told him very emotionally what a wonderful

revelation the whole thing had been --how

I had come to scoff and remained to believe.

I --really it seemed quite natural to say all

these things. Dr. Andersen, you know, has

a lot of magnetic charm."

"So I perceive," said Hercule Poirot

dryly.

"His manner was most convincing. One

really feels he doesn't care about money at

all. 'Give what you can,' he said smiling in

that wonderful way of his, 'if you can give

nothing, it does not matter. You are one of

the Flock just the same.' 'Oh, Dr. Andersen,'

I said, 'I am not so badly off as that.

I have just inherited a considerable amount

of money from a distant relative and though

I cannot actually touch any of the money

until the legal formalities are all complied

with, there is one thing I want to do at

once.' And then I explained that I was

making a will and that I wanted to leave

373

all I had to the Brotherhood. I explained

that I had no near relatives."

"And he graciously accepted the bequest

?"

"He was very detached about it. Said it

would be many long years before I passed

over, that he could tell I was cut out for a

long life of joy and spiritual fulfilment. He

really speaks most movingly."

"So it would seem.39

Poirot's tone was dry. He went on:

"You mentioned your health ?"

"Yes, Mr. Poirot. I told him that I had

had lung trouble, and that it had recurred

more than once, but that a final treatment

in a Sanatorium some years ago had, I

hoped, quite cured me."

"Excellent!"

"Though why it is necessary for me to

say that I am consumptive when my lungs

are as sound as a bell I really cannot see."

"Be assured it is necessary. You mentioned

your friend ?"

"Yes. I told him (strictly in confidence)

that dear Emmeline, besides the fortune

she had inherited from her husband, would

inherit an even larger sum shortly from an

aunt who was deeply attached to her."

374

"Eh bien, that ought to keep Mrs. Clegg

safe for the time being!"

"Oh, Mr. Poirot, do you really think

there is anything wrong ?"

"That is what I am going to endeavour

to find out. Have you met a Mr. Cole down

at the Sanctuary ?"

"There was a Mr. Cole there last time I

went down. A most peculiar man. He wears

grass-green shorts and eats nothing but

cabbage. He is a very ardent believer."

"Eh bien, all progresses well --I make

you my compliments on the work you have

done--all is now set for the Autumn

Festival."

V

"Miss Carnaby --just a moment."

Mr. Cole clutched at Miss Carnaby, his

eyes bright and feverish.

"I have had a Vision--a most remarkable

Vision. I really must tell you

about it."

Miss Carnaby sighed. She was rather

afraid of Mr. Cole and his Visions. There