The narrative follows Lord Peter Wimsey as he becomes embroiled in a peculiar case involving the legacy of a deceased eccentric named Joseph Alexander Ferguson. The story begins with Wimsey visiting his friend Thomas Macpherson, who has inherited a jar containing the preserved stomach of his great-uncle, a man who lived a long and healthy life but chose to end it by jumping from a window. The will reveals that Ferguson bequeathed his digestive organs to Macpherson for educational purposes, emphasizing the value of good digestion over material wealth. Intrigued by the unusual legacy, Wimsey investigates Ferguson's financial history, discovering that the old man had withdrawn a significant amount of money from the bank years prior, leading to speculation about hidden wealth. He learns that Ferguson had been purchasing diamonds over the years, raising questions about their whereabouts after his death. Wimsey's inquiries lead him to a family member, Robert Ferguson, who is revealed to be a rather dubious character. After a series of telegrams indicating a burglary at Macpherson's cottage, where the jar was stolen, Wimsey rushes back to Scotland to assist in the search for the missing stomach and the diamonds it may contain. Upon arrival, he learns that the burglar, Robert, had been caught in the act and had fallen into the river while fleeing. The search for the jar intensifies, and eventually, it is discovered washed up on the riverbank, albeit broken. Inside, Wimsey finds the missing diamonds, confirming his suspicions about Ferguson's final act of hiding his wealth. The story culminates in a confrontation where the true nature of Robert's intentions is revealed, and the value of the diamonds is assessed. The narrative explores themes of greed, the eccentricities of human behavior, and the intersection of life and death, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone amidst the absurdity of the situation. Ultimately, Wimsey's deductive skills and quick thinking lead to the resolution of the mystery, restoring order and revealing the true worth of Ferguson's legacy.
By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1936 · Genre: Mystery, Humor, Detective Fiction