# The Scientific Cracksman explained — Craig Kennedy Stories > Chapter companion for Craig Kennedy Stories by Arthur B. Reeve. ## What happens Craig Kennedy and Walter Jameson are drawn into the mysterious death of steel magnate John G. Fletcher. Though initially reported as apoplexy, Kennedy learns from Fletcher's nephew, Professor Jack Fletcher, that the old man's will is missing from his safe, which was cleverly opened with an electric drill. Kennedy, posing as a nerve specialist, investigates the case, using a novel method of comparing tire tracks to identify a suspect's automobile. He also plans to interview Miss Helen Bond, Fletcher's grandniece, suspecting she knows more about the crime than she lets on. ## Themes in this chapter ### Science in Crime Detection Kennedy applies scientific methods, including analyzing tire tracks and using an electric drill to understand the crime, showcasing modern forensic techniques. ### Greed and Criminal Motivation The missing will and the potential fortune to be inherited suggest that greed is a central motive for the crime. ### Trust and Betrayal Kennedy's plan to deceive Helen Bond by posing as a doctor raises ethical questions about trust and the lengths one might go to solve a crime. ## Character check-ins ### Craig Kennedy Investigates the death of John G. Fletcher, deduces the safe was opened with an electric drill, and uses tire track analysis to identify a suspect's car. Poses as a nerve specialist to interview Helen Bond. ### Walter Jameson Accompanies Kennedy to Fletcherwood, assists in developing photographs of tire tracks, and questions the ethics of Kennedy's plan to deceive Miss Bond. ### Jack Fletcher Nephew of the deceased, calls Kennedy for help after discovering his uncle's will is missing. He is engaged to Helen Bond and is visibly affected by the events. ### Helen Bond Grandniece of John G. Fletcher, described as the 'new' woman. She is prostrated by the shock of her uncle's death, and Kennedy suspects she is hiding a secret. ### Professor Fletcher Identified as the Blake professor of bacteriology at the University and the nephew of the deceased, John G. Fletcher. He is informed of the death and hurries to Fletcherwood. ## Key lines > I’m willing to wager you a box of cigars that you don’t know the most fascinating story in your own paper tonight,” remarked Kennedy, as I came in one evening with the four or five newspapers I was in the habit of reading to see whether they had beaten the Star in getting any news of importance. Kennedy bets Jameson a box of cigars that he hasn't noticed the most interesting story in the evening paper. _This sets up the central mystery of the chapter._ > The cracksman was certainly clever. He used an electric drill to break the combination and ran it by the electric light current. Kennedy deduces that the burglar was skilled, having used an electric drill powered by the house's electricity to open the safe. _Highlights the scientific and modern nature of the crime._ > Craig,” I cried, “that’s the thumbprint of an automobile.” “There speaks the yellow journalist,” he answered merrily. “ ‘Thumb Print System Applied to Motor Cars’—I can see the Sunday feature story you have in your mind with that headline already. Yes, Walter, that’s precisely what this is. The Berlin police have used it a number of times with the most startling results.” Jameson exclaims that the tire tracks are like a car's fingerprint, and Kennedy confirms this, noting the Berlin police have used this method successfully. _Introduces the novel forensic technique of tire track identification._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se/chapters/the-scientific-cracksman - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se/chapters