Any one would have thought it was Caroline’s uncle who had been murdered.

 

“And how do you know he would take up the case?” I asked. “Remember he has

retired from active work.”

 

“That’s just it,” said Flora simply. “I’ve got to persuade him.”

 

“You are sure you are doing wisely?” I asked gravely.

 

“Of course she is,” said Caroline. “I’ll go with her myself if she likes.”

 

“I’d rather the doctor came with me if you don’t mind, Miss Sheppard,” said

Flora.

 

She knows the value of being direct on certain occasions. Any hints would

certainly have been wasted on Caroline.

 

“You see,” she explained, following directness with tact, “Dr. Sheppard being

the doctor, and having found the body, he would be able to give all the details

to M. Poirot.”

 

“Yes,” said Caroline grudgingly, “I see that.”

 

I took a turn or two up and down the room.