Development you predicted in Kassner case has come unexpectedly. Please return immediately.

“Voila ce qui est embetant,” muttered Poirot vexedly. He glanced up at the clock. “I shall have to go on to-night,” he said to the concierge. “At what time does the Simplon Orient leave?”

“At nine o’clock, Monsieur.”

“Can you get me a sleeper?”

“Assuredly, Monsieur. There is no difficulty this time of year. The trains are almost empty. First-class or second?”

“First.”

“Tres bien, Monsieur. How far are you going?”

“ToLondon.”

“Bien, Monsieur. I will get you a ticket to London and reserve your sleeping-car accommodation in the Stamboul-Calais coach.”

Poirot glanced at the clock again. It was ten minutes to eight. “I have time to dine?”

“But assuredly, Monsieur.”

The little Belgian nodded. He went over and cancelled his room order and crossed the hall to the restaurant.

As he was giving his order to the waiter, a hand was placed on his shoulder.

“Ah,mon vieux, but this is an unexpected pleasure!” said a voice behind him.

The speaker was a short stout elderly man, his hair cuten brosse. He was smiling delightedly.

Poiret sprang up.

“M. Bouc!”

“M. Poirot!”

M. Bouc was a Belgian, a director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons Lits, and his acquaintance with the former star of the Belgian police force dated back many years.

“You find yourself far from home,mon cher,” said M. Bouc.

“A little affair inSyria.”

“Ah! and you return home-when?”

“To-night.”

“Splendid! I, too. That is to say, I go as far as Lausanne, where I have affairs. You travel on the Simplon Orient, I presume?”

“Yes. I have just asked them to get me a sleeper. It was my intention to remain here some days, but I have. received a telegram recalling me toEngland on important business.”