Character guide

Merriman

major

Also known as Seymour Merriman, Mr. Merriman, Edwards

A young Englishman who discovers a suspicious sawmill and becomes an amateur investigator.

Inspector Willis

major

Also known as Willis, George Willis

A Scotland Yard detective who takes over the investigation of the Pit Prop Syndicate.

Claud Hilliard

major

Also known as Hilliard, brother Hilliard

Merriman's friend and companion who joins him in investigating the syndicate.

Madeleine Coburn

supporting

Also known as Miss Coburn, Madeleine

The daughter of Mr. Coburn, involved in the syndicate's operations.

Mr. Coburn

supporting

Also known as Francis Coburn

The father of Madeleine and a key figure in the Pit Prop Syndicate.

Archibald Charles Archer

supporting

Also known as Charlie, Mr. Archer

A man who plants evidence and is involved in the syndicate's criminal activities.

Stopford Hunt

supporting

Also known as Hunt

A mysterious figure connected to the syndicate's operations in Bordeaux.

Captain Beamish

supporting

Also known as Beamish, Walter Beamish

The captain of the Girondin, a ship used by the syndicate.

Charles Leatham

minor

Also known as Leatham

A friend of Merriman who assists in the investigation.

Benson

minor

A man connected to the syndicate, possibly a spy or informant.

Mr. Bulla

minor

Also known as Bulla

A manager at the Ferriby depot of the syndicate.

M. Jules Laroche

minor

Also known as M. Laroche, Laroche

A French police official who cooperates with Inspector Willis.

Charles Fox

minor

Also known as Fox

A man involved in the syndicate's smuggling operations.

Henri

minor

A French employee at the syndicate's sawmill.

M. Pierre Raymond

minor

Also known as Raymond, M. Raymond

A French businessman connected to the syndicate.

Morton

minor

A mysterious man who spies on the protagonists.

Maxwell

minor

Also known as M. Max, Max

A French associate of the syndicate in Bordeaux.

Angus Menzies

minor

Also known as Menzies

A Scottish engineer who works for the syndicate.

Jelfs

minor

A man who works at the Ferriby depot.

Ferriby Manager

minor

Also known as Ferriby

The manager of the syndicate's depot at Ferriby.

Holt

minor

A man mentioned in connection with the syndicate.

Matthews

minor

A police constable assisting Inspector Willis.

Drake

minor

A man involved in the syndicate's activities.

Messrs. Ackroyd

minor

A business firm mentioned in connection with the syndicate.