Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Florence secretly gives money to a masked man. After returning home, Peter reports that he and Madeline have been poisoned.

Secret Payment Begins — Florence hands money to a masked man. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Unspecified meeting place
Florence Returns Home — Florence returns home after making the payment. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Florence's home
Poisoning Telephone Call — Peter reports that he and Madeline were poisoned. Characters: Peter Hastings Location: Peter's house
Strychnine Is Identified — The drinks are identified as containing strychnine. Characters: Peter Hastings, Madeline Tilliard Location: Unspecified poisoning scene

Madeline dies from strychnine poisoning while Peter recovers. Peter then becomes suspected of Madeline's murder.

Madeline Dies — Madeline dies from the poisoning. Characters: Madeline Tilliard Location: Unspecified poisoning scene
Peter Recovers — Peter survives the poisoning and recovers. Characters: Peter Hastings Location: Unspecified recovery setting
Suspicion Falls On Peter — Peter is suspected of murdering Madeline. Characters: Peter Hastings, Madeline Tilliard Location: Unspecified investigation setting
Search At Peter's House — A search at Peter's house reveals personal correspondence. Characters: Peter Hastings Location: Peter's house

A search at Peter's house uncovers love letters between Florence and Peter. The letters confirm their affair.

Love Letters Found — Letters between Florence and Peter are discovered. Characters: Florence Cole, Peter Hastings Location: Peter's house
The Affair Confirmed — The letters confirm Florence and Peter's affair. Characters: Florence Cole, Peter Hastings Location: Peter's house
Florence Reports Blackmail — Florence tells Dennis that she is being blackmailed. Characters: Dennis Willows, Florence Cole Location: Local reporter's office
Two Blackmailers Named — Florence identifies Madeline and an unknown man as blackmailers. Characters: Dennis Willows, Florence Cole, Madeline Tilliard Location: Local reporter's office

Florence tells Dennis that Madeline and an unknown man were blackmailing her. She makes another payment and recognizes the masked man.

Second Payment — Florence takes another payment to the masked man. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Unspecified meeting place
Florence Recognizes Him — Florence tells the masked man that she recognizes him. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Unspecified meeting place
The Masked Man Strikes — The masked man strikes Florence, causing her to fall. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Unspecified meeting place

The masked man strikes Florence after she says she recognizes him. Florence falls and dies.

Florence Dies — Florence dies after being struck and falling. Characters: Florence Cole Location: Unspecified meeting place

Story Breakdown

Secret Payment — Florence begins the story by paying a masked man.
- Masked Meeting — Florence hands money to a man wearing a mask.
- Hidden Threat — The payment establishes an unexplained coercive threat.
Poisoned Drinks — Peter reports that he and Madeline have been poisoned with strychnine.
- Telephone Warning — Peter telephones the doctor about the poisoning.
- Madeline Dies — Madeline dies while Peter survives.
Peter Under Suspicion — Peter's survival and Madeline's death lead to suspicion against him.
- Murder Allegation — Peter is suspected of murdering Madeline.
- Dangerous Position — The poisoning becomes both a criminal mystery and a threat to Peter.
Affair Exposed — Love letters reveal the relationship between Florence and Peter.
- Letters Discovered — Love letters are found at Peter's house.
- Romance Confirmed — The letters confirm Florence and Peter's affair.
Blackmail Disclosed — Florence gives Dennis an account of the pressure against her.
- Reporter Informed — Florence tells Dennis about the blackmail.
- Two Suspected Blackmailers — Florence names Madeline and an unknown man.
Fatal Recognition — Florence's recognition of the masked man turns the blackmail into deadly violence.
- Second Payment — Florence takes another payment to the masked man.
- Final Attack — The masked man strikes Florence, who falls and dies.