The Borough Treasurer · Chapter
XI: Christopher Pett explained
Brereton and the superintendent discuss the murder of Kitely, theorizing that the killer used an electric torch to examine the papers from the pocketbook at the scene.
What happens
Brereton and the superintendent discuss the murder of Kitely, theorizing that the killer used an electric torch to examine the papers from the pocketbook at the scene. Later, Christopher Pett, a sly lawyer and Miss Pett's nephew, visits Bent and Brereton to clarify Miss Pett's innocence. He reveals that he was Kitely's legal adviser, that Kitely was a former detective who left his property to Miss Pett, and that he is the sole executor of the will. Pett also mentions a small bequest to Bent from Kitely.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Blackmail
Kitely's secret past as a detective and the hidden contents of his will underscore themes of concealed information and potential blackmail.
Deception and Betrayal
The murder investigation involves deceptive appearances, as Christopher Pett's sly demeanor and Kitely's hidden profession suggest layers of deceit.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Brereton
Discusses murder theories with the superintendent, later receives Christopher Pett's visit and learns details of Kitely's will.
- Mr. Bent
Hosts Brereton and is surprised by the visit from Christopher Pett and the superintendent; learns of a bequest from Kitely.
- Christopher Pett
Miss Pett's nephew and legal representative; a sly, common-looking lawyer who reveals he was Kitely's legal adviser and executor of his will.
- Miss Pett
Mentioned as the beneficiary of Kitely's will, unaware of its contents; her reputation is defended by her nephew.
- Mr. Kitely
Deceased; revealed to have been a former detective and to have left his property to Miss Pett.
Key passages
“There’s one thing in all this that I can’t understand, sir... it’s very evident that whoever killed Kitely wanted the papers that Kitely carried in that pocketbook. Why did he take ’em out of the pocketbook and throw the pocketbook away?”
The superintendent is puzzled that the murderer removed papers from Kitely's pocketbook but discarded the pocketbook itself.
Highlights the central mystery of the crime scene evidence.
“I may say, between ourselves, that I’d had the honour of Mr. K.’s acquaintance for some time before ever I knew what his line of business had been!”
Christopher Pett admits he knew Kitely for a while before learning he was a former detective.
Reveals Kitely's secretive nature and Pett's gradual discovery of his past.