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"
Quick, go to the other wing. Stand there--just this side of the baize door. Do
not move till I come." Then, turning rapidly, he rejoined the two detectives.
I followed his instructions, taking up my position by the baize door, and
wondering what on earth lay behind the request. Why was I to stand in this
particular spot on guard? I looked thoughtfully down the corridor in front of
me. An idea struck me. With the exception of Cynthia Murdoch's, every
one's room was in this left wing. Had that anything to do with it? Was I to
report who came or went? I stood faithfully at my post. The minutes passed.
Nobody came. Nothing happened.
It must have been quite twenty minutes before Poirot rejoined me.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
You have not stirred?"
No, I've stuck here like a rock. Nothing's happened."
Ah!" Was he pleased, or disappointed? "You've seen nothing at all?"
No."
But you have probably heard something? A big bump--eh, mon ami?"
No."
Is it possible? Ah, but I am vexed with myself! I am not usually clumsy. I
made but a slight gesture"--I know Poirot's gestures--"with the left hand,
and over went the table by the bed!"
He looked so childishly vexed and crest-fallen that I hastened to console
him.
"Never mind, old chap. What does it matter? Your triumph downstairs
excited you. I can tell you, that was a surprise to us all. There must be more
in this affair of Inglethorp's with Mrs. Raikes than we thought, to make him
hold his tongue so persistently. What are you going to do now? Where are
the Scotland Yard fellows?"
"
Gone down to interview the servants. I showed them all our exhibits. I am
disappointed in Japp. He has no method!"
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