The Crime at Black Dudley · Chapter
XVII: In the Evening explained
Meggie and Abbershaw, trapped in a locked room, learn from Mrs.
What happens
Meggie and Abbershaw, trapped in a locked room, learn from Mrs. Meade that the gang may not have murdered Colonel Coombe, casting suspicion on their own party. Their hope of escape via the simple-minded servant Lizzie Tiddy is dashed when a guard with a revolver delivers their food. After a long, tense day, Campion unexpectedly arrives through the chimney, offering a new escape route.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Entrapment
Meggie and Abbershaw are physically locked in a room, with no means of escape and only the threat of violence from their captors.
Deception and Disguise
Mrs. Meade's story casts doubt on who really killed Coombe, suggesting that appearances within the house-party may be deceptive.
Courage and Resourcefulness
Abbershaw and Meggie remain calm under threat, and Campion's chimney descent demonstrates bold ingenuity.
Characters to notice
- Dr. George Abbershaw
Trapped with Meggie, he analyzes Mrs. Meade's story and worries about the implications for the murder investigation.
- Meggie Oliphant
Held captive alongside Abbershaw, she shows practicality and courage, suggesting they might escape through Mrs. Meade's room.
- Mrs. Meade
The redoubtable old woman who has fortified herself in an inner room; she reveals that the gang may not have killed Coombe and provides information about the servant Lizzie Tiddy.
- Albert Campion
Makes a dramatic entrance by descending the chimney, offering to lead Meggie and Abbershaw to safety.
- Wendon
A gang member who guards the door with a revolver, preventing escape and delivering food under Dawlish's orders.
- Lizzie Tiddy
A simple-minded servant who brings the food tray; her vacant expression is noted by Abbershaw during the delivery.
Key passages
“The disturbing discovery which Meggie and Abbershaw had made in Mrs. Meade’s story silenced them for some time.”
Meggie and Abbershaw were stunned into silence by the troubling revelation in Mrs. Meade's account.
Highlights the shock of learning that the gang might not be the murderers.
“I don’t suppose there’s any chance of getting out through there?”
Abbershaw asks if there is any way to escape through the inner room.
Shows his immediate focus on finding an exit.
“She’s a natural... She’s not right in her head. All them Tiddys are a bit crazed. Lizzie is the wust.”
Mrs. Meade explains that Lizzie Tiddy is mentally disabled, the most affected of her family.
Reveals the period's terminology for intellectual disability.
“Any monkey-tricks and the girl goes first. It’s the Guvnor’s orders.”
Wendon threatens to shoot Meggie if Abbershaw tries anything, following Dawlish's instructions.
Demonstrates the ruthless control exerted by the gang.
“I’ve been fooling about all day trying...”
Campion mentions he has been busy all day attempting something.
Sets up his unexpected arrival via the chimney.
