Behind That Curtain · Chapter
The Discreet Mr. Cuttle explained
On Wednesday morning, Charlie Chan, feeling heavy-hearted about his impending departure, breakfasts with Barry Kirk.
What happens
On Wednesday morning, Charlie Chan, feeling heavy-hearted about his impending departure, breakfasts with Barry Kirk. Kirk reveals he saw Colonel Beetham dining with Mrs. Tupper-Brock. Chan goes to write a letter to his wife, then visits Bill Rankin, who shows him Colonel Beetham's book with a mysterious dedication. Meanwhile, Kirk takes Mrs. Tupper-Brock to see June Morrow, who questions her about Sir Frederic Bruce, Colonel Beetham, and the elevator girl. Mrs. Tupper-Brock remains cool and evasive.
Themes in this chapter
Suspicion and Trust
Chan and Kirk discuss suspicion as a necessary tool in detective work, yet Chan warns it is a wicked thing.
The Past Haunting the Present
The dedication in Beetham's book and the reference to the Peshawar disappearance suggest past events are resurfacing.
Gender Roles and Professionalism
Mrs. Kirk criticizes June Morrow's involvement, while Kirk defends her; Chan comments that women should 'decorate scene, like blossom of the plum.'
Characters to notice
- Sergeant Charlie Chan
Rises on Wednesday morning, feels heavy-hearted about leaving, breakfasts with Kirk, writes a letter to his wife, visits Rankin to examine Beetham's book.
- Barry Kirk
Breakfasts with Chan, mentions seeing Beetham with Mrs. Tupper-Brock, later drives Mrs. Tupper-Brock to June Morrow's office.
- June Morrow
Interviews Mrs. Tupper-Brock in her office, asks about Beetham, India, and the elevator girl.
- Colonel John Beetham
Mentioned as having dined with Mrs. Tupper-Brock; his book has a mysterious dedication.
- Helen Tupper-Brock
Interviewed by June Morrow; cool and evasive, claims no knowledge of India or the elevator girl.
- Bill Rankin
Shows Chan Colonel Beetham's book with the dedication 'To one who will remember, and understand.'
Key passages
“Suspicion is a wicked thing. That is written in many places.”
Chan remarks that suspicion is harmful, though Kirk notes it's essential in detective work.
Chan and Kirk debate the role of suspicion in investigation.
“To one who will remember, and understand.”
The dedication in Colonel Beetham's book suggests a sentimental connection to someone from his past.
Chan and Rankin speculate about the meaning of the dedication.