Major Jefferson

Roger Sheringham

Major Jefferson is a gruff, competitive figure who frequently clashes with Roger Sheringham over authority and investigative methods.

Lady Stanworth

Lady Stanworth and Major Jefferson share a polite, formal acquaintance as members of the same country house party.

Alexander Grierson

Alexander Grierson and Major Jefferson have a tense, competitive dynamic, often disagreeing on matters of logic and honor.

Mrs. Plant

Major Jefferson and Mrs. Plant have a distant, utilitarian acquaintance, with Jefferson often dismissing her as a servant.

Doctor Matthewson

Doctor Matthewson and Major Jefferson have a professional, collegial relationship, with Matthewson providing medical expertise to the investigation.

Roger Sheringham

Major Jefferson is a gruff, competitive figure who frequently clashes with Roger Sheringham over authority and investigative methods.

Lady Stanworth

Lady Stanworth and Major Jefferson share a polite, formal acquaintance as members of the same country house party.

Alexander Grierson

Alexander Grierson and Major Jefferson have a tense, competitive dynamic, often disagreeing on matters of logic and honor.

Roger Sheringham

Major Jefferson is a gruff, competitive figure who frequently clashes with Roger Sheringham over authority and investigative methods.

Lady Stanworth

Lady Stanworth and Major Jefferson share a polite, formal acquaintance as members of the same country house party.

Mrs. Plant

Major Jefferson and Mrs. Plant have a distant, utilitarian acquaintance, with Jefferson often dismissing her as a servant.

Doctor Matthewson

Doctor Matthewson and Major Jefferson have a professional, collegial relationship, with Matthewson providing medical expertise to the investigation.

The Layton Court Mystery

A guest at the house party, later implicated in the mystery.

II: An Interrupted Breakfast

A guest who first notices Victor's absence; he leads the effort to break down the library door and discovers the body.

III: Mr. Sheringham Is Puzzled

Shows nervousness, tries to move the body, and searches Stanworth's pockets; later attempts to get rid of others.

IV: Major Jefferson Is Reluctant

Reluctantly assists the inspector, shows signs of being on edge, and is questioned about the safe combination.

IV: Major Jefferson Is Reluctant

Methodical and observant, he examines the crime scene, the suicide note, and the lock, and begins interviewing the household.

V: Mr. Sheringham Asks a Question

Interviewed by the inspector; states Stanworth seemed normal and denies any knowledge of motives for suicide; Roger suspects he is hiding something.

IX: Mr. Sheringham Sees Visions

Shows quiet satisfaction at lunch, puzzling Roger who suspects he may have tampered with the safe.

X: Mrs. Plant Is Apprehensive

Mentioned as sharing a similar emotional shift with Mrs. Plant, suggesting they are in league.

XI: Lady Stanworth Exchanges Glances

Calmly facilitates the safe opening, exchanges a meaningful glance with Lady Stanworth, and seems to have prior knowledge of the safe's contents.

XI: Lady Stanworth Exchanges Glances

Opens the safe in a routine manner, finds money and Mrs. Plant's jewels, and confirms Mrs. Plant must attend the inquest.

XII: Hidden Chambers and What-Nots

Enters the library briefly, appears indifferent to Roger's questions about priest-holes, and leaves to go into town.

XIII: Mr. Sheringham Investigates a Footprint

Suspected of having delayed his trip to Elchester and possibly spying on Roger and Alec from the library.

XVI: Mr. Sheringham Lectures on Neo-Platonism

Mentioned as a suspect whose behavior is discussed; implied to have overheard and erased the footprints.

XVII: Mr. Grierson Becomes Heated

Greets Roger and Alec at tea; appears unperturbed by Stanworth's death; leaves to attend to other matters.

XVIII: What the Settee Had to Tell

Mentioned as a suspect; Roger considers his possible involvement and the missing keys.

XIX: Mr. Sheringham Loses and Wins the Same Bet

Shows nerve and guardedness; exchanges a warning look with Lady Stanworth when Roger questions her.

XXI: Mr. Sheringham Is Dramatic

Now seen by Roger as shy and honest; found working on documents in the morning room.

XXII: Mr. Sheringham Solves the Mystery

Accused by Roger of killing Stanworth in a struggle, motivated by love for Mrs. Plant and anger over blackmail; Alec insists this is out of character.

XXIII: Mrs. Plant Talks

Testifies at the inquest; Mrs. Plant denies that he entered the library during her meeting with Stanworth.

XXV: The Mystery Finally Refuses to Accept Mr. Sheringham's Solution

Reveals his secret marriage to Lady Stanworth and confesses to a past forgery he committed to protect a friend, which Stanworth used to blackmail him.

XXVI: Mr. Grierson Tries His Hand

Reveals his secret marriage to Lady Stanworth and explains Stanworth's blackmail hold over them and others.

XXVII: Mr. Sheringham Hits the Mark

Roger previously suspected Jefferson but now dismisses him; they part amicably.