Box 13 - Death is no Joke

Dan Holiday receives a letter in Box 13 from an old friend named Alex Trendler. The letter read "Dear Dan, Knowing your Box 13 angle, I hope what I have to offer is intriguing enough to tempt you. At least, I think it can be interesting. As a matter of fact, and this thing has got to the point now where it's becoming downright vicious, and scares me a little. What the thing is, I'll tell you when and if I see you, if you can drag yourself away from town for a few days, consider this letter an invitation to join me at the country home of Bernard Trendler, my cousin. Enclosed are the directions for getting there. I'll meet you at the train station. As ever, Alex". Later, at the station, Alex says "Hey, Dan" Dan says "Alex, how are you?" Alex says "Dan Holiday, so you're still alive" Dan says "Why not, it's a good idea". Alex asks "Is this your luggage?" Dan says "Oh yeah, that's it". Alex says "Good, my car is just around the other side of the depot, this way". Dan asks "Am I supposed to ask what your letter meant, or do I wait until you get ready to tell me?" Alex says "Wait until we get into the car. That's it, the blue convertible". As they travel down the road, and talk about family, Dan notices a look on Alex's face and asks "What's on your mind, Alex? You're worried about something". Alex says "Yeah, I don't know whether I am or not, Dan. Look, maybe asking you to stick an oar in this was... well, presuming upon our friendship". Dan says "That's what friendships are for". Alex says "Well, up to a point". Dan says "Okay let's get to the point". Alex says "Well, it's practical jokes. I knew you'd look blank at that". Dan asks "What's the angle?" Alex says "Just practical jokes. Ruth and I are guests at Bernard Trendler's, he's my cousin. You ever heard of him?" Dan says "Oh yes, he showed up not too long ago to claim a fortune, didn't he?" Alex says "Yes, that's right. He ran away from home when he was 17. He was gone 15 years. Recently his father, that's my uncle, died and left the entire Trendler fortune to him. If he hadn't been found, it would have been divided among the rest of us.