Poirot turned to John.

“If you will allow me to send for your gardener, I will prove it to you.”

“Oh, of course⁠—but I don’t see⁠—”

Poirot raised his hand.

“Do as I ask you. Afterwards you shall question as much as you please.”

“Very well.” He rang the bell.

Dorcas answered it in due course.

“Dorcas, will you tell Manning to come round and speak to me here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Dorcas withdrew.