# XXIV: “Save Him!” explained — The Murder on the Links

> Chapter companion for The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Poirot and Hastings return to Saint-Omer to visit Jack Renauld in prison. Poirot meets with M. Hautet, who expresses sympathy for Madame Renauld and notes Jack's obstinate silence. Poirot receives a letter from Marthe Daubreuil, who begs him to save Jack. Marthe reveals her suspicion of Mrs. Renauld and Stonor, and Poirot learns she knows her mother's real name but not Renauld's true identity. Poirot wagers 500 francs with Giraud that he will find the murderer first. Stonor expresses his belief in Jack's innocence, but Poirot remains cautious. Poirot reveals that a third paper-knife was made for Jack, complicating the dagger evidence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Marthe Daubreuil's desperate plea to save Jack, kneeling before Poirot, exemplifies love-driven sacrifice and devotion.

### Psychology and Deduction

Poirot's analysis of Jack's silence and the third paper-knife demonstrates psychological insight and deductive reasoning.

### Justice and Morality

The wager between Poirot and Giraud highlights competing approaches to justice, while the question of Jack's guilt raises moral dilemmas.

## Character check-ins

### Hercule Poirot

Returns from England, visits M. Hautet, receives Marthe's letter, wagers with Giraud, and investigates the third paper-knife.

### Captain Hastings

Accompanies Poirot, urges the dagger point, and feels heavy-hearted about Bella's potential guilt.

### M. Hautet

Greets Poirot, discusses Jack's silence and Madame Renauld's condition, and forwards Marthe's letter.

### M. Giraud

Meets Poirot, taunts him, and accepts a 500-franc wager on finding the murderer.

### Gabriel Stonor

Expresses belief in Jack's innocence, discusses the oddness of the case, and agrees to notify Poirot if Madame Renauld recovers.

### Marthe Daubreuil

Writes a desperate letter to Poirot, pleads for Jack's salvation, and reveals her knowledge of her mother's real name.

## Key lines

> That point about the dagger is good, Poirot... As to the dagger, your point hardly helps Jack Renauld. You remember that I was absent for an hour this morning, before we started from London? ... Eh bien, Hastings, they made to his order not two paper-knives, but three.

Hastings thinks the dagger evidence is strong, but Poirot reveals that Jack actually had three paper-knives made, not two, which weakens the argument.

_Poirot's investigation into the paper-knife manufacturer reveals a third knife, complicating the case against Jack._

> I am prepared to wager you 500 francs that I find the murderer of M. Renauld before you do. Is it agreed?

Poirot challenges Giraud to a 500-franc bet that he will solve the murder first.

_Poirot's wager with Giraud underscores his confidence and competitive spirit._

> Save him, monsieur, she cried. I love him so. Oh, save him, save him—save him!

Marthe begs Poirot to save Jack, declaring her love for him.

_Marthe's emotional plea highlights the theme of love and sacrifice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se/chapters/xxiv-save-him
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_murder_on_the_links_se/chapters