The Canary Murder Case · Chapter
XVIII: The Trap explained
Vance visits Alys La Fosse at the Belafield Hotel to reassure her that her name was not mentioned in the police report, then cleverly exposes a lie about her alibi for Mannix on the night of the murder.
What happens
Vance visits Alys La Fosse at the Belafield Hotel to reassure her that her name was not mentioned in the police report, then cleverly exposes a lie about her alibi for Mannix on the night of the murder. She admits Mannix did not return until after midnight, but insists he is innocent. Later, Vance urges Markham to pressure Mannix and question him about the fur model Frisbee.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Manipulation
Vance manipulates Alys La Fosse into revealing the truth about Mannix's alibi by flattering her and discussing the revue.
Appearance vs. Reality
Alys La Fosse's initial story about Mannix's return time is shown to be false; her loyalty to Mannix contrasts with the likely reality of his involvement.
Characters to notice
- Philo Vance
Visits Alys La Fosse to reassure her and cleverly exposes her lie about Mannix's alibi; later urges Markham to pressure Mannix.
- Alys La Fosse
Receives Vance at the Belafield Hotel; initially resentful but eventually admits Mannix did not return until after midnight on the murder night.
- John F.-X. Markham
Consulting with Heath in his office; Vance urges him to question Mannix about his whereabouts and the fur model Frisbee.
- Ernest Heath
Present in Markham's office, looking pugnacious and disconsolate while reviewing the case.
- Louis Mannix
Discussed extensively; Vance suspects his alibi is false and urges Markham to interrogate him.
Key passages
“I merely dropped in to pay my respects, and to tell you that the police have turned in their report of Miss Odell's acquaintances, and that your name was not mentioned in it.”
Vance tells Alys that the police report does not include her name, to reassure her.
Vance uses this to gain her trust and lower her defenses.
“You see, the St. Moritz scene of the Scandals doesn't go on until nearly eleven, and it closes the bill. So you couldn't possibly have seen it and also received Mr. Mannix here at half past ten.”
Vance points out the inconsistency in Alys's alibi by noting the show's timing.
This reveals the lie about Mannix's return time.
“Louey may not have got here till after midnight, but if you think he knows anything about Margy's death, you're crazy.”
Alys admits Mannix returned after midnight but insists he is innocent of murder.
Shows her loyalty and the conflict between her love and the facts.