Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) s06e04 Episode Script
Dumb Witness
Be quiet, Bob.
Wretched creature.
Games at all hours.
Put him in his basket, before he wakes the whole house.
Put it there.
Non, non, monsieur.
C'est ma valise! - She and I have travelled together the world.
- It was an accident, Poirot.
Non, Hastings, it was a lack of care.
I will not see an old friend used so roughly.
Place it there.
You see, Hastings, there is no pride in the work.
Poirot, if we don't buck up, we'll miss Charlie's attempt to break the record.
Alors, vite, mon ami.
See? You don't like the porter and we miss the boat.
Do not blame yourself, Hastings.
- NO FURTHER SAILING TODAY.
- Oh, no! Now, what are we going to do? Charlie starts in half an hour.
All is not lost, mon ami.
Excusez moi, monsieur, this is an emergency.
We are foreign observers at the record attempt.
If you please, can you take us to the Motor Boat Club? Hastings! Just think - in a few minutes time, old Charlie can be the fastest man in the world on water.
And after the record being broken, a few days for us, to appreciate good food, good wine and a little peace.
I knew that there was a mistake in the speedometer when, at 80 miles/h, this duck flew past me in the same direction.
Charlie! Battler, my dear old fellow! I'm so glad you could make it! We were affraid to miss the main event, but if you're still here - That's right, old boy, they won't begin without me.
- May I introduce Ah, this must be him.
Ladies and gentlemen, we're all very honored.
- I'd like you to meet Hercule Poirot.
- Not "The" Hercule Poirot? - Are there others, mademoiselle? - My sister, Theresa.
And this is ah, what the hell, you are going to meet in the weekend.
You'll get used to them.
"Villains the lot", Mr.
Poirot.
- I think you'll find it's nearly time, sir.
- Hell, that's right.
You all have 15 minutes to find a good place in the presence.
Look after these two, will you,Theresa? Would you bring their suitcases up to the rooms.
Certainly, madam.
Here he is, ladies and gentlemen, the man we were waiting for: Charles Arundel.
As you know, mr.
Charles Arundel is a local young man.
It was his own aunt, Emily Arundel, who financed this event and we are honoured of having here with us today.
Mr.
Poirot I'd like you to meet my aunt.
Hercule Poirot, Captain Hastings, Emily Arundel.
Enchanté, Madame.
I didn't know my nephew had such distiguished friends, Mr.
Poirot.
This is Wilhemina Lawson, by the way, my companion.
Madame .
I hope they treat you well.
I know the food is meant to be excellent, but the company - Well, they are excited, madame.
But once the world record is broken, most of them will depart.
Yes, all right, I know.
He wants me to introduce you.
May I present Bob.
Enchanté.
Would you care to dinne with us tonight, Mr.
Poirot? Just a family dinner.
Mr.
Arundel faces a great challenge.
He's gonna cross the mile in less than 29.
58 seconds to break the current record hold by Comodoro Wood.
But the conditions are excellent and Mr.
Arundel told me he has confidence in his vessel, the "Spirit of Arundel", and that he is ready to go.
- There they are! - My children.
- Hello, aunt Emily.
- Hello, children.
Be careful.
- Hello, how are you? - Very well.
My other niece and her husband, Mr.
Poirot.
Bella and Jacob Tanios.
Jacob teaches Medicine, but, sadly, they are leaving us.
Why is your Papa taking you back to Greece? I'll miss you.
Emily, they have closed my department in the University.
Is Charles fully prepared, or will it be a question of luck? It is going to be absolutely fine - He was always lucky as hell.
- So he is well acquainted - Emily? - What is it, Minnie? - It's two o'clock, dear.
It is time - Oh, give them to me, then.
Would you care to see the boat, Mr.
Poirot? - Oh, I certainly would! - Good.
You too,children, come on.
Yes, come on! When did John Grainger last give you a thorough check-up, Emily? - Why? Do I look ill? - Far from it.
Which leads me to ask why you take these useless liver capsules.
I think this is Emily's business, Dr.
Tanios.
Not yours.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to hear the "Mayor" of Keswick.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you'll all like to join me in wishing Charles Arundel the very best as he prepares to make his leave to attempt to break the water speed record.
Godspeed, son.
Godspeed, and good luck.
" Smock the record, Uncle Charles! - We'll never manage.
- At least we'll try.
- There! He is there! - Come on! - Mr.
Poirot! - Mr.
Poirot! My God, the Fool and the Head.
Don't listen to them, Mr.
Poirot.
Mr.
Poirot, you may think we are odd, people do, you know? - We are the Tripp sisters.
- But that isn't what's odd.
- You must stop that boat! - I, Madame? Mais pourquoi? Because something terrible is about to happen! We came as quickly as we could We had a message at lunch time from the General.
Aunt Emily's father.
Dead, 30 years or more.
Not dead, just living at another place.
He sent us to you.
But how did he know that Poirot was coming here? "Gossip Telegraph" is superb in these parts He saw water with blood.
- Out there, in the lake.
- A crime? A force of darkness.
You've got to stop it! But I cannot do anything, Madame.
It is not in my power.
The boat is in movement.
Charles Arundel is entering the measured mile now.
Five seconds.
Come on! Good Lord! He is safe, mademoiselle.
Your brother is safe.
Until the next time.
Hello, Bob.
Yes, you are brave in facing us.
Okay, that's enough.
Allow me, Hastings.
Dog, sit! - Bon.
You are very clever.
Merci.
- Very well.
A warm reception of M.
Bob, Mme.
Wilhemina.
May I introduce Dr.
Grainger, a friend of family.
- Monsieur le Docteur.
- Good to meet you, Poirot.
- How do you do? - How do you do? - Wellcome to the Littlegreen House.
- Merci.
Bob wants to show something you.
C'est magnifique, ça! - What race is this, Hastings? - A.
.
Fox Terrier.
No, Charles, I will not give you more money.
That boat has already cost me a small fortune.
Now look here, Aunt Em, I'll do everything to keep this project alive and I will not allow anybody, not even you, to stand in my way! Good evening, gentlemen.
A family discussion, we have them all the time.
Oh, by the way, if you're in the market for a burned out speed boat, you'll find one at the boat house.
- Good evening, gentlemen.
This was supposed to be a celebration, but I fear it may prove more of a wake.
Non, non, monsieur le docteur.
It is a hot needle in the joints and not a heat within the flesh.
Here, between the fingers.
You see? I believe it is a rheumatism.
Why don't you ask your doctor to examine you? But if I ask, he will find.
And suppose there is nothing there? Then, he won't find.
But if he does not to find, how I can to be sure that he has looked? Is it already time, Isabel? Silence! A visitation Welcome, friend.
Welcome.
I General Julius Arundel, I bring messages from the other side.
Where is Hercule? I need to speak with Hercule! Madame? The message is from M.
P.
There is an M.
P.
in your life, Hercule? Oui.
Marie Poirot, she was my grandmother.
She says you have been lucky, but luck seldom strikes twice at the same door.
This afternoon, by the lake, the danger receeded, yes.
but only to gather its strength.
I see it move on and find its mark in Emily! Why I put up with this nonsense, I shall never know.
- What the devil is she saying? - It is Greek.
She says you have all been warned.
I just wondered if you were having trouble sleeping.
And so you awake me to enquire? That is a friendship indeed, Hastings.
I'm sorry, Poirot.
It was that business at dinner.
The General hauling out your Granny that way.
I mean, how did he know? Regarde, mon ami.
«Is there a JH in your family past»? Yes! My Uncle Jack! What does he say? «He says you are to return to your room» and leave me in peace».
- Right That's amazing, Poirot! Helas it is guess work, mon ami.
It would be strange not to find a James, John or Jack, in an English family.
So it is in Belgium, with M for Marie.
Yes, yes, I suppose so.
And what about these evil forces? They are in the mind of Isabel Tripp, mon ami and nowhere else.
And yet And yet, there is no smoke, without a fire.
- What is it? - What's happened? Good Lord! Go wake up your father, quickly! - Father, wake up! - Aunty? What's going on? Is there some party or something? God! - Charles - Aunty Emily! Anty - Don't touch her! - Stay here, children.
Alexis! She's not dead, is she? - She's alive.
- Look at this! Bob's ball.
she must have stood on it and lost her balance Oh, Mr.
Poirot thank you so very much for coming.
Emily has been asking for you.
I keep going over it in my mind, Mr.
Poirot.
I mean, did I step on Bob's ball? It is unlike him to leave it there Perhaps it is not the animals that worry you, Madame, but also the human beings.
Both alive and dead, perhaps.
You don't mean Isabel Tripp could be right, surely - and I'm really in danger? - Helas it is possible, Madame.
Then, it can only be for my money.
What would do, Mr.
Poirot, in my position? Had I a family that would be to gain from my death? Et bien! I would make a new will, without delay, leaving all to a good friend that I could trust.
- And would you tell this friend? - Non, non, pas du tout.
But I would tell to all those named in the old will that they inherit no longer.
- Wouldn't that anger them? - Oui, bien sur.
But they would make certain no accident befell me, hoping that one day I would change my will again and favour them.
I like that.
I like that very much, Mr.
Poirot.
- Un medicament, docteur? - Yes, Poirot, for Emily's liver.
And the capsules? "Gimmicks" from a local herbanist.
I threw them away.
Good morning, Emily.
I brought you your medicine.
Mr.
Poirot, I'd like a word with you, in private? - In the garden, perhaps, Mme.
Tanios? - No, it is too risky.
I'll call on you at tea time, on the Motor Boat Club.
East M.
Wordsworth, the poet of these parts, he annoys me, Hastings.
Clearly he's a slave to depression, but you know what cheers him, mon ami? A good wine? A large beeftake? The company of a woman most enchanting? Non, a daffodil.
"beside the lake, beneath the trees Flattering and dancing in the breeze".
- There, madam.
- Thank you.
- Good afternoon, madam.
- I'll go straight to the subject, Mr.
Poirot.
Charles and Theresa, they've been spounging money of Aunt Emily for years.
Just recently, she has told them "no!", and quite right too.
- Please do calm yourself and sit down.
- Thank you.
That fall was no accident.
She was pushed by one of them.
I know it! But if my husband knew that I am accusing them, he-- he'd You fear him, Madame? No, no, forgive me.
I am safe here, at least.
Why here? People like Jacob are not welcome in the Motor Boat Club, Captain.
Comment? He is different foreign.
- Mais moi aussi.
- Yes, but you're famous, Mr.
Poirot.
However safe or not, I'd rather keep this meeting to ourselves.
Of course, Madame.
- Hello, Aunty.
- Good morning, Aunt! - Isn't it glorious? - What a lovely day.
The roses are looking fab.
Three visits in as many days.
I am honored.
Oh, you are looking so much better, Aunt Em.
The result, perhaps, of changing my will.
God heavens! I never thought to see you both lost for words.
You changed your will? Yes, dear, I am cutting my family off without a penny.
- But if we don't inherit, who the hell does? - And why? What have we done to you, anyhow? You threatened me, Charles.
" I won't allow anyone to stand in my way! "Remember? It was not a threat, it was a joke.
And the silver service you promised me? Does that go for someone else now? And the paintings, Aunt Em? You always said the paintings would be mine.
Hello? Littlegreen House.
Wilhemina, is Emily there? I would like to speak to her.
Yes? Jacob.
I would like us to meet, Emily.
I am worried about you.
I have written everything down.
Don't question everything I have to say! First, you tell me how you are.
Do you really want to know? I feel tired, Jacob.
And ancient.
Which is why, I suppose I keep snapping at Minnie, the one person who stands by me no matter what.
She knows you don't mean it.
Well, I never! Look at that.
Love, you think? Let's hope so.
He is a good man, a good doctor.
You say that in spite of his coldness towards you? How generous you are.
I, too, have noticed your weariness, Emily I want you to try this.
The recipee is in my family for 200 years.
Quite new then, for Greeks.
Jacob, do you think someone is trying to kill me? Emily, who would do such a thing? Mr.
Poirot seems to think it's possible.
Sir? Mr.
Poirot? There's a gentleman to see you, sir.
He is outside.
Then ask him to come in.
Rather not, sir.
He is not a member.
I am not a member.
It's Dr.
Tanios, sir.
Ah! Of course he is not famous.
Monsieur.
Why are you frightening Emily, Mr.
Poirot? - When have I done such a thing? - You speak of designs upon her life.
From duty, monsieur, to warn her.
Of a fantasy woven by Isabel Tripp! I do not speak of a fantasy, Monsieur I speak about a possible crime against Aunt Emily and I am not alone in my fears.
- Who else believes this? I merely say that I am not alone.
But you don't mention a name, because there is none.
Very well, in the interest of my family and their peace of mind, please do not speak to Emily again.
- I do not like him either, Poirot.
- Quite so.
If you please, Hastings, ask a steward to fetch our hats.
- Where are we going? - The Littlegreen House.
I'm sorry, dear.
Forgive me.
It's been a long day.
But you look better than you have for weeks.
- Doesn't she look well, Julia? - Oh yes, dear.
Why does everyone lye to me? I look dreadful.
Wilhemina, in my bag there's a bottle.
Pass it to me.
Not your liver capsules, dear? If I meant liver capsules, I should've said so.
The bottle.
Jacob gave it to me, earlier today.
- It's his own preparation.
- You are not going to take it, surely! It could be Greek.
I don't care if it hails from the moon.
I need some air Yes, that will help too.
It's a lovely evening.
Leave me alone, Minnie, for Heaven's sake! All I ever try to do for Emily is my best.
She knows, dear.
Deep down, she knows it.
Oh, yes! You've been an absolute saint.
Don't be afraid, dear.
It is her spirit, reaching out to the Ether.
Do you mean dying? She is crossing over, even as we look.
What an adventure! - Emily! - Don't worry, my dear.
Hello, Bob.
Qu'est what c'est, Monsieur Bob? Vite, Hastings! Emily Emily - If you please, madame.
- Mr.
Poirot, what's happening? Is she all right? Non, Madame.
She is dead.
Just once more I beg you, Sergeant Keeley, get the coroner to order a post-mortem to the body of Emily Arundel.
I'm sorry,sir, but we treat our dead with respect in these parts, specially good souls like Mrs.
Arundel.
Her death lifted questions that need answer.
- The proofs can die with her.
- I already have the evidence I need: the death certificate.
It says she died of liver failure, so amen to that! For He knowth whereof we are made; He rembereth that we are but dust; The days of Man are but His grass; for he flourishes as a flower in the field, but as soon as the wind blows over it, it is gone and the place thereof it shall know it no more But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth forever and ever upon them that fear him, and His rightousness upon His children's children.
" Nice of you to come, Mr.
Poirot.
She wasn't a bad old stick.
I wish I would have told her, you know? I never did.
"And it is certain that you can carry nothing out; The Lord gave the Lords hath taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
" Pauvre chien.
You always greeted your visitorss with agitating of the tail, hum? But not today.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs.
Arundle solicitor has asked for me to read the will, since I am its executor.
It is a simple document, dated the 10th of this month.
It leaves everything Emily owned to Wilhemina Lawson.
No, she mustn't! - The family gets nothing, John? - No.
Monsieur le docteur, I should like to know, if you please, who benefitted from the old will.
Everyone in the room, in some measure, most for a few hundreds pounds.
Charles, Theresa and Bella would have the lion share.
Why? I believe that she was murdered, monsieur.
And by whom, I wonder? Oh, don't think we haven't noticed you two huddled into corners plotting and planning like a couple of children! Then blame our little Belgian friend, he's the one who got her to change the damn will.
Emily died of hepatic disease.
And you helped her in her way, by throwing out those liver capsules! They were useless, the triumph of advertising over good medical sense! I know of one, at least, attempt upon his life.
Could I have saved her? That is a question that will follow me to my grave.
If you please to come.
The morning after the falling of Emily Arundel, I payd a visit and I observed in the skirting a screw to which a string of cord might be attached and streched along til the banister Like a trip wire, you mean? Precisement.
Oh, do go on, Mr.
Poirot.
That sounds absolutely damming! Prove positive, I'd say.
But this murderer makes mistakes.
The first of which was to remove the screw wire.
Because now I know that was important.
What exactly you do up here, Charlie? Haven't you notice, Battler? I drive boats, fast.
Yes, but I what you do? Oh, upon Aunt Em died I was a sort of investment advisor.
That sounds interesting.
I advised and she invested.
In me.
Until she spoiled it all by changing her damn will.
For which, M.
Poirot, merci beaucoup.
He only did what he thought was right.
Did he? Again and again I ask myself, Hastings.
The advice I gave to her to change the will, was it was good, or was it bad? Could I have prevented her death? But if Grainger is right and she died of liver failure, no you couldn't.
- And what is the cause of liver failure? - Old age.
And I say that she was murdered.
Never, in all my years, has a little detail so vexed me! The motive, Hastings.
Et bien!If she was killed before changing the will, I could understand, let's us kill her quickly then we can inherit.
But after who will benefit? Could it have been revenge? I apologise, a lady and a gentleman whish to see it in the lounge.
They have a dog with them.
A Fox " Terror ", perhaps? Here! Damn dog! It cannot behave in public.
He's showing his grief.
Bob, please behave! Bob! Seat! Voilà.
Hastings.
Odd request, Poirot.
- Wilhemina wants you to question her.
- Pourquoi? To stop people talking about me.
They will, you know.
As if As if you had killed Aunt Emily in order to benefit of the will? There tou are! You see? He thinks so, too.
But I swear that I didn't know that I'd inherit her money! No-one knew, madame.
I myself advised this.
Nevertheless, Poirot, we've had one or two ideas.
Tell him what you told me, my dear.
It was just that you're saying that someone had tried to kill Emily And now with her dying The night before the accident, Bob woke me, wanting to play.
Be quiet, Bob.
There was someone in the landing with him.
I said to put him in the basket.
Put him in his basket, before it wakes the whole house.
I did not see the face, but on the dressing gown,there was this monogram in gold embroidering the initials T.
A.
Theresa Arundel.
But surely not! I'm frightened, Mr.
Poirot.
I'm frightened I might be next! Your fears are easy to overcome, madame.
Give your inheritance to all those named in the first will.
Oh! But surely that would be going against Emily's wishes Perhaps.
Come, my dear, I think we've given mr.
Poirot enough food for thought.
- One more thing, Mr.
Poirot.
- Madame? It's Bob.
He doesn't like living with me.
You, on the other hand, seem just his sort of person.
Madame, I could not take this responsibility Otherwise, we ist's curtains for him, I'm affraid, Poirot.
The dog need to walk before breakfast? Non, mon ami.
The routine of Bob it is not the routine of Poirot.
A little more exercise will do you, par of good, Poirot.
- But you yourself are keen of walkin', Hastings.
- Yes, I am.
- Well then? - No, Poirot, Bob is not moving in with me.
- Good morning.
- Hello.
Bonjour, mademoiselle.
I've been meaning to do that for six months.
The rain last night rather forced my hand.
Mademoiselle, this must seem to you a question that is most strange, but, do you have in your possession a dressing gown in wich are the initials T.
A.
? Somewhere, yes, but, quite frankly I wouldn't be seen dead in it.
- Comment? - I bought it before being in fashion.
Now, everyone has got one, men and women.
Why? Wilhemina Lawson saw someone wearimg it in the night before the accident, and she is mindful of fear for her safety, Tough that is not enough to give back her money.
Well, I got my solicitor working on that.
With any luck, he will revke the new will and I'll afford to have a decent place to live in.
Mr.
Poirot, there's a telephone call for you sir.
Will you take it here? - Oui.
Who wishes to speak with me? - Miss Emily Arundel.
She is dead, mon ami.
You'll have to talk up that with her yourself, sir.
Hercule Poirot is here.
Mr.
Poirot, this is so thrilling! Isabel is in touch with Emily at this very moment! Then please the most sincere fulfilment.
She just whisked in from the Ether when we were at our second cup of tea.
She's dying to speak to you.
Shall I put her on? Non, non, non, non! Just take the message and I will call you later.
Merci.
Emily knows you blame yourself for her crossing over, and she says this is very silly.
- She wants to put your mind at rest.
She says: why don't we hold a scéance and invite all your suspects.
All the people you think may have eased her path into the next world.
Then, when we're all gathered, Emily, through Isabel, will point out the one responsible.
- What do you say, Mr.
Poirot? - I think that it is an idea most splendid.
- Name for me, if you please, a day for this scéance.
- Oh, shall we say Friday night? Eight o'clock? We'll have some food and drink, makea proper occasion-- Friday, at eight.
Excélent.
Will you make sure Dr.
Tanios is at the scéance too.
It seems they're about to return to Greece pretty soon.
But not until Friday.
Even so, a move to another country, it is not a reason for a murder.
I myself am the living proof.
Then, the bottle of medicine which Jacob gave Emily, which she took some of the night she went, will be of no interest to you? Au contraire, Madame.
It interests me a great deal.
Where is this bottle now? Mlle.
Sarah, at this present time I am interested in a medicine cabinet.
- Is there anyone at the house? - In the upstairs bathroom.
- May I see it? - Follow me, please.
Everytime he catches the ball.
And then takes it back to the basket.
Isn't this Fox " Terror " amaizing, Hastings? To be honest, Poirot, I begin to find his little repertoire a bit limited.
Liver capsules? Dr.
Grainger said he threw them away, did he not? Threw the ones he could find away.
She had others, always had a box on the go.
Doctor Jacob Tanios, Hope Cottage, Hawkshead.
God Lord! Smell's absolutely lethal, Poirot.
Oui.
And as the sisters Tripp said, some has been taken.
You know, this scéance they'll make out What makes you think everyone's going to turn up? Because that he or she that does not turn up, will surely prove he has something to hide.
Forgive me, Mr.
Poirot, but as a man of logical methods surely you cannot believe in a scéance.
Non, non, monsieur.
I myself do not believe, but I believe that others believe, and therefore I will use it.
- It is going to be a golden opportunity if you ask me, for the Tripp sisters to accuse whom they do not like.
But nevertheless you, Madame, will you be present? We shall see.
And you, monsieur.
I believe that is soon you are to leave England? May I ask why? Because in Greece I can practise medicine.
You could practise here if your so-called "friends" would let you.
Bella, John Grainger is not to blame what his patients believe They believe because your husband is a foreigner, he's a devil himself? Yes.
A concoction of your own, I believe.
An extraction of herbs, providing many vitamins and minerals.
A "pick-me-up", they say in this country.
Which you gave to Aunt Emily Arundel.
If you please to take some? You're a man who plays games, Mr.
Poirot.
No, I will not take.
Mais pourquoi pas? It is, as you said, a pick-me-up, not a put-me-down.
Yes, why not, Jacob? What's wrong with it? - Nothing.
- Then, it prove it to us.
Non, monsieur! I believe you would have drunk.
But suppose someone else has poisoned it? She still fears him, Hastings.
- Terrified of him, I'd say.
- I would not say the same.
I would say that she no longer loves him.
The question is: why did this love fly through the window.
.
Because of what he is: a murderer.
Let's see what Scotland Yard will say of Tanios medicine.
- I will send it by registered post.
- And in the meantime? In the meantime, we pay a visit to your old friend, M.
Charles.
Monsieur.
I do not really like people wondering in and out of here.
No offense.
Safety - In case of another explosion? - How are the repairs going? It would have been faster if the Aunt Em would have stump some cash.
It could have hied a mechanic.
I was present, monsieur, in the night that she declined.
I think I wanted to scare her, didn't you? You have no idea how tough she was.
Non.
But I do know that revenge, it is sweet.
And are a nature most spurring, n'est-ce pas? As is your sister.
And, in your book, that makes us murderers? In my opinion, as you say, monsieur, everyone is a suspect.
And, on this Friday evening, everyone is invited for a party, including yourself and your sister, Mlle.
Theresa.
A party? Who's throwing it? Your aunt, Emily Arundel.
I, Emily Arundel, I came to visit you tonight with a dark purpose.
The evil that my father warned of, it came true.
Where is Dr.
Grainger? He sent his appologies, Emily.
These men of Science will never believe always so skeptical Not matter.
For someone in this room eased my path to the next world, isn't that right, Mr.
Poirot? It is called murder, Madame Quite so.
See how they all flinched? Guilty consciences, Mr.
Poirot? How is your conscience, Wilhemina? - Good question.
- Is that you, Charles? Always ready to accuse, to blame the other part for own .
- But that it plays the fool! - Theresa Always defending your little brother, no matter what his crime will.
Bella, dear, why did you marry him? Why did you marry a dreadful man? I have a question, Emily, just for the record.
Did eiter Julia or Isabel Tripp have any handing on your passing? No, dear, but you're wise to ask.
My killer it is known of all.
My killer it is in this very room.
See how they look from face to face? A name would help, dear.
His name is Robert Arundel.
Robert Arundel? There's no such person.
Oh, but there is.
There is «Monsieur Bob».
Charles and Theresa, Bella and Jacob, even Wilhemina and Dr.
Grainger.
I say all of them are able of murder, mon ami.
- Quite a list of suspects, Poirot.
- And it is not complete.
Do not forget the sisters Tripp.
Those two? They're batty, but not killer, surely.
What is murder, but a kind of madness, mon ami.
Seat, Bob! Good dog.
You are the only one who knows the truth, mon petit.
You know how your mistress died.
You also know, I think, who killed her.
He or she passed you by when they mounted the trap, saying: " He is only Bob, a Fox ' Terror '.
He cannot speak, I am safe.
" Such foolishness, n'est-ce pas? But you and I, we know, Bob, One does not have to speak in order to tell.
And you will tell to me all, in your own good time.
The view from over here, Poirot.
Come and have a look.
No, we'll take your word for it, Hastings.
But now there is work to be done.
First, we restore the good name of Bob.
At the scéance last night, Bella Tanios was asked: " Why did she marry that dreadful man? " Meaning, of course, her husband, Jacob.
Odd, really, because Emily was rather fond of Jacob in this world.
Must have changed his mind since.
Was it to change her mind, madam, or was it to have made a mistake? Oh, Emily never made mistakes.
Suppose that it was not the spirit of Emily Arundel who spoke with us.
Suppose that it was the subconscious mind of Isabel Tripp.
So, then I ask myself what other mistakes does she make.
Did she wrongly accused Robert Arundel? But she is a trained medium, Mr.
Poirot! She is also human, Madame.
Would you be so kind as to tell to me, Madame, if I whished to find an item in the house, such a screw and a skirting, where would it be kept? At boat house, I suppose.
Where M.
Charles does not to welcolme the visitors.
Bob, stop that, please! Quel imbécile! Ever since we meet this dog tries to tell to me something.
She is a silent witness, yes, but he speaks to Poirot with a booming voice.
Tell to me, Madame after the accident of Madame Arundel, which little child found the ball? The girl Katya.
Upon the landing, n'est-ce pas? Et bien, always, but always after his trick, Bob always returns to his basket his ball.
Et bien, somebody moved it on the night of the fall, to make it seem stood upon.
You can move yourself in "L".
- Theresa! What is it? - We came to chat.
Is Jacob in? - Yes, come in.
- For the room, children.
I said go! All right, off you go.
- Jacob.
- Charles.
We'll speak freely, if that's all right by you, about money.
Money that is rightfully ours, left to Wilhemina "bloody" Lawson.
Theresa's lawyer says we haven't got a claim, says that we ought butter up to Wilhemina, so that she might give us a few quid.
I've was always been nice with her and to Aunt Em.
It's you two that got her back up.
Look, I say we forget our differences and forget how she died, so that makes precious little difference now.
The fact is: she's gone.
And her state is left to Wilhemina.
Should we just hand everything over, do we? To her and her scheming doctor friend? John Grainger is a man of honour, he does not scheme.
Any fool knows that he and Wilhemina are in this together.
Now, what do you say, Bella? Oh, for God's sake! What're you lookin'at him for? Speak your own mind! I just don't see what can we could do about it, that's all.
Theresa has got a plan whereby we might recoop at least a part of it.
No! We will not plot 'n plan with you! Please, leave my house! Very well.
Just don't expect a share in the profits.
Will you? Loyalty, Bella.
Loyalty is everything.
So, what can I do for you, Poirot? You can tell to me, M.
Le Docteur why were you not at the scéance.
I neither believe in such things nor do I approve of them.
There is only a world, the here and now.
An accident of Physics with biochemical trimmings.
- There is nothing beyond? - Nothing but wishful thinking.
And highly dangerous.
Especially for dogs, I believe.
- When does Bob come for tryal? - He does not, monsieur.
I have proved him to be innocent.
But tell to me, Dr.
Grainger, you, yourself, have treated Emily Arundel for the complaint of the liver, n'est-ce pas? Yes, with "Exprotin" and a mild sedative occasionally.
And the liver capsules that she took? You can buy them at any chemist.
They will do you no good, do no harm, either.
- I must see him, it's really important! - He has visitors! I apologise, Dr.
Grainger, I did explain to mrs.
Tanios It is quite all right, Mrs.
Finch.
Thank you.
Forgive me, John, I thought you were alone.
No, Mme.
Tanios, we were leaving.
No, Mr.
Poirot, please stay.
I was going to ask John to tell you, anyway, about Jacob.
- Bella, think well - No, it must come out! Jacob preaches about loyalty to me, all the time, but what about my loyalty Aunt Em? Please.
A brave decision, Bella.
Earlier this year, I took Alexis and Katya in a sailing to Ullswater.
It was a scorching day, so we had a swim before lunch.
On his back, Alexis had extensive bruising.
I asked how he came by it, and I forget his exact reply, some excuse Oh, uh, some horse play at school, he said.
- Which you did not believe.
- No! That night, I questioned Bella, in private, and she broke down.
The bruising on Alexis, she told me, was the result of his father beating him.
Good Heavens! This explains why you fear him.
Worst point, I think he may have killed Aunt Emily.
If the bruidings in that boy's back are anything to go by, I would say he is certainly capable of it.
I never liked him.
All that smiling the man does.
- Now we learn he's actually a monster.
- No, no, Hastings.
We hear this, but as yet, we have no proof until we receive the analisys from the Scotland Yard.
Oh, the Peyton medicine, you mean? And in the meantime In the meantine, we have patience and coffee in the lounge.
- Captain - Something wrong, Walter? No, no! I just wonder if, beeing a friend of Mr.
Charles, you wouldn't mind asking him in giving his club bill some attention - You mean he hasn't payd it yet? - I mean, sir, that it must have slipped his mind.
Monsieur, you do this task everyday? - Filling the salt-cellars? - Oui.
Depends on how quickly they empty them through, sir.
Sometimes every couple of days, sometimes a week, some times longer.
- Monsieur, you're a genius! Sarah! Sarah! - What is it, Mrs.
Lawson? - Sarah, there's someone downstairs.
They 're trying to kill me! - There are two of them! - Yes, miss.
I cannot make them out, though.
So, why is there no sign of a break-in? All right then, Keeley, explain the fallen picture, Bad fixin', about to come down sooner or later, There are things going on here, Sergeant.
To do with Emily Arundel death.
Things beyond our control what we do not manage to control! Poor General, he foresaw all this, you know.
Evil Yes.
Well, my Superintendent is more concerned with earthly crimes.
I bid ya a good day.
- Good morning, Mr.
Poirot.
- Good morning, Sergeant Keeley.
Mr.
Poirot, thank you for coming.
Madame.
Why is he doing that? Because you threatened whith the curtains.
I didn't know that he spoke English.
One does not have to speak in order to know.
Tell me, Mlle.
Sarah, you opened the window, you looked out.
What did you see? Two people running down the garden, towards the lake.
Did they mean to kill me, do you think? Et bien, Madame, it was a crime which did not succeed, and therefore, the objective it is unknown.
I think I should come and stay for a few days, Poirot, don't you? I mean, if somebody is trying to get at Wilhemina It would be so kind of you, John.
I'd feel a great deal safer.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Au revoir, madame.
This Dr.
Grainger, Hastings, he is at her side.
Waiting for his chance, perhaps, hey? What about those two intruders miss Lawson talked about? This case has many pairs, Hastings.
Charles and Theresa, Bella and Jacob - Uh, bien sûr this Jacob disturbs me.
- Because now you know what he's capable of.
Because now I know what is said of him.
- Good morning.
- Bonjour.
We just heard about the break-in from sergeant Keeley.
- "The Telegraph Bouche" again? - We came to moral support.
Another pair, mon ami.
The place we're harboured in is Bonneville, Utah.
And as for facilities, Charles, you'll never want for a thing.
Of course you might miss your English weather.
- Think it over.
- Fine.
Hastings, a favor.
Whatever I should say, you'll nod in agreement.
Did I ever do otherwise, Poirot? - Ah, Poirot, Battler, good afternoon.
- Monsieur.
The boat is fixed, by the way.
You can have a look, if you like.
- Can I offer you a drink? - Non, non.
Merci beaucoup.
Tell me, the revoking of the will of Aunt Emily, your lawyer succeeds? No, he jolly doesn't.
Mes amis, I know well the law and how it must be used in your advantage.
Hastings, you remember the Fairbank scandal? On that occasion, I, Hercule Poirot, stepped outside of the law, but only for a moment very brief.
- So? I might be abble to do so again, for a cause that is worthy.
- You mean you can get our money back? - How can you do it, when our lawyer can't? I merely say there are ways.
Allow me to pursuy them.
But you yourselves must do nothing, do you understand? Nothing! Because someone has already broken into Littlegreen House.
- Really? - Who? Ah! Who indeed? Another mystery.
Au revoir.
What was the point of that, saying you break the law? They are young and foolish, Hastings.
They have hot heads.
I offered them crooked help to prevent them doing things they will regret.
But there is a thing I wanted to ask you, Hastings.
Why is it that his friend Charles call you Battler? English humor, Poirot.
You wouldn't undestand.
Poirot does not see a joke? Au contraire Well, if you must know, it's Battler as in Battle, Hastings.
Yes.
You all have been so kind and I thank you very much.
It was a pleasure to see you, Isabel and Julia.
And thank you for your help.
Come on, dear.
I thought they'd never go.
Thank you for moving in with us, John, but people are going to talk.
But only in our backs, dear.
How can that harm us.
That where she fell.
Poor Emily.
I did admire her spirit, you know, her strength of character.
Why do you suppose the human spirit is green? White would have been a better color, surely.
Even red, not green.
Because our union with the earth It is a very interesting thought.
I saw Emily spirit the night she died, leaving her body.
Streaming out of her mouth and floating away Green? From her mouth? Bella, John Grainger.
Is Jacob there? He's not home yet, he's in a meeting at the Faculty.
Can I help? Strange question, I think he has a fl ask of phosphorus.
I think that Emily may have been given some.
Phosphorus? Who says? It's only a hunch, something Wilhemina said.
I am camping down in Littlegreen House.
Is phosphorus dangerous? I mean, they make matches, don't they? And-- and fertilizers? That's right, my dear.
And you're saying she was given some? By Jacob? I'm not saying anything yet, am only asking if he has phosphorus, that's all.
I don't know Right.
Best not tell him I rang.
I'll talk to him tomorrow.
Those look delicious, my dear.
Who was that, Bella? - John Grainger.
- What did he want? - Nothing.
- You tell me, now! What did he want? Help! Help! Dr.
Grainger? - You all right, Doctor? - What is it, Sarah? Gas, Mrs.
Lawson.
Dr.
Grainger's room.
John! Well, Mr.
Poirot, Don't not like digging up corpses, but I would like to know more about Mrs.
Emily's death.
Two deaths at the same house is a bit too much for these parts.
Later, Sergeant.
Tell to me, if you please, what has happened here.
