The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd - Reading Chapters 13-19

Join me in this 2.5-hour mystery journey. During this time, a relaxing reading of Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd will disconnect you from your busy mind and help you get swept away in the story, bringing you peace, relaxation, and sleep. Calm, ambient music in the background helps protect you from outside sounds.

2.5-hour story with an additional 3 minutes of ambient music.

Together, let's find out what happens in the peaceful English village of King’s Abbot. The widow Ferrars dies from an overdose of Veronal. Not twenty-four hours later, Roger Ackroyd—the man she had planned to marry—is murdered. Hercule Poirot may reach one of the most startling conclusions of his career.

Please note: This track may include some explicit language.

Transcript

Welcome to Restful Journeys.

In this track I will be reading chapters 13-19 from the story,

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.

Please find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and relax.

Take a few moments to clear your mind and allow yourself to listen to these words and help you relax.

Let's continue with chapter 13,

The Goose Quill.

That evening,

At Pierrot's request,

I went over to his house after dinner.

Caroline saw me depart with visible reluctance.

I think she would have liked to have accompanied me.

Pierrot greeted me hospitably.

He had placed a bottle of Irish whiskey,

Which I detest,

On a small table with a soda water siphon and a glass.

He,

Himself,

Was engaged in brewing hot chocolate.

It was a favorite beverage of his,

I discovered later.

He inquired politely after my sister,

Whom he declared to be a most interesting woman.

I'm afraid you've been giving her a swelled head,

I said dryly.

What about Sunday afternoon?

He laughed and twinkled.

I always like to employ the expert,

He remarked obscurely,

But he refused to explain the remark.

You got all the local gossip anyway,

I remarked,

True and untrue,

And a great deal of valuable information,

He added quietly.

Such as?

He shook his head.

Why not have told me the truth?

He encountered.

In a place like this,

All Ralph Payton's doings were bound to be known.

If your sister had not happened to pass through the wood that day,

Somebody else would have done so.

I suppose they would.

I said grumpily.

What about this interest of yours in my patients?

Again he twinkled.

Only one of them,

Doctor,

Only one of them.

The last?

I hazarded.

I find Miss Russell a study of the most interesting,

He said evasively.

Do you agree with my sister and Mrs.

Ackroyd that there is something fishy about her?

I asked.

Eh?

What do you say,

Fishy?

I explained to the best of my ability.

And they say that,

Do they?

Didn't my sister convey as much to you yesterday afternoon?

Si est possible.

For no reason whatsoever,

I declared.

Les Femmes,

Generalized Bureau.

They are marvelous.

They invent haphazard,

And by miracle,

They are right.

Not that it is that,

Really.

Women observe subconsciously a thousand little details without knowing that they are doing so.

Their subconscious minds add these little things together,

And they call the result intuition.

Me,

I am very skilled in psychology.

I know these things.

He swelled his chest out importantly,

Looking so ridiculous that I found it difficult not to burst out laughing.

Then he took a small sip of his chocolate and carefully wiped his mustache.

I wish you'd tell me,

I burst out.

Would you really think of it all?

He put down his cup.

You wish that?

I do.

You have seen what I have seen.

Should not our ideas be the same?

I am afraid you are laughing at me,

I said stiffly.

Of course,

I've no experience of matters of this kind.

Pierrot smiled at me indulgently.

You are like a little child who wants to know the way the engine works.

You wish to see the affair,

Not as the family doctor sees it,

But with the eye of a detective who knows and cares for no one,

To whom they are all strangers and all equally liable to suspicion.

You put it very well,

I said.

So I give you,

Then,

A little lecture.

The first thing is to get a clear history of what happened that evening.

Always bear in mind that the person who speaks may be lying.

I raised my eyebrows.

Rather a suspicious attitude,

But necessary,

I assure you,

Necessary.

Now first,

Dr.

Shepard leaves the house at ten minutes to nine.

How do I know that?

Because I told you so.

But you might not be speaking the truth.

Or the watch you went by might be wrong.

But Parker also says that you left the house at ten minutes to nine.

So we accept that statement and pass on.

At nine o'clock you ran into a man.

And here we come to what we will call the romance of the mysterious stranger just outside the park gates.

How do I know that that is so?

I told you so.

I began again,

But Pierrot interrupted me with a gesture of impatience.

Ah,

But it is that you are a little stupid tonight,

My friend.

You know that it is so.

But how am I to know?

Eh,

Bien.

I am able to tell you that the mysterious stranger was not a hallucination on your part because the maid of a Miss Gannett met him a few minutes before you did,

And of her too he inquired the way to Fernley Park.

We accept his presence,

Therefore,

And we can be fairly sure of two things about him.

That he was a stranger to the neighborhood,

And that whatever his object in going to Fernley there was no great secrecy about it since he twice asked the way there.

Yes,

I said.

I see that.

Now,

I have made it my business to find out more about this man.

He had a drink at the Three Boars,

I learn,

And the barmaid there says that he spoke with an American accent and mentioned having just come over from the States.

Did it strike you that he had an American accent?

Yes,

I think he had,

I said after a minute or two,

During which I cast my mind back.

But a very slight one.

Precisamente,

There is also this which,

You will remember,

I picked up in the summer house.

He held out to me the little quill.

I looked at it curiously.

Then a memory of something I had read stirred in me.

Pierrot,

Who had been watching my face,

Nodded.

Yes,

Heroin snow.

Drug takers carry it like this and sniff it up the nose.

Diamorphine hydrochloride,

I murmured mechanically.

This method of taking the drug is very common on the other side.

Another proof,

If we wanted one,

That the man came from Canada or the States.

What first attracted your attention to that summer house?

I asked curiously.

My friend the inspector took it for granted that anyone using that path did so as a shortcut to the house,

But as soon as I saw the summer house,

I realized that the same path would be taken by anyone using the summer house as a rendezvous.

Now,

It seems fairly certain that the stranger came neither to the front nor to the back of the door.

Then,

Did someone from the house go out and meet him?

If so,

What could be a more convenient place than that little summer house?

I searched it with the hope that I might find some clue inside.

I found two,

The scrap of cambric and the quill.

And the scrap of cambric?

I asked curiously.

What about that?

Pierrot raised his eyebrows.

You do not use your little grey cells,

He remarked dryly.

The scrap of starched cambric should be obvious.

Not very obvious to me.

I changed the subject.

Anyway,

I said,

This man went to the summer house to meet somebody.

Who was that somebody?

Exactly the question,

Said Pierrot.

You will remember that Mrs.

Aykroyd and her daughter came over from Canada to live here?

Is that what you meant today when you accused them of hiding the truth?

Perhaps.

Now,

Another point.

What did you think of the parlor maid's story?

What story?

The story of her dismissal.

Does it take half an hour to dismiss a servant?

Was the story of those important papers a likely one?

And remember,

Though she says she was in her bedroom from 9.

30 until 10 o'clock,

There is no one to confirm her statement.

You bewilder me,

I said.

To me it grows clearer.

But tell me now your own ideas and theories.

I drew a piece of paper from my pocket.

I just scribbled down a few suggestions.

I said apologetically.

But excellent,

You have method.

Let us hear them.

I read out in a somewhat embarrassed voice.

To begin with,

One must look at the thing logically.

Just what my poor Hastings used to say,

Interrupted Pierrot.

But alas,

He never did so.

Point number one.

Mr.

Aykroyd was heard talking to someone at half past nine.

Point number two.

At some time during the evening,

Ralph Payton must have come in through the window,

As evidenced by the prints of his shoes.

Point number three.

Mr.

Aykroyd was nervous that evening and would only have admitted someone he knew.

Point number four.

The person with Mr.

Aykroyd at 9.

30 was asking for money.

We know Ralph Payton was in a scrape.

These four points go to show that the person with Mr.

Aykroyd at 9.

30 was Ralph Payton,

But we know that Mr.

Aykroyd was alive at a quarter to ten.

Therefore,

It was not Ralph who killed him.

Ralph left the window open.

Afterwards,

The murderer came in that way.

And who was the murderer?

Inquired Pierrot.

The American stranger.

He may have been in a league with Parker and possibly in Parker we have the man who blackmailed Mrs.

Farrars.

If so,

Parker may have heard enough to realize the game was up,

Have told his accomplice so,

And the latter did the crime with the dagger which Parker gave him.

It is a theory that,

Admitted Pierrot,

Decidedly you have selves of a kind,

But it leaves a good deal unaccounted for,

Such as the telephone call,

The pushed-out chair.

Do you really think the latter important?

I interrupted.

Perhaps not,

Admitted my friend.

It may have been pulled out by accident and Raymond or Blunt may have shoved it into place unconsciously under the stress of emotion.

Then there is the missing forty pounds given by Aykroyd to Ralph,

I suggested.

He may have reconsidered his first refusal.

That still leaves one thing unexplained.

What?

Why was Blunt so certain in his own mind that it was Raymond with Mr.

Aykroyd at 9.

30?

He explained that,

I said.

You think so?

I will not press the point.

Tell me instead,

What were Ralph Payton's reasons for disappearing?

That's rather more difficult,

I said slowly.

I shall have to speak as a medical man.

Ralph's nerves must have gone foot if he suddenly found out that his uncle had been murdered within a few minutes of his leaving him.

After,

Perhaps,

A rather stormy interview.

Well,

He might get the wind up and clear right out.

Men have been known to do that at guilty when they're perfectly innocent.

Yes,

That is true,

Said Pierrot.

But we must not lose sight of one thing.

I know what you're going to say,

I remarked.

Motive.

Ralph Payton inherits a great fortune by his uncle's death.

That is one motive,

Agreed Pierrot.

One.

Mais oui.

Do you realize that there are three separate motives staring us in the face?

Somebody certainly stole the blue envelope and its contents.

That is one motive.

Blackmail.

Ralph Payton may have been the man who blackmailed Mrs.

Ferraris.

Remember,

As far as Hammond knew,

Ralph Payton had not applied to his uncle for help of late.

That looks as though we were being supplied with money elsewhere.

