The Black Mask

Museum Catalog Description This issue features "The Trail of the Feathered Snake" by Solon K. Stowart, a murder mystery spanning Mexico and London. The lead story is excerpted from what appears to be a Continental Detective Agency case narrative: an insurance investigator examines a robbery at the Toplin residence where an armed intruder escaped with approximately $100,000 in jewelry. The narrative follows the detective's methodical interviews with the victims—Frank Toplin (shot in the leg), his wife, daughter Phyllis, and maid Hilda—as well as Miss Eveleth from apartment 702, janitor McBirney, and building staff. Eyewitness descriptions of the thin, light-complexioned young robber vary regarding age and features. The OCR cuts off mid-sentence, leaving the investigation's resolution unclear.