# XII: Murder of the Mason’s Labourer explained — The Paradise Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Paradise Mystery by J. S. Fletcher.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters/xii-murder-of-the-mason-s-labourer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters