The Middle of Things · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Middle of Things by J. S. Fletcher.

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Chapter 1
I: Faced with Reality
Richard Viner and his aunt, Miss Bethia Penkridge, discuss the nature of fiction versus reality after finishing a sensational novel. Miss Penkridge insists that truth is stranger than fiction, recounting real-life unsolved mysteries and crimes. Later, Viner takes his nightly walk and has a strange encounter with a young man who darts out of a dark passage, leaving Viner with a sense of recognition and unease.
Chapter 2
II: Number Seven in the Square
Richard Viner discovers the murdered body of Mr. Ashton in a passage near Markendale Square, having just encountered a young man fleeing the scene. He alerts a policeman, who summons Dr. Cortelyon and the police. Inspector Drillford arrives, confirms murder and robbery, and Viner accompanies him to break the news to Ashton's household—his ward Avice Wickham and her chaperon Mrs. Killenhall, who admit they knew little of Ashton.
Chapter 3
III: Who Was Mr. Ashton?
Inspector Drillford questions Miss Wickham and Mrs. Killenhall about Mr. Ashton, learning that neither knew him well. Miss Wickham reveals she was left in Ashton's care after her father's death and had not seen him for twelve years until two months ago. Drillford concludes it is a clear case of robbery and murder, but Viner is troubled by the mystery surrounding Ashton's identity and the fleeing man he saw.
Chapter 4
The Ring and the Knife
Viner attends the police court hearing for the man arrested in connection with Ashton's murder. Despite strong circumstantial evidence—the ring, the knife, and Viner's own identification—Viner becomes convinced of the man's innocence. He offers to help, and the prisoner reveals himself as Langton Hyde, an old schoolmate from Rugby.
Chapter 5
V: Look for That Man!
Viner visits Hyde in custody and hears his account of finding the ring near the body. Hyde describes a tall man in a white muffler leaving the passage. Drillford remains skeptical, but Viner believes Hyde and resolves to find the mysterious man.

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I: Faced with Reality

II: Number Seven in the Square

III: Who Was Mr. Ashton?

The Ring and the Knife

V: Look for That Man!