# Off the Scent explained — Aurora Floyd

> Chapter companion for Aurora Floyd by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Detective Joseph Grimstone investigates Stephen Hargraves, the 'Softy,' in Doncaster, searching for evidence linking him to the murder of James Conyers and the stolen banknotes. He examines Hargraves' lodgings and belongings, finding a bloodstained button and a coat belonging to the victim, but no money or the missing yellow-striped waistcoat. Grimstone keeps his investigation secret from local police, hoping to secure rewards from both the government and John Mellish.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Scandal

Grimstone keeps his investigation secret from local police, hoping to claim rewards for himself, reflecting the hidden motives and scandals surrounding the case.

### Wealth and Power

The pursuit of banknotes and the promise of rewards from John Mellish highlight the influence of wealth in driving the investigation.

### Jealousy and Betrayal

Hargraves' possession of Conyers' bloodstained coat suggests betrayal and possible jealousy, as the investigation uncovers links between the two men.

## Character check-ins

### Joseph Grimstone

The detective leading the investigation, meticulously searching Hargraves' room and tracking his movements in Doncaster.

### Stephen Hargraves

The 'Softy' suspected of the murder and robbery; under surveillance by Grimstone and his ally.

### Tom Chivers

Grimstone's humble ally and follower, tasked with keeping watch on Hargraves.

### James Conyers

The murdered trainer; his bloodstained shooting-coat is found among Hargraves' possessions.

### John Mellish

Mentioned as the source of a potential large reward for solving the case.

### Dawson

The gardener who provided information to Grimstone about Hargraves.

## Key lines

> I don’t like to be beat; I don’t like to be beat.

Grimstone is determined not to fail in his investigation.

_Reflects Grimstone's stubborn persistence and professional pride._

> The man carries the money about him—that’s as clear as mud; and if I were to search Doncaster till my hair got gray, I shouldn’t find what I want.

Grimstone believes Hargraves has the stolen money on his person, making a search of the town futile.

_Highlights Grimstone's frustration and his theory about the hidden banknotes._

> It’s a critical game; but I’ll play it single-handed, or, at least, with no one better than Tom Chivers to help me through with it; and a ten-pound note will satisfy him, if we win the day.

Grimstone plans to keep the investigation to himself and his assistant, offering Chivers a small reward for his help.

_Shows Grimstone's secretive and self-interested approach to solving the case._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aurora_floyd_se/chapters/xxxviii-off-the-scent
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aurora_floyd_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/aurora_floyd_se/chapters