Part 2, The Keys: Chapters 17-28 Summary

In Chapter 17, Mr. Henry Fowler approaches Pierce and asks him in help of procuring a virgin. Mr. Fowler has a venereal disease and it was believed at the time that sex with a virgin would cure the illness.

In Chapter 18, Pierce's mistress, Miss Miriam, creates a distraction so that Agar and Pierce can sneak into the Trent home. In the wine cellar, Pierce and Agar search for nearly an hour before finding the key. Agar quickly makes two copies of the key before they sneak out of the house again during a disturbance created by Barlow.

In Chapter 19, Pierce arranges a virgin for Fowler. While Fowler is occupied, Agar makes a copy of his key.

In Chapter 20, Pierce and Agar learn that the railway has hired a security guard to sit outside the railway station...