CHARLES KENT
On arrival at Liverpool I was surprised to find that Poirot was welcomed with acclamation. Superintendent Hayes, who met us, had worked with Poirot over some case long ago, and had evidently an exaggerated opinion of his powers.
"Now we've got M. Poirot here we shan't be long," he said cheerfully. "I thought you'd retired, moosior?"
"So I had, my good Hayes, so I had. But how tedious is retirement! You cannot imagine to yourself the monotony with which day comes after day."
"Very likely. So you've come to have a look at our own particular find? Is this Dr. Sheppard? Think you'll be able to identify him, sir?"
"I'm not very sure," I said doubtfully.
"How did you get hold of him?" inquired Poirot.
"Description was circulated, as you know. In the press and privately. Not much to go on, I admit. This fellow has an American accent all right, and he doesn't deny that he was near King's Abbot that night. Just asks what the hell it is to do with us, and that he'll see us in ——— before he answers any questions."
"Is it permitted that I, too, see him?"' asked Poirot.
The superintendent closed one eye knowingly.
"Very glad to have you, sir. You've got permission to do anything you please. Inspector Japp of Scotland Yard was asking after you the other day. Said he'd heard you were connected unofficially with this case. Where's Captain Paton hiding, sir, can you tell me that?"
"I doubt if it would be wise at the present juncture,"
[219]
