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A pair of escaping thugs set the stage, but how does their plans on easy money fit into the case that just landed in the lap of Philo Vance? A wealthy man, Berke, has died with no heirs, other than a missing son, Fred, and another that has long been thought lost. When the lost brother shows up, and knows more about the Berke estate than Fred, complications begin.
What might Vance learn when he pokes his head into a brotherly fight in the mansion? Ben Berke, the thug from our opening scene, diligently reads the newspapers for all he can find on the family. The latest news on secrets locked in a safe tip the boat, and the case begins in Ernest once a body is found.
Back in his office, Vance reviews the details with his secretary. Who killed Ben? Was it Fred, or the lawyer over the estate? What about Ben’s thug partner from the opening scene? He has an injured arm, but is he still in the game?
District Attorney Markham uncovers the connection between the thugs, but it appears to only be circumstantial. Can a hard connection be Made? Confidence between the thugs breaks down, but wait… Vance uncovers a twist ending
