Whose Body? · Chapter
XII explained
In the foggy graveyard, Lord Peter Wimsey and Inspector Parker oversee the exhumation of a body believed to be Sir Reuben Levy.
What happens
In the foggy graveyard, Lord Peter Wimsey and Inspector Parker oversee the exhumation of a body believed to be Sir Reuben Levy. Lady Levy identifies the body by distinctive marks, confirming it is her husband. Dr. Grimbold examines the remains, noting the surgical skill involved. Later, at 110 Piccadilly, Inspector Sugg arrives to announce that Sir Julian Freke has been arrested and has written a confession addressed to Lord Peter.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The exhumation and identification of Sir Reuben Levy's body, along with the arrest of Sir Julian Freke, highlight the investigative process.
Sanity and Madness
Dr. Grimbold's remarks about a great brain turning to crime and Freke's attempted suicide suggest themes of rationality and criminality.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Present at the exhumation, later at home playing Bach when Sugg brings news of Freke's arrest.
- Mr. Parker
Accompanies Wimsey at the exhumation, escorts Lady Levy to her car, and later reads Origen at Piccadilly.
- Sir Reuben Levy
His body is exhumed and identified by Lady Levy.
- Lady Levy
Identifies her husband's body by a scar, mole, and kink, confirming it is Sir Reuben.
- Dowager Duchess of Denver
Accompanies Lady Levy at the mortuary, providing comfort and support.
- Inspector Sugg
Leads the arrest of Sir Julian Freke and brings the confession to Wimsey and Parker.
Key passages
“The vile, raw fog tore your throat and ravaged your eyes. You could not see your feet.”
The thick, harsh fog stung the throat and eyes, making it impossible to see one's feet.
Describes the atmospheric conditions during the exhumation.
“I must ask you definitely, Lady Levy. Do you, from these three marks identify the body as that of your husband?”
Dr. Grimbold formally asks Lady Levy to confirm the body is her husband based on three identifying marks.
Key moment of identification in the mortuary.
“We've got our man, sir. We were just in time, my lord. We rang the bell and marched straight up past his man to the library.”
Inspector Sugg announces the arrest of Sir Julian Freke, having reached him before he could escape or harm himself.
Sugg reports the successful capture to Wimsey and Parker.