A Graveyard to Let

Sir Henry Merrivale is in New York City. His friend, widower Frederick Manning, operates a prep school rumored to be in financial difficulty. Manning goes to his bank and apparently withdraws a large sum of cash. He meets with his three children: Bob, Crystal, and Jean and explains that he is going to run away with Irene Stanley, that he never liked them but is making sure they are provided for; and that he will disappear and never be seen again.

The Manning family estate includes a swimming pool, baseball diamond, and an old cemetery. The next day the family is at the swimming pool. Jean, her fiancé Huntington "Dave", and attorney Howard Betterton are in the water. Fred Manning dives into the pool but does not come up. The pool is searched but he is not found.