Simon · Chapter
XXII: Mr. Carrington and the Fiscal explained
Mr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Silence
Carrington and Rattar's guarded conversation, the hidden identity of the employer, and the deliberate withholding of information.
Suspicion and Rumor
Carrington's reliance on local gossip from the Kings Arms and Miss Peterkin, and the challenge of distinguishing fact from rumor.
Justice and Investigation
Carrington's methodical approach to gathering evidence and the critique of the local police's competence.
Characters to notice
- F. T. Carrington
Introduces himself as a private enquiry agent, candidly explains his methods and his need for Rattar's cooperation.
- Simon Rattar
Initially cautious and taciturn, but gradually relaxes and admits to being Carrington's employer.
- James Bisset
Mentioned as the butler at Keldale House; Carrington plans to interview him under the pretense of discussing shooting.
- Miss Peterkin
Referenced as a source of local gossip and newspaper accounts that Carrington has already collected.
- Mr. Ison
The head clerk who admits Carrington and observes Rattar's unusual alertness.
Key passages
“Your eye betrays you, Mr. Rattar!”
Carrington notices Rattar's reaction when Keldale House is mentioned.
Carrington uses Rattar's involuntary response to confirm his suspicions about the lawyer's involvement.
“I must get facts—as distinguished from the Kings Arms’ gossip, and how was I to get them without giving myself away?”
Carrington explains the need to confide in someone reliable to obtain accurate information.
Highlights the challenge of separating truth from rumor in a small community.
“I thought it long odds that you were either actually my employer or acting for him, and therefore I should be giving nothing away by telling you my business.”
Carrington gambles that Rattar is the one who hired him.
Demonstrates Carrington's strategic reasoning and Rattar's eventual confirmation.