# VIII explained — The Door with Seven Locks > Chapter companion for The Door with Seven Locks by Edgar Wallace. ## What happens Dick Martin, posing as John Rendle, visits Bertram Cody under the pretense of discussing gold on a neighboring property. During the conversation, Cody reveals his knowledge of the gold discovery and inadvertently exposes his own vulnerabilities. After Martin leaves, Cody discovers that his notebook and key have been stolen, realizing his visitor was a detective and an expert thief. ## Themes in this chapter ### Secrecy and Deception Dick Martin deceives Cody by posing as John Rendle, while Cody himself conceals his true knowledge and reactions. ### Greed and Inheritance The discussion of gold on Cody's property and the theft of the key and notebook underscore the theme of greed. ## Character check-ins ### Dick Martin Disguised as John Rendle, he visits Cody to gather information and successfully steals Cody's notebook and key. ### Bertram Cody Receives the visitor under the alias John Rendle, reveals his knowledge of the gold discovery, and later panics upon discovering the theft of his notebook and key. ### Mrs. Bertram Cody Observes the visitor's departure and reacts with agitation upon learning he is a detective. ### John Rendle The alias used by Dick Martin during the visit; mentioned as a name on the calling card. ## Key lines > Yes⁠—I know there is gold at Ten Mile Station: the discovery was made by our agent and duly reported to us, so that the fear you had, Mr. ⁠—er⁠—em⁠—Rendle, that he was keeping his⁠—er⁠—find a secret, had no foundation. Cody admits he already knows about the gold, revealing that the discovery was reported by his agent, and reassures the visitor that no secret was kept. _Cody inadvertently reveals his knowledge, showing his vulnerability._ > It's gone⁠—my book and the key⁠—my God! the key! Cody panics upon realizing that his notebook and key have been stolen. _This moment marks the climax of the chapter, revealing the theft._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_door_with_seven_locks_se/chapters/viii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_door_with_seven_locks_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_door_with_seven_locks_se/chapters