The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

had wandered round here and dropped it."

"Yes," said Stillingfleet with a sigh. "That's

probably what the ordinary person would have

thought. But not good old Hercule! D'you know,

old horse, up to the very last minute I thought you

were leading up to some subtle theory of highfalu-tin

psychological 'suggested' murder? I bet those

two thought so too! Nasty bit of goods, the Far-ley.

Goodness, how she cracked! Cornworthy

might have got away with it if she hadn't had

hysterics and tried to spoil your beauty by going

for you with her nails. I only got her off you just

in 'time."

He paused a minute and then said:

"I rather like the girl. Grit, you know, and

brains. I suppose I'd be thought to be a fortune

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Agatha Christie

hunter if I had a shot at her... ?"

"You are too late, my friend. There is already

someone sur le tapis. Her father's death has

opened the way to happiness."

"Take it all round, she had a pretty good

motive for bumping off the unpleasant parent."

"Motive and opportunity are not enough," said

Poirot. "There must also be the criminal tempera-ment!''

"I wonder if you'll ever commit a crime,

Poirot?" said Stillingfleet. "I bet you could get

away with it all right. As a matter of fact, it would

be too easy for you--I mean the thing would be