Murder by the Clock · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.
Chapter 1
I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100
Mrs. Endicott, worried about her husband Herbert's safety, calls the police and requests a detective. Lieutenant Valcour arrives at her home. She explains that Herbert has gone to visit Marge Myles, a woman she fears might harm him. Valcour initially declines to help, but Mrs. Endicott insists, showing him a cryptic note in her husband's room. The chapter establishes the tense atmosphere and introduces key characters and the central conflict.
Chapter 2
II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder
Lieutenant Valcour examines the scene of Herbert Endicott's death, noting the cold body in the cupboard and Mrs. Endicott's detached demeanor. He calls Dr. Worth and the police, then inspects the bathroom and balcony for clues, finding a dirty soap, a missing button on the overcoat, and a note that matches a pencil in the desk, suggesting a possible murder weapon.
Chapter 3
III: 9:45 p.m.—Guards Are Stationed at the Doors
Lieutenant Valcour stations police guards at the doors of the Endicott residence, instructing them on handling reporters and visitors. Dr. Worth arrives and examines the body, confirming Endicott's death from a heart attack, though Valcour suspects murder. The homicide chief and medical examiner arrive, and Valcour begins his investigation, planning to interview Mrs. Endicott.
Chapter 4
IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Mrs. Endicott in her room, probing her relationship with her husband and the circumstances of his death. She reveals she often wished to kill him but never wanted him dead, and admits to meeting him in the attic, though she claims not to know why he came. Valcour discusses the possibility of murder via deliberate shock to the heart, and notes the absence of Mr. Endicott's hat as a suspicious detail.
Chapter 5
V: 10:17 p.m.—Living or Dead?
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Mrs. Endicott in her living room, pressing her for details about the evening's events. She recounts her husband's strange goodbye through the closed door, her own dressing with Roberts's help, and her discovery of the note. Valcour probes her about a tea appointment with a man she refuses to name, and about Marge Myles, a woman with a scandalous past who may have killed her husband. Mrs. Endicott deflects and hints at her husband's animalistic behavior. The chapter ends with Cassidy's alarming news that they are preparing to revive the corpse.
Chapter 6
VI: 10:32 p.m.—Pictures in Dust
Lieutenant Valcour and Cassidy discuss the possibility that Endicott may not be dead, with Dr. Worth planning to inject adrenaline into his cardiac muscles. Chief Andrews leaves the case to Valcour, who then examines the cupboard where Endicott was found. Valcour discovers dust streaks on a shelf, suggesting someone wiped their hands in it, and theorizes the attacker used dust as a disguise. He also notes that the suits in the cupboard were searched, supporting his theory of a robbery interrupted by Endicott. Valcour leaves to check the entrance hall cupboard for a hat, leaving a nervous Cassidy alone with the 'living corpse.'
Chapter 7
VII: 11:01 p.m.—Banked Fires
Lieutenant Valcour interviews the gaunt housekeeper, Mrs. Siddons, who expresses relief at Endicott's apparent death, revealing deep animosity. He then checks on Officer O'Brian at the door, learns the medical examiner leaked the word 'crinoline' to the press, and notes the missing hat, suspecting the attacker took it.
Chapter 8
VIII: 11:28 p.m.—Mrs. Endicott Screams
As Dr. Worth prepares to operate on Endicott, Lieutenant Valcour observes the tense atmosphere. Dr. Worth successfully revives Endicott with an adrenaline injection, but Mrs. Endicott, who has appeared unseen in the doorway, screams and faints at the sight. Dr. Worth sedates her and insists she not be disturbed. He and Valcour discuss the implications of Endicott's revival, the possibility that he may not regain consciousness, and the need to protect him from further shock. Valcour plans to station men in the bathroom to guard Endicott, fearing the attacker may try again. The chapter also touches on Valcour's suspicions about Roberts and her apparent hatred for Mrs. Endicott.
Chapter 9
IX: 11:55 p.m.—Queer Deeps
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Roberts, seeking a friend of Mr. Endicott's to stay with him while Mrs. Endicott is under a narcotic's influence. Roberts suggests Thomas Hollander, Endicott's 'best' friend, and provides his address from Mrs. Endicott's memorandum book. During the conversation, Valcour probes Roberts's strange emotional state, which leads to her slapping him and speaking of a 'sharing of torture' and her dread of death's finality. After she retrieves the address book, Valcour copies Hollander's information and is bewildered to also find the address and telephone number of Marge Myles.
Chapter 10
X: 12:06 a.m.—The Stillness of a Grave
Lieutenant Valcour stations Officers Hansen and Cassidy in Endicott's room to guard him, instructing them to watch everyone who enters, including Thomas Hollander, whom he plans to summon. Dr. Worth remains skeptical of the precautions. Nurse Murrow, alone with the patient, feels a sense of sinister stillness.
