# The Final Telegram explained — The Middle Temple Murder

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-final-telegram
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_middle_temple_murder_se/chapters