The Red Thumbmark · Chapter
A Startling Discovery explained
Jervis discovers a startling coincidence: the typewriter used to write Mrs.
What happens
Jervis discovers a startling coincidence: the typewriter used to write Mrs. Hornby's evidence about the Thumbograph bears the same distinctive broken 'e' as the Blickensderfer owned by Walter Hornby, leading him to suspect Walter might be the mysterious X. Despite his doubts, he accompanies Mrs. Hornby and Juliet to the Old Bailey for Reuben's trial, where Thorndyke and Anstey prepare to defend him.
Themes in this chapter
Observation and Deduction
Jervis uses the broken 'e' on the typewriter to deduce a possible link to Walter Hornby, demonstrating forensic observation.
Deception and Betrayal
The possibility that Walter Hornby, a trusted family member, could be the villain X introduces themes of betrayal.
Justice and Wrongful Accusation
Reuben's impending trial and the family's anxiety highlight the stakes of wrongful accusation.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Christopher Jervis
Discovers the typewriter coincidence linking Walter Hornby to the poisoned cigar; accompanies Mrs. Hornby and Juliet to court.
- Mrs. Hornby
Provides her written evidence about the Thumbograph; is emotionally distressed and nearly hysterical upon arriving at the Sessions House.
- Juliet Gibson
Helps correct Mrs. Hornby's memory about the Thumbograph; shows pale composure but inner terror at the trial.
- Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke
Meets the party at the Sessions House; reassures them and prepares for the trial with Anstey.
- Walter Hornby
Suspected by Jervis as the mysterious X due to the typewriter coincidence; mentioned as having purchased a secondhand Blickensderfer.
- Mr. Anstey
Present in court as counsel for the defense, already in wig and gown.
Key passages
“The coincidence was striking and even startling, though a moment's reflection convinced me that it was nothing more than a coincidence; for there must be hundreds of secondhand 'Blicks' on the market, and, as to Walter Hornby, he certainly could have no quarrel with Thorndyke, but would rather be interested in his preservation on Reuben's account.”
Jervis initially dismisses the typewriter coincidence as mere chance, reasoning that many such machines exist and Walter has no motive to harm Thorndyke.
Jervis's internal conflict between suspicion and rational doubt.
“I took the document from her hand and, in spite of the conclusion at which I had arrived, examined it with eager curiosity. And at the very first glance I felt my head swim and my heart throb violently. For the paper was headed: 'Evidence respecting the Thumbograph,' and in every one of the five small e’s that occurred in that sentence I could see plainly by the strong outdoor light a small break or interval in the summit of the loop.”
Despite his earlier reasoning, Jervis is shocked to see the distinctive broken 'e' on Mrs. Hornby's evidence, confirming the typewriter link.
The moment of startling discovery that deepens the mystery.
“What a hideous place! exclaimed Juliet... And how sordid and dirty everything looks! Yes, I answered. The uncleanness of the criminal is not confined to his moral being; wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of actual, physical dirt.”
Juliet and Jervis comment on the squalid condition of the court, associating physical dirt with moral corruption.
Reflects Victorian attitudes linking crime and filth.