The Door with Seven Locks · Chapter
XIV explained
Dick Martin is awakened by a phone call from Sybil Lansdown, who wants to consult him.
What happens
Dick Martin is awakened by a phone call from Sybil Lansdown, who wants to consult him. She reveals she has spoken to Mr. Havelock about the key incident and proposes a trip to Selford Hall and the Selford tombs. They pick up Havelock and drive to the estate, where Havelock shows them the sealed tomb with seven locks. During their inspection, a violent thunderstorm traps them inside as the iron grille is shut and footprints of naked feet are seen outside.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
The mystery surrounding the Selford family and the sealed tomb drives the chapter's tension.
Crime and Detection
Dick Martin's detective work is central as he investigates the key and the tomb.
Characters to notice
- Dick Martin
Wakes to Sybil's call, retrieves keys, drives to Selford Hall, and examines the tomb.
- Sybil Lansdown
Calls Dick, arranges the trip to Selford Hall, and is frightened by the storm and the discovery.
- Mr. Havelock
Accompanies the pair, shows the tomb with seven locks, and receives a letter from Lord Selford.
- Lord Selford
Mentioned as the absent owner of Selford Hall; Havelock reports his travel delay.
Key passages
““What is the mystery?” he asked. “You shall see. I feel in my most mysterious mood.””
Dick asks what the secret is, and Sybil replies that she is feeling mysterious and will show him.
Sybil hints at a revelation during the trip.
““We have to keep the place in spick and span order,” explained Mr. Havelock; “and one of my jobs is to engage a staff of servants the moment our globe-trotting young lord decides to settle down in his native land.””
Havelock explains that the estate is maintained in readiness for Lord Selford's eventual return.
Highlights the absentee landlord and the upkeep of the property.
““What is in there? Is he—buried here?” said Dick slowly. Mr. Havelock shook his head. “I don’t know. The late Lord Selford, who had the old door with its seven locks taken down, and this new door—which is steel, by the way—made in Italy, said there was nothing except an empty stone casket.””
Dick asks if someone is buried in the tomb, but Havelock says the late Lord Selford claimed it only contained an empty stone coffin.
The mystery of the tomb's contents is deepened.
“The great iron grille had been shut on them, and on the wet clay before the door he saw the prints of naked feet!”
Dick realizes they are trapped as the iron gate is closed, and he notices bare footprints in the mud outside.
Cliffhanger ending suggesting a sinister presence.