“Monsieur, I desire from you certain information, that is, if you will be so

good as to give it to me. You acted, I understand, for the late Mrs. Ferrars of

King’s Paddock?”

 

I noticed the swift gleam of surprise which showed in the lawyer’s eyes, before

his professional reserve came down once more like a mask over his face.

 

“Certainly. All her affairs passed through our hands.”

 

“Very good. Now, before I ask you to tell me anything, I should like you to

listen to the story Dr. Sheppard will relate to you. You have no objection, have

you, my friend, to repeating the conversation you had with Mr. Ackroyd last

Friday night?”

 

“Not in the least,” I said, and straightway began the recital of that strange

evening.

 

Hammond listened with close attention.

 

“That is all,” I said, when I had finished.

 

“Blackmail,” said the lawyer thoughtfully.

 

“You are surprised?” asked Poirot.