The Middle of Things · Chapter
The Outhouse explained
Viner and his solicitor Felpham visit Inspector Drillford to discuss the discovery of Ashton's watch and ring hidden in the shed where Hyde claimed to have spent the night.
What happens
Viner and his solicitor Felpham visit Inspector Drillford to discuss the discovery of Ashton's watch and ring hidden in the shed where Hyde claimed to have spent the night. Viner argues that the evidence is planted by the real murderer, pointing out inconsistencies such as the absence of Ashton's purse and the presence of drug-scented wrapping paper. He and Felpham then inspect the shed, where Viner finds additional paper, including a piece from the Melbourne Argus, which he believes further exonerates Hyde.
Themes in this chapter
Truth vs. Fiction
Viner challenges the police's simplistic narrative, arguing that the apparent evidence against Hyde is a fabrication by the real killer.
Crime and Detection
The chapter focuses on the discovery of physical evidence, forensic reasoning (scented paper), and the clash between police assumptions and Viner's deductions.
Justice and Innocence
Viner insists on Hyde's innocence and works to uncover the truth, opposing the inspector's rush to judgment.
Characters to notice
- Richard Viner
Investigates the shed where Hyde stayed, argues with Drillford about the planted evidence, and collects additional paper clues.
- Mr. Pawle
Not present in this chapter.
- Mr. Ashton
His stolen watch and ring are found in the shed; his purse is notably missing.
- Langton Hyde
His statement about the shed is used against him, but Viner argues the evidence was planted by the real murderer.
- Inspector Drillford
Convinced of Hyde's guilt, he shows the recovered valuables and dismisses Viner's counterarguments.
- Felpham
Viner's solicitor, accompanies him to the police station and the shed, supporting Viner's reasoning.
Key passages
“Seen that paragraph in the evening papers? By George! that's serious news! What a pity that Hyde ever made that statement about his doings on the night of the murder! It would have been far better if he'd held his tongue altogether.”
Felpham expresses alarm that Hyde's detailed account of his whereabouts has now been linked to the discovery of stolen goods, making the situation worse.
Felpham's concern highlights the danger of Hyde's own words being used against him.
“I wonder, if Hyde really did put those things there, how Hyde came to be carrying about with him these sheets of paper which had certainly been used before for the wrappings of chemicals or drugs?”
Viner questions why Hyde would have possessed paper that smells of drugs, suggesting the evidence was planted by someone else.
Viner uses the scent of the paper as a key clue to challenge the police theory.
“If Hyde took the whole lot, do you think he would ever have been such a consummate ass as to wait until next morning to pawn that ring in Edgware Road? The idea is preposterous!”
Viner argues that if Hyde had stolen everything, he would have used the cash to flee immediately rather than pawn a ring the next day.
Viner points to the missing purse as proof that Hyde did not commit the robbery.