Part 42 (1/2)

He began to walk in the direction of King's Road.

As he walked he was thinking hard. Occasionally he nodded his head; once he shook it.

He looked back over his shoulder. Some one was going up the steps of Mrs.

Lorrimer's house. In figure it looked very like Anne Meredith. He hesitated for a minute, wondering whether to turn back or not, but in the end he went on.

On arrival at home, he found that Battle had gone without leaving any message.

He proceeded to ring the superintendent up.

”Hallo.” Battle's voice can through. ”Got anything?”

”Je crois bien. Mon ami, we must get after the Meredith girl---and quickly.” ”I'm getting after her but why quickly?”

”Because, my friend, she may be dangerous.”

Battle was silent for a minute or two. Then he said:

”I know what you mean. But there's no one .... Oh, well, we mustn't take chances. As a matter of fact, I've written her. Official note, saying I'm calling to see

her to-morrow. I thought it might be a good thing to get her rattled.” ”It is a possibility, at least. I may accompany you?” '

”Naturally. Honoured to have your company, M. Poirot.”

Poirot hung up the receiver with a thoughtful face.

His mind was not quite at rest. He sat for a long time in front of his fire,

frowning to himself. At last, putting his fears and doubts aside, he went to bed. ”We will see in themorning,” he murmured.

But of what the morning would bring he had no idea.

CHAPTER 28

Suicide

The summons came by telephone at the moment when Poirot was sitting down to his morning coffee and rolls.

He lifted the telephone receiver, and Battle's voice spoke:

”That M. Poirot?”

”Yes, it is I. Qu'est ce qu'il y a?”

The mere inflection of the superintendent's voice had told him that something

had happened. His own vague misgivings came back to him.

”But quickly, my friend, tell me.”

”It's Mrs. Lorrimer.”

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