Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 52 – Ripley · Verses Across
Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 52Chapter 51
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Literature · Crime, Thrillers & Mystery
Minute Mysteries [Detectograms] 52
Chapter 51
RipleyEnglish
A Simple Solution
The sun streamed cheerfully through the window, bringing into lively play the soft tones of the luxurious furnishings, as the two house guests, Professor Fordney and Inspector Kelley, entered the oil magnate’s bedroom.
‘Nothing in here to get excited about,’ said Kelley.
Fordney, opening the window and seeing Smith lying on the ground three stories below it, cried, ‘Run downstairs, Inspector. Quick! There he is!’
Kelley nodded, and was on his way. As he hurried out the door, he came face to face with the butler. Fordney eyed the servant suspiciously as he entered.
‘When did you see Mr. Smith last?’ he asked.
‘About an hour ago. He had a telephone call which seemed to excite him and he came right up here to his room.’
‘Who brought this up?’ Fordney asked, fingering an unopened letter with an illegible postmark.
‘He brought it up himself, sir, saying he was not to be disturbed.’
‘Anyone been here since?’
Kelley’s noisy entrance interrupted the butler’s ‘No, sir.’
‘Smith broke his neck. I found this on him,’ he remarked, handing the Professor a note.
Ill health and financial trouble have made life a burden. I’m leaving my bedroom for the last time. A three-story drop and my misery will be over.
Smith
‘His suicide will be a blow to the oil industry,’ Kelley mused, as Fordney sat down at the desk and began to write with Smith’s fountain pen.
‘His death will be, Inspector,’ said Fordney. ‘Better get the servants together. This is murder—not suicide!’
What reason did Fordney have for making such a statement?
