# XXVIII: Pages from the Past explained — The Borough Treasurer

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

## What happens

Mr. Wraythwaite and Mr. Carfax reveal the results of private investigations into Miss Pett's past. Inquiry agents Stobb and Leykin report that Miss Pett was previously suspected in the death of Major Stilman, from whom she inherited money, and was charged with strangling a Eurasian girl in India. The evidence suggests she may have murdered Kitely for his legacy, and Carfax plans to present the findings to the Highmarket police.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The chapter uncovers evidence of past crimes (suspected murders) and discusses bringing the perpetrator to justice.

### Secrecy and Blackmail

Miss Pett's hidden past and the secret investigations reveal how concealed histories can be used as leverage.

### Greed and Materialism

Miss Pett's inheritance from both Major Stilman and Mr. Kitely suggests financial motives for murder.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Brereton

Listens to the revelations about Miss Pett's past and questions the inquiry agents.

### Mr. Carfax

Leads the meeting, presents the investigation results, and proposes to inform the police.

### Mr. Wraythwaite

Leaves the room with Avice, having already known the details; instigated the inquiries.

### Avice Harborough

Leaves with Wraythwaite after seeking reassurance about her father.

### Miss Pett

Subject of the investigation; revealed to have a history of suspected murder and inheritance.

### Mr. Stobb

Private inquiry agent who investigated Miss Pett's time at Woking and Major Stilman's death.

## Key lines

> He knows! exclaimed Carfax. That is, he knows that Mr. Wraythwaite is here, and that everything's all right.

Carfax assures Brereton that Harborough is aware of Wraythwaite's presence and that the situation is resolved.

_Confirms Harborough's knowledge of the developments._

> I propose to take these two men over to Highmarket this evening and to let them tell the Highmarket police all they have just told you!

Carfax intends to bring the inquiry agents to the police to report their findings about Miss Pett.

_Climactic decision to involve authorities with new evidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxviii-pages-from-the-past
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters