Agatha Christie - BBC 86-12-29 Mystery of the Blue Train

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Agatha Christie - BBC 86-12-29 Mystery of the Blue Train

Broadcast Date: March 4, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a full-cast BBC radio dramatization of Agatha Christie’s 1928 novel, The Mystery of the Blue Train. Detective Hercule Poirot becomes embroiled in a deadly intrigue aboard the luxurious Blue Train to the French Riviera, when an American heiress is found murdered and her priceless rubies stolen. Through sharp observation, psychological insight, and patient investigation, Poirot unravels a web of motive, deceit, and disguise leading to a surprising conclusion. The adaptation blends suspenseful storytelling, witty banter, and a rich Edwardian atmosphere.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Heart of Fire Ruby and A Gathering of Motives

• The opening introduces the legendary rubies once belonging to Catherine the Great, with a notorious history of violence and death.
• Ruth Kettering, recently come into the rubies through her father, Mr. Van Alden, is warned: “Men have died for that stone. And most of its owners have come to violent ends.” (Hercule Poirot, 02:43)

Ruth Kettering’s Unhappy Marriage and Plots of Divorce

• Ruth’s marital distress is established: her husband, Derek Kettering, is unfaithful and she wishes to divorce.
  • Derek’s financial desperation becomes explicit: “On one side, the man with unlimited money. On the other, the man with unlimited debts.” (Derek Kettering, 27:00)
• Mr. Van Alden advises: “He’s no good, Ruthie. You know that. ... Get rid of him.” (Mr. Van Alden, 15:13)

Interconnected Relationships and the Enticement of Wealth

• Catherine Gray, a modest companion turned heiress, becomes entangled with wealthy relations on the Riviera and is courted by Major Knighton.
• Lady Tamplin and her family express open opportunism toward Catherine’s unexpected fortune.

The Fateful Journey: The Blue Train

• Multiple key players, including Ruth, Derek, Mirelle (Derek’s mistress), and Catherine, travel on the Blue Train to Nice.
• On the train, Ruth confides in Catherine her sense of impending doom: “Ever since we left Victoria, I have had a horrible feeling of something. Something that is coming to me very soon. ... I know something terrible is gonna happen.” (Ruth Kettering/Catherine Gray, 39:00)

The Murder and Initial Investigation

• Ruth is found murdered, her face disfigured and her jewel case missing. Detective Poirot is engaged by Mr. Van Alden to investigate.
• Poirot quickly observes discrepancies:
  • The maid, Ada Mason, is reported to have left the train in Paris, but Ruth was seen alive afterward.
  • The rubies found on the suspect—the Comte de la Roche—are revealed as convincing imitations (Hercule Poirot, 122:24).
• Poirot questions psychological aspects: would the Comte de la Roche risk murder, or was he merely a thief?
  • “Robbery with violence and murder, it doesn’t harmonize with the personality of the Count.” (Hercule Poirot, 122:58)

Suspicions Mount: The Red Herrings

• Mirelle, jealous of Derek’s attentions to Catherine, turns on him and claims: “He killed her.” (Mirelle, 99:22)
• Poirot investigates the timelines, alibis, and behaviors—including a news clipping about a past jewel theft at Lady Tamplin’s villa and the curious limp (possibly a disguise) of Major Knighton.
• The validation of alibis and focus on cigarette cases, details of dress, and possible gender disguise start to reveal the murderers’ cunning.

Poirot’s Reconstruction and The Truth

• Poirot stages a dramatic reconstruction aboard the Blue Train, using direct observation and psychological deduction.
• He exposes the elaborate ruse:
  • Ada Mason, Ruth’s maid, was actually present on the train disguised as both herself and a man, enabling the perfect cover for involvement in the crime (161:32).
  • Major Knighton, Van Alden’s secretary, is unmasked as the master criminal “Le Marquis,” orchestrating the theft and murder with Ada’s help (162:22).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Atmosphere and Suspicion

• Ruth’s unease: “I know something terrible is gonna happen. You must try to pull yourself together. ... It is queer, but I never knew until today how terribly fond of dad I am.” (39:00)
• Poirot’s psychological method: “It is always the psychology which is wrong. Lecomte is a scoundrel ... but is he the kind of man to commit murder? I think not.” (76:44)

Revelations and the Wrap-up

• Poirot corrects Van Alden on the rubies: “What I showed you...was a first class imitation.” (122:24)
• The truth about the murder: “Your daughter was dead before the train arrived to the Gare de Lyon. It was Ada Mason, dressed in her mistress’s clothes.” (164:09)
• Poirot on justice: “I will discover the truth. All of which is all very well, but there is just one little obstacle. How am I to do it?” (123:57)

The Episode’s Poignant Final Note

• Catherine wonders about her future: “Journeys end in lovers meeting. And that's not going to be true for me.”
  Poirot gently reassures her: “Trust the train, Mamzel. And trust her, Poirot. He knows.” (170:27)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:43 | Poirot discusses the Heart of Fire and its dangers | | 15:13 | Van Alden tells Ruth to leave Derek | | 27:00 | Derek bemoans his financial straits | | 39:00 | Ruth’s foreboding on the train to Catherine | | 47:03 | Police reveal Ruth was murdered, not a heart attack | | 76:44 | Poirot questions the psychology of the murderer | | 122:24 | Poirot reveals the rubies were imitations | | 161:32 | Poirot unmasks Ada Mason and Major Knighton | | 170:27 | Poirot’s philosophy about the “Train” of life |

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Tone and Dialogue Highlights

• Witty and urbane exchanges—Poirot’s methodical, often humorous insights contrast with Van Alden’s brusque American directness and Catherine’s understated English reserve.
• Suspenseful, with moments of dark foreshadowing and sharp exchanges, as in the confrontations between Derek and Mirelle.
• Emotional undercurrents are prominent, from Ruth’s vulnerability to Catherine’s longing for purpose and engagement with life.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode captures the sophisticated charm and ingenious plotting of Agatha Christie’s Mystery of the Blue Train. Poirot meticulously pieces together a complex puzzle of romance, greed, and identity. The radio drama excels in evoking character, class, and the continental settings integral to Christie’s world, all while paying homage to the great age of radio storytelling.

If you enjoy locked-room mysteries, classic whodunits, or just excellent dramatic performance—all with rattling trains, glittering jewels, and razor-sharp minds—this adaptation is a sumptuous ride not to be missed.

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Transcript

[Hercule Poirot]

Reggie, I just sold my car online. Let's go, Grandpa.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Wait.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

You did?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yep, on Carvana.

[Inspector Carreg]

Just put in the license plate, answered a few questions, got an offer in minutes.

[Hercule Poirot]

Easier than setting up that new digital picture frame. You don't say.

[Inspector Carreg]

Yeah, they're even picking it up tomorrow.

[Hercule Poirot]

Talk about fast. Wow.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Way to go.

[Hercule Poirot]

So, about that picture frame. Ah, forget about it.

[Inspector Carreg]

Until Carvana makes one, I'm not interested.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Car selling made easy on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply.

[Hercule Poirot]

The mystery of the blue train by

[Inspector Carreg]

agatha christie dramatized by michael bakewell with

[Hercule Poirot]

janet moore as catherine gray and robert

[Inspector Carreg]

beattie as rufus van aldin.

[Hercule Poirot]

It's all well.

[Catherine Gray]

Oil is well.

[Hercule Poirot]

Boris Ivanovich I do not think anyone followed me from the embassy. I changed taxis at the Place de la Concorde and in St. Germain des Pres. I came the last part of the way on foot. There are two men on the pavement opposite.

[Catherine Gray]

I was so sorry they were here before you came.

[Hercule Poirot]

But they are watching this house.

[Catherine Gray]

Possibly.

[Hercule Poirot]

But if that is the case, what of it?

[Catherine Gray]

Even if they know, it will not be you they follow from here.

[Hercule Poirot]

That is true. I suppose the American can take care of himself. If he's half the man he's supposed to be, he ought to be able to cope with creatures like those two.

[Catherine Gray]

There's something else.

[Hercule Poirot]

What?

[Catherine Gray]

Twice this evening a man has passed along this street. A man with white hair. He didn't speak to them, but I'm

[Hercule Poirot]

sure they're working for him.

[Catherine Gray]

Something of the kind.

[Hercule Poirot]

You are sure the package is safe? It has not been tampered with? There has been much talk. Far too much talk is safe. What are you doing? Getting the package from the fireplace. An ingenious hiding place.

[Catherine Gray]

It was covered up with coal scraps of kindling. They have searched the apartment twice. They even ripped open the mattress. But no one thought to look here.

[Hercule Poirot]

Did you open the package?

[Mirelle]

No.

[Hercule Poirot]

But do you know what it contains?

[Catherine Gray]

I have some idea.

[Hercule Poirot]

Perhaps it is as well. There are women who would go mad over such things.

[Catherine Gray]

I do not share that madness. But they are very beautiful.

[Hercule Poirot]

The rubies of Catherine the Great. And in the center of the necklace, the Heart of Fire. Men have died for that stone. And most of its owners have come to violent ends. Did you know?

[Catherine Gray]

I have heard something of the sort.

[Hercule Poirot]

It formed part of the crown jewels of the Romanovs and was found sewn into the dress of one of the daughters of the Tsar after her execution at Etheringworld.

[Catherine Gray]

And now, who will be the next victim of the Heart of Fire? Do your people at the embassy. Know what you're doing?

[Hercule Poirot]

You are being well paid to keep your mouth shut. Ask no questions.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

The American.

[Hercule Poirot]

What is the time?

[Catherine Gray]

A quarter to midnight.

[Hercule Poirot]

Then it is him. Go and let him in. There has been too much talk. It was a mistake to haggle so

[Mr. Van Alden]

long over the price.

[Catherine Gray]

And here, monsieur.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you, Mr. Krasling.

[Hercule Poirot]

I am he. I must apologize for the unconventionality of the rendezvous.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I meet in stranger places.

[Hercule Poirot]

You have the money in.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I have the money.

[Hercule Poirot]

The package is there on the table.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you. Could you switch that lamp on, mademoiselle?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

You need have no fears as to

[Mr. Van Alden]

their authenticity in matters of this kind. I trust no one, Monsieur Krasny. But I can see that they are the genuine article.

[Hercule Poirot]

Here's your money. You will permit me to count them?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Of course. But I do have the reputation of being scrupulously honest in all my business doings. All right.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you, monsieur. Everything is correct.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Then I'll bid you Good night, Mr. Krasny.

[Hercule Poirot]

I wonder if he will ever get back to his hotel.

[Catherine Gray]

I wonder. The men are no longer there.

[Hercule Poirot]

But surely a man with so much money would never be so stupid. And talking of money, you will get your share.

[Catherine Gray]

Come here, quickly.

[Hercule Poirot]

What is it?

[Catherine Gray]

A man with white hair. He's going down the street now.

[Hercule Poirot]

I suspect that our American has run into a little difficulty.

[Catherine Gray]

Does a man come to see you, Father? He would not give his name.

[Inspector Carreg]

What kind of man?

[Catherine Gray]

His face is covered by a velvet mask.

[Inspector Carreg]

Then show him in at once, my dear, and leave us alone.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, Father. Come in, monsieur.

[Inspector Carreg]

Good night, Monsieur Lamaquis. And never fear. There will be no hitch in my arrangements. Zir, you can come back now. Well, Zir, what did you hear?

[Catherine Gray]

It is annoying that one cannot see through a keyhole and hear through one at the same time. What did he want?

[Inspector Carreg]

To tell me that the attempt on the American had failed.

[Catherine Gray]

The American who was going to buy the Heart of Fire.

[Inspector Carreg]

It was foolish even to consider it. The direct attack rarely succeeds. But what is that to a man like the Marquis? The men he hires to do his dirty work for him are expendable.

[Catherine Gray]

What will he do now?

[Inspector Carreg]

Do you think he has another plan? He would not confide the details to me, but he is certain that it will not fail. And knowing him as I do, he is probably right. What did you think of him?

[Catherine Gray]

I think his long white hair is probably a wig.

[Inspector Carreg]

Anything else?

[Catherine Gray]

I think it is a very rare thing to find a well connected Englishman who speaks French so impeccably.

[Inspector Carreg]

An Englishman so That is what you think. Ah, two posts this morning, Ms. Gray.

[Hercule Poirot]

You are popular.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you.

[Hercule Poirot]

Looks like it's going to keep sunny.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, doesn't it? Goodbye.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, good morning, Dr. Harrison. Good morning, Ms. Gray.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, Dr. Harrison, good morning.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yeah, I see you got some posts. Good news, I hope.

[Catherine Gray]

I hope so. My dear Ms. Grey, my husband and I wish to express our thanks to you for your services to my poor cousin Emma. Her death has been a great blow to us, though we were of course aware that her mind had been failing for some time past. I understand that her latter testamentary dispositions have been of a most peculiar character.

[Hercule Poirot]

Good Lord.

[Catherine Gray]

And they would not, of course, hold good in any court of law. I say we shall be pleased to recommend you most highly for a similar post and hope that you. You will accept a small present.

[Hercule Poirot]

It's monstrous.

[Catherine Gray]

It's much what we expected. Won't you come in?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you.

[Hercule Poirot]

Old Emma Garfield's intellect was as good as yours and mine. Her cousins wouldn't have a leg to stand on if they took it to courthouse.

[Mr. Van Alden]

They know it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Don't get fancying. It's your duty to hand over the cash or any tomfoolery of conscientious scruples.

[Catherine Gray]

I'm afraid it hasn't occurred to me to have scruples. The Attleboroughs were distant relations of Mrs. Garfield's husband and they never came near her or took any notice of her in her lifetime.

[Hercule Poirot]

You've had a hard life of it here in stammered these last 10 years. You are fully entitled to enjoy the old lady's savings, such as they were.

[Catherine Gray]

Such as they were. Doctor, you'd better take a look at this. It came by first post.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Uh huh, yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

Good lord. It's just not possible.

[Catherine Gray]

She was one of the original shareholders in mortols 40 years ago. She must have had an income of 8 or 10,000 a year. And she has never, I'm sure, spent more than 400. She was always terribly careful about money.

[Hercule Poirot]

And all the time the income has accumulated at compound interest. My dear, you're going to be a very wealthy woman.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, I am.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, you mustn't worry yourself about that woman's odious letter.

[Catherine Gray]

I shan't. But there's nothing odious about it. Under the circumstances, I think it's quite a natural thing to do.

[Hercule Poirot]

I have the gravest suspicion of you sometimes.

[Catherine Gray]

Really?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Why, the things you find perfectly natural.

[Hercule Poirot]

Have you given any thought as to what you're going to do?

[Catherine Gray]

No, but I think I want to travel. I've Never seen much of the world, you know.

[Hercule Poirot]

I shouldn't think I have. It must have been an awful life for you, cooped up here all this time.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I don't know. It gave me a lot of freedom.

[Hercule Poirot]

I should have thought it was the last thing it would have given you.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I don't mean in the physical sense.

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Catherine Gray]

No, I've always had a feeling of mental freedom. But all the same, I feel I want a change. I want to be in the midst of exciting things, even if I'm only a looker on. Things don't happen in Mary.

[Derek Kettering]

Me.

[Hercule Poirot]

They certainly don't.

[Catherine Gray]

I shall go to London first. I have to go to the solicitors anyway. I shall stay at a first class hotel. I've always fancied the Savoy. I shall get some really good clothes and then I shall go abroad.

[Hercule Poirot]

I think you're being very wise.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

Mind you don't know what the village will do without you.

[Inspector Carreg]

Your room is 504, Ms. Gray. I'll get a porter to take your luggage.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

Ah, pleased to see you back again, Mr. Van Alden.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Everything all right?

[Inspector Carreg]

Yes, sir. Major Knighton is upstairs in your suite now.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, there they are. Knighton. What do you think?

[Hercule Poirot]

I can't believe it. Are they real?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Real? You see that ruby in the center? It's the largest in the world. The Heart of Fire. It's perfect. Not a flaw in.

[Hercule Poirot]

Must be worth a fortune. And you've been carrying the rubies round in your pocket?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The safest way to carry them. Mind you, I did have a bit of trouble just after I got hold of them. Two guys sat on me on a street corner. Somebody must have given them a tip off. Luckily I had my pistol ready. They weren't any trouble.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now I know why your daughter sounded so concerned when she telephoned.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Ruthie? She doesn't know anything about them. They're meant to be a surprise. Why did she ring?

[Hercule Poirot]

She said she had to see you urgently. That was all. She wants to know when you'll be back.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Then I'd better get over to Curzon street straight away. Order a cab for me. Would you like to?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes. What do I say to Colton people if they ring? They've been trying to get in touch with you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Tell them to go to hell.

[Hercule Poirot]

Very well, I will.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Mr. Van Alden]

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Mr. Van Alden]

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Derek Kettering]

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Derek Kettering]

[e-mail] dad, when did you get back?

[Mr. Van Alden]

A couple of hours ago. Oh, Ruthie, it's good to see you. Knighton said you wanted to see me, so I came straight over.

[Catherine Gray]

I've been telephoning him all day to try to get hold of you, but he couldn't say for sure when you were expected back. He did his best to be helpful.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah, he's a good man. I don't know what I'd do without him now.

