HerculePoirotsChristmas

AgathaChristie

1938


MydearJames

Youhavealwaysbeenoneofthemostfaithfulandkindlyofmyreaders,andIwas
thereforeseriouslyperturbedwhenIreceivedfromyouawordofcriticism.

Youcomplainedthatmymurdersweregettingtoorefinedanaemic,infact.You
yearnedforagoodviolentmurderwithlotsofblood.Amurderwheretherewas
nodoubtaboutitsbeingmurder!

Sothisisyourspecialstorywrittenforyou.Ihopeitmayplease.

Youraffectionatesisterinlaw

Agatha

Contents
Part1December22nd

Part2December23rd

Part3December24th

Part4December25th

Part5December26th

Part6December27th

Part7December28th

Yetwhowouldhavethoughttheoldmantohavehadsomuchbloodinhim?
Macbeth

4
Part1

December22nd

Stephenpulledupthecollarofhiscoatashewalkedbrisklyalongtheplatform.

Overheadadimfogcloudedthestation.Largeengineshissedsuperbly,throwingoff
cloudsofsteamintothecoldrawair.Everythingwasdirtyandsmokegrimed.

Stephenthoughtwithrevulsion:Whatafoulcountrywhatafoulcity!

HisfirstexcitedreactiontoLondon,itsshops,itsrestaurants,itswelldressed,attractive
women,hadfaded.Hesawitnowasaglitteringrhinestonesetinadingysetting.

SupposinghewerebackinSouthAfricanow...Hefeltaquickpangofhomesickness.
Sunshineblueskiesgardensofflowerscoolblueflowershedgesofplumbagoblue
convolvulusclingingtoeverylittleshanty.

Andheredirt,grime,andendless,incessantcrowdsmoving,hurryingjostling.Busy
antsrunningindustriouslyabouttheiranthill.

Foramomenthethought,IwishIhadntcome...

Thenherememberedhispurposeandhislipssetbackinagrimline.

No,byhell,hedgoonwithit!Hedplannedthisforyears.Hedalwaysmeanttodo
whathewasgoingtodo.Yes,hedgoonwithit!

Thatmomentaryreluctance,thatsuddenquestioningofhimself:Why?Isitworthit?Why
dwellonthepast?Whynotwipeoutthewholething?allthatwasonlyweakness.He
wasnotaboytobeturnedhisthiswayandthatbythewhimofthemoment.Hewasa
manofforty,assured,purposeful.Hewouldgoonwithit.Hewoulddowhathehadcome
toEnglandtodo.

Hegotonthetrainandpassedalongthecorridorlookingforaplace.Hehadwavedaside
aporterandwascarryinghisownrawhidesuitcase.Helookedintocarriageafter
carriage.Thetrainwasfull.ItwasonlythreedaysbeforeChristmas.StephenFarrlooked
distastefullyatthecrowdedcarriages.

People!Incessant,innumerablepeople!Andallsosowhatwasthewordsodrab
looking!Soalike,sohorriblyalike!Thosethathadntgotfaceslikesheephadfaceslike
rabbits,hethought.Someofthemchatteredandfussed.Some,heavilymiddleagedmen,
grunted.Morelikepigs,those.Eventhegirls,slender,eggfaced,scarletlipped,wereofa
depressinguniformity.

Hethoughtwithasuddenlongingofopenveldt,sunbakedandlonely...

5
Andthen,suddenly,hecaughthisbreath,lookingintoacarriage.Thisgirlwasdifferent.
Blackhair,richcreamypalloreyeswiththedepthanddarknessofnightinthem.Thesad
proudeyesoftheSouth...Itwasallwrongthatthisgirlshouldbesittinginthistrain
amongthesedull,drablookingpeopleallwrongthatsheshouldbegoingintothedreary
midlandsofEngland.Sheshouldhavebeenonabalcony,arosebetweenherlips,apiece
ofblacklacedrapingherproudhead,andthereshouldhavebeendustandheatandthe
smellofbloodthesmellofthebullringintheair...Sheshouldbesomewheresplendid,
notsqueezedintothecornerofathirdclasscarriage.

Hewasanobservantman.Hedidnotfailtonotetheshabbinessofherlittleblackcoat
andskirt,thecheapqualityofherfabricgloves,theflimsyshoesandthedefiantnoteofa
flameredhandbag.Neverthelesssplendourwasthequalityheassociatedwithher.She
wassplendid,fine,exotic...

Whatthehellwasshedoinginthiscountryoffogsandchillsandhurryingindustrious
ants?

Hethought,Ivegottoknowwhosheisandwhatshesdoinghere...Ivegottoknow...

II

PilarsatsqueezedupagainstthewindowandthoughthowveryoddtheEnglishsmelt...It
waswhathadstruckhersofarmostforciblyaboutEnglandthedifferenceofsmell.
Therewasnogarlicandnodustandverylittleperfume.Inthiscarriagenowtherewasa
smellofcoldstuffinessthesulphursmellofthetrainsthesmellofsoapandanother
veryunpleasantsmellitcame,shethought,fromthefurcollarofthestoutwoman
sittingbesideher.Pilarsniffeddelicately,imbibingtheodourofmothballsreluctantly.It
wasafunnyscenttochoosetoputonyourself,shethought.

Awhistleblew,astentorianvoicecriedoutsomethingandthetrainjerkedslowlyoutof
thestation.Theyhadstarted.Shewasonherway...

Herheartbeatalittlefaster.Woulditbeallright?Wouldshebeabletoaccomplishwhat
shehadsetouttodo?Surelysurelyshehadthoughtitalloutsocarefully...Shewas
preparedforeveryeventuality.Oh,yes,shewouldsucceedshemustsucceed...

ThecurveofPilarsredmouthcurvedupwards.Itwassuddenlycruel,thatmouth.Cruel
andgreedylikethemouthofachildorakittenamouththatknewonlyitsowndesires
andthatwasasyetunawareofpity.

Shelookedroundherwiththefrankcuriosityofachild.Allthesepeople,sevenofthem
howfunnytheywere,theEnglish!Theyallseemedsorich,soprosperoustheirclothes
theirbootsOh!undoubtedlyEnglandwasaveryrichcountryasshehadalwaysheard.
Buttheywerenotatallgayno,decidedlynotgay.

Thatwasahandsomemanstandinginthecorridor...Pilarthoughthewasveryhandsome.
Shelikedhisdeeplybronzedfaceandhishighbridgednoseandhissquareshoulders.
MorequicklythananyEnglishgirl,Pilarhadseenthatthemanadmiredher.Shehadnot

6
lookedathimoncedirectly,butsheknewperfectlyhowoftenhehadlookedatherand
exactlyhowhehadlooked.

Sheregisteredthefactswithoutmuchinterestoremotion.Shecamefromacountry
wheremenlookedatwomenasamatterofcourseanddidnotdisguisethefactunduly.
ShewonderedifhewasanEnglishmananddecidedthathewasnot.

Heistooalive,tooreal,tobeEnglish,Pilardecided.Andyetheisfair.Hemaybe
perhapsAmericano.Hewas,shethought,ratherliketheactorsshehadseeninWildWest
films.

Anattendantpushedhiswayalongthecorridor.

Firstlunch,please.Firstlunch.Takeyourseatsforfirstlunch.

ThesevenoccupantsofPilarscarriageallheldticketsforthefirstlunch.Theyroseina
bodyandthecarriagewassuddenlydesertedandpeaceful.

Pilarquicklypulledupthewindowwhichhadbeenletdownacoupleofinchesatthetop
byamilitantlooking,greyhairedladyintheoppositecorner.Thenshesprawled
comfortablybackonherseatandpeeredoutofthewindowatthenorthernsuburbsof
London.Shedidnotturnherheadatthesoundofthedoorslidingback.Itwastheman
fromthecorridor,andPilarknew,ofcourse,thathehadenteredthecarriageonpurpose
totalktoher.

Shecontinuedtolookpensivelyoutofthewindow.

StephenFarrsaid:Wouldyoulikethewindowdownatall?

Pilarreplieddemurely:Onthecontrary.Ihavejustshutit.

ShespokeEnglishperfectly,butwithaslightaccent.

Duringthepausethatensued,Stephenthought:Adeliciousvoice.Ithasthesuninit...It
iswarmlikeasummernight...

Pilarthought:Ilikehisvoice.Itisbigandstrong.Heisattractiveyes,heisattractive.

Stephensaid:Thetrainisveryfull.

Oh,yes,indeed.ThepeoplegoawayfromLondon,Isuppose,becauseitissoblackthere.

Pilarhadnotbeenbroughtuptobelievethatitwasacrimetotalktostrangemenin
trains.Shecouldtakecareofherselfaswellasanygirl,butshehadnorigidtaboos.

IfStephenhadbeenbroughtupinEnglandhemighthavefeltillateaseatenteringinto
conversationwithayounggirl.ButStephenwasafriendlysoulwhofounditperfectly
naturaltotalktoanyoneifhefeltlikeit.
7
Hesmiledwithoutanyselfconsciousnessandsaid:Londonsratheraterribleplace,isnt
it?

Oh,yes.Idonotlikeitatall.

NomoredoI.

Pilarsaid:YouarenotEnglish,no?

ImBritish,butIcomefromSouthAfrica.

Oh,Isee,thatexplainsit.

Haveyoujustcomefromabroad?

Pilarnodded.IcomefromSpain.

Stephenwasinterested.

FromSpain,doyou?YoureSpanish,then?

IamhalfSpanish.MymotherwasEnglish.ThatiswhyItalkEnglishsowell.

Whataboutthiswarbusiness?askedStephen.

Itisveryterrible,yesverysad.Therehasbeendamagedone,quitealotyes.

Whichsideareyouon?

Pilarspoliticsseemedtoberathervague.Inthevillagewhereshecamefrom,she
explained,nobodyhadpaidverymuchattentiontothewar.Ithasnotbeennearus,you
understand.TheMayor,heis,ofcourse,anofficeroftheGovernment,soheisforthe
Government,andthepriestisforGeneralFrancobutmostofthepeoplearebusywith
thevinesandtheland,theyhavenottimetogointothesequestions.

Sotherewasntanyfightingroundyou?

Pilarsaidthattherehadnotbeen.ButthenIdroveinacar,sheexplained,allacrossthe
countryandtherewasmuchdestruction.AndIsawabombdropanditblewupacar
yes,andanotherdestroyedahouse.Itwasveryexciting!

StephenFarrsmiledafaintlytwistedsmile.

Sothatshowitseemedtoyou?

Itwasanuisance,too,explainedPilar.BecauseIwantedtogeton,andthedriverofmy
car,hewaskilled.

8
Stephensaid,watchingher:Thatdidntupsetyou?

Pilarsgreatdarkeyesopenedverywide.

Everyonemustdie!Thatisso,isitnot?Ifitcomesquicklyfromtheskyboufflikethat,
itisaswellasanyotherway.Oneisaliveforatimeyes,andthenoneisdead.Thatis
whathappensinthisworld.

StephenFarrlaughed.

Idontthinkyouareapacifist.

YoudonotthinkIamwhat?Pilarseemedpuzzledbyawordwhichhadnotpreviously
enteredhervocabulary.

Doyouforgiveyourenemies,seorita?

Pilarshookherhead.

Ihavenoenemies.ButifIhad

Well?

Hewaswatchingher,fascinatedanewbythesweet,cruelupwardcurvingmouth.

Pilarsaidgravely:IfIhadanenemyifanyonehatedmeandIhatedthemthenIwould
cutmyenemysthroatlikethis...

Shemadeagraphicgesture.

ItwassoswiftandsocrudethatStephenFarrwasmomentarilytakenaback.Hesaid:You
areabloodthirstyyoungwoman!

Pilaraskedinamatteroffacttone:Whatwouldyoudotoyourenemy?

Hestartedstaredather,thenlaughedaloud.

Iwonderhesaid.Iwonder!

Pilarsaiddisapprovingly:Butsurelyyouknow.

Hecheckedhislaughter,drewinhisbreathandsaidinalowvoice:Yes.Iknow...

Thenwitharapidchangeofmanner,heasked:WhatmadeyoucometoEngland?

Pilarrepliedwithacertaindemureness.

IamgoingtostaywithmyrelationswithmyEnglishrelations.
9
Isee.

Heleanedbackinhisseat,studyingherwonderingwhattheseEnglishrelationsofwhom
shespokewerelikewonderingwhattheywouldmakeofthisSpanishstranger...trying
topictureherinthemidstofsomesoberBritishfamilyatChristmastime.

Pilarasked:Isitnice,SouthAfrica,yes?

HebegantotalktoheraboutSouthAfrica.Shelistenedwiththepleasedattentionofa
childhearingastory.Heenjoyedhernavebutshrewdquestionsandamusedhimselfby
makingakindofexaggeratedfairystoryofitall.

Thereturnoftheproperoccupantsofthecarriageputanendtothisdiversion.Herose,
smiledintohereyes,andmadehiswayoutagainintothecorridor.

Ashestoodbackforaminuteinthedoorway,toallowanelderlyladytocomein,hiseyes
fellonthelabelofPilarsobviouslyforeignstrawcase.Hereadthenamewithinterest
MissPilarEstravadosthenashiseyecaughttheaddressitwidenedtoincredulityand
someotherfeelingGorstonHall,Longdale,Addlesfield.

Hehalfturned,staringatthegirlwithanewexpressionpuzzled,resentful,suspicious...
Hewentoutintothecorridorandstoodtheresmokingacigaretteandfrowningto
himself...

III

InthebigblueandgolddrawingroomatGorstonHallAlfredLeeandLydia,hiswife,sat
discussingtheirplansforChristmas.Alfredwasasquarelybuiltmanofmiddleagewitha
gentlefaceandmildbrowneyes.Hisvoicewhenhespokewasquietandprecisewitha
veryclearenunciation.Hisheadwassunkintohisshouldersandhegaveacurious
impressionofinertia.Lydia,hiswife,wasanenergetic,leangreyhoundofawoman.She
wasamazinglythin,butallhermovementshadaswift,startledgraceaboutthem.

Therewasnobeautyinhercareless,haggardface,butithaddistinction.Hervoicewas
charming.

Alfredsaid:Fatherinsists!Theresnothingelsetoit.

Lydiacontrolledasuddenimpatientmovement.Shesaid:Mustyoualwaysgiveinto
him?

Hesaveryoldman,mydear

Oh,IknowIknow!

Heexpectstohavehisownway.

10
Lydiasaiddryly:Naturally,sincehehasalwayshadit!Butsometimeorother,Alfred,you
willhavetomakeastand.

Whatdoyoumean,Lydia?

Hestaredather,sopalpablyupsetandstartled,thatforamomentshebitherlipand
seemeddoubtfulwhethertogoon.

AlfredLeerepeated:Whatdoyoumean,Lydia?

Sheshruggedherthin,gracefulshoulders.

Shesaid,tryingtochooseherwordscautiously:Yourfatherisinclinedtobe
tyrannical

Hesold.

Andwillgrowolder.Andconsequentlymoretyrannical.Wherewillitend?Alreadyhe
dictatesourlivestouscompletely.Wecantmakeaplanofourown!Ifwedo,itisalways
liabletobeupset.

Alfredsaid:Fatherexpectstocomefirst.Heisverygoodtous,remember.

Oh!goodtous!

Verygoodtous.

Alfredspokewithatraceofsternness.

Lydiasaidcalmly:Youmeanfinancially?

Yes.Hisownwantsareverysimple.Buthenevergrudgesusmoney.Youcanspendwhat
youlikeondressandonthishouse,andthebillsarepaidwithoutamurmur.Hegaveusa
newcaronlylastweek.

Asfarasmoneygoes,yourfatherisverygenerous,Iadmit,saidLydia.Butinreturnhe
expectsustobehavelikeslaves.

Slaves?

ThatsthewordIused.Youarehisslave,Alfred.Ifwehaveplannedtogoawayand
Fathersuddenlywishesusnottogo,youcancelyourarrangementsandremainwithouta
murmur!Ifthewhimtakeshimtosendusaway,wego...Wehavenolivesofourownno
independence.

Herhusbandsaiddistressfully:Iwishyouwouldnttalklikethis,Lydia.Itisvery
ungrateful.Myfatherhasdoneeverythingforus...

11
Shebitoffaretortthatwasonherlips.Sheshruggedthosethin,gracefulshouldersonce
more.

Alfredsaid:Youknow,Lydia,theoldmanisveryfondofyou

Hiswifesaidclearlyanddistinctly:Iamnotatallfondofhim.

Lydia,itdistressesmetohearyousaythingslikethat.Itissounkind

Perhaps.Butsometimesacompulsioncomesoveronetospeakthetruth.

IfFatherguessed

YourfatherknowsperfectlywellthatIdonotlikehim!Itamuseshim,Ithink.

Really,Lydia,Iamsureyouarewrongthere.Hehasoftentoldmehowcharmingyour
mannertohimis.

NaturallyIvealwaysbeenpolite.Ialwaysshallbe.Imjustlettingyouknowwhatmyreal
feelingsare.Idislikeyourfather,Alfred.Ithinkheisamaliciousandtyrannicaloldman.
Hebulliesyouandpresumesonyouraffectionforhim.Yououghttohavestooduptohim
yearsago.

Alfredsaidsharply:Thatwilldo,Lydia.Pleasedontsayanymore.

Shesighed.

Imsorry.PerhapsIwaswrong...LetstalkofourChristmasarrangements.Doyouthink
yourbrotherDavidwillreallycome?

Whynot?

Sheshookherheaddoubtfully.

Davidisqueer.Hesnotbeeninsidethehouseforyears,remember.Hewassodevoted
toyourmotherhesgotsomefeelingaboutthisplace.

DavidalwaysgotonFathersnerves,saidAlfred,withhismusicandhisdreamyways.
Fatherwas,perhaps,abithardonhimsometimes.ButIthinkDavidandHildawillcomeall
right.Christmastime,youknow.

Peaceandgoodwill,saidLydia.Herdelicatemouthcurvedironically.Iwonder!George
andMagdalenearecoming.Theysaidtheywouldprobablyarrivetomorrow.Imafraid
Magdalenewillbefrightfullybored.

Alfredsaidwithsomeslightannoyance:WhymybrotherGeorgeevermarriedagirl
twentyyearsyoungerthanhimselfIcantthink!Georgewasalwaysafool!

12
Hesverysuccessfulinhiscareer,saidLydia.Hisconstituentslikehim.Ibelieve
Magdaleneworksquitehardpoliticallyforhim.

Alfredsaidslowly:IdontthinkIlikeherverymuch.SheisverygoodlookingbutI
sometimesthinksheislikeoneofthosebeautifulpearsonegetstheyhavearosyflush
andaratherwaxenappearanceHeshookhishead.

Andtheyrebadinside?saidLydia.Howfunnyyoushouldsaythat,Alfred!

Whyfunny?

Sheanswered:Becauseusuallyyouaresuchagentlesoul.Youhardlyeversayan
unkindthingaboutanyone.Igetannoyedwithyousometimesbecauseyourenot
sufficientlyoh,whatshallIsay?sufficientlysuspiciousnotworldlyenough!

Herhusbandsmiled.

Theworld,Ialwaysthink,isasyouyourselfmakeit.

Lydiasaidsharply:No!Evilisnotonlyinonesmind.Evilexists!Youseemtohaveno
consciousnessoftheevilintheworld.Ihave.Icanfeelit.Ivealwaysfeltithereinthis
houseShebitherlipandturnedaway.

Alfredsaid,Lydia

Butsheraisedaquickadmonitoryhand,hereyeslookingpasthimatsomethingoverhis
shoulder.Alfredturned.

Adarkmanwithasmoothfacewasstandingtheredeferentially.

Lydiasaidsharply:Whatisit,Horbury?

Horburysvoicewaslow,ameredeferentialmurmur.

ItsMrLee,madam.Heaskedmetotellyouthattherewouldbetwomoreguestsarriving
forChristmas,andwouldyouhaveroomspreparedforthem.

Lydiasaid,Twomoreguests?

Horburysaidsmoothly,Yes,madam,anothergentlemanandayounglady.

Alfredsaidwonderingly:Ayounglady?

ThatswhatMrLeesaid,sir.

Lydiasaidquickly:Iwillgoupandseehim

13
Horburymadeonelittlestep,itwasamereghostofamovementbutitstoppedLydias
rapidprogressautomatically.

Excuseme,madam,butMrLeeishavinghisafternoonsleep.Heaskedspecificallythathe
shouldnotbedisturbed.

Isee,saidAlfred.Ofcoursewewontdisturbhim.

Thankyou,sir.Horburywithdrew.

Lydiasaidvehemently:HowIdislikethatman!Hecreepsaboutthehouselikeacat!One
neverhearshimgoingorcoming.

Idontlikehimverymucheither.Butheknowshisjob.Itsnotsoeasytogetagoodmale
nurseattendant.AndFatherlikeshim,thatsthemainthing.

Yes,thatsthemainthing,asyousay.Alfred,whatisthisaboutayounglady?Whatyoung
lady?

Herhusbandshookhishead.

Icantimagine.Icanteventhinkofanyoneitmightbelikelytobe.

Theystaredateachother.ThenLydiasaid,withasuddentwistofherexpressivemouth:
DoyouknowwhatIthink,Alfred?

What?

Ithinkyourfatherhasbeenboredlately.IthinkheisplanningalittleChristmasdiversion
forhimself.

Byintroducingtwostrangersintoafamilygathering?

Oh!IdontknowwhatthedetailsarebutIdofancythatyourfatherispreparingto
amusehimself.

Ihopehewillgetsomepleasureoutofit,saidAlfredgravely.Pooroldchap,tiedbythe
leg,aninvalidaftertheadventurouslifehehasled.

Lydiasaidslowly:Aftertheadventurouslifehehasled.

Thepauseshemadebeforetheadjectivegaveitsomespecialthoughobscure
significance.Alfredseemedtofeelit.Heflushedandlookedunhappy.

Shecriedoutsuddenly:Howheeverhadasonlikeyou,Icantimagine!Youtwoare
polesapart.Andhefascinatesyouyousimplyworshiphim!

14
Alfredsaidwithatraceofvexation:Arentyougoingalittlefar,Lydia?Itsnatural,I
shouldsay,forasontolovehisfather.Itwouldbeveryunnaturalnottodoso.

Lydiasaid:Inthatcase,mostofthemembersofthisfamilyareunnatural!Oh,dontlets
argue!Iapologize.Ivehurtyourfeelings,Iknow.Believeme,Alfred,Ireallydidntmean
todothat.Iadmireyouenormouslyforyouryourfidelity.Loyaltyissuchararevirtue
inthesedays.Letussay,shallwe,thatIamjealous?Womenaresupposedtobejealousof
theirmothersinlawwhynot,then,oftheirfathersinlaw?

Heputagentlearmroundher.

Yourtonguerunsawaywithyou,Lydia.Theresnoreasonforyoutobejealous.

Shegavehimaquickremorsefulkiss,adelicatecaressonthetipofhisear.

Iknow.Allthesame,Alfred,IdontbelieveIshouldhavebeenintheleastjealousofyour
mother.IwishIdknownher.

Shewasapoorcreature,hesaid.

Hiswifelookedathiminterestedly.

Sothatshowshestruckyou...asapoorcreature...Thatsinteresting.

Hesaiddreamily:Irememberherasnearlyalwaysill...Oftenintears...Heshookhis
head.Shehadnospirit.

Stillstaringathim,shemurmuredverysoftly:Howodd...

Butasheturnedaquestioningglanceonher,sheshookherheadquicklyandchangedthe
subject.

SincewearenotallowedtoknowwhoourmysteriousguestsareIshallgooutandfinish
mygarden.

Itsverycold,mydear,abitingwind.

Illwrapupwarmly.

Shelefttheroom.AlfredLee,leftalone,stoodforsomeminutesmotionless,frowninga
littletohimself,thenhewalkedovertothebigwindowattheendoftheroom.Outside
wasaterracerunningthewholelengthofthehouse.Here,afteraminuteortwo,hesaw
Lydiaemerge,carryingaflatbasket.Shewaswearingabigblanketcoat.Shesetdownthe
basketandbegantoworkatasquarestonesinkslightlyraisedabovegroundlevel.

Herhusbandwatchedforsometime.Atlasthewentoutoftheroom,fetchedhimselfa
coatandmuffler,andemergedontotheterracebyasidedoor.Ashewalkedalonghe

15
passedvariousotherstonesinksarrangedasminiaturegardens,alltheproductsofLydias
agilefingers.

Onerepresentedadesertscenewithsmoothyellowsand,alittleclumpofgreenpalm
treesincolouredtin,andaprocessionofcamelswithoneortwolittleArabfigures.Some
primitivemudhouseshadbeenconstructedofplasticine.TherewasanItaliangardenwith
terracesandformalbedswithflowersincolouredsealingwax.TherewasanArcticone,
too,withclumpsofgreenglassforicebergs,andalittleclusterofpenguins.Nextcamea
Japanesegardenwithacoupleofbeautifullittlestuntedtrees,lookingglassarrangedfor
water,andbridgesmodelledoutofplasticine.

Hecameatlasttostandbesideherwhereshewasatwork.Shehadlaiddownbluepaper
andcovereditoverwithglass.Roundthiswerelumpsofrockpiledup.Atthemomentshe
waspouringoutcoarsepebblesfromalittlebagandformingthemintoabeach.Between
therocksweresomesmallcactuses.

Lydiawasmurmuringtoherself:Yes,thatsexactlyrightexactlywhatIwant.

Alfredsaid:Whatsthislatestworkofart?

Shestarted,forshehadnotheardhimcomeup.

This?Oh,itstheDeadSea,Alfred.Doyoulikeit?

Hesaid,Itsratherarid,isntit?Oughtnttheretobemorevegetation?

Sheshookherhead.

ItsmyideaoftheDeadSea.Itisdead,yousee

Itsnotsoattractiveassomeoftheothers.

Itsnotmeanttobespeciallyattractive.

Footstepssoundedontheterrace.Anelderlybutler,whitehairedandslightlybowed,was
comingtowardsthem.

MrsGeorgeLeeonthetelephone,madam.ShesayswillitbeconvenientifsheandMr
Georgearrivebythefivetwentytomorrow?

Yes,tellherthatwillbequiteallright.

Thankyou,madam.

Thebutlerhurriedaway.Lydialookedafterhimwithasoftenedexpressiononherface.

DearoldTressilian.Whatastandbyheis!Icantimaginewhatweshoulddowithouthim.

16
Alfredagreed.

Hesoneoftheoldschool.Hesbeenwithusnearlyfortyyears.Hesdevotedtousall.

Lydianodded.

Yes.Heslikethefaithfuloldretainersoffiction.Ibelievehedliehimselfblueintheface
ifitwasnecessarytoprotectoneofthefamily!

Alfredsaid:Ibelievehewould...Yes,Ibelievehewould.

Lydiasmoothedoverthelastbitofhershingle.

There,shesaid.Thatsready.

Ready?Alfredlookedpuzzled.

Shelaughed.

ForChristmas,silly!ForthissentimentalfamilyChristmasweregoingtohave.

IV

Davidwasreadingtheletter.Oncehescreweditupintoaballandthrustitawayfrom
him.Then,reachingforit,hesmootheditoutandreaditagain.

Quietly,withoutsayinganything,hiswife,Hilda,watchedhim.Shenotedthejerking
muscle(orwasitanerve?)inhistemple,theslighttremorofthelongdelicatehands,the
nervousspasmodicmovementsofhiswholebody.Whenhepushedasidethelockoffair
hairthatalwaystendedtostraydownoverhisforeheadandlookedacrossatherwith
appealingblueeyesshewasready.

Hilda,whatshallwedoaboutit?

Hildahesitatedaminutebeforespeaking.Shehadheardtheappealinhisvoice.Sheknew
howdependenthewasuponherhadalwaysbeeneversincetheirmarriageknewthat
shecouldprobablyinfluencehisdecisionfinallyanddecisively.Butforjustthatreasonshe
wascharyofpronouncinganythingtoofinal.

Shesaid,andhervoicehadthecalm,soothingqualitythatcanbeheardinthevoiceofan
experiencednannieinanursery:Itdependsonhowyoufeelaboutit,David.

Abroadwoman,Hilda,notbeautiful,butwithacertainmagneticquality.Something
aboutherlikeaDutchpicture.Somethingwarmingandendearinginthesoundofher
voice.Somethingstrongaboutherthevitalhiddenstrengththatappealstoweakness.
Anoverstoutdumpymiddleagedwomannotclevernotbrilliantbutwithsomething
aboutherthatyoucouldntpassover.Force!HildaLeehadforce!

17
Davidgotupandbeganpacingupanddown.Hishairwaspracticallyuntouchedbygrey.
Hewasstrangelyboyishlooking.HisfacehadthemildqualityofaBurneJonesknight.It
was,somehow,notveryreal...

Hesaid,andhisvoicewaswistful:YouknowhowIfeelaboutit,Hilda.Youmust.

Imnotsure.

ButIvetoldyouIvetoldyouagainandagain!HowIhateitallthehouseandthe
countryroundandeverything!Itbringsbacknothingbutmisery.Ihatedeverymoment
thatIspentthere!WhenIthinkofitofallthatshesufferedmymother...

Hiswifenoddedsympathetically.

Shewassosweet,Hilda,andsopatient.Lyingthere,ofteninpain,butbearingit
enduringeverything.AndwhenIthinkofmyfatherhisfacedarkenedbringingallthat
miseryintoherlifehumiliatingherboastingofhisloveaffairsconstantlyunfaithfulto
herandnevertroublingtoconcealit.

HildaLeesaid:Sheshouldnothaveputupwithit.Sheshouldhavelefthim.

Hesaidwithatouchofreproof:Shewastoogoodtodothat.Shethoughtitwasherduty
toremain.Besides,itwasherhomewhereelseshouldshego?

Shecouldhavemadealifeofherown.

Davidsaidfretfully:Notinthosedays!Youdontunderstand.Womendidntbehavelike
that.Theyputupwiththings.Theyenduredpatiently.Shehadustoconsider.Evenifshe
divorcedmyfather,whatwouldhavehappened?Hewouldprobablyhavemarriedagain.
Theremighthavebeenasecondfamily.Ourinterestsmighthavegonetothewall.She
hadtothinkofallthoseconsiderations.

Hildadidnotanswer.

Davidwenton:No,shedidright.Shewasasaint!Sheenduredtotheend
uncomplainingly.

Hildasaid,Notquiteuncomplaininglyoryouwouldnotknowsomuch,David!

Hesaidsoftly,hisfacelightingup:YesshetoldmethingsSheknewhowIlovedher.
Whenshedied

Hestopped.Heranhishandsthroughhishair.

Hilda,itwasawfulhorrible!Thedesolation!Shewasquiteyoungstill,sheneednthave
died.Hekilledhermyfather!Hewasresponsibleforherdying.Hebrokeherheart.I
decidedthenthatIdnotgoonlivingunderhisroof.Ibrokeawaygotawayfromitall.

18
Hildanodded.

Youwereverywise,shesaid.Itwastherightthingtodo.

Davidsaid:Fatherwantedmetogointotheworks.Thatwouldhavemeantlivingat
home.Icouldnthavestoodthat.IcantthinkhowAlfredstandsithowhehasstoodit
alltheseyears.

Didheneverrebelagainstit?askedHildawithsomeinterest.Ithoughtyoutoldme
somethingabouthishavinggivenupsomeothercareer.

Davidnodded.

Alfredwasgoingintothearmy.Fatherarrangeditall.Alfred,theeldest,wastogointo
somecavalryregiment,Harrywastogointotheworks,sowasI.Georgewastoenter
politics.

Anditdidntworkoutlikethat?

Davidshookhishead.

Harrybrokeallthatup!Hewasalwaysfrightfullywild.Gotintodebtandallsortsof
othertroubles.Finallyhewentoffonedaywithseveralhundredpoundsthatdidnt
belongtohim,leavinganotebehindhimsayinganofficestooldidntsuithimandhewas
goingtoseetheworld.

Andyouneverheardanymoreofhim?

Oh,yes,wedid!Davidlaughed.Weheardquiteoften!Hewasalwayscablingformoney
fromallovertheworld.Heusuallygotittoo!

AndAlfred?

Fathermadehimchuckupthearmyandcomebackandgointotheworks.

Didhemind?

Verymuchtobeginwith.Hehatedit.ButFathercouldalwaystwistAlfredroundhislittle
finger.HesabsolutelyunderFathersthumbstill,Ibelieve.

Andyouescaped!saidHilda.

Yes.IwenttoLondonandstudiedpainting.FathertoldmeplainlythatifIwentoffona
foolserrandlikethatIdgetasmallallowancefromhimduringhislifetimeandnothing
whenhedied.IsaidIdidntcare.Hecalledmeayoungfool,andthatwasthat!Ivenever
seenhimsince.

Hildasaidgently:Andyouhaventregrettedit?
19
No,indeed.IrealizeIshantevergetanywherewithmyart.Ishallneverbeagreat
artistbutwerehappyenoughinthiscottagewevegoteverythingwewantallthe
essentials.AndifIdie,well,mylifesinsuredforyou.

Hepausedandthensaid:Andnowthis!

Hestrucktheletterwithhisopenhand.

Iamsorryyourfathereverwrotethatletter,ifitupsetsyousomuch,saidHilda.

Davidwentonasthoughhehadnotheardher.

AskingmetobringmywifeforChristmas,expressingahopethatwemaybealltogether
forChristmas;aunitedfamily!Whatcanitmean?

Hildasaid:Needitmeananythingmorethanitsays?

Helookedatherquestioningly.

Imean,shesaid,smiling,thatyourfatherisgrowingold.Hesbeginningtofeel
sentimentalaboutfamilyties.Thatdoeshappen,youknow.

Isupposeitdoes,saidDavidslowly.

Hesanoldmanandheslonely.

Hegaveheraquicklook.

Youwantmetogo,dontyou,Hilda?

Shesaidslowly:Itseemsapitynottoansweranappeal.Imoldfashioned,Idaresay,
butwhynothavepeaceandgoodwillatChristmastime?

AfterallIvetoldyou?

Iknow,dear,Iknow.Butallthatsinthepast.Itsalldoneandfinishedwith.

Notforme.

No,becauseyouwontletitdie.Youkeepthepastaliveinyourownmind.

Icantforget.

Youwontforgetthatswhatyoumean,David.

Hismouthsetinafirmline.

20
Werelikethat,weLees.Werememberthingsforyearsbroodaboutthem,keep
memorygreen.

Hildasaidwithatouchofimpatience:Isthatanythingtobeproudof?Idonotthinkso!

Helookedthoughtfullyather,atouchofreserveinhismanner.

Hesaid:Youdontattachmuchvaluetoloyalty,thenloyaltytoamemory?

Hildasaid:Ibelievethepresentmattersnotthepast!Thepastmustgo.Ifweseekto
keepthepastalive,weend,Ithink,bydistortingit.Weseeitinexaggeratedtermsa
falseperspective.

Icanremembereverywordandeveryincidentofthosedaysperfectly,saidDavid
passionately.

Yes,butyoushouldnt,mydear!Itisntnaturaltodoso!Youreapplyingthejudgmentof
aboytothosedaysinsteadoflookingbackonthemwiththemoretemperateoutlookofa
man.

Whatdifferencewouldthatmake?demandedDavid.

Hildahesitated.Shewasawareofunwisdomingoingon,andyettherewerethingsshe
badlywantedtosay.

Ithink,shesaid,thatyoureseeingyourfatherasabogy!Probably,ifyouweretosee
himnow,youwouldrealizethathewasonlyaveryordinaryman;aman,perhaps,whose
passionsranawaywithhim,amanwhoselifewasfarfromblameless,butnevertheless
merelyamannotakindofinhumanmonster!

Youdontunderstand!Histreatmentofmymother

Hildasaidgravely:Thereisacertainkindofmeeknessofsubmissionbringsoutthe
worstinamanwhereasthatsameman,facedbyspiritanddetermination,mightbea
differentcreature!

Soyousayitwasherfault

Hildainterruptedhim.

No,ofcourseIdont!Ivenodoubtyourfathertreatedyourmotherverybadlyindeed,
butmarriageisanextraordinarythingandIdoubtifanyoutsiderevenachildofthe
marriagehastherighttojudge.Besides,allthisresentmentonyourpartnowcannot
helpyourmother.Itisallgoneitisbehindyou!Whatisleftnowisanoldman,infeeble
health,askinghissontocomehomeforChristmas.

Andyouwantmetogo?

21
Hildahesitated,thenshesuddenlymadeuphermind.Yes,shesaid.Ido.Iwantyouto
goandlaythebogyonceandforall.

GeorgeLee,M.P.forWesteringham,wasasomewhatcorpulentgentlemanoffortyone.
Hiseyeswerepaleblueandslightlyprominentwithasuspiciousexpression,hehada
heavyjowl,andaslowpedanticutterance.

Hesaidnowinaweightymanner:Ihavetoldyou,Magdalene,thatIthinkitmydutyto
go.

Hiswifeshruggedhershouldersimpatiently.

Shewasaslendercreature,aplatinumblondewithpluckedeyebrowsandasmoothegg
likeface.Itcould,onoccasions,lookquiteblankanddevoidofanyexpressionwhatever.
Shewaslookinglikethatnow.

Darling,shesaid,itwillbeperfectlygrim,Iamsureofit.

Moreover,saidGeorgeLee,andhisfacelitupasanattractiveideaoccurredtohim,it
willenableustosaveconsiderably.Christmasisalwaysanexpensivetime.Wecanputthe
servantsonboardwages.

Oh,well!saidMagdalene.Afterall,Christmasisprettygrimanywhere!

Isuppose,saidGeorge,pursuinghisownlineofthought,theywillexpecttohavea
Christmasdinner?Anicepieceofbeef,perhaps,insteadofaturkey.

Who?Theservants?Oh,George,dontfussso.Yourealwaysworryingaboutmoney.

Somebodyhastoworry,saidGeorge.

Yes,butitsabsurdtopinchandscrapeinalltheselittleways.Whydontyoumakeyour
fathergiveyousomemoremoney?

Healreadygivesmeaveryhandsomeallowance.

Itsawfultobecompletelydependentonyourfather,asyouare!Heoughttosettlesome
moneyonyououtright.

Thatsnothiswayofdoingthings.

Magdalenelookedathim.Herhazeleyesweresuddenlysharpandkeen.The
expressionlessegglikefaceshowedsuddenmeaning.

Hesfrightfullyrich,isnthe,George?Akindofmillionaire,isnthe?

22
Amillionairetwiceover,Ibelieve.

Magdalenegaveanenvioussigh.

Howdidhemakeitall?SouthAfrica,wasntit?

Yes,hemadeabigfortunethereinhisearlydays.Mainlydiamonds.

Thrilling!saidMagdalene.

ThenhecametoEnglandandstartedinbusinessandhisfortunehasactuallydoubledor
trebleditself,Ibelieve.

Whatwillhappenwhenhedies?askedMagdalene.

Fathersneversaidmuchonthesubject.Ofcourseonecantexactlyask.Ishouldimagine
thatthebulkofhismoneywillgotoAlfredandmyself.Alfred,ofcourse,willgetthelarger
share.

Youvegototherbrothers,haventyou?

Yes,theresmybrotherDavid.Idontfancyhewillgetmuch.Hewentofftodoartor
sometomfooleryofthatkind.IbelieveFatherwarnedhimthathewouldcuthimoutof
hiswillandDavidsaidhedidntcare.

Howsilly!saidMagdalenewithscorn.

TherewasmysisterJennifertoo.ShewentoffwithaforeigneraSpanishartistoneof
Davidsfriends.Butshediedjustoverayearago.Sheleftadaughter,Ibelieve.Father
mightleavealittlemoneytoher,butnothingmuch.AndofcoursetheresHarry

Hestopped,slightlyembarrassed.

Harry?saidMagdalene,surprised.WhoisHarry?

Ahermybrother.

Ineverknewyouhadanotherbrother.

Mydear,hewasntagreatercredittous.Wedontmentionhim.Hisbehaviourwas
disgraceful.Wehaventheardanythingofhimforsomeyearsnow.Hesprobablydead.

Magdalenelaughedsuddenly.

Whatisit?Whatareyoulaughingat?

Magdalenesaid:Iwasonlythinkinghowfunnyitwasthatyouyou,George,shouldhave
adisreputablebrother!Youresoveryrespectable.
23
Ishouldhopeso,saidGeorgecoldly.

Hereyesnarrowed.

Yourfatherisntveryrespectable,George.

Really,Magdalene!

Sometimesthethingshesaysmakemefeelquiteuncomfortable.

Georgesaid:Really,Magdalene,yousurpriseme.DoeserdoesLydiafeelthesame?

HedoesntsaythesamekindofthingstoLydia,saidMagdalene.Sheaddedangrily,No,
heneversaysthemtoher.Icantthinkwhynot.

Georgeglancedatherquicklyandthenglancedaway.

Oh,well,hesaidvaguely.Onemustmakeallowances.AtFathersageandwithhis
healthbeingsobad

Hepaused.Hiswifeasked:Ishereallyprettyill?

Oh,Iwouldntsaythat.Hesremarkablytough.Allthesame,sincehewantstohavehis
familyroundhimatChristmas,Ithinkwearequiterighttogo.Itmaybehislast
Christmas.

Shesaidsharply:Yousaythat,George,butreally,Isuppose,hemayliveforyears?

Slightlytakenaback,herhusbandstammered:Yesyes,ofcoursehemay.

Magdaleneturnedaway.

Oh,well,shesaid,Isupposeweredoingtherightthingbygoing.

Ihavenodoubtaboutit.

ButIhateit!Alfredssodull,andLydiasnubsme.

Nonsense.

Shedoes.AndIhatethatbeastlymanservant.

OldTressilian?

No,Horbury.Sneakingroundlikeacatandsmirking.

Really,Magdalene,IcantseethatHorburycanaffectyouinanyway!

24
Hejustgetsonmynerves,thatsall.Butdontletsbother.Wevegottogo,Icansee
that.Wontdotooffendtheoldman.

Nono,thatsjustthepoint.AbouttheservantsChristmasdinner

Notnow,George,someothertime.IlljustringupLydiaandtellherthatwellcomeby
thefivetwentytomorrow.

Magdalenelefttheroomprecipitately.Aftertelephoningshewentuptoherownroom
andsatdowninfrontofthedesk.Sheletdowntheflapandrummagedinitsvarious
pigeonholes.Cascadesofbillscametumblingout.Magdalenesortedthroughthem,trying
toarrangetheminsomekindoforder.Finally,withanimpatientsigh,shebundledthem
upandthrustthembackwhencetheyhadcome.Shepassedahandoverhersmooth
platinumhead.

WhatonearthamItodo?shemurmured.

VI

OnthefirstfloorofGorstonHallalongpassageledtoabigroomoverlookingthefront
drive.Itwasaroomfurnishedinthemoreflamboyantofoldfashionedstyles.Ithadheavy
brocadedwallpaper,richleatherarmchairs,largevasesembossedwithdragons,
sculpturesinbronze...Everythinginitwasmagnificent,costlyandsolid.

Inabiggrandfatherarmchair,thebiggestandmostimposingofallthechairs,satthethin,
shrivelledfigureofanoldman.Hislongclawlikehandsrestedonthearmsofthechair.A
goldmountedstickwasbyhisside.Heworeanoldshabbybluedressinggown.Onhis
feetwerecarpetslippers.Hishairwaswhiteandtheskinofhisfacewasyellow.

Ashabby,insignificantfigure,onemighthavethought.Butthenose,aquilineandproud,
andtheeyes,darkandintenselyalive,mightcauseanobservertoalterhisopinion.Here
wasfireandlifeandvigour.

OldSimeonLeecackledtohimself,asudden,highcackleofamusement.

Hesaid:YougavemymessagetoMrsAlfred,hey?

Horburywasstandingbesidehischair.Herepliedinhissoftdeferentialvoice:Yes,sir.

ExactlyinthewordsItoldyou?Exactly,mind?

Yes,sir.Ididntmakeamistake,sir.

Noyoudontmakemistakes.Youdbetternotmakemistakeseitheroryoullregretit!
Andwhatdidshesay,Horbury?WhatdidMrAlfredsay?

Quietly,unemotionally,Horburyrepeatedwhathadpassed.Theoldmancackledagain
andrubbedhishandstogether.
25
Splendid...Firstrate...Theyllhavebeenthinkingandwonderingalltheafternoon!
Splendid!Illhaveemupnow.Goandgetthem.

Yes,sir.

Horburywalkednoiselesslyacrosstheroomandwentout.

And,Horbury

Theoldmanlookedround,thencursedtohimself.

Fellowmoveslikeacat.Neverknowwhereheis.

Hesatquitestillinhischair,hisfingerscaressinghischintilltherewasataponthedoor,
andAlfredandLydiacamein.

Ah,thereyouare,thereyouare.Sithere,Lydia,mydear,byme.Whatanicecolour
youvegot.

Ivebeenoutinthecold.Itmakesonescheeksburnafterwards.

Alfredsaid:Howareyou,Father,didyouhaveagoodrestthisafternoon?

Firstratefirstrate.Dreamtabouttheolddays!ThatwasbeforeIsettleddownand
becameapillarofsociety.

