A small man in a meticulously arranged suit, who appears to be a former servant, reads about the death of Lord Peter Wimsey in a newspaper. He feels relieved, believing he is now free to pursue a life of crime. He visits a pub where he meets a man named Jukes, who introduces him to a criminal organization led by a mysterious figure known as Number One. The man, identified as Rogers, agrees to provide information about wealthy households in exchange for a share of the profits from burglaries. Over the next two years, Rogers becomes involved in a series of successful heists, including the theft of valuable items from high-profile individuals. One day, he receives a cryptic message summoning him to an extraordinary meeting of the Society. He prepares for the meeting, which is held in a lavishly decorated room where masked members gather to discuss their operations. During the meeting, the President announces that two members have been captured by the police, raising suspicions of a traitor within the group. Tension escalates as the President reveals that Rogers is the traitor, having assumed the identity of Lord Peter Wimsey, who was thought to be dead. The members are shocked, and Rogers is taken captive. Rogers, however, has a plan. He reveals that he has left a letter with crucial information for the police, which he will disclose in exchange for a quick death. The President agrees, but the situation becomes chaotic as members argue over the best course of action. Ultimately, the President decides to go himself to retrieve the information, leaving Rogers behind. As the meeting continues, Rogers is bound and left in a cellar, where he learns that the house is rigged to explode. A woman from the Society, desperate to save the President, sneaks back to free Rogers, believing he can help. They escape just as the house detonates, and Rogers is rescued by the police, who have been alerted to the situation. In the aftermath, Rogers reveals the location of the stolen items and the identities of the Society's members, leading to their arrest. The story concludes with Rogers reflecting on his dangerous double life and the consequences of his actions, while the police celebrate their successful operation against the criminal organization.
By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1905 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller