# IX: The Dealer in Rare Stamps explained — The Middle Temple Murder

> Chapter companion for The Middle Temple Murder by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Spargo and Rathbury interview Mr. Myerst, who reveals that Marbury made a cryptic remark about being 'buried deep-down for many a year.' Spargo then visits stamp dealer James Criedir, who recounts Marbury's visit to his shop to sell rare stamps. Criedir gave Marbury the address of Nicholas Cardlestone, in whose building Marbury was later found murdered. Spargo realizes there is a six-hour gap in Marbury's movements that needs to be investigated.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journalism and Investigation

Spargo's journalistic instincts drive the investigation; he publishes a headline seeking information about Marbury's six-hour gap.

### Murder and Mystery

The chapter deepens the mystery of Marbury's murder by revealing his visit to a stamp dealer and the connection to Cardlestone.

### Deception and Blackmail

Myerst's confession to robbing the body and the cryptic remark about being 'buried deep-down' suggest hidden secrets and potential blackmail.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Spargo

Investigates the Marbury case, interviews Myerst and Criedir, and publishes a headline about the six-hour gap in Marbury's movements.

### Mr. Rathbury

Present during the interview with Myerst; agrees to work with Spargo and arranges to have Marbury's leather box opened.

### Mr. E. Myerst

Reports Marbury's remark about being 'buried deep-down' and confesses to robbing the body, though this is not detailed in this chapter.

### James Criedir

Retired stamp dealer who met Marbury and gave him Cardlestone's address; provides key information about Marbury's visit and the rare stamps.

### Nicholas Cardlestone

Mentioned as the philatelist to whom Criedir referred Marbury; Marbury was found murdered at the foot of Cardlestone's stairs.

### John Marbury

The murdered man; visited Criedir's shop to sell rare stamps and was given Cardlestone's address before his death.

## Key lines

> Buried—and deep-down, too—for many and many a year.

Marbury claimed he had been hidden or trapped for a very long time.

_Myerst reports this cryptic statement made by Marbury, which hints at a hidden past._

> I think, having read the Watchman account of that Marbury affair, and having seen the murdered man's photograph in your columns, that I can give you a bit of information.

Criedir believes he can provide useful details about the case after seeing the newspaper coverage.

_Criedir contacts Spargo based on the Watchman's report._

> Who Saw John Marbury Between 3:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on the Day Preceding His Murder?

Spargo's headline asks for witnesses to Marbury's whereabouts during a critical six-hour period.

_This headline reflects Spargo's key insight about the gap in Marbury's timeline._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/ix-the-dealer-in-rare-stamps
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters