The Murders in Praed Street · Chapter
XI: The Sixth Counter explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Copperdock discovers a sixth numbered counter on his bed, identical to those found at previous murder scenes, and seeks refuge with Mr. Ludgrove. Despite his terror, Inspector Whyland suspects Copperdock himself may be behind the counters. The chapter details the investigation of Copperdock's locked house, the police surveillance, and the growing tension as the community speculates about the black sailor's involvement.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition vs. Rationality
Mr. Copperdock's superstitious fear of the black sailor contrasts with Ludgrove's and Whyland's rational attempts to explain the counter's appearance through locked-room logic and forensic examination.
Deception and Disguise
The mysterious appearance of the sixth counter in a locked room suggests deliberate deception, possibly by Copperdock himself, as Whyland suspects.
The Psychology of Fear
Copperdock's terror, his refusal to be alone, and his transformation into a local hero after the incident illustrate how fear can alter behavior and social perception.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Elmer Ludgrove
Provides shelter to the terrified Mr. Copperdock and examines the sixth counter under a magnifying glass, noting its similarity to previous ones.
- Mr. Samuel Copperdock
Finds the sixth counter on his bed, becomes hysterical, and refuses to stay alone. Later, he is interviewed by Inspector Whyland and resumes his routine under police watch.
- Ted Copperdock
Returns from visiting the Toveys and tries to reassure his father, suggesting the counter was a prank. He accompanies his father to the Cambridge Arms and back.
- Inspector Whyland
Investigates the sixth counter, compares it with previous evidence, and suspects Copperdock of being involved. He orders surveillance on Copperdock's premises.
- Ivy Tovey
Mentioned as Ted's date for a dance on the following Saturday.
Key passages
“It’s that black sailor. I always thought he’d get me.”
Mr. Copperdock blames the black sailor for the counter, expressing his long-held fear of being targeted.
Highlights Copperdock's superstitious belief in the black sailor as a supernatural avenger.
“I locked the door behind me when I went out, and nobody couldn’t have got in till I went back just now, seeing as I had the key in my pocket all the time.”
Copperdock insists the house was securely locked, creating a locked-room mystery.
Establishes the impossibility of an intruder, deepening the mystery of how the counter appeared.
“The more the Inspector considered it, the more convinced he became that Mr. Copperdock was at the bottom of the business.”
Whyland grows suspicious that Copperdock himself is responsible for the counters.
Shifts suspicion from the black sailor to the victim, adding a layer of deception.