“You have the medical degree, I dare say, James—at least, I mean I know you

have. But you’ve no imagination whatever.”

 

“Having endowed you with a treble portion, there was none left over for me,” I

said dryly.

 

I was amused to notice Caroline’s maneuvers that afternoon when Poirot duly

arrived. My sister, without asking a direct question, skirted the subject of the

mysterious guest in every way imaginable. By the twinkle in Poirot’s eyes, I saw

that he realized her object. He remained blandly impervious, and blocked her

bowling so successfully that she herself was at a loss how to proceed.

 

Having, I suspect, quietly enjoyed the little game, he rose to his feet and

suggested a walk.

 

“It is that I need to reduce the figure a little,” he explained. “You will come

with me, doctor? And perhaps later Miss Caroline will give us some tea.”

 

“Delighted,” said Caroline. “Won’t your—er—guest come in also?”

 

“You are too kind,” said Poirot. “But no, my friend reposes himself.

 

Soon you must make his acquaintance.”