# XI: The Squire's Theories explained — Murder in the Maze

> Chapter companion for Murder in the Maze by J. J. Connington.

## What happens

Wendover and Sir Clinton discuss various theories about the murders, including the possibility of mistaken identity, a cooperative murder scheme, and the significance of the burglary. Sir Clinton reveals that the murderer knew the Shandons by sight, suggesting a local connection. They examine the Maze, finding a black silk thread and Ernest Shandon's cigar-case, which Sir Clinton decides to keep secret for further examination. Sir Clinton hints that he knows the murderer's identity but lacks proof.

## Themes in this chapter

### Murder and Mystery

The chapter delves into multiple theories about the murders, emphasizing the complexity and unresolved nature of the case.

### Deception and Appearance

Sir Clinton's secretive handling of the cigar-case and his hints about knowing the murderer underscore themes of hidden truths and misleading appearances.

### Fear and Cowardice

Ernest Shandon's panic is contrasted with Vera Forrest's composure, highlighting different responses to fear.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Clinton Driffield

Engages in theorizing with Wendover, reveals the murderer is local, finds the cigar-case and thread, and hints at knowing the murderer.

### Wendover

Presents theories about the murders, including mistaken identity and the burglary, and discovers the black thread and cigar-case in the Maze.

### Ernest Shandon

Criticized by Sir Clinton for his cowardice; his cigar-case is found in the Maze and kept secret.

### Vera Forrest

Praised by Sir Clinton for keeping her nerves in order after the murders, contrasted with Ernest's panic.

### Neville Shandon

Mentioned in theories about the murders and the burglary targeting his documents.

### Roger Shandon

Mentioned as a victim in the mistaken identity theory and as someone who discouraged strangers on his property.

## Key lines

> I doubt if Hackleton would have left any loophole of that sort,” Sir Clinton interrupted. “Neville’s portrait could easily have been bought and given to the murderer. But it’s not worth while arguing the point. The murderer knew the two Shandons perfectly well by sight. I’m sure of my ground there.”

Sir Clinton dismisses the idea that the murderer might have mistaken the brothers, asserting that the killer knew them both by sight.

_This exchange establishes Sir Clinton's certainty about the murderer's local knowledge._

> “What’s all this about Stenness?” Wendover demanded. “Is it merely some rot that Ernest’s squirted out in the middle of his funk, or is there anything in it?”

Wendover questions whether Ernest's mention of Stenness is just panic-driven nonsense or has real significance.

_This highlights the ongoing uncertainty and the role of Ernest's testimony._

> “I think we’ll say nothing about this for a day or two, Squire. I may want to send this case up to London to have it examined, perhaps. I can’t say yet. But in the meanwhile we’ll not mention that we found it. Friend Ernest can take his cigars from the box, in the meantime. That’s no great hardship for him.”

Sir Clinton decides to keep the discovery of Ernest's cigar-case secret, hinting at further investigation.

_This shows Sir Clinton's strategic approach to evidence and his distrust of Ernest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xi-the-squire-s-theories
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters