Hewonderedjustwhatitmeant.
Thesearchproceeded.Itwasdrasticandthorough—andcompletelyunsatisfactory.Onethingwascertain.Noonewascarryingtheearringonhisperson.Itwasasubduedlittletroopthatnegotiatedthedescentandlistenedhalfheartedlytotheguide’sdescriptionsandinformation.
Mr.ParkerPynehadjustfinisheddressingforlunchwhenafigureappearedatthedoorofhistent.
“Mr.Pyne,mayIcomein?”
“Certainly,mydearyounglady,certainly.”
Carolcameinandsatdownonthebed.Herfacehadthesamegrimlookuponitthathehadnoticedearlierintheday
“Youpretendtostraightenoutthingsforpeoplewhentheyareunhappy,don’tyou?”shedemanded.
“Iamonholiday,MissBlundell.Iamnottakinganycases.”
“Well,you’regoingtotakethisone,”saidthegirlcalmly.“Lookhere,Mr.Pyne,I’mjustaswretchedasanyonecouldwellbe.”
“Whatistroublingyou?”heasked.“Isitthebusinessoftheearring?”
“That’sjustit.You’vesaidenough.JimHurstdidn’ttakeit,Mr.Pyne.Iknowhedidn’t.”
“Idon’tquitefollowyou,MissBlundell.Whyshouldanyoneassumehehad?”
“Becauseofhisrecord.JimHurstwasonceathief,Mr.Pyne.Hewascaughtinourhouse.I—Iwassorryforhim.Helookedsoyounganddesperate—”
“Andsogood-looking,”thoughtMr.ParkerPyne.
“IpersuadedPoptogivehimachancetomakegood.Myfatherwilldoanythingforme.Well,hegaveJimhischanceandJimhasmadegood.Father’scometorelyonhimandtotrusthimwithallhisbusinesssecrets.Andintheendhe’llcomearoundaltogether,orwouldhaveifthishadn’thappened.”
“Whenyousay‘comearound’—?”
“ImeanthatIwanttomarryJimandhewantstomarryme.”
“AndSirDonald?”
“SirDonaldisFather’sidea.He’snotmine.DoyouthinkIwanttomarryastuffedfishlikeSirDonald?”
WithoutexpressinganyviewsastothisdescriptionoftheyoungEnglishman,Mr.ParkerPyneasked:“AndSirDonaldhimself?”
“IdaresayhethinksI’dbegoodforhisimpoverishedacres,”saidCarolscornfully.
Mr.ParkerPyneconsideredthesituation.“Ishouldliketoaskyouabouttwothings,”hesaid.“Lastnighttheremarkwasmade‘onceathief,alwaysathief.’”
Thegirlnodded.
“Iseenowthereasonfortheembarrassmentthatremarkseemedtocause.”
“Yes,itwasawkwardforJim—andformeandPoptoo.IwassoafraidJim’sfacewouldshowsomethingthatIjusttrottedoutthefirstremarksIcouldthinkof.”
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedthoughtfully.Thenheasked:“Justwhydidyourfatherinsistonbeingsearchedtoday?”
“Youdidn’tgetthat?Idid.PophaditinhismindthatImightthinkthewholebusinesswasaframe-upagainstJim.Yousee,he’scrazyformetomarrytheEnglishman.Well,hewantedtoshowmethathehadn’tdonethedirtyonJim.”
“Dearme,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“thisisallveryilluminating.Inageneralsense,Imean.Ithardlyhelpsusinourparticularinquiry.”
“You’renotgoingtohandinyourchecks?”
“No,no.”Hewassilentamoment,thenhesaid:“Whatisitexactlyyouwantmetodo,MissCarol?”
“Proveitwasn’tJimwhotookthatpearl.”
“Andsuppose—excuseme—thatitwas?”
“Ifyouthinkso,you’rewrong—deadwrong.”
“Yes,buthaveyoureallyconsideredthecasecarefully?Don’tyouthinkthepearlmightproveasuddentemptationtoMr.Hurst.Thesaleofitwouldbringinalargesumofmoney—afoundationonwhichtospeculate,shallwesay?—whichwillmakehimindependent,sothathecanmarryyouwithorwithoutyourfather’sconsent.”
“Jimdidn’tdoit,”saidthegirlsimply.
ThistimeMr.ParkerPyneacceptedherstatement.“Well,I’lldomybest.”
Shenoddedabruptlyandleftthetent.Mr.ParkerPyneinhisturnsatdownonthebed.Hegavehimselfuptothought.Suddenly,hechuckled.
“I’mgrowingslow-witted,”hesaidaloud.Atlunchhewasverycheerful.
Theafternoonpassedpeacefully.Mostpeopleslept.WhenMr.ParkerPynecameintothebigtentataquarterpastfouronlyDoctorCarverwasthere.Hewasexaminingsomefragmentsofpottery.
“Ah!”saidMr.ParkerPyne,drawingupachairtothetable.“JustthemanIwanttosee.CanyouletmehavethatbitofPlasticineyoucarryabout?”
ThedoctorfeltinhispocketsandproducedastickofPlasticine,whichheofferedtoMr.ParkerPyne.
“No,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,wavingitaway,“that’snottheoneIwant.Iwantthatlumpyouhadlastnight.Tobefrank,it’snotthePlasticineIwant.It’sthecontentsofit.”
Therewasapause,andthenDoctorCarversaidquietly,“Idon’tthinkIquiteunderstandyou.”
“Ithinkyoudo,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“IwantMissBlundell’spearlearring.”
Therewasaminute’sdeadsilence.ThenCarverslippedhishandintohispocketandtookoutashapelesslumpofPlasticine.
“Cleverofyou,”hesaid.Hisfacewasexpressionless.
“Iwishyou’dtellmeaboutit,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.Hisfingerswerebusy.Withagrunt,heextractedasomewhatsmearedpearlearring.“Justcuriosity,Iknow,”headdedapologetically.“ButIshouldliketohearaboutit.”
“I’lltellyou,”saidCarver,“ifyou’lltellmejusthowyouhappenedtopitchuponme.Youdidn’tseeanything,didyou?”
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhishead.“Ijustthoughtaboutit,”hesaid.
“Itwasreallysheeraccident,tostartwith,”saidCarver.“IwasbehindyouallthismorningandIcameacrossitlyinginfrontofme—itmusthavefallenfromthegirl’searamomentbefore.Shehadn’tnoticedit.Nobodyhad.Ipickeditupandputitintomypocket,meaningtoreturnittoherassoonasIcaughtherup.ButIforgot.
“Andthen,halfwayupthatclimb,Ibegantothink.Thejewelmeantnothingtothatfoolofagirl—herfatherwouldbuyheranotherwithoutnoticingthecost.Anditwouldmeanalottome.Thesaleofthatpearlwouldequipanexpedition.”Hisimpassivefacesuddenlytwitchedandcametolife.“Doyouknowthedifficultythereisnowadaysinraisingsubscriptionsfordigging?No,youdon’t.Thesaleofthatpearlwouldmakeeverythingeasy.There’sasiteIwanttodig—upinBaluchistan.There’sawholechapterofthepasttherewaitingtobediscovered….
“Whatyousaidlastnightcameintomymind—aboutasuggestiblewitness.Ithoughtthegirlwasthattype.AswereachedthesummitItoldherherearringwasloose.Ipretendedtotightenit.WhatIreallydidwastopressthepointofasmallpencilintoherear.AfewminuteslaterIdroppedalittlepebble.Shewasquitereadytoswearthenthattheearringhadbeeninherearandhadjustdroppedoff.InthemeantimeIpressedthepearlintoalumpofPlasticineinmypocket.That’smystory.Notaveryedifyingone.Nowforyourturn.”
“Thereisn’tmuchofmystory,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Youweretheonlymanwho’dpickedupthingsfromtheground—that’swhatmademethinkofyou.Andfindingthatlittlepebblewassignificant.Itsuggestedthetrickyou’dplayed.Andthen—”
“Goon,”saidCarver.
“Well,yousee,you’dtalkedabouthonestyalittletoovehementlylastnight.Protestingovermuch—well,youknowwhatShakespearesays.Itlooked,somehow,asthoughyouweretryingtoconvinceyourself.Andyouwerealittletooscornfulaboutmoney.”
Thefaceofthemaninfrontofhimlookedlinedandweary.“Well,that’sthat,”hesaid.“It’sallupwithmenow.You’llgivethegirlbackhergeegaw,Isuppose?Oddthing,thebarbaricinstinctforornamentation.YoufinditgoingbackasfarasPalaeolithictimes.Oneofthefirstinstinctsofthefemalesex.”
“IthinkyoumisjudgeMissCarol,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Shehasbrains—andwhatismore,aheart.Ithinkshewillkeepthisbusinesstoherself.”
“Fatherwon’t,though,”saidthearchaeologist.
“Ithinkhewill.Yousee‘Pop’hashisownreasonsforkeepingquiet.There’snoforty-thousand-dollartouchaboutthisearring.Amerefiverwouldcoveritsvalue.”
“Youmean—?”
“Yes.Thegirldoesn’tknow.Shethinkstheyaregenuine,allright.Ihadmysuspicionslastnight.Mr.Blundelltalkedalittletoomuchaboutallthemoneyhehad.Whenthingsgowrongandyou’recaughtintheslump—well,thebestthingtodoistoputagoodfaceonitandbluff.Mr.Blundellwasbluffing.”
SuddenlyDoctorCarvergrinned.Itwasanengagingsmall-boygrin,strangetoseeonthefaceofanelderlyman.
“Thenwe’reallpoordevilstogether,”hesaid.
“Exactly,”saidMr.ParkerPyneandquoted,“‘Afellowfeelingmakesuswondrouskind.’”
Eleven
DEATHONTHENILE
“DeathontheNile”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAinCosmopolitan,April1933,andtheninNash’sPallMall,July1933.
LadyGraylewasnervous.FromthemomentofcomingonboardtheS.S.Fayoumshecomplainedofeverything.Shedidnotlikehercabin.Shecouldbearthemorningsun,butnottheafternoonsun.PamelaGrayle,herniece,obliginglygaveuphercabinontheotherside.LadyGrayleaccepteditgrudgingly.
ShesnappedatMissMacNaughton,hernurse,forhavinggivenherthewrongscarfandforhavingpackedherlittlepillowinsteadofleavingitout.Shesnappedatherhusband,SirGeorge,forhavingjustboughtherthewrongstringofbeads.Itwaslapisshewanted,notcarnelian.Georgewasafool!
SirGeorgesaidanxiously,“Sorry,medear,sorry.I’llgobackandchange’em.Plentyoftime.”
ShedidnotsnapatBasilWest,herhusband’sprivatesecretary,becausenobodyeversnappedatBasil.Hissmiledisarmedyoubeforeyoubegan.
Buttheworstofitfellassuredlytothedragoman—animposingandrichlydressedpersonagewhomnothingcoulddisturb.
WhenLadyGraylecaughtsightofastrangerinabasketchairandrealizedthathewasafellowpassenger,thevialsofherwrathwerepouredoutlikewater
“Theytoldmedistinctlyattheofficethatweweretheonlypassengers!Itwastheendoftheseasonandtherewasnooneelsegoing!”
“Thatrightlady,”saidMohammedcalmly.“Justyouandpartyandonegentleman,that’sall.”
“ButIwastoldthattherewouldbeonlyourselves.”
“Thatquiteright,lady.”
“It’snotallright!Itwasalie!Whatisthatmandoinghere?”
“Hecomelater,lady.Afteryoutaketickets.Heonlydecidetocomethismorning.”
“It’sanabsoluteswindle!”
“That’sallright,lady,himveryquietgentleman,verynice,veryquiet.”
“You’reafool!Youknownothingaboutit.MissMacNaughton,whereareyou?Oh,thereyouare.I’verepeatedlyaskedyoutostaynearme.Imightfeelfaint.Helpmetomycabinandgivemeanaspirin,anddon’tletMohammedcomenearme.Hekeepsonsaying‘That’sright,lady,’tillIfeelIcouldscream.”
MissMcNaughtonprofferedanarmwithoutaword.
Shewasatallwomanofaboutthirty-five,handsomeinaquiet,darkway.ShesettledLadyGrayleinthecabin,proppedherupwithcushions,administeredanaspirinandlistenedtothethinflowofcomplaint.
LadyGraylewasforty-eight.Shehadsufferedsinceshewassixteenfromthecomplaintofhavingtoomuchmoney.Shehadmarriedthatimpoverishedbaronet,SirGeorgeGrayle,tenyearsbefore.
Shewasabigwoman,notbadlookingasregardedfeatures,butherfacewasfretfulandlined,andthelavishmakeupsheappliedonlyaccentuatedtheblemishesoftimeandtemper.Herhairhadbeeninturnplatinum-blondeandhenna-red,andwaslookingtiredinconsequence.Shewasoverdressedandworetoomuchjewellery.
“TellSirGeorge,”shefinished,whilethesilentMissMacNaughtonwaitedwithanexpressionlessface—“tellSirGeorgethathemustgetthatmanofftheboat!Imusthaveprivacy.AllI’vegonethroughlately—”Sheshuthereyes.
“Yes,LadyGrayle,”saidMissMacNaughton,andleftthecabin.
Theoffendinglast-minutepassengerwasstillsittinginthedeckchair.HehadhisbacktoLuxorandwasstaringoutacrosstheNiletowherethedistanthillsshowedgoldenabovealineofdarkgreen.
MissMacNaughtongavehimaswift,appraisingglanceasshepassed.
ShefoundSirGeorgeinthelounge.Hewasholdingastringofbeadsinhishandandlookingatitdoubtfully.
“Tellme,MissMacNaughton,doyouthinkthesewillbeallright?”
MissMacNaughtongaveaswiftglanceatthelapis.
“Veryniceindeed,”shesaid.
“YouthinkLadyGraylewillbepleased—eh?”
“Ohno,Ishouldn’tsaythat,SirGeorge.Yousee,nothingwouldpleaseher.That’stherealtruthofit.Bytheway,shesentmewithamessagetoyou.Shewantsyoutogetridofthisextrapassenger.”
SirGeorge’sjawdropped.“HowcanI?WhatcouldIsaytothefellow?”
“Ofcourseyoucan’t.”ElsieMacNaughton’svoicewasbriskandkindly.“Justsaytherewasnothingtobedone.”
Sheaddedencouragingly,“Itwillbeallright.”
“Youthinkitwill,eh?”Hisfacewasludicrouslypathetic.
ElsieMacNaughton’svoicewasstillkinderasshesaid:“Youreallymustnottakethesethingstoheart,SirGeorge.It’sjusthealth,youknow.Don’ttakeitseriously.”
“Youthinkshe’sreallybad,nurse?”
Ashadowcrossedthenurse’sface.Therewassomethingoddinhervoiceassheanswered:“Yes,I—Idon’tquitelikehercondition.Butpleasedon’tworry,SirGeorge.Youmustn’t.Youreallymustn’t.”Shegavehimafriendlysmileandwentout.
Pamelacamein,verylanguidandcoolinherwhite.
“Hallo,Nunks.”
“Hallo,Pam,mydear.”
“Whathaveyougotthere?Oh,nice!”
“Well,I’msogladyouthinkso.Doyouthinkyourauntwillthinkso,too?”
“She’sincapableoflikinganything.Ican’tthinkwhyyoumarriedthewoman,Nunks.”
SirGeorgewassilent.Aconfusedpanoramaofunsuccessfulracing,pressingcreditorsandahandsomeifdomineeringwomanrosebeforehismentalvision.
“Poorolddear,”saidPamela.“Isupposeyouhadtodoit.Butshedoesgiveusbothratherhell,doesn’tshe?”
“Sinceshe’sbeenill—”beganSirGeorge.
Pamelainterruptedhim.
“She’snotill!Notreally.Shecanalwaysdoanythingshewantsto.Why,whileyouwereupatAssouanshewasasmerryasa—acricket.IbetyouMissMacNaughtonknowsshe’safraud.”
“Idon’tknowwhatwe’ddowithoutMissMacNaughton,”saidSirGeorgewithasigh.
