Publisher's Synopsis
Hulbert Footner (April 2, 1879 - November 17, 1944) was a Canadian born American writer of primarily detective fiction. He also wrote some non-fiction. Ethan is a young struggling artist in New York City who witnesses the antics of a wealthy eccentric quarrelling with a street merchant. Ethan rescues the old man from hostile onlookers and then takes a job with the family as the man's walking companion. He gets drawn into a mystery when the family turns to him for help from blackmailers. A captivating musician, with whom he falls in love, moves into his building but her own mystery keeps them at odds. Ethan is honourable and shows strength of character while he struggles with his own emotions and confusion. The ending is well put together.
