“We are at one then,” said Poirot, “for I, too, want to hang the criminal.”

“Alfred Inglethorp?”

“Him, or another.”

“No question of another. Poor Emily was never murdered until he came along. I don’t say she wasn’t surrounded by sharks⁠—she was. But it was only her purse they were after. Her life was safe enough. But along comes Mr. Alfred Inglethorp⁠—and within two months⁠—hey presto!”

“Believe me, Miss Howard,” said Poirot very earnestly, “if Mr. Inglethorp is the man, he shall not escape me. On my honour, I will hang him as high as Haman!”

“That’s better,” said Miss Howard more enthusiastically.