In the novel The Hollow, Gudgeon is the faithful butler at The Hollow. A loyal and reliable retainer, he knew just the right thing to keep things on an even keel after the murder of John Christow.
Like the many other domestic staff of his type, he did not believe it is ever a good idea to get involved with the police. At one point in the novel, Doris Emmott, a kitchen maid, saw Gudgeon carry a gun in the hoouse on the day after the murder. Doris told the police about it and was subsequently reprimanded by Gudgeon, the cook and all the other domestic staff.