The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

and so on."

Somewhat unbelievingly, Evan described the

personal appearance of the members of the yacht-ing

party.

Mr. Parker Pyne made a note or two, pushed

away the pad and said:

22

Agatha Christie

"Excellent. By the way, did you say a wineglass

was broken?"

Evan stared again.

"Yes, it was knocked off the table and then it

got stepped on."

"Nasty thing, splinters of glass," said Mr.

Parker Pyne. "Whose wine-glass was it?"

"I think it was the child's--Eve."

"Ah!--and who sat next to her on that side?"

"Sir George Marroway."

"You didn't see which of them knocked it off

the table?"

"Afraid I didn't. Does it matter?"

"Not really. No. That was a superfluous question.

Well"--he stood up--"good morning, Mr.

Llewellyn. Will you call again in three days' time?

I think the whole thing will be quite satisfactorily

cleared up by then."

"Are you joking, Mr. Parker Pyne?"

"I never joke on professional matters, my dear

sir. It would occasion distrust in my clients. Shall

we say Friday at 11:30? Thank you."