# VII: 11:01 p.m.—Banked Fires explained — Murder by the Clock

> Chapter companion for Murder by the Clock by Rufus King.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Mrs. Siddons's calm exterior contrasts with her intense hatred for Endicott, and the 'banked fires' metaphor suggests hidden passions.

### Deception of the Senses

Valcour misinterprets Mrs. Siddons's reactions, and the medical examiner's cryptic 'crinoline' hints at misleading clues.

## Character check-ins

### Lieutenant Valcour

Interviews Mrs. Siddons, questions O'Brian, and investigates the missing hat.

### Mrs. Siddons

Housekeeper who expresses relief at Endicott's death, calling him a 'filthy beast'.

### O'Brian

Police officer on guard, reports the medical examiner's statement to the press.

### Dr. Worth

In consultation with the medical examiner in a reception room.

## Key lines

> There is no use in questioning me, Lieutenant, because I have nothing to say.

Mrs. Siddons refuses to cooperate with the investigation.

_She is uncooperative from the start._

> I found him such a man, Lieutenant, that I am glad to know that he is dead.

Mrs. Siddons expresses satisfaction at Endicott's apparent death.

_Her hatred for Endicott is evident._

> But you see, Mrs. Siddons, he isn't dead.

Valcour corrects her assumption that Endicott is dead.

_This revelation shocks her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/vii-11-01-p-m-banked-fires
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters