The Middle Temple Murder · Chapter
XII: The New Witness explained
At the inquest, a new witness, David Lyell, a Scottish traveller, testifies that he saw Mr.
What happens
At the inquest, a new witness, David Lyell, a Scottish traveller, testifies that he saw Mr. Aylmore with John Marbury near Waterloo Bridge on the night of the murder and followed them to the Embankment entrance of Middle Temple Lane. This contradicts Aylmore's earlier claim that he parted from Marbury at the bridge. The Treasury Counsel then calls the porter of the Embankment lodge, who identifies Aylmore as 'Mr. Anderson,' a resident of the Temple, further undermining Aylmore's credibility.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Blackmail
Aylmore's false testimony about parting from Marbury at the bridge is exposed by Lyell's evidence, revealing deliberate deception.
Identity and Secrecy
Aylmore is revealed to have been living in the Temple under the alias 'Mr. Anderson,' highlighting hidden identities.
Class and Reputation
Aylmore, a Member of Parliament, is publicly contradicted, threatening his social standing and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Stephen Aylmore
Aylmore is questioned at the inquest and resents inquiries into his past. He is later contradicted by witness David Lyell and identified as 'Mr. Anderson' by the Temple porter.
- David Lyell
A Scottish traveller and secretary of a Liberal Ward Club, Lyell testifies that he saw Aylmore with John Marbury near Waterloo Bridge and followed them to Middle Temple Lane.
- John Marbury
Marbury is the deceased; Lyell identifies him as the man he saw with Aylmore on the night of the murder.
- Frank Spargo
Spargo observes the proceedings keenly, noting the reactions of Aylmore's daughters and Ronald Breton.
- Ronald Breton
Breton is present in court, nervously tapping his hat as the testimony unfolds.
- Jessie Aylmore
Jessie, the younger daughter, stares steadily at the witness Lyell, showing anxiety for her father.
Key passages
“I am sure, Mr. Aylmore, there is no wish to trouble you with unnecessary questions. But we are here to get at the truth of this matter of John Marbury's death, and as you are the only witness we have had who knew him personally—”
The coroner assures Aylmore that the questions are necessary to uncover the truth about Marbury's death, since Aylmore is the only witness who knew him.
The coroner sets the stage for the interrogation, emphasizing Aylmore's unique knowledge.
“I have every wish to respect your authority, sir! And I have told you all that I know of Marbury and of what happened when I met him the other evening. But I resent being questioned on my private affairs of twenty years ago—I very much resent it!”
Aylmore expresses frustration at being asked about his distant past, insisting he has already shared all relevant information.
Aylmore's defensive tone hints at secrets he wishes to protect.
“You swear on your oath that you saw Mr. Aylmore take his companion into the Temple by the Embankment entrance of Middle Temple Lane on the occasion in question? I do! I could swear no other, sir.”
Lyell confirms under oath that he witnessed Aylmore leading Marbury into the Temple via the Embankment entrance.
This testimony directly contradicts Aylmore's earlier statement, deepening the mystery.