The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder · Chapter
The Treasure Hunt explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. J. G. Reeder is rumored among criminals to have amassed a hidden fortune through nefarious means, a legend fueled by his long career catching bank robbers and forgers. The Director of Public Prosecutions discusses Reeder's odd appearance but acknowledges his capability. Reeder recalls the threat from Lew Kohl, a forger sentenced to ten years who silently vowed to kill him. Years later, Reeder investigates Sir James Tithermite regarding his wife's suspicious drowning, while Kohl, now free, trails Reeder and discovers a notebook he believes reveals Reeder's hidden wealth. Kohl recruits Stan Bride to break into a ruined lodge where Reeder has been visiting, believing they will find the treasure.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Reeder's harmless, gentle appearance contrasts with his sharp criminal mind and capability, as noted by the Director and the judge.
Deception and Disguise
Criminals believe Reeder has hidden wealth through deception; Reeder himself uses his unassuming look to investigate.
Greed and Materialism
The criminal underworld's obsession with Reeder's supposed hidden treasure drives Lew Kohl and Stan Bride to attempt burglary.
Underworld and Criminal Networks
The chapter describes the gossip and legends about detectives within prison circles and the criminal underworld.
Characters to notice
- Mr. J. G. Reeder
The detective is the subject of criminal legends about hidden wealth; he recalls Lew Kohl's threat and investigates Sir James Tithermite's case.
- Lew Kohl
A forger sentenced to ten years who silently vowed to kill Reeder; after release, he trails Reeder and finds a notebook he believes reveals Reeder's hidden treasure.
- Stan Bride
Former co-lodger of Lew Kohl; he is recruited by Kohl to help break into the ruined lodge, agreeing to plain thieving.
- Sir James Tithermite
A baronet and Justice of the Peace under investigation by Reeder for the suspicious drowning of his wife, Lady Tithermite.
- Miss Margaret Belman
A young woman at Elfreda Manor who mistakes Reeder for a lawyer; she is being pressured to marry Sir James Tithermite.
- Director of Public Prosecutions
Lunches with a judge and discusses Reeder's appearance and capability; later assigns Reeder to investigate the Tithermite case warily.
Key passages
“There is a tradition in criminal circles that even the humblest of detective officers is a man of wealth and substance, and that his secret hoard was secured by thieving, bribery and blackmail.”
Criminals commonly believe that even the lowest detective has a hidden fortune obtained through theft, bribery, and blackmail.
Introduces the legend of Reeder's hidden wealth.
“He's capable, but I hate his hat. It is the sort that So-and-so used to wear; and I loathe his black frock-coat... He apologises to the messenger every time he rings for him!”
The Director admits Reeder is competent but dislikes his old-fashioned hat and coat, and finds him overly polite.
Highlights the contrast between Reeder's appearance and his effectiveness.
“Lew just smiled and his eyes caught the detective's for the space of a second—the forger's eyes were pale blue and speculative, and they held neither hate nor fury. Instead, they said in so many words: 'At the first opportunity I will kill you.'”
Lew Kohl smiled at Reeder with a calm, calculating look that silently promised to kill him when possible.
Establishes Kohl's long-standing threat against Reeder.
“I've found his stocking!”
Lew Kohl tells Stan Bride he has discovered Reeder's hidden stash of money.
Kohl believes he has located Reeder's secret treasure.
