had been allowed on baard that day were being
rounded up and questi0.ned! A large sum in cash
had disappeared from a drawer in the cabin! The
notes had been traced! 71hey had not been traced!
Jewelry worth a fortUne had been taken! No
jewelry had been taken at all! A steward had been
arrested and had confesMed to the murder!
"What is the truth of it all?" demanded Miss
Ellie Henderson, wayla.3,ing Poirot. Her face was
pale and troubled.
"My dear lady, how %hould I know?"
"Of course you kno,,, said Miss Henderson.
It was late in the e,'vening. Most people had
retired to their cabins, llVliss Henderson led Poirot
to a couple of deck chatirs on the sheltered side of
the ship. "Now tell me,",, she commanded.
Poirot surveyed her thoughtfully' "It's an interesting
case," he said.
"Is it true that sh% had some very valuable
jewelry stolen?"
Poirot shook his he:ad. "No. No jewelry was
taken. A small amount of loose cash that was in a
drawer has disappearedl, though."
"I'll never feel safe n a ship again," said Miss
Henderson with a shiver. "Any clue as to which of
those coffee-colored hr.utes did it?"
"No," said Hercule i Poirot. "The whole thing is
rather--strange."
"What do you mean ?,, asked Ellie sharply.
Poirot spread out his hands. "Eh bien--take the facts. Mrs. Clappe,rton had been dead at least