“She’sanefficientcreature,”admittedPamela.“Idon’texactlydoteonherasyoudo,though,Nunks.Oh,youdo!Don’tcontradict.Youthinkshe’swonderful.Sosheis,inaway.Butshe’sadarkhorse.Ineverknowwhatshe’sthinking.Still,shemanagestheoldcatquitewell.”
“Lookhere,Pam,youmustn’tspeakofyourauntlikethat.Dashitall,she’sverygoodtoyou.”
“Yes,shepaysallourbills,doesn’tshe?It’sahellofalife,though.”
SirGeorgepassedontoalesspainfulsubject.“Whatarewetodoaboutthisfellowwho’scomingonthetrip?Yourauntwantstheboattoherself.”
“Well,shecan’thaveit,”saidPamelacoolly.“Theman’squitepresentable.Hisname’sParkerPyne.IshouldthinkhewasacivilservantoutoftheRecordsDepartment—ifthereissuchathing.Funnythingis,Iseemtohaveheardthenamesomewhere.Basil!”Thesecretaryhadjustentered.“WherehaveIseenthenameParkerPyne?”
“FrontpageofTheTimesAgonycolumn,”repliedtheyoungmanpromptly.“‘Areyouhappy?Ifnot,consultMr.ParkerPyne.’”
“Never!Howfrightfullyamusing!Let’stellhimallourtroublesallthewaytoCairo.”
“Ihaven’tany,”saidBasilWestsimply.“We’regoingtoglidedownthegoldenNile,andseetemples”—helookedquicklyatSirGeorge,whohadpickedupapaper—“together.”
Thelastwordwasonlyjustbreathed,butPamelacaughtit.Hereyesmethis.
“You’reright,Basil,”shesaidlightly.“It’sgoodtobealive.”
SirGeorgegotupandwentout.Pamela’sfacecloudedover.
“What’sthematter,mysweet?”
“Mydetestedauntbymarriage—”
“Don’tworry,”saidBasilquickly.“Whatdoesitmatterwhatshegetsintoherhead?Don’tcontradicther.Yousee,”helaughed,“it’sgoodcamouflage.”
ThebenevolentfigureofMr.ParkerPyneenteredthelounge.BehindhimcamethepicturesquefigureofMohammed,preparedtosayhispiece.
“Lady,gentlemans,westartnow.InafewminuteswepasstemplesofKarnakright-handside.Itellyoustorynowaboutlittleboywhowenttobuyaroastedlambforhisfather….”
Mr.ParkerPynemoppedhisforehead.HehadjustreturnedfromavisittotheTempleofDendera.Ridingonadonkeywas,hefelt,anexerciseillsuitedtohisfigure.Hewasproceedingtoremovehiscollarwhenanoteproppeduponthedressingtablecaughthisattention.Heopenedit.Itranasfollows:
DearSir,—IshouldbeobligedifyoushouldnotvisittheTempleofAbydos,butwouldremainontheboat,asIwishtoconsultyou.Yourstruly,AriadneGrayle
AsmilecreasedMr.ParkerPyne’slarge,blandface.Hereachedforasheetofpaperandunscrewedhisfountainpen.
DearLadyGrayle(hewrote),Iamsorrytodisappointyou,butIamatpresentonholidayandamnotdoinganyprofessionalbusiness.
Hesignedhisnameanddispatchedtheletterbyasteward.Ashecompletedhischangeoftoilet,anothernotewasbroughttohim.
DearMr.ParkerPyne,—Iappreciatethefactthatyouareonholiday,butIampreparedtopayafeeofahundredpoundsforaconsultation.Yourstruly,AriadneGrayle
Mr.ParkerPyne’seyebrowsrose.Hetappedhisteeththoughtfullywithhisfountainpen.HewantedtoseeAbydos,butahundredpoundswasahundredpounds.AndEgypthadbeenevenmorewickedlyexpensivethanhehadimagined.
DearLadyGrayle(hewrote),—IshallnotvisittheTempleofAbydos.Yoursfaithfully,J.ParkerPyne
Mr.ParkerPyne’srefusaltoleavetheboatwasasourceofgreatgrieftoMohammed.
“Verynicetemple.Allmygentlemanslikeseethattemple.Igetyoucarriage.Igetyouchairandsailorscarryyou.”
Mr.ParkerPynerefusedallthesetemptingoffers.
Theotherssetoff.
Mr.ParkerPynewaitedondeck.PresentlythedoorofLadyGrayle’scabinopenedandtheladyherselftrailedoutondeck.
“Suchahotafternoon,”sheobservedgraciously.“Iseeyouhavestayedbehind,Mr.Pyne.Verywiseofyou.Shallwehavesometeatogetherinthelounge?”
Mr.ParkerPynerosepromptlyandfollowedher.Itcannotbedeniedthathewascurious.
ItseemedasthoughLadyGraylefeltsomedifficultyincomingtothepoint.Sheflutteredfromthissubjecttothat.Butfinallyshespokeinanalteredvoice.
“Mr.Pyne,whatIamabouttotellyouisinthestrictestconfidence!Youdounderstandthat,don’tyou?”
“Naturally.”
Shepaused,tookadeepbreath.Mr.ParkerPynewaited.
“Iwanttoknowwhetherornotmyhusbandispoisoningme.”
WhateverMr.ParkerPynehadexpected,itwasnotthis.Heshowedhisastonishmentplainly.“Thatisaveryseriousaccusationtomake,LadyGrayle.”
“Well,I’mnotafoolandIwasn’tbornyesterday.I’vehadmysuspicionsforsometime.WheneverGeorgegoesawayIgetbetter.Myfooddoesn’tdisagreewithmeandIfeeladifferentwoman.Theremustbesomereasonforthat.”
“Whatyousayisveryserious,LadyGrayle.YoumustrememberIamnotadetective.Iam,ifyouliketoputitthatway,aheartspecialist—”
Sheinterruptedhim.“Eh—anddon’tyouthinkitworriesme,allthis?It’snotapolicemanIwant—Icanlookaftermyself,thankyou—it’scertaintyIwant.I’vegottoknow.I’mnotawickedwoman,Mr.Pyne.Iactfairlybythosewhoactfairlybyme.Abargain’sabargain.I’vekeptmysideofit.I’vepaidmyhusband’sdebtsandI’venotstintedhiminmoney.”
Mr.ParkerPynehadafleetingpangofpityforSirGeorge.“Andasforthegirlshe’shadclothesandpartiesandthis,thatandtheother.CommongratitudeisallIask.”
“Gratitudeisnotathingthatcanbeproducedtoorder,LadyGrayle.”
“Nonsense!”saidLadyGrayle.Shewenton:“Well,thereitis!Findoutthetruthforme!OnceIknow—”
Helookedathercuriously.“Onceyouknow,whatthen,LadyGrayle?”
“That’smybusiness.”Herlipsclosedsharply.
Mr.ParkerPynehesitatedaminute,thenhesaid:“Youwillexcuseme,LadyGrayle,butIhavetheimpressionthatyouarenotbeingentirelyfrankwithme.”
“That’sabsurd.I’vetoldyouexactlywhatIwantyoutofindout.”
“Yes,butnotthereasonwhy?”
Theireyesmet.Hersfellfirst.
“Ishouldthinkthereasonwasself-evident,”shesaid.
“No,becauseIamindoubtupononepoint.”
“Whatisthat?”
“Doyouwantyoursuspicionsprovedrightorwrong?”
“Really,Mr.Pyne!”Theladyrosetoherfeet,quiveringwithindignation.
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedhisheadgently.“Yes,yes,”hesaid.“Butthatdoesn’tanswermyquestion,youknow.”
“Oh!”Wordsseemedtofailher.Shesweptoutoftheroom.
Leftalone,Mr.ParkerPynebecameverythoughtful.Hewassodeepinhisownthoughtsthathestartedperceptiblywhensomeonecameinandsatdownoppositehim.ItwasMissMacNaughton.
“Surelyyou’reallbackverysoon,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Theothersaren’tback.IsaidIhadaheadacheandcamebackalone.”Shehesitated.“WhereisLadyGrayle?”
“Ishouldimaginelyingdowninhercabin.”
“Oh,thenthat’sallright.Idon’twanthertoknowI’vecomeback.”
“Youdidn’tcomeonheraccountthen?”
MissMacNaughtonshookherhead.“No,Icamebacktoseeyou.”
Mr.ParkerPynewassurprised.HewouldhavesaidoffhandthatMissMacNaughtonwaseminentlycapableoflookingaftertroublesherselfwithoutseekingoutsideadvice.Itseemedthathewaswrong
“I’vewatchedyousinceweallcameonboard.Ithinkyou’reapersonofwideexperienceandgoodjudgement.AndIwantadviceverybadly.”
“Andyet—excuseme,MissMacNaughton—butyou’renotthetypethatusuallyseeksadvice.Ishouldsaythatyouwereapersonwhowasquitecontenttorelyonherownjudgement.”
“Normally,yes.ButIaminaverypeculiarposition.”
Shehesitatedamoment.“Idonotusuallytalkaboutmycases.ButinthisinstanceIthinkitisnecessary.Mr.Pyne,whenIleftEnglandwithLadyGrayle,shewasastraightforwardcase.Inplainlanguage,therewasnothingthematterwithher.That’snotquitetrue,perhaps.Toomuchleisureandtoomuchmoneydoproduceadefinitepathological
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.
“Asahospitalnurse,oneseesalotofthesenervouscases.LadyGrayleenjoyedherbadhealth.Itwasmypartnottominimizehersufferings,tobeastactfulasIcould—andtoenjoythetripmyselfasmuchaspossible.”
“Verysensible,”saidMr.ParkerPyne
“ButMr.Pyne,thingsarenotastheywere.ThesufferingthatLadyGraylecomplainsofnowisrealandnotimagined.”
“Youmean?”
“IhavecometosuspectthatLadyGrayleisbeingpoisoned.”
“Sincewhenhaveyoususpectedthis?”
“Forthepastthreeweeks.”
“Doyoususpect—anyparticularperson?”
Hereyesdropped.Forthefirsttimehervoicelackedsincerity.“No.”
“Iputittoyou,MissMacNaughton,thatyoudosuspectoneparticularperson,andthatthatpersonisSirGeorgeGrayle.”
“Oh,no,no,Ican’tbelieveitofhim!Heissopathetic,sochildlike.Hecouldn’tbeacold-bloodedpoisoner.”Hervoicehadananguishednoteinit.
“AndyetyouhavenoticedthatwheneverSirGeorgeisabsenthiswifeisbetterandthatherperiodsofillnesscorrespondwithhisreturn.”
Shedidnotanswer.
“Whatpoisondoyoususpect?Arsenic?”
“Somethingofthatkind.Arsenicorantimony.”
“Andwhatstepshaveyoutaken?”
“IhavedonemyutmosttosupervisewhatLadyGrayleeatsanddrinks.”
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.“DoyouthinkLadyGraylehasanysuspicionherself?”heaskedcasually.
“Oh,no,I’msureshehasn’t.”
“Thereyouarewrong,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“LadyGrayledoessuspect.”
MissMacNaughtonshowedherastonishment.
“LadyGrayleismorecapableofkeepingasecretthanyouimagine,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Sheisawomanwhoknowshowtokeepherowncounselverywell.”
“Thatsurprisesmeverymuch,”saidMissMacNaughtonslowly.
“Ishouldliketoaskyouonemorequestion,MissMacNaughton.DoyouthinkLadyGraylelikesyou?”
“I’veneverthoughtaboutit.”
Theywereinterrupted.Mohammedcamein,hisfacebeaming,hisrobesflowingbehindhim.
“Lady,shehearyoucomeback;sheaskforyou.Shesaywhyyounotcometoher?”
ElsieMacNaughtonrosehurriedly.Mr.ParkerPynerosealso.
“Wouldaconsultationearlytomorrowmorningsuityou?”heasked.
“Yes,thatwouldbethebesttime.LadyGraylesleepslate.Inthemeantime,Ishallbeverycareful.”
“IthinkLadyGraylewillbecarefultoo.”
MissMacNaughtondisappeared.
Mr.ParkerPynedidnotseeLadyGrayletilljustbeforedinner.Shewassittingsmokingacigaretteandburningwhatseemedtobealetter.Shetooknonoticeatallofhim,bywhichhegatheredthatshewasstilloffended.
AfterdinnerheplayedbridgewithSirGeorge,PamelaandBasil.Everyoneseemedalittledistrait,andthebridgegamebrokeupearly.
ItwassomehourslaterwhenMr.ParkerPynewasroused.ItwasMohammedwhocametohim.
“Oldlady,sheveryill.Nurse,sheveryfrightened.Itrytogetdoctor.”
Mr.ParkerPynehurriedonsomeclothes.HearrivedatthedoorwayofLadyGrayle’scabinatthesametimeasBasilWest.SirGeorgeandPamelawereinside.ElsieMacNaughtonwasworkingdesperatelyoverherpatient.AsMr.ParkerPynearrived,afinalconvulsionseizedthepoorlady.Herarchedbodywrithedandstiffened.Thenshefellbackonherpillows.
Mr.ParkerPynedrewPamelagentlyoutside.
“Howawful!”thegirlwashalf-sobbing.“Howawful!Isshe,isshe—?”
“Dead?Yes,Iamafraiditisallover.”
HeputherintoBasil’skeeping.SirGeorgecameoutofthecabin,lookingdazed.
“Ineverthoughtshewasreallyill,”hewasmuttering.“Neverthoughtitforamoment.”
Mr.ParkerPynepushedpasthimandenteredthecabin.
ElsieMacNaughton’sfacewaswhiteanddrawn.“Theyhavesentforadoctor?”sheasked.
“Yes.”Thenhesaid:“Strychnine?”
“Yes.Thoseconvulsionsareunmistakable.Oh,Ican’tbelieveit!”Shesankintoachair,weeping.Hepattedhershoulder.
Thenanideaseemedtostrikehim.Heleftthecabinhurriedlyandwenttothelounge.Therewasalittlescrapofpaperleftunburntinanashtray.Justafewwordsweredistinguishable:
“Now,that’sinteresting,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Mr.ParkerPynesatintheroomofaprominentCairoofficial.“Sothat’stheevidence,”hesaidthoughtfully.
“Yes,prettycomplete.Manmusthavebeenadamnedfool.”
“Ishouldn’tcallSirGeorgeabrainyman.”
“Allthesame!”Theotherrecapitulated:“LadyGraylewantsacupofBovril.Thenursemakesitforher.Thenshemusthavesherryinit.SirGeorgeproducesthesherry.Twohourslater,LadyGrayledieswithunmistakablesignsofstrychninepoisoning.ApacketofstrychnineisfoundinSirGeorge’scabinandanotherpacketactuallyinthepocketofhisdinnerjacket.”
“Verythorough,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Wheredidthestrychninecomefrom,bytheway?”
“There’salittledoubtoverthat.Thenursehadsome—incaseLadyGrayle’shearttroubledher—butshe’scontradictedherselfonceortwice.Firstshesaidhersupplywasintact,andnowshesaysitisn’t.”
“Veryunlikehernottobesure,”wasMr.ParkerPyne’scomment.
“Theywereinittogether,inmyopinion.They’vegotaweaknessforeachother,thosetwo.”
“Possibly;butifMissMacNaughtonhadbeenplanningmurder,she’dhavedoneitagooddealbetter.She’sanefficientyoungwoman.”
“Well,thereitis.Inmyopinion,SirGeorgeisinforit.Hehasn’tadog’schance.”
“Well,well,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,“ImustseewhatIcando.”
Hesoughtouttheprettyniece.
Pamelawaswhiteandindignant.“Nunksneverdidsuchathing—never—never—never!”
“Thenwhodid?”saidMr.ParkerPyneplacidly.
Pamelacamenearer.“DoyouknowwhatIthink?Shediditherself.She’sbeenfrightfullyqueerlately.Sheusedtoimaginethings.”
“Whatthings?”
“Queerthings.Basil,forinstance.ShewasalwayshintingthatBasilwasinlovewithher.AndBasilandIare—weare—”
“Irealizethat,”saidMr.ParkerPyne,smiling.
“AllthataboutBasilwaspureimagination.IthinkshehadadownonpoorlittleNunks,andIthinkshemadeupthatstoryandtoldittoyou,andthenputthestrychnineinhiscabinandinhispocketandpoisonedherself.Peoplehavedonethingslikethat,haven’tthey?”
