# Links in the Chain explained — The Benson Murder Case

> Chapter companion for The Benson Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine.

## What happens

Markham presents the accumulating evidence against Captain Leacock, including Leander Pfyfe's testimony that he saw Leacock outside Alvin Benson's house on the night of the murder and a detective's report that Leacock disposed of a package likely containing a gun. Despite the strong circumstantial case, both Vance and Major Benson express doubt about Leacock's guilt, with Vance citing a psychological objection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motive vs. Psychology in Crime

Vance argues that despite the logical evidence against Leacock, the psychological profile does not fit, highlighting the tension between motive and character.

### Justice, Morality, and the Law

Markham is determined to act on the evidence despite Major Benson's plea for caution, reflecting the conflict between legal duty and personal conviction.

### Secrecy and Deception in Relationships

Pfyfe admits to lying about his whereabouts and withholding information to protect his own secrets, demonstrating how deception complicates the investigation.

## Character check-ins

### John Markham

Presents the case against Captain Leacock, interviews Leander Pfyfe, and receives the detective's report about Leacock disposing of a package.

### Philo Vance

Expresses skepticism about Leacock's guilt based on psychological grounds, despite the logical evidence.

### Leander Pfyfe

Testifies that he saw Captain Leacock outside Benson's house on the night of the murder, though he initially withheld this information.

### Major Anthony Benson

Doubts Leacock's guilt and asks Markham to wait before arresting him, based on his long acquaintance with the Captain.

### Captain Philip Leacock

The prime suspect; reported to have disposed of a package (likely a gun) from the Queensborough Bridge.

### Higginbotham

The detective who followed Leacock and reported his actions, including dropping a package into the river.

## Key lines

> I can't help believing that the facts in this instance have deceived you.

Major Benson suggests that the evidence might be misleading.

_Major Benson expresses doubt about the case against Leacock._

> Your prophecy was fulfilled, though I didn't dare hope for such luck. Pfyfe's evidence puts the final link in the chain against the Captain.

Markham tells Vance that Pfyfe's testimony completes the case against Leacock.

_Markham believes the evidence is now conclusive._

> He has no more business being cast as the murderer of Benson than the bisonic Tetrazzini had being cast as the phthisical Mimi.

Vance argues that Leacock is as unsuitable as a murderer as a famous opera singer would be in the wrong role.

_Vance uses an operatic analogy to express his psychological objection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_benson_murder_case_se/chapters/xiv-links-in-the-chain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_benson_murder_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_benson_murder_case_se/chapters