# Deception and Betrayal in The Red Thumbmark

> Theme guide for The Red Thumbmark by R. Austin Freeman.

The plot involves deliberate forgery of evidence and manipulation of trust, particularly through Walter Hornby's actions and the uncle's financial troubles, revealing how personal gain can lead to betrayal.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV: Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/iv-confidences): Juliet's revelation of a past incident that created a barrier between her and Reuben suggests potential hidden truths or misunderstandings.
- [V: The “Thumbograph”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/v-the-thumbograph): The chapter hints at Walter Hornby's potential deceit and the need to conceal their strategy from Scotland Yard.
- [Shoals and Quicksands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/vii-shoals-and-quicksands): Jervis theorizes that Walter Hornby may have fabricated the thumbprint evidence to frame Reuben, suggesting a betrayal within the family.
- [X: Polton Is Mystified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/x-polton-is-mystified): Juliet's revelation about Walter Hornby selling his mining shares before a slump hints at possible financial deception or self-interest.
- [The Ambush](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xi-the-ambush): The attempted murder via air-cane and the secret retrieval of the projectile highlight the hidden, deceptive nature of the attack and Thorndyke's counter-deception.
- [XII: It Might Have Been](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xii-it-might-have-been): Jervis fears betraying Reuben's trust by pursuing Juliet, and the chapter explores the theme of hidden emotions.
- [XIII: Murder by Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xiii-murder-by-post): The poisoned cigar represents a deceptive attempt on Thorndyke's life, likely by someone he suspects of a crime, highlighting betrayal and hidden enmity.
- [A Startling Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xiv-a-startling-discovery): The possibility that Walter Hornby, a trusted family member, could be the villain X introduces themes of betrayal.
- [XVI: Thorndyke Plays His Card](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xvi-thorndyke-plays-his-card): The forged thumbprint represents a deliberate attempt to frame Reuben, underscoring themes of deceit.
- [At Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/chapters/xvii-at-last): The chapter reveals the secret engagement of Reuben to another woman, which Jervis had misinterpreted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/themes/deception_and_betrayal
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_red_thumbmark_se/themes