# XVIII: The Truth of the Matter explained — Murder in the Maze

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters/xviii-the-truth-of-the-matter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/murder_in_the_maze_se/chapters