The Crimson Circle · Chapter
The Posters explained
Jack Beardmore and Inspector Parr travel to the Beardmore estate, where Parr receives a fake telegram from Derrick Yale.
What happens
Jack Beardmore and Inspector Parr travel to the Beardmore estate, where Parr receives a fake telegram from Derrick Yale. That night, a mysterious visitor posts Crimson Circle posters on the property, demanding that Jack persuade Yale and Parr to cease their activities. The next morning, Parr investigates the grounds and deduces that Felix Marl had lied about seeing James Beardmore on the terrace. Parr is then summoned to a Cabinet meeting.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
The Crimson Circle continues its criminal activities, posting threatening posters and attempting to manipulate Jack and the investigators.
Deception and Identity
The fake telegram from Yale and the false claim by Felix Marl about seeing Beardmore highlight the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Felix Marl
Deceased; Parr investigates Marl's claim about seeing James Beardmore on the terrace and finds it false.
- Derrick Yale
Sends a telegram to Parr that turns out to be a fake; Parr later confirms with Yale that the wire was not genuine.
- Mr. Parr
Accompanies Jack to the Beardmore estate, investigates the midnight poster incident, and deduces Marl's lie. Receives a summons to a Cabinet meeting.
- Jim Beardmore
Deceased; Jack corrects Parr's assumption that Jim was on the terrace during Marl's seizure, stating he was in the library all morning.
- Thalia Drummond
Mentioned by Parr as a potential target for the Crimson Circle's vengeance due to Jack's affection for her.
- Colonel Morton
Calls Parr to inform him of a Cabinet meeting he must attend.
Key passages
“Criticism never did anybody any harm; it is only when a man knows he is wrong that this kind of stuff irritates him. As I happen to know I am right, it doesn't matter to me what they say.”
Parr dismisses negative press, asserting that criticism only bothers those who are guilty, and he is confident in his correctness.
Parr's stoic response to newspaper criticism of his investigation.
“That was the only false move that the Crimson Circle have made, and I think it was very much an afterthought. That was not their original intention, I'll swear.”
Parr believes the poster campaign was a hasty, unplanned action by the Crimson Circle, not part of their original scheme.
Parr's analysis of the Crimson Circle's tactics after discovering the posters.
“I'm joining the Cabinet.”
Parr jokes that his summons to a Cabinet meeting means he is being brought into the government's inner circle.
Parr's humorous reaction to Colonel Morton's call.