# XVII: To Be Shadowed explained — The Paradise Mystery

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters/xvii-to-be-shadowed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_paradise_mystery_se/chapters