The Middle Temple Murder · Chapter
XXIV: Mother Gutch explained
Spargo, after questioning Miss Baylis about John Maitland and his son, is approached by an eavesdropping old woman, Mother Gutch, who claims to know a secret about Miss Baylis.
What happens
Spargo, after questioning Miss Baylis about John Maitland and his son, is approached by an eavesdropping old woman, Mother Gutch, who claims to know a secret about Miss Baylis. They meet at the 'King of Madagascar' tavern, where Mother Gutch reveals that the boy is not dead and that she knows what Miss Baylis did with him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Blackmail
Mother Gutch attempts to blackmail Spargo by offering to reveal a secret about Jane Baylis in exchange for money.
Identity and Secrecy
The chapter revolves around the hidden truth about the fate of Maitland's son and the secrets held by Jane Baylis.
The Past Haunting the Present
Jane Baylis's past actions regarding Maitland's son continue to affect the present investigation.
Characters to notice
- Frank Spargo
Spargo questions Miss Baylis and later meets Mother Gutch, who offers to sell a secret about Jane Baylis.
- Jane Baylis
Miss Baylis is interviewed by Spargo; she refuses to help and claims the boy is dead.
- Mother Gutch
Mother Gutch, a former housekeeper of Jane Baylis, eavesdrops and later meets Spargo to reveal that the boy is alive and she knows what Baylis did with him.
- John Maitland
Maitland is discussed as the father of the boy and as having been imprisoned.
Key passages
“I’ve just thought of something else,” he said. “I told you that I’m certain Marbury was Maitland, and that he came to a sad end—murdered.””
Spargo informs Miss Baylis that he is convinced Marbury is Maitland and that he was murdered.
Spargo reveals his certainty about Marbury's identity and the murder.
“All lies, young man, the boy isn’t dead—any more than I am. And my secret is—” “Well?” demanded Spargo impatiently. “What is it?” “This!” answered Mother Gutch, digging her companion in the ribs, “I know what she did with him!””
Mother Gutch claims that the boy is alive and that she knows what Jane Baylis did with him.
Mother Gutch reveals the central secret of the chapter.