The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

"What d'you mean, not necessary?"

"I, Hercule Poirot, know. I see with the eyes of

the mind. And I will speak! M. Carter, will you

show us the packet in your breast pocket?"

"There's nothing in my pocket. What the

hell--"

"Tony, my good friend, if you will be so oblig-ing.''

Carter cried out:

"Damn you--"

Tony flipped the packet neatly out before

Carter could defend himself.

YELLOW IRIS

121

"There you are, M. Poirot, just as you said!"

"It's a damned lie," cried Carter.

Poirot picked up the packet, read the label.

"Cyanide of potassium. The case is complete."

Barton Russell's voice came thickly.

"Carter! I always thought so. Iris was in love

with you. She wanted to go away with you. You

didn't want a scandal for the sake of your precious

career so you poisoned her. You'll hang for this,

you dirty dog."

"Silence!" Poirot's voice rang out, firm and

authoritative. "This is not finished yet. I, Hercule

Poirot, have something to say. My friend here,

Tony Chapell, he says to me when I arrive, that I

have come in search of crime. That, it is partly

true. There was crime in my mind--but it was to

prevent a crime that I came. And I have prevented