“Ah!” said M. Papopolous.

He sipped his coffee reflectively, and looked a shade more noble and patriarchal than usual.

“I say to myself,” continued Poirot, with animation, “what good fortune! My old friend, M. Papopolous, is in Nice. He will aid me.”

“And how do you think I can aid you?” inquired M. Papopolous coldly.

“I said to myself, without doubt M. Papopolous is in Nice on business.”

“Not at all,” said M. Papopolous, “I am here for my health⁠—by the doctor’s orders.”

365