“Not at all. We have to deal with a most clever and unscrupulous man, and we must use any means in our power⁠—otherwise he will slip through our fingers. That is why I have been careful to remain in the background. All the discoveries have been made by Japp, and Japp will take all the credit. If I am called upon to give evidence at all”⁠—he smiled broadly⁠—“it will probably be as a witness for the defence.”

I could hardly believe my ears.

“It is quite en règle ,” continued Poirot. “Strangely enough, I can give evidence that will demolish one contention of the prosecution.”

“Which one?”

“The one that relates to the destruction of the will. John Cavendish did not destroy that will.”