MurderOnTheOrientExpress

AgathaChristie
1934

PartITheFacts

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AnImportantPassengerOnTheTaurusExpress
ItwasfiveoclockonawintersmorninginSyria.AlongsidetheplatformatAleppostood
thetraingrandlydesignatedinrailwayguidesastheTaurusExpress.Itconsistedofa
kitchenanddiningcar,asleepingcarandtwolocalcoaches.
BythestepleadingupintothesleepingcarstoodayoungFrenchlieutenant,resplendent
inuniformconversing,withasmallmanmuffleduptotheearsofwhomnothingwas
visiblebutapinktippednoseandthetwopointsofanupwardcurledmoustache.
Itwasfreezinglycold,andthisjobofseeingoffadistinguishedstrangerwasnotonetobe
envied,butLieutenantDuboscperformedhispartmanfully.Gracefulphrasesfellfromhis
lipsinpolishedFrench.Notthatheknewwhatitwasallabout.Therehadbeenrumours,
ofcourse,astherealwayswereinsuchcases.TheGeneralshisGeneralstemperhad
grownworseandworse.AndthentherehadcomethisBelgianstrangerallthewayfrom
England,itseemed.Therehadbeenaweekaweekofcurioustensity.Andthencertain
thingshadhappened.Averydistinguishedofficerhadcommittedsuicide,anotherhad
suddenlyresigned,anxiousfaceshadsuddenlylosttheiranxiety,certainmilitary
precautionswererelaxed.AndtheGeneral,LieutenantDuboscsownparticularGeneral,
hadsuddenlylookedtenyearsyounger.
Duboschadoverheardpartofaconversationbetweenhimandthestranger.Youhave
savedus,moncher,saidtheGeneralemotionally,hisgreatwhitemoustachetrembling
ashespoke.YouhavesavedthehonouroftheFrenchArmyyouhaveavertedmuch
bloodshed!HowcanIthankyouforaccedingtomyrequest?Tohavecomesofar
Towhichthestranger(bynameM.HerculePoirot)hadmadeafittingreplyincludingthe
phraseButindeed,doInotrememberthatonceyousavedmylife?Andthenthe
Generalhadmadeanotherfittingreplytothat,disclaiminganymeritforthatpastservice;
andwithmorementionofFrance,ofBelgium,ofglory,ofhonourandofsuchkindred
thingstheyhadembracedeachotherheartilyandtheconversationhadended.
Astowhatithadallbeenabout,LieutenantDuboscwasstillinthedark,buttohimhad
beendelegatedthedutyofseeingoffM.PoirotbytheTaurusExpress,andhewas
carryingitoutwithallthezealandardourbefittingayoungofficerwithapromisingcareer
aheadofhim.
TodayisSunday,saidLieutenantDubosc.Tomorrow,Mondayevening,youwillbein
Stamboul.
Itwasnotthefirsttimehehadmadethisobservation.Conversationsontheplatform,
beforethedepartureofatrain,areapttobesomewhatrepetitiveincharacter.
Thatisso,agreedM.Poirot.
Andyouintendtoremainthereafewdays,Ithink?
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Maisoui.Stamboul,itisacityIhavenevervisited.Itwouldbeapitytopassthrough
commea.Hesnappedhisfingersdescriptively.NothingpressesIshallremainthere
asatouristforafewdays.
LaSainteSophie,itisveryfine,saidLieutenantDubosc,whohadneverseenit.
Acoldwindcamewhistlingdowntheplatform.Bothmenshivered.LieutenantDubosc
managedtocastasurreptitiousglanceathiswatch.Fiveminutestofiveonlyfive
minutesmore!
Fancyingthattheothermanhadnoticedhisglance,hehastenedoncemoreintospeech.
Therearefewpeopletravellingthistimeofyear,hesaid,glancingupatthewindowsof
thesleepingcarabovethem.
Thatisso,agreedM.Poirot.
LetushopeyouwillnotbesnowedupintheTaurus!
Thathappens?
Ithasoccurred,yes.Notthisyear,asyet.
Letushope,then,saidM.Poirot.TheweatherreportsfromEurope,theyarebad.
Verybad.IntheBalkansthereismuchsnow.
InGermany,too,Ihaveheard.
Ehbien,saidLieutenantDuboschastilyasanotherpauseseemedtobeabouttooccur.
TomorroweveningatsevenfortyyouwillbeinConstantinople.
Yes,saidM.Poirot,andwentondesperately,LaSainteSophie,Ihavehearditisvery
fine.
Magnificent,Ibelieve.
Abovetheirheadstheblindsofoneofthesleepingcarcompartmentswaspushedaside
andayoungwomanlookedout.
MaryDebenhamhadhadlittlesleepsincesheleftBaghdadontheprecedingThursday.
NeitherinthetraintoKirkuk,norintheRestHouseatMosul,norlastnightonthetrain
hadshesleptproperly.Now,wearyoflyingwakefulinthehotstuffinessofher
overheatedcompartment,shegotupandpeeredout.
ThismustbeAleppo.Nothingtosee,ofcourse.Justalong,poorlylightedplatformwith
loud,furiousaltercationsinArabicgoingonsomewhere.Twomenbelowherwindow
weretalkingFrench.OnewasaFrenchofficer,theotherwasalittlemanwithenormous
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moustaches.Shesmiledfaintly.Shehadneverseenanyonequitesoheavilymuffledup.It
mustbeverycoldoutside.Thatwaswhytheyheatedthetrainsoterribly.Shetriedto
forcethewindowdownlower,butitwouldnotgo.
TheWagonLitconductorhadcomeuptothetwomen.Thetrainwasabouttodepart,he
said.Monsieurhadbettermount.Thelittlemanremovedhishat.Whataneggshaped
headhehad!InspiteofherpreoccupationsMaryDebenhamsmiled.Aridiculouslooking
littleman.Thesortoflittlemanonecouldnevertakeseriously.
LieutenantDuboscwassayinghispartingspeech.Hehadthoughtitoutbeforehandand
hadkeptittillthelastminute.Itwasaverybeautiful,polishedspeech.
Nottobeoutdone,M.Poirotrepliedinkind....
Envoiture,Monsieur,saidtheWagonLitconductor.WithanairofinfinitereluctanceM.
Poirotclimbedaboardthetrain.Theconductorclimbedafterhim.M.Poirotwavedhis
hand.LieutenantDubosccametothesalute.Thetrain,withaterrificjerk,movedslowly
forward.
Enfin!murmuredM.HerculePoirot.
Brrrrrrrr,saidLieutenantDubosc,realisingtothefullhowcoldhewas.
Voil,Monsieur!TheconductordisplayedtoPoirotwithadramaticgesturethebeauty
ofhissleepingcompartmentandtheneatarrangementofhisluggage.Thelittlevaliseof
Monsieur,Ihaveputithere.
Hisoutstretchedhandwassuggestive.HerculePoirotplacedinitafoldednote.
Merci,Monsieur.Theconductorbecamebriskandbusinesslike.Ihavetheticketsof
Monsieur.Iwillalsotakethepassport,please.MonsieurbreakshisjourneyinStamboul,I
understand?
M.Poirotassented.Therearenotmanypeopletravelling,Iimagine?hesaid.
No,Monsieur.IhaveonlytwootherpassengersbothEnglish.AColonelfromIndiaand
ayoungEnglishladyfromBaghdad.Monsieurrequiresanything?
MonsieurdemandedasmallbottleofPerrier.
Fiveoclockinthemorningisanawkwardtimetoboardatrain.Therewerestilltwohours
beforedawn.Consciousofaninadequatenightssleep,andofadelicatemission
successfullyaccomplished,M.Poirotcurledupinacornerandfellasleep.
Whenheawokeitwashalfpastninehesalliedforthtotherestaurantcarinsearchofhot
coffee.

Therewasonlyoneoccupantatthemoment,obviouslytheyoungEnglishladyreferredto
bytheconductor.Shewastall,slimanddarkperhapstwentyeightyearsofage.There
wasakindofcoolefficiencyinthewayshewaseatingherbreakfastandinthewayshe
calledtotheattendanttobringhermorecoffeewhichbespokeaknowledgeoftheworld
andoftravelling.Sheworeadarkcolouredtravellingdressofsomethinmaterial
eminentlysuitablefortheheatedatmosphereofthetrain.
M.HerculePoirot,havingnothingbettertodo,amusedhimselfbystudyingherwithout
appearingtodoso.
Shewas,hejudged,thekindofyoungwomanwhocouldtakecareofherselfwithperfect
easewherevershewent.Shehadpoiseandefficiency.Heratherlikedthesevere
regularityofherfeaturesandthedelicatepallorofherskin.Helikedtheburnishedblack
headwithitsneatwavesofhair,andhereyescool,impersonalandgrey.Butshewas,he
decided,justalittletooefficienttobewhathecalledjoliefemme.
Presentlyanotherpersonenteredtherestaurantcar.Thiswasatallmanofbetweenforty
andfifty,leanoffigure,brownofskin,withhairslightlygrizzledroundthetemples.
TheColonelfromIndia,saidPoirottohimself.
Thenewcomergavealittlebowtothegirl.Morning,MissDebenham.
Goodmorning,ColonelArbuthnot.
TheColonelwasstandingwithahandonthechairoppositeher.
Anyobjections?heasked.
Ofcoursenot.Sitdown.
Well,youknow,breakfastisntalwaysachattymeal.
Ishouldhopenot.ButIdontbite.
TheColonelsatdown.Boy,hecalledinperemptoryfashion.
Hegaveanorderforeggsandcoffee.
HiseyesrestedforamomentonHerculePoirot,buttheypassedonindifferently.Poirot,
readingtheEnglishmindcorrectly,knewthathehadsaidtohimself.Onlysomedamned
foreigner.
Truetotheirnationality,thetwoEnglishpeoplewerenotchatty.Theyexchangedafew
briefremarksandpresentlythegirlroseandwentbacktohercompartment.
Atlunchtimetheothertwoagainsharedatableandagaintheybothcompletelyignored
thethirdpassenger.Theirconversationwasmoreanimatedthanatbreakfast.Colonel
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ArbuthnottalkedofthePunjabandoccasionallyaskedthegirlafewquestionsabout
Baghdadwhere,itbecameclear,shehadbeeninapostasgoverness.Inthecourseof
conversationtheydiscoveredsomemutualfriends,whichhadtheimmediateeffectof
makingthemmorefriendlyandlessstiff.TheydiscussedoldTommySomebodyandold
ReggieSomeoneElse.TheColonelinquiredwhethershewasgoingstraightthroughto
EnglandorwhethershewasstoppinginStamboul.
No,Imgoingstraighton.
Isntthatratherapity?
IcameoutthiswaytwoyearsagoandspentthreedaysinStamboulthen.
Oh!Isee.Well,ImaysayImverygladyouaregoingrightthrough,becauseIam.
Hemadeakindofclumsylittlebow,flushingalittleashedidso.
Heissusceptible,ourColonel,thoughtHerculePoirottohimselfwithsomeamusement.
Thetrain,itisasdangerousasaseavoyage!
MissDebenhamsaidevenlythatthatwouldbeverynice.Hermannerwasslightly
repressive.
TheColonel,HerculePoirotnoticed,accompaniedherbacktohercompartment.Later
theypassedthroughthemagnificentsceneryoftheTaurus.Astheylookeddowntowards
theCilicianGates,standinginthecorridorsidebyside,asighcamesuddenlyfromthegirl.
Poirotwasstandingnearthemandheardhermurmur:Itssobeautiful!IwishIwish
Yes?
IwishIcouldenjoyit!
Arbuthnotdidnotanswer.Thesquarelineofhisjawseemedalittlesternerandgrimmer.
IwishtoHeavenyouwereoutofallthis,hesaid.
Hush,please.Hush.
Oh!itsallright.HeshotaslightlyannoyedglanceinPoirotsdirection.Thenhewent
on:ButIdontliketheideaofyourbeingagovernessatthebeckandcalloftyrannical
mothersandtheirtiresomebrats.
Shelaughedwithjustahintofuncontrolinthesound.
Oh!youmustntthinkthat.Thedowntroddengovernessisquiteanexplodedmyth.Ican
assureyouthatitstheparentswhoareafraidofbeingbulliedbyme.
Theysaidnomore.Arbuthnotwas,perhaps,ashamedofhisoutburst.
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RatheranoddlittlecomedythatIwatchhere,saidPoirottohimselfthoughtfully.
Hewastorememberthatthoughtofhislater.
TheyarrivedatKonyathatnightabouthalfpasteleven.ThetwoEnglishtravellersgotout
tostretchtheirlegs,pacingupanddownthesnowyplatform.
M.Poirotwascontenttowatchtheteemingactivityofthestationthroughawindow
pane.Afterabouttenminutes,however,hedecidedthatabreathofairwouldnot
perhapsbeabadthingafterall.Hemadecarefulpreparations,wrappinghimselfinseveral
coatsandmufflersandencasinghisneatbootsingoloshes.Thusattired,hedescended
gingerlytotheplatformandbegantopaceitslength.Hewalkedoutbeyondtheengine.
Itwasthevoiceswhichgavehimthecluetothetwoindistinctfiguresstandinginthe
shadowofatrafficvan.Arbuthnotwasspeaking.
Mary
Thegirlinterruptedhim.
Notnow.Notnow.Whenitsallover.Whenitsbehindusthen
DiscreetlyM.Poirotturnedaway.Hewondered....
Hewouldhardlyhaverecognisedthecool,efficientvoiceofMissDebenham....
Curious,hesaidtohimself.
Thenextdayhewonderedwhether,perhaps,theyhadquarrelled.Theyspokelittleto
eachother.Thegirl,hethought,lookedanxious.Thereweredarkcirclesunderhereyes.
Itwasabouthalfpasttwointheafternoonwhenthetraincametoahalt.Headswere
pokedoutofwindows.Alittleknotofmenwereclusteredbythesideofthelinelooking
andpointingatsomethingunderthediningcar.
PoirotleanedoutandspoketotheWagonLitconductorwhowashurryingpast.Theman
answered,andPoirotdrewbackhisheadand,turning,almostcollidedwithMary
Debenhamwhowasstandingjustbehindhim.
Whatisthematter?sheaskedratherbreathlesslyinFrench.Whyarewestopping?
Itisnothing,Mademoiselle.Itissomethingthathascaughtfireunderthediningcar.
Nothingserious.Itisputout.Theyarenowrepairingthedamage.Thereisnodanger,I
assureyou.
Shemadealittleabruptgesture,asthoughshewerewavingtheideaofdangerasideas
somethingcompletelyunimportant.
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Yes,yes,Iunderstandthat.Butthetime!
Thetime?
Yes,thiswilldelayus.
Itispossibleyes,agreedPoirot.
Butwecantafforddelay!Thistrainisdueinat6.55,andonehastocrosstheBosphorus
andcatchtheSimplonOrientExpressontheothersideatnineoclock.Ifthereisanhour
ortwoofdelayweshallmisstheconnection.
Itispossible,yes,headmitted.
Helookedathercuriously.Thehandthatheldthewindowbarwasnotquitesteady;her
lips,too,weretrembling.
Doesitmattertoyouverymuch,Mademoiselle?heasked.
Yes.Yes,itdoes.IImustcatchthattrain.
SheturnedawayfromhimandwentdownthecorridortojoinColonelArbuthnot.
Heranxiety,however,wasneedless.Tenminuteslaterthetrainstartedagain.Itarrivedat
Haydapassaronlyfiveminuteslate,havingmadeuptimeonthejourney.
TheBosphoruswasroughandM.Poirotdidnotenjoythecrossing.Hewasseparated
fromhistravellingcompanionsontheboatanddidnotseethemagain.
OnarrivalattheGalataBridgehedrovestraighttotheTokatlianHotel.

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TheTokatlianHotel
AttheTokatlian,HerculePoirotaskedforaroomwithbath.Thenhesteppedovertothe
conciergesdeskandinquiredforletters.
Therewerethreewaitingforhimandatelegram.Hiseyebrowsrosealittleatthesightof
thetelegram.Itwasunexpected.
Heopeneditinhisusualneat,unhurriedfashion.Theprintedwordsstoodoutclearly.
DevelopmentyoupredictedinKassnercasehascomeunexpectedly.Pleasereturn
immediately.
Voilcequiestembtant,mutteredPoirotvexedly.Heglancedupattheclock.Ishall
havetogoontonight,hesaidtotheconcierge.AtwhattimedoestheSimplonOrient
leave?
Atnineoclock,Monsieur.
Canyougetmeasleeper?
Assuredly,Monsieur.Thereisnodifficultythistimeofyear.Thetrainsarealmostempty.
Firstclassorsecond?
First.
Trsbien,Monsieur.Howfarareyougoing?
ToLondon.
Bien,Monsieur.IwillgetyouatickettoLondonandreserveyoursleepingcar
accommodationintheStamboulCalaiscoach.
Poirotglancedattheclockagain.Itwastenminutestoeight.Ihavetimetodine?
Butassuredly,Monsieur.
ThelittleBelgiannodded.Hewentoverandcancelledhisroomorderandcrossedthehall
totherestaurant.
Ashewasgivinghisordertothewaiter,ahandwasplacedonhisshoulder.
Ah,monvieux,butthisisanunexpectedpleasure!saidavoicebehindhim.
Thespeakerwasashortstoutelderlyman,hishaircutenbrosse.Hewassmiling
delightedly.
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Poiretsprangup.
M.Bouc!
M.Poirot!
M.BoucwasaBelgian,adirectoroftheCompagnieInternationaledesWagonsLits,and
hisacquaintancewiththeformerstaroftheBelgianpoliceforcedatedbackmanyyears.
Youfindyourselffarfromhome,moncher,saidM.Bouc.
AlittleaffairinSyria.
Ah!andyoureturnhomewhen?
Tonight.
Splendid!I,too.Thatistosay,IgoasfarasLausanne,whereIhaveaffairs.Youtravelon
theSimplonOrient,Ipresume?
Yes.Ihavejustaskedthemtogetmeasleeper.Itwasmyintentiontoremainheresome
days,butIhave.receivedatelegramrecallingmetoEnglandonimportantbusiness.
Ah!sighedM.Bouc.Lesaffaireslesaffaires!Butyou,youareatthetopofthetree
nowadays,monvieux!
SomelittlesuccessIhavehad,perhaps.HerculePoirottriedtolookmodestbutfailed
signally.
M.Bouclaughed.
Wewillmeetlater,hesaid.
HerculePoirotaddressedhimselftothetaskofkeepinghismoustachesoutofthesoup.
Thatdifficulttaskaccomplished,heglancedroundhimwhilstwaitingforthenextcourse.
Therewereonlyabouthalfadozenpeopleintherestaurant,andofthosehalfdozen
therewereonlytwothatinterestedHerculePoirot.
Thesetwosatatatablenotfaraway.Theyoungerwasalikeablelookingyoungmanof
thirty,clearlyanAmerican.Itwas,however,nothebuthiscompanionwhohadattracted
thelittledetectivesattention.
Hewasamanperhapsofbetweensixtyandseventy.Fromalittledistancehehadthe
blandaspectofaphilanthropist.Hisslightlybaldhead,hisdomedforehead,thesmiling
mouththatdisplayedaverywhitesetoffalseteethallseemedtospeakofabenevolent
personality.Onlytheeyesbeliedthisassumption.Theyweresmall,deepsetandcrafty.
Notonlythat.Astheman,makingsomeremarktohisyoungcompanion,glancedacross
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theroom,hisgazestoppedonPoirotforamomentandjustforthatsecondtherewasa
strangemalevolence,anunnaturaltensityintheglance.
Thenherose.
Paythebill,Hector,hesaid.
Hisvoicewasslightlyhuskyintone.Ithadaqueer,soft,dangerousquality.
WhenPoirotrejoinedhisfriendinthelounge,theothertwomenwerejustleavingthe
hotel.Theirluggagewasbeingbroughtdown.Theyoungerwassupervisingtheprocess.
Presentlyheopenedtheglassdoorandsaid:Quitereadynow,Mr.Ratchett.
Theeldermangruntedanassentandpassedout.
Ehbien,saidPoirot.Whatdoyouthinkofthosetwo?
TheyareAmericans,saidM.Bouc.
AssuredlytheyareAmericans.Imeantwhatdidyouthinkoftheirpersonalities?
Theyoungmanseemedquiteagreeable.
Andtheother?
Totellyouthetruth,myfriend,Ididnotcareforhim.Heproducedonmeanunpleasant
impression.Andyou?
HerculePoirotwasamomentinreplying.
Whenhepassedmeintherestaurant,hesaidatlast,Ihadacuriousimpression.Itwas
asthoughawildanimalananimalsavage,butsavage!youunderstandhadpassedme
by.
Andyethelookedaltogetherofthemostrespectable.
Prcisment!Thebodythecageiseverythingofthemostrespectablebutthrough
thebars,thewildanimallooksout.
Youarefanciful,monvieux,saidM.Bouc.
Itmaybeso.ButIcouldnotridmyselfoftheimpressionthatevilhadpassedmebyvery
close.
ThatrespectableAmericangentleman?
ThatrespectableAmericangentleman.
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Well,saidM.Bouccheerfully,itmaybeso.Thereismuchevilintheworld.
Atthatmomentthedooropenedandtheconciergecametowardsthem.Helooked
concernedandapologetic.
Itisextraordinary,Monsieur,hesaidtoPoirot.Thereisnotonefirstclasssleeping
berthtobehadonthetrain.
Comment?criedM.Bouc.Atthistimeofyear?Ah,withoutdoubtthereissomeparty
ofjournalistsofpoliticians?
Idontknow,sir,saidtheconcierge,turningtohimrespectfully.Butthatshowitis.
Well,well.M.BoucturnedtoPoirot.Havenofear,myfriend.Wewillarrange
something.Thereisalwaysonecompartment,theNo.16,whichisnotengaged.The
conductorseestothat!Hesmiled,thenglancedupattheclock.Come,hesaid,itis
timewestarted.
AtthestationM.Boucwasgreetedwithrespectfulempressementbythebrown
uniformedWagonLitconductor.
Goodevening,Monsieur.YourcompartmentistheNo.1.
Hecalledtotheportersandtheywheeledtheirloadhalfwayalongthecarriageonwhich
thetinplatesproclaimeditsdestination:ISTANBULTRIESTECALAIS
Youarefulluptonight,Ihear?
Itisincredible,Monsieur.Alltheworldelectstotraveltonight!
Allthesameyoumustfindroomforthisgentlemanhere.Heisafriendofmine.Hecan
havetheNo.16.
Itistaken,Monsieur.
What?TheNo.16?
Aglanceofunderstandingpassedbetweenthem,andtheconductorsmiled.Hewasatall
sallowmanofmiddleage.
Butyes,Monsieur.AsItoldyou,wearefullfulleverywhere.
Butwhatpassesitself?demandedM.Boucangrily.Thereisaconferencesomewhere?
Itisaparty?
No,Monsieur.Itisonlychance.Itjusthappensthatmanypeoplehaveelectedtotravel
tonight.
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M.Boucmadeaclickingsoundofannoyance.
AtBelgrade,hesaid,therewillbetheslipcoachfromAthens.Therewillalsobethe
BucharestPariscoach.ButwedonotreachBelgradeuntiltomorrowevening.The
problemisfortonight.Thereisnosecondclassberthfree?
Thereisasecondclassberth,Monsieur
Well,then
Butitisaladysberth.thereisalreadyaGermanwomaninthecompartmentaladys
maid.
Ll,thatisawkward,saidM.Bouc.
Donotdistressyourself,myfriend,saidPoirot.Imusttravelinanordinarycarriage.
Notatall.Notatall.Heturnedoncemoretotheconductor.Everyonehasarrived?
Itistrue,saidtheman,thatthereisonepassengerwhohasnotyetarrived.Hespoke
slowly,withhesitation.
Butspeakthen!
No.7berthasecondclass.Thegentlemanhasnotyetcome,anditisfourminutesto
nine.
Whoisit?
AnEnglishman,theconductorconsultedhislist.AM.Harris.
Anameofgoodomen,saidPoirot.IreadmyDickens.M.Harrishewillnotarrive.
PutMonsieursluggageinNo.7,saidM.Bouc.IfthisM.Harrisarriveswewilltellhim
thatheistoolatethatberthscannotberetainedsolongwewillarrangethematter
onewayoranother.WhatdoIcareforaM.Harris?
AsMonsieurpleases,saidtheconductor.HespoketoPoirotsporter,directinghim
wheretogo.ThenhestoodasidefromthestepstoletPoirotenterthetrain.
Toutfaitaubout,Monsieur,hecalled.Theendcompartmentbutone.
Poirotpassedalongthecorridor,asomewhatslowprogress,sincemostofthepeople
travellingwerestandingoutsidetheircarriages.
HispolitePardonswereutteredwiththeregularityofclockwork.Atlasthereachedthe
compartmentindicated.Insideit,reachinguptoasuitcase,wasthetallyoungAmericanof
theTokatlian.
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HefrownedasPoirotentered.
Excuseme,hesaid.Ithinkyouvemadeamistake.Then,laboriouslyinFrench:Je
croisquavousavezunerreur.
PoirotrepliedinEnglish.YouareMr.Harris?
No,mynameisMacQueen.I
ButatthatmomentthevoiceoftheWagonLitconductorspokefromoverPoirots
shoulderanapologetic,ratherbreathlessvoice.
Thereisnootherberthonthetrain,Monsieur.Thegentlemanhastocomeinhere.
HewashaulingupthecorridorwindowashespokeandbegantoliftinPoirotsluggage.
Poirotnoticedtheapologyinhistonewithsomeamusement.Doubtlessthemanhad
beenpromisedagoodtipifhecouldkeepthecompartmentforthesoleuseoftheother
traveller.However,eventhemostmunificentoftipslosetheireffectwhenaDirectorof
theCompanyisonboardandissueshisorders.
Theconductoremergedfromthecompartment,havingswungthesuitcasesupontothe
racks.
Voil,Monsieur,hesaid.Allisarranged.Yoursistheupperberth,theNo.7.Westart
inoneminute.
Hehurriedoffdownthecorridor.Poirotreenteredthecompartment.
AphenomenonIhaveseldomseen,hesaidcheerfully.AWagonLitconductorhimself
putsuptheluggage!Itisunheardof!
Hisfellowtravellersmiled.Hehadevidentlygotoverhisannoyancehadprobably
decidedthatitwasnogoodtotakethematterotherwisethanphilosophically.Thetrains
remarkablyfull,hesaid.
Awhistleblew,therewasalongmelancholycryfromtheengine.Bothmensteppedout
intothecorridor.Outsideavoiceshouted,Envoiture!
Wereoff,saidMacQueen.
Buttheywerenotquiteoff.Thewhistleblewagain.
Isay,sir,saidtheyoungmansuddenly.Ifyoudratherhavethelowerbertheasier
andallthatwell,thatsallrightbyme.
Alikeableyoungfellow.
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No,no,protestedPoirot.Iwouldnotdepriveyou
Thatsallright
Youaretooamiable
Politeprotestsonbothsides.
Itisforonenightonly,explainedPoirot.AtBelgrade
Oh!Isee.YouregettingoutatBelgrade
Notexactly.Yousee
Therewasasuddenjerk.Bothmenswungroundtothewindow,lookingoutatthelong
lightedplatformasitslidslowlypastthem.
TheOrientExpresshadstartedonitsthreedayjourneyacrossEurope.

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PoirotRefusesACase
M.HerculePoirotwasalittlelateinenteringtheluncheoncaronthefollowingday.He
hadrisenearly,hadbreakfastedalmostalone,andhadspentthemorninggoingoverthe
notesofthecasethatwasrecallinghimtoLondon.Hehadseenlittleofhistravelling
companion.
M.Bouc,whowasalreadyseated,gatedagreetingandsummonedhisfriendtotheempty
placeoppositehim.Poirotsatdownandsoonfoundhimselfinthefavouredpositionof
beingatthetablewhichwasservedfirstandwiththechoicestmorsels.Thefood,too,was
unusuallygood.
ItwasnottilltheywereeatingadelicatecreamcheesethatM.Boucallowedhisattention
towandertomattersotherthannourishment.Hewasatthestageofamealwhenone
becomesphilosophic.
Ah!hesighed.IfIhadbutthepenofaBalzac!Iwoulddepictthisscene.Hewaveda
hand.
Itisanidea,that,saidPoirot.
Ah,youagree?Ithasnotbeendone,Ithink?Andyetitlendsitselftoromance,my
friend.Allaroundusarepeople,ofallclasses,ofallnationalities,ofallages.Forthree
daysthesepeople,thesestrangerstooneanother,arebroughttogether.Theysleepand
eatunderoneroof,theycannotgetawayfromeachother.Attheendofthreedaysthey
part,theygotheirseveralways,neverperhapstoseeeachotheragain.
Andyet,saidPoirot,supposeanaccident
Ah,no,myfriend
Fromyourpointofviewitwouldberegrettable,Iagree.Butneverthelessletusjustfor
onemomentsupposeit.Then,perhaps,alltheseherearelinkedtogetherbydeath.
Somemorewine,saidM.Bouc,hastilypouringitout.Youaremorbid,moncher.Itis,
perhapsthedigestion.
Itistrue,agreedPoirot,thatthefoodinSyriawasnotperhapsquitesuitedtomy
stomach.
Hesippedhiswine.Then,leaningback,heranhiseyethoughtfullyroundthediningcar.
Therewerethirteenpeopleseatedthereand,asM.Bouchadsaid,ofallclassesand
nationalities.Hebegantostudythem.
Atthetableoppositethemwerethreemen.Theywere,heguessed,singletravellers
gradedandplacedtherebytheunerringjudgmentoftherestaurantattendants.Abig
21

swarthyItalianwaspickinghisteethwithgusto.OppositehimaspareneatEnglishman
hadtheexpressionlessdisapprovingfaceofthewelltrainedservant.Nexttothe
EnglishmanwasabigAmericaninaloudsuitpossiblyacommercialtraveller.
Youvegottoputitoverbig,hewassayinginaloud,nasalvoice.
TheItalianremovedhistoothpicktogesticulatewithitfreely.
Sure,hesaid.ThatwhattaIsayalladetime.
TheEnglishmanlookedoutofthewindowandcoughed.
Poirotseyepassedon.
Atasmalltable,sittingveryupright,wasoneoftheugliestoldladieshehadeverseen.It
wasanuglinessofdistinctionitfascinatedratherthanrepelled.Shesatveryupright.
Roundherneckwasacollarofverylargepearlswhich,improbablethoughitseemed,
werereal.Herhandswerecoveredwithrings.Hersablecoatwaspushedbackonher
shoulders.Averysmallandexpensiveblacktoquewashideouslyunbecomingtothe
yellow,toadlikefacebeneathit.
Shewasspeakingnowtotherestaurantattendantinaclear,courteous,butcompletely
autocratictone.
Youwillbesufficientlyamiabletoplaceinmycompartmentabottleofmineralwaterand
alargeglassoforangejuice.YouwillarrangethatIshallhavechickencookedwithout
saucesfordinnerthiseveningalsosomeboiledfish.
Theattendantrepliedrespectfullythatitshouldbedone.
Shegaveaslightgraciousnodoftheheadandrose.HerglancecaughtPoirotsandswept
overhimwiththenonchalanceoftheuninterestedaristocrat.
ThatisPrincessDragomiroff,saidM.Boucinalowtone.SheisaRussian.Herhusband
realisedallhismoneybeforetheRevolutionandinvesteditabroad.Sheisextremelyrich.
Acosmopolitan.
Poirotnodded.HehadheardofPrincessDragomiroff.
Sheisapersonality,saidM.Bouc.Uglyassinbutshemakesherselffelt.Youagree?
Poirotagreed.
AtanotherofthelargetablesMaryDebenhamwassittingwithtwootherwomen.Oneof
themwastallandmiddleaged,inaplaidblouseandtweedskirt.Shehadamassoffaded
yellowhairunbecominglyarrangedinalargebun,woreglasses,andhadalongmild
amiablefaceratherlikeasheep.Shewaslisteningtothethirdwoman,astout,pleasant
22

faced,elderlypersonwhowastalkinginaslowclearmonotonewhichshowednosignsof
pausingforbreathorcomingtoastop.
andsomydaughtersaid,Why,shesaid,youjustcantapplyAmericanmethodsin
thiscountry.Itsnaturaltothefolksheretobeindolent,shesaid.Theyjusthaventgot
anyhustleinthemButallthesameyoudbesurprisedtoknowwhatourcollegethere
isdoing.Theyvegotafinestaffofteachers.Iguesstheresnothinglikeeducation.Weve
gottoapplyourWesternidealsandteachtheEasttorecognisethem.Mydaughtersays

Thetrainplungedintoatunnel.Thecalm,monotonousvoicewasdrowned.
Atthenexttable,asmallone,satColonelArbuthnotalone.Hisgazewasfixeduponthe
backofMaryDebenhamshead.Theywerenotsittingtogether.Yetitcouldeasilyhave
beenmanaged.Why?
Perhaps,Poirotthought,MaryDebenhamhaddemurred.Agovernesslearnstobecareful.
Appearancesareimportant.Agirlwithherlivingtogethastobediscreet.
Hisglanceshiftedtotheothersideofthecarriage.Atthefarend,againstthewall,wasa
middleagedwomandressedinblackwithabroad,expressionlessface.Germanor
Scandinavian,hethought.ProbablytheGermanladysmaid.
Beyondherwereacoupleleaningforwardandtalkinganimatedlytogether.Themanwore
Englishclothesofloosetweed,buthewasnotEnglish.Thoughonlythebackofhishead
wasvisibletoPoirot,theshapeofitandthesetoftheshouldersbetrayedhim.Abigman,
wellmade.HeturnedhisheadsuddenlyandPoirotsawhisprofile.Averyhandsomeman
ofthirtyoddwithabigfairmoustache.
Thewomanoppositehimwasameregirltwentyataguess.Atightfittinglittleblack
coatandskirt,whitesatinblouse,smallchicblacktoqueperchedatthefashionable
outrageousangle.Shehadabeautifulforeignlookingface,deadwhiteskin,largebrown
eyes,jetblackhair.Shewassmokingacigaretteinalongholder.Hermanicuredhands
haddeeprednails.Sheworeonelargeemeraldsetinplatinum.Therewascoquetryinher
glanceandvoice.
Elleestjolieetchic,murmuredPoirot.Husbandandwifeeh?
M.Boucnodded.HungarianEmbassy,Ibelieve,hesaid.Ahandsomecouple.
TherewereonlytwomorelunchersPoirotsfellowtravellerMacQueenandhisemployer
Mr.Ratchett.ThelattersatfacingPoirot,andforthesecondtimePoirotstudiedthat
unprepossessingface,notingthefalsebenevolenceofthebrowandthesmall,crueleyes.
DoubtlessM.Boucsawachangeinhisfriendsexpression.
Itisatyourwildanimalyoulook?heasked.
23

Poirotnodded.
Ashiscoffeewasbroughttohim,M.Boucrosetohisfeet.HavingstartedbeforePoirothe
hadfinishedsometimeago.
Ireturntomycompartment,hesaid.Comealongpresentlyandconversewithme.
Withpleasure.
Poirotsippedhiscoffeeandorderedaliqueur.Theattendantwaspassingfromtableto
tablewithhisboxofmoney,acceptingpaymentforbills.TheelderlyAmericanladysvoice
roseshrillandplaintive.
Mydaughtersaid:Takeabookoffoodticketsandyoullhavenotroublenotroubleat
all.Now,thatisntso.Seemstheyhavetohaveatenpercenttip,andthentheresthat
bottleofmineralwaterandaqueersortofwatertoo.TheydidnthaveanyEvianor
Vichy,whichseemsqueertome.
Itistheymusthowdoyousay?servethewaterofthecountry,explainedthe
sheepfacedlady.
Well,itseemsqueertome.Shelookeddistastefullyattheheapofsmallchangeonthe
tableinfrontofher.Lookatallthispeculiarstuffhesgivenme.Dinarsorsomething.Just
alotofrubbish,itlookslike!Mydaughtersaid
MaryDebenhampushedbackherchairandleftwithaslightbowtotheothertwo.
ColonelArbuthnotgotupandfollowedher.Gatheringupherdespisedmoneythe
Americanwomanfollowedsuit,followedbytheotheronelikeasheep.TheHungarians
hadalreadydeparted.TherestaurantcarwasemptysaveforPoirotandRatchettand
MacQueen.
Ratchettspoketohiscompanion,whogotupandleftthecar.Thenherosehimself,but
insteadoffollowingMacQueenhedroppedunexpectedlyintotheseatoppositePoirot.
Canyouobligemewithalight?hesaid.Hisvoicewassoftfaintlynasal.Mynameis
Ratchett.
Poirotbowedslightly.Heslippedhishandintohispocketandproducedamatchboxwhich
hehandedtotheotherman,whotookitbutdidnotstrikealight.
Ithink,hewenton,thatIhavethepleasureofspeakingtoMr.HerculePoirot.Isthat
so?
Poirotbowedagain.Youhavebeencorrectlyinformed,Monsieur.
Thedetectivewasconsciousofthosestrangeshrewdeyessumminghimupbeforethe
otherspokeagain.
24

Inmycountry,hesaid,wecometothepointquickly.Mr.Poirot,Iwantyoutotakeon
ajobforme.
HerculePoirotseyebrowswentupatrifle.
Myclientle,Monsieur,islimitednowadays.Iundertakeveryfewcases.
Why,naturally,Iunderstandthat.Butthis,Mr.Poirot,meansbigmoney.Herepeated
againinhissoft,persuasivevoice,Bigmoney.
HerculePoirotwassilentaminuteortwo.Thenhesaid:Whatisityouwishmetodofor
you,MonsieurerRatchett?
Mr.Poirot,Iamarichmanaveryrichman.Meninthatpositionhaveenemies.Ihave
anenemy.
Onlyoneenemy?
Justwhatdoyoumeanbythatquestion?askedRatchettsharply.
Monsieur,inmyexperiencewhenamanisinapositiontohave,asyousay,enemies,
thenitdoesnotusuallyresolveitselfintooneenemyonly.
RatchettseemedrelievedbyPoirotsanswer.Hesaidquickly:Why,yes,Iappreciate
thatpoint.Enemyorenemiesitdoesntmatter.Whatdoesmatterismysafety.
Safety?
Mylifehasbeenthreatened,Mr.Poirot.NowImamanwhocantakeprettygoodcareof
himself.Fromthepocketofhiscoathishandbroughtasmallautomaticintosightfora
moment.Hecontinuedgrimly.IdontthinkImthekindofmantobecaughtnapping.
But,asIlookatit,Imightaswellmakeassurancedoublysure.Ifancyyourethemanfor
mymoney,Mr.Poirot.Andrememberbigmoney.
Poirotlookedathimthoughtfullyforsomeminutes.Hisfacewascompletely
expressionless.Theothercouldhavehadnoclueastowhatthoughtswerepassinginthat
mind.
Iregret,Monsieur,hesaidatlength,thatIcannotobligeyou.
Theotherlookedathimshrewdly.Nameyourfigure,then,hesaid.
Poirotshookhishead.
Youdonotunderstand,Monsieur.Ihavebeenveryfortunateinmyprofession.Ihave
madeenoughmoneytosatisfybothmyneedsandmycaprices.Itakenowonlysuchcases
asinterestme.
25

Youvegotaprettygoodnerve,saidRatchett.Willtwentythousanddollarstempt
you?
Itwillnot.
Ifyoureholdingoutformore,youwontgetit.Iknowwhatathingsworthtome.
I,also,M.Ratchett.
Whatswrongwithmyproposition?
Poirotrose.IfyouwillforgivemeforbeingpersonalIdonotlikeyourface,M.
Ratchett,hesaid.
Andwiththathelefttherestaurantcar.

26

4
ACryInTheNight
TheSimplonOrientExpressarrivedatBelgradeataquartertoninethatevening.Itwas
notduetodepartagainuntil9.15,soPoirotdescendedtotheplatform.Hedidnot,
however,remaintherelong.Thecoldwasbitter,andthoughtheplatformitselfwas
protected,heavysnowwasfallingoutside.Hereturnedtohiscompartment.The
conductor,whowasontheplatformstampinghisfeetandwavinghisarmstokeepwarm,
spoketohim.
Yourvaliseshavebeenmoved,Monsieur.TothecompartmentNo.1,thecompartment
ofM.Bouc.
ButwhereisMonsieurBouc,then?
HehasmovedintothecoachfromAthenswhichhasjustbeenputon.
Poirotwentinsearchofhisfriend.M.Boucwavedhisprotestationsaside.
Itisnothing.Itisnothing.Itismoreconvenientlikethis.Youaregoingthroughto
England,soitisbetterthatyoushouldstayinthethroughcoachtoCalais.Me,Iamvery
wellhere.Itismostpeaceful.ThiscoachisemptysaveformyselfandonelittleGreek
doctor.Ah!myfriend,whatanight!Theysaytherehasnotbeensomuchsnowforyears.
Letushopeweshallnotbeheldup.Iamnottoohappyaboutit,Icantellyou.
At9.15punctuallythetrainpulledoutofthestation,andshortlyafterwardsPoirotgotup,
saidgoodnighttohisfriend,andmadehiswayalongthecorridorbackintohisowncoach
whichwasinfrontnexttothediningcar.
Onthis,theseconddayofthejourney,barrierswerebreakingdown.ColonelArbuthnot
wasstandingatthedoorofhiscompartmenttalkingtoMacQueen.WhenMacQueensaw
Poirothebrokeoffsomethinghewassaying.Helookedverymuchsurprised.
Why,hecried,Ithoughtyoudleftus.YousaidyouweregettingoffatBelgrade.
Youmisunderstoodme,saidPoirot,smiling.Iremembernow,thetrainstartedfrom
Stambouljustasweweretalkingaboutit.
But,man,yourbaggage.Itsgone.
Ithasbeenmovedintoanothercompartment,thatisall.
Oh!Isee.
HeresumedhisconversationwithArbuthnot,andPoirotpassedondownthecorridor.

27

Twodoorsfromhisowncompartment,theelderlyAmerican,Mrs.Hubbard,wasstanding
talkingtothesheeplikelady,whowasaSwede.Mrs.Hubbardwaspressingamagazine
ontheother.
No,dotakeit,mydear,shesaid.Ivegotplentyofotherthingstoread.My,isntthe
coldsomethingfrightful?ShenoddedamicablytoPoirot.
Youaremostkind,saidtheSwedishlady.
Notatall.Ihopeyoullsleepwellandthatyourheadwillbebetterinthemorning.
Itisthecoldonly.Imakenowmyselfacupoftea.
Haveyougotsomeaspirin?Areyousurenow?Ivegotplenty.Well,goodnight,my
dear.
SheturnedtoPoirotconversationallyastheotherwomandeparted.
Poorcreature,shesaSwede.AsfarasIcanmakeoutshesakindofmissionary.A
teachingone.Anicecreature,butdoesnttalkmuchEnglish.Shewasmostinterestedin
whatItoldheraboutmydaughter.
Poirot,bynow,knewallaboutMrs.Hubbardsdaughter.Everyoneonthetrainwhocould
understandEnglishdid!HowsheandherhusbandwereonthestaffofabigAmerican
collegeinSmyrna,andhowthiswasMrs.HubbardsfirstjourneytotheEast,andwhatshe
thoughtoftheTurksandtheirslipshodwaysandtheconditionoftheirroads.
Thedoornexttothemopenedandthethinpalemanservantsteppedout.Inside,Poirot
caughtaglimpseofMr.Ratchettsittingupinbed.HesawPoirotandhisfacechanged,
darkeningwithanger.Thenthedoorwasshut.
Mrs.HubbarddrewPoirotalittlewide.
Youknow,Imdeadscaredofthatman.Oh!notthevalettheother.Hismaster.Master,
indeed!Theressomethingwrongaboutthatman.MydaughteralwayssaysImvery
intuitive.WhenMammagetsahunch,shesdeadright,thatswhatmydaughtersays.
AndIvegotahunchaboutthatman.HesnextdoortomeandIdontlikeit.Iputmy
gripsagainstthecommunicatingdoorlastnight.IthoughtIheardhimtryingthehandle.
Duoyouknow,Ishouldntbeabitsurprisedifthatmanturnedouttobeamurdererone
ofthesetrainrobbersyoureadabout.IdaresayImfoolish,butthereitis.Imabsolutely
scaredtodeathoftheman!MydaughtersaidIdhaveaneasyjourney,butsomehowI
dontfeelhappyaboutit.Itmaybefoolish,butIfeelasifanythingmighthappen
anythingatall.Andhowthatniceyoungfellowcanbeartobehissecretary,Icantthink.
ColonelArbuthnotandMacQueenwerecomingtowardsthemdownthecorridor.
Comeintomycarriage,MacQueenwassaying.Itisntmadeupforthenightyet.Now
whatIwanttogetrightaboutyourpolicyinIndiaisthis
28

ThetwomenpassedandwentondownthecorridortoMacQueenscarriage.
Mrs.HubbardsaidgoodnighttoPoirot.IguessIllgorighttobedandread,shesaid.
Goodnight.
Goodnight,Madame.
Poirotpassedintohisowncompartment,whichwasthenextonebeyondRatchetts.He
undressedandgotintobed,readforabouthalfanhourandthenturnedoutthelight.
Heawokesomehourslater,awokewithastart.Heknewwhatitwasthathadwakened
himaloudgroan,almostacry,somewherecloseathand.Atthesamemomenttheting
ofabellsoundedsharply.
Poirotsatupandswitchedonthelight.Henoticedthatthetrainwasatastandstill
presumablyatastation.
Thatcryhadstartledhim.HerememberedthatitwasRatchettwhohadthenext
compartment.HegotoutofbedandopenedthedoorjustastheWagonLitconductor
camehurryingalongthecorridorandknockedonRatchettsdoor.Poirotkepthisdoor
openacrackandwatched.Theconductortappedasecondtime.Abellrangandalight
showedoveranotherdoorfartherdown.Theconductorglancedoverhisshoulder.Atthe
samemomentavoicefromwithinthenextcompartmentcalledout:Cenestrien.Jeme
suistromp.
Bien,Monsieur.Theconductorscurriedoffagain,toknockatthedoorwherethelight
wasshowing.
Poirotreturnedtobed,hismindrelieved,andswitchedoffthelight.Heglancedathis
watch.Itwasjusttwentythreeminutestoone.

29

30

5
TheCrime
Hefounditdifficulttogotosleepagainatonce.Foronethinghemissedthemotionof
thetrain.Ifitwasastationoutside,itwascuriouslyquiet.Bycontrastthenoisesonthe
trainseemedunusuallyloud.HecouldhearRatchettmovingaboutnextdooraclickas
hepulleddownthewashbasin,thesoundofthetaprunning,asplashingnoise,then
anotherclickasthebasinshuttoagain.Footstepspassedupthecorridoroutside,the
shufflingfootstepsofsomeoneinbedroomslippers.
HerculePoirotlayawakestaringattheceiling.Whywasthestationoutsidesosilent?His
throatfeltdry.Hehadforgottentoaskforhisusualbottleofmineralwater.Helookedat
hiswatchagain.Justafteraquarterpastone.Hewouldringfortheconductorandaskfor
somemineralwater.Hisfingerwentouttothebell,buthepausedasinthestillnesshe
heardating.Themancouldntanswereverybellatonce.
Ting....Ting....Ting....
Itsoundedagainandagain.Wherewastheman?Somebodywasgettingimpatient.
Tiiiing!
Whoeveritwas,waskeepingafingersolidlyonthepushbutton.
Suddenlywitharush,hisfootstepsechoinguptheaisle,themancame.Heknockedata
doornotfarfromPoirotsown.
Thencamevoicestheconductors,deferential,apologetic;andawomans,insistentand
voluble.
Mrs.Hubbard!
Poirotsmiledtohimself.
Thealtercationifitwasonewentonforsometime.Itsproportionswereninetyper
centofMrs.Hubbardstoasoothingtenpercentoftheconductors.Finallythematter
seemedtobeadjusted.PoirothearddistinctlyaBonnenuit,Madame,andaclosing
door.
Hepressedhisownfingeronthebell.
Theconductorarrivedpromptly.Helookedhotandworried.
Deleauminrale,silvousPlat.
Bien,Monsieur.PerhapsatwinkleinPoirotseyeledhimtounburdenhimself.Ladame
amricaine
31

Yes?
Hewipedhisforehead.ImaginetoyourselfthetimeIhavehadwithher!Sheinsistsbut
insiststhatthereisamaninhercompartment!Figuretoyourself,Monsieur.Inaspace
ofthissize.Hesweptahandround.Wherewouldheconcealhimself?Iarguewithher.I
pointoutthatitisimpossible.Sheinsists.Shewokeup,andtherewasamanthere.And
how,Iask,didhegetoutandleavethedoorboltedbehindhim?Butshewillnotlistento
reason.Asthoughtherewerenotenoughtoworryusalready.Thissnow
Snow?
Butyes,Monsieur.Monsieurhasnotnoticed?Thetrainhasstopped.Wehaverunintoa
snowdrift.Heavenknowshowlongweshallbehere.Irememberoncebeingsnowedup
forsevendays.
Wherearewe?
BetweenVincovciandBrod.
Ll,saidPoirotvexedly.
Themanwithdrewandreturnedwiththewater.
Bonsoir,Monsieur.
Poirotdrankaglassofwaterandcomposedhimselftosleep.
Hewasjustdroppingoffwhensomethingagainwokehim.Thistimeitwasasthough
somethingheavyhadfallenwithathudagainstthedoor.
Hesprangup,openeditandlookedout.Nothing.Buttohisright,somedistancedownthe
corridor,awomanwrappedinascarletkimonowasretreatingfromhim.Attheotherend,
sittingonhislittleseat,theconductorwasenteringupfiguresonlargesheetsofpaper.
Everythingwasdeathlyquiet.
DecidedlyIsufferfromthenerves,saidPoirotandretiredtobedagain.Thistimehe
slepttillmorning.
Whenheawokethetrainwasstillatastandstill.Heraisedablindandlookedout.Heavy
banksofsnowsurroundedthetrain.
Heglancedathiswatchandsawthatitwaspastnineoclock.
Ataquartertoten,neat,spruceanddandifiedasever,hemadehiswaytotherestaurant
car,whereachorusofwoewasgoingon.
Anybarrierstheremighthavebeenbetweenthepassengershadnowquitebrokendown.
Allwereunitedbyacommonmisfortune.Mrs.Hubbardwasloudestinherlamentations.
32

Mydaughtersaiditwouldbetheeasiestwayintheworld.JustsitinthetrainuntilIgot
toParrus.Andnowwemaybeherefordaysanddays,shewailed.Andmyboatsailsday
aftertomorrow.HowamIgoingtocatchitnow?Why,Icantevenwiretocancelmy
passage.Imjusttoomadtotalkaboutit!
TheItaliansaidthathehadurgentbusinesshimselfinMilan.ThelargeAmericansaidthat
thatwastoobad,Maam,andsoothinglyexpressedahopethatthetrainmightmakeup
time.
Mysisterherchildrenwaitme,saidtheSwedishlady,andwept.Igetnowordto
them.Whattheythink?Theywillsaybadthingshavehappentome.
Howlongshallwebehere?demandedMaryDebenham.Doesntanybodyknow?
Hervoicesoundedimpatient,butPoirotnotedthattherewerenosignsofthatalmost
feverishanxietywhichshehaddisplayedduringthechecktotheTaurusExpress.
Mrs.Hubbardwasoffagain.
Thereisntanybodyknowsathingonthistrain.Andnobodystryingtodoanything.Just
apackofuselessforeigners.Why,ifthiswereathome,theredbesomeoneatleasttrying
todosomething!
ArbuthnotturnedtoPoirotandspokeincarefulBritishFrench.
Voustesundirecteurdelaligne,jecrois,Monsieur.Vouspouveznousdire
Smiling,Poirotcorrectedhim.
No,no,hesaidinEnglish.ItisnotI.Youconfoundmewithmyfriend,M.Bouc.
Oh,Imsorry
Notatall.Itismostnatural.Iamnowinthecompartmentthathehadformerly.
M.Boucwasnotpresentintherestaurantcar.Poirotlookedabouttonoticewhoelsewas
absent.
PrincessDragomiroffwasmissing,andtheHungariancouple.AlsoRatchett,hisvalet,and
theGermanladysmaid.
TheSwedishladywipedhereyes.
Iamfoolish,shesaid.Iambadtocry.Allisforthebest,whateverhappen.
ThisChristianspirit,however,wasfarfrombeingshared.
Thatsallverywell,saidMacQueenrestlessly.Wemaybeherefordays.
33

Whatisthiscountryanyway?demandedMrs.Hubbardtearfully.
OnbeingtolditwasJugoSlavia,shesaid:Oh!oneoftheseBalkanthings.Whatcanyou
expect?
Youaretheonlypatientone,Mademoiselle,saidPoirottoMissDebenham.
Sheshruggedhershouldersslightly.Whatcanonedo?
Youareaphilosopher,Mademoiselle.
Thatimpliesadetachedattitude.Ithinkmyattitudeismoreselfish.Ihavelearnedto
savemyselfuselessemotion.
Shewasspeakingmoretoherselfthantohim.Shewasnotevenlookingathim.Hergaze
wentpasthim,outofthewindowtowherethesnowlayinheavymasses.
Youareastrongcharacter,Mademoiselle,saidPoirotgently.Youare,Ithink,the
strongestcharacteramongstus.
Oh!no.No,indeed.Iknowonefar,farstrongerthanIam.
Andthatis?
Sheseemedsuddenlytocometoherself,torealisethatshewastalkingtoastrangerand
foreigner,withwhom,untilthismorning,shehadexchangedonlyhalfadozensentences.
Shelaughed,apolitebutestranginglaugh.
Wellthatoldlady,forinstance.Youhaveprobablynoticedher.Averyuglyoldladybut
ratherfascinating.Shehasonlytoliftalittlefingerandaskforsomethinginapolite
voiceandthewholetrainruns.
ItrunsalsoformyfriendM.Bouc,saidPoirot.Butthatisbecauseheisadirectorofthe
line,notbecausehehasastrongcharacter.
MaryDebenhamsmiled.
Themorningworeaway.Severalpeople,Poirotamongstthem,remainedinthediningcar.
Thecommunallifewasfelt,atthemoment,topassthetimebetter.Heheardagooddeal
moreaboutMrs.Hubbardsdaughter,andheheardthelifelonghabitsofMr.Hubbard,
deceased,fromhisrisinginthemorningandcommencingbreakfastwithacerealtohis
finalrestatnightinthebedsocksthatMrs.Hubbardherselfhadbeeninthehabitof
knittingforhim.
ItwaswhenhewaslisteningtoaconfusedaccountofthemissionaryaimsoftheSwedish
ladythatoneoftheWagonLitconductorscameintothecarandstoodathiselbow.
34

Pardon,Monsieur.
Yes?
ThecomplimentsofM.Bouc,andhewouldbegladifyouwouldbesokindastocometo
himforafewminutes.
Poirotrose,utteredexcusestotheSwedishladyandfollowedthemanoutofthedining
car.Itwasnothisownconductor,butabigfairman.
Hefollowedhisguidedownthecorridorofhisowncarriageandalongthecorridorofthe
nextone.Themantappedatadoor,thenstoodasidetoletPoirotenter.
ThecompartmentwasnotM.Boucsown.Itwasasecondclassonechosenpresumably
becauseofitsslightlylargersize.Itcertainlygavetheimpressionofbeingcrowded.
M.Bouchimselfwassittingonthesmallseatintheoppositecorner.Inthecornernextthe
window,facinghim,wasasmalldarkmanlookingoutatthesnow.Standingupandquite
preventingPoirotfromadvancinganyfartherwereabigmaninblueuniform(thechefde
train)andhisownWagonLitconductor.
Ah!mygoodfriend,criedM.Bouc.Comein.Wehaveneedofyou.
Thelittlemaninthewindowshiftedalongtheseat,andPoirotsqueezedpast:theother
twomenandsatdownfacinghisfriend.
TheexpressiononM.Boucsfacegavehim,ashewouldhaveexpressedit,furiouslyto
think.Itwasclearthatsomethingoutofthecommonhadhappened.
Whathasoccurred?heasked.
Youmaywellaskthat.Firstthissnowthisstoppage.Andnow
HepausedandasortofstrangledgaspcamefromtheWagonLitconductor.
Andnowwhat?
Andnowapassengerliesdeadinhisberthstabbed.
M.Boucspokewithakindofcalmdesperation.
Apassenger?Whichpassenger?
AnAmerican.Amancalledcalledheconsultedsomenotesinfrontofhim.
Ratchett.ThatisrightRatchett?
Yes,Monsieur,theWagonLitmangulped.
35

Poirotlookedathim.Hewasaswhiteaschalk.
Youhadbetterletthatmansitdown,hesaid.Hemayfaintotherwise.
ThechefdetrainmovedslightlyandtheWagonLitmansankdowninthecornerand
buriedhisfaceinhishands.
Brr!saidPoirot.Thisisserious!
Certainlyitisserious.Tobeginwith,amurderthatinitselfisacalamityofthefirst
water.Butnotonlythat,thecircumstancesareunusual.Hereweare,broughttoa
standstill.Wemaybehereforhoursandnotonlyhoursdays!Anothercircumstance
passingthroughmostcountrieswehavethepoliceofthatcountryonthetrain.Butin
JugoSlavia,no.Youcomprehend?
Itisapositionofgreatdifficulty,saidPoirot.
Thereisworsetocome.Dr.ConstantineIforgot,Ihavenotintroducedyou.Dr.
Constantine,M.Poirot.
Thelittledarkmanbowed,andPoirotreturnedthebow.
Dr.Constantineisoftheopinionthatdeathoccurredatabout1A.M.
Itisdifficulttospeakexactlyinthesematters,saidthedoctor,butIthinkIcansay
definitelythatdeathoccurredbetweenmidnightandtwointhemorning.
WhenwasthisM.Ratchettlastseenalive?askedPoirot.
Heisknowntohavebeenaliveatabouttwentyminutestoone,whenhespoketothe
conductor,saidM.Bouc.
Thatisquitecorrect,saidPoirot.Imyselfheardwhatpassed.Thatisthelastthing
known?
Yes.
Poirotturnedtowardthedoctor,whocontinued.
ThewindowofM.Ratchettscompartmentwasfoundwideopen,leadingonetosuppose
thatthemurdererescapedthatway.Butinmyopinionthatopenwindowisablind.
Anyonedepartingthatwaywouldhaveleftdistincttracesinthesnow.Therewerenone.
Thecrimewasdiscoveredwhen?askedPoirot.
Michel!
TheWagonLitconductorsatup.Hisfacestilllookedpaleandfrightened.
36

Tellthisgentlemanexactlywhatoccurred,orderedM.Bouc.
Themanspokesomewhatjerkily.
ThevaletofthisM.Ratchett,hetappedseveraltimesatthedoorthismorning.There
wasnoanswer.Then,halfanhourago,therestaurantcarattendantcame.Hewantedto
knowifMonsieurwastakingdjeuner.Itwaselevenoclock,youcomprehend.
Iopenthedoorforhimwithmykey.Butthereisachain,too,andthatisfastened.There
isnoansweranditisverystillinthere,andcoldbutcold.Withthewindowopenand
snowdriftingin.Ithoughtthegentlemanhadhadafit,perhaps.Igotthechefdetrain.
Webrokethechainandwentin.HewasAh!ctaitterrible!
Heburiedhisfaceinhishandsagain.
Thedoorwaslockedandchainedontheinside,saidPoirotthoughtfully.Itwasnot
suicideeh?
TheGreekdoctorgaveasardoniclaugh.Doesamanwhocommitssuicidestabhimselfin
tentwelvefifteenplaces?heasked.
Poirotseyesopened.Thatisgreatferocity,hesaid.
Itisawoman,saidthechefdetrain,speakingforthefirsttime.Dependuponit,itwas
awoman.Onlyawomanwouldstablikethat.
Dr.Constantinescreweduphisfacethoughtfully.
Shemusthavebeenaverystrongwoman,hesaid.Itisnotmydesiretospeak
technicallythatisonlyconfusing;butIcanassureyouthatoneortwooftheblowswere
deliveredwithsuchforceastodrivethemthroughhardbeltsofboneandmuscle.
Itwasclearlynotascientificcrime,saidPoirot.
Itwasmostunscientific,returnedDr.Constantine.Theblowsseemtohavebeen
deliveredhaphazardandatrandom.Somehaveglancedoff,doinghardlyanydamage.Itis
asthoughsomebodyhadshuthiseyesandtheninafrenzystruckblindlyagainandagain.
Cestunefemme,saidthechefdetrainagain.Womenarelikethat.Whentheyare
enragedtheyhavegreatstrength.Henoddedsosagelythateveryonesuspecteda
personalexperienceofhisown.
Ihave,perhaps,somethingtocontributetoyourstoreofknowledge,saidPoirot.M.
Ratchettspoketomeyesterday.Hetoldme,asfarasIwasabletounderstandhim,that
hewasindangerofhislife.
BumpedoffthatistheAmericanexpression,isitnot?askedM.Bouc.Thenitisnota
woman.Itisagangsteroragunman.
37

Thechefdetrainlookedpainedatseeinghistheorycometonought.
Ifso,saidPoirot,itseemstohavebeendoneveryamateurishly.Histoneexpressed
professionaldisapproval.
ThereisalargeAmericanonthetrain,.saidM.Bouc,pursuinghisidea.Acommon
lookingmanwithterribleclothes.Hechewsthegum,whichIbelieveisnotdoneingood
circles.YouknowwhomImean?
TheWagonLitconductortowhomhehadappealednodded.
Oui,Monsieur,theNo.16.Butitcannothavebeenhe.Ishouldhaveseenhimenteror
leavethecompartment.
Youmightnot.Youmightnot.Butwewillgointothatpresently.Thequestionis,whatto
do?HelookedatPoirot.
Poirotlookedbackathim.
Come,myfriend,saidM.Bouc.YoucomprehendwhatIamabouttoaskofyou.Iknow
yourpowers.Takecommandofthisinvestigation!No,no,donotrefuse.See,tousitis
seriousIspeakfortheCompagnieInternationaledesWagonsLits.BythetimetheJugo
Slavianpolicearrive,howsimpleifwecanpresentthemwiththesolution!Otherwise
delays,annoyances,amillionandoneinconveniences.Perhaps,whoknows,serious
annoyancetoinnocentpersons.Insteadyousolvethemystery!Wesay,Amurderhas
occurredthisisthecriminal!
AndsupposeIdonotsolveit?
Ah,moncher!M.Boucsvoicebecamepositivelycaressing.Iknowyourreputation.I
knowsomethingofyourmethods.Thisistheidealcaseforyou.Tolookupthe
antecedentsofallthesepeople,todiscovertheirbonafidesallthattakestimeand
endlessinconvenience.ButhaveInotheardyousayoftenthattosolveacaseamanhas
onlytoliebackinhischairandthink?Dothat.Interviewthepassengersonthetrain,view
thebody,examinewhatcluesthereare,andthenwell,Ihavefaithinyou!Iamassured
thatitisnoidleboastofyours.Liebackandthinkuse(asIhaveheardyousaysooften)
thelittlegreycellsofthemindandyouwillknow!
Heleanedforward,lookingaffectionatelyatthedetective.
Yourfaithtouchesme,myfriend,saidPoirotemotionally.Asyousay,thiscannotbea
difficultcase.Imyselflastnightbutwewillnotspeakofthatnow.Intruth,thisproblem
intriguesme.Iwasreflecting,nothalfanhourago,thatmanyhoursofboredomlayahead
whilstwearestuckhere.Andnowaproblemliesreadytomyhand.
Youacceptthen?saidM.Bouceagerly.
Cestentendu.Youplacethematterinmyhands.
38

Goodweareallatyourservice.
Tobeginwith,IshouldlikeaplanoftheIstanbulCalaiscoach,withanoteofthepeople
whooccupiedtheseveralcompartments,andIshouldalsoliketoseetheirpassportsand
theirtickets.
Michelwillgetyouthose.
TheWagonLitconductorleftthecompartment.
Whatotherpassengersarethereonthetrain?askedPoirot.
InthiscoachDr.ConstantineandIaretheonlytravellers.InthecoachfromBucharestis
anoldgentlemanwithalameleg.Heiswellknowntotheconductor.Beyondthatarethe
ordinarycarriages,butthesedonotconcernus,sincetheywerelockedafterdinnerhad
beenservedlastnight.ForwardoftheIstanbulCalaiscoachthereisonlythediningcar.
Thenitseems,saidPoirotslowly,asthoughwemustlookforourmurdererinthe
IstanbulCalaiscoach.Heturnedtothedoctor.Thatiswhatyouwerehinting,Ithink?
TheGreeknodded.Athalfanhouraftermidnightweranintothesnowdrift.Noonecan
haveleftthetrainsincethen.
M.Boucsaidsolemnly,Themurdereriswithusonthetrainnow....

39

40

6
AWoman
Firstofall,saidPoirot,IshouldlikeawordortwowithyoungMr.MacQueen.Hemay
beabletogiveusvaluableinformation.
Certainly,saidM.Bouc.Heturnedtothechefdetrain.GetMr.MacQueentocome
here.
Thechefdetrainleftthecarriage.
Theconductorreturnedwithabundleofpassportsandtickets.M.Bouctookthemfrom
him.
Thankyou,Michel.Itwouldbebestnow,Ithink,ifyouweretogobacktoyourpost.We
willtakeyourevidenceformallylater.
Verygood,Monsieur,saidMichel,andinhisturnleftthecarriage.
AfterwehaveseenyoungMacQueen,saidPoirot,perhapsM.ledocteurwillcome
withmetothedeadmanscarriage.
Certainly.
Afterwehavefinishedthere
ButatthismomentthechefdetrainreturnedwithHectorMacQueen.
M.Boucrose.Wearealittlecrampedhere,hesaidpleasantly.Takemyseat,Mr.
MacQueen.M.Poirotwillsitoppositeyouso.
Heturnedtothechefdetrain.Clearallthepeopleoutoftherestaurantcar,hesaid,
andletitbeleftfreeforM.Poirot.Youwillconductyourinterviewsthere,moncher?
Itwouldbethemostconvenient,yes,agreedPoirot.
MacQueenhadstoodlookingfromonetotheother,notquitefollowingtherapidflowof
French.
Questcequilya?hebeganlaboriously.Pourquoi?
WithavigorousgesturePoirotmotionedhimtotheseatinthecorner.Hetookitand
beganoncemore.
Pourquoi?Thencheckinghimselfandrelapsingintohisowntongue:Whatsupon
thetrain?Hasanythinghappened?
41

Helookedfromonemantoanother.
Poirotnodded.Exactly.Somethinghashappened.Prepareyourselfforashock.Your
employer,M.Ratchett,isdead!
MacQueensmouthpurseditselfintoawhistle.Exceptthathiseyesgrewashade
brighter,heshowednosignsofshockordistress.
Sotheygothimafterall,hesaid.
Whatexactlydoyoumeanbythatphrase,Mr.MacQueen?
MacQueenhesitated.
Youareassuming,saidPoirot,thatM.Ratchettwasmurdered?
Wasnthe?ThistimeMacQueendidshowsurprise.Why,yes,hesaidslowly.Thats
justwhatIdidthink.Doyoumeanhejustdiedinhissleep?Why,theoldmanwasas
toughasastough
Hestopped,atalossforasimile.
No,no,saidPoirot.Yourassumptionwasquiteright.M.Ratchettwasmurdered.
Stabbed.ButIshouldliketoknowwhyyouweresosureitwasmurder,andnotjust
death.
MacQueenhesitated.Imustgetthisclear,hesaid.Whoexactlyareyou?Andwheredo
youcomein?
IrepresenttheCompagnieInternationaledesWagonsLits.Poirotpaused,thenadded,I
amadetective.MynameisHerculePoirot.
Ifheexpectedaneffecthedidnotgetone.MacQueensaidmerely,Oh!yes?andwaited
forhimtogoon.
Youknowthenameperhaps?
Why,itdoesseemkindoffamiliar.OnlyIalwaysthoughtitwasawomansdressmaker.
HerculePoirotlookedathimwithdistaste.Itisincredible!hesaid.
Whatsincredible?
Nothing.Letusadvancewiththematterinhand.Iwantyoutotellme,M.MacQueen,all
thatyouknowaboutthedeadman.Youwerenotrelatedtohim?
No.Iamwashissecretary.
42

Forhowlonghaveyouheldthatpost?
Justoverayear.
Pleasegivemealltheinformationyoucan.
Well,ImetMr.RatchettjustoverayearagowhenIwasinPersia
Poirotinterrupted.
Whatwereyoudoingthere?
IhadcomeoverfromNewYorktolookintoanoilconcession.Idontsupposeyouwant
tohearallaboutthat.MyfriendsandIhadbeenletinratherbadlyoverit.Mr.Ratchett
wasinthesamehotel.Hehadjusthadarowwithhissecretary.Heofferedmethejoband
Itookit.Iwasatalooseendandgladtofindawellpaidjobreadymade,asitwere.
Andsincethen?
Wevetravelledabout.Mr.Ratchettwantedtoseetheworld.Hewashamperedby
knowingnolanguages.Iactedmoreasacourierthanasasecretary.Itwasapleasant
life.
Nowtellmeasmuchasyoucanaboutyouremployer.
Theyoungmanshruggedhisshoulders.Aperplexedexpressionpassedoverhisface.
Thatsnotsoeasy.
Whatwashisfullname?
SamuelEdwardRatchett.
HewasanAmericancitizen?
Yes.
WhatpartofAmericadidhecomefrom?
Idontknow.
Well,tellmewhatyoudoknow.
Theactualtruthis,Mr.Poirot,thatIknownothingatall!Mr.Ratchettneverspokeof
himselforofhislifeinAmerica.
Whydoyouthinkthatwas?
43

Idontknow.Iimaginedthathemightbeashamedofhisbeginnings.Somemenare.
Doesthatstrikeyouasasatisfactorysolution?
Frankly,itdoesnt.
Hasheanyrelatives?
Henevermentionedany.
Poirotpressedthepoint.
Youmusthaveformedsometheory,Mr.MacQueen.
Well,Yes,Idid.Foronething,IdontbelieveRatchettwashisrealname.Ithinkheleft
Americadefinitelyinordertoescapesomeoneorsomething.Ithinkhewassuccessful
untilafewweeksago.
Andthen?
Hebegantogetlettersthreateningletters.
Didyouseethem?
Yes.Itwasmybusinesstoattendtohiscorrespondence.Thefirstlettercameafortnight
ago.
Weretheselettersdestroyed?
No,IthinkIvegotacouplestillinmyfilesoneIknowRatchetttoreupinarage.ShallI
getthemforyou?
Ifyouwouldbesogood.
MacQueenleftthecompartment.Hereturnedafewminuteslaterandlaiddowntwo
sheetsofratherdirtynotepaperbeforePoirot.
Thefirstletterranasfollows:Thoughtyouddoublecrossusandgetawaywithit,did
you?Notonyourlife.WereouttoGETyou,Ratchett,andweWILLgetyou!
Therewasnosignature.
Withnocommentbeyondraisedeyebrows,Poirotpickedupthesecondletter.
Weregoingtotakeyouforaride,Ratchett.Sometimesoon.WeregoingtoGETyou
see?
Poirotlaidtheletterdown.
44

Thestyleismonotonous!hesaid.Moresothanthehandwriting.
MacQueenstaredathim.
Youwouldnotobserve,saidPoirotpleasantly.Itrequirestheeyeofoneusedtosuch
things.Thisletterwasnotwrittenbyoneperson,M.MacQueen.Twoormorepersons
wroteiteachwritingoneletterofawordatatime.Also,thelettersareprinted.That
makesthetaskofidentifyingthehandwritingmuchmoredifficult.Hepaused,thensaid:
DidyouknowthatM.Ratchetthadappliedforhelptome?
Toyou?
MacQueensastonishedtonetoldPoirotquitecertainlythattheyoungmanhadnot
knownofit.
Thedetectivenodded.Yes.Hewasalarmed.Tellme,howdidheactwhenhereceived
thefirstletter?
MacQueenhesitated.
Itsdifficulttosay.Hehepasseditoffwithalaughinthatquietwayofhis.But
somehowhegaveaslightshiverIfeltthattherewasagooddealgoingon
underneaththequietness.
Poirotnodded.Thenheaskedanunexpectedquestion.
Mr.MacQueen,willyoutellme,quitehonestly,exactlyhowyouregardedyour
employer?Didyoulikehim?
HectorMacQueentookamomentortwobeforereplying.
No,hesaidatlast.Ididnot.
Why.
Icantexactlysay.Hewasalwaysquitepleasantinhismanner.Hepaused,thensaid:
Illtellyouthetruth,Mr.Poirot.Idislikedanddistrustedhim.Hewas,Iamsure,acruel
anddangerousman.Imustadmit,though,thatIhavenoreasonstoadvanceformy
opinion.
Thankyou,Mr.MacQueen.Onefurtherquestion:whendidyoulastseeMr.Ratchett
alive?
Lasteveningabouthethoughtforaminutetenoclock,Ishouldsay.Iwentintohis
compartmenttotakedownsomememorandafromhim.
Onwhatsubject?
45

SometilesandantiquepotterythatheboughtinPersia.Whathadbeendeliveredwas
notwhathehadpurchased.Therehasbeenalong,vexatiouscorrespondenceonthe
subject.
AndthatwasthelasttimeMr.Ratchettwasseenalive?
Yes,Isupposeso.
DoyouknowwhenMr.Ratchettreceivedthelastthreateningletter?
OnthemorningofthedayweleftConstantinople.
ThereisonemorequestionImustaskyou,Mr.MacQueen.Wereyouongoodtermswith
youremployer?
Theyoungmanseyestwinkledsuddenly.
ThisiswhereImsupposedtogoallgoosefleshydowntheback.Inthewordsofabest
seller,Youvenothingonme.RatchettandIwereonperfectlygoodterms.
Perhaps,Mr.MacQueen,youwillgivemeyourfullnameandyouraddressinAmerica.
MacQueengavehisnameHectorWillardMacQueenandanaddressinNewYork.
Poirotleanedbackagainstthecushions.
Thatisallforthepresent,Mr.MacQueen,hesaid.Ishouldbeobligedifyouwould
keepthematterofMr.Ratchettsdeathtoyourselfforalittletime.
Hisvalet,Masterman,willhavetoknow.
Heprobablyknowsalready,saidPoirotdrily.Ifso,trytogethimtoholdhistongue.
Thatoughtnttobedifficult.HesaBritisherand,ashecallsit,hekeepstohimself.He
hasalowopinionofAmericans,andnoopinionatallofanyothernationality.
Thankyou,Mr.MacQueen.
TheAmericanleftthecarriage.
Well?demandedM.Bouc.Youbelievewhathesays,thisyoungman?
Heseemshonestandstraightforward.Hedidnotpretendtoanyaffectionforhis
employer,asheprobablywouldhavedonehadhebeeninvolvedinanyway.Itistrue,Mr.
Ratchettdidnottellhimthathehadtriedtoenlistmyservicesandfailed,butIdonot
thinkthatthatisreallyasuspiciouscircumstance.IfancyMr.Ratchettwasagentleman
whokepthisowncounseloneverypossibleoccasion.
46

Soyoupronounceonepersonatleastinnocentofthecrime,saidM.Boucjovially.
Poirotcastonhimalookofreproach.
Me,Isuspecteverybodytillthelastminute,hesaid.Allthesame,ImustadmitthatI
cannotseethissober,longheadedMacQueenlosinghisheadandstabbinghisvictim
twelveorfourteentimes.Itisnotinaccordwithhispsychologynotatall.
No,saidM.Boucthoughtfully.Thatistheactofamandrivenalmostcrazywitha
frenziedhateitsuggestsrathertheLatintemperament.Orelseitsuggests,asourfriend
thechefdetraininsistedawoman.

47

48

7
TheBody
FollowedbyDr.Constantine,Poirotmadehiswaytothenextcoachandtothe
compartmentoccupiedbythemurderedman.Theconductorcameandunlockedthedoor
forthemwithhiskey.
Thetwomenpassedinside.Poirotturnedinquiringlytohiscompanion.
Howmuchhasbeendisarrangedinthiscompartment?
Nothinghasbeentouched.Iwascarefulnottomovethebodyinmakingmy
examination.
Poirotnodded.Helookedroundhim.
Thefirstthingthatstruckthesenseswastheintensecold.Thewindowwaspusheddown
asfarasitwouldgo,andtheblindwasdrawnup.
Brrr,observedPoirot.
Theothersmiledappreciatively.
Ididnotliketocloseit,hesaid.
Poirotexaminedthewindowcarefully.
Youareright,heannounced.Nobodyleftthecarriagethisway.Possiblytheopen
windowwasintendedtosuggestthatsomebodydid;butifso,thesnowhasdefeatedthe
murderersintention.
Heexaminedtheframeofthewindowcarefully.Takingasmallcasefromhispockethe
blewalittlepowderovertheframe.
Nofingerprintsatall,hesaid.Thatmeansit:hasbeenwiped.Well,iftherehadbeen
fingerprintstheywouldhavetoldusverylittle.TheywouldhavebeenthoseofMr.
Ratchettorhisvaletortheconductor.Criminalsdonotmakemistakesofthatkind
nowadays.
Andthatbeingso,headdedcheerfully,wemightaswellshutthewindow.Positivelyit
isthecoldstorageinhere!
Hesuitedtheactiontothewordandthenturnedhisattentionforthefirsttimetothe
motionlessfigurelyinginthebunk.
Ratchettlayonhisback.Hispyjamajacket,stainedwithrustypatches,hadbeen
unbuttonedandthrownback.
49

Ihadtoseethenatureofthewounds,yousee,explainedthedoctor.
Poirotnodded.Hebentoverthebody.Finallyhestraightenedhimselfwithaslight
grimace.
Itisnotpretty,hesaid.Someonemusthavestoodthereandstabbedhimagainand
again.Howmanywoundsarethereexactly?
Imakeittwelve.Oneortwoaresoslightastobepracticallyscratches.Ontheother
hand,atleastthreewouldbecapableofcausingdeath.
SomethinginthedoctorstonecaughtPoirotsattention.Helookedathimsharply.The
littleGreekwasstandingstaringdownatthebodywithapuzzledfrown.
Somethingstrikesyouasodd,doesitnot?heaskedgently.Speak,myfriend.Thereis
somethingherethatpuzzlesyou?
Youareright,acknowledgedtheother.
Whatisit?
YouseethesetwowoundshereandhereHepointed.Theyaredeep.Eachcutmust
haveseveredbloodvesselsandyettheedgesdonotgape.Theyhavenotbledasone
wouldhaveexpected.
Whichsuggests?
Thatthemanwasalreadydeadsomelittletimedeadwhentheyweredelivered.But
thatissurelyabsurd.
Itwouldseemso,saidPoirotthoughtfully.Unlessourmurdererfiguredtohimselfthat
hehadnotaccomplishedhisjobproperlyandcamebacktomakequitesurebutthatis
manifestlyabsurd!Anythingelse?
Well,justonething.
Andthat?
Youseethiswoundhereundertherightarmneartherightshoulder.Takethispencil
ofmine.Couldyoudeliversuchablow?
Poirotpoisedhishand.
Prcisment,hesaid.Isee.Withtherighthanditisexceedinglydifficult,almost
impossible.Onewouldhavetostrikebackhanded,asitwere.Butiftheblowwerestruck
withthelefthand
Exactly,M.Poirot.Thatblowwasalmostcertainlystruckwiththelefthand.
50

Sothatourmurdererislefthanded?No,itismoredifficultthanthat,isitnot?
Asyousay,M.Poirot.Someoftheseotherblowsarejustasobviouslyrighthanded.
Twopeople.Wearebackattwopeopleagain,murmuredthedetective.Heasked
abruptly:Wastheelectriclighton?
Itisdifficulttosay.Yousee,itisturnedoffbytheconductoreverymorningaboutten
oclock.
Theswitcheswilltellus,saidPoirot.
Heexaminedtheswitchofthetoplightandalsotherollbackbedheadlight.Theformer
wasturnedoff.Thelatterwasclosed.
Ehbien,hesaidthoughtfully.WehavehereahypothesisoftheFirstandtheSecond
Murderer,asthegreatShakespearewouldputit.TheFirstMurdererstabbedhisvictim
andleftthecompartment,turningoffthelight.TheSecondMurderercameininthedark,
didnotseethathisorherworkhadbeendone,andstabbedatleasttwiceatadeadbody.
Quepensezvousdea?
Magnificent!saidthelittledoctorwithenthusiasm.
Theotherseyestwinkled.
Youthinkso?Iamglad.Itsoundedtomealittlelikethenonsense.
Whatotherexplanationcantherebe?
ThatisjustwhatIamaskingmyself.Havewehereacoincidence,orwhat?Arethereany
otherinconsistencies,suchaswouldpointtotwopeoplebeingconcerned?
IthinkIcansayyes.Someoftheseblows,asIhavealreadysaid,pointtoaweaknessa
lackofstrengthoralackofdetermination.Theyarefeeble,glancingblows.Butthisone
hereandthisoneAgainhepointed.Greatstrengthwasneededforthoseblows.
Theyhavepenetratedthemuscle.
Theywere,inyouropinion,deliveredbyaman?
Mostcertainly.
Theycouldnothavebeendeliveredbyawoman?
Ayoung,vigorous,athleticwomanmighthavestruckthem,especiallyifshewereinthe
gripofastrongemotion;butitisinmyopinionhighlyunlikely.
Poirotwassilentamomentortwo.
51

Theotheraskedanxiously,Youunderstandmypoint?
Perfectly,saidPoirot.Thematterbeginstoclearitselfupwonderfully!Themurderer
wasamanofgreatstrengthhewasfeebleitwasawomanitwasarighthanded
personitwasalefthandedperson.Ah!cestrigolo,touta!Hespokewithsudden
anger.Andthevictimwhatdoeshedoinallthis?Doeshecryout?Doeshestruggle?
Doeshedefendhimself?
HeslippedhishandunderthepillowanddrewouttheautomaticpistolwhichRatchett
hadshownhimthedaybefore.
Fullyloaded,yousee,hesaid.
Theylookedroundthem.Ratchettsdayclothingwashangingfromthehooksonthewall.
Onthesmalltableformedbythelidofthewashbasinwerevariousobjects.Falseteethin
aglassofwater.Anotherglass,empty.Abottleofmineralwater.Alargeflask.Anashtray
containingthebuttofacigarandsomecharredfragmentsofpaper;alsotwoburnt
matches.
Thedoctorpickeduptheemptyglassandsniffedit.
Hereistheexplanationofthevictimsinertia,hesaidquietly.
Drugged?
Yes.
Poirotnodded.Hepickedupthetwomatchesandscrutinisedthemcarefully.
Youhaveacluethen?demandedthelittledoctoreagerly.
Thosetwomatchesareofdifferentshapes,saidPoirot.Oneisflatterthantheother.
Yousee?
Itisthekindyougetonthetrain,saidthedoctor.Inpapercovers.
PoirotwasfeelinginthepocketsofRatchettsclothing.Presentlyhepulledoutaboxof
matches.Hecomparedthemcarefullywiththeburntones.
TherounderoneisamatchstruckbyMr.Ratchett,hesaid.Letusseeifhehadalsothe
flatterkind.
Butafurthersearchshowednoothermatches.
Poirotseyesweredartingaboutthecompartment.Theywerebrightandsharplikea
birds.Onefeltthatnothingcouldescapetheirscrutiny.
Withalittleexclamationhebentandpickedupsomethingfromthefloor.
52

Itwasasmallsquareofcambric,verydainty.InthecornerwasanembroideredinitialH.
Awomanshandkerchief,saidthedoctor.Ourfriendthechefdetrainwasright.There
isawomanconcernedinthis.
Andmostconvenientlysheleavesherhandkerchiefbehind!saidPoirot.Exactlyasit
happensinthebooksandonthefilmsandtomakethingseveneasierforus,itismarked
withaninitial.
Whatastrokeofluckforus!exclaimedthedoctor.
Isitnot?saidPoirot.
Somethinginhistonesurprisedthedoctor,butbeforehecouldaskforelucidationPoirot
hadmadeanotherdiveontothefloor.
Thistimeheheldoutonthepalmofhishandapipecleaner.
ItisperhapsthepropertyofMr.Ratchett?suggestedthedoctor.
Therewasnopipeinanyofhispockets,andnotobaccoortobaccopouch.
Thenitisaclue.
Oh!decidedly.Andagaindroppedmostconveniently.Amasculineclue,thistime,you
note!Onecannotcomplainofhavingnocluesinthiscase.Therearecluesherein
abundance.Bytheway,whathaveyoudonewiththeweapon?
Therewasnosignofanyweapon.Themurderermusthavetakenitawaywithhim.
Iwonderwhy,musedPoirot.
Ah!Thedoctorhadbeendelicatelyexploringthepyjamapocketsofthedeadman.
Ioverlookedthis,hesaid.Iunbuttonedthejacketandthrewitstraightback.
Fromthebreastpockethebroughtoutagoldwatch.Thecasewasdentedsavagely,and
thehandspointedtoaquarterpastone.
Yousee?criedConstantineeagerly.Thisgivesusthehourofthecrime.Itagreeswith
mycalculations.BetweenmidnightandtwointhemorningiswhatIsaid,andprobably
aboutoneoclock,thoughitisdifficulttobeexactinthesematters.Ehbien,hereis
confirmation.Aquarterpastone.Thatwasthehourofthecrime.
Itispossible,yes.Itiscertainlypossible.
Thedoctorlookedathimcuriously.Youwillpardonme,M.Poirot,butIdonotquite
understandyou.
53

Idonotunderstandmyself,saidPoirot.Iunderstandnothingatall.And,asyou
perceive,itworriesme.
Hesighedandbentoverthelittletableexaminingthecharredfragmentofpaper.He
murmuredtohimself,WhatIneedatthismomentisanoldfashionedwomanshatbox.
Dr.Constantinewasatalosstoknowwhattomakeofthissingularremark.Inanycase
Poirotgavehimnotimeforquestions.Openingthedoorintothecorridor,hecalledfor
theconductor.
Themanarrivedatarun.
Howmanywomenarethereinthiscoach?
Theconductorcountedonhisfingers.
One,two,threesix,Monsieur.TheoldAmericanlady,aSwedishlady,theyoungEnglish
lady,theCountessAndrenyi,andMadamelaPrincesseDragomiroffandhermaid.
Poirotconsidered.
Theyallhavehatboxes,yes?
Yes,Monsieur.
Thenbringmeletmeseeyes,theSwedishladysandthatoftheladysmaid.Those
twoaretheonlyhope.Youwilltellthemitisacustomsregulationsomethinganything
thatoccurstoyou.
Thatwillbeallright,Monsieur.Neitherladyisinhercompartmentatthemoment.
Thenbequick.
Theconductordeparted.Hereturnedwiththetwohatboxes.Poirotopenedthatofthe
maid,andtosseditaside.ThenheopenedtheSwedishladysandutteredanexclamation
ofsatisfaction.Removingthehatscarefully,hedisclosedroundhumpsofwirenetting.
Ah,hereiswhatweneed!Aboutfifteenyearsagohatboxesweremadelikethis.You
skeweredthroughthehatwithahatpinontothishumpofwirenetting.
Ashespokehewasskillfullyremovingtwooftheattachedhumps.Thenherepackedthe
hatboxandtoldtheconductortoreturnbothboxeswheretheybelonged.
Whenthedoorwasshutoncemoreheturnedtohiscompanion.
Seeyou,mydeardoctor,me,Iamnotonetorelyupontheexpertprocedure.Itisthe
psychologyIseek,notthefingerprintorthecigaretteash.ButinthiscaseIwould
54

welcomealittlescientificassistance.Thiscompartmentisfullofclues,butcanIbesure
thatthosecluesarereallywhattheyseemtobe?
Idonotquiteunderstandyou,M.Poirot.
Well,togiveyouanexamplewefindawomanshandkerchief.Didawomandropit?Or
didaman,committingthecrime,saytohimself:Iwillmakethislooklikeawomans
crime.Iwillstabmyenemyanunnecessarynumberoftimes,makingsomeoftheblows
feebleandineffective,andIwilldropthishandkerchiefwherenoonecanmissit?Thatis
onepossibility.Thenthereisanother.Didawomankillhim,anddidshedeliberatelydrop
apipecleanertomakeitlooklikeamanswork?Orareweseriouslytosupposethattwo
people,amanandawoman,wereseparatelyconcerned,andthateachwassocarelessas
todropacluetohisorheridentity?Itisalittletoomuchofacoincidence,that!
Butwheredoesthehatboxcomein?askedthedoctor,stillpuzzled.
Ah!Iamcomingtothat.AsIsay,thesecluesthewatchstoppedataquarterpastone,
thehandkerchief,thepipecleanertheymaybegenuine,ortheymaybefaked.Asto
thatIcannotyettell.ButthereisoneclueherewhichthoughagainImaybewrongI
believehasnotbeenfaked.Imeanthisflatmatch,M.ledocteur.Ibelievethatthatmatch
wasusedbythemurderer,notbyMr.Ratchett.Itwasusedtoburnanincriminatingpaper
ofsomekind.Possiblyanote.Ifso,therewassomethinginthatnote,somemistake,some
error,thatleftapossiblecluetotheassailant.Iamgoingtotrytodiscoverwhatthat
somethingwas.
Hewentoutofthecompartmentandreturnedafewmomentslaterwithasmallspirit
stoveandapairofcurlingtongs.
Iusethemforthemoustaches,hesaid,referringtothelatter.
Thedoctorwatchedhimwithgreatinterest.Poirotflattenedoutthetwohumpsofwire,
andwithgreatcarewriggledthecharredscrapofpaperontooneofthem.Heclappedthe
otherontopofitandthen,holdingbothpiecestogetherwiththetongs,heldthewhole
thingovertheflameofthespiritlamp.
Itisaverymakeshiftaffair,this,hesaidoverhisshoulder.Letushopethatitwill
answerourpurpose.
Thedoctorwatchedtheproceedingsattentively.Themetalbegantoglow.Suddenlyhe
sawfaintindicationsofletters.Wordsformedthemselvesslowlywordsoffire.
Itwasaverytinyscrap.Onlythreewordsandpartofanothershowed.
memberlittleDaisyArmstrong
Ah!Poirotgaveasharpexclamation.
Ittellsyousomething?askedthedoctor.
55

Poirotseyeswereshining.Helaiddownthetongscarefully.
Yes,hesaid.Iknowthedeadmansrealname.IknowwhyhehadtoleaveAmerica.
Whatwashisname?
Cassetti.
Cassetti?Constantineknittedhisbrows.Itbringsbacktomesomething.Someyears
ago.Icannotremember....ItwasacaseinAmerica,wasitnot?
Yes,saidPoirot.AcaseinAmerica.
FurtherthanthatPoirotwasnotdisposedtobecommunicative.Helookedroundhimas
hewenton:Wewillgointoallthatpresently.Letusfirstmakesurethatwehaveseenall
thereistobeseenhere.
Quicklyanddeftlyhewentoncemorethroughthepocketsofthedeadmansclothesbut
foundnothingthereofinterest.Hetriedthecommunicatingdoorwhichledthroughto
thenextcompartment,butitwasboltedontheotherside.
ThereisonethingthatIdonotunderstand,saidDr.Constantine.Ifthemurdererdid
notescapethroughthewindow,andifthiscommunicatingdoorwasboltedontheother
side,andifthedoorintothecorridorwasnotonlylockedontheinsidebutchained,how
thendidthemurdererleavethecompartment?
Thatiswhattheaudiencesayswhenapersonboundhandandfootisshutintoa
cabinetanddisappears.
Youmean?
Imean,explainedPoirot,thatifthemurdererintendedustobelievethathehad
escapedbywayofthewindow,hewouldnaturallymakeitappearthattheothertwoexits
wereimpossible.Likethedisappearingpersoninthecabinet,itisatrick.Itisour
businesstofindouthowthetrickisdone.
Helockedthecommunicatingdoorontheirsideincase,hesaid,theexcellentMrs.
Hubbardshouldtakeitintoherheadtoacquirefirsthanddetailsofthecrimetowriteto
herdaughter.
Helookedroundoncemore.
Thereisnothingmoretodohere,Ithink.LetusrejoinM.Bouc.

