“True, true.” The Examining Magistrate rubbed his chin. “It is going to be difficult.”

“If he did indeed commit the crime⁠—” began Poirot. M. Caux interrupted.

“If⁠—you say if ?”

“Yes, Monsieur le Commissaire, I say if .”

The other looked at him sharply. “You are right,” he said at last, “we go too fast. It is possible that the Comte may have an alibi. Then we should look foolish.”