23-08-30 Chapter 30 The Story He looked round at us. Come, my friends, he said gently. Let me tell you the real story of what happened that night. Carlotta Adams leaves her flat at seven oclock. From there she takes a taxi and goes to the Piccadilly Palace....

23-08-30 Chapter 29 Poirot Speaks It fell to me to ring up Inspector Japp the following morning. His voice sounded rather depressed. Oh! its you, Captain Hastings. Well, whats in the wind now? I gave him Poirots message. Come round at eleven? Well, I dare sa...

23-08-30 Chapter 28 Poirot Asks a Few Questions We had a curious walk home. Poirot was clearly following out some train of thought in his own mind. Occasionally he murmured a word under his breath. I heard one or two of them. Once he said, Candles, and anoth...

23-08-30 Chapter 27 Concerning Pince-Nez A minute later his mood had changed. He sprang to his feet. I also sprang to mine completely uncomprehending but willing. We will take a taxi. It is only nine oclock. Not too late to make a visit. I hurried after him...

23-08-30 Chapter 26 Paris? A few minutes later we were jumping into a taxi. Poirots face was very grave. I am afraid, Hastings, he said. I am afraid. You dont mean I said and stopped. We are up against somebody who has already struck twice that person will n...

23-08-30 Chapter 25 A Luncheon Party It was, I think, on the day after that that we went to the Widburns luncheon party at Claridges. Neither Poirot nor I were particularly anxious to go. It was, as a matter of fact, about the sixth invitation we had receive...

23-08-30 Chapter 24 News From Paris On the following day we had an unexpected visit. Geraldine Marsh was announced. I felt sorry for her as Poirot greeted her and set a chair for her. Her large dark eyes seemed wider and darker than ever. There were black ci...

23-08-30 Chapter 23 The Letter And now, said Poirot, we will go out to lunch. He put his hand through my arm. He was smiling at me. I have hope, he explained. I was glad to see him restored to his old self, though I was none the less convinced myself of youn...

23-08-30 Chapter 22 Strange Behaviour of Hercule Poirot We were in our rooms. What on earth I began. Poirot stopped me with a gesture more extravagant than any gesture I had ever seen him make. Both arms whirled in the air. I implore you, Hastings! Not now....

23-08-30 Chapter 21 Ronalds Story I found it hard to understand Poirots attitude. Surely this was what he had predicted all along? All the way to Regent Gate, he sat perplexed and frowning, paying no attention to Japps self-congratulations. He came out of hi...