Stillingfleet, M.D.
158
Agatha Christie
He said with a remarkable lack of medical
decorum:
"That you, Poirot, old horse? Stillingfleet
here. ' '
"Yes, my friend. What is it?"
"I'm speaking from Northway House--Benedict
Farley's?'
"Ah, yes?" Poirot's voice quickened with
interest. "What of--Mr. Farley?"
"Farley's dead. Shot himself this afternoon."
There was a pause, then Poirot said:
"Yes .... "
"I notice you're not overcome with surprise.
Know something about it, old horse?"
"Why should you think that?"
"Well, it isn't brilliant deduction or telepathy
or any
thing like that. We found a note from Farley
to you making an appointment about a week
ago. ' '
"I see."
"We've got a tame police inspector here--got to
be careful, you know, when one of these millionaire
blokes bumps himself off. Wondered whether
you could throw any light on the case. If 'so, perhaps
you'd come round?"
"I will come immediately."