# Capture explained — The Man in the Queue

> Chapter companion for The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey.

## What happens

Inspector Grant reveals his identity to Gerald Lamont and attempts to arrest him for the murder of Albert Sorrell. Lamont escapes by throwing pepper in Grant's eyes and fleeing across the moor. Grant pursues him, eventually cornering him in a boat on a loch. Lamont dives from the boat, strikes his head, and is captured. Grant later explains the situation to Miss Dinmont, who, despite learning the truth, insists on nursing Lamont out of professional duty and Highland tradition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Concealment

Grant reveals his true identity as a Scotland Yard inspector, and Lamont's alias as Mr. Lowe is exposed.

### Justice and Miscarriage

Grant's pursuit and arrest of Lamont for murder, despite Lamont's attempts to evade capture.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Lamont's charming demeanor at tea contrasts with his violent crime and escape; Miss Dinmont's initial trust is shattered.

## Character check-ins

### Inspector Grant

Arrests Lamont after a chase across the moor and a dive into a loch; explains the truth to Miss Dinmont.

### Gerald Lamont

Escapes Grant by throwing pepper in his eyes, flees across the moor, and is captured after diving from a boat and injuring his head.

### Miss Dinmont

Learns the truth about Lamont's identity and crime but chooses to nurse him out of professional duty and Highland hospitality.

### Mr. Lowe

Lamont's alias; Grant uses the name to refer to him during the arrest.

### Mrs. Everett

Mentioned as the aunt who sent Lamont to Miss Dinmont's home.

## Key lines

> I am Inspector Grant from Scotland Yard, and I have a warrant for your arrest for the murder of Albert Sorrell in the Woffington queue on the night of the 13th.

Grant formally identifies himself and charges Lamont with Sorrell's murder.

_The climax of the chapter where Grant makes the arrest._

> The fact that he is a murderer doesn't alter the fact that he has concussion, does it? — nor the fact that he abused our hospitality alter the fact that I'm a professional nurse?

Miss Dinmont insists on nursing Lamont despite his crime, citing her professional duty.

_Highlights Miss Dinmont's character and the theme of hospitality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/xii-capture
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters