Agatha Christie

Mokshitha (198-201)
 Summary
The defense proposes that the note was obviously an effort on
the actual culprit to deny John an alibi while they were
purchasing the poison disguised as Alfred Inglethorp. In closing
arguments, John also vehemently rejects the defense's strategy
of trying to shunt blame to his brother, Lawrence, and
maintains that he thinks his brother is just as innocent as he is.
The prosecution tries to accuse John of perjuring himself, but
he maintains his innocence.
 Summary
Back at Mary's house in Kensington, Hastings debriefs with Poirot
about the trial. Poirot is beside himself because he has still failed to
find the missing link in his case. He starts building a house of cards in
his bedroom. Hastings is rather surprised that Poirot does this, but
Poirot explains that it is a way of focusing and steadying his mind. His
hands shake when he is angry or distressed, and building houses of
cards force him to steady his hands. Hastings says that he's only seen
Poirot angry once, when he saw that the despatch case had been
forced open. When Hastings says this, Poirot flies out of the room,
claiming that he has thought of a huge, case-cracking idea from
Hastings' off-the-cuff statement about the lock on the despatch case.
Poirot runs out into the street in search of a garage with no