[Catherine Gray]

Where did you find him?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, he. I met him purely by chance in Lausanne. He was one that I made him. Oh, a couple of months ago, I suppose. He'd been in the army and he was an officer? He was. He was wounded. He still got a bit of a limp. As a matter of fact, he was looking for something to do. You should have seen his face when I offered him a job as my secretary. But what was it you wanted to see me about, Ruthie?

[Hercule Poirot]

What's the trouble?

[Catherine Gray]

It's Derek.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What about him?

[Catherine Gray]

Now, I've scarcely seen him these last months. Not that that's anything unusual. But now I found out that he's been seen going around with another woman.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What woman do you know?

[Catherine Gray]

It seems that everybody knows Mirelle.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Mirelle? The dancer.

[Catherine Gray]

He goes about everywhere with her.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Good God.

[Catherine Gray]

I was down at Leconbury last week. I spoke to Lord Leconbury. He was awfully sweet to me. Sympathized entirely. He said he'd give Derek a good talking, too.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I can guess what that will achieve. Precisely nothing. The old boy's got one foot in the grave already. And anything he says isn't going to cut much ice with Derek.

[Catherine Gray]

Can't you do anything, Dad?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I might. Several things I might do. But there's only one that'll do any real good. Cut your losses and stop. Start afresh.

[Catherine Gray]

You mean I should divorce him?

[Mr. Van Alden]

He's no good, Ruthie. You know that. Mind you, I blame myself for ever letting you marry him. But you were kind of set on getting an English title. And he seemed in earnest about turning over a new leaf. And, well, I'd crossed you before.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, you did.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, I guess I was too soft hearted to do it a second time. I can't tell you how I wish I had, though. Derek Kettering only married you for your money, Ruth. That's all there is to it. Get rid of him.

[Catherine Gray]

Well, suppose he doesn't consent?

[Mr. Van Alden]

You mean he'll fight the case? Any solicitor will tell you he hasn't a chance.

[Catherine Gray]

You don't think I mean out of sheer spite against me? He might well try to make it

[Mr. Van Alden]

awkward, but he'd have to have something to go on.

[Catherine Gray]

Yeah, I suppose he would.

[Mr. Van Alden]

There's something worrying you, isn't there? What is it?

[Catherine Gray]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is it the publicity? Now look, you leave it all to me. I'll put the whole thing through so smoothly there'll be no fuss at all.

[Catherine Gray]

Very well, dad. If you really think it's the best thing to be done.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I certainly do. Now, let's forget all about it. I bought you a present from Paris. Just take a look at this.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

But they're wonderful.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You like them, Ruthie?

[Catherine Gray]

I've never seen anything like them. How did you get hold of them?

[Mr. Van Alden]

That's my secret. They had to be bought properly. Privately, of course. They're quite famous in their way. That big stone in the middle is called the Heart of Fire.

[Catherine Gray]

Heart of Fire?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yep. Men have killed for that stone, Ruthie. It has a terrible history, but somehow, in your hand, it seems to lose all its evil.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you. Thank you. They're fabulous.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'm glad you like them, Ruthie. You're all I have, you know.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, dad. You will stay to dinner?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No, no, no. I've got a good deal to attend to. I'll see you tomorrow after I've had a word with the solicitors.

[Catherine Gray]

Very well. Oh, I suppose this business won't keep me from going to the Riviera.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Riviera? When are you off?

[Catherine Gray]

The 14th.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Ah, that'll be fine. These things take a long time to mature. But I wouldn't take those rubies abroad with you. Very. Leave them at the bank.

[Catherine Gray]

I'll do that.

[Mr. Van Alden]

We don't want to have you robbed and murdered for the Heart of fire, do we?

[Hercule Poirot]

Mr. Kettering is here, Mr. Van Aldin.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is he now? Then ask him to come in, will you? Knighton and I don't want to be disturbed.

[Hercule Poirot]

Very well. Come in. Mr. Kellery.

[Derek Kettering]

Good morning, sir. You're very anxious to see me, I gather.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Sit down.

[Derek Kettering]

Not seen you for a long time. About two years, I should say.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Look, I'm not going to beat about the bush. I've advised Ruth to file a petition for divorce.

[Derek Kettering]

That sounds rather drastic. You don't mind if I smoke?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Go right ahead.

[Derek Kettering]

Thank you. And. What does Ruth say?

[Mr. Van Alden]

She proposes to take my advice.

[Derek Kettering]

Does she really?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is that all you've got to say?

[Derek Kettering]

I think you know that she's. She's making a great mistake.

[Mr. Van Alden]

From your point of view, she doubtless is.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, come now. Don't let's be personal. I really wasn't thinking of myself at the moment. I was thinking of Ruth.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh? Yes.

[Derek Kettering]

You know, my poor old governor can't possibly last much longer, all the doctors say so. Ruth had better give it a couple more years. Then I shall be Lord Leconbury, and she can be chatelaine of leconbury, which is what she married me for.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'm serious, young man.

[Derek Kettering]

Well, so am I. I'm in very low water financially. And it will put me in a nasty hole if Ruth divorces me. And after all, if she stood it for 10 years, why not stand it a little longer? It's a pity Ruth shouldn't get what she married me.

[Mr. Van Alden]

For you didn't speak so cynically 10 years ago.

[Derek Kettering]

Perhaps not. Ruth was very beautiful, you know. I had fine ideas. Turning over a new leaf. Settling down and living up to the highest traditions of English home life with a beautiful wife who loved me. But you don't believe that, I suppose?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I have no doubt that you married Ruth for her money and that she

[Derek Kettering]

married me for love. Certainly I believed that at the time. You've always been known as a hard man, but Ruth is far harder than you are. You, at any rate, love one person better than yourself? Ruth never has and never will.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Now that's enough. I asked you here so I could tell you what I intend to do. My daughter has got to have some happiness. And remember this. I'm behind her.

[Derek Kettering]

And exactly what do you mean by that?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I mean that you had better not try to defend the case.

[Derek Kettering]

Is that a threat?

[Mr. Van Alden]

You can take it any way you please.

[Derek Kettering]

And supposing, just for argument's sake. But I did defend the case.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You haven't a leg to stand on. Your conduct spent the talk of London.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Derek Kettering]

Ruth has been kicking up a row over Mirelle. I suppose. Very foolish of her. I don't interfere with her friends.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What do you mean? I see.

[Derek Kettering]

You don't know everything. You are perhaps naturally prejudiced. Oh, giving advice is not much in my life, but in this case, I should advise perfect frankness between father and daughter. Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Catherine Gray]

I wasn't looking where I was going. I was dreaming.

[Derek Kettering]

It was my fault entirely. Good day.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What did he mean, Ruth, about perfect frankness between father and daughter?

[Catherine Gray]

I don't know, dad. How should I?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Of course you know. He said something else about he having his friends and not interfering with yours. What did he mean by that?

[Catherine Gray]

I don't know what he meant. I have lots of friends.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You do know, Ruth. I'll put it to you plainer. Who is the man?

[Catherine Gray]

What man?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The man. That's what Derek was driving at. Oh, come on, Ruth. You can tell me. Why, even that time in Paris. Don't you remember?

[Mirelle]

What?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Of course.

[Hercule Poirot]

That's who it is.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Ruth, have you been seeing that scoundrel again?

[Catherine Gray]

You mean the Comte de la Roche?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The Comte de la Roche. I told you at the time he was just a common swindler. He'd entangled you pretty deeply. But I got you out of his clutches.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, you did. And I married Derek Kettering.

[Mr. Van Alden]

It was what you wanted.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, if that's what you want to think.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Now, you've been seeing Delaroche again. He's been here today, hasn't he?

[Catherine Gray]

How do you know?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I saw him as I was walking up the street, but I just couldn't place him for a moment. And after all, I told him.

[Catherine Gray]

I want to tell you one thing, dad. You are very wrong about Armand.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, so it's Armand now, is it?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I know there were several regrettable incidents in his youth. He has told me about them. But he still cares for me very deeply. It broke his heart when you forced us to part in Paris.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And I'll do the same again if I have to.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, dad.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But a daughter of mine could be such a fool. The man's nothing but a cheap little crook. All he wants is your money.

[Catherine Gray]

Just fancy that. Just fancy what, Mother? Catherine Gray being left a fortune. The mail. Look. Well, so what? Cheese paring. Old women are always dying in villages and leaving fortunes to their humble companions. But this humble companion happens to be my very own cousin. One of the Worcestershire Greys. The Edgeworth lot. I see. And I was wondering what there was in it for us. I was merely thinking it would be very nice if I wrote to dear Catherine suggesting she should come out to the Riviera. Naturally, she's quite out of touch with society. It'd be nicer for her to be launched by one of her own people. How much do you think you could get her to cough up? We should have to come to some financial arrangement, of course. Oh, it is one thing to another. Ever since your poor dear father died. And ever since you married Chubby. He's an expensive luxury, if you like. Darling, you have such a coarse way of putting things. I shall write to dear Catherine at once and remind her of the dear old days at Edgeworth. Oh, Mother.

[Inspector Carreg]

And that concludes all the formalities, I think, Ms. Gray. Mrs. Garfield was very precise in her instructions.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you, Mr. Scattergood. And what do you advise me to do about the letter from Mrs. Attleborough?

[Inspector Carreg]

I should simply forget all about it. These people have no claim of any kind upon the estate and no court would uphold them.

[Catherine Gray]

I thought as much. But just the same I should like a certain sum to go to these people. They were Mrs. Garfield's only relatives and it seems to me unfair that they should be cut off with nothing.

[Inspector Carreg]

Very well.

[Hercule Poirot]

If that is what you wish, I

[Inspector Carreg]

will see to it. But you would do well to be on your guard, Ms. Grey. News of an unexpected fortune spreads fast and the world is full of. Full of Spanish.

[Catherine Gray]

You've no need to warn me of that, Mr. Scattergood. Only yesterday I had a letter from a long forgotten cousin inviting me out to her villa on the Riviera.

[Inspector Carreg]

I'm sure that you will treat that

[Hercule Poirot]

with the contempt it deserves.

[Catherine Gray]

On the contrary, I am going to accept she wants to see what she can get out of me. And I want to spend a few weeks in the Mediterranean villa. In smart society there'll be profit on both sides. It will bring a little color into my life.

[Derek Kettering]

It's. It's no good talking of black pearls to me, Mirelle. At the present moment, as far as I'm concerned, the fat is well and truly in the fire.

[Mirelle]

Oh, what has happened?

[Derek Kettering]

My esteemed father in law is arranging for Ruth to divorce me.

[Mirelle]

Stupid. Why should she want to divorce you?

[Derek Kettering]

Mainly because of you, my darling.

[Mirelle]

That is foolish.

[Derek Kettering]

Very foolish.

[Mirelle]

What are you going to do?

[Derek Kettering]

My dear girl, what can I do? On the one side, the man with unlimited money. On the other, the man with unlimited debts. There is no question as to who will come out on top.

[Mirelle]

They are extraordinaire, these Americans. It is not as though your wife were fond of you.

[Derek Kettering]

So what are we going to do about it? The creditors will come down on me like wolves on the fold.

[Mirelle]

We are not going to do anything about it. I am very fond of you, mon ami. You are very charming, but it just isn't practical.

[Derek Kettering]

You're a rich man's luxury. Is that what you mean?

[Mirelle]

If you like to put it that way. I am fond of you, Derek, but I am not made to be poor. It is quite simple. You must make it up with your wife.

[Derek Kettering]

I'm afraid that's not going to be actually in the sphere of practical politics.

[Mirelle]

I don't understand.

[Derek Kettering]

Van Aldin has fixed his mind on a divorce for his daughter. And a divorce is what she's going to get.

[Mirelle]

I have heard of him. A few days ago in Paris, he bought the most wonderful ruby in the world. The Art of Fire. The ruby of Catherine the Great should not belong to a stupid little creature like your wife. It should belong to me. On my neck a jewel like the Art of Fire would find its true setting. This wife of yours, she is his only child?

[Derek Kettering]

Yes.

[Mirelle]

Then when he dies, she will inherit all his money. She will be a rich woman.

[Derek Kettering]

She is a rich woman already. He settled a couple of millions on her at her marriage.

[Mirelle]

Oh, but that is a fortune. And if she were suddenly to die, would all that money come to you?

[Derek Kettering]

As things stand at present, it would. As far as I know, she's not made a will.

[Mirelle]

Oh, if she were to die, what a solution that would be.

[Derek Kettering]

I adore your simple, practical mind, Mirelle. But I think the chances are pretty slim. My wife is an extremely healthy person.

[Mirelle]

But my darling, there are such things as accidents. And you know that ruby. The Art of Fire is supposed to carry an ancient curse. What if the curse were to fall upon your wife? I am not superstitious, but such things do happen.

[Inspector Carreg]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Granger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place. From H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers more millions of products in fast, dependable delivery. So you can keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly. Call 1-800-granger click grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Inspector Carreg]

Good morning, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

What can I do for you?

[Derek Kettering]

I want a ticket for Nice.

[Inspector Carreg]

For what date, sir?

[Derek Kettering]

The 14th. I want to travel on the blue train.

[Mr. Van Alden]

That may not be so easy, sir.

[Derek Kettering]

The blue train is always booked up well in advance. See if there is a berth left.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, madam.

[Inspector Carreg]

Can I help you.

[Catherine Gray]

I want to go to nice on the 14th.

[Derek Kettering]

Nice?

[Inspector Carreg]

Yes, madam.

[Catherine Gray]

Which is the best train?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, of course there is the blue train.

[Inspector Carreg]

The train? Blue. You avoid the customs business at Calais. You don't have to change at Paris. The carriage goes straight through.

[Derek Kettering]

But I don't know whether they still.

[Inspector Carreg]

You'll have a birth.

[Hercule Poirot]

I'm just checking for this gentleman.

[Derek Kettering]

So we meet again. Oh, you're the lady I nearly knocked down in the Savoy.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I don't think it was as serious as all that.

[Hercule Poirot]

There are three births left.

[Derek Kettering]

Excellent.

[Inspector Carreg]

Shall I book a berth for you, madam?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, oh, yes, yes, of course. The name is Gray. Catherine Gray.

[Derek Kettering]

What name, sir? Put it down. The name of my man, Pavit. I'll send him around to collect them. Good day.

[Hercule Poirot]

There's a gentleman called to see you, Mr. Kettering.

[Derek Kettering]

Major Knighton. Knighton? What the devil can he want? Oh, very well, Pavitt, show him in. Oh, and take this check round to Cook's in Piccadilly and have some tickets booked for me in your name.

[Hercule Poirot]

Very good, sir.

[Derek Kettering]

Major Knighton, sir. Come along in, Knighton. Very good of you to look me up. Drink? No, thank you. Well, take a seat.

[Inspector Carreg]

Thank you.

[Derek Kettering]

And what does my esteemed father in law want with me now you have come on his business, I take it? I have, yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

I only wish you could have chosen someone else.

[Derek Kettering]

Is it as bad as that? I'm quite thick skinned, I can assure you.

[Hercule Poirot]

The matter is simply this. As you know, your wife, Mrs. Kettering, is about to file a petition for divorce. If the case goes undefended, you will receive £100,000 on the day that the decree is made. Absolutely. In the event of your refusing this proposition, Mr. Van Alden wished me to

[Mr. Van Alden]

tell you in plain words that he

[Hercule Poirot]

proposes to break you.

[Derek Kettering]

Supposing I were to tell you that for 200,000 I would do what he wanted. What then?

[Hercule Poirot]

I would take your Message back to Mr. Van Alden. Is that your answer?

[Derek Kettering]

No. Funnily enough, it is not. You can go back to my father in law and tell him to take himself and his bribes to hell. Is that clear?

[Hercule Poirot]

Perfectly. Will you allow me to say, Mr. Kettering, that I am glad you have answered as you have.

[Derek Kettering]

Good day, Major Knighton.

[Hercule Poirot]

Goodbye.

[Derek Kettering]

And that is that.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Bruce. Ruth.

[Catherine Gray]

Dad. I didn't expect to see you here.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Gave you quite a surprise, eh? Come on, I'll walk you to the train. I just came to take a last look at you since I'm not going to see you for some time.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, it Isn't really very long. And you are coming out next month?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah, that's so. You'd better be getting on board this train of yours. Do you know where your seat is?

[Catherine Gray]

Well, Mason was going to find it for me.

[Hercule Poirot]

Mrs. Guttering.

[Catherine Gray]

There she is. Are you coming in?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Just for a minute.

[Catherine Gray]

Put your dressing case under your seat, Mrs. Kittering, in case you should need it. Shall I take the rugs or will you require me? No, no, I shan't need you, thank you, Mason. You better go and find your own seat now. Yes, madam.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, by the way, I thought you might like a few magazines to read on the journey.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you, dad.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'll put them on the table here, shall I? They won't be in your way, will they, madam?

[Catherine Gray]

Of course not.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'd better be clearing out of here.

[Hercule Poirot]

Bye.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Bye, Ruthie.

[Catherine Gray]

Goodbye, dad.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And don't you worry about the other business. I'll attend to everything. Have a good time.

[Hercule Poirot]

Dad. Yeah?

[Derek Kettering]

What is it?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, nothing. Till next time month.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Bye.

[Catherine Gray]

Are you all right? Can I help you? No, I'm perfectly all right. Just a speck of dust in my eyes, that's all.

[Mr. Van Alden]

One place for luncheon.

[Inspector Carreg]

If you'll be so kind as to

[Hercule Poirot]

share a table with this lady.

[Catherine Gray]

Of course. Oh, this is quite a coincidence. Tis odd the way things happen to begin with.

[Hercule Poirot]

Soup, madame? Ah. Coffee, madame?

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you. It will be a relief to get into the sunshine. I'm sure it will be a wonderful feeling.

[Hercule Poirot]

And you, madame?

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you. Do you know the Riviera well? No. This is my first visit. Fancy that. You go away every year, I expect. Practically. January and February in London are horrible. I wouldn't know. I have always lived in the country. They're not very inspiring. Months there either. Mostly mud. Cigarette? No, thanks. You don't mind if I smoke? No, not at all. What made you suddenly decide to travel? Money. For years I have been a paid companion with just enough money of my own to buy myself strong country shoes. Now I have been left what seems to me to be a fortune. Though I dare say it would not seem so much to you now. I wonder why you said that. I really don't know. I suppose one forms impressions without thinking of it. I wish you would tell me what other impressions you've formed about me, but I scarce. Please don't be so conventional. I want to know. You were so concerned about me when we left the Victoria. What were you thinking? I will tell you if you like, but you must not think me impertinent. I thought that you were in Great distress of mind. And you were right. I am in terrible trouble. I. I should like to tell you something about it, if I may. I've always been told I'm a sick, sympathetic listener. Please tell me. But not here. Come to my compartment.

[Inspector Carreg]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Granger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need, all in one place, from H VAC and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products and fast, dependable delivery so you can keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Catherine Gray]

Here we are. Do come in. Thank you. Oh, Mason. I want to talk to this lady in private. You won't mind if I close the door between us? Of course not. Madam. Please sit down. I am in trouble, and I don't know what to do. There is a man I am fond of, very fond indeed. We cared for each other when we were young. And we were thrust apart most brutally and unjustly. Now we have come together again. I see. I am going to meet him now. I dare say you will think it is all wrong, but you don't know the circumstances. My husband is impossible. He has treated me disgracefully.

[Mirelle]

Yes,

[Catherine Gray]

well, what I feel so badly about is this. I have deceived my father. You saw him at Victoria today. He wishes me to divorce my husband. And of course, he has no idea that I'm going to meet this other man. He would think it extraordinarily foolish. Well, don't you think it is? I don't know. I really don't know. Ever since we left Victoria, I have had a horrible feeling of something. Something that is coming to me very soon. Something that I can't escape. Oh, you must think that I am mad talking to you like this. But I tell you, I know something terrible is gonna happen. You must try to pull yourself together. You could send your father a wire when the train gets to Paris. And he would come to you at once. Yes, I could do that. It is queer. But I never knew until today how terribly fond of dad I am. I have been very foolish. Thank you so much for letting me talk to you. I'm quite all right now. I suppose I just needed someone to talk to. I can't think why I've been making such an absolute fool of myself. I'm glad you feel better. I must be going back to my own compartment now. Perhaps we shall meet at dinner. Yes, perhaps we shall.

[Hercule Poirot]

Dinner, Madame. This way, please.

[Catherine Gray]

I was looking for the lady who's table I shared at lunchtime.

[Hercule Poirot]

She is dining in her compartment, Madame. A dinner basket was ordered at the Gardelion.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, thank you.

[Hercule Poirot]

If you would be so good as to share the table of this gentleman.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, of course.

[Hercule Poirot]

Good evening, Madame.

[Catherine Gray]

Good evening.

[Hercule Poirot]

I see that you have taken the precaution of bringing a detective story with you.

[Catherine Gray]

I was not certain whether I should be dining alone.

[Hercule Poirot]

And you wish to guard against border. You are fond of such things?

[Catherine Gray]

They amuse me.

[Hercule Poirot]

They have a good sale always. So I am told. Now, why do you think that should be, Mamzel? I ask you as a student of human nature.

[Catherine Gray]

Perhaps they give one the impression of leading an exciting life.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, yes. There is something, of course, one knows

[Catherine Gray]

that such things don't really happen.

[Hercule Poirot]

Or sometimes they do, Mamzel. Sometimes they have, after all happened to me, really. And someday they may even happen to you. It is all Charles.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't think it is likely. Nothing of that kind ever happens to me.

[Hercule Poirot]

But would you like to? Oh, it is my fancy, perhaps. But I think that you have a yearning in you for interesting happenings. And all through my life I observed one thing. What one wants, one gets. Who knows? You may get more than you bargain for.

[Catherine Gray]

Something terrible is gonna happen. I've known it ever since we left Victoria. Something is coming to me very soon. Something I can't escape. Something terrible is gonna happen. A horrible dream. I must get some fresh air. Oh, that's. It's as if the whole train's gone to sleep. There's no one. No, there is someone. It's the man I saw at the Savoy. The man who was buying the ticket for the Blue train in Cooks. And he's going into the compartment of the American lady. Miss Gray.

[Inspector Carreg]

It is Miss Gray, is it not?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes. I am Miss Grey.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh. Welcome to Nice. I'm Chubby. Chubby Evans. Lady Tamplin's husband.

[Inspector Carreg]

I expect she mentioned me, but perhaps she forgot. Now then, have you got your billet?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Bagage.

[Inspector Carreg]

I lost mine when I came out this year.

[Hercule Poirot]

And you would not believe the fuss

[Inspector Carreg]

they made about it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Regular French red tape.

[Inspector Carreg]

What a moment, Mamzel, if you please.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, what is it?

[Inspector Carreg]

I regret, Mamzel, but I must ask you to accompany me. There are certain police formalities that need to be completed.

[Hercule Poirot]

There.

[Inspector Carreg]

What did I tell you? It will not take a moment. Mail. If you will come this way.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, I suppose you have to go.

[Inspector Carreg]

My car's outside the station. I'll be waiting for for you there.

[Catherine Gray]

Where are we going?

[Hercule Poirot]

To this carriage.

[Inspector Carreg]

Here, Mamzel.

[Catherine Gray]

But that's one of the coaches from the blue train, surely. What is this all about?

[Inspector Carreg]

This way, Mamzel. If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place. From H Vac and plumbing supplies to light, lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now? Really?

[Catherine Gray]

At a playground?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yeah, really. Look at these listings from dealers. Wow, your search can really get that specific.

[Catherine Gray]

Really?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And you just put in your info and boom. Car's in your budget.

[Catherine Gray]

Mom needs a second. Honey.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

You can really have it delivered. Really? Or I can pick it up at the dealership. One sec, sweetie.

[Catherine Gray]

Mommy's buying a car.

[Hercule Poirot]

Mommy, look.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I think your kid is walking up the slide. Kyle.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Again?

[Catherine Gray]

Really?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Auto trader buy her car online? Really?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Pray be seated, Mademoiselle. I am Monsieur co commissaire of police.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't understand. What is going on? Do you wish to see my passport?

[Mr. Van Alden]

What I really desire, mademoiselle, is a little information.

[Catherine Gray]

Information

[Mr. Van Alden]

about a lady who has been a fellow passenger of yours. You lunched with her yesterday.

[Catherine Gray]

The American lady. She was a complete stranger to me. I had never seen her before.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And yet you returned to a compartment with her after lunch and sat talking for some time. You can perhaps give me some kind

[Hercule Poirot]

of idea of that conversation?

[Catherine Gray]

I could. But at the moment I see no reason to do so.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Mademoiselle, the reason is very simple. The lady in question was found dead in her compartment this morning.

[Catherine Gray]

Dead? What happened? Did she have a heart attack?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No, no, mademoiselle. She was murdered.

[Catherine Gray]

Murdered?

[Mr. Van Alden]

So you see, mademoiselle, why we are anxious for any Information we can possibly get.

[Catherine Gray]

I see. But couldn't her maid?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The maid has disappeared.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I don't really see what use I can be. I don't even know her name.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Her name is Catherine. That we know from her passport and from the labels on her luggage.

[Hercule Poirot]

If we could only.

[Inspector Carreg]

Excuse me, Monsieur le Commissaire, but there is a gentleman asking to speak with you. He gave me this.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I cannot be disturbed now. Tell him.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you, Poirot.

[Mr. Van Alden]

May I ask the gentleman to come in, please?

[Inspector Carreg]

Certainly, Monsieur le Commissaire. Come in. Monsieur.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Monsieur Poirot?

[Hercule Poirot]

The same. I remember meeting you, Monsieur Coretta, in Paris. Though doubtless you have forgotten me.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Not at all, monsieur, not at all. You have heard of our little incident?

[Hercule Poirot]

I have heard. I come to see if I might be of any assistance.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You should be flattered, monsieur. Let me present you, Monsieur Poirot, to Mademoiselle Gray.

[Hercule Poirot]

I have already had the honor.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes. I have been explaining to the Commissaire that this poor lady was a complete stranger to me.

[Hercule Poirot]

But she talked to you, did she not? You formed an impression, is it not so?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, I suppose I did.

[Hercule Poirot]

And that impression was. Yes, mademoiselle.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Let us by all means have your impressions.

[Catherine Gray]

She was an American. Very wealthy, I think. She. She told me she was in terrible trouble. There was a man whom she had loved when she was young, from whom she had been parted by her father. She.

[Hercule Poirot]

Go on, madam.

[Catherine Gray]

She said that her husband had been treated her disgracefully and that her father wanted her to divorce him. But she was going to meet this

[Hercule Poirot]

other man without her father's knowledge.

[Catherine Gray]

She said that he would think it extraordinarily foolish. She became quite hysterical. She said she knew something terrible was going to happen.

[Hercule Poirot]

And so it did.

[Catherine Gray]

I tried to persuade her to send her father a wire from Paris to come and fetch her. I don't think it did anything good. She didn't. She didn't kill herself?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No. It is not possible, mademoiselle. She was strangled with the length of black cord. It is not nice now, but you

[Hercule Poirot]

have great courage, mademoiselle.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And that is why I am going to ask you to do something more. Something distinct, stressing. But I assure you, very necessary.

[Catherine Gray]

What is it?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I am going to ask you, mademoiselle, to be so good as to accompany me to her compartment.

[Catherine Gray]

Must I?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Someone must identify her. And since the maid has disappeared, you seem to be the person who has seen most of her since she joined the train.

[Catherine Gray]

Very well. If it is necessary, mademoiselle.

[Hercule Poirot]

Is Sensible. May I accompany you, Monsieur Gault?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Enchante, my dear Monsieur Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

Enchante.

[Mr. Van Alden]

This will not be very pleasant, mademoiselle.

[Hercule Poirot]

Her face has been very badly disfigured.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, no.

[Hercule Poirot]

When was that done, I wonder? Before death or after? The doctor says after. Very strange. You must be brave, mamzel, and study her closely. Are you sure that this is the woman you talked to yesterday?

[Catherine Gray]

I am quite sure. The face, she's been too battered for me to recognize her. But the build and the hair are exact. And besides, there this little mole on her wrist. I noticed it yesterday while she was talking to me.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, you are an excellent witness, mademoiselle. There is then no question of the identity. But it is strange all the same.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Perhaps in a fit of rage.

[Hercule Poirot]

If she had been struck down, it would have been comprehensible. But the man who strangled her slipped up behind, caught her unawares. A little choke, a little gurgle, that is all that would be heard. And then afterwards, that smashing blow to the face. Now, why did he hope that if the face were unrecognizable, she might not be identified? Or did he hate her so much that he could not resist striking that blow even after she was dead?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, it's horrible. She was convinced that something terrible was going to happen to her.

[Hercule Poirot]

You must not let me distress you, madam said to you, all this is very new and terrible to me. Alas, it is an old story. I must ask you to look around the compartment very carefully. I want to know if you see anything changed, anything missing.

[Catherine Gray]

Hard to tell. Her fur coat still where it was. Her hat box, her suitcase. Yes, there is something missing. A scarlet morocco case. It had the initials RVK on it. It might have been a small dressing case or a big jewel case. When I saw it last, the maid was holding it.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Aha.

[Hercule Poirot]

Is that so?

[Catherine Gray]

But surely I. Of course, I don't know anything about such things. But surely it is plain enough if the maid and the jewel case are missing.

[Hercule Poirot]

You mean that it was the maid

[Mr. Van Alden]

who was the thief?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, mademoiselle. There is a very good reason against that.

[Catherine Gray]

What is it?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The maid was left behind in Paris. I would like you to hear the conductor story yourself, Monsieur Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

It is very interesting. Mademoiselle would doubtless like to hear it also. You do not object, Monsieur Le Condes? No, no, no. Certainly, Poirot. If you say so. You have finished in here? I think so. Ah, no. Wait a moment. On this rug.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What is it?

[Derek Kettering]

What have you found?

[Hercule Poirot]

Four Auburn hairs. Ah, yes. They are from the head of Madame.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And what of it do you attach importance to them?

[Hercule Poirot]

Foreheads on a rug? What is important, what is not, one cannot say at this stage. But we must know each little fact carefully. Let us go and hear the conductor's evidence.

[Mr. Van Alden]

It was after we had left the Gare de Lyon. I came along to make the beds, thinking that madame would be at dinner.

[Hercule Poirot]

But she had a dinner basket in her compartment. She said to me that she had

[Mr. Van Alden]

been obliged to leave her maid behind

[Hercule Poirot]

in Paris, so that I need make

[Mr. Van Alden]

up only one berth. She took her dinner basket into the

[Hercule Poirot]

adjoining compartment and sat there while I

[Mr. Van Alden]

made up the bed.

[Hercule Poirot]

Then she told me that she did

[Mr. Van Alden]

not wish to be wakened early in the morning, that she.

[Hercule Poirot]

She liked to sleep on. I told her I quite understood.

[Mr. Van Alden]

She wished me good night.

[Hercule Poirot]

You yourself did not go into the adjoining compartment?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No, monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

Then you did not happen to notice

[Mr. Van Alden]

if a scarlet morocco case was among the baggage there? No, monsieur, I did not.

[Hercule Poirot]

Would it have been possible for a man to have been concealed in the adjoining compartment? The door was half open.

[Mr. Van Alden]

If a man had stood behind that door, I should not have been able to see him. But of course, you would have been perfectly visible to Madame when she went in there.

[Hercule Poirot]

Quite, Quite so. Is there anything else you have to tell us?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I can't remember anything else.

[Hercule Poirot]

This morning, as madame had ordered, I

[Mr. Van Alden]

did not disturb her. It was not until just before Cannes that I ventured to knock at the door.

[Inspector Carreg]

Getting no reply, I opened it.

[Mr. Van Alden]

The lady appeared to be asleep. I took her by the shoulder and tried to rose her.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, yes. Thank you, Monsieur Michel. I think I know all that I want to know.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Very good, monsieur. Thank you again, monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

So where does that get us?

[Mr. Van Alden]

According to the medical evidence, the lady

[Hercule Poirot]

was probably dead before the train reached Lyon.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Who then was the murderer? From Mademoiselle Gray's story, it seems clear that somewhere on her trip journey she was to meet this man of whom she spoke. Her action in getting rid of the maid seemed significant. Did the man join the train at Paris and did she conceal him in the adjoining compartment? If so, did they quarrel? And did he kill her in a fit of rage?

[Hercule Poirot]

It is a possibility, I suppose. And you, mademoiselle, you heard and saw nothing during the night?

[Catherine Gray]

Nothing? No.

[Hercule Poirot]

I think that we need not detain Mamzel any longer.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But we shall need your address, Mademoiselle.

[Catherine Gray]

I am staying with Lady Tamplin at the Villa Marguerite. She is my cousin.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you, mademoiselle.

[Hercule Poirot]

I will Escort you to your friend's car. I trust he is still there. I that you will permit me to see you again, madam. Or have you so many friends that your time will be all taken up?

[Catherine Gray]

On the contrary. I shall have plenty of leisure. And I shall be very pleased to see you again, Monsieur Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

Excellent. This shall be our own detective story. We will investigate this affair together. I say, there is your friend patiently waiting. Au revoir, mamzel.

[Catherine Gray]

Au revoir, monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

To realize the future America needs, we understand what's needed from us to face each threat head on. We've earned our place in the fight

[Mr. Van Alden]

for our nation's future.

[Hercule Poirot]

We are marines.

[Mr. Van Alden]

We were made for this. The wrongs we must right.

[Hercule Poirot]

The fights we must win.

[Mr. Van Alden]

The future we must secure together for our nation. This is what's in front of us.

[Hercule Poirot]

This determines what's next for all of us.

[Mr. Van Alden]

We are marines.

[Hercule Poirot]

We were made for this.

[Catherine Gray]

But how terribly exciting, Catherine, my dear.

[Mirelle]

We plunged right into the thick of it all.

[Catherine Gray]

The moment you arrive, you're still.

[Inspector Carreg]

I hadn't the foggiest what was going on. I mean, collared by the police the moment she stepped off the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

I didn't know what to think.

[Catherine Gray]

Little thinking isn't really your faulty, is it, chubby darling? But, my dear Catherine, what an opportunity. I think, you know, one might be able to make something out of all this. I don't understand what you mean. A little account of it all. You know, cleverly written up. How I chatted with the murdered woman. Last person to see her alive, sort of thing. What rot, Lenox. You have no idea, Catherine, my dear, what the newspapers will pay for a little tit bit. Written, of course, by someone of unimpeachable social position. I would much prefer to do nothing of the kind. Rather striking young woman, I think you said. I wonder now who she would have been. You didn't hear her name? It was mentioned by, but I can't remember it. But that's scarcely surprising.

