I was not present at the interview that took place between Poirot and that strange man -- Alexander Bonaparte Cust. Owing to his association with the police and the peculiar circumstances of the case, Poirot had no difficulty in obtaining a Home Office order -- but that order did not extend to me, and in any case it was essential, from Poirot's point of view, that that interview should be absolutely private -- the two men face to face.

He has given me, however, such a detailed account of what passed between them that I set it down with as much confidence on paper as though I had actually been present.

Mr Cust seemed to have shrunk. His stoop was more apparent. His fingers plucked vaguely at his coat.

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