We did so in the dining-room, all sitting round the table. Mr Poirot sat at the head of it with Dr Leidner one side and Dr Reilly the other.
When we were all assembled, Dr Leidner cleared his throat and spoke in his gentle, hesitating voice.
I dare say you have all heard of M. Hercule Poirot.
He was passing through Hassanieh today, and has very kindly agreed to break his journey to help us.
The Iraqi police and Captain Maitland are, I am sure, doing their very best, but but there are circumstances in the case he floundered and shot an appealing glance at Dr Reilly there may, it seems, be difficulties
It is not all the square and overboard no? said the little man at the top of the table.
Why, he couldnt even speak English properly!
Oho, he must be caught! cried Mrs Mercado.
It would be unbearable if he got away!
I noticed the little foreigners eyes rest on her appraisingly.
He?
Who is he, madame? he asked.
Why, the murderer, of course.
Ah! the murderer, said Hercule Poirot.
He spoke as though the murderer was of no consequence at all!
We all stared at him.
He looked from one face to another.
It is likely, I think, he said, that you have none of you been brought in contact with a case of murder before?
There was a general murmur of assent.
Hercule Poirot smiled.
It is clear, therefore, that you do not understand the A B C of the position.
There are unpleasantnesses!
Yes, there are a lot of unpleasantnesses.
To begin with, there is suspicion.
Suspicion? It was Miss Johnson who spoke.
Mr Poirot looked at her thoughtfully.
I had an idea that he regarded her with approval. He looked as though he were thinking: Here is a sensible, intelligent person!
Yes, mademoiselle, he said.
Suspicion!
Let us not make the bones about it.You are all under suspicion here in this house.
The cook, the house-boy, the scullion, the pot-boy yes, and all the members of the expedition too.
Mrs Mercado started up, her face working.
How dare you? How dare you say such a thing?
This is odious unbearable!
Dr Leidner you cant sit here and let this man let this man
Dr Leidner said wearily: Please try and be calm, Marie.
Mr Mercado stood up too.
His hands were shaking and his eyes were bloodshot.
I agree. It is an outrage an insult
No, no, said Mr Poirot.
I do not insult you.
I merely ask you all to face facts.
In a house where murder has been committed, every inmate comes in for a certain share of suspicion.
I ask you what evidence is there that the murderer came from outside at all?
Mrs Mercado cried: But of course he did!
It stands to reason!
Why She stopped and said more slowly, Anything else would be incredible!
You are doubtless correct, madame, said Poirot with a bow.
I explain to you only how the matter must be approached.
First I assure myself of the fact that everyone in this room is innocent.