I LEARN MY NEIGHBOR’S PROFESSION
thing clearly. I shall go through with it to the end. The good dog, he does not leave the scent, remember! You may wish that, after all, you had left it to the local police."
"I want the truth," said Flora, looking him straight in the eyes.
"All the truth?"
"All the truth."
"Then I accept," said the little man quietly. "And I hope you will not regret those words. Now, tell me all the circumstances."
"Dr. Sheppard had better tell you," said Flora. "He knows more than I do."
Thus enjoined, I plunged into a careful narrative, embodying all the facts I have previously set down. Poirot listened carefully, inserting a question here and there, but for the most part sitting in silence, his eyes on the ceiling.
I brought my story to a close with the departure of the inspector and myself from Fernly Park the previous night.
"And now," said Flora, as I finished, "tell him all about Ralph."
I hesitated, but her imperious glance drove me on.
"You went to this inn—this Three Boars—last night on your way home?" asked Poirot, as I brought my tale to a close. "Now exactly why was that?"
I paused a moment to choose my words carefully.
"I thought some one ought to inform the young man of his uncle's death. It occurred to me after I had left
[81]
