Murder in the Gunroom · Chapter
XI explained
Rand retrieves the Colt revolver from Coroner Kirchner by invoking Humphrey Goode's authority, then fires it to test it.
What happens
Rand retrieves the Colt revolver from Coroner Kirchner by invoking Humphrey Goode's authority, then fires it to test it. He learns that Arnold Rivers had also tried to buy the revolver. Later, Rand visits Karen Lawrence's antique shop, where a rural dealer offers bizarre items, and informs her that Rivers is no longer a threat.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Rand fabricates a story about the revolver's value to manipulate Kirchner, and later tests the gun to verify its condition.
Greed and Materialism
Rivers' willingness to overpay for the revolver and Rand's focus on the collection's monetary value highlight materialistic motives.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Rand
Retrieves the Colt revolver from Kirchner, fires it, and later visits Karen Lawrence's shop.
- Mr. Kirchner
Coroner who reluctantly hands over the revolver after Rand pressures him and mentions Goode.
- Arnold Rivers
Mentioned as having tried to buy the revolver from Kirchner; later reported dead.
- Karen Lawrence
Antique dealer visited by Rand; informed that Rivers is no longer interested in the Fleming collection.
- Humphrey Goode
Referenced as the authority Kirchner consults before releasing the revolver.
Key passages
“Rand allowed himself to be struck by an idea. “Say, you know, that would make it worth more, at that!” he exclaimed. “What do you know! I never thought of that. … Look, Mr. Kirchner; I’m supposed to get as much money for these pistols, for the heirs, as I can. How would you like to give me a letter, vouching for this as the pistol Mr. Fleming killed himself with?”
Rand pretends to have a sudden realization that the revolver's value increases due to its connection to Fleming's death, and asks Kirchner to write a letter confirming it as the suicide weapon.
Rand uses deception to obtain a letter that could inflate the revolver's market value.
“He picked up the Colt and showed Kirchner the serials, on the butt, and in front of the trigger-guard. “See, here it is: 2444.” Kirchner would be more than willing to oblige Mr. Goode’s agent; he typed out the letter himself, looked twice at the revolver to make sure of the number, took Rand’s word for the make, model, and caliber, signed it, and even slammed his seal down on it.”
Rand shows Kirchner the serial number, and Kirchner, eager to please Goode's agent, types a letter certifying the revolver's details without independent verification.
Highlights Kirchner's deference to authority and Rand's manipulation of that trust.