Church, west of Knightsbridge Barracks

and north of Fulham Road."

"I understand perfectly, sir."

Poirot murmured:

"A curious little case. There is evidence

here of a very definite talent for organisation.

And there is, of course, the surprising

invisibility of the star performer - 40

the Nemean Lion himself, if I may so style

him. Yes, an interesting little case. I could

wish that I felt more attracted to my client

--but he bears an unfortunate resemblance

to a soap manufacturer of Liege who

poisoned his wife in order to marry a

blonde secretary. One of my early successes."

George shook his head. He said gravely:

"These blondes, sir, they're responsible

for a lot of trouble."

VII

It was three days later when the invaluable

George said:

"This is the address, sir."

Hercule Poirot took the piece of paper

handed to him.

"Excellent, my good Georges. And what

day of the week ?"

"Thursdays, sir."

"Thursdays. And today, most fortunately, is a Thursday. So there need be no delay."

Twenty minutes later Hercule Poirot

was climbing the stairs of an abscure block

of flats tucked away in a little street leading

off a more fashionable one. No. 10 Rosholm

41

Sir Joseph Hoggin looked at the little

man and grinned.

"Sure of yourself, aren't you?" he

demanded.

"Entirely with reason.33

"Oh well.3' Sir Joseph Hoggin leaned

back in his chair. "Pride goes before a fall, you know.35

VI

Hercule Poirot, sitting in front of his

electric radiator (and feeling a quiet satisfaction

in its neat geometrical pattern) was

giving instructions to his valet and general

factotum.

"You understand, Georges ?33

"Perfectly, sir.33

"More probably a flat or maisonette.

And it will definitely be within certain

limits. South of the Park, east of Kensington

Church, west of Knightsbridge Barracks

and north of Fulham Road.33

"I understand perfectly, sir.33

Poirot murmured:

"A curious little case. There is evidence

here of a very definite talent for organisation.

And there is, of course, the surprising

invisibility of the star performer - 40

the Nemean Lion himself, if I may so style

him. Yes, an interesting little case. I could

wish that I felt more attracted to my client

--but he bears an unfortunate resemblance

to a soap manufacturer of Liege who

poisoned his wife in order to marry a

blonde secretary. One of my early successes.53

George shook his head. He said gravely:

"These blondes, sir, they're responsible

for a lot of trouble.3'

VII

It was three days later when the invaluable

George said:

"This is the address, sir."

Hercule Poirot took the piece of paper

handed to him.

"Excellent, my good Georges. And what

day of the week ?"

"Thursdays, sir.35

"Thursdays. And today, most fortunately, is a Thursday. So there need be no delay."

Twenty minutes later Hercule Poirot

was climbing the stairs of an abscure block

of flats tucked away in a little street leading

off a more fashionable one. No. 10 Rosholm

41

Mansions was on the third and top floor