# XV: I've Killed Him explained — The Dain Curse

> Chapter companion for The Dain Curse by Dashiell Hammett.

## What happens

The investigation into Eric Collinson's death intensifies as local officials, including Sheriff Feeney and district attorney Vernon, conclude that Gabrielle Collinson is the killer. The narrator argues that the death is murder, not suicide or accident, and insists there are hidden links between the deaths of Gabrielle's parents, Doctor Riese, and now her husband. Fitzstephan reveals a cryptic phone call and a ransom note, suggesting a possible kidnapping plot. The search for Gabrielle continues with no results.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Detection

The chapter focuses on the investigation of Collinson's death, with officials and the narrator analyzing evidence and motives.

### Deception and Illusion

Fitzstephan's cryptic phone call and ransom note introduce elements of deception, questioning the true nature of events.

### The Curse and Fate

The narrator insists on a hidden link between the deaths, suggesting a programmed fate targeting Gabrielle's close associates.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Investigates Collinson's death, argues it's murder, and coordinates with Fitzstephan.

### Owen Fitzstephan

Provides a cryptic phone call and ransom note, linking to the case.

### Gabrielle Leggett

Suspected of killing her husband; her whereabouts are unknown.

### Eric Collinson

Found dead; the narrator believes he was murdered.

### Madison Andrews

Discusses the case with the narrator, offers a reward for Gabrielle's discovery.

### Hubert Collinson

Eric's father, offers a reward for the murderer's conviction.

## Key lines

> I've Killed Him

A mysterious caller tells Fitzstephan that he has killed someone.

_This cryptic message is a key clue in the chapter._

> He was murdered. He was murdered by—I told you two weeks ago that we weren't through with that damned curse, and that the only way to get through with it was to have the Temple business sifted to the bottom.

The narrator insists Collinson was murdered and that the curse from the Temple cult is still active.

_Highlights the narrator's belief in a connected series of events._

> Anybody that wants Mrs. Carter can have same by paying $10,000–

A ransom note demands $10,000 for information about Gabrielle, addressed to Fitzstephan.

_Suggests a possible kidnapping or extortion plot._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dain_curse_se/chapters/xv-i-ve-killed-him
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dain_curse_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_dain_curse_se/chapters