“Theyhave,”admittedMr.ParkerPyne.“ButIdon’tthinkthatLadyGrayledid.Shewasn’t,ifyou’llallowmetosayso,thetype.”
“Butthedelusions?”
“Yes,I’dliketoaskMr.Westaboutthat.”
Hefoundtheyoungmaninhisroom.Basilansweredhisquestionsreadilyenough.
“Idon’twanttosoundfatuous,butshetookafancytome.That’swhyIdaren’tletherknowaboutmeandPamela.She’dhavehadSirGeorgefireme.”
“YouthinkMissGrayle’stheoryalikelyone?”
“Well,it’spossible,Isuppose.”Theyoungmanwasdoubtful.
“Butnotgoodenough,”saidMr.ParkerPynequietly.“No,wemustfindsomethingbetter.”Hebecamelostinmeditationforaminuteortwo.“Aconfessionwouldbebest,”hesaidbriskly.Heunscrewedhisfountainpenandproducedasheetofpaper.“Justwriteitout,willyou?”
BasilWeststaredathiminamazement.“Me?Whatonearthdoyoumean?”
“Mydearyoungman”—Mr.ParkerPynesoundedalmostpaternal—“Iknowallaboutit.Howyoumadelovetothegoodlady.Howshehadscruples.Howyoufellinlovewiththepretty,pennilessniece.Howyouarrangedyourplot.Slowpoisoning.Itmightpassfornaturaldeathfromgastroenteritis—ifnot,itwouldbelaidtoSirGeorge’sdoing,sinceyouwerecarefultolettheattackscoincidewithhispresence.
“Thenyourdiscoverythattheladywassuspiciousandhadtalkedtomeaboutthematter.Quickaction!YouabstractedsomestrychninefromMissMacNaughton’sstore.PlantedsomeofitinSirGeorge’scabin,andsomeinhispocket,andputsufficientintoacachetwhichyouenclosedwithanotetothelady,tellingheritwasa“cachetofdreams.”
“Aromanticidea.She’dtakeitassoonasthenursehadlefther,andnoonewouldknowanythingaboutit.Butyoumadeonemistake,myyoungman.Itisuselessaskingaladytoburnletters.Theyneverdo.I’vegotallthatprettycorrespondence,includingtheoneaboutthecachet.”
BasilWesthadturnedgreen.Allhisgoodlookshadvanished.Helookedlikeatrappedrat.
“Damnyou,”hesnarled.“Soyouknowallaboutit.YoudamnedinterferingNoseyParker.”
Mr.ParkerPynewassavedfromphysicalviolencebytheappearanceofthewitnesseshehadthoughtfullyarrangedtohavelisteningoutsidethehalf-closeddoor.
Mr.ParkerPynewasagaindiscussingthecasewithhisfriendthehighofficial.
“AndIhadn’tashredofevidence!Onlyanalmostindecipherablefragment,with“Burnthis!”onit.Ideducedthewholestoryandtrieditonhim.Itworked.I’dstumbledonthetruth.Thelettersdidit.LadyGraylehadburnedeveryscraphewrote,buthedidn’tknowthat.
“Shewasreallyaveryunusualwoman.Iwaspuzzledwhenshecametome.Whatshewantedwasformetotellherthatherhusbandwaspoisoningher.Inthatcase,shemeanttogooffwithyoungWest.Butshewantedtoactfairly.Curiouscharacter.”
“Thatpoorlittlegirlisgoingtosuffer,”saidtheother.
“She’llgetoverit,”saidMr.ParkerPynecallously.“She’syoung.I’manxiousthatSirGeorgeshouldgetalittleenjoymentbeforeit’stoolate.He’sbeentreatedlikeawormfortenyears.Now,ElsieMacNaughtonwillbeverykindtohim.”
Hebeamed.Thenhesighed.“IamthinkingofgoingincognitotoGreece.Ireallymusthaveaholiday!”
Twelve
THEORACLEATDELPHI
“TheOracleatDelphi”wasfirstpublishedintheUSAinCosmopolitan,April1933,andtheninNash’sPallMall,July1933.
Mrs.WillardJ.PetersdidnotreallycareforGreece.AndofDelphishehad,inhersecretheart,noopinionatall.
Mrs.Peters’spiritualhomeswereinParis,LondonandtheRiviera.Shewasawomanwhoenjoyedhotellife,butherideaofahotelbedroomwasasoft-pilecarpet,aluxuriousbed,aprofusionofdifferentarrangementsofelectriclight,includingashadedbedsidelamp,plentyofhotandcoldwaterandatelephonebesidethebed,bymeansofwhichyoucouldordertea,meals,mineralwaters,cocktailsandspeaktoyourfriends.
InthehotelatDelphitherewerenoneofthesethings.Therewasamarvellousviewfromthewindows,thebedwascleanandsowasthewhitewashedroom.Therewasachair,awashstandandachestofdrawers.Bathstookplacebyarrangementandwereoccasionallydisappointingasregardedhotwater.
Itwould,shesupposed,benicetosaythatyouhadbeentoDelphi,andMrs.PetershadtriedhardtotakeaninterestinAncientGreece,butshefounditdifficult.Theirstatuaryseemedsounfinished;solackinginheadsandarmsandlegs.Secretly,shemuchpreferredthehandsomemarbleangelcompletewithwingswhichwaserectedonthelateMr.WillardPeters’tomb.
Butallthesesecretopinionsshekeptcarefullytoherself,forfearhersonWillardshoulddespiseher.ItwasforWillard’ssakethatshewashere,inthischillyanduncomfortableroom,withasulkymaidandadisgustedchauffeurintheoffing.
ForWillard(untilrecentlycalledJunior—atitlewhichhehated)wasMrs.Peters’eighteen-year-oldson,andsheworshippedhimtodistraction.ItwasWillardwhohadthisstrangepassionforbygoneart.ItwasWillard,thin,pale,spectacledanddyspeptic,whohaddraggedhisadoringmotheronthistourthroughGreece.
TheyhadbeentoOlympia,whichMrs.Petersthoughtasadmess.ShehadenjoyedtheParthenon,butsheconsideredAthensahopelesscity.AndavisittoCorinthandMycenaehadbeenagonytobothherandthechauffeur.
Delphi,Mrs.Petersthoughtunhappily,wasthelaststraw.Absolutelynothingtodobutwalkalongtheroadandlookattheruins.WillardspentlonghoursonhiskneesdecipheringGreekinscriptions,saying,“Mother,justlistentothis!Isn’titsplendid?”AndthenhewouldreadoutsomethingthatseemedtoMrs.Petersthequintessenceofdullness.
ThismorningWillardhadstartedearlytoseesomeByzantinemosaics.Mrs.Peters,feelinginstinctivelythatByzantinemosaicswouldleavehercold(intheliteralaswellasthespiritualsense),hadexcusedherself.
“Iunderstand,Mother,”Willardhadsaid.“Youwanttobealonejusttositinthetheatreorupinthestadiumandlookdownoveritandletitsinkin.”
“That’sright,pet,”saidMrs.Peters.
“Iknewthisplacewouldgetyou,”saidWillardexultantlyanddeparted.
Now,withasigh,Mrs.Peterspreparedtoriseandbreakfast.
Shecameintothediningroomtofinditemptysaveforfourpeople.Amotheranddaughter,dressedinwhatseemedtoMrs.Petersamostpeculiarstyle(notrecognizingthepeplumassuch),whowerediscoursingontheartofself-expressionindancing;aplump,middle-agedgentlemanwhohadrescuedasuitcaseforherwhenshegotoffthetrainandwhosenamewasThompson;andanewcomer,amiddle-agedgentlemanwithabaldheadwhohadarrivedontheprecedingevening.
Thispersonagewasthelastleftinthebreakfastroom,andMrs.Peterssoonfellintoconversationwithhim.Shewasafriendlywomanandlikedsomeonetotalkto.Mr.Thompsonhadbeendistinctlydiscouraginginmanner(Britishreserve,Mrs.Peterscalledit),andthemotheranddaughterhadbeenverysuperiorandhighbrow,thoughthegirlhadgotonratherwellwithWillard.
Mrs.Petersfoundthenewcomeraverypleasantperson.Hewasinformativewithoutbeinghighbrow.Hetoldherseveralinteresting,friendlylittledetailsabouttheGreeks,whichmadeherfeelmuchmoreasthoughtheywererealpeopleandnotjusttiresomehistoryoutofabook.
Mrs.PeterstoldhernewfriendallaboutWillardandwhatacleverboyhewas,andhowCulturemightbesaidtobehismiddlename.Therewassomethingaboutthisbenevolentandblandpersonagewhichmadehimeasytotalkto.
Whathehimselfdidandwhathisnamewas,Mrs.Petersdidnotlearn.Beyondthefactthathehadbeentravellingandthathewashavingacompleterestfrombusiness(whatbusiness?)hewasnotcommunicativeabouthimself.
Altogether,thedaypassedmorequicklythanmighthavebeenanticipated.ThemotheranddaughterandMr.Thompsoncontinuedtobeunsociable.Theyencounteredthelattercomingoutofthemuseum,andheimmediatelyturnedintheoppositedirection.
Mrs.Peters’newfriendlookedafterhimwithalittlefrown.
“NowIwonderwhothatfellowis!”hesaid.
Mrs.Peterssuppliedhimwiththeother’sname,butcoulddonomore.
“Thompson—Thompson.No,Idon’tthinkI’vemethimbeforeandyetsomehoworotherhisfaceseemsfamiliar.ButIcan’tplacehim.”
IntheafternoonMrs.Petersenjoyedaquietnapinashadyspot.ThebookshetookwithhertoreadwasnottheexcellentoneonGrecianArtrecommendedtoherbyhersonbutwas,onthecontrary,entitledTheRiverLaunchMystery.Ithadfourmurdersinit,threeabductions,andalargeandvariedgangofdangerouscriminals.Mrs.Petersfoundherselfbothinvigoratedandsoothedbytheperusalofit.
Itwasfouro’clockwhenshereturnedtothehotel.Willard,shefeltsure,wouldbebackbythistime.Sofarwasshefromanypresentimentofevilthatshealmostforgottoopenanotewhichtheproprietorsaidhadbeenleftforherbyastrangemanduringtheafternoon
Itwasanextremelydirtynote.Idlysherippeditopen.Asshereadthefirstfewlinesherfaceblanchedandsheputoutahandtosteadyherself.ThehandwritingwasforeignbutthelanguageemployedwasEnglish.
Lady(itbegan),—Thistohandtoinformyouthatyoursonisbeingheldcaptivebyusinplaceofgreatsecurity.Noharmshallhappentohonouredyounggentlemanifyouobeyordersofyourstruly.WedemandforhimransomoftenthousandEnglishpoundssterling.Ifyouspeakofthistohotelproprietororpoliceoranysuchpersonyoursonwillbekilled.Thisisgivenyoutoreflect.Tomorrowdirectionsinwayofpayingmoneywillbegiven.Ifnotobeyedthehonouredyounggentleman’searswillbecutoffandsentyou.Andfollowingdayifstillnotobeyedhewillbekilled.Againthisisnotidlethreat.LettheKyriareflectagain—aboveall—besilentDemetriustheBlackBrowed
Itwereidletodescribethepoorlady’sstateofmind.Preposterousandchildishlywordedasthedemandwas,ityetbroughthometoheragrimatmosphereofperil.Willard,herboy,herpet,herdelicate,seriousWillard.
Shewouldgoatoncetothepolice;shewouldrousetheneighbourhood.Butperhaps,ifshedid—sheshivered.
Then,rousingherself,shewentoutofherroominsearchofthehotelproprietor—thesolepersoninthehotelwhocouldspeakEnglish.
“Itisgettinglate,”shesaid.“Mysonhasnotreturnedyet.”
Thepleasantlittlemanbeamedather.“True.Monsieurdismissedthemules.Hewishedtoreturnonfoot.Heshouldhavebeenherebynow,butdoubtlesshehaslingeredontheway.”Hesmiledhappily.
“Tellme,”saidMrs.Petersabruptly,“haveyouanybadcharactersintheneighbourhood?”
Badcharacterswasatermnotembracedbythelittleman’sknowledgeofEnglish.Mrs.Petersmadehermeaningplainer.ShereceivedinreplyanassurancethatallaroundDelphiwereverygood,veryquietpeople—allwelldisposedtowardsforeigners.
Wordstrembledonherlips,butsheforcedthemback.Thatsinisterthreattiedhertongue.Itmightbethemerestbluff.Butsupposeitwasn’t?AfriendofhersinAmericahadhadachildkidnapped,andonherinformingthepolice,thechildhadbeenkilled.Suchthingsdidhappen.
Shewasnearlyfrantic.Whatwasshetodo?Tenthousandpounds—whatwasthat?—betweenfortyorfiftythousanddollars!WhatwasthattoherincomparisonwithWillard’ssafety?Buthowcouldsheobtainsuchasum?Therewereendlessdifficultiesjustnowasregardedmoneyandthedrawingofcash.Aletterofcreditforafewhundredpoundswasallshehadwithher.
Wouldthebanditsunderstandthis?Wouldtheybereasonable?Wouldtheywait?
Whenhermaidcametoher,shedismissedthegirlfiercely.Abellsoundedfordinner,andthepoorladywasdriventothediningroom.Sheatemechanically.Shesawnoone.Theroommighthavebeenemptyasfarasshewasconcerned.
Withthearrivaloffruit,anotewasplacedbeforeher.Shewinced,butthehandwritingwasentirelydifferentfromthatwhichshehadfearedtosee—aneat,clerklyEnglishhand.Sheopeneditwithoutmuchinterest,butshefounditscontentsintriguing:
AtDelphiyoucannolongerconsulttheoracle(soitran),butyoucanconsultMr.ParkerPyne.
Belowthattherewasacuttingofanadvertisementpinnedtothepaper,andatthebottomofthesheetapassportphotographwasattached.Itwasthephotographofherbaldheadedfriendofthemorning.
Mrs.Petersreadtheprintedcuttingtwice.
Areyouhappy?Ifnot,consultMr.ParkerPyne.
Happy?Happy?Hadanyoneeverbeensounhappy?Itwaslikeananswertoprayer
Hastilyshescribbledonaloosesheetofpapershehappenedtohaveinherbag:
Pleasehelpme.Willyoumeetmeoutsidethehotelintenminutes?
Sheencloseditinanenvelopeanddirectedthewaitertotakeittothegentlemanatthetablebythewindow.Tenminuteslater,envelopedinafurcoat,forthenightwaschilly,Mrs.Peterswentoutofthehotelandstrolledslowlyalongtheroadtotheruins.Mr.ParkerPynewaswaitingforher.
“It’sjustthemercyofheavenyou’rehere,”saidMrs.Petersbreathlessly.“ButhowdidyouguesstheterribletroubleI’min.That’swhatIwanttoknow.”
“Thehumancountenance,mydearmadam,”saidMr.ParkerPynegently.“Iknewatoncethatsomethinghadhappened,butwhatitisIamwaitingforyoutotellme.”
Outitcameinaflood.Shehandedhimtheletter,whichhereadbythelightofhispockettorch.
“H’m,”hesaid.“Aremarkabledocument.Amostremarkabledocument.Ithascertainpoints—”
ButMrs.Peterswasinnomoodtolistentoadiscussionofthefinerpointsoftheletter.WhatwasshetodoaboutWillard?Herowndear,delicateWillard
Mr.ParkerPynewassoothing.HepaintedanattractivepictureofGreekbanditlife.Theywouldbeespeciallycarefuloftheircaptive,sinceherepresentedapotentialgoldmine.Graduallyhecalmedherdown.
“ButwhatamItodo?”wailedMrs.Peters.
“Waituntiltomorrow,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thatis,unlessyouprefertogostraighttothepolice.”
Mrs.Petersinterruptedhimwithashriekofterror.HerdarlingWillardwouldbemurderedoutofhand!
“YouthinkI’llgetWillardbacksafeandsound?”
“Thereisnodoubtofthat,”saidMr.ParkerPynesoothingly.“Theonlyquestioniswhetheryoucangethimbackwithoutpayingtenthousandpounds.”
“AllIwantismyboy.”
“Yes,yes,”saidMr.ParkerPynesoothingly.“Whobroughttheletter,bytheway?”
“Amanthelandlorddidn’tknow.Astranger.”
“Ah!Therearepossibilitiesthere.Themanwhobringsthelettertomorrowmightbefollowed.Whatareyoutellingthepeopleatthehotelaboutyourson’sabsence?”
“Ihaven’tthought.”
“Iwonder,now.”Mr.ParkerPynereflected.“Ithinkyoumightquitenaturallyexpressalarmandconcernathisabsence.Asearchpartycouldbesentout.”
“Youdon’tthinkthesefiends—?”Shechoked.
“No,no.Solongasthereisnowordofthekidnappingortheransom,theycannotturnnasty.Afterall,youcan’tbeexpectedtotakeyourson’sdisappearancewithnofussatall.”
“CanIleaveitalltoyou?”
“Thatismybusiness,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Theystartedbacktowardsthehotelagainbutalmostranintoaburlyfigure.
“Whowasthat?”askedMr.ParkerPynesharply.
“IthinkitwasMr.Thompson.”
“Oh!”saidMr.ParkerPynethoughtfully.
“Thompson,wasit?Thompson—hm.”
Mrs.PetersfeltasshewenttobedthatMr.ParkerPyne’sideaabouttheletterwasagoodone.Whoeverbroughtitmustbeintouchwiththebandits.Shefeltconsoled,andfellasleepmuchsoonerthanshecouldeverhavebelievedpossible.
Whenshewasdressingonthefollowingmorningshesuddenlynoticedsomethinglyingonthefloorbythewindow.Shepickeditup—andherheartmissedabeat.Thesamedirty,cheapenvelope;thesamehatedcharacters.Shetoreitopen
Goodmorninglady.Haveyoumadereflections?Yoursoniswellandunharmed—sofar.Butwemusthavethemoney.Itmaynotbeeasyforyoutogetthissum,butithasbeentoldusthatyouhavewithyouanecklaceofdiamonds.Veryfinestones.Wewillbesatisfiedwiththat,instead.Listen,thisiswhatyoumustdo.You,oranyoneyouchoosetosendmusttakethisnecklaceandbringittotheStadium.Fromtheregouptowherethereisatreebyabigrock.Eyeswillwatchandseethatonlyonepersoncomes.Thenyoursonwillbeexchangedfornecklace.Thetimemustbetomorrowsixo’clockinthemorningjustaftersunrise.Ifyouputpoliceonusafterwardsweshootyoursonasyourcardrivestostation.Thisisourlastword,lady.Ifnonecklacetomorrowmorningyourson’searssentyou.Nextdayhedie.Withsalutations,lady,Demetrius
Mrs.PetershurriedtofindMr.ParkerPyne.Hereadtheletterattentively.
“Isthistrue,”heasked,“aboutadiamondnecklace?”
“Absolutely.Ahundredthousanddollarsmyhusbandpaidforit.”
“Ourwell-informedthieves,”murmuredMr.ParkerPyne.
“What’sthatyousay?”
“Iwasjustconsideringcertainaspectsoftheaffair.”
“Myword,Mr.Pyne,wehaven’tgottimeforaspects.I’vegottogetmyboyback.”
“Butyouareawomanofspirit,Mrs.Peters.Doyouenjoybeingbulliedandcheatedoutoftenthousanddollars?Doyouenjoygivingupyourdiamondsmeeklytoasetofruffians?”
“Well,ofcourse,ifyouputitlikethat!”ThewomanofspiritinMrs.Peterswrestledwiththemother.“HowI’dliketogetevenwiththem—thecowardlybrutes!TheveryminuteIgetmyboyback,Mr.Pyne,Ishallsetthewholepoliceoftheneighbourhoodonthem,and,ifnecessary,IshallhireanarmouredcartotakeWillardandmyselftotherailwaystation!”Mrs.Peterswasflushedandvindictive.
“Ye—es,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Yousee,mydearmadam,I’mafraidtheywillbepreparedforthatmoveonyourpart.TheyknowthatonceWillardisrestoredtoyounothingwillkeepyoufromsettingthewholeneighbourhoodonthealert.Whichleadsonetosupposethattheyhavepreparedforthatmove.”
“Well,whatdoyouwanttodo?”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.“Iwanttotryalittleplanofmyown.”Helookedaroundthediningroom.Itwasemptyandthedoorsatbothendswereclosed.“Mrs.Peters,thereisamanIknowinAthens—ajeweller.Hespecializesingoodartificialdiamonds—first-classstuff.”Hisvoicedroppedtoawhisper.“I’llgethimbytelephone.Hecangetherethisafternoon,bringingagoodselectionofstoneswithhim.”
“Youmean?”
“He’llextracttherealdiamondsandreplacethemwithpastereplicas.”
“Why,ifthatisn’tthecutestthingI’veeverheardof!”Mrs.Petersgazedathimwithadmiration.
“Sh!Notsoloud.Willyoudosomethingforme?”
“Surely.”
“Seethatnobodycomeswithinearshotofthetelephone.”
Mrs.Petersnodded.
Thetelephonewasinthemanager’soffice.Hevacateditobligingly,afterhavinghelpedMr.ParkerPynetoobtainthenumber.Whenheemerged,hefoundMrs.Petersoutside.
“I’mjustwaitingforMr.ParkerPyne,”shesaid.“We’regoingforawalk.”
“Oh,yes,madam.”
Mr.Thompsonwasalsointhehall.Hecametowardsthemandengagedthemanagerinconversation.
WerethereanyvillastobeletinDelphi?No?Butsurelytherewasoneabovethehotel?
“ThatbelongstoaGreekgentleman,monsieur.Hedoesnotletit.”
“Andaretherenoothervillas?”
“ThereisonebelongingtoanAmericanlady.Thatistheothersideofthevillage.Itisshutupnow.AndthereisonebelongingtoanEnglishgentleman,anartist—thatisonthecliffedgelookingdowntoItéa.”
Mrs.Petersbrokein.Naturehadgivenheraloudvoiceandshepurposelymadeitlouder.“Why,”shesaid,“I’djustadoretohaveavillahere!Sounspoiltandnatural.I’msimplycrazyabouttheplace,aren’tyou,Mr.Thompson?Butofcourseyoumustbeifyouwantavilla.Isityourfirstvisithere?Youdon’tsayso.”
SheranondeterminedlytillMr.ParkerPyneemergedfromtheoffice.Hegaveherjustthefaintestsmileofapproval
Mr.Thompsonwalkedslowlydownthestepsandoutintotheroadwherehejoinedthehighbrowmotheranddaughter,whoseemedtobefeelingthewindcoldontheirexposedarms.
Allwentwell.Thejewellerarrivedjustbeforedinnerwithacarfullofothertourists.Mrs.Peterstookhernecklacetohisroom.Hegruntedapproval.ThenhespokeinFrench.
“madamepeutêtretranquille.Jeréussirai.”Heextractedsometoolsfromhislittlebagandbeganwork.
Ateleveno’clockMr.ParkerPynetappedonMrs.Peters’door.“Hereyouare!”
Hehandedheralittlechamoisbag.Sheglancedinside.
“Mydiamonds!”
“Hush!Hereisthenecklacewiththepastereplacingthediamonds.Prettygood,don’tyouthink?”
“Simplywonderful.”
“Aristopoulousisacleverfellow.”
“Youdon’tthinkthey’llsuspect?”
“Howshouldthey?Theyknowyouhavethenecklacewithyou.Youhanditover.Howcantheysuspectthetrick?”
“Well,Ithinkit’swonderful,”Mrs.Petersreiterated,handingthenecklacebacktohim.“Willyoutakeittothem?Oristhataskingtoomuchofyou?”
“CertainlyIwilltakeit.Justgivemetheletter,sothatIhavethedirectionsclear.Thankyou.Now,goodnightandboncourage.Yourboywillbewithyoutomorrowforbreakfast.”
“Oh,ifonlythat’strue!”
“Now,don’tworry.Leaveeverythinginmyhands.”
Mrs.Petersdidnotspendagoodnight.Whensheslept,shehadterribledreams.DreamswherearmedbanditsinarmouredcarsfiredoffafusilladeatWillard,whowasrunningdownthemountaininhispyjamas.
Shewasthankfultowake.Atlastcamethefirstglimmerofdawn.Mrs.Petersgotupanddressed.Shesat—waiting.
Atseveno’clocktherecameataponthedoor.Herthroatwassodryshecouldhardlyspeak.
“Comein,”shesaid.
ThedooropenedandMr.Thompsonentered.Shestaredathim.Wordsfailedher.Shehadasinisterpresentimentofdisaster.Andyethisvoicewhenhespokewascompletelynaturalandmatter-of-fact.Itwasarich,blandvoice.
“Goodmorning,Mrs.Peters,”hesaid.
“Howdareyousir!Howdareyou—”
“Youmustexcusemyunconventionalvisitatsoearlyanhour,”saidMr.Thompson.“Butyousee,Ihaveamatterofbusinesstotransact.”
Mrs.Peterleanedforwardwithaccusingeyes.“Soitwasyouwhokidnappedmyboy!Itwasn’tbanditsatall!”
“Itcertainlywasn’tbandits.Mostunconvincinglydone,thatpartofit,Ithought.Inartistic,tosaytheleastofit.”
Mrs.Peterswasawomanofasingleidea.“Where’smyboy?”shedemanded,withtheeyesofanangrytigress.
“Asamatteroffact,”saidMr.Thompson,“he’sjustoutsidethedoor.”
“Willard!”
Thedoorwasflungopen.Willard,sallowandspectacledanddistinctlyunshaven,wasclaspedtohismother’sheart.Mr.Thompsonstoodlookingbenignlyon.
“Allthesame,”saidMrs.Peters,suddenlyrecoveringherselfandturningonhim,“I’llhavethelawonyouforthis.Yes,Iwill.”
“You’vegotitallwrong,Mother,”saidWillard.“Thisgentlemanrescuedme.”
“Wherewereyou?”
“Inahouseonthecliffpoint.Justamilefromhere.”
“Andallowme,Mrs.Peters,”saidMr.Thompson,“torestoreyourproperty.”
Hehandedherasmallpacketlooselywrappedintissuepaper.Thepaperfellawayandrevealedthediamondnecklace.
“Youneednottreasurethatotherlittlebagofstones,Mrs.Peters,”saidMr.Thompson,smiling.“Therealstonesarestillinthenecklace.Thechamoisbagcontainssomeexcellentimitationstones.Asyourfriendsaid,Aristopoulousisquiteagenius.”
“Ijustdon’tunderstandawordofallthis,”saidMrs.Petersfaintly.
“Youmustlookatthecasefrommypointofview,”saidMr.Thompson.“Myattentionwascaughtbytheuseofacertainname.ItookthelibertyoffollowingyouandyourfatfriendoutofdoorsandIlistened—Iadmititfrankly—toyourexceedinglyinterestingconversation.Ifounditremarkablysuggestive,somuchsothatItookthemanagerintomyconfidence.Hetookanoteofthenumbertowhichyourplausiblefriendtelephonedandhealsoarrangedthatawaitershouldlistentoyourconversationinthediningroomthismorning.
“Thewholeschemeworkedveryclearly.Youwerebeingmadethevictimofacoupleofcleverjewelthieves.Theyknowallaboutyourdiamondnecklace;theyfollowyouhere;theykidnapyourson,andwritetherathercomic‘bandit’letter,andtheyarrangethatyoushallconfideinthechiefinstigatoroftheplot.
“Afterthat,allissimple.Thegoodgentlemanhandsyouabagofimitationdiamondsand—clearsoutwithhispal.Thismorning,whenyoursondidnotappear,youwouldbefrantic.Theabsenceofyourfriendwouldleadyoutobelievethathehadbeenkidnappedtoo.Igatherthattheyhadarrangedforsomeonetogotothevillatomorrow.Thatperson
“Andnow?”
“Oh,nowtheyaresafelyunderlockandkey.Iarrangedforthat.”
“Thevillain,”saidMrs.Peters,wrathfullyrememberingherowntrustfulconfidences.“Theoily,plausiblevillain.”
“Notatallanicefellow,”agreedMr.Thompson.
“Itbeatsmehowyougotontoit,”saidWillardadmiringly.“Prettysmartofyou.”
Theothershookhisheaddeprecatingly.“No,no,”hesaid.“Whenyouaretravellingincognitoandhearyourownnamebeingtakeninvain—”
Mrs.Petersstaredathim.“Whoareyou?”shedemandedabruptly.
“IamMr.ParkerPyne,”explainedthatgentleman.
Thirteen
PROBLEMATPOLLENSABAY
“ProblematPollensaBay”wasfirstpublishedinStrandMagazine,November1935,andthenintheUSAas“SirenBusiness”inLiberty,5September1936.
ThesteamerfromBarcelonatoMajorcalandedMr.ParkerPyneatPalmaintheearlyhoursofthemorning—andstraightawayhemetwithdisillusionment.Thehotelswerefull!Thebestthatcouldbedoneforhimwasanairlesscupboardoverlookinganinnercourtinahotelinthecentreofthetown—andwiththatMr.ParkerPynewasnotpreparedtoputup.Theproprietorofthehotelwasindifferenttohisdisappointment.
“Whatwillyou?”heobservedwithashrug.
Palmawaspopularnow!Theexchangewasfavourable!Everyone—theEnglish,theAmericans—theyallcametoMajorcainthewinter.Thewholeplacewascrowded.ItwasdoubtfuliftheEnglishgentlemanwouldbeabletogetinanywhere—exceptperhapsatFormentorwherethepricesweresoruinousthatevenforeignersblenchedatthem.
Mr.ParkerPynepartookofsomecoffeeandarollandwentouttoviewthecathedral,butfoundhimselfinnomoodforappreciatingthebeautiesofarchitecture.
HenexthadaconferencewithafriendlytaxidriverininadequateFrenchinterlardedwithnativeSpanish,andtheydiscussedthemeritsandpossibilitiesofSoller,Alcudia,PollensaandFormentor—wheretherewerefinehotelsbutveryexpensive.
Mr.ParkerPynewasgoadedtoinquirehowexpensive.
Theyasked,saidthetaxidriver,anamountthatitwouldbeabsurdandridiculoustopay—wasitnotwellknownthattheEnglishcameherebecausepriceswerecheapandreasonable?
Mr.ParkerPynesaidthatthatwasquiteso,butallthesamewhatsumsdidtheychargeatFormentor?
Apriceincredible!
Perfectly—butWHATPRICEEXACTLY?
Thedriverconsentedatlasttoreplyintermsoffigures.
FreshfromtheexactionsofhotelsinJerusalemandEgypt,thefiguredidnotstaggerMr.ParkerPyneunduly.
Abargainwasstruck,Mr.ParkerPyne’ssuitcaseswereloadedonthetaxiinasomewhathaphazardmanner,andtheystartedofftodriveroundtheisland,tryingcheaperhostelricsenroutebutwiththefinalobjectiveofFormentor.
Buttheyneverreachedthatfinalabodeofplutocracy,foraftertheyhadpassedthroughthenarrowstreetsofPollensaandwerefollowingthecurvedlineoftheseashore,theycametotheHotelPinod’Oro—asmallhotelstandingontheedgeofthesealookingoutoveraviewthatinthemistyhazeofafinemorninghadtheexquisitevaguenessofa
TheelderlycoupletowhomthehotelbelongedknewnoEnglishorFrench.Neverthelessthematterwasconcludedsatisfactorily.Mr.ParkerPynewasallottedaroomoverlookingthesea,thesuitcaseswereunloaded,thedrivercongratulatedhispassengeruponavoidingthemonstrousexigenciesof“thesenewhotels,”receivedhisfareanddepartedwith
Mr.ParkerPyneglancedathiswatchandperceivingthatitwas,evennow,butaquartertoten,hewentoutontothesmallterracenowbathedinadazzlingmorninglightandordered,forthesecondtimethatmorning,coffeeandrolls
Therewerefourtablesthere,hisown,onefromwhichbreakfastwasbeingclearedawayandtwooccupiedones.Attheonenearesthimsatafamilyoffatherandmotherandtwoelderlydaughters—Germans.Beyondthem,atthecorneroftheterrace,satwhatwereclearlyanEnglishmotherandson.