Then there is the fact that he was in some,

How do you say,

Scrape,

Which he feared he might get his uncle's ears.

And finally,

There is the one you have just mentioned.

Dear me,

I said,

Rather taken aback.

The case does seem black against him.

Does it?

Said Pierrot.

That is where we disagree,

You and I.

Three motives.

It is almost too much.

I am inclined to believe that,

After all,

Ralph Payton is innocent.

That concludes Chapter 13,

The Goose Quill.

Chapter 14,

Mrs.

Aykroyd After the evening talk I have just chronicled,

The affair seemed to me to enter on a different phase.

The whole thing can be divided into two parts,

Each clear and distinct from the other.

Part one ranges from Aykroyd's death on Friday evening to the following Monday night.

It is the straightforward narrative of what occurred,

As presented by Hercule Pierrot.

I was at Pierrot's elbow the whole time.

I saw what he saw.

I tried my best to read his mind.

As I know now,

I felt in this latter task.

Though Pierrot showed me all his discoveries,

As,

For instance,

The gold wedding ring he held back the vital and yet logical impressions that he formed.

As I came to know later,

This secrecy was characteristic of him.

He would throw out hints and suggestions,

But beyond that he would not go.

As I say,

Up till the Monday evening my narrative might have been that of Pierrot himself.

I played Watson to his Sherlock.

But after Monday our ways diverged.

Pierrot was busy on his own account.

I got to hear of what he was doing because,

In King's Abbot,

You get to hear everything.

But he did not take me into his confidence beforehand.

And I,

Too,

Had my own preoccupations.

On looking back,

The thing that strikes me the most is the piecemeal character of this period.

Everyone had a hand in the elucidation of the mystery.

It was rather like a jigsaw puzzle to which everyone contributed their own little piece of knowledge or discovery.

But their task ended there.

To Pierrot alone belongs the renown of fitting those pieces into their correct place.

Some of the incidents seemed,

At the time,

Irrelevant and unmeaning.

There was,

For instance,

The question of the black boots.

But that comes later.

To take things strictly in chronological order,

I must begin with the summons from Mrs.

Ackroyd.

She sent for me early on Tuesday morning and since the summons sounded an urgent one,

I hastened there,

Expecting to find her an extremist.

The lady was in bed.

So much did she concede to the adequate of the situation.

She gave me her bony hand and indicated a chair drawn up to the bedside.

Well,

Mrs.

Ackroyd?

I said,

And what's the matter with you?

I spoke with that kind of spurious geniality which seems to be expected of general practitioners.

I'm prostrated,

Said Mrs.

Ackroyd in a faint voice.

Absolutely prostrated.

It's the shock of poor Roger's death.

They say these things often aren't felt at the time,

You know.

It's the reaction afterwards.

It is a pity that a doctor is precluded by his profession from being able sometimes to say what he really thinks.

I would have given anything to be able to answer,

Bunkum.

Instead,

I suggested a tonic.

Mrs.

Ackroyd accepted the tonic.

One move in the game seemed now to be concluded.

Not for a moment did I imagine that I had been sent for because of the shock occasioned by Ackroyd's death.

But,

Mrs.

Ackroyd is totally incapable of pursuing a straightforward course on any subject.

She always approaches her objects by torturous means.

I wonder very much why it was she had sent for me.

And then that scene yesterday continued my patient.

She paused as though expecting me to take up a cue.

What scene?

Doctor,

How can you?

Have you forgotten?

That dreadful little Frenchman or Belgian or whatever he is bullying us all like he did.

It has quite upset me.

Coming on top of Roger's death.

I'm very sorry Mrs.

Ackroyd.

I said.

I don't know what he meant shouting at us like he did.

I should hope I know my duty too well to dream of concealing anything.

I have given the police every assistance in my power.

Mrs.

Ackroyd paused and I said.

Quite so.

I was beginning to have a glimmering of what all the trouble was about.

No one can say that I have failed in my duty.

Continued Mrs.

Ackroyd.

I am sure Inspector Raglin is perfectly satisfied.

Why should this little upstart of a foreign make a fuss?

A most ridiculous looking creature he is too.

Just like a comic Frenchman in a review.

I can't think why Flora insisted on bringing him into this case.

She never said a word to me about it.

Just went off and did it on her own.

Flora is too independent.

I am a woman of the world and her mother.

She should have come to me for advice first.

I listened to all this in silence.

What does he think?

That's what I want to know.

Does he actually imagine I am hiding something?

He positively accused me yesterday.

I shrugged my shoulders.

It is surely of no consequence Mrs.

Ackroyd.

I said.

Since you were not concealing anything any remarks he may have made do not apply to you.

Mrs.

Ackroyd went off at a tangent.

After her usual fashion.

Servants are so tiresome.

She said.

They gossip and talk amongst themselves and then it gets round and all the time there is probably nothing in it at all.

Have these servants been talking?

I asked.

What about?

Mrs.

Ackroyd cast a very shrewd glance at me.

It quite threw me off my balance.

I was sure you'd know Doctor,

If anyone did.

You were with Impuro all the time,

Weren't you?

I was.

Then of course you know.

It was that girl,

Ursula Bourne wasn't it?

Naturally,

She's leaving.

She would want to make all the trouble she could.

Spiteful that's what they are.

They're all alike.

Now,

You being there Doctor,

You must know exactly what she did say.

I'm most anxious that no wrong impression should get about.

After all,

You don't repeat every little detail to the police,

Do you?

There are family matters sometimes.

Nothing to do with the question of the murder.

But if the girl was spiteful she may have made out all sorts of things.

I was shrewd enough to see that a very real anxiety lay behind these outpourings.

Impuro had been justified in his premises.

Of the six people round the table yesterday Mrs.

Ackroyd at least had had something to hide.

It was for me to discover what that something might be.

If I were you Mrs.

Ackroyd I said brusquely I should make a clean breast of things.

She gave a little scream.

Oh,

Doctor how can you be so abrupt?

It sounds as though as though an eye can explain everything so simply.

Then why not do so?

I suggested.

Mrs.

Ackroyd took out a frilled handkerchief and became tearful.

I thought,

Doctor that you might put it into Impuro.

Explain it you know,

Because it's so difficult for a foreigner to see our point of view and you don't know.

Nobody could know.

What I've had to contend with a martyrdom a long martyrdom that's what my life has been.

I don't like to speak ill of the dead but there it is not the smallest bill but it had all to be gone over just as though Roger had had a few miserly hundreds a year instead of being as Mr.

Hammond told me yesterday one of the wealthiest men in these parts.

Mrs.

Ackroyd paused to dab her eyes with the frilled handkerchief.

Yes I said encouragingly you were talking about bills those dreadful bills and some I don't like to show Roger at all.

They were things a man wouldn't understand.

He would have said these things weren't necessary and of course they mounted up you know and they kept coming in.

She looked at me appealingly as though asking me to condole her on this striking peculiarity.

It's a habit they have I agreed and the tone altered became quite obtrusive.

I assure you doctor I was becoming a nervous wreck I couldn't sleep at nights and a dreadful fluttering around the heart and then I got a letter from a Scotch gentleman as a matter of fact there were two letters both Scotch gentlemen Mr.

Bruce McPherson was one and the other were Colin McDonald quite a coincidence hardly that I said dryly they are usually Scotch gentlemen but I suspect a Semitic strain in their ancestry ten pounds to ten pounds on note of Han alone murmured Mrs.

Ackroyd reminiscently I wrote to one of them but it seemed there were difficulties she paused I gathered that we were just coming to delicate ground I have never known anyone more difficult to bring to the point you see murmured Mrs.

Ackroyd it's all a question of expectations isn't it testamentary expectations and though of course I expected that Roger would provide for me I didn't know I thought that if only I could glance over a copy of his will not in any sense of vulgar prying but just so that I could make my own arrangements she glanced sideways at me the position was now very delicate indeed fortunately words ingeniously used will serve to mask the ugliness of naked facts I could only tell this to you dear Dr.

Shepard said Mrs.

Ackroyd rapidly I can trust you not to misjudge me and to represent the matter in the right light to M.

Pierrot it was on Friday afternoon she came to a stop and swallowed uncertainly yes I repeated encouragingly on Friday afternoon well everyone was out or so I thought I went into Roger's study I had some real reason for going there I mean there was nothing underhand about it and as I saw all the papers heaped on the desk it just came to me like a flash I wonder if Roger keeps his will in one of the drawers of the desk I'm so impulsive always was from a child I do things on the spur of the moment he left his keys very carelessly of him in the lock of the top drawer I see I said helpfully so you searched the desk did you find the will Mrs.

Ackroyd gave a little scream and I realized that I had not been sufficiently diplomatic how dreadful it sounds but it wasn't at all like that really of course it wasn't I said hastily you must forgive my unfortunate way of putting things you see men are so peculiar in dear Roger's place I should not have objected to revealing the provisions of my will but men are so secretive one is forced to adopt little subterfuges in self defense and the result of the little subterfuge I asked that's just what I'm telling you as I got to the bottom drawer Bourne came in most awkward of course I shut the drawer and stood up and called her attention to a few specks of dust on the surface but I didn't like the way she looked quite respectful in manner but a very nasty light in her eyes almost contemptuous if you know what I mean I never have liked that girl very much she's a good servant and says ma'am and doesn't object to wearing caps and aprons which I declare to you a lot of them do nowadays and she can say not at home without scruples if she has to answer the door instead of park her and she doesn't have those peculiar gurgling noises inside which so many parlor maids seem to have when they wait at the table let me see where was I you were saying that in spite of several valuable qualities you never liked Bourne no more I do she's odd there's something different about her from the others too well educated that's my opinion you can't tell who are ladies and who aren't nowadays and what happened next I asked nothing at least Roger came in and I thought he was out for a walk and he said what's all this and I said nothing I just came in to fetch punch and I took punch and went out with it Bourne stayed behind I heard her ask Roger if she could speak to him for a minute I went straight up to my room to lie down I was very upset there was a pause you will explain to Impuro won't you?

