Пуаро веде слідство
VII. Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
Shehadneverlikedher—abold,red-facedthing—abornthief.Shehadsaidfromthefirstthatshewasnothonest.Andhadkeptasharpwatchoverhertoo,whenshewasdoingMadame’sroom!Letthoseidiotsofpolicemensearchher,andiftheydidnotfindMadame’spearlsonheritwouldbeverysurprising!
AlthoughthisharanguewasutteredinrapidandvirulentFrench,Célestinehadinterlardeditwithawealthofgesture,andthechambermaidrealizedatleastapartofhermeaning.Shereddenedangrily.
“Ifthatforeignwoman’ssayingItookthepearls,it’salie!”shedeclaredheatedly.“Ineversomuchassawthem.”
“Searchher!”screamedtheother.“YouwillfinditisasIsay.”
“You’realiar—doyouhear?”saidthechambermaid,advancinguponher.“Stole’emyourself,andwanttoputitonme.Why,Iwasonlyintheroomaboutthreeminutesbeforetheladycomeup,andthenyouweresittingherethewholetime,asyoualwaysdo,likeacatwatchingamouse.”
TheinspectorlookedacrossinquiringlyatCélestine.“Isthattrue?Didn’tyouleavetheroomatall?”
“Ididnotactuallyleaveheralone,”admittedCélestinereluctantly,“butIwentintomyownroomthroughthedoorheretwice—oncetofetchareelofcotton,andonceformyscissors.Shemusthavedoneitthen.”
“Youwasn’tgoneaminute,”retortedthechambermaidangrily.“Justpoppedoutandinagain.I’dbegladifthepolicewouldsearchme.I’venothingtobeafraidof.”
Atthismomenttherewasatapatthedoor.Theinspectorwenttoit.