Thewomanwasaboutfifty-five.Shehadgreyhairofaprettytone—wassensiblybutnotfashionablydressedinatweedcoatandskirt—andhadthatcomfortableself-possessionwhichmarksanEnglishwomanusedtomuchtravellingabroad.
Theyoungmanwhosatoppositehermighthavebeentwenty-fiveandhetoowastypicalofhisclassandage.Hewasneithergood-lookingnorplain,tallnorshort.Hewasclearlyonthebestoftermswithhismother—theymadelittlejokestogether—andhewasassiduousinpassingherthings.
Astheytalked,hereyemetthatofMr.ParkerPyne.Itpassedoverhimwithwell-brednonchalance,butheknewthathehadbeenassimilatedandlabelled.
HehadbeenrecognizedasEnglishanddoubtless,induecourse,somepleasantnoncommittalremarkwouldbeaddressedtohim.
Mr.ParkerPynehadnoparticularobjection.Hisowncountrymenandwomenabroadwereinclinedtoborehimslightly,buthewasquitewillingtopassthetimeofdayinanamiablemanner.Inasmallhotelitcausedconstraintifonedidnotdoso.Thisparticularwoman,hefeltsure,hadexcellent“hotelmanners,”asheputit.
TheEnglishboyrosefromhisseat,madesomelaughingremarkandpassedintothehotel.Thewomantookherlettersandbagandsettledherselfinachairfacingthesea.SheunfoldedacopyoftheContinentalDailyMail.HerbackwastoMr.ParkerPyne.
Ashedrankthelastdropofhiscoffee,Mr.ParkerPyneglancedinherdirection,andinstantlyhestiffened.Hewasalarmed—alarmedforthepeacefulcontinuanceofhisholiday!Thatbackwashorriblyexpressive.Inhistimehehadclassifiedmanysuchbacks.Itsrigidity—thetensenessofitspoise—withoutseeingherfaceheknewwellenoughthattheeyeswerebrightwithunshedtears—thatthewomanwaskeepingherselfinhandbyarigideffort.
Movingwarily,likeamuch-huntedanimal,Mr.ParkerPyneretreatedintothehotel.Nothalfanhourbeforehehadbeeninvitedtosignhisnameinthebooklyingonthedesk.Thereitwas—aneatsignature—C.ParkerPyne,London.
AfewlinesaboveMr.ParkerPynenoticedtheentries:Mrs.R.Chester,Mr.BasilChester—HolmPark,Devon.
Seizingapen,Mr.ParkerPynewroterapidlyoverhissignature.Itnowread(withdifficulty)ChristopherPyne.
IfMrs.R.ChesterwasunhappyinPollensaBay,itwasnotgoingtobemadeeasyforhertoconsultMr.ParkerPyne.
Alreadyithadbeenasourceofabidingwondertothatgentlemanthatsomanypeoplehehadcomeacrossabroadshouldknowhisnameandhavenotedhisadvertisements.InEnglandmanythousandsofpeoplereadtheTimeseverydayandcouldhaveansweredquitetruthfullythattheyhadneverheardsuchanameintheirlives.Abroad,hereflected,theyreadtheirnewspapersmorethoroughly.Noitem,noteventheadvertisementcolumns,escapedthem.
Alreadyhisholidayshadbeeninterruptedonseveraloccasions.Hehaddealtwithawholeseriesofproblemsfrommurdertoattemptedblackmail.HewasdeterminedinMajorcatohavepeace.Hefeltinstinctivelythatadistressedmothermighttroublethatpeaceconsiderably
Mr.ParkerPynesettleddownatthePinod’Oroveryhappily.Therewasalargerhotelnotfaroff,theMariposa,whereagoodmanyEnglishpeoplestayed.Therewasalsoquiteanartistcolonylivingallround.Youcouldwalkalongbytheseatothefishingvillagewheretherewasacocktailbarwherepeoplemet—therewereafewshops.Itwasallverypeacefulandpleasant.Girlsstrolledaboutintrouserswithbrightlycolouredhandkerchiefstiedroundtheupperhalvesoftheirbodies.Youngmeninberetswithratherlonghairheldforthin“Mac’sBar”onsuchsubjectsasplasticvaluesandabstractioninart.
OnthedayafterMr.ParkerPyne’sarrival,Mrs.Chestermadeafewconventionalremarkstohimonthesubjectoftheviewandthelikelihoodoftheweatherkeepingfine.ShethenchattedalittlewiththeGermanladyaboutknitting,andhadafewpleasantwordsaboutthesadnessofthepoliticalsituationwithtwoDanishgentlemenwhospenttheirtimerisingatdawnandwalkingforelevenhours.
Mr.ParkerPynefoundBasilChesteramostlikeableyoungman.HecalledMr.ParkerPyne“sir”andlistenedmostpolitelytoanythingtheoldermansaid.SometimesthethreeEnglishpeoplehadcoffeetogetherafterdinnerintheevening.Afterthethirdday,BasilleftthepartyaftertenminutesorsoandMr.ParkerPynewaslefttete-a-tetewith
Theytalkedaboutflowersandthegrowingofthem,ofthelamentablestateoftheEnglishpoundandofhowexpensiveFrancehadbecome,andofthedifficultyofgettinggoodafternoontea.
Everyeveningwhenhersondeparted,Mr.ParkerPynesawthequicklyconcealedtremorofherlips,butimmediatelysherecoveredanddiscoursedpleasantlyontheabove-mentionedsubjects.
LittlebylittleshebegantotalkofBasil—ofhowwellhehaddoneatschool—“hewasintheFirstXI,youknow”—ofhoweveryonelikedhim,ofhowproudhisfatherwouldhavebeenoftheboyhadhelived,ofhowthankfulshehadbeenthatBasilhadneverbeen“wild.”“OfcourseIalwaysurgehimtobewithyoungpeople,buthereallyseemstopreferbeingwithme.”
Shesaiditwithakindofnicemodestpleasureinthefact.
ButforonceMr.ParkerPynedidnotmaketheusualtactfulresponsehecouldusuallyachievesoeasily.Hesaidinstead:
“Oh!well,thereseemtobeplentyofyoungpeoplehere—notinthehotel,butroundabout.”
Atthat,henoticed,Mrs.Chesterstiffened.Shesaid:Ofcoursetherewerealotofartists.Perhapsshewasveryold-fashioned—realart,ofcourse,wasdifferent,butalotofyoungpeoplejustmadethatsortofthinganexcuseforloungingaboutanddoingnothing—andthegirlsdrankalottoomuch.
OnthefollowingdayBasilsaidtoMr.ParkerPyne:
“I’mawfullygladyouturneduphere,sir—especiallyformymother’ssake.Shelikeshavingyoutotalktointheevenings.”
“Whatdidyoudowhenyouwerefirsthere?”
“Asamatteroffactweusedtoplaypiquet.”
“Isee.”
“Ofcourseonegetsrathertiredofpiquet.AsamatteroffactI’vegotsomefriendshere—frightfullycheerycrowd.Idon’treallythinkmymotherapprovesofthem—”Helaughedasthoughhefeltthisoughttobeamusing.“Themater’sveryold-fashioned…Evengirlsintrousersshockher!”
“Quiteso,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“WhatItellheris—one’sgottomovewiththetimes…Thegirlsathomeroundusarefrightfullydull….”
“Isee,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
Allthisinterestedhimwellenough.Hewasaspectatorofaminiaturedrama,buthewasnotcalledupontotakepartinit.
Andthentheworst—fromMr.ParkerPyne’spointofview—happened.AgushingladyofhisacquaintancecametostayattheMariposa.TheymetintheteashopinthepresenceofMrs.Chester.
Thenewcomerscreamed:
“Why—ifitisn’tMr.ParkerPyne—theoneandonlyMr.ParkerPyne!AndAdelaChester!Doyouknoweachother?Oh,youdo?You’restayingatthesamehotel?He’stheoneandonlyoriginalwizard,Adela—themarvelofthecentury—allyourtroublessmoothedoutwhileyouwait!Didn’tyouknow?Youmusthaveheardabouthim?Haven’tyoureadhisadvertisements?‘Areyouintrouble?ConsultMr.ParkerPyne.’There’sjustnothinghecan’tdo.Husbandsandwivesflyingateachother’sthroatsandhebrings’emtogether—ifyou’velostinterestinlifehegivesyouthemostthrillingadventures.AsIsaytheman’sjustawizard!”
Itwentonagooddeallonger—Mr.ParkerPyneatintervalsmakingmodestdisclaimers.HedislikedthelookthatMrs.Chesterturneduponhim.Hedislikedevenmoreseeingherreturnalongthebeachincloseconfabulationwiththegarruloussingerofhispraises.
Theclimaxcamequickerthanheexpected.Thatevening,aftercoffee,Mrs.Chestersaidabruptly.
“Willyoucomeintothelittlesalon,Mr.Pyne?ThereissomethingIwanttosaytoyou.”
Hecouldbutbowandsubmit.
Mrs.Chester’sself-controlhadbeenwearingthin—asthedoorofthelittlesalonclosedbehindthem,itsnapped.Shesatdownandburstintotears.
“Myboy,Mr.ParkerPyne.Youmustsavehim.Wemustsavehim.It’sbreakingmyheart!”
“Mydearlady,asamereoutsider—”
“NinaWycherleysaysyoucandoanything.ShesaidIwastohavetheutmostconfidenceinyou.Sheadvisedmetotellyoueverything—andthatyou’dputthewholethingright.”
InwardlyMr.ParkerPynecursedtheobtrusiveMrs.Wycherley.
Resigninghimselfhesaid:
“Well,letusthrashthematterout.Agirl,Isuppose?”
“Didhetellyouabouther?”
“Onlyindirectly.”
WordspouredinavehementstreamfromMrs.Chester.“Thegirlwasdreadful.Shedrank,sheswore—sheworenoclothestospeakof.Hersisterlivedouthere—wasmarriedtoanartist—aDutchman.Thewholesetwasmostundesirable.Halfofthemwerelivingtogetherwithoutbeingmarried.Basilwascompletelychanged.Hehadalwaysbeensoquiet,sointerestedinserioussubjects.Hehadthoughtatonetimeoftakinguparchaeology—”
“Well,well,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Naturewillhaveherrevenge.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Itisn’thealthyforayoungmantobeinterestedinserioussubjects.Heoughttobemakinganidiotofhimselfoveronegirlafteranother.”
“Pleasebeserious,Mr.Pyne.”
“I’mperfectlyserious.Istheyounglady,byanychance,theonewhohadteawithyouyesterday?”
Hehadnoticedher—hergreyflanneltrousers—thescarlethandkerchieftiedlooselyaroundherbreast—thevermillionmouthandthefactthatshehadchosenacocktailinpreferencetotea.
“Yousawher?Terrible!NotthekindofgirlBasilhaseveradmired.”
“Youhaven’tgivenhimmuchchancetoadmireagirl,haveyou?”
“I?”
“He’sbeentoofondofyourcompany!Bad!However,Idaresayhe’llgetoverthis—ifyoudon’tprecipitatematters.”
“Youdon’tunderstand.Hewantstomarrythisgirl—BettyGregg—they’reengaged.”
“It’sgoneasfarasthat?”
“Yes.Mr.ParkerPyne,youmustdosomething.Youmustgetmyboyoutofthisdisastrousmarriage!Hiswholelifewillberuined.”
“Nobody’slifecanberuinedexceptbythemselves.”
“Basil’swillbe,”saidMrs.Chesterpositively.
“I’mnotworryingaboutBasil.”
“You’renotworryingaboutthegirl?”
“No,I’mworryingaboutyou.You’vebeensquanderingyourbirthright.”
Mrs.Chesterlookedathim,slightlytakenaback.
“Whataretheyearsfromtwentytoforty?Fetteredandboundbypersonalandemotionalrelationships.That’sboundtobe.That’sliving.Butlaterthere’sanewstage.Youcanthink,observelife,discoversomethingaboutotherpeopleandthetruthaboutyourself.Lifebecomesreal—significant.Youseeitasawhole.Notjustonescene—thesceneyou,asanactor,areplaying.Nomanorwomanisactuallyhimself(orherself)tillafterforty-five.That’swhenindividualityhasachance.”
Mrs.Chestersaid:
“I’vebeenwrappedupinBasil.He’sbeeneverythingtome.”
“Well,heshouldn’thavebeen.That’swhatyou’repayingfornow.Lovehimasmuchasyoulike—butyou’reAdelaChester,remember,aperson—notjustBasil’smother.”
“ItwillbreakmyheartifBasil’slifeisruined,”saidBasil’smother.
Helookedatthedelicatelinesofherface,thewistfuldroopofhermouth.Shewas,somehow,alovablewoman.Hedidnotwanthertobehurt.Hesaid:
“I’llseewhatIcando.”
HefoundBasilChesteronlytooreadytotalk,eagertourgehispointofview
“Thisbusinessisbeingjusthellish.Mother’shopeless—prejudiced,narrow-minded.Ifonlyshe’dletherself,she’dseehowfineBettyis.”
“AndBetty?”
Hesighed.
“Betty’sbeingdamneddifficult!Ifshe’djustconformabit—Imeanleaveoffthelipstickforaday—itmightmakeallthedifference.Sheseemstogooutofherwaytobe—well—modern—whenMother’sabout.”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.
“BettyandMotheraretwoofthedearestpeopleintheworld,Ishouldhavethoughttheywouldhavetakentoeachotherlikehotcakes.”
“Youhavealottolearn,youngman,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Iwishyou’dcomealongandseeBettyandhaveagoodtalkaboutitall.”
Mr.ParkerPyneacceptedtheinvitationreadily.
Bettyandhersisterandherhusbandlivedinasmalldilapidatedvillaalittlewaybackfromthesea.Theirlifewasofarefreshingsimplicity.Theirfurniturecomprisedthreechairs,atableandbeds.Therewasacupboardinthewallthatheldthebarerequirementsofcupsandplates.Hanswasanexcitableyoungmanwithwildblondhairthatstoodupalloverhishead.HespokeveryoddEnglishwithincrediblerapidity,walkingupanddownashedidso.Stella,hiswife,wassmallandfair.BettyGregghadredhairandfrecklesandamischievouseye.Shewas,henoticed,notnearlysomade-upasshehadbeenthepreviousdayatthePinod’Oro.
Shegavehimacocktailandsaidwithatwinkle:
“You’reinonthebigbust-up?”
Mr.ParkerPynenodded.
“Andwhosesideareyouon,bigboy?Theyounglovers—orthedisapprovingdame?”
“MayIaskyouaquestion?”
“Certainly.”
“Haveyoubeenverytactfuloverallthis?”
“Notatall,”saidMissGreggfrankly.“Buttheoldcatputmybackup.”(SheglancedroundtomakesurethatBasilwasoutofearshot)“Thatwomanjustmakesmefeelmad.She’skeptBasiltiedtoherapronstringsalltheseyears—thatsortofthingmakesamanlookafool.Basilisn’tafoolreally.Thenshe’ssoterriblypukkasahib.”
“That’snotreallysuchabadthing.It’smerely‘unfashionable’justatpresent.”
BettyGregggaveasuddentwinkle.
“Youmeanit’slikeputtingChippendalechairsintheatticinVictoriandays?Lateryougetthemdownagainandsay,‘Aren’ttheymarvellous?’”
“Somethingofthekind.”
BettyGreggconsidered.
“Perhapsyou’reright.I’llbehonest.ItwasBasilwhoputmybackup—beingsoanxiousaboutwhatimpressionI’dmakeonhismother.Itdrovemetoextremes.EvennowIbelievehemightgivemeup—ifhismotherworkedonhimgoodandhard.”
“Hemight,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Ifshewentaboutittherightway.”
“Areyougoingtotellhertherightway?Shewon’tthinkofitherself,youknow.She’lljustgoondisapprovingandthatwon’tdothetrick.Butifyoupromptedher—”
Shebitherlip—raisedfrankblueeyestohis.
“I’veheardaboutyou,Mr.ParkerPyne.You’resupposedtoknowsomethingabouthumannature.
DoyouthinkBasilandIcouldmakeagoofit—ornot?”
“Ishouldlikeananswertothreequestions.”
“Suitabilitytest?Allright,goahead.”
“Doyousleepwithyourwindowopenorshut?”
“Open.Ilikelotsofair.”
“DoyouandBasilenjoythesamekindoffood?”
“Yes.”
“Doyoulikegoingtobedearlyorlate?”
“Really,undertherose,early.AthalfpasttenIyawn—andIsecretlyfeelratherheartyinthemornings—butofcourseIdaren’tadmitit.”
“Yououghttosuiteachotherverywell,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Ratherasuperficialtest.”
“Notatall.Ihaveknownsevenmarriagesatleast,entirelywrecked,becausethehusbandlikedsittinguptillmidnightandthewifefellasleepathalfpastnineandviceversa.”
“It’sapity,”saidBetty,“thateverybodycan’tbehappy.BasilandI,andhismothergivingusherblessing.”
Mr.ParkerPynecoughed.
“Ithink,”hesaid,“thatthatcouldpossiblybemanaged.”
Shelookedathimdoubtfully.
“NowIwonder,”shesaid,“ifyou’redouble-crossingme?”
Mr.ParkerPyne’sfacetoldnothing.
ToMrs.Chesterhewassoothing,butvague.Anengagementwasnotmarriage.HehimselfwasgoingtoSollerforaweek.Hesuggestedthatherlineofactionshouldbenoncommittal.Letherappeartoacquiesce.
HespentaveryenjoyableweekatSoller.
Onhisreturnhefoundthatatotallyunexpecteddevelopmenthadarisen.
AsheenteredthePinod’OrothefirstthinghesawwasMrs.ChesterandBettyGregghavingteatogether.Basilwasnotthere.Mrs.Chesterlookedhaggard.Betty,too,waslookingoffcolour.Shewashardlymade-upatall,andhereyelidslookedasthoughshehadbeencrying.
Theygreetedhiminafriendlyfashion,butneitherofthemmentionedBasil.
Suddenlyheheardthegirlbesidehimdrawinherbreathsharplyasthoughsomethinghadhurther.Mr.ParkerPyneturnedhishead.
BasilChesterwascomingupthestepsfromtheseafront.Withhimwasagirlsoexoticallybeautifulthatitquitetookyourbreathaway.Shewasdarkandherfigurewasmarvellous.Noonecouldfailtonoticethefactsincesheworenothingbutasinglegarmentofpalebluecrêpe.Shewasheavilymade-upwithochrepowderandanorangescarletmouth—buttheunguentsonlydisplayedherremarkablebeautyinamorepronouncedfashion.AsforyoungBasil,heseemedunabletotakehiseyesfromherface
“You’reverylate,Basil,”saidhismother.“YouweretohavetakenBettytoMac’s.”
“Myfault,”drawledthebeautifulunknown.“Wejustdrifted.”SheturnedtoBasil.“Angel—getmesomethingwithakickinit!”
Shetossedoffhershoeandstretchedouthermanicuredtoenailswhichweredoneemeraldgreentomatchherfingernails.
Shepaidnoattentiontothetwowomen,butsheleanedalittletowardsMr.ParkerPyne.
“Terribleislandthis,”shesaid.“IwasjustdyingwithboredombeforeImetBasil.Heisratherapet!”
“Mr.ParkerPyne—MissRamona,”saidMrs.Chester.
Thegirlacknowledgedtheintroductionwithalazysmile.
“IguessI’llcallyouParkeralmostatonce,”shemurmured.“Myname’sDolores.”
Basilreturnedwiththedrinks.MissRamonadividedherconversation(whattherewasofit—itwasmostlyglances)betweenBasilandMr.ParkerPyne.Ofthetwowomenshetooknonoticewhatever.Bettyattemptedonceortwicetojoinintheconversationbuttheothergirlmerelystaredatherandyawned.
SuddenlyDoloresrose.
“GuessI’llbegoingalongnow.I’mattheotherhotel.Anyonecomingtoseemehome?”
Basilsprangup.
“I’llcomewithyou.”
Mrs.Chestersaid:“Basil,mydear—”
“I’llbebackpresently,Mother.”
“Isn’thethemother’sboy?”MissRamonaaskedoftheworldatlarge.“Justtootsroundafterher,don’tyou?”
Basilflushedandlookedawkward.MissRamonagaveanodinMrs.Chester’sdirection,adazzlingsmiletoMr.ParkerPyneandsheandBasilmovedofftogether.
Aftertheyhadgonetherewasratheranawkwardsilence.Mr.ParkerPynedidnotliketospeakfirst.BettyGreggwastwistingherfingersandlookingouttosea.Mrs.Chesterlookedflushedandangry.
Bettysaid:“Well,whatdoyouthinkofournewacquisitioninPollensaBay?”Hervoicewasnotquitesteady.
Mr.ParkerPynesaidcautiously:
“Alittle—er—exotic.”
“Exotic?”Bettygaveashortbitterlaugh.
Mrs.Chestersaid:“She’sterrible—terrible.Basilmustbequitemad.”
Bettysaidsharply:“Basil’sallright.”
“Hertoenails,”saidMrs.Chesterwithashiverofnausea.
Bettyrosesuddenly.
“Ithink,Mrs.Chester,I’llgohomeandnotstaytodinnerafterall.”
“Oh,mydear—Basilwillbesodisappointed.”
“Willhe?”askedBettywithashortlaugh.“Anyway,IthinkIwill.I’vegotratheraheadache.”
Shesmiledatthembothandwentoff.Mrs.ChesterturnedtoMr.ParkerPyne.
“Iwishwehadnevercometothisplace—never!”
Mr.ParkerPyneshookhisheadsadly.
“Youshouldn’thavegoneaway,”saidMrs.Chester.“Ifyou’dbeenherethiswouldn’thavehappened.”
Mr.ParkerPynewasstungtorespond.
“Mydearlady,Icanassureyouthatwhenitcomestoaquestionofabeautifulyoungwoman,Ishouldhavenoinfluenceoveryoursonwhatever.He—er—seemstobeofaverysusceptiblenature.”
“Heneverusedtobe,”saidMrs.Chestertearfully.
“Well,”saidMr.ParkerPynewithanattemptatcheerfulness,“thisnewattractionseemstohavebrokenthebackofhisinfatuationforMissGregg.Thatmustbesomesatisfactiontoyou.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean,”saidMrs.Chester.“BettyisadearchildanddevotedtoBasil.Sheisbehavingextremelywelloverthis.Ithinkmyboymustbemad.”
Mr.ParkerPynereceivedthisstartlingchangeoffacewithoutwincing.Hehadmetinconsistencyinwomenbefore.Hesaidmildly:
“Notexactlymad—justbewitched.”
“Thecreature’saDago.She’simpossible.”
“Butextremelygood-looking.”
Mrs.Chestersnorted.
Basilranupthestepsfromtheseafront.
“Hullo,Mater,hereIam.Where’sBetty?”
“Betty’sgonehomewithaheadache.Idon’twonder.”
“Sulking,youmean.”
“Iconsider,Basil,thatyouarebeingextremelyunkindtoBetty.”
“ForGod’ssake,Mother,don’tjaw.IfBettyisgoingtomakethisfusseverytimeIspeaktoanothergirlanicesortoflifewe’llleadtogether.”
“Youareengaged.”
“Oh,we’reengagedallright.Thatdoesn’tmeanthatwe’renotgoingtohaveanyfriendsofourown.Nowadayspeoplehavetoleadtheirownlivesandtrytocutoutjealousy.”
Hepaused.
“Lookhere,ifBettyisn’tgoingtodinewithus—IthinkI’llgobacktotheMariposa.Theydidaskmetodine….”
“Oh,Basil—”
Theboygaveheranexasperatedlook,thenranoffdownthesteps.
Mrs.ChesterlookedeloquentlyatMr.ParkerPyne.
“Yousee,”shesaid.
Hesaw.
Matterscametoaheadacoupleofdayslater.BettyandBasilweretohavegoneforalongwalk,takingapicniclunchwiththem.BettyarrivedatthePinod’OrotofindthatBasilhadforgottentheplanandgoneovertoFormentorforthedaywithDoloresRamona’sparty
Beyondatighteningofthelipsthegirlmadenosign.Presently,however,shegotupandstoodinfrontofMrs.Chester(thetwowomenwerealoneontheterrace).
“It’squiteallright,”shesaid.“Itdoesn’tmatter.ButIthink—allthesame—thatwe’dbettercallthewholethingoff.”
SheslippedfromherfingerthesignetringthatBasilhadgivenher—hewouldbuytherealengagementringlater.
“WillyougivehimbackthisMrs.Chester?Andtellhimit’sallright—nottoworry….”
“Bettydear,don’t!Hedoesloveyou—really.”
“Itlookslikeit,doesn’tit?”saidthegirlwithashortlaugh.“No—I’vegotsomepride.Tellhimeverything’sallrightandthatI—Iwishhimluck.”
WhenBasilreturnedatsunsethewasgreetedbyastorm.
Heflushedalittleatthesightofhisring.
“Sothat’showshefeels,isit?Well,Idaresayit’sthebestthing.”
“Basil!”
“Well,frankly,Mother,wedon’tseemtohavebeenhittingitofflately.”
“Whosefaultwasthat?”
“Idon’tseethatitwasmineparticularly.Jealousy’sbeastlyandIreallydon’tseewhyyoushouldgetallworkedupaboutit.YoubeggedmeyourselfnottomarryBetty.”
“ThatwasbeforeIknewher.Basil—mydear—you’renotthinkingofmarryingthisothercreature.”
BasilChestersaidsoberly:
“I’dmarryherlikeashotifshe’dhaveme—butI’mafraidshewon’t.”
ColdchillswentdownMrs.Chester’sspine.ShesoughtandfoundMr.ParkerPyne,placidlyreadingabookinashelteredcorner.
“Youmustdosomething!Youmustdosomething!Myboy’slifewillberuined.”
Mr.ParkerPynewasgettingalittletiredofBasilChester’slifebeingruined.
“WhatcanIdo?”
“Goandseethisterriblecreature.Ifnecessarybuyheroff.”
“Thatmaycomeveryexpensive.”
“Idon’tcare.”
“Itseemsapity.Stillthereare,possibly,otherways.”
Shelookedaquestion.Heshookhishead.
“I’llmakenopromises—butI’llseewhatIcando.Ihavehandledthatkindbefore.Bytheway,notawordtoBasil—thatwouldbefatal.”
“Ofcoursenot.”
Mr.ParkerPynereturnedfromtheMariposaatmidnight.Mrs.Chesterwassittingupforhim.
“Well?”shedemandedbreathlessly.
Hiseyestwinkled.
“TheSe?oritaDoloresRamonawillleavePollensatomorrowmorningandtheislandtomorrownight.”
“Oh,Mr.ParkerPyne!Howdidyoumanageit?”
“Itwon’tcostacent,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.Againhiseyestwinkled.“IratherfanciedImighthaveaholdoverher—andIwasright.”
“Youarewonderful.NinaWycherleywasquiteright.Youmustletmeknow—er—yourfees—”
Mr.ParkerPyneheldupawell-manicuredhand.
“Notapenny.Ithasbeenapleasure.Ihopeallwillgowell.Ofcoursetheboywillbeveryupsetatfirstwhenhefindsshe’sdisappearedandleftnoaddress.Justgoeasywithhimforaweekortwo.”
“IfonlyBettywillforgivehim—”
“She’llforgivehimallright.They’reanicecouple.Bytheway,I’mleavingtomorrow,too.”
“Oh,Mr.ParkerPyne,weshallmissyou.”
“Perhapsit’sjustaswellIshouldgobeforethatboyofyoursgetsinfatuatedwithyetathirdgirl.”
Mr.ParkerPyneleanedovertherailofthesteamerandlookedatthelightsofPalma.BesidehimstoodDoloresRamona.Hewassayingappreciatively:
“Averynicepieceofwork,Madeleine.I’mgladIwiredyoutocomeout.It’soddwhenyou’resuchaquiet,stay-at-homegirlreally.”
MadeleinedeSara,aliasDoloresRamona,aliasMaggieSayers,saidprimly:“I’mgladyou’repleased,Mr.ParkerPyne.It’sbeenanicelittlechange.IthinkI’llgobelownowandgettobedbeforetheboatstarts.I’msuchabadsailor.”
AfewminuteslaterahandfellonMr.ParkerPyne’sshoulder.HeturnedtoseeBasilChester.
“Hadtocomeandseeyouoff,Mr.ParkerPyne,andgiveyouBetty’sloveandherandmybestthanks.Itwasagrandstuntofyours.BettyandMotherareasthickasthieves.Seemedashametodeceivetheolddarling—butshewasbeingdifficult.Anywayit’sallrightnow.Imustjustbecarefultokeepuptheannoyancestuffacoupleofdayslonger.We’renoendgratefultoyou,BettyandI.”
“Iwishyoueveryhappiness,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Thanks.”
Therewasapause,thenBasilsaidwithsomewhatoverdonecarelessness:
“IsMiss—MissdeSara—anywhereabout?I’dliketothankher,too.”
Mr.ParkerPyneshotakeenglanceathim.
Hesaid:
“I’mafraidMissdeSara’sgonetobed.”
“Oh,toobad—well,perhapsI’llseeherinLondonsometime.”
“AsamatteroffactsheisgoingtoAmericaonbusinessformealmostatonce.”
“Oh!”Basil’stonewasblank.“Well,”hesaid.“I’llbegettingalong….”
Mr.ParkerPynesmiled.OnhiswaytohiscabinhetappedonthedoorofMadeleine’s.
“Howareyou,mydear?Allright?Ouryoungfriendhasbeenalong.TheusualslightattackofMadeleinitis.He’llgetoveritinadayortwo,butyouareratherdistracting.”
Fourteen
THEREGATTAMYSTERY
“TheRegattaMystery”wasfirstpublishedas“PoirotandtheRegattaMystery”intheUSAintheChicagoTribune,3May1936,andtheninStrandMagazine,June1936.ItfirstappearedinitscurrentformintheAmericanbookTheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories,publishedbyDodd,Mead,June1939.
Mr.IsaacPointzremovedacigarfromhislipsandsaidapprovingly:
“Prettylittleplace.”
HavingthussetthesealofhisapprovaluponDartmouthharbour,hereplacedthecigarandlookedabouthimwiththeairofamanpleasedwithhimself,hisappearance,hissurroundingsandlifegenerally.
Asregardsthefirstofthese,Mr.IsaacPointzwasamanoffifty-eight,ingoodhealthandconditionwithperhapsaslighttendencytoliver.Hewasnotexactlystout,butcomfortable-looking,andayachtingcostume,whichheworeatthemoment,isnotthemostkindlyofattiresforamiddle-agedmanwithatendencytoembonpoint.Mr.Pointzwasverywellturnedout—correcttoeverycreaseandbutton—hisdarkandslightlyOrientalfacebeamingoutunderthepeakofhisyachtingcap.Asregardshissurroundings,thesemayhavebeentakentomeanhiscompanions—hispartnerMr.LeoStein,SirGeorgeandLadyMarroway,anAmericanbusinessacquaintanceMr.SamuelLeathernandhisschoolgirldaughterEve,Mrs.RustingtonandEvanLlewellyn.
ThepartyhadjustcomeashorefromMr.Pointz’yacht—theMerrimaid.Inthemorningtheyhadwatchedtheyachtracingandtheyhadnowcomeashoretojoinforawhileinthefunofthefair—Coconutshies,FatLadies,theHumanSpiderandtheMerry-go-round.ItishardlytobedoubtedthatthesedelightswererelishedmostbyEveLeathern.WhenMr.PointzfinallysuggestedthatitwastimetoadjourntotheRoyalGeorgefordinnerherswastheonlydissentientvoice.
“Oh,Mr.Pointz—IdidsowanttohavemyfortunetoldbytheRealGypsyintheCaravan.”
Mr.PointzhaddoubtsoftheessentialRealnessoftheGypsyinquestionbuthegaveindulgentassent.
