# XX explained — The Clue of the New Pin

> Chapter companion for The Clue of the New Pin by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_new_pin_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_new_pin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_new_pin_se/chapters