# IV: In Which Many Are Called and Two Are Chosen explained — The Roman Hat Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen.

## What happens

Inspector Queen and Ellery examine audience lists provided by Sergeant Velie, discovering that Benjamin Morgan was Monte Field's former law partner. The Inspector orders a thorough search of the theatre by cleaning women and arranges to interview Morgan. Meanwhile, the Parson (Cazzanelli) is apprehended and interrogated, but he claims ignorance and is detained. A blue ticket stub found near the main door does not match the torn edges of the stub found on the victim, suggesting a discrepancy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and False Appearances

The Parson's shifting demeanor and false innocence, along with the mismatched ticket stubs, underscore the theme of deceptive appearances.

### The Relentless Quest for Truth

Inspector Queen's meticulous examination of audience lists and ticket stubs demonstrates the relentless pursuit of truth.

## Character check-ins

### Ellery Queen

Observes the interrogation of the Parson and assists his father in examining evidence.

### Richard Queen

Leads the investigation, orders the audience list compilation, and interrogates the Parson.

### Thomas Velie

Brings the first half of the audience list and identifies Benjamin Morgan as Field's former partner.

### Benjamin Morgan

Identified as Monte Field's former law partner; summoned for questioning.

### Parson Johnny

Apprehended and interrogated; claims ignorance and is detained.

### Louis Panzer

Instructed to have cleaning women search the theatre thoroughly for ticket stubs and other items.

## Key lines

> Be thankful for small favors,” smiled Ellery. “One error breeds twenty more.”

Ellery remarks that a single mistake can lead to many more, suggesting the value of small advantages in an investigation.

_Ellery's comment reflects the deductive principle that errors compound, a key theme in the chapter._

> I don’t know nothin’ and besides I got nothin’ to say,” muttered the Parson, shifting from one foot to the other.

The Parson claims ignorance and refuses to speak, a typical evasion tactic during interrogation.

_The Parson's denial contrasts with his earlier actions, highlighting his deceptive nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters/part-one-iv-in-which-many-are-called-and-two-are-chosen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters