# Chapter X explained — The Door with Seven Locks

> Chapter companion for The Door with Seven Locks by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Mr. Cody visits Dr. Stalletti at Gallows Cottage late at night, fearing the police and discussing the failed attempt to eliminate a pursuer. Stalletti reveals he sent someone after the man but failed, and the two men exchange veiled threats about Lew Pheeney's death. After a mysterious listener is detected outside, Cody returns to his car, driven by the surly Tom Cawler.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Cody and Stalletti conspire in secret, with Stalletti hiding his activities and both men deceiving each other and the authorities.

### Crime and Detection

The plot to eliminate a pursuer, the mention of Lew Pheeney's death, and the fear of police investigation drive the chapter's tension.

## Character check-ins

### Bertram Cody

Visits Stalletti late at night, fearful and seeking money; implicated in the plot against the pursuer.

### Antonio Stalletti

Receives Cody at Gallows Cottage; discusses the failed attempt on the pursuer and hints at Lew Pheeney's death.

### Thomas Cawler

Drives Cody to the meeting; suspected by Stalletti of spying, but denies following him.

### Dick Martin

Referred to as 'Martini' or 'Martin' by Stalletti; identified as the man Havelock sent to find Selford.

### Lew Pheeney

Mentioned by Stalletti as having died, possibly by suicide, in connection with the conspiracy.

## Key lines

> There was a Mr. Pheeney... He certainly died, but I think that must have been suicide.

Stalletti sarcastically suggests that Lew Pheeney's death was a suicide, implying his own involvement.

_Stalletti taunts Cody with the implication of murder._

> Somebody was listening at the window, my friend. I will give you three guesses—you were not driven here by car?

Stalletti reveals that an eavesdropper was at the window and suspects Cody's chauffeur.

_Heightens the paranoia and secrecy of the meeting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_door_with_seven_locks_se/chapters/x
- 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