The Man with the Missing Finger (1915)

Episode 1: "The Tragedy in the Villa Falcon" A wealthy widow has been robbed of her jewels and murdered. Harvey Stacey and his assistant, George Warren, Central Office men, have been detailed on the case. With the exception of a torn telegram, advising the widow that night of the arrival of her nephew, there seems to be no clues. Suspicion points to the nephew, and the detectives search for more evidence. A sheet of paper, upon examination, reveals finger marks; one finger is missing. Stacey telephones to headquarters ordering a watch kept on all railway stations, and any man with but four fingers on one hand detained. Meanwhile, in his house, Morton, the real murderer, decides it will be safer to make his getaway. Hurriedly he puts on his coat and gloves, which almost conceal his deformed hand, and hastens to the station. At the ticket office a detective "spots" him, and notifies Stacey, who orders the train held. Morton becomes uneasy at the delay and seeing central office men approaching, makes his escape. Pursued, he reaches his house, and disguises himself as an old woman. Later Morton sends a telegram to Warren telling him to go to the Villa Falcon. The latter is met upon his arrival by Morton and his accomplice, who bind and gag him. Then they telephone for Stacey, who is suspicious of the message, and takes four policemen with him. These he orders to remain outside, and enters the Villa. He also is bound. A time bomb is placed, but Stacey manages to fire a pistol, whereupon the police rush in, rescue the detectives, and place the desperadoes under arrest.