The Lazy Detective · Chapter
XXVII explained
Labar and the police round up the gang at Mope's Bottom, but Larry Hughes escapes through the tunnel.
What happens
Labar and the police round up the gang at Mope's Bottom, but Larry Hughes escapes through the tunnel. The police pursue, encounter locked doors, and eventually corner Tom and two others in the tunnel, though Larry remains at large.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Justice
The police raid and capture of the gang underscores the pursuit of justice, though Larry Hughes evades capture.
Obsession and Ambition
Labar's relentless drive to capture Larry Hughes is evident as he personally leads the tunnel search.
Characters to notice
- Harry Labar
Leads the police operation, coordinates with Kent Constabulary, and negotiates with the trapped gang members.
- Moreland
Accompanies Labar in the tunnel, provides commentary and assistance.
- Malone
Part of the police team, guards a prisoner and helps navigate the tunnel.
- Larry Hughes
Escapes through the tunnel before the raid; his whereabouts remain unknown.
- Tom
The valet, trapped in the tunnel with two others, surrenders to Labar.
Key passages
“Explanations were deferred till such time as the prisoners could be dealt with.”
The police postponed questioning until the captives were secured.
Sets the scene for the immediate aftermath of the raid.
“If he had really intended to use it he had failed to find an opportunity, or his courage had failed.”
The prisoner with a hidden pistol either lacked the chance or the nerve to use it.
Highlights the gang's disarray during the raid.
“That tunnel leads somewhere out towards the coast. It’s a full half hour or more since he slipped out there.”
Larry escaped through the tunnel to the coast over thirty minutes ago.
Explains why Larry is still at large.