The Sword of Damocles · Chapter
XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Stuyvesant arrives at the bank to find Mr. Sylvester and Bertram with a detective, Mr. Gryce. They discuss the missing bonds and whether the theft was committed by an insider or outsider. Mr. Gryce interviews the janitor, Hopgood, who reveals that Mr. Sylvester once opened Mr. Stuyvesant's box by mistake, using a toothpick, early in the morning. The chapter ends with this revelation hanging in the air.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Past Sins
Hopgood's revelation about Mr. Sylvester's early morning visit to the vaults hints at a hidden past incident that may be connected to the current mystery.
Appearance vs. Reality
The detective's calm demeanor and the characters' attempts to maintain composure contrast with the underlying tension and suspicion.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Stuyvesant
Arrives at the bank and participates in the discussion about the missing bonds, showing nervousness and concern.
- Mr. Sylvester
Hosts the meeting with the detective, questions the janitor, and is visibly affected by Hopgood's revelation about his early morning visit to the vaults.
- Mr. Gryce
The detective brought in to give his opinion; he observes the proceedings from behind a screen and questions the bank employees.
- Bertram
Present during the interrogation, his pale countenance and quivering lip suggest inner turmoil; he is called out during the questioning.
- Hamlet Hopgood
The janitor, questioned about the vaults; he reveals that Mr. Sylvester once opened a box by mistake, using a toothpick.
Key passages
“Facts are stubborn things.”
The truth cannot be easily changed or ignored.
Used as an epigraph, setting the tone for the chapter's focus on uncovering the facts of the robbery.
“But still there clung One hope, like a keen sword on starting threads uphung.”
A fragile hope remains, as delicate as a sword hanging by a thread.
Epigraph from 'Revolt of Islam' suggesting a precarious hope amidst uncertainty.