A clergyman, Reverend Arthur Foxley, and his distressed companion, Miss Lilian Markham, seek the assistance of a forensic expert, Dr. Thorndyke, to help clear the name of Miss Markham's fiancé, Robert Fletcher. Fletcher is in police custody, accused of murdering his wealthy and miserly uncle, Joseph Riggs, who had vehemently opposed Fletcher's engagement to Markham. The case appears grim, as Fletcher was found with Riggs' watch and bearer bonds after a violent confrontation with his uncle. The investigation reveals that Riggs was shot in the head, and the circumstances suggest a possible suicide, but the presence of blood in the hallway complicates matters. The blood appears to belong to another person, leading the police to suspect Fletcher. Thorndyke is tasked with examining blood samples from the scene and from Fletcher to determine their origins. Thorndyke conducts a meticulous examination, collecting numerous blood samples and preparing for a post-mortem. He discovers that the blood found in the hallway does not belong to either Riggs or Fletcher, but rather to an unknown individual who likely suffered a head injury. This unknown person is identified as a tall negro with a swollen leg, suggesting he may have been involved in the incident. During the inquest, Thorndyke presents his findings, revealing that the blood belonged to a person suffering from filariasis, a tropical disease common among natives. He deduces that the blood was shed after midnight, indicating that the unknown individual was present in the house at the time of Riggs' death. The evidence points to Riggs having committed suicide, as corroborated by the testimony of the negro, Kwaku Mensah, who claims to have witnessed the event. The jury ultimately concludes that Riggs' death was a suicide, and Fletcher is exonerated. The story highlights themes of justice, the intricacies of forensic science, and the impact of social class on relationships. Thorndyke's expertise and methodical approach lead to the truth being revealed, restoring Fletcher's freedom and securing a future for him and Markham.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime