# XIV: The Statement explained — The Man in the Queue

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

## What happens

Inspector Grant takes Lamont's statement on the train journey south, weighing its plausibility against the evidence. He considers the possibility of Sorrell's suicide and the need to investigate Sorrell's luggage and interview Mrs. Everett again. The chapter ends with Grant's obsession with the case and his determination to uncover the truth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Miscarriage

Grant grapples with the possibility that Lamont may be innocent despite strong circumstantial evidence, highlighting the tension between legal procedure and truth.

### Obsession and Madness

Grant's thoughts become consumed by the case, recognizing it as an obsession that he resents but cannot escape.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Lamont's statement is described as 'extraordinarily plausible' yet fundamentally improbable, underscoring the gap between how things seem and what may be true.

## Character check-ins

### Inspector Grant

Takes Lamont's statement, reflects on the case's plausibility, and resolves to investigate Sorrell's luggage and re-interview Mrs. Everett.

### Gerald Lamont

Gives his statement, appears exhausted and ill, signs each page with a shaky hand, and is handcuffed during the journey.

### Bert Sorrell

Mentioned as the deceased; Grant considers the possibility of his intended suicide and the need to examine his luggage.

### Mrs. Everett

Mentioned as a potential source to verify Lamont's story about Sorrell's letters; Grant plans to see her again.

### Miss Dinmont

Briefly mentioned; Lamont reacts to her leaving the room, and she avoids a second goodbye due to superstition.

### Dr. Anderson

Advises Grant to delay taking Lamont's statement for medical reasons, but Grant eventually proceeds.

## Key lines

> It was an extraordinarily plausible one. It fitted and dovetailed beautifully. Except for its fundamental improbability, it was difficult to fault it.

Lamont's story seemed perfectly consistent and well-constructed, but its core was highly unlikely, making it hard to completely accept.

_Grant reflects on the statement's surface credibility versus its underlying implausibility._

> His first business when he was back in town would be to do what he had neglected in his hurry to get Lamont—find Sorrell's luggage and go through it.

Grant realizes he must examine Sorrell's belongings, a step he skipped while focusing on arresting Lamont.

_Grant plans to investigate Sorrell's luggage for clues._

> It was rapidly becoming an obsession with him, and he recognized the fact and resented it.

Grant acknowledged that his fixation on the case was turning into an obsession, which he disliked.

_Grant's growing preoccupation with the case is noted._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/xiv-the-statement
- 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