The Three Taps · Chapter
VIII: The Bishop at Home explained
Miles Bredon visits the Bishop of Pullford to discuss Mottram's death.
What happens
Miles Bredon visits the Bishop of Pullford to discuss Mottram's death. The Bishop reveals that Mottram was a friend and neighbor, had seemed in good health, and had invited him to fish at Chilthorpe. Bredon shares that Mottram had misgivings about his health and was heavily insured. The Bishop, unaware of Mottram's health concerns, reflects on the possibility of suicide. Despite Bredon's intention to leave, the Bishop insists he stay for dinner.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Fraud
Bredon uses the alias Mr. Brendan and conceals his true purpose, while the Bishop unknowingly provides information about Mottram's insurance and health.
Morality and Amorality
The Bishop discusses the morality of suicide, noting Mottram's abstract defense of it, and reflects on the ethical implications of health and insurance.
Appearance vs. Reality
The Bishop initially believes Mottram was in good health, but Bredon reveals Mottram's hidden health concerns, contrasting outward appearance with inner reality.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Visits the Bishop of Pullford under the alias Mr. Brendan to investigate Mottram's death.
- The Bishop
Hosts Bredon, shares memories of Mottram, and expresses surprise at Mottram's health concerns.
- Mr. Mottram
Discussed as a friend of the Bishop; had misgivings about his health and was heavily insured.
- Mr. Brinkman
Mottram's secretary who wired the Bishop about Mottram's death.
- Angela Bredon
Mentioned as waiting for Bredon while he dines with the Bishop.
Key passages
“He was quite cheerful, you mean, when you last saw him? Well, I wouldn't say cheerful, exactly; but, you see, he was always a bit of a dismal Jimmy.”
The Bishop clarifies that Mottram was not cheerful but habitually gloomy, though he seemed glad about his upcoming holiday.
Bredon probes Mottram's state of mind before his death.
“He did defend suicide in a chat we had the other day. Of course my own feeling is that by the time a man has got to the state of nerves in which suicide seems the only way out he has generally got beyond the stage at which he can really sit down and argue whether it is right or wrong.”
The Bishop recalls Mottram's abstract defense of suicide but doubts that rational argument precedes the act.
The Bishop reflects on the morality of suicide in relation to Mottram's possible state of mind.
“Well, there you are, you see; you have the experience and I haven't. But doesn't it seem to you strange that a man in good health, who digests his meals, and has no worries, should take his own life in the hope of benefiting his heirs, whoever they may prove to be?”
The Bishop questions why a healthy, worry-free man would commit suicide for the sake of his heirs.
The Bishop expresses skepticism about suicide as a motive given Mottram's apparent well-being.