She turned to me.
"That's why I said what I did to you that day. I thought, if you knew where he was, you might pass on the message to him."
"I?" I exclaimed.
"Why should James know where he was?" demanded Caroline sharply.
"It was very unlikely, I know," admitted Ursula, "but Ralph had often spoken of Dr. Sheppard, and I knew that he would be likely to consider him as his best friend in King's Abbot."
"My dear child," I said, "I have not the least idea where Ralph Paton is at the present moment."
"That is true enough," said Poirot.
"But———" Ursula held out the newspaper cutting in a puzzled fashion.
"Ah! that," said Poirot, slightly embarrassed; "a bagatelle, mademoiselle. A rien du tout. Not for a moment do I believe that Ralph Paton has been arrested."
"But then———" began the girl slowly.
Poirot went on quickly:—
"There is one thing I should like to know—did Captain Paton wear shoes or boots that night?"
Ursula shook her head.
"I can't remember."
"A pity! But how should you? Now, madame," he smiled at his head on one side, his forefinger wagging eloquently, "no questions. And do not torment yourself. Be of good courage, and place your faith in Hercule Poirot."
[268]
