The Borough Treasurer · Chapter
At Bay explained
Brereton learns of Bent's impending marriage to Lettie Cotherstone and becomes determined to prevent it until Cotherstone's past is cleared.
What happens
Brereton learns of Bent's impending marriage to Lettie Cotherstone and becomes determined to prevent it until Cotherstone's past is cleared. He confides in Tallington, who insists on telling Bent and confronting Cotherstone. In a tense meeting, Cotherstone reveals his role in the old Wilchester fraud as Mallalieu's catspaw, admits to paying back the stolen money the day after Kitely's murder, and accuses Mallalieu of killing both Kitely and Stoner, claiming he witnessed Mallalieu strike Stoner. The chapter ends with police arriving to arrest Cotherstone and Mallalieu for Stoner's murder.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
Cotherstone's confession to his past fraud and his accusation of Mallalieu for murder highlight the theme of crime and its consequences.
Secrecy and Blackmail
Kitely's attempt to blackmail Cotherstone over the Wilchester affair and the subsequent murders underscore the destructive power of secrets.
Deception and Betrayal
Cotherstone's betrayal by Mallalieu in the Wilchester fraud and Mallalieu's alleged murders reveal layers of deception.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Brereton
Learns of Bent's wedding plans, decides to intervene, and confides in Tallington about Cotherstone's past.
- Mr. Cotherstone
Reveals his past as Mallalieu's catspaw in the Wilchester fraud, admits to paying back the money after Kitely's murder, and accuses Mallalieu of killing Kitely and Stoner.
- Mr. Bent
Is informed of Cotherstone's past and present during the meeting with Tallington and Brereton.
- Mr. Mallalieu
Accused by Cotherstone of being the real culprit in the Wilchester affair and of murdering Kitely and Stoner; is arrested offstage.
- Tallington Brereton
The solicitor who listens to Brereton's story, insists on confronting Bent and Cotherstone, and questions Cotherstone about the Wilchester affair and the murders.
- Lettie Cotherstone
Mentioned as Bent's fiancée; her marriage to Bent is threatened by the revelations about her father.
Key passages
“I did two years—for what? For being Mallalieu's catspaw!”
Cotherstone admits he served a prison sentence because Mallalieu used him as a pawn in the Wilchester fraud.
Cotherstone reveals his criminal past and his resentment toward Mallalieu.
“I saw Mallalieu fell Stoner!”
Cotherstone claims he witnessed Mallalieu strike Stoner with a stick, causing him to fall into the quarry.
Cotherstone directly accuses Mallalieu of Stoner's murder.
“I've paid that money back—I, myself. Each penny of it—two thousand pound, with four percent interest for thirty years!”
Cotherstone states he personally repaid the embezzled funds plus interest, totaling over four thousand pounds.
Cotherstone attempts to show he has made restitution for his past crime.