You can see for yourself what a trivial matter the whole thing was but of course when he was so stern about concealing things I thought of this at once Bourne may have made some extraordinary story out of it but you can explain,

Can't you?

That is all I said you have told me everything yes said Mrs.

Ackroyd oh yes she said firmly but I had noted the momentary hesitation and I knew that there was still something she was keeping back it was nothing less than a flash of sheer genius that prompted me to ask the question I did Mrs.

Ackroyd I said was it you who left the silver table open?

I had my answer in the blush of guilt that even rouge and powder could not conceal how did you know?

She whispered it was you then yes I you see there were one or two pieces of old silver very interesting I had been reading up on the subject and there was an illustration of quite a small piece which had fetched an immense sum at Christie's it looked to me just the same as the one in the silver table I thought I would take it up to London with me when I went and have it revalued then if it really was a valuable piece just think what a charming surprise it would have been for Roger I refrained from comments accepting Mrs.

Ackroyd's story on its merits I even forbore to ask her why it was necessary to extract what she wanted in such a surreptitious manner why did you leave the lid open?

I asked did you forget?

I was startled said Mrs.

Ackroyd I heard footsteps coming along the terrace outside I hastened out of the room and just got up the stairs before Parker opened the front door to you that must have been Miss Russell I said thoughtfully Mrs.

Ackroyd had revealed to me one fact that was extremely interesting whether her designs upon Ackroyd's silver had been strictly honourable I neither knew nor cared what did interest me was the fact that Miss Russell must have entered the drawing room by the window and that I had not been wrong when I judged her to be out of breath with running where has she been?

I thought of the summer house in the scrape of Cambrick I wonder if Miss Russell has her handkerchief starched I exclaimed on the spur of the moment Mrs.

Ackroyd's start recalled me to myself and I rose you think you can explain to Impuro?

She asked anxiously oh certainly obviously I got away at last after being forced to listen to more justifications of her conduct the parlour maid was in the hall and it was she who helped me on with my overcoat I observed her more closely than I had done heretofore it was clear that she had been crying how is it?

I asked that you told us that Mr.

Ackroyd sent for you on Friday to his study I hear now that it was you who asked to speak with him for a minute the girls eyes dropped before mine then she spoke I meant to leave in any case she said uncertainly I said no more she opened the front door for me just as I was passing out she said suddenly in a low voice excuse me sir is there any news of Captain Payton I shook my head looking at her inquiringly he ought to come back she said indeed indeed he ought to come back she was looking at me with appealing eyes does no one know where he is she asked do you I said sharply she shook her head no indeed I know nothing but anyone who was a friend to him would tell him this he ought to come back I lingered thinking that perhaps the girl would say more her next question surprised me when do they think the murder was done just before ten o'clock that's the idea I said between a quarter ten and the hour not earlier not before a quarter ten I looked at her attentively she was so clearly eager for a reply in the affirmation that's out of the question I said Miss Ackroyd saw her uncle alive at a quarter to ten she turned away and her whole figure seemed to droop a handsome girl I said to myself as I drove off an exceedingly handsome girl Caroline was at home she had had a visit from Pierrot and was very pleased and important about it I am helping with the case she explained I felt rather uneasy Caroline is bad enough as it is,

What will she be like with her detective instincts encouraged are you going around the neighborhood looking for Ralph Payton's mysterious girl I inquired I might do that on my own account said Caroline no,

This is a special thing Pierrot wants me to find out for him what is it?

I asked he wants to know whether Ralph Payton's boots were black or brown said Caroline with tremendous solemnity I stared at her I see now that I was unbelievably stupid about these boots I felled all together to grasp the point they were brown shoes I said I saw them not shoes James boots Pierrot wants to know whether a pair of boots Ralph had with him at the hotel were brown or black a lot hangs on it call me dense if you like I didn't see it and how are you going to find out I asked Caroline said there would be no difficulty about that our Annie's dearest friend was Miss Gannett's mate Clara and Clara was walking out with the boots at the three boars the whole thing was simplicity itself and by the aid of Miss Gannett who cooperated loyally at once giving Clara leave of absence the matter was rushed through at express speed it was when we were sitting down to lunch that Caroline remarked with would be concern about those boots of Ralph Payton's well I said what about them M.

Pierrot thought they were probably brown he was wrong they're black and Caroline nodded her head several times she evidently felt that she had scored a point over Pierrot I did not answer I was puzzling over what the color of a pair of Ralph Payton's boots had to do with the case that concludes chapter 14 Mrs.

Ackroyd Chapter 15 Geoffrey Raymond I was to have a further proof that day of the success of the Pierrot tactics that challenge of his had been a subtle touch born of his knowledge of human nature a mixture of fear and guilt had wrung the truth from Mrs.

Ackroyd she was the first to react that afternoon when I returned from seeing my patients Caroline told me that Geoffrey Raymond had just left did he want to see me I asked as I hung up my coat in the hall Caroline was hovering by my elbow it was M.

Pierrot he wanted to see did he want to see me she said he'd just come from the Larches M.

Pierrot was out Mr.

Raymond thought that he might be here or that you might know where he was I haven't the least idea I tried to make him wait said Caroline but he said he would call back at the Larches in half an hour and went away down the village a great pity because M.

Pierrot came in sporadically the minute after he left came in here no to his own house how do you know the side window said Caroline briefly it seemed to me that we had now exhausted the topic Caroline thought otherwise aren't you going across across where to the Larches of course my dear Caroline I said what for Mr.

Raymond wanted to see him very particularly said Caroline you might hear what it's all about I raised my eyebrows curiosity curiosity is not my besetting sin I remarked coldly I can exist comfortably without knowing exactly what my neighbors are doing and thinking stuff and nonsense James said my sister you want to know just as much as I do you're not so honest that's all you always have to pretend really Caroline I said and retired into my surgery ten minutes later Caroline tapped at the door and entered in her hand she held what seemed to be a pot of jam I wonder James she said if you would mind taking this pot of medlar jelly across to Mr.

Impuro I promised it to him he has never tasted any homemade medlar jelly why can't any go I asked coldly she's doing some mending I can't spare her Caroline and I looked at each other very well I said rising but if I take the beastly thing I shall just leave it at the door you understand that my sister raised her eyebrows naturally she said who suggested you do anything else the honors were with Caroline if you do happen to see Impuro she said as I opened the front door you might tell him about the boots it was a most subtle parting shot I wanted dreadfully to understand the enigma of the boots when the old lady with the Breton cap opened the door to me I found myself asking if Impuro was in quite automatically Impuro sprang up to meet me with every appearance of pleasure sit down my good friend he said the big chair this small one the room is too hot no I thought it was stifling but refrained from saying so the windows were closed and a large fire burned in the grate the English people they have a mania for fresh air declared Impuro the big air it is all very well outside where it belongs why admit it to the house but let us not discuss such banalities you have something for me yes two things I said first this is for my sister I handed over the pot of metal or jelly how kind of mademoiselle Caroline she has remembered her promise and the second thing information of a kind and I told him of my interview with Mrs.

Ackroyd he listened with interest but not much excitement it clears the ground he said thoughtfully and it has a certain value as confirming the evidence of the housekeeper she said you remember that she found the silver table lid open and closed it down in passing what about her statement that she went into the drawing room to see if the flowers were fresh ah we never took that seriously did we my friend it was patently an excuse trumped up in a hurry by a woman who felt it urgent to explain her presence which by the way you would probably have never thought of questioning I considered it possible that her agitation might arise from the fact that she had been tampering with the silver table but I think now that we must look for another cause yes I said whom did she go out to meet and why you think she went to meet someone I do Pierrot nodded so do I he said thoughtfully there was a pause by the way I said I've got a message for you from my sister Ralph Payton's boots were black not brown I was watching him closely as I gave the message and I fancied that I saw a momentary flicker of discomposure if so it passed almost immediately she is absolutely positive they are not brown absolutely ah said Pierrot regretfully that is a pity and he seemed quite crestfallen he entered into no explanations but at once started a new subject of conversation the housekeeper Miss Russell who came to consult you on that Friday morning is it indiscreet to ask what passed at that interview apart from the medical details I mean not at all I said when the professional part of the conversation was over we talked for a few minutes about poisons and the ease or difficulty of detecting them and about drug taking and drug takers with special reference to cocaine asked Pierrot how did you know I asked somewhat surprised for answer the little man rose and crossed the room to where newspapers were filed he brought me a copy of the daily budget dated Friday 16th September and showed me an article dealing with the smuggling of cocaine it was somewhat a lurid article written with an eye to picturesque effect this is what put cocaine into her head my friend he said I would have catechized him further for I did not quite understand his meaning but at that moment the door opened and Jeffrey Raymond was announced he came in fresh and debonair as ever and greeted us both how are you doctor M Pierrot this is the second time I've been here this morning I was anxious to catch you perhaps I'd be better off I suggested rather awkwardly not on my account doctor no it's just this he went on seating himself at a wave of imitation from Pierrot I've got a confession to make in variety said Pierrot with an air of polite interest oh it's of no consequence really but as a matter of fact my conscious has been pricking me ever since yesterday afternoon you accused us all of keeping back something M Pierrot I plead guilty I've had something up my sleeve and what is that M Raymond as I say it's of no consequence just this I was in debt badly and that legacy came in the nick of time 500 pounds put me on my feet again with a little despair he smiled at us both with an engaging frankness that made him such a likeable youngster you know how it is suspicious looking policemen don't like to admit you were hard up for money think it will look bad to them but I was a fool really because Blunt and I were in the billiard room from a quarter to ten onwards so I've got a watertight alibi and nothing to fear still when you thundered out that stuff about concealing things I felt a nasty prick of conscious and I thought I'd like to get it off my mind he got up again and stood smiling at us you are a very wise young man said Pierrot nodding at him with approval see you when I know that anyone is hiding things from me I suspect that the thing hidden may be something very bad indeed you have done well I'm glad I cleared up the suspicion laughed Raymond I'll be off now so that is that I remarked as the door closed behind the young secretary yes agreed Pierrot Emir Bagatelli but if he had not been in the billiard room who was?

After all many crimes have been committed for the sake of less than 500 pounds it all depends on what sum is sufficient to break a man a question of the relativity is it not so?

Have you reflected my friend that many people in that house stood to benefit by Mr.

Ackroyd's death?

Mrs.

Ackroyd,

Miss Flora young Mr.

Raymond the housekeeper Miss Russell only one in fact does not Major Blunt his tone in uttering that name was so peculiar that I looked up,

Puzzled I don't quite understand you I said two of the people I accused have given me the truth you think Major Blunt has something to conceal also?

As for that remarked Pierrot nonchalantly there is a saying is there not that Englishmen conceal only one thing their love and Major Blunt I should say is not good at concealments sometimes I said I wonder if we haven't rather jumped to conclusions on one point what does that?

We've assumed that the blackmailer of Mrs.

Farrar's is necessarily the murder of Mr.

Ackroyd might we be mistaken?

Pierrot nodded energetically very good very good indeed I wondered if that idea would come to you of course it is possible but we must remember one point the letter disappeared still that as you say may not necessarily mean that the murderer took it when you first found the body Parker may have abstracted the letter unnoticed by you Parker?

Yes,

Parker I always come back to Parker not as the murderer no he did not commit the murder but who is more suitable than he as the mysterious scoundrel who terrorized Mrs.

Farrar's and may have got his information about Mr.

Farrar's death from one of the king's paddock's servants at any rate he is more likely to have come upon it than a casual guest such as Blunt,

For instance Parker might have taken the letter I admitted it wasn't till later that I noticed it was gone how much later after Blunt and Raymond were in the room or before I can't remember I said slowly I think it was before no afterwards yes,

I'm almost sure it was afterwards that widens the field to three said Pierrot thoughtfully but Parker is the most likely it is in my mind to try a little experiment with Parker how you say,

My friend will you accompany me to Fernley I acquiesced and we set out at once Pierrot asked to see Miss Ackroyd and presently Flora came to us mademoiselle Flora said Pierrot I have to confide in you a little secret I am not yet satisfied of the innocence of Parker I propose to make a little experiment with your assistance I want to reconstruct some of his actions on that night but we must think of something to tell him ah,

I have it I wish to satisfy myself as to whether voices in the little lobby could have been heard outside on the terrace now,

Ring for Parker if you will be so good I did so and presently the butler appeared suave as ever you ring,

Sir yes,

My good Parker I have in mind a little experiment I have placed Major Blunt on the terrace outside the study window I want to see if anyone there could have heard the voices of Miss Ackroyd and yourself in the lobby that night I want to enact that little scene over again perhaps you would fetch the tray or whatever it was you were carrying Parker vanished and we repaired to the lobby outside the study door presently we heard a chink in the outer hall and Parker appeared in the doorway carrying a tray with a siphon,

A decanter of whiskey and two glasses on it one moment cried Puro raising his hand and seemingly very excited we must have everything in order just as it occurred it is a little method of mine a foreign custom,

Sir said Parker reconstruction of the crime they call it,

Do they not?

It was quite imperturbable as he stood there politely waiting on Puro's orders ah he knows something,

The good Parker cried Puro he has read of these things now,

I beg you let us have everything of the most exact you came from the outer hall so,

Mademoiselle was where?

Here,

Said Flora taking up her stand just outside the study door quite right,

Sir said Parker I had just closed the door continued Flora yes,

Miss agreed Parker your hand was still on the handle as it is now then alas said Puro play me the little comedy Flora stood with her hand on the door handle and Parker came stepping through the door from the hall bearing the tray he stopped just inside the door Flora spoke oh Parker Mr.

Ackroyd doesn't want to be disturbed again tonight is that right?

She added in an undertone to the best of my recollection,

Miss Flora said Parker but I fancy you used the word evening instead of night then,

Raising his voice in a somewhat theatrical fashion very good miss,

Shall I lock up as usual?

Yes,

Please Parker retired to the door Flora followed him and started to ascend the main staircase is that enough?

She asked over her shoulder admirable declared the little man rubbing his hands by the way,

Parker are you sure there were two glasses on the tray that evening?

Who was the second one for?

I always bring two glasses sir,

Said Parker is there anything further?

Nothing I thank you Parker withdrew dignified to the last Pierrot stood in the middle of the hall frowning Flora came down and joined us has your experiment been successful?

She asked I don't quite understand you know Pierrot smiled admiringly at her it is not necessary that you should he said but tell me,

Were there indeed two glasses on Parker's tray that night?

Flora wrinkled her brows for a minute I really can't remember she said I think there was is that the object of your experiment?

Pierrot took her hand and patted it put it this way he said I am always interested to see if people will speak the truth and did Parker speak the truth?

I rather think he did said Pierrot thoughtfully a few minutes later saw us retracing our steps to the village what was the point of that question about the glasses?

I asked curiously Pierrot shrugged his shoulders one must say something he remarked that particular question did as well as any other I stared at him at any rate my friend he said more seriously I know now something I wanted to know let us leave it at that that concludes chapter fifteen Geoffrey Raymond chapter sixteen an evening at mah jong that night we had a little mah jong party this kind of simple entertainment is very popular in King's Abbot the guests arrive in galoshes and waterproofs after dinner they partake of coffee and later of cake sandwiches and tea on this particular night our guests were Miss Gannett and Colonel Carter who lives near the church a good deal of gossip is handed round at these evenings sometimes seriously interfering with the game and progress we used to play bridge chatty bridge of the worst description we find mah jong much more peaceful the irritated demand as to why on earth your partner did not lead a certain card is entirely done away with and though we still express criticisms frankly there is not the same incremonious spirit very cold evening eh Doctor Shepard said Colonel Carter standing with his back to the fire Caroline had taken Miss Gannett to her own room and was there insisting her to disentangle herself from her many raps reminds me of Afghan passes indeed I said politely very mysterious business this about poor Aykroyd continued the Colonel accepting a cup of coffee a deuce of a lot behind it that's what I say between you and me Shepard I've heard the word blackmail mentioned the Colonel gave me the look which might be tabulated one man of the world to another a woman in it no doubt he said depend upon it a woman in it Caroline and Miss Gannett joined us at this minute Miss Gannett drank coffee whilst Caroline got out the Mahjong box and poured out the tiles upon the table washing the tiles said the Colonel fisticiously that's right washing the tiles as we used to say in the Shanghai Club it is this private opinion of both Caroline and myself that Colonel Carter has never been in the Shanghai Club in his life more that he has never been farthest east than India where he juggled with tins of bully beef and plum and apple jam during the Great War but the Colonel is determinedly military and in King's Abbot we permit people to indulge their little idiosyncrasies freely shall we begin said Caroline we sat round the table for some five minutes there was complete silence owing to the fact that there is a tremendous secret competition amongst us as to who can build their wall quickest go on James said Caroline at last your east wind I discarded a tile a round or two proceeded broken by the monotonous remarks of the three bamboos two circles pung and frequently from Miss Gannett unpung owing to that lady's habit of too hastily claiming tiles to which she had no right I saw Flora Ackroyd this morning said Miss Gannett pung no unpung I made a mistake four circles said Caroline where did you see her she didn't see me said Miss Gannett with that tremendous significance only to be met with in small villages ah said Caroline interestedly chow I believe said Miss Gannett temporarily diverted that it's the right thing nowadays to say chi not chow nonsense said Caroline I have always said chow in the Shanghai club said Colonel Carter they say chow Miss Gannett retired,

Crushed what were you saying about Flora Ackroyd said Caroline after a moment or two devoted to the game was she with anyone very much so said Miss Gannett the eyes of the two ladies met and seemed to exchange information really said Caroline interestedly is that it well it doesn't surprise me in the least we are waiting for you to discard Miss Caroline said the Colonel he sometimes affects the pose of the bluff male intent on the game and indifferent to gossip but nobody is deceived if you ask me said Miss Gannett was that a bamboo you discarded dear oh no I see now it was a circle as I was saying if you ask me Flora's been exceedingly lucky exceedingly lucky she's been how's that Miss Gannett asked the Colonel I'll pung that green dragon how do you make out that Miss Flora's been lucky very charming girl and all that I know I may know very much about crime said Miss Gannett with the air of one who knows everything there is to know but I can tell you one thing the first question that's always asked is who last saw the deceased alive and the person who did is regarded with suspicion now Flora Ackroyd last saw her uncle alive it might have looked very nasty for her very nasty indeed it's my opinion and I give it for what it's worth that Ralph Payton is staying away on her account to draw suspicion away from her come now I protested moderately you surely can't suggest that a young girl like Flora Ackroyd is capable of stabbing her uncle in cold blood well I don't know said Miss Gannett I've just been reading a book from the library about the underworld of Paris and it says that some of the worst women criminals are young girls with faces of angels that's in France said Caroline instantly just so said the colonel now I'll tell you a very curious thing a story that is going around the bazaars in India the colonel's story was one of interminable length and of curiously little interest a thing that happened in India many years ago cannot compare for a moment with an event that took place in King's Abbot the day before yesterday it was Caroline who brought the colonel's story to a close by fortunately going mahjong after the slight unpleasantness always occasioned by my corrections of Caroline's somewhat faulty arithmetic we started a new hand east wind passes said Caroline I've got an idea of my own about Ralph Payton three characters but I'm keeping it to myself for the present are you dear?

Said Miss Gannett chow,

I mean pong yes,

Said Caroline firmly was it all right about the boots?

Asked Miss Gannett there being black I mean quite all right said Caroline what was the point do you think?

Asked Miss Gannett Caroline pursed up her lips and shook her head with an air of knowing all about it pong said Miss Gannett no,

Unpong I suppose that now the doctor's in with impuro,

He knows all the secrets far from it I said James is so modest said Caroline ah a concealed kong the colonel gave vent to a whistle for the moment gossip was forgotten your own win too he said and you've got two pongs of dragons we must be careful Miss Caroline's out for a big hand we played for some minutes with no irrelevant conversation this impuro now said Colonel Carter is he really such a good detective?

