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Chapter 1: What secrets does Bundle Brent uncover in Chapter 15?
Thank you.
Welcome back, everyone, to 1001 Stories for the Road. This is your host and storyteller, John Hagedorn. Today, chapters 15 and 16 from Agatha Christie's The Seven Dials Mystery. And now, chapter 15, The Inquest. Bundle reached home about 6 a.m.
She was up and dressed by half past nine and rang up Jimmy Thessiger on the telephone. promptitude of his reply somewhat surprised her, till he explained that he was going down to attend the inquest. "'So am I,' said Bundle, "'and I've got a lot to tell you.' "'Well, suppose you'd let me drive you down, and we could talk on the way. How about that?'
"'All right, but allow a bit extra, because you'll have to take me to Chimneys. The Chief Constable's picking me up there.' "'Why?' "'Because he's a kind man,' said Bundle.' "'So am I,' said Jimmy. "'Very kind.' "'Oh, you! You're an ass,' said Bundle. "'I heard somebody say so last night.' "'Who?' "'To be strictly accurate, a Russian Jew. "'No, it wasn't.
It was—' "'But an indignant protest drowned her words.' I may be an ass, said Jimmy. I dare say I am. But I won't have Russian Jews saying so. What were you doing last night, Bundle? That's what I'm going to talk about, said Bundle. Goodbye for the moment. She hung up in a tantalizing manner which left Jimmy pleasantly puzzled.
He had the highest respect for Bundle's capabilities, though there was not the slightest trace of sentiment in his feeling towards her. She's been up to something, he opined, as he took a last, hasty drink of coffee. Depend upon it. She's been up to something.
Twenty minutes later, his little two-seater drew up before the Brook Street house, and Bundle, who had been waiting, came tripping down the steps. Jimmy was not ordinarily an observant young man, but he noticed that there were black rings around Bundle's eyes, and that she had all the appearance of having had a late night the night before.
Now then, he said, as the car began to nose her way through the suburbs. What dark deeds have you been up to? I'll tell you, said Bundle, but don't interrupt until I'm finished. It was a somewhat long story, and Jimmy had all he could do to keep sufficient attention on the car to prevent an accident. When Bundle had finished, he sighed, then looked at her searchingly. "'Bundle?' "'Yes.
Look here.
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Chapter 2: How does Bundle's perception of characters change in Chapter 15?
You're not pulling my leg.' "'What do you mean?' "'I'm sorry,' apologized Jimmy. "'But it seems to me as though I've heard it all before. In a dream, you know.' "'I know,' said Bundle, sympathetically. "'It's impossible,' said Jimmy, following out his own train of thought.' THE BEAUTIFUL FOREIGN ADVENTURESS, THE INTERNATIONAL GANG, THE MYSTERIOUS NUMBER SEVEN, WHOSE IDENTITY NOBODY KNOWS.
I'VE READ IT ALL A HUNDRED TIMES IN BOOKS. OF COURSE YOU HAVE. SO HAVE I. BUT IT'S NO REASON WHY IT SHOULDN'T REALLY HAPPEN. I SUPPOSE NOT, ADMITTED JIMMY. AFTER ALL, I SUPPOSE FICTION IS FOUNDED ON THE TRUTH. I MEAN, UNLESS THINGS DID HAPPEN, PEOPLE COULDN'T THINK OF THEM. "'There is something in what you say,' agreed Jimmy.
"'But all the same, I can't help pitching myself to see that I'm awake.' "'That's exactly how I felt.' Jimmy gave a deep sigh. "'Well, I suppose we are awake. Let me see. A Russian, an American, an Englishman, a possible Austrian or Hungarian, and the lady who may be any nationality, for choice Russian or Polish.' "'That's a pretty representative gathering.' "'And a German,' said Bundle.
"'You've forgotten the German.' "'Oh,' said Jimmy, slowly. "'You think—' "'The absent number two is Bower, our footman. "'That seems to me quite clear from what they said about expecting a report which hadn't come in. "'Though what there can be to report about chimneys, I can't think.' "'It must be something to do with Jerry Wade's death,' said Jimmy.
"'There's something there we haven't fathomed yet. "'You say they actually mentioned Bauer by name?' Bundle nodded. "'They blamed him for not having found that letter.' "'Well, I don't see what you could have clearer than that. "'There's no going against it. "'You'll have to forgive my first incredulity, Bundle. "'But you know, it was rather a tall story.'
You say they knew about my going down to Wyvern Abbey next week. Yes, that's when the American, it was him, not the Russian, said they needn't worry. You were only the usual kind of ass. Ah, said Jimmy. He pressed his foot down on the accelerator viciously, and the car shot forward. I'm very glad you told me that. It gives me what you might call a personal interest in the case.
He was silent for a minute or two, and then he said, "'Did you say that German inventor's name was Eberhard?'
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Chapter 3: What leads does Bundle follow in Chapter 16?
"'Yes. Why?' "'Wait a minute. Something's coming back to me. Eberhard.' "'Yeah. I'm sure that was the name.' "'Tell me.' "'Eberhard was the Johnny who'd got some patent process he applied to Steele.' I can't put the thing properly because I haven't got the scientific knowledge, but I know the result was that it became so toughened that a wire was as strong as a steel bar had previously been.
Eberhard had to do with aeroplanes, and his idea was that the weight would be so enormously reduced that flying would be practically revolutionized. The cost of it, I mean. I believe he offered his invention to the German government, and they turned it down. pointed out some undeniable flaw in it. But they did it rather nationally.
So he set to work, and circumvented the difficulty, whatever it was. But he'd been offended by their attitude, and swore they shouldn't have his ewe-lamb. I always thought the whole thing was probably bunkum, but now it looks differently.' "'That's it,' said Bundle eagerly. "'You must be right, Jimmy.' Eberhard must have offered his invention to our government.
They've been taking, or are going to take, Sir Oswald Coote's expert opinion on it. There's going to be an unofficial conference at the Abbey. Sir Oswald, George, the Air Minister, and Eberhard. Eberhard will have the plans, or the process, or whatever you call it. Formula, suggested Jimmy. I think formula is the right word.
you'll have the formula with him, and the seven dials are out to steal the formula. I remember the Russians saying it was worth millions.' "'I think it would be,' said Jimmy. "'And well worth a few lives. That's what the other man said.' "'Well, it seems to have been,' said Jimmy, his face clouding over. "'Look at this damned inquest today. Bundle, are you sure Ronnie said nothing else?'
"'No,' said Bundle. "'Just that. Seven dials. Tell Jimmy Thessiger.' That's all he could get out before he died. "'I wish we knew what he knew,' said Jimmy. "'But we found out one thing. I take it that the footman, Bower, must almost certainly have been responsible for Jerry's death. You know, Bundle?' "'Yes.'
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Chapter 4: How does the pace of the mystery quicken in Chapter 16?
"'Well, I'm a bit worried sometimes.' Who's going to be the next one? It really isn't the sort of business for a girl to be mixed up in. Bondle smiled in spite of herself. It occurred to her that it had taken Jimmy a long time to put her in the same category as Lorraine Wade. "'It's far more likely to be you than me,' she remarked cheerfully. "'Here, here,' said Jimmy.
"'But what about a few casualties on the other side for a change?' I'm feeling rather bloodthirsty this morning. Tell me, Bundle, would you recognize any of these people if you saw them? Bundle hesitated. I think I should recognize number five, she said at last. He's got a queer way of speaking, a kind of venomous, lisping way, that I think I'd know again. What about the Englishman?
Bundle shook her head. I saw him least, only a glimpse, and he's got a very ordinary voice, except that he's a big man. There's nothing much to go by.' "'There's the woman, of course,' continued Jimmy. "'She ought to be easier. But then you're not likely to run across her.
She's probably putting in the dirty work being taken out to dinner by amorous cabinet ministers and getting state secrets out of them when they've had a couple of drinks. At least that's how it's done in books.' As a matter of fact, the only cabinet minister I know drinks hot water with a dash of lemon in it. Take George Lomax, for instance.
Can you imagine him being amorous with beautiful foreign women? said Bundle with a laugh. Jimmy agreed with their criticism. And now about the man of mystery, number seven, went on Jimmy. You've no idea who he could be? None whatever. Again, by book standard, that is. He ought to be someone we all know. What about George Lomax himself? Bundle reluctantly shook her head.
In a book, it might work, she agreed. But knowing Cotters, and she gave herself up to a sudden, uncontrollable mirth. Cotters, the great criminal organizer, she gasped. Wouldn't it be marvelous? Jimmy agreed that it would. Their discussion had taken some time, and his driving had slowed down involuntarily once or twice. They arrived at Chimney's to find Colonel Melrose already there waiting.
Jimmy was introduced to him, and they all three proceeded to the inquest together. As Colonel Melrose had predicted, the whole affair was very simple. Bondo gave her evidence. The doctor gave his.
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Chapter 5: What new clues are introduced in Chapter 16?
Evidence was given of rifle practice in the neighborhood. A verdict of death by misadventure was brought in. After the proceedings were over, Colonel Melrose volunteered to drive Bundle back to Chimneys, and Jimmy Thessiger returned to London. For all his light-hearted manner, Bundle's story had impressed him profoundly. He set his lips closely together.
"'Ronnie, old boy,' he murmured, "'I'm going to be up against it, and you're not here to join in the game.' Another thought flashed into his mind. Lorraine? Was she in danger? After a minute or two's hesitation, he went over to the telephone and rang her up. It's me, Jimmy. I thought you'd like to know the result of the inquest. Death by misadventure.
Oh, but... Yes, but I think there's something behind that. The coroner had had a hint. Someone's at work to hush it up. I say, Lorraine. Yes? Look here. There's some funny business going about. You be very careful, won't you? For my sake. He heard the quick note of alarm that sprang into her voice. Jimmy, but then it's dangerous for you as well. He laughed. Well, that's all right.
I'm the cat that had nine lives. Bye-bye, old thing. He rang off and remained a minute or two lost in thought. Then he summoned Stevens. "'Do you think you could go out and buy me a pistol, Stevens?' "'A pistol, sir?' True to his training, Stevens betrayed no hint of surprise. "'What kind of pistol would you be requiring?'
"'How about the kind where you put your finger on the trigger and the thing goes on shooting until you take it off again?' "'That's an automatic, sir.' That's it, said Jimmy, an automatic, and I should like it to be a blue-nosed one. If you and the shop man know what that is. In American stories, the hero always takes his blue-nosed automatic from his hip pocket.
Stevens permitted himself a faint, discreet smile. Most American gentlemen that I have known, sir, carry something very different in their hip pockets, he observed. Jimmy Thesiger laughed. We'll return with Chapter 16, right after these sponsor messages. And now, Chapter 16, The House Party at the Abbey. Bundle drove over to Wyvern Abbey just in time for tea on Friday afternoon.
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Chapter 6: How does Bundle connect overlooked threads in Chapter 16?
George Lomax came forward to welcome her with considerable impressment. "'My dear Eileen,' he said, "'I can't tell you how pleased I am to see you here. You must forgive my not having invited you when I asked your father. But to tell the truth, I never dreamed that a party of this kind would appeal to you.
I was both surprised and delighted when Lady Catterham told me of your interest in politics.' "'I wanted to come so much,' said Bundle, in a simple, ingenuous manner.' "'Mrs. McCotter will not arrive till the later train,' explained George. "'She was speaking at a meeting in Manchester last night. "'Do you know Tessiger? "'Quite a young fellow, but a remarkable grasp of foreign politics.
"'One would hardly suspect it from his appearance.' "'I do know Mr. Tessiger,' said Bundle, and she shook hands solemnly with Jimmy, "'whom she observed had parted his hair in the middle "'in the endeavour to add earnestness to his expression.' "'Look here,' said Jimmy, in a low, hurried voice, as George temporarily withdrew. "'You mustn't be angry, but I've told Bill about our little stunt.'
"'Bill?' said Bundle, annoyed. "'Well, after all,' said Jimmy, "'Bill is one of the lads, you know. Ronnie was a pal of his, and so was Jerry.' "'Oh, I know,' said Bundle. "'But you think it's a pity? "'Sorry.' "'Bill's all right, of course. "'It isn't that,' said Bundle. "'But he's—well, Bill's a born blunderer.' "'Not mentally very agile?' suggested Jimmy. "'But you forget one thing.
"'Bill's got a very hefty fist. "'And I've an idea that a hefty fist is going to come in handy.' "'Well, perhaps you're right. How did he take it?' "'Well, he clutched his head a good bit, but—I mean the facts took some driving home. But by repeating the thing patiently in words of one syllable, I at last got it into his thick head. And, naturally, he's with us to the death, as you might say.'
George reappeared suddenly. "'I must make some introductions, Eileen. This is Sir Stanley Digby.' LADY EILEEN BRENT, MR. O'ROURKE. The Air Minister was a little round man with a cheerful smile. Mr. O'ROURKE, a tall young man with laughing blue eyes and a typical Irish face, greeted Bundle with enthusiasm.
"'And I thinking it was going to be a dull political party entirely,' he murmured in an adroit whisper. "'Hush,' said Bundle. "'I'm political—very political.' "'Sir Oswald and Lady Coote, you already know,' continued George.
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Chapter 7: What hints at a secret gathering in Chapter 16?
"'We've never actually met,' said Bundle, smiling. She was mentally applauding her father's descriptive powers. Sir Oswald took her hand in an iron grip, and she winced slightly. Lady Coote, after a somewhat mournful greeting, had turned to Jimmy Thessiger and appeared to be registering something closely akin to pleasure.'
DESPITE HIS REPREHENSIBLE HABIT OF BEING LATE FOR BREAKFAST, LADY COOT HAD A FONDNESS FOR THIS AMIABLE, PINK-FACED YOUNG MAN. HIS AIR OF IMPRESSIBLE GOOD NATURE FASCINATED HER. SHE HAD A MOTHERLY WISH TO CURE HIM OF HIS BAD HABITS AND FORM HIM INTO ONE OF THE WORLD'S WORKERS. WHETHER, ONCE FORMED, HE WOULD BE AS ATTRACTIVE WAS A QUESTION SHE HAD NEVER ASKED HERSELF.
SHE BEGAN NOW TO TELL HIM OF A VERY PAINFUL MOTOR ACCIDENT WHICH HAD HAPPENED TO ONE OF HER FRIENDS. "'Mr. Bateman,' said George briefly, as when he would pass on to better things. A serious, pale-faced young man bowed. "'And now,' continued George, "'I must introduce you to Countess Radsky.' Countess Radsky had been conversing with Mr. Bateman.
Leaning very far back on a sofa, with her legs crossed in a daring manner, she was smoking a cigarette in an incredibly long turquoise-studded holder.' Bundle thought she was one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen. Her eyes were very large and blue. Her hair was coal black. She had a matte skin, the slightly flattened nose of the slab, and a sinuous, slender body.
Her lips were reddened to a degree with which Bundle was sure Wyvern Abbey was totally unacquainted. She said eagerly, "'This is Mrs. McCotter, yes?' On George's replying in the negative and introducing Bundle, the Countess gave her a careless nod and at once resumed her conversation with the serious Mr. Bateman. Bundle heard Jimmy's voice in her ear.
"'Pongo is absolutely fascinated by the lovely slab,' he said. "'Pathetic, isn't it? Come and have some tea.' They drifted once more into the neighborhood of Sir Oswald Coote. "'That's a fine place of yours, Chimneys,' remarked the great man. "'I'm glad you liked it,' said Bondo meekly. "'Walt's new plumbing,' said Sir Oswald. "'Bring it up to date, you know.' He ruminated for a minute or two.
"'I'm taking the Duke of Alton's place. Three years, just while I'm looking round for a place of my own. Your father couldn't sell it if he wanted to, I suppose.' Bundle felt her breath taken away. She had a nightmare vision of England with innumerable coots in innumerable counterparts of chimneys, all, be it understood, with an entirely new system of plumbing installed.
She felt a sudden violent resentment which, she told herself, was absurd. After all, contrasting Lord Catterham with Sir Oswald Coote, there was no doubt as to who would go to the wall.' Sir Oswald had one of those powerful personalities which make all those with whom they come in contact appear fated. He was, as Lord Catterham had said, a human steamroller.
And yet, undoubtedly, in many ways, Sir Oswald was a stupid man. Apart from his special line of knowledge and his terrific driving force, he was probably intensely ignorant.' A hundred delicate appreciations of life which Lord Catterham could and did enjoy were a sealed book to Sir Oswald.
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Chapter 8: What revelations about the Seven Dials occur in Chapter 16?
Whilst indulging in these reflections, Bundle continued to chat pleasantly. Herr Eberhard, she heard, had arrived, but was lying down with a nervous headache. This was told her by Mr. O'Rourke, who managed to find a place by her side and keep it.
Altogether, Bundle went up to dress in a pleasant mood of expectation, with a slight nervous dread hovering in the background whenever she thought of the imminent arrival of Mrs. Mikada. Bundle felt that dalliance with Mrs. Mikada was going to prove no easy path. Her first shock was when she came down, demurely attired in a black lace frock, and passed along the hall.
A footman was standing there, at least a man dressed as a footman. but that square, burly figure lent itself badly to the deception. Bundle stopped and stared. Superintendent Battle, she breathed. That's right, Lady Eileen. Oh, said Bundle, uncertainly. Are you here to keep an eye on things? I see. "'That warning letter, you know?' said the superintendent. Fairly put the wind up Mr. Lomax.
Nothing would do for him but that I should come down myself. But don't you think?' began Bundle, and stopped. She hardly liked to suggest to the superintendent that his disguise was not a particularly efficient one. He seemed to have Police Officer written all over him, and Bundle could hardly imagine the most unsuspecting criminal failing to be put on his guard. "'You think?'
said the superintendent, stolidly, "'that I might be recognized.' Something that might conceivably have been intended for a smile crossed the woodenness of Superintendent Battle's features. "'Put them on their guard, eh? Well, Lady Eileen, why not?' "'Why not?' echoed Bundle. "'Rather stupidly,' she felt. Superintendent Battle was nodding his head slowly. We don't want any unpleasantness, do we?
he said. Don't want to be too clever. Just show any light-fingered gentry that may be about. Well, just show them that there's somebody on the spot, so to speak. Bundle gazed at him in some admiration. She could imagine that the sudden appearance of so renowned a personage as Superintendent Battle might have a depressing effect on any scheme and the hatchers of it.
It's a great mistake to be too clever, Superintendent Battle was repeating. The great thing is not to have any unpleasantness this weekend. Mundo passed on, wondering how many of her fellow guests had recognized or would recognize the Scotland Yard detective. In the drawing-room George was standing with a puckered brow and an orange envelope in his hand. most vexatious,' he said.
"'A telegram from Mrs. Mercada to say she will be unable to be with us. Her children are suffering from mumps.' Bondo's heart gave a throb of relief. "'I especially feel this on your account, Eileen,' said George kindly. "'I know how anxious you were to meet her. The Countess, too, will be sadly disappointed.' "'Oh, never mind,' said Bondle. "'I should hate it if she'd come and given me mumps.'
"'A very distressing complaint,' agreed George. "'But I do not think that infection could be carried that way. "'Indeed, I am sure that Mrs. Picotta would have run no risk of that kind. "'She is a most highly principled woman, "'with a very real sense of her responsibilities to the community.' IN THESE DAYS OF NATIONAL STRESS WE MUST ALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.'
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