The Nature of Evidence

Where it surfaces

• III: The Immediate Results

  Key evidence is introduced: the scrap of paper in Neville's hand, the darts and tin box lid near Roger's body, and the sound of an airgun, all of which will be crucial to the investigation.

• IV: The Chief Constable

  Sir Clinton uses photography, a dog's scent trail, and careful observation of marks and footprints to gather evidence.

• The Evidence in the Case

  Sir Clinton emphasizes exact times and reliable accounts, highlighting the challenge of piecing together conflicting memories.

• VI: The Toxicologist

  The chapter focuses on the scientific identification of curare as the poison, highlighting the role of toxicological analysis in building a case.

• VII: The Pot of Curare

  The pot of curare and the darts are examined as physical evidence, highlighting the importance of forensic details.

• VIII: Opportunity, Method, and Motive

  Sir Clinton contrasts real-life evidence with fictional detective stories, emphasizing that in reality most evidence is irrelevant and must be sifted carefully.

• IX: The Burglary at Whistlefield

  Sir Clinton carefully examines physical clues like ladder marks and soil, but notes the difficulty of distinguishing significant evidence from incidental traces.

• X: The Third Attack in the Maze

  The lack of clear clues from the burglary, such as no footprints or suspicious persons, underscores the difficulty of interpreting evidence.

• The Forged Cheque

  The missing counterfoil and the traced signature are central pieces of evidence, illustrating how physical traces can be manipulated.