The D’Arblay Mystery · Chapter
Thorndyke Proposes a New Move explained
Thorndyke and Stephen Gray discuss the baffling developments in the D'Arblay case, including the apparent impossibility of the deaths of both Crile and Bendelow.
What happens
Thorndyke and Stephen Gray discuss the baffling developments in the D'Arblay case, including the apparent impossibility of the deaths of both Crile and Bendelow. Thorndyke reveals he has formed a hypothesis and proposes to Superintendent Miller that Crile's body be exhumed to verify his identity via fingerprints, suspecting that the man buried as Crile is not the same person whose prints are on record.
Themes in this chapter
Forensic Science and Deduction
Thorndyke uses fingerprint analysis and the possibility of exhumation to challenge the apparent identity of Crile, demonstrating deductive reasoning.
Deception and Fraud
The chapter revolves around the suspicion that the identity of the deceased Crile is fraudulent, and that the official story is not what it seems.
Danger and Protection
Gray's encounter with two sinister men and Thorndyke's warning about keeping out of harm's way highlight the ongoing peril.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Thorndyke
Proposes exhumation of Crile's body to settle identity doubts; keeps his hypothesis and further investigation plans confidential from the police for now.
- Stephen Gray
Relates his previous night's adventures to Thorndyke, including the chase and the two mysterious men; is instructed to act as a listener during Miller's visit.
- Detective-Superintendent Miller
Visits Thorndyke to discuss the Van Zellen case and Wilson's story; agrees to pursue an exhumation order based on Thorndyke's opinion.
- Dr. Usher
Mentioned as the doctor who attended Jonathan Crile; his identification of Crile is questioned by Thorndyke.
- Polton
Briefly mentioned as having explained the day's programme to Gray.
Key passages
“You note the fact that, whoever may be dead, there is somebody alive—very much alive, and that that somebody is the murderer of Julius D'Arblay.”
Thorndyke points out that regardless of who is dead, a living person must be the killer.
Highlights the central mystery of the case.
“I have come to the conclusion that I can't accept that story at its face value as representing the actual facts.”
Thorndyke states he does not believe Wilson's story is literally true.
Sets up the need for further investigation.
“It is my opinion... that the Crile who is in that coffin is not the Crile whose fingerprints are in your possession.”
Thorndyke asserts that the body buried as Crile is not the same man whose fingerprints were taken.
Key conclusion leading to the exhumation proposal.