THE PARLORMAID
"Perhaps I'm intruding," I said.
"Not at all," cried Poirot heartily. "You and I, M. le docteur, we investigate this affair side by side. Without you I should be lost. I desire a little information from the good Mr. Hammond."
"You are acting on behalf of Captain Ralph Paton, I understand," said the lawyer cautiously.
Poirot shook his head.
"Not so. I am acting in the interests of justice. Miss Ackroyd has asked me to investigate the death of her uncle."
Mr. Hammond seemed slightly taken aback.
"I cannot seriously believe that Captain Paton can be concerned in this crime," he said, "however strong the circumstantial evidence against him may be. The mere fact that he was hard pressed for money———"
"Was he hard pressed for money?" interpolated Poirot quickly.
The lawyer shrugged his shoulders.
"It was a chronic condition with Ralph Paton," he said dryly. "Money went through his hands like water. He was always applying to his stepfather."
"Had he done so of late? During the last year, for instance?"
"I cannot say. Mr. Ackroyd did not mention the fact to me."
"I comprehend. Mr. Hammond, I take it that you are acquainted with the provisions of Mr. Ackroyd's will?"
"Certainly. That is my principal business here to-day."
[119]
