The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
Encounter in the Rose Garden explained
A party including Bundle, Virginia, Superintendent Battle, M.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Revelation
The discovery of the hidden cavity and its puzzling contents, along with the anonymous letter about Cade, underscore the theme of hidden truths and gradual revelation.
Identity and Disguise
Lemoine's suspicion that Cade might be King Victor, and the anonymous letter warning that Cade 'isn't wot he seems,' highlight the theme of concealed identities.
Adventure and Risk-Taking
Anthony's daring race to intercept Bundle's car and his impulsive decision to join her in London exemplify the adventurous spirit of the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Bundle
Leads the party into the secret passage and later drives to London, unwittingly taking Anthony with her.
- Virginia Revel
Present during the search of the secret passage, expressing bewilderment at the found objects.
- Superintendent Battle
Leads the search, discovers the hidden cavity, and later shows Anthony an anonymous letter warning about him.
- M. Lemoine
Obsessed with capturing King Victor, reveals he has noted the Dover address on his cuff.
- Anthony Cade
Interprets the found objects as Count Stylptitch's joke, receives an anonymous warning, and later tricks Bundle into taking him to London.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
Encountered by Anthony in the rose garden, discussing roses and exchanging a matchbox.
Key passages
“Seven straight, eight left, three right. Take the first as paces.”
Battle instructs the group to follow a specific sequence of steps and brick counts to locate the hidden cavity.
This demonstrates Battle's methodical approach to searching the secret passage.
“The late Count Stylptitch must have had a sense of humour! This is an example of that humour.”
Anthony suggests that the odd items found in the cavity are a joke left by Count Stylptitch.
Anthony interprets the discovery as a deliberate puzzle rather than a straightforward hiding place.
“Me, I am in England for one purpose, and one purpose only, to capture King Victor and to capture him red-handed.”
Lemoine declares that his sole mission in England is to catch King Victor in the act.
This reveals Lemoine's single-minded obsession with capturing the notorious criminal.
“Look out for Mr. Cade. He isn't wot he seems.”
The anonymous letter warns Battle to be wary of Anthony Cade, implying he is not who he appears to be.
This adds suspicion around Anthony's true identity and motives.