The Man in the Queue · Chapter
VI: The Levantine explained
Inspector Grant dines at a restaurant, then spots a man in the Strand who reacts with horror and flees.
What happens
Inspector Grant dines at a restaurant, then spots a man in the Strand who reacts with horror and flees. A chase ensues through the streets, but the man escapes. Grant deduces the Levantine is still in London and reflects on the progress made.
Themes in this chapter
Urban Anonymity and Alienation
The crowded Strand allows the Levantine to vanish into the throng, highlighting the anonymity of city life.
Appearance vs. Reality
The Levantine's composed walk after the chase contrasts with his earlier panic, and Grant's casual demeanor hides his detective work.
Obsession and Madness
Grant's relentless pursuit and the Levantine's irrational flight into traffic suggest obsessive and desperate behavior.
Characters to notice
- Inspector Grant
Dines at the restaurant, spots and chases the Levantine in the Strand, then strategizes about the man's whereabouts.
- Marcel
The maître d'hôtel who chats with Grant about the case and mentions Raoul Legarde.
- Raoul Legarde
A pantry boy mentioned by Marcel; described as handsome and aspiring to be maître d'hôtel.
- The Levantine
The suspect who panics upon seeing Grant, flees through traffic, and escapes after a brief chase.
- Ray Marcable
Performer at the theatre; her dancing captivates the last-night audience.
- Golly Gollan
Performer at the theatre; interacts with the enthusiastic crowd during the show.
Key passages
“The green-and-gold room was half empty as he made his way to a corner, and Marcel lingered to talk.”
Grant sat in a quiet corner of the restaurant, and Marcel stayed to chat.
Sets the scene for Grant's meal and conversation.
“A man who had been walking several yards in front of Grant turned round as if to see the number of an oncoming bus. His glance fell on Grant, and in the bright diamond light from the window his placid face became suddenly a mask of horror.”
A man ahead of Grant looked back, saw him, and his calm expression turned to terror.
Key moment when the Levantine recognizes Grant and panics.
“Without a second's hesitation or a look to right or left he plunged headlong into the traffic in front of the charging bus.”
The man immediately ran into the busy street, risking being hit by a bus.
Shows the Levantine's desperate flight.
“He knew for a certainty that the Levantine was in London. That was a tremendous advance.”
Grant was now sure the suspect was still in London, which was a big step forward.
Grant's realization after the chase.