The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

his going to Scotland had been from Mrs. Clay-ton.

Such were the bald facts of the case. Innuendoes

and suggestions naturally abounded. The close

friendship and intimacy of Major Rich and Mrs.

Clayton were so stressed that only a fool could fail

to read between the lines. The motive for the crime

was plainly indicated.

Long experience has taught me to make allow-ance

/> for baseless calumny. The motive suggested

might, for all the evidence, be entirely nonexis

THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGDAD CHEST

33

tent. Some quite other reaso/a might have precipitated

the issue. But one thing did stand out clearly

--that Rich was the murderer.

As I say, the matter might have rested there,

had it not happened that Poirot and I were due at

a party given by Lady Chatterton that night.

Poirot, whilst bemoaning social engagements

and declaring a passion for solitude, really enjoyed

these affairs enormously. To be made a fuss

of and treated as a lion suited him down to the

ground.

On occasions he positively purred! I have seen

him blandly receiving the most outrageous compliments

as no more than his due, and uttering the

most blatantly conceited remarks, such as I can

hardly bear to set down.

Sometimes he would argue with me on the subject.

"But, my friend, I am not an AngloSaxon.