Burton Egbert Stevenson (1872-1962) is the author of A Guide to Biography--Men of Mind, A Soldier of Virginia, Days and DeedsÚpoetry, and Days and DeedsÚprose. Godwin is a newspaper reporter who was formerly a police detective. Lester, a lawyer, who follows along and reports what Godwin discovers is the Watson figure to GodwinZs Sherlock Holmes. Vantine, a wealthy friend of Lester's, purchases a Boule table made during the reign of one of the French Louis and owned by Madame Montespan, a famous poisoner. The mystery begins when two people, including Vantine, are poisoned by the table. After Godwin figures out the secret of the table, a French man assumes several disguises as he attempts the get the table, which now contains some hidden jewels.