“I say to myself, this: if these jewels have changed hands in Nice, M. Papopolous would have heard of it. He has knowledge of all that passes in the jewel world.”

“Ah!” said M. Papopolous, and helped himself to a croissant.

“The police, you understand,” said M. Poirot, “do not enter into the matter. It is a personal affair.”

“One hears rumours,” admitted M. Papopolous cautiously.

“Such as?” prompted Poirot.

“Is there any reason why I should pass them on?”