The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder · Chapter
The Poetical Policeman explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. J. G. Reeder begins his work at the Public Prosecutor's office by investigating the robbery and murder at the London Scottish and Midland Bank in Ealing. The night watchman, Arthur Malling, was found dead, chloroformed, and the bank manager, Lambton Green, is suspected of orchestrating the crime. Reeder, however, notices peculiar details—such as the scratches on Malling's hand and the flowers in Miss Magda Grayne's home—that suggest a more complex truth.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The bank appears secure, but the crime reveals hidden vulnerabilities; Green seems guilty, but Reeder suspects deeper truths.
Crime and Detection
The chapter focuses on the investigation of a bank robbery and murder, with Reeder analyzing clues like the scratches and the flowers.
Deception and Disguise
Green's story of blackmail and his planned departure may be a cover; the flowers in Miss Grayne's home are not as they appear.
Characters to notice
- Mr. J. G. Reeder
Arrives at the Public Prosecutor's office and takes an interest in the bank robbery case, noting inconsistencies in the evidence.
- Mr. Lambton Green
Bank manager and ex-convict, found preparing to leave town on the night of the robbery; he is the prime suspect.
- Arthur Malling
Night watchman found dead in the bank, chloroformed and with mysterious scratches on his hands.
- Police Constable Burnett
The constable who discovered the crime and reported seeing a man near the bank and a horseshoe on the sidewalk.
- Miss Magda Grayne
A woman connected to Green, visited by Reeder; she shows signs of distress and has a peculiar arrangement of flowers in her home.
Key passages
“The day Mr. Reeder arrived at the Public Prosecutor's office was indeed a day of fate for Mr. Lambton Green, Branch Manager of the London Scottish and Midland Bank.”
The arrival of Mr. Reeder at the Public Prosecutor's office marked a turning point for Lambton Green, the bank manager.
Introduces the central conflict and Reeder's role.
“He was probably dead when he was found, was the police doctor's verdict. What those scratches are on his right palm is a mystery.”
The police doctor concluded that Malling was likely dead upon discovery, and the scratches on his palm remain unexplained.
Highlights a key clue that Reeder will investigate.
“I was going away on a holiday, he said incoherently, as he walked up the dark thoroughfare towards the bank premises. The fact is—I was leaving the bank. I left a note explaining to the directors.”
Green claimed he was about to leave on holiday and had resigned from the bank, leaving a note for the directors.
Green's alibi and suspicious behavior are presented.