Al & Mike, thanks for the definition of "McGuffin." It's amazing, the things you learn at Mudcat. I like Hitchcock but have seen only his major films. Looks like I'll have to look into him more deeply.

But Hitchcock seems very appropriate in this case. There is a touch of graveyard humor to the story, and Hitchcock often was very humorous in his stories. And yes, it's a darn good mystery.

I suppose many thought Hitchcock irreverent, but I've loved every Hitchcock movie I've seen. This story would make a perfect Hitchcock movie plot.

-Joe-