# XXXI: The Penitent Window-Cleaner explained — The Middle Temple Murder

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

## What happens

Spargo places a thousand-pound reward notice in the Watchman for information about a walking-stick used in the murder. Edward Mollison, a window-cleaner, confesses to taking the stick from Mr. Aylmore's chambers and selling it to Mr. Nicholas Cardlestone. Meanwhile, an order is obtained to open the grave at Market Milcaster, and Breton promises to reveal something if the coffin is empty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journalism and Investigation

Spargo uses the Watchman's resources to offer a reward and actively pursues leads, demonstrating the power of the press in criminal investigations.

### Deception and Blackmail

Mollison's theft of the stick and his tale to Cardlestone involve deception, while the reward notice aims to uncover the truth behind the murder weapon.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The investigation into the stick and the impending grave opening at Market Milcaster suggest that past events are crucial to solving the murder.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Spargo

Places a reward notice for the walking-stick, interviews Mollison, and prepares to go to Market Milcaster for the grave opening.

### Ronald Breton

Visits Spargo, expresses skepticism about the reward, and agrees to accompany him to Market Milcaster, promising to reveal something if the grave is empty.

### Edward Mollison

A window-cleaner who confesses to taking the walking-stick from Aylmore's chambers and selling it to Nicholas Cardlestone.

### Stephen Aylmore

Referred to as the occupant of the chambers in Fountain Court, Temple, under the name of Mr. Anderson, from where the stick was taken.

### Nicholas Cardlestone

Identified as the buyer of the walking-stick from Mollison; lives in Middle Temple Lane.

## Key lines

> There is more magic in a thousand-pound reward than you fancy, Breton. I’ll have the history of that stick before midnight.

Spargo confidently tells Breton that the reward will attract information about the stick quickly.

_Spargo's belief in the effectiveness of financial incentives in investigations._

> If that grave proves to be—empty—I’ll—I’ll tell you something.

Breton hints that he will reveal important information if the coffin at Market Milcaster is found empty.

_Breton's cryptic promise adds suspense to the upcoming grave opening._

> It was cert'nly me as took it, sir. Not that I meant to pinch it—not me! And, as you might say, I didn't take it, when all's said and done. It was—put on me.

Mollison admits to taking the stick but claims it was not intentional theft, as it was handed to him by the charwoman.

_Mollison's rationalization of his actions reflects his attempt to avoid blame._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxxi-the-penitent-window-cleaner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters