Bruce Graeme: Epilogue
Published: Hutchinson & Co. 1934, Copyright: Public Domain, Google-digitized.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is famous not only because it is by the immortal Charles Dickens, but also for the fact that, owing to the author's unfortunate death, the story was never finished. Who killed Edwin Drood? who was Dick Datchery? who was Princess Puffer? are questions which remain as much a mystery now as upon the day of Dickens' death. Since that time there have been many clever suggestions as to what Dickens' solution might have been, and now, in this present story, Bruce Graeme suggests another version, but — with that touch of originality which is undeniably his — in such a totally different form that we feel sure his contribution will be received with delight.
How does he attempt to solve the mystery? Not by endeavouring to see the solution through the eyes of Charles Dickens, but by imagining the result after investigation by modern C.I.D. detectives. The infinite possibilities of this method are easily apparent, and Bruce Graeme makes the most of them. Once again Superintendent Stevens (of A Murder of Some Importance and The Imperfect Crime fame) is the central character.
Here is not only a highly imaginative story which introduces many famous characters, but one which sparkles with wit, humour, satire, and some thrills, too. One does not have to be a lover of Dickens or even to have read "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" to enjoy this book. It is a novel which will suit the taste of all lovers of a sound entertaining story.
THE PITIFUL PASSION OF A LAY PRECENTOR
or
The Crime Committed by a Criminal Choirmaster
all for the sake of a pretty rosebud
Told in Rhyme
Price 2d. Price 2d.
Dear Reader, pause and think awhile
Before you read this tale so vile,
Of how, on the morning of Christmas Day
Ned Drood was killed in a terrible way
By his wicked old Uncle Jasper.
Some hours before, young Ned did sup,
And share with Landless a loving cup.
And the one who had asked them there to dine,
Especially to drink some opium wine,
Was that cunning old Uncle Jasper.
For Ned and Neville both did love
(And Jasper, too) a winsome dove,
Whose name was properly Rosa Bud;
Peculiarly known as just Rosebud,
Especially by vicious old Jasper.
Now Ned and Rosebud were betrothed,
While Jasper by Rosa was truly loathed.
So, hearkening to the devil's advice,
He planned for Satan a sacrifice,
Did monstrous old Uncle Jasper.
He told these young men to the Weir to go,
To see a midnight water show,
Though what there was that they could see,
Remains to this day a mystery,
Known to infamous old Uncle Jasper.
As soon as poor Ned was home once more
From seeing young Neville to his door,
He pledged his uncle one more drink.
Then to unconsciousness did sink,
Watched by evil old Uncle Jasper.
That was the moment wickedly planned.
John Jasper took a careful stand:
A mighty blow and poor Ned was dead.
"Now Rosebud will marry me instead,"
Said that murdering old Uncle Jasper.