his alibi to divert suspicion from himself. Miss Johnson was murdered because she had begun to realise how Louise was killed. In the aftermath of Poirot's investigations, it is revealed that Father Lavigny is actually Raoul Menier, a dealer in stolen artifacts. As Lavigny was known to Leidner only by reputation, Menier was able to impersonate him while stealing artifacts found at the dig and replacing them with excellent copies. Thanks to warnings sent out by Poirot, Menier and his associate Ali Yusuf are arrested in Beyrouth. Sheila marries David Emmott, and Nurse Leatheran returns home to England. Characters Hercule Poirot – Renowned Belgian detective. Involved in the case, while on a trip to the Middle East. Amy Leatheran – A professional nurse, attending the dig of Erich Leidner to care for his wife Louise. She is the narrator of the story. Captain Maitland – British policeman in charge of the murder investigation. Louise Leidner – First victim of the case. A beautiful, intelligent American woman, and wife of Dr Erich Leidner for two years. Widowed from a brief marriage in the Great War, 15 years earlier. Anne Johnson – A longtime colleague of Dr Leidner from Yorkshire. Second victim of the case. Dr Eric Leidner – Louise's husband, and an archaeologist of some repute. Head of the dig at Tell Yarimjah near Hassanieh for five years, sponsored by the University of Pittstown (a fictional university in the United States). Revealed to be Louise's original husband, having faked his death 15 years ago. He is the killer of the case. Richard Carey – A handsome man, and longtime colleague of Dr Leidner. Alleged to be having an affair with Louise. Dr Giles Reilly – Civil doctor in Hassanieh, and a longtime friend of Poirot. Responsible for Amy's position at the dig and Poirot's involvement in investigating Louise's murder. Sheila Reilly – Outspoken daughter of Dr Reilly. Joseph Mercado – Archaeological colleague of Leidner, having assisted on his dig for the past two years. Noted for being often fatigued and subject to violent shaking of the hands. Marie Mercado – Young devoted wife of Joseph. Noted for being at times strangely hostile to Mrs Leidner, Nurse Leatheran and Hercule Poirot. David Emmott – Quiet young American man, and worker on the dig. He is currently on his second year with the dig team, and is calm and self-possessed. Bill Coleman –