The lion's share

"The Lion's Share" by Octave Thanet is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with Colonel Rupert Winter, a soldier returning home from the Philippines on furlough and meeting Cary Mercer, the brother of a young man involved in a tragic incident, setting the stage for a narrative filled with intrigue and complex family dynamics. The opening of the book introduces Colonel Winter's chance encounter with Cary Mercer, who is grappling with the aftermath of his brother's suicide. Set against a backdrop of financial turmoil and personal loss, the narrative begins to weave a tale of familial connections and hidden motives, especially regarding the older generation represented by Aunt Rebecca. As Winter becomes entangled in a web of relationships and potential dangers, particularly surrounding the enigmatic Miss Smith and the restless Archie, the groundwork is laid for a tension-filled exploration of loyalty, fear, and the pursuit of truth.