The Charing Cross Mystery · Chapter
The Last Train East explained
Hetherwick, a young barrister, catches the last eastbound train at Sloane Square and observes two men who board at St.
What happens
Hetherwick, a young barrister, catches the last eastbound train at Sloane Square and observes two men who board at St. James's Park. The elder, a robust, military-looking man, and his sallow, shabby companion discuss recognizing a woman from a portrait. During the journey, the elder man suddenly dies. The companion claims he will fetch a doctor but never returns. Hetherwick assists the police, and the dead man is identified as ex-Superintendent Robert Hannaford of Sellithwaite. Inspector Matherfield investigates, noting the suspicious disappearance of the second man.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Mystery
The sudden death of Hannaford under suspicious circumstances, with the companion fleeing, sets up a central mystery.
Identity and Deception
The companion's false promise to fetch a doctor and his disappearance highlight themes of deception and hidden identity.
Justice and Investigation
The police investigation begins, with Hetherwick providing key observations and the search for the missing man.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Hetherwick
The young barrister who witnesses the sudden death and assists the police.
- Mr. Matherfield
Police inspector who investigates Hannaford's death and questions Hetherwick.
- Mr. Robert Hannaford
The deceased ex-Superintendent from Sellithwaite, identified by his watch and letters.
- Dr. Charles Ambrose
The sallow-faced man who was traveling with Hannaford and fled after his death.
Key passages
“Hetherwick had dined that evening with friends who lived in Cadogan Gardens, and had stayed so late in conversation with his host that midnight had come before he left and set out for his bachelor chambers in the Temple; it was, indeed, by the fraction of a second that he caught the last eastbound train at Sloane Square.”
Hetherwick had a late dinner with friends in Cadogan Gardens and only just managed to catch the final eastbound train from Sloane Square back to his rooms in the Temple.
Sets the scene and introduces Hetherwick's timing and destination.
“Of the two men thus under inspection, the elder was a big, burly, fresh-coloured man of apparently sixty to sixty-five years of age. His closely cropped silvery hair, his smartly trained grey moustache, his keen blue eyes and generally alert and vivacious appearance, made Hetherwick think that he was or had been in some way or other connected with the army.”
The older of the two men was large and robust, around sixty-five, with silver hair, a neat grey moustache, and bright blue eyes, leading Hetherwick to suspect a military background.
Describes Hannaford's appearance and Hetherwick's initial impression.
“The other man came into a different category. The difference began with his clothes, which, if not exactly shabby, were semi-shabby, much worn, ill-kept and badly put on: he was evidently a careless man, who scorned a clothes-brush and was also indifferent to the very obvious fact that his linen was frayed and dirty.”
The second man was noticeably different, with worn, poorly maintained clothes and dirty linen, suggesting a careless or impoverished nature.
Contrasts Ambrose's appearance with Hannaford's, highlighting his shabbiness.
“The inspector let out an exclamation. 'Ah!' he said. 'I half suspected that from his appearance. One of ourselves! Look at this— Presented to Superintendent Robert Hannaford, on his retirement, by the Magistrates of Sellithwaite.'”
The inspector exclaimed in recognition upon finding an engraved watch identifying the dead man as retired Superintendent Robert Hannaford of Sellithwaite.
Reveals Hannaford's identity and former police career.
