PARKER
"Yes, sir, as a matter of fact, I have it with me now."
With no sign of confusion, he produced it from his pocket. Poirot took the slim, green-covered book and perused the entries.
"Ah! I perceive you have purchased £500 of National Savings Certificates this year?"
"Yes, sir. I have already over a thousand pounds saved—the result of my connection with—er—my late master, Major Ellerby. And I have had quite a little flutter on some horses this year—very successful. If you remember, sir, a rank outsider won the Jubilee. I was fortunate enough to back it—£20."
Poirot handed him back the book.
"I will wish you good-morning. I believe that you have told me the truth. If you have not—so much the worse for you, my friend."
When Parker had departed, Poirot picked up his over-coat once more.
"Going out again?" I asked.
"Yes, we will pay a little visit to the good M. Hammond."
"You believe Parker's story?"
"It is credible enough on the face of it. It seems clear that—unless he is a very good actor indeed—he genuinely believes it was Ackroyd himself who was the victim of blackmail. If so, he knows nothing at all about the Mrs. Ferrars business."
"Then in that case—who———"
"Précisément! Who? But our visit to M. Hammond
[207]
