The Jade God · Chapter
V: The Paper-Knife explained
Derrick visits Sergeant Burke at the Bamberley police station to discuss the Millicent murder case.
What happens
Derrick visits Sergeant Burke at the Bamberley police station to discuss the Millicent murder case. He presents a small dark green object—the paper-knife—that he found, shocking Burke. Derrick probes Burke's views on criminal psychology, coincidence, and the behavior of suspects, revealing that Martin (the gardener) returned from Burma and Canada because he 'had to come,' and that Perkins sleepwalks and is drawn to the desk where Mr. Millicent was found. Burke, cautious but intrigued, agrees to share information unofficially, hoping to solve the baffling case.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Derrick’s psychological whirl and Martin’s shift from silent, fearful contemplation to a “new look” and awkwar…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Guilt and Secrecy
Derrick discusses how criminals are haunted by their crimes and drawn back to the scene, reflecting the theme of guilt and hidden truths.
- Fear and Paranoia
Burke's suspicion of Derrick's motives and the tension around Martin and Perkins' secretive behavior highlight paranoia.
Characters to notice
- Mr. John Derrick
Visits Sergeant Burke to discuss the Millicent case, presents the paper-knife, and shares his observations about Martin and Perkins.
- Sergeant Burke
The local sergeant, still haunted by the unsolved Millicent murder, cautiously engages with Derrick's inquiries.
- John Martin
Mentioned as the gardener who returned from Burma and Canada, claiming he 'had to come,' and is observed examining the desk.
- Perkins
The housekeeper at Beech Lodge, known to sleepwalk and to be drawn to the desk where Mr. Millicent was found.
- Constable Peters
Mentioned as having reported that Derrick authorized Martin to occupy the cottage.
Key passages
“Proof that either Perkins or Martin had been lying at the inquest, or—he added with an incredulous smile—'the discovery of that paper-knife, or even the image.' Derrick put his hand in his pocket and laid a small dark green object on the table. 'Was it at all like this, sergeant?'”
Derrick produces the paper-knife, shocking Burke by showing that he has found the missing object.
Key moment where Derrick reveals physical evidence.
“He had to come. He had no bones about saying so. ... Sergeant, could an innocent man have felt like that?”
Derrick questions whether an innocent man would feel compelled to return to the scene of a crime.
Highlights the theme of guilt and psychological compulsion.