[Hercule Poirot]

I should think so.

[Inspector Carreg]

It must have been a beastly shock.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, it was.

[Mirelle]

Would you like to go up and

[Catherine Gray]

see your room, Catherine? You could do with the rest, I fancy. Thank you. That's very kind.

[Mirelle]

Come along, then.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

Nice thing, isn't she? Have you noticed those grey eyes?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Hot.

[Catherine Gray]

Never mind our eyes, Chubby. We're discussing things that really matter.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, yes, quite.

[Catherine Gray]

She doesn't seem to me to be very malleable.

[Hercule Poirot]

What's that?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, never mind. At least I don't think she'll turn out to be mean. You mustn't mind Mother. She'd make a few pennies profit out of her dying grandmother if she could. I don't mind her in the least. It was just rather unexpected, that's all. Why did you come to us? I mean, we're not your sort. Oh, I am anxious to get into society. Don't be an ass. I like you. You're frankly sincere and upright and all those queer things, but you're not a fool. Oh, hell. What does she want now?

[Mirelle]

What is it, Leonard?

[Catherine Gray]

Derrick has just rung up. He wants to come to dinner tonight.

[Mirelle]

Will it be all right? I mean, we haven't got anything awkward like quails, have we? No, Mother.

[Catherine Gray]

It'll be all right.

[Mirelle]

Such a relief.

[Catherine Gray]

I'm glad Derek's coming. At least he'll keep Mother in order. You'll like him. Who is Derek? He's Lord Leconbury's son. He married some frightfully rich American woman. Women are simply potty about him.

[Derek Kettering]

Why?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, the usual reasons. Very good looking and a regular bad lot. Everyone goes off their heads about him. Do you? Sometimes I do. And sometimes I think I'd like to marry a nice curate. And live in the country and grow things in frames. An Irish curate would be best. And then I could hunt. I can't think of anything I'd like less. There's something odd about Derek. All that family are a bit potty.

[Mirelle]

Mad gamblers, you know.

[Catherine Gray]

In the old days, they used to gamble away their wives and their estates. And did most reckless things for the love of it. Derek would have made a perfect highwayman. Dashing and debonair. Good Lord, how I do. Go on. Come down when you feel like it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Kathryn, you look enchanting.

[Inspector Carreg]

Another fantastic dress.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

You don't mind me calling you Catherine, do you?

[Hercule Poirot]

Rosalie says you're her proper cousin.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't mind in the least.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, good.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now, do you play tennis?

[Catherine Gray]

Not really. You see, I've scarcely had time.

[Hercule Poirot]

Said you wouldn't, she said.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Companions.

[Inspector Carreg]

Wine ball and wash dogs most of the day.

[Catherine Gray]

Here's Derek. Derek, this is Catherine Gray. She's Mother's cousin. But don't let that put you off. We have met before.

[Derek Kettering]

I knew I was going to meet you again soon, but I never dreamt that it would be here. It had to be, you know. Once at the Savoy and once at Cook's. Never twice without. Three times.

[Catherine Gray]

But this is not the third time. It is the fourth. I saw you on the blue train.

[Derek Kettering]

On the blue train. What was the rumpus? This Morning. Somebody died, hadn't they?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes. Somebody had died.

[Derek Kettering]

You shouldn't die on a train. I believe it causes all sorts of legal and international complications. And it gives the train an excuse for being even later than usual. Mr. Kettering.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, Mr. Kettering. This note was sent here for you.

[Derek Kettering]

Thank you. Oh, this is most extraordinary. I say, Lennox, I'm afraid I shall have to leave. The prefect of police wants to see me.

[Hercule Poirot]

It was.

[Derek Kettering]

I can't think what about.

[Catherine Gray]

Your sins have found you out.

[Derek Kettering]

They must have. It had better be pretty serious if it's going to make me miss dinner. Where's Rosalie?

[Catherine Gray]

On the terrace.

[Derek Kettering]

I think I'll go and make my apologies. Good night.

[Catherine Gray]

Good night. Kettering.

[Mirelle]

Yes.

[Catherine Gray]

Derek Kettering. What's the matter? That was the name of the woman on the train. The woman who was murdered? Yes. And I saw him going into her compartment in the middle of the night. Derek. Did you tell the police? No, I didn't. Until this moment, I didn't know whether it was just part of my dream. But now I'm sure.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You must have been mistaken, Knighton. It's just not possible.

[Hercule Poirot]

I assure you, sir, there's no mistake.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You saw Ruth's maid in Paris last night.

[Hercule Poirot]

Not just saw. I actually spoke to her.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, tell me exactly what happened.

[Hercule Poirot]

I had fixed up the deal with Bartheimers and had gone back to the Ritz to pick up my traps before having dinner and catching the 9 o' clock train from the garden. At the reception desk I saw a woman whom I was quite sure was Mrs. Kettering's maid. I went up to her and asked if Mrs. Kettering was staying there. Naturally.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And she told you that Ruth had gone on to the Riviera and had sent her to the Ritz to await further orders?

[Hercule Poirot]

Exactly that, sir.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Very odd. Very odd indeed. And unless the woman had been impertinent or something of the kind, she didn't give any reason for this change of plan.

[Hercule Poirot]

She said, sir, that Mrs. Kettering had met a friend unexpectedly.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is that so? Man or a woman?

[Hercule Poirot]

I think she said a man, sir.

[Mr. Van Alden]

There's one thing no man can do, and that is to get a woman to listen to reason. And not one in ten of them knows a scoundrel when she meets one. Come in.

[Catherine Gray]

Telegram for Mr. Van Aldin.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you. Here we are, sir.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you. Oh, my God.

[Hercule Poirot]

What's the matter, sir? Ruth. Mrs. Kettering,

[Mr. Van Alden]

dad.

[Hercule Poirot]

An accident. To the train?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No. They don't use the word Knighton. But I think my poor girl's been murdered.

[Hercule Poirot]

My God.

[Mr. Van Alden]

This is from the police and me. Say I must get out there by the next train.

[Hercule Poirot]

There's a five o' clock from Victoria, right?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah. You'll come with me. Knighton, see to everything here.

[Hercule Poirot]

Of course.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I want to get round to Curzon street. Oh,

[Hercule Poirot]

hello, Mr. Van Alden, suite. Mr. Goby's in reception, sir.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Goby?

[Hercule Poirot]

The agent you set to tail Derek Kettering.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, yes. Tell him to come on up, will you?

[Hercule Poirot]

Please do.

[Mr. Van Alden]

No, no, no. Wait a minute. Let me speak to him. I'm. I'm pressed for time. Goby, you got anything important to tell me?

[Hercule Poirot]

The movements of Mr. Kettering, sir. You wish them to be reported to you? Well, Mr. Kettering, sir left London for the Riviera yesterday morning.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What? Which train did he go on?

[Hercule Poirot]

The blue train, sir. Mademoiselle Mirel, the dancer, was on the same train.

[Inspector Carreg]

My name is Carreg. I have been appointed the huge d' instruction in this case. Monsieur Van Oden, may I express my deepest sympathy?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

May I present to you Monsieur Hercule Poirot, whom I have asked to be present, monsieur. You have doubtless heard of him. He retired as chief of the Belgian force some years ago, but his name is still a household word as one of the greatest living detectives.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Pleased to meet you, Monsieur Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, I happened myself to be traveling on the blue train, which is why I came to be involved in this investigation.

[Inspector Carreg]

I propose to begin by interviewing the maid, Ada Mithor. She is here with you, Mr. Van Odin, I understand.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes, we picked her up as we were coming through Paris.

[Inspector Carreg]

We will have a ring then. Ah, do come in, Mamsel.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Inspector Carreg]

Please be seated.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you, sir.

[Inspector Carreg]

Your name is Ada Maison, is that right?

[Catherine Gray]

Ada Beatrice.

[Inspector Carreg]

Ada Beatrice. Now, mademoiselle, let us talk this affair over. There was, I understand, no question of your leaving the train in Paris when you started from London?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, no, sir. I was to go straight through to Nice with Madame.

[Inspector Carreg]

Had you ever been abroad with your mistress before?

[Catherine Gray]

No, sir. I'd only been with her two months, you see.

[Inspector Carreg]

Did you perceive anything unusual about her on the journey? Was she quite as usual?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, she. She. She seemed rather worried and a bit upset, and she was rather difficult to please.

[Hercule Poirot]

I see.

[Inspector Carreg]

Now then, what was the first you heard of your stopping in Paris?

[Catherine Gray]

Well, it was at the place they call the Gare de Lyon, sir. My mistress said she was going to get out and walk up and down the platform. She was just going out into the corridor when she gave a sudden exclamation and came back into the compartment with a gentleman. She shut the door between her compartment and mine so that I didn't see or hear anything. Till she suddenly opened it again and told me she had changed her plans. She gave me some money and told me to get off and go to the Ritz Hotel. I was to wait there until I heard from her. She would wire me what she wanted me to do.

[Inspector Carreg]

While Mrs. Kettering was telling you all this, where was the gentleman?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, he was standing in the other compartment, sir, looking out of the window.

[Inspector Carreg]

Would you describe him to us?

[Catherine Gray]

Well, you see, sir, I hardly saw him. He had his back to me most of the time. He was a tall gentleman and dark. That's all I can say with certainty. He was dressed very like any other gentleman. In a dark blue overcoat and a grey hat.

[Inspector Carreg]

Was he one of the passengers on the train?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I don't think so, sir. I took it that he'd come to the station to see Mrs. Kettering in passing through.

[Derek Kettering]

Very well.

[Inspector Carreg]

Now then. Your mistress later requested the conductor not to rouse her early in the morning. Was. Was that a likely thing for her to do, do you think?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, yes, sir. The mistress never took breakfast, and she didn't sleep well at nights, so that she liked sleeping on in the morning.

[Inspector Carreg]

Mostly luggage. There was a scarlet morocco case, was there not? Mrs. Kettering's jewel case?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, sir.

[Inspector Carreg]

Did you take that case to the Ritz?

[Catherine Gray]

Of course not, sir. Why should I do a thing like that?

[Inspector Carreg]

You left it behind in the carriage with your mistress.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

Had your mistress much jewelry with her, do you know?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, a fair amount, sir. Well, they told me the rubies alone were worth several hundred thousand pounds.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Which rubies, Really?

[Catherine Gray]

I think it was you that gave them to her, Mr. Van Alden, not very long ago.

[Mr. Van Alden]

My God, she must have been mad to take them with her. I told her to deposit them at the bank. What a nurse could have done.

[Inspector Carreg]

For the moment. Mademoiselle Maison, I think that is all very well, sir. Thank you.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

I. I think you should see this, Monsieur Van Oden. It was found in the handbag of Madame Kettering.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, thank you. Share on me. I will obey you. I will be prudent, discreet. All those things a lover most hates. Paris would perhaps have been unwise. But the eel dor are far away from the world, and you may be assured that nothing will be discovered. It's like you and your divine sympathy to be interested in the world. Work on famous jewels that I'm writing. It will Indeed. Be an extraordinary privilege to see and to handle these legendary rubies you're ever adoring, Armand.

[Hercule Poirot]

The Heart of Fire. So that is what it is all about. It seems the Heart of Fire has claimed yet another victim.

[Inspector Carreg]

Yes. Perhaps you will tell us in your own words, Monsieur Van Hin, all that you know of this gentleman.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Certainly. Well, it began 11 or 12 years ago in Paris. My. My daughter was

[Hercule Poirot]

to realize the future America needs. We understand what's needed from us to face each threat head on. We've earned our place in the fight

[Mr. Van Alden]

for our nation's future.

[Hercule Poirot]

We are marines. We were made for this.

[Mr. Van Alden]

The wrongs we must write, the fights we must win. The future we must secure together.

[Hercule Poirot]

For our nation.

[Mr. Van Alden]

This is what's in front of us.

[Hercule Poirot]

This determines what's next for all of us. We are marines. We were made for this.

[Mr. Van Alden]

A young girl then, full of foolish romantic notions. You know, like all girls are. Well, unknown to me. She made the acquaintance of this Comte de la Roche. Frankly, I doubt whether he has any right to that title.

[Hercule Poirot]

No, you would look in vain by his name in the Almanac de Bourta.

[Inspector Carreg]

You are quite right. The Comte de la Roche is well known to us. But he is cunning. His affairs are always conducted with ladies of high social position. If he obtains money from them under false pretenses, naturally they will not prosecute.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah, that's so. I can tell you, I broke the affair up pretty sharply. I told Ruth exactly what he was, and she had no choice but to believe me. But only a week ago, I discovered to my amazement that my daughter had resumed her acquaintance with this Comte de la Roche. She had been meeting him frequently in London and Paris. I told her she was being very foolish, for on my advice, she was planning to bring a suit for divorce against her husband.

[Hercule Poirot]

Really? This is very interesting.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I pointed out to her the gravity of continuing to see the Comte under the circumstances I thought she'd agreed with.

[Inspector Carreg]

According to that letter. Monsieur Van.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I know. You don't have to tell me how Ruth could be such a fool. All this talk about writing a book on jewels. He must have been after the rubies from the word go, Monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

There was a rumor recently that the Heart of Fire Ruby had passed into the hands of wealthy American. Are we right in concluding that monsieur was the purchaser?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes, Monsieur Poirot. They came into my position in Paris about 10 days ago.

[Hercule Poirot]

Pardon me, monsieur, but have you been negotiating for their purchase for some time?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, a little over two months. Why?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, these things have a way of becoming known. Now, Monsieur van Olin, let us start to put our facts in order. According to our present theory, this is how they run. The Comte Roche knows of your purchase of the route. Because of his past attachment to your daughter, it is an easy matter to induce her to bring the stones with her. He then is the man Mason saw in the train in Paris.

[Inspector Carreg]

That would seem to be in accordance with what we know.

[Hercule Poirot]

Madame is surprised to see him at the Gare de Lyon, but he deals with the situation promptly. Mason is got out of the way and a dinner basket is ordered. So no one knows of his presence on the train except Madame. They are alone, and the train rushes through the night. There would be no outcry, no struggle, for the man is, she thinks, her lover. Her death, monsieur, must have been almost instantaneous. We will pass over that quickly. The Count takes the jewel case, and shortly afterwards, the train draws into Lyon.

[Inspector Carreg]

Precisely, Mr. It would have been easy for Delaroche to leave the train unseen at Lyon and catch a train back to Paris or anywhere he pleases. The crime would be put down as an ordinary train, Robin. But for the letter found in Madame Kettering's bag, the Comte would not have been mentioned.

[Hercule Poirot]

Is it strange that he should have left it?

[Inspector Carreg]

Without doubt. He thought she had destroyed the letter. It was part of me, Monsieur van Odin. But it was an indication discretion only a woman in love would commit.

[Hercule Poirot]

But how was it that knowing women as she does, the Roche did not see that Madame would have kept that letter?

[Inspector Carreg]

Oh, yes, there is something in what you say. But at such times, you understand, a man is not master of himself if

[Hercule Poirot]

he did indeed commit the crime. If you say if. Yes, monsieur, I say if you are right.

[Inspector Carreg]

We go too fast. It is possible that the comte may have an alibi. Then we should look foolish.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, the alibi is of no importance whatsoever. Naturally, if he committed a crime, he would have an alibi. A man with the comte's experience does not neglect to take precautions. No, I said if for a very definite reason.

[Inspector Carreg]

And what was that?

[Hercule Poirot]

The psychology.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What do you mean by that?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, the psychology is wrong. Lecomte is a scoundrel. Yes. Lecomte preys upon women. Yes. He proposes to steal the Heart of Fire again. Yes. But is he the kind of man to commit murder? I think not. A man like the Comte is always a coward. He takes no risks. He plays the safe, what the English call the low down game. By the murder? No.

[Inspector Carreg]

But the day always comes when sachent we lose their heads and go too Far. No, no, no. I am satisfied in my own mind that the Count is the man we need to get hold of. It will be difficult to lay hands on him, I'm afraid, but we will do our best.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, you will find him at the Villa Marina in Antibes.

[Inspector Carreg]

You teach us all our business, M. Powell.

[Mr. Van Alden]

No, no.

[Hercule Poirot]

It is my hobby to know things.

[Inspector Carreg]

And what is your view, Mr. Van Alden? Are you certain that the Comte de la Roche is the murderer?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, everything points to him. But does my son in law know about Ruth's death? He is a niece, I understand.

[Inspector Carreg]

Yes, monsieur. You are doubtless aware that Monsieur Kettering was also one of the passengers on the Blue train that night?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes. A fact I discovered just before I left London.

[Inspector Carreg]

Mr. Kettering has told us he had no idea his wife was traveling on the train.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I bet he hadn't. He'd have had a nasty shock if he'd run into her.

[Inspector Carreg]

How do you mean, Monsieur?

[Mr. Van Alden]

If you want some measure of what my poor child has had to put up with, you had better know that Kettering wasn't alone. He had a lady with him.

[Hercule Poirot]

A lady?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Mirelle, the dancer.

[Inspector Carreg]

Well, wonder at one of that rumors. The lady is very and also very expensive.

[Mr. Van Alden]

This is no laughing matter. That decadent aristocrat who married my daughter is nothing better than a damn scoundrel.

[Hercule Poirot]

No. Permit me to ask, M. Van Olin, but does M. Kettering benefit by the death of his wife to the tune

[Mr. Van Alden]

of a couple of million dollars? Pounds.

[Catherine Gray]

Pounds.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I settled that sum on Ruth absolutely. On her marriage, she made no will and leaves no children, so the money will go to her husband, who she

[Hercule Poirot]

was on the point of divorcing.

[Inspector Carreg]

Are you implying that.

[Hercule Poirot]

I am implying nothing. I arrange the facts, that is all. I do not think I can be of any further service to you, Ms. Le Juge. You will keep me informed of the course of events?

[Inspector Carreg]

Oh, but certainly, Most certainly.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I take it you don't want me anymore at present.

[Inspector Carreg]

I know, monsieur. We have all the information we need for the moment.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you. Then I'll walk a little way with Mr. Perrot. That is, if he does not object.

[Hercule Poirot]

I should be enchanted, M. Val.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you. I take it, Monsieur Poirot, that you no longer exercise your profession?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, that is so, monsieur. I enjoy the world.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And will you continue to assist the police in this affair?

[Hercule Poirot]

If a doctor is walking along the street and an accident happens under his nose, does he say, I have retired from my profession? I will continue my walk. When there is someone bleeding to death at his Feet.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You were on the spot. You examined the compartment, did you not?

[Hercule Poirot]

I did, yes.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Doubtless you found things that were, shall we say, suggestive.

[Hercule Poirot]

To you, perhaps.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I hope you see what I'm leading up to. It seems to me that the case against the Comte de la Roche is perfectly clear. But I'm not a fool. I've been watching you for this last hour or so. And I realize that for some reason of your own, you don't agree with that theory.

[Hercule Poirot]

I may be wrong.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'm a very rich man, Monsieur Poirot. It is usually said that a rich man labors under the belief that he can buy everything and everyone. That's not true. But I'm a big man in my way. And one big man can ask a favor from another big man.

[Hercule Poirot]

That is very well said, Monsieur Renault.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Then, Monsieur Voreu, will you act for me in this affair?

[Hercule Poirot]

For you personally?

[Mr. Van Alden]

That was my meaning. I want to see Ruth's killer on the gallows. I want action. I want it fast.

[Hercule Poirot]

But you realize what you are asking?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I guess I do.

[Hercule Poirot]

Very well, then. I accept. But if I am going to act for you, Monsieur Bernalde, I must have frank answers to all my questions.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Naturally. That is understood.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now, this little matter of the divorce. It was you who advised your daughter to bring the action?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

And when does Mr. Kettering get news of what is in the wind?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I sent for him myself and explained the course of action I proposed to take.

[Hercule Poirot]

And what did he say?

[Mr. Van Alden]

He was damned impython.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now, excuse the question, monsieur, but did he refer to the Comte de la Roche?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Not by name, but he showed he was aware of what was going on.

[Hercule Poirot]

What, if I may ask, was Monsieur Kettering's financial position at the time?

[Mr. Van Alden]

He was flat broke.

[Hercule Poirot]

And now he has inherited 2 million pounds. Life. It is a strange thing, is it not? But surely Monsieur Kettering did not propose to allow himself to be divorced without

[Mr. Van Alden]

making a fight for it. I don't exactly, exactly know what his intentions were.

[Hercule Poirot]

And did you hold any further communications with him?

[Mr. Van Alden]

No.

[Hercule Poirot]

It is no use. I must wish you good day, monsieur. I can do nothing for you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What are you getting at?

[Hercule Poirot]

If you do not tell me the truth, I can do nothing.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I don't know what you mean.

[Hercule Poirot]

I think you do. You may rest assured, monsieur, that I know how to be discreet.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Very well then. Monsieur Poirot, I'll admit that I wasn't speaking the truth just now. I did have further communications with my son in law.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I sent my secretary, Major Knighton, to see him with instructions to offer him the sum of £100,000 in cash if the divorce went through undefended.

[Hercule Poirot]

A pretty sum of money. What was the answer of Monsieur, your son in law?

[Mr. Van Alden]

He told me to go to hell.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah. Now then. Monsieur Kettering has told the police that he neither saw nor talked to his wife on the journey from England. Are you inclined to believe that statement, monsieur?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes, I am. He would take particular care to keep out of her way, I should say.

[Hercule Poirot]

Why?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Because he had that woman with him.

[Hercule Poirot]

Mirel.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Who else?

[Hercule Poirot]

But how did you come to know that?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I had set a man of mine to watch Kettering. He told me they both left by that train.

[Hercule Poirot]

I see. There is something in all this that does not quite fit in. It needs a little thought. I. I will communicate with you at your hotel, M. Van Aldin.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It.

[Hercule Poirot]

Josh, you have some experience of the English upper classes, have you not?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

I was in the service of the late Lord Frampton for several years. Shall I put out the dark gray suit, sir? There is a grease spot on the waistcoat. The more so of feeding the soul of La Janet. All I did there when I was lunching at the Ritz last Tuesday. There is no spot there now, sir. I have removed it. Tribune Georges. I should have known you would have seen to it. Supposing, my g, that you had been born in the same social sphere as your late master, Lord Edward Frampton. No, no, no, no, no, no. Suppose you serve a Pendice address aristocrat who had married an extremely wealthy wife, and you discovered that your wife proposed for excellent reasons, to divorce you. What would you do about it? I should endeavor, sir, to make her change her mind. By peaceable or by forcible methods? You must excuse me, Monsieur Poirot, but a gentleman would never resort to forcible means in a situation like that. Ah, but a cost among the wood. Use force. That is very interesting, George. For Missipo. I will see that he gets it. A note, sir, from Inspector Coe. Well, what did he say? We are about to interview the Count de la Roche. The juge d' instruction begs that you will be present. Then quickly, Georges, give me my unspotted suit. To realize the future America needs, we understand what's needed from us to face each threat head on. We've earned our place in the fight

[Mr. Van Alden]

for our nation's future.

[Hercule Poirot]

We are marines.

[Mr. Van Alden]

We were made for this cafe.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Catherine Gray]

Yep.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Hercule Poirot]

Well, gentlemen, I am here.

[Derek Kettering]

May I ask why you wish to see me?

[Hercule Poirot]

Pray be seated, Monsieur Le Comte.

[Mr. Van Alden]

It is the affair of Madame Kethering that we are investigating.

[Hercule Poirot]

The affair of Madame Kethering? What do you mean by that? You are acquainted with the lady, I

[Mr. Van Alden]

believe, Monsieur Le Comte?

[Hercule Poirot]

Certainly I'm acquainted with her.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is that a criminal offense?

[Inspector Carreg]

Perhaps you do not know, Monsieur le Comte, that Madame Kettering has been murdered?

[Derek Kettering]

Madam.

[Hercule Poirot]

No, I did not know.

[Derek Kettering]

That is terrible.

[Inspector Carreg]

Madame Kettering was strangled on a tramble and her jewels were stolen.

[Hercule Poirot]

In Madame's handbag we found a letter to her from you. She had it seems, arranged to meet you. Why should I lie to you?

[Mr. Van Alden]

We are all men of the world.

[Hercule Poirot]

You were to meet her in Paris and travel down with her. I believe that was the original arrangement. But by Madame's wishes was changed.

[Derek Kettering]

I was to meet her at hier.

[Hercule Poirot]

You did not meet her on the tremble at the Galileon on the evening of the 14th?

[Mr. Van Alden]

On the contrary, I arrived at Nice on the morning of that day.

[Hercule Poirot]

So what you suggest is impossible. Quite so, quite so. Perhaps you could give us an account of your movements during the evening and night of the 14th.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I dined in Monte Carlo at the Cafe de Paris. Afterwards I went along to this sporting one, a few thousand francs.

[Hercule Poirot]

I returned home at perhaps one o'. Clock.

[Inspector Carreg]

Your servant admitted you on your return to the villa.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I let myself in with my own latch key.

[Hercule Poirot]

I see.

[Derek Kettering]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

Bring in Mademoiselle Misson.

[Derek Kettering]

Yes, Monsieur Le Juge.

[Inspector Carreg]

This way, Mademoiselle.

[Mirelle]

Yes, sir.

[Inspector Carreg]

Now, will you be so good, mademoiselle, as to look at this gentleman to the best of your remembrance? Was it he who entered your mistress compartment on the blue train in Paris?

[Catherine Gray]

Well, I couldn't see, sir. No, I'm not sure. Seeing as I only saw his back, it's hard to see. I rather think it may have been the gentleman.

[Inspector Carreg]

But you can't say for certain?

[Catherine Gray]

No, sir, I'm afraid I can't.

[Inspector Carreg]

Very well, Mademoiselle. That will do.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

One moment. There is a question I would like to put to Mademoiselle Valmail.

[Inspector Carreg]

Certainly, Monsieur Poirot, if you must.

[Hercule Poirot]

What happened to the train tickets?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, well, the mistress had her own Pullman ticket, sir. I gave the honors to the conductor.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, thank you, mademoiselle.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, gentlemen, am I to be detained further?

[Inspector Carreg]

Assuredly not, Monsieur le Comte. Naturally, in view of madame's letter, we were bound to question you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I quite understand. Good day, monsieur.

[Inspector Carreg]

Good day.

[Hercule Poirot]

Good. This is much better. To make him feel that he is not so suspected. But you will keep an eye on him?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Two of my men will shadow him night and day.

[Inspector Carreg]

I asked Monsieur Kettering to come here this morning. There are one or two suspicious circumstances.

[Hercule Poirot]

Such as?

[Inspector Carreg]

Well, this lady with whom he is said to be traveling.

[Hercule Poirot]

Mirand.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes.

[Inspector Carreg]

She is staying at one hotel and he at another. That strikes me as rather odd.

[Mr. Van Alden]

It looks as though they were being careful.

[Hercule Poirot]

Exactly.

[Inspector Carreg]

And what should they have to be so careful about?

[Hercule Poirot]

We might, I think, ask Monsieur Kettering a few questions.

[Inspector Carreg]

Very well. Yes, ask Monsieur Kettering, if you'll be good enough to spare us a few minutes.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oui, monsieur.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, you may be right. Perhaps an excess of caution is suspicious. Precisely, monsieur.

[Derek Kettering]

Catherine.

[Catherine Gray]

Ah.

[Inspector Carreg]

Good morning, monsieur.

[Derek Kettering]

Good morning, gentlemen. Why have you seen sent for me? Has anything fresh turned up?

[Inspector Carreg]

You are quite sure that you neither saw nor spoke with your wife on the train?

[Derek Kettering]

I've answered that already. I did not.

[Inspector Carreg]

You have no doubt your reasons?

[Derek Kettering]

I did not know she was on the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

Madame Kettering, I understand, did not leave a will.

[Derek Kettering]

I don't think she ever made one. Why do you ask?

[Hercule Poirot]

You know, it's a very pretty little fortune.

[Derek Kettering]

Just what do you mean by that? And who the hell are you, anyway?

[Hercule Poirot]

My name is Hercule Poirot. And I am probably the greatest detective in the world. Now, you are quite sure that you did not see or speak to your wife on the tremble?

[Derek Kettering]

What are you getting at? Are you trying to insinuate that I killed her? You'll have to do better than that. If I killed her, I should have had no need to steal her jewels, should I?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, that destroyed. I did not think of it.

[Derek Kettering]

If ever there was a clear case of murder and robbery, this is it. Poor Ruth. Those damned rubies did for her.

[Hercule Poirot]

One more question, Monsieur Kettering. Will you give me the date when you last saw your wife?

[Derek Kettering]

It must have been well over three weeks ago. Anything further?

[Inspector Carreg]

No, Monsieur Kettering, we need not trouble you any further. I wish you good morning.

[Derek Kettering]

Thank you. And the next time you have nothing to tell me, don't hesitate to send for me.

[Hercule Poirot]

Tell me, Monsieur Courage, when did you speak of the rubies to Monsieur Kettering?

[Inspector Carreg]

I have not Spoken of them? It was only yesterday afternoon that we heard of them from Monsieur Van Ode.

[Hercule Poirot]

Then how did he know about them? Madame could not have told him, for he has not seen her for three weeks. And there's not been any hint of reverence to them in the newspapers. And yet our gentleman knows all about them. I wonder now. Yes, I wonder.

[Derek Kettering]

Green lady at the one.

[Inspector Carreg]

Sophia.

[Mirelle]

I thought I might find you here. Aren't you pleased to see me? Give me some kind of welcome at

[Derek Kettering]

me this is an unexpected pleasure. When did you leave London?

[Mirelle]

A day or two ago.

[Derek Kettering]

And your theatrical engagements?

[Mirelle]

They are no longer of any concern to me.

[Derek Kettering]

Really?

[Mirelle]

You are not very amiable, Derek.

[Derek Kettering]

Do you expect me to be?

[Mirelle]

You think perhaps it is not prudent so soon?

[Derek Kettering]

You are lunching here?

[Mirelle]

Yes, my darling, I am lunching with you.

[Derek Kettering]

No, I'm exceedingly sorry. I have a very important engagement. Thank you.

[Catherine Gray]

And for madame?

[Hercule Poirot]

The same. Thank you, Madame.

[Mirelle]

Oh, you cannot deceive me, my darling. I know what you have done for me. Have no fear. I am discreet.

[Derek Kettering]

The hell are you talking about?

[Mirelle]

You are right. We will not speak of the matter again. But our troubles are ended. Our life together will be wonderful.

[Derek Kettering]

2 million makes a difference, does it? Yes, of course it does. I ought to have known that. You'll help me to spend that 2 million, won't you, Mirelle? You know how no woman better be quiet.

[Mirelle]

What is the matter with you, Derek? See, people are staring at me.

[Derek Kettering]

I will tell you what is the matter. I have finished with you, Mirael.

[Mirelle]

Oh, you are such a child, Derek. You are angry because I am being realistic. But I know you, Derek. You cannot live without me. I know it. Oh, I loved you before. I will love you under a bangs more now. I will make life wonderful for you. There is no one like Mirelle. And now, Derek, will you give me lunch?

[Derek Kettering]

No, Mirelle, no. I'm sorry, but I. I told you, I. I have an engagement.

[Mirelle]

You are lunching with someone else?

[Derek Kettering]

Yes, with that lady over there.

[Mirelle]

Is that little English miss. I don't believe it.

[Derek Kettering]

Goodbye, Mirelle. Miss Gray, will you. Will you have lunch with me? I had to leave you so rapidly at Lady Tamplin's.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you. I should like to very much.

[Inspector Carreg]

Monsieur le Comte lcipolite.

[Derek Kettering]

What is it?

[Hercule Poirot]

There is a lady to see you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

A lady?

[Hercule Poirot]

She is, I think a lady not known to monsieur.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And where is this lady?

[Hercule Poirot]

In the salon.

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[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, Monsieur. Just a moment.

[Derek Kettering]

Yes?

[Mr. Van Alden]

There is something I must say to you. As you know, I arrived here last Tuesday morning. If the police or any other inquiry should question you, do not forget that fact. I arrived on Tuesday the 14th, not Wednesday the 15th. You understand?

[Hercule Poirot]

Perfectly, Monsieur le Comte.

[Mr. Van Alden]

That is well then I'll go and see this mysterious visitor.

[Mirelle]

Monsieur le Comte de la Roche at your service, Mademoiselle. My name is Mirelle. You may have heard of me.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Who has not?

[Hercule Poirot]

The whole world is enchanted by your dancing.

[Mirelle]

You must forgive this unceremonious intrusion, but please be seated.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Mamzel, I beg you.

[Mirelle]

We have mutual friends in Paris. I have heard of you from Them. But I come to see you today for another reason. I have heard of you since I came to Nice. In a different way. You understand? I will be brutal, nevertheless believe that I have your welfare at heart. It is the police. They believe you killed Madame Kettering. But they are wrong.

[Hercule Poirot]

Certainly they are wrong.

[Mirelle]

You say that, but you do not know the truth. I do.

[Hercule Poirot]

You know who killed Madame Ketrin?

[Mirelle]

It was her husband. He killed her.

[Hercule Poirot]

But how do you know of this, Mamzel?

[Mirelle]

He boasted of it to me beforehand. He was ruined, bankrupt, dishonored. Only the death of his wife could save him. He told me so. So he traveled on the same train. She was not to know.

[Derek Kettering]

But surely, Mamzel, in that case, he

[Hercule Poirot]

would not steal the jewels, the rubies?

[Mirelle]

Who could resist them?

[Mr. Van Alden]

What do you want me to do, Mamzel?

[Mirelle]

Surely. It is simple. You will go to the police. You will say to them that Monsieur Kettering committed the crime.

[Hercule Poirot]

And if they do not believe me,

[Derek Kettering]

if they ask for proof, send them

[Mirelle]

to me, Monsieur le Comte. I will give them the proof they want.

[Catherine Gray]

Well, Catherine, how did your lunch with Derek go? It went very well. Do you like him? I don't know. He is very attractive. Yes, he is. He likes you, Catherine. He gave me a good lunch.

[Inspector Carreg]

Miss Gray is wanted on the telephone. Oh, Mr. Poirot wishes to speak with her.

[Catherine Gray]

It doesn't look as if you could ever hope to get away from the Blue Train for long. Go on, Catherine. Go and dally with your detective. Good afternoon, Monsieur Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, Mamzel. Monsieur Van Aldin, the father of Madame Kettering, wishes very much to speak with you either at the bill of Marshall or at his hotel, whichever you prefer.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't think he really ought to come out here. I think it would be better if I came to Nice.

[Hercule Poirot]

Excellent. I will call for you myself in an auto. Shall we say in about three quarters of an hour? So our little detective story unfolds. Well, would you like to hear the developments of the case? Of course. Well, at the moment, the police are keeping a close watch on the Comte de la Roche.

[Catherine Gray]

The man Mrs. Kettering told me about on the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

The same, yeah.

[Catherine Gray]

And you think he is the murderer?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, that is the theory.

[Catherine Gray]

But do you believe that?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, I did not say so. But tell me, have you met Derek Kettering?

[Catherine Gray]

I met him at Lady Tamplin's. I lunched with him yesterday.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, doubtless you observed him on the Blue Train.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, I noticed him in the restaurant car. No, I didn't notice him at meals. At all. I only saw him once going into his wife's compartment.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, yes. It is a strange business. You said that you were awake, mademoiselle, when the train reached Lyon, and that you looked out of the window. You saw no tall, dark man such as the Comte de la Roche leave the train.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't think I saw anyone at all.

[Mirelle]

Oh, yes.

[Catherine Gray]

There was a youngish lad in a cap and overcoat who got out, but I didn't. I don't think he was leaving the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

But it is like this, you see. The Comte de la Roche has an alibi. Well, an alibi. It is a very pestilential thing and always open to the gravest suspicion. But we are at the hotel, and I'm afraid you will have to repeat your story all over again. For the benefit of Musha Vinald,

[Mr. Van Alden]

Miss Gray, I'd like to tell you that I'm very grateful to you. I think you did something to ease my poor Ruth's mind in the last hours of her life. Now, I want to ask you something. You have heard about the scoundrel that my poor girl had got herself mixed up with.

[Catherine Gray]

The Comte de la Roche. Monsieur Poirot has told me about him.

[Mr. Van Alden]

In your judgment, do you think that she might have changed her mind after her conversation with you?

[Catherine Gray]

I can't honestly tell you. She had certainly come to some decision and seemed more cheerful in consequence of it.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh, well, thank you. Thank you very much, Miss Gray. Knighton, will you come in, please? Certainly.

[Derek Kettering]

Course.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Miss Gray, I don't think you know my secretary, Major Knighton.

[Catherine Gray]

How do you do, Miss Gray?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, Poirot, Miss Gray has told me all she knows, but the vital point remains a mystery.

[Hercule Poirot]

What is it, this vital point?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, if only we knew what decision Ruth came to, she might have meant to leave the train and cable me. She may have meant to go under here and have a nasty with the comp there. We're completely in the dark. All we have is the maid's word that Ruth was startled and dismayed by his appearance at the train in Paris.

[Hercule Poirot]

If it was him.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes. Yes, indeed. Miss Gray, will you stay to lunch?

[Catherine Gray]

Forgive me, Mr. Van Alden, but Lady Tamplin's giving one of her lunch parties. I promised I'd be there.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Then I'll get Knighton to drive you back. That won't put you out, will it? Knighton?

[Hercule Poirot]

I'd be delighted.

[Catherine Gray]

You're becoming a serious breaker of hearts, Catherine. What? Mr. Knighton has been ringing you up again. Major Knighton? Whatever did he want? Ever since he ran you back the other day, he's never been off the phone. You must have made quite an impression. The funny thing is that I remember him quite well. He was in the hospital that Mother ran out here during the war. I was only a kid of about eight at the time. Was he badly wounded? Shot in the leg, if I remember rightly. Rather a nasty business. I think the doctors must have messed it up a bit. The surgeon said he wouldn't limp or anything. But when he dropped you off here the other day, he was distinctly.and go1. Are you telling Catherine all about Major Knighton?

[Derek Kettering]

Lennox?

[Catherine Gray]

Such a charming boy. Just at first I didn't remember him. We had so many. But now it all comes back. He was a bit too unimportant to be remembered before. Now that he's secretary to an American millionaire, Mother suddenly recovered her memory. Darling, what was Major Knighton ringing up about anyway? He asked if you would go to the tennis this afternoon. Naturally, we accept it for you. He was very particular to say it was Mr. Van Aldin's invitation. He said it so often that I began to smell a rat. He's picking you up in the car at half past three.

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[Hercule Poirot]

I'm very glad that you could come. I think it might be quite an exciting afternoon. Monsieur Poirot is going to be there also.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I wouldn't have thought of him as a tennis fat.

[Mr. Van Alden]

He is a very remarkable person who

[Hercule Poirot]

has done some very remarkable things. I remember I was staying in a house in Yorkshire, and Lady Clanraven's jewels were stolen. It seemed at first to be a simple robbery, but it completely baffled the local police. I wanted Lady Clanraven to call in Hercule Poirot, but they pinned their faith on Scotland Yard.

[Catherine Gray]

And what happened?

[Hercule Poirot]

The jewels were never recovered.

[Catherine Gray]

You really do believe in him, hmm?

[Hercule Poirot]

I do indeed. The Comte de la Roche is a pretty wily customer. He's regular most things, but I think he has met his match in Hercule Poirot.

[Catherine Gray]

So you think the Comte did it?

[Hercule Poirot]

Of course. Don't you?

[Catherine Gray]

But he has an alibi, Miss Gray.

[Hercule Poirot]

You told me that you read detective stories. You must know that anyone who is a perfect alibi is always okay to grave suspicion.

[Catherine Gray]

Do you think real life is like that?

[Hercule Poirot]

Why, fiction is founded on fact, but

[Catherine Gray]

it is rather superior to it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Perhaps. Anyway, if I was a criminal, I should not like to have air on my back.

[Catherine Gray]

No more should I. You look wonderful.

[Hercule Poirot]

Bonjour, Monsieur poirot. Where is Mr. Van Alden? He will meet us at our seats. To tell you the truth, my friend, he is not too well pleased with me. He thinks I should fly myself in pursuit of criminals through all the byways of Nice. I should have thought myself that it wouldn't have been a bad plan. Ah, there. You were wrong. I shall achieve quite as much by sitting here. At the tennis one meets everyone. For example, here comes Monsieur Kettering.

[Derek Kettering]

Good afternoon, Miss gray.

[Catherine Gray]

Good afternoon, Mr. Kettering. Monsieur Poirot was just saying that you meet everyone at the tennis.

[Hercule Poirot]

What's he now?

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, there's Mr. Van Alden.

[Hercule Poirot]

I'd better see what he wants. I. I approve of that young man. And you, mamzel?

[Catherine Gray]

I like him very much.

[Hercule Poirot]

And you, Mr. Kettering?

[Derek Kettering]

Yes, he's a very good fellow.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, he's a great admirer of yours, monsieur. He was saying that if he were a criminal, he would hate to have you on his track.

[Hercule Poirot]

That reminds me. When you were talking to that poor lady on the train. I think you must have dropped A cigarette case?

[Catherine Gray]

I don't think so.

[Hercule Poirot]

Not this one. You see, it has a little K on it in gold.

[Catherine Gray]

No, it's not mine.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Oh.

[Hercule Poirot]

Assertion. Department apologies. We thought at first that it must have belonged to Madame Kettering, but she had another cigarette case in her bag. You do not know, I suppose, whether this was your wife's case or not, Monsieur Kettering?

[Derek Kettering]

I don't know. I suppose so.

[Hercule Poirot]

Is it not yours, by any chance?

[Derek Kettering]

Certainly not.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, I thought you might perhaps have dropped it when you were in your wife's compartment.

[Derek Kettering]

I never was there. I've told you that a thousand times.

[Hercule Poirot]

A thousand pardons. It was Mandel here who mentioned having seen you going in.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, well, you made a mistake, Ms. Craig. From what the police have told me, I gather that my own compartment was only a door or two away from my wife's. Though I never suspected the fact at the time. You must have seen me going into my own compartment.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, here comes M. Van Aldin.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, I can't think of anything I'd like less at the moment than an encounter with my father in law. Forgive me if I leave you.

[Hercule Poirot]

Good afternoon, Ms. Gray.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I'm glad you were able to accept my invitation.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Van Alden.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Do sit down, Knighton. There is a seat right next to Ms. Gray there.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, thanks.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You seem fond of watching tennis, Mrs. Poirot.

[Hercule Poirot]

It is a pleasure to me, yes.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Where I come from, business comes before pleasure.

[Hercule Poirot]

Everyone has his own methods. I have always found it a pleasing idea to come combine business and pleasure. Observe that tall old man opposite us. The one with the yellow face and the venerable beard.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, what about him?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, that is Mr. Popopolis. He's a dealer in antiques of a worldwide reputation and widely suspected by the police being a receiver of stolen goods, especially jewels. Now I ask myself, why is Monsieur Populous suddenly come to Nice?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I guess I must apologize to you, Fuero.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now, I have news for you. As you know, the Condolaroche has been on the police surveillance ever since his interview with the instruction. Well, the day after that, during his absence, his villa was searched by the police.

[Mr. Van Alden]

They didn't find anything. Albert.

[Hercule Poirot]

Your acumen is not at fault, Mr. Van Aldin. They found nothing of an incriminating nature. But they were also keeping an eye on his car. He was followed on that day to Monte Carlo. From there he went by road to Montreal. But his car is a very powerful one. It out distances pursuers, and for a quarter of an hour they completely lost sight of him.

[Mr. Van Alden]

During that time you think he concealed something by the roadside?

[Hercule Poirot]

By the roadside, no. But I made a little suggestion to monsieur. In each bureau, the post in the neighborhood, it has been seen to her. There is someone who knows the Comte de la Roche by sight. Because, you see, the best way of hiding a thing is by sending it away by post.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well?

[Hercule Poirot]

Voila. A small package mailed by the court in that vital quarter of an hour.

[Mr. Van Alden]

To what address?

[Hercule Poirot]

Unfortunately, he told us nothing. It was addressed to one of those little newspaper shops in Paris where letters and parcels are kept until called for.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But what's in the package, Poirot?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, a cardboard box. Now is a good moment. All eyes are on the. Dennis. Look, Monsieur. My God, the rubies.

[Catherine Gray]

More coffee, Father?

[Inspector Carreg]

Thank you, Jia. Excuse me, monsieur. There is a gentleman to see you, Monsieur. Palace at this hour? He said it was very important.

[Hercule Poirot]

Here is his card. Oh, read it for me, will you,

[Catherine Gray]

My dear Monsieur Achille. Po.

[Hercule Poirot]

Po. Oh, yes, I'll see him.

[Inspector Carreg]

Yes, Monsieur Popopolis. I saw him yesterday at the tennis. I don't like this.

[Hercule Poirot]

My dear Monsieur Papis. My dear monsieur,

[Catherine Gray]

sit down and have a cup of coffee.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you.

[Inspector Carreg]

You will excuse me going on with my breakfast?

[Hercule Poirot]

Your call is a little early. Oh, it is scandalous. But you see, I'm pressed.

[Inspector Carreg]

You're working on a case, then?

[Hercule Poirot]

A very serious one. The death of Madame Kettering. Oh, that was the lady who died

[Inspector Carreg]

on the blue train, was it not? I saw a mention of it in the newspapers. And in what way can I assist you, Monsieur Paolo?

[Hercule Poirot]

By giving me your opinion on the contents of this box. Super bother. Now, take the rubies. Have a close look at them. How much would you say they were worth?

[Inspector Carreg]

Is it really necessary to tell you?

[Hercule Poirot]

You are shrewd, Mr. Populous. No, it is not.

[Inspector Carreg]

As an imitation, they are quite excellent. Would it be indiscreet to ask where you came across?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, not at all. I have no objection to telling an old friend like yourself they were in the possession of the Comte de la Roche.

[Inspector Carreg]

Were they indeed?

[Hercule Poirot]

Mr. I'm going to lay my cards on the table. The originals of these jewels were stolen from Madame Kettering on the blue tray. Now, I will say to you first this. I am not concerned with the recovery of these jewels. I am working not for the police, but for the fowl. Madame Kettering. I want to lay hands upon her killer. I am interested in the jewels only insofar as they may lead me to the man. You understand? I think so.

[Derek Kettering]

Go on.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, it seems to me probable, monsieur, that the jewels will change hands in Nice. May already have done so. I see. I said to myself this. If these jewels have changed, changed hands in Nice, Mifopulous would have heard of it. He has knowledge of all that passes in the jewel world.

[Catherine Gray]

Would you like a question?

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you. Now, the police, you understand, don't enter into the matter. It is a personal affair. I have heard rumors. Oh, Such as?

[Inspector Carreg]

Is there any reason why I should pass them on to you?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes. Yes, I think there is. You may. I remember, Misha Apopolis, that 17 years ago there was a certain article in your hands, left by a very prominent person which unaccountably disappeared. And you said that if I restore to you that article, I shall earn your undying gratitude. I did restore it to you.

[Inspector Carreg]

It was the most unpleasant moment of my career.

[Hercule Poirot]

You will aid me, then?

[Inspector Carreg]

As regards the jewels, monsieur, I can do nothing. I know nothing, I have heard nothing. But I can perhaps do you a good turn. That is, if you are interested in racing.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, under certain circumstances I might be.

[Inspector Carreg]

There is a horse running at Longchamps that would, I think, repay attention. Take a look at the newspaper here, you see?

[Derek Kettering]

Huh.

[Hercule Poirot]

The Marquis, I think.

[Inspector Carreg]

But I am not sure that it

[Hercule Poirot]

is an English horse. Asia.

[Catherine Gray]

I think so too.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You really are the goods, Monsieur Poirot. Once and for all, you really are the goods.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, it is nothing. Order, method, be prepared for eventualities before. And that is all there is to it.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Have they arrested the comp to?

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Why not?

[Hercule Poirot]

The cons alibi is still unshaken.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But that's nonsense.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, yes, I rather think it is nonsense, but unfortunately we have to prove it so. However, at present there is something else which concerns me. Is the maid m still here? Yes.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah. Yes, she's here. You want to see her?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yeah, if you please. I will be most grateful.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Will you send in Ms. Mason, please?

[Hercule Poirot]

Just a few little questions I have to ask.

[Catherine Gray]

You wish to see me, sir?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, mamzel. Be seated, will you?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

Now, always I return to the question of the man on the train. You have been shown the Condes de la Roche. But you are not sure that he is the man.

[Catherine Gray]

I never saw the gentleman's face. That is what makes it so difficult.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, precisely. Now, listen, mademoiselle. How do you know it was not your master, Monsieur Kettering?

[Catherine Gray]

The master, sir. I don't think it could have been.

[Hercule Poirot]

But you are not sure, really?

[Catherine Gray]

I never thought of it, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

Would you have heard that your master was on the train? But more natural than it should be him.

[Catherine Gray]

Well, yes, it might have been the master. I wouldn't like to say either way, I'm sure.

[Hercule Poirot]

Thank you very much, mademoiselle. I shall not require you any further.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Hercule Poirot]

There is just one thing more. Is this your mistress cigarette case?

[Catherine Gray]

No, sir, it isn't.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

At least.

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, well, I think, sir, I can't be sure, but I think it is a case the mistress once bought for the master. But whether she gave it to him or not, I can't say. Of course.

[Hercule Poirot]

Precisely. Well, that is all I think I wish.

[Catherine Gray]

Good day, sir.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you.

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[Mr. Van Alden]

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[Mr. Van Alden]

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[Mr. Van Alden]

But why should you still suspect Kettering? Everything points the other way.

[Hercule Poirot]

Why?

[Mr. Van Alden]

The Comte actually had the jewels in his possession?

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But you showed them to me.

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You mean to say you didn't show them to me?

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yesterday at the tennis.

[Hercule Poirot]

No.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Are you crazy, Mr. Poirot, or am I?

[Hercule Poirot]

Neither of us is crazy. You ask me a question. I answered, you say, have I not shown you the jewels yesterday? I replied no. What I showed you, Mr. Van Aldin, was a first class imitation.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yeah. Hardly to be distinguished except by an expert from the real ones.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Are you serious? Yes. Yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

It alters the position, does it not?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Imitation. All along, Mr. You have had this idea. You never believed that the Comte de la Roche was the murderer?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, I have doubts. Robbery with violence and murder, it doesn't harmonize with the personality of the court.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But you believe he meant to steal the rubies?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, certainly. There is no doubt about that. The continu of the rubies. And made his plans accordingly. He made up a romantic story of a book he was writing so as to induce your daughter to bring them with her. He provided himself with an exact duplicate, it is clear, is it not, that substitution is what he was after.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes, but what actually happened?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, it's quite simple. Someone stepped in ahead of the con.

[Mr. Van Alden]

How long have you suspected my son in law, Monsieur Poirot?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, from the very first. He had the motive and the opportunity.

[Mr. Van Alden]

You believe he murdered her?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, no, I do not say that. But it is a possibility. A very strong possibility.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Look, just find Ruth's murderer for me, Poirot. That's all I ask.

[Hercule Poirot]

Leave it in the ends of Hercule Poirot. Have no fears. I will discover the truth. All of which is all very well, but there is just one little obstacle. How am I to do it, Monsieur Poirot?

[Derek Kettering]

Oh, you have the weary air of a man who has just emerged from a conference with my father in law.

[Hercule Poirot]

And you have the air of a man who is just parting from an effective young lady. Was that Miss Gray I saw?

[Derek Kettering]

Yes. She is rather a dear, isn't she?

