Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - A Short Story Mystery - Poirot and The Kidnapped Prime Minister

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Starting point is 00:00:46 please go to sleepcove.com slash support. That's sleepcove.com slash support. If you can't support the show right now, please subscribe with a bell to get alerts on all new free content thank you have you ever gazed in wonder at the great pyramid have you marvelled at the golden face of Tudankhamun

Starting point is 00:01:16 or admired the delicate features of Queen Nefertiti if you have you'll probably like the History of Egypt podcast every week we explore tales of this ancient culture The history of Egypt is available wherever you get your podcasting fix. Come, let me introduce you to the world of ancient Egypt. I'm Christopher Fitton and welcome to the story. Tonight I'm reading the mystery story of Poirot and the kidnapped Prime Minister. In the story, Poirot, the famous Belgian detective,

Starting point is 00:02:02 is approached for help by the government after the British Prime Minister has been kidnapped. Can Poirot solved the riddle in time before the PM is used by the enemy? So please get comfortable and let's begin. The Kidnapped Prime Minister by Agatha Christie

Starting point is 00:02:25 Chapter 1 Now that war and the problems of war are things of the past I think I may safely venture to reveal to the world the part which my friend Poirot played in a moment of national crisis. The secret has been well guarded. Not a whisper of it reached the press,

Starting point is 00:02:51 but now that the need for secrecy has gone by, I feel it is only just that England should know the debt it owes to my quaint little friend, whose marvellous brain so aptly adverted a great cataw. One evening after dinner, I will not particularise the date, it suffices to say that it was at the time when peace by negotiation was the parrot cry of England's enemies. My friend and I were sitting in his rooms. After being invalidated out of the army, I had been given a recruiting job, and it had become my custom to drop in Empirotro

Starting point is 00:03:37 in the evenings after dinner and talk with him of any cases of interest that he might have on hand. I was attempting to discuss with him the sensational news of that day, no less than an attempted assassination of Mr David McAdam, England's Prime Minister. The account in the papers had evidently been carefully censored. No details were given, say, that the Prime Minister had had a marvellous escape, the bullet just grazing his cheek. I considered that our police must have been shamefully careless for such an outrage to be possible.

Starting point is 00:04:24 I could well understand that the German agents in England would be willing to risk much for such an achievement. Fighting Mac, as his own party had nicknamed him, had strongly and unequivocally combated the paversist influence which was becoming so prevalent. He was more than England's Prime Minister. He was England, and to have removed him from his sphere of influence would have been a crushing and paralysing blow to Britain.

Starting point is 00:04:59 Poirot was busy, mopping a grey suit with a minute sponge. Never was there such a dandy as Hercule Poirot. Neatness and order were his passion. Now with the odour of benzene filling the air, he was quite unable to give me his full attention. In a little minute, I am with you, my friend. I have all but finished. the spot of grease, he is not good, I remove him, so.

Starting point is 00:05:34 He waved his sponge. I smiled as I lit another cigarette, anything interesting on after a minute or two. I assist her, how do you call it, child lady to find her husband, a difficult affair, needing the tact of a little idea that when he is found, He will not be pleased. What would you? For my part, I sympathise with him. He was a man of discrimination to lose himself.

Starting point is 00:06:15 The spot of Greece, he is gone. I am at your disposal. I was asking you what you thought of this attempt to assassinate McAdam. Enfantinage, replied Poirot promptly. One can hardly tell me. ticket seriously, to fire with the rifle. Never does it succeed. It is a device of the past. It was very near succeeding at this time, I reminded him. Poirot shook his head impatiently. He was about to reply when the landlady thrust her head round the door and informed him

Starting point is 00:06:58 there were two gentlemen below who wanted to see him. They won't give their name, sir, but they says as it's very important. Let them mount, said Poirot, carefully folding his grey trousers. In a few minutes the two visitors were ushered in, and my heart gave a leap, as in the foremost I recognised no less a personage than Lord Estre, leader of the House of Commons. whilst his companion, Mr Bernard Dodge, was also a member of the War Cabinet, and as I knew, a close personal friend of the Prime Minister.

Starting point is 00:07:45 Mr. Poirot, said Lord Astaire interrogatively, my friend bowed, the great man looked at me and hesitated. My business is private. You may speak freely before Captain Eastings. said my friend, nodding to me to remain. He is not all the gifts no, but I answer for his discretion. Still hesitated,

Starting point is 00:08:15 but Mr. Dodge broke in abruptly. Oh come on, don't let's beat about the bush. As far as I can see, the whole of England will know the hole we're in soon enough. Time is everything. Pray be seated, messieurs, said Poirot politely. When you take the big chair, Miller, but a stare started slightly.

Starting point is 00:08:42 You know me. Porro smiled. Certainly, I read the little papers with the pictures. How should I not know you? But continued, Mr. Porro, I have come to consult you upon a matter of the most vital urgency. I must ask for absolute. Secrecy. You have the word of Urquois, I can see no more, said my friend grand-diloquently. It concerns the Prime Minister. We are in grave trouble. We're up a tree, interposed Mr. Dodge.

Starting point is 00:09:25 The injury is serious then? I asked. What injury? The bullet wound. Oh that, cried Mr. dodge contemptuously. That's old history. As my colleague says, continued Lord Astaire, that affair is over and done with. Luckily it failed. I wish I could say as much for the second attempt. There has been a second attempt then? Yes, though not of the same nature, Mr. Poirot. The Prime Minister has disappeared. Impossible. I cried, stupefied. Poirot threw a withering glance at me, which I knew enjoyed me to keep my mouth shut.

Starting point is 00:10:16 Unfortunately, impossible as it seems, it is only too true, continued his lordship. Poirot looked at Mr. Dodge. You said just now, monsieur, that time was everything. What did you mean by that? The two men exchanged glances, and then Lord Astaire said, You have heard Mr. Porro of the approaching Allied conference? My friend nodded.

Starting point is 00:10:49 For obvious reasons, no details have been given of when and where it is to take place. But although it has been kept out of the papers, the date is, of course, widely known in diplomatic circles. The conference is to be held to Thursday Eve to perceive the terrible gravity of the situation. I will not conceal from you that the Prime Minister's presence at the conference is a vital necessity. The pacifist propaganda started and maintained by the German agents in our midst has been very active. It is the universal opinion that the turning point of the conference will be the strong, personality of the Prime Minister. His absence may have the most serious results,

Starting point is 00:11:46 possibly a mature and disastrous peace, and we have no one who can be sent in his place. He alone can represent England. Poirot's face had grown very grave, the kidnapping of the Prime Minister as a direct attempt to prevent him being present at the conference. Most certainly I do. He was actually on his way to France at the time. And the confidence is to be held. At nine o'clock tomorrow night. Fouro drew an enormous watch from his pocket.

Starting point is 00:12:28 It is now a quarter to nine. Twenty-four hours, said Mr. Dodge thoughtfully. Do not forget the quarter, monsieur. It may come in useful. Now for the detail. The abduction. Did it take place in England or in France? In France, Mr. McAdam crossed to France this morning. He was to stay tonight as the guest of the commander-in-chief, proceeding tomorrow to Paris.

Starting point is 00:13:04 He was conveyed across the channel by a destroyer. At Boulogne he was met by a car from General Headquarters, and one of the commander, chiefs ADCs. Urbia? Well, they started from Boulogne, but they never arrived. What? said Paro in shock. Monsieur Porrow, it was a bogus car and a bogus ADC. The real car was found in a side road with a chauffeur and the ADC

Starting point is 00:13:36 neatly gagged and bound. And the Buccas car? It has stood at large. Poirot made a gesture of impatience. Incredible. Surely it cannot escape attention for long. So we thought also, it seemed merely a question of searching thoroughly. The part of France is under military law.

Starting point is 00:14:02 We were convinced that the car could not go long unnoticed. The French police and our own Scotland Yardmen and the military are straining every nerve It is, as you say, incredible, but nothing has been discovered. At that moment, a tap came up the door, and a young officer entered with a heavily sealed envelope, when she handed to Lord Astaire. Just through from France, sir, I brought it on here as he directed. The minister tore it open eagerly, and uttered an exclamation, the officer with Drew.

Starting point is 00:14:46 Here it is at last. This telegram has been decoded. They have found the second car. Also the Secretary Daniels, chloroformed, gagged and bound in an abandoned farm nearby. He remembers nothing except something being pressed against his mouth and nose from behind

Starting point is 00:15:07 and struggling to free himself. And they found nothing else, said Morrow. No. Not the Prime Minister's dead body? Then there is Obe, but it is strange. Why, after trying to shoot him this morning, are they now taking so much trouble to keep him alive? Dodge shook his head. One thing's quite certain. They're determined at all cost to prevent his attending the conference. If it is humanly possible, the Prime Minister shall be there. God grant it is not too late. Now, monsieur, recount to me everything, from the beginning. I must know about this shooting affair as well. Last night, the Prime Minister, accompanied by one of his secretaries, Captain Daniels,

Starting point is 00:16:03 the same one who accompanied him to France. Yes, as I was saying, they moated down to Windsor, where the Prime Minister was granted an audience. Early this morning, he returned to town, and it was on the attempted assassination took place. One moment, if you please. Who is this Captain Daniels? Do you have his dossier? Lord Astaire smiled. I thought you would ask me that. We do not know very much of him. He is of no particular family. He has served in the English army. and is an extremely able secretary, being an exceptionally fine linguist. I believe he speaks seven languages.

Starting point is 00:16:53 It is for that reason that the Prime Minister chose him to accompany him to France. Has he any relatives in England? said Poirot. Two aunts, a Mrs. Everard, who lives at Hampstead, and a Miss Daniels who lives near Ascot. The point has not been overlooked, but it has led to nothing. You regard the Captain Dan suspicion? A shade of bitterness crept into your reply. No, Monsieur Paro, in these days I should hesitate before I pronounced anyone above suspicion. Trampier, now I understand, my lord, that the Prime Minister would, as a matter of course,

Starting point is 00:17:51 be under vigilant police protection, which ought to render any assault upon him an impossibility? Lord Astaire bowed his head. That is so, the Prime Minister's car was closely followed by another car containing detectives in plain clothes. Mr. McAdam knew nothing of these precautions. He is personally a most fearless man and would be inclined to sweep them away arbitrarily. But naturally the police make their own arrangements. In fact, the premier chauffeur, O'Mirfi, that is the name of Ireland, is it not so? said Poirot.

Starting point is 00:18:38 Yes, he is an Irishman. From what part of Ireland? County Clare, I believe. Tia, but proceed, my lord, said Porro. The Premier started for London. The car was a closed one. He and Captain Daniels sat inside. The second car followed, as usual.

Starting point is 00:19:04 But unluckily, for some unknown reason, the Prime Minister's car deviated from the main road. At a point where the road curves, interrupted Poirot. Yes, but how did you know? Oh, it's evident, continue, said Poirot. For some unknown reason, continued Lord Astaire, the Premier's car left the main road, the police car, unaware of the deviation,

Starting point is 00:19:38 continued to keep to the high road. At a short distance, down the unfrequented lane, the Prime Minister's car was suddenly held up by a band, of masked men. The chauffeur. That brave O' Murphy with a thought The chauffeur

Starting point is 00:20:02 momentarily taken aback jammed on the brakes. The Prime Minister put his head out of the window instantly a shot The first one grazed his cheek. The second fortunately went wide.

Starting point is 00:20:22 The chauffeur now realizing the danger instantly forged straight ahead, scattering the band of men. A near escape, I said with a shiver. Mr. McAdam refused to make any fuss over the slight wound he had received. He declared it was only a scratch. He stopped at a local cottage hospital, where it was dressed and bowed up. He did not, of course, reveal his identity. He then drove, as per schedule, straight to Charing Cross, where a special train for Dover was awaiting him,

Starting point is 00:21:06 and after a brief account of what had happened had been given to the anxious police by Captain Daniels, he was duly departed for France. At Dover, he went on board the waiting destroyer. As you know, the bogus car was waiting for him. carrying the Union Jack, every detail, replied, There is no other circumstance that you have omitted, my lord. Well, there is one rather peculiar thing, said the Lord. Yes, said Barrow.

Starting point is 00:21:53 The Prime Minister's car did not return home after leaving the Prime Minister at Charing Cross. The police were anxious to interview Omer, Murphy, so a search was instituted at once. The car was discovered, standing outside a certain and savoury little restaurant in Soho, which is well known as a meeting place of German agents. And the chauffeur, said Poirot, the chauffeur was nowhere to be found. He too had disappeared. So, said Poirot thoughtfully, there are doomed disappearance. The Prime Minister in France and O'Murphy in the...

Starting point is 00:22:41 He looked keenly at Lord Astaire, who had made a gesture of despair. I can only tell you, Monsieur Pouro, that if anyone had suggested to me yesterday that O'Murthy was a traitor, I would have laughed in his face. And today? Today I do not know what to think, nodded gravely. He looked at his turnip of a watch again. I understand that I have carte blanche, Monsieur, in every way I mean. I must be able to go where I choose, and how I choose.

Starting point is 00:23:23 Perfectly, there is a special train leaving for Dover in an hour's time, with a further contingent from Scotland Yard. You shall be accompanied by a military officer and a CID man, who will hold themselves at your disposal in every way. Is that satisfactory? Quite, said Barrow. One more question before you leave. What made you come to me, obscure, in this great London of yours?

Starting point is 00:23:57 We sought you out on the express recommendation and wish of a very great man of your own country. The old friend the prefect. The Lord Astaire shook his head, one higher than the prefect, one whose word was once law in Belgium, and shall be again. That In fact, Puro's hand flew swiftly to a dramatic salute, does not forget. M.ieurs, I occur Paro will serve you faithfully. Evan only send that it will be in time, but this is dark, dark to do. Well, Poirot, I cried impatiently, as the door closed behind the ministers.

Starting point is 00:24:59 What did you think? My friend was busy packing a minute suit case with quick deft movements. He shook his head thoughtfully. My brains desert me. Why, as you said, kidnap him when a knock on the head would do as well? I mused. Pardon me, modemee. But I did not say that.

Starting point is 00:25:30 It is undoubtedly far more their affair to kidnap him. But why? I replied. Because uncertainty creates panic. That is one reason. Were the Prime Minister dead, it would be a terrible calamity. But the situation would have to be faced. But now you have paralysis. Will the Prime Minister reappear or will he not?

Starting point is 00:26:02 Is he dead or alive? Nobody knows. And until they know, nothing definite can be done. And as I tell you, uncertainty breathes panic, which is what their Bosch are playing for. If the kidnappers are holding him secretly somewhere, they have the advantage of being able to make terms with both sides. The German government is not a liberal paymaster as a rule, but no doubt they can be made to disgorge substantial remittances in such a case as this.

Starting point is 00:26:43 Thirdly, they run no risk of the handman's role. Oh, decidedly, kidnapping is their affair. Then, if that is so, why should they first? try to shoot him. Poirot made a gesture of anger. Ah, that is just what I do not understand. It is inexplicable, stupid. They have all the arrangements made, and very good arrangements too, for the abduction, and yet they imperil the whole affair by a melodramatic attack, worthy of a cinema, and quite as unreal. It is a real. It is a real. It is a real. It is a real. almost impossible to believe in it, with his band of mazed men, not 20 miles from London.

Starting point is 00:27:36 Perhaps there were two quite separate attempts, which happened irrespective of each other, I suggested. And now, that would be too much of a coincidence. Then further, who is the traitor? There must have been a traitor, in the first affair anyway. But who, who is the traitor? There must have been a traitor, But who was it? Daniels, or It must have been one of the two Or why did the car Cannot suppose

Starting point is 00:28:10 That the Prime Minister connived at his own assassination Did O' Murphy take that turning of his own accord Or was it Daniels Who told him to do so? Surely it must have been O Murphy's doing Yes, if it was

Starting point is 00:28:28 Daniels, their prime minister would have heard the order and would have asked the reason, but there are altogether too many whys in this affair, and they contradict each other. If O' Murphy is an honest man, why did he leave the main road? But if he was a dishonest man, why did he start the car again when only two shots had been fired? Thereby in all probability, saving the Prime Minister's life. And again, if he was honest, why did he immediately, on leaving Charing Cross,

Starting point is 00:29:10 derived to a well-known rendezvous of the German spies? It looks bad, I said. Let us look at the case with method. Have we four? Take O' Murphy first. That his conduct in leaving the main road was suspicious, that he is an Irish man from County Clare, that he has disappeared in a highly suggestive manner.

Starting point is 00:29:43 For that his promptness in restarting the car saved the Premier's life, that he is a Scotland yard man, and obviously from the post allotted to him a trusted detective. There is not much against him, except the fact that nothing is known of his antecedents, and that he speaks too many languages for a good Englishman, but as an English, you are deplorable. Now for him we have the fact that he was found gagged, bound.

Starting point is 00:30:32 He might have been gagged and bound himself to divert suspicion, I said. Poirot shook his hand. The French police would make no mistake of that. that kind. Besides, once he had attained his object and the Prime Minister was safely abducted, there would not be much point in his remaining behind. His accomplices could have gagged and chloroformed him, of course, but I failed to see what object they hoped to accomplish by it. He can be of little use to them now, for until the circumstances can say, the Prime Minister have been cleared up, he is bound to be closely watched.

Starting point is 00:31:21 Perhaps he hoped to start the police on a false scent, I said. Then why does he not do so? He merely says that something was pressed over his nose and mouth, and that he remembers nothing more. There is no false scent there. It sounds remarkably, I said, glancing at the clock. I suppose we better start for the station. You may find a morgue, possibly monominy, but I doubted.

Starting point is 00:31:57 It is incredible to me that the Prime Minister has not been discovered in that limited area where the difficulty of concealing him must be tremendous. If the military and the police of two countries have not found him, how shall I, at Charing Cross, we were met by Mr. to dodge. This is Detective Barnes of Scorn and Yard and Major Norman. They will hold themselves entirely at your disposal. Good luck to you. It's a bad business, but I've not given up hope. Must be off now. And the minister strode rapidly away. We chatted in a desultory fashion with Major Norman. In the centre of the little group of men on the

Starting point is 00:32:51 platform, I recognised a little ferret-faced fellow talking to a tall, fair man. He was an old acquaintance of parrows. Detective Inspector Japp, supposed to be one of the smartest of Scotland Yards officers. He came over and greeted my friend cheerfully. I heard you were on this job too, smart bit of work So far they've got away with the goods all right But I can't believe they can keep him hidden long Our people are going through France with a tooth comb So with a French

Starting point is 00:33:33 I can't help feeling It's only a matter of ours now That is, if he is still alive Remarked the tall detective gloomily Japs face fell Yes but somehow I've got the feeling he's alive all right. Yes, yes, he's alive. But he can be. It was a curious journey. The Scotland Yard men crowded together. Matsuo showed none of his usual loquacity,

Starting point is 00:34:43 but sat staring in front of him an expression on his face that reminded me of a puzzled child. I talked to Norman, who I found quite an amusing fellow. On arriving at Dover, Poirot's behaviour moved. Their little man clutched desperately in my arm. Have courage, Poirot, I cried. You will succeed. You will find him. I am sure of it.

Starting point is 00:35:31 You mistake my emotion. The first throb of the engines were felt, and Poirot groaned and, Major Norman. has a map of northern France, if you would like to study it, I said. But no, leave me, my friend. See you to think the stomach and the brain must be in harmony. Navagier has a method most excellent for averting the meldemeir. You breathe in and out, counting six between each.

Starting point is 00:36:31 I left him to his gymnastic endeavours and went on deck. As we came slowly into Boulogne Harbour, Poirot, a Pina, another gear system, had succeeded to a marvel. Japs' forefinger were still tracing imaginary routes on his map. Nonsense, the car started from Boulogne. Here they branched off. Now my idea is that they transferred the Prime Minister to another car, see? Well, said the tall detective,

Starting point is 00:37:12 I shall make for the seaports, 10 to 1, they smuggled him on board a ship. Chap shook his head. Too obvious. The order went out at once to close all the... The day was just breaking as we landed. Major Norman touched Poirot on the arm. There's a military car here waiting for you, sir. Thank you, monsieur.

Starting point is 00:37:41 I do not propose to leave Beloit. We will end. Enter this hotel here, by the key. He suited the action to the word, demanded and was accorded a private word. He followed him, puzzled and uncomprehending. He shot a glance at us. It is not so that the good detective should act A. I perceive your thought.

Starting point is 00:38:17 He must be full of energy. He must rush to and throw. He should prostrate himself on the dusty road and seek the marks of Taas through a little glass. He must gather up the cigarette end, the fallen match. That is your idea, is it not? His eyes challenged us. But I, Urquaparot, tell you that it is not so. The true clues are within ear.

Starting point is 00:38:48 He tapped his forehead. See you. I not need have left London. It would have been sufficient for me to sit quietly in my rooms there. All that matters is the little grey cells within, secretly and silently, until suddenly I go for a map. And it is so. With method and logic, one can accomplish anything.

