Elderly John Marbury, who had arrived from distant Australia the day before, was killed in central London. But who could wish death on a man who had not been to England for a very long time? Detective Rasbury, leading the investigation, turns to his friend, crime reporter Frank Spargo, for help. They soon learn that, shortly before his death, Marbury met with MP Aylmore and for some reason carefully kept a ticket to a race that was held many years ago...