The Three Taps · Chapter
XXIV: Mottram’s Account of It All explained
The Bishop of Pullford reveals Mottram's suicide letter, which explains his plan to take his own life due to an incurable disease and bequeath his insurance money to the diocese.
What happens
The Bishop of Pullford reveals Mottram's suicide letter, which explains his plan to take his own life due to an incurable disease and bequeath his insurance money to the diocese. Bredon deduces the letter was copied, and ultimately declares Mottram's death an accident, not suicide, ensuring the insurance claim is paid.
Themes in this chapter
Insurance and Mortality
Mottram's suicide letter explicitly discusses his Euthanasia policy and the insurance company's refusal to pay if suicide is proven, driving the plot.
Deception and Fraud
Mottram attempts to conceal his suicide to ensure the insurance payout, and the Bishop initially keeps the letter secret.
Morality and Amorality
Mottram's letter argues that the end justifies the means, using his suicide for a charitable purpose, while Bredon's final twist reclassifies the death as accident.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Deduces that Mottram's suicide letter was copied, and concludes the death was an accident, not suicide.
- Mr. Pulteney
Comments on the confusing rapid adjustment of perspective regarding Brinkman's innocence.
- The Bishop
Reads Mottram's suicide letter aloud, explaining its contents and his role in keeping it private.
- Mr. Eames
Revealed to have found Mottram's letter in the gorge and delivered it to the Bishop, keeping it secret.
- Mr. Leyland
Applauds Eames's discretion and questions whether Brinkman knew of the suicide plan.
- Angela Bredon
Teases Bredon for his secretiveness about the mystery and expresses delight that Eames kept something from him.
Key passages
“Rapid adjustment of the mental perspective is an invaluable exercise, especially at my age. But I confess there is a point at which the process becomes confusing.”
Pulteney finds it hard to keep up with the shifting explanations, especially now that Brinkman seems innocent.
Pulteney expresses bewilderment at the evolving story.
“I have to confess, on his behalf, that he has been concealing something, and to take the blame for his conduct—if blame attaches to it—unreservedly upon myself.”
The Bishop admits that Eames hid the letter and takes responsibility for that decision.
The Bishop explains Eames's secrecy.
“I'm going to write to the company and tell them that the claim has got to be paid, because Mottram met his death by accident.”
Bredon decides to report Mottram's death as an accident so the insurance will pay out.
Bredon's final twist ensures the claim is honored.