The Search of the Passengers' Luggage

The search of the passengers' baggage reveals the Wagon Lit uniform and the scarlet kimono, providing crucial evidence but also showing the conspirators' attempts to mislead.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Order to Search

The Order to Search The Decision Poirot decides to search all luggage in the Stamboul-Calais coach. He hopes to find the missing Wagon Lit uniform and the scarlet kimono. The search is conducted methodically. The Search Begins M. Bouc, Dr. Constantine, and Poirot go from compartment to compartment. They start with Hardman, then Arbuthnot, the Princess, the Count and Countess, and then the second-class passengers. The Cooperation Most passengers cooperate willingly. The Count and Countess initially have diplomatic immunity but allow the search. The search is thorough, but nothing incriminating is found in the first few compartments.

The Discovery of the Uniform

The Discovery of the Uniform The Surprise When the search reaches Hildegarde Schmidt's compartment, a Wagon Lit uniform is found in her suitcase. The woman is shocked and denies any knowledge. She claims it was planted. The Analysis Poirot examines the uniform. A button is missing, matching the one found in Mrs. Hubbard's compartment. He also finds a pass-key in the pocket. This is strong evidence. The Implication At first, it seems Hildegarde Schmidt might be involved, but Poirot quickly deduces that the uniform was planted to frame her or to create a false trail. The uniform is a key piece of the puzzle.

The Discovery of the Kimono

The Discovery of the Kimono The Surprise in Poirot's Luggage After the search, Poirot goes to his compartment to get cigarettes. He finds a scarlet kimono folded in his own suitcase. It was placed there while he was conducting the interviews. The Significance The kimono is the one seen by several witnesses during the night. It is a deliberate plant to confuse the investigation. Poirot realizes that the conspirators are trying to mislead him. The Reaction Poirot is amused by the audacity. He takes the kimono as a challenge. He knows that the conspirators are playing a game with him, but he is determined to win.

Afternoon, after the interviews

During the search of Hildegarde Schmidt's luggage

After the search, when Poirot returns to his compartment