Hercule Poirot's Casebook

'Out of the daily woman? No. She talked a lot but she didn't

really know much. Confirmed the fact that Allen and Plenderleith

were on good terms. I've sent Jameson out to make

inquiries in the mews. We'll have to have a word with Mr

Laverton-West too. Find out where he was and what he was

doing last night. In the meantime we'll have a look through her

77

He set to without more ado. Occasionally he grunted

tossed something over to Poirot. The search did not take log.

There were not many papers in the desk and what there were

were neatly arranged and docketed.

Finally Japp leant back and uttered a sigh.

'Not very much, is there?'

'As you say.'

'Most of it quite straightforward - receipted bills, a few bills

as yet unpaid - nothing particularly outstanding. Social stuff

invitations. Notes from friends. These -' he laid his hand on a

pile of seven or eight letters - 'and her cheque book and

passbook. Anything strike you there?'

'Yes, she was overdrawn.'

'Anything else?'

Poirot smiled.

'Is it an examination that you put me through? But yes, I

noticed what you are thinking of. Two hundred pounds drwn

to self three months ago - and two hundred pounds drawn 3ut

yesterday-'

'And nothing on the counterfoil of the cheque book. %

other cheques to self except small sums - fifteen pounds

highest. And I'll tell you this - there's no such sum of mo: y

in the house. Four pounds ten in a handbag and an odd shiL;g

or two in another bag. That's pretty clear, I think.'

'Meaning that she paid that sum away yesterday.'

'Yes. Now who did she pay it to?'

The door opened and Inspector Jameson entered.

'Well, Jameson, get anything?'

'Yes, sir, several things. To begin with, nobody actually

heard the shot. Two or three women say they did because they

want to think they did - but that's all there is to it. With all

those fireworks going off there isn't a dog's chance.'

Japp grunted.

'Don't suppose there is. Go on.'

'Mrs Allen was at home most of yesterday afternoon and

evening. Came in about five o'clock. Then she went out again

about six but only to the post box at the end of the mews. At

78

about nine-thirty a car drove up - Standard Swallow saloon and

a man got out. Description about forty-five, well set up

military-looking gent, dark blue overcoat, bowler hat, toothbrush

moustache. James Hogg, chauffeur from No. 18 says

he's seen him calling on Mrs Allen before.'

'Forty-five,' said Japp. 'Can't very well be Laverton-West.'

'This man, whoever he was, stayed here for just under an

hour. Left at about ten-twenty. Stopped in the doorway to

speak to Mrs. Allen. Small boy, Frederick Hogg, was hanging

about quite near and heard what he said.'

'And what did he say?'

'"Well, think it over and let me know." And then she said

something and he answered: "All right. So long." After that he

got in his car and drove away.'

'That was at ten-twenty,' said Poirot thoughtfully.

Japp rubbed his nose.

'Then at ten-twenty Mrs Allen was still alive,' he said. 'What

next?'

'Nothing more, sir, as far as I can learn. The chauffeur at No. 22 got in at half-past ten and he'd promised his kids to let off

some fireworks for them. They'd been waiting for him - and all

the other kids in the mews too. He let 'em off and everybody

around about was busy watching them. After that everyone

went to bed.'

And nobody else was seen to enter No. 147'

:lqo - but that's not to say they didn't. Nobody would have

noticed.'

'H'm,' said Japp. 'That's true. Well, we'll have to get hold of

this "military gentleman with the toothbrush moustache." It's

pretty clear that he was the last person to see her alive. I wonder

who he was?'

Miss Plenderleith might tell us,' suggested Poirot.

he might,' said Japp gloomily. 'On the other hand she

m!ght not. I've no doubt she could tell us a good deal if she

'hld. What about you, Poirot, old boy? You were alone with

for a bit. Didn't you trot out that Father Confessor manner

that sometimes makes such a hit?'

79

Poirot spread out his hands.

'Alas, we talked only of gas fires.'

'Gas fires - gas rues.' Japp sounded disgusted. 'What' 'he

matter with you, old cock? Ever since you've been here th¢ :.

things you've taken an interest in are quill pens and

paper baskets. Oh, yes, I saw you having a quiet look im(he

one downstairs. Anything in it?'

Poirot sighed.

'A catalogue of bulbs and an old magazine.'

'What's the idea, anyway? If anyone wants to throw aw

incriminating document or whatever it is you have in mind

they're not likely just to pitch it into a waste-paper baske?.'

'That is very true what you say there. Only something

unimportant would be thrown away like that.'

Poirot spoke meekly. Nevertheless Japp looked at him

suspiciously.

'Well,' he said. 'I know what I'm going to do next. Wh,.at

about you?'

'Eh b/eh,' said Poirot. 'I shall complete my search for the

unimportant. There is still the dustbin.'

He skipped nimbly out of the room. Japp looked after him

with an air of disgust.

'Potty,' he said. 'Absolutely potty.'

Inspector Jameson preserved a respectful silence. His ihce

said with British superiority: 'Foreigners?

Aloud he said: