# XVIII: A Brace of Detectives explained — Hand and Ring

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

## What happens

In this chapter, Mr. Byrd and Mr. Hickory, both detectives working on the Clemmens case, reveal their identities to each other. Hickory admits to impersonating Craik Mansell in a scheme to elicit a confession from Imogene Dare, which Byrd condemns as a cruel trick. They discuss their respective investigations and agree to work together to gather evidence against Mansell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

Hickory's impersonation of Mansell is a central deception, while the detectives seek the truth about the murder.

### Guilt and Innocence

The chapter explores the guilt of Mansell and the innocence of Hildreth, as the detectives reassess their suspicions.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Byrd

Reveals his suspicions about Mansell and his search for clues in the woods; he is disturbed by Hickory's tactics.

### Mr. Hickory

Confesses to impersonating Mansell and expresses regret for the trick played on Imogene Dare.

### Imogene Dare

Mentioned as the woman who was deceived by Hickory's impersonation, leading to her remorse.

### Craik Mansell

The prime suspect; Byrd and Hickory discuss gathering evidence against him.

## Key lines

> I have no wish to rob you of any glory you may hope to reap from the success of the plot you have carried on here today,” he presently declared, with some bitterness; “but if this Craik Mansell is guilty, I suppose it is my duty to help you in the collection of all suitable and proper evidence against him.”

Byrd tells Hickory he doesn't want to take credit for the scheme, but he will help gather evidence if Mansell is guilty.

_Byrd reluctantly agrees to cooperate with Hickory despite his disapproval of the trick._

> Was there no way of satisfying yourself of the guilt of Craik Mansell, except by enacting a farce that may lead to the lifelong remorse of the woman out of whose love you have made a trap?”

Byrd asks Hickory if there was no other way to confirm Mansell's guilt without deceiving Imogene Dare and causing her lasting regret.

_Byrd criticizes Hickory's unethical method of using Imogene's love as a trap._

## Links

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