# Book II: A Clearance of All Scores explained — The Trail of the Serpent

> Chapter companion for The Trail of the Serpent by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

The chapter continues the narrative of Richard Marwood's plight and the unfolding events surrounding the murder of Montague Harding, with various characters intersecting in a web of deception and intrigue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Injustice

The murder of Montague Harding and the subsequent arrest of Richard Marwood highlight themes of crime and potential miscarriage of justice.

### Duality and Deception

Jabez North's dual identity as Raymond Marolles underscores the theme of deception and hidden identities.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Marwood

Central figure in the murder case, facing arrest and trial.

### Montague Harding

The victim whose murder sets the plot in motion.

### Jabez North

Suspicious character involved in preparing an escape rope, possibly connected to the crime.

### Valerie de Cevennes

Her marriage to Raymond Marolles is a key event in this section.

### Raymond Marolles

Marries Valerie de Cevennes; his identity is later revealed as Jabez North.

## Key lines

> Jabez North prepares a rope.

Jabez North readies an escape rope, suggesting his involvement in the unfolding events.

_Foreshadows his role in the crime and subsequent escape._

> Richard Marwood is arrested for the murder of Montague Harding.

Richard Marwood is taken into custody on suspicion of killing Montague Harding.

_Key plot point leading to the trial and asylum commitment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/book-ii-a-clearance-of-all-scores
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters