The Big Four · Chapter
V: Disappearance of a Scientist explained
After the trial of Robert Grant, Poirot and Hastings receive a visit from Inspector Japp and Captain Kent of the US Secret Service, who reveal that a scientist named Halliday has disappeared in Paris.
What happens
After the trial of Robert Grant, Poirot and Hastings receive a visit from Inspector Japp and Captain Kent of the US Secret Service, who reveal that a scientist named Halliday has disappeared in Paris. Halliday was working on a powerful wireless energy device that the Big Four may have used to sink American naval vessels. Poirot agrees to investigate and visits Mrs. Halliday, who confirms her husband vanished after a trip to Paris, leaving behind only a small suitcase. Poirot decides to go to Paris to find the truth.
Themes in this chapter
Global Criminal Conspiracy
The Big Four's international plot to dominate the world is revealed through their use of advanced wireless technology to sink naval vessels.
Science and Technology as Weapons
Halliday's research on concentrated wireless energy is weaponized by the Big Four, demonstrating the destructive potential of scientific innovation.
Intelligence and Deduction
Poirot uses logical reasoning to connect Halliday's disappearance to the Big Four, dismissing the police's simplistic theories.
Characters to notice
- Hercule Poirot
Investigates Halliday's disappearance, deduces the Big Four's involvement, and decides to travel to Paris.
- Captain Hastings
Narrates the chapter, expresses frustration with Poirot's passive approach, and accompanies him to visit Mrs. Halliday.
- Inspector Japp
Brings Captain Kent to Poirot and provides information about Halliday's disappearance.
- Captain Kent
US Secret Service agent who shares details about the Big Four's wireless weapon and Halliday's expertise.
- Halliday
British scientist who disappeared in Paris; his work on wireless energy is linked to the Big Four.
- Mrs. Halliday
Halliday's wife, who insists her husband was devoted to his work and did not leave voluntarily.
Key passages
“He is an artist, this one. He disguises himself not with the false beard and the blue spectacles. He alters his features, yes; but that is the least part. For the time being he is the man he would be. He lives in his part.”
Poirot explains that the criminal mastermind is a true artist of disguise, not relying on props but fully embodying his roles.
Reflects Poirot's admiration for the adversary's skill and the theme of deception.
“The Big Four are for themselves—and for themselves only, M. le Capitaine. Their aim is world domination.”
Poirot states that the Big Four seek global control, acting solely for their own benefit.
Highlights the global conspiracy theme and the organization's ultimate goal.
“He cared for it more than he did for me.”
Mrs. Halliday says her husband loved his scientific work more than their marriage.
Emphasizes Halliday's dedication to his research, which the Big Four exploited.