The Crime at Black Dudley · Chapter
The Last of Black Dudley explained
Inspector Pillow concludes his inquiry at Black Dudley, accepting Abbershaw's evasive explanation about Dawlish's accusations.
What happens
Inspector Pillow concludes his inquiry at Black Dudley, accepting Abbershaw's evasive explanation about Dawlish's accusations. Abbershaw and Campion discuss the murder, with Abbershaw revealing his belief that Colonel Coombe was murdered but not by Dawlish or his gang. Campion deflects Abbershaw's question about his identity with a jest. The chapter ends with the characters preparing to leave Black Dudley.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The chapter focuses on the police inquiry and Abbershaw's internal investigation into Colonel Coombe's murder, revealing his doubts about Dawlish's guilt.
Deception and Disguise
Abbershaw deliberately misleads Inspector Pillow about Dawlish's accusations, and Campion playfully deceives Abbershaw about his identity.
Isolation and Entrapment
The characters are still confined to Black Dudley during the inquiry, and the house's oppressive atmosphere is emphasized as they prepare to leave.
Characters to notice
- Dr. George Abbershaw
Concludes the inquiry with Inspector Pillow, evades revealing the full truth about the murder, and discusses the case with Campion.
- Michael Prenderby
Lying in bed recovering, he corroborates Abbershaw's statement and discusses the murder with Abbershaw.
- Albert Campion
Drives to London with Abbershaw, discusses the murder, and playfully evades revealing his true identity.
- Inspector Pillow
Conducts the inquiry, accepts Abbershaw's explanation, and mentions the condition of the prisoners and Mrs. Meade.
- Meggie Oliphant
Arrives with Jeanne to ask about moving Prenderby, and offers to drive him to London.
- Jeanne Dacre
Accompanies Meggie to check on Prenderby and plans to travel to London with him.
Key passages
“I don't know, Campion," said Abbershaw slowly. "I don't know any more than you do who did it. But Colonel Coombe was murdered. Of that I'm perfectly certain, and—I don't think Dawlish or his gang had anything to do with it.”
Abbershaw admits to Campion that he is unsure of the murderer's identity but is certain Coombe was murdered and that Dawlish is innocent.
Abbershaw reveals his core deduction, setting up the ongoing mystery.
“Mr. Campion paused on the running-board and there was a faintly puckish expression behind his enormous glasses. "Ah," he said. "Shall I tell you? Listen—do you know who my mother is?" "No," said Abbershaw, with great curiosity. Mr. Campion leaned over the side of the car until his mouth was an inch or two from the other man's ear, and murmured a name, a name so illustrious that Abbershaw started back and stared at him in astonishment. "Good God!" he said. "You don't mean that?" "No," said Mr. Campion cheerfully, and went off striding jauntily down the street until, to Abbershaw's amazement, he disappeared through the portals of one of the most famous and exclusive clubs in the world.”
Campion teases Abbershaw by pretending to reveal a grand lineage, then cheerfully denies it and walks into a prestigious club.
Campion's playful evasion underscores his enigmatic nature and the theme of deception.