Ashton-Kirk, Investigator · Chapter
XXII: Ashton-Kirk Is Annoyed explained
Ashton-Kirk visits Miss Vale's house, encountering reporters and Osborne, who has failed to get information from her.
What happens
Ashton-Kirk visits Miss Vale's house, encountering reporters and Osborne, who has failed to get information from her. Inside, Ashton-Kirk confronts Miss Vale about her involvement with Allan Morris and her visit to Locke, revealing his knowledge of her actions and his annoyance at her continued deception. He advises her to stop aiding Morris and hints that Morris may be at his place in two days.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Miss Vale continues to deceive Ashton-Kirk about her knowledge of Allan Morris and her visit to Locke, while Ashton-Kirk reveals he has seen through her acts.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Miss Vale's steadfast loyalty to Allan Morris is highlighted, even as Ashton-Kirk argues it is a mistake to submit to a weaker nature.
Detective Method and Reasoning
Ashton-Kirk explains his reasoning for following Miss Vale and deducing her actions, demonstrating his methodical investigative approach.
Characters to notice
- Ashton Kirk
Visits Miss Vale's house, confronts her about her deception and involvement with Allan Morris, expresses annoyance at her attitude.
- Miss Edyth Vale
Receives Ashton-Kirk and Osborne, maintains her deceptive role despite being confronted, shows distress at surveillance.
- Osborne
Leaves Miss Vale's house after an unsuccessful interrogation, warns of possible arrest if she does not cooperate.
- Allan Morris
Referenced as the cause of Miss Vale's actions and hiding; Ashton-Kirk hints he may appear at his place soon.
- Professor Locke
Mentioned as the deaf-mute whom Miss Vale visited at the Institute near Cordova.
- Mr. Tobin
Referenced as the person Allan Morris had not notified of his new hiding-place.
Key passages
“If you had continued as you began, this matter would have been cleared up before this, the newspapers would never have printed your name in connection with it, and you would have been spared the mortification of a detective at your doorstep.”
Had you kept to your initial plan, the case would have been solved quietly, your name would have stayed out of the papers, and you wouldn't have had a detective watching you.
Ashton-Kirk scolds Miss Vale for abandoning her earlier cooperation.
“When you allowed the fears and desires of Allan Morris to cloud your reason, you made a mistake. You admitted as much when you came to me after the murder; but instantly, upon seeing him again, you were as before.”
You erred by letting Allan Morris's fears and wishes override your judgment, as you confessed after the murder, but meeting him again made you revert to your old ways.
Ashton-Kirk points out Miss Vale's pattern of being swayed by Morris.
“I am not so sure as to how deep Morris is in this murder, but I have some ideas on the subject. On the other hand I am quite sure that you are promised to aid him, and that you feel duty bound to do so to the end, according to his not very wise instructions.”
I'm uncertain about Morris's exact involvement in the murder, but I have theories. However, I'm certain you've pledged to help him and feel obligated to follow his unwise orders.
Ashton-Kirk reveals his understanding of Miss Vale's commitment to Morris.