Catholics, they are at least recognised. And

the Wesleyans and Congregationalists —

they are all well-known respectable bodies.

What I am talking about are these odd

sects. They just spring up. They have a

kind of emotional appeal but sometimes I

358

have very grave doubts as to whether there

is any true religious feeling behind them

at all.33

"You think your friend is being victimised

by a sect of this kind ?"

"I do. Oh! I certainly do. The Flock of

the Shepherd, they call themselves. Their

headquarters is in Devonshire--a very

lovely estate by the sea. The adherents go

there for what they term a Retreat. That

is a period of a fortnight --with religious

services and rituals. And there are three

big Festivals in the year, the Coming of

the Pasture, the Full Pasture, and the

Reaping of the Pasture.3'

"Which last is stupid," said Poirot.

"Because one does not reap pasture."

"The whole thing is stupid,n said Miss

Camaby with warmth. "The whole sect

centres round the head of the movement,

the Great Shepherd, he is called. A Dr.

Andersen. A very handsome-looking man, I believe, with a presence.35

"Which is attractive to the women, yes?35

"I am afraid so," Miss Camaby sighed.

"My father was a very handsome man.

Sometimes, it was most awkward in the

LOH24

359

parish. The rivalry in embroidering vestments

--and the division of church

work ..."

She shook her head reminiscently.

"Are the members of the Great Flock

mostly women ?39

"At least three quarters of them, I

gather. What men there are, are mostly cranks\ It is upon the women that the success of the movement depends and - and on the funds they supply.33

"Ah," said Poirot. "Now we come to it.

Frankly, you think the whole thing is a

ramp ?"

"Frankly, M. Poirot, I do. And another

thing worries me. I happen to know that

my poor friend is so bound up in this

religion that she has recently made a will

leaving all her property to the movement.39

Poirot said sharply:

"Was that --suggested to her ?"

"In all fairness, no. It was entirely her

own idea. The Great Shepherd had shown

her a new way of life --so all that she had

was to go on her death to the Great Cause.

What really worries me is --"

"Yes --go on --"

"Several very wealthy women have been

360

among the devotees. In the last year three of them, no less, have died.5'

"Leaving all their money to this sect ?"

"Yes.33

'Their relations have made no protest ?

I should have thought it likely that there

might have been litigation."

"You see, M. Poirot, it is usually lonely women who belong to this gathering. People who have no very near relations or

friends."

Poirot nodded thoughtfully. Miss

Camaby hurried on:

"Of course I've no right to suggest anything

at all. From what I have been able

to find out, there was nothing wrong about