Murder by the Clock · Chapter
XXIV: 4:41 a.m.—As the Colours of Dawn explained
Lieutenant Valcour, alone in Endicott's room, reflects on Mrs.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Innocence
Valcour's internal debate about Mrs. Endicott's guilt, despite the evidence, highlights the theme.
Appearance vs. Reality
The letters from women and the hat in the cupboard suggest hidden truths beneath surface appearances.
Characters to notice
- Lieutenant Valcour
Reflects on Mrs. Endicott's innocence, orders a search for the revolver, examines Endicott's papers, and notices a faint scent.
- Dr. Worth
Announces his departure, stating his services are no longer required, and provides contact information for the nurses.
- Mrs. Endicott
Valcour believes she is innocent, despite the evidence against her, and thinks of her as a woman of halftones.
- Officer Hansen
Stationed outside the door, receives orders to search the backyards for the revolver.
- Cassidy
Escorts Dr. Worth and the nurses out, then returns to the corridor.
Key passages
“It became quite clear in his mind that she never would have killed her husband. Or Hollander. That, in fact, she never would have killed anybody at all.”
Valcour becomes convinced that Mrs. Endicott is incapable of murder, despite the mounting evidence against her.
Highlights Valcour's belief in her innocence.
“The hat was the final touch to the person’s disguise. And the fact would presuppose a woman.”
Valcour deduces that the hat found in the cupboard was part of a disguise, suggesting the intruder was a woman.
Key clue in the investigation.