The Sea Mystery · Chapter
XIII: The Accomplice? explained
Inspector French develops a new theory that Colonel Domlio may have been the mastermind behind the murders, with Berlyn as his accomplice.
What happens
Inspector French develops a new theory that Colonel Domlio may have been the mastermind behind the murders, with Berlyn as his accomplice. He tests this by interviewing Sergeant Daw about Domlio's character, then visits Domlio's house to question him and his servants. Noticing the unease of the butler Burt and his wife, French later returns when Domlio is away and confronts Burt, demanding the truth about what they saw or heard on the night of the tragedy.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
French's theory hinges on hidden motives and secret collaboration between Domlio and Berlyn; the servants' evasiveness suggests concealed knowledge.
Jealousy and Betrayal
French speculates that Domlio's jealousy over Phyllis Berlyn drove him to murder both Berlyn and Pyke, with Berlyn as an unwitting accomplice.
Justice and Truth
French's persistent interrogation and return to confront Burt demonstrate his commitment to uncovering the truth despite obstacles.
Characters to notice
- Inspector French
Develops a new theory implicating Colonel Domlio as the accomplice; interviews Sergeant Daw, visits Domlio's house, and later returns to confront the butler Burt.
- Colonel Domlio
Becomes the prime suspect in French's new theory; described as a quiet, well-respected man of about forty-five, a senior partner at Veda Works, and an entomology hobbyist.
- Sergeant Daw
Informs French of the rumor that Berlyn murdered Pyke; provides background information on Colonel Domlio.
- John Gurney
Mentioned in French's theory as having been drugged by Domlio on the night of the murder.
- John Burt
Domlio's butler; appears uneasy and scared when questioned by French, later confronted by French after Domlio leaves.
- Mrs. Burt
Domlio's cook and general servant; shows intensified signs of unease when questioned by French.
Key passages
“Suppose that on the night of the tragedy the lines of footprints had not been faked. Suppose that after leaving the car the two men had walked across the moor and reached Domlio’s . Suppose that Domlio was the moving spirit in the affair and Berlyn merely the accomplice.”
French theorizes that the footprints were genuine and that Berlyn and Pyke actually went to Domlio's house, with Domlio as the mastermind and Berlyn as his helper.
This is the core of French's new hypothesis, shifting suspicion from Berlyn to Domlio.
“The sergeant greeted him with a peculiar smile. “I suppose, sir, you’ve heard the rumor that’s going round?” he asked at once. “What’s that, Sergeant?” “They say you’ve found out that Mr. Berlyn murdered Mr. Pyke out on the moor that night.””
Sergeant Daw tells French about a local rumor that Berlyn killed Pyke, which French confirms as true but hints at a second participant.
This exchange reveals public speculation and French's cautious approach to his evolving theory.
“That something had taken place that night of which the master of the house and the two domestics were aware, French was positive.”
French becomes certain that Domlio, Burt, and Mrs. Burt know something about the events of the murder night.
French's observation of their nervousness solidifies his suspicion that they are hiding information.