# XX: The Truth Arrives explained — Behind That Curtain

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

## What happens

Charlie Chan reveals that Major Eric Durand is the murderer of Sir Frederic Bruce, having killed him to prevent the discovery of his wife Eve Durand. Chan explains his reasoning, including the significance of the briefcase check, the velvet slippers, and the train fare to Chicago. Eve Durand is identified as Grace Lane, and Colonel Beetham confirms he escorted her through the Khyber Pass. The chapter ends with the truth fully exposed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime Detection Methods

Chan meticulously reconstructs the crime using evidence like the briefcase check, velvet slippers, and train fare calculations.

### The Elusive Nature of Truth

The truth about Eve Durand's identity and Durand's guilt is gradually uncovered, with misdirections along the way.

### Identity and Disguise

Eve Durand is revealed to have been living under the alias Grace Lane, hiding her true identity.

## Character check-ins

### Sergeant Charlie Chan

Reveals the murderer and explains his deductive process.

### Major Eric Durand

Confronted as the killer of Sir Frederic Bruce; arrested.

### Eve Durand

Identified as Grace Lane; confronts her husband Eric.

### Colonel John Beetham

Confirms he escorted Eve Durand through the Khyber Pass.

### Captain Flannery

Arrests Durand; questions remaining details.

### Inspector Duff

Reads Sir Frederic's records; praises Chan's intelligence.

## Key lines

> All color had drained from Durand’s face, it was gray as fog as he stood there confronted by the triumphant little Chinese.

Durand's face turned pale as Charlie Chan confronted him.

_Shows Durand's shock at being exposed._

> I will explain with all my eloquence later. Just now I content myself with admitting this⁠—Major Durand was one person in all the world who did not want Eve Durand discovered.

Chan says he will explain later, but admits Durand was the one who most wanted to keep Eve hidden.

_Highlights Durand's motive._

> Now the truth arrives,

The truth is finally revealed.

_Chapter title echoed in dialogue._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters/xx-the-truth-arrives
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/behind_that_curtain_se/chapters