Chapter 11
XI: 12:15 a.m.—To Watch by Night
Lieutenant Valcour calls Thomas Hollander, a close friend of Herbert Endicott, to request his presence at the Endicott home. He explains that Endicott has suffered a heart attack from a sudden shock and is unconscious, with Dr. Worth insisting a friend be present when he recovers. Valcour conceals the police presence and the true nature of the situation, instructing Hollander to come in about an hour. After the call, Valcour leaves the house, planning to return secretly, and heads to Marge Myles's address.
Chapter 12
XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck
Lieutenant Valcour visits Marge Myles's apartment, where he encounters her mother, Madame Velasquez, who is waiting for Marge. Madame Velasquez reveals that Marge had a note from Herb Endicott, who failed to meet her. Valcour learns that Marge is not Madame Velasquez's biological daughter, and that she had a troubled marriage to Harry Myles. Madame Velasquez hints that Marge may be involved in criminal activities, and Valcour suspects she is blackmailing Marge. After leaving, Valcour overhears Madame Velasquez muttering to herself, revealing her manipulative nature. He then heads to Hollander's apartment, reflecting on the psychology of police confrontations.
Chapter 13
XIII: 2:01 a.m.—Glittering Eyes
Nurse Murrow is on night duty guarding the unconscious Herbert Endicott. Dr. Worth introduces Thomas Hollander as a friend who will sit with the patient. Hollander's behavior is evasive and his eyes glitter with a strange intensity as he watches Endicott. The police guards remain alert, and the conversation reveals suspicion that the attacker is someone in the house.
Chapter 14
XIV: 2:01 a.m.—An Empty Sheath
Lieutenant Valcour visits Thomas Hollander's apartment to investigate, where he encounters Mr. Smith. Valcour questions Smith about Hollander's relationship with Mrs. Endicott and discovers a leather sheath for a stiletto, which is missing. During the search, Smith attacks Valcour with a lead slug, knocking him out.
Chapter 15
XV: 2:13 a.m.—The Thin Steel Blade
Miss Murrow, the nurse, grows restless during her night vigil. She observes Thomas Hollander, who appears tense and pale. When she checks on Endicott, she notices signs of consciousness returning. She instructs Hollander to lock the door after her and goes to fetch Dr. Worth. Hollander locks the door, then retrieves a thin steel blade from his sleeve, preparing to act as Endicott begins to stir.
Chapter 16
XVI: 2:13 a.m.—Time Versus Death
At 2:13 a.m., Officer O'Brian receives a mysterious phone call from Thomas Hollander's apartment, where Lieutenant Valcour is found bound and dazed. Valcour instructs O'Brian to warn Dr. Worth that Hollander is armed with a knife and intends to kill Endicott. A plan is devised to lure Hollander out of Endicott's room, but Hollander attempts to stab Endicott before being shot by Cassidy and Hansen.
Chapter 17
XVII: 2:40 a.m.—The Angle of Death’s Path
At 2:40 a.m., Dr. Worth and Nurse Murrow rush to Endicott's room after the commotion, only to find Hollander wounded and Endicott dead from a bullet, not a knife. Lieutenant Valcour, despite his own injury, deduces that the fatal shot could not have come from his men and suspects the murderer is still at large, possibly having fired from the balcony outside the window.
Chapter 18
XVIII: 3:00 a.m.—Thin Haze of Dread
At 3 a.m., Lieutenant Valcour and Dr. Worth are in the Endicott bedroom, staring at the open window and the dark night beyond. Valcour feels an inexplicable dread. He asks Dr. Worth about moving Hollander, who is under arrest, and requests to speak with him alone. After restoratives, Valcour interrogates Hollander, accusing him of attacking Endicott, stealing Mrs. Endicott's purse and keys, and staging the scene. Hollander denies everything, but Valcour reconstructs the crime, including the missing hat. Hollander reveals his love for Mrs. Endicott and his belief that her pride was hurt by her husband's affairs. The interrogation is interrupted by the ambulance arriving, and Hollander is taken away unconscious.
Chapter 19
XIX: 3:15 a.m.—The Properties of Horror
Lieutenant Valcour and Dr. Worth discuss the recent shooting of Endicott, narrowing suspects to those in Mrs. Endicott's room. Valcour questions Nurse Vickers, who reveals she was in the kitchen during the shooting, leaving Roberts with Mrs. Endicott. Vickers describes Roberts's hysterical state, including shaking her fist at Mrs. Endicott and muttering about 'ice and human hearts' and 'searing flames.' Valcour notes the room was cooler upon Vickers's return, suggesting a window was opened. He then examines Endicott's body and waits to question Roberts.
Chapter 20
XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
Lieutenant Valcour interrogates Miss Roberts in the presence of Endicott's body, probing her knowledge of the shooting and her relationship with the Endicotts. Roberts reveals her deep resentment of Mrs. Endicott's control over her husband, admits to possessing a Colt .38 given by her brother, and confesses she intended to use it to protect Endicott from his wife. She also discloses that Mrs. Endicott left the room and never returned, and that she believes Mrs. Endicott did not drink the narcotic. The interrogation exposes Roberts's emotional turmoil and her identification with Endicott's suffering.
