Mannering quite admired the arrogance of the self-opinionated young artist who asked him for patronage for a subsidy to keep him painting. It was also clear that the young painter wasn't actually asking for a favour, he was conferring one! With so much youthful confidence on display, Mannering wasn't expecting the phone call later. On arriving at a flat in Fulham, he finds the artist near death. Was it attempted suicide, or was it, in fact, attempted murder? Once again, Mannering must revive his skills as the Baron to save lives from terrible danger.