The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
The 13th of October (Continued.) explained
Anthony Cade arrives at Chimneys and presents his theory that the Herzoslovakian diamond is hidden in the library behind a book related to the Earl of Richmond.
What happens
Anthony Cade arrives at Chimneys and presents his theory that the Herzoslovakian diamond is hidden in the library behind a book related to the Earl of Richmond. M. Lemoine, suspecting Anthony is the notorious King Victor, sends for fingerprint and Bertillon records to confirm his identity. Anthony cleverly deflects the accusation and reveals he has a trump card upstairs. A whistle signals the murderer's presence in the library; the group witnesses a struggle, and Boris kills Mademoiselle Brun, who is unmasked as Prince Michael's murderer.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Anthony is accused of being King Victor, and the chapter explores the fluidity of identity through aliases and false personas.
Secrecy and Revelation
The hidden diamond, the cipher, and the unmasking of Mademoiselle Brun as the murderer drive the chapter's revelations.
Crime and Detection
The chapter centers on solving the murder of Prince Michael and locating the stolen jewel through deduction and confrontation.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Cade
Arrives at Chimneys, presents his theory about the diamond's hiding place, and cleverly parries Lemoine's accusations of being King Victor.
- Virginia Revel
Present in the room during the confrontation, though not directly active in this excerpt.
- Superintendent Battle
Observes the proceedings, whispers to George Lomax to allow Anthony to speak, and moves to cut off retreat during the confrontation.
- Lord Caterham
Host of the gathering, expresses liking for Anthony and later switches on the lights during the struggle.
- George Lomax
Initially objects to Anthony's presence but is persuaded by Battle; later expresses shock at the revelation of the murderer.
- Bill Eversleigh
Doubts Anthony will show up and discusses King Victor's reputation with others before Anthony's arrival.
- M. Lemoine
Accuses Anthony of being King Victor, sends for fingerprint records, and is determined to capture him.
- Boris Anchoukoff
Kills Mademoiselle Brun during the struggle, declaring she murdered his master, Prince Michael.
- Mademoiselle Brun
Unmasked as the murderer of Prince Michael; found dead after a struggle with Boris.
Key passages
““I don’t understand,” said George Lomax weightily. “I don’t understand in the least. This is all very irregular. Mr. Cade has no standing—no standing whatever.””
George Lomax objects to Anthony's involvement, claiming he has no authority to participate.
Highlights Lomax's bureaucratic and class-conscious attitude.
““What if I tell you, Monsieur, that this time—this time—I am out to get King Victor, and nothing shall stop me!””
Lemoine declares his determination to capture King Victor, emphasizing his resolve.
Shows Lemoine's obsession and the high stakes of the confrontation.
““You ask me who murdered Prince Michael? I won’t tell you—I’ll show you. That whistle was the signal I’ve been waiting for. The murderer of Prince Michael is in the library now.””
Anthony reveals he has orchestrated a trap to expose the killer, leading the group to the library.
Climactic moment where Anthony shifts from defense to action.
