No Name · Chapter
From Mr. de Bleriot to Mrs. Lecount explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. de Bleriot writes to Mrs. Lecount informing her that his agents have successfully traced Mr. and Mrs. Noel Vanstone to Baliol Cottage, near Dumfries. He notes that a stranger was also making inquiries in Allonby, but his men misled the stranger southward on a false scent before crossing the Solway Firth. De Bleriot suggests the circumstance may prompt Mrs. Lecount to hasten her journey.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Revelation
The letter reveals the secret location of the Vanstones, while a mysterious stranger's parallel inquiry hints at hidden motives.
Identity and Disguise
The stranger's identity is unknown, and the agents deliberately mislead him, suggesting layers of deception.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Lecount
Recipient of the letter; the discovery is reported to her.
- Noel Vanstone
Traced with his wife to Baliol Cottage near Dumfries.
- Alfred de Bleriot
Author of the letter; reports the successful tracing and the interference of a stranger.
Key passages
“Mr. and Mrs. Noel Vanstone have been traced across the Solway Firth to Dumfries, and thence to a cottage a few miles from the town, on the banks of the Nith. The exact address is Baliol Cottage, near Dumfries.”
The Vanstones have been located at Baliol Cottage, a small house near Dumfries on the River Nith.
Key discovery reported in the letter.
“Before leaving Allonby, the persons in my employ discovered, to their surprise, that a stranger was in the place pursuing the same inquiry as themselves.”
My agents found that someone else was also searching for the Vanstones in Allonby.
Unexpected rival inquiry noted.
“I mention the circumstance, as you may be better able than I am to find a clue to it, and as it may possibly be of a nature to induce you to hasten your journey.”
I tell you this because you might understand it better and it may make you want to travel sooner.
De Bleriot hints at urgency.