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RS SS LES ER a "PAGE FOURTEEN er re rr (By Agatha Christie) ° | | The Murder of Roger Ackroyd a CHAPTER XVII Parker It occurred to me the next morn- ing 'that under the exhilaration pro- duced by Tin-ho or the Perfect Win- ning, I might have been slightly in- discreet. True, Poirot had not asked me to keep the discovery of the ring to myself. On the other hand, he had said nothing about it whilst at Fernly, and as far as I knew, I was the only Jerson aware that it had been found. felt distinctly guilty. The fact was by now spreading through King's Ab- bott . like wildfire. 1 was expecting wholesale reproaches trom Poirot any minute. The joint funeral of Mrs. Ferrars and Roger Ackroyd was fixed for ele- ven o'clock. It was a melancholy aud impressive ceremony. All the party from Fernly were there. After it was over, Poirot, who had also been present, took me by the arm, and invited me to accompany him back to The Larches. He was looking very grave, and I feared that my indiscre- tion of the night before had got round to his ears. But it soon transpired that his thoughts were occupied by something of a totally different na- ture. "See you," he said. "We must act. With your help I propose to examine a witness. We will question him, we will put such f ar into him that the treth +5 bound to come out." Toronto Royal ricultural inter Fair SPECIAL Round Trip Fares Going Nov. Return limit, From: -- Oshawa .. Whitby ...... 15 to 24, incl November 25th, Bowmanville ... Newcastle Port Hope Cobourg .. War Tax Included Proportionately low fares from other points, Ask Mr. M. R. Johnson. 113% King Street East, Oshawa CANADIAN PACIFIC or any ticket agent "What witness are you talking of 2" I asked, very much surprised. "Parker!" said Poirot. "lI asked him to be at my house this morning at twelve o'clock. He should await us there at this very minute." "What do you think?" 1 ventured, glancing sideways at his face. We this--that I am not satis- "You think that it was he who black- mailed Mrs, Ferrars?" "Either that, or----" "Well?" 1 said, aiter waiting a min- ute or two, "My friend, I will say this to you-- I hope it was he." The gravity of his manner, and something indefinable that tinged it, reduced me to silence. On arrival at. The Larches, we were informed that Parker was already there awaiting our return. As we en- tered the room, the butler rose res- pectiully. "Good-morning, Parker," said Poi- rot pleasantly. "One instant, 1 pray of you lie removed his overcoat and gloves. "Allow me, sir," said Parker, and sprang forward to assist him. He de- posited the articles neatly. on a char by the door. Poirot watched him with approval, "Thank you, my good Parker," he said, "Take a seat, will you not? What 1 have to say may take some time" Parker seated himself with an apolo- getic bend of the head. "Now what do you think I asked you to come here for this morning-- eh?" Parker coughed. "l understood, sir, that you wished to ask me a few questions about my late master--private like." "Precisement," said Poirot, beaming. "Have you made many experiments in blackmail 2" "Sir!" <The butler sprang to his feet. "Do not excite yourself," said Poirot "Yes, the master you were with be- fore you came to Mr. Ackroyd." "A Major Ellerby, sir----" Poirot took the words out of his mouth. "Just so, Major Ellerby. Major El- lerby was addicted to drugs, was he not? You travelled about with him. When he was in Bermuda there was some trouble--a man was killed. Ma- jor Ellerby was partly responsible. It was hushed up. But you knew about it. How much did Major Ellerby pay you to keep your mouth shut?" Parker was staring at him open- mouthed. The man had gone 10 pieces, his cheeks shook flabbily. Jie "You see, me, | have made inquiries," said Poirot pleasantly. "It is as 1 say. You got a good sum then as black- mail, and Major Ellerby went on pay- ing you until he died. Now I want to hear about your laiest experiment. Parker still stared. "It is useless to deny. Hercule Poi- rot knows, It is so, what 1 have saul about Major Ellerby, is it not?" As though against his will, Parker nodded reluctantly once. His face was ashen pale. "Mut | never hurt a hair of Mr. Ack- royd's head," he moaned. "Honest to God, sir, 1 didn't. I've been airail of this coming all the time. And 1 tell. you I didn't--I didn't kill him." His voice rose almost to a scream. "I am inclined to believe you, my friend," said Poirot. "You have not the nerve--the courage. But I must have the truth." "I'll tell you anything, sir, anything you want to know. It's true that 1 tried to listen that night. A word or two | heard made me curious. And Mr. Ackroyd's wanting not to be dis- turbed, and shutting himself up with the doctor the way he did. It's God's own truth what I told the police. I heard the word biackmau, sir, and well--" He paused. "You thought there might be some- thing in it for yous" suggested Poi- ro: smoothly, "Well--well, yes, I did, sir. I thought that if Mr. Ackroyd was being black- mailed, why shouldn't I have a share of the pickings?" A very curious expression passed over Poirot's face. He leaned forward, placidly. "Do not play the farce of the honest, injured man, You know all there is to know about the blackmail, is it. not so?" "Sir, 1--I've never--never becu---" "Insulted," suggested Toiror, * i such a way before. Then why, my excellent Parker, were you so anxious to over- hear the conversation in Mr. Ackroyd's study the other evening, after you had caught the word blackmail?" "1 wasn't--I--" "Who was your last master?" rapped out Poirot suddenly. "My last master?" "Had you any reason to suppose be- fore that night that Mr. Ackroyd was i being blackmailed?" | "No, indeed, sir. It was a great sus- prise to me. Such a regular gentleman in all his habits." "How much did you overhear?" "Not very much, sir. There seemed what I might call a spite against me. Of course I had to attend to my duties in the pantry, And when I did creep along once or twice to the study it was no use. The first time Dr. Sheppard came out and almost caught me in the act, and another time Mr. Raymond passed me in the big hall and went that way, so I knew it was no use, STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT Low rental. About 12,000 ft. of good dry storage space, conveniently locat- ed, with Canadian National. siding, for rent either in whole or in part. CHARLES M. MUNDY ¢/0 Mundy Printing Company, Limited Telephone 35 or 312 er 1 Be a THREE DAYS GOUGH 15 YOUR ANGER SIONAL Persistent Soughs and colds lead to serious trouble. You can stop them now with Creomulsion, an emulsified creosote | that is pleasant to take. Creomulsion is a new medical discovery with two-fold action, it soothes and heals the infl mem branes and inhibits germ growth, colds or flu. Money ref if any | Way began the recital of that strange or eold fs not relieved after taking evening. according to directions. Ask r di i Hammond listened with close atten- Creomulsion Co, Limited, akin Be tion. a "That is all, I said, when I had fia- 262 Four direct lines to Central Solvay Coke p We are Sole Agents Jeddo Premium Coal The Best Produced in America General Motors Wood All Fuel Orders weighed on City Scales if desired. DIX ' THE OSHAWA DAILY TIMES. TUESDAY, NOVEwBER 22, 1927 Se -- -------- and when I went with the tray, Miss Flora headed me off." Poirot stared for a long time at the man, as if to test his sincerity. Par- ker returned his gase earnestly, "I hope you believe me, sir. [I've been afraid all along the police would rake up that old business with Major Ellerby and be suspicious of me in consequence." "Eh bien," said Poirot at last. I am disposed to believe you. But there is one thing I must requis. of you --to show me your bank-book. You have a bank-book, 1 presume?" "Yes, sir, as a matter of fact, | have it with me now." With no sign of confusion, he pro- duced it from his pocket. Poirot took the slim, green-covered book and per- used the entries. "Ah! I perceive you have purchased £500 of National Savings Certificates this year?" "Yes, sir. 1 have already over a thousand pounds saved--the result, of my connection with--er--my late mas- ter, Major Ellerby. And I have had quite a little flutter on some horses this year--very successful. If you re- member, sir, a rank outsider won the Jubilee. I was fortunate enough to back it--£20." Poirot handed him back the book. "l wish you good-morning. [ be- lieve that you have told me the truth, If you have not--so much the worse for you, my friend." When Parker had departed, Poirot picked up his overcoat once more. "Goiniz out again?" I asked. "Yes, we will pay a little visit to the good M Hammond." "You believe Parker's story?" "It is credible enough on the face of it. It seems clear that--unless he 1s a very good actor indeed--he genuine- ly believes it was Ackroyd himself who was the victim of blackmail. If so, he knows nothing at all about the Mrs, Ferrars business." "Then in that case--who--" "Precisement! Who? But our visit to M. Hammond will accomplish one purpose. It will either clear Parker completely or else " "Well?" "I fall into the bad habit of leaving my sentences unfinished this morning," said Poirot apologetically. "You must bear with me." "By the way," I said, rather sheep- ishly, "I've got a confession to make. I'm afraid I have inadvertently let out something about that ring." "What ring?" "The rilg you found in the gold- | fish pond." "Ah, yes," said Poirot, smiling broad- ly. "I hope you're not annoyed? It was very carless of me." "But not at all, my good friend, not at all. I laid no commands upon you. You were at liberty to speak of it if you so wished, She was interested, your sister?" "She was indeed, It created a sen- sation. All sorts of theories are fly- mg about." "Ah! And yet it is so simple. The true exnlanation leapt to the eye, did it not?" "Did it?" I said dryly. Poirot laughed, "The wise man does not commit himself," he observed. "Is not that so? But here we are at Mr. Hammond's," The lawyer was in his office, and we were ushered in without any delay. He rose and greeted us in his dry, precise manner, Poirot came at once to the point, _ "Monsieur, I desire from you certain information, that is, if you will be so good as to give it to me. You acted, I understand, for the late Mrs. Fer- rars of King's Paddock" I noticed the swift gleam of sur- prise which showed in eyes, before his professional reserve came down once more like a mask over his face, "Certainly. All her affairs passed through our hands." "Very good. Now, before I ask you to tell me anything, I should like you to listen to the story Dr. Sheppard will relate to you. You have no objection, have you, my friend, to repeating the conversation you had with Mr. Ack- royd last Friday night?" "ot in the least," I said, and straight- ished. "Blackmail," thoughtfully, "You are surprised?" asked Poirot. The lawyer took off his pince-nez and polished them with his handker- chief. "No," he replied, "I can hardly say that I am surprised. I have suspected something of the kind for some time." "That brings us," said Poirot, "to the information for which I am ask- ing. If any one can give us an idea of the actual sums paid, you are the man, monsieur," : "I see no object in withholding the information," said Hammond, after a moment or two, "During the paSt year, Mrs. Ferrars has sold out cer- tain securities, and the money for them was paid into her account and not reinvested. As her income was a large one, and she lived very quietly after her hushand's death, it seems certain that these sums of money were paid away for some special purpose. I once sounded her on the subject, and she said that she was obliged to sup- port several of her husband's poor re- lations. I let the matter drop. of course. Until now, I have always imagined that the money was paid to said the lawyer ' big ideas. ER a -- ------ ee "Not at all, not at all" "The word derange," I remarked, when we were outside again, "is ap- matter of fact, though Flora is like plicable to mental disorder only." "Ah!" cried Poirot, "never will my English be quite perfect. A curious language. 1 should then have sad disarranged, nest ce pas?" "Disturbed is the word you had in mind." "1 thank you, my friend. The word exact, you are zealous ior it. Eh bien, what about our friend Parker nowr With twenty thousand pounds in hand, would he have continued being a but- ler? Je ne pense pas. It is, of course, possible that he banked the moncy under another name, but I am disposed to believe he spoke the truth to us. If he is a scoundred, he is a scoun- drel on a mean scale. He has not the That leaves us as a pos- sinhity, Raymond, or -- well--Major Blunt." : "Surely not Raymond," I objected. "Since we know that he was desper- ately hard up for a matter ot hve hundred pounds." "That is what he says, yes." "And as to Hector Blunt--" "I will tell you something as to the good Major Blunt," interrupted Poirot. | "I'm not saying she did, James. I'm saying she could have dome. As a iall these young girls nowadays, with no veneration for their betiers and thinking they know best on every sub- ject under the sun, I don't for a min- lute believe she'd kill even a chicken. But there it is. Mr. Raymond and Major Blunt have ahbis. Mrs. Ack- royd's got an ahbi. Even that Russell woman seems to have one--and a good job for her it is she has. Who is left? { Only Ralph and Flora! And say what | you will, I don't believe Ralph Paton 'is a murderer. A boy we've known all our lives." Poirot was silent for a minute, watching the curling smoke rising | from his cigarette. When at last he spoke, it was in a gentle far-away voice that produced a curious mmpres- sion. It was totally unlike his usual manner. "Let us take a man--a very ordinary man. A man with no idea of murder in his heart. There is in him some: where a strain of weakness -- deep down. It has so far never heen callea into play. Perhaps it never will be-- and if so he will go to his grave honoured and respected by every one MAG A BAKING POWDER ww) TAINS NO A" EE EIEED Housewives USE qyiyelle BAKING the lawyer's | "It is my business to make inquiries. I make them. Eh bien--that legacy twenty thousand pounds. hardly speak. well-known man like Hector Blunt." |. Poirot shrugged his shoulders. with big ideas. "What is that?" and on the spur of the moment I in- vited Poirot to come in and take pot luck. I thought Caroline would be pleased 'We had just arrived at my "Ti women folk, It appears that we were eating chops for lunch -- the kitchen staff beimg regaled on tripe and onions. And two chops set before three people are productive of embar- rassment, But Caroline is seldom daunted for long. With magnificient mendacity, she explained to Poirot that although James laughed at her for doing so, she adhered strictly to a vegetarian diet. She descanted ecstatically on the de- lights of nut cutlets (which I am quite sure she has never tasted) and ate a Welsh rarebit with gusto and frequent cutting remarks as to the dangers of "flesh" foods. Afterwards, when we were sitting. in front of the fire smoking, Caroline at- tacked Poirot directly "Not found Ralph Paton yet?" she asked, But occurs, of which he speaks, I have discovered haps not even that. that the amount of it was close upon by accident on a secret--a secret in What do; volving life or death to some one. And you think of that?" his first impulse will be to speak out 1 was so taken aback that I could! _¢; do his duty as an honest citizen. And then the strain of weakness tells "It's impossible," 1 said at last. "Ai Here is a chance of money--a great --he desires it--and it is so easy. He "Who knows? At least he is a man' pag yoihing to do for it'-- just keep 1 confess that I can Gyo ce" That is the beginning. hardly see him as a blackmailer, but gegre or money grows. He must have there is another possibility that yoU| ore and more! have not even considered." the gold mine which has opened at lis : feet. "The fire, my friend. Ackroyd him-| greed he over-reaches himseli. seli may have destroyed that letter, can press a man as far as one likes-- blue envelope and all, after you left hue with a woman one must not press ceived their husbands wreck their lives by throwing the fact in those same husbands' pressed too far. with me, but it is hard to satisfy one's| (which bien entendu) they fling safety to the winds and turn at bay, proclaiming the truth with great momentary satis- faction to think, in this case. great, verb, the death of the goose that laid the golden eggs. end. Exposure faced the man of whom we are speaking. same man as he was--say, a year ago His desperate. battle, and he is prepared to take any means that come to his hand, for ex- as though he had laid a spell upon the let us suppose that something He is in difficulties--or per- He may stumble POWDER to assure SUCCESSFUL BAKING mount of money. He wants money As 7¢ rn Conaaa No Alum EW GILLETT TORON The CO.LTD He is intoxicated by CAN T 0 He becomes greedy. And in his One There was something in the merciless him." : : . ..|too far. For a woman has at heart| joi cic and the ruthless power of "I hardly think that likely, 1 said a great desire to speak the truth. How | vision which struck fear into both of slowly. "And yet, of course, it may | many husbands who have deceived | be so. He might have changed his, their wives go comfortably to 'their| "Afterwards' he went on softly, mind," | graves, carrying their secret with | «pe danger removed, he will be him- hem! How many wives who have de- | oof again, normal, kindly. But if the need again arises, then once more he will strike." Caroline roused herseli at last, "You are speaking of Ralph Paton," she said. "You may be right, you may not, but you have no business to con- demn a man unheard." The telephone bell rang sharply, 1 went out into the hall, and took off the receiver. "What?" I said. pard speaking." I listened for a minute or two, then replied briefly. Replacing the receiver, I went back into the drawing-room. "Poirot," I