The Old Man in the Corner

The story introduces Polly Burton, who is taken aback by a man's assertion that no crime is truly mysterious if investigated intelligently. Their interaction unfolds in a café setting, where Polly's initial disapproval of the man is palpable. This tension hints at a deeper exploration of themes related to perception, judgment, and the nature of crime, setting the stage for a compelling narrative that challenges assumptions about mystery and intelligence in crime-solving.