# XIII: The Anonymous Letter explained — The Borough Treasurer

> Chapter companion for The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Brereton takes stock of the case three weeks before the Norcaster Assizes. Harborough has been committed for trial, and Brereton clashes with Christopher Pett, who is overly familiar and pessimistic about Harborough's chances. Harborough refuses to reveal his alibi, hinting at a secret. Brereton receives a mysterious registered letter containing £900 and an anonymous offer of unlimited funds to prove Harborough's innocence, with instructions to offer a reward. He shows the letter to Avice Harborough, who is astonished.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Innocence

Brereton's determination to prove Harborough's innocence and the anonymous sender's insistence on finding the real murderer highlight the pursuit of justice.

### Secrecy and Blackmail

Harborough's secret alibi and the anonymous letter's hidden sender underscore the theme of secrecy surrounding the case.

### Deception and Betrayal

Pett's deceptive familiarity and the anonymous nature of the letter suggest layers of deception and potential betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Brereton

Takes stock of the case, clashes with Pett, receives anonymous letter with £900 for Harborough's defence.

### John Harborough

Committed for trial, refuses to reveal his alibi, hints at a secret that could be found out.

### Christopher Pett

Legal adviser to Kitely, overly familiar with Brereton, expresses certainty of Harborough's guilt.

### Avice Harborough

Shown the anonymous letter by Brereton, appears worn and pale, shows no recognition of the sender.

### Bert Stoner

Mallalieu & Cotherstone's clerk, one of the first to see the reward bill.

## Key lines

> Within a week of that night Brereton was able to sum things up, to take stock, to put clearly before himself the position of affairs as they related to his mysterious client.

A week later, Brereton assessed the situation regarding his enigmatic client.

_Brereton evaluates the case's progress._

> Harborough had again been brought up before the Highmarket magistrates, had stubbornly refused to give any definite information about his exact doings on the night of Kitely’s murder, and had been duly committed for trial on the capital charge.

Harborough was again in court, refused to reveal his alibi, and was committed for trial for murder.

_Harborough's legal status and refusal to cooperate._

> I send you the enclosed £900 to be used in furthering Harborough’s defence. You will use it precisely as you think fit.

The anonymous sender provides £900 for Harborough's defence with full discretion to Brereton.

_The anonymous letter's offer of financial support._

## Links

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