Simon · Chapter
XXX: A Marked Man explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Suspicion and Rumor
Sir Malcolm is consumed by the fear of being talked about and the social sensation his suspected involvement causes, while Carrington uses this to manipulate him.
Secrecy and Silence
Cicely's silence about Sir Malcolm's confession, Carrington's hidden identity, and the forged telegram all revolve around what is kept secret or revealed.
Identity and Deception
Carrington deceives Sir Malcolm by posing as a sympathetic stranger before revealing his detective identity, and later advises Sir Malcolm to deceive Rattar about their meeting.
Characters to notice
- Malcolm Cromarty
Sir Malcolm confides in Carrington about his fear of suspicion, his confession to Cicely, and his man of business's advice to flee. He is relieved to be declared innocent but chagrined that public talk may cease.
- F. T. Carrington
Carrington poses as a sympathetic friend, reveals his detective identity, assesses Sir Malcolm's innocence, and advises him on how to handle Simon Rattar. He later gathers gossip about Rattar from Miss Peterkin.
- Cicely Farmond
Mentioned as the recipient of Sir Malcolm's confession about being desperate and sitting up late; Carrington forged a telegram in her name to lure Sir Malcolm.
- Simon Rattar
Referred to as Sir Malcolm's man of business who hinted at suspicion and advised him to keep away; Carrington later gathers local history about him from Miss Peterkin.
- Miss Peterkin
The manageress of the Kings Arms; Carrington explains Sir Malcolm's departure to her and later joins her and friends for gossip about Simon Rattar.
Key passages
“I told her that I was hard up and feeling desperate, and I even said I was going to sit up late! And on top of that Sir Reginald was murdered that very night.”
Sir Malcolm confessed to Cicely that he was financially strained and planned to stay awake late, which became incriminating after the murder.
Sir Malcolm reveals the damaging admission he made to Cicely on the night of the murder.
“My own man of business thought it his duty to drop me a hint! ... He advised me to keep away from the place. In fact he even suggested I should go abroad”
Sir Malcolm's solicitor, Simon Rattar, warned him of suspicion and recommended he leave the area or the country.
Sir Malcolm explains how Rattar first alerted him to being a suspect.
“I am a detective. ... I wished to see you. ... I wanted to satisfy myself that you were—or were not—innocent.”
Carrington reveals his true profession and explains he lured Sir Malcolm to assess his guilt or innocence.
Carrington discloses his identity and purpose to Sir Malcolm.
“You had better call on Mr. Rattar first thing tomorrow and consult him about any point of business ... Get out of his office, in fact, as quick as you can.”
Carrington advises Sir Malcolm to visit Rattar briefly on a pretext and leave promptly, without revealing their conversation.
Carrington instructs Sir Malcolm on how to handle his meeting with Rattar.
