# The Motive explained — The Old Man in the Corner

> Chapter companion for The Old Man in the Corner by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

The Old Man in the Corner recounts the Regent's Park murder case, focusing on the seemingly damning circumstantial evidence against John Ashley—including a overheard conversation, a found revolver, and a valet's testimony—which is ultimately shattered by an unassailable alibi proving Ashley was playing bridge at the Ashton Club at the time of the murder.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

The seemingly damning evidence against Ashley is revealed to be misleading; the real killer remains unknown.

### Justice and Impunity

Ashley escapes conviction due to a solid alibi, but the true murderer is never caught, highlighting the fallibility of the justice system.

### The Power of Observation

The Old Man's keen analysis contrasts with the police's flawed conclusions, emphasizing the value of careful scrutiny.

## Character check-ins

### The Old Man in the Corner

Narrates the Regent's Park murder case, analyzing the police's flawed reasoning and the dramatic turn of events.

### Polly Burton

Listener to the Old Man's story; her reactions are implied by his sarcastic smiles.

### John Ashley

Accused of murdering Aaron Cohen; his calm demeanor and alibi prove his innocence.

### Aaron Cohen

Murder victim; a creditor of John Ashley, found strangled and shot in Regent's Park.

### Constable James Funnell

Police constable who overheard a conversation near the park railings and later found the keys.

### Arthur Chipps

John Ashley's valet; testified that Ashley briefly returned home on the night of the murder.

## Key lines

> Seek him whom the crime benefits

Look for the person who gains from the crime.

_The Old Man references the French investigative principle to critique the police's focus on motive._

> It is but a question of time, Mr. Cohen. I know my father will pay the money for me, and you will lose nothing by waiting.

Just give me more time, Mr. Cohen; my father will cover the debt, and you won't suffer any loss.

_The conversation overheard by Constable Funnell, later used as evidence against Ashley._

> I left the club, sir, fully determined to speak with Mr. Cohen alone in order to ask him for a delay in the settlement of my debt to him.

I left the club intending to privately ask Mr. Cohen for an extension on my debt repayment.

_Ashley's explanation for his actions on the night of the murder._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_man_in_the_corner_se/chapters/xxix-the-motive
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_man_in_the_corner_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_man_in_the_corner_se/chapters