# Chapter XI explained — Terror Keep

> Chapter companion for Terror Keep by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Mr. Reeder investigates the grounds of Larmes Keep, examining the well, the bathing pool, and the surrounding area. He interacts with Olga Crewe and Margaret Belman, revealing his suspicions about the well's depth and the pool's hidden features. He overhears a heated argument between Mr. Daver and a female employee, and later explores the underwater cave beneath the pool.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Betrayal

Reeder's investigation reveals hidden features and secrets, while Daver's argument with an employee suggests underlying tensions and betrayals.

### Isolation and Entrapment

The remote setting of Larmes Keep and its hidden caves and wells create a sense of entrapment and danger.

## Character check-ins

### J. G. Reeder

Investigates the well and bathing pool, overhears Daver's argument, and explores the underwater cave.

### Margaret Belman

Shows Reeder the grounds, expresses concern about the night's events, and discusses the bathing pool's history.

### Olga Crewe

Leads Reeder and Margaret to the well, shows a bruise from an earlier encounter, and leaves abruptly.

### Mr. Daver

Heard arguing with a female employee; later goes to Siltbury with Olga Crewe.

### Rev. Mr. Dean

Seen briefly with the Colonel, scowling at Reeder.

### Colonel Hothling

Seen briefly with Mr. Dean, carrying a golf bag.

## Key lines

> Criminals have a perverted sense of humour... The whole thing was—um—an elaborate jest designed to frighten me.

Reeder dismisses the spring gun incident as a criminal's joke meant to intimidate him.

_Reeder downplays the danger to reassure Margaret._

> I think somebody tried, and I think succeeded... Burglaries happen even in—um—hotels, Miss—um—Margaret.

Reeder suggests that an intruder may have entered the house during the night.

_Reeder hints at the night's events without alarming Margaret._

> The rouge would, of course, make a tremendous difference... but it is very difficult to disguise voices—even the best of actors fail in this respect.

Reeder muses that makeup can change appearance but not voice, implying he suspects Olga Crewe of disguise.

_Reeder reveals his suspicion about Olga's identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/terror_keep_se/chapters/xi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/terror_keep_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/terror_keep_se/chapters