Tragedy at Ravensthorpe · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Tragedy at Ravensthorpe by J. J. Connington.

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Chapter 1
I: The Fairy Houses
Sir Clinton Driffield, the new Chief Constable, walks with Cecil Chacewater through the Ravensthorpe grounds. They discuss Sir Clinton's arrival, the upcoming masked ball for Joan Chacewater's coming-of-age, and the peculiar 'Fairy Houses' on the estate—small structures maintained per a family will clause tied to a legend about fairies and a family curse. Cecil reveals secret passages in the house and a family ghost legend, while Sir Clinton shows cautious interest in the traditions.
Chapter 2
II: Mr. Polegate’s Sense of Humour
Joan Chacewater jests about turning twenty-one and her future with Michael Clifton. The group discusses plans for the masked ball, and Foxy Polegate proposes a sham robbery to play a trick on Maurice. Cecil, Una, and Foxy conspire to switch off the museum lights and steal items without being recognized. Maurice appears weary and dismissive, and Joan and Michael leave to play billiards.
Chapter 3
III: The Theft at the Masked Ball
At the masked ball, Sir Clinton Driffield, disguised as Prospero, reveals his identity to Joan Chacewater and gives her a diamond star as a birthday present. A pistol shot and darkness interrupt the festivities; a theft occurs in the museum. Sir Clinton injures his ankle while trying to apprehend a fleeing Pierrot-costumed suspect. Joan and Michael Clifton restore the lights, and Sir Clinton recounts the events, noting that the real criminals likely escaped.
Chapter 4
IV: The Chase in the Woods
Michael Clifton, a former school runner, leads the pursuit of a thief in a white Pierrot costume through moonlit grounds. Despite his costume hindrances, he overtakes other pursuers and corners the fugitive at a cave by a lake. After searching, he discovers the thief is Maurice Chacewater hiding in a Fairy House. Maurice reacts with distress and hostility, leading Michael to suspect a secret passage and a possible connection to the burglary, though he dismisses the idea as absurd.
Chapter 5
VI: Mr. Foss's Explanation
Mr. Foss reveals to Sir Clinton and Joan that he overheard a conversation in the winter-garden where Cecil Chacewater and Foxy Polegate planned a fake burglary of the Medusa Medallions as a practical joke. The motive was to prevent the sale to Mr. Kessock. Later, the actual theft occurs, and the thief escapes despite a chase. Maurice Chacewater arrives, and Foxy inadvertently reveals the planned joke to him.

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I: The Fairy Houses

II: Mr. Polegate’s Sense of Humour

III: The Theft at the Masked Ball

IV: The Chase in the Woods

VI: Mr. Foss's Explanation