“And yet it is true. Bien sur , my friend, it is true. But to bring that precious pair to justice, that is another matter. Well, Japp must do what he can⁠—I have written him fully⁠—but I very much fear, Hastings, that we shall be obliged to leave them to Fate, or le bon Dieu , whichever you prefer.”

“The wicked flourish like a green bay tree,” I reminded him.

“But at a price, Hastings, always at a price, croyez-moi! ”

Poirot’s forebodings were confirmed. Japp, though convinced of the truth of his theory, was unable to get together the necessary evidence to ensure a conviction.