The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
XXIX: Further Explanations explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Anthony Cade is revealed to be Prince Nicholas Obolovitch, having hidden his royal identity under a common alias.
Secrecy and Revelation
The chapter culminates in the revelation of Anthony's true identity and the resolution of the diamond's hiding place.
Political Intrigue and Diplomacy
The loan negotiations for Herzoslovakia and the political implications of Anthony's claim to the throne are central.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Cade
Reveals himself as Prince Nicholas Obolovitch and explains his actions in the diamond recovery.
- Virginia Revel
Mentioned as Anthony's wife, married that morning.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
Assisted Anthony in the trap and confirms the diamond was never in the library.
- Superintendent Battle
Remained expressionless during Anthony's revelation; had suspected Anthony but lacked motive.
- George Lomax
Criticizes Anthony's foolhardiness and expresses amazement at the revelations.
- Lord Caterham
Cheerfully comments on the satisfactory clearing up of events and congratulates Anthony.
- Herman Isaacstein
Demands an explanation from Anthony and discusses the loan for Herzoslovakia.
- Baron Lolopretjzyl
Accepts Anthony's word as Prince Nicholas and expresses dismay at the marriage.
Key passages
“You owe us an explanation, I think, Mr. Cade.”
Herman Isaacstein demands that Anthony explain his actions.
Isaacstein seeks clarity on the events surrounding the diamond and the murder.
“I went to Dover and Fish followed me under the impression that I was King Victor.”
Anthony recounts how he went to Dover, with Fish tailing him thinking he was King Victor.
Anthony explains the mistaken identity that led to the discovery of the real King Victor.
“That historic diamond was never behind the books in the library.”
Hiram Fish reveals that the diamond was never hidden in the library.
Fish confirms that the library story was a ruse to trap the criminals.
“I suggest a little digging party tomorrow morning.”
Anthony proposes they dig in the rose garden to find the diamond.
Anthony reveals the true hiding place based on Count Stylptitch's cipher.
“I’m the man. Nicholas Sergius Alexander Ferdinand Obolovitch.”
Anthony declares himself to be Prince Nicholas Obolovitch.
Anthony reveals his royal identity to the assembled group.
“I married her this morning.”
Anthony announces that he married Virginia Revel earlier that day.
Anthony reveals his marriage to Virginia, which complicates his royal plans.
