Colonel Melrose drew me aside.

 

“From all I hear, this little fellow’s done some really remarkable things,” he

murmured. “We’re naturally anxious not to have to call in Scotland Yard. Raglan

seems very sure of himself, but I’m not quite certain that I agree with him. You

see, I—er—know the parties concerned better than he does. This fellow doesn’t

seem out after kudos, does he?

 

Would work in with us unobtrusively, eh?”

 

“To the greater glory of Inspector Raglan,” I said solemnly.

 

“Well, well,” said Colonel Melrose breezily in a louder voice, “we must put you

wise to the latest developments, M. Poirot.”

 

“I thank you,” said Poirot. “My friend, Dr. Sheppard, said something of the

butler being suspected?”

 

“That’s all bunkum,” said Raglan instantly. “These high-class servants get in

such a funk that they act suspiciously for nothing at all.”

 

“The fingerprints?” I hinted.

 

“Nothing like Parker’s.” He gave a faint smile, and added: “And yours and Mr.