The Hand in the Dark by Arthur J. Rees is a detective story set against the backdrop of World War I. Here's a possible summary based on available information:
A Sudden Disappearance During Wartime:
- A Distressed Visitor: In the midst of wartime anxieties, a young woman, Miss Meredith, visits a junior detective at Scotland Yard. She's deeply troubled by the disappearance of her nephew, John Scott Eccles.
- A Rented House and a Vanishing Act: Eccles had been staying at a rented house belonging to a Spaniard named Aloysius Garcia. One morning, Eccles woke up to find Garcia and all the servants vanished without a trace.
A Baffling Mystery:
- An Eerie Feeling: Miss Meredith reveals that Eccles had mentioned an unsettling atmosphere at the rented house before Garcia's disappearance. He also received a cryptic note that further disturbed him.
- Clueless Investigation: The initial investigation by the junior detective proves fruitless. The rented house appears abandoned, offering no clues about Garcia's whereabouts or what might have happened to Eccles.
Enter the Famous Detective:
- Seeking a Sharper Mind: Frustrated by the lack of progress, Miss Meredith seeks help from a more renowned detective – possibly Colonel Wycliffe or another established figure (depending on the specific version of the story).
Unraveling the Mystery:
- A Hidden Compartment: The new detective, with his keen eye for detail, discovers a hidden compartment within the seemingly empty rented house. Inside, he finds a map and a newspaper clipping.
- The Tiger Unmasked: The newspaper clipping reveals the shocking truth about Garcia. He was not a harmless Spaniard, but a ruthless criminal known as "The Tiger of San Pedro" in South America.
Connecting the Dots:
- A Cryptic Warning: The cryptic note received by Eccles was likely a warning from Garcia's accomplices about an impending police raid.
- A Fleeing Felon: Realizing the danger, Garcia and his associates fled the rented house before the authorities arrived, leaving Eccles alone and bewildered in their wake.
The Resolution (Possible Scenarios):
- Finding Eccles: Depending on the story's direction, the detective might manage to locate Eccles, either unharmed and confused, or perhaps even a captive of Garcia's gang.
- Bringing the Tiger to Justice: The investigation leads to apprehending "The Tiger of San Pedro" and his associates, bringing them to justice for their crimes.
Significance of The Hand in the Dark:
- Wartime Setting: The story incorporates the anxieties and disruptions of World War I as a backdrop, adding a layer of tension and highlighting the potential for opportunism amidst the chaos.
- The Power of Observation: The new detective's success hinges on his meticulous observation skills. He uncovers the hidden compartment and the newspaper clipping, which prove crucial in solving the mystery.
- Focus on a Junior Character's Plight: The initial investigation by the less experienced detective showcases the limitations of a novice investigator, highlighting the need for a more seasoned professional to crack the case.
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