Inspector Joseph French

I: The Purple Sickle

French is at his desk at Scotland Yard when he receives a call from Mr. Arrowsmith about a young woman in distress. He interviews Thurza Darke with a calm and sympathetic manner, gathering details about the gambling scheme and the mysterious purple sickle scar.

II: French Makes an Assignation

French orchestrates the assignation with Thurza Darke, investigates her disappearance, and insists on a postmortem that uncovers the fresh water anomaly.

III: The Inquest

French attends the inquest, gives evidence, and strategically withholds the full truth to keep the murderers unsuspecting.

IV: French Makes a Start

Takes charge of the investigation, interviews witnesses, constructs a timetable for the murder, and meets with local police before being recalled to London.

VI: The Supreme Appeal Court

Investigates boarding houses, follows up on car sightings, and discusses the case with his wife.

VII: Fair Passengers

Leads the shadowing operation, follows Molly Moran and the grey car, and observes the pickup of multiple women.

The Grey Car's Round

Shadows Welland, gathers local information, searches Welland's office, and receives reports on three box-office girls.

IX: French Makes a Second Assignation

Visits Molly Moran, conducts interview, arranges surveillance, and deduces the gambling story is false.

X: Mr. Cracksman French

Leads the reconnaissance and burglary of Welland's garage, discovers the secret compartment in the car.

XI: The Happy Paterfamilias

Conducts surveillance, devises window-breaking ruse, and decides to gain Molly Moran's confidence.

XII: The Car’s Freight

Conducts a second interview with Molly Moran, using psychological pressure and a detailed recounting of Thurza Darke's story to extract a confession.

XIII: The Transport of Supplies

Investigates the half crown exchange, obtains coins from the Mint, exchanges them with Molly Moran, and traces deposits to Welland.

The Property Adjoining

Leads the CID operation, obtains search warrants, and personally inspects Theobald & Grudgin's yard and shop.

XV: Mr. Cullimore Expounds

Profoundly worried and self-blaming over Molly Moran's kidnapping; coordinates inquiries and meets with Sir Mortimer and Mint officials.

XVI: In the Net

French is referenced as the police officer Molly confided in; he warned her to avoid certain addresses.

XVII: The Shadows Loom Nearer

Molly's hope for rescue; she imagines him tracing her from London.

XVIII: When Greek Meets Greek

Leads the rescue operation, receives the tip, organizes police response, and personally captures Style and confronts the gang on the launch.

Conclusion

French concludes his investigation, uncovering the full details of the coining scheme and securing convictions for the gang. He takes satisfaction in having saved Molly Moran's life and cleared out a nest of evildoers.

Endnotes

Referenced as the detective in two novels mentioned in the endnotes.