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The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley

Chapter 48: TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
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About This Book

The narrative opens with the killing of a prominent City financier whose sudden death exposes disputed bonds and tangled family ties. Scotland Yard investigators and a resourceful artist probe servants, relatives, and legal guardians to trace motives rooted in business amalgamations, inheritance, and the stewardship of a young ward. A series of coincidences, staged diversions and close confrontations exposes layered deceptions and hidden transactions. The inquiry moves from country lanes to drawing rooms and culminates in a tragic climax and a final settlement that untangles financial claims and personal loyalties.

"What was her grievance against poor Mortimer Fenley?" inquired the doctor. "I knew him well, and he was a decent sort of fellow—rather blustering and dictatorial but not bad-hearted."

"His success, I believe," said Winter. "They disagreed, and she divorced him, thinking he would remain poor. The whirligig of time changed their relative positions, and to a jealous-minded woman that was unforgivable."

"The affair made a rare stir here anyhow," went on the doctor. "The people who have taken The Towers have not only changed the name of the place, but they have commissioned a friend of mine, an architect, to alter the entrance. There will be two flights of steps and a covered porch, so the exact spot where Fenley fell dead will be built over."

"Gentlemen," said Tomlinson, "talking is dry work. I haven't my old cellar to select from, but I can recommend the brands you see on the table. Mr. Furneaux, I'm sure you have not forgotten that Château Yquem?"

Then, and not until then, did the ex-butler hear that the detectives had never tasted his famous port. His benign features were wrung with pain, for it was a wine of rare "bowket," and hard to replace.

But Furneaux restored his wonted geniality by opening a parcel hitherto reposing on the sideboard.

"I never sent you that bottle of Alto Douro," he cried. "Here it is—a crusted quart for your own drinking. Lest you should be tempted to be too generous tonight, I've brought another. Now—a cradle and a corkscrew!"

So, after a dirge, and before the world shook in war, the story ends on a lively note, for what is there to compare with good wine and good cheer, each in moderation? And one bottle among five is reasonable enough in all conscience.


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MOTHER OF GOLD
THE COVERED WAGON
NORTH OF 36
THE WAY OF A MAN
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THE GIRL AT THE HALFWAY HOUSE
THE WAY OUT
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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:

Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise, every effort has been made to remain faithful to the author's words and intent.