# XXXIII: Forestalled explained — The Middle Temple Murder

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

## What happens

Spargo and Breton travel to the Yorkshire fells to find Elphick and Cardlestone, but learn at the 'Moor Cock' inn that a mysterious serious-faced man has already gone ahead to their cottage. They press on through a difficult night hike across rough terrain, arriving after hours of walking to see a light in the cottage window. Breton scouts ahead and discovers the other man inside, leaving the identity a cliffhanger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journalism and Investigation

Spargo's relentless pursuit of Elphick and Cardlestone, despite the physical hardship, underscores his investigative drive.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The journey to the remote cottage is driven by the need to confront Elphick and Cardlestone, whose past actions are central to the mystery.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Spargo

Endures a grueling night hike across the fells, determined to reach Elphick and Cardlestone before the mysterious stranger.

### Ronald Breton

Guides Spargo through the darkness, recognizes the landlord at the 'Moor Cock,' and scouts the cottage to identify the stranger inside.

### Septimus Elphick

Mentioned as one of the two old men staying at the cottage in Fossdale, the target of Spargo and Breton's journey.

### Nicholas Cardlestone

Mentioned as the other old man at the cottage, alongside Elphick.

## Key lines

> “Who’s the man?” he said. “Can you think, Spargo?” “Can’t,” answered Spargo. “I was trying to, while that chap was talking. But⁠—it’s somebody that’s got in before us.”

Breton asks Spargo who the stranger is, but Spargo admits he has no idea, only that someone has arrived ahead of them.

_Highlights the suspense of the unknown rival investigator._

> “I’m going on if we go through cataracts and floods,” answered Spargo. “I might have been induced to stop at the ‘Moor Cock’ overnight if we hadn’t heard of that chap in front.”

Spargo insists on continuing despite the rain, motivated by the news that someone else is already ahead of them.

_Shows Spargo's determination and competitive drive._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxxiii-forestalled
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters