The Clue of the New Pin · Chapter
XX explained
Tab Holland is attacked in his flat by an intruder who ransacks his rooms, tearing up photographs and searching for something related to Rex Lander.
What happens
Tab Holland is attacked in his flat by an intruder who ransacks his rooms, tearing up photographs and searching for something related to Rex Lander. Inspector Carver investigates, and later Tab receives a telegram from Rex in Naples. Carver speculates about Ursula Ardfern's secret and her connection to Jesse Trasmere.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Secrecy
Ursula Ardfern's secret and the mystery surrounding her relationship with Trasmere are central to the chapter.
Crime and Justice
The burglary at Tab's flat and the ongoing investigation into Trasmere's death highlight criminal activity and police work.
Characters to notice
- Tab Holland
Attacked in his flat by a burglar who ransacks his rooms; reports to Carver and receives a telegram from Rex.
- Inspector Carver
Investigates Tab's attack and discusses the implications of Walters' statement and Ursula Ardfern's secret.
- Rex Lander
Sends a telegram from Naples stating he is going on to Egypt and is 'quite recovered'.
- Mr. Stott
Arrives in a disheveled state at the police station, exclaiming 'They're at it again!'
- Ursula Ardfern
Discussed by Carver and Tab; her secretarial activities and possible secret are speculated upon.
- Jesse Trasmere
Referenced in connection with the jewels and Ursula Ardfern's secretarial work.
Key passages
“must be still in prison and it can’t be Lew Sorki because, if I remember rightly, he got religion in prison and he is now conducting a mission to the submerged. They are the only two people who expressed their intention of cutting short my young life.”
Tab thinks the burglar might be Harry Bolton or Lew Sorki, but rules them out because Bolton is in prison and Sorki has become religious.
Tab speculates about possible attackers.
“There is no other explanation, either, for her secretarial activities. Trasmere was in a score of enterprises and I have no doubt that he was the man who put up the money for Ursula Ardfern’s season.”
Carver believes Trasmere financed Ursula's acting career and that her secretarial work was a cover for returning jewels to him each night.
Carver theorizes about Ursula's relationship with Trasmere.
“Because he knew something about Miss Ardfern, something that she did not wish should be known”
Carver suggests Trasmere had leverage over Ursula due to a secret she wanted to keep hidden.
Carver hints at a hidden secret.