# How does The Borough Treasurer develop the theme of Fate and Consequence?

> The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher

## Answer

The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher develops Fate and Consequence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The past inevitably catches up with the characters; Kitely's chance arrival in Highmarket triggers a chain of events leading to murder, flight, and ruin, illustrating that past crimes have inescapable consequences.

Cotherstone's wish for Kitely's death is immediately followed by the news of his murder, suggesting a grim chain of cause and effect.

The calculations of interest over thirty years and Stoner's decision to investigate set in motion consequences tied to past actions.

Stoner's decision to blackmail leads directly to his fatal fall; Mallalieu's past crimes catch up with him.

## Evidence

- [iii-murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/iii-murder.md): Cotherstone's wish for Kitely's death is immediately followed by the news of his murder, suggesting a grim chain of cause and effect.
- [xiv-the-sheet-of-figures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xiv-the-sheet-of-figures.md): The calculations of interest over thirty years and Stoner's decision to investigate set in motion consequences tied to past actions.
- [xvi-the-lonely-moor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xvi-the-lonely-moor.md): Stoner's decision to blackmail leads directly to his fatal fall; Mallalieu's past crimes catch up with him.
- [xviii-the-scrap-book](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xviii-the-scrap-book.md): The past crimes of Mallows and Chidforth catch up with them decades later, leading to murder and impending disgrace.
- [xxii-the-hand-in-the-darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxii-the-hand-in-the-darkness.md): Mallalieu's escape attempt is interrupted by a mysterious hand in the darkness, suggesting an inescapable fate.
- [xxv-no-further-evidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxv-no-further-evidence.md): Mallalieu's escape seals his perceived guilt, while Cotherstone's calculated defense leads to his discharge.
- [xxvi-the-virtues-of-suspicion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxvi-the-virtues-of-suspicion.md): Mallalieu's fate hangs in the balance as he faces the consequences of his actions, with the threat of the gallows looming over every decision.
- [xxix-without-thought-of-consequence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/xxix-without-thought-of-consequence.md): Mallalieu's impulsive shooting seals his fate, forcing him into a desperate flight with no thought of consequence.

## Links

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