"No, no -- leave me I'd rather be alone Let me just be quiet for minute or two Go down others ''

I obeyed her reluctantly John and Lawrence were dining-room I joined them We were all silent, but I suppose I voiced the thoughts of us all when I at last broke it by saying:

"Where is Mr Inglethorp ? ''

John shook his head

"He's not house ''

Our eyes met Where was Alfred Inglethorp ? His absence was strange and inexplicable I remembered Mrs Inglethorp's dying words What lay beneath them ? What more could she have told us, if she had had time ?

At last we heard the doctors descending the stairs Dr Wilkins was looking important and excited, and trying to conceal an inward exultation under manner of decorous calm Dr Bauerstein remained background, his grave bearded face unchanged Dr Wilkins spokesman two He addressed himself to John:

" Mr Cavendish, like your consent to postmortem ''

" necessary ? '' asked John gravely spasm of pain crossed his face

"Absolutely,'' said Dr Bauerstein

"You mean -- -- ? ''

"That neither Dr Wilkins nor myself could give death certificate under the circumstances ''

John bent his head

" case, no alternative but to agree ''

" ,'' said Dr Wilkins briskly "We propose should take place to-morrow night -- or rather to-night '' And he glanced daylight "Under the circumstances, afraid an inquest can hardly be avoided -- these formalities are necessary, but I beg that you won't distress yourselves ''

pause, and then Dr Bauerstein drew two keys pocket, and handed them to John

"These are the keys two rooms locked them and, in my opinion, better kept locked ''

The doctors then departed

I turning over an idea in my head, and moment had now come to broach it Yet little chary of John, , had horror of any kind of publicity, and was an easygoing optimist, who preferred never to meet trouble half-way It difficult him soundness plan Lawrence, other hand, being less conventional, and having more imagination, count upon as an ally moment had come to lead

"John,'' , " going to something ''

"Well ? ''

"You remember my speaking friend Poirot ? The Belgian here ? He most famous detective ''

"Yes ''

" you to let me call him in -- to investigate ''

"What -- now ? post-mortem ? ''

"Yes, time is an advantage if -- if -- foul play ''

"Rubbish ! '' cried Lawrence angrily "In my opinion the whole thing is mare's nest of Bauerstein's ! Wilkins hadn't an idea thing, until Bauerstein put it into his head But, like all specialists, Bauerstein's got bee bonnet Poisons are his hobby, so he sees them everywhere ''

I confess that surprised by Lawrence's attitude so seldom vehement about anything

John hesitated

" 't feel , Lawrence,'' at last "I'm inclined Hastings free hand, though prefer to wait bit We don't want any unnecessary scandal ''

"No, no,'' I cried eagerly, " have no fear Poirot is discretion itself ''

" , then, have it your own way I leave it in your hands Though, suspect, it seems clear enough case God forgive me if wronging him ! ''

I looked at my watch six o'clock I determined to lose no time