Hercule Poirot's Casebook

'You knew Mrs Allen out in India, I think.'

'Yes, that's some years ago now.'

'Did you also know her husband?'

There was a pause - a mere fraction ora second - but during

that fraction the little pig eyes flashed a quick look at the faces

of the two men. Then he answered:

'No, as a matter of fact, I never came across Allen.'

'But you know something about him?'

'Heard he was by way of being a bad hat. Of course, that was

only rumour.'

'Mrs Allen did not say anything?'

'Never talked about him.'

'You were on intimate terms with her?'

Major Eustace shrugged his shoulders.

'We were old friends, you know, old friends. But we didn't

see each other very often.'

'But you did see her that last evening? The evening of

November f'tfth? '

'Yes, as a matter of fact, I did.'

'You called at her house, I think.'

Major Eustace nodded. His voice took on a gentle, regretful

note.

'Yes, she asked me to advise her about some investments. Of

course, I can see what you're driving at - her state of mind - aH

that sort of thing. Well, really, it's very difficult to say. Her

manner seemed normal enough and yet she was a bit jumpy,

come to think of it.'

'But she gave you no hint as to what she contemplated

doing?'

'Not the least in the world. As a matter of fact, when I said

goodbye I said I'd ring her up soon and we'd do a show

together.'

'You said you'd ring her up. Those were your last words?'

'Yes.'

100

'Curious. I have information that you said something quite

different.'

Eustace changed colour.

'Well, of course, I can't remember the exact words.'

'My information is that what you actually said was, "Well,

tin)k it over and let me know."'

'Let me see, yes I believe you're right. Not exactly that. I

think I was suggesting she should let me know when she was

,flee.'

'Not quite the same thing, is it?' said Japp.

Major Eustace shrugged his shoulders.

'My dear fellow, you can't expect a man to remember word

for word what he said on any given occasion.'

'And what did Mrs Allen reply?'

'She said she'd give .me a ring. That is, as near as I can

remember.'

'And then you said, ",'Ill right. So long."' 'Probably. Something of the kind anyway.'

Japp said quietly:

'You say that Mrs Allen asked you to advise her about her

investments. Did she, by any chance, emrust you with the sum of

two hundred pounds in cash to invest for her?'

Eustace's face flushed a dark purple. He leaned forward and

growled out:

'What the devil do you mean by that?'

'Did she or did she not?'

'That's my business, Mr Chief Inspector.'

Japp said quietly:

'Mrs Allen drew out the sum of two hundred pounds in cash

from her bank. Some of the money was in five-pound notes.

The numbers of these can, of course, be traced.'

'What if she did?'

'Was the money for investment - or was it - blackmail,

Major Eustace?'

'That's a preposterous idea. What next will you suggest?'

Japp said in his most official manner:

'I think, Major Eustace, that at this point I must ask you if

101

you are willing to come to Scotland Yard and make a statement.

There is, of course, no compulsion and you can, if you prefer

have your solicitor present.'

'Solicitor? What the devil should I want with a solicitor:

And what are you cautioning me for?'

'I am inquiring into the circumstances of the death of Mrs

Allen.'

'Good God, man, you don't suppose - Why, that's non-sense!

Look here, what happened was this. I called round to see

Barbara by appointment...'

'That was at what time?'

'At about half-past nine, I should say. We sat and talked...'

'And smoked?'

'Yes, and smoked. Anything damaging in that?' demanded

the major belligerently.

'Where did this conversation take place?'

'In the sitting-room. Left of the door as you go in. We talked

together quite amicably, as I say. I left a little before half-past

ten. I stayed for a minute on the doorstep for a few !as

words...'

'Last words - precisely,' murmured Poirot.

'Who areyou, I'd like to know?' Eustace turned and spat he

words at him. 'Some kind of damned dago! What are

butting in for?'

'I am Hercule Poirot,' said the little man with dignity.

'I don't care if you are the Achilles statue. As I say, Barbara

and I parted quite amicably. I drove straight to the Far East

Club. Got there at five and twenty to eleven and went straight

up to the card-room. Stayed there playing bridge until one-thirty.

Now then, put that in your pipe and smoke it.'

'I do not smoke the pipe,' said Poirot. 'It is a pretty alibi you

have the'e.'

'It should be a pretty cast iron one anyway! Now then, sir,'

he looked at Japp. 'Are you satisfied?'

'You remained in the sitting-room throughout your vist?'

'Yes.'

'You did not go upstairs to Mrs Allen's own boudoir?'

102

'No, I tell you. We stayed in the one room and'didn't leave

it.'

Japp looked at him thoughtfully for a minute or two. Then

he said:

'How many sets of cuff links have you?'

'Cuff links? Cuff links? What's that got to do with it?'

'You are not bound to answer the question, of course.'

'Answer it? I don't mind answering it. I've got nothing to

hide. And I shall demand an apology. There are these ...' he

stretched out his arms.