The Paradise Mystery · Chapter
By Misadventure explained
The inquest on John Braden concludes with a verdict of death by misadventure, much to Ransford's relief.
What happens
The inquest on John Braden concludes with a verdict of death by misadventure, much to Ransford's relief. Bryce, observing Ransford's agitation, pursues his own investigation: he consults the cathedral burial register and finds Richard Jenkins's grave listed in Paradise, but a 1850 chart shows no trace of it. Meanwhile, the Duke of Saxonsteade testifies he knows nothing of Braden, and a bank manager, Mr. Alexander Chilstone, identifies Braden as a recent arrival from Australia who opened an account with £10,000.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Bryce secretly watches Ransford's relief and agitation, while Ransford's hidden knowledge about Braden remains concealed from the court.
Identity and Self-Knowledge
Braden's identity is partially revealed by Mr. Chilstone as an Australian returnee with £10,000, yet his true purpose and connections remain unknown.
Gossip and Community Suspicion
The librarian Campany speculates about Braden's origins based on the book, and the court buzzes with sensation when Chilstone arrives.
Characters to notice
- Mary Bewery
Bryce observes Ransford's relief at the verdict and later investigates the burial register and chart for Richard Jenkins's grave.
- Dr. Mark Ransford
Ransford shows signs of infinite relief after the verdict, but becomes agitated when Mr. Chilstone arrives to identify Braden.
- Barthorpe
Simpson Harker sits silently in court, later peers at the History of Barthorpe found in Braden's suitcase, and remarks to Bryce about the doctor's presence when the book was found.
- Mr. John Braden
The deceased stranger; the inquest returns a verdict of death by misadventure, and Mr. Chilstone identifies him as a recent arrival from Australia who deposited £10,000 in the bank.
- Duke of Saxonsteade
The Duke testifies that he never knew Braden and can suggest no reason why Braden wished to see him, though he speculates about antiquarian or artistic interests.
- Mr. Alexander Chilstone
Manager of the London & Colonies Bank; he identifies Braden as a man who opened an account with £10,000 the day before his death, having just arrived from Australia.
- Ambrose Campany
The librarian suggests that the History of Barthorpe indicates Braden was from Barthorpe, and directs Bryce to the burial registers.
- Richard Jenkins
Bryce finds Jenkins's burial record in Paradise (died March 8, 1715, buried March 10), but the 1850 chart shows no trace of his tomb.
Key passages
“So the city’s cleared of the stain of murder!”
A courtroom observer expresses relief that the verdict of death by misadventure removes the suspicion of murder from the cathedral.
Reflects the community's desire to avoid scandal and the legal significance of the verdict.
“Why should anyone but a Barthorpe man, past or present, be interested in that story so far as to carry an old account of it with him?”
The librarian Campany argues that the dead man's possession of a local history book suggests he was from Barthorpe.
Highlights the use of circumstantial evidence and local knowledge in the investigation.
“I’m credited with having an unusually good memory for faces... I’d go as far as to say that I’m positive I’ve never—knowingly—set eyes on him in my life.”
The Duke of Saxonsteade asserts he has no recollection of ever seeing John Braden.
Emphasizes the mystery of Braden's identity and his unknown purpose in seeking the Duke.
