# XVIII: “Flush” Barnet’s Story explained — The Crimson Circle > Chapter companion for The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace. ## What happens Inspector Parr interrogates burglar Flush Barnet, who confesses he was hired by banker Brabazon to steal letters from Felix Marl's safe. Barnet found only a photograph, which he burned. Parr deduces Brabazon is connected to the Crimson Circle and attempts to arrest him, but Brabazon has fled, and Parr suspects Thalia Drummond is involved. ## Themes in this chapter ### Crime and Punishment The chapter focuses on the burglary, the interrogation of Barnet, and the pursuit of Brabazon, highlighting the criminal justice process. ### Deception and Identity Barnet's false claims about the banknotes and Brabazon's hidden motives reveal layers of deception. ### Class and Corruption Brabazon, a banker, hires a burglar to cover up his own corruption, illustrating the intersection of class and criminality. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Barnet Flush Barnet is interrogated by Parr; he confesses to being hired by Brabazon to burgle Marl's house and burn a photograph from the safe. ### Mr. Parr Inspector Parr interviews Barnet, deduces the burglary was a paid job, and later attempts to arrest Brabazon, who has fled. ### Brabazon Brabazon is revealed as the one who hired Barnet to steal letters from Marl; he escapes before Parr's arrival. ### Felix Marl Marl is mentioned as the victim of the burglary and is reported dead, found in his bed. ### Thalia Drummond Thalia is referenced as the woman Marl was sweet on and who Barnet used as an opportunity to burgle; Parr suspects she will get another job. ### Milly Macroy Milly is Barnet's girlfriend who works at Brabazon's bank, leading to Barnet's connection with Brabazon. ## Key lines > They’re my own, I tell you, Mr. Parr,” he protested, “would I tell you a lie?” “Of course you would,” said Inspector Parr without heat. Barnet insists the banknotes are his, but Parr calmly points out that Barnet is a known liar. _Shows Parr's skepticism and Barnet's desperation._ > I don’t know anything about Crimson Circles, Mr. Parr,” he said, “but this is the truth.” Barnet claims ignorance of the Crimson Circle but swears he is telling the truth about the burglary. _Barnet distances himself from the larger conspiracy._ > Thalia Drummond is going to get another job,” he said. Parr implies that Thalia will soon be arrested or implicated. _Foreshadows Thalia's involvement and possible escape._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters/xviii-flush-barnet-s-story - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters