![]() When the writer of the letter is traced, the dead man is assumed to be Arthur Cobbleigh, a British soldier listed as missing in action but who evidently deserted and stayed in France after the war. The letter is addressed not to "Driver" but to "Paul Taylor", a reference to "Tailor Paul", the tenor (largest) bell in the ring at Fenchurch St. Bunter, Wimsey's valet, inveigles a postmistress into handing over a letter posted in France, which confirms a link with the body, which was wearing French underclothes. ![]() Acting on a hunch, Lord Peter enquires at the Post Office for any uncollected letters addressed to "Driver". An odd document found in the bell chamber by Hilary Thorpe, Sir Henry's daughter, proves to be a cipher. It is first thought to be the body of a tramp labourer calling himself "Driver" who arrived and then vanished just after the New Year. A body is found hidden in the grave, mutilated beyond recognition. Both men were imprisoned, but the jewels were never recovered.Īt Easter, Sir Henry himself dies and his wife's grave is opened for his burial. ![]() Lady Thorpe, wife of Sir Henry Thorpe, the local squire, dies next morning and Wimsey hears how the Thorpe family has been blighted for 20 years by the unsolved theft of jewels from a house-guest by the butler, Deacon, and an accomplice, Cranton. Paul on New Year's Eve after a car accident, Wimsey helps ring a nine-hour peal of bells overnight after Will Thoday, one of the ringers, is stricken by influenza. Stranded in the Fenland village of Fenchurch St. ![]()
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