# Proof at Last explained — The Viaduct Murder

> Chapter companion for The Viaduct Murder by Ronald A. Knox.

## What happens

Reeves reveals to Gordon that he has solved the murder, identifying Marryatt as the killer. He presents a chain of circumstantial evidence: Marryatt took the Momerie book from Reeves' room, gave it to Brotherhood, sent a theological cipher message, traveled on the 3:00 train to establish an alibi, behaved suspiciously after the body was found, and lied about knowing Miss Rendall-Smith. Reeves proposes a test using the walking stick to confront Marryatt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

Marryatt's lies about knowing Miss Rendall-Smith and his concealment of the Momerie book highlight the theme of hidden truths.

### Detection and Rationality

Reeves uses logical deduction and evidence reconstruction (e.g., the washing-list) to build his case, showcasing rational detection.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Marryatt appears as a respectable clergyman but is accused of murder; his calm demeanor masks guilt.

## Character check-ins

### Gordon Davenant

Reeves confides his solution to Gordon, who is skeptical but listens.

### Mordaunt Reeves

Reeves presents his detailed case against Marryatt, including the deciphering of the washing-list and the plan to test Marryatt with the stick.

### Marryatt

Accused by Reeves of murdering Brotherhood; Reeves outlines his motives, alibi, and suspicious behavior.

### Mr. Carmichael

Referenced in the discussion about the photograph of Miss Rendall-Smith and the proposed test method.

### Miss Rendall-Smith

Her photograph and identity are discussed as part of Marryatt's suspicious behavior.

### Old Brotherhood

The victim; his relationship with Marryatt and the gift of the Momerie book are key to the case.

## Key lines

> Well, it clearly wasn’t part of the cipher, was it?

The list on the back of the cipher letter is not part of the code.

_Reeves and Gordon discuss the significance of the washing-list._

> I have solved it, and I wish to God I hadn’t.

Reeves regrets his discovery of the murderer's identity.

_Reeves reveals his solution to Gordon._

> It was Marryatt who took out my Shakespeare; he wanted to look up a quotation for his evening sermon.

Marryatt entered Reeves' room under the pretense of a sermon preparation.

_Reeves explains how Marryatt accessed the Momerie book._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters/xx-proof-at-last
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters