Free The Big Four by Agatha Christie Page B

Rossakoff only her lieutenant. Madame needs Halliday’s ideas—she herself had the necessary genius to supply the gaps that perplexed him. Yes, Hastings, we know now who Number Three is—the woman who is probably the greatest scientist in the world! Think of it. The brain of the East, the science of the West—and two others whose identities we do not yet know. But we must find out. Tomorrow we will return to London and set about it.”
    â€œYou are not going to denounce Madame Olivier to the police?”
    â€œI should not be believed. The woman is one of the idols of France. And we can prove nothing. We are lucky if she does not denounce us .”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThink of it. We are found at night upon the premises with keys in our possession which she will swear she never gave us. She surprises us at the safe, and we gag and bind her and make away. Have no illusions, Hastings. The boot is not upon the right leg—is that how you say it?”

Eight
I N THE H OUSE OF THE E NEMY
    A fter our adventure in the villa at Passy, we returned posthaste to London. Several letters were awaiting Poirot. He read one of them with a curious smile, and then handed it to me.
    â€œRead this, mon ami .”
    I turned first to the signature, “Abe Ryland,” and recalled Poirot’s words: “the richest man in the world.” Mr. Ryland’s letter was curt and incisive. He expressed himself as profoundly dissatisfied with the reason Poirot had given for withdrawing from the South American proposition at the last moment.
    â€œThis gives one furiously to think, does it not?” said Poirot.
    â€œI suppose it’s only natural he should be a bit ratty.”
    â€œNo, no, you comprehend not. Remember the words of Mayerling, the man who took refuge here—only to die by the hands of his enemies. ‘Number Two is represented by an “S” with two lines through it—the sign of a dollar; also by two stripes and a star. It may be conjectured therefore that he is an American subject, and that he represents the power of wealth.’ Add to those words the factthat Ryland offered me a huge sum to tempt me out of England—and—and what about it, Hastings?”
    â€œYou mean,” I said, staring, “that you suspect Abe Ryland, the multimillionaire, of being Number Two of the Big Four.”
    â€œYour bright intellect has grasped the idea, Hastings. Yes, I do. The tone in which you said multimillionaire was eloquent but let me impress upon you one fact—this thing is being run by men at the top—and Mr. Ryland has the reputation of being no beauty in his business dealings. An able, unscrupulous man, a man who has all the wealth that he needs, and is out for unlimited power.”
    There was undoubtedly something to be said for Poirot’s view. I asked him when he had made up his mind definitely upon the point.
    â€œThat is just it. I am not sure. I cannot be sure. Mon ami, I would give anything to know . Let me but place Number Two definitely as Abe Ryland, and we draw nearer to our goal.”
    â€œHe has just arrived in London, I see by this,” I said, tapping the letter. “Shall you call upon him, and make your apologies in person?”
    â€œI might do so.”
    Two days later, Poirot returned to our rooms in a state of boundless excitement. He grasped me by both hands in his most impulsive manner.
    â€œMy friend, an occasion stupendous, unprecedented, never to be repeated, has presented itself! But there is danger, grave danger. I should not even ask you to attempt it.”
    If Poirot was trying to frighten me, he was going the wrong way to work, and so I told him. Becoming less incoherent, he unfolded his plan.
    It seemed that Ryland was looking for an English secretary, one with a good social manner and presence. It was Poirot’s suggestion that I should apply for the post.
    â€œI would do it, myself, mon ami,