The narrative revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Reginald Merrill, a solicitor, and his nephew Ethelbert Crick. The story begins with Mr. Brodribb, Merrill's solicitor, seeking the help of a detective, Thorndyke, after both men go missing under suspicious circumstances. Brodribb reveals that Merrill had recently come into a fortune and was in the process of changing his will, which previously favored Crick. Merrill was last seen leaving a ship-chandler's shop with a man in a green plaid jacket. The investigation reveals that Merrill's chambers were locked, and he had not returned home. A search of the chambers by Brodribb and a laundress uncovers a green jacket that does not belong to Merrill, suggesting a stranger had entered his chambers. Thorndyke deduces that the man in the green jacket likely had a motive to harm Merrill, especially given the timing of their disappearance. The narrative shifts to a dene hole, a type of pit, where it is suspected that Merrill may have met with foul play. Thorndyke and Brodribb venture to the dene hole, where they discover the bodies of both Merrill and Crick, each with fatal wounds. The investigation reveals that Crick was shot, while Merrill was stabbed. Evidence suggests that a third party, the man in the green jacket, orchestrated the murders to inherit Merrill's fortune. The narrative culminates in the arrest of Samuel Horder, a cousin of Merrill, who is found with incriminating evidence linking him to the crime, including Merrill's keys and a missing will. Thorndyke's meticulous investigation, combining forensic evidence and logical deduction, ultimately leads to the resolution of the case, revealing the complexities of greed and betrayal among family members. The story highlights themes of justice, the intricacies of human relationships, and the consequences of ambition.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime