Chapter 10 Summary

Poirot meets Mrs. Ackroyd and Mr. Hammond the lawyer in charge of Mr. Ackroyd's estate. Mrs. Ackroyd slips and says she Poirot will surely find Ralph. Flora quickly corrects her and says that Poirot is not here to find Ralph, he is here to find the murderer. Hammond says he is happy that Poirot is acting on Ralph's behalf. Poirot explains that he is acting on behalf of justice. Hammond sticks up for Ralph and claims that Ralph could not possibly be the murderer, even though he always needed money from his stepfather.

Porirot asks Hammond questions about Mr. Ackroyd's will. Hammond tells Poirot that all the household helpers get some money; Mrs. Ackroyd and Flora get a nice chunk and the rest all goes to Ralph.

Poirot takes James aside and tells him he must be his helper. Poirot needs James to...