The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
XIII: The American Visitor explained
Superintendent Battle shows Anthony Cade the recovered memoirs manuscript, revealing that Anthony has been outmaneuvered and lost his claim to the £1,000 reward.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The chapter focuses on the investigation: Battle's handling of evidence, the locked room, and the arrival of Hiram Fish as an amateur criminologist.
Secrecy and Revelation
Anthony and Battle negotiate a cover story about the window; Virginia's public endorsement of Anthony conceals their true prior connection.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Virginia's social position allows her to vouch for Anthony, transforming him from a suspicious stranger to an accepted guest at Chimneys.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Cade
Learns the memoirs have been recovered, losing his £1,000 claim; agrees to support Battle's story about the window; is vouched for by Virginia and invited to stay at Chimneys.
- Superintendent Battle
Shows Anthony the recovered manuscript; suggests Anthony was mistaken about the window being locked; keeps the crime scene locked and removes the key.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
American guest who inspects the crime scene, expressing interest in crime and art; notes the paintings and inquires about fingerprints and footprints.
- Virginia Revel
Greets Anthony warmly, claiming him as an old friend; secures his invitation to stay at Chimneys; suggests they go out on the lake away from the crime.
- Lord Caterham
Depressed host who accepts Virginia's vouching for Anthony; invites Anthony to stay; laments the murder and the disruption to his party.
Key passages
““I opine,” said Mr. Fish, “that you are seeking for fingerprints?” “Maybe,” said the superintendent laconically. “I should say to that, on a night such as last night, an intruder would have left footprints on the hardwood floor.” “None inside, plenty outside.” “Mine,” explained Anthony cheerfully.”
Mr. Fish asks if they are looking for fingerprints; Battle hints that footprints would be expected, but Anthony admits his own footprints are outside.
Highlights the interplay between the amateur detective Fish and the official investigation, with Anthony's casual admission of his presence.
““Why, it’s Mr. Cade,” said Virginia. She held out both hands to him. “So you found you could come down after all?””
Virginia greets Anthony warmly, pretending he is an old friend she invited, thereby legitimizing his presence at Chimneys.
Demonstrates Virginia's quick thinking and social influence, which instantly changes Anthony's status from suspect to guest.
““It won’t be so difficult to keep an eye on me,” explained Anthony gently. And by the momentary flicker of the superintendent’s eyelids he knew that his shot had gone home.”
Anthony openly acknowledges that staying at Chimneys makes it easier for Battle to watch him, and Battle's subtle reaction confirms it.
Shows Anthony's awareness of being under suspicion and his willingness to play along with the investigation.