The greatest the world has ever known said Caroline solemnly he had to come here incognito to avoid publicity chow said Miss Gannett quite wonderful for our little village I'm sure by the way,

Clara my maid,

You know is great friends with Elsie the house made it firmly and what do you think Elsie told her?

That there's been a lot of money stolen and it's her opinion Elsie's I mean that the parlor maid had something to do with it she's leaving at the month and she's crying a good deal at night if you ask me the girl is very likely in league with a gang she's always been a queer girl she's not friends with any of the girls around here,

She goes off by herself on her days out very unnatural I call it and most suspicious I asked her once to come to our girls friendly evenings but she refused and then I asked her a few questions about her home and her family all that sort of thing and I'm bound to say I considered her manner most impertinent outwardly very respectful but she shut me up in the most bare faced way Miss Gannett stopped for a breath and the colonel who was totally uninterested in the servant question remarked that in the Shanghai club,

Brisk play was the invariable rule we had a round of brisk play that Miss Russell said Caroline she came here pretending to consult James on Friday morning it's my opinion she wanted to see where the poisons were kept five characters ciao said Miss Gannett what an extraordinary idea I wonder if you can be right talking of poisons said the colonel hey what haven't I discarded oh eight bamboos mahjong said Miss Gannett Caroline was very much annoyed one red dragon she said regretfully and I should have had a hand of three doubles I've had two red dragons all the time I mentioned so exactly like you James said Caroline reproachfully you've no conception of the spirit of the game I myself thought I had played rather cleverly I should have had to pay Caroline an enormous amount if she had gone mahjong Miss Gannett's mahjong was of the poorest variety possible and Caroline did not fail to point out to her east wind passes and we started a new hand in silence what I was going to tell you just now was this said Caroline yes said Miss Gannett encouragingly my idea about Ralph Payton I mean yes dear said Miss Gannett still more encouragingly chow it's a sign of weakness to chow so early said Caroline severely you should go for a big hand I know said Miss Gannett you were saying about Ralph Payton you know yes well I have a pretty shrewd idea where he is we all stopped to stare at her this is very interesting Miss Caroline said Colonel Carter all your own good idea eh well not exactly I'll tell you about it you know that big map of the country we have in the hall we all said yes as M.

Pureau was going out the other day he stopped and looked at it and he made some remark I can't remember exactly what it was something about Cranchester being the only big town anywhere near us which is true of course but after he had gone it came to me suddenly what came to you his meaning of course Ralph is in Cranchester it was at that moment that I knocked down the rack that held my pieces my sister immediately reproved me for clumsiness but half heartedly she was intent on her theory Cranchester Miss Caroline said Colonel Carter surely not Cranchester it's so near that's exactly it cried Caroline triumphantly it seems quite clear by now that he didn't get away from her by train he must simply have walked into Cranchester and I believe he's still there no one would dream of his being so near at hand I pointed out several objections to the theory but when once Caroline has got something firmly into her head nothing dislodges it and do you think M.

Pierrot has the same idea said Miss Gannett thoughtfully it's a curious coincidence but I was out for a walk this afternoon on Cranchester Road and he passed me in a car coming from that direction we all looked at each other why dear me said Miss Gannett suddenly I'm Mahjong all the time and I never noticed it Caroline's attention was distracted from her own inventive exercises she pointed out to Miss Gannett that a hand consisting of mixed suits and too many chows was hardly worth going Mahjong on Miss Gannett listened imperturbably and collected her counters yes dear I know what you mean she said but it rather depends on what kind of hand you have to start with doesn't it you'll never get the big hands if you don't go for them urged Caroline well we must all play our own way mustn't we said Miss Gannett she looked down at her counters after all I'm up so far Caroline who was considerably down said nothing east wind passes and we set to once more and he brought in the tea things Caroline and Miss Gannett were both slightly ruffled as often as the case during one of these festive evenings if you would only play a little quicker dear said Caroline as Miss Gannett hesitated over her discard the Chinese put the towels down so quickly it sounds like little birds pattering for some few minutes we played like the Chinese you haven't contributed much to the sum of information shepherd said Colonel Carter genially you're a sly dog hand in glove with the great detective and not a hint as to the way things are going James is an extraordinary creature said Caroline he cannot bring himself to part with information she looked at me with some disfavor I assure you I said that I don't know anything Pierrot keeps his own counsel wise man said the Colonel with a chuckle he doesn't give himself away but they're wonderful fellows these foreign detectives up to all sorts of dodges I believe pong said Miss Gannett in a tone of quite triumph and mahjong the situation became more strained it was annoyance at Miss Gannett's going mahjong for the third time running which prompted Caroline to say to me as we built a fresh wall you're too tiresome James you sit there like a dead head and say nothing at all but my dear I protested I have really nothing to say,

That is of the kind you mean nonsense said Caroline as she sorted her hand you must know something interesting I did not answer for a moment I was overwhelmed and intoxicated I had read of there being such a thing as the perfect winning going mahjong on one's original hand I had never hoped to hold the hand myself with suppressed triumph I laid my hand face upwards on the table as they say in the Shanghai club I remarked ten ho,

The perfect winning the colonel's eyes nearly bulged out of his head upon my soul he said what an extraordinary thing I never saw that happen before it was then that I went on goaded by Caroline's guise and rendered reckless by my triumph and as to say anything interesting I said what about a gold wedding ring with a date and from R inside as I pass over the scene that followed I was made to say exactly where this treasure was found I was made to reveal the date March 13th said Caroline just six months ago ah out of babble of excited suggestions and suppositions three theories were evolved one that of Colonel Carter that Ralph was secretly married to Flora the first or most simple solution two that of Miss Gannett that Roger Ackroyd had been secretly married to Mrs.

Ferrara's three that of my sister that Roger Ackroyd had married his housekeeper Miss Russell a fourth or super theory was propounded by Caroline later as we went up to bed mark my words she said suddenly I shouldn't be at all surprised if Jeffrey Raymond and Flora weren't married surely it would be from G not from R then I suggested you never know some girls call men by their surnames and you heard what Miss Gannett said this evening about Flora's carryings on strictly speaking I had not heard Miss Gannett say anything of the kind but I respected Caroline's knowledge of innuendos how about Hector Blunt I hinted if it's anybody nonsense said Caroline I dare say he admires her may even be in love with her but depend upon it a girl isn't going to fall in love with a man old enough to be her father when there's a good looking young secretary about she may encourage Major Blunt just as a blind girls are very artful but there's one thing I do tell you James Shepard Flora Ackroyd does not carry penny piece for Ralph Payton and never has you can take it from me I took it from her meekly that concludes chapter sixteen an evening at Mahjong chapter seventeen Parker it occurred to me the next morning that under the exhilaration produced by Tin Ho or the perfect winning I might have been slightly indiscreet true Pierrot had not asked me to keep the discovery of the ring to myself on the other hand he had said nothing about it whilst at Fernley and as far as I knew I was the only person aware that it had been found I felt distinctly guilty the fact was by now spreading through King's Abbot like wildfire I was expecting wholesale reproaches from Pierrot at any time the joint funeral of Mrs.

Farrars and Roger Ackroyd was fixed for eleven o'clock it was a melancholy and impressive ceremony all the party from Fernley were there after it was over Pierrot who had also been present took me by the arm and invited me to accompany him back to the larches he was looking very grave and I feared that my indiscretion of the night before had got round to his ears but it soon transpired that his thoughts were occupied by something totally different in nature see you he said we must act with your help I propose to examine a witness we will question him we will put such fear into him that the truth is bound to come out what witness are you talking of I asked very much surprised Parker said Pierrot I asked him to be at my house this morning at twelve o'clock he should wait us there at this very minute what do you think I ventured glancing sideways at his face I know this that I am not satisfied you think that it was he who blackmailed Mrs.

Farrars either that or well I said after waiting a minute or two my friend I will say this to you I hope it was he the gravity of his manner and something undefinable that tinged it reduced me to silence on arrival at the we were informed that Parker was already there awaiting our return as we entered the room the butler rose respectfully good morning Parker said Pierrot pleasantly one instant I pray of you he removed his overcoat and gloves allow me sir said Parker and sprang forward to assist him he deposited the articles neatly on a chair by the door Pierrot watched him with approval thank you my good Parker he said take a seat will you not what I have to say may take some time Parker seated himself with an apologetic bend of the head now what do you think I asked you to come here for this morning eh Parker coughed I understood sir that you wished to ask me a few questions about my late master private like precisely said Pierrot beaming have you made many experiments in blackmail sir the butler sprang to his feet do not excite yourself said Pierrot placidly do not play the farce of the honest injured man you know all there is to know about the blackmail is it not so sir I've never been insulted suggested Pierrot in such a way before then why my excellent Parker were you so anxious to overhear the conversation in Mr.

Ackroyd's study the other evening after you had caught the word blackmail I wasn't I who was your last master rapped out Pierrot suddenly my last master yes the master you were with before you came to Mr.

Ackroyd a Major Allerby sir Pierrot took the words out of his mouth just so Major Allerby Major Allerby was addicted to drugs was he not you traveled about with him when he was in Bermuda there was some trouble a man was killed Major Allerby was partly responsible it was hushed up but you knew about it how much did Major Allerby pay you to keep your mouth shut Parker was staring at him open mouthed the man had gone to pieces his cheeks looked flabby you see me I have made inquiries said Pierrot pleasantly it is as I say you got a good sum then as blackmail and Major Allerby went on paying you until he died now I want to hear about your latest experiment Parker still stared it is useless to deny Hercule Pierrot knows it is so what I have said about Major Allerby is it not as though against his will Parker nodded reluctantly once his face was ashen pale but I never heard a hair on Mr.

Ackroyd's head he moaned honest to god sir I didn't I have been afraid of this coming all the time and I tell you I didn't,

I didn't kill him his voice rose almost to a scream I am inclined to believe you my friend said Pierrot you have not the nerve the courage but I must have the truth I will tell you anything sir anything you want to know it is true that I tried to listen that night a word or two I heard made me curious and Mr.

Ackroyd's wanting not to be disturbed and shutting himself up with a doctor the way he did it is god's own truth what I told the police I heard the word blackmail sir and well he paused you thought there might be something in it for you suggested Pierrot smoothly well,

Well yes I did sir I thought that if Mr.

Ackroyd had been blackmailed,

Why shouldn't I have a share of the pickings a very curious expression passed over Pierrot's face he leaned forward had you any reason to suppose before that night that Mr.

Ackroyd was being blackmailed no,

Indeed sir it was a great surprise to me,

Such a regular gentleman in all his habits how much did you overhear not very much sir there seemed what I might call a spite against me of course I had to attend to my duties in the party,

And when I did creep along once or twice to the study it was no use the first time Dr.

Shepard came out and almost caught me in the act and another time Mr.

Raymond passed me in the big hall and went that way,

So I knew it was no use and when I went with the tray Miss Flora headed me off Pierrot stared for a long time at the man as if to test his sincerity Parker returned his gaze earnestly I hope you believe me sir I've been afraid all along the police would rake up that old business with Major Allerby and be suspicious of me in consequence ah bien,

Said Pierrot at last I am disposed to believe you,

But there is one thing I must request of you to show me your bank book you have a bank book,

I presume yes sir as a matter of fact,

I have it with me now with no sign of confusion he produced it from his pocket Pierrot took the slim green covered book and perused the entries ah I perceive you have purchased 500 pounds of National Savings Certificates this year yes sir I have already over a thousand pounds saved the result of my connection with er,

My late master Major Allerby and I have had quite a little flutter on some horses this year very successful if you remember,

Sir,

A rank outsider won the Jubilee I was fortunate enough to back it,

Twenty pounds Pierrot handed him back the book I will wish you good morning,

I believe that you have told me the truth if you have not so much the worse for you,

My friend when Parker had departed,

Pierrot picked up his overcoat once more going out again?

I asked yes we will pay a little visit to the good M.

Hammond you believe Parker's story?

It is credible enough on the face of it it seems clear that unless he is a very good actor indeed,

He genuinely believes it was Ackroyd himself who was the victim of blackmail if so,

He knows nothing at all about the Mrs.

Farrar's business then in that case who?

Precisamente who?

But our visit to M.

Hammond will accomplish one purpose it will either clear Parker completely,

Or else well I fall into the habit of leaving my sentences unfinished this morning said Pierrot apologetically you must bear with me by the way I said rather sheepishly I've got a confession to make I'm afraid I have inadvertently let out something about that ring what ring?

The ring you found in the goldfish pond ah,

Yes said Pierrot,

Smiling broadly I hope you're not annoyed,

It was very careless of me but not at all my good friend not at all I laid no commands upon you you were at liberty to speak of it if you so wished she was interested,

Your sister?

She was indeed it created a sensation all sorts of theories are flying about ah and yet it is so simple,

The truth explanation leapt to the eye did it not?

Did it?

I said dryly Pierrot laughed the wise man does not commit himself he observed is not that so?

But here we are at Mr.

Hammond's the lawyer was in his office and we were ushered in without any delay he rose and greeted us in his dry precise manner Pierrot came at once to the point Monsieur I desire from you certain information that is if you will be so good as to give it to me you acted I understand for the late Mrs.

Ferraris of King's Paddock I noticed the swift gleam of surprise which showed in the lawyer's eyes before his professional reserve came down once more like a mask over his face certainly all her affairs have passed through our hands very good now,

Before I ask you to tell me anything I should like you to listen to this story Dr.

Shepard will relate to you you have no objections have you,

My friend to repeating the conversation you had with the Mr.

Ackroyd last Friday night not in the least I said and straight away began the recital of that strange evening Hammond listened with close attention that is all I said when I had finished blackmail said the lawyer thoughtfully you are surprised asked Pierrot the lawyer took off his pincers and polished them with his handkerchief no he replied I can hardly say that I'm surprised I have suspected something of the kind for some time that brings us said Pierrot to the information for which I am asking if anyone can give us an idea of the actual sums paid you are the man Mansour I see no object in withholding the information said Hammond after a moment or two during the past year Mrs.

Farrars has sold out certain securities and the money for them was paid into her account and not reinvested as her income was a large one and she lived very quietly after her husband's death it seems certain that these sums of money were paid away for some special purpose I once sounded her on the subject and she said that she was obliged to support several of her husband's poor relations I let the matter drop of course,

Until now I have always imagined that the money was paid to some woman who had had a claim on Ashley Farrars I never dreamed that Mrs.

Farrars herself was involved and that amount asked Pierrot in all I should say the various sums totaled at least twenty thousand pounds twenty thousand pounds I exclaimed and one year Mrs.

Farrars was a very wealthy woman said Pierrot dryly and the penalty for murder is not a pleasant one is there anything else that I can tell you?

Inquired Mr.

Hammond I thank you no,

Said Pierrot rising all my excuses for having deranged you not at all not at all the word derange I remarked when we were outside again is applicable to mental disorder only ah cried Pierrot never will my English be quite perfect a curious language I should then have said disarranged disarranged is the word you had in mind I thank you my friend the word exact you are zealous for ah bien what about our friend Parker now with twenty thousand pounds in hand would he have continued being a butler je ne sais pas it is of course possible that he banked the money under another name but I am disposed to believe he spoke the truth to us if he is a scoundrel he is a scoundrel on a mean scale he has not the big ideas that leaves us as a possibility Raymond or well Major Blunt surely not Raymond I objected since we know that he was desperately hard up for a matter of five hundred pounds that is what he says yes and as to Hector Blunt I will tell you something as to the good Major Blunt interrupted Pierrot it is my business to make inquiries I make them ah bien that legacy of which he speaks I have discovered that the amount of it was close upon twenty thousand pounds what do you think of that I was so taken aback that I could hardly speak it's impossible I said at last a well known man like Hector Blunt Pierrot shrugged his shoulders who knows at least he is a man with big ideas I confess that I hardly see him as a blackmailer but there is another possibility that you have not even considered what is that the fire my friend Ackroyd himself may have destroyed that letter blue envelope and all after you left him I hardly think that likely I said slowly and yet of course it may be so he might have changed his mind we had just arrived at my house and on the spur of the moment I invited Pierrot to come in and take potluck I thought Caroline would be pleased with me but it is hard to satisfy one's woman folk it appears that we were eating chops for lunch the kitchen staff being regaled on tripe and onions and two chops set before three people are productive of embarrassment but Caroline is seldom daunted for long with magnificent mendacity she explained to Pierrot that although James laughed at her for doing so she adhered strictly to a vegetarian diet she decanted ecstatically on the delights of nut cutlets which I am quite sure she has never tasted and ate a Welsh rare bit with gusto and frequent cutting remarks as to the dangers of flesh foods afterwards when we were sitting in front of the fire and smoking Caroline attacked Pierrot directly not found Ralph Payton yet?

She asked where should I find him mademoiselle?

I thought perhaps you'd found him in Cranchester said Caroline with intense meaning in her tone Pierrot looked merely bewildered in Cranchester?

But why in Cranchester?

I enlightened him with a touch of malice one of our ample staff of private detectives happened to see you in a car on the Cranchester road yesterday I explained Pierrot's bewilderment vanished he laughed heartedly ah that a simple visit to the dentist says Toot my tooth it aches I go there my tooth it is at once better I think to return quickly the dentist he says no better to have it out I argue he insists he has his way that particular tooth it will never ache again Caroline collapsed rather like a pricked balloon we fell to discussing Ralph Payton a weak nature I insisted but not a vicious one ah said Pierrot but weakness where does it end exactly said Caroline take James here weak as water if I weren't about to look after him my dear Caroline I said irritably can't you talk without dragging in personalities you are weak James said Caroline quite unmoved I am eight years older than you oh I don't mind him Pierrot knowing that I should never have guessed it mademoiselle said Pierrot with a gallant little bow eight years older but I've always considered it my duty to look after you with a bad upbringing heaven knows what mischief you might have gotten into by now I might have married a beautiful adventurous I murmured gazing at the ceiling and blowing smoke rings adventurous adventurous said Caroline with a snort if we're talking of adventurous she left the sentence unfinished well I said with some curiosity nothing but I can think of someone not a hundred miles away then she turned to Pierrot suddenly James sticks to it that you believe someone in the house committed the murder all I can say is you're wrong I should not like to be wrong said Pierrot it is not how do you say my mere tear I've got the facts pretty clearly continued Caroline taking no notice of Pierrot's remark from James and others as far as I can see of the people in the house only two have had the chance of doing it Ralph Payton and Flora Ackroyd my dear Caroline now James don't interrupt me I know what I'm talking about Parker met her outside the door didn't she he didn't hear her uncle saying goodnight to her she could have killed him then and there Caroline I'm not saying she did James I'm saying she could have done as a matter of fact though Flora is like all these young girls nowadays with no veneration for their betters and thinking they know best on every subject under the sun I don't for a minute believe she'd kill even a chicken but there it is Mr.

Raymond and Major Blunt have alibis Mrs.

