# The Japanese Cabinet explained — The Middle of Things

> Chapter companion for The Middle of Things by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Viner and Barleyfield visit the Grey Mare Inn, where they observe a mysterious man who had been meeting with Ashton on the night of the murder. Viner questions the landlord and learns that Ashton and the man left together around 10:15-10:30. The next morning, Viner and Mr. Pawle search Ashton's house but find few documents. They discover a heavy Japanese cabinet on the mantelpiece, which appears to open by a secret mechanism, hinting at hidden contents.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Detection

Viner's investigation at the inn and the search of Ashton's house reveal new leads and the mysterious Japanese cabinet.

### Identity and Secrecy

The anonymous man at the inn and the secret-opening cabinet highlight hidden identities and concealed information.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The seemingly ordinary Japanese cabinet is actually a heavy, locked container with a secret mechanism, contrasting its innocent appearance with its hidden purpose.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Viner

Investigates at the Grey Mare Inn, questions the landlord, and later searches Ashton's house with Mr. Pawle.

### Mr. Pawle

Assists Viner in searching Ashton's effects and examines the Japanese cabinet.

### Mr. Ashton

The murdered man; his portrait is recognized by the landlord, and his house is searched for clues.

### Miss Wickham

Present during the search of Ashton's house; her old letters to Ashton are found.

### Barleyfield

Accompanies Viner to the Grey Mare Inn and identifies the mysterious man as Ashton's companion.

### Mrs. Killenhall

Mentioned as the housekeeper who reported that Ashton paid tradesmen weekly.

## Key lines

> A hundred yards in London takes you into another world, Mr. Viner. For all practical purposes, Lonsdale Passage, though it's only a mile away, is as much separated from this spot as New York is from London.

Barleyfield remarks that even short distances in London can create completely separate social worlds, so news of the murder hasn't reached the inn's patrons.

_Highlights the theme of isolation and ignorance within the city._

> It looks like a receptacle of some sort.

Mr. Pawle suspects the Japanese cabinet might be a hiding place for documents.

_Leads to the discovery of the cabinet's secret mechanism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xiii-the-japanese-cabinet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters