Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online Page A

Rawlinson’s person, either—”
    â€œIn that case,” said Mr. Robinson, “it seems as though they must have been got out of the country by some other means.”
    â€œWhat other means? Have you any idea?”
    â€œRawlinson went to a café in the town after he had received the jewels. He was not seen to speak to anyone or approach anyone whilst 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 20 minutes. She herself was out. He then left the hotel and went to the Merchants Bank in Victory Square where he cashed a cheque. 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.
    â€œAli 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.”
    â€œAnd your deductions from that?”
    â€œMy 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 that would have taken him at most three minutes to scribble. What did he do for the rest of the time?”
    â€œYou are suggesting that he concealed the jewels in some appropriate place amongst his sister’s belongings?”
    â€œIt 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.
    â€œLook after her,” said Mr. Robinson.
    â€œWe’re going to look after her,” said Pikeaway. “That’s all arranged.”
    â€œIf she has the jewels, she will be in danger.” He closed his eyes. “I so much dislike violence.”
    â€œYou think there is likely to be violence?”
    â€œThere are people interested. Various undesirable people—if you understand me.”
    â€œI understand you,” said Pikeaway grimly.
    â€œAnd they will, of course, 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?”
    â€œI 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 were 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.”
    â€œBut you are definitely on the side of the angels,” Colonel Pikeaway smiled.
    â€œAh, angels! Angels—yes.” He paused. “Do you happen to know who occupied the rooms in the hotel on either side of the room occupied by Mrs. Sutcliffe and her daughter?”
    Colonel Pikeaway looked vague.
    â€œLet me see now—I believe I do. On the left hand side was Señora Angelica de Toredo—a Spanish—er—dancer appearing at the local cabaret. Perhaps not strictly Spanish and perhaps not a very good dancer. But popular with the clientèle. On the other side was one of a group of schoolteachers, I understand—”
    Mr. Robinson beamed approvingly.
    â€œYou are always the same. I come to tell you things, but nearly always you know them already.”
    â€œNo no.” Colonel Pikeaway made a polite disclaimer.
    â€œBetween us,” said Mr. Robinson, “we know a good deal.”
    Their eyes met.
    â€œI