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"And what are they?"

"The first is the state of the weather yesterday That is very ilorious day!" I interrupted "Poirot, you're pulling rees in the shade Do not forget that, my friend It is the key to the whole riddle!"

"And the second point?" I asked

"The ilethorp wears very peculiar clothes, has a black beard, and uses glasses"

"Poirot, I cannot believe you are serious"

"I am absolutely serious, my friend"

"But this is childish!"

"No, it is verythe Coroner's jury returns a verdict of Wilful Murder against Alfred Inglethorp What becomes of your theories, then?"

"They would not be shaken because twelve stupid men had happened to , a country jury is not anxious to take responsibility upon itself, and Mr Inglethorp stands practically in the position of local squire Also," he added placidly, "I should not allow it!"

"You would not allow it?"

"No"

I looked at the extraordinary little man, divided between annoyance and ah he read ently

"Oh, yes, ot up and laid his hand on e Tears came into his eyes "In all this, you see, I think of that poor Mrs Inglethorp who is dead She was not extravagantly loved--no But she was very good to us Belgians--I owe her a debt"

I endeavoured to interrupt, but Poirot swept on

"Let ive lethorp, her husband, be arrested nohen a word from me could save him!"