# Arrested explained — The Middle Temple Murder > Chapter companion for The Middle Temple Murder by J. S. Fletcher. ## What happens Spargo receives two telegrams: one confirming that John Marbury was actually John Maitland, an ex-convict from Market Milcaster, and another from Rathbury announcing Aylmore's imminent arrest. He visits photographer Cooper, who confirms the photograph found with the silver ticket is of Maitland's child and provides Miss Baylis's address. Returning to London, Spargo learns from Rathbury that a bludgeon belonging to Aylmore was found in a sewer trap, leading to Aylmore's arrest. Spargo remains convinced of Aylmore's innocence and plans to follow the Maitland trail. ## Themes in this chapter ### Identity and Secrecy The chapter reveals Marbury's true identity as John Maitland, an ex-convict, highlighting the theme of hidden pasts and false identities. ### Crime and Punishment Maitland's past embezzlement and subsequent penal servitude, along with Aylmore's arrest, underscore the consequences of criminal acts. ### Journalism and Investigation Spargo's use of telegrams, interviews, and photographic evidence exemplifies the investigative role of the press in solving crimes. ### The Past Haunting the Present Maitland's old photograph and his criminal history resurface, directly influencing the current murder investigation and Aylmore's arrest. ## Character check-ins ### Frank Spargo Receives telegrams confirming Marbury's identity as Maitland and Aylmore's arrest; visits photographer Cooper; returns to London and discusses the case with Rathbury. ### Benjamin Quarterpage Accompanies Spargo to the photographer's shop and provides local knowledge about Market Milcaster. ### John Marbury Identified as John Maitland, ex-bank manager and ex-convict, through the telegram from Australia. ### John Maitland Revealed to be the true identity of John Marbury; his past as a bank embezzler and ex-convict is confirmed. ### Mr. Rathbury Sends telegram about Aylmore's arrest; informs Spargo about the bludgeon found in the sewer trap and its link to Aylmore. ### Stephen Aylmore Arrested on suspicion of murder after his bludgeon is found; claims the weapon was stolen from his rooms. ### Mr. Cooper Photographer in Market Milcaster who confirms taking the child's photograph and provides Miss Baylis's address. ### Jane Baylis Identified as the child's aunt who ordered copies of the photograph; her address in Bayswater is obtained by Spargo. ## Key lines > John Marbury came to Coolumbidgee in the winter of 1898–9. He was unaccompanied. He appeared to be in possession of fairly considerable means and bought a share in a small sheep-farm from its proprietor, Andrew Robertson... The police report from Australia states that Marbury arrived alone in Coolumbidgee in 1898, purchased a share in a sheep farm, and lived quietly until recently deciding to return to England. _This telegram provides the key evidence linking Marbury to Maitland._ > Fresh evidence tending to incriminate Aylmore has come to hand. Authorities have decided to arrest him on suspicion. You'd better hurry back if you want material for tomorrow's paper. Rathbury's telegram informs Spargo that new evidence has led to Aylmore's arrest, urging his return to London for the story. _This sets the chapter's central event of Aylmore's arrest._ > The thing—stick, bludgeon, whatever you like to call it, some foreign article—with which Marbury was struck down was found last night. Rathbury reveals that the murder weapon, a foreign bludgeon, was discovered in a sewer trap in Middle Temple Lane. _This physical evidence directly leads to Aylmore's arrest._ > Says that the bludgeon is certainly his, and that he brought it from South America with him; but that he doesn't remember seeing it in his rooms for some time, and thinks that it was stolen from them. Aylmore admits the bludgeon is his but claims it was stolen from his rooms before the murder. _Aylmore's defense suggests the weapon was planted, supporting Spargo's belief in his innocence._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxi-arrested - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters