John Trimble has embezzled and obtains another identity by having a mutilated body buried in his place. He is later arrested for murdering himself. During the trial his mother, before dying from shock, asks him to keep his identity secret since his wife is now married to the Governor and expecting a child.

　　布朗神父是切斯特顿笔下的著名侦探，矮个子，圆脑袋，身材胖儿可爱。手边常有一把标志性的大雨伞，他天性怕羞，说话有些结巴，看起来憨厚纯真，似乎与探案不搭边，却大智若愚，有着很锐利的直觉。