The Pit-Prop Syndicate · Character

Claud Hilliard

A Customs Department man whose official instincts sharpen his friend's vague suspicions into a working theory of smuggling, fraud, and a pit-prop trade that is anything but innocent.

major

Also known as Hilliard, brother Hilliard

First appearance: i the sawmill on the lesque

As a major figure in The Pit-Prop Syndicate, Claud Hilliard is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Merriman's friend and fellow amateur; overhears the syndicate's secret meeting and discovers the hollow props.

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In Part I: The Amateurs: Merriman's friend and fellow amateur; overhears the syndicate's secret meeting and discovers the hollow props. Later, in An Interesting Suggestion: Keenly interested in the mystery; proposes a…

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See Claud Hilliard in i the sawmill on the lesque

Character Web

21 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Syndicate members and associates
French law and business
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In "The Pit Prop Syndicate," Part II: The Professionals marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the emoti…

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In the story

Claud Hilliard appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: The Amateurs
Merriman's friend and fellow amateur; overhears the syndicate's secret meeting and discovers the hollow props.
An Interesting Suggestion
Keenly interested in the mystery; proposes a holiday cruise to Bordeaux to investigate the lorry numbers and the suspicious trade.
The Start of the Cruise
Meets Merriman in Bordeaux, shows him the Swallow, and persuades Merriman to investigate the lorry affair by appealing to concern for Madeleine Coburn's safety.
A Commercial Proposition
Observant and suspicious, he notices the Coburns' unease and proposes inspecting the steamer's cargo; leads the reconnaissance of the sawmill.
The Visit of the Girondin
Suspicious of smuggling; devises a plan to watch the loading of the ship; becomes alert after the captain's startled reaction.
A Change of Venue
Hilliard reflects on the syndicate's activities, decides to keep Merriman ignorant, and orchestrates their departure to investigate the other end of the operation.
VII: The Ferriby Depot
Accompanies Merriman, skeptical about the distillery clue, agrees to the barrel plan, driven by desire for kudos.
The Unloading of the Girondin
Researches the Girondin's schedule using Lloyd's List, proposes the barrel hiding plan, and later relieves Merriman after the night watch.
IX: The Second Cargo
Devises the hollow props theory; calculates potential profits; reluctantly agrees to wait a month.
X: Merriman Becomes Desperate
Referenced as having overheard the syndicate's conversation and now threatening to inform the police.
An Unexpected Ally
Merriman writes to him, asking him to make the invented letter a reality.
Part II: The Professionals
Assists Merriman and gathers intelligence on the syndicate.
A Promising Clue
Mentioned as Merriman's friend and co-investigator who discovered the syndicate's conspiracy.
XIV: A Mystifying Discovery
Willis meets with him secretly to gather firsthand information about the syndicate.
The Bordeaux Lorries
Referenced as having provided descriptions of the Lesque clearing to Willis.
XX: The Double Cross
Assists as best man at Merriman and Madeleine's wedding; whispers a celebratory remark.

Chapter companion notes

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See Claud Hilliard in i the sawmill on the lesque

See Claud Hilliard in Part I: The Amateurs