Chapter 10 Chapter II Secretary

Poirot thought for a moment. "I think," he finally said. "Based on what is known, it would be best to have a further discussion with Mr. McQueen." Young Americans are coming soon. "Oh," he said, "any progress?" "Not too bad. We've learned something since we last spoke to you--what kind of man Mr. Ratchett is." Hector McQueen leaned forward with interest. "Really?" he said. "As you suspect, Ratchett is just a pseudonym. He is Cassetti, the famous child abduction character—including the sensational kidnapping of little Daisy Armstrong."

McQueen's face suddenly revealed an expression of extreme surprise, which soon became gloomy. "The bloody bastard!" he exclaimed. "Mr. McQueen, you don't know anything about it?" "Yes, sir." The young American replied decisively, "If I knew, I would rather cut off my right hand than become his secretary." "Mr. McQueen, you have a strong reaction to this, don't you?" "There are personal reasons for that. My relation is the District Attorney, who has handled the case, M. Poirot. I have met Mrs. Armstrong more than once--she is a very pretty woman. Such a distinguished person The people who died were miserable."

His face became gloomy again, "This is the retribution that Ratchett, or Cassetti deserved. It is my heart to end up like this. Such a person does not deserve to live in this world." "It seems that you really want to do such a good thing yourself?" "I'll do it, I—" He paused for a moment, blushing in the face knowing he had slipped. "Mr. McQueen, if you show too much grief over the death of your master, I shall suspect you." "I don't think I would do such a thing, not even to save my own life," McQueen said resolutely. Then he added:

"If you don't think I'm too curious, please tell me how you found out about it? I mean how did you find out Cassetti's identity?" "According to fragments of a letter found in his room." "But, sure, I mean the old man was pretty careless, didn't he?" "Everyone has his own opinion," said Poirot. The young man seemed puzzled by Poirot's answer.He stared at Poirot as if trying to guess the meaning of the words. "My task at present," said Poirot, "is to find out the movements of everyone in the car. There is no need to be angry. It is a matter of routine. Do you understand?"

"Naturally. Go on with it. If I can, I'll let you figure out who I am." "It seems unnecessary to ask for the number of your private room," said Poirot with a smile, "because we stayed together for the night. It was the second-class car, No. 6 and No. 7. After I left, You use it by yourself, don't you?" "exactly." "Now, Mr. McQueen, I should ask you to recall what you did after you left the dining-car last night?" "It was quite simple: I went back to my room and read for a while. When the train arrived in Belgrade, I went to the platform, because it was too cold, and because I was on the train again. Talk to a young English lady in Sibi After a while, I chatted again with the Englishman, Colonel Arbuthnot. In fact, you were passing us while we were talking. Then I went to Mr. Ratchett's private room. This I have already talked to As you said, I took some outlines of the letters he would have me write, and I bade him good night and left. Colonel Arbuthnot was standing in the passage, and my bed was already made, so I So I suggested, come with me. I asked for some drinks, and we sat down to drink. We talked about world politics, the Indian government, our financial difficulties, and the crisis on Wall Street. Usually, I and the British Always off-putting--they're all sloppy guys--but this one's a delight."

"Do you know when he left you?" "It's late, I think. It's about two o'clock." "Did you notice the train stopped?" "Yes. We were surprised at first. Looking out of the window, the snow was thick, but I didn't expect it to be so serious." "What happened after Colonel Arbuthnot said good night to you?" "He went straight to his room. I called the conductor and told him to make my bed." "Where were you when he made the bed?" "Standing outside in the aisle and smoking." "and after?"

"Then I went to bed and slept until dawn." "Did you leave the train at night?" "Colonel Arbuthnot and I were going to go down to--what station is that?--Mr. Vinkov, go down and stay a while. But in order,--the blizzard kept blowing, and we turned around I'm back." "Did you get off by that door?" "The one closest to my private room." "The one next to the dining car?" "yes." "Do you remember whether the door was bolted?" McQueen thought for a moment. "No, it seems to be latched, as I recall. At least a rod or something stuck across the handle. Is that what you mean?"

"Good. Did you put the stick back in when you got back?" "Not really. I think, no. I'm behind him, and I can't remember ever getting a stick." Suddenly he added: "Is this important?" "Perhaps so, sir. I would like to suppose that the door of your compartment to the passage was open when you sat talking with Colonel Arbuthnot?" McQueen nodded. "If possible, I would like you to tell me, did anyone pass the aisle between the time the train left Vinkov and the time you parted and went back to your room to sleep?" McQueen frowned.

"I think the conductor came by one time," he said, "from the dining car. Another time, a woman came across the aisle from the other direction, toward the dining car." "Which woman?" "Not really. Didn't notice, as a matter of fact. I was in the midst of a heated argument with Colonel Arbuthnot, as you know, when I happened to see a man with nothing in bright red silk go by the door. I didn't look, and I wouldn't have." You can see the man's face clearly. As you know, my room is facing one end of the dining car, so this woman walking down the aisle to the dining car must have her back turned towards me."

Poirot nodded. "I suppose she's going to the bathroom?" "I think so." "Did you see her when she came back?" "No. Since you mentioned it, I'm only saying that. Although I haven't seen her come back, she must come back anyway." "One more question, Mr. McQueen. You smoke a pipe, don't you?" "No, I don't use a pipe." Poirot paused for a moment. "That's all for now, I see. I want to see Mr. Ratchett's servant now. By the way, do you travel first class with him?" "He travels second class and I often travel first class - depending on availability in the room next door to Mr. Ratchett. He keeps most of his luggage in my room so it's easy to call me or find things." There are too many. This time all the first-class cars were sold, and he was the only one who pre-ordered one."

"I know that. Thank you, Mr. McQueen."