The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)
Page 26
"That's all right," said Evan.
He shook Mr. Parker Pyne by the hand and
strode from the office.
He hailed a taxi and gave the address of Janet
Rustington's flat.
He felt in a mood to carry all before him.
'T/e Mystery
of the Bagdad Chest
The words made a catchy headline, and I said as
much to my friend, Hercule Poirot. I knew none
of the parties. My interest was merely the dispas-sionate
one of the man in the street. Poirot agreed.
"Yes, it has a flavor of the Oriental, of the
mysterious. The chest may very well have been a
sham Jacobean one from the Tottenham Court
Road; none the less the reporter who thought of
naming it the Bagdad Chest was happily inspired.
The word 'Mystery' is also thoughtfully placed in
juxtaposition, though I understand there is very
little mystery about the case."
"Exactly. It is all rather horrible and macabre,
but it is not mysterious."
"Horrible and macabre," repeated Poir°t
thoughtfully.
"The whole idea is revolting," I said, rising to
29
30
Agatha Christie
my feet and pacing up and down the room. "The
murderer kills this man--his friend--shoves him