wore [wɔ:], unduly [ˈʌnˈdju:lɪ], insist [ɪnˈsɪst]
"Describe this man," he said. "As quick as you can. There's no time to be lost."
"Medium-sized, he were," said Mary. "And stooped and wore glasses.''
"His clothes?"
"A dark suit and a Homburg hat. Rather shabby-looking."
She could add little to this description.
Inspector Crome did not insist unduly. The telephone wires were soon busy, but neither the inspector nor the Chief Constable were overoptimistic.
Crome elicited the fact that the man, when seen sneaking across the yard, had had no bag or suitcase. "There's a chance there," he said.
Two men were dispatched to the Black Swan
Mr. Ball
The sergeant returned about ten minutes later
"I've brought the register, sir," he said
We crowded round
dispatch [dɪsˈpætʃ], register [ˈreʤɪstǝ], signature [ˈsɪɡnɪtʃǝ]
Two men were dispatched to the Black Swan.
Mr. Ball, swelling with pride and importance, and Mary, somewhat tearful, accompanied them.
The sergeant returned about ten minutes later.
"I've brought the register, sir," he said. "Here's the signature."
We crowded round. The writing was small and cramped — not easy to read.
"A.B.Case
"A.B.C.," said Crome significantly
"What about luggage?" asked Anderson
"One good-sized suitcase, sir
"Boxes
"Stockings, sir
Crome turned to Poirot
luggage [ˈlʌɡɪʤ], congratulations [kǝn,ɡrætjʋˈleɪs(ǝ)nz], hunch [hʌntʃ]
"A.B.Case — or is it Cash?" said the Chief Constable.
"A.B.C.," said Crome significantly.
"What about luggage?" asked Anderson.
"One good-sized suitcase, sir, full of small cardboard boxes."
"Boxes? What was in 'em?"
"Stockings, sir. Silk stockings."
Crome turned to Poirot. "Congratulations," he said. "Your hunch was right."
XXVIII. (Not from Captain Hastings' Personal Narrative)
Inspector Crome was in his office at Scotland Yard
The telephone on his desk gave a discreet buzz
"Jacobs speaking, sir