The Secret of Chimneys · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to 'Punkie'.
Chapter 2
The Secret of Chimneys
Anthony Cade arrives at Chimneys and is drawn into the intrigue surrounding the Herzoslovakian diamond and the murder of Prince Michael. He meets Virginia Revel and other key figures, and begins to unravel the secrets of the estate.
Chapter 3
I: Anthony Cade Signs On
Anthony Cade, working as a tour guide for Castle's Select Tour in Bulawayo, meets his old friend Jimmy McGrath. McGrath proposes that Anthony deliver a manuscript of Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London in exchange for a thousand pounds, offering Anthony a quarter of the fee. The chapter includes their discussion of Herzoslovakia, the late Count Stylptitch, and the assassination of King Nicholas IV and Queen Varaga.
Chapter 4
A Lady in Distress
Anthony Cade agrees to travel to England under the alias James McGrath to deliver a manuscript by the late Count Stylptitch. During their conversation, Anthony deduces that the manuscript may be linked to political intrigue surrounding Herzoslovakia and the notorious jewel thief King Victor. Jimmy McGrath then entrusts Anthony with a second commission: to personally return a bundle of blackmail letters to an Englishwoman, whose only address is 'Chimneys.'
Chapter 5
Anxiety in High Places
Lord Caterham is cornered by George Lomax outside his London club and reluctantly agrees to host a politically sensitive house party at Chimneys for Prince Michael Obolovitch, with the aim of securing oil concessions for a British syndicate. Lomax also reveals his anxiety over Count Stylptitch's memoirs, which could contain damaging secrets, and suggests inviting Virginia Revel to charm the Canadian James McGrath into delaying publication.
Chapter 6
IV: Introducing a Very Charming Lady
George Lomax returns to Whitehall and sends Bill Eversleigh to deliver a message to Virginia Revel, pretending her telephone is out of order so he can see her. Virginia agrees to meet Lomax at four o'clock, and she and Bill share a flirtatious exchange before going to lunch.
Chapter 7
First Night in London
Anthony Cade arrives in London under the alias Jimmy McGrath, checks into the Blitz Hotel, and is visited by Baron Lolopretjzyl, who attempts to buy off the memoirs of Count Stylptitch. After the Baron leaves, Anthony discovers that the letters he was carrying have been stolen from his suitcase. He later identifies Virginia Revel from a society photograph and decides to investigate her, while a foreign intruder confronts him demanding the memoirs.
Chapter 8
VI: The Gentle Art of Blackmail
Virginia Revel returns home to find a foreign blackmailer waiting for her. He presents a letter signed 'Virginia Revel' that she did not write, attempting to extort money. Instead of exposing him, she plays along, pays him forty pounds, and later explains to George Lomax that she did so to protect the real writer and to enjoy the experience. George is horrified but asks her to charm a young man arriving the next day.
Chapter 9
Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation
Anthony Cade, still posing as James McGrath, wakes to discover that the packet of letters he had taken from Giuseppe has been stolen. He decides not to involve the police, reasoning that Giuseppe mistook the letters for the memoirs and may try again. He meets with the hotel manager to report the incident discreetly, then receives a letter from George Lomax inviting him to Chimneys. He declines the invitation under the McGrath alias, checks out of the Blitz, and moves to a more obscure hotel under his own name. He also speaks with the publishers Balderson and Hodgkins, who urge him to hand over the memoirs for safekeeping; he agrees, receives a cheque for £1,000, and resolves to investigate 487 Pont Street in disguise.
Chapter 10
A Dead Man
Virginia Revel returns home from Ranelagh to find her household has been sent away by a bogus telegram. Her maid Élise remains, and Virginia discovers a dead man—her blackmailer—shot in her study. She struggles with whether to call the police, fearing the implications of the blackmail letters, and eventually turns to a young unemployed man (Anthony Cade) for help.
Chapter 11
IX: Anthony Disposes of a Body
Anthony Cade and Virginia Revel decide to dispose of the body of the blackmailer Giuseppe rather than call the police. Anthony devises a plan: Virginia will travel to Chimneys while he handles the body. He drives to a remote road, dumps the body, hides the pistol in a tree, and later arrives at Chimneys, where he hears a shot from within the house.
Chapter 12
X: Chimneys
The chapter opens at Chimneys, where Inspector Badgworthy and Constable Johnson are summoned to investigate a murder. Lord Caterham, visibly agitated, leads the police and Dr. Cartwright to the Council Chamber where the body of a foreign gentleman, identified hesitantly as Count Stanislaus, lies. Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent announces that George Lomax is coming to take charge. The chapter also details the arrival of various guests and the police's initial inquiries, including noticing a stranger at The Jolly Cricketers.
Chapter 13
XI: Superintendent Battle Arrives
Superintendent Battle arrives at Chimneys to investigate the murder of Prince Michael. Lord Caterham, George Lomax, and Colonel Melrose brief him on the case. Battle reveals that footprints from the scene match the boots of a young man named Anthony Cade, who is staying at a local inn. To their surprise, Cade then arrives at the house, seeking to speak with Lord Caterham.
