The Big Four · Chapter
Number Four Wins a Trick explained
Poirot and Hastings, in hiding in the Ardennes, await news of the Big Four.
What happens
Poirot and Hastings, in hiding in the Ardennes, await news of the Big Four. Poirot reveals his plan to gather all four members together for a final strike. Hastings recounts the dying message from Ingles's servant, which Poirot interprets as a clue to the Big Four's meeting place at Karersee. Captain Harvey arrives with intelligence that Li Chang Yen has isolated China, and Abe Ryland and Madame Olivier are moving toward Italy. Poirot and Hastings travel to the Italian Tyrol, where Poirot deliberately reveals himself to Number Four at dinner, hoping to provoke a reaction that will lead to the final confrontation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Poirot feigns death for three months to deceive the Big Four, and Number Four adopts a new disguise that Poirot sees through.
Intelligence and Deduction
Poirot uses Hastings' account of Ingles's servant's dying words to deduce the meeting place at Karersee, demonstrating his deductive prowess.
Global Criminal Conspiracy
The Big Four's plans are in motion, with Li Chang Yen isolating China and the other members converging on a secret headquarters.
Characters to notice
- Hercule Poirot
In hiding in the Ardennes, Poirot plans to resurrect himself and gather the Big Four together for a final strike. He interprets Hastings' account of Ingles's servant's dying words to deduce the meeting place at Karersee.
- Captain Hastings
Narrates the chapter, chafing at the forced inactivity. He recounts the dying message from Ingles's servant and insists on accompanying Poirot to the Tyrol.
- Number Four
Recognized by Poirot at dinner in the hotel due to his habit of dabbing bread. He is startled by Poirot's reappearance and leaves to make arrangements.
- Captain Harvey
A member of the Intelligence Service who brings news that Li Chang Yen has isolated China, and that Abe Ryland and Madame Olivier are moving toward Italy.
- John Ingles
Mentioned as having sent a coded message via his dying servant, which Poirot uses to deduce the meeting place.
Key passages
“He never wavered in his belief that our present plan was the only one likely to be crowned by success.”
Poirot remained confident that their current strategy was the best chance for victory.
Highlights Poirot's unwavering conviction in his plan.
“You see, Hastings, it is like the little trick that you play with the cards. You take the four knaves, you divide them... and there they are all together again. That is my object.”
Poirot compares his goal to a card trick where the four knaves are reunited, aiming to gather the Big Four together for a single decisive strike.
Illustrates Poirot's strategic vision using a metaphor.
“I always tell you that the English know no geography.”
Poirot chides Hastings for his lack of geographical knowledge.
A recurring humorous remark about Hastings' ignorance.
“He has recognized you. You should not have come down.”
Hastings warns Poirot that Number Four has identified him and that appearing in public was risky.
Shows Hastings' concern for Poirot's safety.