Starting point is 00:39:26 This frantic rushing to France was a mistake. It is playing a child's game of aid to work the right way from within. Silence, my friends, for five long hours. The little man sat motionless, blinking his eyelids like a cat, eyes flickering, and becoming steadily greener and a golden-yard man. Ordinary transformation had come over my friend. His eyes were flickering with excitement.

Starting point is 00:41:11 His chest was swelled. to the uttermost, my friends, but I see daylight at last. Major Norman moved hastily to the door, not use it. Do you mean you're going to walk, sir? To cross the sea? Yes, to work with the method, chapter three. At three o'clock, we stood once more upon chairing cross platform. To all our ex-postulations,

Starting point is 00:42:10 Waro turned a deaf ear and reiterated again and again that a start at the beginning was not of telegrams, passes held by Norman, we got through everywhere in record-tongued clothes men, one of whom

Starting point is 00:42:53 handed a typewritten sheet of paper to my friend. He answered my list of the cottage hospitals within a certain radius west of London. from Dover. We were word rapidly through the London Street Shepherds' bush.

Starting point is 00:43:20 I began to see our objective. Ascot was where Daniels had an arm. We duly stopped at the gate of a trim villa. Poirot jumped out of a perplexed frown, dimming the radiance of his face. Plainly, he was ushered inside. In a few moments he reappeared. and climbed into the car with a short sharp shake of his head, began to die down.

Starting point is 00:44:15 It was past four now, even if he found certain evidence incriminating Daniels, what would be the good of it, unless he could ring from someone the exact spot in France where they were holding the Prime Minister? Our return progress towards London was an interrupted one, which I had no difficulty in recognising as a cottage hospital. Oro only spent a few minutes at each,

Starting point is 00:44:49 but at every halt his radiant assurance was more and more restored. He whispered something to Norman to which the latter replied. Yes, if he turn off to the left, you will find them waiting by the bridge. The side road, and in the failing light, I'd ascertained a second car, waiting by the side of the road. Two men in plain clothes. Poirot got down and spoke to them, and then we started off in a northerly direction. The other car following close behind.

Starting point is 00:45:31 He drove for some time, our objective being obviously one of the northern suburbs of London. Finally, we drove up to the front door of a tall house. house, standing a little back from the road in its own grounds. Norman and I were left with the car. Poirot and one of the detectives went up to the door and a police officer, and I have a warrant to search this house. The girl gave her a little scream, and a tall, handsome woman of middle age appeared behind her in the hall. Shut the door Edith. There are burglars, I expect.

Starting point is 00:46:24 But Poirot swiftly inserted his foot in the door and at the same moment blew a whistle. Instantly the other detectives ran up and pulled into the house shutting the door behind them. Norman and I spent about five minutes cursing our forced inactivity. Finally the door reopened and the men emerged escorting three prisoners, a woman and two men.

Starting point is 00:46:57 The woman and one of the men were taken to the second car. The other man was placed in our car by Poirot himself. I must go with the others, my friend, but have great care of this gentleman. You do not know him, no, and be a man. let me present to you, Mr. O' Murphy. But I did not fancy he would try to escape. He sat there staring in front of him, as though dazed. Norman and I would be more than a match for him.

Starting point is 00:47:43 To my surprise, we still kept and much puzzled. Suddenly, as the car slowed down, I recognised that we were close to Hendon Aerodrome. immediately his idea. He proposed to reach France by aeroplane. It was a sporting idea, but on the face of it, impractical, a telegram would be far quicker, everything. He must leave the personal glory of rescuing the Prime Minister to others. As we drew up, Major Norman jumped out, and a plain-clothes man took his place. He conferred with Poirot for a few minutes, briskly.

Starting point is 00:48:40 I too jumped out and caught Poirot by the arm. I congratulate you, old fellow. They have told you the hiding place. But look here, you must wight a France at once. You'll be too late if you go yourself. Poirot looked at me curiously for a minute or two. Unfortunately, my friend, there are some things that cannot be sent by telegram. At that moment, Major Norman returned, accompanied by a young officer in the uniform

Starting point is 00:49:13 of the flying corps. This is Captain Nail, who will fire you over to France. He can start at once. Wrap up warmly, sir, said the young pilot. I can lend you a coat if you like. Poirot was consulting his enormous watch. He murmured to himself, yes, there is tant. Just time. Then he looked up and bowed politely to the young officer. I thank you, monsieur, but it is not I who am your passenger. It is this gentleman here. So aside as he spoke, and a figure came forward out of the darkness.

