who terrorized Mrs. Ferrars? He may have got his information about Mr. Ferrars’s

death from one of the King’s Paddock 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 Poirot thoughtfully. “But Parker is the

most likely. It is in my mind to try a little experiment with Parker. How say

you, my friend, will you accompany me to Fernly?”

 

I acquiesced, and we set out at once. Poirot asked to see Miss Ackroyd, and

presently Flora came to us.

 

“Mademoiselle Flora,” said Poirot, “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.”