What is the name of the protagonist in the Dorrington Deed-Box?
- John Rigby
- James Rigby
- George Rigby
- Thomas Rigby
Correct Answer: James Rigby
Correct Answer Explanation: James Rigby is a young Australian artist who becomes the target of Horace Dorrington’s elaborate scheme to steal his inheritance.
What notorious Italian secret society is responsible for the murder of James Rigby’s father?
- The Mafia
- The Camorra
- The Black Hand
- The Cosa Nostra
Correct Answer: The Camorra
Correct Answer Explanation: The Camorra is a notorious criminal organization known for its brutal tactics and involvement in various crimes, including murder, extortion, and smuggling.
What is the name of the charming, yet deceitful, private investigator who manipulates James Rigby?
- Horace Dorrington
- Henry Dorrington
- William Dorrington
- Arthur Dorrington
Correct Answer: Horace Dorrington
Correct Answer Explanation: Horace Dorrington is a charismatic but manipulative private investigator who exploits James Rigby’s vulnerabilities to orchestrate a deadly scheme to steal his inheritance.
Which of the following is NOT a theme explored in The Dorrington Deed-Box?
- The dangers of trusting unreliable individuals
- The prevalence of organized crime in 19th-century England
- The challenges of overcoming societal prejudices
- The corruption and criminality within the world of horse racing
Correct Answer: The challenges of overcoming societal prejudices
Correct Answer Explanation: While the book touches upon themes of social class and the underbelly of society, it doesn’t specifically focus on overcoming societal prejudices as a central theme.
What is the name of the valuable diamond that plays a significant role in the plot?
- The Star of India
- The Mirror of Portugal
- The Hope Diamond
- The Koh-i-Noor
Correct Answer: The Mirror of Portugal
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mirror of Portugal is a diamond with a long history, having belonged to various monarchs and powerful figures. It vanishes from the French Crown jewels during the French Revolution, becoming a mystery that remains unsolved.
What type of art collecting does Mr. Loftus Deacon specialize in?
- Contemporary art
- Renaissance paintings
- Impressionist paintings
- Oriental artifacts
Correct Answer: Oriental artifacts
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Deacon is a wealthy collector of Japanese art, particularly porcelain, lacquerware, and ancient weapons. His collection includes a rare Masamune sword, considered a prized treasure among samurai.
What is the name of the bogus company created by Mr. Mallows to defraud investors?
- The Avalanche Bicycle and Tyre Company
- The Indestructable Bicycle Company
- The Veloce Bicycle Company
- The Excelsior Bicycle Company
Correct Answer: The Avalanche Bicycle and Tyre Company
Correct Answer Explanation: The Avalanche Bicycle and Tyre Company is a fraudulent venture designed to capitalize on the cycle boom by using misleading advertisements, strategic manipulation of racing outcomes, and fraudulent claims of technological advancement.
What is the name of the Japanese god of war often depicted with four arms?
- Hachiman
- Amaterasu
- Inari
- Susano’o
Correct Answer: Hachiman
Correct Answer Explanation: Hachiman, the Japanese god of war, is depicted with four arms in Mr. Deacon’s collection, hinting at the potentially ill-fated nature of the object.
Which of the following is NOT a practice associated with the Camorra?
- Imposing taxes on food entering Naples
- Controlling smuggling activities
- Contracting out crimes like murder, arson, and kidnapping
- Maintaining a strict code of honor based on family loyalty
Correct Answer: Maintaining a strict code of honor based on family loyalty
Correct Answer Explanation: While the Camorra had a strong internal structure and hierarchy, it is not known for maintaining a strict code of honor based on family loyalty.
What is the name of the servant who discovers old Cater’s will?
- Samuel Greer
- John Greer
- Thomas Greer
- William Greer
Correct Answer: Samuel Greer
Correct Answer Explanation: Samuel Greer, the unscrupulous servant of old Cater, discovers the will and devises a plan to profit from its contents, showcasing his greed and opportunism.
What is the name of the rare type of lacquer found in Mr. Deacon’s collection?
- Red lacquer
- Black lacquer
- Gold lacquer
- Violet lacquer
Correct Answer: Violet lacquer
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Deacon’s collection includes a rare example of violet lacquer, which is highly prized among collectors for its unique color and historical significance.
What is the name of the horse that is “nobbled” before a race?
