Der mord in der droschke (The Mystery of a Hansom Cab)

About this issue

This German-language translation of Fergus Hume's The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, published by Street & Smith in 1900, presents a serialized detective mystery set in Melbourne, Australia. The narrative opens with a newspaper account of an unidentified man discovered dead in a hansom cab on the morning of July 27th, suffocated by chloroform-soaked handkerchief bearing the initials "O.W." A cab driver, Malcolm Royston, provides testimony describing a well-dressed man in a light overcoat and soft hat who placed the victim in the cab near St. Kilda Road. The mysterious passenger exhibits familiarity with the victim, initially denying knowledge before recognizing him and exclaiming "You!?" then fleeing. Detective Samuel Gorby investigates. The coroner's inquest examines evidence: sterling currency, the chloroform-treated handkerchief, a Russian leather cigarette case, and a white glacé glove. Witness testimony from additional cab drivers corroborates sightings of the suspect, who notably wears a diamond ring on his right index finger. Dr. Chinston's postmortem confirms death by chloroform inhalation, with no signs of struggle evident.