# XXII: The Hand in the Darkness explained — The Borough Treasurer

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

## What happens

Mallalieu is arrested for murder and brought before a bench of magistrates alongside Cotherstone. During the hearing, Mallalieu demands bail but is refused, and both are committed to Norcaster Gaol. While awaiting transfer, Mallalieu tricks the superintendent into leaving him alone, uses a hidden key to escape through a private staircase, and flees into the orchard and coppices at the foot of the Shawl. As he makes his way through the dark woods, he hears voices below and suddenly feels a hand grip his wrist.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

Mallalieu's arrest and committal for murder, followed by his audacious escape, highlight the tension between justice and evasion.

### Deception and Betrayal

Mallalieu deceives the superintendent to facilitate his escape, and the partnership with Cotherstone shows signs of mutual distrust.

### Fate and Consequence

Mallalieu's escape attempt is interrupted by a mysterious hand in the darkness, suggesting an inescapable fate.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Mallalieu

Arrested and brought before magistrates; demands bail, is refused, then escapes custody using a hidden key and his knowledge of the Town Hall.

### Mr. Cotherstone

Arrested alongside Mallalieu; placed in the dock first, avoids eye contact with Mallalieu, appears restless and eager during proceedings.

### Mr. Brereton

Observes the hearing from the solicitor's table, carefully watching both prisoners' demeanors.

### David Myler

Called as the first important witness for the prosecution; Mallalieu stares at him intently.

### Lawyer Tallington

Present in court, watching the proceedings alongside Brereton.

## Key lines

> The Highmarket clocks were striking noon when Mallalieu was arrested.

Mallalieu was taken into custody at midday.

_Sets the precise time of arrest._

> He ate his lunch, he smoked a cigar; he walked out of the room with defiant eye and head erect when they came to fetch him before a specially summoned bench of his fellow-magistrates.

Mallalieu remained composed, eating and smoking, then strode confidently into the courtroom.

_Shows Mallalieu's defiant demeanor._

> The news of the partners’ arrest had flown through the little town like wildfire.

Word of the two men's arrest spread rapidly throughout Highmarket.

_Emphasizes the public excitement._

> Mallalieu stared at David Myler as if he would tear whatever secret he had out of him.

Mallalieu glared intensely at David Myler, desperate to uncover his testimony.

_Highlights Mallalieu's focus on the witness._

> What a mercy, what blessing, he thought, that they had not searched him on his arrest!

Mallalieu felt fortunate that the police had not searched him when they took him in.

_Reveals his relief at retaining his escape tools._

> And then, just as suddenly as he had heard the voices, he felt a hand, firm, steady, sinewy, fasten on his wrist and stay there.

A strong hand suddenly gripped Mallalieu's wrist in the darkness.

_Cliffhanger ending of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxii-the-hand-in-the-darkness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters