# The Dart explained — Murder in the Maze

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

## What happens

Wendover is deeply unsettled after the attack on Sylvia Hawkhurst, struggling to reconcile the events with his earlier theories linking them to Hackleton. He confronts Sir Clinton, who reveals he had set himself up as bait for the murderer during the bridge party, expecting the attack on himself rather than Sylvia. Sir Clinton admits uncertainty whether the dart was meant for him or Sylvia, and discloses that the airgun used in the earlier murders has been recovered from the river.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Cowardice

Wendover's irrational fear of a random, inhuman killer and his struggle to impose rational motives on the violence highlight the theme of fear and the limits of courage.

### Deception and Appearance

Sir Clinton's deceptive bridge party, intended to lure the murderer, backfires when Sylvia is hit instead, underscoring the theme of appearances and hidden intentions.

### Violence and Its Aftermath

The attack on Sylvia and its aftermath dominate the chapter, focusing on the physical and psychological toll of the violence.

## Character check-ins

### Wendover

Wendover is consumed by anxiety and frustration, trying to piece together the motives behind the attacks and confronting Sir Clinton about his risky strategy.

### Sir Clinton Driffield

Sir Clinton reveals he orchestrated the bridge party as a trap for the murderer, expecting to be the target, and is now troubled by the uncertainty of the shot's intended victim.

### Sylvia Hawkhurst

Sylvia is gravely wounded by the dart; her condition worsens overnight, and Dr. Ardsley holds little hope for her recovery.

### Ernest Shandon

Wendover briefly suspects Ernest Shandon based on his actions during the bridge party, but Sir Clinton dismisses the theory, pointing out inconsistencies.

### Arthur Hawkhurst

Wendover suggests Arthur Hawkhurst as a possible suspect due to his erratic behavior and the use of his airgun, though Sir Clinton notes he is a 'difficulty' in the case.

## Key lines

> The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.

After Sylvia was attacked, Wendover was deeply unsettled.

_Sets the emotional tone for the chapter._

> I expected the next attack to be made on myself—and I took good care to make an opportunity for it by going on to the murderer’s own ground.

Sir Clinton reveals he set himself up as bait, expecting to be the target.

_Key revelation about Sir Clinton's strategy._

> If I knew whether that shot was meant for me or for her, I’d know rather more about the case than I do.

Sir Clinton is uncertain if the dart was aimed at him or Sylvia.

_Central ambiguity driving the investigation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xiii-the-dart
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters