He removed his overcoat and gloves.
“Allow me, sir,” said Parker, and sprang forward to assist him. He deposited the articles neatly on a chair by the door. Poirot watched him with approval.
“Thank you, my good Parker,” he said. “Take a seat, will you not? What I have to say may take some time.”
Parker seated himself with an apologetic bend of the head.
“Now what do you think I asked you to come here for this morning—eh?”
Parker coughed.
“I understood, sir, that you wished to ask me a few questions about my late master—private like.”
“Précisément,” said Poirot, beaming. “Have you made many experiments in blackmail?”
“Sir!”
The butler sprang to his feet.