Inspector French

The Starvel Hollow Tragedy

Assigned to investigate the Starvel Hollow fire and deaths.

IV: Inspector French Goes North

Assigned to the Thirsby case, travels north, examines the safe and newspaper fragments, and develops a theory of premeditated crime.

V: French Picks Up a Clue

Leads the investigation, focuses on tracing the £20 note, interviews witnesses, and arranges to search Whymper's rooms.

VI: Talloires, Lac d’Annecy

Interrogates Whymper, decides against arrest, travels to Annecy to verify Whymper's story, and returns to London.

VII: Posthumous Evidence

Receives the safe deposit letter, retrieves Philpot's confession, compares handwriting, and decides to investigate further.

VIII: Dr. Philpot’s Story

Visits Dr. Philpot, accuses him of murder, evaluates his story, and decides there is no case.

IX: The Value of Analysis

Takes a contemplative walk on the moor, re-evaluates the case, and develops a theory that Roper forged the invitation and drugged Mr. Averill.

X: Whymper Speaks at Last

Develops a detailed theory of the crime, confronts Whymper, and questions Ruth Averill.

XI: A Startling Theory

Develops the theory that Roper faked his death and may have murdered a third person to obtain a body; interviews Ruth Averill and consults Major Valentine.

XII: A Somewhat Gruesome Chapter

Leads the exhumation, interviews Dr. Emerson and the undertaker, and manages the press; feels vindicated by the empty coffin.

The Piece of Yellow Clay

Reflects on his successful theory, verifies Roper's lie with Dr. Emerson, searches Giles' cottage, discovers yellow clay evidence and a hidden cache at Starvel, and watches over the site overnight.

XIV: The Secret of the Moor

Spends a long night on vigil at the shed, directs the digging that uncovers Giles' body, and devises a plan to mislead Roper at the inquest.

French Baits His Trap

Presents his theory at the inquest about the coffin being used to hide stolen goods, and describes finding Giles's body on the moor.

XVI: A Double Recall

Leads the search for Roper, compiles a description, interviews witnesses, and responds to two urgent recalls from the Yard.

XVII: Concerning Wedding Rings

French is reluctantly reassigned from the Starvel case to investigate the wedding rings found by lightermen. He interviews the men, inspects the lighter, and organizes a large-scale inquiry, eventually finding a promising lead.

XVIII: Cumulative Evidence

Leads the investigation, coordinates police work, and devises a strategy to capture Roper.

The Last Lap

Orchestrates the trap for Roper, sends the telegram and letter, and waits at Waverley Station with Philpot.

Conclusion

Compiles the complete account of the crimes, recovers the stolen money from Philpot's cashbox, and arrests Philpot.