# VI: At Leveson Square explained — The Wrong Letter

> Chapter companion for The Wrong Letter by Walter S. Masterman.

## What happens

Collins and Sinclair arrive at the crime scene in Leveson Square, where a thorough search has been conducted. The Home Office doctor reveals that the bullet extracted from Sir James Watson's body matches the empty cartridge but notes the unusual lack of damage, suggesting a half charge may have been used. Collins is frustrated by press leaks and confronts Boyce, who deflects blame. A telegram from Miss Watson informs Collins of her impending arrival in London.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The bullet's unexpected behavior (half charge) suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead; Collins's frustration with the press leaks and Boyce's evasiveness further underscore the theme of hidden truths.

### The Role of the Detective

Collins's unorthodox approach—wishing for mystery and criticizing straightforward solutions—contrasts with Sinclair's methodical style and Boyce's bureaucratic interference.

## Character check-ins

### Sylvester Collins

Arrives at Leveson Square with Sinclair; questions the doctor about the bullet; confronts Boyce about press leaks; receives a telegram from Miss Watson.

### Arthur Sinclair

Accompanies Collins to the scene; discusses the bullet findings with the doctor; deflects blame for press leaks; relieved that Boyce does not know about the letter.

### F. D. Boyce

Arrives at the scene; admits to sharing details with Cabinet members; becomes defensive and offended by Collins's criticism; assumes an air of importance.

### Sir James Watson

The deceased; his body remains in the house; the bullet extracted from his brain is examined.

### Mabel Watson

Sends a telegram to Collins announcing her arrival in London that afternoon.

### The Doctor

The fussy little doctor who assisted in the examination; present in the dining-room with the Home Office expert.

## Key lines

> The bullet had only just penetrated the brain. Now, a revolver bullet of that calibre, fired at the distance it was, should have smashed the back of the skull, and made a dreadful wound.

The bullet barely entered the brain, whereas a standard revolver bullet of that size fired from that range would have shattered the skull and caused severe damage.

_The doctor highlights the anomaly in the bullet's behavior, suggesting a possible half charge._

> What a pity some of our spook merchants cannot come and make an incantation or beat tom-toms or something, and conjure up the scene for us. It would be most interesting.

Collins sarcastically wishes that spiritualists could perform rituals to reveal what happened, finding the mystery more engaging than a straightforward solution.

_Collins expresses his preference for intrigue over a banal resolution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wrong_letter_se/chapters/vi-at-leveson-square
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wrong_letter_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wrong_letter_se/chapters