# XXX: 7:11 a.m.—The Criminal and Weapon of the Crime explained — Murder by the Clock

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Marge Myles appears as a flamboyant woman but is actually the murderer, hiding in a chest, and the gun is concealed in a paper bag.

### Obsession and Control

Marge Myles's desire for power and control is evident as she relishes the sense of power over Valcour's life.

### The Psychology of Murder

Marge Myles's calm and calculated demeanor, her enjoyment of power, and her willingness to kill for escape highlight the psychological aspects of murder.

## Character check-ins

### Lieutenant Valcour

Investigates the crime scene, reads Marge's letter, and confronts Marge Myles, who threatens him with a gun.

### Marge Myles

Revealed as the criminal hiding in the chest, armed with a gun, and threatening to kill Valcour.

### Mrs. Endicott

Arrested by Valcour and taken to the entrance hall in custody.

### Officer Hansen

Climbs onto the balcony and distracts Marge Myles, allowing Valcour to subdue her.

### Cassidy

Found asleep on the chest by Valcour, then ordered to take Mrs. Endicott to the entrance hall.

## Key lines

> You have put yourself in my way, Lieutenant—and I am going to kill you and escape.

Marge Myles threatens to kill Valcour and flee.

_Shows her determination and criminal intent._

> I wear it for a better disguise. I have the dust on my face—there is the hat—it fits well over my cloche. The effect is astonishing.

Marge explains that she wears Endicott's hat as a disguise, covering her own hat and face with dust.

_Reveals her cunning and planning._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters/xxx-7-11-a-m-the-criminal-and-weapon-of-the-crime
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_by_the_clock_se/chapters