# X: Ropes of Sand explained — The Midnight Guest

> Chapter companion for The Midnight Guest by Fred M. White.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters/x-ropes-of-sand
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_midnight_guest_se/chapters