The Rasp · Chapter
The Bow and Arrow explained
Anthony Gethryn returns to the study to examine the scar on the rosewood table, which he realizes is a perfect impression of the wood-rasp.
What happens
Anthony Gethryn returns to the study to examine the scar on the rosewood table, which he realizes is a perfect impression of the wood-rasp. He deduces that the mark's central position and the newness of the rasp's handle are inconsistent with the murder. Later, at the police station, he examines the wood-rasp and discovers that the blade is loose, and he finds two threads of white linen and two small wedges of wood inside the handle, which he preserves as evidence. He also reviews fingerprint photographs and notes that only Deacon's prints are present, hinting at a setup.
Themes in this chapter
The Fallibility of Evidence
Anthony questions the apparent evidence, such as the perfect table scar and the clean fingerprints, suggesting that what seems conclusive may be misleading.
The Detective as Outsider
Anthony works independently, puzzling Boyd and Sir Arthur with his unconventional methods and insights, positioning himself as an outsider to the official investigation.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Gethryn
Examines the study's table scar, deduces inconsistencies with the wood-rasp, and later discovers hidden evidence in the rasp's handle.
- Sir Arthur Digby-Coates
Interacts with Anthony in the study, expresses distress about the murder, and later realizes he was sitting by the window above the study during the crime.
- Colonel Gethryn
Referred to as 'Boyd' in the chapter; he accompanies Anthony to the police station, provides fingerprint photographs, and agrees to help Anthony.
- Mr. Deacon
Mentioned as the arrested suspect; Anthony notes that only his fingerprints are on the rasp handle, suggesting a deliberate setup.
Key passages
“I’ve got it! ... 'O frabjous day, Calloo callay!' Rappings from Doyle!”
Anthony exclaims in triumph, quoting Lewis Carroll and alluding to Sherlock Holmes, as he realizes the significance of the table scar.
Shows Anthony's moment of insight and his playful, literary manner.
“What lovely little marks! How kind of Archibald! ... He couldn’t bear to think of you wasting your time detecting all the wrong people, so he left his card for you.”
Anthony sarcastically remarks that Deacon's fingerprints are too conveniently placed, implying they were left deliberately to mislead.
Highlights Anthony's suspicion that the evidence is staged.