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"This is a very dreadful business, Monsieur Poirot," he said "Hastings has explained to you that we are anxious for no publicity?"

"I comprehend perfectly"

"You see, it is only suspicion so far We have nothing to go upon"

"Precisely It is aout his cigarette-case, and lighting a cigarette as he did so

"You know that fellow Inglethorp is back?"

"Yes Ithewhich was too s He retrieved it, and buried it neatly

"It's jolly difficult to kno to treat hi," pronounced Poirot quietly

John looked puzzled, not quite understanding the portent of this cryptic saying He handed the two keys which Dr Bauerstein had given hi he wants to see"

"The rooms are locked?" asked Poirot

"Dr Bauerstein considered it advisable"

Poirot nodded thoughtfully

"Then he is very sure Well, that siether to the rooedy For convenience I append a plan of the room and the principal articles of furniture in it

Poirot locked the door on the inside, and proceeded to a minute inspection of the rooility of a grasshopper I re to obliterate any clues Poirot, however, did not seerateful to me for my forbearance

"What have you, my friend," he cried, "that you re?"

I explained that I was afraid of obliterating any foot-marks

"Foot-marks? But what an idea! There has already been practically an army in the room! What foot-marks are we likely to find? No, come here and aid me in my search I will put down my little case until I need it"

He did so, on the round table by the , but it was an ill-advised proceeding; for, the top of it being loose, it tilted up, and precipitated the despatch-case on the floor

"Eh viola une table!" cried Poirot "An,house and yet have no co, he resumed his search

A small purple despatch-case, with a key in the lock, on the writing-table, engaged his attention for some time He took out the key fro peculiar, however It was an ordinary key of the Yale type, with a bit of twisted wire through the handle