Scarhaven Keep · Chapter
XII: Good Men and True explained
The inquest into Bassett Oliver's death is held in Scarhaven, with a biased local jury and coroner seemingly intent on a swift verdict of accidental death.
What happens
The inquest into Bassett Oliver's death is held in Scarhaven, with a biased local jury and coroner seemingly intent on a swift verdict of accidental death. Sir Cresswell Oliver, Petherton, and Copplestone arrive with the intention of challenging the proceedings. Petherton calls witnesses, including Zachary Spurge, whose testimony is met with derision. He demands an adjournment to bring evidence from America, which the coroner refuses. The chapter also details Copplestone's nighttime journey to secure Spurge's attendance at the inquest.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Retribution
The inquest is portrayed as a farce, with the local jury and coroner biased in favor of the Squire, preventing a fair investigation into Oliver's death.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The deference shown to Marston Greyle by the jury and coroner, and the dismissal of Zachary Spurge's testimony, illustrate the power of the landed gentry over local justice.
Characters to notice
- Richard Copplestone
Arranges for Sir Cresswell and Petherton's arrival, fetches Zachary Spurge from his hiding place, and attends the inquest.
- Peter Chatfield
Seen in conversation with the coroner and Greyle's solicitor before the inquest.
- Audrey Greyle
Present at the inquest with her mother, Mrs. Greyle.
- Zachary Spurge
Gives evidence at the inquest, claiming to have seen something at the ruins; his testimony is dismissed by the jury and coroner.
- Marston Greyle
Arrives late at the inquest, denies Spurge's allegations under oath, and refuses to answer further questions about his time in America.
- Addie Chatfield
Present at the inquest, described as alert and keenly interested.
Key passages
“The twelve good men and true, required under the provisions of the old statute to form a jury, were all of them either Scarhaven tradesmen or Scarhaven householders or labourers on the estate.”
The jury consisted entirely of local men who were dependent on the Greyle estate.
Highlights the lack of impartiality in the jury selection.
“I hope you gentlemen of the press will make a full note of these proceedings... You at any rate are not biased or prejudiced.”
Petherton appeals to the reporters to document the biased conduct of the inquest.
Shows Petherton's strategy to expose the corruption through the press.
“This here inquest'll be naught but a blooming farce! Mark me! You ain't a native o' this part—I am. D'you think as how a Scarhaven jury's going to say aught agen its own Squire and landlord?”
Spurge predicts that the local jury will never rule against the Squire.
Foreshadows the predetermined outcome of the inquest.