# XII: “Furthermore…" Said Mr. Campion explained — The Crime at Black Dudley

> Chapter companion for The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se/chapters/xii-furthermore-said-mr-campion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crime_at_black_dudley_se/chapters