Chapters 24 and 25 Summary

Superintendent Battle and Poirot put their heads together to discuss their findings. The motive Battle seeks is provided by Poirot. After relating the trap of the silk stockings, Poirot expands his theory that Anne Meredith is capable of murder only if she believes she has been caught in another crime, that of theft. Poirot's hypothesis is that Anne Meredith has a character flaw that allows her to take things, especially if she believes she will not be caught. Poirot proves his theory. By asking Anne to help him to choose stockings for his nieces, then leaving her alone with the very fine stockings, Anne cannot resist the temptation to take two pair for herself. The problem for the men now is that her profile does not fit with that of the murderer of Mr. Shaitana. Unfortunately, at this point, they have...