The following morning Flora Ackroyd came to our house.

'Dr Sheppard, I want you to come to The Larches with me.'

'To see that funny little man?' exclaimed Caroline.

'Yes. He is Hercule Poirot, the famous private detective! Uncle promised not to tell anyone, because Monsieur Poirot wanted to live quietly.'

'Flora,' I said seriously, 'I advise you not to involve this detective in the case.'

'I know why you say that,' she cried. 'You're afraid! But Ralph wouldn't murder anyone.'

'No, no,' I exclaimed. 'I never thought he could kill anyone.'

'Then why did you go to the Three Boars last night? After Uncle's body was found?'

'How did you know about that?'

'I heard from the servants that Ralph was staying there, so I went this morning. The people there told me that he went out at about nine o'clock yesterday evening and that later you came to see him and went up to his room to see if he was in. This morning they discovered that his bed hadn't been slept in.' Her eyes met mine. 'There must be a simple explanation.'

'Well, he wasn't in his room when I got there, so I came home. But I know the police don't suspect Ralph.'

'They do suspect him. A man from Cranchester arrived this morning - Inspector Raglan. He had been to the Three Boars before me. The barman told me all about the questions he asked. He must think Ralph did it. Oh! Dr Sheppard, let us go at once to Monsieur Poirot. He will find out the truth.'

***

'Monsieur le docteur,' Monsieur Poirot said. Mademoiselle.' He bowed to Flora. 'I have heard of the tragedy which has occurred and I offer all my sympathy. In what way can I serve you?'

'Find the murderer,' said Flora.

'I see,' said the little man. 'But if I go into this, I will go through with it to the end. You may wish that you had left it to the police.'

'I want the truth,' said Flora, looking him straight in the eyes.

'Then I accept,' said the little man quietly. 'Now, tell me all.'

'Dr Sheppard should tell you,' said Flora. 'He knows more than I do.'

Poirot listened carefully. 'You went to this inn last night? Now why was that?'

I chose my words carefully. 'I thought someone ought to inform the young man of his stepfather's death.'

Poirot nodded and suggested a visit to the local police. He thought it better for Flora to return home, and for me to accompany him.

At the police station we found Inspector Davis, the Chief Constable Colonel Melrose and Inspector Raglan. I introduced Poirot to them and explained the situation.