The synopsis revolves around a series of interconnected events and characters embroiled in deception and crime. James Norris and Joe Rogers are central figures, with their actions and whereabouts during critical times forming the core of the mystery. The events unfold around Mary Young, who has ceased working for Mr. Bond due to his inappropriate advances. Bond, infatuated with Mary, arranges to meet her at Woodlawn, a rendezvous that seems to spiral into chaos.

Mary Young is portrayed as secretive, possibly hiding from a persistent lover who is later implicated in her murder. This man was spotted by Miss Minsey leaving Mary’s room on a fateful Sunday night. Concurrently, Joe Rogers is in trouble due to illicit activities in the stock market, leading to his sudden disappearance. His room contains evidence of his financial tampering, further complicating the narrative.

James Norris is connected to these events but struggles to establish an alibi for the night of the murder. It's suggested that Norris was assisting a troubled woman, which prevented him from revealing his whereabouts without implicating her. Evidence such as a cigar lighter with Norris's initials and a knife found in his room links him to the crime, although it appears these items were planted to frame him.

The story hints at a deeper conspiracy involving Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. Edgecomb, who are part of a scheme related to the true identity of the murdered girl, suggesting that the victim was not Mary Young but someone else entirely.