# XXIV: Backed Both Ways explained — The Footsteps at the Lock

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

## What happens

Miles Bredon reveals that Derek Burtell orchestrated his own disappearance and the false murder scene, using drug-induced cunning to frame his cousin Nigel. Derek's plan involved trick photography, false footprints, and a dual scheme to either have Nigel executed for murder or split the inheritance. Bredon explains how Derek's hatred and drug use led to the elaborate deception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Derek's entire plan hinges on creating false identities and impressions, including trick photography and aliases.

### Revenge and Justice

Derek's motive is to have Nigel punished for a past death, seeking a twisted form of justice through framing.

## Character check-ins

### Miles Bredon

Reveals the full solution to the mystery, explaining Derek's plan and the evidence.

### Angela

Enters and comments on the revelation, expressing a preference for Nigel over Derek.

### Mr. Leyland

Expresses astonishment at the solution and is urged to return Nigel's trousers.

### Derek Burtell

Revealed as the mastermind behind the deception, using drugs to craft an elaborate plan.

### Nigel Burtell

His account is confirmed as truthful; he was kept in the dark about parts of Derek's plan.

## Key lines

> Derek Burtell hated his cousin. We know that, and we know why. But his hatred took something like a moral form; he at any rate believed that his cousin was as good as a murderer, because he was responsible for that woman’s death.

Derek's hatred for Nigel was rooted in a belief that Nigel was morally culpable for a woman's death.

_Explains Derek's motivation for framing Nigel._

> He didn’t want to kill Nigel: he wanted Nigel to be executed by the laws of his country.

Derek's goal was not murder but to have Nigel legally condemned to death.

_Highlights Derek's vengeful and calculated intent._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_footsteps_at_the_lock_se/chapters/xxiv-backed-both-ways
- 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