That Hideous Strength

Mark is in a constant state of dread now, upon seeing the D.D. while trying to flee. The narrator likens it to the concept of being afraid of ghosts as a child, a feeling that normally goes away when one’s older. Wither calls on Mark and, sullen, he goes to Wither’s office. He finds Miss Hardcastle and Wither together and is relieved that Wither doesn’t appear to want to talk about the previous day. Miss Hardcastle asks him if he’s lost his wallet; when Mark confirms this, Hardcastle shows him his wallet on the table. Mark’s elation soon turns to dread when Miss Hardcastle says the wallet was found near the body of William Hingest. Mark senses that he’s being blamed for Hingest’s death and takes offense. Wither, in his usual roundabout way, tries to assuage Mark’s fears by telling him that it is a good thing the N.I.C.E. police have found the wallet. Mark thinks to be rid of his problems by possibly turning himself in to the normal police, but both Wither and Miss Hardcastle counsel him to remain at Belbury, where they can protect him. If he goes to the normal police, they will hang him, as they want a culprit for the murder.