16
Agatha Christie
The search was repeated, but this time it was a
curiously silent business. An atmosphere of ten-sion
pervaded the room.
Finally everyone in turn gave it up. They stood
looking at each other.
"It's not in this room," said Stein.
"And nobody's left the room," said Sir George
significantly.
There was a moment's pause. Eve ,urst into
tears.
Her father patted her on the shoulder.
"There, there," he said awkwardly.
Sir George turned to Leo Stein.
"Mr. Stein," he said. "Just now you murmured
something under your breath. When I asked you
to repeat it, you said it was nothing. But as a
matter of fact I heard what you said. Miss Eve had
just said that none of us noticed the place where
she had put the diamond. The words you mur-mured
were: 'I wonder.' What we have to face is
the probability that one person did notice--that
that person is in this room now. I suggest that the
only fair and honorable thing is for every one
present to submit to a search. The diamond can-not
have left the room."
When Sir George played the part of the old
English gentleman, none could play it better. His
voice rang with sincerity and indignation.