# X: Mr. Cracksman French explained — The Box Office Murders

> Chapter companion for The Box Office Murders by Freeman Wills Crofts.

## What happens

Inspector French conducts a reconnaissance of Welland's garage in Tate's Lane, then returns to Scotland Yard to plan a nighttime burglary with Sergeant Ormsby. They break into the garage, and French discovers a secret compartment in the car's petrol tank, confirming his suspicions but not revealing the nature of the objects transmitted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

French contemplates committing a felony (burglary) to solve the case, highlighting the tension between legal procedure and the pursuit of justice.

### Deception and Trust

The secret compartment in the car reveals the deceptive nature of the girls' drives, which French suspects involve more than gambling.

### Police Procedure and Detection

French's methodical reconnaissance, use of a skilled sergeant, and thorough examination of the car exemplify early forensic police work.

## Character check-ins

### Inspector Joseph French

Leads the reconnaissance and burglary of Welland's garage, discovers the secret compartment in the car.

### Sergeant Ormsby

Assists French in the burglary, uses his carpentry skills to remove the window pane and cut a key for the garage door.

### Curtice Welland

Owner of the garage and car under investigation; mentioned as the keyholder and the one who empties or fills the secret pocket.

### Thurza Darke

French recalls her face from the Portsmouth police station, reinforcing his belief in the sinister nature of the case.

## Key lines

> The first step which French took to meet his new problem was to make a reconnaissance of the enemy’s country.

French began by scouting the location he needed to investigate.

_French's initial approach to the case._

> By hook or by crook he would examine that car, even if he had to commit a felony.

French was determined to inspect the car by any means necessary, even if it meant breaking the law.

_French's resolve to solve the case despite legal risks._

> Beneath the back seat was the petrol tank. ... a thin steel plate, hinged along the floor, turned up in front of the tank. ... Attached to the inside of the plate, and fitting into a recess in the tank, was a small steel pocket, lined with velvet.

French discovered a hidden velvet-lined compartment behind a hinged plate in front of the petrol tank under the back seat.

_The discovery of the secret compartment in the car._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_box_office_murders_se/chapters