Starting point is 00:49:57 It was the second male prisoner who had gone into the other car. And as the light fell on his face, I gave a gasp of surprise. Prime Minister Chapter 4 For heaven's sake tell me all about it I cried impatiently as Poirot, Norman and I

Starting point is 00:50:23 motored back to London How in the world did they manage to smuggle him back to England There was no need to smuggle him back replied Poirro dryly The Prime Minister has never left England He was kidnapped on his way

Starting point is 00:50:41 from Windsor to London was in his car, his secretary beside him. Suddenly, a pad of chloroform is clapped on his face. But by whom? By the clever linguistic

Starting point is 00:51:02 Captain Daniels. As soon as the Prime Minister is unconscious, Daniels picks up the speaking tube and directs O' Murphy to turn to the right, which the chauffeur quite unsuspicious does.

Starting point is 00:51:19 A few yards down that unfrequented road, a large car is standing. Its driver signals to O'Murphy to stop. O'Murphy slows up. The stranger approaches. Daniels means probably with the aid of an instantaneous anesthetic, such as ethelora form, a few seconds, the two helpless men are drugged out,

Starting point is 00:51:55 and transferred to the other car. Impossible, I said. Pater Too. Have you not seen musical actors imitating celebrities with marvellous accuracy? Nothing is easier than to personate

Starting point is 00:52:15 a public character. The Prime Minister of England is far easier to understudy than Mr. John Smith of Clapensei. As for O'Murphy's double, no one was going to take much notice of him until after the departure of the Prime Minister

Starting point is 00:52:35 he would have made himself scarce. He drives straight from Charing Cross to the meeting place of his friends. He goes in as O' Murphy. He emerges as someone quite different. O' Murphy has disappeared, leaving a conveniently suspicious trail behind him. But the man who personated the Prime Minister

Starting point is 00:53:02 was seen by everyone He was not seen by anyone Who knew him privately or intimately And Daniel shielded him from contact With anyone as much as possible His face was bandaged up And anything unusual in his manner Would be put down to the fact that he was suffering from shock

Starting point is 00:53:28 As a result of the attempt upon his knife. Mr. McAdam has a weak throat and always spares his voice as much as possible before any great speech. The deception was perfectly easy to keep up as far as France, impractical and impossible, so the Prime Minister disappears. The police of this country hurry across the channel, and no one bothers to go into the detail of the detail of the details of the first attack. To sustain the illusion that the abduction has taken place in France, Daniels is gagged and chloroformed in a convincing manner. And the man who was enacted the part of the Prime Minister, I responded, he rids himself of his disguise. He and the bogus chauffeur

Starting point is 00:54:26 may be arrested as suspicious characters, but no one will dream of suspicious. But no one will dream of suspecting their real part in the drama eventually be released for lack of evidence. And the real Prime Minister, I said. He and O' Murphy were driven straight to the house of Mrs. Everard, at Hampstead, Daniel's so-called aunt. In reality, she is fraubertha Evanthal, and the police have been looking for her for some time. It is a valuable little present that I have made to them To say nothing of Daniels

Starting point is 00:55:06 Ah, it was a clever plan But he did not reckon on the cleverness of Urquil Poirot I think my friend might well be excused His moment of vanity When did you first appear to suspect the truth of the matter When I began to work the right way From within I could not make that shooting affair fit in

Starting point is 00:55:30 but when I saw that the net result of it was the Prime Minister went to France with his face bound up I began to comprehend and when I visited all the cottage hospitals between Windsor and London and found that no one answering to my description

Starting point is 00:55:49 had had his face bound up and dressed that morning it was child's play the following morning Poirot showed me a telegram he had just received He had no place of origin and was unsigned. Later in the day the evening papers published an account of the Allied Conference.

Starting point is 00:56:22 They laid particular stress on the magnificent ovation accorded to Mr David McAdam, whose inspiring speech had produced a deep and lasting impression.

Guided Sleep Meditation & Sleep Hypnosis from Sleep Cove - A Short Story Mystery - Poirot and The Kidnapped Prime Minister

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