The narrative follows a police superintendent known as "Sooper," who reflects on his experiences and interactions with various characters, particularly focusing on a stockbroker named Frank Dewsbury and his wealthy uncle, Elijah Larmer. The story begins with Sooper's disdain for writing, attributing his rise in the police force to merit rather than education. He recounts his encounters with Larmer, a miserly man who once suffered a burglary due to his own cheap security measures. Dewsbury, Larmer's nephew, is introduced as a respectable but financially struggling stockbroker engaged to a woman named Betty Pinder. Larmer disapproves of the engagement due to Pinder's father's past dealings with him. Tension arises as Dewsbury's relationship with his uncle deteriorates, leading to concerns about his inheritance. As the plot unfolds, Dewsbury becomes involved with Jim Mosker, a notorious safe-blower, and his partner, Dowsy Lightfoot. Their connection raises alarms for Sooper, who is wary of the criminal underworld. Dewsbury's interest in crime literature and his desire to write a book on the subject lead him to seek information from Sooper, who reluctantly assists him. The story escalates when Larmer is targeted for a significant robbery involving a large sum of money brought from Paris. Mosker and Lightfoot plan the heist, but their operation is complicated by the unexpected presence of a third man who ultimately foils their plans. This mysterious figure, who appears to be a police officer, captures Mosker and Lightfoot after they successfully break into Larmer's strong-room. In the aftermath, Sooper investigates the robbery, piecing together the events that transpired. He discovers that Dewsbury may have had a hand in the unfolding drama, leading to suspicions about his character. The narrative culminates with Dewsbury's marriage and return to stockbroking, suggesting he has learned to navigate the complexities of wealth and crime. The work explores themes of morality, the intersection of crime and respectability, and the complexities of human relationships within the context of class and wealth. The characters are vividly drawn, with Sooper serving as a lens through which the reader experiences the unfolding drama, ultimately revealing the intricate dance between law enforcement and the criminal underworld.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1928 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Detective Fiction