The Vignemals perished when their small ferry boat capsized in a freak autumn snow storm. They were crossing the river to neighbors to ask for the hand of one of their daughters in marriage to a nephew, Arthur, a worthless dandy. Who inherits depends on who died first-the husband, or the wife. Will officials believe the young "savage," Roch Ferrer, who attempted a rescue? Or was he a killer in league with one of many potential inheritors of the large estate? Why has Roger Pontac reappeared? Is he an inheritor? Is he a murderer? The Ferry Mystery (Le Bac) was one of du Boisgobey"s most popular novels. First published in 1882, it went through several editions by various French, American, and British publishers.