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Agatha Christie
wouldn't let us go ashore all by ourselves? Awful
things might happen to us."
"I certainly don't think you ought to go by
yourselves," said Clapperton, smiling. "But I'm
not sure my wife feels up to it."
"That's too bad," said Pam. "But she can have
a nice long rest."
Colonel Clapperton looked a little irresolute.
Evidently the desire to play truant was strong
upon him. He noticed Poirot.
"Hullo, M. Poirotmyou going ashore?"
"No, I think not," M. Poirot replied.
"I'llmI'll--just have a word with Adeline,"
decided Colonel Clapperton.
"We'll come with you," said Pam. She flashed
a wink at Poirot. "Perhaps we can persuade her to
come too," she added gravely.
Colonel Clapperton seemed to welcome this
suggestion. He looked decidedly relieved.
"Come along then, the pair of you," he said
lightly. They all three went along the passage of B
deck together.
Poirot, whose cabin was just opposite the Clap-pertons,
followed them out of curiosity.
Colonel Clapperton rapped a little nervously at
the cabin door.
"Adeline, my dear, are you up?"
The sleepy voice of Mrs. Clapperton from