“This is M. Poirot, mother,” said Flora. “I told you about him this morning.”

 

“Oh! yes,” said Mrs. Ackroyd vaguely. “Of course, my dear, of course.

 

He is to find Ralph, is he not?”

 

“He is to find out who killed uncle,” said Flora.

 

“Oh! my dear,” cried her mother. “Please! My poor nerves. I am a wreck this

morning, a positive wreck. Such a dreadful thing to happen. I can’t help feeling

that it must have been an accident of some kind.

 

Roger was so fond of handling queer curios. His hand must have slipped, or

something.”

 

This theory was received in polite silence. I saw Poirot edge up to the lawyer,

and speak to him in a confidential undertone. They moved aside into the

embrasure of the window. I joined them—then hesitated.

 

“Perhaps I’m intruding,” I said.

 

“Not at all,” cried Poirot heartily. “You and I, M. le docteur, we investigate

this affair side by side. Without you I should be lost. I desire a little

information from the good Mr. Hammond.”