The Paradise Mystery · Chapter
XX: Jettison Takes a Hand explained
Detective-Sergeant Jettison investigates the Collishaw case, visiting the Wrychester Second Friendly Society to learn that Collishaw deposited fifty pounds in gold shortly before his death.
What happens
Detective-Sergeant Jettison investigates the Collishaw case, visiting the Wrychester Second Friendly Society to learn that Collishaw deposited fifty pounds in gold shortly before his death. He then checks local banks and discovers a significant clue. Meanwhile, Mitchington reports that both Ransford and Bryce are out of town. The chapter ends with a telegram from Ransford claiming the mystery is cleared up and asking them to meet him at the station.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Jettison's investigation uncovers hidden financial transactions and secret dealings, suggesting that Collishaw's fifty pounds came from an undisclosed source.
Greed and Ambition
The fifty-pound payment to Collishaw hints at bribery or reward for information, reflecting the corrupting influence of money in the case.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Jettison
Conducts investigation into Collishaw's finances, visits the Friendly Society and banks, and receives Ransford's telegram.
- Inspector Mitchington
Reports on Ransford and Bryce's whereabouts, discusses theories with Jettison, and receives the telegram from Ransford.
- Mr. Stebbing
Secretary of the Wrychester Second Friendly Society; informs Jettison that Collishaw deposited fifty pounds in gold two days before his death.
- Dr. Mark Ransford
Mentioned as having gone to London; sends a telegram claiming the mystery is cleared up and naming guilty men.
- Mary Bewery
Referred to as Dr. Bryce; reported to have gone out on his bicycle early in the morning, expected back for dinner.
Key passages
“I’m certain of this quite apart from whatever mystery there is about the Braden affair and the Collishaw murder, there’s a lot of scheming and contriving been going on—and is going on!—somewhere, by somebody.”
Jettison is convinced that beyond the known mysteries, there is ongoing plotting and manipulation by an unknown party.
Jettison expresses his suspicion of a larger conspiracy.
“Meet me with Jettison Wrychester Station on arrival of five-twenty express from London mystery cleared up guilty men known— Ransford .”
Ransford sends a telegram asking Jettison and Mitchington to meet him at the station, claiming he has solved the mystery and knows who the guilty men are.
Ransford's telegram signals a dramatic revelation.