# The Troupe explained — The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder

> Chapter companion for The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Mr. J. G. Reeder, working at the Public Prosecutor's office, notices a riverside cottage has been let to an American gentleman in November, which strikes him as suspicious. Meanwhile, the Canadian criminal Art Lomer, leader of a notorious troupe, arrives in London and attempts to pick Reeder's watch, only to have Reeder turn the tables and take Lomer's own stolen watch. Reeder later reports to the Director, revealing that Lomer's troupe is involved in a scheme to swindle Bertie Claude Staffen, and Reeder's investigation leads to Lomer's arrest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Art Lomer's troupe operates under the guise of a theatrical company to carry out criminal schemes, and Reeder's unassuming appearance masks his detective skills.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Reeder's weak, elderly demeanor belies his sharp intellect, while Lomer's confident exterior hides his criminal nature.

### Crime and Detection

The chapter focuses on Reeder's detection of Lomer's criminal activities, including the watch theft and the troupe's swindling operation.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. J. G. Reeder

Observes the suspicious letting of a riverside cottage, foils Art Lomer's pickpocket attempt, and later orchestrates Lomer's arrest.

### Art Lomer

Canadian criminal and troupe leader who attempts to steal Reeder's watch but is outwitted; later arrested for his involvement in swindling Bertie Staffen.

### Bertie Claude Staffen

Wealthy young man who is the target of Art Lomer's scheme; he disappears after being drawn into the troupe's activities.

### Director of Public Prosecutions

Reeder's superior, who is informed about Art Lomer and the troupe's activities.

## Key lines

> He had once 'operated' in Canada itself, but his line at that period being robbery of a kind which is necessarily accompanied by assault, he had found himself facing a Canadian magistrate, and a Canadian magistrate wields extraordinary powers.

Art Lomer had previously committed robbery with violence in Canada, but after being harshly sentenced by a Canadian magistrate, he abandoned violent crime.

_Explains Lomer's shift from violent crime to forming his troupe._

> Mr. Reeder removed his eyeglasses, rubbed them feebly on his sleeve and replaced them crookedly. 'But the country is not quite so beautiful as Canada in the fall. How is Leoni?'

Reeder casually mentions Leoni, a restaurant owner in Buffalo connected to Lomer's operations, shocking Lomer with his knowledge.

_Demonstrates Reeder's deep knowledge of Lomer's criminal network._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mind_of_mr_j_g_reeder_se/chapters/the-troupe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mind_of_mr_j_g_reeder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mind_of_mr_j_g_reeder_se/chapters