The Murder of Roger Ackroyd · Chapter
XII: Round the Table explained
A joint inquest is held, but little is revealed.
What happens
A joint inquest is held, but little is revealed. Inspector Raglan discusses the case with Poirot and Dr. Sheppard, focusing on Ralph Paton's absence and the fingerprints on the dagger. Poirot suggests the fingerprints might be Ackroyd's own, placed there by the murderer. Later, Poirot gathers the family at Fernly Park and appeals to Flora Ackroyd to reveal Ralph's whereabouts. She swears she does not know where he is. Poirot then asks the others to speak if they know anything, but they remain silent. Flora insists on announcing her engagement to Ralph, but Poirot persuades her to wait two days.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Blackmail
Ralph's secret whereabouts and the family's reluctance to speak highlight the theme of hidden knowledge and its consequences.
Justice and Moral Ambiguity
The tension between Flora's loyalty to Ralph and the mounting evidence against him raises questions about justice and moral duty.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Sheppard
Present at the inquest and the family gathering; gives evidence on cause of death.
- Hercule Poirot
Leads the investigation; suggests fingerprints may be Ackroyd's own; convenes the family meeting and appeals to Flora.
- Flora Ackroyd
Swears she does not know Ralph's whereabouts; insists on announcing her engagement despite her mother's objections.
- Ralph Paton
Absent; his disappearance is a central focus of the discussion.
- Inspector Raglan
Discusses the case with Poirot; focuses on fingerprints and Ralph's absence.
- Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd
Expresses relief that Flora's engagement was not formally announced; suggests Ralph may be affected by war trauma.
Key passages
“It looks bad, Mr. Poirot. I'm trying to judge the thing fair and square. I'm a local man, and I've seen Captain Paton many times in Cranchester. I'm not wanting him to be the guilty one—but it's bad whichever way you look at it.”
Inspector Raglan admits the evidence against Ralph Paton is strong, but he tries to remain impartial because he knows Ralph from the area.
Raglan's conflicted perspective underscores the tension between personal knowledge and professional duty.
“I believe that when we find the explanation of that telephone call we shall find the explanation of the murder.”
Poirot insists that understanding the telephone message from the station is key to solving the crime.
Poirot's focus on the telephone call as a central clue reflects his methodical approach.
“M. l'inspecteur, beware of the blind—the blind—comment dire?—the little street that has no end to it.”
Poirot warns Inspector Raglan not to be misled by the fingerprints, which may lead nowhere.
Poirot's cryptic warning hints at his suspicion that the fingerprints are a red herring.
“I swear to you—swear solemnly—that I have no idea where Ralph is, and that I have neither seen him nor heard from him either on the day of—of the murder, or since.”
Flora Ackroyd solemnly declares that she does not know Ralph's whereabouts and has had no contact with him.
Flora's oath is a pivotal moment, establishing her apparent ignorance and loyalty.
“I must say that Ralph's absence is most peculiar—most peculiar indeed. Not to come forward at such a time. It looks, you know, as though there were something behind it.”
Mrs. Ackroyd comments that Ralph's failure to appear suggests he may be guilty.
Mrs. Ackroyd's remark reflects the growing suspicion against Ralph within the household.
