# XXII: Mr. Carrington and the Fiscal explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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