The Clue of the New Pin · Chapter
XXXIII explained
Tab Holland, handcuffed and bound in the vault, analyzes Rex Lander's madness as stemming from abnormal vanity.
What happens
Tab Holland, handcuffed and bound in the vault, analyzes Rex Lander's madness as stemming from abnormal vanity. He attempts to free himself by breaking the cord binding his legs, but Rex taunts him from outside. Tab provokes Rex by mentioning Ursula, causing Rex to storm off. Tab manages to stand and retrieve the key with his teeth, but drops it. He then hears Rex shouting and the sound of breaking sticks, followed by the smell of burning petrol, realizing Mayfield is on fire.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Vanity
Tab reflects on Rex's madness as driven by abnormal vanity, and Rex's rage is fueled by wounded pride.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Tab's mention of saving Ursula triggers Rex's possessive fury, leading to betrayal and arson.
Characters to notice
- Tab Holland
Bound and handcuffed in the vault, Tab analyzes Rex's madness and attempts to escape, but drops the key and realizes the building is on fire.
- Rex Lander
Rex taunts Tab from outside the vault, is enraged by Tab's insults, and sets the building on fire after Tab mentions Ursula.
- Ursula Ardfern
Tab mentions saving Ursula, which enrages Rex and leads to the fire.
- Inspector Carver
Tab references Carver's knowledge of Rex's crimes and his intention to see Rex hanged.
- Mayfield
Mayfield is set on fire by Rex, trapping Tab.
Key passages
“Vanity inspired the bravado which made him leave in the deathroom a statement which would surely hang him when it was found.”
His vanity led him to leave a confession at the murder scene that would guarantee his conviction.
Tab's analysis of Rex's motives.
“I wish I'd killed you, he screamed. My God, if I could get in—”
Rex screamed that he wished he had killed Tab and that he wanted to get inside the vault.
Rex's rage at Tab's insults.
“Mayfield was on fire.”
The building Mayfield was on fire.
The chapter's climax, revealing Rex's final act.