it by the maid, and then we saw the mistress, and the thing was settled then and there. Immediate possession and fifty pounds for the furniture. We signed the agreement next day, and we are to move in tomorrow!" Mrs. Robinson paused triumphantly.
"And what about Mrs. Ferguson?" asked Parker. "Let's have your deductions, Hastings."
"'Obvious, my dear Watson,'" I quoted lightly. "She went to the wrong flat."
"Oh, Captain Hastings, how clever of you!" cried Mrs. Robinson admiringly.
I rather wished Poirot had been there. Sometimes I have the feeling that he rather underestimates my capabilities.
•••••••
The whole thing was rather amusing, and I propounded the thing as a mock problem to Poirot on the following morning. He seemed interested, and questioned me rather narrowly as to the rents of flats in various localities.
"A curious story," he said thoughtfully. "Excuse me, Hastings, I must take a short stroll."
When he returned, about an hour later, his
