On a rainy night, Rocky and Francine are driving an unconscious man named Ferguson out into the country to get rid of him. It seems that Ferguson had a streak of luck tonight and won a large sum of money gambling. Francine says "He is not just another gambler who can't go to the police, Rocky. He's an important man, and he'll make trouble". Rocky says "what do you want me to do, wake him up tell him I'm sorry and give the money back? Suckers ain't supposed to win. I run that game for me to win, one way or another". Rocky then stops the car and says "This place is as good as any". Now, Francine, just shut your mouth and help me get him out, will you?" She says "Rocky, please!" He says "So help me, if I hear one more word out of you, I'll shove the muzzle of this gun down your throat and will pull the trigger". Francine says "Don't hurt me Rocky, I'll help you". After they get Ferguson out of the car, Rocky says "Alright, do you hear anyone coming?" Francine says "I can't hear anything in this rain". He says "That's good. Nobody else will hear anything either. Well, goodbye Mr. Ferguson, too bad you got so lucky". Then, two shots rang out.

Philip Carter and his fiancé, Eloise Gray, pay a visit to Mr. Keen's office, hoping that he can help them. Philip says "Mr. Keen, could you possibly give us a few minutes of your time, sir? I'd be very grateful". Mr. Keen says "Certainly, just what is it you want to see me about?" Philip says "A murder, Mr. Keen. My sister Helen was killed last night in the family estate. Mike Clancy, Mr. Keen's partner, says "We didn't read anything about it in the newspapers". Philip says "The family estate is fifty miles from here, on the Hudson River. It will probably be reported in the newspapers later today". Mr. Keen says "Philip, you and Miss Gray please have a seat and give me all the details". Philip says "My sister Helen was found in the study about midnight by our Uncle Jonathan. He's been living with us ever since the death of our parents years ago. I'll never forget last night as long as I live". Mr. Keen says "How was Helen Carter killed?" Philip says "That was the most horrible thing of all, Mr. Keen. My sister had been strangled and her throat was terribly lacerated. It was as if some gigantic bird with sharp talons or claws had attacked her".

In the city of Toronto, Ontario, late one night two men were in a room on the fourth floor of a cheap hotel near the union station. One was a middle-aged, bald fellow nicknamed "Sonny". He sat on the edge of the bed while the other one, Big Jim Labard occupied the only upholstered chair in the room. After a moment, Big Jim got up and walked to the dresser to pour drinks to bind the deal they just closed. He said "Okay Sonny, we will have a drink on it. May you make a fortune out of the deal". Sonny says "Much obliged, Jim, for wishing me a fortune. You already made your fortune from what I paid". Jim says "If you want it, you have to pay the price". Sonny says "That's the first time I ever paid 400 per ounce, and probably the last". Jim says "Look Sonny, an ounce of heroin is just as hard to come by here in Canada as it is in the states. I am the hottest guy in Canada right now. I've got three King's warrants out after me".