# XIV: The Remarkable Train That Did Strange Tricks explained — Kate Plus 10

> Chapter companion for Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Michael Pretherston investigates the theft of a gold train, deducing that Kate (the Princess Bacheffski) orchestrated the heist. He interviews Sir Ralph Sapson and Reggie Boltover, then travels to Pinham Heights and Tolbridge to examine the railway. By scrutinizing a disused branch line, he discovers that the rust and green scum are artificially created, proving the train was diverted to a hidden location. He concludes that Kate and her gang executed the robbery with meticulous planning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Kate uses multiple aliases and disguises to infiltrate high society and orchestrate the theft.

### Crime and Morality

The elaborate gold train heist and Michael's pursuit of justice explore the conflict between criminal ingenuity and moral order.

### Wealth and Greed

The theft of a gold shipment and Kate's manipulation of wealthy individuals underscore themes of avarice.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Pretherston

Leads the investigation, deduces Kate's role, and uncovers the fake rust and scum on the branch line.

### Kate Westhanger

Revealed as the mastermind behind the gold train theft, using aliases 'Princess Bacheffski' and 'Miss Tenby'.

### Sir Ralph Sapson

Consults Michael about the gold shipment and provides a railway map.

### Reggie Boltover

Questioned by Michael about Vera Flemming; provides a note to access his property records.

### Commissioner T. B. Smith

Accompanies Michael during the investigation and picks him up at Maidmore.

### The Princess Bacheffski

Identified as an alias of Kate, used to extract information from Sir Ralph.

### Miss Tenby

Another alias of Kate, used to secure Lord Flanborough's code.

### Alphonso Blaxton

Mentioned as 'Fonso' in Michael's deduction about the artificial scum.

## Key lines

> It is impossible they can get away with it,” said Sir Ralph; “my expert tells me that it will take them two days to break through the steel walls whatever they use.

Sir Ralph expresses disbelief that the thieves can escape, as his expert claims it will take two days to breach the steel walls.

_Highlights the perceived security of the gold train._

> That is what I mean to tell you. Didn't you realize that the whole thing was a put up job? Why should the car of the Princess break down at your front door?

Michael explains that the princess's car breakdown was a deliberate setup to gain access to Sir Ralph.

_Reveals Kate's calculated deception._

> The green scum which had deceived him at first had been artificially created. Some chemical had been dissolved and had re-crystallised on the surface.

Michael discovers that the green scum in the hole was fake, created by dissolving a chemical that crystallized on the surface.

_Key clue in Michael's investigation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters/xiv-the-remarkable-train-that-did-strange-tricks
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kate_plus_10_se/chapters