The Ponson Case · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Ponson Case by Freeman Wills Crofts.

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Chapter 1
Mystery at Luce Manor
Sir William Ponson, a self-made man turned country squire, dines alone at Luce Manor while his wife and daughter are away. After dinner, he retires to his library but fails to ring for his usual hot punch. His butler Parkes and valet Innes discover his hat and cape missing, and later find a boat missing from the boathouse. A search of the grounds and nearby houses yields no sign of Sir William, deepening the mystery.
Chapter 2
A Sinister Suggestion
Sir William Ponson's body is discovered in the river, initially thought to be a tragic accident. However, during the inquest, Dr. Ames and Dr. Wilgar reveal that Sir William was murdered—struck on the back of the head before being placed in the water. Inspector Tanner is assigned to the case and decides to withhold the murder evidence to avoid alerting the suspect.
Chapter 3
III: Hoaxed?
Inspector Tanner interviews Austin Ponson after the inquest, pressing him for his alibi on the night of Sir William's death. Austin confesses he was lured to the Old Ferry and then to the Abbey by a hoax note purportedly from Lois Drew, and that a strange maid gave him a second note. Meanwhile, Tanner's search of the riverbanks suggests the body could only have been launched from the boathouse or the Old Ferry. At the inquest, Tanner observes Austin's anxious demeanor and decides to investigate him further.
Chapter 4
IV: Inspector Tanner Grows Suspicious
Inspector Tanner interviews Lady Ponson and Enid, then spends Sunday examining Sir William's papers with Sergeant Longwell. He discovers cheques made out to 'self' marked with an 'X', totaling £4,600 over four years. He consults lawyer Arbuthnot about family finances and learns of Austin's engagement to Lois Drew, which Sir William opposed. Tanner also interviews Parkes and Innes, learning Sir William became depressed after receiving a letter a week before his death. He decides to test Austin's alibi, trace the fifth set of footsteps, and continue routine investigation.
Chapter 5
Inspector Tanner Becomes Convinced
Inspector Tanner reviews the evidence against Austin Ponson, considering motive and opportunity, but becomes convinced that the alibi is genuine and that Cosgrove Ponson is the real murderer. He interviews Lois Drew to confirm Austin's alibi and decides to investigate Cosgrove's involvement.

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Mystery at Luce Manor

A Sinister Suggestion

III: Hoaxed?

IV: Inspector Tanner Grows Suspicious

Inspector Tanner Becomes Convinced