A group of men in a club lounge discusses the unsolved murder of a prominent figure, Mellen, six weeks after his death. The conversation reveals differing opinions on crime detection, with Doctor Davenport asserting that chance plays a significant role in solving murders. Pollard, another member, argues that motive is crucial, suggesting that even a simple dislike can drive someone to commit murder. The dialogue shifts to the nature of motives, with Monroe insisting there are only three: love, hate, and money. The arrival of Robert Gleason, a brash newcomer from Seattle, adds a dynamic element to the discussion. He expresses his desire to take his sister's stepdaughter, Phyllis Lindsay, back to Seattle, revealing his intentions to marry her. The men react with mixed feelings, particularly Barry, who harbors his own affections for Phyllis. As the evening progresses, the conversation intertwines humor and philosophical musings on human nature, crime, and relationships, culminating in Pollard's provocative claim that he might kill Gleason out of sheer dislike. The narrative explores themes of motive, chance, and the complexities of human emotions against the backdrop of a murder mystery.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 18 chapters