The Man in the Queue · Chapter
III: Danny Miller explained
Grant wakes on the third day of his investigation, the day of the inquest, with no leads.
What happens
Grant wakes on the third day of his investigation, the day of the inquest, with no leads. He recounts sending Williams to trace the dead man's tie through Faith Brothers, and his own fruitless search of missing persons lists. He then interviews Danny Miller, a known criminal, hoping Miller might identify the victim. Miller initially denies recognition but then recalls having talked to the man, though he cannot remember where. Grant cleverly tricks Miller into removing his gloves, revealing no scars, and lets him go. The inquest follows, with Grant observing the jury and witnesses—including the constable, James Ratcliffe, and his wife—with sardonic detachment. Later, Williams reports that Miller has remembered: he saw the dead man with a young man at a coffee stall near the Strand, and the young man had a distinctive scar on his hand.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Concealment
Danny Miller's gloves conceal his hands, and Grant's trick to remove them reveals no scars. The dead man's identity remains unknown, and Miller's memory of the victim is partial and elusive.
Luck and Chance
Grant reflects on the 'queer unexpectedness of chance' and pursues the slim hope that a shop assistant might remember selling the tie. Miller's sudden recollection of the victim is a stroke of luck.
Appearance vs. Reality
The inquest witnesses present a 'pretty comedy' while describing grim events. Danny Miller's poker face and nonchalant demeanor mask his criminal nature and his recognition of the victim.
Characters to notice
- Inspector Grant
Awakens on the third day of the investigation, frustrated by lack of progress. He interviews Danny Miller and attends the inquest, observing the witnesses with a sardonic eye.
- Danny Miller
A known criminal summoned by Grant. Initially denies knowing the victim, then recalls talking to him but cannot place where. Grant tricks him into removing his gloves, revealing no scars.
- Williams
Grant's sergeant, sent to trace the dead man's tie through Faith Brothers. Later reports that Miller remembered seeing the victim with a scarred young man.
- James Ratcliffe
A householder and witness at the inquest, described as hating publicity but determined to do his duty. He stood behind the victim in the queue.
- Margaret Ratcliffe
James Ratcliffe's wife, who stood directly behind the dead man in the queue. She is emotional and requires soothing during her testimony.
- Barber
A slow, sleepy-looking officer who provides Grant with information about Danny Miller's address and recent activities.
Key passages
“Something unpleasant waited him. Something exceedingly unpleasant. The growing conviction had dispelled his drowsiness, and his eyes opened on the ceiling laced across with the early sunlight and the shadows of a plane tree; and on recognition of the unpleasantness. It was the morning of the third day of his investigations, the day of the inquest, and he had nothing to put before the coroner.”
Grant wakes with a sense of dread, realizing it is the third day of the investigation and the day of the inquest, yet he has no evidence to present.
Highlights Grant's frustration and the pressure of the impending inquest.
“But there was always that last odd chance, and Grant had seen too much of the queer unexpectedness of chance to neglect any avenue of exploration.”
Grant believes in pursuing even the smallest possibility because he has often seen luck play a surprising role in investigations.
Reflects Grant's pragmatic approach and reliance on chance.
“The jury, having swallowed at one nauseating gulp the business of viewing the body, had settled into their places with that air of conscious importance and simulated modesty which belongs to those initiated into a mystery.”
The jury, after the unpleasant task of viewing the corpse, now sits with a self-important and falsely humble demeanor, as if they are part of a secret ritual.
Grant's sardonic view of the jury's behavior during the inquest.
“He was the type that is the law's most useful ally, and the inspector recognized the fact and mentally saluted him in spite of the fact that he had been unhelpful.”
James Ratcliffe is the kind of reliable citizen the police depend on, and Grant acknowledges this even though Ratcliffe provided no useful information.
Describes Ratcliffe's character and Grant's professional respect for him.
“I never forget a man, any more than a 'bull' does.”
Miller boasts that his memory for faces is as good as a police officer's.
Shows Miller's pride in his observational skills and his familiarity with police methods.
