The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

Evan entered Mr. Parker Pyne's office on the

Friday morning in a considerable turmoil. Hope

and skepticism fought for mastery.

Mr. Parker Pyne rose to meet him with a beaming

smile.

"Good morning, Mr. Llewellyn. Sit down.

Have a cigarette?"

Llewellyn waved aside the proffered box.

"Well?" he said.

"Very well indeed," said Mr. Parker Pyne.

"The police arrested the gang last night."

THE REGATTA MYSTERY

23

"The gang? What gang?"

"The Amalfi gang. I thought of them at once

when you told me your story. I recognized their

methods and once you had described the guests,

well, there was no doubt at all in my mind."

"Who are the Amalfi gang?"

"Father, son and daughter-in-law--that is if

Pietro and Maria are really married--which some

doubt."

"I don't understand."

"It's quite simple. The name is Italian and no

doubt the origin is Italian, but old Amalfi was

born in America. His methods are usually the

same. He impersonates a real business man, intro-duces

himself to some prominent figure in the

jewel business in some European country and then

plays his little trick. In this case he was deliber-ately