Hecackledwithsuddenlaughter.

Hisdaughterinlawsatsilentlysmilingwithpoliteattention.

Alfredsaid:Whatsthis,Father,abouttwoextrabeingexpectedforChristmas?

Ah,that!Yes,Imusttellyouaboutthat.ItsgoingtobeagrandChristmasformethis
yearagrandChristmas.Letmesee,GeorgeiscomingandMagdalene

Lydiasaid:Yes,theyarearrivingtomorrowbythefivetwenty.

OldSimeonsaid:Poorstick,George!Nothingbutagasbag!Still,heismyson.

Alfredsaid:Hisconstituentslikehim.

Simeoncackledagain.

Theyprobablythinkheshonest.Honest!ThereneverwasaLeewhowashonestyet.

Oh,comenow,Father.

Iexceptyou,myboy.Iexceptyou.
26
AndDavid?askedLydia.

Davidnow.Imcurioustoseetheboyafteralltheseyears.Hewasanambypamby
youngster.Wonderwhathiswifeislike?Atanyratehehasntmarriedagirltwentyyears
youngerthanhimself,likethatfoolGeorge!

Hildawroteaveryniceletter,saidLydia.Ivejusthadawirefromherconfirmingitand
sayingtheyaredefinitelyarrivingtomorrow.

Herfatherinlawlookedather,akeen,penetratingglance.

Helaughed.

InevergetanychangeoutofLydia,hesaid.Illsaythisforyou,Lydia,youreawellbred
woman.Breedingtells.Iknowthatwellenough.Afunnything,though,heredity.Theres
onlyoneofyouthatstakenaftermeonlyoneoutofallthelitter.

Hiseyesdanced.

NowguesswhoscomingforChristmas.IllgiveyouthreeguessesandIllbetyouafiver
youwontgettheanswer.

Helookedfromonefacetotheother.Alfredsaidfrowning:Horburysaidyouexpecteda
younglady.

Thatintriguedyouyes,Idaresayitdid.Pilarwillbearrivinganyminutenow.Igave
ordersforthecartogoandmeether.

Alfredsaidsharply:Pilar?

Simeonsaid:PilarEstravados.Jennifersgirl.Mygranddaughter.Iwonderwhatshellbe
like.

Alfredcriedout:Goodheavens,Father,younevertoldme...

Theoldmanwasgrinning.

No,IthoughtIdkeepitasecret!GotCharltontowriteoutandfixthings.

Alfredrepeated,histonehurtandreproachful:Younevertoldme...

Hisfathersaid,stillgrinningwickedly:Itwouldhavespoiltthesurprise!Wonderwhatit
willbeliketohaveyoungbloodunderthisroofagain?IneversawEstravados.Wonder
whichthegirltakesafterhermotherorherfather?

Doyoureallythinkitswise,Father,beganAlfred.Takingeverythinginto
consideration

27
Theoldmaninterruptedhim.

Safetysafetyyouplayforsafetytoomuch,Alfred!Alwayshave!Thathasntbeenmy
way!Dowhatyouwantandbedamnedtoit!ThatswhatIsay!Thegirlsmy
granddaughtertheonlygrandchildinthefamily!Idontcarewhatherfatherwasor
whathedid!Shesmyfleshandblood!Andshescomingtolivehereinmyhouse.

Lydiasaidsharply:Shescomingtolivehere?

Hedartedaquicklookather.Doyouobject?

Sheshookherhead.Shesaidsmiling:Icouldntverywellobjecttoyouraskingsomeone
toyourownhouse,couldI?No,Iwaswonderingabouther.

Aboutherwhatdyoumean?

Whethershewouldbehappyhere.

OldSimeonflunguphishead.

Shesnotgotapennyintheworld.Sheoughttobethankful!

Lydiashruggedhershoulders.

SimeonturnedtoAlfred:Yousee?ItsgoingtobeagrandChristmas!Allmychildren
roundme.Allmychildren!There,Alfred,theresyourclue.Nowguesswhotheother
visitoris.

Alfredstaredathim.

Allmychildren!Guess,boy!Harry,ofcourse!YourbrotherHarry!

Alfredhadgoneverypale.Hestammered:HarrynotHarry

Harryhimself!

Butwethoughthewasdead!

Nothe!

Youyouarehavinghimbackhere?Aftereverything?

Theprodigalson,eh?Youreright.Thefattedcalf!Wemustkillthefattedcalf,Alfred.We
mustgivehimagrandwelcome.

Alfredsaid:Hetreatedyouallofusdisgracefully.He

28
Noneedtorecitehiscrimes!Itsalonglist.ButChristmas,youllremember,istheseason
offorgiveness!Wellwelcometheprodigalhome.

Alfredrose.Hemurmured:Thishasbeenratherashock.IneverdreamtthatHarry
wouldevercomeinsidethesewallsagain.

Simeonleanedforward.

YouneverlikedHarry,didyou?hesaidsoftly.

Afterthewayhebehavedtoyou

Simeoncackled.Hesaid:Ah,butbygonesmustbebygones.Thatsthespiritfor
Christmas,isntit,Lydia?

Lydia,too,hadgonepale.Shesaiddryly:Iseethatyouhavethoughtagooddealabout
Christmasthisyear.

Iwantmyfamilyroundme.Peaceandgoodwill.Imanoldman.Areyougoing,mydear?

Alfredhadhurriedout.Lydiapausedamomentbeforefollowinghim.

Simeonnoddedhisheadaftertheretreatingfigure.

Itsupsethim.HeandHarrynevergoton.HarryusedtojeeratAlfred.Calledhimold
SlowandSure.

Lydiaslipsparted.Shewasabouttospeak,then,asshesawtheoldmanseager
expression,shecheckedherself.Herselfcontrol,shesaw,disappointedhim.The
perceptionofthatfactenabledhertosay:Thehareandthetortoise.Ah,well,the
tortoisewinstherace.

Notalways,saidSimeon.Notalways,mydearLydia.

Shesaid,stillsmiling:Excuseme,ImustgoafterAlfred.Suddenexcitementsalwaysupset
him.

Simeoncackled.

Yes,Alfreddoesntlikechanges.Healwayswasaregularsobersides.

Lydiasaid:Alfredisverydevotedtoyou.

Thatseemsoddtoyou,doesntit?

Sometimes,saidLydia,itdoes.

Shelefttheroom.Simeonlookedafterher.
29
Hechuckledsoftlyandrubbedhispalmstogether.Lotsoffun,hesaid.Lotsoffunstill.
ImgoingtoenjoythisChristmas.

Withanefforthepulledhimselfupright,andwiththehelpofhisstick,shuffledacrossthe
room.

Hewenttoabigsafethatstoodatthecorneroftheroom.Hetwirledthehandleofthe
combination.Thedoorcameopenand,withshakingfingers,hefeltinside.

Heliftedoutasmallwashleatherbag,andopeningit,letastreamofuncutdiamonds
passthroughhisfingers.

Well,mybeauties,well...Stillthesamestillmyoldfriends.Thoseweregooddays
gooddays...Theyshantcarveyouandcutyouabout,myfriends.Youshanthanground
thenecksofwomenorsitontheirfingersorhangontheirears.Youremine!Myold
friends!Weknowathingortwo,youandI.Imold,theysay,andill,butImnotdonefor!
Lotsoflifeintheolddogyet.Andtheresstillsomefuntobegotoutoflife.Stillsome
fun

30
Part2

December23rd

Tressilianwenttoanswerthedoorbell.Ithadbeenanunusuallyaggressivepeal,andnow,
beforehecouldmakehisslowwayacrossthehall,itpealedoutagain.

Tressilianflushed.Anillmannered,impatientwayofringingthebellatagentlemans
house!Ifitwasafreshlotofthosecarolsingershedgivethemapieceofhismind.

Throughthefrostedglassoftheupperhalfofthedoorhesawasilhouetteabigmanina
slouchhat.Heopenedthedoor.Ashehadthoughtacheap,flashystrangernasty
patternofsuithewaswearingloud!Someimpudentbeggingfellow!

BlessedifitisntTressilian,saidthestranger.Howareyou,Tressilian?

Tressilianstaredtookadeepbreathstaredagain.Thatboldarrogantjaw,thehigh
bridgednose,therollickingeye.Yes,theyhadallbeentherethreeyearsago.More
subduedthen...

Hesaidwithagasp:MrHarry!

HarryLeelaughed.

LooksasthoughIdgivenyouquiteashock.Why?Imexpected,arentI?

Yes,indeed,sir.Certainly,sir.

Thenwhythesurpriseact?Harrysteppedbackafootortwoandlookedupatthe
houseagoodsolidmassofredbrick,unimaginativebutsolid.

Justthesameuglyoldmansion,heremarked.Stillstanding,though,thatsthemain
thing.Howsmyfather,Tressilian?

Hessomewhatofaninvalid,sir.Keepshisroom,andcantgetaboutmuch.Buthes
wonderfullywell,considering.

Theoldsinner!

HarryLeecameinside,letTressilianremovehisscarfandtakethesomewhattheatrical
hat.

HowsmydearbrotherAlfred,Tressilian?

Hesverywell,sir.

Harrygrinned.

31
Lookingforwardtoseeingme?Eh?

Iexpectso,sir.

Idont!Quitethecontrary.Ibetitsgivenhimanastyjolt,myturningup!AlfredandI
neverdidgeton.EverreadyourBible,Tressilian?

Why,yes,sir,sometimes,sir.

Rememberthetaleoftheprodigalsreturn?Thegoodbrotherdidntlikeit,remember?
Didntlikeitatall!GoodoldstayathomeAlfreddoesntlikeiteither,Ibet.

Tressilianremainedsilentlookingdownhisnose.Hisstiffenedbackexpressedprotest.
Harryclappedhimontheshoulder.

Leadon,oldson,hesaid.Thefattedcalfawaitsme!Leadmerighttoit.

Tressilianmurmured:Ifyouwillcomethiswayintothedrawingroom,sir.Iamnotquite
surewhereeveryoneis...Theywereunabletosendtomeetyou,sir,notknowingthetime
ofyourarrival.

Harrynodded.HefollowedTressilianalongthehall,turninghisheadtolookabouthimas
hewent.

Alltheoldexhibitsintheirplace,Isee,heremarked.Idontbelieveanythinghas
changedsinceIwentawaytwentyyearsago.

HefollowedTressilianintothedrawingroom.Theoldmanmurmured:IwillseeifIcan
findMrorMrsAlfred,andhurriedout.

HarryLeehadmarchedintotheroomandhadthenstopped,staringatthefigurewhowas
seatedononeofthewindowsills.Hiseyesroamedincredulouslyovertheblackhairand
thecreamyexoticpallor.

GoodLord!hesaid.Areyoumyfathersseventhandmostbeautifulwife?

Pilarslippeddownandcametowardshim.

IamPilarEstravados,sheannounced.AndyoumustbemyUncleHarry,mymothers
brother.

Harrysaid,staring:Sothatswhoyouare!Jennysdaughter.

Pilarsaid:WhydidyouaskmeifIwasyourfathersseventhwife?Hashereallyhadsix
wives?

Harrylaughed.

32
No,Ibelievehesonlyhadoneofficialone.WellPilwhatsyourname?

Pilar,yes.

Well,Pilar,itreallygivesmequiteaturntoseesomethinglikeyoubloominginthis
mausoleum.

Thismausplease?

Thismuseumofstuffeddummies!Ialwaysthoughtthishousewaslousy!NowIseeit
againIthinkitslousierthanever!

Pilarsaidinashockedvoice:Oh,no,itisveryhandsomehere!Thefurnitureisgoodand
thecarpetsthickcarpetseverywhereandtherearelotsofornaments.Everythingis
verygoodqualityandvery,veryrich!

Yourerightthere,saidHarry,grinning.Helookedatherwithamusement.Youknow,I
canthelpgettingakickoutofseeingyouinthemidst

HebrokeoffasLydiacamerapidlyintotheroom.

Shecamestraighttohim.

Howdyoudo,Harry?ImLydiaAlfredswife.

Howdedo,Lydia.Heshookhands,examiningherintelligentmobilefaceinaswiftglance
andapprovingmentallyofthewayshewalkedveryfewwomenmovedwell.

Lydiainherturntookquickstockofhim.

Shethought:Helooksafrightfultoughattractivethough.Iwouldnttrusthimaninch...

Shesaidsmiling:Howdoesitlookafteralltheseyears?Quitedifferent,orverymuchthe
same?

Prettymuchthesame.Helookedroundhim.Thisroomsbeendoneover.

Oh,manytimes.

Hesaid:Imeantbyyou.Youvemadeitdifferent.

Yes,Iexpectso...

Hegrinnedather,asuddenimpishgrinthatremindedherwithastartoftheoldman
upstairs.

Itsgotmoreclassaboutitnow!IrememberhearingthatoldAlfredhadmarriedagirl
whosepeoplecameoverwiththeConqueror.
33
Lydiasmiled.Shesaid:Ibelievetheydid.Buttheyveratherruntoseedsincethosedays.

Harrysaid:HowsoldAlfred?Justthesameblessedoldstickinthemudasever?

Ivenoideawhetheryouwillfindhimchangedornot.

Howaretheothers?ScatteredalloverEngland?

NotheyreallhereforChristmas,youknow.

Harryseyesopened.

RegularChristmasfamilyreunion?Whatsthematterwiththeoldman?Heusednotto
giveadamnforsentiment.Dontrememberhiscaringmuchforhisfamily,either.Hemust
havechanged!

Perhaps.Lydiasvoicewasdry.

Pilarwasstaring,herbigeyeswideandinterested.

Harrysaid:HowsoldGeorge?Stillthesameskinflint?Howheusedtohowlifhehadto
partwithahalfpennyofhispocketmoney!

Lydiasaid:GeorgeisinParliament.HesmemberforWesteringham.

What?PopeyeinParliament?Lord,thatsgood.

Harrythrewbackhisheadandlaughed.

Itwasrichstentorianlaughteritsoundeduncontrolledandbrutalintheconfinedspace
oftheroom.Pilardrewinherbreathwithagasp.Lydiaflinchedalittle.

Then,atamovementbehindhim,Harrybrokeoffhislaughandturnedsharply.Hehad
notheardanyonecomingin,butAlfredwasstandingtherequietly.Hewaslookingat
Harrywithanoddexpressiononhisface.

Harrystoodaminute,thenaslowsmilecrepttohislips.Headvancedastep.

Why,hesaid,itsAlfred!

Alfrednodded.

Hallo,Harry,hesaid.

Theystoodstaringateachother.Lydiacaughtherbreath.Shethought:Howabsurd!Like
twodogslookingateachother...

34
Pilarsgazewidenedevenfurther.Shethoughttoherself:Howsillytheylookstanding
there...Whydotheynotembrace?No,ofcoursetheEnglishdonotdothat.Butthey
mightsaysomething.Whydotheyjustlook?

Harrysaidatlast:Well,well.Feelsfunnytobehereagain!

Iexpectsoyes.Agoodmanyyearssinceyougotout.

Harrythrewuphishead.Hedrewhisfingeralongthelineofhisjaw.Itwasagesturethat
washabitualwithhim.Itexpressedbelligerence.

Yes,hesaid.ImgladIhavecomehepausedtobringoutthewordwithgreater
significancehome...

II

Ivebeen,Isuppose,averywickedman,saidSimeonLee.

Hewasleaningbackinhischair.Hischinwasraisedandwithonefingerhewasstroking
hisjawreflectively.Infrontofhimabigfireglowedanddanced.BesideitsatPilar,alittle
screenofpapiermchheldinherhand.Withitsheshieldedherfacefromtheblaze.
Occasionallyshefannedherselfwithit,usingherwristinasupplegesture.Simeonlooked
atherwithsatisfaction.

Hewentontalking,perhapsmoretohimselfthantothegirl,andstimulatedbythefactof
herpresence.

Yes,hesaid.Ivebeenawickedman.Whatdoyousaytothat,Pilar?

Pilarshruggedhershoulders.Shesaid:Allmenarewicked.Thenunssayso.Thatiswhy
onehastoprayforthem.

Ah,butIvebeenmorewickedthanmost.Simeonlaughed.Idontregretit,youknow.
No,Idontregretanything.Iveenjoyedmyself...everyminute!Theysayyourepentwhen
yougetold.Thatsbunkum.Idontrepent.AndasItellyou,Ivedonemostthings,,,allthe
goodoldsins!Ivecheatedandstolenandlied...lord,yes!Andwomenalwayswomen!
SomeonetoldmetheotherdayofanArabchiefwhohadabodyguardoffortyofhis
sonsallroughlythesameage!Aha!Forty!Idontknowaboutforty,butIbetIcould
produceaveryfairbodyguardifIwentaboutlookingforthebrats!Hey,Pilar,whatdoyou
thinkofthat?Shocked?

Pilarstared.

No,whyshouldIbeshocked?Menalwaysdesirewomen.Myfather,too.Thatiswhy
wivesaresooftenunhappyandwhytheygotochurchandpray.

OldSimeonwasfrowning.

35
ImadeAdelaideunhappy,hesaid.Hespokealmostunderhisbreath,tohimself.Lord,
whatawoman!PinkandwhiteandprettyastheymakeemwhenImarriedher!And
afterwards?Alwayswailingandweeping.Itrousesthedevilinamanwhenhiswifeis
alwayscrying...Shednoguts,thatswhatwasthematterwithAdelaide.Ifshedstoodup
tome!Butsheneverdidnotonce.IbelievedwhenImarriedherthatIwasgoingtobe
abletosettledown,raiseafamilycutloosefromtheoldlife...

Hisvoicediedaway.Hestaredstaredintotheglowingheartofthefire.

Raiseafamily...God,whatafamily!Hegaveasuddenshrillpipeofangrylaughter.Look
atemlookatem!Notachildamongthemtocarryon!Whatsthematterwiththem?
Haventtheygotanyofmybloodintheirveins?Notasonamongem,legitimateor
illegitimate.Alfred,forinstanceheavensabove,howboredIgetwithAlfred!Lookingat
mewithhisdogseyes.ReadytodoanythingIask.Lord,whatafool!Hiswife,now
LydiaIlikeLydia.Shesgotspirit.Shedoesntlikeme,though.No,shedoesntlikeme.
ButshehastoputupwithmeforthatnincompoopAlfredssake.Helookedoveratthe
girlbythefire.Pilarremembernothingissoboringasdevotion.

Shesmiledathim.Hewenton,warmedbythepresenceofheryouthandstrong
femininity.

George?WhatsGeorge?Astick!Astuffedcodfish!apompouswindbagwithnobrains
andnogutsandmeanaboutmoneyaswell!David?Davidalwayswasafoolafooland
adreamer.Hismothersboy,thatwasalwaysDavid.Onlysensiblethingheeverdidwasto
marrythatsolidcomfortablelookingwoman.Hebroughtdownhishandwithabangon
theedgeofhischair.Harrysthebestofem!PooroldHarry,thewrongun!Butatany
ratehesalive!

Pilaragreed.

Yes,heisnice.Helaughslaughsoutloudandthrowshisheadback.Oh,yes,Ilikehim
verymuch.

Theoldmanlookedather.

Youdo,doyou,Pilar?Harryalwayshadawaywiththegirls.Takesaftermethere.He
begantolaugh,aslowwheezychuckle.Ivehadagoodlifeaverygoodlife.Plentyof
everything.

Pilarsaid:InSpainwehaveaproverb.Itislikethis:Takewhatyoulikeandpayforit,
saysGod.

Simeonbeatanappreciativehandonthearmofhischair.

Thatsgood.Thatsthestuff.Takewhatyoulike...Ivedonethatallmylifetakenwhat
Iwanted...

Pilarsaid,hervoicehighandclear,andsuddenlyarresting:Andyouhavepaidforit?
36
Simeonstoppedlaughingtohimself.Hesatupandstaredather.Hesaid,Whatsthatyou
say?

Isaid,haveyoupaidforit,Grandfather?

SimeonLeesaidslowly:Idontknow...

Then,beatinghisfistonthearmofthechair,hecriedoutwithsuddenanger:What
makesyousaythat,girl?Whatmakesyousaythat?

Pilarsaid:Iwondered.

Herhand,holdingthescreen,wasarrested.Hereyesweredarkandmysterious.Shesat,
herheadthrownback,consciousofherself,ofherwomanhood.

Simeonsaid:Youdevilsbrat...

Shesaidsoftly:Butyoulikeme,Grandfather.Youlikemetositherewithyou.

Simeonsaid:Yes,Ilikeit.ItsalongtimesinceIveseenanythingsoyoungandbeautiful...
Itdoesmegood,warmsmyoldbones...Andyouremyownfleshandblood...Goodfor
Jennifer,sheturnedouttobethebestofthebunchafterall!

Pilarsattheresmiling.

Mindyou,youdontfoolme,saidSimeon.Iknowwhyyousitheresopatientlyand
listentomedroningon.Itsmoneyitsallmoney...Ordoyoupretendyouloveyourold
grandfather?

Pilarsaid:No,Idonotloveyou.ButIlikeyou.Ilikeyouverymuch.Youmustbelievethat,
foritistrue.Ithinkyouhavebeenwicked,butIlikethattoo.Youaremorerealthanthe
otherpeopleinthishouse.Andyouhaveinterestingthingstosay.Youhavetravelledand
youhaveledalifeofadventure.IfIwereamanIwouldbelikethat,too.

Simeonnodded.

Yes,Ibelieveyouwould...Wevegipsybloodinus,soitsalwaysbeensaid.Ithasnt
shownmuchinmychildrenexceptHarrybutIthinkitscomeoutinyou.Icanbe
patient,mindyou,whenitsnecessary.Iwaitedoncefifteenyearstogetevenwithaman
whoddonemeaninjury.ThatsanothercharacteristicoftheLeestheydontforget!
Theyllavengeawrongiftheyhavetowaityearstodoit.Amanswindledme.Iwaited
fifteenyearstillIsawmychanceandthenIstruck.Iruinedhim.Cleanedhimrightout!

Helaughedsoftly.

Pilarsaid:ThatwasinSouthAfrica?

Yes.Agrandcountry.
37
Youhavebeenbackthere,yes?

IwentbacklastfiveyearsafterImarried.Thatwasthelasttime.

Butbeforethat?Youwerethereformanyyears?

Yes.

Tellmeaboutit.

Hebegantotalk.Pilar,shieldingherface,listened.

Hisvoiceslowed,wearied.Hesaid:Wait,Illshowyousomething.

Hepulledhimselfcarefullytohisfeet.Then,withhisstick,helimpedslowlyacrossthe
room.Heopenedthebigsafe.Turning,hebeckonedhertohim.

There,lookatthese.Feelthem,letthemrunthroughyourfingers.

Helookedintoherwonderingfaceandlaughed.

Doyouknowwhattheyare?Diamonds,child,diamonds.

Pilarseyesopened.Shesaidasshebentover:Buttheyarelittlepebbles,thatisall.

Simeonlaughed.

Theyareuncutdiamonds.Thatishowtheyarefoundlikethis.

Pilaraskedincredulously:Andiftheywerecuttheywouldberealdiamonds?

Certainly.

Theywouldflashandsparkle?

Flashandsparkle.

Pilarsaidchildishly:Ooo,Icannotbelieveit!

Hewasamused.

Itsquitetrue.

Theyarevaluable?

Fairlyvaluable.Difficulttosaybeforetheyarecut.Anyway,thislittlelotisworthseveral
thousandsofpounds.

38
Pilarsaidwithaspacebetweeneachword:Severalthousandsofpounds?

Saynineortenthousandstheyrebiggishstones,yousee.

Pilarasked,hereyesopening:Butwhydoyounotsellthem,then?

BecauseIliketohavethemhere.

Butallthatmoney?

Idontneedthemoney.

OhIsee,Pilarlookedimpressed.

Shesaid:Butwhydoyounothavethemcutandmadebeautiful?

BecauseIpreferthemlikethis.Hisfacewassetinagrimline.Heturnedawayandbegan
speakingtohimself.Theytakemebackthetouchofthem,thefeelofthemthroughmy
fingers...Itallcomesbacktome,thesunshine,andthesmelloftheveldt,theoxenold
Eballtheboystheevenings...

Therewasasofttaponthedoor.

Simeonsaid:Putembackinthesafeandbangitto.

Thenhecalled:Comein.

Horburycamein,softanddeferential.

Hesaid:Teaisreadydownstairs.

III

Hildasaid:Sothereyouare,David.Ivebeenlookingforyoueverywhere.Dontletsstay
inthisroom,itssofrightfullycold.

Daviddidnotanswerforaminute.Hewasstandinglookingatachair,alowchairwith
fadedsatinupholstery.Hesaidabruptly:Thatsherchair...thechairshealwayssatin...
justthesameitsjustthesame.Onlyfaded,ofcourse.

AlittlefrowncreasedHildasforehead.Shesaid:Isee.Doletscomeoutofhere,David.
Itsfrightfullycold.

Davidtooknonotice.Lookinground,hesaid:Shesatinheremostly.Iremembersitting
onthatstooltherewhileshereadtome.JacktheGiantKillerthatwasitJacktheGiant
Killer.Imusthavebeensixyearsoldthen.

Hildaputafirmhandthroughhisarm.
39
Comebacktothedrawingroom,dear.Theresnoheatinginthisroom.

Heturnedobediently,butshefeltalittleshivergothroughhim.

Justthesame,hemurmured.Justthesame.Asthoughtimehadstoodstill.

Hildalookedworried.Shesaidinacheerfuldeterminedvoice:Iwonderwheretheothers
are?Itmustbenearlyteatime.

Daviddisengagedhisarmandopenedanotherdoor.

Thereusedtobeapianoinhere...Oh,yes,hereitis!Iwonderifitsintune.

Hesatdownandopenedthelid,runninghishandslightlyoverthekeys.

Yes,itsevidentlykepttuned.

Hebegantoplay.Histouchwasgood,themelodyflowedoutfromunderhisfingers.

Hildaasked:Whatisthat?Iseemtoknowit,andIcantquiteremember.

Hesaid:Ihaventplayeditforyears.Sheusedtoplayit.OneofMendelssohnsSongs
WithoutWords.

Thesweet,oversweet,melodyfilledtheroom.Hildasaid:PlaysomeMozart,do.

Davidshookhishead.HebegananotherMendelssohn.

Thensuddenlyhebroughthishandsdownuponthekeysinaharshdiscord.Hegotup.He
wastremblingallover.Hildawenttohim.

Shesaid:DavidDavid.

Hesaid:Itsnothingitsnothing...

IV

Thebellpealedaggressively.Tressilianrosefromhisseatinthepantryandwentslowly
outandalongtothedoor.

Thebellpealedagain.Tressilianfrowned.Throughthefrostedglassofthedoorhesawthe
silhouetteofamanwearingaslouchhat.

Tressilianpassedahandoverhisforehead.Somethingworriedhim.Itwasasthough
everythingwashappeningtwice.

Surelythishadhappenedbefore.Surely

40
Hedrewbackthelatchandopenedthedoor.

Thenthespellbroke.Themanstandingtheresaid:IsthiswhereMrSimeonLeelives?

Yes,sir.

Idliketoseehim,please.

AfaintechoofmemoryawokeinTressilian.Itwasanintonationofvoicethathe
rememberedfromtheolddayswhenMrLeewasfirstinEngland.

Tressilianshookhisheaddubiously.

MrLeeisaninvalid,sir.Hedoesntseemanypeoplenow.Ifyou

Thestrangerinterrupted.

Hedrewoutanenvelopeandhandedittothebutler.

PleasegivethistoMrLee.

Yes,sir.

SimeonLeetooktheenvelope.Hedrewoutthesinglesheetofpaperitheld.Helooked
surprised.Hiseyebrowsrose,buthesmiled.

Byallthatswonderful!hesaid.

Thentothebutler:ShowMrFarruphere,Tressilian.

Yes,sir.

Simeonsaid:IwasjustthinkingofoldEbenezerFarr.Hewasmypartnerouttherein
Kimberley.Nowhereshissoncomealong!

Tressilianreappeared.Heannounced:MrFarr.

StephenFarrcameinwithatraceofnervousness.Hedisguiseditbyputtingonalittle
extraswagger.HesaidandjustforthemomenthisSouthAfricanaccentwasmore
markedthanusual:MrLee?

Imgladtoseeyou.SoyoureEbsboy?

StephenFarrgrinnedrathersheepishly.

41
Hesaid:Myfirstvisittotheoldcountry.FatheralwaystoldmetolookyouupifIdid
come.

Quiteright.Theoldmanlookedround.Thisismygranddaughter,PilarEstravados.

Howdoyoudo?saidPilardemurely.

StephenFarrthoughtwithatouchofadmiration:Coollittledevil.Shewassurprisedto
seeme,butitonlyshowedforaflash.

Hesaid,ratherheavily:Imverypleasedtomakeyouracquaintance,MissEstravados.

Thankyou,saidPilar.

SimeonLeesaid:Sitdownandtellmeallaboutyourself.AreyouinEnglandforlong?

Oh,IshanthurrymyselfnowIvereallygothere!

Helaughed,throwinghisheadback.

SimeonLeesaid:Quiteright.Youmuststayherewithusforawhile.

Oh,lookhere,sir.Icantbuttinlikethat.ItsonlytwodaystoChristmas.

YoumustspendChristmaswithusunlessyouvegototherplans?

Well,no,Ihavent,butIdontlike

Simeonsaid:Thatssettled.Heturnedhishead.Pilar?

Yes,Grandfather.

GoandtellLydiaweshallhaveanotherguest.Askhertocomeuphere.

Pilarlefttheroom.Stephenseyesfollowedher.Simeonnotedthefactwithamusement.

Hesaid:YouvecomestraightherefromSouthAfrica?

Prettywell.

Theybegantotalkofthatcountry.

Lydiaenteredafewminuteslater.

Simeonsaid:ThisisStephenFarr,sonofmyoldfriendandpartner,EbenezerFarr.Hes
goingtobewithusforChristmasifyoucanfindroomforhim.

Lydiasmiled.
42
Ofcourse.Hereyestookinthestrangersappearance.Hisbronzedfaceandblueeyes
andtheeasybackwardtiltofhishead.

Mydaughterinlaw,saidSimeon.

Stephensaid:Ifeelratherembarrassedbuttinginonafamilypartylikethis.

Youreoneofthefamily,myboy,saidSimeon.Thinkofyourselfasthat.

Youretookind,sir.

Pilarreenteredtheroom.Shesatdownquietlybythefireandpickedupthehandscreen.
Sheuseditasafan,slowlytiltingherwristtoandfro.Hereyesweredemureand
downcast.

43
44
Part3

December24th

Doyoureallywantmetostayonhere,Father?askedHarry.Hetiltedhisheadback.Im
stirringupratherahornetsnest,youknow.

Whatdoyoumean?askedSimeonsharply.

BrotherAlfred,saidHarry.GoodbrotherAlfred!He,ifImaysayso,resentsmypresence
here.

Thedevilhedoes!snappedSimeon.Immasterinthishouse.

Allthesame,sir,IexpectyoureprettydependentonAlfred.Idontwanttoupset

YoulldoasItellyou,snappedhisfather.

Harryyawned.

DontknowthatIshallbeabletostickastayathomelife.Prettystiflingtoafellowwhos
knockedabouttheworld.

Hisfathersaid:Youdbettermarryandsettledown.

Harrysaid:WhoshallImarry?Pityonecantmarryonesniece.YoungPilarisdevilish
attractive.

Youvenoticedthat?

Talkingofsettlingdown,fatGeorgehasdonewellforhimselfasfaraslooksgo.Whowas
she?

Simeonshruggedhisshoulders.

HowshouldIknow?Georgepickedherupatamannequinparade,Ibelieve.Shesaysher
fatherwasaretirednavalofficer.

Harrysaid:Probablyasecondmateofacoastingsteamer.Georgewillhaveabitof
troublewithherifhesnotcareful.

George,saidSimeonLee,isafool.

Harrysaid:Whatdidshemarryhimforhismoney?

Simeonshruggedhisshoulders.

45
Harrysaid:Well,youthinkthatyoucansquareAlfredallright?

Wellsoonsettlethat,saidSimeongrimly.

Hetouchedabellthatstoodonatablenearhim.

Horburyappearedpromptly.Simeonsaid:AskMrAlfredtocomehere.

HorburywentoutandHarrydrawled:Thatfellowlistensatdoors!

Simeonshruggedhisshoulders.

Probably.

Alfredhurriedin.Hisfacetwitchedwhenhesawhisbrother.IgnoringHarry,hesaid
pointedly:Youwantedme,Father?

Yes,sitdown.Iwasjustthinkingwemustreorganizethingsabitnowthatwehavetwo
morepeoplelivinginthehouse.

Two?

Pilarwillmakeherhomehere,naturally.AndHarryishomeforgood.

Alfredsaid:Harryiscomingtolivehere?

Whynot,oldboy?saidHarry.

Alfredturnedsharplytohim.

Ishouldthinkthatyouyourselfwouldseethat!

Well,sorrybutIdont.

Aftereverythingthathashappened?Thedisgracefulwayyoubehaved.Thescandal

Harrywavedaneasyhand.

Allthatsinthepast,oldboy.

YoubehavedabominablytoFather,afterallhesdoneforyou.

Lookhere,Alfred,itstrikesmethatsFathersbusiness,notyours.Ifheswillingtoforgive
andforget

Imwilling,saidSimeon.Harrysmyson,afterall,youknow,Alfred.

Yes,butIresentitforFatherssake.
46
Simeonsaid:Harryscominghere!Iwishit.Helaidahandgentlyonthelattersshoulder.
ImveryfondofHarry.

Alfredgotupandlefttheroom.Hisfacewaswhite.Harryrosetooandwentafterhim,
laughing.

Simeonsatchucklingtohimself.Thenhestartedandlookedround.Whothedevilsthat?
Oh,itsyou,Horbury.Dontcreepaboutthatway.

Ibegyourpardon,sir.

Nevermind.Listen,Ivegotsomeordersforyou.Iwanteverybodytocomeuphereafter
luncheverybody.

Yes,sir.

Theressomethingelse.Whentheycome,youcomewiththem.Andwhenyougethalf
wayalongthepassageraiseyourvoicesothatIcanhear.Anypretextwilldo.
Understand?

Yes,sir.

Horburywentdownstairs.HesaidtoTressilian:Ifyouaskme,wearegoingtohavea
MerryChristmas.

Tressiliansaidsharply:Whatdyoumean?

Youwaitandsee,MrTressilian.ItsChristmasEvetoday,andaniceChristmasspirit
abroadIdontthink!

II

Theycameintotheroomandpausedatthedoorway.

Simeonwasspeakingintothetelephone.Hewavedahandtothem.

Sitdown,allofyou.Ishantbeaminute.

Hewentonspeakingintothetelephone.

IsthatCharlton,Hodgkins&Bruce?Isthatyou,Charlton?SimeonLeespeaking.Yes,isnt
it?...Yes...No,Iwantedyoutomakeanewwillforme...Yes,itssometimesinceImade
theother...Circumstanceshavealtered...Ohno,nohurry.Dontwantyoutospoilyour
Christmas.SayBoxingDayorthedayafter.Comealong,andIlltellyouwhatIwantdone.
No,thatsquiteallright.Ishantbedyingjustyet.

Hereplacedthereceiver,thenlookedroundattheeightmembersofhisfamily.He
cackledandsaid:Yourealllookingveryglum.Whatisthematter?
47
Alfredsaid:Yousentforus...

Simeonsaidquickly:Oh,sorrynothingportentousaboutit.Didyouthinkitwasafamily
council?No,Imjustrathertiredtoday,thatsall.Noneofyouneedcomeupafterdinner.
Ishallgotobed.IwanttobefreshforChristmasDay.

Hegrinnedatthem.Georgesaidearnestly:Ofcourse...ofcourse...

Simeonsaid:Grandoldinstitution,Christmas.Promotessolidarityoffamilyfeeling.What
doyouthink,Magdalene,mydear?

MagdaleneLeejumped.Herrathersillylittlemouthflewopenandthenshutitself.She
said:Ohoh,yes!

Simeonsaid:Letmesee,youlivedwitharetirednavalofficerhepausedyourfather.
DontsupposeyoumademuchofChristmas.Itneedsabigfamilyforthat!

Wellwellyes,perhapsitdoes.

Simeonseyesslidpasther.

Dontwanttotalkofanythingunpleasantatthistimeofyear,butyouknow,George,Im
afraidIllhavetocutdownyourallowanceabit.Myestablishmenthereisgoingtocost
meabitmoretoruninfuture.

Georgegotveryred.

Butlookhere,Father,youcantdothat!

Simeonsaidsoftly:Oh,cantI!

Myexpensesareveryheavyalready.Veryheavy.Asitis,IdontknowhowImakeboth
endsmeet.Itneedsthemostrigorouseconomy.

Letyourwifedoabitmoreofit,saidSimeon.Womenaregoodatthatsortofthing.
Theyoftenthinkofeconomieswhereamanwouldneverhavedreamtofthem.Anda
cleverwomancanmakeherownclothes.Mywife,Iremember,wascleverwithher
needle.Aboutallshewascleverwithagoodwoman,butdeadlydull

Davidsprangup.Hisfathersaid:Sitdown,boy,youllknocksomethingover

Davidsaid:Mymother

Simeonsaid:Yourmotherhadthebrainsofalouse!Anditseemstomeshestransmitted
thosebrainstoherchildren.Heraisedhimselfupsuddenly.Aredspotappearedoneach
cheek.Hisvoicecamehighandshrill.Yourenotworthapennypiece,anyofyou!Imsick
ofyouall!Yourenotmen!Youreweaklingsasetofnambypambyweaklings.Pilars

48
worthanytwoofyouputtogether!IllsweartoheavenIvegotabettersonsomewhere
intheworldthananyofyou,evenifyouareborntherightsideoftheblanket!

Here,Father,holdhard,criedHarry.

Hehadjumpedupandstoodthere,afrownonhisusuallygoodhumouredface.Simeon
snapped:Thesamegoesforyou!Whathaveyoueverdone?Whinedtomeformoney
fromallovertheworld!ItellyouImsickofthesightofyouall!Getout!

Heleanedbackinhischair,pantingalittle.

Slowly,onebyone,hisfamilywentout.Georgewasredandindignant.Magdalenelooked
frightened.Davidwaspaleandquivering.Harryblusteredoutoftheroom.Alfredwent
likeamaninadream.Lydiafollowedhimwithherheadheldhigh.OnlyHildapausedin
thedoorwayandcameslowlyback.

Shestoodoverhim,andhestartedwhenheopenedhiseyesandfoundherstanding
there.Therewassomethingmenacinginthesolidwayshestoodtherequiteimmovably.

Hesaidirritably:Whatisit?

Hildasaid:WhenyourlettercameIbelievedwhatyousaidthatyouwantedyourfamily
roundyouforChristmas,IpersuadedDavidtocome.

Simeonsaid:Well,whatofit?

Hildasaidslowly:Youdidwantyourfamilyroundyoubutnotforthepurposeyousaid!
Youwantedthemthere,didntyou,inordertosetthemallbytheears?Godhelpyou,its
yourideaoffun!

Simeonchuckled.Hesaid:Ialwayshadratheraspecializedsenseofhumour.Idont
expectanyoneelsetoappreciatethejoke.Imenjoyingit!

Shesaidnothing.AvaguefeelingofapprehensioncameoverSimeonLee.Hesaidsharply:
Whatareyouthinkingabout?

HildaLeesaidslowly:Imafraid...

Simeonsaid:Youreafraidofme?

Hildasaid:Notofyou.Imafraidforyou!

Likeajudgewhohasdeliveredsentence,sheturnedaway.Shemarched,slowlyand
heavily,outoftheroom...

Simeonsatstaringatthedoor.

49
Thenhegottohisfeetandmadehiswayovertothesafe.Hemurmured:Letshavea
lookatmybeauties.

III

Thedoorbellrangaboutaquartertoeight.

Tressilianwenttoanswerit.

HereturnedtohispantrytofindHorburythere,pickingupthecoffeecupsoffthetray
andlookingatthemarkonthem.

Whowasit?saidHorbury.

SuperintendentofPoliceMrSugdenmindwhatyouredoing!

Horburyhaddroppedoneofthecupswithacrash.

Lookatthatnow,lamentedTressilian.ElevenyearsIvehadthewashingupofthoseand
neveronebroken,andnowyoucomealongtouchingthingsyouvenobusinesstotouch,
andlookwhathappens!

Imsorry,MrTressilian.Iamindeed,theotherapologized.Hisfacewascoveredwith
perspiration.Idontknowhowithappened.DidyousayaSuperintendentofPolicehad
called?

YesMrSugden.

Thevaletpassedatongueoverpalelips.

Whatwhatdidhewant?

CollectingforthePoliceOrphanage.

Oh!Thevaletstraightenedhisshoulders.Inamorenaturalvoicehesaid:Didheget
anything?

ItookupthebooktooldMrLee,andhetoldmetofetchthesuperintendentupandto
putthesherryonthetable.

Nothingbutbegging,thistimeofyear,saidHorbury.Theolddevilsgenerous,Iwillsay
thatforhim,inspiteofhisotherfailings.

Tressiliansaidwithdignity:MrLeehasalwaysbeenanopenhandedgentleman.

Horburynodded.

Itsthebestthingabouthim!Well,Illbeoffnow.
50
Goingtothepictures?

Iexpectso.Tata,MrTressilian.

Hewentthroughthedoorthatledtotheservantshall.

Tressilianlookedupattheclockhangingonthewall.

Hewentintothediningroomandlaidtherollsinthenapkins.

Then,afterassuringhimselfthateverythingwasasitshouldbe,hesoundedthegongin
thehall.

Asthelastnotediedawaythepolicesuperintendentcamedownthestairs.
SuperintendentSugdenwasalargehandsomeman.Heworeatightlybuttonedbluesuit
andmovedwithasenseofhisownimportance.

Hesaidaffably:Iratherthinkweshallhaveafrosttonight.Goodthing:theweathers
beenveryunseasonablelately.

Tressiliansaid,shakinghishead:Thedampaffectsmyrheumatism.

Thesuperintendentsaidthattherheumatismwasapainfulcomplaint,andTressilianlet
himoutbythefrontdoor.

Theoldbutlerrefastenedthedoorandcamebackslowlyintothehall.Hepassedhishand
overhiseyesandsighed.ThenhestraightenedhisbackashesawLydiapassintothe
drawingroom.GeorgeLeewasjustcomingdownthestairs.

Tressilianhoveredready.Whenthelastguest,Magdalene,hadenteredthedrawing
room,hemadehisownappearance,murmuring:Dinnerisserved.

InhiswayTressilianwasaconnoisseurofladiesdress.Healwaysnotedandcriticizedthe
gownsoftheladiesashecircledroundthetable,decanterinhand.

MrsAlfred,henoted,hadgotonhernewfloweredblackandwhitetaffeta.Abolddesign,
verystriking,butshecouldcarryitoff,thoughmanyladiescouldnt.ThedressMrsGeorge
hadonwasamodel,hewasprettysureofthat.Musthavecostaprettypenny.He
wonderedhowMrGeorgewouldlikepayingforit!MrGeorgedidntlikespending
moneyheneverhad.MrsDavidnow:anicelady,butdidnthaveanyideaofhowto
dress.Forherfigure,plainblackvelvetwouldhavebeenthebest.Figuredvelvet,and
crimsonatthat,wasabadchoice.MissPilar,now,itdidntmatterwhatshewore,with
herfigureandherhairshelookedwellinanything.Aflimsycheaplittlewhitegownitwas,
though.Still,MrLeewouldsoonseetothat!Takentoherwonderful,hehad.Alwayswas
thesamewaywhenagentlemanwaselderly.Ayoungfacecoulddoanythingwithhim!

51
Hockorclaret?murmuredTressilianinadeferentialwhisperinMrsGeorgesear.Outof
thetailofhiseyehenotedthatWalter,thefootman,washandingthevegetablesbefore
thegravyagainafterallhehadbeentold!

Tressilianwentroundwiththesouffl.Itstruckhim,nowthathisinterestintheladies
toilettesandhismisgivingsoverWaltersdeficiencieswereathingofthepast,that
everyonewasverysilenttonight.Atleast,notexactlysilent:MrHarrywastalkingenough
fortwentyno,notMrHarry,theSouthAfricangentleman.Andtheothersweretalking
too,butonly,asitwere,inspasms.Therewassomethingalittlequeeraboutthem.

MrAlfred,forinstance,helookeddownrightill.Asthoughhehadhadashockor
something.Quitedazedhelookedandjustturningoverthefoodonhisplatewithout
eatingit.Themistress,shewasworriedabouthim.Tressiliancouldseethat.Keptlooking
downthetabletowardshimnotnoticeably,ofcourse,justquietly.MrGeorgewasvery
redinthefacegobblinghisfood,hewas,withouttastingit.Hedgetastrokeonedayif
hewasntcareful.MrsGeorgewasnteating.Slimming,aslikelyasnot.MissPilarseemed
tobeenjoyingherfoodallrightandtalkingandlaughingupattheSouthAfrican
gentleman.Properlytakenwithher,hewas.Didntseemtobeanythingontheirminds!

