# Exhibits explained — The Rasp

> Chapter companion for The Rasp by Philip MacDonald.

## What happens

Anthony Gethryn visits Deacon in his cell to discuss the evidence against him, including the fingerprints on the wood-rasp and a mysterious silk cord found in Deacon's room. Deacon maintains his innocence and expresses bewilderment at the planted evidence. After the visit, Anthony encounters Dora Masterson running distraught toward the police station and persuades her to come to the inn instead, asking for her help.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Fallibility of Evidence

Deacon's fingerprints on the murder weapon are presented as incontrovertible proof, yet Anthony believes Deacon is innocent, highlighting the potential for planted or misleading evidence.

### Secrecy and Blackmail

The newspaper cuttings found in a secret drawer suggest hidden motives and possible blackmail involving the victim.

## Character check-ins

### Anthony Gethryn

Visits Deacon in jail, examines evidence, and later intercepts Dora Masterson on the road.

### Mr. Deacon

In his cell, discusses the fingerprints and silk cord with Anthony, maintaining his innocence.

### Miss Dora Masterson

Seen running distraught toward the police station; Anthony stops her and asks for her help.

### Sir Arthur Digby-Coates

Mentioned as having provided Deacon with books, cigars, and legal arrangements.

### Marshall

Mentioned as the barrister being retained for Deacon's defense.

## Key lines

> I tell you, I didn't kill the boss, and yet the thing he's killed with is all over the marks of my fingers! And as far as I know I never even saw the gadget before! It doesn't work out, does it?

Deacon protests his innocence, pointing out the contradiction between the fingerprint evidence and his claim of never having seen the murder weapon.

_Highlights the theme of fallibility of evidence and Deacon's bewilderment._

> By God! that's a man and a half—

Anthony mutters admiringly about Deacon's courage and composure despite his dire situation.

_Shows Anthony's respect for Deacon and his determination to prove his innocence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters/xii-exhibits
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rasp_se/chapters