The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly

Hercule Poirot investigates the kidnapping of three-year-old Johnnie Waverly, the son of Marcus and Ada Waverly, from his home, Waverly Court in Surrey. Prior to the kidnapping, the family received anonymous letters that threatened to take the boy unless £25,000 was paid. The police took little interest until the final letter which stated that the boy would be kidnapped at twelve o'clock the next day. On that day, Mrs Waverly was mildly poisoned and a note was pinned to Mr Waverly's pillow, stating "At twelve o'clock". Horrified that someone inside the house is involved, Mr Waverly sacks all of the staff except Tredwell, his long-time butler, and Miss Collins, his wife's trusted secretary-companion.

Poirot and Hastings travel to Waverly Court, where they learn of the existence of a priest hole near the room in which Johnnie was last seen. After examining its floor and questioning both Tredwell and Miss Collins, Poirot deduces that Mr Waverly arranged the kidnapping with the help of Tredwell and a confederate, intending to get money from his rich but parsimonious wife. Mr Waverly took advantage of a distraction to hide Johnnie in the priest hole, then brought him out later and drove him off the grounds. He admits to the scheme and reveals that Johnnie is safe at the home of his former nurse, and Poirot promises not to reveal the truth to Mrs Waverly as long as the boy is returned within 24 hours.