The Footsteps at the Lock · Chapter
XXII: Another Story explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Edward Farris recounts his involvement in the Burtell affair, explaining how Mrs. Coolman sent him to verify Derek and Nigel's river trip, his suspicions of Nigel, and his subsequent actions including stealing the canoe paddles. Bredon and Leyland hear his story, and Bredon later visits Oxford to check Nigel's shoe size as part of the investigation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Farris uses an assumed name (Luke Wallace) and hides his true purpose, while the cousins' sincerity is doubted.
Inheritance and Moral Responsibility
The chapter revolves around Mrs. Coolman's will, the inheritance of the Burtell cousins, and Farris's own stake in the estate.
Detection and Rational Inquiry
Bredon and Leyland apply logical methods, including checking shoe sizes and verifying alibis, to uncover the truth.
Characters to notice
- Edward Farris
Narrates his story to Bredon and Leyland, detailing his mission from Mrs. Coolman, his suspicions of Nigel, and his actions on the river.
- Miles Bredon
Listens to Farris's account, then goes to Oxford to investigate Nigel's shoe size.
- Mr. Leyland
Interviews Farris and remains at the pub to watch other suspects.
- Nigel Burtell
Suspected by Farris of making away with Derek; Bredon investigates his shoe size in Oxford.
- Derek Burtell
Mentioned as the elder nephew and heir, presumed dead.
- Mrs. Coolman
Deceased aunt who sent Farris to verify the cousins' trip and made a new will favoring Derek.
Key passages
“I determined, perhaps foolishly, to repay him in his own kind. I put the punt in to shore, landed, and went very carefully along the bank, hiding as far as possible behind the willows.”
Farris decided to secretly follow the man who was tracking him, hiding behind trees along the riverbank.
Farris describes his cautious approach to spying on his pursuer.
“I stole the paddles.”
Farris took the paddles from the canoe belonging to the men he suspected were following him.
Farris admits to a petty theft to hinder his pursuers.
“Now that,” said Bredon next morning, “is as straightforward a tale as I’ve ever heard told. You can still go on suspecting him if you like; I do myself, rather.”
Bredon acknowledges Farris's story seems honest but admits he still has doubts about him.
Bredon's reaction to Farris's account shows his continued suspicion.