The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
XXV: Raising the Wind explained
Walter Brooklyn is released from prison and returns to his club, where he faces the challenge of restoring his reputation and securing money.
What happens
Walter Brooklyn is released from prison and returns to his club, where he faces the challenge of restoring his reputation and securing money. He considers approaching his ill brother Sir Vernon for a loan or raising funds based on his inheritance expectations. Meanwhile, Inspector Blaikie investigates the terms of Sir Vernon's will, discovering that Walter is the residuary legatee and that Carter Woodman is next of kin. Blaikie also questions Joan Cowper about a rumor that Walter confessed his guilt to his solicitor Thomas, which she refutes, and then informs Woodman that the rumor is baseless.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Inheritance
Walter Brooklyn's financial desperation and his calculations about inheriting from Sir Vernon highlight the theme of greed and the influence of inheritance on motives.
Deception and False Clues
The rumor that Walter confessed to his solicitor is a false clue that Inspector Blaikie investigates and debunks.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
Walter's release and the police's acknowledgment of their mistake in arresting him underscore the theme of justice and its potential for error.
Characters to notice
- Walter Brooklyn
Released from Brixton Jail; returns to his club, orders dinner, and contemplates his financial troubles and inheritance prospects.
- Carter Woodman
Interviewed by Inspector Blaikie about Sir Vernon's will; reveals he is next of kin after Walter Brooklyn.
- Joan Cowper
Questioned by Inspector Blaikie about the rumor of Walter's confession; she denies it and expresses indignation.
- Inspector Gibbs
Referenced as Inspector Blaikie; investigates the will and the rumor about Walter Brooklyn.
- Sir Vernon Brooklyn
Mentioned as being very ill; his will is a key point of discussion regarding inheritance.
- Robert Ellery
Mentioned as having worked with Joan to prove Walter's alibi and clear him.
Key passages
“Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than anyone had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.”
Walter Brooklyn was freed from Brixton Jail sooner than anticipated, while Ellery and Joan were still talking.
Describes the timing of Walter's release.
“He was literally almost penniless, and he knew that his release from prison would merely reopen in a more insistent form the long struggle with his creditors.”
Walter had almost no money, and his release meant he would again face his persistent creditors.
Highlights Walter's financial desperation after release.
“The inspector whistled. “Then you would inherit the bulk of the money if Sir Vernon Brooklyn died after Walter Brooklyn.””
Inspector Blaikie was surprised to learn that Woodman would inherit most of the estate if Walter died before Sir Vernon.
Reveals a key motive for Woodman.
““It is preposterous,” said Joan indignantly. “My stepfather told Mr. Thomas the absolute truth; but the man would not believe it, until we proved it to him.””
Joan angrily denied the rumor that Walter confessed, stating that Thomas simply refused to believe the truth until it was proven.
Joan refutes the false rumor about Walter's confession.
