The Middle Temple Murder · Chapter
The Man from the Safe Deposit explained
Spargo meets with Detective Rathbury to share progress on the Marbury case.
What happens
Spargo meets with Detective Rathbury to share progress on the Marbury case. He reveals that Stephen Aylmore, a Member of Parliament, has been identified as the man who accompanied Marbury on the night of the murder. Aylmore's account explains the scrap of paper and the diamonds, but also reveals that Marbury was carrying a bag of diamonds, gold, and papers—none of which were found on the body. Rathbury theorizes Marbury was decoyed into the Temple, murdered, and robbed. The chapter ends with the arrival of Mr. Myerst, secretary of the London and Universal Safe Deposit Company, who reveals that Marbury deposited a small leather box at their establishment shortly before his death.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Investigation
Spargo's investigative journalism drives the case forward, using the Watchman article to identify Aylmore and uncover new leads.
Deception and Blackmail
The missing diamonds, gold, and papers suggest Marbury was robbed after being deceived or lured into the Temple.
The Past Haunting the Present
Aylmore's past acquaintance with Marbury resurfaces, and Marbury's remark about the box having been buried 'for many and many a year' hints at hidden history.
Characters to notice
- Frank Spargo
Shares his discovery of Stephen Aylmore as Marbury's companion and the details of Aylmore's account.
- Mr. Rathbury
Detective in charge of the case; discusses theories with Spargo and receives Mr. Myerst's information.
- Mr. E. Myerst
Secretary of the London and Universal Safe Deposit Company; reports that Marbury deposited a leather box on June 21st.
- Stephen Aylmore
Identified as the man who met Marbury at the House of Commons and accompanied him to the Anglo-Orient Hotel.
- Ronald Breton
Mentioned as being engaged to Aylmore's daughter and as the person whose address Marbury wrote down.
- John Marbury
The murder victim; his actions before death are detailed, including depositing a leather box at the safe deposit company.
- Mr. Webster
Farmer who identified Aylmore from a photograph after witnessing the meeting at the House of Commons.
- Mr. Walters
Manager of the Anglo-Orient Hotel; recognized Aylmore's portrait and provided evidence of the diamond discovery.
Key passages
“I understand that you are the officer in charge of the Marbury murder case. I believe I can give you some valuable information in respect to that.”
Mr. Myerst introduces himself to Rathbury, claiming to have important information about the Marbury murder.
Myerst's arrival provides a new lead regarding Marbury's safe deposit box.
“That box is safe now. But it's been safer. It's been buried—and deep-down, too—for many and many a year!”
Marbury told Myerst that his leather box had once been buried deep underground for a long time.
This cryptic remark suggests the box contains something of great significance and a hidden past.
“I've found him. That's what I wrote that article for—to find him. I knew it would find him.”
Spargo tells Rathbury that his newspaper article successfully identified Aylmore as Marbury's companion.
Spargo's investigative strategy pays off, leading to a key witness.
