The Trail of the Serpent · Chapter
II: Mr. Peters Sees a Ghost explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Peters, now retired with a pension, has set up house in London with Kuppins and the 'fondling' (Slosh). While out, he spots the Count de Marolles, whom he believes to be dead, having found his body on a heath and seen him buried. He follows the 'ghost' in a cab, confiding his confusion to Slosh, and later enlists the boy's help in a 'little outstanding matter' between them.
Themes in this chapter
Duality and Deception
Mr. Peters is confounded by the apparent return of a dead man, suggesting deception or a double.
Crime and Injustice
Mr. Peters hints at a 'little outstanding matter' between him and the Count, implying unresolved criminal business.
Characters to notice
- Joseph Peters
Retired detective who sees the Count de Marolles and believes him to be a ghost, having found his body earlier.
- Raymond Marolles
The Count de Marolles, seen by Mr. Peters in London; Peters believes he is dead.
- Miss Kuppins
Brought to London by Mr. Peters as his housekeeper; she is overwhelmed by the city.
- Slosh
The 'fondling' adopted by Mr. Peters; he is sharp and eager to help in detective work.
Key passages
“How can it be him, when he's dead?”
Mr. Peters asks how the Count de Marolles can be alive when he himself found the body and saw it buried.
Mr. Peters' confusion upon seeing the Count.
“There couldn't be two men so much alike, surely.”
Mr. Peters considers the possibility of a double, since the man he found dead cannot be the same as the one he is following.
Mr. Peters' internal reasoning about the identity of the Count.