Inheritance and Moral Responsibility

The book opens with a philosophical meditation on the ethics of wills and property disposal, and the entire plot revolves around a contested inheritance that drives the cousins' conflict and the mystery.

The cousins' futures are tied to Sir John Burtell's will, with Derek's reckless spending and Nigel's anticipation of the fortune shaping their actions.

The motive of Aunt Alma's wealth and the cousins' potential inheritance drives much of the speculation about the disappearance.

The new will introduces a substantial inheritance that shifts motives and raises questions about moral duty and greed.

The entire plot revolves around securing Aunt Alma's inheritance, with Nigel admitting he had 'no moral scruples' about the scheme.