The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

"That's all right," said Evan.

He shook Mr. Parker Pyne by the hand and

strode from the office.

He hailed a taxi and gave the address of Janet

Rustington's flat.

He felt in a mood to carry all before him.

'T/e Mystery

of the Bagdad Chest

The words made a catchy headline, and I said as

much to my friend, Hercule Poirot. I knew none

of the parties. My interest was merely the dispas-sionate

one of the man in the street. Poirot agreed.

"Yes, it has a flavor of the Oriental, of the

mysterious. The chest may very well have been a

sham Jacobean one from the Tottenham Court

Road; none the less the reporter who thought of

naming it the Bagdad Chest was happily inspired.

The word 'Mystery' is also thoughtfully placed in

juxtaposition, though I understand there is very

little mystery about the case."

"Exactly. It is all rather horrible and macabre,

but it is not mysterious."

"Horrible and macabre," repeated Poir°t

thoughtfully.

"The whole idea is revolting," I said, rising to

29

30

Agatha Christie

my feet and pacing up and down the room. "The

murderer kills this man--his friend--shoves him