The narrative follows a medical jurist and his colleague as they become embroiled in a murder case involving a man named Frank Belfield, who is wrongfully accused of the Camberwell murder. The story begins on a dreary night when Belfield, in fear for his life, seeks the help of the protagonist's friend, a forensic expert. Belfield insists on his innocence, claiming he was at home during the murder, but lacks an alibi. As the investigation unfolds, the protagonist's friend, the forensic expert, examines evidence, including a blood-stained shirt and fingerprints found at the crime scene. The fingerprints, initially believed to belong to Belfield, are later revealed to be forgeries made with rubber stamps. The expert deduces that the murderer had access to official fingerprint forms, suggesting a deeper conspiracy. The investigation leads them to a handkerchief marked with Belfield's name, which becomes a crucial piece of evidence. The protagonist's friend conducts a meticulous examination of the handkerchief, discovering it is stained with camel's blood, linking it to a former prison warder named Joseph Woodthorpe, who had access to the fingerprint forms. As the story progresses, the protagonist's friend pieces together the evidence, revealing that Woodthorpe had orchestrated the murder and framed Belfield to cover his tracks. The narrative culminates in a confrontation where the true nature of the crime is exposed, leading to Woodthorpe's arrest. The work emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and the meticulous examination of evidence, illustrating how seemingly trivial details can lead to significant breakthroughs in criminal cases. The protagonist's friend exemplifies the ideal forensic expert, using scientific methods to uncover the truth and ensure justice prevails.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1931 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller · 2 chapters