Behind That Curtain · Chapter
Muddy Water explained
Miss Morrow discovers a blank sheet of paper in Sir Frederic's mail, which Chan suspects may contain fingerprints.
What happens
Miss Morrow discovers a blank sheet of paper in Sir Frederic's mail, which Chan suspects may contain fingerprints. Chan secures the paper and notes evidence of steam-opening. The group discusses the possibility that Carrick Enderby, employed at Thomas Cook, may be involved. Miss Morrow turns her attention to Gloria Garland and the pearl found under the desk. Captain Flannery arrives, challenges Chan, and interviews Lila Barr. Chan reflects on his family and his son Barry. Gloria Garland arrives and initially denies knowing Sir Frederic, but under pressure admits she broke her necklace in the office during a private talk with him.
Themes in this chapter
Crime Detection Methods
Chan uses fingerprint analysis and observes steam marks on the envelope, highlighting early forensic techniques.
Suspicion and Trust
Flannery suspects Lila Barr of being Eve Durand and distrusts Gloria Garland's initial story. Chan and Miss Morrow press for the truth.
Identity and Disguise
Gloria Garland admits to using a stage name (Ida Pingle). Flannery questions her real identity and motives.
Characters to notice
- Sergeant Charlie Chan
Examines the blank paper, suspects fingerprints, secures it in a locked drawer. Notes steam marks on the envelope. Challenges Flannery's taunts. Reflects on his family and his son Barry.
- June Morrow
Discovers the blank paper in Sir Frederic's mail. Questions Gloria Garland about the pearl and her meeting with Sir Frederic.
- Barry Kirk
Provides a locked drawer for the paper. Calls Gloria Garland to invite her to the office. Offers to send a cablegram to Barry Chan.
- Captain Flannery
Arrives and challenges Chan. Interviews Lila Barr, suspecting she is Eve Durand. Interrogates Gloria Garland about her name and actions.
- Gloria Garland
Arrives for questioning. Initially denies knowing Sir Frederic, but later admits she broke her necklace in the office during a private talk with him.
- Lila Barr
Interviewed by Flannery, cries easily, sticks to her story. Flannery suspects she knows more than she tells.
Key passages
“Humbly begging pardon to mention it, I would suggest you iron out countenance. Wrinkles might grow there, which would be a heartbreaking pity.”
Chan politely advises Miss Morrow not to frown, as it could cause wrinkles.
Chan uses gentle humor to ease Miss Morrow's bewilderment.
“How loud is the thunder, how little it rains.”
Chan remarks that Flannery's bluster is much ado about nothing.
Chan criticizes Flannery's aggressive but ineffective approach.
“Home is a sanctuary into which we retire, the father is high priest, the altar fires burn bright.”
Chan describes the traditional Chinese view of home as a sacred, family-centered place.
Chan contrasts Eastern and Western attitudes toward family and home.