The Hocussing of Cigarette
"The Hocussing of Cigarette" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a mystery story centered around the poisoning of a racehorse named Cigarette, owned by the Earl of Okehampton. The narrative unfolds through a conversation between the protagonist and a peculiar man in a café, who is known for his knack for solving mysteries. The story begins with the protagonist meeting this man, who is fidgeting with a piece of string, and they discuss the case of Cigarette, who was poisoned just before an important race, causing financial ruin for the Earl. The main suspects include the groom Cockram, who was in charge of Cigarette, Alice Image, a maid and Cockram's sweetheart, and Charles Palk, a workmaker's tout. Cockram was drugged with opium-laced beer, which allowed the poisoning to occur unnoticed. Alice Image and Palk are arrested but deny involvement. During the trial, Cockram reveals that he saw Mrs. Keeson, the trainer's wife, at the stables on the night of the incident, which she denies. The story delves into the dynamics between the Keeson family and the Earl, particularly focusing on Harold Keeson, the trainer's son, who is in love with the Earl's daughter, Lady Agnes. The Earl opposes their relationship due to class differences. Suspicion briefly falls on Harold, but he has an alibi, having been at a party during the time of the poisoning. The man in the corner suggests that the true culprit is Mr. Keeson, who orchestrated the poisoning to ruin the Earl financially, thus forcing him to accept Harold as a suitable match for Lady Agnes. Mrs. Keeson, aware of her husband's plan, attempts to cover for him by implicating her son, knowing he has an alibi. The story concludes with the man in the corner presenting this theory as the only plausible explanation for the mystery.
By Baroness Emmuska Orczy · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction · 5 chapters
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V