[Hercule Poirot]

You will pardon an old man, monsieur, if he says to you something you may consider impertinent. There's one of your English proverbs that I would quote to you. It says that it is well to be off with the old love before being on with a new.

[Derek Kettering]

What the devil do you mean by that?

[Hercule Poirot]

That is what I mean. The lady in that car there.

[Derek Kettering]

Mirelle. No, Monsieur Poirot, you're wrong. I've broken with her utterly.

[Hercule Poirot]

And she knows. Are you? I've broken with her, yes. But has she broken with you?

[Derek Kettering]

Mirelle won't break with £2 million if she can help it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, you are cynical, Monsieur. Catering. Am I?

[Derek Kettering]

I've lived in the world long enough, Monsieur Poirot, to know that all women are pretty much alike. All save one, that is. Ah, I know what you're going to say. The kind of life I've led, the fact that I'm not worthy of her. To say that I have no earthly chance of marrying Catherine, no, I. I

[Hercule Poirot]

would not say that. Your reputation is bad, yes. But with women, that will not deter. If you were a man of excellent character, of strict molarity, who had done the things that. That he should not do, then I should have had grave doubts of your success. Moral worth, you understand, is not romantic. It is, however, appreciated by widows. But it is time that I return to my hotel. I. I believe you with another English saying, Monsieur Kettering. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Think about it. The personality of a criminal, George, is an interesting matter, sir. Many murderers are men of great personal charm. I have always heard, sir, that Dr. Crippen was a pleasant spoken gentleman.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And yet he cut up his wife

[Hercule Poirot]

like so much mincemeat. Your instances are always apt, George. Hello? It is Poirot. Speech. This is Knighton. Monsieur Poirot. Mr. Van Alden would like to speak to you.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Is that you, Poirot?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I just wanted to tell you that Mason came to me just now of her own accord. She's been thinking it over, and she says that she's almost certain that the man in Paris was Derek Kettering. There was something familiar about him at the time, she says, but she couldn't place it. She seems pretty certain now.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, thank you, Monsieur Van Alden. That advances us. Thank you very much. Goodbye, monsieur. Are you lunching here, Monsieur Poirot, or are you going out? Neither. I shall go to bed and take a teaser. The expected has happened. And when the expected happens, it always causes me emotion. Monsieur Catherine.

[Inspector Carreg]

A gentleman is waiting to see you, Monsieur.

[Derek Kettering]

Who is he?

[Inspector Carreg]

He did not give his name, but he said his business with you was important and that he would wait.

[Derek Kettering]

Where is he?

[Inspector Carreg]

In the little salon, monsieur. He preferred it to the lounge, he

[Hercule Poirot]

said, as being more private.

[Derek Kettering]

The Comte de la Roche, is it?

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, Monsieur Gittering. Allow me to offer you my condolences on your recent bereavement.

[Derek Kettering]

Your condolences are misplaced. Get on with what you've come here

[Mr. Van Alden]

to say, then I will come immediately to the point. If that is what you wish.

[Derek Kettering]

Yes, that is what I wish. Or I shall boot you down the Promenade des Anglais.

[Hercule Poirot]

If you Desire it, Monsieur.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I will send my friends to you.

[Derek Kettering]

All that I desire is that you should say what you've come here to say and then get out.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Very well. You have come into a lot of money.

[Derek Kettering]

What the devil has that got to do with you?

[Mr. Van Alden]

I am suspected of murdering your wife. So not only am I unjustly suspected of a crime that I did not

[Hercule Poirot]

commit, but I am also in serious need of money.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And my conscience might impel me to go to the police with certain information.

[Derek Kettering]

What do you mean by that?

[Mr. Van Alden]

Certain information has come into my hands

[Hercule Poirot]

that could result in your being arrested and tried for murder.

[Mr. Van Alden]

It would not be exactly agreeable to you.

[Derek Kettering]

Then I shall call your bluff, de la Roche.

[Hercule Poirot]

It is no bluff.

[Mr. Van Alden]

My information was obtained from a certain lady. It is she who holds the irrefutable

[Hercule Poirot]

proof that you committed the murder.

[Catherine Gray]

Miral.

[Derek Kettering]

I have just had the most extraordinary meeting with that scoundrel who calls himself the Comte de la Roche. Was it your doing?

[Mirelle]

I haven't the least idea what you are talking about.

[Derek Kettering]

He says that you have irrefutable proof that I committed the murder.

[Mirelle]

Oh, it is too absurd. I will tell you exactly what happened the other day. The day when you refused to have lunch with me. I was mad with rage. I wanted to be revenged on you. And so I went to the Comte de la Roche and told him to go to the police and say so. And so. But have no fear, Derek. I did not complete he lose my head. The proof rests with me alone. The police can do nothing without my word. But now you have come back to me and we can forget all about it. You have come back to me, have you not?

[Derek Kettering]

I shall never come back to you.

[Mirelle]

So I was right. There is another woman. The one with whom you lunched the other day.

[Derek Kettering]

You might as well know the truth, Mirelle. I intend to ask her to marry me.

[Mirelle]

In that prim little English mouse. Do you think I will put up with that? The police want evidence, and I have it.

[Derek Kettering]

What do you mean?

[Mirelle]

I saw you coming out of the compartment of Madame, your wife, just before the train got into Lyon that night. And I know more than that. I know that when you came out of her compartment, she was dead.

[Hercule Poirot]

And so, Mademoiselle Gray, we are the good friends who have no secrets from each other.

[Catherine Gray]

Of course we are friends.

[Hercule Poirot]

Tell me what you think of Major Knighton.

[Catherine Gray]

I like him very much. He's quite delightful. Oh, what is the matter?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, you reply so heartily.

[Mr. Van Alden]

If you had said, oh, quite nice,

[Hercule Poirot]

I would have been Better pleased. And yet, who knows? Perhaps your heartiness is a way of concealing what you really feel.

[Catherine Gray]

I don't.

[Hercule Poirot]

Let me ask you another question. Do you like Derek Kettering?

[Catherine Gray]

I hardly know him.

[Hercule Poirot]

That is not an answer.

[Catherine Gray]

I think it is perfectly.

[Hercule Poirot]

You are right, Mamzel. I have seen much of the world, and I know that there are two things which are true. A good man may be ruined by his love for a bad woman. But the other way holds good also. A bad man may equally be ruined by his love for a good woman.

[Catherine Gray]

You are trying to warn me, against whom I cannot.

[Hercule Poirot]

Look into your heart, Mamcelle. I do not think you would. If I could, I would just say this. This man of whom I speak, the emotion he feels is genuine enough. But all the same. Yes, you could perhaps love a thief, Mamzel, but not a murderer. Now here comes Monsieur Kettering. Think over what I have said.

[Derek Kettering]

May I sit down?

[Catherine Gray]

Of course.

[Derek Kettering]

I want to talk to you. And who knows when I may have another opportunity. There's an idea going about that I murdered my wife. But. No, please don't interrupt. I don't deny that I married her for her money. I don't deny that I treated her abominably. But I swear to you solemnly that I did not kill my wife. I know I lied.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Derek Kettering]

The other day, it was my wife's compartment I went into.

[Catherine Gray]

I knew I wasn't mistaken.

[Derek Kettering]

You see, I was more or less spying on her. Mirelle had told me that she was meeting de la Roche in Paris and taking the rubies with her. Well, as far as I had seen this, this was not so. I felt ashamed. And I thought suddenly that it would be a good thing to have it out with her once and for all. So I pushed open the door and went in. Yes, Ruth was lying on the bunk, asleep. Her face was turned away from me. She looked so peaceful lying there. What was the point of waking her to say what I'd said a hundred times before? So I left the compartment as quickly as I could.

[Catherine Gray]

But why lie about it to the police?

[Derek Kettering]

Because I'm not a complete fool. I know that they suspect me. If I want admitted that I'd been in her compartment just before she'd been murdered, that would be the finish.

[Hercule Poirot]

I see.

[Derek Kettering]

You know, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were the only woman for me. I was afraid of you. I thought you might bring me bad luck. Catherine, you know that I care for you. Do you? Do you care for me?

[Catherine Gray]

I don't know. Derek. Yes. Hello there.

[Derek Kettering]

Damn. Here comes that idiot Knighton. Well, I won't keep you. I'm sure you have a lot to talk about.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, Ms. Gray, how nice to see you. Do you mind if I sit beside you?

[Catherine Gray]

Please do, Major Knighton.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Thank you. I've.

[Hercule Poirot]

I've been longing for a chance to talk to you alone. Mr. Van Alden may leave any day now, and I may not have the chance again.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Look, I. I know you can't care for me so soon. That's impossible.

[Hercule Poirot]

I dare say it's presumption on my part, but I have private means. Not very much.

[Catherine Gray]

But, Major Knight, I can't.

[Hercule Poirot]

No, no, please don't answer now.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I know what your answer would be.

[Hercule Poirot]

But in case I had to go away suddenly, I just wanted you to know.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But I care.

[Hercule Poirot]

Forgive me. Goodbye. Catherine,

[Mirelle]

There is something I've got to tell you.

[Catherine Gray]

Something you must know. You must listen. Ruth Kettering. What is it? What is it you have to say to me?

[Inspector Carreg]

Catherine, is something the matter?

[Hercule Poirot]

Catherine, are you all right?

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, yes, I'm quite all right. I Suddenly felt a little dizzy. There's nothing wrong,

[Hercule Poirot]

Monsieur Powell. Major Knighton, I wonder if you could spare me a few minutes of your time. I am at your disposal. The matter is rather delicate. I have no desire to be disloyal to my employer. You may have perfect confidence in my discretion, Major Knight. Very well. I will tell you. You have doubtless heard of Mirelle, the dancer. Share a me. A dedicatory. Just so you can imagine that Mr. Van Alden is not exactly well disposed toward her. This morning she came to the hotel and sent up a card saying that it was vital she should see Mr. Van Alden at once. Mr. Van Alden told me in no uncertain terms to send her away. But that was most foolish of you. So I took it upon myself to have a word with the lady privately. I told her that Mr. Van Alden was too busy to see her, but that she might make any communication she wished to me. That, however, she could not bring herself to do. But I am convinced that she knows something. This is serious. You know where she's staying? At the Westminster. Good. We will go there immediately.

[Mirelle]

Yes, Ma. I will speak. I have kept silent too long. I have held my hand. And for what? To be insulted by that. That monster. He thinks he can throw me off like an old piece. But he is mistaken. I will smash him like that.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Bro.

[Hercule Poirot]

Magnificent temperament.

[Mirelle]

I am an artist.

[Hercule Poirot]

You are indeed.

[Mirelle]

I told Derek to beware, but he would not listen. Is it true that he intends to marry that.

[Catherine Gray]

That English girl?

[Hercule Poirot]

She certainly seems to be seeing a lot of her.

[Mirelle]

He murdered his wife. That is what I have to tell you. He told me beforehand that he meant to do it.

[Hercule Poirot]

The police will need proof of that, mademoiselle.

[Mirelle]

I saw him come out of her compartment that night on the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

When?

[Mirelle]

Just before the train reached Lyon.

[Hercule Poirot]

This is a serious matter. We must waste no time. Are you prepared to swear that before the juge d'? Instruction?

[Mirelle]

Yes, monsieur, I am.

[Inspector Carreg]

This is an extraordinary story, mademoiselle. You wish us to believe that Monsieur Kettering actually boasted of the crime to you beforehand?

[Mirelle]

He was desperate for money. He said her death would have to appear to be an accident.

[Inspector Carreg]

You are aware that you are making yourself an accessory before the fact?

[Mirelle]

Oh, but I did not take him seriously. Not for a moment. I know men, monsieur. They say many wild things.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes.

[Inspector Carreg]

When did it first occur to you that Monsieur Kettering had murdered his wife?

[Mirelle]

When I saw him coming out of her compartment. There was a look on his face. Orange didn't. Or I shall never Forget it. Afterwards, when I found that Madame Kettering was dead when the train left Lyon, then I knew for certain.

[Inspector Carreg]

But you did not go to the police.

[Mirelle]

You would not expect me to betray my lover.

[Hercule Poirot]

And now, no.

[Mirelle]

He has betrayed me.

[Inspector Carreg]

Quite so. If you would be so good as to cast your eye over this statement, mademoiselle,

[Mirelle]

I will sign it. You require me no longer, monsieur?

[Inspector Carreg]

At present, no.

[Mirelle]

And Derek will be arrested at once.

[Catherine Gray]

Ah, good.

[Hercule Poirot]

There is one little matter, Mamzel.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yes?

[Hercule Poirot]

What makes you think that Madame Kettering was dead when the train left Lyon?

[Mirelle]

But of course she was dead.

[Hercule Poirot]

Was she?

[Mirelle]

I have been told so. Everybody says so.

[Hercule Poirot]

I was not aware it had been mentioned outside this office.

[Mirelle]

Somebody told me. I don't remember who.

[Hercule Poirot]

And the jewels? Can you tell me anything about those?

[Catherine Gray]

The jewels?

[Mirelle]

What the jewels?

[Hercule Poirot]

The rubies of Catherine the Great. The Heart of Fire.

[Mirelle]

I know nothing of any jewels. I want only that Derek Kettering should be brought to justice for killing his wife.

[Hercule Poirot]

Jeremy, what do you know about a man called the Marquis?

[Inspector Carreg]

The Marquis? He works behind the scenes and lets others do the dirty work for him. He does not come from the criminal class.

[Hercule Poirot]

A Frenchman?

[Inspector Carreg]

We believe so, but we are not sure. He has worked in France, England and America. By all accounts, he is a grand seigneur, speaking French and English with equal perfection. What do you know of him?

[Hercule Poirot]

At the moment, very little. But I have sent the cable to Scotland Yard and there may be news waiting for me at my hotel.

[Inspector Carreg]

But if the Marquis is involved, surely it upsets all our ideas.

[Hercule Poirot]

It does not upset mine. On the contrary, I think it agrees with them. Very well. I think I must go and have a word with Miss Grey. If I have news of any importance, I will let you know at once.

[Catherine Gray]

Catherine. Still dressing, I'm afraid, Monsieur Poirot.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Ah.

[Catherine Gray]

Can I give her a message? Or would you rather wait till she comes down?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, I do not think it is necessary that I should wait to see Mademoiselle Catherine. I think perhaps it is better that I should not.

[Catherine Gray]

What happened?

[Hercule Poirot]

Perhaps you could tell her that Derek Kettering was arrested tonight for the murder of his wife.

[Catherine Gray]

You want me to tell Catherine that?

[Hercule Poirot]

If you please, mademoiselle.

[Catherine Gray]

Do you believe he did it?

[Hercule Poirot]

The police say so.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And you?

[Hercule Poirot]

He was seen by two people going into and leaving his wife's compartment just before the train got into Lyon.

[Catherine Gray]

But does anyone know exactly when she died?

[Hercule Poirot]

We know this much that a few moments after the train left Lyon, Madame Kettering was dead.

[Catherine Gray]

How do you know that?

[Hercule Poirot]

Someone else went into her compartment and found her dead.

[Catherine Gray]

You think someone on the train must have killed her, but that need not be so at all. What is to stop anyone swinging themselves onto the train when it stopped at Lyon? They could go straight to the compartment, strangle her, take the rubies and drop off the train without anyone being the wiser. She may actually have been killed while the train was in Lyon station. Then she would have been alive when Derek went in and dead when the other person found her.

[Hercule Poirot]

What you have said is very just, very true. I was struggling in the darkness and you have thrown me a light. It may be that this very night I shall learn something more. At least I am going to try.

[Catherine Gray]

You're meeting someone.

[Hercule Poirot]

I am like a squirrel, Mamzel. I have stolen away the little factory here. The little fact there. I go now to my store and I take out one particular nut that I stole away. Let me see. 17 years ago. AU revoir, Mamzel.

[Catherine Gray]

Have I helped?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh yes, Mamzel, you have helped. If things get very dark, always remember that. Smiling's on you today.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, it would be well if I stopped now.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Catherine Gray]

I'm Katie Duke and I've been a

[Narrator/Advertiser]

nurse for over 20 years.

[Catherine Gray]

Listen, I used to think that I

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Hercule Poirot]

They're not those boxy scratchy uniforms that we all started out in.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

No, no, no, these fit perfectly. They feel amazing and the quality is just wow. My favorite color, burgundy.

[Mirelle]

It's chic.

[Catherine Gray]

It's timeless.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And it's even the same color as

[Catherine Gray]

my apartment, because I'm kind of obsessed with it.

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[Catherine Gray]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Catherine Gray]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, you are the daughter of your father. Mia. To know when to stop, that is the art.

[Catherine Gray]

Thank you for a wonderful evening, Monsieur Poirot. But it is time he went home. Where is my father?

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, just at the moment, he seems to be engaged in a very interesting conversation, which I would not wish to disturb, but which I wish I could overhear. Do you know the lady who was with him?

[Catherine Gray]

Who is she? She's very striking.

[Hercule Poirot]

You do not know? That is Mirelle, the famous dancer. But while your father is so preoccupied, I must talk to you. I will fetch your cloak for you and we will go out into the gardens.

[Catherine Gray]

This is where the suicides take place.

[Hercule Poirot]

So it is said. Men are foolish, are they not, Mamzel? L'.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Amour.

[Hercule Poirot]

Caution. As many fatalities, does it not? Oh, you should not laugh at love, Mamzel, you who are young and beautiful.