said, "they have detained man at Liverpool. His name is Charles Kent, and he is believed to be the stranger who visited Fernly that night. They want me to go to Liver pool at once and identify him." » teeth! They have been In a reckless momem they will afterwards regret, themselves. So it was, I The strain was too And so there came your pro- "Yes, Dr. Shep- But that is not the And he is not the fibre He is moral is blunted. He is|a fighting a losing posure means ruin to him. And so-- the dagger strikes!" ' He was silent for a moment, Irish parent, proudly: "Ye can de- y pend on my sgn, Mickey. He never tould me a lie but onst, and then I found out he was right afterwards!" It was room, I cannot try to describe the impression his words produced, "Where should I find him, madein- oiselle?" "I thought, perhaps, you found him, in Cranchester,' said Caroline, with in- tense meaning in her tone Poirot looked merely bewildered, "In Cranchester? But why in Crane chester?' I enlightened him with a touch of malice. "One of our ample staff of private detectives happened to see you in a car on the Cranchester road yester- day," I explained, Poirot's bewilderment vanished. He laughed heartily. "Ah, that! A simple visit' to the dentist, c'est tout. I go there. better, My tooth, it aches. My tooth, it is at once I think to return quickly. The | dentist, he says No. Better to have it out, I argue, He insists, He has his way! That particular tooth, it will never ache again." Caroline collapsed pricked balloon. We fell to discussing Ralph Paton "A weak nature," I insisted. "But not a vicious one," "Ah!" said Poirot. where does it end?" "Exactly," said Caroline, James here--weak as water, weren't about to look after him." "My dear Caroline," I said irritably, "can't you talk without dragging in personalities?" "You are weak, James," said Caro- line, quite unmoved. "I'm eight years older than you are--oh! I don't mind M. Poirot knowing that----" "I should never have guessed it, mademoiselle," said Poirot, with a gal- lant little bow. "Eight years older. And I've always considered it my duty to look after you. With a bad bringing up, Heaven knows, what mischief you might have got into by now." "I might have married a beautiful rather like a "But weakness, "Take if I adventuress," I murmured, gazing at | the ceiling, and blowing smoke rings. "Adventuress!" said Caroline with a snort. "If we're talking of adventures- SEE' She left the sentence unfinished. "Well, I said, with some curiosity. "Nothing. But I can think of some one not a hundred miles away." Then she turned to Poirot suddenly. "James sticks to it that you believe; some one in the house committed the: murder. All I can 'say is, you're wrong." some woman who had had a claim on Ashley Ferrars. I never dreamed that Mrs. Ferrars herself was involved. "And the amount?" asked Poirot "In all, I should say the various sums totalled at least twenty thous- and pounds," 1 "Twenty . thousand pounds!" I exe claimed ror one year!" = "Mrs. Ferrars was a ith woman," said Poirot Page pop i penalty for murder is not a pleasant one." "Is there anything else that I can tell you?" inquired Mr. Hammond, ing. "All my excuses for ranged you" | have the chance of doing it. "I should not like to be wrong," said Poirot. "It is not--how do you say-- | my metier?" Special Gift Savings to be Found all over the Store We are Open all Day Wed. Ma Ma Dolls, good Ladies' Chamoisette by rose. En, IOC | tog. + Pu, 99€ DOWN COMFORTERS Large double bed size, sateen covered, plain panels. Wednesday Speci Each $13.45 Ladies' Silk Vests and Bloomers. GPE ERE NRE a a A sass .. 3 es Ech, IBC Smut aS Pair, $1.25 a H. S. Linen Tablecloths. 66", ud $4.50 se s.os ser sare r errr Ladies' Silk and Wool Hose. FEF TE A PR IR Ral 1 bs a de RYE Aa) Fancy Rubber Aprons. "I've got the facts pretty clearly," continued Caroline, taking no notice of , Poirot's remarks, "from James and others. As far as I can see, of ihe people in the house, only two could Ralph Paton and Flora Ackroyd." { "And the oy dear Caroline--" "Now, James, don't mterrupt me. 1 » know what I'm talking about. Parker met her outside the door, didn't he? He dido't hear her uncle saying good- "I thank you, no," said Poirot, ris-| Dight to her. She could have killed having de- { him then and there. "Caroline." .... Each, 9c Miner' Fur Yrimmed Counts in ol the $76 )f) Santa Clause will be at the Arcade Satur- day next. Watch daily paper for further news about the jolly old chap. Shop at the Arcade. Simcoe St. N.