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CHAPTER IV. POIROT INVESTIGATES
The house which the Belgians occupied in the village was quite close to the
park gates. One could save time by taking a narrow path through the long
grass, which cut off the detours of the winding drive. So I, accordingly, went
that way. I had nearly reached the lodge, when my attention was arrested by
the running figure of a man approaching me. It was Mr. Inglethorp. Where
had he been? How did he intend to explain his absence?
He accosted me eagerly.
"
"
"
My God! This is terrible! My poor wife! I have only just heard."
Where have you been?" I asked.
Denby kept me late last night. It was one o'clock before we'd finished. Then
I found that I'd forgotten the latch-key after all. I didn't want to arouse the
household, so Denby gave me a bed."
"How did you hear the news?" I asked.
"Wilkins knocked Denby up to tell him. My poor Emily! She was so self-
sacrificing--such a noble character. She over-taxed her strength."
A wave of revulsion swept over me. What a consummate hypocrite the man
was!
"I must hurry on," I said, thankful that he did not ask me whither I was
bound.
In a few minutes I was knocking at the door of Leastways Cottage.
Getting no answer, I repeated my summons impatiently. A window above me
was cautiously opened, and Poirot himself looked out.
He gave an exclamation of surprise at seeing me. In a few brief words, I
explained the tragedy that had occurred, and that I wanted his help.
"
Wait, my friend, I will let you in, and you shall recount to me the affair
whilst I dress."
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