Chapter 14
XII: Anthony Tells His Story
Anthony Cade presents himself at Chimneys, confessing to being in the grounds at the time of the murder. He recounts his journey from Bulawayo, his encounter with the manuscript, and the events leading to his presence at the scene. Superintendent Battle interrogates him, revealing that a window was found open and a note from the 'Comrades of the Red Hand' was discovered under the body. Anthony identifies the victim as the man who visited him as 'Mr. Holmes' from Balderson and Hodgkins.
Chapter 15
XIII: The American Visitor
Superintendent Battle shows Anthony Cade the recovered memoirs manuscript, revealing that Anthony has been outmaneuvered and lost his claim to the £1,000 reward. Battle suggests Anthony might have been mistaken about the window being locked, and Anthony agrees to go along with this story. Hiram P. Fish, an American guest interested in crime and art, joins them to inspect the crime scene. Later, Anthony encounters Virginia Revel and Lord Caterham; Virginia vouches for Anthony, securing his invitation to stay at Chimneys. Anthony subtly acknowledges to Battle that he understands he is under surveillance.
Chapter 16
Mainly Political and Financial
Superintendent Battle discusses the murder of Prince Michael with George Lomax and financier Herman Isaacstein. They consider motives, the possibility of King Victor's involvement, and the political stakes for the Herzoslovakian monarchy. Boris Anchoukoff, the prince's valet, swears vengeance on the murderer.
Chapter 17
XV: The French Stranger
Virginia and Anthony walk to the lake, discussing the disposal of the body and the murder investigation. Anthony reveals that Count Stanislaus was actually Prince Michael Obolovitch in disguise, and suggests that the murdered man may have been an impostor. He asks Virginia to view the body to confirm. Later, Anthony encounters Baron Lolopretjzyl, who explains that Prince Nicholas stole the memoirs on the Baron's orders. Anthony warns he still intends to publish the memoirs. He then discovers Hiram Fish hiding in a hollow yew hedge. Virginia and Anthony discuss the mysterious 'other Virginia Revel' who wrote the blackmail letters. Anthony suspects Mademoiselle Brun, who occupies a room overlooking the Council Chamber, and notes the arrival of Baron Lolopretjzyl and Herman Isaacstein.
Chapter 18
Tea in the Schoolroom
After lunch, Anthony Cade and Virginia Revel discuss the murder and Mademoiselle Brun's migraine. Anthony later speaks with Superintendent Battle about traveling to Dinard and the political implications of Prince Michael's death. He then visits the schoolroom to meet Mademoiselle Brun, but is surprised by her ordinary appearance. That night, Boris Anchoukoff, Prince Michael's servant, pledges his loyalty to Anthony.
Chapter 19
A Midnight Adventure
After the inquest, Anthony Cade departs, leaving Bill Eversleigh exhausted from George Lomax's demands. That night, Virginia wakes Bill to investigate a light in the Council Chamber. They discover a burglar examining the Holbein picture, but the lights fail, and a struggle ensues. The intruder escapes through a window, and Virginia gives chase, running into Hiram Fish. The household gathers, finding the room ransacked and the light bulbs removed.
Chapter 20
Second Midnight Adventure
Anthony Cade returns to Chimneys and meets Superintendent Battle at the station, discussing his failed suspicion of Mademoiselle Brun. Battle mentions the mysterious King Victor and a shooting at Staines. Later, Anthony, Virginia Revel, and Bill Eversleigh form a syndicate to keep watch in the Council Chamber, expecting another attempt to search the room. During the night, a man enters through the window; Bill sneezes, giving them away, and Anthony tackles the intruder, who turns out to be the dark-bearded stranger from the Cricketers. Superintendent Battle, who had pretended to go to London, appears in the doorway, revealing he was watching all along.
Chapter 21
Secret History
The characters gather to hear the full story behind the Herzoslovakian jewel and the murder at Chimneys. Superintendent Battle and M. Lemoine reveal the secret history involving Queen Varaga, the thief King Victor, and the hidden jewel, which they suspect is still somewhere in the room.
Chapter 22
Battle and Anthony Confer
Anthony Cade confesses to Superintendent Battle that he was the one who brought the body of Giuseppe Manelli to Staines. Battle, having already suspected this, accepts the confession calmly and explains his methods of investigation. They discuss the missing memoirs, the letters, and the involvement of King Victor and the Comrades of the Red Hand. Anthony finds the bundle of letters signed Virginia Revel mysteriously returned to his dressing-table, leaving him puzzled.
Chapter 23
Mr. Isaacstein’s Suitcase
Superintendent Battle questions Virginia about Anthony Cade's past, revealing his lack of knowledge about Anthony's history before South Africa. Later, Virginia and Bill Eversleigh walk with M. Lemoine, who deliberately guides them to intercept Isaacstein's luggage cart. Lemoine retrieves a fallen suitcase, opens it, and discovers a revolver hidden inside, which he takes before having Bill return the suitcase to Isaacstein's car. Meanwhile, Lord Caterham and Bundle discuss the detective's request for guests to stay on, and Caterham invites Anthony Cade to remain while Isaacstein departs.
Chapter 24
The Red Signal
Superintendent Battle and George Lomax discuss the coded letters found in Anthony Cade's room. Battle has summoned Professor Wynward to decode them, revealing a cipher that points to a hidden diamond. The decoded message references 'Richmond Seven Straight Eight Left Three Right,' which Virginia suggests relates to a Holbein portrait of the Earl of Richmond in the Council Chamber. Battle suspects the diamond is hidden there, and Bundle confirms a secret passage from the Council Chamber. Meanwhile, Anthony and Virginia share a romantic moment, with Anthony expressing his love and determination to kiss her before he leaves.
Chapter 25
Encounter in the Rose Garden
A party including Bundle, Virginia, Superintendent Battle, M. Lemoine, and Anthony Cade searches the secret passage behind the Holbein portrait, finding a hidden cavity containing a card of pearl buttons, a square of coarse knitting, and a paper with capital E's—a joke left by Count Stylptitch. Lemoine obsesses over capturing King Victor, while Battle receives an anonymous letter warning about Cade. Later, Anthony meets Hiram Fish in the rose garden, and after a tense exchange, Anthony tricks Bundle into taking him to London, pocketing a distinctive match.
Chapter 26
The House at Dover
Bundle drives Anthony to London, discussing Virginia Revel's past. Anthony then travels alone to Dover, where he investigates a house called Hurstmere. He observes a group of conspirators and discovers a bound prisoner. Hiram Fish surprises him with a drawn automatic.
Chapter 27
XXV: Tuesday Night at Chimneys
On Tuesday evening at Chimneys, Lord Caterham, Virginia, and Bundle discuss Anthony Cade's mysterious disappearance. French detective M. Lemoine arrives and reveals his suspicions that Anthony Cade is actually the notorious criminal King Victor, citing his mysterious past and a dropped paper linking to a Dover house. Virginia defends Anthony, suggesting Hiram Fish is more suspicious, but Lemoine reveals Fish is a Pinkerton detective. Later, Boris throws gravel at Virginia's window with a note from Anthony asking her to trust him and come to him.
Chapter 28
The 13th of October
Anthony Cade visits Baron Lolopretjzyl and Captain Andrassy at Harridge's Hotel, hinting that he can supply a genuine prince for the Herzoslovakian Loyalist cause. He then calls on financier Herman Isaacstein in the City, proposing a deal for oil concessions in exchange for backing a suitable claimant to the throne, and warns Isaacstein that a revolver used in Prince Michael's murder was found in his suitcase, urging him to come to Chimneys that evening.
Chapter 29
The 13th of October (Continued.)
Anthony Cade arrives at Chimneys and presents his theory that the Herzoslovakian diamond is hidden in the library behind a book related to the Earl of Richmond. M. Lemoine, suspecting Anthony is the notorious King Victor, sends for fingerprint and Bertillon records to confirm his identity. Anthony cleverly deflects the accusation and reveals he has a trump card upstairs. A whistle signals the murderer's presence in the library; the group witnesses a struggle, and Boris kills Mademoiselle Brun, who is unmasked as Prince Michael's murderer.
Chapter 30
King Victor
Anthony Cade reveals that Mademoiselle Brun is the murderer of Prince Michael, having recognized him and shot him to avoid exposure. He explains her true identity as a former actress connected to the Herzoslovakian revolution, who had been hiding from the Comrades of the Red Hand. The Baron initially denies recognizing her but later confides in George Lomax. Anthony then produces the real Monsieur Lemoine, exposing the false Lemoine as an impostor, while Hiram Fish prevents the false Lemoine's escape.
Chapter 31
XXIX: Further Explanations
Anthony Cade reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch, heir to the Herzoslovakian throne, and explains his role in the plot to recover the historic diamond. He describes how he and Hiram Fish worked together to trap the false Lemoine and Mademoiselle Brun, and announces that he has married Virginia Revel earlier that day.
Chapter 32
XXX: Anthony Signs on for a New Job
Anthony reveals his true identity as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch to Superintendent Battle and later to Virginia and Jimmy. He explains his democratic ideals and his decision to become king for Virginia's sake. Jimmy arrives unexpectedly, and Anthony entrusts him with delivering the memoirs to Mr. Balderson, revealing he never actually burned them. The chapter ends with a romantic reunion between Anthony and Virginia.
Chapter 33
Sundry Details
At Chimneys, a solemn ceremony unfolds as a police constable digs up a buried package. George Lomax presides with a speech, while Lord Caterham, dreading further political entanglements, flees with his daughter Bundle to London. Bill Eversleigh makes a romantic phone call, and Hiram Fish reflects on the week's events.
