The Trail of the Serpent · Chapter
Mr. Peters Relates How He Thought He Had a Clue, and How He Lost It explained
Richard Marwood meets with his mother, who has worn mourning for him, and learns that she has settled a pension on Joseph Peters.
What happens
Richard Marwood meets with his mother, who has worn mourning for him, and learns that she has settled a pension on Joseph Peters. Peters recounts his initial belief in Richard's innocence based on his reaction to arrest, and explains the plan to feign madness to avoid execution. He reveals that the suspected murderer, a pious usher, was found dead six months after the crime, dashing hopes of clearing Richard's name.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Injustice
Richard remains under the stigma of a false accusation despite his escape from prison; the real murderer is dead, leaving justice unattained.
Duality and Deception
The 'sham mad' plan and the deception of Richard's supposed death highlight the theme of appearances versus reality.
Family and Secrets
Mrs. Marwood's secret mourning and the family's hidden efforts to free Richard underscore the bond and secrets within the family.
Characters to notice
- Richard Marwood
Meets his mother, discusses his ongoing quest to clear his name, and hears Peters' story.
- Mrs. Marwood
Visits Richard, having worn mourning for him, and has settled a pension on Peters.
- Joseph Peters
Relates his detective work, his belief in Richard's innocence, and the plan to feign madness.
- Augustus Darley
Present during Peters' narrative, helped devise the 'sham mad' plan.
- Isabel Darley
Present and listening to Peters' account, noted for her composure.
- Mr. Jinks
Mentioned as Peters' superior during the arrest.
Key passages
“You must not think me an inattentive or neglectful son; but remember that my life has but one business till that man is found.”
Richard tells his mother that finding the real murderer is his sole purpose.
Richard's determination to clear his name.
“I see that he hadn't done it. Now, a cove what's screwed up to face a judge and jury, maybe can face 'em, and never change a line of his mug; but there isn't a cove an lives as can stand that first tap of a detective's hand upon his shoulder as tells him, plain as words, 'The game is up.'”
Peters explains that Richard's genuine reaction to arrest convinced him of his innocence.
Peters' detective reasoning.
“You must go a little further than the end of this world to find him, I'm afraid, sir. What do you say to looking for him in the next? for that's the station he'd started for when I last saw him; and I believe that on that line, with the exception of now and then a cock-and-a-bull-lane ghost, they don't give no return tickets.”
Peters tells Richard that the suspected murderer is dead.
The revelation that the suspect has died.