Music Welcome to snoozecast, the podcast is owned to help you fall asleep. Find us at snoozecast.com and if you enjoy our show, please share us with a friend. This episode is brought to you by Apport Mantel. Tonight, we'll read The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, a short story written by Agatha Christie and published in 1924 as part of her Porrow Investigates series. this story, a million dollars of bonds disappear from under a young man's nose and he is being held accountable. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to our first Porro story, The Western Star, which aired in June of 2022, and the cheap flat, which aired in August of the same year. By the way, a portmanteau has two meanings. One is the way it is used in this story, a large suitcase or trunk that opens into two equal parts. The other way is as a word that blends the sounds and combining the meanings of two others. For example, Motel, which combines motor and hotel, podcast, which combines iPod with broadcast, or of course, snooze cast which contains getting cozy with bedtime.

Let's get cozy. Close your eyes. Relax your body into the softness of your bed.

Now, take a the crime instead. You are on the, how do you say it, and get rich quick tak, eh, monomy? Well, look at this last coup, the million dollars worth of liberty bonds which the London and Scottish bank were sending to New York, and which disappeared in such a remarkable manner on board the Olympia. If it were not for the Mondemur, also you say, sea sickness, I should delight to voyage myself on one of these big lightness, murmured pro-ro dreamily. Yes, indeed, I said enthusiastically, some of them must be perfect palaces, the swimming paths, the lounges,

the restaurant, the pong courts. Really it must be hard to believe that one is on the sea. Me? I always know when I am on the sea," said Porro, sadly. And all those big subtleties that you enumerate, they say nothing to me.

But my friend, consider for a moment the geniuses that travel as it were incognito. Unbore these floating palaces as you so justly call them. One would meet the elite, the hut no less of the criminal world. I laughed. So, that's the way your enthusiasm runs. You would have liked to cross swords with the man who sneaked the Liberty Bonds. The land lady interrupted us. A young lady as wants to see you, Mr. Porot, here's her card. The card bore the inscription, Mrs. Asme Farquhar, and Porot, after diving under the table to retrieve a stray crumb, and putting it carefully in the waste paper basket, nodded to the landlady to admit her. In another minute, one of the most charming girls I have ever seen was ushered into the room. She was perhaps about five and twenty, with big brown eyes. She was well dressed and perfectly composed in manner. down, my big of you, Madame O'Zelle. This is my friend, Captain Aesthings, who aids me in my little problems. I'm afraid it is a big problem I have brought you today, must your parole, said the girl, giving me a pleasant bow as she seated herself. I dare say you have read about it in the papers, and I am referring to the theft of Liberty Bonds on the Olympia. Some astonishment must have shown itself on Perot's face, for she continued quickly. Your doubtless asking yourself what I have to do with a grave institution like the London and Scottish bank. In one sense, nothing. In another sense, everything. You see, Miss Your Pearl, I am engaged to Mr. Philip Ridgeway. Aha. And Mr. Ridgeway was in charge of the bonds when they were stolen. And of course, no actual blame can attach to him. It was not his fault in any way. Nevertheless, he has to strut over the matter, and his uncle, I know, insists that he must carelessly have mentioned having them in his possession. It is a terrible setback in his career. Who is his uncle?

Mr. Vavasore, joint general manager of the London and Scottish bank. Suppose Miss Fakua that you recounted to me the whole story. Very well. As you know, the bank wished to extend their credits in America, and for this purpose decided to send over a million dollars in Liberty Bonds. Mr. Volassaur selected his nephew, who had occupied a position of trust in the bank for many years and who was conversant with all the details of the bank's dealings in New York to make the trip. The Olympia sailed from Liverpool on the 23rd, and the bonds were handed over to Philip on the morning of that day by Mr. Vavisaur and Mr. Shah, the two joint general managers of the London and Scottish Bank, they were counted enclosed in a package and sealed in his presence, and he then locked the package at once in his portmanteau. If Bortmanteau within ordinary lock? No, Mr. Shaw insisted on a special lock being fitted to it by hubs. Philip, as I say, placed the package at the bottom of the trunk. It was stolen just a few hours before reaching New York. Our rigorous search of the whole ship was made, but without result. The bond seemed literally to have vanished a thin air. Poro made a grimace. But they did not vanish absolutely, since I gather that they were sold in small parcels within half an hour of the docking of the Olympia. Well, undoubtedly the next thing is for me to see a Mr. Ritchway. I was about to suggest that you should lunch with me at the Cheshire cheese. Philip will be there. He is meeting me, but does not yet know that I have been consulting you on his behalf. We agreed to this suggestion readily enough, and drove there in a taxi. Mr. Philip Ridgeway was there before us and looked somewhat surprised to see his fiance arriving with two complete strangers. He was a nice-looking young fellow, tall and spruce, with a touch of graying hair at his temples, though he could not have been much over thirty. Miss Farcourt went up to him and laid her hand on his arm. He must forgive my acting without consulting you, Philip. She said, let me introduce you to Miss Yourporo, of whom you must often have heard and his friend de Captain Hastings. Ridgway looked very astonished. Of course, I have heard of you, Monsieur Porot, he said, as he shook hands, but I had no idea that Esme was thinking of consulting you about my… our… trouble. I was afraid you would not let me do it, Philip. Said Miss Farquhar, meekly. Missed you took care to be on the safe side. He observed with his smile. I hope must your parole will be able to throw some light on this extraordinary puzzle. I confess can fast frankly that I am nearly out of my mind with worry and anxiety about it. Indeed, his face looked drawn and haggard and showed only to clearly the strain under which he was laboring. Well well, said parole, let this lunch, and over lunch, we will put our heads together and see what can be done. I want to hear Mr. Ridgeway's story from his own lips. Whilst we discussed the excellent stake in kidney-putting of the establishment, Philip Ridgeway narrated the circumstances leading to the disappearance of the bonds. His story agreed with that of Miss Farquhar in every particular. When he had finished, Perot took up the thread with a question. What exactly led you to discover that the bonds had been stolen, Mr. Ritchway? He laughed rather bitterly. The things stared me in the face, Miss Earper-Roh, and I couldn't have missed it. My cabin trunk was half out from one of the bunk and all scratched and cut about where they tried to force the lock. But I understood that it had been opened with a key. That's so. They tried to force it but couldn't. And in the end, they must have got to unlock somehow or other. Mmm, curious. Said Borough, his eyes beginning to flicker with the green light I knew so well. Very curious. They waste much, much time trying to pry it open. And then, saprsteep, they find that they have the key all the time, for each of Hub's locks are unique. That's just why they couldn't have had the key. It never left me day or night. You assure that. I can swear to it, and besides, if they had had the key or duplicate, why should they waste time trying to force an obviously unforesable log? Ah, there is exactly the question we are asking ourselves. I venture to prophecy that the solution, if we ever find it, will hinge on that curious fact. I beg of you not to assault me if I ask you one more question. Are you perfectly certain that you did not leave the trunk unlocked? The refrigerator merely looked at him and pro-row gesticulated apologetically. Ah, but these things can happen, I assure you. Very well. The bonds were stolen from the trunk. What did the thief do with them? How did he manage to get the shore with them? Haha. Pride Ridgeway. That's just it. How word was passed to the customs authorities, and every soul that left the ship was gone over with a tooth comb. In the bonds, I gather, made of a bulky package. Certainly, they did. They could hardly have been hidden on board. And anyway, we know they weren't because they were offered for sale within half an hour of the Olympia's arrival, long before I got the cables going, and the numbers sent out. One broker swears, he bought some of them even before the Olympia got in. But you can't send bonds by wireless. Not by wireless, but did any tug come alongside? Only the official ones, and that was after the alarm was given when everyone was on the lookout. I was watching out myself for there being passed over to someone that way. My God, Monsieur Perot, this thing will drive me mad. People are beginning to say I stole them myself. But you also have searched on landing, weren't you? Asked Perot gently. Yes, the young man stared at him in a puzzled manner. You do not catch my meaning, I see," said Perot, smiling. Now, I should like to make a few inquiries at the bank. Ridgeway produced a card and scribbled a few words on it. Send this in and my uncle will see you at once. For Oth him, bade farewell to Miss Farquhar, and together we started out for Thread Needle Street in the head office of the London and Scottish Bank. On production of Ridgeway's card, we were led through the labyrinth of counters and desks, skirting, paying in clerks, and paying out clerks, and up to a small office on the first floor, where the joint general managers received us. They were two grave gentlemen, who had grown gray in the service of the bank. Mr. Vava Soar had a short white beard. Mr. Shah was clean, shaven.

I understand you are strictly a private inquiry agent," said Mr. Avassor. We have, of course, placed ourselves in the hands of Scotland Yard. Inspector McNeil has charged the case. A very able officer, I believe. I am sure of it, said Borough politely.

You will permit a few questions on your nephew's behalf. About this lock. Who ordered it from hubs? I ordered it myself, said Mr. Shah. I would not trust any clerk in the matter. to the keys Mr. Ridgeway had one, and the other two are held by my colleague and myself, and a no-look has had access to them. Mr. Shah turned inquiringly to Mr. Vava-sor. I think I am correct in saying that they have remained in the safe where we place them on the 23rd," said Mr. Vavasore. My colleague was unfortunately taken ill of Fortnite ago. In fact, on the very day that Philip left us, he has only just recovered. Severe bronchitis is no joke to a man of my age," said Mr. Shaw, roofily. But I am afraid Mr. Vavasore has suffered from the hard work entailed by my absence, especially with this unexpected worry coming on top of everything. Barrow asked a few more questions. I judged that he was endeavoring to gauge the exact amount of intimacy between uncle

and nephew. Mr. Vava Saur's answers were brief. His nephew was a trusted official of the bank and had no debts or money difficulties that he knew of. He had been entrusted with similar missions in the past. Finally, we were politely bowed out. I am disappointed," said Porro, as we emerged into the street. You hope to discover more. They are such stodgy old men. It is not their staginess, which disappoints me.

Monomy, I do not expect to find in the bank manager a keen financial year with an equal glances as your favorite works of fiction put it. No, I am disappointed in the case. It It is too easy.

Easy?

Yes?

Do you not find it almost childishly simple? You know who stole the bonds I do. But then we must why do not confuse and flush to your self-aesthings. We are not going to do anything at present. But why? What are you waiting for? For the Olympia. She is due on her return trip from New York on Tuesday. But if you know who stole the bonds, why wait? He may escape. To a south sea island where there is no extradition, no manammi. He would find life very uncongenial there. As to why I wait? Ah, be in. To the intelligence of Poirot. The case is perfectly clear But for the benefit of others, not so greatly gifted by the good God, the Inspector McNeil, for instance, it would be as well to make a few inquiries to establish the facts. One must have consideration for those less gifted than oneself. Good Lord, perro. Do you know I'd give a considerable sum of money to see you make a thorough ass of yourself just for once? You're so confoundedly conceited. Do not enrage yourself, Aistings. I observe that there are times when you almost detest me. Alas, I suffer the penalties of greatness. The little man puffed out his chest and sighed so comically that I was forced to laugh. Tuesday saw a speeding-to-liver pool in a first-class carriage. Pro-Roe had obstinately refused to enlighten me as to his suspicions or certainties. He contented himself with expressing surprise that I too was not equally with the situation. I distained to argue and entrenched my curiosity behind a rampart of pretended indifference once arrived. At the key alongside which lay the big transatlantic liner, Poro became brisk and alert. Our proceedings consisted in interviewing four successive steward and inquiring after a friend of Porot's who had crossed to New York on the 23rd. An elderly gentleman wearing glasses, a great invalid, hardly moved out of his cabin. The description appeared to Tally with one Mr. Ventnor who had occupied the cabin C-24 which was next to that Philip Ridgeway, although unable to see how Perot had deduced Mr. Ventnor's existence and personal appearance. I was keenly excited. Tell me, I cried, was this gentleman one of the first to land when you got to New York? The steward shook his head. No indeed, sir, he was one of the last off the boat. I retired, crest fallen, and observed par-ro, grinning at me. He thanked the steward, a note-changed hands, and we took our departure. It's all very well, I remarked heatedly, but that last answer must have damped your precious theory. Grin as you please, as usually you see nothing astings. That last answer is, on the contrary, the coping stone of my theory. I flung up my hands into spare. I give it up. When we were in the train, speeding towards London, Perot wrote Bizzily for a few minutes, sealing up the result in an envelope. This is where they could inspect or mcneil. We will leave it at Scotland Yard in passing and then to the rendezvous restaurant, where I have asked Ms. Esmi for Quar to do us the honour of dining with us. What about Ridway? What about him? Asked Porrow with a twinkle. Why, you surely don't think. You can't. The habit of incoherence is growing upon you, Aesthings. As a matter of fact, I did think if Ridway had been the thief, which was perfectly possible, the case would have been charming, a piece of neat, mid-autical work. But not so charming for Miss Farquhar. Possibly you are right. Therefore, all is for the best. Now, Aesthings, let us review the case. I can see that you are dying to do so. The sealed package is removed from the trunk and vanishes as Ms. Farquhar it, into thin air. We will dismiss the thin air theory, which is not practical at the present stage of science, and consider what is likely to have become of it. Everyone asserts the incredibility of its being smuggled ashore. Yes, but we know you may know Aesthings. I do not. I take the view that since it seemed incredible, it was incredible. Two possibilities remain. It was hidden on board. Also rather difficult. Or it was thrown overboard. With a cork on it, do you mean? Without a cork. I stared. But if the bonds were thrown overboard, they couldn't have been sold in New York. I admire your logical mind-ass things. The bonds were sold in New York. Therefore, they were not thrown overboard. You see where that leads us. Where we were when we started.

Jamadeleville, if the package was thrown overboard and the bonds were sold in New York, the package could not have contained the bonds. Is there any evidence that the package did not contain the bonds? Remember, Mr. Vichray never opened it from the time it was placed in his hands in London. Yes, but then, Perot waived an impatient hand. Allow me to continue.

The last moment that the bonds are seen as bonds is in the office of the London and Scottish Bank on the morning of the 23rd. They reappear in New York half an hour after the Olympia gets in. the courting to one man whom nobody listens to, actually before she gets in. Supposing then that they have never been on the Olympia at all, is there any other way they could get to New York? Yes. The gigantic leaves Southampton on the same day as the Olympia, and she holds the record for the Atlantic. Male to buy the gigantic, the bonds would be in New York the day before the Olympia arrived. All is clear, the case begins to explain itself. The sealed packet is only a dummy, and the moment of its substitution must be in the office in the bank. It would be an easy matter for any of the three men present to have prepared a duplicate package which could be substituted for the genuine one. J.B.N. the bonds are mailed to a confederate in New York, with instructions to sell as soon as the Olympia is in. But someone must travel on the Olympia to engineer for the supposed moment of the robbery. But why? Because if Ridgeway merely opens the packet and finds it is a dummy, suspicion flies at once to London. No. A man on board in the cabin next door does his work. Pretends to force the lock

in an obvious manner so as to draw immediate attention to the theft. Really unlocks the trunk with a duplicate key, throws the package overboard and waits into the last to leave the boat. Naturally he wears glasses to conceal his eyes, and is an invalid since he does not want to run the risk of meeting Ridgeway. He steps ashore in New York, and returns by the first boat available. who which? Which was he? The man who had a duplicate key. The man who ordered the lock. The man who has not been severely ill with bronchitis at his home in the country. That stodgy old man, Mr. Shah. There are criminals in high places sometimes, my friend. Ah, here we are. Madam Mosel, I have succeeded. You permit? And beaming, for row kissed the astonished girl, lightly on either cheek. you