A lot of abuse, but very little more.”

 

On arrival at Liverpool I was surprised to find that Poirot was welcomed with

acclamation. Superintendent Hayes, who met us, had worked with Poirot over some

case long ago, and had evidently an exaggerated opinion of his powers.

 

“Now we’ve got M. Poirot here we shan’t be long,” he said cheerfully. “I thought

you’d retired, moosior?”

 

“So I had, my good Hayes, so I had. But how tedious is retirement! You cannot

imagine to yourself the monotony with which day comes after day.”

 

“Very likely. So you’ve come to have a look at our own particular find?

 

Is this Dr. Sheppard? Think you’ll be able to identify him, sir?”

 

“I’m not very sure,” I said doubtfully.

 

“How did you get hold of him?” inquired Poirot.

 

“Description was circulated, as you know. In the press and privately.

 

Not much to go on, I admit. This fellow has an American accent all right, and he

doesn’t deny that he was near King’s Abbot that night.