The Seven Dials Mystery · Chapter
XXVIII: Suspicions explained
Bundle and Loraine visit Lady Coote's house under the pretense of a car breakdown, engaging in clock golf to keep Bateman and O'Rourke occupied while Jimmy investigates.
What happens
Bundle and Loraine visit Lady Coote's house under the pretense of a car breakdown, engaging in clock golf to keep Bateman and O'Rourke occupied while Jimmy investigates. Jimmy reveals he found a small bottle of white powder, hinting at a clue. The trio discusses a left-hand glove found by Superintendent Battle, which was tried on Jimmy's right hand (in a sling), suggesting the shooter was left-handed. They connect this to Sir Oswald Coote's ambidexterity and recall his left-handed dealing at the bridge game on the night of Gerald Wade's death, raising suspicions about his involvement in the theft of the formula.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Sir Oswald Coote appears as a respectable millionaire, but clues suggest he may be involved in the theft and shooting, challenging surface appearances.
Secret Societies and Intrigue
The search for 'No. 7' and the hidden bottle of powder underscore the clandestine operations and espionage elements of the plot.
The Amateur vs. Professional Detective
Bundle and Jimmy act as amateur sleuths, deducing clues like the left-hand glove, while Superintendent Battle's professional methods remain in the background.
Characters to notice
- Bundle Brent
Leads the visit to Lady Coote's house, engages in clock golf to distract Bateman, and deduces the significance of the left-hand glove.
- Loraine Wade
Accompanies Bundle, participates in clock golf, and helps discuss the implications of the glove and Sir Oswald's left-handedness.
- Jimmy Thesiger
Reveals he found a bottle of white powder during his investigation and shares his observations about Sir Oswald's ambidexterity.
- Rupert Bateman
Engaged in clock golf with Loraine; described as cautious and serious, with a habit of knowing general information.
- Terence O'Rourke
Plays clock golf with Bundle, makes witty remarks, and is noted as a possible suspect but considered less dangerous.
- Sir Oswald Coote
Suspected of being left-handed and possibly involved in the shooting and theft; recalled dealing left-handed at the bridge game on the night of Gerald Wade's death.
Key passages
“But surely it must mean that the man who shot at you held the pistol in his left hand.”
The left-hand glove indicates the shooter was left-handed.
Bundle deduces the shooter's handedness from the glove evidence.
“I remember now on that night at Chimneys—you know, the night Gerry Wade died—I was watching the bridge and thinking idly how awkwardly someone was dealing—and then realising that it was because they were dealing with the left hand. Of course, it must have been Sir Oswald.”
Jimmy recalls Sir Oswald dealing left-handed at bridge on the night of Gerald Wade's death.
This memory links Sir Oswald to the earlier death and the current investigation.