# Myerst Explains explained — The Middle Temple Murder

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

## What happens

Spargo and Breton confront Myerst, who reveals his knowledge of the murder and his past involvement with Chamberlayne (Cardlestone). Myerst claims he does not know who killed Maitland but possesses Maitland's papers and valuables, and he discloses that Cardlestone is actually the former stockbroker Chamberlayne. He also reveals that Elphick did not know Cardlestone's true identity until recently.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Blackmail

Myerst blackmails Cardlestone (Chamberlayne) for years, using knowledge of his fake death and past crimes.

### Identity and Secrecy

Cardlestone's true identity as Chamberlayne is revealed, and Myerst's past as a solicitor under another name is disclosed.

### The Past Haunting the Present

The Market Milcaster bank fraud and Chamberlayne's fake death continue to affect the present, leading to blackmail and murder.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Spargo

Observes the old men's distress, advises Breton to wait, and later listens to Myerst's explanation.

### Ronald Breton

Confronts Myerst, examines the power of attorney, and learns that Maitland is his father.

### Mr. E. Myerst

Explains his role in Chamberlayne's fake death, his blackmail of Cardlestone, and his possession of Maitland's belongings.

### Nicholas Cardlestone

Shown as ill and frightened; revealed to be Chamberlayne, the stockbroker from Market Milcaster.

### Septimus Elphick

Also frightened and exhausted; revealed to have been unaware of Cardlestone's true identity until recently.

### John Maitland

Referred to as the murder victim and Breton's father; Myerst claims to have his papers and valuables.

## Key lines

> I’ll explain now, if you care to hear... I’ll tell you the truth.

Myerst offers to reveal everything he knows about the case.

_Myerst begins his detailed confession._

> The old man in that room, whom you know as Nicholas Cardlestone, is in reality Chamberlayne, the stockbroker, of Market Milcaster.

Myerst reveals that Cardlestone is actually the disgraced stockbroker Chamberlayne.

_Key revelation about Cardlestone's true identity._

> I’ve got all the contents of that leather box which Maitland deposited with me—that’s safely locked up, too, and at your disposal.

Myerst claims to have secured Maitland's deposited leather box and will hand it over to Breton.

_Myerst asserts possession of key evidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxxv-myerst-explains
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters