fortune! And there was a second attraction--_you, my

friend. For this last year and a half I have beein a very lonely old man. I thought to myself. Why not? I am

beginning to weary of this unending solving otf foolish

problems. I have achieved sufficient fame. Let me take

this money and settle down somewhere near my old

friend."

I was quite affected by this token of Poirot's regard.

"So I accepted," he continued, "and in am hour's time I must leave to catch the boat train. One of life's little ironies, is it not? But I will admit to you, Hastings, that had not the money offered been so big, I might

have hesitated, for just lately I have begun a little investigation of my own. Tell me, what is commonly meant

by the phrase, 'The Big Four'?"

"I suppose it had its origin at the Versailles Conference, and then there's the famous 'Big Four' in the

film world, and the term is used by hosts of smaller

fry."

"I see," said Poirot thoughtfully. "I have come across the phrase, you understand, under certain circumstances where none of those explanations would

apply. It seems to refer to a gang of international criminals or something of that kind; only--"

"Only what?" I asked, as he hesitated.

"Only that I fancy that it is something on a large

scale. Just a little idea of mine, nothing more. Ah, but I must complete my packing. The time advances."

"Don't go," I urged. "Cancel your passage and come out on the same boat with me."

Poirot drew himself up and glanced at me reproachfully.

"Ah, it is that you do not understand! I have passed 6 Agatha Christie

my word, you comprehend--the word of Hercule Poirot. Nothing but a matter of life or death could detain me now."

"And that's not likely to occur," I murmured ruefully.

"Unless at the eleventh hour 'the door opens and

the unexpected guest comes in.' "

I quoted the old saw with a slight laugh, and then, in

the pause that succeeded it, we both started as a sound

came from the inner room.

"What's that?" I cried.

"Ma/o»7" retorted Poirot. "It sounds very like your 'unexpected guest' in my bedroom."

"But how can any one be in there? There's no door

except into this room."

"Your memory is excellent, Hastings. Now for the

deductions."

"The window! But it's a burglar, then? He must have had a stiff climb of it--1 should say it was almost impossible."

I had risen to my feet and was striding in the direction of the door when the sound of a fumbling at the handle

from the other side arrested me.

The door swung slowly open. Framed in the doorway

stood a man. He was coated from head to foot with dust

and mud; his face was thin and emaciated. He stared at

us for a moment, and then swayed and fell. Poirot hurried to his side, then he looked up and spoke to me.