If I am called upon to
give evidence at all"--he smiled broadly--"it will probably be
as a witness for the defence."
I could hardly believe my ears.
"It is quite en regle," continued Poirot. "Strangely enough, I
can give evidence that will demolish one contention of the
prosecution."
"Which one?"
"The one that relates to the destruction of the will. John
Cavendish did not destroy that will."
Poirot was a true prophet. I will not go into the details of the
police court proceedings, as it involves many tiresome
repetitions. I will merely state baldly that John Cavendish
reserved his defence, and was duly committed for trial.
September found us all in London. Mary took a house in
Kensington, Poirot being included in the family party.
I myself had been given a job at the War Office, so was able to
see them continually.
As the weeks went by, the state of Poirot's nerves grew worse and
worse. That "last link" he talked about was still lacking.
Privately, I hoped it might remain so, for what happiness could
there be for Mary, if John were not acquitted?
On September 15th John Cavendish appeared in the dock at the Old
Bailey, charged with "The Wilful Murder of Emily Agnes
Inglethorp," and pleaded "Not Guilty.
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