“Eve’sjustcrazyaboutthefair,”saidherfatherapologetically.“Butdon’tyoupayanyattentionifyouwanttobegettingalong.”
“Plentyoftime,”saidMr.Pointzbenignantly.“Letthelittleladyenjoyherself.I’lltakeyouonatdarts,Leo.”
“Twenty-fiveandoverwinsaprize,”chantedthemaninchargeofthedartsinahighnasalvoice.
“Betyouafivermytotalscorebeatsyours,”saidPointz.
“Done,”saidSteinwithalacrity.
Thetwomenweresoonwholeheartedlyengagedintheirbattle.
LadyMarrowaymurmuredtoEvanLlewellyn:
“Eveisnottheonlychildintheparty.”
Llewellynsmiledassentbutsomewhatabsently.
Hehadbeenabsentmindedallthatday.Onceortwicehisanswershadbeenwideofthepoint.
PamelaMarrowaydrewawayfromhimandsaidtoherhusband:
“Thatyoungmanhassomethingonhismind.”
SirGeorgemurmured:
“Orsomeone?”
AndhisglancesweptquicklyoverJanetRustington.
LadyMarrowayfrownedalittle.Shewasatallwomanexquisitelygroomed.Thescarletofherfingernailswasmatchedbythedarkredcoralstudsinherears.Hereyesweredarkandwatchful.SirGeorgeaffectedacareless“heartyEnglishgentleman”manner—buthisbrightblueeyesheldthesamewatchfullookashiswife’s.
IsaacPointzandLeoSteinwereHattonGardendiamondmerchants.SirGeorgeandLadyMarrowaycamefromadifferentworld—theworldofAntibesandJuanlesPins—ofgolfatSt.Jean-de-Luz—ofbathingfromtherocksatMadeirainthewinter.
Inoutwardseemingtheywereastheliliesthattoilednot,neitherdidtheyspin.Butperhapsthiswasnotquitetrue.Therearediversewaysoftoilingandalsoofspinning.
“Here’sthekidbackagain,”saidEvanLlewellyntoMrs.Rustington.
Hewasadarkyoungman—therewasafaintlyhungrywolfishlookabouthimwhichsomewomenfoundattractive.
ItwasdifficulttosaywhetherMrs.Rustingtonfoundhimso.Shedidnotwearherheartonhersleeve.Shehadmarriedyoung—andthemarriagehadendedindisasterinlessthanayear.SincethattimeitwasdifficulttoknowwhatJanetRustingtonthoughtofanyoneoranything—hermannerwasalwaysthesame—charmingbutcompletelyaloof.
EveLeatherncamedancinguptothem,herlankfairhairbobbingexcitedly.Shewasfifteen—anawkwardchild—butfullofvitality.
“I’mgoingtobemarriedbythetimeI’mseventeen,”sheexclaimedbreathlessly.“Toaveryrichmanandwe’regoingtohavesixchildrenandTuesdaysandThursdaysaremyluckydaysandIoughtalwaystoweargreenorblueandanemeraldismyluckystoneand—”
“Why,pet,Ithinkweoughttobegettingalong,”saidherfather.
Mr.Leathernwasatall,fair,dyspeptic-lookingmanwithasomewhatmournfulexpression.
Mr.PointzandMr.Steinwereturningawayfromthedarts.Mr.PointzwaschucklingandMr.Steinwaslookingsomewhatrueful.
“It’sallamatterofluck,”hewassaying.
Mr.Pointzslappedhispocketcheerfully.
“Tookafiveroffyouallright.Skill,myboy,skill.MyoldDadwasafirstclassdartsplayer.Well,folks,let’sbegettingalong.Hadyourfortunetold,Eve?Didtheytellyoutobewareofadarkman?”
“Adarkwoman,”correctedEve.“She’sgotacastinhereyeandshe’llberealmeantomeifIgiveherachance.AndI’mtobemarriedbythetimeI’mseventeen….”
SheranonhappilyasthepartysteereditswaytotheRoyalGeorge.
DinnerhadbeenorderedbeforehandbytheforethoughtofMr.Pointzandabowingwaiterledthemupstairsandintoaprivateroomonthefirstfloor.Herearoundtablewasreadylaid.Thebigbulgingbowwindowopenedontheharboursquareandwasopen.Thenoiseofthefaircameuptothem,andtheraucoussquealofthreeroundaboutseachblaringadifferenttune.
“Bestshutthatifwe’retohearourselvesspeak,”observedMr.Pointzdrily,andsuitedtheactiontotheword.
TheytooktheirseatsroundthetableandMr.Pointzbeamedaffectionatelyathisguests.Hefelthewasdoingthemwellandhelikedtodopeoplewell.Hiseyesrestedononeafteranother.LadyMarroway—finewoman—notquitethegoods,ofcourse,heknewthat—hewasperfectlywellawarethatwhathehadcalledallhislifethecrêmedelacrêmewouldhaveverylittletodowiththeMarroways—butthenthecrêmedelacrêmeweresupremelyunawareofhisownexistence.Anyway,LadyMarrowaywasadamnedsmart-lookingwoman—andhedidn’tmindifshedidrookhimatBridge.Didn’tenjoyitquitesomuchfromSirGeorge.Fishyeyethefellowhad.Brazenlyonthemake.Buthewouldn’tmaketoomuchoutofIsaacPointz.He’dseetothatallright
OldLeathernwasn’tabadfellow—longwinded,ofcourse,likemostAmericans—fondoftellingendlesslongstories.Andhehadthatdisconcertinghabitofrequiringpreciseinformation.WhatwasthepopulationofDartmouth?InwhatyearhadtheNavalCollegebeenbuilt?Andsoon.ExpectedhishosttobeakindofwalkingBaedeker.Evewasanicecheerykid—heenjoyedchaffingher.Voiceratherlikeacorncake,butshehadallherwitsabouther.Abrightkid.
YoungLlewellyn—heseemedabitquiet.Lookedasthoughhehadsomethingonhismind.Hardup,probably.Thesewritingfellowsusuallywere.LookedasthoughhemightbekeenonJanetRustington.Anicewoman—attractiveandclever,too.Butshedidn’tramherwritingdownyourthroat.Highbrowsortofstuffshewrotebutyou’dneverthinkittohearhertalk.AndoldLeo!Hewasn’tgettingyoungerorthinner.Andblissfullyunawarethathispartnerwasatthatmomentthinkingpreciselythesamethingabouthim,Mr.PointzcorrectedMr.LeathernastopilchardsbeingconnectedwithDevonandnotCornwall,andpreparedtoenjoyhisdinner.
“Mr.Pointz,”saidEvewhenplatesofhotmackerelhadbeensetbeforethemandthewaitershadlefttheroom.
“Yes,younglady.”
“Haveyougotthatbigdiamondwithyourightnow?Theoneyoushoweduslastnightandsaidyoualwaystookaboutwithyou?”
Mr.Pointzchuckled.
“That’sright.Mymascot,Icallit.Yes,I’vegotitwithmeallright.”
“Ithinkthat’sawfullydangerous.Somebodymightgetitawayfromyouinthecrowdatthefair.”
“Notthey,”saidMr.Pointz.“I’lltakegoodcareofthat.”
“Buttheymight,”insistedEve.“You’vegotgangstersinEnglandaswellaswehave,haven’tyou?”
“Theywon’tgettheMorningStar,”saidMr.Pointz.“Tobeginwithit’sinaspecialinnerpocket.Andanyway—oldPointzknowswhathe’sabout.Nobody’sgoingtostealtheMorningStar.”
Evelaughed.
“Ugh-huh—betIcouldstealit!”
“Ibetyoucouldn’t.”Mr.Pointztwinkledbackather.
“Well,IbetIcould.Iwasthinkingaboutitlastnightinbed—afteryou’dhandeditroundthetable,forusalltolookat.Ithoughtofarealcutewaytostealit.”
“Andwhat’sthat?”
Eveputherheadononeside,herfairhairwaggedexcitedly.“I’mnottellingyou—now.WhatdoyoubetIcouldn’t?”
MemoriesofMr.Pointz’syouthroseinhismind.
“Halfadozenpairsofgloves,”hesaid.
“Gloves,”criedEvedisgustedly.“Whowearsgloves?”
“Well—doyouwearnylonstockings?”
“DoInot?Mybestpairranthismorning.”
“Verywell,then.Halfadozenpairsofthefinestnylonstockings—”
“Oo-er,”saidEveblissfully.“Andwhataboutyou?”
“Well,Ineedanewtobaccopouch.”
“Right.That’sadeal.Notthatyou’llgetyourtobaccopouch.NowI’lltellyouwhatyou’vegottodo.Youmusthanditroundlikeyoudidlastnight—”
Shebrokeoffastwowaitersenteredtoremovetheplates.Whentheywerestartingonthenextcourseofchicken,Mr.Pointzsaid:
“Rememberthis,youngwoman,ifthisistorepresentarealtheft,Ishouldsendforthepoliceandyou’dbesearched.”
“That’squiteOKbyme.Youneedn’tbequitesolifelikeastobringthepoliceintoit.ButLadyMarrowayorMrs.Rustingtoncandoallthesearchingyoulike.”
“Well,that’sthatthen,”saidMr.Pointz.“Whatareyousettinguptobe?Afirstclassjewelthief?”
“Imighttaketoitasacareer—ifitreallypaid.”
“IfyougotawaywiththeMorningStaritwouldpayyou.Evenafterrecuttingthatstonewouldbeworthoverthirtythousandpounds.”
“My!”saidEve,impressed.“What’sthatindollars?”
LadyMarrowayutteredanexclamation.
“Andyoucarrysuchastoneaboutwithyou?”shesaidreproachfully.“Thirtythousandpounds.”Herdarkenedeyelashesquivered.
Mrs.Rustingtonsaidsoftly:“It’salotofmoney…Andthenthere’sthefascinationofthestoneitself…It’sbeautiful.”
“Justapieceofcarbon,”saidEvanLlewellyn.
“I’vealwaysunderstoodit’sthe‘fence’that’sthedifficultyinjewelrobberies,”saidSirGeorge.“Hetakesthelion’sshare—eh,what?”
“Comeon,”saidEveexcitedly.“Let’sstart.Takethediamondoutandsaywhatyousaidlastnight.”
Mr.Leathernsaidinhisdeepmelancholyvoice,“Idoapologizeformyoffspring.Shegetskinderworkedup—”
“That’lldo,Pops,”saidEve.“Nowthen,Mr.Pointz—”
Smiling,Mr.Pointzfumbledinaninnerpocket.Hedrewsomethingout.Itlayonthepalmofhishand,blinkinginthelight.
“Adiamond….”
Ratherstiffly,Mr.PointzrepeatedasfarashecouldrememberhisspeechofthepreviouseveningontheMerrimaid.
“Perhapsyouladiesandgentlemenwouldliketohavealookatthis?It’sanunusuallybeautifulstone.IcallittheMorningStarandit’sbywayofbeingmymascot—goesaboutwithmeanywhere.Liketoseeit?”
HehandedittoLadyMarroway,whotookit,exclaimedatitsbeautyandpassedittoMr.Leathernwhosaid,“Prettygood—yes,prettygood,”inasomewhatartificialmannerandinhisturnpassedittoLlewellyn.
Thewaiterscominginatthatmoment,therewasaslighthitchintheproceedings.Whentheyhadgoneagain,Evansaid,“Veryfinestone,”andpassedittoLeoSteinwhodidnottroubletomakeanycommentbuthandeditquicklyontoEve.
“Howperfectlylovely,”criedEveinahighaffectedvoice.
“Oh!”Shegaveacryofconsternationasitslippedfromherhand.“I’vedroppedit.”
Shepushedbackherchairandgotdowntogropeunderthetable.SirGeorgeatherright,bentalso.Aglassgotsweptoffthetableintheconfusion.Stein,LlewellynandMrs.Rustingtonallhelpedinthesearch.FinallyLadyMarrowayjoinedin.
OnlyMr.Pointztooknopartintheproceedings.Heremainedinhisseatsippinghiswineandsmilingsardonically.
“Oh,dear,”saidEve,stillinherartificialmanner,“Howdreadful!Wherecanithaverolledto?Ican’tfinditanywhere.”
Onebyonetheassistantsearchersrosetotheirfeet.
“It’sdisappearedallright,Pointz,”saidSirGeorgesmiling.
“Verynicelydone,”saidMr.Pointz,noddingapproval.“You’dmakeaverygoodactress,Eve.Nowthequestionis,haveyouhiddenitsomewhereorhaveyougotitonyou?”
“Searchme,”saidEvedramatically.
Mr.Pointz’eyesoughtoutalargescreeninthecorneroftheroom.
HenoddedtowardsitandthenlookedatLadyMarrowayandMrs.Rustington.
“Ifyouladieswillbesogood—”
“Why,certainly,”saidLadyMarroway,smiling.
Thetwowomenrose.
LadyMarrowaysaid,“Don’tbeafraid,Mr.Pointz.We’llvetherproperly.”
Thethreewentbehindthescreen.
Theroomwashot.EvanLlewellynflungopenthewindow.Anewsvendorwaspassing.Evanthrewdownacoinandthemanthrewupapaper.
Llewellynunfoldedit.
“Hungariansituation’snonetoogood,”hesaid.
“Thatthelocalrag?”askedSirGeorge.“There’sahorseI’minterestedinoughttohaverunatHaldontoday—NattyBoy.”
“Leo,”saidMr.Pointz.“Lockthedoor.Wedon’twantthosedamnedwaiterspoppinginandouttillthisbusinessisover.”
“NattyBoywonthreetoone,”saidEvan.
“Rottenodds,”saidSirGeorge.
“MostlyRegattanews,”saidEvan,glancingoverthesheet.
Thethreeyoungwomencameoutfromthescreen.
“Notasignofit,”saidJanetRustington.
“Youcantakeitfrommeshehasn’tgotitonher,”saidLadyMarroway.
Mr.Pointzthoughthewouldbequitereadytotakeitfromher.Therewasagrimtoneinhervoiceandhefeltnodoubtthatthesearchhadbeenthorough.
“Say,Eve,youhaven’tswallowedit?”askedMr.Leathernanxiously.“Becausemaybethatwouldn’tbetoogoodforyou.”
“I’dhaveseenherdothat,”saidLeoSteinquietly.“Iwaswatchingher.Shedidn’tputanythinginhermouth.”
“Icouldn’tswallowagreatthingallpointslikethat,”saidEve.SheputherhandsonherhipsandlookedatMr.Pointz.“Whataboutit,bigboy?”sheasked.
“Youstandovertherewhereyouareanddon’tmove,”saidthatgentleman.
Amongthem,themenstrippedthetableandturneditupsidedown.Mr.Pointzexaminedeveryinchofit.ThenhetransferredhisattentiontothechaironwhichEvehadbeensittingandthoseoneithersideofher.
Thethoroughnessofthesearchleftnothingtobedesired.Theotherfourmenjoinedinandthewomenalso.EveLeathernstoodbythewallnearthescreenandlaughedwithintenseenjoyment.
FiveminuteslaterMr.Pointzrosewithaslightgroanfromhiskneesanddustedhistrouserssadly.Hispristinefreshnesswassomewhatimpaired.
“Eve,”hesaid.“Itakeoffmyhattoyou.You’rethefinestthinginjewelthievesI’veevercomeacross.Whatyou’vedonewiththatstonebeatsme.AsfarasIcanseeitmustbeintheroomasitisn’tonyou.Igiveyoubest.”
“Arethestockingsmine?”demandedEve.
“They’reyours,younglady.”
“Eve,mychild,wherecanyouhavehiddenit?”demandedMrs.Rustingtoncuriously.
Eveprancedforward.
“I’llshowyou.You’llallbejustmadwithyourselves.”
Shewentacrosstothesidetablewherethethingsfromthedinnertablehadbeenroughlystacked.Shepickedupherlittleblackeveningbag—
“Rightunderyoureyes.Right….”
Hervoice,gayandtriumphant,trailedoffsuddenly.
“Oh,”shesaid.“Oh…”
“What’sthematter,honey?”saidherfather.
Evewhispered:“It’sgone…it’sgone…”
“What’sallthis?”askedPointz,comingforward.
Eveturnedtohimimpetuously.
