Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XI: 12:15 a.m.—To Watch by Night explained
Lieutenant Valcour calls Thomas Hollander, a close friend of Herbert Endicott, to request his presence at the Endicott home.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception of the Senses
Valcour deliberately misleads Hollander about the police presence and the nature of the situation, creating a false impression of normalcy.
Obsession and Control
Valcour meticulously controls the narrative and the environment, directing Hollander's movements and concealing his own actions.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Orchestrates a plan to have Hollander watch over Endicott while secretly leaving the house to visit Marge Myles.
- Thomas Hollander
Called by Valcour and asked to sit with the unconscious Endicott; he agrees and is expected within the hour.
- Mrs. Endicott
Mentioned as being asleep under a narcotic given by Dr. Worth, unable to be present with her husband.
- Dr. Worth
Attending physician who insists a friend be present when Endicott regains consciousness.
- Herbert Endicott
Unconscious and in serious condition after a heart attack caused by a sudden shock.
Key passages
“I want you to tip the men off on guard down here that I want it known I am going home until tomorrow. Tell Mr. Hollander that if he asks to see me. I am leaving the house now and may be gone for a couple of hours, more or less. Then I’m coming back. I’ll rap on this door here, and you let me in.”
Valcour instructs O'Brian to spread the word that he is leaving for the night, but he actually plans to return secretly and be let in through the door.
Valcour's deceptive plan to observe without being detected.
““He’s dead?” “Dead? Why no, Hollander. Were you expecting him to be?””
Hollander asks if Endicott is dead, and Valcour questions why he would expect that, hinting at suspicion.
Valcour probes Hollander's reaction, suggesting possible guilt.