Nigel Burtell

Derek Burtell

Derek and Nigel are brothers, likely with a complex dynamic involving rivalry and loyalty.

Mr. Leyland

Mr. Leyland appears to be a colleague or superior to Nigel, possibly in a business or investigative context.

Miles Bredon

Miles Bredon and Nigel Burtell are likely professional associates, possibly working on the same case or investigation.

Mr. Erasmus Quirk

Erasmus Quirk and Nigel Burtell are likely antagonists, with Quirk possibly opposing Nigel's interests.

Sir John Burtell

Nigel Burtell and Sir John Burtell are likely father and son, with a formal or strained dynamic.

Mr. Leyland

Mr. Leyland appears to be a colleague or superior to Nigel, possibly in a business or investigative context.

Miles Bredon

Miles Bredon and Nigel Burtell are likely professional associates, possibly working on the same case or investigation.

Derek Burtell

Derek and Nigel are brothers, likely with a complex dynamic involving rivalry and loyalty.

Miles Bredon

Miles Bredon and Nigel Burtell are likely professional associates, possibly working on the same case or investigation.

Mr. Leyland

Mr. Leyland appears to be a colleague or superior to Nigel, possibly in a business or investigative context.

Mr. Erasmus Quirk

Erasmus Quirk and Nigel Burtell are likely antagonists, with Quirk possibly opposing Nigel's interests.

Derek Burtell

Derek and Nigel are brothers, likely with a complex dynamic involving rivalry and loyalty.

I: Two Cousins

The younger cousin, an affected aesthete who delights in shocking others and harbors resentment toward Derek.

II: Shipcote Lock

Paddling in the stern, dressed as a 'river-man', takes a photograph of the lock-keeper, then disembarks at Shipcote Lock to catch a train.

III: The Canoe Adrift

Waits at the Gudgeon Inn for Derek, grows anxious, and organizes the search along the river.

IV: The Indescribable Has Its Doubts

Derek's cousin, who accompanied him on the canoe trip and is considered a potential suspect.

VI: The Archimedes Touch

Subject of suspicion due to his overly sound alibi and motive as residuary legatee.

VII: The Camera Cannot Lie

Implied as the photographer and possible perpetrator; Bredon plans to confront him with a deceptive story about finding the photos.

A Common-Room Dinner

Found in his chaotic digs; receives the photographs from Bredon with affected nonchalance but shows a moment of unease when the camera is mentioned.

IX: Nigel Goes Down

Suspected of murdering his cousin; discussed as having a possible alibi and as having performed a clever train evasion.

X: Discordant Notes

His alibi is discussed in detail; witnesses confirm his movements at Shipcote Station, Oxford, and the Gudgeon.

Mr. Erasmus Quirk

Described by the landlady as a nice-looking young gentleman with a slow, drawling voice; suspected of being the first guest at Millington Bridge.

XII: The Secret of the Island

Suspect; his fingerprints match those on the decanters; he is believed to have murdered Derek and staged the disappearance.

XIII: Pursued

Discussed as the younger cousin who disappeared after the canoe trip, possibly a victim or accomplice.

XIV: The Man in the Punt

Suspected of collusion with Wallace; his movements are central to the reconstruction.

XV: A New Legacy

Cleared of primary suspicion due to the new will; his motive is reduced.

XVI: Bredon Plays Patience

The cipher postcard is addressed to his Oxford lodgings.

XVII: Mr. Quirk Disappears

Implied to have written the White Bracton letter and possibly sent the cipher post card to mislead the police.

XVIII: In Undisguise

Exposed as Mr. Quirk; faints upon discovery. His undergraduate disguise is revealed as artificial.

XIX: The Story Nigel Told

Narrates the entire scheme from his sickbed, revealing his complicity and motives.

XX: A Reconstruction

Discussed as a suspect; his alibi is questioned and his story analyzed.

XXI: A Walk in the Dark

Asleep upstairs at the Gudgeon; the doctor says he can get up a bit tomorrow.

XXII: Another Story

Suspected by Farris of making away with Derek; Bredon investigates his shoe size in Oxford.

XXIII: Bredon Plays Patience Again

Sits up for the first time, debates morality of murder with Angela, admits he would have killed Derek if he could avoid hanging.

XXIV: Backed Both Ways

His account is confirmed as truthful; he was kept in the dark about parts of Derek's plan.

XXV: A Postscript

Narrates the chapter via a letter to Mrs. Bredon, detailing his internal conflict and decision not to give Derek the drugs.