# Sundry Details explained — The Secret of Chimneys

> Chapter companion for The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxxi-sundry-details
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters