The Three Taps · Chapter
XIII: A Morning with the Haberdasher explained
The morning after the inquest, Bredon and Leyland stage a conversation for a hidden listener (Brinkman) in which Leyland outlines his case against Simmonds for Mottram's murder, citing motive, disposition, threat, occasion, and facility, wh
What happens
The morning after the inquest, Bredon and Leyland stage a conversation for a hidden listener (Brinkman) in which Leyland outlines his case against Simmonds for Mottram's murder, citing motive, disposition, threat, occasion, and facility, while also expressing suspicion of Brinkman's evasiveness. Bredon then visits Simmonds's shop under the pretext of buying handkerchiefs to observe him.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of tension thr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Fraud
Leyland and Bredon stage a deceptive conversation to trap Brinkman; Bredon pretends to shop for handkerchiefs to observe Simmonds.
- Detection and Rationality
Leyland rationally builds his case against Simmonds based on motive, disposition, and opportunity, while also analyzing Brinkman's suspicious behavior.
- Appearance vs. Reality
The staged conversation presents a false appearance of police confidence to manipulate Brinkman; Simmonds appears as a helpful shopkeeper while under suspicion.
Characters to notice
- Miles Bredon
Stages a conversation with Leyland for Brinkman's benefit, then visits Simmonds's shop to observe him.
- Angela Bredon
Present at breakfast; discusses departure plans with Pulteney.
- Mr. Leyland
Outlines his case against Simmonds and his suspicions of Brinkman in a staged conversation.
- Mr. Brinkman
Hidden listener to the staged conversation; his evasiveness is discussed.
- Mr. Pulteney
Engages in banter at breakfast about the Bredons' departure and Brinkman.
- Simmonds
The haberdasher; Bredon visits his shop to observe him under the guise of buying handkerchiefs.
Key passages
“I don't want to injure the fellow, but I must get at the truth. I'm writing tonight for a warrant; not because I think he's the guilty man but because we must get his evidence somehow, and I think a taste of prison detention might make him speak out.”
Leyland explains he is seeking a warrant for Brinkman's arrest not because he believes him guilty, but to pressure him into revealing what he knows.
Leyland's strategy to use detention as leverage.
“If only he'd have the sense to confide in me—or in you, if he's afraid of the police.”
Leyland wishes Brinkman would trust either him or Bredon with the truth.
Leyland's frustration with Brinkman's secrecy.
“There's only one thing more that I want, and only one thing on the other side that would make me hold my hand.”
Leyland states he needs one more piece of evidence to convict Simmonds, and one fact that would exonerate him.
Leyland's conditional reasoning about Simmonds's guilt.
