WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:06.480 Twenty seven interview with Morrel. When Knighton left Catherine, he went in search 2 00:00:06.559 --> 00:00:11.800 of Rcule Poirot, whom he found in the rooms, jauntily placing the minimum 3 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:17.000 steak on the even numbers. As Knighton joined him, the number thirty three 4 00:00:17.079 --> 00:00:22.960 turned up and Poirot's steak was swept away. Bad luck, said Knighton. 5 00:00:23.399 --> 00:00:27.320 Are you going to stake again? Puaro shook his head at not at present. 6 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:32.200 Do you feel the fascination of gambling, asked Knighton curiously. Not at 7 00:00:32.280 --> 00:00:38.039 roulette. Knighton shot a swift glance at him. His own face became troubled. 8 00:00:38.359 --> 00:00:42.439 He spoke haltingly, with a touch of deference. I wonder are you 9 00:00:42.560 --> 00:00:46.799 busy, Monsieur Poirot. There is something I would like to ask you about. 10 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:52.520 I am at your disposal. Shall we go outside? It is pleasant 11 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:58.000 in the sunshine. They strolled out together and Knighton drew a deep breath. 12 00:00:58.799 --> 00:01:02.719 I love the Riviera, he said. I came here first twelve years ago 13 00:01:02.799 --> 00:01:06.959 during the war, when I was sent to Lady Tamplin's hospital. It was 14 00:01:07.079 --> 00:01:11.640 like paradise coming from Flanders to this. It must have been, said Poirot, 15 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:19.040 how long ago the war seems now, mused Knighton. They walked on 16 00:01:19.200 --> 00:01:23.400 in silence for some little way. You have something on your mind, said 17 00:01:23.439 --> 00:01:29.560 Poirot. Knighton looked at him in some surprise. You are quite right, 18 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:34.319 he confessed. I don't know how you knew it, though it showed itself 19 00:01:34.359 --> 00:01:38.640 only too plainly, said Poirot dryly. I did not know that I was 20 00:01:38.680 --> 00:01:45.680 so transparent. It is my business to observe the physiognomy, the little man 21 00:01:45.719 --> 00:01:49.640 explained with dignity. I will tell you, Monsieur Poirot, you have heard 22 00:01:49.640 --> 00:01:53.480 of this dancer, woman Morrel, She who is the cher ami of Monsieur 23 00:01:53.560 --> 00:01:57.799 Derrick Kettering. Yes, that is the one. And knowing this, you 24 00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:02.879 will understand that mister Vanalden is naturally prejudiced against her. She wrote to him 25 00:02:02.959 --> 00:02:07.240 asking for an interview. He told me to dictate a curt refusal, which 26 00:02:07.240 --> 00:02:12.400 of course I did. This morning she came to the hotel and sent up 27 00:02:12.400 --> 00:02:15.719 her card, saying that it was urgent and vital that she should see mister 28 00:02:15.800 --> 00:02:23.159 Vanalden at once. You interest me, said Poirot. Mister Vanalden was furious. 29 00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:27.199 He told me what message to send down to her. I ventured to 30 00:02:27.280 --> 00:02:31.400 disagree with him. It seemed to me both likely and probable that this woman 31 00:02:31.479 --> 00:02:37.319 morrel might give us valuable information. We know that she was on the Blue 32 00:02:37.360 --> 00:02:40.759 train, and she may have seen or heard something that it might be vital 33 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:46.719 for us to know. Don't you agree with me, Monsieur Poirot, I 34 00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:53.639 do, said Poirot dryly. Monsieur Vanalden, if I may say so, 35 00:02:53.120 --> 00:02:59.280 behaved exceedingly foolishly. I am glad you take that view of the matter, 36 00:02:59.599 --> 00:03:02.639 said the secretary. Now I am going to tell you something, Monsieur Poirot. 37 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:08.000 So strongly did I feel the unwisdom of mister van Alden's attitude that I 38 00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:15.199 went down privately and had an interview with the lady Abienne. The difficulty was 39 00:03:15.240 --> 00:03:21.400 that she insisted on seeing mister Vanlden himself. I softened his message as much 40 00:03:21.400 --> 00:03:24.680 as I possibly could. In fact, to be candid, I gave it 41 00:03:24.719 --> 00:03:29.960 in a very different form. I said that mister Vanalden was too busy to 42 00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:34.520 see her at present, but that she might make any communication she wished to 43 00:03:34.599 --> 00:03:38.759 me that, however, she could not bring herself to do, and she 44 00:03:38.919 --> 00:03:44.240 left without saying anything further. But I have a strong impression, Monsieur Poirot, 45 00:03:44.639 --> 00:03:50.240 that that woman knows something. This is serious, said Poirot quietly. 46 00:03:50.719 --> 00:03:54.479 You know where she is staying. Yes, Knighton mentioned the name of the 47 00:03:54.520 --> 00:04:00.439 hotel, good, said Poirot. We will go there immediately. The secondcretary 48 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:08.120 looked doubtful, and mister van Alden he queried doubtfully. Monsieur van Alden is 49 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:13.840 an obstinate man, said Poirot dryly. I do not argue with obstinate men. 50 00:04:14.240 --> 00:04:16.920 I act in spite of them. We will go and see the lady 51 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:21.839 immediately. I will tell her that you are empowered by Monsieur van Alden to 52 00:04:21.959 --> 00:04:28.680 act for him, and you will guard yourself well from contradicting me. Knighton 53 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:32.920 still looked slightly doubtful, but Poiret took no notice of his hesitation. At 54 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:38.600 the hotel, they were told that Mademoiselle was in, and Poirot sent up 55 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:45.920 both his and Knighton's cards with from mister van Alden penciled upon them. Word 56 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:50.199 came down that Mademoiselle Morrel would receive them When they were ushered into the dancer's 57 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:57.000 apartments. Poirot immediately took the lead Mademoiselle, he murmured, bowing very low, 58 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:00.720 We are here on behalf of Monsieur van Alden. Ah, and why 59 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:05.759 did he not come himself? He is indisposed, said Poirot, mendaciously. 60 00:05:06.240 --> 00:05:11.399 The Riviera throat. It has him in its grip. But me I am 61 00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:15.800 empowered to act for him, as is Major knighton his secretary, unless, 62 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:20.959 of course, Mademoiselle would prefer to wait a fortnight or so. If there 63 00:05:21.040 --> 00:05:26.839 was one thing of which Poirot was tolerably certain, it was that to a 64 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:32.720 temperament such as Morrel's, the mere word weight was anathema. Abien, I 65 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:36.959 will speak, Monsieur, she cried. I have been patient, I have 66 00:05:38.040 --> 00:05:41.480 held my hand, and for what that I should be insulted? Yes, 67 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:46.000 insulted. Ah does he think to treat Morrel like that? To throw her 68 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:48.759 off like an old glove? I tell you, never has a man tired 69 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:56.480 of me? Always it is I who tire of them. She paced up 70 00:05:56.560 --> 00:06:00.480 and down the room, her slender body trembling with rage. A small table 71 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:04.360 impeded her free passage, and she flung it from her into a corner, 72 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:10.560 where it splintered against the wall. That is what I will do to him, 73 00:06:10.920 --> 00:06:15.079 she cried, and that picking up a glass bowl filled with lilies, 74 00:06:15.079 --> 00:06:19.720 she flung it into the grate, where it smashed into a hundred pieces. 75 00:06:20.360 --> 00:06:26.560 Knighton was looking at her with cold British disapproval. He felt embarrassed and ill 76 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:30.360 at ease. Poirot, on the other hand, with twinkling eyes, was 77 00:06:30.399 --> 00:06:34.240 thoroughly enjoying the scene. Ah, it is magnificent, he cried, It 78 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:41.160 can be seen. Madame has a temperament. I am an artist, said 79 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:46.240 Morrel. Every artist has a temperament. I told Derek to beware, and 80 00:06:46.360 --> 00:06:49.720 he would not listen. She whirled round on Poirot. Suddenly, it is 81 00:06:49.800 --> 00:06:55.800 true. Is it not that he wants to marry that English miss? Pouarot 82 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:01.319 coughed an medit. He murmured that he adores her past Passionately, Morrel came 83 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:05.399 towards them. He murdered his wife. She screamed, there now you have 84 00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:09.399 it. He told me beforehand that he meant to do it. He had 85 00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:13.959 got to an impasse. Zut he took the easiest way out. You say 86 00:07:13.959 --> 00:07:17.879 that nim Kettering murdered his wife. Yes, yes, yes, have I 87 00:07:17.959 --> 00:07:24.959 not told you so? The police murmured Poirot will need proof of that er 88 00:07:25.279 --> 00:07:30.120 statement. I tell you I saw him come out of her compartment that night 89 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:33.920 on the train. When asked, Poirot sharply, just before the train reached 90 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:39.560 Leon. You will swear to that, Mademoiselle. It was a different Poirot 91 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:45.519 who spoke now, sharp and decisive. Yes, there was a moment's silence. 