Behind That Curtain · Chapter
XX: The Truth Arrives explained
Charlie Chan reveals that Major Eric Durand is the murderer of Sir Frederic Bruce, having killed him to prevent the discovery of his wife Eve Durand.
What happens
Charlie Chan reveals that Major Eric Durand is the murderer of Sir Frederic Bruce, having killed him to prevent the discovery of his wife Eve Durand. Chan explains his reasoning, including the significance of the briefcase check, the velvet slippers, and the train fare to Chicago. Eve Durand is identified as Grace Lane, and Colonel Beetham confirms he escorted her through the Khyber Pass. The chapter ends with the truth fully exposed.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of despair and failure:…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Crime Detection Methods
Chan meticulously reconstructs the crime using evidence like the briefcase check, velvet slippers, and train fare calculations.
- The Elusive Nature of Truth
The truth about Eve Durand's identity and Durand's guilt is gradually uncovered, with misdirections along the way.
- Identity and Disguise
Eve Durand is revealed to have been living under the alias Grace Lane, hiding her true identity.
Characters to notice
- Sergeant Charlie Chan
Reveals the murderer and explains his deductive process.
- Major Eric Durand
Confronted as the killer of Sir Frederic Bruce; arrested.
- Eve Durand
Identified as Grace Lane; confronts her husband Eric.
- Colonel John Beetham
Confirms he escorted Eve Durand through the Khyber Pass.
- Captain Flannery
Arrests Durand; questions remaining details.
- Inspector Duff
Reads Sir Frederic's records; praises Chan's intelligence.
Key passages
“All color had drained from Durand’s face, it was gray as fog as he stood there confronted by the triumphant little Chinese.”
Durand's face turned pale as Charlie Chan confronted him.
Shows Durand's shock at being exposed.
“I will explain with all my eloquence later. Just now I content myself with admitting this—Major Durand was one person in all the world who did not want Eve Durand discovered.”
Chan says he will explain later, but admits Durand was the one who most wanted to keep Eve hidden.
Highlights Durand's motive.
“Now the truth arrives,”
The truth is finally revealed.
Chapter title echoed in dialogue.