Ackroyd's got an alibi even that Russell woman seems to have one and a good job for her it is she has who is left only Ralph and Flora and say what you will I don't believe Ralph Payton is a murderer a boy we've known all our lives Pierrot was silent for a minute watching the curling smoke rise from his cigarette when at last he spoke it was in a gentle far away voice that produced a curious impression it was totally unlike his usual manner let us take a man a very ordinary man,

A man with no idea of murder in his heart there is in him somewhere a strain of weakness deep down it has so far never been called into play perhaps it never will be and if so,

He will go to his grave honored and respected by everyone but let us suppose that something occurs he is in difficulties or perhaps not that even he may stumble by accident on a secret a secret involving life or death to someone and his first impulse will be to speak out to do his duty as an honest citizen and then the strain of weakness tells here is a chance of money a great amount of money he wants money he desires it and it's so easy he has to do nothing for it just keep silent that is the beginning the desire for money grows he must have more and more he is intoxicated by the gold mine which has opened at his feet he becomes greedy and in his greed he overreaches himself one can press a man as far as one likes but with a woman one must not press too far for a woman has a heart a great desire to speak the truth how many husbands have deceived their wives,

Go comfortably to their graves,

Carrying their secret with them how many wives who have deceived their husbands,

Wreck their lives by throwing the fact in those same husbands teeth they have been pressed too far in a reckless moment which they will afterwards regret bien intendu they fling safety to the winds and turn at bay proclaiming the truth with great momentary satisfaction to themselves so it was,

I think in this case,

The strain was too great and so there came your proverb the death of the goose that laid the golden egg but it is not the end exposure face the man of whom we are speaking and he is not the same man he was say a year ago his moral fiber is blunted he is desperate he is fighting a losing battle and he is prepared to take any means that comes to his hand for exposure means ruin to him and so the dagger strikes he was silent for a moment it was as though he had laid a spell upon the room I cannot try to describe the impression his words produced there was something in the merciless analysis and the ruthless power of vision which struck fear into both of us afterwards he went on softly the danger removed he will be himself again normal,

Kindly but if the need again arises,

Then once more he will strike Caroline roused herself at last you are speaking of Ralph Payton she said you might be right you may not but you have no business to condemn a man unheard the telephone bell rang sharply I went out into the hall and took it off the receiver what?

I said yes,

Dr.

Shepard speaking I listened for a minute or two then replied briefly replacing the receiver I went back into the drawing room Pierrot I said they have detained a man at Liverpool his name is Charles Kent and he is believed to be the stranger who visited Fernley that night they want me to go to Liverpool at once and identify him that concludes chapter 17 Parker chapter 18 Charles Kent half an hour later saw Pierrot myself and Inspector Raglan in the train on the way to Liverpool the inspector was clearly very excited we may get a line on the blackmailing part of the business if on nothing else he declared jubilantly he's a rough customer this fellow by what I heard over the phone takes dope too we ought to find it easy to get what we want out of him if there was the shadow of a motive nothing's more likely than that he killed Mr.

Rackroyd but in that case why is young Payton keeping out of the way the whole thing's a muddle that's what it is by the way in Pierrot you were quite right about those fingerprints they were Mr.

Rackroyd's own I'd rather the same idea myself but I dismissed it as hardly feasible I smiled to myself Inspector Raglan was so very plainly saving his face as regards this man said Pierrot he is not yet arrested eh no detained under suspicion and what account does he give of himself precious little said the inspector with a grin he's a weary bird I gather a lot of abuse but very little more on arrival at Liverpool I was surprised to find that Pierrot was welcomed with acclamation Superintendent Hayes who met us had worked with Pierrot over some case long ago and had evidently an exaggerated opinion of his powers now that we've got Pierrot here we shan't be long he said cheerfully I thought you'd retired monsieur so I had my good Hayes so I had but how tedious is retirement you cannot imagine to yourself the monotony with which day comes after day very likely so you've come to have a look at our own particular find is this Dr.

Shepherd think you'll be able to identify him sir I'm not very sure I said doubtfully how did you get a hold of him inquire Pierrot description was circulated as you know in the press and privately not much to go on I admit this fellow has an American accent alright and he doesn't deny that he was near King's Abbot that night just ask what the hell it is to do with us and that he'll see us soon in before he answers any questions is it permitted that I do so to see him asked Pierrot the superintendent closed one eye knowingly very glad to have you sir you've got permission to do anything you please Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard was asking after you the other day said he'd heard you were connected unofficially with this case where's Captain Payton hiding sir can you tell me that I doubt if it would be wise at the present juncture said Pierrot primely and I bit my lips to prevent a smile the little man really did it very well after some further parlay we were taken to interview the prisoner he was a young fellow I should say no more than 22 or 3 tall,

Thin with slightly shaking hands and the evidences of considerable physical strength somewhat run to seed his hair was dark but his eyes were blue and shifty seldom meeting a glance squarely I had all along cherished the illusion that there was something familiar about the figure I had met that night but if this were indeed he I was completely mistaken he did not remind me in the least of anyone I knew now then Kent said the superintendent stand up here are some visitors come to see you recognize any of them Kent glared at us solemnly but did not reply I saw his glance waver over the three of us and come back to rest on me well sir said the superintendent to me what do you say the height's the same I said and as far as general appearance goes it might well be a man in question beyond that I couldn't go what the hell's the meaning of all this asked Kent what have you got against me come on out with it what am I supposed to have done I nodded my head it's the man I said I recognize the voice recognize my voice do you or do you think you heard it before on Friday evening last outside the gates of Fernley Park you asked me the way there I did did I don't you admit it asked the inspector I don't admit anything not till I know what you've got on me have you not read the papers in the last few days asked Pierrot speaking for the first time the man's eyes narrowed so that's it is it I saw an old gent had been croaked at Fernley trying to make out I did the job are you you were there that night said Pierrot quietly how do you know mister by this Pierrot took something from his pocket and held it out it was the goose quill we had found in the summer house at the sight of it the man's face changed he half held out his hand snow said Pierrot thoughtfully no my friend it is empty it lay where you dropped it in the summer house last night Charles Kent looked at him uncertainly you seem to know a hell of a lot about everything you little foreign cock duck perhaps you remember this the papers say that the old gent was croaked between a quarter to ten and ten o'clock that is so agreed Pierrot yes but is it really so that's what I'm getting at this gentleman will tell you said Pierrot he indicated inspector Raglan the latter hesitated glanced at superintendent Hayes then at Pierrot and finally as though receiving sanction he said that's right between a quarter to ten and ten o'clock then you've nothing to keep me here for said Kent I was away from Fernley Park by twenty five minutes past nine you can ask at the dog and whistle that's a saloon about a mile out of Fernley on the road to Cranchester I kicked up a bit of a row there I remember as near as nothing to quarter to ten it was how about that inspector Raglan wrote down something in his notebook well demanded Kent inquiries will be made said the inspector if you've spoken the truth you won't have anything to complain about what were you doing at Fernley Park anyway went there to meet someone who that's none of your business you'd better keep a civil tongue in your head my man the superintendent warned him to hell with the civil tongue I went there on my own business and that's all there is to it if I was clear away before the murder was done that's all that concerns the cops your name it is Charles Kent said Pierrot where were you born the man stared at him then he grinned I'm a full blown Britisher alright he said yes said Pierrot meditatively I think you are I fancy you were born in Kent the man stared why is that because of my name what's that got to do with it is a man whose name is Kent bound to be born in a particular county under certain circumstances I can imagine he might be said Pierrot very deliberately under certain circumstances you comprehend there was so much meaning in his voice as to surprise the two police officers as for Charles Kent he flushed a red brick and for a moment I thought he was going to spring at Pierrot he thought better of it however and turned away with a kind of laugh Pierrot nodded as though satisfied and made his way out through the door he was joined presently by the two officers we'll verify that statement remarked Raglan I don't think he is lying though but he's got to come clear with a statement as to what he was doing at Fernley it looks to me as though we got our blackmailer alright on the other hand granted his story is correct he couldn't have had anything to do with the actual murder he got 10 pounds on him when he was arrested rather large sum I fancy that 40 pounds went to him the numbers of the notes didn't correspond but of course he'd have changed them first thing Mr.

Ackroyd must have given him the money and he made off with it as fast as possible what was that about Kent being his birthplace what's that got to do with it nothing whatever said Pierrot mildly a little idea of mine that was all me I am famous for my little ideas are you really said Raglan studying him with a puzzled expression the superintendent went into a roar of laughter many's the time I've heard Inspector Japp say that in Pierrot and his little ideas too fanciful for me he'd say but always something in them you mock yourself at me said Pierrot smiling but never mind the old ones they laugh less sometimes when the young clever ones do not laugh at all nodding his head at them in a sage manner he walked out into the street he and I lunch together at a hotel I know now that the whole thing lay clearly unraveled before him he had got the last thread he needed to lead him to the truth but at the time I had no suspicion of the fact I overestimated his general confidence and I took it for granted that the things which puzzled me must be equally puzzling to him my chief puzzle was what the man Charles Kent could have been doing at Fernley again and again I put the question to myself and could get no satisfactory reply at last I ventured a tentative query to Pierrot his reply was immediate mon aimi I do not think I know really I said incredulously yes indeed I suppose now that to you it would not make sense if I said that he went to Fernley that night because he was born in Kent I stared at him it certainly doesn't seem to make sense to me I said dryly ah said Pierrot pityingly well no matter I have still my little idea that concludes chapter 18 Charles Kent chapter 19 Flora Ackroyd as I was returning from my round the following morning I was hailed by inspector Raglan I pulled up the inspector mounted on the step good morning Dr.

Shepard he said well that alibi is all right enough Charles Kent Charles Kent the barmaid at the Dog and Whistle Sally Jones she remembers him perfectly picked out his photograph among five others it was just a quarter to ten when he came into the bar and the Dog and Whistle is well over a mile from Fernley Park the girl mentions that he had a lot of money on him she saw him take a handful of notes out of his pocket rather surprised her it did seeing the class of fellow he was with a pair of boots clean dropping off him that's where that forty pounds went right enough the man still refuses to give an account of his visit to Fernley obstinate as a mule he is I had a chat with Hayes at Liverpool over the wire this morning Hercule Puro says he knows the reason the man went there last night I observed does he cried the inspector eagerly yes I said maliciously he says he went there because he was born in Kent I felt a distinct pleasure in passing on my own discomfiture Raglan stared at me for a moment or two uncomprehendingly then a grin overspread his weaselly countenance and he tapped his forehead significantly bit gone here he said I've thought so for some time poor old chap that's why I had to give up and come down here in the family very likely he's got a nephew who's quite off his crumpet Puro has?

I said very surprised yes hasn't he ever mentioned him to you quite docile I believe and all that but mad as a hatter poor lad who told you that again a grin showed itself on inspector Raglan's face your sister Miss Shepherd she told me all about it really Caroline is amazing she never rests until she knows the last details of everybody's family secrets unfortunately I have never been able to instill into her the decency of keeping them to herself jump in inspector I said opening the door of the car we'll go up to the larches together and acquaint our Belgian friend with the latest news might as well I suppose after all even if he is a bit balmy it was a useful tip he gave me about those fingerprints he's got a bee in his bonnet about the man Kent but who knows there may be something useful behind it Pierrot received us with his usual smiling courtesy he listened to the information we had brought him nodding his head now and then seems quite okay doesn't it said the inspector rather gloomily a chap can't be murdering someone in one place when he's drinking in the bar in another place a mile away are you going to release him don't see what else we can do we can't very well hold him for obtaining money on false pretenses can't prove a ruddy thing the inspector tossed a match into the grate in a disgruntled fashion Pierrot retrieved it and put it neatly in a little receptacle designed for the purpose his action was purely mechanical I could see that his thoughts were on something very different if I were you he said at last I should not release the man Charles Kent yet what do you mean Raglan stared at him what I say you should not release him yet you don't think he could have had anything to do with the murder do you I think probably not but one cannot be certain yet but haven't I just told you Pierrot raised a hand protestingly Mazoui Mazoui I heard I am not deaf nor stupid thank the good God but see you you approach the matter from the wrong the wrong premises is that the word the inspector stared at him heavily I don't see how you can make that out look here we know Mr.

Ackroyd was alive at a quarter to ten you admit that don't you Pierrot looked at him for a moment then shook his head with a quick smile I admit nothing that is not proved well we've got proof enough of that we've got Miss Flora Ackroyd's evidence that she said goodnight to her uncle but me I do not always believe what a young lady tells me no not even when she is charming and beautiful but hang on man Parker saw her coming out of the door no Pierrot's voice rang out with sudden sharpness that is just what he did not see I satisfied myself of that by a little experiment the other day you remember doctor Parker saw her outside the door with her hand on the handle he did not see her come out of the room but where else could she have been perhaps on the stairs the stairs that is my little idea yes but those stairs only lead to Mr.

Ackroyd's bedroom precisely and still the inspector stared you think she'd been up to her uncle's bedroom well why not why should she lie about it ah that is the question it depends on what she was doing there does it not you mean the money hang it all you don't suggest that it was Miss Ackroyd who took that 40 pounds I suggest nothing said Pierrot but I will remind you of this life was not very easy for that mother and daughter there were bills there was constant trouble over small sums of money Roger Ackroyd was a peculiar man over money matters the girl might be at her wit's end for a comparatively small sum figure to yourself then what happens she has taken the money she descends the little staircase when she is half way down she hears the chink of glass from the hall she has no doubt of what it is Parker coming to the study at all costs she must not be found on the stairs Parker will not forget it he will think it odd if the money is missed Parker is sure to remember having seen her come down those stairs she has just time to rush down to the study door with her hand on the handle to show that she has just come down when Parker appears in the doorway she says the first thing that comes into her head a repetition of Roger Ackroyd's orders earlier in the evening and then goes upstairs to her room yes but later persisted the inspector she must have realized the vital importance of speaking the truth why the whole case hinges on it afterwards said Pierrot dryly it was a little difficult for mademoiselle Flora she is told simply that the police are here and that there has been a robbery naturally she jumps to the conclusion that the theft of the money has been discovered her one idea is to stick to her story when she learns that her uncle is dead she is panic stricken young women do not faint nowadays without considerable provocation eh bien there it is she is bound to stick to her story or else confess everything and a young and pretty girl does not like to admit that she is a thief especially before those who esteem she is anxious to retain Raglan brought his fist down with a thump on the table I'll not believe it he said it's not credible and you,

You've known this all along the possibility has been in my mind from the first admitted Pierrot I was always convinced that mademoiselle Flora was hiding something from us to satisfy myself I made the little experiment I told you of Dr.

Shepard accompanied me a test for Parker you said it was I remarked bitterly mon ami said Pierrot apologetically as I told you at the time one must say something the inspector rose there's only one thing for it he declared we must tackle the young lady right now you'll come up to Fernley with me and Pierrot certainly Dr.

Shepard will drive us up in his car I acquiesced willingly on inquiry for Miss Ackroyd we were shown into the billiard room Flora and Major Hector Blunt were sitting on the long window seat good morning Miss Ackroyd said the inspector can we have a word or two alone with you Blunt got up at once and moved to the door what is it asked Flora nervously don't go Major Blunt he can stay can't he she asked turning to the inspector that's as you like said the inspector dryly there's a question or two in my duty to put to you miss but I would prefer to do so privately I dare say you'd prefer it also Flora looked keenly at him I saw her face grow wider then she turned and spoke to Blunt I want you to stay please yes I mean it whatever the inspector has to say to me I'd rather you hear it Raglan shrugged his shoulders well if you will have it so that's all there is to it now Miss Ackroyd Impuro here has made a certain suggestion to me he suggests that you weren't in the study at all last Friday night that you never saw Mr.

Ackroyd to say goodnight to him that instead of being in the study you were on the stairs leading down from your uncle's bedroom when you heard Parker coming across the hall Flora's gaze shifted to Puro he nodded back at her mademoiselle the other day when we sat round the table I implored you to be frank with me what one does not tell to Papa Puro he finds out it was that was it not see I will make it easy for you you took the money did you not the money said blunt sharply there was a silence which lasted for at least a minute then Flora drew herself up and spoke Impuro is right I took the money I stole I am a thief yes a common vulgar little thief now you know I am glad it has come out it has been a nightmare these last few days she sat down suddenly and buried her face in her hands she spoke huskily through her fingers you don't know what my life has been since I came here wanting things scheming for them lying cheating running up bills promising to pay oh I hate myself when I think of it all that's what brought us together Ralph and I we were both weak I understood him and I was sorry because I'm the same underneath we're not strong enough to stand alone either of us we're weak miserable despicable things she looked at blunt and suddenly stamped her foot why do you look at me like that as though you couldn't believe I may be a thief but at any rate I'm real now I'm not lying anymore I'm not pretending to be the kind of girl you like young and innocent and simple I don't care if you never want to see me again I hate myself despise myself but you've got to believe one thing if speaking the truth would have made things better for Ralph I would have spoken out but I've seen all along it wouldn't be better for Ralph it makes the case against him blacker than ever I was not doing him any harm by sticking to my lie Ralph said blunt I see always Ralph you don't understand said Flora hopelessly you never will she turned to the inspector I admit I said everything I was at my wits end for money I never saw my uncle that evening after he left the dinner table as to money you can take what steps you please nothing could be worse than it is now suddenly she broke down again hit her face in her hands and rushed from the room well said the inspector in a flat tone that's that he seemed rather at a loss what to do next blunt came forward inspector Raglan he said quietly that money was given to me by Mr.

Ackroyd for a special purpose Ms.

Ackroyd never touched it when she says she did she's lying with the idea of shielding Captain Payton the truth is as I said I am prepared to go to the witness box and swear to it he made a kind of jerky bow then turned abruptly he left the room Pierrot was after him in a flash he caught the other up in the hall Monsieur a moment I beg of you if you would be so good well sir blunt was obviously impatient he stood frowning down on Pierrot it is this said Pierrot rapidly I am not deceived by your little fantasy no indeed it was truly Miss Fleur who took the money all the same it is well imagined what you say it pleases me it is very good what you have done there you are a man quick to think and to act I am not in the least anxious for your opinion thank you said blunt coldly he made once more as though to pass on but Pierrot not at all offended laid a detaining hand on his arm ah but you are to listen to me I have more to say the other day I spoke of concealments very well all along have I seen what you were concealing mademoiselle Fleur you love her with all your heart from your first moment you saw her is it not so oh let us not mind saying these things why must one in England think it is necessary to mention love as though it were some disgraceful secret you love mademoiselle Fleur you seek to conceal that fact from all the world that is very good that is as it should be but take the advice from Hercule Pierrot do not conceal it from mademoiselle herself blunt had shown several signs of restlessness whilst Pierrot was speaking but the closing words seemed to rivet his attention what do you mean by that he said sharply you think that she loves the captain Ralph Payton but I,

Hercule Pierrot tell you that that is not so mademoiselle Fleur accepted captain Payton to please her uncle and because she saw in the marriage a way of escape from her life here which was becoming frankly unsupportable to her she liked him and there was much sympathy and understanding between them but love no it is not captain Payton mademoiselle Fleur loves what the devil do you mean asked blunt I saw the dark flush under his tan you have been blind monsieur blind she is loyal the little one Ralph Payton is under a cloud she is bound and honored to stick by him I felt it was time I put in a word to help on the good work my sister told me the other night I said encouragingly that Fleur had never cared a penny piece for Ralph Payton and never would my sister is always right about these things blunt ignored my well meant efforts he spoke to Pierrot do you really think he began and stopped he is one of those inarticulate men who find it hard to put things in two words Pierrot knows no such disability if you doubt me ask her yourself monsieur but perhaps you can no longer care to the affair of the money blunt gave a sound like an angry laugh think I'll hold it against her Roger was always a queer chap about money but got in a mess and didn't dare tell him poor kid poor lonely kid Pierrot looked thoughtfully at the side door mademoiselle went into the garden I think he murmured I've been every kind of a fool said blunt abruptly rum conversation we've been having like one of those Danish plays but you're a sound fellow in Pierrot thank you he took Pierrot's hand and gave it a grip which caused the other to wince in anguish then he strode to the side of the door and passed out into the garden not every kind of fool murmured Pierrot tenderly nursing the injured member only one kind the fool in love that concludes chapter 19 Flora Ackroyd from the story the murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie thank you for listening I hope you have enjoyed this story and hopefully become relaxed and possibly fallen asleep

Reviews

What a long and winding tale— stayed awake for a big chunk tonight, at least entertained! Thank you ✨🙏🏼✨