# XXIII explained — The Clue of the New Pin

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

## What happens

Tab Holland discusses the Trasmere murder case with Ursula Ardfern, who reacts with shock upon learning that Rex Lander inherited everything via a handwritten will. Later, Tab works on the story of the Mayfield mystery and meets with his editor, who theorizes that the murderer's placement of the key on the table is a deliberate defense to prevent conclusive evidence. Tab then visits Inspector Carver at Mayfield, where they examine the crime scene and note the absence of fingerprints and the different pins left behind.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

The chapter delves into the investigation of the double murder, the difficulty of proving guilt, and the strategic placement of the key as a defense against conviction.

### Wealth and Power

The inheritance of Trasmere's wealth by Rex Lander is a central point, causing shock and raising questions about motive and power dynamics.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Ursula's hidden reaction to the inheritance suggests a potential betrayal or secret knowledge, while Tab's loyalty to the case and his editor is tested.

## Character check-ins

### Tab Holland

Visits Ursula Ardfern, discusses the inheritance and the murder case; later works on the story and meets with his editor and Inspector Carver.

### Ursula Ardfern

Reacted with shock upon learning Rex Lander inherited via a handwritten will; drops the prefix 'Mr.' when addressing Tab in distress.

### Rex Lander

Mentioned as having written to Tab and inherited Trasmere's property as next of kin via a handwritten will.

### Inspector Carver

Investigating the Mayfield crime scene; notes the pins are different and that the murderer wore gloves; keeps an officer on duty.

### Yeh Ling

Mentioned as having given a hint that Brown had been staying in an opium den.

### Wellington Brown

Mentioned as a notorious drug fiend who had been staying in an opium den; his death is discussed.

## Key lines

> I wonder if you will believe me when I tell you that I hate the stage? It is full of the most unhappy memories for me.

Ursula expresses her aversion to the stage, associating it with painful memories.

_Reveals Ursula's personal history and emotional baggage related to her acting career._

> The murderer who killed these two unfortunate fellows is determined that there shall be no conclusive evidence against him and there will be none until you can prove how that key came to get on the table after the door had been locked from the outside.

The editor theorizes that the murderer left the key on the table as a deliberate tactic to prevent a conviction.

_Highlights the central mystery of the key's placement and its implications for the case._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_new_pin_se/chapters/xxiii
- 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