The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

"Consolidated Coachlines."

"In connection with that," continued Inspector

Barnett, "Mr. Farley had agreed to give an inter-view

to two members of the Press. He very seldom

did anything of the kind--only about once in five

years, I understand. Accordingly two reporters,

one from the Associated Newsgroups, and one

from Amalgamated Press-sheets, arrived at a

quarter past three by appointment. They waited

on the first floor outside Mr. Farley's door--which

was the customary place for people to wait

who had an appointment with Mr. Farley. At

twenty past three a messenger arrived from the

office of-Consolidated Coachlines with some

urgent papers. He was shown into Mr. Farley's

room where he handed over the documents. Mr.

Farley accompanied him to the door of the room,

and from there spoke to the two members of the

Press. He said:

"'I am sorry, gentlemen, to have to keep you

waiting, but I have some urgent business to attend

to. I will be as quick as I can.'

"The two gentlemen, Mr. Adams and Mr. Stod-dart,

assured Mr. Farley that they would await his

convenience. He went back into his room, shut the

162

Agatha Christie

door--and was never seen ali,e again!"

"Continue," said Poirot.

"At a little after four o'clock," went on the in-spector,