Murder in the Maze · Chapter
IV: The Chief Constable explained
Sir Clinton Driffield arrives at Whistlefield with Wendover and police.
What happens
Sir Clinton Driffield arrives at Whistlefield with Wendover and police. Stenness leads them to the two murder scenes in the Maze. Sir Clinton examines both bodies, photographs the scenes, and uses a dog to track the murderer's path, which ends inconclusively at a tree and then a road. He also encounters Timothy Costock, an old acquaintance from South Africa, and warns him not to incriminate himself. The doctor arrives to begin formal examinations.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Mystery
The chapter focuses on the investigation of two murders in the Maze, with Sir Clinton examining bodies and tracking the killer.
The Nature of Evidence
Sir Clinton uses photography, a dog's scent trail, and careful observation of marks and footprints to gather evidence.
Deception and Appearance
Stenness internally reflects on his own hidden motives and altered plans, while Sir Clinton's ordinary appearance masks his keen perception.
Characters to notice
- Sir Clinton Driffield
The Chief Constable arrives with Wendover, examines the bodies, photographs the crime scenes, and tracks the murderer's path with a dog.
- Mr. Stenness
Secretary to Roger Shandon; guides the party through the Maze and provides information about the murders.
- Wendover
Owner of Talgarth Grange; accompanies Sir Clinton and explains his presence as a fortunate coincidence.
- Howard Torrance
A guest at the house; present in the Maze during the murder and later explains the murderer's winding path.
- Tim Costock
Found in Helen's Bower near Roger Shandon's body; an old I.D.B. acquaintance of Sir Clinton from Kimberley.
- Skene
One of the gardeners on the estate; came with Stenness to the scene.
Key passages
“Suppose you show us the bodies, Mr. Stenness.”
Sir Clinton asks Stenness to lead them to the murder victims.
Directs the beginning of the official investigation.
“I never laid a finger on this fellow.”
Costock denies any involvement in Roger Shandon's death.
Costock's immediate protest upon seeing Sir Clinton.
“You'll find the plain truth's best. This is more serious than illicit diamond buying.”
Sir Clinton warns Costock that honesty is advisable because murder is graver than diamond smuggling.
Sir Clinton's admonition to Costock, referencing their shared past.
“Nobody who knew the Maze would have tried to get out this way.”
Stenness observes that the killer's path through the Maze was not a direct or knowledgeable route.
Comment on the murderer's unfamiliarity with the Maze layout.