The Chase of the Golden Plate
by Jacques Futrelle (1875–1912)
- Free to read
- 2 hours to read
- 24 chapters
- Reading level: 7th grade
"The Chase of the Golden Plate" by Jacques Futrelle is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative sets off at a lavish masked ball attended by an eclectic mix of historical and fictional characters. The story quickly introduces a Burglar, who cleverly navigates through the festivities, hinting at an underlying plot involving theft and deception. The opening of the book unfolds with a vibrant description of the masked ball, setting a whimsical yet suspenseful atmosphere as the characters mingle. The Burglar's arrival captures the attention of key figures, including Cardinal Richelieu and the Mikado, while he jests about his intentions. As the scene progresses, the plot hints at a deeper conspiracy when a mysterious girl known as the Girl of the Golden West interacts with him, suggesting preparations for a secretive venture. This intriguing start establishes a blend of adventure and romance, creating significant anticipation for what will transpire as the tale of the stolen gold plate unravels.
- Detective and mystery stories, American
- Robbery
- Van Dusen, Augustus S. F. X. (Fictitious character)
Read the opening
Chapter I
THE BURGLAR AND THE GIRL
Cardinal Richelieu and the Mikado stepped out on a narrow balcony overlooking the entrance to Seven Oaks, lighted their cigarettes and stood idly watching the throng as it poured up the wide marble steps. Here was an over-corpulent Dowager Empress of China, there an Indian warrior in full paint and toggery, and mincing along behind him two giggling Geisha girls. Next, in splendid robes of rank, came the Czar of Russia. The Mikado smiled.
"An old enemy of mine," he remarked to the Cardinal.
A Watteau Shepherdess was assisted out of an automobile by Christopher Columbus and they came up the walk arm-in-arm, while a Pierrette ran beside them laughing up into their faces. D'Artagnan, Athos, Aramis, and Porthos swaggered along with insolent, clanking swords.
"Ah!" exclaimed the Cardinal. "There are four gentlemen whom I know well."
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About this edition
This free edition of The Chase of the Golden Plate by Jacques Futrelle comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #38981, released 2012-02-25. 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, Adventure, Novels.
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).
