as your favourite works of fiction put it. No, I am disappointed in the case—it is too easy!"
"Easy?"
"Yes, do you not find it almost childishly simple?"
"You know who stole the bonds?"
"I do."
"But then—we must—why———"
"Do not confuse and fluster yourself, Hastings. We are not going to do anything at present."
"But why? What are you waiting for?"
"For the Olympia. She is due on her return trip from New York on Tuesday."
"But if you know who stole the bonds, why wait? He may escape."
"To a South Sea island where there is no extradition? No, mon ami, he would find life very uncongenial there. As to why I wait—eh bien to the intelligence of Hercule Poirot the case is perfectly clear, but for the benefit of others, not so greatly gifted by the good God—the Inspector McNeil, for instance—it would be as well to make a few inquiries to establish the facts. One must have consideration for those less gifted than oneself."
"Good Lord, Poirot! Do you know, I'd