56

8
TheArmstrongKidnappingCase
TheyfoundM.Boucfinishinganomelet.
Ithoughtitbesttohavelunchservedimmediatelyintherestaurantcar,hesaid.
AfterwardsitwillbeclearedandM.Poirotcanconducthisexaminationofthepassengers
there.InthemeantimeIhaveorderedthemtobringusthreesomefoodhere.
Anexcellentidea,saidPoirot.
Noneofthethreemenwashungry,andthemealwassooneaten;butnottilltheywere
sippingtheircoffeedidM.Boucmentionthesubjectthatwasoccupyingalltheirminds.
Ehbien?heasked.
Ehbien,Ihavediscoveredtheidentityofthevictim.Iknowwhyitwasimperativehe
shouldleaveAmerica.
Whowashe?
DoyourememberreadingoftheArmstrongbaby?Thisisthemanwhomurderedlittle
DaisyArmstrong.Cassetti.
Irecallitnow.AshockingaffairthoughIcannotrememberthedetails.
ColonelArmstrongwasanEnglishmanaV.C.HewashalfAmerican,hismotherhaving
beenadaughterofW.K.VanderHalt,theWallStreetmillionaire.Hemarriedthe
daughterofLindaArden,themostfamoustragicAmericanactressofherday.Theylivedin
Americaandhadonechildagirlwhomtheyidolized.Whenshewasthreeyearsoldshe
waskidnapped,andanimpossiblyhighsumdemandedasthepriceofherreturn.Iwillnot
wearyyouwithalltheintricaciesthatfollowed.Iwillcometothemomentwhen,afterthe
parentshadpaidovertheenormoussumoftwohundredthousanddollars,thechilds
deadbodywasdiscovered;ithadbeendeadforatleastafortnight.Publicindignation
rosetofeverpoint.Andtherewasworsetofollow.Mrs.Armstrongwasexpectinganother
baby.Followingtheshockofthediscovery,shegavebirthprematurelytoadeadchild,
andherselfdied.Herbrokenheartedhusbandshothimself.
MonDieu,whatatragedy.Iremembernow,saidM.Bouc.Therewasalsoanother
death,ifIrememberrightly?
Yes,anunfortunateFrenchorSwissnursemaid.Thepolicewereconvincedthatshehad
someknowledgeofthecrime.Theyrefusedtobelieveherhystericaldenials.Finally,ina
fitofdespairthepoorgirlthrewherselffromawindowandwaskilled.Itwasproved
afterwardsthatshehadbeenabsolutelyinnocentofanycomplicityinthecrime.
Itisnotgoodtothinkof,saidM.Bouc.
57

Aboutsixmonthslater,thismanCassettiwasarrestedastheheadofthegangwhohad
kidnappedthechild.Theyhadusedthesamemethodsinthepast.Ifthepoliceseemed
likelytogetontheirtrail,theykilledtheirprisoner,hidthebody,andcontinuedtoextract
asmuchmoneyaspossiblebeforethecrimewasdiscovered.
Now,Iwillmakecleartoyouthis,myfriend.Cassettiwastheman!Butbymeansofthe
enormouswealthhehadpiledup,andowingtothesecretholdhehadovervarious
persons,hewasacquittedonsometechnicalinaccuracy.Notwithstandingthat,hewould
havebeenlynchedbythepopulacehadhenotbeencleverenoughtogivethemtheslip.It
isnowcleartomewhathappened.HechangedhisnameandleftAmerica.Sincethenhe
hasbeenagentlemanofleisure,travellingabroadandlivingonhisrentes.
Ah!quelanimal!M.Boucstonewasredolentofheartfeltdisgust.Icannotregretthat
heisdeadnotatall!
Iagreewithyou.
Toutdemme,itisnotnecessarythatheshouldbekilledontheOrientExpress.There
areotherplaces.
Poirotsmiledalittle.HerealisedthatM.Boucwasbiasedinthematter.
Thequestionwehavenowtoaskourselvesisthis,hesaid.Isthismurdertheworkof
somerivalgangwhomCassettihaddoublecrossedinthepast,orisitanactofprivate
vengeance?
Heexplainedhisdiscoveryofthefewwordsonthecharredfragmentofpaper.
IfIamrightinmyassumption,then,theletterwasburntbythemurderer.Why?Because
itmentionedthenameArmstrong,whichisthecluetothemystery.
ArethereanymembersoftheArmstrongfamilyliving?
That,unfortunately,Idonotknow.IthinkIrememberreadingofayoungersisterofMrs.
Armstrongs.
PoirotwentontorelatethejointconclusionsofhimselfandDr.Constantine.M.Bouc
brightenedatthementionofthebrokenwatch.
Thatseemstogiveusthetimeofthecrimeveryexactly.
Yes,saidPoirot.Itisveryconvenient.
Therewasanindescribablesomethinginhistonethatmadeboththeothertwolookat
himcuriously.
YousaythatyouyourselfheardRatchettspeaktotheconductorattwentyminutesto
one?askedM.Bouc.
58

Poirotrelatedjustwhathadoccurred.
Well,saidM.Bouc,thatprovesatleastthatCassettiorRatchett,asIshallcontinueto
callhimwascertainlyaliveattwentyminutestoone.
Twentythreeminutestoone,tobeprecise.
Thenattwelvethirtyseven,toputitformally,Mr.Ratchettwasalive.Thatisonefact,at
least.
Poirotdidnotreply.Hesatlookingthoughtfullyinfrontofhim.
Therewasataponthedoorandtherestaurantattendantentered.
Therestaurantcarisfreenow,Monsieur,hesaid.
Wewillgothere,saidM.Bouc,rising.
Imayaccompanyyou?askedConstantine.
Certainly,mydeardoctor.UnlessM.Poirothasanyobjection?
Notatall.Notatall,saidPoirot.
AfteralittlepolitenessinthematterofprecedenceAprsvous,MonsieurMaisnon,
aprsvoustheyleftthecompartment.

59

60

PartIITheEvidence

61

62

1
TheEvidenceOfTheWagonLitConductor
Intherestaurantcarallwasinreadiness.
PoirotandM.Boucsattogetherononesideofatable.Thedoctorsatacrosstheaisle.
OnthetableinfrontofPoirotwasaplanoftheIstanbulCalaiscoachwiththenamesof
thepassengersmarkedinredink.Thepassportsandticketswereinapileatoneside.
Therewaswritingpaper,ink,pen,andpencils.
Excellent,saidPoirot.WecanopenourCourtofInquirywithoutmoreado.First,I
think,weshouldtaketheevidenceoftheWagonLitconductor.Youprobablyknow
somethingabouttheman.Whatcharacterhashe?Isheamanonwhosewordyouwould
placereliance?
Ishouldsayso,mostassuredly.PierreMichelhasbeenemployedbythecompanyfor
overfifteenyears.HeisaFrenchmanlivesnearCalais.Thoroughlyrespectableand
honest.Not,perhaps,remarkableforbrains.
Poirotnoddedcomprehendingly.Good,hesaid.Letusseehim.

63


64

PierreMichelhadrecoveredsomeofhisassurance,buthewasstillextremelynervous.
IhopeMonsieurwillnotthinkthattherehasbeenanynegligenceonmypart,hesaid
anxiously,hiseyesgoingfromPoirottoM.Bouc.Itisaterriblethingthathashappened.I
hopeMonsieurdoesnotthinkthatitreflectsonmeinanyway?
Havingsoothedthemansfears,Poirotbeganhisquestions.HefirstelicitedMichelsname
andaddress,hislengthofservice,andthelengthoftimehehadbeenonthisparticular
route.Theseparticularshealreadyknew,buttheroutinequestionsservedtoputtheman
athisease.
Andnow,wentonPoirot,letuscometotheeventsofLastnight.M.Ratchettretiredto
bedwhen?
Almostimmediatelyafterdinner,Monsieur.ActuallybeforeweleftBelgrade.Sohedid
onthepreviousnight.Hehaddirectedmetomakeupthebedwhilehewasatdinner,and
Ididso.
Didanybodygointohiscompartmentafterwards?
Hisvalet,Monsieur,andtheyoungAmericangentleman,hissecretary.
Anyoneelse?
No,Monsieur,notthatIknowof.
Good.Andthatisthelastyousaworheardofhim?
No,Monsieur.Youforgetheranghisbellabouttwentytoonesoonafterwehad
stopped.
Whathappenedexactly?
Iknockedatthedoor,buthecalledoutandsaidhehadmadeamistake.
InEnglishorinFrench?
InFrench.
Whatwerehiswordsexactly?
Cenestrien.Jemesuistromp.
Quiteright,saidPoirot.ThatiswhatIheard.Andthenyouwentaway?
Yes,Monsieur.
Didyougobacktoyourseat?
65

No,Monsieur,Iwentfirsttoansweranotherbellthathadjustrung.
Now,Michel,Iamgoingtoaskyouanimportantquestion.Wherewereyouataquarter
pastone?
I,Monsieur?Iwasatmylittleseatattheendfacingupthecorridor.
Youaresure?
Maisouiatleast
Iwentintothenextcoach,theAthenscoach,tospeaktomycolleaguethere.Wespoke
aboutthesnow.Thatwasatsometimesoonafteroneoclock.Icannotsayexactly.
Andyoureturnedwhen?
Oneofmybellsrang,MonsieurIrememberItoldyou.ItwastheAmericanlady.She
hadrungseveraltimes.
Irecollect,saidPoirot.Andafterthat?
Afterthat,Monsieur?Iansweredyourbellandbroughtyousomemineralwater.Then,
abouthalfanhourlater,Imadeupthebedinoneoftheothercompartmentsthatofthe
youngAmericangentleman,Mr.Ratchettssecretary.
WasMr.MacQueenaloneinhiscompartmentwhenyouwenttomakeuphisbed?
TheEnglishColonelfromNo.15waswithhim.Theyhadbeensittingtalking.
WhatdidtheColoneldowhenheleftMr.MacQueen?
Hewentbacktohisowncompartment.
No.15thatisquiteclosetoyourseat,isitnot?
Yes,Monsieur,itisthesecondcompartmentfromthatendofthecorridor.
Hisbedwasalreadymadeup?
Yes,Monsieur.Ihadmadeitupwhilehewasatdinner.
Whattimewasallthis?
Icouldnotsayexactly,Monsieur.Notlaterthantwooclockcertainly.
Andafterthat?
Afterthat,Monsieur,Isatinmyseattillmorning.
66

YoudidnotgoagainintotheAthenscoach?
No,Monsieur.
Perhapsyouslept?
Idonotthinkso,Monsieur.Thetrainbeingatastandstillpreventedmefromdozingoff
asIusuallydo.
Didyouseeanyofthepassengersmovingupordownthecorridor?
Themanreflected.Oneoftheladieswenttothetoiletatthefarend,Ithink.
Whichlady?
Idonotknow,Monsieur.Itwasfardownthecorridorandshehadherbacktome.She
hadonakimonoofscarletwithdragonsonit.
Poirotnodded.Andafterthat?
Nothing,Monsieur,untilthemorning.
Youaresure?
Ah,pardonyouyourself,Monsieur,openedyourdoorandlookedoutforasecond.
Good,myfriend,saidPoirot.Iwonderedwhetheryouwouldrememberthat.Bythe
way,Iwasawakenedbywhatsoundedlikesomethingheavyfallingagainstmydoor.Have
youanyideawhatthatcouldhavebeen?
Themanstaredathim.Therewasnothing,Monsieur.Nothing,Iampositiveofit.
ThenImusthavehadthecauchemar,saidPoirotphilosophically.
Unless,putinM.Bouc,itwassomethinginthecompartmentnextdoorthatyou
heard.
Poirottooknonoticeofthesuggestion.PerhapshedidnotwishtobeforetheWagonLit
conductor.
Letuspasstoanotherpoint,hesaid.Supposingthatlastnightanassassinjoinedthe
train.Isitquitecertainthathecouldnothaveleftitaftercommittingthecrime?
PierreMichelshookhishead.
Northathecanbeconcealedonitsomewhere?
Ithasbeenwellsearched,saidM.Bouc.Abandonthatidea,myfriend.
67

Besides,saidMichel,noonecouldgetontothesleepingcarwithoutmyseeingthem.
Whenwasthelaststop?
Vincovci.
Whattimewasthat?
Weshouldhaveleftthereat11:58,butowingtotheweatherweweretwentyminutes
late.
Someonemighthavecomealongfromtheordinarypartofthetrain?
No,Monsieur.Aftertheserviceofdinner,thedoorbetweentheordinarycarriagesand
thesleepingcarsislocked.
DidyouyourselfdescendfromthetrainatVincovci?
Yes,Monsieur.Igotdownontotheplatformasusualandstoodbythestepupintothe
train.Theotherconductorsdidthesame.
Whatabouttheforwarddoortheoneneartherestaurantcar?
Itisalwaysfastenedontheinside.
Itisnotsofastenednow.
Themanlookedsurprised;thenhisfacecleared.Doubtlessoneofthepassengersopened
ittolookoutonthesnow.
Probably,saidPoirot.
Hetappedthoughtfullyonthetableforaminuteortwo.
Monsieurdoesnotblameme?saidthemantimidly.
Poirotsmiledonhimkindly.
Youhavehadtheevilchance,myfriend,hesaid.Ah!oneotherpointwhileIremember
it.YousaidthatanotherbellrangjustasyouwereknockingatM.Ratchettsdoor.InfactI
hearditmyselfWhosewasit?
ItwasthebellofMadamelaPrincesseDragomiroff.Shedesiredmetosummonher
maid.
Andyoudidso?
Yes,Monsieur.
68

Poirotstudiedtheplaninfrontofhimthoughtfully.Thenheinclinedhishead.
Thatisall,hesaid,forthemoment.
Thankyou,Monsieur.
Themanrose.HelookedatM.Bouc.
Donotdistressyourself,saidthelatterkindly;Icannotseethattherehasbeenany
negligenceonyourpart.
Gratified,PierreMichelleftthecompartment.

69

70

2
TheEvidenceOfTheSecretary
ForaminuteortwoPoirotremainedlost,inthought.
Ithink,hesaidatlast,thatitwouldbewelltohaveafurtherwordwithMr.MacQueen,
inviewofwhatwenowknow.
TheyoungAmericanappearedpromptly.
Well,hesaid,howarethingsgoing?
Nottoobadly.Sinceourlastconversation,IhavelearntsomethingtheidentityofMr.
Ratchett.
HectorMacQueenleanedforwardinterestedly.Yes?hesaid.
Ratchett,asyoususpected,wasmerelyanalias.ThemanRatchettwasCassetti,who
ranthecelebratedkidnappingstuntsincludingthefamousaffairoflittleDaisy
Armstrong.
AnexpressionofutterastonishmentappearedonMacQueensface.Thenitdarkened.
Thedamnedskunk!heexclaimed.
Youhadnoideaofthis,Mr.MacQueen?
No,sir,saidtheyoungAmericandecidedly.IfIhad,Idhavecutoffmyrighthand
beforeithadachancetodosecretarialworkforhim!
Youfeelstronglyaboutthematter,Mr.MacQueen?
Ihaveaparticularreasonfordoingso.Myfatherwasthedistrictattorneywhohandled
thecase,Mr.Poirot.IsawMrs.Armstrongmorethanonceshewasalovelywoman.So
gentleandheartbroken.Hisfacedarkened.Ifeveramandeservedwhathegot,
RatchettorCassettiistheman.Imrejoicedathisend.Suchamanwasntfittolive!
Youalmostfeelasthoughyouwouldhavebeenwillingtodothegooddeedyourself?
Ido.IHepaused,thenaddedratherguiltily,SeemsImkindofincriminatingmyself.
Ishouldbemoreinclinedtosuspectyou,Mr.MacQueen,ifyoudisplayedaninordinate
sorrowatyouremployersdecease.
IdontthinkIcoulddothateventosavemyselffromthechair,saidMacQueengrimly.
Thenheadded:IfImnotbeingundulycurious,justhowdidyoufigurethisout?
Cassettisidentity,Imean.
71

Byafragmentofaletterfoundinhiscompartment.
ButsurelyImeanthatwasrathercarelessoftheoldman?
Thatdepends,saidPoirot,onthepointofview.
Theyoungmanseemedtofindthisremarkratherbaffling.HestaredatPoirotasthough
tryingtomakehimout.
Thetaskbeforeme,saidPoirot,istomakesureofthemovementsofeveryoneonthe
train.Nooffenceneedbetaken,youunderstand.Itisonlyamatterofroutine.
Sure.GetrightonwithitandletmeclearmycharacterifIcan.
Ineedhardlyaskyouthenumberofyourcompartment,saidPoirot,smiling,sinceI
shareditwithyouforanight.ItisthesecondclasscompartmentNos.6and7,andafter
mydepartureyouhadittoyourself.
Thatsright.
Now,Mr.MacQueen,Iwantyoutodescribeyourmovementslastnightfromthetimeof
leavingthediningcar.
Thatsquiteeasy.Iwentbacktomycompartment,readabit,gotoutontheplatformat
Belgrade,decideditwastoocold,andgotinagain.ItalkedforawhiletoayoungEnglish
ladywhoisinthecompartmentnexttomine.ThenIfellintoconversationwiththat
Englishman,ColonelArbuthnotasamatteroffactIthinkyoupassedusaswewere
talking.ThenIwentintoMr.Ratchettand,asItoldyou,tookdownsomememorandaof
lettershewantedwritten.Isaidgoodnighttohimandlefthim.ColonelArbuthnotwas
stillstandinginthecorridor.Hiscompartmentwasalreadymadeupforthenight,soI
suggestedthatheshouldcomealongtomine.Iorderedacoupleofdrinksandwegot
rightdowntoit.DiscussedworldpoliticsandtheGovernmentofIndiaandourown
troubleswithProhibitionandtheWallStreetcrisis.IdontasarulecottontoBritishers
theyreastiffneckedlotbutIlikedthisone.
Doyouknowwhattimeitwaswhenheleftyou?
Prettylate.Nearlytwooclock,Ishouldsay.
Younoticedthatthetrainhadstopped?
Oh,yes.Wewonderedabit.Lookedoutandsawthesnowlyingverythick,butwedidnt
thinkitwasserious.
WhathappenedwhenColonelArbuthnotfinallysaidgoodnight?
HewentalongtohiscompartmentandIcalledtotheconductortomakeupmybed.
72

Wherewereyouwhilsthewasmakingit?
Standingjustoutsidethedoorinthecorridorsmokingacigarette.
Andthen?
AndthenIwenttobedandslepttillmorning.
Duringtheeveningdidyouleavethetrainatall?
ArbuthnotandIthoughtwedgetoutatwhatwasthenameoftheplace?Vincovci
tostretchourlegsabit.Butitwasbitterlycoldablizzardon.Wesoonhoppedback
again.
Bywhichdoordidyouleavethetrain?
Bytheonenearesttoourcompartment.
Theonenexttothediningcar?
Yes.
Doyourememberifitwasbolted?
MacQueenconsidered.
Why,yes,Iseemtorememberitwas.Atleasttherewasakindofbarthatfittedacross
thehandle.Isthatwhatyoumean?
Yes.Ongettingbackintothetraindidyoureplacethatbar?
Why,noIdontthinkIdid.Igotinlast.No,Idontseemtorememberdoingso.He
addedsuddenly,Isthatanimportantpoint?
Itmaybe.Now,Ipresume,Monsieur,thatwhileyouandColonelArbuthnotweresitting
talkingthedoorofyourcompartmentintothecorridorwasopen?
HectorMacQueennodded.
Iwantyou,ifyoucan,totellmeifanyonepassedalongthatcorridorafterthetrainleft
Vincovciuptothetimeyoupartedcompanyforthenight.
MacQueendrewhisbrowstogether.
Ithinktheconductorpassedalongonce,hesaid,comingfromthedirectionofthe
diningcar.Andawomanpassedtheotherway,goingtowardsit.
Whichwoman?
73

Icouldntsay.Ididntreallynotice.YouseeIwasarguingapointwithArbuthnot.Ijust
seemtorememberaglimpseofsomescarletsilkaffairpassingthedoor.Ididntlook,and
anywayIwouldnthaveseenthepersonsface.Asyouknow,mycarriagefacesthedining
carendofthetrain,soawomangoingalongthecorridorinthatdirectionwouldhaveher
backtomeassoonasshedpassed.
Poirotnodded.Shewasgoingtothetoilet,Ipresume?
Isupposeso.
Andyousawherreturn?
Well,no,nowthatyoumentionit,IdidntnoticeherreturningbutIsupposeshemust
havedoneso.
Onemorequestion.Doyousmokeapipe,Mr.MacQueen?
No,sir,Idonot.
Poirotpausedamoment.Ithinkthatisallatpresent.Ishouldnowliketoseethevaletof
Mr.Ratchett.Bytheway,didbothyouandhealwaystravelsecondclass?
Hedid.ButIusuallywentfirstifpossibleinthecompartmentadjoiningMr.Ratchetts.
Thenhehadmostofhisbaggageputinmycompartmentandyetcouldgetatbothitand
meeasilywheneverhechose.Butonthisoccasionallthefirstclassberthswerebooked
excepttheonethathetook.
Icomprehend.Thankyou,Mr.MacQueen.

74

3
TheEvidenceOfTheValet
TheAmericanwassucceededbythepaleEnglishmanwiththeinexpressivefacewhom
Poirothadalreadynoticedonthedaybefore.Hestoodwaitingverycorrectly.Poirot
motionedtohimtositdown.
Youare,Iunderstand,thevaletofM.Ratchett.
Yes,sir.
Yourname?
EdwardHenryMasterman.
Yourage?
Thirtynine.
Andyourhomeaddress?
21FriarStreet,Clerkenwell.
Youhaveheardthatyourmasterhasbeenmurdered?
Yes,sir.Averyshockingoccurrence.
Willyounowtellme,please,atwhathouryoulastsawM.Ratchett?
Thevaletconsidered.
Itmusthavebeenaboutnineoclock,sir,lastnight.Thatoralittleafter.
Tellmeinyourownwordsexactlywhathappened.
IwentintoMr.Ratchettasusual,sir,andattendedtohiswants.
Whatwereyourdutiesexactly?
Tofoldorhanguphisclothes,sir,puthisdentalplateinwaterandseethathehad
everythinghewantedforthenight.
Washismannermuchthesameasusual?
Thevaletconsideredamoment.

75

Well,sir,Ithinkhewasupset.
Inwhatwayupset?
Overaletterhedbeenreading.HeaskedmeifitwasIwhohadputitinhis
compartment.OfcourseItoldhimIhadntdoneanysuchthing,buthesworeatmeand
foundfaultwitheverythingIdid.
Wasthatunusual?
Oh,no,sir.HelosthistempereasilyasIsay,itjustdependedwhathadhappenedto
upsethim.
Didyourmasterevertakeasleepingdraught?
Dr.Constantineleanedforwardalittle.
Alwayswhentravellingbytrain,sir.Hesaidhecouldntsleepotherwise.
Doyouknowwhatdrughewasinthehabitoftaking?
Icouldntsay,Imsure,sir.TherewasnonameonthebottlejustTheSleepingDraught
tobetakenatbedtime.
Didhetakeitlastnight?
Yes,sir.Ipoureditintoaglassandputitontopofthetoilettablereadyforhim.
Youdidntactuallyseehimdrinkit?
No,sir.
Whathappenednext?
Iaskediftherewasanythingfurther,andalsoaskedwhattimehewouldliketobecalled
inthemorning.Hesaidhedidntwanttobedisturbedtillherang.
Wasthatusual?
Quiteusual,sir.Whenhewasreadytogetupheusedtoringthebellfortheconductor
andthensendhimforme.
Washeusuallyanearlyoralateriser?
Itdepended,sir,onhismood.Sometimeshedgetupforbreakfast,sometimeshe
wouldntgetuptilljustonlunchtime.
Sothatyouwerentalarmedwhenthemorningworeonandnosummonscame?
76

No,sir.
Didyouknowthatyourmasterhadenemies?
Yes,sir.Themanspokequiteunemotionally.
Howdidyouknow?
Ihadheardhimdiscussingsomeletters,sir,withMr.MacQueen.
Hadyouanaffectionforyouremployer,Masterman?
Mastermansfacebecame,ifpossible,evenmoreinexpressivethanitwasnormally.
Ishouldhardlyliketosaythat,sir.Hewasagenerousemployer.
Butyoudidntlikehim?
ShallweputitthatIdontcareverymuchforAmericans,sir?
HaveyoueverbeeninAmerica?
No,sir.
DoyourememberreadinginthepaperoftheArmstrongkidnappingcase?
Alittlecolourcameintothemanscheeks.
Yes,indeed,sir.Alittlebabygirl,wasntit?Averyshockingaffair.
Didyouknowthatyouremployer,Mr.Ratchett,wastheprincipalinstigatorinthat
affair?
No,indeed,sir.Thevaletstoneheldpositivewarmthandfeelingforthefirsttime.I
canhardlybelieveit,sir.
Nevertheless,itistrue.Now,topasstoyourownmovementslastnight.Amatterof
routine,youunderstand.Whatdidyoudoafterleavingyourmaster?
ItoldMr.MacQueen,sir,thatthemasterwantedhim.ThenIwenttomyown
compartmentandread.
Yourcompartmentwas
Theendsecondclassone,sir.Nexttothediningcar.
Poirotwaslookingathisplan.
77

Iseeandyouhadwhichberth?
Thelowerone,sir.
ThatisNo.4?
Yes,sir.
Isthereanyoneinwithyou?
Yes,sir.AbigItalianfellow.
DoeshespeakEnglish?
Well,akindofEnglish,sir.Thevaletstonewasdeprecating.HesbeeninAmerica
Chicago,Iunderstand.
Doyouandhetalktogethermuch?
No,sir.Iprefertoread.
Poirotsmiled.Hecouldvisualizethescenethelarge,volubleItalian,andthesnubdirect
administeredbythegentlemansgentleman.
Andwhat,mayIask,areyoureading?heinquired.
Atpresent,sir,IamreadingLovesCaptive,byMrs.ArabellaRichardson.
Agoodstory?
Ifindithighlyenjoyable,sir.
Well,letuscontinue.YoureturnedtoyourcompartmentandreadLovesCaptivetill
when?
Atabouttenthirty,sir,thisItalianwantedtogotobed.Sotheconductorcameandmade
thebedsup.
Andthenyouwenttobedandtosleep?
Iwenttobed,sir,butIdidntsleep.
Whydidntyousleep?
Ihadthetoothache,sir.
Oh,llthatispainful.
78

Mostpainful,sir.
Didyoudoanythingforit?
Iappliedalittleoilofcloves,sir,whichrelievedthepainalittle,butIwasstillnotableto
gettosleep.Iturnedthelightonabovemyheadandcontinuedtoreadtotakemymind
off,asitwere.
Anddidyounotgotosleepatall?
Yes,sir,Idroppedoffaboutfourinthemorning.
Andyourcompanion?
TheItalianfellow?Oh,hejustsnored.
Hedidnotleavethecompartmentatallduringthenight?
No,sir.
Didyou?
No,sir.
Didyouhearanythingduringthenight?
Idontthinkso,sir.Nothingunusual,Imean.Thetrainbeingatastandstillmadeitall
veryquiet.
Poirotwassilentamomentortwo.Thenhespoke.
Well,Ithinkthereisverylittlemoretobesaid.Youcannotthrowanylightuponthe
tragedy?
Imafraidnot.Imsorry,sir.
Asfarasyouknow,wasthereanyquarrelorbadbloodbetweenyourmasterandMr.
MacQueen?
Oh!no,sir.Mr.MacQueenwasaverypleasantgentleman.
WherewereyouinservicebeforeyoucametoMr.Ratchett?
WithSirHenryTomlinson,sir,inGrosvenorSquare.
Whydidyouleavehim?

79

HewasgoingtoEastAfrica,sir,anddidnotrequiremyservicesanylonger.ButIamsure
hewillspeakforme,sir.Iwaswithhimsomeyears.
AndyouhavebeenwithMr.Ratchetthowlong?
Justoverninemonths,sir.
Thankyou,Masterman.Bytheway,areyouapipesmoker?
No,sir.Ionlysmokecigarettesgaspers,sir.
Thankyou,thatwilldo.
Poirotgavehimanodofdismissal.
Thevalethesitatedamoment.
Youllexcuseme,sir,buttheelderlyAmericanladyisinwhatImightdescribeasastate,
sir.Shessayingsheknowsallaboutthemurderer.Shesinaveryexcitablecondition,sir.
Inthatcase,saidPoirot,smiling,wehadbetterseehernext.
ShallItellher,sir?Shesbeendemandingtoseesomeoneinauthorityforalongtime.
Theconductorsbeentryingtopacifyher.
Sendhertous,myfriend,saidPoirot.Wewilllistentoherstorynow.

80

4
TheEvidenceOfTheAmericanLady
Mrs.Hubbardarrivedinthediningcarinsuchastateofbreathlessexcitementthatshe
washardlyabletoarticulateherwords.
Nowjusttellmethiswhosinauthorityhere?Ivegotsomeveryimportant
information,veryimportantindeed,andImgoingtotellittosomeoneinauthorityjustas
soonasIcan.Ifyougentlemen
Herwaveringglancefluctuatedbetweenthethreemen.Poirotleanedforward.
Tellittome,Madame,hesaid.Butfirst,praybeseated.
Mrs.Hubbardplumpedheavilydownontotheseatoppositetohim.
WhatIvegottotellyouisjustthis.Therewasamurderonthetrainlastnight,andthe
murdererwasrightthereinmycompartment!
Shepausedtogivedramaticemphasistoherwords.
Youaresureofthis,Madame?
OfcourseImsure!Theidea!IknowwhatImtalkingabout.Illtellyoueverythingthere
istotell.Idgottenintobedandgonetosleep,andsuddenlyIwokeupeverythingwas
darkandIknewtherewasamaninmycompartment.IwasjustsoscaredIcouldnt
scream,ifyouknowwhatImean.Ijustlaythereandthought,Mercy,Imgoingtobe
killed!IjustcantdescribetoyouhowIfelt.Thesenastytrains,Ithought,andallthe
outragesIdreadof.AndIthought,Well,anyway,hewontgetmyjewellerybecause,
yousee,Idputthatinastockingandhiddenitundermypillowwhichisntanytoo
comfortable,bytheway;kindabumpy,ifyouknowwhatImean.Butthatsneitherhere
northere.WherewasI?
Yourealised,Madame,thattherewasamaninyourcompartment.
Yes,well,Ijustlaytherewithmyeyesclosed,andwonderedwhatIddo.AndIthought,
well,ImjustthankfulthatmydaughterdoesntknowtheplightImin.Andthen,
somehow,IgotmywitsaboutmeandIfeltaboutwithmyhandandIpressedthebellfor
theconductor.IpresseditandIpressedit,butnothinghappenedandIcantellyou,I
thoughtmyheartwasgoingtostopbeating.Mercy,Isaidtomyself,maybetheyve
murderedeverysinglesoulonthetrain.Itwasatastandstillanyhowandtherewasa
nastyquietfeelintheair.ButIjustwentonpressingthatbellandoh!thereliefwhenI
heardfootstepscomingrunningdownthecorridorandaknockonthedoor!Comein,I
screamed,andIswitchedonthelightsatthesametime.Andwouldyoubelieveit,there
wasntasoulthere!
ThisseemedtoMrs.Hubbardtobeadramaticclimaxratherthanananticlimax.
81

Andwhathappenednext,Madame?
Why,Itoldthemanwhathadhappenedandhedidntseemtobelieveme.Seemedto
imagineIddreamedthewholething.Imadehimlookundertheseat,thoughhesaid
therewasntroomforamantosqueezehimselfinthere.Itwasplainenoughthattheman
hadgotawaybuttherehadbeenamanthere,anditjustmadememadthewaythe
conductortriedtosoothemedown!Imnotonetoimaginethings,Mr.IdontthinkI
knowyourname?
Poirot,Madame;andthisisM.Bouc,adirectorofthecompany,andDr.Constantine.
Mrs.Hubbardmurmured,Pleasedtomeetyou,Imsure,toallthreeoftheminan
abstractedmannerandthenplungedoncemoreintoherrecital.
NowImjustnotgoingtopretendIwasasbrightasImighthavebeen.Igotitintomy
headthatitwasthemanfromnextdoorthepoorfellowwhosbeenkilled.Itoldthe
conductortolookatthedoorbetweenthecompartments,andsureenoughitwasnt
bolted.Well,Isoonsawtothat.Itoldhimtoboltitthenandthere,andafterhedgone
outIgotupandputasuitcaseagainstittomakesure.
Whattimewasthis,Mrs.Hubbard?
Well,ImsureIcanttellyou.Ineverlookedtosee.Iwassoupset.
Andwhatisyourtheorynow?
Why,Ishouldsayitwasjustasplainasplaincouldbe.Themaninmycompartmentwas
themurderer.Whoelsecouldhebe?
Andyouthinkhewentbackintotheadjoiningcompartment?
HowdoIknowwherehewent?Ihadmyeyestightshut.
Hemighthaveslippedoutthroughthedoorintothecorridor.
Well,Icouldntsay.Yousee,Ihadmyeyestightshut.
Mrs.Hubbardsighedconvulsively.
Mercy,Iwasscared!Ifmydaughteronlyknew
Youdonotthink,Madame,thatwhatyouheardwasthenoiseofsomeonemovingabout
nextdoorinthemurderedmanscompartment?
No,Idonot,Mr.whatisit?Poirot.Themanwasrightthereinthesamecompartment
withme.AndwhatsmoreIvegotproofofit.

82

Triumphantly,shehauledalargehandbagintoviewandproceededtoburrowinits
interior.
Shetookoutinturntwolargecleanhandkerchiefs,apairofhornrimmedglasses,abottle
ofaspirin,apacketofGlaubersSalts,acelluloidtubeofbrightgreenpeppermints,a
bunchofkeys,apairofscissors,abookofAmericanExpresscheques,asnapshotofan
extraordinarilyplainlookingchild,someletters,fivestringsofpseudoOrientalbeads,and
asmallmetalobjectabutton.
Youseethisbutton?Well,itsnotoneofmybuttons.ItsnotoffanythingIvegot.Ifound
itthismorningwhenIgotup.
Assheplaceditonthetable,M.Bouc.leanedforwardandgaveanexclamation.Butthis
isabuttonfromthetunicofaWagonLitattendant!
Therewaybeanaturalexplanationforthat,saidPoirot.
Heturnedgentlytothelady.
Thisbutton,Madame,mayhavedroppedfromtheconductorsuniform,eitherwhenhe
searchedyourcabinorwhenhewasmakingthebeduplastnight.
Ijustdontknowwhatsthematterwithallyoupeople.Seemsasthoughyoudontwant
todoanythingbutmakeobjections.Nowlistenhere.Iwasreadingamagazinelastnight
beforeIwenttosleep.BeforeIturnedthelightout,Iplacedthatmagazineonalittlecase
thatwasstandingonthefloornearthewindow.Haveyougotthat?
Theyassuredherthattheyhad.
Verywellthen.Theconductorlookedundertheseatfromnearthedoor,andthenhe
cameinandboltedthedoorbetweenmeandthenextcompartment,butheneverwent
nearthewindow.Well,thismorningthatbuttonwaslyingrightontopofthemagazine.
Whatdoyoucallthat,Ishouldliketoknow?
That,Madame,Icallevidence,saidPoirot.
Theanswerseemedtoappeasethelady.
Itmakesmemadderthanahornettobedisbelieved,sheexplained.
Youhavegivenusmostinterestingandvaluableevidence,saidPoirotsoothingly.Now
mayIaskyouafewquestions?
Why,certainly.
Howwasit,sinceyouwerenervousofthismanRatchett,thatyouhadntalreadybolted
thedoorbetweenthecompartments?
83

Ihad,returnedMrs.Hubbardpromptly.
Oh,youhad?
Well,asamatteroffactIaskedthatSwedishcreatureapleasantsoulifitwasbolted,
andshesaiditwas.
Howwasityoucouldntseeforyourself?
BecauseIwasinbedandmyspongebagwashangingonthedoorhandle.
Whattimewasitwhenyouaskedhertodothisforyou?
Nowletmethink.Itmusthavebeenroundabouthalfpasttenoraquartertoeleven.
ShedcomealongtoseeifIhadanaspirin.Itoldherwheretofinditandshegotitoutof
mygrip.
Youyourselfwereinbed?
Yes.
Suddenlyshelaughed.Poorsoulshewassoupset!Yousee,shedopenedthedoorof
thenextcompartmentbymistake.
Mr.Ratchetts?
Yes.Youknowhowdifficultitisasyoucomealongthetrainandallthedoorsareshut.
Sheopenedhisbymistake.Shewasverydistressedaboutit.Hedlaughed,itseemed,and
Iguesshesaidsomethingnotquitenice.Poorthing,shecertainlywasupset.Oh!Imake
mistake,shesaid.Iashamedmakemistake.Notniceman,shesaid.Hesay,Youtoo
old.
Dr.Constantinesniggered,andMrs.Hubbardimmediatelyfrozehimwithaglance.
Hewasntanicekindofman,shesaid,tosayathinglikethattoalady.Itsnotrightto
laughatsuchthings.Dr.Constantinehastilyapologised.
DidyouhearanynoisefromMr.Ratchettscompartmentafterthat?askedPoirot.
Wellnotexactly.
Whatdoyoumeanbythat,Madame?
WellShepaused.Hesnored.
Ah!hesnored,didhe?
Terribly.Thenightbefore,itkeptmeawake.
84

Youdidnthearhimsnoreafteryouhadhadthescareaboutamanbeinginyour
compartment?
Why,Mr.Poirot,howcouldI?Hewasdead.
Ah,Yes,truly,saidPoirot.Heappearedconfused.
DoyouremembertheaffairoftheArmstrongkidnapping,Mrs.Hubbard?heasked.
Yes,indeedIdo.Andhowthewretchthatdiditescapedscotfree!My,Idhavelikedto
getmyhandsonhim.
Hehasnotescaped.Heisdead.Hediedlastnight.
Youdontmean?Mrs.Hubbardhalfrosefromherchairinexcitement.
Butyes,Ido.Ratchettwastheman.
Well!Well,tothinkofthat!Imustwriteandtellmydaughter.Now,didntItellyoulast
nightthatthatmanhadanevilface?Iwasright,yousee.Mydaughteralwayssays:When
MammasgotahunchyoucanbetyourbottomdollaritsO.K.
WereyouacquaintedwithanyoftheArmstrongfamily,Mrs.Hubbard?
No.Theymovedinaveryexclusivecircle.ButIvealwaysheardthatMrs.Armstrongwas
aperfectlylovelywomanandthatherhusbandworshippedher.
Well,Mrs.Hubbard,youhavehelpedusverymuchverymuchindeed.Perhapsyouwill
givemeyourfullname?
Why,certainly.CarolineMarthaHubbard.
Willyouwriteyouraddressdownhere?
Mrs.Hubbarddidso,withoutceasingtospeak.Ijustcantgetoverit.Cassettionthis
train.Ihadahunchaboutthatman,didntI,Mr.Poirot?
Yes,indeed,Madame.Bytheway,haveyouascarletsilkdressinggown?
Mercy,whatafunnyquestion!Why,no.Ivegottwodressinggownswithmeapink
flannelonethatskindofcosyforonboardship,andonemydaughtergavemeasa
presentakindoflocalaffairinpurplesilk.Butwhatincreationdoyouwanttoknow
aboutmydressinggownsfor?
Well,yousee,Madame,someoneinascarletkimonoenteredeitheryourorMr.
Ratchettscompartmentlastnight.Itis,asyousaidjustnow,verydifficultwhenallthe
doorsareshuttoknowwhichcompartmentiswhich.
85

Well,nooneinascarletdressinggowncameintomycompartment.
ThenshemusthavegoneintoMr.Ratchetts.
Mrs.Hubbardpursedherlipstogetherandsaidgrimly:Thatwouldntsurprisemeany.
Poirotleanedforward.Soyouheardawomansvoicenextdoor?
Idontknowhowyouguessedthat,Mr.Poirot.Idontreally.Butwellasamatterof
fact,Idid.
ButwhenIaskedyoujustnowifyouheardanythingnextdoor,youonlysaidyouheard
Mr.Ratchettsnoring.
Well,thatwastrueenough.Hedidsnorepartofthetime.AsfortheotherMrs.
Hubbardgotratherembarrassed.Itisntaverynicethingtospeakabout.
Whattimewasitwhenyouheardawomansvoice?
Icanttellyou.Ijustwokeupforaminuteandheardawomantalking,anditwasplain
enoughwhereshewas.SoIjustthought,Well,thatsthekindofmanheis!Imnot
surprisedandthenIwenttosleepagain.AndImsureIshouldneverhavementioned
anythingofthekindtothreestrangegentlemenifyouhadntdraggeditoutofme.
Wasitbeforethescareaboutthemaninyourcompartment,orafter?
Why,thatslikewhatyousaidjustnow!Hewouldnthavehadawomantalkingtohimif
heweredead,wouldhe?
Pardon.Youmustthinkmeverystupid,Madame.
Iguessevenyougetkindamuddlednowandthen.Ijustcantgetoveritsbeingthat
monsterCassetti.Whatmydaughterwillsay
Poirotmanagedadroitlytohelpthegoodladytoreplacethecontentsofherhandbag,and
hethenshepherdedhertowardsthedoor.
Atthelastmoment,hesaid:Youhavedroppedyourhandkerchief,Madame.
Mrs.Hubbardlookedatthelittlescrapofcambricheheldouttoher.
Thatsnotmine,Mr.Poirot.Ivegotminerighthere.
Pardon.IthoughtasithadtheinitialHonit
Well,now,thatsfunny,butitscertainlynotmine.MinearemarkedC.M.H.,andtheyre
sensiblethingsnotexpensiveParisfallals.Whatgoodisahandkerchieflikethatto
anybodysnose?
86

NoneofthethreemenseemedtohaveananswertothisquestionandMrs.Hubbard
sailedouttriumphantly.

