Murder in the Gunroom · Chapter
XVII explained
Rand discovers his revolver has been swapped with a different one, leading him to suspect foul play.
What happens
Rand discovers his revolver has been swapped with a different one, leading him to suspect foul play. Anton Varcek requests a private talk and later reveals his account of the night Lane Fleming died, suggesting Fred Dunmore as a possible murderer. Meanwhile, Walters confesses to stealing and selling pistols to Carl Gwinnett, clearing himself of murder but admitting to larceny. Rand arranges for a temporary butler for Gladys.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The swapped revolver and the conflicting accounts of Fleming's death highlight the theme of deception and the difficulty of discerning truth.
Murder and Justice
The investigation into Fleming's death and Walters' confession for theft underscore the pursuit of justice amidst murder and crime.
Scientific Method vs. Intuition
Varcek's reliance on scientific method and Rand's analytical approach contrast with intuitive suspicions, reflecting the tension between empirical evidence and gut feelings.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Rand
Discovers his revolver has been swapped and investigates the substitution. He also handles Walters' confession and arranges a temporary butler.
- Anton Varcek
Requests a private talk with Rand and provides his account of the night Lane Fleming died, implicating Fred Dunmore.
- Gladys Fleming
Present at breakfast and later grateful when Rand offers to find a temporary butler after Walters' arrest.
- Fred Dunmore
Present at breakfast and later implicated by Varcek as a possible murderer.
- Nelda Dunmore
Present at breakfast and later confronts Walters angrily after his confession.
- Walters
Confesses to stealing and selling pistols to Carl Gwinnett, clearing himself of murder but admitting to larceny.
- Mick McKenna
Police sergeant present during Walters' confession and arrest.
- Aarvo Kavaalen
Corporal who restrains Nelda Dunmore when she attacks Walters.
Key passages
“His .38-special, in its shoulder-holster, was lying on the dresser; he had not bothered putting it on when he had gone to see Rivers the morning before, and it had lain there all the previous day.”
Rand noticed his .38-special in its holster on the dresser, which he had left there all day after not wearing it to see Rivers.
Highlights Rand's discovery of the swapped revolver.
“I think somebody locked the door, sometime. It might have been the murderer, or it might have been Fleming at the murderer's suggestion.”
Rand suggests the door was locked either by the murderer or by Fleming under the murderer's direction.
Reflects the ongoing mystery of Fleming's death.
“He signed the triplicate copies willingly; he didn't seem to mind signing himself into jail, as long as he thought he was signing himself out of the electric chair.”
Walters signed the confession without hesitation, preferring jail over the death penalty.
Illustrates Walters' relief at avoiding a murder charge.
