Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online

divided, or so I hear!), and finally a small personal item.”
    “Small?”
    “These things are relative. Anyway, small in bulk. Handy to carry upon the person.”
    “They weren't on Ali Yusuf's person, as far as we know.”
    “No. Because he had handed them over to young Rawlinson.”
    “Are you sure of that?” asked Pikeaway sharply.
    “Well, one is never sure,” said Mr. Robinson apologetically. “In a Palace there is so much gossip. It cannot all be true. But there was a very strong rumour to that effect.”
    “They weren't on young Rawlinson's person, either.”
    “In that case,” said Mr. Robinson, “it seems as though they must have been got out of the country by some other means.”
    “What other means? Have you any idea?”
    "Rawlinson went to a café in the town after he had received the jewels. He was not seen to speak to anyone or approach anyone while he was there. Then he went to the Ritz Savoy Hotel where his sister was staying. He went up to her room and was there for about twenty minutes. She herself was out. He then left the hotel and went to the Merchants Bank in Victory Square where he cashed a check. When he came out of the bank a disturbance was beginning. Students rioting about something. It was some time before the Square was cleared. Rawlinson then went straight to the airstrip where, in company with Sergeant Achmed, he went over the plane.
    “Ali Yusuf drove out to see the new road construction, stopped his car at the airstrip, joined Rawlinson, and expressed a desire to take a short flight and see the dam and the new highway construction from the air. They took off and did not return.”
    “And your deductions from that?”
    “My dear fellow, the same as yours. Why did Bob Rawlinson spend twenty minutes in his sister's room when she was out and he had been told that she was not likely to return until evening? He left her a note which would have taken him at most three minutes to scribble. What did he do for the rest of the time?”
    “You are suggesting that he concealed the jewels in some appropriate place among his sister's belongings?”
    “It seems indicated, does it not? Mrs. Sutcliffe was evacuated that same day with other British subjects. She was flown to Aden with her daughter. She arrives at Tilbury, I believe, tomorrow.”
    Pikeaway nodded.
    “Look after her,” said Mr. Robinson.
    “We're going to look after her,” said Pikeaway. “That's all arranged.”
    “If she has the jewels, she will be in danger.” He closed his eyes. “I so much dislike violence.”
    “You think there is likely to be violence?”
    “There are people interested. Various undesirable people - if you understand me.”
    “I understand you,” said Pikeaway grimly.
    “And they will, of course, all double-cross each other.” Mr. Robinson shook his head. “So confusing.”
    Colonel Pikeaway asked delicately: “Have you yourself any - er - special interest in the matter?”
    “I represent a certain group of interests,” said Mr. Robinson. His voice was faintly reproachful. “Some of the stones in question were supplied by my syndicate to his late Highness - at a very fair and reasonable price. The group of people I represent who are interested in the recovery of the stones would, I may venture to say, have had the approval of the late owner. I shouldn't like to say more. These matters are so delicate.”
    “But you are definitely on the side of the angels,” Colonel Pikeaway smiled.
    “Ah, angels! Angels - yes.” He paused. “Do you happen to know who occupied the rooms in the Ritz Savoy Hotel on either side of the room occupied by Mrs. Sutcliffe and her daughter?”
    Colonel Pikeaway looked vague.
    “Let me see now - I believe I do. On the left-hand side was Seсora Angelica da Toredo - a Spanish - er- dancer appearing at the local cabaret. Perhaps nor strictly Spanish and perhaps not a very good dancer. But popular with the clientele. On the other side was one of a group of