Call Mr. Fortune · Chapter
Case VI: The Business Minister explained
Reggie Fortune returns from Spain to a blizzard in London and is immediately drawn into the Great Coal Ramp scandal by Lomas.
What happens
Reggie Fortune returns from Spain to a blizzard in London and is immediately drawn into the Great Coal Ramp scandal by Lomas. A faceless corpse is found at Montmorency House, and the investigation reveals connections to Horace Kimball, a civil servant. Reggie uncovers Kimball's motive: a decades-old hatred for his sister's husband, whom he drove to suicide, and later for his nephew, whom he manipulated and ultimately murdered. The case ends with Kimball charged with murder, and Reggie reflects on the pure, diabolical nature of the crime.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Morality
The chapter explores the nature of pure crime, driven by hatred rather than greed, and the moral judgment of the detective.
Family and Betrayal
Kimball's hatred for his sister's family drives the entire plot, leading to betrayal, murder, and suicide.
The Rational vs. the Irrational
Reggie's rational deduction contrasts with Kimball's irrational, obsessive hatred, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Reginald Fortune
Returns from Spain to a blizzard; investigates the Great Coal Ramp and the faceless corpse; deduces Kimball's guilt.
- Mr. Lomas
Consults Reggie about the Great Coal Ramp scandal; involved in the investigation of the faceless corpse.
- Horace Kimball
Civil servant implicated in the Coal Ramp; later charged with murder; driven by hatred for his sister's family.
- Superintendent Bell
Assists Lomas and Reggie in the investigation; present during key discussions.
- Miss Joan Amber
Provides crucial background on the Kimball family history; reveals the story of Kimball's sister and her husband.
- Mr. Rand
Mysterious figure connected to the Coal Ramp; identity unknown; referenced as a key unknown quantity.
- Mrs. Sandford
Mentioned in connection with the Coal Ramp; her account received three thousand pounds.
- Jack Mason
Patient in a nursing home visited by Kimball; later revealed to be the father of Kimball's nephew.
Key passages
“Oh, to be in England now that April's here”
Reggie sarcastically quotes Browning upon returning to England in a blizzard.
Sets the tone of ironic contrast between expectation and reality.
“Crime unstained by any vulgar greed or sentiment; sheer crime; iniquity neat.”
Reggie describes the crime as pure evil, untainted by ordinary motives.
Highlights the theme of crime and morality.
“He was a great man, but for the hate in him. Just like the devil.”
Reggie acknowledges Kimball's brilliance while condemning his hatred.
Emphasizes the diabolical nature of the criminal.
“Over the past the gods themselves have no power”
Reggie quotes a classical saying to console Miss Amber about the past.
Reflects the theme of family and betrayal.
