The Borough Treasurer · Character

Mr. Cotherstone

A prominent Highmarket townsman discharged amid jeers of 'King's evidence,' whose defiance in the courtroom masks a private terror of revelation.

major

Also known as Cotherstone, Milford Cotherstone

First appearance: I: Blackmail

As a major figure in The Borough Treasurer, Mr. Cotherstone is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The junior partner in the building firm, nervous and anxious, who is being blackmailed by Kitely over a past crime.

In the storyI: BlackmailOpen this moment free

Cotherstone is one half of a long partnership with Mallalieu, a builder proud of his stone house and his standing, yet haunted by something Kitely knew. When the crowd brands him a liar and a self-saver, he answers with champagne and bravado, but at home he dreads even a supper guest. His dread of exposure—chiefly for Lettie's sake—drives the novel's central pressure.

See Mr. Cotherstone in I: Blackmail Book page

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Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Other

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Secondary townspeople and relatives
Central suspects and witnesses
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Mallalieu reaches a psychological peak of paranoid terror and physical des…

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In the story

Mr. Cotherstone appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Blackmail
The junior partner in the building firm, nervous and anxious, who is being blackmailed by Kitely over a past crime.
II: Crime—and Success
Struggles with the shock of Kitely's blackmail, reflecting on his past crime and his current respected position as Borough Treasurer.
III: Murder
Anxious and distracted after Kitely's blackmail, he forces himself to entertain guests but is shaken by the news of Kitely's murder.
IV: The Pine Wood
Shows extreme agitation upon hearing of Kitely's murder; later whispers to Bent about a clue.
The Cord
Appears elated and eager about Kitely's death; points out the clue of the cord.
VII: Night Work
Mallalieu is certain Cotherstone killed Kitely; Cotherstone appears worn and nervous when they meet at the yard.
X: The Hole in the Thatch
Brereton suspects him due to his direct knowledge of the murder scene and his behavior on the night of the murder.
XII: Parental Anxiety
Confronts Mallalieu in a rage, suspecting him of thinking he murdered Kitely; later pressures Lettie to marry early, citing heart trouble and a desire to retire.
XIV: The Sheet of Figures
Cotherstone's scribbling of 'Wilchester' and his calculations on the sheet arouse Stoner's suspicion.
XV: One Thing Leads to Another
Implied to be the former Chidforth of the Mallows & Chidforth case, suspected of involvement in Kitely's murder.
XVI: The Lonely Moor
Implied as a co-conspirator in Kitely's murder and the past fraud; mentioned by Stoner.
XVII: The Medical Opinion
Present at the examination, exchanges a significant look with Mallalieu, and questions the police about signs of struggle or robbery.
The Scrap Book
Identified as one of the former criminals (Chidforth) from the 1881 building society fraud; Brereton believes he may be involved in the murders.
At Bay
Reveals his past as Mallalieu's catspaw in the Wilchester fraud, admits to paying back the money after Kitely's murder, and accuses Mallalieu of killing Kitely and Stoner.
The Interrupted Flight
Mallalieu sees him at the office but avoids speaking about Stoner's death.
XXII: The Hand in the Darkness
Arrested alongside Mallalieu; placed in the dock first, avoids eye contact with Mallalieu, appears restless and eager during proceedings.
No Further Evidence
Imprisoned in Norcaster Gaol, he resolves to fight the charges and testifies against Mallalieu at the inquest.
The Virtues of Suspicion
Cotherstone is mentioned as having given evidence against Mallalieu at the inquest and being discharged by the magistrates to testify further.
Without Thought of Consequence
Seen by Mallalieu among the men outside the cottage, demanding admittance.
XXX: Cotherstone
Discharged from court, he faces public hostility but resolves to confess his knowledge of Kitely's murder to the superintendent.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Cotherstone in I: Blackmail