MrDavid?TressilianfeltworriedaboutMrDavid.Justlikehismother,hewas,tolookat.
Andremarkablyyounglookingstill.Butnervy;there,hedknockedoverhisglass.

Tressilianwhiskeditaway,moppedupthestreamdeftly.Itwasallover.MrDavidhardly
seemedtonoticewhathehaddone,justsatstaringinfrontofhimwithawhiteface.

Thinkingofwhitefaces,funnythewayHorburyhadlookedinthepantryjustnowwhen
hedheardapoliceofficerhadcometothehouse...almostasthough

Tressiliansmindstoppedwithajerk.Walterhaddroppedapearoffthedishhewas
handing.Footmenwerenogoodnowadays!Theymightbestableboys,thewaytheywent
on!

Hewentroundwiththeport.MrHarryseemedabitdistraittonight.KeptlookingatMr
Alfred.Neverhadbeenanylovelostbetweenthosetwo,notevenasboys.MrHarry,of
course,hadalwaysbeenhisfathersfavourite,andthathadrankledwithMrAlfred.Mr
LeehadnevercaredforMrAlfredmuch.Apity,whenMrAlfredalwaysseemedso
devotedtohisfather.

There,MrsAlfredwasgettingupnow.Shesweptroundthetable.Verynicethatdesignon
thetaffeta;thatcapesuitedher.Averygracefullady.

Hewentouttothepantry,closingthediningroomdooronthegentlemenwiththeirport.

Hetookthecoffeetrayintothedrawingroom.Thefourladiesweresittingthererather
uncomfortably,hethought.Theywerenottalking.Hehandedroundthecoffeeinsilence.

Hewentoutagain.Ashewentintohispantryheheardthediningroomdooropen.David
Leecameoutandwentalongthehalltothedrawingroom.

52
Tressilianwentbackintohispantry.HereadtheriotacttoWalter.Walterwasnearly,if
notquite,impertinent!

Tressilian,aloneinhispantry,satdownratherwearily.

Hehadafeelingofdepression.ChristmasEve,andallthisstrainandtension...Hedidnt
likeit!

Withaneffortherousedhimself.Hewenttothedrawingroomandcollectedthecoffee
cups.TheroomwasemptyexceptforLydia,whowasstandinghalfconcealedbythe
windowcurtainatthefarendoftheroom.Shewasstandingtherelookingoutintothe
night.

Fromnextdoorthepianosounded.

MrDavidwasplaying.Butwhy,Tressilianaskedhimself,didMrDavidplaytheDead
March?Forthatswhatitwas.Oh,indeedthingswereverywrong.

Hewentslowlyalongthehallandbackintohispantry.

Itwasthenhefirstheardthenoisefromoverhead:acrashingofchina,theoverthrowing
offurniture,aseriesofcracksandbumps.

Goodgracious!thoughtTressilian.Whateveristhemasterdoing?Whatshappeningup
there?

Andthen,clearandhigh,cameascreamahorriblehighwailingscreamthatdiedawayin
achokeorgurgle.

Tressilianstoodthereamomentparalysed,thenheranoutintothehallandupthebroad
staircase.Otherswerewithhim.Thatscreamhadbeenheardalloverthehouse.

Theyracedupthestairsandroundthebend,pastarecesswithstatuesgleamingwhite
andeerie,andalongthestraightpassagetoSimeonLeesdoor.MrFarrwastherealready
andMrsDavid.Shewasleaningbackagainstthewallandhewastwistingatthedoor
handle.

Thedoorslocked,hewassaying.Thedoorslocked!

HarryLeepushedpastandwresteditfromhim.He,too,turnedandtwistedatthehandle.

Father,heshouted.Father,letusin.

Hehelduphishandandinthesilencetheyalllistened.Therewasnoanswer.Nosound
frominsidetheroom.

Thefrontdoorbellrang,butnoonepaidanyattentiontoit.

53
StephenFarrsaid:Wevegottobreakthedoordown.Itstheonlyway.

Harrysaid:Thatsgoingtobeatoughjob.Thesedoorsaregoodsolidstuff.Comeon,
Alfred.

Theyheavedandstrained.Finallytheywentandgotanoakbenchanduseditasa
batteringram.Thedoorgaveatlast.Itshingessplinteredandthedoorsankshuddering
fromitsframe.

Foraminutetheystoodtherehuddledtogetherlookingin.Whattheysawwasasightthat
nooneofthemeverforgot...

Therehadclearlybeenaterrificstruggle.Heavyfurniturewasoverturned.Chinavaseslay
splinteredonthefloor.Inthemiddleofthehearthruginfrontoftheblazingfirelay
SimeonLeeinagreatpoolofblood...Bloodwassplashedallround.Theplacewaslikea
shambles.

Therewasalongshudderingsigh,andthentwovoicesspokeinturn.Strangelyenough,
thewordstheyutteredwerebothquotations.

DavidLeesaid:ThemillsofGodgrindslowly...

Lydiasvoicecamelikeaflutteringwhisper:Whowouldhavethoughttheoldmantohave
hadsomuchbloodinhim?...

IV

SuperintendentSugdenhadrungthebellthreetimes.Finally,indesperation,hepounded
ontheknocker.

AscaredWalteratlengthopenedthedoor.

Ooer,hesaid.Alookofreliefcameoverhisface.Iwasjustringingupthepolice.

Whatfor?saidSuperintendentSugdensharply.Whatsgoingonhere?

Walterwhispered:ItsoldMrLee.Hesbeendonein...

Thesuperintendentpushedpasthimandranupthestairs.Hecameintotheroomwithout
anyonebeingawareofhisentrance.AsheenteredhesawPilarbendforwardandpickup
somethingfromthefloor.HesawDavidLeestandingwithhishandsoverhiseyes.

Hesawtheothershuddledintoalittlegroup.AlfredLeealonehadsteppednearhis
fathersbody.Hestoodnowquiteclose,lookingdown.Hisfacewasblank.

GeorgeLeewassayingimportantly:Nothingmustbetouchedrememberthat
nothingtillthepolicearrive.Thatismostimportant!

54
Excuseme,saidSugden.

Hepushedhiswayforward,gentlythrustingtheladiesaside.

AlfredLeerecognizedhim.

Ah,hesaid.Itsyou,SuperintendentSugden.Youvegothereveryquickly.

Yes,MrLee.SuperintendentSugdendidnotwastetimeonexplanations.Whatsall
this?

Myfather,saidAlfredLee,hasbeenkilledmurdered...

Hisvoicebroke.

Magdalenebegansuddenlytosobhysterically.

SuperintendentSugdenheldupalargeofficialhand.Hesaidauthoritatively:Will
everybodykindlyleavetheroomexceptMrLeeanderMrGeorgeLee?...

Theymovedslowlytowardsthedoor,reluctantly,likesheep.SuperintendentSugden
interceptedPilarsuddenly.

Excuseme,miss,hesaidpleasantly.Nothingmustbetouchedordisturbed.

Shestaredathim.StephenFarrsaidimpatiently:Ofcoursenot.Sheunderstandsthat.

SuperintendentSugdensaid,stillinthesamepleasantmanner:Youpickedupsomething
fromthefloorjustnow?

Pilarseyesopened.Shestaredandsaidincredulously:Idid?

SuperintendentSugdenwasstillpleasant.Hisvoicewasjustalittlefirmer.

Yes,Isawyou...

Oh!

Sopleasegiveittome.Itsinyourhandnow.

SlowlyPilarunclosedherhand.Therelayinitawispofrubberandasmallobjectmadeof
wood.SuperintendentSugdentookthem,enclosedtheminanenvelopeandputthem
awayinhisbreastpocket.Hesaid:Thankyou.

Heturnedaway.JustforaminuteStephenFarrseyesshowedastartledrespect.Itwasas
thoughhehadunderestimatedthelargehandsomesuperintendent.

55
Theywentslowlyoutoftheroom.Behindthemtheyheardthesuperintendentsvoice
sayingofficially:Andnow,ifyouplease...

Nothinglikeawoodfire,saidColonelJohnsonashethrewonanadditionallogandthen
drewhischairnearertotheblaze.Helpyourself,headded,hospitablycallingattentionto
thetantalusandsiphonthatstoodnearhisguestselbow.

Theguestraisedapolitehandinnegation.Cautiouslyheedgedhisownchairnearerto
theblazinglogs,thoughhewasoftheopinionthattheopportunityforroastingthesoles
ofonesfeet(likesomemediaevaltorture)didnotoffsetthecolddraughtthatswirled
roundthebackoftheshoulders.

ColonelJohnson,ChiefConstableofMiddleshire,mightbeoftheopinionthatnothing
couldbeatawoodfire,butHerculePoirotwasoftheopinionthatcentralheatingcould
anddideverytime!

AmazingbusinessthatCartwrightcase,remarkedthehostreminiscently.Amazingman!
Enormouscharmofmanner.Why,whenhecameherewithyou,hehadusalleatingout
ofhishand.

Heshookhishead.

Wellneverhaveanythinglikethatcase!hesaid.Nicotinepoisoningisrare,fortunately.

TherewasatimewhenyouwouldhaveconsideredallpoisoningunEnglish,suggested
HerculePoirot.Adeviceofforeigners!Unsportsmanlike!

Ihardlythinkwecouldsaythat,saidthechiefconstable.Plentyofpoisoningby
arsenicprobablyagooddealmorethanhaseverbeensuspected.

Possibly,yes.

Alwaysanawkwardbusiness,apoisoningcase,saidJohnson.Conflictingtestimonyof
theexpertsthendoctorsareusuallysoextremelycautiousinwhattheysay.Alwaysa
difficultcasetotaketoajury.No,ifonemusthavemurder(whichheavenforbid!)giveme
astraightforwardcase.Somethingwheretheresnoambiguityaboutthecauseofdeath.

Poirotnodded.

Thebulletwound,thecutthroat,thecrushedinskull?Itisthereyourpreferencelies?

Oh,dontcallitapreference,mydearfellow.DontharbourtheideathatIlikemurder
cases!HopeIneverhaveanother.Anyway,weoughttobesafeenoughduringyourvisit.

Poirotbeganmodestly:Myreputation

56
ButJohnsonhadgoneon.

Christmastime,hesaid.Peace,goodwillandallthatkindofthing.Goodwillallround.

HerculePoirotleanedbackinhischair.Hejoinedhisfingertips.Hestudiedhishost
thoughtfully.

Hemurmured:Itis,then,youropinionthatChristmastimeisanunlikelyseasonfor
crime?

ThatswhatIsaid.

Why?

Why?Johnsonwasthrownslightlyoutofhisstride.Well,asIvejustsaidseasonof
goodcheer,andallthat!

HerculePoirotmurmured:TheBritish,theyaresosentimental!

Johnsonsaidstoutly:Whatifweare?Whatifwedoliketheoldways,theoldtraditional
festivities?Whatstheharm?

Thereisnoharm.Itisallmostcharming!Butletusforamomentexaminefacts.Youhave
saidthatChristmasisaseasonofgoodcheer.Thatmeans,doesitnot,alotofeatingand
drinking?Itmeans,infact,theovereating!Andwiththeovereatingtherecomesthe
indigestion!Andwiththeindigestiontherecomestheirritability!

Crimes,saidColonelJohnson,arenotcommittedfromirritability.

Iamnotsosure!Takeanotherpoint.Thereis,atChristmas,aspiritofgoodwill.Itis,as
yousay,thethingtodo.Oldquarrelsarepatchedup,thosewhohavedisagreedconsent
toagreeoncemore,evenifitisonlytemporarily.

Johnsonnodded.

Burythehatchet,thatsright.

Poirotpursuedhistheme:Andfamiliesnow,familieswhohavebeenseparated
throughouttheyear,assembleoncemoretogether.Nowundertheseconditions,my
friend,youmustadmitthattherewilloccuragreatamountofstrain.Peoplewhodonot
feelamiableareputtinggreatpressureonthemselvestoappearamiable!Thereisat
Christmastimeagreatdealofhypocrisy,honourablehypocrisy,hypocrisyundertaken
pourlebonmotif,cestentendu,butneverthelesshypocrisy!

Well,Ishouldntputitquitelikethatmyself,saidColonelJohnsondoubtfully.

Poirotbeameduponhim.

57
No,no.ItisIwhoamputtingitlikethat,notyou.Iampointingouttoyouthatunder
theseconditionsmentalstrain,physicalmalaiseitishighlyprobablethatdislikesthat
werebeforemerelymildanddisagreementsthatweretrivialmightsuddenlyassumea
moreseriouscharacter.Theresultofpretendingtobeamoreamiable,amoreforgiving,a
morehighmindedpersonthanonereallyis,hassoonerorlatertheeffectofcausingone
tobehaveasamoredisagreeable,amoreruthlessandanaltogethermoreunpleasant
personthanisactuallythecase!Ifyoudamthestreamofnaturalbehaviour,monami,
soonerorlaterthedamburstsandacataclysmoccurs!

ColonelJohnsonlookedathimdoubtfully.

Neverknowwhenyoureseriousandwhenyourepullingmyleg,hegrumbled.

Poirotsmiledathim.

Iamnotserious!NotintheleastamIserious!Butallthesame,itistruewhatIsay
artificialconditionsbringabouttheirnaturalreaction.

ColonelJohnsonsmanservantenteredtheroom.

SuperintendentSugdenonthephone,sir.

Right.Illcome.

Withawordofapologythechiefconstablelefttheroom.

Hereturnedsomethreeminuteslater.Hisfacewasgraveandperturbed.

Damnitall!hesaid.Caseofmurder!OnChristmasEve,too!

Poirotseyebrowsrose.

Itisthatdefinitelymurder,Imean?

Eh?Oh,noothersolutionpossible!Perfectlyclearcase.Murderandabrutalmurderat
that!

Whoisthevictim?

OldSimeonLee.Oneoftherichestmenwevegot!MadehismoneyinSouthAfrica
originally.Goldno,diamonds,Ibelieve.Hesunkanimmensefortuneinmanufacturing
someparticulargadgetofminingmachinery.Hisowninvention,Ibelieve.Anyway,its
paidhimhandoverfist!Theysayhesamillionairetwiceover.

Poirotsaid:Hewaswellliked,yes?

58
Johnsonsaidslowly:Dontthinkanyonelikedhim.Queersortofchap.Hesbeenan
invalidforsomeyearsnow.Idontknowverymuchabouthimmyself.Butofcourseheis
oneofthebigfiguresofthecounty.

Sothiscase,itwillmakeabigstir?

Yes.ImustgetovertoLongdaleasfastasIcan.

Hehesitated,lookingathisguest.Poirotansweredtheunspokenquestion:Youwouldlike
thatIshouldaccompanyyou?

Johnsonsaidawkwardly:Seemsashametoaskyou.But,well,youknowhowitis!
SuperintendentSugdenisagoodman,nonebetter,painstaking,careful,thoroughly
soundbutwell,hesnotanimaginativechapinanyway.Shouldlikeverymuch,asyou
arehere,benefitofyouradvice.

Hehaltedalittleovertheendpartofhisspeech,makingitsomewhattelegraphicinstyle.
Poirotrespondedquickly.

Ishallbedelighted.YoucancountonmetoassistyouinanywayIcan.Wemustnothurt
thefeelingsofthegoodsuperintendent.Itwillbehiscasenotmine.Iamonlythe
unofficialconsultant.

ColonelJohnsonsaidwarmly:Youreagoodfellow,Poirot.

Withthosewordsofcommendation,thetwomenstartedout.

VI

Itwasaconstablewhoopenedthefrontdoortothemandsaluted.Behindhim,
SuperintendentSugdenadvanceddownthehallandsaid:Gladyouvegothere,sir.Shall
wecomeintothisroomhereontheleftMrLeesstudy?Idliketorunoverthemain
outlines.Thewholethingsarumbusiness.

Heusheredthemintoasmallroomontheleftofthehall.Therewasatelephonethere
andabigdeskcoveredwithpapers.Thewallswerelinedwithbookcases.

Thechiefconstablesaid:Sugden,thisisM.HerculePoirot.Youmayhaveheardofhim.
Justhappenedtobestayingwithme.SuperintendentSugden.

Poirotmadealittlebowandlookedtheothermanover.Hesawatallmanwithsquare
shouldersandamilitarybearingwhohadanaquilinenose,apugnaciousjawandalarge
flourishingchestnutcolouredmoustache.SugdenstaredhardatHerculePoirotafter
acknowledgingtheintroduction.HerculePoirotstaredhardatSuperintendentSugdens
moustache.Itsluxurianceseemedtofascinatehim.

59
Thesuperintendentsaid:OfcourseIhaveheardofyou,MrPoirot.Youwereinthispart
oftheworldsomeyearsago,ifIrememberrightly.DeathofSirBartholomewStrange.
Poisoningcase.Nicotine.Notmydistrict,butofcourseIheardallaboutit.

ColonelJohnsonsaidimpatiently:Now,then,Sugden,letshavethefacts.Aclearcase,
yousaid.

Yes,sir,itsmurderrightenoughnotadoubtofthat.MrLeesthroatwascutjugular
veinsevered,Iunderstandfromthedoctor.Buttheressomethingveryoddaboutthe
wholematter.

Youmean?

Idlikeyoutohearmystoryfirst,sir.Thesearethecircumstances:Thisafternoon,about
fiveoclock,IwasrungupbyMrLeeatAddlesfieldpolicestation.Hesoundedabitodd
overthephoneaskedmetocomeandseehimateightoclockthiseveningmadea
specialpointofthetime.Moreover,heinstructedmetosaytothebutlerthatIwas
collectingsubscriptionsforsomepolicecharity.

Thechiefconstablelookedupsharply.

Wantedsomeplausiblepretexttogetyouintothehouse?

Thatsright,sir.Well,naturally,MrLeeisanimportantperson,andIaccededtohis
request.Igotherealittlebeforeeightoclock,andrepresentedmyselfasseeking
subscriptionsforthePoliceOrphanage.Thebutlerwentawayandreturnedtotellmethat
MrLeewouldseeme.ThereuponheshowedmeuptoMrLeesroom,whichissituated
onthefirstfloor,immediatelyoverthediningroom.

SuperintendentSugdenpaused,drewabreathandthenproceededinasomewhatofficial
mannerwithhisreport.

MrLeewasseatedinachairbythefireplace.Hewaswearingadressinggown.Whenthe
butlerhadlefttheroomandclosedthedoor,MrLeeaskedmetositnearhim.Hethen
saidratherhesitatinglythathewantedtogivemeparticularsofarobbery.Iaskedhim
whathadbeentaken.Herepliedthathehadreasontobelievethatdiamonds(uncut
diamonds,Ithinkhesaid)tothevalueofseveralthousandpoundshadbeenstolenfrom
hissafe.

Diamonds,eh?saidthechiefconstable.

Yes,sir.Iaskedhimvariousroutinequestions,buthismannerwasveryuncertainandhis
repliesweresomewhatvagueincharacter.Atlasthesaid,Youmustunderstand,
Superintendent,thatImaybemistakeninthismatter.Isaid,Idonotquiteunderstand,
sir.Eitherthediamondsaremissingortheyarenotmissingoneortheother.He
replied,Thediamondsarecertainlymissing,butitisjustpossible,Superintendent,that
theirdisappearancemaybesimplyaratherfoolishkindofpracticaljoke.Well,that
seemedoddtome,butIsaidnothing.Hewenton:Itisdifficultformetoexplainin

60
detail,butwhatitamountstoisthis:SofarasIcansee,onlytwopersonscanpossibly
havethestones.Oneofthosepersonsmighthavedoneitasajoke.Iftheotherperson
tookthem,thentheyhavedefinitelybeenstolen.Isaid,Whatexactlydoyouwantme
todo,sir?Hesaidquickly,Iwantyou,Superintendent,toreturnhereinaboutanhour
no,makeitalittlemorethanthatsayninefifteen.AtthattimeIshallbeabletotellyou
definitelywhetherIhavebeenrobbedornot.Iwasalittlemystified,butIagreedand
wentaway.

ColonelJohnsoncommented:Curiousverycurious.Whatdoyousay,Poirot?

HerculePoirotsaid:MayIask,Superintendent,whatconclusionsyouyourselfdrew?

Thesuperintendentstrokedhisjawasherepliedcarefully:Well,variousideasoccurredto
me,butonthewhole,Ifigureditoutthisway.Therewasnoquestionofanypractical
joke.Thediamondshadbeenstolenallright.Buttheoldgentlemanwasntsurewhod
doneit.Itsmyopinionthathewasspeakingthetruthwhenhesaidthatitmighthave
beenoneoftwopeopleandofthosetwopeopleonewasaservantandtheotherwasa
memberofthefamily.

Poirotnoddedappreciatively.

Trsbien.Yes,thatexplainshisattitudeverywell.

HencehisdesirethatIshouldreturnlater.Intheintervalhemeanttohaveaninterview
withthepersoninquestion.Hewouldtellthemthathehadalreadyspokenofthematter
tothepolicebutthat,ifrestitutionwerepromptlymade,hecouldhushthematterup.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Andifthesuspectdidntrespond?

Inthatcase,hemeanttoplacetheinvestigationinourhands.

ColonelJohnsonfrownedandtwistedhismoustache.Hedemurred.

Whynottakethatcoursebeforecallingyouin?

No,no,sir.Thesuperintendentshookhishead.Dontyousee,ifhehaddonethat,it
mighthavebeenbluff.Itwouldnthavebeenhalfsoconvincing.Thepersonmightsayto
himself,Theoldmanwontcallthepolicein,nomatterwhathesuspects!Butiftheold
gentlemansaystohim,Ivealreadyspokentothepolice,thesuperintendenthasonlyjust
left.Thenthethiefasksthebutler,say,andthebutlerconfirmsthat.Hesays,Yes,the
superintendentwasherejustbeforedinner.Thenthechiefisconvincedtheold
gentlemanmeansbusinessanditsuptohimtocoughupthestones.

Hm,yes,Iseethat,saidColonelJohnson.Anyidea,Sugden,whothismemberofthe
familymightbe?

No,sir.

61
Noindicationwhatsoever?

None.

Johnsonshookhishead.Thenhesaid:Well,letsgetonwithit.

SuperintendentSugdenresumedhisofficialmanner.

Ireturnedtothehouse,sir,atninefifteenprecisely.JustasIwasabouttoringthefront
doorbell,Iheardascreamfrominsidethehouse,andthenaconfusedsoundofshouts
andageneralcommotion.Irangseveraltimesandalsousedtheknocker.Itwasthreeor
fourminutesbeforethedoorwasanswered.WhenthefootmanatlastopeneditIcould
seethatsomethingmomentoushadoccurred.Hewasshakingalloverandlookedas
thoughhewasabouttofaint.HegaspedoutthatMrLeehadbeenmurdered.Iranhastily
upstairs.IfoundMrLeesroominastateofwildconfusion.Therehadevidentlybeena
severestruggle.MrLeehimselfwaslyinginfrontofthefirewithhisthroatcutinapoolof
blood.

Thechiefconstablesaidsharply:Hecouldnthavedoneithimself?

Sugdenshookhishead.

Impossible,sir.Foronething,therewerethechairsandtablesoverturned,andthe
brokencrockeryandornaments,andthentherewasnosignoftherazororknifewith
whichthecrimehadbeencommitted.

Thechiefconstablesaidthoughtfully:Yes,thatseemsconclusive.Anyoneintheroom?

Mostofthefamilywerethere,sir.Juststandinground.

ColonelJohnsonsaidsharply:Anyideas,Sugden?

Thesuperintendentsaidslowly:Itsabadbusiness,sir.Itlookstomeasthoughoneof
themmusthavedoneit.Idontseehowanyonefromoutsidecouldhavedoneitandgot
awayintime.

Whataboutthewindow?Closedoropen?

Therearetwowindowsintheroom,sir.Onewasclosedandlocked.Theotherwasopen
afewinchesatthebottombutitwasfixedinthatpositionbyaburglarscrew,and
moreover,Ivetrieditanditsstuckfasthasntbeenopenedforyears,Ishouldsay.Also
thewalloutsideisquitesmoothandunbrokennoivyorcreepers.Idontseehow
anyonecouldhaveleftthatway.

Howmanydoorsintheroom?

62
Justone.Theroomisattheendofapassage.Thatdoorwaslockedontheinside.When
theyheardthenoiseofthestruggleandtheoldmansdyingscream,andrushedupstairs,
theyhadtobreakdownthedoortogetin.

Johnsonsaidsharply:Andwhowasintheroom?

SuperintendentSugdenrepliedgravely:Nobodywasintheroom,sir,excepttheoldman
whohadbeenkillednotmorethanafewminutespreviously.

VII

ColonelJohnsonstaredatSugdenforsomeminutesbeforehespluttered:Doyoumean
totellme,Superintendent,thatthisisoneofthosedamnedcasesyougetindetective
storieswhereamaniskilledinalockedroombysomeapparentlysupernaturalagency?

Averyfaintsmileagitatedthesuperintendentsmoustacheasherepliedgravely:Idonot
thinkitsquiteasbadasthat,sir.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Suicide.Itmustbesuicide!

Wherestheweapon,ifso?No,sir,suicidewontdo.

Thenhowdidthemurdererescape?Bythewindow?Sugdenshookhishead.

Illtakemyoathhedidntdothat.

Butthedoorwaslocked,yousay,ontheinside.

Thesuperintendentnodded.Hedrewakeyfromhispocketandlaiditonthetable.

Nofingerprints,heannounced.Butjustlookatthatkey,sir.Takealookatitwiththat
magnifyingglassthere.

Poirotbentforward.HeandJohnsonexaminedthekeytogether.Thechiefconstable
utteredanexclamation.

ByJove,Igetyou.Thosefaintscratchesontheendofthebarrel.Youseeem,Poirot?

Butyes,Isee.Thatmeans,doesitnot,thatthekeywasturnedfromoutsidethedoor
turnedbymeansofaspecialimplementthatwentthroughthekeyholeandgrippedthe
barrelpossiblyanordinarypairofplierswoulddoit.

Thesuperintendentnodded.

Itcanbedoneallright.

Poirotsaid:Theideabeing,then,thatthedeathwouldbethoughttobesuicide,sincethe
doorwaslockedandnoonewasintheroom?
63
Thatwastheidea,M.Poirot,notadoubtofit,Ishouldsay.

Poirotshookhisheaddoubtfully.

Butthedisorderintheroom!Asyousay,thatbyitselfwipedouttheideaofsuicide.
Surelythemurdererwouldfirstofallhavesettheroomtorights.

SuperintendentSugdensaid:Buthehadnttime,MrPoirot.Thatsthewholepoint.He
hadnttime.Letssayhecountedoncatchingtheoldgentlemanunawares.Well,that
didntcomeoff.Therewasastruggleastruggleheardplainlyintheroomunderneath;
and,whatsmore,theoldgentlemancalledoutforhelp.Everyonecamerushingup.The
murderersonlygottimetonipoutoftheroomandturnthekeyfromtheoutside.

Thatistrue,Poirotadmitted.Yourmurderer,hemayhavemadethebungle.Butwhy,oh
why,didhenotatleastleavetheweapon?Fornaturally,ifthereisnoweapon,itcannot
besuicide!Thatwasanerrormostgrave.

SuperintendentSugdensaidstolidly:Criminalsusuallymakemistakes.Thatsour
experience.

Poirotgavealightsigh.Hemurmured:Butallthesame,inspiteofhismistakes,hehas
escapedthiscriminal.

Idontthinkhehasexactlyescaped.

Youmeanheisinthehousestill?

Idontseewhereelsehecanbe.Itwasaninsidejob.

But,toutdemme,Poirotpointedoutgently,hehasescapedtothisextent:Youdonot
knowwhoheis.

SuperintendentSugdensaidgentlyburfirmly:Iratherfancythatwesoonshall.We
haventdoneanyquestioningofthehouseholdyet.

ColonelJohnsoncutin:Lookhere,Sugden,onethingstrikesme.Whoeverturnedthatkey
fromtheoutsidemusthavehadsomeknowledgeofthejob.Thatstosay,heprobablyhas
hadcriminalexperience.Thesesortoftoolsarenteasytomanage.

Youmeanitwasaprofessionaljob,sir?

ThatswhatImean.

Itdoesseemlikeit,theotheradmitted.Followingthatup,itlooksasthoughtherewere
aprofessionalthiefamongtheservants.Thatwouldexplainthediamondsbeingtakenand
themurderwouldfollowonlogicallyfromthat.

Well,anythingwrongwiththattheory?
64
ItswhatIthoughtmyselftobeginwith.Butitsdifficult.Thereareeightservantsinthe
house;sixofthemarewomen,andofthosesix,fivehavebeenhereforfouryearsand
more.Thentheresthebutlerandthefootman.Thebutlerhasbeenhereforcloseon
fortyyearsbitofarecordthat,Ishouldsay.Thefootmanslocal,sonofthegardener,
andbroughtuphere.Dontseeverywellhowhecanbeaprofessional.Theonlyother
personisMrLeesvaletattendant.Hescomparativelynew,buthewasoutofthehouse
stilliswentoutjustbeforeeightoclock.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Haveyougotalistofjustwhoexactlywasinthehouse?

Yes,sir.Igotitfromthebutler.Hetookouthisnotebook.ShallIreadittoyou?

Please,Sugden.

MrandMrsAlfredLee.MrGeorgeLee,M.P.,andhiswife,MrHenryLee,MrandMrs
DavidLee.Missthesuperintendentpausedalittle,takingthewordscarefullyPilar
hepronounceditlikeapieceofarchitectureEstravados.MrStephenFarr.Thenforthe
servants:EdwardTressilian,butler.WalterChampion,footman.EmilyReeves,cook.
QueenieJones,kitchenmaid.GladysSpent,headhousemaid.GraceBest,second
housemaid.BeatriceMoscombe,thirdhousemaid.JoanKench,betweenmaid.Sydney
Horbury,valetattendant.

Thatsthelot,eh?

Thatsthelot,sir.

Anyideawhereeverybodywasatthetimeofthemurder?

Onlyroughly.AsItoldyou,Ihaventquestionedanybodyyet.AccordingtoTressilian,the
gentlemenwereinthediningroomstill.Theladieshadgonetothedrawingroom.
Tressilianhadservedcoffee.Accordingtohisstatement,hehadjustgotbacktohispantry
whenheheardanoiseupstairs.Itwasfollowedbyascream.Heranoutintothehalland
upstairsinthewakeoftheothers.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Howmanyofthefamilyliveinthehouse,andwhoarejuststaying
here?

MrandMrsAlfredLeelivehere.Theothersarejustvisiting.

Johnsonnodded.

Wherearetheyall?

IaskedthemtostayinthedrawingroomuntilIwasreadytotaketheirstatements.

Isee.Well,wedbettergoupstairsandtakealookatthedoings.

Thesuperintendentledthewayupthebroadstairsandalongthepassage.
65
Asheenteredtheroomwherethecrimehadtakenplace,Johnsondrewadeepbreath.

Prettyhorrible,hecommented.

Hestoodforaminutestudyingtheoverturnedchairs,thesmashedchina,andtheblood
bespattereddbris.

Athinelderlymanstoodupfromwherehehadbeenkneelingbythebodyandgavea
nod.

Evening,Johnson,hesaid.Bitofashambles,eh?

Ishouldsayitwas.Gotanythingforus,doctor?

Thedoctorshruggedhisshoulders.Hegrinned.

Illletyouhavethescientificlanguageattheinquest!Nothingcomplicatedaboutit.
Throatcutlikeapig.Hebledtodeathinlessthanaminute.Nosignoftheweapon.

Poirotwentacrosstheroomtothewindows.Asthesuperintendenthadsaid,onewas
shutandbolted.Theotherwasopenaboutfourinchesatthebottom.Athickpatent
screwofthekindknownmanyyearsagoasanantiburglarscrewsecureditinthat
position.

Sugdensaid:Accordingtothebutler,thatwindowwasnevershutwetorfine.Theresa
linoleummatunderneathitincaserainbeatin,butitdidntmuch,astheoverhanging
roofprotectsit.

Poirotnodded.

Hecamebacktothebodyandstareddownattheoldman.

Thelipsweredrawnbackfromthebloodlessgumsinsomethingthatlookedlikeasnarl.
Thefingerswerecurvedlikeclaws.

Poirotsaid:Hedoesnotseemastrongman,no.

Thedoctorsaid:Hewasprettytough,Ibelieve.Hedsurvivedseveralprettybadillnesses
thatwouldhavekilledmostmen.

Poirotsaid:Idonotmeanthat.Imean,hewasnotbig,notstrongphysically.

No,hesfrailenough.

Poirotturnedfromthedeadman.Hebenttoexamineanoverturnedchair,abigchairof
mahogany.Besideitwasaroundmahoganytableandthefragmentsofabigchinalamp.
Twoothersmallerchairslaynearby,alsothesmashedfragmentsofadecanterandtwo
glasses,aheavyglasspaperweightwasunbroken,somemiscellaneousbooks,abig
66
Japanesevasesmashedinpieces,andabronzestatuetteofanakedgirlcompletedthe
dbris.

Poirotbentoveralltheseexhibits,studyingthemgravely,butwithouttouchingthem.He
frownedtohimselfasthoughperplexed.

Thechiefconstablesaid:Anythingstrikeyou,Poirot?

HerculePoirotsighed.Hemurmured:Suchafrailshrunkenoldmanandyetallthis.

Johnsonlookedpuzzled.Heturnedawayandsaidtothesergeant,whowasbusyathis
work:Whataboutprints?

Plentyofthem,sir,allovertheroom.

Whataboutthesafe?

Nogood.Onlyprintsonthatarethoseoftheoldgentlemanhimself.

Johnsonturnedtothedoctor.

Whataboutbloodstains?heasked.Surelywhoeverkilledhimmusthavegotbloodon
him.

Thedoctorsaiddoubtfully:Notnecessarily.Bleedingwasalmostentirelyfromthejugular
vein.Thatwouldntspoutlikeanartery.

No,no.Still,thereseemsalotofbloodabout.

Poirotsaid:Yes,thereisalotofblooditstrikesone,that.Alotofblood.

SuperintendentSugdensaidrespectfully:Doyouerdoesthatsuggestanythingtoyou,
MrPoirot?

Poirotlookedabouthim.Heshookhisheadperplexedly.

Hesaid:Thereissomethingheresomeviolence...Hestoppedaminute,thenwenton:
Yes,thatisitviolence...Andbloodaninsistenceonblood...ThereishowshallIput
it?thereistoomuchblood.Bloodonthechairs,onthetables,onthecarpet...Theblood
ritual?Sacrificialblood?Isthatit?Perhaps.Suchafrailoldman,sothin,soshrivelled,so
driedupandyetinhisdeathsomuchblood...

Hisvoicediedaway.SuperintendentSugden,staringathimwithround,startledeyes,said
inanawedvoice:Funnythatswhatshesaidthelady...

Poirotsaidsharply:Whatlady?Whatwasitshesaid?

67
Sugdenanswered:MrsLeeMrsAlfred.Stoodovertherebythedoorandhalfwhispered
it.Itdidntmakesensetome.

Whatdidshesay?

Somethingaboutwhowouldhavethoughttheoldgentlemanhadsomuchbloodin
him...

Poirotsaidsoftly:Whowouldhavethoughttheoldmantohavehadsomuchbloodin
him?ThewordsofLadyMacbeth.Shesaidthat...Ah,thatisinteresting...

VIII

AlfredLeeandhiswifecameintothesmallstudywherePoirot,Sugdenandthechief
constablewerestandingwaiting.ColonelJohnsoncameforward.

Howdoyoudo,MrLee?Weveneveractuallymet,butasyouknow,Imchiefconstable
ofthecounty.Johnsonsmyname.IcanttellyouhowdistressedIambythis.

Alfred,hisbrowneyeslikethoseofasufferingdog,saidhoarsely:Thankyou.Its
terriblequiteterrible.Ithisismywife.

Lydiasaidinherquietvoice:Ithasbeenafrightfulshocktomyhusbandtoallofus
butparticularlytohim.

Herhandwasonherhusbandsshoulder.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Wontyousitdown,MrsLee?LetmeintroduceM.HerculePoirot.

HerculePoirotbowed.Hiseyeswentinterestedlyfromhusbandtowife.

LydiashandspressedgentlyonAlfredsshoulder.

Sitdown,Alfred.

Alfredsat.Hemurmured:HerculePoirot.Now,whowho?

Hepassedhishandinadazedfashionoverhisforehead.

LydiaLeesaid:ColonelJohnsonwillwanttoaskyoualotofquestions,Alfred.

Thechiefconstablelookedatherwithapproval.HewasthankfulthatMrsAlfredLeewas
turningouttobesuchasensibleandcompetentwoman.

Alfredsaid:Ofcourse.Ofcourse...

Johnsonsaidtohimself:Shockseemstohaveknockedhimoutcompletely.Hopehecan
pullhimselftogetherabit.
68
Aloudhesaid:Ivegotalisthereofeverybodywhowasinthehousetonight.Perhaps
youlltellme,MrLee,ifitiscorrect.

HemadeaslightgesturetoSugdenandthelatterpulledouthisnotebookandoncemore
recitedthelistofnames.

ThebusinesslikeprocedureseemedtorestoreAlfredLeetosomethingmorelikehis
normalself.Hehadregainedcommandofhimself,hiseyesnolongerlookeddazedand
staring.WhenSugdenfinished,henoddedinagreement.

Thatsquiteright,hesaid.

Doyoumindtellingmealittlemoreaboutyourguests?MrandMrsGeorgeLeeandMr
andMrsDavidLeeare,Igather,relatives?

Theyaremytwoyoungerbrothersandtheirwives.

Theyarestayinghereonly?

Yes,theycametousforChristmas.

MrHenryLeeisalsoabrother?

Yes.

Andyourtwootherguests?MissEstravadosandMrFarr?

MissEstravadosismyniece.MrFarristhesonofmyfathersonetimepartnerinSouth
Africa.

Ah,anoldfriend.

Lydiaintervened.

No,actuallywehaveneverseenhimbefore.

Isee.ButyouinvitedhimtostaywithyouforChristmas?

Alfredhesitated,thenlookedtowardshiswife.Shesaidclearly:MrFarrturnedupquite
unexpectedlyyesterday.Hehappenedtobeintheneighbourhoodandcametocallupon
myfatherinlaw.Whenmyfatherinlawfoundhewasthesonofhisoldfriendand
partner,heinsistedonhisremainingwithusforChristmas.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Isee.Thatexplainsthehousehold.Asregardstheservants,Mrs
Lee,doyouconsiderthemalltrustworthy?

Lydiaconsideredforamomentbeforereplying.Thenshesaid:Yes.Iamquitesurethey
areallthoroughlyreliable.Theyhavemostlybeenwithusformanyyears.Tressilian,the
69
butler,hasbeenheresincemyhusbandwasayoungchild.Theonlynewcomersarethe
betweenmaid,Joan,andthenursevaletwhoattendedonmyfatherinlaw.

Whataboutthem?

Joanisratherasillylittlething.Thatistheworstthatcanbesaidofher.Iknowverylittle
aboutHorbury.Hehasbeenherejustoverayear.Hewasquitecompetentathisjoband
myfatherinlawseemedsatisfiedwithhim.

Poirotsaidacutely:Butyou,madame,werenotsosatisfied?

Lydiashruggedhershouldersslightly.

Itwasnothingtodowithme.

Butyouarethemistressofthehouse,madame.Theservantsareyourconcern?

Ohyes,ofcourse.ButHorburywasmyfatherinlawspersonalattendant.Hedidnot
comeundermyjurisdiction.

Isee.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Wecomenowtotheeventsoftonight.Imafraidthiswillbe
painfulforyou,MrLee,butIwouldlikeyouraccountofwhathappened.

Alfredsaidinalowvoice:Ofcourse.

ColonelJohnsonsaid,promptinghim:When,forinstance,didyoulastseeyourfather?

AslightspasmofpaincrossedAlfredsfaceasherepliedinalowvoice:Itwasaftertea.I
waswithhimforashorttime.FinallyIsaidgoodnighttohimandlefthimatletmesee
aboutaquartertosix.

Poirotobserved:Yousaidgoodnighttohim?Youdidnotthenexpecttoseehimagain
thatevening?

No.Myfatherssupper,alightmeal,wasalwaysbroughttohimatseven.Afterthathe
sometimeswenttobedearlyorsometimessatupinhischair,buthedidnotexpecttosee
anymembersofthefamilyagainunlesshespeciallysentforthem.

Didheoftensendforthem?

Sometimes.Ifhefeltlikeit.

Butitwasnottheordinaryprocedure?

No.

70
Goon,please,MrLee.

Alfredcontinued:Wehadourdinnerateightoclock.Dinnerwasoverandmywifeand
theotherladieshadgoneintothedrawingroom.Hisvoicefaltered.Hiseyesbeganto
stareagain.Weweresittingthereatthetable...Suddenlytherewasthemost
astoundingnoiseoverheard.Chairsoverturning,furniturecrashing,breakingglassand
china,andthenOh,GodheshudderedIcanhearitstillmyfatherscreameda
horrible,longdrawnscreamthescreamofamaninmortalagony...

Heraisedshakinghandstocoverhisface.Lydiastretchedoutherhandandtouchedhis
sleeve.ColonelJohnsonsaidgently:Andthen?

Alfredsaidinabrokenvoice:Ithinkjustforamomentwewerestunned.Thenwe
sprangupandwentoutofthedoorandupthestairstomyfathersroom.Thedoorwas
locked.Wecouldntgetin.Ithadtobebrokenopen.Then,whenwedidgetin,wesaw

Hisvoicediedaway.

Johnsonsaidquickly:Theresnoneedtogointothatpartofit,MrLee.Togobackalittle,
tothetimeyouwereinthediningroom.Whowastherewithyouwhenyouheardthe
cry?

Whowasthere?Why,wewereallNo,letmesee.Mybrotherwastheremybrother
Harry.

Nobodyelse?

Nooneelse.

Whereweretheothergentlemen?

Alfredsighedandfrownedinaneffortofremembrance.

Letmeseeitseemssolongagoyes,likeyearswhatdidhappen?Oh,ofcourse,
Georgehadgonetotelephone.Thenwebegantotalkoffamilymatters,andStephenFarr
saidsomethingaboutseeingwewantedtodiscussthings,andhetookhimselfoff.Hedid
itverynicelyandtactfully.

AndyourbrotherDavid?

Alfredfrowned.

David?Wasnthethere?No,ofcourse,hewasnt.Idontquiteknowwhenheslipped
away.

Poirotsaidgently:Soyouhadthefamilymatterstodiscuss?

Eryes.
71
Thatistosay,youhadmatterstodiscusswithonememberofyourfamily?

Lydiasaid:Whatdoyoumean,M.Poirot?

Heturnedquicklytoher.

Madame,yourhusbandsaysthatMrFarrleftthembecausehesawtheyhadaffairsofthe
familytodiscuss.Butitwasnotaconseildefamille,sinceM.DavidwasnotthereandM.
Georgewasnotthere.Itwas,then,adiscussionbetweentwomembersofthefamily
only.

Lydiasaid:Mybrotherinlaw,Harry,hadbeenabroadforagreatnumberofyears.Itwas
naturalthatheandmyhusbandshouldhavethingstotalkover.

Ah!Isee.Itwaslikethat.

Sheshothimaquickglance,thenturnedhereyesaway.

Johnsonsaid:Well,thatseemsclearenough.Didyounoticeanyoneelseasyouran
upstairstoyourfathersroom?

IreallyIdontknow.Ithinkso.Weallcamefromdifferentdirections.ButImafraidI
didntnoticeIwassoalarmed.Thatterriblecry...

ColonelJohnsonpassedquicklytoanothersubject.

Thankyou,MrLee.Now,thereisanotherpoint.Iunderstandthatyourfatherhadsome
valuablediamondsinhispossession.

Alfredlookedrathersurprised.

Yes,hesaid.Thatisso.

Wheredidhekeepthem?

Inthesafeinhisroom.

Canyoudescribethematall?

Theywereroughdiamondsthatis,uncutstones.

Whydidyourfatherhavethemthere?

Itwasawhimofhis.TheywerestoneshehadbroughtwithhimfromSouthAfrica.He
neverhadthemcut.Hejustlikedkeepingtheminhispossession.AsIsay,itwasawhimof
his.

Isee,saidthechiefconstable.
72
Fromhistoneitwasplainthathedidnotsee.Hewenton:Weretheyofmuchvalue?

Myfatherestimatedtheirvalueatabouttenthousandpounds.

Infact,theywereveryvaluablestones?

Yes.

Itseemsacuriousideatokeepsuchstonesinabedroomsafe.

Lydiainterposed.

Myfatherinlaw,ColonelJohnson,wasasomewhatcuriousman.Hisideaswerenotthe
conventionalones.Itdefinitelygavehimpleasuretohandlethosestones.

Theyrecalled,perhaps,thepasttohim,saidPoirot.

Shegavehimaquickappreciativelook.

Yes,shesaid.Ithinktheydid.

Weretheyinsured?askedthechiefconstable.

Ithinknot.

Johnsonleanedforward.Heaskedquietly:Didyouknow,MrLee,thatthosestoneshad
beenstolen?

