The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories (Hercule Poirot 21)

Agatha Christie

"It was still like that. I remember. I moved it

away and it was then I saw the stain. The carpet's

gone to be cleaned, sir. That's why the boards are

bare."

Poirot nodded.

"I see," he said. "I thank you."

He placed a crisp piece of paper in the valet's

palm.

"Thank you, sir."

"Poirot," I said when we were out in the street,

"that point about the screen--is that a point

helpful to Rich?"

"It is a further point against him," said Poirot

ruefully. "The screen hid the chest from the room.

It also hid the stain on the carpet. Sooner or later

the blood was bound to soak through the wood

and stain the carpet. The screen would prevent

discovery for the moment. Yes--but there is some-thing

there that I do not understand. The valet,

Hastings, the valet."

"What about the valet? He seemed a most in-telligent

fellow."

"As you say, most intelligent. Is it credible,

then, that Major Rich failed to realize that the

valet would certainly discover the body in the

morning? Immediately after the deed he had no

time for anything--granted. He shoves the body

into the chest, pulls the screen in front of it and