The Paradise Mystery · Chapter
XII: Murder of the Mason’s Labourer explained
Bryce discovers the location of Richard Jenkins's tomb through Ambrose Campany's drawings, but before he can inspect it, he finds the mason's labourer Collishaw dead in Paradise.
What happens
Bryce discovers the location of Richard Jenkins's tomb through Ambrose Campany's drawings, but before he can inspect it, he finds the mason's labourer Collishaw dead in Paradise. Bryce suspects poisoning, and Inspector Mitchington reveals that Dr. Ransford was alone with Collishaw's tin bottle earlier that day, raising suspicions. The postmortem confirms hydrocyanic acid poisoning.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Bryce conceals his true purpose in the library; Ransford's possible deception regarding Collishaw's death.
Gossip and Community Suspicion
Mitchington's suspicions are fueled by rumours about Collishaw's knowledge and Ransford's involvement.
Justice and Morality
The murder of Collishaw raises questions about silencing a witness and the pursuit of justice.
Characters to notice
- Mary Bewery
Bryce recalls his interview with Mary Bewery and Ransford the previous day.
- Dr. Mark Ransford
Suspected of poisoning Collishaw after being alone with his tin bottle; attended Mrs. Collishaw earlier that morning.
- Inspector Mitchington
Investigates Collishaw's death, shares suspicions about Ransford, and secures evidence.
- Ambrose Campany
Librarian who shows Bryce drawings identifying Richard Jenkins's tomb.
- Collishaw
Mason's labourer found dead in Paradise; confirmed poisoned with hydrocyanic acid.
- Dick Bewery
Sent to fetch Dr. Coates and police after Collishaw's body is discovered.
Key passages
“Bryce made a forward step in the matter of solving the problem of Richard Jenkins and his tomb in Paradise.”
Bryce made progress in uncovering the mystery of Richard Jenkins's tomb.
Bryce's investigation advances through Campany's drawings.
“That man!—look at him!—a strong, healthy-looking fellow, in the very prime of life—that man has met his death by foul means.”
That healthy, strong man has been killed by foul play.
Bryce immediately suspects murder upon finding Collishaw's body.
“Coates says there's no doubt about it! Poisoned! Hydrocyanic acid!”
Coates confirms the poisoning was by hydrocyanic acid.
The postmortem confirms Bryce's suspicion of poison.