The Footsteps at the Lock · Chapter
XXIV: Backed Both Ways explained
Miles Bredon reveals that Derek Burtell orchestrated his own disappearance and the false murder scene, using drug-induced cunning to frame his cousin Nigel.
What happens
Miles Bredon reveals that Derek Burtell orchestrated his own disappearance and the false murder scene, using drug-induced cunning to frame his cousin Nigel. Derek's plan involved trick photography, false footprints, and a dual scheme to either have Nigel executed for murder or split the inheritance. Bredon explains how Derek's hatred and drug use led to the elaborate deception.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This excerpt is the dramatic climax because it reveals the full psychological reversal: the narrator, previous…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Identity
Derek's entire plan hinges on creating false identities and impressions, including trick photography and aliases.
- Revenge and Justice
Derek's motive is to have Nigel punished for a past death, seeking a twisted form of justice through framing.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Reveals the full solution to the mystery, explaining Derek's plan and the evidence.
- Angela
Enters and comments on the revelation, expressing a preference for Nigel over Derek.
- Mr. Leyland
Expresses astonishment at the solution and is urged to return Nigel's trousers.
- Derek Burtell
Revealed as the mastermind behind the deception, using drugs to craft an elaborate plan.
- Nigel Burtell
His account is confirmed as truthful; he was kept in the dark about parts of Derek's plan.
Key passages
“Derek Burtell hated his cousin. We know that, and we know why. But his hatred took something like a moral form; he at any rate believed that his cousin was as good as a murderer, because he was responsible for that woman’s death.”
Derek's hatred for Nigel was rooted in a belief that Nigel was morally culpable for a woman's death.
Explains Derek's motivation for framing Nigel.
“He didn’t want to kill Nigel: he wanted Nigel to be executed by the laws of his country.”
Derek's goal was not murder but to have Nigel legally condemned to death.
Highlights Derek's vengeful and calculated intent.
