"Then he is very sure. Well, that simplifies matters for us."
We went up together to the room of the tragedy. For convenience
I append a plan of the room and the principal articles of
furniture in it.
Poirot locked the door on the inside, and proceeded to a minute
inspection of the room. He darted from one object to the other
with the agility of a grasshopper. I remained by the door,
fearing to obliterate any clues. Poirot, however, did not seem
grateful to me for my forbearance.
"What have you, my friend," he cried, "that you remain there
like--how do you say it?--ah, yes, the stuck pig?"
I explained that I was afraid of obliterating any foot-marks.
"Foot-marks? But what an idea! There has already been practically
an army in the room! What foot-marks are we likely to find? No,
come here and aid me in my search. I will put down my little
case until I need it."
He did so, on the round table by the window, but it was an
ill-advised proceeding; for, the top of it being loose, it tilted
up, and precipitated the despatch-case on the floor.
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