# VI: The Archimedes Touch explained — The Footsteps at the Lock

> Chapter companion for The Footsteps at the Lock by Ronald A. Knox.

## What happens

Miles Bredon and his wife Angela discuss the case at the Gudgeon Inn, a self-consciously quaint establishment. Bredon critiques the police's focus on finding a body and instead raises suspicions about Nigel Burtell's alibi, which he finds too perfect. He and Angela exchange written theories about the canoe's movement, but Bredon dismisses hers due to distance issues. The next day, Bredon conducts experiments: he times how long it takes the damaged canoe to fill with water and then performs an 'Archimedes touch' by deliberately baling water into a canoe to simulate sinking. Angela returns from Oxford with developed photographs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Detection and Rational Inquiry

Bredon applies logical reasoning and experimental methods to test theories about the canoe sinking and the alibi.

### Deception and Identity

Nigel Burtell's alibi is scrutinized as potentially deceptive, and the possibility of faked drowning is explored.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The Gudgeon Inn's artificial quaintness contrasts with its true nature, mirroring the deceptive appearances in the case.

## Character check-ins

### Miles Bredon

Investigates the case, critiques the police's approach, raises suspicions about Nigel Burtell's alibi, and conducts experiments with the canoe.

### Angela

Bredon's wife; discusses theories with him, goes to Oxford to develop films, and participates in exchanging written ideas.

### Nigel Burtell

Subject of suspicion due to his overly sound alibi and motive as residuary legatee.

### Derek Burtell

The missing cousin; Bredon is focused on what he has been up to.

### Mr. Burgess

Lock-keeper who reported the footmarks and is considered by Bredon to lack imagination.

## Key lines

> It's too sound, that's the trouble. It looks so confoundedly like an alibi, if you see what I mean.

The alibi is so perfect that it seems suspiciously staged.

_Bredon expresses doubt about Nigel's alibi._

> I retired to a position where I could undress with decency, got into the canoe in my gent's University bathing suit, and drifted downstream, baling for dear life. Only I was baling in, not out, if you understand me.

Bredon conducted an experiment by deliberately filling the canoe with water to simulate sinking.

_Bredon describes his Archimedes experiment._

> I took care to lose my bet, of course.

Bredon intentionally lost a bet to avoid revealing his findings.

_Bredon's subtle investigative technique._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_footsteps_at_the_lock_se/chapters/vi-the-archimedes-touch
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_footsteps_at_the_lock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_footsteps_at_the_lock_se/chapters