Evening Star Newspaper, February 16, 1927, Page 28

The Murder of Roger Ackroy ] By AGATHA CHRISTIE. Copyright by Dodd, There was something almost inde. scribable in the way he said th words. 1 felt that he was looking at the csae from some peculiar angle of his angle, and what he saw 1 could ot tell. He went to the window there, looking out. it was 9 nllm and stood | side the gate 3 He asked the question withoi” turn- Ing round. | . T replied. * rd the thurch clock chime the hou { “How long would it take him to | reach the house—to reach this win- dow, for instance”™" “Five minutes at the outside. Two | or three minutes oniy if hé took the path at the right of the drive and came straight here. “But to do that he would have to know the way. IHow can I explain myself?—it_would mean that he had | heen here before—that he knew his surroundings.” “That is true,” replied Col. Melrose. | “We could find out. doubtless, if Mr. Ackroyd had received any strangers during the past wee 1 “Young Ravmond could tell us that, “Or Parker,” suggested Col. Mel | rose. “Ou tous les deux, smiling. Col. Melrose went in search of Ras mond. and I rang the bell once more for Parker. Col. Mc diately, a secre » suggested Poirot, ose returned almost imme ompanied by the young whom he introduced to Poirot offrey Raymond was fresh and debonair as ever. He seemed sur- | prised and delighted to make Poirot’s | acquaintance “No idea you'd heen living among us incognito, M. Poirot,” he said. “It t privilege to watch you Hallo, what's th Poirot had heen stinding just o the | left of the door. Now he moved aside suddenly, and 1 saw that while my turned he must have swiftly wn out the armehair till it stood i ated. air while | sked Ray. ‘hat's the | | “Want me to sit in the ch: you take a blood test?’ good-humored! pulled royd Some one moved it Did you do | Raymond, this cl 0—la L« ound killed. again into place. air wa Ir. rhn secretary’s . reply came w. nhoutl a second's hesitation! “No, indeed, I didn’t. 1 don't even | remember that it was in that position, but it must have heen if you say so. Anyway, somebody else must have | moved it ‘back to its proper place. | Have they destroyed a clue in doing %0? Too hed!” | “It is of no consequence,” said the | detective. “‘Of no consequence what- | ever. What I really want to ask you is this, M. Raymond: Did any stranger come to ir. Ackroyd during this past week The secretary reflected for a minute or two, knitting his brows, and dur- ing the pause Parker appeared in an- swer to the bell. “No,” said Raymond at last. “I can’t remember any one. Can you, Parker?” “I beg your pardon, sir?" “Any stranger coming to see Mr. Ackroyd this week?” The butler reflected for a minute or two. “There was the young man- who came on Wednesday, sir,” he said at last. “From Curtis and Troute, I un- derstood he was.” Raymond moved this aside with an impatient hand. “Oh, yes, 1 remember, but that is not the kind of stranger this gentle- man means.” He turned to Poirot. “Mr. Ackroyd had some idea of pur- chasing a dictaphone,” he explained. “It would have enabled us to get through a lot more work in a limited time. The firm in question sent down their representative, but nothing came of it. Mr. Ackroyd did not make up his mind to purchase.” Poirot turned to the butler. “Can you describe this young man | to me, my good Parker?” “He was fair-haired, sir, and short. Very neatly dressed in a blue serge suit. A very presertable young man, sir, for his station in life.” ! Poirot turned to me. “The man you met outside the gate, doctor, was tall, was he not?” “Yes,” 1 said. “Somewhere about | alx feet, I should say.” “There is nothing in that, then,” declared the Belgian. “I thank you, Yarker.” The butler spoke to Raymond. r. Hammond has just arrived, ir,” he said. “He is anxious to know if he can be of any service, and he would be glad to have a word with | you.” | “I'll come at once,” said the young ' man. He hurried out. Poirot looked inquiringly at the chief constable. “The family solicitor, M. Poirot,” said the latter. time for this young M. Raymond,” mumured M. Poirot. | “He has the air efficient, that one.” | ‘I believe Mr. Ackroyd considered | | Of that I am sure. does he amuse himself” in for le sport?” time for that sort ¢ Melrose, Mead & Co “He has been here—how long?" “Just on two years, I fanc “His duties he fulfiills punctiliously. In what manner Does he go “Private secret: hing," Raymond And tennis in the smiling. believe. rtime.” attend the courses— | “He does not i running NO 1! e e Sale! $2.98 and $3.50 Handbags of the| THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. (., “Race meetings? No, I don’t think he's interested in racing.” Poirot nodded and seemed to lose interest. He glanced slowly round the study. “I have seen, I think, all that there . too, looked “If those walls could spealk,” mured. Poirot shook his head. “A tongue is not enough,” he said “They would have also eyes and ears. But do not be too sure that these dead things" the bookcase | ways dumb. | times rs, tables I'mur- s he spoke—' To me they spe: they ha some- ve their the door. He turned away toward J What 1 cried | have they said to vou today | He looked over his shoulder raised one eyebrow quizzically “An opened window." he said. Jocked door. A chair that appa Iy "EREST OR EXTRAS and | colo ‘A ’h ft us together. 1 ADDED TO moved itself. To all ‘Why? and I find no answ He shook his head, puffes chest and stood blinking at us. He looked ridiculously full of his own importance. It crossed my mind to | wonder whether he was really any £0od as a detective. Had his big repu tation been built up on a series of lucky chances? 1 "think the same have ocecurred to Col. 1 thought Melrose, must for he ing more you want to see, " he inquired brusquely “You would perhaps be so k to show me from which the w as tak Afte that, I \\HV trespass on your kind no longer. We went to the drawing room, but on th and afte 1 the latter ¢ a muttered conve cused himself and howed Poirot the ter raising the lid CHARGE silver table, and Goldl d as | way the constable waylaid the | once or twice and letting it fall, he ed open the and stepped on the terrace. ollowed him. Inspector Raglan had just turned | the corner of the house and was com- ing toward us. His face looked grim and_satisfied. R ey o B said. “ell,” this isn't much of e. enough Poirot,” he going fo be I'm sorry, too. A nice low gone wrong." fell, and he spoke very | Tl afraia 1 shall not be able to £ much aid to you, ext time, perh 1 the in | spector "hough don’t have murders every day in this | little r of the world | " Poirot's gaze took on an admiring [ auality. : have been of a promptness.” he observed | actiy_ did vou go to work, ask | “Certainty ACCOUI marvel How it I m: the inspector. 5| said T . WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, begin with—method. always say—method!” ¢ cried the other. “That, too, is atchword. Method, order and the little gray cells.” “The cells?” said staring. “The little gray cells of the brain,” explained the Belgian “Oh, of course; well, | them, T suppose.” ! "“In’a greater or lesser degree.” mur- ymured Poirot. “And there are, too, | differences in quality. Then, there is the psychology of a crime. | study that That's what T the inspector, we all use the inspector, “y 1 with all this § stuff? Now, I'm a plain 1 would not agree, 1 am Poirot, making | him taglan, a little understand,” he sais 34c ' hut each mounted on g Kood auality opaq rl . in white, ecru and green g rollers; 9 in oldenberg's—Fourth Floor. One must | ou've sychoan- taken | of difference language makes! I'm telling you how 1 set to work. FI of all, method. Mr. Ackroyd wa seen alive at a quarter to 10 by his | niece, Miss Flora Ackroyd. That's| fact No. 1, isn't it?"” i “If you say so.” | 1, it is. At 10:30, the doctor s that Mr. Ackroyd has been | | dead at'least half an hour. You stick | to that, doctor?” “Certainly, | or long grinning broadly. “Lord, what a 1otl I said. “Half an hour! gives us exactly | in which the | heen committed. 1| | make one in the house idnd o1l (hxnllflll it, setting lln\\n‘ { opposite their names where th {ana t they were doing | the hour of 9:45 and 10 p.m. He handed a sheet of paper to| Poirot. I read it over his shoulder. | as follows, written in a neat | That of an h t hav t of every | It ran ript Mr. Raymond. st | above.) Maj. Blunt—In Bfillard room wite (Latter confirms,), aymond—Billiard room. (Seo (Continued in The Homewood Cafeteria 1013 13th St. N.W. Open for business; a new, up-to-date eating place; come in and get a real home-cooked meal. The best of food at most reasonable prices. We bake all pies and pastries. Give Us a Trial. Open From 6 AM. to 1 AM. 