The Last Chronicle of Barset · Chapter
Mr. Toogood at The Dragon of Wantly explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Toogood arrives in Barchester to investigate the cheque theft and clear Mr. Crawley. He interviews the innkeeper Mr. Stringer and his clerk Dan Stringer, whom he suspects of involvement. He also visits the mayor, the deanery (where Mr. Harding is too ill to be seen), and Mr. Soames, who remains convinced of Crawley's guilt. Toogood learns that the cheque found its way to Mrs. Arabin, owner of the inn. Dan Stringer is later arrested at the railway station by a detective.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
Toogood's investigation aims to correct the injustice of Mr. Crawley's false accusation, while the mayor and Mr. Soames initially cling to the belief in Crawley's guilt.
Gossip and Public Opinion
The entire town of Barchester is talking about Mr. Crawley's case; the constable notes that 'there wasn’t a man, woman, or child in all Barchester who was not talking of Mr. Crawley at that very moment.'
Characters to notice
- Thomas Toogood
Investigates the cheque theft in Barchester, staying at The Dragon of Wantly; interviews Mr. Stringer, Dan Stringer, the mayor, and Mr. Soames.
- Mr. Crawley
The accused clergyman; Toogood works to prove his innocence regarding the stolen cheque.
- Mr. Harding
Too ill to be seen by Toogood at the deanery; Mrs. Baxter reports he is only accessible to very old friends.
- Mr. Soames
Staunchly believes in Mr. Crawley's guilt; Toogood tries to convince him otherwise but fails.
- Dan Stringer
Clerk at The Dragon of Wantly with a red nose; suspected by Toogood of involvement with the stolen cheque; later arrested at the railway station.
- John Stringer
Landlord of The Dragon of Wantly, gouty and confused; Toogood questions him about the cheque.
Key passages
“Only let us think what a comfortable excitement it would create throughout England if it was surmised that an archbishop had forged a deed; and how much England would lose when it was discovered that the archbishop was innocent! As the archbishop and his forgery would be to England, so was Mr. Crawley and the cheque for twenty pounds to Barchester and its mayor.”
The narrator compares the public's thrill in suspecting an archbishop of forgery to Barchester's excitement over Mr. Crawley's alleged theft, noting the disappointment when innocence is proven.
Highlights the theme of gossip and public opinion, and the town's investment in the scandal.
“I think you’d better come back with me to Barchester. I do indeed.”
A detective policeman arrests Dan Stringer at the railway station, preventing his departure to London.
Key moment in the investigation; Dan Stringer is taken into custody.