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lucky if she does not denounce us."

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74 Agatha Christie

sented by an S with two lines through it--the sign for a dollar, also by two stripes and a star. It may be conjectured therefore that he is an American subject, and that

he represents the power of wealth.' Add to those words

the fact that Ryland offered me a huge sum to tempt me

out of England--and--and what about it, Hastings?"

"You mean," I said, staring, "that you suspect Abe Ryland, the multi-millionaire, of being Number Two of

the Big Four."

"Your bright intellect has grasped the idea, Hastings. Yes, I do. The tone in which you said multimillionaire

was eloquent--but let me impress upon you one fact-this thing is being run by men at the top--and Mr. Ryland has the reputation of being no beauty in his

business dealings. An able, unscrupulous man, a man

who has all the wealth that he needs, and is out for

unlimited power."

There was undoubtedly something to be said for

Poirot's view. I asked him when he had made up his

mind definitely upon the point.

"That is just it. I am not sure. I cannot be sure. Mon ami, I would give anything to know. Let me but place

Number Two definitely as Abe Ryland, and we draw

nearer to our goal."

hi "He has just arrived in London, I see by this," I said, tapping the letter. "Shall you call upon him, and make your apologies in person?"

"I might do so."

Two days later, Poirot returned to our rooms in a

state of boundless excitement. He grasped me by both

hands in his most impulsive manner.

"My friend, an occasion stupendous, unprecedented,

never to be repeated, has presented itself! But there is danger, grave danger. I should not even ask you to attempt it."