25¢ Drapery Materials 12%¢ Yard Yardwido I'ine Grade Silkoline Quality ngs. Cretonne-pa colorings. s for curtains, daraperies and comfort enberz's—Fourth Floor. $1.95 s Lots and Sample Lines of Illgh Grade Buga of Fine Quality Leathers, Silks and Tapestries, in Manufacturers’ Surplus the newest Shapes! ‘You'll marvel at the fine qualities of these and desirability! .purchase comprises one of the best selections of bags, their newness bags we’ve shown in a long time. Newest shapes in Pouch Bags of silk, leather and tapestry, also Underarm Bags in high-grade leathers. Plain, fancy grained and embossed styles. Silk and leather lined. Large assortment of attractive, well made frames. Goldenberg’s—First Floor.——~Charge Accounts Invited. Black and leading colors. TOMORROW— Another lot of without morrow tractive room or bedroom, Ox1 2t 9x12-it. large Make Reversible Fiber quality, al and other desigu ue, rose, taupe, and brown. 3 ft. by 4 it. the Congoleum signs with handsome The N R K K e e A K i i R K K ! Heavy - weight Blankets, double beds: of blue, pink, and gold, =fl= A FEATURE DISPLAY OF Distinguished Reproductions of NEW PARIS HATS . $10,$12.50 t -~ and $15 Reboux’ Newest Success The newest arrivals of this fash- ionable collection—designed for women who love the inimitable style and charm characteristic of all Reboux-created models. The “Earring” Hat, the Skull Cap, the Cloche, the Turn- up Brim, front or back—so that every one may wear Reboux’ latest in the hat most becoming to one’s individual type. Of French Felt, Felt and Straw r Satin and straw, in black, or the newest springtime shades. Medium and small sizes. Goldenberx’s—Second Floor. size Rugs, perfect inese, colorings of room in handsome ( green, 6 Duroleum Rugs, Compan borders ; Imported Rag Rugs, light and dark hit- and- miss effects with novelty crow-foot border of blue. rose, tan and green e e $5 Part-Wool Blankets Part - wool size 66x80 inches for pretty block plaids tan, orchid, finished sateen ribbon bound ends. Goldenbers's—Fourth Floor.—Charge Accounts Inyited. with $10.45 & $11.40 Room Size Certainteed Rugre, Sizes 9x11 ft. to 9x12 ft. Slight Irregulars | $4.75 150 of well known Certainteed Rugs, borders, on at savings sure terest thrifty housewives. At- wool-rug de tile patterns, in coloring suitable for living room, dimug as well 4 333393393 P23 722222204 » these 243 sale to- to in- gns and Ix1l it to as kitchen. Sizes $12.95 Hodges’ Fiber Rugs Hodges Orien- 1 58.65 gray, tan | $1.25 Duroleum @ Rag Rugs made ‘s\ rug also wool st Floor, Bnrgain Table). $3.29 pair gray wide $7 RAYON BEDSPREADS $4.79 81x105 Rayon full length for covering bed and pillows. Rich lustrous quality, in lovely colors of rose, blue and gold, with scalloped edges. Warranted fast colors. $2.50 Bed Sets, $1.89 81x90 Crinkle Bed Sets, scalloped edges and cut-out corners, in rose, blue and gold woven stripes. Fast colors; double bed siz $1.25 Bleached Sheets, 98¢ 81x90 Seamless Bleached Sheets, double bed size; free from starch or dressing. $2 Bleached Sheets, $1.39 81x108 Seamless Bleached Sheets, full three yards long; round thread sheeting cotton, free from starch or dressing. $1.19 Bleached Sheets, 79¢c 54x99 Seamless Bleached Sheets, extra length for single beds; hand torn and ironed. 39¢ Pillowcases, 29¢ 45x3814 Bleached Hemstitched Pil- lowcases, large size: finished with deep hem. Bedspreads; Chiurze Accounts Invited. Charge Accounts Tnvited. A Spe 'New Home F rock Sizes 36 to 46 Extra Large Sizes ial Purchase! For Every Woman! & 620, c‘;“ 2 oc c. Q) (3 Edaw TS 0@ Cege, 57 Q L The Styles You Want—In Popular Patterns and Colors Now in the Vogue. Poprfpa o Potore B Every garment fresh, new and at- tractive. LINENE, PRINTS, STRIPED BROADCLOTHS, COTTON FOULARDS, AND GOLF CHECKS A purchase and sale of full cut, well made Home Frocks at what seems an almost impossible price! You could hardly buy the materials for such a small amount—then just stop to consider the time and labor _you save by buying in this sale! We anticipate a large crowd—so for your own convenience and benefit, we urge you to attend early! V-neck models, with pleats, pockets, ties, buttons and pipings of contrasting colors. Th , ties, . ere damty shades and patterns, which we are sure you will agree with us const:fte one of the m:;: important wash dress events of the season. Sizes for every one. 36 to 46 regulars, and plenty of “stout” sizes, ranging from 48 to 52. Goldenberg's—=Second Floor.—Charge Accounts Invited. | E | | | | | i | | | e A CLEAR COMPLEXION s R Ruldy cheeks—sparkling eyes— || most women can have, Dr. F. M. ||| KEdwards for 20 years treated scores of women for liver and bowel ail-| ments. During these years he gave his patients a substitute for calomel | made of a few well known veg- |' etable ingredients mixed with oil, naming them Dr. Edward: ive Tablets. Know them by their olive color. These tablets are wonder \wrkers on the liver and bowels, which | cause a normal action, carrying off | the waste and poisonous matter in | one's system. i t you have u pale face, sallow look, | eves, pimples, coated tongue, head: Ustieas. niogood feellnx, Wil out | Charge Accounts Invited. Girls’ $4.50 ANl-W ool LUMBERJACKS $2.00 Grade 40-in. Washable Crepe de Chine $1.49 Yard Beautiful quality firm woven All-silk Crepe de Chine that can be washed without fear of harming the delicate color—in high favor for Spring frocks and silken lingerie. Large range of newest shades, as well as black and white. Hart Schaffner & Marx Kuppenheimer and Sampeck and Other Makes MEN’S SUITS $9.95 The balance of our special purchase of these nationally known brands of men’s clothing goes on sale tomorrow! 242 Suits in the group and they’ll go out quickly 2 this sensationally low price! Included are Suits made by Hart Schafi- ner & Marx, Kuppenheimer and Sampeck of worsteds, cassimeres and cheviots, in me- dium and dark patterns. Smgle»brcastcd sport and Norfolk models. Sizes 34 to 42 in the lot. $19.75 Overcoats, $9.95 Men's Winter-weight 0vercoats. mostly of through-and-through fabrics, in gray and brown' (werpl:nds Belted and box models.” Sizes 36 to $29 50 “Hi-N-Dri” Topcoats, $9.95 Men's Rainproof Topcoats, in London lavender ; single-breasted tube model, with satin sleeve and yoke linings. \nzes JJ 36 and 37 only. Gold .Fl B ldenbers's—First, Floor Clothing Store Tor Men; Direct 50c to 89c Spring WASH GOODS ~39 ard The assortment includes a variety of the new- est and choicest wash fabrics for making Spring frocks—beautiful, lustrous rayon and silk-and- cotton materials that are noted for durability, as well as style. All 36.inches wide. Guaranteed fast colors. Silvertone Printed Brilliantine, in checks and Stripes Silk-mixed Printed Crepe de Chine Silk-mixed Printed Rayon Crepe Printed Charmeuse, yarn mercerized cotton Plain-color Broadcloth, in all wanted shades Goldenberg’'s—First Floor.—Charge Accounts Invited. Smart and practical gar- ments for the young miss of school age. Fine all- wool qualities, in attractive plaids showing various color combinations. Close fitting at bottom and made with two pockets; double stitched. Sizes 10 to 16 years’ Girls’ Gym Bloomers, $1.98 Gymnasium Bloomers, of fine grade lustrous black sateen; deep regulation plaited hips and adjustable bands; sizes 10 to years, also extra sizes. : to, Little Girls’ Panty Dresses, $1 Little Girls' New Panty Dresses, fine grade prints; made with cute round collar and embroidered designs. Sizes 2 to 6 years. $2.98 Bestyette Raincapes, $1.98 Girls’ Bestyette Raincapes, guaranteed quality; in red and navy blue; silk lined h ; sizes 4 to 12 years. Goldenberg’s—Third Floor.—harge Accounts Invited. Women’s fi Sprmg Sweaters $ o 2 vel inke one | Edward' Olive Tublets nightly for | | » time und note the pleasing results. Thousands . of women and men take | Dr. Fdwards' Olive ‘Tablets—now “and | then (o keep fit. . 30c and 60c New Spring Sweaters, in coat model, with and without collars, made with two pockets and trimming in contrasting colors. Come in smart heather mixtures, also navy:blue and black. Goldenberx's—Third Floor.—Charge Accounts Invited. O INTEREST OR EXTRAS ADDED TO CHARGE ACCOUNTS: 40 inches wide, $2.50 All-Silk Flat Crepe Spring costumes, rich lus- trous, soft-finish all-silk quality, in all wanted street 40-inch All-silk Satin Charmeuse, rich satin-face quality that fashions into 55 Comes in the most wanted o shades. $2 Satin Canton Crepe 40-inch Satin Canton demand for rich-looking $1 5 ; costumes. All wanted col- LA ors, 40-inch Flat Crepe, and evening shades. the smartest of frocks. Crepe, satin-face crepe Senbere et L o A Tavied, popular silk fabric fo: $2 Silk Satin Charmeuse weave quality so much in WE DO NOT PENALIZE OUR FRIEND