The Paradise Mystery · Chapter
XVII: To Be Shadowed explained
Dick Bewery brings news of a secret nighttime excavation in Paradise that led to the discovery of the stolen Saxonsteade jewels.
What happens
Dick Bewery brings news of a secret nighttime excavation in Paradise that led to the discovery of the stolen Saxonsteade jewels. Later, Inspector Mitchington and Detective-Sergeant Jettison visit Dr. Ransford, revealing that the murdered man was actually John Brake, an ex-convict who knew the jewels' hiding place. They press Ransford for information about Brake, but Ransford remains cautious, asking for time before revealing what he knows.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Ransford keeps his knowledge secret, and the police suspect him of involvement in the murders.
Gossip and Community Suspicion
Mary mentions cruel rumors about Ransford circulating in the town, reflecting community suspicion.
Justice and Morality
The police pursue justice for Brake and Collishaw, but their suspicion of Ransford raises questions about moral judgment.
Characters to notice
- Mary Bewery
Listens to Dick's news and expresses concern about rumors against Ransford.
- Dr. Mark Ransford
Receives the police visitors, listens to their theory, and asks for time before giving his confidence.
- Dick Bewery
Bursts in with news of the jewel discovery and the night digging in Paradise.
- Inspector Mitchington
Visits Ransford with Detective-Sergeant Jettison, reveals the identity of Braden as John Brake, and asks for Ransford's help.
- Mr. Jettison
Detective-Sergeant from Scotland Yard who presents his theory that Brake was robbed of a diagram and murdered.
- Barthorpe
Referred to as 'old Harker' by Dick; Bryce fetched him to observe the digging.
Key passages
““More mystery!” remarked Mary when Dick’s story had come to an end. “What a pity they didn’t open the parcel!””
Mary commented on the ongoing mystery, regretting that the sealed packet found in Paradise was not opened.
Mary's curiosity reflects the reader's desire for answers.
““I shouldn’t care, if only these rumours in the town—about you—could be crushed!” she said. “It’s so cruel, so vile, that such things—””
Mary expressed distress over the cruel rumors about Ransford in Wrychester.
Highlights the theme of gossip and community suspicion.
““My theory—and I’ll lay anything it’s the correct one!—is this,” replied Jettison. “Brake came to Wrychester with his secret... he was seized and robbed of that paper and flung to his death.””
Detective Jettison theorized that Brake was followed, robbed of a diagram showing the jewels' location, and then murdered.
Jettison's theory is central to the chapter's plot development.