Mystery and Detection

Where it surfaces

• The Vanishing Man

  The chapter introduces the central mystery of John Bellingham's disappearance, with Thorndyke analyzing clues like the scarab and the housemaid's observations.

• II: The Eavesdropper

  The mysterious disappearance of John Bellingham and the legal complications surrounding his will set up a mystery that Thorndyke is hinted to be able to solve.

• III: John Thorndyke

  The chapter centers on the analysis of the Bellingham disappearance, with Thorndyke and Jervis discussing possible theories and the puzzling facts of the case.

• V: The Watercress-Bed

  The chapter advances the mystery of the Bellingham will and introduces the discovery of human remains, setting the stage for Thorndyke's investigation.

• The Sphynx of Lincoln’s Inn

  The chapter deepens the mystery of the dismembered remains and their connection to John Bellingham, with Paul attempting to piece together clues despite Jellicoe's resistance.

• X: The New Alliance

  Thorndyke analyzes the discovered bones and their possible link to John Bellingham's disappearance, advancing the investigation.

• The Evidence Reviewed

  Thorndyke reviews the evidence and probabilities, highlighting the difficulty of disposing of a body and the weaknesses in the case against the Bellinghams.

• A Voyage of Discovery

  The chapter builds suspense around the identity of the bones and the circumstances of the dismemberment, with Thorndyke orchestrating a covert investigation through Paul.

• XIII: The Coroner’s Quest

  The inquest seeks to identify the remains and determine cause of death, with police and jury probing the circumstances of the discovery.

• XV: Circumstantial Evidence

  The chapter focuses on interpreting circumstantial evidence from the bones, including the unusual method of dismemberment.

• XVI: O Artemidorus, Farewell!

  Mr. Jellicoe discusses the unexplained bitumen coating on the mummy, adding a layer of mystery to the narrative.

• John Bellingham

  The police surveillance, the mysterious letter from Berlin, and Thorndyke's experiments all contribute to the unfolding mystery of John Bellingham's fate.

• A Strange Symposium

  Thorndyke's systematic reasoning and reconstruction of the crime exemplify the detective's method.