# A Misty Evening explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Chan and Kirk discuss Chan's impending departure on Wednesday, despite the unsolved murder. Bill Rankin shares a newspaper clipping about Eve Durand's 1913 disappearance. Chan and Kirk lunch at the Cosmopolitan Club, where they encounter Colonel Beetham, who discusses his Gobi Desert expedition. Later, at the bungalow, June Morrow arrives excitedly as Major Durand is expected to identify the elevator woman. Captain Flannery and Inspector Duff arrive, but Major Durand is delayed.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Elusive Nature of Truth

Chan reflects on his 'wrong foot' and the uncertainty of identifying Eve Durand, highlighting the difficulty of uncovering the truth.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The 1913 disappearance of Eve Durand resurfaces, and Colonel Beetham's archaeological past connects to the present investigation.

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Contemplates his departure on Wednesday; reviews the cable story about Eve Durand; lunches at the Cosmopolitan Club and observes Colonel Beetham; awaits Major Durand's arrival.

### Barry Kirk

Hosts Chan; invites him to lunch at the Cosmopolitan Club; discusses Beetham's expedition; prepares for the meeting with Major Durand.

### Bill Rankin

Visits Chan with a newspaper clipping about Eve Durand's disappearance; seeks a tip on the case.

### Colonel John Beetham

Meets Chan and Kirk at the Cosmopolitan Club; discusses his Gobi Desert expedition and need for funding; expresses interest in the murder case.

### June Morrow

Arrives at the bungalow excitedly; anticipates the meeting between Major Durand and the elevator woman.

### Captain Flannery

Arrives at the bungalow with Inspector Duff; explains Major Durand's delay.

## Key lines

> Even great detective sometimes steps off on wrong foot. My wrong foot often weary from too much use.

Even a great detective makes mistakes, and I've made plenty.

_Chan humbly acknowledges his fallibility to Rankin._

> He regrets Sir Frederic's passing. But might it not happen that beneath his weeping eyes are laughing teeth?

He mourns Sir Frederic's death, but could he be secretly pleased?

_Chan suspects Beetham's sincerity regarding the murder._

> If I have taken wrong turning, I shall have to endure some Flannery sneers.

If I'm wrong, Flannery will mock me.

_Chan worries about being wrong in front of Flannery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xii-a-misty-evening
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters