When London solicitor Mr. Jellipot discovers a nude body draped over a fence, its blood drained dry, he immediately consults his friend, Inspector Combridge. The Scotland Yard detective arrests the dead man's illegitimate son, Edward Higgins, who stands to inherit his father's fortune. As the trial begins, it appears that Higgins is doomed to the hangman's noose. But Mr. Jellipot has his own ideas