[Catherine Gray]

Hardly that you Forget I am 33, Monsieur Poirot. As you told my father, it is 17 years since you aided us in Paris. That time.

[Hercule Poirot]

It was a curious affair, that altogether. Your father never knew the details, I think. And I never told him.

[Catherine Gray]

I understand what you are talking about.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, do you not, Mamzel? Have you forgotten Antonio Verezio? An assistant can lift his eyes to his master's daughter, can he not, if he is young and handsome with a glib tongue. But since they cannot make love all the time, they may occasionally talk things that interest them both. Such as that very interesting item, jewelry, that was temporally in your father's possession. Perhaps he was even shown where it was kept. And afterwards, when it was gone, then there comes along that excellent fellow at Gilborough. The priceless heirlooms are restored, and there are no awkward questions.

[Catherine Gray]

You have known all this time? Who told you?

[Hercule Poirot]

Or no one told me? I guessed. It was a good guess, was it not, Mamzel?

[Catherine Gray]

You want something from me, is that it?

[Hercule Poirot]

I want your help, Mamzel.

[Catherine Gray]

What is it you want to know?

[Hercule Poirot]

I want to know more about the Marquis Very well.

[Catherine Gray]

I will tell you what I know. You were quite right when you guessed that we were in Nice because of the rubies. They have been handed over here according to plan.

[Hercule Poirot]

And have you seen the Marquis, mademoiselle?

[Catherine Gray]

Once, but not very well. It was through a keyhole.

[Hercule Poirot]

That always presents difficulties. But all the same, you saw him. Now, would you know him again?

[Catherine Gray]

He wore a mask.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah. Young or old?

[Catherine Gray]

He had white hair. But I do not think he was old. It may have been a wig. His walk was young and so was his voice. But it is not that that I meant to tell you. It was one other little fact that I thought might be, well, of interest to you.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes?

[Catherine Gray]

The rubies, as I say, were handed over to my father here at Nice. I did not see the person who handed them over, but yes, I know one thing. It was a woman. Catherine. What else the matter? You look so pale. I've had a letter from a friend of mine in St. Mary Mead. An old lady called Ms. Viner. I used to go around and talk to her nearly every day. She's just been told she has cancer. She may have a year, perhaps a little longer. And you're going to go back? I don't know. But you have news for me? Everyone seems to be leaving. Monsieur Poirot phoned to say that Mr. Van Alden and Major Knighton are going back. Ah. Are you really going to desert us, too? I have had my little adventure. Now I just want to go back to a life that is ordinary and uneventful, where I can just be of use to people and listen to their troubles. There's nothing more for me here. Cher Mademoiselle. Catherine, I trust that you are in good health and that the return to the English winter has not proved too depressing. I am prosecuting my inquiries with the utmost diligence. Do not think that I am taking a holiday here at the Ritz. Very shortly I shall be in England. Perhaps you can come up to London and we can have lunch together at the Savoy. Which is where your adventure started. You remember that we are colleagues in this affair. Be assured, mademoiselle, of my most respectful and devoted sentiments. Hercule Faro.

[Hercule Poirot]

You have changed, mamzel.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh?

[Hercule Poirot]

In what? These nuances are hard to express. I didn't mean. You have crow's feet around the eyes.

[Catherine Gray]

I am older.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, you are older. When I first saw you, Mamzel, you were a looker on at life.

[Catherine Gray]

And now?

[Hercule Poirot]

Now you no longer look on. You have the wary look of a fighter who is playing a difficult game. Have you seen anything of our Riviera friends since you've been back, Mademoiselle?

[Catherine Gray]

I have seen something of Major Knighton. He's been down to St. Mary Mead a couple of times.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, is that so? And Monsieur Van Aldin remains in London?

[Catherine Gray]

Yes, he's here at the Savoy.

[Hercule Poirot]

I must call in on him.

[Catherine Gray]

You have news for him?

[Hercule Poirot]

What makes you think that?

[Catherine Gray]

I wondered. What were you doing in Paris?

[Hercule Poirot]

I went there to make a call at the Russian Embassy.

[Derek Kettering]

Oh,

[Hercule Poirot]

I see. That tells you nothing. I have a friend who once described me as a human oyster. Now, as you know, I am not satisfied with the facts against Derek Kettering. The facts led straight to him. But there is one thing which has been left out of the account.

[Catherine Gray]

And what is that?

[Hercule Poirot]

The disfigured face of the victim. I've asked myself a hundred times, was Derrick Kettering the kind of man who would deal those smashing blows after having committed the murder? What end would it serve? But to return to your question, I went to the Russian Embassy to see a particular personage who I suspect of being the active party in the sale of the jewels to M. Van Aldin. I threatened him.

[Catherine Gray]

With the police?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, not with the police, but with the press, a much more deadly weapon. And in the end, I get the whole story out of him. And I learn of where the jewels were handed over. And I learned to the man who paced up and down in the street outside. A man with a venerable head of white hair who walks with the light step of a young man. The man I believe to be the Marquis.

[Catherine Gray]

And now you have come to London to see Mr. Van Aldin.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, not entirely for the reason. I had other work to do. I went to see a theatrical agent.

[Catherine Gray]

Are you thinking of going on the stage, Monsieur Poirot?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, the world lost a great actor when Hercule Poirot joined the police. No, no, no, no. Why? I wanted information about a male impersonator named Kitty Kid. Ah, but I am being an oyster again. I will tell you one thing. There has been a doubt all along in my mind as to whether the robbery and the murder were done by the same person.

[Catherine Gray]

And now?

[Hercule Poirot]

And now I know

[Catherine Gray]

I am not clever like you, Monsieur Poirot. Half the things you been telling me don't seem to point anywhere at all. The idea that came to me came from such an entirely different angle.

[Hercule Poirot]

Ah, but the dish always show a mirror tells the truth. But everyone stands in a different place for looking into the mirror.

[Catherine Gray]

Then tell me, does this help at All. It's a newspaper cutting about a jewel robbery at Lady Tamplin's villa years ago. I found it at Ms. Viner.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh yes, it does help. As I told you, Mamzel, one stands at a different angle. But it is always the same things which are reflected there.

[Catherine Gray]

It mustn't be much longer, Monsieur Poirot. I can't go on much longer.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, courage, Mam Cell. You must not fail now. The end is very near.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I didn't expect to see you again so soon, Monsieur Poirot. I don't mind telling you, I've had just about as much as I can stand. The newspapers have been going at it hammer and tongs ever since my son in law's arrest.

[Hercule Poirot]

You must not be alarmed at what I am about to say. Supposing, Monsieur Van Alden, that after all, Derek Kettering did not murder his wife.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Are you mad?

[Hercule Poirot]

No, I am not mad. I am eccentric perhaps, but not where my profession is concerned. But I thought the case was closed. There is an off chance, Major Knighton, that it might be the Condolaroche after all. Ah, at least I have succeeded in upsetting his alibi. How did you manage that? His servants were known to me. There not always behaved exactly in accordance with the law. I managed to bully them into telling me the truth.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Mirelle]

Tonight's top worry.

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[Mirelle]

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[Catherine Gray]

That would be crazy, right?

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[Hercule Poirot]

That would be crazy, Tammy. But you got surprisingly affordable renters insurance through geico so it could be covered. Giving you peace of mind.

[Catherine Gray]

Aw, I love a story that ends well.

[Hercule Poirot]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Mirelle]

It feels good to geico.

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[Hercule Poirot]

The court did not return to his villa until the day after the murder. He could perfectly well have been on the train.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But the rubies the rubies he had in his possession were fake.

[Hercule Poirot]

And clearly he would not have committed the murder except for the rubies. But you are overlooking one point where the rubies are concerned. Someone might have been there before him. Who could possibly. Well, the thing is not proved, but the facts are worth investigating. You must come out with me to the south of France to investigate the case on the spot. You are very busy at present, Mr. Van Alden.

[Mr. Van Alden]

I guess this business comes first. All right, Mr. Poirot. Let's waste no time. We'll go tomorrow. What train?

[Hercule Poirot]

We will go, I think, by the blue train.

[Mr. Van Alden]

If you ask me, Knighton, Poirot's lost his grip. This whole trip has been one mad charade. All that business of acting out the whole affair at the Gare de Lyon with Poirot playing all the parts. First Catherine, then Ruth, then the maid, then the man in the compartment.

[Hercule Poirot]

It was very tedious. But then Powell likes to show.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yeah. And then he drags us off the train to the ticket barrier. What was that? An ada?

[Hercule Poirot]

I can't imagine. He seems to have taken leave of his senses.

[Mr. Van Alden]

He must have known we'd left our tickets on the train with the conductor and wouldn't be able to get through.

[Hercule Poirot]

It was just as well the train

[Mr. Van Alden]

was late leaving, or we'd never have

[Derek Kettering]

got back on it.

[Hercule Poirot]

Sir, I think we should return on the first possible train. This is a while.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Yes. And why the hell do we have to sit up all night in my compartment? Well, it just beats me. Why won't he let the conductor make up the beds?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes. 12. I. I think that I had best check that your compartment door is bolted, Major Knight. It's very good of you, Poirot, but I told you I knew I had bolted it. Yes, yes, I. I know. I. I go far in my old age. Yes, It's a damnably uncomfortable journey. I suppose you know what you're playing. I know exactly what I am playing at night.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Tonight.

[Hercule Poirot]

We are drawing into Lyon. M. Reynold it.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And it must have been about this time that my poor Ruth was killed. If your theory is correct, Poirot, it was here that the man left the train.

[Hercule Poirot]

No. No man left the train. But I rather think a woman may have done so. What? A woman? Yes. Yes, a woman. You may not remember, Monsieur Van Alden, but Miss Gray mentioned that a youth in a capture, an overcoat, descended to the platform, ostensibly to stretch his legs. I think that youth was probably a woman.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But who was she?

[Hercule Poirot]

Her name? Or the name under which she Was known for many years is Kitty Kidd. But you, Monsieur Wyn Alden knew her by another name, that of Ada Mason. What are you talking about, Poirot? I think you know very well, sir. Before I forget it, permit me to offer you a cigarette. To Major Knighton out of your own cigarette case. I beg your pardon? It was careless of you to drop it when you boarded the train on the route round Paris. Oh, you do not wish a cigarette? You're mad. I simply don't listen to this rubbish. The door into the next compartment is open and you are being covered from there. I unbolted the door into the corridor, and our friends the police have installed themselves there.

[Catherine Gray]

Mon Dieu.

[Hercule Poirot]

As I expect you know, the French police want you rather urgently, Major Knight. Nor should I say Monsieur Le Marquis.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Frankly, I'm a puzzled man, Monsieur Poirot. Relieved, but puzzled. When did you first begin to suspect the maid?

[Hercule Poirot]

Not for some time. But one peculiar little point drew my attention to her. She told us the cigarette case was one which Madame Kettering had recently given to her husband. But she had been with her mistress for only two months. And Madame Kettering would certainly have been in no mood to give her husband a present at that time. I thought that was suspicious. But she could have had nothing to do with the crime since she had been left behind in Paris. And Madame Kettering had been seen alive since then. But then I say to myself, how do we know that Ada Mason was left behind in Paris night? Yeah.

[Mr. Van Alden]

He said he saw her in the Ritz on the day after the train left Paris.

[Hercule Poirot]

Exactly. And then it struck me that he too had been in your service for two months. A curious coincidence. And his name began with a K. Could it have been his cigarette case? If Ada Mason and he were working together, would she not act as precisely as she had done and use it to incriminate Derek Kettering?

[Mr. Van Alden]

But what I don't understand is who was the man in Ruth's compartment in Paris? Derek Kettering or the Comte de la Roche?

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, that is the simplicity of the whole thing. There was no man whose word do we have for it that ever was a man there? Ada Masons. And we believe her story because of Knighton's evidence that she was left Left behind in Paris.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But Ruth herself told the conductor that she had left her maid behind her.

[Hercule Poirot]

No. No. Your daughter was dead before the train arrived to the Gare de Lyon. It was Ada Mason, dressed in her mistress very distinctive clothing, who purchased the dinner basket and made that statement to the conductor.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Impossible.

[Hercule Poirot]

No. No, no, not at all. But there was a very real danger that when the conductor came to discover the body, he might realized that it was not the woman he had talked to the night before. And that was the reason for the disfigured face of your daughter.

[Mr. Van Alden]

But who killed Ruth then and and, and when?

[Hercule Poirot]

Bear in mind that it was planned by Knighton and Ada Mason working together. Knighton was in Paris that day on your business. He boarded the train somewhere on the route around Paris. Madame Kettering would be surprised, but quite unsuspicious perhaps. She draws her attention to something out of the window and slips the cord around her neck. The whole thing is over in a second or two. Knighton drops off the train, taking the jewel case containing the rubies with him. And there the gardelion a mason does her performance.

[Mr. Van Alden]

They didn't leave anything to chance, did they? Go on.

[Hercule Poirot]

Well, before getting to Lyon, Ada Mason arranged her mistress body in the bunk and herself changed into man's clothing and prepared to leave the train. When Dedicated entered his wife's compartment, he thought she was sleeping peacefully. Now, as soon as the train reached Lyon, Ada Mason got off and took the first train back to Paris and the Ritz Hotel. Knighton brought the juries back with him to Nice when he came down with you. And Mason handed them over to the Greek. Altogether a neatly planned coup.

[Mr. Van Alden]

And Richard Knighton is in fact the well known criminal Le Marquis.

[Hercule Poirot]

One of his chief assets was his plausible ingratiating manner. He was well born, well connected, in honorable service in the war and seemed altogether above suspicion. But there was one thing that puzzled me. Knighton has a decided limp. Now, the Marquis decided it did not limp. That was a stumbling block. But Lennox Tamplin mentioned one day that according to the surgeon who treated Knighton in her mother's war hospital, he should not have had a limp and that suggested camouflage. And then Ms. Gray gave me a cutting showing that there had been a jewel robbery at Lady Tempering's hospital at the time that night had been there. She realized that she was on the same track as myself when I wrote to her from the Ritz in Paris.

[Mr. Van Alden]

What did you find at the Ritz

[Hercule Poirot]

the day the mason arrived there on the morning after the crime and not the evening of the day before? Good God.

[Mr. Van Alden]

Well, I guess you know what this means to me, Monsieur Poirot. I'll be sending you around a check in the morning. Morning. Oh, but no check in the world will express what I feel about what you've done for me. You are the goods, Ms. Eu. Poira, every time you are the goods.

[Hercule Poirot]

I am only a kid, as you say. In my own way, I am a big man. Even as you are also a big man. I'm glad and happy to have been of service to you. Now I go to repair the damages caused by travel. Alas, my excellent valet George is not with me. Bonjour, monsieur.

[Inspector Carreg]

Monsieur Poirot. I thought you had left.

[Hercule Poirot]

These business compelled me to return. Well, my dear monsieurous.

[Inspector Carreg]

Business.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, business. And talking of business, you have not completely ruined the Greek ex minister, I hope? I. I understand you sold him a very wonderful ruby which strictly entre lou is being worn by Mirelle, the dancer. Yes, that is so. A ruby not unlike the fabulous Heart of Fire.

[Inspector Carreg]

It has its points of resemblance, certainly.

[Hercule Poirot]

You have a wonderful hand with jewels, Monsieur Papopolis. I congratulate you.

[Inspector Carreg]

And would it be indiscreet if one

[Hercule Poirot]

asked what your business was? No, not at all, not at all. I just succeeded in laying the Marquis by the heels. The Marquis?

[Inspector Carreg]

Now, why does that sound familiar to me? No, I cannot recall it.

[Hercule Poirot]

No, you would not, I'm sure. He's just been arrested for the murder of the English lady Madame Kettering.

[Catherine Gray]

And what has happened to Derek?

[Hercule Poirot]

He was released yesterday.

[Catherine Gray]

Where is he now?

[Hercule Poirot]

He left Nice last night.

[Catherine Gray]

The St. Mary Mead. Where Catherine's staying?

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, for some. Mary Mead.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, I was a fool. I thought she really cared for Knighton. I ought to have known better. I thought that if she had fallen for Knighton, then Derek.

[Hercule Poirot]

Courage, mademoiselle.

[Catherine Gray]

Oh, well, it would not have done. But I did help, Monsieur Poirot. At any rate, I did help.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, yes, ma'. Am. It was you who gave me the first inkling of the truth when you said the person who committed the crime need not have been on the train at all. Before that I. I could not see how the thing could have been done.

[Catherine Gray]

I'm glad. At any rate, that's something. That's the damned blue train.

[Hercule Poirot]

Yes, life is like a train, Mamzel. It goes on. And it is a good thing that this is so.

[Catherine Gray]

Why?

[Hercule Poirot]

Because the train gets to its journey's end at last. There is a proverb about that in your languages.

[Catherine Gray]

Journeys end in lovers meeting. And that's not going to be true for me.

[Hercule Poirot]

Oh, trust the truth train, Mamzel, for it is Le Mondieu who drives it. Trust the train, Mamzel. And trust her, Poirot. He knows. That was the mystery of the blue

[Inspector Carreg]

train by agatha christie with maurice denham

[Mr. Van Alden]

as accule parrot, janet moore as catherine

[Inspector Carreg]

gray and robert beattie as rufus van aldin.

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Derek Kettering]

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[Hercule Poirot]

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[Catherine Gray]

But that's weird.

[Derek Kettering]

Okay, one judgment anyway.

[Hercule Poirot]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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