At an exhibition of snuff boxes Hercule Poirot meets Mr Shaitana, a foreign man who is consistently described as Mephistophelean in his appearance and manner. Shaitana jokes about Poirot's visit to the exhibition, and claims he has a better "collection" which Poirot would enjoy. He arranges a dinner party to show off this collection; Poirot is, however, apprehensive.