92 00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:49.800 Morrel was panting, and her eyes, half defiant, half frightened, 93 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:55.560 went from the face of one man to the other. This is a serious 94 00:07:55.560 --> 00:08:00.000 matter, Mademoiselle, said the detective. You realize how serious, sir, 95 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:03.480 certainly I do. That is well, said Poirot. Then you understand, 96 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:09.079 Mademoiselle, that no time must be lost. You will perhaps accompany us immediately 97 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:13.959 to the office of the examining magistrate. Morel was taken aback. She hesitated, 98 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:18.480 but as Poirot had foreseen, she had no loophole for escape. Very 99 00:08:18.480 --> 00:08:24.439 well, she muttered, I will fetch a coat. Left alone, together, 100 00:08:24.639 --> 00:08:28.079 Poirot and Knight in exchange glances. It is necessary to act. Well, 101 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:33.080 how do you say it? The iron is hot, murmured Poirot. 102 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:37.519 She is temperamental. In an hour's time, maybe she will repent, and 103 00:08:37.639 --> 00:08:41.600 she will wish to draw back. We must prevent that at all costs. 104 00:08:41.320 --> 00:08:46.440 Morrel reappeared, wrapped in a sand colored velvet wrap trimmed with leopard skin. 105 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:52.399 She looked not altogether unlike a leopardess, tawny and dangerous, her eyes still 106 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:58.039 flashed with anger and determination. They found Monsieur co and the examining magistrate together 107 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:05.240 a few brief introductory words from Poirot and Mademoiselle, Morrel was courteously entreated to 108 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:09.080 tell her tale. This she did in much the same words as she had 109 00:09:09.080 --> 00:09:15.240 done to Knighton and Poirot, though with far more soberness of manner. This 110 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:20.759 is an extraordinary story, Mademoiselle, said Monsieur Carrege slowly. He leant back 111 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:24.879 in his chair, adjusted his pansnet, and looked keenly and searchingly at the 112 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:31.679 dancer through them. You wish us to believe, Monsieur Cattering actually boasted of 113 00:09:31.720 --> 00:09:37.200 the crime to you beforehand. Yes, yes, she was too healthy, 114 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:39.960 he said. If she were to die, it must be an accident. 115 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:46.720 He would arrange it. All. You are aware, Mademoiselle, said Monsieur 116 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:52.120 Correage, sternly, that you are making yourself out to be an accessory before 117 00:09:52.159 --> 00:09:56.320 the fact me, but not the least in the world, monsieur. Not 118 00:09:56.559 --> 00:10:01.159 for a moment did I take that statement seria? Ah? No, indeed 119 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:05.879 I know, men, monsieur, they say many wild things. It would 120 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:09.960 be an odd state of affairs if one were to take all they said. 121 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:15.840 Oh, Pierre de la Lettre, the examining magistrate raised his eyebrows. We 122 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:20.720 are to take it then, that you regarded Monsieur Kettering's threats as mere idle 123 00:10:20.759 --> 00:10:24.799 words. May I ask, mademoiselle, what made you throw up your engagements 124 00:10:24.840 --> 00:10:31.080 in London and come out to the Riviera. Morrel looked at him with melting 125 00:10:31.159 --> 00:10:35.679 black eyes. I wished to be with the man I loved, she said, 126 00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:43.320 simply. Was it so unnatural? Poirot interpolated a question gently, Was 127 00:10:43.399 --> 00:10:46.279 it, then, at mere Kettering's wish that you accompanied him to Niice? 128 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:54.360 Morrel seemed to find a little difficulty in answering this. She hesitated perceptibly before 129 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:58.600 she spoke. When she did, it was with a haughty indifference of manner 130 00:10:58.600 --> 00:11:03.559 in such matters. I please myself, monsieur. She said that the answer 131 00:11:03.639 --> 00:11:05.600 was not an answer at all. Was noted by all three men. They 132 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:11.240 said nothing. When were you first convinced that mister Kettering had murdered his wife? 133 00:11:11.480 --> 00:11:15.960 As I tell you, Monsieur, I saw Monsieur Kettering come out of 134 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:20.320 his wife's compartment just before the train drew into Leon. There was a look 135 00:11:20.360 --> 00:11:24.200 on his face. Ah. At the moment, I could not understand it, 136 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:28.279 a look haunted and terrible. I shall never forget it. Her voice 137 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:33.000 rose shrilly, and she flung out her arms in an extravagant gesture. Quite 138 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:39.120 so, said Monsieur Carragg afterwards, when I found that Madame Kettering was dead 139 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:43.440 when the train left Lyon's, then then I knew. And still you did 140 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:48.120 not go to the police, Mademoiselle, said the commissary mildly. Morrel glanced 141 00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:52.200 at him superbly. She was clearly enjoying herself in the role she was playing. 142 00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:56.720 Shall I betray my lover? She asked? Ah, No, do 143 00:11:56.799 --> 00:12:01.360 not ask a woman to do that. Yet now, hinted Monsieur co now 144 00:12:01.399 --> 00:12:05.399 it is different. He has betrayed me. Shall I suffer that? In 145 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:11.360 silence? The examining magistrate checked her. Quite so, Quite so, he 146 00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:16.679 murmured soothingly. And now, mademoiselle, perhaps you will read over the statement 147 00:12:16.799 --> 00:12:20.360 of what you have told us. See that it is correct, and sign 148 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:24.360 it. Morrel wasted no time on the document. Yes, yes, she 149 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:28.360 said, it is correct. She rose to her feet. You require me 150 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:35.200 no longer, monsieur at present. No, Mademoiselle and Derek will be arrested 151 00:12:37.080 --> 00:12:43.039 at once. Mademoiselle Morrel laughed cruelly and drew her fur draperies closer about her. 152 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:46.200 He should have thought of this before he insulted me, She cried. 153 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:52.039 There is one little matter, Poirot coughed apologetically, Just a matter of detail. 154 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:56.840 Yes, what makes you think Madame Catering was dead when the train left 155 00:12:56.919 --> 00:13:05.279 Leon Marrirelle stared, But she was dead, was she? Yes? Of 156 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:11.440 course I she came to an abrupt stop. Poiret was regarding her intently, 157 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:16.559 and he saw the weary look that came into her eyes. I have been 158 00:13:16.600 --> 00:13:20.639 told so. Everybody says so, oh, said Poirot. I was not 159 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:26.080 aware that the fact had been mentioned. Outside the examining magistrate's office, Morrel 160 00:13:26.159 --> 00:13:33.120 appeared somewhat discomposed. One hears those things, she said, vaguely, They 161 00:13:33.120 --> 00:13:37.480 get about. Somebody told me. I can't remember who it was. She 162 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:41.440 moved to the door. Monsieur Co sprang forward to open it for her, 163 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:48.039 and as he did so, Poiret's voice rose gently once more. And the 164 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:52.919 jewels. Pardon, mademoiselle, can you tell me anything about those? The 165 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:58.679 jewels? What jewels? The rubies of Catherine the Great? Since you hear 166 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:01.919 so much, you must have heard heard of them. I know nothing about 167 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:07.919 any jewels, said Morrel sharply. She went out, closing the door behind 168 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:13.480 her. Monsieur Co came back to his chair the examining magistrate's Sighe what a 169 00:14:13.679 --> 00:14:18.200 fury, he said. But diabeman chic, I wonder if she is telling 170 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:22.720 the truth. I think so. There is some truth in her story, 171 00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:28.240 certainly, said Poiot. We have confirmation of it from miss Gray. She 172 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:31.639 was looking down the corridor a short time before the train reached Lyon, and 173 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:37.360 she saw as she catering go into his wife's compartment. The case against him 174 00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:43.639 seems quite clear, said the commissary, sighing. It is a thousand pities. 175 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:46.639 He murmured, how do you mean, asked Poio. It has been 176 00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:50.399 the ambition of my life to lay the Comte de la Roche by the heels 177 00:14:50.919 --> 00:14:56.080 this time, Ma foi I thought we had got him this other. It 178 00:14:56.159 --> 00:15:01.679 is not nearly so satisfactory. Monster carregeubbed his nose. If anything goes wrong, 179 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:07.320 he observed cautiously, it will be most awkward. Mere kettering is of 180 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:11.200 the aristocracy. It will get into the newspapers if we have made a mistake. 181 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:16.639 He shrugged his shoulders forebodingly. The jewels, now, said the Commissary, 182 00:15:16.919 --> 00:15:20.960 What do you think he has done with them? He took them for 183 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:24.600 a plant, of course, said Monsieur Koreig. They must have been a 184 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:30.320 great inconvenience to him, and very awkward to dispose of. Poirot smiled, 185 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:35.000 I have an idea of my own about the jewels. Tell me, monsieur, 186 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:39.879 what do you know of a man called the Marquis. The Commissary leant 187 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:45.039 forward excitedly. The Marquis, he said, the Marquis. Do you think 188 00:15:45.039 --> 00:15:48.799 he has mixed up in this affair? Monsieur Poirot, I ask you what 189 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:52.919 you know of him? The Commissary made an expressive grimace. Not as much 190 00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:58.039 as we should like to, he observed, ruefully. He works behind the 191 00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:02.120 scenes. You understand. He has underlings who do his dirty work for him. 192 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:06.120 But he is some one high up that we are sure of. He 193 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:11.039 does not come from the criminal classes a Frenchman, yea s at least we 194 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:15.720 believe so, but we are not sure. He has worked in France, 195 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:19.320 in England, in America. There was a series of robberies in Switzerland last 196 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:22.519 autumn which were laid at his door. By all accounts, he is a 197 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:29.360 grand signeur, speaking French and English with equal perfection, and his origin is 198 00:16:29.399 --> 00:16:36.879 a mystery. Poirot nodded and rose to take his departure. Can you tell 199 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:41.200 us nothing more, monsieur Poirot, urged the commissary At present, No, 200 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:47.679 said Poirot, but I may have news awaiting me at my hotel. Monsieur 201 00:16:47.720 --> 00:16:52.840 Carrege looked uncomfortable. If the Marquise is concerned in this, he began, 202 00:16:52.200 --> 00:16:59.399 and then stopped. It upsets our ideas complained Monsieur co It does not upset 203 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:03.200 mine Poirot. On the contrary, I think it agrees with them very well. 204 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:07.480 Au revoir, monsieur. If news of any importance comes to me, 205 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:14.079 I will communicate it to you immediately. He walked back to his hotel with 206 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:18.599 a grave face. In his absence, a telegram had come to him. 207 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:22.759 Taking a paper cutter from his pocket, he slid it open. It was 208 00:17:22.799 --> 00:17:26.119 a long telegram, and he read it over twice before slowly putting it in 209 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:33.559 his pocket. Upstairs, George was awaiting his master. I am fatigued, 210 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:37.119 George, much fatigued. Will you order for me a small pot of chocolate? 