THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD
"I've heard of some very remarkable successes of yours," observed the colonel, thawing.
"I have had much experience," said Poirot quietly. "But most of my successes have been obtained by the aid of the police. I admire enormously your English police. If Inspector Raglan permits me to assist him, I shall be both honored and flattered."
The inspector's countenance became still more gracious.
Colonel Melrose drew me aside.
"From all I hear, this little fellow's done some really remarkable things," he murmured. "We're naturally anxious not to have to call in Scotland Yard. Raglan seems very sure of himself, but I'm not quite certain that I agree with him. You see, I—er—know the parties concerned better than he does. This fellow doesn't seem out after kudos, does he? Would work in with us unobtrusively, eh?"
"To the greater glory of Inspector Raglan," I said solemnly.
"Well, well," said Colqnel Melrose breezily in a louder voice, "we must put you wise to the latest developments, M. Poirot."
"I thank you," said Poirot. "My friend, Dr. Sheppard, said something of the butler being suspected?"
"That's all bunkum," said Raglan instantly. "These high-class servants get in such a funk that they act suspiciously for nothing at all."
"The fingerprints?" I hinted.
"Nothing like Parker's." He gave a faint smile, and
[84]