Chapter 21
XXI: 3:51 a.m.—A Woman’s Slipper
Lieutenant Valcour interrogates Miss Roberts, who reveals that Mrs. Endicott may have faked unconsciousness and poured out her narcotic. Roberts admits to fetching her gun and nearly killing Mrs. Endicott in a fit of rage. Valcour examines the balcony and discovers a woman's slipper, a potential clue.
Chapter 22
XXII: 4:14 a.m.—Tap—Tap—Tap
Lieutenant Valcour, troubled by the slipper clue, decides to test Mrs. Endicott's unconsciousness. With Dr. Worth's help, he arranges to be alone with her, then taps the slipper rhythmically, causing her to break her pretense and speak.
Chapter 23
XXIII: 4:29 a.m.—A Turn of the Screw
Lieutenant Valcour interrogates Mrs. Endicott, who is suspected of shooting her husband and wounding Hollander. She denies being on the balcony, claiming her slipper fell off while straddling the window sill. Valcour reveals she is under arrest as a material witness and searches her room for a revolver, finding none. Mrs. Endicott's demeanor shifts from guarded to exultant, puzzling Valcour.
Chapter 24
XXIV: 4:41 a.m.—As the Colours of Dawn
Lieutenant Valcour, alone in Endicott's room, reflects on Mrs. Endicott's innocence, reviews the evidence against her, and orders a search for the missing revolver. He examines Endicott's papers, finding letters from various women, and ponders the significance of Endicott's hat and a lingering scent. The chapter ends with a phone call from Central Office.
Chapter 25
XXV: 5:01 a.m.—Lunatic Vistas
Lieutenant Valcour receives a report from Central Office revealing that the person who used Endicott's comb and brushes was a blonde, either a man or a woman with bobbed hair. This points to Mrs. Endicott or Hollander, not Roberts. Valcour's mind races through the case's contradictions, including the scent, Hollander's roommate, Marge Myles's address in Mrs. Endicott's directory, and Mrs. Endicott's lie about the balcony. Madame Velasquez arrives, claiming Marge is dead and that Herbert Endicott made away with the body, though Valcour points out Endicott was being attacked at the time. She insists Marge killed herself to spite her, revealing her blackmail scheme. Valcour has her booked as a material witness and asks for Mrs. Siddons.
Chapter 26
XXVI: 5:25 a.m.—There Was a Sailor
Lieutenant Valcour interviews Mrs. Siddons, who reveals a past incident where Mr. Endicott attacked a servant girl, who was subsequently committed to an insane asylum. Mrs. Siddons identifies the girl's husband as a sailor, and Valcour begins to theorize that this man may have posed as Hollander to gain access to Endicott and commit the murder.
Chapter 27
XXVII: 5:46 a.m.—Mrs. Endicott Cannot Be Found
Lieutenant Valcour discovers Mrs. Endicott's room empty and questions Cassidy about her whereabouts. He also investigates the first shot fired at Hollander, deducing that the murderer fired first. Valcour finds a letter from Marge Myles hidden in a drawer, and after searching the house, Mrs. Endicott remains missing. Valcour suspects she may have gone to the attic, leading to a sudden rush.
Chapter 28
XXVIII: 6:00 a.m.—Mist Drifting Through Mist
Lieutenant Valcour discovers Mrs. Endicott attempting suicide in the attic, saves her, and engages in a tense conversation where she reveals her manipulations, including forging a letter to implicate Marge Myles, and her complex feelings about love and loyalty.
Chapter 29
XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage
Lieutenant Valcour confronts Mrs. Endicott with his theory that Marge Myles killed Herbert Endicott. He suggests Marge was searching for a forged letter in Endicott's room, was discovered, and that Endicott's heart attack was caused by the shock. Valcour presents two alternatives: either Marge escaped and Mrs. Endicott shot her husband to protect Hollander, or Marge is still hidden in the house. Mrs. Endicott remains defiant, and Valcour decides further efforts are futile, preparing to formally charge her.
Chapter 30
XXX: 7:11 a.m.—The Criminal and Weapon of the Crime
Lieutenant Valcour, having arrested Mrs. Endicott, returns to Endicott's room and reads a letter from Marge Myles that reveals her animosity toward Endicott. While contemplating the case, he senses a presence and discovers Marge Myles hiding in a chest, armed with a gun. She threatens to kill him, but Officer Hansen, who has climbed onto the balcony, distracts her, allowing Valcour to subdue her. The chapter ends with Marge Myles as the criminal and the weapon recovered.
Chapter 31
XXXI: 8:37 p.m.—Five Years Later
Five years after the Endicott case, Mrs. Hollander (formerly Mrs. Endicott) contacts Inspector Valcour, worried about her current husband Thomas Hollander's safety. Valcour reflects on the past case, concluding that Mrs. Hollander was the true murderer, manipulating others like puppets. He heads to her apartment, wondering if Thomas has become another puppet.
