The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

Thursday night when I came here?"

Holmes cleared his throat, then said:

"After dinner Mr. Cornworthy told me that

Mr. Farley expected a Mr. Hercule Poirot at 9:30.

I was to.ascertain the gentleman's name, and I was

to verify the information by glancing at a letter.

Then I was to show him up to Mr. Cornworthy's

room."

"Were you also told to knock on the door?"

An expression of distaste crossed the butler's

countenance.

"That was one of Mr. Farley's orders. I was

always to knock when introducing visitors--business

visitors, that is," he added.

"Ah, that puzzled me! Were you given any

other instructions concerning me?"

"No, sir. When Mr. Cornworthy had told me

what I have just repeated to you he went out."

"What time was that?"

THE DREAM

171

"Ten minutes to nine, sir."

"Did you see Mr. Farley after that?"

"Yes, sir, I took him up a glass of hot water as

usual at nine o'clock."

"Was he then in his own room or in Mr. Corn-worthy's?"

"He was in his own room, sir."

"You noticed nothing unusual about that

room?"

"Unusual? No, sir."