# XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective explained — The Sword of Damocles

> Chapter companion for The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-opinion-of-a-certain-noted-detective
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters