Special Sub-Topic: A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage Click Here To Play: A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage

When did Twain write it?

1876. The same year Twain published 'Tom Sawyer'.

For what magazine did Twain write it?

Atlantic Monthly. It was a project Twain took to his friend William Dean Howells, then editor of the 'Atlantic'. Howells, Henry James(!) and other authors were to write alternate endings to the story, but the project fell through, and the story wasn't published in the 'Atlantic'...until 125 years after it was written.

Where does it take place?

Deer Lick, Missouri. 'Deer Lick' is another of Twain's fictional stand-ins for his hometown, Hannibal, Missouri.

What event sets off the story?

A man is found in the snow. A dapperly dressed young man is found buried, but alive, in the Missouri snow, seemingly to appeared there by magic.

Who found the stranger?

John Gray. John Gray was a poor farmer trying to support his wife and daughter when he found the stranger. (he was named after a close friend of Twain's)

Who first courted the daughter?

Hugh Gregory. Hugh is the son of a wealthy family who desires to wed Gray's daughter Mary.

What did the stranger claim to be?

A nobleman. He called himself 'Count Fountainbleu', but ultimately was exposed as a fraud.

Why was Gregory brought to trial?

murder. Gregory got into a fight with John Gray's miserly brother David, who nursed a grudge against Hugh ever since he stopped Gray from swindling his father. When a bloody knife is found beside Gray's corpse and his unfinished will discovered, suspicion falls on the young man.

Who really did the crime and why?

The 'Count', for money. The 'Count' was really Jena Mercier, a poor Frenchman who tried edge out Hugh because he wanted Mary's inheritance. On learning David Gray disinherited Mary, he stole Hugh's knife so he could frame Hugh for the crime. But a friend of his ratted on him.

What French author did the stranger know?

Jules Verne. Mercier was Verne's {assistant;} Verne used Mercier's often painful experiences as the basis of his books. When they rode a balloon, a fed-up Mercier tossed Verne out of the balloon. He later fell out himself, landing in Deer Lick.