Number Seventeen

In Short

This mystery thriller follows Francis Theydon, a young writer who accidentally witnesses the start of a conspiracy involving a wealthy financier and an elusive, murderous group of fanatics. As Theydon becomes entangled with the police and the targets of this shadowy organization, he must navigate a web of kidnappings, secret codes, and high-stakes protection. Known for its brisk, episodic pacing and a quintessentially Edwardian atmosphere, the narrative serves as a period piece that balances the grit of a London crime procedural with the romantic aspirations of its protagonist.

The Story

The story begins on a drizzly evening outside a London theater. Francis Theydon, a young and observant journalist, watches as a wealthy financier, James Creighton Forbes, leaves his beautiful daughter, Evelyn, in a cab before heading to his club. Shortly after, a series of unsettling events reveals that Forbes is the target of a mysterious group—the "Young Manchus"—who use terrifying symbols like ivory skulls to threaten their victims. A woman named Mrs. Lester, an acquaintance of Forbes, is murdered in her apartment, and Theydon, having been present in the periphery of these events, finds himself drawn into a complex investigation led by Scotland Yard’s capable duo, Winter and Furneaux.

As Theydon attempts to shield Forbes and his family from the escalating threat, he discovers that the criminals are not merely common thieves but a sophisticated, quasi-political network operating from the shadows. The danger reaches a fever pitch when the conspirators attempt to kidnap Evelyn, a plot only foiled by Theydon’s quick thinking and the assistance of a serendipitous American ally, Handyside. The narrative moves from the fog-drenched streets of London to the countryside, where the hunt for the organization’s leaders continues.

Throughout the ordeal, Theydon struggles to reconcile his duty to the law with his growing feelings for Evelyn. He grapples with the ethical dilemma of withholding information to protect a man who appears to be involved in a dark, international struggle, yet he remains committed to ensuring the safety of those he has come to love. The climax involves an elaborate trap set by the detectives, who use the gang’s own internal rivalries and superstitions against them to dismantle their network. The story concludes in a peaceful Scottish glen, where the threat is finally neutralized and Theydon, with the blessing of the formerly guarded Forbes, secures a future with Evelyn.

How It Unfolds

A chance encounter After leaving the theater, Theydon observes a suspicious interaction involving a prominent financier and his daughter. This brief moment of observation marks him as a witness to the early movements of a sinister plot.

A tragic discovery The death of Mrs. Lester draws Theydon into the orbit of Scotland Yard, where he must decide whether to share his observations or protect a man of high social standing. His choice to cooperate partially with the police sets the tone for his uneasy double life.

The shadow of the skull The discovery of a threatening letter and an ivory skull confirms the presence of a fanatical organization targeting Forbes. Theydon finds his life increasingly dictated by the movements of these criminals and the detectives who hunt them.

The kidnapping attempt A bold attempt to abduct Evelyn Forbes forces Theydon and the police into a high-speed rescue operation. This event serves as the turning point, forcing the Forbes family to abandon their policy of secrecy and trust the authorities.

The final gambit The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation where the detectives use the criminals' own tools of intimidation to draw them into the light. With the ringleaders apprehended, the danger finally dissipates, allowing the survivors to find respite.

The People

Francis Theydon is a young, ambitious journalist with a sharp eye for detail. Motivated by a sense of duty and a budding romance, he balances his journalistic instincts with a growing protective urge toward the Forbes family, eventually emerging as a man of action.

James Creighton Forbes is a wealthy, intelligent financier caught in the crosshairs of a ruthless organization. His initial insistence on secrecy and his enigmatic behavior create friction with the police, yet he proves to be a man deeply concerned for his family’s well-being.

Evelyn Forbes is the daughter of James, who serves as the emotional center of the story. While initially kept in the dark by her father, she demonstrates resilience and eventually gains the agency to trust those working to protect her.

Furneaux and Winter are the Scotland Yard detectives who drive the investigation. Furneaux is the intuitive, sharp-witted strategist, while Winter provides the steady, grounded experience. Together, they represent the professional force that ultimately brings the conspiracy to an end.

In Its Own Voice

"Theydon, though blessed, or cursed, with an active imagination--which must surely be the prime equipment of a novelist--was shrewd and level-headed in dealing with everyday affairs."

The author describes the protagonist’s temperament, which serves him well when he is pulled into the investigation.

"There are not many hiding places in one of these flats. I only hope we find a Celestial. It would be the fitting finale to a busy day."

Theydon reflects on the absurdity of searching his own apartment for a criminal, highlighting the tension and dark humor of the situation.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book examines the tension between personal loyalty and civic responsibility. Theydon’s journey is defined by the struggle to remain an honest citizen while his heart pulls him toward protecting someone he believes is being unfairly targeted by forces beyond his control. It asks how much an individual should compromise to protect those they love, and whether the law is capable of handling threats that operate with a level of sophistication—or fanaticism—that defies conventional criminal profiling. The narrative also touches on the period’s fascination with international intrigue and the "othering" of foreign influences, reflecting the cultural anxieties of the early 20th century regarding the unknown motives of global organizations.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the brisk, dialogue-heavy style of early 20th-century mystery fiction will find much to admire here. It feels like a precursor to the "gentleman detective" genre, though with a grittier edge provided by the recurring threat of violence. The book is particularly rewarding for those interested in the atmosphere of Edwardian London, capturing a time when motor cars were still a novelty and the telephone was transforming criminal investigation.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes within the text. The portrayal of the "Young Manchus" and the Chinese characters leans heavily into the xenophobic tropes of the era, which can be jarring and uncomfortable to read today. These elements are central to the plot’s "exotic" threat, yet they reflect the prejudices of their time rather than reality. If you can approach the story as a relic of its specific literary period, you will find a compelling, fast-paced puzzle. What stays with you is the sense of encroaching danger in a mundane world—the feeling that behind the polite facade of London society, a dark and sophisticated struggle for power is always playing out just beneath the surface.