Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XV: 2:13 a.m.—The Thin Steel Blade explained
Miss Murrow, the nurse, grows restless during her night vigil.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception of the Senses
Miss Murrow's perception of Hollander's movements is uncertain—she questions whether his hand is moving or if it's an illusion of light and shade.
The Psychology of Murder
Hollander's calm exterior masks his deadly intent, as he secretly prepares a blade while appearing composed.
Characters to notice
- Miss Murrow
The nurse on duty, restless and observant, notices Hollander's strange behavior and Endicott's signs of waking.
- Thomas Hollander
Sits quietly but with a glittering gaze, shows strain when Endicott stirs, and secretly draws a thin steel blade.
- Herbert Endicott
The patient, showing signs of regaining consciousness, his eyelids twitching and eyes opening.
- Cassidy
One of the police guards stationed in the bathroom doorway, watching Endicott.
- Officer Hansen
Another police guard, impassively studying the ceiling.
Key passages
“She had always had her attacks of the fidgets, and would probably continue to have them until she arrived at the port of destination for all good nurses and married one of her patients or a doctor.”
Miss Murrow was restless and believed she would stay that way until she married a patient or a doctor.
Shows Miss Murrow's personal thoughts and her view of nursing as a path to marriage.
“What a curious expression that was in his eyes. He had just turned them toward her, and they seemed to glitter.”
She noticed a strange, glittering look in Hollander's eyes when he glanced at her.
Highlights the unsettling nature of Hollander's gaze.
“With imperceptible movements he drew a thin steel blade from beneath the cuff of his left coat sleeve and held it in such a fashion that it was masked in the palm of his right hand, the hilt extending up a little beneath the shirt cuff.”
He secretly pulled out a thin blade from his sleeve and hid it in his hand, ready to use.
Reveals Hollander's concealed weapon and his intent.