Harvey Garrard's Crime

Harvey Garrard, scion of the leading leather merchants of London, is recalled from Monte Carlo, where he has pursued his passion for sport and gambling, because of the death of Armitage, the only surviving partner of his family firm. On his return, he discovers the business is almost bankrupt. Arbitrage has borrowed funds and left the business heavily in debt. Garrard feels compelled to try and save the firm, although he has no business experience, his wife will not lend him her jewels, and the banks will not extend credit. As he is leaving his office late at night, he discovers an American leather merchant slumped in the waiting room, dead.