Chapter 3 Interlude One Ellery Quinn continues

Ellery Queen looked away from the manuscript.Grant Eames III poured another scotch. "You end up with a liver marinated in alcohol," Ellery said. "It's a bummer," Eames said, "but at this moment I feel like I've stepped back into history, boy. An actor on a great stage." "Drunken to death?" "Prudish. I'm talking about manuscripts. In 1888, Sherlock Holmes received a mysterious surgeon's kit. The genius Holmes is about to embark on another magical adventure. And seventy Five years later, another package was delivered to another talented detective."

"What are you trying to say?" muttered Ellery, struggling between Dr. Watson's manuscript and the typewriter. "The next thing we have to do is to complete the repetition of history, thus shaping the modern adventurous spirit of today's genius. Go ahead, my dear Ellery. Just think of me as Watson." Ellery Quinn shuddered. "Of course, you can doubt my sincerity. I am familiar with every case of the master. For the sake of fairness, if you ask any question, I can say it without saying a word." The smell of gunpowder filled the air.Ellery stared disapprovingly at his guest. "Really? Well, smart fellow. Quote: In the spring of 1894 a man was murdered under the most unusual and unexpected circumstances, and the case attracted the attention of all London, especially of high society." panicked. This man is—"

"Honorable Ronald Adair. End of quote," Eames went on immediately. "From The Empty House in The Return." "Quote: She pulled out a shiny little pistol, and bullet after bullet went into—" "Milverton's chest, muzzle not two feet from his chest. End of quote. From "Milverton." "Quick enough, Watson! Quote: This is trampling, not oppression. Humble as it is, but not forever." "End of quote." The Playboy yawned. "The trap you dug for me was an amateur, my dear Ellery. You just quoted your own work, The Other Side of Playboy."

Ellery Queen looked at him furiously.This guy doesn't look like a rich blonde who only drinks expensive whiskey. "Well said! Well said! Well, let's get on with it and see if I can stump you—" "I'm sure you're capable of procrastinating, but I'm sure I won't pester you any further. Do your part, Mr. Quinn. You've read the first chapter of the manuscript, and if you Without using your Quinean reasoning again, I promise I will never read any of your works again." "All I can tell you at this moment is that this so-called authentic work by Watson is rigorous, accurate, and a little scribbled."

"Come on, old man, don't talk to me like Sherlock Holmes. The question is, is this written by Watson? Is it his own authentic work? Keep going, Quinn, and activate your superpowers." "Okay, shut up," Ellery growled, reading on.