Why, I'd know him anywhere by that one trick of his."

"Is not that just what I say? The marvellous observation of a woman. And did you ever speak to him about

this little habit of his, mademoiselle?"

"No, I didn't, Mr. Poirot. You know what men are!

They don't like you to notice things--especially if it

should seem you were telling them off about it. I never

said a word--but many's the time I smiled to myself.

Bless you, he never knew he was doing it even."

Poirot nodded gently. I noticed that his own hand

was shaking a little as he stretched it out to his glass.

"Then there is always handwriting as a means of

establishing identity," he remarked. "Without doubt you have preserved a letter written by Mr. Darrell?" Flossie Monro shook her head regretfully.

"He was never one for writing. Never wrote me a line in his life."

"That is a pity," said Poirot.

"I tell you what, though," said Miss Monro suddenly.

"I've got a photograph if that would be any

good?"

ma foi, but what stupendous luck! You will permit me

to inspect that photograph, mademoiselle?''

"Why, of course."

"Perhaps you will even permit me to have a copy

made? It would not take long."

"Certainly if you like."

Miss Monro rose.

"Well, I must run away," she declared archly. "Very glad to have met you and your friend, Mr. Poirot."

"And the photograph? When may I have it?"

"I'll look it out to-night. I think I know where to lay my hand upon it. And I'll send it to you right away."

"A thousand thanks, mademoiselle. You are all that

is of the most amiable. I hope that we shall soon be able to arrange another little lunch together."

"As soon as you like," said Miss Monro. "I'm willing."

"Let me see, I do not think that I have your address?"

With a grand air. Miss Monro drew a card from her

hand-bag, and handed it to him. It was a somewhat

dirty card, and the original address had been scratched

out and another substituted in pencil.

Then, with a good many bows and gesticulations on

Poirot's part, we bade farewell to the lady and got

away.

"Do you really think this photograph so important?" I asked Poirot.

"Yes, mon ami. The camera does not lie. One can

magnify a photograph, seize salient points that otherwise would remain unnoticed. And then there are a

thousand details--such as the structure of the ears,

which no one could ever describe to you in words. Oh,

yes, it is a great chance, this which has come our way!

That is why I propose to take precautions."

158 Agatha Christie

He went across to the telephone as he finished speaking, and gave a number which I knew to be that of a

private detective agency which he sometimes employed.

His instructions were clear and definite. Two men were

to go to the address he gave, and, in general terms, were to watch over the safety of Miss Monro. They were to