The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba

Name: The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba
Author: Dorothy L Sayers

A small man in a meticulously arranged suit, who appears to be a former servant, reads about the death of Lord Peter Wimsey in a newspaper. He feels relieved, believing he is now free to pursue a life of crime. He visits a pub where he meets a man named Jukes, who introduces him to a criminal organization led by a mysterious figure known as Number One. The man, identified as Rogers, agrees to provide information about wealthy households in exchange for a share of the profits from burglaries. Over the next two years, Rogers becomes involved in a series of successful heists, including the theft of valuable items from high-profile individuals. One day, he receives a cryptic message summoning him to an extraordinary meeting of the Society. He prepares for the meeting, which is held in a lavishly decorated room where masked members gather to discuss their operations. During the meeting, the President announces that two members have been captured by the police, raising suspicions of a traitor within the group. Tension escalates as the President reveals that Rogers is the traitor, having assumed the identity of Lord Peter Wimsey, who was thought to be dead. The members are shocked, and Rogers is taken captive. Rogers, however, has a plan. He reveals that he has left a letter with crucial information for the police, which he will disclose in exchange for a quick death. The President agrees, but the situation becomes chaotic as members argue over the best course of action. Ultimately, the President decides to go himself to retrieve the information, leaving Rogers behind. As the meeting continues, Rogers is bound and left in a cellar, where he learns that the house is rigged to explode. A woman from the Society, desperate to save the President, sneaks back to free Rogers, believing he can help. They escape just as the house detonates, and Rogers is rescued by the police, who have been alerted to the situation. In the aftermath, Rogers reveals the location of the stolen items and the identities of the Society's members, leading to their arrest. The story concludes with Rogers reflecting on his dangerous double life and the consequences of his actions, while the police celebrate their successful operation against the criminal organization.

By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1905 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 13,351 words

First lines

In the front room of a grim and narrow house in Lambeth a man sat eating kippers and glancing through the Morning Post. He was smallish and spare, with brown hair rather too regularly waved and a strong, brown beard, cut to a point. His double-breasted suit of navy-blue and his socks, tie, and handkerchief, all scrupulously matched, were a trifle more point-device than the best taste approves, and his boots were slightly too bright a brown. He did not look a gentleman, not even a gentleman's gentleman, yet there was something about his appearance which suggested that he was accustomed to the manner of life in good families. The breakfast-table, which he had set with his own hands, was arrayed with the attention to detail which is exacted of good-class servants. His action, as he walked over to a little side-table and carved himself a plate of ham, was the action of a superior butler; yet he was not old enough to be a retired butler; a footman, perhaps, who had come into a legacy.

What this Textopian page supports

The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dorothy L Sayers, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Dorothy L Sayers
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Detective Fiction, Adventure
Length: 13,351 words
Structure: 1 section, 377 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba by Dorothy L Sayers
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba?
How does this novel by Dorothy L Sayers fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a secret society involved in criminal activities, with a focus on deception and investigation.
Crime — The narrative centers on theft, burglary, and the inner workings of a criminal organization.
Thriller — The story contains suspenseful elements, including danger, betrayal, and the threat of violence.
Detective Fiction — The protagonist, Lord Peter Wimsey, engages in detective work to uncover the truth behind the society's activities.