What?AlfredLeestaredathim.

Yourfathersaidnothingtoyouoftheirdisappearance?

Notaword.

YoudidnotknowthathehadsentforSuperintendentSugdenhereandhadreportedthe
losstohim?

Ihadntthefaintestideaofsuchathing!

Thechiefconstabletransferredhisgaze.

Whataboutyou,MrsLee?

Lydiashookherhead.

Iheardnothingaboutit.

Asfarasyouknew,thestoneswerestillinthesafe?
73
Yes.

Shehesitatedandthenasked:Isthatwhyhewaskilled?Forthesakeofthosestones?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Thatiswhatwearegoingtofindout!

Hewenton:Haveyouanyidea,MrsLee,whocouldhaveengineeredsuchatheft?

Sheshookherhead.

No,indeed.Iamsuretheservantsareallhonest.Inanycase,itwouldbeverydifficultfor
themtogetatthesafe.Myfatherinlawwasalwaysinhisroom.Henevercame
downstairs.

Whoattendedtotheroom?

Horbury.Hemadethebedanddusted.Thesecondhousemaidwentintodothegrate
andlaythefireeverymorning,otherwiseHorburydideverything.

Poirotsaid:SoHorburywouldbethepersonwiththebestopportunity?

Yes.

Doyouthinkthatitwashewhostolethediamonds,then?

Itispossible.Isuppose...Hehadthebestopportunity.Oh!Idontknowwhattothink.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Yourhusbandhasgivenushisaccountoftheevening.Willyoudo
thesame,MrsLee?Whendidyoulastseeyourfatherinlaw?

Wewereallupinhisroomthisafternoonbeforetea.ThatwasthelasttimeIsawhim.

Youdidnotseehimlatertobidhimgoodnight?

No.

Poirotsaid:Doyouusuallygoandsaygoodnighttohim?

Lydiasaidsharply:No.

Thechiefconstablewenton:Wherewereyouwhenthecrimetookplace?

Inthedrawingroom.

Youheardthenoiseofthestruggle?

IthinkIheardsomethingheavyfall.Ofcoursemyfatherinlawsroomisoverthedining
room,notthedrawingroom,soIshouldnthearsomuch.
74
Butyouheardthecry?

Lydiashuddered.

Yes,Iheardthat...Itwashorriblelikelikeasoulinhell.Iknewatoncesomething
dreadfulhadhappened.IhurriedoutandfollowedmyhusbandandHarryupthestairs.

Whoelsewasinthedrawingroomatthetime?

Lydiafrowned.

ReallyIcantremember.Davidwasnextdoorinthemusicroom,playingMendelssohn.I
thinkHildahadgonetojoinhim.

Andtheothertwoladies?

Lydiasaidslowly:Magdalenewenttotelephone.Icantrememberwhethershehadcome
backornot.IdontknowwherePilarwas.

Poirotsaidgently:Infact,youmayhavebeenquitealoneinthedrawingroom?

Yesyesasamatteroffact,IbelieveIwas.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Aboutthesediamonds.Weought,Ithink,tomakequitesureabout
them.Doyouknowthecombinationofyourfatherssafe,MrLee?Iseeitisofa
somewhatoldfashionedpattern.

Youwillfinditwrittendowninasmallnotebookhecarriedinthepocketofhisdressing
gown.

Good.Wewillgoandlookpresently.Itwillbebetter,perhaps,ifweinterviewtheother
membersofthehousepartyfirst.Theladiesmaywanttogettobed.

Lydiastoodup.

Come,Alfred.Sheturnedtothem.ShallIsendthemintoyou?

Onebyone,ifyouwouldntmind,MrsLee.

Certainly.

Shemovedtowardsthedoor.Alfredfollowedher.

Suddenly,atthelastmoment,heswunground.

Ofcourse,hesaid.HecamequicklybacktoPoirot.YouareHerculePoirot!Idontknow
wheremywitshavebeen.Ishouldhaverealizedatonce.

75
Hespokequickly,inalow,excitedvoice.

Itsanabsolutegodsendyourbeinghere!Youmustfindoutthetruth,M.Poirot.Spareno
expense!Iwillberesponsibleforanyexpense.Butfindout...Mypoorfatherkilledby
someonekilledwiththeutmostbrutality!Youmustfindout,M.Poirot.Myfatherhas
gottobeavenged.

Poirotansweredquietly:Icanassureyou,M.Lee,thatIampreparedtodomyutmostto
assistColonelJohnsonandSuperintendentSugden.

AlfredLeesaid:Iwantyoutoworkforme.Myfatherhasgottobeavenged.

Hebegantotrembleviolently.Lydiahadcomeback.Shewentuptohimanddrewhisarm
throughhers.

Come,Alfred,shesaid.Wemustgettheothers.

HereyesmetPoirots.Theywereeyesthatkepttheirownsecrets.Theydidnotwaver.

Poirotsaidsoftly:Whowouldhavethoughttheoldman

Sheinterruptedhim:Stop!Dontsaythat!

Poirotmurmured:Yousaidit,madame.

Shebreathedsoftly:Iknow...Iremember...Itwassohorrible.

Thenshewentabruptlyoutoftheroom,herhusbandbesideher.

IX

GeorgeLeewassolemnandcorrect.

Aterriblebusiness,hesaid,shakinghishead.Aterrible,terriblebusiness.Icanonly
believethatitmusterhavebeentheworkofalunatic!

ColonelJohnsonsaidpolitely:Thatisyourtheory?

Yes.Yes,indeed.Ahomicidalmaniac.Escaped,perhaps,fromsomementalhomeinthe
vicinity.

SuperintendentSugdenputin:Andhowdoyousuggestthiserlunaticgained
admittancetothehouse,MrLee?Andhowdidheleaveit?

Georgeshookhishead.

That,hesaidfirmly,isforthepolicetodiscover.

76
Sugdensaid:Wemadetheroundofthehouseatonce.Allwindowswereclosedand
barred.Thesidedoorwaslocked,sowasthefrontdoor.Nobodycouldhaveleftbythe
kitchenpremiseswithoutbeingseenbythekitchenstaff.

GeorgeLeecried:Butthatsabsurd!Youllbesayingnextthatmyfatherwasnever
murderedatall!

Hewasmurderedallright,saidSuperintendentSugden.Theresnodoubtaboutthat.

Thechiefconstableclearedhisthroatandtookupthequestioning.

Justwherewereyou,MrLee,atthetimeofthecrime?

Iwasinthediningroom.Itwasjustafterdinner.No,Iwas,Ithink,inthisroom.Ihadjust
finishedtelephoning.

Youhadbeentelephoning?

Yes.IhadputacallthroughtotheConservativeagentinWesteringhammy
constituency.Someurgentmatters.

Anditwasafterthatthatyouheardthescream?

GeorgeLeegaveaslightshiver.

Yes,veryunpleasant.Iterfrozemymarrow.Itdiedawayinakindofchokeorgurgle.

Hetookoutahandkerchiefandwipedhisforeheadwheretheperspirationhadbroken
out.

Terriblebusiness,hemuttered.

Andthenyouhurriedupstairs?

Yes.

Didyouseeyourbrothers,MrAlfredandMrHarryLee?

No,theymusthavegoneupjustaheadofme,Ithink.

Whendidyoulastseeyourfather,MrLee?

Thisafternoon.Wewereallupthere.

Youdidnotseehimafterthat?

No.

77
Thechiefconstablepaused,thenhesaid:Wereyouawarethatyourfatherkepta
quantityofvaluableuncutdiamondsinthesafeinhisbedroom?

GeorgeLeenodded.

Amostunwiseprocedure,hesaidpompously.Ioftentoldhimso.Hemighthavebeen
murderedforthemImeanthatistosay

ColonelJohnsoncutin:Areyouawarethatthesestoneshavedisappeared?

Georgesjawdropped.Hisprotuberanteyesstared.

Thenhewasmurderedforthem?

Thechiefconstablesaidslowly:Hewasawareoftheirlossandreportedittothepolice
somehoursbeforehisdeath.

Georgesaid:But,thenIdontunderstandI...

HerculePoirotsaidgently:We,too,donotunderstand...

HarryLeecameintotheroomwithaswagger.ForamomentPoirotstaredathim,
frowning.Hehadafeelingthatsomewherehehadseenthismanbefore.Henotedthe
features:thehighbridgednose,thearrogantpoiseofthehead,thelineofthejaw;andhe
realizedthatthoughHarrywasabigmanandhisfatherhadbeenamanofmerelymiddle
height,yettherehadbeenagooddealofresemblancebetweenthem.

Henotedsomethingelse,too.Forallhisswagger,HarryLeewasnervous.Hewascarrying
itoffwithaswing,buttheanxietyunderneathwasrealenough.

Well,gentlemen,hesaid.WhatcanItellyou?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Weshallbegladofanylightyoucanthrowontheeventsofthis
evening.

HarryLeeshookhishead.

Idontknowanythingatall.Itsallprettyhorribleandutterlyunexpected.

Poirotsaid:Youhaverecentlyreturnedfromabroad,Ithink,MrLee?

Harryturnedtohimquickly.

Yes.LandedinEnglandaweekago.

Poirotsaid:Youhadbeenawayalongtime?
78
HarryLeelifteduphischinandlaughed.

Youmightaswellhearstraightawaysomeonewillsoontellyou!Imtheprodigalson,
gentlemen!ItsnearlytwentyyearssinceIlastsetfootinthishouse.

Butyoureturnednow.Willyoutelluswhy?askedPoirot.

WiththesameappearanceoffranknessHarryansweredreadilyenough.

Itsthegoodoldparablestill.Igottiredofthehusksthattheswinedoeatordonteat,I
forgetwhich.Ithoughttomyselfthatthefattedcalfwouldbeawelcomeexchange.Ihad
aletterfrommyfathersuggestingthatIcomehome.Iobeyedthesummonsandcame.
Thatsall.

Poirotsaid:Youcameforashortvisitoralongone?

Harrysaid:Icamehomeforgood!

Yourfatherwaswilling?

Theoldmanwasdelighted.Helaughedagain.Thecornersofhiseyescrinkled
engagingly.PrettyboringfortheoldmanlivingherewithAlfred!Alfredsadullstick
veryworthyandallthat,butpoorcompany.Myfatherhadbeenabitofaripinhistime.
Hewaslookingforwardtomycompany.

Andyourbrotherandhiswife,weretheypleasedthatyouweretolivehere?

Poirotaskedthequestionwithaslightliftingofhiseyebrows.

Alfred?Alfredwaslividwithrage.DontknowaboutLydia.Shewasprobablyannoyedon
Alfredsbehalf.ButIvenodoubtshedbequitepleasedintheend.IlikeLydia.Shesa
delightfulwoman.IshouldhavegotonwithLydia.ButAlfredwasquiteanotherpairof
shoes.Helaughedagain.Alfredsalwaysbeenasjealousashellofme.Hesalwaysbeen
thegooddutifulstayathomestickinthemudson.Andwhatwashegoingtogetforitin
theend?whatthegoodboyofthefamilyalwaysgetsakickinthepants.Takeitfrom
me,gentlemen,virtuedoesntpay.Helookedfromonefacetoanother.

Hopeyourenotshockedbymyfrankness.Butafterall,itsthetruthyoureafter.Youll
dragoutallthefamilydirtylinenintothelightofdayintheend.Imightaswelldisplay
minestraightaway.Imnotparticularlybrokenheartedbymyfathersdeathafterall,I
hadntseentheolddevilsinceIwasaboybutneverthelesshewasmyfatherandhewas
murdered.Imalloutforrevengeonthemurderer.Hestrokedhisjawbone,watching
them.Wereratherhotonrevengeinourfamily.NoneoftheLeesforgeteasily.Imeanto
makesurethatmyfathersmurdereriscaughtandhanged.

Ithinkyoucantrustustodoourbestinthatline,MrLee,saidSugden.

IfyoudontIshalltakethelawintomyownhands,saidHarryLee.
79
Thechiefconstablesaidsharply:Haveyouanyideasonthesubjectofthemurderers
identity,then,MrLee?

Harryshookhishead.

No,hesaidslowly.NoIhavent.Youknowitsratherajolt.BecauseIvebeenthinking
aboutitandIdontseethatitcanhavebeenanoutsidejob...

Ah,saidSugden,noddinghishead.

Andifso,saidHarryLee,thensomeonehereinthehousekilledhim...Butwhothedevil
couldhavedoneit?Cantsuspecttheservants.Tressilianhasbeenheresincetheyear
one.Thehalfwittedfootman?Notonyourlife.Horbury,now,hesacoolcustomer,but
Tressiliantellsmehewasoutatthepictures.Sowhatdoyoucometo?Passingover
StephenFarr(andwhythedevilshouldStephenFarrcomeallthewayfromSouthAfrica
andmurderatotalstranger?)theresonlythefamily.AndforthelifeofmeIcantseeone
ofusdoingit.Alfred?HeadoredFather.George?Hehasntgottheguts.David?Davids
alwaysbeenamoondreamer.Hedfaintifhesawhisownfingerbleed.Thewives?
Womendontgoandslitamansthroatincoldblood.Sowhodid?BlessedifIknow.But
itsdamneddisturbing.

ColonelJohnsonclearedhisthroatanofficialhabitofhisandsaid:Whendidyoulast
seeyourfatherthisevening?

Aftertea.HedjusthadarowwithAlfredaboutyourhumbleservant.Theoldmanwas
noendbuckedwithhimself.Healwayslikedstirringuptrouble.Inmyopinion,thatswhy
hekeptmyarrivaldarkfromtheothers.WantedtoseethefurflywhenIblewin
unexpectedly!Thatswhyhetalkedaboutalteringhiswill,too.

Poirotstirredsoftly.Hemurmured:Soyourfathermentionedhiswill?

Yesinfrontofthewholelotofus,watchinguslikeacattoseehowwereacted.Just
toldthelawyerchaptocomeoverandseehimaboutitafterChristmas.

Poirotasked:Whatchangesdidhecontemplatemaking?

HarryLeegrinned:Hedidnttellusthat!Trusttheoldfox!IimagineorshallwesayI
hopedthatthechangewastotheadvantageofyourhumbleservant!Ishouldimagine
Idbeencutoutofanyformerwills.Now,Iratherfancy,Iwastogoback.Nastyblowfor
theothers.Pilar,toohedtakenafancytoher.Shewasinforsomethinggood,Ishould
imagine.Youhaventseenheryet?MySpanishniece.Shesabeautifulcreature,Pilar
withthelovelywarmthoftheSouthanditscruelty.WishIwasntamereuncle!

Yousayyourfathertooktoher?

Harrynodded.

80
Sheknewhowtogetroundtheoldman.Satuptherewithhimagooddeal.Ibetshe
knewjustwhatshewasafter!Well,hesdeadnow.NowillscanbealteredinPilars
favournormineeither,worseluck.

Hefrowned,pausedaminute,andthenwentonwithachangeoftone.

ButImwanderingfromthepoint.YouwantedtoknowwhatwasthelasttimeIsawmy
father?AsIvetoldyou,itwasafterteamighthavebeenalittlepastsix.Theoldman
wasingoodspiritsthenabittired,perhaps.IwentawayandlefthimwithHorbury.I
neversawhimagain.

Wherewereyouatthetimeofhisdeath?

InthediningroomwithbrotherAlfred.Notaveryharmoniousafterdinnersession.We
wereinthemiddleofaprettysharpargumentwhenweheardthenoiseoverhead.
Soundedasthoughtenmenwerewrestlingupthere.AndthenpooroldFatherscreamed.
Itwaslikekillingapig.ThesoundofitparalysedAlfred.Hejustsattherewithhisjaw
dropping.Ifairlyshookhimbacktolife,andwestartedoffupstairs.Thedoorwaslocked.
Hadtobreakitopen.Tooksomedoing,too.Howthedevilthatdoorcametobelocked,I
cantimagine!TherewasnooneintheroombutFather,andImdamnedifanyonecould
havegotawaythroughthewindows.

SuperintendentSugdensaid:Thedoorwaslockedfromtheoutside.

What?Harrystared.ButIllswearthekeywasontheinside.

Poirotmurmured:Soyounoticedthat?

HarryLeesaidsharply:Idonoticethings.Itsahabitofmine.

Helookedsharplyfromonefacetotheother.

Isthereanythingmoreyouwanttoknow,gentlemen?

Johnsonshookhishead.

Thankyou,MrLee,notforthemoment.Perhapsyouwillaskthenextmemberofthe
familytocomealong?

CertainlyIwill.

Hewalkedtothedoorandwentoutwithoutlookingback.

Thethreemenlookedateachother.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Whataboutit,Sugden?

81
Thesuperintendentshookhisheaddoubtfully.Hesaid:Hesafraidofsomething.I
wonderwhy?...

XI

MagdaleneLeepausedeffectivelyinthedoorway.Onelongslenderhandtouchedthe
burnishedplatinumsheenofherhair.Theleafgreenvelvetfrocksheworeclungtothe
delicatelinesofherfigure.Shelookedveryyoungandalittlefrightened.

Thethreemenwerearrestedforamomentlookingather.Johnsonseyesshoweda
suddensurprisedadmiration.SuperintendentSugdensshowednoanimation,merelythe
impatienceofamananxioustogetonwithhisjob.HerculePoirotseyesweredeeply
appreciative(asshesaw)buttheappreciationwasnotforherbeauty,butfortheeffective
useshemadeofit.Shedidnotknowthathewasthinkingtohimself:Joliemannequin,la
petite.Maisellealesyeuxdurs.

ColonelJohnsonwasthinking:Damnedgoodlookinggirl.GeorgeLeewillhavetrouble
withherifhedoesntlookout.Gotaneyeforamanallright.

SuperintendentSugdenwasthinking:Emptyheadedvainpieceofgoods.Hopeweget
throughwithherquickly.

Willyousitdown,MrsLee?Letmesee,youare?

MrsGeorgeLee.

Sheacceptedthechairwithawarmsmileofthanks.Afterall,theglanceseemedtosay,
althoughyouareamanandapoliceman,youarenotsodreadfulafterall.

ThetailendofthesmileincludedPoirot.Foreignersweresosusceptiblewherewomen
wereconcerned.AboutSuperintendentSugdenshedidnotbother.

Shemurmured,twistingherhandstogetherinaprettydistress:Itsallsoterrible.Ifeelso
frightened.

Come,come,MrsLee,saidColonelJohnsonkindlybutbriskly.Itsbeenashock,Iknow,
butitsallovernow.Wejustwantanaccountfromyouofwhathappenedthisevening.

Shecriedout:ButIdontknowanythingaboutitIdontindeed.

Foramomentthechiefconstableseyesnarrowed.Hesaidgently:No,ofcoursenot.

Weonlyarrivedhereyesterday.GeorgewouldmakemecomehereforChristmas!Iwish
wehadnt.ImsureIshallneverfeelthesameagain!

Veryupsettingyes.

82
IhardlyknowGeorgesfamily,yousee.IveonlyseenMrLeeonceortwiceatour
weddingandoncesince.OfcourseIveseenAlfredandLydiamoreoften,buttheyre
reallyallquitestrangerstome.

Againthewideeyedfrightenedchildlook.AgainHerculePoirotseyeswere
appreciativeandagainhethoughttohimself:Ellejouetrsbienlacomdie,cette
petite...

Yes,yes,saidColonelJohnson.Nowjusttellmeaboutthelasttimeyousawyourfather
inlawMrLeealive.

Oh,that!Thatwasthisafternoon.Itwasdreadful!

Johnsonsaidquickly:Dreadful?Why?

Theyweresoangry!

Whowasangry?

Oh,allofthem...IdontmeanGeorge.Hisfatherdidntsayanythingtohim.Butallthe
others.

Whathappenedexactly?

Well,whenwegotthereheaskedforallofushewasspeakingintothetelephoneto
hislawyersabouthiswill.AndthenhetoldAlfredhewaslookingveryglum.Ithinkthat
wasbecauseofHarrycominghometolive.Alfredwasveryupsetaboutthat,Ibelieve.You
see,Harrydidsomethingquitedreadful.Andthenhesaidsomethingabouthiswife
shesdeadlongagobutshehadthebrainsofalouse,hesaid,andDavidsprangupand
lookedasthoughhedliketomurderhimOh!Shestoppedsuddenly,hereyesalarmed.
IdidntmeanthatIdidntmeanitatall!

ColonelJohnsonsaidsoothingly:Quitequite,figureofspeech,thatwasall.

Hilda,thatsDavidswife,quietedhimdownandwell,Ithinkthatsall.MrLeesaidhe
didntwanttoseeanyoneagainthatevening.Soweallwentaway.

Andthatwasthelasttimeyousawhim?

Yes.Untiluntil

Sheshivered.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Yes,quiteso.Now,wherewereyouatthetimeofthecrime?

Ohletmesee,IthinkIwasinthedrawingroom.

Arentyousure?
83
Magdaleneseyesflickeredalittle,thelidsdroopedoverthem.

Shesaid:Ofcourse!Howstupidofme...Idgonetotelephone.Onegetssomixedup.

Youweretelephoning,yousay.Inthisroom?

Yes,thatstheonlytelephoneexcepttheoneupstairsinmyfatherinlawsroom.

SuperintendentSugdensaid:Wasanybodyelseintheroomwithyou?

Hereyeswidened.

Oh,no,Iwasquitealone.

Hadyoubeenherelong?

Wellalittletime.Ittakessometimetoputacallthroughintheevening.

Itwasatrunkcall,then?

YestoWesteringham.

Isee.

Andthen?

Andthentherewasthatawfulscreamandeverybodyrunningandthedoorbeing
lockedandhavingtobreakitdown.Oh!Itwaslikeanightmare!Ishallalwaysremember
it!

No,no,ColonelJohnsonstonewasmechanicallykind.Hewenton:Didyouknowthat
yourfatherinlawkeptaquantityofvaluablediamondsinhissafe?

No,didhe?Hertonewasquitefranklythrilled.Realdiamonds?

HerculePoirotsaid:Diamondsworthabouttenthousandpounds.

Oh!Itwasasoftgaspingsoundholdinginittheessenceoffemininecupidity.

Well,saidColonelJohnson,Ithinkthatsallforthepresent.Weneedntbotheryouany
further,MrsLee.

Oh,thankyou.

ShestoodupsmiledfromJohnsontoPoirotthesmileofagratefullittlegirl,thenshe
wentoutwalkingwithherheadheldhighandherpalmsalittleturnedoutwards.

84
ColonelJohnsoncalled:Willyouaskyourbrotherinlaw,MrDavidLee,tocomehere?
Closingthedoorafterher,hecamebacktothetable.

Well,hesaid,whatdoyouthink?Weregettingatsomeofitnow!Younoticeonething:
GeorgeLeewastelephoningwhenheheardthescream!Hiswifewastelephoningwhen
sheheardit!Thatdoesntfititdoesntfitatall.

Headded:Whatdoyouthink,Sugden?

Thesuperintendentsaidslowly:Idontwanttospeakoffensivelyofthelady,butIshould
saythatthoughshesthekindwhowouldbefirstclassatgettingmoneyoutagentleman,
Idontthinkshesthekindwhodcutagentlemansthroat.Thatwouldntbeherlineat
all.

Ah,butoneneverknows,monvieux,murmuredPoirot.

Thechiefconstableturnedroundonhim.

Andyou,Poirot,whatdoyouthink?

HerculePoirotleanedforward.Hestraightenedtheblotterinfrontofhimandflickeda
minutespeckofdustfromacandlestick.Heanswered:Iwouldsaythatthecharacterof
thelateMrSimeonLeebeginstoemergeforus.Itisthere,Ithink,thatthewhole
importanceofthecaselies...inthecharacterofthedeadman.

SuperintendentSugdenturnedapuzzledfacetohim.

Idontquitegetyou,MrPoirot,hesaid.Whatexactlyhasthecharacterofthedeceased
gottodowithhismurder?

Poirotsaiddreamily:Thecharacterofthevictimhasalwayssomethingtodowithhisor
hermurder.ThefrankandunsuspiciousmindofDesdemonawasthedirectcauseofher
death.AmoresuspiciouswomanwouldhaveseenIagosmachinationsandcircumvented
themmuchearlier.TheuncleannessofMaratdirectlyinvitedhisendinabath.Fromthe
temperofMercutiosmindcamehisdeathattheswordspoint.

ColonelJohnsonpulledhismoustache.

Whatexactlyareyougettingat,Poirot?

IamtellingyouthatbecauseSimeonLeewasacertainkindofman,hesetinmotion
certainforces,whichforcesintheendbroughtabouthisdeath.

Youdontthinkthediamondshadanythingtodowithit,then?

PoirotsmiledatthehonestperplexityinJohnsonsface.

85
Moncher,hesaid.ItwasbecauseofSimeonLeespeculiarcharacterthathekeptten
thousandpoundsworthofuncutdiamondsinhissafe!Youhavenottheretheactionof
everyman.

Thatsverytrue,MrPoirot,saidSuperintendentSugden,noddinghisheadwiththeairof
amanwhoatlastseeswhatafellowconversationalistisdrivingat.Hewasaqueerone,
MrLeewas.Hekeptthosestonestheresohecouldtakethemoutandhandlethemand
getthefeelingofthepastback.Dependuponit,thatswhyheneverhadthemcut.

Poirotnoddedenergetically.

Preciselyprecisely.Iseeyouhavegreatacumen,Superintendent.

Thesuperintendentlookedalittledoubtfulatthecompliment,butColonelJohnsoncutin:
Theressomethingelse,Poirot.Idontknowwhetherithasstruckyou

Maisoui,saidPoirot.Iknowwhatyoumean.MrsGeorgeLee,sheletthecatoutofthe
bagmorethansheknew!Shegaveusaprettyimpressionofthatlastfamilymeeting.She
indicatesOh!SonavelythatAlfredwasangrywithhisfatherandthatDavidlooked
asthoughhecouldmurderhim.BoththosestatementsIthinkweretrue.Butfromthem
wecandrawourownreconstruction.WhatdidSimeonLeeassemblehisfamilyfor?Why
shouldtheyhavearrivedintimetohearhimtelephoningtohislawyer?Parbleu,itwasno
error,that.Hewantedthemtohearit!Thepooroldone,hesitsinhischairandhehas
lostthediversionsofhisyoungerdays.Soheinventsanewdiversionforhimself.He
amuseshimselfbyplayinguponthecupidityandthegreedofhumannatureyes,andon
itsemotionsanditspassions,too!Butfromthatarisesonefurtherdeduction.Inhisgame
ofrousingthegreedandemotionofhischildren,hewouldnotomitanyone.Hemust,
logicallyandnecessarily,havehadhisdigatMrGeorgeLeeaswellasattheothers!His
wifeiscarefullysilentaboutthat.Ather,too,hemayhaveshotapoisonedarrowortwo.
Weshallfindout,Ithink,fromothers,whatSimeonLeehadtosaytoGeorgeLeeand
GeorgeLeeswife

Hebrokeoff.ThedooropenedandDavidLeecamein.

XII

DavidLeehadhimselfwellinhand.Hisdemeanourwascalmalmostunnaturallyso.He
cameuptothem,drewachairforwardandsatdown,lookingwithgraveinterrogationat
ColonelJohnson.

Theelectriclighttouchedthefairpeakofhairthatgrewonhisforeheadandshowedup
thesensitivemodellingofthecheekbones.Helookedabsurdlyyoungtobethesonof
thatshrivelledoldmanwholaydeadupstairs.

Yes,gentlemen,hesaid,whatcanItellyou?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Iunderstand,MrLee,thattherewasakindoffamilymeetingheld
inyourfathersroomthisafternoon?

86
Therewas.Butitwasquiteinformal.Imean,itwasnotafamilycounciloranythingof
thatkind.

Whattookplacethere?

DavidLeeansweredcalmly:Myfatherwasinadifficultmood.Hewasanoldmanandan
invalid,ofcourse,onehadtomakeallowancesforhim.Heseemedtohaveassembledus
thereinordertowellventhisspiteuponus.

Canyourememberwhathesaid?

Davidsaidquietly:Itwasreallyallratherfoolish.Hesaidwewerenouseanyofus
thattherewasntasinglemaninthefamily!HesaidPilar(thatismySpanishniece)was
worthtwoofanyofus.HesaidDavidstopped.

Poirotsaid:Please,MrLee,theexactwords,ifyoucan.

Davidsaidreluctantly:Hespokerathercoarselysaidhehopedthatsomewhereinthe
worldhehadbettersonseveniftheywerebornthewrongsideoftheblanket...

Hissensitivefaceshoweddistasteforthewordshewasrepeating.SuperintendentSugden
lookedup,suddenlyalert.Leaningforward,hesaid:Didyourfathersayanythingin
particulartoyourbrother,MrGeorgeLee?

ToGeorge?Idontremember.Oh,yes,Ibelievehetoldhimhewouldhavetocutdown
expensesinfuture;hedhavetoreducehisallowance.Georgewasveryupset,gotasred
asaturkeycock.Hesplutteredandsaidhecouldntpossiblymanagewithless.Myfather
saidquitecoollythathedhaveto.Hesaidhedbettergethiswifetohelphimeconomize.
Ratheranastydig,thatGeorgehasalwaysbeentheeconomicalonesavesandstints
oneverypenny.Magdalene,Ifancy,isabitofaspendershehasextravaganttastes.

Poirotsaid:Sothatshe,too,wasannoyed?

Yes.Besides,myfatherwordedsomethingelserathercrudelymentionedherashaving
livedwithanavalofficer.Ofcoursehereallymeantherfather,butitsoundedrather
dubious.Magdalenewentscarlet.Idontblameher.

Poirotsaid:Didyourfathermentionhislatewife,yourmother?

TheredbloodraninwavesupDavidstemples.Hishandsclenchedthemselvesonthe
tableinfrontofhim,tremblingslightly.

Hesaidinalowchokedvoice:Yes,hedid.Heinsultedher.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Whatdidhesay?

Davidsaidabruptly:Idontremember.Justsomeslightingreference.

87
Poirotsaidsoftly:Yourmotherhasbeendeadsomeyears?

Davidsaidshortly:ShediedwhenIwasaboy.

Shewasnotperhapsveryhappyinherlifehere?

Davidgaveascornfullaugh:Whocouldbehappywithamanlikemyfather?Mymother
wasasaint.Shediedabrokenheartedwoman.

Poirotwenton:Yourfatherwas,perhaps,distressedbyherdeath?

Davidsaidabruptly:Idontknow.Ilefthome.

Hepausedandthensaid:PerhapsyoumaynotbeawareofthefactthatwhenIcameon
thisvisitIhadnotseenmyfatherfornearlytwentyyears.SoyouseeIcanttellyouvery
muchabouthishabitsorhisenemiesorwhatwentonhere.

ColonelJohnsonasked:Didyouknowthatyourfatherkeptalotofvaluablediamondsin
thesafeinhisbedroom?

Davidsaidindifferently:Didhe?Seemsafoolishsortofthingtodo.

Johnsonsaid:Willyoudescribebrieflyyourownmovementslastnight?

Mine?Oh,Iwentawayfromthedinnertablefairlyquickly.Itboresme,thissittinground
overport.Besides,IcouldseethatAlfredandHarrywereworkingupforaquarrel.Ihate
rows.Islippedawayandwenttothemusicroomandplayedthepiano.

Poirotasked:Themusicroom,itisnexttothedrawingroom,isitnot?

Yes.Iplayedthereforsometimetilltillthethinghappened.

Whatdidyouhearexactly?

Oh!Afaroffnoiseoffurniturebeingoverturnedsomewhereupstairs.Andthenapretty
ghastlycry.Heclenchedhishandsagain.Likeasoulinhell.God,itwasawful!

Johnsonsaid:Wereyoualoneinthemusicroom?

Eh?No,mywife,Hilda,wasthere.Shedcomeinfromthedrawingroom.Wewewent
upwiththeothers.

Headdedquicklyandnervously:Youdontwantme,doyou,todescribewhatwhatI
sawthere?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:No,quiteunnecessary.Thankyou,MrLee,theresnothingmore.
Youcantimagine,Isuppose,whowouldbelikelytowanttomurderyourfather?

88
DavidLeesaidrecklessly:Ishouldthinkquitealotofpeople!Idontknowofanyone
definite.

Hewentoutrapidly,shuttingthedoorloudlybehindhim.

XIII

ColonelJohnsonhadhadnotimetodomorethanclearhisthroatwhenthedooropened
againandHildaLeecamein.

HerculePoirotlookedatherwithinterest.Hehadtoadmittohimselfthatthewivesthese
Leeshadmarriedwereaninterestingstudy.Theswiftintelligenceandgreyhoundgraceof
Lydia,themeretriciousairsandgracesofMagdalene,andnow,thesolidcomfortable
strengthofHilda.Shewas,hesaw,youngerthanherratherdowdystyleofhairdressing
andunfashionableclothesmadeherappear.Hermousebrownhairwasunfleckedwith
greyandhersteadyhazeleyessetintheratherpodgyfaceshoneoutlikebeaconsof
kindliness.Shewas,hethought,anicewoman.

ColonelJohnsonwastalkinginhiskindliesttone.

...Agreatstrainonallofyou,hewassaying.Igatherfromyourhusband,MrsLee,that
thisisthefirsttimeyouhavebeentoGorstonHall?

Shebowedherhead.

Wereyoupreviouslyacquaintedwithyourfatherinlaw,MrLee?

Hildarepliedinherpleasantvoice:No.WeweremarriedsoonafterDavidlefthome.He
alwayswantedtohavenothingtodowithhisfamily.Untilnowwehavenotseenanyof
them.

How,then,didthisvisitcomeabout?

MyfatherinlawwrotetoDavid.Hestressedhisageandhisdesirethatallhischildren
shouldbewithhimthisChristmas.

Andyourhusbandrespondedtothisappeal?

Hildasaid:Hisacceptancewas,Iamafraid,allmydoingImisunderstoodthesituation.

Poirotinterposed.

Hesaid:Willyoubesokindastoexplainyourselfalittlemoreclearly,madame?Ithink
whatyoucantellusmaybeofvalue.

Sheturnedtohimimmediately.

89
Shesaid:AtthattimeIhadneverseenmyfatherinlaw.Ihadnoideawhathisreal
motivewas.Iassumedthathewasoldandlonelyandthathereallywantedtobe
reconciledtoallhischildren.

Andwhatwashisrealmotive,inyouropinion,madame?

Hildahesitatedamoment.Thenshesaidslowly:Ihavenodoubtnodoubtatallthat
whatmyfatherinlawreallywantedwasnottopromotepeacebuttostirupstrife.

Inwhatway?

Hildasaidinalowvoice:Itamusedhimtotoappealtotheworstinstinctsinhuman
nature.TherewashowcanIputit?akindofdiabolicalimpishnessabouthim.He
wishedtoseteverymemberofthefamilyatloggerheadswithoneanother.

Johnsonsaidsharply:Anddidhesucceed?

Oh,yes,saidHildaLee.Hesucceeded.

Poirotsaid:Wehavebeentold,madame,ofascenethattookplacethisafternoon.Itwas,
Ithink,ratheraviolentscene.

Shebowedherhead.

Willyoudescribeittousastruthfullyaspossible,ifyouplease.

Shereflectedaminute.

Whenwewentinmyfatherinlawwastelephoning.

Tohislawyer,Iunderstand?

Yes,hewassuggestingthatMrwasitCharlton?Idontquiterememberthename
shouldcomeoverashe,myfatherinlaw,wantedtomakeanewwill.Hisoldone,hesaid,
wasquiteoutofdate.

Poirotsaid:Thinkcarefully,madame;inyouropiniondidyourfatherinlawdeliberately
ensurethatyoushouldalloverhearthisconversation,orwasitjustbychancethatyou
overheardit?

HildaLeesaid:Iamalmostsurethathemeantustooverhear.

Withtheobjectoffomentingdoubtandsuspicionsamongyou?

Yes.

Sothat,really,hemaynothavemeanttoalterhiswillatall?

90
Shedemurred.

No,Ithinkthatpartofitwasquitegenuine.Heprobablydidwishtomakeanewwill
butheenjoyedunderliningthefact.

Madame,saidPoirot,Ihavenoofficialstandingandmyquestions,youunderstand,are
notperhapsthosethatanEnglishofficerofthelawwouldask.ButIhaveagreatdesireto
knowwhatformyouthinkthatnewwillwouldhavetaken.Iamasking,youperceive,not
foryourknowledge,butsimplyforyouropinion.Lesfemmes,theyareneverslowtoform
anopinion,Dieumerci.

HildaLeesmiledalittle.

IdontmindsayingwhatIthink.MyhusbandssisterJennifermarriedaSpaniard,Juan
Estravados.Herdaughter,Pilar,hasjustarrivedhere.Sheisaverylovelygirlandsheis,
ofcourse,theonlygrandchildinthefamily.OldMrLeewasdelightedwithher.Hetooka
tremendousfancytoher.Inmyopinion,hewishedtoleaveheraconsiderablesuminhis
newwill.Probablyhehadonlyleftherasmallportionorevennothingatallinanoldone.

Didyouknowyoursisterinlawatall?

No,Inevermether.HerSpanishhusbanddiedintragiccircumstances,Ibelieve,soon
afterthemarriage.Jenniferherselfdiedayearago.Pilarwasleftanorphan.Thisiswhy
MrLeesentforhertocomeandlivewithhiminEngland.

Andtheothermembersofthefamily,didtheywelcomehercoming?

Hildasaidquietly:Ithinktheyalllikedher.Itwasverypleasanttohavesomeoneyoung
andaliveinthehouse.

Andshe,didsheseemtolikebeinghere?

Hildasaidslowly:Idontknow.Itmustseemcoldandstrangetoagirlbroughtupinthe
SouthinSpain.

Johnsonsaid:CantbeverypleasantbeinginSpainjustatpresent.Now,MrsLee,wed
liketohearyouraccountoftheconversationthisafternoon.

Poirotmurmured:Iapologize.Ihavemadethedigressions.

HildaLeesaid:Aftermyfatherinlawfinishedtelephoning,helookedroundatusand
laughed,andsaidwealllookedveryglum.Thenhesaidhewastiredandshouldgotobed
early.Nobodywastocomeupandseehimthisevening.Hesaidhewantedtobeingood
formforChristmasDay.Somethinglikethat.

ThenHerbrowsknitinaneffortofremembrance.Ithinkhesaidsomethingaboutits
beingnecessarytobeoneofalargefamilytoappreciateChristmas,andthenhewenton
tospeakofmoney.Hesaiditwouldcosthimmoretorunthishouseinfuture.Hetold
91
GeorgeandMagdalenetheywouldhavetoeconomize.Toldhersheoughttomakeher
ownclothes.Ratheranoldfashionedidea,Imafraid.Idontwonderitannoyedher.He
saidhisownwifehadbeencleverwithherneedle.

Poirotsaidgently:Isthatallthathesaidabouther?

Hildaflushed.

Hemadeaslightingreferencetoherbrains.Myhusbandwasverydevotedtohismother,
andthatupsethimverymuch.Andthen,suddenlyMrLeebeganshoutingatusall.He
workedhimselfupaboutit.Icanunderstand,ofcourse,howhefelt

Poirotsaidgently,interruptingher:Howdidhefeel?

Sheturnedhertranquileyesuponhim.

Hewasdisappointed,ofcourse,shesaid.Becausetherearenograndchildrennoboys,
ImeannoLeestocarryon.Icanseethatthatmusthavefesteredforalongtime.And
suddenlyhecouldntkeepitinanylongerandventedhisrageagainsthissonssaying
theywerealotofnambypambyoldwomensomethinglikethat.Ifeltsorryforhim,
then,becauseIrealizedhowhispridewashurtbyit.

Andthen?

Andthen,saidHildaslowly,weallwentaway.

Thatwasthelastyousawofhim?

Shebowedherhead.

Wherewereyouatthetimethecrimeoccurred?

Iwaswithmyhusbandinthemusicroom.Hewasplayingtome.

Andthen?

Weheardtablesandchairsoverturnedupstairs,andchinabeingbrokensometerrible
struggle.Andthenthatawfulscreamashisthroatwascut...

Poirotsaid:Wasitsuchanawfulscream?Wasithepausedlikeasoulinhell?

HildaLeesaid:Itwasworsethanthat!

Whatdoyoumean,madame?

Itwaslikesomeonewhohadnosoul...Itwasinhumanlikeabeast...

Poirotsaidgravely:Soyouhavejudgedhim,madame?
92
Sheraisedahandinsuddendistress.Hereyesfellandshestareddownatthefloor.

XIV

Pilarcameintotheroomwiththewarinessofananimalwhosuspectsatrap.Hereyes
wentquicklyfromsidetoside.Shelookednotsomuchafraidasdeeplysuspicious.

ColonelJohnsonroseandputachairforher.Thenhesaid:YouunderstandEnglish,I
suppose,MissEstravados?

Pilarseyesopenedwide.Shesaid:Ofcourse.MymotherwasEnglish.Iamreallyvery
Englishindeed.

AfaintsmilecametoColonelJohnsonslips,ashiseyestookintheblackglossofherhair,
theprouddarkeyes,andthecurlingredlips.VeryEnglish!Anincongruoustermtoapply
toPilarEstravados.

Hesaid:MrLeewasyourgrandfather.HesentforyoutocomefromSpain.Andyou
arrivedafewdaysago.Isthatright?

Pilarnodded.

Thatisright.Ihadoh!AlotofadventuresgettingoutofSpaintherewasabombfrom
theairandthechauffeurhewaskilledwherehisheadhadbeentherewasallblood.And
Icouldnotdriveacar,soforalongwayIhadtowalkandIdonotlikewalking.Inever
walk.Myfeetweresorebutsore

ColonelJohnsonsmiled.Hesaid:Atanyrateyouarrivedhere.Hadyourmotherspokento
youofyourgrandfathermuch?

Pilarnoddedcheerfully.

Oh,yes,shesaidhewasanolddevil.

HerculePoirotsmiled.Hesaid:Andwhatdidyouthinkofhimwhenyouarrived,
mademoiselle?

Pilarsaid:Ofcoursehewasvery,veryold.Hehadtositinachairandhisfacewasall
driedup.ButIlikedhimallthesame.Ithinkthatwhenhewasayoungman,hemusthave
beenhandsomeveryhandsome,likeyou,saidPilartoSuperintendentSugden.Hereyes
dweltwithnavepleasureonhishandsomeface,whichhadturnedbrickredatthe
compliment.

ColonelJohnsonstifledachuckle.Itwasoneofthefewoccasionswhenhehadseenthe
stolidsuperintendenttakenaback.

Butofcourse,Pilarcontinuedregretfully,hecouldneverhavebeensobigasyou.

93
HerculePoirotsighed.

Youlike,then,bigmen,seorita?heinquired.

Pilaragreedenthusiastically.

Oh,yes,Ilikeamantobeverybig,tall,andtheshouldersbroad,andvery,verystrong.

ColonelJohnsonsaidsharply:Didyouseemuchofyourgrandfatherwhenyouarrived
here?

Pilarsaid:Oh,yes.Iwenttositwithhim.Hetoldmethingsthathehadbeenavery
wickedman,andallthethingshedidinSouthAfrica.

Didheevertellyouthathehaddiamondsinthesafeinhisroom?

Yes,heshowedthemtome.Buttheywerenotlikediamondstheywerejustlike
pebblesveryuglyveryuglyindeed.

SuperintendentSugdensaidshortly:Soheshowedthemtoyou,didhe?

Yes.

Hedidntgiveyouanyofthem?

Pilarshookherhead.

No,hedidnot.IthoughtthatperhapsonedayhewouldifIwereverynicetohimand
cameoftentositwithhim.Becauseoldgentlementheylikeverymuchyounggirls.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Doyouknowthatthosediamondshavebeenstolen?

Pilaropenedhereyesverywide.

Stolen?

Yes,haveyouanyideawhomighthavetakenthem?

Pilarnoddedherhead.

Oh,yes,shesaid.ItwouldbeHorbury.

Horbury?Youmeanthevalet?

Yes.

Whydoyouthinkthat?

94
Becausehehasthefaceofathief.Hiseyesgoso,fromsidetoside,hewalkssoftlyand
listensatdoors.Heislikeacat.Andallcatsarethieves.

Hm,saidColonelJohnson.Wellleaveitatthat.NowIunderstandthatallthefamily
wereupinyourgrandfathersroomthisafternoon,andthatsomeerangrywords
passed.

Pilarnoddedandsmiled.

Yes,shesaid.Itwasgreatfun.Grandfathermadethemoh!Soangry!

Oh,youenjoyedit,didyou?

Yes.Iliketoseepeoplegetangry.Ilikeitverymuch.ButhereinEnglandtheydonotget
angryliketheydoinSpain.InSpaintheytakeouttheirknivesandtheycurseandshout.In
Englandtheydonothing,justgetveryredinthefaceandshutuptheirmouthstight.

Doyourememberwhatwassaid?

Pilarseemedratherdoubtful.

Iamnotsure.Grandfathersaidtheywerenogoodthattheyhadnotgotanychildren.
HesaidIwasbetterthananyofthem.Helikedme,verymuch.

Didhesayanythingaboutmoneyorawill?

Awillno,Idontthinkso.Idontremember.

Whathappened?

