Simon · Chapter
The Yarn explained
George Rattar, now a prisoner, recounts his scheme to impersonate his brother Simon after being released from prison.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
George Rattar's entire scheme hinges on impersonating his brother Simon, exploiting the assumption that no one would suspect a man of not being himself.
Greed and Motive
George's motive for the impersonation and murder is financial desperation, as he had no money and sought to extort his brother.
Justice and Investigation
Carrington's methodical questioning and deduction reveal the truth, showing the process of justice through investigation.
Characters to notice
- George Rattar
The prisoner who confesses to impersonating and killing his brother Simon, and hints at involvement in Sir Reginald's murder.
- Simon Rattar
George's brother, who was killed by George and impersonated for weeks.
- F. T. Carrington
The detective who interrogates George and pieces together the clues, revealing he was close to George the previous night.
- Ned Cromarty
Present during the confession, his glass eye unnerves George, and he presses for details about Sir Reginald's murder.
- Superintendent Sutherland
The police superintendent who is shocked to learn that George was the man with toothache in the empty carriage.
Key passages
“I needn't trouble you with my adventures before I came down here to visit brother Simon, for you know them well enough.”
George begins his confession by skipping his earlier life, assuming his audience already knows it.
Opening of the confession, setting the stage for the detailed account of his crime.
“The beauty of the idea was that no one would ever dream of suspecting a man of not being himself!”
George explains that the brilliance of his impersonation plan was that people never consider that someone might not be who they appear to be.
Key insight into the theme of identity and deception.
“When I got home that afternoon I found he wasn't quite dead after all!”
George reveals that Simon was still alive when he returned home, forcing him to finish the job.
Crucial detail explaining the maid's report of hearing movement.
“I was the man with toothache in that empty carriage.”
George admits he was the disguised passenger who briefly boarded the train to escape, but changed his mind.
Reveals his earlier attempt to flee and his close call with the police.