The Three Taps · Chapter
II: The Detective Malgré Lui explained
This chapter introduces Miles Bredon, the private detective for the Indescribable insurance company, and his wife Angela.
What happens
This chapter introduces Miles Bredon, the private detective for the Indescribable insurance company, and his wife Angela. It explains Bredon's background, his role investigating fraud for the company, and his capricious but brilliant methods. After dinner one evening, Angela takes a phone call from the office about a case involving a man named Mottram, who died in a locked room at an inn in Chilthorpe, possibly by suicide. Bredon deduces the details from Angela's side of the conversation, and they prepare to travel to Chilthorpe the next morning.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Fraud
The chapter details the Indescribable's approach to insurance fraud and Bredon's role in uncovering fraudulent claims, such as the motor-bicycle mother-in-law case and the bootlegger's seawater cargo.
Marriage and Partnership
The relationship between Miles and Angela Bredon is central; Angela manages his life and subtly manipulates situations for his benefit, such as altering his patience game.
Detection and Rationality
Bredon's method of detection is introduced: he uses intuition and deduction, as shown when he reconstructs the phone call details without listening directly.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Introduced as the Indescribable's private detective, a large, good-humoured, slightly lethargic man in his early thirties. He is playing patience when the call comes in, and he correctly interprets Angela's phone conversation.
- Angela Bredon
Bredon's wife, who manages the household and takes the phone call. She is clever and manipulative in a benevolent way, often conspiring for her husband's happiness.
- Mr. Mottram
Mentioned as the deceased; his death at Chilthorpe is the subject of the phone call. He had an interview at Indescribable House about a fortnight earlier.
- Sholto
The caller from the office, referred to by Angela and Bredon during their conversation.
Key passages
“He was not exactly lazy, but he was the victim of hobbies which perpetually diverted his attention.”
Bredon wasn't truly lazy, but his many interests constantly distracted him.
Describes Bredon's character as easily sidetracked by his passions.
“The fifth case would appeal to his capricious imagination; he would be prodigal of time and of pains; and he would bring off some coup which was hymned for weeks behind closed doors in the Indescribable Building.”
Only one in five cases sparked Bredon's interest, but when it did, he would invest enormous effort and achieve a notable success celebrated within the company.
Highlights Bredon's selective but brilliant detective work.
“Fallendo infallibilem.”
By deceiving the infallible one.
Angela's motto for managing her husband, implying she outwits him for his own good.