The Middle Temple Murder · Chapter
The Final Telegram explained
Myerst confesses to finding Maitland's body first and stripping it of valuables, accusing Cardlestone of murder.
What happens
Myerst confesses to finding Maitland's body first and stripping it of valuables, accusing Cardlestone of murder. Elphick reveals the events of the night Maitland visited Cardlestone's rooms, including Jane Baylis's presence. Cardlestone dies in his sleep. Spargo deduces the truth and sends a telegram to arrest Jane Baylis for murder. Later, Spargo clears Stephen Aylmore and shares a tender moment with Jessie Aylmore.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Mystery
The mystery deepens with Myerst's confession and Elphick's account, leading to the final revelation of Jane Baylis's guilt.
Deception and Blackmail
Myerst admits to blackmailing Cardlestone and Elphick, using his knowledge of the murder to gain power over them.
The Past Haunting the Present
Cardlestone's past as Chamberlayne and the unresolved murder of Maitland continue to drive the plot, culminating in Cardlestone's death.
Characters to notice
- Frank Spargo
Receives Myerst's confession, deduces Jane Baylis's guilt, sends arrest telegram, and later clears Stephen Aylmore.
- Ronald Breton
Listens to Myerst's confession and Elphick's account, witnesses Cardlestone's death.
- Mr. E. Myerst
Confesses to finding Maitland's body, stripping it, and blackmailing Cardlestone and Elphick.
- Septimus Elphick
Reveals the events of the night Maitland visited Cardlestone, including Jane Baylis's actions.
- Nicholas Cardlestone
Dies in his sleep during the chapter.
- Jessie Aylmore
Shares a tender moment with Spargo after Stephen Aylmore is cleared.
Key passages
“The man who found Maitland lying dead there that night was—I!”
Myerst claims he was the first to discover Maitland's body.
Myerst reveals his role in the initial discovery.
“Arrest Jane Baylis at once for murder of John Maitland.”
Spargo sends a telegram ordering the immediate arrest of Jane Baylis.
Spargo's final deduction leads to the arrest warrant.
“I think that is what I really meant!”
Jessie Aylmore implies she wanted Spargo to visit her personally.
Romantic resolution between Spargo and Jessie.