# Battle and Anthony Confer explained — The Secret of Chimneys

> Chapter companion for The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Detection

The chapter centers on Anthony's confession and Battle's methodical investigation, highlighting police procedure and criminal psychology.

### Secrecy and Revelation

Anthony reveals his role in the Staines affair, and the mysterious reappearance of the letters underscores hidden truths.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Battle's observations on the behavior of the upper classes versus common criminals provide insight into class dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Anthony Cade

Confesses to moving the body of Giuseppe Manelli; discovers the letters have reappeared on his dressing-table.

### Superintendent Battle

Receives Anthony's confession calmly; discusses the investigation and his theories about the murder and the letters.

### Virginia Revel

Mentioned as the owner of the letters; Battle plans to involve her in the investigation due to her 'beguiling way.'

### Giuseppe Manelli

Mentioned as the victim whose body Anthony moved; described as a thief employed by King Victor or the Comrades.

### King Victor

Suspected by Battle of being involved in the theft of the letters and the murder of Giuseppe.

### Prince Michael Obolovitch

Mentioned as the murder victim at Chimneys; the revolver used is still missing.

### Baron Lolopretjzyl

Mentioned as having a high opinion of Anthony Cade.

## Key lines

> I did.

Anthony admits to moving the body.

_Anthony confesses to bringing the body to Staines._

> Plenty of rope, sir, plenty of rope.

Battle implies he is giving Anthony freedom to see what he does.

_Battle uses the metaphor of giving rope to indicate he is watching Anthony's actions._

> They encourage the universal idea that the police are stupid. When we get an amateur crime, such as a murder, that's very useful indeed.

Detective stories make people think police are foolish, which helps when amateurs commit crimes.

_Battle explains how public perception of police incompetence aids real investigations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xx-battle-and-anthony-confer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters