Merriman

Madeleine Coburn

Madeleine Coburn and Merriman share a close, possibly romantic relationship, given their high interaction frequency and emotional undertones.

Ferriby Manager

The Ferriby Manager and Merriman are business colleagues, likely involved in the syndicate's timber operations.

Madeleine Coburn

Madeleine Coburn and Merriman share a close, possibly romantic relationship, given their high interaction frequency and emotional undertones.

Madeleine Coburn

Madeleine Coburn and Merriman share a close, possibly romantic relationship, given their high interaction frequency and emotional undertones.

Ferriby Manager

The Ferriby Manager and Merriman are business colleagues, likely involved in the syndicate's timber operations.

Ferriby Manager

The Ferriby Manager and Merriman are business colleagues, likely involved in the syndicate's timber operations.

Part I: The Amateurs

Amateur investigator and protagonist; notices the changed number plate and leads the investigation.

The Sawmill on the Lesque

Junior partner in a wine firm, on a business tour; tired from cycling, he stops at a bridge and later follows a lorry into the forest.

An Interesting Suggestion

Reluctantly shares his observations about the lorry and Miss Coburn; agrees to Hilliard's cruise proposal, secretly hoping to visit the Coburns.

The Start of the Cruise

Travels from London to Bordeaux, reflects on the trip and Hilliard's smuggling theory, and agrees to investigate only to ensure Miss Coburn's safety.

A Commercial Proposition

Grows increasingly conflicted, torn between suspicion and his growing feelings for Madeleine Coburn; agrees to Hilliard's plan to spy on the loading.

The Visit of the Girondin

Preoccupied with his growing feelings for Madeleine Coburn; resists Hilliard's plan to spy on the syndicate.

A Change of Venue

Merriman agrees to leave, confesses his desire to marry Madeleine, and reluctantly supports continuing the investigation without police involvement.

VII: The Ferriby Depot

Leads the investigation, proposes the barrel hiding scheme, motivated by freeing Madeleine Coburn.

The Unloading of the Girondin

Endures a long, uncomfortable vigil inside the barrel, overhears Beamish and Bulla discussing the syndicate's suspicion of him and Hilliard, and reflects on their investigative mistakes.

IX: The Second Cargo

Awakened by Hilliard's theory; agrees to delay police involvement for a month to protect Madeleine.

X: Merriman Becomes Desperate

Desperate and driven by love, he abandons investigation to propose to Madeleine, but is refused and left heartbroken.

An Unexpected Ally

Sick at heart and shaken, he remains in Bordeaux brooding over Madeleine's refusal. He later spies on the clearing and witnesses Mr. Coburn's nightly visits to the shed.

Part II: The Professionals

Continues his undercover investigation, posing as Edwards.

A Promising Clue

Confesses to Willis about his and Hilliard's investigation into the syndicate, expresses guilt over Coburn's death, and seeks to protect Madeleine.

XIV: A Mystifying Discovery

Mentioned as having previously reached conclusions about the syndicate; his newspaper clue is referenced.

The Bordeaux Lorries

Referenced indirectly as having conducted similar surveillance at Lesque seven weeks earlier.

XIX: Willis Spreads His Net

Anxious about the case and Madeleine's refusal to marry until it is solved; agrees to help Willis despite safety concerns.

XX: The Double Cross

Marries Madeleine Coburn after the trial; his friend Hilliard serves as best man.