In a tense narrative, a young woman named Avice anxiously awaits her uncle Rowland Trowbridge's return home. When he fails to arrive by the expected time, she expresses her fears to Judge Hoyt, her love interest. Despite reassurances, Avice's intuition proves correct when a police call reveals that her uncle has been found dead in Van Cortlandt Park, murdered. The news shatters Avice, who had been close to her uncle, viewing him as a father figure after being orphaned. As the investigation unfolds, the police discover Rowland's body, showing signs of a violent struggle. The detectives are puzzled by the lack of robbery, leading to speculation about the motives behind the murder. Avice, determined to uncover the truth, insists on taking action to find her uncle's killer. Meanwhile, Mrs. Black, Rowland's housekeeper and soon-to-be wife, maintains a calm demeanor, which contrasts sharply with Avice's emotional turmoil. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for justice, as Avice's resolve to identify the murderer intensifies. The narrative builds suspense, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the impact of tragedy on those left behind.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 25 chapters