The D’Arblay Mystery · Chapter
The Haunted Man explained
Stephen Gray arrives at the studio and receives a message from Polton that Dr.
What happens
Stephen Gray arrives at the studio and receives a message from Polton that Dr. Thorndyke expects a visit from a CID officer the next day. Polton also gives Stephen a device to see behind him without turning his head. Stephen shows Marion a photograph given by Thorndyke, which she identifies as the man who attacked her. Later, Stephen is followed and observes two mysterious men in the lane, one of whom confronts him.
Themes in this chapter
Danger and Protection
Stephen is followed by unknown men, receives a device to detect stalkers, and arms himself with a pistol, highlighting the ongoing threat.
Friendship and Loyalty
Polton's gift of the rear-view device and Thorndyke's protective instructions demonstrate loyalty and care for Stephen's safety.
Characters to notice
- Stephen Gray
Arrives at the studio, receives messages from Polton, shows Marion the photograph, and is followed in the lane.
- Polton
Delivers Thorndyke's message about the CID visit and gives Stephen a rear-view device.
- Marion D'Arblay
Working on a plaster case, identifies the man in the photograph as her attacker, expresses anxiety about Stephen's safety.
- Dr. Thorndyke
Sends a message about the CID visit and provides the photograph; his investigations are progressing.
Key passages
“I have a message for you from the doctor. It is about what you were discussing last night. He told me to tell you that he is expecting a visit from an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department, and he would like you to be present, if it would be convenient.”
Polton relays Thorndyke's request for Stephen to attend a meeting with a CID officer the next day.
Thorndyke's investigation is advancing, involving official police.
“I have invented quite a lot of different appliances for enabling you to see behind you; reflecting spectacles and walking sticks with prisms in the handle, and so on. But for use at night I think this will answer your purpose best.”
Polton gives Stephen a special eyeglass that allows him to see behind him without turning around.
Polton's ingenuity aids Stephen's safety against stalkers.
“It is he—the man who came here that night.”
Marion identifies the man in the photograph as the one who attacked her.
A crucial identification linking Thorndyke's evidence to the crime.