TheyallwentawayexceptHildathefatone,Davidswife,shestayedbehind.

Oh,shedid,didshe?

Yes.Davidlookedveryfunny.Hewasallshakingandoh!Sowhite.Helookedasthough
hemightbesick.

Andwhatthen?

ThenIwentandfoundStephen.Wedancedtothegramophone.

StephenFarr?

Yes.HeisfromSouthAfricaheisthesonofGrandfatherspartner.Heisveryhandsome
too.Verybrownandbig,andhehasniceeyes.

Johnsonasked:Wherewereyouwhenthecrimeoccurred?

95
YouaskwhereIwas?

Yes.

IhadgoneintothedrawingroomwithLydia.AndthenIwentuptomyroomanddidmy
face.IwasgoingtodanceagainwithStephen.Andthen,faraway,Iheardascreamand
everyonewasrunning,soIwenttoo.AndtheyweretryingtobreakdownGrandfathers
door.HarrydiditwithStephen,theyarebothbigstrongmen.

Yes?

Andthencrashdownitwentandwealllookedin.Oh,suchasighteverything
smashedandknockedover,andGrandfatherlyinginalotofblood,andhisthroatwascut
likethisshemadeavividdramaticgestureatherownneckrightupunderhisear.

Shepaused,havingobviouslyenjoyedhernarrative.

Johnsonsaid:Theblooddidntmakeyoufeelill?

Shestared.

No,whyshouldit?Thereisusuallybloodwhenpeoplearekilled.Therewas,oh!somuch
bloodeverywhere!

Poirotsaid:Didanyonesayanything?

Pilarsaid:Davidsaidsuchafunnythingwhatwasit?Oh,yes.ThemillsofGodthatis
whathesaidsherepeateditwithemphasisoneachwordThemillsofGodWhat
doesthatmean?Millsarewhatmakeflour,aretheynot?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Well,Idontthinkthereisanythingmorejustnow,Miss
Estravados.

Pilargotupobediently.Sheflashedaquickcharmingsmileateachmaninturn.

Iwillgonow,then.Shewentout.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:ThemillsofGodgrindslowly,buttheygrindexceedingsmall.And
DavidLeesaidthat!

XV

Asthedooropenedoncemore,ColonelJohnsonlookedup.Foramomenthetookthe
enteringfiguretobethatofHarryLee,butasStephenFarradvancedintotheroomhe
sawhiserror.

Sitdown,MrFarr,hesaid.

96
Stephensat.Hiseyes,cool,intelligenteyes,wentfromonetotheotherofthethreemen.
Hesaid:ImafraidIshantbemuchusetoyou.Butpleaseaskmeanythingthatyouthink
mayhelp.PerhapsIdbetterexplain,tostartwith,whoIam.Myfather,EbenezerFarr,
wasSimeonLeespartnerinSouthAfricaintheolddays.Imtalkingofoverfortyyears
ago.

Hepaused.

MydadtalkedtomealotaboutSimeonLeewhatapersonalityhewas.HeandDad
cleanedupagoodbittogether.SimeonLeewenthomewithafortuneandmyfather
didntdobadlyeither.MyfatheralwaystoldmethatwhenIcametothiscountryIwasto
lookupMrLee.Isaidoncethatitwasalongtimeagoandthathedprobablynotknow
whoIwas,butDadscoffedattheidea.Hesaid,Whentwomenhavebeenthroughwhat
SimeonandIwentthrough,theydontforget.Well,myfatherdiedacoupleofyearsago.
ThisyearIcameovertoEnglandforthefirsttime,andIthoughtIdactonDadsadvice
andlookupMrLee.

Withaslightsmilehewenton:IwasjustalittlenervouswhenIcamealonghere,butI
neednthavebeen.MrLeegavemeawarmwelcomeandabsolutelyinsistedthatIshould
staywiththefamilyoverChristmas.IwasafraidIwasbuttingin,buthewouldnthearofa
refusal.

Headdedrathershyly:TheywereallverynicetomeMrandMrsAlfredLeecouldnt
havebeennicer.Imterriblysorryforthemthatallthisshouldcomeuponthem.

Howlonghaveyoubeenhere,MrFarr?

Sinceyesterday.

DidyouseeMrLeetodayatall?

Yes,Ihadachatwithhimthismorning.Hewasingoodspiritsthenandanxioustohear
aboutalotofpeopleandplaces.

Thatwasthelasttimeyousawhim?

Yes.

Didhementiontoyouthathekeptaquantityofuncutdiamondsinhissafe?

No.

Headdedbeforetheothercouldspeak:Doyoumeanthatthisbusinesswasmurderand
robbery?

Werenotsureyet,saidJohnson.Nowtocometotheeventsofthisevening,willyoutell
me,inyourownwords,whatyouweredoing?

97
Certainly.AftertheladiesleftthediningroomIstayedandhadaglassofport.ThenI
realizedthattheLeeshadfamilybusinesstheywantedtodiscussandthatmybeingthere
washamperingthemsoIexcusedmyselfandleftthem.

Andwhatdidyoudothen?

StephenFarrleanedbackinhischair.Hisforefingercaressedhisjaw.Hesaidrather
woodenly:Ierwentalongtoabigroomwithaparquetfloorakindofballroom,I
fancy.Theresagramophonethereanddancerecords.Iputsomerecordson.

Poirotsaid:Itwaspossible,perhaps,thatsomeonemightjoinyouthere?

AveryfaintsmilecurvedStephenFarrslips.Heanswered:Itwaspossible,yes.One
alwayshopes.

Andhegrinnedoutright.

Poirotsaid:SeoritaEstravadosisverybeautiful.

Stephenanswered:SheseasilythebestthingtolookatthatIveseensinceIcameto
England.

DidMissEstravadosjoinyou?askedColonelJohnson.

Stephenshookhishead.

IwasstilltherewhenIheardtherumpus.Icameoutintothehallandranhellforleather
toseewhatwasthematter.IhelpedHarryLeetobreakthedoordown.

Andthatsallyouhavetotellus?

Absolutelyall,Imafraid.

HerculePoirotleanedforward.Hesaidsoftly:ButIthink,MonsieurFarr,thatyoucould
tellusagooddealifyouliked.

Farrsaidsharply:Whatdyoumean?

YoucantellussomethingthatisveryimportantinthiscasethecharacterofMrLee.You
saythatyourfathertalkedmuchofhimtoyou.Whatmannerofamanwasitthathe
describedtoyou?

StephenFarrsaidslowly:IthinkIseewhatyouredrivingat.WhatwasSimeonLeelikein
hisyoungdays?Wellyouwantmetobefrank,Isuppose?

Ifyouplease.

98
Well,tobeginwith,IdontthinkthatSimeonLeewasahighlymoralmemberofsociety.I
dontmeanthathewasexactlyacrook,buthesailedprettynearthewind.Hismorals
werenothingtoboastaboutanyway.Hehadcharm,though,agooddealofit.Andhewas
fantasticallygenerous.Noonewithahardluckstoryeverappealedtohiminvain.He
drankabit,butnotovermuch,wasattractivetowomen,andhadasenseofhumour.All
thesame,hehadaqueerrevengefulstreakinhim.Talkoftheelephantneverforgetsand
youtalkofSimeonLee.MyfathertoldmeofseveralcaseswhereLeewaitedyearstoget
evenwithsomeonewhoddonehimanastyturn.

SuperintendentSugdensaid:Twomightplayatthatgame.Youvenoknowledge,I
suppose,MrFarr,ofanyonewhoSimeonLeehaddoneabadturntooutthere?Nothing
outofthepastthatcouldexplainthecrimecommittedherethisevening?

StephenFarrshookhishead.

Hehadenemies,ofcourse,musthavehad,beingthemanhewas.ButIknowofno
specificcase.Besides,hiseyesnarrowed,Iunderstand(asamatteroffact,Ivebeen
questioningTressilian)therehavebeennostrangersinornearthehousethisevening.

HerculePoirotsaid:Withtheexceptionofyourself,M.Farr.

StephenFarrswungrounduponhim.

Oh,sothatsit?Suspiciousstrangerwithinthegates!Well,youwontfindanythingof
thatkind.NobackhistoryofSimeonLeedoingEbenezerFarrdown,andEbssoncoming
overtorevengehisdad!No,heshookhishead.SimeonandEbenezerhadnothing
againsteachother.Icamehere,asIvetoldyou,outofsheercuriosity.Andmoreover,I
shouldimagineagramophoneisasgoodanalibiasanythingelse.Ineverstoppedputting
onrecordssomebodymusthaveheardthem.Onerecordwouldntgivemetimetorace
awayupstairsthesepassagesareamilelong,anywayslitanoldmansthroat,washoff
theblood,andgetbackagainbeforetheotherscamerushingup.Theideasfarcical!

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Werenotmakinganyinsinuationsagainstyou,MrFarr.

StephenFarrsaid:IdidntcaremuchforthetoneofMrHerculePoirotsvoice.

That,saidHerculePoirot,isunfortunate!

Hesmiledbenignlyattheother.

StephenFarrlookedangrilyathim.

ColonelJohnsoninterposedquickly:Thankyou,MrFarr.Thatwillbeallforthepresent.
Youwill,ofcourse,notleavethishouse.

StephenFarrnodded.Hegotupandlefttheroom,walkingwithafreelyswingingstride.

99
Asthedoorclosedbehindhim,Johnsonsaid:TheregoesX,theunknownquantity.His
storyseemsstraightforwardenough.Allthesame,hesthedarkhorse.Hemighthave
pinchedthosediamondsmighthavecomeherewithabogusstoryjusttogain
admittance.Youdbettergethisfingerprints,Sugden,andseeifhesknown.

Ivealreadygotthem,saidthesuperintendentwithadrysmile.

Goodman.Youdontoverlookmuch.Isupposeyoureontoalltheobviouslines?

SuperintendentSugdencheckedoffonhisfingers.

Checkuponthosetelephonecallstimes,etc.CheckuponHorbury.Whattimeheleft,
whosawhimgo.Checkupallentrancesandexits.Checkuponstaffgenerally.Checkup
financialpositionofmembersoffamily.Getontothelawyersandcheckuponwill.Search
housefortheweaponandforbloodstainsonclothingalsopossiblydiamondshidden
somewhere.

Thatcoverseverything,Ithink,saidColonelJohnsonapprovingly.Canyousuggest
anything,M.Poirot?

Poirotshookhishead.Hesaid:Ifindthesuperintendentadmirablythorough.

Sugdensaidgloomily:Itwontbeanyjokelookingthroughthishouseforthemissing
diamonds.Neversawsomanyornamentsandknickknacksinmylife.

Thehidingplacesarecertainlyabundant,Poirotagreed.

Andtheresreallynothingyouwouldsuggest,Poirot?

Thechiefconstablelookedalittledisappointedratherlikeamanwhosedoghasrefused
todoitstrick.

Poirotsaid:YouwillpermitthatItakealineofmyown?

Certainlycertainly,saidJohnsonatthesamemomentasSuperintendentSugdensaid
rathersuspiciously:Whatline?

Iwouldlike,saidHerculePoirot,toconverseveryoftenveryfrequentlywith
membersofthefamily.

Youmeanyoudliketohaveanothershotatquestioningthem?askedthecolonel,alittle
puzzled.

No,no,nottoquestiontoconverse!

Why?askedSugden.

HerculePoirotwavedanemphatichand.
100
Inconversation,pointsarise!Ifahumanbeingconversesmuch,itisimpossibleforhimto
avoidthetruth!

Sugdensaid:Thenyouthinksomeoneislying?

Poirotsighed.

Moncher,everyoneliesinpartsliketheeggoftheEnglishcurate.Itisprofitableto
separatetheharmlessliesfromthevitalones.

ColonelJohnsonsaidsharply:Allthesame,itsincredible,youknow.Heresaparticularly
crudeandbrutalmurderandwhomhaveweassuspects?AlfredLeeandhiswifeboth
charming,wellbred,quietpeople.GeorgeLee,whosaMemberofParliamentandthe
essenceofrespectability.Hiswife?Shesjustanordinarymodernlovely.DavidLeeseems
agentlecreatureandwevegothisbrotherHarryswordforitthathecantstandthe
sightofblood.Hiswifeseemsanicesensiblewomanquitecommonplace.Remainsthe
SpanishnieceandthemanfromSouthAfrica.Spanishbeautieshavehottempers,butI
dontseethatattractivecreatureslittingtheoldmansneckincoldblood,especiallyas
fromwhathascomeoutshehadeveryreasontokeephimaliveatanyrateuntilhehad
signedanewwill.StephenFarrsapossibilitythatistosay,hemaybeaprofessional
crookandhavecomehereafterthediamonds.TheoldmandiscoveredthelossandFarr
slithisthroattokeephimquiet.Thatcouldhavebeensothatgramophonealibiisnttoo
good.

Poirotshookhishead.

Mydearfriend,hesaid.ComparethephysiqueofM.StephenFarrandoldSimeonLee.If
FarrdecidedtokilltheoldmanhecouldhavedoneitinaminuteSimeonLeecouldnt
possiblyhaveputupthatfightagainsthim.Canonebelievethatthatfrailoldmanand
thatmagnificentspecimenofhumanitystruggledforsomeminutesoverturningchairsand
breakingchina?Toimaginesuchathingisfantastic!

ColonelJohnsonseyesnarrowed.

Youmean,hesaid,thatitwasaweakmanwhokilledSimeonLee?

Orawoman!saidthesuperintendent.

XVI

ColonelJohnsonlookedathiswatch.

NothingmuchmorethatIcandohere.Youvegotthingswellinhand,Sugden.Oh,just
onething.Weoughttoseethebutlerfellow.Iknowyouvequestionedhim,butweknow
abitmoreaboutthingsnow.Itsimportanttogetconfirmationofjustwhereeverybody
sayshewasatthetimeofthemurder.

Tressiliancameinslowly.Thechiefconstabletoldhimtositdown.
101
Thankyou,sir.Iwill,ifyoudontmind.Ivebeenfeelingveryqueerveryqueerindeed.
Mylegs,sir,andmyhead.

Poirotsaidgently:Youhavehadtheshock,yes.

Thebutlershuddered.Suchsuchaviolentthingtohappen.Inthishouse!Where
everythinghasalwaysgoneonsoquietly.

Poirotsaid:Itwasawellorderedhouse,yes?Butnotahappyone?

Iwouldntliketosaythat,sir.

Intheolddayswhenallthefamilywasathome,itwashappythen?

Tressiliansaidslowly:Itwasntperhapswhatonewouldcallveryharmonious,sir.

ThelateMrsLeewassomewhatofaninvalid,wasshenot?

Yes,sir,verypoorlyshewas.

Wereherchildrenfondofher?

MrDavid,hewasdevotedtoher.Morelikeadaughterthanason.Andaftershediedhe
brokeaway,couldntfacelivinghereanylonger.

Poirotsaid:AndMrHarry?Whatwashelike?

Alwaysratherawildyounggentleman,sir,butgoodhearted.Oh,dear,gavemequitea
turn,itdid,whenthebellrangandthenagain,soimpatientlike,andIopenedthedoor
andtherewasastrangeman,andthenMrHarrysvoicesaid,Hallo,Tressilian.Stillhere,
eh?Justthesameasever.

Poirotsaidsympathetically:Itmusthavebeenthestrangefeeling,yes,indeed.

Tressiliansaid,alittlepinkflushshowinginhischeek:Itseemssometimes,sir,asthough
thepastisntthepast!IbelievetheresbeenaplayoninLondonaboutsomethinglike
that.Theressomethinginit,sirtherereallyis.Theresafeelingcomesoveryouas
thoughyouddoneeverythingbefore.ItjustseemstomeasthoughthebellringsandIgo
toansweritandtheresMrHarryevenifitshouldbeMrFarrorsomeotherpersonIm
justsayingtomyselfbutIvedonethisbefore...

Poirotsaid:Thatisveryinterestingveryinteresting.

Tressilianlookedathimgratefully.

Johnson,somewhatimpatient,clearedhisthroatandtookchargeoftheconversation.

102
Justwanttogetvarioustimescheckedcorrectly,hesaid.Now,whenthenoiseupstairs
started,IunderstandthatonlyMrAlfredLeeandMrHarryLeewereinthediningroom.Is
thatso?

Ireallycouldnttellyou,sir.AllthegentlemenweretherewhenIservedcoffeetothem
butthatwouldbeaboutaquarterofanhourearlier.

MrGeorgeLeewastelephoning.Canyouconfirmthat?

Ithinksomebodydidtelephone,sir.Thebellringsinmypantry,andwhenanybodytakes
offthereceivertocallanumber,theresjustafaintnoiseonthebell.Idoremember
hearingthat,butIdidntpayattentiontoit.

Youdontknowexactlywhenitwas?

Icouldntsay,sir.ItwasafterIhadtakencoffeetothegentlemen,thatisallIcansay.

DoyouknowwhereanyoftheladieswereatthetimeImentioned?

MrsAlfredwasinthedrawingroom,sir,whenIwentforthecoffeetray.Thatwasjusta
minuteortwobeforeIheardthecryupstairs.

Poirotasked:Whatwasshedoing?

Shewasstandingbythefarwindow,sir.Shewasholdingthecurtainalittlebackand
lookingout.

Andnoneoftheotherladieswereintheroom?

No,sir.

Doyouknowwheretheywere?

Icouldntsayatall,sir.

Youdontknowwhereanyoneelsewas?

MrDavid,Ithink,wasplayinginthemusicroomnextdoortothedrawingroom.

Youheardhimplaying?

Yes,sir.Againtheoldmanshivered.Itwaslikeasign,sir,soIfeltafterwards.Itwasthe
DeadMarchhewasplaying.Evenatthetime,Iremember,itgavemethecreeps.

Itiscurious,yes,saidPoirot.

Now,aboutthisfellow,Horbury,thevalet,saidthechiefconstable.Areyoudefinitely
preparedtoswearthathewasoutofthehousebyeightoclock?
103
Ohyes,sir.ItwasjustafterMrSugdenherearrived.Irememberparticularbecausehe
brokeacoffeecup.

Poirotsaid:Horburybrokeacoffeecup?

Yes,sironeoftheoldWorcesterones.ElevenyearsIvewashedthemupandneverone
brokentillthisevening.

Poirotsaid:WhatwasHorburydoingwiththecoffeecups?

Well,ofcourse,sir,hednobusinesstohavebeenhandlingthematall.Hewasjust
holdingoneup,admiringitlike,andIhappenedtomentionthatMrSugdenhadcalled,
andhedroppedit.

Poirotsaid:DidyousayMrSugdenordidyoumentionthewordpolice?

Tressilianlookedalittlestartled.

NowIcometothinkofit,sir,Imentionedthatthepolicesuperintendenthadcalled.

AndHorburydroppedthecoffeecup,saidPoirot.

Seemssuggestive,that,saidthechiefconstable.DidHorburyaskanyquestionsabout
thesuperintendentsvisit?

Yes,sir,askedwhathewantedhere.IsaidhedcomecollectingforthePoliceOrphanage
andhadgoneuptoMrLee.

DidHorburyseemedrelievedwhenyousaidthat?

Doyouknow,sir,nowyoumentionit,hecertainlydid.Hismannerchangedatonce.Said
MrLeewasagoodoldchapandfreewithhismoneyratherdisrepectfullyhespokeand
thenhewentoff.

Whichway?

Outthroughthedoortotheservantshall.

Sugdeninterposed:AllthatsO.K.,sir.Hepassedthroughthekitchen,wherethecookand
thekitchenmaidsawhim,andoutthroughthebackdoor.

Nowlisten,Tressilian,andthinkcarefully.IsthereanymeansbywhichHorburycould
returntothehousewithoutanyoneseeinghim?

Theoldmanshookhishead.

Idontseehowhecouldhavedoneso,sir.Allthedoorsarelockedontheinside.

104
Supposinghehadhadakey?

Thedoorsareboltedaswell.

Howdoeshegetinwhenhecomes?

Hehasakeyofthebackdoor,sir.Alltheservantscomeinthatway.

Hecouldhavereturnedthatway,then?

Notwithoutpassingthroughthekitchen,sir.Andthekitchenwouldbeoccupiedtillwell
afterhalfpastnineoraquartertoten.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Thatseemsconclusive.Thankyou,Tressilian.

Theoldmangotupandwithabowlefttheroom.Hereturned,however,aminuteortwo
later.

Horburyhasjustreturned,sir.Wouldyouliketoseehimnow?

Yes,please,sendhiminatonce.

XVII

SydneyHorburydidnotpresentaveryprepossessingappearance.Hecameintotheroom
andstoodrubbinghishandstogetheranddartingquicklooksfromonepersontoanother.
Hismannerwasunctuous.

Johnsonsaid:YoureSydneyHorbury?

Yes,sir.

ValetattendanttothelateMrLee?

Yes,sir.Itsterrible,isntit?YoucouldhaveknockedmedownwithafeatherwhenI
heardfromGladys.Pooroldgentleman

Johnsoncuthimshort.

Justanswermyquestions,please.

Yes,sir,certainly,sir.

Whattimedidyougoouttonight,andwherehaveyoubeen?

Ileftthehousejustbeforeeight,sir.IwenttotheSuperb,sir,justfiveminuteswalk
away.LoveinOldSevillewasthepicture,sir.

105
Anyonewhosawyouthere?

Theyoungladyintheboxoffice,sir,sheknowsme.Andthecommissionaireatthedoor,
heknowsmetoo.Anderasamatteroffact,Iwaswithayounglady,sir.Imether
therebyappointment.

Oh,youdid,didyou?Whatshername?

DorisBuckle,sir.SheworksintheCombinedDairies,sir,23,MarkhamRoad.

Good.Welllookintothat.Didyoucomestraighthome?

Isawmyyoungladyhomefirst,sir.ThenIcamestraightback.Youllfinditsquiteall
right,sir.Ididnthaveanythingtodowiththis.Iwas

ColonelJohnsonsaidcurtly:Nobodysaccusingyouofhavinganythingtodowithit.

No,sir,ofcoursenot,sir.Butitsnotverypleasantwhenamurderhappensinahouse.

Nobodysaiditwas.Now,then,howlonghadyoubeeninMrLeesservice?

Justoverayear,sir.

Didyoulikeyourplacehere?

Yes,sir.Iwasquitesatisfied.Thepaywasgood.MrLeewasratherdifficultsometimes,
butofcourseImusedtoattendingoninvalids.

Youvehadpreviousexperience?

Oh,yes,sir.IwaswithMajorWestandwiththeHonourableJasperFinch

YoucangiveallthoseparticularstoSugdenlater.WhatIwanttoknowisthis:Atwhat
timedidyoulastseeMrLeethisevening?

Itwasabouthalfpastseven,sir.MrLeehadalightsupperbroughttohimeveryevening
atsevenoclock.Ithenpreparedhimforbed.Afterthathewouldsitinfrontofthefirein
hisdressinggowntillhefeltlikegoingtobed.

Whattimewasthatusually?

Itvaried,sir.Sometimeshewouldgotobedasearlyaseightoclockthatsifhefelt
tired.Sometimeshewouldsituptillelevenorafter.

Whatdidhedowhenhedidwanttogotobed?

Usuallyherangforme,sir.

106
Andyouassistedhimtobed?

Yes,sir.

Butthiswasyoureveningout.DidyoualwayshaveFridays?

Yes,sir.Fridaywasmyregularday.

WhathappenedthenwhenMrLeewantedtogotobed?

HewouldringhisbellandeitherTressilianorWalterwouldseetohim.

Hewasnothelpless?Hecouldmoveabout?

Yes,sir,butnotveryeasily.Rheumatoidarthritiswaswhathesufferedfrom,sir.Hewas
worsesomedaysthanothers.

Didhenevergointoanotherroominthedaytime?

No,sir.Hepreferredtobeinjusttheoneroom.MrLeewasntluxuriousinhistastes.It
wasabigroomwithplentyofairandlightinit.

MrLeehadhissupperatseven,yousay?

Yes,sir.Itookthetrayawayandputoutthesherryandtwoglassesonthebureau.

Whydidyoudothat?

MrLeesorders.

Wasthatusual?

Sometimes.ItwastherulethatnoneofthefamilycametoseeMrLeeintheevening
unlessheinvitedthem.Someeveningshelikedtobealone.Othereveningshedsend
downandaskMrAlfred,orMrsAlfred,orbothofthem,tocomeupafterdinner.

But,asfarasyouknow,hehadnotdonesoonthisoccasion?Thatis,hehadnotsenta
messagetoanymemberofthefamilyrequestingtheirpresence?

Hehadntsentanymessagebyme,sir.

Sothathewasntexpectinganyofthefamily?

Hemighthaveaskedoneofthempersonally,sir.

Ofcourse.

107
Horburycontinued:Isawthateverythingwasinorder,wishedMrLeegoodnightandleft
theroom.

Poirotasked:Didyoumakeupthefirebeforeyoulefttheroom?

Thevalethesitated.

Itwasntnecessary,sir.Itwaswellbuiltup.

CouldMrLeehavedonethathimself?

Ohno,sir.IexpectMrHarryLeehaddoneit.

MrHarryLeewaswithhimwhenyoucameinbeforesupper?

Yes,sir.HewentawaywhenIcame.

Whatwastherelationshipbetweenthetwoasfarasyoucouldjudge?

MrHarryLeeseemedinverygoodspirits,sir.Throwingbackhisheadandlaughingagood
deal.

AndMrLee?

Hewasquietandratherthoughtful.

Isee.Now,theressomethingmoreIwanttoknow,Horbury:Whatcanyoutellusabout
thediamondsMrLeekeptinhissafe?

Diamonds,sir?Ineversawanydiamonds.

MrLeekeptaquantityofuncutstonesthere.Youmusthaveseenhimhandlingthem.

Thosefunnylittlepebbles,sir?Yes,Ididseehimwiththemonceortwice.ButIdidnt
knowtheywerediamonds.Hewasshowingthemtotheforeignyoungladyonly
yesterdayorwasitthedaybefore?

ColonelJohnsonsaidabruptly:Thesestoneshavebeenstolen.

Horburycriedout:Ihopeyoudontthink,sir,thatIhadanythingtodowithit!

Imnotmakinganyaccusations,saidJohnson.Nowthen,isthereanythingyoucantell
usthathasanybearingonthismatter?

Thediamonds,sir?Orthemurder?

Both.

108
Horburyconsidered.Hepassedhistongueoverhispalelips.Atlasthelookedupwith
eyesthatwereashadefurtive.

Idontthinktheresanything,sir.

Poirotsaidsoftly:Nothingyouveoverheard,say,inthecourseofyourduties,which
mightbehelpful?

Thevaletseyelidsflickeredalittle.

No,sir,Idontthinkso,sir.TherewasalittleawkwardnessbetweenMrLeeandand
somemembersofhisfamily.

Whichmembers?

IgatheredtherewasalittletroubleoverMrHarryLeesreturn.MrAlfredLeeresentedit.
Iunderstandheandhisfatherhadafewwordsaboutitbutthatwasalltherewastoit.
MrLeedidntaccusehimforaminuteofhavingtakenanydiamonds.AndImsureMr
Alfredwouldntdosuchathing.

Poirotsaidquickly:HisinterviewwithMrAlfredwasafterhehaddiscoveredthelossof
thediamonds,wasitnot,though?

Yes,sir.

Poirotleanedforward.

Ithought,Horbury,hesaidsoftly,thatyoudidnotknowofthetheftofthediamonds
untilweinformedyouofitjustnow.How,then,doyouknowthatMrLeehaddiscovered
hislossbeforehehadthisconversationwithhisson?

Horburyturnedbrickred.

Nouselying.Outwithit,saidSugden.Whendidyouknow?

Horburysaidsullenly:Iheardhimtelephoningtosomeoneaboutit.

Youwerentintheroom?

No,outsidethedoor.Couldnthearmuchonlyawordortwo.

Whatdidyouhearexactly?askedPoirotsweetly.

Iheardthewordsrobberyanddiamonds,andIheardhimsay,Idontknowwhoto
suspectandIheardhimsaysomethingaboutthiseveningateightoclock.

SuperintendentSugdennodded.

109
Thatwastomehewasspeaking,mylad.Aboutfiveten,wasit?

Thatsright,sir.

Andwhenyouwentintohisroomafterwards,didhelookupset?

Justabit,sir.Seemedabsentmindedandworried.

Somuchsothatyougotthewindupeh?

Lookhere,MrSugden,Iwonthaveyousayingthingslikethat.Nevertouchedany
diamonds,Ididnt,andyoucantproveIdid.Imnotathief.

SuperintendentSugden,unimpressed,said:Thatremainstobeseen.Heglanced
questioninglyatthechiefconstable,receivedanod,andwenton:Thatlldoforyou,my
lad.Shantwantyouagaintonight.

Horburywentoutgratefullyinhaste.

Sugdensaidappreciatively:Prettybitofwork,M.Poirot.YoutrappedhimasneatlyasIve
everseenitdone.Hemaybeathieforhemaynot,buthescertainlyafirstclassliar!

Anunprepossessingperson,saidPoirot.

Nastybitofgoods,agreedJohnson.Questionis,whatdowethinkofhisevidence?

Sugdensummarizedthepositionneatly.

Seemstometherearethreepossibilities:(1)Horburysathiefandamurderer.(2)
Horburysathief,butnotamurderer.(3)Horburysaninnocentman.Certainamountof
evidencefor(1).Heoverheardtelephonecallandknewthethefthadbeendiscovered.
Gatheredfromoldmansmannerthathewassuspected.Madehisplansaccordingly.
Wentoutostentatiouslyateightoclockandcookedupanalibi.Easyenoughtoslipoutof
acinemaandreturnthereunnoticed.Hedhavetobeprettysureofthegirl,though,that
shewouldntgivehimaway.IllseewhatIcangetoutofhertomorrow.

How,then,didhemanagetoreenterthehouse?askedPoirot.

Thatsmoredifficult,Sugdenadmitted.Buttheremightbeways.Sayoneofthewomen
servantsunlockedasidedoorforhim.

Poirotraisedhiseyebrowsquizzically.

Heplaces,then,hislifeatthemercyoftwowomen?Withonewomanitwouldbetaking
abigrisk;withtwoehbien,Ifindtheriskfantastic!

Sugdensaid:Somecriminalsthinktheycangetawaywithanything!

110
Hewenton:Letstake(2).Horburypinchedthosediamonds.Hetookemoutofthe
housetonightandhaspossiblypassedthemontosomeaccomplice.Thatsquiteeasy
goingandhighlyprobable.Nowwevegottoadmitthatsomebodyelsechosethisnightto
murderMrLee.Thatsomebodybeingquiteunawareofthediamondcomplication.Its
possible,ofcourse,butitsabitofacoincidence.

Possibility(3)Horburysinnocent.Somebodyelsebothtookthediamondsand
murderedtheoldgentleman.Thereitis;itsuptoustogetatthetruth.

ColonelJohnsonyawned.Helookedagainathiswatchandgotup.

Well,hesaid,Ithinkwellcallitanight,eh?Betterjusthavealookinthesafebeforewe
go.Oddthingifthosewretcheddiamondswerethereallthetime.

Butthediamondswerenotinthesafe.TheyfoundthecombinationwhereAlfredLeehad
toldthem,inthesmallnotebooktakenfromthedressinggownpocketofthedeadman.
Inthesafetheyfoundanemptychamoisleatherbag.Amongthepapersthesafe
containedonlyonewasofinterest.

Itwasawilldatedsomefifteenyearspreviously.Aftervariouslegaciesandbequests,the
provisionsweresimpleenough.HalfSimeonLeesfortunewenttoAlfredLee.Theother
halfwastobedividedinequalsharesbetweenhisremainingchildren:Harry,George,
DavidandJennifer.

111
112
Part4

December25th

InthebrightsunofChristmasnoon,PoirotwalkedinthegardensofGorstonHall.TheHall
itselfwasalargesolidlybuilthousewithnospecialarchitecturalpretensions.

Here,onthesouthside,wasabroadterraceflankedwithahedgeofclippedyew.Little
plantsgrewintheintersticesofthestoneflagsandatintervalsalongtheterracethere
werestonesinksarrangedasminiaturegardens.

Poirotsurveyedthemwithbenignapproval.Hemurmuredtohimself:Cestbienimagin,
ca!

Inthedistancehecaughtsightoftwofiguresgoingtowardsanornamentalsheetofwater
somethreehundredyardsaway.Pilarwaseasilyrecognizableasoneofthefigures,andhe
thoughtatfirsttheotherwasStephenFarr,thenhesawthatthemanwithPilarwasHarry
Lee.Harryseemedveryattentivetohisattractiveniece.Atintervalsheflunghisheadback
andlaughed,thenbentoncemoreattentivelytowardsher.

Assuredly,thereisonewhodoesnotmourn,Poirotmurmuredtohimself.

Asoftsoundbehindhimmadehimturn.MagdaleneLeewasstandingthere.She,too,was
lookingattheretreatingfiguresofthemanandgirl.Sheturnedherheadandsmiled
enchantinglyatPoirot.Shesaid:Itssuchaglorioussunnyday!Onecanhardlybelievein
allthehorrorsoflastnight,canone,M.Poirot?

Itisdifficult,truly,madame.

Magdalenesighed.

Iveneverbeenmixedupintragedybefore.IveIvereallyonlyjustgrownup.Istayeda
childtoolong,IthinkThatsnotagoodthingtodo.

Againshesighed.Shesaid:Pilar,now,seemssoextraordinarilyselfpossessedIsuppose
itstheSpanishblood.Itsallveryodd,isntit?

Whatisodd,madame?

Thewaysheturneduphere,outoftheblue!

Poirotsaid:IhavelearnedthatMrLeehadbeensearchingforherforsometime.Hehad
beenincorrespondencewiththeConsulateinMadridandwiththeviceconsulat
Aliquara,wherehermotherdied.

Hewasverysecretiveaboutitall,saidMagdalene.Alfredknewnothingaboutit.No
moredidLydia.

113
Ah!saidPoirot.

Magdalenecamealittlenearertohim.Hecouldsmellthedelicateperfumesheused.

Youknow,M.Poirot,theressomestoryconnectedwithJennifershusband,Estravados.
Hediedquitesoonafterthemarriage,andtheressomemysteryaboutit.AlfredandLydia
know.Ibelieveitwassomethingratherdisgraceful...

That,saidPoirot,isindeedsad.

Magdalenesaid:MyhusbandfeelsandIagreewithhimthatthefamilyoughttohave
beentoldmoreaboutthegirlsantecedents.Afterall,ifherfatherwasacriminal

Shepaused,butHerculePoirotsaidnothing.Heseemedtobeadmiringsuchbeautiesof
natureascouldbeseeninthewinterseasoninthegroundsofGorstonHall.

Magdalenesaid:Icanthelpfeelingthatthemannerofmyfatherinlawsdeathwas
somehowsignificant.ItitwassoveryunEnglish.

HerculePoirotturnedslowly.Hisgraveeyesmethersininnocentinquiry.

Ah,hesaid.TheSpanishtouch,youthink?

Well,theyarecruel,arentthey?Magdalenespokewithaneffectofchildishappeal.All
thosebullfightsandthings!

HerculePoirotsaidpleasantly:YouaresayingthatinyouropinionseoritaEstravadoscut
hergrandfathersthroat?

Ohno,M.Poirot!Magdalenewasvehement.Shewasshocked.Ineversaidanythingof
thekind!IndeedIdidnt!

Well,saidPoirot.Perhapsyoudidnot.

ButIdothinkthatsheiswell,asuspiciousperson.Thefurtivewayshepickedup
somethingfromthefloorofthatroomlastnight,forinstance.

AdifferentnotecreptintoHerculePoirotsvoice.Hesaidsharply:Shepickedup
somethingfromthefloorlastnight?

Magdalenenodded.Herchildishmouthcurvedspitefully.

Yes,assoonaswegotintotheroom.Shegaveaquickglanceroundtoseeifanyonewas
looking,andthenpouncedonit.Butthesuperintendentmansawher,Imgladtosay,and
madehergiveitup.

Whatwasitthatshepickedup,doyouknow,madame?

114
No.Iwasntnearenoughtosee.Magdalenesvoiceheldregret.Itwassomethingquite
small.

Poirotfrownedtohimself.

Itisinteresting,that,hemurmuredtohimself.

Magdalenesaidquickly:Yes,Ithoughtyououghttoknowaboutit.Afterall,wedont
knowanythingaboutPilarsupbringingandwhatherlifehasbeenlike.Alfredisalwaysso
suspiciousanddearLydiaissocasual.Thenshemurmured:PerhapsIdbettergoandsee
ifIcanhelpLydiainanyway.Theremaybeletterstowrite.

Shelefthimwithasmileofsatisfiedmaliceonherlips.

Poirotremainedlostinthoughtontheterrace.

II

TohimtherecameSuperintendentSugden.Thepolicesuperintendentlookedgloomy.He
said:Goodmorning,MrPoirot.DoesntseemquitetherightthingtosayMerry
Christmas,doesit?

Monchercollgue,Icertainlydonotobserveanytracesofmerrimentonyour
countenance.IfyouhadsaidMerryChristmasIshouldnothaverepliedManyofthem!

Idontwantanotheronelikethisone,andthatsafact,saidSugden.

Youhavemadetheprogress,yes?

Ivecheckeduponagoodmanypoints.Horburysalibiisholdingwaterallright.The
commissionaireatthecinemasawhimgoinwiththegirl,andsawhimcomeoutwithher
attheendoftheperformance,andseemsprettypositivehedidntleave,andcouldnt
haveleftandreturnedduringtheperformance.Thegirlswearsquitedefinitelyhewas
withherinthecinemaallthetime.

Poirotseyebrowsrose.

Ihardlysee,then,whatmorethereistosay.

ThecynicalSugdensaid:Well,oneneverknowswithgirls!Liethemselvesblackintheface
forthesakeofaman.

Thatdoescredittotheirhearts,saidHerculePoirot.

Sugdengrowled.

Thatsaforeignwayoflookingatit.Itsdefeatingtheendsofjustice.

115
HerculePoirotsaid:Justiceisaverystrangething.Haveyoueverreflectedonit?

Sugdenstaredathim.Hesaid:Youreaqueerone,MrPoirot.

Notatall.Ifollowalogicaltrainofthought.Butwewillnotenterintoadisputeonthe
question.Itisyourbelief,then,thatthisdemoisellefromthemilkshopisnotspeakingthe
truth?

Sugdenshookhishead.

No,hesaid,itsnotlikethatatall.Asamatteroffact,Ithinksheistellingthetruth.
Shesasimplekindofgirl,andIthinkifshewastellingmeapackofliesIdspotit.

Poirotsaid:Youhavetheexperience,yes?

Thatsjustit,MrPoirot.Onedoesknow,moreorless,afteralifetimeoftakingdown
statements,whenapersonslyingandwhentheyrenot.No,Ithinkthegirlsevidenceis
genuine,andifso,HorburycouldnthavemurderedoldMrLee,andthatbringsusright
backtothepeopleinthehouse.

Hedrewadeepbreath.

Oneofemdidit,MrPoirot.Oneofemdidit.Butwhich?

Youhavenonewdata?

Yes,Ivehadacertainamountofluckoverthetelephonecalls.MrGeorgeLeeput
throughacalltoWesteringhamattwominutestonine.Thatcalllastedundersixminutes.

Aha!

Asyousay!Moreover,noothercallwasputthroughtoWesteringhamoranywhere
else.

Veryinteresting,saidPoirot,withapproval.M.GeorgeLeesayshehasjustfinished
telephoningwhenhehearsthenoiseoverheadbutactuallyhehadfinishedtelephoning
nearlytenminutesbeforethat.Wherewasheinthosetenminutes?MrsGeorgeLeesays
thatshewastelephoningbutactuallysheneverputthroughacallatall.Wherewas
she?

Sugdensaid:Isawyoutalkingtoher,M.Poirot?

Hisvoiceheldaquestion,butPoirotreplied:Youareinerror!

Eh?

Iwasnottalkingtohershewastalkingtome!

116
OhSugdenseemedtobeabouttobrushthedistinctionasideimpatiently;then,asits
significancesankin,hesaid:Shewastalkingtoyou,yousay?

Mostdefinitely.Shecameouthereforthatpurpose.

Whatdidshehavetosay?

Shewishedtostresscertainpoints:theunEnglishcharacterofthecrimethepossibly
undesirableantecedentsofMissEstravadosonthepaternalsidethefactthatMiss
Estravadoshadfurtivelypickedupsomethingfromthefloorlastnight.

Shetoldyouthat,didshe?saidSugdenwithinterest.

Yes.Whatwasitthattheseoritapickedup?

Sugdensighed.

Icouldgiveyouthreehundredguesses!Illshowittoyou.Itsthesortofthingthatsolves
thewholemysteryindetectivestories!Ifyoucanmakeanythingoutofit,Illretirefrom
thepoliceforce!

Showitme.

Sugdentookanenvelopefromhispocketandtilteditscontentsontothepalmofhis
hand.Afaintgrinshowedonhisface.

Thereyouare.Whatdoyoumakeofit?

Onthesuperintendentsbroadpalmlayalittletriangularpieceofpinkrubberandasmall
woodenpeg.

HisgrinbroadenedasPoirotpickedupthearticlesandfrownedoverthem.

Makeanythingofthem,MrPoirot?

Thislittlepieceofstuffmighthavebeencutfromaspongebag?

Itwas.ItcomesfromaspongebaginMrLeesroom.Somebodywithsharpscissorsjust
cutasmalltriangularpieceoutofit.MrLeemayhavedoneithimself,forallIknow.Butit
beatsmewhyheshoulddoit.Horburycantthrowanylightonthematter.Asforthepeg,
itsaboutthesizeofacribbagepeg,buttheyreusuallymadeofivory.Thisisjustrough
woodwhittledoutofabitofdeal,Ishouldsay.

Mostremarkable,murmuredPoirot.

Keepemifyoulike,saidSugdenkindly.Idontwantthem.

Monami,Iwouldnotdepriveyouofthem!
117
Theydontmeananythingatalltoyou?

Imustconfessnothingwhatever!

Splendid!saidSugdenwithheavysarcasm,returningthemtohispocket.Wearegetting
on!

Poirotsaid:MrsGeorgeLee,sherecountsthattheyoungladystoopedandpickedthese
bagatellesupinafurtivemanner.Shouldyousaythatthatwastrue?

Sugdenconsideredthepoint.

No,hesaidhesitatingly.Ishouldntquitegoasfarasthat.Shedidntlookguilty
nothingofthatkindbutshedidsetaboutitratherwell,quicklyandquietlyifyou
knowwhatImean.AndshedidntknowIdseenherdoit!ThatImsureof.Shejumped
whenIroundedonher.

Poirotsaidthoughtfully:Thentherewasareason?Butwhatconceivablereasoncould
therehavebeen?Thatlittlepieceofrubberisquitefresh.Ithasnotbeenusedfor
anything.Itcanhavenomeaningwhatsoever;andyet

Sugdensaidimpatiently:Well,youcanworryaboutitifyoulike,MrPoirot.Ivegotother
thingstothinkabout.

Poirotasked:Thecasestandswhere,inyouropinion?

Sugdentookouthisnotebook.

Letsgetdowntofacts.Tobeginwith,therearethepeoplewhocouldnthavedoneit.
Letsgetthemoutofthewayfirst

Theyare?

AlfredandHarryLee.Theyvegotadefinitealibi.AlsoMrsAlfredLee,sinceTressiliansaw
herinthedrawingroomonlyaboutaminutebeforetherowstartedupstairs.Thosethree
areclear.Nowfortheothers.Heresalist.Iveputitthiswayforclearness.

HehandedthebooktoPoirot.

Atthetimeofthecrime

GeorgeLee ?

MrsGeorgeLee ?

DavidLee
playingpianoinmusicroom
(confirmedbyhiswife)
118
MrsDavidLee
inmusicroom
(confirmedbyhusband)

MissEstravados
inherbedroom
(noconfirmation)

StephenFarr
inballroomplayinggramophone
(confirmedbythreeofstaffwhocouldhearthemusicinservantshall).

Poirotsaid,handingbackthelist:Andtherefore?

Andtherefore,saidSugden,GeorgeLeecouldhavekilledtheoldman.MrsGeorgeLee
couldhavekilledhim.PilarEstravadoscouldhavekilledhim;andeitherMrorMrsDavid
Leecouldhavekilledhim,butnotboth.

Youdonot,then,acceptthatalibi?

SuperintendentSugdenshookhisheademphatically.

Notonyourlife!Husbandandwifedevotedtoeachother!Theymaybeinittogether,
orifoneofthemdidit,theotherisreadytosweartoanalibi.Ilookatitthisway:
Someonewasinthemusicroomplayingthepiano.ItmayhavebeenDavidLee.It
probablywas,sincehewasanacknowledgedmusician,buttheresnothingtosayhiswife
wastheretooexceptherwordandhis.Inthesameway,itmayhavebeenHildawhowas
playingthatpianowhileDavidLeecreptupstairsandkilledhisfather!No,itsan
absolutelydifferentcasefromthetwobrothersinthediningroom.AlfredLeeandHarry
Leedontloveeachother.Neitherofthemwouldperjurehimselffortheotherssake.

WhataboutStephenFarr?

Hesapossiblesuspectbecausethatgramophonealibiisabitthin.Ontheotherhand,its
thesortofalibithatsreallysounderthanagoodcastirondyedinthewoolalibiwhich,
tentoone,hasbeenfakedupbeforehand!

Poirotbowedhisheadthoughtfully.

Iknowwhatyoumean.Itisthealibiofamanwhodidnotknowthathewouldbecalled
upontoprovidesuchathing.

Exactly!Andanyway,somehow,Idontbelieveastrangerwasmixedupinthisthing.

Poirotsaidquickly:Iagreewithyou.Itishereafamilyaffair.Itisapoisonthatworksin
theblooditisintimateitisdeepseated.Thereishere,Ithink,hateandknowledge...

Hewavedhishands.
119
Idonotknowitisdifficult!

SuperintendentSugdenhadwaitedrespectfully,butwithoutbeingmuchimpressed.He
said:Quiteso,MrPoirot.Butwellgetatit,neverfear,witheliminationandlogic.Weve
gotthepossibilitiesnowthepeoplewithopportunity.GeorgeLee,MagdaleneLee,David
Lee,HildaLee,PilarEstravados,andIlladd,StephenFarr.Nowwecometomotive.Who
hadamotiveforputtingoldMrLeeoutoftheway?Thereagainwecanwashoutcertain
people.MissEstravados,forone.Igatherthatasthewillstandsnow,shedoesntget
anythingatall.IfSimeonLeehaddiedbeforehermother,hermotherssharewouldhave
comedowntoher(unlesshermotherwilleditotherwise),butasJenniferEstravados
predeceasedSimeonLee,thatparticularlegacyrevertstotheothermembersofthe
family.SoitwasdefinitelytoMissEstravadosintereststokeeptheoldmanalive.Hed
takenafancytoher;itsprettycertainhedhaveleftheragoodsliceofmoneywhenhe
madeanewwill.Shehadeverythingtoloseandnothingtogainbyhismurder.Youagree
tothat?

Perfectly.

Thereremains,ofcourse,thepossibilitythatshecuthisthroatintheheatofaquarrel,
butthatseemsextremelyunlikelytome.Tobeginwith,theywereonthebestofterms,
andshehadntbeenherelongenoughtobearhimagrudgeaboutanything.Ittherefore
seemshighlyunlikelythatMissEstravadoshasanythingtodowiththecrimeexceptthat
youmightarguethattocutamansthroatisanunEnglishsortofthingtodo,asyour
friendMrsGeorgeputit?

Donotcallhermyfriend,saidPoirothastily.OrIshallspeakofyourfriendMiss
Estravados,whofindsyousuchahandsomeman!

Hehadthepleasureofseeingthesuperintendentsofficialpoiseupsetagain.Thepolice
officerturnedcrimson.Poirotlookedathimwithmaliciousamusement.

Hesaid,andtherewasawistfulnoteinhisvoice:Itistruethatyourmoustacheis
superb...Tellme,doyouuseforitaspecialpomade?

Pomade?Goodlord,no!

Whatdoyouuse?

Use?Nothingatall.Ititjustgrows.

Poirotsighed.

Youarefavouredbynature.Hecaressedhisownluxuriantblackmoustache,thensighed.
Howeverexpensivethepreparation,hemurmured,torestorethenaturalcolourdoes
somewhatimpoverishthequalityofthehair.

SuperintendentSugden,uninterestedinhairdressingproblems,wascontinuinginastolid
manner:Consideringthemotiveforthecrime,Ishouldsaythatwecanprobablywash

120
outMrStephenFarr.Itsjustpossiblethattherewassomehankypankybetweenhis
fatherandMrLeeandtheformersuffered,butIdoubtit.Farrsmannerwastooeasyand
assuredwhenhementionedthatsubject.HewasquiteconfidentandIdontthinkhe
wasacting.No,Idontthinkwellfindanythingthere.

Idonotthinkyouwill,saidPoirot.

AndtheresoneotherpersonwithamotiveforkeepingoldMrLeealivehissonHarry.
Itstruethathebenefitsunderthewill,butIdontbelievehewasawareofthefact.
Certainlycouldnthavebeensureofit!ThegeneralimpressionseemedtobethatHarry
hadbeendefinitelycutoutofhisshareoftheinheritanceatthetimehecutloose.But
nowhewasonthepointofcomingbackintofavour!Itwasalltohisadvantagethathis
fathershouldmakeanewwill.Hewouldntbesuchafoolastokillhimnow.Actually,as
weknow,hecouldnthavedoneit.Yousee,weregettingon;wereclearingquitealotof
peopleoutoftheway.

Howtrue.Verysoontherewillbenobodyleft!

Sugdengrinned.

Werenotgoingasfastasthat!WevegotGeorgeLeeandhiswife,andDavidLeeand
MrsDavid.Theyallbenefitbythedeath,andGeorgeLee,fromallIcanmakeout,is
graspingaboutmoney.Moreover,hisfatherwasthreateningtocutdownsupplies.So
wevegotGeorgeLeewithmotiveandopportunity!

Continue,saidPoirot.

AndwevegotMrsGeorge!Asfondofmoneyasacatisfondofcream;andIdbe
preparedtobetshesheavilyindebtattheminute!ShewasjealousoftheSpanishgirl.
Shewasquicktospotthattheotherwasgaininganascendancyovertheoldman.Shed
heardhimsaythathewassendingforthelawyer.Soshestruckquickly.Youcouldmake
outacase.

Possibly.

ThentheresDavidLeeandhiswife.Theyinheritunderthepresentwill,butIdont
believe,somehow,thatthemoneymotivewouldbeparticularlystrongintheircase.

No?

No.DavidLeeseemstobeabitofadreamernotamercenarytype.Butheswell,hes
odd.AsIseeit,therearethreepossiblemotivesforthismurder:Theresthediamond
complication,theresthewill,andthereswelljustplainhate.

Ah,youseethat,doyou?

121
Sugdensaid:Naturally.Itsbeenpresentinmymindallalong.IfDavidLeekilledhis
father,Idontthinkitwasformoney.Andifhewasthecriminalitmightexplainthewell,
thebloodletting!

Poirotlookedathimappreciatively.

Yes,Iwonderedwhenyouwouldtakethatintoconsideration.Somuchbloodthatis
whatMrsAlfredsaid.Ittakesonebacktoancientritualstobloodsacrifice,tothe
anointingwiththebloodofthesacrifice...

Sugdensaid,frowning:Youmeanwhoeverdiditwasmad?

Moncherthereareallsortsofdeepinstinctsinmanofwhichhehimselfisunaware.
Thecravingforbloodthedemandforsacrifice!

Sugdensaiddoubtfully:DavidLeelooksaquiet,harmlessfellow.

Poirotsaid:Youdonotunderstandthepsychology.DavidLeeisamanwholivesinthe
pastamaninwhomthememoryofhismotherisstillverymuchalive.Hekeptaway
fromhisfatherformanyyearsbecausehecouldnotforgivehisfatherstreatmentofhis
mother.Hecamehere,letussuppose,toforgive.Buthemaynothavebeenableto
forgive...WedoknowonethingthatwhenDavidLeestoodbyhisfathersdeadbody,
somepartofhimwasappeasedandsatisfied.ThemillsofGodgrindslowly,yetthey
grindexceedingsmall.Retribution!Payment!Thewrongwipedoutbyexpiation!

Sugdengaveasuddenshudder.Hesaid:Donttalklikethat,MrPoirot.Yougivemequite
aturn.Itmaybethatitsasyousay.Ifso,MrsDavidknowsandmeanstoshieldhimall
sheknowshow.Icanimagineherdoingthat.Ontheotherhand,Icantimagineherbeing
amurderess.Shessuchacomfortablecommonplacesortofwoman.

Poirotlookedathimcuriously.

Soshestrikesyoulikethat?hemurmured.

Well,yesahomelybody,ifyouknowwhatImean!

Oh,Iknowwhatyoumeanperfectly!

Sugdenlookedathim.

Come,now,MrPoirot,youvegotideasaboutthecase.Letshavethem.

Poirotsaidslowly:Ihaveideas,yes,buttheyarerathernebulous.Letmefirsthearyour
summingupofthecase.

Well,itsasIsaidthreepossiblemotives:hate,gain,andthisdiamondcomplication.
Takethefactschronologically.

122
3.30.Familygathering.Telephoneconversationtolawyeroverheardbyallthefamily.
Thentheoldmanletslooseonhisfamily,tellsthemwheretheyallgetoff.Theyslinkout
likealotofscaredrabbits.

HildaLeeremainedbehind,saidPoirot.

Soshedid.Butnotforlong.ThenaboutsixAlfredhasaninterviewwithhisfather
unpleasantinterview.Harryistobereinstated.Alfredisntpleased.Alfred,ofcourse,
oughttobeourprincipalsuspect.Hehadbyfarthestrongestmotive.However,togeton,
Harrycomesalongnext.Isinboisterousspirits.Hasgottheoldmanjustwherehewants
him.ButbeforethosetwointerviewsSimeonLeehasdiscoveredthelossofthediamonds
andhastelephonedtome.Hedoesntmentionhislosstoeitherofhistwosons.Why?In
myopinionbecausehewasquitesureneitherofthemhadanythingtodowithit.Neither
ofthemwereundersuspicion.Ibelieve,asIvesaidallalong,thattheoldmansuspected
Horburyandoneotherperson.AndImprettysureofwhathemeanttodo.Remember,
hesaiddefinitelyhedidntwantanyonetocomeandsitwithhimthatevening.Why?
Becausehewaspreparingthewayfortwothings:First,myvisit;andsecond,thevisitof
thatothersuspectedperson.Hedidasksomeonetocomeandseehimimmediatelyafter
dinner.Nowwhowasthatpersonlikelytobe?MighthavebeenGeorgeLee.Muchmore
likelytohavebeenhiswife.Andtheresanotherpersonwhocomesbackintothepicture
herePilarEstravados.Hesshownherthediamonds.Hedtoldhertheirvalue.Howdo
weknowthatgirlisntathief?Rememberthesemysterioushintsaboutthedisgraceful
behaviourofherfather.Perhapshewasaprofessionalthiefandfinallywenttoprisonfor
it.

Poirotsaidslowly:Andso,asyousay,PilarEstravadoscomesbackintothepicture...

Yesasathief.Nootherway.Shemayhavelostherheadwhenshewasfoundout.She
mayhaveflownathergrandfatherandattackedhim.

Poirotsaidslowly:Itispossibleyes...

SuperintendentSugdenlookedathimkeenly.

Butthatsnotyouridea?Come,MrPoirot,whatisyouridea?

Poirotsaid:Igobackalwaystothesamething:thecharacterofthedeadman.What
mannerofamanwasSimeonLee?

Thereisntmuchmysteryaboutthat,saidSugden,staring.

Tellme,then.Thatistosay,tellmefromthelocalpointofviewwhatwasknownofthe
man.

SuperintendentSugdendrewadoubtfulfingeralonghisjawbone.Helookedperplexed.
Hesaid:Imnotalocalmanmyself.IcomefromReeveshire,overthebordernext
county.ButofcourseoldMrLeewasawellknownfigureintheseparts.Iknowallabout
himbyhearsay.

123
Yes?Andthathearsaywaswhat?

Sugdensaid:Well,hewasasharpcustomer;therewerentmanywhocouldgetthe
betterofhim.Buthewasgenerouswithhismoney.Openhandedastheymakeem.Beats
mehowMrGeorgeLeecanbetheexactopposite,andbehisfathersson.

Ah!Buttherearetwodistinctstrainsinthefamily.Alfred,George,andDavidresemble
superficiallyatleasttheirmotherssideofthefamily.Ihavebeenlookingatsome
portraitsinthegallerythismorning.

Hewashottempered,continuedSuperintendentSugden,andofcoursehehadabad
reputationwithwomenthatwasinhisyoungerdays.Hesbeenaninvalidformany
yearsnow.Buteventherehealwaysbehavedgenerously.Iftherewastrouble,healways
paiduphandsomelyandgotthegirlmarriedoffasoftenasnot.Hemayhavebeenabad
lot,buthewasntmean.Hetreatedhiswifebadly,ranafterotherwomen,andneglected
her.Shediedofabrokenheart,sotheysay.Itsaconvenientterm,butIbelieveshewas
reallyveryunhappy,poorlady.Shewasalwayssicklyandneverwentaboutmuch.Theres
nodoubtthatMrLeewasanoddcharacter.Hadarevengefulstreakinhim,too.Ifanyone
didhimanastyturnhealwayspaiditback,sotheysay,anddidntmindhowlonghehad
towaittodoit.

ThemillsofGodgrindslowly,yettheygrindexceedingsmall,murmuredPoirot.

SuperintendentSugdensaidheavily:Millsofthedevil,morelikely!Nothingsaintlyabout
SimeonLee.Thekindofmanyoumightsayhadsoldhissoultothedevilandenjoyedthe
bargain!Andhewasproud,too,proudasLucifer.

ProudasLucifer!saidPoirot.Itissuggestive,whatyousaythere.

SuperintendentSugdensaid,lookingpuzzled:Youdontmeanthathewasmurdered
becausehewasproud?

Imean,saidPoirot,thatthereissuchathingasinheritance.SimeonLeetransmitted
thatpridetohissons

Hebrokeoff.HildaLeehadcomeoutofthehouseandwasstandinglookingalongthe
terrace.

III

Iwantedtofindyou,M.Poirot.

SuperintendentSugdenhadexcusedhimselfandgonebackintothehouse.

Lookingafterhim,Hildasaid:Ididntknowhewaswithyou.IthoughthewaswithPilar.
Heseemsaniceman,quiteconsiderate.

Hervoicewaspleasant,alow,soothingcadencetoit.
124
Poirotasked:Youwantedtoseeme,yousay?

Sheinclinedherhead.

Yes.Ithinkyoucanhelpme.

Ishallbedelightedtodoso,madame.

Shesaid:Youareaveryintelligentman,M.Poirot.Isawthatlastnight.Therearethings
whichyouwill,Ithink,findoutquiteeasily.Iwantyoutounderstandmyhusband.

Yes,madame?

IshouldnttalklikethistoSuperintendentSugden.Hewouldntunderstand.Butyouwill.

Poirotbowed.Youhonourme,madame.

Hildawentcalmlyon:Myhusband,formanyyears,eversinceImarriedhim,hasbeen
whatIcanonlydescribeasamentalcripple.

Ah!

Whenonesufferssomegreathurtphysically,itcausesshockandpain,butslowlyit
mends,thefleshheals,theboneknits.Theremaybe,perhaps,alittleweakness,aslight
scar,butnothingmore.Myhusband,M.Poirot,sufferedagreathurtmentallyathismost
susceptibleage.Headoredhismotherandhesawherdie.Hebelievedthathisfatherwas
morallyresponsibleforthatdeath.Fromthatshockhehasneverquiterecovered.His
resentmentagainsthisfatherneverdieddown.ItwasIwhopersuadedDavidtocome
herethisChristmas,tobereconciledtohisfather.IwanteditforhissakeIwantedthat
mentalwoundtoheal.Irealizenowthatcomingherewasamistake.SimeonLeeamused
himselfbyprobingintothatoldwound.Itwasaverydangerousthingtodo...

Poirotsaid:Areyoutellingme,madame,thatyourhusbandkilledhisfather?

Iamtellingyou,M.Poirot,thatheeasilymighthavedoneso...AndIwillalsotellyou
thisthathedidnot!WhenSimeonLeewaskilled,hissonwasplayingtheDeadMarch.
Thewishtokillwasinhisheart.Itpassedoutthroughhisfingersanddiedinwavesof
soundthatisthetruth.

Poirotwassilentforaminuteortwo,thenhesaid:Andyou,madame,whatisyour
verdictonthatpastdrama?

YoumeanthedeathofSimeonLeeswife?

Yes.

Hildasaidslowly:Iknowenoughoflifetoknowthatyoucanneverjudgeanycaseonits
outsidemerits.Toallseeming,SimeonLeewasentirelytoblameandhiswifewas
125
abominablytreated.Atthesametime,Ihonestlybelievethatthereisakindofmeekness,
apredispositiontomartyrdomwhichdoesarousetheworstinstinctsinmenofacertain
type.SimeonLeewouldhaveadmired,Ithink,spiritandforceofcharacter.Hewasmerely
irritatedbypatienceandtears.

Poirotnodded.Hesaid:Yourhusbandsaidlastnight:Mymothernevercomplained.Is
thattrue?

HildaLeesaidimpatiently:Ofcourseitisnt!ShecomplainedthewholetimetoDavid!
Shelaidthewholeburdenofherunhappinessonhisshoulders.Hewastooyoungfar
tooyoungtobearallshegavehimtobear!

Poirotlookedthoughtfullyather.Sheflushedunderhisgazeandbitherlip.

Hesaid:Isee.

Shesaidsharply:Whatdoyousee?

Heanswered:Iseethatyouhavehadtobeamothertoyourhusbandwhenyouwould
havepreferredtobeawife.

Sheturnedaway.

AtthatmomentDavidLeecameoutofthehouseandalongtheterracetowardsthem.

Hesaid,andhisvoicehadaclearjoyfulnoteinit:Hilda,isntitagloriousday?Almostlike
springinsteadofwinter.

Hecamenearer.Hisheadwasthrownback,alockoffairhairfellacrosshisforehead,his
blueeyesshone.Helookedamazinglyyoungandboyish.Therewasabouthimayouthful
eagerness,acarefreeradiance.HerculePoirotcaughthisbreath...

Davidsaid:Letsgodowntothelake,Hilda.

Shesmiled,putherarmthroughhis,andtheymovedofftogether.

AsPoirotwatchedthemgo,hesawherturnandgivehimarapidglance.Hecaughta
momentaryglimpseofswiftanxietyorwasit,hewondered,fear?

SlowlyHerculePoirotwalkedtotheotherendoftheterrace.

Hemurmuredtohimself:AsIhavealwayssaid,me,Iamthefatherconfessor!Andsince
womencometoconfessionmorefrequentlythanmen,itiswomenwhohavecometome
thismorning.Willthere,Iwonder,beanotherveryshortly?

Asheturnedattheendoftheterraceandpacedbackagain,heknewthathisquestion
wasanswered.

126
LydiaLeewascomingtowardshim.

IV

Lydiasaid:Goodmorning,M.Poirot.TressiliantoldmeIshouldfindyououtherewith
Harry;butIamgladtofindyoualone.Myhusbandhasbeenspeakingaboutyou.Iknow
heisveryanxioustotalktoyou.

Ah!Yes?ShallIgoandseehimnow?

Notjustyet.Hegothardlyanysleeplastnight.IntheendIgavehimastrongsleeping
draught.Heisstillasleep,andIdontwanttodisturbhim.

Iquiteunderstand.Thatwasverywise.Icouldseelastnightthattheshockhadbeenvery
great.

Shesaidseriously:Yousee,M.Poirot,hereallycaredmuchmorethantheothers.

Iunderstand.

Sheasked:Haveyouhasthesuperintendentanyideaofwhocanhavedonethisawful
thing?

Poirotsaiddeliberately:Wehavecertainideas,madame,astowhodidnotdoit.

Lydiasaid,almostimpatiently:ItslikeanightmaresofantasticIcantbelieveitsreal!

Sheadded:WhataboutHorbury?Washereallyatthecinema,ashesaid?

Yes,madame,hisstoryhasbeenchecked.Hewasspeakingthetruth.

Lydiastoppedandpluckedatabitofyew.Herfacewentalittlepaler.Shesaid:Butthats
awful!Itonlyleavesthefamily!

Exactly.

M.Poirot,Icantbelieveit!

Madame,youcanandyoudobelieveit!

Sheseemedabouttoprotest.Thensuddenlyshesmiledruefully.

Shesaid:Whatahypocriteoneis!

Henodded.

Ifyouweretobefrankwithme,madame,hesaid,youwouldadmitthattoyouitseems
quitenaturalthatoneofhisfamilyshouldmurderyourfatherinlaw.
127
Lydiasaidsharply:Thatsreallyafantasticthingtosay,M.Poirot!

Yes,itis.Butyourfatherinlawwasafantasticperson!

Lydiasaid:Pooroldman.Icanfeelsorryforhimnow.Whenhewasalive,hejustannoyed
meunspeakably!

Poirotsaid:SoIshouldimagine!

Hebentoveroneofthestonesinks.

Theyareveryingenious,these.Verypleasing.

Imgladyoulikethem.Itsoneofmyhobbies.DoyoulikethisArcticonewiththe
penguinsandtheice?

Charming.Andthiswhatisthis?

Oh,thatstheDeadSeaorgoingtobe.Itisntfinishedyet.Youmustntlookatit.Now
thisoneissupposedtobePianainCorsica.Therocksthere,youknow,arequitepinkand
toolovelywheretheygodownintothebluesea.Thisdesertsceneisratherfun,dontyou
think?

Sheledhimalong.Whentheyhadreachedthefartherendsheglancedatherwristwatch.

ImustgoandseeifAlfredisawake.

WhenshehadgonePoirotwentslowlybackagaintothegardenrepresentingtheDead
Sea.Helookedatitwithagooddealofinterest.Thenhescoopedupafewofthepebbles
andletthemrunthroughhisfingers.

Suddenlyhisfacechanged.Heheldupthepebblesclosetohisface.

Sapristi!hesaid.Thisisasurprise!Nowwhatexactlydoesthismean?

128
Part5

December26th

ThechiefconstableandSuperintendentSugdenstaredatPoirotincredulously.

Thelatterreturnedastreamofsmallpebblescarefullyintoasmallcardboardboxand
pusheditacrosstothechiefconstable.

Oh,yes,hesaid.Itisthediamondsallright.

Andyoufoundthemwhere,didyousay?Inthegarden?

InoneofthesmallgardensconstructedbyMadameAlfredLee.

MrsAlfred?Sugdenshookhishead.Doesntseemlikely.

Poirotsaid:Youmean,Isuppose,thatyoudonotconsideritlikelythatMrsAlfredcuther
fatherinlawsthroat?

Sugdensaidquickly:Weknowshedidntdothat.Imeantitseemedunlikelythatshe
pinchedthesediamonds.

Poirotsaid:Onewouldnoteasilybelieveherathiefno.

Sugdensaid:Anybodycouldhavehiddenthemthere.

Thatistrue.ItwasconvenientthatinthatparticulargardentheDeadSeaasit
representstherehappenedtobepebblesverysimilarinshapeandappearance.

Sugdensaid:Youmeanshefixeditlikethatbeforehand?Ready?

ColonelJohnsonsaidwarmly:Idontbelieveitforamoment.Notforamoment.Why
shouldshetakethediamondsinthefirstplace?

Well,astothatSugdensaidslowly.

Poirotnippedinquickly:Thereisapossibleanswertothat.Shetookthediamondsto
suggestamotiveforthemurder.Thatistosaysheknewthatmurderwasgoingtobe
donethoughsheherselftooknoactivepartinit.

Johnsonfrowned.

Thatwontholdwaterforaminute.Youremakingherouttobeanaccomplicebut
whoseaccomplicewouldshebelikelytobe?Onlyherhusbands.Butasweknowthathe,
too,hadnothingtodowiththemurder,thewholetheoryfallstotheground.

129
Sugdenstrokedhisjawreflectively.

Yes,hesaid,thatsso.No,ifMrsLeetookthediamondsanditsabigifitwasjust
plainrobbery,anditstrueshemighthavepreparedthatgardenspeciallyasahidingplace
forthemtillthehueandcryhaddieddown.Anotherpossibilityisthatofcoincidence.
Thatgarden,withitssimilarityofpebbles,struckthethief,whoeverheorshewas,asan
idealhidingplace.

Poirotsaid:Thatisquitepossible.Iamalwayspreparedtoadmitonecoincidence.

SuperintendentSugdenshookhisheaddubiously.

Poirotsaid:Whatisyouropinion,Superintendent?

Thesuperintendentsaidcautiously:MrsLeesaverynicelady.Doesntseemlikelythat
shedbemixedupinanybusinessthatwasfishy.But,ofcourse,oneneverknows.

ColonelJohnsonsaidtestily:Inanycase,whateverthetruthisaboutthediamonds,her
beingmixedupinthemurderisoutofthequestion.Thebutlersawherinthedrawing
roomattheactualtimeofthecrime.Yourememberthat,Poirot?

Poirotsaid:Ihadnotforgottenthat.

Thechiefconstableturnedtohissubordinate.

Wedbettergeton.Whathaveyoutoreport?Anythingfresh?

Yes,sir.Ivegotholdofsomenewinformation.TostartwithHorbury.Theresareason
whyhemightbescaredofthepolice.

Robbery?Eh?

No,sir.Extortingmoneyunderthreats.Modifiedblackmail.Thecasecouldntbeproved
sohegotoff,butIratherfancyhesgotawaywithathingortwointhatline.Havinga
guiltyconscience,heprobablythoughtwewereontosomethingofthatkindwhen
Tressilianmentionedapoliceofficerlastnightanditmadehimgetthewindup.

Thechiefconstablesaid:Hm!SomuchforHorbury.Whatelse?

Thesuperintendentcoughed.

ErMrsGeorgeLee,sir.Wevegotalineonherbeforehermarriage.Waslivingwitha
CommanderJones.Passedashisdaughterbutshewasnthisdaughter...Ithinkfrom
whatwevebeentold,thatoldMrLeesummedherupprettycorrectlyhewassmart
wherewomenwereconcerned,knewabadlotwhenhesawoneandwasjustamusing
himselfbytakingashotinthedark.Andhegotherontheraw!

130
ColonelJohnsonsaidthoughtfully:Thatgivesheranotherpossiblemotiveapartfrom
themoneyangle.Shemayhavethoughtheknewsomethingdefiniteandwasgoingto
giveherawaytoherhusband.Thattelephonestoryofhersisprettyfishy.Shedidnt
telephone.

Sugdensuggested:Whynothavethemintogether,sir,andgetatthattelephonebusiness
straight?Seewhatweget.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Goodidea.

Herangthebell.

Tressilianansweredit.

AskMrandMrsGeorgeLeetocomehere.

Verygood,sir.

Astheoldmanturnedaway,Poirotsaid:Thedateonthatwallcalendar,hasitremained
likeitissincethemurder?

Tressilianturnedback.

Whichcalendar,sir?

Theoneonthewalloverthere.

ThethreemenweresittingoncemoreinAlfredLeessmallsittingroom.Thecalendarin
questionwasalargeonewithtearoffleaves,abolddateoneachleaf.

Tressilianpeeredacrosstheroom,thenshuffledslowlyacrosstillhewasafootortwo
away.

Hesaid:Excuseme,sir,ithasbeentornoff.Itsthetwentysixthtoday.

Ah,pardon.Whowouldhavebeenthepersontotearitoff?

MrLeedoes,sir,everymorning.MrAlfred,hesaverymethodicalgentleman.

Isee.Thankyou.

Tressilianwentout.Sugdensaid,puzzled:Isthereanythingfishyaboutthatcalendar,Mr
Poirot?HaveImissedsomethingthere?

WithashrugofhisshouldersPoirotsaid:Thecalendarisofnoimportance.Itwasjusta
littleexperimentIwasmaking.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Inquesttomorrow.Therellbeanadjournment,ofcourse.
131
Sugdensaid:Yes,sir,IveseentheCoroneranditsallarrangedfor.

II

GeorgeLeecameintotheroom,accompaniedbyhiswife.

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Goodmorning.Sitdown,willyou?ThereareafewquestionsIwant
toaskbothofyou.SomethingImnotquiteclearabout.

IshallbegladtogiveyouanyassistanceIcan,saidGeorge,somewhatpompously.

Magdalenesaidfaintly:Ofcourse!

ThechiefconstablegaveaslightnodtoSugden.Thelattersaid:Aboutthosetelephone
callsonthenightofthecrime.YouputthroughacalltoWesteringham,Ithinkyousaid,
MrLee?

Georgesaidcoldly:Yes,Idid.Tomyagentintheconstituency.Icanreferyoutohim
and

SuperintendentSugdenhelduphishandtostemtheflow.

Quitesoquiteso,MrLee.Werenotdisputingthatpoint.Yourcallwentthroughat8.59
exactly.

WellIercouldntsayastotheexacttime.

Ah,saidSugden.Butwecan!Wealwayscheckuponthesethingsverycarefully.Very
carefullyindeed.Thecallwasputthroughat8.59anditwasterminatedat9.04.Your
father,MrLee,waskilledabout9.15.Imustaskyouoncemoreforanaccountofyour
movements.

IvetoldyouIwastelephoning!

No,MrLee,youwerent.

Nonsenseyoumusthavemadeamistake!Well,Imay,perhaps,havejustfinished
telephoningIthinkIdebatedmakinganothercallwasjustconsideringwhetherit
waserworththeexpensewhenIheardthenoiseupstairs.

Youwouldhardlydebatewhetherornottomakeatelephonecallfortenminutes.

Georgewentpurple.Hebegantosplutter.

Whatdoyoumean?Whatthedevildoyoumean?Damnedimpudence!Areyoudoubting
myword?Doubtingthewordofamanofmyposition?IerwhyshouldIhaveto
accountforeveryminuteofmytime?

132
SuperintendentSugdensaidwithastolidnessthatPoirotadmired:Itsusual.

Georgeturnedangrilyonthechiefconstable.

ColonelJohnson.Doyoucountenancethisthisunprecedentedattitude?

Thechiefconstablesaidcrisply:Inamurdercase,MrLee,thenquestionsmustbe
askedandanswered.

Ihaveansweredthem!Ihadfinishedtelephoningandwaserdebatingafurthercall.

Youwereinthisroomwhenthealarmwasraisedupstairs?

Iwasyes,Iwas.

JohnsonturnedtoMagdalene.

Ithink,MrsLee,hesaid,thatyoustatedthatyouweretelephoningwhenthealarm
brokeout,andthatatthetimeyouwerealoneinthisroom?

Magdalenewasflustered.Shecaughtherbreath,lookedsidewaysatGeorgeatSugden,
thenappealinglyatColonelJohnson.Shesaid:Oh,reallyIdontknowIdont
rememberwhatIsaid...Iwassoupset...

Sugdensaid:Wevegotitallwrittendown,youknow.

Sheturnedherbatteriesonhimwideappealingeyesquiveringmouth.Butshemetin
returntherigidaloofnessofamanofsternrespectabilitywhodidntapproveofhertype.

Shesaiduncertainly:IIofcourseItelephoned.Icantbequitesurejustwhen

Shestopped.

Georgesaid:Whatsallthis?Wheredidyoutelephonefrom?Notinhere.

SuperintendentSugdensaid:Isuggest,MrsLee,thatyoudidnttelephoneatall.Inthat
case,wherewereyouandwhatwereyoudoing?

Magdaleneglanceddistractedlyaboutherandburstintotears.Shesobbed:George,
dontletthembullyme!Youknowthatifanyonefrightensmeandthundersquestionsat
me,Icantrememberanythingatall!IIdontknowwhatIwassayingthatnightitwas
allsohorribleandIwassoupsetandtheyrebeingsobeastlytome...

Shejumpedupandransobbingoutoftheroom.

Springingup,GeorgeLeeblustered:Whatdyoumean?Iwonthavemywifebulliedand
frightenedoutofherlife!Shesverysensitive.Itsdisgraceful!Ishallhaveaquestion

133
askedintheHouseaboutthedisgracefulbullyingmethodsofthepolice.Itsabsolutely
disgraceful!

Hestrodeoutoftheroomandbangedthedoor.

SuperintendentSugdenthrewhisheadbackandlaughed.

Hesaid:Wevegotthemgoingproperly!Nowwellsee!

Johnsonsaidfrowning:Extraordinarybusiness!Looksfishy.Wemustgetafurther
statementoutofher.

Sugdensaideasily:Oh!Shellbebackinaminuteortwo.Whenshesdecidedwhatto
say.Eh,MrPoirot?

Poirot,whohadbeensittinginadream,gaveastart.

Pardon!

Isaidshellbeback.

Probablyyes,possiblyoh,yes!

Sugdensaid,staringathim:Whatsthematter,MrPoirot?Seenaghost?

Poirotsaidslowly:YouknowIamnotsurethatIhavenotdonejustexactlythat.

ColonelJohnsonsaidimpatiently:Well,Sugden,anythingelse?

Sugdensaid:Ivebeentryingtocheckupontheorderinwhicheveryonearrivedonthe
sceneofthemurder.Itsquiteclearwhatmusthavehappened.Afterthemurderwhen
thevictimsdyingcryhadgiventhealarm,themurdererslippedout,lockedthedoorwith
pliers,orsomethingofthatkind,andamomentortwolaterbecameoneofthepeople
hurryingtothesceneofthecrime.Unfortunatelyitsnoteasytocheckexactlywhom
everyonehasseenbecausepeoplesmemoriesarentveryaccurateonapointlikethat.
TressiliansayshesawHarryandAlfredLeecrossthehallfromthediningroomandrace
upstairs.Thatletsthemout,butwedontsuspectthemanyway.AsfarasIcanmakeout,
MissEstravadosgottherelateoneofthelast.ThegeneralideaseemstobethatFarr,
MrsGeorge,andMrsDavidwerethefirst.Eachofthosethreesaysoneoftheotherswas
justaheadofthem.Thatswhatssodifficult,youcantdistinguishbetweenadeliberate
lieandagenuinehazinessofrecollection.Everybodyrantherethatsagreed,butinwhat
ordertheyranisntsoeasytogetat.

Poirotsaidslowly:Youthinkthatimportant?

Sugdensaid:Itsthetimeelement.Thetime,remember,wasincrediblyshort.

Poirotsaid:Iagreewithyouthatthetimeelementisveryimportantinthiscase.
134
Sugdenwenton:Whatmakesitmoredifficultisthattherearetwostaircases.Theresthe
mainoneinthehallhereaboutequidistantfromthediningroomandthedrawingroom
doors.Thentheresonetheotherendofthehouse.StephenFarrcameupbythelatter.
MissEstravadoscamealongtheupperlandingfromthatendofthehouse(herroomis
righttheotherend).Theotherssaytheywentupbythisone.

Poirotsaid:Itisaconfusion,yes.

ThedooropenedandMagdalenecamequicklyin.Shewasbreathingfastandhadabright
spotofcolourineachcheek.Shecameuptothetableandsaidquietly:Myhusband
thinksImlyingdown.Islippedoutofmyroomquietly.ColonelJohnson,sheappealedto
himwithwide,distressedeyes,ifItellyouthetruthyouwillkeepquietaboutit,wont
you?Imeanyoudonthavetomakeeverythingpublic?

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Youmean,Itakeit,MrsLee,somethingthathasnoconnection
withthecrime?

Yes,noconnectionatall.Justsomethinginmymyprivatelife.

Thechiefconstablesaid:Youdbettermakeacleanbreastofit,MrsLee,andleaveusto
judge.

Magdalenesaid,hereyesswimming:Yes,Iwilltrustyou.IknowIcan.Youlooksokind.
Yousee,itslikethis.TheressomebodyShestopped.

Yes,MrsLee?

Iwantedtotelephonetosomebodylastnightamanafriendofmine,andIdidnt
wantGeorgetoknowaboutit.Iknowitwasverywrongofmebutwell,itwaslikethat.
SoIwenttotelephoneafterdinnerwhenIthoughtGeorgewouldbesafelyinthedining
room.ButwhenIgothereIheardhimtelephoning,soIwaited.

Wheredidyouwait,madame?askedPoirot.

Theresaplaceforcoatsandthingsbehindthestairs.Itsdarkthere.Islippedbackthere,
whereIcouldseeGeorgecomeoutfromthisroom.Buthedidntcomeout,andthenall
thenoisehappenedandMrLeescreamed,andIranupstairs.

Soyourhusbanddidnotleavethisroomuntilthemomentofthemurder?

No.

Thechiefconstablesaid:Andyouyourselffromnineoclocktoninefifteenwerewaiting
intherecessbehindthestairs?

Yes,butIcouldntsayso,yousee!TheydwanttoknowwhatIwasdoingthere.Itsbeen
very,veryawkwardforme,youdoseethat,dontyou?

135
Johnsonsaiddryly:Itwascertainlyawkward.

Shesmiledathimsweetly.

Imsorelievedtohavetoldyouthetruth.Andyouwonttellmyhusband,willyou?No,
Imsureyouwont!Icantrustyou,allofyou.

Sheincludedthemallinherfinalpleadinglook,thensheslippedquicklyoutoftheroom.

ColonelJohnsondrewadeepbreath.

Well,hesaid.Itmightbelikethat!Itsaperfectlyplausiblestory.Ontheotherhand

Itmightnot,finishedSugden.Thatsjustit.Wedontknow.

III

LydiaLeestoodbythefarwindowofthedrawingroomlookingout.Herfigurewashalf
hiddenbytheheavywindowcurtains.

AsoundintheroommadeherturnwithastarttoseeHerculePoirotstandingbythe
door.

Shesaid:Youstartledme,M.Poirot.

Iapologize,madame.Iwalksoftly.

Shesaid:IthoughtitwasHorbury.

HerculePoirotnodded.

Itistrue,hestepssoftly,thatonelikeacatorathief.

Hepausedaminute,watchingher.

Herfaceshowednothing,butshemadeaslightgrimaceofdistateasshesaid:Ihave
nevercaredforthatman.Ishallbegladtogetridofhim.

Ithinkyouwillbewisetodoso,madame.

Shelookedathimquickly.Shesaid:Whatdoyoumean?Doyouknowanythingagainst
him?

Poirotsaid:Heisamanwhocollectssecretsandusesthemtohisadvantage.

Shesaidsharply:Doyouthinkheknowsanythingaboutthemurder?

136
Poirotshruggedhisshoulders.Hesaid:Hehasquietfeetandlongears.Hemayhave
overheardsomethingthatheiskeepingtohimself.

Lydiasaidclearly:Doyoumeanthathemaytrytoblackmailoneofus?

Itiswithintheboundsofpossibility.ButthatisnotwhatIcameheretosay.

Whatdidyoucometosay?

Poirotsaidslowly:IhavebeentalkingwithM.AlfredLee.Hehasmademeaproposition,
andIwishedtodiscussitwithyoubeforeacceptingordecliningit.ButIwassostruckby
thepictureyoumadethecharmingpatternofyourjumperagainstthedeepredofthe
curtains,thatIpausedtoadmire.

Lydiasaidsharply:Really,M.Poirot,mustwewastetimeincompliments?

Ibegyourpardon,madame.SofewEnglishladiesunderstandlatoilette.Thedressyou
werewearingthefirstnightIsawyou,itsboldbutsimplepattern,ithadgrace
distinction.

Lydiasaidimpatiently:Whatwasityouwantedtoseemeabout?

Poirotbecamegrave.

Justthis,madame.Yourhusband,hewishesmetotakeuptheinvestigationvery
seriously.HedemandsthatIstayhere,inthehouse,anddomyutmosttogettothe
bottomofthematter.

Lydiasaidsharply:Well?

Poirotsaidslowly:Ishouldnotwishtoacceptaninvitationthatwasnotendorsedbythe
ladyofthehouse.

Shesaidcoldly:NaturallyIendorsemyhusbandsinvitation.

Yes,madame,butIneedmorethanthat.Doyoureallywantmetocomehere?

Whynot?

Letusbemorefrank.WhatIaskyouisthis:doyouwantthetruthtocomeout,ornot?

Naturally.

Poirotsighed.

Mustyoureturnmetheseconventionalreplies?

Lydiasaid:Iamaconventionalwoman.
137
Thenshebitherlip,hesitated,andsaid:Perhapsitisbettertospeakfrankly.OfcourseI
understandyou!Thepositionisnotapleasantone.Myfatherinlawhasbeenbrutally
murdered,andunlessacasecanbemadeoutagainstthemostlikelysuspectHorbury
forrobberyandmurderanditseemsthatitcannotthenitcomestothisoneofhis
ownfamilykilledhim.Tobringthatpersontojusticewillmeanbringingshameand
disgraceonusall...IfIamtospeakhonestlyImustsaythatIdonotwantthistohappen.

Poirotsaid:Youarecontentforthemurderertoescapeunpunished?

Thereareprobablyseveralundiscoveredmurderersatlargeintheworld.

That,Igrantyou.

Doesonemorematter,then?

Poirotsaid:Andwhatabouttheothermembersofthefamily?Theinnocent?

Shestared.

Whataboutthem?

Doyourealizethatifitturnsoutasyouhope,noonewilleverknow.Theshadowwill
remainonallalike...

Shesaiduncertainly:Ihadntthoughtofthat.

Poirotsaid:Noonewilleverknowwhotheguiltypersonis...

Headdedsoftly:Unlessyoualreadyknow,madame?

Shecriedout:Youhavenobusinesstosaythat!Itsnottrue!Oh!Ifonlyitcouldbea
strangernotamemberofthefamily.

Poirotsaid:Itmightbeboth.

Shestaredathim.

Whatdoyoumean?

Itmightbeamemberofthefamilyand,atthesametime,astranger...Youdonotsee
whatImean?Ehbien,itisanideathathasoccurredtothemindofHerculePoirot.

Helookedather.

Well,madame,whatamItosaytoMrLee?

Lydiaraisedherhandsandletthemfallinasuddenhelplessgesture.

138
Shesaid:Ofcourseyoumustaccept.

IV

Pilarstoodinthecentreofthemusicroom.Shestoodverystraight,hereyesdartingfrom
sidetosidelikeananimalwhofearsanattack.

Shesaid:Iwanttogetawayfromhere!

StephenFarrsaidgently:Yourenottheonlyonewhofeelslikethat.Buttheywontletus
go,mydear.

Youmeanthepolice?

Yes.

Pilarsaidveryseriously:Itisnotnicetobemixedupwiththepolice.Itisathingthat
shouldnothappentorespectablepeople.

Stephensaidwithafaintsmile:Meaningyourself?

Pilarsaid:No,ImeanAlfredandLydiaandDavidandGeorgeandHildaandyes
Magdalenetoo.

Stephenlitacigarette.Hepuffedatitforamomentortwobeforesaying:Whythe
exception?

Whatisthat,please?

Stephensaid:WhyleaveoutbrotherHarry?

Pilarlaughed,herteethshowingwhiteandeven.

Oh,Harryisdifferent!Ithinkheknowsverywellwhatitistobemixedupwiththepolice.

Perhapsyouareright.Hecertainlyisalittletoopicturesquetoblendwellintothe
domesticpicture.

Hewenton:DoyoulikeyourEnglishrelations,Pilar?

Pilarsaiddoubtfully:Theyarekindtheyareallverykind.Buttheydonotlaughmuch,
theyarenotgay.

Mydeargirl,theresjustbeenamurderinthehouse!

Yes,saidPilardoubtfully.

139
Amurder,saidStepheninstructively,isnotsuchaneverydayoccurrenceasyour
nonchalanceseemstoimply.InEnglandtheytaketheirmurdersseriouslywhateverthey
maydoinSpain.

Pilarsaid:Youarelaughingatme...

Stephensaid:Yourewrong.Imnotinalaughingmood.

Pilarlookedathimandsaid:Becauseyou,too,wishtogetawayfromhere?

Yes.

Andthebig,handsomepolicemanwillnotletyougo?

Ihaventaskedhim.ButifIdid,Ivenodoubthedsayno.Ivegottowatchmystep,Pilar,
andbeveryverycareful.

Thatistiresome,saidPilar,noddingherhead.

Itsjustalittlebitmorethantiresome,mydear.Thentheresthatlunaticforeigner
prowlingabout.Idontsupposehesanygoodbuthemakesmefeeljumpy.

Pilarwasfrowning.Shesaid:Mygrandfatherwasvery,veryrich,washenot?

Ishouldimagineso.

Wheredoeshismoneygotonow?ToAlfredandtheothers?

Dependsonhiswill.

Pilarsaidthoughtfully:Hemighthaveleftmesomemoney,butIamafraidthatperhaps
hedidnot.

Stephensaidkindly:Youllbeallright.Afterall,youreoneofthefamily.Youbelonghere.
Theyllhavetolookafteryou.

Pilarsaidwithasigh:Ibelonghere.Itisveryfunny,that.Andyetitisnotfunnyatall.

Icanseethatyoumightntfinditveryhumorous.

Pilarsighedagain.Shesaid:Doyouthinkifweputonthegramophone,wecoulddance?

Stephensaiddubiously:Itwouldntlookanytoogood.Thisisahouseofmourning,you
callousSpanishbaggage.

Pilarsaid,herbigeyesopeningverywide:ButIdonotfeelsadatall.BecauseIdidnot
reallyknowmygrandfather,andthoughIlikedtotalktohim,Idonotwanttocryandbe
unhappybecauseheisdead.Itisverysillytopretend.
140
Stephensaid:Youreadorable!

Pilarsaidcoaxingly:Wecouldputsomestockingsandsomeglovesinthegramophone,
andthenitwouldnotmakemuchnoise,andnoonewouldhear.

Comealongthen,temptress.

Shelaughedhappilyandranoutoftheroom,goingalongtowardstheballroomatthefar
endofthehouse.

Then,asshereachedthesidepassagewhichledtothegardendoor,shestoppeddead.
Stephencaughtupwithherandstoppedalso.

