The Man in Lower Ten · Chapter
And Only One Arm explained
Hotchkiss reveals that Sullivan's sister was left-handed, confirming her guilt in the murder.
What happens
Hotchkiss reveals that Sullivan's sister was left-handed, confirming her guilt in the murder. Sullivan explains his wife's role and the events leading to the crime. The mystery of the intruder in the empty house is resolved when Johnson notes scratches on Mrs. Conway's right hand. The chapter concludes with Blakeley and Alison West's romantic engagement on a balcony.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Hidden Agendas
The resolution reveals the hidden actions of Sullivan's sister and the deception surrounding the murder and the intruder.
Romantic Entanglement Amidst Crisis
Blakeley and Alison's engagement culminates the romantic subplot, contrasting with the earlier crime and tension.
Characters to notice
- Wilson Budd Hotchkiss
Breaks the tension by asking about left-handedness, reconstructs the murder, and later debates with Johnson.
- Henry Pinckney Sullivan
Confesses his sister's guilt and explains his wife's involvement; leaves looking worn and old.
- Mr. Blakeley
Freed from suspicion, he prepares for a romantic evening with Alison and proposes to her.
- Alison West
Meets Blakeley on the balcony, whistles a tender tune, and becomes engaged to him.
- Mr. Francis Johnson
Reveals scratches on Mrs. Conway's hand, solving the intruder mystery, and shows contempt for Blakeley.
Key passages
“Hotchkiss was the first to break the tension. "Mr. Sullivan," he asked suddenly, "was your sister left-handed?" "Yes."”
Hotchkiss asks Sullivan if his sister was left-handed, and Sullivan confirms it.
This question reveals the key clue that solves the murder.
“I learned through the papers that my wife was in a Baltimore hospital, and yesterday I ventured there to see her.”
Sullivan explains he visited his wife in a Baltimore hospital after learning of her location from newspapers.
Sullivan's testimony clarifies his wife's role and his motives.
“There were a number of scratches on Mrs. Conway's right hand," he observed to the room in general. "Her wrist was bandaged and badly bruised."”
Johnson notes that Mrs. Conway had scratches and bruises on her right hand and wrist.
This resolves the mystery of the intruder in the empty house.
“It is a terrible thing," I said exultantly, "to love a girl the way I love you, and to have only one arm!"”
Blakeley exclaims that it's a terrible thing to love Alison so much while having only one arm.
This humorous line underscores Blakeley's self-deprecating joy after the engagement.