# XLI: A Link Supplied explained — Hand and Ring

> Chapter companion for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Mr. Gryce deduces that Mrs. Clemmens' threat referred to Mr. Orcutt, not Mansell, implying a secret bond between them. He reconstructs the crime, using the ring's discovery and Orcutt's actions to build a case against him, despite Ferris's doubts.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

Gryce uncovers the truth behind Orcutt's facade, revealing his guilt through careful deduction.

### Secrets and the Past

The secret bond between Mrs. Clemmens and Orcutt is hinted at, driving the motive for murder.

### Guilt and Innocence

The chapter explores the guilt of Orcutt and the innocence of Mansell, as Gryce builds his case.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Gryce

Astute detective who pieces together the evidence, concluding that Orcutt is the murderer.

### Mr. Orcutt

The renowned lawyer now suspected of the murder, with his actions and motives analyzed.

### Mr. Ferris

District Attorney who is dismayed by the evidence against his friend Orcutt.

### Mr. Byrd

Young detective who is questioned about Orcutt's actions but cannot recall details.

### Craik Mansell

The prisoner whose flight and statements provide crucial information for Gryce's theory.

### Imogene Dare

Her ring and her interactions with Orcutt are central to the investigation.

## Key lines

> Upon his bloody finger he doth wear A precious ring.

The ring on the murderer's finger is a key clue.

_Epigraph from Titus Andronicus, foreshadowing the ring's significance._

> Make me to see it; or at the least so prove it, That the probation bear no hinge nor loop To hang a doubt on.

Demand for proof that leaves no room for doubt.

_Epigraph from Othello, emphasizing the need for conclusive evidence._

> There are so many to whom my death would be more than welcome.

The widow wrote that many people would be glad if she died.

_Gryce recalls this line to identify potential suspects, including Orcutt._

> You have just supplied a very important link in the chain of evidence against Mr. Orcutt.

Gryce tells Ferris that his memory of Orcutt picking up something provides key evidence.

_Gryce uses Ferris's recollection to explain how the ring got into the house._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xli-a-link-supplied
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters