# XXXVIII: Trapped explained — Simon

> Chapter companion for Simon by J. Storer Clouston.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Deception

George Rattar's impersonation of his brother Simon is the central deception, unraveled by Carrington's investigation.

### Justice and Investigation

Carrington and Sutherland's coordinated arrest and the digging up of the body demonstrate methodical detective work.

### Family and Betrayal

George Rattar's murder of his own brother Simon highlights profound familial betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Ned Cromarty

Confronts Simon Rattar, disarms him after an attack, and is present during the arrest.

### Simon Rattar

Revealed to actually be George Rattar; arrested for the murder of his brother Simon.

### Mary MacLean

Announces men digging in the garden, prompting Rattar's panic.

### F. T. Carrington

Arrives with Sutherland to arrest Rattar and reveals the true identity of the prisoner.

### Superintendent Sutherland

Arrests George Rattar for the murder of Simon Rattar.

### George Rattar

Impersonating his brother Simon; arrested and confesses after being given a drink.

## Key lines

> horse whip or the toe of a shooting boot is the best cure for your complaint.

Ned suggests that physical violence is the appropriate response to Rattar's lies.

_Ned's aggressive stance toward Rattar's deceit._

> I arrest you in the King's name!

Superintendent Sutherland formally places George Rattar under arrest.

_Official arrest declaration._

> Here's to the firm of S. and G. Rattar, and may their clients be as damned as themselves!

George Rattar toasts ironically to his and his brother's law firm, cursing their clients.

_George's bitter toast before confessing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters/xxxviii-trapped
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_se/chapters