The Crime at Black Dudley · Chapter
XII: “Furthermore…" Said Mr. Campion explained
In the aftermath of Abbershaw's revelation, Campion explains his attempt to steal a mysterious wallet from Dawlish during the ritual, his failed escape, and the loss of the wallet in a fight.
What happens
In the aftermath of Abbershaw's revelation, Campion explains his attempt to steal a mysterious wallet from Dawlish during the ritual, his failed escape, and the loss of the wallet in a fight. He learns of Colonel Coombe's murder and expresses horror. The group discusses Dawlish's methods and fears he will interrogate them one by one, with Meggie Oliphant identified as the next target.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Campion's feigned foolishness and his secret mission to steal the wallet highlight the theme of deception.
Organized Crime and Corruption
Dawlish is portrayed as a top criminal who buys criminal brains and uses terror to achieve his goals.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Campion's daring theft attempt and quick thinking under pressure demonstrate resourcefulness.
Characters to notice
- Dr. George Abbershaw
Questions Campion about the wallet and his lack of a revolver; reveals the murder of Colonel Coombe and his medical observations.
- Albert Campion
Narrates his attempt to steal the wallet, his escape plan, and the loss of the wallet; expresses fear of guns and horror at the murder.
- Michael Prenderby
Asks persistent questions about the package and the gang's next move; shares the group's anxiety.
- Meggie Oliphant
Identified by Campion as the next person Dawlish plans to interrogate, causing Abbershaw's alarm.
- Benjamin Dawlish
Described as a top criminal who buys criminal brains and terrorizes the group to recover the wallet.
- Anne Edgeware
Mentioned by Campion as the woman who clung to him, delaying his escape.
Key passages
“I collected the doings all right, and I should have got away with them if little George here hadn't been a car fiend.”
Campion admits he successfully took the wallet but was thwarted by Abbershaw's presence at the garage.
Campion explains his failed escape.
“I could have sworn he got the packet; anyway, in the fight I lost it.”
Campion is certain Dawlish recovered the wallet during their struggle.
Campion's concern about the wallet's whereabouts.
“I'm afraid of them. Horrible things—guns. Always feel they might go off in a fit of temper and I should be left with the body.”
Campion confesses his fear of firearms, explaining why he didn't carry a revolver.
Campion's aversion to guns.
“He's not used to little details of this sort. He's the laddie at the top—the big fellow.”
Campion describes Dawlish as a high-level criminal who delegates tasks rather than handling details.
Campion's assessment of Dawlish's criminal methods.