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I'm not greatly mistaken, he's got something up his sleeve. Isn't that so,
moosier?"
Poirot smiled.
"I have drawn certain conclusions--yes."
Summerhaye was still looking rather sceptical, but Japp continued his
scrutiny of Poirot.
"It's this way," he said, "so far, we've only seen the case from the outside.
That's where the Yard's at a disadvantage in a case of this kind, where the
murder's only out, so to speak, after the inquest. A lot depends on being on
the spot first thing, and that's where Mr. Poirot's had the start of us. We
shouldn't have been here as soon as this even, if it hadn't been for the fact
that there was a smart doctor on the spot, who gave us the tip through the
Coroner. But you've been on the spot from the first, and you may have
picked up some little hints. From the evidence at the inquest, Mr. Inglethorp
murdered his wife as sure as I stand here, and if anyone but you hinted the
contrary I'd laugh in his face. I must say I was surprised the jury didn't
bring it in Wilful Murder against him right off. I think they would have, if it
hadn't been for the Coroner--he seemed to be holding them back."
"Perhaps, though, you have a warrant for his arrest in your pocket now,"
suggested Poirot.
A kind of wooden shutter of officialdom came down from Japp's expressive
countenance.
"Perhaps I have, and perhaps I haven't," he remarked dryly.
Poirot looked at him thoughtfully.
"
I am very anxious, Messieurs, that he should not be arrested."
I dare say," observed Summerhaye sarcastically.
"
Japp was regarding Poirot with comical perplexity.
"Can't you go a little further, Mr. Poirot? A wink's as good as a nod--from
you. You've been on the spot--and the Yard doesn't want to make any
mistakes, you know."
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