She said:
‘If only those diamonds could be found. I’m sure the solution lies there.’
Poirot said:
‘They have been found, madame.’
‘What?’
Poirot said gently:
‘They were found in your little garden of the Dead Sea…’
Lydia cried:
‘In my garden? How—how extraordinary!’
Poirot said softly:
‘Is it not, madame?’
Part 6
December 27th
Alfred Lee said with a sigh:
‘That was better than I feared!’
They had just returned from the inquest.
Mr Charlton, an old-fashioned type of solicitor with a cautious blue eye, had been present and had returned with them. He said:
‘Ah—I told you the proceedings would be purely formal—purely formal—there was bound to be an adjournment—to enable the police to gather up additional evidence.’
George Lee said vexedly:
‘It is all most unpleasant—really most unpleasant—a terrible position in which to be placed! I myself am quite convinced that this crime was done by a maniac who somehow or other gained admittance to the house. That man Sugden is as obstinate as a mule. Colonel Johnson should enlist the aid of Scotland Yard. These local police are no good. Thick-headed. What about this man Horbury, for instance? I hear his past is definitely unsatisfactory but the police do nothing whatever about it.’
Mr Charlton said:
‘Ah—I believe the man Horbury has a satisfactory alibi covering the period of time in question. The police have accepted it.’
‘Why should they?’ George fumed. ‘If I were they, I should accept such an alibi with reserve—with great reserve. Naturally, a criminal always provides himself with an alibi! It is the duty of the police to break down the alibi—that is, if they know their job.’
‘Well, well,’ said Mr Charlton. ‘I don’t think it’s quite our business to teach the police their jobs, eh? Pretty competent body of men on the whole.’
George shook his head darkly.
‘Scotland Yard should be called in. I’m not at all satisfied with Superintendent Sugden—he may be painstaking—but he is certainly far from brilliant.’
Mr Charlton said:
‘I don’t agree with you, you know. Sugden’s a good man. Doesn’t throw his weight about, but he gets there.’
Lydia said:
‘I’m sure the police are doing their best. Mr Charlton, will you have a glass of sherry?’