The narrative centers on a conversation between a journalist and a mysterious old man in a café. The old man asserts that no crime is truly a mystery if investigated with intelligence. He engages the journalist in a discussion about a baffling case involving a missing man, William Kershaw, who had a troubled past linked to a murder from thirty years prior. Kershaw's life intertwines with that of a wealthy man, Francis Smethurst, who had fled after the murder and later became a millionaire. Kershaw, desperate for money, had been blackmailing Smethurst, who eventually agreed to meet him after years of silence. The old man recounts how Kershaw's wife, worried about her husband's intentions, reported his disappearance to the police after he failed to return from the meeting. The story unfolds through the old man's detailed retelling, revealing layers of intrigue, deception, and the complexities of human relationships. The journalist, initially skeptical, becomes captivated by the old man's insights and the unfolding mystery, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of crime and morality. The old man's perspective challenges conventional notions of guilt and innocence, suggesting that understanding the motives behind actions is crucial to unraveling the truth.
By Emma Orczy · First published 1908 · Genre: Mystery, Detective fiction, Crime · 36 chapters