XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Manipulation

  The Selengers' identity is suspected to be a front for the Groats, highlighting the theme of hidden motives and manipulation.

• Identity and Secret Origins

  The search for Lady Mary Danton and the mysterious Selengers underscores the theme of obscured identities and origins.

Characters to notice

• Jim Steele

  Loves London and reflects on other cities; meets with Mr. Salter to discuss the case and admits feeling lost in the search.

• Mr. Salter

  Questions Jim about the Selengers investigation and theorizes that the Groats may be behind them; suggests finding Lady Mary could clear up other mysteries.

• Digby Groat

  Mentioned as possibly being behind the Selengers, along with his mother.

• Mrs. Groat

  Mentioned as possibly being behind the Selengers, along with her son Digby.

• Lady Mary Danton

  Her disappearance is a key focus; Salter believes finding her could help solve other mysteries.

• Jonathan Danton

  Mentioned as the former owner of the offices now associated with the Selengers.

Key passages

• “Jim loved London, the noise and the smell of it. He loved its gentle thunders, its ineradicable good-humour, its sublime muddle.”

  Jim adored London's chaotic charm, its sounds, scents, and resilient cheerfulness.

  Jim's affection for London is contrasted with his dislike of other cities.

• “The identity of the mysterious Selengers had been forgotten for the moment, Jim admitted.”

  Jim confessed he had temporarily overlooked looking into who the Selengers were.

  Salter reminds Jim to investigate the Selengers.

• “If I find Lady Mary, you say that I shall be no nearer to frustrating the Groats?”

  Jim questions whether finding Lady Mary would actually help stop the Groats.

  Jim expresses doubt about the usefulness of his search.