Ashton-Kirk, Investigator · Chapter
XII: Antonio Spatola Appears explained
Ashton-Kirk and Pendleton arrive at the City Hall cell room to find Osborne, Bernstine, and Sime already there.
What happens
Ashton-Kirk and Pendleton arrive at the City Hall cell room to find Osborne, Bernstine, and Sime already there. Sime identifies the bayonet but cannot identify Spatola as the buyer. Ashton-Kirk speaks with Spatola, learning of his past as a violinist and confirming his knowledge of German. When Ashton-Kirk subtly probes about musical shorthand, Spatola reacts with suspicion and anger, leading Pendleton to believe Spatola is the murderer.
Themes in this chapter
Detective Method and Reasoning
Ashton-Kirk uses subtle conversation to confirm Spatola's knowledge of German and shorthand, demonstrating his investigative technique.
Secrecy and Deception
Spatola's angry denial of knowing shorthand suggests he is hiding something.
Appearance vs. Reality
Spatola appears as a pitiful street musician but may be more cunning than he seems.
Characters to notice
- Ashton Kirk
Interviews Spatola, subtly confirms his knowledge of German and shorthand.
- Pendleton
Observes Spatola's reactions and concludes he is the murderer.
- Antonio Spatola
Former first violinist, now a prisoner; denies buying the bayonet and reacts angrily to questions about shorthand.
- Osborne
Brings Bernstine and Sime to identify the bayonet; conducts the initial interrogation.
- Mr. Bernstine
Arrives with Sime to assist in identifying the bayonet; expresses disappointment at not being informed earlier.
- Sime
Identifies the bayonet but cannot identify Spatola as the buyer.
Key passages
“I came here to have a few words with this prisoner, and by your leave, I'll speak to him now.”
Ashton-Kirk asks Osborne for permission to interview Spatola alone.
Ashton-Kirk takes control of the interrogation.
“I have read it in the German; in his own language, just as he wrote it. It is nothing.”
Spatola admits he can read German, confirming a key point for Ashton-Kirk.
Ashton-Kirk cleverly elicits confirmation of Spatola's German literacy.
“I know nothing of such things, and what is more I don't want to know anything of them.”
Spatola angrily denies any knowledge of shorthand when Ashton-Kirk brings up musical shorthand.
Spatola's defensive reaction suggests he is hiding something.