# The Mouse Walks In explained — The Big Four

> Chapter companion for The Big Four by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Hastings is captured by the Big Four and forced to write a letter luring Poirot into a trap, with the threat of his wife's torture as leverage. He attempts to warn Poirot through coded signs (four books, coal arrangement). Poirot, understanding the warning, arrives prepared with a smoke bomb and police backup, rescues Hastings, and captures the operatives. Hastings collapses in despair over his wife's continued captivity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Hastings is forced to write a deceptive letter; Poirot uses a muffler to hide his respirator; the Big Four use a street urchin as a decoy.

### Sacrifice and Loyalty

Hastings risks his life to warn Poirot at the last moment, despite the threat to his wife.

### Science and Technology as Weapons

Poirot uses a chemist-designed smoke bomb to incapacitate the captors.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Hastings

Captured and coerced into writing a decoy letter; later rescued by Poirot.

### Hercule Poirot

Deciphers Hastings' warning signs, arrives prepared with a smoke bomb and police, rescues Hastings.

### Number Four

Dictates the deceptive letter to Hastings; orchestrates the trap.

### Li Chang Yen

Mentioned as the master who devises tortures, though not present in the scene.

### Inspector Japp

His men assist Poirot by watching the house and following to Limehouse.

### Flossie Monro

Referred to as 'Cinderella' and 'the Rose of the Garden'; Hastings' wife held captive by the Big Four.

## Key lines

> cover up those precious moustaches of yours in case anyone's watching out from the house and might recognize you.

Hide your distinctive moustache so you aren't spotted by lookouts.

_Part of the dictated letter; ironically allows Poirot to conceal his respirator._

> Release the white bird with all despatch.

Set free the captured woman immediately.

_The cable Number Four promises to send if Poirot is captured._

> Back, Poirot! ... It's a trap. Never mind me. Get away at once.

Flee, Poirot! This is a setup. Don't worry about me; save yourself.

_Hastings' last-minute warning to Poirot, sacrificing his own safety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se/chapters/xiii-the-mouse-walks-in
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_big_four_se/chapters