“Itwaslikethis.Thispochetteofminehasabigpastestoneinthemiddleoftheclasp.ItfelloutlastnightandjustwhenyouwereshowingthatdiamondroundInoticedthatitwasmuchthesamesize.AndsoIthoughtinthenightwhatagoodideaforarobberyitwouldbetowedgeyourdiamondintothegapwithabitofplasticine.Ifeltsurenobodywouldeverspotit.That’swhatIdidtonight.FirstIdroppedit—thenwentdownafteritwiththebaginmyhand,stuckitintothegapwithabitofplasticinewhichIhadhandy,putmybagonthetableandwentonpretendingtolookforthediamond.IthoughtitwouldbelikethePurloinedLetter—youknow—lyingthereinfullviewunderallyournoses—andjustlookinglikeacommonbitofrhinestone.Anditwasagoodplan—noneofyoudidnotice.”
“Iwonder,”saidMr.Stein.
“Whatdidyousay?”
Mr.Pointztookthebag,lookedattheemptyholewithafragmentofplasticinestilladheringtoitandsaidslowly:“Itmayhavefallenout.We’dbetterlookagain.”
Thesearchwasrepeated,butthistimeitwasacuriouslysilentbusiness.Anatmosphereoftensionpervadedtheroom
Finallyeveryoneinturngaveitup.Theystoodlookingateachother.
“It’snotinthisroom,”saidStein.
“Andnobody’slefttheroom,”saidSirGeorgesignificantly.
Therewasamoment’spause.Eveburstintotears.
Herfatherpattedherontheshoulder.
“There,there,”hesaidawkwardly.
SirGeorgeturnedtoLeoStein.
“Mr.Stein,”hesaid.“Justnowyoumurmuredsomethingunderyourbreath.WhenIaskedyoutorepeatit,yousaiditwasnothing.ButasamatteroffactIheardwhatyousaid.MissEvehadjustsaidthatnoneofusnoticedtheplacewhereshehadputthediamond.Thewordsyoumurmuredwere:‘Iwonder.’Whatwehavetofaceistheprobabilitythatonepersondidnotice—thatthatpersonisinthisroomnow.Isuggestthattheonlyfairandhonourablethingisforeveryonepresenttosubmittoasearch.Thediamondcannothavelefttheroom.”
WhenSirGeorgeplayedthepartoftheoldEnglishgentleman,nonecouldplayitbetter.Hisvoicerangwithsincerityandindignation.
“Bitunpleasant,allthis,”saidMr.Pointzunhappily.
“It’sallmyfault,”sobbedEve.“Ididn’tmean—”
“Buckup,kiddo,”saidMr.Steinkindly.“Nobody’sblamingyou.”
Mr.Leathernsaidinhisslowpedanticmanner:
“Why,certainly,IthinkthatSirGeorge’ssuggestionwillmeetwiththefullestapprovalfromallofus.Itdoesfromme.”
“Iagree,”saidEvanLlewellyn.
Mrs.RustingtonlookedatLadyMarrowaywhonoddedabriefassent.ThetwoofthemwentbackbehindthescreenandthesobbingEveaccompaniedthem.
Awaiterknockedonthedoorandwastoldtogoaway.
Fiveminuteslatereightpeoplelookedateachotherincredulously.
TheMorningStarhadvanishedintospace….
Mr.ParkerPynelookedthoughtfullyatthedarkagitatedfaceoftheyoungmanoppositehim.
“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“You’reWelsh,Mr.Llewellyn.”
“What’sthatgottodowithit?”
Mr.ParkerPynewavedalarge,well-cared-forhand.
“Nothingatall,Iadmit.Iaminterestedintheclassificationofemotionalreactionsasexemplifiedbycertainracialtypes.Thatisall.Letusreturntotheconsiderationofyourparticularproblem.”
“Idon’treallyknowwhyIcametoyou,”saidEvanLlewellyn.Hishandstwitchednervously,andhisdarkfacehadahaggardlook.HedidnotlookatMr.ParkerPyneandthatgentleman’sscrutinyseemedtomakehimuncomfortable.“Idon’tknowwhyIcametoyou,”herepeated.“ButwheretheHellcanIgo?AndwhattheHellcanIdo?It’sthepowerlessnessofnotbeingabletodoanythingatallthatgetsme…IsawyouradvertisementandIrememberedthatachaphadoncespokenofyouandsaidthatyougotresults…And—well—Icame!IsupposeIwasafool.It’sthesortofpositionnobodycandoanythingabout.”
“Notatall,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Iamtheproperpersontocometo.Iamaspecialistinunhappiness.Thisbusinesshasobviouslycausedyouagooddealofpain.Youaresurethefactsareexactlyasyouhavetoldme?”
“Idon’tthinkI’veleftoutanything.Pointzbroughtoutthediamondandpasseditaround—thatwretchedAmericanchildstuckitonherridiculousbagandwhenwecametolookatthebag,thediamondwasgone.Itwasn’tonanyone—oldPointzhimselfevenwassearched—hesuggestedithimself—andI’llswearitwasnowhereinthatroom!Andnobodylefttheroom—”
“Nowaiters,forinstance?”suggestedMr.ParkerPyne.
Llewellynshookhishead.
“Theywentoutbeforethegirlbeganmessingaboutwiththediamond,andafterwardsPointzlockedthedoorsoastokeepthemout.No,itliesbetweenoneofus.”
“Itwouldcertainlyseemso,”saidMr.ParkerPynethoughtfully.
“Thatdamnedeveningpaper,”saidEvanLlewellynbitterly.“Isawitcomeintotheirminds—thatthatwastheonlyway—”
“Justtellmeagainexactlywhatoccurred.”
“Itwasperfectlysimple.Ithrewopenthewindow,whistledtotheman,threwdownacopperandhetossedmeupthepaper.Andthereitis,yousee—theonlypossiblewaythediamondcouldhavelefttheroom—thrownbymetoanaccomplicewaitinginthestreetbelow.”
“Nottheonlypossibleway,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Whatotherwaycanyousuggest?”
“Ifyoudidn’tthrowitout,theremusthavebeensomeotherway.”
“Oh,Isee.Ihopedyoumeantsomethingmoredefinitethanthat.Well,IcanonlysaythatIdidn’tthrowitout.Ican’texpectyoutobelieveme—oranyoneelse.”
“Oh,yes,Ibelieveyou,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Youdo?Why?”
“Notacriminaltype,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Not,thatis,theparticularcriminaltypethatstealsjewellery.Therearecrimes,ofcourse,thatyoumightcommit—butwewon’tenterintothatsubject.AtanyrateIdonotseeyouasthepurloineroftheMorningStar.”
“Everyoneelsedoesthough,”saidLlewellynbitterly.
“Isee,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Theylookedatmeinaqueersortofwayatthetime.Marrowaypickedupthepaperandjustglancedoveratthewindow.Hedidn’tsayanything.ButPointzcottonedontoitquickenough!Icouldseewhattheythought.Therehasn’tbeenanyopenaccusation,that’sthedevilofit.”
Mr.ParkerPynenoddedsympathetically.
“Itisworsethanthat,”hesaid.
“Yes.It’sjustsuspicion.I’vehadafellowroundaskingquestions—routineinquiries,hecalledit.Oneofthenewdress-shirtedlotofpolice,Isuppose.Verytactful—nothingatallhinted.JustinterestedinthefactthatI’dbeenhardupandwassuddenlycuttingabitofasplash.”
“Andwereyou?”
“Yes—someluckwithahorseortwo.Unluckilymybetsweremadeonthecourse—there’snothingtoshowthatthat’showthemoneycamein.Theycan’tdisproveit,ofcourse—butthat’sjustthesortofeasylieafellowwouldinventifhedidn’twanttoshowwherethemoneycamefrom.”
“Iagree.Stilltheywillhavetohaveagooddealmorethanthattogoupon.”
“Oh!I’mnotafraidofactuallybeingarrestedandchargedwiththetheft.Inawaythatwouldbeeasier—onewouldknow,whereonewas.It’stheghastlyfactthatallthosepeoplebelieveItookit.”
“Onepersoninparticular?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Asuggestion—nothingmore—”AgainMr.ParkerPynewavedhiscomfortable-lookinghand.“Therewasonepersoninparticular,wasn’tthere?ShallwesayMrs.Rustington?”
Llewellyn’sdarkfaceflushed.
“Whypitchonher?”
“Oh,mydearsir—thereisobviouslysomeonewhoseopinionmatterstoyougreatly—probablyalady.Whatladieswerethere?AnAmericanflapper?LadyMarroway?ButyouwouldprobablyrisenotfallinLadyMarroway’sestimationifyouhadbroughtoffsuchacoup.Iknowsomethingofthelady.Clearlythen,Mrs.Rustington.”
Llewellynsaidwithsomethingofaneffort,
“She—she’shadratheranunfortunateexperience.Herhusbandwasadownandoutrotter.It’smadeherunwillingtotrustanyone.She—ifshethinks—”
Hefounditdifficulttogoon.
“Quiteso,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Iseethematterisimportant.Itmustbeclearedup.”
Evangaveashortlaugh.
“That’seasytosay.”
“Andquiteeasytodo,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.
“Youthinkso?”
“Oh,yes—theproblemissoclearcut.Somanypossibilitiesareruledout.Theanswermustreallybeextremelysimple.IndeedalreadyIhaveakindofglimmering—”
Llewellynstaredathimincredulously.
Mr.ParkerPynedrewapadofpapertowardshimandpickedupapen.
“Perhapsyouwouldgivemeabriefdescriptionoftheparty.”
“Haven’tIalreadydoneso?”
“Theirpersonalappearance—colourofhairandsoon.”
“But,Mr.ParkerPyne,whatcanthathavetodowithit?”
“Agooddeal,youngman,agooddeal.Classificationandsoon.”
Somewhatunbelievingly,Evandescribedthepersonalappearanceofthemembersoftheyachtingparty.
Mr.ParkerPynemadeanoteortwo,pushedawaythepadandsaid:
“Excellent.Bytheway,didyousayawineglasswasbroken?”
Evanstaredagain.
“Yes,itwasknockedoffthetableandthenitgotsteppedon.”
“Nastything,splintersofglass,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Whosewineglasswasit?”
“Ithinkitwasthechild’s—Eve.”
“Ah!—andwhosatnexttoheronthatside?”
“SirGeorgeMarroway.”
“Youdidn’tseewhichofthemknockeditoffthetable?”
“AfraidIdidn’t.Doesitmatter?”
“Notreally.No.Thatwasasuperfluousquestion.Well”—hestoodup—“goodmorning,Mr.Llewellyn.Willyoucallagaininthreedays’time?Ithinkthewholethingwillbequitesatisfactorilyclearedupbythen.”
“Areyoujoking,Mr.ParkerPyne?”
“Ineverjokeonprofessionalmatters,mydearsir.Itwouldoccasiondistrustinmyclients.ShallwesayFridayateleventhirty?Thankyou.”
EvenenteredMr.ParkerPyne’sofficeontheFridaymorninginaconsiderableturmoil.Hopeandscepticismfoughtformastery.
Mr.ParkerPynerosetomeethimwithabeamingsmile.
“Goodmorning,Mr.Llewellyn.Sitdown.Haveacigarette?”
Llewellynwavedasidetheprofferedbox
“Well?”hesaid.
“Verywellindeed,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Thepolicearrestedtheganglastnight.”
“Thegang?Whatgang?”
“TheAmalfigang.Ithoughtofthematoncewhenyoutoldmeyourstory.Irecognizedtheirmethodsandonceyouhaddescribedtheguests,well,therewasnodoubtatallinmymind.”
“WhoaretheAmalfigang?”
“Father,sonanddaughter-in-law—thatisifPietroandMariaarereallymarried—whichsomedoubt.”
“Idon’tunderstand.”
“It’squitesimple.ThenameisItalianandnodoubttheoriginisItalian,butoldAmalfiwasborninAmerica.Hismethodsareusuallythesame.Heimpersonatesarealbusinessman,introduceshimselftosomeprominentfigureinthejewelbusinessinsomeEuropeancountryandthenplayshislittletrick.InthiscasehewasdeliberatelyonthetrackoftheMorningStar.Pointz’idiosyncrasywaswellknowninthetrade.MariaAmalfiplayedthepartofhisdaughter(amazingcreature,twenty-sevenatleast,andnearlyalwaysplaysapartofsixteen).”
“NotEve!”gaspedLlewellyn.
“Exactly.ThethirdmemberoftheganggothimselftakenonasanextrawaiterattheRoyalGeorge—itwasholidaytime,remember,andtheywouldneedextrastaff.Hemayevenhavebribedaregularmantostayaway.Thesceneisset.EvechallengesoldPointzandhetakesonthebet.Hepassesroundthediamondashehaddonethenightbefore.ThewaitersentertheroomandLeathernretainsthestoneuntiltheyhavelefttheroom.Whentheydoleave,thediamondleavesalso,neatlyattachedwithamorselofchewinggumtotheundersideoftheplatethatPietrobearsaway.Sosimple!”
“ButIsawitafterthat.”
“No,no,yousawapastereplica,goodenoughtodeceiveacasualglance.Stein,youtoldme,hardlylookedatit.Evedropsit,sweepsoffaglasstooandstepsfirmlyonstoneandglasstogether.Miraculousdisappearanceofdiamond.BothEveandLeatherncansubmittoasmuchsearchingasanyonepleases.”
“Well—I’m—”Evanshookhishead,atalossforwords.
“Yousayyourecognizedthegangfrommydescription.Hadtheyworkedthistrickbefore?”
“Notexactly—butitwastheirkindofbusiness.NaturallymyattentionwasatoncedirectedtothegirlEve.”
“Why?Ididn’tsuspecther—nobodydid.Sheseemedsucha—suchachild.”
“ThatisthepeculiargeniusofMariaAmalfi.Sheismorelikeachildthananychildcouldpossiblybe!Andthentheplasticine!Thisbetwassupposedtohavearisenquitespontaneously—yetthelittleladyhadsomeplasticinewithherallhandy.Thatspokeofpremeditation.Mysuspicionsfastenedonheratonce.”
Llewellynrosetohisfeet.
“Well,Mr.ParkerPyne,I’mnoendobligedtoyou.”
“Classification,”murmuredMr.ParkerPyne.“Theclassificationofcriminaltypes—itinterestsme.”
“You’llletmeknowhowmuch—er—”
“Myfeewillbequitemoderate,”saidMr.ParkerPyne.“Itwillnotmaketoobigaholeinthe—er—horseracingprofits.Allthesame,youngman,Ishould,Ithink,leavethehorsesaloneinfuture.Veryuncertainanimal,thehorse.”
“That’sallright,”saidEvan.
HeshookMr.ParkerPynebythehandandstrodefromtheoffice.
HehailedataxiandgavetheaddressofJanetRustington’sflat.
Hefeltinamoodtocarryallbeforehim.
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethe-husband-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
TheHarlequinTeaSetandOtherStories
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
Credits
Covernewspaperprintandtexture?byShutterstock
Authorphotograph?ChristieArchivesTrust
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?PARKERPYNEINVESTIGATES?.Copyright?1934AgathaChristieLimited.Allrightsreserved.
PARKERPYNEINVESTIGATES?1934.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWTRADEPAPERBACKPUBLISHED2012.
ISBN978-0-06-207440-9
EpubEdition?FEBRUARY2010ISBN:978006206714
Version07202012
1213141516DIX/RRD10987654321
AboutthePublisher
Australia
HarperCollinsPublishers(Australia)Pty.Ltd.
Level13,201ElizabethStreet
Sydney,NSW2000,Australia
http://www.harpercollins.com.au/ebooks
Canada
HarperCollinsCanada
2BloorStreetEast–20thFloor
Toronto,ON,M4W,1A8,Canada
http://www.harpercollins.ca
NewZealand
HarperCollinsPublishers(NewZealand)Limited
P.O.Box1
Auckland,NewZealand
http://www.harpercollins.co.nz
UnitedKingdom
HarperCollinsPublishersLtd.
77-85FulhamPalaceRoad
London,W68JB,UK
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk
UnitedStates
HarperCollinsPublishersInc.
10East53rdStreet
NewYork,NY10022
http://www.harpercollins.com