“ Ah, ça par exemple ,” replied Poirot, “that is of no importance whatever. Naturally, if he committed the crime he will have an alibi. A man with the Comte’s experience does not neglect to take precautions. No, I said if for a very definite reason.”

“And what was that?”

Poirot wagged an emphatic forefinger. “The psychology.”

“Eh?” said the Commissary.

“The psychology is at fault. The Comte is a scoundrel⁠—yes. The Comte is a swindler⁠—yes. The Comte preys upon women⁠—yes. He proposes to steal Madame’s jewels⁠—again yes. Is he the kind of man to commit murder? I say no ! A man of the type of the Comte is always a coward; he takes no risks. He plays the safe, the mean, what the English call the low-down game; but murder, a hundred times no!” He shook his head in a dissatisfied manner.