The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
Sundry Details explained
At Chimneys, a solemn ceremony unfolds as a police constable digs up a buried package.
What happens
At Chimneys, a solemn ceremony unfolds as a police constable digs up a buried package. George Lomax presides with a speech, while Lord Caterham, dreading further political entanglements, flees with his daughter Bundle to London. Bill Eversleigh makes a romantic phone call, and Hiram Fish reflects on the week's events.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The ceremony highlights the rigid social order, with Lomax taking the lead and Lord Caterham seeking escape from his duties.
Secrecy and Revelation
The excavation and unwrapping of the package symbolize the uncovering of hidden truths.
Characters to notice
- George Lomax
Presides over the excavation ceremony with a speech about the British Empire.
- Superintendent Battle
Oversees the proceedings with an immovable face, pleased with the arrangements.
- Lord Caterham
Flees to London with Bundle to avoid George Lomax's political discussions.
- Bundle
Assists her father in escaping Chimneys by car.
- Bill Eversleigh
Makes a romantic telephone call, humming a tune.
- Mr. Hiram Fish
Observes the ceremony and comments on the week's events.
Key passages
““That’ll do, sonny,” says Mr. Fish. “We shall do nicely now.””
Mr. Fish declares the digging sufficient and the ceremony ready to proceed.
Hiram Fish takes charge of the excavation, acting as the family physician.
““At this auspicious minute,” he begins, with the clear delivery of the practised speaker.”
George Lomax starts his speech with the polished tone of an experienced orator.
Lomax seizes the moment to deliver a formal address.
““I won’t go through it again, Bundle, do you hear? Not for fifty George Lomaxes! If Chimneys is so valuable to the nation, let the nation buy it.””
Lord Caterham refuses to endure another political ordeal and suggests selling Chimneys to the nation.
Lord Caterham expresses his exasperation with Lomax's schemes.