# The Voice in the Next Room explained — Behind That Curtain

> Chapter companion for Behind That Curtain by Earl Derr Biggers.

## What happens

Charlie Chan prepares to depart for Honolulu, eager to return to his newborn son. Despite the murder of Sir Frederic Bruce, Chan insists he is not involved in the case. Bill Rankin shares his theory that the murder is connected to the disappearance of Eve Durand and the murder of Hilary Galt. June Morrow and Barry Kirk try to persuade Chan to stay, but he remains resolute. However, after Morrow accuses him of losing face by running away, Chan overhears a conversation in the next stateroom between Colonel John Beetham and Li Gung, prompting him to reconsider his departure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition Versus Contentment

Chan's desire to return home to his family contrasts with the professional ambition of Miss Morrow and the lure of the murder case.

### The Past Haunting the Present

Rankin and Morrow discuss how the murders of Hilary Galt and the disappearance of Eve Durand from sixteen years ago are connected to Sir Frederic's death.

### Suspicion and Trust

Chan's trust in his own plans is shaken by Miss Morrow's accusation and the overheard conversation, leading him to suspect Beetham.

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Chan is preparing to leave for Honolulu, but is unsettled by Miss Morrow's accusation and overhears a suspicious conversation.

### Bill Rankin

Rankin shares his theory about the murder and tries to involve Chan, but Chan declines.

### June Morrow

Morrow attempts to persuade Chan to stay and work on the case, ultimately accusing him of losing face.

### Barry Kirk

Kirk joins Morrow in seeing Chan off and is flattered when Chan names his son after him.

### Colonel John Beetham

Beetham is overheard giving instructions to Li Gung in the stateroom next to Chan's.

### Li Gung

Li Gung is instructed by Beetham to wait in Honolulu and remain silent.

## Key lines

> I am not concerned with case. In three hours I exit through Golden Gate.

Chan states he is not involved in the murder investigation and will be leaving San Francisco in three hours.

_Chan repeatedly asserts his disinterest in the case, focusing on his departure._

> For myself, I would cherchez la femme. That’s French—

Rankin suggests that the key to the murder is to look for a woman, using the French phrase 'cherchez la femme.'

_Rankin's theory that a woman is central to the mystery._

> I only trust he grows up worthy of his name.

Chan expresses hope that his son, named Barry Chan, will live up to the name.

_Chan names his newborn son after Barry Kirk, showing his respect for Kirk._

> For once, Charlie Chan is running away. I’m afraid the famous Sergeant of the Honolulu police has lost face today.

June Morrow accuses Chan of fleeing a difficult case, suggesting he has lost honor.

_Morrow's taunt is a deliberate attempt to provoke Chan into staying._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/v-the-voice-in-the-next-room
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters