Simon · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.
Chapter 1
The Solitary Passenger
A mysterious, secretive man travels by train to a small northern town, avoiding fellow passengers and sneaking off the train without a ticket. He wanders the streets until nightfall, then stealthily approaches a house through a dark drive, hiding in the shrubbery as two women hurry past and men's voices are heard in the road.
Chapter 2
II: The Procurator Fiscal
Mr. Simon Rattar, the procurator fiscal, is introduced as a man of rigid habits and high respectability. His morning routine is disturbed when his housemaid, Mary MacLean, reports a mysterious man lurking in the garden the previous night. Rattar's unusual behavior—cutting himself shaving, upsetting the toast rack, and his tense reaction to the news—hints at inner turmoil. He warns Mary not to gossip, but she confides in the cook that the master seems afraid, suggesting he knows more than he admits.
Chapter 3
III: The Heir
Simon Rattar arrives at his office and behaves unusually, requesting the letter book and ledger. Malcolm Cromarty, the heir to the baronetcy, visits Rattar to discuss his debts. He reveals his financial troubles and his fear that Sir Reginald will discover them, but Rattar agrees not to press for repayment. After Malcolm leaves, Rattar continues examining the books, and his clerk notes his strange demeanor. Then Ned Cromarty of Stanesland is announced.
Chapter 4
IV: The Man from the West
Ned Cromarty visits Simon Rattar to discuss his financial situation and a loan from Sir Reginald. He reveals his past as a cowboy in the American West and his struggle to adapt to life as a Scottish laird. After the meeting, he encounters Cicely Farmond leaving Rattar's office and offers to drive her home.
Chapter 5
V: The Third Visitor
Cicely Farmond visits Simon Rattar to demand the truth about her identity, suspecting she is Sir Reginald's illegitimate niece. Rattar is evasive and insists on consulting Sir Reginald before revealing anything. After she leaves, Rattar appears agitated and watchful.
Chapter 6
At Night
Simon Rattar takes unusual precautions to secure his top-floor rooms, locking doors and posting warning notes. His housemaid Mary MacLean grows increasingly uneasy as she hears strange sounds, including a thud and footsteps. Rattar explains he expects a late visitor to go through old papers, but Mary's sense of dread persists. She hears the visitor arrive, footsteps ascending and descending, and the front door open and close. The next morning, the warnings are removed and keys replaced, leaving the night's events ambiguous.
Chapter 7
VII: The Drive Home
Ned Cromarty drives Cicely Farmond home from town, and their conversation grows intimate as he expresses his interest in her. Later, at Stanesland, Ned's sister Lilian subtly discourages his romantic intentions toward Cicely, hinting at Cicely's questionable parentage and a possible relationship with Malcolm Cromarty.
Chapter 8
VIII: Sir Reginald
Sir Reginald Cromarty and Lady Cromarty discuss their concerns about Malcolm and Cicely spending time together. Sir Reginald defends Cicely's character, while Lady Cromarty remains suspicious. Later, Cicely and Malcolm have a tense conversation about their whereabouts and feelings, revealing Malcolm's financial troubles and emotional dependence on Cicely.
Chapter 9
A Philosopher
After lunch, the butler James Bisset reveals his philosophical and inquisitive nature while showing Cicely her repaired bicycle. He discusses Ned Cromarty's interesting reputation, including rumors of hanging a man and his glass eye, and speculates on the effects of a foreign substance near the brain. Bisset also explains why Ned is unlikely to marry, citing his sister Lilian's comfort at the castle and Ned's own remarks about being too tough for marriage.
Chapter 10
X: The Letter
Cicely learns of George Rattar's death from a newspaper announcement, prompting a discussion about his criminal past and his twin brother Simon. Sir Reginald becomes angry upon receiving a letter from Simon Rattar regarding the letting of Castleknowe farm to Shearer, despite a prior agreement to cancel the arrangement. After a tense exchange, Sir Reginald sends a sharp note demanding a meeting. Later, the household enjoys a peaceful evening, but Malcolm attempts to speak privately with Cicely, who rebuffs him.
Chapter 11
XI: News
Ned Cromarty hears of Sir Reginald's murder and rushes to the castle, where he joins Simon Rattar and Superintendent Sutherland in examining the crime scene. The group debates how the murderer entered the locked library, with discussion of a possible window entry and a missing key. Bisset provides key observations about a disturbed table and sealing wax. Ned presses for theories, but Rattar remains evasive.
Chapter 12
XII: Cicely
Ned Cromarty, after waiting in the hall, visits Cicely Farmond and the new baronet, Sir Malcolm Cromarty, in the billiard room. He expresses his condolences and discusses the impossibility of the murder, while Cicely remains in shock. Later, Bisset announces he has arrived at certain conclusions.
Chapter 13
XIII: The Deductive Process
Bisset presents a detailed plan of the library and shares his deductions about the murder, including the broken table leg, the position of the body, and the likely sequence of events. Ned Cromarty challenges his reasoning, pointing out that Bisset's own characteristics match the profile of the killer, leading to a moment of dark humor. Despite the flaws in Bisset's logic, Ned acknowledges some valid points and encourages him to continue investigating cautiously.
Chapter 14
XIV: The Question of Motive
Ned Cromarty visits Simon Rattar to discuss the murder investigation. Rattar reveals the beneficiaries of Sir Reginald's will, including Lady Cromarty, Sir Malcolm, Cicely Farmond, James Bisset, and Ned himself, whose debt was cancelled. They also review minor clues discovered by Bisset, such as a broken table leg, mud fragments, and a misplaced hearth brush. Rattar presses the question of motive, and Ned discloses Cicely's secret engagement to Sir Malcolm.
Chapter 15
XV: Two Women
After Sir Reginald's funeral, Lady Cromarty meets with Simon Rattar, who also speaks with Sir Malcolm before departing. Cicely Farmond, feeling out of place, begins packing to leave, but Lady Cromarty unexpectedly asks her to stay. Sir Malcolm, agitated and moody, tries to dissuade her but fails, and leaves for London, leaving Cicely alone with Lady Cromarty.
Chapter 16
XVI: Rumour
Ned Cromarty receives a visit from James Bisset, who presents his latest theories about Sir Reginald's murder, including a far-fetched idea of a wild man from the colonies hiding behind curtains. Bisset then reluctantly reveals a cruel rumor spreading through the county: that Malcolm Cromarty and Cicely Farmond were secretly engaged and conspired to murder Sir Reginald. Ned is furious and realizes Lady Cromarty may believe the slander, having kept Cicely at Keldale to watch her. They discuss how the rumor started, possibly from Simon Rattar's talk of motive or from servants' gossip.
Chapter 17
A Suggestion
Ned Cromarty confronts Simon Rattar about the scandalous rumors implicating Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond in Sir Reginald's murder. Ned insists on hiring a London detective to investigate further, but Rattar resists, arguing that the evidence is insufficient and that further inquiry would only cause a family scandal. The chapter ends with Rattar growing agitated after Ned leaves.
Chapter 18
XVIII: £1,200
Ned Cromarty returns home and is confronted by his sister Lilian, who pressures him to use the £1,200 he received to buy a new car. Ned refuses, insisting the money is needed for other purposes and that he is still troubled by the ongoing murder investigation. Their conversation reveals Lilian's suspicions about Malcolm Cromarty and Cicely Farmond, and Ned becomes increasingly agitated by the rumors circulating about them.
Chapter 19
XIX: The Empty Compartment
Superintendent Sutherland, while traveling by train to investigate a rumor, encounters a mysterious muffled man in an empty compartment. After being distracted by his cousin Mr. MacAlister, the man vanishes without a trace, leaving Sutherland puzzled and ultimately deciding not to report the incident.
Chapter 20
XX: The Sporting Visitor
A sporting gentleman, F. T. Carrington, arrives at the Kings Arms Hotel in a remote countryside, posing as a wealthy sportsman interested in fishing and shooting. He quickly charms the manageress, Miss Peterkin, and ingratiates himself with the local 'choice spirits' by showing keen interest in their gossip, particularly about the Cromarty murder. Through his sympathetic listening and discreet questions, he gathers detailed local knowledge about the case and the suspected parties, before expressing a mild curiosity to see Keldale House.
Chapter 21
Mr. Carrington's Walk
Mr. Carrington takes a walk towards Keldale House, where he encounters Cicely Farmond on a path. He pretends to be a casual stranger and mentions a false rumor that Sir Malcolm Cromarty has been arrested for the murder, which Cicely vehemently denies. After the conversation, Carrington becomes deeply thoughtful, returns to the Kings Arms, and eventually decides to visit Simon Rattar's office under the pretense of inquiring about shooting or fishing leases.
