Yes, said Poirot thoughtfully, "it was only natural." He opened a drawer, and took out a small despatch-case, then turned to me. 
The small despatch-case had been in the drawer for a long time.
mnli hypothesis: The small despatch-case had been in the drawer for a long time. premise: Yes, said Poirot thoughtfully, "it was only natural." He opened a drawer, and took out a small despatch-case, then turned to me. 