VHercule Poirot went up in the lift to Sir Joseph Hoggin’s office. He sent in his card and was toldthat Sir Joseph was engaged at the moment but would see him presently. A haughty¹ blonde sailedout of Sir Joseph’s room at last with her hands full of papers. She gave the quaint² little man adisdainful glance in passing.
Sir Joseph was seated behind his immense mahogany desk. There was a trace of lipstick³ onhis chin.
“Well, Mr.?Poirot? Sit down. Got any news for me?”
Hercule Poirot said:
“The whole affair is of a pleasing simplicity⁴. In each case the money was sent to one of thoseboarding houses or private hotels where there is no porter or hall attendant and where a largenumber of guests are always coming and going, including a fairly large preponderance of ex-Service men. Nothing would be easier than for any one to walk in, abstract a letter from the rack,either take it away, or else remove the money and replace it with blank paper. Therefore, in everycase, the trail ends abruptly⁵ in a blank wall.”
“You mean you’ve no idea who the fellow is?”
“I have certain ideas, yes. It will take a few days to follow them?up.”
Sir Joseph looked at him curiously⁶.
“Good work. Then, when you have got anything to report—”
“I will report to you at your house.”
Sir Joseph said:
“If you get to the bottom of this business, it will be a pretty good piece of work.”
Hercule Poirot said:
“There is no question of failure. Hercule Poirot does not fail.”
Sir Joseph Hoggin looked at the little man and grinned.
“Sure of yourself, aren’t you?” he demanded.
“Entirely with reason.”
“Oh well.” Sir Joseph Hoggin leaned back in his chair. “Pride goes before a fall, you know.”

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