Question

Read the excerpt. Which detail introduces the central idea that the two cyclists might be related? (14) "Left nothing behind, I hope," said the other, glancing back. "Hullo! There's a letter tumbled out of somebody's pocket in the stramash--yours or mine?" (15) It lay address upwards between them, and the taller of the two with a brief "Mine," picked it up and put it in his pocket. His companion stared at him. (16) "Look here," he said, holding out his hand. "You've made a mistake--that letter belongs to me--I'm Edward Cruttenden." (17) It was the other's turn to stare. "The deuce you are! Why!--my name is Edward Cruttenden!" (18) They stood thus staring at each other with a sudden dim sense of their own similarity, until the shorter of the two shook his head whimsically. (19) "This is confusing," he remarked in a tone of argument. "Let's sit down and have a pipe over it--we shall have to differentiate ourselves before we start out into the world together."...

Answer 1

The central idea of a potential relation between the two cyclists is introduced when they both claim the same name, Edward Cruttenden, hinting at a familial connection.

The detail that introduces the central idea that the two cyclists might be related is found in the exchange where both characters claim the same name, Edward Cruttenden.

This surprising revelation is found in lines 16 and 17, where the first cyclist asserts his identity, and the second cyclist is taken aback to realize he shares both the name and, implicitly, a resemblance with the other.

The moment when they both express their shared name is the pivotal point that suggests a possible family connection.