Behind That Curtain · Chapter
What Happened to Eve Durand? explained
At a luncheon at the St.
What happens
At a luncheon at the St. Francis Hotel, Sir Frederic Bruce, Barry Kirk, Bill Rankin, and Charlie Chan gather. June Morrow, revealed to be the deputy district attorney J. V. Morrow, joins them. The conversation turns to crime detection methods, with Chan and Sir Frederic agreeing on the primacy of human psychology over scientific devices. Sir Frederic then recounts the unsolved mystery of Eve Durand, a young woman who vanished during a game of hide-and-seek in Peshawar fifteen years ago, a case that has haunted him ever since.
Themes in this chapter
Crime Detection Methods
Chan and Sir Frederic debate the value of scientific devices versus understanding human passions in solving crimes.
The Elusive Nature of Truth
The unsolved disappearance of Eve Durand exemplifies how truth can remain hidden despite extensive investigation.
Gender Roles and Professionalism
June Morrow challenges expectations as a female deputy district attorney, surprising the male characters with her professional role.
Characters to notice
- Sir Frederic Bruce
Hosts the luncheon and shares his fascination with the unsolved disappearance of Eve Durand.
- Barry Kirk
Organizes the luncheon and is surprised to discover that J. V. Morrow is actually June Morrow.
- June Morrow
Reveals herself as the deputy district attorney J. V. Morrow, wearing a green hat as arranged.
- Bill Rankin
Arranges the meeting between Sir Frederic and Chan, and prompts discussion of crime cases.
- Sergeant Charlie Chan
Joins the luncheon, shares his philosophy on crime detection, and mentions his impending return to Honolulu.
- Eve Durand
The subject of Sir Frederic's recounted mystery; she disappeared during a game of hide-and-seek in Peshawar fifteen years ago.
Key passages
“The tiger has condescended to the fly.”
Chan humbly acknowledges Sir Frederic's greatness in meeting him.
Chan uses a metaphor to express his deference to Sir Frederic.
“Does the elephant disapprove of the butterfly? And who cares?”
Chan deflects June's question about his opinion of her, implying his view is insignificant.
Chan's response highlights his philosophical detachment.
“Coarse food to eat, water to drink, and the bended arm for a pillow—that is an old definition of happiness in my country. What is ambition? A canker that eats at the heart of the white man, denying him the joys of contentment.”
Chan contrasts Eastern contentment with Western ambition, suggesting ambition is destructive.
Chan articulates a core theme of ambition versus contentment.
“A man who has killed—a very clever man—he knows that Scotland Yard has fiercely fixed idea about essential clue. His wits accompany him. He furnishes gladly one essential clue which has no meaning and leads no place at all.”
Chan suggests that a clever murderer might plant a false clue to mislead investigators.
Chan's insight into criminal psychology aligns with his human-focused approach.