The Leak
by Jacques Futrelle (1875–1912)
- Free to read
- 20 min read
- Reading level: 7th grade
"The Leak" by Jacques Futrelle is a crime fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the fascinating exploration of a financial leak that leads to substantial monetary losses for a prominent financier, J. Morgan Grayson. Central to the narrative is Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as The Thinking Machine, who employs his scientific reasoning and deductive skills to uncover the truth behind the leak. The plot unfolds as Grayson seeks The Thinking Machine's assistance after suffering significant losses due to a mysterious leak of confidential information regarding his business dealings. He confesses that only he and his trusted stenographer, Miss Evelyn Winthrop, are privy to the sensitive plans he develops, yet they repeatedly become known to his competition. As The Thinking Machine investigates the situation, he deduces that Miss Winthrop has been cleverly using her skills as both a typist and a telegraph operator to communicate Grayson's plans to others unknowingly. This revelation culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the implications of trust, betrayal, and cleverness in the world of financial dealings create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
- Short stories
- Detective and mystery stories
- Van Dusen, Augustus S. F. X. (Fictitious character)
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"Really great criminals are never found out, for the simple reason that the greatest crimes—their crimes—are never discovered," remarked Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen positively. "There is genius in the perpetration of crime, Mr. Grayson, just as there must be in its detection, unless it is the shallow work of a bungler. In this latter case there have been instances where even the police have uncovered the truth. But the expert criminal, the man of genius—the professional, I may say—regards as perfect only that crime which does not and cannot be made to appear a crime at all; therefore one that can never under any circumstances involve him, or anyone else."
The financier, J. Morgan Grayson, regarded this wizened little man of science—The Thinking Machine—thoughtfully, through the smoke of his cigar.
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About this edition
This free edition of The Leak by Jacques Futrelle comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #37146, released 2011-08-21. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Crime, Thrillers and Mystery, Novels.
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