Chapter 22
XXII: Mr. Carrington and the Fiscal
Mr. F. T. Carrington visits Simon Rattar, the Procurator Fiscal, and reveals that he is a private enquiry agent hired by an unknown employer to investigate the murder of Sir Reginald Cromarty. After a cautious exchange, Carrington gains Rattar's confidence and confirms that Rattar is indeed his employer. Carrington outlines his plan to visit Keldale House under the guise of a sportsman and interview the butler, Bisset, to gather more information.
Chapter 23
XXIII: Simon's Views
Carrington interviews Simon Rattar, who shares his belief that the evidence points to Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond as the likely murderers, though he admits there is no proof. Rattar discusses motives, the secret engagement, and other beneficiaries, including Ned Cromarty. Carrington probes Rattar about other employers and leaves deeply thoughtful.
Chapter 24
Mr. Bisset's Assistant
Mr. Carrington arrives at Keldale House posing as a sporting gentleman and quickly befriends the butler, James Bisset. He examines the library where Sir Reginald was murdered, deducing from the position of the body and the broken coat tag that the corpse may have been dragged. He later encounters Cicely Farmond and then interviews Lady Cromarty under the guise of an insurance agent, learning that Sir Malcolm is engaged to be married.
Chapter 25
XXV: A Telegram
Carrington presses Simon Rattar to arrange a meeting with Sir Malcolm Cromarty, arguing that character judgment is a valid shortcut in investigation when evidence is thin. Rattar is evasive and suspicious. After leaving, Carrington sends a telegram to Sir Malcolm, signed with Cicely Farmond's name, urging him to come immediately. He then heads to Stanesland Castle.
Chapter 26
At Stanesland
Mr. Carrington visits Ned Cromarty at Stanesland under the pretense of discussing shooting leases, but steers the conversation toward the murder of Sir Reginald Cromarty. He probes Ned's views on the suspicion against Sir Malcolm and Cicely Farmond, declares his certainty of Cicely's innocence, and suggests that Ned hire professional assistance. Later, at tea with Ned's sister Lilian, Carrington subtly draws out information about Ned's recent inheritance. After departing, he sees Cicely Farmond cycling in the dark.
Chapter 27
XXVII: Flight
Ned Cromarty, returning from a shooting trip, sees Cicely Farmond at a wayside station preparing to board a southbound train with only a small suitcase. Suspecting she is in trouble, he impulsively follows her onto the train. When the train terminates earlier than she expected due to a timetable change, she is left stranded. Ned catches up to her on a dark road, introduces himself, and convinces her to let him help. He invents a cover story that they are uncle and niece (Mr. Ned Dawkins and Louisa Dawkins) and leads her to a village inn for the night.
Chapter 28
The Return
Ned Cromarty, disguised as Mr. Dawkins, rescues Cicely Farmond and reveals the truth about hiring detective Carrington to clear her name. Cicely explains that Simon Rattar lied to her, claiming Ned suspected her and Malcolm, and advised her to flee to London. Ned reassures her of her innocence, and they return home together, with Cicely discovering she was never engaged to Malcolm. The chapter ends with Ned's growing affection for Cicely and his determination to confront Rattar.
Chapter 29
Brother and Sister
Ned Cromarty confronts his sister Lilian about who told him that Cicely Farmond was engaged to Malcolm Cromarty, a lie that fueled slander linking them to Sir Reginald's murder. Lilian admits she never actually said they were engaged, and Ned reveals the devastating consequences: the rumor led to Cicely being persecuted and nearly fleeing. He warns Lilian that Cicely is welcome at their home and that any further trouble will have consequences. Lilian deflects blame onto Simon Rattar, whom Ned told, and suggests Rattar spread the story to protect someone else. Ned decides to consult Mr. Carrington, and Lilian, suspecting Ned will marry Cicely, writes to arrange a long visit elsewhere.
Chapter 30
XXX: A Marked Man
Sir Malcolm Cromarty confides in Carrington about his fear of being suspected of Sir Reginald's murder, revealing he had told Cicely Farmond he was desperate and would sit up late on the night of the crime. Carrington reveals he is a detective, having lured Sir Malcolm to town via a fake telegram from Cicely. After assessing him, Carrington declares Sir Malcolm innocent and advises him to avoid Keldale, briefly see Simon Rattar, and return to London. Carrington then gathers local gossip about Simon Rattar from Miss Peterkin and her friends.
Chapter 31
The Letter Again
Carrington learns from Bisset that Cicely Farmond has disappeared, having ridden off on her bicycle the previous afternoon. He then visits Simon Rattar, proposing a theory that Sir Reginald may have committed suicide, and examines the lawyer's letter book to understand a dispute over a farm letting. Carrington's probing leaves Rattar visibly strained, and Carrington himself is left deeply puzzled.
Chapter 32
XXXII: The Sympathetic Stranger
Carrington visits Superintendent Sutherland to discuss the case, learning about Simon Rattar's impeccable reputation and the past trouble with his brother George. Sutherland mentions a possible break-in at Rattar's house on the night of the murder and a lost ring. Later, Carrington visits Rattar's home and, finding him absent, charms the maid Mary MacLean into revealing details about the burglary.
Chapter 33
The House of Mysteries
Mr. Carrington, posing as a sympathetic stranger, engages Mary MacLean in conversation and learns of a series of mysterious events at Simon Rattar's house: a burglary on the night of Sir Reginald's murder, a shadowy figure in the garden, the loss of a ring that would not come off Rattar's finger, the removal of a box of old papers by an unknown visitor, and Rattar's new habit of nightly walks in the garden. Carrington decides not to leave a note and departs, his thoughts full of questions.
Chapter 34
XXXIV: A Confidential Conversation
Ned Cromarty reveals to Carrington that he is the anonymous employer funding the investigation. He also discloses that Simon Rattar advised Cicely Farmond to flee to London. Carrington shares his own findings, including Rattar's lies about being the employer and his suspicious advice to both Cicely and Sir Malcolm. They discuss Rattar's possible motives and the deepening mystery.
Chapter 35
In the Garden
Carrington secretly observes Simon Rattar's nocturnal garden patrol, following him for nearly an hour before returning to the Kings Arms to inquire about Rattar's clerk, Mr. Ison.
Chapter 36
The Walking Stick
Mr. Carrington, under the guise of a sporting estate renter, conducts a covert investigation at Simon Rattar's villa. He purchases a sturdy walking stick, enlists Mary MacLean's help to access the garden, and secretly probes the flower beds. He observes Rattar's unexpected return and departure, overhearing a mention of Keldale House, deepening the mystery.
Chapter 37
XXXVII: Bisset's Advice
Ned Cromarty returns home to find Bisset has brought Cicely Farmond to Stanesland after a confrontation at Keldale. Bisset explains that Simon Rattar denied advising Cicely to flee, and Lady Cromarty attempted to detain her. Bisset resigned his position to help Cicely escape. Ned proposes to Cicely, and she accepts. Lilian Cromarty arrives with a telegram from Carrington summoning Ned to an urgent meeting.
Chapter 38
XXXVIII: Trapped
Ned Cromarty confronts Simon Rattar at his home, accusing him of lying about his involvement with Carrington and Miss Farmond. During the tense exchange, Mary MacLean reports men digging in the garden. Rattar attempts to attack Ned with a heavy glass matchbox, but Ned disarms him. Superintendent Sutherland and Carrington arrive, arrest the man for the murder of Simon Rattar, and reveal his true identity as George Rattar, who had been impersonating his brother. George confesses after being given a drink.
Chapter 39
The Yarn
George Rattar, now a prisoner, recounts his scheme to impersonate his brother Simon after being released from prison. He describes how he arrived at Simon's house, proposed a blackmail plan to force Simon to support him, and when Simon refused, killed him and assumed his identity. He details his successful impersonation at the office, the discovery that Simon was not quite dead, and his eventual flight and return. He also reveals his involvement in Sir Reginald's murder, though he is evasive about the details.
Chapter 40
XL: The Last Chapter
In the final chapter, Carrington explains to Ned Cromarty how he solved the murder of Sir Reginald Cromarty. He reveals that the man posing as Simon Rattar is actually his twin brother George, an ex-convict who murdered Simon and assumed his identity. Carrington details the clues that led him to this conclusion, including the discovery that the supposed Simon Rattar smoked tobacco despite being an anti-tobacco fanatic, the suspicious advertisement about a lost ring, and the burial of Simon's body in a flower bed. The chapter concludes with Carrington and Ned reflecting on the case, and Carrington sharing a brief exchange with Miss Peterkin.
