Chapter 9 Chapter 1 Conductor

Preparations are in place in the dining car. Poirot and M. Bouc sat side by side at one side of the table, the doctor at the side. Spread out before Poirot was the plan of the Istanbul-Calais carriage.Each passenger's name is marked in red pen on it. ┌──┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬──┐ ───┘├4 │6 │8 │10│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │└────——dining car← ├/ ┤/ │/ │/ │1 │2 │3 │12│13│14│15│16│→ Athens-Paris───┐│5 │7 │9 │ 11│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │┌─┬─── └───┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬──┬┘ ∧ ∧ horse Famish Odd Pole Harperan Lord Aharesskmir Beloche Earl Barth Chetka Quintson Hunter Devreevsman Manla Little Too Little Too Big Man Count Noah Colonel Taijuet's passport and train ticket were stacked aside.In addition, there are paper, ink, pens and pencils on the table.

"Very well," said Poirot, "without further delay, our court of inquiry is now open. I think we must first hear the testimony of the conductor. You may know something about this man. What was he like? Are the words reliable?" "I can assure you that he is completely reliable. Pierre Michel has been employed by the company for fourteen years. He is French. He lives near Calais. He is very decent and honest. Maybe not so clever." .” Poirot nodded knowingly. "Okay," he said, "meet him." Although Pierre Michel's self-confidence has recovered, he still looks very nervous.

"Monsieur Hope must not think it my fault," he said anxiously, turning his eyes from Poirot to M. Bouc. "It's terrible that such a thing happened. I hope that Mr. Wang will not involve me in this matter at any rate." Poirot comforted him and advised him not to be alarmed.Then they cross-examined.First of all, Michelle was asked about his name, address, years of service and how long he had been working on this line.Although he already knew these things, such routine questions calmed down the conductor. "Now," continued Poirot, "let us talk about last night. When did Mr. Ratchett go to bed?"

"He went to bed almost after supper, sir. In fact he fell asleep before the car left Belgrade. At dinner he told me to make the bed, and I did as he said." "Has anyone been to his room since then?" "His servant has been, sir. And the young American gentleman, even his secretary." "Who else?" "No, sir. There's nobody else, I suppose." "Very well. So, is this the last time you saw or heard him speak?" "No, sir. You have not forgotten that he rang the bell about twelve-forty—that is, shortly after the car stopped."

"What happened?" "I knocked on the door and he just said loudly that he had made a mistake." "Is it English, or French?" "French." "How do you say it?" "Nothing. I made a mistake." "Exactly," said Poirot. "That's what I heard. Then you went away?" "Yes, sir." "Are you going back to your seat?" "No, sir. A bell rang then, and I went there first." "Michelle, now I have an important question for you - where are you at a quarter past one?" "Me, sir? I sit in my little chair at the end of the car--facing the aisle."

"Are you sure?" "That's right. At—at least—" "really?" "I've been in the last car, the one from Athens, and I had a chat with a colleague there. We talked about the snow and all. It was shortly after one o'clock, I can't say the exact time." "When did you come back?" "I remember. I came back when my bell rang, sir. I told you. It was an American lady, and she rang several times." "I remember," said Poirot, "and then?" "Later, sir? Then I heard your bell and went to your place. I brought you some mineral water. Then, about half an hour later, another guest was made--the young Mr. America, Mr. Ratchett's secretary."

"Mr. McQueen was the only one in the room when you made Bill's bed?" "The British colonel of the fifteenth was with him. They sat and talked." "What has the Colonel done since he left Mr. MacQueen?" "He went back to his room." "No. 15—is it the one near your seat?" "Yes, sir. The penultimate private room at the end of the passage." "His bed already made?" "Yes, sir. I made him up while he was eating." "When did this all happen?" "I can't tell the exact time, sir. It must have been before two o'clock."

"and after?" "Afterwards, sir, I sat in my seat until morning." "You never went to the Athens carriage again?" "No, sir." "Perhaps you fell asleep?" "I don't think I'll fall asleep. I'll wake up from my doze when the train stops, sir." "Have you ever seen a passenger walking down the aisle?" He thought about it. "I think there was a lady who went to the bathroom at the end of the hall." "Who?" "I don't know, sir. It's far away, on the other side of the aisle. Besides, it's back to me. I'm wearing a bright red pajamas with dragons embroidered on it."

Poirot nodded. "and after?" "Nothing, sir. Nothing happened until daylight." "Are you sure?" "Oh, sir, I beg your pardon, but you opened the door yourself and looked out for a while." "It's all right, my friend," said Poirot. "I just want to know if you've forgotten this. By the way, I was awakened by the sound of something heavy banging against my door. .Do you know what that is all about?" He glanced at Poirot. "It will be all right, sir, I dare say it will be all right." "It may be that I had a nightmare." Poirot said this in a slightly mysterious way.

"Or," said M. Bouc, "the sound came from the next room." Poirot ignored his hints, perhaps not wanting to do so in the presence of the conductor. "Let's move on to another question," he said. "Suppose a murderer got on a train last night. Is it absolutely certain that he committed the crime but didn't escape the train?" Pierre Michel shook his head. "So, where can he hide in the car?" "The carriages have been searched carefully," said M. Bouc. "Don't think so, my friend." "Besides," Michelle said, "whoever runs to the sleeping car, don't try to escape my eyes."

"Where did the train stop at the last stop?" "Venkov's relatives." "What time?" "It was originally scheduled to leave the station at 11:58, but the weather was bad, so it was delayed by 20 minutes." "Would someone run over from the ordinary car?" "No, sir. The door between the coach and the sleeping car will be locked after supper." "Did you ever get off at the Vinkov family?" "Down, sir. As usual, on the platform, I stood by the doorstep of the carriage, and so did the other conductors." "Is the front door locked? The one near the dining car?" "Always bolt the door from the inside." "It's not bolted this time." There was a look of surprise on the conductor's face, and then he regained his composure. "Some passenger must have opened the door and went out to see the snow scene." "Perhaps so," said Poirot. Thoughtfully, he tapped lightly on the table with his fingers for a minute or two. "Sir, don't you blame me?" the conductor asked timidly. Poirot smiled at him kindly. "You've got your luck, my friend," said he. "Ah! Another question comes to mind. You said that when you knocked on Mr. Ratchett's door, another bell rang again. Indeed, I too Heard. But who rang the bell?" "It's the Duchess, who wants me to fetch her maid." "you go?" "Yes, sir." Poirot looked thoughtfully at the picture in front of him.Then put your head down. "That's all for now," he said. "Thank you, sir." He got up and looked at M. Bouc. "Don't be sorry," said M. Bouc kindly, "I don't see any failure of your duty." Pierre Michel left the dining car satisfied.