Ashton-Kirk, Investigator · Chapter
VII: The Schwartz-Michael Bayonet explained
Ashton-Kirk and Pendleton examine the bayonet used to murder Hume.
What happens
Ashton-Kirk and Pendleton examine the bayonet used to murder Hume. Fuller brings the weapon and reports that Berg identified a photograph of Allan Morris as Hume's secret visitor. Ashton-Kirk deduces the bayonet is a Schwartz-Michael, a rare military arm used by Bolivia, Serbia, and Turkey. He suspects it may have been sold by Bernstine Brothers after Bolivia's army upgrade. Fuller also locates two schools for mutes. Pendleton reflects on Edyth Vale's visit and Morris's involvement.
Themes in this chapter
Detective Method and Reasoning
Ashton-Kirk uses deductive reasoning to trace the bayonet's origin and connects it to Bernstine Brothers' advertisement.
Secrecy and Deception
Allan Morris's secret visits to Hume and Edyth Vale's midnight actions highlight hidden motives and deception.
Characters to notice
- Ashton Kirk
Examines the bayonet, deduces its origin, and plans further investigation.
- Pendleton
Discusses the case with Ashton-Kirk, reflects on Edyth Vale and Allan Morris.
- Fuller
Brings the bayonet, reports Berg's identification, and provides information on Bernstine Brothers and schools for mutes.
- Allan Morris
Identified by Berg as Hume's secret visitor; Pendleton suspects he told Edyth Vale something.
- Miss Edyth Vale
Visited Hume's rooms after midnight; Pendleton believes she went to protect Morris.
- Mr. Berg
Identified the photograph of Allan Morris as Hume's secret visitor.
Key passages
“This is the bayonet, sir. Mr. Stillman, the coroner, objected to letting me have it at first, but changed his mind after I had talked to him for a while.”
Fuller delivers the bayonet to Ashton-Kirk, explaining that he persuaded the coroner to release it.
Fuller's resourcefulness secures the murder weapon.
“Fuller, with a report which he recently made upon Morris, handed me a photograph of that gentleman. While we were at dinner, Berg identified the portrait as being that of Hume's secret visitor.”
Ashton-Kirk reveals that Berg recognized a photo of Allan Morris as the man who secretly visited Hume.
Confirms Morris's presence at Hume's rooms.
“It struck me when I first saw the thing that it was a little singular that a Schwartz-Michael should even find its way into the United States.”
Ashton-Kirk notes the rarity of a Schwartz-Michael bayonet in the U.S., hinting at a specific source.
Highlights the unusual nature of the murder weapon.