Murder in the Maze · Chapter
IX: The Burglary at Whistlefield explained
Sir Clinton Driffield receives a phone call about a burglary at Whistlefield and rushes to investigate with Wendover.
What happens
Sir Clinton Driffield receives a phone call about a burglary at Whistlefield and rushes to investigate with Wendover. At the house, Ernest Shandon and Stenness recount the events: Ernest heard a noise while reviewing Roger's papers, went for a walk, discovered a ladder against Neville's window, and saw a masked figure. He and Stenness found the room ransacked but did not catch the burglar. Sir Clinton inspects the scene and notes the ladder marks and soil on the windowsill, but decides not to post guards, suspecting the burglars got what they wanted.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Ernest's nervous behavior and his admission of going to bed instead of reporting the burglary raise questions about his true role in the events.
The Nature of Evidence
Sir Clinton carefully examines physical clues like ladder marks and soil, but notes the difficulty of distinguishing significant evidence from incidental traces.
Characters to notice
- Sir Clinton Driffield
Appears tired and worried at breakfast; receives the burglary call and leads the investigation at Whistlefield.
- Wendover
Hosts Sir Clinton; accompanies him to Whistlefield and observes the investigation.
- Ernest Shandon
Nervously recounts discovering the burglary; admits he went to bed without calling the police.
- Mr. Stenness
Present during the recounting; confirms the ladder is from the garden and describes the ransacked room.
Key passages
“I’ve taken a big risk in this affair, Squire; and if the game goes against me, I’d never be able to forgive myself. It’s as serious as that.”
Sir Clinton confides that he has made a risky decision regarding the case and fears the consequences if it fails.
Reveals Sir Clinton's deep concern and the high stakes of the investigation.
“I went to bed. And after a minute or two, I remembered I ought to have rung up the police. But that would have meant getting out of bed again and putting on some clothes to go down to the phone. It would have been a lot of trouble.”
Ernest admits he chose to sleep rather than report the burglary immediately because it was too much effort.
Highlights Ernest's laziness or possible evasion, casting doubt on his reliability.