211 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:41.519 The chocolate was duly ordered and brought, and George said it at the 212 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:47.000 little table at his master's elbow, as he was preparing to retire, Poirot 213 00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:52.519 spoke, I believe, George, that you have a good knowledge of the 214 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:59.680 English aristocracy, murmured Poirot. George smiled apologetically. I think that I might 215 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:03.400 say that I have, sir, he replied, I suppose that it is 216 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:07.240 your opinion, George, that criminals are invariably drawn from the lower orders, 217 00:18:08.079 --> 00:18:11.119 not always, sir. There was great trouble with one of the Duke of 218 00:18:11.160 --> 00:18:15.680 Deviz's younger sons. He left eaten under a cloud, and after that he 219 00:18:15.799 --> 00:18:21.799 caused great anxiety on several occasions. The police would not accept the view that 220 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:26.519 it was kleptomania. A very clever young gentleman, sir, but vicious through 221 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:32.440 and through, if you take my meaning. His grace shipped him to Australia, 222 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:37.839 and I hear he was convicted out there under another name. Very odd, 223 00:18:37.960 --> 00:18:41.160 sir, but there it is. The young gentleman. I need hardly 224 00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:48.039 say was not in want financially. Poirat nodded his head slowly. Love of 225 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:52.480 excitement, he murmured, And a little kink in the brain somewhere, I 226 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:56.519 wonder now. He drew out the telegram from his pocket and read it again. 227 00:18:57.400 --> 00:19:02.039 Then there was Lady Mary Fox's daughter, continued the valet, in a 228 00:19:02.119 --> 00:19:07.680 mood of reminiscence. Swindle trades people something shocking she did, very worrying to 229 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:11.000 the best families, if I may say so, And there are many other 230 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:15.799 queer cases. I could mention. You have a wide experience, George murmured 231 00:19:15.799 --> 00:19:22.079 Poirot. I often wonder, having lived so exclusively with titled families, that 232 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:26.319 you demean yourself by coming as a valet to me. I put it down 233 00:19:26.359 --> 00:19:32.000 to love of excitement on your part. Not exactly, sir, said George. 234 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:36.920 I happened to see in society snippets that you had been received at Buckingham 235 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:41.000 Palace. That was just when I was looking for a new situation, His 236 00:19:41.160 --> 00:19:44.960 majesty, so it said, had been most gracious and friendly, and thought 237 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:49.480 very highly of your abilities. Ah, said Poirot, one always likes to 238 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:53.640 know the reason for things. He remained in thought for a few moments, 239 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:59.640 and then said, you rang up Mademoiselle Popopoulos. Yes, sir, she 240 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:03.279 and her father will be pleased to dine with you to night, Ah, 241 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:07.559 said Poirot thoughtfully. He drank off his chocolate, set the cup and saucer 242 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:11.480 neatly in the middle of the tray, and spoke gently, more to himself 243 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:15.160 than to the valet. The squirrel, my good Georges collects nuts. He 244 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:18.359 stores them up in the autumn so that they may be of advantage to him 245 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:22.480 later. To make a success of humanity, Georges, we must profit by 246 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:27.240 the lessons of those below us. In the animal kingdom. I have always 247 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:32.720 done so. I have been the cat watching at the mouse hole. I 248 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:37.200 have been the good dog, following up the scent and not taking my nose 249 00:20:37.279 --> 00:20:41.599 from the trail. And also, my good Georges, I have been the 250 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:45.440 squirrel. I have stored away the little fact here, the little fact there. 251 00:20:45.920 --> 00:20:51.559 I go now to my store, and I take out one particular nut, 252 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:55.759 a nut that I stored away. Let me see, seventeen years ago 253 00:20:56.119 --> 00:21:00.240 you follow me, Georges. I should hardly have thought, Sir, said 254 00:21:00.279 --> 00:21:03.480 George, that nuts would have kept so long as that, though I know 255 00:21:03.559 --> 00:21:07.359 one can do wonders with preserving bottles. Pirat looked at him and smiled.