Clouds of Witness · Chapter
Bar Falling explained
On the second day of the trial, Sir Impey Biggs opens the defense with a dramatic announcement that Lord Peter Wimsey is flying across the Atlantic with crucial evidence.
What happens
On the second day of the trial, Sir Impey Biggs opens the defense with a dramatic announcement that Lord Peter Wimsey is flying across the Atlantic with crucial evidence. The court hears testimony from Mr. Goyles, Ellen, Inspector Parker, and others, including a jeweler's assistant who identifies the purchaser of the green-eyed cat as a foreign lady, not Lady Mary. The day ends with an adjournment as a storm approaches.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and the Legal System
The trial proceedings showcase the formalities of the House of Lords as a court, with debates over evidence and legal interpretations.
Family Loyalty and Honor
Lord Peter's perilous flight across the Atlantic to secure evidence for his brother's defense exemplifies familial devotion.
Deception and Secrets
The mystery of the green-eyed cat and the foreign lady's identity underscores hidden truths and misdirection.
Characters to notice
- Sir Impey Biggs
Opens the defense with a dramatic speech about Lord Peter's transatlantic flight and looks worried.
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Mentioned as the brother of the accused, flying across the Atlantic with evidence; his cablegram is read in court.
- Mr. Parker
Testifies about the green-eyed cat, footprints, and the forced window catch; his diligence unearthed a key witness.
- Lady Mary Wimsey
Confronted by the jeweler's assistant, who confirms she is not the foreign lady who bought the cat.
- Mr. Goyles
Testifies that he found Cathcart already dead at 3 a.m. near the water-trough.
- Bunter
Returns to 110 Piccadilly, listens to the weather forecast, and prepares a fire for Lord Peter's return.
Key passages
“My lords, the barometer is falling.”
Sir Impey Biggs uses the falling barometer as a metaphor for the urgency and danger of Lord Peter's flight.
Dramatic closing line of the opening speech, linking weather to the stakes of the trial.
“It is not the same type at all. Mademoiselle is a charming English lady, and the man who marries her will be very happy, but the other was belle à se suicider —a woman to kill, suicide one's self, or send all to the devil for.”
The jeweler's assistant distinguishes Lady Mary from the foreign lady, describing the latter as dangerously beautiful.
Key testimony that clears Lady Mary of suspicion and adds intrigue to the case.
“A deep depression is crossing the Atlantic, and a secondary is stationary over the British Isles. Storms, with heavy rain and sleet, will be prevalent, rising to a gale in the south and southwest.”
The weather forecast warns of an approaching storm, mirroring the tension of the trial and Lord Peter's flight.
Atmospheric detail that underscores the chapter's title and the precarious situation.