Hastings is disturbed by Poirot's talk of retiring and suggests they take a short holiday in the Northwest of England. On a day trip to Lake Windermere, Hastings is very taken with fellow passenger Mary Durrant who confides that she is carrying valuable antiques which she intends to sell to a client. When the antiques are stolen en route Hastings takes charge - the newly retired Poirot affecting complete disinterest in the theft.