Murder in the Maze · Chapter
XVIII: The Truth of the Matter explained
Sir Clinton Driffield reconstructs the murders in the Maze, explaining how Ernest Shandon killed his two brothers using a poisoned airgun and darts, mistaking Roger for Neville, and then later faked an attack on himself to divert suspicion.
What happens
Sir Clinton Driffield reconstructs the murders in the Maze, explaining how Ernest Shandon killed his two brothers using a poisoned airgun and darts, mistaking Roger for Neville, and then later faked an attack on himself to divert suspicion. He outlines the evidence, the loopholes, the bicycle alibi, and the motive of inheritance, concluding that Ernest is the mass-murderer driven by greed.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Mystery
The chapter provides the full reconstruction of the double murder and the killer's methods.
Deception and Appearance
Ernest Shandon fakes an attack on himself to appear as a victim and divert suspicion.
Justice and Morality
Sir Clinton systematically uncovers the truth, demonstrating the pursuit of justice.
Characters to notice
- Sir Clinton Driffield
Delivers the full reconstruction of the murders, analyzing evidence and motives.
- Ernest Shandon
Revealed as the murderer who killed his brothers and faked an attack on himself.
- Wendover
Interjects during Sir Clinton's explanation, questioning details.
- Mr. Stenness
Listens to the reconstruction; Sir Clinton notes Ernest tried to throw suspicion on him.
- Dr. Ardsley
Participates in the conversation, commenting on Ernest's acuteness.
- Roger Shandon
Mentioned as the first victim, killed by mistake in the Maze.
Key passages
“Ernest Shandon went off with Miss Hawkhurst in the car. I suspect that he knew his brothers were going to the Maze that afternoon. He'd already taken his bicycle along and concealed it in a little plantation near the East Gate; and he'd hidden the airgun there as well.”
Ernest Shandon left with Miss Hawkhurst by car, having previously hidden his bicycle and airgun near the East Gate, knowing his brothers would be in the Maze.
Sir Clinton explains Ernest's premeditated plan.
“He'd killed his two brothers. If a third attack was made, he might come under suspicion—and a breath of suspicion might be enough. So he boldly faked up an attack on himself next.”
After murdering his two brothers, Ernest staged an attack on himself to avoid suspicion if another crime occurred.
Sir Clinton describes Ernest's deceptive strategy.