# XV explained — Murder in the Gunroom

> Chapter companion for Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

Rand continues cataloging the Fleming collection while dealing with the fallout from Rivers's murder. He learns that Pierre Jarrett has been arrested for the murder, suspects inside involvement in the thefts, and uses a clever demonstration with a rare pistol to test Walters's knowledge of the collection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Rand uses a casual request for a rare pistol to secretly test Walters's knowledge, revealing that appearances of innocence may hide deeper involvement.

### Collecting and Obsession

The detailed cataloging of the Fleming collection and the selective theft highlight the obsessive knowledge and value placed on these historical arms.

## Character check-ins

### Jeff Rand

Continues cataloging the collection, receives news of Jarrett's arrest, and tests Walters's familiarity with the arms.

### Walters

Assists Rand in the gunroom and demonstrates deep knowledge of the collection by fetching a rare Walch revolver without hesitation.

### Fred Dunmore

Anxiously questions Rand about the murder investigation and worries about the family's involvement.

### Karen Lawrence

Calls Rand in distress after Pierre Jarrett is arrested for Rivers's murder.

### Gladys Fleming

Observes Rand's test of Walters and appreciates his quick thinking.

## Key lines

> That Goddamned two-faced Jesuitical bastard!

Rand angrily curses the state police sergeant who arrested Pierre Jarrett.

_Rand's outburst shows his frustration with the police's hasty arrest._

> I'm not really sure of anything, except of my own existence and eventual extinction.

Rand admits he is certain only of being alive and that he will eventually die.

_Rand's philosophical remark underscores his uncertainty about the case._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_gunroom_se/chapters