The Mystery of a Hansom Cab · Chapter
Missing explained
Calton and Kilsip struggle to locate Sal Rawlins, the only witness who can prove Brian Fitzgerald's innocence.
What happens
Calton and Kilsip struggle to locate Sal Rawlins, the only witness who can prove Brian Fitzgerald's innocence. Kilsip discovers that Sal briefly joined the Salvation Army before disappearing into Sydney's slums. Meanwhile, Mother Guttersnipe reveals that Oliver Whyte had visited the dying 'Queen' multiple times, deepening the mystery. Fitzgerald admits to being at Mother Guttersnipe's on the night of the murder but refuses to disclose what the dying woman told him, fearing it would break Madge's heart. The trial is adjourned to October due to the missing witness.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Fitzgerald's refusal to reveal the dying woman's secret, despite facing a murder charge, underscores the theme of hidden truths and their consequences.
Justice and Injustice
The difficulty in locating Sal Rawlins highlights the precariousness of justice, as Fitzgerald's life hangs on the testimony of a single, elusive witness.
The Past and Its Consequences
The mysterious 'Queen' and her connection to Whyte and Fitzgerald suggest that past events in England are driving the present crisis.
Characters to notice
- Duncan Calton
Desperately seeks Sal Rawlins to save Fitzgerald; learns from Kilsip about Whyte's visits to the 'Queen' and Fitzgerald's secret.
- Mr. Kilsip
Investigates Sal Rawlins' disappearance; discovers her brief stint in the Salvation Army and her flight to Sydney; reports Whyte's visits to the 'Queen'.
- Brian Fitzgerald
Imprisoned, admits to being at Mother Guttersnipe's on the murder night but refuses to reveal the dying woman's secret, fearing it would hurt Madge.
- Madge Frettlby
Mentioned as being very ill due to worry over Fitzgerald's situation.
- Mother Guttersnipe
Reveals that Oliver Whyte visited the 'Queen' multiple times; angrily resists police surveillance and threatens violence.
- Sal Rawlins
The key missing witness; last seen in a Sydney slum with a Chinaman after leaving the Salvation Army; cannot read, making reward notices ineffective.
- Oliver Whyte
Revealed to have visited the dying 'Queen' several times, suggesting a prior connection to the mysterious woman.
Key passages
“It will resolve itself into a question of identification, I expect. However, if the police can't find her, we will put an advertisement in the papers offering a reward, and send out handbills to the same effect. She must be found. Brian Fitzgerald's life hangs on a thread, and that thread is Sal Rawlins.”
Calton decides to use newspaper ads and handbills offering rewards to find Sal Rawlins, as her testimony is crucial to saving Fitzgerald from execution.
Highlights the desperate search for the missing witness.
“I will never repeat what that wretched woman told me. When I would not tell you before, in order to save my life, it is not likely I am going to do so now, when I have nothing to gain and everything to lose by telling it.”
Fitzgerald refuses to disclose the dying woman's secret, even though it could clear him, because revealing it would harm Madge.
Shows Fitzgerald's sacrificial loyalty to Madge over his own safety.