The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

inch of it. Then he transferred his attention to the

chair on which Eve had been sitting and those on

either side of her.

The thoroughness of the search left nothing to

be desired. The other four men joined in and the

women also. Eve Leathern stood by the wall

near the screen and laughed with intense enjoy-ment.

Five minutes later Mr. Pointz rose with a slight

groan from his knees and dusted his trousers

sadly. His pristine freshness was somewhat im-paired.

"Eve," he said. "I take off my hat to you.

You're the finest thing in jewel thieves I've ever

come across. What you've done with that stone

beats me. As far as I can see it must be in the room

as it isn't on you. I give you best."

"Are the stockings mine?" demanded Eve.

"They're yours, young lady."

"Eve, my child, where can you have hidden it?"

demanded Mrs. Rustington curiously.

Eve pranced forward.

"I'll show you. You'll all be just mad with

yourselves."

She went across to the side table where the

things from the dinner table had been roughly

E REGATTA MYSTERY

stacked. She picked up her little black evening

bag

''Right