The Old Man in the Corner · Chapter
IV: The Robbery in Phillimore Terrace explained
Polly Burton returns to the A.B.C.
What happens
Polly Burton returns to the A.B.C. shop and meets the Old Man in the Corner, who recounts the details of a diamond robbery at No. 22 Phillimore Terrace. The story involves a tramp caught by a constable and a frantic servant named Robertson, who claims the diamonds of his master, Mr. Ferdinand Knopf, have been stolen. The investigation leads to Mr. Shipman, a jeweller who had just purchased £25,000 worth of diamonds from Knopf, only to discover that he too has been robbed.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The tramp appears to be a thief but is later revealed to be innocent, while the true culprit remains hidden, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances.
Deception and Forgery
The urgent letter from Dr. J. Collins about Mr. Emile Knopf's illness is later suspected to be a ruse to lure Mr. Knopf away, suggesting a planned deception.
Greed and Motive
The theft of £25,000 worth of diamonds underscores the role of greed as a motive for the crime, with both Mr. Knopf and Mr. Shipman being victims of robbery.
Characters to notice
- Polly Burton
Returns to the A.B.C. shop and listens to the Old Man in the Corner's account of the Phillimore Terrace robbery.
- The Old Man in the Corner
Narrates the details of the robbery, including the actions of Constable D 21 and the involvement of Mr. Knopf and Mr. Shipman.
- Robertson
The servant of Mr. Knopf who discovers the robbery and accuses the tramp of stealing the diamonds.
- Mr. Knopf
The diamond merchant who leaves for Brighton after receiving an urgent letter about his brother, leaving Robertson in charge of the diamonds.
- Mr. Shipman
The jeweller who dined with Mr. Knopf and purchased £25,000 worth of diamonds, only to discover later that he too has been robbed.
- Constable D 21
The police constable who witnesses the confrontation between Robertson and the tramp and later investigates the robbery.
Key passages
“‘I thought you would not keep away very long,’ said a quiet voice close to her ear.”
The Old Man in the Corner greets Polly, implying he expected her return.
Shows the ongoing dynamic between Polly and the Old Man.
“‘I have been robbed—robbed—I—that is—my master— Mr. Knopf. The desk is open—the diamonds gone—all in my charge—and—now they are stolen!’”
Robertson frantically reports the theft of his master's diamonds to the constable.
Highlights Robertson's panic and the immediate aftermath of the robbery.
“‘I bought £25,000 worth of him,’ added the jeweller, as if he were speaking of so many farthings, ‘and gave him a cheque across the dinner table for that amount.’”
Mr. Shipman casually mentions purchasing a large quantity of diamonds from Mr. Knopf.
Emphasizes the casual nature of high-value transactions among wealthy individuals.
“‘The diamonds!’ he gasped. ‘I have been robbed.’”
Mr. Shipman discovers that the diamonds he bought from Knopf have also been stolen.
Reveals the twist that both men are victims of the same crime.