# XXII: The Cat's Paw explained — The Talleyrand Maxim > Chapter companion for The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher. ## What happens Pratt reflects on his confrontation with Nesta Mallathorpe, feeling confident in his power over her and her mother. However, his complacency is shattered when he discovers advertisements in the Barford newspapers seeking information about James Parrawhite, placed by Eldrick and by a London firm. Alarmed, Pratt devises a plan to prevent any search for Parrawhite in Barford. He visits Reuben Murgatroyd, a struggling watchmaker and shipping agent, and offers him £100 to provide false information to anyone inquiring about Parrawhite, claiming that Parrawhite has already left for America. Murgatroyd, despite his misgivings, accepts the money and the task. ## Themes in this chapter ### Deception and Secrecy Pratt orchestrates a scheme to deceive anyone searching for Parrawhite by bribing Murgatroyd to provide false information, highlighting the theme of deception. ### Power and Manipulation Pratt uses his financial power to manipulate Murgatroyd into carrying out his plan, and he revels in his perceived control over the Mallathorpe women. ### Greed and Its Consequences Murgatroyd's desperation for money leads him to accept Pratt's bribe despite moral qualms, illustrating the corrupting influence of greed. ## Character check-ins ### Linford Pratt Pratt reviews his situation after Nesta's visit, feeling confident in his power. He becomes alarmed upon seeing advertisements for Parrawhite and schemes to prevent a search by bribing Murgatroyd. ### Nesta Mallathorpe Nesta is mentioned as having visited Pratt, leading to a heated exchange. Pratt believes she will keep their conversation secret out of fear for her mother. ### Richard Mallathorpe Mrs. Mallathorpe is referenced as being under Pratt's control, which Pratt uses to manipulate Nesta. ### James Parrawhite Parrawhite is the subject of the advertisements that alarm Pratt. Pratt plans to fabricate a story about Parrawhite's departure to America. ### R. Murgatroyd Murgatroyd is a watchmaker and shipping agent whom Pratt bribes with £100 to provide false information about Parrawhite's whereabouts. ### Halstead Byner Byner is mentioned as having placed an advertisement for Parrawhite in the evening paper, which contributes to Pratt's alarm. ## Key lines > He had been secretly delighted to acquaint Nesta Mallathorpe with his power, to drive it into her that he had the whip hand of her mother, and through her mother, of Nesta herself. Pratt took pleasure in showing Nesta that he controlled her mother and, by extension, her. _Reveals Pratt's manipulative nature and his satisfaction in wielding power over the Mallathorpe women._ > Parrawhite! Advertised for by Eldrick! Why? For what reason? For what purpose? With what idea? Parrawhite!—of all men in the world—Parrawhite, of whom he had never wanted to hear again! Pratt is shocked and alarmed to see that Eldrick is advertising for Parrawhite, a man he hoped would never be mentioned again. _Highlights Pratt's fear that the search for Parrawhite could unravel his schemes._ > There's a hundred pounds there! It's yours to pick up—if you'll do a little job for me. Easy job, too!—you'll never earn a hundred pounds so easy in your life! Pratt offers Murgatroyd £100 for a simple task, implying it is an effortless way to make money. _Demonstrates Pratt's use of financial bribery to secure Murgatroyd's cooperation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters/xxii-the-cat-spaw - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters