# The Planted Gun and the Powder Burn explained — The Square Emerald

> Chapter companion for The Square Emerald by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Leslie Maughan and Chief Inspector Coldwell investigate a planted pistol in Peter Dawlish's room, leading to a discussion about the murder of Druze. Coldwell reveals that the murder weapon was likely used by Druze herself, suggesting self-defense, and Leslie theorizes that Druze may have killed or wounded someone before being killed. The chapter also features a confrontation with Princess Anita Bellini, who attempts to manipulate the investigation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Princess Bellini attempts to deceive the police by suggesting Peter Dawlish is guilty, while the planted gun and Druze's hidden identity as a woman continue to blur the truth.

### Crime and Justice

Coldwell's investigation reveals the murder weapon was likely used by Druze herself, leading to a theory of self-defense and the possibility of another victim.

### Secrecy and Blackmail

The emerald necklace and the planted gun are kept secret from Princess Bellini, while Leslie and Jane agree to withhold information about the emerald.

## Character check-ins

### Leslie Maughan

Confronts Princess Bellini, provides the signed statement from Lady Raytham, and theorizes that Druze may have killed or wounded someone before being killed.

### Peter Dawlish

Found with a planted gun under a loose board in his room; cleared of suspicion by Coldwell after the child Elizabeth reveals the truth.

### Mr. Coldwell

Investigates the planted gun, reveals the powder burn on Druze's hand, and theorizes that Druze was killed in self-defense after firing multiple shots.

### Princess Anita Bellini

Attempts to manipulate the investigation by suggesting Peter Dawlish is guilty; confronts Leslie Maughan about the statement.

### Jane Raytham

Present during the confrontation with Princess Bellini; promises not to reveal the emerald necklace information.

### Mrs. Inglethorne

Claims a stranger planted the gun in Peter's room; Coldwell accepts her story but warns her.

## Key lines

> You give me quite a proprietorial feeling.

Leslie Maughan remarks that Coldwell's reference to Peter Dawlish as 'her man' makes her feel possessive.

_Leslie's dry humor about Coldwell's phrasing._

> I told her that we had found something valuable—a packet of money. She seemed kind of disappointed.

Coldwell tells Leslie he misled Princess Bellini by saying the police found money instead of the emerald.

_Coldwell's strategic deception to protect the investigation._

> She fired an automatic—five or six shots in rapid succession—and got the backfire. One shot wouldn't have burnt her; it must have been at least five.

Coldwell explains that the powder burn on Druze's hand indicates she fired multiple shots from an automatic pistol.

_Forensic evidence suggesting Druze was the aggressor._

> Then where is the other body?

Leslie asks Coldwell where the person Druze shot is, implying Druze killed or wounded someone before being killed.

_Leslie's logical deduction that Druze's shooting must have had a target._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_square_emerald_se/chapters