The Mark of Cain
Summary
The spectral shadow of an unspeakable crime falls upon the venerable Trowbridge estate, his life extinguished under enigmatic circumstances. Swiftly, the accusatory finger points at Kane Langdon, Trowbridge's own nephew, ensnaring him in a legal labyrinth. Yet, Alice, the deceased's adopted daughter, an indomitable spirit, launches a fervent, albeit initially fruitless, crusade to exonerate Kane. Her tireless efforts yield no immediate reprieve, and Kane, a man unjustly condemned, ultimately engineers a daring escape from the clutches of the law. Now fugitives bound by shared purpose, Alice and Kane embark upon a clandestine investigation, their pursuit of truth leading them down a perilous path. Their tenacious inquiries soon peel back layers of deceit, revealing a chilling conspiracy orchestrated by none other than Judge Hoyt, a seemingly trusted confidante of Trowbridge and an ardent suitor to Alice. The sinister truth emerges: Hoyt, consumed by avarice and a twisted desire for Alice, not only committed the heinous act but also meticulously forged Trowbridge's last will and testament, cunningly stipulating that Alice's inheritance was contingent upon her marital union with him. Cornered by their irrefutable evidence, the judge, his composure shattered, succumbs to the weight of his guilt, delivering a full confession. Justice, finally, unfurls its wings, allowing Alice and Kane to find solace and a future, their bond forged in the crucible of shared adversity.
Synopsis
After old Trowbridge is mysteriously murdered, his nephew, Kane Langdon, is accused of the crime. Trowbridge's adopted daughter Alice makes every effort to prove Kane's innocence, but to no avail. When Kane escapes from the clutches of the law, Alice works with him to investigate the crime. They soon discover that Judge Hoyt, a great friend of Trowbridge and an ardent admirer of Alice, killed Trowbridge after forging the old man's will to read that Alice would only inherit his fortune if she married the judge. The judge, confronted with the accusation, becomes so unnerved that he confesses to the crime, and all ends happily with Alice in Kane's arms.
