Chapters Five - Eight Summary

In chapter five, Marlowe drives to Little Fawn Lake and introduces himself to Bill Chess. Kingsley has written Chess a note telling him Marlowe is there to look at Kingsley's cabin. Chess, however, recognizes that Marlowe is a private detective and thinks Kingsley has hired Marlowe to find out if Chess has been sleeping with Crystal. Chess almost comes to the point of hitting Marlowe, but Marlowe calms him down. Chess apologizes and tells Marlowe how his wife left him about a month ago. He adds that he did have a fling with Crystal. Muriel found out about it and left him that night. Chess shows Marlowe a note Muriel left him on the dresser. Chess tells Marlowe Crystal went down the mountain the same night. Chess hasn't heard from or seen either woman since.

In chapter...