Trent’s Last Case · Chapter
VI: Mr. Bunner on the Case explained
Trent interviews Calvin Bunner, Manderson's private secretary, who provides insights into Manderson's recent anxious behavior and the possibility that he feared an attack from business enemies.
What happens
Trent interviews Calvin Bunner, Manderson's private secretary, who provides insights into Manderson's recent anxious behavior and the possibility that he feared an attack from business enemies. Bunner also discusses the pistol found at the scene and offers Trent a ride, leading to a private conversation in the garage where he shares his theories about the case.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Society
Bunner discusses the threat to Manderson from desperate workers and aliens, illustrating class tensions and the perils of immense wealth.
Jealousy and Obsession
Bunner describes Manderson's obsessive brooding and anxiety in the weeks before his death, suggesting a personal or professional obsession.
Characters to notice
- Philip Trent
Trent interviews Calvin Bunner, learns about Manderson's recent anxiety, and discusses the pistol and Bunner's theories.
- Calvin Bunner
Bunner shares his observations about Manderson's changed behavior, his belief that Manderson feared an attack, and his knowledge of the pistol.
- Sigsbee Manderson
Discussed as having been anxious and brooding in recent weeks, possibly fearing an attack from business enemies.
- John Marlowe
Mentioned as having bought the pistol and practiced with it, and as having discussed the Mandersons' troubles with Bunner.
- Mabel Manderson
Briefly mentioned as having told Bunner about Trent's presence, and as the subject of gossip with her French maid.
- Inspector Murch
Present during the initial conversation about the pistol; Bunner dismisses him as a 'mutt' but Trent defends his shrewdness.
Key passages
“big a man to be all broken up by any worry of that kind.”
Bunner believes that a serious marital problem would not be enough to upset a man of Manderson's stature.
Bunner dismisses the idea that marital troubles caused Manderson's anxiety.
“My belief is that he had somehow got to know that some of them were definitely after him at last.”
Bunner thinks Manderson learned that certain enemies were finally closing in on him.
Bunner's theory that Manderson feared assassination from business rivals.
“I have already satisfied myself that this was a premeditated crime, and an extraordinarily cunning one at that.”
Trent is convinced the murder was carefully planned and cleverly executed.
Trent shares his preliminary conclusion with Bunner.