This way, sir.
Gas from Dr.
Grainger's room.
He died from carbon monoxide poison.
A terrible business.
Madam? You have my condolences, Madame.
Why would anyone want to kill John? He was a doctor.
Even they have their enemies.
Was it the same people who broke in the house the night before, sir? Perhaps.
Madame, if you'd be so kind as to tell me did you see anyone last night? Or did anyone call at the house, perhaps a phone call? The Tripps left after eight, but no one called.
John telephoned out, later.
To Jacob.
- Did he say why? - I'm sorry He mentioned something about phosphorus.
That's all I heard.
Merci.
Once again, my sympathy.
Forgive me, madame.
I thought you were Jacob.
Children, take this to the car.
I'm leaving him.
I cannot let my children live with a murderer.
Do you know about Dr.
John Grainger? From whom? Sarah, the parlor maid.
I rang her earlier.
Why should Jacob kill John Grainger? He telephoned here last night, I believe, to ask about the phosphorus.
He spoke to me.
He asked if Jacob had any.
I said I didn't know.
And you reported this to your husband? He demanded to know what'd been said! You see, he came in when I was placing the telephone down.
Mr.
Poirot, I am so frightened.
So, you leave him.
But where are you going, madame? I don't know.
Then, let us take you to a place of safety.
Vite.
Enter the car, Alexis.
You too, Katya.
Poirot! What's happening? - Vite, mon ami! - Where are we going? For the sisters Tripp.
Bella, stop! Mesdames, I have for you a task.
I would like that Mme.
Tanios and her 2 children to stay here for a while, away from M.
Jacob.
It's him, isn't it? It was Jacob! He killed Emily and then, later, John Grainger.
Calm yourselves, I beseech you, you have a great task ahead of you: to keep the presence of madam and her two children in secret.
Yes, of course.
Bella, why don't you put your things in the spare room.
Thank you both.
Merci.
I have yet another favor to ask you, Mesdames.
Merci.
Monsieur Bob is a person Pardon, he is a dog of the country and not of the town.
And I seek for him a good home when my work here is done.
I'm sorry, Mr.
Poirot, but we couldn't possibly.
It's Albert, you see, he wouldn't like.
- Albert? - Our own dog.
A Springer Spaniel.
Bob would put out his nose out of joint, rather.
I did not know that you had a pet dog.
A pet spirit.
Albert himself crossed over three years ago.
They're just unpacking a few things they'll come down in a moment.
Santé.
It is you who row the boat in this photograph, Madame? Yes, we used to have a little boat in Windermere.
To move around.
You say you were in Littlegreen House until eight o'clock? Yes, you can never gat away from Minnie.
Talk, talk, talk.
And, at the night of the death of Emily Arundel, you were also in the house? Well, yes.
Then, both deaths have three persons in common: Wilhemina Lawson and yourselves.
You think we had something to do with it, Mr.
Poirot? You mean we are you suspects? Oh! How thrilling! Go on, question us, Mr.
Poirot! Just like we dig normal peoples! I will, Mesdames.
But not today.
- A telegram for you, sir.
- Thank you.
Hasting, at last.
There will be no reply.
- Can I get you something? - Oui.
A coffee and a tisane, near the window.
Certainly.
- Excuse me - No! Let me pass! Where is she, Poirot? Calm yourself, Dr.
Tanios.
You take my wife and children from me and tell me to be calm?! Your wife left you of her own free will, Doctor.
I have here a telegram from the Scotland Yard.
It contains the results of the analysis to the medicine that you gave to Aunt Emily Arundel.
Do you want me to read it here? Damn you and your forged proofs! - I'll telephone Sergeant Keeley.
- No.
Not yet, Hastings.
Bob and I, we need time to think.
Thank you.
By the way, the steward of the club, old Walter, said that you wanted to have a word with me.
- Really? Yes, lunch time.
Brought the "tidy" for me to sign and said: " Ah! That reminds me " Oh, yes.
I reckon that you forgot to pay your bill.
A trivial thing Clean slipped my mind.
This varnish leaves out a marvelous shine.
What is it? I mixed it up myself, from phosphorus.
Phosphorus? Your mistress, little Bob, was murdered for her fortune.
Dr.
Grainger, he was killed to keep a secret that was already out.
The "why's" and the "wherefor's" are known to me.
But the " who ", mon petit, that's still to me as a puzzle.
But it does not puzzle you.
You knew from the first day.
And so, if you please, I ask you now to tell me.
I'd say, Poirot.
You know you said phosphorus had something to do with your Monsieur Bob! Qu'est you what c'est, mon petit? Mon Dieu! I swear to you, Bob, there is within you, a Belgian blood! - What has he told you now? - He has told me all! Tomorrow morning, Bob and I we'll catch our fox! And bring upon him terror.
Why don't we start, Poirot? He probably won't show up anyhow.
M.
Jacob will be here.
Of that I guarantee.
Bella! Tell me what's going on.
Where are the children? Why don't you take a seat over here, sir.
Mesdames et messieurs, among us here today is the murderer of Dr.
John Grainger and Emily Arundel.
- Would that be one same person, sir? - Have patience, if you please, Sergeant Keeley.
You believed, all of you except one, believed that the fall of Emily Arundel was an accident.
If so, who was the person in the stairs the night before the fall and what he was doing there? I say this person was placing in the skirting a screw eye to wich a cord was attached, forming a tripwire.
/i> Wilhemina Lawson saw this person, or, to be precise, she saw the monogram in the dressing gown and they wore the letters T.
A.
And she assumed it was Theresa Arundel.
Minnie Lawson never liked me.
It's just her, to accuse me of murder.
While she wents off, with Aunt Em's fortune! But Emily fell, she told me so herself.
- She trod in Bob's ball and fell.
- Non, madame.
But how do I know this? From Monsieur Bob himself.
Everytime he performed his trick, Bob was telling me the answer.
Always, always after his trick, Bob returned his ball to his basket.
And when I found out the little Katya discovered the ball in the landing, on the night of the fall, I knew that it had been placed there to make it seem like an accident.
For the cause of the fall of Emily Arundel was a tripwire.
But it was not this the cause of the death of your Aunt, no.
After the fall, she was bruised, but she was still alive.
And so, our murderer tried again and, this time, succeeded.
I believe that the death of your Aunt was caused by being poisoned with phosphorus.
If I wanted liver capsules, I should have said so.
On the night of her death, Emily must have ingested without knowing some of this deadly substance.
Jacob who gave it to me, earlier today.
I believe this, and so did too Dr.
Grainger.
Being a man of science, he knew of the many uses of the many forms of phosphorus, all of which produce a poison.
He made a telephone call to Mme.
Tanios to ask if her husband had some of this substance.
This telephone call was meant to be secret, but Jacob Tanios demanded to know what had been sais.
Maybe so, but Emily did not die at my hand! Non, monsieur? Et bien I have here a telegram from Scotland Yard.
It tells to me that the Peyton medicine that Jacob Tanios gave to Emily Arundel Non, monsieur! is harmless.
And so, now I ask: who poisoned her? Dr.
John Grainger with his medicines? Non.
Un medicament, docteur? For he himself would soon to become a victim.
So where else could be discovered this phosphorus? I suggest, mes amis, in a liver capsule, that was placed in this box that was always by the side of Emily Arundel.
This also answers a question that was for me most puzzling.
Why was she murdered after the changing of the will? Mesdames et messieurs, I can now reveal to you that was murdered before.
Murdered three days before she died? Clever! Oui, and it was the steward of your club, Mr.
Charles, who showed to me how.
One of his lesser duties was to refill the salt-cellars.
Will they be empty today, tomorrow, three days later? Nobody knows.
It will depend upon the persons who will use them.
And so, is it not possible for our murderer to fill a liver capsule with a phosphorus which Emily Arundel would take today, tomorrow, or the day after that? After her death, we concentrated our attention in the medicine of Dr.
Jacob Tanios.
But I myself believe that, the night she died, she has also taken a capsule which, slowly, has spread its poison and killed her.
The liver capsules of Emily were always within her reach, and so it would have been simple for anyone to temper with them.
The Peyton medicine she took in the night of her death confused us.
In fact the phosphorus of the capsule was creating a lethal chemical reaction in her body which emanated from her in the form of a green vapor thought by some to be her spirit leaving her body.
And then came the reading of the will.
The family did not like what it said, non, non.
For all of the fortune of Emily Arundel was to go to Wilhemina Lawson.
- So they turned their attention to her? - Bien sûr.
Then two people broke into this house.
The General prevented their crime by falling.
Sarah! Sarah! From the window, Wilhemina Lawson and Mlle.
Sarah saw those two people making their escape, but they could not make up who they were.
I, Hercule Poirot, of course, know.
M.
Charles and his sister, Mlle.
Theresa.
You broke into this house to steal what you thought was yours by right.
Yes, but it was our one and only attempt, Poirot.
- And we did not come back the night after.
- But someone did.
To murder John Grainger who, at that same evening, had begun to solve the mystery of the phosphorus.
- Same person that murdered Emily, you think? - Oui.
- This T.
A person, then.
- I've heard enough of this! Sit down, miss.
Mesdames et messieurs, if you would please to observe the mirror.
It was Monsieur Bob who first drew this curiosity to my attention when he barked at his reflexion in the highly polished surface of the boat, until he was sure that I understood.
Wilhemina Lawson saw the person in the landing on her mirror.
And she also saw the reflexion of the monogram with the letters T.
A.
And now, Mesdames et messieurs, you will observe that these letters, without the reflection, are now changed to A.
T.
The initials of Arabella Tanios.
It was you, madame, that Wilhemina Lawson saw in the landing.
Put him in his basket, before he wakes everyone.
She is not dead, is she? It was you, madame, who spread the wire and removed it after the fall.
It was you who took the ball belonging to monsieur Bob and placed it in the top of the stairs in order to incriminate him.
And it was you who murdered Dr.
John Grainger for what he suspected.
Is this true, Bella? No.
You know how brutal he is! - You know how he beats my children! - Bella! I know that is what you say, madame.
Always you point the finger, you play out the charade of fearing him, you tell us of his temper most wicked, all are lies! For you, and you alone are responsible for the murder of Dr.
John Grainger and before him Aunt Emily Arundel.
Why, Bella? Why? Because I hate you, Jacob.
Hate me? You hate me, Bella? You were different, once, and I loved for that.
But here people chummed you and you started to change just to please them.
And I felt so ashamed.
Now, all you want to do is crawl away, back to your homeland.
How could you be so weak? What is there for me in Greece? With my inheritance of Aunt Emily, I could've lived here with my children with my head high again.
Even she had done the courtesy of dying after the accident, I could've had inherited.
You too, Charles and you, Theresa.
And if you hadn't meddled, Mr.
Poirot, she wouldn't have changed her will and we could've all been better off! The cold heart indeed, madame, which deserves no mercy.
Nasty business, wife turning on her husband like that.
Oui, but one good thing has come from this, Hastings.
Wilhemina Lawson has made a sharing among the family of the fortune of Emily Arundel.
At least I could pay my bill here.
And now the world record remains to be broken, n'est-ce pas? Not by me.
I'm off to Bonneville, to the Utah.
But that is the desert, I believe.
There are no lakes there.
Quite.
I'll leave the water speed for Campbell and his crannies.
- I am going for land speed next time.
- And we're going to London.
Not yet, Hastings.
Not until a matter of the most important it has been resolved.
- I was amazed.
Wasn't I, Poirot? - Indeed so, mon ami.
To think that all these years, Poirot had the gift for reaching " the other side "! I've said there were hidden gifts to you, Mr.
Poirot.
- Then it happened again, last night.
- Really? Who came to you? I woke up to find this How best to say? To feel this presence in my room.
I looked up and I saw the Springer Spaniel.
- Albert? - Oui.
What did he say? He spoke to Bob, Madame.
He said: " Go live with my people.
They have of you the great need.
" Then, of course he must.
Are you sure you can manage without him, though? I mean he was a great help to you, with this case.
Oui.
It will not be easy.
But I shall try.
Wretched creature.
Games at all hours.
Put him in his basket, before he wakes the whole house.
Put it there.
Non, non, monsieur.
C'est ma valise! - She and I have travelled together the world.
- It was an accident, Poirot.
Non, Hastings, it was a lack of care.
I will not see an old friend used so roughly.
Place it there.
You see, Hastings, there is no pride in the work.
Poirot, if we don't buck up, we'll miss Charlie's attempt to break the record.
Alors, vite, mon ami.
See? You don't like the porter and we miss the boat.
Do not blame yourself, Hastings.
- NO FURTHER SAILING TODAY.
- Oh, no! Now, what are we going to do? Charlie starts in half an hour.
All is not lost, mon ami.
Excusez moi, monsieur, this is an emergency.
We are foreign observers at the record attempt.
If you please, can you take us to the Motor Boat Club? Hastings! Just think - in a few minutes time, old Charlie can be the fastest man in the world on water.
And after the record being broken, a few days for us, to appreciate good food, good wine and a little peace.
I knew that there was a mistake in the speedometer when, at 80 miles/h, this duck flew past me in the same direction.
Charlie! Battler, my dear old fellow! I'm so glad you could make it! We were affraid to miss the main event, but if you're still here - That's right, old boy, they won't begin without me.
- May I introduce Ah, this must be him.
Ladies and gentlemen, we're all very honored.
- I'd like you to meet Hercule Poirot.
- Not "The" Hercule Poirot? - Are there others, mademoiselle? - My sister, Theresa.
And this is ah, what the hell, you are going to meet in the weekend.
You'll get used to them.
"Villains the lot", Mr.
Poirot.
- I think you'll find it's nearly time, sir.
- Hell, that's right.
You all have 15 minutes to find a good place in the presence.
Look after these two, will you,Theresa? Would you bring their suitcases up to the rooms.
Certainly, madam.
Here he is, ladies and gentlemen, the man we were waiting for: Charles Arundel.
As you know, mr.
Charles Arundel is a local young man.
It was his own aunt, Emily Arundel, who financed this event and we are honoured of having here with us today.
Mr.
Poirot I'd like you to meet my aunt.
Hercule Poirot, Captain Hastings, Emily Arundel.
Enchanté, Madame.
I didn't know my nephew had such distiguished friends, Mr.
Poirot.
This is Wilhemina Lawson, by the way, my companion.
Madame .
I hope they treat you well.
I know the food is meant to be excellent, but the company - Well, they are excited, madame.
But once the world record is broken, most of them will depart.
Yes, all right, I know.
He wants me to introduce you.
May I present Bob.
Enchanté.
Would you care to dinne with us tonight, Mr.
Poirot? Just a family dinner.
Mr.
Arundel faces a great challenge.
He's gonna cross the mile in less than 29.
58 seconds to break the current record hold by Comodoro Wood.
But the conditions are excellent and Mr.
Arundel told me he has confidence in his vessel, the "Spirit of Arundel", and that he is ready to go.
- There they are! - My children.
- Hello, aunt Emily.
- Hello, children.
Be careful.
- Hello, how are you? - Very well.
My other niece and her husband, Mr.
Poirot.
Bella and Jacob Tanios.
Jacob teaches Medicine, but, sadly, they are leaving us.
Why is your Papa taking you back to Greece? I'll miss you.
Emily, they have closed my department in the University.
Is Charles fully prepared, or will it be a question of luck? It is going to be absolutely fine - He was always lucky as hell.
- So he is well acquainted - Emily? - What is it, Minnie? - It's two o'clock, dear.
It is time - Oh, give them to me, then.
Would you care to see the boat, Mr.
Poirot? - Oh, I certainly would! - Good.
You too,children, come on.
Yes, come on! When did John Grainger last give you a thorough check-up, Emily? - Why? Do I look ill? - Far from it.
Which leads me to ask why you take these useless liver capsules.
I think this is Emily's business, Dr.
Tanios.
Not yours.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to hear the "Mayor" of Keswick.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you'll all like to join me in wishing Charles Arundel the very best as he prepares to make his leave to attempt to break the water speed record.
Godspeed, son.
Godspeed, and good luck.
" Smock the record, Uncle Charles! - We'll never manage.
- At least we'll try.
- There! He is there! - Come on! - Mr.
Poirot! - Mr.
Poirot! My God, the Fool and the Head.
Don't listen to them, Mr.
Poirot.
Mr.
Poirot, you may think we are odd, people do, you know? - We are the Tripp sisters.
- But that isn't what's odd.
- You must stop that boat! - I, Madame? Mais pourquoi? Because something terrible is about to happen! We came as quickly as we could We had a message at lunch time from the General.
Aunt Emily's father.
Dead, 30 years or more.
Not dead, just living at another place.
He sent us to you.
But how did he know that Poirot was coming here? "Gossip Telegraph" is superb in these parts He saw water with blood.
- Out there, in the lake.
- A crime? A force of darkness.
You've got to stop it! But I cannot do anything, Madame.
It is not in my power.
The boat is in movement.
Charles Arundel is entering the measured mile now.
Five seconds.
Come on! Good Lord! He is safe, mademoiselle.
Your brother is safe.
Until the next time.
Hello, Bob.
Yes, you are brave in facing us.
Okay, that's enough.
Allow me, Hastings.
Dog, sit! - Bon.
You are very clever.
Merci.
- Very well.
A warm reception of M.
Bob, Mme.
Wilhemina.
May I introduce Dr.
Grainger, a friend of family.
- Monsieur le Docteur.
- Good to meet you, Poirot.
- How do you do? - How do you do? - Wellcome to the Littlegreen House.
- Merci.
Bob wants to show something you.
C'est magnifique, ça! - What race is this, Hastings? - A.
.
Fox Terrier.
No, Charles, I will not give you more money.
That boat has already cost me a small fortune.
Now look here, Aunt Em, I'll do everything to keep this project alive and I will not allow anybody, not even you, to stand in my way! Good evening, gentlemen.
A family discussion, we have them all the time.
Oh, by the way, if you're in the market for a burned out speed boat, you'll find one at the boat house.
- Good evening, gentlemen.
This was supposed to be a celebration, but I fear it may prove more of a wake.
Non, non, monsieur le docteur.
It is a hot needle in the joints and not a heat within the flesh.
Here, between the fingers.
You see? I believe it is a rheumatism.
Why don't you ask your doctor to examine you? But if I ask, he will find.
And suppose there is nothing there? Then, he won't find.
But if he does not to find, how I can to be sure that he has looked? Is it already time, Isabel? Silence! A visitation Welcome, friend.
Welcome.
I General Julius Arundel, I bring messages from the other side.
Where is Hercule? I need to speak with Hercule! Madame? The message is from M.
P.
There is an M.
P.
in your life, Hercule? Oui.
Marie Poirot, she was my grandmother.
She says you have been lucky, but luck seldom strikes twice at the same door.
This afternoon, by the lake, the danger receeded, yes.
but only to gather its strength.
I see it move on and find its mark in Emily! Why I put up with this nonsense, I shall never know.
- What the devil is she saying? - It is Greek.
She says you have all been warned.
I just wondered if you were having trouble sleeping.
And so you awake me to enquire? That is a friendship indeed, Hastings.
I'm sorry, Poirot.
It was that business at dinner.
The General hauling out your Granny that way.
I mean, how did he know? Regarde, mon ami.
«Is there a JH in your family past»? Yes! My Uncle Jack! What does he say? «He says you are to return to your room» and leave me in peace».
- Right That's amazing, Poirot! Helas it is guess work, mon ami.
It would be strange not to find a James, John or Jack, in an English family.
So it is in Belgium, with M for Marie.
Yes, yes, I suppose so.
And what about these evil forces? They are in the mind of Isabel Tripp, mon ami and nowhere else.
And yet And yet, there is no smoke, without a fire.
- What is it? - What's happened? Good Lord! Go wake up your father, quickly! - Father, wake up! - Aunty? What's going on? Is there some party or something? God! - Charles - Aunty Emily! Anty - Don't touch her! - Stay here, children.
Alexis! She's not dead, is she? - She's alive.
- Look at this! Bob's ball.
she must have stood on it and lost her balance Oh, Mr.
Poirot thank you so very much for coming.
Emily has been asking for you.
I keep going over it in my mind, Mr.
Poirot.
I mean, did I step on Bob's ball? It is unlike him to leave it there Perhaps it is not the animals that worry you, Madame, but also the human beings.
Both alive and dead, perhaps.
You don't mean Isabel Tripp could be right, surely - and I'm really in danger? - Helas it is possible, Madame.
Then, it can only be for my money.
What would do, Mr.
Poirot, in my position? Had I a family that would be to gain from my death? Et bien! I would make a new will, without delay, leaving all to a good friend that I could trust.
- And would you tell this friend? - Non, non, pas du tout.
But I would tell to all those named in the old will that they inherit no longer.
- Wouldn't that anger them? - Oui, bien sur.
But they would make certain no accident befell me, hoping that one day I would change my will again and favour them.
I like that.
I like that very much, Mr.
Poirot.
- Un medicament, docteur? - Yes, Poirot, for Emily's liver.
And the capsules? "Gimmicks" from a local herbanist.
I threw them away.
Good morning, Emily.
I brought you your medicine.
Mr.
Poirot, I'd like a word with you, in private? - In the garden, perhaps, Mme.
Tanios? - No, it is too risky.
I'll call on you at tea time, on the Motor Boat Club.
East M.
Wordsworth, the poet of these parts, he annoys me, Hastings.
Clearly he's a slave to depression, but you know what cheers him, mon ami? A good wine? A large beeftake? The company of a woman most enchanting? Non, a daffodil.
"beside the lake, beneath the trees Flattering and dancing in the breeze".
- There, madam.
- Thank you.
- Good afternoon, madam.
- I'll go straight to the subject, Mr.
Poirot.
Charles and Theresa, they've been spounging money of Aunt Emily for years.
Just recently, she has told them "no!", and quite right too.
- Please do calm yourself and sit down.
- Thank you.
That fall was no accident.
She was pushed by one of them.
I know it! But if my husband knew that I am accusing them, he-- he'd You fear him, Madame? No, no, forgive me.
I am safe here, at least.
Why here? People like Jacob are not welcome in the Motor Boat Club, Captain.
Comment? He is different foreign.
- Mais moi aussi.
- Yes, but you're famous, Mr.
Poirot.
However safe or not, I'd rather keep this meeting to ourselves.
Of course, Madame.
- Hello, Aunty.
- Good morning, Aunt! - Isn't it glorious? - What a lovely day.
The roses are looking fab.
Three visits in as many days.
I am honored.
Oh, you are looking so much better, Aunt Em.
The result, perhaps, of changing my will.
God heavens! I never thought to see you both lost for words.
You changed your will? Yes, dear, I am cutting my family off without a penny.
- But if we don't inherit, who the hell does? - And why? What have we done to you, anyhow? You threatened me, Charles.
" I won't allow anyone to stand in my way! "Remember? It was not a threat, it was a joke.
And the silver service you promised me? Does that go for someone else now? And the paintings, Aunt Em? You always said the paintings would be mine.
Hello? Littlegreen House.
Wilhemina, is Emily there? I would like to speak to her.
Yes? Jacob.
I would like us to meet, Emily.
I am worried about you.
I have written everything down.
Don't question everything I have to say! First, you tell me how you are.
Do you really want to know? I feel tired, Jacob.
And ancient.
Which is why, I suppose I keep snapping at Minnie, the one person who stands by me no matter what.
She knows you don't mean it.
Well, I never! Look at that.
Love, you think? Let's hope so.
He is a good man, a good doctor.
You say that in spite of his coldness towards you? How generous you are.
I, too, have noticed your weariness, Emily I want you to try this.
The recipee is in my family for 200 years.
Quite new then, for Greeks.
Jacob, do you think someone is trying to kill me? Emily, who would do such a thing? Mr.
Poirot seems to think it's possible.
Sir? Mr.
Poirot? There's a gentleman to see you, sir.
He is outside.
Then ask him to come in.
Rather not, sir.
He is not a member.
I am not a member.
It's Dr.
Tanios, sir.
Ah! Of course he is not famous.
Monsieur.
Why are you frightening Emily, Mr.
Poirot? - When have I done such a thing? - You speak of designs upon her life.
From duty, monsieur, to warn her.
Of a fantasy woven by Isabel Tripp! I do not speak of a fantasy, Monsieur I speak about a possible crime against Aunt Emily and I am not alone in my fears.
- Who else believes this? I merely say that I am not alone.
But you don't mention a name, because there is none.
Very well, in the interest of my family and their peace of mind, please do not speak to Emily again.
- I do not like him either, Poirot.
- Quite so.
If you please, Hastings, ask a steward to fetch our hats.
- Where are we going? - The Littlegreen House.
I'm sorry, dear.
Forgive me.
It's been a long day.
But you look better than you have for weeks.
- Doesn't she look well, Julia? - Oh yes, dear.
Why does everyone lye to me? I look dreadful.
Wilhemina, in my bag there's a bottle.
Pass it to me.
Not your liver capsules, dear? If I meant liver capsules, I should've said so.
The bottle.
Jacob gave it to me, earlier today.
- It's his own preparation.
- You are not going to take it, surely! It could be Greek.
I don't care if it hails from the moon.
I need some air Yes, that will help too.
It's a lovely evening.
Leave me alone, Minnie, for Heaven's sake! All I ever try to do for Emily is my best.
She knows, dear.
Deep down, she knows it.
Oh, yes! You've been an absolute saint.
Don't be afraid, dear.
It is her spirit, reaching out to the Ether.
Do you mean dying? She is crossing over, even as we look.
What an adventure! - Emily! - Don't worry, my dear.
Hello, Bob.
Qu'est what c'est, Monsieur Bob? Vite, Hastings! Emily Emily - If you please, madame.
- Mr.
Poirot, what's happening? Is she all right? Non, Madame.
She is dead.
Just once more I beg you, Sergeant Keeley, get the coroner to order a post-mortem to the body of Emily Arundel.
I'm sorry,sir, but we treat our dead with respect in these parts, specially good souls like Mrs.
Arundel.
Her death lifted questions that need answer.
- The proofs can die with her.
- I already have the evidence I need: the death certificate.
It says she died of liver failure, so amen to that! For He knowth whereof we are made; He rembereth that we are but dust; The days of Man are but His grass; for he flourishes as a flower in the field, but as soon as the wind blows over it, it is gone and the place thereof it shall know it no more But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth forever and ever upon them that fear him, and His rightousness upon His children's children.
" Nice of you to come, Mr.
Poirot.
She wasn't a bad old stick.
I wish I would have told her, you know? I never did.
"And it is certain that you can carry nothing out; The Lord gave the Lords hath taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
" Pauvre chien.
You always greeted your visitorss with agitating of the tail, hum? But not today.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs.
Arundle solicitor has asked for me to read the will, since I am its executor.
It is a simple document, dated the 10th of this month.
It leaves everything Emily owned to Wilhemina Lawson.
No, she mustn't! - The family gets nothing, John? - No.
Monsieur le docteur, I should like to know, if you please, who benefitted from the old will.
Everyone in the room, in some measure, most for a few hundreds pounds.
Charles, Theresa and Bella would have the lion share.
Why? I believe that she was murdered, monsieur.
And by whom, I wonder? Oh, don't think we haven't noticed you two huddled into corners plotting and planning like a couple of children! Then blame our little Belgian friend, he's the one who got her to change the damn will.
Emily died of hepatic disease.
And you helped her in her way, by throwing out those liver capsules! They were useless, the triumph of advertising over good medical sense! I know of one, at least, attempt upon his life.
Could I have saved her? That is a question that will follow me to my grave.
If you please to come.
The morning after the falling of Emily Arundel, I payd a visit and I observed in the skirting a screw to which a string of cord might be attached and streched along til the banister Like a trip wire, you mean? Precisement.
Oh, do go on, Mr.
Poirot.
That sounds absolutely damming! Prove positive, I'd say.
But this murderer makes mistakes.
The first of which was to remove the screw wire.
Because now I know that was important.
What exactly you do up here, Charlie? Haven't you notice, Battler? I drive boats, fast.
Yes, but I what you do? Oh, upon Aunt Em died I was a sort of investment advisor.
That sounds interesting.
I advised and she invested.
In me.
Until she spoiled it all by changing her damn will.
For which, M.
Poirot, merci beaucoup.
He only did what he thought was right.
Did he? Again and again I ask myself, Hastings.
The advice I gave to her to change the will, was it was good, or was it bad? Could I have prevented her death? But if Grainger is right and she died of liver failure, no you couldn't.
- And what is the cause of liver failure? - Old age.
And I say that she was murdered.
Never, in all my years, has a little detail so vexed me! The motive, Hastings.
Et bien!If she was killed before changing the will, I could understand, let's us kill her quickly then we can inherit.
But after who will benefit? Could it have been revenge? I apologise, a lady and a gentleman whish to see it in the lounge.
They have a dog with them.
A Fox " Terror ", perhaps? Here! Damn dog! It cannot behave in public.
He's showing his grief.
Bob, please behave! Bob! Seat! Voilà.
Hastings.
Odd request, Poirot.
- Wilhemina wants you to question her.
- Pourquoi? To stop people talking about me.
They will, you know.
As if As if you had killed Aunt Emily in order to benefit of the will? There tou are! You see? He thinks so, too.
But I swear that I didn't know that I'd inherit her money! No-one knew, madame.
I myself advised this.
Nevertheless, Poirot, we've had one or two ideas.
Tell him what you told me, my dear.
It was just that you're saying that someone had tried to kill Emily And now with her dying The night before the accident, Bob woke me, wanting to play.
Be quiet, Bob.
There was someone in the landing with him.
I said to put him in the basket.
Put him in his basket, before it wakes the whole house.
I did not see the face, but on the dressing gown,there was this monogram in gold embroidering the initials T.
A.
Theresa Arundel.
But surely not! I'm frightened, Mr.
Poirot.
I'm frightened I might be next! Your fears are easy to overcome, madame.
Give your inheritance to all those named in the first will.
Oh! But surely that would be going against Emily's wishes Perhaps.
Come, my dear, I think we've given mr.
Poirot enough food for thought.
- One more thing, Mr.
Poirot.
- Madame? It's Bob.
He doesn't like living with me.
You, on the other hand, seem just his sort of person.
Madame, I could not take this responsibility Otherwise, we ist's curtains for him, I'm affraid, Poirot.
The dog need to walk before breakfast? Non, mon ami.
The routine of Bob it is not the routine of Poirot.
A little more exercise will do you, par of good, Poirot.
- But you yourself are keen of walkin', Hastings.
- Yes, I am.
- Well then? - No, Poirot, Bob is not moving in with me.
- Good morning.
- Hello.
Bonjour, mademoiselle.
I've been meaning to do that for six months.
The rain last night rather forced my hand.
Mademoiselle, this must seem to you a question that is most strange, but, do you have in your possession a dressing gown in wich are the initials T.
A.
? Somewhere, yes, but, quite frankly I wouldn't be seen dead in it.
- Comment? - I bought it before being in fashion.
Now, everyone has got one, men and women.
Why? Wilhemina Lawson saw someone wearimg it in the night before the accident, and she is mindful of fear for her safety, Tough that is not enough to give back her money.
Well, I got my solicitor working on that.
With any luck, he will revke the new will and I'll afford to have a decent place to live in.
Mr.
Poirot, there's a telephone call for you sir.
Will you take it here? - Oui.
Who wishes to speak with me? - Miss Emily Arundel.
She is dead, mon ami.
You'll have to talk up that with her yourself, sir.
Hercule Poirot is here.
Mr.
Poirot, this is so thrilling! Isabel is in touch with Emily at this very moment! Then please the most sincere fulfilment.
She just whisked in from the Ether when we were at our second cup of tea.
She's dying to speak to you.
Shall I put her on? Non, non, non, non! Just take the message and I will call you later.
Merci.
Emily knows you blame yourself for her crossing over, and she says this is very silly.
- She wants to put your mind at rest.
She says: why don't we hold a scéance and invite all your suspects.
All the people you think may have eased her path into the next world.
Then, when we're all gathered, Emily, through Isabel, will point out the one responsible.
- What do you say, Mr.
Poirot? - I think that it is an idea most splendid.
- Name for me, if you please, a day for this scéance.
- Oh, shall we say Friday night? Eight o'clock? We'll have some food and drink, makea proper occasion-- Friday, at eight.
Excélent.
Will you make sure Dr.
Tanios is at the scéance too.
It seems they're about to return to Greece pretty soon.
But not until Friday.
Even so, a move to another country, it is not a reason for a murder.
I myself am the living proof.
Then, the bottle of medicine which Jacob gave Emily, which she took some of the night she went, will be of no interest to you? Au contraire, Madame.
It interests me a great deal.
Where is this bottle now? Mlle.
Sarah, at this present time I am interested in a medicine cabinet.
- Is there anyone at the house? - In the upstairs bathroom.
- May I see it? - Follow me, please.
Everytime he catches the ball.
And then takes it back to the basket.
Isn't this Fox " Terror " amaizing, Hastings? To be honest, Poirot, I begin to find his little repertoire a bit limited.
Liver capsules? Dr.
Grainger said he threw them away, did he not? Threw the ones he could find away.
She had others, always had a box on the go.
Doctor Jacob Tanios, Hope Cottage, Hawkshead.
God Lord! Smell's absolutely lethal, Poirot.
Oui.
And as the sisters Tripp said, some has been taken.
You know, this scéance they'll make out What makes you think everyone's going to turn up? Because that he or she that does not turn up, will surely prove he has something to hide.
Forgive me, Mr.
Poirot, but as a man of logical methods surely you cannot believe in a scéance.
Non, non, monsieur.
I myself do not believe, but I believe that others believe, and therefore I will use it.
- It is going to be a golden opportunity if you ask me, for the Tripp sisters to accuse whom they do not like.
But nevertheless you, Madame, will you be present? We shall see.
And you, monsieur.
I believe that is soon you are to leave England? May I ask why? Because in Greece I can practise medicine.
You could practise here if your so-called "friends" would let you.
Bella, John Grainger is not to blame what his patients believe They believe because your husband is a foreigner, he's a devil himself? Yes.
A concoction of your own, I believe.
An extraction of herbs, providing many vitamins and minerals.
A "pick-me-up", they say in this country.
Which you gave to Aunt Emily Arundel.
If you please to take some? You're a man who plays games, Mr.
Poirot.
No, I will not take.
Mais pourquoi pas? It is, as you said, a pick-me-up, not a put-me-down.
Yes, why not, Jacob? What's wrong with it? - Nothing.
- Then, it prove it to us.
Non, monsieur! I believe you would have drunk.
But suppose someone else has poisoned it? She still fears him, Hastings.
- Terrified of him, I'd say.
- I would not say the same.
I would say that she no longer loves him.
The question is: why did this love fly through the window.
.
Because of what he is: a murderer.
Let's see what Scotland Yard will say of Tanios medicine.
- I will send it by registered post.
- And in the meantime? In the meantime, we pay a visit to your old friend, M.
Charles.
Monsieur.
I do not really like people wondering in and out of here.
No offense.
Safety - In case of another explosion? - How are the repairs going? It would have been faster if the Aunt Em would have stump some cash.
It could have hied a mechanic.
I was present, monsieur, in the night that she declined.
I think I wanted to scare her, didn't you? You have no idea how tough she was.
Non.
But I do know that revenge, it is sweet.
And are a nature most spurring, n'est-ce pas? As is your sister.
And, in your book, that makes us murderers? In my opinion, as you say, monsieur, everyone is a suspect.
And, on this Friday evening, everyone is invited for a party, including yourself and your sister, Mlle.
Theresa.
A party? Who's throwing it? Your aunt, Emily Arundel.
I, Emily Arundel, I came to visit you tonight with a dark purpose.
The evil that my father warned of, it came true.
Where is Dr.
Grainger? He sent his appologies, Emily.
These men of Science will never believe always so skeptical Not matter.
For someone in this room eased my path to the next world, isn't that right, Mr.
Poirot? It is called murder, Madame Quite so.
See how they all flinched? Guilty consciences, Mr.
Poirot? How is your conscience, Wilhemina? - Good question.
- Is that you, Charles? Always ready to accuse, to blame the other part for own .
- But that it plays the fool! - Theresa Always defending your little brother, no matter what his crime will.
Bella, dear, why did you marry him? Why did you marry a dreadful man? I have a question, Emily, just for the record.
Did eiter Julia or Isabel Tripp have any handing on your passing? No, dear, but you're wise to ask.
My killer it is known of all.
My killer it is in this very room.
See how they look from face to face? A name would help, dear.
His name is Robert Arundel.
Robert Arundel? There's no such person.
Oh, but there is.
There is «Monsieur Bob».
Charles and Theresa, Bella and Jacob, even Wilhemina and Dr.
Grainger.
I say all of them are able of murder, mon ami.
- Quite a list of suspects, Poirot.
- And it is not complete.
Do not forget the sisters Tripp.
Those two? They're batty, but not killer, surely.
What is murder, but a kind of madness, mon ami.
Seat, Bob! Good dog.
You are the only one who knows the truth, mon petit.
You know how your mistress died.
You also know, I think, who killed her.
He or she passed you by when they mounted the trap, saying: " He is only Bob, a Fox ' Terror '.
He cannot speak, I am safe.
" Such foolishness, n'est-ce pas? But you and I, we know, Bob, One does not have to speak in order to tell.
And you will tell to me all, in your own good time.
The view from over here, Poirot.
Come and have a look.
No, we'll take your word for it, Hastings.
But now there is work to be done.
First, we restore the good name of Bob.
At the scéance last night, Bella Tanios was asked: " Why did she marry that dreadful man? " Meaning, of course, her husband, Jacob.
Odd, really, because Emily was rather fond of Jacob in this world.
Must have changed his mind since.
Was it to change her mind, madam, or was it to have made a mistake? Oh, Emily never made mistakes.
Suppose that it was not the spirit of Emily Arundel who spoke with us.
Suppose that it was the subconscious mind of Isabel Tripp.
So, then I ask myself what other mistakes does she make.
Did she wrongly accused Robert Arundel? But she is a trained medium, Mr.
Poirot! She is also human, Madame.
Would you be so kind as to tell to me, Madame, if I whished to find an item in the house, such a screw and a skirting, where would it be kept? At boat house, I suppose.
Where M.
Charles does not to welcolme the visitors.
Bob, stop that, please! Quel imbécile! Ever since we meet this dog tries to tell to me something.
She is a silent witness, yes, but he speaks to Poirot with a booming voice.
Tell to me, Madame after the accident of Madame Arundel, which little child found the ball? The girl Katya.
Upon the landing, n'est-ce pas? Et bien, always, but always after his trick, Bob always returns to his basket his ball.
Et bien, somebody moved it on the night of the fall, to make it seem stood upon.
You can move yourself in "L".
- Theresa! What is it? - We came to chat.
Is Jacob in? - Yes, come in.
- For the room, children.
I said go! All right, off you go.
- Jacob.
- Charles.
We'll speak freely, if that's all right by you, about money.
Money that is rightfully ours, left to Wilhemina "bloody" Lawson.
Theresa's lawyer says we haven't got a claim, says that we ought butter up to Wilhemina, so that she might give us a few quid.
I've was always been nice with her and to Aunt Em.
It's you two that got her back up.
Look, I say we forget our differences and forget how she died, so that makes precious little difference now.
The fact is: she's gone.
And her state is left to Wilhemina.
Should we just hand everything over, do we? To her and her scheming doctor friend? John Grainger is a man of honour, he does not scheme.
Any fool knows that he and Wilhemina are in this together.
Now, what do you say, Bella? Oh, for God's sake! What're you lookin'at him for? Speak your own mind! I just don't see what can we could do about it, that's all.
Theresa has got a plan whereby we might recoop at least a part of it.
No! We will not plot 'n plan with you! Please, leave my house! Very well.
Just don't expect a share in the profits.
Will you? Loyalty, Bella.
Loyalty is everything.
So, what can I do for you, Poirot? You can tell to me, M.
Le Docteur why were you not at the scéance.
I neither believe in such things nor do I approve of them.
There is only a world, the here and now.
An accident of Physics with biochemical trimmings.
- There is nothing beyond? - Nothing but wishful thinking.
And highly dangerous.
Especially for dogs, I believe.
- When does Bob come for tryal? - He does not, monsieur.
I have proved him to be innocent.
But tell to me, Dr.
Grainger, you, yourself, have treated Emily Arundel for the complaint of the liver, n'est-ce pas? Yes, with "Exprotin" and a mild sedative occasionally.
And the liver capsules that she took? You can buy them at any chemist.
They will do you no good, do no harm, either.
- I must see him, it's really important! - He has visitors! I apologise, Dr.
Grainger, I did explain to mrs.
Tanios It is quite all right, Mrs.
Finch.
Thank you.
Forgive me, John, I thought you were alone.
No, Mme.
Tanios, we were leaving.
No, Mr.
Poirot, please stay.
I was going to ask John to tell you, anyway, about Jacob.
- Bella, think well - No, it must come out! Jacob preaches about loyalty to me, all the time, but what about my loyalty Aunt Em? Please.
A brave decision, Bella.
Earlier this year, I took Alexis and Katya in a sailing to Ullswater.
It was a scorching day, so we had a swim before lunch.
On his back, Alexis had extensive bruising.
I asked how he came by it, and I forget his exact reply, some excuse Oh, uh, some horse play at school, he said.
- Which you did not believe.
- No! That night, I questioned Bella, in private, and she broke down.
The bruising on Alexis, she told me, was the result of his father beating him.
Good Heavens! This explains why you fear him.
Worst point, I think he may have killed Aunt Emily.
If the bruidings in that boy's back are anything to go by, I would say he is certainly capable of it.
I never liked him.
All that smiling the man does.
- Now we learn he's actually a monster.
- No, no, Hastings.
We hear this, but as yet, we have no proof until we receive the analisys from the Scotland Yard.
Oh, the Peyton medicine, you mean? And in the meantime In the meantine, we have patience and coffee in the lounge.
- Captain - Something wrong, Walter? No, no! I just wonder if, beeing a friend of Mr.
Charles, you wouldn't mind asking him in giving his club bill some attention - You mean he hasn't payd it yet? - I mean, sir, that it must have slipped his mind.
Monsieur, you do this task everyday? - Filling the salt-cellars? - Oui.
Depends on how quickly they empty them through, sir.
Sometimes every couple of days, sometimes a week, some times longer.
- Monsieur, you're a genius! Sarah! Sarah! - What is it, Mrs.
Lawson? - Sarah, there's someone downstairs.
They 're trying to kill me! - There are two of them! - Yes, miss.
I cannot make them out, though.
So, why is there no sign of a break-in? All right then, Keeley, explain the fallen picture, Bad fixin', about to come down sooner or later, There are things going on here, Sergeant.
To do with Emily Arundel death.
Things beyond our control what we do not manage to control! Poor General, he foresaw all this, you know.
Evil Yes.
Well, my Superintendent is more concerned with earthly crimes.
I bid ya a good day.
- Good morning, Mr.
Poirot.
- Good morning, Sergeant Keeley.
Mr.
Poirot, thank you for coming.
Madame.
Why is he doing that? Because you threatened whith the curtains.
I didn't know that he spoke English.
One does not have to speak in order to know.
Tell me, Mlle.
Sarah, you opened the window, you looked out.
What did you see? Two people running down the garden, towards the lake.
Did they mean to kill me, do you think? Et bien, Madame, it was a crime which did not succeed, and therefore, the objective it is unknown.
I think I should come and stay for a few days, Poirot, don't you? I mean, if somebody is trying to get at Wilhemina It would be so kind of you, John.
I'd feel a great deal safer.
Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
- Au revoir, madame.
This Dr.
Grainger, Hastings, he is at her side.
Waiting for his chance, perhaps, hey? What about those two intruders miss Lawson talked about? This case has many pairs, Hastings.
Charles and Theresa, Bella and Jacob - Uh, bien sûr this Jacob disturbs me.
- Because now you know what he's capable of.
Because now I know what is said of him.
- Good morning.
- Bonjour.
We just heard about the break-in from sergeant Keeley.
- "The Telegraph Bouche" again? - We came to moral support.
Another pair, mon ami.
The place we're harboured in is Bonneville, Utah.
And as for facilities, Charles, you'll never want for a thing.
Of course you might miss your English weather.
- Think it over.
- Fine.
Hastings, a favor.
Whatever I should say, you'll nod in agreement.
Did I ever do otherwise, Poirot? - Ah, Poirot, Battler, good afternoon.
- Monsieur.
The boat is fixed, by the way.
You can have a look, if you like.
- Can I offer you a drink? - Non, non.
Merci beaucoup.
Tell me, the revoking of the will of Aunt Emily, your lawyer succeeds? No, he jolly doesn't.
Mes amis, I know well the law and how it must be used in your advantage.
Hastings, you remember the Fairbank scandal? On that occasion, I, Hercule Poirot, stepped outside of the law, but only for a moment very brief.
- So? I might be abble to do so again, for a cause that is worthy.
- You mean you can get our money back? - How can you do it, when our lawyer can't? I merely say there are ways.
Allow me to pursuy them.
But you yourselves must do nothing, do you understand? Nothing! Because someone has already broken into Littlegreen House.
- Really? - Who? Ah! Who indeed? Another mystery.
Au revoir.
What was the point of that, saying you break the law? They are young and foolish, Hastings.
They have hot heads.
I offered them crooked help to prevent them doing things they will regret.
But there is a thing I wanted to ask you, Hastings.
Why is it that his friend Charles call you Battler? English humor, Poirot.
You wouldn't undestand.
Poirot does not see a joke? Au contraire Well, if you must know, it's Battler as in Battle, Hastings.
Yes.
You all have been so kind and I thank you very much.
It was a pleasure to see you, Isabel and Julia.
And thank you for your help.
Come on, dear.
I thought they'd never go.
Thank you for moving in with us, John, but people are going to talk.
But only in our backs, dear.
How can that harm us.
That where she fell.
Poor Emily.
I did admire her spirit, you know, her strength of character.
Why do you suppose the human spirit is green? White would have been a better color, surely.
Even red, not green.
Because our union with the earth It is a very interesting thought.
I saw Emily spirit the night she died, leaving her body.
Streaming out of her mouth and floating away Green? From her mouth? Bella, John Grainger.
Is Jacob there? He's not home yet, he's in a meeting at the Faculty.
Can I help? Strange question, I think he has a fl ask of phosphorus.
I think that Emily may have been given some.
Phosphorus? Who says? It's only a hunch, something Wilhemina said.
I am camping down in Littlegreen House.
Is phosphorus dangerous? I mean, they make matches, don't they? And-- and fertilizers? That's right, my dear.
And you're saying she was given some? By Jacob? I'm not saying anything yet, am only asking if he has phosphorus, that's all.
I don't know Right.
Best not tell him I rang.
I'll talk to him tomorrow.
Those look delicious, my dear.
Who was that, Bella? - John Grainger.
- What did he want? - Nothing.
- You tell me, now! What did he want? Help! Help! Dr.
Grainger? - You all right, Doctor? - What is it, Sarah? Gas, Mrs.
Lawson.
Dr.
Grainger's room.
John! Well, Mr.
Poirot, Don't not like digging up corpses, but I would like to know more about Mrs.
Emily's death.
Two deaths at the same house is a bit too much for these parts.
Later, Sergeant.
Tell to me, if you please, what has happened here.
This way, sir.
Gas from Dr.
Grainger's room.
He died from carbon monoxide poison.
A terrible business.
Madam? You have my condolences, Madame.
Why would anyone want to kill John? He was a doctor.
Even they have their enemies.
Was it the same people who broke in the house the night before, sir? Perhaps.
Madame, if you'd be so kind as to tell me did you see anyone last night? Or did anyone call at the house, perhaps a phone call? The Tripps left after eight, but no one called.
John telephoned out, later.
To Jacob.
- Did he say why? - I'm sorry He mentioned something about phosphorus.
That's all I heard.
Merci.
Once again, my sympathy.
Forgive me, madame.
I thought you were Jacob.
Children, take this to the car.
I'm leaving him.
I cannot let my children live with a murderer.
Do you know about Dr.
John Grainger? From whom? Sarah, the parlor maid.
I rang her earlier.
Why should Jacob kill John Grainger? He telephoned here last night, I believe, to ask about the phosphorus.
He spoke to me.
He asked if Jacob had any.
I said I didn't know.
And you reported this to your husband? He demanded to know what'd been said! You see, he came in when I was placing the telephone down.
Mr.
Poirot, I am so frightened.
So, you leave him.
But where are you going, madame? I don't know.
Then, let us take you to a place of safety.
Vite.
Enter the car, Alexis.
You too, Katya.
Poirot! What's happening? - Vite, mon ami! - Where are we going? For the sisters Tripp.
Bella, stop! Mesdames, I have for you a task.
I would like that Mme.
Tanios and her 2 children to stay here for a while, away from M.
Jacob.
It's him, isn't it? It was Jacob! He killed Emily and then, later, John Grainger.
Calm yourselves, I beseech you, you have a great task ahead of you: to keep the presence of madam and her two children in secret.
Yes, of course.
Bella, why don't you put your things in the spare room.
Thank you both.
Merci.
I have yet another favor to ask you, Mesdames.
Merci.
Monsieur Bob is a person Pardon, he is a dog of the country and not of the town.
And I seek for him a good home when my work here is done.
I'm sorry, Mr.
Poirot, but we couldn't possibly.
It's Albert, you see, he wouldn't like.
- Albert? - Our own dog.
A Springer Spaniel.
Bob would put out his nose out of joint, rather.
I did not know that you had a pet dog.
A pet spirit.
Albert himself crossed over three years ago.
They're just unpacking a few things they'll come down in a moment.
Santé.
It is you who row the boat in this photograph, Madame? Yes, we used to have a little boat in Windermere.
To move around.
You say you were in Littlegreen House until eight o'clock? Yes, you can never gat away from Minnie.
Talk, talk, talk.
And, at the night of the death of Emily Arundel, you were also in the house? Well, yes.
Then, both deaths have three persons in common: Wilhemina Lawson and yourselves.
You think we had something to do with it, Mr.
Poirot? You mean we are you suspects? Oh! How thrilling! Go on, question us, Mr.
Poirot! Just like we dig normal peoples! I will, Mesdames.
But not today.
- A telegram for you, sir.
- Thank you.
Hasting, at last.
There will be no reply.
- Can I get you something? - Oui.
A coffee and a tisane, near the window.
Certainly.
- Excuse me - No! Let me pass! Where is she, Poirot? Calm yourself, Dr.
Tanios.
You take my wife and children from me and tell me to be calm?! Your wife left you of her own free will, Doctor.
I have here a telegram from the Scotland Yard.
It contains the results of the analysis to the medicine that you gave to Aunt Emily Arundel.
Do you want me to read it here? Damn you and your forged proofs! - I'll telephone Sergeant Keeley.
- No.
Not yet, Hastings.
Bob and I, we need time to think.
Thank you.
By the way, the steward of the club, old Walter, said that you wanted to have a word with me.
- Really? Yes, lunch time.
Brought the "tidy" for me to sign and said: " Ah! That reminds me " Oh, yes.
I reckon that you forgot to pay your bill.
A trivial thing Clean slipped my mind.
This varnish leaves out a marvelous shine.
What is it? I mixed it up myself, from phosphorus.
Phosphorus? Your mistress, little Bob, was murdered for her fortune.
Dr.
Grainger, he was killed to keep a secret that was already out.
The "why's" and the "wherefor's" are known to me.
But the " who ", mon petit, that's still to me as a puzzle.
But it does not puzzle you.
You knew from the first day.
And so, if you please, I ask you now to tell me.
I'd say, Poirot.
You know you said phosphorus had something to do with your Monsieur Bob! Qu'est you what c'est, mon petit? Mon Dieu! I swear to you, Bob, there is within you, a Belgian blood! - What has he told you now? - He has told me all! Tomorrow morning, Bob and I we'll catch our fox! And bring upon him terror.
Why don't we start, Poirot? He probably won't show up anyhow.
M.
Jacob will be here.
Of that I guarantee.
Bella! Tell me what's going on.
Where are the children? Why don't you take a seat over here, sir.
Mesdames et messieurs, among us here today is the murderer of Dr.
John Grainger and Emily Arundel.
- Would that be one same person, sir? - Have patience, if you please, Sergeant Keeley.
You believed, all of you except one, believed that the fall of Emily Arundel was an accident.
If so, who was the person in the stairs the night before the fall and what he was doing there? I say this person was placing in the skirting a screw eye to wich a cord was attached, forming a tripwire.
/i> Wilhemina Lawson saw this person, or, to be precise, she saw the monogram in the dressing gown and they wore the letters T.
A.
And she assumed it was Theresa Arundel.
Minnie Lawson never liked me.
It's just her, to accuse me of murder.
While she wents off, with Aunt Em's fortune! But Emily fell, she told me so herself.
- She trod in Bob's ball and fell.
- Non, madame.
But how do I know this? From Monsieur Bob himself.
Everytime he performed his trick, Bob was telling me the answer.
Always, always after his trick, Bob returned his ball to his basket.
And when I found out the little Katya discovered the ball in the landing, on the night of the fall, I knew that it had been placed there to make it seem like an accident.
For the cause of the fall of Emily Arundel was a tripwire.
But it was not this the cause of the death of your Aunt, no.
After the fall, she was bruised, but she was still alive.
And so, our murderer tried again and, this time, succeeded.
I believe that the death of your Aunt was caused by being poisoned with phosphorus.
If I wanted liver capsules, I should have said so.
On the night of her death, Emily must have ingested without knowing some of this deadly substance.
Jacob who gave it to me, earlier today.
I believe this, and so did too Dr.
Grainger.
Being a man of science, he knew of the many uses of the many forms of phosphorus, all of which produce a poison.
He made a telephone call to Mme.
Tanios to ask if her husband had some of this substance.
This telephone call was meant to be secret, but Jacob Tanios demanded to know what had been sais.
Maybe so, but Emily did not die at my hand! Non, monsieur? Et bien I have here a telegram from Scotland Yard.
It tells to me that the Peyton medicine that Jacob Tanios gave to Emily Arundel Non, monsieur! is harmless.
And so, now I ask: who poisoned her? Dr.
John Grainger with his medicines? Non.
Un medicament, docteur? For he himself would soon to become a victim.
So where else could be discovered this phosphorus? I suggest, mes amis, in a liver capsule, that was placed in this box that was always by the side of Emily Arundel.
This also answers a question that was for me most puzzling.
Why was she murdered after the changing of the will? Mesdames et messieurs, I can now reveal to you that was murdered before.
Murdered three days before she died? Clever! Oui, and it was the steward of your club, Mr.
Charles, who showed to me how.
One of his lesser duties was to refill the salt-cellars.
Will they be empty today, tomorrow, three days later? Nobody knows.
It will depend upon the persons who will use them.
And so, is it not possible for our murderer to fill a liver capsule with a phosphorus which Emily Arundel would take today, tomorrow, or the day after that? After her death, we concentrated our attention in the medicine of Dr.
Jacob Tanios.
But I myself believe that, the night she died, she has also taken a capsule which, slowly, has spread its poison and killed her.
The liver capsules of Emily were always within her reach, and so it would have been simple for anyone to temper with them.
The Peyton medicine she took in the night of her death confused us.
In fact the phosphorus of the capsule was creating a lethal chemical reaction in her body which emanated from her in the form of a green vapor thought by some to be her spirit leaving her body.
And then came the reading of the will.
The family did not like what it said, non, non.
For all of the fortune of Emily Arundel was to go to Wilhemina Lawson.
- So they turned their attention to her? - Bien sûr.
Then two people broke into this house.
The General prevented their crime by falling.
Sarah! Sarah! From the window, Wilhemina Lawson and Mlle.
Sarah saw those two people making their escape, but they could not make up who they were.
I, Hercule Poirot, of course, know.
M.
Charles and his sister, Mlle.
Theresa.
You broke into this house to steal what you thought was yours by right.
Yes, but it was our one and only attempt, Poirot.
- And we did not come back the night after.
- But someone did.
To murder John Grainger who, at that same evening, had begun to solve the mystery of the phosphorus.
- Same person that murdered Emily, you think? - Oui.
- This T.
A person, then.
- I've heard enough of this! Sit down, miss.
Mesdames et messieurs, if you would please to observe the mirror.
It was Monsieur Bob who first drew this curiosity to my attention when he barked at his reflexion in the highly polished surface of the boat, until he was sure that I understood.
Wilhemina Lawson saw the person in the landing on her mirror.
And she also saw the reflexion of the monogram with the letters T.
A.
And now, Mesdames et messieurs, you will observe that these letters, without the reflection, are now changed to A.
T.
The initials of Arabella Tanios.
It was you, madame, that Wilhemina Lawson saw in the landing.
Put him in his basket, before he wakes everyone.
She is not dead, is she? It was you, madame, who spread the wire and removed it after the fall.
It was you who took the ball belonging to monsieur Bob and placed it in the top of the stairs in order to incriminate him.
And it was you who murdered Dr.
John Grainger for what he suspected.
Is this true, Bella? No.
You know how brutal he is! - You know how he beats my children! - Bella! I know that is what you say, madame.
Always you point the finger, you play out the charade of fearing him, you tell us of his temper most wicked, all are lies! For you, and you alone are responsible for the murder of Dr.
John Grainger and before him Aunt Emily Arundel.
Why, Bella? Why? Because I hate you, Jacob.
Hate me? You hate me, Bella? You were different, once, and I loved for that.
But here people chummed you and you started to change just to please them.
And I felt so ashamed.
Now, all you want to do is crawl away, back to your homeland.
How could you be so weak? What is there for me in Greece? With my inheritance of Aunt Emily, I could've lived here with my children with my head high again.
Even she had done the courtesy of dying after the accident, I could've had inherited.
You too, Charles and you, Theresa.
And if you hadn't meddled, Mr.
Poirot, she wouldn't have changed her will and we could've all been better off! The cold heart indeed, madame, which deserves no mercy.
Nasty business, wife turning on her husband like that.
Oui, but one good thing has come from this, Hastings.
Wilhemina Lawson has made a sharing among the family of the fortune of Emily Arundel.
At least I could pay my bill here.
And now the world record remains to be broken, n'est-ce pas? Not by me.
I'm off to Bonneville, to the Utah.
But that is the desert, I believe.
There are no lakes there.
Quite.
I'll leave the water speed for Campbell and his crannies.
- I am going for land speed next time.
- And we're going to London.
Not yet, Hastings.
Not until a matter of the most important it has been resolved.
- I was amazed.
Wasn't I, Poirot? - Indeed so, mon ami.
To think that all these years, Poirot had the gift for reaching " the other side "! I've said there were hidden gifts to you, Mr.
Poirot.
- Then it happened again, last night.
- Really? Who came to you? I woke up to find this How best to say? To feel this presence in my room.
I looked up and I saw the Springer Spaniel.
- Albert? - Oui.
What did he say? He spoke to Bob, Madame.
He said: " Go live with my people.
They have of you the great need.
" Then, of course he must.
Are you sure you can manage without him, though? I mean he was a great help to you, with this case.
Oui.
It will not be easy.
But I shall try.