V

‘Whose writing is this?’ I asked. ‘The writing of Madame Fontaine’s late husband.’ ‘And she put it into your hands!’ ‘Yes—and asked me to interpret the cypher for her.’ ‘It’s simply incomprehensible.’ ‘Not in the least. She knew the use to which Jack had put...

Chapter XVI

Acting on the doctor’s information, the burgomaster issued his order. At eight o’clock in the evening, on the third of January, the remains of Mrs Wagner were to be removed to the cemetery-building, outside the Friedberg Gate of Frankfort. Long before the present century, the...

Chapter IX

The widow stopped at a jeweller’s window in the famous street called the Zeil. The only person in the shop was a simple-looking old man, sitting behind the counter, reading a newspaper. She went in. ‘I have something to show you, sir,’ she said, in...

Chapter II

Madame Fontaine dropped into a chair, overwhelmed by the discovery. She looked at the key left in the cupboard. It was of an old-fashioned pattern—but evidently also of the best workmanship of the time. On its flat handle it bore engraved the words, ‘Pink-Room Cupboard’—so...

II

I next submit a copy of a letter addressed by the late Chemistry-Professor Fontaine to an honoured friend and colleague. This gentleman is still living; and he makes it a condition of supplying the copy that his name shall not appear:— ‘Illustrious Friend and Colleague,—You...

Chapter XXIII

Circumstances had obliged my aunt to perform the last stage of her journey to Frankfort by the night mail.* She had only stopped at our house on her way to the hotel; being unwilling to trespass on the hospitality of her partners,...

Chapter XXI

The next day, my calculation of possibilities in the matter of Fritz turned out to be correct. Returning to Main Street, after a short absence from the house, the door was precipitately opened to me by Minna. Before she could say a word, her face...

Chapter XIX

‘A tumbler of the old Marcobrunner,* David, and a slice of the game pie—before I say one word about what we owe to that angel upstairs. Off with the wine, my dear boy; you look as pale as death!’ With those words Mr...

Chapter XII

Two days passed, and I perceived another change in Mr Engelman. He was now transformed into a serious and reticent man. Had he committed indiscretions which might expose him to ridicule if they were known? Or had the widow warned him not to be too...

Chapter X

On the afternoon of the next day, while my two good friends were still occupied by the duties of the office, I stole out to pay my promised visit to Minna and Minna’s mother. It was impossible not to arrive at the conclusion that they...