# Willie Li's Good Turn explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Charlie Chan examines Sir Frederic's luggage and discovers a collection of books all authored by Colonel Beetham, sparking suspicion. Mrs. Dawson Kirk visits and reveals she saw Sir Frederic in a serious conversation with Mrs. Enderby at the dinner party. Chan then visits Henry Li's apartment under the pretense of a fall, seeking information about Li Gung.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suspicion and Trust

Chan's suspicion of Colonel Beetham grows upon finding only his books in Sir Frederic's luggage, and Mrs. Kirk's trust in Helen Tupper-Brock is questioned by Barry.

### The Past Haunting the Present

Sir Frederic's past investigation of Marie Lantelme and his connection to Colonel Beetham's books suggest unresolved history influencing the present murder.

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Investigates Sir Frederic's luggage, finds Beetham's books, and later visits Henry Li to inquire about Li Gung.

### Barry Kirk

Observes Chan's discovery of Beetham's books and discusses the case with Miss Morrow and his grandmother.

### June Morrow

Expresses doubt about the case's progress; Chan advises her to focus on Sir Frederic's death rather than Marie Lantelme.

### Dawson Kirk

Visits the bungalow, reveals she saw Sir Frederic talking privately with Mrs. Enderby at the dinner party.

### Henry Li

Allows Chan into his apartment after a staged fall; confirms Li Gung was there but has left.

### Colonel John Beetham

Mentioned as the author of all the books found in Sir Frederic's luggage, raising suspicion.

## Key lines

> Humbly making suggestion, do not think too much about Marie Lantelme. She is—what you say—an issue from the side. Remember always one big fact—Sir Frederic Bruce dead on this very floor, the velvet shoes absent from his feet.

Chan advises Miss Morrow to focus on the central fact of Sir Frederic's murder and the missing shoes, rather than getting distracted by Marie Lantelme.

_Chan emphasizes the importance of focusing on the primary evidence._

> All the work of our good friend, Colonel Beetham. No other books amid Sir Frederic's luggage. Does it not strike you as strange, his keen interest in one solitary author?

Chan points out that Sir Frederic only had books by Colonel Beetham, which seems suspicious.

_Chan highlights the unusual nature of Sir Frederic's library._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/viii-willie-li-s-good-turn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters