The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

five hours when she Was found. Some money had'

disappeared. A string %f beads was on the floor by

her bed. The door Was locked and the key was

208

Agatha Christie

missing. The window--windov, not port-hole--gives

on the deck and was open."

"Well?" asked the woman impatiently.

"Do you not think it is curious for a murder

to be committed under those particular circum-stances?

Remember that the postcard sellers,

money changers and bead sellers who are allowed

on board are all well known to the police."

"The stewards usually lock your cabin, all the

same,', Ellie pointed out.

"Yes, to prevent any chance of petty pilfering.

But this--was murder."

"What exactly are you thinking of, M. Poirot?"

Her Voice sounded a little breathless.

"I am thinking of the locked door."

Miss Henderson considered this. "I don't see

anything in that. The man left by the door, locked

it and took the key with him so as to avoid having

the murder discovered too soon. Quite intelligent

of hire, for it wasn't discovered until four o'clock

in the afternoon."

"No, no, Mademoiselle, you don't appreciate

the POint I'm trying to make. I'm not worried as

to how he got out, but as to how he got in."

"The window of course."