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"I gave Lawrence your e," I said

"And what did he say? He was entirely puzzled?"

"Yes I am quite sure he had no idea of what you meant"

I had expected Poirot to be disappointed; but, to ht, and that he was very glad My pride forbade me to ask any questions

Poirot switched off on another tack

"Mademoiselle Cynthia was not at lunch to-day? Hoas that?"

"She is at the hospital again She resumed work to-day"

"Ah, she is an industrious little demoiselle And pretty too She is like pictures I have seen in Italy I would rather like to see that dispensary of hers Do you think she would show it tolittle place"

"Does she go there every day?"

"She has all Wednesdays off, and comes back to lunch on Saturdays Those are her only tireat work nowadays, and Mademoiselle Cynthia is clever--oh, yes, she has brains, that little one"

"Yes I believe she has passed quite a stiff exam"

"Without doubt After all, it is very responsible work I suppose they have very strong poisons there?"

"Yes, she showed them to us They are kept locked up in a little cupboard I believe they have to be very careful They always take out the key before leaving the room"

"Indeed It is near the , this cupboard?"

"No, right the other side of the rooed his shoulders

"I wondered That is all Will you coetting back I shall go round the long way through the woods"

The woods round Styles were very beautiful After the walk across the open park, it was pleasant to saunter lazily through the cool glades There was hardly a breath of wind, the very chirp of the birds was faint and subdued I strolled on a little way, and finally flung hts of ave Poirot for his absurd secrecy In fact, I was at peace with the world Then I yawned

I thought about the cri very unreal and far off

I yawned again

Probably, I thought, it really never happened Of course, it was all a bad dream The truth of the lethorp with a croquet mallet But it was absurd of John toout: "I tell you I won't have it!"