Summary

In this section, Poirot uncovers more psychological and physical clues to the truth, some of which are the most important he discovers.

Count Audrey comes in to see Poirot first. He indicates that on the night of the murder, he and his wife retired to bed early, that the Countess always takes a sleeping medication when traveling by train, and that neither he nor his wife heard anything - not even the loud ringing of Mrs. Hubbard's bell. Conversation reveals that the Count spent a year in Washington, and that he has no knowledge of Cassetti or the Armstrong family. As the Count is about to leave Poirot insists, diplomatically but firmly, that he (Poirot) must speak with the Countess. The Count grudgingly agrees, and goes out. Poirot studies the Count's passport, which has a spot of grease dropped on it (see "Quotes", p...