“ Mon ami , it is a good plan to take a place as chambermaid or valet⁠—but you must not shirk your work. They left an empty room undusted; and therefore, when the man put down the jewel-case on the little table near the communicating door, it left a square mark⁠—”

“I remember,” I cried.

“Before, I was undecided. Then⁠—I knew !” There was a moment’s silence.

“And I’ve got my pearls,” said Mrs. Opalsen as a sort of Greek chorus.

“Well,” I said, “I’d better have some dinner.” Poirot accompanied me.

“This ought to mean kudos for you,” I observed.