John broke the rather awkward silence by saying with a slight effort: "I told you, didn't I, that Mr. Inglethorp has returned?" Poirot bent his head. 
John spoke up as soon as Mr. Inglethorp burst into the room.
mnli hypothesis: John spoke up as soon as Mr. Inglethorp burst into the room. premise: John broke the rather awkward silence by saying with a slight effort: "I told you, didn't I, that Mr. Inglethorp has returned?" Poirot bent his head. 