The Patient in Room 18 · Chapter
VII: The Disappearing Key and Part of an Inquest explained
The chapter details the inquest into the deaths of Mr.
What happens
The chapter details the inquest into the deaths of Mr. Jackson and Dr. Letheny, with testimony from Sarah Keate, Maida Day, Corole Letheny, Dr. Balman, and Dr. Hajek. Maida is questioned about a lost cuff link found in Dr. Letheny's pocket, and Corole is asked about a quarrel with her husband. Sarah also discovers that the key to the south door was moved and the door of Room 18 left open, adding to the mystery.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Suspicion
The missing key and open door of Room 18 create suspicion, and the inquest reveals hidden tensions and unanswered questions.
Truth and Justice
The inquest seeks to uncover the truth behind the deaths, but testimonies are guarded and the full story remains elusive.
Characters to notice
- Maida Day
Testifies at the inquest, questioned about her lost cuff link found in Dr. Letheny's pocket and her statement about wanting money.
- Corole Letheny
Testifies at the inquest, questioned about a quarrel with Dr. Letheny and about a revolver.
- Sarah Keate
Narrates the chapter, testifies about finding Mr. Jackson dead and the stolen radium, and discovers the key to the south door was moved.
- Dr. Balman
Testifies about the causes of death, appears haggard from fatigue and worry.
- Dr. Fred Hajek
Testifies about the causes of death, his stolidity shaken.
- Lance O'Leary
Mentioned as the person Sarah intends to tell about the key and the open door.
Key passages
“I found that the patient, Mr. Jackson, was dead. The lights had gone out but a flash of lightning lit the room and I felt for his pulse and knew that he was dead.”
Sarah discovered Mr. Jackson had died during the storm, confirming his death by feeling for a pulse in the lightning's flash.
Sarah's testimony at the inquest about finding Mr. Jackson dead.
“I suppose someone could have taken the key from the nail and returned it when we were in Room 18.”
Maida suggests that the key to the south door might have been taken and replaced while they were occupied in Room 18.
Discussion about the mysterious movement of the key.
“I'd give my very soul for money.”
Maida admitted to saying she would sacrifice anything for financial gain, though she later downplayed it as exaggeration.
Coroner's questioning of Maida about her statement at the dinner party.