POIROT INVESTIGATES: Playbook 2 · The Adventure of the Cheap Flat & The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

POIROT INVESTIGATES

Playbook 2 · The Adventure of the Cheap Flat & The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Adapted from the Original work by Agatha Christie · Public domain (1924)

Hercule Poirot continues his investigations with two more intriguing cases.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part I
• Chapter 2 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part II
• Chapter 3 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part III
• Chapter 4 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part IV
• Chapter 5 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part I
• Chapter 6 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part II
• Chapter 7 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part III
• Chapter 8 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part IV

Chapter 1 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part I

Summary: Poirot and Hastings are introduced to a curious case by a young American couple. The couple has secured a remarkably cheap flat in a prestigious London location, and they suspect something sinister is afoot.

One morning, Poirot and I were sitting in his rooms, enjoying a quiet breakfast. The morning post had brought several letters, and Poirot was sorting through them with his usual meticulous care. Suddenly, he held up one of the letters and smiled.

Poirot: "Ah, my friend, here is something that may interest you. It is a letter from a young American couple, a Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson. They have come to England to make their home, and they have fallen into a most curious predicament."

Hastings: "A predicament? What sort of predicament?"

Poirot: "They have obtained a flat in a very fashionable part of London for a rent that is absurdly low. It is so low, in fact, that they suspect there must be some catch."

Hastings: "Surely that is a lucky chance, not a predicament?"

Poirot: "Perhaps, my friend. But they are coming to see us this morning. We shall hear their story for ourselves."

An hour later, the young couple arrived. Mr. Robinson was a tall, fair-haired young man, with a cheerful, open face. His wife was a pretty, dark-haired woman, with a quick, intelligent manner. They seemed slightly flustered, as though they had just had an argument.

Mrs. Robinson: "Monsieur Poirot, it is so good of you to see us. I am sure you must think us very foolish, but we are really quite worried."

Poirot: "Not at all, Madame. I am always interested in anything unusual. Pray tell me the whole story."

Mr. Robinson: "It is very simple, Monsieur. My wife and I arrived in London a fortnight ago. We are Americans, you know, and we were looking for a flat. We went to a few agents, and they all quoted us prices that were far above our means."

Mrs. Robinson: "Then we saw an advertisement in the Times: 'A flat for rent, Montagu Mansions, two hundred and fifty pounds a year.' We went to see it, and it is a beautiful flat — large rooms, a good view, everything perfect. We could not believe our luck."

Poirot listened attentively, his fingers drumming softly on the table. He seemed particularly interested in the details of the advertisement.

Poirot: "And the agent? What did he say?"

Mr. Robinson: "He seemed very eager to let it. He told us the owner was anxious to get a tenant quickly, that he was going abroad, and that he was willing to accept any reasonable offer."

Poirot: "And you accepted the offer?"

Mrs. Robinson: "We signed the lease at once. It was only afterwards that we began to have doubts. Why was the flat so cheap? Why was the agent so eager? It all seems too good to be true."

Poirot nodded thoughtfully. "You were wise to come to me, Monsieur and Madame. I believe there is more to this matter than meets the eye."

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 2 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part II

Summary: Poirot investigates the background of the cheap flat. He discovers that the previous tenant was a young woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and he begins to suspect a connection to a larger criminal operation.

After the Robinsons had left, Poirot sat in thoughtful silence for some minutes. He then picked up his hat and stick and announced that we were going to Montagu Mansions to investigate.

Hastings: "Do you think there is anything wrong with the flat?"

Poirot: "I think there is something very wrong, my friend. A flat in Montagu Mansions is worth at least five hundred a year. To let it for half that amount is not reasonable. There must be a reason, and I intend to find it."

We arrived at the block of flats and made our way to the one in question. Poirot examined the exterior carefully, noting the position of the windows and the entrance. He then rang the bell of the flat above.

The door was opened by a young lady who looked surprised to see us. She was about twenty-five, with a pleasant, intelligent face.

Poirot: "I beg your pardon, Mademoiselle. I am making inquiries concerning the flat below. I understand it has recently been let to an American couple."

Miss Langton: "Yes, that is so. I am delighted they have taken it. It has been empty for some time, and a vacant flat always makes the building feel rather dead."

Poirot: "You knew the previous tenant, perhaps?"

Miss Langton: "A little. She was a Miss Elsa Hardt. A very nice girl, but rather quiet. She used to keep herself very much to herself."

Poirot's eyes narrowed. "And where is Miss Hardt now?"

Miss Langton: "I don't know, Monsieur. She left quite suddenly about six months ago. She did not tell anyone she was going. She just disappeared."

Poirot: "Disappeared? You mean no one knows where she went?"

Miss Langton: "No one. The landlord had to break into the flat to see what had happened. He found all her things there, exactly as she had left them. She had not even packed a bag."

Poirot thanked the young lady and we left. I could see that he was deeply interested in the case.

Poirot: "We are on the track of something, my friend. A young woman who disappears without taking her clothes, a flat let at a ridiculously low rent — there is a connection, I am sure of it."

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 3 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part III

Summary: Poirot uncovers a major criminal operation behind the cheap flat. He discovers that the flat was being used for clandestine meetings, and the Robinsons are in grave danger.

We returned to Poirot's rooms, where he spent the rest of the day making inquiries and sending telegrams. I could see that he was deeply excited by the case, though he kept his thoughts to himself.

The next morning, I was awakened by the arrival of the Robinsons. They had come early, and they looked even more anxious than before.

Mrs. Robinson: "Monsieur Poirot, we have had a terrible fright! Last night, when we were sitting in the flat, someone tried to break in. We heard a noise at the door, and when we looked through the peephole, there was a man trying to pick the lock."

Poirot: "Did you see his face?"

Mr. Robinson: "Not clearly. It was dark in the corridor. But he was a tall man, and he was wearing a dark overcoat."

Poirot nodded slowly. "I expected something of this kind. You are in danger, my friends. The flat is being used for purposes of which you know nothing."

Hastings: "For what purposes?"

Poirot: "For criminal purposes, my friend. The flat was previously occupied by a young woman who was a member of a gang of international spies. She used it as a meeting-place. When she disappeared, the gang needed another tenant — one who would be above suspicion. They chose the Robinsons, and they arranged the rent to make it attractive."

Poirot then turned to the Robinsons. "You are not safe there. I must ask you to leave the flat at once and come with me to the police station."

Mr. Robinson: "But what about our things?"

Poirot: "You must leave them. They are not as important as your lives. Come, we have no time to lose."

We hurried to Montagu Mansions, and Poirot led the Robinsons to the police station. He then returned to the flat and, with the help of the police, conducted a thorough search.

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 4 — The Adventure of the Cheap Flat · Part IV

Summary: The criminal gang is apprehended, and the mystery of the cheap flat is solved. Poirot explains how he unraveled the whole scheme.

In the course of the search, Poirot found a hiding-place behind the fireplace, which contained a quantity of valuable papers and a large sum of money. He also discovered a secret compartment in the floor, where a number of weapons were stored.

That evening, we sat in Poirot's rooms, and he explained the whole case to me.

Poirot: "It was a very clever scheme, my friend. The gang had been using the flat as a meeting-place for their criminal activities. They chose Miss Elsa Hardt as their first tenant because she was young, quiet, and above suspicion. When she grew frightened and tried to leave, they made her disappear."

Hastings: "Disappear? Do you mean they killed her?"

Poirot: "No, my friend. They did not kill her. They took her to a house in the country and kept her prisoner there. She is now safe, and she is helping the police with their inquiries."

Poirot smiled contentedly. "You see, my friend, the key to the whole thing was the rent. It was too low to be reasonable. That was what aroused my suspicions. From there, it was a simple matter to trace the gang and their connections."

Hastings: "And what will happen to the Robinsons?"

Poirot: "They are safe now. They will return to America, I hope, and forget all about this unpleasant business."

I was amazed at the way Poirot had pieced together the case from such small clues. It was another triumph for his remarkable powers of deduction.

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 5 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part I

Summary: Poirot and Hastings are called to investigate a murder at Hunter's Lodge, a remote hunting lodge in Scotland. The victim is a wealthy American, and the circumstances are suspicious.

It was a cold, foggy afternoon when Poirot received a telegram from Inspector Japp, summoning him to Scotland with all speed. A murder had been committed at Hunter's Lodge, a remote hunting lodge in the Highlands, and Japp was puzzled by the case.

Poirot: "We must leave at once, my friend. This telegram says that the victim is a wealthy American, a Mr. Harrington Pace. He was shot in his study, and there are no clues."

Hastings: "No clues? That is unusual."

Poirot: "It is very unusual. That is why Japp has called me. He knows that I can see the things that others overlook."

We traveled north by train, and arrived at Hunter's Lodge late that evening. The house was a large, gloomy building, set in a bleak landscape of moorland and mountains. Inspector Japp met us at the door, looking tired and frustrated.

Inspector Japp: "I am glad you have come, Monsieur Poirot. This case is a real puzzle. The victim is Mr. Harrington Pace, a wealthy American who was shooting here with a party of friends. He was found dead in the study this morning, shot through the head."

Poirot: "And the weapon?"

Japp: "It was a revolver, but it is not here. It must have been taken away."

Poirot asked to see the scene of the crime. He examined the study carefully, looking at the position of the furniture, the windows, and the door. He then turned to Japp.

Poirot: "Tell me about the guests. Who was staying in the house?"

Japp: "There were six of them. Mr. Pace's nephew, a young man named Roger Havering; a Mr. and Mrs. Lorrimer; a Major Bothwell; and two ladies, Miss Mary Marvell and Mrs. Middleton."

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 6 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part II

Summary: Poirot interviews the guests and discovers a web of conflicting stories and hidden motives. He begins to suspect that the murder was not a random act.

The next morning, Poirot began to interview the guests. He started with Roger Havering, the victim's nephew, who was clearly upset by the tragedy.

Poirot: "Tell me, Monsieur Havering, what was your uncle's state of mind during the last few days? Was he worried about anything?"

Roger Havering: "He was rather worried, Monsieur Poirot. He had received some threatening letters, anonymous letters, about a business matter. He did not tell me the details, but I could see that they disturbed him."

Poirot: "And did he say anything about these letters to anyone else?"

Roger Havering: "I think he spoke to Major Bothwell about them. They were old friends, you know."

Poirot then interviewed Major Bothwell, a bluff, hearty soldier of about fifty. He confirmed that Mr. Pace had spoken to him about the letters.

Major Bothwell: "Yes, Pace was worried. He had received some nasty letters, threatening to expose something if he did not pay up. I told him to go to the police, but he refused."

Poirot: "Did he say what the letters threatened to expose?"

Major Bothwell: "He did not say anything definite. But I gathered it was something to do with his past, something that had happened in America."

Poirot thanked Major Bothwell and turned to the other guests, but none of them could add anything to the story. He was left with a collection of conflicting accounts and no clear motive.

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 7 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part III

Summary: Poirot's investigation reaches a turning point when he discovers a vital clue that everyone else has overlooked.

Poirot spent the rest of the day examining the scene of the crime. He went over every inch of the study, looking for something that the police might have missed. Finally, he gave a cry of triumph.

Poirot: "Here, my friend, is the clue we have been looking for. This small button, lying under the desk. It is a button from a waistcoat, and it is not of English make. It is American."

Hastings: "That is a clue?"

Poirot: "It is the most important clue in the case. It tells us that the murderer was an American, not a member of the household."

Poirot then asked to see the revolver that had been used to shoot Mr. Pace. He examined it carefully, and then he smiled.

Poirot: "There was a second revolver here. I am sure of it. And that second revolver is now in the possession of the murderer."

Hastings: "But how do you know that?"

Poirot: "Because the first revolver was not the one that killed Mr. Pace. It was planted here to confuse the police. The real murder weapon is missing, and it is with the murderer."

I was amazed at Poirot's deductive powers. He had found a clue that everyone else had missed, and he was now on the trail of the real killer.

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

Chapter 8 — The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge · Part IV

Summary: Poirot reveals the identity of the murderer and explains the whole scheme. The case is solved, and justice is done.

That evening, Poirot gathered all the guests together in the library of Hunter's Lodge. He stood before them, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

Poirot: "I have solved the mystery of Mr. Pace's death. The murderer is not a stranger, but a member of this household. And the motive was greed."

Poirot: "The murderer is you, Mr. Roger Havering."

Roger Havering gave a cry of astonishment. "Me? But I am his nephew! Why would I kill my own uncle?"

Poirot: "Because he had changed his will, Monsieur. He had cut you out of it and left his money to charity. You knew that, and you killed him to prevent him from making the change. You shot him, and you then planted a false revolver to throw suspicion on someone else."

Roger Havering broke down and confessed to the crime. He was taken away by the police, and the mystery of Hunter's Lodge was solved.

Inspector Japp: "Magnificent, Monsieur Poirot! I should never have suspected the nephew."

Poirot: "It was the button, my friend. The American button. It told me that the murderer was an American, and that pointed directly to Roger Havering."

And so another case was concluded, and Poirot's reputation as the greatest detective in the world was confirmed once again.

References:
Poirot Investigates - Project Gutenberg

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