Murder on the Orient Express

Agatha Christie 
™
 MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS 
105
Motive
—None. 
Alibi
—Midnight to 2 A.M. Talked with MacQueen till 1.30. Went to own compartment and 
did not leave it. (Substantiated by MacQueen and conductor.) 
Evidence against him or suspicious circumstances
—Pipe-cleaner. 
CYRUS HARDMAN, American subject, Berth No. 16. 
Motive
—None known. 
Alibi
—Midnight to 2 A.M. Did not leave compartment. (Substantiated by conductor except 
for period 1 to 1.15.) 
Evidence against him or suspicious circumstances
—None. 
ANTONIO FOSCARELLI, American subject (Italian by birth), Berth No. 5, Second Class. 
Motive
—None known. 
Alibi
—Midnight to 2 A.M. (Vouched for by Edward Masterman.) 
Evidence against him or suspicious circumstances
—None, except that weapon used might be 
said to suit his temperament (
Vide
M. Bouc.) 
MARY DEBENHAM, British subject, Berth No. 11, Second Class. 
Motive
—None 
Alibi
—Midnight to 2 A.M. (Vouched for by Greta Ohlsson.) 
Evidence against him or suspicious circumstances
—conversation overheard by H. P., and her 
refusal to explain it. 
HILDEGARDE SCHMIDT, German subject, Berth No. 8, Second Class. 
Motive
—None. 
Alibi
—Midnight to 2 A.M. (Vouched for by conductor and her mistress.) Went to bed. Was 
aroused by conductor at 12.38 approx. and went to mistress. 
NOTE:—The evidence of the passengers is supported by the statement of the conductor that 
no one entered or left Mr. Ratchett’s compartment from midnight to 1 o’clock (when he himself 
went into the next coach) and from 1.15 to 2 o’clock. 
“That document, you understand,” said Poirot, “is a mere 
précis
of the evidence we heard, 
arranged in that way for convenience.” 
With a grimace, M. Bouc handed it back. “It is not illuminating,” he said. 
“Perhaps you may find this more to your taste,” said Poirot, with a slight smile as he handed 
him a second sheet of paper. 

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