The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

hard up and was suddenly cutting a bit of a

splash."

"And were you?"

"Yes--some luck with a horse or two. Unluck-ily

my bets were made on the course--there's

nothing to show that that's how the money came

in. They can't disprove it, of course--but that's

just the sort of easy lie a fellow would invent if

he didn't want to show where the money came

from."

"I agree. Still they will have to have a good deal

more than that to go upon."

"Oh! I'm not afraid of actually being arrested

and charged with the theft. In a way that would be

easier--one would know where one was. It's the

ghastly fact that all those people believe I took it."

"One person in particular?"

"What do you mean?"

"A suggestion--nothing more--" Again Mr.

Parker Pyne waved his comfortable-looking hand.

"There was one person in particular, wasn't there?

Shall we say Mrs. Rustington?"

Llewellyn's dark face flushed.

"Why pitch on her?"

"Oh, my dear sir--there is obviously someone

whose opinion matters to you greatly--probably

a lady. What ladies were there? An American flap-per?

Lady Marroway? But you would probably

rise not fall in Lady Marroway's estimation if you

had brought off such a coup. I know something