Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-02-12
The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd
By AGATHA CHRISTIE.
Copyright by Dodd. Mead & Co.

Ackroyd didn't want to be disturbed.
hadn't you?''
Parker began to stammer. His
hands shook.
Eyes, sir Yes sir. Quite SO. sir
"And yet you were proposing to do
SOP"
I'D forgotten. sir. At least l mean,
| always bring the whisky. and soda
about that time, sir nd ask If there's
anything more. and I thought-well,
| was doing as usual without think
ing"
1t was at this moment that it began
to dawn upon me that Parker was
most suspiciously fiustered. The man
was shaking and twitching all over
Him." said the inspector. I must
see Miss Ackroyd at once. For the
moment we'll leave this room exactly
as it is. l can return here after I've
heard what Miss Ackroyd has to tell
me. / shall just take the precaution
of shutting and boiling the window"
This precaution accomplished, he led
the way into the hall and we followed
him. He paused a moment. as he
glanced up at little staircase, then
spoke over his shoulder to the con-
stable.
Jones, you'd better stay here. Don't
let any one go into that ROOM
Parker interposed deferentially.
IF you'll excuse me, sir. If you
were to lock the door into the main
hall, nobody could gain access to this
part. That staircase leads only to
Mr.. Ackroyd's bedroom and bathroom.
There is no communication with the
other part of the house. There once
was door through, but Mr.. Ackroyd
had Ii blocked UP. He liked to feel
that his suite was entirely private.
To make things clear and explain
the position, have appended a rough
sketch of the right-hand wing of the
house. The small staircase leads, as
Parker explained, to big bedroom
made by two being knocked into one)
ana an ADJOINING bathroom and lava
tory.
The inspector took i'm the positiop
at glance. We went through into
the large hall and he locked the door
behind him, slipping the key into his
pocket. Then he gave the constable
some loW-voiced instructions and the
latter prepared to depart.
We must get busy on those shoe
tracks" explained the inspector.
But, first of all. must have a word
with Miss Ackroyd. She was the last
person to see her uncle alive. Does
she know yet?'
We'll, no need to tell her for an
other five minutes. She can answer
my questions better without being
upset by knowing the truth about her
uncle. Tell her there's been a bur
glary. and ask her if she would mind
dressing and coming down to answer
Il few questions"
1t was Raymond who went upstairs
on this Grand
Miss Ackroyd will be down in a
minute" he said, when he returned
j told her just what you suggested"
In less than five minutes Flora de-
scended the staircase. She was
wrapped in a pale pink silk kimono.
She looked anxious and excited.
The inspector stepped forward.
Good evening, Miss Ackroyd," he
said civilly. We're afraid there's
been an attempt at robbery, and we
want you to help us. What's this
room-the billiard room? Come in
here and sit down."
! Flora sat down composedly on a
| VIDE divan which ran the length of
! the wall and looked up at the inspec.
| tor ..
| Il don't quite understa md. What
has been stolen? What do YOU want
me to tell you"
It's just this. Miss Ackroyd. Par
ker here says you came out of your
uncle's study at about a quarter to
| 10. Is that right"
quite right. | had been to saw
goodnight to him.
And the time is correct?'
We'll. it must have been about
then. ! can't say exactly. 1t might
| have been later"
WAS your uncle alone or was
there any one with him.
He was alone. DR.. Sheppard had
gone
did you happen to notice whether
the window was open or shut"
! Flora shook her head
II can't say. The curtains were
drawn"
Exactly. And your uncle seemed
quite as usual?"
81 think So"
do you mind telling us exactly
what passed between you?"
Flora paused a minute, as though
to collect her recollections.
II went in and said, Good night,