“What was the idea in sinking those boats? Are the Big Four a German stunt?”

“The Big Four are for themselves⁠—and for themselves only, M. le Capitaine . Their aim is world domination.”

The American burst out laughing, but broke off at the sight of Poirot’s serious face.

“You laugh, monsieur,” said Poirot, shaking a finger at him. “You reflect not⁠—you use not the little grey cells of the brain. Who are these men who send a portion of your navy to destruction simply as a trial of their power? For that was all it was, monsieur, a test of this new force of magnetical attraction which they hold.”

“Go on with you, moosior,” said Japp good-humouredly. “I’ve read of supercriminals many a time, but I’ve never come across them. Well, you’ve heard Captain Kent’s story. Anything further I can do for you?”