was. You understand? I am sure the constraint
or--or--absentmindedness perhaps describes it
better--had nothing to do with Edward. He was
surprised to hear that Edward had gone to Scot-land,
but not unduly so."
"And nothing else unusual occurs to you in
connection with that evening?"
Marguerita thought.
"No, nothing whatever."
"You--noticed the chest?"
She shook her head with a little shiver.
"I don't even remember it--or what it was like.
We played poker most of the evening."
"Who won?"
"Major Rich. I had very bad luck, and so did
Major Curtiss. The Spences won a little, but
Major Rich was the chief winner."
"The party broke up--when?"
"About half-past twelve, I think. We all left
together."
"Ah!"
THE MYSTERY OF THE BAGDAD CHEST
39
Poirot remained silent, lost in thought.
"I wish I could be more helpful to you," said
Mrs. Clayton. "I seem to be able to tell you so
little."
"About the present--yes. What about the past,
madame?"
"The past?"