87

88

5
TheEvidenceOfTheSwedishLady
M.BoucwashandlingthebuttonthatMrs.Hubbardhadleftbehindher.
Thisbutton.Icannotunderstandit.Doesitmeanthatafterall,PierreMichelisinvolved
insomeway?heasked.Hepaused,thencontinued,asPoirotdidnotreply.Whathave
youtosay,myfriend?
Thatbutton,itsuggestspossibilities,saidPoirotthoughtfully.Letusinterviewnextthe
Swedishladybeforewediscusstheevidencethatwehaveheard.
Hesortedthroughthepileofpassportsinfrontofhim.Ah!hereweare.GretaOhlsson,
agefortynine.
M.Boucgavedirectionstotherestaurantattendant,andpresentlytheladywiththe
yellowishgreybunofhairandthelong,mild,sheeplikefacewasusheredin.Shepeered
shortsightedlyatPoirotthroughherglasses,butwasquitecalm.
IttranspiredthatsheunderstoodandspokeFrench,sotheconversationtookplaceinthat
language.Poirotfirstaskedherthequestionstowhichhealreadyknewtheanswersher
name,age,andaddress.Hethenaskedherheroccupation.
Shewas,shetoldhim,matroninamissionaryschoolnearStamboul.Shewasatrained
nurse.
Youknow,ofcourse,ofwhattookplacelastnight,Mademoiselle?
Naturally.Itisverydreadful.AndtheAmericanladytellsmethatthemurdererwas
actuallyinhercompartment.
Ihear,Mademoiselle,thatyouwerethelastpersontoseethemurderedmanalive?
Idonotknow.Itmaybeso.Iopenedthedoorofhiscompartmentbymistake.Iwas
muchashamed.Itwasamostawkwardmistake.
Youactuallysawhim?
Yes.Hewasreadingabook.Iapologisedquicklyandwithdrew.
Didhesayanythingtoyou?
Aslightflushshowedontheworthyladyscheek.
Helaughedandsaidafewwords.IIdidnotquitecatchthem.

89

Andwhatdidyoudoafterthat,Mademoiselle?askedPoirot,passingfromthesubject
tactfully.
IwentintotheAmericanlady,Mrs.Hubbard.Iaskedherforsomeaspirinandshegaveit
tome.
Didsheaskyouwhetherthecommunicatingdoorbetweenhercompartmentandthatof
Mr.Ratchettwasbolted?
Yes.
Andwasit?
Yes.
Andafterthat?
AfterthatIwentbacktomycompartment,tooktheaspirin,andlaydown.
Whattimewasallthis?
WhenIgotintobeditwasfiveminutestoeleven.IknowbecauseIlookedatmywatch
beforeIwounditup.
Didyougotosleepquickly?
Notveryquickly.Myheadgotbetter,butIlayawakesometime.
Hadthetraincometoastopbeforeyouwenttosleep?
Idonotthinkso.Westopped,Ithink,atastationjustasIwasgettingdrowsy.
ThatwouldbeVincovci.Nowyourcompartment,Mademoiselle,isthisone?He
indicateditontheplan.
Thatisso,yes.
Youhadtheupperorthelowerberth?
Thelowerberth,No.10.
Andyouhadacompanion?
Yes,ayoungEnglishlady.Verynice,veryamiable.ShehadtravelledfromBaghdad.
AfterthetrainleftVincovci,didsheleavethecompartment?
No,Iamsureshedidnot.
90

Whyareyousureifyouwereasleep?
Isleepverylightly.Iamusedtowakingatasound.Iamsurethatifshehadcomedown
fromtheberthaboveIshouldhaveawakened.
Didyouyourselfleavethecompartment?
Notuntilthismorning.
Haveyouascarletsilkkimono,Mademoiselle?
No,indeed.IhaveagoodcomfortabledressinggownofJaegermaterial.
Andtheladywithyou,MissDebenham?Whatcolourisherdressinggown?
ApalemauveabasuchasyoubuyintheEast.
Poirotnodded.Thenheaskedinafriendlytone:Whyareyoutakingthisjourney?A
holiday?
Yes,Iamgoinghomeforaholiday.ButfirstIamgoingtoLausannetostaywithasister
foraweekorso.
Perhapsyouwillbesoamiableastowritemedownthenameandaddressofyour
sister?
Withpleasure.
Shetookthepaperandpencilhegaveherandwrotedownthenameandaddressas
requested.
HaveyoueverbeeninAmerica,Mademoiselle?
No.Iverynearlywentonce.Iwastogowithaninvalidlady,buttheplanwascancelledat
thelastmoment.Imuchregrettedthis.Theyareverygood,theAmericans.Theygive
muchmoneytofoundschoolsandhospitals.Andtheyareverypractical.
DoyourememberhearingoftheArmstrongkidnappingcase?
No,whatwasthat?
Poirotexplained.
GretaOhlssonwasindignant.Heryellowbunofhairquiveredwithheremotion.
Thatthereareintheworldsuchevilmen!Ittriesonesfaith.Thepoormothermyheart
achesforher.
91

TheamiableSwededeparted,herkindlyfaceflushed,hereyessuffusedwithtears.
Poirotwaswritingbusilyonasheetofpaper.
Whatisityouwritethere,myfriend?askedM.Bouc.
Moncher,itismyhabittobeneatandorderly.Imakeherealittlechronologicaltableof
events.
HefinishedwritingandpassedthepapertoM.Bouc.
9.15TrainleavesBelgrade.
about9.40ValetleavesRatchettwithsleepingdraughtbesidehim.
about10.00MacQueenleavesRatchett.
about10.40GretaOhlssonseesRatchett(lastseenalive).
N.B.Hewasawakereadingabook.
0.10TrainleavesVincovci(late).
0.30Trainrunsintoasnowdrift.
0.37Ratchettsbellrings.Conductoranswersit.
Ratchettsays:Cenestrien.Jemesuistromp.
about1.17Mrs.Hubbardthinksmanisinhercarriage.
Ringsforconductor.
M.Boucnoddedapproval.
Thatisveryclear,hesaid.
Thereisnothingtherethatstrikesyouasatallodd?
No,itseemsallquiteclearandaboveboard.Itseemsquiteplainthatthecrimewas
committedat1.15.Theevidenceofthewatchshowsusthat,andMrs.Hubbardsstoryfits
in.Formymind,Iwillmakeaguessattheidentityofthemurderer.Isay,myfriend,thatit
isthebigItalian.HecomesfromAmericafromChicagoandrememberanItalians
weaponistheknife,andhestabsnotoncebutseveraltimes.
Thatistrue.

92

Withoutadoubt,thatisthesolutionofthemystery.DoubtlessheandthisRatchettwere
inthiskidnappingbusinesstogether.CassettiisanItalianname.InsomewayRatchettdid
onhimwhattheycallthedoublecross.TheItaliantrackshimdown,sendshimwarning
lettersfirst,andfinallyrevengeshimselfuponhiminabrutalway.Itisallquitesimple.
Poirotshookhisheaddoubtfully.
Itishardlysosimpleasthat,Ifear,hemurmured.
Me,Iamconvinceditisthetruth,saidM.Bouc,becomingmoreandmoreenamoured
ofhistheory.
AndwhataboutthevaletwiththetoothachewhoswearsthattheItalianneverleftthe
compartment?
Thatisthedifficulty.
Poirottwinkled.
Yes,itisannoying,that.Unluckyforyourtheory,andextremelyluckyforourItalian
friendthatM.Ratchettsvaletshouldhavehadthetoothache.
Itwillbeexplained,saidM.Boucwithmagnificentcertainty.
Poirotshookhisheadagain.
No,itishardlysosimpleasthat,hemurmuredagain.

93

94

6
TheEvidenceOfTheRussianPrincess
LetushearwhatPierreMichelhastosayaboutthisbutton,hesaid.
TheWagonLitconductorwasrecalled.Helookedattheminquiringly.
M.Boucclearedhisthroat.
Michel,hesaid,hereisabuttonfromyourtunic.ItwasfoundintheAmericanladys
compartment.Whathaveyoutosayforyourselfaboutit?
Theconductorshandwentautomaticallytohistunic.Ihavelostnobutton,Monsieur,
hesaid.Theremustbesomemistake.
Thatisveryodd.
Icannotaccountforit,Monsieur.Themanseemedastonished,butnotinanywayguilty
orconfused.
M.Boucsaidmeaningly:Owingtothecircumstancesinwhichitwasfound,itseemsfairly
certainthatthisbuttonwasdroppedbythemanwhowasinMrs.Hubbardscompartment
lastnightwhensherangthebell.
But,Monsieur,therewasnoonethere.Theladymusthaveimaginedit.
Shedidnotimagineit,Michel.TheassassinofM.Ratchettpassedthatwayand
droppedthatbutton.
AsthesignificanceofM.Boucswordsbecameplaintohim,PierreMichelflewintoa
violentstateofagitation.
Itisnottrue,Monsieur;itisnottrue!hecried.Youareaccusingmeofthecrime.Me,I
aminnocent.Iamabsolutelyinnocent!WhyshouldIwanttokillaMonsieurwhomIhave
neverseenbefore?
WherewereyouwhenMrs.Hubbardsbellrang?
Itoldyou,Monsieur,inthenextcoachtalkingtomycolleague.
Wewillsendforhim.
Doso,Monsieur,Iimploreyou,doso.
Theconductorofthenextcoachwassummoned.HeimmediatelyconfirmedPierre
Michelsstatement.HeaddedthattheconductorfromtheBucharestcoachhadalsobeen
there.Thethreeofthemhadbeendiscussingthesituationcausedbythesnow.Theyhad
95

beentalkingsometenminuteswhenMichelfanciedheheardabell.Asheopenedthe
doorsconnectingthetwocoaches,theyhadallhearditplainlyabellringingrepeatedly.
Michelhadrunposthastetoanswerit.
Soyousee,Monsieur,Iamnotguilty,criedMichelanxiously.
AndthisbuttonfromaWagonLittunic,howdoyouexplainit?
Icannot,Monsieur.Itisamysterytome.Allmybuttonsareintact.
Bothoftheotherconductorsalsodeclaredthattheyhadnotlostabutton;alsothatthey
hadnotbeeninsideMrs.Hubbardscompartmentatanytime.
Calmyourself,Michel,saidM.Bouc,andcastyourmindbacktothemomentwhenyou
rantoanswerMrs.Hubbardsbell.Didyoumeetanyoneatallinthecorridor?
No,Monsieur.
Didyouseeanyonegoingawayfromyoudownthecorridorintheotherdirection?
Again,no,Monsieur.
Odd,saidM.Bouc.
Notsovery,saidPoirot.Itisaquestionoftime.Mrs.Hubbardwakestofindsomeone
inhercompartment.Foraminuteortwosheliesparalysed,hereyesshut.Probablyitwas
thenthatthemanslippedoutintothecorridor.Thenshestartsringingthebell.Butthe
conductordoesnotcomeatonce.Itisonlythethirdorfourthpealthathehears.Ishould
saymyselfthattherewasampletime
Forwhat?Forwhat,moncher!Remember,therearethickdriftsofsnowallroundthe
train.
Therearetwocoursesopentoourmysteriousassassin,saidPoirotslowly.Hecould
retreatintoeitherofthetoiletsorhecoulddisappearintooneofthecompartments.
Buttheywerealloccupied.
Yes.
Youmeanthathecouldretreatintohisowncompartment?
Poirotnodded.
Itfitsitfits;murmuredM.Bouc.Duringthattenminutesabsenceoftheconductor,
themurderercomesfromhisowncompartment,goesintoRatchetts,killshim,locksand
chainsthedoorontheinside,goesoutthroughMrs.Hubbardscompartment,andisback
safelyinhisowncompartmentbythetimetheconductorarrives.
96

Poirotmurmured:Itisnotquitesosimpleasthat,myfriend.Ourfriendthedoctorhere
willtellyouso.
WithagestureM.Boucsignifiedthatthethreeconductorsmightdepart.
Wehavestilltoseeeightpassengers,saidPoirot.FivefirstclasspassengersPrincess
Dragomiroff,CountandCountessAndrenyi,ColonelArbuthnot,andMr.Hardman.Three
secondclasspassengersMissDebenham,AntonioFoscarelli,andtheladysmaid,
FruleinSchmidt.
WhomwillyouseefirsttheItalian?
HowyouharponyourItalian!No,wewillstartatthetopofthetree.PerhapsMadamela
Princessewillbesogoodastospareusafewmomentsofhertime.Conveythatmessage
toher,Michel.
Oui,Monsieur,saidtheconductor,whowasjustleavingthecar.
Tellherwecanwaitonherinhercompartmentifshedoesnotwishtoputherselftothe
troubleofcominghere,calledM.Bouc.
ButPrincessDragomiroffdeclinedtotakethiscourse.Sheappearedinthediningcar,
inclinedherheadslightlyandsatdownoppositePoirot.
Hersmalltoadlikefacelookedevenyellowerthanthedaybefore.Shewascertainlyugly,
andyet,likethetoad,shehadeyeslikejewels,darkandimperious,revealinglatent
energyandanintellectualforcethatcouldbefeltatonce.
Hervoicewasdeep,verydistinct,withaslightgratingqualityinit.
ShecutshortafloweryphraseofapologyfromM.Bouc.
Youneednotofferapologies,Messieurs.Iunderstandamurderhastakenplace.
Naturallyyoumustinterviewallthepassengers.Ishallbegladtogiveyouallthe
assistanceinmypower.
Youaremostamiable,Madame,saidPoirot.
Notatall.Itisaduty.Whatdoyouwishtoknow?
YourfullChristiannamesandaddress,Madame.Perhapsyouwouldprefertowritethem
yourself?
Poirotprofferedasheetofpaperandpencil,butthePrincesswavedthemaside.
Youcanwriteit,shesaid.Thereisnothingdifficult.NataliaDragomiroff,17Avenue
Klber,Paris.
97

YouaretravellinghomefromConstantinople,Madame?
Yes.IhavebeenstayingattheAustrianEmbassy.Mymaidiswithme.
Wouldyoubesogoodastogivemeabriefaccountofyourmovementslastnightfrom
dinneronwards?
Willingly.IdirectedtheconductortomakeupmybedwhilstIwasinthediningcar.I
retiredtobedimmediatelyafterdinner.Ireaduntilthehourofeleven,whenIturnedout
mylight.IwasunabletosleepowingtocertainrheumaticpainsfromwhichIsuffer.At
aboutaquartertooneIrangformymaid.ShemassagedmeandthenreadaloudtillIfelt
sleepy.Icannotsayexactly,whensheleftme.Itmayhavebeenhalfanhourafterward,it
mayhavebeenlater.
Thetrainhadstoppedthen?
Thetrainhadstopped.
Youheardnothingnothingunusualduringthetime,Madame?
Iheardnothingunusual.
Whatisyourmaidsname?
HildegardeSchmidt.
Shehasbeenwithyoulong?
Fifteenyears.
Youconsiderhertrustworthy?
Absolutely.HerpeoplecomefromanestateofmylatehusbandsinGermany.
YouhavebeeninAmerica,Ipresume,Madame?
Theabruptchangeofsubjectmadetheoldladyraisehereyebrows.Manytimes.
WereyouatanytimeacquaintedwithafamilyofthenameofArmstrongafamilyin
whichatragedyoccurred?
Withsomeemotioninhervoicetheoldladysaid:Youspeakoffriendsofmine,
Monsieur.
YouknewColonelArmstrongwell,then?
Iknewhimslightly,buthiswife,SoniaArmstrong,wasmygoddaughter.Iwasonterms
offriendshipwithhermother,theactress,LindaArden.LindaArdenwasagreatgenius,
98

oneofthegreatesttragicactressesintheworld.AsLadyMacbeth,asMagda,therewas
noonetotouchher.Iwasnotonlyanadmirerofherart,Iwasapersonalfriend.
Sheisdead?
No,no,sheisalive,butshelivesincompleteretirement.Herhealthisverydelicate,and
shehastolieonasofamostofthetime.
Therewas,Ithink,aseconddaughter?
Yes,muchyoungerthanMrs.Armstrong.
Andsheisalive?
Certainly.
Whereisshe?
Theoldwomanbentanacuteglanceathim.
Imustaskyouthereasonforthesequestions.Whathavetheytodowiththematterin
handthemurderonthistrain?
Theyareconnectedinthisway,Madame:themanwhowasmurderedwastheman
responsibleforthekidnappingandmurderofMrs.Armstrongschild.
Ah!
Thestraightbrowscametogether.PrincessDragomiroffdrewherselfalittlemoreerect.
Inmyview,then,thismurderisanentirelyadmirablehappening!Youwillpardonmy
slightlybiasedpointofview.
Itismostnatural,Madame.Andnowtoreturntothequestionyoudidnotanswer.
WhereistheyoungerdaughterofLindaArden,thesisterofMrs.Armstrong?
Ihonestlycannottellyou,Monsieur.Ihavelosttouchwiththeyoungergeneration.I
believeshemarriedanEnglishmansomeyearsagoandwenttoEngland,butatthe
momentIcannotrecollectthename.
Shepausedaminuteandthensaid:Isthereanythingfurtheryouwanttoaskme,
gentlemen?
Onlyonething,Madame,asomewhatpersonalquestion.Thecolourofyourdressing
gown.
Sheraisedhereyebrowsslightly.Imustsupposeyouhaveareasonforsuchaquestion.
Mydressinggownisofblacksatin.
99

Thereisnothingmore,Madame.Iammuchobligedtoyouforansweringmyquestions
sopromptly.
Shemadeaslightgesturewithherheavilyberingedhand.Thenassherose,andthe
othersrosewithher,shestopped.
Youwillexcuseme,Monsieur,shesaid,butmayIaskyourname?Yourfaceis
somehowfamiliartome.
Myname,Madame,isHerculePoirotatyourservice.
Shewassilentaminute,then:HerculePoirot,shesaid.Yes.Iremembernow.Thisis
Destiny.
Shewalkedaway,veryerect,alittlestiffinhermovements.
Voilunegrandedame,saidM.Bouc.Whatdoyouthinkofher,myfriend?
ButHerculePoirotmerelyshookhishead.
Iamwondering,hesaid,whatshemeantbyDestiny.

100

7
TheEvidenceOfCountAndCountessAndrenyi
CountandCountessAndrenyiwerenextsummoned.TheCount,however,enteredthe
diningcaralone.
Therewasnodoubtthathewasafinelookingmanseenfacetoface.Hewasatleastsix
feetinheight,withbroadshouldersandslenderhips.Hewasdressedinverywellcut
EnglishtweedsandmighthavebeentakenforanEnglishmanhaditnotbeenforthe
lengthofhismoustacheandsomethinginthelineofthecheekbone.
Well,Messieurs,hesaid,whatcanIdoforyou?
Youunderstand,Monsieur,saidPoirot,thatinviewofwhathasoccurredIamobliged
toputcertainquestionstoallthepassengers.
Perfectly,perfectly,saidtheCounteasily.Iquiteunderstandyourposition.Not,Ifear,
thatmywifeandIcandomuchtoassistyou.Wewereasleepandheardnothingatall.
Areyouawareoftheidentityofthedeceased,Monsieur?
IunderstooditwasthebigAmericanamanwithadecidedlyunpleasantface.Hesatat
thattableatmealtimes.HeindicatedwithanodofhisheadthetableatwhichRatchett
andMacQueenhadsat.
Yes,yes,Monsieur,youareperfectlycorrect.Imeantdidyouknowthenameofthe
man?
No.TheCountlookedthoroughlypuzzledbyPoirotsqueries.Ifyouwanttoknowhis
name,hesaid,surelyitisonhispassport?
ThenameonhispassportisRatchett,saidPoirot.Butthat,Monsieur,isnothisreal
name.HeisthemanCassetti,whowasresponsibleforacelebratedkidnappingoutragein
America.
HewatchedtheCountcloselyashespoke,butthelatterseemedquiteunaffectedbythis
pieceofnews.Hemerelyopenedhiseyesalittle.
Ah!hesaid.Thatcertainlyshouldthrowlightuponthematter.Anextraordinary
country,America.
Youhavebeenthere,perhaps,MonsieurleComte?
IwasinWashingtonforayear.
Youknew,perhaps,theArmstrongfamily?
101

ArmstrongArmstrongitisdifficulttorecall.Onemetsomany.Hesmiled,shrugged
hisshoulders.Buttocomebacktothematterinhand,gentlemen,hesaid.Whatmore
canIdotoassistyou?
Youretiredtorestwhen,MonsieurleComte?
HerculePoirotseyesstoletohisplan.CountandCountessAndrenyioccupied
compartmentNos.12and13adjoining.
Wehadonecompartmentmadeupforthenightwhilstwewereinthediningcar.On
returningwesatintheotherforawhile
Whichnumberwouldthatbe?
No.13.Weplayedpiquettogether.Ataboutelevenoclockmywiferetiredforthenight.
TheconductormadeupmycompartmentandIalsowenttobed.Isleptsoundlyuntil
morning.
Didyounoticethestoppingofthetrain?
Iwasnotawareofittillthismorning.
Andyourwife?
TheCountsmiled.Mywifealwaystakesasleepingdraughtwhentravellingbytrain.She
tookherusualdoseoftrional.
Hepaused.IamsorryIamnotabletoassistyouinanyway.
Poirotpassedhimasheetofpaperandapen.
Thankyou,MonsieurleComte.Itisaformality,butwillyoujustletmehaveyourname
andaddress?
TheCountwroteslowlyandcarefully.
ItisjustaswellthatIshouldwritethisforyou,hesaidpleasantly.Thespellingofmy
countryestateisalittledifficultforthoseunacquaintedwiththelanguage.
HepassedthepaperacrosstoPoirotandrose.
Itwillbequiteunnecessaryformywifetocomehere,hesaid.Shecantellyounothing
morethanIhave.
AlittlegleamcameintoPoirotseye.
Doubtless,doubtless,hesaid.ButallthesameIthinkIshouldliketohavejustonelittle
wordwithMadamelaComtesse.
102

Iassureyouitisquiteunnecessary.TheCountsvoicerangoutauthoritatively.
Poirotblinkedgentlyathim.
Itwillbeamereformality,hesaid.But,youunderstand,itisnecessaryformyreport.
Asyouplease.
TheCountgavewaygrudgingly.Hemadeashortforeignbowandleftthediningcar.
Poirotreachedoutahandtoapassport.ItsetouttheCountsnamesandtitles.Hepassed
ontothefurtherinformation.Accompaniedby,wife;Christianname,ElenaMaria;
maidenname,Goldenberg;age,twenty.Aspotofgreasehadbeendroppedonitatsome
timebyacarelessofficial.
Adiplomaticpassport,saidM.Bouc.Wemustbecareful,myfriend,togivenooffence.
Thesepeoplecanhavenothingtodowiththemurder.
Beeasy,monvieux,Iwillbemosttactful.Amereformality.
HisvoicedroppedastheCountessAndrenyienteredthediningcar.Shelookedtimidand
extremelycharming.
Youwishtoseeme,Messieurs?
Amereformality,MadamlaComtesse.Poirotrosegallantly,bowedherintotheseat
oppositehim.Itisonlytoaskyouifyousaworheardanythinglastnightthatmaythrow
lightuponthismatter.
Nothingatall,Monsieur.Iwasasleep.
Youdidnothear,forinstance,acommotiongoingoninthecompartmentnexttoyours?
TheAmericanladywhooccupiesithadquiteanattackofhystericsandrangforthe
conductor.
Iheardnothing,Monsieur.Yousee,Ihadtakenasleepingdraught.
Ah!Icomprehend.Well,Ineednotdetainyoufurther.Then,assheroseswiftlyJust
onelittleminute.Theseparticularsyourmaidenname,ageandsoontheyare
correct?
Quitecorrect,Monsieur.
Perhapsyouwillsignthismemorandumtothateffect,then.
Shesignedquickly,inagracefulslantinghandwritingElenaAndrenyi.
DidyouaccompanyyourhusbandtoAmerica,Madame?
103

No,Monsieur.Shesmiled,flushedalittle.Wewerenotmarriedthen;wehavebeen
marriedonlyayear.
Ah,yes,thankyou,Madame.Bytheway,doesyourhusbandsmoke?
Shestaredathimasshestoodpoisedfordeparture.
Yes.
Apipe?
No.Cigarettesandcigars.
Ah!Thankyou.
Shelingered,hereyeswatchinghimcuriously.Lovelyeyestheywere,darkandalmond
shapedwithverylongblacklashesthatswepttheexquisitepallorofhercheeks.Herlips,
veryscarletintheforeignfashion,werepartedjustalittle.Shelookedexoticand
beautiful.
Whydidyouaskmethat?
Madame,Poirotwavedanairyhand,detectiveshavetoaskallsortsofquestions.For
instance,perhapsyouwilltellmethecolourofyourdressinggown?
Shestaredathim.Thenshelaughed.itiscorncolouredchiffon.Isthatreallyimportant?
Veryimportant,Madame.
Sheaskedcuriously:Areyoureallyadetective,then?
Atyourservice,Madame.
IthoughttherewerenodetectivesonthetrainwhenitpassedthroughJugoSlavianot
untilonegottoItaly.
IamnotaJugoSlaviandetective,Madame.Iamaninternationaldetective.
YoubelongtotheLeagueofNations?
Ibelongtotheworld,Madame,saidPoirotdramatically.Hewenton:Iworkmainlyin
London.YouspeakEnglish?headdedinthatlanguage.
Ispeakaleetle,yes.Heraccentwascharming.Poirotbowedoncemore.
Wewillnotdetainyoufurther,Madame.Yousee,itwasnotsoveryterrible.
Shesmiled,inclinedherheadanddeparted.
104

Elleestjoliefemme,saidM.Boucappreciatively.Hesighed.Well,thatdidnotadvance
usmuch.
No,saidPoirot.Twopeoplewhosawnothingandheardnothing.
ShallwenowseetheItalian?
Poirotdidnotreplyforamoment.HewasstudyingagreasespotonaHungarian
diplomaticpassport.

105

106

8
TheEvidenceOfColonelArbuthnot
Poirotrousedhimselfwithaslightstart.Hiseyestwinkledalittleastheymettheeager
onesofM.Bouc.
Ah!mydearoldfriend,hesaid,youseeIhavebecomewhattheycallthesnob!The
firstclass,Ifeelitshouldbeattendedtobeforethesecondclass.Next,Ithink,wewill
interviewthegoodlookingColonelArbuthnot.
FindingtheColonelsFrenchtobeofaseverelylimiteddescription,Poirotconductedhis
interrogatoryinEnglish.
Arbuthnotsname,age,homeaddressandexactmilitarystandingwereallascertained.
Poirotproceeded:ItisthatyoucomehomefromIndiaonwhatiscalledtheleavewhat
wecancallenpermission?
ColonelArbuthnot,uninterestedinwhatapackofforeignerscalledanything,repliedwith
trueBritishbrevity,Yes.
ButyoudonotcomehomeontheP.&O.boat?
No.
Whynot?
Ichosetocomebytheoverlandrouteforreasonsofmyown.
(Andthat,hismannerseemedtosay,isoneforyou,youinterferinglittlejackanapes.)
YoucamestraightthroughfromIndia?
TheColonelreplieddrily:IstoppedforonenighttoseeUroftheChaldees,andforthree
daysinBaghdadwiththeA.O.C.,whohappenstobeanoldfriendofmine.
YoustoppedthreedaysinBaghdad.IunderstandthattheyoungEnglishlady,Miss
Debenham,alsocomesfromBaghdad.Perhapsyoumetherthere?
No,Ididnot.IfirstmetMissDebenhamwhensheandIsharedtherailwayconvoycar
fromKirkuktoNissibin.
Poirotleanedforward.Hebecamepersuasiveandalittlemoreforeignthanheneedhave
been.
Monsieur,Iamabouttoappealtoyou.YouandMissDebenhamaretheonlytwoEnglish
peopleonthetrain.ItisnecessarythatIshouldaskyoueachyouropinionoftheother.
107

Highlyirregular,saidColonelArbuthnotcoldly.
Notso.Yousee,thiscrime,itwasmostprobablycommittedbyawoman.Themanwas
stabbednofewerthantwelvetimes.Eventhechefdetrainsaidatonce,Itisawoman.
Well,then,whatismyfirsttask?TogiveallthewomentravellingontheIstanbulCalais
coachwhatAmericanscalltheonceover.ButtojudgeofanEnglishwomanisdifficult.
Theyareveryreserved,theEnglish.SoIappealtoyou,Monsieur,intheinterestofjustice.
WhatsortofpersonisthisMissDebenham?Whatdoyouknowabouther?
MissDebenham,saidtheColonelwithsomewarmth,isalady.
Ah!saidPoirotwitheveryappearanceofbeingmuchgratified.Soyoudonotthinkthat
sheislikelytobeimplicatedinthiscrime?
Theideaisabsurd,saidArbuthnot.Themanwasaperfectstrangershehadnever
seenhimbefore.
Didshetellyouso?
Shedid.Shecommentedatonceuponhissomewhatunpleasantappearance.Ifawoman
isconcerned,asyouseemtothink(tomymindwithoutanyevidencebutonamere
assumption),IcanassureyouthatMissDebenhamcouldnotpossiblybeimplicated.
Youfeelwarmlyinthematter,saidPoirotwithasmile.
ColonelArbuthnotgavehimacoldstare.Ireallydontknowwhatyoumean,hesaid.
ThestareseemedtoabashPoirot.Hedroppedhiseyesandbeganfiddlingwiththepapers
infrontofhim.
Allthisisbytheway,hesaid.Letusbepracticalandcometofacts.Thiscrime,wehave
reasontobelieve,tookplaceataquarterpastonelastnight.Itispartofthenecessary
routinetoaskeveryoneonthetrainwhatheorshewasdoingatthattime.
Quiteso.Ataquarterpastone,tothebestofmybelief,Iwastalkingtotheyoung
Americanfellowsecretarytothedeadman.
Ah!wereyouinhiscompartment,orwasheinyours?
Iwasinhis.
ThatistheyoungmanofthenameofMacQueen?
Yes.
Hewasafriendoracquaintanceofyours?

108

No,Ineversawhimbeforethisjourney.Wefellintocasualconversationyesterdayand
bothbecameinterested.IdontasarulelikeAmericanshaventanyuseforem
Poirotsmiled,rememberingMacQueensstricturesonBritishers.
butIlikedthisyoungfellow.Hedgotholdofsometomfoolidioticideasaboutthe
situationinIndia.ThatstheworstofAmericanstheyresosentimentalandidealistic.
Well,hewasinterestedinwhatIhadtotellhim.Ivehadnearlythirtyyearsexperienceof
thecountry.AndIwasinterestedinwhathehadtotellmeabouttheworkingof
ProhibitioninAmerica.Thenwegotdowntoworldpoliticsingeneral.Iwasquite
surprisedtolookatmywatchandfinditwasaquartertotwo.
Thatisthetimeyoubrokeupthisconversation?
Yes.
Whatdidyoudothen?
Walkedalongtomyowncompartmentandturnedin.
Yourbedwasmadeupready?
Yes.
ThatisthecompartmentletmeseeNo.15theonenextbutonetotheendaway
fromthediningcar?
Yes.
Wherewastheconductorwhenyouwenttoyourcompartment?
Sittingattheendatalittletable.AsamatteroffactMacQueencalledhimjustasIwent
intomyowncompartment.
Whydidhecallhim?
Tomakeuphisbed,Isuppose.Thecompartmenthadntbeenmadeupforthenight.
Now,ColonelArbuthnot,Iwantyoutothinkcarefully.Duringthetimeyouweretalking
toMr.MacQueen,didanyonepassalongthecorridoroutsidethedoor?
Agoodmanypeople,Ishouldthink.Iwasntpayingattention.
Ah!butIamreferringtoletussay,thelasthourandahalfofyourconversation.You
gotoutatVincovci,didntyou?

109

Yes,butonlyforaboutaminute.Therewasablizzardon.Thecoldwassomething
frightful.Madeonequitethankfultogetbacktothefug,thoughasaruleIthinktheway
thesetrainsareoverheatedissomethingscandalous.
M.Boucsighed.Itisverydifficulttopleaseeverybody,hesaid.TheEnglishtheyopen
everythingthenotherstheycomealongandshuteverything.Itisverydifficult.
NeitherPoirotnorColonelArbuthnotpaidanyattentiontohim.
Now,Monsieur,castyourmindback,saidPoirotencouragingly.Itwascoldoutside.
Youhavereturnedtothetrain.Yousitdownagain,yousmokeperhapsacigarette
perhapsapipe
Hepausedforthefractionofasecond.
Apipeforme.MacQueensmokedcigarettes.
Thetrainstartsagain.Yousmokeyourpipe.YoudiscussthestateofEuropeofthe
world.Itislatenow.Mostpeoplehaveretiredforthenight.Doesanyonepassthedoor?
Think.
Arbuthnotfrownedintheeffortofremembrance.
Difficulttosay,hesaid.YouseeIwasntpayinganyattention.
Butyouhavethesoldiersobservationfordetail.Younoticewithoutnoticing,soto
speak.
TheColonelthoughtagain,butshookhishead.
Icouldntsay.Idontrememberanyonepassingexcepttheconductor.Waitaminute
andtherewasawoman,Ithink.
Yousawher?Wassheoldyoung?
Didntseeher.Wasntlookingthatway.justarustleandasortofsmellofscent.
Scent?Agoodscent?
Well,ratherfruity,ifyouknowwhatImean.Imeanyoudsmellitahundredyardsaway.
Butmindyou,theColonelwentonhastily,thismayhavebeenearlierintheevening.
Yousee,asyousaidjustnow,itwasjustoneofthosethingsyounoticewithoutnoticing,
sotospeak.SometimethateveningIsaidtomyselfWomanscentgotitonpretty
thick.ButwhenitwasIcantbesure,exceptthatwhy,yes,itmusthavebeenafter
Vincovci.
Why?
110

BecauseIremembersniffing,youknowjustwhenIwastalkingabouttheutter
washoutStalinsFiveYearPlanwasturningout.Iknowtheideawomanbroughttheidea
ofthepositionofwomeninRussiaintomymind.AndIknowwehadntgotontoRussia
untilprettyneartheendofourtalk.
Youcantpinitdownmoredefinitelythanthat?
Nno.Itmusthavebeenroughlywithinthelasthalfhour.
Itwasafterthetrainhadstopped?
Theothernodded.Yes,Imalmostsureitwas.
Well,wewillpassfromthat.HaveyoueverbeeninAmerica,ColonelArbuthnot?
Never.Dontwanttogo.
DidyoueverknowaColonelArmstrong?
ArmstrongArmstrongIveknowntwoorthreeArmstrongs.TherewasTommy
Armstronginthe60thyoudontmeanhim?AndSelbyArmstronghewaskilledonthe
Somme.
ImeantheColonelArmstrongwhomarriedanAmericanwifeandwhoseonlychildwas
kidnappedandkilled.
Ah,yes,Irememberreadingaboutthatshockingaffair.IdontthinkIactuallyever
cameacrossthefellow,thoughofcourseIknewofhim.TobyArmstrong.Nicefellow.
Everybodylikedhim.Hehadaverydistinguishedcareer.GottheV.C.
ThemanwhowaskilledlastnightwasthemanresponsibleforthemurderofColonel
Armstrongschild.
Arbuthnotsfacegrewrathergrim.Theninmyopiniontheswinedeservedwhathegot.
ThoughIwouldhavepreferredtoseehimproperlyhangedorelectrocuted,Isuppose,
overthere.
Infact,ColonelArbuthnot,youpreferlawandordertoprivatevengeance?
Well,youcantgoabouthavingbloodfeudsandstabbingeachotherlikeCorsicansorthe
Mafia,saidtheColonel.Saywhatyoulike,trialbyjuryisasoundsystem.
Poirotlookedathimthoughtfullyforaminuteortwo.
Yes,hesaid.Iamsurethatwouldbeyourview.Well,ColonelArbuthnot,Idonotthink
thereisanythingmoreIhavetoaskyou.Thereisnothingyouyourselfcanrecalllastnight
thatinanywaysnuckyouorshallwesaystrikesyounow,lookingbackassuspicious?
111

Arbuthnotconsideredforamomentortwo.
No,hesaid.Nothingatall.Unlesshehesitated.
Butyes,continue,Iprayofyou.
Well,itsnothingreally,saidtheColonelslowly.Butyousaidanything.
Yes,yes.Goon.
Oh!itsnothing.Ameredetail.ButasIgotbacktomycompartmentInoticedthatthe
dooroftheonebeyondminetheendone,youknow
Yes,No.16.
Well,thedoorofitwasnotquiteclosed.Andthefellowinsidepeeredoutinafurtive
sortofway.Thenhepulledthedoortoquickly.OfcourseIknowtheresnothinginthat
butitjuststruckmeasabitodd.Imean,itsquiteusualtoopenadoorandstickyour
headoutifyouwanttoseeanything.Butitwasthefurtivewayhediditthatcaughtmy
attention.
Yees,saidPoirotdoubtfully.
Itoldyoutherewasnothingtoit,saidArbuthnot,apologetically.Butyouknowwhatit
isearlyhoursofthemorningeverythingverystill.Thethinghadasinisterlooklikea
detectivestory.Allnonsensereally.
Herose.Well,ifyoudontwantmeanymore
Thankyou,ColonelArbuthnot,thereisnothingelse.
Thesoldierhesitatedforaminute.Hisfirstnaturaldistasteforbeingquestionedby
foreignershadevaporated.
AboutMissDebenham,hesaidratherawkwardly.Youcantakeitfrommethatshesall
right.Shesapukkasahib.
Flushingalittle,hewithdrew.
What,askedDr.Constantinewithinterest,doesapukkasahibmean?
Itmeans,saidPoirot,thatMissDebenhamsfatherandbrotherswereatthesamekind
ofschoolasColonelArbuthnotwas.
Oh!saidDr.Constantine,disappointed.Thenithasnothingtodowiththecrimeatall.
Exactly,said,Poirot.
112

Hefellintoareverie,beatingalighttattooonthetable.Thenhelookedup.
ColonelArbuthnotsmokesapipe,hesaid.InthecompartmentofMr.RatchettIfound
apipecleaner.Mr.Ratchettsmokedonlycigars.
Youthink?
Heistheonlymansofarwhoadmitstosmokingapipe.AndheknewofColonel
Armstrongperhapsactuallydidknowhim,thoughhewontadmitit.
Soyouthinkitpossible?
Poirotshookhisheadviolently.
Thatisjustititisimpossiblequiteimpossiblethatanhonourable,slightlystupid,
uprightEnglishmanshouldstabanenemytwelvetimeswithaknife!Doyounotfeel,my
friends,howimpossibleitis?
Thatisthepsychology,saidM.Bouc.
Andonemustrespectthepsychology.Thiscrimehasasignature,anditiscertainlynot
thesignatureofColonelArbuthnot.Butnowtoournextinterview.
ThistimeM.BoucdidnotmentiontheItalian.Buthethoughtofhim.

113

114

9
TheEvidenceOfMr.Hardman
Thelastofthefirstclasspassengerstobeinterviewed,Mr.Hardman,wasthebig
flamboyantAmericanwhohadsharedatablewiththeItalianandthevalet.
Heworeasomewhatloudchecksuit,apinkshirt,andaflashytiepin,andwasrolling
somethingroundhistongueasheenteredthediningcar.Hehadabig,fleshy,coarse
featuredface,withagoodhumouredexpression.
Morning,gentlemen,hesaid.WhatcanIdoforyou?
Youhaveheardofthismurder,Mr.erHardman?
Sure.Heshiftedthechewinggumdeftly.
Weareofnecessityinterviewingallthepassengersonthetrain.
Thatsallrightbyme.Guessthatstheonlywaytotacklethejob.
Poirotconsultedthepassportlyinginfrontofhim.
YouareCyrusBethmanHardman,UnitedStatessubject,fortyoneyearsofage,travelling
salesmanfortypewritingribbons?
O.K.Thatsme.
youaretravellingfromStamboultoParis?
Thatsso.
Reason?
Business.
Doyoualwaystravelfirstclass,Mr.Hardman?
Yes,sir.Thefirmpaysmytravellingexpenses.Hewinked.
Now,Mr.Hardman,wecometotheeventsoflastnight.
TheAmericannodded.
Whatcanyoutellusaboutthematter?
Exactlynothingatall.
115

Ah,thatisapity.Perhaps,Mr.Hardman,youwilltellusexactlywhatyoudidlastnight
fromdinneronwards?
ForthefirsttimetheAmericandidnotseemreadywithhisreply.Atlasthesaid:Excuse
me,gentlemen,butjustwhoareyou?Putmewise.
ThisisM.Bouc,adirectoroftheCompagniedesWagonsLits.Thisgentlemanisthe
doctorwhoexaminedthebody.
Andyouyourself?
IamHerculePoirot.Iamengagedbythecompanytoinvestigatethismatter.
Iveheardofyou,saidMr.Hardman.Hereflectedaminuteortwolonger.GuessId
bettercomeclean.
Itwillcertainlybeadvisableforyoutotellusallyouknow,saidPoirotdrily.
YoudhavesaidamouthfuliftherewasanythingIdidknow.ButIdont.Iknownothing
atalljustasIsaid.ButIoughttoknowsomething.Thatswhatmakesmesore.Iought
to.
Pleaseexplain,Mr.Hardman.
Mr.Hardmansighed,removedthechewinggum,anddivedintoapocket.Atthesame
timehiswholepersonalityseemedtoundergoachange.Hebecamelessofastage
characterandmoreofarealperson.Theresonantnasaltonesofhisvoicebecame
modified.
Thatpassportsabitofbluff,hesaid.ThatswhoIreallyam.
Poirotscrutinisedthecardflippedacrosstohim.M.Boucpeeredoverhisshoulder.
Poirotknewthenameasthatofoneofthebestknownandmostreputableprivate
detectiveagenciesinNewYork.
Now,Mr.Hardman,hesaid,letushearthemeaningofthis.
Sure.Thingscameaboutthisway.IdcomeovertoEuropetrailingacoupleofcrooks
nothingtodowiththisbusiness.ThechaseendedinStamboul.IwiredtheChiefandgot
hisinstructionstoreturn,andIwouldhavebeenmakingmytracksbacktolittleoldNew
YorkwhenIgotthis.
Hepushedacrossaletter.
THETOKATLLANHOTEL
DearSir:
116

YouhavebeenpointedouttomeasanoperativeoftheMcNeilDetectiveAgency.Kindly
reportatmysuiteatfouroclockthisafternoon.
S.E.RATCHETT
Ehbien?
Ireportedatthetimestated,andMr.Ratchettputmewisetothesituation.Heshowed
meacoupleoflettershedgot.
Hewasalarmed?
Pretendednottobe,buthewasrattled,allright.Heputupapropositiontome.Iwasto
travelbythesametrainashedidtoParrusandseethatnobodygothim.Well,gentlemen,
Ididtravelbythesametrain,andinspiteofme,somebodydidgethim.Icertainlyfeel
soreaboutit.Itdoesntlookanytoogoodforme.
Didhegiveyouanyindicationofthelineyouweretotake?
Sure.Hehaditalltapedout.ItwashisideathatIshouldtravelinthecompartment
alongsidehis.Well,thatblewuprightatthestart.TheonlyplaceIcouldgetwasberthNo.
16,andIhadajobgettingthat.Iguesstheconductorlikestokeepthatcompartmentup
hissleeve.Butthatsneitherherenorthere.WhenIlookedallroundthesituation,it
seemedtomethatNo.16wasaprettygoodstrategicposition.Therewasonlythedining
carinfrontoftheStamboulsleepingcar,andthedoorontotheplatformatthefrontend
wasbarredatnight.Theonlywayathugcouldcomewasthroughtherearenddoorto
theplatform,oralongthetrainfromtherear,andineithercasehedhavetopassrightby
mycompartment.
Youhadnoidea,Isuppose,oftheidentityofthepossibleassailant?
Well,Iknewwhathelookedlike.Mr.Ratchettdescribedhimtome.
What?
Allthreemenleanedforwardeagerly.
Hardmanwenton.
Asmallmandarkwithawomanishkindofvoice.Thatswhattheoldmansaid.Said,
too,thathedidntthinkitwouldbethefirstnightout,Morelikelythesecondorthird.
Heknewsomething,saidM.Bouc.
Hecertainlyknewmorethanhetoldhissecretary,commentedPoirotthoughtfully.Did
hetellyouanythingaboutthisenemyofhis?Didhe,forinstance,saywhyhislifewas
threatened?
117

No,hewaskindareticentaboutthatpartofit.justsaidthefellowwasoutforhisblood
andmeanttogetit.
Asmallmandarkwithawomanishvoice,repeatedPoirotthoughtfully.Then,fixinga
sharpglanceonHardman,heasked:Youknewwhohereallywas,ofcourse?
Which,Mister?
Ratchett.Yourecognisedhim?
Idontgetyou.
RatchettwasCassetti,theArmstrongmurderer.
Mr.Hardmangaveventtoaprolongedwhistle.
Thatcertainlyissomesurprise!hesaid.Yes,sir!No,Ididntrecognisehim.Iwasaway
outWestwhenthatcasecameon.IsupposeIsawphotosofhiminthepapers,butI
wouldntrecognisemyownmotherwhenanewspaperphotographergotthroughwith
her.Well,IdontdoubtthatafewpeoplehaditinforCassettiallright.
DoyouknowofanyoneconnectedwiththeArmstrongcasewhoanswerstothat
description:smalldarkwomanishvoice?
Hardmanreflectedaminuteortwo.Itshardtosay.Prettynearlyeveryoneconnected
withthatcaseisdead.
Therewasthegirlwhothrewherselfoutofthewindow,remember.
Sure.Thatsagoodpoint,that.Shewasaforeignerofsomekind.Maybeshehadsome
Woprelations.Butyouvegottorememberthattherewereothercasesbesidesthe
Armstrongone.Cassettihadbeenrunningthiskidnappingstuntforsometime.Youcant
concentrateonthatonly.
Ah,butwehavereasontobelievethatthiscrimeisconnectedwiththeArmstrongcase.
Mr.Hardmancockedaninquiringeye.Poirotdidnotrespond.TheAmericanshookhis
head.
IcantcalltomindanybodyansweringthatdescriptionintheArmstrongcase,hesaid
slowly.ButofcourseIwasntinitanddidntknowmuchaboutit.
Well,continueyournarrative,Mr.Hardman.
Theresverylittletotell.Igotmysleepinthedaytimeandstayedawakeonthewatchat
night.Nothingsuspicioushappenedthefirstnight.Lastnightwasthesame,asfarasIwas
concerned.Ihadmydooralittleajarandwatched.Nostrangerpassed.
118

Youaresureofthat,Mr.Hardman?
Implumbcertain.Nobodygotonthattrainfromoutside,andnobodycamealongthe
trainfromtherearcarriages.Illtakemyoathonthat.
Couldyouseetheconductorfromyourposition?
Sure.Hesitsonthatlittleseatalmostflushwithmydoor.
DidheleavethatseatatallafterthetrainstoppedatVincovci?
Thatwasthelaststation?Why,yes,heansweredacoupleofbellsthatwouldbejust
afterthetraincametoahaltforgood.Then,afterthat,hewentpastmeintotherear
coachwasthereaboutaquarterofanhour.Therewasabellringinglikemadandhe
camebackrunning.Isteppedoutintothecorridortoseewhatitwasallaboutfelta
mitenervous,youunderstandbutitwasonlytheAmericandame.Shewasraisinghell
aboutsomethingorother,Igrinned.Thenhewentontoanothercompartmentandcame
backandgotabottleofmineralwaterforsomeone.Afterthathesettleddowninhisseat
tillhewentuptothefarendtomakesomebodysbedup.Idontthinkhestirredafter
thatuntilaboutfiveoclockthismorning.
Didhedozeoffatall?
ThatIcantsay.Hemayhave.
Poirotnodded.Automaticallyhishandsstraightenedthepapersonthetable.Hepickedup
theofficialcardoncemore.
Besogoodasjusttoinitialthis,hesaid.
Theothercomplied.
Thereisnoone,Isuppose,whocanconfirmyourstoryofyouridentity,Mr.Hardman?
Onthistrain?Well,notexactly.UnlessitmightbeyoungMacQueen.Iknowhimwell
enoughIveseenhiminhisfathersofficeinNewYork.Butthatsnottosayhell
remembermefromacrowdofotheroperatives.No,Mr.Poirot,youllhavetowaitand
cableNewYorkwhenthesnowletsup.ButitsO.K.Imnottellingthetale.Well,solong,
gentlemen.Pleasedtohavemetyou,Mr.Poirot.
Poirotprofferedhiscigarettecase.Butperhapsyoupreferapipe?
Notme.Hehelpedhimself,thenstrodebrisklyoff.
Thethreemenlookedateachother.
Youthinkheisgenuine?askedDr.Constantine.
119

Yes,yes.Iknowthetype.Besides,itisastorythatwouldbeveryeasytodisprove.
Hehasgivenusapieceofveryinterestingevidence,saidM.Bouc.
Yes,indeed.
Asmallmandarkwithahighpitchedvoice,saidM.Boucthoughtfully.
Adescriptionwhichappliestonooneonthetrain,saidPoirot.

120

10
TheEvidenceOfTheItalian
Andnow,saidPoirotwithatwinkleinhiseye,wewilldelighttheheartofM.Boucand
seetheItalian.
AntonioFoscarellicameintothediningcarwithaswift,catliketread.Hisfacebeamed.It
wasatypicalItalianface,sunnylookingandswarthy.
HespokeFrenchwellandfluentlywithonlyaslightaccent.
YournameisAntonioFoscarelli?
Yes,Monsieur.
Youare,Isee,anaturalisedAmericansubject?
TheAmericangrinned.Yes,Monsieur.Itisbetterformybusiness.
YouareanagentforFordmotorcars?
Yes,yousee
Avolubleexpositionfollowed.Attheendofitanythingthatthethreemendidnotknow
aboutFoscarellisbusinessmethods,hisjourneys,hisincome,andhisopinionofthe
UnitedStatesandmostEuropeancountriesseemedanegligiblefactor.Thiswasnotaman
whohadtohaveinformationdraggedfromhim.Itgushedout.
Hisgoodnatured,childishfacebeamedwithsatisfactionas,withalasteloquentgesture,
hepausedandwipedhisforeheadwithahandkerchief.
Soyousee,hesaid.Idobigbusiness.Iamuptodate.Iunderstandsalesmanship!
YouhavebeenintheUnitedStates,then,forthelasttenyearsonandoff.
Yes,Monsieur.Ah!welldoIrememberthedayIfirsttooktheboattogotoAmerica,so
faraway!Mymother,mylittlesister
Poirotcutshortthefloodofreminiscence.
DuringyoursojournintheUnitedStates,didyouevercomeacrossthedeceased?
Never.ButIknowthetype.Oh!yes.Hesnappedhisfingersexpressively.Itisvery
respectable,verywelldressed,butunderneathitisallwrong.OutofmyexperienceI
shouldsayhewasthebigcrook.Igiveyoumyopinionforwhatitisworth.
Youropinionisquiteright,saidPoirotdrily.RatchettwasCassetti,thekidnapper.
121

WhatdidItellyou?Ihavelearnedtobeveryacutetoreadtheface.Itisnecessary.
OnlyinAmericadotheyteachyoutheproperwaytosell.I
YouremembertheArmstrongcase?
Idonotquiteremember.Thename,yes?Itwasalittlegirl,ababy,wasitnot?
Yes,averytragicaffair.
TheItalianseemedthefirstpersontodemurtothisview.
Ah!well,thesethingstheyhappen,hesaidphilosophically,inagreatcivilisationsuch
asAmerica
Poirotcuthimshort.DidyouevercomeacrossanymembersoftheArmstrongfamily?
No,Idonotthinkso.Itisdifficulttosay.Iwillgiveyousomefigures.Lastyearalone,I
sold
Monsieur,prayconfineyourselftothepoint.
TheItalianshandsflungthemselvesoutinagestureofapology.Athousandpardons.
Tellme,ifyouplease,yourexactmovementslastnightfromdinneronwards.
Withpleasure.IstayhereaslongasIcan.Itismoreamusing.ItalktotheAmerican
gentlemanatmytable.Hesellstypewriterribbons.ThenIgobacktomycompartment.It
isempty.ThemiserableJohnBullwhosharesitwithmeisawayattendingtohismaster.
Atlasthecomesbackverylongfaceasusual.Hewillnottalksaysyesandno.A
miserablerace,theEnglishnotsympathetic.Hesitsinthecorner,verystiff,readinga
book,Thentheconductorcomesandmakesourbeds.
Nos.4and5,murmuredPoirot.
Exactlytheendcompartment.Mineistheupperberth.Igetupthere.Ismokeand
read.ThelittleEnglishmanhas,Ithink,thetoothache.Hegetsoutalittlebottleofstuff
thatsmellsverystrong.Heliesinbedandgroans.PresentlyIsleep.WheneverIwakeI
hearhimgroaning.
Doyouknowifheleftthecarriageatallduringthenight?
Idonotthinkso.That,Ishouldhear.Thelightfromthecorridoronewakesup
automaticallythinkingitisthecustomsexaminationatsomefrontier.
Didheeverspeakofhismaster?Everexpressanyanimusagainsthim?
Itellyouhedidnotspeak.Hewasnotsympathetic.Afish.
122

Yousmoke,yousayapipe,cigarettes,cigar?
Cigarettesonly.
Poirotprofferedone,whichheaccepted.
HaveyoueverbeentoChicago?inquiredM.Bouc.
Oh!yesafinecitybutIknowbestNewYork,Cleveland,Detroit.Youhavebeentothe
States?No?Youshouldgo.It
Poirotpushedasheetofpaperacrosstohim.
Ifyouwillsignthis,andputyourpermanentaddress,please.
TheItalianwrotewithaflourish.Thenherose,hissmileasengagingasever.
Thatisall?Youdonotrequiremefurther?Gooddaytoyou,Messieurs.Iwishwecould
getoutofthesnow.IhaveanappointmentinMilan.Heshookhisheadsadly.Ishalllose
thebusiness.Hedeparted.
Poirotlookedathisfriend.
HehasbeenalongtimeinAmerica,saidM.Bouc,andheisanItalian,andItaliansuse
theknife!Andtheyaregreatliars!IdonotlikeItalians.
asevoit,saidPoirotwithasmileWell,itmaybethatyouareright,butIwillpointout
toyou,myfriend,thatthereisabsolutelynoevidenceagainsttheman.
Andwhataboutthepsychology?DonotItaliansstab?
Assuredly,saidPoirot.Especiallyintheheatofaquarrel.Butthisthisisadifferent
kindofcrime.Ihavethelittleidea,myfriend,thatthisisacrimeverycarefullyplanned
andstaged.Itisafarsighted,longheadedcrime.itisnothowshallIexpressit?aLatin
crime.Itisacrimethatshowstracesofacool,resourceful,deliberatebrainIthinkan
AngloSaxonbrain
Hepickedupthelasttwopassports.
Letusnow,hesaid,seeMissMaryDebenham.

123

124

11
TheEvidenceOfMissDebenham
WhenMaryDebenhamenteredthediningcarsheconfirmedPoirotspreviousestimateof
her.ShewasveryneatlydressedinalittleblacksuitwithaFrenchgreyshirt,andthe
smoothwavesofherdarkheadwereneatandunruffled.Hermannerwasascalmand
unruffledasherhair.
ShesatdownoppositePoirotandM.Boucandlookedattheminquiringly.
YournameisMaryHermioneDebenhamandyouaretwentysixyearsofage?began
Poirot.
Yes.
English?
Yes.
Willyoubesokind,Mademoiselle,astowritedownyourpermanentaddressonthis
pieceofpaper?
Shecomplied.Herwritingwasclearandlegible.
Andnow,Mademoiselle,whathaveyoutotellusoftheaffairlastnight?
IamafraidIhavenothingtotellyou.Iwenttobedandslept.
Doesitdistressyouverymuch,Mademoiselle,thatacrimehasbeencommittedonthis
train?
Thequestionwasclearlyunexpected.Hergreyeyeswidenedalittle.
Idontquiteunderstandyou?
ItwasaperfectlysimplequestionthatIaskedyou,Mademoiselle.Iwillrepeatit.Areyou
verymuchdistressedthatacrimeshouldhavebeencommittedonthistrain?
Ihavenotreallythoughtaboutitfromthatpointofview.No,IcannotsaythatIamatall
distressed.
Acrimeitisallinthedaysworktoyou,eh?
Itisnaturallyanunpleasantthingtohavehappen,saidMaryDebenhamquietly.
YouareveryAngloSaxon,Mademoiselle.Vousnprouvezpasdmotion.
125

Shesmiledalittle.IamafraidIcannothavehystericstoprovemysensibility.Afterall,
peopledieeveryday.
Theydie,yes.Butmurderisalittlemorerare.
Oh!certainly.
Youwerenotacquaintedwiththedeadman?
Isawhimforthefirsttimewhenlunchinghereyesterday.
Andhowdidhestrikeyou?
Ihardlynoticedhim.
Hedidnotimpressyouasanevilpersonality?
Sheshruggedhershouldersslightly.Really,IcannotsayIthoughtaboutit.
Poirotlookedatherkeenly.
Youare,Ithink,alittlebitcontemptuousofthewayIprosecutemyinquiries,hesaid
withatwinkle.Notso,youthink,wouldanEnglishinquirybeconducted.There
everythingwouldbecutanddrieditwouldbeallkepttothefactsawellordered
business.ButI,Mademoiselle,havemylittleoriginalities.Ilookfirstatmywitness,Isum
uphisorhercharacter,andIframemyquestionsaccordingly.justalittleminuteagoIam
askingquestionsofagentlemanwhowantstotellmeallhisideasoneverysubject.Well,
himIkeepstrictlytothepoint.Iwanthimtoansweryesorno.Thisorthat.Andthenyou
come.Iseeatoncethatyouwillbeorderlyandmethodical.Youwillconfineyourselfto
thematterinhand.Youranswerswillbebriefandtothepoint.Andbecause,
Mademoiselle,humannatureisperverse,Iaskofyouquitedifferentquestions.Iaskwhat
youfeel,whatyouthink.Itdoesnotpleaseyou,thismethod?
Ifyouwillforgivemysayingso,itseemssomewhatofawasteoftime.WhetherornotI
likedMr.Ratchettsfacedoesnotseemlikelytobehelpfulinfindingoutwhokilledhim.
DoyouknowwhothemanRatchettreallywas,Mademoiselle?
Shenodded.Mrs.Hubbardhasbeentellingeveryone.
AndwhatdoyouthinkoftheArmstrongaffair?
Itwasquiteabominable,saidthegirlcrisply.
Poirotlookedatherthoughtfully.
YouaretravellingfromBaghdad,Ibelieve,MissDebenham?
126

Yes.
ToLondon?
Yes.
WhathaveyoubeendoinginBaghdad?
Ihavebeenactingasgovernesstotwochildren.
Areyoureturningtoyourpostafteryourholiday?
Iamnotsure.
Whyisthat?
Baghdadisratheroutofthings.IthinkIshouldpreferapostinLondonifIcanhearofa
suitableone.
Isee.Ithought,perhaps,youmightbegoingtobemarried.
MissDebenhamdidnotreply.SheraisedhereyesandlookedPoirotfullintheface.The
glancesaidplainly:Youareimpertinent.
WhatisyouropinionoftheladywhosharesyourcompartmentMissOhlsson?
Sheseemsapleasant,simplecreature.
Whatcolourisherdressinggown?
MaryDebenhamstared.Akindofbrownishcolournaturalwool.
Ah!Imaymentionwithoutindiscretion,Ihope,thatInoticedthecolourofyourdressing
gownonthewayfromAleppotoStamboul.Apalemauve,Ibelieve.
Yes,thatisright.
Haveyouanyotherdressinggown,Mademoiselle?Ascarletdressinggown,for
example?
No,thatisnotmine.
Poirotleantforward.Hewaslikeacatpouncingonamouse.
Whose,then?
Thegirldrewbackalittle,startled.Idontknow.Whatdoyoumean?
127

Youdonotsay,No,Ihavenosuchthing.Yousay,Thatisnotmine.Meaningthatsuch
athingdoesbelongtosomeoneelse.
Shenodded.
Somebodyelseonthistrain?
Yes.
Whoseisit?
Itoldyoujustnow:Idontknow.Iwokeupthismorningaboutfiveoclockwiththe
feelingthatthetrainhadbeenstandingstillforalongtime.Iopenedthedoorandlooked
outintothecorridor,thinkingwemightbeatastation.Isawsomeoneinascarletkimono
somewaydownthecorridor.
Andyoudontknowwhoitwas?Wasshefair,ordark,orgreyhaired?
Icantsay.ShehadonashinglecapandIonlysawthebackofherhead.
Andinbuild?
Tallishandslim,Ishouldjudge,butitsdifficulttosay.Thekimonowasembroideredwith
dragons.
Yes,yes,thatisrightdragons.Hewassilentaminute.Hemurmuredtohimself.I
cannotunderstand.Icannotunderstand.Noneofthismakessense.
Then,lookingup,hesaid:Ineednotkeepyoufurther,Mademoiselle.
Oh!Sheseemedrathertakenabackbutrosepromptly.
Inthedoorway,however,shehesitatedaminuteandthencameback.
TheSwedishladyMissOhlsson,isit?seemsratherworried.Shesaysyoutoldhershe
wasthelastpersontoseethismanalive.Shethinks,Ibelieve,thatyoususpectheron
thataccount.CantItellherthatshehasmadeamistake?Really,youknow,sheisthe
kindofcreaturewhowouldnthurtafly.Shesmiledalittleasshespoke.
WhattimewasitthatshewenttofetchtheaspirinfromMrs.Hubbard?
Justafterhalfpastten.
Shewasawayhowlong?
Aboutfiveminutes.
Didsheleavethecompartmentagainduringthenight?
128

No.
Poirotturnedtothedoctor.CouldRatchetthavebeenkilledasearlyasthat?
Thedoctorshookhishead.
ThenIthinkyoucanreassureyourfriend,Mademoiselle.
Thankyou.Shesmiledsuddenlyathim,asmilethatinvitedsympathy.Sheslikea
sheep,youknow.Shegetsanxiousandbleats.
Sheturnedandwentout.

129

130

12
TheEvidenceOfTheGermanLadysMaid
M.Boucwaslookingathisfriendcuriously.
Idonotquiteunderstandyou,monvieux.Youweretryingtodowhat?
Iwassearchingforaflaw,myfriend.
Aflaw?
Yesinthearmourofayoungladysselfpossession.Iwishedtoshakehersangfroid.
DidIsucceed?Idonotknow.ButIknowthis:shedidnotexpectmetotacklethematter
asIdid.
Yoususpecther,saidM.Bowslowly.Butwhy?Sheseemsaverycharmingyoung
ladythelastpersonintheworldtobemixedupinacrimeofthiskind.
Iagree,saidConstantine.Sheiscold.Shehasnotemotions.Shewouldnotstaba
manshewouldsuehiminthelawcourts.
Poirotsighed.
Youmust,bothofyou,getridofyourobsessionthatthisisanunpremeditatedand
suddencrime.AsforthereasonswhyIsuspectMissDebenham,therearetwo.Oneis
becauseofsomethingthatIoverheard,andthatyoudonotasyetknow.
Heretailedtothemthecuriousinterchangeofphraseshehadoverheardonthejourney
fromAleppo.
Thatiscurious,certainly,saidM.Boucwhenhehadfinished.Itneedsexplaining.Ifit
meanswhatyoususpectitmeans,thentheyarebothoftheminittogethersheandthe
stiffEnglishman.
Poirotnodded.
Andthatisjustwhatisnotborneoutbythefacts,hesaid.Seeyou,iftheywerebothin
thistogether,whatshouldweexpecttofind?Thateachofthemwouldprovideanalibifor
theother.Isnotthatso?Butnothatdoesnothappen.MissDebenhamsalibiis
providedbyaSwedishwomanwhomshehasneverseenbefore,andColonelArbuthnots
alibiisvouchedforbyMacQueen,thedeadmanssecretary.No,thatsolutionofthepuzzle
istooeasy.
Yousaidtherewasanotherreasonforyoursuspicionsofher,M.Bouc,remindedhim.
Poirotsmiled.
131

Ah!butthatisonlypsychological.Iaskmyself,isitpossibleforMissDebenhamtohave
plannedthiscrime?Behindthisbusiness,Iamconvinced,thereisacool,intelligent,
resourcefulbrain.MissDebenhamanswerstothatdescription.
M.Boucshookhishead.Ithinkyouarewrong,myfriend.IdonotseethatyoungEnglish
girlasacriminal.
Ah!Well,saidPoirot,pickingupthelastpassport.Tothefinalnameonourlist.
HildegardeSchmidt,ladysmaid.
Summonedbytheattendant,HildegardeSchmidtcameintotherestaurantcarandstood
waitingrespectfully.
Poirotmotionedhertositdown.
Shedidso,foldingherhandsandwaitingplacidlytillhequestionedher.Sheseemeda
placidcreaturealtogethereminentlyrespectable,perhapsnotoverintelligent.
PoirotsmethodswithHildegardeSchmidtwereacompletecontrasttohishandlingof
MaryDebenham.
Hewasathiskindestandmostgenial,settingthewomanatherease.Then,havinggot
hertowritedownhernameandaddress,heslidgentlyintohisquestions.
TheinterviewtookplaceinGerman.
Wewanttoknowasmuchaspossibleaboutwhathappenedlastnight,hesaid.We
knowthatyoucannotgiveusmuchinformationbearingonthecrimeitself,butyoumay
haveseenorheardsomethingthat,whileconveyingnothingtoyou,maybevaluableto
us.Youunderstand?
Shedidnotseemto.Herbroad,kindlyfaceremainedsetinitsexpressionofplacid
stupidityassheanswered:Idonotknowanything,Monsieur.
Well,forinstanceyouknowthatyourmistresssentforyoulastnight.
That,yes.
Doyourememberthetime?
Idonot,Monsieur.Iwasasleep,yousee,whentheattendantcameandtoldme.
Yes,yes.Wasitusualforyoutobesentforinthisway?
Itwasnotunusual,Monsieur.Thegraciousladyoftenrequiredattentionatnight.Shedid
notsleepwell.

132

Ehbien,then,youreceivedthesummonsandyougotup.Didyouputonadressing
gown?
No,Monsieur,Iputonafewclothes.IwouldnotliketogointoherExcellencyinmy
dressinggown.
Andyetitisaverynicedressinggownscarlet,isitnot?
Shestaredathim.Itisadarkblueflanneldressinggown,Monsieur.
Ah!continue.Alittlepleasantryonmypart,thatisall.SoyouwentalongtoMadamela
Princesse.Andwhatdidyoudowhenyougotthere?
Igavehermassage,Monsieur,andthenIreadaloud.Idonotreadaloudverywell,but
herExcellencysaysthatisallthebettersoitsendsherbettertosleep.Whenshe
becamesleepy,Monsieur,shetoldmetogo,soIclosedthebookandIreturnedtomy
owncompartment.
Doyouknowwhattimethatwas?
No,Monsieur.
Well,howlonghadyoubeenwithMadamelaPrincesse?
Abouthalfanhour,Monsieur.
Good,continue.
First,IfetchedherExcellencyanextrarugfrommycompartment.Itwasverycoldinspite
oftheheating.Iarrangedtherugoverher,andshewishedmegoodnight.Ipouredher
outsomemineralwater.ThenIturnedoutthelightandlefther.
Andthen?
Thereisnothingmore,Monsieur.Ireturnedtomycarriageandwenttosleep.
Andyoumetnooneinthecorridor?
No,Monsieur.
Youdidnot,forinstance,seealadyinascarletkimonowithdragonsonit?
Hermildeyesbulgedathim.No,indeed,Monsieur.Therewasnobodyaboutexceptthe
attendant.Everyonewasasleep.
Butyoudidseetheconductor?
Yes,Monsieur.
133

Whatwashedoing!
Hecameoutofoneofthecompartments,Monsieur.
What?M.Boucleanedforward.Whichone?
HildegardeSchmidtlookedfrightenedagain,andPoirotcastareproachfulglanceathis
friend.
Naturally,hesaid.Theconductoroftenhastoanswerbellsatnight.Doyouremember
whichcompartmentitwas?
Itwasaboutthemiddleofthecoach,Monsieur.TwoorthreedoorsfromMadamela
Princesse.
Ah!tellus,ifyouplease,exactlywherethiswasandwhathappened?
Henearlyranintome,Monsieur.ItwaswhenIwasreturningfrommycompartmentto
thatofthePrincesswiththerug.
Andhecameoutofacompartmentandalmostcollidedwithyou.Inwhichdirectionwas
hegoing?
Towardsme,Monsieur.Heapologisedandpassedondownthecorridortowardsthe
diningcar.Abellbeganringing,butIdonotthinkheansweredit.Shepausedandthen
said:Idonotunderstand.Howisit
Poirotspokereassuringly.
Itisjustaquestionoftime,hesaid.Allamatterofroutine.Thispoorconductor,he
seemstohavehadabusynightfirstwakingyouandthenansweringbells.
Itwasnotthesameconductorwhowokeme,Monsieur.Itwasanotherone.
Ah!anotherone!Hadyouseenhimbefore?
No,Monsieur.
Ah!doyouthinkyouwouldrecognisehimifyousawhim?
Ithinkso,Monsieur.
PoirotmurmuredsomethinginM.Boucsear.Thelattergotupandwenttothedoorto
giveanorder.
Poirotwascontinuinghisquestionsinaneasy,friendlymanner.
HaveyoueverbeentoAmerica,FruleinSchmidt?
134

Never,Monsieur.Itmustbeafinecountry.
Youhaveheard,perhaps,whothismanwhowaskilledreallywasthathewas
responsibleforthedeathofalittlechild?
Yes,Ihaveheard,Monsieur.Itwasabominablewicked.ThegoodGodshouldnotallow
suchthings.WearenotsowickedasthatinGermany.
Tearshadcomeintothewomanseyes.Herstrong,motherlysoulwasmoved.
Itwasanabominablecrime,saidPoirotgravely.
Hedrewascrapofcambricfromhispocketandhandedittoher.
Isthisyourhandkerchief,FruleinSchmidt?
Therewasamomentssilenceasthewomanexaminedit.Shelookedupafteraminute.
Thecolourhadmountedalittleinherface.
Ah!no,indeed.Itisnotmine,Monsieur.
IthastheinitialH,yousee.ThatiswhyIthoughtitwasyours.
Ah!Monsieur,itisaladyshandkerchief,that.Averyexpensivehandkerchief.
Embroideredbyhand.ItcomesfromParis,Ishouldsay.
Itisnotyoursandyoudonotknowwhoseitis?
I?Oh!no,Monsieur.
Ofthethreelistening,onlyPoirotcaughtthenuanceofhesitationinthereply.
M.Boucwhisperedinhisear.Poirotnoddedandsaidtothewoman:Thethreesleeping
carattendantsarecomingin.Willyoubesokindastotellmewhichistheoneyoumet
lastnightasyouweregoingwiththerugtothePrincess?
Thethreemenentered.PierreMichel,thebigblondconductoroftheAthensPariscoach,
andthestoutburlyconductoroftheBucharestone.
HildegardeSchmidtlookedatthemandimmediatelyshookherhead.
No,Monsieur,shesaid.NoneoftheseisthemanIsawlastnight.
Butthesearetheonlyconductorsonthetrain.Youmustbemistaken.
Iamquitesure,Monsieur.Thesearealltall,bigmen.TheoneIsawwassmallanddark.
Hehadalittlemoustache.HisvoicewhenhesaidPardonwasweak,likeawomans.
Indeed,Irememberhimverywell,Monsieur.
135

136

13
SummaryOfThePassengersEvidence
Asmalldarkmanwithawomanishvoice,saidM.Bouc.
ThethreeconductorsandHildegardeSchmidthadbeendismissed.
M.Boucmadeadespairinggesture.ButIunderstandnothingbutnothing,ofallofthis!
TheenemythatthisRatchettspokeof,hewasthenonthetrainafterall?Butwhereishe
now?Howcanhehavevanishedintothinair?Myhead,itwhirls.Saysomething,then,my
friend,Iimploreyou.Showmehowtheimpossiblecanbepossible!
Itisagoodphrasethat,saidPoirot.Theimpossiblecannothavehappened,therefore
theimpossiblemustbepossibleinspiteofappearances.
Explaintome,then,quickly,whatactuallyhappenedonthetrainlastnight.
Iamnotamagician,moncher.Iam,likeyou,averypuzzledman.Thisaffairadvancesin
averystrangemanner.
Itdoesnotadvanceatall.Itstayswhereitwas.
Poirotshookhishead.No,thatisnottrue.Wearemoreadvanced.Weknowcertain
things.Wehaveheardtheevidenceofthepassengers.
Andwhathasthattoldus?Nothingatall.
Iwouldnotsaythat,myfriend.
Iexaggerate,perhaps.TheAmericanHardman,andtheGermanmaidyes,theyhave
addedsomethingtoourknowledge.Thatistosay,theyhavemadethewholebusiness
moreunintelligiblethanitwas.
No,no,no,saidPoirotsoothingly.
M.Boucturneduponhim.Speak,then,letushearthewisdomofHerculePoirot.
DidInottellyouthatIwas,likeyou,averypuzzledman?Butatleastwecanfaceour
problem.Wecanarrangesuchfactsaswehavewithorderandmethod.
Praycontinue,Monsieur,saidDr.Constantine.
Poirotclearedhisthroatandstraightenedapieceofblottingpaper.
Letusreviewthecaseasitstandsatthismoment.First,therearecertainindisputable
facts.Thisman,RatchettorCassetti,wasstabbedintwelveplacesanddiedlastnight.That
isfactone.
137

IgrantityouIgrantit,monvieux,saidM.Boucwithagestureofirony.
HerculePoirotwasnotatallputout.Hecontinuedcalmly.
IwillpassoverforthemomentcertainratherpeculiarappearanceswhichDr.
ConstantineandIhavealreadydiscussedtogether.Iwillcometothempresently.Thenext
factofimportance,tomymind,isthetimeofthecrime.
That,again,isoneofthefewthingswedoknow,saidM.Bouc.Thecrimewas
committedataquarterpastonethismorning.Everythinggoestoshowthatthatwasso.
Noteverything.Youexaggerate.Thereis,certainly,afairamountofevidencetosupport
thatview.
Iamgladyouadmitthatatleast.
Poirotwentoncalmly,unperturbedbytheinterruption.Wehavebeforeusthree
possibilities.
(1)thatthecrimewascommitted,asyousay,ataquarterpastone.Thisissupported
bytheevidenceofthewatch,bytheevidenceofMrs.Hubbard,andbytheevidenceof
theGermanwoman,HildegardeSchmidt.ItagreeswiththeevidenceofDr.Constantine.
(2)thatthecrimewascommittedlater,andthattheevidenceofthewatchwas
deliberatelyfakedinordertomislead.
(3)thatthecrimewascommittedearlier,andtheevidencefakedforthesamereason
asabove.
Nowifweacceptpossibility(1)asthemostlikelytohaveoccurred,andtheone
supportedbymostevidence,wemustalsoacceptcertainfactsarisingfromit.Ifthecrime
wascommittedataquarterpastone,themurderercannothaveleftthetrain,andthe
questionsarise:Whereishe?Andwhoishe?
Tobeginwith,letusexaminetheevidencecarefully.Wefirsthearoftheexistenceofthis
manthesmalldarkmanwithawomanishvoicefromthemanHardman.Hesaysthat
Ratchetttoldhimofthispersonandemployedhimtowatchoutfortheman.Thereisno
evidencetosupportthis;wehaveonlyHardmanswordforit.Letusnextexaminethe
question:IsHardmanthepersonhepretendstobeanoperativeofaNewYorkdetective
agency?
Whattomymindissointerestinginthiscaseisthatwehavenoneofthefacilities
affordedtothepolice.Wecannotinvestigatethebonafidesofanyofthesepeople.We
havetorelysolelyondeduction.That,tome,makesthematterverymuchmore
interesting.Thereisnoroutinework.Itisallamatteroftheintellect.Iaskmyself:Canwe
acceptHardmansaccountofhimself?ImakemydecisionandIanswerYes.Iamofthe
opinionthatwecanacceptHardmansaccountofhimself.
138

Yourelyontheintuition?WhattheAmericanscallthehunch?askedDr.Constantine.
Notatall.Iregardtheprobabilities.Hardmanistravellingwithafalsepassportthatwill
atoncemakehimanobjectofsuspicion.Thefirstthingthatthepolicewilldowhenthey
doarriveuponthesceneistodetainHardmanandcableastowhetherhisaccountof
himselfistrue.Inthecaseofmanyofthepassengers,toestablishtheirbonafideswillbe
difficult;inmostcasesitwillprobablynotbeattempted,especiallysincethereseems
nothinginthewayofsuspicionattachingtothem.ButinHardmanscaseitissimple.
Eitherheisthepersonherepresentshimselftobe,orheisnot.ThereforeIsaythatallwill
provetobeinorder.
Youacquithimofsuspicion?
Notatall.Youmisunderstandme.ForallIknow,anyAmericandetectivemighthavehis
ownprivatereasonsforwishingtomurderRatchett.No,whatIamsayingisthatIthink
wecanacceptHardmansownaccountofhimself.Thisstory,then,thathetellsof
Ratchettsseekinghimoutandemployinghimisnotunlikely,andismostprobably
thoughnotofcoursecertainlytrue.Ifwearegoingtoacceptitastrue,wemustseeif
thereisanyconfirmationofit.Wefinditinratheranunlikelyplaceintheevidenceof
HildegardeSchmidt.HerdescriptionofthemanshesawinWagonLituniformtallies
exactly.Isthereanyfurtherconfirmationofthesetwostories?Thereis.Thereisthe
buttonthatMrs.Hubbardfoundinhercompartment.Andthereisalsoanother
corroboratingstatementwhichyoumaynothavenoticed.
Whatisthat?
ThefactthatbothColonelArbuthnotandHectorMacQueenmentionthattheconductor
passedtheircarriage.Theyattachednoimportancetothefact,but,Messieurs,Pierre
Michelhasdeclaredthathedidnotleavehisseatexceptoncertainspecifiedoccasions
noneofwhichwouldtakehimdowntothefarendofthecoachpastthecompartmentin
whichArbuthnotandMacQueenweresitting.
Thereforethisstory,thestoryofasmalldarkmanwithawomanishvoicedressedin
WagonLituniform,restsonthetestimony,directorindirect,offourwitnesses.
Onesmallpoint,saidDr.Constantine.IfHildegardeSchmidtsstoryistrue,howisit
thattherealconductordidnotmentionhavingseenherwhenhecametoanswerMrs.
Hubbardsbell?
Thatisexplained,Ithink.WhenhearrivedtoanswerMrs.Hubbard,themaidwasinwith
hermistress.Whenshefinallyreturnedtoherowncompartment,theconductorwasin
withMrs.Hubbard.
M.Bouchadbeenwaitingwithdifficultyuntiltheyhadfinished.
Yes,yes,myfriend,hesaidimpatientlytoPoirot.ButwhilstIadmireyourcaution,your
methodofadvancingastepatatime,Isubmitthatyouhavenotyettouchedthepointat
issue.Weareallagreedthatthispersonexists.Thepointis,wheredidhego?
139

Poirotshookhisheadreprovingly.
Youareinerror.Youareinclinedtoputthecartbeforethehorse.BeforeIaskmyself,
Wheredidthismanvanishto?Iaskmyself,Didsuchamanreallyexist?Because,you
see,ifthemanwereaninventionafabricationhowmucheasiertomakehim
disappear!SoItrytoestablishfirstthattherereallyissuchafleshandbloodperson.
Andhavingarrivedatthefactthatthereisehbien,whereishenow?
Thereareonlytwoanswerstothat,moncher.Eitherheisstillhiddenonthetrainina
placeofsuchextraordinaryingenuitythatwecannoteventhinkofit;orelseheis,asone
mightsay,twopersons.Thatis,heisbothhimselfthemanfearedbyM.Ratchettanda
passengeronthetrainsowelldisguisedthatM.Ratchettdidnotrecognisehim.
Itisanidea,that,saidM.Bouc,hisfacelightingup.Thenitcloudedoveragain.But
thereisoneobjection
Poirottookthewordsoutofhismouth.
Theheightoftheman.Itisthatyouwouldsay?WiththeexceptionofMr.Ratchetts
valet,allthepassengersarebigmentheItalian,ColonelArbuthnot,HectorMacQueen,
CountAndrenyi.Well,thatleavesusthevaletnotaverylikelysupposition.Butthereis
anotherpossibility.Rememberthewomanishvoice.Thatgivesusachoiceof
alternatives.Themanmaybedisguisedasawoman,or,alternatively,hemayactuallybea
woman.Atallwomandressedinmensclotheswouldlooksmall.
ButsurelyRatchettwouldhaveknown
Perhapshedidknow.Perhaps,already,thiswomanhadattemptedhislife,wearinga
maresclothesthebettertoaccomplishherpurpose.Ratchettmayhaveguessedthatshe
wouldusethesametrickagain,sohetellsHardmantolookforaman.Buthementions,
however,awomanishvoice.
Itisapossibility,saidM.Bouc.But
Listen,myfriend,IthinkthatIshouldnowtellyouofcertaininconsistenciesnoticedby
Dr.Constantine.
Heretailedatlengththeconclusionsthatheandthedoctorhadarrivedattogetherfrom
thenatureofthedeadmanswounds.M.Boucgroanedandheldhisheadagain.Iknow,
saidPoirotsympathetically.Iknowexactlyhowyoufeel.Theheadspins,doesitnot?
Thewholethingisafantasy!criedM.Bouc.
Exactly.Itisabsurdimprobableitcannotbe.SoImyselfhavesaid.Andyet,myfriend,
thereitis!Onecannotescapefromthefacts.
Itismadness!
140

Isitnot?Itissomad,myfriend,thatsometimesIamhauntedbythesensationthat
reallyitmustbeverysimple....Butthatisonlyoneofmylittleideas!
Twomurderers,groanedM.Bouc.AndontheOrientExpress
Thethoughtalmostmadehimweep.
Andnowletusmakethefantasymorefantastic,saidPoirotcheerfully.Lastnighton
thetrain,therearetwomysteriousstrangers.ThereistheWagonLitattendantanswering
tothedescriptiongivenusbyM.Hardman,andseenbyHildegardeSchmidt,Colonel
ArbuthnotandM.MacQueen.Thereisalsoawomaninaredkimonoatallslimwoman,
seenbyPierreMichel,MissDebenham,M.MacQueenandmyself(andsmelt,Imaysay,
byColonelArbuthnot!).Whowasshe?Nooneonthetrainadmitstohavingascarlet
kimono.She,too,hasvanished.WassheoneandthesamewiththespuriousWagonLit
attendant?Orwasshesomequitedistinctpersonality?Wherearethey,thesetwo?And
incidentally,wherearetheWagonLituniformandthescarletkimono?
Ah!thatissomethingdefinite.M.Boucsprangupeagerly.Wemustsearchallthe
passengersluggage.Yes,thatwillbesomething.
Poirotrosealso.Iwillmakeaprophecy,hesaid.
Youknowwheretheyare?
Ihavealittleidea.
Where,then?
Youwillfindthescarletkimonointhebaggageofoneofthemen,andyouwillfindthe
uniformoftheWagonLitconductorinthebaggageofHildegardeSchmidt.
HildegardeSchmidt?Youthink
Notwhatyouarethinking.Iwillputitlikethis.IfHildegardeSchmidtisguilty,the
uniformmaybefoundinherbaggage.Butifsheisinnocent,itcertainlywillbe.
ButhowbeganM.Boucandstopped.Whatisthisnoisethatapproaches?hecried.
Itresemblesalocomotiveinmotion.
Thenoisedrewnearer.Itconsistedofshrillcriesandprotestsinawomansvoice.The
doorattheendofthediningcarburstopen.Mrs.Hubbardburstin.
Itstoohorrible!shecried.Itsjusttoohorrible.Inmyspongebag.Myspongebag!A
greatknifealloverblood?
Andsuddenlytopplingforward,shefaintedheavilyonM.Boucsshoulder.

141

142

14
TheEvidenceOfTheWeapon
Withmorevigourthanchivalry,ABoucdepositedthefaintingladywithherheadonthe
table.Dr.Constantineyelledforoneoftherestaurantattendants,whocameatarun.
Keepherheadso,saidthedoctor.Ifsherevivesgiveheralittlecognac.You
understand?
Thenhehurriedoffaftertheothertwo.Hisinterestlaywhollyinthecrimeswooning
middleagedladiesdidnotinteresthimatall.
ItispossiblethatMrs.Hubbardrevivedrathermorequicklybythesemethodsthanshe
mightotherwisehavedone.Afewminuteslatershewassittingup,sippingcognacfroma
glassprofferedbytheattendant,andtalkingoncemore.
Ijustcanttellyouhowterribleitwas!Idontsupposeanybodyonthistraincan
understandmyfeelings.Ivealwaysbeenvery,verysensitiveeversinceIwasachild.The
meresightofbloodugh!Why,evennowIgetfaintwhenIthinkaboutit!
Theattendantprofferedtheglassagain.Encoreunpeu,Madame?
DyouthinkIdbetter?Imalifelongteetotaller.Inevertouchspiritsorwineatanytime.
Allmyfamilyareabstainers.Still,perhapsasthisisonlymedicinal
Shesippedoncemore.
InthemeantimePoirotandM.Bouc,closelyfollowedbyDr.Constantine,hadhurriedout
oftherestaurantcarandalongthecorridoroftheStamboulcoachtowardsMrs.
Hubbardscompartment.
Everytravelleronthetrainseemedtobecongregatedoutsidethedoor.Theconductor,a
harassedlookonhisface,waskeepingthemback.
Maisilnyarienvoir,hesaid,andrepeatedthesentimentinseveralotherlanguages.
Letmepassifyouplease,saidM.Bouc.
Squeezinghisrotunditypasttheobstructingpassengersheenteredthecompartment,
Poirotclosebehindhim.
Iamgladyouhavecome,Monsieur,saidtheconductorwithasighofrelief.Everyone
hasbeentryingtoenter.TheAmericanladysuchscreamsasshegavemafoi,Ithought
shetoohadbeenmurdered!Icameatarun,andthereshewasscreaminglikeamad
woman;andshecriedoutthatshemustfetchyou,andshedepartedscreechingatthetop
ofhervoiceandtellingeverybodywhosecarriageshepassedwhathadoccurred.
143

Headded,withagestureofthehand:Itisinthere,Monsieur.Ihavenottouchedit.
Hangingonthehandleofthedoorthatgaveaccesstothenextcompartmentwasalarge
checkedrubberspongebag.Belowitonthefloor,justwhereithadfallenfromMrs.
Hubbardshand,wasastraightbladeddaggeracheapaffair,shamOrientalwithan
embossedhiltandataperingblade.Thebladewasstainedwithpatchesofwhatlooked
likerust.
Poirotpickeditupdelicately.
Yes,hemurmured.Thereisnomistake.Hereisourmissingweaponallrighteh,
doctor?
Thedoctorexaminedit.
Youneednotbesocareful,saidPoirot.Therewillbenofingerprintsonitsavethoseof
Mrs.Hubbard.Constantinesexaminationdidnottakelong.
Itistheweaponallright,hesaid.Itwouldaccountforanyofthewounds.
Iimploreyou,myfriend,donotsaythat!Thedoctorlookedastonished.
Alreadyweareheavilyoverburdenedbycoincidence.TwopeopledecidedtostabM.
Ratchettlastnight.Itistoomuchofagoodthingthatbothofthemshouldselectthesame
weapon.
As,tothat,thecoincidenceisnotperhapssogreatasitseems,saidthedoctor.
ThousandsoftheseshamEasterndaggersaremadeandshippedtothebazaarsof
Constantinople.
Youconsolemealittle,butonlyalittle,saidPoirot.
Helookedthoughtfullyatthedoorinfrontofhim,then,liftingoffthespongebag,he
triedthehandle.Thedoordidnotbudge.Aboutafootabovethehandlewasthedoor
bolt.Poirotdrewitbackandtriedagain,butstillthedoorremainedfast.
Welockeditfromtheotherside,youremember,saidthedoctor.
Thatistrue,saidPoirotabsently.Heseemedtobethinkingaboutsomethingelse.His
browwasfurrowedasthoughinperplexity.
Itagrees,doesitnot?saidM.Bouc.Themanpassesthroughthiscarriage.Asheshuts
thecommunicatingdoorbehindhimhefeelsthespongebag.Athoughtcomestohimand
hequicklyslipsthebloodstainedknifeinside.Then,allunwittingthathehasawakened
Mrs.Hubbard,heslipsoutthroughtheotherdoorintothecorridor.
Asyousay,murmuredPoirot.Thatishowitmusthavehappened.Butthepuzzled
lookdidnotleavehisface.
144

Butwhatisit?demandedM.Bouc.Thereissomething,istherenot,thatdoesnot
satisfyyou?
Poirotdartedaquicktookathim.
Thesamepointdoesnotstrikeyou?No,evidentlynot.Well,itisasmallmatter.
Theconductorlookedintothecarriage.TheAmericanladyiscomingback.
Dr.Constantinelookedratherguilty.Hehad,hefelt,treatedMrs.Hubbardrather
cavalierly.Butshehadnoreproachesforhim.Herenergieswereconcentratedonanother
matter.
Imgoingtosayonethingrightout,shesaidbreathlesslyasshearrivedinthedoorway.
Imnotgoingonanylongerinthiscompartment!Why,Iwouldntsleepinittonightif
youpaidmeamilliondollars.
But,Madame
Iknowwhatyouaregoingtosay,andImtellingyourightnowthatIwontdoanysuch
thing!Why,Idrathersitupallnightinthecorridor.Shebegantocry.Oh,ifmy
daughtercouldonlyknowifshecouldseemenow,why
Poirotinterruptedfirmly.
Youmisunderstand,Madame.Yourdemandismostreasonable.Yourbaggageshallbe
changedatoncetoanothercompartment.
Mrs.Hubbardloweredherhandkerchief.isthatso?Oh!Ifeelbetterrightaway.But
surelyitsallfull,unlessoneofthegentlemen
M.Boucspoke.
Yourbaggage,Madame,shallbemovedoutofthiscoachaltogether.Youshallhavea
compartmentinthenextcoach,whichwasputonatBelgrade.
Why,thatssplendid.Imnotanextranervouswoman,buttosleepinthatcompartment
nextdoortoadeadman!Sheshivered.Itwoulddrivemeplumbcrazy.
Michel,calledM.Bouc.MovethisbaggageintoavacantcompartmentintheAthens
Pariscoach.
Yes,Monsieur.ThesameoneasthistheNo.3?
No,saidPoirotbeforehisfriendcouldreply.IthinkitwouldbebetterforMadameto
haveadifferentnumberaltogether.TheNo.12,forinstance.
Bien,Monsieur.
145

Theconductorseizedtheluggage.Mrs.HubbardturnedgratefullytoPoirot.
Thatsverykindanddelicateofyou.Iappreciateit,Iassureyou.
Donotmentionit,Madame.Wewillcomewithyouandseeyoucomfortablyinstalled.
Mrs.Hubbardwasescortedbythethreementohernewhome.Shelookedroundher
happily.Thisisfine.
Itsuitsyou,Madame?Itis,yousee,exactlylikethecompartmentyouhaveleft.
Thatssoonlyitfacestheotherway.Butthatdoesntmatter,forthesetrainsgofirst
onewayandthentheother.Isaidtomydaughter,Iwantacarriagefacingtheengine.
andshesaid,Why,Mamma,thatllbenogoodtoyou,forifyougotosleeponeway,
whenyouwakeup,thetrainsgoingtheother!Anditwasquitetruewhatshesaid.Why,
lasteveningwewentintoBelgradeonewayandouttheother.
Atanyrate,Madame,youarequitehappyandcontentednow?
Well,no,Iwouldntsaythat.Herewearestuckinasnowdriftandnobodydoinganything
aboutit,andmyboatsailingthedayaftertomorrow.
Madame,saidM.Bouc,weareallinthesamecaseeveryoneofus.
Well,thatstrue,admittedMrs.Hubbard.Butnobodyelsehashadamurdererwalking
rightthroughhercompartmentinthemiddleofthenight.
Whatstillpuzzlesme,Madame,saidPoirot,ishowthemangotintoyourcompartment
ifthecommunicatingdoorwasboltedasyousay.Youaresurethatitwasbolted?
Why,theSwedishladytrieditbeforemyeyes.
Letusjustreconstructthatlittlescene.Youwerelyinginyourbunksoandyoucould
notseeforyourself,yousay?
No,becauseofthespongebag.Oh!my,Ishallhavetogetanewspongebag.Itmakes
mefeelsickatmystomachtolookatthisone.
Poirotpickedupthespongebagandhungitonthehandleofthecommunicatingdoor
intothenextcarriage.
Prcisment.Isee,hesaid.Theboltisjustunderneaththehandlethespongebag
masksit.Youcouldnotseefromwhereyouwerelyingwhethertheboltwasturnedor
not.
Why,thatsjustwhatIvebeentellingyou!

146

AndtheSwedishlady,MissOhlsson,stoodso,betweenyouandthedoor.Shetrieditand
toldyouitwasbolted.
Thatsso.
Allthesame,Madame,shemayhavemadeanerror.YouseewhatImean.Poirot
seemedanxioustoexplain.Theboltisjustaprojectionofmetalso.Whenitisturnedto
theright,thedoorislocked.Whenitisleftstraight,thedoorisunlocked.Possiblyshe
merelytriedthedoor,andasitwaslockedontheothersideshemayhaveassumedthatit
waslockedonyourside.
Well,Iguessthatwouldberatherstupidofher.
Madame,themostkind,themostamiable,arenotalwaysthecleverest.
Thatsso,ofcourse.
Bytheway,Madame,didyoutravelouttoSmyrnathisway?
No.IsailedrighttoStamboul,andafriendofmydaughters,Mr.Johnson(aperfectly
lovelyman,Idliketohaveyouknowhim),metmeandshowedmeallroundStamboul.
Butitwasaverydisappointingcityalltumblingdown;andasforthosemosques,and
puttingonthosegreatshufflingthingsoveryourshoeswherewasI?
YouweresayingthatMr.Johnsonmetyou.
Thatsso,andhesawmeonboardaFrenchMessageriesboatforSmyrna,andmy
daughtershusbandwaswaitingrightonthequay.Whathellsaywhenhehearsaboutall
this!Mydaughtersaidthiswouldbejustthesafest,easiestwayimaginable.Youjustsitin
yourcarriage,shesaid,andyoulandrightinParrus,andtheretheAmericanExpresswill
meetyou.And,oh,dear,whatamItodoaboutcancellingmysteamshippassage?Iought
toletthemknow.Icantpossiblymakeitnow.Thisisjusttooterrible
Mrs.Hubbardshowedsignsoftearsoncemore.
Poirot,whohadbeenfidgetingslightly,seizedhisopportunity.
Youhavehadashock,Madame.Therestaurantattendantshallbeinstructedtobringyou
alongsometeaandsomebiscuits.
IdontknowthatImsosetontea,saidMrs.Hubbardtearfully.ThatsmoreanEnglish
habit.
Coffee,then,Madame.Youneedsomestimulant
Thatcognacsmademyheadfeelmightyfunny.IthinkIwouldlikesomecoffee.
Excellent.Youmustreviveyourforces.
147

My,whatafunnyexpression!
Butfirst,Madame,alittlematterofroutine.YoupermitthatImakeasearchofyour
baggage!
Whatfor?
Weareabouttocommenceasearchofallthepassengersluggage.Idonotwantto
remindyouofanunpleasantexperience,butyourspongebagremember.
Mercy!Perhapsyoudbetter!Ijustcouldntbeartogetanymoresurprisesofthatkind.
Theexaminationwasquicklyover.Mrs.Hubbardwastravellingwiththeminimumof
luggageahatbox,acheapsuitcase,andawellburdenedtravellingbag.Thecontentsof
allthreeweresimpleandstraightforward,andtheexaminationwouldnothavetaken
morethanacoupleofminuteshadnotMrs.Hubbarddelayedmattersbyinsistingondue
attentionbeingpaidtophotographsofmydaughterandoftworatheruglychildren
mydaughterschildren.Arenttheycunning?

148

15
TheEvidenceOfThePassengersLuggage
Havingdeliveredhimselfofvariouspoliteinsincerities,andhavingtoldMrs.Hubbardthat
hewouldordercoffeetobebroughttoher,Poirotwasabletotakehisleaveaccompanied
byhistwofriends.
Well,wehavemadeastartanddrawn,ablank,observedM.Bouc.Whomshallwe
attacknext?
Itwouldbesimplest,Ithink,justtoproceedalongthetrain,carriagebycarriage.That
meansthatwestartwithNo.16theamiableMr.Hardman.
Mr.Hardman,whowassmokingacigar,welcomedthemaffably.
Comerightin,gentlemen.Thatis,ifitshumanlypossible.Itsjustamitecrampedinhere
foraparty.
M.Boucexplainedtheobjectoftheirvisit,andthebigdetectivenodded
comprehendingly.
ThatsO.K.TotellthetruthIvebeenwonderingyoudidntgetdowntoitsooner.Here
aremykeys,gentlemen,andifyouliketosearchmypocketstoo,why,yourewelcome.
ShallIreachthegripsdownforyou?
Theconductorwilldothat.Michel!
ThecontentsofMr.Hardmanstwogripsweresoonexaminedandpassed.They
contained,perhaps,anundueproportionofspirituousliquor.Mr.Hardmanwinked.
Itsnotoftentheysearchyourgripsatthefrontiersnotifyoufixtheconductor.I
handedoutawadofTurkishnotesrightaway,andtheresbeennotroublesofar.
AndatParis?
Mr.Hardmanwinkedagain.BythetimeIgettoParis,hesaid,whatsleftoverofthis
littlelotwillgointoabottlelabelledhairwash.
YouarenotabelieverinProhibition,MonsieurHardman,saidM.Boucwithasmile.
Well,saidHardman,IcantsayProhibitionhaseverworriedmeany.
Ah!saidM.Bouc.Thespeakeasy.Hepronouncedthewordwithcare,savouringit.
YourAmericantermsaresoquaint,soexpressive,hesaid.
Me,IwouldmuchliketogotoAmerica,saidPoirot.
149

Youdlearnafewgoaheadmethodsoverthere,saidHardman.Europeneedswaking
up.Sheshalfasleep.
ItistruethatAmericaisthecountryofprogress,agreedPoirot.ThereismuchthatI
admireaboutAmericans.OnlyIamperhapsoldfashionedbutme,IfindtheAmerican
womenlesscharmingthanmyowncountrywomen.TheFrenchortheBelgiangirl,
coquettish,charmingIthinkthereisnoonetotouchher.
Hardmanturnedawaytopeeroutatthesnowforaminute.
Perhapsyoureright,M.Poirot,hesaid.ButIguesseverynationlikesitsowngirls
best.Heblinkedasthoughthesnowhurthiseyes.
Kindofdazzling,isntit?heremarked.Say,gentlemen,thisbusinessisgettingonmy
nerves.Murderandthesnowandall.Andnothingdoing.Justhangingaboutandkilling
time.Idliketogetbusyaftersomeoneorsomething.
ThetrueWesternspiritofhustle,saidPoirotwithasmile.
Theconductorreplacedthebagsandtheymovedontothenextcompartment.Colonel
Arbuthnotwassittinginacornersmokingapipeandreadingamagazine.
Poirotexplainedtheirerrand.TheColonelmadenodemur.Hehadtwoheavyleather
suitcases.
Therestofmykithasgonebylongsea,heexplained.
LikemostArmymentheColonelwasaneatpacker.Theexaminationofhisbaggagetook
onlyafewminutes.Poirotnotedapacketofpipecleaners.
Youalwaysusethesamekind?heasked.Usually.IfIcangetem.
Ah!Poirotnodded.Thesepipecleanerscorrespondedexactlywiththeonehehad
foundonthefloorofthedeadmanscompartment.
Dr.Constantineremarkedasmuchwhentheywereoutinthecorridoragain.
Toutdemme,murmuredPoirot,Icanhardlybelieveit.Itisnotdanssoncaractre,
andwhenyouhavesaidthat,youhavesaideverything.
Thedoorofthenextcompartmentwasclosed.ItwasthatoccupiedbyPrincess
Dragomiroff.TheyknockedonthedoorandthePrincesssdeepvoicecalledEntrez!
M.Boucwasspokesman.Hewasverydeferentialandpoliteasheexplainedtheirerrand.
ThePrincesslistenedtohiminsilence,hersmalltoadlikefacequiteimpassive.

150

Ifitisnecessary,Messieurs,shesaidquietlywhenhehadfinished,thatisallthereisto
it.Mymaidhasthekeys.Shewillattendtoitwithyou.
Doesyourmaidalwayscarryyourkeys,Madame?askedPoirot.
Certainly,Monsieur.
Andif,duringthenightatoneofthefrontiers,thecustomsofficialsshouldrequirea
pieceofluggagetobeopened?
Theoldladyshruggedhershoulders.Itisveryunlikely.Butinsuchacase,theconductor
wouldfetchher.
Youtrusther,then,implicitly,Madame?
Ihavetoldyousoalready,saidthePrincessquietly.IdonotemploypeoplewhomIdo
nottrust.
Yes,saidPoirotthoughtfully.Trustisindeedsomethinginthesedays.Itisperhaps
bettertohaveahomelywomanwhomonecantrustthanamorechicmaidforexample,
somesmartParisienne.
Hesawthedarkintelligenteyescomeslowlyroundandfastenthemselvesuponhisface.
Whatexactlyareyouimplying,M.Poirot?
Nothing,Madame.I?Nothing.
Butyes.Youthink,doyounot,thatIshouldhaveasmartFrenchwomantoattendtomy
toilet?
Itwouldbeperhapsmoreusual,Madame.Sheshookherhead.Schmidtisdevotedto
me.Hervoicedweltlingeringlyonthewords.Devotioncestimpayable.
TheGermanwomanhadarrivedwiththekeys.ThePrincessspoketoherinherown
language,tellinghertoopenthevalisesandhelpthegentlemenintheirsearch.She
herselfremainedinthecorridorlookingoutatthesnow,andPoirotremainedwithher,
leavingM.Bouctothetaskofsearchingtheluggage.
Sheregardedhimwithagrimsmile.
Well,Monsieur,doyounotwishtoseewhatmyvalisescontain?
Heshookhishead.Madame,itisaformality,thatisall.
Areyousosure?
Inyourcase,yes.
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AndyetIknewandlovedSoniaArmstrong.Whatdoyouthink,then?ThatIwouldnot
soilmyhandswithkillingsuchcanailleasthatmanCassetti?Well,perhapsyouareright.
Shewassilentaminuteortwo.Thenshesaid:Withsuchamanasthat,doyouknow
whatIshouldhavelikedtodo?Ishouldhavelikedtocalltomyservants:Flogthismanto
deathandflinghimoutontherubbishheap!ThatisthewaythingsweredonewhenI
wasyoung,Monsieur.
Stillhedidnotspeak,justlistenedattentively.
Shelookedathimwithasuddenimpetuosity.Youdonotsayanything,M.Poirot.Whatis
itthatyouarethinking,Iwonder?
Helookedatherwithaverydirectglance.Ithink,Madame,thatyourstrengthisinyour
willnotinyourarm.
Sheglanceddownatherthin,blackcladarmsendinginthoseclawlikeyellowhandswith
theringsonthefingers.
Itistrue,shesaid.Ihavenostrengthinthesenone.IdonotknowwhetherIamsorry
orglad.
Thensheturnedabruptlybacktowardshercarriagewherethemaidwasbusilypackingup
thecases.
ThePrincesscutshortM.Boucsapologies.
Thereisnoneedforyoutoapologise,Monsieur,shesaid.Amurderhasbeen
committed.Certainactionshavetobeperformed.Thatisallthereistoit.
Voustesbienaimable,Madame.
Sheinclinedherheadslightlyastheydeparted.
Thedoorsofthenexttwocarriageswereshut.M.Boucpausedandscratchedhishead.
Diable!hesaid.Thismaybeawkward.Thesearediplomaticpassports.Theirluggageis
exempt.
Fromcustomsexamination,yes.Butamurderisdifferent.
Iknow.Allthesamewedonotwanttohavecomplications.
Donotdistressyourself,myfriend.TheCountandCountesswillbereasonable.Seehow
amiablePrincessDragomiroffwasaboutit.
Sheistrulygrandedame.Thesetwoarealsoofthesameposition,buttheCount
impressedmeasamanofsomewhattruculentdisposition.Hewasnotpleasedwhenyou
152

insistedonquestioninghiswife.Andthiswillannoyhimstillfurther.Supposeeh?we
omitthem.Afterall,theycanhavenothingtodowiththematter.WhyshouldIstirup
needlesstroubleformyself?
Idonotagreewithyou,saidPoirot.IfeelsurethatCountAndrenyiwillbereasonable.
Atanyrateletusmaketheattempt.
AndbeforeM.Bouccouldreply,herappedsharplyonthedoorofNo.13.
AvoicefromwithincriedEntrez!
TheCountwassittinginthecornernearthedoorreadinganewspaper.TheCountesswas
curledupintheoppositecornernearthewindow.Therewasapillowbehindherhead
andsheseemedtohavebeenasleep.
Pardon,MonsieurleComte,beganPoirot.prayforgivethisintrusion.Itisthatweare
makingasearchofallthebaggageonthetrain.Inmostcasesamereformality.Butithas
tobedone.M.Boucsuggeststhat,asyouhaveadiplomaticpassport,youmight
reasonablyclaimtobeexemptfromsuchasearch.
TheCountconsideredforamoment.
Thankyou,hesaid.ButIdonotthinkthatIcaretohaveanexceptionmadeinmycase.
Ishouldpreferthatourbaggageshouldbeexaminedlikethatoftheotherpassengers.
Heturnedtohiswife.Youdonotobject,Ihope,Elena?
Notatall,saidtheCountesswithouthesitation.
Arapidandsomewhatperfunctorysearchfollowed.Poirotseemedtobetryingtomaskan
embarrassmentbymakingvarioussmallpointlessremarks,suchas:Hereisalabelallwet
onyoursuitcase,Madame,ashelifteddownabluemoroccocasewithinitialsonitanda
coronet.
TheCountessdidnotreplytothisobservation.Sheseemed,indeed,ratherboredbythe
wholeproceeding,remainingcurledupinhercornerandstaringdreamilyoutthroughthe
windowwhilstthemensearchedherluggageinthecompartmentnextdoor.
Poirotfinishedhissearchbyopeningthelittlecupboardabovethewashbasinandtakinga
rapidglanceatitscontentsasponge,facecream,powderandasmallbottlelabelled
trional.
Thenwithpoliteremarksoneitherside,thesearchpartywithdrew.
Mrs.Hubbardscompartment,thatofthedeadman,andPoirotsowncamenext.

153

Theynowcametothesecondclasscarriages.Thefirstone,Nos.10and11,wasoccupied
byMaryDebenham,whowasreadingabook,andGretaOhlsson,whowasfastasleepbut
wokewithastartattheirentrance.
Poirotrepeatedhisformula.TheSwedishladyseemedagitated,MaryDebenhamcalmly
indifferent.HeaddressedhimselftotheSwedishlady.
Ifyoupermit,Mademoiselle,wewillexamineyourbaggagefirst,andthenperhapsyou
wouldbesogoodastoseehowtheAmericanladyisgettingon.Wehavemovedherinto
oneofthecarriagesinthenextcoach,butsheisstillverymuchupsetastheresultofher
discovery.Ihaveorderedcoffeetobesenttoher,butIthinksheisofthosetowhom
someonetotalktoisanecessityofthefirstorder.
Thegoodladywasinstantlysympathetic.Shewouldgoimmediately.Itmusthavebeen
indeedaterribleshocktothenerves,andalreadythepoorladywasupsetbythejourney
andleavingherdaughter.Ah,yes,certainlyshewouldgoatoncehercasewasnot
lockedandshewouldtakewithhersomesalammoniac.
Shebustledoff.Herpossessionsweresoonexamined.Theyweremeagreintheextreme.
Shehadevidentlynotyetnoticedthemissingwiresfromthehatbox.
MissDebenhamhadputherbookdown.ShewaswatchingPoirot.Whenheaskedher,
shehandedoverherkeys.Then,ashelifteddownacaseandopenedit,shesaid:Why
didyousendheraway,M.Poirot?
I,Mademoiselle!Why,toministertotheAmericanlady.
Anexcellentpretextbutapretextallthesame.
Idontunderstandyou,Mademoiselle.
Ithinkyouunderstandmeverywell.Shesmiled.Youwantedtogetmealone.Wasnt
thatit?
Youareputtingwordsintomymouth,Mademoiselle.
Andideasintoyourhead?No,Idontthinkso.Theideasarealreadythere.Thatisright,
isntit?
Mademoiselle,wehaveaproverb
Quisexcusesaccuseisthatwhatyouweregoingtosay?Youmustgivemethecredit
foracertainamountofobservationandcommonsense.Forsomereasonorotheryou
havegotitintoyourheadthatIknowsomethingaboutthissordidbusinessthismurder
ofamanIneversawbefore.
Youareimaginingthings,Mademoiselle.
154

No,Iamnotimaginingthingsatall.Butitseemstomethatalotoftimeiswastedbynot
speakingthetruthbybeatingaboutthebushinsteadofcomingstraightoutwiththings.
Andyoudonotlikethewasteoftime.No,youliketocomestraighttothepoint.Youlike
thedirectmethod.Ehbien,Iwillgiveittoyou,thedirectmethod.Iwillaskyouthe
meaningofcertainwordsthatIoverheardonthejourneyfromSyria.Ihadgotoutofthe
traintodowhattheEnglishcallstretchthelegsatthestationofKonya.Yourvoiceand
theColonels,Mademoiselle,theycametomeoutofthenight.Yousaidtohim,Notnow.
Notnow.Whenitsallover.Whenitsbehindus.Whatdidyoumeanbythosewords,
Mademoiselle?
Sheaskedveryquietly,DoyouthinkImeantmurder?
ItisIwhoamaskingyou,Mademoiselle.
Shesighedwaslostaminuteinthought.Then,asthoughrousingherself,shesaid:
Thosewordshadameaning,Monsieur,butnotonethatIcantellyou.Icanonlygiveyou
mysolemnwordofhonourthatIhadneverseteyesonthismanRatchettinmylifeuntilI
sawhimonthistrain.
Andyourefusetoexplainthosewords?
Yes,ifyouliketoputitthatwayIrefuse.TheyhadtodowithwithataskIhad
undertaken.
Ataskthatisnowended?
Whatdoyoumean?
Itisended,isitnot?
Whyshouldyouthinkso?
Listen,Mademoiselle,Iwillrecalltoyouanotherincident.Therewasadelaytothetrain
onthedayweweretoreachStamboul.Youwereveryagitated,Mademoiselle.You,so
calm,soselfcontrolled.Youlostthatcalm.
Ididnotwanttomissmyconnection.
Soyousaid.But,Mademoiselle,theOrientExpressleavesStambouleverydayofthe
week.Evenifyouhadmissedtheconnectionitwouldonlyhavebeenamatteroftwenty
fourhoursdelay.
MissDebenhamforthefirsttimeshowedsignsoflosinghertemper.
YoudonotseemtorealisethatonemayhavefriendsawaitingonesarrivalinLondon,
andthatadaysdelayupsetsarrangementsandcausesalotofannoyance.
155

Ah,itislikethat?Therearefriendsawaitingyourarrival?Youdonotwanttocausethem
inconvenience?
Naturally.
Andyetitiscurious
Whatiscurious?
Onthistrainagainwehaveadelay.Andthistimeamoreseriousdelay,sincethereis
nopossibilityofsendingatelegramtoyourfriendsorofgettingthemonthelongthe
long
Longdistance?Thetelephone,youmean.
Ah,yes,theportmanteaucall,asyousayinEngland.
MaryDebenhamsmiledalittleinspiteofherself.Trunkcall,shecorrected.Yes,asyou
say,itisextremelyannoyingnottobeabletogetanywordthrough,eitherbytelephone
orbytelegraph.
Andyet,Mademoiselle,thistimeyourmannerisquitedifferent.Younolongerbetraythe
impatience.Youarecalmandphilosophical.
MaryDebenhamflushedandbitherlip.Shenolongerfeltinclinedtosmile.
Youdonotanswer,Mademoiselle?
Iamsorry.Ididnotknowthattherewasanythingtoanswer.
Yourchangeofattitude,Mademoiselle.
Dontyouthinkthatyouaremakingratherafussaboutnothing,M.Poirot?
Poirotspreadouthishandsinanapologeticgesture.
Itisperhapsafaultwithusdetectives.Weexpectthebehaviourtobealwaysconsistent.
Wedonotallowforchangesofmood.
MaryDebenhammadenoreply.
YouknowColonelArbuthnotwell,Mademoiselle?
Hefanciedthatshewasrelievedbythechangeofsubject.
Imethimforthefirsttimeonthisjourney.
HaveyouanyreasontosuspectthathemayhaveknownthismanRatchett?
156

Sheshookherheaddecisively.Iamquitesurehedidnt.
Whyareyousure?
Bythewayhespoke.
Andyet,Mademoiselle,wefoundapipecleaneronthefloorofthedeadmans
compartment.AndColonelArbuthnotistheonlymanonthetrainwhosmokesapipe.
Hewatchedhernarrowly,butshedisplayedneithersurprisenoremotion,merelysaid:
Nonsense.Itsabsurd.ColonelArbuthnotisthelastmanintheworldtobemixedupina
crimeespeciallyatheatricalkindofcrimelikethis.
ItwassomuchwhatPoirothimselfthoughtthathefoundhimselfonthepointofagreeing
withher.Hesaidinstead:Imustremindyouthatyoudonotknowhimverywell,
Mademoiselle.
Sheshruggedhershoulders.Iknowthetypewellenough.
Hesaidverygently:Youstillrefusetotellmethemeaningofthosewords:Whenits
behindus?
Sherepliedcoldly,Ihavenothingmoretosay.
Itdoesnotmatter,saidHerculePoirot.Ishallfindout.
Hebowedandleftthecompartment,closingthedoorafterhim.
Wasthatwise,myfriend?askedM.Bouc.Youhaveputheronherguardandthrough
her,youhaveputtheColonelonhisguardalso.
Monami,ifyouwishtocatcharabbityouputaferretintothehole,andiftherabbitis
thereheruns.ThatisallIhavedone.
TheyenteredthecompartmentofHildegardeSchmidt.
Thewomanwasstandinginreadiness,herfacerespectfulbutunemotional.
Poirottookaquickglancethroughthecontentsofthesmallcaseontheseat.Thenhe
motionedtotheattendanttogetdownthebiggersuitcasefromtherack.
Thekeys?hesaid.
Itisnotlocked,Monsieur.
Poirotundidthehaspsandliftedthelid.

157

Aha!hesaid,andturningtoM.Bouc,YourememberwhatIsaid?Lookherealittle
moment!
OnthetopofthesuitcasewasahastilyrolledupbrownWagonLituniform.
ThestolidityoftheGermanwomanunderwentasuddenchange.
Ach!shecried.Thatisnotmine.Ididnotputitthere.Ihaveneverlookedinthatcase
sinceweleftStamboul.Indeed,indeed,itistrue!Shelookedfromonetoanotherofthe
menpleadingly.
Poirottookhergentlybythearmandsoothedher.
No,no,alliswell.Webelieveyou.Donotbeagitated.Iamsureyoudidnothidethe
uniformthereasIamsurethatyouareagoodcook.See.Youareagoodcook,areyou
not?
Bewildered,thewomansmiledinspiteofherself,Yes,indeed,allmyladieshavesaidso.
I
Shestopped,hermouthopen,lookingfrightenedagain.
No,no,saidPoirot.Iassureyoualliswell.See,Iwilltellyouhowthishappened.This
man,themanyousawinWagonLituniform,comesoutofthedeadmanscompartment.
Hecollideswithyou.Thatisbadluckforhim.Hehashopedthatnoonewillseehim.What
todonext?Hemustgetridofhisuniform.Itisnownotasafeguard,butadanger.
HisglancewenttoM.BowandDr.Constantine,whowerelisteningattentively.
Thereisthesnow,yousee.Thesnowwhichconfusesallhisplans.Wherecanhehide
theseclothes?Allthecompartmentsarefull.No,hepassesonewhosedoorisopen,
showingittobeunoccupied.Itmustbetheonebelongingtothewomanwithwhomhe
hasjustcollided.Heslipsin,removestheuniformandjamsithurriedlyintoasuitcaseon
therack.Itmaybesometimebeforeitisdiscovered.
Andthen?saidM.Bouc.
Thatwemustdiscuss,Poirotsaidwithawarningglance.
Heheldupthetunic.Abutton,thethirddown,wasmissing.Poirotslippedhishandinto
thepocketandtookoutaconductorspasskey,usedtounlockthedoorsofthe
compartments.
Hereistheexplanationofhowonemanwasabletopassthroughlockeddoors,saidM.
Bouc.YourquestionstoMrs.Hubbardwereunnecessary.Lockedornotlocked,theman
couldeasilygetthroughthecommunicatingdoor.Afterall,ifaWagonLituniform,why
notaWagonLitkey?
158

Whynotindeed?returnedPoirot.
Wemighthaveknownit,really.YourememberthatMichelsaidthatthedoorintothe
corridorofMrs.Hubbardscompartmentwaslockedwhenhecameinanswertoherbell.
Thatisso,Monsieur,saidtheconductor.ThatiswhyIthoughttheladymusthavebeen
dreaming.
Butnowitiseasy,continuedM.Bouc.Doubtlesshemeanttorelockthe
communicatingdoor,also,butperhapsheheardsomemovementfromthebedandit
startledhim.
Wehavenow,saidPoirot,onlytofindthescarletkimono.
True.Andtheselasttwocompartmentsareoccupiedbymen.
Wewillsearchallthesame.
Oh!assuredly.Besides,Irememberwhatyousaid.
HectorMacQueenacquiescedwillinglyinthesearch.Idjustassoonyoudid,hesaid
witharuefulsmile.IfeelImdefinitelythemostsuspiciouscharacteronthetrain.Youve
onlygottofindawillinwhichtheoldmanleftmeallhismoney,andthatlljustaboutfix
things.
M.Boucbentasuspiciousglanceuponhim.
Thatsonlymyfun,addedMacQueenhastily.Hedneverhaveleftmeacent,really.I
wasjustusefultohimlanguagesandsoon.Yourelikelytobeoutofluck,youknow,if
youdontspeakanythingbutgoodAmerican.Imnolinguistmyself,butIknowwhatIcall
ShoppingandHotelsnappybitsinFrenchandGermanandItalian.
Hisvoicewasalittlelouderthanusual.Itwasasthoughhewereslightlyuneasyoverthe
searchinspiteofhisexpressedwillingness.
Poirotemerged.Nothing,hesaid.Notevenacompromisingbequest!
MacQueensighed.Well,thatsaloadoffmymind,hesaidhumorously.
Theymovedontothelastcompartment.TheexaminationoftheluggageofthebigItalian
andofthevaletyieldednoresult.
Thethreemenstoodattheendofthecoachlookingateachother.
Whatnext?saidM.Bouc.

159

Wewillgobacktothediningcar,saidPoirot.Weknownowallthatwecanknow.We
havetheevidenceofthepassengers,theevidenceoftheirbaggage,theevidenceofour
eyes....Wecanexpectnofurtherhelp.Itmustbeourpartnowtouseourbrains.
Hefeltinhispocketforhiscigarettecase.Itwasempty.
Iwilljoinyouinamoment,hesaid.Ishallneedthecigarettes.Thisisaverydifficult,a
verycurious,affair.Whoworethatscarletkimono?Whereisitnow?IwishIknew.There
issomethinginthiscasesomefactorthatescapesme!Itisdifficultbecauseithasbeen
madedifficult.Butwewilldiscussit.Pardonmeamoment.
Hewenthurriedlyalongthecorridortohisowncompartment.Hehad,heknew,afurther
supplyofcigarettesinoneofhisvalises.
Hegotitdownandsnappedbackthelock.
Thenhesatbackonhisheelsandstared.
Neatlyfoldedonthetopofthecasewasathinscarletsilkkimonoembroideredwith
dragons.
So,hemurmured.Itislikethat.Adefiance.Verywell,Itakeitup.

160

PartIIIHerculePoirotSitsBackAndThinks

161

162

1
WhichOfThem?
M.Bouc.andDr.ConstantineweretalkingtogetherwhenPoirotenteredthediningcar.
M.Boucwaslookingdepressed.
Levoil,saidthelatterwhenhesawPoirot.Thenheadded,ashisfriendsatdown,If
yousolvethiscase,moncher,Ishallindeedbelieveinmiracles!
Itworriesyou,thiscase?
Naturallyitworriesme.Icannotmakeheadortailofit.
Iagree,saidthedoctor.HelookedatPoirotwithinterest.Tobefrank,hesaid,I
cannotseewhatyouaregoingtodonext.
No!saidPoirotthoughtfully.
Hetookouthiscigarettecaseandlitoneofhistinycigarettes.Hiseyesweredreamy.
That,tome,istheinterestofthiscase,hesaid.Wearecutofffromallthenormal
routesofprocedure.Arethesepeoplewhoseevidencewehavetakenspeakingthetruth,
orlying?Wehavenomeansoffindingoutexceptsuchmeansaswecandevise
ourselves.Itisanexercise,this,ofthebrain.
Thatisallveryfine,saidM.Bouc.Butwhathaveyoutogoupon?
Itoldyoujustnow.Wehavetheevidenceofthepassengersandtheevidenceofourown
eyes.
Prettyevidencethatofthepassengers!Ittoldusjustnothingatall.
Poirotshookhishead.
Idonotagree,myfriend.Theevidenceofthepassengersgaveusseveralpointsof
interest.
Indeed,saidM.Boucsceptically.Ididnotobserveit.
Thatisbecauseyoudidnotlisten.
Well,tellme,whatdidImiss?
Iwilljusttakeoneinstancethefirstevidenceweheard,thatoftheyoungMacQueen.
Heuttered,tomymind,oneverysignificantphrase.
Abouttheletters?
163

No,notabouttheletters.AsfarasIcanremember,hiswordswere:Wetravelledabout.
Mr.Ratchettwantedtoseetheworld.Hewashamperedbyknowingnolanguages.Iacted
moreasacourierthanasecretary.
HelookedfromthedoctorsfacetothatofM.Bouc.
What?Youstilldonotsee?Thatisinexcusableforyouhadasecondchanceagainjust
nowwhenhesaid,Yourelikelytobeoutofluckifyoudontspeakanythingbutgood
American.
Youmean?M.Boucstilllookedpuzzled.
Ah,itisthatyouwantitgiventoyouinwordsofonesyllable.Well,hereitis!M.Ratchett
spokenoFrench.Yet,whentheconductorcameinanswertohisbelllastnight,itwasa
voicespeakinginFrenchthattoldhimthatitwasamistakeandthathewasnotwanted.It
was,moreover,aperfectlyidiomaticphrasethatwasused,notonethatamanknowing
onlyafewwordsofFrenchwouldhaveselected.CenestrienJemesuistromp.
Itistrue,criedConstantineexcitedly.Weshouldhaveseenthat!Irememberyour
layingstressonthewordswhenyourepeatedthemtous.NowIunderstandyour
reluctancetorelyupontheevidenceofthedentedwatch.Already,attwentythree
minutestoone,Ratchettwasdead
Anditwashismurdererspeaking!finishedM.Boucimpressively.
Poirotraisedadeprecatinghand.
Letusnotgotoofast.Anddonotletusassumemorethanweactuallyknow.Itissafe,I
think,tosaythatatthattimetwentythreeminutestoonesomeotherpersonwasin
Ratchettscompartment,andthatthatpersoneitherwasFrenchorcouldspeakthe
Frenchlanguagefluently.
Youareverycautious,monvieux
Oneshouldadvanceonlyastepatatime.WehavenoactualevidencethatRatchettwas
deadatthattime.
Thereisthecrythatawakenedyou.
Yes,thatistrue.
Inoneway,saidM.Boucthoughtfully,thisdiscoverydoesnotaffectthingsverymuch.
Youheardsomeonemovingaboutnextdoor.ThatsomeonewasnotRatchett,butthe
otherman.Doubtlessheiswashingbloodfromhishands,clearingupafterthecrime,
burningtheincriminatingletter.Thenhewaitstillallisstill,and,whenhethinksitissafe
andthecoastisclear,helocksandchainsRatchettsdoorontheinside,unlocksthe
communicatingdoorthroughintoMrs.Hubbardscompartmentandslipsoutthatway.In
164

fact,itisexactlyaswethought,withthedifferencethatRatchettwaskilledabouthalfan
hourearlierandthewatchputontoaquarterpastonetocreateanalibi.
Notsuchafamousalibi,saidPoirot.Thehandsofthewatchpointedto1.15theexact
timewhentheintruderactuallyleftthesceneofthecrime.
True,saidM.Bouc,alittleconfused.Whatthendoesthewatchconveytoyou?
IfthehandswerealteredIsayifthenthetimeatwhichtheyweresetmusthavea
significance.Thenaturalreactionwouldbetosuspectanyonewhohadareliablealibifor
thetimeindicatedinthiscase,1.15.
Yes,yes,saidthedoctor.Thatreasoningisgood.
Wemustalsopayalittleattentiontothetimetheintruderenteredthecompartment.
Whenhadheanopportunityofdoingso?Unlesswearetoassumethecomplicityofthe
realconductor,therewasonlyonetimewhenhecouldhavedonesoduringthetimethe
trainstoppedatVincovci.AfterthetrainleftVincovcitheconductorwassittingfacingthe
corridor,andwhereasanyoneofthepassengerswouldpaylittleattentiontoaWagonLit
attendant,theonepersonwhowouldnoticeanimpostoristherealconductor.Butduring
thehaltatVincovcitheconductorisoutontheplatform.Thecoastisclear.
Andbyourformerreasoning,itmustbeoneofthepassengers,saidM.Bouc.Wecome
backtowherewewere.Whichofthem?
Poirotsmiled.
Ihavemadealist,hesaid.Ifyouliketoseeit,itwillperhapsrefreshyourmemory.
ThedoctorandM.Boucporedoverthelisttogether.Itwaswrittenoutneatlyina
methodicalmannerintheorderinwhichthepassengershadbeeninterviewed.
HECTORMACQUEEN,Americansubject,BerthNo.6,SecondClass.
MotivePossiblyarisingoutofassociationwithdeadman?
AlibiFrommidnightto2A.M.(Midnightto1.30vouchedforbyCol.Arbuthnot,and1.15
to2vouchedforbyconductor.)
EvidenceagainsthimNone.
SuspiciouscircumstancesNone.
CONDUCTORPIERREMICHEL,Frenchsubject.
MotiveNone.

165

AlibiFrommidnightto2A.M.(SeenbyH.P.incorridoratsametimeasvoicespokefrom
Ratchettscompartmentat12.37.From1A.M.to1.16vouchedforbyothertwo
conductors.)
EvidenceagainsthimNone.
SuspiciouscircumstancesTheWagonLituniformfoundisapointinhisfavorsinceit
seemstohavebeenintendedtothrowsuspiciononhim.
EDWARDMASTERMAN,Englishsubject,BerthNo.4,SecondClass.
MotivePossiblyarisingoutofconnectionwithdeceased,whosevalethewas.
AlibiFrommidnightto2A.M.(VouchedforbyAntonioFoscarelli.)
EvidenceagainsthimofsuspiciouscircumstancesNone,exceptthatheistheonlyman
oftherightheightorsizetohaveworntheWagonLituniform.Ontheotherhand,itis
unlikelythathespeaksFrenchwell.
MRS.HUBBARD,Americansubject,BerthNo.3,FirstClass.
MotiveNone.
AlibiFrommidnightto2A.M.None.
EvidenceagainstherorsuspiciouscircumstancesStoryofmaninhercompartmentis
substantiatedbytheevidenceofHardmanandthatofthewomanSchmidt.
GRETAOHLSSON,Swedishsubject,BerthNo.10,SecondClass.
MotiveNone.
AlibiFrommidnightto2A.M.(VouchedforbyMaryDebenham.)
Note:WaslasttoseeRatchettalive.
PRINCESSDRAGOMIROFF,NaturalisedFrenchsubject,BerthNo.14,FirstClass.
MotiveWasintimatelyacquaintedwithArmstrongfamily,andgodmothertoSonia
Armstrong.
Alibifrommidnightto2A.M.(Vouchedforbyconductorandmaid.)
EvidenceagainstherorsuspiciouscircumstancesNone.
COUNTANDRENYI,Hungariansubject,Diplomaticpassport,BerthNo.13,FirstClass.
MotiveNone.
166

AlibiMidnightto2A.M.(Vouchedforbyconductorthisdoesnotcoverperiodfrom1
to1.15.)
COUNTESSANDRENYI,Asabove,Berth12.
MotiveNone.
AlibiMidnightto2A.MTooktrionalandslept.(Vouchedforbyhusband.Trionalbottlein
hercupboard.)
COLONELARBUTHNOT,Britishsubject,BerthNo.15,FirstClass.
MotiveNone.
AlibiMidnightto2A.M.TalkedwithMacQueentill1.30.Wenttoowncompartmentand
didnotleaveit.(SubstantiatedbyMacQueenandconductor.)
EvidenceagainsthimorsuspiciouscircumstancesPipecleaner.
CYRUSHARDMAN,Americansubject,BerthNo.16.
MotiveNoneknown.
AlibiMidnightto2A.M.Didnotleavecompartment.(Substantiatedbyconductorexcept
forperiod1to1.15.)
EvidenceagainsthimorsuspiciouscircumstancesNone.
ANTONIOFOSCARELLI,Americansubject(Italianbybirth),BerthNo.5,SecondClass.
MotiveNoneknown.
AlibiMidnightto2A.M.(VouchedforbyEdwardMasterman.)
EvidenceagainsthimorsuspiciouscircumstancesNone,exceptthatweaponusedmight
besaidtosuithistemperament(VideM.Bouc.)
MARYDEBENHAM,Britishsubject,BerthNo.11,SecondClass.
MotiveNone
AlibiMidnightto2A.M.(VouchedforbyGretaOhlsson.)
EvidenceagainsthimorsuspiciouscircumstancesconversationoverheardbyH.P.,and
herrefusaltoexplainit.
HILDEGARDESCHMIDT,Germansubject,BerthNo.8,SecondClass.
167

MotiveNone.
AlibiMidnightto2A.M.(Vouchedforbyconductorandhermistress.)Wenttobed.Was
arousedbyconductorat12.38approx.andwenttomistress.
NOTE:Theevidenceofthepassengersissupportedbythestatementoftheconductor
thatnooneenteredorleftMr.Ratchettscompartmentfrommidnightto1oclock(when
hehimselfwentintothenextcoach)andfrom1.15to2oclock.
Thatdocument,youunderstand,saidPoirot,isamereprcisoftheevidencewe
heard,arrangedinthatwayforconvenience.
Withagrimace,M.Bouchandeditback.Itisnotilluminating,hesaid.
Perhapsyoumayfindthismoretoyourtaste,saidPoirot,withaslightsmileashe
handedhimasecondsheetofpaper.