- Matfelon
- Black Beauty
- Seabiscuit
- Man o’ War
Correct Answer: Matfelon
Correct Answer Explanation: Matfelon, owned by Mr. Telfer, is sabotaged by the use of a specially prepared bucket of water before a race, highlighting the prevalence of foul play in the racing world.
What is the name of the clerk who is trapped in a cycle of debt with old Cater?
- Mr. Sinclair
- Mr. Harris
- Mr. Jones
- Mr. Smith
Correct Answer: Mr. Sinclair
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Sinclair is forced to work for old Cater and pay back an ever-increasing debt, trapped in a system of usury and exploitation.
What is the name of the managing director of the “Indestructible Bicycle Company” who orchestrates the “Avalanche” scheme?
- Mr. Paul Mallows
- Mr. John Mallows
- Mr. Thomas Mallows
- Mr. William Mallows
Correct Answer: Mr. Paul Mallows
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Paul Mallows, the managing director of the “Indestructible Bicycle Company,” uses his position and influence to create the bogus “Avalanche” company to profit from the cycle boom.
What is the name of the person who discovers the “Avalanche” company’s scheme and exploits Mallows for personal gain?
- Horace Dorrington
- Henry Dorrington
- William Dorrington
- Arthur Dorrington
Correct Answer: Horace Dorrington
Correct Answer Explanation: Dorrington, a master manipulator, uses his cunning and knowledge of Mallows’s actions to extract a significant sum of money.
Which of the following is NOT a practice associated with the Maffia?
- Blackmail
- Theft of valuable documents
- Violence against families
- Controlling the flow of smuggled goods
Correct Answer: Controlling the flow of smuggled goods
Correct Answer Explanation: The Maffia, while a vast and powerful criminal organization, is not primarily known for controlling the flow of smuggled goods.
What is the name of the cousin who steals the diamond from Jacques Bouvier?
- Léon Bouvier
- Pierre Bouvier
- Jean Bouvier
- Henri Bouvier
Correct Answer: Léon Bouvier
Correct Answer Explanation: Léon Bouvier, Jacques’s cousin, takes advantage of his cousin’s vulnerability to steal the valuable diamond, demonstrating the insidious nature of family betrayal.
What is the name of the person who benefits from the codicil to Cater’s will by ten thousand pounds?
- Jarvis Flint
- John Flint
- Thomas Flint
- William Flint
Correct Answer: Jarvis Flint
Correct Answer Explanation: Jarvis Flint, the cousin of old Cater, benefits significantly from the codicil to the will, demonstrating the substantial wealth at stake in the conflict between the cousins.
What is the name of the person who charges Paul Cater one thousand pounds for a copy of the codicil?
- Horace Dorrington
- Henry Dorrington
- William Dorrington
- Arthur Dorrington
Correct Answer: Horace Dorrington
Correct Answer Explanation: Dorrington, a master manipulator, exploits the situation to his own advantage, using his knowledge and cunning to outsmart his employer and secure a substantial sum of money.
Which of the following is NOT a traditional Japanese art form mentioned in the book?
- Kakemono
- Nishikiyé
- Ukioyé
- Sumie
Correct Answer: Sumie
Correct Answer Explanation: While sumie (ink wash painting) is a traditional Japanese art form, it is not mentioned in the book.
What is the name of the desperate samurai who sells his Masamune sword to Mr. Deacon?
- The samurai’s name is not mentioned in the book
- Taro
- Jiro
- Saburo
Correct Answer: The samurai’s name is not mentioned in the book
Correct Answer Explanation: The story only mentions that the samurai was forced to sell his prized sword due to extreme poverty, highlighting the shame he felt for doing so.
What is the name of the practice of ritual suicide in Japan?
- Seppuku
- Hari-kiri
- Jigai
- Sokozu
Correct Answer: Hari-kiri
Correct Answer Explanation: The story provides a glimpse into this cultural practice, showcasing the samurai’s acceptance of death as a natural part of life.
What is the name of the person who receives two pounds in silver from under Cater’s pillow?
- Samuel Greer
- John Greer
- Thomas Greer
- William Greer
Correct Answer: Samuel Greer
Correct Answer Explanation: This small amount reflects the miserly nature of old Cater, who hoarded his money rather than spending it.
What is the name of the individual who is drugged and forced into a concealed water tank by Dorrington?
- James Rigby
- John Rigby
- George Rigby
- Thomas Rigby
Correct Answer: James Rigby
Correct Answer Explanation: Dorrington attempts to eliminate Rigby by drugging him and forcing him into a concealed water tank, but Rigby miraculously escapes death.