HerculePoirothadunhookedaportraitfromthewallandwasstudyingitbythelightfrom
theterrace.Helookedupandsawthem.

Aha!hesaid.Youarriveatanopportunemoment.

Pilarsaid:Whatareyoudoing?

Shecameandstoodbesidehim.

Poirotsaidgravely:Iamstudyingsomethingveryimportant,thefaceofSimeonLeewhen
hewasayoungman.

Oh,isthatmygrandfather?

Yes,mademoiselle.

Shestaredatthepaintedface.Shesaidslowly:Howdifferenthowverydifferent...He
wassoold,soshrivelledup.HereheislikeHarry,likeHarrymighthavebeentenyears
ago.

HerculePoirotnodded.

Yes,mademoiselle.HarryLeeisverymuchthesonofhisfather.NowhereHeledhera
littlewayalongthegallery.Hereismadame,yourgrandmotheralonggentleface,very
blondehair,mildblueeyes.

Pilarsaid:LikeDavid.

Stephensaid:JustalookofAlfredtoo.

Poirotsaid:Theheredity,itisveryinteresting.MrLeeandhiswifewerediametrically
oppositetypes.Onthewhole,thechildrenofthemarriagetookafterthemother.See
here,mademoiselle.

141
Hepointedtoapictureofagirlofnineteenorso,withhairlikespungoldandwide,
laughingblueeyes.ThecolouringwasthatofSimeonLeeswife,buttherewasaspirit,a
vivacitythatthosemildblueeyesandplacidfeatureshadneverknown.

Oh!saidPilar.

Thecolourcameupinherface.

Herhandwenttoherneck.Shedrewoutalocketonalonggoldchain.Shepressedthe
catchanditflewopen.ThesamelaughingfacelookedupatPoirot.

Mymother,saidPilar.

Poirotnodded.Ontheoppositesideofthelocketwastheportraitofaman.Hewasyoung
andhandsome,withblackhairanddarkblueeyes.

Poirotsaid:Yourfather?

Pilarsaid:Yes,myfather.Heisverybeautiful,ishenot?

Yes,indeed.FewSpaniardshaveblueeyes,havethey,seorita?

Sometimes,intheNorth.Besides,myfathersmotherwasIrish.

Poirotsaidthoughtfully:SoyouhaveSpanishblood,andIrishandEnglish,andatouchof
gipsytoo.DoyouknowwhatIthink,mademoiselle?Withthatinheritance,youshould
makeabadenemy.

Stephensaid,laughing:Rememberwhatyousaidinthetrain,Pilar?Thatyourwayof
dealingwithyourenemieswouldbetocuttheirthroats.Oh!

Hestoppedsuddenlyrealizingtheimportofhiswords.

HerculePoirotwasquicktoleadtheconversationaway.Hesaid:Ah,yes,therewas
something,seorita,Ihadtoaskyou.Yourpassport.Itisneededbymyfriendthe
superintendent.Thereare,youknow,policeregulationsverystupid,verytiresome,but
necessaryforaforeignerinthiscountry.Andofcourse,bylaw,youareaforeigner.

Pilarseyebrowsrose.

Mypassport?Yes,Iwillgetit.Itisinmyroom.

Poirotsaidapologeticallyashewalkedbyherside:Iammostsorrytotroubleyou.Iam
indeed.

Theyhadreachedtheendofthelonggallery.Herewasaflightofstairs.Pilarranupand
Poirotfollowed.Stephencametoo.Pilarsbedroomwasjustattheheadofthestairs.

142
Shesaidasshereachedthedoor:Iwillgetitforyou.

Shewentin.PoirotandStephenFarrremainedwaitingoutside.

Stephensaidremorsefully:Damnsillyofmetosayathinglikethat.Idontthinkshe
noticed,though,doyou?

Poirotdidnotanswer.Heheldhisheadalittleononesideasthoughlistening.

Hesaid:TheEnglishareextraordinarilyfondoffreshair.MissEstravadosmusthave
inheritedthatcharacteristic.

Stephensaidstaring:Why?

Poirotsaidsoftly:Becausethoughitistodayextremelycoldtheblackfrostyoucallit
(notlikeyesterdaysomildandsunny)MissEstravadoshasjustflungupherlower
windowsash.Amazingtolovesomuchthefreshair.

SuddenlytherewasanexclamationinSpanishfrominsidetheroomandPilarreappeared
laughinglydismayed.

Ah!shecried.ButIamstupidandclumsy.Mylittlecaseitwasonthewindowsill,andI
wassortingthroughitsoquicklyandverystupidlyIknockmypassportoutofthewindow.
Itisdownontheflowerbedbelow.Iwillgetit.

Illgetit,saidStephen,butPilarhadflownpasthimandcriedbackoverhershoulder:
No,itwasmystupidity.YougotothedrawingroomwithM.PoirotandIwillbringitto
youthere.

StephenFarrseemedinclinedtogoafterher,butPoirotshandfellgentlyonhisarmand
Poirotsvoicesaid:Letusgothisway.

Theywentalongthefirstfloorcorridortowardstheotherendofthehouseuntiltheygot
totheheadofthemainstaircase.HerePoirotsaid:Letusnotgodownforaminute.If
youwillcomewithmetotheroomofthecrimethereissomethingIwanttoaskyou.

TheywentalongthecorridorwhichledtoSimeonLeesroom.Ontheirlefttheypassedan
alcovewhichcontainedtwomarblestatues,stalwartnymphsclaspingtheirdraperiesinan
agonyofVictorianpropriety.

StephenFarrglancedatthemandmurmured:Prettyfrightfulbydaylight.Ithoughtthere
werethreeofthemwhenIcamealongtheothernight,butthankgoodnessthereareonly
two!

Theyarenotwhatisadmirednowadays,admittedPoirot.Butnodoubttheycostmuch
moneyintheirtime.Theylookbetterbynight,Ithink.

Yes,oneseesonlyawhiteglimmeringfigure.
143
Poirotmurmured:Allcatsaregreyinthedark!

TheyfoundSuperintendentSugdenintheroom.Hewaskneelingbythesafeand
examiningitwithamagnifyingglass.Helookedupastheyentered.

Thiswasopenedwiththekeyallright,hesaid.Bysomeonewhoknewthecombination.
Nosignofanythingelse.

Poirotwentuptohim,drewhimaside,andwhisperedsomething.Thesuperintendent
noddedandlefttheroom.

PoirotturnedtoStephenFarr,whowasstandingstaringatthearmchairinwhichSimeon
Leealwayssat.Hisbrowsweredrawntogetherandtheveinsshowedinhisforehead.
Poirotlookedathimforaminuteortwoinsilence,thenhesaid:Youhavethe
memoriesyes?

Stephensaidslowly:Twodaysagohesattherealiveandnow...

Then,shakingoffhisabsorption,hesaid:Yes,M.Poirot,youbroughtmeheretoaskme
something?

Ah,yes.Youwere,Ithink,thefirstpersontoarriveonthescenethatnight?

WasI?Idontremember.No,Ithinkoneoftheladieswasherebeforeme.

Whichlady?

OneofthewivesGeorgeswifeorDavidsIknowtheywerebothhereprettysoon.

Youdidnothearthescream,Ithinkyousaid?

IdontthinkIdid.Icantquiteremember.Somebodydidcryoutbutthatmayhavebeen
someonedownstairs.

Poirotsaid:Youdidnothearanoiselikethis?

Hethrewhisheadbackandsuddenlygaveventtoapiercingyell.

ItwassounexpectedthatStephenstartedbackwardsandnearlyfellover.Hesaidangrily:
FortheLordssake,doyouwanttoscarethewholehouse?No,Ididnthearanythingin
theleastlikethat!Youllhavethewholeplacebytheearsagain!Theyllthinkanother
murderhashappened!

Poirotlookedcrestfallen.Hemurmured:True...itwasfoolish...Wemustgoatonce.

Hehurriedoutoftheroom.LydiaandAlfredwereatthefootofthestairspeeringup
Georgecameoutofthelibrarytojointhem,andPilarcamerunning,apassportheldinher
hand.
144
Poirotcried:Itisnothingnothing.Donotbealarmed.AlittleexperimentthatImake.
Thatwasall.

AlfredlookedannoyedandGeorgeindignant.PoirotleftStephentoexplainandhe
hurriedlyslippedawayalongthepassagetotheotherendofthehouse.

AttheendofthepassageSuperintendentSugdencamequietlyoutofPilarsdoorandmet
Poirot.

Ehbien?askedPoirot.

Thesuperintendentshookhishead.

Notasound.

HiseyesmetPoirotsappreciativelyandhenodded.

AlfredLeesaid:Thenyouaccept,M.Poirot?

Hishand,asitwenttohismouth,shookslightly.Hismildbrowneyeswerealightwitha
newandfeverishexpression.Hestammeredslightlyinhisspeech.Lydia,standingsilently
by,lookedathimwithsomeanxiety.

Alfredsaid:Youdontknowyoucccantimaginewhatitmmmeanstome...My
fathersmurderermustbefffound.

Poirotsaid:Sinceyouhaveassuredmethatyouhavereflectedlongandcarefullyyes,I
accept.Butyoucomprehend,MrLee,therecanbenodrawingback.Iamnotthedogone
setsontohuntandthenrecallsbecauseyoudonotlikethegameheputsup!

Ofcourse...ofcourse...Everythingisready.Yourbedroomisprepared.Stayaslongasyou
like

Poirotsaidgravely:Itwillnotbelong.

Eh?Whatsthat?

Isaiditwillnotbelong.Thereisinthiscrimesucharestrictedcirclethatitcannot
possiblytakelongtoarriveatthetruth.Already,Ithink,theenddrawsnear.

Alfredstaredathim,Impossible!hesaid.

Notatall.Thefactsallpointmoreorlessclearlyinonedirection.Thereisjustsome
irrelevantmattertobeclearedoutoftheway.Whenthisisdonethetruthwillappear.

Alfredsaidincredulously:Youmeanyouknow?
145
Poirotsmiled.Oh,yes,hesaid.Iknow.

Alfredsaid:MyfathermyfatherHeturnedaway.

Poirotsaidbriskly:Thereare,M.Lee,tworequeststhatIhavetomake.

Alfredsaidinamuffledvoice:Anythinganything.

Then,inthefirstplace,IwouldliketheportraitofM.Leeasayoungmanplacedinthe
bedroomyouaregoodenoughtoallottome.

AlfredandLydiastaredathim.

Theformersaid:Myfathersportraitbutwhy?

Poirotsaidwithawaveofthehand:ItwillhowshallIsayinspireme.

Lydiasaidsharply:Doyoupropose,M.Poirot,tosolveacrimebyclairvoyance?

Letussay,madame,thatIintendtousenotonlytheeyesofthebody,buttheeyesofthe
mind.

Sheshruggedhershoulders.

Poirotcontinued:Next,M.Lee,Ishouldliketoknowofthetruecircumstancesattending
thedeathofyoursistershusband,JuanEstravados.

Lydiasaid:Isthatnecessary?

Iwantallthefacts,madame.

Alfredsaid:JuanEstravados,astheresultofaquarrelaboutawoman,killedanotherman
inacaf.

Howdidhekillhim?

AlfredlookedappealinglyatLydia.Shesaidevenly:Hestabbedhim.JuanEstravadoswas
notcondemnedtodeath,astherehadbeenprovocation.Hewassentencedtoatermof
imprisonmentanddiedinprison.

Doeshisdaughterknowaboutherfather?

Ithinknot.

Alfredsaid:No,Jennifernevertoldher.

Thankyou.

146
Lydiasaid:YoudontthinkthatPilarOh,itsabsurd!

Poirotsaid:Now,M.Lee,willyougivemesomefactsaboutyourbrother,M.HarryLee?

Whatdoyouwanttoknow?

Iunderstandthathewasconsideredsomewhatofadisgracetothefamily.Why?

Lydiasaid:Itissolongago...

Alfredsaid,thecolourcomingupinhisface:Ifyouwanttoknow,M.Poirot,hestolea
largesumofmoneybyforgingmyfathersnametoacheque.Naturallymyfatherdidnt
prosecute.Harrysalwaysbeencrooked.Hesbeenintroubleallovertheworld.Always
cablingformoneytogetoutofascrape.Hesbeeninandoutofgaolhere,thereand
everywhere.

Lydiasaid:Youdontreallyknowallthis,Alfred.

Alfredsaidangrily,hishandsshaking:Harrysnogoodnogoodwhatever!Heneverhas
been!

Poirotsaid:Thereis,Isee,nolovelostbetweenyou?

Alfredsaid:Hevictimizedmyfathervictimizedhimshamefully!

Lydiasighedaquick,impatientsigh.Poirothearditandgaveherasharpglance.

Shesaid:Ifonlythosediamondscouldbefound.Imsurethesolutionliesthere.

Poirotsaid:Theyhavebeenfound,madame.

What?

Poirotsaidgently:TheywerefoundinyourlittlegardenoftheDeadSea...

Lydiacried:Inmygarden?Howhowextraordinary!

Poirotsaidsoftly:Isitnot,madame?

147
148
Part6

December27th

AlfredLeesaidwithasigh:ThatwasbetterthanIfeared!

Theyhadjustreturnedfromtheinquest.

MrCharlton,anoldfashionedtypeofsolicitorwithacautiousblueeye,hadbeenpresent
andhadreturnedwiththem.

Hesaid:AhItoldyoutheproceedingswouldbepurelyformalpurelyformalthere
wasboundtobeanadjournmenttoenablethepolicetogatherupadditionalevidence.

GeorgeLeesaidvexedly:Itisallmostunpleasantreallymostunpleasantaterrible
positioninwhichtobeplaced!Imyselfamquiteconvincedthatthiscrimewasdonebya
maniacwhosomehoworothergainedadmittancetothehouse.ThatmanSugdenisas
obstinateasamule.ColonelJohnsonshouldenlisttheaidofScotlandYard.Theselocal
policearenogood.Thickheaded.WhataboutthismanHorbury,forinstance?Ihearhis
pastisdefinitelyunsatisfactorybutthepolicedonothingwhateveraboutit.

MrCharltonsaid:AhIbelievethemanHorburyhasasatisfactoryalibicoveringthe
periodoftimeinquestion.Thepolicehaveacceptedit.

Whyshouldthey?Georgefumed.IfIwerethey,Ishouldacceptsuchanalibiwith
reservewithgreatreserve.Naturally,acriminalalwaysprovideshimselfwithanalibi!It
isthedutyofthepolicetobreakdownthealibithatis,iftheyknowtheirjob.

Well,well,saidMrCharlton.Idontthinkitsquiteourbusinesstoteachthepolicetheir
jobs,eh?Prettycompetentbodyofmenonthewhole.

Georgeshookhisheaddarkly.

ScotlandYardshouldbecalledin.ImnotatallsatisfiedwithSuperintendentSugdenhe
maybepainstakingbutheiscertainlyfarfrombrilliant.

MrCharltonsaid:Idontagreewithyou,youknow.Sugdensagoodman.Doesntthrow
hisweightabout,buthegetsthere.

Lydiasaid:Imsurethepolicearedoingtheirbest.MrCharlton,willyouhaveaglassof
sherry?

MrCharltonthankedherpolitely,butdeclined.

Then,clearinghisthroat,heproceededtothereadingofthewill,allmembersofthe
familybeingassembled.

149
Hereaditwithacertainrelish,lingeringoveritsmoreobscurephraseology,andsavouring
itslegaltechnicalities.

Hecametotheend,tookoffhisglasses,wipedthem,andlookedroundontheassembled
companyinquiringly.

HarryLeesaid:Allthislegalstuffsabithardtofollow.Giveusthebarebonesofit,will
you?

Really,saidMrCharlton.Itsaperfectlysimplewill.

Harrysaid:MyGod,whatsadifficultwilllikethen?

MrCharltonrebukedhimwithacoldglance.Hesaid:Themainprovisionsofthewillare
quitesimple.HalfMrLeespropertygoestohisson,MrAlfredLee,theremainderis
dividedbetweenhisotherchildren.

Harrylaughedunpleasantly.Hesaid:Asusual,Alfredsstrucklucky!Halfmyfathers
fortune!Luckydog,arentyou,Alfred?

Alfredflushed.Lydiasaidsharply:Alfredwasaloyalanddevotedsontohisfather.Hes
managedtheworksforyearsandhashadalltheresponsibility.

Harrysaid:Oh,yes,Alfredwasalwaysthegoodboy.

Alfredsaidsharply:Youmayconsideryourselflucky,Ithink,Harry,thatmyfatherleftyou
anythingatall!

Harrylaughed,throwinghisheadback.Hesaid:Youdhavelikeditbetterifhedcutme
rightout,wouldntyou?Youvealwaysdislikedme.

MrCharltoncoughed.Hewasusedonlytoowellusedtothepainfulscenesthat
succeededthereadingofawill.Hewasanxioustogetawaybeforetheusualfamily
quarrelgottoowellunderway.

Hemurmured:IthinkerthatthatisallthatIneeder

Harrysaidsharply:WhataboutPilar?

MrCharltoncoughedagain,thistimeapologetically.

ErMissEstravadosisnotmentionedinthewill.

Harrysaid:Doesntshegethermothersshare?

MrCharltonexplained.

150
SenoraEstravados,ifshehadlived,wouldofcoursehavereceivedanequalsharewith
therestofyou,butassheisdead,theportionthatwouldhavebeenhersgoesbackinto
theestatetobesharedoutbetweenyou.

PilarsaidslowlyinherrichSouthernvoice:ThenIhavenothing?

Lydiasaidquickly:Mydear,thefamilywillseetothat,ofcourse.

GeorgeLeesaid:YouwillbeabletomakeyourhomeherewithAlfredeh,Alfred?We
eryouareournieceitisourdutytolookafteryou.

Hildasaid:WeshallalwaysbegladtohavePilarwithus.

Harrysaid:Sheoughttohaveherpropershare.SheoughttohaveJenniferswhack.

MrCharltonmurmured:Mustreallyerbegoing.Goodbye,MrsLeeanythingIcan
doerconsultmeatanytime...

Heescapedquickly.Hisexperienceenabledhimtopredictthatalltheingredientsfora
familyrowwerepresent.

AsthedoorshutbehindhimLydiasaidinherclearvoice:IagreewithHarry.IthinkPilaris
entitledtoadefiniteshare.ThiswillwasmademanyyearsbeforeJennifersdeath.

Nonsense,saidGeorge.Veryslipshodandillegalwayofthinking,Lydia.Thelawsthe
law.Wemustabidebyit.

Magdalenesaid:Itshardluck,ofcourse,andwereallverysorryforPilar,butGeorgeis
right.Ashesays,thelawisthelaw.

Lydiagotup.ShetookPilarbythehand.

Mydear,shesaid.Thismustbeveryunpleasantforyou.Willyoupleaseleaveuswhile
wediscussthequestion?

Sheledthegirltothedoor.

Dontworry,Pilar,dear,shesaid.Leaveittome.

Pilarwentslowlyoutoftheroom.Lydiashutthedoorbehindherandturnedback.

Therewasamomentspausewhileeveryonedrewbreathandinanothermomentthe
battlewasinfullswing.

Harrysaid:Youvealwaysbeenadamnedskinflint,George.

Georgeretorted:Atanyrate,Ivenotbeenaspongeandarotter!

151
YouvebeenjustasmuchofaspongeasIhave!YouvebattenedonFatherallthese
years.

YouseemtoforgetthatIholdaresponsibleandarduouspositionwhich

Harrysaid:Responsibleandarduousmyfoot!Youreonlyaninflatedgasbag!

Magdalenescreamed:Howdareyou?

Hildascalmvoice,slightlyraised,said:Couldntwejustdiscussthisquietly?

Lydiathrewheragratefulglance.

Davidsaidwithsuddenviolence:Mustwehaveallthisdisgracefulfussovermoney!

Magdalenesaidvenomouslytohim:Itsallverywelltobesohighminded.Yourenot
goingtorefuseyourlegacy,areyou?Youwantmoneyjustasmuchastherestofusdo!
Allthisunworldlinessisjustapose!

Davidsaidinastrangledvoice:YouthinkIoughttorefuseit?Iwonder

Hildasaidsharply:Ofcourseyououghtnt.Mustweallbehavelikechildren?Alfred,
youretheheadofthefamily

Alfredseemedtowakeoutofadream.Hesaid:Ibegyourpardon.Allofyoushoutingat
once.Ititconfusesme.

Lydiasaid:AsHildahasjustpointedout,whymustwebehavelikegreedychildren?Letus
discussthisthingquietlyandsanelyandsheaddedthisquicklyonethingatatime.
Alfredshallspeakfirstbecauseheistheeldest.Whatdoyouthink,Alfred,weshoulddo
aboutPilar?

Hesaidslowly:Shemustmakeherhomehere,certainly.Andweshouldmakeheran
allowance.Idonotseeshehasanylegalclaimtothemoneywhichwouldhavegoneto
hermother.ShesnotaLee,remember.ShesaSpanishsubject.

Nolegalclaim,no,saidLydia.ButIthinkshehasamoralclaim.AsIseeit,yourfather,
althoughhisdaughterhadmarriedaSpaniardagainsthiswishes,recognizedhertohave
anequalclaimuponhim.George,Harry,David,andJenniferweretoshareequally.
Jenniferonlydiedlastyear.IamsurethatwhenhesentforMrCharlton,hemeantto
makeampleprovisionforPilarinanewwill.Hewouldhaveallottedheratleasther
mothersshare.Itispossiblethathemighthavedonemuchmorethanthat.Shewasthe
onlygrandchild,remember.Ithinktheleastwecandoistoendeavourtoremedyany
injusticethatyourfatherhimselfwaspreparingtoremedy.

Alfredsaidwarmly:Wellput,Lydia!Iwaswrong.IagreewithyouthatPilarmustbegiven
Jennifersshareofmyfathersfortune.

152
Lydiasaid:Yourturn,Harry.

Harrysaid:Asyouknow,Iagree.IthinkLydiahasputthecaseverywell,andIdliketosay
Iadmireherforit.

Lydiasaid:George?

Georgewasredintheface.Hespluttered:Certainlynot!Wholethingspreposterous!
Giveherahomeandadecentdressallowance.Quiteenoughforher!

Thenyourefusetocooperate?askedAlfred.

Yes,Ido.

Andhesquiteright,saidMagdalene.Itsdisgracefultosuggestheshoulddoanythingof
thekind!ConsideringthatGeorgeistheonlymemberofthefamilywhohasdone
anythingintheworld,Ithinkitsashamehisfatherlefthimsolittle!

Lydiasaid:David?

Davidsaidvaguely:Oh,Ithinkyoureright.Itsapitytheresgottobesomuchugliness
anddisputingaboutitall.

Hildasaid:Yourequiteright,Lydia.Itsonlyjustice!

Harrylookedround.Hesaid:Well,thatsclear.Ofthefamily,Alfred,myselfandDavidare
infavourofthemotion.Georgeisagainstit.Theayeshaveit.

Georgesaidsharply:Thereisnoquestionofayesandnoes.Myshareofmyfathers
estateismineabsolutely.Ishallnotpartwithapennyofit.

No,indeed,saidMagdalene.

Lydiasaidsharply:Ifyouliketostandout,thatisyourbusiness.Therestofuswillmake
upyourshareofthetotal.

Shelookedroundforassentandtheothersnodded.

Harrysaid:Alfredsgotthelionsshare.Heoughttostandmostoftheracket.

Alfredsaid:Iseethatyouroriginaldisinterestedsuggestionwillsoonbreakdown.

Hildasaidfirmly:Dontletsstartagain!LydiashalltellPilarwhatwevedecided.Wecan
settledetailslater.Sheaddedinthehopeofmakingadiversion,IwonderwhereMrFarr
is,andM.Poirot?

Alfredsaid:WedroppedPoirotinthevillageonourwaytotheinquest.Hesaidhehadan
importantpurchasetomake.
153
Harrysaid:Whydidnthegototheinquest?Surelyheoughttohavedone!

Lydiasaid:Perhapsheknewitwasnotgoingtobeimportant.Whosthatoutthereinthe
garden?SuperintendentSugden,orMrFarr?

Theeffortsofthetwowomenweresuccessful.Thefamilyconclavebrokeup.

LydiasaidtoHildaprivately:Thankyou,Hilda.Itwasniceofyoutobackmeup.You
know,youreallyhavebeenacomfortinallthis.

Hildasaidthoughtfully:Queerhowmoneyupsetspeople.

Theothershadalllefttheroom.Thetwowomenwerealone.

Lydiasaid:YesevenHarryalthoughitwashissuggestion!AndmypoorAlfredheis
soBritishhedoesntreallylikeLeemoneygoingtoaSpanishsubject.

Hildasaid,smiling:Doyouthinkwewomenaremoreunworldly?

Lydiasaidwithashrugofhergracefulshoulders:Well,youknow,itisntreallyour
moneynotourown!Thatmaymakeadifference.

Hildasaidthoughtfully:SheisastrangechildPilar,Imean.Iwonderwhatwillbecomeof
her?

Lydiasighed.

Imgladthatshewillbeindependent.Tolivehere,tobegivenahomeandadress
allowance,wouldnot,Ithink,beverysatisfactorytoher.Shestooproudand,Ithink,
tootooalien.

Sheaddedmusingly:IoncebroughtsomebeautifulbluelapishomefromEgypt.Out
there,againstthesunandthesand,itwasagloriouscolourabrilliantwarmblue.But
whenIgotithome,theblueofithardlyshowedanymore.Itwasjustadull,darkishstring
ofbeads.

Hildasaid:Yes,Isee...

Lydiasaidgently:IamsogladtocometoknowyouandDavidatlast.Imgladyouboth
camehere.

Hildasighed:HowoftenIvewishedinthelastfewdaysthatwehadnt!

Iknow.Youmusthavedone...Butyouknow,Hilda,theshockhasntaffectedDavidnearly
asbadlyasitmighthavedone.Imean,heissosensitivethatitmighthaveupsethim
completely.Actually,sincethemurder,hesseemedeversomuchbetter

154
Hildalookedslightlydisturbed.Shesaid:Soyouvenoticedthat?Itsratherdreadfulina
way...Butoh!Lydia,itsundoubtedlyso!

Shewassilentaminuterecollectingwordsthatherhusbandhadspokenonlythenight
before.Hehadsaidtoher,eagerly,hisfairhairtossedbackfromhisforehead:Hilda,you
rememberinToscawhenScarpiaisdeadandToscalightsthecandlesathisheadand
feet?Doyourememberwhatshesays:NowIcanforgivehim...ThatiswhatIfeel
aboutFather.IseenowthatalltheseyearsIcouldntforgivehim,andyetIreallywanted
to...Butnonowtheresnorancouranymore.Itsallwipedaway.AndIfeeloh,Ifeelas
thoughagreatloadhadbeenliftedfrommyback.

Shehadsaid,strivingtofightbackasuddenfear:Becausehesdead?

Hehadansweredquickly,stammeringinhiseagerness:No,no,youdontunderstand.Not
becauseheisdead,butbecausemychildishstupidhateofhimisdead...

Hildathoughtofthosewordsnow.

Shewouldhavelikedtorepeatthemtothewomanatherside,butshefeltinstinctively
thatitwaswisernot.

ShefollowedLydiaoutofthedrawingroomintothehall.

Magdalenewasthere,standingbythehalltablewithalittleparcelinherhand.She
jumpedwhenshesawthem.Shesaid:Oh,thismustbeMPoirotsimportantpurchase.I
sawhimputitdownherejustnow.Iwonderwhatitis.

Shelookedfromonetotheotherofthem,gigglingalittle,buthereyesweresharpand
anxious,belyingtheaffectedgaietyofherwords.

Lydiaseyebrowsrose.Shesaid:Imustgoandwashbeforelunch.

Magdalenesaid,stillwiththataffectationofchildishness,butunabletokeepthe
desperatenoteoutofhervoice:Imustjustpeep!

Sheunrolledthepieceofpaperandgaveasharpexclamation.Shestaredatthethingin
herhand.

LydiastoppedandHildatoo.Bothwomenstared.

Magdalenesaidinapuzzledvoice:Itsafalsemoustache.Butbutwhy?

Hildasaiddoubtfully:Disguise?But

Lydiafinishedthesentenceforher.

ButM.Poirothasaveryfinemoustacheofhisown!

155
Magdalenewaswrappingtheparcelupagain.Shesaid:Idontunderstand.Itsitsmad.
WhydoesM.Poirotbuyafalsemoustache?

II

WhenPilarleftthedrawingroomshewalkedslowlyalongthehall.StephenFarrwas
cominginthroughthegardendoor.Hesaid:Well?Isthefamilyconclaveover?Hasthe
willbeenread?

Pilarsaid,herbreathcomingfast:Ihavegotnothingnothingatall!Itwasawillmade
manyyearsago.Mygrandfatherleftmoneytomymother,butbecausesheisdeaditdoes
notgotomebutgoesbacktothem.

Stephensaid:Thatseemsratherhardlines.

Pilarsaid:Ifthatoldmanhadlived,hewouldhavemadeanotherwill.Hewouldhaveleft
moneytomealotofmoney!Perhapsintimehewouldhaveleftmeallthemoney!

Stephensaid,smiling:Thatwouldnthavebeenveryfaireither,wouldit?

Whynot?Hewouldhavelikedmebest,thatisall.

Stephensaid:Whatagreedychildyouare.Areallittlegolddigger.

Pilarsaidsoberly:Theworldisverycrueltowomen.Theymustdowhattheycanfor
themselveswhiletheyareyoung.Whentheyareoldanduglynoonewillhelpthem.

Stephensaidslowly:ThatsmoretruethanIliketothink.Butitisntquitetrue.AlfredLee,
forinstance,wasgenuinelyfondofhisfatherinspiteoftheoldmanbeingthoroughly
tryingandexacting.

Pilarschinwentup.

Alfred,shesaid,isratherafool.

Stephenlaughed.

Thenhesaid:Well,dontworry,lovelyPilar.TheLeesareboundtolookafteryou,you
know.

Pilarsaiddisconsolately:Itwillnotbeveryamusing,that.

Stephensaidslowly:No,Imafraiditwont.Icantseeyoulivinghere,Pilar.Wouldyou
liketocometoSouthAfrica?

Pilarnodded.

156
Stephensaid:Theressunthere,andspace.Thereshardworktoo.Areyougoodatwork,
Pilar?

Pilarsaiddoubtfully:Idonotknow.

Hesaid:Youdrathersitonabalconyandeatsweetsalldaylong?Andgrowenormously
fatandhavethreedoublechins?

PilarlaughedandStephensaid:Thatsbetter.Ivemadeyoulaugh.

Pilarsaid:IthoughtIshouldlaughthisChristmas!InbooksIhavereadthatanEnglish
Christmasisverygay,thatoneeatsburningraisinsandthereisaplumpuddingallin
flames,andsomethingthatiscalledaYulelog.

Stephensaid:Ah,butyoumusthaveaChristmasuncomplicatedbymurder.Comeinhere
aminute.Lydiatookmeinhereyesterday.Itsherstoreroom.

Heledherintoasmallroomlittlebiggerthanacupboard.

Look,Pilar,boxesandboxesofcrackers,andpreservedfruitsandorangesanddatesand
nuts.Andhere

Oh!Pilarclaspedherhands.Theyarepretty,thesegoldandsilverballs.

Thoseweretohangonatree,withpresentsfortheservants.Andherearelittlesnowmen
allglitteringwithfrosttoputonthedinnertable.Andhereareballoonsofeverycolourall
readytoblowup!

Oh!Pilarseyesshone.Oh!canweblowoneup?Lydiawouldnotmind.Idolove
balloons.

Stephensaid:Baby!Here,whichwillyouhave?

Pilarsaid:Iwillhavearedone.

Theyselectedtheirballoonsandblew,theircheeksdistended.Pilarstoppedblowingto
laugh,andherballoonwentdownagain.

Shesaid:Youlooksofunnyblowingwithyourcheekspuffedout.

Herlaughrangout.Thenshefellto,blowingindustriously.Theytieduptheirballoons
carefullyandbegantoplaywiththem,pattingthemupwards,sendingthemtoandfro.

Pilarsaid:Outinthehalltherewouldbemoreroom.

Theyweresendingtheballoonstoeachother,andlaughing,whenPoirotcamealongthe
hall.Heregardedthemindulgently.

157
Soyouplaylesjeuxdenfants?Itispretty,that!

Pilarsaidbreathlessly:Mineistheredone.Itisbiggerthanhis.Muchbigger.Ifwetookit
outsideitwouldgorightupinthesky.

Letssendthemupandwish,saidStephen.

Oh,yes,thatisagoodidea.

Pilarrantothegardendoor,Stephenfollowed.Poirotcamebehind,stilllookingindulgent.

Iwillwishforagreatdealofmoney,announcedPilar.

Shestoodontiptoe,holdingthestringoftheballoon.Ittuggedgentlyasapuffofwind
came.Pilarletgoanditfloatedalong,takenbythebreeze.

Stephenlaughed.

Youmustnttellyourwish.

No?Whynot?

Becauseitdoesntcometrue.Now,Imgoingtowish.

Hereleasedhisballoon.Buthewasnotsolucky.Itfloatedsideways,caughtonaholly
bushandexpiredwithabang.

Pilarrantoit.

Sheannouncedtragically:Itisgone...

Then,asshestirredthelittlelimpwispofrubberwithhertoe,shesaid:Sothatwaswhat
IpickedupinGrandfathersroom.He,too,hadhadaballoon,onlyhiswasapinkone.

Poirotgaveasharpexclamation.Pilarturnedinquiringly.

Poirotsaid:Itisnothing.Istabbednostubbedthetoe.

Hewheeledroundandlookedatthehouse.

Hesaid:Somanywindows!Ahouse,mademoiselle,hasitseyesanditsears.Itisindeed
regrettablethattheEnglisharesofondofopenwindows.

Lydiacameoutontheterrace.Shesaid:Lunchisjustready.Pilar,mydear,everythinghas
beensettledquitesatisfactorily.Alfredwillexplaintheexactdetailstoyouafterlunch.
Shallwecomein?

Theywentintothehouse.Poirotcamelast.Hewaslookinggrave.
158
III

Lunchwasover.

Astheycameoutofthediningroom,AlfredsaidtoPilar:Willyoucomeintomyroom?
ThereissomethingIwanttotalkoverwithyou.

Heledheracrossthehallandintohisstudy,shuttingthedoorafterhim.Theotherswent
onintothedrawingroom.OnlyHerculePoirotremainedinthehalllookingthoughtfullyat
theclosedstudydoor.

Hewasawaresuddenlyoftheoldbutlerhoveringuneasilynearhim.

Poirotsaid:Yes,Tressilian,whatisit?

Theoldmanseemedtroubled.Hesaid:IwantedtospeaktoMrLee.ButIdontliketo
disturbhimnow.

Poirotsaid:Somethinghasoccurred?

Tressiliansaidslowly:Itssuchaqueerthing.Itdoesntmakesense.

Tellme,saidHerculePoirot.

Tressilianhesitated.Thenhesaid:Well,itsthis,sir.Youmayhavenoticedthateachside
ofthefrontdoortherewasacannonball.Bigheavystonethings.Well,sir,oneofthems
gone.

HerculePoirotseyebrowsrose.Hesaid;Sincewhen?

Theywereboththerethismorning,sir.Illtakemyoathonthat.

Letmesee.

Togethertheywentoutsidethefrontdoor.Poirotbentandexaminedtheremaining
cannonball.Whenhestraightenedhimself,hisfacewasverygrave.

Tressilianquavered:Whodwanttostealathinglikethat,sir?Itdoesntmakesense.

Poirotsaid:Idonotlikeit.Idonotlikeitatall...

Tressilianwaswatchinghimanxiously.Hesaidslowly:Whatscometothehouse,sir?
Eversincethemasterwasmurdereditdoesntseemlikethesameplace.Ifeelthewhole
timeasthoughIwasgoingaboutinadream.Imixthingsup,andIsometimesfeelIcant
trustmyowneyes.

HerculePoirotshookhishead.Hesaid:Youarewrong.Yourowneyesarejustwhatyou
musttrust.
159
Tressiliansaid,shakinghishead:MysightsbadIcantseelikeIusedtodo.Igetthings
mixedupandpeople.Imgettingtoooldformywork.

HerculePoirotclappedhimontheshoulderandsaid:Courage.

Thankyou,sir.Youmeanitkindly,Iknow.Butthereitis,Iamtooold.Imalwaysgoing
backtotheolddaysandtheoldfaces.MissJennyandMasterDavidandMasterAlfred.
Imalwaysseeingthemasyounggentlemenandladies.EversincethatnightwhenMr
Harrycamehome

Poirotnodded.

Yes,hesaid,thatiswhatIthought.YousaidjustnowEversincethemasterwas
murderedbutitbeganbeforethat.ItiseversinceMrHarrycamehome,isitnot,that
thingshavealteredandseemedunreal?

Thebutlersaid:Yourequiteright,sir.Itwasthen.MrHarryalwaysbroughttroubleinto
thehouse,evenintheolddays.

Hiseyeswanderedbacktotheemptystonebase.

Whocanhavetakenit,sir?hewhispered.Andwhy?Itsitslikeamadhouse.

HerculePoirotsaid:ItisnotmadnessIamafraidof.Itissanity!Somebody,Tressilian,isin
greatdanger.

Heturnedandreenteredthehouse.

AtthatmomentPilarcameoutfromthestudy.Aredspotshoneoneithercheek.Sheheld
herheadhighandhereyesglittered.

AsPoirotcameuptoher,shesuddenlystampedherfootandsaid:Iwillnottakeit.

Poirotraisedhiseyebrows.Hesaid:Whatisitthatyouwillnottake,mademoiselle?

Pilarsaid:AlfredhasjusttoldmethatIamtohavemymothersshareofthemoneymy
grandfatherleft.

Well?

Icouldnotgetitbylaw,hesaid.ButheandLydiaandtheothersconsideritshouldbe
mine.Theysayitisamatterofjustice.Andsotheywillhanditovertome.

Poirotsaidagain:Well?

Pilarstampedoncemorewithherfoot.

Doyounotunderstand?Theyaregivingittomegivingittome.
160
Needthathurtyourpride?Sincewhattheysayistruethatitshouldinjusticebeyours?

Pilarsaid:Youdonotunderstand...

Poirotsaid:OnthecontraryIunderstandverywell.

Oh!...Sheturnedawaypettishly.

Therewasaringatthebell.Poirotglancedoverhisshoulder.Hesawthesilhouetteof
SuperintendentSugdenoutsidethedoor.HesaidhurriedlytoPilar:Whereareyou
going?

Shesaidsulkily:Tothedrawingroom.Totheothers.

Poirotsaidquickly:Good.Staywiththemthere.Donotwanderaboutthehousealone,
especiallyafterdark.Beonyourguard.Youareingreatdanger,mademoiselle.Youwill
neverbeingreaterdangerthanyouaretoday.

HeturnedawayfromherandwenttomeetSugden.

ThelatterwaitedtillTressilianhadgonebackintohispantry.

ThenheshovedacableformunderPoirotsnose.

Nowwevegotit!hesaid.Readthat.ItsfromtheSouthAfricanPolice.

Thecablesaid:EbenezerFarrsonlysondiedtwoyearsago.

Sugdensaid:Sonowweknow!FunnyIwasonadifferenttackaltogether...

IV

Pilarmarchedintothedrawingroom,herheadheldhigh.

ShewentstraightuptoLydia,whowassittinginthewindowwithsomeknitting.

Pilarsaid:Lydia,IhavecometotellyouthatIwillnottakethatmoney.Iamgoingaway
atonce...

Lydialookedastonished.Shelaiddownherknitting.Shesaid:Mydearchild,Alfredmust
haveexplainedverybadly!Itisnotintheleastamatterofcharity,ifthatiswhatyoufeel.
Really,itisnotaquestionofkindnessorgenerosityonourpart.Itisaplainmatterofright
andwrong.Intheordinarycourseofeventsyourmotherwouldhaveinheritedthis
money,andyouwouldhavecomeintoitfromher.Itisyourrightyourbloodright.Itisa
matter,notofcharity,butofjustice!

Pilarsaidfiercely:AndthatiswhyIcannotdoitnotwhenyouspeaklikethatnot
whenyouarelikethat!Ienjoyedcominghere.Itwasfun!Itwasanadventure,butnow
161
youhavespoiltitall!Iamgoingawaynow,atonceyouwillneverbebotheredbyme
again...

Tearschokedhervoice.Sheturnedandranblindlyoutoftheroom.

Lydiastared.Shesaidhelplessly:Idnoideashewouldtakeitlikethat!

Hildasaid:Thechildseemsquiteupset.

Georgeclearedhisthroatandsaidportentously:ErasIpointedoutthismorningthe
principleinvolvediswrong.Pilarhasthewittoseethatforherself.Sherefusestoaccept
charity

Lydiasaidsharply:Itisnotcharity.Itisherright!

Georgesaid:Shedoesnotseemtothinkso!

SuperintendentSugdenandHerculePoirotcamein.Theformerlookedroundandasked:
WheresMrFarr?Iwantawordwithhim.

Beforeanyonehadtimetoanswer,HerculePoirotsaidsharply:Whereistheseorita
Estravados?

GeorgeLeesaidwithatraceofmalicioussatisfaction:Goingtoclearout,soshesays.
ApparentlyshehashadenoughofherEnglishrelations.

Poirotwheeledround.

HesaidtoSugden:Come!

Asthetwomenemergedintothehall,therewasthesoundofaheavycrashandafar
awayshriek.

Poirotcried:Quick...Come...

Theyracedalongthehallandupthefarstaircase.ThedoorofPilarsroomwasopenanda
manstoodinthedoorway.Heturnedhisheadastheyranup.ItwasStephenFarr.

Hesaid:Shesalive...

Pilarstoodcrouchedagainstthewallofherroom.Shewasstaringatthefloorwhereabig
stonecannonballwaslying.

Shesaidbreathlessly:Itwasontopofmydoor,balancedthere.Itwouldhavecrashed
downonmyheadwhenIcamein,butmyskirtcaughtonanailandjerkedmebackjustas
Iwascomingin.

Poirotkneltdownandexaminedthenail.
162
Onitwasathreadofpurpletweed.Helookedupandnoddedgravely.

Thatnail,mademoiselle,hesaid,savedyourlife.

Thesuperintendentsaid,bewildered:Lookhere,whatsthemeaningofallthis?

Pilarsaid:Someonetriedtokillme!

Shenoddedherheadseveraltimes.

SuperintendentSugdenglancedupatthedoor.

Boobytrap,hesaid.Anoldfashionedboobytrapanditspurposewasmurder!Thats
thesecondmurderplannedinthishouse.Butthistimeitdidntcomeoff!

StephenFarrsaidhuskily:ThankGodyouresafe.

Pilarflungoutherhandsinawide,appealinggesture.

MadredeDios,shecried.Whyshouldanyonewishtokillme?WhathaveIdone?

HerculePoirotsaidslowly:Youshouldratherask,mademoiselle,whatdoIknow?

Shestared.

Know?Idonotknowanything.

HerculePoirotsaid:Thatiswhereyouarewrong.Tellme,MademoisellePilar,where
wereyouatthetimeofthemurder?Youwerenotinthisroom.

Iwas.Ihavetoldyouso!

SuperintendentSugdensaidwithdeceptivemildness:Yes,butyouwerentspeakingthe
truthwhenyousaidthat,youknow.Youtoldusyouheardyourgrandfatherscreamyou
couldnthaveheardthatifyouwereinhereMrPoirotandItestedthatyesterday.

Oh!Pilarcaughtherbreath.

Poirotsaid:Youweresomewhereverymuchnearerhisroom.IwilltellyouwhereIthink
youwere,mademoiselle.Youwereintherecesswiththestatuesquiteclosetoyour
grandfathersdoor.

Pilarsaid,startled:Oh...Howdidyouknow?

Poirotsaidwithafaintsmile:MrFarrsawyouthere.

Stephensaidsharply:Ididnot.Thatsanabsolutelie!

163
Poirotsaid:Iaskyourpardon,MrFarr,butyoudidseeher.Rememberyourimpression
thattherewerethreestatuesinthatrecess,nottwo.Onlyonepersonworeawhitedress
thatnight,MademoiselleEstravados.Shewasthethirdwhitefigureyousaw.Thatisso,is
itnot,mademoiselle?

Pilarsaid,afteramomentshesitation:Yes,itistrue.

Poirotsaidgently:Nowtellus,mademoiselle,thewholetruth.Whywereyouthere?

Pilarsaid:IleftthedrawingroomafterdinnerandIthoughtIwouldgoandseemy
grandfather.Ithoughthewouldbepleased.ButwhenIturnedintothepassageIsaw
someoneelsewasthereathisdoor.IdidnotwanttobeseenbecauseIknewmy
grandfatherhadsaidhedidnotwanttoseeanyonethatnight.Islippedintotherecessin
casethepersonatthedoorturnedround.

Then,allatonce,Iheardthemosthorriblesounds,tableschairsshewavedher
handseverythingfallingandcrashing.Ididnotmove.Idonotknowwhy.Iwas
frightened.Andthentherewasaterriblescreamshecrossedherselfandmyheartit
stoppedbeating,andIsaid,Someoneisdead...

