# Mr. Justice explained — The Case with Nine Solutions

> Chapter companion for The Case with Nine Solutions by J. J. Connington.

## What happens

Sir Clinton Driffield and Inspector Flamborough visit Dr. Trevor Markfield at his home, where they confront him with evidence linking him to the murders of Mrs. Silverdale, the maid at Heatherfield, and Peter Whalley. Sir Clinton reveals Markfield's intimate relationship with Yvonne Silverdale, his use of young Hassendean as a blind, and his role as the anonymous 'Mr. Justice' who tried to frame Silverdale. Markfield, realizing his game is up, admits to the crimes but attempts to argue self-defense for the bungalow killing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Markfield's hidden affair with Yvonne Silverdale, his use of Hassendean as a blind, and his anonymous 'Mr. Justice' letters all exemplify layers of deception.

### Murder and Investigation

Sir Clinton's methodical confrontation reveals the solution to multiple murders, including the bungalow killing, the maid's murder, and Whalley's death.

### Science and Poison

Markfield's chemical apparatus and his mention of triethylamine and tetranitromethane highlight his scientific background, which he used in his crimes.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Clinton Driffield

Leads the confrontation with Markfield, revealing detailed knowledge of the crimes and Markfield's relationship with Yvonne Silverdale.

### Dr. Trevor Markfield

The chemist and murderer, confronted at home; admits to the killings but tries to plead self-defense for the bungalow murder.

### Inspector Flamborough

Accompanies Sir Clinton; realizes Sir Clinton is bluffing Markfield with inferred details.

### Yvonne Silverdale

Mentioned as the victim at the bungalow and as Markfield's lover; her pet name for Markfield was 'Bear'.

### Whalley

The late Peter Whalley, whose statement to the police provides key evidence about the night of the bungalow murder.

### Hassendean

Young Hassendean, used by Yvonne Silverdale as a blind to conceal her affair with Markfield.

## Key lines

> You've lost the game, Dr. Markfield.

Sir Clinton declares that Markfield's scheme has been uncovered and he is defeated.

_Sir Clinton's direct accusation after revealing the evidence._

> You can't make it worse than manslaughter... I shall plead that it was done in self-defence; and you haven't Whalley to put into the box against me.

Markfield tries to minimize his crime, arguing the bungalow killing was manslaughter in self-defense and that Whalley, a key witness, is dead.

_Markfield's attempt to negotiate a lesser charge, unaware of the full extent of evidence against him._

> Good thing, a scientific training. It teaches one to realise the bearing of plain facts. My game seems to be up. You've been too smart for me.

Markfield acknowledges his defeat, noting that his scientific mind helps him accept the inevitable conclusion of the evidence.

_Markfield's resigned admission of guilt, showing a coldly rational acceptance of his situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_case_with_nine_solutions_se/chapters/xvii-mr-justice
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_case_with_nine_solutions_se/chapters