The Apartment Fire

The Mystery of The Invisible Dog

The fire appears to make John Murphy a victim, but the details of his habits and hospital stay turn the emergency into a suspicious alibi.

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Bearing strength in each event

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A Familiar Ashtray A Familiar Ashtray from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". A Familiar Ashtray A claim of caution John Murphy boasts that his special ashtray will prevent a cigarette from falling out.

A Familiar Ashtray from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". A Familiar Ashtray A claim of caution John Murphy boasts that his special ashtray will prevent a cigarette from falling out.

A Familiar Ashtray A claim of caution John Murphy boasts that his special ashtray will prevent a cigarette from falling out. He presents himself as careful despite his smoking. A remembered contradiction The boys and Jupiter Jones retain the detail. When a fire later starts in Murphy’s apartment, his own claim becomes a test of the accidental explanation.

Smoke in the Windows Smoke in the Windows from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". Smoke in the Windows A rapid response Flames burn behind Murphy’s curtains, and Sonny Elmquist breaks a window.

Smoke in the Windows from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". Smoke in the Windows A rapid response Flames burn behind Murphy’s curtains, and Sonny Elmquist breaks a window.

Smoke in the Windows A rapid response Flames burn behind Murphy’s curtains, and Sonny Elmquist breaks a window. The boys use a fire extinguisher and pull the unconscious stockbroker into fresh air. A narrow escape Murphy survives smoke inhalation. The immediate urgency makes it easy to accept the fire as accident, but Jupiter Jones notices inconsistencies.

The Cigarette Explanation The Cigarette Explanation from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Cigarette Explanation An ordinary cause The fire captain says a cigarette fell into the sofa and smoldered.

The Cigarette Explanation from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Cigarette Explanation An ordinary cause The fire captain says a cigarette fell into the sofa and smoldered.

The Cigarette Explanation An ordinary cause The fire captain says a cigarette fell into the sofa and smoldered. Murphy is taken to hospital, apparently because he fell asleep while smoking. Doubt survives Jupiter Jones recalls Murphy’s special ashtray and questions why the man was found heading toward the bedroom. The official story does not settle the matter.

The Private Clinic The Private Clinic from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Private Clinic A patient’s refuge Murphy is transferred to Belvedere Medical Clinic for observation.

The Private Clinic from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Private Clinic A patient’s refuge Murphy is transferred to Belvedere Medical Clinic for observation.

The Private Clinic A patient’s refuge Murphy is transferred to Belvedere Medical Clinic for observation. The quiet hospital setting seems to remove him from danger and from the apartment building. A possible alibi Jupiter Jones recognizes that the clinic may also protect a culprit from suspicion. A believable medical stay can conceal movement if staff are not watching closely.

The Fire Reinterpreted The Fire Reinterpreted from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Fire Reinterpreted A staged event Jupiter Jones concludes that Murphy set the fire to enter hospital and create a convincing alibi.

The Fire Reinterpreted from "The Mystery of The Invisible Dog". The Fire Reinterpreted A staged event Jupiter Jones concludes that Murphy set the fire to enter hospital and create a convincing alibi.

The Fire Reinterpreted A staged event Jupiter Jones concludes that Murphy set the fire to enter hospital and create a convincing alibi. The rescue that made him seem like a victim had served his plan. A pattern confirmed The fire joins the poisoning and car explosion as part of Murphy’s effort to clear witnesses. The apparent accident becomes evidence of deliberate manipulation.

The evening before the fire

Late morning after the car explosion

Minutes after the rescue

The afternoon following the fire

During the final arrest