III: Who Was Mr. Ashton? explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Identity and Secrecy

  The chapter centers on the mystery of Mr. Ashton's identity, as both Miss Wickham and Mrs. Killenhall admit they know almost nothing about him, despite living under his roof.

• Crime and Detection

  Inspector Drillford's investigation into the murder, including the search for evidence and the description of the fleeing suspect, drives the plot forward.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Ashton appeared to be a wealthy, active man, but the circumstances of his death and the lack of knowledge about his past suggest a hidden reality.

Characters to notice

• Richard Viner

  Viner observes the investigation, offers help to Miss Wickham, and later reflects on the night's events with Miss Penkridge, feeling disturbed by the fleeing man.

• Inspector Drillford

  Drillford leads the questioning, gathers information about Ashton's habits and valuables, and asserts the murder is a straightforward robbery.

• Miss Wickham

  Avice Wickham explains her limited knowledge of Mr. Ashton, stating she was placed in his care after her father's death and had not seen him for twelve years until recently.

• Mrs. Killenhall

  Mrs. Killenhall confirms she knows little about Ashton, having been hired through an advertisement, and provides his bankers' and solicitors' names.

• Dr. Cortelyon

  Dr. Cortelyon reports that Ashton was killed by a single, anatomically precise stab wound from a thin-bladed weapon, suggesting the murderer had knowledge of anatomy.

• Miss Bethia Penkridge

  Miss Penkridge listens to Viner's account of the murder and offers comfort, suggesting the fleeing man might be innocent.

Key passages

• “All that I know is this. My father died in Australia, when I was about six years old. My mother was already dead, and my father left me in charge of Mr. Ashton. He sent me, very soon after my father's death, to school in England, and there I remained for twelve years.”

  Miss Wickham explains that after her father's death in Australia, Mr. Ashton became her guardian and sent her to school in England, where she stayed for twelve years.

  This reveals the limited and formal relationship between Miss Wickham and Ashton, highlighting the mystery of his identity.

• “Oh, a very clear and ordinary case enough, Mr. Viner. No mystery about it at all. Here's this Mr. Ashton been living here some weeks—some fellow, the man, of course, whom you saw running away, has noticed that he was a very rich man and wore expensive jewellery, has watched him, probably knew that he used that passage as a shortcut, and has laid in wait for him and murdered him for what he'd got on him.”

  Inspector Drillford dismisses any mystery, asserting that Ashton was likely murdered by someone who observed his wealth and habits, and robbed him.

  Drillford's confidence contrasts with the growing sense of intrigue about Ashton's past.

• “I was saying that whoever stabbed this unfortunate man had some knowledge of anatomy. He was killed by one swift blow from a particularly keen-edged, thin-bladed weapon which was driven through his back at the exact spot.”

  Dr. Cortelyon notes that the murderer's precise, single stab wound indicates anatomical knowledge.

  This detail suggests the killer may not be a common criminal, adding complexity to the case.