Page:The Big Four (Christie).pdf/149

 “You suspect Dr. Savaronoff of putting him out of the way?” I cried.

“Hardly that,” said Japp dryly. “I don’t think even a Russian would murder another man in order not to be beaten at chess—and anyway, from all I can make out, the boot was likely to be on the other leg. The doctor is supposed to be very hot stuff—second to Lasker they say he is.”

Poirot nodded thoughtfully.

“Then what exactly is your little idea?" he asked. “Why should Wilson be poisoned ? For, I assume, of course, that it is poison you suspect.”

“Naturally. Heart failure means your heart stops beating—that’s all there is to that. That’s what a doctor says officially at the moment, but privately he tips us the wink that he’s not satisfied.”

“When is the autopsy to take place?”

“To-night. Wilson’s death was extraordinarily sudden. He seemed quite as usual and was actually moving one of the pieces when he suddenly fell forward—dead!”

“There are very few poisons would act in such a fashion,” objected Poirot.

“I know. The autopsy will help us, I expect. But why should any one want Gilmour Wilson