The Viaduct Murder · Chapter
XIII: The Man in the Passage explained
Gordon, Carmichael, and Reeves discover a secret passage in Reeves' room and plan to investigate it.
What happens
Gordon, Carmichael, and Reeves discover a secret passage in Reeves' room and plan to investigate it. They find the other end in the billiard-room, where a game appears to have been interrupted. Gordon and Reeves enter the passage with a revolver and electric torch, but are ambushed by an unseen man with a torch who forces them back at gunpoint. They emerge to find a policeman waiting in Reeves' room.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
The secret passage and hidden man embody the theme of concealment, with the characters attempting to uncover hidden truths.
Detection and Rationality
Carmichael and Gordon use logical deduction to find the passage and plan their approach, though they are outmaneuvered.
Appearance vs. Reality
The billiard-room appears undisturbed but shows signs of recent use; the passage seems empty but hides a armed man.
Characters to notice
- Gordon Davenant
Takes charge of the investigation, enters the secret passage with a revolver and torch, but is forced back by an unseen man.
- Mr. Carmichael
Discovers the spring mechanism for the secret door in the billiard-room, provides a revolver for defense.
- Mordaunt Reeves
Plays the piano as a cover, accompanies Gordon into the passage with the electric torch.
- Marryatt
Guards the billiard-room door armed with a niblick, agrees to assist after minimal explanation.
Key passages
“If music be the food of detection, play on. Give us excess of it, that surfeiting the mysterious gentleman behind the panelling may sicken, and so die.”
Gordon humorously suggests that playing more music might annoy the hidden man into revealing himself.
A playful allusion to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, adapting the line to the detective context.
“I don't see much good in all three of us going in. What happens if our man breaks cover through the other entrance? You see, it may be a member of the club all the time; who could turn up smiling at the other end, and nobody have a right to question him.”
Gordon argues against all three entering the passage, pointing out the suspect could be a club member who escapes through another exit.
Highlights the risk of the suspect blending in with club members.
“We proceed with me in front and you behind. I have the revolver, you have the electric torch. You hold it at arm's length, just in front of my shoulder. That ought to puzzle the other man if it comes to shooting.”
Gordon plans to enter the passage with Reeves holding the torch ahead to disorient any opponent.
Shows Gordon's tactical thinking, using the torch to create a visual advantage.