The Wrong Letter · Chapter
XII: What Happened in the Night explained
Collins investigates the mysterious footprints on the rug and overhears a stealthy step, leading him to confront Eric Sanders in the dining room with a revolver.
What happens
Collins investigates the mysterious footprints on the rug and overhears a stealthy step, leading him to confront Eric Sanders in the dining room with a revolver. The chapter deepens the mystery surrounding Sir James's murder, Jackson's insanity plea, and the disappearance of Lewis, while Collins decides to leave the party.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Collins suspects that the ghost sighting and the murder are part of a larger deception, and he questions Sinclair's motives and the true nature of events.
Secrecy and Family Loyalty
Collins hides his investigation from the party, and Mabel's aunt's illness and the family's silence about the ghost suggest hidden tensions.
The Role of the Detective
Collins acts as an amateur detective, piecing together clues, conducting a nighttime stakeout, and confronting a suspect.
Characters to notice
- Sylvester Collins
Investigates footprints on the rug, confronts Eric Sanders, and decides to leave the party.
- Eric Sanders
Found standing on the hearthrug with a revolver, confronts Collins with hostility.
- Mabel Watson
Hostess of the party, expresses insincerity about Collins leaving, shows terror at Allery's departure.
- Mr. Allery
Discusses the ghost and business, agrees to stay a few more days.
- Old John
Old servant who saw the ghost, speaks with Collins about the incident.
- Jackson
Declared unfit to plead, suspected as the murderer but Collins believes he is not the killer.
Key passages
“The impression of two feet was plainly visible on the thick rug. No one had been in the room since the morning, as they had all been out for lunch.”
Collins noticed fresh footprints on the rug, even though the room had been empty all day.
This clue suggests someone entered the dining room secretly, possibly the ghost or the murderer.
“When Sanders heard that Collins was going the next day, he was both relieved and angry. “Just my luck,” he thought, “if I had kept quiet, I need not have gone myself.””
Sanders felt conflicted about Collins's departure: relieved he was leaving but angry that his own plans were disrupted.
Reveals Sanders's hidden motives and his desire to avoid Collins.
“A flood of light illuminated the room, and showed a man standing on the hearthrug, rigid. It was Eric Sanders. In his hand was a revolver.”
Collins turned on the light and found Eric Sanders standing motionless on the rug, holding a gun.
The confrontation escalates, with Sanders accusing Collins of being a 'foul brute'.