“ It is one thing to know that a man is guilty, it is quite another matter to prove him so. ”
Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920). copy citation
| Author | Agatha Christie |
|---|---|
| Source | The Mysterious Affair at Styles |
| Topic | guilt evidence investigation proof |
| Date | 1920 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/863/863-h/863-h.htm |
Context
“To my intense surprise, he replied that, on the contrary, he was extremely likely to be acquitted.
«But, Poirot——» I protested.
«Oh, my friend, have I not said to you all along that I have no proofs. It is one thing to know that a man is guilty, it is quite another matter to prove him so. And, in this case, there is terribly little evidence. That is the whole trouble. I, Hercule Poirot, know, but I lack the last link in my chain. And unless I can find that missing link——» He shook his head gravely.” source
«But, Poirot——» I protested.
«Oh, my friend, have I not said to you all along that I have no proofs. It is one thing to know that a man is guilty, it is quite another matter to prove him so. And, in this case, there is terribly little evidence. That is the whole trouble. I, Hercule Poirot, know, but I lack the last link in my chain. And unless I can find that missing link——» He shook his head gravely.” source
Meaning and analysis
