CHAPTER 7 Fourth Murderer?

· Despard entered the room with a quick springing step--a step that reminded Poirot of something or some one. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting all this while, Major Despard," said Battle. "But I wanted to let the ladies get away as soon'as possible." "Don't apologise. I understand." He sat down and looked ihquiringly at the superintendent¹. "How well did you know Mr. Shaitana?" began the latter. "I've met him twice," said Despard crisply. "Only twice?" "That's all." "On what occasions?" "About a month ago we were both dining at the same house. Then he asked me to a cocktail² party a week later." "A cocktail party here?" "Yes." "Where did it take place--this room or the drawing-room?" "In all the rooms." "See this little thing lying about?"Battle once more produced the stilleto.
Major Despard's lip twisted slightly.
"No," he said. "I didn't mark it down on that occasion for future use.""There's no need to go ahead of what I say, Major Despard.""I beg your pardon. The inference was fairly obvious."There was a moment's pause, then Battle resumed his inquiries³.
"Had you any motive⁴ for disliking Mr. Shaitana?'
"Every motive."
"Eh?" The superintendent sounded startled.
"For disliking him--not for killing⁵ him," said Despard. "I hadn't the least wishto kill him, but I would thoroughly⁶ have enjoyed kicking him. A pity. It's too latenow.""Why did you want to kick him, Major Despard?""Because he was the sort of Dago who needed kicking badly. He used to make the toe of my boot fairly itch⁷.""Know anything about him--to his discredit

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