Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 960

# "Flyer Fred's Clear Case" by J. C. Cowdrick

This serial mystery opens with the murder of Thomas Stroughtenberg, an honored wholesale merchant on Broadway, discovered stabbed by his young messenger Fred Fly. Stroughtenberg's son George was the last known person to see him alive, and he had been awaiting an appointment with Floyd Kempton, a man George calls "the Broadway Sport"—though Kempton is revealed to be a private detective working incognito. When Kempton arrives after the murder, he discovers even George doesn't know the purpose of their scheduled meeting. Detective John Collins of the police begins investigating, finding no apparent motive, as Stroughtenberg was universally respected. Fred, inspired by past success following suspected criminals, begins secretly shadowing Kempton. The chapter ends with Collins harboring suspicions of parricide—wondering if George himself committed the crime.