The Canary Murder Case · Chapter
IV: The Print of a Hand explained
The investigation continues with the arrival of Doctor Doremus, fingerprint experts Captain Dubois and Detective Bellamy, and photographer Peter Quackenbush.
What happens
The investigation continues with the arrival of Doctor Doremus, fingerprint experts Captain Dubois and Detective Bellamy, and photographer Peter Quackenbush. Doctor Doremus examines Margaret Odell's body and determines she was strangled from behind around 11:30 p.m. the previous night. Dubois discovers a clear handprint on the library table, while the jewel-case and poker handle have been wiped clean. Inspector Brenner later examines the jewel-case and concludes it was opened by a professional using a steel chisel. Vance puzzles over the orderly condition of a closet, and Dubois finds fresh fingerprints on the inside knob, matching those on the table.
Themes in this chapter
Circumstantial Evidence vs. Deduction
The chapter contrasts physical evidence (fingerprints, autopsy findings) with Vance's deductive reasoning about the closet's unusual order.
Appearance vs. Reality
The clean closet and wiped surfaces suggest a professional job, yet the amateurish bending of the jewel-case lid contradicts this appearance.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Doremus
Chief Medical Examiner who examines Margaret Odell's body and determines time and cause of death.
- Captain Dubois
Fingerprint expert who discovers a clear handprint on the library table and later finds matching prints on the closet doorknob.
- Detective Bellamy
Fingerprint expert assisting Dubois in examining the crime scene.
- Philo Vance
Observes the investigation with keen interest, questions Doctor Doremus about the torn dress, and draws attention to the suspicious condition of the closet.
- Ernest Heath
Sergeant directing the forensic examination, expressing frustration at the lack of fingerprints on key items.
- Inspector Brenner
Expert who examines the jewel-case and concludes it was opened by a professional using a steel chisel.
Key passages
“Simple case of strangulation from behind. Digital bruises about the front of the throat; thumb bruises in the sub-occipital region. Attack must have been unexpected. A quick, competent job though deceased evidently battled a little.”
Doctor Doremus states that Margaret Odell was strangled from behind, with bruises on her throat and back of the head, indicating a sudden and efficient attack, though she struggled somewhat.
Medical examiner's initial findings on cause of death.
“Two instruments were used in opening this case. One bent the lid and made several fractures on the baked enamel. The other was, I should say, a steel chisel of some kind, and was used to break the lock.”
Inspector Brenner determines that the jewel-case was opened with two tools: a blunt instrument that bent the lid, and a steel chisel used professionally to break the lock.
Forensic analysis of the jewel-case reveals a mix of amateur and professional methods.
“It's the right hand—a clear print—and the guy who made it was standing right behind the dame. … And it's the newest print in the place.”
Captain Dubois identifies a clear right handprint on the table, made by someone standing behind Margaret Odell, and notes it is the most recent print at the scene.
Discovery of a key fingerprint evidence.