The Harlequin Opal, Volume 3

The story revolves around the mysterious Harlequin Opal, a valuable gemstone with a dark history. The opal is said to bring misfortune and death to its owners. The narrative follows multiple characters connected to the gemstone, including a wealthy businessman, a young woman, and a detective. As the characters' lives intertwine, they become embroiled in a complex web of deceit, theft, and murder.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1899 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War Fiction · 12 chapters · 51,297 words

First lines

Circle of stone, Circle of steel, Loyalists true, Pent up in battle belts twain; Yet we, alone, Doubly feel, That with our few, We shall a victory gain.

Climb up our foes, Over the wall, Deep bit the swords, Fiercely the cannon spout fire; Yet 'neath our blows, Downward they fall, Traitorous hordes, In torment and blood to expire.

What this Textopian page supports

The Harlequin Opal, Volume 3 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1899 CE.

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

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Fergus Hume
• Date: 1899 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, War Fiction, Drama, Mystery
• Length: 51,297 words
• Structure: 12 chapters, 959 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Harlequin Opal, Volume 3 by Fergus Hume
• 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 Harlequin Opal, Volume 3?
• How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Jonahs Luck by Fergus Hume
• A Son Of Perdition by Fergus Hume
• The Wooden Hand by Fergus Hume
• The Crime Of Sylvestre Bonnard by Anatole France
• The Silver Bullet by Fergus Hume
• The Amethyst Cross by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a historical backdrop involving military conflict and political intrigue, focusing on the events surrounding a war.
• Adventure — The plot involves action-packed sequences, including battles, strategic maneuvers, and the characters' quest for survival.
• War Fiction — The story centers on the experiences of soldiers and civilians during a time of war, highlighting the chaos and challenges they face.
• Drama — The emotional and interpersonal conflicts among characters, as well as the tension of the situation, contribute to a dramatic narrative.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Novel · Victorian Era · Australian Literature · Gothic Fiction · Suspense · Murder Mystery · Whodunit · Classic Detective Story · Gaslight Fiction

Contents

• Within the Walls
• The Fall of Janjalla
• The Flight to Tlatonac
• Exit don Francisco Gomez
• The Indian Raid
• The Luck of the Opal
• Under the Opal Flag
• The Battle of Centeotl
• The Triumph of the Republic
• The Canon Road
• The Destiny of the Opal
• Farewell, Tlatonac

More by Fergus Hume

• The Mystery Queen (1912)
• The Caravan Crime (1924)
• The Crowned Skull (1908)
• The Green Mummy (1908)
• The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886)
• The Secret Passage (1905)
• Madame Midas (1888)
• Red Money (1892)
• All works by Fergus Hume