I said as much and Captain Maitland nodded thoughtfully.
I agree that it isnt what one would choose, he said.
But if anyone were in great distress of mind and this stuff were easily obtainable it might be taken for that reason.
Was she in great distress of mind? I asked doubtfully.
Mrs Mercado says so.
She says that Miss Johnson was quite unlike herself at dinner last night that she hardly replied to anything that was said to her.
Mrs Mercado is quite sure that Miss Johnson was in terrible distress over something and that the idea of making away with herself had already occurred to her.
Well, I dont believe it for a moment, I said bluntly.
Mrs Mercado indeed!
Nasty slinking little cat!
Then what do you think?
I think she was murdered, I said bluntly.
He rapped out his next question sharply. I felt rather that I was in the orderly room.
Any reasons?
It seems to me by far and away the most possible solution.
Thats just your private opinion.
There was no reason why the lady should be murdered?
Excuse me, I said, there was.
She found out something. Found out something? What did she find out?
I repeated our conversation on the roof word for word.
She refused to tell you what her discovery was?
Yes.
She said she must have time to think it over.
But she was very excited by it?
Yes.
A way of getting in from outside. Captain Maitland puzzled over it, his brows knit.
Had you no idea at all of what she was driving at?
Not in the least.
I puzzled and puzzled over it but I couldnt even get a glimmering.
Captain Maitland said: What do you think, M. Poirot?
Poirot said: I think you have there a possible motive.
For murder?
For murder.
Captain Maitland frowned.
She wasnt able to speak before she died?
Yes, she just managed to get out two words.
What were they?
The window
The window? repeated Captain Maitland.
Did you understand to what she was referring?
I shook my head.
How many windows were there in her bedroom?
Just the one.
Giving on the courtyard?
Yes.
Was it open or shut?
Open, I seem to remember.
But perhaps one of you opened it?
No, it was open all the time.
I wondered