# VIII: “I Hope You Swing!” explained — Continental Op Stories

> Chapter companion for Continental Op Stories by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

The Continental Op and his team interrogate Madden Dexter after knocking him out. Creda Dexter reveals she is not Madden's sister but his former partner in a con scheme targeting Leopold Gantvoort. She confesses that Madden murdered Gantvoort out of jealousy and greed, and she vows to help convict him. The chapter ends with her securing her inheritance and freedom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Creda Dexter reveals her true identity and the elaborate con scheme, while Madden uses a double to fake his alibi.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Creda betrays Madden after he beats her and refuses to let her marry Gantvoort, leading to his downfall.

### Violence and Survival

Madden's murder of Gantvoort and his physical assault on Creda highlight the violent lengths taken for control and money.

## Character check-ins

### The Continental Op

Interrogates Madden Dexter and extracts the truth about the murder.

### Madden Dexter

The murderer of Leopold Gantvoort; knocked out by the Op and refuses to confess without a lawyer.

### Creda Dexter

Reveals she is not Madden's sister but his former partner; turns against him and helps convict him.

### Charles Gantvoort

The victim; killed by Madden Dexter out of jealousy and greed.

### Evan Felter

Mentioned as the man who impersonated Madden in New York to create a false alibi.

## Key lines

> Now I hope you swing, you big sap!

Creda Dexter curses Madden Dexter, expressing her desire to see him executed.

_Creda's fury and betrayal are fully unleashed as she turns against her former partner._

> Put the screws on him and he’ll spill all he knows—he’s a weak sister!

Creda advises the Op to pressure Evan Felter, who will confess easily.

_She identifies Felter as the weak link in Madden's alibi scheme._

> I’m going to spend every minute of my time from now until they pop you off helping them pop you!

Creda vows to dedicate herself to ensuring Madden is convicted and executed.

_Her determination to see justice done is absolute._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/viii-i-hope-you-swing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters