least two and a half miles distant from the village. There is
absolutely no question as to the alibi!"



CHAPTER VIII.

FRESH SUSPICIONS


There was a moment's stupefied silence. Japp, who was the least
surprised of any of us, was the first to speak.

"My word," he cried, "you're the goods! And no mistake, Mr.
Poirot! These witnesses of yours are all right, I suppose?"

"Voila! I have prepared a list of them--names and addresses. You
must see them, of course. But you will find it all right."

"I'm sure of that." Japp lowered his voice. "I'm much obliged to
you. A pretty mare's nest arresting him would have been." He
turned to Inglethorp. "But, if you'll excuse me, sir, why
couldn't you say all this at the inquest?"

"I will tell you why," interrupted Poirot. "There was a certain
rumour----"

"A most malicious and utterly untrue one," interrupted Alfred
Inglethorp in an agitated voice.