Andthen?

AndthenpeoplebegancomingrunningalongthepassageandIcameoutattheendand
joinedthem.

SuperintendentSugdensaidsharply:Yousaidnothingofallthiswhenwefirstquestioned
you.Whynot?

Pilarshookherhead.

Shesaid,withanairofwisdom:Itisnotgoodtotelltoomuchtothepolice.Ithought,
yousee,thatifIsaidIwasnearthereyoumightthinkthatIhadkilledhim.SoIsaidIwas
inmyroom.

Sugdensaidsharply:Ifyoutelldeliberateliesallthatitendsinisthatyoureboundto
comeundersuspicion.

StephenFarrsaid:Pilar?

Yes?

Whodidyouseestandingatthedoorwhenyouturnedintothepassage?Tellus.

Sugdensaid:Yes,tellus.

Foramomentthegirlhesitated.Hereyesopened,thennarrowed.

Shesaidslowly:Idontknowwhoitwas.Itwastoodimlylittosee.Butitwasawoman...
164
V

SuperintendentSugdenlookedroundatthecircleoffaces.Hesaid,withsomethingas
nearirritationashehadyetshown:Thisisveryirregular,MrPoirot.

Poirotsaid:Itisalittleideaofmine.IwishtosharewitheveryonetheknowledgethatI
haveacquired.Ishalltheninvitetheircooperation,andsoweshallgetatthetruth.

Sugdenmurmuredunderhisbreath:Monkeytricks.

Heleanedbackinhischair.Poirotsaid:Tobeginwith,youhave,Ithink,anexplanationto
askofMrFarr.

Sugdensmouthtightened.

Ishouldhavechosenalesspublicmoment,hesaid.However,Ivenoobjection.He
handedthecabletoStephenFarr.Now,MrFarr,asyoucallyourself,perhapsyoucan
explainthis?

StephenFarrtookit.Raisinghiseyebrows,hereaditslowlyoutloud.Then,withabow,he
handeditbacktothesuperintendent.

Yes,hesaid.Itsprettydamning,isntit?

Sugdensaid:Isthatallyouvegottosayaboutit?Youquiteunderstandthereisno
obligationonyoutomakeastatement

StephenFarrinterrupted.Hesaid:Youneedntcautionme,Superintendent.Icanseeit
tremblingonyourtongue!Yes,Illgiveyouanexplanation.Itsnotaverygoodone,but
itsthetruth.

Hepaused.Thenhebegan:ImnotEbenezerFarrsson.ButIknewbothfatherandson
quitewell.Nowtryandputyourselfinmyplace.(MynameisStephenGrant,bytheway.)
Iarrivedinthiscountryforthefirsttimeinmylife.Iwasdisappointed.Everythingand
everybodyseemeddrabandlifeless.ThenIwastravellingbytrainandIsawagirl.Ivegot
tosayitstraightout:Ifellforthatgirl!Shewastheloveliestandmostunlikelycreaturein
theworld!ItalkedtoherforawhileinthetrainandImadeupmymindthenandthere
nottolosesightofher.AsIwasleavingthecompartmentIcaughtsightofthelabelonher
suitcase.Hernamemeantnothingtome,buttheaddresstowhichshewastravellingdid.
IdheardofGorstonHall,andIknewallaboutitsowner.HewasEbenezerFarrsonetime
partnerandoldEboftentalkedabouthimandsaidwhatapersonalityhewas.

Well,theideacametometogotoGorstonHallandpretendIwasEbsson.Hehaddied,
asthiscablesays,twoyearsago,butIrememberedoldEbsayingthathehadnotheard
fromSimeonLeenowformanyyears,andIjudgedthatLeewouldnotknowofthedeath
ofEbsson.Anyway,Ifeltitwasworthtrying.

165
Sugdensaid:Youdidnttryitonatonce,though.YoustayedintheKingsArmsat
Addlesfieldfortwodays.

Stephensaid:Iwasthinkingitoverwhethertotryitornot.AtlastImadeupmymindI
would.Itappealedtomeasabitofanadventure.Well,itworkedlikeacharm!Theold
mangreetedmeinthefriendliestmannerandatonceaskedmetocomeandstayinthe
house.Iaccepted.Thereyouare,Superintendent,theresmyexplanation.Ifyoudont
fancyit,castyourmindbacktoyourcourtingdaysandseeifyoudontremembersome
bitoffoolishnessyouindulgedinthen.Asformyrealname,asIsay,itsStephenGrant.
YoucancabletoSouthAfricaandcheckuponme,butIlltellyouthis:youllfindIma
perfectlyrespectablecitizen.Imnotacrookorajewelthief.

Poirotsaidsoftly:Ineverbelievedyouwere.

SuperintendentSugdenstrokedhisjawcautiously.Hesaid:Illhavetocheckuponthat
story.WhatIdliketoknowisthis:Whydidntyoucomecleanafterthemurderinsteadof
tellingusapackoflies?

Stephensaiddisarmingly:BecauseIwasafool!IthoughtIcouldgetawaywithit!I
thoughtitwouldlookfishyifIadmittedtobeinghereunderafalsename.IfIhadntbeen
acompleteidiotIwouldhaverealizedyouwereboundtocabletoJoburg.

Sugdensaid:Well,MrFarrerGrantImnotsayingIdisbelieveyourstory.Itwillbe
provedordisprovedsoonenough.

HelookedacrossinquiringlyatPoirot.Thelattersaid:IthinkMissEstravadoshas
somethingtosay.

Pilarhadgoneverywhite.Shesaid,inabreathlessvoice:Itistrue.Iwouldneverhave
toldyou,butforLydiaandthemoney.Tocomehereandpretendandcheatandactthat
wasfun,butwhenLydiasaidthemoneywasmineandthatitwasonlyjustice,thatwas
different;itwasnotfunanylonger.

AlfredLeesaidwithapuzzledface:Idonotunderstand,mydear,whatyouaretalking
about.

Pilarsaid:YouthinkIamyourniece,PilarEstravados?Butthatisnotso!Pilarwaskilled
whenIwastravellingwithherinacarinSpain.Abombcameandithitthecarandshe
waskilled,butIwasnottouched.Ididnotknowherverywell,butshehadtoldmeall
aboutherselfandhowhergrandfatherhadsentforhertogotoEnglandandthathewas
veryrich.AndIhadnomoneyatallandIdidnotknowwheretogoorwhattodo.AndI
thoughtsuddenly:WhyshouldnotItakePilarspassportandgotoEnglandandbecome
veryrich?Herfacelitupwithitssuddenwidesmile.Oh,itwasfunwonderingifIcould
getawaywithit!Ourfacesonthephotographwerenotunlike.Butwhentheywantedmy
passporthereIopenedthewindowandthrewitoutandrandowntogetit,andthenI
rubbedsomeearthjustoverthefacealittlebecauseatabarriertravellingtheydonot
lookveryclosely,butheretheymight

166
AlfredLeesaidangrily:Doyoumeantosaythatyourepresentedyourselftomyfatheras
hisgranddaughter,andplayedonhisaffectionforyou?

Pilarnodded.Shesaidcomplacently:Yes,IsawatonceIcouldmakehimlikemevery
much.

GeorgeLeebrokeout:Preposterous!hespluttered.Criminal!Attemptingtogetmoney
byfalsepretences.

HarryLeesaid:Shedidntgetanyfromyou,oldboy!Pilar,Imonyourside!Ivegota
profoundadmirationforyourdaring.And,thankgoodness,Imnotyouruncleanymore!
Thatgivesmeamuchfreerhand.

PilarsaidtoPoirot:Youknew?Whendidyouknow?

Poirotsmiled:Mademoiselle,ifyouhavestudiedthelawsofMendelyouwouldknow
thattwoblueeyedpeoplearenotlikelytohaveabrowneyedchild.Yourmotherwas,I
wassure,amostchasteandrespectablelady.Itfollowed,then,thatyouwerenotPilar
Estravadosatall.Whenyoudidyourtrickwiththepassport,Iwasquitesureofit.Itwas
ingenious,butnot,youunderstand,quiteingeniousenough.

SuperintendentSugdensaidunpleasantly:Thewholethingsnotquiteingeniousenough.

Pilarstaredathim.Shesaid:Idontunderstand...

Sugdensaid:YouvetoldusastorybutIthinktheresagooddealmoreyouhavent
told.

Stephensaid:Youleaveheralone!

SuperintendentSugdentooknonotice.Hewenton:Youvetoldusthatyouwentupto
yourgrandfathersroomafterdinner.Yousaiditwasanimpulseonyourpart.Imgoingto
suggestsomethingelse.Itwasyouwhostolethosediamonds.Youdhandledthem.On
occasion,perhaps,youdputthemawayinthesafeandtheoldmanhadntwatchedyou
doit!Whenhefoundthestonesweremissing,hesawatoncethatonlytwopeoplecould
havetakenthem.OnewasHorbury,whomighthavegottoknowthecombinationand
havecreptinandstolenthemduringthenight.Theotherpersonwasyou.

Well,MrLeeatoncetookmeasures.Herangmeupandhadmecometoseehim.Then
hesentwordtoyoutocomeandseehimimmediatelyafterdinner.Youdidsoandhe
accusedyouofthetheft.Youdeniedit;hepressedthecharge.Idontknowwhat
happenednextperhapshetumbledtothefactthatyouwerenthisgranddaughter,but
averycleverlittleprofessionalthief.Anyway,thegamewasup,exposureloomedover
you,andyouslashedathimwithaknife.Therewasastruggleandhescreamed.Youwere
properlyupagainstitthen.Youhurriedoutoftheroom,turnedthekeyfromtheoutside
andthen,knowingyoucouldnotgetaway,beforetheotherscame,youslippedintothe
recessbythestatues.

167
Pilarcriedshrilly:Itisnottrue!Itisnottrue!Ididnotstealthediamonds!Ididnotkill
him.IswearitbytheBlessedVirgin.

Sugdensaidsharply:Thenwhodid?YousayyousawafigurestandingoutsideMrLees
door.Accordingtoyourstory,thatpersonmusthavebeenthemurderer.Nooneelse
passedtherecess!Butweveonlyyourwordforitthattherewasafigurethereatall.In
otherwords,youmadethatuptoexculpateyourself!

GeorgeLeesaidsharply:Ofcourseshesguilty!Itsallclearenough!Ialwayssaidan
outsiderkilledmyfather!Preposterousnonsensetopretendoneofhisfamilywoulddoa
thinglikethat!Ititwouldntbenatural!

Poirotstirredinhisseat.Hesaid:Idisagreewithyou.Takingintoconsiderationthe
characterofSimeonLee,itwouldbeaverynaturalthingtohappen.

Eh?Georgesjawdropped.HestaredatPoirot.

Poirotwenton:And,inmyopinion,thatverythingdidhappen.SimeonLeewaskilledby
hisownfleshandblood,forwhatseemedtothemurdereraverygoodandsufficient
reason.

Georgecried:Oneofus?Ideny

Poirotsvoicebrokeinhardassteel.

Thereisacaseagainsteverypersonhere.Wewill,MrGeorgeLee,beginwiththecase
againstyou.Youhadnoloveforyourfather!Youkeptongoodtermswithhimforthe
sakeofmoney.Onthedayofhisdeathhethreatenedtocutdownyourallowance.You
knewthatonhisdeathyouwouldprobablyinheritaverysubstantialsum.Thereisthe
motive.Afterdinneryouwent,asyousay,totelephone.Youdidtelephonebutthecall
lastedonlyfiveminutes.Afterthatyoucouldeasilyhavegonetoyourfathersroom,
chattedwithhim,andthenattackedhimandkilledhim.Youlefttheroomandturnedthe
keyfromoutside,foryouhopedtheaffairwouldbeputdowntoaburglar.Youomitted,in
yourpanic,tomakesurethatthewindowwasfullyopensoastosupporttheburglar
theory.Thatwasstupid;butyouare,ifyouwillpardonmysayingso,ratherastupidman!

However,saidPoirot,afterabriefpauseduringwhichGeorgetriedtospeakandfailed,
manystupidmenhavebeencriminals!

HeturnedhiseyesonMagdalene.

Madame,too,shealsohadamotive.Sheis,Ithink,indebt,andthetoneofcertainof
yourfathersremarksmayhavecausedheruneasiness.She,too,hasnoalibi.Shewent
totelephone,butshedidnottelephone,andwehaveonlyherwordforwhatshedid
do...

Then,hepaused,thereisMrDavidLee.Wehaveheard,notoncebutmanytimes,ofthe
revengefultempersandlongmemoriesthatwentwiththeLeeblood.MrDavidLeedid

168
notforgetorforgivethewayhisfatherhadtreatedhismother.Afinaljibedirectedatthe
deadladymayhavebeenthelaststraw.DavidLeeissaidtohavebeenplayingthepiano
atthetimeofthemurder.ByacoincidencehewasplayingtheDeadMarch.But
supposesomebodyelsewasplayingthatDeadMarch,somebodywhoknewwhathe
wasgoingtodo,andwhoapprovedhisaction?

HildaLeesaidquietly:Thatisaninfamoussuggestion.

Poirotturnedtoher.Iwillofferyouanother,madame.Itwasyourhandthatdidthe
deed.Itwasyouwhocreptupstairstoexecutejudgmentonamanyouconsideredbeyond
humanforgiveness.Youareofthose,madame,whocanbeterribleinanger...

Hildasaid:Ididnotkillhim.

SuperintendentSugdensaidbrusquely:MrPoirotsquiteright.Thereisapossiblecase
againsteveryoneexceptMrAlfredLee,MrHarryLee,andMrsAlfredLee.

Poirotsaidgently:Ishouldnotevenexceptthosethree...

Thesuperintendentprotested:Oh,comenow,MrPoirot!

LydiaLeesaid:Andwhatisthecaseagainstme,M.Poirot?

Shesmiledalittleasshespoke,herbrowsraisedironically.

Poirotbowed.Hesaid:Yourmotive,madame,Ipassover.Itissufficientlyobvious.Asto
therest,youwerewearinglastnightafloweredtaffetadressofaverydistinctivepattern
withacape.IwillremindyouofthefactthatTressilian,thebutler,isshortsighted.
Objectsatadistancearedimandvaguetohim.Iwillalsopointoutthatyourdrawing
roomisbigandlightedbyheavilyshadedlamps.Onthatnight,aminuteortwobeforethe
crieswereheard,Tressiliancameintothedrawingroomtotakeawaythecoffeecups.He
sawyou,ashethought,inafamiliarattitudebythefarwindowhalfconcealedbythe
heavycurtains.

LydiaLeesaid:Hedidseeme.

Poirotwenton:IsuggestthatitispossiblethatwhatTressiliansawwasthecapeofyour
dress,arrangedtoshowbythewindowcurtain,asthoughyouyourselfwerestanding
there.

Lydiasaid:Iwasstandingthere...

Alfredsaid:Howdareyousuggest?

Harryinterruptedhim.

Lethimgoon,Alfred.Itsourturnnext.HowdoyousuggestthatdearAlfredkilledhis
belovedfathersincewewerebothtogetherinthediningroomatthetime?
169
Poirotbeamedathim.

That,hesaid,isverysimple.Analibigainsinforceaccordinglyasitisunwillinglygiven.
Youandyourbrotherareonbadterms.Itiswellknown.Youjibeathiminpublic.Hehas
notagoodwordtosayforyou!But,supposingthatwereallpartofaverycleverplot.
SupposingthatAlfredLeeistiredofdancingattendanceuponanexactingtaskmaster.
Supposingthatyouandhehavegottogethersometimeago.Yourplanislaid.Youcome
home.Alfredappearstoresentyourpresence.Heshowsjealousyanddislikeofyou.You
showcontemptforhim.Andthencomesthenightofthemurderyouhavesocleverly
plannedtogether.Oneofyouremainsinthediningroom,talkingandperhapsquarrelling
aloudasthoughtwopeoplewerethere.Theothergoesupstairsandcommitsthecrime...

Alfredsprangtohisfeet.

Youdevil!hesaid.Hisvoicewasinarticulate.

SugdenwasstaringatPoirot.Hesaid:Doyoureallymean?

Poirotsaid,withasuddenringofauthorityinhisvoice:Ihavehadtoshowyouthe
possibilities!Thesearethethingsthatmighthavehappened!Whichofthemactuallydid
happenwecanonlytellbypassingfromtheoutsideappearancetotheinsidereality...

Hepausedandthensaidslowly:Wemustcomeback,asIsaidbefore,tothecharacterof
SimeonLeehimself...

VI

Therewasamomentarypause.Strangelyenough,allindignationandallrancourhaddied
down.HerculePoirotheldhisaudienceunderthespellofhispersonality.Theywatched
him,fascinated,ashebeganslowlytospeak.

Itisallthere,yousee.Thedeadmanisthefocusandcentreofthemystery!Wemust
probedeepintotheheartandmindofSimeonLeeandseewhatwefindthere.Foraman
doesnotliveanddietohimselfalone.Thatwhichhehas,hehandsontothosewho
comeafterhim...

WhathadSimeonLeetobequeathtohissonsanddaughter?Pride,tobeginwitha
pridewhich,intheoldman,wasfrustratedinhisdisappointmentoverhischildren.Then
therewasthequalityofpatience.WehavebeentoldthatSimeonLeewaitedpatientlyfor
yearsinordertorevengehimselfuponsomeonewhohaddonehimaninjury.Weseethat
thataspectofhistemperamentwasinheritedbythesonwhoresembledhimleastinface.
DavidLeealsocouldrememberandcontinuetoharbourresentmentthroughlongyears.
Inface,HarryLeewastheonlyoneofhischildrenwhocloselyresembledhim.That
resemblanceisquitestrikingwhenweexaminetheportraitofSimeonLeeasayoung
man.Thereisthesamehighbridgedaquilinenose,thelongsharplineofthejaw,the
backwardpoiseofthehead.Ithink,too,thatHarryinheritedmanyofhisfathers
mannerismsthathabit,forinstance,ofthrowingbackhisheadandlaughing,and
anotherhabitofdrawinghisfingeralongthelineofhisjaw.

170
Bearingallthesethingsinmind,andbeingconvincedthatthemurderwascommittedby
apersoncloselyconnectedwiththedeadman,Istudiedthefamilyfromthepsychological
standpoint.Thatis,Itriedtodecidewhichofthemwerepsychologicallypossiblecriminals.
And,inmyjudgment,onlytwopersonsqualifiedinthatrespect.TheywereAlfredLeeand
HildaLee,Davidswife.DavidhimselfIrejectedasapossiblemurderer.Idonotthinka
personofhisdelicatesusceptibilitiescouldhavefacedtheactualbloodshedofacut
throat.GeorgeLeeandhiswifeIlikewiserejected.Whatevertheirdesires,Ididnotthink
theyhadthetemperamenttotakearisk.Theywerebothessentiallycautious.MrsAlfred
LeeIfeltsurewasquiteincapableofanactofviolence.Shehastoomuchironyinher
nature.AboutHarryLeeIhesitated.Hehadacertaincoarsetruculenceofaspect,butI
wasnearlysurethatHarryLee,inspiteofhisbluffandhisbluster,wasessentiallya
weakling.That,Inowknow,wasalsohisfathersopinion.Harry,hesaid,wasworthno
morethantherest.ThatleftmewithtwopeopleIhavealreadymentioned.AlfredLee
wasapersoncapableofagreatdealofselflessdevotion.Hewasamanwhohad
controlledandsubordinatedhimselftothewillofanotherformanyyears.Itwasalways
possibleundertheseconditionsforsomethingtosnap.Moreover,hemightquitepossibly
haveharbouredasecretgrudgeagainsthisfatherwhichmightgraduallyhavegrownin
forcethroughneverbeingexpressedinanyway.Itisthequietestandmeekestpeople
whoareoftencapableofthemostsuddenandunexpectedviolenceforthereasonthat
whentheircontroldoessnap,itdoessoentirely!TheotherpersonIconsideredwas
capableofthecrimewasHildaLee.Sheisthekindofindividualwhoiscapable,on
occasions,oftakingthelawintoherownhandsthoughneverthroughselfishmotives.
Suchpeoplejudgeandalsoexecute.ManyOldTestamentcharactersareofthistype.Jael
andJudith,forexample.

AndnowhavinggotsofarIexaminedthecircumstancesofthecrimeitself.Andthefirst
thingthatarisesthatstrikesoneintheface,asitwereistheextraordinaryconditions
underwhichthatcrimetookplace!TakeyourmindsbacktothatroomwhereSimeonLee
laydead.Ifyouremember,therewasbothaheavytableandaheavychairoverturned,a
lamp,crockery,glasses,etc.Butthechairandthetablewereespeciallysurprising.They
wereofsolidmahogany.Itwashardtoseehowanystrugglebetweenthatfrailoldman
andhisopponentcouldresultinsomuchsolidfurniturebeingoverturnedandknocked
down.Thewholethingseemedunreal.Andyetsurelynooneintheirsenseswouldstage
suchaneffectifithadnotreallyoccurredunlesspossiblySimeonLeehadbeenkilledby
apowerfulmanandtheideawastosuggestthattheassailantwasawomanorsomebody
ofweakphysique.

Butsuchanideawasunconvincingintheextreme,sincethenoiseofthefurniturewould
givethealarmandthemurdererwouldtherebyhaveverylittletimetomakehisexit.It
wouldsurelybetoanyonesadvantagetocutSimeonLeesthroatasquietlyaspossible.

Anotherextraordinarypointwastheturningofthekeyinthelockfromtheoutside.
Again,thereseemednoreasonforsuchaproceeding.Itcouldnotsuggestsuicide,since
nothinginthedeathitselfaccordedwithsuicide.Itwasnottosuggestescapethroughthe
windowsforthosewindowsweresoarrangedthatescapethatwaywasimpossible!
Moreover,onceagain,itinvolvedtime.Timewhichmustbeprecioustothemurderer!

TherewasoneotherincomprehensiblethingapieceofrubbercutfromSimeonLees
spongebagandasmallwoodenpegshowntomebySuperintendentSugden.Thesehad
171
beenpickedupfromthefloorbyoneofthepersonswhofirstenteredtheroom.There
againthesethingsdidnotmakesense!Theymeantexactlynothingatall!Yettheyhad
beenthere.

Thecrime,youperceive,isbecomingincreasinglyincomprehensible.Ithasnoorder,no
methodenfin,itisnotreasonable.

Andnowwecometoafurtherdifficulty.SuperintendentSugdenwassentforbythedead
man;arobberywasreportedtohim,andhewasaskedtoreturnanhourandahalflater.
Why?IfitisbecauseSimeonLeesuspectedhisgranddaughterorsomeothermemberof
thefamily,whydoeshenotaskSuperintendentSugdentowaitdownstairswhilehehas
hisinterviewstraightawaywiththesuspectedparty?Withthesuperintendentactuallyin
thehouse,hisleverovertheguiltypersonwouldhavebeenmuchstronger.

Sonowwearriveatthepointwherenotonlythebehaviourofthemurdereris
extraordinary,butthebehaviourofSimeonLeealsoisextraordinary!

AndIsaytomyself:Thisthingisallwrong!Why?Becausewearelookingatitfromthe
wrongangle.Wearelookingatitfromtheanglethatthemurdererwantsustolookat
it...

Wehavethreethingsthatdonotmakesense:thestruggle,theturnedkey,andthesnip
ofrubber.Buttheremustbesomewayoflookingatthosethreethingswhichwouldmake
sense!AndIemptymymindblankandforgetthecircumstancesofthecrimeandtake
thesethingsontheirownmerits.Isayastruggle.Whatdoesthatsuggest?Violence
breakagenoise...Thekey?Whydoesoneturnakey?Sothatnooneshallenter?Butthe
keydidnotpreventthat,sincethedoorwasbrokendownalmostimmediately.Tokeep
someonein?Tokeepsomeoneout?Asnipofrubber?Isaytomyself:Alittlepieceofa
spongebagisalittlepieceofaspongebag,andthatisall!

Soyouwouldsaythereisnothingthereandyetthatisnotstrictlytrue,forthree
impressionsremain:noiseseclusionblankness...

Dotheyfitwitheitherofmytwopossibles?No,theydonot.TobothAlfredLeeandHilda
Leeaquietmurderwouldhavebeeninfinitelypreferable,tohavewastedtimeinlocking
thedoorfromtheoutsideisabsurd,andthelittlepieceofspongebagmeansyetonce
morenothingatall!

AndyetIhaveverystronglythefeelingthatthereisnothingabsurdaboutthiscrime
thatitisonthecontrary,verywellplannedandadmirablyexecuted.Thatishas,infact,
succeeded!Thereforethateverythingthathashappenedwasmeant...

Andthen,goingoveritagain,Igotmyfirstglimmeroflight...

Bloodsomuchbloodbloodeverywhere...Aninsistenceonbloodfresh,wet,
gleamingblood...Somuchbloodtoomuchblood...

172
Andasecondthoughtcomeswiththat.Thisisacrimeofblooditisintheblood.Itis
SimeonLeesownbloodthatrisesupagainsthim...

HerculePoirotleanedforward.

Thetwomostvaluablecluesinthiscasewereutteredquiteunconsciouslybytwo
differentpeople.ThefirstwaswhenMrsAlfredLeequotedalinefromMacbeth:Who
wouldhavethoughttheoldmantohavehadsomuchbloodinhim?Theotherwasa
phraseutteredbyTressilian,thebutler.Hedescribedhowhefeltdazedandthings
seemedtobehappeningthathadhappenedbefore.Itwasaverysimpleoccurrencethat
gavehimthatstrangefeeling.Heheardaringatthebellandwenttoopenthedoorto
HarryLee,andthenextdayhedidthesamethingtoStephenFarr.

Nowwhydidhehavethatfeeling?LookatHarryLeeandStephenFarrandyouwillsee
why.Theyareastoundinglyalike!ThatwaswhyopeningthedoortoStephenFarrwasjust
likeopeningthedoortoHarryLee.Itmightalmosthavebeenthesamemanstanding
there.Andthen,onlytoday,Tressilianmentionedthathewasalwaysgettingmuddled
betweenpeople.Nowonder!StephenFarrhasahighbridgednose,ahabitofthrowing
hisheadbackwhenhelaughs,andatrickofstrokinghisjawwithhisforefinger.Looklong
andearnestlyattheportraitofSimeonLeeasayoungmanandyouseenotonlyHarry
Lee,butStephenFarr...

Stephenmoved.Hischaircreaked.Poirotsaid:RememberthatoutburstofSimeonLee,
histiradeagainsthisfamily.Hesaid,yourememberit,thathewouldswearhehadbetter
sonsbornthewrongsideoftheblanket.WearebackagainatthecharacterofSimeon
Lee.SimeonLee,whowassuccessfulwithwomenandwhobrokehiswifesheart!Simeon
Lee,whoboastedtoPilarthathemighthaveabodyguardofsonsalmostthesameage!So
Icametothisconclusion:SimeonLeehadnotonlyhislegitimatefamilyinthehouse,but
anunacknowledgedandunrecognizedsonofhisownblood.

Stephengottohisfeet.Poirotsaid:Thatwasyourrealreason,wasntit?Notthatpretty
romanceofthegirlyoumetinthetrain!Youwerecomingherebeforeyoumether.
Comingtoseewhatkindofamanyourfatherwas...

Stephenhadgonedeadwhite.Hesaid,andhisvoicewasbrokenandhusky:Yes,Ive
alwayswondered...Motherspokeabouthimsometimes.Itgrewintoakindofobsession
withmetoseewhathewaslike!ImadeabitofmoneyandIcametoEngland.Iwasnt
goingtolethimknowwhoIwas.IpretendedtobeoldEbsson.Icamehereforone
reasononlytoseethemanwhowasmyfather...

SuperintendentSugdensaidinalmostawhisper:Lord,Ivebeenblind...Icanseeitnow.
TwiceIvetakenyouforMrHarryLeeandthenseenmymistake,andyetIneverguessed!

HeturnedonPilar.

Thatwasit,wasntit?ItwasStephenFarryousawstandingoutsidethatdoor?You
hesitated,Iremember,andlookedathimbeforeyousaiditwasawoman.ItwasFarryou
saw,andyouwerentgoingtogivehimaway.

173
Therewasagentlerustle.HildaLeesdeepvoicespoke:No,shesaid.Yourewrong.It
wasIwhomPilarsaw...

Poirotsaid:You,madame?Yes,Ithoughtso...

Hildasaidquietly:Selfpreservationisacuriousthing.IwouldntbelieveIcouldbesucha
coward.TokeepsilencejustbecauseIwasafraid!

Poirotsaid:Youwilltellusnow?

Shenodded.

IwaswithDavidinthemusicroom.Hewasplaying.Hewasinaveryqueermood.Iwasa
littlefrightenedandIfeltmyresponsibilityverykeenlybecauseitwasIwhohadinsisted
oncominghere.DavidbegantoplaytheDeadMarch,andsuddenlyImadeupmymind.
Howeverodditmightseem,Ideterminedthatwewouldbothleaveatoncethatnight.I
wentquietlyoutofthemusicroomandupstairs.ImeanttogotooldMrLeeandtellhim
quiteplainlywhyweweregoing.Iwentalongthecorridortohisroomandknockedonthe
door.Therewasnoanswer.Iknockedagainalittlelouder.Therewasstillnoanswer.Then
Itriedthedoorhandle.Thedoorwaslocked.Andthen,asIstoodhesitating,Ihearda
soundinsidetheroom

Shestopped.

Youwontbelieveme,butitstrue!SomeonewasinthereassaultingMrLee.Iheard
tablesandchairsoverturnedandthecrashofglassandchina,andthenIheardthatone
lasthorriblecrythatdiedawaytonothingandthensilence.

Istoodthereparalysed!Icouldntmove!AndthenMrFarrcamerunningalongand
MagdaleneandalltheothersandMrFarrandHarrybegantobatteronthedoor.Itwent
downandwesawtheroom,andtherewasnooneinitexceptMrLeelyingdeadinall
thatblood.

Herquietvoicerosehigher.Shecried:Therewasnooneelsetherenoone,you
understand!Andnoonehadcomeoutoftheroom...

VII

SuperintendentSugdendrewadeepbreath.Hesaid:EitherImgoingmadoreverybody
elseis!Whatyouvesaid,MrsLee,isjustplumbimpossible.Itscrazy!

HildaLeecried:ItellyouIheardthemfightinginthere,andIheardtheoldmanscream
whenhisthroatwascutandnoonecameoutandnoonewasintheroom!

HerculePoirotsaid:Andallthistimeyouhavesaidnothing.

HildaLeesfacewaswhite,butshesaidsteadily:No,becauseifItoldyouwhathad
happened,theresonlyonethingyoucouldsayorthinkthatitwasIwhokilledhim...
174
Poirotshookhishead.

No,hesaid.Youdidnotkillhim.Hissonkilledhim.

StephenFarrsaid:IswearbeforeGodInevertouchedhim!

Notyou,saidPoirot.Hehadothersons!

Harrysaid:Whatthehell

Georgestared.Daviddrewhishandacrosshiseyes.Alfredblinkedtwice.

Poirotsaid:TheveryfirstnightIwasherethenightofthemurderIsawaghost.Itwas
theghostofthedeadman.WhenIfirstsawHarryLeeIwaspuzzled.IfeltIhadseenhim
before.ThenInotedhisfeaturescarefullyandIrealizedhowlikehisfatherhewas,andI
toldmyselfthatthatwaswhatcausedthefeelingoffamiliarity.

ButyesterdayamansittingoppositemethrewbackhisheadandlaughedandIknew
whoitwasHarryLeeremindedmeof.AndItracedagain,inanotherface,thefeaturesof
thedeadman.

NowonderpooroldTressilianfeltconfusedwhenhehadansweredthedoornottotwo,
buttothreemenwhoresembledeachotherclosely.Nowonderheconfessedtogetting
muddledaboutpeoplewhentherewerethreemeninthehousewho,atalittledistance,
couldpassforeachother!Thesamebuild,thesamegestures(oneinparticular,atrickof
strokingthejaw),thesamehabitoflaughingwiththeheadthrownback,thesame
distinctivehighbridgednose.Yetthesimilaritywasnotalwayseasytoseeforthethird
manhadamoustache.

Heleanedforward.

Oneforgetssometimesthatpoliceofficersaremen,thattheyhavewivesandchildren,
mothershepausedandfathers...RememberSimeonLeeslocalreputation:aman
whobrokehiswifesheartbecauseofhisaffairswithwomen.Asonbornthewrongside
oftheblanketmayinheritmanythings.Hemayinherithisfathersfeaturesandevenhis
gestures.Hemayinherithisprideandhispatienceandhisrevengefulspirit!

Hisvoicerose.

Allyourlife,Sugden,youveresentedthewrongyourfatherdidyou.Ithinkyou
determinedlongagotokillhim.Youcomefromthenextcounty,notveryfaraway.
Doubtlessyourmother,withthemoneySimeonLeesogenerouslygaveher,wasableto
findahusbandwhowouldstandfathertoherchild.EasyforyoutoentertheMiddleshire
PoliceForceandwaityouropportunity.Apolicesuperintendenthasagrandopportunity
ofcommittingamurderandgettingawaywithit.

Sugdensfacehadgonewhiteaspaper.

175
Hesaid:Youremad!Iwasoutsidethehousewhenhewaskilled.

Poirotshookhishead.

No,youkilledhimbeforeyouleftthehousethefirsttime.Noonesawhimaliveafteryou
left.Itwasallsoeasyforyou.SimeonLeeexpectedyou,yes,butheneversentforyou.It
wasyouwhoranghimupandspokevaguelyaboutanattemptatrobbery.Yousaidyou
wouldcalluponhimjustbeforeeightthatnightandwouldpretendtobecollectingfora
policecharity.SimeonLeehadnosuspicions.Hedidnotknowyouwerehisson.Youcame
andtoldhimataleofsubstituteddiamonds.Heopenedthesafetoshowyouthatthereal
diamondsweresafeinhispossession.Youapologized,camebacktothehearthwithhim
and,catchinghimunawares,youcuthisthroat,holdingyourhandoverhismouthsothat
heshouldntcryout.Childsplaytoamanofyourpowerfulphysique.

Thenyousetthescene.Youtookthediamonds.Youpileduptablesandchairs,lampsand
glasses,andtwinedaverythinropeorcordwhichyouhadbroughtincoiledroundyour
body,inandoutbetweenthem.Youhadwithyouabottleofsomefreshlykilledanimals
bloodtowhichyouhadaddedaquantityofsodiumcitrate.Yousprinkledthisaboutfreely
andaddedmoresodiumcitratetothepoolofbloodwhichflowedfromSimeonLees
wound.Youmadeupupthefiresothatthebodyshouldkeepitswarmth.Thenyou
passedthetwoendsofthecordoutthroughthenarrowslitatthebottomofthewindow
andletthemhangdownthewall.Youlefttheroomandturnedthekeyfromtheoutside.
Thatwasvital,sincenoonemust,byanychance,enterthatroom.

Thenyouwentoutandhidthediamondsinthestonesinkgarden.If,soonerorlater,they
werediscoveredthere,theywouldonlyfocussuspicionmorestronglywhereyouwanted
it:onthemembersofSimeonLeeslegitimatefamily.Alittlebeforeninefifteenyou
returnedand,goinguptothewallunderneaththewindow,youpulledonthecord.That
dislodgedthecarefullypiledupstructureyouhadarranged.Furnitureandchinafellwitha
crash.Youpulledononeendofthecordandrewounditroundyourbodyunderyour
coatandwaistcoat.

Youhadonefurtherdevice!

Heturnedtotheothers.

Doyouremember,allofyou,howeachofyoudescribedthedyingscreamofMrLeeina
differentway?You,MrLee,describeditasthecryofamaninmortalagony.Yourwifeand
DavidLeebothusedtheexpression:asoulinhell.MrsDavidLee,onthecontrary,saidit
wasthecryofsomeonewhohadnosoul.Shesaiditwasinhuman,likeabeast.Itwas
HarryLeewhocamenearesttothetruth.Hesaiditsoundedlikekillingapig.

Doyouknowthoselongpinkbladdersthataresoldatfairswithfacespaintedonthem
calledDyingPigs?Astheairrushesouttheygiveforthaninhumanwail.That,Sugden,
wasyourfinaltouch.Youarrangedoneofthoseintheroom.Themouthofitwasstopped
upwithapeg,butthatpegwasconnectedtothecord.Whenyoupulledonthecordthe
pegcameoutandthepigbegantodeflate.Ontopofthefallingfurniturecamethe
screamoftheDyingPig.

176
Heturnedoncemoretotheothers.

YouseenowwhatitwasthatPilarEstravadospickedup?Thesuperintendenthadhoped
togetthereintimetoretrievethatlittlewispofrubberbeforeanyonenoticedit.
However,hetookitfromPilarquicklyenoughinhismostofficialmanner.Butremember
henevermentionedthatincidenttoanyone.Initself,thatwasasingularlysuspiciousfact.
IheardofitfromMagdaleneLeeandtackledhimaboutit.Hewaspreparedforthat
eventuality.HehadsnippedapiecefromMrLeesrubberspongebagandproducedthat,
togetherwithawoodenpeg.Superficiallyitansweredtothesamedescriptiona
fragmentofrubberandapieceofwood.Itmeant,asIrealizedatthetime,absolutely
nothing!But,foolthatIwas,Ididnotatoncesay;Thismeansnothing,soitcannothave
beenthere,andSuperintendentSugdenislying...No,Ifoolishlywentontryingtofindan
explanationforit.ItwasnotuntilMademoiselleEstravadoswasplayingwithaballoon
thatburst,andshecriedoutthatitmusthavebeenaburstballoonshepickedupin
SimeonLeesroom,thatIsawthetruth.

Youseenowhoweverythingfitsin?Theimprobablestruggle,whichisnecessaryto
establishafalsetimeofdeath;thelockeddoorsothatnobodyshallfindthebodytoo
soon;thedyingmansscream.Thecrimeisnowlogicalandreasonable.

ButfromthemomentthatPilarEstravadoscriedaloudherdiscoveryabouttheballoon,
shewasasourceofdangertothemurderer.Andifthatremarkhadbeenheardbyhim
fromthehouse(whichitwellmight,forhervoicewashighandclearandthewindows
wereopen),sheherselfwasinconsiderabledanger.Alreadyshehadgiventhemurderer
oneverynastymoment.Shehadsaid,speakingofoldMrLee,Hemusthavebeenvery
goodlookingwhenhewasyoung.Andhadadded,speakingdirectlytoSugden:Like
you.Shemeantthatliterally,andSugdenknewit.NowonderSugdenwentpurpleinthe
faceandnearlychoked.Itwassounexpectedandsodeadlydangerous.Hehoped,after
that,tofixtheguiltonher,butitprovedunexpectedlydifficult,since,astheoldmans
portionlessgranddaughter,shehadobviouslynomotiveforthecrime.Later,whenhe
overheardfromthehouseherclear,highvoicecallingoutitsremarkabouttheballoon,he
decidedondesperatemeasures.Hesetthatboobytrapwhenwewereatlunch.Luckily,
almostbyamiracle,itfailed...

Therewasdeadsilence.

ThenSugdensaidquietly:Whenwereyousure?

Poirotsaid:IwasnotquitesuretillIbroughthomeafalsemoustacheandtriediton
SimeonLeespicture.Thenthefacethatlookedatmewasyours.

Sugdensaid:Godrothissoulinhell!ImgladIdidit!

177
178
Part7

December28th

LydiaLeesaid:

Pilar,Ithinkyouhadbetterstaywithusuntilwecanarrangesomethingdefiniteforyou.

Pilarsaidmeekly:Youareverygood,Lydia.Youarenice.Youforgivepeoplequiteeasily
withoutmakingafussaboutit.

Lydiasaid,smiling:IstillcallyouPilar,thoughIsupposeyournameissomethingelse.

Yes,IamreallyConchitaLopez.

Conchitaisaprettynametoo.

Youarereallyalmosttoonice,Lydia.Butyoudontneedtobebotheredbyme.Iam
goingtomarryStephen,andwearegoingtoSouthAfrica.

Lydiasaid,smiling:Well,thatroundsoffthingsverynicely.

Pilarsaidtimidly:Sinceyouhavebeensokind,doyouthink,Lydia,thatonedaywemight
comebackandstaywithyouperhapsforChristmasandthenwecouldhavethe
crackersandtheburningraisinsandthoseshinythingsonatreeandthelittlesnowmen?

Certainly,youshallcomeandhavearealEnglishChristmas.

Thatwillbelovely.Yousee,Lydia,IfeelthatthisyearitwasnotaniceChristmasatall.

Lydiacaughtherbreath.

Shesaid:No,itwasnotaniceChristmas...

II

Harrysaid:Well,goodbye,Alfred.Dontsupposeyoullbetroubledbyseeingmuchofme.
ImofftoHawaii.AlwaysmeanttolivethereifIhadabitofmoney.

Alfredsaid:Goodbye,Harry.Iexpectyoullenjoyyourself.Ihopeso.

Harrysaidratherawkwardly:SorryIriledyousomuch,oldman.Rottensenseofhumour
Ivegot.Canthelptryingtopullafellowsleg.

Alfredsaidwithaneffort:SupposeImustlearntotakeajoke.

Harrysaidwithrelief:Wellsolong.

179
III

Alfredsaid:David,LydiaandIhavedecidedtosellupthisplace.Ithoughtperhapsyoud
likesomeofthethingsthatwereourmothersherchairandthatfootstool.Youwere
alwaysherfavourite.

Davidhesitatedaminute.Thenhesaidslowly:Thanksforthethought,Alfred,butdoyou
know,IdontthinkIwill.Idontwantanythingoutofthehouse.Ifeelitsbettertobreak
withthepastaltogether.

Alfredsaid:Yes,Iunderstand.Maybeyoureright.

IV

Georgesaid:Well,goodbye,Alfred.Goodbye,Lydia.Whataterribletimewehavebeen
through.Theresthetrialcomingon,too.Isupposethewholedisgracefulstoryisboundto
comeoutSugdenbeingermyfathersson.Onecouldntarrangeforittobeputto
him,Isuppose,thatitwouldbebetterifhepleadedadvancedCommunistviewsand
dislikeofmyfatherasacapitalistsomethingofthatkind?

Lydiasaid:MydearGeorge,doyoureallyimaginethatamanlikeSugdenwouldtelllies
tosootheourfeelings?

Georgesaid:Erperhapsnot.No,Iseeyourpoint.Allthesame,themanmustbemad.
Well,goodbyeagain.

Magdalenesaid:Goodbye.NextyeardoletsallgototheRivieraorsomewherefor
Christmasandbereallygay.

Georgesaid:DependsontheExchange.

Magdalenesaid:Darling,dontbemean.

Alfredcameoutontheterrace.Lydiawasbendingoverastonesink.Shestraightenedup
whenshesawhim.

Hesaidwithasigh:Welltheyveallgone.

Lydiasaid:Yeswhatablessing.

Itis,rather.

Alfredsaid:Youllbegladtoleavehere.

Sheasked:Willyoumindverymuch?

180
No,Ishallbeglad.Therearesomanyinterestingthingswecandotogether.Toliveon
herewouldbetobeconstantlyremindedofthatnightmare.ThankGoditsallover!

Lydiasaid:ThankstoHerculePoirot.

Yes.Youknow,itwasreallyamazingthewayeverythingfellintoplacewhenheexplained
it.

Iknow.Likewhenyoufinishajigsawpuzzleandallthequeershapedbitsyouswear
wontfitinanywherefindtheirplacesquitenaturally.

Alfredsaid:Theresonelittlethingthatneverfittedin.WhatwasGeorgedoingafterhe
telephoned?Whywouldnthesay?

Dontyouknow?Iknewallthetime.Hewashavingalookthroughyourpapersonyour
desk.

Oh!No,Lydia,noonewoulddoathinglikethat!

Georgewould.Hesfrightfullycuriousaboutmoneymatters.Butofcoursehecouldnt
sayso.Hedhavehadtobeactuallyinthedockbeforehedhaveowneduptothat.

Alfredsaid:Areyoumakinganothergarden?

Yes.

Whatisitthistime?

Ithink,saidLydia,itsanattemptattheGardenofEden.Anewversionwithoutany
serpentandAdamandEvearedefinitelymiddleaged.

Alfredsaidgently:DearLydia,howpatientyouhavebeenalltheseyears.Youhavebeen
verygoodtome.

Lydiasaid:But,yousee,Alfred,Iloveyou...

VI

ColonelJohnsonsaid:Godblessmysoul!Thenhesaid:Uponmyword!Andfinally,once
more:Godblessmysoul!

HeleanedbackinhischairandstaredatPoirot.Hesaidplaintively:Mybestman!Whats
thepolicecomingto?

Poirotsaid:Evenpolicemenhaveprivatelives!Sugdenwasaveryproudman.

ColonelJohnsonshookhishead.

181
Torelievehisfeelingshekickedatthelogsinthegrate.Hesaidjerkily:Ialwayssay
nothinglikeawoodfire.

HerculePoirot,consciousofthedraughtsroundhisneck,thoughttohimself:Pourmoi,
everytimethecentralheating...

182