# XXII: Another Story explained — The Footsteps at the Lock

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_footsteps_at_the_lock_se/chapters/xxii-another-story
- 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