Learn English Through Story 🔥 | Detective Story | Listen English Story

Summary

The Chief Manager of an insurance office recounts his encounter with Mr. Julius Slinkton, a seemingly polite gentleman who arouses suspicion. Despite initial distrust, the manager's perception changes after learning of Slinkton's personal tragedies. However, as the story unfolds, it's revealed that Slinkton is a deceitful murderer, targeting wealthy individuals, including his own nieces, for their inheritance. The manager, along with a disguised Meltham, a previous victim's lover, exposes and confronts Slinkton, leading to his downfall and death.

Takeaways

• 👀 The Chief Manager of an insurance office has a keen eye for first impressions, which initially leads him to distrust Mr. Slinkton.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The Chief Manager observes Mr. Slinkton's visit to the office and later encounters him at a dinner party, where Mr. Slinkton's behavior raises further suspicions.
• 📝 Mr. Slinkton requests an insurance form for a friend, which later turns out to be a ruse as he is involved in a scheme with the person named Beckwith.
• 🤔 The Chief Manager's initial dislike for Mr. Slinkton is challenged when he learns about Slinkton's personal tragedies, causing him to question his judgment.
• 🔍 A deeper investigation reveals Mr. Slinkton's sinister intentions as he is suspected of poisoning his own niece for financial gain.
• 💔 Mr. Slinkton's backstory includes the murder of another niece, Margaret, which is part of a larger pattern of deceit and manipulation.
• 🧐 The Chief Manager's servant plays a crucial role in uncovering Mr. Slinkton's crimes and saving the life of the remaining niece, Miss Niner.
• 🎭 The twist reveals that Beckwith is actually Mr. Meltham, who has been posing as a drunkard to expose Mr. Slinkton's crimes and avenge his lost love, Margaret.
• 🏁 The confrontation at Middle Temple leads to Mr. Slinkton's downfall, with his own poison being his undoing in a dramatic turn of events.
• 🚨 The story underscores the dangers of making judgments based solely on first impressions and the complexities of human nature.
• 🕊️ Justice is served, but at a great personal cost to Mr. Meltham, who sacrifices his life to bring Mr. Slinkton to account for his crimes.

Q & A

What was the narrator's initial impression of Mr. Julius Slinkton?

The narrator initially disliked Mr. Julius Slinkton despite his polite appearance and well-dressed demeanor.

Why did Mr. Julius Slinkton visit the insurance office?

Mr. Julius Slinkton visited the insurance office to obtain an insurance form on behalf of a friend, claiming the friend was recommended by someone familiar with the narrator.

How did the narrator's perception of Mr. Slinkton change after their meeting at dinner?

The narrator's perception of Mr. Slinkton changed when he learned about Slinkton's recent personal loss, making the narrator feel guilty for his initial distrust.

Who was the elderly man referred to as Miss Niner's 'shadow,' and what role did he play in the story?

The elderly man referred to as Miss Niner's 'shadow' was Major Banks, who eventually helped expose Mr. Slinkton's true intentions by revealing information to the narrator.

What revelation did Mr. Beckwith make about his true identity?

Mr. Beckwith revealed that his real identity was Meltham, a man who sought revenge on Mr. Slinkton for poisoning his niece, Margaret, and attempting to kill another niece, Miss Niner.

What was Mr. Slinkton's reaction when confronted by Meltham?

Mr. Slinkton was initially calm but later became frightened and panicked, ultimately poisoning himself to avoid facing justice.

How did the narrator's opinion of Mr. Slinkton fluctuate throughout the story?

The narrator's opinion of Mr. Slinkton fluctuated from initial distrust, to sympathy after learning of his losses, back to deep suspicion and realization of Slinkton's true malicious nature.

Why did Mr. Slinkton take his nieces to Italy, according to the host?

Mr. Slinkton took his nieces to Italy for their health, and one of them, Margaret, died there, which he claimed deeply affected him.

What was Mr. Slinkton’s ultimate plan, as revealed by Meltham?

Mr. Slinkton's ultimate plan was to kill Mr. Beckwith (Meltham) using poison and alcohol to claim a life insurance policy worth two thousand pounds.

What was the outcome for Mr. Slinkton and Meltham by the end of the story?

Mr. Slinkton died by poisoning himself when confronted with his crimes, while Meltham, having fulfilled his promise of revenge, died a few months later.