Simon Rattar

F. T. Carrington

Carrington and Rattar are locked in a bitter power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other's influence in the community.

Ned Cromarty

Ned and Rattar are antagonists, with Ned opposing Rattar's manipulative schemes and defending his family's interests.

Sir Reginald Cromarty

Rattar exerts a manipulative influence over Sir Reginald, exploiting his weaknesses for personal gain.

Mary MacLean

Mary is a victim of Rattar's manipulation, caught in a web of deceit and emotional control.

Cicely Farmond

Cicely and Rattar are adversaries, with Cicely actively opposing Rattar's schemes and protecting those he targets.

Malcolm Cromarty

Malcolm and Rattar are enemies, with Malcolm distrusting Rattar and working to counter his influence.

F. T. Carrington

Carrington and Rattar are locked in a bitter power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other's influence in the community.

Ned Cromarty

Ned and Rattar are antagonists, with Ned opposing Rattar's manipulative schemes and defending his family's interests.

Ned Cromarty

Ned and Rattar are antagonists, with Ned opposing Rattar's manipulative schemes and defending his family's interests.

Sir Reginald Cromarty

Rattar exerts a manipulative influence over Sir Reginald, exploiting his weaknesses for personal gain.

Malcolm Cromarty

Malcolm and Rattar are enemies, with Malcolm distrusting Rattar and working to counter his influence.

F. T. Carrington

Carrington and Rattar are locked in a bitter power struggle, each seeking to undermine the other's influence in the community.

II: The Procurator Fiscal

Shows uncharacteristic nervousness and agitation after learning of a prowler in his garden; cuts himself shaving and upsets the toast rack.

III: The Heir

Arrives at his office at 9:45, acts unusually by requesting the letter book and ledger, and shows a complacent expression after Malcolm's visit.

IV: The Man from the West

Acts unusually cautious and distracted during Ned Cromarty's visit. Shows interest in Ned's past and seems affected by the mention of hanging. He has a clerk announce Miss Farmond's arrival.

V: The Third Visitor

Receives Cicely's visit, remains evasive, and after she leaves shows signs of agitation and paranoia.

At Night

Takes extraordinary measures to secure his top-floor rooms, locks doors, posts warning notes, and later receives a mysterious late-night visitor.

VII: The Drive Home

Mentioned as having been visited by Ned and Cicely; noted for evading questions.

X: The Letter

Discussed as the twin brother of George; his letter about Castleknowe farm provokes Sir Reginald's anger.

XI: News

Present at the crime scene as Procurator Fiscal; offers dry, skeptical comments and resists forming a definite theory, though earlier suggested the murderer entered by the door.

XIV: The Question of Motive

Shares details of Sir Reginald's will and reviews Bisset's clues; presses the question of motive.

XV: Two Women

Visits Keldale for over two hours with Lady Cromarty, then briefly meets with Sir Malcolm before departing; described as 'infernally close and unsatisfactory'.

XVI: Rumour

Mentioned as possibly having sparked Lady Cromarty's suspicions by discussing motive and who stood to gain from the death.

A Suggestion

Reluctantly meets with Ned Cromarty, defends the police work, and argues against hiring a detective to avoid a family scandal.

XX: The Sporting Visitor

Mentioned as the energetic local figure trying to unravel the murder; his role is described at length to Carrington by the choice spirits.

Mr. Carrington's Walk

Carrington decides to call on him under the pretext of inquiring about estate leases, though his true motive is likely investigative.

XXII: Mr. Carrington and the Fiscal

Initially cautious and taciturn, but gradually relaxes and admits to being Carrington's employer.

XXIII: Simon's Views

Expresses his opinion that the evidence points to Sir Malcolm and Cicely, discusses motives and other beneficiaries, and shows reluctance when questioned about Ned Cromarty.

XXV: A Telegram

Shows caution and suspicion; refuses to summon Sir Malcolm on trivial grounds, but agrees to think about it.

The Return

Lies to Cicely, claiming Ned suspects her and Malcolm; advises her to flee to London; Ned suspects his motives.

Brother and Sister

Identified by Lilian as the likely spreader of the false rumor, accused of having a motive to shelter someone else.

XXX: A Marked Man

Referred to as Sir Malcolm's man of business who hinted at suspicion and advised him to keep away; Carrington later gathers local history about him from Miss Peterkin.

The Letter Again

Rattar appears haggard and strained during Carrington's visit; he shows relief at the suicide theory but is visibly unsettled when questioned about the letter and Cicely's visit.

XXXII: The Sympathetic Stranger

Discussed as the subject of Carrington's inquiries; his house is visited by Carrington.

The House of Mysteries

The master of the house, whose unusual conduct—nightly garden walks, dismissal of the burglary, and loss of a tight ring—troubles Mary.

XXXIV: A Confidential Conversation

Lied to Carrington about being the employer and advised both Cicely and Sir Malcolm to leave.

In the Garden

Walks his garden at night, smoking a pipe and pacing, unaware that Carrington is following him.

The Walking Stick

Returns home unexpectedly in a motor car to retrieve an overcoat, then departs for Keldale House, arousing Carrington's suspicion.

XXXVII: Bisset's Advice

Reported to have denied advising Cicely to flee, leading to her departure from Keldale.

XXXVIII: Trapped

Revealed to actually be George Rattar; arrested for the murder of his brother Simon.

The Yarn

George's brother, who was killed by George and impersonated for weeks.

XL: The Last Chapter

Simon Rattar is confirmed to have been murdered by his twin brother George, who then impersonated him; his body was buried in a flower bed at his own house.