The Charing Cross Mystery · Chapter
Samples of Ink explained
Hetherwick, accompanied by Hollis and the analytical chemist Collison, visits Hannaford's old laboratory in Sellithwaite.
What happens
Hetherwick, accompanied by Hollis and the analytical chemist Collison, visits Hannaford's old laboratory in Sellithwaite. There, Collison deduces that Hannaford was attempting to invent a superior writing-ink, a potentially valuable commercial secret. Hetherwick also learns that the woman Hannaford mentioned in the train is a former adventuress, Mrs. Whittingham, still liable for past crimes. These discoveries reinforce Hetherwick's suspicion that Hannaford's death may be linked to his invention.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Materialism
The potential fortune from Hannaford's ink invention drives suspicion that he was murdered for it.
Secrecy and the Past
Hetherwick uncovers Hannaford's secret experiments and the hidden history of Mrs. Whittingham.
Justice and Investigation
Hetherwick's methodical investigation of the laboratory and his deductions about the invention and the woman.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Hetherwick
Leads the investigation, visits the laboratory, and pieces together clues about Hannaford's invention and the mysterious woman.
- Mr. Hollis
Local contact who arranges the visit to the laboratory and introduces Hetherwick to Collison.
- Collison
Analytical chemist who examines the laboratory and identifies that Hannaford was working on a new writing-ink formula.
- Mr. Robert Hannaford
Deceased; his laboratory and past experiments are the focus of the chapter.
- Rhona Hannaford
Mentioned as the source of information about the invention's value and the sealed packet.
- Mrs. Whittingham
Identified as the woman from Hannaford's past, an adventuress still liable for fraud.
Key passages
“the jeweller whom she had defrauded, was still liable to arrest, conviction, and punishment—if she could be found.”
The woman who cheated the jeweler could still be arrested and punished if located.
Hetherwick learns of Mrs. Whittingham's criminal liability.
“It’s very easy to see what Hannaford was after! He’s been trying to evolve a new ink!”
Collison quickly determines that Hannaford was attempting to create a new type of ink.
Collison identifies the focus of Hannaford's experiments.
“If Hannaford thought he could make one, and succeeded, well, I’d be glad to have his formula! Money in it!”
If Hannaford succeeded in creating a perfect ink, his formula would be extremely valuable.
Collison confirms the commercial potential of the invention.