# XXVIII: The Truth explained — The Middle of Things

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

## What happens

Viner and Miss Wickham discover that Mrs. Killenhall has defrauded Miss Wickham of ten thousand pounds by cashing a forged check. They report to Scotland Yard, where an official directs them to Inspector Drillford. Drillford reveals that Dr. Cortelyon has been arrested for the murder of John Ashton, and that Miss Penkridge's keen observation helped crack the case. Papers found on Cortelyon prove Avice Wickham is the rightful heir to the Ellingham title.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth vs. Fiction

The chapter reveals the true murderer and exposes the elaborate fiction constructed by Cortelyon and his accomplices.

### Justice and Innocence

Hyde's innocence is confirmed, and Cortelyon is arrested, moving the case toward resolution.

### The Past Haunting the Present

Ashton's past connection with Cortelyon in Australia and the recovered papers from his body unravel the mystery.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Viner

Accompanies Miss Wickham to the bank and Scotland Yard; learns of Cortelyon's arrest and the recovery of crucial papers.

### Miss Wickham

Discovers Mrs. Killenhall's fraud; recalls that Ashton once mentioned knowing Cortelyon in Australia.

### Inspector Drillford

Announces the arrest of Dr. Cortelyon for Ashton's murder and the recovery of incriminating papers and the diamond.

### Miss Bethia Penkridge

Praised by Drillford for her sharp observation that led to the breakthrough in the case.

### Dr. Cortelyon

Arrested for the murder of John Ashton; found in possession of the diamond, a ring, and key documents.

### Mrs. Killenhall

Flees after cashing a fraudulent check for ten thousand pounds; revealed as an accessory to the murder.

## Key lines

> The real truth of all this, Mr. Viner, is that this is probably one of the last chapters in the history of the Lonsdale Passage murder.

The Scotland Yard official suggests that the case is nearing its conclusion.

_Foreshadows the imminent resolution of the murder mystery._

> Dr. Cortelyon, of your square!

Inspector Drillford reveals that the murderer is Dr. Cortelyon, a neighbor.

_Key revelation that the killer was someone known to the community._

> I only hope he's not one of those chaps who are so clever that they can secrete poison to the very last moment and then cheat the gallows

Drillford worries that Cortelyon might commit suicide to avoid execution.

_Highlights the danger and cunning of the arrested suspect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters/xxviii-the-truth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_of_things_se/chapters