The Mystery of a Hansom Cab · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume.

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Chapter 1
The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
The opening chapter sets the scene in Melbourne, introducing the discovery of a murder in a hansom cab. The victim is identified as Oliver Whyte, and the investigation begins with Detective Gorby taking on the case.
Chapter 2
What the Argus Said
The chapter presents a newspaper report from the Argus detailing the discovery of a murder in a hansom cab in Melbourne. The cabman Malcolm Royston describes picking up a drunken man and a mysterious gentleman in a light coat, who later leaves the cab after the victim is found dead from chloroform. The report speculates on the identity of the victim and the murderer, noting the initials 'O.W.' on a handkerchief.
Chapter 3
II: The Evidence at the Inquest
At the inquest on the body found in the hansom cab, evidence is presented from cabman Malcolm Royston, Dr. Robert Chinston, and cabman Clement Rankin. Royston describes the mysterious man in a light coat who initially denied knowing the deceased but later returned to accompany him, then left on the St. Kilda Road. Dr. Chinston testifies that death was caused by chloroform inhalation, likely accelerated by a fatty heart. Rankin confirms picking up the same man later. The coroner sums up the circumstantial evidence, and the jury returns a verdict of wilful murder by a person unknown.
Chapter 4
One Hundred Pounds Reward
The chapter presents the official government notice offering a £100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the murderer of an unknown man found dead in a hansom cab. The notice describes the deceased's appearance and the circumstances of the crime, emphasizing the public appeal for witnesses.
Chapter 5
Mr. Gorby Makes a Start
Detective Gorby, alone with his mirror, contemplates the hansom cab murder case. He methodically examines the victim's clothes, discovers a secret inner pocket torn open, and deduces the murderer stole a flat, valuable paper. By searching newspaper advertisements, he finds a notice for a missing lodger named Oliver Whyte, leading him to Possum Villa in St. Kilda.

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The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

What the Argus Said

II: The Evidence at the Inquest

One Hundred Pounds Reward

Mr. Gorby Makes a Start