The Borough Treasurer · Chapter
XIX: A Tall Man in Grey Clothes explained
Brereton and Avice walk across the moor, where Brereton shares his confidential theories about the case.
What happens
Brereton and Avice walk across the moor, where Brereton shares his confidential theories about the case. Avice reveals that Mallalieu had been harassing her and that her father, Harborough, angrily ordered him away. They visit Mrs. Hamthwaite, who claims she saw Harborough near Good Folks' Lift on the night of the murder, and also saw a tall man in grey clothes with a companion. She advises Brereton to find the tall man. Brereton later learns that Lettie has been persuaded to set a wedding date.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Blackmail
Brereton shares confidential information with Avice, and Mrs. Hamthwaite's secret observation of Harborough and the tall man reveals hidden knowledge.
Deception and Betrayal
Avice's revelation of Mallalieu's unwanted advances and Harborough's anger suggests potential deception and betrayal in the case.
Justice and Innocence
The search for the tall man in grey clothes and Mrs. Hamthwaite's testimony aim to uncover the truth and potentially prove Harborough's innocence.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Brereton
Shares his confidential theories with Avice and interviews Mrs. Hamthwaite, learning about the tall man in grey clothes.
- Avice Harborough
Reveals Mallalieu's unwanted advances and her father's confrontation with him; guides Brereton to Mrs. Hamthwaite's cottage.
- Mrs. Hamthwaite
Provides key testimony: she saw Harborough near Good Folks' Lift and a tall man in grey clothes with a companion on the night of the murder.
- Mr. Mallalieu
Mentioned as having harassed Avice and been angrily ordered away by Harborough, suggesting a motive for revenge.
- John Harborough
Avice's father; described as having a temper but controlling it when confronting Mallalieu; his whereabouts on the night of the murder are partially accounted for by Mrs. Hamthwaite.
- Lettie Cotherstone
Mentioned at the end as having been cajoled into fixing the wedding date for a week hence.
Key passages
“Find that tall man in the grey clothes! Get hold of him! He's the chap you want!”
Mrs. Hamthwaite advises Brereton to locate the tall man in grey, implying he is the key suspect.
This clue redirects the investigation toward an unknown figure.
“He told Mr. Mallalieu that neither of us desired his company and told him to go away. And Mr. Mallalieu lost his temper and said angry things.”
Avice recounts how her father ordered Mallalieu to leave after his unwanted visits, causing Mallalieu to react angrily.
This establishes a motive for Mallalieu to seek revenge against Harborough.