168

2
TenQuestions
Onthepaperwaswritten:
THINGSNEEDINGEXPLANATION
ThehandkerchiefmarkedwiththeinitialH.Whoseisit?
Thepipecleaner.WasitdroppedbyColonelArbuthnot?Orbysomeoneelse?
Whoworethescarletkimono?
WhowasthemanorwomanmasqueradinginWagonLituniform?
Whydothehandsofthewatchpointto1.15?
Wasthemurdercommittedatthattime?
Wasitearlier?
Wasitlater?
CanwebesurethatRatchettwasstabbedbymorethanoneperson?
Whatotherexplanationofhiswoundscantherebe?
Well,letusseewhatwecando,saidM.Bouc,brighteningalittleatthischallengetohis
wits.Thehandkerchief,tobeginwith.Letusbyallmeansbeorderlyandmethodical.
Assuredly,saidPoirot,noddinghisheadinasatisfiedfashion.
M.Bouccontinuedsomewhatdidactically.
TheinitialHisconnectedwiththreepeopleMrs.Hubbard,MissDebenham,whose
secondnameisHermione,andthemaidHildegardeSchmidt.
Ah!Andofthosethree?
Itisdifficulttosay.ButIthinkIshouldvoteforMissDebenham.Foralloneknowsshe
maybecalledbyhersecondnameandnotherfirst.Alsothereisalreadysomesuspicion
attachingtoher.Thatconversationyouoverheard,moncher,wascertainlyalittlecurious,
andsoisherrefusaltoexplainit.
Asforme,IplumpfortheAmerican,saidDr.Constantine.Itisaveryexpensive
handkerchief,that;andAmericans,asalltheworldknows,donotcarewhattheypay.
169

Soyoubotheliminatethemaid?askedPoirot.
Yes.Assheherselfsaid,itisthehandkerchiefofamemberoftheupperclasses.
Andthesecondquestionthepipecleaner.DidColonelArbuthnotdropit,orsomebody
else?
Thatismoredifficult.TheEnglish,theydonotstab.Youarerightthere.Iinclinetothe
viewthatsomeoneelsedroppedthepipecleaneranddidsotoincriminatethelong
leggedEnglishman.
Asyousaid,M.Poirot,putinthedoctor,twocluesistoomuchcarelessness.Iagree
withM.Bouc.Thehandkerchiefwasagenuineoversighthencenoneofthewomenwill
admitthatitishers.Thepipecleanerisafakedclue.Insupportofthattheory,younotice
thatColonelArbuthnotshowsnoembarrassmentandadmitsfreelytosmokingapipeand
usingthattypeofcleaner.
Youreasonwell,saidPoirot.
QuestionNo.3Whoworethescarletkimono!wentonM.Bouc.Astothat,Iwill
confessIhavenottheslightestidea.Haveyouanyviewsonthesubject,Dr.Constantine?
None.
Thenweconfessourselvesbeatenthere.Thenextquestionhas,atanyrate,possibilities.
WhowasthemanorthewomanmasqueradinginWagonLituniform?Well,onecanlist
withcertaintyanumberofpeoplethatitcouldnothavebeen.Hardman,Colonel
Arbuthnot,Foscarelli,CountAndrenyiandHectorMacQueenarealltootall.Mrs.
Hubbard,HildegardeSchmidtandGretaOhlssonaretoobroad.Thatleavesthevalet,Miss
Debenham,PrincessDragomiroffandCountessAndrenyiandnoneofthemsounds
likely!GretaOhlssoninonecase,andAntonioFoscarelliintheother,bothswearthatMiss
Debenhamandthevaletneverlefttheircompartments.HildegardeSchmidtswearsthat
thePrincesswasinhers,andCountAndrenyihastoldusthathiswifetookasleeping
draught.Thereforeitseemsimpossiblethatitcanbeanybodywhichisabsurd!
AsouroldfriendEuclidsays,murmuredPoirot.
Itmustbeoneofthosefour,saidDr.Constantine.Unlessitissomeonefromoutside
whohasfoundahidingplaceandthatweagreedwasimpossible.
M.Bouchadpassedontothenextquestiononthelist.
No.5Whydothehandsofthebrokenwatchpointto1.15?Icanseetwoexplanations
ofthat.Eitheritwasdonebythemurderertoestablishanalibi,andafterwards,whenhe
meanttoleavethecompartment,hewaspreventedbyhearingpeoplemovingabout;or
elsewaitIhaveanideacoming
TheothertwowaitedrespectfullywhileM.Boucstruggledinmentalagony.
170

Ihaveit,hesaidatlast.ItwasnottheWagonLitmurdererwhotamperedwiththe
watch!ItwasthepersonwehavecalledtheSecondMurdererthelefthandedperson
inotherwordsthewomaninthescarletkimono.Shearriveslaterandmovesbackthe
handsofthewatchinordertomakeanalibiforherself.
BravosaidDr.Constantine.Itiswellimagined,that.
Infact,saidPoirot,shestabbedhiminthedark,notrealizingthathewasdeadalready,
butsomehowdeducedthathehadawatchinhispyjamapocket,tookitout,putbackthe
handsblindly,andgaveittherequisitedent.
M.Bouclookedathimcoldly.Haveyouanythingbettertosuggest,yourself?heasked.
Atthemomentno,admittedPoirot.Allthesame,hewenton,Idonotthinkyou
haveeitherofyouappreciatedthemostinterestingpointaboutthatwatch.
DoesquestionNo.6dealwithit?askedthedoctor.TothatquestionWasthemurder
committedatthattime,1.15?IanswerNo.
Iagree,saidM.Bouc.Wasitearlier?isthenextquestion.IsayYes!You,too,
doctor?
Thedoctornodded.Yes,butthequestionWasitlater?canalsobeansweredinthe
affirmative.Iagreewithyourtheory,M.Bouc,andso,Ithink,doesM.Poirot,althoughhe
doesnotwishtocommithimself.TheFirstMurderercameearlierthan1.15,butthe
SecondMurderercameafter1.15.Andasregardsthequestionoflefthandedness,ought
wenottotakestepstoascertainwhichofthepassengersislefthanded?
Ihavenotcompletelyneglectedthatpoint,saidPoirot.YoumayhavenoticedthatI
madeeachpassengerwriteeitherasignatureoranaddress.Thatisnotconclusive,
becausesomepeopledocertainactionswiththerighthandandotherswiththeleft.
Somewriterighthanded,butplaygolflefthanded.Still,itissomething.Everyperson
questionedtookthepeninhisorherrighthandwiththeexceptionofPrincess
Dragomiroff,whorefusedtowrite.
PrincessDragomiroffimpossible,saidM.Bouc.
Idoubtifshewouldhavehadthestrengthtoinflictthatlefthandedblow,saidDr.
Constantinedubiously.Thatparticularwoundhadbeeninflictedwithconsiderableforce.
Moreforcethanawomancoulduse?
No,Iwouldnotsaythat.ButIthinkmoreforcethananelderlywomancoulddisplay,and
PrincessDragomiroffsphysiqueisparticularlyfrail.
Itmightbeaquestionoftheinfluenceofmindoverbody,saidPoirot.Princess
Dragomiroffhasgreatpersonalityandimmensewillpower.Butletuspassfromthatfor
themoment.
171

ToquestionsNos.9and10?CanwebesurethatRatchettwasstabbedbymorethanone
person,andwhatotherexplanationofthewoundscantherebe?Inmyopinion,medically
speaking,therecanbenootherexplanationofthosewounds.Tosuggestthatoneman
struckfirstfeeblyandthenwithviolence,firstwiththerighthandandthenwiththeleft,
andafteranintervalofperhapshalfanhourinflictedfreshwoundsonadeadbodywell,
itdoesnotmakesense.
No,saidPoirot.Itdoesnotmakesense.Andyouthinkthattwomurderersdomake
sense?
Asyouyourselfhavesaid,whatotherexplanationcantherebe?
Poirotstaredstraightaheadofhim.ThatiswhatIaskmyself,hesaid.ThatiswhatI
neverceasetoaskmyself.
Heleanedbackinhisseat.
Fromnowon,itisallhere.Hetappedhimselfontheforehead.Wehavethrasheditall
out.Thefactsareallinfrontofusneatlyarrangedwithorderandmethod.The
passengershavesathere,onebyone,givingtheirevidence.Weknowallthatcanbe
knownfromoutside...
HegaveM.Boucanaffectionatesmile.
Ithasbeenalittlejokebetweenus,hasitnotthisbusinessofsittingbackandthinking
outthetruth?Well,Iamabouttoputmytheoryintopracticeherebeforeyoureyes.
Youtwomustdothesame.Letusallthreecloseoureyesandthink....
OneormoreofthosepassengerskilledRatchett.Whichofthem?

172

3
CertainSuggestivePoints
Itwasquiteaquarterofanhourbeforeanyonespoke.
M.BoucandDr.ConstantinehadstartedbytryingtoobeyPoirotsinstructions.Theyhad
endeavouredtoseethroughamazeofconflictingparticularstoaclearandoutstanding
solution.
M.Boucsthoughtshadrunsomethingasfollows:AssuredlyImustthink.Butasfaras
thatgoesIhavealreadythought....PoirotobviouslythinksthatthisEnglishgirlismixed
upinthematter.Icannothelpfeelingthatthatismostunlikely....TheEnglishare
extremelycold.Probablyitisbecausetheyhavenofigures....Butthatisnotthepoint.It
seemsthattheItaliancouldnothavedoneitapity.IsupposetheEnglishvaletisnot
lyingwhenhesaidtheotherneverleftthecompartment?Butwhyshouldhe!Itisnot
easytobribetheEnglish;theyaresounapproachable.Thewholethingismost
unfortunate.Iwonderwhenweshallgetoutofthis.Theremustbesomerescueworkin
progress.Theyaresoslowinthesecountries...itishoursbeforeanyonethinksofdoing
anything.Andthepoliceofthesecountries,theywillbemosttryingtodealwithpuffed
upwithimportance,touchy,ontheirdignity.Theywillmakeagrandaffairofallthis.Itis
notoftenthatsuchachancecomestheirway.Itwillbeinallthenewspapers....
Andfromthereon,M.Boucsthoughtswentalongawellworncoursewhichtheyhad
alreadytraversedsomehundredtimes.
Dr.Constantinesthoughtsranthus:Heisqueer,thislittleman.Agenius?Oracrank?
Willhesolvethismystery?ImpossibleIcanseenowayoutofit.Itisalltooconfusing....
Everyoneislying,perhaps....Buteventhen,thatdoesnothelpone.Iftheyarealllying,it
isjustasconfusingasiftheywerespeakingthetruth.Oddaboutthosewounds.Icannot
understandit....Itwouldbeeasiertounderstandifhehadbeenshotafterall,theterm
gunmanmustmeanthattheyshootwithagun.Acuriouscountry,America.Ishouldlike
togothere.Itissoprogressive.WhenIgethomeImustgetholdofDemetriusZagone
hehasbeentoAmerica,hehasallthemodernideas....IwonderwhatZiaisdoingatthis
moment.Ifmywifeeverfindsout
Histhoughtswentontoentirelyprivatematters....
HerculePoirotsatverystill.
Onemighthavethoughthewasasleep.
Andthen,suddenly,afteraquarterofanhourscompleteimmobilityhiseyebrowsbegan
tomoveslowlyuphisforehead.Alittlesighescapedhim.Hemurmuredbeneathhis
breath.
Butafterall,whynot?Andifsowhy,ifso,thatwouldexplaineverything.
173

Hiseyesopened.Theyweregreenlikeacats.Hesaidsoftly:Ehbien.Ihavethought.And
you?
Lostintheirreflections,bothmenstartedviolently.
Ihavethoughtalso,saidM.Bouc,justashadeguiltily.ButIhavearrivedatno
conclusion.Theelucidationofcrimeisyourmtier,notmine,myfriend.
I,too,havereflectedwithgreatearnestness,saidthedoctor,unblushinglyrecallinghis
thoughtsfromcertainpornographicdetails.Ihavethoughtofmanypossibletheories,but
notonethatreallysatisfiesme.
Poirotnoddedamiably.Hisnodseemedtosay:Quiteright.Thatistheproperthingto
say.YouhavegivenmethecueIexpected.
Hesatveryupright,threwouthischest,caressedhismoustacheandspokeinthemanner
ofapractisedspeakeraddressingapublicmeeting.
Myfriends,Ihavereviewedthefactsinmymind,andhavealsogoneovertomyselfthe
evidenceofthepassengerswiththisresult:Isee,nebulouslyasyet,acertain
explanationthatwouldcoverthefactsasweknowthem.Itisaverycuriousexplanation,
andIcannotbesureasyetthatitisthetrueone.TofindoutdefinitelyIshallhaveto
makecertainexperiments.
Iwouldlikefirsttomentioncertainpointswhichappeartomesuggestive.Letusstart
witharemarkmadetomebyM.Boucinthisveryplaceontheoccasionofourfirstlunch
togetheronthetrain.Hecommentedonthefactthatweweresurroundedbypeopleof
allclasses,ofallages,ofallnationalities.Thatisafactsomewhatrareatthistimeofyear.
TheAthensParisandtheBucharestPariscoaches,forinstance,arealmostempty.
Rememberalso,thepassengerwhofailedtoturnup.Heis,Ithink,significant.Thenthere
aresomeminorpointsthatstrikemeassuggestiveforinstance,thepositionofMrs.
Hubbardsspongebag,thenameofMrs.Armstrongsmother,thedetectivemethodsof
M.Hardman,thesuggestionofM.MacQueenthatRatchetthimselfdestroyedthecharred
notewefound,PrincessDragomiroffsChristianname,andagreasespotonaHungarian
passport.
Thetwomenstaredathim.
Dotheysuggestanythingtoyou,thosepoints?askedPoirot.
Notathing,saidM.Boucfrankly.
AndM.ledocteur?
Idonotunderstandintheleastwhatyouaretalkingof.

174

M.Bouc,meanwhile,seizingupontheonetangiblethinghisfriendhadmentioned,was
sortingthroughthepassports.WithagrunthepickedupthatofCountandCountess
Andrenyiandopenedit.
Isthiswhatyoumean?Thisdirtymark?
Yes.Itisafairlyfreshgreasespot.Younoticewhereitoccurs?
AtthebeginningofthedescriptionoftheCountswifeherChristianname,tobeexact.
ButIconfessthatIstilldonotseethepoint.
Iamgoingtoapproachitfromanotherangle.Letusgobacktothehandkerchieffoundat
thesceneofthecrime.Aswestatednotlongago,threepeopleareassociatedwiththe
letterH:Mrs.Hubbard,MissDebenhamandthemaid,HildegardeSchmidt.Nowletus
regardthathandkerchieffromanotherpointofview.Itis,myfriends,anextremely
expensivehandkerchiefanobjetdeluxe,handmade,embroideredinParis.Whichofthe
passengers,apartfromtheinitial,waslikelytoownsuchahandkerchief?NotMrs.
Hubbard,aworthywomanwithnopretensionstorecklessextravaganceindress.NotMiss
DebenhamthatclassofEnglishwomanhasadaintylinenhandkerchief,notanexpensive
wispofcambriccostingperhapstwohundredfrancs.Andcertainlynotthemaid.Butthere
aretwowomenonthetramwhowouldbelikelytoownsuchahandkerchief.Letusseeif
wecanconnecttheminanywaywiththeletterH.ThetwowomenIrefertoarePrincess
Dragomiroff
WhoseChristiannameisNatalia,putinM.Boucironically.
Exactly.AndherChristianname,asIsaidjustnow,isdecidedlysuggestive.Theother
womanisCountessAndrenyi.Andatoncesomethingstrikesus
You!
Me,then.HerChristiannameonherpassportisdisfiguredbyablobofgrease.justan
accident,anyonewouldsay.ButconsiderthatChristianname.Elena.Supposethat,
insteadofElena,itwereHelena.ThatcapitalHcouldbeturnedintoacapitalEandthen
runoverthesmallenexttoitquiteeasilyandthenaspotofgreasedroppedtocoverup
thealteration.
Helena!criedM.Bouc.Itisanidea,that.
Certainlyitisanidea!Ilookaboutforanyconfirmation,howeverslight,ofmyideaand
Ifindit.OneoftheluggagelabelsontheCountesssbaggageisslightlydamp.Itisonethat
happenstorunoverthefirstinitialontopofthecase.Thatlabelhasbeensoakedoffand
putonagaininadifferentplace.
Youbegintoconvinceme,saidM.Bouc.ButtheCountessAndrenyisurely
Ah,now,monvieux,youmustturnyourselfroundandapproachanentirelydifferent
angleofthecase.Howwasthismurderintendedtoappeartoeverybody?Donotforget
175

thatthesnowhasupsetallthemurderersoriginalplan.Letusimagine,foralittleminute,
thatthereisnosnow,thatthetrainproceededonitsnormalcourse.What,then,would
havehappened?
Themurder,letussay,wouldstillhavebeendiscoveredinallprobabilityattheItalian
frontierearlythismorning.Muchofthesameevidencewouldhavebeengiventothe
Italianpolice.ThethreateningletterswouldhavebeenproducedbyM.MacQueen;M.
Hardmanwouldhavetoldhisstory;Mrs.Hubbardwouldhavebeeneagertotellhowa
manpassedthroughhercompartment;thebuttonwouldhavebeenfound.Iimaginethat
twothingsonlywouldhavebeendifferent.ThemanwouldhavepassedthroughMrs.
HubbardscompartmentjustbeforeoneoclockandtheWagonLituniformwouldhave
beenfoundcastoffinoneofthetoilets.
Youmean?
Imeanthatthemurderwasplannedtolooklikeanoutsidejob.Itwouldhavebeen
presumedthattheassassinhadleftthetrainatBrodwhereitistimedtoarriveat0.58.
SomebodywouldprobablyhavepassedastrangeWagonLitconductorinthecorridor.The
uniformwouldbeleftinaconspicuousplacesoastoshowclearlyjusthowthetrickhad
beenplayed.Nosuspicionwouldhaveattachedtothepassengers.That,myfriends,was
howtheaffairwasintendedtoappeartotheoutsideworld.
Buttheaccidenttothetrainchangeseverything.Doubtlesswehaveherethereasonwhy
themanremainedinthecompartmentwithhisvictimsolong.Hewaswaitingforthetrain
togoon.Butatlastherealisedthatthetrainwasnotgoingon.Differentplanswouldhave
tobemade.Themurdererwouldnowbeknowntobestillonthetrain.
Yes,yes,saidM.Boucimpatiently.Iseeallthat.Butwheredoesthehandkerchiefcome
in?
Iamreturningtoitbyasomewhatcircuitousroute.Tobeginwith,youmustrealisethat
thethreateningletterswereinthenatureofablind.Theymighthavebeenliftedbodily
outofanindifferentlywrittenAmericancrimenovel.Theyarenotreal.Theyare,infact,
simplyintendedforthepolice.Whatwehavetoaskourselvesis:Didtheydeceive
Ratchett?Onthefaceofit,theanswerseemstobeNo.HisinstructionstoHardmanseem
topointtoadefiniteprivateenemy,ofwhoseidentityhewaswellaware.Thatis,ifwe
acceptHardmansstoryastrue.ButRatchettcertainlyreceivedoneletterofavery
differentcharactertheonecontainingareferencetotheArmstrongbaby,afragmentof
whichwefoundinhiscompartment.IncaseRatchetthadnotrealiseditsooner,thiswas
tomakesurethatheunderstoodthereasonofthethreatsagainsthislife.Thatletter,asI
havesaidallalong,wasnotintendedtobefound.Themurderersfirstcarewastodestroy
it.This,then,wasthesecondhitchinhisplans.Thefirstwasthesnow,thesecondwasour
reconstructionofthatfragment.
Thatthenotewasdestroyedsocarefullycanmeanonlyonething.Theremustbeonthe
trainsomeonesointimatelyconnectedwiththeArmstrongfamilythatthefindingofthat
notewouldimmediatelydirectsuspicionuponthatperson.

176

Nowwecometotheothertwocluesthatwefound.Ipassoverthepipecleaner.We
havealreadysaidagooddealaboutthat.Letuspassontothehandkerchief.Takenatits
simplestitisacluewhichdirectlyincriminatessomeonewhoseinitialisH,anditwas
droppedthereunwittinglybythatperson.
Exactly,saidDr.Constantine.Shefindsoutthatshehasdroppedthehandkerchiefand
immediatelytakesstepstoconcealherChristianname.
Howfastyougo!YouarriveataconclusionmuchsoonerthanIwouldpermitmyselfto
do.
Isthereanyotheralternative?
Certainlythereis.Suppose,forinstance,thatyouhavecommittedacrimeandwishto
casttheblameforitonsomeoneelse.Well,thereisonthetrainacertainperson
connectedintimatelywiththeArmstrongfamilyawoman.Suppose,then,thatyouleave
thereahandkerchiefbelongingtothatwoman.Shewillbequestioned,herconnection
withtheArmstrongfamilywillbebroughtoutetvoil:motiveandanincriminating
articleofevidence.
Butinsuchacase,objectedthedoctor,thepersonindicated,beinginnocent,would
nottakestepstoconcealheridentity.
Ah,really?Thatiswhatyouthink?Thatis,truly,theopinionofthepolicecourt.ButI
knowhumannature,myfriend,andItellyouthat,suddenlyconfrontedwiththe
possibilityofbeingtriedformurder,themostinnocentpersonwilllosehisheadanddo
themostabsurdthings.No,no,thegreasespotandthechangedlabeldonotproveguilt
theyonlyprovethattheCountessAndrenyiisanxiousforsomereasontoconcealher
identity.
WhatdoyouthinkherconnectionwiththeArmstrongfamilycanbe?Shehasneverbeen
inAmerica,shesays.
Exactly,andshespeaksEnglishwithaforeignaccent,andshehasaveryforeign
appearancewhichsheexaggerates.Butitshouldnotbedifficulttoguesswhosheis.I
mentionedjustnowthenameofMrs.Armstrongsmother.ItwasLindaArden,andshe
wasaverycelebratedactressamongotherthingsaShakespeareanactress.ThinkofAs
YouLikeIt,withtheForestofArdenandRosalind.Itwasthereshegottheinspirationfor
heractingname.LindaArden,thenamebywhichshewasknownallovertheworld,was
notherrealname.ItmayhavebeenGoldenberg;itisquitelikelythatshehadCentral
EuropeanbloodinherveinsastrainofJewish,perhaps.Manynationalitiesdriftto
America.Isuggesttoyou,gentlemen,thatthatyoungsisterofMrs.Armstrongs,little
morethanachildatthetimeofthetragedy,wasHelenaGoldenberg,theyounger
daughterofLindaArden,andthatshemarriedCountAndrenyiwhenhewasanattachin
Washington.
ButPrincessDragomiroffsaysthatthegirlmarriedanEnglishman.
177

Whosenameshecannotremember!Iaskyou,myfriends,isthatreallylikely?Princess
DragomirofflovedLindaArdenasgreatladiesdolovegreatartists.Shewasgodmotherto
oneoftheactresssdaughters.Wouldsheforgetsoquicklythemarriednameoftheother
daughter?Itisnotlikely.No,IthinkwecansafelysaythatPrincessDragomiroffwaslying.
SheknewHelenawasonthetrain,shehadseenher.Sherealisedatonce,assoonasshe
heardwhoRatchettreallywas,thatHelenawouldbesuspected.Andso,whenwe
questionherastothesister,shepromptlyliesisvague,cannotremember,butthinks
HelenamarriedanEnglishmanasuggestionasfarawayfromthetruthaspossible.
Oneoftherestaurantattendantscamethroughthedoorattheendandapproached
them.HeaddressedM.Bouc.
Thedinner,Monsieur,shallIserveit?Itisreadysomelittletime.
M.BouclookedatPoirot.Thelatternodded.Byallmeans,letdinnerbeserved.
Theattendantvanishedthroughthedoorsattheotherend.Hisbellcouldbeheardringing
andhisvoiceupraised:Premierservice.Lednerestservi.PremierdnerFirstservice.

178

4
TheGreaseSpotOnAHungarianPassport
PoirotsharedatablewithM.Boucandthedoctor.
Thecompanyassembledintherestaurantcarwasaverysubduedone.Theyspokelittle.
EventheloquaciousMrs.Hubbardwasunnaturallyquiet.Shemurmuredasshesat:I
dontfeelasthoughIhadthehearttoeatanything,andthenpartookofeverything
offeredher,encouragedbytheSwedishladywhoseemedtoregardherasaspecial
charge.
Beforethemealwasserved,Poirothadcaughtthechiefattendantbythesleeveand
murmuredsomethingtohim.Constantinemadeaprettygoodguessastowhatthe
instructionshadbeenwhenhenoticedthattheCountandCountessAndrenyiwerealways
servedlastandthatattheendofthemeattherewasadelayinmakingouttheirbill.It
thereforecameaboutthattheCountandCountesswerethelastleftintherestaurantcar.
Whentheyroseatlengthandmovedinthedirectionofthedoor,Poirotsprangupand
followedthem.
Pardon,Madame,youhavedroppedyourhandkerchief.
Hewasholdingouttoherthetinymonogrammedsquare.
Shetookit,glancedatit,thenhandeditbacktohim.Youaremistaken,Monsieur,thatis
notmyhandkerchief.
Notyourhandkerchief?Areyousure?
Perfectlysure,Monsieur.
Andyet,Madame,ithasyourinitialtheinitialH.
TheCountmadeasuddenmovement.Poirotignoredhim.Hiseyeswerefixedonthe
Countesssface.
Lookingsteadilyathimshereplied:Idonotunderstand,Monsieur.MyinitialsareE.A.
Ithinknot.YournameisHelenanotElena.HelenaGoldenberg,theyoungerdaughterof
LindaArdenHelenaGoldenberg,thesisterofMrs.Armstrong.
Therewasadeadsilenceforaminuteortwo.BoththeCountandtheCountesshadgone
deadlywhite.
Poirotsaidinagentlertone:Itisofnousedenying.Thatisthetruth,isitnot?
TheCountburstoutfuriously,Idemand,Monsieur,bywhatrightyou
179

Sheinterruptedhim,puttingupasmallhandtowardshismouth.
No,Rudolph.Letmespeak.Itisuselesstodenywhatthisgentlemansays.Wehadbetter
sitdownandtalkthematterout.
Hervoicehadchanged.Itstillhadthesouthernrichnessoftone,butithadbecome
suddenlymoreclearcutandincisive.Itwas,forthefirsttime,adefinitelyAmericanvoice.
TheCountwassilenced.Heobeyedthegestureofherhandandtheybothsatdown
oppositePoirot.
Yourstatement,Monsieur,isquitetrue,saidtheCountess.IamHelenaGoldenberg,
theyoungersisterofMrs.Armstrong.
Youdidnotacquaintmewiththatfactthismorning,MadamelaComtesse.
No.
Infact,allthatyourhusbandandyoutoldmewasatissueoflies.
Monsieur!criedtheCountangrily.
Donotbeangry,Rudolph.M.Poirotputsthefactratherbrutally,butwhathesaysis
undeniable.
Iamgladyouadmitthefactsofreely,Madame.Willyounowtellmeyourreasonsfor
that,andalsoforalteringyourChristiannameonyourpassport?
Thatwasmydoingentirely,putintheCount.
Helenasaidquietly:Surely,M.Poirot,youcanguessmyreasonourreason.Thisman
whowaskilledisthemanwhomurderedmybabyniece,whokilledmysister,whobroke
mybrotherinlawsheart.ThreeofthepeopleIlovedbestandwhomadeupmyhome
myworld!
Hervoicerangoutpassionately.Shewasatruedaughterofthatmothertheemotional
forceofwhoseactinghadmovedhugeaudiencestotears.
Shewentonmorequietly.
OfallthepeopleonthetrainIalonehadprobablythebestmotiveforkillinghim.
Andyoudidnotkillhim,Madame?
Isweartoyou,M.PoirotandmyhusbandknowsandwillswearalsothatmuchasI
mayhavebeentemptedtodoso,Ineverliftedahandagainstthatman.

180

I,too,gentlemen.saidtheCount.IgiveyoumywordofhonourthatlastnightHelena
neverlefthercompartment.ShetookasleepingdraughtexactlyasIsaid.Sheisutterly
andentirelyinnocent.
Poirotlookedfromonetotheotherofthem.
Onmywordofhonour,repeatedtheCount.
Poirotshookhisheadslightly.
Andyetyoutookituponyourselftoalterthenameinthepassport?
MonsieurPoirot,theCountsaidearnestlyandpassionately,considermyposition.Do
youthinkIcouldstandthethoughtofmywifedraggedthroughasordidpolicecase?She
wasinnocent,Iknewit,butwhatshesaidwastruebecauseofherconnectionwiththe
Armstrongfamilyshewouldhavebeenimmediatelysuspected.Shewouldhavebeen
questionedattested,perhaps.Sincesomeevilchancehadtakenusonthesametrainas
thismanRatchett,therewas,Ifeltsure,butonethingforit.Iadmit,Monsieur,thatIlied
toyouall,thatis,saveinonething.Mywifeneverlefthercompartmentlastnight.
Hespokewithanearnestnessthatitwashardtogainsay.
IdonotsaythatIdisbelieveyou,Monsieur,saidPoirotslowly.Yourfamilyis,Iknow,a
proudandancientone.Itwouldbebitterindeedforyoutohaveyourwifedraggedinto
anunpleasantpolicecase.WiththatIcansympathise.Buthowthendoyouexplainthe
presenceofyourwifeshandkerchiefactuallyinthedeadmanscompartment?
Thathandkerchiefisnotmine,Monsieur,saidtheCountess.
InspiteoftheinitialH?
Inspiteoftheinitial.Ihavehandkerchiefsnotunlikethat,butnotonethatisexactlyof
thatpattern.Iknow,ofcourse,thatIcannothopetomakeyoubelieveme,butIassure
youthatitisso.Thathandkerchiefisnotmine.
Itmayhavebeenplacedtherebysomeoneinordertoincriminateyou?
Shesmiledalittle.Youareenticingmetoadmitthat,afterall,itismine?Butindeed,M.
Poirot,itisnt.Shespokewithgreatearnestness.
Thenwhy,ifthehandkerchiefwasnotyours,didyoualterthenameinthepassport?
TheCountansweredthis.
BecauseweheardthatahandkerchiefhadbeenfoundwiththeinitialHonit.Wetalked
thematterovertogetherbeforewecametobeinterviewed.IpointedouttoHelenathat
ifitwereseenthatherChristiannamebeganwithanHshewouldimmediatelybe
181

subjectedtomuchmorerigorousquestioning.Andthethingwassosimpletoalter
HelenatoElena,waseasilydone.
Youhave,M.leComte,themakingsofaveryfinecriminal,remarkedPoirotdryly.A
greatnaturalingenuity,andanapparentlyremorselessdeterminationtomisleadjustice.
Oh,no,no.Thegirlleanedforward.M.Poirot,hesexplainedtoyouhowitwas.She
brokefromFrenchintoEnglish.Iwasscaredabsolutelydeadscared,youunderstand.It
hadbeensoawfulthattimeandtohaveitallrakedupagain.Andtobesuspectedand
perhapsthrownintoprison.Iwasjustscaredstiff,M.Poirot.Cantyouunderstandatall?
Hervoicewaslovelydeeprichpleading,thevoiceofthedaughterofLindaArdenthe
actress.
Poirotlookedgravelyather.
IfIamtobelieveyou,MadameandIdonotsaythatIwillnotbelieveyouthenyou
musthelpme.
Helpyou?
Yes.Thereasonforthemurderliesinthepastinthattragedywhichbrokeupyour
homeandsaddenedyouryounglife.Takemebackintothepast,Mademoiselle,thatImay
findtherethelinkthatexplainsthewholething.
Whatcantherebetotellyou?Theyarealldead.Sherepeatedmournfully:Alldead
alldeadRobert,Soniadarling,darlingDaisy.Shewassosweetsohappyshehad
suchlovelycurls.Wewerealljustcrazyabouther.
Therewasanothervictim,Madame.Anindirectvictim,youmightsay.
PoorSusanne?Yes,Ihadforgottenabouther.Thepolicequestionedher.Theywere
convincedthatshehadsomethingtodowithit.Perhapsshehadbutifsoonly
innocently.Shehad,Ibelieve,chattedidlywithsomeone,givinginformationastothe
timeofDaisysoutings.Thepoorthinggotterriblywroughtupshethoughtshewas
beingheldresponsible.Sheshuddered.Shethrewherselfoutofthewindow.Oh!itwas
horrible.
Sheburiedherfaceinherhands.
Whatnationalitywasshe,Madame?
ShewasFrench.
Whatwasherlastname?
Itsabsurd,butIcantrememberweallcalledherSusanne.Apretty,laughinggirl.She
wasdevotedtoDaisy.
182

Shewasthenurserymaid,wasshenot?
Yes.
Whowasthenurse?
Shewasatrainedhospitalnurse.Stengelberghernamewas.Shetoowasdevotedto
Daisyandtomysister.
Now,Madame,Iwantyoutothinkcarefullybeforeyouanswerthisquestion.Haveyou,
sinceyouwereonthistrain,seenanyonethatyourecognised?
Shestaredathim.I?No,nooneatall.
WhataboutPrincessDragomiroff?
Oh!her.Iknowher,ofcourse.Ithoughtyoumeantanyoneanyonefromfromthat
time.
SoIdid,Madame.Nowthinkcarefully.Someyearshavepassed,remember.Theperson
mighthavealteredhisorherappearance.
Helenapondereddeeply.Thenshesaid:NoIamsurethereisnoone.
Youyourselfyouwereayounggirlatthetimedidyouhavenoonetosuperintend
yourstudiesortolookafteryou?
Oh!yes,IhadadragonasortofgovernesstomeandsecretarytoSoniacombined.She
wasEnglishorratherScotch;abigredhairedwoman.
Whatwashername?
MissFreebody.
Youngorold?
Sheseemedfrightfullyoldtome.Isupposeshecouldnthavebeenmorethanforty.
Susanne,ofcourse,usedtolookaftermyclothesandmaidme.
Andtherewerenootherinmatesofthehouse?
Onlyservants.
Andyouarecertain,quitecertain,Madame,thatyouhaverecognisednooneonthe
train?
Sherepliedearnestly:Noone,Monsieur.Nooneatall.
183

184

5
TheChristianNameOfPrincessDragomiroff
WhentheCountandCountesshaddeparted,Poirotlookedacrossattheothertwo.
Yousee,hesaidwemakeprogress.
Excellentwork,saidM.Bouccordially.Onmypart,Ishouldneverhavedreamedof
suspectingCountandCountessAndrenyi.IwilladmitIthoughtthemquitehorsde
combat.Isupposethereisnodoubtthatshecommittedthecrime?Itisrathersad.Still,
theywillnotguillotineher.Thereareextenuatingcircumstances.Afewyears
imprisonmentthatwillbeall.
Infactyouarequitecertainofherguilt.
Mydearfriendsurelythereisnodoubtofit?Ithoughtyourreassuringmannerwas
onlytosmooththingsovertillwearedugoutofthesnowandthepolicetakecharge.
YoudonotbelievetheCountspositiveassertiononhiswordofhonorthathiswifeis
innocent?
Monchernaturallywhatelsecouldhesay?Headoreshiswife.Hewantstosaveher!
Hetellshislieverywellquiteinthegrandseigneurmanner.Butwhatelsethanalie
coulditbe?
Well,youknow,Ihadthepreposterousideathatitmightbethetruth.
No,no.Thehandkerchief,remember.Thehandkerchiefclinchesthematter.
Oh,Iamnotsosureaboutthehandkerchief.Youremember,Ialwaystoldyouthatthere
weretwopossibilitiesastotheownershipofthehandkerchief.
Allthesame
M.Boucbrokeoff.Thedoorattheendhadopened,andPrincessDragomiroffenteredthe
diningcar.Shecamestraighttothemandallthreemenrosetotheirfeet.
ShespoketoPoirot,ignoringtheothers.
Ibelieve,Monsieur,shesaid,thatyouhaveahandkerchiefofmine.
Poirotshotaglanceoftriumphattheothertwo.
Isthisit,Madame?
Heproducedthelittlesquareoffinecambric.
185

Thatisit.Ithasmyinitialinthecorner.
But,MadamelaPrincesse,thatistheletterH,saidM.Bouc.YourChristianname
pardonmeisNatalia.
Shegavehimacoldstare.
Thatiscorrect,Monsieur.MyhandkerchiefsarealwaysinitialledintheRussian
characters.HisNinRussian.
M.Boucwassomewhattakenaback.Therewassomethingaboutthisindomitableoldlady
whichmadehimfeelflusteredanduncomfortable.
Youdidnottellusthatthishandkerchiefwasyoursattheinquirythismorning.
Youdidnotaskme,saidthePrincessdrily.
Praybeseated,Madame,saidPoirot.
Shesighed.Imayaswell,Isuppose.Shesatdown.
Youneednotmakealongbusinessofthis,Messieurs.
YournextquestionwillbeHowdidmyhandkerchiefcometobelyingbyamurdered
mansbody!MyreplytothatisthatIhavenoidea.
Youhavereallynoidea?
Nonewhatever.
Youwillexcuseme,Madame,buthowmuchcanwerelyuponthetruthfulnessofyour
replies?
Poirotsaidthewordsverysoftly.
PrincessDragomiroffansweredcontemptuously.IsupposeyoumeanbecauseIdidnot
tellyouthatHelenaAndrenyiwasMrs.Armstrongssister?
Infactyoudeliberatelyliedtousinthematter.
Certainly.Iwoulddothesameagain.Hermotherwasmyfriend.Ibelieve,Messieurs,in
loyaltytoonesfriendsandonesfamilyandonescaste.
Youdonotbelieveindoingyourutmosttofurthertheendsofjustice?
InthiscaseIconsiderthatjusticestrictjusticehasbeendone.
Poirotleanedforward.
186

Youseemydifficulty,Madame.Inthismatterofthehandkerchief,even,amItobelieve
you?Orareyoushieldingyourfriendsdaughter?
Oh!Iseewhatyoumean.Herfacebrokeintoagrimsmile.Well,Messieurs,this
statementofminecanbeeasilyproved.IwillgiveyoutheaddressofthepeopleinParis
whomakemyhandkerchiefs.Youhaveonlytoshowthemtheoneinquestionandthey
willinformyouthatitwasmadetomyorderoverayearago.Thehandkerchiefismine,
Messieurs.
Sherose.
Haveyouanythingfurtheryouwishtoaskme?
Yourmaid,Madame,didsherecognisethishandkerchiefwhenweshowedittoherthis
morning?
Shemusthavedoneso.Shesawitandsaidnothing?Ah,well,thatshowsthatshetoo
canbeloyal.
Withaslightinclinationofherheadshepassedoutofthediningcar.
Sothatwasit,murmuredPoirotsoftly.InoticedjustatriflinghesitationwhenIasked
themaidifsheknewtowhomthehandkerchiefbelonged.Shewasuncertainwhetheror
nottoadmitthatitwashermistresss.Buthowdoesthatfitinwiththatstrangecentral
ideaofmine?Yes,itmightwellbe.
Ah!saidM.Boucwithacharacteristicgesture.Sheisaterribleoldlady,that!
CouldshehavemurderedRatchett?askedPoirotofthedoctor.
Heshookhishead.
Thoseblowstheonesdeliveredwithgreatforcepenetratingthemusclenever,never
couldanyonewithsofrailaphysiqueinflictthem.
Butthefeeblerones?
Thefeeblerones,yes.
Iamthinking,saidPoirot,oftheincidentthismorningwhenIsaidtoherthatthe
strengthwasinherwillratherthaninherarm.Itwasinthenatureofatrap,thatremark.I
wantedtoseeifshewouldlookdownatherrightorherleftarm.Shedidneither.She
lookedatthemboth.Butshemadeastrangereply.Shesaid,No,Ihavenostrengthin
these.Idonotknowwhethertobesorryorglad.Acuriousremarkthat.Itconfirmsmein
mybeliefaboutthecrime.
Itdidnotsettlethepointaboutthelefthandedness.
187

No.Bytheway,didyounoticethatCountAndrenyikeepshishandkerchiefinhisright
handbreastpocket?
M.Boucshookhishead.Hismindrevertedtotheastonishingrevelationsofthelasthalf
hour.Hemurmured:Liesandagainlies.Itamazesme,thenumberoflieswehadtold
tousthismorning.
Therearemorestilltodiscover,saidPoirotcheerfully.
Youthinkso?
Ishallbeverymuchdisappointedifitisnotso.
Suchduplicityisterrible,saidM.Bouc.Butitseemstopleaseyou,headded
reproachfully.
Ithasthisadvantage,saidPoirot.Ifyouconfrontanyonewhohasliedwiththetruth,
hewillusuallyadmititoftenoutofsheersurprise.Itisonlynecessarytoguessrightto
produceyoureffect.
Thatistheonlywaytoconductthiscase.Iselecteachpassengerinturn,considerhisor
herevidence,andsaytomyself,Ifsoandsoislying,onwhatpointishelying,andwhatis
thereasonforthelie?AndIanswer,Ifheislyingif,youmarkitcouldonlybeforsuch
areasonandonsuchapoint.WehavedonethatonceverysuccessfullywithCountess
Andrenyi.Weshallnowproceedtotrythesamemethodonseveralotherpersons.
Andsupposing,myfriend,thatyourguesshappenstobewrong?
Thenoneperson,atanyrate,willbecompletelyfreedfromsuspicion.
Ah!aprocessofelimination.
Exactly.
Andwhomdowetacklenext?
Wearegoingtotacklethatpukkasahib,ColonelArbuthnot.

188

6
ASecondInterviewWithColonelArbuthnot
ColonelArbuthnotwasclearlyannoyedatbeingsummonedtothediningcarforasecond
interview.Hisfaceworeamostforbiddingexpressionashesatdownandsaid:Well?
Allmyapologiesfortroublingyouasecondtime,saidPoirot.Butthereisstillsome
informationthatIthinkyoumightbeabletogiveus.
Indeed?Ihardlythinkso.
Tobeginwith,youseethispipecleaner?
Yes.
Isitoneofyours?
Dontknow.Idontputaprivatemarkonthem,youknow.
Areyouaware,ColonelArbuthnot,thatyouaretheonlymanamongstthepassengersin
theStamboulCalaiscarriagewhosmokesapipe?
Inthatcaseitprobablyisoneofmine.
Doyouknowwhereitwasfound?
Nottheleastidea.
Itwasfoundbythebodyofthemurderedman.
ColonelArbuthnotraisedhiseyebrows.
Canyoutellus,ColonelArbuthnot,howitislikelytohavegotthere?
Ifyoumean,didIdropittheremyself,no,Ididnt.
DidyougointoMr.Ratchettscompartmentatanytime?
Ineverevenspoketotheman.
Youneverspoketohimandyoudidnotmurderhim?
TheColonelseyebrowswentupagainsardonically.
IfIhad,Ishouldhardlybelikelytoacquaintyouwiththefact.AsamatteroffactIdidnt
murderthefellow.
189

Ah,well,murmuredPoirot.Itisofnoconsequence.
Ibegyourpardon?
Isaidthatitwasofnoconsequence.
Oh!Arbuthnotlookedtakenaback.HeeyedPoirotuneasily.
Because,yousee,continuedthelittleman,thepipecleaner,itisofnoimportance.I
canmyselfthinkofelevenotherexcellentexplanationsofitspresence.
Arbuthnotstaredathim.
WhatIreallywishedtoseeyouaboutwasquiteanothermatter,wentonPoirot.Miss
Debenhammayhavetoldyou,perhaps,thatIoverheardsomewordsspokentoyouatthe
stationofKonya?
Arbuthnotdidnotreply.
Shesaid,Notnow.Whenitsallover.Whenitsbehindus!Doyouknowtowhatthose
wordsreferred?
Iamsorry,M.Poirot,butImustrefusetoanswerthatquestion.
Pourquoi?
TheColonelsaidstiffly,IsuggestthatyouaskMissDebenhamherselfforthemeaningof
thosewords.
Ihavedoneso.
Andsherefusedtotellyou?
Yes.
ThenIshouldthinkitwouldhavebeenperfectlyplaineventoyouthatmylipsare
sealed.
Youwillnotgiveawayaladyssecret?
Youcanputitthatway,ifyoulike.
MissDebenhamtoldmethattheyreferredtoaprivatematterofherown.
Thenwhynotacceptherwordforit?
Because,ColonelArbuthnot,MissDebenhamiswhatonemightcallahighlysuspicious
character.
190

Nonsense,saidtheColonelwithwarmth.
Itisnotnonsense.
Youhavenothingwhateveragainsther.
NotthefactthatMissDebenhamwascompaniongoverness;intheArmstronghousehold
atthetimeofthekidnappingoflittleDaisyArmstrong?
Therewasaminutesdeadsilence.
Poirotnoddedhisheadgently.
Yousee,hesaid.Weknowmorethanyouthink.IfMissDebenhamisinnocent,whydid
sheconcealthatfact?WhydidshetellmethatshehadneverbeeninAmerica?
TheColonelclearedhisthroat.Arentyoupossiblymakingamistake?
Iammakingnomistake.WhydidMissDebenhamlietome?
ColonelArbuthnotshruggedhisshoulders.Youhadbetteraskher.Istillthinkthatyou
arewrong.
Poirotraisedhisvoiceandcalled.Oneoftherestaurantattendantscamefromthefarend
ofthecar.
GoandasktheEnglishladyinNo.11ifshewillbegoodenoughtocomehere.
Bien,Monsieur.
Themandeparted.Thefourmensatinsilence.ColonelArbuthnotsfacelookedasthough
itwerecarvedoutofwood,rigidandimpassive.
Themanreturned.
Theladyisjustcoming,Monsieur.
Thankyou.
AminuteortwolaterMaryDebenhamenteredthediningcar.

