Our Mutual Friend: Book 4, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Roger Riderhood works at his lock on the river. Eugene happens to pass in a rowboat, and he insults Roger for his lack of honesty. Shortly after Eugene passes, Bradley Headstone comes to visit Roger as promised. Roger says he knows that Headstone has been following Eugene, and Headstone admits it. They each talk about how they dislike Eugene. Headstone goes to follow Eugene but says he may come back to the lock to sleep later.

After Headstone leaves, Roger wonders why Headstone was dressed exactly like him (Roger). He changes his neckerchief to a very noticeable red one to see if Headstone will do the same. When Headstone comes back later that day, Headstone makes a comment about how it would be very bad for a man to fall into the river lock with his hands tied. Roger says he personally isn’t scared because he can’t be drowned. Roger notices Headstone checking out his red neckerchief. Headstone sleeps that evening at the lock, and while he’s asleep, Roger sees Headstone clenching his teeth and fist.

Headstone leaves, then comes back again a couple days later to Roger’s lock. As they’re talking, Headstone says that he has seen Eugene with Lizzie. He doesn’t give more information, saying he’s tired and would like to sleep in the lock again. Once Roger is certain that Headstone is asleep, he opens up Headstone’s top button and sees a bright red neckerchief, like Roger’s own, that has even been stained to make it look used.