What is the name of the detective firm that Dorrington works for?
- Dorrington & Hicks
- Dorrington & Co.
- Dorrington & Partners
- Dorrington & Associates
Correct Answer: Dorrington & Hicks
Correct Answer Explanation: Dorrington & Hicks is the detective firm that takes on various intriguing cases, providing a glimpse into the intricate world of 19th-century crime.
What is the name of the long, vertical Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy work often displayed in homes or temples?
- Kakemono
- Nishikiyé
- Ukioyé
- Katana
Correct Answer: Kakemono
Correct Answer Explanation: Kakemono is a long, vertical Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy work often displayed in homes or temples.
What is the name of a shorter Japanese sword, often worn with a katana?
- Katana
- Wakizashi
- Samurai
- Sikozu
Correct Answer: Wakizashi
Correct Answer Explanation: Wakizashi is a shorter Japanese sword, often worn with a katana.
What is the term referring to nobility, aristocracy, or high social standing in Japanese culture?
- Sikozu
- Fukusa
- Netsuké
- Okimono
Correct Answer: Sikozu
Correct Answer Explanation: Sikozu is a Japanese term referring to nobility, aristocracy, or high social standing.
What is the name of the decorative silk cloth used to wrap and protect valuable objects in Japan?
- Sikozu
- Fukusa
- Netsuké
- Okimono
Correct Answer: Fukusa
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukusa is a decorative silk cloth used to wrap and protect valuable objects in Japan.
What is the name of a small, ornamental figure carved from ivory, wood, or other materials, traditionally used to secure a pouch to a kimono?
- Sikozu
- Fukusa
- Netsuké
- Okimono
Correct Answer: Netsuké
Correct Answer Explanation: Netsuké is a small, ornamental figure carved from ivory, wood, or other materials, traditionally used to secure a pouch to a kimono.
What is the general term for Japanese ornamental figures, including sculptures and carvings?
- Sikozu
- Fukusa
- Netsuké
- Okimono
Correct Answer: Okimono
Correct Answer Explanation: Okimono is a general term for Japanese ornamental figures, including sculptures and carvings.
What is the name of the genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period and depicted everyday life, popular entertainment, and historical figures?
- Kakemono
- Nishikiyé
- Ukioyé
- Katana
Correct Answer: Ukioyé
Correct Answer Explanation: Ukioyé is a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) and depicted everyday life, popular entertainment, and historical figures.
What is the name of a type of Japanese woodblock print, especially a multicolored print, often depicting landscapes, scenes from literature, or historical events?
- Kakemono
- Nishikiyé
- Ukioyé
- Katana
Correct Answer: Nishikiyé
Correct Answer Explanation: Nishikiyé is a type of Japanese woodblock print, especially a multicolored print, often depicting landscapes, scenes from literature, or historical events.
How much did Mr. Loftus Deacon spend annually on his collection of oriental artifacts?
- £5,000
- £10,000
- £15,000
- £20,000
Correct Answer: £15,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Deacon’s immense wealth and dedication to collecting are highlighted by his annual expenditure of £15,000 on his collection.
How much did Mr. Deacon pay for his Masamune sword?
- Two or three pounds
- Four or five pounds
- Six or seven pounds
- Eight or nine pounds
Correct Answer: Four or five pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: This demonstrates the significant disparity in value between Japanese currency and British currency during this period.
What was the approximate capital requirement stated in the prospectus for the “Avalanche” company?
- £10,000
- £50,000
- £100,000
- £500,000
Correct Answer: £500,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Avalanche” company’s grand ambitions and potential for profiting from the cycle boom are reflected in its vast capital requirement.
What was the reward offered by Mr. Mallows for discovering who sabotaged Gillett’s race?
- Fifty pounds
- One hundred pounds
- Two hundred pounds
- Five hundred pounds
Correct Answer: One hundred pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The substantial reward reflects the seriousness of the incident and the importance of uncovering the perpetrator.
How much silver did Samuel Greer find under Cater’s pillow?
- One pound
- Two pounds
- Three pounds
- Four pounds
Correct Answer: Two pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: This small amount reflects the miserly nature of old Cater, who hoarded his money rather than spending it.
How much did Dorrington charge Paul Cater for the copy of the codicil to Cater’s will?
- One hundred pounds
- Five hundred pounds
- One thousand pounds
- Ten thousand pounds
Correct Answer: One thousand pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: This hefty price highlights Dorrington’s business acumen and his ability to exploit situations for financial gain.