trial or suicide. (In certain American editions, Poirot tells Cartwright that doctors and policemen are awaiting him in the next room. Cartwright, unable to believe someone as important as himself has failed, tries to prove Poirot a liar and is arrested when he opens the door.) The shocked Egg is picked up by Manders, whom she initially cared for before Cartwright appeared. In the aftermath, Satterthwaite remarks how terrible it was that anyone, himself included, could have drunk the poisoned cocktail. Poirot remarks there was an even more terrible possibility: "It might have been me." Characters Hercule Poirot - Renowned Belgian detective. A friend of Sir Charles, involved in investigating the case after the murder of Dr Strange. Sir Charles Cartwright - Well-known stage actor, and Poirot's assistant in his investigations; his role has similar traits to that of Dr Sheppard in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd who was both the narrator and the murderer. Mr Satterthwaite - A sociable and observant man. Assists in initially investigating the case on Poirot's behalf. Reverend Babbington - First victim of the case. A local vicar in Cornwall, murdered during a cocktail party organised by Sir Charles. Initially believed to have died of natural causes. Dr Bartholomew Strange - Second victim of the case. Nerve specialist and long time friend of Sir Charles, and head of a sanitarium near his home in Yorkshire. Mrs De Rushbridger - Third victim of the case. Patient at Strange’s sanatorium, recently arrived on the day Dr Strange is murdered. Hermione Lytton Gore - An attractive, young, single woman, known by the nickname of "Egg". The love interest of Sir Charles, and one of his guests at his cocktail party. Lady Mary Lytton Gore - Mother of Hermione, and a guest at Sir Charles' cocktail party. She seeks a suitable husband for her daughter, and currently faces difficult financial circumstances. Captain Dacres - A gambler, and a guest at Sir Charles' cocktail party. Cynthia Dacres - Wife of Captain Dacres. A successful dressmaker, and a guest at Sir Charles' cocktail party. Angela Sutcliffe - A well-known actress, and a guest at Sir Charles' cocktail party. Mrs Babbington - Reverend Babbington's wife. One of the guests at Sir Charles' cocktail party. Muriel Wills - A playwright, also known as Anthony Astor. One of the guests at Sir Charles' cocktail party. Oliver Manders - A young financier, who is in