443

but he didn't actually see him pass the

stuff. When Varesco left we picked him

up — the stones weren't on him. We raided

the club, rounded up everybody! Result,

no stones, no dope!"

"A fiasco, in fact?"

Japp winced. "You're telling me! Might

have got in a bit of a jam, but luckily in the

round up we got Peverel (you know, the

Battersea murderer). Pure luck, he was

supposed to have got away to Scotland.

One of our smart sergeants spotted him

from his photos. So all's well that ends

well — kudos for us — terrific boost for

the club — it's been more packed than ever

since!"

Poirot said:

"But it does not advance the dope

inquiry. There is, perhaps, a place of

concealment on the premises ?"

"Must be. But we couldn't find it. Went

over the place with a toothcomb. And

between you and me, there's been an

unofficial search as well — " he winked.

"Strictly on the QT. Spot of breaking and

entering. Not a success, our 'unofficial'

man nearly got torn to pieces by that ruddy

great dog! It sleeps on the premises."

444

"Aha, Cerberus ?"

"Yes. Silly name for a dog --to call it

after a packet of salt."

"Cerberus," murmured Poirot thoughtfully.

"Suppose you try your hand at it, Poirot," suggested Japp. "It's a pretty problem and worth doing. I hate the drug

racket, destroys people body and soul.

That really is Hell if you like!"

Poirot murmured meditatively: "It

would round off things--yes. Do you

know what the twelfth labour of Hercules

was ?"

"No idea."

^The Capture of Cerberus. It is appropriate,

is it not ?"

"Don't know what you're talking about, old man, but remember: ^Dog eats Man9 is news." And Japp leaned back roaring

with laughter.

"I wish to speak to you with the utmost

seriousness," said Poirot.

The hour was early, the Club as yet

nearly empty. The Countess and Poirot

sat at a small table near the doorway.

"But I do not feel serious," she pro445

tested. "La petite Alice, she is always

serious and, entre nous, I find it very

boring. My poor Niki, what fun will he

have? None.39

"I entertain for you much affection,39 continued Poirot steadily. "And I do not want to see you in what is called the jam.99

"But it is absurd what you say there!

I am on top of the world, the money it rolls

in!99

"You own this place ?99

The Countess's eye became slightly

evasive.

"Certainly,99 she replied.

"But you have a partner ?99

"Who told you that ?99 asked the Countess

sharply.

"Is your partner Paul Varesco ?99

"Oh! Paul Varesco! What an idea!99

"He has a bad --a criminal record. Do

you realise that you have criminals frequenting

this place ?99

The Countess burst out laughing.

"There speaks the bon bourgeois\ Naturally

I realise! Do you not see that that

is half the attraction of this place ? These