The Man in the Brown Suit · Chapter
XVI explained
Anne interrogates Mr.
What happens
Anne interrogates Mr. Pagett about his time in Florence and discovers he has never been there, suggesting he was in England at the time of the Mill House murder. She shares this with Suzanne, and they plan to keep watch on Pagett, Sir Eustace, and Mr. Chichester. Later that night, Anne is attacked on deck by Pagett, but Harry Rayburn rescues her. Anne also learns from Colonel Race that the man called Lucas was reported killed in the war, and she uncovers that the film roll was planted by Carton via a steward.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
Anne's trick to expose Pagett's false alibi and the subsequent attack highlight the theme of deception and broken trust.
Identity and Disguise
Pagett's hidden past and Rayburn's secret identity as Lucas are central to the chapter's revelations.
Characters to notice
- Anne Beddingfeld
Investigates Pagett's alibi, is attacked on deck, and learns more about the diamond plot.
- Guy Pagett
Reveals he was never in Florence, suggesting he was in England during the murder; later attacks Anne on deck.
- Suzanne Blair
Discusses strategy with Anne and plans to use Sir Eustace's invitation to travel to Rhodesia.
- Harry Rayburn
Rescues Anne from Pagett's attack and is surprised to find Pagett is the assailant.
- Colonel Race
Tells Anne that Lucas was reported killed in the war; his knowledge of the diamond case is noted.
- Sir Eustace Pedler
Mentioned as traveling to Cape Town and Rhodesia; his secretary Pagett is under suspicion.
Key passages
“I have always longed to go to Italy,” I said. “And especially to Florence. Didn’t you enjoy it very much there?” “Indeed I did, Miss Beddingfeld. If you will excuse me, there is some correspondence of Sir Eustace’s that—””
Anne asks Pagett about his time in Florence, and he tries to avoid the conversation.
Anne's interrogation reveals Pagett's discomfort and his false alibi.
“The man was Guy Pagett. Rayburn appeared absolutely stupefied by the discovery. “Pagett,” he muttered. “My God, Pagett.””
After the attack, Rayburn is shocked to see that the assailant is Pagett.
Rayburn's surprise suggests he did not suspect Pagett, deepening the mystery.
“I got it all out of him, little by little. On the voyage from Cape Town to England one of the passengers had handed him a roll of films with instructions that they were to be dropped onto the bunk in Cabin 71 at 1 a.m. on January 22nd on the outward journey.”
Anne learns from the steward that a passenger named Carton arranged for a film roll to be placed in Cabin 71.
This clarifies the film roll's origin and ties Carton to the diamond plot.