chapters nineteen and twenty Summary

Mrs. Harmon goes to light a lamp for Miss Marple's knitting before she goes out. The troublesome cat jumps up on the side table and spills a bit of water. As Mrs. Harmon goes to turn on the light, it flickers and sparks. It even puts a burn in the table. All of the lights in the house are now out. After observing this, Miss Marple decides to occupy herself with a new observation rather than knit.

Miss Hinchcliffe and Miss Murgatroyd attempt to analyze the crime. They conclude that Rudi couldn't have opened the door, held the lamp, and held the revolver at the same time. The culprit must have been in the room and the birthday party, too. This leaves out Mrs. Harmon. Miss Hinchcliffe goes on to insist that Miss Murgatroyd try as hard...