Inspector French’s Greatest Case · Chapter
VI: The Hotel in Barcelona explained
Inspector French travels to Barcelona in pursuit of Jan Vanderkemp.
What happens
Inspector French travels to Barcelona in pursuit of Jan Vanderkemp. After a long journey, he checks into the Hôtel d’Orient and begins searching for his suspect. He locates Vanderkemp at a smaller hotel and, using a ruse, engages him in conversation. French reveals the murder of Charles Gething and the theft of the diamonds. Vanderkemp professes his innocence and provides a detailed account of his movements, including a story about a Russian nobleman. French remains skeptical, noting that Vanderkemp possesses stolen banknotes and that the story seems fabricated. He tests Vanderkemp's typing ability as part of his investigation, but remains uncertain whether Vanderkemp is the criminal or a dupe.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Vanderkemp's fabricated story about a Russian nobleman and his use of a false name highlight themes of deception and hidden identity.
Detective Method and Logical Deduction
French employs a ruse to engage Vanderkemp, tests his typing to gather evidence, and weighs the likelihood of Vanderkemp's guilt versus his being framed.
Characters to notice
- Inspector French
Travels to Barcelona, locates Vanderkemp, and interrogates him about the murder and stolen diamonds.
- Mr. Vanderkemp
Found in a Barcelona hotel; claims innocence and tells a story about a Russian nobleman to explain his actions.
- Charles Gething
Mentioned as the murdered man; Vanderkemp expresses shock upon learning of his death.
- Mr. Duke
Referenced as the owner of the stolen diamond collection and as a figure in Vanderkemp's story.
- Mr. Schoofs
Mentioned as the recipient of a letter instructing Vanderkemp to go to London.
Key passages
“To a comparative stay-at-home like Inspector French, who considered a run to Plymouth or Newcastle a long journey, the trailing of Jan Vanderkemp across southwest France opened up a conception of the size of the globe whereon he moved and had his being, which left him slightly awestruck.”
Inspector French, not used to long trips, was amazed by the vast distances he traveled while following Vanderkemp across France.
Highlights French's sense of scale and the novelty of international travel.
“The man resembling Vanderkemp rose. 'I speak English,' he answered. 'What is it you want?'”
The man who looked like Vanderkemp stood up and offered to help in English.
French's ruse successfully draws Vanderkemp into conversation.
“I will tell you my whole story and answer any questions you may like to ask, whether you believe me or not.”
Vanderkemp offers to give a full account of his actions, regardless of whether French trusts him.
Vanderkemp's attempt to appear cooperative and innocent.
“Instantly he saw that Vanderkemp typed as an expert—with a light, sure touch that produced a perfect impression, but did not dint the paper.”
French noticed that Vanderkemp typed skillfully, with a light touch that didn't leave marks on the paper.
French uses typing style as a clue to evaluate Vanderkemp's credibility.