A prominent Egyptologist, John Bellingham, mysteriously disappears after visiting his cousin, George Hurst. The last sighting of him was at Hurst's home, where he was last seen entering a study. When Hurst later checks for Bellingham, he finds the study empty, and a search reveals no trace of him. The only clue is a scarab pendant that Bellingham was known to wear, found later in the garden of his brother Godfrey's house. The narrative unfolds through the lens of Paul Berkeley, a medical practitioner and friend of the Bellingham family, who becomes embroiled in the mystery. The case is complicated by Bellingham's will, which contains peculiar provisions regarding his burial. If he is not buried in a specific location, the bulk of his estate will go to Hurst, creating a potential motive for foul play. As the investigation progresses, dismembered human remains are discovered in various locations, including a watercress bed in Sidcup and a pond in Epping Forest. The remains are believed to belong to a middle-aged man, and the absence of a third finger on the left hand raises questions about identity, as Bellingham was known to wear a tight ring on that finger. Berkeley, along with his friends Dr. John Thorndyke and Jervis, delves into the case, exploring the implications of the will and the circumstances surrounding Bellingham's disappearance. They consider various hypotheses, including the possibility of murder by Hurst or even by Godfrey, as tensions rise between the family members. The narrative weaves through themes of legal intricacies, familial loyalty, and the quest for truth, as Berkeley navigates the complexities of the case while developing a bond with Ruth Bellingham, John's daughter. The story culminates in a deeper exploration of the human condition, the weight of legacy, and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1911 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller · 20 chapters