The Evidence of the Weapon

The discovery of the dagger in Mrs. Hubbard's sponge-bag provides a crucial piece of evidence, but its placement is part of the conspirators' plan to mislead.

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The Discovery of the Dagger

The Discovery of the Dagger The Dramatic Find Mrs. Hubbard bursts into the dining car, screaming that she has found a knife in her sponge-bag. The dagger is stained with blood and matches the wounds on Ratchett. The passengers are shocked. The Investigation Poirot examines the dagger. It is a cheap Oriental weapon, easily obtainable. He notes that there are no fingerprints, suggesting it was wiped. The dagger was missing from the crime scene, so this is the murder weapon. The Significance The dagger is found in the compartment of the one person who has an alibi? Mrs. Hubbard claims she had no idea how it got there. This discovery seems to point to an outside killer who used her compartment as an escape route.

The Examination of the Weapon

The Examination of the Weapon The Medical Analysis Dr. Constantine examines the dagger and confirms it could have caused the wounds. He notes that the blade is consistent with the stabbings. Poirot is careful not to touch it, preserving any possible evidence. The Flaw in the Plan Poirot realizes that the dagger was placed in the sponge-bag deliberately. It is too convenient. He questions Mrs. Hubbard about the sponge-bag's position, and she reveals that the Swedish lady checked the bolt. Poirot sees a discrepancy. The Psychological Clue The fact that the dagger was found in the sponge-bag suggests that the killer wanted it to be found. It is part of the staged evidence. Poirot files this information away as he builds his case.

The Weapon's Role in the Solution

The Weapon's Role in the Solution The Explanation Poirot explains that the dagger was passed from one conspirator to another. Each used it to stab Ratchett. After the last one, it was placed in the sponge-bag to be found. This was part of the plan to make it look like an outside job. The Absence of Fingerprints Poirot notes that the lack of fingerprints is itself suspicious. It indicates that the dagger was wiped clean, which would be unlikely for a spontaneous killer. The careful staging points to a conspiracy. The Final Piece The dagger is the final piece of the puzzle. It confirms the number of stabbers (twelve) and the method of the crime. Poirot uses it to support his second solution.

Afternoon, after the initial interviews

Immediately after the discovery

During Poirot's final explanation