The Midnight Guest · Chapter
X: Ropes of Sand explained
At the inquest, witness John Stevens testifies that he saw Mrs.
What happens
At the inquest, witness John Stevens testifies that he saw Mrs. Delahay with her husband at 1:15 AM on the night of the murder, directly contradicting her earlier statement that she retired at midnight. Mrs. Delahay denies the claim, and the coroner adjourns the inquiry for a week. Inspector Dallas accompanies Mrs. Delahay to her hotel to investigate further. A chambermaid reveals that Mrs. Delahay's room was empty and the key left in the door around 12:30 AM, suggesting she may have left the hotel after her husband.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Mrs. Delahay's claim of being in her room is contradicted by Stevens' testimony and the chambermaid's evidence, suggesting hidden truths.
Crime and Mystery
The inquest reveals conflicting accounts, deepening the mystery of Louis Delahay's murder and raising questions about Mrs. Delahay's involvement.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Delahay
Accused by witness Stevens of being with her husband at the time of the murder; she denies it but appears dazed and unresponsive.
- John Stevens
Testifies at the inquest that he saw Mrs. Delahay with Mr. Delahay at 1:15 AM on the night of the murder, creating a sensation.
- Inspector Dallas
Investigates the case; questions Stevens and the hotel staff, and discovers from a chambermaid that Mrs. Delahay's room was empty and the key left in the door.
Key passages
“Something like a thrill of real excitement ran through the spectators. The remark was made so quietly and in such a natural tone, that nobody dreamt of questioning the word of the witness.”
The crowd felt a surge of excitement because the witness spoke so calmly and naturally that no one doubted his truthfulness.
Describes the impact of Stevens' testimony on the audience.
“I have no object in telling a lie, sir. I came forward in what I considered to be the interests of justice, and at some loss to myself.”
Stevens insists he is telling the truth, having come forward for justice despite personal cost.
Stevens defends his credibility during the inquest.
“The speaker is absolutely mistaken. He must have confused me with somebody else. From twelve o'clock at night till seven the next morning I was not out of my room.”
Mrs. Delahay claims Stevens is wrong and that she stayed in her room all night.
Mrs. Delahay's denial of Stevens' accusation.