THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGDAD CHEST
31
I do not remember that we discussed the case
further. Poirot displayed no special interest in it at
the time. The facts were so clear, and there was so
little ambiguity about them, that discussion
seemed merely futile.
Mr. and Mrs. Clayton and Major Rich were
friends of fairly long standing. On the day in question,
the tenth of March, the Claytons had accepted
an invitation to spend the evening with
Major Rich. At about seven-thirty, however,
Clayton explained to another friend, a Major Cur-tiss,
with whom he was having a drink, that he had
been unexpectedly called to Scotland and was
leaving by the eight o'clock train.
"I'll just have time to drop in and explain to old
Jack," went on Clayton. "Marguerita is going, of
course. I'm sorry about it, but Jack will understand how it is."
Mr. Clayton was as good as his word. He arrived
at Major Rich's rooms about twenty to
eight. The major was out at the time, but his
manservant, who knew Mr. Clayton well, suggested
that he come in and wait. Mr. Clayton said
that he had not time, but that he would come in
and write a note. He added that he was on his way
to catch a train.
The valet accordingly showed him into the sitting
room.
About five minutes later Major Rich, who must