# XXVII explained — The Lazy Detective

> Chapter companion for The Lazy Detective by George Dilnot.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lazy_detective_se/chapters