The narrative follows a medical jurist and detective, who is approached by a distraught man, Solomon Loewe, seeking help after his brother's extensive art collection is stolen during his absence. Loewe's brother, Isaac, is a renowned collector of valuable art and antiquities. The robbery occurs while Loewe is temporarily in charge of the collection, and he discovers the crime upon returning home late one night. The police investigation reveals that the caretaker and his wife were bound and gagged during the robbery, and a cab was seen leaving the scene. However, the cab's number is misidentified, complicating the investigation. The only tangible clue left behind is a shabby hat found on a neighboring balcony, which Loewe believes belongs to the thief. The protagonist examines the hat, deducing various characteristics about its owner based on its shape, cleanliness, and the presence of white powder and hair. The analysis suggests the thief is likely a Japanese man, as the dust is identified as mother-of-pearl, a material associated with Japanese craftsmanship. The hair found in the hat is thick and circular, further supporting this hypothesis. Thorndyke, the detective, embarks on a search for the suspect, leading him to a pearl-shell factory in Limehouse. There, he identifies a worker, Futashima, who matches the description of the thief. The investigation culminates in the recovery of the stolen art, which includes valuable netsukes and other items, confirming Thorndyke's deductions about the thief's identity and motives. The story explores themes of cultural identity, the value of art, and the intricacies of human behavior, all while showcasing the detective's analytical skills and the importance of observation in solving crimes. The resolution highlights the intersection of art and crime, as well as the detective's role in restoring justice.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1922 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime