Ashton-Kirk, Investigator · Chapter
IX: Miss Vale Tells What She Knows explained
Miss Vale visits Ashton-Kirk, apologizing for her earlier deception.
What happens
Miss Vale visits Ashton-Kirk, apologizing for her earlier deception. She recounts Allan Morris's agitated behavior the day before the murder, her fear that he might be guilty, and her subsequent belief in his innocence. She presents a theory that Antonio Spatola could be the murderer, using the roof escape. Ashton-Kirk remains noncommittal, noting multiple possibilities, and asks to see Morris, but Miss Vale reveals Morris has disappeared.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Miss Vale initially deceives Ashton-Kirk out of fear, then reveals the truth, highlighting the tension between hiding and revealing.
Detective Method and Reasoning
Ashton-Kirk systematically evaluates possibilities, refusing to commit to a single theory until evidence is conclusive.
Characters to notice
- Ashton Kirk
Receives Miss Vale, analyzes her account, and discusses theories of the crime.
- Miss Edyth Vale
Confesses her earlier deception, describes Allan Morris's strange behavior, and pleads for Ashton-Kirk's help.
- Allan Morris
Mentioned as having acted agitated and defiant before the murder; his whereabouts are now unknown.
- Antonio Spatola
Proposed by Miss Vale as a possible murderer due to his familiarity with the roof route.
- Mr. Sams
The cab driver who waited outside and whose statement is referenced regarding the timeline.
Key passages
“I am very sorry that I deceived you yesterday morning.”
Miss Vale apologizes for lying during their previous meeting.
She admits her earlier denial was a mistake driven by fear.
“I did intend telling you everything when I telephoned you, but, as I have said, the impulse came to hide it, instead!”
She originally planned to confess but changed her mind at the last moment.
This illustrates her internal conflict between honesty and self-protection.
“He seemed so fiercely resolved, so different from his usual self.”
Allan Morris appeared unusually determined and agitated on the day of the murder.
This observation initially led Miss Vale to suspect his guilt.
“I believe it because I understand his nature. He might be finally aroused—under provocation he might even be violent. But he could never do a thing like this—it is too utterly horrible.”
She now believes Morris is innocent because his character would not allow such a brutal act.
Her faith in his nature overrides the circumstantial evidence.
“If Allan Morris had done this murder he would not have thought of this; not knowing the section, he would have been ignorant as to where the roof would lead.”
Miss Vale argues that Morris would not have known to escape via the roof, unlike Spatola.
She uses local knowledge to build a case against Spatola.