The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
XXV: Tuesday Night at Chimneys explained
On Tuesday evening at Chimneys, Lord Caterham, Virginia, and Bundle discuss Anthony Cade's mysterious disappearance.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Anthony Cade is suspected of being the criminal King Victor, while Hiram Fish is revealed to be a Pinkerton detective in disguise.
Secrecy and Revelation
Lemoine reveals his discoveries about Anthony and Fish; Virginia receives a secret note from Anthony.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Virginia remains loyal to Anthony despite Lemoine's accusations; Boris acts as Anthony's messenger.
Crime and Detection
Lemoine and Battle pursue the case of Prince Michael's murder and the hunt for King Victor.
Characters to notice
- Virginia Revel
Defends Anthony Cade against Lemoine's accusations, then receives a secret summons from Anthony via Boris.
- Lord Caterham
Hosts the evening gathering, expresses irritation at the constant disruptions and detectives.
- Bundle
Sits with Virginia and Lord Caterham, expresses hope that Anthony will outwit Lemoine.
- M. Lemoine
French detective who reveals his theory that Anthony Cade is King Victor and discloses Hiram Fish's true identity as a Pinkerton detective.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
Revealed by Lemoine to be a Pinkerton detective trailing King Victor; has disappeared from Chimneys.
- Superintendent Battle
Briefly appears in the hall; confirms to Virginia that Hiram Fish is an American detective.
- Boris Anchoukoff
Herzoslovakian who throws gravel at Virginia's window and delivers a note from Anthony Cade asking her to come to him.
- Anthony Cade
Absent from Chimneys; suspected by Lemoine of being King Victor; sends a secret note to Virginia via Boris.
Key passages
“I’ll find my own way back”
Anthony said he would return on his own.
Virginia recalls Anthony's parting words at Hyde Park Corner.
“You’ve not caught him yet”
You haven't captured him yet.
Virginia defiantly responds to Lemoine's claim that they will catch King Victor.
“I come from the Master. He has sent for you.”
I am here on behalf of the Master; he requests your presence.
Boris delivers Anthony's summons to Virginia.