Walter Brooklyn

Charis Lang

Charis is Walter's devoted daughter, though their relationship is strained by family secrets.

Carter Woodman

Carter suspects Walter of being involved in the crimes, leading to tense confrontations.

Joan Cowper

Joan and Walter are locked in a battle of wits, each trying to outmaneuver the other in the murder inquiry.

Sir Vernon Brooklyn

Sir Vernon is Walter's domineering father, and their relationship is marked by resentment and power struggles.

John Prinsep

John and Walter are bitter rivals, both vying for control of the Brooklyn family legacy.

Robert Ellery

Robert suspects Walter of murder and engages in a tense cat-and-mouse game with him.

George Brooklyn

George and Walter are brothers locked in a bitter feud over inheritance and loyalty.

Charis Lang

Charis is Walter's devoted daughter, though their relationship is strained by family secrets.

Carter Woodman

Carter suspects Walter of being involved in the crimes, leading to tense confrontations.

George Brooklyn

George and Walter are brothers locked in a bitter feud over inheritance and loyalty.

Robert Ellery

Robert suspects Walter of murder and engages in a tense cat-and-mouse game with him.

Joan Cowper

Joan and Walter are locked in a battle of wits, each trying to outmaneuver the other in the murder inquiry.

III: Murder

His financial papers are found on Prinsep's desk, suggesting a possible motive.

Plain as a Pikestaff

Reports the double murder to Superintendent Wilson, presenting the evidence and conflicting clues.

Plain as a Pikestaff

Mentioned as the subject of financial papers found on Prinsep's desk.

The Case Against Walter Brooklyn

Primary suspect; motive from inheritance; visited Liskeard House at 10:10 PM but was refused entry; his stick found at crime scene; made a phone call from the house at 11:30 PM.

The Case Against Walter Brooklyn

Leads the investigation; interviews staff and club porters; connects the walking stick and phone call to Walter Brooklyn.

A Review of the Case

Presents his case to Superintendent Wilson, initially confident but becomes discouraged as Wilson points out flaws in the evidence.

A Review of the Case

Subject of the investigation; Wilson argues the evidence is insufficient for arrest and suggests interviewing him instead.

Walter Brooklyn’s Explanation

Confronts Inspector Blaikie at his club; denies being at Liskeard House on Tuesday evening despite evidence of a phone call; displays violent temper and physical strength.

X: Charis Lang

Inspector Blaikie is convinced of his guilt; he is suspected of murdering both Prinsep and George Brooklyn. Blaikie believes he lied about his walking stick and that he visited Prinsep's room.

XI: Joan Takes Up the Case

Stepfather of Joan; suspected by police due to his presence at the scene and his walking-stick found in Prinsep's room.

An Arrest

Recalled to the witness stand at the inquest; admits to being at Liskeard House on Tuesday evening but denies knowledge of the murders; arrested after his statement is deemed a lie.

An Arrest

Convinced of Walter Brooklyn's guilt; argues for immediate arrest and full disclosure at the inquest; defers to Wilson's plan but secures a warrant for arrest.

Mainly a Love Scene

Walter is the prime suspect in the murder. Joan and Ellery search for him but he is missing from his clubs, and the porters show suspicion toward him.

XV: To and Fro

Disappears before the inquest; spends the night at a Maidenhead hotel; is arrested at the inquest; sends for solicitor Fred Thomas; is held at Vine Street.

A Link in the Chain

Arrested and in custody; insists he was not at Liskeard House on the night of the murder.

XVIII: The Case for the Defence

The accused, maintains his innocence but refuses to provide a clear account of his whereabouts.

XIX: The Police Have Their Doubts

Reports to Superintendent Wilson, expresses confidence in Walter Brooklyn's guilt but worries about securing a conviction.

XIX: The Police Have Their Doubts

Remains in custody; the police discuss the circumstantial evidence against him and the possibility of an alibi.

XX: Superintendent Wilson Thinks It Out

The prime suspect; Wilson discusses the evidence against him, including the walking-stick and telephone message, but doubts his guilt.

Don Quixote

Walter Brooklyn's alibi is the focus of the chapter; his movements are being reconstructed by Joan and Ellery.

The Spaniard Does His Bit

His alibi is confirmed by witnesses; he is the stepfather Joan is determined to clear.

Walter Brooklyn Goes Free

Cleared of murder charges and released due to the alibi provided by Joan and Ellery.

Walter Brooklyn Goes Free

Initially incredulous but convinced by the cumulative alibi evidence.

A Fresh Start

Recently released due to a convincing alibi; discussed as the intended target of the murderer's framing.

XXV: Raising the Wind

Released from Brixton Jail; returns to his club, orders dinner, and contemplates his financial troubles and inheritance prospects.

Two Men Strike a Bargain

Dines alone at his club, reflects on his release and prospects, negotiates a financial bargain with Carter Woodman, and feels both swindled and hopeful.

Robert Ellery’s Idea

Cleared of suspicion; Ellery notes that Woodman tried to frame him for the murders.

The Superintendent’s Theory

Mentioned as the intended victim of the frame-up; his alibi was proven sound.

A Letter and Its Consequences

Mentioned as having made Woodman his heir and as a joint party to the loan attempt.

Sir John Bunnery

Mentioned as having made a will in Woodman's favour and being involved in the loan scheme.

On the Tiles

His walking-stick is central to the investigation; Moorman confirms he left Woodman's office without it.

An Order for Bulbs

Referred to as Inspector Blaikie; he leads the police operation outside Woodman's office and enters the building.

An Afternoon Call

Referenced as the stepfather framed by Woodman and later released.

A Happy Ending

Cleared of suspicion; his stick was used as a false clue by Woodman.

List of Illustrations

Referenced in the title of the map illustration.