191

192

7
TheIdentityOfMaryDebenham
Sheworenohat.Herheadwasthrownbackasthoughindefiance.Thesweepofherhair
backfromherface,thecurveofhernostrilsuggestedthefigureheadofashipplunging
gallantlyintoaroughsea.Inthatmomentshewasbeautiful.
HereyeswenttoArbuthnotforaminutejustaminute.ShesaidtoPoirot,Youwished
toseeme?
Iwishedtoaskyou,Mademoiselle,whyyouliedtousthismorning?
Liedtoyou?Idontknowwhatyoumean.
YouconcealedthefactthatatthetimeoftheArmstrongtragedyyouwereactuallyliving
inthehouse.YoutoldmethatyouhadneverbeeninAmerica.
Hesawherflinchforamomentandthenrecoverherself.
Yes,shesaid.Thatistrue.
No,Mademoiselle,itwasfalse.
Youmisunderstoodme.ImeanthatitistruethatIliedtoyou.
Ah,youadmitit?
Herlipscurvedintoasmile.Certainly,sinceyouhavefoundmeout.
Youareatleastfrank,Mademoiselle.
Theredoesnotseemanythingelseformetobe.
Well,ofcourse,thatistrue.Andnow,Mademoiselle,mayIaskyouthereasonforthese
evasions?
Ishouldhavethoughtthereasonleapttotheeye,M.Poirot.
Itdoesnotleaptomine,Mademoiselle.
Shesaidinaquietevenvoicewithatraceofhardnessinit,Ihavemylivingtoget.
Youmean?
Sheraisedhereyesandlookedhimfullintheface.Howmuchdoyouknow,M.Poirot,of
thefighttogetandkeepdecentemployment?Doyouthinkthatagirlwhohadbeen
detainedinconnectionwithamurdercase,whosenameandperhapsphotographwere
193

reproducedintheEnglishpapersdoyouthinkthatanyniceordinarymiddleclass
womanwouldwanttoengagethatgirlasgovernesstoherdaughters?
Idonotseewhynotifnoblameattachedtoyou.
Oh,blameitisnotblameitisthepublicity!Sofar,M.Poirot,Ihavesucceededinlife.I
havehadwellpaid,pleasantposts.IwasnotgoingtoriskthepositionIhadattainedwhen
nogoodendcouldhavebeenserved.
Iwillventuretosuggest,Mademoiselle,thatIwouldhavebeenthebestjudgeofthat,
notyou.
Sheshruggedhershoulders.
Forinstance,youcouldhavehelpedmeinthematterofidentification.
Whatdoyoumean?
Isitpossible,Mademoiselle,thatyoudidnotrecogniseintheCountessAndrenyi,Mrs.
ArmstrongsyoungsisterwhomyoutaughtinNewYork?
CountessAndrenyi?No.Sheshookherhead.ItmayseemextraordinarytoyoubutI
didnotrecogniseher.Shewasnotgrownup,yousee,whenIknewher.Thatwasover
threeyearsago.ItistruethattheCountessremindedmeofsomeone;itpuzzledme.But
shelookssoforeignIneverconnectedherwiththelittleAmericanschoolgirl.Ionly
glancedathercasuallywhencomingintotherestaurantcar,andInoticedherclothes
morethanherface.Shesmiledfaintly.Womendo!AndthenwellIhadmyown
preoccupations.
Youwillnottellmeyoursecret,Mademoiselle?
Poirotsvoicewasverygentleandpersuasive.
Shesaidinalowvoice,IcantIcant.
Andsuddenly,withoutwarning,shebrokedown,droppingherfacedownuponher
outstretchedarmsandcryingasthoughherheartwouldbreak.
TheColonelsprangupandstoodawkwardlybesideher.
Ilookhere
HestoppedandturningroundscowledfiercelyatPoirot.
Illbreakeveryboneinyourdamnedbody,youdirtylittlewhippersnapper,hesaid.
Monsieur,protestedM.Bouc.
194

Arbuthnothadturnedbacktothegirl.MaryforGodssake
Shesprangup.Itsnothing.Imallright.Youdontneedmeanymore,doyou,M.Poirot?
Ifyoudo,youmustcomeandfindme.Oh,whatanidiotwhatanidiotImmakingof
myself!Shehurriedoutofthecar.
Arbuthnot,beforefollowingher,turnedoncemoreonPoirot.
MissDebenhamsgotnothingtodowiththisbusinessnothing,doyouhear?Andif
shesworriedandinterferedwith,youllhavemetodealwith.Hestrodeout.
IliketoseeanangryEnglishman,saidPoirot.Theyareveryamusing.Themore
emotionaltheyfeel,thelesscommandtheyhaveoflanguage.
ButM.BoucwasnotinterestedintheemotionalreactionsofEnglishmen.Hewas
overcomebyadmirationofhisfriend.
Moncher,voustespatant!hecried.Anothermiraculousguess.
Itisincrediblehowyouthinkofthesethings,saidDr.Constantineadmiringly.
Oh,Iclaimnocreditthistime.Itwasnotaguess.CountessAndrenyipracticallytoldme.
Comment?Surelynot?
Youremember,Iaskedherabouthergovernessorcompanion?Ihadalreadydecidedin
mymindthatifMaryDebenhamweremixedupinthematter,shemusthavefiguredin
thehouseholdinsomesuchcapacity.
Yes,buttheCountessAndrenyidescribedatotallydifferentperson.
Exactly.Atallmiddleagedwomanwithredhairinfact,theexactoppositeinevery
respectofMissDebenham,somuchsoastobequiteremarkable.Butthenshehadto
inventanamequickly,andthereitwasthattheunconsciousassociationofideasgaveher
away.Shesaid,MissFreebody,youremember.
Yes?
Ehbien,youmaynotknowit,butthereisashopinLondonthatwascalleduntilrecently
Debenham&Freebody.WiththenameDebenhamrunninginherhead,theCountess
clutchesatanothernamequickly,andthefirstthatcomesisFreebody.NaturallyI
understoodimmediately.
Thatisyetanotherlie.Whydidshedoit?
Possiblymoreloyalty.Itmakesthingsalittledifficult.
Mafoi!saidM.Boucwithviolence.Butdoeseverybodyonthistraintelllies?
195

That,saidPoirot,iswhatweareabouttofindout.

196

8
FurtherSurprisingRevelations
Nothingwouldsurprisemenow,saidM.Bouc.
Nothing!EvenifeverybodyinthetrainprovedtohavebeenintheArmstronghousehold,
Ishouldnotexpresssurprise.
Thatisaveryprofoundremark,saidPoirot.Wouldyouliketoseewhatyourfavorite
suspect,theItalian,hastosayforhimself?
Youaregoingtomakeanotherofthesefamousguessesofyours?
Precisely.
Itisreallyamostextraordinarycase,saidConstantine.
No,itismostnatural.
M.Boucflunguphisarmsincomicdespair.Ifthisiswhatyoucallnatural,monami
Wordsfailedhim.
PoirothadbythistimerequestedthediningcarattendanttofetchAntonioFoscarelli.
ThebigItalianhadawarylookinhiseyeashecamein.Heshotnervousglancesfromside
tosidelikeatrappedanimal.
Whatdoyouwant!hesaid.Ihavenothingmoretotellyounothing,doyouhear?Per
DioHestruckhishandonthetable.
Yes,youhavesomethingmoretotellus,saidPoirotfirmly.Thetruth!
Thetruth?HeshotanuneasyglanceatPoirot.Alltheassuranceandgenialityhadgone
outofhismanner.
Maisoui.ItmaybethatIknowitalready.Butitwillbeapointinyourfavourifitcomes
fromyouspontaneously.
YoutalkliketheAmericanpolice.Comecleanthatiswhattheysaycomeclean.
Ah!soyouhavehadexperienceoftheNewYorkpolice?
No,no,never.Theycouldnotproveathingagainstmebutitwasnotforwantof
trying.
Poirotsaidquietly:ThatwasintheArmstrongcase,wasitnot?Youwerethechauffeur?
197

HiseyesmetthoseoftheItalian.Theblusterwentoutofthebigman.Hewaslikea
prickedballoon.
Sinceyouknowwhyaskme?
Whydidyouliethismorning?
Businessreasons.Besides,IdonottrusttheJugoSlavpolice.TheyhatetheItalians.They
wouldnothavegivenmejustice.
Perhapsitisexactlyjusticethattheywouldhavegivenyou!
No,no,Ihadnothingtodowiththisbusinesslastnight.Ineverleftmycarriage.Thelong
facedEnglishman,hecantellyouso.ItwasnotIwhokilledthispigthisRatchett.You
cannotproveanythingagainstme.
Poirotwaswritingsomethingonasheetofpaper.Helookedupandsaidquietly:Very
good.Youcango.
Foscarellilingereduneasily.YourealisethatitwasnotI?ThatIcouldhavehadnothingto
dowithit!
Isaidthatyoucouldgo.
Itisaconspiracy.Youaregoingtoframeme?Allforapigofamanwhoshouldhavegone
tothechair!Itwasaninfamythathedidnot.IfithadbeenmeifIhadbeenarrested
Butitwasnotyou.Youhadnothingtodowiththekidnappingofthechild.
Whatisthatyouaresaying?Why,thatlittleoneshewasthedelightofthehouse.
Tonio,shecalledme.Andshewouldsitinthecarandpretendtoholdthewheel.Allthe
householdworshippedher!Eventhepolicecametounderstandthat.Ah,thebeautiful
littleone!
Hisvoicehadsoftened.Thetearscameintohiseyes.Thenhewheeledroundabruptlyon
hisheelandstrodeoutofthediningcar.
Pietro,calledPoirot.
Thediningcarattendantcameatarun.
TheNo.10theSwedishlady.
Bien,Monsieur.
Another?criedM.Bouc.Ah,noitisnotpossible.Itellyouitisnotpossible.

198

Moncherwehavetoknow.Evenifintheendeverybodyonthetrainprovestohave
hadamotiveforkillingRatchett,wehavetoknow.Onceweknow,wecansettleoncefor
allwheretheguiltlies.
Myheadisspinning,groanedM.Bouc.
GretaOhlssonwasusheredinsympatheticallybytheattendant.Shewasweepingbitterly.
ShecollapsedontheseatfacingPoirotandweptsteadilyintoalargehandkerchief.
Nowdonotdistressyourself,Mademoiselle.Donotdistressyourself,Poirotpattedher
ontheshoulder.Justafewlittlewordsoftruth,thatisall.Youwerethenursewhowasin
chargeoflittleDaisyArmstrong?
Itistrueitistrue,weptthewretchedwoman.Ah,shewasanangelalittlesweet
trustfulangel.Sheknewnothingbutkindnessandloveandshewastakenawaybythat
wickedmancruellytreatedandherpoormotherandtheotherlittleonewhonever
livedatall.YoucannotunderstandyoucannotknowifyouhadbeenthereasIwasif
youhadseenthewholeterribletragedy!Ioughttohavetoldyouthetruthaboutmyself
thismorning.ButIwasafraidafraid.Ididsorejoicethatthatevilmanwasdeadthat
hecouldnotanymorekillortorturelittlechildren.Ah!IcannotspeakIhavenowords.
...
Sheweptwithmorevehemencethanever.
Poirotcontinuedtopathergentlyontheshoulder.TherethereIcomprehendI
comprehendeverythingeverything,Itellyou.Iwillaskyounomorequestions.Itis
enoughthatyouhaveadmittedwhatIknowtobethetruth.Iunderstand,Itellyou.
Bynowinarticulatewithsobs,GretaOhlssonroseandgropedherwaytowardsthedoor.
Asshereacheditshecollidedwithamancomingin.
ItwasthevaletMasterman.
HecamestraightuptoPoirotandspokeinhisusualquiet,unemotionalvoice.
IhopeImnotintruding,sir.Ithoughtitbesttocomealongatonce,sir,andtellyouthe
truth.IwasColonelArmstrongsbatmanintheWar,sir,andafterwardsIwashisvaletin
NewYork.ImafraidIconcealedthatfactthismorning.Itwasverywrongofme,sir,andI
thoughtIdbettercomeandmakeacleanbreastofit.ButIhope,sir,thatyourenot
suspectingTonioinanyway.OldTonio,sir,wouldnthurtafly.AndIcanswearpositively
thatheneverleftthecarriagealllastnight.So,yousee,sir,hecouldnthavedoneit.
Toniomaybeaforeigner,sir,buthesaverygentlecreature.Notlikethosenasty
murderingItaliansonereadsabout.
Hestopped.
Poirotlookedsteadilyathim.Isthatallyouhavetosay?
199

Thatisall,sir.
Hepaused;then,asPoirotdidnotspeak,hemadeanapologeticlittlebowandaftera
momentaryhesitationleftthediningcarinthesamequietunobtrusivefashionashehad
come.
This,saidDr.Constantine,ismorewildlyimprobablethananyromanpolicierIhave
everread.
Iagree,saidM.Bouc.Ofthetwelvepassengersinthatcoach,ninehavebeenprovedto
havehadaconnectionwiththeArmstrongcase.Whatnext,Iaskyou?OrshouldIsay,
whonext?
Icanalmostgiveyoutheanswertoyourquestion,saidPoirot.Herecomesour
Americansleuth,Mr.Hardman.
Ishe,too,comingtoconfess?
BeforePoirotcouldreplytheAmericanhadreachedtheirtable.Hecockedanalerteyeat
themandsittingdownhedrawledout:Justexactlywhatsuponthistrain?Itseems
bughousetome.
Poirottwinkledathim.
Areyouquitesure,Mr.Hardman,thatyouyourselfwerenotthegardeneratthe
Armstronghome?
Theydidnthaveagarden,repliedMr.Hardmanliterally.
Orthebutler?
Haventgotthefancymannersforaplacelikethat.No,Ineverhadanyconnectionwith
theArmstronghousebutImbeginningtobelieveImabouttheonlyoneonthistrain
whohadnt!Canyoubeatit?ThatswhatIsaycanyoubeatit?
Itiscertainlyalittlesurprising,saidPoirotmildly.
Cestrigolo,burstfromM.Bouc.
Haveyouanyideasofyourownaboutthecrime,Mr.Hardman?inquiredPoirot.
No,sir.Itsgotmebeat.Idontknowhowtofigureitout.Theycantallbeinitbut
whichoneistheguiltypartyisbeyondme.Howdidyougetwisetoallthis?ThatswhatI
wanttoknow.
Ijustguessed.

200

Then,believeme,youreaprettyslickguesser.Yes,Illtelltheworldyoureaslick
guesser.
Mr.HardmanleanedbackandlookedatPoirotadmiringly.
Youllexcuseme,hesaid,butnoonewouldbelieveittolookatyou.Itakeoffmyhat
toyou.Idoindeed.
Youaretookind,M.Hardman.
Notatall.Ivegottohandittoyou.
Allthesame,saidPoirot,theproblemisnotyetquitesolved.Canwesaywithauthority
thatweknowwhokilledM.Ratchett?
Countmeout,saidMr.Hardman.Imnotsayinganythingatall.Imjustfullofnatural
admiration.Whatabouttheothertwoyouhaventhadaguessatyet?TheoldAmerican
dame,andtheladysmaid?Isupposewecantakeitthattheyretheonlyinnocentparties
onthetrain?
Unless,saidPoirot,smiling,wecanfitthemintoourlittlecollectionasshallwesay
housekeeperandcookintheArmstronghousehold?
Well,nothingintheworldwouldsurprisemenow,saidMr.Hardmanwithquiet
resignation.Bughousethatswhatthisbusinessisbughouse!
Ah!moncher,thatwouldbeindeedstretchingcoincidencealittletoofar,saidM.Bouc.
Theycannotallbeinit.
Poirotlookedathim.Youdonotunderstand,hesaid.Youdonotunderstandatall.Tell
me,doyouknowwhokilledRatchett?
Doyou?counteredM.Bouc.
Poirotnodded.Oh,yes,hesaid.Ihaveknownforsometime.ItissoclearthatIwonder
youhavenotseenitalso.HelookedatHardmanandasked:Andyou?
Thedetectiveshookhishead.HestaredatPoirotcuriously.Idontknow,hesaid.I
dontknowatall.Whichofthemwasit?
Poirotwassilentaminute.Thenhesaid:Ifyouwillbesogood,M.Hardman,assemble
everyonehere.Therearetwopossiblesolutionsofthiscase.Iwanttolaythemboth
beforeyouall.

201

202

9
PoirotPropoundsTwoSolutions
Thepassengerscamecrowdingintotherestaurantcarandtooktheirseatsroundthe
tables.Theyallboremoreorlessthesameexpression,oneofexpectancymingledwith
apprehension.TheSwedishladywasstillweeping,andMrs.Hubbardwascomfortingher.
Nowyoumustjusttakeaholdonyourself,mydear.Everythingsgoingtobeperfectlyall
right.Youmustntloseyourgriponyourself.Ifoneofusisanastymurderer,weknow
quitewellitisntyou.Why,anyonewouldbecrazyeventothinkofsuchathing.Yousit
here,andIllstayrightbyyouanddontyouworryany.HervoicediedawayasPoirot
stoodup.
TheWagonLitconductorwashoveringinthedoorway.YoupermitthatIstay,
Monsieur?
Certainly,Michel.
Poirotclearedhisthroat.
Messieursetmesdames,IwillspeakinEnglishsinceIthinkallofyouknowalittleofthat
language.WeareheretoinvestigatethedeathofSamuelEdwardRatchettaliasCassetti.
Therearetwopossiblesolutionsofthecrime.Ishallputthembothbeforeyou,andIshall
askM.Bouc,andDr.Constantineheretojudgewhichsolutionistherightone.
Nowyouallknowthefactsofthecase.Mr.Ratchettwasfoundstabbedthismorning.He
waslastknowntobealiveat12.37lastnightwhenhespoketotheWagonLitconductor
throughthedoor.Awatchinhispyjamapocketwasfoundtobebadlydented,andithad
stoppedataquarterpastone.Dr.Constantine,whoexaminedthebodywhenfound,puts
thetimeofdeathashavingbeenbetweenmidnightandtwointhemorning.Athalfan
houraftermidnight,asyouallknow,thetrainranintoasnowdrift.Afterthattimeitwas
impossibleforanyonetoleavethetrain.
TheevidenceofMr.Hardman,whoisamemberofaNewYorkdetectiveagency
(Severalheadsturned,tolookatMr.Hardman.)showsthatnoonecouldhavepassed
hiscompartment(No.16attheextremeend)withoutbeingseenbyhim.Weare
thereforeforcedtotheconclusionthatthemurdereristobefoundamongtheoccupants
ofoneparticularcoachtheStamboulCalaiscoach.
That,Iwillsay,wasourtheory.
Comment?ejaculatedM.Bouc,startled.
ButIwillputbeforeyouanalternativetheory.Itisverysimple.Mr.Ratchetthada
certainenemywhomhefeared.HegaveMr.Hardmanadescriptionofthisenemyand
toldhimthattheattempt,ifmadeatall,wouldmostprobablybemadeonthesecond
nightoutfromStamboul.
203

NowIputittoyou,ladiesandgentlemen,thatMr.Ratchettknewagooddealmorethan
hetold.Theenemy,asMr.Ratchettexpected,joinedthetrainatBelgradeorelseat
VincovcibythedoorleftopenbyColonelArbuthnotandMr.MacQueen,whohadjust
descendedtotheplatform.HewasprovidedwithasuitofWagonLituniform,whichhe
woreoverhisordinaryclothes,andapasskeywhichenabledhimtogainaccesstoMr.
Ratchettscompartmentinspiteofthedoorsbeinglocked.Mr.Ratchettwasunderthe
influenceofasleepingdraught.Thismanstabbedhimwithgreatferocityandleftthe
compartmentthroughthecommunicatingdoorleadingtoMrs.Hubbardscompartment

Thatsso,saidMrs.Hubbard,noddingherhead.
HethrustthedaggerhehadusedintoMrs.Hubbardsspongebaginpassing.Without
knowingit,helostabuttonofhisuniform.Thenheslippedoutofthecompartmentand
alongthecorridor.Hehastilythrusttheuniformintoasuitcaseinanemptycompartment,
andafewminuteslater,dressedinordinaryclothes,heleftthetrainjustbeforeitstarted
off,usingthesamemeansforegressthedoornearthediningcar.
Everybodygasped.
Whataboutthatwatch?demandedMr.Hardman.
Thereyouhavetheexplanationofthewholething.Mr.Ratchetthadomittedtoputhis
watchbackanhourasheshouldhavedoneatTzaribrod.HiswatchstillregisteredEastern
Europeantime,whichisonehouraheadofCentralEuropeantime.Itwasaquarterpast
twelvewhenMr.Ratchettwasstabbednotaquarterpastone.
Butitisabsurd,thatexplanation!criedM.Bouc.Whatofthevoicethatspokefromthe
compartmentattwentythreeminutestoone?ItwaseitherthevoiceofRatchettorelse
thatofhismurderer.
Notnecessarily.Itmighthavebeenwellathirdperson.Onewhohadgoneintospeak
toRatchettandfoundhimdead.Herangthebelltosummontheconductor;then,asyou
expressit,thewindroseinhimhewasafraidofbeingaccusedofthecrime,andhe
spokepretendingtobeRatchett.
Cestpossible,admittedM.Boucgrudgingly.
PoirotlookedatMrs.Hubbard.Yes,Madame,youweregoingtosay
Well,IdontquiteknowwhatIwasgoingtosay.DoyouthinkIforgottoputmywatch
backtoo?
No,Madame.Ithinkyouheardthemanpassthroughbutunconsciously.Lateryouhad
anightmareofamanbeinginyourcompartmentandwokeupwithastartandrangfor
theconductor.
Well,Isupposethatspossible,admittedMrs.Hubbard.
204

PrincessDragomiroffwaslookingatPoirotwithaverydirectglance.Howdoyouexplain
theevidenceofmymaid,Monsieur?
Verysimply,Madame.YourmaidrecognisedthehandkerchiefIshowedherasyours.She
somewhatclumsilytriedtoshieldyou.Shedidencountertheman,butearlierwhilethe
trainwasatVincovcistation.Shepretendedtohaveseenhimatalaterhour,witha
confusedideaofgivingyouawatertightalibi.
ThePrincessbowedherhead.Youhavethoughtofeverything,Monsieur.IIadmire
you.
Therewasasilence.
TheneveryonejumpedasDr.Constantinesuddenlyhitthetableablowwithhisfist.
Butno,hesaid.No,no,andagainno!Thatisanexplanationthatwillnotholdwater.It
isdeficientinadozenminorpoints.ThecrimewasnotcommittedsoM.Poirotmust
knowthatperfectlywell.
Poirotturnedacuriousglanceonhim.Isee,hesaid,thatIshallhavetogiveyoumy
secondsolution.Butdonotabandonthisonetooabruptly.Youmayagreewithitlater.
Heturnedbackagaintofacetheothers.
Thereisanotherpossiblesolutionofthecrime.ThisishowIarrivedatit.
WhenIhadheardalltheevidence,Ileanedbackandshutmyeyes,andbegantothink.
Certainpointspresentedthemselvestomeasworthyofattention.Ienumeratedthese
pointstomytwocolleagues.SomeIhavealreadyelucidatedsuchasagreasespotona
passport,andsoon.Iwillrunoverthepointsthatremain.Thefirstandmostimportantis
aremarkmadetomebyM.Boucintherestaurantcaratlunchonthefirstdayafter
leavingStamboultotheeffectthatthecompanyassembledwasinterestingbecauseit
wassovariedrepresentingasitdidallclassesandnationalities.
Iagreedwithhim,butwhenthisparticularpointcameintomymind,Itriedtoimagine
whethersuchanassemblywaseverlikelytobecollectedunderanyotherconditions.And
theanswerImadetomyselfwasonlyinAmerica.InAmericatheremightbeahousehold
composedofjustsuchvariednationalitiesanItalianchauffeur,anEnglishgoverness,a
Swedishnurse,aGermanladysmaid,andsoon.Thatledmetomyschemeof
guessingthatis,castingeachpersonforacertainpartintheArmstrongdramamuchas
aproducercastsaplay.Well,thatgavemeanextremelyinterestingandsatisfactory
result.
Ihadalsoexaminedinmyownmindeachseparatepersonsevidence,withsomecurious
results.TakefirsttheevidenceofMr.MacQueen.Myfirstinterviewwithhimwasentirely
satisfactory.Butinmysecondhemaderatheracuriousremark.Ihaddescribedtohimthe
findingofanotementioningtheArmstrongcase.Hesaid,Butsurelyandthenpaused
andwenton,Imeanthatwasrathercarelessoftheoldman.
205

NowIcouldfeelthatthatwasnotwhathehadstartedouttosay.Supposingwhathehad
meanttosaywasButsurelythatwasburnt!Inwhichcase,MacQueenknewofthenote
andofitsdestructioninotherwords,hewaseitherthemurdereroranaccompliceof
themurderer.Verygood.
Thenthevalet.Hesaidhismasterwasinthehabitoftakingasleepingdraughtwhen
travellingbytrain.Thatmightbetrue,butwouldRatchetthavetakenonelastnight?The
automaticunderhispillowgavethelietothatstatement.Ratchettintendedtobeonthe
alertlastnight.Whatevernarcoticwasadministeredtohimmusthavebeengivenwithout
hisknowledge.Bywhom?ObviouslybyMacQueenorthevalet.
NowwecometotheevidenceofMr.Hardman.Ibelievedallthathetoldmeabouthis
ownidentity,butwhenitcametotheactualmethodshehademployedtoguardMr.
Ratchett,hisstorywasneithermorenorlessthanabsurd.Theonlywaytohaveprotected
Ratchetteffectivelywastopassthenightactuallyinhiscompartmentorinsomespot
wherehecouldwatchthedoor.Theonethingthathisevidencedidshowplainlywasthat
nooneinanyotherpartofthetraincouldpossiblyhavemurderedRatchett.Itdrewa
clearcircleroundtheStamboulCalaiscarriage.Thatseemedtomearathercuriousand
inexplicablefact,andIputitasidetothinkover.
YouprobablyallknowbynowofthefewwordsIoverheardbetweenMissDebenham
andColonelArbuthnot.TheinterestingthingtomymindwasthefactthatColonel
ArbuthnotcalledherMaryandwasclearlyontermsofintimacywithher.ButtheColonel
wassupposedtohavemetheronlyafewdayspreviously.AndIknowEnglishmenofthe
Colonelstypeevenifhehadfalleninlovewiththeyoungladyatfirstsight,hewould
haveadvancedslowlyandwithdecorum,notrushingthings.ThereforeIconcludedthat
ColonelArbuthnotandMissDebenhamwereinrealitywellacquaintedandwereforsome
reasonpretendingtobestrangers.AnothersmallpointwasMissDebenhamseasy
familiaritywiththetermlongdistanceforatelephonecall.YetMissDebenhamhadtold
methatshehadneverbeenintheStates.
Topasstoanotherwitness.Mrs.Hubbardhadtoldusthatlyinginbedshehadbeen
unabletoseewhetherthecommunicatingdoorwasboltedornot,andsohadaskedMiss
Ohlssontoseeforher.Nowthoughherstatementwouldhavebeenperfectlytrueifshe
hadbeenoccupyingcompartmentNo.2,4,12oranyevennumber,inwhichtheboltis
directlyunderthehandleofthedoorintheunevennumberssuchascompartmentNo.3
theboltiswellabovethehandleandcouldnotthereforebemaskedbythespongebagin
theleast.IwasforcedtotheconclusionthatMrs.Hubbardwasinventinganincidentthat
hadneveroccurred.
Andhereletmesayjustawordortwoabouttimes.Tomymindthereallyinteresting
pointaboutthedentedwatch,istheplacewhereitwasfoundinRatchettspyjama
pocket,asingularlyuncomfortableandunlikelyplacetokeeponeswatch,especiallyas
thereisawatchhookprovidedjustbytheheadofthebed.Ifeltsure,therefore,thatthe
watchhadbeendeliberatelyplacedinthepocketfaked.Thecrime,then,wasnot
committedataquarterpastone.

206

Wasitthencommittedearlier?Tobeexact,attwentythreeminutestoone?Myfriend
M.Boucadvancedasanargumentinfavourofittheloudcrywhichawokemefromsleep.
ButifRatchetthadbeenheavilydrugged,hecouldnothavecriedout.Ifhehadbeen
capableofcryingout,hewouldhavebeencapableofmakingsomekindofstruggleto
defendhimself,andtherewerenosignsofanysuchstruggle.
IrememberedthatMacQueenhadcalledattention,notoncebuttwice(andthesecond
timeinaveryblatantmanner),tothefactthatRatchettcouldspeaknoFrench.Icameto
theconclusionthatthewholebusinessattwentythreeminutestoonewasacomedy
playedformybenefit!Anyonemightseethroughthewatchbusinessitisacommon
enoughdeviceindetectivestories.TheyassumedthatIshouldseethroughitandthat,
plumingmyselfonmyowncleverness,IwouldgoontoassumethatsinceRatchettspoke
noFrench,thevoiceIheardattwentythreeminutestoonecouldnothavebeenhis,and
thatRatchettmusthavebeenalreadydead.ButIamconvincedthatattwentythree
minutestooneRatchettwasstilllyinginhisdruggedsleep.
Butthedevicehassucceeded!Ihaveopenedmydoorandlookedout.Ihaveactually
heardtheFrenchphraseused.IfIamsounbelievablydenseasnottorealisethe
significanceofthatphrase,itmustbebroughttomyattention.Ifnecessary,MacQueen
cancomerightoutintheopen.Hecansay,Excuseme,M.Poirot,thatcanthavebeen
Mr.Ratchettspeaking.HecouldntspeakFrench.
Now,whatwastherealtimeofthecrime?Andwhokilledhim?
InmyopinionandthisisonlyanopinionRatchettwaskilledatsometimeveryclose
upontwooclock,thelatesthourthedoctorgivesusaspossible.
Astowhokilledhim
Hepaused,lookingathisaudience.Hecouldnotcomplainofanylackofattention.Every
eyewasfixeduponhim.Inthestillnessyoucouldhaveheardapindrop.
Hewentonslowly:Iwasparticularlystruckbytheextraordinarydifficultyofprovinga
caseagainstanyonepersononthetrain,andbytherathercuriouscoincidencethatin
eachcasethetestimonygivinganalibicamefromwhatImightdescribeasanunlikely
person.Thus,Mr.MacQueenandColonelArbuthnotprovidedalibisforeachothertwo
personsbetweenwhomitseemedmostunlikelythereshouldhavebeenanyprior
acquaintanceship.ThesamethinghappenedwiththeEnglishvaletandtheItalian,and
withtheSwedishladyandtheEnglishgirl.Isaidtomyself:Thisisextraordinarythey
cannotallbeinit!
Andthen,Messieurs,Isawlight.Theywereallinit.Forsomanypeopleconnectedwith
theArmstrongcasetobetravellingbythesametrainthroughcoincidencewasnotonly
unlikely:itwasimpossible.Itmustbenotchance,butdesign.Irememberedaremarkof
ColonelArbuthnotsabouttrialbyjury.Ajuryiscomposedoftwelvepeopletherewere
twelvepassengersRatchettwasstabbedtwelvetimes.Andthethingthathadworried
meallalongtheextraordinarycrowdtravellingintheStamboulCalaiscoachataslack
timeofyearthiswasexplained.
207

RatchetthadescapedjusticeinAmerica.Therewasnoquestionastohisguilt.Ivisualised
aselfappointedjuryoftwelvepeoplewhohadcondemnedhimtodeathandwhobythe
exigenciesofthecasehadthemselvesbeenforcedtobehisexecutioners.And
immediately,onthatassumption,thewholecasefellintobeautifulshiningorder.
Isawitasaperfectmosaic,eachpersonplayinghisorherallottedpart.Itwasso
arrangedthat,ifsuspicionshouldfallonanyoneperson,theevidenceofoneormoreof
theotherswouldcleartheaccusedpersonandconfusetheissue.Hardmansevidencewas
necessaryincasesomeoutsidershouldbesuspectedofthecrimeandbeunabletoprove
analibi.ThepassengersintheStamboulcarriagewereinnodanger.Everyminutedetailof
theirevidencewasworkedoutbeforehand.Thewholethingwasaverycleverlyplanned
jigsawpuzzle,soarrangedthateveryfreshpieceofknowledgethatcametolightmade
thesolutionofthewholemoredifficult.AsmyfriendM.Boucremarked,thecaseseemed
fantasticallyimpossible!Thatwasexactlytheimpressionintendedtobeconveyed.
Didthissolutionexplaineverything?Yes,itdid.Thenatureofthewoundseachinflicted
byadifferentperson.Theartificialthreateninglettersartificialsincetheywereunreal,
writtenonlytobeproducedasevidence.(Doubtlesstherewererealletters,warning
Ratchettofhisfate,whichMacQueendestroyed,substitutingforthemtheseothers.)
ThenHardmansstoryofbeingcalledinbyRatchettalie,ofcourse,frombeginningto
end.Thedescriptionofthemythicalsmalldarkmanwithawomanishvoicea
convenientdescriptionsinceithadthemeritofnotincriminatinganyoftheactualWagon
Litconductorsandwouldapplyequallywelltoamanorawoman.
Theideaofstabbingisatfirstsightacuriousone,butonreflectionnothingelsewouldfit
thecircumstancessowell.Adaggerwasaweaponthatcouldbeusedbyeveryone
strongorweakanditmadenonoise.Ifancy,thoughImaybewrong,thateachpersonin
turnenteredRatchettsdarkenedcompartmentthroughthatofMrs.Hubbardand
struck!Theythemselveswouldneverknowwhichblowactuallykilledhim.
ThefinalletterwhichRatchetthadprobablyfoundonhispillowwascarefullyburnt.With
nocluepointingtotheArmstrongcasetherewouldbeabsolutelynoreasonforsuspecting
anyofthepassengersonthetrain.Itwouldbeputdownasanoutsidejob,andthesmall
darkmanwiththewomanishvoicewouldactuallyhavebeenseenbyoneormoreofthe
passengersleavingthetrain,atBrod!
Idonotknowexactlywhathappenedwhentheconspiratorsdiscoveredthatthispartof
theirplanwasimpossibleowingtotheaccidenttothetrain.Therewas,Iimagine,ahasty
consultation,andthentheydecidedtogothroughwithit.Itwastruethatnowoneandall
ofthepassengerswereboundtocomeundersuspicion,butthatpossibilityhadalready
beenforeseenandprovidedfor.Theonlyadditionalthingtobedonewastoconfusethe
issueevenfurther.Twosocalledcluesweredroppedinthedeadmanscompartment
oneincriminatingColonelArbuthnot(whohadthestrongestalibiandwhoseconnection
withtheArmstrongfamilywasprobablythehardesttoprove);andthesecondclue,the
handkerchief,incriminatingPrincessDragomiroffwho,byvirtueofhersocialposition,her
particularlyfrailphysiqueandthealibigivenherbyhermaidandtheconductor,was
practicallyinanunassailableposition.

208

Furthertoconfusetheissue,aredherringwasdrawnacrossthetrailthemythical
womanintheredkimono.AgainIamtobearwitnesstothiswomansexistence.Thereisa
heavybangatmydoor.Igetupandlookoutandseethescarletkimonodisappearingin
thedistance.Ajudiciousselectionofpeopletheconductor,MissDebenhamand
MacQueenwillalsohaveseenher.Itwas,Ithink,someonewithasenseofhumourwho
thoughtfullyplacedthescarletkimonoonthetopofmysuitcasewhilstIwasinterviewing
peopleinthediningcar.Wherethegarmentcamefrominthefirstplace,Idonotknow.I
suspectitisthepropertyofCountessAndrenyi,sinceherluggagecontainedonlyachiffon
negligeesoelaborateastoberatherateagownthanadressinggown.
WhenMacQueenfirstlearnedthattheletterwhichhadbeensocarefullyburnthadin
partescapeddestruction,andthatthewordArmstrongwasexactlythewordremaining,
hemustatoncehavecommunicatedhisnews,totheothers.Itwasatthisminutethatthe
positionofCountessAndrenyibecameacute,andherhusbandimmediatelytookstepsto
alterthepassport.Itwastheirsecondpieceofbadluck!
TheyoneandallagreedtodenyutterlyanyconnectionwiththeArmstrongfamily.They
knewIhadnoimmediatemeansoffindingoutthetruth,andtheydidnotbelievethatI
shouldgointothematterunlessmysuspicionswerearousedagainstoneparticular
person.
Nowtherewasonefurtherpointtoconsider.Allowingthatmytheoryofthecrimewas
thecorrectone,andIbelievedthatitmustbethecorrectone,thenobviouslytheWagon
Litconductorhimselfmustbeprivytotheplot.Butifso,thatgaveusthirteenpersons,not
twelve.InsteadoftheusualformulaOfsomanypeopleoneisguilty,Iwasfacedwiththe
problemthatofthirteenpersonsoneandoneonlywasinnocent.Whichwasthat
person?
Icametoaveryoddconclusion.Icametotheconclusionthatthepersonwhohadtaken
nopartinthecrimewasthepersonwhowouldbeconsideredthemostlikelytodoso.I
refertoCountessAndrenyi.Iwasimpressedbytheearnestnessofherhusbandwhenhe
sworetomesolemnlyonhishonourthathiswifeneverlefthercompartmentthatnight.I
decidedthatCountAndrenyitook,sotospeak,hiswifesplace.
Ifso,thenPierreMichelwasdefinitelyoneofthetwelve.Buthowcouldoneexplainhis
complicity?Hewasadecentmanwhohadbeenmanyyearsintheemployofthe
companynotthekindofmanwhocouldbebribedtoassistinacrime.ThenPierre
MichelmustbeinvolvedintheArmstrongcase.Butthatseemedveryimprobable.ThenI
rememberedthatthedeadnurserymaidhadbeenFrench.Supposingthatthat
unfortunategirlhadbeenPierreMichelsdaughter.Thatwouldexplaineverythingit
wouldalsoexplaintheplacechosenforthestagingofthecrime.Werethereanyothers
whosepartinthedramawasnotclear?ColonelArbuthnotIputdownasafriendofthe
Armstrongs.TheyhadprobablybeenthroughtheWartogether.Themaid,Hildegarde
SchmidtIcouldguessherplaceintheArmstronghousehold.Iam,perhaps,overgreedy,
butIsenseagoodcookinstinctively.Ilaidatrapforhershefellintoit.IsaidIknewshe
wasagoodcook.Sheanswered:Yes,indeed,allmyladieshavesaidso.Butifyouare
employedasaladysmaidyouremployersseldomhaveachanceoflearningwhetheror
notyouareagoodcook.
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ThentherewasHardman.HeseemedquitedefinitelynottobelongtotheArmstrong
household.IcouldonlyimaginethathehadbeeninlovewiththeFrenchgirl.Ispoketo
himofthecharmofforeignwomenandagainIobtainedthereactionIwaslookingfor.
Suddentearscameintohiseyes,whichhepretendedweredazzledbythesnow.
ThereremainsMrs.Hubbard.NowMrs.Hubbard,letmesay,playedthemostimportant
partinthedrama.ByoccupyingthecompartmentcommunicatingwiththatofRatchett
shewasmoreopentosuspicionthananyoneelse.Inthenatureofthingsshecouldnot
haveanalibitofallbackupon.Toplaythepartsheplayedtheperfectlynatural,slightly
ridiculousAmericanfondmotheranartistwasneeded.Buttherewasanartist
connectedwiththeArmstrongfamily:Mrs.ArmstrongsmotherLindaArden,the
actress....
Hestopped.
Theninasoftrichdreamyvoice,quiteunliketheoneshehadusedthroughoutthe
journey,Mrs.Hubbardsaid:Ialwaysfanciedmyselfincomedyparts.
Shewenton,stilldreamily:Thatslipaboutthespongebagwassilly.Itshowsthatyou
shouldalwaysrehearseproperty.WetrieditonthewayoutIwasinanevennumber
compartmentthen,Isuppose.Ineverthoughtoftheboltsbeingindifferentplaces.
SheshiftedherpositionalittleandlookedstraightatPoirot.
Youknowallaboutit,M.Poirot.Youreaverywonderfulman.Butevenyoucantquite
imaginewhatitwaslikethatawfuldayinNewYork.Iwasjustcrazywithgrief;sowere
theservants.AndColonelArbuthnotwastheretoo.HewasJohnArmstrongsbestfriend.
HesavedmylifeintheWar,saidArbuthnot.
Wedecidedthenandthere(perhapsweweremadIdontknow)thatthesentenceof
deaththatCassettihadescapedhadgottobecarriedout.Thereweretwelveofusor
rathereleven;SusannesfatherwasoverinFrance,ofcourse.Firstwethoughtweddraw
lotsastowhoshoulddoit,butintheendwedecidedonthisway.Itwasthechauffeur,
Antonio,whosuggestedit.MaryworkedoutallthedetailslaterwithHectorMacQueen.
HedalwaysadoredSoniamydaughteranditwashewhoexplainedtousexactlyhow
Cassettismoneyhadmanagedtogethimoff.
Ittookalongtimetoperfectourplan.WehadfirsttotrackRatchettdown.Hardman
managedthatintheend.ThenwehadtotryandgetMastermanandHectorintohis
employmentoratanyrateoneofthem.Well,wemanagedthat.Thenwehada
consultationwithSusannesfather.ColonelArbuthnotwasverykeenonhavingtwelveof
us.Heseemedtothinkitmadeitmoreinorder.Hedidntlikethestabbingideamuch,but
heagreedthatitdidsolvemostofourdifficulties.Well,Susannesfatherwaswilling.
Susannehadbeenhisonlychild.WeknewfromHectorthatRatchettwouldbecoming
backfromtheEastsoonerorlaterbytheOrientExpress.WithPierreMichelactually
workingonthattrain,thechancewastoogoodtobemissed.Besides,itwouldbeagood
wayofnotincriminatinganyoutsiders.
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Mydaughtershusbandhadtoknow,ofcourse,andheinsistedoncomingonthetrain
withher.HectorwangleditsothatRatchettselectedtherightdayfortravelling,when
Michelwouldbeonduty.WemeanttoengageeverycarriageintheStamboulCalais
coach,butunfortunatelytherewasonecarriagewecouldntget.Ithadbeenreserved
longbeforehandforadirectorofthecompany.Mr.Harris,ofcourse,wasamyth.Butit
wouldhavebeenawkwardtohaveanystrangerinHectorscompartment.Andthen,at
thelastminute,youcame....
Shestopped.
Well,shesaid,youknoweverythingnow,M.Poirot.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?
Ifitmustallcomeout,cantyoulaytheblameuponmeandmeonly?Iwouldhave
stabbedthatmantwelvetimeswillingly.Itwasntonlythathewasresponsibleformy
daughtersdeathandherchildsandthatoftheotherchildwhomighthavebeenalive
andhappynow.Itwasmorethanthat:therehadbeenotherchildrenkidnappedbefore
Daisy,andtheremightbeothersinthefuture.Societyhadcondemnedhimwewere
onlycarryingoutthesentence.Butitsunnecessarytobringalltheseothersintoit.All
thesegoodfaithfulsoulsandpoorMichelandMaryandColonelArbuthnottheylove
eachother....
Hervoicewaswonderful,echoingthroughthecrowdedspacethatdeep,emotional,
heartstirringvoicethathadthrilledmanyaNewYorkaudience.
Poirotlookedathisfriend.
Youareadirectorofthecompany,M.Bouc,hesaid.Whatdoyousay?
M.Boucclearedhisthroat.
Inmyopinion,M.Poirot,hesaid,thefirsttheoryyouputforwardwasthecorrect
onedecidedlyso.IsuggestthatthatisthesolutionweoffertotheJugoSlavianpolice
whentheyarrive.Youagree,doctor?
CertainlyIagree,saidDr.Constantine.Asregardsthemedicalevidence,Ithinker
thatImadeoneortwofantasticsuggestions.
Then,saidPoirot,havingplacedmysolutionbeforeyou,Ihavethehonourtoretire
fromthecase....
THEEND.

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