The Cask · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Cask by Freeman Wills Crofts.

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Chapter 1
Part I: London
The chapter introduces the discovery of a mysterious cask in the hold of a ship, which is taken by a black-bearded man. Constable Walker spots the dray transporting the cask, and the investigation begins to unfold in London.
Chapter 2
A Strange Consignment
A young clerk, Broughton, discovers a damaged cask containing sovereigns and a woman's hand. He suspects a crime and, with the help of his foreman Harkness, secures the cask. The consignee, Mr. Felix, arrives to claim it, but Broughton delays him and reports to his managing director, Mr. Avery. They go to Scotland Yard to inform Inspector Burnley.
Chapter 3
II: Inspector Burnley on the Track
Inspector Burnley interviews the foreman Harkness and clerk Broughton about the cask, examines the forged letter from Felix, and investigates the Bullfinch. He questions the crew and reviews shipping papers, concluding the cask likely contains a body. He receives two messages tracking the cask's movement north-west, then is called back to Scotland Yard.
Chapter 4
III: The Watcher on the Wall
Constable Walker, a keen young policeman, spots a dray matching the description of a wanted vehicle. He follows it through London to a secluded house, where he secretly observes two men hoist a cask into a coach-house using chain blocks. After securing the cask, the bearded man pays the driver, and Walker continues his surveillance.
Chapter 5
IV: A Midnight Interview
Inspector Burnley and his team stake out the house of Mr. Felix, St. Malo, late into the night. When Felix returns home, Burnley confronts him about the cask from the Bullfinch, revealing discrepancies about its contents. Felix initially claims the cask contains statuary but eventually admits it holds gold sovereigns. The interview is tense, with Felix growing alarmed as Burnley presses for more details.

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Part I: London

A Strange Consignment

II: Inspector Burnley on the Track

III: The Watcher on the Wall

IV: A Midnight Interview