The Rasp
The detective arrives at Marling and begins his investigation, examining the study and noting key evidence.
Tolling the Bell
Agrees to help The Owl after being persuaded by Margaret Warren.
II
Receives a phone call from Hastings and Margaret Warren; agrees to come to the office despite his annoyance.
II: Anthony Gethryn
Protagonist; described as a man of action and dreamer, with a mixed heritage, academic brilliance, war heroism, and post-war search for purpose.
I
The protagonist who accepts the role of Special Commissioner for The Owl and drives to Marling to investigate the murder.
II
Arrives at Marling, investigates the murder, and reunites with Sir Arthur Digby-Coates.
III
Arrives at Marling, discusses the case with Inspector Boyd, and begins his investigation.
IV: Study
Enters the study, examines the body and the room, deduces that the struggle was staged and that Hoode was killed while seated at his desk.
The Lady of the Sandal
Discovers evidence outside the study window and a sandal in the river; joins lunch at the Lemesurier house and steers conversation.
I
Investigates the garden, finds finger-holes, a woman's hair, and a rope-soled sandal; deduces the murderer may have swum the river.
Chapter II
Accompanies Sir Arthur to Lucia's house; is deeply affected by Lucia's beauty and composure; later finds a sandal near the river and is invited to lunch.
III
Takes charge of the lunch, tells a story about Constantinople, and covertly interrogates Lucia about her swimming trophies, causing her to faint. He feels a strong emotional reaction after carrying her.
Secretary and the Sister
Interviews Deacon, encounters Laura Hoode, and learns from Boyd about the broken alibi.
I
The detective who is skeptical of the evidence against Deacon and decides to investigate the case further.
II
Investigates the study, discovers a secret drawer, and interviews Deacon; grows fatigued and perplexed by the case.
VII: The Prejudiced Detective
Visits Lucia Lemesurier, declares himself a prejudiced detective in her favor, deduces her nighttime activities, and makes a phone call to Hastings about Jimmy Masterson.
The Inefficiency of Margaret
Receives Hastings's phone call confirming Masterson's alibi; discusses the case with Lucia, reflecting on the complexity of the evidence.
I
Mentioned as having left a message for Hastings regarding the murder investigation.
II
His message is relayed by Margaret; he is investigating and has given an address.
IV
Spends the evening with Lucia, receives Hastings' phone call, and arranges for Lucia to visit her brother.
IX: The Inquest
Leads the investigation, writes to Lucia, attends inquest briefly, and later interrogates Hastings and Margaret about the proceedings.
I
Sends a note to Lucia, promising to clear Deacon and advising against attending the inquest.
II
Leaves the Bear and Key, enters the inquest, nods to Boyd, shakes hands with Deacon, ignores Hastings and Margaret Warren, then quietly exits to search the upper floors.
III
Leads the discussion, expresses skepticism about Deacon's guilt, and plans further investigation.
IV
Drives Lucia to London, reveals his search of the house during the inquest, and returns to Marling.
X: Birds of the Air
Returns from London, learns of Deacon's arrest, interviews Laura Hoode and encounters Mrs. Mainwaring.
I
Returns from London, learns of Deacon's arrest, and begins investigating the murder.
II
Confronts Laura Hoode about the hidden letters, using psychological pressure to extract her confession. He expresses distaste for his own methods but remains determined to solve the murder.
The Bow and Arrow
Examines the study's table scar, deduces inconsistencies with the wood-rasp, and later discovers hidden evidence in the rasp's handle.
Exhibits
Visits Deacon in jail, examines evidence, and later intercepts Dora Masterson on the road.
XIII: Irons in the Fire
Comforts Dora Masterson and later visits Jimmy Masterson to investigate the newspaper cuttings.
I
The detective, tired but determined, comforts Dora Masterson and shares fragmented clues from the case.
II
Visits Hastings's flat, confronts Lucia, and interviews Jimmy Masterson about the press cuttings.
XIV: Hay-Fever
Rushes to Fleet Street, visits the Regency theatre, reviews the inquest report, drives to Marling, and confronts Belford.
I
Bursts into Hastings' office, gives urgent instructions about hiring Pellet, and takes the inquest report from Margaret Warren.
II
Visits the Regency theatre seeking the Vanda, then returns to his flat to review the inquest report and work on his notes.
III
Arrives at Abbotshall, investigates the butler's hay-fever, confronts Belford, and discusses the wood-rasp with Sir Arthur.
XV: Anthony’s Busy Day
Visits Deacon in prison, conducts interviews, meets Madam Vander, and writes a report.
I
Visits Deacon in prison, asks key questions, and has a tense encounter with Lucia Lemesurier.
II
Receives telegram, visits Sir Arthur, uses reference library, recalls a quotation, and telephones Dora Masterson.
III
Arrives at The Owl's office after interviews in Abbotshall, tired and hungry.
IV
Visits the Regency theatre to meet Madam Vander, using money and a sealed card to gain entry.
V
Works through the night writing and typing his report, then prepares it for delivery.
Revelation and the Sparrow
Reveals the truth about the murder to Sir Arthur, drives to Marling seeking Lucia, visits Deacon in jail, and receives a delayed note from Lucia.
I
Drives to Marling, visits Deacon in jail, receives a note from Lucia, and sets out to see her in a storm.
II
Reveals the truth about John Hoode's death and the identity of the body.
XVII: By The Owl’s Commissioner
Writes a letter and report to Scotland Yard, detailing his conclusions and requesting help to secure a confession.
I
Arrives wet and exhausted to announce Deacon's freedom and Digby-Coates's guilt; struggles with his own feelings for Lucia and maintains her secret.
II
Discusses leaving England with Lucia and is reminded of their need to marry.
